Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Gay-Friendly Honeymoon Spots {Paris & St. Martin}


Paris, France
Though it’s known as the City of Love, this French favorite is a foodie’s paradise. Food is an experience here, whether you’re sipping on a café au lait with the Eiffel Tower peeking in the background, or eating your way through four courses at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants which has been awarded more than any other European city, with three claiming top three-star honors. With views of the Tuileries Garden, Le Meurice has been ranked among the most elegant hotels in the world. Combining exceptional 18th century opulence with contemporary chic, including eye-catching interiors by Philippe Starck, Le Meurice embodies the perfect French palace hotel. One of the most famous hotels in Paris, L'Hotel has been a secret hideaway over the past two centuries. With quintessential French charm and glamour, L'Hotel is nestled in the heart of the Left Bank, amidst the cultural riches, bohemian soul and high fashion of St Germain-des-Prés. Paris is regarded as one of the most romantic, stylish and exciting cities in the world with its attractions, museums and cafes.

 St. Martin/St. Maarten
Get two-for-one when you travel to the two countries of St. Martin/St. Maarten on this tiny Caribbean island. Claimed by both the French and Dutch, the island is enriched in a cultural marriage that features the best of both worlds in the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere. Belmond La Samanna Situated on 55 acres of pristine beachfront, Belmond La Samanna is just 15 minutes from Marigot, the capital of French St. Martin in the French West Indies, and a short drive from the fabulous restaurants of Grand Case.  The resort’s crescent-shaped beach on Baie Longue is recognized as one of the finest and most secluded in the world. No other hotels share Baie Longue, which means our guests enjoy complete privacy and tranquility. Wash away worries on the white sandy beaches or wade in the crystal-clear waters. If you’re up for exploring, wander the bustling cobblestone streets of Dutch Philipsburg where artisans sell their wares or meander through the quaint French town of Marigot, which is speckled with colorful houses and sidewalk bistros.



Monday, May 19, 2014

Gay-Friendly Honeymoon Picks! {Aruba & New Zealand}


With the stress of planning a wedding behind you, it’s time to revel in newlywed bliss. Whether you want adventure, relaxation or culture, Teresa from Honeymoon Islands has selected some of the hottest gay-friendly honeymoon spots:

Aruba
Relax on white sandy beaches on the skirts of the turquoise water that the Caribbean is famous for. What sets this particular island apart in paradise is the many resorts, such as Bucuti and Tara Beach Suites & Spa, that strive to maintain an eco-friendly atmosphere. If you are looking for luxury then The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba – is for you. It’s one of the newest and most pedigreed resorts in Aruba. With its pristine beaches and beautiful landscape, guests will revel in a new standard of luxury and elegance that characterizes one of the finest Aruba 5 star hotels. Aruba is home to some of the best wreck dives in the Caribbean. If you’d prefer to stay dry, you can still view the haunting attractions from the comfort of a tiptop submarine or semisubmersible boat.



New Zealand
For those who have a couple of weeks to spare, this once-in-a-lifetime trip is worth making the nearly day-long trip to down under. Explore the windy paths of New Zealand's two islands by car, soaking in the friendly Kiwi culture along the way. Blanket Bay acclaimed as New Zealand’s luxury lodge. Whether you’re a oenophile (sip your way from North to South) or an adventure junkie (get an adrenaline rush with “zorbing,” white water rafting, skiing and bungee jumping), a spa seeker (hit up the geothermal gems at Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland) or a beach bunny (bask on the golden sands of Mission Bay), there’s truly something here for everyone.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Flashback Friday {Bold Opulence}

Photo credits: Chairs (The Knot),, Oscar De La Renta Dress (Ceci New York), drinks (The Knot), courtyard (Style Me Pretty), heels (Fotobriceno), bouquet (In Style Weddings), cigar roller (Style Me Pretty), fireworks, church, balloons (weddingaces.com)


We love this glamorous board with fabulous details for a serious blow-out!

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Design-Seed Inspiration!


We are obsessed with the gorgeous color combinations on Design Seeds!


Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Napkin Folding Fiesta Fun {Cinco de Mayo}

All images by Abby Jiu Photography

The Engaging Affairs team loved co-hosting a Napkin Folding Fiesta on Cinco de Mayo with Federal City Caterers, Edge Floral Event Designers, DC Rental and Abby Jiu. It was a fun time to hang out with our fellow DC wedding planners and learn some new napkin folds. Ole'!




Cheryl Mazo from Federal City and Liz Waylan from DC Rental were fabulous napkin folding gurus!




Napkin folding fun!




When we weren't folding napkins, we were learning fun Latin-inspired cocktails!

 

And the perfect finish to the afternoon --chocolate moustaches!






Thanks to our amazing partners and to all our wedding planning buddies. It was the perfect way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

Monday, May 12, 2014

Napkin Folding Fiesta Details {Cinco de Mayo}


We had such a fun time learning new napkin folds at our Cinco de Mayo Napkin Folding Fiesta at Federal City Caterers. Check out these fun details! Decor by Edge Floral, linens by DC Rental and images by Abby Jiu!







Such yummy Latin-inspired bites!




Festive sets of cloth chevron cocktail napkins tied with paper flowers were fun favors for guests to take away!



Friday, May 2, 2014

So Pink and So Pretty!

credits: tablescape (A Delightful Day), bridesmaid dresses (In Style Weddings), centerpieces (In Style Weddings), cakes (Martha Stewart), invitations (Hello Lucky, landscape (Martha Stewart), cupcakes (Martha Stewart), cake slice (Martha Stewart), boutonnieres (Martha Stewart)

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Signature Drinks of Spring! {Trends with Taylour Ann}


More fabulous and stylish ideas from Taylour Ann! Here are some delicious and Springy cocktails to make your wedding day perfect.

Rose Grapefruit Cocktail 
Lillet Rose and grapefruit juice

Cucumber-Ginger Fizz 
Vodka, sparkling water, ginger simple syrup and coarsely peeled cucumbers

Blueberry Moscow Mule 
Vodka, ginger beer, mint leaves and blueberries

Strawberry-Rhubarb Sangria 
Chilled sparkling wine, chilled seltzer, fresh orange juice, water, strawberries and rhubarb stalks

Rosy Raspberry Spritzer 
Chilled seltzer, chilled rose wine, rose water and raspberries