Prince William & Princess Kate, the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge

It began with Kate’s request that ladies wear hats and oh the fascinators were out in all of their glory!  Watching the guests arrive was nothing short of watching the red carpet on Oscar’s Night.  And did you see David and Victoria Beckham?!  Becks was a dapper showstopper in his mourning coat – the camera’s couldn’t stop going back to him.

Princesses Eugenie & Beatrice

The ever-so-stylish Beckhams

Classic elegance by Mother of the Bride Carole Middleton, The Queen and Step-Mother of the Groom Camilla

Kate wore a classically elegant and beautiful dress reminiscent of Princess Grace (actress Grace Kelly) by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and carried a modest bouquet.  According to the royal press release, “The bouquet is a shield-shaped wired bouquet of myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William and hyacinth. The bouquet was designed by Shane Connolly and draws on the traditions of flowers of significance for the Royal Family, the Middleton family and on the Language of Flowers.”   Kate also looked beautiful wearing a borrowed vintage Cartier halo tiara given to Queen Elizabeth by the Queen Mother on her 18^th birthday.

Kate Middleton entering Westminster Abbey wearing Sara Burton for McQueen reflected her own personal style. Simple, classic and elegant.

William looked absolutely regal in his scarlet red uniform of Colonel of the Irish Guards topped with a blue sash.  The royal wedding party stylishly mimicked the bride and groom with Prince Harry in his military uniform and bucking tradition, sister of the bride and maid of honor Pippa wearing an ivory gown.  I thought it was a stunning move and I bet we’ll be seeing this again!

Prince Will to his father-in-law, "We were just supposed to have a small family affair."

Maid of Honor and Sister of the Bride, Pippa Middleton escorts the flower girls

The dashing Princes

A Historic first - TWO balcony kisses!

The trees lining the halls of Westminster Abbey were Canadian Maples brought in to  honor the Commonwealth of Canada (Oh Canada! My home and native land…)

In a dramatic twist Prince William did the first wardrobe change and switched to his blue RAF flight lieutenant’s uniform for the couple’s stylish and historic getaway driving his Dad’s, Prince Charles, Astin Martin (I’m sure all you grooms out there are having car envy!!)  The couple enjoyed some quiet time to themselves before rejoining the festivities.

Today Prince William was the envy of every gent. He got the Princess & the Astin Martin!

The Queen’s reception following the wedding is only the first party of  the day and will feature an 8-tiered regal bridal fruit cake AND a chocolate biscuit Groom’s cake (the groom’s favorite).

The Royal Wedding Cake

Royal Wedding style takeaways:

• Honor tradition, but make your wedding your own in small details.  Those small nods to your personal style will really stand out. 
• Give your guests direction with wedding attire, be it traditional or fun Destination Wedding twists like “gentlemen in Tropical Shirts, ladies in sundresses and bejeweled flip flops” or ask your guests to dress in shades of your wedding color.  Make your guests a part of the décor. (Result:  really great wedding images!!)
• Channel your inner-Princess with a vintage tiara http://www.vintagetiarasbyjuliabeazley.com/Home.html
• Switch up your processional from the American tradition of having the bridesmaids and bridal party walk ahead of the bride and make a royal entrance with them trailing you.  This is actually a great idea on the beach where often wedding dress trains can snag or pick up “hitchhikers” along the way.
• Go Green!  See former SunCelebrity Hollis’ Princess Perfect Destination Wedding on St Croix – Perhaps Princess Kate stole some of her fairytale style?! 
• Build in a little quiet time after the ceremony just to yourselves in order to center yourselves and truly be in the moment.
• Throw your groom a bone and include a Groom’s cake of his choosing – or surprise him with one in his favorite flavor. Afterall, its his wedding too!

My New Year's Eve travel delay was made a little better with freshly steamed Maine Lobster and Legal Seafood Clam Chowder for dinner with family!

I hope that everyone had an excellent time celebrating the dawn of 2011.  I had the unexpected pleasure of spending it with family which was really nice, however it was the result of a travel delay returning from the Boston area (did you hear about the day-after-Christmas Blizzard?! Well, my delay was mechanical but further complicated by the week of excessive cancellations and delays).  My personal experience wasn’t too bad, I was able to go back to my mother’s home and start over the next day which so many were not able to do. I’m a pretty savvy traveler and requested to be rebooked the next day after spending 5 1/2 hours waiting to find out if the plane would ever take off … and knowing that there was little to no chance I would catch my connecting flight in San Juan to St Croix… did you know you can do that?!  So, it inspired me to blog about my experience and  offer some tips from a seasoned traveler and destination wedding planner.

I seem to have had “challenging” luck when travelling over the past year and a half.  Over the past 4 times I have travelled home from Boston to St Croix, I’ve been over-nighted somewhere 3 times.  And once the year before that.  Thankfully, this isn’t as prevalent as it sounds, I just seem to be “lucky” (hey universe, I’d prefer the lottery kind of luck, thank you).  The first time in 2009 was a mechanical or scheduling issue in San Juan (the airline covered hotel and food); the second was Dec 29, 2009 when the entire San Juan airport was shut down due to volcanic ash from Montserrat (a nearby volcanic island); the third was in April, major storms that caused tornadoes and severe damage were passing through the Miami airspace as we were supposed to land… we were diverted and the delays caused me to miss my connection; Dec 31, 2010 our plane had mechanical issues. 

Because of my extensive experience with delays, frequency of travel and being affiliated with the travel industry I have a few very important tips to pass along: 

1. Insurance, Insurance – use it!  I fly American Airlines whenever I can www.aa.com (I like to stick with one airline and rack up the mileage).  When booking a ticket online, it always asks me before finalizing my purchase if I want to add the optional insurance.  I didn’t used to purchase, though its typically only about $30, I do now after having been out hundreds of dollars on hotel rooms.  If your trip is delayed or cancelled due to weather – you are responsible for any expenses or losses NOT the airline.  Think about it, they would go out of business in a day… they can’t control the weather and have a vested interest in keeping us safe.  So, every time you travel, you are taking a gamble that the weather all along your flight path will be good for flying.  By adding the optional insurance, if you have a weather delay and need to overnight somewhere, you may be out of pocket that night, but insurance will reimburse you up to a certain amount.  (read the fine print before purchasing; Know what’s covered and what’s not; Make your own informed decision).  Some credit cards that you use may also have built-in travel insurance, so check that out as well.  I have an AAdvantage Card that has some perks for me when I use it to book airfare. 
2. If booking an expensive vacation, destination wedding or cruise… check out cruise insurance or wedding insurance (I recommend www.wedsafe.com ) and travel to the destination at least 1 day ahead of time.  Sadly on the past two of my delays, I was among many passengers travelling to catch a cruise that day.  They didn’t make it.  At that point they had two choices,  rebook to the ship’s next port of call and get on board there or head home.  Those that didn’t have insurance were simply out of luck and out of money, a lot of money.  Don’t take that chance!  If you are travelling for a destination wedding be very mindful of Marriage License requirements.  On St Croix, you MUST be sworn in at the Superior Court prior to your wedding to make it legal.  They are only open M-F and are closed on MANY holidays.  This is one of the critical reasons to hire a wedding planner – be sure you are able to be sworn in and make it legal.  Consult with your wedding planner PRIOR to booking air and arrive a day or two ahead of time, particularly in the winter months when travel is more likely to be delayed.
3. Be informed! Know your rights!  When I have been delayed, each time I IMMEDIATELY went up to the flight desk and inquired about a new routing to get me to my destination.  On my most recent delay, our flight was repeatedly delayed.  After the second delay, I calculated our arrival time in San Juan (I have the AA app on my iPhone which is really useful when traveling) and realized that there was little to no chance of me making my connection.  It was New Year’s Eve and I knew my choices were being over-nighted alone in San Juan or going home to my family’s house and starting over the next day.  I opted for the latter even though I did have trip insurance that would reimburse my hotel room. (and it was a mechanical issue, so the airline was also responsible for hotel).  I went up to the flight desk and requested to be rebooked the next day.  I was polite and patient (unlike many fellow travelers who were understandably frustrated) and was even given a complementary upgrade to business class.
4. Carry on essentials and overnight items! If you are travelling for a destination wedding, always pack any wedding essentials (shoes, under garments, bride and groom wedding attire, jewelry) in your carry-on and carry on your dress. When boarding, ask the flight attendants to hang your dress in the first-class cabin (they are always happy to oblige).  And be sure to pack pajamas, a swim suit (if headed to a warm destination) and a change of clothes.  That way if you are over-nighted, you are prepared.  Additionally, its not unusual during times of heavy air travel for your baggage to arrive later to your destination than you.  By having the essentials and at least a days worth of backup, you can avoid undue stress and roll with it if your things are delayed.
5. Remember the 3-1-1 Rule http://www.tsa.gov/311/  Each passenger may carry-on liquids (this includes lip gloss and mascara ladies!) of 3oz or less, packed in a transparent 1-quart zip lock or similar see-thru cosmetic bag, 1 per passenger.  Additionally, when you hit the security screening line, take out your transparent bag and put it in a bin on top of your things.  (take off your jacket and your shoes, take out any laptops in advance as well – this will speed you through the line).  I have a bag that I keep in my carry-on that is pre-loaded with sample sizes of things I need that I collect throughout the year (free gift with purchase samples are perfect for this).  That way when I travel I am ready to go and travel efficiently.  Remember that if you carry-on larger bottles (like full-sized shampoo) they WILL take it away from you.
6. Be prepared, Be Informed and Be Patient!  You will reduce your own travel stress level if you have thought ahead, packed smartly and have all of your travel and insurance info in-hand.  Be sure to know your rights as a traveler and your responsibilities.  (You are responsible for asking for “stranded traveler hotel rates”, calling the airline or going to the flight desk to request a rerouting, etc)  Speak up if you are delayed and if you feel the flight desk isn’t helping you, call the airlines 800# for assistance (you can do that to begin with too).  Be patient with flight attendants and flight desk personnel.  They are often dealing with numerous agitated and frustrated travelers who take their frustration and confusion out on them.  The weather and mechanical issues are not their fault.  And though they are in customer service and are supposed to deal with these issues, they are human too.  A kind word and some understanding can go a long way to getting you to your destination.  Be kind, be gracious and you can be assured they will do the best they can do for you.

The six day "feastable" includes gourmet dinners, wine tastings and culinary competitions.

If the way to you or your sweetie’s heart is through food, then this is the perfect week to be on on-island to experience the third annual, St. Croix Food and Wine Experience. Dubbed one of the best International Food and Wine events by  Forbes Magazine’s, the six day festival includes gourmet dinners, wine tasting, culinary competitions and, beginning this year, a golf tournament.

Celebrity chefs and vintners will team up with local islands chefs for a unique dining experiences at different restaurants and private homes around St. Croix.

On Thursday night over 50 restaurants, chefs and caterers will take part in the event that started it all nine years ago, A Taste of St. Croix. Over 1,000 visitors and residents will get to feast on dishes that make up the vibrant culinary scene on St. Croix.

Celebrity chefs call St. Croix home for the week. Pictured Rocco DiSpirito.

Whether you prefer Italian, Thai, Greek or West Indian cuisines, you’ll have plenty of delicious dining options while on St. Croix. If you are hoping for an intimate reception with fresh lobster or a buffet featuring locally grown goods, the restaurants and chefs on St. Croix can accommodate all of your needs.  We are fortunate to live on an island so rich in culinary talent. We may not have the dining options of New York City, but there isn’t much that the professionals on St. Croix can’t do. Need help with restaurant suggestions for guests or when planning your rehearsal dinner? No problem, just ask! We’re happy to rave about all the top notch dining options on-island.

Most every lady has been there – either as a bridesmaid dealing with a bridezilla, or as a bride disappointed by an uninvolved, unenthused bridesmaid. Neither party is necessarily to blame, but when the most important day in a girl’s life is at stake, the pressure is on for everyone to smile and everything to run smoothly. Miscommunication, false expectations, and feelings of burden or obligation, can call lead to shaky situations within bridal parties.

I have heard countless horror stories . . . I had a friend so embarrassed by her bridesmaid dress, that she carried a cocktail dress in her purse to change into the moment professional wedding photos were finished. A friend of a friend who was a graduate student at the time, had to set-up a yearlong payment plan with the bride’s family to repay them for the designer bridesmaid dress chosen for her by the bride. It goes without saying that in both these cases, the bride and bridesmaid were not the best of friends after the wedding.

As a recent bride and event planner turned wedding professional, I thought I would share some ideas on how to keep everyone happy and foster even stronger friendships after the wedding.

How brides can make their bridesmaids happy . . .

For my wedding in St Croix earlier this year, I included bridal party accommodations in my wedding budget. Footing the bill for a bridal suite not only lessened my bridesmaids’ travel expenses, but provided a slumber party-like environment for us to bond. On my wedding day, I offered to pay for a manicure or pedicure for each bridesmaid, so that we could get ready together in the resort spa.

Before the big day, I decided to make the dreaded bridesmaid dress a pleasant experience for all. I chose a fabric and color and let my bridesmaids choose the design of their dress through Aria. The cost of the dresses also came from my wedding budget. I had the dresses shipped directly to my bridesmaids, so that they could have them tailored to their liking. Since our ceremony was barefoot on the beach, I suggested a shoe type and color for the reception, and let my bridesmaids choose a pair from their closet collections. I made my bridesmaid gift their accessory, a hammered silver hook bracelet from Sonya’s Limited, the local company that originally began crafting the traditional island bracelet more than 40 years ago.

But the single most important thing I did as a bride to keep my bridesmaids happy was hire a wedding coordinator. SunCelebrations, the company I now coordinate with, executed my plans and took care of everything on my wedding day so that my bridesmaids and I could just relax and enjoy. In previous experiences as a bridesmaid, I had done everything from bleach outdoor chairs in the heat, to run last-minute beauty errands in the snow. I did not want my bridesmaids setting-up my ceremony or doing any of the dirty work (especially since they were on vacation too). Hiring a wedding coordinator was essential to keeping my wedding party happy.

What it takes to be a bridesmaid that remains friends with the bride after her wedding . . .

First and foremost, only say “yes” to a bride’s request to be a bridesmaid if you truly want to be a part of her big day. Particularly in situations where you’re a cousin or distant relative of the bride, you have the right to say “no thank you” upfront in a tasteful manner. Consider before agreeing if you really have the time and money necessary to devote to the wedding.

To maintain your sanity during stressful or frustrating times, remember that being a bridesmaid is an honor. By asking you to be part of her wedding, the bride is acknowledging that you have made a significant impact on her life. There are likely a handful of her family members and friends that are jealous they were not asked to be bridesmaids.

To not break the bank as a bridesmaid, consider making a gift for the bride. The couple will be overwhelmed with store-bought gifts from their wedding registries, so a handmade gift will stand out in a positive way. The most meaningful gift I received as a bride was a wedding keepsake box from my maid of honor. She simply covered a hat box with magazine cutouts of phrases and photos related to my wedding. The thought and time she put into it meant so much to me.

To keep the bride happy, try to plan ahead for a stress-free wedding day. Plan for the bridal party to get pedicures together at a spa, or participate in a calming activity like a yoga class. Surprise the bride with fruit and champagne to celebrate before the ceremony.

To stay organized, try creating an inbox folder for all wedding-related e-mails the bride and fellow bridesmaids send you. Put mailed invitations on your fridge so that you don’t have to bug the bride for times or directions on days of wedding events, like bridal showers.

Regarding the bridesmaid dress, try to happily wear whatever the bride asks you to. It boils down to a few hours wearing a dress you never have to wear again. Every guest is aware that your dress was the bride’s choice, so they will not judge you if it is a train wreck. Afterward, give your bridesmaid dress to a local Glass Slipper Project that recycles formals for girls to wear at school dances, who could not otherwise afford them. Just in case the bride ever asks, you gave the bridesmaid dress to a good cause.

In the end remember . . .

Brides: Don’t get caught-up in the silly details. Focus your attention on what your wedding is all about – you and your fiancé committing your lives to one another.

Bridesmaids: It is only one day, so just give it to the bride and enjoy.

The walk down the aisle from the movie Father of the Bride (photo property of Touchstone).

“Are you crying Dad?” I asked, as he tried to hide it at our rehearsal dinner.  I had only seen my Dad Jack cry once before in my life, when our dog died.  I had just handed him a thank you note and gift, a pen engraved Father of the Bride.  That movie had been special to us since I was a little girl, so it only seemed right to include a quote from it in my note.  As George (Steve Martin) walks his daughter Annie (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) down the aisle, he thinks:  This was the moment I’d been dreading for the past six months.  Well, actually for the past 22 years.

My walk down the aisle with my Dad Jack on Carambola Beach (photo by my Aunt, Sandy Smith).

In the hustle and bustle of a wedding, brides and grooms often forget to say “thank you.”  Not because they’re ungrateful, but simply because weddings are a whirlwind.  It is important to take a moment to express appreciation for those making your wedding day possible, like your parents and wedding party.  Not to mention important vendors like your officiant and all the guests traveling to see you say “I do.”

Reverand Koopmans holding our hook bracelets before we exchanged them as part of our ceremony (photo by Quiana Duncan).

For destination weddings, couples often opt for thank you gifts and favors that tie-in their destination.  Personally, I selected original St Croix hook bracelets from Sonya’s for my bridesmaids.  If worn with the hook closed to others, it means your heart is taken and vice versa.  The bracelets looked beautiful worn all-together by the bridal party during our ceremony.  My husband Greg and I also gave each other hook bracelets when we exchanged wedding rings, so it made the bridesmaid’s gift all-the-more meaningful. 

Our guest welcome bags included chocolates from local shop Steele’s Smokes & Sweets, as well as small bottles of Cruzan rum with drink recipe cards attached.      

A few elements of our guest welcome bags, including chocolates from Steele’s Smokes & Sweets in Christiansted (photo by my Grandma, Dorothy Paviolo).

The thank you notes you include are often as or more important than the gift you give.  Consider the following recommendations for writing them:

• Handwriting your notes is a must.
• Invest the time or money to make or purchase stationary.
• Consider typing out what you want to say first to avoid sloppy spelling or grammar.
• Think about something you could only say to the person you’re writing to.  Be it an inside joke or a meaningful memory between the two of you, try to weave it into what you write.
• Don’t just say thank you for the [blank].  Tell the recipient why the gift is meaningful to you or what your plans are for it.  For example, in thanking someone for a monetary gift, tell them you are placing the funds into savings for your first home.      
• The sooner you send, the better.  If you can bring thank you notes and gifts to the wedding, even better.  Etiquette guru Emily Post says thank you notes should be written within three months of the receipt of a gift. 

Thoughtful favors and welcome bags will certainly be appreciated by your guests.  Here are some suggestions on what to give from the knot guide to destination weddings:

• Local food, drink or candy delicacies
• CD from a great local musician
• Beach towel, sunscreen, flip-flops or visor
• Luggage tags personalized with each guest’s name and address
• Photo albums they can fill later with pictures from the trip
• Small stack of postcards from the destination (pre-stamped so guests can write friends back home) 

Take your time, be creative and you’ll be sure to give unforgettable thank you notes and gifts!

Traveling to your destination wedding with gifts and favors can be overwhelming, especially with items that can break or melt.  Let SunCelebrations take care of gifts and favors for you.  Say “thanks” to your guests with customized welcome bags and favors that express your style and incorporate island flair. We offer everything from embroidered beach towels and personalized luggage tags, to local chocolates and rum.  SunCelebrations can provide ideas, place /pick-up orders, assemble and deliver welcome bags (including printed itineraries) for your guests to enjoy on-arrival at their hotel, or place favors at your reception. We also offer thank you gifts for parents of the couple and wedding party.