As guests walk into our bar I almost always see them immediately start to unwind. I think it’s our unique, historical and cozy setting, accented by candlelight and a fireplace that naturally gives way to conversation and relaxation. The lighting is soft, the seating is cozy and the music does not get in the way of talking. As a bartender, the atmosphere here helps me to connect with the guests. I LOVE hearing their stories and I feel like we can learn so much from each other.  Sometimes the Leyendecker paintings at the bar spark conversation, but often just a simple conversation about a drink recommendation can lead to a story.

Stephanie Cole and Sarah Drake of Cole Drake Events, a luxury destination Napa & Sonoma wedding planning company, have seen everything from flamenco performances to fire dancers when it comes to unique wedding reception entertainment. It seems dreaming big is trending and there are endless non-traditional entertainment options for the newly engaged to explore. Known for planning exquisite events in the Napa Valley at properties such as Calistoga Ranch, Solage Resort, and Auberge du Soleil, Stephanie Cole & Sarah Drake let us in on the unique, modern wedding elements that will elevate your big day.

Alison Events’ is described as more than just a boutique event-planning firm. “We’re a global team with the creative capacity to design and execute an unforgettable party.” Principle of Alison Events, Alison Hotchkiss, reveals what goes into planning one of these unforgettable parties, giving us a closer look into how one bride and groom’s wedding vision was brought to life. Held in wine country amid Solage Resort’s unique, natural beauty and colored with vibrant hues inspired by the seasonal fruit, exotic spices, and textiles found at an Indian marketplace, this Sangeet (a celebration for Indian families prior to a traditional Indian wedding ceremony) is sure to give soon-to-weds inspiration and make romantic souls swoon.

We specialize in events all over the world. With offices in both Costa Rica and Colorado, we work with clients seeking very different weddings. With the world as your oyster, narrowing down a destination wedding venue can be challenging, albeit exciting. It’s my job as a destination wedding planner to help our clients see their vision come to life in a setting that’s perfect for them. Over the years, I’ve created a formula for getting us to the right place. Follow these guidelines and you’ll be celebrating in paradise in no time!

Jennifer Zabinski of JZ Events shares her most memorable wedding-planning moments, from welcome gifts with altitude kits at Hotel Jerome, to yoga on the pool deck for wedding guests at Malliouhana. Whether emerging trend or tried-and-true detail, the newly-engaged will want to take note of how JZ Events approaches every step of the wedding process with unparalleled creativity, crafting your special day into something that can only be described as magic.

Half Greek, half American I’ve spent my childhood summers in Santorini—one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, as my father would say. From a window in my grandparents’ white Cycladic house, our view seemed to reach the edges of the earth. With each hour, a shift in light revealed new sights to marvel over, coloring the blur of ocean and sky into shades as captivating as the flicker of a candle flame. I remember that only one sight could compare; catching a glimpse of a Santorini wedding.

Our sunrise breakfast quickly became a beloved wedding tradition at Blue Sky. An experience that bride, groom, and their families will reminisce upon for years to come, this outing starts with horseback riding into the cool colors of early morning. Your trail brings forth panoramic mountain views as you settle into the steady sound of hoof prints and chirping birds.

Every autumn since my husband and I have been together, we travel to a new destination to witness the fall foliage. In 2016, we selected Telluride as our next destination. Renowned for the golds, yellows, and reds that sweep the San Juan Mountains in brilliant color, we had a feeling it would be special. Little did we know, however, what exactly this charming town would have in store for us!

My ideal day in Rhode Island starts with a morning hike spent amid nature at the Norman Bird Sanctuary. With 325 acres and seven miles of marked hiking trails, there are many routes to choose from but I always seem to opt for the Hanging Rock Trail. The trails close at 5:00pm, so save your sunset for Sweet Berry Farms— which takes me to my next Rhode Island must-do.

On Wednesdays throughout the summer months, the renowned Aquidneck Growers’ Market awaits a 10-15 minute stroll from The Vanderbilt. Take your pick of seafood, colorful produce, local mushrooms, fragrant flowers and other specialty products—but whatever you do, save time to grab the famous, juicy pork taco that’s sure to run down your hands and beckon you back for seconds.

Meet the Coronet— a schooner yacht first launched in 1885 and was one of the most elegant sailing yachts of her time. Under restoration at The International Yacht Restoration School since 1995, the Coronet Building is open to the public for viewing and only a 15 minute stroll from The Vanderbilt’s front doors.

Most people who hear about White Barn Inn’s black tie New Years Eve celebration know of Tom Snow’s fabulous, live piano performances and the divine 7-course prix fixe gourmet dinner— but what most people don’t know about the party’s midnight tradition, is that it takes place with the chefs in the kitchen.

You might be surprised to learn that the origin story of whoopie pie, a beloved treat in New England, has been a source of great controversy between Maine and Pennsylvania for nearly a century. If you’re wondering how a dessert could cause such debate, let me stop you right there. Whoopie pie isn’t just any dessert.

Sometimes, I feel like I’m in a long-distance relationship with Kennebunk. We may live on opposite coasts, but Maine’s mystical coastline has my heart. From wide sandy beaches sprawled with delicate sand dollars to rocky stretches of seaside that sound of waves crashing up against dramatic cliffs, I’ve spent my most tranquil, cherished moments sharing these striking sights with my husband. When I refer to my “happy place,” my family knows exactly where I’m talking about— and when I miss it’s lobster rolls and warm beach days, I take out my favorite souvenir: White Barn Inn’s hand soap.

Marking your steps towards forever, a bridal entrance is unrivaled in grandeur. Make this milestone moment your own, and craft a custom entry point to honor the bridge between bride-to-be and newly-wed. Whether it be traditional or avant-garde, let your dreams guide you. For one of our brides, this meant walking on water. Perhaps the most extravagant entrance we've crafted at Chileno Bay Resort was a custom pathway that led the bride over our pool to the ceremony. With a subtle change in music, wedding guests turned to see the first glimpse of their loved one dressed in white, gracefully making her way to say “I do” while seemingly floating upon glimmering water. Unanimous awe fell over the ceremony—and a swift reach for tissues. In crafting an uncompromising, custom bridal entrance, elevate your ceremony or reception with the details that tell your unique story.

While couples tend to select their wedding date based on the weather, I always joke that they should be factoring in the types of seafood that will be in season during their special day in Kennebunk. Historically a fishing village, Kennebunkport’s location along the Kennebunk River affords locals and visitors first pick of the freshest fare. Sea bass is best savored in the summer months, lobster is absolutely divine in the winter, and shrimp, oysters, and other types of shellfish are a must in the fall. A luxury that White Barn’s Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamonds restaurant delights in often— with a menu refreshed every week to incorporate the freshest fruits of the sea— make sure to ask the concierge to share the area’s boat schedules so that you can take full advantage of Maine’s ocean offerings, fresh out of the water.

In stunning Telluride, you can exchange vows without priests, pastors, judges, witnesses, and sans guest list, if so desired. Resident or visitor, Colorado is one of the few states where you do not need an officiant to tie the knot. Make your wedding as small as a party of two with towering pine trees as your only witness, or gather friends and family to celebrate in your “I do” moment amid the unparalleled, expansive views of a mountaintop ceremony. Bring something borrowed, something blue, and valid identification-— Colorado requires that you apply for a marriage license in person at the appropriate county office of the clerk and recorder.

Dance down halls, cannonball into the pool without reservation, keep the music alive into the wee hours of the morning, and turn every corner knowing that you will only run into your closest loved ones. Go ahead, and rename our modern Aspen landmark as your very own for the weekend. With a Hotel Jerome buyout, enjoy unparalleled privacy in legendary spaces including the Bad Harriet, Living Room, Spa, Prospect Restaurant, and Grand Ballroom, to name a few.

Planning a wedding is consumed with perfecting the sights, tastes, and sounds of your special day— but there’s one detail most couples overlook; the wedding’s signature scent. Fragrance is unique in its ability to conjure vivid memories and emotions, and its strong ties to ringing (wedding) bells make it the ultimate bespoke favor. At Solage Resort, couples can personalize their own essential oil blend to capture the essence of their wedding date. The fragrance can then be gifted as a massage oil, body scrub, or lotion, bringing a whole new level of personalization to the wedding.

If there’s a more impressive way to commence a celebration, we’ve yet to find it. Sabering a bottle of champagne instantly turns any gathering into a fête, initiating a cause for serious revelry and merrymaking.