Color me enamored!  This is the perfect site for a secluded event on an exotic private island. The combination of verdant mountains, white beaches and crystalline waters present the opportunity for a dream-come-true, ocean-side wedding. And with a guest to staff ratio of 3:1 and the newly initiated Island Host program, which offers each guest a personal host throughout their stay, the happy couple will find all of their other desires fulfilled as well. The online resort brochure is absolutely breathtaking as are the other images of the resort:

  Here are some of their fabulous packages available for destination weddings:

Surf & Soul Ceremony – A beach, guest choice of course, will be sprinkled with luminaries, a tropical floral archway, and chairs dressed in white linen decorate this beachside wedding. A Caribbean cocktail party compete with canapés is held as the bride and groom step away for an hour photo shoot. The island chef tends to an oil-drum grill to get it primed and ready it for a succulent surf’n’turf seafood feast; think fresh shrimp, lobster, steaks and more. A towering tropical cake is also on the menu with layers of Caribbean inspired flavors – pineapple, rum, coconut and more.

Serene Sailing – The British Virgin Islands are renowned for boating, and Peter Island Resort & Spa, a favorite among yachties, is now offering what else but a yacht-inspired wedding ceremony, Serene Sailing. The ceremony takes place on the high seas aboard the 41’ Silmaril, where an intimate wedding ceremony is performed. The reception continues on island as the bride and groom enjoy a one-hour sunset photography session and an evening dinner party in Peter Island private wine room. The chef prepares a personalized five-course meal, complete with wine pairing and of course, a lavish cake-cutting ceremony.  The evening culminates with dancing under the starts to a Caribbean trio.

Cocktails & Details’ luxury travel department awaits an opportunity to serve you and your guests. If you are drawn to these packages, feel free to contact us!

You met Jules de Jesus with in our beauty segment on Tuesday, now meet the other half of the dynamic duo—Tiffony Simpson of Ony Salon!

Congratulations!  You are getting married and I know you are excited to begin planning your big day.  You have hired your wedding planner and now it is time to choose the people who will help you look and feel your personal best on your wedding day!  As a licensed cosmetologist and beauty professional with over 12 years of experience, I have been blessed to be a part of countless weddings with the majority being destination brides. Destination weddings are my favorite!  What a great way to share such a wonderful memory in a location where friends and family can come for rest and relaxation while they celebrate with you and the love of your life.  In my experiences with brides, I have learned several tips that I want to share with you to make your wedding day hair/makeup flawless and chic.

1. Always hire a hair/makeup professional.  Someone who is professionally trained and licensed/certified in their craft.  I have had several brides call me last minute because their family friend who thought they could do her hair was found to be incapable of recreating what she wanted or at the last minute could not come to the wedding.  Hiring a professional will diminish the chance of something like this happening.  On a side note, always ask your beauty professional to see recent pictures of their work, especially if there aren’t portfolio pictures on their website.  Portfolio pictures will allow you to see the range of work that they can do.  Even if there is not a picture similar to what you may want, you should be able to see if their “style” matches yours.  You should see something in there you like even if you don’t like it for yourself.

1. Be sure to book a trial run!  Do not just trust your wedding day hair to chance.  A trial run serves as a chance to get to know the professional better and vice versa.  A wedding hair/makeup professional should have a contract ready for you.  Be leery of any wedding professional who does not draw up a contract. A contract protects you from a no show on your wedding day; it also gives a detailed layout of pricing information, so there will not be any surprises or misunderstandings.

1. Consider the weather and your surroundings.  If you are having a beach or garden wedding in Coastal Georgia, you will want to keep in mind that your hair may have an adverse reaction to the style you have chosen.  That is also another reason why choosing a stylist from the area where you plan to get married is a good idea.  They will be better able to guide you on appropriate style choices.  For example, if you are from a low humidity climate coming to Coastal Georgia. your hair may require the use of different products than you are use to to get the same or similar results that you get at home.  In other words, if you have naturally curly hair and you normally wear it straight, special considerations will need to be made.
3. Decide on a beauty professional who will not only make you look gorgeous, but who will also provide a calming and enjoyable experience!  As the owner of Ony Salon, it is always our goal to create an atmosphere that is fun and light.  We want you to feel your personal best inside and out.  We love to work with the professionals of Dollface by Jules who do fabulous job making your face flawless and glowing as well as making your cheeks tired from laughter.  In other words your wedding day should be your day to sit back, relax, and let your glam team bring out the beauty that already lies within. 
6. Congratulations!!!

Tiffony Simpson is a Savannah native but trained for and received her cosmetology license over 12 years ago in Connecticut at one of the Northeast’s top cosmetology schools.  Afterward, she remained at the school as a beauty educator for over five years.  Tiffony is passionate about the beauty industry and believes being in a fun, relaxed atmosphere is essential to making sure that every client feels chic, sophisticated, and confident about themselves and the way they look.  She specializes in bridal and special event hair design.  She says her favorite part of the job is being a part of the memories that come with these special occasions.  Tiffony owns Ony Salon.  For more information, please visit www.onysalon.com .

DIVINITY!!!!

How can you look at the lines and textures of these designs and not fall in love?

Christiane has dressed celebrities from LisaRaye to Pussycat Doll Jessica Sutta and has produced many other red carpet designs.  I love how innovative her designs are—and could be perfect for the stylish bride or the uber fashionable bridesmaids.  Check out more of Christiane’s designs at Christiane King.

When thinking of your wedding day, most think of how they will look.  Being timeless, flawless, and gorgeous is all a must for any bride.  But what exactly does that mean?  I’ll try to explain and hopefully help you with your makeup concerns.  Who am I?  My name is Jules De Jesus.  I’m a Professional Makeup Artist and Founder of Dollface by Jules.  I have well over 13 years of pro experience specializing in bridal makeup.  I have had the honor of being apart of so many weddings.  I simply love what I do!  Enough about me, let’s talk wedding day makeup.

So what does being “timeless” mean?  Basically, you don’t want to follow trends for your special day.  If you don’t normally wear red lipstick, don’t try it on your big day.  Stay true to your self by looking like you on your day.  Your fiancé already thinks you are the most beautiful girl in the world, so try to concentrate on being a flawless version of yourself.  So with that being said, let’s move to being flawless.

How does one look flawless?  I’ll tackle this in two parts.  First, start with some sort of beauty routine before your wedding day.  Make sure to exfoliate, moisturize, & use SPF 30+ every day for beautiful skin. This way your skin will look great and less “covering up” will be needed. Also, always have a trial run.  It’s best for you and your makeup artist (MUA). Your MUA will need to see your skin in person to make proper recommendations. For my brides, I often give personalized skin care tips during the trial. Have your trial as close to the wedding day as possible. Your skin will be almost exactly what it will be on the big day.

Second, hire a professional.  A Pro MUA will apply the same techniques and tricks they use on models for photo shoots. This means you won’t need to panic over dark circles or pesky blemishes. While models may look amazing in magazines, you can be sure they don’t show up on set looking picture perfect. Makeup artists are trained to use cosmetics to create the illusion of flawless skin.

Not only will you look flawless, but you will feel gorgeous.  Take time out for you, being pampered and letting pros do what they do goes along way in taking away extra stress.  My partner in beauty, Tiffony Simpson of Ony Salon, and I work very hard on creating the best experience for our brides.  We are always honored to be a part of every special day and wedding. We will try our very best to make the experience with us as memorable, professional, & as fun as possible.

Be timeless, flawless, and feel gorgeous.  It’s your day to be the belle of the ball, so do it right!

Jules De Jesus, the founder of Dollface by Jules, is an accomplished and innovative professional makeup artist and beauty expert with over a decade of experience “Making Over the World – One Face at a Time! ™”.  After inspiring true beauty in countless brides, perfecting the fiercest looks in print and capturing period looks on film, she is extremely proud to be counted among Savannah’s finest wedding vendors and to able to live her dream by being a part of someone else’s big day!  To learn more about Jules, visit www.dollfacebyjules.com

I love this gorgeous ivory La Vie en Blanc porcelain votive from Burke Decor.  These little beauties would look great at the base of your centerpieces, adorning your sweetheart table or bar.  Now on sale for $12.60.

I must say that I am completely biased with this week’s selection.  It is where Captain America and I renewed our vows and was our first of many trips to the beautiful country that is Jamaica. As a matter of fact—see that little gazebo?  That’s where our ceremony was!

Originally operating as its own resort, Sans Souci in Ocho Rios was purchased by Couples Resorts and added to their collection of beautiful Jamaican resorts.  Everything from their delectable restaurants such as the Casanova (our favorite) to romantic and eclectic lounges like the Balloon Bar, there are so many hidden treasures and fun experiences lying within the gorgeous resort.  Everything is very slow paced, comforting and visually stimulating—perfect for your honeymoon, destination wedding or getaway.

I love and miss you Sans Souci!  (You too, Captain America )

Your wedding day is one of the happiest days of your life. You’re surrounded by family, friends and, of course, love. Why not spread some of it around by incorporating a little charity into the occasion? Here are some ways for you to marry in style and with a giving heart.

• Floral decor: Look to your florist to see if they donate any of their sales to charity. If you’re unable to find one or are short on time, visit JustGive.org. The site donates 10% of each purchase to the charity of your choice and the beautiful floral arrangements (below) would make great centerpieces.

• Wedding Favors: Instead of the traditional wedding favors (i.e., chocolates, matches, a mix CD), many couples are making charitable donations in their guests’ name. Check with your charity of choice to see if they will provide you with favor donation cards, otherwise you can find chic options online!

• Hotels: When booking rooms for out-of-town guests, consider Kimpton Hotels. The company, which operates boutique hotels across the country, is a big supporter of both local and national nonprofit organizations. You can get in on the act by using a discount code that donates 10% of each night’s stay to various charities AND gives you $10-$15 off each night of your stay!

• Wedding Gifts: Do you really think that you’ll use that apple corer or crystal stemware set? Why not ask guests to make a donation in your name to your favorite charity? If you actually do want (or need) the gifts, there’s nothing wrong with that either! Head on over to the I Do Foundation’s website and register your wedding gifts with one of the partner stores, including Target. Participating retailers will donate a percentage of your registry sales to the charity of your choice.

• Catering: As nonprofits look to social enterprise to raise funds outside of donations, more and more organizations are starting business operations, including catering operations. NYC’s Housing Works, an organization fighting homelessness and AIDS in the city, operates The Works Catering as one of its many social enterprises. The Works Catering is operated by a four star chef and prepares seasonal cuisine for many events, including weddings.



Of course, the options don’t end here! There are many ways to incorporate charitable elements into your ceremony and reception. Ask your wedding planner if they know of any businesses or vendors who are involved in charitable organizations. If you’re really set on spreading the love, they will definitely make sure that happens!

Karyn Brianne Watkins
Web: TheFabulousGiver.com
Email: kb@thefabulousgiver.com
Twitter: twitter.com/thefabgiver

Looking for inspiration and ideas for your home registry?  You will absolutely love Nesting Newbies.  Not only is the magazine fabulous, but their website is equally fabulous being full of great pictures, articles and more.  The magazine’s issue features delicious recipes such as the Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs and the Smoky Sweet Jalapeno Pork….

I think what I fell in love with the most are the tablescaping ideas.  Sitting down?  Good.

If you are looking for more ideas, check out some past issues (here is Fall 2009…the garage transformation is amazing!)

Part of the fun in choosing your bridal party (and sometimes much to your chagrin of having to decide who makes the cut) is mixing some of the most important people in your life.  You have people who love you and have been with you at various stages in your life.  Even though their common thread is you, you just know they would love each other once they get together.  Here are some innovative ways to do something special for your friends to create a welcoming, fun atmosphere:

Spa Parties:  Spa parties allow everyone to take a break from their busy lives,  relax and make new friends.  You can book something at a local salon or spa or have a licensed masseuse come in to your own location.  Plan to have your infused waters, teas, robes, and candles to create an atmosphere of relaxation, peace and fun.  Add some light foods and music and you have a special time on your hands!

Photo by :: Dominik Gwarek

Swap Party:  These can be exciting and a great way to get rid of clothes that fill your closet that you have never worn (or will never wear again!).  Your friends can bring everything from clothes to shoes to jewelry to swap with other participants at your party.  Paired with great hors d’oeuvres and wine, you’ve got some of the best staples in life:  good friends, good food and clothes!

Photo by :: definatalie

Spirits Tasting Party:  Nothing is more fun than getting your girlfriends together for great food and drinks.  At your spirits tasting party, you can pick out some of your favorite ideas for your signature drink at your wedding reception and get feed back from your girls.  Have them bring some of their favorite recipes or check for some of our favorite cocktail recipes, because you know we’d never steer you wrong. 

Photo by :: alpha du centaure

These are just a few ideas to get you started on bringing some of your favorite people together.  Do you have something special planned?  Tell us about it!

Once again, this week we are visiting another gorgeous location, or in this week’s instance, locations with the Gansevoort Hotel Group.  With locations in New York’s Meat Packing District or Park Avenue, Miami, and Turks + Caicos, these deliciously styled properties are contemporary, lush, and located in some of the hottest areas for fine dining and entertainment.

Take your pick: Explore + Enjoy!