Wedding Planner Absent Without Permission

I am a bad wedding planner, no actually I'm a bad blogger - I've been away from my I Do Vow To blog for close to two months and there's no excuse - well, I take that back, I've been traveling half way around the world and back for my wedding destination business.

I conducted site inspections in Jamaica and Italy for two couples planning their weddings in these countries. The trips were a wild success and both couples are anxiously awaiting their wedding day in these exotic locations. I am making a promise to get back on track and continue to blog my advice for wedding planning with a commitment to the environment, to community and to social responsibility.

Look for weekly updates soon. Thank you for your patience with me and although I can't promise to stay home, I will promise fresh new information and ideas.

Yours in planning,

IDoVowTo

Follow me on Twitter under IDoVowTo

Destination Brides and Planners

Looking to save big bucks on accommodations for your destination wedding? Consider Vacation Rental by Owner a website that connects property owners of all types to renters. Without getting into tons of deals, check out their website for worldwide properties from modestly furnished to luxury properties with insane amenities.

I have personally arranged several family vacations through VRBO and have never been disappointed. We have stayed in 5 bedroom 6 bath log homes in the mountains of Utah, 3 bedroom 3 bath condos in the Florida Keys and beach front homes on Birch Bay in Pudget Sound of Washington State.

When my destination couples desire a more private, intimate setting for groups up to 50 I research VRBO in the country or region they wish to marry. Many of these properties come with housekeeping staff, gardeners and a chef to customize every meal at anytime of the day or night.

I'm looking at VRBO for my next Cayman Islands vacation.

I Do Vow To - Coordinate a Wedding at Blue Hill Farm

While doing research for a great new destination couple I serendipitously happened upon an exciting venue probably unknown to most of us Midwesterners but very well-known to those lucky enough to live in the Northeastern corner of the US. Blue Hill at Stones Barn in Pocantico, New York opened in 2004 as a working four-season farm and educational center just 30 minutes from New York City.

Their mission, which aliens perfectly with our commitment at I Do Vow To, is to create a consciousness about the everyday food choices we make. Here is a little history taken directly from their website: "For family proprietors Dan, David and Laureen Barber, Blue Hill is the name both for their two restaurants, and for the farm that inspired them.

"I used to walk up Blue Hill Road every week, for years; sometimes everyday. I loved Blue Hill Farm more than anything in the world.

"Back then it was a dairy run by two brothers. What a mess! They had cows pasturing in the front yard, for god's sake... And the barn and house were run-down and so dirty I couldn't believe it. And you know what? I loved it. I loved the open pastures, I loved the backdrop of blue hills, I loved that I felt like a queen every time I came up here.

"But whenever I told the brothers I wanted to buy the farm, they just laughed. ‘Lady,' they'd say, ‘This farm has been in our family for three generations. We're never selling.'

"I'd return the next week, and they'd say the same thing. ‘Never selling.' This went on for years.

"Then one day I arrived at the top of the hill and one of the brothers came running over to me. ‘Ma'am, do you still want to buy this farm?' I couldn't believe it. He didn't even let me answer. ‘My brother and I have gotten into the biggest fight. If we don't sell it now we're going to kill each other.' I told them I was interested. ‘Ma'am,' he said, ‘we're selling it now, or forget it. Right now.'

So there you have it straight from the horses mouth - what a great story. I can't wait to visit so I'm going to try to get there in May. I think there's a lot more than meets the eye...

In This Economy...part III

In the previous two segments "In This Economy" I covered how Bed and Breakfasts can be an affordable and completely unique experience for out-of-town wedding guests rather than the traditional hotel. They can also be the perfect setting for an intimate wedding ceremony and reception.

Here are my favorite Bed and Breakfasts:

• The Peacock Inn - located in Chaska, MN is owned and lovingly run by Joyce and Jens Bohn has 5 very beautiful bedrooms all with private baths and some with two person jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces and antique furniture. They have hosted many private functions including rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremonies and receptions and family reunions. I have hosted events at The Peacock and look forward to doing so again.
• Matthew S Burrows 1890 Inn in Duluth is conveniently located across the street from St. Paul's Episcopal Church and has stunning views of Lake Superior. It too has five comfortable bedrooms all with private baths but the highlight has to be the breakfast. You will receive a meal fit for a king all by candlelight.
• Ivy Creek Farm in Lynchburg, VA is a personal favorite. I met innkeepers Marilyn and Lynn Brooks in Puerto Vallarta at one of the weddings I coordinated. I enjoyed every moment spent discussing the trials and tribulations of innkeeping but also the joy and satisfaction they receive making new friends practically every week. Theirs is a much larger inn and capable of handling weddings up to 100 guests. Ivy Creek Farm is situated on 8 acres at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and they have something practically unheard of, an indoor swimming pool.

For more information about each of these properties check out their websites and tell them Amy from Fete Perfection recommended you. I know you will be well taken care of.