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The Scoop on St. Lucia, Part I


November 2, 2009

guest blogger: Amy Rauch

The Scoop on St. Lucia: Escape to Almond Resorts

Ahhhh, St. Lucia -- The island where couples flock for romantic bliss, lush mountain scenery, and luxurious all-inclusive resorts. It was no surprise when I visited for a media tour, hosted by Almond Resorts, that I saw numerous brides and grooms at the airport holding David's Bridal and Mens Wearhouse garment bags, and still others walking around sporting "Just Married" t-shirts and gleaming grins. I wish I had my camera out, but I was too busy waiting for my luggage to come off the plane -- last.

Thanks to Almond Resorts and their public relations firm, the Zimmerman Agency, I was able to get away for a few days from big-city living, and enjoy some tropical weather, pleasant Caribbean hospitality and even a little time for relaxation. Almond Morgan Bay and Almond Smuggler's Cove both offer great facilities for destination weddings and plenty of romantic appeal for honeymooners. I was lucky enough to stay at the deluxe Almond Morgan Bay property -- in a spacious one-bedroom oceanview suite no less! Did I mention the ginormous soaking tub in my bathroom?

I found the resort property quite scenic, spacious and peaceful. It has a nice stretch of beach -- obviously well kept -- and 4 swimming pools, including one with a swim-up bar and another for adults only, tucked away on a hillside for extra seclusion.

Who Says Restaurants Are Just For Dining?

I’m sure we all have a favorite restaurant that gives us that warm fuzzy feeling inside every time we think about it. We’ve used these special places for catering memorable events, such as birthday and engagement parties, but did you know you can actually rent your favorite restaurant for a wedding? I’m not talking about a room in the back, but the entire space. Not only is this possible, but celebrities have been doing this as well.

I was just reading how Mad Men star Christina Hendricks and her husband Geoffrey Arend celebrated their nuptials at their favorite restaurant in NYC, Il Buco. The couple invited 70 of their closest friends and family to celebrate their day. This allowed them to spend more time with the ones they loved and was far from overwhelming. It can be very difficult to enjoy your wedding when you’re worried about greeting 300 guests. They dined on fabulous Italian cuisine, danced to a ‘30s- and ‘40s-inspired jazz band and had tarot card readings in the restaurant’s wine cellar. How cool is that?

The bridal party was decked out in vintage outfits put together by Mad Men stylist Allison Leach. The groomsmen had boutonnieres made of rose hips and berries, and each of their suits were subtly different. I loved the oranges and reds that were apparent in the ties and handkerchiefs they sported. The ladies wore different types of vintage 40s dresses and shoes. They all looked totally classic and elegant in the photos! I love when couples take their ideas and turn them into original options.

Having your wedding at a restaurant makes perfect sense to me, especially if it’s a place you absolutely love. All restaurants have rules and minimums, but it's worth it to ask and see what they have to offer. You may even find that this option actually saves you money. Great food, wonderful ambiance and cost effective? Who could ask for more?

xoxo
Sam

Hair’s the Scoop

A reader asked if it was proper etiquette to invite your hairstylist and makeup artist to the wedding. The short answer is no, not necessary, unless your relationship is more than professional and you consider them good friends. But since I was having my straggly locks trimmed last night anyway I decided to go right to the source and ask my own hairstylist extraordinaire, Patrick Danek, for his thoughts on the topic. After all, throughout their careers, Patrick and his business associate, Mitchell Behr, have helped make hundreds of brides look beautiful at weddings all across the country from the east end of Long Island to California and even Argentina!

Patrick concurred that it was not necessary to extend an invitation unless you were already friends and if you do invite your stylists, make sure it’s not just verbally. Always send a formal invitation. “Otherwise, if it’s asked so casually, I probably wouldn’t go,” he said. He also advised that you always do a dry run and make an appointment to see your hairstylist and makeup artist well before the wedding day. He noted that although most brides come to their appointments with photos of long, wavy hair in hand, they often change their minds and opt for something more “special” like an up-do or a style that they wouldn’t wear every day. After all, the hairstyle and makeup should be every bit as spectacular as the gown, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the right look. And do listen to advice from your stylists: They truly want you to be happy and look gorgeous!

So thanks for the tips and a great haircut, Patrick, and Mitchell, I promise to go see Avatar soon.

Posted by Diane at 2:22 p.m.

Self Improvement

global goss.:

Having spent the bulk of last year gearing up for the Super Boda (wedding in Spainsh), my travel adventures weren’t as often as I prefer. One thing that I’ve promised myself I’ll do this year is a self-improvement retreat that focuses on fitness and introspection in a fantabulous locale free of the trappings of my regular life. Years ago I spent a week at surf camp just north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and it truly changed my life perspective. And weeks before my wedding, I climbed the awesome Machu Picchu. Aside: There’s an amazing account of my trip to Peru in the current issue, so check it out!

This year I’d like to work on my breathing and yoga and see some more of Asia. Enter stage left: The new Leela Travel, a boutique tour operator that specializes in earth-friendly (and all-levels) yoga retreats. The group promises introspective adventures in remote, eco-friendly spots with pro instructors, amazing food and the opportunity to give back to the community. Itineraries include surfing and Vinyasa in Nicaragua, Ashtanga and Ayurveda in India, and eco-adventure and flow on a private island resort in Thailand. With all-inclusive pricing starting at about $1,200 a person, these retreats are just as easy on the wallet as they are the earth. For more information, go to leelatravel.com, and make sure you told them Jenna sent you! Namaste.

Get Your Group On

Here’s a quick idea for all you Budget-ettes out there. A survey conducted by our friends over at David’s Bridal has found that brides are still feeling the burn from the economic slowdown—even when it comes to weddings. Take a peek at a website called eDivvy.com, which promises to help you reduce spending throughout the planning process. (I can’t guarantee anything—but it’s worth a look!) For instance, they offer a way for your pals and family to chip in for one really nice gift, as well as an option for guests to actually contribute to the big day—pitching in for flowers and photography, for example. See what you think!

Posted by Susan at 3:12 p.m.

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