New Jersey Bride Blog

Oh, how I wish the Four Seasons Hualalai had been in existence when I went on my honeymoon to Hawaii’s Big Island a number of years ago. This Zagat’s number-one rated resort in the world for 2008 offers 243 bungalow-style rooms with ocean views, five swimming pools, a great golf course, and four restaurants, all in a romantic eco-friendly setting. The wellness spa even offers outdoor treatments using indigenous Hawaiian ingredients such as macadamia nut, coconut, sugar, Lehua honey from Island bees, and Kona coffee beans. You don’t have to twist my arm…

If you’ve never been to a Four Seasons, you’re definitely in for a treat…and what better time for a treat than your honeymoon. Plus, the Big Island is such a wonderful place. From the deserted black-sand beaches and picture-perfect waterfalls to the award-winning golf courses and the active Kilauea volano (where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped foot on the Moon), the Big Island is one of my favorite places. (Don’t miss dinner at the Canoe House at the Mauna Lani Resort—you will not be disappointed!)

And now you can save a small fortune by taking advantage of the Four Season’s fourth-night-free offer (now through December 18). Rates start at $775 per night. If you book an oceanfront room or an executive suite, you can also choose either two rounds of golf per stay or two complimentary spa treatments. This special rate can be booked at fourseasonsresorts.com/hualalai or by calling 888-236-3026.

No, it’s not New Jersey, but boy is this place amazingly beautiful. If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind destination wedding location with Turkish flair, Marmara Esma Sultan in Istanbul may be the perfect choice. This historic mansion where sultans and courtiers were once entertained is one of the premier wedding and events venues in all of Istanbul. It has been restored to provide a striking contrast between old and new. While all the architectural details of the original exterior façade were reconstructed, the interior is a statement in modern design. A soaring glass-and-steel-enclosed interior gives the entire space an open feeling and provides breathtaking views of the Bosphorus.

There are more than 7,000 square feet of interior event space and more than 23,000 square feet of outdoor space in its exquisitely landscaped gardens. The gardens can accommodate up to 1,000 for seated banquets and up to 3,000 for cocktail receptions, while the two-story mansion can accommodate up to 450. And a private dock even allows for your dramatic entrance via yacht!

Wedding coordinators are available to assist with all the details, from obtaining a wedding certificate, booking an officiate and transportation to décor, menu, and flowers.

For more information, click here.

So you’ve got a fabulous Caribbean resort booked for your destination wedding on the beach and a beautiful gown that will be perfect when you’re barefoot in the sand, but what is your groom going to wear? A dark tuxedo in the sun just doesn’t seem to work, especially if your fiancé is prone to melting in 90-degree weather. And that’s where weddingtropics.com comes in. I just found this website, which offers great beach wedding attire and options appropriate for a casual ceremony. The linen, cotton, or silk shirts can be ordered to match any bridal color or style scheme. And they also have a variety of bridal gowns perfect for the beach, all less than $500, which is an amazing find in and of itself!

Are you in the middle of planning your honeymoon? Well, here’s a great new hotel that you should know about. The InterContinental Montelucia Resort and Spa in Paradise Valley, Arizona (montelucia.com), is opening its doors this fall, and it’s simply breathtaking. Built in a Spanish Andalusian style in the middle of the desert at the base of the Camelback Mountain, yet minutes from Old Scottsdale, this hotel is going to be one of the area’s premier destinations. It’s the InterContinental’s first property the United States, so you can bet that they’re pulling out all the stops. There are five pools with luxury cabanas, the Joya Spa, golf, and restaurants. The resort is reminiscent of a European town square, with villas, arching doorways, fountains, and floral walkways. And with more than 300 days of sunshine in the area, you’ll most likely be outside enjoying all that Arizona has to offer—hiking, hot-air ballooning, rafting, golf, horseback riding, and off-road desert tours.

Montelucia is also a great destination wedding location. From the Old-World styling of the Castillo Lucena wedding venue to the intimate garden-like surroundings of three wedding lawns, you have your choice of settings that best capture your style. And your guests will love the resort’s facilities. Have a private rehearsal dinner poolside, send your bridesmaids to a day at the spa, relax in the wine cellar, or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery. Call 480-627-3200 for reservations starting this fall.