Two New Destination Wedding Locations

Here are two amazing new destination locations that I am adding to my site.  I have been to both of these properties so I can tell you first hand that they would both make outstanding destination wedding sites.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is a new property to San Juan opening last fall to rave reviews. So much thought went into designing the hotel, rooms and restaurants to fit into the scenery.  Open spaces to enjoy meals, strolling or relaxing abound here is San Juan.  There are many location throughout the property for wedding ceremonies and receptions.  Each unique unto itself in a Mediterranean setting.

Of course the hotel offers a world class spa and full time hair salon so the bride and her wedding party can rest assure they will look and feel their best on the wedding day.

Activities are numerous on this property and include a boathouse, snorkeling and scuba, water skiing, windsurfing, catamarans and fishing. Golfers of all abilities can experience the game on a stunning Robert Trent Jones Jr. course designed with a commitment to preserving the natural integrity of the site.

Check out their web site for more information www.stregis.com/PuertoRico

The W Hotel Retreat & Spa located on the island of Vieques is also a new property.  If you have never heard of Vieques before you are not alone.  Once you experience it though you will be back again and again.  What a fabulous find this tucked away little gem is.  The W is the only resort on this unspoiled island paradise.  It offers all the amenities they are famous for and then some.  Their signature beds, ultra W robes, fabulous spa with hair and make-up salon.  Cuisine is created by the acclaimed Alain Ducasse Enterprise, which bring a multi-Michelin Star touch to the Caribbean, and Vieques Island.  The group operates award-winning restaurants across the globe.

The property offers multiple ceremony locations each with a spectacular view of the  Caribbean.

Before you think what can this place offer for activates let me put your mind at ease.  There is lots to see and do but, this venue also allows you to really kick back and enjoy doing nothing around the pool or on their warm sandy beaches. Eating and drinking are two very popular activities at these locations.

Well you say, how do we get there.  First you fly into San Juan International airport.  An easy flight from anywhere in the US.  Then you connect directly to Cape Air (airline code 9K) for an 18 minute flight to Vieques.  After landing in Vieques the W staff will take care of your luggage and transfer to the hotel (a very short drive).  It is that easy.

For more information go to www.whotel.com/Vieques

To-Do’s Before You Say I Do: Wedding Planners

Let’s get stared!  Whether your budget is small or expense is not an issue, spend your money wisely.  If you do not know what you need or how to find the right vendors then I suggest you hire a Wedding Planner.  This should be one of the first items on your “to do” list and it may be the most important.

Interview several planners and look for someone with whom you feel comfortable.  They must carry liability insurance and make sure to get references.  Take the time to call the references.  Referrals from friends are great, but still do your own checking.  Remember, the planner is going to be intimately involved in the most important day of your life.

A wedding reception site may tell you they have a coordinator to assist you.  It may be a selling point for the site to tell you the price includes a coordinator, but remember these people are there to make sure their facility is running smoothly for the event and not to make sure that everything about your wedding day is perfect.

Here is what you should expect from a good Wedding Planner:

Attends meetings with the florist, photographer and other vendors
Suggests appropriate music for the ceremony and reception
Helps you create the proper invitation, program and menu wording
Creates a detailed timeline for your wedding party and vendors
Calls all vendors the week of the wedding
Assures all vendors arrive as scheduled
Assists wedding party in preparing for pictures

A seasoned professional can handle any situation.  I mentioned this in my previous blog, but it is worth repeating:  spend your money wisely and this will be the best money you spend.  Remember the old adage “You get what you pay for.” 

As most of my wonderful clients, like yourself, come to me through referrals, I would be grateful if you could pass along my new blog series to any friends or family who may be engaged or planning any special event.

Love sweetly,
Susan

To-Do’s Before You Say I Do: Budget

Okay, so now you are engaged. Congratulations! What’s next? Three big words come to mind; BUDGET, BUDGET and BUDGET.

I received an email this week from a fiancé. Aside from some details edited to maintain anonymity, I could not have said it any better.

“My name is {Mr. Right} and I am engaged to be married — hopefully sometime in this century. My fiancé and I have been struggling with wedding planning and have considered everything from destination weddings to elopement and everything in between. We have struggled with budget and we’ve become bogged down by these issues. Unfortunately, our budget ranges {as would our guest count depending on location}. Based on what my fiancé tells me, our budget + number of guests + location isn’t ideal. Before my fiancé and I go completely crazy, please advise me of your services; fees; availability.”

Before you even decide on a date or location, put a budget together. Be very realistic with what you have to spend. If you are not, you will be disappointed and frustrated with this process. This is an exciting and fun time in your life; we want you to enjoy the planning!

Keep in mind that your reception is going to be your biggest expense perhaps as much as two thirds of your budget. It is difficult to give you percentages on all the other items, as everyone’s priorities are different. The important thing is to know your overall realistic budget and then to focus on your hot buttons.

Stay tuned to see the importance of hiring a professional and the difference between a venue coordinator and a wedding planner.

Love sweetly,
Susan

Katie & RJ: July 30, 2010

Katie and her mother, Candy, did all the planning with me.
But RJ was very content to go to the food tasting and offer up his suggestions on the meal and wine.

The first time I met Katie, she showed me a Barbie Doll with a Vera Wang dress on it.  Needless to say, Katie looked fabulous going down the aisle – she knew how to wear it!

Pelican Hill’s backdrop was spectacular. Katie & RJ looked like models.

Classic roses were used in the lush floral design by White Lilac and the use of candles was a nice touch.

The simple cake created by the hotel tied in with the delicate, antique-looking floral arrangements.

Katie wanted a black tie event so all bridesmaids were in black.  It was a stunning effect.

Classic Party Rentals provided the table linens and Chivari chairs.

Wayne Foster Music & Entertainment had the crowd going all night –
with feather boas, red fedoras, and sequined gloves.

Karen French Photography captured all of these beautiful details.

Laetitia & Michael: July 17, 2010

This is the second Bartholomew family wedding for SuMac Productions.  I was very honored to be asked back for their son’s marriage to Laetitia (“Titia” to her friends).

Titia’s parents were coming to the states for a visit from their home in Belgium.  The couple had known each other for several years and were waiting for the right time to get married – Titia’s parent’s trip seemed like the perfect opportunity!

So, with six weeks to plan, we set to work to create a very intimate setting for 100 of their special friends at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach with the reception following at the groom’s Family Home.

Take a look at the feathered look of Titia’s gown.

The details continue with her hairpiece and her creative bouquet.

Larissa with Inviting Occasion always does such stellar, out of the box, work.
Here are the groom’s boutonnieres and the ring pillow.

The reception setting was absolutely breathtaking with perfect California weather!

Linens were from Wildflower and rentals were provided by Signature Party Rentals.

A delicious dinner was catered by 24 Carrots
and an incredible cake was designed by Christopher Garren’s Let Them Eat Cake to represent the couple’s 2 nationalities – Belgium and USA.

Lawrence Crandall Photography took beautiful pictures, while Ashley Video captured the special day on video.

Jessica & Samir

The Essentials – Save the Date cards, Invitations and more

Although Jessica and Samir were married in Michigan, Sumac Productions had the honor of producing all of their paper products for their big day in July.

The multi-piece invitation totally captured the essence of the day and their Persian wedding.

The invitation seals were detailed with teal, orange, and gold.

The programs were a beautiful Dragonfly blue.

The seating cards stood in coffee beans.

Menus, adorned with a Swarovski crystal accent, popped on the gold chargers.

Here’s to Living, Loving, & Laughing!

Congratulations Jessica & Samir.

Sargeant Photography captured these divine details.

Madison’s Bat Mitzvah: May 22, 2010

Sumac Productions can help you with more than just weddings. Recently we helped plan a Bat Mitzvah.  This was a great family with whom to work. They had already celebrated a Bar Mitzvah with their son so they really knew what they wanted for their daughter.

We were able to recreate Paris at the Big Canyon Country Club in May.

Nisie of Enchanted Florist transported guests with her florals and linen.

Kids enjoyed themselves with their own buffet and lots of entertainment throughout the evening -
Glitter Tattoos, a candy station, A Little Scene Flip Books, LA Photo Party, caricatures by Dave Boatman, and DJ Entertainment by Check One 2.

John Wolfsohn captured these fun details.

Chelsea & Trevor: May 1, 2010

Chelsea came to me as a referral from a wedding Sumac Productions had just done for one of her friends. Chelsea knew exactly what she wanted so, after our first meeting and our recommendations, she knew where she should have her wedding and who she wanted to hire for her support team of vendors.

Their May 1st wedding was held at the gorgeous Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel.


The bridesmaid’s dresses were a classic champagne and the groomsmen added their own splash of color – check out those cool socks.


Chelsea and Trevor selected an all-star team of vendors.

The creamy table linens were from Wildflower Linens and Enchanted Florist complimented the champagne tones with their magnificent floral decor.


MiMedia provided the room lighting that highlighted the reception tables, walls and gorgeous custom white dance floor. Naples Chamber Ensembles provided the ceremony music while West Coast Music kept the crowd dancing during the reception. Guests also were able to enjoy a talking photo booth through EPod Events.

Karen French Photography captured the beautiful details.

Pelican Hill Weddings

The new 5-star resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast, California, inspired by the Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, is an ideal place for a Southern California wedding.  Wedding ceremonies are held at the magnificent rotunda overlooking their award winning golf course with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean in the background.  The accommodations, restaurants and spa make this property like no other.  You can find out more at their web site – www.pelicanhill.com.

Another alternative, although not directly by the water, is the Island Hotel located in the bustling Fashion Island Center of Newport Beach, CA – www.islandhotel.com.

Ritz Carlton Weddings

If you want a venue near the beach, Sumac Productions suggests the Ritz~Carlton Hotel, Laguna Niguel, California.  The name says it all and this beautiful 5-star property does not disappoint.  The hotel sits on a cliff overlooking the Pacific and has everything you could want.  Couples love saying their vows as the sun goes down and you can see the pictures are absolutely fabulous.   Visit their web site at www.ritzcarlton.com/lagunaniguel.