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wedding blog + planning guide for creative weddings | inspiration for DIY Brides

Brenda's Wedding Blog is your online resource for planning your dream elegant wedding. Helping you find the "wow" in weddings.

Posts tagged unique weddings
3 Truly Unique Wedding Experiences in Jamaica

Happy Friday and welcome to the last of our series on Jamaica! We hope you've been enjoying following with our destination wedding and honeymoon highlights in the Montego Bay area thus far {see Part 1 and Part 2 here}. We've got a few more to share with you today, and then some fun eye candy to share with you next week on facebook {follow us here so you don't miss it}, courtesy of some of Jamaica's best wedding vendors.

In our last post we explored some of the really wonderful all-inclusive resorts that would be perfect for your extra-relaxing honeymoon, or your easy-going destination wedding. But, if you are looking for a truly unique experience in Jamaica - something a little more personalized and with as many options as you can dream up - we've got some great choices for you!

If you like the convenience of a resort but without the all-inclusive package, and access to more amenities, the Half Moon is the place for you. The property is so vast that you'll need to check out a bicycle or hop on a golf cart to get around! But, at the Half Moon there is everything you could need - stunning ceremony locations, 4 and 5 star restaurants available for your private reception, a golf course, an equestrian center, and an award-winning spa available to pamper newlyweds and bridal parties alike. The rooms and suites are set up cottage-style so you don't have to worry about having too many neighbors bothering you, and for larger groups, the Half Moon also has 2 cottages and several villas available. Perhaps one of the crowning glories of the Half Moon are their over-water cabins which can be requested for spa services. It doesn't get more blissful than having a relaxing massage to the sound of the waves, and should you choose, a glass of wine or even a candle-lit dinner to follow. If you are truly looking to pamper yourself, or splurge a little on the Caribbean wedding of your dreams, the Half Moon is truly a special place!
Have you dreamed of having your wedding ceremony on a secluded property, with just you and your guests? Have you ever wanted to take a trip that included a personal chef? Well, I'm sure one of the Villas by Linda Smith will be the perfect choice for you! With over 25 properties in the inventory, ranging from 1 to 9 bedrooms, there's something that will fit everyone's taste and budget. Each property has, at minimum, either a pool or a beachfront location (many have both!), as well as a chef and/or housekeeper. Some include admission to larger resort properties, giving guests access to golf courses, restaurants and beach clubs. These villas are cozy, comfortably and tastefully decorated, and very well-appointed with things like wi-fi and flatscreen TVs. And, the staff chef will prepare whatever you like! However, I'd recommend requesting some local specialties like pumpkin soup and this spectacular lobster dish. The villas can be rented for week-long stays or more, either for group or family vacations or wedding parties - some properties can accommodate weddings of up to 150 guests. With reasonable rates, you can host your guests and celebrate your wedding festivities with them all week long in your own private piece of heaven at the Villas by Linda Smith.
And finally, for a wedding you can truly make your own, consider hosting your ceremony and reception at one of the area's great houses. These large estates {many of which were former sugar plantations} are available to host private events. Many of these properties have sweeping and spectacular views of Montego Bay like the Greenwood Great House we visited, and beautiful gardens and lush grounds to provide a stunning backdrop for your wedding. You have many options to choose your caterers, entertainment, lighting, ceremony set-up and reception style to have a truly personalized experience! The great houses in Jamaica offer the intimate feel of hosting your wedding at villa but at a beautiful, historic venue that can become a canvas for your creativity.
Whether you're looking for an intimate destination wedding venue, a luxurious honeymoon or even trying to plan your next family vacation . . . Jamaica has something for everyone. We hope you have fallen in love with Jamaica as much as we have and that you've booked your tickets already! Now that you've checked that off your list, we've got one last treat for you. Stay tuned for some great Jamaica-infused destination wedding inspiration and eye candy that will be happening over on our facebook page next week. Be sure to * like us on facebook * if you haven't already so you will not miss great decor, flowers, gowns, and more . . . basically everything you'll need to make your day one to remember in Jamaica.
5 Ways to Make Your Winery Wedding Unique

I'm thrilled to have Stacy of Bel Vino Winery {located in Temecula California}, joining us today on the blog to take a look at five ways you can transform your winery wedding from the traditional wine themed wedding into something that fits you as a couple and is gorgeous and unique for your guests. I now turn the blog over to Stacy . . .

5 ways to make your Winery Wedding Unique

Whether set at an East-coast, Napa or Temecula winery, it seems as though every winery themed wedding provides a glamorous, yet rustic charm to each and every wedding. As we know, vineyard wedding locations can dramatically affect the style of wedding a bride selects but with many wineries and vineyard weddings looking similar, how do you make your winery wedding unique?

Idea Number 1: Think Outside the Box

Most winery weddings use corks, wine bottles and wine crates as part of their décor but lately it seems as though that is all vineyard weddings consist of. What if instead we created multi-level hors d'oeuvre styled centerpieces? Think outside the box with an assortment of cheese, crackers and grapes as table centerpieces. This would create an intimate, personalized and new way for wedding guests to enjoy cocktail hour food, socialize and enjoy the centerpieces at a whole new level.

The above photo showcases what we mean. But instead of cheeses, crackers
and grapes, this fun table display used the centerpiece to share delicious
sushi (but you get the idea). Photo courtesy of from My Favorite Flowers







 
  No…

The above photo showcases what we mean. But instead of cheeses, crackers and grapes, this fun table display used the centerpiece to share delicious sushi (but you get the idea). Photo courtesy of from My Favorite Flowers

Idea Number 2: Change the Venue

When I write to change the venue, I don’t mean to stray away from a winery but to look into other room options than the traditional tasting/barrel room or veranda deck overlooking the vines. What if instead, you had your wedding among the vines themselves? While it would be a more outdoorsy and casual setting, it would absolutely provide a change of scenery from a typical vineyard wedding and set your wedding apart as unique.

A Jonathan Edwards Winery wedding among the vines | photo by Robert Norman Photography

A Jonathan Edwards Winery wedding among the vines | photo by Robert Norman Photography

Idea Number 3: Go Monochromatic

While wine country weddings make us think of rich reds, deep purples and wood tones (which are always lovely), why not change things up with a monochromatic winery theme? Instead of reds, utilize the white wines with their rich champagne tones as inspiration. Crème/gold linens, ghost chairs (clear acrylic), gold plating and white flowers will add glamour, while the monochromatic style will be one-of-a-kind and stylish.

Idea Number 4: Think Industrial

Warehouse weddings with industrial tones are becoming more common for the modern bride so why not implement a love of wine and urban landscapes by requesting to have your wedding in the processing room? Most wineries have large stainless steel tanks, vaulted ceilings and industrial equipment in their processing room which would be made beautiful with the right selection of table linens, centerpieces and more. Plus, having a wedding here would definitely be different from any other winery/vineyard wedding we’ve ever seen before.

Fermentation Room of the Ventolera Winery in Chile | photo by Cristobal Palma

Fermentation Room of the Ventolera Winery in Chile | photo by Cristobal Palma

Idea Number 5: Make it More Than an Event

If you are considering an intimate wedding of less than 100 guests, why not make it more than an event with a tasting? Guests can celebrate your nuptials and learn about the proper way to drink wine, find their new favorite and truly have a great time. You’ll have an intimate time with those closest to you and your special day will be different than any other winery wedding anyone has ever been too. For a less expensive option that includes a high guest count, you could also utilize the large amount of space many vineyards have by having lawn games or other entertainment.

Rustic Chic Wine Tasting Wedding

Making Your Winery Wedding Distinctive

With so many winery weddings looking similar, you can make yours distinctive by thinking outside the box, changing the color scheme or thinking of wine as an industry. Would you add any of these ideas to your winery destination wedding? What are the ways you are or have made your wedding distinctive from other weddings which may be considered similar? Share your thoughts in the comments.

About the Author
Stacey Waldron loves to discuss weddings and is an expert on wine country weddings since she is the Internet Marketing Director for Bel Vino Winery located in Temecula California.

Top 3 Unique Wedding Ceremony Accessories

For the bride and groom looking to add an extra special touch to their wedding ceremony, you will love these unique ceremony accessories from Daisy Days.

god's knot - cord of three strands

God's Knot is a unique piece that symbolizes the joining of two lives into one with God being the religious foundation. This wedding accessory was inspired by the Bible verse in Ecclesiastes 4:12 - "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." It's a great alternative to the unity candle and particularly ideal for ceremonies where candles or sand are not allowed. The bride and groom will braid the Cord of Three Strands together during their ceremony. The cords symbolize the union of God, husband and wife.

love letter exchange ceremony box

Preserve your commitments to one another with the Love Letter Exchange Ceremony Box Set. Lock away inside your heartfelt letters that encapsulate your thoughts and feelings to reveal them again several years into your marriage. It's a unique way to celebrate your love for one another.

red rose ceremony wedding set

The Red Rose Ceremony Wedding Set is a visual representation of the love the Bride and Groom have for each other. The rose ceremony is super versatile and can be customized for your family situation or personal preferences. There's no rules with this ceremony set, just some guidelines to assist you in the creation of the most meaningful wedding ceremony possible.

Tomato Wedding Ideas + Menu Inspiration for your Guests

I love when I come across unique ideas and beautiful inspiration boards. This one from Mayra of In Flight is truly inspiring and such a great idea. I also love how the inspiration for the board started when she was looking thru the latest issue of Cooking Light. See inspiration really can come from anywhere - and it's so important to remember this. When you feel like you're drawing a blank when planning your wedding or a party, simply look elsewhere and sometimes something magical can happen. Tomatoes are such a fun theme for weddings and even bridal showers. Not only are the reds. oranges, yellows and greens spectacular together, but just think of all the amazing food choices you could offer your guests. Below I share some of my favorite menu options with you, along with a great idea for incorporating tomatoes into your table numbers.

original post with credits can be found here

photo source: Southern Weddings, credit Eric Kelley Photography

One idea I'm loving is arranging tomatoes in bowls or in the ceramic farmer's market baskets and then adding in markers that let your guests know the table number {here the markers identify the tomato type}. You could showcase different types of tomatoes for each table if there is enough variety where you live, or they can all be the same. Then, after the wedding, the tomatoes can easily be made into tomato sauce. And, if you are looking for menu options that involve tomatoes - how about these choices for an appetizer, salad and main course?

Appetizer: Wouldn't it be fun to serve your guests tomato soup in shooter glasses with triangle wedges of grilled cheese? 

source: Wedding Bells {courtesy of Enchanted Dream Weddings}

Salad: Serving your guests bright colors with an heirloom tomato salad will certainly make them super happy. And, you can serve it on a toasted piece of rustic bread to serve as the crouton.

source: Brides

Main Course: Can't go wrong with mixing it up a bit and serving guests a slice of tomato pie for dinner.

source: Southern Weddings, credit Eric Kelley Photography