Photographer: CHECK!

Today I am very happy to announce that we have finally chosen a photographer. Andy and Angie Wood of A&A Photography will be flying to Mexico to cover our wedding, and will be doing our engagement shoot in Denver this winter, along with our Trash the Dress shoot the day after the wedding in Mexico. We are so pleased that they have agreed to become part of our wedding team; their work is positively fabulous and we have eyed it for months now. If you have a moment, check them out on their website (or for their most recent work, their blog). The decision was so difficult, but we ultimately brought it all back to fit - we wanted to fit well with whomever we chose, mainly because the intimacy of a destination wedding requires a bit more 'getting along' with everyone than perhaps a hometown wedding does. We think they click well with us, and will also do so with our guests - a perfect blend of fun and hard-core awesome photography.

A&A Photography - Andy and Angie Wood
Main Website: http://www.studioaanda.com/
Blog (most recent stuff): http://www.a-a-photography.com/blog/

OOT Bags - What are those anyway?

When one plans a destination wedding, there is some precendent that one will provide wedding guests with a lovely treat basket/bag upon arrival. This is done to thank the guests for traveling a longer-than-normal distance to attend the wedding of loved ones. So, as a future destination bride, I started looking early on to see what types of things might be included in such a helpful little bag (and tried to figure out what kind of BAG to buy...oh so complicated). In any event, those helpful (if not crazy) brides who post on the Best Destination Weddings forum have compiled a listing of everything that would be most helpful to include in such a fun bag (and by the way, OOT means "out-of-town" - hee hee). Here is a comprehensive listing of such items - I would LOVE to see some comments about what our future guests think we should include in our bags (that would help me make some decisions people!). Enjoy!

• advil, tylenol
• alka-seltzer, imodium or pepto – travel size
  aloe
  beach ball
  beach mat
  beach towel
  bookmark
• bottle opener!
  bubble bath
• bug spray
  cameras (underwater, disposable, ect.)
• candle for the room
  cd of music
  dramamine
  drink mix, powdered
• drink koozie
  fan
  first-aid kit
  flashlights – travel size
  flip-flops
  frisbees
  gift certificate (spa, excursion, etc.)
• hand sanitizer
  hangover kit
  hats or visors
• itinerary
  key card holder
  key chain
• lib balm
  lint roller – travel size
  liquor bottle – mini size (hah, it is FREE at our resort!)
• list of activities (on and off site)
  location information
  loofah
  luggage tag
  maps
• matchbook
  message in a bottle
  mints/gum
  nail file
  notepad
  pashminas
  photo albums
  picture frame
• playing cards
  pool raft
• postcards (love this idea, send it home)
  puzzle book (sudoku, crossword, ect)
  sarong
  shot glass
  shout stick or wipes
  snacks (local, candy, salty, etc.)
  socks
  spa salts
• sunscreen
  tank top/shirt with wedding logo
• tissue packet
  translator – english to xxxx common phrases
  travel cup
• welcome letter
  wet wipes
  yummy local snacks

Song of the Week...and Men's Attire

The past few days have been consumed with a few things - the class I am teaching online, the 2 other weddings I am planning besides mine, work as usual, and the question: what on earth are the groomsmen going to wear? (What is Christopher going to wear??) There are just so many options out there in the universe. The traditionally-beachy look of some khaki cargo shorts and a short-sleeved shirt (typically made of fabric that I'm pretty sure is not flame-retardant...) is one way to go.

When we sat down and asked ourselves, what style are we going for here(?), we came to the conclusion that even though our wedding will be near/on a beach, both of us are relatively formal people when it comes to how envisioned our wedding. So guys, I'm pretty sure you won't be wearing shorts, at least for the ceremony (for all I care, after the photos are taken, you can run around naked like the Europeans, have at it). We don't want to have to deal with tux rentals in a foreign country, and we certainly don't want to incur any huge costs. Here are a few photos that we both liked (kinda sorta in some ways)...but we still haven't found the perfect fit. If you have ideas, please send them our way!

In other news, it's "New Music Wednesday," so I will leave you with this awesome video from Ingrid Michaelson.

Jacuzzi Tubs on SMB balconies...

A few of my readers had questions about the photos we have been tracking of the newly-opened Secrets Maroma Beach (SMB - I work for the government, everything has an acronym). Do all of the suites have jacuzzi tubs on the balcony, or are these only available with Preferred Club Suites? Answer: Only available with Preferred Club Suites. As I understand it, folks willing to pay the extra bucks for an upgrade to the Preferred Club are rewarded with not only the extra jacuzzi tub on the balcony (in addition to the one in the bathroom), but also with access to a private bar area where they can mix their own beverages, a private lounge where a special continental breakfast, special snacks, and special desserts are available, free internet access, and an upgraded mini bar and bath amenities. Christopher and I decided to stick with the Junior Suites because we figured that it would be a little pointless that we got access to special stuff if the majority of our guests did not - we want to spend as much time as possible with the people that we love! (Although you know if we did get the special stuff, we'd steal extra and distribute it to the masses...we are so Robin Hood that way.) I am keeping both eyes and ears open as more and more people stay at SMB and post their reviews of the property, and will keep you posted too. !VIVA!

Song of the Week!

So this is a bit late...but I was in DC all week for work. That's my only excuse. Enjoy! I'd love to hear suggestions from you!

Buddha Bar III
Tango de Seranato de Shubert

Things you NEED if you're having a Beachy Affair

Many, many websites out there are willing to tell a destination bride what she needs for her wedding and/or trip to a wedding destination that involves a beach.

Of course, I completely get caught up in all of the hubub, and think "Well of course I need a floppy hat in 3 colors..." and "Of COURSE I need 3 pair of sunglasses in 3 colors..." when in reality, I'm not much of a 'beachy' person to begin with and will likely never wear those things again.

Realistically speaking, if an item protects me from the nasty sun (my Scandinavian skin just can't handle it!), then I am more interested in owning it, which is why I ordered just such a 'floppy beach hat' from Urban Outfitters the other day. I am just not certain that I NEED to have a cashmere wrap to really feel like my beachy-wedding-process is complete. (But then again...)

Here are a few other things that the beach bride purportedly NEEDS to have in her suitcase, all images courtesy of Nordstrom.com.

1. A very pretty dress

2. A cashmere wrap

3. Versace sunglasses

4. Some fabulous jewelry

5. Sassy flat sandals

Fave Song of the Week

Every week I try to come up with a new song that emulates the feelings that a wedding in paradise might bring...I'll post these as we move forward and would love to hear suggestions from you too!

Ivy - Edge of the Ocean

Thoughts on Flowers

Traditionally, a bride and her bridesmaids carry flowers down the aisle (and back up again). Although I wouldn't call myself intentionally "non-traditional", I do feel a certain sense of responsibility to consider other options when it comes to things like flowers (which are very nice when alive, but they do cost quite a bit for something that dies rather quickly).

Here is part of the photo that gave me the idea (credit to Stephen Sanderson Photography). After some consideration, this photo inspired me toward considering parasols in lieu of flowers. (I think I will still carry flowers, since they come with our wedding package.)

I did find some very fun options on the internet for beachy-looking parasols; here are a few I am considering for our turquoise, white, and chocolate brown theme (any votes? leave a comment below!):

Inspiration Boards

When a modern bride is planning her wedding, she often turns to the internet for information, shopping, tips, and inspiration. My personal inspiration originally came from an idea Christopher had about our Denver-wedding-theme (a grand Hollywood theater gala).

Obviously, that theme is out the window because we are now headed to MEXICO.

HOWEVER -- I still desire to be inspired about my wedding and the feeling that it will instill in my guests. The 'theme' for our wedding really is 'beachy elegance' or 'beach glam', and I would very much like it to reflect some of the non-tourist culture of Mexico. I'll be shopping for items that will go into guests' welcome bags in Playa del Carmen the day we arrive (if all goes well), because I'd like guests to feel a bit more of what Mexico has to offer (than just the resort property).


So, I, like many others, have turned to the internet for inspiration. For anyone who doesn't know, there are these absolutely cool websites solely devoted to wedding style.

<-- I made this one!

My two faves are Snippet & Ink and Style Me Pretty. I found so many amazing ideas on these sites, I thought I would share them here too! (click to enlarge)

boards courtesy Snippet&Ink