destination:
REAL WEDDINGS IN DREAM LOCATIONS Spring 2013
destination: contents Real Weddings in Dream Locations ISSUE
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6 EDITOR’S NOTE
When you want a wedding as individual as the two of you, here’s one guaranteed strategy: Hit the road.
8 CONTRIBUTORS
Meet the editorial team behind Destination: W
10 TRENDS!
From the beaches of Jamaica to the castles of Ireland, we’ve got tidbits on what’s trending in the destination-wedding world.
14 5 SHOPPING SECRETS
Nicole Miller, famed for her young and flirty designs, shares her five secrets to finding a destination dress you’ll love.
18 A WEDDING ON THE RIVIERA MAYA
Think your wedding plans are a little squeezed for time? Take a look at the Mexican celebration a New York couple pulled off in nine weeks. Magnifico doesn’t begin to describe it.
30 PACKING FOR THE RIVIERA MAYA
Fill your bags with the perfect seaside gown, fiesta colors, and one only-in-Mexico bracelet.
31 RIVIERA MAYA INSIDER
In addition to five spectacular wedding hotels, learn about planners we like, Mexico travel nuts and bolts, plus other essentials.
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C O V E R P H O T O G R A P H B Y T H AY E R A L LY S O N G O W DY
weddings at the park, ideal for any season
Our venues offer settings for traditional events to a unique restaurant atmosphere. The wedding arbor surrounded by aspens and evergreens features terraces steps and natural slate that create an unforgettable backdrop for your very special day. For more details, please contact our Catering Department at 970-827-6520. parkhyattbeavercreek.com 136 East Thomas Place, Beaver Creek, Colorado 81620
destination: contents 38 A WEDDING IN THE HUDSON VALLEY
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Charmed by its wealth of antique barns, farmers’ markets, and quirky inns, two Bostonians zeroed in on New York’s Hudson Valley as the spot for a weekend of feasting and fun.
50 PACKING FOR THE HUDSON VALLEY
Nostalgic, sophisticated, and hip describes this country-chic wardrobe.
52 HUDSON VALLEY INSIDER
It’s a vast green sprawl of river towns and farming bergs; we’ve got the best wedding sites, local talents, and tips.
58 A WEDDING IN SANTORINI
Ever watch a movie and want to jump into the screen? She fell in love with scenes of Greece in Mamma Mia, he was game to go, and so began one whimsically inspired wedding.
70 PACKING FOR SANTORINI
Every Greek goddess requires a suitable trousseau of gowns, gems, and utter gorgeousness.
72 SANTORINI INSIDER
Here’s your Mediterranean cheatsheet: sparkling white hotels made for a wedding, reliable planners, and advice for navigating the glories of Greece.
78 WANT SOME HELP?
No need to leave our site to start planning your destination wedding. We’ve partnered with the most reliable specialists we know to help you and your guests book the whole shebang, airline tickets to hotel rooms. (And it’s free!)
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editor’s note
T
his is the start of wedding season, when Monday mornings feature plenty of “she-must-have-lost-30-pounds-to-fitinto-that-dress” chat and parks burst with bridal parties posing in front of dogwoods. Every hairstylist in the nation is prepping for marathon weekends with new Aerosoles, and white limousines seem as ubiquitous as Honda Civics. It’s happy and it’s beautiful. But it’s also…well, predictable. As the process of actually getting to the altar has become more and more surprising, weddings themselves have started to feel a little formulaic.
As you plan your own wedding, it’s food for thought. What place in this great, glorious world captures your essence? Time to start dreaming.
Sally Kilbridge, Editor in Chief 6
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PHOTO: TIMOTHY LAMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY
For our money, there’s nothing like a wedding as unique as the couple themselves. And one of the more meaningful ways to achieve that is to find a location that says a lot about you. The three couples we profile in this issue of Destination: W chose their wedding sites for three very different reasons. One, because of deep family ties. Another, because of memorable vacations. And the third, because of ABBA (turn to our Santorini story and all will become clear).
The Destination:W Staff SALLY KILBRIDGE | EDITOR IN CHIEF The country’s foremost expert on destination weddings and romantic travel, Sally spent much of her career directing the editorial team at Conde Nast’s Brides magazine. She is a regular contributor to CNTraveler.com, the website of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine. KRISTINA JUZAITIS | CREATIVE DIRECTOR Heading up design departments at Architectural Digest, Details, and Esquire, Kris has created visual branding for some of the nation’s most prestigious magazines. Her style—the heart of Destination: W—is sophisticated, elegant, and fun. BOB PAYNE | TRAVEL EDITOR While he’s trekked across Greenland by dogsled and the Sahara by camel, our award-winning travel editor is no stranger to luxury hotels and tropical beaches. A contributing editor at Condé Nast Traveler magazine, he has visited 141 countries and all seven continents. KRISTI DRAGO-PRICE | CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR After over a decade heading the photo department at Brides magazine, Kristi went from editing photos to taking them; she brings a fresh, naturalistic approach to wedding pictures and lifestyle sittings. SARAH H. LEINGANG | FASHION & BEAUTY EDITOR Sarah spent eight years in the beauty and accessories departments of Brides magazine, and now adds bridal fashion and ready-to-wear to her beat. She discovered her love of fashion during her competitive figure skating days, thus explaining her obsession with sheer illusion. BARRIE GILLIES | DEPUTY EDITOR Barrie started her career at Cosmopolitan magazine, where part of her job entailed interviewing America’s most eligible bachelors. Subsequent editorial positions found her chin-deep in beauty, childcare, and weddings at Fitness, Parents, and Brides. She loves interviewing our real couples. CRISTINA LOZITO | PHOTO EDITOR Our photo editor previously woked at Brides Local magazines, where she snagged real weddings for 16 regional editions. In addition to acquiring stunning weddings for Destination: W, Cristina loves taking her own pictures; her secret talent is an eye for arranging wedding flowers. PHOTOS : SALLY: TIMOTHY LAMPSON, KRISTI: PERRY HAGOPIAN, SARAH: TERRENCE LEINGANG, BARRIE: BILL DRUMMY, CRISTINA: CHARLOTTE JENKS LEWIS
Trends
BEACH WEDDINGS FOR SHOE-LOVERS Among the drawbacks of beach weddings: watching guests pretend they don’t mind maneuvering the sand in their Laboutins. Which is why we love venues that are not on the sand, but above it. We found a perfect one at Jamaica’s Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort. With its open-air chapel extending over the sand, this new all-
inclusive allows guests to follow the ceremony shod in any kind of shoe they desire. “A wedding in the sand is what most people come to Jamaica for, and we can certainly do that,” says Jewel Runaway Bay’s general manager, Scott Robbins. “But the beach chapel gives you more options for footwear.” www.jewelresorts.com
IRISH TIES
Ireland proclaimed 2013 the Year of The Gathering, and in the aim of promoting tourism, folks across the country are staging reunions and festivals. Which is great for couples planning an Irish wedding, as The Gathering website is full of tools for organizers. You might not need tips on “managing risks for public events” but sending invites via Facebook? That’s the ticket. www.thegatheringireland.com 10
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125 years of legendary romance. Only one setting holds all the history, grace and beauty that is Aspen. You feel it in the walls, the old-world attention, a singular ballroom with mountains, sky and starry nights for a backdrop. As if we knew you were coming, the hotel has been top to toe remodeled, its venerable past firmly intact. Stand apart, together, at The Jerome.
HotelJerome.AubergeResorts.com | 970.920.1000
Trends TO HAWAII, WITH DISCOUNTS
If you’re thinking of a luau under the palms, Hawaiian Airlines’ Wedding Wings program has some fine perks: a 10% discount on round-trip fares for you and the groom; 5% off for your guests; and—this is when it pays to have a lot of friends—a one-way upgrade to first class for the two of you if 25 guests take advantage of the discount. www.hawaiianairlines.com
GRADE-A GLAMPING
When you blend glamour and camping, you get “glamping,” a destination wedding trend cresting throughout the West. Our favorite glamp: Paws Up, in Montana, a 37,000-acre ranch home to luxe bungalows organized in five posh units. This summer sees the opening of its newest camp, Cliffside, with jawdropping Blackfoot River views and “honeymoon tents” with copper tubs at the foot of the king beds. As for the wedding, how about a black-tie reception in the Bull Barn, lit by crystal chandeliers? Yippie-kay-yay! www.pawsup.com 12
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Nicole Miller’s
5Tips for
Dress Shopping
After choosing the destination, picking out a dress is probably your next big (fun!) challenge. We sat down with Nicole Miller— you’ve seen Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, and other A-listers walk the red carpet in her designs—to talk about destination wedding gowns. “Brides are becoming increasingly creative when planning their dream weddings, moving away from traditional ceremonies in favor of destination affairs,” says Nicole. “Modern brides are looking for chic gowns that are practical yet still feminine and beautiful, wherever they marry.” —Barrie Gillies 14 Destination: W
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GO FOR SIMPLICITY
“ Choose a dress that’s easy to travel with— lightweight, and doesn’t wrinkle easily. Skip the tulle and overly-beaded fabrics. If the bride is tying the knot in a warm climate, she should be able to wear her dress barefoot.”
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TAKE YOUR CHOICE “ In the past, destination gowns were typically pretty basic and easily purchased off the rack. Now, nearly all of my gowns are suitable for destination weddings; the range of styles and silhouettes has increased exponentially. Lightweight lace is a huge trend because it travels well and is universally flattering.”
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LET YOUR INDIVIDUAL STYLE SHINE “ My travels inspire so much of my design process—from bridal gowns to runway. I recently visited Latin and South America. Brazilian women have fun with fashion and aren’t afraid to take risks. That’s the woman I’m designing for—modern, original, a woman who makes up her own rules and has her own sense of style. I design a wide array of dresses so a bride can decide what look she wants to achieve. The silhouettes are clean, not fussy. I want the bride to wear the gown, not the other way around!”
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PACK RIGHT “ To travel, double-bag the dress. First, place it in a dry cleaning bag, then in a non-clear garment bag—the last thing you want is for your groom to see the dress before the wedding! On an airplane, ask the flight attendant to hang the bag in the first class coat closet.”
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THE PERFECT DESTINATION DRESS IS … “ An ivory bias-cut doubleface satin dress that has a halter or V-neck. It should be easy to steam out.” All dresses by Nicole Miller, www.nicolemiller.com. From left to right: Sharon gown, $1,320; Poppy gown, $2,200; Zoe gown, $2,200; Kimberly gown, $1,400; Dylan gown, $1,200.
TESSA AND PAUL PHOTOGRAPHS BY
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”
e considered ourselves married already,” says Tessa Deutsch, who’d dated Paul Klepetko for nearly five years before he made it official. “Once he proposed, Paul wanted to head down to city hall; I wanted a party.”
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We danced all night beside the ocean. No shoes allowed.
”
The couple compromised…sort of. They chose a special date—their anniversary, nine weeks away—to get married in the Supreme Court of New York. And later that day, they flew to Mexico, where the groom’s mom and the bride’s dad officiated at a ceremony in front of 80 friends and family. That’s right: They put it together in nine weeks. “We’d celebrated two anniversaries
at the Maroma Resort and considered it ‘our’ place,” says Tessa. There was also the fact that Tessa hails from New York and Paul from Australia, so many guests would have to travel regardless. “Getting married barefoot in the sand in front of the ocean an hour before sunset was perfection,” says Tessa. “We danced all night beside the ocean. No shoes allowed.” Destination: W 21
LOCATION & VENDOR LIST
PHOTOGRAPHER
DRESSES
RECEPTION LOCATION & CATERING
INVITATIONS
Zac Posen (photos and first hours Thayer Allyson Gowdy ; www.thayerheartsweddings.com of reception); www.zacposen.com Saja (for the ceremony and dancing); WEDDING PLANNER www.sajawedding.com Lisa Gorjestani of Details Event Planning; GROOM’S SUIT www.detailseventplanning.com J. Crew; www.jcrew.com
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Courtney Schrenko of Swiss Cottage Designs; www.swisscottagedesigns.com
FLORIST
Elena Damy; www.elenadamy.com
MUSIC
Tendaji Lathan; www.djtendajilathan.com
HAIR
Sheila Stone; www.sheilarayestone.com
MAKEUP
Cathryn Vanbreen; www.thestudioagency.com Destination: W
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WEETEST SURPRISE? “That everything came together beautifully. The location took away any stress and allowed us to really appreciate the gorgeous setting and how much fun we were having with our friends. We’d wander around the resort and see good friends everywhere. Such a happy weekend.”
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aroma is a real escape. Being there feels like you have been removed to one of the most peaceful and beautiful places on earth.�
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THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
“ Planning a destination wedding in less than nine weeks! I hired a fabulous planner, Lisa Gorjestani, just three weeks before the date and gave her my vision. She put together a team of great vendors. She’d email me and I’d say yes, no, yes, no. It was crazy but turned out wonderfully. ”
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ADVICE FROM TESSA & PAUL • DO THE SEATING CHART WEEKS BEFORE—not the day of the wedding. “We were very carefree about our wedding. I cared about many details but let go of many things, too.”
• THINK ABOUT PHOTOS. “If you care about them, plan the events to capture the best light.” • I NCORPORATE AS MANY MEANINGFUL THINGS AS POSSIBLE. “We framed photos of each friend with one of us and used them as place cards.” •D ON’T GET TOO CRAZY. “The most important thing is to just enjoy yourselves.”
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packing for
PIXIE NECKLACE Dannijo, $645 www.dannijo.com
BODY GLOW
NARS, $59 www.narscosmetics.com
22K GOLD-DIPPED AND FRESHWATER PEARL EARRINGS Azaara, $130 www.azaara.com
SUNGLASSES
Miu Miu, $365 www.iloristyle.com
PALADINA SANDAL IN OFF WHITE Joan & David, $169.95 www.nordstrom.com
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SUNKEN TREASURES BRACELET
Venessa Arizaga, $170 www.venessaarizaga.com
CORAL PEONY NAIL POLISH
JINsoon, $18 www.sephora.com
STATE STREET LACE DRESS
GABBY DRESS IN PAPRIKA SILK RAYON TWILL
Jenny Yoo Collection, $265 www.jennyyoo.com
Ceremony by Joanna August, $450 www.joannaaugust.com
REBEL FRILL BIKINI
Zimmermann; $185 www.us.zimmermannstore.com
KATHERINE SHELL CLUTCH
Kayu; $569 www.kayudesign.com
PURPLE STONES CLUTCH Santi, $240 www.shopbop.com
RIVIERA MAYA
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A RIVIERA MAYA WEDDING MIGHT BE PERFECT IF YOU . . .
LAY OF THE LAND: Nature must have had beach weddings in mind when it created the Riviera Maya. A sandy stretch along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, it begins 20 minutes south of the Cancun International Airport and extends to the ruins at Tulum, punctuated all along the way with hotels ranging from mammoth all-inclusives to small, eco-minded hideaways. Many are self-contained, but to get out you’ll do best with a rental car. There’s only one main road, and hotels are well marked, so you have to work hard to get lost. One caveat: many of the hotels
best suited for weddings limit children, so if that’s an issue, consider it early in your planning. —Bob Payne
PHOTO LEFT: THAYER ALYSON GOWDY
• Have the same kind of palate for beaches that some have for wines • Think “La Bomba” would be ideal for the processional • Know just the tiniest bit of Spanish, and are not afraid to use it • Like your guacamole fresh and your margaritas strong
Beach Pool at Rosewood Mayakoba
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Maroma Resort
CLIMATE The drier, cooler season runs November through April, with January through March having the most pleasant weather, highest prices, and largest crowds. June through October is hotter and more humid, with the greatest likelihood of hurricanes. MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS Thank goodness you wanted to get married on the beach, because 34 Destination: W
church weddings in Mexico are difficult to arrange, in great part because Mexico only recognizes civil ceremonies. The paperwork is cumbersome (todos en espanol, por favor), and the costs not insignificant, so many couples marry legally at home, followed by a celebration in Mexico. If you do have your heart set on marrying legally among the Mayans, here are the details. http://destinationw.com/marriagerequirements-for-mexico
GROUP HUGS What to do with the gang before the wedding: • Visit the Mayan ruins at Tulum, but not in the heat of the day and not without bringing water. • K eep them bringing out the fish tacos at Playa Maya in Playa del Carmen. • S norkel the reef at Akumal Beach, or the Cenote at Dos Ojos. •M ix with the nightlife on Playa del Carmen’s Quinta Avenida
• T reat everyone to an elegant tequila tasting; the Rosewood Mayakoba provides stemware and snacks
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RIVIERA MAYA WEDDING PLANNERS WE LOVE
• www.leannemarieweddings.com • www.weddingsinplaya.com • www.weddingsrivieramaya.com Destination: W 35
THE FAB 5:
OUR PICK OF RIVIERA MAYA WEDDING HOTELS IF THE BEACH MATTERS MOST: You’ve always known your wedding ceremony would end with a splash, right? That’s why the Maroma Resort and Spa’s powdery beach, extending into clear water over a white-sand bottom, makes it perfect for seaside vows. The hotel itself, an Orient Express property, encompasses 58 rooms done in a classic Mexican style, with much of the furniture and artwork produced locally. www.maromahotel.com
IF YOU WANT A VILLA ALL YOUR OWN: They are set back from the beach, but the 41 generously sized villas of the Viceroy Riviera Maya, tucked in among the palms, give you a sense of sanctuary that can be soul-soothing on your wedding day. And when you and your guests have had enough sanctuary? The party atmosphere of Playa del Carmen is just 15 minutes away by cab. www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
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Rosewood Mayakoba
Maroma Resort
Secrets
IF YOU WANT SERVICE WORTHY OF A DUCHESS: If you insist on being coddled, Esencia, a 50-acre former private estate that really did once belong to an Italian duchess, can deliver. A big plus for high-maintenance brides (and grooms): You’ll get all the attention you need, including the services of a wedding coordinator, a personal butler, and an in-suite chef, without any of it seeming overly stuffy. www.hotelesencia.com
IF A BIG ALL-INCLUSIVE IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT: With 412 rooms, a gorgeous stretch of beach, more than a dozen pools, and just about every service imaginable, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is perfect for big groups who just want to show up, have a drink put in their hand, and get down to having fun. www.secretsresorts.com
IF YOU LIKE MIXING SOUNDS OF JUNGLE & SEA: Amid 1,600 acres of beach-fronted lagoons and jungle, the 128-suite Rosewood Mayakoba is a paradise of the senses, especially heightened when you arrive by boat at your own suite’s private dock. The newest of of the many venues is La Palapa, which allows up to 250 guests to be beachside without actually having to step in the sand. www.rosewoodhotels.com
Viceroy Riviera Maya
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the
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GABRIELLE & JESSE PHOTOGRAPHS by TEXT by
HILLARY HARVEY
BARRIE GILLIES
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W
ithout exchanging a word,
newly engaged Bostonians Gabrielle Thal-Pruzan and Jesse Horowitz knew they’d marry in New York’s lush Hudson Valley. “We often spend weekends in the area, where my mom has a house,” says the bride. "We knew the landscape, farms, and local restaurants would make for a beautiful celebration." Accessibility was also key, as friends and family were scattered throughout New England and the mid-Atlantic.
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The couple considered hiring a wedding planner, but, says Gabby, “It was so much fun spending weekends on the project that we ended up doing it ourselves.” Their location: a 200-year-old barn at The Hill, an estate set against mountain vistas. “We wanted the wedding to feel like a huge family dinner,” says the bride. The homestyle menu highlighted local produce: gazpacho, fresh greens, corn-cherry
tomato salsa, peaches—plus fried chicken and mac ‘n cheese. The couple chose to forgo cake in favor of a blueberry peach crisp. Also missing from the event: stress. Even a soaking rain the morning of the wedding didn’t rattle the couple. “We moved everything inside,” says Gabby. “We knew that indoors or out, we were going to get married and have an awesome celebration. That’s what was important.” Destination: W 41
LOCATION & VENDOR LIST
PHOTOGRAPHER
Hillary Harvey www.hillaryharveyphotography.com
CEREMONY & RECEPTION LOCATION
The Hill at Bells Pond, Hudson, NY www.hudsonvalleyweddings.net
DRESS
Angelo Lambrou www.angelolambrou.com
GROOM’S SUIT
J. Crew; www.jcrew.com 42
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CATERING
Bridge Creek Catering www.bridgecreekcatering.com
FLORIST
Gillooly Design www.gilloolydesign.com
INVITATIONS
Goosefish Press www.goosefishpress.com
MUSIC
Kinky Spigot and the Welders www.kinkyspigot.com
THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE? “The Hudson Valley is a very popular destination in the summer so we were worried that there wouldn’t be enough hotel rooms for our guests. We sent out Save the Dates six months ahead of time, making it clear that guests should book their rooms ASAP. For extended family, we suggested wonderful bed and breakfasts. For our friends, we reserved a block of rooms at the St. Charles Hotel and arranged a school bus to transport everyone to the wedding. Even though a music festival was happening the same weekend, none of our guests had difficulty finding rooms.”
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“E
veryone loves to get away for a weekend
in the summer and what better excuse than a wedding built around love, family, and good food!�
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SWEETEST SURPRISE? “How much fun everyone had dancing! We hired an incredible band that played bluegrass during the cocktail hour and Motown, funk, and indie rock during the reception—something for everyone. Nearly all of our guests hit the dance floor and were drenched in sweat by the end of the evening. The energy in the room was unparalleled and exciting. All of the guests participated in the horah (the traditional Jewish dance), which was especially joyful. It was thrilling to be lifted in chairs and to see all of our friends and family below cheering for us! At the end of the evening, our faces ached from smiling.”
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ADVICE FROM GABBY & JESSE
DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF (OR EVEN STUFF THAT SEEMS BIG). “Torrential rains started the morning of our wedding. We’d planned an outdoor ceremony, but had to decide: move inside or take our chances it would clear up. On the recommendation of our caterers, we shifted things indoors and just let it go. No more worries!” REMEMBER IT’S YOUR WEDDING. “You want to please your family, his family, and, most importantly, the
two of you. We made an effort to make everyone happy while also respecting what we wanted. In the end, the day reflected who we were. We enjoyed it so much.” CONNECT WITH YOUR NEW SPOUSE “Most guests arrived on Friday night. We threw a big dinner and spent it schmoozing with friends and family, so that Saturday night we could focus on each other. We spent most of the night dancing together. It was wonderful!” Destination: W 49
Packing for
TheHudsonValley ETHEREAL EARRINGS Eddera, $125 www.eddera.com
CANTELOPE METALLIC SUEDE CHAI SANDAL
Something Bleu, $298 www.somethingbleushoes.com
LAVENDER BODY OIL Jurlique, $45 www.jurlique.com
STERLING SILVER AND BRASS CHARM BRACELET
Waxing Poetic, from $187 www.waxingpoetic.com
MINI ROSETTE BRIDESMAIDS DRESS IN ROSEWATER
twobirds, $370 www.twobirdsBridesmaid.com
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HAND BEADED CLUTCH
Moyna, $240 www.moynabags.com
MULTI-GEM IVORY BIB NECKLACE
Wanderlust + Co, $49 www.wanderlustandco.com
DIAMOND AND 18K WHITE GOLD RING FROM THE VINTAGE COLLECTION Kwiat, $7,850 www.kwiat.com
LAELIA FLORAL SILK DRESS
Temperley London, $4,885 www.temperleylondon.com
ARGAN NATURAL VOLUME LIPGLOSS IN BRILLIANCE Josie Maran, $20 www.sephora.com
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HUDSON VALLEY
insider
A HUDSON VALLEY WEDDING MIGHT BE PERFECT IF YOU…
•P refer flea market shopping to streamlined malls • Think “sophisticated” and “rural” aren’t mutually exclusive • Understand why heirloom tomatoes can cost $6 a pound • Don’t mind driving a few country miles for your morning latte
LAY OF THE LAND: Running from Albany to Manhattan, the Hudson River is lined with both river towns and bluff-top mansions; the steep palisades and majestic waterway (so wide, whitecaps are common) gave birth to an entire genre of painting—the Hudson River School—as well as Washington Irving’s tales of Rip Van Winkle and the headless horseman. There are two general locations for
weddings. First, the barns and bergs of the lush Catskill Mountains, a vast territory on the river’s west bank where many a Brooklynite has found rural peace (the towns of Roxbury, Andes, Phoenicia, and Margaretville are hubs of hip). Just as popular are genteel riverside hamlets like Cold Spring, Garrison, and Rhinebeck, where historic homes share the land with formal gardens and summer festivals. —Bob Payne
Inn at West Settlement barn
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CLIMATE Summer is warm—sometimes hot—with batches of typical northeastern humidity cooled by maritime breezes. Autumn brings photo-perfect foliage and crisp harvest temperatures; winter is long, snowy, and cold; come April you’ll find daffodil-covered hillsides—and the occasional spring blizzard.
Diamond Mills Hotel
GROUP HUGS What to do with the gang before the wedding: • Rent bikes at Storm King, an outdoor sculpture park in New Windsor, for a breezy tour of the massive abstract art. • Go antiquing in Hudson, a formerly down-on-its-luck mill town reborn as a trendy shopping mecca. • Designate a few drivers before hitting the Shawangunk Wine Trail, named for a mountain range on the west side of the river. • Put on your history hats and visit Hyde Park, home not only to FDR’s summer place but to the CIA: the Culinary Institute of America.
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HUDSON VALLEY WEDDING PLANNERS WE LOVE • www.catskillweddings.com • www.staciesheaevents.com • www.expeventdesign.com
BOTTOM LEFT: HILLARY HARVEY
MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS Getting married in New York State requires minimal paperwork. You’ll both apply in person to the local town or city clerk in your wedding location; once the license is issued you’ll wait 24 hours for it to become effective. Here are the details: http://destinationw.com/marriagerequirements-for-new-york-state. Thanks to the Marriage Equality Act, any couple that meets current requirements for getting married in New York State is eligible to marry, regardless of sex.
Mohonk Mountain House
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THE FAB 5: OUR PICK OF HUDSON VALLEY WEDDING HOTELS
IF YOU WANT A FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESORT: Surrounded by acres of woodsy wilderness near New Paltz, Mohonk Mountain House is a Victorian castle-like resort that’s been luring families from New York City since the 19th century. Most couples marry by the mirror-still lake; the long roster of activities (sketching classes, kids programs, s’more nights, a posh new spa) make for a very active (if pricey) wedding weekend. www.mohonk.com IF YOU WANT A BALLROOM WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS: While its red-brick exterior mimics the industrial building that once stood here, inside the Diamond Mills Hotel, weddings get the royal treatment. The chandelier-lit ballroom, which can hold 400 partiers, overlooks the town of Saugerties’ own Esopus Falls, as do the 30 plush guest rooms. There’s a cozy tavern, a dramatic restaurant, and a heated outdoor terrace. www.diamondmillshotel.com IF YOU WANT TO TAKE OVER A FARM: There’s a bumper crop of rustic red barns, green meadows, thick forest, and cute critters (chickens, horses, and one very appealing pig) at The Kaaterskill, a working-farm/inn/event-
Kaaterskill
Mohonk Mountain House
space in Catskill. The six suites, which sleep a total of 20 guests, all have Jacuzzis and working fireplaces, but but most important to wedding couples is the bounty of event spaces: You can have a rehearsal dinner in the Pond House, a croquet tournament on the lawn, a ceremony beside a waterfall, a reception in the main barn, and an after-party in the billiards room. www.thekaaterskill.com
Glenmere Mansion
GLENMARE MANSION: SARGENT PHOTOGRAPHY
IF YOU WANT RIVERSIDE SOPHISTICATION: On the banks of the Hudson, The Rhinecliff, a rooming house that had been decaying for decades, has been completely reimagined as a luxe boutique hotel—there are nine crisp and comfy guest rooms—with a strong community spirit. Two British brothers spent five years revamping the place; weddings utilize the outdoor patios and gardens, as well as a banquet room and tented lawn—all with in-your-face river and Catskills backdrops. www.therhinecliff.com IF YOU WANT SKY’S-THE-LIMIT EUROELEGANCE: A former estate turned into a posh Relais & Chateaux hotel, Glenmere, in Chester, has all the marble columns, Italianate statues, and formal gardens you’d expect from a mansion built in America’s Gilded Age. Since its opening as an inn just three years ago, it’s collected travel awards galore; weddings can be anything from an intimate dinner in the museum-quality China Room to a tented celebration for 400 at The Meadow, a two-acre clearing that’s been manicured within an inch of its life. www.glenmeremansion.com
Santorin Dina & Joseph
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY
CENGIZ, OF ADAGION PHOTOGRAPHY TEXT BY
BARRIE GILLIES
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T
he inspiration for Dina Ibrahim and Joseph Anderson’s wedding on the Greek island of Santorini? Would you believe Mamma Mia?
“After seeing the film, I was daydreaming out loud and said, ‘Oh, how wonderful would it be to get married in the Greek Isles,’” says Dina. “To my absolute surprise Joseph replied, ‘Let’s do it!’ I knew I’d chosen my life-partner well!” The setting suited their global life-
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style—the bride’s family lives in Cairo and Dubai, Joseph’s relatives hail from Australia and London, and friends are scattered from New York to Rotterdam. “We knew someone was going to have to travel,” says the bride. “Why not have everyone hop on a plane for a once-in-a-life-
time holiday?” In addition to gorgeous scenery choreographed to ABBA tunes, Dina fell hard for the essence of Greece. “We both love to talk and drink and eat with good company,” says Dina. “And we live for sunshine and the beach. Santorini embodies all those things.” The couple also
embraced another part of the Greek culture: dancing. The party danced into the night to an eclectic mix of bouzouki tunes, Arabic bellydancing music, and global party classics. “We were having such a good time that the hotel staff joined us during ‘Zorba the Greek’!” Destination: W
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LOCATION & VENDOR LIST PHOTOGRAPHER
Cengiz, of Adagion Photography www.adagion.com
RECEPTION LOCATION AND CATERING La Maltese Estate Villas www.lamaltese.com
CEREMONY LOCATION Dana Villas www.danavillas.net
DRESS
Pronovias www.pronovias.com
GROOM’S SUIT
Hugo Boss www.hugoboss.com
INVITATIONS
Cheree Berry Paper www.chereeberrypaper.com
FLORIST
Fabio Zardi www.fabiozardi.com
CAKE
contact La Maltese Estate Villas www.lamaltese.com
MUSIC
La Maltese Estate Villas disc jockey www.lamaltese.com
HAIR AND MAKE-UP
Hair and Soul www.hairandsoulsalon.com
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SWEETEST SURPRISE?
“Joseph and I weren’t going to see each other until the ceremony, so I surprised him that morning with a letter—and he did the same thing! I was in tears when I read, ‘Today, I marry my best friend,’ because that is exactly how I felt. I was also overwhelmed by all the love in the air from our family and friends.” 64
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“ We wanted to gather the people closest to us in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and Santorini was exactly right. Looking at our pictures now, it feels like a dream. I have to pinch myself that this was in fact my wedding—it was so perfect in every way.”
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THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
“I chose not to hire a planner so I could enjoy the process myself, but this was more challenging than I expected—I have a demanding job, and the laid-back Greek attitude didn’t help! Most venders are not online and it took a lot of emails and Skyping. If I were to change one thing, it would be to hire a planner familiar with local vendors.”
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ADVICE FROM DINA & JOSEPH VISIT AT THE SAME TIME OF YEAR AS THE WEDDING. “We traveled to the island exactly one year before the wedding—to the day—to see how everything would look in terms of lighting (great sunset!) and timing. It was invaluable.” ARRIVE A WEEK BEFORE YOUR DATE. “I flew in three days before the wedding and it wasn’t enough time to relax and check in on all the details without rushing. I wish I’d planned to be there much earlier.” GET LOST: “Wander around the area—you’ll find amazing stuff. We discovered our baker while riding bikes. And I stumbled across what ended up being my ceremony venue just by walking around the island. Best stumble of my life!” SKIP THE HEELS! “I spent a fortune on my Jimmy Choos and wore them for just twenty minutes. The cobblestone streets and steep stairs in Santorini are not made for heels. I ended up wearing my silver Birkenstocks all night!”
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CIRCLE LINE WOODEN CLUTCH IN AZUL Devi Kroell, $3,400 www.devikroell.com
packing for
Santorini MONA FRENCH SILK DRESS WITH BEADED NECKLACE AND BACK PANEL Catherine Deane, $2,100 www.catherinedeane.com
MOTHER OF PEARL ELIZABETH EARRINGS
Asha, $495 www.charmandchain.com
ALANA CRACKED METALLIC LEATHER MIGNON TWIST WEDGE Loeffler Randall, $375 www.loefflerrandall.com
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VIVA GLAM CUFF Jules Smith, $98 www.julessmithdesigns.com
MAGIC LIGHT FACE CONTOURING POWDER TRIO IN SANTORINI Korres, $28 www.sephora.com
SUNFLOWER 1970 BIB NECKLACE WITH SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES Lizzie Fortunato, $690 www.lizziefortunato.com
UN JARDIN EN MEDITERRANﾃ右 Hermﾃｨs, $128 www.sephora.com
LUCIENNE ONE-SHOULDER SILK CHIFFON DRESS IN CASABLANCA BLUE J.Crew, $250 www.jcrew.com
PLUTO BOBBY PINS
Emily Elizabeth Jewelry, $22 www.emilyelizabethjewelry.com
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insider A SANTORINI WEDDING MIGHT BE PERFECT IF YOU…
LAY OF THE LAND: Santorini is the shattered remnant of an ancient volcano that still occasionally shakes. With a few exceptions, the best places to stay—and to have your ceremony—are on the edge of the sea cliff, or caldera. Its views out across the volcano’s water-flooded crater and fringing islets, if you were not already there for a wedding, would have you planning one. Arrive by plane from Athens, or, if you have an extra half day, take the ferry from Pireaus, Athens’ port. It’s one of the world’s most iconic travel experiences, especially if you approach
View of Oia
Santorini as the afternoon sun is lighting up the red rocks of the caldera and the sugar-white houses that boldly edge their way down its side. —Bob Payne
OIA PHOTO, COURTESY MYSTIQUE; KATIKIES BY CRISTOS DRAZOS
•W ant a Mediterranean setting that has a beauty to match your own. • See no ill omens in marrying at the edge of a cliff. • L ike the idea of serving your guests wines that have been famous since the Middle Ages. • Feel that bouzouki music makes a splendid soundtrack to a first dance.
Katikies
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CLIMATE If you are seeking absolute perfection, there’s only one month to get married on Santorini: September. The weather is still pleasantly warm, but the European crowds of July and especially August are gone. Beginning in March, spring can be fine, too, if occasionally damp and chilly (be sure to avoid Greek Easter). Early to mid-October is another decent choice, although by the end of the month restaurants and hotels are beginning to close.
GROUP HUGS What to do with the gang before the wedding: • Wander the narrow passageways of Oia, just to hear the jewelry merchants
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SANTORINI WEDDING PLANNERS WE LOVE • www.fceventdesigners.com • www.yasena.com • www.weddingplans.gr
comment on how perfectly shaped your wrists are for bracelets. •G ain major culture points by visiting the Pompeii-like ruins of Akrotiri. •T ake a winery tour, to see if you agree that whites do best in volcanic soil. •P ass as many hours as possible at Dimitris’ taverna in the tiny port of Amoudi, where a half-dozen fish restaurants line the waterfront
CHURCH PHOTO, COURTESY MYSTIQUE
MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS Going through the legal steps of a wedding on Santorini allows you to fully experience the Greek love of bureaucracy, which is why many couples opt for a legal marriage at home, followed by an unofficial ceremony and reception on the island. If you are determined to follow the full legal route, it is best done with the help of a local wedding coordinator. Contact them three months ahead of time and have all documents in their hands a month in advance. The details: http://destinationw.com/marriagerequirements-for-greece
Astra
Mystique
Vedema
THE FAB 5: OUR PICK OF SANTORINI WEDDING HOTELS
IF THE VIEW IS AS IMPORTANT AS THE HUSBAND: Look out across the caldera from where the Astra Suites’ open-air restaurant has been converted into your ceremony or reception area and you’ll almost expect to see Odysseus approaching in his ship, rowing across the mirrored water. Another prime asset: Astra, in the small town of Imerovigli, is run by one of the best general managers in the Greek Islands. www.astrasuites.com IF YOU BELIEVE A DAY SHOULD START WITH A DIP: Beaches are not Santorini’s strongest point, so it’s good for you and your guests to have a pool on property, and even better if it is the spectacular infinity pool at Katikies, in the car-free (but crowded) town of Oia. Another advantage here is that the Katikies Hotels group has five properties on Santorini, which will make planning easier if you have an overflowing guest list. www.katikies.com Mystique
Chelidonia
IF YOU LIKE HAVING A NAME YOU KNOW: Although the pool is a bit small, Mystique, also in Oia, is as noted for its views, décor, and service as the rest of Santorini’s top luxury hotels. And it has the extra benefit, for Americans who want a name they are familiar with, that it belongs to the Starwood Luxury Collection (as does Vedema, below). www.mystique.gr
Astra
IF IF PRIVACY IS A CONCERN: If those pesky paparazzi are always after you, Villa Vedema, in Megalohori, is where to tie the knot in luxury on Santorini. Away from the caldera, in a walled-village-like setting in the middle of the island, you’ll have all the privacy you need—but room enough to pitch a reception tent if your guest list is bigger than most places on Santorini can handle. www.vedema.gr IF YOUR BUDGET MATTERS, BUT SO DOES YOUR SETTING: Perfect for for the couple who want to take the plunge in front of only a friend or two, Chelidonia Villas, a collection of former houses on the side of the caldera in Oia, has everything the far-more expensive accommodations do—except a restaurant. And the family who lived in those former houses? They now run the place. www.chelidonia.com
THE RIVIERA M AYA BOOK IT!
WANT EXPERT HELP WITH YOUR PLANNING? IT’S FREE! If you’re interested in one of the locations in this issue, or if you want to explore other options for a destination wedding anywhere in the world, get in touch with our partners at Coastline Travel Advisors (www.coastlinetravel.com). This team of top travel insiders, with extensive experience in destination weddings, is genius at: • Booking air travel • Negotiating group hotel prices • Organizing ground transportation
THE HUDSON VA L L E Y
• Arranging travel insurance • Administering bridal and honeymoon travel registries
They'll hold your hand every step of the way and will coordinate your guests’ travel without charging anyone an extra fee. (If you want them to help with the wedding itself, they’re happy to do that for an additional cost.) This way you can spend less time sweating the details and more time enjoying your engagement. E-mail Lauren Boyd at Lauren@coastlinetravel.com or call 800-345-2483.
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