Category Archives: From the Expert

From The Expert: Zumba® Your Way Down The Aisle

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Alison in Featured, From the Expert

Stacy Gross is a certified Zumba® Instructor with over 18 years of dance and performance experience. In addition to the catchy Latin-inspired rhythms of Zumba®, Stacy uses her fun-loving and enthusiastic teaching style to create a positive, exciting and engaging atmosphere. Whether it’s a class of 20 or a corporate event with 600 people, Stacy will customize her routine and leave you feeling energized, happy, and confident. Graduating in 2010 with a B.A. in Communications from California Lutheran University, Stacy now resides and works in Southern California. When Stacy isn’t Zumba-ing away, she enjoys going on nature hikes, reading inspirational books, and watching movies with her friends. For more information on Zumba® With Stacy call 507.351.9230, email sgross@clunet.edu, or visit her Facebook page!

When you ask Zumba® fanatics, “What is Zumba®?” chances are that they will start their explanation off with a smile. A big smile. They’ll get this sparkle in their eye and launch into how Zumba® is the highlight of their week, how the hour-long class flies by, or how they didn’t even feel like they were working out because they were actually having fun. Are we still talking about a work out here? Absolutely!

For those of you who like a more official definition, the Zumba® web site describes this party-like experience as “an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party™ that’s moving millions of people toward joy and health.” Sounds pretty great, right? It gets better. Not only does this international phenomenon feel more like a party than a workout, it also helps you burn hundreds of calories in just one session. So while you, and the 12 million other Zumba® enthusiasts around the world are shimmying and shaking away, the pounds and inches are melting off (Source: Zumba.com)!

Besides the obvious health and weight loss benefits of the Zumba® Fitness Program, this work out is energizing, liberating, and just plain fun! I have never laughed and smiled this much while working out. Ever! The thing I hear most often from my Zumba® Crew is how much they look forward to this time each week. Even when they are having a horrible day and exercising is the last thing they want to do, all of those thoughts and feelings disappear once they hear those catchy Latin rhythms. My greatest joy in teaching Zumba® is when I see people let go of whatever fear, worry, or insecurity they are holding on to, truly feel the music, and celebrate life and themselves.

Now there may be some of you reading this thinking “I can’t do Zumba®: I’m not a dancer, I’m not coordinated enough, I have two left feet, my hips don’t move like that, I would embarrass myself, I’m too this, I’m too that, yadda, yadda, yadda.” And to anyone who is feeling that way, I say: it doesn’t matter! Seriously! The only thing that matters is that you are having an absolute blast (and that you are doing the moves safely of course)!

When any of my students feel apprehensive about doing Zumba®, I tell them about a 60-something woman from Russia who would drop into my classes, which were mostly made up of college students. Most of the time, she was doing a completely different move than I was, but she always had a smile on her face. I didn’t care that she was doing her own thing, because she was enjoying herself and letting the music move her. I loved watching how liberated and free she was. She didn’t let her age or skill levels interfere with her experience; instead, she got out of her head, and danced from her heart. In my opinion, that’s what Zumba® is all about.

Regardless of where you are at on your fitness journey, Zumba® can be an excellent tool for brides-to-be. Whether you want to lose that extra cushion to fit perfectly into your dress, or just feel more sexy and confident about yourself, Zumba® puts you in touch with your body and reminds you that the more you love it, the better it will treat you. Besides using Zumba® as a means to boost your own confidence for the big day, Zumba® makes for a unique, amusing and memorable bachelorette party and provides a great way to bond with bridesmaids, mothers-in-law, and other honored guests of the wedding.

No matter how you would like to incorporate Zumba® into your life, just make sure you give it a try. I guarantee you will smile.

ZUMBA® and the Zumba Fitness logo are trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC, used under license

Two Of A Different Kind: Planning an Interfaith Wedding

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Alison in Featured, From the Expert, Jewish Traditions, Planning

We are honored to have a rock star cantor guest-blogging for The Wedding Yentas today! Cantor Debbi Ballard of My Personal Cantor is here to unmix any mix-ups you may feel if you’re planning a mixed wedding! If the man of your dreams isn’t Jewish or if you’re still getting the hang of the Big J, you might be feeling some stress or confusion. Relax and read on as Cantor Debbi provides you some nuggets of wisdom from her many years of officiating interfaith weddings!

Congratulations! The day you’ve dreamed of forever has finally arrived, and you are newly engaged! What joy! It is so much fun to choose the venue, flowers, music, and colors for that special day. There are so many choices to make, and so many ways to make your wedding day a reflection of your individual personalities, and you are having fun doing it! Well, at least it was fun, until one of your parents asked you the “Question” –
Mother # 1: “Of course, you will respect your heritage and have a Rabbi officiate at your wedding…right?”
Mother #2: “Fabulous! I’ll call the Pastor! The wedding will be so beautiful in the church you grew up in!”
(notice that inevitably – there is just the appropriate amount of guilt inserted in Mother #1’s request….)

OMG! What to do? How are you going to pull this one off? Colors? Easy. Music? You knew exactly what band/DJ you wanted from the minute he proposed! Venue? A few tastings, and extra calories to work off, and you’ve got a hot spot. But, how on earth are you going to please your mothers, and make this ceremony a fair representation of both of you?

I cannot tell you how many desperate emails I receive every day from brides and grooms who are ready to pull the plug on the whole wedding planning idea because they have found out that the problems they encounter seem insurmountable, and they have no idea where to turn.

I hear from people all the time: “Well, we took out all the Jewish and all the Christian, and came up with a beautiful ceremony.” Great, but that pretty much gives you a civil ceremony. Certainly you want something a little more special (or faith-full) than that?

You both came from different faiths, and those rituals and traditions that you always dreamed of having are important to you, perhaps not in your every day secular lives, but your grandparents and parents are counting on you “honoring” your faiths, and you owe it to them — and to yourselves — to do just that.

image-courtesy-of-borrowed-blue-photography

RELAX! I know your hearts are beating fast and your pulse is racing just at the thought of the conflict this process is going to entail. But, with a little bit of guidance, and a few very simple rules to follow, you can do it!

Let’s get one thing straight: in the world of interfaith weddings, there are no rules! You need an officiant who will embrace you — a couple from two different faiths, and all that goes along with that. Sure there are Rabbis/Cantors who will tolerate you and tell you what has to happen, but then again, there are others who believe, at their very core (yes, this is me!) that love is amazing, and because it’s no longer a given that love happens within the boundaries of our faiths, we should celebrate the love and unity of the couple, focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us. Therefore, rules, traditions, rituals, etc. are there for us to use as guides, not hard core must-dos. Many rituals and traditions of a Jewish wedding have specific biblical origin, but they also carry modern-day symbolism that you can incorporate as far less religious and way more meaningful today.

Planning what that ceremony looks like most definitely begins with that awesome officiant who is creative and open minded, but also eloquent and able to handle sensitive issues and questions from parents and inquiring relatives. (So many times, it’s an aunt or uncle who proves to be the most “interested” in how things are going to look).

Each ritual/tradition brings with it a biblical/religious meaning, but also a modern-day, spiritual interpretation. You can include biblical traditions such as the Seven Blessings, the chuppah, and the breaking of the glass by incorporating the meanings and relevance to our lives today, rather than the strong religious connotations it might have originally carried.

Often, my couples incorporate the Seven Blessings, but have their friends and family read seven custom-written blessings, rather than the biblical translation. Or, when I am co-officiating a wedding, I often sing the Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing), while my co-officiant leads the Lord’s Prayer. (Actually, the Lord’s Prayer is rooted in our Jewish prayer, The Kaddish, so they’re actually related!)

The important thing to remember about planning your interfaith wedding is that you want and need this day to be about your union, so you need to focus on the things that unite you, rather than divide you. From there, everything is possible to negotiate and navigate.

Of course, some more serious issues arise, such as the style of the processional, parents standing at the chuppah, whether a yarmulke (kippah, or head covering) is worn, and many other issues, but again, when you are focusing on what you want to create for your wedding, and making choices based on that desire, everything will work out.

But when it doesn’t, when things begin to break down, and you are feeling overwhelmed, remember that it is a day, not a lifetime. Have conversations about what you want your life to look like, and remember you are each others’ best friends. Look to your officiant for guidance, or enlist the help of resources like www.Interfaithfamily.com. I highly recommend Rabbi Devon Lerner’s book, Celebrating Interfaith Marriages, or just seek out advice from other brides on the web. You are not the first, nor will you be the last, but you absolutely can plan a beautiful, inclusive, and original interfaith wedding! Enjoy the process, and most of all, have fun!

After more than 20 years in corporate management, Cantor Debbi Ballard decided to pursue the passions of her heart, and combine her love for music, faith, and people into the most rewarding career of her life! Today, as a Cantor specializing in performing Jewish and Interfaith weddings, you might find her officiating a ceremony in Florida, The Caribbean, Mexico, or even on top of a mountain! Debbi is known throughout the world for creating personalized, spiritual ceremonies, filled with warmth and passion. Her deep sensitivity for people, eloquence, and dynamic personality, help her create wedding ceremonies her clients and guests remember for a lifetime! Visit Cantor Ballard online at www.mypersonalcantor.com.

Q & A: Queen Of The Hamsas

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Alison in From the Expert

The Hamsa Queen, Jenni of Lea Joelle Handmade is here to give us a little behind-the-scenes of her wonderful world of Hamsas. And she loves The Wedding Yentas so much, not only is she divulging her deepest, darkest Hamsa-making secrets, but she’s offering a giveaway! Just in time for Chanukah, read on to find out about this cute-and-yummy prize that’s waiting for a winner! Is it you?

The Wedding Yentas: Hi Jenni! Tell us about your love for Hamsas?
Lea Joelle Handmade: I love Hamsas! I have ever since my first trip to Israel. They were everywhere! In so many sizes, colors, and designs. I had already learned of the Hamsa when I studied Kabbalah for a short period of time back in college, but never connected with it so much before.

TWY: There are many interpretations behind the meaning of the Hamsa. What do you think of when you think about this beautiful symbol?
LJH: When I realized that the Hamsa is used in so many different cultures, including Judaism and Islam, it became even more special to me. As a religion major at Rutgers University, I studied many different religions and cultures, and very often the conflicts between them. So, to see a symbol that united so many of them is very moving. To me they represent peace and the universal desire for divine luck and protection.

TWY: Like so many symbols in Judaism, there are multiple meanings and interpretations. I like that. So, what’s your art background?
LJH: My art background begins with being a kid who always preferred crayons to sports. I’ve always taken classes in school and outside of school that taught me different forms of art and I often expanded on that on my own.

TWY: What would you say your artistic style is?
LJH: I think that the style I use on my Hamsas is very modern, cute, and fun. There are a million Hamsas out there, but most are very traditional. I like to use the shape to make a more personal piece of art.

TWY: That’s my style too. So, how did you get into the business of creating artistic Hamsas?
LJH: When planning my wedding, I immediately knew I wanted to give Hamsas as favors to my guests. But how? I looked high and low for an afforable and personal way to do this. It didn’t take long before I thought to make them myself! This way they could be as personalized as I wanted. I enjoyed making them so much I did not want to stop. I found a great place to share my passion on Etsy.

TWY: Etsy is amazing for artists of handmade goods. Can you tell us what materials you use?
LJH: I use mostly wooden Hamsas. I prefer using wood because it is easy to paint and personalize. Also, they are very lightweight and do not break so they are perfect for wall hangings. It is also the best material to use to make affordable gifts and favors. As you can see in my shop, I do like to experiment though!

TWY: How long does it take you to complete a project?
LJH: It depends on the size of the project, but since I work full-time at a small charity in Brooklyn, I usually complete my projects over a couple of evenings. Once I get started on a project, I don’t like to stop!

TWY: Ah, the beauty of being your own boss! I know it’s hard to choose just one, but what’s been your most favorite project to work on?
LJH: I love, love making Hamsa wishing tree tags. I think the idea of the wishing tree for special events such as weddings and showers are so beautiful. Guests write a short message of well wishes or advice on the back of each Hamsa and hang them on a tree provided by the host. You are left with a tree full of brightly decorated, unique and extremely personalized Hamsas! They are beautiful! I recently received an order for the Hamsa tags for a mother using them to build a family tree!

TWY:Keeping the Hamsa theme, what are the different items you make? I know keychains are what started you off, but what else do you create with hamsas?
LJH: There are so many ways to use the Hamsas. Right now I make everything from the wishing tree tags mentioned above, to wine glass markers, rearview mirror ornaments, magnets, and wall decor. I recently made a felt Hamsa for my kitten to play with! Even animals need a little good luck!

TWY: Awww, cute! What are some decorating suggestions you have for displaying your creations?
LJH: I personally have a collection of Hamsas when you enter my apartment. They belong in any room, on your keys, in your car and in your office! These mini flower pot Hamsas with Business Prayer are an adorable way to make your cubicle feel like home!

TWY: That’s a fabulous idea! So, are you running any kind of special promotions for the upcoming holidays?
LJH: Yes! I am offering $1 shipping worldwide through the end of the year! Also, please use code “YENTA10” for an additional 10% off your entire purchase!

TWY: How nice of you! How can people place orders?
LJH: Please check out my etsy shop online. You can also contact me by email leajoelle462@gmail.com.

TWY: Finally, what would be your dream project?
LJH: My dream project is to make Hamsa key chain favors for a celebrity wedding! Each guest would take home a handmade Hamsa key chain personalized with the couple’s name and wedding date! Perhaps it could then be publicized and more people would learn what a Hamsa is and it’s beautiful symbolism.

Enter to win a masterpiece of Hamsa creations! Lea Joelle Handmade and The Wedding Yentas are giving away a set of wine glass tags and a gift certificate to BevMo so that you’ll celebrate in style this Chanukah season! The winner will receive four Hamsa Wine glass charms/markers with the tree of life design! These are made to order so if you prefer different colors, you can customize your palette upon claiming your prize. The Hamsas are 2 inches long and hang from 1″ silver hoops that will fit any stemmed and/or handled glass. Let your guests have their own identity at your party for a night of luck in friendship, good food, and maybe even love! The BevMo gift card will make sure your glass is not only cute, but full!

How to Enter:
Leave a comment below for one entry.
Leave a comment and mention the giveaway on The Wedding Yentas Facebook page for one entry.
Leave a comment and mention the giveaway on the Lea Joelle Handmade Facebook page for one entry.

The more entries in your name, the more chances you have to win! Sweepstakes ends Thursday, December 15 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, December 16.

Good luck!

Love As Sweet As Candy

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Alison in From the Expert, Inside Scoop, Planning

The Wedding Yentas recently had a chit-chat with Jackie Sorkin of Custom Candy Buffets and Dessert Bars and just like the treats she provides, this top-notch wedding pro was sweet and fun, and we’re excited to share our exchange here! Jackie has sweetened up some of the biggest wedding events in history and also provides buffets for corporate functions and celebrities! We’ve all seen the candy buffet trend explode all over the wedding circuit that keeps guests excited to party hard at your reception. Sugar will do that to you! So keep on reading to learn just how to make sure your confections at your soiree are as sweet as your kisses under the chuppah!

custom-candy-buffets

The Wedding Yentas: Welcome to The Wedding Yentas, Jackie! Tell us about how you got your start in the business.

Custom Candy Buffets: I love things that are pretty and candy certainly is that! I began creating custom candy creations for clients’ events and they were received so well that I thought, “There is something to this candy thing.” Then I began doing more and more event shows and expos and, since I am so competitive, I wanted all the attendees at my booth chatting with me and giving me the opportunity to earn their businesses! So, I created some really great Custom Candy Buffet Bars and just like that, I won! My booths were always swamped with guests and people flipped for my candy.

TWY: So, candy buffets started to pop up around wedding receptions about three years ago. Is this trend still going strong?

CCB: We certainly think this trend will stick around for a long time coming! People have actually been enjoying candy stations for quite sometime now. I remember when I attended Bat & Bar Mitzvahs many moons ago the candy station was always a huge hit with the kids, but even more so with the adults! Now you see them at all types of events from weddings to corporate events and they are great for marketing promotions, too.

TWY: There’s enough food and sweets at a typical wedding reception. Between the hors d’oeuvres, entrees, wedding cake, and of course that open bar, why should a bride and groom choose to also have a candy bar at their wedding?

CCB: Weddings are a fantastic place for a candy buffet especially when the bride and groom would like guests to give something to take away with them. Candy buffets also are a super fun DIY favor, a great conversation piece, and can enhance the events’ decor, often adding a fun, whimsical touch.

TWY: So what’s the best way to set up a candy buffet? Do you start with your color palette? And obviously, the whole set up has to look great. Almost as great as the bride, right?

CCB: The bride always outshines every person, place, and thing on her wedding day! We like to start with design consultations, or as we call them, candy consults. We create inspiration boards and discuss theme and color schemes as well.

TWY: Is there such thing as too much? What’s the perfect amount of candy for a guest list of, say, 200 people?

CCB: This is such a popular question and we simply say, Go Big! More is always merrier when it comes to candy! For 200 guests, a nice variety is encouraged and of course the type of candy you will have will always depend on the color scheme you select.

TWY: What else besides candy do you need for a successful candy buffet?

CCB: Great Decor!

TWY: Brides normally do a DIY candy bar. How should they shop for the candy selections?

CCB: To each her own. As they say, “there are no rules in Candy Land.” Every budget is different, too, so determining how much you’d like to spend on your candy buffet will also determine the types of candy you purchase.

TWY: Is there a must-have candy that belongs in every wedding candy buffet?

CCB: Gummy candy, sours or chocolate.

TWY: You get around to some of the coolest weddings and events! Tell us about one of your favorite set ups.

CCB: We’ve created some fabulous events for Oprah and her staff at her new network OWN. We created a colorful tropical candy buffet, a vintage circus, and have created some super cute custom candy baskets too! I mean it’s OPRAH and everything she and her staff does is fabulous!

TWY: Speaking of set ups, do couples have to provide their own canisters or do you rent them for the event?

CCB: Our services are all inclusive. Our clients do not have to bother with anything at their event. We make everyone’s life easy! We design, create, set up, maintain the candy buffet, clean up, and pick up once it’s all over.

TWY: I’m sure there are now couples that are craving some sugar at their weddings after reading this! Do you travel? Where do you go? Are you rackin’ up the frequent flyer miles?

CCB: We are nationwide and YES, we fly and ship and do it all!

TWY: What are the hottest and trendiest candies to feature at a candy buffet?

CCB: I find that people flip for sour candy like sour belts, Sour Patch Kids, sour apple rings, etc.

TWY: What are your favorite color schemes or styles?

CCB: I LOVE a fabulous colorful candy buffet — think rainbow colors. It looks fantastic every time!

TWY: What are some candy buffet no-nos?

CCB: Think about the weather. If it’s too hot you should limit the types of candy that will melt, like chocolates and caramels and even some gummy candy will melt with extreme heat. Be careful when selecting containers. Some may look fantastic, but the are not functional so guests will have a hard time trying to reach the candy in the containers. Always keep it clean and sanitary. Our Candy Girls (Attendants) assist guests with selections and keep everything looking fantastic throughout your event.

TWY: Is it good to feature a variety? Is it okay to have some chocolate, some sour, some sugary, some salty? Or, is it better to stick with one kind of taste palette?

CCB: This depends on your candy vision. A variety is always good but some colors are more challenging to source candy for.

TWY: I’m a chocolate girl. I also dig a good gummy animal — worm, bear — I don’t discriminate. What’s your favorite candy?

CCB: Ummm, kind of hard to answer but I’ll say … jelly beans (the old school kind).

TWY: You take out ALL the calories in all your candy bar set ups, right?? RIGHT????? 🙂

CCB: OH YES! We tell our clients, “Our candy makes you skinny, pretty, and popular so eat up!”

custom-candy-buffets

Jackie Sorkin is Hollywood’s resident candy girl and creator of custom candy bars to the stars. But she’s so much more! Jackie is a mom and business woman who is building her candy empire. Jackie and her company, Custom Candy Buffets has a reality show and product lines all in the works. People seem to also enjoy the ridiculous photos of her baby, Bella, The Heiress to the candy empire. Jackie Sorkin loves candy and her little girl, giving a whole new meaning to Sugar Mama.

Honeymooning 101

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Alison in From the Expert, Inside Scoop, Planning

You may as well pack your e-bags and put on your “Just Married” flip flops because we’re about to take you on a tour of honeymoon options and locations. No airline fees, no mini hotel shampoos, and no layovers to your final destination — just your computer, your excitement, and The Yentas! It’s exciting to bring on Runya Simon, a Honeymoon Planning Specialist who is a newlywed herself and is expecting her first baby! You may remember her gorgeous day we featured in Real Weddings! Enjoy!

just-married-getaway-car

Wedding planning can be quite a megillah: so many florists to meet, so many cakes to taste, and many gorgeous gowns to try on! While you are over the moon with excitement and busy hashing out all the details, don’t forget that after you say “I do” and after you dance your little tushie off at your reception, you and your honey will get that much needed alone time and relaxation on your very own vacation made for two: your honeymoon!!

There are many ideas of the derivation of the term “honeymoon,” one of which can be found in the Merriam-Webster dictionary that dates back to 1546: “the idea that the first month of marriage is the sweetest,” and in Hebrew it translates to “yerach d’vash,” or honey month.

With iPhones, Blackberries, computers, and iPads sadly taking over our everyday lives, going on a honeymoon is not only a chance to take the much-awaited trip with your honey and escape work and life’s responsibilities, but it’s also a way to truly unplug from the hustle and bustle and focus on your new life together as husband and wife. It’s also pretty awesome to bask in the glory with all the travel perks that come along with being newlyweds!

Couples always ask me when they should plan and book their “moon” and my answer is always right away. The ring is on your finger, the date and venue have been booked, so start thinking about the type of trip you want to take and when. Most traditional honeymoon locations book up and you want to stay ahead of the game and make sure you get exactly what you are looking for! Depending on the departure date of your honeymoon, be sure to prepare as best you can for the upcoming trip.

This is not just any old vacation; you have many things on your mind and wedding plans that are coming to fruition. So make yourself a checklist and ask these simple questions: Is my passport up to date? Do I need travel shots? Do I have the right wardrobe? Should I pack before or after the wedding? Should I wear my sparkler of a ring, or play it safe with a simple band? Your honeymoon planning should be totally stress-free, so don’t wait until the last minute to plan. Pamper yourself and use an expert honeymoon travel agent, such as myself, to help you with every detail to make this the dreamiest “moon” that’s all about you: the happy couple!

deposit-a-gift-honeymoon-registry

Honeymoons have evolved over the years and I am here to tell you that it’s 100% acceptable to break the mold! Your “moon” should be special and specific to whatever you want it to be. There are no rules that apply! Traditionally, the couple leaves on their honeymoon the following day or two after the wedding, but this is not necessarily the case anymore. Couples are now carefully taking into consideration where they want to go, what they want out of their “moon” (besides just alone time, wink wink), and what time of year they want to make this sweet trip! Depending on the locale that you choose, you may need to wait a few month. Let’s be honest: if you get married in December/January and your dream honeymoon is a trip to Alaska, it’s probably not the best time to visit the land of glaciers and salmon. Likewise, if your wedding is planned for July and you love the idea of visiting Australia, you probably have forgotten that it’s mid-winter there! It’s okay to wait. You have waited so long to find your soul mate, and have patiently waited for your turn down the aisle, so it’s all right to take your time and plan your perfect honeymoon!

Your honeymoon doesn’t have to be completely paid for out of your own pocket either! Register for memories that will last a lifetime with a honeymoon registry! This is a popular option for couples that would like to add experiences to their gift list: great as a stand-alone registry or to complement a traditional one. A honeymoon registry lets you create a unique gift list of all the parts of your dream vacation, such as the fantasy suite you’ve had your eye on, relaxing massages, romantic dinners, and exciting excursions.

It works perfectly whether or not you know exactly where you want to go because the gifts are virtual and you receive the cash to use when you’re ready, however you like. Deposit a Gift is a perfect option for a honeymoon registry because of how user-friendly it is it is for you and guests: they offer pre-made lists for easy set-up (look for the blue ‘Rapid Registry’ button!), accept credit cards, and even offer a customer service number in case granny gets fermished.

Here’s how it works:

Users make gift registries just like people do with a traditional store registry, using a database of images or by clicking on a pre-made list.
Guests choose a gift to purchase, finding the right price point for their budget. They are not actually buying the present, but it feels more personal than sending a check. The money gets deposited into the recipient’s Deposit a Gift account.
When users are ready to spend the money, they cash-out in the form of check, VISA gift card or direct deposit.

deposit-a-gift-honeymoon-registry

My husband and I got married in the month of March, yet we dreamed of a Greek/Mediterranean honeymoon, but we soon found that our “moon” would have to wait until June in order to have optimal weather and other tourism factors, so three months later, still newlyweds, we embarked on a wonderful Mediterranean Cruise adventure which we will never forget. Two days after the wedding we were lucky enough to escape to Maui for just a few relaxing days in paradise to unwind and enjoy our “Just Married” status (Brides, I know you want to wear your Mrs. ____ Juicy track suit on the plane!). If you choose this postponed honeymoon, you can always get away for a night, use air miles to go somewhere not too far from home, or drive to some romantic location for a few nights, all while your official honeymoon awaits you! If you are a traditionalist and must go on your honeymoon the day or two following your wedding — you go girl (and guy)! When and where you plan to celebrate the sweetness of your new nuptials doesn’t matter as long as you’re both happy. Whether it’s on a white sandy beach in paradise, or amongs lions and tigers on an African safari, you will be snuggled close with your beshert!

Honeymooning with your honey will be the icing on the cake, the cat’s meow and the bee’s knees! Saying “I do” is just the start to the many adventures you will have together, so don’t let your honeymoon be just an afterthought! This trip marks the newlywed phase of marriage and should you have a little too much fun “honeymooning,” you will soon need to book a Babymoon — but that is a whole other type of trip that we can discuss when the time is right!

Mazel tov and happy travels!

Runya Simon is a Honeymoon and Wedding Travel Specialist. Just like a wedding coordinator helps your wedding dreams come true, she assists you with every step of planning and booking the “moon” of your dreams. Runya is based in Los Angeles, but can help jet-setting brides and grooms everywhere. Her vast knowledge and passion for travel make her your ideal honeymoon coordinator. You can email her with questions and reservations at runya.simon@gmail.com. Runya is looking forward to hearing from you! Enjoy the rest of your planning!