gay destination weddings from pride & groom

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| | WWW.PRIDEANDGROOM.CO | ISSUE 02 – OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 FLORIDA EDITION

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Pride & Groom (A bespoke, lovingly crafted, LGBT wedding magazine. Special Gay Destination Wedding Issue - Romantic real life stories, Exotic destinations and everything you need to know if you like the idea of traveling for your nuptials.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Gay Destination Weddings from Pride & Groom

| |W W W . P R I D E A N D G R O O M . C O

|I S S U E 0 2 – O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

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03| || | I S S U E 0 2 - O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5W W W. P R I D E A N D G R O O M . C O

We are so excited to be sharing issue 2 of Pride & Groom with you, filled

with romantic real l ife stories, exotic destinations and everything you

need to know if you like the idea of traveling for your nuptials.

With more and more countries allowing same-sex marriage, the world

really is becoming your oyster, and with some careful planning you

can achieve the wedding day that you have always dreamed of. In this

destination special we have chosen some fantastic locations, close to

home and further afield, which we hope will excite, encourage and inspire

you to create a day filled with joyful memories that you will remember for

the rest of your life.

So for now, why not sit back, relax and have a browse through our magazine

and remember, be wild if you want and think outside the box to create your

unique and personal wedding but above all , be yourself – after all it is your

special day.

G I O R G I O S E V E R I - E D I T O R

G I O R G I O @ P R I D E A N D G R O O M . C O

Welcome t oIssue 2

H a p p y T r a v e l s , G i o r g i o

p3 - P&G #2 - Welcome.indd 3 20/09/2015 10:20:04

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04| || | W W W. P R I D E A N D G R O O M . C OI S S U E 0 2 - O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

| |W H A T ’ S I N T H E M A G A N D W H E R E T O F I N D I T !

T H E P & G T E A M :

04

G R O U P P U B L I S H E R

J E F F C R O C K E T T

E D I T O R

G I O R G I O S E V E R I

A R T D I R E C T O R

D A M I A N B R O W N I N G

A D V E R T I S I N G D I R E C T O R

D O N A L D S T E P H E N S O N

A D V E R T I S I N G S A L E S

C A R L O M E N D E Z

P R I D E & G R O O M M A G A Z I N E P U B L I S H E D B Y G & J M E D I A - P O B O X 3 2 5 , P L Y M O U T H F L , U S A 3 2 7 6 8

06 CONGRATULATIONS!

We give a shout out to some of the newly

wedded couples who recently got married in our

beautiful Sunshine State of Florida!

08 HERE COMES THE GUIDE!

Celebrity Wedding & Event Planner, Jamie

O’Donnell composes a comprehensive timeline to

keep all of your wedding plans and tasks on track.

10 STYLE FILE / THE RING

Jeweler & designer Rony Tennenbaum takes

time out to explain what you need to know when

shopping for that perfect wedding ring.

14 SUMPTUOUS SETTINGS

With the color aqua being en vogue this

year, we share some awesome wedding table trends

and designs to get those creative juices flowing.

17 BEHIND THE BOUQUET

With garden style being very popular this

year we go one step further by adding a splash of

bling to your bouquet with colorful jeweled insects.

18 DELICIOUS DESSERTS

As well as a wedding cake why not treat

your guests to an array of delicious treats? Chef

Marie from Tampa’s Hands on Sweets explains all.

20 STYLE FILE / THE DRESS

Looking for that perfect dress can be really

exciting, but also stressful, so we have collected

some top tips to help you on your search.

24 STYLE FILE / WHAT TO WEAR?

When it comes to wedding dress codes, it

can be confusing, but Dominique Brilliantes is on

hand to help with what to wear to that big event.

14

17

M E D I A

05

29 STYLE FILE / THE BOW TIE

Bow ties have had a big revival recently,

especially as part of the wedding look. Brent Kraus

from Ella Bing delves into the history of the bow tie.

33 REAL WEDDINGS / FACEBOOK FATE

After meeting online through mutual friends,

we hear from Kevin and Dusty on how they met

and their sunset proposal whilst camping in the Keys.

37 STYLE FILE / THE 40s LOOK

With many brides choosing to evoke the

vintage style for their wedding day, our photoshoot

oozes Old Hollywood glamour to inspire your look.

43 REAL WEDDINGS / IN PLANNING

Tampa Bay residents, Sam and Emily share

how they first met, their pinky promise and their

plans for their impending September wedding.

47 REAL WEDDINGS / WEDDING DAY WISH

We take a look at Jonathan and Dwayne’s

wedding, a true celebration in color, with rainbow

flags, a jazz band, drag acts and a mini pride parade!

53 REAL WEDDING / SOFTBALL SOULMATES

Sporty couple Jane and Christina fell in

love in Italy whilst competing in the same softball

championships, we get the scoop of their special day!

56 HEAVENLY HONEYMOONS

If you like the idea of crystal clear waters

and stunning white sands then look no further as we

have found four great honeymoon destinations.

SIT BACK, RELAX & HAVE A BROWSE

THROUGH OUR MAGAZINE AND GET

INSPIRED FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY!

37

43

5606 CONGRATS TO COUPLES

We congratulate Dustin & Steve and

Karen & Carrie on their engagements and share

their photos of their happy day in the beautiful

bay area.

08 WE DO

Getting married away from home turf is

totally possible, as long as you have the correct

paperwork. Here we list what you need to know

to achieve the wedding of your dreams

12 CLOSE TO HOME

We have found some great venues in the

sunshine state if you are thinking of getting

married in the sunshine state, and don’t forget

to check out what not to miss while on your visit.

23 REAL WEDDINGS / PROMISE RINGS

Mandy and Jessica met over 6 years

ago and wanted to wait till same sex marriage

came legal in Florida. We hear their story and

how they committed to each other with promise

rings.

30 A HOP AWAY

With so many places to choose from in

America, how about hopping onto a plane and

jetting off to tie the knot and experiencing a

wedding day that you will never forget.

32 REAL WEDDINGS / KILTS IN CITY HALL

Scottish couple Neil and Stuart decided

on tying the knot in a true destination wedding.

They tell their story of how they met, why they

decided on San Fran and getting married in kilts.

23 30

C o n t e n t s

R I C H A R D C H A U D H R YG I O R G I O S E V E R IJ E F F C R O C K E T T D O N A L D S T E P H E N S O N C A R L O M E N D E Z

06

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05| || | I S S U E 0 2 - O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5W W W. P R I D E A N D G R O O M . C O

| | |

04

06 CONGRATULATIONS!

We give a shout out to some of the newly

wedded couples who recently got married in our

beautiful Sunshine State of Florida!

08 HERE COMES THE GUIDE!

Celebrity Wedding & Event Planner, Jamie

O’Donnell composes a comprehensive timeline to

keep all of your wedding plans and tasks on track.

10 STYLE FILE / THE RING

Jeweler & designer Rony Tennenbaum takes

time out to explain what you need to know when

shopping for that perfect wedding ring.

14 SUMPTUOUS SETTINGS

With the color aqua being en vogue this

year, we share some awesome wedding table trends

and designs to get those creative juices flowing.

17 BEHIND THE BOUQUET

With garden style being very popular this

year we go one step further by adding a splash of

bling to your bouquet with colorful jeweled insects.

18 DELICIOUS DESSERTS

As well as a wedding cake why not treat

your guests to an array of delicious treats? Chef

Marie from Tampa’s Hands on Sweets explains all.

20 STYLE FILE / THE DRESS

Looking for that perfect dress can be really

exciting, but also stressful, so we have collected

some top tips to help you on your search.

24 STYLE FILE / WHAT TO WEAR?

When it comes to wedding dress codes, it

can be confusing, but Dominique Brilliantes is on

hand to help with what to wear to that big event.

14

17

M E D I A

G E T I N T O U C H !

05

/PGWeddingMag @PGwedding @Pride0333 +PrideandGroom

29 STYLE FILE / THE BOW TIE

Bow ties have had a big revival recently,

especially as part of the wedding look. Brent Kraus

from Ella Bing delves into the history of the bow tie.

33 REAL WEDDINGS / FACEBOOK FATE

After meeting online through mutual friends,

we hear from Kevin and Dusty on how they met

and their sunset proposal whilst camping in the Keys.

37 STYLE FILE / THE 40s LOOK

With many brides choosing to evoke the

vintage style for their wedding day, our photoshoot

oozes Old Hollywood glamour to inspire your look.

43 REAL WEDDINGS / IN PLANNING

Tampa Bay residents, Sam and Emily share

how they first met, their pinky promise and their

plans for their impending September wedding.

47 REAL WEDDINGS / WEDDING DAY WISH

We take a look at Jonathan and Dwayne’s

wedding, a true celebration in color, with rainbow

flags, a jazz band, drag acts and a mini pride parade!

53 REAL WEDDING / SOFTBALL SOULMATES

Sporty couple Jane and Christina fell in

love in Italy whilst competing in the same softball

championships, we get the scoop of their special day!

56 HEAVENLY HONEYMOONS

If you like the idea of crystal clear waters

and stunning white sands then look no further as we

have found four great honeymoon destinations.

SIT BACK, RELAX & HAVE A BROWSE

THROUGH OUR MAGAZINE AND GET

INSPIRED FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY!

37

43

5652

32

70

42 FURTHER AFIELD

With the allure of places like Cancun

and Montreal as viable options to get married,

why not make your wedding a trip of a lifetime

and include your honeymoon into the mix.

50 IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL

If you like the idea of getting married

somewhere unique, we have found some great

destinations bound to peak your interest, and

with a splash of the local culture.

54 REAL WEDDINGS / NANNY NUPTIALS

Child minders Katherine and Kirsti share

their story of a chance meeting, proposing by

the sea and their wedding day with an original

VW camper outside Chelsea Old Town hall.

70 DID YOU KNOW / TOSSING THE

BOUQUET?

Should you or shouldn’t you? We delve into the

tradition of tossing the wedding bouquet, and

include a great idea for you if you decide to

throw your bunch of flowers.

05

29 STYLE FILE / THE BOW TIE

Bow ties have had a big revival recently,

especially as part of the wedding look. Brent Kraus

from Ella Bing delves into the history of the bow tie.

33 REAL WEDDINGS / FACEBOOK FATE

After meeting online through mutual friends,

we hear from Kevin and Dusty on how they met

and their sunset proposal whilst camping in the Keys.

37 STYLE FILE / THE 40s LOOK

With many brides choosing to evoke the

vintage style for their wedding day, our photoshoot

oozes Old Hollywood glamour to inspire your look.

43 REAL WEDDINGS / IN PLANNING

Tampa Bay residents, Sam and Emily share

how they first met, their pinky promise and their

plans for their impending September wedding.

47 REAL WEDDINGS / WEDDING DAY WISH

We take a look at Jonathan and Dwayne’s

wedding, a true celebration in color, with rainbow

flags, a jazz band, drag acts and a mini pride parade!

53 REAL WEDDING / SOFTBALL SOULMATES

Sporty couple Jane and Christina fell in

love in Italy whilst competing in the same softball

championships, we get the scoop of their special day!

56 HEAVENLY HONEYMOONS

If you like the idea of crystal clear waters

and stunning white sands then look no further as we

have found four great honeymoon destinations.

SIT BACK, RELAX & HAVE A BROWSE

THROUGH OUR MAGAZINE AND GET

INSPIRED FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY!

37

43

56

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06| || | W W W. P R I D E A N D G R O O M . C OI S S U E 0 2 - O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

| |N E W LY E N G A G E D

K a r e n& C a r r i e

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D u s t i n a n d S t e v eNewly Engaged

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T H I N G S T O R E M E M B E R / G E T T I N G M A R R I E D A B R O A D| |

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You’re getting married! Congratulations! Now that you’ve made it official, it’s time to choose the location. Whether you decide to keep it local and tie the knot in Florida or go overseas for something more exotic, we have you covered. From understanding the laws, to knowing what documentation to bring, in this issue we explore destinations around the world where you can celebrate your union with your loved one.

| | |

09

By S. Bonanno

Before you plan your big day, it is important to

remember that each state in the United States

has different rules and when you get married

out of the country there are even more rules.

So, what do you need to make it legal?

If you are looking to get married here in Florida,

you’ll need a picture ID such as a driver’s

license and your Social Security card or a valid

passport. You may be asked for a certified copy

of your birth certificate. The cost to make it

official in Florida is approximately $94.

A HOP AWAY

Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of getting

hitched in cool, romantic Seattle. Luckily, you do

not have to be a resident and all you will need

your driver’s l icense and to know your Social

Security number. The average application fee to

get married in Seattle is $64.

The Big Apple is the place for you, but what

do you need? Proof

of age or identity

by bringing along

a Driver’s l icense,

passport, or

immigration record

and you don’t need to be a resident of NY to be

married there and costs about $35.

Perhaps Vermont, as the first state in the U.S.

to give full marriage rights to same-sex couples,

has a special place in your heart. To get married

there you need a Driver’s l icenses or a certified

copy of your birth certificate. You will need to

know your mothers’ maiden names, and the

states where your parents were born. The cost

is $45 plus $10 for a certified copy of the license.

To get married in San Francisco, or any other

city in California, you will need a picture ID –

a Driver’s License or other valid identification.

Some counties recommend bringing certified

copies of your birth certificates. You do not

have to be a resident

of California to apply

for a marriage license

there. You will need to

know your mothers’

maiden names, and

the cities and states

where your parents were born. It will cost you

around $45 to get married in California.

If the glitz of Vegas is more your style, you

will need to appear in person before a clerk at a

Clark County Marriage License Bureau location.

You will need a valid driver’s l icense, passport,

military ID card or other government-

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>

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issued ID card. Other options include an ID

that contains your photograph along with an

original/certified birth certificate or social

security card. To get a marriage license in

Vegas, it will cost you $60. Now go find Elvis or

a drive-through and get this party started.

FURTHER AFIELD

Perhaps you want to venture out of the country?

Mexico, Saba Island, Buenos Aires and Canada

all offer dream places to get married.

If colorful Mexico is calling, you’re in luck

because you don’t need to be resident in Mexico

in order to get married there. You will need

your passport, a tourist permit, and blood

tests are required to get married in Mexico

with some areas also requiring a chest x-ray.

These tests must be done in Mexico. It generally

takes at least three business days to have your

paperwork and documents processed. It will

cost you approximately $200.

Saba Island in the Caribbean is beautiful

choice for a wedding. As part of the Netherlands

Kingdom, Saba recognizes same-sex marriages

and is known as an LGBT-friendly area. In order

to be married on Saba, you will need to contact

both the Census Office and the Lieutenant

Governor’s Office with a notification and

request to be married on Saba. In order to start

the process, you need to email censusmail@

sabagov. Both parties then must present an

original birth certificate mentioning the names

of the parents, also whether the parents are

living or deceased. Maiden names of both

mothers are also necessary.

As the first country in Latin America to

legalize gay

marriage, Buenos

Aires is a wonderful

place to tie the knot.

Tourists wishing

to get married

must request an

appointment at the Civil Registry Office,

presenting a certified photocopy of their

passports with a valid tourist stamp and

provide an address of where they are staying in

Buenos Aires plus the length of their stay. Also,

at least two witnesses who must be Argentine

citizens must be present, and if you don’t speak

Spanish, you’ll need to have a licensed and

accredited interpreter who must also be present

at the ceremony. The cost? Around $10.

Americans can get married in Canada through

a process similar

to that in the U.S.

Both parties must

fill out the license

application ahead

of time and appear

together at the local

courthouse along with one witness, and provide

a birth certificate or passport.

Prices start at $200.

IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL

You’ve always craved adventure so Europe,

Japan and South Africa are all possibilities for

your wedding. You’ve always imagined your

big day in a place with rich history and exotic

culture.

There are no residency requirements to get

10

T H I N G S T O R E M E M B E R / G E T T I N G M A R R I E D A B R O A D| |

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Buenos Aires

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married in Denmark. You will need to bring a

copy of the picture page of your passport. You

will also need to fill out some forms ahead of

time on line to get married here and the cost is

around $75.

If the green fields of Ireland are calling

you, you must make an appointment with the

General Register Office to give notification of

your marriage. There is a three-month waiting

period before the marriage can take place, so

you will need to contact the office well ahead

of time to schedule an appointment date. There

is no residency requirement in Ireland but you

will need passports, birth

certificates, and you will

need to sign a Declaration

of No Impediment. It costs

$200 to get married in

Ireland.

If jolly old England is the

place for you, you must reside there for 7 days

prior to the registering for your wedding and

the ceremony cannot take place for another 21

days after that registration. But don’t fret—if

you pay an extra fee, you can have a special

l icense wedding, where you must be residents

for just two weeks prior to the registration and

the wedding can then take place one day after

the registration. Bring along your original birth

certificates and passports. You will need two

witnesses.

If Japan was always your dream

place for a wedding, don’t fret.

Nonresidents of Japan can marry in

the country and there is no waiting

period. You must complete a sworn

Affidavit of Competency to Marry at the Embassy

or consulate. There is a special two-page form,

which can be obtained from this web site www.

japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-7114a.html

After you complete this form in English, you

will also need a copy translated into Japanese.

The consular officer will notarize only the English

language document. These forms are required by

Japanese law and are not a requirement of the

U.S. Government. You will need to bring your U.S.

passport and the $50 fee.

South Africa is a gorgeous locale for a

wedding. It was the first country in the world to

safeguard sexual orientation as a human

right in its constitution. There are no

minimum residency requirements for

getting married in South Africa. You will

need your original birth certificate, a

passport with at least 6 months validity

left, and a letter of non-impediment from

your embassy stating you are free to marry.

Always contact the foreign embassy or

consulate to re-check the rules as they are

always changing. Also, you will want to do

research on the best season in each area. You

don’t need horrible weather ruining your big

day. When planning a wedding abroad, many

people choose to hire a wedding planner or

travel consultant to help them.

The best part of getting married abroad is that

you can combine your wedding

and your honeymoon into one

big romantic package. It does

take a lot of planning, but the

memories are worth it. Happy

planning and Bon Voyage! &

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| |D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

M I A M I

PH

OT

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Y B

ILL

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MN

ER

C L O S E T O H O M E

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TOP VENUE

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Built during a time when the

fledgling city of Miami was

predominantly rural and unspoiled,

Vizcaya provides a lens through

which to view the city as it was in

the early twentieth century, prior

to exploding into the international

urban center that it is today.

Loving restored and kept to its

former glory; the villa and gardens

are a truly magnificent location to

host your wedding day.

For more info please visitwww.vizcaya.org

NOT TO MISS

Area 31

If you are looking for somewhere

romantic to go, why not make

your way to Area 31, a magical

16th‑floor terrace which provides

amazing views of Downtown

Miami and Biscayne Bay at the top

of the EPIC Hotel. Serving creative

seafood dishes and fabulous

cocktails in their upscale in‑door

space or outside by the pool, this

restaurant is a perfect spot for

that special dinner for two.

For more info please visitwww.area31restaurant.comF

or those who dream of a romantic outdoor

beach wedding, Florida, also known as the

sunshine State, ticks all the right boxes.

With its warm weather year round and many

varied venues, Florida is a perfect place to

hold your nuptials. We have chosen some great

destinations in and around Florida that you

should definitely check out!

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Located just steps from the famed Collins Avenue and white sand beaches, the Riviera South Beach is comprised of 3 distinct buildings. The original Riviera is an elegant boutique hideaway featuring 52 imag-inatively design one-bedroom apartment-like 700 sq ft. Blending classic sophistication and contempo-rary chic, guest suites feature full gourmet and sepa-rate living and dining. There’s an intimate courtyard pool oasis, complete with private cabanas.

Our selection of Art-Deco boutique hotels in the heart of South Beach are all true historic gems. South Beach Group Hotels offer accommodations from economy hotels suited for the budget minded traveler to upscale hotels that accommodate the most sophisticated visitors.

"This is the type of dream hotel that you leave wanting to come

back again and again! Love the boutique hotel concept and

can't get enough of all the amenities that they offer!"

- Joe Scapelini, Travel Weekly

318 20TH STREET, MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139WWW.RIVIERAHOTELSOUTHBEACH.COM

South Beach Group Hotels is pleased to announce its expansion into Mid-Beach with Hotel Croydon, a fully renovated boutique hotel located steps away from the ocean. The 7-story Hotel Croydon dazzles with 104 guest rooms including a sprawling Penthouse with ocean views, meeting room and banquet space, a gym, an outdoor pool, a spa, an on-site restaurant and bar, and a rooftop sun deck with 360 degree views of the ocean and Miami.

3720 COLLINS AVENUE, MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139WWW.HOTELCROYDONMIAMIBEACH.COM

For sales and general questions, please use the below contact information:

Fred GarciaRegional Sales Managert: 305.535.8284 ext 3007e: [email protected]

"South Beach Group Hotels...A True Love Story WithMiami Beach"

Located just steps from the famed Collins Avenue and white sand beaches, the Riviera South Beach is comprised of 3 distinct buildings. The original Riviera is an elegant boutique hideaway featuring 52 imag-inatively design one-bedroom apartment-like 700 sq ft. Blending classic sophistication and contempo-rary chic, guest suites feature full gourmet and sepa-rate living and dining. There’s an intimate courtyard pool oasis, complete with private cabanas.

Our selection of Art-Deco boutique hotels in the heart of South Beach are all true historic gems. South Beach Group Hotels offer accommodations from economy hotels suited for the budget minded traveler to upscale hotels that accommodate the most sophisticated visitors.

"This is the type of dream hotel that you leave wanting to come

back again and again! Love the boutique hotel concept and

can't get enough of all the amenities that they offer!"

- Joe Scapelini, Travel Weekly

318 20TH STREET, MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139WWW.RIVIERAHOTELSOUTHBEACH.COM

South Beach Group Hotels is pleased to announce its expansion into Mid-Beach with Hotel Croydon, a fully renovated boutique hotel located steps away from the ocean. The 7-story Hotel Croydon dazzles with 104 guest rooms including a sprawling Penthouse with ocean views, meeting room and banquet space, a gym, an outdoor pool, a spa, an on-site restaurant and bar, and a rooftop sun deck with 360 degree views of the ocean and Miami.

3720 COLLINS AVENUE, MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139WWW.HOTELCROYDONMIAMIBEACH.COM

For sales and general questions, please use the below contact information:

Fred GarciaRegional Sales Managert: 305.535.8284 ext 3007e: [email protected]

"South Beach Group Hotels...A True Love Story WithMiami Beach"

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Located just steps from the famed Collins Avenue and white sand beaches, the Riviera South Beach is comprised of 3 distinct buildings. The original Riviera is an elegant boutique hideaway featuring 52 imag-inatively design one-bedroom apartment-like 700 sq ft. Blending classic sophistication and contempo-rary chic, guest suites feature full gourmet and sepa-rate living and dining. There’s an intimate courtyard pool oasis, complete with private cabanas.

Our selection of Art-Deco boutique hotels in the heart of South Beach are all true historic gems. South Beach Group Hotels offer accommodations from economy hotels suited for the budget minded traveler to upscale hotels that accommodate the most sophisticated visitors.

"This is the type of dream hotel that you leave wanting to come

back again and again! Love the boutique hotel concept and

can't get enough of all the amenities that they offer!"

- Joe Scapelini, Travel Weekly

318 20TH STREET, MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139WWW.RIVIERAHOTELSOUTHBEACH.COM

South Beach Group Hotels is pleased to announce its expansion into Mid-Beach with Hotel Croydon, a fully renovated boutique hotel located steps away from the ocean. The 7-story Hotel Croydon dazzles with 104 guest rooms including a sprawling Penthouse with ocean views, meeting room and banquet space, a gym, an outdoor pool, a spa, an on-site restaurant and bar, and a rooftop sun deck with 360 degree views of the ocean and Miami.

3720 COLLINS AVENUE, MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139WWW.HOTELCROYDONMIAMIBEACH.COM

For sales and general questions, please use the below contact information:

Fred GarciaRegional Sales Managert: 305.535.8284 ext 3007e: [email protected]

"South Beach Group Hotels...A True Love Story WithMiami Beach"

Located just steps from the famed Collins Avenue and white sand beaches, the Riviera South Beach is comprised of 3 distinct buildings. The original Riviera is an elegant boutique hideaway featuring 52 imag-inatively design one-bedroom apartment-like 700 sq ft. Blending classic sophistication and contempo-rary chic, guest suites feature full gourmet and sepa-rate living and dining. There’s an intimate courtyard pool oasis, complete with private cabanas.

Our selection of Art-Deco boutique hotels in the heart of South Beach are all true historic gems. South Beach Group Hotels offer accommodations from economy hotels suited for the budget minded traveler to upscale hotels that accommodate the most sophisticated visitors.

"This is the type of dream hotel that you leave wanting to come

back again and again! Love the boutique hotel concept and

can't get enough of all the amenities that they offer!"

- Joe Scapelini, Travel Weekly

318 20TH STREET, MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139WWW.RIVIERAHOTELSOUTHBEACH.COM

South Beach Group Hotels is pleased to announce its expansion into Mid-Beach with Hotel Croydon, a fully renovated boutique hotel located steps away from the ocean. The 7-story Hotel Croydon dazzles with 104 guest rooms including a sprawling Penthouse with ocean views, meeting room and banquet space, a gym, an outdoor pool, a spa, an on-site restaurant and bar, and a rooftop sun deck with 360 degree views of the ocean and Miami.

3720 COLLINS AVENUE, MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139WWW.HOTELCROYDONMIAMIBEACH.COM

For sales and general questions, please use the below contact information:

Fred GarciaRegional Sales Managert: 305.535.8284 ext 3007e: [email protected]

"South Beach Group Hotels...A True Love Story WithMiami Beach"

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| | |D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

FURY 24134 Pride and Groom Ad.indd 1 9/11/15 4:23 PM

TOP VENUE

Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa

Located on the beautiful Gulf of

Mexico, the Hyatt in Key West is

simply a slice of heaven. With

modern luxuries and impeccable

service, this hotel has everything

you could wish for if a beachfront

wedding is what you have always

dreamed of. Close to all the local

hotspots, and with a wide variety

of amenities including Jet skis and

fishing, this hotel has style, class

and stunning sunsets guaranteed to

take your breath away.

For more info please visitwww.keywest.hyatt.com

NOT TO MISS

Better than sex

As Key West’s exclusive ‘Dessert Only’ Restaurant, this trendy

locale offers mystery, romance, and indulgence wrapped up

into the most decadent sweet dining experience. Capturing

your curiosity with one of their chocolate dipped wine

glasses, caramel rimmed beer or champagnes, and cheeky

named desserts, they promise you’ll have a few giggles, but

also assure that you will leave with fond memories of Better

Than Sex as one of Key West’s most captivating experiences.

For more info please visitwww.betterthansexkeywest.com

C L O S E T O H O M E

K e y W e s t

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Located on the waterfront in Key West’s

historic Old Town, Mallory Square is a must

for couples looking for that extra special

touch of romance, and a fantastic place if you

are thinking of somewhere unique to propose.

Beginning two hours before sunset, it’s a

celebration and view that has captured the

love and astonishment of iconic figures from

Mark Twain in the 1800s to Tennessee Williams

in the late 20th century! The Key West Sunset

Celebration invites everyone to partake in

watching the glowing pink and red sun sink into

the Gulf of Mexico horizon.

The nightly festival hosts visitors from all

over the world who come to take part in the

magicians, jugglers, clowns, psychics, local

musicians, artists, and food vendors that

combine for an incredible cultural experience.

It is a fusion of friends and talents that has

captivated tourists and locals alike for decades,

with great photo opportunities that will rival

any other vistas from around the world.

Sunset CelebrationD E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

K E Y W E S T Sunset CelebrationK E Y W E S T Sunset Celebration

“See you at Sunset!” This iconic phrase has embodied the spirit and history of Key

West since the event took off in the late 1960s!

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For more information please go to www.marriageequality.org/registries

We are honored to help you create a personal and special donation registry for any occasion.

Wedding Birth / Adoption Holiday Events

In Memory of a Loved One

Any special occasion in your life.

®

Come celebrate your special occasion with

Marriage Equality USA.

For more information please go to www.marriageequality.org/registries

We are honored to help you create a personal and special donation registry for any occasion.

Wedding Birth / Adoption Holiday Events

In Memory of a Loved One

Any special occasion in your life.

®

Come celebrate your special occasion with

Marriage Equality USA.

For more information please go to www.marriageequality.org/registries

We are honored to help you create a personal and special donation registry for any occasion.

Wedding Birth / Adoption Holiday Events

In Memory of a Loved One

Any special occasion in your life.

®

Come celebrate your special occasion with

Marriage Equality USA.

Equality Florida is

the largest civil rights organization

dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian,

gay, bisexual, and transgender community. @equalityFL

Equality Florida is the largest civil

rights organization dedicated to

securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian,

gay, bisexual, and transgender community. @equalityFL

Equality Florida is

the largest civil rights organization

dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian,

gay, bisexual, and transgender community. @equalityFL

Equality Florida is

the largest civil rights organization

dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian,

gay, bisexual, and transgender community. @equalityFL

Equality Florida is the largest civil

rights organization dedicated to

securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian,

gay, bisexual, and transgender community. @equalityFL

Equality Florida is

the largest civil rights organization

dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian,

gay, bisexual, and transgender community. @equalityFL

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D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

TOP VENUE

Pelican Grand Beach resort

Why not say ‘ I do” to your betrothed

beneath the stars or directly

on their private beach with the

Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop,

the Pelican Grand is a hotel that

boasts breathtaking views and

unique options for your oceanfront

wedding. Just steps away from the

sea, the Atlantic Pavilion reflects

the charm of old Florida and their

Rooftop terrace offers a perfect

space to host your nuptials.

For more info please visitwww.pelicanbeach.com/fort-lauderdale-hotels.com

NOT TO MISS

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

Set amidst a peaceful seaside oasis overlooking the Atlantic

Ocean, the unique 1920s‑era house was once the beloved

home of free spirited artists Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett.

Visitors can marvel at original furnishings and artwork

created by the owners themselves before exploring the lush

35‑acre grounds, home to one of the Southeast’s largest

collections of orchids as well as parrots, swans and even

wild monkeys. What a better place to spend a romantic day!

For more info please visitwww.bonnethouse.org

C L O S E T O H O M E

F o r tL a u d e r d a l e

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R E A L W E D D I N G S / P R O M I S E R I N G S

Mandy and Jessica were first introduced to

one another over six years ago via a mutual

friend at a local bar, and after a few times

of hanging out together socially, their feelings

grew for each other and their relationship began

to blossom.

They had talked about marriage, and

ultimately having a family, ever since they

started dating but as they both were very keen

to get married in Florida, close to their families,

they were happy to wait for the laws to change.

In the meantime the couple presented each other

with ‘promise’ rings to show their commitment

to each other.

After the law passed that same sex couples

could get married in the state of Florida, the

girls began to plan their wedding day. They

really wanted to find a venue that could do

everything in one spot, making it easier for

Mandy

Mandy

Jessica

Jessica

&

M A N D Y & J E S S I C A – F O R T L A U D E R D A L E , F L O R I D A

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y S O N J U P H O T O G R A P H Y

W W W. S O N J U P H O T O G R A P H Y. C O M

>

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| |R E A L W E D D I N G S / P R O M I S E R I N G S

them and their guests. After visiting a couple

of places, they found the perfect location on

Valentines Day. From the damask wallpaper and

enormous chandeliers, to the beautiful staircase

and amazing fireplace, the girls fell in love and

knew this is where they wanted to spend their

big day.

Preparations for their nuptials went so

smoothly as Mandy and Jessica had already

chosen a florist and photographer, and ‘The

Venue’, in Fort Lauderdale, did the rest, even

suggesting which DJ to use.

All in all it took just 6 weeks to plan their

wedding day and it couldn’t have gone better

for Mandy, Jessica and all of their guests. All

they needed to do was show up, have their hair

and make up done, and get married without

any of the hassle and stress. The wedding

planner stayed on site all day just to make sure

everything ran on time, so that everyone was

able to enjoy themselves and not miss any of

the more important parts of the event, l ike the

cutting of the cake and the speeches.

Looking back on their special day, both Jessica

and Mandy cant stress enough the importance

of finding a location that caters for every part

of the wedding day, thus reducing the level of

stress and allowing everyone to enjoy each

moment, as it really does go by in the blink of

an eye. &

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[email protected] www.FLdestinationweddings.com Toll Free: 1-844-581-PICS (7427)

Get Married on the Beachor at your own location from only $299INCLUDING Ceremony and Professional Pictures!

A D V E R T I S E H E R E

I N F O @ P R I D E A N D G R O O M . C O

3350 NE 12th Ave, #24063 Oakland Park, FL 33307, (954) 240-1944 - [email protected]

Let Weddings by Lowell make your wedding day one to remember for a life time.

www.weddingsbylowell.com

[email protected] www.FLdestinationweddings.com

Get Married on the Beachor at your own location from only $299INCLUDING Ceremony and Professional Pictures!

A D V E R T I S E H E R E

I N F O @ P R I D E A N D G R O O M . C O

3350 NE 12th Ave, #24063 Oakland Park, FL 33307, (954) 240-1944 - [email protected]

Let Weddings by Lowell make your wedding day one to remember for a life time.

www.weddingsbylowell.com

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TOP VENUE

Isla del Sol

Isla Del Sol Yacht & country

club offers a stunning Ballroom

overlooking the Boca Ciega Bay,

and is an ideal space to host your

wedding reception.

From their towering two story

waterfall in the lobby with their

magnificent glassed stairway, to

their award winning Chef’s fabulous

cuisine, there are just too many

reasons not to take advantage of

this fantastic venue. How about

a round of golf for the Groom and

Groomsmen? Or maybe a ride aboard

the catamaran yacht “Dragonfly”?

All are available at the Isla Del Sol

at this private island paradise.

What could be more ideal for your

wedding day?

For more info please visitwww.isladelsolycc.com

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You’ve always had a vision for your wedding day. Let the wedding professionals atHyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa help make your dreams come true. Featuring sophisticated style and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, we offer the perfect setting for the celebration you’ve always imagined — whether it’s an intimate event or a ballroom ceremony followed by a grand reception. Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount when you book and hold your wedding with us by December 31, 2016.

For more information, contact one of our wedding professionals at 727 373 4444 or visit clearwaterbeach.hyatt.com.

It’s your special day.We’ll make it extra special.

Offer is valid at Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa through December 31, 2016. Offer is based on availability and blackout periods including holidays may apply. Offer includes a ten percent (10%) discount off of published 2015 Wedding Packages. Offer is valid only for newly contracted weddings in accordance with the Catering Contract. The ten percent (10%) discount is applicable only on eligible food and beverage (on non-labor costs) associated with the event. Other incidental charges incurred at any hotel restaurants and shops are not covered by this offer. Qualifying charges do not include any surcharges, gratuities, hotel fees, taxes or third-party charges by contractors (i.e.: � orists, equipment rental, in-house A/V company, simultaneous translators, or event/venue decorators etc). Offer is subject to availability of function space at time of booking. Offer is not valid in conjunction with previously booked weddings and may not be combined with any other offers, incentives, discounts or promotions. Blackout dates may apply. For details about hotel availability and blackout dates, please contact the Catering Department. HYATT name, design and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2015 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

HYATT REGENCY CLEARWATER BEACH RESORT & SPA301 South Gulfview Blvd.Clearwater, Florida, USA, 33767

PIERC5189 HR Clearwater Pride and Groom Wedding Ad.indd 1 5/26/2015 1:38:14 PM

D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

NOT TO MISS

The Dali museum

Some may be surprised to find out that outside of Spain,

there is a huge, incredible collection of Salvador Dali’s

work seemingly tucked away in this city by the sea.

Housing more than 2,000 works of art in 20,000 square

feet of gallery space, including numerous oils, watercolors,

sketches, sculptures and other objects, this stunning ultra

modern building is located on the scenic downtown St. Pete

waterfront, and is the perfect jumping‑off point to explore

the rest of the city with your significant other!

For more info please visitwww.thedali.org

C L O S E T O H O M E

S t P e t e r s b u r g

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You’ve always had a vision for your wedding day. Let the wedding professionals atHyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa help make your dreams come true. Featuring sophisticated style and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, we offer the perfect setting for the celebration you’ve always imagined — whether it’s an intimate event or a ballroom ceremony followed by a grand reception. Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount when you book and hold your wedding with us by December 31, 2016.

For more information, contact one of our wedding professionals at 727 373 4444 or visit clearwaterbeach.hyatt.com.

It’s your special day.We’ll make it extra special.

Offer is valid at Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa through December 31, 2016. Offer is based on availability and blackout periods including holidays may apply. Offer includes a ten percent (10%) discount off of published 2015 Wedding Packages. Offer is valid only for newly contracted weddings in accordance with the Catering Contract. The ten percent (10%) discount is applicable only on eligible food and beverage (on non-labor costs) associated with the event. Other incidental charges incurred at any hotel restaurants and shops are not covered by this offer. Qualifying charges do not include any surcharges, gratuities, hotel fees, taxes or third-party charges by contractors (i.e.: � orists, equipment rental, in-house A/V company, simultaneous translators, or event/venue decorators etc). Offer is subject to availability of function space at time of booking. Offer is not valid in conjunction with previously booked weddings and may not be combined with any other offers, incentives, discounts or promotions. Blackout dates may apply. For details about hotel availability and blackout dates, please contact the Catering Department. HYATT name, design and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2015 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

HYATT REGENCY CLEARWATER BEACH RESORT & SPA301 South Gulfview Blvd.Clearwater, Florida, USA, 33767

PIERC5189 HR Clearwater Pride and Groom Wedding Ad.indd 1 5/26/2015 1:38:14 PM

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D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

TOP VENUE

Bella Coll ina

Bringing you a taste of a Tuscan

villa in the heart of Italy, the Bella

Collina will give you and your

guests the experience of a lifetime.

Their award‑winning wedding and

events facility is a 1,900 acre lake

front estate centrally located just

twenty minutes from Downtown

Orlando. With a variety of exquisite

event spaces and a world‑ class

culinary team, the folks at Bella

Collina will help you design a truly

unique wedding experience that will

elevate your wedding to the next

level of luxury.

For more info please visitwww.bellacollina.com

NOT TO MISS

Orlando Balloon Rides

If soaring way above in the skies is your bag, then taking a

ride in a hot air balloon is a perfect answer and great way

to experience Florida, as you have never seen it before. From

the many theme parks to the orange groves and forests, to

the swamp lands that have been untouched for thousands

of years, the Orlando Balloon rides can be booked for just

the two of you, or for a crazy experience, you can invite the

whole wedding crew along! And to finish off, why not enjoy a

glass of champagne to celebrate your wonderful journey, all

included in the price!

For more info please visitwww.orlandoballoonrides.com

C L O S E T O H O M E

O r l a n d o

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S A NF R A N C I S C OF R A N C I S C O

A H O P A W A Y

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TOP VENUE

Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay

Just 30 minutes outside of San

Francisco, The Ritz-Carlton, Half

Moon Bay is a luxurious cliff-

side resort located along the

gorgeous Pacific Ocean. With its

amazing views of the California

coastline the Ritz-Carlton really

is a stunning venue that provides

elegance and class for your special

day. The ballroom seats up to 400

although they have other options

available for smaller affairs.

For more info please visitwww.ritzcarlton.com/en/properties/HalfMoonBay

NOT TO MISS

Alcatraz island

Once considered the top prison

of American prisons, the island

of Alcatraz has been an asset to

the U.S. Army, the federal prison

system, jailhouse folklore, and

the historic evolution of the

West Coast. Alcatraz is one of the

biggest tourist magnets in San

Francisco. Tours are available

daily and they even offer a night

time excursion with only a lantern

to light your way.

For more info please visitwww.nps.gov/alca/index.htm

F R A N C I S C OF R A N C I S C O

Just a hop, skip or jump from the sunny beaches of

the South-eastern US exist a few other amazing

US cities that pride themselves for their LGBT

flair. A spectacular chocolate factory tour after a

lovely Seattle Wedding, get married by Elvis, Marilyn

Monroe or even Dracula in Sin City, or exchange your

vows under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San

Francisco, all of which are sure to create amazing

memories to last a l ifetime.

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StuartNeil&

Stuart

Neil

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Stuart and I met in the year 2000 in one

of Aberdeen’s few gay venues, The City

Bar. He caught my eye as I was playing

pool with a friend – he was sitting at a table,

browsing through the gay papers while smoking

a cigarette. The bar has long since closed, and

Stuart’s stopped smoking, but we’re still going

strong together.

Our relationship has been as fast as a speeding

. . . glacier. It was 14 years before Stuart proposed.

If you think that’s bad, we only moved in together

three years ago!

We were having a meal at one of our favorite

Aberdeen restaurants, when he excused himself

to go to the bathroom. My cell buzzed shortly

afterwards and it was a text from Stuart asking

me to marry him. When he returned to the table,

I of course said yes.

We’d always wanted to visit San Francisco

and initially planned the trip to mark Stuart’s

40th birthday, but after the proposal it quickly

became clear it was the ideal opportunity to get

hitched, and our friend Claire offered to fly from

Scotland to meet us in San Francisco and be our

witness for the day.

We had great fun having our pictures taken

S T U A R T & N E I L – F O R T L A U D E R D A L E , F L O R I D A

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y M I S C H A P H O T O G R A P H Y

W W W. P H O T O M I S C H A . C O M

>

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by our photographer, Mischa, even with our

heavy wool kilts adding to the heat of the day.

A Scot has no bigger pride than wearing his kilt

abroad, and we even had strangers asking for

photos when we arrived at City Hall.

We then hired a stretch limo to take us on

a tour of the city, accompanied by a couple of

bottles of champagne.

  Afterwards, at the restaurant Gary Dankos,

diners at the table next to us struck up

conversation, and when we told them our story

they raised a toast to us and gave us a round

of applause. It was typical of our experience

of such a wonderful city – friendly, welcoming

people and we can’t wait to return. &

P I N K - P A R E N T I N G . C O M

F O R T H E M O D E R N F A M I LY

N E W & I M P R O V E D S I T E L I V E N O W !

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P I N K - P A R E N T I N G . C O M

F O R T H E M O D E R N F A M I LY

N E W & I M P R O V E D S I T E L I V E N O W !

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TOP VENUE

The Essex Resort and Spa

A superb Vermont wedding is

yours to have at The Essex Resort

& Spa and The Ponds at Bolton

Valley. The beautiful, 18-acre

resort in Burlington, serves as the

perfect backdrop for your most

important day. The 5,000 beautiful

Vermont acres at The Ponds are

unrivaled in the region. No other

Vermont wedding reception sites

can offer stunningly appointed

accommodation and services,

unmatched catering provided

by award-winning chefs, and of

course, the attention to detail by the

seasoned staff.

For more info please visitwww.essexresortspa.com

NOT TO MISS

The Magic Hat Brewing Company

If you are a fan of beers and ales then the Magic Hat Brewing

Company is a must-see (for anyone 21 and older that is) .

The Victorian-Gothic circus-themed decor and seriously

unconventional atmosphere sets it apart as one of the most

eclectic breweries around. Its free to get in, but be sure to

secure a designated driver as there is a fully stocked bar

waiting for you at the end of your visit, complete with

limitless, free tastings of the featured beers on tap.

For more info please visitwww.magichat.net

A H O P A W A Y

V e r m o n tD E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

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A HOP AWAY

Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of getting

hitched in cool, romantic Seattle. Luckily, you do

not have to be a resident and all you will need

your driver’s l icense and to know your Social

Security number. The average application fee to

get married in Seattle is $64.

The Big Apple is the place for you, but what

do you need? Proof of age or identity by bringing

along a Driver’s l icense, passport, or immigration

record and you don’t need to be a resident of NY

to be married there and costs about $35.

Perhaps Vermont, as the first state in the U.S.

to give full marriage rights to same-sex couples,

has a special place in your heart. To get married

there you need a Driver’s l icenses or a certified

copy of your birth certificate. You will need to

know your mothers’ maiden names, and the

states where your parents were born. The cost

is $45 plus $10 for a certified copy of the license.

To get married in San Francisco, or any other

city in California, you will need a picture ID –

a Driver’s License or other valid identification.

Some counties recommend bringing certified

copies of your birth certificates. You do not

have to be a resident of California to apply for

a marriage license there. You will need to know

your mothers’ maiden names, and the cities and

states where your parents were born. It will cost

you around $45 to get married in California.

If the glitz of Vegas is more your style, you

will need to appear in person before a clerk at a

Clark County Marriage License Bureau location.

You will need a valid driver’s l icense, passport,

military ID card or other government-issued ID

card. Other options include an ID that contains

your photograph along with an original/certified

birth certificate or social security card. To get a

marriage license in Vegas, it will cost you $60.

Now go find Elvis or a drive-through and get this

party started.

FURTHER AFIELD

Perhaps you want to venture out of the country?

Mexico, Saba Island, Buenos Aires and Canada

all offer dream places to get married.

If colorful Mexico is calling, you’re in luck

because you don’t need to be resident in Mexico

in order to get married there. You will need

your passport, a tourist permit, and blood

tests are required to get married in Mexico

with some areas also requiring a chest x-ray.

These tests must be done in Mexico. It generally

takes at least three business days to have your

paperwork and documents processed. It will

cost you approximately $200.

Saba Island in the Caribbean is beautiful

choice for a wedding. As part of the Netherlands

Kingdom, Saba recognizes same-sex marriages

and is known as an LGBT-friendly area. In order

to be married on Saba, you will need to contact

both the Census Office and the Lieutenant

Governor’s Office with a notification and

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| |W H A T ’ S I N T H E M A G A N D W H E R E T O F I N D I T !

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TOP VENUE

The Great Hall at Union Station

The Great Hall at Union Station is

an iconic landmark in the heart

of Seattle’s Pioneer Square. The

breathtaking 11,000 square-foot

ballroom was built in 1910 and is

beautifully complemented by a total

of 460 twinkling lights set overhead

in its its majestic barrel-vaulted

ceiling. The black and white tiled

floors and champagne, gold and

emerald color scheme make this

amazing venue definitely a timeless

setting and the perfect location for

a classic and elegant wedding.

For more info please visitwww.jewelhospitality.com

NOT TO MISS

The Theo chocolate Factory

What goes hand in hand with romance? Chocolate of course!

So for a fun day out, why not take your loved one to tour

the Theo Chocolate Factory. Theo is the only organic, fair-

trade, bean-to-bar chocolate factory in the entire country

and their chocolates are, without a doubt, some of the most

delicious you’ll ever try. Tours include samples along the

way and a behind the scenes look at the chocolate-making

process. Don’t forget to stop in the retail store on your way

out and pick up some of her favorites that you sampled!

For more info please visitwww.theochocolate.com

A H O P A W A Y

S e a t t l eD E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

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TOP VENUE

The Gay Chapel of Las Vegas

Want to make an unforgettable

wedding day entrance? How about

surprising your guests as the doors

of the chapel fly open as you’re

driven down the aisle by Elvis in his

1964 Pink Cadillac convertible. Or,

how about being carried down the

aisle on a throne by hunky Egyptian

men. You can even get married by a

Marilyn Monroe look a like.

The Gay Chapel has loads of

varied wedding packages, and if

you cant find what you like, they are

more than happy to work with you

to provide a wedding that you will

never forget…VIVA LAS VEGAS!!

For more info please visitwww.gaychapeloflasvegas.com

NOT TO MISS

The Vegas Eiffel Tower

The Vegas Eiffel Tower Experience should certainly not be

missed since it has been rated numerous times among the

most romantic things to do in Las Vegas and has seen many

marriage proposals during its existence. If you do decide to

go, then nighttime is definitely the best time to climb to the

observation area on the 50th floor of the Tower and marvel

at the Las Vegas strip line or simply walk hand in hand with

your sweetheart.

For more info please visitwww.caesars.com/paris-las-vegas/things-to-do/eiffel-tower

A H O P A W A Y

L a s V e g a sD E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

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A HOP AWAY

Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of getting

hitched in cool, romantic Seattle. Luckily, you do

not have to be a resident and all you will need

your driver’s l icense and to know your Social

Security number. The average application fee to

get married in Seattle is $64.

The Big Apple is the place for you, but what

do you need? Proof of age or identity by bringing

along a Driver’s l icense, passport, or immigration

record and you don’t need to be a resident of NY

to be married there and costs about $35.

Perhaps Vermont, as the first state in the U.S.

to give full marriage rights to same-sex couples,

has a special place in your heart. To get married

there you need a Driver’s l icenses or a certified

copy of your birth certificate. You will need to

know your mothers’ maiden names, and the

states where your parents were born. The cost

is $45 plus $10 for a certified copy of the license.

To get married in San Francisco, or any other

city in California, you will need a picture ID –

a Driver’s License or other valid identification.

Some counties recommend bringing certified

copies of your birth certificates. You do not

have to be a resident of California to apply for

a marriage license there. You will need to know

your mothers’ maiden names, and the cities and

states where your parents were born. It will cost

you around $45 to get married in California.

If the glitz of Vegas is more your style, you

will need to appear in person before a clerk at a

Clark County Marriage License Bureau location.

You will need a valid driver’s l icense, passport,

military ID card or other government-issued ID

card. Other options include an ID that contains

your photograph along with an original/certified

birth certificate or social security card. To get a

marriage license in Vegas, it will cost you $60.

Now go find Elvis or a drive-through and get this

party started.

FURTHER AFIELD

Perhaps you want to venture out of the country?

Mexico, Saba Island, Buenos Aires and Canada

all offer dream places to get married.

If colorful Mexico is calling, you’re in luck

because you don’t need to be resident in Mexico

in order to get married there. You will need

your passport, a tourist permit, and blood

tests are required to get married in Mexico

with some areas also requiring a chest x-ray.

These tests must be done in Mexico. It generally

takes at least three business days to have your

paperwork and documents processed. It will

cost you approximately $200.

Saba Island in the Caribbean is beautiful

choice for a wedding. As part of the Netherlands

Kingdom, Saba recognizes same-sex marriages

and is known as an LGBT-friendly area. In order

to be married on Saba, you will need to contact

both the Census Office and the Lieutenant

Governor’s Office with a notification and

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| |D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

BUENOS AIRESF U R T H E R A F I E L D

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TOP VENUE

The Alvear Palace Hotel

Opened in 1932 for European

visitors, the Alvear Palace

Hotel continues to exude that

Belle Époque splendor. Located

in the Recoleta neighborhood,

surrounded by elegant boulevards

and leafy parks, the hotel is

filled with gilded-wood-paneled

walls and chandeliers, making

this a perfect venue. In Argentina

weddings traditionally start late

and finish the next morning, so

stamina is strongly recommended.

For more info please visitwww.lhw.com/hotel/Alvear-Palace-Hotel-Buenos-Aires-Argentina

NOT TO MISS

La Boca

A colorful neighborhood right

next to the old port of Buenos

Aires, La Boca is synonymous with

both  tango and football. With its

multi-colored houses and taverns,

the neighborhood maintains its

tango tradition, football passion,

and Italian roots. Today it is one

of the most important cultural

centers and tourist attractions

in Buenos Aires. Take a  walking

tour, watch a soccer game at the

famous Boca stadium or simply

attend a local tango show.If you reside in Florida and you fancy a

destination wedding, but you, or the other

half, don’t really l ike long fl ights or travell ing

great distances, why not consider one of our

four further afield destinations? Sombreros in

Mexico, A l ittle taste of “Paris in South America”

also known as Buenos Aires, or the beautiful

French language of Quebec, these LGBT weddings

hot spots are sure to please.

BUENOS AIRES

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| |D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

C A N C U NC A N C U NF U R T H E R A F I E L D

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TOP VENUE

Dreams Resort

The Dreams Resort is surely one of

the most romantic locations in the

world for your wedding. Turquoise

waters and powdery white beaches

that never end teamed with year-

round beautiful weather makes

it an unbeatable venue for your

special day. Get married on the

beachfront, then enjoy an evening

of partying till late into the night.

The resort offers tailored packages

guaranteed to fulfill your every

dream of a seaside wedding.

For more info please visitw w w . d r e a m s r e s o r t s . c o m / r i v i e r a - c a n c u n /weddings

NOT TO MISS

Las Ruinas del Rey

The El Rey Ruins (Las Ruinas del Rey)

are a spectacular archeological

site, with 47 structures that are

thought to have been inhabited by

the ancient Mayans in as early as

900 AD. El Rey was named for the

ceremonial mask and skull found

on the site to honor the Mayan

Sun God, and many visitors enjoy

taking pictures of the hundreds of

Iguanas that call the ruins home.

The El Rey Ruins are open daily

and offers spectacular views of

the Nichupte Lagoon.

C A N C U NC A N C U N45

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www.sabatourism.com

Saba is the most gay friendly island in the Caribbean, and same sex unions are now the norm as Saba is a Special Municipality of The Netherlands with the authority to perform legal gay marriage.

The island is already a popular wedding and honeymoon destination with well established hotels, guesthouses, small low-key “resorts”, rental villas and cottages to accommodate both the ceremony and guests in both an upscale and casual atmosphere.

Visit out website for more info on a spectacular Saba wedding!

Simply Stunning

| | |

TOP VENUE

Queens Gardens Resort

Nestled between two lush hills,

Queen’s Gardens Resort is located

in the exclusive area known as Troy

Hill , and provides couples with a

perfectly romantic and intimate

setting in which to exchange their

vows. With breathtaking views of

the rain forest and the Sapphire blue

Seas that surround the Island, you

can experience a wedding like no

other and at the same time sample a

little slice of paradise.

For more info please visitwww.sabatourism.com

NOT TO MISS

Saba by sea

Saba Island offers a scuba diving paradise. From shallow

patch reefs to deep underwater seamounts the waters

around the island are worth exploring for any diver’s level

of experience.

Past volcanic activity has created spectacular formations

and structures. Underwater lava flows and hot springs are

the most obvious evidence of Saba’s volcanic origins. The

reefs are populated with schools of tropical fish and healthy

coral. Unusual and exciting sightings are always possible in

Saba’s waters including frequent shark encounters.

F U R T H E R A F I E L D

S a b aI s l a n d

D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

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www.sabatourism.com

Saba is the most gay friendly island in the Caribbean, and same sex unions are now the norm as Saba is a Special Municipality of The Netherlands with the authority to perform legal gay marriage.

The island is already a popular wedding and honeymoon destination with well established hotels, guesthouses, small low-key “resorts”, rental villas and cottages to accommodate both the ceremony and guests in both an upscale and casual atmosphere.

Visit out website for more info on a spectacular Saba wedding!

Simply Stunning

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| |D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

M O N T R E A LM O N T R E A LF U R T H E R A F I E L D

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| | |

TOP VENUE

Château Ramezay

A prestigious residence from

the 18th century, the Château

Ramezay is the first building in

the region to be classified as a

historic monument. This venue

offers an enchanting setting

in  which to conduct ceremonies

including the Governor’s Garden,

which is a  unique example of an

18th century French colonial urban

garden. A true green oasis, you will

find yourself in an intimate setting

in the heart of Old Montréal.

For more info please visitwww.chateauramezay.qc.ca

NOT TO MISS

Montréal Botanical Garden

An oasis in the middle of the city

for over 80 years, the Montréal

Botanical Garden is recognized

as one of the largest and most

beautiful in the world. Its rich

collection of 22,000 plant species

and cultivars, Tree House, 10

exhibition greenhouses and some

30 thematic gardens make this

a must-see. Solitary meditation,

romantic rendezvous, guided tours

– these are just a few ways to

sample the delights of the Garden.

For more info please visitwww.espacepourlavie.ca/en/botanical-garden

M O N T R E A LM O N T R E A L49

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| |D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

LONDONIN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL

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TOP VENUE

The London Eye

Yes, that’s right - One of London’s

most iconic tourist attractions

and landmarks is now available for

weddings. Take your lover to new

heights (l iterally) with a ceremony

conducted in one of the London Eye

capsules dangling 135 meters over

the city. Prices start at around

$3,500 for a service that includes

two rotations and champagne, and

can go up to $15,000 and includes

a fully-fledged reception involving

a river cruiser.

For more info please visitwww.londoneye.com

NOT TO MISS

Bumpkin Restaurants

While you are roaming this great

city and looking for somewhere to

eat, why not check out the Bumpkin

Restaurants. Conveniently located

in various districts of west London,

they serve up British classics, with

a modern twist. With tasty plates

like steak and ale pie, battered fish

and chips, and yummy sticky toffee

pudding on the menu, you will get

to experience great English grub,

all under one roof.

For more info please visitwww.bumpkinuk.com

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Congratulations! You’re tying the knot, so

you obviously are in it for the long haul. So

with this in mind, why not travel long haul

and celebrate your wedding in style in a unique

destination abroad. We have personally hand

selected five wonderful LGBT friendly locations

to say I do, and make your wedding day one to

remember!

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| | |D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

NOT TO MISS

Leeds Castle

If getting married in a real castle is something that you have

always dreamed of, then Leeds castle, located just over an

hour outside of London, is somewhere you should definitely

check out.

Dating back to the 11th Century, this stronghold has

seen many changes and updates to its original fortress.

Surrounded by a traditional moat, this beautiful castle is set

against the fantastic British countryside sited on 500 acres

of parkland with a hedge maze and is steeped in the history

of many of the English Monarchs of times gone by.

Many spaces within the main building and its surroundings

mix to set perfect locations for your wedding ceremony and

celebrations; the Library, the Dining Room and the Maiden’s

Tower are all l icensed for both civil marriages and wedding

ceremonies. There is also a choice of superb locations that

are available for receptions: from banquets in marquees

on the lawns, to smaller more intimate parties for close

family and friends inside the castle. Not to mention, the

photographs will look stunning!

For more info please visitwww.leeds-castle.com

I N I T F O R T H E L O N G H A U L

L e e d s C a s t l e

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Bumpkin is your local Great British Brasserie, a home away from home serving delicious British dishes, made with locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. Bumpkin is a perfect place

to host your Wedding, Rehearsal Dinner, Bachelor / Bachelorette Parties or simply a friendly place to just hang out enjoying the best in British food. 

www.bumpkinuk.com [email protected]

South Kensington  102 Old Brompton Road 

London SW7 3RD 0207 341 0802

Notting Hill   209 Westbourne Park Road 

London, W11 1EA 0207 243 9818

Chelsea          119 Sydney Street London, SW3 6NR 

0203 730 9344

Westfield Stratford  105-106 The Street 

Stratford, Westfield E20 1EN 0208 221 9900

CONGRATULATIONSON YOUR MARRIAGE!

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Kather ineKirsti&

| |R E A L W E D D I N G S / N A N N Y N U P T I A L S

KirstiKather ine

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Kirsti and I met whilst working in London

as nannies for two different families. Our

employers at the time put us in touch so

the children could play together, and we have

thanked them ever since for putting us in touch

with each other!

We dated for 5 years before our civil partnership

in September 2011, and then upgraded to a

marriage in May this year.

It was on a romantic walk on the hillside

above the sea at Polzeath in Cornwall that Kirsti

popped the question with a stunning sparkler in

a little white box. Obviously I said yes, and it was

the best decision of my life.

During our dating years we were lucky enough

to live together in South Kensington. Based on

where we, and our friends, l ived in London, we

decided to get married in the Chelsea Old Town

hall on the Kings Road, London, which is one of

the most stunning registry offices around!

Our wedding day was wonderful. We had our

family, close friends and children we cared for in

a small ceremony at the registry office. Followed

by a reception at a local bistro pub.

K AT H E R I N E & K R I S T I – L O N D O N , E N G L A N D

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y I N T H E P I N K P H O T O G R A P H Y

W W W. I N T H E P I N K P H O T O G R A P H Y @ M E . C O M

| | |

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>

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We had an old London bus to transport our

friends and family around the streets of South

West London.

The day after our wedding we jetted off to Las

Vegas for a honeymoon, which took us on a tour

up the west coast of California and ended up in

San Francisco.

The highlight for us was surprising Kirsti

before our marriage with a VW Campervan to

take us to our wedding.

As an avid fan of Campers I knew it would

be the ultimate surprise, the wonderful

photographers at In The Pink where in on the

secret and captured Kirsti’s surprise and tears

of joy beautifully.  &

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| |R E A L W E D D I N G S / N A N N Y N U P T I A L S

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| |D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

I R E L A N DI N I T F O R T H E L O N G H A U L

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TOP VENUE

The Royal Marine Hotel

The stunning four-star hotel in

Dun Laoghaire is a much loved

luxury landmark that dates back

to 1828, and is conveniently

located in a prime South Dublin

position overlooking Dublin Bay.

The hotel also boasts a massive

Victorian staircase, high ceilings

and large sash windows, which

welcome the natural daylight.

This feature alone lends itself for

the ideal opportunity for those all

important wedding photos.

For more info please visitwww.royalmarine.ie

NOT TO MISS

Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle was the ancestral

home of the Talbot family from

1185 until the last Talbot died

in 1973. The house is beautifully

furnished with lovely antiques

and an interpretive center in

the castle’s basement. The major

feature of the sprawling estate

is the outstanding 20-acre Talbot

Botanical Garden, including walled

gardens, seven greenhouses and

Victorian conservatory.

For more info please visitwww.malahidecastleandgardens.ie

I R E L A N D59

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| |D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

COPPENHAGENCOPPENHAGENI N I T F O R T H E L O N G H A U L

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TOP VENUE

Hotel D’angleterre

Located in the heart of

Copenhagen, Hotel D’angleterre is

one of Denmark’s most exclusive

5 star hotels. It has just reopened

after undergoing a 2-year

refurbishment and offers some

of the most luxurious and stylish

rooms that Copenhagen has to

offer. So if you are looking for an

exclusive metropolitan wedding

with an urban twist in the lap of

luxury, then this is absolutely the

wedding venue for you.

For more info please visitwww.dangleterre.com

NOT TO MISS

The l ittle mermaid

Copenhagen’s beloved symbol is

The Little Mermaid, who turned

100 years old in 2013, and is known

and loved by all in Denmark.

Created by Danish author Hans

Christian Anderson, her statue sits

on a rock at Langelinje Pier, staring

longingly towards the shore,

hoping to catch a glimpse of her

beloved prince. Her importance is

surely proof that the Danes are

true romantics at heart.

COPPENHAGENCOPPENHAGEN61

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If you are looking for a truly Nordic wedding

experience, then sampling the delights that

the country has to offer is a must.

The Danish cuisine has been cultivated and

improved over many generations - and is mainly

rooted from the old country kitchen - with

ancient food recipes from all over the Danish

kingdom brought into the 21st century.

Dishes like smoked herrings from the Danish

island of Bornholm is a national meal and has

been smoked since the late 1800s. It is also

called “gold from the sea” and can be preserved

for many weeks.

Or how about Liver paste, which is another

Danish favorite, with over 100 different flavors

to tantalize your tastes buds, and a must if you

are offering your guests a buffet style dinner.

Finally, Rye Bread and beer has been a basic

part of the daily food consumption for many

Danes for thousands of years. So why not have

a chat with your wedding planner to find out

what dishes you should include in your wedding

to really get a taste of what this great country

has to offer on your big day!

A bite to eat

D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

C O P E N H A G E NA bite to eatC O P E N H A G E NA bite to eat

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| |D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

S T O C K H O L MS T O C K H O L MI N I T F O R T H E L O N G H A U L

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TOP VENUE

Villa Källhagen

This beautiful Villa is located

in a lush garden, next to the

Djurgarden canal and is no more

than ten minutes away from

Stockholm’s hectic city center.

Built in the 19th century the villa

offers an amazing space for your

wedding celebrations with a

renowned gourmet restaurant and

an outdoor terrace overlooking

the waters of the canal for your

vieing pleasure.

For more info please visitwww.kallhagen.se

NOT TO MISS

The Royal Palace

Welcome to one of the largest

Royal palaces in Europe! Offering

five museums the Palace was built

during the eighteenth century on

the spot where the “Tre Kronor”

castle burned down in 1697. Visit

the reception, Rikssalen (the Hall

of State) with Queen Kristina’s

silver throne, and Ordenssalarna

(Halls of the Orders of Chivalry).

Also containing the Armory, as

well as coronation carriages and

coaches from the Royal Stable.

For more info please visitwww.royalpalaces.seS T O C K H O L MS T O C K H O L M

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| |D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

K Y O T OK Y O T O

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ILL

SU

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I N I T F O R T H E L O N G H A U L

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Once the capital of Japan for

a thousand years, Kyoto is the

epicenter of the Japanese arts

and tradition, with fan dancing

and tea ceremonies all practiced

to perfection by elegant geisha.

Despite the huge modernizations

this vast nation has made over

the centuries, Kyoto still manages

to maintain its heritage, making

this one of the best places in the

country to learn exactly what

makes Japan so unique. 

NOT TO MISS

The Gion District

Gion is Kyoto’s most famous

geisha district, filled with shops,

restaurants and teahouses, and

is a great place to eat, with the

streets and side alleys filled with

preserved machiya houses many

of which now function fantastic

eateries, serving Kyoto style

haute cuisine and other types of

local and international meals.

However, the ultimate experience

is to be entertained by a maiko or

geiko while dining at a tearoom.

As expert hostesses, the geisha

ensure everyone’s enjoyment by

engaging in light conversation,

serving drinks, leading drinking

games and performing traditional

music and dance.

For more info please visitwww.kyoto-gioncorner.com

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| | |D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G S

NOT TO MISS

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Conveniently located within Kyoto

Station, the Hotel Granvia Kyoto is

an integral part of the striking JR

Kyoto building which also includes a

department store, museum, musical

theater and a vast underground

shopping mall. The hotel offers an

ultimate wedding ceremony that is

truly unique allowing you to have

a wedding day that you will never

forget. Included in the package is

a three night stay in one of their

luxurious junior suites, complete

wedding attire and a wedding

ceremony at the historical temple

in the ancient city of Kyoto, plus

limousine services and a wedding

dinner back at the hotel.

This really is a one of a kind

experience for true lovers of the

Japanese culture.

I N I T F O R T H E L O N G H A U L

K y o t o

For more info please visitw w w . g r a n v i a k y o t o . c o m / r o o m s / s p e c i a l / 2 0 1 4 / 0 8 / h o t e l - g r a n v i a - k y o t o - c r e a t e s -spectacular-gay-weddings.html

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70| |

The tossing of the bridal bouquet is a custom that roots in England and was believed to be a way

for the bride to pass along her good fortune to others. Bridal guests would try and tear away pieces

of the bride’s clothing and flowers in order to obtain this fortune. In attempt to get away from the

tearing of her gown, the bride would toss her bouquet into the crowd. As tradition says, the single

lady who catches the bouquet has received the bride’s fortune and will be next in line to marry.

Some brides chose to have a different bouquet designed especially for tossing. This way the woman

who catches it will be able to preserve this precious keepsake forever. If you do decide to have a

different bouquet designed you might want to consider using silk flowers. Although fresh flowers

are beautiful, they sadly do not last forever. On the other hand, quality silk flowers do last if cared

for properly. &

Tossing the bouquet

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