Wedding Ideas | Bridal Inspiration | Style
Some couples may be looking for the ultimate way to explore our world. Discovering a region on your own terms, intimately, can give you an insight like no other. Now, before your big day isn't the time to start scuba diving classes--with wedding planning taking up more hours than you knew you had--but if you already have your certification, why 
not go to one of the world's most exciting diving destinations? Or you may want to cross the Serengeti and view exotic wildlife in their natural habitat; this could be the time to do just that. If you two want to spend your honeymoon pursuing activities that you either already do together often or dream of doing together, this may be the time to go.
1) Rafting. The Colorado River is well known for its white water rafting. Are you an expert river runner or a first timer? From April through October, this extreme sport will give you a total adrenaline rush. Whitewater rafting is a challenging, but fun, a way of testing your strength, endurance, reflex time and ability to think on your feet. Some of the most famous river rapids in the country include the Snake and Colorado Rivers (through the Grand Canyon). But there are thousands of rivers in every state that offer white-water rafting.
For your honeymoon, you may want to try a 5 to 7 day trip. Guests spend 3-6 hours per day on boats, the rest of the time hiking and exploring side environs, eating, or just relaxing in camp. Most rafts are designed to accommodate four or five passengers, so you two will probably be sharing the raft with strangers, but because of the teamwork involved in paddling, by the end of the trip you'll feel as though you are leaving family. Listen to the sound of the mighty Colorado River as you lie down under a blanket of innumerable stars each night after your rafting experience. The Grand Canyon is ever-changing, with massive walls that step back to expose eons of natural history, at one place dark and narrow, and at another lush with waterfalls thundering hundreds of feet. This is a journey that will test you like no other.
2) Hiking. In Alaska, as in most places, you must be up front about you hiking ability (easy trails, moderate, difficult) before you go. Hiking and backpacking to explore and experience the Alaskan wilderness, you will follow your tour guide through an ancient forests amazed at its natural, unspoiled beauty. You may even spot mountain goats, marmots, black bear, or moose. Traverse over the passes, waterfalls, wildflowers, and ruins, they'll add some spice to the hike and your honeymoon.
Opt for a 5 to 10 night tour and stay in your choice of lodge accommodations--traveling that distance from the Hudson Valley is worth a stay as long as you can. Or combine Alaska's unmatched majesty with its most dramatic glaciers, allowing you a chance to bathe your senses in the awesome beauty of your surroundings. Although there are many expert guides, you can walk on your own; but the guides also will provide all your gear to safely explore your glacier. Mostly accessible mid-May through early October, the glaciers are home to spectacular views of crevasses, caves and surface ponds. Alaska is enormously amazing and it has the potential to create a perfect backdrop to this special time together...
3) Safari. For a wildlife viewing adventure in the African bush, there is no better place than north western Tanzania on the eastern coast of Africa. Known as the Serengeti, this is the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world, unequalled for its natural beauty and scientific value. It's an area known for its fascinating and exclusive experience. Buffalo roam, gazelle gather while you and your spouse explore an astonishing diversity of landscapes, compelling cultures and abundant wild life. You can opt to stay in a luxury lodge, a hotel or a rustic camp.
The mass migration moves from Kenya south in December, January, February, and March. But this doesn't mean that there isn't great game viewing at other times. Off-peak season can be a very relaxing time. Traditional Land Rover safaris require little physical activity. If you want to be more active, walking safaris are becoming extremely popular, where you can choose to walk up to 6 hours a day for the 8 to 10 days. Not to worry, though, in this case, the Land Rovers follow behind the tour group and you can ride whenever you want. If you long for an adventure with memories that will last your lifetime, this could be the honeymoon for you.
4) Biking. For exploration and impromptu discovery, nothing can compare to a bike tour. In Italy, for example, you two can travel modestly but comfortably seeking out special experiences that make the trip extraordinary. The best way to go is on a tour that allows you independence, flexibility and a choice of traveling any days you chose without the constraints of group travel. Be honest with your cycling level prowess, though--easy, moderate, avid--and book accurately.
There is a plethora of tours available all over the world that feature various levels of accommodations. They can move your baggage each day from hotel to hotel, and supply you with a bike suitable for the terrain. Your bike tour can take you along the road to Chianti. Rich in the sights, sounds and smells of vineyards, your tour will explore streets of medieval hilltop towns, and you will savor endless panoramic vistas as you pedal your way across the landscapes. The decisions, the pace and the memories are yours to make on a bike tour honeymoon.
5) Diving. Before it grew to be the trendy and romantic place it is today, Belize was a diver's haven. And you can enjoy both aspects of this incredible country on your honeymoon. Phenomenal dives are abundant up and down the entire length of the Belize Barrier Reef, the Western Hemisphere's diving mecca. If you aren't certified divers, don't despair. You can spend about $400 per person and 4 days to earn your certification. If, however, you don't want to spend that kind of money and time, you can opt for a one day introduction to scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) in what's called discovery courses, which are usually ¼ of the normal costs. Watch the local underwater inhabitants--barracudas, nurse sharks, eagle rays, loggerhead turtles and dolphins--who are just as curious about you as you are about them.
But Belize is not just an underwater paradise--it also has Mayan ruins and a pristine rain forest. By venturing inland to the rainforest, you can walk beneath a canopy of lush vegetation and spot exotic animals such as jaguars, tapirs and toucans. This spectacularly beautiful country can be the final stage of your wedding if you two are adventurous enough to jump in here.
These honeymoons may be more pricey than a week at a local chalet. Let's face it; a trip to Tanzania is going to cost you a lot more than a tank full of gas. Here's where delaying the onset of your honeymoon a couple of months or so really can give you time to refill the bank accounts. These 5 adventures can be had in many locations, so let your imagination take you away. You can take a bike tour in Colorado or you may decide to hike in Belize. These destinations are adventurous; but they'll also put you in touch with the nature of our planet. This is a way to experience it up close.
For more detailed information on some of these destinations (Alaska, Italy and Belize), you can search for previous honeymoon articles on this website by clicking the "Honeymoon" tag below.
Emma McKnight is travel agent specializing in cruise vacations. View her website at: Cruise With Emma or contact her.
When it comes to weddings, the guys always end up with the short end of the stick. So much attention is paid to the bride’s gown, from what shade of white it is (my clueless hubby was dumbfounded to learn that there is more than just stark white to choose from), to what accessories play up the gown (and the girl’s features!) the best. I guess this makes sense. After all, many girls dream of their wedding day before they’re even in a training bra. Boys, on the other hand, usually can’t be bothered.
But think about it, ladies. Do you want to look like a supermodel as you exchange vows while your soon-to-be husband looks like an afterthought? He should look just as fierce as you do! Why have him throw on an outfit with no personality? His ensemble can and should be just as personalized as yours.
If your guy is going to wear a suit, it should be the foundation of his outfit. I really like the suit shown here by Michele Nassaney. Cool, classic and slim fitting, the satin piping sets it apart from the sea of clones that are out there. While holding on to a certain timeless quality, it also manages to be hip and modern. Paired with a solid black tie as it is here, 
your guy is sure to look smooth and sophisticated.
If you’d like to add a bit of edge to his look, you can start with his tie. I love the silk-screened offerings at Cyberoptix Tie Lab. From typewriters and phonographs to topographical maps and vinyl records (shown here), you’re sure to find something fun and funky that matches your groom’s taste. The best part is, while the theme of some of the designs might be a little offbeat (see Black Plaguesley), the designs themselves are really beautiful—which is an awesome juxtaposition.
Another great way to add some fun to your almost-hubby’s look is with a playful pair of shoes. I’m a big fan of Converse sneakers and I love the cheekiness they 
add when you pair them with a more formal look. Kat of geschichtenvonkat’s idea of embroidering them with something special for your big day is fabulous! Add a quote, lyrics, just about anything that sums up your thoughts about the day. It will make for a really fun picture too.
If embroidered sneakers are a little out of your comfort zone, you can always play with alternative boutonniere options. Flowers that match your maids’ bouquets are not the only possibility. In fact, here are two very different examples of fun choices in the same color family. At left, there is Into the Woods, a nature-inspired look by Peppermint Cloud. Hand-cut fabric flowers are accented by twigs, wheat, dried gypsophilia, funky fabric leaves and a polka-dot brown organza ribbon.
The result is a look that is totally unique 
without straying too far from traditional. If traditional is the last thing you’re looking for, the one-of-a-kind upcycled designs of AllieRuth are so worth checking out. Her Retro 70s Boutonniere (at left) is just one example of the cool styles she has available. Here she accents a chocolate brown satin bow with mustard yellow and natural-colored fabrics and a rusty vintage key. I’m absolutely in love with this look! It’s both charming and unexpected—a winning combo in my book!
You can also have a lot of fun with cuff links. Small and anything but intrusive, you can let your hubby-to-be go wild here. On Etsy, I've seen everything from Legos to steampunk gears for you to choose from. One of my favorite options is by DLK Designs. They use vintage maps to custom create a look just for you. Choose a spot on the map that's important to you or your relationship. Perhaps where you met? A memorable vacation spot? The possibilities are endless!
So spend a little more time thinking about your guy’s look. Dressing him in something that let’s his personality shine will make him so much more comfortable—and your experience all the more memorable!
Jennifer Garry is a writer and accessories designer living in Westchester, NY with her husband and daughter. When she's not up to her ears in kiddie crafts, you can find her swimming in a pool of beads. Her obsessions include tea, chocolate, sarcasm and her daughter's giggle--any of which can be used to coax her from her little jewelry-making fantasy world.
So you have your Big Day look all mapped out. You know what shoes to wear and what bridal jewelry pulls your look together. You know what to do with your hair and what kind of make-up makes you look like a glowing goddess. So what could be left?
Have you considered a look for your wedding night? Whether it’s your first time or your first time this week, picking out lingerie for your first night as a married couple can be a lot of fun. With so many details to iron out and all that stress leading up to your wedding day, it’s a really nice way to surprise your husband-to-be (even if you are too exhausted that night to do much more than try it on!).
There are tons of places to find bridal lingerie. From Victoria’s Secret to La Perla and everywhere in between. Even department stores like Macy’s and Kohl’s have bridal lingerie sections.
I’m partial to pieces that are a little bit off the beaten path. Specifically, I’m a big fan of things 
that are handmade. So much love goes into making each piece and they’re totally unique when someone puts them together by hand. For that reason, I’ve collected a few out-of-this-world handmade pieces to show you that mass-produced is not the only way to go.
If you're a traditional-minded bride, Hopeless, an Australia-based company, makes this absolutely heavenly white silk and chiffon chemise (at left). Part of their “The Voyage” line, this beauty has chiffon frills that are inspired by waves. And, as if its loveliness isn’t enough, it can be tailored to your taste. The designer offers it in any color and any length you desire (a great perk of handmade pieces!).
Another sweet and dreamy option is Luva Huva’s enchanting Magnolia babydoll (at right). Soft and 
romantic, this lovely cotton piece has a pretty little striped bow in the front that, along with the little eyelets, injects an added boost of femininity.
Looking for something sexier? Brooklyn-based designer Clare Bare has plenty of it—and at really affordable prices! One of my favorite pieces from this designer are her adorable lace-up bloomers (left). Made from vintage cotton sheets, these sexy little bottoms are cut skimpy for added sex appeal. This soft pink color adds a touch of cuteness and feminine charm that balances out the sexiness a bit.
If you’re looking for something a little unexpected and not so sweet or overtly sexy, these handkerchief linen boxer shorts (below)are a great option. They’re so cute and comfy looking! Perfect for the girl who’s a little more demure, they’re sexy without being in your face. If white is a little too cliché for you, Sandmaiden offers these in three other colors.
The majority of the designers shown here custom make their pieces for you. This means that 
unlike when you walk into a store in the mall, the lingerie you purchase from them is crafted with your specific measurements in mind. It doesn’t get much better than that!
With lingerie that’s built to fit you, you can’t help but feel sexy—and there’s nothing that makes a woman more attractive than when she oozes confidence. It’s a great gift for your new hubby—and for yourself! So take a few minutes in the midst of all of your seating charts and programs to get a little something the two of you can share once your whirlwind of a day is over.
Jennifer Garry is a writer and accessories designer living in Westchester, NY with her husband and daughter. When she's not up to her ears in kiddie crafts, you can find her swimming in a pool of beads. Her obsessions include tea, chocolate, sarcasm and her daughter's giggle--any of which can be used to coax her from her little jewelry-making fantasy world.
More Articles...
Page 5 of 22
