10 Years & Still Going Strong...

Puerto Rico Destination Weddings: Helen + Alex from Blink and Sin Pictures on Vimeo.

Destination... Love

A few more destination wedding ideas...

Row 1: Beach Favor Bags, Destination Love Favor Cards, Beach Cake Topper, Destination Wedding Favor Card
Row 2: Cruise Themed Magnet Favor, Miniature Travel Suitcase Container, Miniature Travel Trolley, Honeymoon Beach Attire
Row 3: Shell Place Card Holders, Heart Unity Sand Ceremony Set, Orchid "Just Married" Flip Flops, Seaside Allure Garter Set
Row 4: Palm Tree Favor Boxes, Destination Love Cruise Ship Luggage Tag, Flip Flop Placecard Holders, Sea Shell Spreader Favors

Consider hiring a wedding/event planning service based in your destination wedding location. This is especially handy when considering differences in time zones and possible language barriers. Companies such as PR Wedding Planner will handle all details of your wedding.

Save-the-dates should be sent from 6 to 12 months in advance to allow guests time to plan and budget for attending the destination wedding.

Enclose an itinerary with your wedding invitations so that guests will know what to expect.

Destination wedding guests are typically expected to pay for their airfare and hotel. You can help with the cost by negotiating group rates with hotels and airlines. Make reservations as early as possible as group rates are often based on availability.

Keep guests informed of travel and accomodation options (including prices) and any changes to the itinerary by creating a wedding website. Send an email to guests each time you make changes to the website.

Because the guest list of destination weddings is generally shorter, consider having a small reception once you return home. This will give you the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends who were not able to attend your destination wedding. Choose a decorating scheme that focuses on the location of your destination wedding. Have wedding photos or a DVD of the ceremony/reception available.

Financial Difficulties Bring A Boom To Destination Weddings

Hola To My Future Mr & Mrs,

The last couple of months have been quite hectic, although I must stress a wonderful hectic.  In the last 60 days I have received over 50 Elope Package requests from couples living all over the states including Georgia, California, Texas and New York! The most amount of prospective newlyweds since I began wedding planning over a year ago.  I know for sure this is due to our economy.  Couples are desperately trying to make smarter financial decisions and instead of spending X amount of dollars on a 5 hour event, they are choosing to have their wedding be a week long celebration (including a honeymoon) for far less than the average traditional "shin-dig". 

Eloping is the fiancial way to go if you want to spend your hard earned money wisely! I can say this from both my professional and personal experience.  See I help successful, smart and savvy couples save thousands of dollars every day! But not only have I done this through my career, I also lived it through my own destination wedding experience. I always thought I wanted a large wedding and reception, a real celebration of our love. But when we started to weigh the cost of a wedding and reception as opposed to a week long celebration including; a ceremony, reception and honeymoon all rolled up in one... we realized spending time with our family enjoying a relaxing and beautiful island far out weighed that huge traditional 5 hour wedding event. I remember us planning our dream wedding; 150 guests, a chartered boat that would go around Manhattan Island, gourmet food, drink, band, designer dress and shoes, makeup artist, hairdresser, favors and so on and so on and so on. Then one night, right before we were to sign the venue contract, my fiance and I sat down and really thought it through and this is what we came up with. What would we rather have... a 5 hour event that would be over within a blink of an eye or a 15 day celebration, ceremony, reception and honeymoon that would last a lifetime and cost just about the same? Well in the end our destination wedding won and we have never regretted that decision.  We had the most magical 15 days of our lives and we celebrated every single moment.  It was a vacation that celebrated our love for one another.  We biked, went horse back riding and snorkling, saw rainbows, dolphins and manatees, danced, relaxed, took long walks, sailed on a catamaran, hiked and watched millions of stars come out at night, now that was a celebration of our love!

Couples, yes we are facing financial difficulties these days.  Yes, I agree having a destination wedding is a smart financial decision. But it is much more then that, it is about building memories at the very beginning of a new life together that will last far more than 5 hours, those romantic memories and adventurous experiences will surely last a lifetime!

Con carino,

Lisa your Wedding Planner!

The Wedding of Brian Deeds and Ivelisse Ledesma Pintado in Puerto Rico

If this video is in anyway similar to your vision of your destination wedding, contact me so that I can make it happen!

Fav Fotos!

Do You Need A Wedding Planner?

Movies like the Wedding Planner have shown the general public how much a wedding planner is needed. In the most basic sense, wedding planners are the ones who assist and take care of everything related to your wedding. The question is, though, does a couple really need a wedding coordinator? Can’t they just do everything themselves?

To answer this question, let’s look at a scenario, which, though hypothetical at this point, is probably true for many couples planning a wedding. The moment a couple gets engaged, they start to become inundated with all sorts of details needed to come up with the perfect wedding. From the bridal shower to the invitations to the venue to the gown to the reception, a couple about to get married will have to deal with all these things scenarios.

If you are the average couple, with both partners working and having to deal with a whole host of other responsibilities, you just might find yourself overwhelmed with all the planning. Take for example the simple matter of choosing a company to take care of the photos and videos during the wedding day. There is definitely no shortage of companies that can take care of this for you. The problem actually lies in the fact that you have too many choices. So how do you choose? The same thing goes for the entertainment for the reception, the caterer, the florist, and a lot of other things.

This is where the wedding coordinator can actually contribute most. A wedding coordinator only needs to know your preferences and needs and budget. He or she can then do all the legwork and negotiate with various caterers and providers. Of course, he or she would need to coordinate closely with you and your partner in order to ensure that what you will be getting is what you want.

Now throw in a destination wedding and you have a few more obstacles added in, such as, the language, knowledge of the destination site, contacts for venues, marriage license requirements, etc. and you definitely have a scenario where having a wedding planner makes a huge world of difference.

More than this, experienced wedding coordinators, like myself, have lots of contacts already. We have established relationships with florists, caterers, photographers and the like. This means that for the most part we can get better rates than if you were to do the negotiating yourself. This translates into savings for you and your partner.

Bottom line is... although you may think the added expense of a wedding planner is not worth spending... in the long run, hiring a wedding planner will save you money, time and stress. Now isn't that a much better way to plan one of the most important days of your life?

Tips On Traveling With Your Wedding Gown

If you are considering a PR destination wedding I am sure you have thought of how you are getting your wedding dress here. Here is some advise that will help you prepare your dress and get it to your wedding destination safe and sound.

Many brides take their wedding dress on the plane as carry-on luggage, but to avoid problems at check in BE SURE it is an approved size, as some airplanes do not have extra room for oversized carry-on pieces. It is advised to make arrangements with the airline in advance. Some airlines allow the large "coat closets" in the first-class cabin area to be used for bridal gown storage.

Now for the preparing and packing. First ask your bridal salon to pack the dress for you. If they don't have a box large enough for the dress ask them to pack it in a suitcase.

To pack the gown yourself, line the suitcase with plenty of tissue. Place the center of the gown in the suitcase, face down. Fold the skirt lenghthwise to fit the suitcase; use tissue for padding. Fold the bottom of the skirt into the suitcase, again using lots of tissue, and then fold in the bodice. If the dress moves around when you move the suitcase, open it and add more tissue until there is no movement at all.

As soon as you reach your destination, unpack the gown and hang it in the bathroom. Close the door and turn the shower on. Be sure the gown will not get splashed; you merely want the steam from the shower to take care of the wrinkles. A hand steamer may be needed for stubborn creases.

Professional dry cleaning services are available just about anywhere in PR through your hotel or resort, they can freshen your gown for about $45.00.

As for the Groom, it is a great idea to rent the tux here. There are many Tuxedo rental shops that offer good service and great variety. Just be certain to give yourself enough time for a fitting and pick-up. Tuxedos can also be brought along, but why should you when you can probably rent them right at the wedding location (check with your wedding planner or resort). If you decide to travel with a rented Tux follow the same packing advise as the wedding dress, and have one of your guests bring it back and return it for you.

Last Tip-Packing for a wedding AND a honeymoon can add up to a lot of luggage and a lot of money at the airport. A good suggestion is to have some of your guests bring some items with them or ship items to the wedding planner or to your resort. If you are shipping anything, make sure you leave extra time and use an overnight service, such as FedEx, not regular mail. That advise goes for the trip back home too, ask a guest to bring back any items you will not need on your honeymoon so that your load is much lighter.

Happy Packing!

A Creative Alternative to a Destination Wedding

Puerto Rico is such a wonderful choice for your destination wedding because of the endless possibilities available for your site, for example - a ceremony on a white sand beach, reception at a trendy boutique hotel or a quaint bed & breakfast, etc. But have you ever thought of exchanging your wedding vows on a sailboat while on the Caribbean Sea? Picture this, you climb aboard a beautiful sailboat with your family and friends and are handed a signature cocktail. Once all of your guests arrive you begin sailing around Fajardo Harbor. Your wedding ceremony begins and then you and your guests can enjoy a wonderful buffet dinner and cocktails. The sun begins to set and your dance party begins under a starry night sky. WOW!

I have experienced this company's professional service and detail to attention first hand. We sailed to a little island off of PR called Icacos and I must say it was a magical experience. The sailboat is beautiful, spacious and is kept meticulously. The Caribbean Sea was crystal clear and a gorgeous turqouois color. The sunset seemed out of a romantic scene in a movie and the breeze was simply delightful. The food served (cold appetizers, cold cuts, fresh bread, cold pastas. crackers & cheese, fresh fruits) was fresh and delicious. What more can I say... it seems like a wonderful way to start your life together as husband and wife - romantic, unique, memorable and so very special!

So, should I call the Captain and reserve your "Sunset Wedding Sail" today?

What you need to know to get married In Puerto Rico...

What can be more romantic than exchanging vows on a white sandy beach at sunset while small waves lap in the background and your family and friends look on in their favorite beach attire? If this sounds like your dream come true, then Puerto Rico is for you.

Another big draw is the convenience. Not only is it a short plane ride but no passports are required. Also, currency exchanges are not needed to come here since the entire island uses U.S. dollars. This is because Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States therefore the currency is the same as are the travel rules.

With miles of beaches to hold your special day, you will experience a moment that will last a lifetime. If you are more traditional in nature, Puerto Rico has one of the highest densities of churches in the world. Many are of Christian orientation, but welcome faiths from all over the world. If you would like to leave the arrangements to someone else, the island boasts an array of high quality hotels that are more than happy to create the wedding of your dreams. For a more personal touch a wedding planner on the island will work with you on a one to one basis. If you have any questions, I'm here to help.

Like most states and countries, Puerto Rico has a few guidelines to follow in order to get married. Proper I.D., birth certificate and blood test within tens days of the marriage are required. When arriving on the island you will want to go to the Department of Health to receive the initial marriage license papers, visit a physician to verify your tests and than to the Marriage License Bureau. Some of these items can be done before by contacting the Health Bureau. For those who are trying to save money, the Judicial Center offers free marriage ceremonies so they can put their money towards a festive celebration after. The choices on what to do are endless. A private beach picnic, a beautiful dinner or a night bouncing around from place to place are just a few.

Wedding attire can be as simple as a bikini and swim trunks or as extravagant as a Vera Wang original. Some brides choose to purchase a simple slip dress on the island. Others spend the time and money traveling to have a local sew up their dream dress. Here again, whatever your heart's desire, the magic of the island grants you. There are no limits.

As the sun sets, you and your new partner head off to start a magnificent life together, while Puerto Rico provides the setting for a romantic memory that will never fade.

Why Destination Weddings Are So Popular

Foregoing the traditional wedding scenario for one that requires a plane ride is not only enchanting but has many benefits. The obvious first one, the romance. Imagine swapping vows engulfed by the warm tropical air while the sound of the ocean serenades you both. It's magical.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds can celebrate in paradise. Couples and their guests can choose to extend the celebration into a weekend of magnificent experiences. From the only tropical rainforest in the United States to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, there is no island quite as versatile as Puerto Rico. The fact the island only one hundred miles long and thirty-five miles wide makes it convenient. Traveling from excursion to excursion is a breeze making many attractions accessible for couples on a long weekend. For those staying longer, there is plenty of sight seeing to experience. San Juan offers resort vacationing with all the amenities - shopping, fine dining and a lively night life. Old San Juan has gorgeous architecture trimmed by narrow cobblestone streets giving it an old European feel thanks to its early Spanish settlers. As you stroll down the streets, don't pass up the piraquas. I promise you, you won't regret it. Who wouldn't love hand-shaved ice with homemade syrups from local fruits poured over it. Delightful! El Yunque is a wonder to behold. Everyone should experience it at least once in their lives. This gem is a protected national forest and the only tropical rainforest in the United States. Everything is in it's natural state as it always was complete with natural waterfalls and exquisite plant life.

The most intriguing reason to get married here is the savings. For a fraction of what it would cost for a few hours at a wedding hall, couples can experience an entire weekend of heaven ringing in the most momentous chapter of their lives. Beyond resort living, stepping out to the local businesses is a nice way to get to know the warmth of the people who run them. The food is delectable and very affordable. Renting a condo in Las Palmas can cost less then it would to stay in resort hotels. With a good wedding planner, arrangements can be made to suit any budget.

As does family, hospitality plays an important role in Puerto Rican culture. The more the merrier is ingrained in the roots of this beautiful island. You can hear music every where you go and the food will leave you coming back for more. Puerto Rico will tickle all of your senses from the moment you step off the plane. Anyone can have this memorable experience, despite what many may think. A dreamy wedding is not out of reach for anyone. Congratulations y buena suerte!