tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14395998691940746352024-03-14T02:24:40.047-04:00Long Dogz MomSuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10038141281581102615noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439599869194074635.post-50376906003192498372016-01-25T21:14:00.004-05:002016-01-25T21:21:42.420-05:00Reviewing SECRETS SILVERSANDS, Puerto Morelos in Mexico's Riviera Maya - April 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is a belated review ... I thought I had already written a review for Secrets Silversands, but either I did and somehow deleted it, or just forgot completely! Lots of real life stuff has distracted me from this blog for ages, but I'm set to try to catch up again now...<br />
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We decided to try Secrets Silversands for our 25th wedding Anniversary (the "silver" anniversary - so I thought it would be appropriate) - April 2013 The decor looked so modern and different compared to where we had been before (Royal Beach and Capri), and I was really curious to see what it was like.<br />
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There was no issues with the flight or check-in. The lobby is gorgeous...all mirrors and silver fish <br />
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with seating along one side. <br />
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There are shops down the hallways left and right of the main lobby area where you can buy souvenirs or snacks, sunscreen, etc.<br />
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Across from the entry doors on the other side of the lobby, there's a winding metal staircase that goes down to the lobby bar area - very mod decor, with Coco Cafe and most of the restaurants on this level.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Directly outside the doors off the lobby bar is another bar with seating:</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">We turned to the left and passed the wedding gazebo, which is very close to the lobby and outside bar and just to the side of the main walkway, which I thought was kind of a strange place for it. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Not very private and kind of noisy with the bar and outdoor seating area right there, but it's a very pretty gazebo when all lit up at night. We saw a lot of weddings the week we were there - I'll post some pics further down that show them decorating the chairs as they got ready for some weddings.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">We were shown to our room and we had a banner on the door saying Happy Anniversary</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"> and the room was decorated with rose petals! It was such a nice surprise! </span><br />
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And there was also a chilled bottle of champagne, some fresh flowers and some fruit, alongwith a nice letter welcoming us to the resort and congratulating us on our anniversary.<br />
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We had decided to try a swimup room. We chose non-Preferred Club and ended up in a nice quiet spot across from the side of the Spa which was just fine with me. We like quiet and relaxing, so being farther away from all the noise and activity of the main pool and restaurants was just fine with us!<br />
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Unlike some of the swimouts I've seen, this one had grass between the room and the pool, and there was no steps down into the pool from our back patio. That did make getting in and out a little difficult if you didn't feel like swimming down to some steps that were further away a few units down from us.<br />
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We absolutely loved the swimout, especially as the beach wasn't really swimmable (too rocky, even with water shoes). The water was refreshing and Mercedes, who was our regular (and wonderful) server, would bring drinks or snacks (like chips and pica de gallo and guacamole) right to our patio! This is our our swimout pool looking towards the right and left, with the Spa directly across.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KegzPodU03c/Vqat4RXLaxI/AAAAAAAABw4/Vq92yGFwae8/s1600/SAM_1303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KegzPodU03c/Vqat4RXLaxI/AAAAAAAABw4/Vq92yGFwae8/s320/SAM_1303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qwdLb6kbTY/Vqazd0gRcXI/AAAAAAAAByE/tP2ujALhFoQ/s1600/12476757_534202603408072_1959034866_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qwdLb6kbTY/Vqazd0gRcXI/AAAAAAAAByE/tP2ujALhFoQ/s320/12476757_534202603408072_1959034866_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>The grounds are gorgeous and well landscaped. There are many little rivers for the swimouts in various units, as well as a main pool and an infinity pool that looks out to the ocean. The <span style="text-align: left;">rooms are very large (largest room we've ever had at any resort), with a luxurious whirlpool tub and marble shower and bathroom, as well as all the usual amenities. The bed is super comfortable and we had no trouble getting Wi-fi in the room.</span></div>
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A lot of the hallways between sections are open with thatched roofs, like this one:<br />
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I loved our room. Here are some pictures of the room without all the rose petals for distraction...</div>
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The whirlpool tub... the shower<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">The above photo is looking back towards our room which is around the curve following the river...our room is on the right hand side. The Spa is the lower building on the left side of the picture. This is walking from our room back towards the main lobby. </span></div>
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The white balls you see everywhere are lights that are lit up at night with various colours. It's very pretty.<br />
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On the way to see the beach...past the infinity pool swimouts, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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and past the main pool on the left with Oceana and Seaside Grill sitting overtop of the pool (the white roof in the lower picture), one restaurant per side. It was very pretty but if the pool was full of loud, drunk people, it could be extremely noisy trying to eat your lunch if you were seated right next to the pool. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And finally...the beach!! </div>
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, but the sandbag in the water to try to prevent erosion (I assume) was rather unsightly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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, although it did give the birds a place to land...like this Anhinga <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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who spent quite a bit of time sitting on it, drying it's feathers out (it is a bird that actually swims under the water, except for its head and neck that stick out and look rather like a snake, as it attempts to catch fish! Really cool to see! We also saw a lot of brown pelicans landing on it).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The beach was great for lying out sunbathing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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...but swimming was impossible. It was very rocky and you literally could not walk out without falling or almost falling from all the uneven parts and sharp rocks, even with water shoes. We gave it a try, but found that it was just too rocky and jagged to even wade. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We quickly fell into a routine of spending a few hours in the morning, after breakfast, sunbathing on the beach, sipping cocktails and just relaxing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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, We'd listen to the surf, and watch the birds catching fish, then we'd go back to our swimout to swim, which was lovely and refreshing! Then we'd shower, change into some fresh clothing and decide where to go for lunch. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qkhe0_1gn28/Vqa-h670xNI/AAAAAAAAB1s/r8qzuoAD9io/s1600/12482827_534202236741442_378880873_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qkhe0_1gn28/Vqa-h670xNI/AAAAAAAAB1s/r8qzuoAD9io/s320/12482827_534202236741442_378880873_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>The breakfast buffet was wonderful...lots of selection and delicious food, friendly and attentive servers. We ate there every day until the morning we left when we had a champagne breakfast in our room. Most of the restaurants we tried were great. We both thought the food and selection was top notch, even at lunch! Lots of yummy choices...<br />
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My husband also loved the Coco Cafe just off the lower lobby near the bar. Yummy hot and cold coffee creations and snacks...<br />
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Oceana and Seaside Grill were both great for lunch, as well as open for dinner, and almost everything we tried was delicious...<br />
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Ceviche - my husband's favourite! He was a happy man!<br />
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Himitsu, the Asian cuisine, was so good that we ended up eating there twice ... the decor was incredible and the food...YUM! Everything I tried, I loved!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbeexL4u9yA/Vqa_rTuY3tI/AAAAAAAAB3M/aa65RK_JyBE/s1600/SAM_1438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbeexL4u9yA/Vqa_rTuY3tI/AAAAAAAAB3M/aa65RK_JyBE/s640/SAM_1438.JPG" width="640" /></a> And El Patio, the Mexican restaurant was incredible. The LOVED the decor...the tree with metal lanterns was amazing, and the food was really good. We had hoped to go back here on our last night, but unfortunately that night they were closed. :-(<br />
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French restaurant was our least favourite, but still good food...just not as many things on the menu that appealed to us. We didn't try Oceana for dinner.<br />
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After dinner, there was plenty of entertainment from live music in the lobby to shows every night. Our favourite thing to do was go to the lobby to watch the lady make specialty coffees... you picked your favourite liqueur and then she would put on this amazing show while making your coffee. And at the end...yum!<br />
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We also used the Spa services during the week we were there. It was okay. I didn't like the Spa here as much as the other Secret resorts...<br />
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The hydrotherapy circuit was outside. My husband tried it while I got a pedicure.<br />
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We are beach people, and we like to swim in the ocean, so it's unlikely that we will come back here, but we did have a nice time and the food was great!<br />
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During the week we decided to go on a trip snorkeling the cenotes amd Xel-ha, a natural aquarium where the fresh and salt water meet, as well as swimming and snorkeling at Akumal Bay with the sea turtles. We originally booked a trip through the airline rep but I wasn't happy when I found out the next day that the brochure we were given was for a different tour company than the one we were actually booked with. The company that came to pick us up did not have any prescription snorkel masks (something that the company in the brochure we were given when we booked DID have) and I'm virtually blind without my glasses on, and didn't bring contacts. We didn't discover this until we were on board the bus and picking up more people, and I was very upset...this was our first time snorkeling and I was excited but I knew that without a prescription mask, I would see nothing but blurs under the water. When we stopped to pick up more people at Maroma, we decided to go back to Silversands. I was in tears and my husband was upset that I was upset. We took at taxi back and he called the rep who booked our trip and made it clear that we were not happy with the switch in companies, and after much argument, she refunded us the amount for the tour that we had paid. We then checked online for a well reviewed Tour on Tripadvisor and saw Edventure Tours. My husband called them from our hotel room, told them what had happened and explained that we wanted to try to book something with them. Bonnie, who answered the phone, was wonderful. We booked a private tour (there was originally one other couple but they wanted to go see Tulum instead of snorkeling the cenotes, so we got to go all by ourselves with the guide)! The cost was not much different than what we had paid for the original tour and they had prescription masks!!! yay!!! http://www.edventuretours.com.mx/<br />
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Long story short, it was AMAZING! The highlight of our trip! We went to a cenote cave system first called Dos Ojos. My husband is a weak swimmer and neither of us had snorkeled before, but Danny, our guide was great. He led us through the cave system and into a huge Bat Cave, taking lots of pictures along the way and pointing out various things of interest! You can read more about the Dos Ojos cenote, cavern and cave system here: http://www.cenotedosojos.com/cenote_info.htm. Here's a bit of what it says:<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma";">The name Dos Ojos is Spanish for two eyes, and refers to two neighboring cenotes which connect into a very large cavern zone shared between the two. These two cenote appear like two large eyes into the underground. Some of the underwater cave were featured in an IMAX Film in 2002, Journey Into Amazing Caves. Parts of the Hollywood 2006 movie The Cave was filmed in the Dos Ojos cave system. However this movie really sucked.</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma";">Water temperature is 24 to 25 °C (77 Fahrenheit) throughout the year and the maximum depth near the Dos Ojos Cenotes is approximately 10 m (33 feet). The water is exceptionally clear. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma";">There are a few varieties of fish living in the cavern and two types of freshwater shrimp. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma";">Their is also a Bat Cave that you surface in to see the bats" </span></span></i><br />
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After that we went to Akumal Bay to snorkel with the sea turtles and see the coral. It was incredible and we could have stayed there all day. The beach was gorgeous and sandy and clear.<br />
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Then we went for lunch and after lunch to Yal Ku Lagoon. It was an amazing place filled with paths through a jungle type foliage and wonderful sculptures. The water was clear and filled with colourful fish of all kinds! What's nice is that it's not deep...only about 6 feet at its deepest, and calm and has stairs and platforms for easy entrance and exits, so it was perfect for beginners like us. Danny went in with us for a while and then told us to stay in and explore as long as we wanted. We had a wonderful time and Edventures was the best! We will definitely book with them again in the future!<br />
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Suzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10038141281581102615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439599869194074635.post-70865612508167167292014-11-20T15:31:00.001-05:002014-11-20T15:50:58.452-05:00Oh The Places You'll Go! ~ A Dr. Seuss Inspired Wedding!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vAaU3d2y-Lw/VG5KCtFnM4I/AAAAAAAABt0/ZhSAJ6x7KPA/s1600/e4979d3e77a08157186add4407f30fb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
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Who doesn't love Dr. Seuss. Not only are his books full of wisdom, but they are wonderfully strange, colourful and guaranteed to make people smile!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTNu_FQG8cc/VG4LDHI70-I/AAAAAAAABr8/rD-BU12qbkY/s1600/fef5c7e6ad64073848005ea9e52583f6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTNu_FQG8cc/VG4LDHI70-I/AAAAAAAABr8/rD-BU12qbkY/s1600/fef5c7e6ad64073848005ea9e52583f6.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://offbeatbride.com/2014/03/dr-seuss-wedding-philadelphia</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wMCeZMx1TI/VG4FM4NiMzI/AAAAAAAABqQ/9-cgYTwHdzM/s1600/b62560d7b7019cb5fe8e32b7ccb1443d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
Not a typical wedding theme, for sure, but one that can be delightfully quirky and charming for a couple that is free-spirited and prepared to have fun and a little silliness on their special day. Vivid colours, and wonderfully strange and unusual things like goldfish bowl centerpieces filled with red and blue gummy fish (or a live goldfish), and candy-floss looking Truffula trees. Tables named after well-known books and Thing 1 and Thing 2 cupcakes for dessert. The possibilities are endless!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDlvPOBXxvY/VG4FNYxiwrI/AAAAAAAABpc/yxqqyu01DQE/s1600/c1f207d697bcf855019c972d987c5bcd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDlvPOBXxvY/VG4FNYxiwrI/AAAAAAAABpc/yxqqyu01DQE/s1600/c1f207d697bcf855019c972d987c5bcd.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://ruffledblog.com/dr-seuss-wedding-inspiration/</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206989877/</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PC7oww_fjcY/VG4LDDoCQqI/AAAAAAAABro/7YjRbihmr6c/s1600/f866976fee75267dc9572131716f5e7c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PC7oww_fjcY/VG4LDDoCQqI/AAAAAAAABro/7YjRbihmr6c/s1600/f866976fee75267dc9572131716f5e7c.jpg" height="314" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://greenweddingshoes.com/dr-seuss-inspired-wedding-christine-bill-part-2/</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VRHZYQVqhp4/VG4LCHbrryI/AAAAAAAABsE/L9VIOC4pLYs/s1600/28b375f618c3c0006bd22db7e378c834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VRHZYQVqhp4/VG4LCHbrryI/AAAAAAAABsE/L9VIOC4pLYs/s1600/28b375f618c3c0006bd22db7e378c834.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.gwynnwassondesigns.com/2012/03/tips-hints-lorax-party-truffula-tree.html</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.gwynnwassondesigns.com/2012/03/tips-hints-lorax-party-truffula-tree.html</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-riCgXGw--JY/VG4FMEeE7SI/AAAAAAAABqc/Sb--gZOcxHU/s1600/33b58f4e76be9a48bd791bc49fe57f8d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-riCgXGw--JY/VG4FMEeE7SI/AAAAAAAABqc/Sb--gZOcxHU/s1600/33b58f4e76be9a48bd791bc49fe57f8d.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/1STOPPARTY</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwcVRDFER8A/VG4FNLb1viI/AAAAAAAABpk/3Q3HOYEC55o/s1600/b90092355947ed30e36fdee1cbc048c6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwcVRDFER8A/VG4FNLb1viI/AAAAAAAABpk/3Q3HOYEC55o/s1600/b90092355947ed30e36fdee1cbc048c6.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://offbeatbride.com/2014/03/dr-seuss-wedding-philadelphia</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://greenweddingshoes.com/dr-seuss-inspired-wedding-christine-bill-part-2/</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cFGzYIz-cHw/VG5CfA4rKiI/AAAAAAAABss/4gOGoq1TzBY/s1600/e1e98971e276fae8abccf4dbf16b94af.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cFGzYIz-cHw/VG5CfA4rKiI/AAAAAAAABss/4gOGoq1TzBY/s1600/e1e98971e276fae8abccf4dbf16b94af.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.cakecentral.com/</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984208552126/</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3A2v5-6tztg/VG5F_B7pQNI/AAAAAAAABtU/rS7reAc3wUE/s1600/il_570xN.517421143_jiit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3A2v5-6tztg/VG5F_B7pQNI/AAAAAAAABtU/rS7reAc3wUE/s1600/il_570xN.517421143_jiit.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TreeTownPaper</span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">A wonderful artist I know, Kristi McDonald, made this amazing parasol out of a Dr. Seuss book! This would be so cute for the bridesmaids or the flower girl to carry along with some flowers.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVGK9K_zQRI/VG4M63E30dI/AAAAAAAABsc/2amh7i_J8bs/s1600/5b995f8ca7f9bfd474fc9a24ed778aae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVGK9K_zQRI/VG4M63E30dI/AAAAAAAABsc/2amh7i_J8bs/s1600/5b995f8ca7f9bfd474fc9a24ed778aae.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: left;">https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/SweetHeartClothing</span></td></tr>
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A Seuss-ian-themed dress for the Maids! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vN1jHZ_11w/VG5GkYmq8uI/AAAAAAAABtc/bpk6ucVuZc4/s1600/f8cf595d857ca533bbdcaca84a1ddd48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vN1jHZ_11w/VG5GkYmq8uI/AAAAAAAABtc/bpk6ucVuZc4/s1600/f8cf595d857ca533bbdcaca84a1ddd48.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/vampirebunnies</span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">And don't forget a photo booth with appropriate props for guests to have fun with!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">props!https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/weddingphotobooth</span></td></tr>
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As for the bride, why not choose a fantastical wedding dress full of swirls and colours - like this amazing Dior gown:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.sarahklassen.com/2011/11/designer-dior.html</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">A bouquet of vivid colour or maybe paper flowers made from Dr. Seuss books!</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S43vtk7CwRw/VG5O0tqTgnI/AAAAAAAABuM/6qbV7MYKZFc/s1600/il_570xN.606194314_6rr6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S43vtk7CwRw/VG5O0tqTgnI/AAAAAAAABuM/6qbV7MYKZFc/s1600/il_570xN.606194314_6rr6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.6666669845581px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/GiftsByIrisWithLove</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Wear regular shoes and clip on a feathery puff reminiscent of Truffula trees</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://ruffledblog.com/diy-feather-shoe-clips/</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">These amazing Christian Louboutin Armadillo Bride shoes are perfect for a Seuss wedding! They also come in black and white stripes!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984210074432/</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">And we can't forget the Groom and his Groomsmen...how about a Cat in th owtie?</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.6666669845581px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/sewfairycute</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Or maybe some cufflinks? </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-byFUENKm1ZA/VG5Cl55UCxI/AAAAAAAABtA/nH8jbcp-2Ok/s1600/il_570xN.635255356_ev64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-byFUENKm1ZA/VG5Cl55UCxI/AAAAAAAABtA/nH8jbcp-2Ok/s1600/il_570xN.635255356_ev64.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/PrettyInInkCo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O8Vwr8xuW9g/VG5FBhDJ6ZI/AAAAAAAABtI/q_hENGfcmlk/s1600/il_570xN.626167382_60i0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O8Vwr8xuW9g/VG5FBhDJ6ZI/AAAAAAAABtI/q_hENGfcmlk/s1600/il_570xN.626167382_60i0.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TreeTownPaper</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">As for guest favors...these favor bags are perfect - maybe filled with some colourful gummy fish...</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bilJXMSLJeM/VG5IyjDYjLI/AAAAAAAABto/Hosc9Z4shZY/s1600/87a7eca9fe4f05d13c8d943b72c7814a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bilJXMSLJeM/VG5IyjDYjLI/AAAAAAAABto/Hosc9Z4shZY/s1600/87a7eca9fe4f05d13c8d943b72c7814a.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/PrettyInInkCo</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Or maybe some Dr. Seuss-themed cookies like these wonderful Cat in the Hat cookies from Nicole at Life's a Batch!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vAaU3d2y-Lw/VG5KCtFnM4I/AAAAAAAABt0/ZhSAJ6x7KPA/s1600/e4979d3e77a08157186add4407f30fb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vAaU3d2y-Lw/VG5KCtFnM4I/AAAAAAAABt0/ZhSAJ6x7KPA/s1600/e4979d3e77a08157186add4407f30fb3.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.6666660308838px; line-height: 16px; text-align: start;">These One Fish, Two Fish Cookies were made by </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OneSweetTreat.MD" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 63, 135) !important; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.6666660308838px; line-height: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;">One Sweet Treat</a></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">All of these and more can be found on my Pinterest board: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">http://www.pinterest.com/pandieloki/dr-suess-wedding-theme/</span></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Suzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10038141281581102615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439599869194074635.post-37575118070072330132014-11-18T13:55:00.002-05:002014-11-18T13:56:52.054-05:00One of the New Hottest Trends - Bridal Separates Including Crop Top Two-Piece Wedding Outfits!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cG1Uc57QzL4/VGuJECUyfsI/AAAAAAAABnQ/bgBfieITMsA/s1600/c6f5157c1702807917302e6b2b78bcd9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cG1Uc57QzL4/VGuJECUyfsI/AAAAAAAABnQ/bgBfieITMsA/s1600/c6f5157c1702807917302e6b2b78bcd9.jpg" height="400" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.brides.com/wedding-dresses-style/bridal-runway-shows/2014/04/new-vera-wang-wedding-dresses-2015-spring#slide=18</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">I hesitate to call them "Wedding Gowns" because they aren't one piece, most being tops with separate skirts, pants, shorts, skirts, overskirts, a gown with pants, and sometimes even three pieces together. Bridal Separates are a great idea for personalizing a look and allowing a bride to create a vision for herself that feels unique and right for </span><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">her</i><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">. Being able to mix colours, fabrics, casual with formal, sweaters with lace, halters with tulle, adding colourful ribbons - the combinations can be as individual as the bride herself.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://graceloveslace.com.au/shop/francesca/</td></tr>
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Socialite and reality tv actress and style-blogger Olivia Palermo brought Bridal Separates into the spotlight when she chose to wear a unique 3-piece Carolina Herrera outfit for her wedding to Johannes Huebl earlier this year. Featured on her blog, the outfit is described as:<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"<a href="http://www.oliviapalermo.com/olivia-and-johannes-wedding-day/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">a simple cream cashmere </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">sweater</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">with scattered ostrich feathers a</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">nd </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">chic white shorts</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"> wit</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">h a full tulle skirt overlay that cinched at the wa</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">ist in layers of satin and silk and featured a high slit in the front with floral details along the hem</span></a>"</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-weKlqypYBws/VGqfNd9SJVI/AAAAAAAABfs/aYQ4QY4wJWY/s1600/olivia-palermo_glamour_30jun14_Johannes-Huebl_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-weKlqypYBws/VGqfNd9SJVI/AAAAAAAABfs/aYQ4QY4wJWY/s1600/olivia-palermo_glamour_30jun14_Johannes-Huebl_b.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oliviapalermo.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olKDMgN6aGo/VGqfPZUOOYI/AAAAAAAABf0/M1ypiw8fK8A/s1600/4faf5b07fb1c2de827ec72fddc3b8bf2.jpg" height="400" width="325" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.oliviapalermo.com/</span></td></tr>
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As unusual as it may seem, I love that look of a long sleeved sweater paired with a feminine, flowy and delicate skirt...<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71pKOi87LfM/VGquZzy440I/AAAAAAAABhM/Q3hB-mCiNVA/s1600/c1e2aac7a844246d5edf2140ada21bf1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71pKOi87LfM/VGquZzy440I/AAAAAAAABhM/Q3hB-mCiNVA/s1600/c1e2aac7a844246d5edf2140ada21bf1.jpg" height="313" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.6666669845581px;">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984209992777/ Etsy<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2J9lRNjdrds/VGq6v-L2YkI/AAAAAAAABkA/GgJu5-SDci0/s1600/12f6498e25cf4eda2ee89bc222cb7f79%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2J9lRNjdrds/VGq6v-L2YkI/AAAAAAAABkA/GgJu5-SDci0/s1600/12f6498e25cf4eda2ee89bc222cb7f79%2B(1).jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.weddingpartyapp.com/blog/2014/02/18/crop-top-wedding-gowns/</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9XrvFUUIqU8/VGrFV5mNbUI/AAAAAAAABmU/_NS2-ZXglwI/s1600/d71dd8ec10879286706bd4b88d92aa37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9XrvFUUIqU8/VGrFV5mNbUI/AAAAAAAABmU/_NS2-ZXglwI/s1600/d71dd8ec10879286706bd4b88d92aa37.jpg" height="400" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://blog.theknot.com/2014/10/09/houghton-2015-wedding-dresses-channel-carrie-bradshaw-for-fall/</span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8_Vfhzhzk6g/VGq5BnhEnHI/AAAAAAAABjs/c_ENJFFGUZA/s1600/4443ab76675f9097ab6d04b74c00fe5b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8_Vfhzhzk6g/VGq5BnhEnHI/AAAAAAAABjs/c_ENJFFGUZA/s1600/4443ab76675f9097ab6d04b74c00fe5b.jpg" height="400" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.outerinner.com/blog/2011/10/24/2012s-top-5-wedding-dresses-trends/</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUvBJ0a-f58/VGrEhXd38uI/AAAAAAAABl0/NyEt_ka5B4I/s1600/7956bb56ee5924e77a580eb9f39bf3b9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUvBJ0a-f58/VGrEhXd38uI/AAAAAAAABl0/NyEt_ka5B4I/s1600/7956bb56ee5924e77a580eb9f39bf3b9.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/sjcouture</span></td></tr>
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Separates allow a bride to choose a colourful skirt that can offer a pop of colour tying in with the wedding flowers and decor, as well as adding warmth and freshness to a wedding. The gorgeous bridal shoot "Coral & Rose-Gold Wedding Inspiration" by <i>Mirelle Carmichael + Noonan’s Wine Country Designs</i> and featured on the <a href="http://greenweddingshoes.com/coral-rose-gold-wedding-inspiration/" target="_blank"><i>Green Wedding Shoes blog</i></a> has the bride in a bright white crop tank, a Watters blush skirt paired with a bright scarlet ribbon that picks up the shades of scarlet, pink and coral in her beautiful bridal bouquet, floral headpiece and altar decor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkXojhK7gRs/VGqlWGy3ZGI/AAAAAAAABgM/SeKDybuuVPg/s1600/coralrosegold-styled-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkXojhK7gRs/VGqlWGy3ZGI/AAAAAAAABgM/SeKDybuuVPg/s1600/coralrosegold-styled-14.jpg" height="640" width="490" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://greenweddingshoes.com/coral-rose-gold-wedding-inspiration/</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yeQIwTRIyy4/VGqlWHfz29I/AAAAAAAABgU/Be_PPmfxwCg/s1600/coralrosegold-styled-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yeQIwTRIyy4/VGqlWHfz29I/AAAAAAAABgU/Be_PPmfxwCg/s1600/coralrosegold-styled-29.jpg" height="400" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://greenweddingshoes.com/coral-rose-gold-wedding-inspiration/</span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mgvpMKs0_8k/VGq1gA80bDI/AAAAAAAABiw/6Wt8OevKsBU/s1600/0fbe7ada3ececfcbba9f931ebbc49c76%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mgvpMKs0_8k/VGq1gA80bDI/AAAAAAAABiw/6Wt8OevKsBU/s1600/0fbe7ada3ececfcbba9f931ebbc49c76%2B(1).jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://sangmaestro.com/tag/rami-kadi-gowns/</span></td></tr>
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Some other examples of coloured Bridal Separates<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agQEeIzUOpA/VGq3H0NlvYI/AAAAAAAABjM/FvhQAnHOdnY/s1600/c4daa1b9298ac8c6883c07c97a9d4ba6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agQEeIzUOpA/VGq3H0NlvYI/AAAAAAAABjM/FvhQAnHOdnY/s1600/c4daa1b9298ac8c6883c07c97a9d4ba6.jpg" height="400" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://blog.theknot.com/2014/10/09/theia-fall-2015-wedding-dress-turtleneck-dress/</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TOyY73rw0R4/VGq3KVjbkLI/AAAAAAAABjU/VG9iZ4oYQrI/s1600/e48aeb71af086e6cc5ea9b6d8685b227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TOyY73rw0R4/VGq3KVjbkLI/AAAAAAAABjU/VG9iZ4oYQrI/s1600/e48aeb71af086e6cc5ea9b6d8685b227.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.jlmcouture.com/Hayley-Paige/Bridal/Spring/2014</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-boDktM38SkQ/VGq2bAEj80I/AAAAAAAABjE/g_jgOlrjjFU/s1600/0886940284dfd1e419e7e6d4505e12a0%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-boDktM38SkQ/VGq2bAEj80I/AAAAAAAABjE/g_jgOlrjjFU/s1600/0886940284dfd1e419e7e6d4505e12a0%2B(1).jpg" height="400" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://blog.theknot.com/2014/10/11/hayley-paige-2015-wedding-dresses-use-leather-and-studs-for-spring/</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvGznuSk_Ss/VGrEYUYUOZI/AAAAAAAABk4/Dq08MKWE6VU/s1600/3c75e13b7c17b62956dac7cd731eb06c%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvGznuSk_Ss/VGrEYUYUOZI/AAAAAAAABk4/Dq08MKWE6VU/s1600/3c75e13b7c17b62956dac7cd731eb06c%2B(1).jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicaprobus/36-ultra-glamorous-two-piece-wedding-dresses</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Crop top Bridal Separates are perfect for the beach bride. They can allow a bohemian bride a casual and feminine vibe, or a<span style="text-align: left;"> more formal full skirt lets for the bride who wants that touch of princess and still feel beachy and fun. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIiVtT_1c80/VGq4CKbTJNI/AAAAAAAABjg/yIY9RmNvTrI/s1600/f39de1eaa87d2d5b890e8a78bba69f60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIiVtT_1c80/VGq4CKbTJNI/AAAAAAAABjg/yIY9RmNvTrI/s1600/f39de1eaa87d2d5b890e8a78bba69f60.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://graceloveslace.com.au/shop/avril/</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y__pQE7Olrc/VGuHZotzFdI/AAAAAAAABnE/d0olTTyb2d4/s1600/a645d89e55b6b3db5a733059212bca89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y__pQE7Olrc/VGuHZotzFdI/AAAAAAAABnE/d0olTTyb2d4/s1600/a645d89e55b6b3db5a733059212bca89.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://bcr8tive.com/yolan-cris-2013-ibiza-bridal-collection/</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nv7dOExmKCs/VGuVAdlz5II/AAAAAAAABog/0pjxh6KABOc/s1600/0cad090642b56b122f09d5be2d8a131f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nv7dOExmKCs/VGuVAdlz5II/AAAAAAAABog/0pjxh6KABOc/s1600/0cad090642b56b122f09d5be2d8a131f.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.weddinginspirasi.com/2014/08/18/orkalia-couture-fall-2014-collection/2/</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ohpnI5Cq6N0/VGq1HxWNxaI/AAAAAAAABio/CZjaA8MCbbw/s1600/fa7cb92b621147dbaaa4a92e495848f1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ohpnI5Cq6N0/VGq1HxWNxaI/AAAAAAAABio/CZjaA8MCbbw/s1600/fa7cb92b621147dbaaa4a92e495848f1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.weddinginspirasi.com/2014/09/22/roberto-motti-2015-wedding-dresses/</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H9ZWfPcagzw/VGrBMm1C58I/AAAAAAAABkg/0xJEwuL3Gsw/s1600/f9a0ce09a54630393da08a2a22fd030b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12.6666669845581px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H9ZWfPcagzw/VGrBMm1C58I/AAAAAAAABkg/0xJEwuL3Gsw/s1600/f9a0ce09a54630393da08a2a22fd030b.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.oscardelarenta.com/bridal/bridal-2013-collection/?p=0</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QKCbN7kU-yA/VGq_Iq7MDHI/AAAAAAAABkM/uL2_uCJK_l4/s1600/698b5392ddbff97e4c6b8933b8969661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12.6666669845581px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QKCbN7kU-yA/VGq_Iq7MDHI/AAAAAAAABkM/uL2_uCJK_l4/s1600/698b5392ddbff97e4c6b8933b8969661.jpg" height="400" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.brides.com/wedding-dresses-style/bridal-runway-shows/2014/04/new-theia-wedding-dresses-2015-spring#slide=3</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh0aVJBk2vc/VGq_1bw4wMI/AAAAAAAABkU/C7VEkMnfvW4/s1600/7082dcba39946911abb49a6c3e94d589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh0aVJBk2vc/VGq_1bw4wMI/AAAAAAAABkU/C7VEkMnfvW4/s1600/7082dcba39946911abb49a6c3e94d589.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.thefashionmedley.com/2013/10/15/crop-it-like-its-hot/#more-18472</span></td></tr>
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Destination Wedding Attire can be a little more risque, especially if the wedding is being held on a tropical island where it's perfectly acceptable for the bride to wear a bikini top with a lace wrap skirt or something sheer or adorned with sparkly starfish<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SM41moq-YaU/VGqx3jUgqzI/AAAAAAAABh4/p8C254DM4qU/s1600/dbc15d73639c803a15da1997538d18e2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SM41moq-YaU/VGqx3jUgqzI/AAAAAAAABh4/p8C254DM4qU/s1600/dbc15d73639c803a15da1997538d18e2.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.weddinginspirasi.com/2014/06/25/oscar-de-la-renta-bridal-2015-wedding-dresses/</span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx6dmACiqGc/VGqx9AkVk6I/AAAAAAAABiI/ncknU45p4VM/s1600/62c247caffb3fd25556bad843910e628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx6dmACiqGc/VGqx9AkVk6I/AAAAAAAABiI/ncknU45p4VM/s1600/62c247caffb3fd25556bad843910e628.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.vogue.com/fashion-week/863135/versace-spring-2012/</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8oXnGxluws/VGqx5om35MI/AAAAAAAABiA/fUfZ79z2YNw/s1600/c2df34aea9586a9d9e3b85e5bd451ed4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8oXnGxluws/VGqx5om35MI/AAAAAAAABiA/fUfZ79z2YNw/s1600/c2df34aea9586a9d9e3b85e5bd451ed4.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.style.com/slideshows/fashion-shows/spring-2013-ready-to-wear/marchesa/collection/24</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to beach casual and destination-exotic, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bridal </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Separates can also be surprisingly elegant. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpYFjOYJsVU/VGqqPdXvrVI/AAAAAAAABg0/DGaK4rP3P8k/s1600/e9ccb516bd2410b2234b58c6acbba557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpYFjOYJsVU/VGqqPdXvrVI/AAAAAAAABg0/DGaK4rP3P8k/s1600/e9ccb516bd2410b2234b58c6acbba557.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><u>http://www.weddinginspirasi.com/2014/10/03/gemy-maalouf-2015-wedding-dresses-part-1/</u></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZElLNSqbwQ/VGqox2FnfJI/AAAAAAAABgo/itLEqL5cQeA/s1600/15517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZElLNSqbwQ/VGqox2FnfJI/AAAAAAAABgo/itLEqL5cQeA/s1600/15517.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.rosaclarabridal.com/</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-McOtEJFQCmo/VGrEb41ulrI/AAAAAAAABlM/ltt2lcGY4WY/s1600/14dc801c687f5e345ce33cf8d781b59b%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-McOtEJFQCmo/VGrEb41ulrI/AAAAAAAABlM/ltt2lcGY4WY/s1600/14dc801c687f5e345ce33cf8d781b59b%2B(1).jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.bhldn.com/shop-the-bride-wedding-dresses/</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhhfVlZfmag/VGt8kBQ3FSI/AAAAAAAABm0/Fm_QyaebA_k/s1600/ff1325358a8ce60190cf8b8a45521d5f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhhfVlZfmag/VGt8kBQ3FSI/AAAAAAAABm0/Fm_QyaebA_k/s1600/ff1325358a8ce60190cf8b8a45521d5f.jpg" height="400" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.modwedding.com/2014/08/07/lihi-hod-wedding-dresses-2014/</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jwflSIvkzE/VGq5F-6Cr9I/AAAAAAAABj0/NhAsJp3V0CQ/s1600/86389728fac5270dee928aaab976ecdd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jwflSIvkzE/VGq5F-6Cr9I/AAAAAAAABj0/NhAsJp3V0CQ/s1600/86389728fac5270dee928aaab976ecdd.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.rikidalal.com/</span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qPM2oFg5HQ/VGuTW25XuvI/AAAAAAAABoE/M75hY9UJbJc/s1600/8c8c8c14e28351a48d0a0c47e4b85426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qPM2oFg5HQ/VGuTW25XuvI/AAAAAAAABoE/M75hY9UJbJc/s1600/8c8c8c14e28351a48d0a0c47e4b85426.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://thelane.com/the-guide/fashion/bridal/reem-acra-bridal-fall-2015</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa2aXEgDjLQ/VGuTYJRrFTI/AAAAAAAABoM/MKxpa0jXBoY/s1600/9fad96119023479d1133b3c70409abe4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa2aXEgDjLQ/VGuTYJRrFTI/AAAAAAAABoM/MKxpa0jXBoY/s1600/9fad96119023479d1133b3c70409abe4.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.lovemydress.net/blog/2014/04/elizabeth-stuart-enchantment-of-the-seasons-fall-autumn-2014-collection.html</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lCIdZ0cq5M/VGuUy9A-NvI/AAAAAAAABoY/BVOo0l8shGI/s1600/921aa668fee210b21aa91651111d9b7e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lCIdZ0cq5M/VGuUy9A-NvI/AAAAAAAABoY/BVOo0l8shGI/s1600/921aa668fee210b21aa91651111d9b7e.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.theweddingnotebook.com/lookbook/rami-kadi-2015-collection/#more-28584</span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYpNVdW7q38/VGuRCvKi3sI/AAAAAAAABns/7YWYPEmLfU8/s1600/64cd52cfea6831304b55b63805dba34e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYpNVdW7q38/VGuRCvKi3sI/AAAAAAAABns/7YWYPEmLfU8/s1600/64cd52cfea6831304b55b63805dba34e.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.bestforbride.com/viewDress/254/MyLady/Bridal.php</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And last but not least, separate corsets which can be embellished to the nth degree for the bridal who loves bling with huge ballgown skirts to complete the Cinderella look many brides dream of. My Lady Designs, for instance, creates a variety of corsets and gowns that can be mixed and matched to </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">create a bride's dream dress.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m3nW5wz2NPs/VGuPLdXtBbI/AAAAAAAABng/Omp7bBE2npM/s1600/9612778bbef2fb80efdd4af2dea61a0d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m3nW5wz2NPs/VGuPLdXtBbI/AAAAAAAABng/Omp7bBE2npM/s1600/9612778bbef2fb80efdd4af2dea61a0d.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.cityprom.co.uk/my-lady-design/</span></td></tr>
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</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_Gr3lN4mfg/VGuSesRMebI/AAAAAAAABn4/2NRft6kxMcw/s1600/fc0063d2b6faa2c33cb7329b2a26e627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_Gr3lN4mfg/VGuSesRMebI/AAAAAAAABn4/2NRft6kxMcw/s1600/fc0063d2b6faa2c33cb7329b2a26e627.jpg" height="496" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.bestforbride.com/viewDress/254/MyLady/Bridal.php</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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All these and more can be found on my Pinterest boards:<br />
<span style="color: red;">http://www.pinterest.com/pandieloki/bridal-separates-to-mix-match/</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">http://www.pinterest.com/pandieloki/crop-top-two-piece-wedding-dresses/</span><br />
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After numerous family injuries, pet crises and a recent surgery, I'm back and finally able to (hopefully) catch things up and post more regularly. Long overdue is my review of our most recent vacation to a Secrets St. James, an adult-only all-inclusive luxury resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica.<br />
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First off, let me say that I wasn't sure if I'd like Jamaica. I mean, I LOVE Mexico and the food there and I was worried that I might not like Jerk Chicken as much as my husband does, so I was less enthused about trying Jamaica for a vacation spot. However, my older son and his girlfriend went to Jamaica a few years ago and absolutely loved it and when I saw a good deal for a 4 day getaway in December, I figured why not try it?!<br />
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All I can say is...of all the Secrets Resorts we've been to so far, both Michael and I agree...Secrets St. James is our favourite and we both absolutely LOVED Jamaica from the food (YUM! So pleasantly surprised...I loved everything I tried!) to the beautiful weather and friendly people. And the resort was absolutely gorgeous!<br />
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We flew Air Canada and due to winter storm delays...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8JG6fAvxMw/U58rfeOfgxI/AAAAAAAABRQ/obwM01xQdJg/s1600/Snowy+on+the+day+we+left.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8JG6fAvxMw/U58rfeOfgxI/AAAAAAAABRQ/obwM01xQdJg/s1600/Snowy+on+the+day+we+left.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
and a sick passenger who wasn't sure about getting off the plane, we ended up spending about 8 hours sitting in our seats instead of about 4 and landed much later than anticipated.<br />
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Originally we were supposed to get to Montego Bay just after lunch but we didn't arrive until late in the evening and we were exhausted. Although I know that the best beaches in Jamaica tend to be in Negril and Ocho Rios, both over an hour's drive from the airport, I was very glad upon arrival that we were staying in Montego Bay and didn't have to face another hour and a half travel to our destination. It was only minutes to the resort, which is actually kind of a double-Secerts Resort with St. James<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LeoSKiFuXko/U58rzBYKzuI/AAAAAAAABR4/oMQYKQRn77w/s1600/Lobby+entrance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LeoSKiFuXko/U58rzBYKzuI/AAAAAAAABR4/oMQYKQRn77w/s1600/Lobby+entrance.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
at one end and Wild Orchid at the other along the beach. They share restaurants, the Spa and other facilities. Both are adult-only and luxurious with slightly different decor and options (ie: Wild Orchid, for instance, offers swim-up suites). They each have their own pools and both have Preferred Club sections with their own pools, beach area and lounge. This is the entrance to Wild Orchid:<br />
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Before we left, I had been in touch with SecretsSJ e-concierge and a manager at the resort ahead of time to request a room on a high floor and to ask if they offered any kind of loyalty to repeat guests. They could not have been friendlier or more accommodating. Upon arrival we were offered a special deal of a beachfront suite with access to the PC pool, alongwith use of an iPad and free Wifi during our stay for only a few hundred dollars extra and we both felt it was worth the extra cost, especially when we saw the amazing view from our room!!!! This shot is from inside our room looking through the sliding glass doors towards the beach...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLxq_YDSN4I/U58OQpkiVjI/AAAAAAAABQc/95dahmCWLx4/s1600/Our+balony+and+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLxq_YDSN4I/U58OQpkiVjI/AAAAAAAABQc/95dahmCWLx4/s1600/Our+balony+and+view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
And then right on to the balcony...gorgeous!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWMZigaQOM4/U58OaTmjVZI/AAAAAAAABQk/VjaXn8XM-x0/s1600/First+view+off+the+balcony+the+morning+after+we+arrived.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWMZigaQOM4/U58OaTmjVZI/AAAAAAAABQk/VjaXn8XM-x0/s1600/First+view+off+the+balcony+the+morning+after+we+arrived.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVOASsXdAxU/U58r1eRYrxI/AAAAAAAABSI/ELtftNuPvc0/s1600/Lookling+right+towards+the+bar+and+pool+in+the+Preferred+Club+area.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVOASsXdAxU/U58r1eRYrxI/AAAAAAAABSI/ELtftNuPvc0/s1600/Lookling+right+towards+the+bar+and+pool+in+the+Preferred+Club+area.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PC bar/pools and beach area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Al0N8IrOkvk/U58r8VHXY1I/AAAAAAAABSs/1QhjmMMUvpY/s1600/SAM_2029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Al0N8IrOkvk/U58r8VHXY1I/AAAAAAAABSs/1QhjmMMUvpY/s1600/SAM_2029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Our building was actually situated so that looking right you could see the PC area pool/bar area... </span></div>
and looking to the left (towards Wild Orchid), the non-PC pools. This is our building looking back up from the beach. Our suite was on the top, second from the right:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd1arzBs_uM/U58sU7hOi-I/AAAAAAAABVQ/_K1WJ-_CcRk/s1600/on+top+second+from+right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd1arzBs_uM/U58sU7hOi-I/AAAAAAAABVQ/_K1WJ-_CcRk/s1600/on+top+second+from+right.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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They also put a special banner on our door and gave us a complimentary bottle of wine, rum and a gorgeous fruit platter which I forgot to take a picture of. Here's the banner and the wine:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gjap-rCi0z8/U58rfzvmMTI/AAAAAAAABRk/qf8Tt9vOm0s/s1600/wine+and+fruit+platter+on+arrival+with+a+gift+of+a+bottle+of+rum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gjap-rCi0z8/U58rfzvmMTI/AAAAAAAABRk/qf8Tt9vOm0s/s1600/wine+and+fruit+platter+on+arrival+with+a+gift+of+a+bottle+of+rum.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JxH6qgOhouw/U58r6PHZKwI/AAAAAAAABSk/4gIfUMp6eu0/s1600/SAM_2005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JxH6qgOhouw/U58r6PHZKwI/AAAAAAAABSk/4gIfUMp6eu0/s1600/SAM_2005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We woke up to a beautiful day and enoyed a champagne-Mimosa breakfast on our balcony. Paradise!! :-)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--KS-OeU7yd4/U58sUkdC4NI/AAAAAAAABVM/sowiVAlMiZI/s1600/breakfast+on+the+balcony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--KS-OeU7yd4/U58sUkdC4NI/AAAAAAAABVM/sowiVAlMiZI/s1600/breakfast+on+the+balcony.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then off to explore. The grounds are gorgeous...lush and colorful flowers everywhere, beautiful wood carvings, peacocks strolling around and parrots (Rita and Bob) in a cage just outside the restaurant area with their keeper who will let you stroke them or take pictures with them on your arm </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure if this is Rita or Bob?</td></tr>
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Beautiful landscaping!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many wood carvings the decorate the grounds</td></tr>
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There is a little courtyard surrounded by shops and CoCo Cafe, a specialty coffee stand where you can grab a latte or frap and some cookies, pastries or sandwiches. There's also a small penny slots casino, a games area withpool tables, chess, ping pong tables and other games plus and a self-serve soft ice cream machine. In the courtyard are scattered tables and chairs to sit and enjoy your snack and where movies are played on a big screen every night.</div>
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We brought our snorkel stuff with us because we had read that you could snorkel off the beach and we were pleased to see quite a few people were doing so. There were also groups that you could join with to go out farther with a guide, but as beginners we opted to stay near shore and snorkel and we saw lots of sea urchins and angel fish as well as one big jellyfish that I stayed well away from. A lot of people saw starfish, some could even see them from their balconies! </div>
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The beach was gorgeous, both to walk along as well as to relax and sunbathe on...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ1c9X4TWaU/U58r18ka2DI/AAAAAAAABSM/pB7dcFNCAP0/s1600/Michael+on+a+beach+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ1c9X4TWaU/U58r18ka2DI/AAAAAAAABSM/pB7dcFNCAP0/s1600/Michael+on+a+beach+bed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
...with beach service for cocktails <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hip972A0Qfw/U59OQuejXMI/AAAAAAAABYM/rf7ZLFQO_4E/s1600/Jamaican+Mama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hip972A0Qfw/U59OQuejXMI/AAAAAAAABYM/rf7ZLFQO_4E/s1600/Jamaican+Mama.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamaican Mama...yum!</td></tr>
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...and self-serve snacks along the walkway where you can sit for a bit and have a bite or take it with you as you walk along the beach.<br />
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We loved the PC pool and beach area. The pool was sort of a figure eight with one side heated and one side not with small bridges to cross from side to side. The side nearest the beach has a double level infinity pool<br />
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The PC bar is next to the pool and even has swing seats for the brave who haven't had too many cocktails:<br />
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And towards the other end of the pool area was a bridge over pretty koi pond leading into the PC lounge: <br />
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There was a also a large whirlpool set in a little area surrounded by lush bushes that made it sort of private and quiet. We also checked out their fitness room which was nice and tennis and basketball courts which are just through the lounge back outside.<br />
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Just to the left of the PC area on the opposite end of the resort from Wild Orchid is their Pevonia Spa. We had a few treatments there from massages to a pedicure (I never get pedicures or manicures at home so it's my big splurge when I go away and I love it!). Never though I would but my husband convinced me to try one when we stayed at Secrets Capri and from that moment on I was hooked! ha<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GypKSIOJ2Gg/U58_BiifeEI/AAAAAAAABXE/dlmbGXnFpes/s1600/My+new+nail+polish+after+pedicure.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GypKSIOJ2Gg/U58_BiifeEI/AAAAAAAABXE/dlmbGXnFpes/s1600/My+new+nail+polish+after+pedicure.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
. Fantastic experience,. So soothing... and the massage was to die for. Plus they have a gorgeous change room that smells like oranges (so nice!). What really stood out to me was their fantastic hydrotherapy circuit. Now my husband, Michael, LOVES the Hydrotherapy Circuits and tries one at every Spa we go to. I'm not as crazy about them, but this one was really nice and the design was really appealing. We both ended up enjoying it! There's hot and cold foot therapy and bubbly seats and pressure jets, a separate heated whirlpool, treatment showers, and a lovely bar right near the hydrotherapy where you could get fruit water and other healthy stuff. Well worth visiting for the ultimate in pampering and relaxation.<br />
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At nightfall the resort is lit up with beautiful coloured lights from round globes on the lawns, lighting in the pools and lights in the tops of the towers that make up the resort. The lights change colour and it's just gorgeous. Hard to explain so I tried to get some pics but my camera is useless ...I definitely need to invest in a better one and learn more about taking better digital pictures. Here's a few of my attempts. The lights would change from blue to green to red to purple, etc.<br />
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This last is one of the restaurant fronts all lit up at night. Which brings me to the FOOD....</div>
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...it was amazing! Since we were only there 5 days we didn't get a chance to try all the restaurants (they have 7 a la carte as well as the buffet and other things like the Jerk Cart on the beach which was amazing). We tried Blue Mountain (Jamaican cuisine) and it was really good. The waiter came out with my dinner balanced on his head! Here's pics of Michael's appetizer and mine:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WS5gsrLuqjY/U59IVT_Uo1I/AAAAAAAABX8/LIVkvwME1SY/s1600/Shrimp+appetizer+at+Blue+Mountain+Jamaican+restaurant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WS5gsrLuqjY/U59IVT_Uo1I/AAAAAAAABX8/LIVkvwME1SY/s1600/Shrimp+appetizer+at+Blue+Mountain+Jamaican+restaurant.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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They use a lot of green beans and coffee flavouring, and it tasted so fresh and yummy. I was surprised by how much I really really liked the food. We also tried the Mexican restaurant (I had their Chef's special of shrimp fajitas and they were sooooo good!) and the French restaurant, which everyone we met could not stop raving about and for good reason...the food was incredible. I had an escargot in pastry for an appetizer and steak and lobster tail for my main meal and I don't think I've tasted better of either. It literally melted in your mouth. I was enjoying the food so much that I forgot to take pictures! Michael also had the steak and lobster but he had a different appetizer...some kind of salad I think and he said it was delicious. I wish we could've eaten there again but we tried it on our last night there. :-(</div>
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The breakfast buffet was great, as they have all been at all the different Secrets we've been to. Each one is slightly different and of course they incorporate local foods. Even the two in Mexico offered different pastries and different local specialties. It was really hard not to load up your plate just trying little bits of different things to be adventurous. </div>
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Long days on the beach snorkeling and relaxing, sipping cocktails (Jamaican Mama...yum!), and walking along the shore left us exhausted and we didn't attend any of the evening entertainment beyond going to get a Jamaican Rum coffee to take back to our room after dinner, so I can't comment on the nightlife really. We had gone to relax and we certainly did that! Secrets St. James has definitely moved to our No. 1 favourite of all the Secrets Resorts we've been to so far. We will definitely go back!</div>
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Here's some random pics from around the resort...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my husband's favourite spots to relax!</td></tr>
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Hammocks abound!<br />
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The water is every shade of blue imaginable!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Orchid's Wedding Gazebo is right on the end of a long pier that overlooks the ocean and has mountains in the background.</td></tr>
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Suzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10038141281581102615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439599869194074635.post-7639961434839959092013-12-05T15:54:00.000-05:002013-12-05T15:55:46.898-05:00Theme Thursday: Winter Wonderland<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_02XTSL26s/UqDSi4JFcnI/AAAAAAAABHM/UXZfFrQdoFo/s1600/e98879f36c1c16075e394c2dcbbf5eb9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_02XTSL26s/UqDSi4JFcnI/AAAAAAAABHM/UXZfFrQdoFo/s400/e98879f36c1c16075e394c2dcbbf5eb9.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207081336/">Winter Wedding Gown</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207080259/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207080259/</a></td></tr>
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With chilly days and snow on the horizon, I thought I'd do a post on Winter-themed Weddings. It's a common theme and can be focused more on silver and icy blues, or opt for the richer tones of the holiday season.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984205963210/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984205963210/</a></td></tr>
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I have three winter-wedding boards on Pinterest:<br />
General Winter Wedding Inspiration: think hot chocolate bar and getting married at an Ice Hotel!<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pandieloki/winter-themed-wedding-ideas/">http://www.pinterest.com/pandieloki/winter-themed-wedding-ideas/</a><br />
Winter Wonderland (think icy blues and snowflakes):<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pandieloki/winter-wonderlandsnowflake-themed-wedding-inspirat/">http://www.pinterest.com/pandieloki/winter-wonderlandsnowflake-themed-wedding-inspirat/</a><br />
Christmas themed Wedding: think deep reds, greens, golds, silver, poinsettia and mistletoe<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pandieloki/christmas-themed-wedding-inspiration/">http://www.pinterest.com/pandieloki/christmas-themed-wedding-inspiration/</a><br />
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Whatever the colour scheme, the bride needs to keep warm on her way to the wedding:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UVToSvEAabo/UqDPG-1YUvI/AAAAAAAABGw/BliAbHEhfDw/s1600/c7aeb46b01085f038cddcdb9cdee1a1f+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UVToSvEAabo/UqDPG-1YUvI/AAAAAAAABGw/BliAbHEhfDw/s400/c7aeb46b01085f038cddcdb9cdee1a1f+(1).jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206049257/">I love how this jacket looks like snowballs! - Oscar de la Renta </a></td></tr>
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Can opt for a small cape or wrap:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984205676762/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984205676762/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984205451561/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984205451561/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207100016/">I love these!</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207100016/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207100016/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDwG0J3_v1k/UqDTabKsmAI/AAAAAAAABHk/U1HYo8GhSrs/s1600/f93940039f63d843778329c3432d786f+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDwG0J3_v1k/UqDTabKsmAI/AAAAAAAABHk/U1HYo8GhSrs/s320/f93940039f63d843778329c3432d786f+(1).jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207081345/">I love this off white sweater!</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rzIZ-z1aLNs/UqDUzJDIHJI/AAAAAAAABH4/spWRAaBNCiY/s1600/f743a8cb96ec1b737465ea3cadaeec53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rzIZ-z1aLNs/UqDUzJDIHJI/AAAAAAAABH4/spWRAaBNCiY/s1600/f743a8cb96ec1b737465ea3cadaeec53.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207080264/Love%20this">Love this icy blue gown</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0AheKkKBmo/UqDMMSSuIaI/AAAAAAAABGY/F3TZ_uRXcTo/s1600/ebc7be332733f53bc974bcea0e71c1f3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0AheKkKBmo/UqDMMSSuIaI/AAAAAAAABGY/F3TZ_uRXcTo/s400/ebc7be332733f53bc974bcea0e71c1f3.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206049248/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206049248/</a></td></tr>
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The bride can opt for a white cover-up or go for something more colourful:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huhGWmfAifk/UqDWl-tn7uI/AAAAAAAABII/WFlznk4vTqE/s1600/eff5ba781785f8f80981cbd63cf28e88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huhGWmfAifk/UqDWl-tn7uI/AAAAAAAABII/WFlznk4vTqE/s320/eff5ba781785f8f80981cbd63cf28e88.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207080532/">The pale blue gown is so pretty </a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnDtl3t5etg/UqDTJPmavVI/AAAAAAAABHc/CFTOgaOAL30/s1600/6e5baa7c509c8e88696fac936a2fe38f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnDtl3t5etg/UqDTJPmavVI/AAAAAAAABHc/CFTOgaOAL30/s320/6e5baa7c509c8e88696fac936a2fe38f.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207080617/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207080617/</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0tZaZzQ4hE/UqDS9fu4RJI/AAAAAAAABHU/dgpAmEkA8BE/s1600/1d947703b7a890bbb09437d407e388c0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0tZaZzQ4hE/UqDS9fu4RJI/AAAAAAAABHU/dgpAmEkA8BE/s400/1d947703b7a890bbb09437d407e388c0.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207081208/">Love the bright red against the white gown and snow</a><br />
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If you're a brave bride, you could go with a coloured gown...an ice blue gown for a winter wonderland <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci9UbV6mSr4/UqDf-yKlNfI/AAAAAAAABKU/fhK1VuXUSiU/s1600/da140b6e81d84b4e8f7902c77e6ad605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci9UbV6mSr4/UqDf-yKlNfI/AAAAAAAABKU/fhK1VuXUSiU/s320/da140b6e81d84b4e8f7902c77e6ad605.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206085520/">La Sposa di Gio</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207010032/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207010032/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207100049/">St. Pucchi Couture</a></td></tr>
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theme or a bright red wedding gown for a holiday wedding!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gmIhweiRZfo/UqDeTECvzSI/AAAAAAAABJ8/TZ83cAQC6XQ/s1600/1169576e77d3f476e7aa43e0f8f91829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gmIhweiRZfo/UqDeTECvzSI/AAAAAAAABJ8/TZ83cAQC6XQ/s640/1169576e77d3f476e7aa43e0f8f91829.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207100049/">Zac Posen</a></td></tr>
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Gold?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtV-V7fpeQ4/UqDixqsUlUI/AAAAAAAABLY/LpLWt_NPH34/s1600/ff716776bf6766558700b23eaf72ae1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtV-V7fpeQ4/UqDixqsUlUI/AAAAAAAABLY/LpLWt_NPH34/s1600/ff716776bf6766558700b23eaf72ae1b.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207080856/">Alberto Rodriguez 2010 Bridal Collection</a></td></tr>
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Silver?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207080262/">Silver Wedding Dress - La Diva - Angelina Colarusso Bridal</a></td></tr>
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As to what to carry... so many wonderful choices from bright reds and greens <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNEhq3BJ2tY/UqDc3Fc2R5I/AAAAAAAABJk/RG0k_nsUUVE/s1600/1183891c1d84145165d52032b2e414eb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNEhq3BJ2tY/UqDc3Fc2R5I/AAAAAAAABJk/RG0k_nsUUVE/s320/1183891c1d84145165d52032b2e414eb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207080721/">This is actually a muff that you can tuck your hands into!</a></td></tr>
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to all white, or how about this unique Christmas ornament bouquet?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhlpyYHC6Oc/UqDckXwTUbI/AAAAAAAABJc/oabSdZLvMoE/s1600/6a956890102fabef52a358afc8573f8d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhlpyYHC6Oc/UqDckXwTUbI/AAAAAAAABJc/oabSdZLvMoE/s320/6a956890102fabef52a358afc8573f8d.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/260716265901385783/">Christmas Ornament Bridal Bouquet - can use any colours</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207081449/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207081449/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207081570/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207081570/</a><br />
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How about winter themed wedding bands?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206919980/">Snowflake Band</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207080423/">Ice Crystal Wedding Band</a></td></tr>
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The snowflake is a common and pretty winter symbol that a winter bride can incorporate into her day from decor to shoes and headpiece!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207080184/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207080184/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207080482/">Rami Kadi</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207079965/">Signature Cocktail ~ Mistletoe</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JrF90x4LJNc/UqDYIwtEx1I/AAAAAAAABIo/xXqMh9_cQVE/s1600/46e426677537b526e23b1fc67eb3a2ef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JrF90x4LJNc/UqDYIwtEx1I/AAAAAAAABIo/xXqMh9_cQVE/s320/46e426677537b526e23b1fc67eb3a2ef.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207080200/">Snowflake Bridal Shoes</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207080427/">A Wedding Cake with Snowballs and Snowflakes!</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjZChK-igZQ/UqDXaSo6QZI/AAAAAAAABIc/WBYTpKn1fRU/s1600/ba9b74c59e3805b6a9fa363ad5b37069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjZChK-igZQ/UqDXaSo6QZI/AAAAAAAABIc/WBYTpKn1fRU/s320/ba9b74c59e3805b6a9fa363ad5b37069.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984205451550/">snowflake tiara</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206919524/">Frostini</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206919823/">Warm Berry Cider</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207080643/">Snowball apple guest favors</a></td></tr>
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Happy Holidays to all the winter brides! :-)</div>
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Suzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10038141281581102615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439599869194074635.post-18447636897628418542013-12-05T13:48:00.001-05:002013-12-05T15:56:32.076-05:00Destination Weddings - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Destination Weddings are one of the hottest trends in weddings these days and with a lot of the 5 star resorts offering free wedding packages (within specified criteria that isn't that hard to match), it's no wonder that the trend has caught fire. I've devoted quite a few of my Pinterest boards to the various aspects of Destination Weddings, check them out:<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pandieloki/destination-weddings-at-all-inclusive-resorts-crui/">http://www.pinterest.com/pandieloki/destination-weddings-at-all-inclusive-resorts-crui/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pandieloki/destination-wedding-wedding-gazebos/">http://www.pinterest.com/pandieloki/destination-wedding-wedding-gazebos/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pandieloki/beach-wedding-inspiration/">http://www.pinterest.com/pandieloki/beach-wedding-inspiration/</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206293913/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206293913/</a></td></tr>
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The last few vacations we took to Mexico we noticed quite a few weddings happening just in the week we were there! When you imagine that's probably happening almost every week at most of the all-inclusive resorts, it's clear that more and more people are opting to take their vows barefoot on the beach!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jH5Kc3ndWb0/UqClngs5SzI/AAAAAAAABBA/Pk7Gt_k2fz0/s1600/1bfd7c0410b38cea2aaa16f07a53fe5c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jH5Kc3ndWb0/UqClngs5SzI/AAAAAAAABBA/Pk7Gt_k2fz0/s640/1bfd7c0410b38cea2aaa16f07a53fe5c.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207014346/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207014346/</a></td></tr>
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There are certainly all kinds of Destination Wedding sites to consider from the all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean to historical sites in Europe and the lush paradise spots in Bali or Bora Bora. There are lots of things to consider from the costs and legalities involved to how Great Aunt Martha will feel when she hears she'll miss out on the vows and that you won't be marrying in the traditional church like everyone else in the family does.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzQ0a9ygXhg/UqCzVuF3NAI/AAAAAAAABC4/3nQgEjsMYQY/s1600/75ae76c15e130741881d375e33d6d25f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzQ0a9ygXhg/UqCzVuF3NAI/AAAAAAAABC4/3nQgEjsMYQY/s320/75ae76c15e130741881d375e33d6d25f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098888/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098888/</a> Unique Wedding at Sunscape Sabor Cozumel</td></tr>
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Personally, after witnessing a few weddings while away and looking at the cost comparisons between having a traditional wedding where you feel obligated to invite everyone in the family, including those distant cousins you've seen maybe once in your life ...not to mention a slew of work acquaintances that would feel slighted without getting an invite, well...the costs of a traditional wedding add up quickly, as does the stress and there's certainly a lot of positives to a wedding away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hVDeZ9LBt9U/Up4l8eQQ5GI/AAAAAAAAA68/LRdTiQNQqXM/s1600/beda817b62922de83c938f5cca08b55b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hVDeZ9LBt9U/Up4l8eQQ5GI/AAAAAAAAA68/LRdTiQNQqXM/s400/beda817b62922de83c938f5cca08b55b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secrets Huatulco Wedding Gazebo <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098811/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098811/</a></td></tr>
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Since this is a huge topic, I've decided to do a few posts about it looking at the various options for a Destination Wedding including Europe, Bali, and even unique wedding sites in the United States and Canada. This blog post, however, I'm going to focus more on the general idea of a Destination Wedding and concentrate on the All-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, etc. Most resorts these days offer various wedding packages for couples to choose from with each resort having slightly different offerings and inclusions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bjqedWwSCZo/UqCy9zcj9rI/AAAAAAAABCw/ORNnSQMz6xw/s1600/202cc517d70c625523ba79f6e6908ed2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bjqedWwSCZo/UqCy9zcj9rI/AAAAAAAABCw/ORNnSQMz6xw/s1600/202cc517d70c625523ba79f6e6908ed2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098871/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098871/</a> Now resorts</td></tr>
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Many even offer complimentary wedding packages that include decor, cake, flowers, sparkling wine, and other special amenities if a couple books with them and meets certain criteria such as a certain number of nights booked at a certain accommodation level or a certain number of guests booking rooms. This can make the cost for a wedding much much less than the traditional at-home sit-down affair, plus with less people and wedding planners/teams at the resorts, happy to help with details, a destination wedding can be a lot less stress...for everyone! Plus your honeymoon starts right away!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ml5ttw-6gM/UqCo4swa24I/AAAAAAAABBU/BXv--uYjJgQ/s1600/9addcca44d27942c6b8aec22615cad52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ml5ttw-6gM/UqCo4swa24I/AAAAAAAABBU/BXv--uYjJgQ/s400/9addcca44d27942c6b8aec22615cad52.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207092487/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207092487/</a> <b><i>Intuzuri</i> bridal sleeveless Begonia Gown</b></td></tr>
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Obviously, due to the cost, only closest friends and family are willing to make the trip, which for many couples can be a real positive depending on how you feel about your family :-). It can make the whole affair one that is much more intimate and special, but it could also place more of a financial burden on friends and family who might not have much money and some may simply not be able to make the trip at all. That is certainly something to consider when thinking about your wedding party and who you truly want there. An alternative is that you offer to pay a portion or all of their costs for the trip. As outrageous as that may seem initially, the costs would probably still be much less than you would be putting out to pay for a traditional ceremony at home (especially if you end up getting the wedding package for free due to the number of bookings). Plus many resorts are willing to haggle a bit regarding room costs and it might turn out to be far less expensive than you first think. The added benefit is that those attending would truly be able to be excited without having the financial stress of a trip they might not really be able to afford (and might resent having to make) and can just be happy and enjoy a mini vacation along with you!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mqEaIsmCwo/UqCpgKd6RHI/AAAAAAAABBc/gET0gZRq2QE/s1600/7502b382b17ea93357a873fea76d1862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mqEaIsmCwo/UqCpgKd6RHI/AAAAAAAABBc/gET0gZRq2QE/s640/7502b382b17ea93357a873fea76d1862.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207086285/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207086285/</a> <span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', メイリオ, Meiryo, 'MS Pゴシック', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">El Corazon Wedding Chapel at Cabo Azul Resort.</span></td></tr>
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With dedicated on-site wedding planners, happy to plan with a couple through email, it's nice that rather than pulling their hair out, stressing over the multitude of details it takes to put a wedding together, the bride and groom, as well as their families can simply enjoy the day and have a relaxing vacation away in luxury themselves! Resort wedding planners and their teams do it all - setting up the chairs, decor and altars wherever the bride and groom choose... on the beach, in front of the gorgeous blue waters...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206942979/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206942979/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dreams Riviera Cancun - setting up a wedding on the beach <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207085293/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207085293/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karisma resorts - "Majestic Flair" themed beach wedding decor<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">...in beautiful gazebos that many resorts have specifically for weddings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oY79qkXtMwo/Up441g5zvzI/AAAAAAAAA8A/CGZa6zi5NUA/s1600/4bb7c53c385949cb9b4768e51c8487b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oY79qkXtMwo/Up441g5zvzI/AAAAAAAAA8A/CGZa6zi5NUA/s640/4bb7c53c385949cb9b4768e51c8487b3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3kNMH4OGIgU/UqCl-pXO9II/AAAAAAAABBM/P5da_a7WkJ4/s1600/159119308b7480e2614418a47b19d312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3kNMH4OGIgU/UqCl-pXO9II/AAAAAAAABBM/P5da_a7WkJ4/s400/159119308b7480e2614418a47b19d312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207008296/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207008296/</a> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', メイリオ, Meiryo, 'MS Pゴシック', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;">Gazebo at Sandals Royal Plantation Ochos Rios, Jamaica </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayxiNm0aUPo/Up4pDcvtK7I/AAAAAAAAA7k/ul5vocwDysk/s1600/bfe7a3fe5089c5e387a79be8e541e4bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayxiNm0aUPo/Up4pDcvtK7I/AAAAAAAAA7k/ul5vocwDysk/s320/bfe7a3fe5089c5e387a79be8e541e4bc.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207092428/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207092428/</a> <b>Secrets Marquis, Cabo San Lucas wedding gazebo</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pFBBchlVq5k/UqCqrD1w7pI/AAAAAAAABBw/7qIHjjEh-hg/s1600/47a0f492f8bd837ad48348564c7b4486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pFBBchlVq5k/UqCqrD1w7pI/AAAAAAAABBw/7qIHjjEh-hg/s640/47a0f492f8bd837ad48348564c7b4486.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207093398/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207093398/</a> <b>Secrets Silversands Wedding Gazebo lit at night</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WqeSJdhYGGc/UqCrIWTr47I/AAAAAAAABB4/lpBF2wAVjvU/s1600/0ce62cb9916f67aee7bf8eab5b3ab5c1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WqeSJdhYGGc/UqCrIWTr47I/AAAAAAAABB4/lpBF2wAVjvU/s640/0ce62cb9916f67aee7bf8eab5b3ab5c1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098807/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098807/</a> <b>Dreams Huatulco Wedding Gazebo</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DwOOq0v9uAE/Up4l4a2P6vI/AAAAAAAAA6w/xsdKmFyWqPc/s1600/2df25260cf118fa03e8972a21eeaa4ec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DwOOq0v9uAE/Up4l4a2P6vI/AAAAAAAAA6w/xsdKmFyWqPc/s400/2df25260cf118fa03e8972a21eeaa4ec.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207093416/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207093416/</a> <b>Secrets Maroma wedding gazebo, Riviera Maya</b><br />
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Most resorts offer wedding packages of various prices and sizes. The most basic package is the one that is often offered free is certain criteria. For example, at <i>Secrets Silversands </i>the basic wedding package is complimentary if the couple books 7 nights at the <i>Preferred Club Junior Suite Pool-view</i> level or if 5 or more rooms are booked for 3 or more nights at any level.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4laS2wdJI_4/UqCrnqjRShI/AAAAAAAABCA/4KKTI207Kas/s1600/012335ade29acbbfd1f82588cf6a8368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4laS2wdJI_4/UqCrnqjRShI/AAAAAAAABCA/4KKTI207Kas/s400/012335ade29acbbfd1f82588cf6a8368.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206822870/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206822870/</a> <span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', メイリオ, Meiryo, 'MS Pゴシック', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">Sandals Grande Antigua wedding gazebo</span></td></tr>
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The basic package usually includes the ceremony itself on the beach or gazebo, the services of a wedding officiant/minister, an on-site wedding planner and her team, bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere, cake and sparkling wine for around 10 people (different resorts have different variations but that is the general gist). Often the wedding couple is also entitled to various extra freebies like a special accommodation for the groom the night before the wedding, special turndown service, spa discounts, etc.<br />
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The couple can, of course, choose to pay for a package that includes more such as additional flowers for the wedding party, ceremony and reception; an hors d'oeuvres & cocktails hour, as well as a sit-down wedding dinner reception off a special menu (these packages also tend to accommodate larger groups of guests, ie: up to 20); bride's hair and makeup done, often a special area for the bride to prepare and so on. With the paid packages, photographers are usually supplied and the couple receive a wedding album/CD of high-res digital pictures. The minister or wedding officiant is generally included, but often marriage documentation fees and so on need to be paid and the cost varies with country (usually less than $100-300). Live music may be included, and sometimes a gift such as special champagne flutes plus after-the- wedding perks like spa discounts, free couples massages, romantic dinner on the beach and/or breakfast in bed and so on. </div>
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For instance, <i>Sandals</i> resorts offer something called a <i>Weddingmoon Beautiful Beginnings Wedding Package</i> that is free as long as the couple books a minimum of 6 nights or more in any room category. It includes a bouquet, boutonniere, cake, wedding planner & resort wedding team to help take care of details, sparkling wine & chilled hors d'oeuvres/cocktail reception for the wedding couple and up to 6 guests; a special honeymoon dinner for the couple with white glove service, decorated honeymoon room, mimosa breakfast in bed and a 5x7 wedding photo. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kstZzztLsMM/UqCZlBbIsbI/AAAAAAAAA_c/pjuZGF8V23Y/s1600/803eb641358e95cfb0775aeae82840f8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kstZzztLsMM/UqCZlBbIsbI/AAAAAAAAA_c/pjuZGF8V23Y/s320/803eb641358e95cfb0775aeae82840f8.jpg" width="202" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098503/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098503/</a></td></tr>
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They also offer specials like a $500 bonus credit that you can use towards certain add-ons to enhance your experience such as a romantic catamaran cruise, room upgrade, honeymoon highlights video, or even to pay for the minister and government fees which are not included in the package. They have other wedding packages to choose from based on different themes that include different colour schemes and decor and other extras, but couples can also work with the wedding planner to customize any aspect they choose. Their Flutter of Romance theme (listed total cost is currently $1700, but again, a couple can choose to use their $500 bonus credit towards the cost and it reduces the price to $1200) is all about butterflies and shades of pink.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098514/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098514/</a></td></tr>
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They also have a number of other themes with associated colours such as Seaside Serenade <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098582/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098582/</a></td></tr>
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in shades of aqua, an all white theme (Vision in White), a Chic & Natural theme (greens and browns)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ml2vHslsEwY/UqCf41oF6HI/AAAAAAAABAM/An_lVwiRtWM/s1600/2e5ad9528d7bcb4952e14eb12457d0e5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ml2vHslsEwY/UqCf41oF6HI/AAAAAAAABAM/An_lVwiRtWM/s320/2e5ad9528d7bcb4952e14eb12457d0e5.jpg" width="202" /></a></td></tr>
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and a tropical Caribbean theme called Island Paradise that is all vibrant oranges and purple decor!<br />
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Couples resorts offers a variety of all-inclusive wedding packages with different prices and features. Their most expensive wedding package is their Tower Isle Wedding package that includes a ceremony on your own private island (Tower Isle)!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-We_in3kNecg/UqCg7qPEL9I/AAAAAAAABAY/DyX3W7KxkHg/s1600/7ff53dfae2586cb29ef20eb943d699ef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-We_in3kNecg/UqCg7qPEL9I/AAAAAAAABAY/DyX3W7KxkHg/s640/7ff53dfae2586cb29ef20eb943d699ef.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a8lGFrdJEII/UqCj_jm2ABI/AAAAAAAABAw/ks3PJapWSVs/s1600/38137e3937696efc9c60285af48e822b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a8lGFrdJEII/UqCj_jm2ABI/AAAAAAAABAw/ks3PJapWSVs/s1600/38137e3937696efc9c60285af48e822b.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', メイリオ, Meiryo, 'MS Pゴシック', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;">Pink sash and orchid chair decoration at Couples Tower Isle Wedding </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5f99N_tsqD0/UqCj_ry4bzI/AAAAAAAABA0/5qDGXn3MRl4/s1600/f555934468ab7935e17e2d6b060b246d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5f99N_tsqD0/UqCj_ry4bzI/AAAAAAAABA0/5qDGXn3MRl4/s1600/f555934468ab7935e17e2d6b060b246d.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098678/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098678/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tower Isle Recption </b> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098686/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098686/</a></td></tr>
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So there is no end of choices, colour schemes, styles and costs to choose from. Also, most resorts have spas and beauty centres on-site that include hair stylists and makeup artists that can help the bride and her maids get ready.<br />
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Your reception can be set up right on the beach...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpxMTIuzriE/UqCtDRl-2YI/AAAAAAAABCc/q6ZgZyb_Xbk/s1600/f8b5850bc5e0682208515afba9274a7d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpxMTIuzriE/UqCtDRl-2YI/AAAAAAAABCc/q6ZgZyb_Xbk/s400/f8b5850bc5e0682208515afba9274a7d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098847/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207098847/</a> Dreams Cancun</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984205901718/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984205901718/</a> Secrets The Vine<br />
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around the pool ...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984205901725/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984205901725/</a> Secrets Marquis, Los Cabos</td></tr>
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Or inside the resort:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207099410/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207099410/</a> Now Jade, Riviera Cancun</td></tr>
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You can even incorporate some cultural traditions into your ceremony<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S_tnPHl9X1I/UqC2hi_TKoI/AAAAAAAABDE/qAlTwmcAhrE/s1600/8047d001fe9231ec103c9b8faa29231d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S_tnPHl9X1I/UqC2hi_TKoI/AAAAAAAABDE/qAlTwmcAhrE/s320/8047d001fe9231ec103c9b8faa29231d.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207099055/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207099055/</a> Colourful Mayan Wedding Ceremony</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207099047/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207099047/</a></td></tr>
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As for those who can't attend ...how about planning a Wedding Celebration Bash when you get back. You could even re-create a Caribbean theme with some fake palm trees, tropical drinks & buffet food, island music ...and tell everyone to wear flipflops! Have a big screen set up playing footage of the wedding for all the aunts and cousins to see. (I plan to do a more indepth post in the future just about this topic).<br />
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Basically it's the reception everyone missed but with a casual DIY vibe to help keep costs down (or not, if you have $ to burn). In my future post I'll provide links to lots of DIY tropical food and decor ideas and even fabulous tropical cakes. If it were me, that would be the one thing I'd probably splurge a little on...a wonderful tropical cake to cut and share with guests! :-)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207099207/">Tropical themed wedding cake</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Whatever kind of Destination Wedding you plan, make sure it's where and what you want. Keep it romantic and personal and don't be afraid to break some traditional wedding rules if it makes your wedding more right for YOU! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984205901906/">beach wedding inspired wedding band - Krikawa </a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984205902156/">Zuhair Murad, sea-inspired dress - so stunning!</a> </td></tr>
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Here's a few additional pics of wedding dress ideas and a fun personalized sunglasses favour idea for the wedding party. :-) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207048924/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207048924/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984205902185/">Wai-Ching Wedding Dress</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206940890/">Cybelline Wedding Gown Gaya</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206802732/">Hailey Page</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206644316/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206644316/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984207099307/">Personalized Sunglasses for the Wedding Party!</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206942988/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417145984206942988/</a></td></tr>
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Suzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10038141281581102615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439599869194074635.post-26624326596653269562013-11-26T22:01:00.002-05:002016-01-25T21:22:12.202-05:00The Comparison Continues: SECRETS CAPRI, Riviera Maya, Mexico - April 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: red;">NOTE: </span></b><span style="color: #444444;">This is going to be a long and detailed review with lots of pictures and details so feel free to skip ahead if you aren't planning a trip to Mexico. My hope is that my reviews will help other folks who are trying to decide on a where to spend their holidays and want to know what things are really like. I know that when I'm trying to figure out where we should try, I read Tripadvisor like crazy (and yes, I've posted reviews of our travels there as well), but I thought that here on my blog I could be more detailed and try to give a true sense of what the week was truly like, including pictures to help illustrate what I'm saying along the way. So I hope you enjoy and find this helpful! And if you do decide to try Secrets Capri, have a Mango Tango for me! :-) And let me know how you liked your trip!</span></span><br />
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In April 2012 we visited <i>Secrets Capri </i>(<a href="http://www.secretsresorts.com/capri-riviera-cancun">http://www.secretsresorts.com/capri-riviera-cancun</a>) in the Riviera Maya, Mexico for 7 days. I was a little bit nervous about Mexico with all the violence being reported in the news of late, but various websites reassured me that the Riviera Maya, particularly the resort hotel area, was safe and that as long as you were careful you weren't likely to encounter any problems. Plus these resorts tend to have pretty much all you need right there, so we didn't even have to leave the resort property if we didn't want to.<br />
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We flew down on Transat and it was a wonderful flight. We had paid extra to be able to choose our seats and board early and it was well worth the extra cost. We also received free snacks and a small bottle of champagne, as well as a comfort pack containing a soft blanket, head rest pillow and other small things. Very nice! We arrived in record time and the weather was fabulous.<br />
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A transfer was included with our package and since <i>Secrets Capri </i>was one of the closest resorts to the airport, we arrived quickly and were welcomed with warm greetings, smiles, cool moist towelettes and champagne. The lobby was impressive. It had a beautiful stepped marble fountain in the center of the lobby.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo from Secrets Capri website</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XElNYFfVtf4/UpUtk1VQz7I/AAAAAAAAAnk/8KDpEGganL8/s1600/SAM_0518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XElNYFfVtf4/UpUtk1VQz7I/AAAAAAAAAnk/8KDpEGganL8/s320/SAM_0518.JPG" width="320" /></a>The reservations desks are to one side and on the other, a small bar with a seating area and some tables; </div>
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A hallway leading to the gift shops and buffet is just to the right of the bar and across from it is a beautifully decorated lounge area set up with coffee/tea, pastries and snacks throughout the day. It was quiet and peaceful and a lovely place to sit and relax for a while in the mid-afternoon. This room has been renovated since we were there and is now, I believe, a <i>CoCo Cafe </i>which offers pastries, snacks and fancy coffees, both hot and cold. Most of the Secrets resorts now have one and we got to try it at <i>Secrets Silversands </i>and it was great. Their lattes are as good as our local Starbucks. :-)</div>
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The lounge led into another small room with computers and a printer (WiFi was free throughout the resort and we had our own laptop with us) for those who wanted to connect with the web or use the printer. This upper level has a breathtaking double stairway that curls down to a lower level and leads outside towards the pool and beach area. </div>
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This lower lobby level also houses a few of their restaurants (Portofino (the Italian restaurant) and stairs leading to Himitsu, the Asian restaurant), a disco/sports bar, the exercise facilities, wedding planning and a washroom, as well as beautiful sculptures, and a lovely seating area (in fact gorgeous seating areas were scattered throughout the resort on all levels). </div>
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The decor was really gorgeous throughout. Knowing that <i>Capri</i> was one of the oldest of the Secrets resorts, I was worried it might look a little tired, but it really was beautiful and elegant everywhere, as well as spotlessly clean and it smelled heavenly! Whatever they pipe into the air just made you relax and feel peaceful and calm. The rooms form a U shape with the pool in the center of the U and the open end is the beach. The grounds are beautiful and well kept. </div>
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Our room, a <i>Deluxe Oceanview Suite</i>, was located on the 3rd floor (you could take an elevator located directly across from the entrance to the buffet) or take the stairs, we mostly did the latter to help balance a little exercise with all the food and drink we were consuming! Our room was located near the far end opposite where the stairs come up, amidst a beautiful array of hanging lanterns. Really one of the prettiest spots in the entire resort! I was thrilled that our room was in the midst of them!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo from Secrets Capri website</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was taken just outside our suite. They would all light up at night and it was so pretty!</td></tr>
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And speaking of our room ...it was <i>GORGEOUS!</i> I<i> <u>loved</u></i><u> </u>the decor!!! I know many people don't care much about room decor because they figure they are only in there to sleep, but for me it's a big thing. I want to spend my vacation in beautiful and luxurious surroundings and that includes the room. In fact, a beautiful looking room is a selling point for me and can make the difference between us booking one resort over another! As far as decor, <i>Secrets Capri</i> really fit the bill. One thing I can say for Secrets is that the pictures on their website are very much the reality that you get, unlike many resorts where the room looks nothing like what is advertised! So kudos to Secrets for being truthful in their advertising...the quality and luxury you see on their website is what you get!! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mng-lIcUQOo/UpUoN22cKwI/AAAAAAAAAl8/85L61_J9-M0/s1600/bathroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mng-lIcUQOo/UpUoN22cKwI/AAAAAAAAAl8/85L61_J9-M0/s320/bathroom.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The view from our room overlooked the pool to the ocean:</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekFRKJqCnUY/UpUzC6jlMOI/AAAAAAAAAoE/z41e99hpb4I/s1600/view+from+our+balcony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekFRKJqCnUY/UpUzC6jlMOI/AAAAAAAAAoE/z41e99hpb4I/s640/view+from+our+balcony.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As it was just past our 24th anniversary (we had to delay our trip slightly to allow for our younger son to finish up his university exams and come home to watch our dogs and cats) this trip was a belated anniversary celebration and we made note of this fact when we booked, as well as when we checked in, so I was a bit disappointed that I didn't see a Happy Anniversary banner on our door (there were many others on various doors...Happy Birthday, Honeymoon, etc.) and there was no sparkling wine or fresh fruit in the room (a complimentary perk for those celebrating their anniversary as per their website). My husband went to speak to the concierge on our floor about it and when we returned later that day after some time at the beach we had our banner </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7f1Rck8HMhc/UpUnjDuGYGI/AAAAAAAAAls/SE5FogRDdLo/s1600/HappyAnniversary+banner+on+our+door.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7f1Rck8HMhc/UpUnjDuGYGI/AAAAAAAAAls/SE5FogRDdLo/s200/HappyAnniversary+banner+on+our+door.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
as well as a chilled bottle of sparkling wine and the most gorgeous treats tray I've ever seen<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o-3pXdy9mgw/UpUohUfTJmI/AAAAAAAAAmI/DD8KTbe0a3c/s1600/chocolatr+covered+strawberries.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o-3pXdy9mgw/UpUohUfTJmI/AAAAAAAAAmI/DD8KTbe0a3c/s400/chocolatr+covered+strawberries.JPG" width="227" /></a></div>
...a sugar spun container of chocolate dipped strawberries and little desserts. It was really nice and above any of my expectations! And delicious as well! :-)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IAiEC5zOmY/UpTnFx1n98I/AAAAAAAAAhM/vl1ZT_VV0do/s1600/anniversary+fruit+plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IAiEC5zOmY/UpTnFx1n98I/AAAAAAAAAhM/vl1ZT_VV0do/s640/anniversary+fruit+plate.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In addition to the sparkling wine and sweet treats we also received a discount for spa services and "a champagne breakfast" in our suite which we took advantage of the next morning! </div>
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Room service (24 hours) was included and it was always prompt and delicious. The burger and fries I had for lunch one afternoon was one of the best I've ever eaten!</div>
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The resort was quite small, which was lovely because it only took minute to get anywhere. Going down the hallway from our room to the stairway:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7sDLtSTtl8/UpU2Vy0XMMI/AAAAAAAAAp8/EamEBNXdbgU/s1600/looking+from+our+room+to+the+left+of+our+door.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7sDLtSTtl8/UpU2Vy0XMMI/AAAAAAAAAp8/EamEBNXdbgU/s320/looking+from+our+room+to+the+left+of+our+door.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Coming out of the doors at the bottom of the big double stairway from the lobby (shown above) to the outside grounds you are facing the pool which is shaped like an infinity symbol with a small arched bridge in the center dividing the pool into two. One side is the more active side and contains the pool bar. On their live web-cam <a href="http://www.secretsresorts.com/capri-riviera-cancun/photos-videos">http://www.secretsresorts.com/capri-riviera-cancun/photos-videos</a> you can see the layout that I'm talking about:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yeXuiXa0gho/UpU89IEYCFI/AAAAAAAAAqo/TbxoRN2V1aA/s1600/6dd5ecfdbb75a8226a47c3c7d53e865b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yeXuiXa0gho/UpU89IEYCFI/AAAAAAAAAqo/TbxoRN2V1aA/s320/6dd5ecfdbb75a8226a47c3c7d53e865b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Secrets Capri website</td></tr>
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The trees in the middle are blocking the view of the small bridge that crosses the pool in the center. Here's a photo from the website that shows the bridge and the building housing Oceana (the seafood restaurant) on the upper level, and the Seaside Grill on the lower level. The Seaside Grill has indoor and outdoor seating that overlooks both part of the pool as well as the ocean. The Seaside Grill also offered an a la carte breakfast, which we did try once the last morning we were there (Eggs Benedict which was good - spectacular presentation), but we generally preferred the buffet because it had so much selection. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(see below for some buffet pics)</span>:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_EUHfiqC28c/UpU_BIVEDPI/AAAAAAAAAq4/RTDFTuH391w/s1600/a7f637ae7792e5e1681b219e69937e0e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_EUHfiqC28c/UpU_BIVEDPI/AAAAAAAAAq4/RTDFTuH391w/s320/a7f637ae7792e5e1681b219e69937e0e.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Secrets Capri website</td></tr>
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I had read on Tripadvisor to try the ceviche and they were right - it's delicious (they have a variety of types and you can get it at The Seaside Grill as well as the Cactus Club)! If you haven't tried it, you <i>must</i>!! My husband was skeptical at first - the whole idea of raw fish, but I insisted he try it once ...it became his favourite starter for lunch ever day we were there! It was so good!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRFAIVxtm1U/UpUcnnYe-GI/AAAAAAAAAkk/YsRbaY3edMk/s1600/ceviche.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRFAIVxtm1U/UpUcnnYe-GI/AAAAAAAAAkk/YsRbaY3edMk/s320/ceviche.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My favourite was the Caeser salad with shrimp ....super yummy! The white cheese that they shred on top is soooo good! I wish we could get it here in Canada. <sigh> I had it every single day that I could!<br />
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At the end of the building housing the Seaside Grill there is a section called The Cactus Club: Ceviche & Taco Bar facing the ocean with seating right next to the beach allowing a close-up and beautiful view of the gorgeous blue water. This was, by far, our favourite spot to eat lunch.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DRrPx5cbpuY/UpVNb3JSgEI/AAAAAAAAAuE/yQk6dGEnEio/s1600/6ac6ed22127fdf725a8e6988bfe6c596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DRrPx5cbpuY/UpVNb3JSgEI/AAAAAAAAAuE/yQk6dGEnEio/s320/6ac6ed22127fdf725a8e6988bfe6c596.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's a pic of the Cactus Club seating area from the Secrets website and below...<br />
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their steak tacos ...they are amazing! Seriously, if you go, try them. You will not be disappointed. I still think about them and salivate! ha!<br />
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And pico de gallo, chips and gaucamole served with every meal - YUM!</div>
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As I mentioned above, the breakfast buffet had tons of selection and you could always find lots of good things to try, including some Mexican dishes. They had a crepe station, an omelette station, smoothies, all made to order. Lots of fresh fruit and pastries (loved the buns with cream cheese inside!). Fresh fruit juices of various kinds as well as Mexican and regular coffee and specialty coffees. All in a lovely, bright and pretty room with lots of big windows to let in the sunshine. Here's a pic of my plate from the buffet before digging in:</div>
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We never did get to Oceana, but we did eat once at Himitsu and also Portofino. None of the restaurants require reservations (another mandatory "want" on our list when looking for vacation spots. We like to be spontaneous and eat where and when we feel like it. I can't imagine trying to book all our dinners on the day we arrive, as many resorts require. Despite no reservations, we didn't have to wait anywhere. The only thing that requires a reservation is Himitsu's special tappenaki table where the chef puts on a show for a small group of guests which we didn't bother with. We had a wonderful dinner and we both loved the decor <span style="font-size: x-small;">(below is a pic from Ice Portal's Pinterest board: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/163537030191950785/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/163537030191950785/</a></span></div>
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And on our last night we tried Portofino which was very good, but very rich! </div>
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Okay, enough about the food! It was incredible but it wasn't the only thing that was great about <i>Secrets Capri</i>! There was.... the beach! I was a little worried because I had read on Tripadvisor that they had experienced a direct hit by a hurricane in November and it had destroyed a fair section of their beach. Yes it was smaller than it had been, but overall we thought the beach was fine. It was sandy and soft to walk on and there was lots of beach to walk with lots of amazing shells to see along the way. </div>
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And the beautiful salty blue ocean...every shade of blue imaginable. No matter how many times I looked at it, I just couldn't grasp it as real. It was just so incredibly beautiful.<br />
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Great drink service and lots of palapas and loungers for all. What else do you need?<br />
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One thing to remember, however, is that that sun is strong. I don't usually burn at all but after just a few hours on the beach the second day of our vacation I was like a lobster! My poor shins got it really bad<br />
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Luckily, Walter, the Spa guy recommended I try a Water Lily Wrap at the Spa. It provides immediate soothing hydration and healing to sunburned skin and reduces the skin's temperature. I took his advice and it was phenomenal! Sooo soothing. I loved it and my skin was incredibly soft for days afterwards. It really did help to soothe the burn. Michael opted for a massage and we were both told to come early in order to go through their Hydrotherapy Circuit. It consists of a sauna, a variety of showers (some cold) and different pools with varying degrees of temperature, bubbling and other healthy stuff. Michael absolutely loved it and ended up going through it two more times during our stay.<br />
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Once was enough for me! LOL! Although I did enjoy the warm jacuzzi part and loved the room which was open to the tropical brush all around. The birds are so melodious, I love hearing their calls and singing. It's like music. Here's a photo of the hydrotherapy room from Secrets Capri website:<br />
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I especially enjoyed the relaxation room they put you in after your treatment, wrapped in a terrycloth robe, pillow under my kneeds, warm towel over me and a choice of ice water or chlorophyll ice water, you are urged to simply destress in a lovely room with a waterfall that flows down a stone wall. Paradise! I could've stayed there all day. <sigh> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo from <i>Secrets Capri</i> website)</span><br />
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Our daily routine quickly became the beach after breakfast and a morning swim, walk down the beach and then some sunbathing until around 11am, when we'd go clean up and have lunch. In the afternoon we'd play it by ear...Playa del Carmen one day <i>(Word of Warning: make sure any silver you buy says 925 on it and don't believe anything else. We paid a few hundred for a necklace the guy swore to me was pure silver and of course it tarnished within weeks of being home. Buyer beware). </i>Also, Playa is overwhelming. You have tons of people trying to grab you and pull you into their shop, shouting at you, cajoling you, offering deals. Some people like haggling but I'm not one of them. We did our best, but in the end we didn't get any great deals except on tshirts (they are very pricey at the resort but you can get them for quite cheap in Playa) for family. All the silver stuff we bought tarnished and clearly wasn't worth the money we spent on it. Live and learn. I'm glad we went but I have no interest in going there again, although if you are the type of person that likes to shop and haggle and you know what is a good deal then you might enjoy it! Each to their own.<br />
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Dinner was sometimes a show (different ones almost every night set up around the pool). We took in Mexican night, the Fire Show and the Mayan Show! And sitting at a large table with other guests allowed us to meet some really nice people and make some new friends, including a wonderful young couple from Ireland who were on their honeymoon! :-) Other nights were were simply too exhausted and retired to our rooms early and just read until we fell asleep. I know we're boring. We did try the disco sports bar one night but we are in our mid-50s and not so interested in dancing up a storm the way we were when we were younger and it was too loud to talk, at least close to the dance floor where we were.<br />
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The highlight of each night was the specialty coffee that was made by a girl in front of the lounge. You got to choose a liqueur like Grand Marnier, for instance, and she did this whole thing with coffee and setting the liqueur on fire...it was fascinating to watch and at the end you'd have a yummy drink. </div>
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Overall it was a really wonderful trip, essentially the honeymoon we never had. I loved it! It exceeded all our expectations and while it wasn't as peaceful an atmosphere as <i>Royal Beach,</i> the food and entertainment and wonderful staff more than made up for it. It has become our favourite to beat! And the price was great compared to many other similar resorts. Definitely worth every penny. Plus, we both really liked that there was no <i>Preferred Club</i>...all guests were preferred!<br />
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Got to see three wedding during our week there and I have to say that when either of our boys decides to marry I would encourage them to think about a destination wedding at a resort like this. Beautiful setting, food is great, and I think the price for all they include is very fair. All in all, I highly recommend <i>Secrets Capri</i>!<br />
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And lastly...a picture of the beautiful Maya Riviera coastline from the airplane as we made our way home...<br />
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Suzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10038141281581102615noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439599869194074635.post-65473087296342112592013-08-16T14:51:00.000-04:002013-11-27T11:38:07.562-05:00Belated Wedding Theme Thursday: A Dachshund Wedding!Got my days confused and didn't realize it was Thursday yesterday until almost midnight, and just wasn't up to attempting a blog post at that point. In honour of my "long dogz" I decided to feature dachshunds as this week's wedding theme!<br />
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If you are a dachshund owner you already know how owning a dachshund can be a life-changing event. These little weenies get under your skin (in a good way) and you end up hooked. It's hard to have just one! ha!<br />
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Here's some wedding ideas for dachsie owner that want to show their dachshund love in the theme of their wedding day celebrations!<br />
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First - the invites. How cute are these dachshund themed wedding invitations from Etsy sellers <a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Sudachan">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Sudachan</a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqUV8uzSbys/Ug5WSgyKZjI/AAAAAAAAAcI/301R-vTj1e0/s1600/a2056144409b17159fcf1adeb5043211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqUV8uzSbys/Ug5WSgyKZjI/AAAAAAAAAcI/301R-vTj1e0/s1600/a2056144409b17159fcf1adeb5043211.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/JasperDesign">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/JasperDesign</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8uXJi_O33iU/Ug5Wp5lrqwI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/y4v3Kplp-2s/s1600/e3685d11342f6d49f69208a1462aa8bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8uXJi_O33iU/Ug5Wp5lrqwI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/y4v3Kplp-2s/s320/e3685d11342f6d49f69208a1462aa8bc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/StelieDesigns">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/StelieDesigns</a></div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/StelieDesigns"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-waRJdE_b0Dg/Ug5ekCqACqI/AAAAAAAAAck/-vFg5Uv6WqY/s320/0278e7575f857d270826447900f1ad03.jpg" width="318" /></a></span></div>
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For the ceremony, make sure your dachshund plays a role as maybe ringbearer...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-In8ulrjKqMw/Ug5f55kdYLI/AAAAAAAAAcw/CW6Zn4PwqXM/s1600/c4d43b508cb5881510b9873df954983d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-In8ulrjKqMw/Ug5f55kdYLI/AAAAAAAAAcw/CW6Zn4PwqXM/s320/c4d43b508cb5881510b9873df954983d.jpg" width="320" /></a> Etsy shop Reggieana makes this classic satin ringbearer pillow just for dogs! </div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/26219626/the-classic-ring-bearer-pillow-for-dogs" style="text-align: left;">http://www.etsy.com/listing/26219626/the-classic-ring-bearer-pillow-for-dogs</a></div>
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or maybe your dog will just watch your back and make sure nobody (else) messes with the bride's train...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SYB7WpKiqmo/Ug5gUza4AYI/AAAAAAAAAc4/EoK8satoy7s/s1600/1344e3519504dcc48064ebf2c319d6ff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SYB7WpKiqmo/Ug5gUza4AYI/AAAAAAAAAc4/EoK8satoy7s/s320/1344e3519504dcc48064ebf2c319d6ff.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://dachshund-parade.tumblr.com/post/32093112566" style="text-align: left;">http://dachshund-parade.tumblr.com/post/32093112566</a></div>
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Wedding attire for the groom - check out these dachshund cufflinks from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MisterManatee" style="text-align: left;">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MisterManatee</a>:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5s9lDkbcDQ/Ug5hRi-zIzI/AAAAAAAAAdM/-PBBa1T1oZI/s1600/89eb4d4e1c35a102b8ea3438d959ae26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5s9lDkbcDQ/Ug5hRi-zIzI/AAAAAAAAAdM/-PBBa1T1oZI/s320/89eb4d4e1c35a102b8ea3438d959ae26.jpg" width="320" /></a>and for the bride, check out these Fornarina Dachshund Shoes </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3XhAJvUaEc/Ug5iaX94VBI/AAAAAAAAAdY/05gW-lrwOuI/s1600/russian+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3XhAJvUaEc/Ug5iaX94VBI/AAAAAAAAAdY/05gW-lrwOuI/s320/russian+shoes.jpg" width="290" /></a><a href="http://rollingbone.blogspot.ca/2012/07/fornarina-dachshund-shoes.html" style="text-align: left;">http://rollingbone.blogspot.ca/2012/07/fornarina-dachshund-shoes.html</a> or</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waRJdE_b0Dg/Ug5ekCqACqI/AAAAAAAAAcg/08QQ1OBPzb4/s1600/0278e7575f857d270826447900f1ad03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>check out these handpainted Doxie wedding shoes from Etsy seller norakaren:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni0KEYk2L4g/Ug5kMZRVqSI/AAAAAAAAAdo/EhF8EQX3S78/s1600/il_570xN.412569947_os8n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni0KEYk2L4g/Ug5kMZRVqSI/AAAAAAAAAdo/EhF8EQX3S78/s320/il_570xN.412569947_os8n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/norakaren">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/norakaren</a></div>
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At the reception there are tons of ways to incorporate dachshunds into your decor from the </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZVba1vwJ8o/Ug5lAGmVDuI/AAAAAAAAAd4/a3NQeTBUR-s/s1600/665c5f7619dcbfefb21ef04d1ff5399c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZVba1vwJ8o/Ug5lAGmVDuI/AAAAAAAAAd4/a3NQeTBUR-s/s320/665c5f7619dcbfefb21ef04d1ff5399c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
place cards, to ice sculpture:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M7cGuggrbLE/Ug5lgWp1t6I/AAAAAAAAAeA/hIc9UiLK95s/s1600/f145de7e8b54161c04dcebccbc654aca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M7cGuggrbLE/Ug5lgWp1t6I/AAAAAAAAAeA/hIc9UiLK95s/s320/f145de7e8b54161c04dcebccbc654aca.jpg" width="296" /></a><a href="http://glo.msn.com/relationships/the-most-unforgettable-wedding-trends-9138.gallery?photoId=143777">http://glo.msn.com/relationships/the-most-unforgettable-wedding-trends-9138.gallery?photoId=143777</a></div>
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...napkins</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NwZHJSy-Dg/Ug5mQ-yTHeI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/4VD6iuUOOHM/s1600/14208d4c3aefe363379c92ecfa074e42+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NwZHJSy-Dg/Ug5mQ-yTHeI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/4VD6iuUOOHM/s640/14208d4c3aefe363379c92ecfa074e42+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/whimsical_dachshund_wedding_cloth_napkins-185251425613931119">http://www.zazzle.ca/whimsical_dachshund_wedding_cloth_napkins-185251425613931119</a></div>
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to champagne flutes...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftSRTf-WfGw/Ug5mgh_YqQI/AAAAAAAAAeY/odLww9mSP10/s1600/0faa340fa87c9e1e227d1e66bd68d278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftSRTf-WfGw/Ug5mgh_YqQI/AAAAAAAAAeY/odLww9mSP10/s1600/0faa340fa87c9e1e227d1e66bd68d278.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/pastinshs">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/pastinshs</a></div>
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And if you are having a small wedding, this is a wonderfully unique dachshund themed guest book idea that can double later as wall art and a keepsake of your wedding. Each guest writes their wedding wishes for the couple inside a dachshund...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNobVJMclE4/Ug5teHKG-XI/AAAAAAAAAfc/7Pb8HyFPOQU/s1600/il_570xN.443274346_gl5f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNobVJMclE4/Ug5teHKG-XI/AAAAAAAAAfc/7Pb8HyFPOQU/s320/il_570xN.443274346_gl5f.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ByYolanda">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ByYolanda</a></div>
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And we can't forget the cake! You could incorporate dachshunds in the cake decor itself...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jWEK3OaJGc/Ug5nGGIlcCI/AAAAAAAAAek/a8WsDfFNF2s/s1600/31430fd3fc7642c4eee7237911e4c8b8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jWEK3OaJGc/Ug5nGGIlcCI/AAAAAAAAAek/a8WsDfFNF2s/s320/31430fd3fc7642c4eee7237911e4c8b8.jpg" width="228" /></a><a href="http://blog.pinkcakebox.com/blush-pink-wedding-cake-with-a-twist-2012-11-25.htm">http://blog.pinkcakebox.com/blush-pink-wedding-cake-with-a-twist-2012-11-25.htm</a></div>
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or go for a more traditional cake design and leave the dachshunds for the cake topper:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bATdVuLt990/Ug5na0ZSIWI/AAAAAAAAAes/4YAGZSVOf6U/s1600/974847a2d4d1c1838042adbc9c3f6404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bATdVuLt990/Ug5na0ZSIWI/AAAAAAAAAes/4YAGZSVOf6U/s320/974847a2d4d1c1838042adbc9c3f6404.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/PawsnClaws">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/PawsnClaws</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgD4gRercbQ/Ug5nzF_RXGI/AAAAAAAAAe0/nVbTojMGrY8/s1600/3931573a7793b278c240aace75356459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgD4gRercbQ/Ug5nzF_RXGI/AAAAAAAAAe0/nVbTojMGrY8/s320/3931573a7793b278c240aace75356459.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/bunnywithatoolbelt">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/bunnywithatoolbelt</a></div>
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I personally love these customized paper topper by Gwen at Concarta: <a href="http://concarta.blogspot.ca/2012_04_01_archive.html">http://concarta.blogspot.ca/2012_04_01_archive.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10YUo9PWnEQ/Ug5yUKNFd9I/AAAAAAAAAgU/yMWtllii45k/s1600/ASblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10YUo9PWnEQ/Ug5yUKNFd9I/AAAAAAAAAgU/yMWtllii45k/s320/ASblog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0xRVWRvFHg/Ug5oEnIzmqI/AAAAAAAAAe8/PoUK0e9Nk74/s1600/8a618b091ca8a79caf7951ad5a02877e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0xRVWRvFHg/Ug5oEnIzmqI/AAAAAAAAAe8/PoUK0e9Nk74/s320/8a618b091ca8a79caf7951ad5a02877e.jpg" width="214" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/concarta">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/concarta</a></div>
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Guest favors could be these adorable dachshund mini key fobs, maybe with a thank you tag from the bride & groom attached with the date of the wedding:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uhQ4f_9ym6Y/Ug5rvXS9iPI/AAAAAAAAAfM/NMQ-fzfTvkA/s1600/il_570xN.450235356_80fy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uhQ4f_9ym6Y/Ug5rvXS9iPI/AAAAAAAAAfM/NMQ-fzfTvkA/s320/il_570xN.450235356_80fy.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/doodlebugquilts">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/doodlebugquilts</a></div>
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or these yummy looking dachshund cookies from <a href="http://www.cookiecrazie.com/2013/04/dachshund-cookie-love.html">http://www.cookiecrazie.com/2013/04/dachshund-cookie-love.html</a>:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kf38L04FuB0/Ug5t4bcIrwI/AAAAAAAAAfk/5fSlgagy5J4/s1600/IMG_5385small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kf38L04FuB0/Ug5t4bcIrwI/AAAAAAAAAfk/5fSlgagy5J4/s320/IMG_5385small.jpg" width="320" /></a>They'd be so cute in a little window box with a ribbon and thank-you tag!</div>
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Or if you want to send a personalized thank you card after the wedding, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/doggydesign">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/doggydesign</a> offers this cute design:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f3mUSs5PxWM/Ug5vBDZ60JI/AAAAAAAAAf0/Wuvz82OeDL8/s1600/il_570xN.480121178_sksj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f3mUSs5PxWM/Ug5vBDZ60JI/AAAAAAAAAf0/Wuvz82OeDL8/s320/il_570xN.480121178_sksj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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However you decide to include your dachshunds in your special day, have fun and don't sweat the small stuff. :-)</div>
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Here's a link to a wonderful Facebook page from At-Choo featuring an album of pictures from a very special wedding featuring two beautiful rescued dachshunds who proudly play roles in their new Mom's wedding. So cute! Check it out!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvbrgDgZx84/Ug50AsjVneI/AAAAAAAAAgk/I9fcBLAnQLE/s1600/999905_525165260878644_1592007229_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvbrgDgZx84/Ug50AsjVneI/AAAAAAAAAgk/I9fcBLAnQLE/s320/999905_525165260878644_1592007229_n.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.518741341521036.1073741832.485030421558795&type=1">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.518741341521036.1073741832.485030421558795&type=1</a></div>
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And for more dachshund themed wedding inspiration, check out my Pinterest board:</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pandieloki/dachshund-themed-wedding/">http://pinterest.com/pandieloki/dachshund-themed-wedding/</a></div>
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"Bosco" <a href="http://www.theknot.com/contests/my-real-wedding/photo/157155/jon-and-brittanys-wedding">http://www.theknot.com/contests/my-real-wedding/photo/157155/jon-and-brittanys-wedding</a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQcwoF9beyM/Ug5v-o30d_I/AAAAAAAAAgE/QJ14gCNvTyM/s1600/334920-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQcwoF9beyM/Ug5v-o30d_I/AAAAAAAAAgE/QJ14gCNvTyM/s320/334920-large.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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Suzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10038141281581102615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439599869194074635.post-13661452248250818672013-08-08T16:42:00.001-04:002013-11-27T11:38:55.088-05:00Wedding Theme Thursday: Book Lovers Wedding Inspiration!My husband and I are readers. In fact, the whole family loves to read, and we love our books! If wedding themes had been popular when we were getting married we might've gone with a Book-Lovers theme ourselves! Not everyone <i>gets</i> how I feel about books that I love, but my husband not only <i>gets</i> it, he shares the same feelings, which is awesome and has probably gone a long way towards making our marriage successful. He has also become very good at building bookcases throughout the years. :-)<br />
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So I understand couples who share the book love and want to make it part of their wedding celebration, and these days there are lots of fun ways to incorporate that love into everything from your invites to your bouquet!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-icRPdNQXm-4/UgPMgZjJL8I/AAAAAAAAAUI/RAmrA07jk3o/s1600/8cbe07468ab53ad8a75c2d7a17b7e45b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-icRPdNQXm-4/UgPMgZjJL8I/AAAAAAAAAUI/RAmrA07jk3o/s320/8cbe07468ab53ad8a75c2d7a17b7e45b.jpg" width="234" /></a><a href="http://www.angelinthenorth.com/2012/05/09/wedding-styling-inspiration-literature-lovers/">http://www.angelinthenorth.com/2012/05/09/wedding-styling-inspiration-literature-lovers/</a></div>
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A fun invite that appears to be very popular is couples choosing a classic book cover for their wedding invitations. Marty McColgan, a freelance graphic artist from Ireland works with couples to create wonderful book-themed invites and says that Penguin book covers are especially popular:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AkjSbsVusWQ/UgPLM3UUGjI/AAAAAAAAAT0/j6avpz7zSOE/s1600/classic-penguin-books-wedding-stationary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AkjSbsVusWQ/UgPLM3UUGjI/AAAAAAAAAT0/j6avpz7zSOE/s320/classic-penguin-books-wedding-stationary.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.martymccolgan.com/penguin-books-wedding-invitations.html">http://www.martymccolgan.com/penguin-books-wedding-invitations.html</a></div>
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Or some couples go for the retro-library vibe with old library card invites:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUXebj5YZpU/UgPL6WpmvVI/AAAAAAAAAUA/3c0ao_nxGqI/s1600/3ab809a9d0d5bef66c18f2de1e895d62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUXebj5YZpU/UgPL6WpmvVI/AAAAAAAAAUA/3c0ao_nxGqI/s320/3ab809a9d0d5bef66c18f2de1e895d62.jpg" width="178" /></a><span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 16.89583396911621px;">Designed by Collin Morgan</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31898226@N00/4749881808">http://www.flickr.com/photos/31898226@N00/4749881808</a></div>
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Incorporating books into the ceremony can take the form of creating a book altar - </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xV2xFkM7SBY/UgPWerc2uGI/AAAAAAAAAWc/noNYrVkR0Ks/s1600/9994f45899e901ce3f306ff999dae75f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xV2xFkM7SBY/UgPWerc2uGI/AAAAAAAAAWc/noNYrVkR0Ks/s320/9994f45899e901ce3f306ff999dae75f.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/new-york-weddings/2012/02/24/backyard-storybook-inspired-photo-shoot-by-frost-photography/">http://www.stylemepretty.com/new-york-weddings/2012/02/24/backyard-storybook-inspired-photo-shoot-by-frost-photography/</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqdT9rA6OkM/UgPOK5tYoWI/AAAAAAAAAUo/hhx5s7q_uXA/s1600/1bcb5192400fc1e819cefc1e45b5d5c3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqdT9rA6OkM/UgPOK5tYoWI/AAAAAAAAAUo/hhx5s7q_uXA/s320/1bcb5192400fc1e819cefc1e45b5d5c3.jpg" width="214" /></a><a href="http://foldingbonespress.wordpress.com/tag/literary-theme/">http://foldingbonespress.wordpress.com/tag/literary-theme/</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYzX13DAxXA/UgPOo7rMVMI/AAAAAAAAAUw/XfeF5urhtQk/s1600/libraryoutjessicaclaire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYzX13DAxXA/UgPOo7rMVMI/AAAAAAAAAUw/XfeF5urhtQk/s320/libraryoutjessicaclaire.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://foldingbonespress.wordpress.com/tag/literary-theme/">http://foldingbonespress.wordpress.com/tag/literary-theme/</a></div>
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or</div>
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create a pretty book and flower backdrop to stand in front of while you take your vows:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZpoEebfnMU/UgPNSU3s7WI/AAAAAAAAAUY/e00hDppbiXY/s1600/c07b0ab1b3e4abe033c1709aa156edd3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZpoEebfnMU/UgPNSU3s7WI/AAAAAAAAAUY/e00hDppbiXY/s320/c07b0ab1b3e4abe033c1709aa156edd3.jpg" width="214" /></a><a href="http://foldingbonespress.wordpress.com/tag/literary-theme/">http://foldingbonespress.wordpress.com/tag/literary-theme/</a></div>
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Some brides go all out with the book theme, like this gown made from the pages of books!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyKBBrAWrs8/UgPPI_ZKuAI/AAAAAAAAAU4/yWguoS9RLKg/s1600/68e9675f98d6d5cf217397d91e01494b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyKBBrAWrs8/UgPPI_ZKuAI/AAAAAAAAAU4/yWguoS9RLKg/s320/68e9675f98d6d5cf217397d91e01494b.jpg" width="226" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22.79166603088379px;">Designed and hand crafted by Lancashire bridal designer, Jennifer Pritchard Couchman.</span></div>
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<a href="http://jenniferpritchardbridal.wordpress.com/2010/10/18/once-upon-a-time%E2%80%A6-the-dress-made-from-books-for-a-fairy-tale-reading/">http://jenniferpritchardbridal.wordpress.com/2010/10/18/once-upon-a-time%E2%80%A6-the-dress-made-from-books-for-a-fairy-tale-reading/</a></div>
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For brides not quite willing to go that extreme, maybe a bouquet of paper flowers:</div>
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<a href="http://www.angelinthenorth.com/2012/05/09/wedding-styling-inspiration-literature-lovers/">http://www.angelinthenorth.com/2012/05/09/wedding-styling-inspiration-literature-lovers/</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zKsNnHuw2PU/UgPQDvZxjSI/AAAAAAAAAVI/Cpcxpb_KRqQ/s1600/97c28c49d67168992f9b254612c13ba3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zKsNnHuw2PU/UgPQDvZxjSI/AAAAAAAAAVI/Cpcxpb_KRqQ/s320/97c28c49d67168992f9b254612c13ba3.jpg" width="206" /></a>DanasPaperFlowers on Etsy has a variety of wonderful paper bouquets , boutonnieres, and corsages!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oZQkHKXHIQ4/UgPQXSwk3MI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/As7SoK53foA/s1600/il_570xN.343295189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oZQkHKXHIQ4/UgPQXSwk3MI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/As7SoK53foA/s320/il_570xN.343295189.jpg" width="214" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/DanasPaperFlowers">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/DanasPaperFlowers</a></div>
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And how about these nails!!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R31Lpfbe_EM/UgPRAHb94FI/AAAAAAAAAVc/b5BsKHaiXNI/s1600/223ab307faef52945798bec3ca42845c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R31Lpfbe_EM/UgPRAHb94FI/AAAAAAAAAVc/b5BsKHaiXNI/s1600/223ab307faef52945798bec3ca42845c.jpg" /></a><a href="http://offbeatbride.com/filed/wedding-diy/fashion-diy">http://offbeatbride.com/filed/wedding-diy/fashion-diy</a></div>
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And don't forget to provide some confetti for guests to throw!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-teTGU28Dh8s/UgPRaj4BPtI/AAAAAAAAAVk/v0_nyxpl8cc/s1600/Handmade-Re-cycled-Enid-Blyton-Confetti-by-Ellie-Ellie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-teTGU28Dh8s/UgPRaj4BPtI/AAAAAAAAAVk/v0_nyxpl8cc/s320/Handmade-Re-cycled-Enid-Blyton-Confetti-by-Ellie-Ellie.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.angelinthenorth.com/2012/05/09/wedding-styling-inspiration-literature-lovers/" style="text-align: center;">http://www.angelinthenorth.com/2012/05/09/wedding-styling-inspiration-literature-lovers/</a><br />
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At the reception you can really have fun with the book theme...</div>
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How about a guest book that holds old-style library cards that guests can sign with their good wishes and advice for the bride & groom:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tWyEePK_htE/UgP5v82oxuI/AAAAAAAAAY4/i6nX5ilO0SA/s1600/01235bd2db9ae32f34ae8bb292da4f51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tWyEePK_htE/UgP5v82oxuI/AAAAAAAAAY4/i6nX5ilO0SA/s320/01235bd2db9ae32f34ae8bb292da4f51.jpg" width="214" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/109855706/library-card-wedding-guest-book-vintage?ref=af_shop_favitem">http://www.etsy.com/listing/109855706/library-card-wedding-guest-book-vintage?ref=af_shop_favitem</a></div>
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Tables could be named after favourite authors rather than numbers:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNISs6_F9F4/UgP6EOld5cI/AAAAAAAAAZA/UMA3SOzvwII/s1600/cc107a24aab001e895c0996ca0f4f03d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNISs6_F9F4/UgP6EOld5cI/AAAAAAAAAZA/UMA3SOzvwII/s320/cc107a24aab001e895c0996ca0f4f03d.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
Or if someone is creative, use books to display table numbers as well as providing some unique centerpieces:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvT-l3NnVrM/UgPUaR0eu9I/AAAAAAAAAV8/jkdNPkpSN3g/s1600/2e1ec231099fbb75ecac6579b4484c9b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvT-l3NnVrM/UgPUaR0eu9I/AAAAAAAAAV8/jkdNPkpSN3g/s320/2e1ec231099fbb75ecac6579b4484c9b.jpg" width="234" /></a><a href="http://foldingbonespress.wordpress.com/2012/06/03/book-weddings-2/">http://foldingbonespress.wordpress.com/2012/06/03/book-weddings-2/</a></div>
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<a href="http://foldingbonespress.wordpress.com/tag/literary-theme/">http://foldingbonespress.wordpress.com/tag/literary-theme/</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CgEOx_zAeW8/UgP75ZcTBfI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/J78E_sY3G04/s1600/books2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CgEOx_zAeW8/UgP75ZcTBfI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/J78E_sY3G04/s320/books2.jpg" width="228" /></a><a href="http://hoorayhurrah.com/wedding-bells-getting-crafty/books2/">http://hoorayhurrah.com/wedding-bells-getting-crafty/books2/</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--SE3-y8GqGI/UgPUmdESTAI/AAAAAAAAAWE/ZG1BfDhKVwM/s1600/287597126176082796_f7qkrlz1_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--SE3-y8GqGI/UgPUmdESTAI/AAAAAAAAAWE/ZG1BfDhKVwM/s320/287597126176082796_f7qkrlz1_c.jpg" width="320" /></a>There's lots of ideas out there for using book pages to make garland or flowers:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5ebJb7TL9Y/UgQBz8dHtRI/AAAAAAAAAaI/ztQhCiHeLGM/s1600/304446ce4eb46d2ffb5b6dfd0fffeff7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5ebJb7TL9Y/UgQBz8dHtRI/AAAAAAAAAaI/ztQhCiHeLGM/s320/304446ce4eb46d2ffb5b6dfd0fffeff7.jpg" width="222" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/HoopsyDaisies?ref=l2-shopheader-name">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/HoopsyDaisies?ref=l2-shopheader-name</a></div>
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How about a book page runner down the middle of the tables?</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qz-2PnfNAeo/UgPVRCiAT_I/AAAAAAAAAWM/tPYqtqX6TEw/s1600/d09ae20dcbc17989ae201d18451c2434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qz-2PnfNAeo/UgPVRCiAT_I/AAAAAAAAAWM/tPYqtqX6TEw/s320/d09ae20dcbc17989ae201d18451c2434.jpg" width="214" /></a><a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/new-york-weddings/2012/02/24/backyard-storybook-inspired-photo-shoot-by-frost-photography/">http://www.stylemepretty.com/new-york-weddings/2012/02/24/backyard-storybook-inspired-photo-shoot-by-frost-photography/</a></div>
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And if you are a sewer, these seat covers would be such fun for a book themed wedding!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nv3_xhX2JC0/UgQADL5FpAI/AAAAAAAAAZw/K2AiQGuy5-Y/s1600/14b4fbcbedcfb668ac15e70699ceb535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nv3_xhX2JC0/UgQADL5FpAI/AAAAAAAAAZw/K2AiQGuy5-Y/s320/14b4fbcbedcfb668ac15e70699ceb535.jpg" width="214" /></a><a href="http://ruffledblog.com/galleries/library-love-shoot/?pid=1443&nggpage=3">http://ruffledblog.com/galleries/library-love-shoot/?pid=1443&nggpage=3</a></div>
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Can't forget the wedding cake. Incorporate pages or words from books you love...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izz9W05Z3g0/UgPWzS8NhAI/AAAAAAAAAWk/6nQGGwF_f-c/s1600/cc2d7dd1e46f543ba4d7422c82081edf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izz9W05Z3g0/UgPWzS8NhAI/AAAAAAAAAWk/6nQGGwF_f-c/s320/cc2d7dd1e46f543ba4d7422c82081edf.jpg" width="186" /></a><a href="http://www.angelinthenorth.com/2012/05/09/wedding-styling-inspiration-literature-lovers/">http://www.angelinthenorth.com/2012/05/09/wedding-styling-inspiration-literature-lovers/</a></div>
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Have fun with it!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29LCJnDd6No/UgPY9FL97GI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/imcJ4qvnoSw/s1600/e580be11290026b399f9e6b8a8a6146f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29LCJnDd6No/UgPY9FL97GI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/imcJ4qvnoSw/s1600/e580be11290026b399f9e6b8a8a6146f.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nataliescreativecakes/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/nataliescreativecakes/</a></div>
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Or maybe a cake that looks like books!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLUL6wFhEVs/UgPY3Ln1gjI/AAAAAAAAAXI/6b1jk93wM9I/s1600/wbnov11_cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLUL6wFhEVs/UgPY3Ln1gjI/AAAAAAAAAXI/6b1jk93wM9I/s320/wbnov11_cake.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.weddingbells.ca/planning/word-perfect-6-wedding-ideas-for-word-fanatics/attachment/wbnov11_cake/">http://www.weddingbells.ca/planning/word-perfect-6-wedding-ideas-for-word-fanatics/attachment/wbnov11_cake/</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap7FCqr7GBI/UgP_xK-QucI/AAAAAAAAAZo/tsv5NyqVBso/s1600/d395cc92376249ca445ecc391eecb3e1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap7FCqr7GBI/UgP_xK-QucI/AAAAAAAAAZo/tsv5NyqVBso/s320/d395cc92376249ca445ecc391eecb3e1.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://www.bellamanse.com/">http://www.bellamanse.com/</a></div>
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And look at these cake toppers!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zIdSAvjAsO0/UgPXDvSxU5I/AAAAAAAAAWs/n6RuwNM1FI0/s1600/b84bf994077f64ef532be5e749def0be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zIdSAvjAsO0/UgPXDvSxU5I/AAAAAAAAAWs/n6RuwNM1FI0/s320/b84bf994077f64ef532be5e749def0be.jpg" width="218" /></a><a href="http://aweddingcakeblog.com/features/book-lover-cake-topper/">http://aweddingcakeblog.com/features/book-lover-cake-topper/</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RbYtpUr7qYY/UgPXd3okYbI/AAAAAAAAAW0/wj8gmrOL4SQ/s1600/7e0d5cc6811e71d3e7331e24bb99eecd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RbYtpUr7qYY/UgPXd3okYbI/AAAAAAAAAW0/wj8gmrOL4SQ/s1600/7e0d5cc6811e71d3e7331e24bb99eecd.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/missnatch">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/missnatch</a></div>
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Gift ideas for bridesmaids...</div>
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how about some studs made from old book pages...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MR9TE_5YjKw/UgP1p0j6kxI/AAAAAAAAAYI/_8FzmeaKD_A/s1600/24aa78dee90a99585b5861fbd6fa9988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MR9TE_5YjKw/UgP1p0j6kxI/AAAAAAAAAYI/_8FzmeaKD_A/s1600/24aa78dee90a99585b5861fbd6fa9988.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/FoldingTheLibrary?ref=l2-shop-info-name">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/FoldingTheLibrary?ref=l2-shop-info-name</a></div>
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Or be a little more literal with a book related gift:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mS0PWy4C_us/UgP4J913YEI/AAAAAAAAAYo/kGN2PHOnpa8/s1600/il_570xN.396732706_8j3m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mS0PWy4C_us/UgP4J913YEI/AAAAAAAAAYo/kGN2PHOnpa8/s320/il_570xN.396732706_8j3m.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/115383484/wire-wrapped-open-book-bracelet-made-to?ref=shop_home_active">http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/115383484/wire-wrapped-open-book-bracelet-made-to?ref=shop_home_active</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2uNX8xRfW4/UgP_F8gO_yI/AAAAAAAAAZg/j3TGh2yDt-k/s1600/il_570xN.392045659_rohg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2uNX8xRfW4/UgP_F8gO_yI/AAAAAAAAAZg/j3TGh2yDt-k/s320/il_570xN.392045659_rohg.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/114100550/book-junkie-scrabble-tile-pendant-with?ref=shop_home_active">http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/114100550/book-junkie-scrabble-tile-pendant-with?ref=shop_home_active</a></div>
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Guest favors?...a bookmark of course!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tRowOs9fGTo/UgPuoBGF-XI/AAAAAAAAAXo/w6nllR2nAV0/s1600/b474f2251ea02eb6019ad8ac062ec068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tRowOs9fGTo/UgPuoBGF-XI/AAAAAAAAAXo/w6nllR2nAV0/s1600/b474f2251ea02eb6019ad8ac062ec068.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.weddingfavorsunlimited.com/book_lovers_heart_design_bookmark_favors.html">http://www.weddingfavorsunlimited.com/book_lovers_heart_design_bookmark_favors.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IwEAnEMArPY/UgQAUOg97iI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/Z3fcDK7EZik/s1600/93e43d5937b4689b0c04d9a2164d4b19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IwEAnEMArPY/UgQAUOg97iI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/Z3fcDK7EZik/s320/93e43d5937b4689b0c04d9a2164d4b19.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MissingPiecesStudio">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MissingPiecesStudio</a></div>
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And make sure to get your photographer to take a Thank You pic you can enclose with your thankyou cards or even have made into Thank You postcards!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NjdX9p-Wso4/UgP3TDKypnI/AAAAAAAAAYY/AUK-JRE7zto/s1600/807d02635cd1552bab210e80f9703292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NjdX9p-Wso4/UgP3TDKypnI/AAAAAAAAAYY/AUK-JRE7zto/s1600/807d02635cd1552bab210e80f9703292.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.mywvwedding.com/Planners-Palette/October-2012/Literary-Love/">http://www.mywvwedding.com/Planners-Palette/October-2012/Literary-Love/</a></div>
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Suzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10038141281581102615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439599869194074635.post-63601259370070372032013-07-30T16:26:00.000-04:002016-01-25T21:20:20.704-05:00Comparing All-inclusive Adult-only Luxury Resorts: SECRETS ROYAL BEACH, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - December 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For years Michael and I didn't take vacations. In fact, we didn't even go on a honeymoon. We couldn't afford it. I got pregnant within weeks of getting married and a second son followed shortly after the first, along with lots of stray cats and dogs and we were homeschooling for the boys for their early years and the idea of being able to go away for a week and relax was just not on the horizon.<br />
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Even once the boys were in highschool and we had a bit more money, we had a houseful of cats and dogs and I didn't feel right about leaving them with the boys for a week, especially since one of them needs daily meds, etc. Plus, they're dachshunds, not the easiest dogs in the world to get along with sometimes. ha!<br />
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Anyways, in late fall of 2011 I was thinking about what to get Michael for his birthday (Nov. 24th) and decided that maybe I'd surprise him and take a giant leap and book a 3 day mini holiday away...sort of a birthday treat and belated honeymoon in one! Darien was going to be home from university for the Xmas holidays and said he could watch the animals and my older son offered as well. They were both so supportive and wanted us to spend some money on ourselves and have fun for a change. So, having zero idea about where to go or where to stay, I began my research!<br />
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Anyone who knows me know that I'm somewhat of a research junkie. I like to compile a LOT of information, and as I do, I learn things and I can start to see what I want and what I don't want. My husband requests were easy...somewhere hot, with a beach, and preferably no kids. He was swamped at work and really just wanted to get away from it all and relax. I decided an all-inclusive would be the way to go so we wouldn't have to worry about how much we were spending since all the food and drinks would be included.<br />
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Now, wanting an adult-only AI resort narrowed things down a bit. I compared the different resorts and read Tripadvisor.ca voraciously (I could not imagine trying to decide where to go without it, the pics and reviews from people who have just come back from these resorts is invaluable!) Clearly some resorts pics are not exactly reality. That brought me to the Secrets chain owned by AMResorts (they also own Dreams, Now, Breathless, Zoetry and Sunscape)...I was impressed that the pictures on Tripadvisor of the rooms and resort looked exactly like their website.<br />
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After much discussion, we decided to try <i>Secrets Royal Beach </i>in Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic for 3 nights. (Here's their official website if you want more detailed info. about them: <a href="http://www.secretsresorts.com/royal-beach-punta-cana">http://www.secretsresorts.com/royal-beach-punta-cana</a>)<br />
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I figured a short holiday was a good way to test the waters and see how the animals reacted to us being away, how easily (or not) Darien could cope with looking after them, and how much I would miss them. We also booked the night before at a hotel near the airport where we could leave our car for the week. Our flight was super early and we had to be at the airport in the early hours of the morning, and since we live over 2 hours away, this was a good solution.<br />
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The Dominican was really different, espcially the airport. Very tropical and open to the air.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eeUEiW2CYPo/Uff8CuKaThI/AAAAAAAAAPo/78m86xL1qrY/s1600/airport+in+PC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eeUEiW2CYPo/Uff8CuKaThI/AAAAAAAAAPo/78m86xL1qrY/s320/airport+in+PC.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The resort isn't too far away - like maybe a 20 minute drive. When we arrived, they rushed out to take our bags and we were each offered a glass of champagne and cool wet cloth to refresh ourselves with and to wipe away some of the sweat and grime of the trip. Awwww, lovely! Checkin was quick and I was given a long stemmed red rose which was so nice of them and unexpected (but made me feel special, even if they give it to everyone). :-)<br />
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The lobby was gorgeous! I absolutely loved it.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DviDaOx23kM/UpUE4f3jHbI/AAAAAAAAAiM/D687MfC4Krg/s1600/Lobby+at+Secrets+Royal+Beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DviDaOx23kM/UpUE4f3jHbI/AAAAAAAAAiM/D687MfC4Krg/s320/Lobby+at+Secrets+Royal+Beach.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I loved the lights in the lobby!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R2ffT1NSNZs/UpUGatqbIbI/AAAAAAAAAio/LRbNjSzdDiY/s1600/Lights+in+the+lobby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R2ffT1NSNZs/UpUGatqbIbI/AAAAAAAAAio/LRbNjSzdDiY/s320/Lights+in+the+lobby.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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To our surprise, they upgraded us for free from Tropical to Pool view (!) and we ended up with a gorgeous view of the lazy river pool. Here's a pic looking left from our balcony...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KECV1YwKzcM/Uff7E1J1oqI/AAAAAAAAAPY/RsTJvFjmEYc/s1600/Looking+left.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KECV1YwKzcM/Uff7E1J1oqI/AAAAAAAAAPY/RsTJvFjmEYc/s320/Looking+left.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And looking right...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93fOthSReWQ/Uff9NGJjunI/AAAAAAAAAP0/LRsJhAmxBSo/s1600/ocean-view-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93fOthSReWQ/Uff9NGJjunI/AAAAAAAAAP0/LRsJhAmxBSo/s320/ocean-view-room.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The balcony also had a little sitting area and it was nice to sit out and just enjoy the warm breeze, soooo peaceful!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wXS2ESZIKog/UpUFxgeyZYI/AAAAAAAAAiY/WN9X_uSpe58/s1600/balcony+at+Secrets+DR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wXS2ESZIKog/UpUFxgeyZYI/AAAAAAAAAiY/WN9X_uSpe58/s320/balcony+at+Secrets+DR.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyhqC-ZyFZw/UpUG1_cJFzI/AAAAAAAAAiw/44amMEwqr8w/s1600/Michael+on+the+balcony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyhqC-ZyFZw/UpUG1_cJFzI/AAAAAAAAAiw/44amMEwqr8w/s320/Michael+on+the+balcony.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
as well as a jacuzzi, which Michael tried one night. Took forever to fill though!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKIUE-zKZy4/UpUGCwiIW5I/AAAAAAAAAig/eXjKkF2anUg/s1600/Our+jacuzzi+on+the+balconey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKIUE-zKZy4/UpUGCwiIW5I/AAAAAAAAAig/eXjKkF2anUg/s320/Our+jacuzzi+on+the+balconey.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I loved the tropical vibe of our room! And housekeeping kept it spotless. It was a little damp (being the tropics and all), but incense is provided and that helped with any musty smell. </div>
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The bathroom was also gorgeous...all marble with a double vanity and a huge shower. The room looked <i><b>exactly</b></i> like the pictures on the website, something I've noticed is true with all the Secrets resorts that we've been too. I like that! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iivR71MlaUk/Uff9r_-OJYI/AAAAAAAAAP8/pJ_5rFQlhmo/s1600/IMG_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iivR71MlaUk/Uff9r_-OJYI/AAAAAAAAAP8/pJ_5rFQlhmo/s320/IMG_0457.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uln52DS5GXo/UpUHMYcJ5_I/AAAAAAAAAi4/WWnhyHrgQzs/s1600/Looking+back+into+our+room+from+the+balcony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uln52DS5GXo/UpUHMYcJ5_I/AAAAAAAAAi4/WWnhyHrgQzs/s320/Looking+back+into+our+room+from+the+balcony.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And I loved the open air sections that joined the hallways where the room were. There would be a stretch of hallway like this:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZXuMe0ZnYY/UfgfTql85PI/AAAAAAAAASs/5GYaZIhsgO8/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZXuMe0ZnYY/UfgfTql85PI/AAAAAAAAASs/5GYaZIhsgO8/s320/IMG_0459.JPG" width="240" /></a>And then you'd come to a larger area where you could take the stairs up or down and it was open to the air. Usually there was gorgeous artwork or sculptures and flowers and a small seating area. Really lovely! Then there'd be another hallway with rooms and then another open area and so on:</div>
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What really struck us about this resort, apart from how amazing the staff was - so friendly and just the best service, always ready to please and always smiling. Also, the peacefulness. It was unreal how incredibly peaceful it was, from the lack of noise to the beautiful landscaping. It was like a dream.</div>
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They had these pretty little arched bridges over the lazy river and these little seating areas like the one below that provided some shade, but the chairs actually sat in the water so you could dip your feet and stay cool while you read and relaxed. Michael liked to sit there while I swam.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tg62-AhVnPQ/UpUInKscNuI/AAAAAAAAAjE/si6-wJC83sc/s1600/Open+roof+over+sitting+area+where+the+tables+and+chairs+are+in+a+few+inches+of+water+that+leads+into+the+lazy+river+pool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tg62-AhVnPQ/UpUInKscNuI/AAAAAAAAAjE/si6-wJC83sc/s320/Open+roof+over+sitting+area+where+the+tables+and+chairs+are+in+a+few+inches+of+water+that+leads+into+the+lazy+river+pool.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o474Dp6z2r4/UpUJNzTrkpI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/T97zIWP_gJE/s1600/Michael+getting+ready+to+sit+down+at+the+sitting+area+in+the+water+while+I+swam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o474Dp6z2r4/UpUJNzTrkpI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/T97zIWP_gJE/s320/Michael+getting+ready+to+sit+down+at+the+sitting+area+in+the+water+while+I+swam.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HLHAwcaAl7E/UpUJjkN3dNI/AAAAAAAAAjU/Nhopk22PLe8/s1600/Michael+sitting+with+me+in+the+pool+with+the+camera.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HLHAwcaAl7E/UpUJjkN3dNI/AAAAAAAAAjU/Nhopk22PLe8/s320/Michael+sitting+with+me+in+the+pool+with+the+camera.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VimSFhAlZxo/UpUY1O8VYEI/AAAAAAAAAkY/d5DIpw5MW-A/s1600/View+of+our+room+(with+towel+hanging+over+balcony)+from+the+lazy+river+below.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VimSFhAlZxo/UpUY1O8VYEI/AAAAAAAAAkY/d5DIpw5MW-A/s320/View+of+our+room+(with+towel+hanging+over+balcony)+from+the+lazy+river+below.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">This is a pic of our room from the lazy river ...that's our room with the brown towel hanging over the balcony. I really envied the swimup rooms (right below us where the blue loungers are, right on the edge of the lazy river. If we ever come back here, I want to get one of the swimup rooms instead!</td></tr>
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They had these big round balls that lit up at night amongst the flora. It was really beautiful, especially at night!</div>
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The beach was okay, lots of sea grass which didn't bother me that much but some people didn't like it. They were constantly trying to rake it away. Nice white sand and blue water. It was much windier than I expected. It was lovely to sit on the beach and people come to you to ask what you want to drink and bring it to you ...the cocktails are awesome! So many different ones to try! I particularly liked Banana Mama and of course we had to try the Dominican<i> Mama Jauna</i>, made by allowing rum, red wine and honey to soak in a bottle filled with tree barks bits, leaves and roots. It's rumoured to be an aphrodisiac! LOL! Michael really got a taste for it! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlZUm0YiYHc/Uff_QGwz36I/AAAAAAAAAQU/GU1xlwC1UXA/s1600/Me+from+my+beach+chair+-+that's+my+foot+at+the+bottom+of+the+shot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlZUm0YiYHc/Uff_QGwz36I/AAAAAAAAAQU/GU1xlwC1UXA/s320/Me+from+my+beach+chair+-+that's+my+foot+at+the+bottom+of+the+shot.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shot from my beach chair (that's my foot at the bottom of the photo)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_xguZC2q3c/UpUWN9qgtFI/AAAAAAAAAj4/HgArOEIKw50/s1600/Michael+at+one+of+the+beach+bars.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_xguZC2q3c/UpUWN9qgtFI/AAAAAAAAAj4/HgArOEIKw50/s320/Michael+at+one+of+the+beach+bars.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael at the beach bar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a0bxJ9lBwbw/UpUXTeu6TfI/AAAAAAAAAkE/21gyw7VXTU0/s1600/SAM_0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a0bxJ9lBwbw/UpUXTeu6TfI/AAAAAAAAAkE/21gyw7VXTU0/s320/SAM_0163.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loungers on the beach nearing sunset</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sFWINKpGv7A/UfgdYQTE8WI/AAAAAAAAASU/KmcBO-zGp9k/s1600/Michael+on+the+beach+nearing+sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sFWINKpGv7A/UfgdYQTE8WI/AAAAAAAAASU/KmcBO-zGp9k/s320/Michael+on+the+beach+nearing+sunset.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the beach at sunset</td></tr>
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This is a shot looking back from the beach towards where we ate our buffet breakfast every morning. You could sit inside or outside, but we preferred out, so we could see the palm trees swaying and hear the ocean waves crashing on the beach. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8vQ44zoZFU/UpUMrfJrYWI/AAAAAAAAAjg/d8fue2fjRBc/s1600/Looking+back+towards+the+restaurant+where+we+ate+breakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8vQ44zoZFU/UpUMrfJrYWI/AAAAAAAAAjg/d8fue2fjRBc/s320/Looking+back+towards+the+restaurant+where+we+ate+breakfast.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the evening, an adjacent restaurant called The Seaside Grill also had outdoor seating and we had dinner there twice. It was really nice to be able to sit and hear the waves and see the palm trees as we ate our steaks. :-)</div>
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<i>Secrets Royal Beach</i> shares some of its restaurants with N<i>ow Larimar,</i> which is for families. Guests at R<i>oyal Beach </i>can use all the facilities at the <i>Now Larimar,</i> but they cannot come onto the Secrets property (they have a guard standing there that you have to show your room card to). I'm not crazy about shared Adult Only/Family resort properties and prefer ones like Capri and Silversands which are just adult only. You do pay a higher price for having it adult only and I don't want to share any facilities with kids. Considering the high cost it doesn't seem fair. I've been disappointed to see so many of the new Secrets properties opening up with these shared resorts and to tell you the truth, it makes me angry when I read reviews on Tripadvisor where people stay at the Now side, which is less money but find their way over to the adult only side to spend their days. Apparently not all the Secrets guard against Now guests crossing over on to the Secrets property if they don't have children with them, so from what I've seen in reviews from some people, they simply come in from the beach and use the adult only facilities. That bugs me and I don't find it funny or cute or like that people tell others to do it. Secrets either needs to address that issue or stop building these dual facilities. Anyways, I'm going to rant about that in a separate post since it's not really about Royal Beach but Secrets Resorts and AM Resorts in general. </div>
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We didn't go to any of the shared restaurants since we were only there for a few days, but I'm not sure how I would feel about sharing if we were there for a week. The only thing we checked out on the <i>Now Larimar</i> side was the casino and their souvenir shop. Definitely noisier. You could hear the kidsm as soon as you walked closer to the hub of the resort where the casino was (kids were not allowed in the casino though). Don't get me wrong, I like kids, but if I'm paying for an adult ony vacation I don't want to hear any little kids screaming. If I didn't care, I would've booked a resort that included kids. Michael was the one who insisted on adult-only originally when I was trying to decide between <i>Now Larimar</i> and <i>Royal Beach</i>, but I have to tell you, after experiencing how quiet and peaceful<i> Royal Beach </i>was, I was sold on us making that mandatory on all vacations if we had a choice. Our life is filled with barking dogs and noise on a regular basis, so it was really calming to have that kind of quiet. I loved it! Didn't think I would, but I did! </div>
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As far as the decor and landscaping, <i>Now Larimar</i> looked quite nice. We came through the lobby when we got dropped off from a trip into town and the decor was very pretty. The one thing I did not like was all the smoke. I have asthma and I'm allergic to smoke, and I found the small casino (door closed to the outside) hard to breathe in with so many people smoking cigarettes inside. I also didn't like that they allowed smoking in the outside seating area of the buffet. The wind would tend to blow the smoke in your face and I felt like we couldn't get away from it. I noticed that when we went to <i>Secrets Capri</i>, it was non-smoking inside the resort and I appreciated that a lot after <i>Royal Beach</i>!</div>
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The restaurants on <i>our </i>side were La Riviera, which was a buffet that served all kinds of things; Seaside Grill, which was essentially steak and grilled specialties, and Oceana, a seafood place that had a set menu. We only ate at the buffet and Seaside Grill. We had planned to try Oceana, but then my stomach acted up and so we never did. </div>
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The food had beautiful presentation, especially at the buffet! Check out this Buddha made entirely of butter!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqDn0XK9NtI/UfgYnzOGKqI/AAAAAAAAARQ/tNtsVQyBN7Y/s1600/IMG_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqDn0XK9NtI/UfgYnzOGKqI/AAAAAAAAARQ/tNtsVQyBN7Y/s320/IMG_0468.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, my tummy started acting up the second day we were there. It wasn't a full fledged stomach illness but I definitely didn't feel my best and was careful about what I ate the last day. I don't know if it was the food or just me. Michael had no problems at all. I'm not a big fan of the cuisine compared to Mexico (where I LOVE the cuisine), and I'm also not used to so many different kinds of food, or eating/drinking so much, so that might've had something to do with my tummy upset as well. We've also taken Dukoral before trips since just for added protection, as well as getting Trinrix vaccinations. Better safe than sorry.</div>
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The spa on the Secrets side had just opened up and we decided to splurge on a treatment. I went for a massage and Michael decided to have a chocolate wrap or something like that. My massage was very relaxing and that says a lot because I'm the type of person that doesn't normally relax getting a massage, but the girl who did it was wonderful and the setting was very calming. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpPgF8tc8W0/UfgaAzxCx_I/AAAAAAAAARo/w2onFFVENCg/s1600/SECREST+ROYAL+BEACH+SPA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpPgF8tc8W0/UfgaAzxCx_I/AAAAAAAAARo/w2onFFVENCg/s320/SECREST+ROYAL+BEACH+SPA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Afterwards we went into their new hydrotherapy pools! Only problem was that no one showed us how to use it or what to do, so I just floated around a bit and relaxed. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5JpC513k5Cg/UfgaOXx0P0I/AAAAAAAAARw/VsQ2UoHaonw/s1600/Some+of+the+hydrotherapy+pools+at+the+spa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5JpC513k5Cg/UfgaOXx0P0I/AAAAAAAAARw/VsQ2UoHaonw/s320/Some+of+the+hydrotherapy+pools+at+the+spa.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Domincan is known for red amber and larimar, the latter only being found in the Dominican. Here's what Wikipedia says about Larimar: "<b style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.666666984558105px; line-height: 19.19791603088379px;">Larimar</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.666666984558105px; line-height: 19.19791603088379px;">, also called "Stefilia's Stone", is a rare blue variety of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pectolite" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.666666984558105px; line-height: 19.19791603088379px; text-decoration: none;" title="Pectolite">pectolite</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.666666984558105px; line-height: 19.19791603088379px;"> found only in the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominican_Republic" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.666666984558105px; line-height: 19.19791603088379px; text-decoration: none;" title="Dominican Republic">Dominican Republic</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.666666984558105px; line-height: 19.19791603088379px;">, in the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.666666984558105px; line-height: 19.19791603088379px; text-decoration: none;" title="Caribbean">Caribbean</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.666666984558105px; line-height: 19.19791603088379px;">. Its coloration varies from white, light-blue, green-blue to deep blue." </span><span style="text-align: center;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larimar</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's such a pretty colour, isn't it?</td></tr>
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The resort provided a free bus that went to a little plaza nearby that sported the Amber & Larimar Museum, which was cool, and we also did a bit of souvenir shopping there. Here's Michael inside the museum checking out the displays. I bought a gorgeous bracelet with larimar and red amber on it while we were there: </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqynhp-anuM/UfgW1OV0n4I/AAAAAAAAARA/KzCjjzx2IQ0/s1600/The+Amber+and+Larimar+Museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqynhp-anuM/UfgW1OV0n4I/AAAAAAAAARA/KzCjjzx2IQ0/s320/The+Amber+and+Larimar+Museum.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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All in all it was a lovely first holiday. Here we are at Punta Cana airport heading home:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qw0QoBO57n0/UfgeuYiOGAI/AAAAAAAAASk/qT-FVqNCUwM/s1600/Leaving+Punta+Cana+-+the+airport.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qw0QoBO57n0/UfgeuYiOGAI/AAAAAAAAASk/qT-FVqNCUwM/s320/Leaving+Punta+Cana+-+the+airport.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our plane home...we had to walk across the tarmac to the stairs to board.</td></tr>
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Of course everyone was fine when we got home. In fact, it was such a positive experience that we immediately decided to look at booking another holiday (this time a <u><b>week</b></u>) at another Secrets resort, but this time in Mexico. Our anniversary is April 16th and although we couldn't go that early in April because we needed to make sure Darien had finished his exams and was home from university, we decided we'd go shortly thereafter as a belated anniversary celebration trip! I managed to find an awesome deal for late April at Secrets Capri. I'll review that vacation in a future post.</h3>
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Suzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10038141281581102615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439599869194074635.post-44868282714327500212013-07-25T22:28:00.005-04:002014-06-16T20:00:24.782-04:00Theme Thursday: Basketball themed Wedding Inspiration!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been a crazy week and I didn't manage to get on and post some of the things I had planned to in the last few days. My younger son reminded me this afternoon that it was Thursday and that I had a wedding theme to blog about, so in honour of him and his passion for basketball, I decided to make this week's theme about basketball lovers!<br />
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You can go all out with basketball decor as part of the flower arrangements, table centerpieces or even a basketball ice sculpture ... this amazing sculpture is by by Lexington Ice Sculptures<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.lexingtonicesculptures.com/photos.htm#.U5-EPfldV8E</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g82UxehIngc/UfHE5ZxgDJI/AAAAAAAAALM/7ky-UFesskY/s1600/78d92cbb001402217c2ef19213890d17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g82UxehIngc/UfHE5ZxgDJI/AAAAAAAAALM/7ky-UFesskY/s320/78d92cbb001402217c2ef19213890d17.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a><a href="http://www.sportsthemedweddings.com/Sports-Themed-Wedding-Reception-Centerpieces.htm">http://www.sportsthemedweddings.co</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sportsthemedweddings.com/Sports-Themed-Wedding-Reception-Centerpieces.htm">m/Sports-Themed-Wedding-Reception-Centerpieces.htm</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PhYAA5Xkt6A/UfHaqHymkLI/AAAAAAAAAOc/-dQvOQq3CeI/s1600/1dd234f3b0e4fd8800bcc0af59f19d71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PhYAA5Xkt6A/UfHaqHymkLI/AAAAAAAAAOc/-dQvOQq3CeI/s320/1dd234f3b0e4fd8800bcc0af59f19d71.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://www.funnysir.com/pictures/sports/page-81.html">http://www.funnysir.com/pictures/sports/page-81.html</a></div>
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Instead of a guest book, have a basketball with a black marker for wedding guests to sign!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AylX-HUv4KE/UfHF2qmHhQI/AAAAAAAAALk/yMObJOplsHI/s1600/Basketball-Sign-In-Guest-Book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AylX-HUv4KE/UfHF2qmHhQI/AAAAAAAAALk/yMObJOplsHI/s320/Basketball-Sign-In-Guest-Book.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.mazelmoments.com/blog/11326/guest-book-alternatives-wedding-mitzvah/">http://www.mazelmoments.com/blog/11326/guest-book-alternatives-wedding-mitzvah/</a></div>
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While you may still want traditional touches like a tiered white wedding cake, maybe you could go with a basketball for the groom's cake:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fe_Y0b79WIA/UfHHHzI3ccI/AAAAAAAAAL0/YkfnJWvvvXM/s1600/48bf3d767ef2d342f55fc7592fe7b1bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fe_Y0b79WIA/UfHHHzI3ccI/AAAAAAAAAL0/YkfnJWvvvXM/s320/48bf3d767ef2d342f55fc7592fe7b1bc.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://www.theknot.com/contests/my-real-wedding/photo/81854/the-ribault-club-fort-george-island">http://www.theknot.com/contests/my-real-wedding/photo/81854/the-ribault-club-fort-george-island</a></div>
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Of course, a basketball themed wedding cake topper can be sweet even on a traditional wedding cake! There's so many cute ones out there that can even be personalized if the couple desires:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C9lEg5Mc4mQ/UfHIVARSCCI/AAAAAAAAAME/w6yq4wKQ8KE/s1600/9db53051f395c8c7a9d308d7d53f0721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C9lEg5Mc4mQ/UfHIVARSCCI/AAAAAAAAAME/w6yq4wKQ8KE/s1600/9db53051f395c8c7a9d308d7d53f0721.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.gorgeouscelebration.weddingstar.com/product/basketball-dream-team-bride-and-groom-couple-figurine" style="text-align: center;">http://www.gorgeouscelebration.weddingstar.com/product/basketball-dream-team-bride-and-groom-couple-figurine</a><br />
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And instead of cake slices, maybe some basketball cupcakes or cake pops for guests or at least as a choice on the Sweets Table:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7I3wqslMOXQ/UfHOVM_uOxI/AAAAAAAAANM/K_Z9ld8dlu8/s1600/224ea717e879bc5ba37ed0670f823a11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7I3wqslMOXQ/UfHOVM_uOxI/AAAAAAAAANM/K_Z9ld8dlu8/s1600/224ea717e879bc5ba37ed0670f823a11.jpg" /></a></div>
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For the groom, how about these basketball cufflinks, handcrafted from actual basketballs and set in sterling silver from Etsy shop Bits And Badges<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ze9pyFUYcR8/UfHI97vl7hI/AAAAAAAAAMM/HxNna6xhJ6E/s1600/571a94885ede6bb310cb7c439f48135a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ze9pyFUYcR8/UfHI97vl7hI/AAAAAAAAAMM/HxNna6xhJ6E/s1600/571a94885ede6bb310cb7c439f48135a.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/114639024/real-sports-ball-cufflinks-handmade-from?ref=shop_home_active">http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/114639024/real-sports-ball-cufflinks-handmade-from?ref=shop_home_active</a></div>
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Maybe he'd like one of these very cool and creative basketball themed wedding bands:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3bFb-dX9Ms/UfHJDFNkrGI/AAAAAAAAAMU/Xiw7ZJpUnOI/s1600/43b2af1bb004f91d6fa668b140fc120d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3bFb-dX9Ms/UfHJDFNkrGI/AAAAAAAAAMU/Xiw7ZJpUnOI/s1600/43b2af1bb004f91d6fa668b140fc120d.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.trendsettingwedding.com/2009/03/oh-so-not-traditional-mens-wedding-bands.html">http://www.trendsettingwedding.com/2009/03/oh-so-not-traditional-mens-wedding-bands.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tcH5v_eOYKA/UfHbYws8acI/AAAAAAAAAOo/myUvBT6dC-M/s1600/40c5f04ae161101597be537410f6607a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tcH5v_eOYKA/UfHbYws8acI/AAAAAAAAAOo/myUvBT6dC-M/s320/40c5f04ae161101597be537410f6607a.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.jewelrywarehouse.com/Fable-Designs-Black-Zirconium-Half-Round-Milled-Basketball-Wedding-Band/BZ8HRPMBASKET/Product">http://www.jewelrywarehouse.com/Fable-Designs-Black-Zirconium-Half-Round-Milled-Basketball-Wedding-Band/BZ8HRPMBASKET/Product</a></div>
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or this quirky boutonniere!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nyKOa_MXIcg/UfHJFoOaQhI/AAAAAAAAAMc/AM2DG5FX6Ik/s1600/433dce01de821c302b5b955808bd347b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nyKOa_MXIcg/UfHJFoOaQhI/AAAAAAAAAMc/AM2DG5FX6Ik/s320/433dce01de821c302b5b955808bd347b.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://mbcartagena.blogspot.ca/2012/11/20-photos-with-original-creative-unique.html">http://mbcartagena.blogspot.ca/2012/11/20-photos-with-original-creative-unique.html</a></div>
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And the bride doesn't have to leave <i>all</i> the cute basketball details to the groom! If there's a certain NBA team that <i><b>she</b></i> likes to root for, then maybe she might like to rock some basketball heels under that fancy white gown (NBA heels are available in flat ballet shoes, suede and crystal styles):</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epF-vDLGO7c/UfHL-HhfO8I/AAAAAAAAAMs/Qy3PFs_Zl58/s1600/55b1e8c42df8d7ac4b4c70924af49771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epF-vDLGO7c/UfHL-HhfO8I/AAAAAAAAAMs/Qy3PFs_Zl58/s320/55b1e8c42df8d7ac4b4c70924af49771.jpg" height="170" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.herstar.com/collections/nba-suede">http://www.herstar.com/collections/nba-suede</a>th</div>
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And no respectable bride forgets her garter! Go generic...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W2I74PmiyDE/UfHMj4fJuFI/AAAAAAAAAM0/y4GnmsHJXnM/s1600/6abdf701c0aa297d4fc593d3a52ba529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W2I74PmiyDE/UfHMj4fJuFI/AAAAAAAAAM0/y4GnmsHJXnM/s320/6abdf701c0aa297d4fc593d3a52ba529.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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or go for a favourite team: </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS01jvotefI/UfHN6tzXRFI/AAAAAAAAANE/I-ERLvpY2BA/s1600/il_570xN.190225925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS01jvotefI/UfHN6tzXRFI/AAAAAAAAANE/I-ERLvpY2BA/s320/il_570xN.190225925.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/lilBittythings?ref=seller_info">http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/lilBittythings?ref=seller_info</a></div>
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And check out these <i><b>b</b><b>asketball roses</b> </i>that could be tucked into the bridesmaids bouquets or maybe pinned to the groomsmens lapels! So unique!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1UqVqgIzZo/UfHhsr23NSI/AAAAAAAAAPI/53ABjDsfBPY/s1600/89b5bcc8baae12cf51bb2b49e4aaefb8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1UqVqgIzZo/UfHhsr23NSI/AAAAAAAAAPI/53ABjDsfBPY/s1600/89b5bcc8baae12cf51bb2b49e4aaefb8.jpg" /></a><a href="http://sportsroses.com/">http://sportsroses.com/</a></div>
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And have fun with gifts for the groomsmen & bridesmaids and guest favors. So many fun ideas in keeping with the theme! From cute earrings for the Maids...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukC5z8gAFio/UfHVsG1iz_I/AAAAAAAAANk/E2uc3GnFkGc/s1600/il_570xN.401753390_8glc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukC5z8gAFio/UfHVsG1iz_I/AAAAAAAAANk/E2uc3GnFkGc/s320/il_570xN.401753390_8glc.jpg" height="320" width="302" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/116613380/basketball-heart-stud-earrings?ref=sr_gallery_3&sref=sr_a50e06a464047e511d26a2773e18bc00a44034a562f3ba2ad67f78b0d785f194_1374804440_14190138_earring&ga_search_query=Basketball+Heart+Stud+Earrings&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=all">http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/116613380/basketball-heart-stud-earrings?ref=sr_gallery_3&sref=sr_a50e06a464047e511d26a2773e18bc00a44034a562f3ba2ad67f78b0d785f194_1374804440_14190138_earring&ga_search_query=Basketball+Heart+Stud+Earrings&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=all</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nq2DXaNDe0U/UfHaJy19FQI/AAAAAAAAAOU/4OFpHSPazZM/s1600/il_570xN.444416226_qr0x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nq2DXaNDe0U/UfHaJy19FQI/AAAAAAAAAOU/4OFpHSPazZM/s320/il_570xN.444416226_qr0x.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/128164269/rhinestone-bling-basketball-heart-sports?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=Basketball+Heart+Stud+Earrings&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=Basketball+Heart+Stud+Earrings">http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/128164269/rhinestone-bling-basketball-heart-sports?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=Basketball+Heart+Stud+Earrings&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=Basketball+Heart+Stud+Earrings</a></div>
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A flask for the groomsmen?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy9fVGDvxtk/UfHVv2IRVrI/AAAAAAAAANs/uwAw7zDniKY/s1600/il_570xN.467307127_j0cy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy9fVGDvxtk/UfHVv2IRVrI/AAAAAAAAANs/uwAw7zDniKY/s320/il_570xN.467307127_j0cy.jpg" height="283" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/153407590/basketball-sports-4-6-or-8-oz-size?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=basketball">http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/153407590/basketball-sports-4-6-or-8-oz-size?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=basketball</a><br />
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And for the guest favors, maybe a basketball bottle opener<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dEqlD_hAz4/UfHV4P184hI/AAAAAAAAAN0/YJeIjSgIVBY/s1600/il_570xN.444898290_96m5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dEqlD_hAz4/UfHV4P184hI/AAAAAAAAAN0/YJeIjSgIVBY/s320/il_570xN.444898290_96m5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/128297099/basketball-bottle-opener-keychain-free?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=Basketball+bottle+opener+keychain+&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=Basketball+bottle+opener+keychain">http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/128297099/basketball-bottle-opener-keychain-free?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=Basketball+bottle+opener+keychain+&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=Basketball+bottle+opener+keychain</a></div>
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or personalized wedding can cooler sleeves:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1d0NnthWJ4A/UfHVkZbf69I/AAAAAAAAANg/gA7EHoCizWE/s1600/ac3c002c76a75b660ae59e352d108f6c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1d0NnthWJ4A/UfHVkZbf69I/AAAAAAAAANg/gA7EHoCizWE/s320/ac3c002c76a75b660ae59e352d108f6c.jpg" height="320" width="184" /></a><a href="http://www.totallyweddingkoozies.com/store/one-color-collapsible-wedding-can-cooler.html?template=6238">http://www.totallyweddingkoozies.com/store/one-color-collapsible-wedding-can-cooler.html?template=6238</a></div>
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Or there's always the nicely wrapped basketball cookie with a lovely thank-you tag alongwith the names of the bride & groom and the wedding date!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVZyF1B3YWI/UfHYxx8P7AI/AAAAAAAAAOE/egeIB8KO4WY/s1600/bballs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVZyF1B3YWI/UfHYxx8P7AI/AAAAAAAAAOE/egeIB8KO4WY/s320/bballs.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a><a href="http://ososweetcookies.blogspot.ca/2012_01_01_archive.html">http://ososweetcookies.blogspot.ca/2012_01_01_archive.html</a></div>
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A wedding, while being traditional and solemn and full of serious promises can also be a fun reflection of who the bride & groom are, what they love and passions they share. For the sports-minded couple who enjoys cuddling up in front of the TV to watch their favourite NBA team in the playoffs, a Basketball themed reception might be just the icing on the cake! I hope some of the things I've shared here have inspired you and check out my Pinterest board for more ideas! http://www.pinterest.com/pandieloki/basketball-themed-wedding/ </div>
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I leave you with this fabulous wedding cake ~ Nuggets head coach George Karl presented Carmelo Anthony and his bride with a wedding cake layered in rosebuds and basketballs made from frosting! Now <i><b>that</b></i> is one amazing basketball themed cake!!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTAMgkwG2rM/UfHeIf_FE-I/AAAAAAAAAO4/nidwW7zSNGU/s1600/ef00cf2e79598fc6bb93115fd2dc311e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTAMgkwG2rM/UfHeIf_FE-I/AAAAAAAAAO4/nidwW7zSNGU/s320/ef00cf2e79598fc6bb93115fd2dc311e.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2010/07/carmelo_anthony_and_lala_vazquez_exclusive_wedding_fotos_kenny_bes_fotochop_friday.php?page=2">http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2010/07/carmelo_anthony_and_lala_vazquez_exclusive_wedding_fotos_kenny_bes_fotochop_friday.php?page=2</a></div>
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Suzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10038141281581102615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439599869194074635.post-28962271880479690222013-07-18T14:06:00.001-04:002014-06-16T20:13:09.317-04:00Theme Weddings Thursday! A Legend of Zelda Wedding Theme Inspiration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I decided that once a month was not enough and after some thought (and much encouragement and nagging from various sources), I've decided to feature a different wedding theme each week...or rather each Thursday, starting today!<br />
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So my quirky wedding theme today is in honour of my favourite video game of all time: The Legend of Zelda! Yes, I confess, I was hooked on the original NES game (copyright Nintendo):<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o8vDLo5QlGE/UegeuEMFhWI/AAAAAAAAAII/UoT_HSJhx7M/s1600/2012-07-06-08-03-20-legendofzelda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o8vDLo5QlGE/UegeuEMFhWI/AAAAAAAAAII/UoT_HSJhx7M/s320/2012-07-06-08-03-20-legendofzelda.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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... and when my son plays the theme music on guitar it brings back good memories of sitting in the basement on the floor trying to get past the blue Orcs so I could get to the stairs in the middle of the floor. Ah, good times! :-) I didn't get into the sequels quite as much, although I also liked Four Swords (I tend to favor the old pixelated video games as opposed to the more realistic games out today). Anyways, I'm not alone in my love of Zelda and Link, and some folks have decided that they love it so much they want to use it as the theme of their wedding! First of all, there's the proposing... the site Geekologie featured the story of a clever young guy who hacked into an emulated version of the Legend of Zelda NES game and used it to ask his beloved (who he knew was going to play the game) to marry him. I gotta admit, it's a sweet propsal, and definitely unique!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lq2vUium50A/UeggAZPxKmI/AAAAAAAAAIY/YJk5RJ6Hmn8/s1600/79f3d933c44a31f45eb9771dc5c9ff70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lq2vUium50A/UeggAZPxKmI/AAAAAAAAAIY/YJk5RJ6Hmn8/s320/79f3d933c44a31f45eb9771dc5c9ff70.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.geekologie.com/2011/12/its-dangerous-to-go-alone-want-some-comp.php">http://www.geekologie.com/2011/12/its-dangerous-to-go-alone-want-some-comp.php</a><br />
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And when she looked over at her soon-to-be fiance in shock, she found him kneeling in front of her with this (pretty cute, you gotta admit):<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2vEyPsD1hQ/UeghSzpEbII/AAAAAAAAAIo/5ACcFdS15EQ/s1600/9e5d54cfb9931b7cee0a6b60d2d1b46d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2vEyPsD1hQ/UeghSzpEbII/AAAAAAAAAIo/5ACcFdS15EQ/s320/9e5d54cfb9931b7cee0a6b60d2d1b46d.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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And then there's the ring itself...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pp6gKSUtq1A/Uegi706467I/AAAAAAAAAI4/XmvtEaFb3Sw/s1600/6bd25dc76a663738d6177cf31402650a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pp6gKSUtq1A/Uegi706467I/AAAAAAAAAI4/XmvtEaFb3Sw/s320/6bd25dc76a663738d6177cf31402650a.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.custommade.com/" style="color: #7b004f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">CustomMade</a>/Designed by <a href="http://www.custommade.com/by/paulmichaeldesign/" style="color: #7b004f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Paul Michael Design</a></em></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.bridalguide.com/blogs/bridal-buzz/video-game-themed-weddings">http://www.bridalguide.com/blogs/bridal-buzz/video-game-themed-weddings</a></div>
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or maybe one a tiny bit more subtle:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6Qmbl8hiNo/Uegjh1wHObI/AAAAAAAAAJI/9QjgMgEuhtQ/s1600/5ffc0a66e77185b36a77a8d03f1c47c0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6Qmbl8hiNo/Uegjh1wHObI/AAAAAAAAAJI/9QjgMgEuhtQ/s320/5ffc0a66e77185b36a77a8d03f1c47c0.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.custommade.com/search/?q=zelda&cmt=">http://www.custommade.com/search/?q=zelda&cmt=</a></div>
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and of course, can't forget the wedding bands (I love the saying inside!). </div>
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These <i>amazing </i>bands are by Toronto goldsmith & jewelery designer <b><i>Zsolt Szekely</i></b>. If you haven't checked out his work, you are missing out because he designs incredible and unique things ...perfect for unique couples wanting something a little different for their weddings!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xGNvgw0JeJo/UegjHiL3zuI/AAAAAAAAAJA/1WcWHWSdOTg/s1600/42205ae58a02fc9014b1aea8abd69b00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xGNvgw0JeJo/UegjHiL3zuI/AAAAAAAAAJA/1WcWHWSdOTg/s320/42205ae58a02fc9014b1aea8abd69b00.jpg" height="162" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.zsoltszekely.com/333233/wedding-and-engagement-rings/</td></tr>
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Now a diehard Zelda bride might want to go all out as Princess Zelda, such as this amazing cosplay featured on the blog: <a href="http://blog.otleyrunfancydress.co.uk/2012/05/23/showcase-lillyxandra-cosplay-and-costume-design/">http://blog.otleyrunfancydress.co.uk/2012/05/23/showcase-lillyxandra-cosplay-and-costume-design/</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ipi19RI9E4k/UeglPcjdKXI/AAAAAAAAAJY/kKmrwMDTkF0/s1600/f109350bcdbf090fdf613d2149fef356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ipi19RI9E4k/UeglPcjdKXI/AAAAAAAAAJY/kKmrwMDTkF0/s320/f109350bcdbf090fdf613d2149fef356.jpg" height="320" width="188" /></a></div>
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Or you could wear normal bridal attire and just use accessories to carry your theme, such as these awesome table centerpieces that this bride made herself to reflect various common elements in her Zelda themed wedding (in this pic, a bomb, but there was also a harp, a slingshot, and so on). Definitely check out the pics at her site <a href="http://www.zeldawedding.com/photos.php">http://www.zeldawedding.com/photos.php</a> - she did an amazing amount of work creating all the different Zelda details:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWEvpdRCInc/Uegm3zTiyVI/AAAAAAAAAJs/qNbnmvsOyWM/s1600/f79cfa268c65ab66292e7bfe706d3d70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWEvpdRCInc/Uegm3zTiyVI/AAAAAAAAAJs/qNbnmvsOyWM/s320/f79cfa268c65ab66292e7bfe706d3d70.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course, even if you choose traditional attire, you can go a little wild with some Zelda-themed shoes! Like these hand-painted Zelda heels </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--A1xy30LXYA/Uego7S6EvbI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/Di7P0O2AOa0/s1600/53c4401237571caf4d5ae58e0447c6ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--A1xy30LXYA/Uego7S6EvbI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/Di7P0O2AOa0/s1600/53c4401237571caf4d5ae58e0447c6ad.jpg" /></a><a href="http://sogeekchic.com/post/31789024229/gamerfashion101-custom-hand-painted-zelda-heels">http://sogeekchic.com/post/31789024229/gamerfashion101-custom-hand-painted-zelda-heels</a></div>
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<a href="http://sogeekchic.com/post/31789024229/gamerfashion101-custom-hand-painted-zelda-heels">A</a>nd for the groom...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwYXIs3EsuI/UegqG3uvyAI/AAAAAAAAAKc/SHdN-47W97c/s1600/il_570xN.479345799_aibu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwYXIs3EsuI/UegqG3uvyAI/AAAAAAAAAKc/SHdN-47W97c/s320/il_570xN.479345799_aibu.jpg" height="204" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/156624953/legend-of-zelda-sketch-ups-adult-youth?ref=shop_home_active">http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/156624953/legend-of-zelda-sketch-ups-adult-youth?ref=shop_home_active</a></div>
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And a bride needs her Bridesmaids...er, Flower Fairies:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ourNddLUJPk/UegrVRxYUwI/AAAAAAAAAKs/C-T_oDcozow/s1600/7266a93385abc868cd3ae30b1af15517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ourNddLUJPk/UegrVRxYUwI/AAAAAAAAAKs/C-T_oDcozow/s1600/7266a93385abc868cd3ae30b1af15517.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.zeldawedding.com/photos.php">http://www.zeldawedding.com</a></div>
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And of course you need a Zelda themed cake!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4-Gf9ohzc0/UegnU86hc4I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/f_CtT7mxmQI/s1600/b1a74690b29c0c2b22bde7b39b350e47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4-Gf9ohzc0/UegnU86hc4I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/f_CtT7mxmQI/s320/b1a74690b29c0c2b22bde7b39b350e47.jpg" height="320" width="221" /></a><a href="http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/?currentPage=15">http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/?currentPage=15</a></div>
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or</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fleq5uWrBWA/UegoN1imbiI/AAAAAAAAAKE/filBLEMPIQk/s1600/dfa688affc1eb33cbcfcd0dddc13872c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fleq5uWrBWA/UegoN1imbiI/AAAAAAAAAKE/filBLEMPIQk/s320/dfa688affc1eb33cbcfcd0dddc13872c.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>featured on <a href="http://www.bridalguide.com/blogs/bridal-buzz/video-game-themed-weddings">http://www.bridalguide.com/blogs/bridal-buzz/video-game-themed-weddings</a></div>
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And last but not least, Zelda cookies for wedding guest take-home treats!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_KpniR1n2Bo/Uegt9SD5KdI/AAAAAAAAAK8/sS94pUis_8E/s1600/cd62c19492310836ef48a740ae28ef2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_KpniR1n2Bo/Uegt9SD5KdI/AAAAAAAAAK8/sS94pUis_8E/s1600/cd62c19492310836ef48a740ae28ef2b.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.nerdachecakes.com/">http://www.nerdachecakes.com/</a></div>
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Gosh it was tough to narrow it down. There are soooo many cool ideas out there for Zelda wedding enthusiasts!! You can see all the pins I've compiled for a Legend of Zelda wedding at my Pinterest board: <a href="http://pinterest.com/pandieloki/zelda-wedding-theme/">http://pinterest.com/pandieloki/zelda-wedding-theme/</a></div>
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Suzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10038141281581102615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439599869194074635.post-15481291088239210572013-07-04T11:09:00.000-04:002013-07-18T11:17:44.755-04:00Featured Wedding Theme: Red, White & Blue 4th of July Wedding!!!In honour of the 4th of July I thought I would kickoff something I want to do on this blog every month and that is feature a wedding theme idea. Wedding themes fascinate me, from the bizarre (|Zombie Wedding anyone?) to the colour palette wedding theme (Pink, Pink, Pink!). On my Pinterest I have a ton of wedding theme inspiration boards so I decided to take one theme a month and sort of feature some of the ideas I've gathered. For those who want to see the whole Red, White & Blue/4th of July/Patriot Wedding Inspiration Board and ALL the pins I've gathered (so far - ha!), go to <a href="http://pinterest.com/pandieloki/red-white-bluepatriotic4th-of-july-wedding-theme/">http://pinterest.com/pandieloki/red-white-bluepatriotic4th-of-july-wedding-theme/</a><br />
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A 4th of July wedding already comes with a great palette - red, white & blue, as well as the stars and stripes of the American flag. The wedding can incorporate this is so many creative ways from subtle to...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kItPUhEg8Q/UdV7UPDsswI/AAAAAAAAAB4/pn2777F27Ls/s736/e0cba76147c133a8d4203591aad8fbd0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kItPUhEg8Q/UdV7UPDsswI/AAAAAAAAAB4/pn2777F27Ls/s736/e0cba76147c133a8d4203591aad8fbd0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: #aaaaaa; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">A not so happy sales employee of a wedding shop in Boca Raton poses with the patriotic wedding dress for Desert Storm<a href="http://tomervin.photoshelter.com/image/I0000q3ta3Nviq4w">http://tomervin.photoshelter.com/image/I0000q3ta3Nviq4w</a></span><br />
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Or...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfDCiNUCZ3k/UdV-TLtPT5I/AAAAAAAAACI/pWI-ktYdOaY/s640/Pariotic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfDCiNUCZ3k/UdV-TLtPT5I/AAAAAAAAACI/pWI-ktYdOaY/s640/Pariotic+1.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<a href="http://kaysbridal.blogspot.ca/2011/07/american-beauty-ideas-for-patriotic.html">http://kaysbridal.blogspot.ca/2011/07/american-beauty-ideas-for-patriotic.html</a><br />
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Now you've have to be pretty patriotic to wear a flag dress for your wedding, but I guarantee it's been done. For those who might like their Stars & Stripes to be a little more subtle, you could wear a traditional white gown and dress your bridesmaids in blue or red, or maybe a mixture...like having your Maid of Honour in the other colour. Or you could have <i>them</i> wear the flag! And don't forget flag bowties for the guys!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UOVgfNrjLg/UdV_1Hb0JQI/AAAAAAAAACY/6fS4hvm_hX4/s600/fccbe5e7bde1871b937b60d855e82483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UOVgfNrjLg/UdV_1Hb0JQI/AAAAAAAAACY/6fS4hvm_hX4/s600/fccbe5e7bde1871b937b60d855e82483.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=43595916">http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=43595916</a>x0<br />
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Another cute idea, especially for a bride with a tea-length dress is a bright red crinoline and blue heels!<br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7fYREjhc9xI/UdWCzTSUf6I/AAAAAAAAAC4/9C6lhy4iWvw/s755/37d8e89a73c37ad312128f27a95f3d9b.jpg" width="211" /><a href="http://www.rocknrollbride.com/2011/10/a-relaxed-low-key-portrait-session-leesa-marie-stew/">http://www.rocknrollbride.com/2011/10/a-relaxed-low-key-portrait-session-leesa-marie-stew/</a></div>
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Flowers and bouquets are easy with lots of red, white and blue choices. Maybe even incorporate small flags or pinwheels!<br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lILqGkLmMVk/UdWGj3U5zcI/AAAAAAAAADg/M61UuVMrfRg/s354/01c4e9f056708f1b4d949be3dcb85cc6.jpg" width="213" /><a href="http://www.shawnayamamoto.com/#/24/2">http://www.shawnayamamoto.com/#/24/2</a></div>
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And if there are children in the wedding party there are so many adorable outfits to bring out that patriotic pop! How about a little Uncle Sam Ringbearer?<br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oBlpTEwYrPY/UdWJMgecWiI/AAAAAAAAAEE/Z899MlktOEw/s855/5dc7529d397a2d6f24be1f3c2c4a6d9b.jpg" width="213" /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104341224/uncle-sam-tuxedo-jacket-with-tails-and?utm_campaign=Share&share_id=5354266&utm_medium=PageTools&hmac=d15178f3a6da12688548f4d3ed4d024b8980df58&utm_source=Pinterest">http://www.etsy.com/listing/104341224/uncle-sam-tuxedo-jacket-with-tails-and?utm_campaign=Share&share_id=5354266&utm_medium=PageTools&hmac=d15178f3a6da12688548f4d3ed4d024b8980df58&utm_source=Pinterest</a></div>
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Or this precious flower girl/flag waver outfit?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DmqMBqop6OA/UdWKpNV155I/AAAAAAAAAEc/PvzVlhGx91E/s314/99dc88806dd7b3ae852db825e7973c9c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DmqMBqop6OA/UdWKpNV155I/AAAAAAAAAEc/PvzVlhGx91E/s314/99dc88806dd7b3ae852db825e7973c9c.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93970911/halter-patriotic-4th-of-july-girl-dress?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_source=Pinterest">http://www.etsy.com/listing/93970911/halter-patriotic-4th-of-july-girl-dress?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_source=Pinterest</a><br />
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Decor and centerpieces. Easy - lots of red, white & blue flowers, flags and pinwheels!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6nBlL0xzKc/UdWMts3TlpI/AAAAAAAAAEs/TZsDMmV1kEI/s377/132904-4th-of-july-party-favors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6nBlL0xzKc/UdWMts3TlpI/AAAAAAAAAEs/TZsDMmV1kEI/s377/132904-4th-of-july-party-favors.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.partycity.com/content/patriotic+treat+ideas.do">http://www.partycity.com/content/patriotic+treat+ideas.do</a><br />
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A unique and easy centerpiece idea I came across from the Martha Stewart site is patriot sand candles. She even has a video tutorial on her site of how to make them:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmp8wsSDPb0/UdWExOmKhtI/AAAAAAAAADI/dtgl4VqH-Fc/s281/5ae6af359c29e1662dc98204a9894099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmp8wsSDPb0/UdWExOmKhtI/AAAAAAAAADI/dtgl4VqH-Fc/s281/5ae6af359c29e1662dc98204a9894099.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/272793/easy-sand-candles?search_key=sand%20candles">http://www.marthastewart.com/272793/easy-sand-candles?search_key=sand%20candles</a></div>
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And of course there's the cake!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NzCoFYf3_LI/UdWE9TsObxI/AAAAAAAAADQ/D25UE7iFiDA/s400/665c583318ca73079fcde2d7d80bcf35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NzCoFYf3_LI/UdWE9TsObxI/AAAAAAAAADQ/D25UE7iFiDA/s400/665c583318ca73079fcde2d7d80bcf35.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2011/2/6/the-super-bowl-of-sunday-sweets.html">http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2011/2/6/the-super-bowl-of-sunday-sweets.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1eZE6LMN8G8/UdWIpTKlcBI/AAAAAAAAAD4/YAzqdB_xIm4/s334/83736befb4b6de123abff20c2d10a5a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1eZE6LMN8G8/UdWIpTKlcBI/AAAAAAAAAD4/YAzqdB_xIm4/s334/83736befb4b6de123abff20c2d10a5a5.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<a href="http://thecakeblog.com/category/wedding-cakes">http://thecakeblog.com/category/wedding-cakes</a><br />
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Or maybe, rather than serving guests cake, dessert could be their very own trifle. This is a Strawberry, Blueberry Cheesecake Trifle:<br />
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<img border="0" height="199" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YOMuPkMkcM0/UdWIbN3YK3I/AAAAAAAAADw/r41wxLhKcKI/s640/ca96baacf8476eaa8d09349ea4cf0e4d.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://www.glorioustreats.com/2012/06/strawberry-blueberry-mini-cheesecake-trifle.html">http://www.glorioustreats.com/2012/06/strawberry-blueberry-mini-cheesecake-trifle.html</a></div>
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Or cake pops, either as a dessert table option, or a take-home treat!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEyzh9Re_I8/UdWNNxAVSmI/AAAAAAAAAE0/VjBuktURdH0/s486/c2698f7eb733c207535e8cb74428e8b4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEyzh9Re_I8/UdWNNxAVSmI/AAAAAAAAAE0/VjBuktURdH0/s486/c2698f7eb733c207535e8cb74428e8b4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://pargasjunkyard.com/junkyard-recipes/desserts/patriotic-cake-pops/">http://pargasjunkyard.com/junkyard-recipes/desserts/patriotic-cake-pops/</a></div>
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And don't forget the sparklers for your guests to send you off in style...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0dLdhq-RdKQ/UdWPsrRLjtI/AAAAAAAAAFU/EqyLE6ltOIc/s450/running-bride-beautiful-exit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0dLdhq-RdKQ/UdWPsrRLjtI/AAAAAAAAAFU/EqyLE6ltOIc/s450/running-bride-beautiful-exit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qdvIX53cEw/UdWPsgjBunI/AAAAAAAAAFY/JusgTttcOlg/s450/send+off+tags2.jpg" width="212" /><a href="http://www.sparklersonline.com/">http://www.sparklersonline.com/</a></div>
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For any 4th of July brides and grooms saying 'I Do' today, may you have a wonderful wedding and a long and loving marriage! :-)</div>
Suzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10038141281581102615noreply@blogger.com4