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Perhaps the idea of a destination wedding appeals to you, but having to celebrate your wedding vows at a hotel or resort does not. Though most couples opt to have their wedding at a resort, if you're willing to do a little more research -- you can still have that posh and luxurious wedding resort feel with a whole lot more privacy by having your wedding at a private villa. And yep, you don't need to be a millionaire to make it happen! ' Hosting a wedding at a private villa has a lot of perks, besides of course giving you and your wedding guests ultimate privacy. Here are a few reasons why choosing a villa wedding might be the way to go when it comes to planning the wedding of your dreams: 1) The villa can also serve as your home for the week. Most villa properties that allow guests to host weddings on the property will also require that you stay at the villa for a minimum number of nights. This not only gives you a great place to stay at your destination, you'll also be able to prepare for the Big Day even easier since everything is truly "on site." Things to consider: you'll need to decide who will be staying on the property with you and make sure there are other accommodations nearby for the rest of your family members and wedding guests. Make sure to also ask if there is an extra fee you'll have to pay to host the wedding or any other events on the property grounds. And whether there is a time limit on how long your event(s) can last. 2) Besides the wedding, you can host other wedding events at your villa -- like a Welcome Dinner, a Meet and Greet or fun pool day to welcome all your guests to your destination wedding. The luxury of staying at a villa is that you can make and create your surroundings as you like and use it as the centerpoint for all your guests throughout the duration of your destination vacation. It really serves as a wonderful place for you and your guests to laugh and enjoy, and of course celebrate! 3) It can be quite affordable when split between different parties. While the base price for renting a villa can seem steep at times, if you have enough space to invite other family members or close friends to stay there as well, splitting the costs between the different parties can make your luxury stay quite affordable. The perks of staying at a private estate also make the money you spend worthwhile -- for instance, open access to the amenities (pool, spa, pool tables, lounge furniture), you get one-of-a-kind homestyle comfort and a spacious living areas you simply don't get in a resort room or suite. You will live like royalty for your entire destination experience and it'll be an experience unlike any other vacation you've ever taken! 4) Staying at a villa gives you total privacy. I've often heard of couples being totally appalled when they see other resort-goers in their bathing suits standing closeby and taking photos during what they hoped would be a romantic beach ceremony. Some former brides and grooms can attest to the running joke that there always seems to be at least one big-bellied man in a speedo hovering over the ceremony location and basically gawking. Well when you're staying at a villa there is one thing you'll be guaranteed and that is, privacy for your entire celebration. 5) Your Wedding Day is done on YOUR timeline. You don't ever have to compete with any other couple for the best time to host your beachside sunset ceremony or worry about whether your party will run too long. When you're staying at a villa and hosting your wedding on the property, you create your own timeline according to your needs and wants. 6) You typically don't have to worry about an outside vendor fee. At a private villa, you often have the freedom to use the vendors of your choice without penalty. Many resorts on the other hand, will require that you use their preferred vendors, but if you decide to use someone who's not on "the list," then you may have to pay an outside vendor fee and those can be upwards of $500 -- a hefty price to pay if you're trying to create a dream wedding team. When booking a resort, hotel or villa as your wedding venue, always make sure to ask whether there are outside vendor fees ahead of time to ensure that you can use your dream vendor. 7) There is often an option to add-on a butler or chef for the duration of your stay. Yes, not only can you live like kings, if you'd like you often also have the option to be treated like one too. At many villas, there is often the option or inclusion of a butler to help accommodate your every need as well as a chef to ensure you're well fed throughout your stay. Butlers often serve as your personal concierge, making sure that you are enjoying every minute of your stay while also fixing any problems or issues that need to be handled. To find out more about villa options at your ideal destination location, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

When it comes to planning your Indian destination wedding, there are typically three important factors to consider when choosing your perfect destination location and venue. 1) Can the resort accommodate the size of my wedding and the different events we'll be hosting throughout my destination celebration? And if so, will my events be in an area that offers a sense of privacy? Destination weddings can typically be on the smaller side, but when it comes to Indian weddings these celebrations often include larger groups of 100 people or more. So when planning your wedding, couples must determine right away whether the resort/venue has the space to accommodate larger celebrations. Since Indian weddings usually also include events leading up to the wedding day, it's important to also find out if the resort has a variety of areas available to host the all the different ceremonies and celebrations. Once those two factors are considered, couples should ask whether these spaces will also give them a sense of privacy away from the hustle and bustle of other resort-goers and other activities happening on the resort grounds. The Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancun-Riviera Maya is quite a favorite for Indian weddings because of the resort's expansive grounds, which gives couples a plethora of options for the different celebrations and ceremonies such as the Mayian ceremony, Mehndi and Sangeet ceremonies, Choora ceremony, Jugo ceremony and of course all the ceremonial aspects and traditions that occur during the Wedding day and reception. 2) Can my resort/venue provide an Indian food menu? Because Indian destination wedding celebrations typically occurring over the course of several days, food is a key detail couples must consider when planning their festivities. While many resorts do not prepare Indian food on site, and will instead offer cuisine from an off-site caterer, there are resorts such as Moon Palace that are equipped with chefs who are fully trained to prepare Indian food, including use of all the authentic spices and ingredients needed to provide a variety of dishes throughout all the wedding festivities. This may be a key perk for couples who want to ensure that all the food during their events are freshly prepared and readily available for their guests. 3) Are there vendors in the area that can provide the specific cultural services I need for my wedding celebration? While Indian destination weddings have increasingly become more common, there are destination locations that are more popular and accommodating than others in terms providing all the necessities for these types of cultural celebrations. The Cancun-Riviera Maya region is quite popular for Indian destination weddings because the area is blooming with a variety of top-notch vendors who specialize in Indian weddings. In this area couples can easily find officiants, mehndi artists, dhol drummers, caterers, wedding planners and decor stylists. With a series of events happening during an Indian wedding celebration, decor styling teams like LATIN ASIA -- widely considered experts in the Cancun area when it comes to Indian weddings -- are extremely helpful for couples who want to ensure their festivities are decorated with all the beautiful and cultural details needed throughout their wedding celebration. In Cancun-Riviera Maya, you can also find hair/makeup stylists who specialize in Indian weddings -- an important factor for many Indian brides. The Styling Trio, a Hair & Makeup agency representing talented artists in Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, is one of those companies in the area that have trained artists who specialize and cater to brides having an Indian wedding. When it comes to planning a destination wedding, it's always a good idea to reach out to an expert in the area you're looking at -- be it a wedding planner of a travel agent who knows the area well (like Wright Travel Agency which has a group of agents who specialize in destination wedding locations and venues throughout the world) -- because they can help you get started on the right foot as you plan the wedding of your dreams! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

Written by Sakurako Yakushiji the COO and Master Florist & Decor Expert of LATIN ASIA One of the most challenging parts of the wedding planning process is selecting your decor, not only because you may not not have a clear idea of what you want, but also because you may come across “surprises” when it comes to setting aside a decor budget. These days there are so many inspiration photos on Pinterest, Flickr, and Facebook, that brides fall in love with so many ideas, however, your budget may be overwhelmed if you're not well prepared or have the right advice. Therefore, having a professional decor and styling team to assist you through this planning process is a great idea. Here some important factors to keep in mind when it comes in setting your decor budget for your destination wedding in Cancun or the Riviera Maya. Make sure to take some notes! - Natural flowers in tropical weather As we all know Cancun and the Riviera Maya have warm weather most of the year, which is the reason why just a few flowers are cultivated and grown in this region. Therefore the decoration companies have no other choice but to buy the flowers from a wholesaler and they transport the flowers from other cities with more suitable weather, so it can be costly. Having said that, flowers like roses, alstroemerias, lisianthus, daisies, carnations, are affordable and available all year. On the other hand, there is another group of “deluxe” flowers, like for example: dendrobium or phaleanopsis orchids, peonies, Davis Austin roses, Calla lilies, hydrangeas, etc. These could be way more expensive because they are imported, plus they have unsteady availability and are only available on specific months of the year. You may find these flowers in your country accessible and affordable but not in Cancun-Riviera Maya, so don’t be surprised by the costs and availability if you request these type of flowers. - Banquet room or beach wedding? Location and decor go hand in hand. The truth is that the majority of the banquet rooms at the resorts in Cancun and Riviera Maya are very plain, and decorations are a must. But couples are often surprised they see these banquet rooms in person. First of all, most of them have carpet, and lot of brides don’t find the carpet appealing, since they have an old look that doesn’t fit their décor concept and style. Another issue with the banquet rooms is their walls and ceiling, again, they can be considered plain and boring. The real problem comes when you want to decorate the walls, ceiling and floor -- draping is not cheap and is a deluxe decoration that will for sure be the most expensive in your decoration purchase order. Because of the quantity of fabrics you need, the staff to set up and the effort, hours and work that it takes will require a sizeable budget. Now let’s talk about the outdoors venues; a lot of brides love to have their reception on the beach, because they are on the Caribbean! But, they also want to be safe of the rain and wind. If this is the case, then you may want to consider a tent, which can be middle range expensive. If you want tall centerpieces on your beach reception or terrace, you should consider size. If the wind around here is really strong, it can pull over taller flower arrangements -- these are better for a banquet room, and they look more elegant. Another item that you need to consider for an outdoor venue is the ambiance illumination; the hotel normally can provide you with big lights for the area, however, these lights are not for any décor purposes, therefore, you will need hanging lights or lanterns. For an outdoor venue, lighting can be the WOW factor you need for your guests. - Fees for delivery, set-up and transportation Big companies that offer décor for a living and have experience in the market, will often have a warehouse outside the resort to store their inventory. Having said that, all the décor companies have delivery and set-up fees that are applied according to location, size of your wedding and amount of labor charged per trip, since they are not based inside the hotel. Even if the hotel introduces this company, they will charge you. - Outside vendor fees And last but not least, vendors who are not preferred vendors or "in-house" vendors at your resort, may have to pay an outside vendor fee to provide their services at your resort. So when you contact a decoration company be sure to ask them if they are in-house at your resort, and if they don’t then you must determine the outside vendor fee with the hotel. Without paying this fee, your vendor won’t be able to get into your resort and this can really be a mess, so be sure to ask both parties -- your vendor and your hotel -- about this detail. Now you have some tips for setting your decoration budget, look for your concept and style and start to have fun planning your décor! For more information on LATIN ASIA's services, visit their website at: www.weddingcancun.mx or contact the team directly at [email protected] - - - Sakurako Yakushiji, COO, Master Florist & Decor Expert of LATIN ASIA, has impeccable logistics knowledge, extraordinary floral design skills with a Masters degree and international license in Japanese floral art. Having her own Hindu wedding ceremony at Agra India, she and her team understand the deep meaning of what it takes to create a dream Destination Indian wedding regardless being Hindu, Sikh or Ismaili Muslim. Saku has trained people from scratch not only to execute great performances, but to make every member of LATIN ASIA a better person creating new opportunities every day.

After spending eight blissful days at Azul Beach Hotel in Cancun-Riviera Maya this past spring, I am completely convinced that this beautiful all-inclusive resort is the perfect place for a family vacation. Here are five reasons why Azul Beach Hotel is perfect for families looking to get away. 1. Both adult and children have a lot of great options for entertainment. When it comes to the kids, rest assure they will have plenty to keep them busy at Azul Beach. The resort's Nickelodeon Kids Club will keep kids thoroughly entertained be it by the plethora of toys and books or indoor playground, or the fun activities and crafts offered by the kids club staff. Families can also partake in the Nickelodeon breakfast (tickets must be purchased in advance to attend) or perhaps even plan to get slimed Nickelodeon style! Besides the special kids pool and lounge chairs on the south end of the resort, Azul Beach also offers beach toys and games for families to enjoy, including all non-motorized water sports such as kayaks, hobie cat and stand up paddle boards. And after a long day at the beach, there's live entertainment for kids. Think of it as a rave for kids with Spongebob leading the party There are also tons of classes offered throughout the week such as salsa or merengue, yoga, cooking or even Spanish lessons. An activities program is updated weekly for all guests. But Azul Beach isn't just a great getaway for kids, adults have plenty to enjoy at night as well! Live music can be found at the popular Aquanox Bar, where you can indulge in your favorite cocktails and hear the ocean waves nearby. But if you're looking for more once the kids call it a night, check out the Agavero Lounge where you can get a real taste of Mexican tequila! 2. All the restaurants provide expansive menus that also cater to children. Azul Beach's gourmet all-inclusive offerings will have both adults and children looking forward to each meal. Each restaurant on site takes special care to note of any allergies or specific food requirements of its guests while still offering a plentiful menu or incredible options. There is a special kids menu at each eatery full of choices that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. High-chairs are also available throughout the resort for those dining with small children. 3. There are family comforts for everyone. What I really loved about Azul Beach is that they really try to accommodate the needs of all their guests, including small children. Families with small children can have their rooms equipped with a crib, bottle warmer, stroller, stuffed animals, changing table, bath toys, and other necessities for their child. The resort also offers small robes and slippers for kids so they too can feel like they're relaxing in paradise. It's little touches like these that really set this hotel apart in terms of customer service and guests satisfaction. 4. The resort promotes pure relaxation for the whole family. The resort's Vassa Spa doesn't just cater to adults, they also offer spa services for children ages 5 to 17. And if you're looking for more fun in the sun, take a dip in one of the resort's many pools or just sit in the beautiful Caribbean Sea. You can also take a relaxing snooze on one of the king-sized beach beds lined along the shore. If working out is your way of destressing, check out the hotel's Fitness Center, which is equipped with modern and comfortable gym equipment and air conditioning along with flat screen televisions. 5. The concierge can help you with off-site tours and excursions. If you're looking to explore the area outside the hotel grounds a bit more, the hotel concierge can help arrange tours or transportation for you and your family. They'll also give you suggestions on what's best for groups traveling with children of all ages (my personal favorites are: visiting Xel-Ha or Xcaret nature parks, beach-hopping and snorkeling, going on a Camel Safari at Maroma Beach, visiting the incredible Mayan ruins, or taking a stroll through Cancun or Playa del Carmen). Rest assure, if you're in need of tips and ideas on things your family might enjoy -- your personal concierge will provide you with plenty of ideas. For more information about Azul Beach Hotel, or to book your stay at this family-friendly resort, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancun is known for its wide variety of restaurants and eateries, but another excellent perk for guests is the resort's 24-hour room service and fully furnished in-room minibar and liquor dispenser. If you're like me -- not a morning person -- room service is the perfect perk when you want to sleep late, roll out of bed and enjoy breakfast or lunch in your pajamas. My husband also happens to be a late-night snacker, so the ability to order from Moon Palace's expansive 24-hour menu was so convenient during our stay (the grilled steak, shrimp cocktail and chicken lettuce wraps were his personal favorites!). Their 24-room service menu is simply a great option for those who want to drink and dine in the comforts of your own room. And because it's an all-inclusive resort, no fees or costs are involved to order room service. Best of all the service is quick, timely and your food is always served fresh! Another special touch that Moon Palace resort goers will enjoy is the in-room liquor dispenser and minibar. The liquor options include full-sized bottles of tequila, rum, whiskey and vodka. And inside the refrigerator, you'll also find a combination of juices, sodas and water -- so whatever your preference, there's an option for you. The dispensers and beverages are replenished daily, so you are always "fully-stocked!" Rest assure, when it comes to staying at Moon Palace, dining and drinks are readily available 24/7 and you don't even have to step out of your bedroom door to enjoy! For more information on Moon Palace resorts and its services, or to book your stay, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE!

Azul Beach Hotel in Puerto Morelos is not only know for their awesome beach beds located right on the shore, the resort also offers top notch spa services that can take your quest for relaxation to a whole new level. Azul Beach's Vassa Spa gives guests more than just your typical spa treatments, they provide a complete spa experience. Besides being able to lounge and unwind in one of the relaxing warm and cold plunge pools, spa goers can also opt for a Beachfront Sky Massage, or experience a couple’s treatment in one of the spa's double massage cabins. During my recent stay Azul Beach, my husband and I had the opportunity to indulge in an hour-long beachfront sky massage, which takes place under an open-air palapa hovering over the Caribbean Sea, so while you're getting the massage of your life, you can also relax to the soothing sounds of the ocean waves hitting the shore. The spa allows you to schedule appointments for treatments and I didn't have any trouble picking my preferred time slot -- they are quite flexible and accommodating. You can even schedule a moonlight massage if that's what you prefer! Prior to your massage, the spa staff will have you check in and fill out a form to find out what type of massage you prefer while also finding out whether you have any trouble spots or tight areas that need special attention. The experience is customized from beginning to end, with your relaxation and pleasure in mind throughout. I can't say enough about the kindness and professionalism of Vassa Spa's staff, they really go out of their way to ensure that when you walk through their door, you are well taken care of. Getting a massage from one of their trained massage therapists is truly a wonderful experience that one should indulge in during their stay. With hair and makeup options as well as their expansive menu of spa services, Vassa Spa is a great option for brides-to-be and their partners as well as wedding guests. But children can also indulge in different beautifying and calming rituals, such as the Princess for a Day experience. The pampering is open to everyone! Click here for more information about Vassa Spa's treatments, services and prices. And to book your stay at Azul Beach Hotel, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

One of the perks of a destination wedding is the opportunity to really use your unique destination environment as part of the overall decor/setting for your wedding. In other words, showcase that gorgeous beach you're getting married on, or the extraordinary cliffside view where you'll be sharing I Do's. With a destination wedding, you don't need a whole lot of decor to embellish your already beautiful atmosphere. BUT, if you're one of those brides who wants to not only showcase the environment but also bring other decorative elements into your wedding day -- by all means, DO IT! An exciting trend for both weddings and vow renewals these days is incorporating luxurious decor elements with an outdoor setting. Here are a few ways you can bring a touch of chic luxury into your outdoor celebration: 1. Hang a chandelier: bring a little sparkle to your ceremony or reception by hanging a beautiful chandelier up above. It not only will bring some shine to your overall decor but also serves as the perfect focal point to your celebration. 2. Go big on linens and chair covers: Adding gorgeous linens to your table tops or luxurious coverings to your ceremony and reception chairs can make a huge impact on your decor. These are key ways to infuse your wedding colors into your decor but also very practical decor elements. You can also add fabric to your wedding arch or even on the walls to your reception. Go big on fabric to create a glamorous vibe. 3. Use mirrors or reflective pieces: Mirrors and reflective decor not only creates depth, it also can make spaces appear larger and more spacious. Embellished mirrors are great to use for weddings signs and also in table centerpieces. 4. Use decorative pieces throughout as accents and don't hesitate to use diamonds and pearls: Candlesticks, pillows and vases are just a few ways you can make your outdoor space feel more "indoors." Pick unique pieces that you'd typically find in an indoor space and don't think twice about bringing it outside. Also don't be afraid to use pearls and sparkles to accent your decor and other reception elements like napkins, centerpieces and tablescapes. 5. Have an outdoor lounge area: It's not only a great place for your guests to relax during cocktail hour, it's also a space that will give your celebration a cozy feel. Again infuse elaborate fabrics to create a chic lounge area accented by comfy loungers and couches, and don't forget the pillows! Karisma Hotel & Resorts -- which offers some of the most popular destination locations for brides and grooms in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica -- gives couples the choice of several different decor themes in their Memorable Moments Signature Wedding Collections. These decor packages incorporate a plethora of incredible decor tips, including their "Pure Glamour Signature Wedding Package" -- which is the perfect way to give your celebration a touch of luxury by bringing old Hollywood glitz to an elegant tropical locale. Other popular design themes from Karisma include: Vintage Elegance, Coastal Bliss, Colonial Charm. To see a complete list and additional details on Karisma's Memorial Moments Signature Wedding Collections, click here. * All photos credited to: MarieSam Sanchez Photography - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

"Daddy...outside." As my 20 month old baby girl, Brooklyn, patted her eager little hand on our hotel room door, these are the words she excitedly uttered. Mommy had departed early for morning meetings and it was just my peanut companion and I, left to our own devices to explore and enjoy the Sunrise section of Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort. My bubbly, curly haired partner and I put on our swimsuits and headed out into the warm Cancun sun. As we headed poolside, my miniature sidekick quickly let me know where she wanted to stop first. "I hungy, daddy", reassured me that making the Palapa Barracuda our first stop for lunch was not a mistake. After feasting on fresh melt in your mouth grilled fish, crispy chicken fingers, perfectly marinated arrachera and various other scrumptious fare, we decided to head to the Piscina de Ninos (the kid's pool), but not before we were distracted by the screams of excitement coming from boogie boarders and body surfers at the La Terraza Flowrider. The great thing about Moon Palace is that it keeps kids of all ages entertained. The Flowrider in particular is a fun wave pool that the older kids love because it's both challenging and fun. After finally making our way to the Kids Pool, lil Brooklyn approached the colorful crocodile and frog water slides with a look of wonder on her tiny face. Her saucer sized eyes scanned the pool from the castle complete with functioning water cannons to the water bucket suspended above a slide being filled with water and dumped every so often onto ecstatic children eagerly anticipating the shower below. She was anxious and apprehensive, but the energetic sounds of kids frolicking about in the knee high deep water was all she needed to make the courageous entrance into the kiddie pool. The fact that Moon Palace provides kids with their own pool section is great for parents who want to ensure their kids are in a safe environment when it comes to enjoying the water. Plus the kids pool is large and spacious enough to give the little ones enough room to play without feeling too far away from mom and dad. An hour later, Brooklyn was rotating between sipping her first ever virgin strawberry daiquiri, splashing the cool, crystal clear pool water over her head and venturing down the crocodile and frog water slides. My once timid little girl was in love with the kiddie pool and her frozen drink treat was just the icing on the cake. Brooklyn was equally impressed with the Playroom and children's fun zone which is designed for providing kids with the ultimate fun experience. From an incredible playground structure equipped with winding slides, tubes and the genuine look and feel of a real 4 story pirate ship to a massive indoor play area with video games, carousels, fashion room, beauty salon and dollhouse area. Getting Brooklyn to leave was almost like pulling teeth as her attention was completely taken by the laundry list of activities offered including Jenga and Xbox tournaments, balloon sculpting, cooking, pinata making and mask making classes. The plethora of exciting activities will surely keep any kid enthralled for hours on end. Luckily, my ace in the hole to lure my lil kiddo away from the endless fun was the poolside personal pizza oven and the mouth watering selection of ice cream delights at the 24 hour ice cream bar. It was the perfect way to end a fun filled day of activities, swimming, eating and drinking for my sidekick and I. The only thing left to do was to return to our spacious and AC chilled hotel room and rest our weary bodies with a nice afternoon nap. My tiny bambino gladly closed her eyes, with her tummy full of ice cream, and a wide smile on her face. "I love this place" is what I believe went through the mind of our 20-month-old when we walked the beautiful expansive grounds of the Moon Palace Resort. Spending the day with my little one on the Moon Palace grounds, while Mommy was busy with work, gave me the chance to make awesome memories with my daughter that I'll remember for a lifetime. Moon Palace is the perfect place for families looking for a relaxing getaway with top notch accommodations and amenities to keep both adults and children happy and busy.

Written by Sakurako Yakushiji the COO and Master Florist & Decor Expert of LATIN ASIA Imagine yourself choosing your decoration, your bouquet, your invitations, flowers for the centerpieces (among other things), and you close your eyes. How do you see your wedding? What do you envision? Nothing!?! Perhaps it's because you haven't yet defined the right theme colors that will give you your dream wedding -- a complete vision of knowing what everything will look like. A vision that you will only get by choosing the right color and vibe to your wedding. I personally think that choosing your color palette is the next thing to do, right after you set the wedding date. The next big step that will define your wedding is choosing the right colors for your celebration because it will help you create the perfect wedding. Choosing the right color for your wedding gives you the chance to be creative and to set free the inner artist that we all have inside us and with each year's new color trends there is so much to play with. Once you pick your colors, you'll quickly discover that been creative is just the beginning of this exciting journey called wedding planning. Here are some of this year's most popular color trends -- a variety of daring and fun colors that will let you add your personal touch and uniqueness to your own wedding celebration. Let the fun begin! SPRING WEDDING COLOR TRENDS Natural Organic (Tropic, classic gray, Rain & Ivory) Now that the organic theme weddings are in, here are the perfect palette colors that will let you play and combine with the natural and elegant look. Brides like to choose these tones especially when it comes to picking their bouquet and/or centerpieces. So think in orchids, baby's breath, dustin miller, and succulents. Sunny Love (Tangerine, Pumpkin, Butter & Sage) I really think this palette was created with destination weddings in mind! If you are looking for fun colors that will allow you to get the best of your destination wedding by honoring the sun and still convey the touch of an organic wedding, look no more, this color combo is just for you! New Romance (Classic Blue, Dusk, Carnation & Silver) This color palette will allow you to integrate colors that will be suitable for him and still keep the feminine touch with the help of the blush tone. It brings the best of both worlds together by creating an elegant and romantic ambience. WINTER WEDDING COLOR TRENDS Glamour (Gold, Champagne, White & Custom Tan) With this combination, I can envision a wedding full of glamour and different decor options that will allow your wedding be a huge success even with minimum details. From elegant bridesmaid dresses to incredible reception tables, these colors will help create a glamorous environment. Daring (Black, Strawberry, White & Sage) Now these are very daring colors that will truly create a very passionate and unique vibe. Don't get confused with this palette thinking you might create a dark wedding, rather, think of it as very romantic and sexy colors that will go great with a final touch of a red lipstick! Blossom (Lavender, White, Sugar & Slate) This romantic combination will allow you to mix vintage with romanticism with a very rustic look and vibe. Again it is a palette that can be equally appreciated by the groom and the bride. Let your imagination fly! One of the amazing things about working in the wedding industry is that you are constantly moving forward. LATIN ASIA is always evolving and working to create new things that will let you personalized your destination wedding. Want to know what do we have in store for next year? Contact us at [email protected] and we will guide and help you discover the right color palette for you! For more information on LATIN ASIA's services, visit their website at: www.weddingcancun.mx or contact the team directly at [email protected] - - - Sakurako Yakushiji, COO, Master Florist & Decor Expert of LATIN ASIA, has impeccable logistics knowledge, extraordinary floral design skills with a Masters degree and international license in Japanese floral art. Having her own Hindu wedding ceremony at Agra India, she and her team understand the deep meaning of what it takes to create a dream Destination Indian wedding regardless being Hindu, Sikh or Ismaili Muslim. Saku has trained people from scratch not only to execute great performances, but to make every member of LATIN ASIA a better person creating new opportunities every day.

Question: Is it necessary for me to get a hair & makeup trial done before the Wedding Day? Answer: According to Styling Trio, a premier Hair & Makeup Agency in Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen: "We often get asked by brides if a trial run before the wedding is really necessary. As part of the Styling Trio team here in Mexico, I started working on this piece a few weeks ago and decided to visit a few brides on their wedding day who had had trial runs days before and ask them this question. I knew my answer was YES, simply based on how the hair and makeup artists' minds work but I wanted to get insight from actual brides. Some of my favorite answers from brides were: “Not having a trial was never an option!” and “You wouldn’t book a photographer without looking at their work?” And they are so right! Even though nowadays it's real easy to see the work of a hair and makeup artist via their social media profiles or on a website, but the reality is every bride is different. We're all unique in this world and good artists know that not every technique works for every client. Artists may have their mark and a particular style but it’s definitely not a “copy-paste” situation. One thing I see among brides that have had a trial run is that on their wedding day, their hair and makeup is always better ... ALWAYS! Let’s not forget that we are working with creative perfectionist-types (i.e. hair and makeup artists), and after a trial run, their minds will still be working and thinking how can they make it better. The good news is, they have another opportunity to make it perfect. The second time around, the artists know the recipe for your hair and makeup and know exactly what to do and what not to do to create their masterpiece. The trial is also essential because when the big day comes, artists have to stay on schedule and therefore the time frame to finish may be shorter, but by then, they already know what they plan to do and so it streamlines the process. Trial runs are also great for creating good energy and an easy going vibe for the wedding day because by then, everyone has already met and knows one another. This tends to put brides at ease and make it more comfortable, and believe me, when you're relaxed, it helps your hair and makeup look flawless and getting ready will be fun and easy! I know that a trial run is not an option for all brides because of busy schedules or perhaps the budget doesn’t allow for it, so in the event you decide not to or can't have a trial, don’t worry! My advice is to go through the artist’s social media and view pictures of his/her work. If you like what you see, then I wouldn’t be worried about them doing a good job on your wedding day. The photos they post are an excellent representation of their work. The only thing that you will need on your wedding day is good communication and patience! This helps keep both you and the artist relaxed so they can do their very best for you. The artists always want to make sure you’re happy but it may take a little extra time to achieve the perfect look, so be sure to factor in this additional time needed either before the ceremony or before your photographer comes to shoot the "bride getting ready" photos. All the brides I met looked absolutely gorgeous. Samira, the bride featured in the photos in this post, was one of them. She scheduled the hair and makeup trial on the day of her welcome dinner party and after the trial run, the artists changed her hair and makeup so she had a different look for the evening's dinner. My advice is to take advantage of the trial and book it before the rehearsal dinner or Sangeet or even for a pre-wedding photoshoot!" Styling Trio is a Hair & Makeup agency representing talented artists in Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Adrian Guerra founded Styling Trio in 2009, with a clear vision and a fantastic team behind him, the agency is the premier choice for brides searching for the best hair stylists and makeup artists in the Riviera Maya. For more information on Styling Trio's hair and makeup services, visit their website at: www.stylingtrio.com - - - If you have a question you'd like us to "Ask the Expert" message me (MarieSamSanchezPhoto) and we'll feature your question and answer on a future post! "Ask the Expert" features commonly asked questions by brides and grooms with answers and insight provided by our very own Best Destination Wedding Forum experts.

Have you ever had a meal that was so good it literally made you want to cry tears of joy? Well that's pretty much how I felt while dining at Azul Beach Hotel's premier restaurant "Latino" this past April. Honestly, it was the first time I've heard my husband say, "I've never been this sad that my plate's empty" after he devoured his meal. And trust me, we have eaten plenty of delicious meals and we have the bellies to show for it Latino is one of five restaurants at the gourmet all-inclusive resort in Cancun-Riviera Maya, Mexico. And when I say they do everything well here, I seriously mean EVERYTHING. Nothing came out of that kitchen during the two times we dined there that I didn't absolutely love. The servers here will start you off with a deliciously fresh salad topped with mango dressing followed by a platter of "Latin Bites," which features a variety of appetizers made from different Latin American countries, such as Colombia, Valenzuela, Argentina and Mexico. Because Azul Beach is all-inclusive, we decided to splurge a bit and also try their tuna tartar and empanadas -- again, they did not disappoint because everything here is prepared to perfection. To satiate our thirst, our wonderful server suggested we try their special sangria lemonade and mango sangria. Let's just say, sangria has now become my new drink of choice The sangria here is absolutely exquisite. This portion of the meal alone will send your tastebuds into heaven, but it's just the precursor for the main course of your choosing. As big meat eaters, we opted for the highly-touted rib eye steak and tequila lime shrimp, both of which came with a side of grilled vegetables and mashed potatoes. This is where my meal basically brought tears to my eyes. It's honestly the best steak I've ever had in my life, cooked exactly the way I like and full of flavor. The shrimp was fresh and side dishes were just as incredible -- it was the perfect compliment to the steak, which I later learned is imported from Canada. As an all-inclusive resort, Azul Beach is focused on providing top notch quality food and flavors to its diners. So how do you top off a fantastic meal? With extraordinary desserts of course! Although we came into Latino during the last 45 minutes of the restaurant's hours, our server encouraged us to complete our meal with one of their speciality desserts. So with bellies already quite satiated, we topped off our wonderful meal with tres leches cake, churros and hot chocolate. Let's just say, I wish I could have put a dozen of those churros in my pocket to take home with me. It was a divine way to end a meal that my family and I still talk about till this day. YES, our meal at Azul Beach Hotel's Latino was THAT GOOD. The servers here are friendly and personable and if you want a combination of two dishes (say, surf and turf?), just ask and they shall provide. When you come to this resort, the staff is here to please and they want nothing more than for you to walk away with a dining experience that you will fondly remember for years. Latino is a great dinner spot for large groups but if you want a quiet evening with just your sweetheart, it's ideal for that too. The ambience is chic and serene and the food is impeccable. Latino bistro is a vibrant celebration of food, energy and music, culinary preparations from the Southern tip of the Americas up to the Northern part of Mexico. Refreshing and unpretentious, Latino is the perfect place for family celebration with enticing meals including an impressive kids menu. The restaurant serves a la carte dinner services from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.