Melissa + Mahdi PT.2 | Negril, Jamaica
MEET THE ALSTONS! We're getting into the nitty-gritty of Melissa + Mahdi's Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica destination wedding planning story! - here’s part 2!
“We could’ve found venues at home...it would have been more expensive and it just wouldn’t have been poppin’...we had to force grown folks to get passports... and that was the dope part about it!”
*Photos courtesy of Team DWP Studios
EPISODE 49
How The Alston’s Planned Their Destination Wedding @ Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica - PART 2!
HEYYY DESTIS + BRIDEFRIENDS!
WELCOME BACK to the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
I hope that you are having an amazing time planning those destination weddings of yours! Your day is about to get better because I am soo excited to share OUR FIRST DESTICOUPLE interview with you - I’LL SAY IT AGAIN…
DESTICOUPLE!!!
IT IS MY ABSOLUTE PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO THE ALSTONS!
DESTIBRIDE Melissa + DESTIGROOM Mahdi planned their destination wedding at the magical Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica and you get to hear allll about EXACTLY HOW THEY DID IT - (and we get super detailed)!
If you’re in the DESTILOVERS Community you’ll know that I’ve been wanting to get a DESTICOUPLE on the show since forever and I’m so happy we now have one for really 2 reasons:
It delivered exactly what I wanted it to - the perspectives of the DESTIBRIDE,
as well as her partner, which in this case - is a DESTIGROOM
AND
Having a DESTICOUPLE as an example should help others agree to be
interviewed together too - I can’t wait to do this again!
Don’t forget that all details and a photo gallery of THE Alston’s magical wedding are waiting for you below.
ANNNNDDD If you have any questions, make sure you drop them in the comments below and we'll answer them.
And if you LISTEN to the podcast - no worries…you can ask yours in the DESTILOVERS Community - make sure you tag me so I see it - or send me a DM on Instagram @desti.land
And whether you love to watch or listen - be sure to SUBSCRIBE so you know the exact moment a new episode goes live!
This gorgeous couple experienced so much - that we had to make their interview a 2-parter. I needed to make sure you and your Bridefriends could reeeallllly take in all this destination wedding planning magic.
SO THAT’S RIGHT - IT’S A TWO-PART INTERVIEW!
AND THIS IS PART 2!
We're getting into the nitty-gritty of Melissa + Mahdi's destination wedding weekend!
Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:
We chatted about:
💕 Budget (how did they pay for it?)
Planning and saving money TOGETHER
💕 Decor (they bought those where?)
Their unexpected (and wildly entertaining) destination wedding packing and decor story!
💕 Traveling (how did they get everything to their destination?)
💕 A yacht party
💕 Details on the dreamiest CASTLE destination wedding
💕 Choosing their destination wedding date
💕Their Pattoo Castle Destination Wedding Review
💕ANNND so much more...The Alstons' showed the love!
Soooo…how do you plan a destination wedding
@ Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica?
Click Play and find out how Melissa + Mahdi planned her destination wedding
at Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica!
Enjoy!
WATCH MELISSA + MAHDI’S INTERVIEW!
YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube
THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE’S SPONSOR: APPY COUPLE
DESTICOUPLE: Melissa + Mahdi Alston
Destination Wedding Date: September 19, 2019
City & Country: Negril, Jamaica
Venue: Pattoo Castle
Host Resort: Azul Beach Resort, Negril
Wedding Budget: ~$80,000
Number of Guests: 127
Bridal Party: 9 Bridesmaids + 9 Groomsmen
THE ALSTONS
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
(both originally from Connecticut)
Fun Fact: they starred on HGTV’s
You can get the rest of Melissa + Mahdis destination wedding details, photos, and alllll the other goodies in Part 1’s Show Notes.
DETAILS!
All details + a photo gallery of Melissa + Mahdi’s wedding are waiting for you in Part 1’s Show Notes!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Omi’s favorite wedding website company: Appy Couple
Join the DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY
Everything Else: See all Pink Links above!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DESTIPARTNER: APPYCOUPLE
DESTIFACT:
We used Appy Couple for our wedding and there’s a complete walkthrough in the DESTILOVERS Community!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR DESTIPARTNER
APPYCOUPLE!
APPY COUPLE is a modern wedding website and interactive app that practically builds itself and lets you manage and share important details of your destination wedding with ease and style. And let’s be honest, Desti weddings require more care and details and Appy Couple is the perfect choice if you want to Invite and Impress!
SEE MY APPY COUPLE WEBSITE!
I GAVE A COMPLETE WALKTHROUGH OF MY WEDDING WEBSITE (with tips of course!)IN A RECENT DESTIHOUR in the DESTILOVERS Community too!
find out more information about my favorite wedding website + app for destination weddings and let me know if you have any questions!
xx, Omi
Thank You Melissa + Mahdi!
We appreciate you being my very 1st DESTICOUPLE interview!
We’re officially Bridefriends Forever
xx, Omi
Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
SHARE THE LOVE!
DESTICOUPLE Melissa + Mahdi | Negril, Jamaica
MEET THE ALSTONS! Our 1st DESTICOUPLE interview shares the story of a breathtakingly beautiful destination wedding at Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica!
“We could’ve found venues at home...it would have been more expensive and it just wouldn’t have been poppin’...we had to force grown folks to get passports... and that was the dope part about it!”
*Photos courtesy of Team DWP Studios
EPISODE 48
How The Alston’s Planned Their Destination Wedding @ Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica!
HEYYY DESTIS + BRIDEFRIENDS!
WELCOME BACK to the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
I hope that you are having an amazing time planning those destination weddings of yours! Your day is about to get better because I am soo excited to share OUR FIRST DESTICOUPLE interview with you - I’LL SAY IT AGAIN…
DESTICOUPLE!!!
IT IS MY ABSOLUTE PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO THE ALSTONS!
DESTIBRIDE Melissa + DESTIGROOM Mahdi planned their destination wedding at the magical Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica and you get to hear allll about EXACTLY HOW THEY DID IT - (and we get super detailed)!
If you’re in the DESTILOVERS Community you’ll know that I’ve been wanting to get a DESTICOUPLE on the show since forever and I’m so happy we now have one for really 2 reasons:
It delivered exactly what I wanted it to - the perspectives of the DESTIBRIDE,
as well as her partner, which in this case - is a DESTIGROOM
AND
Having a DESTICOUPLE as an example should help others agree to be
interviewed together too - I can’t wait to do this again!
Don’t forget that all details and a photo gallery of THE Alston’s magical wedding are waiting for you below.
ANNNNDDD If you have any questions, make sure you drop them in the comments below and we'll answer them.
And if you LISTEN to the podcast - no worries…you can ask yours in the DESTILOVERS Community - make sure you tag me so I see it - or send me a DM on Instagram @desti.land
And whether you love to watch or listen - be sure to SUBSCRIBE so you know the exact moment a new episode goes live!
Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:
We chatted about:
💕 How they met
💕 Why they decided to have a destination wedding
💕 Choosing their destination wedding date
💕 Planning and saving money TOGETHER
💕 How they chose their destination wedding venue
💕 Dealing with incompatible wedding vendors
💕 An unexpected destination wedding packing and decor story!
💕Their Pattoo Castle Destination Wedding Review
💕and so much more!
Soooo…how do you plan a destination wedding
@ Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica?
Click Play and find out how Melissa + Mahdi planned her destination wedding
at Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica!
Enjoy!
WATCH MELISSA + MAHDI’S INTERVIEW!
YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube
THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE’S SPONSOR: APPY COUPLE
DESTICOUPLE: Melissa + Mahdi Alston
Destination Wedding Date: September 19, 2019
City & Country: Negril, Jamaica
Venue: Pattoo Castle
Host Resort: Azul Beach Resort, Negril
Wedding Budget: ~$80,000
Number of Guests: 127
Bridal Party: 9 Bridesmaids + 9 Groomsmen
THE ALSTONS
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
(both originally from Connecticut)
Fun Fact: they starred on HGTV’s
THE GROOM
shout out to Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc.
THE BRIDAL PARTY
BRIDESMAIDS
GROOMSMEN
Planning, Styling & Decor: : Kara-Ann Anderson @ Petals & Promises
Florals: Floral Fantasies
LINKS MENTIONED:
Omi’s favorite wedding website company: Appy Couple
Join the DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY
Everything Else: See all Pink Links above!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DESTIPARTNER: APPYCOUPLE
DESTIFACT:
We used Appy Couple for our wedding and there’s a complete walkthrough in the DESTILOVERS Community!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR DESTIPARTNER
APPYCOUPLE!
APPY COUPLE is a modern wedding website and interactive app that practically builds itself and lets you manage and share important details of your destination wedding with ease and style. And let’s be honest, Desti weddings require more care and details and Appy Couple is the perfect choice if you want to Invite and Impress!
SEE MY APPY COUPLE WEBSITE!
I GAVE A COMPLETE WALKTHROUGH OF MY WEDDING WEBSITE (with tips of course!)IN A RECENT DESTIHOUR in the DESTILOVERS Community too!
find out more information about my favorite wedding website + app for destination weddings and let me know if you have any questions!
xx, Omi
Thank You Melissa + Mahdi!
We appreciate you being my very 1st DESTICOUPLE interview!
We’re officially Bridefriends Forever
xx, Omi
Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
SHARE THE LOVE!
All Things Destination Weddings w/ Sarah Kline @ Time for Travel
Let’s just talk all things destination weddings! There’s so much you need to know…guests, vendors, travel agents, expectations, experiences - so let’s dig in!
“There’s no reason to NOT use a travel agent”
*This episode is sponsored by TIME FOR TRAVEL
EPISODE 39
All Things Destination Weddings
w/ Sarah Kline of Time for Travel
HEY DESTIS + BRIDEFRIENDS!
What do all couples need to know about destination wedding planning? TODAY you're gonna find out❣️ Catching up with #DESTIPRO Sarah Kline of Time for Travel is always a blast and this interview is no exception!
You may know her from Episode 6 or the Coronavirus Catchups Part 1, 2, or 3 or you may not know her at all… either way, you’re in for a treat!
THIS EPISODE WILL HELP ALL BRIDEFRIENDS!
Whether you’re a newbie and have no idea what you're doing yet orrr you're smack dab in the middle of planning your wedding - Sarah’s sharing her best advice! I threw as many Qs as I could @ Sarah and she gave me allll the As...Here are just a little bit of what we covered…
DESTINATION WEDDING QUESTIONS + TOPICS:
💕 Pros and cons of destination weddings
💕 How do you know if a destination wedding is for you?
💕 Setting expectations for you, your guests, and vendors
💕 What is the value of a destination wedding travel agent vs. vacation travel agent?
💕 Who do you invite and who will really attend your destination wedding?
💕Achieving your vision!
💕 Maximizing your destination
💕 Hosting and guest experience tips
💕 Current favorite resort + destination
💕 Stories about real clients - you need to learn from these couples!!!
💕and so much more!
Soooo…what do ALL DESTICOUPLES
need to know about destination wedding planning?
Click Play and find out!
Enjoy!
xx, Omi
WATCH SARAH’S INTERVIEW!
YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!
LINKS!
Episode 6 - Sarah’s 1st interview on the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings - CLICK HERE!
CONTACT Sarah @ TimeforTravelLtd.com - CLICK HERE!
Follow Sarah on Instagram - CLICK HERE!
Time for Travel’s DESTIPARTNER Page here on DESTILAND - CLICK HERE!
Join the DESTILOVERS Community for our exclusive content including LIVE Q+As w/ Sarah! - CLICK HERE!
SARAH’S PAST EPISODES
Episode 6
Sarah’s 1st interview on the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings
COVID-19 Q+A Part 1
COVID DESTINATION WEDDING LIVE Q+A: Postponing, Airlines, Contracts, Venues + All! ∙ DESTI 29
COVID-19 Q+A Part 2
Part 2 was recorded Live in the DESTILOVERS Community as DESTIHOUR 10.
Join to watch the replay!
COVID-19 Q+A Part 3
CORONAVIRUS DESTINATION WEDDING LIVE Q+A | SEPTEMBER 2020 UPDATE! ∙ DESTI 30
THANKS FOR
ANOTHER GREAT EPISODE SARAH!
Can’t wait to get you back on the show for MORE destination wedding planning and travel tips!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: TIME FOR TRAVEL
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR DESTIPARTNER
TIME FOR TRAVEL FOR SPONSORING THE SHOW!
TIME FOR TRAVEL is a team of FREE Destination Wedding + Honeymoon Specialists owned by Sarah Kline who is known for saying:
“We have personally visited each venue we recommend,
so we know which venue is a Perfect Match for you and your guests!”
An AMAZING choice for any Caribbean, Mexico, South Pacific or Hawaii destination wedding or honeymoon, and with over 20 years of experience helping couples fulfill their dreams, Sarah and her team will make your DESTI wedding and honeymoon exactly what you've dreamed of!
More Destination Wedding Questions?
Don’t be shy, Bridefriend! - reach out to Time for Travel and see how they can help you plan your DESTI Wedding!
And tell them Your best DESTI Bridefriend Omi sent you and they’ll take EXTRA SPECIAL care of you ;)
xx, Omi
Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
SHARE THE LOVE!
Sandals South Coast Virtual Valentine's Event w/ Sarah @ Time for Travel!
You’re invited to a LIVE Zoom Call this Saturday, February 13th @ 10am EST! So pour a mimosa, get cuddly with your boo + let’s take a trip to Jamaica!
“pour a mimosa, get cuddly with your boo + let’s take a trip to Jamaica!”
*This episode is sponsored by TIME FOR TRAVEL
JOIN US FOR A
Sandals South Coast LIVE CALL
w/ Sarah @ Time for Travel!
HEY DESTIS + BRIDEFRIENDS!
We may be staying home for Valentine’s Weekend but we can still have a great time! Let’s go to Sandals South Coast this Valentine’s Weekend with Sarah Kline!
Sarah’s heading back to the beach Brideriends! And she’ll be giving us live updates every step of the way as she heads to the Sexy Sandals South Coast in White House, Jamaica. Sandals South Coast’s “unspoiled” property is part of what has been called “the uncharted land” of Jamaica and has the Over-The-Water Bungalows and the new Swim-Up Rondoval Suites too! And Sarah’s put together a GREAT event this Valentine’s Weekend!
HERE’S WHAT IT’S LIKE
RIGHT NOW!
💕 How was it traveling there?
💕 How was the new process for COVID-19 testing to return home?
💕 How's the resort?
💕And more!
Enjoy this quick Q+A and if you come up with any other Qs ask away!
AND YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED!
Join us for a LIVE Zoom Call
this Saturday, February 13th @ 10am EST!
So pour a mimosa, get cuddly with your boo + let’s take a trip to Jamaica!
Sarah will be joined by the resort sales manager or GM with the beautiful ocean and white sand beach as her backdrop. They will give us updates on the safety protocols that Sandals have implemented and all the goods you need to know!
AND BOOKING INCENTIVES!
If you’re considering this resort for a wedding, honeymoon, or just a romantic trip (you need to, btw) Guess what! If you join the Zoom call, by clicking the link below, you will immediately qualify for booking incentives!
Here's a sneak peek of just some of the booking incentives that you can get if you join the live event and make a low deposit of $49/pp to secure your next Sandals Vacation with Sarah:
30 Minute Couples Massage
PADI Suba Certification
Catamaran Cruise
That's right!
You can get one of those incentives ONLY with Sarah because of the amazing partnership that she has with Sandals and Beaches Resorts.
Take a look at this beautiful resort! But seeing is believing and I want you to see it with me!
JOIN US THIS SATURDAY!
ZOOM CALL DETAILS
Topic: Sandals Southcoast LIVE with Sarah Kline
Time: Feb 13, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
JOIN ZOOM MEETING
https://zoom.us/j/93874055105?pwd=MTc2Q09BdEpaWk1ZOURNRlp4Qmk0Zz09
Meeting ID: 938 7405 5105
Passcode: sarah
Let’s go to Sandals South Coast!
See you there!
xx, Omi
P.S. let me know you’re going by accepting the invite in the DESTILOVERS Community or on the FB Page and I’ll look out for you! Who knows…we may or may not be working on a giveaway too - wink wink!
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING SARAH!
Can’t wait to get you back on the show for MORE destination wedding planning and travel tips!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: TIME FOR TRAVEL!
TIME FOR TRAVEL is a team of FREE Destination Wedding + Honeymoon Specialists
An AMAZING choice for any Caribbean, Mexico, South Pacific or Hawaii destination wedding or honeymoon, and with over 20 years of experience helping couples fulfill their dreams, Sarah and her team will make your DESTI wedding and honeymoon exactly what you've dreamed of!
Time for Travel handled all of our travel for our destination wedding in Mexico and Honeymoon in Jamaica wayyy back in 2017 and our guests STILL rave about her and have used them for personal vacations since then. I only partner with companies that I truly believe in and I’m proud to have Time for Travel as a sponsor of the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
You can reach Sarah and Time for Travel at TimeforTravelLtd.com and follow her on Instagram @time4trvl_destination_weddings
And tell them Your best DESTI Bridefriend Omi sent you and they’ll take EXTRA SPECIAL care of you ;)
xx, Omi
Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
SHARE THE LOVE!
CORONAVIRUS, New CDC Regs + Your Destination Wedding!
Soooo…what does the new COVID-19 CDC regulation mean for you and your destination wedding? Here’s the CORONAVIRUS CATCH-UP PART 4 with DESTIPRO Jack Benoff @ Vacationeeze!
*This episode is sponsored by VACATIONEEZE
DESTIHOUR is our monthly
LIVE Destination Wedding Planning Q+A Session
held in our DESTILOVERS Community!
EPISODE 33
CORONAVIRUS, New CDC Regs + Your Destination Wedding!
(AKA: 🥂 DESTIHOUR REPLAY:
COVID-19 DESTINATION WEDDING Q+A (PT. 4)
W/ JACK BENOFF @ VACATIONEEZE)
HEY DESTIS + BRIDEFRIENDS!
Welp - Rona is back @ it…
…so I brought DESTIPRO , Jack Benoff @ Vacationeeze in to update and advise us on the current Coronavirus / COVID-19 destination wedding landscape!
I’m so excited to introduce you to Jack Benoff and this is the perfect way to share the magic that is Jack! I know you’ve already watched or listened to his latest interview: The Resorts Episode…
…WHICH, BTW went live last week, so ummm… yeah…I’m calling you out if you haven’t yet…but anyway…
Jack knows resorts, and destination weddings, and travel, so when your panicked questions about the new CDC regulations started rolling in, I knew exactly what to do!
I reached out and was SO HAPPY that Jack agreed to jump in and share what he knows and what you need to know too! So we planned an impromptu DESTIHOUR all for you to get informed and hopefully gain some peace along your DESTIWedding planning journey!
AND HE’S ACTUALLY IN MEXICO DURING RECORDING!
I heard your cries Bridefriends…
HEY OMI - WE NEED ANSWERS!
And we’re gonna you get some tonight!
SO IT’S CORONAVIRUS CATCHUP TIME AGAIN!
The DESTILOVERS Community brought some great (and tough) questions to this call and Jack gave great (and tough) answers! You’re gonna want a glass of wine and a candle for this one Bridefriends…
COVID-19 DESTINATION WEDDING QUESTIONS + TOPICS:
💕 What exactly does the new CDC regulation mean? How long do you think this will last?
💕 What are specific resorts offering in response to the new CDC regulations?
💕 What’s the best way to manage guests’ anxiety for destination weddings this and next year? (MOST POPULAR)
💕 What if my guests cancel so much that it’s not worth having the wedding anymore?
💕 Do you think brides should still proceed with planning?
💕 When should I be making a decision on proceeding vs. canceling?
💕 Is it selfish to ask guests to pay for their COVID-19 test to return to the states? Any creative alternatives?
💕 What if guests test positive and are stranded!…what are you planning to do with your clients?
💕 Are you comfortable traveling yet? How has it been for you and when are you coming back? How is that process?
💕 Any resorts giving more flexible policies? Should I use this info to pick a resort for my wedding?
💕 Do you think the US will make it a requirement to have a Passport Vaccine? Are you planning for this?
💕and so much more!
Now… traditionally DESTIHOUR replays are only found in the DESTILOVERS archive - which you get immediate access to when you join the Community - BUT this is soooo good and sooo needed that I’m happy to share with you here this week. I couldn’t keep this one a secret because that’s not a loving act now is it? No - it isn’t…
So I’m sharing this DESTIHOUR replay episode with you now and inviting you to join the DESTILOVERS Community (which is absolutely free btw)… Meet Bridefriends like you, continue the conversations from these episodes and join in on LIVE Q+A’s too! They’re Zoom Calls so everyone can participate - not just FB group members and the calendar for February is already up, so stop missing out. There are HOURS of past replays in the archive waiting for you too!
All links are in the description and can be found on the DESTILAND homepage - So I’ll see you in there!
*All information is as of the date of our interview - January 23, 2021. Be sure to check back for updates!
You can find all details and show notes for this episode and all other in DESTILAND @ www.desti.land - the link is in the description!
Soooo…what does the new Coronavirus/COVID-19 CDC regulation
mean for you and your destination wedding?
Here’s the CORONAVIRUS CATCH-UP PART 4 with DESTIPRO Jack Benoff @ Vacationeeze!
Enjoy!!!!
You’re always welcome to join us live, but if you’re unable to make it - no sweat!
Drop a comment below or submit your questions and/or stories using the button below and I’ll answer in the next DESTIHOUR!
And if you know of any other couples planning a destination wedding during this time of COVID craziness, be a Bridefriend and share this post with them! They’ll thank you for sure!
See you soon!
xx, Omi
Soooo…what does the new Coronavirus/COVID-19 CDC regulation
mean for you and your destination wedding?
Here’s the CORONAVIRUS CATCH-UP PART 4 with DESTIPRO Jack Benoff @ Vacationeeze!
Click Play and find out!
Enjoy!
xx, Omi
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST EPISODE!
YOU CAN WATCH TOO!
WATCH IN THE DESTIHOUR ARCHIVE!
Because the beautiful faces of the DESTILOVERS Community are in this interview, the video version is only available to members.
If you haven’t joined the free DESTILOVERS Community, you should stop missing out NEOW!
xx, Omi
LINKS!
Watch Jack’s “The Resorts Episode” Interview - CLICK HERE!
Jack’s YouTube Channel - CLICK HERE!
CONTACT JACK @ destinationweddingeeze.com - CLICK HERE!
Vacationeeze’s DESTIPARTNER Page here on DESTILAND: CLICK HERE!
Jack’s Rishtey Destinations Website: CLICK HERE!
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING JACK!
Can’t wait to get you back on the show for MORE destination wedding planning and travel tips!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: VACATIONEEZE
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR DESTIPARTNER VACATIONEEZE FOR SPONSORING THE SHOW!
VACATIONEEZE is a travel and destination wedding planning company that’s been in the game for quite a while! Owned by a husband + wife duo, Jack + Sharon Benoff, they specialize in customized destination weddings and are proud to let each couple know that,
“We have personally visited each venue we recommend,
so we know which venue is a Perfect Match for you and your guests!”
After meeting Jack and speaking to his gushing clients and colleagues, I couldn’t wait to partner up with Vacationeeze and make some destination wedding magic for you all!
Have Destination Wedding Questions?
Don’t be shy, Bridefriend! - reach out and see how VACATIONEEZE can help you plan your DESTI Wedding!
And tell them Your best DESTI Bridefriend Omi sent you and they’ll take EXTRA SPECIAL care of you ;)
xx, Omi
Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
SHARE THE LOVE!
Jack Benoff, Vacationeeze
It’s Destination Wedding Resort Deepdive Time! Whether you’ve already chosen your resort or have absolutely positively no friggin’ idea WHERE to start when choosing your destination wedding resort - this is for you!
“ ...have the wedding you want, not the one the wedding planner @ the resort wants to sell you!”
*This episode is sponsored by VACATIONEEZE
EPISODE 32
The
Destination Weddings Resort
Deepdive Episode
HEY DESTIS + BRIDEFRIENDS!
I’m SO happy to share this interview with Travel DESTIPRO Jack Benoff of VACATIONEEZE with you!
FINALLY…AN EPISODE ALL ABOUT RESORTS - YAYYY!!!
Jack has been involved in the travel and wedding industries for over 20 years and was part of the founding team of THE KNOT! He sits on the board of many of your favorite resort brands and even ran one of the large honeymoon and destination companies. His family has been helping people plan their travels since 1978. Jack travels 1-2 weeks a month to various destinations and has been featured on many sites as a destination wedding specialist.
There’s no denying that Jack has a wealth of destination wedding planning advice to share with us! And in this interview, we dug into the nitty gritty of resorts.
Whether you’ve already chosen your resort or have absolutely positively no friggin’ idea WHERE to start when choosing your destination wedding resort - this episode is for you!
Prepare to get a glimpse behind the scenes from the perspective of a well-traveled destination wedding travel agent!
I dug deep with my Q’s and Jack was not shy in his A’s...Here are just a few things we discussed…
DESTINATION WEDDING QUESTIONS + TOPICS:
💕How to choose a destination wedding resort!
💕Which destinations are on his preferred list - and why!
💕 Reviews of SPECIFIC destination wedding resort brands!
💕Questions you must ask about your wedding - whether already booked or not!
💕 What does a destination wedding [great] travel agent do?
💕Destination wedding resorts with the best food!
💕Best adult-only destination wedding resorts!
💕Combining adult-only and family-friendly experiences into ONE wedding!
💕Must-knows about all-inclusive resort wedding packages!
💕Why some resorts do the things that they do…he has the behind-the-scenes view too
💕and so much more!
Soooo…what do ALL DESTICOUPLES need to know about destination wedding resorts?
Click Play and find out!
Enjoy!
xx, Omi
WATCH JACK’S INTERVIEW!
YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!
LINKS!
Jack’s YouTube Channel - CLICK HERE!
CONTACT JACK @ destinationweddingeeze.com - CLICK HERE!
Vacationeeze’s DESTIPARTNER Page here on DESTILAND: CLICK HERE!
Jack’s Rishtey Destinations Website: CLICK HERE!
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING JACK!
Can’t wait to get you back on the show for MORE destination wedding planning and travel tips!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: VACATIONEEZE
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR DESTIPARTNER VACATIONEEZE FOR SPONSORING THE SHOW!
VACATIONEEZE is a travel and destination wedding planning company that’s been in the game for quite a while! Owned by a husband + wife duo, Jack + Sharon Benoff, they specialize in customized destination weddings and are proud to let each couple know that,
“We have personally visited each venue we recommend,
so we know which venue is a Perfect Match for you and your guests!”
After meeting Jack and speaking to his gushing clients and colleagues, I couldn’t wait to partner up with Vacationeeze and make some destination wedding magic for you all!
Have Destination Wedding Questions?
Don’t be shy, Bridefriend! - reach out and see how VACATIONEEZE can help you plan your DESTI Wedding!
And tell them Your best DESTI Bridefriend Omi sent you and they’ll take EXTRA SPECIAL care of you ;)
xx, Omi
Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
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INTRODUCING: DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY!
FINALLY! A place where all my Desti Bridefriends can meet and discuss All Things Desti!
Hey Destis + Bridefriends!
The past few months have been ABSOLUTELY C R A Y for me and we’ll get into all of that soon enough, but right now it’s announcement time!!!
I sent an email to DESTI∙NATION email list over Valentine’s Day weekend, so you may already know this…but if not - it’s happening!!!
And btw…sign up so you don’t miss out again!
Anywho…I’m SOOO happy to finally have a place where all of my Desti Bridefriends can meet and discuss All Things Desti!
The brand spankin’ new, super secret, but not so secret DESTILOVERS Facebook Community is an extension of the show and is your safe space for sharing and collaboration while planning your destination wedding!
Not on Facebook?
No sweat - I totally get it! Sign up anyway and I’ll send you a special link to a page where you can still participate in our Live Q+A’s!
Here’s what you can also look forward to:
💕LIVE Q+A’s! (1st one beginning 02.20.2020 so don’t miss out!)
💕Episode Discussions!
💕Topic Deepdives!
💕 Weekly Desti Happy Hours!
💕 Special Guests!
💕 Giveaways!
💕And More!
This space will be whatever you Bridefriends make it! We’re a family here, so let me know what you need!
We have A LOT of catching up to do and I’ll be updating you on what’s been going on with me in this week’s live Q+A.
See you in there!
xx, Omi
Desti Lisa's Prep | Santorini, Greece
Part destination wedding, part elopement, all love!
*Photos courtesy of Kapetanakis Studios
How Lisa Prepared For Her Destination Wedding in Santorini, Greece!
DESTI Lisa and her fiancé Ramon planned a romantic part destination wedding / part elopement (a virtual destination wedding, if you will) in Santorini, Greece and Lisa is here to tell us alll about it! If you’re considering (or have dreams of) an elopement - the way they did theirs was pure magic!
This interview was just DAYS BEFORE they were off to their destination and I asked all the questions to cover EXACTLY HOW this couple planned their wedding in Greece!
As a longtime podcast listener, Desti Lisa knew exactly what advice we needed to hear so she spared no detail in this interview! Here are just a few things we discussed:
Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:
💕How to get married LEGALLY in Santorini, Greece!
💕A GENIUS virtual destination wedding / elopement idea!
💕Finding and working with their destination wedding planner
💕Managing their Greece destination wedding costs and budgeting
💕How to make the most of your destination wedding photography
💕Their backstory + reason for having a destination wedding
💕Great ways to make your family and friends happy with your decision
💕Working together to plan their destination wedding - while living in different countries!
💕Lessons learned so far before the wedding
💕so much more!
Soooo…how do you LEGALLY plan a destination wedding in Santorini, Greece?
...And should you?
Click Play and find out!
Here’s how Lisa planned her destination wedding at the
Andromeda Villas in Santorini, Greece…
Enjoy!
WATCH LISA’S INTERVIEW!
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to know when Lisa’s POST-Wedding Interview goes live!
YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
DestiCouple: Lisa + Ramon
Home: Indiana + Canada
Wedding Destination: Santorini, Greece
Wedding Venue: Andromeda Villas | TripAdvisor Reviews for Andromeda Villas
Wedding Date: July 18, 2018
Wedding Budget: $15,000
Engagement Length: 9 months
# of Guests: O!
*technically…The couple planned a destination wedding for 2 (with virtual guests!)
THE DESTIPROS
Wedding Planners: Divine Weddings Santorini
Wedding Photography: Kapetanakis Studios
FUN FACTS:
💕LISA’S FAVORITE PODCAST EPISODES are:
Episode 3 w/ Ivory Perkins when we discussed destination wedding makeup!
Episode 19 w/ HitchSwitch to learn about the name change process!
💕LISA + RAMON were BOTH in Medical School
and in 2 different countries while they planned their destination wedding!
Lisa was in Grenada and Ramon in Canada.
SO HOW DID EVERYTHING GO?!?
STAY TUNED BRIDEFRIEND!
Lisa and I are going to do a follow-up DESTIChat soon to get her update. We’ll be talking about what went right, lessons learned, and everything in between! So don’t forget to Subscribe + drop your questions in the comments below!
Thank You Lisa!
It was so fun getting a peek "behind your veil" of destination wedding planning and we CAN’T WAIT to hear how everything went for you and Ramon!
You’ll always be our Bridefriend Forever!
Don’t miss an episode of the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
SUBSCRIBE FOR INSTANT NOTIFICATIONS!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
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JAMELLAH | Montego Bay, Jamaica
How Jamellah planned her 78 guest destination wedding at the Royalton Blue Waters in Montego Bay, Jamaica!
*Photos courtesy of Michael Chen Photography
How Jamellah Planned Her Destination Wedding in Montego Bay, Jamaica!
This interview with DESTI Jamellah was EVERYTHING! Jamellah and her husband brought 78 guests to witness their destination wedding at the Royalton Blue Waters Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica and she tells us alll about how they did it together! Jamellah shared so much destination wedding planning advice with us!
Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:
💕Everything before she was on her way to get married including:
💕How they met
💕Her proposal story
💕Why they decided to have a destination wedding
💕Picking their date
💕Planning and saving money TOGETHER
💕How they chose their destination wedding venue
💕How they picked their destination wedding vendors - makeup, photographer, etc.
💕Her Royalton Blue Waters Resort review
💕and so much more!
Soooo…how do you plan a destination wedding in Montego Bay, Jamaica?
Click Play and find out how Jamellah planned her destination wedding at the Royalton Blue Waters Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica!
Enjoy!
WATCH JAMELLA’S INTERVIEW!
PART 1
PART 2
DestiCouple: Jamellah + Patrick Owens
Age: Bride, 30 Groom, 33
Hometown: Prince Georges County, MD
Wedding Budget: $15,000
Destination Wedding Date: October 6, 2017
City & Country: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Venue: Royalton Blue Waters Resort, Montego Bay
[TripAdvisor Reviews for Royalton Blue Waters Resort Resort ]
Number of Guests: 78
Bridal Party: 7 Bridesmaids + 7 Groomsmen + 1 Jr. Bridesmaid + 2 Jr. Groomsmen
Photography: Michael Chen Photography
Bride’s Dress: Cherry Blossom Bridal, Washington DC
💕DESTI Note from Bride: Black and Women-owned bridal boutique where they specialize in plus size dresses for women! AMAZING team of stylist!!!
Bride’s Shoes: BLUE by Betsy Johnson
Bride’s Jewelry: Macys
Hair: Loc's Expressions (Mother of the Bride’s salon)
Makeup: Makeup by JodyB
Styling & decor: DIY!
Flowers: DIY!
DJ: 876 Sounds
Cake + Catering: Resort | Royalton Blue Waters Resort, Montego Bay
Groom’s Attire: Men’s Formal Wear Shop in Washington, DC
Groom's Accessories: Men’s Formal Wear Shop in Washington, DC + AMAZON
Bridesmaids’ Attire: SPOSABRIDAL
Groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Formal Wear Shop in Washington, DC
Want more pics? Jamellah’s Wedding Hash Tag was #OwensLinkUp2017, check it out on Instagram!
Thank You Jamellah!
We appreciate you being our Bridefriend Forever and giving us a peek "behind your veil" of destination wedding planning in the lovely Montego Bay, Jamaica!
Thanks for Watching + Listening!
Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
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I Interviewed 8 Other Destination Brides - Here’s What I Learned…
I asked each bride how to plan a destination wedding and they delivert! - with a t!
I asked each bride how to plan a destination wedding and they delivert! - with a t!
To kick off the NEW SEASON, I needed to first - reflect on my favorite destination wedding planning lessons learned from each Desti Bride that I had the pleasure of interviewing in Season 1 of the DESTI (formerly Bridefriends’) Guide to Destination Weddings Podcast!
So I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing quite a few Destis and the interviews will continue through Season 2 and beyond, but the RELEASED episodes were those of 8 #DESTIBride trailblazers by the names of Rashonda, Shari-Ann, Lea, Chevita, Jackie, Porsha, Aiesha, and Ericka. I was able to chat with these ladies in pretty much every stage of my planning my destination wedding - early stages, in the middle, right before and even after so I’ve absorbed their advice from different perspectives...
Soooo…I thought it’d be fun and hopefully helpful in the process to share my favorite tip from each of them.
Here are my most favoritest destination wedding planning tips from each DestiBride…
Enjoy!
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO ON DESTITV!
THESE 8 DESTI Brides Taught Me Soo Much About Destination Wedding Planning!
How Do I Plan A Destination Wedding?
Rashonda
SPREADSHEETS+COMMUNICATION | Episode 1
Shari-Ann
RESEARCH, INTERVIEW, REVIEWS, REFERRALS | Episode 2
Lea
INFORMED GUESTS | Episode 5
Jackie
ASK FOR HELP | Episode 12
Porsha
DON’T BE AFRAID - BE EMPOWERED! | Episode 14
Aiesha
INFUSE YOURSELF INTO PROJECTS | Episode 18
Ericka
MAKE SELF-LOVING DECISIONS | Episode 20
The Formula
These Destis of Season 1 provided the ultimate formula for a successful and happy destination wedding planning experience…
ORGANIZATION AND COMMUNICATION + THOROUGH RESEARCH + INFORMED GUESTS + A DRESS [OR OUTFIT] THAT YOU LOVE + ASKING FOR HELP + BEING FEARLESS AND EMPOWERED + INFUSING YOURSELF INTO PROJECTS + MAKING SELF-LOVING DECISIONS …
That’s all you need to pull off a successful and stress-free destination wedding!
TO MY DESTIS OF SEASON 1:
I COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!!!
I appreciate you being my Initial Bridefriends and for helping not only me plan my own destination wedding, but you’ll forever be able to help countless others through your open and honest interviews as well.
I am so grateful for you!
Don’t miss an episode of the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings Podcast!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women. ”
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AIESHA | Montego Bay, Jamaica
Aiesha is the winner of our DIY Desti Award - hands down!
Today Desti Aiesha gives us advice and shares her experience living in Chicago, IL and planning her destination wedding at Secrets Wild Orchid Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica - this is another good one! (Who am I kidding? They’re ALL good ones.)
Aiesha completely blew me away with her story. Be ready for laughs, DIY tips, and some great stories and advice - this is another good one! They’re all good ones, but her levels of DIY-dom (is that a word?) are astronomical! and I hope she does the same for you! She gets super real - she talks about the ups, she talks about the downs and she gives some really good tips.
In this episode, we talked about:
💕The perks of having an on-site vs. off-site resort destination wedding
💕Dealing with guests, travel agents and wedding planners before and during the destination wedding weekend.
💕Ways to save money while planning a destination wedding
💕DIY and packing tips for your destination wedding
💕And more!
Enjoy!
WATCH AIESHA’S FULL INTERVIEW ON DESTITV!
LINKS + DETAILS:
Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay Resort
Glass Etching (Video explanation)
· THERE’S more!
We are pulling together the photos and spreadsheets and a list of the DestiPros that we mentioned, so hold tight - Aiesha's show Notes are underway!
AIESHA:
Congratulations on your new baby boy! andThank you so much for being our Bridefriend and sharing your experience with us! Your story helped me along my journey and I know it will help others too!
Sending love to you + your family!!!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“We each are special, we each are unique, we each are these brilliant things. Just allow yourself to be that person.”
Thanks for Listening!
Don’t miss an episode of the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings Podcast!
Subscribe for Instant Notifications!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
💕AS PROMISED, HERE'S THE ABC "IESHA" VIDEO THAT EXPLAINS MY SINGING + RAPPING PERFORMANCE 👇🏾🤗
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Desti Porsha's Prep | Paris Engagement + Montego Bay Wedding
Following a ridiculously romantic Parisian engagement, Porsha was married in Montego Bay, Jamaica and gives us the rundown 1-month BEFORE her destination wedding!
All photography courtesy of Pierre Torset - Paris Photographer + Jillian Mitchell Photography - Montego Bay Photographer
How Porsha was ENGAGED in Paris, France + PLANNING Her Destination Wedding in Montego Bay, Jamaica
Following a ridiculously romantic Parisian engagement, Porsha was married in Montego Bay, Jamaica and gives us the rundown during the month BEFORE her Destination Wedding! We talk about everything from venue scouting, budgeting, choosing her vendors, pleasing wedding guests and most importantly - Porsha gives us some positive Desti Empowerment Vibes!
Topics Covered:
💕Her proposal in Paris, France
💕Her 5-day venue scouting tour to find her wedding venue + resort
💕Her favorite resorts + wedding venues in Montego Bay
💕How to choose wedding vendors
💕Great ways to make your guests happy
💕Taking care of YOURSELF as a #DestiBride bride
💕so much more!
Enjoy!
WATCH PORSHA’S FULL INTERVIEW ON DESTITV!
DestiCouple: Porsha + Terry
Porsha’s Pre-Wedding Details
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to know when Porsha’s POST-Wedding Interview goes live!
Wedding Date: June 24, 2017
Engagement: Paris, France
Wedding Venue: Tryall Club, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Resort: Half-Moon Bay
Photography:
Pierre Torset - Paris Photographer
Jillian Mitchell Photography - Montego Bay Photographer
Florist: Tai Flora
DJ: Eddie - Elite Media
Expected Budget: ~$30-50,000
ADDITIONAL MENTIONS
Porsha went on a 5-day scouting trip to find her wedding venue. Here are her Top 3 Resorts:
Round Hill
Half Moon
Tryall
Quote of the week:
“Can you remember who you were, before the world told you who you should be?
”
Thanks for Listening!
Don’t miss an episode of the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings Podcast!
Subscribe for Instant Notifications!
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
Our 1st Curacao destination wedding DESTIBRIDE interview!