Dionne is originally from Australia, but moved to Houston from California this past year.  She brings to the industry an awesome ability to create unbelievable designs from basic details to vintage eye catchers.  You will come to know Dionne as a must have in your wedding planning and design experience.  She’s original, fun and loves to make her mark on weddings!  With out further ado, I present to you Dionne Christiansen!  {Crowd Cheers}

1. What do you love most about weddings?
I could say that I love that it celebrates the joining of two people in love, and that they get to celebrate with all the special people in their lives – but that would only be half true.  The other half would be that it’s the most detailed, personal, lovely party you’ll ever have!

2. What inspires you?
Unusual color combinations – when I see colors put together that I normally wouldn’t see together, it gets my brain thinking about other possibilities.
My husband – Brian is completely humble and selfless, and the way he lives his life is such an inspiration to me.  It’s that humble spirit that drew me to him in the first place, and he is always inspiring me to be a better person.  It sounds cheesy, but it’s so true.
My mother – my mum is the best cook ever!  Everything she cooks turns to gold.  She is known in her town for being a great cook, and people are always hoping for an invitation to Connie’s house for a yummy meal.  She is definitely my Cooking Muse!
Children – their innocence and unbridled creativity really is a marvel.  The things they say and the things they dream really spur me to be broader and less inhibited in my own plans and dreams.  I don’t have children of my own yet, but when I do, I am sure I will be inspired by them on a daily basis.

I have a double Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design and Marketing.  I was a graphic designer for 5 years, and my favorite thing to design was always wedding invitations.  I am such a romantic at heart.

I love people and I love creativity, so entertaining, cooking and baking are big hobbies of mine because I get to combine these two loves.  I really enjoy photography too, and pretty much like anything that involves me creating something.  I also like making things out of paper, and collecting tea cups and pretty plates.

Creme Brûlée.  Hands down.  I love that combination of the silky custard and the hard crackle of the hardened sugar on top.

Cherish every moment, and soak it all in – because it flies by so quickly.  And one more tip (this isn’t the most important, but I found it pretty handy on my wedding day) – don’t wear your garter all day, especially if you’re getting married outdoors or on a hot day, because it could get all hot and sweaty for the poor guy that has to catch it later on that day.  Instead, put it on half an hour before the garter toss – no one will ever know, and it will still be fresh and lovely for the lucky guy who catches it!

Dionne will immediately making regular appearances on our blog, local events and through social media.  So when you see her, please be sure to say hello!  You can also email her direct at dionne {at} preciousnuptials {dot} com.

But…

Before we talk about the beauty, tradition, heritage, the people and the wonderful destination wedding possibilities, let’s talk about the reason many are shying away from a destination wedding in Mexico due to the ongoing reports of  Mexico’s drug cartels violence at the border.  These reports are real and one can’t help but question the possibility of safe travels.  To this I say, “We Houstonians are closer to the border violence than The Yucatan, Mexico (referring also to Cancun and Riviera Maya) is to its own border violence issues.”

We visited our local Fox 26 Houston website and took the last ten reports (as of May 5, 2010) and placed them on a pin map.  What did we find?  Houston is approximately 300 land miles from the border violence.  Yes, it’s that close to home.  Which is understandably why it’s such a  hot topic of discussion.  However, The Yucatan, Cancun and the Riviera Maya is 800 flight miles away.  Depending on drive route, more than double the miles by land (1700+).  For the record, I can’t imagine anyone in their right mind that would attempt a drive through Mexico to get to The Yucatan.

It’s a given, crime can be found globally.  Everyone is responsible for their own destiny.  We can simply testify that during our two trips to this area in the past five months, we didn’t see nor experience  violence-ridden Mexico in the Cancun, Riviera Maya and The Yucatan area that is unfortunately taking place at the Mexico Border.

To visit our interactive map here for details on pin points, please send us your email address.

To your precious nuptial  :: Cheers!

Mistake No. 3 :: Having unrealistic budget expectations

Roadblock tip :: Know your maximum budget before hand and research your options. Come to terms with your findings.  It’s far better to plan a beautiful destination wedding for twelve verses building a logistical nightmare for fifty.

It’s true that planning a destination wedding can be less costly, but this doesn’t mean that you build Romanian gala on a $5,000 budget.  It’s not uncommon to have couples with destination wedding visions that are not parallel with their overall budget.  This is part not knowing and part media hype.  If you don’t know how far your dollar will stretch, it’s okay to ask.  We do advise you to do a little preliminary research.  Sure, it may not be the best idea to plan a destination wedding and manage your entire group’s travel itineraries yourself.  However, it’s okay to use the world wide web to get a general idea on travel demographics of your destination prior to enlisting help.  Just to be clear… We didn’t say planning a destination wedding on a $5,000 budget is unrealistic.  We’re simply saying, parallel your expectations.

Mistake No. 4 :: Scaling back on guest inclusions

Roadblock tip :: Be gracious to your guests!  They’ll love your for it and the overall experience will be that more memorable.

If you’re planning a destination wedding, you should include a portion of your budget to “Guest Inclusions.”  Although not many destination wedding couples are able to pay for their guest travel and accommodations, there are other areas of opportunity to treat your guests graciously.  If there’s ever an opportunity to practice good hosting skills, it’s at a destination wedding.  Many of your guests will make great sacrifices to attend.  Be gracious to them!  If you need to scale anything back, consider cutting down on your overall guest list to add room on your bottom line.

To be continued…

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

]]> http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/2010/01/12/5-destination-wedding-decision-making-mistakes-part-two/feed/ 0 http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/2009/12/30/5-destination-wedding-decision-making-mistakes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-destination-wedding-decision-making-mistakes http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/2009/12/30/5-destination-wedding-decision-making-mistakes/#comments Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:53:08 +0000 precious http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/?p=946

There’s no denying the fact that there is a growing number of engaged couples choosing to host a destination wedding.  Why is this?  The elevated sense of the value of a dollar has couples becoming breaking the creative mold while seeking more bang for their buck.  Along with this factor, as echo boomers begin to plan their weddings, they too are seeking to break a mold of their own:  the mold of their baby booming parents.

We can’t help but notice that as the number of destination weddings are on a rise, so are the decision making mistakes.  To help you grasp a smooth start to your destination wedding planning adventure, we’ll outline a five pitfalls to avoid in the road.  Join us tomorrow as we begin this two day series.

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

Tripit is an online solution to housing the many travel confirmations, driving instructions and supporting details of travel that serves as an awesome resource to assist in a smooth flowing process.

A Destination Wedding Must…

If you’re planning a destination wedding or have a large amount of guest attending from out of town, Tripit is an awesome resource to composing and sharing the details of each scheduled event.  You may include maps with turn by turn directions, images and real time weather stats.

VIEW A DETAILED SAMPLE ITINERARY HERE and don’t forget to SIGN UP for your free account!

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

]]> http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/2009/11/17/create-your-wedding-or-event-itineraries-with-tripit/feed/ 3 http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/2009/11/13/something-new-sandals-weddings-by-martha-stewart/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=something-new-sandals-weddings-by-martha-stewart http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/2009/11/13/something-new-sandals-weddings-by-martha-stewart/#comments Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:30:16 +0000 precious http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/?p=860

You may have noticed Martha Stewart’s first destination wedding magazine issue hit the news stands this month.  I’m sure it’s part of a grand plan to focus on the growing destination weddings movement.  If you’re familiar with the Sandals brand resort wedding selections, you will quickly notice the premier package designer name change.  That’s right!  As of January 1, 2010, all Sandals destination weddings switch from Preston Bailey designs to designs of Martha Stewart.

Complimentary offering with a six night (or longer) stay in a concierge level room.

What type of changes can you expect?

The designs are no longer referred to as “collections.” They are now referenced as “themes.”  These themes are certainly conducive to the keen design eye of Martha Stewart.  There’s a sense of the classic less is more with a special Martha spun emphasis on each design’s details.  You won’t be bound to a specific wedding cake (although they are gorgeous).  Instead, you will have the option to add petit fours or cup cakes with doily accents.  As a side note:  We always suggest adding personalized touches to make your resort packaged wedding your very own.

Flutter of Romance :: Investment begins at $1500 USD

What about the price point?

Did you say price?  Naughty you!  Remember, it’s not about the price.  It’s all about the investment.  You can expect your investment to be slightly less on average with these newly presented themes.

Vision in White :: Investment starts at $2500 USD

What should you expect if you currently have a Preston Bailey Collection wedding booked?

Worry not!  You will still enjoy the beautiful Preston Bailey Signature Collection Wedding you’ve planned as booked.

Seaside Serenade :: Investment starts at $3000 USD

What about weddings at Beaches (the family all inclusive luxury sister brand)?

We’ll keep you posted!  As of now, Preston Bailey’s Collection is the only premium offers listed.  However, since Martha announced craft camps for families at Beaches locations, we’re sure this will change at the turn of the new year as well.

Chic & Natural :: Investment starts at $3600 USD

What do you do if you need more information?

Contact us ::  Precious Nuptials & Destinations offers the best of both worlds (destination wedding and travel planning).  As a Certified Sandals Specialist (CSS), and certified travel agents, we can offer your wedding group level customized service to tie the entire process together.  You can also benefit from securing one of our fabulous on location wedding coordinators to tie all the luscious details of your planning together.  More on this non-Sandals exclusive option to follow!

Island Paradise :: Investment starts at $6000 USD

Visit the Sandals website to get all the wonderful details.  The overview image clips from Sandals’ website are for your quick viewing pleasure.

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

As a continuation to Part One and Two of this series, here are two other destination wedding planning options to consider:

Local Destination Wedding Planner

Defined :: A local based wedding planner that specializes in destination weddings.  For example, if you are located in Houston, a Houston wedding planner that offers destination wedding services would be a local destination wedding planner.  The local destination wedding planner may work a specific region or they may market themselves globally.

Scene ::  Destination weddings of varying size that pose an elevated degree of complexity.  These weddings are generally totally customized or an upgraded personalized resort destination wedding.

Pros :: A destination wedding planner is very well versed in the details of wedding planning.  They are able to assist you with vendor scouting, budget tracking, etiquette guidance, design consultations, et cetera.  You will have the opportunity to bond and build trust with someone that you’re able to meet on more than a few occasions.

Cons :: A destination wedding planner my not be able to offer you travel specific assistance.  We suggest you steer away from planners that market themselves globally.  Just as the best travel agents are knowledgeable when dealing with specific regions, destination wedding planners are best are learning region specifics.  It’s never good to expect expert assistance on the entire world.  Using a firm of planners specializing various locations may assist with this hindrance.

Expectations :: Expect to receive customized assistance on the wedding planning portion of your destination wedding.  You will need to seek the assistance from a certified seller of travel when going this route.

Destination Local Wedding Planner

Defined ::  A wedding planner local to the destination in which you are planning your nuptials.  For example, if you are planning your destination wedding in St. Thomas.  A wedding planner located in St. Thomas would be a destination local wedding planner.

Scene :: Destination weddings of any degree of size and complexity

Pros :: A destination local wedding planner will be the expert on inner workings of your destination.  He/she will be able to offer tried and true options based on his/her local expert destination knowledge.

Cons :: You will not have the option of truly getting to know your wedding planner when using this option.  You will need to rely on referrals and what he/she has told you, as you may only meet this person upon pre-wedding arrival or twice at most.

Expectations ::  Expect heavy distance planning usage options.

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

Destination Wedding Planning Options ::

• Destination Weddings Planning Options :: INTRODUCTION
• Destination Weddings Planning Options :: PART ONE — DIY Planning and Travel Agency
• Destination Weddings Planning Options :: PART TWO – Destination Wedding Specialist and Destination Wedding Coordinator
• Part Three and Four — (Coming this week)

Destination Wedding Personality Quiz::

• Are you an ideal couple for a destination wedding?

Precious Nuptials & Destinations 2010-2011 Destination Wedding Trends::

• 2010-2011 :: A Look At Destination Weddings

Destination Wedding Photography

• Photography Options & The Destination Wedding

20 Elements of a Successful Destination Wedding

• 20 Elements of a Successful Destination Wedding :: Day 1
• 20 Elements of a Successful Destination Wedding :: Day 2
• 20 Elements of a Successful Destination Wedding :: Day 3
• 20 Elements of a Successful Destination Wedding :: Finale!

Stay tuned…

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

Destination Wedding Specialist

Defined:: A certified specialist that has successfully completed destination wedding courses offered by leading continued education travel resources.  These studies cover the aspects of current travel trends, features, locations specifics, and meeting the needs of destination wedding clients.  This title is primarily seen with professionals authorized to sell travel arrangements.

Scene:: Any sized event seeking the knowledge of a certified Destination Wedding Specialist to coordinate the travel and events within the destination weddingmoon.

Pros:: Destination Wedding Specialist are very well versed in the complete demographics of location and property specifics.  As sellers of travel, they are able to lock in good rates and group amenities while offering best price guarantees.

Cons:: They are often not experienced or knowledgeable in the “wedding planning” aspects of the event. Although this is not always the case, often times it will be.

Expectations:: Expect to receive a customized level of service with travel, wedding planning and group communication.  Services typically will be like that of a travel agent with a specialized approach.

Destination Wedding Coordinator

Defined:: A professional, other than that of the on location coordinator,  that will travel with you to your destination to coordinate the wedding specific events.

Scene:: Midsized (40 guests) to larger (100 guests) attendance events, with increased financial parameters, that desire to have a professional on hand other than the resort’s/venue’s on site coordinator.

Pros:: You will appreciate the extra level of comfort when dealing with a group and event at a foreign location.  This person’s concierge level of wedding service in conjunction with the management/execution of your nuptials will add to and enhance the overall experience.

Cons:: As a coordinator of events, the Destination Wedding Coordinator will not be available to you the duration of the planning.  Equally so, this person will not be able to assist with inside travel aspects of your group.

Expectations:: Expect on location services such as that of a month of planner.  This person will typically begin working with you on your event six to eight weeks prior to departure.  This person will generally arrive prior to your arrival and leave the day after all events are complete.

Stay tuned tomorrow as we continue to review planning services for your destination wedding!

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

DIY Destination Wedding Planning

Defined :: A self planned nuptial taking place more than least two-hundred (200) miles from home.  In addition to the general wedding planning tasks, the couple will also serve as the go to person to coordinate guests travel/accommodations, supply guests with area demographics, and ensure the smooth process throughout.

Scene :: These intimate functions (10 people or less) present easy travel options.  Guests will typically self book overnight accommodations based on couple’s suggestions.

Pros :: The do it yourself option can be rewarding if the event is scaled down and simple.

Cons :: Can be an extra task that you may not have the time or knowledge to handle.

Expectations :: Do your homework and be prepared to assist your guest accordingly.

Travel Agency

Defined :: A brick and mortar agency of agents well versed in the knowledge and all aspects of travel.  These agents come with different geographic areas of specialty.  They will handle guests travel itineraries, can offer excursion group activities, keep you abreast of changes/red flags, and serve as the one travel go to for all parties involved.

Scene :: Any size event desiring the assistance of a travel professional.  Wedding and event planners often use this type of vendor as a resource to handle event travel logistics.

Note :: There is a vast selection of online travel agencies.  The larger brands are more of a call center (dealing with many different agents) of customer service/sales agents.  Although they may come with a buying power, they don’t offer the personalization of service a wedding deserves.

Pros :: You will have a dedicated person(s) that are educated and trained to answer your questions and steer you in the right direction.  They are also able to successfully embrace and handle the dynamics of complex group travel.

Cons :: This person may only bring the travel expertise to the table.  Contracting additional wedding planning experts may be necessary to successfully execute your destination wedding.

Expectations :: Everyone should book their travels through the agent.  This will help you to both keep an accurate count and reach the amenities your agent discussed with you.  Much like a real estate agent, your travel agent won’t get properly compensated for all of the blood, sweat and tears it took to properly orchestrate everyone’s travel unless he/she handles the bookings of the entire event group.

Stay tuned tomorrow as we continue the overview of destination wedding professionals!

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]