Precious Nuptials & Destinations :: Chronicle of a Complete Service Texas Destination Wedding Planner» Destination Wedding

Where 2 Wednesday Goes to Galveston :: Your Backyard Wedding Destination!

precious — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:45:06 +0000

Many couples love the idea of a destination wedding, but cringe at the thought of making sure everyone is able to travel and make it to their big day! Located just one hour drive south east of downtown Houston, Galveston offers a destination wedding location that’s literally in your back yard.

If you were to say the words Galveston Island, there would an array of feedback and replies: Ike, 1900 storm, the beaches, historical homes, great food, shopping, Schlitterbahn, The Strand, Galveston art, Carnival or cruising in general, Moody Gardens. The list places to go, along with things to see and do will go on and on. Galveston has something for everyone, and we want to share the love of the city and all its destination wedding possibilities with you!

Join us each Wednesday, beginning next week, as we tour the city of Galveston through the eyes of destination wedding planners. Corner to corner, we’ll unveil this hidden destination wedding gem!

Until then… Cheers!

Where 2 Wednesday: LeBlanc Spa Resort

precious — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:31:01 +0000

You’re not a typical destination wedding bride.

You’re sophisticated in every sense of the word.

Your style is contemporary with a minimalist approach.

Your destination wedding fête will be an adults only atmosphere.

Your are a LeBlanc bride!

LeBlanc Spa Resort is located in the hotel zone of Cancun, Mexico and proves to be a magnificent destination wedding location. Upon arrival, the clean lines of the exterior prepares you the explore the contemporary details beyond. If you love clean lines and white space as much as I do, you won’t be disappointed as the minimal approach is carried throughout the resort’s design.

Now that you’ve glimpsed at the makeup of the resort, we know that you’d like a glimpse of a destination wedding setup at LeBlanc. These are actual setup images of the basic Royale Wedding Package that begins at $1499USD for 2010-2011. Coupled with LeBlanc’s upgrade availabilities and the help of the destination wedding planner’s personal touches, this setup (as with any of their other setups) offers easy customization to fit your needs and personality.

The beach area is always neatly groomed and ready to accept your wedding guests. Take notice of the smooth sand that forms the pathway to your nuptial oasis.

Would you like to see more? Visit our Facebook Fanpage for more images of LeBlanc Spa Resort.

Cheers!

Where 2 Wednesday :: Magic comes to Galveston Island!

precious — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:15:05 +0000

Carnival’s newest Fun Ship ™ is slated to move from it’s European sailings to Galveston, Texas in November of 2011! You will have a Western Caribbean variety of six, seven, and eight day cruises to locations such as (in no specific order) Costa Maya, Cozumel, Belize, Montego Bay, Isla Roatan, Key West, Freeport and Nassau. Destination weddings and honeymoons are sure to be a hit on board the new Carnival Magic. Starting a wedding group is fun and easy. Ask us how!

Fun Friday! :: Destination Wedding Personality Quiz

precious — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:30:34 +0000

We thought it would be fun to share this fun quiz with you again! Let us know how you did in the comments section below.

Don’t forget to enter to win a free engagement or anniversary shoot styled by Precious Nuptials & Destinations! Here are the details.

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!

Granny may not be able to travel the distance. You...

are a bit disappointed, but understand that not everyone will be able to join in on the festivities.

are heartbroken at the thought. After all, you don't know how you could possibly begin such an important chapter in your life without granny.

set granny up with live view streaming! This way she won't miss the ceremony.

You're planning this year's family Thanksgiving gathering. You...

take great measures in the planning process. You made sure to pick a central location and didn't forget to invite your third cousin twice removed.

send out a mass email survey to get everyone's suggestions.

pick up a turkey dinner from your local Luby's. The gathering's at your house. It's not a problem if everyone can't attend.

When you think back on your childhood wedding day thoughts: You...

may have played dress up, but you don't remember "dreaming" about your day.

have a vision that remains in your head (even on this day). You will wear you mothers wedding gown and your grandmother's pearls. Traditions and customs are all a part of your vision.

don't really remember anything specific.

Catering can be a huge portion of your overall wedding bill. You...

think everyone may not attend. Catering is an area that we must keep a close eye on, but we'll deal with it as it comes.

must make the necessary adjustments. Mom would totally flip if I didn't invite all 400 on her list. Cheese and crackers anyone?

have no interest in Uncle Larry having full access to your open bar and filet mignon. After all, you haven't seen him since you were two!

The world wide web is filled with phases that spell having a destination wedding will reduce our overall wedding cost. Cost is a factor. Therefore, you...

begin the process right away! No questions asked.

dismiss the thought. It's a nice way to reduce the overall cost, but you have already done your research. You desire a destiantion wedding for more reasons than this one.

begin to research and contact locations for additonal information. Just because it's cost efficient doesn't mean it'll be less stressful for my family.

You've spent the past ten months planning the perfect beach wedding. On your wedding day, the clouds roll in and are followed by a tremendous down pour. You...

are very disappointed that you won't be able to get your feet in the sand. That's all you've been dreaming about! Why did you even bother?

are so disappointed, but guess you'll live.

know that it's okay! You booked a room with a nice view as your backup.

Your biggest wedding guest challenge has been...

convincing your parents that a destiantion wedding is right for you.

getting all your guests on board. You think it's essential that 75% are in attendance.

What challenge?

When deciding on a location to host your destination wedding: You...

are flexible and open to suggestions.

have something specific in mind and aren't really open to other suggestions.

have a few must have locations in mind, but are not really certain.

When thinking of your honeymoon: You know that...

you are not sure if the honeymoon is all that important. If you have one fine, and if you don't still fine.

it doesn't matter if you have to forgo the honeymoon to have the wedding of your dreams.

a weddingmoon would open doors to honeymoon options. You'll either honeymoon at your destination wedding location or you will do a little location hopping.

How many events do you plan on hosting outside of your wedding day activities?

1-2

The wedding is where my thoughts begin and end.

More than two! I want my guests to have the most memorable wedding experience possible!

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

Where 2 Wednesday :: Xel-ha!

precious — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:25:44 +0000

We love assisting our clients in finding fun group activities to include as part of their wedding weekend of adventure! I hold the Cancun / Riviera Maya / Yucatan very near and dear to my heart. This area is so much more than beautiful beaches. The culture is rich and there’s much to be experienced. Not to mention, a quick direct flight via Continental Airlines from our very own George Bush International Airport (IAH) to Cancun International Airport (CUN)!

This week on Where 2 Wednesday :: Xel-ha [shell-ha]

As the largest natural aquarium in the world, this ecological park has fun and adventure to be had by all! In addition to experiencing your destination wedding, your guests will also want to experience some of what your destination has to offer. Chances are, you will have a variety of adventures to choose from. Xel-ha is a great location to couple a variety of adventure options in one all-inclusive location. At just over $70USD per adult and 50% off for children, this is noted at the best value adventure in the area.

In addition to all beverages,

snacks are included,

breakfast and lunch are also included,

you’ll enjoy ecological and cultural tours,

kids can take part in a child friendly adventure section,

visit a cenote [se'note] “The Mayan Cave”,

enjoy snorkeling,

cliff diving,

bicycling through the jungle,

relax on an inner tube,

and of course… swim with the dolphins!

Share with us your Xel-ha experience in the comment box below!

Don’t forget to enter to win our free location styled engagement or anniversary photography session contest sponsored by MFL Photography and Precious Nuptials & Destinations.

Mexico Border Violence and Your Destination Wedding

precious — Sun, 09 May 2010 15:21:14 +0000

There’s no doubt that Mexico is an attractive destination for couples desiring an ease of travel for their guests. With less than two hours flight time, Delta (formerly Continental) offers a direct flight from Houston (George Bush Intercontinental Airport — IAH). Once you arrive, there are infinite possibilities for your destination wedding.

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!

Rain on your wedding day :: a new sexy!

precious — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:00:20 +0000

During a consultation with one of our destination wedding couples last week, we began the forbidden “weather” discussion. We laughed at how our destination bride-to-be’s grandfather enjoyed Molly and Jason’s (ABC’s The Bachelor) downpour at their outdoor wedding ceremony. At that moment I realized that couples are truly beginning to embrace their wedding day’s events as mother nature means for it to happen.

No doubt, it’s all in the attitude. We can’t control the weather, but we can certainly control our reactions and overall attitudes to things we cannot control. If you’re planning a tropical destination wedding, it’s not uncommon for the sky to open up one minute and the sun to peak through the clouds the next. Embrace this possibility and run with it… the grown and sexy way!

Here’s a clip of Molly and Jason’s beautiful rainy day wedding from ABC’s The Bachelor ::

Tell us…

How would you like a wet, rainy wedding ceremony? I’d totally dig it! After all, rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck. [wink]

Until next time!

[Here's to your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

Precious Nuptials’ Trending Destination Wedding Locations

precious — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:48:50 +0000

We’ve been joyously working on this year’s destination wedding clients’ big day! Not that we haven’t been equally pouring ourselves into our Houston area weddings. The majority of our destination wedding couples continue to choose Caribbean locations. Needless to say, there’s plenty of Caribbean wedding possibilities out there to choose from. We’re going to offer you a glimpse into our clients’ choices thus far (in no particular order). They also make for easy travel for we Texas visitors.

7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise :: At Sea

General Map Credit :: www.welt-atlas.com

As we illustrated above, about forty (40) guest sailed from Galveston to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel for a 25th wedding anniversary and vow renewal cruise. Cruising is a growing trend that we’ll talk about next week.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico :: Dreams Puerto Vallarta

Photo Credit :: Dreams

Located on the Pacific side of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta offers beautiful sunsets! That’s one of the driving reasons why our Austin, Texas clients choose this destination wedding location. Close to fifty (50) of their closest family and friends will join them for a wedding weekend filled with the fun of creating a lifetime of memories.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica :: Sandals Grande Ocho Rios

Photo Credit :: Sandals

With this couple, they wanted to a beautiful location to serve as the backdrop for their union. Lush gardens, beautiful beaches and white gloved service made this Dallas, Texas destination wedding couple swoon over their new beginnings. They will enjoy ten (10) intimate nights in a top level rooming category. About a dozen guests will join them for this intimate celebration.

Montego Bay, Jamaica :: Rose Hall Resort Spa & Country Club

Photo Credit :: Rose Hall

Breath taking beauty has this Houston couple ecstatic about their upcoming Independence weekend nuptial events! About sixty (60) guest will take part in the holiday weekend wedding weekend bash venturing from Dallas, Houston, New Orleans and more!

Riviera Maya, Mexico :: Dreams Riviera Cancun

Photo Credit :: Dreams

At just under a year in age, this Dream property is truly a dream. Our newly relocated Michigan couple is in love with their wedding ceremony and reception location. This straw architecture will serve as the backdrop for their sunset nuptials. We can’t wait as I’m sure sixty (60) of their family and friends can’t either!

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands :: The Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa

Photo Credit :: Westin

The Westin is know for it’s great service and offerings. This Houston native destination wedding couple knew this would be the location for their 10/10/10 destination wedding day! An intimate celebration of about thirty (30) guest will enjoy a sunset wedding and breezeway reception.

7 Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise :: Nassau, Bahamas

General Map Credit :: www.welt-atlas.com

This Houston couple proposed became engaged at a previous destination wedding of ours. They quickly called us up to begin planning their Nassau, Bahamas wedding at port of a 7 day Bahamas cruise. They expect about seventy (70) of their closest family and friends to join them. This is proving to be a fun cruise wedding to plan!

That’s all for now! Be sure to send us questions about your destination wedding locations.

Until next time…

To your precious nuptials :: [ Cheers!]

Ana de Roux :: Destination Wedding Stationery

precious — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:13:57 +0000

Ana de Roux is a Texas stationer that offers a line of destination wedding stationery that’s sure to set the tone for your up coming nuptials. When choosing your stationery, it should set the tone for your event while adhering to the level of formality. Ana’s offerings range from elegant papers to fun designs made to replicate passports and boarding passes. Here is a glimpse at her passport and boarding pass stationery collection::

To see the entire offerings, visit her destination wedding specific stationery website: Passport Invitations. Once there, you’ll have access to her other websites as well.

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

5 Destination Wedding Decision Making Mistakes :: Part Two

precious — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:48:03 +0000

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!]