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Psst. Have you ever heard of a color called radiant orchid? If you haven't, you should take some time to familiarize yourself with this unique and gorgeous hue, because color style setters Pantone recently announced it the color of the year for 2014. This playful color combines several different shades of purple for a stunning overall effect. According to Pantone: Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple—one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health. For all our brides considering purple palettes, feast your eyes on these Radiant Orchid themed images for inspiration. We were tickled pink Radiant Orchid* by what we found, and we hope you are too. *is "tickled Radiant Orchid" a thing yet?

By Yazmin De La Mora Dear Brides, We have been living in the area for more than 13 years already and 7 years working for different hotels as a Groups & Conventions Manager or as a Weddings Sales Manager. There are some Professional Wedding Planners in the area that offer the site inspections service. Since they live and know all the possible Hotels, Beach Clubs, Villas and Private Locations to hold a wedding in the area, they will help you to find the right location for you, depending on your taste, style, budget, month of the wedding and number of guests attending. A planned site inspection made from a Professional will save you time, money, stress and car issues than if you do it by yourself. We can assure than in a most of cases and based on your needs, in one single day, in no more than 6 hours we can find the ideal location for your wedding. Based on our experience, here are our suggestions before doing a Site Inspection in Mexico: 1. Before visiting Mexico, do your timeline. Prepare, plan and schedule all the Hotels or Locations you are interested to see. If you hire a Professional Wedding Planner, they will do it for you. 2. Define the locations you are interested to visit. Decide if they are Private Locations, Hotels, Beach Clubs or all of them. 3. Do a reservation. For most of Hotels you need to do a reservation. For most of Beach clubs it is not necessary to do a reservation. For all Private Locations you need to do a reservation. Why? If you do a reservation you can get a proper service from them and they have the time to be with you at least two hours and will have to answer all of your questions., offering you all the complete information such availability, room rates for the month you are requesting and the specific locations that are good enough for your wedding party, based on the number of people attending. If you do not do a reservation, you have a risk of not being able to visit the resort or to do a site inspection with a bell boy or someone that is not in the wedding business, so you will not get the proper answers and once you get back home it might take several days or even weeks to get that info. 4. Rent a car. Our suggestion will be to rent a car at the airport, 5. Get the right Map Visiting Hotels is always more easy to find since most of them are along the main highway and private locations are often in neighborhoods that are more difficult to find. The car rental company will offer a map. Make sure that you get the right map, there are 2 maps one for Cancun and another for the Mayan Riviera. 6. How it works Hotels a. Request in each different hotel, with the reservations or wedding department a special room rate for a site inspection, and a late check out. b. By staying at their hotel you will get all their attentions, possible up grades, site inspection and possible menu tasting. Beach Clubs a. With a reservation you can even arrange to have a menu tasting. Villas or Private Locations a. Print the map from the location and ask the property for specific directions, b. Plan your timeline and schedules with enough time in case you get lost, have car issues, so you can get on time in each location. Note: Do not forget to wear comfortable clothes, shoes and a cap, bring enough water, snacks, sun block, bug repellant and your camera! Here is a video from a site inspection that might help you. Happy planning!

My Mayan Wedding Ceremony, An incredible Experience to Remember for the Rest of Our Lives… Thinking of what to do to surprise my guests and to make our wedding weekend unique and unforgettable, the idea of having a Mayan ceremony crossed my mind. However, I was having doubts since I had never experienced being in a Mayan ceremony before and I didn’t know what to expect. We were getting married in The Riviera Maya, during a very important year for the Mayan culture so we decided to go for it, although I never imagined the big surprise it would be for me and my husband…..it turned out to be the most incredible experience that we could have as a couple!! You have to know that for the Mayans, it’s a sacred ritual that is done to connect the souls of the couple, and be in touch with our creator. All the elements are involved in a spiritual practice where their mind is ready to receive the positive energy for their future life together. We arrived at the beautiful Le Reve Hotel & Spa at sunset time around 6 pm in September 2012, since I wanted the ceremony to be more spiritual than a party celebration, we invited only family members for a total of 30 guests (parents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties, and grandparents). I was wearing a casual dress and wasn't very worried about hair or makeup since I was saving the “vavavoom effect” for the wedding itself the following day. Our guests were welcomed by the “saumadora” (a Mayan girl that was using incense and the sacred copal), and a card with a short explanation of what was about to happen so we could get everyone into the Mayan ceremony mood. We then walked down to the altar holding hands, “our first walk as a couple and with the intention of joining our lives together”. At the altar the shaman welcomed us with the copal and He honored the 4 natural elements. The altar is where the spiritual part of the ceremony took place… it was represented by a circle on the sand that contained all the important elements of the ritual: flowers, cacao, corn, rice, beans, pumpkin seeds, rose petals, and obsidian stone. All of these elements contribute to be immersed in the atmosphere of spirituality and connection with nature and the 7 directions. For the Mayans, the earth represents our mortal body, the water is our blood, the wind is our breath and the fire is our spirit that never ends. That’s why the principal element of the ceremony is the fire; which is used in the incense, the sacred copal and torches. The ceremony was performed by a Mayan priest called “Shaman” in a Mayan language. However, he was doing the ceremony with another “Shaman” that was translating to everybody in Spanish step by step and explaining all of the meanings (it can be done in English too). The ceremony began with a ceremonial blessing for the 7 universal directions. Everybody moved together with the Shaman in the same direction: east, west, north, and south. Also up; (for cosmic energy), down (for mother earth), and the center, the bottom of the couple’s hearts. After this, the Shaman took the offerings of the altar for the couple to exchange their vows. During the ceremony we could feel the magic of the moment. We were surrounded by all our beloved, in front of the sacred sea, with a sunset light slowly changing to a gorgeous full moon and every word we were listening to was reminding us of the love we had for each other and the blessing of being together at the right time, in the right place, accompanied by the murmur of the sea and seashells instruments. I had tears of joy and happiness as the shaman asked us to look into each other eyes and feel the love…that was a precious moment that I can´t put into words. At the end of the ceremony we walked to the water and offered the seeds to the sea, at that moment I couldn’t be happier and I realized that from that moment our lives began as a blessed couple. It was a very intimate and magical ceremony, not a religion, not a protocol, it is something that you truly want to do as a couple; you want to be blessed in a more profound way. That’s why the ceremony guides you to being grateful for the universe, and for every living creature. During the ritual you realize that all these elements were combined in a certain way to help you find your beloved one…beautiful life circumstances! After the ceremony all of our family told us how wonderful and special the ceremony was, they had never experienced something like that before and they were very grateful to be a part of it. Besides it was a surprise for them because we invited them for a family dinner and never mentioned that we would have a Mayan ceremony. We ended the night by having an amazing dinner at Le Reve Hotel & Spa gardens right in front of the sea, enjoying the full moon and love from everyone. A very special night getting ready for our wedding the next day….. Arlenis not only chose Le Reve as her wedding venue but she is also the Wedding Coordinator at this resort. To learn more, visit the Le Reve Sponsor Page on BDW.

If you’re tying the knot, or helping a loved one plan a wedding, hosting the nuptials in your own back yard is a great option. Garden weddings have a lot of things going for them: privacy, flexibility (you have full choice of dates and no time restrictions), and they’re inherently beautiful thanks to the natural setting. Getting married at home also saves a lot on a venue rental. And just as there are many types of gardens, there are many types of garden weddings. Dress up your garden, dress it down, or simply leave it as is for a picturesque natural backdrop. After all, they are naturally romantic, with lush surroundings and fresh plants and flowers bursting with life. Large or small, formal or informal, you can set up your garden to host any kind of wedding. Just don’t forget to take the following things into consideration. Tidy things up Just like great makeup begins with a good foundation, you’ll need to prep your garden well in advance. Take a look at the lawns; do you need to fix up any bare patches? Prune back overgrown trees, shrubs, or other areas? Rake up fallen leaves and loose clippings? Plant extra flowers? Take note of any damp, swampy areas and consider whether you should provide guests with an advisory note about suitable footwear. If your patio or driveway is due for some maintenance, now’s the time to get it done, so grab those garden tools and get going (or set some of the younger members of the family onto the task). Remember to also consider accessibility for any elderly or disabled guests. Decide on the theme Having a central theme allows you to create a consistent look. A garden wedding should make the most of nature, using complementary color schemes and making the most of the surroundings. Decorations Try using fresh cut seasonal flowers for centrepieces – you won’t need to look any further than your own flower beds. Daisies, dahlias, peonies, roses and hydrangeas are all commonly grown in household gardens and are also popular wedding blooms. You can also place bunches of fresh flowers all around your garden on the day to add color and enhance the special, festive atmosphere. Don’t go overboard, though – your garden’s natural beauty should be allowed to shine through. And why not use fresh herbs from your garden in the meals and drinks on the day? Mint can be used to infuse cocktails, for example. Have a back up plan Outdoors events always require a weather plan. What if it rains? A Plan B could include a marquee or tent for shelter. It also pays to provide some light blankets or other warm wraps for people to cover up in case it gets too chilly, particularly towards the end of the night. Food If you’re self catering, consider whether the in-house kitchen is large enough to provide for the number of guests. If you’re hiring a caterer, discuss how much space they will need for preparation. Choose your menu carefully, as you want to avoid items melting or drooping in the heat. And plan to keep your guests well hydrated – beverages should be available from the start and throughout the event. Music Will you be having a live band at the wedding? You’ll need dry and solid ground for the musicians to play on. If you don’t have a patio, look into erecting some kind of temporary platform for the band to set up their equipment on safely. Logistics Don’t overcrowd the space – invite only as many people as your garden can comfortably hold. Don’t forget to account for catering staff, photographer, musicians and any other vendors. Plan to provide easy indoor-outdoor flow with access to all garden areas so guests can mix and mingle easily. Make sure there will be enough seating, including some in the shade (you may also want to provide sunblock and insect repellent for guests’ use). Lighting is vital if your garden wedding will extend into the evening. Outdoor weddings lend themselves to tasteful, understated elegance. Candles and paper lanterns, or strings of colored lights are a great way of illuminating your garden. Determine if you’ll need any extension cords, how many outlets you’ll need, or consider installing solar lighting around the garden. As for power, it may pay to obtain a backup generator in case you need an emergency electricity supply. Parking is another matter to consider. You might want to inform your neighbors ahead of time if people will be parking in the street. Finally, you’ll need to provide bathroom facilities. If you’re making your indoor washrooms available, ensure they are well stocked with toilet paper and soap. Alternatively, you can rent portable toilets.

The bride and groom have exchanged their “I do’s,” the officiate has pronounced them husband and wife, they turn to be received by their guests, and they are pelted with… glowsticks? Today’s brides are forever looking for ways to make their wedding unique, and the post-ceremony “toss” is just another way for you to incorporate your own personal flare! Traditionally the ceremony toss is done with rice to symbolize a fruitful marriage – in Ancient Greece it was customary to throw apples in the air for the same reason! – but today bride’s are looking for ways to be creative, and some venues have restrictions on what can be “tossed” around. We’ve all seen rose petals, bubbles, and sparklers, but what about something a bit different? Here are some of our favorites! Sprinkles: Birdseed (for our particularly eco-friendly brides): Confetti (look for biodegradable confetti, purchasable online): Flags or stick streamers (for venues that don’t allow you to leave anything on the ground): Spring loaded streamers (think New Years Eve crackers): Lavender seeds (smells good too!): Mini-Marshmallows: Pom-Poms: Mini-pom-poms: And our personal favourite... Mini Beach Balls!!! And don’t forget that how you package your ceremony toss, whatever it may be, is also a great way to personalize your wedding! For the DIY or thrifty bride: Always remember to check with your hotel for their policies before moving forward with any of these ideas! And let us know if you have something different you’ve seen or done at your own wedding!! Happy Planning! LUXE Destination Weddings

Created for you by Pierre Visual Studio. Destination Wedding and Trash the Dress Photography Finding your perfect wedding palette Wedding at Ak'iin Beach Club, Tulum-Mexico “The whole world, as we experience it visually, comes to us through the mystic realm of color. Our entire being is nourished by it.” Hans Hofmann German-born American Abstract Expressionist Painter, 1880-1966 A wedding’s color palette or color theme sets the mood for your special day. Whether with bold bright colors or softer whites and pastels, the color palette should reflect your personality and the message you want to send on your wedding day. If you are doing a beach wedding, don’t limit yourself to blues and yellows. With such a beautiful natural setting, the rainbow is wide open for you to customize your own rich color palette. Color basics: The rules have changed over the years. You are no longer limited to choosing 1 or 2 colors. Why not use a color theme such as “Snowy Winter” or choose a flower for inspiration like a bird-of-paradise? Most color combinations that really work will fall into the following four categories: Monochromatic: various shades of the same color. Example: shades of blue for an ocean inspired theme. Related Tones: colors that fall next to each other on the color wheel. Example: reds, oranges, and yellows for a warm “Fall” themed wedding. Complimentary Tones: colors that are across from each other on the color wheel. Example: orange and green can form a happy summer theme. Highlight: using mostly soft neutrals with one strong accent color for a bolder statement. Where to use color: Attire: traditionally, bridesmaids’ dresses were the primary source of color. However, many brides are opting out of a pure white gown and adding splashes of color to their own dress. More and more designers now offer non-white options for a brighter, bolder statement. Invitations: set your mood early by incorporating your color theme in your save-the-date and wedding invitations. Flowers, Décor, and Wedding Cake: use neutrals to help accentuate your color palette and avoid over-saturation. Favors: leave a lasting impression with meaningful favors that incorporate the colors and mood of your wedding. Considerations: Always take into consideration the existing colors at your wedding location. You can always play with the tones of your chosen colors to better compliment the surroundings. Color shades can also set a tone for the wedding. Light and bright for a laid back feel, deep and rich for a more formal event. Avoid too much black. It is a festive time and over use of black will not do it justice and could over-power the other colors in your palette. And finally, keep it unified. Avoid overelaborate palettes where it may be too difficult to coordinate. Wedding at Cancun Moon Palace Get Help: Samples: fabric stores and paint stores are great ways to find color samples that will help you put the palette together. Some paint manufacturers offer paint chips already arranged in gorgeous combinations. Interior design magazines often offer great ideas for home decoration and color selection. Those same styles and tones can easily translate to a beautiful wedding theme. Websites such as www.colorschemedesigner.com may not be wedding-specific but their color tools are perfect for playing around with color options, tones, and combinations. Get inspired! A walk to your local park, an art gallery, a botanical garden can all be great sources of color inspiration and you may even find yourself looking at color combinations you never imagined would touch you that deeply. Finally: Whichever your color palette, choose colors that speak to you and your partner. The more personalized the palette or theme, the richer the memories will be both for your guests and for yourself! Created for you by Pierre Visual Studio. Destination Wedding and Trash the Dress Photography