Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Gay-Friendly Honeymoons {Hawaii}



Hawaii
Maui offers a variety of sights and experiences. The quaint old towns of Lahaina and Wailuku are fun for exploring, shopping, and dining. The views from atop 10,000-foot Mt. Haleakala (especially popular at sunrise and sunset) are well worth the winding drive past fields of protea and other exotic flowers. The long, winding road to the village of Hana is lined with waterfalls and lush tropical foliage. During the winter months, the waters surrounding Maui are ideal for whale-watching. 

Overlooking the gentle waters of Wailea Beach, luxurious Four Seasons Resort Maui, with its ever-attentive hotel staff and the largest luxury resort guest rooms and suites on the island, epitomises a classical Hawaiian palace resort. A stroll through fragrant plumeria trees and art-laden public areas reveals a study in relaxed elegance. Four Seasons Resort Maui hugs the sun-soaked Wailea Beach of Hawaii’s second largest island. In the distance, lush valleys carved into mountains reveal the inspiration for Maui’s nickname: Valley Isle.

Kauai, the most tropical of all the islands, is quiet and tranquil. The island's scenic beauty, which includes waterfalls, sea cliffs, arid canyons and scores of beautiful white sand beaches, has served as the backdrop for many cinematic films. Waimea Canyon, "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific," is a must-see. Helicopter tours are popular, as the spectacular sea cliffs of the Na Pali coast and the crater of Mt. Waialeale (one of the wettest spots on earth), are not accessible by road. If you're looking for natural beauty and adventure, Kauai's the place to find it. 

An extraordinary experience awaits you at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa.  You’ll discover the true spirit of grand Hawaiian hospitality at every turn in this luxury beach resort. Relax in elegantly designed guestrooms offering stunning ocean, garden or pool views from a private lanai. Delight in the pampering services of our world-class spa, or challenge yourself on our championship golf course. Choose from extensive dining options, including poolside casual and an outstanding authentic Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau. 

Larger than all of the other islands combined, Hawaii is known locally as the Big Island. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, has been in a state of activity since 1983, and its fiery creation of hot, new land is often spectacular. The rich fertile soil left by Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire, produces orchids, coffee and macadamia nuts. There are black sand and white sand beaches, gorgeous waterfalls and hidden valleys. From the Ka'u desert to the Ola'a rain forest to the snow-capped peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, the Big Island is a splendor of ecological diversity. The majority of hotels and resorts are on the drier and hotter west side, where Kailua-Kona is the main town. The east side, where Hilo is the population center, is very lush and tropical.  


Housed in intimate two-storey bungalows, Four Seasons Resort Hualālai at Historic Ka‘ūpūlehu's 243 guest rooms and suites exude a nostalgic sense of Hawaii’s Golden Age. A peerless collection of native Hawaiian art complements expansive, open-air living spaces and Island-inspired décor. Set on Hawaii Island’s exclusive Kona-Kohala Coast, this showpiece oceanfront resort captures the essence of Hawaiian design, culture and tradition.   



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!