Destination Weddings

Whew! After a few crazy busy days, I'm finally back to my blog! I apologize for the delay.

Today, I bring you AMAZING (and I mean AMAZING) locations in Europe. There is something about Europe that has always fascinated me. There are so many luxurious places in Europe...you have Paris, Rome, Venice, Madrid, London, and the list goes on and on! It's obviously very difficult to hit all locations, but here are a few that I fell in love with!

A. The St. Regis ~ Rome, Italy

Located in the heart of Rome, The St. Regis is located within walking distance of the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish steps. There are many Italian and Mediterranean cuisine restaurants located inside the hotel, in addition to their famous Di...Vino Private Wine Cellar. The hotel offers wedding packages, as well as proposal packages. The Salone Ritz (pictured to the left) is the main ballroom in The St. Regis and can accommodate up to 540 guests. The hotel has an experienced wedding coordinator staff that can assist couples in planning their wedding day. In Italy, there are relatively few marriage requirements unlike many other countries in Europe that require lengthy residency requirements. For information regarding legal requirements, please take a look at the U.S. Department of State's website: http://travel.state.gov/law/citizenship/citizenship_754.html


For more information, check out The St. Regis website: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/property/meetings/fas_detail.html?propertyID=71&fasXRefId=1000446511


B. Island of Mykonos (Greece) ~ Santa Marina

Now if this location isn't breathtaking, I certainly wouldn't know what is! The Island of Mykonos, is one of the Greek Islands and is one of the most picturesque locations in the entire world! The Santa Marina hosts wedding ceremonies as well as receptions. This hotel actually has a traditional Greek church on-site for Greek Orthodox religions. Ceremonies are held just outside the entrance of the church on a secluded lawn and for other religions, "blessing" weddings are also held. For non-Greek Orthodox U.S. Citizens, civil ceremonies are held as opposed to religious ceremonies. These ceremonies are still considered legal; however, are not recognized by the couple's church.

For more information and an amazing photo gallery, check out their website directly at: http://www.santa-marina.gr/site/content.php?sel=90


C. The Westin Excelsior ~ Florence, Italy


Located in the heart of Florence, Italy this hotel is surely to give you the wedding of your dreams! There is nothing that says romance quite like Italy in my opinion! The hotel features spectacular ballrooms to host your wedding receptions with several cathedral churches near by available for wedding ceremonies. Please view the link above for more information regarding the legal requirements of having a wedding in Italy.

Here is also a link directly to The Westin Excelsior's website: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=43

Since it is so very difficult to cover all of what Europe has to offer...check back soon for more destinations in Europe!

Destination Weddings

Today, we continue on our journey around the globe to Mexico! Here are a few unique resorts to consider for your destination wedding, or even your honeymoon!

II. Thursday's Destination Hot Spot ~ Mexico

A. Riviera Maya, Mexico ~ The Aventura Spa Palace

Located in Riviera Mexico (90 minutes from Cancun) this resort is set within 85 acres of wild tropical gardens and directly faces the Caribbean Sea. This adult only resort (ages 18 +) features seven gourmet restaurants, numerous swimming pools, swim-up bars, and AMAZING spa facilities and is sure to be one unforgettable wedding! The Aventura offers three main wedding packages and the best part is there is actually a FREE package! This package is for guests staying at the resort for their entire stay and includes basic wedding necessities, including dinner for up to 50 people at pre-selected restaurants in the resort. The second package is the "Superior Wedding Package" and is $1,555.00 (USD). This package includes all of the items included in the free package as well as other special items such as a horse drawn carriage for the bride, make-up/hair styling, spa packages, a small photo package, and much much more! Finally, the third package is the "Deluxe Wedding Package" and is $1,995.00 (USD) and even includes a Mariachi band! Keep in mind that passports are mandatory when traveling to Mexico and the couple must be present at the resort at least 3 business days prior to their ceremony date.

For complete wedding detail & package information, check out their wedding website: http://www.palaceresortsweddings.com/WedPackages.aspx?Resort=Aventura

B. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico ~ Dreams Resort & Spa

This resort is truly located in a tropical paradise! The resort is secluded in it's own private cove and faces the Pacific Ocean. The resort features several championship golf courses, private beaches, fitness centers, tennis facilities, and numerous restaurants. The resort offers three main wedding packages. The first, "Dreams Wedding in Paradise Package" $769 (USD) includes ceremony location, wedding cake & wine reception for up to 10 guests, bride's bouquet, as well as other necessary items. The second, "Dreams of Love Wedding Package" $1,980 (USD) includes everything in the basic package as well as preparation of the wedding gown, cocktail party with hors d'oeuvres for up to 20 guests, and make-up/hair styling for the bride. The third, "Dreams Ultimate Wedding Package" $2,650 (USD) includes the same items as the second package as well as floral centerpieces, 50 full color photos and wedding album, video of the ceremony, live Mexican music trio, and many more items! They also offer additional a la carte services and packages that may be purchased in addition to the above packages. The same marriage requirements apply as noted above; however, in this location, couples must arrive 4 business days prior to their ceremony date.

For complete wedding detail & package information, check out their website: http://www.dreamsresorts.com/puerto_vallarta/weddings.html

Hope you enjoyed what Mexico has to offer...check back tomorrow as we head across the Atlantic, to Europe!

Destination Weddings

Destination weddings are one of the hottest wedding trends right now and there couldn't be a better time to think about warm, tropical destinations than today. As I look out my window, I see the snow falling for the third straight day, so I hope that these amazing hot spots brighten your spirits! A lot of people tend to associate destination weddings with one particular region of the world...the Caribbean! This isn't always the case, as more and more locations around the world are becoming the place to get married. I want to show everyone that there are truly amazing places that you never may have thought of before...some, may even be closer than you think! Each day this week I will feature several destinations that are truly spectacular in my opinion! Today, I'm going to focus my attention on The Caribbean.

I. Tuesday's Destination Hot Spot ~ The Caribbean

A. The Bahamas ~ Atlantis
The Atlantis hotel located in Nassau offers two main wedding packages: The Mystical Wedding package that includes 10 + rooms or The Treasured Wedding package for 9 rooms or less. The Mystical Wedding is for larger events where the bride and groom can customize their wedding details...much like you would if you were having your wedding right here in town. An on site wedding coordinator is available and included in the package cost to help with vendor selections. The Treasured Wedding is tailored for more intimate gatherings and includes a wedding cake and champagne reception for guests. However, for an additional cost the couple along with their guests, may upgrade to dine at one of their on-site restaurants from a pre-selected menu. This package also includes an on site wedding coordinator.

**New passport requirements state that all travelers entering the Bahamas now must have a passport. For more information regarding Bahamian law and marriage license information, visit their website: http://www.atlantis.com/groups/weddings.aspx

B. The Westin St. John Resort & Villa

The Westin St. John Resort is located in St. John, Virgin Islands. The island is breathtaking and the best part is the resort is located on 1,200 feet of private beaches. Couples can choose from a variety of ceremony locations, including indoor and outdoor. Everything from the menu to the wedding cake can also be customized...after all, it is YOUR wedding day! Their philosophy is to make every event personal and memorable. For more information, here is a link directly to their wedding website: The Westin.

Oh, and by the way it's 79 degrees in St. John right now on this cold January day! =)

Hope you enjoyed these locations...check back tomorrow as I explore destinations in Mexico! Stay warm!!

Maggie Sottero ~ Wedding Gowns

The Maggie Sottero bridal gown collection is one of my new favorites and absolutely beautiful in my opinion! These gowns truly are innovative and unique, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorite designs. What makes these gowns so great is that you are getting top quality high fashion gown designs at an affordable price. There are several bridal gown stores in the Pittsburgh area that carry this collection. Their website features all of their designs and can be found at: http://www.maggiesottero.com/

Wedding Day Hair Styles

Ok, so I just couldn't wait any longer to make my first wedding planning related post. I've been thinking a lot about wedding day hair styles lately and with my own wedding just around the corner, I thought I'd share a few of my fav's.

1.

This up-do is perfect for a spring or summer wedding and is very simple, yet very classy!

2.

This up-do is perfect for any time of year and just radiates class and poise! The jewel hair brooch gives this hair style a little something extra!

3.

This classic up-do is also perfect for a spring or summer wedding and would go great if you're having an outdoor or garden wedding!

4.

Image from The Wedding Channel

Nothing says romance quite like these romantic curls! This is a great option if you want something other than the traditional up-do.

5.

This up-do is simple, yet timeless! Perfect if hair accessories aren't your thing.

*All images unless otherwise noted are from The Knot.

Welcome!

First, let me just say welcome to my new blogging website! This blog is dedicated to my wedding planning business Simply Perfect Weddings. After a lot of hard work and dedication, I am officially open for business! Words cannot explain how happy I am to be able to offer my wedding planning and consulting services to Pittsburgh brides! This blog will contain helpful planning information, links, preferred vendors of mine, tips, and much much more to brides-to-be in the Greater Pittsburgh area. I have spent numerous hours researching the latest bridal and wedding trends in the industry and have lots to talk about! =) I hope you enjoy the posts as much as I do! If you have a wedding topic you'd like to see on my blog, feel free to email me and I'd be happy to research the topic. Again, welcome to the site and enjoy!