Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - (Page 18) destination weddings 3.0 Pacific Asia / USA Timeless Traditions of { A conch shell is sounded, the traditional start of the wedding for many South Seas islanders. The bride (or in some traditions, the groom) is brought to the ceremony in a decorated canoe and carried ashore. Weddings in the South Pacific can be romantically exotic. Flowers always play an important role; most couples wear floral leis, and brides often wear floral headpieces. Here is an overview of three of the most popular spots. THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS Hawaii predictably ranks among the top destination weddings locales, combining the familiarity of being in the U.S. with the dramatic beauty of the South Seas. Wedding requirements are minimal. Couples can obtain a marriage license by presenting a valid photo I.D. to an agent licensed by the Hawaii State Department of Health on any of the islands. No waiting period or blood tests are required. Most of Hawaii’s deluxe resorts have on-site wedding planners. Independent island consultants also can arrange everything from a simple, sunset vow exchange to an elegantly catered affair on a secluded beach. Tiki torches, a hula performance, ukulele music and the exchange of leis make weddings here unmistakably Hawaiian. The Hawaiian Wedding Song and blessing add a spiritual feeling, especially when chanted in Hawaiian. THAILAND Thailand is a place where ancient traditions blend easily with luxury. Known for its exotic and friendly culture, Thailand invites couples to combine the big-city excitement of Bangkok with the cultural richness of the Chiang Mai region and the resorts and spas of its lovely beach areas such as Phuket and Koh Samui. Destination weddings often incorporate colorful Thai traditions. The day may begin at 5 a.m. with offerings of food and incense and a water blessing ceremony in a Buddhist temple. A procession with musicians and elders leading the groom to the waiting bride, where he must make promises before being allowed in, and a symbolic wrist “binding” add local flavor. Many couples also release birds or other wildlife in a “merit-making” ceremony for their life together. Resort and independent wedding planners can arrange both traditional Thai and western-style weddings. While a notarized and translated affidavit is necessary for the wedding to be legally recognized, there is no waiting period or residency requirement. 18 A T R AV E L A G E N T C U S T O M S P E C I A L I S T P R O G R A M | D e s t i n a t i o n We d d i n g s 3 . 0 { FIJI An archipelago of over 300 islands, Fiji is known for its all-inclusive private island resorts such as Namale Island Resort, Vatulele Island Resort, Turtle Island and Wakaya Club. Some of these luxurious hideaways host as few as eight couples at a time in thatch-roof bures (cottages) and can only be the pacific
Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent The How-TOs for "I DOs" Tapping into the Market Mexico The Caribbean Thailand Islands of the Pacific U.S.A. Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent (Page Cover1) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent (Page Cover2) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent (Page 1) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - The How-TOs for "I DOs" (Page 2) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - The How-TOs for "I DOs" (Page 3) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - The How-TOs for "I DOs" (Page 4) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - The How-TOs for "I DOs" (Page 5) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Tapping into the Market (Page 6) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Tapping into the Market (Page 7) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Mexico (Page 8) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Mexico (Page 9) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Mexico (Page 10) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Mexico (Page 11) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Mexico (Page 12) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Mexico (Page 13) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - The Caribbean (Page 14) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - The Caribbean (Page 15) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - The Caribbean (Page 16) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - The Caribbean (Page 17) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Islands of the Pacific (Page 18) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Islands of the Pacific (Page 19) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - U.S.A. (Page 20) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - U.S.A. (Page Cover3) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - U.S.A. (Page Cover4)
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