destination:

REAL WEDDINGS IN DREAM LOCATIONSPremiere Issue, Winter 2013

EDITOR’S NOTEA destination wedding isn’t for the timid, but it’s an unforget-table way to start a marriage

CONTRIBUTORS Meet the editorial team behind Destination: W

NEWS!From the Caribbean to Virginia, the latest on fun, cool spots to tie the knot

FORECAST: KAUAIThe Hawaiian isle of Kauai is our Pacific pick of the year—it might just become yours, too

FORECAST: TUSCANYItaly, one of the world’s most romantic wedding spots, is having its year in the Tuscan sun

4 BEAUTY SECRETSCeleb beauty expert Mally Roncal shares four essentials for DIYing your hair and makeup

A WEDDING IN NEW ORLEANSThey could have named it the Big Easy for the simplicity with which you can plan a wedding. Follow a Texan girl and a Jersey boy as they discover what a Louisiana celebration is all about.

PACKING FOR NEW ORLEANSPerfect pieces for the sultry South, including romantic lace, French-inspired jewels, and a most sophisticated hair ornament.

NEW ORLEANS INSIDERWedding-friendly hotels (and one plantation!) for every type of couple, three planners we really like, plus other essentials.

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Real Weddings in Dream Locations

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A WEDDING IN COSTA RICACosta Rica pretty much invented eco-tourism, but how does it fare as a wedding site? See how an L.A. couple relied on the locals—and their gut instinct—to create a truly unforgettable week in Central America’s garden spot.

PACKING FOR COSTA RICABeach-friendly frocks, outdoorsy accessories, and one fab pair of sandals. Swag!

COSTA RICA INSIDERWedding-friendly hotels for every budget, three planners we swear by, plus the nuts and bolts on weather, legalities, and assorted marital nitty-gritty

A WEDDING IN PORTUGALDestination weddings are often intimate parties, but for this couple a wedding in Lisbon was a chance to unite hundreds of friends and family from around the globe.

PACKING FOR PORTUGALAn utterly romantic fit-and-flare gown, charming openwork accents, and the most beautiful bracelet of the year.

PORTUGAL INSIDERWhen treading foreign soil, you’ll want an A-list of helpers. We’ve got top planners, info on geography and climate, and five hotels that make you feel like you’ve come home.

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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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

editor’s note

Welcome to Destination: W

uring my years at Brides magazine, I learned that as exciting as destina-tion weddings are, they can also

be intimidating. Not only are you making a major commitment to another person, you’re doing it in a place where the geography, customs, and even language may be unfamiliar. Oh, and you’re bringing the people you care most about along for the ride.

Destination weddings are not for the timid.

What they are, though, is unforgettable. Whether you’re gathering your families on a tropical island or inviting 100 of your nearest and dearest to celebrate on a mountainside, it’s hard to top all that love bouncing around a place that stirs your heart.

We hope to inspire your own amazing wedding with stories of other couples who’ve achieved their dream. And, accompanied by breathtaking images from some of the industry's most re-nowned photographers, we’ll help you get there with honest advice about locations, logistics, hotels, and vendors—insights we’ve gathered over years of experience.

For now, three little words: Go for it.

Sally Kilbridge, Editor in Chief

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KRISTINA JUZAITIS | CREATIVE DIRECTORHeading 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.

KRISTI DRAGO-PRICE | CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTORAfter 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.

BOB PAYNE | TRAVEL EDITORWhile 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.

SARAH H. LEINGANG | FASHION & BEAUTY EDITORSarah 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 EDITORBarrie 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 EDITOROur 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 taking her own pictures; her secret talent is an eye for arranging wedding flowers.

The Destination:W StaffSALLY KILBRIDGE | EDITOR IN CHIEFThe 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.

PHOTOS : SALLY: TIMOTHY LAMPSON, KRISTINA: JUSTIN DURONGSAENG, KRISTI: PERRY HAGOPIAN, SARAH: TERRENCE LEINGANG, BARRIE: BILL DRUMMY, CRISTINA: CHARLOTTE JENKS LEWIS

Italy

THE HEIGHT OF ROMANCEAt Primland, a rustic-chic resort that brings hot stone massages to Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the most jaw-dropping wedding spot sits on the edge of a cliff. The Treehouse, a cozy new guest suite, has a wraparound deck big enough for your vows; afterward they’ll set up twig rocking chairs so your guests can sip moonshine cocktails while hawks circle in the valley below. www.primland.com

MEX TO THE MAX When TV’s sexiest woman—Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara—got engaged last summer on her 40th birthday, you’d better believe she was someplace fab: Rosewood Mayakoba, a Riviera Maya resort where she partied with 108 friends and family. For your own celeb-style wedding, invite 250 guests for tequila toasts under a beachside party palapa. Salut! www.fairmont.com/mayakoba-riviera-maya

News!

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EASIER IN THE ISLANDSPairs headed to Puerto Rico can now spend more time at the beach and less on paperwork. The on-island blood test requirement has been waived; just bring a certificate saying you’ve met all the required tests for marriage back home…www.seepuertorico.com Meanwhile, in the British Virgin Islands, the residency requirement has been cut in third; after just 24 hours here, you’re free to tie the knot.www.bvitourism.com

BEACHES BONANZAThe sublime shoreline and superla-tive staff have made family-friendly Beaches Turks & Caicos an insanely popular wedding spot for over a decade. And now the all-inclusive resort’s newest “village,” Key West,

is getting in gear next door. A cool, contemporary take on the Caribbean, with ginormous four-bedroom suites that can accommodate several gen-erations, we predict it becomes the compound’s go-to site when it’s fully open in late 2013. www.beaches.com

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PHOTOS: ©GETTY IMAGES

The greenest, possibly the most beautiful of the Hawaiian Islands is poised to become the go-to wedding locale for well-heeled nature-lovers. Here’s why:

New direct air service from the mainland means one flight and you’re here.

The posh Princeville Resort area has a freshly organic- chic look. (Bye-bye bling; hello floor-to-ceiling views of the Bali Hai mountains).

Restaurants like Merriman’s Fish House (the chef is a three-times James Beard Award finalist), Red Salt at the Koa Kea Resort (outrageous seafood), and Dude Dogs (take a guess)

In addition to using Kauai locations for The Descendants and the latest Pirates of the Caribbean, Hollywood is heading here to film Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Oh, and Jessica Simpson—a woman who knows how to throw a wedding—is reportedly still eyeing the island as the site of her destination vow.

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What could be more romantic than a wedding under the Tuscan sun? Think rolling countryside dotted with vineyards and olive groves. Maybe a ceremony amid the frescoes of a Renaissance palazzo. Wait, there’s more:

Getting hitched in the fairytale land, which used to involve a mountain of paperwork, is now almost effortless, thanks to a dozen Italian wedding-planning companies that cater to U.S. couples. One we love: www.italiacelebrations.com

Seven fab new Italian hotels have made the Conde Nast Traveler Hot List. High-end hoteliers are taking particular notice of Tuscany’s hill towns, restoring centuries- old villas, palazzos, and castles.

Italia is basking in a renewned glow of amore thanks in part to Woody Allen’s smooch of a film, To Rome with Love. Two words: Tuscan cuisine. Farm-to-table dining was part of the region’s iden-tity long before the locavore trend. Fresh, delicious, flavorful, unfussy food—now that’s our idea of a marriage feast. Buon appetito!

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WATERPROOF MASCARA IS A MUST. Obviously, you’ll need it to prevent raccoon eyes, but when you’re transitioning from day-to-night, instead of adding more eye makeup—which can get heavy-looking—just brush on another coat of mascara, concentrating at the lash base. Diorshow Iconic Extreme Waterproof Mascara, $28.50; www.dior.com

4A destination wedding can be a beauty challenge—especially when you’re in tropical territory. The heat! The humidity! We asked makeup artist Mally Roncal, the pro behind Beyonce and J. Lo’s red carpet looks and founder of her own makeup line, to share four secrets to DIYing your biggest beauty day ever. —Barrie Gillies

DOUBLE UP. You don’t need a lot of makeup to look polished, but layering is key in the tropics. For a bulletproof seal, start with a cream formula and set it with a powder in a corresponding shade. Try this with eyeliner, eyeshadow, even blush. Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in #13, $23; www.sephora.com 4 Secrets

from a Beauty Expert

TRY FALSE LASHES. Today’s versions are soft and you can use a full strip or individual lashes. They make eyes pop and won’t wilt.Sephora False Eye Lashes in Showstopper, $8; www.sephora.com

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THINK ABOUT A BRAIDED HAIRSTYLE. The look is huge now and there are so many variations. Go clean and sleek or totally boho. No worries about frizz!Hair by Fekkai’s Renato Campora

3IF WE WERE GOING TO PACK ONE OF MALLY’S PRODUCTS….It would be her Face Defender Buildable Whipped Foundation ($45, www.qvc.com), a formula that offers amazing coverage with a modern matte—not dewy, not dry—finish.

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New OrleansP H O T O G R A P H S B Y TRENT BAILEY PHOTOGRAPHY T E X T B Y BARRIE GILL IES

Jillian & Eric

“My husband and I both love New Orleans,” says native daughter Jillian Hugele, who lived there before moving to Texas, and still has family in town. Eric Green and his college friends meet up at Jazz Fest every spring for a week-end. “It’s the one place in the world we have in common, and we realized right away that it was the perfect spot to celebrate our new life,” recalls Jillian.

So a destination wedding was born, and New Orleans culture infused the day. The interfaith couple exchanged

vows beneath a 100-year-old oak tree dripping with Spanish moss at the New Orleans Museum of Art. After they were pronounced husband and wife, a brass band led the parade to cocktail hour, followed by the traditional second line of marching guests. “Eric and I walked in front with our umbrellas while everyone behind us waved white napkins. It was awesome to turn around and see our guests having so much fun!” In these parts, there’s no better wedding gift than that.

hen a Texan falls in love with a Jersey boy, where do they tie the knot? In a city that resonates with both.

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PHOTOGRAPHER Trent Bailey Photography www.trentbailey.com

CEREMONY LOCATION New Orleans Museum of Art Sculpture Garden; www.noma.org

RECEPTION LOCATION New Orleans Museum of Art; www.noma.org

DRESS Amy Kuschel; www.amykuschel.com

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES J. Crew; www.jcrew.com

GROOM’S SUIT J. Crew; www.jcrew.com

GROOMSMEN’S SUITS Men's Wearhouse; www.menswearhouse.com

LOCATION & VENDOR LIST

WEDDING PLANNER Michele Caswell-Adams of Unique Weddings; www.neworleansweddingplanners.com/overview

INVITATIONS Lion in The Sun; www.lioninthesunps.com

CATERING New Orleans Catering; www.nocatering.com

CAKE Royal Cakery; www.royalcakery.com

FLORIST Christina O'Malley

BRASS BAND Coolbone

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THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE? “Long-distance planning. We took a couple of trips down, but I wasn’t able to meet with some of my vendors in person until the wedding day. It made explaining what I wanted a little harder. Towards the end of planning, I flew down for a final walk-through which helped me envision how the day was going to go and I realized that we were in good hands.”

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“ We’ve always loved New Orleans. We didn’t want a super-formal or over-planned event and it was the perfect setting for the relaxed celebration we envisioned. And since we were asking folks to jump on a plane, we wanted them to meet us somewhere fun!”

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THE SWEETEST SURPRISE“ For months, everyone had been warning us that stuff

would go wrong and that we had to just let it go. But our day was truly perfect. When the night was over, we felt as if it couldn’t have been more wonderful. I think that’s because everyone was having so much fun.”

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ADVICE FROM JILLIAN & ERICIF POSSIBLE, MEET YOUR VENDORS A COUPLE OF TIMES THROUGHOUT THE PLANNING. “I would have probably made one more trip in the middle of the process just to see for myself how things were going. And to calm my nerves!”

ASK YOUR FLORIST TO PREPARE MOCKUPS OF THE BOUQUETS. “You can email and talk about flowers a lot, but nothing beats actually seeing how they look in person.”

ADAPT TO THE CULTURE. “In New Orleans, it’s uncommon to have a seated meal at a wedding; typically there’s not even seating for every guest. I wasn’t willing to budge on the latter—I wanted everyone to have a seat—but I did give in and have a buffet. In New Orleans, the drinking, the dancing, and the fun are the focus. You’ve got to roll with it.”

SYBIL CLUTCH Clara Kasavina; $785

www.clarakasavina.com

IRIS COMB Jennifer Behr; $475

www.jenniferbehr.com

PORTOBELLO FROST DUPIONI

DRESS WITH STEEL

HORSEHAIR BELT Watters Maids; $240

www.watters.com

PANAMA HAT J.Crew; $58

www.jcrew.com

Packing forNew Orleans

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New Orleans

LACE MIMOSA DRESS

Jenny Packham; $8,650www.jennypackham.com

WEIMAR LARGE DROP EARRINGS IN CRYSTAL

Suzanna Dai, $225www.suzannadai.com

FLORA BY GUCCI GLAMOROUS MAGNOLIA

Gucci; $70www.Sephora.com

STARLET MARBLE GRAY RESIN BANGLE Miriam Salat; $175

www.miriamsalat.com

LUXURY HAIR OIL Rodin by Recine; $65www.oliolusso.com

CHAOS CUFF SANDAL IN SILVER Manolo Blahnik;$695www.Nordstrom.com

LAY OF THE LAND: NOLA as those in the know often refer to it, is a city made for walkers, or, more precisely, strutters, high-steppers, and locomoting dancers. Wherever your ceremony—a Central Business District ballroom, a hidden patio in the French Quarter, a terrace in the Garden District, even under

the oaks on a plantation outside of town—New Orleans tradition is to end it with a parade: You two, dancing with a brass band, at the head of the procession; everybody else “second lining” behind you, waving umbrellas, hats, canes, handkerchiefs, all of which, by the way, make great wedding favors. —Bob Payne

A NEW ORLEANS WEDDING MIGHT BE PERFECT IF YOU . . .• Believe dancing in a parade is an excellent way to leave your ceremony • Proclaim, “No canapés for us; bring on the beignets!” • Insist that wrought iron railings and river boat horns add to the romance • Plan to have music in every memory of the day

insiderNEW ORLEANS

A NEW ORLEANS WEDDING MIGHT BE PERFECT IF YOU . . .• Believe dancing in a parade is an excellent way to leave your ceremony • Proclaim, “No canapés for us; bring on the beignets!” • Insist that wrought iron railings and river boat horns add to the romance • Plan to have music in every memory of the day

Soniat House

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PLANTATION WEDDINGSWant to celebrate as a Southern belle? Oak Alley Plantation, a pre-Civil War mansion on the banks of the Mississippi, sits at the end of a quarter-mile drive of overhanging oaks. It’s about an hour from town, so you’ll need transportation for up to 150 guests, but there are a few over-night cottages for those who have no desire to leave. www.oakalleyplantation.com

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CLIMATEIf any part of the day will be spent outside (and who wants to disappoint the second liners?) ideal months are in spring and fall, with April perhaps perfect. MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTSApplicants are supposed to wait 72 hours between receiving their license and get-ting married. But for out-of-staters, an officiant can issue a waiver at the time of the ceremony. For the license, one of you must appear at a clerk of court’s office on a weekday, bringing photo ID’s, certified copies of birth certificates, and previous divorce decrees or death certificates. No blood test is required. The fee is $25-30, depending on which part of the city the office is in, and must be paid in cash.

Usually, the most convenient location is Benson Tower.

GROUP HUGSWhat to do with the gang before the wedding:• Treat them to a powdered-sugar

beignet feast at Café du Monde.• Mix in with the craziness on Bourbon

Street after dark (make sure someone’s assigned to get the groomsmen home).

• Cab it to Tipitinas, where they know their music.

• Cruise past the Garden District mansions on the St. Charles Avenue street car.

• Collect Mardi Gras beads, which someone’s always throwing (often from wedding second lines).

Windsor Court Hotel Bienville House

• www.neworleansweddingplanners.com • www.neworleanscelebrations.com • www.allaboutevents.net

NEW ORLEANS WEDDING PLANNERS WE LOVE3

THE FAB 5:OUR PICK OF NEW ORLEANS WEDDING HOTELS

IF YOU BELIEVE IN GRAND GESTURES: High society feels at home at the Windsor Court Hotel, whose guests frequently include celebs and whose décor is museum-quality. Celebrate with up to 500 of your own VIPs, who will be suitably impressed by views of the New Orleans skyline and Mississippi. Bridal teas are a tradi-tion here. www.windsorcourthotel.com

IF YOUR STYLE IS INTIMATE: In the quiet, residential part of the French Quarter, take over the 30 rooms and suites of the Soniat House, an elegant marriage of three Creole-style townhouses, and have your ceremony beside the tiered fountain in the hidden courtyard. www.soniathouse.com

IF YOU’VE GOT A FOODIE CROWD: Whatever type of wedding cake you imagine, the pastry chef at The Roosevelt (lower right), an historic NOLA hotel known for larger- than-life parties, can do it for you. Among the dining options here is Dominica, a deceptively casual Italian restaurant created by celeb chef and Louisiana native Josh Besh. www.therooseveltneworleans.com

IF YOUR BUDGET IS MODEST, BUT YOUR EXPECTATIONS AREN’T: Near Bourbon Street and the river, the Bienville House is a moderately priced hotel that feels like it ought to cost more, especially while you're celebrating with friends by the splash pool in the inner courtyard (above) or overlooking it from a wrought-iron balcony. www.bienvillehouse.com

Bienville House

IF YOU WANT TO HANG WITH THE HIP: A haven for the art and fashion set, the French Quarter’s International House Hotel (top, right) isn’t on the usual lists of New Orleans destination wedding venues. But we like it because it is so casually cool you could gather your few real BFF’s for what you advertise as cocktails and vows. www.ihotel.com

International House Hotel

The Roosevelt

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REAL WEDDINGS IN DREAM LOCATIONS

MASAKO & CHRISPHOTOGRAPHS BY COMFORT STUDIO

TEXT BY BARR IE G ILL IES

PHOTOGRAPHS BY COMFORT STUDIOTEXT BY BARR IE G ILL IES

A s L.A. fashion exec Masako Konishi and cinematographer

Chris Soule began planning their wedding, they realized what they

really needed was a vacation. “Our friends were gung-ho,” says

the bride, admitting she and Chris set their sights on

Costa Rica without having visited the country.

It proved a fine choice for the couple, who brought their group to a resort in the Dominical area, where they hiked rainforests and mountains, zip-lined through the jungle, and surfed off white-sand strands. But the highlight of the trip was the ceremony itself. The couple exchanged vows at a hidden beach as sunset tinted the sky and Pacific waves crashed on the rocks.

Months later, Masako says, “Chris and I are lucky to have very exciting careers, but our time in Dominical helped us regain the gratitude that is easy to lose in a big city.” Costa Rica’s unofficial motto is “Pura Vida,” the idea of enjoying life and appreciating the wonders around you, big and small. Not a bad philosophy for any couple starting a new journey together.

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PHOTOGRAPHER Julie Comfort of Comfort Studiowww.comfortstudioblog.com

WEDDING PLANNER Randy Gritz of Weddings Costa Rica randy@weddingscostarica.com

CEREMONY LOCATION Rocas Hermanos, at the northern tip of Dominicalito Beach

RECEPTION LOCATION Casa Ramon, Dominical www.casaramoncr.com

CATERING Jean-Luc Taulere of Mary Sol www.marysolflamingo.com

CAKE Cohymbra Saenz of Construcciones Dulce www.quequesdeboda.shutterfly.com

FLORIST Stylos y Flores www.stylosyflores.com

LOCATION & VENDOR LIST

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CLASSICAL GUITARISTS Roberto Viquez and Elvis Porras publideas2000@yahoo.com

BRIDE’S DRESS Monique Lhuillier www.moniquelhuillier.com

VEIL Bride's Head Revisited, NYC www.bridesheadrevisited.net

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Amsale www.amsale.com

GROOM’S SUIT Hugo Boss www.hugoboss.com

GROOMSMEN’S SUITS Banana Republic www.bananarepublic.com

BRIDE’S FOOTWEAR K. Jacques www.kjacques.fr

INVITATIONS Rifle Paper Co. www.riflepaperco.com

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THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE? “My hair!” says Masako. “There’s no predicting how your hair will react to the intense heat and humidity. I wanted an up-do but that was a no-go. Thankfully, I did a pre-wedding trial appointment to brainstorm a few iterations of a style that would work with my veil. I went for a more natural half-up, half-down look.”

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“There is a wonderful sense of spontaneity in Costa Rica. We loved how the best moments, whether spotting a troop of Capuchin monkeys on the beach

or eating the most delicious sea bass ceviche at a local hangout, occured spur of the moment.”

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THE NICEST SURPRISE?“ Our parents had never

met before this trip, so we invited our immediate family to stay with us at the home we rented for the wedding weekend, which also served as the venue for our wedding reception. It was wonderful to see how naturally and comfortably everyone came together under one roof. We spent a lot of time at Casa Ramon lounging by the pool, cooking, and enjoying each other’s company.”

ADVICE FROM MASAKO & CHRISINVEST IN A WEDDING PLANNER. “We couldn’t have pulled off our wedding without her, especially because of the language barrier with local vendors.”

GET RECOMMENDATIONS FROM LOCALS. “We really felt like we got to enjoy our destination in an authentic way because of all of the insider tips. For instance, a surf instructor told us about the beach we used for our ceremony. And we hired our classical guitarist thanks to a hotel owner we befriended.”

IF YOUR WEDDING IS IN A PRIVATE HOME, MAKE SURE THAT THE KITCHEN IS IN WORKING ORDER. “We had some initial hiccups with the dinner service because of a non-functioning oven.”

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HANDMADE SLICED AGATE

NECKLACE Chan Luu; $170

www.chanluu.com

packing forTERRA SOLEIA

TAN ENHANCING BRONZER

Guerlain; $69www.saksfifthavenue.com

PHANTOM QUARTZ AND DIAMOND EARRINGS

Kimberly McDonald; $11,000

www.kimberlymcdonald.com

SILK CHIFFON ROMINA GOWN

J.CrewRetail price: $750www.jcrew.com

FIONA SANDAL IN CHAMPAGNE

GLITTER Jimmy Choo; $445

www.nordstrom.com

GOLD LEAF CUFF Wendy Mink; $240

www.charmandchain.com

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ALEXIA DRESS IN SANGRIA SILK

CRINKLE CHIFFON Jenny Yoo Collection; from $298

www.jennyyoo.com

WOOD OSWALD SUNGLASSES Shwood; $250

www.shwoodshop.com

HANDMADE SLICED AGATE

NECKLACE Chan Luu; $170

www.chanluu.com

REBEL FRILL BIKINI Zimmermann; $185

www.us.zimmermannstore.com

KATHERINE SHELL CLUTCHKayu; $569

www.kayudesign.com

A COSTA RICAN WEDDING MIGHT BE PERFECT IF YOU… • Consider a zipline a great way to make your entrance• Find hairspray and updos highly overrated • Think surfing is one of life’s greater callings• Believe the bumpier the road, the better the adventure

LAY OF THE LAND: Sitting between Nicaragua and Pana-ma in Central America, Costa Rica has two coasts: the Caribbean (east) coast, with its mangrove waterways, and the far more popular Pacific (west) coast, known for its beach towns and, up north, rare “dry” tropical forest. Go-ing north to south, popular spots in the west include Playa Tamarindo, in the Guanacaste province, Manuel An-tonio, the original go-to tourist spot, Playa Dominical, a surfing hub, and Corcovado, on the Osa Peninsula. A central spine of rainforest-clad moun-

tains runs through the center, with the capital, San Jose, lying among them in a central basin. Base yourself here for scouting the Arenal volcano. —Bob Payne

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COSTA RICA WEDDING PLANNERS WE LOVE• www.weddingscostarica.com • www.tropicaloccasions.com • www.perennialweddings.com

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CLIMATEAside from the Caribbean coast, where it’s wet and tropical year-round, there are two basic seasons: rainy (May through November) and dry (December through April). MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTSThere are no blood tests or resi- dency requirements, and red tape is minimal. You’ll fill out documents at home and submit them with copies of your passport pages; you’ll also need a couple of wit-nesses (not family members) and a lawyer, usually provided by your wedding planner. One toughie: Catholics wanting to marry in a church ceremony must jump through quite a few hoops. You might want to do a religious ceremony at home and have a blessing in Costa Rica.

GROUP HUGSWhat to do with with the gang before the wedding:• Zipline rides through the cloud

forests• Canopy walks past monkeys and

tree frogs• Hot springs evenings with cocktails• Surf lessons (YouTube alert: make

sure you get it on video)• White-water rafting with a river-

side picnic

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FEEL-GOOD FAVORSRather than spending money on gifts that may get thrown out or left behind, why not give back to the community? Kids Saving the Rainforest (www.kidssavingtherainforest.org) is a local non-profit organization that helps build and maintain monkey bridges so that the endangered Titi monkeys cross highways safely. T

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THE FAB 5:OUR PICK OF COSTA RICA WEDDING RESORTS

IF MONEY IS NO OBJECT: Robinson Crusoe meets Donald Trump at Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica (right, top and below) the ultimate Pacific playground in northern Guanacaste. Have the rehearsal dinner on an 85-foot catamaran, marry at one of two beaches, and invite 300 of your besties to party in a pavilion shaped like an armadillo. www.fourseasonsresorts.com

IF YOU WANT AN ALL-INCLUSIVE: Since everything from yoga classes to cocktails is included at the Westin Playa Conchal, also in Guanacaste, you won’t be laying out cash for pre- and post-wedding gatherings. The Pacific beach is lovely, but most guests at the village-like compound spend their days sprawled around the massive pool. www.westinplayaconchal.com

Four Seasons Resort

Four Seasons Resort

IF YOU WANT TO BE NEAR A VOLCANO: Exchanging vows in front of a live volcano is certainly dramatic; what’s surprising about the Arenal Kioro hotel (below, right) is how comfy and family-friendly it feels. The pool may be tiny, but you’re in a prime launching spot for excursions. www.hotelarenalkioro.com

IF YOU WANT TO KEEP THINGS GREEN: Hotel Si Como No, overlooking the premiere beach in Manuel Antonio, combines a Hollywood sensibility with a serious devotion to the environment. One of the world’s first eco-hotels, it’s small enough to feel cozy, large enough to accommodate a diverse group (and they love kids). www.sicomono.com

IF YOU WANT TO TAKE OVER THE JOINT: With just 22 rooms and a few bungalows, Capitan Hotel Suizo could be the ultimate house party. Close to the bustle of town, it sits on a quiet end of the Pacific’s Playa Tamarindo. Inviting just a few of your nearest and dearest? Even in high season, the four-bedroom cottage is a great value. www.hotelcapitansuizo.com

Arenal Kioro Hotel

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PortugalD’JAMILA & JOSÉ

p h o t o g r a p h s b y M E L A N I E N A S H A N

t e x t b y S A L LY K I L B R I D G E

m The London-based couple have deep roots in Portugal—he was born there; she summered there as a child; both have family in Lisbon. So when considering a spot where their guests from Angola, Brazil, Britain, the Czech Republic, Israel, and the U.S. would be treated to great weather and amazing food, they didn’t have to think twice.

Over the course of a year, D’jamila shuttled between London and Lisbon five times; even working with “the best wedding planners a person could hire,” she wanted to “see, feel,

and hear every detail.” A year to the day after the engagement, she took her father’s arm, and, blowing kisses and waving her bouquet, made her way to José, standing under a tree at Quinta da Bella Vista, an estate outside of the capital with views of the river Tejo. Afterward, 400 guests sipped cocktails, dined among peacock-colored finery, and watched D’jamila and José dance to a Brazilian-Portuguese duo. And in typical Iberian disregard for sleep, everyone partied under a disco ball until 8 o’clock in the morning.

any couples plan a destination wedding for the romance of going foreign. But in the case of D’jamila Pisoeiro and José Carlos, it was about going home.

Destination: W 61

PHOTOGRAPHER Melanie Nashan www.nashan.com

WEDDING PLANNER The Wedding Company www.theweddingcompany.pt

CEREMONY LOCATION: Quinta da Bella Vista Lisbon (private home)

CATERING Quinta das Lágrimas www.lagrimascatering.com/pt/catering.html

CAKE Le Gateau Rouge www.legateaurouge.pt

FLORIST Florwww.florflor.pt

LOCATION & VENDOR LIST

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BRIDE’S DRESS Elie Saab for Pronovias www.pronovias.com

BRIDE’S HEADPIECE Louis Mariette www.louismariette.com

GROOM’S SUIT Ozwald Boateng www.ozwaldboateng.co.uk

BRIDE’S FOOTWEAR Gina; www.gina.com

INVITATIONS & PAPER GOODS Smythson www.smythson.com

LINEN RENTALS Festaluga www.festaluga.pt

FAVORS Castelbel candles www.castelbel.com

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE? “ We hired Sandra Janeiro and Jasmine Lazzari of The Wedding Company, two of the most talented, creative, and dedicated people I have ever met,” says D'jamila. “Still, it was hard to have to make some decisions by e-mail or by phone, because even if I wanted to, there was no way I could be physically present for every single decision.”

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“ Although we had 400 guests, it didn’t feel like one of those really big weddings where the bride and the groom don't know most of the people. These were people we knew—our family, our friends, our parents' friends. They were there because they really cared for us.”

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ADVICE FROM D’JAMILA& JOSÉ

BE A LITTLE STUBBORN If it is something you really want, don’t give up just because it might be more of a challenge to plan your wedding from afar.

GET THE BEST HELPHire wedding planners, their help is priceless.

STAY POSITIVEThe whole process can be a little daunting sometimes, but always have the big picture in your mind. It’s your wedding day—you should enjoy every single minute!

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THE NICEST SURPRISE“ I had promised myself that I would be calm, enjoy

every single minute, and not let anything ruin such a beautiful day. I actually managed to do so! There was not a single moment where I felt stressed or worried with anything. I was so happy for us, for having our families and friends there to share such a precious moment. I really could feel the love in every single corner.”

DON’T BLOW YOUR BUDGET Even if you have a healthy amount of money to spend, decide how much you think the wedding should cost and stick with it.

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22K GOLD LEAF POMPEII CUFF Évocateur; $338

www.evocateurstyle.com

KILEY SUNGLASSES IN TEAL Oliver Peoples; $310

www.oliverpeoples.com

SILK FAILLE GOWN WITH BUGLES

Nicole Miller; $2,200www.nicolemiller.com

GLADIA METALLIC SANDAL

Oscar de la Renta; $895www.bergdorfgoodman.com

Packing forPortugalLABRADORITE SHEHERIZADE

EARRINGS Julie Collection; $225

www.juliecollection.com

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FULL-LENGTH OASIS MATTE SATIN

DRESS WITH LACE BODICE

Lela Rose Bridesmaid; $310www.dessy.com

CORAL, SMOKY QUARTZ

AND ROCK CRYSTAL NECKLACE Azaara; $665

www.azaara.com

STELLA EAU DE PARFUM

Tocca; $68www.tocca.com

IRIDIUM CLUTCHSerpui Marie; $230www.BHLDN.com

LIP BUTTER IN QUINCE Korres; $12

www.Sephora.com

LAY OF THE LAND Row upon row of beach umbrellas line the Algarve, welcoming a flood of sun-seekers in spring and summer. But for Americans—especially those contemplating a wedding—Portugal’s lure may be less about its Atlantic shore and more about its medieval towns and bumper crop of castles, monasteries, and palaces that have been turned into hotels—and great wedding sites! The capital, Lisbon, boasts ornate monuments, excellent

nightlife, and the Alfama, a neigh-borhood of tangled cobblestoned streets. For 700 years, Portuguese kings and their courts holidayed in Sintra, 20 miles away; the walled town of Obidos was given as a wedding gift to Queen Isabel de Aragon in the 13th century; Evora is known for its palatial hotels and Roman ruins. If you’d like an even quieter setting, head north to the Douro Valley wine region, known for its country hotels. —Bob Payne

A PORTUGUESE WEDDING MIGHT BE PERFECT FOR YOU IF….• Prince or no prince, you always figured you’d get married in a castle • Lace is a staple of your personal wardrobe • You like your fish fresh, your olive oil fragrant, and your wine plentiful • Walking the cobblestone streets of medieval neighborhoods

is your idea of a dream vacation

insiderPORTUGAL

A PORTUGUESE WEDDING MIGHT BE PERFECT FOR YOU IF….• Prince or no prince, you always figured you’d get married in a castle • Lace is a staple of your personal wardrobe • You like your fish fresh, your olive oil fragrant, and your wine plentiful • Walking the cobblestone streets of medieval neighborhoods

is your idea of a dream vacation

Sintra’s storybook castle skyline

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PORTUGUESE WEDDING PLANNERS WE LOVE

• www.theweddingcompany.pt • www.portugalweddingplanners.com • www.yourportugalwedding.com

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CLIMATESun-lovers, this is your kind of Europe. Summer, the busiest season, is dry and hot. Spring and fall bring fewer crowds, moderate temperatures, and kinder hotel rates. Rainy season runs from November to March. MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTSAlthough both civil and religious marriages are valid here, it’s not easy for an American couple to marry legally in Portugal. To start with, one of you has to live in the country for at least 30 days. Second, you’ll need an armful of documents, all of which must be translated into Portuguese and authenticated by a Notary Public. Our advice: Head to city hall for a quickie at home, celebrate in Portugal with a blessing rather than an official wedding, and use the extra time for tile shopping.

GROUP HUGSWhat do with with the gang before the wedding:• Wine tasting excursions to the

Alentejo countryside • Fado performances in Lisbon’s

Alfama district, introducing you to the country’s soul-wrenching music

• Golf days on some of the world’s top courses

• Walking tours of Lisbon—by trolley, Segway, or on foot—with history and tapas

Vidago Palace

Pousada de Obidos

Palacio de Seteais

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THE FAB 5:OUR PICK OF PORTUGUESE WEDDING HOTELS

IF YOU WANT TO MARRY IN A CASTLE: One of Portugal’s great treasures is its pousada system of historic buildings that have been transformed into luxury hotels. The Pousada de Obidos (far right, bottom) in a former castle within easy driving distance of Lisbon, is one of the most romantic. www.pousadas.pt

IF YOU WANT TO WOW THE WHOLE FAMILY: Just south of the Spanish border, Vidago Palace (top), may not look like a family-friendly resort, but don’t let the grand Belle Epoque edifice fool you. Extravagantly renovated two years ago, the Douro Valley jewel lures with a world-class spa and quirky-cool design, but it also offers a kids program (magic shows, nature walks) and a family pool. www.vidagopalace.com/en

Vidago Palace

Palacio de Seteais

Pousada de ObidosPousada de Evora

IF YOU WANT SOMETHING AFFORDABLE IN TOWN: Artists, journalists, and intellectuals have gathered at Lisbon’s York House for decades. The crisply updated 17th-century structure boasts a garden surrounded by ivy-covered walls—perfect for cocktails, if the weather’s fine—and a series of ballrooms with vaulted stone ceilings and hefty pillars. www.yorkhouselisboa.com

IF YOU WANT A BOUTIQUE HOTEL: The 30 rooms at Tivoli Palacio de Seteais, an 18th-century palace in the hills above the mansion-sprinkled town of Sintra (a terrace breakfast, left), are outfitted with enviable antiques and to-die-for linens. Weddings here tend to be flawless, whether by the lawn-girdled pool, on a garden terrace, or in an Old World salon; guests can taxi here from Lisbon’s airport. www.tivolihotels.com

IF YOU WANT TO BE CHIN-DEEP IN HISTORY: While the guest rooms are small (they were once monks’ cells), the Pousada de Evora may be the most charming staying place in Portugal, right next to the famous Roman ruins. In addition to poolside cocktails (lower left), the former monastery can accommodate small weddings in its vaulted cloisters. www.pousadas.pt

Palacio de Seteais

Pousada de Obidos

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 experi-ence in destination weddings, is genius at:

• Booking air travel

• Negotiating group hotel prices

• Organizing ground transportation

• 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 them at weddings@coastlinetravel.com

or call 800-345-2483.

BOOK IT!

NEW ORLEANS

COSTA RICA

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