Planning Your Destination Wedding at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Mazatlan

Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort

While at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Mazatlan last week, I was thinking that engagement season is upon us. The most popular time of the year for wedding proposals seems to be between December and February. As well, this is also the most popular time for Wedding Planners to get inquiries. Many couples often start planning their wedding not long after the engagement.

View of free form pool by the beach - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort

I spend a lot of time touring resorts in tropical destinations to make sure that my clients are choosing the perfect destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway. I just got back from Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Mazatlan and think this is an amazing resort for a destination wedding or honeymoon. Starting in January 2011, this resort will offer all-inclusive as well as European meal plans.

Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay

This extraordinary luxury resort is set on 20 pristine acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the new and unspoiled areas known as “Nuevo Mazatlan”. With its neoclassical architecture, reminiscent of Old Mazatlan, and a magnificent landscape of vibrant gardens, palm trees, and winding streams, this breathtaking resort is a natural sanctuary for your soul.

Looking toward the main building from the beautiful landscaped grounds- Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae

I would highly recommend a beautifully appointed master suite which offers 973 square feet of space to relax, entertain, and enjoy paradise. These luxury suites feature a kitchenette, a private bedroom with bathroom, and an extra bathroom in the spacious living room that opens to a private terrace with a spectacular ocean view. You do not need to worry about drinking the water as the resort has an on site treatment process, through which the water undergoes extensive purification to make it safe for drinking. In addition, the hotel is built with US standard electrical outlets so you do not have to bring a converter. A complementary shuttle runs hourly during the day to the sister resort, Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan, where you can enjoy the restaurants and pools at the city location. Resort amenities at Emerald Bay include an adult pool, a huge beachside pool, outdoor Jacuzzis, the new Spa at Emerald Bay, driving green and lighted tennis courts. Amidst the sounds of native birds, you’ll relax below 150-year-old mangroves that surround a free-form pool, stroll along the shoreline by the bay, sport fish, and enjoy any number of nearby water activities.

The new spa - Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae

Pueblo Bonito offers ceremonies and reception packages to make your wedding planning easy and stress free. Whether you are having a private ceremony for just family or a gala bash for hundreds, Wendy, the wedding coordinator, will coordinate every aspect and assist you in making your decisions.

Wedding at the Garden Gazebo - Photo courtesy of Carlos Medina Studio.com

 

The resort offers one wedding per day so that you do not have to worry about sharing your wedding venue with another couple’s wedding. Amidst the luxurious gardens, terraces, and endless beach of Emerald Bay, you will find the perfect location for your wedding ceremony and reception: the Garden Gazebo, Cordelliere Esplanade, Bistro Poolside Esplanade or the beach.

Couple under the Garden Gazebo - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort  

Reception on Cordelliere Esplanade - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort  

Outdoor area of Bistro Restaurant - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Caption

Reception by the water - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort  

Weddings in Mexico are legal ceremonies recognized throughout the world. The “Civil Ceremony”, as it is known here is performed by a judge and is equivalent to a ceremony performed by a Justice of the Peace.

Getting married in Mexico has the following requirements:

A minimum of three working days are necessary to process your documentation.

•     Completed application forms
•     Copies of passports
•     Original birth certificates with raised seal or a notarized copy
•     Driver’s license or other photo ID
•     FMT tourist permit, issued upon entry by Mexican Immigration
•     2passport size photographs
•     Blood tests, a waiver may be signed if the couple has been living in in a common-law relationship for a minimum of six months

Newlyweds  on the beach - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort   

If you would like help planning the perfect wedding or honeymoon at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Mazatlan, I would be happy to help you. Call Muriel at 403-477-0643.

Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort

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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.

Do You Dream of Getting Married in a Castle?

The Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta, Canada
Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

 Do you want to get married in a castle but are not sure if your guests will be willing to travel to Europe to attend your destination wedding? Instead, why don’t you consider the Fairmont Banff Springs, set amidst the backdrop of majestic mountains, in Banff, Alberta?  One of my favorite venues, this location is definitely the place where dreams are made.

Aerial  view of the Fairmont Banff Springs
Photo Courtesy of the Fairmont Banff Springs

This Scottish baronial castle provides the prefect atmosphere for a romantic, fairy-tale wedding.  Located an hour and 45 minute drive from the Calgary International Airport, the Fairmont Banff Springs is a blend of opulence and seclusion placed in a castle hideaway built in a spectacular mountain paradise. This is the perfect place to make every bride feel like a modern day princess. Move over Kate!

The Grand Lobby
Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

The 768 guestrooms offer superb appointments and world-class amenities in this world famous hotel.

 

Guest Room
Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

 It offers stunning vistas, a championship golf course, skiing in the snow-capped Canadian Rockies, and the Willow Stream Spa, a world-class European-style spa experience. The Fairmont Banff Spring’s talented chefs from across Canada and around the world have created both authentically local menus and classic cuisine. These culinary delights coupled with fine wines and attentive personalized service will ensure that your wedding is a lasting memory for both you and your guest.

The Willow Stream Spa
Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

First constructed in 1888, the hotel has a magnificent grandeur  to it  which makes it the perfect venue for your wedding  ceremony  with its many meeting rooms, halls, or ballroom, or even the picture perfect Bow Valley Terrace.

August Wedding held on the Outdoor Terrace
Photo courtesy by Muriel MacRae

Your wedding can be simple to elegant; an intimate get together for a small group to a large banquet of 200 plus guests, the choice is yours. You have a wide selection of banquet rooms to select from for your dream wedding. Ceremony locations range from the Strathcona Room with a maximum of ten people to Mt. Stephen Hall or the Alhambra Room with a maximum of 250 people. Reception rooms can accommodate from 12 to 700 guests. There are a wide variety of food selections where you have the choice of a breakfast, a brunch or a lunch function in addition to an evening Dinner , Dinner Buffet, or Themed Receptions.

Wedding in Mt. Stephen Hall
Photo Courtesy of Muriel MacRae

Three of the special venues for spectacular wedding locations are the Mt. Stephen Hall, the Cascade Ballroom, and the Ivor Petrak Room. The Mt. Stephen Hall truly represents the Fairmont Banff Spring’s position as “the Castle in the Rockies.” The high ceiling with oak beams, stone floor, and cathedral windows with stained-glass crests truly reflect the style of a baronial castle, while the soft amber lighting creates the perfect atmosphere in the evening. This room holds up to 100 guests  and can be configures in a variety of ways,  Mt. Stephen Hall is widely known as one of the most popular places to get married in Alberta.

Mount Stephen Hall can be used for either wedding  ceremonies or receptions.
Photo courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs 

The Fairmont Banff Spring’s original ballroom, which hosted such esteemed guests as Fred Astaire and Marilyn Monroe, has been renovated to bring back the glamour of the roaring 1920s. The ballroom, decorated in hues of blue, burgundy, and gold, features eight breathtaking crystal chandeliers and hardwood flooring. The Cascade Ballroom is located at the north end of the castle with a million-dollar panoramic view of the Bow Valley from the Conservatory.

Wedding reception in Cascade Ballroom
Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

The canvas of many beautiful ceremonies and receptions, the Ivor Petrak Room hosts up to a maximum of 80 guests and sets the scene for your special day with closest friends and family. Let the picturesque view of the sweeping Bow Valley amaze your guests while they dance the night away under the custom-built chandelier. The Ivor Petrak Room is sure to provide the setting for a lifetime of memories.

Having your dream wedding in this fairy-tale setting located in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, is definitely a dream come true. Call 403-619-0528 or email info@creativeweddings.com to plan your fairy-tale wedding today.

Fresh snowfall at the Fairmont Banff Springs
Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

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 Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.

Planning for Your Out of Town Wedding Guests

There are so many parts to planning a wedding that it can sometimes be overwhelming. One more thing that a bride has to think about is planning for the out of town wedding guests. Usually there are too many people to have them stay at your house so other arrangements have to be made. One of the things to consider is contacting a hotel in the area and getting a group rate for your guests who stay there. In fact, depending on the size of the wedding, you might want to contact two or three local hotels at different price ranges so that your guests have a choice of accommodation. For those brides with a wedding website, the different accommodations could be described on the website along with the nightly rate and a contact phone number.

Photo courtsey of Muriel MacRae

If there are a number of guests staying at a hotel without transportation, you might want to arrange for a bus to transport your guests from the hotel to and from the ceremony and wedding locations. This can be a tremendous benefit which your out of town guests will really appreciate.

For guests travelling a long distance to the wedding, you might want to contact a travel agent to arrange a group rate for air travel. Usually you need a minimum of ten people in the group in order to receive the group rate. West Jet allows brides to call them to receive a number which will allow any of their wedding guests flying anywhere in North America to receive a 10% discount off regular fares.

Photo courtesy of West Jet

Finally, you might want to plan some day trips before or after the wedding for those guests who would like to see the sights in your hometown. Many guests who are travelling to a location which they have not visited before will enjoy your thoughtfulness.

Sometimes, it does not take much to keep your out of town guests happy. Thinking of ways to make it easier for them to find accommodations and transportation is just one of them.

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 Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.

Wedding at Dreams Tulum - Plan your dream wedding or honeymoon



Photo courtesy of Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa



Photo courtesy of Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa

 Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa is an all-inclusive resort located in one of the most unique beaches in the Riviera Maya surrounded by lush tropical acres, sugary white sand and magnificent colonial architecture. Just five minutes from Tulum and 30 minutes from Playa del Carmen, Dreams Tulum provides upscale surroundings and combines fun and relaxation with the ancient world of the Maya. It is one of the only resorts in the Riviera Maya located a short distance to the ancient ruins of Tulum.

Its magnificent colonial architecture, original paintings and ambiance provide the perfect setting to unwind and discover the mystical power over the ancient Mayan civilization. This hacienda-style, Unlimited-Luxury resort features two swimming pools, one with a children’s area, full-service spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, and a Mayan-themed Explorer’s club for kids.


Photo courtesy of Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa



Photo courtesy of Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa

Dreams Tulum sits on two miles of powdery white sand with everything to make guest happy. And you’re right on the ocean for snorkelling, catamarans, sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking and ocean trampoline. Choose from magnificent dining option featuring five gourmet, a la Carte, and one buffet-style restaurant. Dine at the Seaside Grill, an a la carte steak house, enjoy French cuisine in a romantic setting at Bordeaux or visit El Patio for Mexican fare. Seven bars including pool and beachside, are perfect places to make new friends, or just catch up with each other.

Ideally located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Dreams Tulum is just a 75-minute drive south of Cancun International Airport.

All guest rooms and suites offer a private and furnished patio or balcony with a hammock, marble bathrooms, daily refreshed min-bar, and 24-hour room service. The spa offers a full range of natural curative massage therapies and facial treatments: each designed to soothe your body, mind, and spirit. For parents travelling with children, the Explorer’s Club keeps their kids happy and busy with their own kind of supervised fun.

Photo courtesy of Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa

The resort boosts 431 finely appointed luxury suites and guest rooms. The majority of the rooms either provide beautiful garden views or ocean views of the Caribbean Sea and the most magnificent scenery on the Yucatan Peninsula. The rooms contain one king-size bed or two-double beds.




Resort Information

Room Type:

Hacienda Section:
Deluxe Ocean View – 29

Junior Suite Ocean View – 12
Junior Suite Garden View – 64
Deluxe Garden View – 116
Hacienda Suites – 5
Presidential Suite – 1

Dreams Section:
Dreams Jr. Suite Garden View – 136
Dreams Jr. Suite Ocean View – 40
Dreams Jr. Suite Ocean Front – 20
Dreams Honeymoon Suite – 7
Dreams Presidential Suite – 1


Restaurants and types:

Photo courtesy of Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa

Bordeaux – Gourmet French cuisine
El Patio – Delectable Mexican cuisine
Himitsu – A fusion of Pan-Asian delicacies
Portofino – Innovative and traditional Italian cuisine
Seaside Grill – Steak and grilled specialties
Gohan – Sushi bar
World Café – Continental cuisine served buffet style with a variety of international-theme specialties

Local Point of Interest:
World’s second largest barrier reef lies just offshore
Nearby underground rivers, caves, and jungles for the adventure seekers
Eco-adventure attractions at Xel-Ha
Mayan ruins of Tulum, Coba, Xel-ha, Chichen-Itza, and Kohunlich
Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park
Cozumel- ferry from Playa del Carmen

If you would like to book your trip to Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa e-mail us at info@delsoldestinationweddings.com

Wedding and Honeymoon packages available upon request.



Photo courtesy of Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa.



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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643

Hot Wedding Trends for 2010

Here are some of the hottest wedding trends which have been popular so far in 2010.

1. Mismatched Bridesmaids Dresses. Don’t worry about all of the bridesmaids having the same style dress. The bride picks the color, and the maids buy the dress of their choice as long as it is the same color. This ensures that everyone has a dress that matches their body, personality and taste.

        Photo courtesy of PolakadotBride

2. The Photo Booth. This is a great way to get the guest to have fun and be involved. The couple will choose the original photo booth or a photographer who will create an area with funny props and accessories for guests to dress up in. This is a great way to get a picture of each of your guests present. If you choose a professional photo booth, each guest will get a copy of the photo strip. The bride and groom will get a CD with all of the pictures taken that day.

Photo courtesy of The Knot

3. Engagement Photos. More and more couples are getting professional engagement photos which represent who they are as a couple. Some couples take an enlarged framed photo and use it for their guests to sign at the reception. What a beautiful addition this would make to the new couple’s home.

4. Classic white wedding cake. Cupcakes are on the way out and we are back to the traditional three tiered white cake. Simply add fresh flowers for a little pop of color.

5. Bright Colors, Black Backdrop. Black accents and bright, bold colors are in from everything to table linens, bridesmaids’ dresses, flowers, accessories to adornments. The only thing white is the bride’s dress.

Photo courtesy of Simply Beautiful Decor

6. Backyard Venues. Backyard rustic chic is the newest wedding venue. This idea is great for the couple who are money conscious and want a casual wedding. Plan your wedding in your own backyard, a park, a barn, the beach, or outside at a resort.

Photo courtesy of Affordable Weddings

7. Earth Friendly Wedding. Keep your wedding sustainable by choosing to be planet friendly. The trend is a return to using vintage wedding dresses, wedding favors, LED lights, locally grown foods and flowers, and recycled paper invitations.

Photos courtesy of bridesmaid.com

8. Feel Good Food. The trend is the return to food that people like and enjoy. More couples are choosing casual buffets as opposed to pricey sit down dinners. Many food stations are popular that include pasta bars, candies, deserts, pastries, cupcakes, ice cream, or even wine stations.

Photo courtesy of the Wedding Work Room

9. Alternate Veil. Although veils are still very popular, many brides are opting to either not wear a veil or change their veil right after the ceremony to a hairpiece such as a flower, or a stunning headband.

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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@delsoldestinationweddings.com or phone 403-477-0643.

Hawaii’s Marriage Requirements

You can marry the day you arrive in Hawaii, as this lovely group of Hawaiian Islands, has no mandatory waiting period. And what a choice of destination it is: golden sands, palm trees keeping time to trade winds, tropical blooms with intoxicating fragrances, crystal-clear waters and clear blue skies are givens in this wedding wonderland, which is also known for upscale restaurants, luxurious lodgings, sensational spas and outdoor activities from surfing to kayaking. Known as a paradise for rest and relaxation, this is also a popular destination for honeymoons and romantic getaways.  Most couples say their vows on any one of the main islands; Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Big Island, and Lanai. A marriage license permit is required for a couple to get married on any of the islands of Hawaii. Agents are strategically placed on each island, so you can choose one that is close to where you are staying. Marriage licenses are issued no earlier than 30 days prior to your wedding date. There is no state residence or US citizenship requirements and blood tests are not required. All Marriage Licenses can be applied for in person with valid photo identification such as a driver’s license, along with a fee of $60.00 US in cash at the Department of Health offices. Divorce papers must also be presented if the divorce was finalized within thirty days of your wedding date. You must take your marriage license with you to the ceremony so that your minister can sign it (witnesses are optional). 

After the ceremony your minister will send in your signed and completed license application to the Department of Health, which will take four to five months to issue you an official copy of your license. It is illegal for your minister to make a copy of the application to give to you.  If a marriage certificate is needed sooner than this, you can apply for one or more additional certified copies for a fee.  To obtain more information, to receive an application, or to check up on your application afterward, you can visit the Department of Health’s Web site at http://www.hawaii.gov.doh/.

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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca