… off the beaten path
… not your overly populated tourist spot
… ideal for the nature lover
… nice getaway for the humanitarian
… unique an intimate destination wedding location
… or incorporate with a honeymoon or weddingmoon location hop
… easy access to St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and Antigua
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
Yes, I have a sunglasses fetish. Don’t tell anyone! If you’re having a destination wedding, that’s a great reason to join me on my sunglasses shopping spree. If you’re not having a destination wedding, indulge me anyway.
Visit hiSUNGLASSES and take a look at the fantastic prices!
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
We discussed compatibility as a key element in a successful destination wedding on day one of our ’20 Elements of a Successful Destination Wedding’ series. As promised, we bring to you this entertaining and fun quiz to test your compatibility to wedding away!
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
If you are pondering on the idea of planning a destination wedding, know that you are not alone. Often couples will act on the idea of planning a destination wedding without being fully aware of the personality compatibility factor. Failed compatibility may bring unwanted guests named Stress, Difficulty and Resistance. We promised to bring you a profile quiz and we’ll do just that. Stop by tomorrow for a live personality quiz created just for you, the prospective destination wedding planning couple!
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
We can’t help but notice a continued trend in getting married away. What does this mean for weddings planned for 2010 and 2011? We are certain that weddings taking place in 2010 and 2011 will continue to experience a rise in the destination wedding market.
We’ll share with you a glimpse into the Precious Nuptials & Destinations’ destination wedding scene. Let’s set the stage a bit. If you are familiar with our brand, you will know that we are not the Wal-Mart brand of destination wedding planners. As with any good destination wedding planner, we won’t claim global expertise. That would make our services generic with no real specialty. We do, however, stay in the know and specialize in Caribbean, Mexico, and South Pacific destinations. Our limited clientele of destination wedding couples appreciate our focus and education on these destination wedding specific regions.
With that said, here are our 2010 findings that we feel will flow over into 2011 destination weddings:
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
We think a wedding website is an essential element effective guest coordination. Today’s guests are electronically efficient and savvy. They appreciate one search retrieval of pertinent information. If don’t have your wedding website created, feel free to take advantage of our free trial offer. We have a variety of templates and themes to choose from.
Click to start your free trial.
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
Understanding that each couple’s needs and desires will differ, so will the vendor selection process. At Precious Nuptials & Destinations, we believe that images captured should be somewhere at the top of your priority list. After all, once your day is done, other than memories, this will be your only source of reflection.
What options are available when selecting a destination wedding photographer?
Fly in your own destination wedding photographer :: 
We have access to many fabulous local and/or area wedding photographers. Many of these photographers are destination wedding photographers. This simply means that they are available to travel to your wedding location. Hiring a domestic destination wedding photographer allows you the greatest flexibility in finding a photographer unique to your style. Once you have hired your perfect match, have your photographer arrive the day prior to the start of events and depart a day or two after. This will allow time to document and capture additional gathering images such as a group welcome party, rehearsal dinner, day after brunch, and possible post wedding images. We give this option three stars for obvious reasons. This will be the most costly option. However, you’ll come away with a larger number of images (possibly digital copies depending on your agreement). You’ll also have time to become relaxed and get to know the person behind the lenses documenting your journey.
Hire a photographer local to your destination ::
If you’re allowing for planning trip(s), this can be an option to consider. Resorts, hotels, and local wedding vendors will be a good resource to obtaining a good referral list of destination local photographer options. Depending on the depth of work performed, you may not receive your final product until after you’ve returned home. This will mean that much of your communications will be done from a distance. However, if you are planning an extended honeymoon, extended area stay, or booked a photographer that does not offer extensive edits, chances are your order will be ready to take home as you depart. We give this option two stars.
Use of the resort provided photographer ::
Resorts offer their photography as part of their wedding packages or as an upgrade option. With this option you’ll receive X amount of images from your wedding day. Rather small in number and usually only in printed form, we give this option one star. Resorts usually train thier staff of photographers through their select training program (i.e. Kodak Event Photography). This option may be better suited for a couple only elopement. This is not a bad option. It’s simply not the best option available.
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
Last week, we began our Mystery Island series. Congratulations to Tannie who was the first to most accurately solve the mystery to Mystery Island Number One!
Turtle Island…
When you think of a luxury honeymoon or getaway, you may think of a five star resort that offers state of the art spa services, a private butler and beautifully plated cuisines on modern developed land. Turtle Island offers luxury in a very natural Fijian way.
This naturally beautiful destination sits off the beaten path in Fiji. Purchased by Richard Evanson in 1972, one would imagine that Mr. Evanson knew he a diamond in the rough. Coming from the Americas hustle and bustle, this brilliant cable television business man and Harvard Engineering graduate, arrived with a tent, refrigerator and a generator. His hard work and dedication has revamped this gorgeous 500 acre once deserted island into a dream location.
After allowing the 1980′s filming of The Blue Lagoon, Richard enjoyed seeing others appreciate the beauty of this island and allowed private access for up to fourteen couples. This limited access promotes the preservation of the island’s natural beauty.
The Blue Lagoon
Plan a luxurious honeymoon visit or rent the island for a week. You will enjoy:
Beach Front Cottage :: Sleeps two adults and up to four kids
Cottage Living Area
Cottage Sleeping Area
All Food
All Beverages
All Activities :: deep sea fishing, scuba diving, horseback riding, mountain biking, sunset cruise, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing and use of all sporting equipment
Dedicated Bure Mama
Complimentary Lomi Lomi half hour message per guest
… and more (including a personal nanny for each child)!
Current rates are $300,000 USD per week (all inclusive of features and taxes) for a full island’s rental. If you’re looking for couple rates or honeymoon rates, one can take advantage of current special of stay for seven nights and pay for five.
Yes, Turtle Islands offer destination weddings. Experience a unique Fijian style wedding at the famous Blue Lagoon!
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
Image Credits :: Turtle Island, Fiji
If you’re into maximizing the experience for the guests attending your beach destination wedding, here’s your chance to offer a grand welcome! As part of creating the experience, you’ll create a lasting memory and over hear your wedding guests saying, “Oh! Wasn’t the welcome tote from Tamara and Steve simply fabulous?!”
Step One :: Find a keepsake tote that’s makes a statement
Spotted at Newport News for a bargin $24!
Aggie Fan clear beach tote only $12.95 at Football Fanatics! Don't worry your team is listed too!
Personalize this Chino Deck tote with a picture of the happy couple for about $10!
Pick your flip flop and your guest's name for only $14.95 at Personal Creations.
Make a cultural statement. This Miller Home Fashions tote was found at Amazon for $28.99 each.
Step Two :: Add fun and necessary items
Don’t over personalize your items, but bottled water is a nice way to bring in your event brand. We love Bottle Your Brand (the source of these great pics)!
Add a picture...
... include a welcome statement
... and/or brand it!
Step Three :: Add a few essentials
With all the special baggage requirements on flights these days, travel sized items will be a hit! If guests haven’t traveled in a while, or had to forfeit items at security check, they’ll love you more because of your thoughtfulness. Other essentials may include items like a beach towel or flip flops.
My all time favorite one stop shop for anything trial size!
Another great source for travel size items of all sorts!
Top it off with Sephora lip balm if you really like them! {wink}
Step Four :: Add a little local flair
Local favorites of food, crafts, maps, wine, et cetera….
Step Five :: Add a little fun
A deck of cards for adult down time and fun for the child at heart. Your guests will appreciate you giving them a little something to do during down times.
Dollar Days offers discount board games suitable for adults.
Family Travel Gear offers travel sized games for the little ones.
Step Six :: Include your Wedding Guests Itinerary
Don’t forget to include a copy of your wedding guest itinerary. We reviewed this briefly on day three of our 20 Elements of a Successful Destination Wedding Series.
Helpful Hint :: Most of these items can be shipped to your destination
Don’t forget to check with your hotel policy ahead of time. We suggest add this to the shipping address:
Hold for : Jane Doe / Check in 00/00/2011
You will need to set up a system to track delivery confirmation. Since you will be arriving ahead of time to ensure residency requirements are set, this will be a good time to assemble bags (or have your Destination Wedding Planner team do it for you).
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
Book :: April 2, 2009 – December 22, 2009
Travel :: April 2, 2009 – December 22, 2009
Free Airfare from Minneapolis, Dallas, St.Louis, Denver, Cincinnati and Nashville is for travel until September 1, 2009.
More Details Contact :: DW [at] PreciousNuptials [dot] com
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]