BRITTANY | Intimate + Exploratory Curaçao Destination Wedding!
Our 1st Curacao destination wedding DESTIBRIDE interview!
“yep! absolutely! I sure did!”
*Photos courtesy of Dishan Rhodes Photography
EPISODE 52
How Brittany Planned Her Destination Wedding in Willemstad, Curaçao!
Okay so I’ve said it before but….
I LOVE IT when I get to interview DESTIBRIDES who are a part of the DESTILOVERS Community! There’s nothing - and I mean nothing - like working with a beautiful bride along her destination wedding planning journey, hearing how much the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings show has been helpful for them AND THEN experiencing their excitement and seeing that big smile appear when it’s finally their turn to share the wealth of advice and their personal experience to help those coming up behind them.
This interview with DESTIBRIDE Brittany was so insightful and informative - I even learned some things that I’ll be carrying with me in my DESTICoaching sessions! I’m so grateful for the interview I’m about to share with you all - which includes a cameo from Brittany’s DESTIGROOM husband, CJ who shared some tips and advice as well!
Annnd I can't wait to hear how much you love it!
Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:
We chatted about:
💕Their proposal story
💕Why they decided to have a destination wedding
💕Choosing their destination wedding date
💕Planning and saving money TOGETHER
💕Pushing through and planning their destination wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic
💕How they chose their destination wedding venue
💕How they picked their destination wedding vendors - photographer, DJ, etc.
💕 An unexpected destination wedding welcome bags tip!
💕 Planning a great excursion to welcome guests + explore the island’s culture!
💕Her Dreams Curaçao Wedding Department Review
💕and so much more!
Soooo…how do you plan a destination wedding
in Willemstad, Curaçao?
Click Play and find out how Brittany planned her destination wedding
at Dreams Curaçao Resort, Casino, and Spa in Willemstad, Curaçao!
Enjoy!
WATCH BRITTANY’S INTERVIEW!
YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube
THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE’S SPONSOR: THE DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY
DESTICOUPLE: Brittany + Cedric “CJ” Singletary
Destination Wedding Date: June 5, 2021
City & Country: Willemstad, Curaçao
Venue: Dreams Curaçao Resort, Casino, and Spa
The Gazebo (Ceremony) and Barefoot Grille (Reception)
Wedding Budget: $15,000
Number of Guests: 19
Bridal Party: NONE!
THE SINGLETARYS
Engagement Length: 18 Months
Age: Bride, 33 / Groom, 35
Occupations: Bride, HR Generalist / Groom, Computer Consultant
Hometown: Stafford, VA
(Relocated to Augusta, GA in the middle of the pandemic)
THE PROPOSAL
Fun Fact: CJ planned a surprise proposal! Here’s their story…
The day was December 20, 2019 and it was one of the happiest days of our lives, because…WE JUST CLOSED ON OUR FIRST HOME! After several hours and countless documents that needed to be signed, we were finished. We were hanging out in the parking lot with our Realtors (@TondaBookerSells) and the previous homeowner. I was on the phone and I saw CJ speaking with our Realtors (Husband-and-Wife Tag Team) then quickly turned around and got on one knee and proposed!”
THE BRIDE
Bride’s Dress: Allure Bridals
Bride’s Shoes: Betsy Johnson
Bride’s Jewelry: Maria Elena
Hair & Makeup: Tosha (@ATotSalon) + Jael (@brighteyes_bushyhair)
#IMADESTI
DESTIBRIDE FUN FACTS:
Favorite DESTI Episode: Love them All!! You learn so much from each episode. No one episode is like the other!
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Cocktail: Prosecco
Book Recommendation: I Am These Truths by Sunny Hostin
Follow her on Instagram @cin.cin.brittany @amoremcmxxi
THE GROOM
Groom’s Attire: Bespokuture
Groom’s Shoes: Bespokuture
Groom’s Accessories: Bespokuture
THE WEDDING
Planning: Ursula Dorthea @ Resort
Styling & Decor: Brittany + Resort
Photography: Dishan Rhodes (@DishanRhodesPhotography)
Videographer: Resort
Florals: Brittany + Resort
Cake + Catering: Resort
DJ: Resort (compliments to Stephanie @stephie_rocs for creating a dope playlist)
Paper Invitations + Details: We did save the dates..and that was it!
Wedding Website: Zola (see it here)
THE GOOD STUFF
(aka wedding package info)Which wedding package did you choose?
We chose the Dreams Ultimate Wedding Package.Any package customizations?
Of course, we customized LOL we had both the Steelband for the cocktail hour and the DJ for the reception – that was well worth paying the additional, no one wants to hear recycled music! LOL
THE EXCURSION
Etsy Vendors:
@PreppingParties,
@HigginsCreek6
@EscortTags
@RuweDesigns
@UnmeasuredEvent
@LetterwoodCo.
LINKS MENTIONED:
* = affiliate link
Omi’s Favorites: Amazon*
Omi’s favorite wedding website company: AppyCouple*
Join the DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY!
Everything Else: See all Pink Links above!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: THE DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY
DESTIFACT:
The DESTILOVERS Community Archive has hours and hours of replays, secret episodes, that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s your destination wedding’s dream come true!
TO EVERY SINGLE MEMBER OF THE DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY:
THANK YOU - FOR MAKING THIS SHOW WHAT IT IS!
I’m SOOO happy to finally have a place where all of my Desti Bridefriends can meet and discuss All Things Desti!
The DESTILOVERS Community is an extension of the show and is your safe space for sharing and collaboration while planning your destination wedding! Here’s what you can also look forward to:
DESTIHOUR LIVE Q+A’s! | Episode Discussions! | BRIDEFRIEND BRUNCH Connection Calls | Destination Wedding Topic Deep-dives! (w/ hours and hours of replays!) |
Secret Episodes | Special Guests! | Giveaways! | And More!
*While the main hub is in a Facebook Group, all Non-Facebookers have access to a secret portal (The DESTILOVERS Archive) to enjoy all events and festivities too!
This space is whatever you Bridefriends make it! And where I get my inspiration for the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
Bridefriends truly are the BEST friends👯♀️
xx, Omi
Thank You Brittany (and CJ)!
We appreciate you being our Bridefriend Forever and giving us a peek
"behind your veil" of destination wedding planning
in beautiful Willemstad, Curaçao!
We wish you both allll the love + positivity you can handle!
Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
SHARE THE LOVE!
STOP THE DRAMA: Destination Wedding Bridal Party Tips *For the Couple + Bridal Party*
I’ve noticed in the DESTILOVERS Community that there’s been a recent uptick in bridal party drama and that’s okay - I’ve got exactly what you all need, so let’s have some fun this week!
“let’s normalize open communication in bridal parties...”
EPISODE 50
Destination Wedding Bridal Party Drama?!?
*Tips for the Couple + Bridal Party Members*
***QUICK NOTICE:
THIS WEEK I’M DROPPING A PODCAST-ONLY EPISODE (THIS PAGE YOU’RE ON NOW)
ANNND A SPECIAL VIDEO ON THE DESTI TV YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
We’re doubling the fun this week Bridefriends!
HEYYY DESTIS + BRIDEFRIENDS!
Today we’re going wayyy back…
Listen along with me in the BlackDesti director’s commentary cut of one of my most favoritest interviews! I’ve noticed in the DESTILOVERS Community that there’s been a recent uptick in bridal party drama and that’s okay - I’ve got exactly what you all need, so let’s have some fun this week.
Professional Bridesmaid and Author, Jen Glantz, shared her experience and best advice as a professional Bridesmaid with us over 5 years ago and I STILL refer new Bridefriends back to listen to her tips! Anyone involved in a destination wedding (couples AND bridal party members) can and will get something wonderful from this episode - especially since I'm adding my own 2 cents as we listen along together!
And if you’re like me and thought not having an official bridal party will save you from all drama…go ahead and hit play too Bridefriend + thank me later ;)
Jen tells us how to make the most of our bridal party experience and shares invaluable tips like how to pick your wedding party members, prepare for emergencies and be a great Bridefriend for your destination wedding.
Deeming herself the Wedding Party Whisperer, Jen bridges the gap between DESTIBRIDE and DESTIBestie by sharing a wealth of advice for brides, grooms, bridesmaids, and anyone else involved in a destination wedding…or any wedding for that matter. And of course, we get to talk about her hilarious new book, Always a Bridesmaid FOR HIRE!
Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:
We chatted about:
💕 What is a Bridesmaid for Hire and who would need one?
💕 Why some bridesmaids forget to be FRIENDS...
💕 How to stop people from sabotaging your destination wedding...
💕 How to deal with difficult bridesmaids and bridefriends for your destination wedding...
💕 How to be a great Bridesmaid for a destination wedding...
💕 And so much more!
Soooo…how can you be THE BEST
Destination Wedding Bridesmaid + Bridefriend?
Click Play and find out…
Enjoy!
LISTEN ON THE
DESTI GUIDE TO DESTINATION WEDDINGS
PODCAST!
⇣ or right here on this page! ⇣
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube
THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE’S SPONSOR: APPY COUPLE
LINKS MENTIONED:
DESTICOUPLE Melissa + Mahdi’s Wedding Video is LIVE on the DESTI TV YouTube channel this week!!! Watch on DESTI TV here!
Join the DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY
Blog post on BlackDesti.com: HOW TO GET FIRED AS A BRIDESMAID
Omi’s 200-day destination wedding planning countdown diary: DESTI DIARY
History of bridesmaids interesting article here
Omi’s favorite wedding website company: Appy Couple
You can find Jen's book, Always a Bridesmaid For Hire: Stories on Growing Up, Looking for Love, and Walking Down the Aisle for Complete Strangers at Barnes and Noble & on Amazon.com
Everything Else: See all Pink Links above!
follow me @desti.land
💕
follow me @desti.land 💕
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DESTIPARTNER: APPYCOUPLE
DESTIFACT:
We used Appy Couple for our wedding and there’s a complete walkthrough in the DESTILOVERS Community!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR DESTIPARTNER
APPYCOUPLE!
APPY COUPLE is a modern wedding website and interactive app that practically builds itself and lets you manage and share important details of your destination wedding with ease and style. And let’s be honest, Desti weddings require more care and details and Appy Couple is the perfect choice if you want to Invite and Impress!
SEE MY APPY COUPLE WEBSITE!
I GAVE A COMPLETE WALKTHROUGH OF MY WEDDING WEBSITE (with tips of course!)IN A RECENT DESTIHOUR in the DESTILOVERS Community too!
find out more information about my favorite wedding website + app for destination weddings and let me know if you have any questions!
xx, Omi
Thank You Jen!
Your interview is truly a classic!
We’re officially Bridefriends Forever
xx, Omi
Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
SHARE THE LOVE!
Melissa + Mahdi PT.2 | Negril, Jamaica
MEET THE ALSTONS! We're getting into the nitty-gritty of Melissa + Mahdi's Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica destination wedding planning story! - here’s part 2!
“We could’ve found venues at home...it would have been more expensive and it just wouldn’t have been poppin’...we had to force grown folks to get passports... and that was the dope part about it!”
*Photos courtesy of Team DWP Studios
EPISODE 49
How The Alston’s Planned Their Destination Wedding @ Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica - PART 2!
HEYYY DESTIS + BRIDEFRIENDS!
WELCOME BACK to the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
I hope that you are having an amazing time planning those destination weddings of yours! Your day is about to get better because I am soo excited to share OUR FIRST DESTICOUPLE interview with you - I’LL SAY IT AGAIN…
DESTICOUPLE!!!
IT IS MY ABSOLUTE PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO THE ALSTONS!
DESTIBRIDE Melissa + DESTIGROOM Mahdi planned their destination wedding at the magical Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica and you get to hear allll about EXACTLY HOW THEY DID IT - (and we get super detailed)!
If you’re in the DESTILOVERS Community you’ll know that I’ve been wanting to get a DESTICOUPLE on the show since forever and I’m so happy we now have one for really 2 reasons:
It delivered exactly what I wanted it to - the perspectives of the DESTIBRIDE,
as well as her partner, which in this case - is a DESTIGROOM
AND
Having a DESTICOUPLE as an example should help others agree to be
interviewed together too - I can’t wait to do this again!
Don’t forget that all details and a photo gallery of THE Alston’s magical wedding are waiting for you below.
ANNNNDDD If you have any questions, make sure you drop them in the comments below and we'll answer them.
And if you LISTEN to the podcast - no worries…you can ask yours in the DESTILOVERS Community - make sure you tag me so I see it - or send me a DM on Instagram @desti.land
And whether you love to watch or listen - be sure to SUBSCRIBE so you know the exact moment a new episode goes live!
This gorgeous couple experienced so much - that we had to make their interview a 2-parter. I needed to make sure you and your Bridefriends could reeeallllly take in all this destination wedding planning magic.
SO THAT’S RIGHT - IT’S A TWO-PART INTERVIEW!
AND THIS IS PART 2!
We're getting into the nitty-gritty of Melissa + Mahdi's destination wedding weekend!
Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:
We chatted about:
💕 Budget (how did they pay for it?)
Planning and saving money TOGETHER
💕 Decor (they bought those where?)
Their unexpected (and wildly entertaining) destination wedding packing and decor story!
💕 Traveling (how did they get everything to their destination?)
💕 A yacht party
💕 Details on the dreamiest CASTLE destination wedding
💕 Choosing their destination wedding date
💕Their Pattoo Castle Destination Wedding Review
💕ANNND so much more...The Alstons' showed the love!
Soooo…how do you plan a destination wedding
@ Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica?
Click Play and find out how Melissa + Mahdi planned her destination wedding
at Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica!
Enjoy!
WATCH MELISSA + MAHDI’S INTERVIEW!
YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube
THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE’S SPONSOR: APPY COUPLE
DESTICOUPLE: Melissa + Mahdi Alston
Destination Wedding Date: September 19, 2019
City & Country: Negril, Jamaica
Venue: Pattoo Castle
Host Resort: Azul Beach Resort, Negril
Wedding Budget: ~$80,000
Number of Guests: 127
Bridal Party: 9 Bridesmaids + 9 Groomsmen
THE ALSTONS
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
(both originally from Connecticut)
Fun Fact: they starred on HGTV’s
You can get the rest of Melissa + Mahdis destination wedding details, photos, and alllll the other goodies in Part 1’s Show Notes.
DETAILS!
All details + a photo gallery of Melissa + Mahdi’s wedding are waiting for you in Part 1’s Show Notes!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Omi’s favorite wedding website company: Appy Couple
Join the DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY
Everything Else: See all Pink Links above!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DESTIPARTNER: APPYCOUPLE
DESTIFACT:
We used Appy Couple for our wedding and there’s a complete walkthrough in the DESTILOVERS Community!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR DESTIPARTNER
APPYCOUPLE!
APPY COUPLE is a modern wedding website and interactive app that practically builds itself and lets you manage and share important details of your destination wedding with ease and style. And let’s be honest, Desti weddings require more care and details and Appy Couple is the perfect choice if you want to Invite and Impress!
SEE MY APPY COUPLE WEBSITE!
I GAVE A COMPLETE WALKTHROUGH OF MY WEDDING WEBSITE (with tips of course!)IN A RECENT DESTIHOUR in the DESTILOVERS Community too!
find out more information about my favorite wedding website + app for destination weddings and let me know if you have any questions!
xx, Omi
Thank You Melissa + Mahdi!
We appreciate you being my very 1st DESTICOUPLE interview!
We’re officially Bridefriends Forever
xx, Omi
Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
SHARE THE LOVE!
DESTICOUPLE Melissa + Mahdi | Negril, Jamaica
MEET THE ALSTONS! Our 1st DESTICOUPLE interview shares the story of a breathtakingly beautiful destination wedding at Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica!
“We could’ve found venues at home...it would have been more expensive and it just wouldn’t have been poppin’...we had to force grown folks to get passports... and that was the dope part about it!”
*Photos courtesy of Team DWP Studios
EPISODE 48
How The Alston’s Planned Their Destination Wedding @ Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica!
HEYYY DESTIS + BRIDEFRIENDS!
WELCOME BACK to the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
I hope that you are having an amazing time planning those destination weddings of yours! Your day is about to get better because I am soo excited to share OUR FIRST DESTICOUPLE interview with you - I’LL SAY IT AGAIN…
DESTICOUPLE!!!
IT IS MY ABSOLUTE PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO THE ALSTONS!
DESTIBRIDE Melissa + DESTIGROOM Mahdi planned their destination wedding at the magical Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica and you get to hear allll about EXACTLY HOW THEY DID IT - (and we get super detailed)!
If you’re in the DESTILOVERS Community you’ll know that I’ve been wanting to get a DESTICOUPLE on the show since forever and I’m so happy we now have one for really 2 reasons:
It delivered exactly what I wanted it to - the perspectives of the DESTIBRIDE,
as well as her partner, which in this case - is a DESTIGROOM
AND
Having a DESTICOUPLE as an example should help others agree to be
interviewed together too - I can’t wait to do this again!
Don’t forget that all details and a photo gallery of THE Alston’s magical wedding are waiting for you below.
ANNNNDDD If you have any questions, make sure you drop them in the comments below and we'll answer them.
And if you LISTEN to the podcast - no worries…you can ask yours in the DESTILOVERS Community - make sure you tag me so I see it - or send me a DM on Instagram @desti.land
And whether you love to watch or listen - be sure to SUBSCRIBE so you know the exact moment a new episode goes live!
Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:
We chatted about:
💕 How they met
💕 Why they decided to have a destination wedding
💕 Choosing their destination wedding date
💕 Planning and saving money TOGETHER
💕 How they chose their destination wedding venue
💕 Dealing with incompatible wedding vendors
💕 An unexpected destination wedding packing and decor story!
💕Their Pattoo Castle Destination Wedding Review
💕and so much more!
Soooo…how do you plan a destination wedding
@ Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica?
Click Play and find out how Melissa + Mahdi planned her destination wedding
at Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica!
Enjoy!
WATCH MELISSA + MAHDI’S INTERVIEW!
YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube
THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE’S SPONSOR: APPY COUPLE
DESTICOUPLE: Melissa + Mahdi Alston
Destination Wedding Date: September 19, 2019
City & Country: Negril, Jamaica
Venue: Pattoo Castle
Host Resort: Azul Beach Resort, Negril
Wedding Budget: ~$80,000
Number of Guests: 127
Bridal Party: 9 Bridesmaids + 9 Groomsmen
THE ALSTONS
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
(both originally from Connecticut)
Fun Fact: they starred on HGTV’s
THE GROOM
shout out to Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc.
THE BRIDAL PARTY
BRIDESMAIDS
GROOMSMEN
Planning, Styling & Decor: : Kara-Ann Anderson @ Petals & Promises
Florals: Floral Fantasies
LINKS MENTIONED:
Omi’s favorite wedding website company: Appy Couple
Join the DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY
Everything Else: See all Pink Links above!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DESTIPARTNER: APPYCOUPLE
DESTIFACT:
We used Appy Couple for our wedding and there’s a complete walkthrough in the DESTILOVERS Community!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR DESTIPARTNER
APPYCOUPLE!
APPY COUPLE is a modern wedding website and interactive app that practically builds itself and lets you manage and share important details of your destination wedding with ease and style. And let’s be honest, Desti weddings require more care and details and Appy Couple is the perfect choice if you want to Invite and Impress!
SEE MY APPY COUPLE WEBSITE!
I GAVE A COMPLETE WALKTHROUGH OF MY WEDDING WEBSITE (with tips of course!)IN A RECENT DESTIHOUR in the DESTILOVERS Community too!
find out more information about my favorite wedding website + app for destination weddings and let me know if you have any questions!
xx, Omi
Thank You Melissa + Mahdi!
We appreciate you being my very 1st DESTICOUPLE interview!
We’re officially Bridefriends Forever
xx, Omi
Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
SHARE THE LOVE!
SHAR | Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
How Shar planned her romantic and intimate private villa destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico…our 1st villa DESTIBRIDE!
“You only get one life - let’s live it to the fullest, let’s do what our heart desires...and figure everything out as you go!”
Photos courtesy of CCphotoloscabos
EPISODE 46
How Shar Planned Her Destination Wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico!
This interview with DESTIBRIDE Shar was LIKE NO OTHER because she and her husband Deji’s destination wedding was at a beautiful private villa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico!!!! Something I love about Shar (other than her GORGEOUS skin) is that she was a great mix of laid-back and serious when it came to her destination wedding planning. This Villa La Roca destination wedding was sooo amazing and Shar shared all the deets so you already know - I can't wait to hear how much you love it!
Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:
We chatted about:
💕 How they met
💕 A dreamy surprise proposal in Paris!
💕 Why they decided to have a destination wedding
💕 Dealing with family when deciding to “go destination”
💕Planning and saving money TOGETHER
💕How they chose their destination wedding venue
💕How they picked their destination wedding vendors - makeup, photographer, etc.
💕 Setting boundaries
💕Her Villa La Roca Wedding Review
💕and so much more!
Soooo…how do you plan a destination wedding
in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico?
Click Play and find out how Shar planned her destination wedding
at Villa La Roca in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico!
Enjoy!
WATCH SHAR’S INTERVIEW!
YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube
THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE’S SPONSOR: APPYCOUPLE
DestiCouple: Shar + Deji Olasimbo
Destination Wedding Date: May 20, 2018
City & Country: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Venue: Villa La Roca
Host Resorts: Riu Santa Fe (affordable option) The Cape (luxury option)
Wedding Budget: $20,000
Number of Guests: 75
Bridal Party: None
THE OLASIMBOS
Engagement Length: 17 Months
Age: Bride, 29 / Groom, 39
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
THE STORY
We originally wanted to elope but after a ton of pushback from our parents, we decided on a closer destination so that we can have everyone there. We had no bridal party (best decision ever) and the day literally went perfect!
xx, DESTIBRIDE SHAR
THE PROPOSAL
Fun Fact: Deji planned a surprise proposal in Paris and Shar posted a video all about it on her YouTube channel!
THE BRIDE
Bride’s Dress: Vivienne Atelier
Bride’s Shoes: Nordstrom
Bride’s Jewelry: Macy’s
Hair: @hairgoalsby_lo
Makeup: Bride
#IMADESTI
DESTIBRIDE FUN FACTS:
Favorite DESTI Episode: Desti Porsha [Episode 14]
Favorite Cocktail: Cali Girl Margarita
Shar’s Travel Company: Brown Girls Trippin
Shar’s YouTube Channel: SharDavisXo
Follow her on Instagram @shardavisxo
THE GROOM
Groom’s Attire: Maison Valentino
#DESTIGROOM FUN FACT:
Favorite Cocktail: Southern Gentlemen Old Fashioned
THE WEDDING
Planning: Yadira @ Villa La Roca
Styling & decor: Yadira @ Villa La Roca
Photography: CCphotoloscabos
Videography: Celestus Weddings
Paper Invitations + Details: Evite
Wedding Video courtesy of Celestus Weddings
LINKS MENTIONED:
Omi’s favorite wedding website company: Appy Couple
The Olasimbo’s post-wedding resort: - Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa (Formerly Cabo Villas Resort)
Shar’s favorite DESTIBRIDE Episode: Desti Porsha [Episode 14]
Shar’s Travel Company: Brown Girls Trippin
Shar’s YouTube Channel: SharDavisXo
Follow her on Instagram @shardavisxo
Join the DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY
Everything Else: See all Pink Links above!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: APPY COUPLE
DESTIFACT:
We used Appy Couple for our wedding and there’s a complete walkthrough in the DESTILOVERS Community!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR DESTIPARTNER
APPYCOUPLE FOR SPONSORING THE SHOW!
APPY COUPLE is a modern wedding website and interactive app that practically builds itself and lets you manage and share important details of your destination wedding with ease and style. And let’s be honest, Desti weddings require more care and details and Appy Couple is the perfect choice if you want to Invite and Impress!
SEE MY APPY COUPLE WEBSITE!
I GAVE A COMPLETE WALKTHROUGH OF MY WEDDING WEBSITE (with tips of course!)IN A RECENT DESTIHOUR in the DESTILOVERS Community too!
find out more information about my favorite wedding website + app for destination weddings and let me know if you have any questions!
xx, Omi
Thank You Shar!
We appreciate you being our Bridefriend Forever and giving us a peek
"behind your veil" of destination wedding planning
in beautiful Cabo San Lucas, Mexico!
Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
SHARE THE LOVE!
NICOLE PT. 2: The Wedding Weekend | Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
We're getting into the nitty-gritty of Nicole + Eric's destination wedding weekend! ✨Nicole shared it all Bridefriends + This is Part 2!
“When I stopped worrying about everybody else and started truly enjoying the moment…I was truly at peace.”
*Photos courtesy of Junior Cruz Weddings
EPISODE 42
DAY-BY-DAY:
Inside Nicole's Destination Wedding Weekend!
True story:
DESTIBRIDE Nicole + her husband Eric planned 2 (yes TWO) destination weddings - in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic! And their wedding planning journey was quite eventful to say the least... 👏🏾but 👏🏾look 👏🏾at 👏🏾that 👏🏾end 👏🏾result! 🙌🏾
This gorgeous couple experienced so much - that we had to make Nicole’s interview a 2-parter. I needed to make sure you and your Bridefriends could reeeallllly take in all this destination wedding planning gold.
SO THAT’S RIGHT - IT’S A TWO-PART INTERVIEW!
AND THIS IS PART 2!
So go grab your cutesy notebook + pretty pen, because Part 1: How Nicole Planned (and moved) Her Destination Wedding from St. Lucia to the Dominican Republic! laid out the background for us…but on this week's episode of the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings, we're getting into the nitty-gritty of Nicole + Eric's destination wedding weekend!
Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:
We chatted about:
💕 Packing tips (what's in those bags + trunks?)
💕 Traveling tips (how did they get everything to their destination?)
💕 Deciding to host a pre-wedding boat party (good or bad idea?)
💕 Their Rehearsal Dinner experience @ the resort
💕 Details on the most gorgeous-est destination wedding that I’ve seen
💕 Day after wedding photoshoot (you gotta hear this story!)
💕 Their luxurious tropical St. Lucia honeymoon...
💕and so much more!
Nicole shared it all Bridefriends! And I can't wait to hear how much you love it!
Soooo…how did Nicole and Eric’s destination wedding
weekend in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic really go?
Click Play and find out!
Enjoy!
WATCH NICOLE’S INTERVIEW!
YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube
THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE’S SPONSOR: THE DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY
DESTICOUPLE: Nicole + Eric Pittman
Destination Wedding Date: June 18, 2021
City & Country: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Venue: Jellyfish Restaurant
Host Resort: Royalton Bávaro Resort & Spa
Wedding Budget: $13,000
(DESTINOTE: My husband said $10,000 but mentally I prepared for no more than $15,000)
Number of Guests: 42
Bridal Party: 5 Bridesmaids + 6 Groomsmen
You can get the rest of Nicole + Eric’s destination wedding details, photos, and alllll the other goodies in Part 1’s Show Notes.
DETAILS!
All details + a photo gallery of Nicole’s wedding are waiting for you in Part 1’s Show Notes!
LINKS MENTIONED:
* = affiliate link
St. Lucia Honeymoon Location: Ladera
Sterilite Trunks Nicole Traveled w/: Amazon* | Walmart*
Alternative Trunk /omi mentioned: The Container Store
Omi’s favorite wedding website company: AppyCouple*
Join the DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY!
Everything Else: See all Pink Links above!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: THE DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY
DESTIFACT:
The DESTILOVERS Community Archive has hours and hours of replays, secret episodes, that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s your destination wedding’s dream come true!
TO EVERY SINGLE MEMBER OF THE DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY:
THANK YOU - FOR MAKING THIS SHOW WHAT IT IS!
I’m SOOO happy to finally have a place where all of my Desti Bridefriends can meet and discuss All Things Desti!
The DESTILOVERS Community is an extension of the show and is your safe space for sharing and collaboration while planning your destination wedding! Here’s what you can also look forward to:
DESTIHOUR LIVE Q+A’s! | Episode Discussions! | BRIDEFRIEND BRUNCH Connection Calls | Destination Wedding Topic Deep-dives! (w/ hours and hours of replays!) |
Secret Episodes | Special Guests! | Giveaways! | And More!
*While the main hub is in a Facebook Group, all Non-Facebookers have access to a secret portal (The DESTILOVERS Archive) to enjoy all events and festivities too!
This space is whatever you Bridefriends make it! And where I get my inspiration for the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
Bridefriends truly are the BEST friends👯♀️
xx, Omi
Thank You Nicole!
We appreciate you being our Bridefriend Forever and giving us a peek
"behind your veil" of destination wedding planning
in beautiful Punta Cana, Dominican Republic!
We wish you + your beautiful family the absolute BEST!
Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
SHARE THE LOVE!
NICOLE | St. Lucia to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
How Nicole planned 2 destination weddings - first in St. Lucia before being forced to move to the Dominican Republic - thanks to the pandemic! You gotta hear this story!
“When I stopped worrying about everybody else and started truly enjoying the moment…I was truly at peace.”
*Photos courtesy of Junior Cruz Weddings
EPISODE 41
How Nicole Planned (and moved) Her Destination Wedding from
St. Lucia to the Dominican Republic!
I LOVE IT when I get to interview DESTIBRIDES who are a part of the DESTILOVERS Community! There’s nothing - and I mean nothing - like working with a beautiful bride along her destination wedding planning journey, hearing how much the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings show has been helpful for them AND THEN experiencing their excitement and seeing that big smile appear when it’s finally their turn to share the wealth of advice and their personal experience to help those coming up behind them.
This interview with DESTIBRIDE Nicole was all of that and more! Nicole and her husband brought 42 guests to celebrate their loving union at the Jellyfish Restaurant in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (right smack in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic) but not before much drama - including relocation from St. Lucia. The amount of destination wedding planning tips that Nicole shares is so unbelievable that I had to split it into 2 parts Bridefriends!
THAT’S RIGHT - A TWO-PART INTERVIEW!
and I can't wait to hear how much you love it!
Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:
We chatted about:
💕Their proposal story
💕Why they decided to have a destination wedding
💕Choosing their destination wedding date
💕Planning and saving money TOGETHER
💕Postponing their wedding due to the COVID-19 pandemic
and then ultimately moving their wedding from St. Lucia to the Dominican Republic
💕 Planning their small intimate ceremony at home
💕How they chose their destination wedding venue
💕How they picked their destination wedding vendors - makeup, photographer, etc.
💕 An unexpected destination wedding luggage fees tip!
💕Her Jellyfish Restaurant Wedding Review
💕and so much more!
Soooo…how do you plan a destination wedding
in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic?
Click Play and find out how Nicole planned her destination wedding
at Jellyfish Restaurant in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic!
Enjoy!
WATCH NICOLE’S INTERVIEW!
YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube
THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE’S SPONSOR: THE DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY
DESTICOUPLE: Nicole + Eric Pittman
Destination Wedding Date: June 18, 2021
City & Country: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Venue: Jellyfish Restaurant
Host Resort: Royalton Bavaro
Wedding Budget: $13,000
(DESTINOTE: My husband said $10,000 but mentally I prepared for no more than $15,000)
Number of Guests: 42
Bridal Party: 5 Bridesmaids + 6 Groomsmen
THE PITTMANS
Age: Bride, 36 / Groom, 38
Occupations: Bride Registered Nurse / Groom Engineer
Hometown: North Carolina
(Bride from Scotland Neck NC, Groom from Greensboro NC)
THE PROPOSAL
Fun Fact: Eric planned a surprise proposal in Egypt! Here’s their story…
“Our proposal took place in front of The Great Sphinx of Giza, with the Great Pyramid in the background while on vacation in Egypt. Egypt had been on the top of Eric's bucket list for quite some time. We both had seen so many beautiful pictures taken in front of The Sphinx, that we wanted to take some great ones as well to add to our collection. One, in particular, was a photo that appeared as if you were "kissing" The Sphinx. It required you to face The Sphinx and pucker up!! The photographer positioned the camera to appear that the two were sharing a kiss even though you were nowhere near the statue. Nicole attempted to master the picture, let’s just say when she opened her eyes to see how the picture turned out, it was not what she expected. Behind her, Eric was on one knee with a ring. We may be biased, but that was hands down the most amazing proposal ever.”
THE VIDEO
The proposal video will drop soon so stay tuned !
THE BRIDE
Bride’s Dress: stay tuned!
Bride’s Shoes: Betsey Johnson
(DESTINOTE: however they never made it to my feet for the ceremony lol)
Bride’s Jewelry: Ali Express + Amazon for all ceremony Jewelry; SuReina Bridal for reception headpiece
Hair + Makeup: Jasmin Abad Brito
#IMADESTI
DESTIBRIDE FUN FACTS:
Favorite DESTI Episode: All Episodes with Sarah Kline!!!!!!! She is amazing and made me realize how much my TA sucked!!
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Cocktail: Sex on the beach
Follow her on Instagram @hawt_rn
THE GROOM
Groom’s Attire: stay tuned!
Groom’s Accessories: stay tuned!
THE BRIDAL PARTY
Bridesmaids’ Attire: Etsy - Divine Bridal Shop
Groomsmen’s Attire: Black Tux
Bouquets and Boutonnières: Etsy - Darlas Blooms
THE WEDDING
Planning: Janelkis Garrido and Gianna Paola
Styling & decor: Gianna Paola
Photography: Junior Cruz Weddings
Videographer: Palmpalm ( Previously Weddingroll Cinematography & Photography)
Florals: Ceremony + Reception flowers were provided by Jellyfish Restaurant. Bouquet + boutonnières were purchased from Darlas Blooms on Etsy
Cake + Catering: Jellyfish Restaurant
DJ: supplied by Jellyfish Restaurant
MORE WEDDING DETAILS
Paper Invitations + Details:
Round Menu Cards, Custom Monogram for Welcome Sign and Ring Box, Seating Arrangement Signs, Guestbook Sign, Table Numbers Sign, Decal SVG for Welcome Cups - Amy with PaperTales Customs
Program Fans - Zazzle
Welcome Letter for cups - Etsy
Wedding Website: Zola (see it here)
DESTINOTE: We ended up making a wedding Facebook page and communicated on that way more
Etsy Vendors:
Divine Bridal Shop- Bridesmaid dresses
Darlas Blooms- Bouquets and Boutonnières
Bella Blossom Shop - Bridesmaids Personalized Boxes for Day-of Jewelry
Simply Mai - Wedding Hanger
2b1Wedding - Acrylic Heart Guestbook
Rawkrft - Cake Topper
Gibb Daan- Personalized Cake Cutter Set
Line Ave Calligraphy - Flat Lay Stationery Items
Mod Party - Getting Ready Robe
LINKS MENTIONED:
* = affiliate link
Sterilite Trunks Nicole Traveled w/: Amazon* | Walmart*
Alternative Trunk | Omi mentioned: The Container Store
Omi’s favorite wedding website company: AppyCouple*
Join the DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY!
Everything Else: See all Pink Links above!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: THE DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY
DESTIFACT:
The DESTILOVERS Community Archive has hours and hours of replays, secret episodes, that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s your destination wedding’s dream come true!
TO EVERY SINGLE MEMBER OF THE DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY:
THANK YOU - FOR MAKING THIS SHOW WHAT IT IS!
I’m SOOO happy to finally have a place where all of my Desti Bridefriends can meet and discuss All Things Desti!
The DESTILOVERS Community is an extension of the show and is your safe space for sharing and collaboration while planning your destination wedding! Here’s what you can also look forward to:
DESTIHOUR LIVE Q+A’s! | Episode Discussions! | BRIDEFRIEND BRUNCH Connection Calls | Destination Wedding Topic Deep-dives! (w/ hours and hours of replays!) |
Secret Episodes | Special Guests! | Giveaways! | And More!
*While the main hub is in a Facebook Group, all Non-Facebookers have access to a secret portal (The DESTILOVERS Archive) to enjoy all events and festivities too!
This space is whatever you Bridefriends make it! And where I get my inspiration for the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
Bridefriends truly are the BEST friends👯♀️
xx, Omi
Thank You Nicole!
We appreciate you being our Bridefriend Forever and giving us a peek
"behind your veil" of destination wedding planning
in beautiful Punta Cana, Dominican Republic!
We wish you + your beautiful family the absolute BEST!
Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
SHARE THE LOVE!
TASHIMA | Playa del Carmen, Mexico
How Tashima planned her 45 guest, pretty, panic-free, pandemic destination wedding at The Fives Azul Beach Hotel in Playa del Carmen, Mexico! (Try saying that 5 times fast!)
“My wedding was gonna happen, even if it was just him and I...”
*Photos courtesy of Sotero Cancino Photography
EPISODE 40
How Tashima Planned Her Destination Wedding in Playa del Carmen, Mexico!
This interview with DESTIBRIDE Laura was MAGICAL! Laura and her husband brought 58 guests to celebrate their loving union at the The Fives Azul Beach Resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico a and she tells us alll about their destination wedding planning journey! Laura shared so many destination wedding planning tips with us and I can't wait to hear how much you love it!
Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:
We chatted about:
💕How they met
💕Why they decided to have a destination wedding
💕Choosing their destination wedding date
💕Planning and saving money TOGETHER
💕How they chose their destination wedding venue
💕How they picked their destination wedding vendors - makeup, photographer, etc.
💕 An unexpected destination wedding beauty tip!
💕Her The Fives Azul Beach Resort Wedding Review
💕and so much more!
Soooo…how do you plan a destination wedding
in Playa del Carmen, Mexico?
Click Play and find out how Tashima planned her destination wedding
at The Fives Azul Beach Resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico!
Enjoy!
WATCH TASHIMA’S INTERVIEW!
YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube
THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE’S SPONSOR: TIME FOR TRAVEL
DestiCouple: Tashima + Mark Haley
Destination Wedding Date: October 23, 2020
City & Country: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Venue: The Fives Azul Beach Resort (Skydeck)
Wedding Budget: $11,000
Number of Guests: 45
Bridal Party: 3 Bridesmaids + 3 Groomsmen
THE HALEYS
Engagement Length: 17 Months
Age: Bride, 40 / Groom, 41
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
THE STORY
We are one of a kind and perfect for each other. We met my freshman year and I brushed him off. I met him again in 2005 and brushed him off and I guess they say 3rd time's a charm because in 2013 it was all she wrote:).
We both went to HBCUs in the AUC ( Morris Brown and Clark Atlanta) and are from up north - he is from New York and I am originally from Connecticut. We have a beautiful 5 year old son together and I gained a bonus daughter who is 13.
This planning was special to me. All my friends were waiting to see this day because they know I am a planner by nature. Every birthday I have had has been over the top.
I love the details of it all and I was not super stressed about planning so I’d love to share my story to help another beautiful bride out. Not to mention I was also planning during a pandemic but that is another story within itself !!
xx, DESTIBRIDE TASHIMA
THE BRIDE
Bride’s Dress: Allure
Bride’s Shoes: Blue by Betsy Johnson
Bride’s Jewelry: Etsy + Zales
Hair: Najah Aziz @ Like the River the Salon in Atlanta, GA (see interview for details!)
Makeup: Hello Beauty Mx
#IMADESTI
DESTIBRIDE FUN FACTS:
Favorite DESTI Episode: Desti Erika [Episode 20]. She gave me the "GO" to start planning.
“I also listened to so many especially one podcast when you mentioned Sarah Kline. Sarah saved my life :)”
Sorority: Delta Sigma Theta
Follow her on Instagram @slplady
THE GROOM
Groom’s Attire: Macy’s
Groom’s Accessories: Nordstrom
THE BRIDAL PARTY
Bridesmaids’ Attire: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids’ Shoes: Macy’s
Groomsmen’s Attire: Macy’s
Groomsmen’s Shoes: Aldo
THE WEDDING
Planning: Resort
Styling & decor: Resort
Photography: Sotero Cancino Photography
Florals: Corazon Luxury Weddings
Cake + Catering: Resort
Wedding Website: The Knot (see it here)
DJ: Disco Movil Cancun
DESTINote: “Ricardo was so professional and we had more than a blast …it was a wedding of a lifetime”
Etsy Vendors:
Wooden Name Plates: Engrave Celebration Etsy
Events Itinerary: Minty Paperie Shop Etsy
Brilliant Bridal Shop Etsy
LINKS MENTIONED:
Omi’s favorite wedding website company: AppyCouple
Tashima’s favorite DESTIBRIDE Episode: Desti Erika [Episode 20]
Join the DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY
Everything Else: See all Pink Links above!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: TIME FOR TRAVEL
DESTIFACT:
Time for Travel also handled Tashima’s wedding travel and she gives her glowing review in her interview!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR DESTIPARTNER
TIME FOR TRAVEL FOR SPONSORING THE SHOW!
TIME FOR TRAVEL is a team of FREE Destination Wedding + Honeymoon Specialists owned by Sarah Kline who is known for saying:
“We have personally visited each venue we recommend,
so we know which venue is a Perfect Match for you and your guests!”
An AMAZING choice for any Caribbean, Mexico, South Pacific or Hawaii destination wedding or honeymoon, and with over 20 years of experience helping couples fulfill their dreams, Sarah and her team will make your DESTI wedding and honeymoon exactly what you've dreamed of!
More Destination Wedding Questions?
Don’t be shy, Bridefriend! - reach out to Time for Travel and see how they can help you plan your DESTI Wedding!
And tell them Your best DESTI Bridefriend Omi sent you and they’ll take EXTRA SPECIAL care of you ;)
xx, Omi
Thank You Tashima!
We appreciate you being our Bridefriend Forever and giving us a peek
"behind your veil" of destination wedding planning
in beautiful Playa del Carmen, Mexico!
Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
SHARE THE LOVE!
LAURA | Oranjestad, Aruba
How Laura planned her 58 guest destination wedding at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort in Aruba!
“The theme of my whole wedding was, I just wanna get it done!”
*Photos courtesy of Elnathan Hijmering Photography
EPISODE 35
How Laura Planned Her Destination Wedding in Oranjestad, Aruba!
This interview with DESTIBRIDE Laura was MAGICAL! Laura and her husband brought 58 guests to celebrate their loving union at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort in Oranjestad, Aruba and she tells us alll about their destination wedding planning journey! Laura shared so many destination wedding planning tips with us and I can't wait to hear how much you love it!
Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:
We chatted about:
💕How they met
💕Her proposal story
💕Why they decided to have a destination wedding
💕Picking their date
💕Planning and saving money TOGETHER
💕How they chose their destination wedding venue
💕How they picked their destination wedding vendors - makeup, photographer, etc.
💕Her Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort Wedding Review
💕and so much more!
Soooo…how do you plan a destination wedding in Oranjestad, Aruba?
Click Play and find out how Laura planned her destination wedding
at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort in Oranjestad, Aruba!
Enjoy!
WATCH LAURA’S INTERVIEW!
YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!
DestiCouple: Laura + Chris Clark
Destination Wedding Date: October 5, 2019
City & Country: Oranjestad, Aruba
Venue: Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort
Wedding Budget: ~$25,000
Number of Guests: 58
Bridal Party: 2 Bridesmaids + 2 Groomsmen
THE CLARKS
Engagement Length: 12 Months
Age: Bride, 29 / Groom, 29
Occupations: Project Manager and Telecommunications
Hometown: Dallas, TX
THE STORY
We met for the first time in high school during a cotillion (debutante ball) rehearsal in 2008 in our hometown. During that time, we did not talk much but knew of each other.
Shortly after, we connected while in college (thanks Facebook) and even went on a date on one of our breaks! Our first official date was to TGI Fridays in our hometown. Being in two different states (at two different schools) just would not work out for us so we went our separate ways.
Once more, we ended up running into each other at a mutual friend's house in Washington D.C. during a homecoming event for Howard University. We even stayed at the same house during that weekend. We talked briefly and we both, again, went our separate ways.
Finally, we connected on Facebook after several years (Thanks Facebook again!). We both decided we would meet up and fly to Orlando during Labor Day weekend 2014 and we have been inseparable ever since.
THE BRIDE
Bride’s Dress: Mori Lee (purchased at Terry Costa – Dallas, TX)
Bridal Alterations: Altered For the Alter
Bride’s Shoes: No Shoes! Barefoot Bride
Bride’s Jewelry: Sam Moon Dallas, TX
Hair & Makeup: Hair - Bride and Makeup - Aruba Makeup Agency
#IMADESTI
DESTIBRIDE FUN FACTS:
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Cocktail: Whiskey + Ginger Ale
Favorite DESTI Episode: 15 Things to Never Forget While Planning Your Destination Wedding
Follow her on Instagram @lalababy08
THE GROOM
Groom’s Attire: Franklin and Anthony Clothier
Groom’s Accessories: Franklin and Anthony Clothier
THE WEDDING
Planning: Bride + Lisa Dimmerman @ Resort
Styling & decor: Bride + Lisa Dimmerman @ Resort
Photography: Elnathan Hijmering Photography
Videography: Ogenio Films
Florals: Shar’s Flowers
DJ: DJ Tino
Paper Invitations + Details: Lucky Lady Paper on Etsy
Cake + Catering: Resort
Wedding Website: Zola (see it here)
Etsy Vendors:
Invites and Save the Dates: Lucky Lady Paper Etsy
Bags: MyWeddingStore Etsy
Hexagon Place Cards: BetterWeddingDecor Etsy
Other Miscellaneous Vendors:
Welcome Boat Party: Pelican Tours (video above)
LINKS MENTIONED:
Omi’s favorite wedding website company: AppyCouple
Join the DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY
Everything Else: See all Pink Links above!
Thank You Laura!
We appreciate you being our Bridefriend Forever and giving us a peek
"behind your veil" of destination wedding planning
on the beautiful island of Aruba!
Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
SHARE THE LOVE!
ALEAH | Playa Mujeres, Mexico
How Aleah planned her 104 guest destination wedding at the Dreams Playa Mujeres Resort in Playa Mujeres, Mexico!
“It was perfect! perfect! perfect! perfect! perfect! perfect!”
*Photos courtesy of Mayan Riviera Photography
EPISODE 31
How Aleah Planned Her Destination Wedding in Playa Mujeres, Mexico!
This interview with DESTIBRIDE Aleah was EVERYTHING! Aleah and her husband brought 104 guests to witness their destination wedding at the Dreams Playa Mujeres Resort in Playa Mujeres, Mexico and she tells us alll about how they did it together! Aleah shared so much destination wedding planning advice with us - I know you’re gonna love it!
Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:
We chatted about:
💕How they met
💕Her proposal story
💕Why they decided to have a destination wedding
💕Picking their date
💕Planning and saving money TOGETHER
💕How they chose their destination wedding venue
💕How they picked their destination wedding vendors - makeup, photographer, etc.
💕Her Dreams Playa Mujeres Review
💕and so much more!
Soooo…how do you plan a destination wedding in Playa Mujeres, Mexico?
Click Play and find out how Aleah planned her destination wedding at the Dreams Playa Mujeres in Playa Mujeres, Mexico!
Enjoy!
WATCH ALEAH’S INTERVIEW!
YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
DestiCouple: Aleah + Terrance Jordan
Destination Wedding Date: November 10, 2019
City & Country: Playa Mujeres, Mexico
Venue: Dreams Playa Mujeres (Central Garden)
Wedding Budget: $30,000
(originally budgeted for $20,000 - see interview for explanation)
Number of Guests: 104
Bridal Party: 8 Bridesmaids + 8 Groomsmen
THE JORDANS
Engagement Length: 17 Months
Age: Bride, 32 / Groom, 35
Occupations: Bride: Consumer Marketing Consultant / Groom: Psychologist
Hometown: Elkhart, IN -- currently residing in Atlanta, GA
THE BRIDE
Bride’s Dress: Morilee
Bride’s Shoes: Jeffery Campbell Block Heels
Bride’s Jewelry: Etsy + Elegant Designs, Elkhart, IN
Hair & Makeup: Hair - Cousin and Makeup - Sara Tamargo and Team
#IMADESTI
DESTIBRIDE FUN FACTS:
Aleah’s nickname is Laya
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Cocktail: Champagne
Book Recommendation: The Four Agreements
Laya is also a lifestyle blogger and has a great wedding section with great destination wedding tips ! Find her blog @ TheLayaB.com and follow her on Instagram @thelayab_
THE WEDDING
Planning: Bride + Resort
Styling & decor: Bride (Shout out to Mother of Bride + Homegirl Chanel)
Photography: Mayan Riviera Photography
Florals: Resort (Bride Provided Pictures)
DJ: Ceremony - Resort / Reception - DJ Carver
Paper Invitations + Details: Etsy and Minted
Cake + Catering: Resort
Wedding Website: Riley & Grey
Etsy Vendors:
Welcome Bags: @WeddingUkraine Etsy
Fans at ceremony: @pbpaperie Etsy
Getting ready shirts: @WhatALuvely Etsy
Champagne place cards @RagandRoots Etsy
Hair comb: @GlamourBrideUSA Etsy
Cake topper: @Rawkrft Etsy
Other Miscellaneous Vendors:
Tumblers: Save a Cup + Sticker Mule
Drink Floaties: DH Gate
Advil/Pepto: Dollar Dayz
LINKS MENTIONED:
Omi’s favorite wedding posts on Aleah’s LayaB blog:
The Guest List: HOW TO BUILD YOUR WEDDING GUEST LIST WITH LESS STRESS
Shopping for your dress: HOW TO SHOP FOR YOUR WEDDING DRESS WITHOUT THE STRESS
Everything Else: See all Pink Links above!
Thank You Laya!
We appreciate you being our Bridefriend Forever and giving us a peek "behind your veil" of destination wedding planning in the beautiful Playa Mujeres, Mexico!
Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
SHARE THE LOVE!
Desti Lisa's Prep | Santorini, Greece
Part destination wedding, part elopement, all love!
*Photos courtesy of Kapetanakis Studios
How Lisa Prepared For Her Destination Wedding in Santorini, Greece!
DESTI Lisa and her fiancé Ramon planned a romantic part destination wedding / part elopement (a virtual destination wedding, if you will) in Santorini, Greece and Lisa is here to tell us alll about it! If you’re considering (or have dreams of) an elopement - the way they did theirs was pure magic!
This interview was just DAYS BEFORE they were off to their destination and I asked all the questions to cover EXACTLY HOW this couple planned their wedding in Greece!
As a longtime podcast listener, Desti Lisa knew exactly what advice we needed to hear so she spared no detail in this interview! Here are just a few things we discussed:
Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:
💕How to get married LEGALLY in Santorini, Greece!
💕A GENIUS virtual destination wedding / elopement idea!
💕Finding and working with their destination wedding planner
💕Managing their Greece destination wedding costs and budgeting
💕How to make the most of your destination wedding photography
💕Their backstory + reason for having a destination wedding
💕Great ways to make your family and friends happy with your decision
💕Working together to plan their destination wedding - while living in different countries!
💕Lessons learned so far before the wedding
💕so much more!
Soooo…how do you LEGALLY plan a destination wedding in Santorini, Greece?
...And should you?
Click Play and find out!
Here’s how Lisa planned her destination wedding at the
Andromeda Villas in Santorini, Greece…
Enjoy!
WATCH LISA’S INTERVIEW!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to know when Lisa’s POST-Wedding Interview goes live!
YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
DestiCouple: Lisa + Ramon
Home: Indiana + Canada
Wedding Destination: Santorini, Greece
Wedding Venue: Andromeda Villas | TripAdvisor Reviews for Andromeda Villas
Wedding Date: July 18, 2018
Wedding Budget: $15,000
Engagement Length: 9 months
# of Guests: O!
*technically…The couple planned a destination wedding for 2 (with virtual guests!)
THE DESTIPROS
Wedding Planners: Divine Weddings Santorini
Wedding Photography: Kapetanakis Studios
FUN FACTS:
💕LISA’S FAVORITE PODCAST EPISODES are:
Episode 3 w/ Ivory Perkins when we discussed destination wedding makeup!
Episode 19 w/ HitchSwitch to learn about the name change process!
💕LISA + RAMON were BOTH in Medical School
and in 2 different countries while they planned their destination wedding!
Lisa was in Grenada and Ramon in Canada.
SO HOW DID EVERYTHING GO?!?
STAY TUNED BRIDEFRIEND!
Lisa and I are going to do a follow-up DESTIChat soon to get her update. We’ll be talking about what went right, lessons learned, and everything in between! So don’t forget to Subscribe + drop your questions in the comments below!
Thank You Lisa!
It was so fun getting a peek "behind your veil" of destination wedding planning and we CAN’T WAIT to hear how everything went for you and Ramon!
You’ll always be our Bridefriend Forever!
Don’t miss an episode of the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
SUBSCRIBE FOR INSTANT NOTIFICATIONS!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
SHARE!
Tales of a Motherless Destination Wedding
what happened? spoiler alert: I lived!
💕This is by far my MOST REQUESTED post, and with good reason. It’s an important topic and it also helps that I added it to my COMING SOON section and then left it sitting there like that last slice of pizza with the least bit of toppings on it...nobody wants to touch that...but you know you do. That was on March 15th, and you haven’t heard a peep from me since. Talk about fear! (more on that later) Adulting has taught me that if you’re avoid something and it’s holding you back, that’s all the more reason to do dat shit!
SO I’M BACK and this is ohsoimportant and close to my heart. so do dat shit I shall...here goes:
I knew it was coming, I just didn’t know when...and then...whoop there it was.
“Hi Omi...I noticed in your 200-day journal that you never mention your mom...
Is she alive?...If so, which one is she in your pictures?..."
Eeek! gasp! pearl clutch! 🙀 - all of the feelings
Why? Because, well as you can tell by the title...my mom wasn’t there.
I knew I wanted to talk about it with you all, make that needed to talk about it, but I didn’t want to be bitchy or ranty because that helps no one. I’m not interested in shitting on my mother and putting that energy out there because, well, I believe it always comes back and I’m not perfect in anyone’s eyes (including my own, more on that later too) and I’d hate a rant post to be done to me.
💕Side bar: Has anyone ever searched “my mom’s a bitch” on Google? Don’t lie Bridefriend... NO?!? Oh that’s just me? Well…I did it for research and there’s actually some entertaining and informational stuff out there in the interwebs if that’s your vibe.
That google search confirmed my feeling that ranting here would be a waste of energy and has been done. Annnd I’m actually in a great place about it since it’s been almost 4 years since I’ve spoken to my mom and coming up on 3 years since my destination wedding. And I can’t count, the hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in therapy that have been invested in myself over that time. Not a perfect place. Just a great enough place to speak clearly and intelligently on it.
And my biggest reason for wanting to share this is to highlight allll of the good shit that came out of my experience. That’s why I do what I do! As I always say,
“I’m learning these lessons the hard way planning my destination wedding,
so why not share the wealth?"
Hard way, check! Wealth sharing, currently in progress…
So let’s talk about my takeaways because I’m putting on my wise old Bridefriend veil and my Big DESTISister heels and she’s feelin’ super cute right now…
Okay here’s the quick and dirty:
My mom didn’t come to my destination wedding.
And I lived. I had the best weekend of my life.
She is alive, she was invited, shit got real, and she didn’t come to my wedding.
And it was the best decision FOR ME. Emphasis on FOR ME.
And did I say that I lived?
And speaking of truth…
This is probably also a great time to make it clear that I am NOT a doctor, therapist or psychologist or mental health professional by any stretch of reality or the imagination. This post is simply my opinions and experiences and although I speak quite definitively of topics related to mental health, this is an opinion and should not be confused for or taken as a diagnosis from a professional.
I’m simply highly opinionated. #therapyrocks!
So what happened?
I LEARNED A LOT! About myself and life. Life lessons galore!
Along my motherless destination wedding planning journey, I’ve come across and gone through some phases, principles epiphanies and concepts that have helped me along the way. I believe something in here will undoubtedly help you no matter where you are in your own journey.
Some of it is simpler basics, and others will require some deep soul searching in the mirror when your fiancé is away type of reflection. Certain parts could be common knowledge and others will blow your socks right. the fuck. off. You may take only 1 with you and throw the rest away...but then come back 2 years down the road when you’re ready for another. I’ll be here. You may hate me or love me in the end. I’m hoping for the love, because
ALL OF IT IS MEANT TO BE HELPFUL.
To end this disclaimer, know that this is meant to be support for you with your parent(s)...or really any strained relationships, but I’m keeping this mother centric because...well, titles...but feel free to sub out mom/mother for any other title and do you boo boo!
So let’s jump in!
My Mom Skipped My Destination Wedding - Here’s What I Learned…ABC Style!
Anxiety
Anxiety is a bitch and you can’t let her get the best of you.
Destination wedding planning stress is anxiety food. And unchecked anxiety will spin out of control, making you feel like life is out of control. Bitch almost stopped me from writing this post. It took me 8 months to get this to you. But we gotta check her.
How? Gotta name these feelings to treat them.
Enter Dr. Gloria Willcox’s "The Feelings Wheel". I use mine often and even gave it a special shout out on Day 121 - This is experience speaking.
This is "The Feelings Wheel" by Dr. Gloria Willcox, it helps to identify the root of feelings by tracing back to one of the main emotions in the center of the chart.
Boundaries
Setting boundaries is necessary. Really fucking hard, but necessary.
Planning a destination wedding naturally forces you to develop your own set of personal boundaries - with your planner, Bridefriends, guests, family, coworkers, strangers, partner - really anyone you come in contact with - especially yourself. And enforcing said boundaries with your mother is probably the hardest job in childbiz. Know that setting new boundaries is healthy and goes a long way in making sure that your wedding planning experience and life happens on your terms.
Codependency
It’s not your job to make other people happy and healthy.
I always thought it was my job to make sure that others were okay. They’re okay, I’m okay. The Lies!
There’s a word for this: I was codependent.
I learned that I am responsible for my own happiness - and that’s a full-time job in itself. I can’t control others and don’t want the responsibility of managing anyone’s emotions but my own.
This book was a life-changer - I recommend the audiobook...it’s good, pinky swear.
Depression
Depression runs in the family and when it hits, it hits hard.
I’ve struggled with depression for a large portion of life and planning a destination wedding provides a great distraction. It’s easier to mask pain when you have sooo many other things to give your attention to - until you don’t.
Do moms cause depression? Hmmm...no? Well, maybe. But not intentionally. Epigenetics suggest that family trauma including depression is inherited.
My depression may never go away, but it’s getting easier to identify and attack before the damage settles. If you think you may suffer from depression, don’t play - get help.
Eco-system
You have the power to control and protect your environment.
I’m super selective about what I let inside my life...at times characterized as being closed off or selfish, but best described as Preserving MY ECO-SYSTEM.
MY eco-system is made up of people who respect and value me and my relationship, welcoming honesty and encouraging growth. It’s a physically, financially and emotionally stable household, loving, supportive and positive actions. It’s my safe space. And it’s a sensitive space. I understand that the introduction of unhealthy behavior, relationships, and energies actually threaten its lifecycle - What we surround ourselves with can have dire consequences. Bullshit drama and unloving actions of any kind are not welcome here.
What’s in your eco-system?
Family
A family is a system and any disruption of a system comes with consequences.
What you’d love to be just between you and your mother will most likely stretch further into the family. But what you are willing to do for your own health and happiness may not be understood or appreciated by your family. Opinions will be shared and alliances forged.
via @desti.land
And something that I hadn’t placed much thought in was also the fact that if I decided to cut ties, that decision would apply additional pressure on siblings - causing them unintentional, but still very real discomfort and frustration.
Your reasons are your own, but they can affect others and I wouldn’t be a true Bridefriend if I didn’t warn you that you could end up the ostracized one in the end. It could really go either way.
Gratitude
There’s a huge difference between gratitude and guilt.
Don’t be ungrateful...ohhh, this one here.
It was hard to raise you, money was tight, you were a difficult child, she was a single mom, she walked 50 miles barefoot in the snow to go to school - all of it...WE GET IT!
But sacrificing yourself and your future because of the past are costs you shouldn’t budget for.
That’s not gratitude, that’s guilt - another G word, by the way.
via @desti.land
Guilt used to manipulate is harmful and is often packaged in a gratitude box because it looks and sounds prettier - but don’t be fooled.
Get grateful for the current. Your loving partner, the life you’re building and the privilege of being able to plan a destination wedding. Not everyone can do this, so appreciate that shit. That’s gratitude.
Her Side of the Story Doesn’t Matter
You gotta end the unhealthy cycle in dysfunctional relationships.
There are 2 sides to every story and I learned that neither are worth the drama.
See, there’s this bitch called the Drama Triangle (aka Karpman Triangle). She has 3 points (because, triangle) - Persecutor, Rescuer, and Victim. These are roles, not people which means that we (people in conflict) can play musical chairs in these roles and power struggle by sliding from one to the next - inflicting pain and taking it back until the cows come home.
It’s addictive, but so damaging - as addictive things usually are. Cut that shit out.
And yes - pettiness counts!
Insecurity
You are not worthless. And don’t forget it.
Insecurity plagues us all, especially women, and most definitely if your relationship with the one woman whose primary job is to nurture your physical and emotional growth is fractured.
via @desti.land
Insecurity latches on to as many life events as possible, always sure to whisper sweet horribilities in your ear…
I mean, if my own mother doesn’t see the value in me and is willing to not be in my life - how worthless am I? Turns out, not worthless at all. I just had to remind myself and seek out assistance from my bomb ass support system.
Self-confidence doesn't just happen. It takes work. Every. Single. Day.
Jealousy and other Toxic Mother/Daughter Behaviors
Mothers can be toxic too.
I’m sure this will rub someone the wrong way but I’m saying it anyway. Life happens to people. Moms are people. And as it turns out, mother/daughter relationships are susceptible to toxic behaviors and patterns.
Like mothers who are:
Dismissive,
Controlling,
Unavailable/Abandoners,
Enmeshed/Vicarious,
Combative,
Unreliable,
Self-involved/Narcissists, and
Role-reversed
Mothers are human and imperfect creatures - WE ALL ARE. Refusing to acknowledge this fact does us all a disservice. This is just reality and experience of many children in this world.
Know that NOTHING is permanent
Your destination wedding is just an event.
via @desti.land
It’s the most gloriously amazingly best thing to ever happen to you right now, but it’s still just an event. It’s not a marker for the end of the world and anyone - including your mother missing your destination wedding doesn’t mean that you’ll NEVER see/speak to/reconnect/reconcile in the future. Just as it doesn’t mean you’ll be lifelong BFFs with every guest.
Think of it as a snapshot in time.
And coming up on my 3rd wedding anniversary, I can tell you that many more snapshots are in store for you.
So be open - not to bullshit...fuck the bullshit, and fuck the Oreos too cuz #weddinggowngoals… but be open to life shifting and growth.
Because nothing, nothing, NOTHING is permanent - unless you want it to be.
Love Languages
What’s love to you may not translate as love to me.
In a random lightbulb moment (don’t we all have those?), I realized that if we all have LOVE LANGUAGES that express how we give and receive love, then it could be useful if applied to all relationships, including that of me + mom.
That lightbulb shined a tad too late for me, but maybe it could help you.
Take the 5 Love Languages Quiz with your spouse and send it to your Bridefriends and key family members too.
My Love Languages are Quality Time and Receiving Gifts. Emphasis on Quality Time - what are yours?
Mortality
We don’t sell ourselves short because people might die.
What if your mom dies and you regret not having her in your wedding?
Here’s your rebuttal: “What if I die and my mother regrets never being the mother that I needed her to be? What if I die a miserable child that never could choose my own health and happiness because of my mother? What if I die always wishing I could’ve had my dream destination wedding, but didn’t because of my mother’s selfish hang ups?”
Need I go on? Because I will.
BOTTOM LINE: We’re focusing on life right now. Agreed Bridefriend?
New New
You don’t HAVE TO do the work, you GET TO do the work
via @desti.land
Desti weddings provide a seemingly never-ending to-do list. It’s all on you and if we let ourselves, we can go down a rabbit hole of negativity. But don’t forget that we’re working for The Great Life!
On Day 23, I learned the importance of focusing on what is gained instead of lost - New Life, New Goals, New Priorities and changed my language.
It’s about the New New baby!
Opportunity
You can’t make people do the right thing. But you CAN give them the opportunity to do the right thing.
via @desti.land
I am NOT saying that everyone deserves a shot (or second shot), because I’m a respecter of boundaries (see above) and I also know there are levels to the toxic mother/daughter relationship (see above again), but don’t sleep on the power of opportunity.
You never know how things will work out.
If it goes well, great!
If it goes bad, at least you can say that you tried.
And sometimes you need that last straw situation to provide a painful comfort in knowing that you did your best.
Preparation
You must prepare yourself for what can go wrong.
You can bet your sweetDESTIAss that I was worried about how I’d feel on my wedding day. So I prepped my ass OFF.
It’s better to be proactive than reactive so, instead of avoiding, attack it:
via @desti.land
See a professional
Read books
Take notes
Roleplay with your hubby or a Bridefriend
And prepare for questions
I was ready for the questions...all but the catalyst for this post. I wasn’t ready for that one. But I’m working through it now and sharing it with you so - progress! (another P word. I’m on a roll here.)
Annnd you’re reading this post, so you’re already taking steps in the right direction. Right on my sistah!
Quality Relationships
Surrounding yourself with quality relationships is a game-changer.
When you do, something funny happens...
the more you’re accustomed to people treating you with respect and valuing you as a person, the harder it gets to accept anything less. Then you get the “oh you think you’re too good for us” or “you forgot where you came from” bullshit.
To that, I say, Yup!
I know I deserve to be treated with respect and refuse to be a part of YOUR drama and bad behavior because guess what: I know what quality relationships look and feel like.
Maybe if they knew better they’d do better too.
Reality Checks
Keeping it real with yourself is not optional.
When life is good, your glasses get rosy. All is well in the world, nothing can go wrong, people are perfect and your destination wedding is the center of the universe. Sorry Desti, time for a reality check!
SNAP OUT OF IT.
What is your life like? What is their life like? And who are people...reeeally?
People are gonna be who they are and the fact that you’re planning a destination wedding will not make a zebra change its stripes.
When you get real, you gain clarity. And with clarity comes confidence...and fewer surprises.
Sentimental
I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t miss my mom
because I did...and at times, I still do. Random memories pop her into my mind, milestones pass and Mother’s Day happens every fucking year. Hell, I chose a wedding gown that I KNOW my mom would’ve loved.
via @destiland
So its true.
I DO get sad that I don’t have the relationship I wish I had and think I deserve - I’m human and sensitive about my shit.
Does that make me throw everything else I value out the window? Nope, it just means that sometimes I get sentimental.
Therapy
Therapy is hard work, but oh so worth it.
Add a therapist to your destination wedding team...and then can keep it going. I’ve had mine for years and she was incredibly helpful in my destination wedding countdown days. I couldn’t imagine going through these times without her - it’d be...ugly.
via @desti.land
I know it’s easier to make up excuses to not go to therapy than to actually put in the work. But taking the time to heal ourselves of emotional and mental trauma is the best thing we can spend our energy on.
I read somewhere that people in therapy often go to therapy to deal with the people in their lives who won’t go to therapy.
I'll just leave that there.
Unconditional Love
Unconditional love doesn’t hurt - it feels great.
via @desti.land
Learning that it’s okay to express my feelings, have my wants and needs, enforce boundaries, make mistakes or just plain disagree with a loved one - and still be loved, respected and supported was an amazing gift.
A hard to receive and remember I own at times kind of gift, but I’m lucky to have that problem AND a spouse that’s willing to keep reminding me that it’s mine whenever I forget.
And I now understand how to appreciate someone despite (and sometimes because of) their flaws, mistakes, or bad ideas, and to judge individuals solely based on how they treat me, not based on how I benefit from them.
Mutual empathy and support just because of who I am?!? A girl can get used to this.
Venting
If you gotta blow off steam, do it responsibly.
via @desti.land
All Bridefriends are not created equal so watch out with this one and choose your ventee carefully.
Make sure they:
Are the right person for this issue,
Have your best interest at heart,
Will keep your conversation private,
Are in a good space to listen to you,
And understand what you need - do you need a fixer or listener?
And PUH-LEASE don’t text vent...we don’t drink and we drive and don’t vent text either. Trust me on this one.
Wedding
The wedding will be here before you know it!
The clock on the wedding planning countdown seems long, but it ticks quickly!
via blackdesti.com
Make enjoyment your mission because this wedding of yours is special and you’re not getting another one (unless your Jackie Christie) so enjoy this time and bask in all your DESTI wedded glory!
Journal like I did (privately works too),
Talk to everyone about it,
Celebrate your milestones along the way,
And try to make the hard parts fun too.
Your wedding will be filled with supportive faces - so the great time is there for you if you want it. Shift your focus on the wedded endgoal which is what?
Say it with me:
TO HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE, PLANNING THE BEST DAYS OF YOUR LIFE!
Xerox
Don’t forget where you came from.
via @Amazon!
Okay so this one was tricky - I needed an X word because I’ve made it so far! Stick with me here…it makes sense.
Remembering your past provides an opportunity to memorialize your growth and also, pain. And what’s great for memory preservation? Xerox copies! YAYYY!
As They say, Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. George Santayana, poet + philosopher is They.
So keep a physical or mental Xerox memory of WHY you are where you are. And anytime you’re quizzed, judged or waver about your decision you can literally or figuratively go back to your file - more magic.
You Matter
Two Words: You Matter
My mantra!
I share this with everyone in the middle of difficult decisions especially my Desti Brides because balancing what other people want/need/think, with what do YOU want/need/think is no easy feat.
You gotta put your oxygen mask on first so if there comes a time to choose sides, choose yourself. And you know who else will be on your side? Your spouse. And if you need a reminder, hit me up too! I’m here for the You Matter Chatter all day.
ZERO TOLERANCE
We all need non-negotiables!
A wedding (or life) without non-negotiables is the Wild Wild West. There’s confusion and chaos and thennn when the crazy stuff starts to pop off and everyone is surprised at your flip out - you can only be mad at yourself.
We discussed boundaries, but there are levels and non-negotiable boundaries are where the gold is.
With boundaries, you have wood and chainlink fences, barbed wire, glass panels and brick walls...Or think about it big bad wolf style - you get my point. The non-negotiables are your brick walls...the lines that cannot be crossed. Don’t make me go on here, I’m running out of words. Just nod so I know you’re with me.
Okay, great.
Decide what you ABSOLUTELY will not allow, communicate it to all interested parties and then make it clear that you’re instituting a zero-tolerance policy. And enforce said policy.
I can’t do this one for you, well I can’t do any of this for you...wellll maybe a few things, but I don’t know how happy you’ll be cuz I’m about to call myself a bitch…so, yeah.
BONUS! Because 27 is better than 26.
The bond needs to match the title.
In the wise words of the DESTIBeauty Pro who happens to also be my awesomesauce Bridefriend, Ivory Perkins, “The bond needs to match the title.”
Look: All mother/daughter relationships are not created equal. Crazy idea, I know, but we’ve been over this. For many kids, the idea of being estranged from their mother is equivalent to capital punishment or death by acid drip.
But titles are earned.
And that goes for both mother and daughter. If a person isn’t honoring their own title, then why would I? Just because you have a title, it doesn’t mean you must be treated with a blind level or honor and respect, especially when you’re not honoring your own damn title. That’s a dictatorship.
And my life isn’t a dictatorship - or maybe it is, but I’m the Bitch. Okay, wait... this can get sticky, let me get back to my point:
A mutual bond and respect for titles is in order. Plain and simple.
NOW I KNOW MY ABC’S!
Learning to be there for myself is the best gift I could have earned and I never would have thought that this would happen to me. In all of this, I went through a hell of a lot of self-discovery and most importantly, I’ve learned to love and fight for the woman that I love - Omi.
Do I love my mother? Absolutely.
Do I think she loves me? If I’m being honest - it depends on which day you’re asking me. My mom could think she loves me, or maybe she just loves me in her own way, or it’s even possible that she hates me. I honestly don’t know and may never know.
But that’s the point of this entire post, it doesn’t matter how she feels about me. What does matter is how I feel about myself.
WHAT I DO KNOW is that I’m a Smart, Complex, Beautiful, Sensitive, Genuinely Loving and Phenomenal Woman. (RIP Maya Angelou) Every day I gain a clearer understanding of who I am and what I stand for and I look forward to finding out more and more about myself every day.
Although I didn’t have my mother with me at my destination wedding, I know that this is what I needed. It broke me down and pushed me to build myself up in ways that I never could have imagined. I came out a harder, better, faster stronger woman on the other side.
What I also know is that I have certain needs that I wouldn’t say she’s not capable of...I’d just say she’s not ready to take them on right now...And I’m okay with that.
It doesn’t mean that I’m not good enough, not worthy of love, or a bad person...it just means my mom didn’t come to my destination wedding.
I lived to talk about it, and so will you.
Destination wedding, check! Self-discovery + love project... still in progress.
xx,
Omi
💕Hey Destis + Bridefriends!
Hope you enjoyed this post!
If you did, please let me know in the comments below 👇🏾
and share it with anyone who you think needs this.
Sharing is caring!
More feelings posts are coming soon!
JAMELLAH | Montego Bay, Jamaica
How Jamellah planned her 78 guest destination wedding at the Royalton Blue Waters in Montego Bay, Jamaica!
*Photos courtesy of Michael Chen Photography
How Jamellah Planned Her Destination Wedding in Montego Bay, Jamaica!
This interview with DESTI Jamellah was EVERYTHING! Jamellah and her husband brought 78 guests to witness their destination wedding at the Royalton Blue Waters Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica and she tells us alll about how they did it together! Jamellah shared so much destination wedding planning advice with us!
Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:
💕Everything before she was on her way to get married including:
💕How they met
💕Her proposal story
💕Why they decided to have a destination wedding
💕Picking their date
💕Planning and saving money TOGETHER
💕How they chose their destination wedding venue
💕How they picked their destination wedding vendors - makeup, photographer, etc.
💕Her Royalton Blue Waters Resort review
💕and so much more!
Soooo…how do you plan a destination wedding in Montego Bay, Jamaica?
Click Play and find out how Jamellah planned her destination wedding at the Royalton Blue Waters Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica!
Enjoy!
WATCH JAMELLA’S INTERVIEW!
PART 1
PART 2
DestiCouple: Jamellah + Patrick Owens
Age: Bride, 30 Groom, 33
Hometown: Prince Georges County, MD
Wedding Budget: $15,000
Destination Wedding Date: October 6, 2017
City & Country: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Venue: Royalton Blue Waters Resort, Montego Bay
[TripAdvisor Reviews for Royalton Blue Waters Resort Resort ]
Number of Guests: 78
Bridal Party: 7 Bridesmaids + 7 Groomsmen + 1 Jr. Bridesmaid + 2 Jr. Groomsmen
Photography: Michael Chen Photography
Bride’s Dress: Cherry Blossom Bridal, Washington DC
💕DESTI Note from Bride: Black and Women-owned bridal boutique where they specialize in plus size dresses for women! AMAZING team of stylist!!!
Bride’s Shoes: BLUE by Betsy Johnson
Bride’s Jewelry: Macys
Hair: Loc's Expressions (Mother of the Bride’s salon)
Makeup: Makeup by JodyB
Styling & decor: DIY!
Flowers: DIY!
DJ: 876 Sounds
Cake + Catering: Resort | Royalton Blue Waters Resort, Montego Bay
Groom’s Attire: Men’s Formal Wear Shop in Washington, DC
Groom's Accessories: Men’s Formal Wear Shop in Washington, DC + AMAZON
Bridesmaids’ Attire: SPOSABRIDAL
Groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Formal Wear Shop in Washington, DC
Want more pics? Jamellah’s Wedding Hash Tag was #OwensLinkUp2017, check it out on Instagram!
Thank You Jamellah!
We appreciate you being our Bridefriend Forever and giving us a peek "behind your veil" of destination wedding planning in the lovely Montego Bay, Jamaica!
Thanks for Watching + Listening!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
SHARE THE LOVE!
TRESSA | Cancun, Mexico
You’re not gonna regret it! No truer words have ever been spoken!
*Photos courtesy of Moments That Matter Photography
How Tressa Planned Her Destination Wedding in Cancun, Mexico!
Our 1st VIDEO interview is with this beautiful bride - Tressa - a Cancun, Mexico Desti! Tressa was married at the Moon Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico and traveled w/ her family (including her 2yr old daughter) who lives in Detroit, Michigan and gives us her BEST destination wedding planning advice and tips!
Tressa is a Bridefriend O.G. and we go waaayyy back! Well, we’ve never actually met before this interview...but - she’s a longtime podcast listener and has been super-supporter from the beginning - I’m talking BlackDesti blog beginning! So I am super pumped to be able to share this interview with you all. You will learn something no matter what phase of destination wedding planning you’re in. I asked Tressa how to plan a destination wedding and she spilled all the ☕!
Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:
💕What Bridal Party vs. Bridefriends means to her
💕What made her choose to get married in Mexico?
💕Choosing a destination that they had never been to before - on purpose!
💕An interesting way to send Save the Dates and Invitations
💕Why she decided to plan a destination wedding vs. local wedding
💕Dealing w/ friends and family (a big family!) against the decision to plan a destination wedding
💕Dealing w/ last-minute guest RSVPs
💕Destination Wedding Specific Hair + Makeup tips
💕Shopping for her wedding gown as a plus-size bride
💕Deciding mid-wedding to change her wedding website to AppyCouple
💕How she chose her destination wedding venue
💕Money saving tips
💕How she narrowed down the perfect resort as her destination wedding venue
💕A mini review and her experience @ Moon Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico
💕so much more!
Soooo…how do you plan a destination wedding in Cancun, Mexico?
Click Play and find out how Tressa planned her destination wedding at the Moon Palace Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico!
Enjoy!
WATCH PART 1
Watch Tressa’s interview on DESTITV!
WATCH PART 2
DestiCouple: Tressa + Jonathan Galloway
Tressa’s Wedding Details
Destination Wedding Date: September 2, 2017
City & Country: Cancun, Mexico
Venue: Moon Palace Resort & Spa - TripAdvisor Reviews for Moon Palace Resort
Number of Guests: 36
Number of Bridesmaids/Groomsmen: 6 each (12 total)
Total Budget: Budget originally 10,000 ended up around $12,000
Photography: Moments That Matter Photography
Bride’s Dress: Bombshell Bridal Boutique (St. Clair Shores, MI)
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka - Style: Carver | Similar Style
Bride’s Jewelry: Random costume jewelry store in Troy, MI
Makeup: LePinkie Club (MUA was a bridesmaid)
Styling & decor: Zuniga (resort's preferred vendor)
Flowers: DIY! Hobby Lobby
DJ: Encore Audio & Visual (resort's preferred vendor)
Paper Invitations + Details: WeddingPassports.com
Cake + Catering: Resort | Moon Palace Resort & Spa Cancun, Mexico
Groom’s Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Groom's Accessories: Macy's
Bridesmaids’ Attire: David's Bridal
“💕Don’t forget to check out Tressa’s podcast - TheRealiTea Show! These ladies are hilarious!”
Groomsmen’s Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Tressa’s podcast - TheRealiTea Show!
DESTI ❤️S ETSY!
Bridesmaids Robes – https://www.etsy.com/shop/GentleSateen
Bride’s Robe – https://www.etsy.com/shop/KatieJamesDesigns
Barefoot Sandal – https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeNelipots
💕#DestiNote from Tressa: “This snagged the hell out of the tulle under my dress and ended up breaking; I didn’t think this through when choosing the style of the barefoot sandal!” GREAT TIP! 💕Make sure you test before the wedding!
Caketopper – https://www.etsy.com/shop/HaymadeShop
Labels for Guest Tumblers – https://www.etsy.com/shop/DavetDesigns
Tumblers – https://www.dollartree.com/
Itineraries - https://www.etsy.com/shop/OneEarDesign
MORE PHOTOS!
Thanks Tressa!
We appreciate you being our Bridefriend Forever and giving us a peek "behind your veil" of destination wedding planning in the lovely Cancun, Mexico!
We wish you & Jonathan (& baby girl Jordan) the ABSOLUTE BEST!
Thanks for Listening!
Don’t miss an episode of the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings Podcast!
Subscribe for Instant Notifications!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
SHARE!
I Interviewed 8 Other Destination Brides - Here’s What I Learned…
I asked each bride how to plan a destination wedding and they delivert! - with a t!
I asked each bride how to plan a destination wedding and they delivert! - with a t!
To kick off the NEW SEASON, I needed to first - reflect on my favorite destination wedding planning lessons learned from each Desti Bride that I had the pleasure of interviewing in Season 1 of the DESTI (formerly Bridefriends’) Guide to Destination Weddings Podcast!
So I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing quite a few Destis and the interviews will continue through Season 2 and beyond, but the RELEASED episodes were those of 8 #DESTIBride trailblazers by the names of Rashonda, Shari-Ann, Lea, Chevita, Jackie, Porsha, Aiesha, and Ericka. I was able to chat with these ladies in pretty much every stage of my planning my destination wedding - early stages, in the middle, right before and even after so I’ve absorbed their advice from different perspectives...
Soooo…I thought it’d be fun and hopefully helpful in the process to share my favorite tip from each of them.
Here are my most favoritest destination wedding planning tips from each DestiBride…
Enjoy!
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO ON DESTITV!
THESE 8 DESTI Brides Taught Me Soo Much About Destination Wedding Planning!
How Do I Plan A Destination Wedding?
Rashonda
SPREADSHEETS+COMMUNICATION | Episode 1
Shari-Ann
RESEARCH, INTERVIEW, REVIEWS, REFERRALS | Episode 2
Lea
INFORMED GUESTS | Episode 5
Jackie
ASK FOR HELP | Episode 12
Porsha
DON’T BE AFRAID - BE EMPOWERED! | Episode 14
Aiesha
INFUSE YOURSELF INTO PROJECTS | Episode 18
Ericka
MAKE SELF-LOVING DECISIONS | Episode 20
The Formula
These Destis of Season 1 provided the ultimate formula for a successful and happy destination wedding planning experience…
ORGANIZATION AND COMMUNICATION + THOROUGH RESEARCH + INFORMED GUESTS + A DRESS [OR OUTFIT] THAT YOU LOVE + ASKING FOR HELP + BEING FEARLESS AND EMPOWERED + INFUSING YOURSELF INTO PROJECTS + MAKING SELF-LOVING DECISIONS …
That’s all you need to pull off a successful and stress-free destination wedding!
TO MY DESTIS OF SEASON 1:
I COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!!!
I appreciate you being my Initial Bridefriends and for helping not only me plan my own destination wedding, but you’ll forever be able to help countless others through your open and honest interviews as well.
I am so grateful for you!
Don’t miss an episode of the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings Podcast!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women. ”
SHARE!
Omi's Destination Wedding Week Beauty Recap! - Part 2
Part 2 of the makeup and beauty rundown of as much as we could remember and re-live from my destination wedding weekend! Gems!
All of my wedding photos are provided courtesy of Shenko Photography
What went RIGHT and what went WRONG for my destination wedding weekend?
We go through it ALL in my #DestiBeauty chat w/ Ivory Perkins - who I hired to come along to Mexico with me to do my makeup and hair for my wedding weekend! In Episode 3, we chatted BEFORE my wedding, and then, of course, I got married and we ended up with plenty more to share, so this is our conversation that we had AFTER everything.
It’s a rundown of as much as we could remember and re-live and there are some gems in there for sure for you! This is Part 1 and here we share the wealth on everything including:
💕What you should look for and warning signs when interviewing your Desti Beauty Pro for hair + makeup for your destination wedding
💕What to do if you can’t bring a professional makeup artist or hairstylist with you to your wedding destination
💕Day-of tips for your destination wedding + how to channel your energy
· And more!
Enjoy!
IVORY:
Thank you so much for being our Bridefriend and DestiBeautyPro and for just being your awesomely magical self!
MEET IVORY
Instagram @ivoryperkinsbeauty
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“Ideas can come from anywhere and at any time. The problem with making mental notes is that the ink fades very rapidly.”
Thanks for Listening!
Don’t miss an episode of the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings Podcast!
SUBSCRIBE FOR INSTANT NOTIFICATIONS!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
SHARE!
ERICKA | Riviera Maya, Mexico
“He Thanked Me Later.” A fairytale engagement story and destination wedding experience as a wedding planner!
Photography courtesy of Moni & Adri Photography
Today, we have #DestiChat withDesti Bride Ericka - a Riviera Maya, Mexico Desti!
Ericka was married on June 26, 2017 at Azul Fives Resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico aannndddd she just so happens to be a wedding planner so she gives us alllll kinds of great advice in this one - …and I will say that I kinda wish that I would have had this Desti chat with Ericka BEFORE my destination wedding because she really shares things that I NEVER thought about - but she got married AFTER me - so that would’ve been plain impossible - BUT at least I can pass on the love to my Destis and Bridefriends!
In this episode, we discussed:
· Making the decision to have a destination wedding
· Dealing with people who may not be supportive of your decision to have a destination wedding
· Thinking outside the box for ways to save money while planning a destination wedding
· Packing tips for your destination wedding
· Honeymooning considerations when having a destination wedding
· And more!
Ericka’s interview + more photos are below!
Enjoy!
ERICKA’S INTERVIEW!
WATCH ERICKA’S FULL INTERVIEW ON DESTITV!
YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
details…details…details!
Photography courtesy of Moni & Adri Photography
The fairytale proposal!!!
MRS. PORTIS:
Thank you sooo very much for being our Bridefriend and sharing your destination wedding story! We wish you and your family (and coming +1😍) the absolute best!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.”
Thanks for Listening!
Don’t miss an episode of the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings Podcast!
Subscribe for Instant Notifications!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
SHARE!
AIESHA | Montego Bay, Jamaica
Aiesha is the winner of our DIY Desti Award - hands down!
Today Desti Aiesha gives us advice and shares her experience living in Chicago, IL and planning her destination wedding at Secrets Wild Orchid Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica - this is another good one! (Who am I kidding? They’re ALL good ones.)
Aiesha completely blew me away with her story. Be ready for laughs, DIY tips, and some great stories and advice - this is another good one! They’re all good ones, but her levels of DIY-dom (is that a word?) are astronomical! and I hope she does the same for you! She gets super real - she talks about the ups, she talks about the downs and she gives some really good tips.
In this episode, we talked about:
💕The perks of having an on-site vs. off-site resort destination wedding
💕Dealing with guests, travel agents and wedding planners before and during the destination wedding weekend.
💕Ways to save money while planning a destination wedding
💕DIY and packing tips for your destination wedding
💕And more!
Enjoy!
WATCH AIESHA’S FULL INTERVIEW ON DESTITV!
LINKS + DETAILS:
Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay Resort
Glass Etching (Video explanation)
· THERE’S more!
We are pulling together the photos and spreadsheets and a list of the DestiPros that we mentioned, so hold tight - Aiesha's show Notes are underway!
AIESHA:
Congratulations on your new baby boy! andThank you so much for being our Bridefriend and sharing your experience with us! Your story helped me along my journey and I know it will help others too!
Sending love to you + your family!!!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“We each are special, we each are unique, we each are these brilliant things. Just allow yourself to be that person.”
Thanks for Listening!
Don’t miss an episode of the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings Podcast!
Subscribe for Instant Notifications!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
💕AS PROMISED, HERE'S THE ABC "IESHA" VIDEO THAT EXPLAINS MY SINGING + RAPPING PERFORMANCE 👇🏾🤗
SHARE!
LEAH | Antigua, Guatemala
She had a dreamy destination wedding in the beautiful Antigua, Guatemala…MOVED there…and opened her boutique and “huipil textile heaven”, Aline Mayan. Here’s how.
*Photos courtesy of Tim King Photography
How Desti Lea Planned Her Destination Wedding in Antigua, Guatemala...and Then Moved There!
In this episode, we have a great Desti Chat with Desti Lea, who chose to have her destination wedding in the beautiful Antigua, Guatemala and then MOVE to Antigua and open her boutique and “huipil textile heaven”, Aline Mayan.
Lea opened up to us and shared the wealth, telling us how she planned and shares her views on Desti body image, staying stress free and so much more while planning her destination wedding. She shares the details on her budgeting, choosing her venue, vendors, and has an interesting story about her wedding dress too!
Enjoy!
WATCH LEA’S FULL INTERVIEW ON DESTITV!
DETAILS
Lea’s destination wedding was in the beautiful Antigua, Guatemala. Now, if you’ve heard of Antigua, but don’t know where it...or Guatemala is, don’t feel bad...I got you! Guatemala is a country in Central America just south of Mexico.
Let’s get into the vendors Lea used for her destination wedding in Antigua, Guatemala!
LEA’S DESTIPRO LIST:
Wedding Venue:
Porta Hotel Antigua
Photography:
Tim King Photography
THE LADIES…
THE GENTS…
… AND THE PAARTAY!
Thank You Lea!
We appreciate you being our Bridefriend Forever and giving us a peek "behind your veil" of destination wedding planning in Antigua, Guatemala!
We wish you and John the ABSOLUTE BEST in Antigua!
*As of present (May 17, 2017) Lea's online boutique in Etsy is moving so that she can branch out on her own, so you can find her and contact her on Instagram @aline_mayan.
Thanks for Listening!
Don’t miss an episode of the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings Podcast!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
SHARE!
30 Days to My Destination Wedding! - THE RUNDOWN
Our founder, Omi is @ 30 days! To celebrate she’s sharing her proposal, engagement, and stories along destination wedding planning journey! Somebody pop a bottle!
WATCH MY FULL VIDEO ON DESTITV!
DestiChat w/ BlackDesti:
30 Days to My Destination Wedding!
Proposal, Engagement, and the Beginning of My Desti Planning Journey
In this episode, I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy since my Desti wedding is in less than 30 days, so we have 1-on-1 Desti Chat with me...yours truly...your hostess, Omi aka, BlackDesti! I share how I met my amazing fiancé, the beginning of our destination wedding planning journey, give a couple of tips and celebrate 30 days!
Links as promised!
Interview w/ Sarah Kline of Time for Travel (my Travel Agent!)
Secrets Maroma Beach (Our Resort!)
Thanks for Listening!
Don’t miss an episode of the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings Podcast!
Subscribe for Instant Notifications!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
Our 1st Curacao destination wedding DESTIBRIDE interview!