Destination I Do

Planning a destination wedding? Then this episode is a must-listen. Internationally acclaimed fashion and wedding photographer Sandra Åberg, joins our host, Jennifer Stein, to share exactly what couples need to know before booking their destination wedding photographer. Known for her dreamy, timeless style that blends high fashion with romance, Sandra has traveled the world capturing love stories in breathtaking locations.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to find the perfect destination wedding photographer for your style and visionThe biggest mistakes couples make (and how to avoid them)Why choosing a photographer isn’t just about priceHow engagement sessions can help you “test drive” your photographerWhat makes wedding photos timeless and magical long after the day has passedIf you want destination wedding photos that feel effortless, authentic, and unforgettable, Sandra’s advice will help you elevate your day and choose a photographer who’s the perfect fit.Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: Weddings by Palladium - https://www.palladiumweddings.com/enAbout Sandra Åberg: Sandra is an internationally acclaimed fashion and wedding photographer known for blending the elegance of high fashion with the romance of destination weddings, earning features in Vogue, Brides, Harper’s Bazaar, of course Destination I Do and more. Inspired by her love of nature, travel, and the ocean, her dreamy, ethereal style captures timeless love stories in stunning, far-flung settings around the world. Follow Sandra Åberg: sandraaberg.com | atelieraberg.com Instagram: @sandraaberg | @atelierabergAbout Destination I Do: Destination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

You can plan every last detail of your destination wedding, except the weather. But what if understanding weather trends could offer more control than you think?In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Leavitt, founder of Ironic Reports, a platform designed to help wedding and event professionals navigate one of the biggest unknowns in the planning process: the forecast. From hurricane predictions and microclimates to climate change and contingency planning, Andrew shares expert insights on how couples and planners can make weather-informed decisions without losing the magic of spontaneity.We dive into:Why tracking weather patterns months ahead can be more valuable than you realizeThe real risks of shoulder-season weddings (and how to weigh them against the savings)What a more active 2025 hurricane season could mean for destination weddings in the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Southeastern U.S.The most common weather-related planning mistakes and how to avoid themHow to build a strong weather contingency plan that protects your event, your guests, and your sanityAnd how to emotionally prepare when nature has other plansWhether you’re a couple dreaming of a sunset beach ceremony or a planner responsible for dozens of outdoor events a year, this episode will give you the tools to forecast smarter and celebrate no matter the skies.Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:Weddings by Palladium - https://www.palladiumweddings.com/enAbout Ironic Reports and Andrew Leavitt:Andrew Leavitt, founder and CEO of Ironic Reports, launched the world’s first concierge event meteorology service focused on the wedding industry in 2020, drawing on over two decades of experience in event planning and production. From private events to global music festivals, his career has shaped how the industry navigates weather challenges.Ironic Reports has become a trusted partner for top planners like Bryan Rafanelli Events, Colin Cowie Lifestyle, The Lynden Lane Co., and Marcy Blum Events. Andrew’s expertise ensures events remain safe, legally compliant, and adaptable in the face of severe weather. Follow Ironic Reports for more: ironicreports.com online or @ironicreports on InstagramAbout Destination I Do: Destination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

In this episode of the Destination I Do Podcast, our host, Jennifer Stein, is joined by Liza Roeser, founder of FiftyFlowers, to explore a question every destination couple is asking: Can you actually save money on wedding flowers without sacrificing style?Liza shares expert insights on budget-friendly floral options, DIY destination wedding flowers, and smart ways to cut costs while still creating that wow-worthy wedding aesthetic. Whether you’re planning a tropical beach wedding, a mountain elopement, or an intimate ceremony in a vineyard, this episode breaks down what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the most of your floral budget—no matter where you say “I do” in the United States.Topics we cover:Tips for saving on flowers when planning a destination weddingHow FiftyFlowers supports couples with DIY and hybrid floral optionsCommon mistakes to avoid when budgeting for destination floralsWhat flowers travel well and last in tropical climatesPlease support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:Engine - Book Group Travel and Room Blocks for Your Destination Wedding: https://destinationido.com/book-your-travel/About FiftyFlowers and Liza Roeser:Liza Roeser is a bold and visionary entreprenuer who founded FiftyFlowers, a leading online floral retailer that delivers farm-fresh flowers to customers throughout the U.S.. With an eye for innovation, she disrupted the traditional flower supply chain, turning a modest start-up into a multi-million-dollar business that has served over 500,000 weddings and events. Beyond her business accomplishments, Liza is a passionate advocate for work-life balance. To learn more about FiftyFlowers, log on to https://fiftyflowers.com/ and follow them on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiftyflowers About Destination I Do: Destination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

If you are planning a destination wedding, before you say "I do" to a wedding planner, make sure you’re asking the right questions! In this episode of Destination I Do, host Jennifer Stein sits down with Taryn Stark Wyant, Founder & CEO of Taryn Stark Wyant Event Design (TSWED)—a premier luxury wedding planning firm specializing in destination weddings worldwide.Taryn shares expert insights on what to look for in a destination wedding planner, the essential questions couples should ask before hiring, and how to ensure a seamless planning experience from afar. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical beach wedding, a European castle affair, or a remote luxury retreat, this episode is packed with must-know tips to help you find the perfect destination wedding planner for your big day.Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:Lovebird - Digital Wedding Invitations, Websites and Save-the-dates:https://www.lovebird.com/?utm_source=destido&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=lblaunchEngine - Book Group Travel and Room Blocks for Your Destination Wedding: https://destinationido.com/book-your-travel/About TSWED:Taryn Stark Wyant is the Founder and CEO of Taryn Stark Wyant Event Design (TSWED), a premier luxury wedding planning firm specializing in destination weddings in worldwide. With a deep passion for people, planning, and the belief that weddings are a profound celebration of connection, Taryn has built a brand dedicated to curating exquisite, highly personalized events that reflect the unique love stories of each couple.About Destination I Do: Destination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

There are a lot of details when it comes to planning your wedding, but one you just can't forget is setting up a room block for your guests. Our host, Jennifer Stein, sits down with Ellis Hugunin, Senior Director of Groups at Engine - a travel management platform that Destination I Do has partnered with to help you take care of this most important task.In this episode, we dive into why room blocks are an essential part of a stress-free destination wedding and how to make sure you don't get caught off guard with the fine print. We also cover not only why booking a room block will make travel logistics easier for your loved ones, but how it ensures guests have a comfortable and convenient place to stay—all while feeling welcomed and taken care of.Tune in as we break down how to set up a room block, the perks it offers, and expert tips to make the process seamless. Your guests (and your wedding weekend) will thank you!To take advantage of this complimentary service, log on to https://destinationido.com/book-your-travel/About Engine:Engine is a modern travel management platform that saves you time and money. A large part of what we do is simplifying group travel for parties of 10 or more. A few examples of that would be helping businesses book 10 or more rooms for a sales kick-off or disaster relief efforts. We also help individuals with large hotel bookings for events like weddings or family reunions. About Destination I Do: Destination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

Planning a destination wedding—whether in the U.S. or across the globe? Then this episode is a must-listen! Host Jennifer Stein is joined by expert destination wedding planner Aimee Monihan, founder and CEO of Destination Occasions, to share the top 20 tips for planning your dream wedding away from home.Aimee’s expert advice is packed with invaluable insights, whether you're just starting out or deep into the planning process. Plus, Jennifer shares a bonus tip that might just be the most important one of all! From budgeting and managing your guest list (should you have a B-list?) to travel must-knows—like why your carry-on is critical and how an "escape room" might come in handy—they cover details you may never have considered.Tune in for essential tips to make your destination wedding stress-free, seamless, and unforgettable!Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:Weddings by Palladium - Palladium Hotels & Resorts: PalladiumWeddings.comLovebird - Digital Wedding Invitations, Websites and Save-the-dates: Lovebird.comAbout Aimee MonihanAimee Monihan has been an event industry disruptor since the late 90’s. She’s most notably known for creating the first wedding planning company in Costa Rica and putting the region on the map for destination weddings. With a background in hotel management and a fluency in Spanish, she quickly grew the brand to expand into other markets. Now, the CEO of Destination Occasions, she manages and overseas three event production companies specializing in worldwide destination events: Tropical Occasions for beach-based celebrations worldwide with specialty in Latin America, Mountain Occasions in the Rockies, and Destination Desi, with a focus on South Asian weddings. Aimee has produced over 1500 events around the world, from celebrity weddings to multi-day corporate retreats in hard-to-reach locales. Her work has graced the pages of course Destination I do as well as The Wall Street Journal, Martha Stewart Weddings, Modern Luxury, Brides, and more. Whether executing an incentive trip in Mexico or a fusion wedding in Costa Rica, all branches of Destination Occasions are united by Aimee’s founding principle: Love is at the heart of everything we do. And Aimee’s love for celebrations runs deep. About Destination I DoDestination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

Looking and feeling your best for your destination wedding is vitally important. This episode is a must-listen! Our host, Jennifer Stein is joined by Lauren Shea, a top-tier destination wedding hair and makeup artist, to tackle all your beauty-related questions. From choosing the perfect hair and makeup team from afar to deciding whether to bring your own stylist along, we’ve got you covered.Lauren shares her expert insights on balancing beauty trends with personal comfort, so you’ll feel confident walking down the aisle. Plus, Jennifer and Lauren dive into fun debates like whether bold brows are here to stay or if we’re circling back to Gwen Stefani’s iconic ‘90s look.Get all the tips, tricks, and expert advice you need to look flawless on your big day. Hit play and start planning your wedding beauty strategy now!Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:Lovebird - Digital Wedding Invitations, Websites and Save-the-dates: Lovebird.comWeddings by Palladium - Palladium Hotels & Resorts: PalladiumWeddings.comAbout Lauren Shea: Lauren Shea has followed in her grandmother’s footsteps of over 64 years in the industry and has over 15 years of experience behind the chair. Lauren Shea has worked on models for the runway at New York and London Fashion Weeks with big names like Jon Reyman, Beppe D’Elia, & Davide Marzola, and leading teams locally in Colorado. Designers include Pamella Roland, Marta Jakubowski, Steven Tai, Nico Panda, Mondo Guerra, Shari Henry, Gita Omri, and more. She is a Luxury Destination Wedding Stylist and Makeup Artist working on brides and wedding parties all over Colorado and the world. She has worked on over 300 weddings during her career and with world renowned photographers like Sandra Aberg for bridal editorial shoots. Her wedding work has been featured by several national media outlets as well as local publications like Rocky Mountain Bride, Couture Colorado, and Colorado Weddings Magazine. Lauren loves working with the camera and production and has branched out to work with clients like Noosa Yoghurt, GentleCure, Marvin Windows, Golf Forever, MaxeyLash, Brother, Lifesize, and CancerCare. She is on L’Oreal Professionnel’s national artistic team educating for the pioneering company of hair color and hairdressing education. Her specialties when behind the chair are in blondes, balayage color corrections, hand tied hair extensions, etc. She's a Global Beautick Artist, Luxury Destination Beauty Artist, Production Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist as well as a National L'Oreal Professionnel Artist. You can follow Lauren online at LaurenSheaArtistry.com or on Instagram at @laurenshea.artistryMore about Destination I Do:Destination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

Waterfront locales are one of the most popular destinations for weddings for good reason. Offering up beautiful backdrops and endless things to do for your group, having a wedding on the coast is always a great idea. In this episode, our host, Jennifer Stein, is joined by Christopher Edwards, Catering Sales Manager at Delta by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront to talk about why a waterfront wedding might be the perfect place for you.Christopher has years of experience successfully orchestrating events ranging from intimate gatherings to large corporate galas.The two discuss ways to keep costs in check while creating the coastal wedding you've been dreaming of as well as what some of the pros and cons you should be aware of. From helpful tips on ways to save and keep your stress down, to how to plan for inclement weather and the best times of year to plan for, they cover it all.Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:Lovebird - Digital Wedding Invitations, Websites and Save-the-dates: Lovebird.comMarriott Bonvoy Weddings and Events: https://experiencemarriott.com/weddingsAbout Marriott Bonvoy Weddings and Events:At Marriott Bonvoy, we take every event “a step beyond.” Our events let you break away from the traditional toward meaningful experiences for guests. Our hotels and resorts reframe events as high-impact getaways hosted at incredible indoor and outdoor spaces, with catering menus that leave a lasting impression and local flavors inspired by the destination – while keeping sustainability in mind at each venue.Marriott Bonvoy hotel and resort teams help to reimagine the complete event experience with personalized service for seamless celebrations that spark genuine connections among guests. There are countless benefits of hosting your wedding and honeymoon at Marriott Bonvoy Hotels. Among them are room upgrades, resort credits and special promotions for your honeymoon when you plan your wedding at a Marriott Bonvoy hotel, plus earn bonus points on member-exclusive deals. Join Marriott Bonvoy to start earning, redeeming and reaping the benefits of membership.For more about Marriott Bonvoy Weddings and Events, log on to https://experiencemarriott.com/weddings or follow @marriottbonvoyMore about Destination I Do:Destination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

Have you ever thought how much easier it would be to select a destination that serves as both your wedding AND your honeymoon? If that sounds like a great option for you, we've got some helpful tips! In this episode, our host, Jennifer Stein, discusses the benefits of finding a destination that does double duty. She's joined by Jenevieve Beaulieu, Event Manager for The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square. They discuss the benefits of hosting your wedding and honeymoon in the same place, ways you can make it feel one way for guests and totally different for your honeymoon, how to transition your experience from the wedding to the honeymoon seamlessly, and much more. From budget saving tips to do's and don'ts for the big day and beyond, this is a must listen!  About Marriott Bonvoy Weddings and Events: At Marriott Bonvoy, we take every event “a step beyond.” Our events let you break away from the traditional toward meaningful experiences for guests. Our hotels and resorts reframe events as high-impact getaways hosted at incredible indoor and outdoor spaces, with catering menus that leave a lasting impression and local flavors inspired by the destination – while keeping sustainability in mind at each venue.Marriott Bonvoy hotel and resort teams help to reimagine the complete event experience with personalized service for seamless celebrations that spark genuine connections among guests. There are countless benefits of hosting your wedding and honeymoon at Marriott Bonvoy Hotels. Among them are room upgrades, resort credits and special promotions for your honeymoon when you plan your wedding at a Marriott Bonvoy hotel, plus earn bonus points on member-exclusive deals. Join Marriott Bonvoy to start earning, redeeming and reaping the benefits of membership.For more about Marriott Bonvoy Weddings and Events, log on to https://experiencemarriott.com/weddings or follow @marriottbonvoyMore about Destination I DoDestination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

In this episode, our host, Jennifer Stein is joined by bride and travel influencer, Hali Oduor, as they discuss Hali's upcoming destination wedding events. She's planning four total celebrations, three in Kenya and one in the United States. Jennifer and Hali talk about why she decided to do more than one event, the biggest surprises she's encountered during her planning and the ways she's sourcing all of her vendors for her upcoming weddings. They also talk about the fashion side of Hali's planning and what personal detail she's weaving into her events to make it even more personal. Stay tuned for a follow up episode with Hali Oduor in the coming months. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:Iberostar Beachfront Resorts: https://www.iberostar.com/en/weddings/About Hali Oduor: Hali Oduor is a globally recognized Gen Z influencer, known for her captivating content and passion for travel, fashion, and sustainability. Recently engaged, Hali is in the midst of planning four distinct wedding ceremonies, including a destination wedding weekend in June 2025 at The Beach Palace in Kenya. This stunning villa on the East African coast highlights Kenya's growing reputation as a premier luxury wedding destination. Hali currently has over 120K followers on Instagram alone and 1.72K followers on her Youtube channel. Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/halioduor/ or Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/@HaliOduorAbout Destination I Do:Destination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home online or on the airwaves. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

In this episode, our host, Jennifer Stein is joined by co-host, Lauren Ertl, as they unpack 10 expert tips for navigating air travel for your destination wedding. Tips are sourced by wedding travel advisors, planners, destination wedding photographers and all the people who travel the globe for weddings as their jobs to give you the very best advice for getting to and from your wedding with ease. They talk about everything from tricks to keep your bags on track to what time you should book your flights to avoid delays and what rights you have as a traveler. No matter where you're planning your celebration, this is a must-listen! Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:Iberostar Beachfront Resorts: https://www.iberostar.com/en/weddings/Honeymoons.com: https://honeymoons.com/best-sandals-resort/Destination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

As fun and exciting as wedding planning can be, conflicts can arise and things can get heated despite your best efforts. Our host, Jennifer Stein, is joined by conflict negotiator and mediator, Damali Peterman, to discuss ways to handle these flare ups. Damali's expert advice includes everything from little disputes that start to add up, to bigger issues like getting push back on your budget, or trying to navigate firing a person from your wedding party. This heavy hitting episode is packed with helpful tips on best practices for effective communication with your spouse, your family and your friends. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: Honeymoons.com - https://honeymoons.com/podcastHyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun - https://www.resortsbyhyatt.com/ziva-riviera-cancunAbout Damali Peterman: Damali Peterman is a highly regarded and sought-after lawyer, mediator, negotiator, educator, and speaker with nearly 20 years of experience in the alternative dispute resolution field. She believes that we are ALL negotiators, whether we realize it or not. Whether you're asking for a raise, navigating a challenging relationship, we are negotiating all day, every day. She is the founder and CEO of two successful, award-winning companies—Breakthrough ADR, and Damali Law. Her expertise has been featured in Forbes, Cheddar, In Touch, Fast Company, PIX Morning News, Essence, Madame Noire, The Black News Channel, Medium, New York Post, SiriusXM, CBS, FOX, ABC and affiliates across the country. Order her new book Negotiating While Black: Be Who You Are to Get What You Want published by Penguin Random House here! Follow Damali on social: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Twitter YoutubeAbout Destination I Do: Destination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

If there is a time in your life you want to feel and look your best, it's on your wedding day. Our host, Jennifer Stein, is joined by Julie Sabatino, owner and founder of The Stylish Bride, to discuss tips for selecting a wedding gown perfect for your destination, best practices for outfitting your entire wedding party, getting your wedding attire to your destination and so much more. Her new book, Dressed, Styled and Down the Aisle is a perfect accompaniment to this episode, so hop onto Amazon to grab a copy!Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: Honeymoons.com - https://honeymoons.com/podcastHyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun - https://www.resortsbyhyatt.com/ziva-riviera-cancunMore About Julie Sabatino and The Stylish Bride: There isn’t a top designer she doesn’t have an ironclad relationship with — Oscar de la Renta named a dress after her — but she hasn’t forgotten what it felt like to be bride-to-be with no idea of how to navigate the wedding shopping process. “I can remember feeling overwhelmed by the options and also humiliated and discouraged that none of the samples fit; I had a real crisis of confidence and looked for guidance, but there was no such thing as a bridal stylist in 2001.”Knowing there had to be a better way, Julie left her job in finance, enrolled in FIT, and launched The Stylish BrideⓇ, a full-service bridal styling company dedicated to helping couples navigate the world of wedding wear. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, she developed The Sample Size Solution – a portable product designed to help make sample dresses fit the bride – which has been applauded for its practicality and helping to address body size stigmatization. After years of being urged to share her wedding styling knowledge with the world, Julie wrote her book, Dressed, Styled and Down the Aisle which has been hailed as a “must-read manifesto” by insiders. To follow The Stylish Bride, log on to https://thestylishbride.com/ or follow her @thestylishbride on all social media channels.More About Destination I DoDestination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

Selecting the perfect venue for your destination wedding is one of the most important choices you'll make. In this episode, our host, Jennifer Stein, discusses the benefits of finding a hotel venue with a loyalty program for your wedding away. She's joined by Laura Fox, Senior Catering Sales Executive at Boston Marriott Long Wharf, part of Marriott Bonvoy Weddings and Events. They cover everything from how best to earn and spend loyalty points, tips on maximizing those points and the perks of hosting a wedding or event at a Marriott Bonvoy property. About Marriott Bonvoy Weddings and Events: At Marriott Bonvoy, we take every event “a step beyond.” Our events let you break away from the traditional toward meaningful experiences for guests. Our hotels and resorts reframe events as high-impact getaways hosted at incredible indoor and outdoor spaces, with catering menus that leave a lasting impression and local flavors inspired by the destination – while keeping sustainability in mind at each venue.Marriott Bonvoy hotel and resort teams help to reimagine the complete event experience with personalized service for seamless celebrations that spark genuine connections among guests. There are countless benefits of hosting your wedding and honeymoon at Marriott Bonvoy Hotels. Among them are room upgrades, resort credits and special promotions for your honeymoon when you plan your wedding at a Marriott Bonvoy hotel, plus earn bonus points on member-exclusive deals. Join Marriott Bonvoy to start earning, redeeming and reaping the benefits of membership.For more about Marriott Bonvoy Weddings and Events, log on to https://experiencemarriott.com/weddings or follow @marriottbonvoyMore about Destination I DoDestination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

Not all wedding venues are created equal. And if you plan to have a destination wedding, you may not even be able to view your venue in person before the big day. In this episode, our host, Jennifer Stein, is joined by Natalia Mangieri, Destination Sales Executive for The Westin Michigan Avenue to discuss the best ways to scout your wedding venue from afar. With Natalia's extensive experience, she provides expert advice on what to look for in a venue so you and your guests will have the best, most seamless wedding weekend, free of stress and pressure. This is a must-listen for anyone who is planning a wedding and wants to unpack the nuances of the differences between venue types as well as to learn what a brand like Marriott Bonvoy offers for weddings and events.About Marriott Bonvoy Weddings and Events: At Marriott Bonvoy, we take every event “a step beyond.” Our events let you break away from the traditional toward meaningful experiences for guests. Our hotels and resorts reframe events as high-impact getaways hosted at incredible indoor and outdoor spaces, with catering menus that leave a lasting impression and local flavors inspired by the destination – while keeping sustainability in mind at each venue.Marriott Bonvoy hotel and resort teams help to reimagine the complete event experience with personalized service for seamless celebrations that spark genuine connections among guests. There are countless benefits of hosting your wedding and honeymoon at Marriott Bonvoy Hotels. Among them are room upgrades, resort credits and special promotions for your honeymoon when you plan your wedding at a Marriott Bonvoy hotel, plus earn bonus points on member-exclusive deals. Join Marriott Bonvoy to start earning, redeeming and reaping the benefits of membership.For more about Marriott Bonvoy Weddings and Events, log on to https://experiencemarriott.com/weddings or follow @marriottbonvoy on all social media platforms.More about Destination I DoDestination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

Music can set the tone for your event, especially when it comes to a destination wedding. That's why our host, Jennifer Stein invited live guitarist, Moses Lin, to come on the podcast as her guest. They talk about how Moses is able to not just perform songs by memory, but engages with guests as he walks around performing personal serenades. They talk about his artistic process, how he works with both couples and planners in the planning stage, and what events he is (and isn't) right for. They even dish on what his experience was like performing on Netflix's Bling Empire. If you're thinking about hiring a live musician for your destination wedding, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: Weddings by Palladium - https://www.palladiumweddings.com/en/Honeymoons.com - https://honeymoons.com/podcastAbout Moses Lin:Moses Lin is an award winning destination wedding guitarist that specializes in instrumental covers of popular songs. His unique style of music, engaging live performances and effortless sophistication have made him the most highly sought after live musician in Southern California.Featured on Netflix, CNBC, and virtually every major wedding publication, Moses is an industry leader, coaching wedding musicians in countries all around the world, and raising the standard for live music at luxury events. With over a decade of experience as a full-time musician. Moses has performed over 1,000 weddings and events and his clients include Hollywood celebrities, Grammy-winning artists, Fortune 50 CEO's, Reality TV stars, Olympic gold-medalists, politicians, and many more. To learn more about Moses, log on to moseslinmusic.com, follow him on Instagram at @moseslinmusic, TikTok at @Theweddingguitarist or on Spotify or Apple Music.More about Destination I DoDestination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

The Caribbean is popular for many good reasons, and we've enlisted the help from a veteran expert wedding planner to explain why the Bahamas might be the perfect choice for your destination wedding. Our host and Editor in Chief of Destinationido.com, Jennifer Stein, is joined by founder of Chic Bahamas Weddings and Events, Marva Munroe, and they dig into everything you would want to know. From what Bahamian classics to include in your welcome bags and the must-do activities to how she works with couples from afar and why a day-of timeline is so critical to reducing stress. Marva talks about her love of the islands and you'll find out why Jennifer gives her the moniker - No Stress Express. If you're considering the Bahamas as your destination wedding locale, you won't want to miss this episode.About Chic Bahamas Weddings & Events and Marva Munroe: Marva Munroe's passion for events started while working at The Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board. For over 20 years as the Director, she oversaw the planning, design, and production of all kinds of events.It was there that she realized her love for the art of wedding planning. She found fulfillment in helping people visualize their wedding dreams and then make those dreams come true.So, in 2011, she took that love, along with her experience and knowledge, and started Chic Bahamas Wedding and Events. She has been blessed to plan exquisite, one-of-a-kind weddings in the Bahamas ever since.To learn more about Chic Bahamas Weddings & Events and Marva Munroe, log on to https://chicbahamasweddings.com/ or follow her at @chicbahamasweddings_More about Destination I DoDestination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

One of our host's biggest regrets after her own destination wedding was not hiring a professional wedding film maker. So you don't make the same mistake, we uncover all you need to know about hiring the right person to film your destination wedding in this episode. Our host and Editor in Chief of Destinationido.com, Jennifer Stein, is joined by co-owner of Royal Films, Richard Saenz, and they talk about red flags to look out for, mistakes to avoid, what you're missing out on if you don't hire a wedding videographer, how to fit it into your overall budget and so many more helpful tips. About Royal Films: Husband and wife team Richard and Tracy Saenz strive to capture authentic moments without much directing. You won’t have to worry about acting or posing towards the camera but simply enjoying your wedding day and living in the moment. They film couples in real­ life situations and capture the milestones in an artistic manner. Their cinematic side comes from how they approach the day as they want you to feel like you are watching a Hollywood movie of your wedding. They accomplish this by using Hollywood-approved cameras, using the same filming and editing techniques they use to produce romantic feature films. In the end, they want to create a visual masterpiece of a wedding film that will be timeless.To learn more about Royal Films, log on to https://royalfilms.net/ and follow them on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royalfilms/ or check out their videos on vimeo: https://vimeo.com/royalfilmsMore about Destination I Do:Destination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

Not everyone is comfortable writing their own wedding vows, and that's okay. For those who don't deem themselves wordsmiths or need a little coaching on how to put together a great Best Man speech, this episode is for you! Our host, Jennifer Stein, is joined by Brian Franklin, professional speechwriter and co-founder of Vows & Speeches. They discuss how Brian went from a political consultant to the business of writing wedding vows. They cover important and helpful topics such as what makes a great wedding speech and how to deliver heartfelt and personalized vows with the help of his service. About Vows & SpeechesBrian Franklin is the Co-Founder of Vows & Speeches and oversees all interviews and script writing.A writer and communications/marketing consultant for over 25 years, most of Brian’s work has been as an award-winning political consultant and communications strategist (including speechwriting and debate prep) for federal and state campaigns.Knowing his skills as a writer and speaker, his friends and family would ask him for help with their wedding speeches—and he had the honor of officiating a few weddings himself. (It should be noted that they are all still married!)In mid 2021, after interviewing Jon Macks, a speechwriter and a lead writer for the Tonight Show and other comedians for many years, Brian was inspired and started to look at the wedding industry as a possible career change, and ultimately, after getting some feedback on Clubhouse by other wedding pros, he and his wife Nicole formed Vows & Speeches. By early 2022, Brian was transitioned to Vows & Speeches full time.Brian has now written hundreds of vows, speeches, ceremonies, and other scripts, and been featured in Bridal Guide, Brides, The Knot, Destination I Do and many more respected wedding media outlets. For more information about Vows & Speeches log on to https://vowsandspeeches.com/ or @vowsandspeeches on social media. More about Destination I DoDestination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.

Our host, Jennifer Stein, is joined by two professional destination wedding photographers - Ash Baumgartner and Kristine Herman - to discuss what couples should look for in a wedding photographer, how to best work with them from afar and some easy to spot red flags to safeguard your special day away. About Ashley Baumgartner: Raised by her grandparents and married to her college sweetheart, Ashley has always been an old soul and a romantic at heart. In fact, she might have been the only eleven-year-old in her neighborhood with a subscription to Martha Stewart Weddings magazine. There was something about the attention to detail, the stories behind a celebration, and the natural elegance of every event that captured Ashley’s spirit and swept her off her feet. It didn’t take long for Ashley to turn her love of weddings into a career. Now, there is nothing she loves more than connecting with clients over the story of their own wedding day. When she’s not behind the camera, you can find Ashley spinning her heart out on the Peloton bike, cheering hard for her favorite sports teams, or raising a little gentleman of her own. And, of course, there’s nothing like dancing the night away to make her feel alive. You can find Ashley on social media @ashbaumgartner or on her website: https://ashbaumgartner.com/About Kristine Herman:Blending a documentary and editorial flair, Kristine crafts authentic images and lets the emotions draw you into her photography. Storytelling and her love of travel is the heart behind who she is as an artist. She has been able to help her clients feel incredibly at ease behind the camera as well as capture the details throughout the day. She focuses on providing an elevated experience through digital and film. Kristine is based in Northern California and has traveled worldwide for weddings.When she is not photographing weddings, you will find her hanging out with her husband and two dogs, traveling the world, snowboarding or finding her new favorite fashion piece. You can find Kristine on social media: @kristineherman_ or on her website: https://www.kristineherman.com/More about Destination I Do:Destination I Do was established in 2004 and has been publishing real destination weddings, helpful content about planning your wedding away (or honeymoon) and giving advice and inspiration for every couple who is dreaming of their perfect celebration away from home. To learn more about Destination I Do, log on to https://destinationido.com/ and follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationido/ or @destinationido on any other social media platform.