Recommend June 2016 - (Page 12)

BROOKE PHOTOGRAPHY NorthAmerica Out-of-the-Box Weddings Michelle Marie Arean Weddings have taken on a personality of their own, as couples are opting for distinct destination weddings versus the standard walk down the white-sand aisle. "There has been a rise in out-of-the-box wedding options as couples begin to capitalize on making their special days as unique as their relationship," says Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort's executive chef Daven Wardynski. A Plantation Wedding In Florida, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation has launched its Sprouting Project, the creation of chef Wardynski, as the property's latest wedding offering. "More couples are looking to capitalize on epicurean trends, such as the farm-totable movement fully exemplified by The Sprouting Project, as well as the ever-popular destination wedding. Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort allows guests to indulge in the beauty of Amelia Island, without ever setting foot off-property," Wardynski says. 12 june 2016 The Sprouting Project consists of an aquaponic greenhouse, an organic garden, a large collection of beehives, and the soon-to-open smokehouse. "The Sprouting Project ensures the freshest ingredients are incorporated into wedding meals-from sampling straightfrom-the-barrel to fresh honey dripping from the comb, and fresh basil from the aquaponic greenhouse," says Wardynski. The organic garden seats about 140 guests in a lush, intimate setting surrounded by strawberry vines, blackberry bushes, and pineapple guava trees. The aroma in the air is filled with sage, rosemary, and basil, while handwritten garden markers mark the herb beds. A hand-built bridge takes guests from the garden to an apiary that houses over 100,000 native bees. In addition, chef Wardynski has added a barrel room to The Sprouting Project, where he'll age honey varietals, vinegars, hot sauce, and cocktails. The barrel room will also provide a space for intimate events such as rehearsal dinners, or even as the bridal party's private dining room as it can accommodate seating for up to eight guests. Wedding packages start at $208 pp; and starting room rates at the property are $299 per night. A Glamping Wedding Glamping has been gaining popularity over the past few years and to respond to that popularity, Conestoga Ranch, a highend resort in northern Utah, has added a glamping venue for weddings and private events. "Glamping has really taken off around the world (UK, Asia, etc.) and is growing in popularity in the United States, particularly in the West. The ranch had so many requests for private events during its first summer that it made sense to offer a dedicated space to accommodate weddings and family reunions," says Tom Hendrick, partner of Conestoga Ranch. In response, the 18-acre recommend.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend June 2016

Editor’s Notes
Romance Travel Forum: Where Education Prospers
Out-of-the-Box Weddings
Travel Advisor Corner: Weddings Away From Home
Honeymoon Adventures
Onsite Review: Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa: Weddings & Romance By the Sea
New Ways to Get Married
Moon Palace Jamaica Grande Delivers on Destination Weddings
4 Very Different Honeymoons
Onsite Review: CHIC Punta Cana & Club Med Zen Oasis
Wedded Bliss in Paradise
A Honeymoon for Every Taste
Adventure-Filled Honeymoons
Wildest Dreams
“I Do”– Today and Tomorrow
Iconic Islands = Idyllic Honeymoons
Eco-Friendly Honeymoons

Recommend June 2016