Secrets’ Sanctuary Cap Cana – the World’s Newest Great Romantic Destination

Secrets © has long been a staple in the Mexican Destination Wedding playground, but more recently, they have been branching out to Jamaica, and most recently, the Dominican Republic with the opening of Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana on the east coast of the island, only 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport.

Photograph courtesy of Secrets ©

In the short time it’s been open, it’s already established itself as one of the Dominican Republic’s best 5-star hotels, and made Beverly Clark’s Elite Wedding Collection (2010 edition), for its commitments to excellence in providing a top quality romantic experience for its guests.

This private island provides a stunning ceremony site for destination weddings! Photograph courtesy of Secrets ©

Located in Cap Cana, the eastern most part of the island, the resort is situated on three kilometres of top quality beach, with crystal-clear turquoise waters washing up on its sugar-white sandy shores. Its picturesque location makes it ideal for wedding celebrations, honeymooners, or couples just wanting a romantic escape.

Bali style beach beds have been scattered along the property - ideal for romance. Photograph courtesy of Secrets ©

The property features 176 suites and villas, designed in Spanish colonial style and with impressive views of the sea. It is literally an “adults-only” playground with something for every traveller. It also has a great selection of restaurants and bars, a world-class spa, an on-site casino, and a spectacular pool. As an added plus, it is close to Punta Espada, a Jack Nicklaus signature designed golf course, and Las Iguanas, opening in 2010.

The spectacular views from their oceanfront suites are incredible! Photograph courtesy of Secrets ©

Secrets is well known for its concept of Unlimited Luxury, but that does not even begin to cover what you will experience during your stay. Whether you wish to be indulged at the Spa, or feast on gourmet food and premium beverages, the staff at Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana is there to wait on your every need. Inquire now, while it’s still a “secret”…

The Marlin Restaurant is just one of the options available for a wedding reception. Photograph courtesy of Secrets ©

To begin planning your dream destination wedding or romantic escape at Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana, contact us now at info@delsoldestinationweddings.com.

-----------------------------

Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@delsoldestinationweddings.com.

You are welcome to publish this article in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.

Breakdown Of A Wedding Budget

Setting up your budget is one of the most important tasks for a couple starting to plan their wedding. Ironically, it is often the task that is put off the most, or worse yet, completely ignored. Perhaps it is because it seems to be so overwhelming or maybe it is because people don’t like looking at the numbers. Whatever reason, setting up your wedding budget should be one of your first tasks before anything else. It will give you a guideline of how much money you have to spend, and therefore, give you a realistic idea of what you can and cannot do.

It is critical that the budget is established before you commit to anything else. This means sitting down with everyone involved, be it just the two of you, or including both sets of your parents as well, and figure out how much money you are willing to spend on the wedding. Anyone who is contributing should be at this meeting, or at least have sent their information ahead of time of what they are willing to contribute. If people are offering to pay for certain aspects, such as your dress, or the alcohol at the wedding, still make sure that they give you an actual number to work with. You don’t want to make any assumptions, only to find out their idea and your idea of dollar amounts don’t mesh. By the end of this meeting, you will have a better idea of what you can spend, which will guide you through the rest of the wedding planning process. Too many times, couples forget this critical step and end up deeply in debt when they come back from their honeymoon.

Your budget will let you know what is realistic when you start meeting with vendors. There is no point of looking at a photographer that starts at $5000 when your budget only allows you to spend $2000. Of course, there is some flex room. If you find an awesome deal on your dress, then that may allow you to spend a little more elsewhere, such as on your flowers or your DJ. The other way it can work is if there is something really important, even essential, such as having your reception at a specific venue, then you can allot money for that. But on the flip side, when you overspend in one area, it means cutting back elsewhere in order to make that happen. This is where a wedding planner can prove to be extremely useful, as they are usually masters in manipulating the budget, and can sometimes even save you money through relationships they have established with quality vendors in the area.

An average breakdown of wedding budget expenses is as follows:

• Food & Beverage 30%
• Flowers & Décor 15%
• Wedding Planning 10%
• Venue Rental 8%
• Extra Cushion 8%
• Dress & Accessories 6%
• Lighting & Sound 5%
• Tipping 5%
• Photo & Video 4%
• Cake 3%
• Printed Materials 2%
• Transportation 2%
• Hair & Makeup 2%
  

There are a number of factors that will affect your budget. For example, the number of guests you have for your wedding will really set the tone and narrow down what you can and cannot afford. If you have a smaller number of guests, you will most likely spend less on food and alcohol OR be able to spend more per person on food. Another item to consider is in relation to the size of your wedding party. The more attendants you have, the more you will have to spend on flowers (e.g. bouquets and boutonnieres) and gifts for each member of the wedding party. Many wedding planners have spreadsheets that allows you to break the budget down even more, including adjusting the budget to reflect the number of guests you plan on having as well as the number of attendants.

Your budget is critical to the success and enjoyment of your wedding. No one wants to get married with the knowledge that they are going hugely into debt hanging over their heads. Creating and sticking to your budget will keep you grounded and make your wedding something that you can relax and enjoy, knowing that you planned smartly.
---------------------------------------
Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@delsoldestinationweddings.com.

You are welcome to publish this article in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.

Sheraton Kauai Resort

The beauty and romance of Kauai make it the perfect place, not only for a honeymoon, but for a destination wedding. Once the playground of Hawaiian Chiefs, the picturesque blue waters of the Pacific and the golden shoreline along with warm sunny days and mild evenings still make the Sheraton Kauai Resort the perfect place to play, relax, and get married.

Ideally located on the south shore on Poipu Beach, the Sheraton Kauai Resort is one of Hawaii’s top resorts on the beach. If you are looking for a place where you can hear the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks, consider staying in the Ocean Wing. Renowned for its unspoiled white sand, swaying coco palms, brilliant sunshine, and breathtaking sunsets, this is the perfect place for those seeking relaxation and tranquility. In 1992, the resort underwent a 45 million dollar construction and renovation after the hurricane. With its 20 acres of lush oceanfront gardens, 394 rooms, including suites, facing the ocean or vibrant tropical gardens, pools, and sparkling waterfalls, the property offers a charming backdrop for both wedding ceremonies and receptions. The hotel offers a professional wedding coordinator who can help the bride and groom plan a wedding for two or a gala affair in the tropical gardens or on oceanfront property with beautiful views of the Pacific. The Sheraton Kauai offers a number of reception options in one of four elegant restaurants to a romantic private dinner for two.

Once the nuptials are done, couples can enjoy an array of on-site activities. They can sunbathe on the un-crowded crescent beach or snorkel in the clear waters offshore. There is ample room on the property for peaceful strolls either alongside the beach or ocean or through lovely gardens. Guests can enjoy Hawaiian nightly entertainment at the Point or indulge in cultural activities including hula lessons, and arts and crafts. The Friday night Hawaiian luau located on the lawn right beside the ocean is a must!

In addition, the newlyweds can explore major scenic points on the Garden Isle. Places to be sure to visit are the spectacular and colourful Waimea Canyon and the breath-taking Na Pali Coast with its 14 miles of vertical seamounts. Other Kauai attractions include helicopter tours, kayaking Hanalei River, Hanapepe Salt ponds, Kilauea Lighthouse, Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto, Zipline Adventure, and National Tropical Botanical Gardens. The resort is an easy one-hour drive to Kauai’s north shore attractions including the pretty little town of Hanalei and the beautiful resort area of Princeville.

The Sheraton Kauai is the perfect place for those seeking tranquility, and experience filled with an abundance of romance, and a lifetime of memories.

--------------------------------------------

Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca

Hawai’i: The Perfect Location For Your Destination Wedding

I’m sitting on our lanai watching the waves crash on the shoreline below while a giant sea turtle “surfs” in on the next big wave. The sweet scent of plumaria blossoms fills the air from the various trees scattered around the resort property. The sun shines brightly overhead in the clear blue afternoon sky, but the gentle breezes of the tradewinds keep things from getting too warm. Basically, I’m in paradise – AKA the islands of Hawai’i!

Many people who have been to the islands will tell you that Hawai’i is exceptionally beautiful, although each island is different. It is also recognized as one of the most romantic places on earth, with pristine beaches, spectacular waterfalls, and gorgeous scenery in abundance on each of the various islands. Its culture dates back for centuries, complete with kings and queens, making it rich in history and tradition, with many of the old ways still honoured in song and dance passed on from one generation to the next. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, the people of Hawai’i welcome you with open arms and the “spirit of aloha”. It is the paradise that most of only dream of.

Hawai’i is the ultimate location for a destination wedding, but ironically, it is often overlooked with couples choosing instead the more popular wedding locations of Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. When paradise is so near at hand, it has to make you ask the question, why would you go elsewhere? Probably the biggest reason we hear is that Hawai’i is so expensive. For many years, that has been true, but with the changing economy, like anywhere else, Hawai’i has had to become more competitive and adapt in order to attract tourists.

Here are some of the advantages of choosing Hawai’i for either your destination wedding or honeymoon:

• More and more direct flights are available year-round to Hawai’i from cities in Western Canada (versus the multiple stopovers required for some of the Caribbean destinations).


• Hawai’i has a moderate climate all year-round, but it’s best time is from May through October when the Caribbean is in the middle of their rainy seasons, not to mention the middle of the Caribbean hurricane watch.


• As Hawai’i is part of the United States, its’ hotel accommodations are on par with the rest of Canada and the continental United States. While most people would never consider staying in less than a four-star resort in Mexico or the Caribbean, you can still find really nice (and quite AFFORDABLE) three-star accommodation throughout Hawai’i.


• As it’s part of the United States, it is easy to arrange to get married in Hawai’i. No blood tests required! All you have to do is book your appointment ahead of time, and appear together to get your license and take an oath. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
  
  
• Whether you’re looking for a beach, a canyon, gardens, a waterfall, or lagoon, Hawai’i has endless options in terms of perfect locations for your ceremony site. It all depends on what you want.


• It has an abundance of in-season tropical flowers, including orchids, plumaria, ginger, and hibiscus, that can be used in stunning bouquets and centerpieces at very reasonable costs.


• Hawai’i has a long history of rich cultural traditions that can be incorporated into your wedding celebration to make it a truly memorable and unique experience for your guests. Some ideas include a conch shell blower, hula dancers, and possibly even a luau for your reception.


• Hawai’i has never really gotten into the whole all-inclusive resort thing, but multiple timeshare and/or condominium properties have been established throughout the islands at very reasonable rates. These condos are often perfect for individuals or groups of any size, sometimes even accommodating one more families in one unit. Better yet, many of these have kitchens within the units, allowing guests to keep their food costs down and not eat out every meal.


• As the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico continues to spread, the potential effects it might have on east coast of Mexico and the nearby Caribbean islands is causing many couples some concern who have weddings planned in those locations. Not an issue for Hawai’i.

Hawai’i has been doing destination weddings even before the concept took off. In recent years, it has been overlooked in favour of Mexico and some of the other Caribbean destinations, but I believe it’s time for us to take a second look and realize the treasure of opportunity that exists for couples wanting to get married in tropical paradise. Hawai’i is a contender, and is worthy of some serious consideration for your dream destination wedding location.

If you are interested in looking at Hawai’i or another location for your destination wedding, please contact us at for additional information at info@delsoldestinationweddings.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@delsoldestinationweddings.com.

You are welcome to publish this article in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.

Real Wedding – Kristin and Colin’s Dominican Dream Wedding

Right from the beginning, Kristin and Colin knew that they wanted something different for their destination wedding. They were not the least bit interested in the standard, oversized all-inclusive resort, and certainly wanted something different than the cookie-cutter wedding package offered at most of these locations.

It was very important to the couple to find an eco-friendly location. After much searching, we found the perfect location – a small boutique hotel near Cabarete in the Dominican Republic called Natura Cabana. This family-owned resort prides itself on being entirely constructed of materials natural to the area, allowing guests to completely immerse in nature. Located a short drive from Puerto Plata, guests had the choice of individual cabañas (bungalows) designed for groups of two to eight. The oceanfront cabaña, Pierda, was absolutely ideal for our wedding couple, allowing them to hear the sound of the waves washing up on the shore outside their window. As Kristin said afterwards, the resort was truly everything they had been looking for, including the warm reception from the staff.

Although there had been rain each day previously in the week, the sun came out on their wedding day, as if it were specially ordered. The ceremony was set-up on the beach, with the waves washing up on the rocks in the background, just in time to catch the late afternoon sun. It was a beautiful ceremony, performed by a local judge in the area. Although the ceremony was in Spanish, he translated to English, so everyone could understand. Local musicians played native music, helping set the mood and atmosphere. Friends and family looked on as the couple committed themselves to each other in this special celebration.Kristin’s dress was an incredible find! On the hanger, it looked more suited for an elegant cocktail hour, but on Kristin it was absolutely stunning, and somehow blended in perfectly with the outdoor environment.We found an incredible photographer who came to the resort and took the wedding photos for the day. Arnaud Brichet , originally from France, owns his own studio in Punta Cana. While the guests were relaxing and being served cocktails poolside, he captured some amazing moments of the couple in their natural setting and took stunning photos throughout the day, including an entire segment with the couple on horseback (a favourite pastime of the couple at their home near Calgary, Canada) – talk about romantic!!! The moments he caught on film are memories that will last a lifetime.
Natura Cabana has a wonderful restaurant. Closing it to the public, so the group could have a private reception, they took advantage of the space and set one larger table allowing everyone to sit together in a more intimate setting. Centerpieces of tropical flowers, including ginger, birds of paradise, roses, and daisies were alternated with bowl containers with floating candles. The guests dined on local cuisine, followed by chocolate fondue to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. A local band was brought in to provide dinner music, and kept the party going late into the night. Thinking of something in line with their eco-sensitive resort, Kristin and Colin decided on wedding favours that their guests would be able to make effective use of – water bottles, engraved with the couples’ names and wedding date.
In lieu of a guest book, they bought postcards depicting various locations in and around the Cabarete and Puerto Plata area. The postcards were placed on a table, along with the centerpiece used earlier in the day from the ceremony. Bark pencils were scattered on the table, allowed guests to leave Kristin and Colin personal messages that can be added to their album later. It was incredible wedding! For couples wanting something a little more personal and unique, a small boutique hotel may be the ideal alternative to the big all-inclusive. It allowed them the private ceremony and reception they wanted, the option of choosing the vendors that would best suit their needs, and a ceremony that was reflected their personalities, the atmosphere, and the cultural traditions of the area. As the couple said afterwards, their wedding was a day of perfection. They couldn’t have asked for anything more!
On behalf of Del Sol Destination Weddings, we wish Kristin and Colin all the best as they begin this new chapter of their life together. Congratulations and happiness always!
If you wish to start planning your own dream destination wedding, please contact us at info@delsoldestionationweddings.com for more information.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at cathy@delsoldestinationweddings.com.

You are welcome to use publish any of the articles above in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.

Allow Your Wedding To Tell A Story

Let’s face it! No one wants their wedding to be considered boring or, worse yet, the same as their friend’s nuptials. Everyone wants to avoid the trap of a “cookie-cutter” wedding, but few know how to actually go about it.

David Tutera, host of My Fair Weddings and international wedding planner extraordinaire, believes the key is creating a memorable wedding celebration is turning it into a story. As a child, he was captivated by stories. Now, he incorporates the same idea into plan ning weddings for his clients. “I believe every wedding is a story, too, with a beginning, a middle, and an end. And the storytellers? The Bride and Groom! Every couple’s wedding story should create a narrative that welcomes guests to join and enjoy its gradual, magical unveiling.”

So where does one begin in creating a story? Probably the best place to start is to think back to your relationship. What moments stand out in your history? What details are important to you? Ideas you may want to think about include:

• How did the two of you meet? Where did your first date take place? What made it significant or memorable?
  
• What kinds of things are important to the two of you? What are your favourite foods? Are there any special interests or hobbies that you share?
  
• Where did the proposal happen? What made it special?

The answers to these questions can act as the basis for your story and personalize your wedding to make it more unique. For instance, maybe your first date took place at an amusement park. What a fun idea to return to the same amusement park for the ceremony and reception. (Can you imagine the wedding pictures? It would also give your guests something to do between the ceremony and reception.) Other possible examples are the top of a mountain, or a beautiful lakeside ceremony.

Getting married in your tropical dream destination might be an important part of your story. If so, make sure to include cultural elements from the area to add to the atmosphere.One story-telling idea could be to include special traditions from the area. This can be especially meaningful at a destination wedding. Lisa and Kent recently married at the Marriott Waikoloa on the Big Island of Hawaii. It had been Lisa's dream to get married in a tropical location on a beach. After scouting a lot of potential destinations, they finally decided on the beauty of Hawaii.

Once they decided on the destination, they wanted to make it a special experience for the two of them, but all of their guests as well, so they decided to include many of the local traditions that make Hawaii such a special place. Talking with Lisa recently, she said one of the best parts of the entire day was her reception luau. From the hula and fire dancers, to the food and music, it was a wonderful way to celebrate their wedding and include the culture of Hawaii in the celebration. Talk about creating memories!

Another example is from one of our recent weddings. The bride and groom wanted to bring out their "fun" personalities. It started at the beginning of the ceremony with a special video that the groom (and some of his talented friends) prepared showing him getting ready for the wedding. Prepared ahead of time, it gave the illusion of him getting up in the morning and working through a checklist of things to do berfore the ceremony, including getting his haircut, mowing the lawn, working out, and reading a manual on understanding women. Of course, he gets so involed with all of these other tasks, he's almost late for the wedding, and it showed him frantically trying to get to the church. It had the guests in absolute hysterics right up to the point where the video ends and he bursts through the side door of the sanctuary ready to get married. It was an absolute hit and the guests loved it!

At the same wedding, it was a well-known fact that the groom was a cookie fanatic. Capitalizing on the groom’s special interest, the couple opted to forgo wedding cake, and instead, broke a cookie in half, and dunked their portion in champagne flutes filled with milk. It was cute and memorable, but better yet, it suited the two of them perfectly!

There are so many ways a wedding can be made special and more meaningful. Your history with each other can serve as the basis for coming up with ceremony and reception ideas that are unique to the two of you and will make your wedding more memorable for your guests. All it takes is some brainstorming and some creative ideas, and before long you’ll be writing your own wedding story!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at cathy@delsoldestinationweddings.com .

You are welcome to use publish any of the articles above in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.

'Say Yes To The Dress’ Five Rules To Wedding Dress Shopping

Every bride wants to look beautiful on her wedding day. You should be a vision of radiance, making your groom feel like he is the luckiest guy in the world as you walk down the aisle towards him. It’s your moment, and you deserve to look your absolute best!

However, with so many options on the market, how do you go about finding “the dress”?

Recently, Randy Fenoli, of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress and fashion director of Kleinfeld Manhattan, did an episode on his advice to brides on how to shop for their dress. Here are his five rules to wedding dress shopping success:

1. Don’t try on a dress that is outside of your budget. If you fall in love with something that you can’t afford, everything else will pale in comparison and leave you feeling disappointed. Don’t set yourself up for disaster!
   
2. Don’t keep secrets from your consultant. Your consultant is working with you to make the most of your appointment and help you find exactly what you’re looking for. She/He is an expert in the field. Not being honest and sharing pertinent information, such as that you already have a dress that you have your eye on, or style concerns will limit the effectiveness of your shopping time.


3. Leave the entourage at home. The best dress shopping experiences are usually limited to one or two people supporting you. The more people you bring with you correlates to the more opinions that will be expressed which will often leave you feeling confused and possibly even overwhelmed. Include one or two people who are closest to you, and who will support you and your decisions, putting aside their own agendas and what they would choose for themselves.


4. Once you find the dress, stop shopping. With so many options out there, some brides find the dress of their dreams, but are afraid that they missed something and feel the need to keep looking. This can only lead to disappointment. If you find another dress, then comes decision time. If you choose to go with the second dress, then it means forfeiting the deposit already paid on the first dress. Trust yourself and your instincts and stop shopping when you find the dress!


5. Always wear underwear. What can we say? Your consultant will be in the room with you helping you in and out of the dresses.

Randy’s rules are great, but if I may, here are some of my own words of wisdom to keep in mind when you go shopping for your wedding dress:

• Make sure you establish a clear budget before you step foot in the bridal salon. Know what your price point is, and be sure to include room for alterations and accessories.


• Start shopping early. Unless you’re buying off the rack, you’re best to start at least eight to nine months before you’re wedding.


• Shop with an open mind. You probably will have preferences about the styles you like, but don’t rule out suggestions that your consultant makes. Trust her to lead you in the right decision.

Your dream dress is out there. It’s just a matter of finding it. Keep Randy’s rules (and mine) in mind and your shopping experience will be far more successful and enjoyable!

------------------------------------------------------------------


Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at cathy@delsoldestinationweddings.com .



You are welcome to use publish any of the articles above in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.