Honeymoon Spotlight: Jamaica

Want a romantic Jamaican getaway?

Here are 7 Sandals resorts that are sure to meet your every criteria! All are Couples only!

Sandals, Montego Bay: Fun, Party, Beach, Clubs
- Close proximity to the Montego Bay Airport (15 minutes)
- Jamaica’s largest private white sand beach with ‘walk-out’ rooms/suites steps from the sand
- Departure lounge to use if need to check out early and have a later flight

Royal Caribbean: Exotic adventures from Britain to Bali

- Close proximity to the Montego Bay Airport (20 minutes)

- Private off-shore island sanctuary with beach cabanas

- Exotic Thai restaurant located on the off-shore island, Sandals Cay

- Walk- out rooms steps from the Caribbean Sea
- River suites where you can step into the pool from your private patio

Sandals Carlyle: Small size, big charm, sweet, quaint
- Close proximity to the Montego Bay Airport (20 minutes)
- Charming beach side bed & breakfast
- Conveniently located in Montego Bay, just minutes from shops and clubs
- 24 hour room-service for all rooms

Whitehouse European Village and Spa:
- White, pristine beaches
- European Village in the heart of Jamaica
- Untouched south coast of Jamaica is newly discovered
- Endless stretch of pristine beach gives every room/suite an ocean view
- Seven gourmet restaurants
- Extremely large pool area, excellent water sports and scuba diving

Negril Beach Resort and Spa: A beach lovers dream.
- The famed seven-mile beach
- Most rooms walk out steps from the beach, with breathtaking sunsets
- Excellent Scuba diving
- Beautiful swim up River Suites & Romantic two story loft Suites

- Six gourmet dining choices

- Gorgeous Plantation Suites with Plunge Pools

Grande Ocho Rios Beach and Villa Golf Resort: From mountains to sea, the Caribbean Rivera

- Excellent Golf and Country Club nearby (free greens fees and transfers)

- Villa Suites with private pools

- Eleven dining choices including nine world class restaurants and two grills
- Large spa with unique Tropical Solarium
- Three resorts in one: Caribbean Rivera, Manor House, Ciboney Villa Suites

Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios: Upscale resort, often used by celebrities
- 74 Oceanfront suites with personal butler service
- Golf transfers and greens fees included at Sandals Golf and Country Club nearby

It's your Honeymoon, go all-inclusive and worry free! Call or email us today for your Sandals quote!
Planner Girl:)

The How To's on Wedding Toasts

Who should give the toast?

Traditionally, as the host, the father of the bride would give the toast. More commonly today, the best man and maid of honor also give toasts. In addition, other wedding party members, the father of the groom, etc. are also likely to give a toast. It’s best to determine in advance whom you would like to give the toast. Don't forget to give the names to the MC for introduction. It’s good to have no more than 3 toastmasters!

When is the toast given?
Traditionally, toasts occur following dinner, prior to the cutting of the cake or serving of the desserts. The father of the bride should speak first, followed by the best man and maid of honor.

What should the bride and groom do during the toast?
You do not have to stand. If you are seated you can remain seated. Raise your glass and sip your drink only after others have raised theirs.

How to write the toast.
Brainstorm ideas and ask yourself some questions. How did you first meet the bride/groom? How were you told of the engagement? Were you present when they met? How were you told of their new relationship? Is there scripture or a poem that would fit you or them?

Tips to delivery of the toast.
Keep it brief. Don't try to be something your not. If you're not funny, don't try to be a comedian. If you are sentimental, it’s OK to include it in your toast. It’s also OK to prepare notes. Don’t forget to practice a few times to be sure you’re familiar with what you want to say. Beware of the ‘ums’ and words that creep into the spaces of your speech. It’s OK to pause and slow your speech. Be sure you eat something, and be sure not to drink too much before your toast.

Raise your glass!
Planner Girl:)

Happy Anniversary Davina + Kevin

Happy Anniversary
Davina and Kevin Blazer
October 5, 2007

The flower girl and ring bearer held hands as they went down the aisle!

The centerpieces were Davina’s vision! She used river rock, moss, and gold fish to give a natural look.
Davina even grew her own topiaries for the wedding!

Vendors
Rex Bradford Jones
Waldorf Photography
Samuel Franklin Floral
Ogle Entertainment of Special Notes


Have a happily Ever After!
Planner Girl:)

Sand Ceremony

The sand ceremony has become a popular substitute for the unity candle. It’s a great option for outdoor ceremonies where candles are at the mercy of the wind! The concept is similar to the unity ceremony.

The Meaning
As the two sands blend, the grains symbolize a coming together of two lives into one. The colored grains, once poured into the unity vase can never be put back into their separate vases. They are forever entwined just as the hearts and lives of the bride and groom.

Variations
Children: If children are a part of the new family, the sand ceremony can involve them also. Some families choose a different color for each member.

Including God: Some sand ceremonies will have the pastor or reverend pour white sand either in the bottom of the container or throughout to represent God in the marriage. You may also put a stone in the bottom to represent that God is the cornerstone and foundation of the marriage.

Parents- Just as the mothers would light a candle in the unity ceremony, they can also pour sand during their entrance down the aisle. The sand can be a different color or can match the color of their child.

The container
The container that you decide to use is very important. If it’s going to be on display, think about where you will put it. It should match the décor. You can put it in an heirloom vase, a vintage bottle, or monogrammed vase. The possibilities are endless!
These containers can be found on Daisy Days.

Colors
You can pick colors that match your wedding or simply black and white or black and cream to match any décor.

I recently had a couple use scented salt instead of sand. Bath salts are good aroma and decor for your home!

Check out some sample sand ceremony vows!
Choose your container wisely if you plan to keep it for a while!
Planner Girl:)

Sandals 101

Sandals has many terms that you should know!

Couples only! The entire atmosphere from the rooms and restaurants to the activities is tailor made for romance and relaxation. You can chill out the entire time, or add in some adventure if you choose! The ratio of couples to space is amazing!

All inclusive. Don’t think that means they are boring with no choices. Each property has 10 or more room types, numerous restaurants, and a ton of free land and water activities. What’s included: accommodations, meals, premium drinks, non motor sports, transportation from the airport, and more! Included sports range from sailing and snorkeling to water skiing! And, the pool never closes!

Three room categories
Basic room with refrigerator stocked sodas and juices.

Concierge rooms have a fully stocked refrigerator with sodas and liquor.

Butler service rooms come with personal butlers that are unobtrusive. They will give you a cell phone to contact them when you need them. They can unpack your luggage, fix you a drink, take room service orders, or bring you a forgotten item when your lounging on the beach. They can even set up a meal on your private balcony for you! They are in the butler's lounge awaiting your call!

Stay and Play. Stay and Play means you can stay at one resort and play at other nearby Sandal’s resorts. Take Sandal’s free transportation to nearby resorts to eat at their restaurants, play on their beaches, and enjoy their activities- all for free. It’s a great way to double and triple the fun!

 
 
Do your homework!
Call or email us today for your Sandals quote!
Planner Girl:)

The Ring Exchange

Who holds the rings?

Three options
1) The best man holds both rings
2) The ring bearer holds both rings
3) The MOH holds the groom’s ring; the BM holds the bride’s ring

Consensus is usually to have the best man hold both of the rings. The ring bearer, regardless of age, is just not to be trusted with such important merchandise. The ceremony runs more smoothly when one person holds both rings. If one of the rings drops to the ground, the best man should be the only one to stoop to pick it up. This avoids a ‘butts up’ affect or three stooges head butting episode!

Sometimes the groomsmen will have a joke at the expense of the ring exchange. One of our favorite examples, is the wedding where the best man threw up his hands when asked for the rings. He looked to the groomsmen beside him, who threw up his hands. Each guy turned to the next, until finally, the last groomsman had the rings!


Think through the details!
Planner Girl:)

Customize your Honeymoon

There are many options for planning a honeymoon.
Sandals is our favorite!

They have a wide selection of choices: Jamaica has 7 properties, Antigua has 1 property, St Lucia has 3 properties, and there are 2 properties in the Bahamas.

 
How do you know which Sandals is the right fit for you?
What do you like to do?

Scuba dive?

Play at the Casino?

Golf?

There are many other options, like hiking the falls, driving the rain forest, visiting the volcano, or zip lining.

Maybe you would rather relax on the beach, shop, or just enjoy the fine dining!


The type of activities you like will determine which property is best suited for you!

Each property has a variety of room types from basic, to concierge suites, to butler suites.

Rondoval: These specially designed rooms are circular. You will know you’re not at just any resort, when you wake up to see these unique surroundings. These rooms often have private pools and hammocks on the patio!

River Suites: These suites have direct access to the main pool. You can step from your patio into the pool. Swim up to the bar for a drink or soak up the sun from your private riverside patio.

Beach access: Step from your room onto the beach

On a bluff: Overlook the beach and watch the waves crash against the rocks below





By the gardens: Smell the fresh flowers and roam the peaceful gardens outside your room.

Plunge pools: You never have to leave your room when you have your own private pool on your balcony!

Steps from the pool!







Call or email us today for your customized Sandals honeymoon quote!
Planner Girl:)