Nantucket Weddings Unveiled

Today, we welcome Wayne from Island Buggies to give us a little 411 on a pretty amazing line-up of old fashioned cars you can rent for your wedding day.

Island Buggies is a family owned and operated business. We specialize in classic American made cars that have been meticulously restored for your everyday driver. We started this company in the spirit of Nantucket and it’s historical background. Just sitting in one of our vintage cars, you immediately feel as if you’ve stepped back in time for a moment, which gives a unique experience to all our clients. Our fleet ranges from the years of 1926 to 1931. Some of the models we have are Ford Model A Roadster convertibles, Model A Woody, Model A two door/four door sedans, a Chevrolet 1931 New York Yellow Cab Taxi, and a Packard Limousine.

All together we have a fleet of 12 vintage vehicles. The cars are all rentable just like a Jeep would be. The Packard and Taxi are considered limousines which include a driver.

Contact Island Buggies today for more information on pricing and wedding day rates.  They can even decorate your car with white french ribbons, and if requested a floral design is attached to the grill of the vehicle.  Such a cute photo op and a stylish end to your very special evening.

1931 Model "A" Ford

1931 Woody Wagon

Today’s post is from the superbly detailed mind of Kristin O’Reilly at Destination Affairs, Inc. Visit her website at www.destinationaffairs.com to find out more about how she can make your destination travels effortless.

Perhaps the most memorable travel experience you and your new partner will hold onto for years and share with others for a lifetime is your wedding weekend. It deserves personal attention to detail and planning (while you focus on looking gorgeous!).  Browsing the Internet can score you some grand honeymoon ideas, however it’s the personal contact that can customize your trip and put you and your partner in sync for what to look forward to. Are you searching for that special destination or a resort that offers those yummy extras?
I enjoy getting to know my clients so we can tune into you as a couple and recommend those perfect fit honeymoons spots. Think of it as “honeymoon matchmaking!”
Don’t forget to register for your honeymoon for that much needed couples massage on the beach!

In addition to your Honeymoon, why not spoil your guests as well? Traveling to Nantucket is not easy, especially if a guest has never been here.  Explaining the accommodations, air travel, car rentals, and ferry logistics, can become daunting, and may even make those “on the fence” guests take a jump to the “respectively decline” side.
Enlisting a professional to take over and work above and beyond for your guests will not only score you huge brownie points, but you will be able to offer your guests a wedding weekend, as well as a memorable travel experience and mini vacation!  Make it all about them, and let a pro do all the work.
In addition to all this travel “stuff” don’t forget that while personal invitations are priceless, having a website for your destination wedding will assist your guests in getting to know the island, as well as an inside look to you as a couple.  Destination Affairs, Inc. also personally designs event and wedding websites.  We can add pictures, island information (such as your favorite restaurants, activities, and weekend line-ups), as well as our preferred accommodations.

It’s your day so sit back and enjoy it!!

We know we are going to be seeing a lot of our four-legged furry friends strutting around town this weekend – Happy Memorial Day everyone!

photo by Brea McDonald

Kristin from Destination Affairs has some last minute deals – if you can’t make it out to the island, she has a few ’secret locations’ so be sure to contact her for more information!

Memorial Day Weekend celebrates the official start of summer and wedding season in the Northeast.

The forecast is sunny skies and comfortable temperatures in the 70’s, making for perfect chance to enjoy two or three days of biking, golfing, paddling, hiking, kayaking, spa treatments, or simply relaxing.

Take advantage of these last minute deals and escape to Northern Vermont this weekend for a romantic getaway and some pre-wedding tranquility

Accommodation Specials:

Rabbit Hill Inn: $199.00 per night plus tax in a “Classic Room”

Stepping Stone Spa: $125.00 per night plus tax in their “Tranquility Room.” With your stay you also receive discounted spa treatments, such as a 60 Minute deep tissue or Swedish massage for only $80.00

Willough Vale Inn & Restaurant: $193.00 per night plus tax in a Lakefront Cottage.

Also receive 18 holes of golf at Orleans Country Club for $35.00 per person.

Other Regional Specials include:

3 hour Kayak trip on the Clyde River for $12.00 per person, Kingdom Trails Day Passes for $10.00 per person, private mountain biking instruction with ideride for $50.00 per person.

I was recently reading online that a destination wedding is “a wedding held at a location that neither the bride or groom call home and one where they, as well as many if not all of their guests will be traveling to.” For the majority of Nantucket weddings they would fall under the destination wedding category. There are a few helpful tips when planning a wedding from afar and we thought we would share with you what some of the worlds pro’s had to say.

The top two tips across the board were…

1. Hire as many vendors in the local as possible. They know the area, they are set up to service and work in the area and you will avoid paying added travel and accommodation fees for out of town vendors.

2. Hire a wedding planner who is familiar with the area and has wonderful working relationships with the other area vendors.

Consider the following when thinking about your guests…

1. You can’t always count on that 10% rule for attendance. Many guests will make this a mini-vacation or weekend get away and are excited to travel for your big day. A destination may not add guests to the regrets column so plan accordingly with your budget and venue.

2. Arrange for guest transportation to and from the ferries and airport. This is always a wonderful touch and can be organized with your wedding planner.

3. Try not to over schedule your wedding weekend. Allow time for your family and friends to relax at the beach or have lunch at that well known restaurant. Your guests will kick back and relax and that always makes for a great weekend.

On your wedding day, you want everything to be perfectly planned down to the last detail.  Earlier this week we talked about ribbon wands for your sendoff at the church, and sparklers for your goodbye at the end of the evening.  Today, we’ve got a tip to get around the island and leave your reception at the end of the night in high style.

Island Buggies Auto Rental is a company on island who has some great vintage cars to rent on your wedding day.  You can even hire your own driver to get you from your ceremony to the reception, or from the reception to your hotel at the end of the night.  Check out these amazing cars and reserve your favorite today.  Our favorite happens to be the 1931 NYC Taxi – so fun!  If you happen to be on island this week for the wine festival, you can see the 1931 NYC taxi up close and personal.  On Friday, May 21st it will be parked in front of Current Vintage from 1-5 for photos ops and inquiries.  These are sure to be a big hit, and wedding season is here – so make your selections soon!

photo courtesy of Island Buggies Auto Rental

Our travel guru Kristin O’Reilly from Destination Affairs is back today with the dreamy honeymoon destination of St. Lucia

This past season of NBC’s “The Bachelor” took fans on a magnificent tour of the brilliantly colorful island of St.Lucia. Private beaches, exotic wildlife, energetic culture, and plenty of romance caught the attention of millions of day dreaming viewers. St.Lucia has always been known as one of the most romantic destinations for honeymoons and weddings, specifically by the World Travel Awards year after year.

With its true uniqueness to its neighboring Caribbean Islands, the vast scenery can be compared to that of the islands of Hawaii. Just a little more accessible from those traveling from the East coast, you can arrive to St.Lucia in about 6 hours from Boston or JFK via direct flight or through San Juan, Puerto Rico or Miami.

For honeymooners, St. Lucia lends its guests a naturistic backdrop for discovering hidden waterfalls, sulfuric springs, and some of the world’s best diving (beginner or advanced), and calm waters surrounding the island making it a perfect playground for watersports and eco-adventure! Let’s not forget Petit Piton and Gros Piton; two volcanic mountains that have been deemed a World Heritage Site. The Pitons may offer you and your significant other more adrenaline and adventure; such as zip-lining runs, ATV explorations, advanced mountain biking trails, hiking treks, and more!

After a day of non-stop activities, hit the lively town of Rodney Bay and sample the islands music, rum, and dance the night away! Most of the resorts provide nightly entertainment, however the islands friendly faces will welcome you with open arms!

On Friday evenings, head over to Gros Islet and take part in their celebration of local vendors, cooking up some yummy fresh local cuisine such as “lambi” fresh from the conch shell or sample a rum-laced concoctions! Loud music and steel drums will play late into the evening!

Thinking of a destination wedding? St.Lucia is a popular wedding destination not only for its natural beauty, but also for its ease of applying for a marriage license. Couples must only arrive two days prior to the wedding (most cases). A local solicitor can file the paperwork on your behalf prior to your arrival and usually takes about 4 days to be processed. You must be there in person to obtain the license.

With numerous resorts on the island, there is an accommodation for every wedding or honeymoon guest!

For a full destination package on St.Lucia, email Kristin at Kristin@destinationaffairs.com and view their site at Destination Affairs.

photo courtesy of Destination Affairs

With the holiday weekend fast approaching and wedding season about to be in full swing, we thought a little stress relief was in order.  Guest blogger Kristin O’Reilly from Destinations Affairs has found an amazing weekend getaway to relieve your stress and lose all your worries during this busy time of planning for your big day!  Take it away Kristin:

Planning a wedding, as we all know, can put your mind and body through a mental workout. Pack on some good old career stress, and everything else life seems to throw in there at the most inconvenient times, and you’ve got yourself being pulled in a million directions. We all wish we could time out and “beam ourselves” to that perfect picture perfect spa weekend. However, we instantly think back to reality when we consider the cost of a venture. Saving up for the luxurious honeymoon and everything else in between…who really has a couple grand to throw down for a spa weekend? So, we find ourselves plowing through our day-to-day dilemmas.

What we all need every now and again is to take our mind and bodies to a sense of “home.” An affordable, casual, and friendly setting in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, Deerfield Spa is tucked among the Pocono Mountains, just two hours from New York. With this Spring weather upon us, take a drive with your windows open and your favorite music blaring!

Whether you need to regroup and jump start your fitness and daily wellness routine, or looking to rid yourself of those last few pounds before the big day, Deerfield Spa is a smorgasbord of health, fitness, lifestyle workshops, delicious cuisine, and spa indulgences. Offering numerous daily fitness classes from Cardio Salsa, Diva Dancing, and Disco Aerobics to Boxing, Pilates, and their signature, Yo-Wei (an exercise combining yoga and resistance training), a couple days here and your instantly back on track! Take a hike on one of the many hiking trails through the Pocono Mountains or partake in a cooking class. You are truly in for an enriching and healthy weekend!

Spa treatment prices are typical of any spa, starting at $115.00 for a signature facial. However, with your 2 night minimum stay (Rates starting at $380.00 for 2 nights, per person double occupancy), you receive 3 meals a day, 2 snacks, unlimited fitness classes, Deerfield’s celebrated hiking program, lifestyle education lectures, workshops, and demonstrations, evening activities, and 24-hour use of all facilities.

Yes folks, we have discovered that affordable spa weekend!

image courtesy of Destination Affairs

“Whatever your goal – from getting fit and managing stress, to bonding with friends or simply getting away from it all – a trip to Deerfield can get you headed in the right direction” -SpaVacations Review

Contact Destination Affairs to book your package today.

Guest blogger Kristin O’Reilly of Destination Affairs joins us today with a new honeymoon destination that is to die for:

The W Retreat and Spa: Vieques Island.  THIS JUST IN!

The island of Vieques, just six miles off the East coast of Puerto Rico is host to one of the world’s “Biolumincents Bay.” Arrive via Cape Air flight or take a 90 minute ferry. Either way you arrive, guests are promised to be dazzled and pampered by the staff, private beach, Chakra Spa, and award winning cuisine by star chef Alain Ducasse.

Be one of the first to experience the newest, hottest resort in The Caribbean. The W Retreat and Spa (a Starwood resort) is slated to open March 25, 2010.

photo courtesy of W Hotel

Standard room, dubbed “Wonderful rooms” come with king size beds, 350 thread count sheets and goose down pillows (pillow menu available!), oversized desk and chaise lounge (picture you relaxing on your chaise lounge with a chilled glass of wine and signature W robe gazing out at the Caribbean stars after a long soaking bath in your Urquiola designed old fashioned bath tub), 42″ flat screen LCD television, and private terrace or balcony. Rooms seem beyond par, but we haven’t gotten to the “WOW Suite.”

It sounds…..well,”wow!” Described on their site as a “sophisticated one-bedroom wonderlands of dimensions and amenities.”

This 1,440 square foot oceanfront suite is just steps from the beach and they sell you on their promise of panoramic ocean views and designer furniture and décor.

The Chakra Spa offers a new twist on the “destination spa.” Located as close to the waters edge as possible, indoor and outdoor treatment rooms will give you a peak of the ocean.

photo courtesy of W Hotel

Insider rates available and are selling out fast! Contact Kristin at Destination Affairs, Inc. for rates.

Our travel guru Kristin from Destination Affairs has a little luck o’ the Irish for us in store today:

Tis’ the season for Ireland! If the buzz of St. Patrick’s Day last week didn’t sparked your interest, maybe this will!

Jaunting around the city of Dublin with your sweetie is a sure celebration of your new life together! If you can keep up with the friendly faces and non stop dancing and toasting in the cultural area (and liveliest!) of Dublin’s center “Temple Bar”, this is your answer for a perfect getaway or honeymoon. And as your Irish luck shall have it, rates are lower than ever. $679.00 per person can get you round trip airfare on Aer Lingus, 4 nights at The Burlington Hotel (4 Star hotel- standard room), full Irish breakfast daily, Dublin hop on and off bus tour, airline fuel surcharges, hotel taxes included, and a welcome drink!

While in Dublin, you can take a break from your celebrations and visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral or walk the cobblestone squares of Trinity College. Ready to head out and take the Irish Countryside head on? Rent a car (not included in package) and take the N3 towards Navan in County Meath. Visit the Hills of Tara, an ancient site and one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. This was the symbolic seat of Ireland’s High Kings until the 11^th century. Next, head to Drogheda, one of Irelands oldest and historic towns. Its history goes back to 2000BC with many memorable events such as The Battle of the Boyne, St Oliver Plunkett, Poynings Law, Cromwell’s Siege and the surrender of the Irish Chieftains to the English King.

No matter where your travel, having Dublin as your base, you will surely experience immense culture and endless laughter!

photo courtesy of Irish Tourist Board

“The locals have a loud, yet colorful sense of humor, illuminating your trip with laughs and memories every step of the way” - Brendan Vacations! Come to Ireland!

Call Kristin (508)228-6307or email Kristin@destinationaffairs.com at Destination Affairs for your honeymoon in Ireland!

Guest blogger Kristin from Destination Affairs joins us today with another sweetheart of a deal:

If you are looking for a romantic spa get-a-away this Valentines Day (or winter!) ,  it is possible to con your man into a day at the spa.  Complete with romantic French undertones, scrumptious restaurants,  fantastic shopping (and a healthy stronghold against the CAD), luxurious spa treatments for her, and a little technology meets spa for him… Where could we possibly be thinking? First step, get in the car and drive North…to Montreal Canada!

Valentines day weekend rates are still available, however a weekend like this can be enjoyed year round. What a way to surprise that someone special for a weekend.

Head straight to Old Montreal; where shopping, restaurants, art galleries, and history speak volumes. Cobblestone streets, horse & carriage rides….Oh My! With an array of accommodations to choose from, our two favorites have been raved about by past clients and stays there ourselves!  Hotel Gault offers guests a fresh and serene boutique hotel experience. Located in the heart of Old Montreal, rates start here at $150.00 per night plus tax. Another favorite? Hotel Le-St. James is surely not to be missed as it stands proud and boasts itself as one of the most proud historic buildings in all of Old Montreal.  Rates from $290 per night plus tax

Now for the spa part! Montreal is home to numerous day spas, all offering wide varieties of treatments you may not find here in the States. From Thalassotherpay, Massotherapy, Turkish baths, Middle Eastern inspired steam baths (Hammam) , Amma (needless acupuncture), Esalen, Ortheotherpay, Trager, Vichy massages, and of course, various types of couples massages.

We’ve chosen our favorite spa to tantalize you into jumping in your car and heading North.  Our treat? The Ovarium Spa, offering a “cutting edge spa technology” and creatively soothing experience.  The Ovarium Spa offers Pulsar Treatments; Pulsar is a device that includes a miniature control unit, a pair of goggles that position tiny electroluminescent diodes (LED) in front of each eye, which creates and encourages a deeper type of relaxation, meditation, and thus creating intuition. A single session will run about $22. The Ovaruim Spa also provides flotation baths and massages, as well as offering over fifteen of hard-to-find and unique massage and relaxation techniques.

Finish off your romantic weekend at the  L’Academie Restaurant. They are a BYOW (bring your own wine), so stock up on your favorite champagne or wine and enjoy! The “Escalope San Daniele” is a must try!

Call of email Kristin for further information. (508)228-6307 or email kristin@destinationaffairs.com