Wedding Dress | Wedding Ideas

I am beyond thrilled to be included in the January 2010 issue of BRIDES as one of the Top 10 Bridal Blogs! A very big thank you to the staff at BRIDES for including CB! It's such an honor to see my blog listed among others that I have long admired and in a publication that has unquestionably set the industry standard. Thank you so much. xox.


ps. The issue hits newstands today so make sure to pick up your copy! ;o)

Many people like to have wedding videos taken to tell the story of their wedding day. It's a special day that can be such a blur when you live it. A wedding video allows you to sit down afterwards with your new husband or wife to watch how your wedding day unfolded.

You will find with most weddings these days, that a family member is the self appointed cameraman that catches all the wedding day highlights.

The camcorder is now more prevalent in many homes than ever before and it plays a large role in many aspects of family life, catching precious moments on film for us to view later.

So when there is a wedding in the family, there is usually a keen brother who makes it his job to do the recording of your special day.

If you don't have a brother to do the filming of your wedding day then maybe you can ask a cousin or uncle that isn't directly involved in the wedding if they would like to do the videography of your wedding from the time you leave home.

Couples usually hire professionals to do the videography at the church during the wedding ceremony when the vows are exchanged but anyone who can handle a camcorder will be able to record other parts of your day.
Wedding Video Prices

Hiring a professional videography can be expensive for a wedding because of the costs of professional equipment. You're paying for their expertise in producing your wedding video, a level of quality that without training and equipment, a family member or friend isn't going to match with the camcorder.

You can expect to pay several thousand dollars for your wedding video. Fortunately, many of the videography companies specialising in weddings will also be able to provide a package that will include your wedding photos. Hiring one company to do both can save you some extra money if you plan on having both a photographic and video of your wedding day.

You will need to shop around and see several different companies to find the best value for your money. Make sure to see samples of their work. You will find that the many videographers have different styles in capturing weddings on film.
Finding a Wedding Videographer

As with many aspects of a wedding, you can find out about wedding videographers by asking friends who have recently been married for their views on their wedding video. You can watch it with them to see how it turned out and you can get an idea of the costs involved.

Searching for videographers can be done online through the listing directory we have provided. Look for professionally presented web sites in your local area. A professional looking web site can be a good indication that the people you are dealing with will have pride in their work. It is the face of their business to many customers and will need to make a good impression.

Your sleeveless or strapless wedding gown will undoubtedly look lovely on the big day, but how will you brave the winter weather to get to your wedding venue? Are you having an outdoor ceremony at sunset, or a quick photo shoot in the swirling snow? Whatever it is, a little extra protection might be a good idea… But what can you wear that will add, not detract, from the beauty of your bridal wear?

If you just can’t see yourself covering up that gorgeous gown for even a short time, how about adding a bridal shrug (sheer or not) for a bit more coverage? Or, for the ultimate in bridal elegance, what do you say to some gloves (at least your fingers will be warm)?

For some light coverage, try a pretty wrap, like this one from Advantage Bridal.  The fabrics and prices range from the Double Layer Silk Organza, for $205, to another similar organza wrap for just $46.

By dena

Variety Silk House provides glamorous Asian fashions for all seasons, for all occasions and for all the members in the family.

Since 1950’s their motto is to provide exquisite, exclusive and elegant fashions, fashions that are often handcrafted using techniques that are often a legacy of the rich heritage of India’s textile history.

All Class Bridal Wear was established 15 years ago and has continued to provide a large range of bridal wear including bridal dresses, bridesmaids dresses and menswear. All Class Bridal Wear are able to find the perfect outfit for your special day no matter what your budget is. Our budget prices start from less than £1000.

Come along to our bridal studio on Strand Road in Derry where you can try out anything from our large selection targeting different brides dreams of wedding dresses.

With the right strategy and some key language, both you and your vendor will leave the table happy

Now more than ever, brides can get great deals on goods like flowers and photos. With the right strategy and some key language, both you and your vendor will leave the table happy. But unless you’re a professional arbitrator, chances are you’re not comfortable negotiating. Having a well-thought-out plan will make it easier.

Know your budget: “It may sound obvious, but figure out what you can spend before bargaining,” says Jean Chatzky, author of The Difference: How Anyone Can Prosper Even in the Toughest Times (Crown Business). Knowing your numbers will boost your confidence.

Get an itemized cost list from each vendor: This way, you’ll know where every dollar is allocated. “Don’t start discussing discounts until you’ve taken time to review the list on your own and can suggest tweaks,” says Chatzky.

Always ask: Approach the planning process with the mind-set that all prices are flexible. If you don’t ask for a discount, you’ll never get one.

Be flexible: Negotiating requires give-and-take; the most successful deals happen when both parties are willing to find a sweet spot that works for them. Maybe it’s having a shorter reception or marrying on a Friday. Compromising may get you closer to the right price.

Know your value: Joyce Scardina Becker, president of the Wedding Industry Professionals Association, says that a couple who have blocked guest rooms and planned multiple events (rehearsal dinner, reception, brunch) at a single hotel will have more bargaining power than a couple who are hosting just one event. Consider this when planning, and don’t be afraid to remind the vendor of what Becker, who’s also a wedding planner, calls “the total impact of your business.”

Watch Your Language

It’s not just what you say; it’s how you say it. Phrasing your request politely is the key to success.

Instead of saying… “The sushi station is too expensive.”
Try…“I see that the sushi station is going to add thirty dollars per person. Would you be able to tweak it and charge twenty dollars per head instead?”

Instead of saying… “Do you have any cheaper flowers?”
Try… “We love your ideas, but the bill would be $500 more than we budgeted. Can you do any better on the price while keeping the look and feel we want?

Instead of saying… “This is twice as much as we can spend on a location.”
Try… “The space is fabulous, but we were hoping to spend about $2,000. Do you have any quiet weekends when you’d consider giving us a lower rate?”

Vendors Weigh In

We asked the pros how brides can get on their good side.

The Wedding Planner “It’s always nice to hear that someone really wants to work with you,” says Heather Canada, of First Coast Weddings and Events in Jacksonville, Florida. “If it seems like they’re just looking for deals, I’m unlikely to discount.” Canada doesn’t slash prices, but she’ll throw in extra services or create custom packages for couples with modest means.

The Site Manager “Be honest and nice. I probably won’t bargain if someone is aggressive,” says Cathy Reynolds of the Vintners Inn in Santa Rosa, California.

The Baker “Couples should say which means more—the cake’s look or taste,” says Cheryl Lew of Montclair Baking in Oakland, California. She’ll then adjust the concept, perhaps by using less expensive flavor combinations (if the look is the priority) or simplifying the design (if the couple wants pricey ingredients like Tahitian vanilla).

The Photographer “Flexibility helps,” says Sarma Ozols of Sara and Sarma Photography in New York. “For example, we’re willing to book a shorter day.” Paying for six hours vs. the standard eight can save big-time.

By Lexi Dwyer

First step

Map out your budget—then stick to it. Destination weddings can be deceptively more expensive than booking an at-home location.
Friends and family

Are there elderly grandparents who would have a difficult time with long-distance travel? Friends who might not be able to swing a four-star hotel in Maui? Rather than inadvertently excluding loved ones from sharing your big day, explore the various ways that you can accommodate disparate needs.
Save the date

Be sure to send a save the date card well in advance—at least one year, if possible—so your guests can plan ahead and get the best deals on airfare and hotel reservations.
Do your homework

Scout out locales and venues. Get brochures, and also seek recommendations from couples who have married at a resort or other venue before you.
Take a tour

Visit a resort or other venue at least once before you book it for your wedding day.
Extra help

Hire a wedding coordinator in the destination where you plan to marry. Give your coordinator images of bouquets, cakes and more so that she or he can help you find vendors that will suit your desired style.
Group rate

If you invite more than ten guests, negotiate group air and hotel rates.
Health watch

Look into immunizations if you're traveling to an exotic location like Africa or Nicaragua. Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's travel section for a complete list.
Foreign tongues

Learn the local language if you're going overseas. Get tips online from travlang.com.
Picture perfect

Buy or borrow a great digital camera—you won't have to worry about damaging film in airport security.
Purchase luggage

If you're traveling to a fabulous shopping destination, include a lightweight duffle bag to haul back all of your new purchases.
Passport check

Make sure that your passport and/or visa haven't expired.
Pocket cash

If you’re traveling overseas, purchase $50 or $100 in foreign currency before you depart.
Courier call

Arrange to stop delivery of your mail and newspapers
Babysitting basics

Set up pet care or child care for the duration of your trip.

By Benyamin

By Austin

Your bouquet is something you have hand selected to reflect you and your wedding style. You've spent hours upon hours choosing the perfect shade of flowers for your bouquet and when it comes time for you to walk down the aisle, you want to make sure you are not only comfortable holding your bouquet but both your dress and bouquet are photographed perfect.

Here are a few tips on how to hold a bouquet:

1. Bend your arms 90 degrees. Let the weight of your bouquet bring your arms down just a touch further. The bouquet should rest about belly button level and your forearms should be resting on your hip bones. Your arms should feel comfortable, we don't want them turning into jello mid ceremony!

2. Show the front of the bouquet. If your bouquet has a brooch, bow or decorative piece make sure it's facing forward. If your bouquet is only flowers search for flower that stands out. If you are having trouble finding the front, ask your florist!

Sit back and dream about yesteryear. The glamorous silver screen where famous faces would dance across stage with a grace and elegance. My husband and I are fascinated with Old Hollywood 50’s and 60’s, especially the AMC TV series, Mad Men. The TV series is set in the 60’s in New York City at an Advertising Agency, Sterling Cooper. This week’s collection is inspired by the women who fret around the playboys of Sterling Cooper and the timeless style they bring to the screen. I feature a dress with sleeves, since showing one’s shoulders was considered risque. If you like the style, but not sure about the neckline, check out bateau, square or v-neck (with thicker straps).

 

 

Dipping Dots: A 50’s inspired strapless silk organza dress decorated with coin-sized polka dots. A playful and cute dress for a spunky bride. (Michelle Roth; $2,250)

Old Hollywood: Ballerina length (just above the ankles) makes this a feminine and charming option. Tulle wraps the bust and cinches in a bow-like manner. French lace peers from under the circular skirt. (Roz la Kelin; $1500)

Hour Glass Hottie: The bodice is boned and lined to create a fabulous hour-glass shape. Halter neckline paired with a sweetheart outline gives this dress subtle sexiness and appeal. The belt draws the eye to the skinniest part of the waist, flattering all body types. (Vivien of Holloway; $130 )

As you can see, dresses that are inspired from timeless beauty are still relevant and popular almost 50 years later. Glorious gowns with impudent neck and hemlines are created to make a sensational and timeless dress. Find one that fits your style today.

by Alysia

the Dominican Republic’s 55-room all-suite exclusive retreat, has introduced the Caribbean Romance Package, designed for couples seeking a passionate and intimate getaway. The premier package indulges guests with romance and personalized service to fulfill their every desire during their stay. Sivory Punta Cana is located on one of the Caribbean’s most pristine coastlines of golden-sand beaches amid rich tropical vegetation, providing a lush backdrop for the perfect romantic retreat.

In addition to the value-added components, the package also includes complimentary use of the “Love Concierge” who will personalize the experience for any occasion including proposals, anniversaries and vow renewals.

This three-night exclusive package includes special guest services and amenities for both to enjoy:
- Three nights in an ocean view Deluxe Jr. Suite
- Complimentary use of Love Concierge
- Complimentary private helicopter arrival transfer from Punta Cana International Airport
- Private beach check-in with chilled towel service and Champagne
- Private ground transport for departure to Punta Cana International Airport
- Daily American breakfast
- Caviar hors d’oeuvres and a bottle of Champagne upon arrival
- One couple treatment per stay at Aquarea Spa & Wellness Center, which includes a choice of the following treatments:
- Use of Jacuzzi
- Exfoliating salts and body wrap
- Anti-Stress Hydrotherapy for him
- Sea salt exfoliation and body wrap at the Vichy Shower for her
- A relaxing 55-minute massage for her
- A 55-minute deep muscle tissue massage for him
- Manicure for her
- Pedicure for him
- One candlelit dinner on the beach for two, with selected premium wine
- Daily bed turn down with chocolate dipped fruits

The cost of the Caribbean Romance Package is $355 plus tax per person, per night based on double occupancy from January 1st through March 31, 2007, and $275 plus tax per person, per night based on double occupancy from April 1st through December 21, 2007.

Each suite at Sivory Punta Cana, featuring Caribbean and Indonesian-inspired influences, offers large dressing areas furnished in rich mahogany, porcelain basins and handsome fixtures, louver door closets and spacious baths that feature double multiple-jet showers and oversized soaking tubs enveloped in coral tile. Additionally, all rooms feature plasma screen television, cable and satellite, complimentary high-speed Internet, CD/DVD players, complimentary mini-bar, and a wine cooler stocked with a few vintages from the resort’s extensive collection.

The hotel offers several dining options ranging from casual to fine dining. Additionally, guests can relax in the sophisticated cigar bar and lounge, and enjoy the 8,000 bottles of the finest vintages from around the world including Spain, Portugal, Italy, France and Chile housed in the famed wine cellar.

The helicopter arrival transfer must be coordinated and reserved through Sivory Punta Cana’s Reservations Department. It is mandatory to send flight details to Huascar Hernandez, Reservations Manager, to secure the arrival transfer. Helicopter transfer requires double occupancy. Free helicopter transfer daily until 6:00pm; subject to weather conditions; subject to availability in case of last minute booking; max. 2 carry-on bags allowed per helicopter (extra luggage would have to be sent separately for additional US$60.00). Please feel free to contact Mr. Hernandez for further information:
reservations@sivorypuntacana.com.

Sivory Punta Cana opened December of 2005 as Punta Cana’s newest Five-Star luxury property situated on what is considered Punta Cana’s gold coast on its own private beach. It features 55 guestrooms, all of which are suites many offering oceanfront views, private plunge pools, 2 meeting rooms accommodating up to 150, wellness center, full-service spa, 3 gourmet restaurants, reflecting pool and 2 casual dining bars, cigar bar, an extensive wine cellar featuring the finest vintages from around the world. Services and amenities include butler service, pool and beach valet, parking valet, business center and Wi-Fi. The property will offer the Ysla Club, a private club with suites, pool and private bar, scheduled to open during the 4th quarter 2007. The property is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Private Entrance Collection.

A woman and her boyfriend were out on a date for her birthday when her boyfriend surprised her with a unique and expressive proposal.

Twenty six year old Hannah McDonagh, a trainee lawyer from Bristol had been told by her boyfriend, twenty six year old Pete Simson that he would be taking her out on her birthday to the Watershed Cinema to see a French film.  The couple have been together for five years since meeting at Cardiff University and they are currently living together.

Unaware of the impending proposal, Hannah sat down alongside Pete in the cinema with a crowd of people not knowing that they were actually customers and staff that Pete had incorporated into his elaborate set up.  The cinema lights went down and adverts began to roll on the screen and before Hannah realised what was happening, she was looking at her boyfriend on the large screen wearing nothing but his briefs and miming along to the Daniel Bedingfield song If You’re Not the One!

Hannah sat watching the five minute video and watched her boyfriend rolling around on a bed wearing different colour briefs while miming along to the love song.  Included in the video, which took Pete three days to film, were scenes of him walking across the sand on the beach and standing near a cliff looking longingly out to sea.  Pete’s partner in crime, and also his housemate, was Liam Vowles who filmed all the scenes and was involved in the editing of the complete long song proposal.

Speechless

Once the short film was over Pete got down on one knee under the spotlight that appeared above them and asked Hannah to marry him.   Although speechless at what she had just witnessed, Hannah managed to say yes to Pete following which the crowd around them began clapping.

Pete appeared on a breakfast show on BBC Somerset and he commented that the Watershed Cinema were extremely helpful with his plans to surprise his now bride to be.  They did not charge Pete for showing the film and they even helped out by printing some fake tickets and organising the fake cinema goers.

The young couple can now begin making their plans for their wedding but have yet to decide if they will be showing the film during the reception.

What a wonderfully wacky proposal, something they will always remember when visiting the cinema in the future!

FILE - In this Sept. 14, 2009 file picture election posters of the German Christian Democratic Party CDU, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right and left, and of the German Social Democratic Party, SPD, with German Foreign Minister and candidate for chancellor Frank-Walter Steinmeier, are seen in Berlin. Poster at right translates to: We vote the chancellor. It's the most-avoided question in Germany's election campaign, but chances are good that Chancellor Angela Merkel could be leading another "grand coalition" of the country's biggest parties after Sunday's vote. (AP Photo/Gero Breloer,file) (Gero Breloer, AP / September 14, 2009)

most-avoided issue in Germany's election campaign, but chances are good that Chancellor Angela Merkel could be leading another "grand coalition" of the country's biggest parties after Sunday's vote.

Merkel, a conservative, is campaigning for a new center-right government to end her four-year-old alliance with the center-left Social Democrats and give the country a clearer direction.

For now, polls give her preferred coalition a slim majority — but she fell short in 2005 and is clearly keeping her options open. Her duel for the top job with Social Democrat Frank-Walter Steinmeier, her vice chancellor and foreign minister, conspicuously lacks bite and passion.

Their only television debate was so tame that moderator Peter Limbourg told them they sounded like an old married couple, engaged in something "more like a duet than a duel."

The two big parties often find it hard to strike compromises but "they have got it together in many areas," said Oskar Niedermayer, a political science professor at Berlin's Free University. Another alliance is "always an option that they have up their sleeve."

If Merkel's Christian Democrats and the pro-business Free Democrats can't muster a center-right majority, the only alternative likely would be one of several exotic, untried three-way alliances — and commentators agree there is little chance of any of them coming together.

Facing a small and ideologically divided opposition, Merkel's coalition pushed through an increase in the retirement age to 67 from 65 and cut labor costs, but an attempt to reform public health insurance ended in a bad-tempered compromise that satisfied no one.

The coalition also partly reversed one of the previous center-left government's economic reforms by expanding jobless benefits for the older unemployed.

Common ground seemed nearly exhausted before the global economic crisis hit last year, but conservatives and Social Democrats then pulled together in decisive action to rescue banks and stimulate the economy.

"In the crisis, it has been shown that they can govern together," Niedermayer said. "People complain about the 'grand coalition' but they actually judge it rather positively."

Officially at least, no one wants a repeat, though no one is ruling it out either.

"I think it's good for a democracy when 'grand coalitions' are not the norm," Merkel said in her debate with Steinmeier.

It's questionable whether a second 'grand coalition' would have the energy to agree on much beyond "solutions to trivia," such as compromises on minimum wages, said Heinrich Oberreuter, a political science professor at the University of Passau.

Center-right politicians say a second "grand coalition" might not last four years, and that the Social Democrats — under new leadership — might jump ship before that, perhaps to form a government with the populist opposition Left Party, which opposes economic reform.

"I'm not ruling that out, but I don't think it's very likely," Oberreuter said.

One prominent Social Democrat, Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck, advocated a repeat of the current coalition last week.

His party scrambled to squelch the suggestion. A repeat would offer the Social Democrats' strongest chance of extending their 11 years in government — but the prospect isn't entirely appealing.

Despite holding half the Cabinet seats, they have trailed in polls as credit for the government's achievements has rubbed off on Merkel. They have been squeezed both by her popularity and by the Left Party.

We are glad to inform you the birth of Mediterranean Dream Weddings which organizes customized wedding events across the Mediterranean area.

Whether it be a civil, religious or symbolic ceremony, wedding vows renewal or planning a honeymoon trip our Personal Wedding Planners will help during the entire process assuring constant professional assistance with necessary paperwork, selecting the restaurant or catering service as well as the menu, organizing transportation, and other services, such as the photographer, videographer, flower arrangements, and musical selections.

Our locations are: Firenze (Florence) where our head office is, furthermore Anghiari, Barcelona, Catania, Mallorca, Nice, Rome, Monaco, San Gimignano, Siena and Venice.

by Admin

Manhattan, NY, September 01, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Jenna D. Barry, author of “A Wife’s Guide to In-laws: How to Gain Your Husband’s Loyalty Without Killing His Parents,” is celebrating Women’s Friendship Month by launching a promotion to help women war survivors in places like Rwanda and Bosnia. One day only -- on September 24, 2009-- Barry will donate 15% of the profits from book sales to Women For Women International.

“A few weeks ago, I read the book ‘The Other Side of War: Women’s Stories of Survival and Hope’ by Zainab Salbi,” explains Barry. “I was very moved by the photos and amazing stories of women whose lives have been devastated by war.” She continues, “When rebels attacked one woman’s village, they killed her husband and cut off her hands while she was changing her baby’s diaper.” When Barry realized the book was written by the CEO and President of Women For Women International, she knew she wanted to do something to help.

Founded in 1993, Women for Women International changes the world one woman at a time by providing women survivors of war with the resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency. Through sponsorship programs, survivors (1) receive financial aid for food, water, and medicine, (2) get the tools and training they need to provide food for themselves and their children, and (3) make a one-to-one connection through exchanging letters with a “sister” across the globe.

“Because my book, ‘A Wife’s Guide to In-laws,’ was written for women by a woman, I decided that Women’s Friendship Month would be a perfect time to donate profits to Women For Women International,” says Barry. “Others can help by purchasing my book on September 24, 2009 via my website www.WifeGuide.org, Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, etc.”

National Women's Friendship Month first began as National Women's Friendship Day in 1999. Created by Kappa Delta Sorority for all women, the day offered a chance for women to celebrate their special bonds with female friends. Recently the celebration was expanded to the entire month of September.

“I am very excited about this event because it is a win-win situation for women all over the world,” Jenna declares. “Wives who read my book will learn how to strengthen their marriage, and women war survivors will find the hope and help needed to rebuild their lives.”

“Jenna equips wives to get out of the victim role; she empowers them to have strong marriages in the face of difficult in-laws.”
-- Power Women Magazine

For more information about Jenna’s book, articles, and daughter-in-law support group, please visit www.WifeGuide.org.

About the Author:
Married 15 years, Jenna D. Barry (a pen name) learned how to gain her husband’s loyalty through communication, persistence, and a whole lot of love. She familiarized herself with the needs and frustrations of other wives by participating in on-line in-law support groups and by talking to marriage therapists, friends, family, and co-workers. She then started her own positive, encouraging support group for wives and created a website about in-laws at www.WifeGuide.org. Jenna has done radio interviews and writes monthly articles about in-laws for Hitched, a magazine that educates and inspires married couples. Her writing has been published in newspapers, magazines, and websites all over the globe: Mom Magazine, Power Women Magazine, Essential Baby Australia, Families On-Line Magazine, TheNest.com, ForeverBrides.com, CanadianParents.com, Pregnancy.org, About.com, and MarriedRomance.com.

“A Wife’s Guide to In-laws: How to Gain Your Husband’s Loyalty Without Killing His Parents” (November 2008) by Jenna D. Barry, Publisher: Lulu, Price: $21.95/paperback, ISBN: 9780557025008. This book can be ordered on-line at www.WifeGuide.org, Lulu.com, Amazon.com, and BarnesandNoble.com.

by Jenna D. Barry

At The Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Caribbean & Mexico, couples can rest assured that every detail of their destination wedding will be executed flawlessly, including the experiences of their friends and family. With the Reconnect® package wedding guests will enjoy a $100 daily resort credit that can be used to play golf on award-winning courses, relax at island-inspired Spas, or indulge at celebrated restaurants. Reconnect ensures stress-free planning for the wedding couple, offering a built-in itinerary of activities for guests to choose from based on their individual preferences.

A brand known for its impeccable service, these hotels also offer dedicated wedding concierges to work with guests prior to arrival to make reservations and take care of any special requests--whether that means planning a sailing excursion through the USVI for the wedding party at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas or a five-course rehearsal dinner at Blue by Eric Ripert at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.

The Package: The Reconnect package at The Ritz-Carlton hotels of the Caribbean & Mexico includes:

* Nightly accommodations
* Daily breakfast for two
* A $100 daily resort credit- for use at restaurants, the Spa and for recreation activities such as:

* The Culinary Center at The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun- where guests can explore cooking, wine, and Mexican tequilas
* The award-winning White Witch Golf Course at The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica
* Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
* BLT Steak at The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino
* Sailing on the Lady Lynsey at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

Complimentary Wedding Ceremony & Anniversary Stay: In addition, when booking a wedding on the Reconnect® package, for a minimum of three nights and twenty-five rooms or more through December 20, 2009, the wedding couple will receive a complimentary wedding ceremony and three-night stay for their first anniversary, redeemable at any of the five Caribbean & Mexico hotels.

Whether couples choose to celebrate their first year of marriage by returning to the hotel where they wed, or by exploring a new tropical escape, they are sure to enjoy rich culture, pure relaxation, and the finest in personalized service.

Rates: Reconnect Rates for Spring/Summer 2009*:

* The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun Starting at $369
* The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica Starting at $269
* The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Starting at $399
* The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino Starting at $339
* The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas Starting at $379

* Spring/Summer rates valid May 1 through October 31, 2009. Rates are valid per room, per night, based on double occupancy, exclusive of taxes, gratuities, resort fees, and other charges; do not apply to groups; and cannot be combined with any other offer. Rates are based on availability. Advanced reservations required.

by The Ritz-Carlton Hotels