Honeymoon Series: Trunk Bay!

Trunk Bay on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. And with good reason! It's absolutely breathtaking. You aren't limited to seeing Trunk Bay if you are staying on St. John. There is a daily ferry from St. Thomas to St. John. It's quick and easy. From there you can take a cab or open air bus through the winding mountains and see Trunk Bay from above before arriving. There is a set snorkeling trail that you can follow if you are new to snorkeling. All of your snorkel equipment can be rented on the beach. There are full service facilities near the beach as well. It's a beautiful way to spend the day while in the Virgin Islands!

One tip: If you are staying on the islands, check and see which days there will not be cruise ships in. This is a common excursion on most cruise ships, so you may want to pick a day when less ships are in port.

Warwick Valley Winery Wedding Venue!

Warwick Valley Winery in Warwick, NY is a quaint, cozy winery. It's the perfect setting for an intimate wedding.

The grounds, tasting room, and attached cafe are all available for your ceremony, reception, or both.

If you are just looking for something to do during the weekend, head to Warwick Valley for a wine tasting and lunch. The Pane Cafe has some of the most unbelievably delicious sandwiches and pizza you'll ever eat. My personal recco? I can't give just one. Don't leave without trying the Riesling, Black Dirt Blush, and Harvest Moon Wines with the Roasted Turkey Breast Sandwich which has fresh compote, cheddar cheese and bacon. And if you're lucky, you'll be there on a day when they are serving up their breakfast pizza!

Honeymoon Series: Biarritz, France!

In high school, I toured France and Spain for a few weeks. On our journey through the countries, Biarritz is one of the places that I vividly remember. Set in Basque country, this waterfront town is incredibly unique.

The Hotel du Palais is one of the finest hotels in Biarritz. It is a Leading Hotel of the World, and looking at the lobby you'd expect nothing less. This hotel will make you feel like royalty.

Biarritz attracts an athletic crowd. Best known for it's surfing, golfing and rugby. It's the perfect balance of opulence and activity to satisfy every traveler.

Honeymoon Series: Honeymoon Registries!

A few months back, I discussed honeymoon registries. I still do believe that it's a great alternative for couples who have been living together and have most of their housewares. However, there are a few things to watch out for when selecting your Honeymoon Registry to make sure that it's right for you.

Honeymoon Registries act almost like a bank account. Your registry consists of anticipated activities and trips, and your guests can pay into those activities. You get a check or deposit for that money and can use it accordingly once a gift is given. From that money, the registry takes up to 8.85% to cover their costs. Be aware of these fees.

Also take into account that the excursions and items you register for may not get purchased. However, in order to ensure that you can take advantage of them, you may need to book them well in advance. You will need to front that money with no guarantee that someone will purchase it for you. Register wisely to avoid purchasing items you ultimately cannot afford.

Honeymoon Series: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise!

Whether you like to ski during the winter or explore the wilderness in the summer, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta Canada is an ideal honeymoon destination. The backdrop of the Canadian Rockies and the turquoise waters of Lake Louise make you really feel like you are in a fairy tale.

The activities are endless at Lake Louise. If you come during the winter, you'll want to focus on snowshoeing, dog-sledding, and ice skating on Lake Louise. If you visit during one of the warmer months, you won't want to pass up a boat cruise, mountain biking, or exploring the Athabaska Glacier aboard the Brewster Ice Explorer.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers a wide range of dining service, from a fine dining experience overlooking the mountains to a 24 hour gourmet deli.

The best activity to take advantage of is the Gondola Rides. The Banff Gondola is an 8-minute ride to the top of Sulphor Mountain. The Lake Louise Gondola is a 14-minute ride which takes you up 2,088 feet where you can check out the amazing views, wildflowers, and natural springs.

Watermelon Sangria Recipe

A few weeks ago when I visited one of my favorite spots in NYC, Vero Wine Bar, I tried the Watermelon Sangria. It's a perfect, refreshing summer treat!

Ingredients

2 pounds of seedless watermelon, peeled and cubed plus 1/2 pound of watermelon cut into balls with a melon baller and skewered onto picks
1 bottle of white wine (preferably a sweeter wine - rose, Riesling, etc.)
5 ounces of vodka
4 ounces of Triple Sec
4 ounces of Simple Syrup
Ice

Directions

In a blender, puree watermelon cubes. Combine watermelon, white wine, vodka, Triple Sec, and Simple Syrup. Refrigerate until cold. Serve over ice and garnsih with watermelon skewers.

Photo courtesy of Tina Rupp

Honeymoon Series: Tepper Jackson Travel Accessories!

With so many suitcases and travel bags available, it's tough to know yours from someone else's. To avoid grabbing someone else's luggage, pick up some travel accessories from Tepper Jackson.

You can use a brightly colored passport cover as a wallet while on your trip.

Tepper Jackson offers a huge line of totes in all different sizes, shapes, and colors.

You'll never miss your luggage if you tie on a brightly colored luggage tag like this! Tepper Jackson has a ton of different patterns to choose from, all just as vibrant!

Check out Tepper Jackson for all of this and so much more! Photo courtesy of Jane Pennells, lavishgiving.com.

As You Wish Education Division!

It is with great pleasure and pride that I announce the launch of the As You Wish Education Division!

The As You Wish Education Division is a five-day training program where you learn to become a wedding planner. We will bring in industry professionals and focus on the hands-on training that you need to become a successful wedding professional. It has taken research, experience, and hard work to put together the best training program available. Please take a look around the website and pass thing along to any of your friends and family who may be interested! I'd be happy to answer any questions that you have! We'd love to see you in our classroom in January.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your continuous support as I continue to grow As You Wish!

Honeymoon Series: Isla Mujeres

On a trip to Cancun last summer, I stayed at the Cancun Palace. One of the available excursions was to spend the day on Isla Mujeres, The Island of Women. We boarded a bus and took the short ten minute drive to the ferry which took us to Isla Mujeres.The island is only 5 miles long by a half mile wide. There is a small downtown area with shops and restaurants.

Having traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean, I was blown away by what I found when I get to Isla Mujeres. Our boat tour took us to Playa Norte, or North Beach. The water off of North Beach was the clearest water I have ever seen. There was no seaweed, no fish, just white sand and gorgeous water. We were in absolute awe of this beach. If you are anywhere in the Cancun area, this is the one place you MUST visit.

With our stay at the Cancun Palace, we had the ability to resort-hop to any of the Palace Resorts and stay and eat. Our excursion led us to the Isla Mujeres Palace, a resort focused more on honeymooners. It was much quieter than it's Cancun Counterparts. If you visit any of the Palace Resorts (which I highly recco!) make sure to visit the Cancun Palace and eat at the Hibachi Restaurant, Miyako. It ranks in the top 10 meals I have ever eaten in my life!

The resort features only 62 rooms, all of which have balconies. There are 4 couples spa rooms and 5 individual spa rooms. It's an all-inclusive resort with two swim up bars (order a BLUE LAGOON!), a pool, as well as a beautiful beach.

If you're looking for more than a honeymoon, you can have
your wedding here on the beach as well.

Disclaimer to Honeymooners: Isla Mujeres was once a sanctuary to Ixchtel, the Mayan Goddess of childbirth and medicine! You never know, it could be lucky for those looking for a honeymoon baby!

Hire Student Musicians!

Cocktail hour music is one of the details that the bride and groom don't feel the need to micromanage. Typically when the bride and groom are asked for music choices, they say to just play classical music. Beyond that, they've got nothing! If you're looking for basic piano music, look to a local college with a reputable music program. Contact the head of the music department or a professor and ask for a student recommendation. This will cost far less than having your band or DJ play for cocktail hour.

Honeymoon Series: Strida Bikes

If you are taking an adventure honeymoon, or would just like to see the sights in something other than a cab, try the Strida Bike. It's a folding bike that is greaseless and maintenance free. It folds in 7 seconds or less. You can bring it on a subway, on a train, or even checked on an airplane. When folded and in it's carrying bag, it looks like a set of golf clubs. It can easily be stored in a hotel closet when not in use. It comes in many different colors and three different sizes.

Retailers are located throughout the world. To find one in your neck of the woods, check out the Strida Bike Dealers.