Wedding Planner Magazine - July 2026

SPECIAL GUIDE

WHEN VENDORS CLICK: HOW COLLABORATION CREATES MAGIC BEHIND THE LENS

ABC Guide to Booking Travel for Weddings

INSIDE THIS ISSUE WHY ITALY REIGNS AS EUROPE’S TOP DESTINATION FOR WEDDINGS

EXCLUSIVE FEATURE

MAINE: ONE OF AMERICA’S TOP DESTINATION WEDDING LOCATIONS

Sandals and Beaches Resorts

THE BAHAMAS: EXPERIENCING ROMANCE ACROSS THE ISLANDS WHEN THE RAIN NEVER STOPPED AT HACIENDA SIESTA ALEGRE

“The best way to predict the future is to create it”

TABLE OF CONTENTS

09

35

30 37 Letter From The Editor

32 17

04

Real Wedding

20

Sunset Romance on the California Coast: Jen and Seth’s Coast Celebration

Who’s Who in the ABC

05

Article

24

Small and Savvy, Big Days Are Going Bespoke - Sandals and Beaches Resorts

Article

06

The ABC Guide to Booking Travel for Weddings

Booking Travel through ABC

Real Wedding

26

Eight Events, Three Days, One Seamless Celebration: Inside the Young-Patel Wedding in Tulum

08

Article

30

For the Love of the Bahamas: Experiencing Romance Across the Islands

Real Wedding

09

Pretty in Pink: A Celebration Bursting with Color, Romance, and Resilience.

Article

13

Article

Why Maine Has Become One of America’s Top Destination Wedding Locations

35

When the Rain Never Stopped: A Destination Wedding Story of Trust, Timing, and Teamwork at Hacienda Siesta Alegre

16

Article When Vendors Click: How Collaboration Creates Magic Behind the Lens

Article

32

An Imperial Affair on the Atlantic: Kia & Charles' Extraordinary Wedding at Hôtel du Palais

Why Italy Reigns as Europe’s Top Destination for Weddings

ABC Membership

Real Wedding

17

37

From the Editor There’s something truly transformative about travel.

It opens our eyes, expands our perspectives, and creates experiences that stay with us long after the journey ends. In the world of weddings, travel takes on an even deeper meaning—it becomes the backdrop for some of life’s most cherished moments.

As we present this special Travel Issue of Wedding Planner Magazine, we celebrate the growing impact of destination weddings, honeymoons, and immersive guest experiences. Today’s couples are seeking more than just a beautiful ceremony—they want connection, culture, and unforgettable memories shared with the people they love most.

And as planners, we have the unique opportunity to bring those visions to life.

This issue is designed to inspire and equip you.

Inside, you’ll discover breathtaking destinations, insights from industry experts, and practical strategies to help you confidently expand into the world of travel. Whether you’re just beginning to explore destination weddings or looking to elevate your offerings, the possibilities are endless.

At the Association of Bridal Consultants, we are committed to supporting your growth—not only as planners, but as experience creators and global professionals.

Here’s to new destinations, new opportunities, and the journeys ahead.

Warmly, Veroni ca M. Foster, MWP™ Pre s i d e n t , As s o c i a t i o n o f B ri d a l Co n s u l t a n t s

Ed i to r, We d d i n g P l a n n e r Magazine

EDITOR/PUBLISHER: Veronica Foster, MWP™ ART DIRECTOR: Anisha van Wyk on behalf of The Societygal Foundation PHOTOGRAPHERS: Clay Taylor Photography Febus Film JD Bascio Mayan Riviera Photography Stanley Babb Photography Garrett Richardson Photography FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT: Veronica Foster, MWP™ Wedding Planner Magazine is published quarterly by the Association of Bridal Consultants, P.O. Box 2, Gibsonville, NC 27249.

Phone 336-690-5510 Email: members@abcweddingplanners.com Web: abcweddingplanners.com Copyright © Association of Bridal Consultants 2025 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publishers.

EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE Our editorial team maintains independence, and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors unless noted otherwise.

SPONSORED CONTENT AND ADVERTISING This publication may feature sponsored content, affiliate links, and ads, clearly labeled as “Sponsored” or “Advertisement.”

PRIVACY AND DATA USAGE We respect your privacy and may collect data such as cookies for analytical and promotional reasons. For details, review our Privacy Policy. You can opt out per GDPR compliance (where applicable).

ACCURACY AND CORRECTIONS We strive for accuracy but cannot guarantee. To report inaccuracies, contact us at: editor@abcweddingplanners.com. Corrections will be addressed promptly.

DISCLAIMERS This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional health, legal, or financial advice.

TERMS OF USE By using this publication, you agree to our Terms of Use, which includes restrictions on unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, and intellectual property. For any questions or further information, please reach out at editor@abcweddingplanners.com.

Wedding Planner Magazine ISBN ISSN-H 9129-875X is published quarterly by the Association of Bridal Consultants LLC, P.O. Box 2, Gibsonville, NC 27249.

Circulation is 10,000. Advertising is accepted; corporate ABC members receive a discount on rates.

Who’s Who in the ABC ABC DIRECTOR LISTING President Veronica Foster, MWP™ president@abcweddingplanners.com Vice President, Member Engagement Lois Pearce, MWP™ culture@abcweddingplanners.com Vice President, Travel and Tourism Nicole Zillman, PWP™ travel@abcweddingplanners.com

ABC Office www.abcweddingplanners.com P.O. Box 2, Gibsonville, NC 27249 Phone 336-690-5510

Vice President, Education Shelby Tuck-Horton, MWP™ education@abcweddingplanners.com Vice President, Membership Operations Michole Council, PWP™ members@abcweddingplanners.com

Social Media

ABC Code of Ethics

ABC members agree to:

Abide by all local & federal laws governing the industry in which I operate Obtain all business licenses and certificates as required by law Operate my business in an honest and ethical manner Establish reasonable, proper fees for services and provide written estimates for each client Use a written contract for all business agreements Treat all employees, colleagues, and employees fairly, in an unbiased manner Use the association’s title as it is related to the association only Conduct myself in a professional manner at all the association events Never disparage my fellow association member, including in thought, words, threaten, nor try to take a client from another member ABC association for personal or financial gain Treat all association members with respect, a sense of camaraderie, caring, and concern for their welfare at all times Participate, respond to, and attend activities and efforts to promote and improve the professionalism of the wedding business Cooperate, respond, and reply to all complaints forwarded by the association Use the association’s name/logo as authorized

5

Written By: Veronica M. Foster, MWP™ ; President: Association of Bridal Consultants

THE ABC GUIDE TO BOOKING TRAVEL FOR WEDDINGS How Wedding Professionals Can Confidently Navigate Room Blocks, Resorts, and Romance Travel We d d i n g s d o n’ t e n d a t t h e a i s l e a ny m o re .

To d ay ’s co u p l e s a re p l a n n i n g we l co m e pa r t i e s , fa rewe l l b r u n ch e s , d e s t i n a t i o n eve n t s , ro o m b l o cks a c ro s s m u l t i p l e p ro p e r t i e s , a n d h o n ey m o o n s t h a t b e g i n t h e m o m e n t t h e re ce p t i o n e n d s .

Trave l i s n o l o n g e r a n “a d d - o n” to we d d i n g s — i t ’s i n te g ra te d i n to t h e ex p e ri e n ce .

S u p p l i e r a g re e m e n t s L i ce n s i n g re q u i re m e n t s ( va ri e s by s t a te ) S e l l e r o f Trave l l aws E rro rs & O m i s s i o n s i n s u ra n ce cove ra g e M a ny p l a n n e rs ch o o s e to o p e ra te u n d e r a h o s t a g e n cy m o d e l to e n s u re co m p l i a n ce , co m m i s s i o n t ra cki n g , a n d s u p p l i e r a cce s s .

Pro fe s s i o n a l s t r u c t u re m a tte rs .

Fo r we d d i n g p l a n n e rs , t h i s p re s e n t s b o t h a n o p p o r t u n i ty a n d a re s p o n s i b i l i ty. B o o ki n g t rave l fo r we d d i n g s re q u i re s m o re t h a n s e l e c t i n g a b ea u t i f u l p ro p e r ty. I t re q u i re s kn ow l e d g e o f co n t ra c t s , co m m i s s i o n s t r u c t u re s , g u e s t m a n a g e m e n t , a n d l o g i s t i c s t h a t ex te n d b eyo n d t ra d i t i o n a l p l a n n i n g .

T h i s i s yo u r A B C g u i d e to n av i g a t i n g t rave l w i t h co n f i d e n ce .

U n d e rs t a n d t h e S co p e : W h a t “ Trave l fo r We d d i n g s ” R ea l l y I n cl u d e s

R o o m B l o cks : M o re T h a n J u s t H o l d i n g R o o m s R o o m b l o cks c a n s e e m s i m p l e — u n t i l t h ey a re n’ t .

P l a n n e rs s h o u l d u n d e rs t a n d : Co u r te sy vs . co n t ra c te d b l o cks Att ri t i o n p e rce n t a g e s Cu t- o f f d a te s U p g ra d e i n ce n t i ve s Co m p l i m e n t a r y ro o m p o l i c i e s R e ba te s t r u c t u re s

Trave l i n t h e we d d i n g s pa ce c a n i nvo l ve : Lo c a l ro o m b l o cks M u l t i - h o te l ro o m b l o ck m a n a g e m e n t D e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g re s o r t co n t ra c t s G ro u p a i r co o rd i n a t i o n G u e s t t rave l co n c i e rg e s e r v i ce s H o n ey m o o n p l a n n i n g I n ce n t i ve - s ty l e we d d i n g we e ke n d s Ea ch s ce n a ri o h a s d i f fe re n t co n t ra c t u a l i m p l i c a t i o n s a n d l eve l s o f re s p o n s i b i l i ty.

N e g o t i a t i n g a s t ro n g ro o m b l o ck c a n s ave yo u r co u p l e t h o u s a n d s — a n d p o s i t i o n yo u a s a n i nva l u a b l e a d v i s o r.

A l ways rev i ew : Co n ce s s i o n s o f fe re d R e s o r t fe e s Pa rki n g p o l i c i e s M i n i m u m fo o d & b eve ra g e re q u i re m e n t s ( fo r d e s t i n a t i o n ve n u e s ) Trave l i s n e g o t i a t i o n .

B e fo re o f fe ri n g t rave l s e r v i ce s , d e f i n e cl ea rl y :

D e s t i n a t i o n We d d i n g s : Lo g i s t i c s & R e d F l a g s A re yo u m a n a g i n g ro o m b l o cks o n l y ?

A re yo u a c t i n g a s a t rave l a d v i s o r ?

A re yo u co o rd i n a t i n g g u e s t re s e r va t i o n s?

A re yo u h a n d l i n g a i r ?

C l a ri ty p ro te c t s b o t h yo u a n d yo u r cl i e n t s .

Kn ow t h e Le g a l a n d Fi n a n c i a l S t r u c t u re Trave l b o o ki n g s o f te n i nvo l ve : Co m m i s s i o n a b l e ra te s Att ri t i o n cl a u s e s Ca n ce l l a t i o n p e n a l t i e s Fo rce m a j e u re l a n g u a g e Pay m e n t s ch e d u l e s Ta x i m p l i c a t i o n s I f yo u a re co l l e c t i n g co m m i s s i o n s , yo u m u s t u n d e rs t a n d :

D e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g s a d d co m p l ex i ty : Pa s s p o r t re q u i re m e n t s M a rri a g e l i ce n s e l aws Lo c a l ve n d o r re s t ri c t i o n s R e s o r t we d d i n g pa cka g e s B l a cko u t d a te s Wea t h e r s ea s o n s G ro u p a i r fa re co o rd i n a t i o n R e d f l a g s to wa tch fo r : U n rea l i s t i c pa cka g e i n cl u s i o n s L i m i te d ve n d o r f l ex i b i l i ty I n a d e q u a te co m m u n i c a t i o n re s p o n s e t i m e s Po o r co n t ra c t t ra n s pa re n cy A p l a n n e r e d u c a te d i n b o t h we d d i n g l o g i s t i c s a n d t rave l s t r u c t u re s b ri n g s p ea ce o f m i n d to co u p l e s n av i g a t i n g u n fa m i l i a r te rri to ri e s .

n av i g a t i n g u n fa m i l i a r te rri to ri e s .

H o n ey m o o n s : T h e N a t u ra l Ex te n s i o n H o n ey m o o n s a re o f te n ove rl o o ke d reve n u e a n d re l a t i o n s h i p opportunities.

W h e n p l a n n e rs g u i d e co u p l e s t h ro u g h : R e s o r t co m pa ri s o n s A l l - i n cl u s i ve vs . b o u t i q u e ex p e ri e n ce s Trave l i n s u ra n ce o p t i o n s Exc u rs i o n p l a n n i n g Pay m e n t t i m e l i n e s T h ey s t re n g t h e n cl i e n t l oya l ty b eyo n d t h e we d d i n g d ay.

R o m a n ce t rave l d e e p e n s t h e re l a t i o n s h i p.

T h e B u s i n e s s O p p o r t u n i ty fo r P l a n n e rs Ad d i n g t rave l s e r v i ce s c a n :

✔ I n c rea s e reve n u e s t rea m s ✔ S t re n g t h e n ve n d o r re l a t i o n s h i p s ✔ I m p rove cl i e n t re te n t i o n ✔ Po s i t i o n yo u a s a f u l l - s e r v i ce ex p e r t ✔ Ex pa n d i n to d e s t i n a t i o n s p e c i a l i z a t i o n H oweve r, s u cce s s re q u i re s : Ed u c a t i o n S t r u c t u re d sys te m s C l ea r co n t ra c t s Pro fe s s i o n a l a f f i l i a t i o n s T h i s i s w hy co n t i n u i n g e d u c a t i o n i n t rave l a n d d e s t i n a t i o n p l a n n i n g i s e s s e n t i a l fo r we d d i n g p ro fe s s i o n a l s s e e ki n g g row t h .

A B C ’s Pe rs p e c t i ve o n Trave l I n te g ra t i o n T h e we d d i n g i n d u s t r y co n t i n u e s to evo l ve , a n d t rave l i s a n a t u ra l ex te n s i o n o f t h a t evo l u t i o n .

T h ro u g h e d u c a t i o n , ce r t i f i c a t i o n pa t hways , a n d p ro fe s s i o n a l n e two rki n g , the As s o c i a t i o n of B ri d a l Co n s u l t a n t s e n co u ra g e s p l a n n e rs to a p p roa ch t rave l s t ra te g i c a l l y — n o t c a s u a l l y.

B o o ki n g t rave l fo r we d d i n g s i s n o t a b o u t “a d d i n g o n” a s e r v i ce .

I t ’s a b o u t e l eva t i n g yo u r ex p e r t i s e .

Fi n a l T h o u g h t s : Co n f i d e n ce Cea te s O p p o r t u n i ty T h e co u p l e s we s e r ve a re i nve s t i n g n o t o n l y i n a we d d i n g d ay — b u t i n a n ex p e ri e n ce .

W h e n p l a n n e rs u n d e rs t a n d co n t ra c t s , ro o m b l o ck s t ra te g y, d e s t i n a t i o n l o g i s t i c s , a n d h o n ey m o o n c u ra t i o n , t h ey m ove f ro m co o rd i n a to r to co n s u l t a n t .

Trave l i s n o t s e pa ra te f ro m we d d i n g s a ny m o re .

I t i s pa r t o f t h e s to r y.

A n d w i t h t h e ri g h t e d u c a t i o n , s t r u c t u re , a n d p ro fe s s i o n a l s u p p o r t , b o o ki n g t rave l fo r we d d i n g s c a n b e co m e o n e o f t h e m o s t p owe r f u l g row t h o p p o r t u n i t i e s i n yo u r b u s i n e s s .

8

PRETTY IN PINK:

Wedding by Sarah Jane Bennett | Wedding for Khyrie & Erica

A Celebration Bursting with Color, Romance, and Resilience.

W h e n E ri c a a n d h e r g ro o m b e g a n p l a n n i n g t h e i r we d d i n g , t h e re we re o n l y two t h i n g s t h e b ri d e kn ew fo r ce r t a i n : s h e wa s m a rr y i n g t h e l ove o f h e r l i fe , a n d p i n k h a d to b e t h e s t a r o f t h e s h ow. Fro m t h e re , Ce r t i f i e d We d d i n g P l a n n e r S a ra h -J a n e B e n n e tt o f P l a n n e rs o n R e t a i n e r to o k t h e re i n s , t ra n s fo rm i n g a s i m p l e co l o r p re fe re n ce i n to a b rea t h t a ki n g ce l e b ra t i o n t h a t re f l e c te d t h e co u p l e' s j oy f u l s p i ri t a n d v i b ra n t p e rs o n a l i t i e s .

A f te r n ea rl y 20 m o n t h s o f p l a n n i n g , t h e co u p l e' s J u n e 6 , 202 5 we d d i n g we l co m e d 9 5 g u e s t s to a n u n fo rg e tt a b l e eve n t f i l l e d w i t h l u s h f l o ra l s , b o l d co l o r, a n d t h o u g h t f u l d e t a i l s . Ra t h e r t h a n s e tt l i n g o n a s i n g l e s h a d e , B e n n e tt g u i d e d t h e co u p l e t h ro u g h a c a re f u l l y c u ra te d pa l e tte o f b l u s h , s o f t p i n k , f u ch s i a , i vo r y, a n d to u ch e s o f re d . T h e re s u l t wa s a s o p h i s t i c a te d g a rd e n i n s p i re d d e s i g n t h a t fe l t ro m a n t i c , m o d e rn , a n d f u l l o f l i fe .

O n e o f t h e m o s t s t ri ki n g d e s i g n e l e m e n t s wa s t h e re ce p t i o n ' s d ra m a t i c f l o ra l i n s t a l l a t i o n . Lo n g re c t a n g u l a r t a b l e s fea t u re d w h a t B e n n e tt d e s c ri b e s a s a " wa l l o f f l owe rs " r u n n i n g t h ro u g h t h e ce n te r, c rea t i n g t h e fe e l i n g t h a t g u e s t s we re d i n i n g i n t h e m i d d l e o f a b l o o m i n g g a rd e n . Co m b i n e d w i t h a b u n d a n t f l o ra l d é co r a n d a s t u n n i n g re d c i rc u l a r ba r t h a t q u i ck l y b e c a m e a g u e s t favo ri te , t h e re ce p t i o n s pa ce wa s t ra n s fo rm e d i n to a co l o r f u l f l o ra l oa s i s .

The design process was uniquely collaborative.

While Erica never envisioned every detail of her wedding growing up, she placed complete trust in Bennett's expertise. Through months of conversations, emails, and mood boards, the planner was able to fully understand the couple's style and create a wedding that felt authentically "them."

Of course, no wedding story is complete without a challenge. Just minutes after the decision was made to proceed with the outdoor ceremony and reception, torrential rain swept through the venue despite a forecast showing only a 6% chance of precipitation. Thanks to a dedicated vendor team and plenty of determination, every surface was dried, every detail restored, and the celebration continued flawlessly.

In the end, guests never would have guessed the storm had happened at all. Instead, they experienced a vibrant, flower-filled celebration proving that with preparation, creativity, and t e a m w o r k , e v e n u n e x p e c t e d r a i n c a n 't d a m p e n a perfect wedding day.

10

Wedding Vendors We d d i n g P l a n n e r : S a ra h -J a n e B e n n e tt , Ce r t i f i e d We d d i n g P l a n n e r | P l a n n i n g Co m pa ny : P l a n n e rs o n R e t a i n e r | P h o to g ra p h e r : S t a n l ey B a b b P h o to g ra p hy | Cu ra te E n te r t a i n m e n t : DJ M a l i ke | F l o ra l s & R e n t a l s : Ca n te i ro We d d i n g s | Vi d e o g ra p hy : M aya n R i v i e ra P h o to g ra p hy

11

12

WHY ITALY REIGNS AS EUROPE’S TOP DESTINATION FOR WEDDINGS I t a l y h a s l o n g b e e n a d rea m we d d i n g d e s t i n a t i o n — a p l a ce w h e re h i s to r y, ro m a n ce , a n d n a t u ra l b ea u ty m e rg e e f fo r t l e s s l y. Fo r yea rs , i co n i c re g i o n s s u ch a s L a ke Co m o, t h e A m a l f i Coa s t , a n d Tu s c a ny h ave to p p e d t h e w i s h l i s t s o f co u p l e s a ro u n d t h e wo rl d .

To d ay, h oweve r, I t a l y ’s a p p ea l ex te n d s fa r b eyo n d t h e s e h o u s e h o l d n a m e s . H i d d e n g e m s l i ke P u g l i a , L a ke G a rd a , a n d S i c i l y — w h i ch h a s s e e n a re co rd s u rg e i n we d d i n g re q u e s t s t h i s yea r — a re n ow s te p p i n g i n to t h e s p o t l i g h t .

Written By: Camelia Lambru

Wi t h s u ch va ri e ty i n l a n d s c a p e s , ve n u e s , a n d ex p e ri e n ce s , i t ’s n o wo n d e r I t a l y ra n ks a s t h e n u m b e r o n e d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g co u n t r y i n Eu ro p e . B u t w h i l e t h e d rea m i s a l l u ri n g , t h e rea l i ty o f p l a n n i n g a we d d i n g f ro m t h o u s a n d s o f m i l e s away c a n b e fa r m o re co m p l ex t h a n co u p l e s o f te n i m a g i n e .

From Iconic to Em ergin g Regions L a ke Co m o : Ti m e l e s s E l e g a n ce Kn ow n fo r i t s e l e g a n t v i l l a s a n d d ra m a t i c m o u n t a i n m e e t s - l a ke s ce n e r y, L a ke Co m o o f fe rs s o m e o f t h e m o s t l u xu ri o u s we d d i n g s e tt i n g s i n t h e wo rl d . M a ny o f i t s excl u s i ve ve n u e s , h oweve r, a re “d ay- o n l y ” p ro p e r t i e s — h i s to ri c v i l l a s w i t h o u t a cco m m o d a t i o n — m ea n i n g co u p l e s a n d g u e s t s m u s t a rra n g e s e pa ra te l o d g i n g n ea rby.

A m a l f i Coa s t : C l i f f s i d e R o m a n ce T h e A m a l f i Coa s t e n ch a n t s w i t h pa s te l - co l o re d v i l l a g e s cl i n g i n g to cl i f f s , s pa rk l i n g s ea v i ews , a n d i n t i m a te te rra ce s . Ye t , i t s ch a rm co m e s w i t h l o g i s t i c a l ch a l l e n g e s : n a rrow, w i n d i n g s t re e t s o f te n m ea n g u e s t s ( a n d s o m e t i m e s ve n d o rs ) m u s t wa l k , c a rr y e q u i p m e n t , o r n av i g a te s te e p s t a i rc a s e s . Ca rs a n d l a rg e b u s e s c a n’ t a l ways a cce s s t h e ve n u e s d i re c t l y.

Tu s c a ny : R u s t i c a n d R e f i n e d Tu s c a ny o f fe rs ro l l i n g h i l l s , h i s to ri c fa rm h o u s e s , a n d R e n a i s s a n ce v i l l a s . H e re , m a ny ve n u e s d o u b l e a s a cco m m o d a t i o n s , h o s t i n g a nyw h e re f ro m 20 to ove r 1 0 0 g u e s t s o n - s i te . T h i s m a ke s i t i d ea l fo r m u l t i - d ay ce l e b ra t i o n s w h e re fa m i l y a n d f ri e n d s c a n s t ay to g e t h e r i n o n e l o c a t i o n .

T h e N ew S t a rs : P u g l i a , L a ke G a rd a , a n d S i c i l y P u g l i a , w i t h i t s w h i tewa s h e d tow n s a n d m a s s e ri e ( fo r t i f i e d fa rm h o u s e s ) , b l e n d s r u s t i c ch a rm w i t h s ea s i d e v i ews . L a ke G a rd a o f fe rs a s l i g h t l y m o re re l a xe d a t m o s p h e re t h a n Co m o, w i t h a m i x o f l a ke s i d e c a s t l e s , v i l l a s , a n d g a rd e n s . S i c i l y, m ea nw h i l e , h a s ex p l o d e d i n p o p u l a ri ty t h a n ks to i t s d ra m a t i c coa s t l i n e s , h i s to ri c a rch i te c t u re , a n d v i b ra n t c u l t u re — o f fe ri n g a u n i q u e f u s i o n o f I t a l i a n a n d M e d i te rra n ea n i n f l u e n ce s .

Unfor tunately, what looks perfec t on a websi te may hide pra c tical issues that can a ffec t your big day.

A l o c a l we d d i n g p l a n n e r d o e s m o re t h a n s i m p l y “co o rd i n a te .” T h ey u n d e rs t a n d t h e l o g i s t i c s , t h e l a n g u a g e , a n d t h e l o c a l c u l t u re . T h ey kn ow w h i ch s u p p l i e rs a re re l i a b l e , w h i ch ve n u e s m e e t ce r t a i n s t a n d a rd s , a n d h ow to n av i g a te l o c a l co n t ra c t s a n d l e g a l re q u i re m e n t s . Wi t h o u t t h i s kn ow l e d g e , co u p l e s ri s k : Misinterpreting contracts due to language barriers or unfamiliar legal terms.

Overlooking hidden costs such as VAT, municipal fees, or required permits.

C h o o s i n g i n a cce s s i b l e ve n u e s w i t h o u t rea l i z i n g t ra n s p o r t a t i o n l i m i t a t i o n s .

Why a Local Plann er Is Essential M a ny co u p l e s b e g i n t h e i r j o u rn ey by b rows i n g d rea my p h o to s o n l i n e , p i cki n g a ve n u e f ro m G o o g l e s ea rch e s , a n d a s s u m i n g t h e re s t w i l l fa l l i n to p l a ce .

B o o ki n g d u ri n g l o c a l h o l i d ays o r fe s t i va l s w h e n ve n d o rs m ay b e u n ava i l a b l e .

13

U n d e re s t i m a t i n g c u l t u ra l d i f fe re n ce s i n t i m i n g , s e r v i ce s ty l e , o r ve n d o r ex p e c t a t i o n s .

Cul tural an d Logistical Pitfalls P l a n n i n g a we d d i n g i n I t a l y m ea n s a d a p t i n g to t h e l o c a l way o f d o i n g t h i n g s . Fo r exa m p l e :

Ad ve n t u re - l ov i n g pa i rs m i g h t e m b ra ce t h e cl i f f s i d e d ra m a o f t h e A m a l f i Coa s t , p rov i d e d t h ey a n d t h e i r g u e s t s a re p re pa re d fo r wa l ki n g a n d s t a i r cl i m b i n g .

U n d e rs t a n d i n g t h e s e n u a n ce s p reve n t s d i s a p p o i n t m e n t a n d e n s u re s a s ea m l e s s g u e s t ex p e ri e n ce .

Tra n s p o r t l i m i t a t i o n s : M a ny ch a rm i n g d e s t i n a t i o n s d o n’ t h ave U b e r o r ri d e - s h a re s e r v i ce s . I n r u ra l Tu s c a ny o r coa s t a l A m a l f i , t ra n s p o r t a t i o n o f te n re l i e s o n p ri va te d ri ve rs o r s m a l l l o c a l t a x i co m pa n i e s , w h i ch m u s t b e b o o ke d we l l i n a d va n ce .

Ve n u e a cce s s i b i l i ty : S o m e p ro p e r t i e s c a n o n l y b e rea ch e d by fo o t o r b oa t . I m a g i n e yo u r f l o ri s t h a u l i n g a rra n g e m e n t s t h ro u g h co b b l e s to n e a l l eys — i t h a p p e n s m o re o f te n t h a n yo u ’d t h i n k .

N o i s e re s t ri c t i o n s : Ea ch re g i o n — a n d s o m e t i m e s ea ch m u n i c i pa l i ty — h a s i t s ow n r u l e s a b o u t m u s i c c u r fews .

I n s o m e tow n s , m u s i c m u s t e n d a t m i d n i g h t ; i n o t h e rs , yo u m ay h ave u n t i l 2 a . m .

S ea s o n a l va ri a t i o n s : Ce r t a i n ve n u e s cl o s e i n t h e w i n te r m o n t h s , o r l o c a l s u p p l i e rs m ay b e u n ava i l a b l e d u ri n g Au g u s t , w h e n m a ny I t a l i a n s t a ke s u m m e r h o l i d ays .

Cu i s i n e a n d c a te ri n g n o rm s : I t a l i a n we d d i n g m e n u s a re a ce l e b ra t i o n o f l o c a l f l avo rs , b u t s e r v i ce s ty l e s d i f fe r. M u l t i - co u rs e m ea l s c a n l a s t s eve ra l h o u rs , w h i ch m ay b e u n fa m i l i a r to g u e s t s ex p e c t i n g a s h o r te r re ce p t i o n .

Matchin g th e Region to th e Couple A s ki l l e d we d d i n g p l a n n e r w i l l m a tch t h e co u p l e’s v i s i o n , g u e s t co u n t , b u d g e t , a n d s ty l e to t h e ri g h t re g i o n a n d ve n u e ty p e . Fo r exa m p l e : S m a l l , i n t i m a te we d d i n g s m ay f i t p e r fe c t l y i n a L a ke Co m o v i l l a w i t h pa n o ra m i c v i ews , eve n i f a cco m m o d a t i o n i s o f f- s i te .

L a rg e g u e s t l i s t s m ay b e b e tte r s u i te d to a Tu s c a n e s t a te o r U m b ri a n co u n t r ys i d e v i l l a w h e re eve r yo n e c a n s t ay to g e t h e r.

Co u p l e s s e e ki n g s ea s i d e ch a rm m i g h t l ove P u g l i a o r S i c i l y, w h e re t h e ve n u e a n d l a n d s c a p e re f l e c t t h e re g i o n’s coa s t a l t ra d i t i o n s .

Food, Win e, an d th e Italian Experien ce O n e o f I t a l y ’s g rea te s t d raws i s i t s c u l i n a r y h e ri t a g e . Fro m Tu s c a n w i n e s a n d t r u f f l e - i n f u s e d d i s h e s to S i c i l i a n s ea fo o d a n d P u g l i a n o l i ve o i l , ea ch re g i o n o f fe rs a u n i q u e g a s t ro n o m i c j o u rCa te ri n g i s ra re l y j u s t a b o u t t h e m ea l — i t ’s a c u l t u ra l ex p e ri e n ce .

H oweve r, co u p l e s s h o u l d b e awa re o f : M e n u l i m i t a t i o n s : M a ny I t a l i a n c a te re rs wo rk w i t h s t ri c t l y s ea s o n a l , l o c a l i n g re d i e n t s .

S e r v i ce s ty l e : Ex p e c t a s l ow, e l e g a n t d i n i n g pa ce , w h i ch m i g h t b e d i f fe re n t f ro m w h a t g u e s t s a re u s e d to.

B eve ra g e s e r v i ce : I n s o m e re g i o n s , o p e n ba rs a re u n co m m o n ; w i n e a n d p ro s e cco f l ow f re e l y, b u t s p i ri t s m ay b e ch a rg e d s e pa ra te l y.

Budget Surprises Eve n w i t h c a re f u l p l a n n i n g , d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g s c a n co m e w i t h u n ex p e c te d ex p e n s e s . B eyo n d ve n u e a n d c a te ri n g co s t s , co u p l e s s h o u l d a cco u n t fo r : VAT ( Va l u e Ad d e d Ta x ) : O f te n 2 2 % i n I t a l y, a d d e d o n to p o f m a ny s e r v i ce s .

M u n i c i pa l fe e s : S o m e tow n s ch a rg e fo r p u b l i c s pa ce u s e o r c i v i l ce re m o n i e s .

S u p p l i e r t rave l fe e s : I f ve n d o rs m u s t co m e f ro m o u t s i d e t h e re g i o n .

Cu rre n cy exch a n g e f l u c t u a t i o n s : Es p e c i a l l y fo r co u p l e s pay i n g i n a d i f fe re n t c u rre n cy.

A l o c a l p l a n n e r a n t i c i pa te s t h e s e co s t s a n d b u i l d s t h e m i n to t h e b u d g e t f ro m t h e s t a r t .

14

Th e Bottom Lin e: Italy Is Wor th It I t a l y ’s d i ve rs i ty m ea n s t h e re i s t r u l y s o m e t h i n g fo r eve r y co u p l e — w h e t h e r i t ’s a g l a m o ro u s l a ke s i d e s o i ré e , a r u s t i c v i n eya rd ce l e b ra t i o n , o r a s ea s i d e fea s t u n d e r t h e s t a rs . T h e co u n t r y ’s h i s to r y, l a n d s c a p e s , a n d c u l i n a r y t ra d i t i o n s c rea te a n u n fo rg e tt a b l e ba ckd ro p fo r a we d d i n g .

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ca m e l i a L a m b r u i s a re n ow n e d d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g p l a n n e r i n I t a l y — fo u n d e r o f Ca m e l i a La m b r u Eve n t Pro d u c t i o n , a b o u t i q u e a g e n cy t h a t b l e n d s d e c a d e s o f ex p e r t i s e , a pa s s i o n fo r exce l l e n ce , a n d a n excl u s i ve n e two rk o f t h e f i n e s t ve n d o rs i n t h e I t a l i a n we d d i n g s ce n e .

B u t t h e key to t u rn i n g t h e d rea m i n to rea l i ty i s u n d e rs t a n d i n g t h e u n i q u e ch a ra c te ri s t i c s o f ea ch re g i o n , re s p e c t i n g l o c a l c u l t u re a n d l o g i s t i c s , a n d re l y i n g o n ex p e ri e n ce d l o c a l p ro fe s s i o n a l s w h o c a n n av i g a te t h e d e t a i l s o n yo u r b e h a l f.

As t h e p ro d u ce r o f t h e p re s t i g i o u s I n te rn a t i o n a l We d d i n g S u m m i t a n d t h e I ta l i a n We d d i n g Awa rd s , s h e h a s b e co m e a l ea d i n g f i g u re i n t h e g l o ba l we d d i n g i n d u s t r y. T h e s e g ro u n d b rea ki n g i n i t i a t i ve s a re n o t o n l y p l a t fo rm s fo r ce l e b ra t i n g exce l l e n ce b u t a l s o p owe r f u l to o l s fo r s h a p i n g t h e f u t u re o f d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g s i n I t a l y.

Fo r co u p l e s , i t m ea n s e n j oy i n g t h e p ro ce s s a n d t h e b i g d ay w i t h o u t l a s t- m i n u te s t re s s . Fo r we d d i n g p l a n n e rs a b roa d , i t m ea n s h av i n g a t r u s te d pa r t n e r o n t h e g ro u n d w h o c a n t u rn i n s p i ra t i o n i n to f l aw l e s s exe c u t i o n .

O ve r t h e yea rs , Ca m e l i a h a s b u i l t a p ro fo u n d a n d t r u s te d n e two rk o f to p - t i e r ve n d o rs a c ro s s I t a l y — f ro m h i s to ri c ve n u e s a n d l u xu r y c a te re rs to f l o ra l d e s i g n e rs , p h o to g ra p h e rs , a n d a r t i s a n a te l i e rs .

S h e kn ows n o t o n l y w h o t h e to p p l aye rs a re b u t u n d e rs t a n d s t h e b e h i n d - t h e - s ce n e s — t h e p ro s , t h e co n s , a n d t h e s m a l l ye t c r u c i a l d e t a i l s t h a t m a ke a b i g d i f fe re n ce .

B e c a u s e i n I t a l y, t h e m a g i c i s i n t h e d e t a i l s — a n d w i t h t h e ri g h t g u i d a n ce , eve r y o n e o f t h o s e d e t a i l s c a n wo rk i n p e r fe c t h a rm o ny.

H e r i n t i m a te u n d e rs t a n d i n g o f t h e I t a l i a n we d d i n g m a rke t m ea n s s h e d o e s n ' t j u s t kn ow w h o m to wo rk w i t h — s h e kn ows h ow t h ey wo rk , w h a t t h ey d o b e s t , a n d h ow to m a tch ea ch ve n d o r ’s s t re n g t h s w i t h a co u p l e’s v i s i o n . T h e s e i n s i d e r co n n e c t i o n s a n d i n s i g h t s g i ve co u p l e s a ra re a n d va l u a b l e a d va n t a g e w h e n p l a n n i n g t h e i r d rea m we d d i n g i n I t a l y.

I n re ce n t yea rs , Ca m e l i a h a s e s t a b l i s h e d a t h ri v i n g co l l a b o ra t i o n w i t h ove r 1 5 0 A m e ri c a n we d d i n g p l a n n e rs , c rea t i n g a s t ra te g i c b ri d g e b e twe e n t h e U. S . a n d I t a l y. T h i s d y n a m i c n e two rk h a s s i g n i f i c a n t l y i n c rea s e d t h e f l ow o f d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g s to I t a l y, s t re n g t h e n i n g i t s p o s i t i o n a s o n e o f t h e m o s t s o u g h t- a f te r l o c a t i o n s fo r co u p l e s f ro m a ro u n d t h e wo rl d .

To d ay, Ca m e l i a i s a re s p e c te d i n te rn a t i o n a l s p ea ke r a n d s e r ve s a s t h e I t a l i a n vo i ce fo r a s e l e c t g ro u p o f e l i te we d d i n g a g e n c i e s o p e ra t i n g wo rl d w i d e . T h ro u g h Ca m e l i a L a m b r u Eve n t Pro d u c t i o n , s h e s h a re s h e r ex te n s i ve n e two rk , pa s s i o n , a n d p l a n n i n g p re c i s i o n to h e l p co u p l e s c rea te u n fo rg e tt a b l e ce l e b ra t i o n s i n I t a l y ’s m o s t m a g i c a l s e tt i n g s .

WHY MAINE HAS BECOME ONE OF AMERICA’S TOP DESTINATION WEDDING LOCATIONS ex p e ri e n ce s fo r d e s t i n a t i o n co u p l e s .

Th e Appeal of Mai n e

Written By: Fausto Pifferrer

O n e o f M a i n e’s g rea te s t s t re n g t h s i s i t s va ri e ty. Wi t h i n a few h o u rs , co u p l e s c a n ch o o s e f ro m ro cky coa s t l i n e s , m o u n t a i n v i ews , l a ke s i d e re t rea t s , h i s to ri c d ow n tow n s , a n d co u n t r ys i d e fa rm s .

O ve r t h e l a s t d e c a d e , M a i n e h a s e m e rg e d a s o n e o f t h e m o s t s o u g h t- a f te r d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g l o c a t i o n s i n t h e U n i te d S t a te s . Kn ow n fo r i t s r u g g e d coa s t l i n e , ch a rm i n g tow n s , h i s to ri c i n n s , a n d b rea t h t a ki n g s ce n e r y, t h e s t a te o f fe rs co u p l e s s o m e t h i n g m a ny we d d i n g destinations cannot: a u t h e n t i c i ty.

To d ay ' s co u p l e s wa n t m o re t h a n a t ra d i t i o n a l ba l l ro o m we d d i n g .

T h ey s e e k ex p e ri e n ce s t h a t fe e l p e rs o n a l , m e m o ra b l e , a n d co n n e c te d to a p l a ce . M a i n e d e l i ve rs t h ro u g h a co m b i n a t i o n o f n a t u ra l b ea u ty, l o c a l c u l t u re , exce p t i o n a l h o s p i t a l i ty, a n d d i ve rs e ve n u e o p t i o n s ra n g i n g f ro m o cea n f ro n t e s t a te s a n d h i s to ri c i n n s to r u s t i c ba rn s a n d wa te r f ro n t i n d u s t ri a l s pa ce s .

Fo r m a ny co u p l e s , a M a i n e we d d i n g b e co m e s m o re t h a n a ce re m o ny — i t b e co m e s a f u l l we d d i n g we e ke n d ex p e ri e n ce f i l l e d w i t h coa s t a l v i ews , l o c a l c u i s i n e , o u td o o r a d ve n t u re s , a n d t h e u n i q u e s e n s e o f p l a ce o f te n d e s c ri b e d a s “ M a i n e m a g i c .”

A Growi n g Econ omi c Force D e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g s h ave b e co m e a s i g n i f i c a n t co n t ri b u to r to M a i n e’s to u ri s m

co n t ri b u to r to M a i n e’s to u ri s m a n d h o s p i t a l i ty i n d u s t r y.

We d d i n g ce l e b ra t i o n s g e n e ra te reve n u e n o t o n l y fo r ve n u e s a n d p l a n n e rs b u t a l s o fo r h o te l s , re s t a u ra n t s , t ra n s p o r t a t i o n co m pa n i e s , f l o ri s t s , p h o to g ra p h e rs , m u s i c i a n s , re n t a l co m pa n i e s , a n d co u n t l e s s small businesses.

G u e s t s f re q u e n t l y ex te n d t h e i r s t ay b e fo re a n d a f te r t h e we d d i n g , s u p p o r t i n g l o c a l re s t a u ra n t s , b rewe ri e s , re t a i l s h o p s , s a l o n s , a n d to u r o p e ra to rs . M a ny co u p l e s p l a n m u l t i - d ay ce l e b ra t i o n s t h a t i n cl u d e we l co m e pa r t i e s , re h ea rs a l d i n n e rs , fa rewe l l b r u n ch e s , b ea ch o u t i n g s , shopping, and sightseeing exc u rs i o n s .

We d d i n g s h ave a l s o h e l p e d ex te n d M a i n e’s to u ri s m s ea s o n b eyo n d t h e s u m m e r m o n t h s .

Fa l l we d d i n g s , i n pa r t i c u l a r, h ave b e co m e i n c rea s i n g l y p o p u l a r d u ri n g fo l i a g e s ea s o n , p rov i d i n g va l u a b l e b u s i n e s s to co m m u n i t i e s t h ro u g h o u t t h e s t a te .

As d e m a n d co n t i n u e s to g row, ve n u e s a n d h o s p i t a l i ty b u s i n e s s e s a re ex pa n d i n g s e r v i ce s a n d i nve s t i n g i n i n f ra s t r u c t u re to c rea te co m p re h e n s i ve we d d i n g ex p e ri e n ce s fo r d e s t i n a t i o n

Ea ch re g i o n o f fe rs a u n i q u e a t m o s p h e re . Po r t l a n d h a s b e co m e e s p e c i a l l y p o p u l a r fo r co u p l e s s e e ki n g b o u t i q u e h o te l s , awa rd -w i n n i n g re s t a u ra n t s , wa l ka b l e n e i g h b o rh o o d s , a n d v i b ra n t n i g h t l i fe . Coa s t a l co m m u n i t i e s s u ch a s Ke n n e b u n kp o r t p rov i d e a re l a xe d l u xu r y ex p e ri e n ce w i t h o cea n f ro n t e s t a te s a n d s a i l i n g exc u rs i o n s , w h i l e B a r H a rb o r a n d Ac a d i a N a t i o n a l Pa rk a tt ra c t co u p l e s d raw n to d ra m a t i c s ce n e r y a n d o u td o o r a d ve n t u re .

Co m m u n i t i e s s u ch a s B i d d e fo rd a n d S a co a re a l s o g a i n i n g p o p u l a ri ty by o f fe ri n g m o re a f fo rd a b l e ve n u e o p t i o n s w h i l e m a i n t a i n i n g ea sy a cce s s to b ea ch e s , a cco m m o d a t i o n s , a n d t ra n s p o r t a t i o n .

More Than a Weddi n g M o d e rn d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g s a re b u i l t a ro u n d ex p e ri e n ce s .

Co u p l e s wa n t m ea n i n g f u l t i m e w i t h fa m i l y a n d f ri e n d s , a n d M a i n e n a t u ra l l y s u p p o r t s t h a t v i s i o n . T h e re s u l t i s a re l a xe d e nv i ro n m e n t w h e re g u e s t s c a n co n n e c t ove r s eve ra l d ays ra t h e r t h a n a tte n d i n g a s i n g l e eve n i n g eve n t .

T h i s t re n d h a s a l s o t ra n s fo rm e d we d d i n g p l a n n i n g . D e s t i n a t i o n ce l e b ra t i o n s re q u i re g rea te r co o rd i n a t i o n , g u e s t co m m u n i c a t i o n , t ra n s p o r t a t i o n l o g i s t i c s , a n d co l l a b o ra t i o n a m o n g ve n d o rs to c rea te a s ea m l e s s

s ea m l e s s ex p e ri e n ce .

Mai n e ’s Cul i nar y Advant a ge M a i n e’s g row i n g re p u t a t i o n a s a c u l i n a r y d e s t i n a t i o n h a s b e co m e a n o t h e r m a j o r d raw fo r we d d i n g co u p l e s . T h e s t a te’s e m p h a s i s o n f re s h s ea fo o d , fa rm - to - t a b l e d i n i n g , a n d l o c a l l y s o u rce d i n g re d i e n t s h a s e l eva te d t h e we d d i n g ex p e ri e n ce .

Lo b s te r ba ke s , oys te r ba rs , s ea fo o d s t a t i o n s , a n d N ew E n g l a n d - i n s p i re d m e n u s h ave b e co m e s i g n a t u re e l e m e n t s o f m a ny d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g s . As ex p e c t a t i o n s fo r fo o d q u a l i ty co n t i n u e to ri s e , M a i n e’s h o s p i t a l i ty i n d u s t r y h a s re s p o n d e d w i t h h i g h l y c u s to m i ze d d i n i n g ex p e ri e n ce s t h a t ri va l to p re s t a u ra n t s .

Seasonal Beauty Dri ves Deman d W h i l e s u m m e r re m a i n s t h e m o s t p o p u l a r we d d i n g s ea s o n , fa l l we d d i n g s h ave ex p e ri e n ce d t re m e n d o u s g row t h t h a n ks to M a i n e’s wo rl d - fa m o u s fo l i a g e .

S e p te m b e r a n d O c to b e r a re n ow co n s i d e re d p re m i u m we d d i n g m o n t h s a c ro s s m u ch o f t h e s t a te .

Wi n te r we d d i n g s a re a l s o g a i n i n g p o p u l a ri ty, pa r t i c u l a rl y a t m o u n t a i n l o d g e s a n d l u xu r y i n n s .

S n ow- cove re d l a n d s c a p e s , cozy f i re p l a ce s , a n d i n t i m a te ce l e b ra t i o n s c rea te a d i s t i n c t l y M a i n e a t m o s p h e re t h a t m a ny co u p l e s f i n d i rre s i s t i b l e .

Ea ch s ea s o n o f fe rs i t s ow n ch a ra c te r, a l l ow i n g co u p l e s f l ex i b i l i ty i n b o t h s ty l e a n d budget.

Why Coupl es Ch oose Mai n e S eve ra l fa c to rs co n t i n u e to f u e l M a i n e’s d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g b o o m . Fi rs t , g u e s t s o f te n t u rn t h e ce l e b ra t i o n i n to a va c a t i o n , e n j oy i n g t h e s t a te’s coa s t l i n e , d i n i n g , s h o p p i n g , b rewe ri e s , a n d o u td o o r a c t i v i t i e s . S e co n d , co u p l e s a p p re c i a te kn ow i n g t h e i r we d d i n g s p e n d i n g s u p p o r t s l o c a l b u s i n e s s e s a n d co m m u n i t i e s .

M o s t i m p o r t a n t l y, m a ny co u p l e s h ave a p e rs o n a l co n n e c t i o n to M a i n e . Fo r s o m e , i t i s a favo ri te va c a t i o n d e s t i n a t i o n . Fo r o t h e rs , i t i s w h e re t h ey b e c a m e e n g a g e d , s p e n t s u m m e rs w i t h fa m i l y, o r c rea te d l a s t i n g m e m o ri e s to g e t h e r. T h a t e m o t i o n a l co n n e c t i o n a d d s d e p t h a n d m ea n i n g to t h e ce l e b ra t i o n .

T h e co m b i n a t i o n o f u n fo rg e tt a b l e ex p e ri e n ce s , e co n o m i c va l u e , p e rs o n a l s i g n i f i c a n ce , a n d a u t h e n t i c N ew E n g l a n d ch a rm h a s m a d e M a i n e o n e o f A m e ri c a’s p re m i e r d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g l o c a t i o n s — a n d i t s p o p u l a ri ty s h ows n o s i g n s o f s l ow i n g d ow n .

18

SUNSET ROMANCE ON THE CALIFORNIA COAST

Wedding by Michelle Arrowsmith-Gordon | Wedding for Jen & Seth

Jen & Seth’s Coast Celebration W h e n C h i c a g o co u p l e J e n a n d S e t h e nv i s i o n e d t h e i r d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g , t h ey wa n te d m o re t h a n a b ea u t i f u l ve n u e — t h ey wa n te d to c rea te a n u n fo rg e tt a b l e ex p e ri e n ce fo r t h e i r 20 0 g u e s t s .

T h ey fo u n d t h e p e r fe c t s e tt i n g a t L 'Au b e rg e D e l M a r, w h e re o cea n v i ews a n d S o u t h e rn Ca l i fo rn i a ch a rm s e t t h e s t a g e fo r a s p e c t a c u l a r ce l e b ra t i o n .

I n s p i re d by t h e v i b ra n t co l o rs o f a D e l M a r s u n s e t , t h e we d d i n g d e s i g n fea t u re d wa rm s h a d e s o f p ea ch , co ra l , b l u s h , a p ri co t , a n d s o f t g o l d wove n t h ro u g h o u t l u s h f l o ra l i n s t a l l a t i o n s , e l eva te d ce n te rp i e ce s , a n d a b rea t h t a ki n g o cea n f ro n t ce re m o ny a rch . B e i g e p i l l a r c a n d l e s a d d e d wa rm t h a n d ro m a n ce a s t h e ce l e b ra t i o n t ra n s i t i o n e d f ro m d ay to eve n i n g .

P l a n n e d ove r t h e co u rs e o f a yea r by A B C Pro fe s s i o n a l We d d i n g P l a n n e r M i ch e l e A rrows m i t h - G o rd o n o f A rrows m i t h Eve n t s , t h e eve n t s ea m l e s s l y g u i d e d g u e s t s t h ro u g h m u l t i p l e ve n u e t ra n s fo rm a t i o n s — f ro m a ro o f to p ce re m o ny ove rl o o ki n g t h e Pa c i f i c O cea n to a n e l e g a n t p l a te d d i n n e r re ce p t i o n a n d a n e n e rg e t i c ba l l ro o m ce l e b ra t i o n .

O n e o f t h e eve n t ' s s t a n d o u t fea t u re s wa s t h e i m m e rs i ve f l o ra l d e s i g n t h a t c rea te d a t r u e " s u n s e t g a rd e n by t h e s ea " a t m o s p h e re .

Thoughtful planning, meticulous logistics, and s t ro n g ve n d o r co l l a b o ra t i o n e n s u re d eve r y t ra n s i t i o n fe l t e f fo r t l e s s , a l l ow i n g g u e s t s to f u l l y e n j oy t h e ce l e b ra t i o n .

T h e re s u l t wa s a s o p h i s t i c a te d d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g t h a t b ea u t i f u l l y b l e n d e d coa s t a l Ca l i fo rn i a e l e g a n ce w i t h t h e co u p l e' s M i d we s te rn ro o t s , c rea t i n g m e m o ri e s t h a t w i l l l a s t a l i fe t i m e .

Wedding Vendors We d d i n g P l a n n e r : M i ch e l e A rrows m i t h - G o rd o n , PWP | P l a n n i n g Co m pa ny : A rrows m i t h Eve n t s | Ve n u e : L 'Au b e rg e D e l M a r | P h o to g ra p h e r : G a rre tt R i ch a rd s o n P h o to g ra p hy | H a i r & M a ke u p : T h e H a i r a n d M a ke u p B ox | Vi d e o g ra p h e r : A m a ri Pro d u c t i o n s | P h o to B o o t h : T h e S D P h o to G u ys | F l o ri s t s : Pa rke r & Po s i e s | Ca ke & D e s s e r t s : J e n ny We n ny | B a n d : B e n M a l l a re Eve n t s & E n te r t a i n m e n t

22

SMALL AND SAVVY, BIG DAYS ARE GOING BESPOKE Trend report: More couples are opting for intimate nuptial celebrations. Here’s how Sandals and Beaches Resorts can make your small celebration a big deal.

Written By: Debbie-Ann White

Fo r m a ny g e n e ra t i o n s , e l o p e m e n t s we re co n s i d e re d s e c re t s — h i d d e n n u p t i a l s w i t h j u s t two t h a t h a p p e n e d a t q u i cki e ch a p e l s o r o n a w h i m . T h e s e d ays , h oweve r, m o re a n d m o re co u p l e s a re f i n d i n g t h a t i n t i m a te ce l e b ra t i o n s w i t h l i m i te d g u e s t l i s t s a re m o re ro m a n t i c a n d m o re m e m o ra b l e , a l l w h i l e b e i n g ea s i e r o n t h e wa l l e t . A n d m o re t h a n 4 0 % o f yo u a re s l a s h i n g yo u r g u e s t co u n t s to c rea te t h e p e r fe c t ce l e b ra t i o n .

g o l d e n s h o re s a n d m a n i c u re d g a rd e n s w i t h e n d l e s s ro m a n t i c a m e n i t i e s ( a n d a c t i ve p u rs u i t s ) and the best sunsets in the Ca ri b b ea n . Wi t h a cco m m o d a t i o n s ra n g i n g f ro m ro m a n t i c g u e s t ro o m s w i t h ex pa n s i ve v i ews to co n c i e rg e l eve l s u i te s a n d v i l l a s w i t h p ri va te p o o l s , a n d t h e s h ows to p p e rs — ove r wa te r b u n g a l ows m a d e fo r s o c i a l m e d i a a n d s p e c i a l m e m o ri e s . T h e co l l e c t i o n o f re s o r t s h ave l o n g b e e n p i c t u re - p e r fe c t h o n ey m o o n As t h e n a m e i m p l i e s , a m i c ro h i d eaways w i t h a m e n i t i e s s u ch we d d i n g i s a m o re i n t i m a te t a ke a s co n ce p t re s t a u ra n t s , e n d l e s s o n t h e t ra d i t i o n a l we d d i n g d ay. wa te rs p o r t s , i n d u l g e n t s pa s , T h e s e ce l e b ra t i o n s ty p i c a l l y h o s t exce l l e n t exc u rs i o n s , a n d s e r v i ce n o m o re t h a n 5 0 g u e s t s — o f te n w i t h a s m i l e . A n d a s i t t u rn s o u t , l i m i te d to i m m e d i a te fa m i l y a n d a t h ey a l s o l a rg e l y a p p ea l to t i g h t c i rcl e o f cl o s e s t f ri e n d s . co u p l e s i n s ea rch o f m a ki n g W h i l e s m a l l e r i n s i ze , m i c ro m ea n i n g f u l m e m o ri e s o f t h e we d d i n g s a re a ny t h i n g b u t s c a l e d p e r fe c t ce l e b ra t i o n fo r t h e i r d ow n w h e n i t co m e s to s ty l e o r i n t i m a te m i c ro -we d d i n g . M o re ex p e ri e n ce . M i c ro -we d d i n g s a l l ow t h a n a ny o t h e r g ro u p o f re s o r t s , yo u to fo c u s o n m ea n i n g f u l S a n d a l s a n d t h e fa m i l y- f ri e n d l y m o m e n t s , e l eva te d d e s i g n , a n d s i s te r p ro p e r t i e s , B ea ch e s thoughtful details—without R e s o r t s , exce l a t o f fe ri n g s a c ri f i c i n g t h e m a g i c o f a f u l l awe s o m e o p t i o n s fo r co u p l e s we d d i n g fe s t i v i ty — m a ki n g a t h a t a re t i g h t l y c u ra te d , t u rn - key, d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g a n i d ea l a n d co m p l e te l y s t re s s - f re e . Ke e p p l a n fo r t h e s e m i c ro - ce l e b ra t i o n s . rea d i n g fo r t h e d e t a i l s o f s ay i n g “ I d o” fo r i n t i m a te ce l e b ra t i o n s .

N o t o n l y d o t ro p i c a l l o c a t i o n s o f fe r g o o d va c a t i o n v i b e s w i t h a Simply th e Pair ro m a n t i c s e n s e o f p l a ce , b u t t h ey a l s o p ro m i s e d e s t i n a t i o n - s p e c i f i c Wi t h t h e t a g l i n e “a l l yo u n e e d i s c u l t u re a n d a c t i v i t i e s , l o c a l fo o d , yo u r favo ri te p e rs o n ,” i t ’s cl ea r a n d exce p t i o n a l s e r v i ce . W h e n t h a t t h e Two Love B i rd s yo u h o s t yo u r s m a l l B i g D ay a t a We d d i n g Pa cka g e i s a ro b u s t S a n d a l s o r B ea ch e s re s o r t i n a ce l e b ra t i o n s o l u t i o n fo r t h e Ca ri b b ea n pa ra d i s e , t h e p l a n n i n g t ra d i t i o n a l e l o p e m e n t co u p l e i s a l l t a ke n c a re o f by t h e p ro s . t h a t i n cl u d e s a l l t h e ba s i c s a n d M a ny o f t h e s e fa n t a s t i c b eyo n d . Pa cka g e d e t a i l s i n cl u d e p ro p e r t i e s o f fe r ex p e r t l y c u ra te d f l o ra l s , a c a ke , a co ck t a i l pa cka g e s t h a t a re p e r fe c t l y re ce p t i o n , a ro m a n t i c fo u rpa i re d fo r yo u r p e rs o n a l i t i e s . A l l co u rs e m ea l , a n d , o f co u rs e , t h e t h a t a d d s u p to a w h o l e l o t o f ce re m o ny, w h i ch c a n b e h o s te d h a p p i l y eve r a f te r w i t h o u t t h e i n a s u n - ki s s e d l o c a t i o n a t a s t re s s , t h e s t ra te g i c S a n d a l s o r B ea ch e s R e s o r t o f m a n e u ve ri n g , a n d t h e p ri ce t a g yo u r ch o o s i n g — swa p vows a t t h e o f a l a rg e r n u p t i a l ce l e b ra t i o n . ro o f to p i n f i n i ty p o o l o n t h e S ky Fo r n ea rl y h a l f a ce n t u r y, t h e a d u l t s - o n l y S a n d a l s R e s o r t s h ave b e e n we l co m i n g co u p l e s to t h e i r g o l d e n s h o re s a n d m a n i c u re d g a rd e n s w i t h e n d l e s s ro m a n t i c a m e n i t i e s ( a n d a c t i ve p u rs u i t s )

Te rra ce ove rl o o ki n g t h e d a z z l i n g s a n d s a t S a n d a l s B a rba d o s ; o r o p t fo r a q u i e t m o m e n t o n a l aw n f ro n t i n g co tt a g e s a t t h e Ca ri b b ea n B ea ch f ro n t Vi l l a g e a t S a n d a l s G ra n d e A n t i g u a . D o n’ t

lawn fronting cottages at the Caribbean Beachfront Village at Sandals Grande Antigua. Don’t sleep on the couples’ massage, it’s a delightful way to soak in the moment with your partner.

The Inner Circle The Sweetheart Wedding package is a perfectly petite way to celebrate your love surrounded by up to 10 guests. It all begins with a wedding planning team that guides you through the process and onsite wedding team that takes care of everything for your once you are on the island.

Couples can keep it simple with the package providing everything needed for their perfect “I Do,” or embrace their unique style and customize their big day with décor, entertainment, excursions and more. For those who need a little help, Sandals & Beaches even offer q bountiful array of island-inspired wedding setups to get you started. PS: Stay for seven nights or longer in a Club or Butler accommodation—The Sky Pool Suites at Sandals Grenada are the definition of “stunning”— and this package is complimentary.

S l i g h t l y l a rg e r, b u t j u s t a s s c ri p te d fo r h a p p i l y eve r a f te r i s t h e B l i s s We d d i n g pa cka g e .

Pe r fe c t fo r t h e co u p l e s w h o c a n ke e p t h e i r cl o s e - kn i t c rew to 5 0 o r u n d e r, t h i s pa cka g e i n cl u d e s m a ny o f t h e d e t a i l s o f i t s s m a l l e r s i s te rs p l u s a b ea u t i f u l we l co m e pa r ty, we d d i n g a n d h o n ey m o o n re s o r t c re d i t s , a n d eve n s o m e f re e ro o m d ea l s !

Go to th e Chapel Fo r a ce re m o ny w i t h a m o re t ra d i t i o n a l a n d s t i l l m e s m e ri z i n g l y t ro p i c a l s e tt i n g , o p t fo r a p ro p e r ty t h a t f l a u n t s a n ove r wa te r ch a p e l .

24

S e t o n p i e rs , s u rro u n d e d by c r ys t a l l i n e wa te rs , t h e n o n d e n o m i n a t i o n a l w h i te cl a p b oa rd s t r u c t u re s a re b l i s s f u l l y b re ezy w i t h ove rs i ze d w i n d ows , g l a s s f l o o rs , a n d 3 6 0 v i ews o f pa ra d i s e , t h e u l t ra - ro m a n t i c s t r u c t u re s a re ava i l a b l e a t s i x S a n d a l s re s o r t s — J a m a i c a’s S a n d a l s S o u t h Coa s t , S a n d a l s M o n te g o B ay, a n d S a n d a l s O ch i ; S a n d a l s G ra n d e S t .

Lu c i a n o n S t . Lu c i a ; S a n d a l s R oya l B a h a m i a n ; a n d t h e n ewe s t re s o r t i n t h e co l l e c t i o n , S a n d a l s S a i n t Vi n ce n t . T h e fo rm e r a l s o h o u s e s a r u s t i c ch i c We d d i n g Pav i l i o n t h a t ’s a n e l e g a n t b l e n d o f t h e i n d o o rs and out.

All in th e Family Fo r pa r t i e s t h a t wa n t to ke e p i t a l l i n t h e fa m i l y a n d i n cl u d e t h e ki d d o s a n d te e n s , b o o k i n to B ea ch e s R e s o r t s . T h e fa m i l yf ri e n d l y p ro p e r t i e s — w i t h m o re o u t p o s t s co m i n g s o o n — o f fe r a l l t h e exce l l e n t , a n d i n cl u d e d , a m e n i t i e s o f t h e i r s i s te r h o te l s b u t w i t h s p e c i a l to u ch e s g ea re d towa rd ki d s a n d fa m i l i e s . T h e re a re g o rg e o u s wa te rpa rks a n d v i n t a g e i n s p i re d b u rg e r s h o p s , m a c- n ch e e s e re s t a u ra n t s a n d fa m i l y e n te r t a i n m e n t . Ce l e b ra t i o n s a t B ea ch e s g e t t h e s a m e a tte n t i o n to s e r v i ce a n d — l i ke ce re m o n i e s a t S a n d a l s — c a n b e h o s te d i n p h o to g e n i c g a ze b o s , o n t h e g o rg e o u s g ro u n d s , o r o n t h e g l ea m i n g w h i te s a n d s . Ad d o n a s u n s e t c r u i s e w i t h I s l a n d R o u te s fo r a m e m o ra b l e ex p e ri e n ce fo r t h e w h o l e fa m i l y.

B o n u s : Yo u c a n re ce i ve a c re d i t o f u p to $1 35 0 f ro m t h e Te s t D ri ve Yo u r We d d i n g p ro m o t i o n w h e n yo u b o o k yo u r we d d i n g g ro u p o f 5 ro o m s o r m o re a t a ny S a n d a l s o r B ea ch e s . A n d i f t h a t wa s n’ t e n o u g h , yo u c a n a l s o re ce i ve a f re e a n n i ve rs a r y n i g h t a t a ny o n e o f t h e 1 7 s p e c t a c u l a r re s o r t s w h e n yo u b o o k a m i n i m u m s t ay o f s eve n n i g h t s i n a co n c i e rg e o r b u t l e r l eve l ro o m .

Th e Fin e Print T h e l e g a l re q u i re m e n t s o f t h e we d d i n g m ay b e t h e l ea s t s exy a n d t h e m o s t n e ce s s a r y. Fi g u ri n g o u t w h a t d o c u m e n t s yo u n e e d , h ow m a ny w i t n e s s e s s h o u l d b e p re s e n t , a n d w h e t h e r yo u n e e d a m a rri a g e l i ce n s e a re a l l t a s ks t h a t a re b e s t l e f t to t h e p ro s a n d t h e tea m s a c ro s s S a n d a l s a n d B ea ch e s c a n m a ke i t a l l a b re eze . N ow a l l yo u n e e d to wo rr y a b o u t i s w h i ch b i ki n i to wea r o n t h e f i rs t d ay o f yo u r h o n ey m o o n .

Take it for a Spin N o m a tte r w h i ch g o rg e o u s re s o r t , a m a z i n g we d d i n g i n s p i ra t i o n o r re s o r t b ra n d yo u ch o o s e to h o s t yo u r s m a l l ce l e b ra t i o n w i t h a b i g i m pa c t yo u c a n te s t d ri ve yo u r we d d i n g . I n fa c t , t h a t ’s t h e n a m e o f t h e o f fe ri n g . T h e ex p e ri e n ce i s a p rev i ew o f yo u r s e l e c te d s e tt i n g . I t g i ve s yo u t i m e to ex p e ri e n ce t h e re s o r t a n d m e e t yo u r we d d i n g a n d p h o to g ra p hy tea m s . Wi n e a n d c a ke t a s t i n g s a re i n cl u d e d a s a re a l l t h e re s o r t a m e n i t i e s a n d a i rp o r t t ra n s fe rs .

B o n u s : Yo u c a n re ce i ve a c re d i t o f u p to $1 35 0 f ro m t h e Te s t D ri ve Yo u r We d d i n g p ro m o t i o n w h e n yo u b o o k yo u r we d d i n g g ro u p o f 5 ro o m s o r m o re a t a ny S a n d a l s o r

ABOUT THE AUTHOR D e b b i e -A n n W h i te i s S VP o f R o m a n ce & Ce l e b ra t i o n s fo r U n i q u e Va ca t i o n s I n c . , a n a f f i l i a te o f U n i q u e Tra ve l Co rp. , t h e wo rl d w i d e re p re s e n ta t i ve s fo r S a n d a l s R e s o r t s & B e a ch e s Resorts.

25

EIGHT EVENTS, THREE DAYS, ONE SEAMLESS CELEBRATION: Inside the Young-Patel Wedding in Tulum

Wedding by Suzanne Hala ska

D e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g s o f te n co m e w i t h u n i q u e l o g i s t i c a l ch a l l e n g e s , b u t t h e Yo u n g - Pa te l We d d i n g a t H i l to n Tu l u m R i v i e ra M aya e l eva te d d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g p l a n n i n g to a n e n t i re l y n ew l eve l . P l a n n e d by S u z a n n e H a l a s ka , CWP, o f Co u t u re Eve n t s , t h i s ex t ra o rd i n a r y t h re e - d ay ce l e b ra t i o n fea t u re d e i g h t d i s t i n c t eve n t s , i n cl u d i n g a M e h n d i , S a n g e e t , H a l d i , We s te rn Ce re m o ny a n d R e ce p t i o n , B a ra a t , H i n d u Ce re m o ny, a n d H i n d u D i n n e r fo r 1 8 0 g u e s t s .

Ra t h e r t h a n a p p roa ch i n g t h e we e ke n d a s a s i n g l e we d d i n g , H a l a s ka m a n a g e d i t a s e i g h t i n d i v i d u a l eve n t s , ea ch w i t h i t s ow n t i m e l i n e , d e s i g n co n ce p t , c u l t u ra l s i g n i f i c a n ce , ve n d o r tea m , a n d g u e s t ex p e ri e n ce . T h ro u g h n ea rl y two yea rs o f p l a n n i n g a n d ex te n s i ve co l l a b o ra t i o n w i t h a n o u t- o f- s t a te co u p l e , d e t a i l e d d e s i g n b oa rd s we re c rea te d fo r eve r y eve n t to e n s u re a co h e s i ve v i s u a l s to r y w h i l e a l l ow i n g ea ch ce l e b ra t i o n to m a i n t a i n i t s ow n i d e n t i ty.

O n e o f t h e m o s t i m p re s s i ve d e s i g n e l e m e n t s wa s a c u s to m - b u i l t " Tre e o f L i fe" m a n d a p i n s p i re d by T h e L i o n Ki n g .

Installation began at 3:00 a.m. with a 12-person design crew hand-assembling real tree branches to create an immersive ceremony structure overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The result became one of the most photographed moments of the wedding weekend.

The largest operational challenge involved transporting guests across six separate resort casas. After identifying transportation b o t t l e n e c k s d u r i n g t h e f i r s t e v e n i n g 's e v e n t s , Halaska worked directly with resort leadership to implement dedicated guest shuttles, golf carts, and designated pickup locations, dramatically improving guest flow for the remainder of the celebration.

For wedding professionals, the Young-Patel Wedding serves as a powerful reminder that successful multicultural destination weddings require equal attention to cultural authenticity, guest experience, logistics, and contingency planning. When these elements are thoughtfully integrated, the result is not simply a wedding, but an unforgettable multi-day experience.

Wedding Vendors We d d i n g P l a n n e r : S u z a n n e H a l a s ka , CWP | P l a n n i n g Co m pa ny : Co u t u re Eve n t s | Ve n u e / R e s o r t : H i l to n Tu l u m R i v i e ra M aya | DJ : DJ N ave e n | H i n d u Pri e s t : B e rn a rd o S o ri a n o | Eve n t P l a n n i n g : Ca n te i ro We d d i n g s P l a n n e r 1 Eve n t s & I n s p i re S o l u t i o n s

28

Photo by L O V E L Y from Pexels

Photo by Los Muertos Crew from Pexels

FOR THE LOVE OF THE BAHAMAS: Experiencing Romance Across the Islands T h e I s l a n d s o f T h e B a h a m a s we l co m e d t rave l a d v i s o rs a n d we d d i n g p l a n n e rs f ro m a c ro s s t h e i n d u s t r y fo r t h e i m m e rs i ve “ Fo r t h e Love o f t h e B a h a m a s ” FA M ex p e ri e n ce , h e l d Fe b r u a r y 26 – M a rch 2 , 2026 i n N a s s a u .

H o s te d a t t h e b ea u t i f u l M a rg a ri t av i l l e B ea ch R e s o r t , t h e p ro g ra m p rov i d e d a f i rs t h a n d l o o k a t t h e m a ny o p p o r t u n i t i e s t h e i s l a n d s o f fe r co u p l e s s e e ki n g u n fo rg e tt a b l e d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g s a n d ro m a n t i c ce l e b ra t i o n s .

Fro m t h e m o m e n t a tte n d e e s a rri ve d , t h e ex p e ri e n ce wa s d e s i g n e d to i n s p i re a n d e d u c a te p l a n n e rs o n h ow to s h owc a s e T h e B a h a m a s a s a p re m i e r d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g l o c a t i o n . Wi t h i t s c r ys t a l - cl ea r t u rq u o i s e wa te rs , w h i te s a n d b ea ch e s , a n d v i b ra n t c u l t u re , t h e d e s t i n a t i o n o f fe rs a w i d e ra n g e o f s e tt i n g s fo r p ro p o s a l s , we d d i n g s , h o n ey m o o n s , a n d m i l e s to n e ce l e b ra t i o n s . T h e B a h a m a s i s m a d e u p o f 1 6 m a j o r i s l a n d s s pa n n i n g m o re t h a n 1 0 0,0 0 0 s q u a re m i l e s , ea ch o f fe ri n g i t s ow n u n i q u e p e rs o n a l i ty a n d ex p e ri e n ce s fo r co u p l e s a n d t h e i r g u e s t s .

T h e FA M b e g a n w i t h a rri va l s i n to N a s s a u a n d ch e ck- i n a t M a rg a ri t av i l l e B ea ch R e s o r t , a ce n t ra l l y l o c a te d o cea n f ro n t p ro p e r ty o f fe ri n g m o d e rn a cco m m o d a t i o n s a n d ea sy a cce s s to B ay S t re e t , J u n ka n o o B ea ch , a n d l o c a l a tt ra c t i o n s s u ch a s t h e S t raw M a rke t a n d A rawa k Cay Fi s h Fr y.

T h a t eve n i n g , a tte n d e e s g a t h e re d fo r a fe s t i ve We l co m e Co ck t a i l R e ce p t i o n a t t h e h i s to ri c B ri t i s h Co l o n i a l H o te l , w h e re p l a n n e rs a n d t rave l a d v i s o rs h a d t h e o p p o r t u n i ty to n e two rk w i t h to u ri s m pa r t n e rs a n d fe l l ow i n d u s t r y p ro fe s s i o n a l s w h i l e e n j oy i n g a re l a xe d t ro p i c a l ch i c a t m o s p h e re .

D ay two o f t h e p ro g ra m b ro u g h t a t r u l y u n i q u e ex p e ri e n ce . Pa r t i c i pa n t s t rave l e d to va ri o u s i s l a n d s a c ro s s T h e B a h a m a s to d i s cove r t h e d i ve rs i ty o f we d d i n g p o s s i b i l i t i e s t h ro u g h o u t t h e a rch i p e l a g o. G ro u p s ex p l o re d d e s t i n a t i o n s i n cl u d i n g Exu m a , E l e u t h e ra , H a rb o u r I s l a n d , G ra n d B a h a m a , A ba co, a n d A n d ro s , ea ch kn ow n fo r i t s ow n d i s t i n c t i ve s ce n e r y a n d we d d i n g ex p e ri e n ce s .

T h e s e i m m e rs i ve v i s i t s a l l owe d p l a n n e rs to s e e f i rs t h a n d t h e b ea u ty o f t h e O u t I s l a n d s a n d g a i n a d e e p e r u n d e rs t a n d i n g o f h ow ea ch i s l a n d c a n o f fe r co u p l e s a d i f fe re n t ty p e o f d e s t i n a t i o n ce l e b ra t i o n — f ro m l a i d - ba ck b ea ch we d d i n g s to l u xu ri o u s re s o r t ex p e ri e n ce s .

B a ck i n N a s s a u , t h e t h i rd d ay fo c u s e d o n s i te v i s i t s a n d re s o r t ex p e ri e n ce s a c ro s s N a s s a u a n d Pa ra d i s e I s l a n d .

Atte n d e e s to u re d s o m e o f t h e d e s t i n a t i o n’s m o s t s o u g h ta f te r we d d i n g ve n u e s a n d re s o r t s , i n cl u d i n g S a p o d i l l a Es t a te , S a n d a l s , G ra n d H ya tt B a h a M a r, At l a n t i s Pa ra d i s e I s l a n d , Fo u r S ea s o n s O cea n C l u b, a n d Le C h a tea u .

T h e s e v i s i t s a l l owe d p l a n n e rs to ex p l o re ce re m o ny l o c a t i o n s , re ce p t i o n s pa ce s , a cco m m o d a t i o n s , a n d g u e s t ex p e ri e n ce s t h a t co u p l e s c a n i n co rp o ra te i n to t h e i r we d d i n g ce l e b ra t i o n s .

T h e d ay co n cl u d e d w i t h a n e l e g a n t “Ad ve n t u re s A f te r D a rk ” d i n n e r ex p e ri e n ce a t G ra n d H ya tt B a h a M a r, w h e re a tte n d e e s e n j oye d i m m e rs i ve e n te r t a i n m e n t a n d n e two rki n g i n a s ty l i s h a l l - b l a ck t h e m e d eve n i n g .

Ed u c a t i o n a n d co l l a b o ra t i o n we re a l s o key e l e m e n t s o f t h e p ro g ra m . O n d ay fo u r, a tte n d e e s pa r t i c i pa te d i n “ B eyo n d t h e A i s l e ,” a s e ri e s o f pa n e l d i s c u s s i o n s , h o te l pa r t n e r exch a n g e s , a n d n e two rki n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s w i t h l o c a l s e r v i ce p rov i d e rs . T h e s e s e s s i o n s a l l owe d p l a n n e rs to co n n e c t d i re c t l y w i t h B a h a m i a n to u ri s m p ro fe s s i o n a l s w h i l e l ea rn i n g m o re a b o u t p l a n n i n g d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g s o n t h e i s l a n d s .

T h e p ro g ra m co n cl u d e d w i t h a b ea u t i f u l f i n a l e d i n n e r a t T h e I s l a n d H o u s e , w h e re a tte n d e e s g a t h e re d fo r a co ck t a i l re ce p t i o n a n d d i n n e r to ce l e b ra te t h e co n n e c t i o n s m a d e a n d t h e ex p e ri e n ce s s h a re d t h ro u g h o u t t h e t ri p.

T h ro u g h o u t t h e FA M , o n e m e s s a g e re s o n a te d cl ea rl y : Eve r y i s l a n d i n T h e B a h a m a s o f fe rs i t s ow n l ove s to r y wa i t i n g to h a p p e n .

Fo r we d d i n g p l a n n e rs a n d t rave l a d v i s o rs , t h e ex p e ri e n ce p rov i d e d va l u a b l e i n s i g h t s i n to t h e d e s t i n a t i o n’s u n i q u e ve n u e s , c u l t u ra l ex p e ri e n ce s , a n d ro m a n t i c s e tt i n g s — e q u i p p i n g t h e m w i t h t h e kn ow l e d g e a n d i n s p i ra t i o n to h e l p co u p l e s c rea te u n fo rg e tt a b l e ce l e b ra t i o n s i n T h e Bahamas.

30

AN IMPERIAL AFFAIR ON THE ATLANTIC: Kia & Charles' Extraordinary Wedding at Hôtel du Palais

Wedding by Nicole Zillman | Wedding for Kia and Charles

Pe rch e d a l o n g t h e At l a n t i c coa s t l i n e i n t h e h ea r t o f Fra n ce’s B a s q u e Co u n t r y, H ô te l d u Pa l a i s i n B i a rri t z wa s o ri g i n a l l y b u i l t a s t h e s u m m e r re s i d e n ce o f E m p re s s Eu g é n i e a n d N a p o l e o n I I I , a s e tt i n g s te e p e d i n i m p e ri a l ro m a n ce a n d t i m e l e s s g ra n d e u r.

I t wa s h e re t h a t Ki a a n d C h a rl e s g a t h e re d w i t h t h e i r s o n , fa m i l y, a n d cl o s e s t f ri e n d s fo r a n u n fo rg e tt a b l e ce l e b ra t i o n t h a t fe l t e q u a l pa r t s we re l e g a l , j oy f u l , a n d d e e p l y p e rs o n a l . Ag a i n s t a ba ckd ro p o f swe e p i n g o cea n v i ews , t h e co u p l e exch a n g e d vows o n t h e ex pa n s i ve s ea s i d e l aw n o f t h e pa l a ce , f ra m e d by a b u n d a n t Eu ro p ea n i n s p i re d f l o ra l a rra n g e m e n t s i n a v i v i d pa l e tte o f co l o r. T h e b ri d e wa s n o t h i n g s h o r t o f b rea t h t a ki n g , m a ki n g a d ra m a t i c e n t ra n ce i n a n ex t rava g a n t b l u s h g ow n a d o rn e d w i t h c a s c a d i n g s c u l p t u ra l r u f f l e s , fo l l owe d by m u l t i p l e g l a m o ro u s wa rd ro b e ch a n g e s t h a t c a rri e d h e r e f fo r t l e s s l y f ro m ce re m o ny to ce l e b ra t i o n .

As d ay t u rn e d to eve n i n g , g u e s t s e n j oye d co ck t a i l s b e n ea t h t h e h o te l ’s l u m i n o u s g l a s s a t ri u m b e fo re e n te ri n g t h e i n co m pa ra b l e S a l o n I m p é ri a l . R i ch w i t h h i s to r y a n d a r t i s t r y, t h e s a l o n d a z z l e s w i t h s oa ri n g pa i n te d ce i l i n g s , g i l d e d m o l d i n g s , m o n u m e n t a l m u ra l s , i n t ri c a te a rch i te c t u ra l d e t a i l i n g , a n d t h e u n m i s t a ka b l e s p l e n d o r o f t h e B e l l e É p o q u e . B e n ea t h t h e s e m a g n i f i ce n t wo rks o f a r t , t a b l e s we re c row n e d w i t h towe ri n g f l o ra l ce n te rp i e ce s t h a t t ra n s fo rm e d t h e ro o m i n to a ro m a n t i c g a rd e n i n full bloom.

D e l i c a te c r ys t a l a cce n t s , e l e g a n t g o l d s ea t i n g , a n d a s c u l p t u ra l c a ke a d o rn e d w i t h e t h e rea l s u g a r f l o ra l s co m p l e te d t h e d rea m l i ke s e tt i n g .

D i n n e r b e c a m e a n ex p e ri e n ce i n i t s e l f. I n co l l a b o ra t i o n w i t h t h e h o te l ’s exe c u t i ve ch e f, t h e co u p l e c u ra te d a n exq u i s i te m u l t i - co u rs e m e n u t a i l o re d to t h e i r p e rs o n a l t a s te s . S h owc a s i n g re f i n e d Fre n ch c u i s i n e , re g i o n a l s p e c i a l t i e s , a n d i m p e cc a b l y s o u rce d i n g re d i e n t s , ea ch b ea u t i f u l l y p re s e n te d co u rs e o f fe re d g u e s t s a c u l i n a r y j o u rn ey a s m e m o ra b l e a s t h e ce l e b ra t i o n i t s e l f.

T h ro u g h o u t t h e eve n i n g , t h e co u p l e a l s o h o n o re d t h e i r N ew O rl ea n s ro o t s w i t h a s p i ri te d S e co n d L i n e , co m p l e te w i t h pa ra s o l s a n d d a n c i n g t h a t i n f u s e d t h e h i s to ri c pa l a ce w i t h j oy a n d exu b e ra n ce .

A s ea m l e s s b l e n d o f Fre n ch re f i n e m e n t a n d p e rs o n a l t ra d i t i o n , Ki a a n d C h a rl e s ’ we d d i n g wa s a m a s te rcl a s s i n l u xu ri o u s d e s t i n a t i o n e n te r t a i n i n g — w h e re i m p e ri a l h i s to r y, i m p e cc a b l e d e s i g n , a n d e n d u ri n g l ove c a m e to g e t h e r ove rl o o ki n g t h e s ea .

M ay I a l s o m e n t i o n t h a t t h e ve n d o r l i s t i n cl u d e d We n d i e B a s s , w h o a c te d a s a m u ch - n e e d e d a s s i s t a n t a s t h i s we d d i n g to o k p l a ce l e s s t h a n 2 we e ks a f te r I g ave b i r t h - a te s t a m e n t o f A B C ’s co m m u n i ty !

33

Wedding Vendors We d d i n g P l a n n e r : Z i l l m a n We d d i n g s a n d Trave l | P h o to g ra p h e r & P h o to B o o t h : J D B a s c i o | H o te l : H o te l d u Pa l a i s – Pa u l i n e B e cke r | F l o ri s t : O rch i s – C y ri l R o d ri g u ez | As s i s t a n t : We n d i e B a s s , MWP | DJ : G ro ove Cav i a r – Pi e rre H e n ny D e B a s sy

34

WHEN THE RAIN NEVER STOPPED

Written By: Author Mariela Gonzalez Tardy, CWP | Owner of: MGT Events LLC

A Destination Wedding Story of Trust, Timing, and Teamwork at Hacienda Siesta Alegre J e n n i fe r a n d Lu i s ’ we d d i n g i s o n e I w i l l re m e m b e r fo r m a ny rea s o n s . I t wa s i n t i m a te , e m o t i o n a l , a n d f u l l o f t h e ki n d o f rea l - l i fe l o g i s t i c s t h a t re m i n d u s w hy d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g s n e e d m o re t h a n a b ea u t i f u l l o c a t i o n . T h ey n e e d a tea m t h a t co m m u n i c a te s , a d a p t s q u i ck l y, a n d p ro te c t s t h e ex p e ri e n ce eve n w h e n t h e wea t h e r d o e s n o t co o p e ra te .

At M G T Eve n t s , we d o n o t u s u a l l y t a ke we d d i n g s a s d ay- o f co o rd i n a t i o n o n l y. We b e l i eve a p l a n n e r c a n n o t re s p o n s i b l y wa l k i n to a we d d i n g d ay w i t h o u t u n d e rs t a n d i n g t h e ve n d o r tea m , the logistics, the timeline, and t h e p o te n t i a l ri s ks b e h i n d t h e ce l e b ra t i o n . H oweve r, J e n n i fe r rea ch e d o u t w i t h s u ch h o n e s ty.

S h e wa s ove r w h e l m e d , s i n ce re a b o u t w h e re s h e wa s i n t h e p l a n n i n g p ro ce s s , a n d l o o ki n g fo r g u i d a n ce to h e l p b ri n g eve r y t h i n g to g e t h e r.

B e fo re p re s e n t i n g a p ro p o s a l , I eva l u a te d t h e ve n d o r tea m a n d t h e p l a n n i n g s t a t u s . O n ce I rea l i ze d t h a t m o s t o f t h e ve n d o rs we re p ro fe s s i o n a l s I a l rea d y kn ew, t r u s te d , o r h a d wo rke d w i t h b e fo re , I fe l t co n f i d e n t t h a t t h i s co u l d b e m a n a g e d p ro p e rl y. T h e i r i nve s t m e n t n e e d e d to b e m a n a g e d t h o u g h t f u l l y, b u t t h e re wa s s o m e t h i n g a b o u t t h e m a s a co u p l e t h a t m a d e m e fe e l t h ey we re t h e ri g h t f i t . M y wo rk l oa d a l l owe d i t , s o I s te p p e d i n .

From there, we focused on the pieces that matter most for wedding management: confirming vendors, rebuilding and refining the logistics, developing a strong timeline, understanding the venue flow, and making sure everyone was aligned before the wedding day.

For a destination wedding, that preparation is essential. The

p re pa ra t i o n i s e s s e n t i a l . T h e co u p l e m ay s e e t h e b ea u ty o f P u e r to R i co, b u t t h e p l a n n e r m u s t a l s o s e e t h e a cce s s p o i n t s , wea t h e r pa tte rn s , ve n d o r t i m i n g , g u e s t f l ow, a n d ba cku p o p t i o n s .

T h e we d d i n g to o k p l a ce a t H a c i e n d a S i e s t a A l e g re , a b ea u t i f u l S pa n i s h - s ty l e ve n u e w i t h a d i s t i n c t i ve f l o o r p l a n .

T h e ce n t ra l pa t i o i s o f te n u s e d a s t h e d a n ce f l o o r, w i t h g u e s t t a b l e s p l a ce d i n t h e s i d e a rea s fo r t h e re ce p t i o n . B e c a u s e t h i s wa s a n i n t i m a te we d d i n g a n d t h e fo re c a s t wa s n o t i n o u r favo r, we m a d e a n i n te n t i o n a l floor plan adjustment: all guest t a b l e s we re p l a ce d o n o n e s i d e , ke e p i n g t h e a rea cl o s e r to t h e ba r o p e n a n d ava i l a b l e a s a cove re d d a n ce f l o o r i f n e e d e d .

We we re a l rea d y m o n i to ri n g t h e p o s s i b i l i ty o f ra i n , s o we m ove d q u i ck l y a n d re co m m e n d e d t h a t t h e co u p l e s e c u re cl ea r u m b re l l a s . I t wa s a small detail, but it made a big d i f fe re n ce . I t a l l owe d u s to p ro te c t key p h o to m o m e n t s w h i l e ke e p i n g t h e ove ra l l l o o k co h e s i ve a n d i n te n t i o n a l . I n d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g s , t h o s e s m a l l a n t i c i pa to r y d e c i s i o n s c a n co m p l e te l y ch a n g e h ow a wea t h e r ch a l l e n g e fe e l s i n p h o to s a n d i n m e m o r y.

O n t h e we d d i n g d ay, i t d i d n o t j u s t ra i n . I t p o u re d , a n d i t n eve r t r u l y s to p p e d . T h e co n t i n g e n cy p l a n h a d to b e exe c u te d , a n d co m m u n i c a t i o n b e c a m e t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t to o l we h a d .

T h e ve n d o r tea m s t aye d co n n e c te d , t h e p h o to g ra p h e rs we re i n c re d i b l e , a n d eve r yo n e u n d e rs to o d t h e p ri o ri ty : ke e p t h e t i m e l i n e m ov i n g , p ro te c t t h e co u p l e’s i m p o r t a n t m o m e n t s , a n d m a ke s u re g u e s t s s t i l l fe l t c a re d fo r.

There were moments when the rain required quick movement and immediate decisions. At one point, while moving quickly to help cover the bride in an outdoor area, I slipped and fell. I went straight to the paramedic stationed at the Hacienda for evaluation.

Thankfully, it was minor pain, and after being checked, I kept moving. Because the timeline was strong and the team was prepared, I was able to slow down when needed without the wedding losing momentum.

There were moments when the rain required quick movement and immediate decisions. At one point, while moving quickly to help cover the bride in an outdoor area, I slipped and fell. I went straight to the paramedic stationed at the Hacienda for evaluation.

we d d i n g wa s a re m i n d e r t h a t s o m e t i m e s t h e we d d i n g s we a l m o s t d o n o t t a ke b e co m e t h e o n e s t h a t rea f f i rm exa c t l y w hy we d o t h i s wo rk . " R a i n ch a n g e d t h e p l a n , b u t i t d i d n o t ta ke ove r t h e we d d i n g ."

Puer to Rico Ven dor Lin eup: Ve n u e : H a c i e n d a S i e s ta A l e g re We d d i n g D a y M a n a g e m e n t : M G T Eve n t s L LC F l o ra l s : La F l o re ta B y I s a Ca te ri n g : N i l s a ’s Ca te ri n g P h o to g ra p hy & Vi d e o : Fe b u s Fi l m E n te r ta i n m e n t : Yu v i P l e n a DJ : D e e j a ys Co rp.

M a ke u p & H a i r : Va n e s s a d e J e s u s H a i r & M a ke u p T h a n k f u l l y, i t wa s m i n o r pa i n , a n d a f te r b e i n g ch e cke d , I ke p t m ov i n g .

B e c a u s e t h e t i m e l i n e wa s s t ro n g a n d t h e tea m wa s p re pa re d , I wa s a b l e to s l ow d ow n w h e n n e e d e d w i t h o u t t h e we d d i n g l o s i n g momentum.

T h a t d ay wa s a re m i n d e r t h a t co l l a b o ra t i o n i s n o t j u s t a n i ce wo rd fo r ve n d o r c re d i t s . I t i s t h e rea s o n a we d d i n g c a n co n t i n u e b ea u t i f u l l y w h e n c i rc u m s t a n ce s ch a n g e . T h e p h o to g ra p h e rs wo rke d w i t h t h e ra i n i n s tea d o f a g a i n s t i t . T h e ve n d o r co m m u n i c a t i o n a l l owe d u s to a d j u s t w i t h o u t c rea t i n g pa n i c .

T h e ve n u e l ayo u t g ave u s o p t i o n s b e c a u s e we h a d p l a n n e d fo r t h e m i n a d va n ce . Ea ch p e rs o n’s ro l e m a tte re d .

T h a t d ay wa s a re m i n d e r t h a t co l l a b o ra t i o n i s n o t j u s t a n i ce wo rd fo r ve n d o r c re d i t s . I t i s t h e rea s o n a we d d i n g c a n co n t i n u e b ea u t i f u l l y w h e n c i rc u m s t a n ce s ch a n g e . T h e p h o to g ra p h e rs wo rke d w i t h t h e ra i n i n s tea d o f a g a i n s t i t . T h e ve n d o r co m m u n i c a t i o n a l l owe d u s to a d j u s t w i t h o u t c rea t i n g pa n i c .

T h e ve n u e l ayo u t g ave u s o p t i o n s b e c a u s e we h a d p l a n n e d fo r t h e m i n a d va n ce . Ea ch p e rs o n’s ro l e m a tte re d .

W h a t I w i l l re m e m b e r m o s t i s J e n n i fe r ’s s m i l e . S h e n eve r s to p p e d s m i l i n g . Lu i s wa s a g e n t l e m a n t h ro u g h o u t t h e d ay, c a l m a n d p re s e n t , a n d t h e i r yo u n g s o n e n j oye d t h e n i g h t a n d t h e ra i n i n t h e swe e te s t way. T h e wea t h e r co u l d h ave ea s i l y b e co m e t h e s to r y

o f t h e d ay, b u t i n s tea d , t h e s to r y b e c a m e t h e i r j oy.

D e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g s a re o f te n s o l d t h ro u g h b ea u t i f u l i m a g e s , b u t b e h i n d t h o s e i m a g e s a re h u n d re d s o f d e c i s i o n s t h a t a l l ow b ea u ty to h a p p e n i n rea l t i m e . A p l a n n e r m u s t kn ow w h e n to s ay ye s , w h e n to eva l u a te ri s k , h ow to p ro te c t t h e t i m e l i n e , a n d h ow to l ea d a ve n d o r tea m w i t h c a l m d i re c t i o n .

J e n n i fe r a n d Lu i s t r u s te d u s , t h e ve n d o rs t r u s te d t h e p l a n , a n d to g e t h e r we p ro te c te d t h e ex p e ri e n ce .

Ra i n ch a n g e d t h e p l a n , b u t i t d i d n o t t a ke ove r t h e we d d i n g . T h a t i s t h e p owe r o f p re pa ra t i o n , co m m u n i c a t i o n , a n d t h e ri g h t tea m . Fo r m e , J e n n i fe r a n d Lu i s ’

ABOUT THE AUTHOR M a ri e l a G o n za l ez Ta rd y i s t h e ow n e r a n d ce r t i f i e d we d d i n g p l a n n e r b e h i n d M G T Eve n t s L LC , a P u e r to R i co - b a s e d we d d i n g p l a n n i n g co m p a ny s p e c i a l i z i n g i n d e s t i n a t i o n we d d i n g s , l o g i s t i c s , a n d we d d i n g m a n a g e m e n t .

Wi t h a b a ckg ro u n d i n h o s p i ta l i ty, c u l i n a r y a r t s , a n d eve n t o p e ra t i o n s , M a ri e l a h e l p s co u p l e s n a v i g a te P u e r to R i co w i t h l o ca l ex p e r t i s e , b i l i n g u a l co m m u n i ca t i o n , a n d a ca l m , o rg a n i ze d a p p ro a ch . H e r wo rk fo c u s e s o n t h o u g h tf u l p l a n n i n g , ve n d o r co l l a b o ra t i o n , a n d p ro te c t i n g e a ch co u p l e’s ex p e ri e n ce f ro m t h e f i rs t co nve rs a t i o n t h ro u g h t h e we d d i n g d a y.

WHEN VENDORS CLICK:

Written By: Amanda Burman | Owner & Lead Photographer: Burman Photography

How Collaboration Creates Magic Behind the Lens Eve r y g rea t we d d i n g r u n s o n two t h i n g s : t r u s t a n d tea mwo rk . Yo u c a n h ave t h e m o s t s t u n n i n g ve n u e a n d the most thoughtful design, but if t h e ve n d o r tea m i s n’ t i n sy n c , t h e d ay w i l l a l ways fe e l d i s j o i n te d . I ’ ve l ea rn e d t h a t t h e b e s t we d d i n g s — t h e o n e s t h a t f l ow, fe e l n a t u ra l , a n d ke e p eve r yo n e g ro u n d e d — a re t h e o n e s w h e re ve n d o rs t r u l y co l l a b o ra te .

b e c a u s e o u r tea m co m m u n i c a te d s o we l l a n d t r u s te d ea ch o t h e r ’s re co m m e n d a t i o n s , I wa s a b l e to b ri n g o n a ve n d o r f ri e n d I kn ew wo u l d f i t t h e tea m s ea m l e s s l y.

Eve r yo n e a d j u s te d w i t h ea s e , a n d i t fe l t l i ke t h e v i d e o g ra p h e r h a d b e e n pa r t o f t h e p l a n a l l a l o n g . I t wa s a n o t h e r re m i n d e r t h a t co l l a b o ra t i o n c rea te s f l ex i b i l i ty, n o t f ri c t i o n .

T h i s pa s t yea r, I p h o to g ra p h e d a we d d i n g t h a t re m i n d e d m e exa c t l y w hy co l l a b o ra t i o n m a tte rs . T h e b ri d e wa s a l awye r, t h e g ro o m a te ch s t a r t u p g e n i u s . B o t h we re i n c re d i b l y b u sy, ba l a n c i n g d e m a n d i n g c a re e rs a n d t h e ch a o s o f we d d i n g p l a n n i n g . G e tt i n g t h e m o n a c a l l wa s n ea rl y i m p o s s i b l e .

T h ey we re ki n d , c rea t i ve , a n d co m p l e te l y ove r w h e l m e d . I n s tea d o f fo rc i n g m o re m e e t i n g s , t h e i r p l a n n e r s u g g e s te d a n ew a p p roa ch : ea ch ve n d o r wo u l d t a ke w h a t t h ey kn ew b e s t a n d wo rk to g e t h e r to b ri n g t h e co u p l e’s v i s i o n to l i fe .

W h e n ve n d o rs co l l a b o ra te l i ke t h a t , i t c rea te s a ri p p l e e f fe c t . A p l a n n e r w h o t r u s t s t h e p h o to g ra p h e r w i l l s ch e d u l e t i m e fo r rea l s to r y te l l i n g m o m e n t s . A f l o ri s t w h o co m m u n i c a te s o p e n l y w i t h t h e p h o to tea m e n s u re s eve r y b o u q u e t a n d i n s t a l l a t i o n s h i n e s . A ve n u e m a n a g e r w h o s h a re s i n s i g h t o n l i g h t i n g o r t i m i n g h e l p s eve r yo n e s u cce e d . I t ’s a q u i e t d a n ce w h e re eve r yo n e g i ve s j u s t e n o u g h ro o m fo r c rea t i v i ty to b rea t h e .

We asked the couple to create a simple Pinterest board filled with what they loved — not specifics, just feelings and aesthetics. From there, the planner, florist, and I met to interpret it together. The planner handled flow and logistics, the florist drew inspiration from color and texture, and I focused on light and emotion. We trusted one another’s instincts completely. The couple trusted us, and we trusted each other.

That trust shaped everything.

Because the vendors were aligned, the couple didn’t have to micromanage or stress over details.

They were free to actually enjoy their weekend with family and friends. The atmosphere on the wedding day was calm and connected, and that energy shows up in the photos — laughter that’s unforced, moments that unfold naturally, and design details that feel cohesive without being overdone.

About three weeks before the wedding, the couple decided they wanted videography added to their coverage. Normally, that kind of last-minute change can cause stress for everyone involved. But

W h a t I ’ ve l ea rn e d ove r t h e yea rs i s t h a t co l l a b o ra t i o n re q u i re s h u m i l i ty. Yo u h ave to b e w i l l i n g to l i s te n , to a s k q u e s t i o n s , a n d to s e e a n o t h e r ve n d o r ’s p e rs p e c t i ve .

S o m e o f my b e s t i m a g e s h ave co m e f ro m m o m e n t s w h e n a f l o ri s t s a i d , “ Tr y s h o o t i n g t h i s f ro m h e re ,” o r a p l a n n e r a d j u s te d a s ch e d u l e to g i ve u s b e tte r l i g h t . T h o s e s m a l l a c t s o f pa r t n e rs h i p t u rn g o o d wo rk i n to ex t ra o rd i n a r y re s u l t s .

T h e b e s t pa r t o f t h a t b u sy co u p l e’s we d d i n g wa s n’ t j u s t t h e b ea u ty o f t h e d ay — i t wa s h ow e f fo r t l e s s i t fe l t . T h e co u p l e l a te r to l d u s , “ I t wa s exa c t l y w h a t we h o p e d fo r, a n d we d i d n’ t h ave to wo rr y a b o u t a t h i n g .” T h a t ’s t h e m a g i c o f co l l a b o ra t i o n . I t a l l ows co u p l e s to s te p ba ck a n d b e p re s e n t , w h i l e t h e i r t r u s te d tea m m a ke s t h e v i s i o n co m e a l i ve .

As we l o o k towa rd t h e f u t u re o f we d d i n g s , I h o p e m o re p ro fe s s i o n a l s l ea n i n to pa r t n e rs h i p i n s tea d o f co m p e t i t i o n .

Co l l a b o ra t i o n d o e s n’ t d i l u te yo u r artistry; it amplif ies it. When ve n d o rs cl i ck , eve r yo n e w i n s — a n d t h e re s u l t i s a we d d i n g t h a t l o o ks a n d fe e l s l i ke l ove i n m o t i o n .

ABOUT THE AUTHOR A m a n d a B u rm a n i s t h e O w n e r a n d Le a d P h o to g ra p h e r a t B u rm a n P h o to g ra p hy, b a s e d o u t s i d e o f Fo r t Wa y n e , I n d i a n a . A fo rm e r te a ch e r t u rn e d d o c u m e n ta r yi n s p i re d we d d i n g p h o to g ra p h e r, Amanda s p e c i a l i ze s in ca p t u ri n g e m o t i o n a l , t r u e - to - l i fe i m a g e r y a c ro s s t h e M i d we s t a n d b eyo n d . H e r wo rk blends artistry with a u t h e n t i c i ty, p re s e r v i n g t h e m e a n i n g f u l m o m e n t s t h a t m a ke eve r y we d d i n g u n i q u e l y p e rs o n a l .

Wedding Planner Magazine

Travel Edition