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 Martha Stewart has teamed up with Sandals to create your perfect day. Pictured is the Seaside Serenades theme. (Courtesy Sandals) |
There was a time when a destination wedding meant a quick ceremony on a resort beach followed by a glass of champagne and a swim in the ocean. Not anymore.
Today's destination weddings can be as simple -- or as sophisticated -- as the bride and groom desire. Nothing reflects that change more than the recent announcement that Sandals Resorts International and Martha Stewart Living OmniMedia have tied the knot on a deal to create six signature wedding packages. The new Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart and Beaches Weddings by Martha Stewart can be booked now for weddings in 2010 at 18 Sandals and Beaches resorts around the Caribbean.
At the launch event aboard the Lady Sandals yacht, Martha Stewart said she believes the six "fantasy themed weddings" exemplify the "attention to detail, creativity, charm and beauty" suited to a tropical setting.
Once a popular choice for second marriages, an increasing number of first-time brides and grooms are opting for a "wedding in paradise" with built-in honeymoon, and friends and family in attendance, Sandals founder and chairman Gordon "Butch" Stewart said.
He should know. Some 19,000 weddings are performed each year at Sandals and Beaches, and each couple wants their special day to be just as memorable as a wedding at home.
"While visiting Sandals, I was impressed to see how the staff really cares about making every wedding special," Martha Stewart said.
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"I remember getting married -- every single detail. Every bride remembers. It is a day to remember ... it is the most important day in a young woman's life," she added.
"We're delighted to be working with Sandals Resorts to guide engaged couples down the aisle and help make their destination wedding unforgettable. With an array of themes to choose from, each one offering co-ordinated elements and special details, every couple will be able to celebrate their special day in their own personal style," Martha Stewart said.
Darcy Miller -- senior v-p and editorial director of Martha Stewart Weddings -- who also worked on the project, said she believes the packages are "the best value around."
"You know what you're going to spend," and "there is a lot of choice, all appropriate to the Caribbean ... We borrowed from the most popular ideas in the magazine," Miller said.
The six themes include:
Beautiful Beginnings
An elegant and simple package that includes a sweet magenta dendrobium bouquet and boutonniere, a table for four with crisp linens and centrepiece, and a charming white cake. Beautiful Beginnings is included at no additional cost for couples who book a minimum six-night wedding stay in a concierge category or higher at any Sandals resort or Beaches resort.
Flutter of Romance
Butterflies on menus, place cards and atop the pale pink cake or round mini-cakes create a look that's charming and sweet. Bridal bouquet, boutonniere and centrepieces are made of pink and fuchsia roses, and magenta orchids. From $1,500-$1,900. Note that prices are in U.S. dollars and vary depending on the island selected.
Vision in White
A classic white wedding with hints of eyelet and lace on everything from party favours to desserts. Bouquets are made of delicate white orchids and gladiolas. There is a choice of an elegant white cake or cupcakes. White pillar candles wrapped in eyelet fabric cast a soft romantic glow over the reception table. From $2,500-$2,900.
Seaside Serenade
A white, aqua and coral palette is designed to capture the romantic spirit of the ocean. Couples exchange vows under a bamboo arch strung with shells and the reception table is set with seashell, coral and sand accents. There is a choice of fondant cake with white coral accents or cupcakes topped with sugar seashells. From $3,000- $3,400.
Chic and Natural
The ceremony and reception are accented with white and green orchids, polished black river stones, vibrant green moss, and touches of natural linen. Choose from a pale green cake topped with a white camellia or cupcakes topped with small green cymbidium orchids. From $3,600-$4,000.
Island Paradise
Magenta, pink, orange, and yellow orchids reflect the majestic hues of a setting sun. Lush banana leaves embellish the bamboo ceremony arch, while natural wood trays filled with tropical fruits and bright blooms serve as centrepieces. The cake (or square mini-cakes) is trimmed with rattan-pattern fondant and covered in fresh orchids. The ceremony takes place at 5 p.m. and is $6,000 in all islands.
In addition to the six themes, couples can add finishing touches such as parasols to shield guests from the sun, a petal-strewn aisle lit by candles, a candy buffet, or a romantically lit evening on the beach for you and your guests.
For more on Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart, contact sandals.com/weddingmoons/weddings/index.cfm or 1-877-SANDALS to speak with a bridal concierge.