Here’s the video from the oh-so-talented John Hoel of Vibrant Films.  John and his trusty assistant/wife Emma were troopers in hauling along tons of equipment to capture the essence of Portugal.  Enjoy!

Jessica and Lucho Get Married in Portugal

I also had the good fortune to tour many luxury resorts and properties as well as stay at one of the leading 5 diamond properties in the area.  Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an all-inclusive family-friendly property with gorgeous views, food and amenities fit for a queen.

My room was spacious and thoughtfully laid out with an extremely comfortable bed, down pillows and luxurious down duvet. The bathroom was also large with double-sinks, deep jacuzzi soaking tub, separate shower, vanity and make-up mirror.  All the things I look for in a great room.

I had my own private concierge and whenever I needed anything, she was there. The mini-refrigerator was fully stocked with soft drinks, bottle water, beer, wine and snacks.  In addition, there was a very large balcony overlooking the pools and beach with one of my favorite treats, a lounge bed on the balcony.

I will not hesitate to recommend Grand Velas Riviera Maya to any couple wanting a truly luxurious experience and memorable wedding.  Here are just a few photos of this glorious property.

Bill can be reached at my studio 952-237-3507 or by email bill{at}twiddleandbard{dot}com.

Here’s images of the ceremony in the Solarium of Calhoun Beach Club and what the room looked like just two short hours later.

Here’s her reception in the Boulevard Room of Calhoun Beach Club.

I loved every moment of our two years together and wish EB & John a fabulous and colorful life together. Thanks to Andrew Vick Photography for these gorgeous images.

Here’s the style board that my couple loved for their upcoming destination wedding early next year. I can’t wait to see this board come to life in Portugal.

A planning trip helps in dozens of ways including:

• understanding challenges guests may encounter upon their arrival through to their departure
• locating the nearest banks, ATM’s or pharmacies just in case
• viewing first hand the ambiance of the ceremony and reception venue and working to enhance with floral or decor and not compete
• develop an early & trusted relationship with wedding professionals we contract with
• meet the staff at the host hotel, chateau or villa where guests will stay the week of the wedding
• sample regional food and beverages and recommend
• experience activities guests may be interested in and recommending first hand
• understanding transportation challenges and logistics and anticipate problems before they occur
• preparing guests for cultural or language differences
• meeting wedding professionals who come recommended by local contacts
• obtain advice and recommendations from the local professionals regarding best dates, locations & little know hidden gems or resources not normally known through the internet

Once we return for the actual wedding I have the confidence to look forward to a great week with our bride and groom and their guests.  For many of the guests this trip is their first time at the destination and it’s always fun to listen to their excitement and share in their joy.

I would not plan a destination wedding without having the opportunity to visit the location first and I advise couples to always make a preliminary visit whether or not they hire a planner.

Here’s photos of a few scouting trips I’ve conducted recently.

As I was perusing one of my cookbooks, in particular one that also provides a pictorial of Italy, I started reminiscing of my last wedding in Tuscany. I wondered if an adventurous couple would be interested in a cooking tour of a particular region of Italy and how this could be planned and successfully executed.  I think it’s a great idea and would be interested in exploring this further for any couple who wants to create a truly personalized experience for their destination guests.

A few years ago I spent twelve days in the Bordeaux region of France visiting various vineyards and chateau’s known for some amazing wines. Our trip combined lessons in grape growing, harvesting and wine making along with cooking classes from a Michelin rated chef. Every day brought a new chateau, new winery and new appreciation for preparing French food.  By the time our trip was over I had an entirely new understanding of the delicate balance between food, wine and the journey from sea or land to vineyard and table.

I think a destination wedding is the perfect time to create a hands-on experience for foodie couples by carefully crafting several special opportunities to explore particular regions of Italy or France. For example, Tuscany is well known for Chianti wine and Pecorino cheese so scheduling tours of wineries and farms provides guests with a greater appreciation of the processes involved with producing these fine wines and cheese so why not share these treasures during the destination experience.

Chef’s do not have to be Michelin rated to teach and create a memorable experience. The owner/chef of Beppone Ristorante in San Gimignano is the cutest little “mama” you would ever want to meet. She offered an impromptu instruction into making the very best wood-fire pizza dough and her secret to outstanding bruschetta for our guests.

So for any self-proclaimed foodies out there wanting to plan a destination wedding, consider a cooking/wine experience your guests will never forget.

Just a few images of our Chianti tour last year.

I know Melissa and her energetic team are always on top of every wedding they produce and I can count on them to go the extra mile. Their deliveries are always on time or even ahead of schedule which, to a planner is imperative. Standing around toe-tapping while waiting for a brides bouquet or corsages to be delivered is definitely NOT in the carefully crafted timeline of the day.

Besides being punctual Melissa creates works of art for every couple.  She never duplicates previous centerpieces nor does she copy bouquets found in wedding magazines or blogs.  Her creations are truly customized and exclusive to every bride & groom.  Here are a few weddings created by Melissa Stratton and Sadie’s Couture Floral & Event Styling. Enjoy!