Valentine’s Day. The most romantic day of the year to say “I DO.”  Marriage is the union of two lives and two hearts forever in love.  What could be more romantic than getting married on Valentine’s Day on a tropical island?   Just ask Kim and Eloy.  They tied the knot in Ambergris Caye, Belize on Valentine’s day!  I call them true romantics.

A very special message from the groom right before the wedding

“I found happiness, laughter, strength, tears, faith in God, and true love! True love was something I could only dream of until I met you. I look forward to continuing our life together as one. Our connection all along was to be here today in beautiful Belize for our wedding day!” (words from Eloy’s vows)

Love was in the air.  Hearing Kim’s excitement in her voice early in the day gave me the chills.  I can’t express in words how happy and excited I was for Kim and Eloy.  I met Kim several years ago through my good friend Shannon who frequents Belize.  When Kim and Eloy contacted me to plan their big day with them I was flattered and thrilled that they chose Belize. When Kim was asked why she and Eloy decided to elope Kim told us“We decided to elope together because it seemed the least stressful.  We love to travel, and most of our very special and most meaningful moments together have been when we’ve traveled.  Plus we prefer to not have a whole lot of distractions, and it seemed ideal for romance for it to be just the two of us.”

“You are the yin to my yang. You are the calm to my storm. You’ve captured my heart and now my heart belongs to you.” Kim expresses her love in her personalized vows to Eloy

The ceremony and wedding location at the incredibly beautiful Captain Morgan’s Retreat was beautiful.  Kim is a beautiful woman and truly a stunning bride in her gorgeous gown.  Her handsome groom also looked first class. After the ceremony Kim, Eloy, Ari, Dorian (witness #1), photographer Jose Luis and assistant celebrated with Valentines wedding cupcakes as a gift from I DO Belize Weddings, champagne from their friend Shannon,  followed by pictures and a romantic dinner for two.

Rain is unusual in February yet Kim and Eloy experienced a light mist of rain after their ceremony.  It was towards the end of taking pictures. Did you know that rain happens to be good luck on a wedding day?  Rain is said to be a symbol of children in the future just as rain promotes growth in the farmer’s fields.  According to an old wives’ tale, the knot in “tying the knot” becomes wet and is harder to break, thus making the marriage stronger.

Kim and Eloy’s special day was filled with romance and beauty.  I hope you enjoy the photographs as much as I do!  Thank you to Jose Luis Zapata Photography for capturing the newleywed’s beautiful memories.  You may read more about Kim & Eloy’s wedding in paradise featured in the Ambergris Today.  http://www.ambergristoday.com/content/stories/2011/february/16/saying-i-do-valentine%E2%80%99s-day

Congratulations and much love to Kim & Eloy Alderete!

Green Wedding Tips by I DO Belize Weddings

It’s no surprise that Eco-friendly Belize attracts more than those interested in an environmentally friendly vacation.  With the growing trend of “Green Weddings” Belize is one of the world’s top green destination wedding locations.  Why Go Green? Small eco-friendly choices can decrease your wedding’s impact on the environment without sacrificing style or elegance.  Even with one or two green options you’ll be making a difference for the earth and increasing the joy of your day.

Welcome Baskets. For those of you thinking about gift baskets for your guests upon arrival consider beach bags!  One item that gets thrown out after the goodies are gone is the gift basket.  Do you really expect your guests to lug an empty basket back to the States with them?  Unfortunately off to the landfill they usually go.  Beach bags or gift bags are versatile, and can be easily packed into a suitcase.  Fill the bags with goodies like Belizean jams, jellies, spices, hot sauces, and rum cake.

Kay Scott Photography

Wedding Yoga. We hope you’re planning an “I DO Belize Wedding” and that our prompt detailed responses, suggestions, and bridal calls are keeping you from feeling stressed.  We want you to have fun planning your big day but let’s face it…combine wedding planning, bridal magazines, websites, dress shopping, invitations, and getting advice from friends and family all of the details before your wedding day can naturally feel totally overwhelming.   The physical yoga poses, breathing exercises, and meditations are the perfect way to self-navigate into excellent physical and emotional health, and a state of inner calm and relaxation.  Try just ten poses two to three times a week to notice a difference.  If you’re new to yoga pick up a yoga for beginners book or try a gentle yoga class.

Invitations and paper. It’s very exciting that so many print companies are finally starting to use post- consumer products to create beautiful invitations, programs, and personal stationary! Weddings can generate a huge amount of paper consumption, so give careful thought to items that can be reduced. Use recycled paper wherever possible for wedding invitations; most companies can offer this option. Also consider treeless paper made from materials such as bamboo, hemp and kenaf.  Emily Anderson, author of “ecochic weddings” blog, has a few suggestions for eco-friendly invitations and printing.  http://bit.ly/7yI6J

Invitation by The Green Kangaroo

Here are some of our favorite Eco-friendly invitation companies that use recycled paper, invitations made from tree free Kozo papers, & papers made using wind energy that are carbon neutral, and FSC certified.

www.tgkdesigns.com

www.writestyleinvites.com

www.greenfieldpaper.com

www.oftheearth.org

Flowers. Use local native flowers!  Many traditional wedding flowers have to be imported to island destinations.  Transportation and care of these flowers requires extra resources.  If you’re lucky enough to marry here in Belize our native flowers are some of the most beautiful tropical flowers in the world!  Plus, you’ll be saving a lot of money using local verses imported flowers.

Conch Creative Photography

Jewelry.   North America contributes $16 billion a year into the jewelry market that could be infused into the green economy through the purchase of socially and environmentally responsible jewelry. Eco-conscious jewelers use recycled stones and metals, as well as ethically sourced diamonds, gems and metals to create breathtaking and unique items. Family heirlooms, vintage pieces, or handmade items are also sustainable, and often less expensive options to consider.

Transportation. Eliminate the vehicles.  Choose a reception venue that’s walkable from the ceremony.  In Belize there are plenty of breathtaking beach locations where you can hold both your ceremony and reception.

Favors. Yes!  Favors can be earth friendly too.   Often people come up with very cute favors which unfortunately guests don’t end up using. Chelsea Clinton gave reusable tote bags that they can use in place of paper or plastic for grocery shopping.  Imagine how cute would tropical personalized grocery totes be!

Chelsea Clinton’s pick for “simple and special favors”

Photo provided by Party Blue Prints

Eco-friendly flip flops make great wedding favors that guests can take home and wear again.  Look for flip flops made from natural materials like rubber, jute, or hemp.  Roxy makes a line of these flip flops starting at $9/pair.

Socially conscious donations in place of favors seem especially appropriate for the green bride. Pick a worthy association (something important to you), and notify the guests on pretty cards of handmade paper.  Consider places such as Nature Conservancy, Green Peace, Rainforest Network, Earth First, Farm Sanctuary, or even a Belize wildlife or reef preservation such as Green Reef or Belize Ecotourism Association.  Plantable seed content makes a cute and budget friendly addition! (which leads us to our next eco-favor.

Plantable eco-friendly place cards favors are a hit!  Beach theme seed place cards serve a decorative, a wedding favor and place card all in one!  These “Please be seeded” place cards perfect for a beach wedding and only run around $2.00 each!   Arranged seating not your style?  Reusable tins with plantable seeds and a saying is sure way to make a statement.  “Happiness held is the seed; happiness shared is the flower” -Anon.

Now what? Decided to make your Belize wedding an eco-friendly themed wedding day?  Contact I DO Belize Weddings today to learn more and start planning.

Candice and Robert re-tied the knot in San Pedro, Belize at the beautiful Coco Beach Resort.  We were thrilled to be part of this beautiful couples special five year island anniversary celebration.

Candice and Robert held a private beach BBQ reception on the beach and celebrated with 8 of their family members

Photography: Kay Scott Photography

Lara Lennon redefines swimwear with her one-of-a-kind creations from her line Lemon Crush.

Lara launched Lemon Crush at Moondancer Boutique on August 4, 2009.   The Costa Maya pageant delegates modeled the spectacular designer swimwear in style and the event was a complete success.  People were lined up in the streets to check out the swimwear!  These incredible suits with hand selected vintage jewelry even come in a beautiful Belizean hardwood box!

Wear a designer suit made in Belize on your wedding or honeymoon trip in Belize!  Visit Lemon Crush Belize for more details!  http://www.lemoncrushbelize.com

Congratulations and what a spectacular night!  Roland and Margo celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a classy island style celebration at the spectacular Blue Dolphin private beach home.  Plenty of entertainment filled the night including a live Marimba band , surprise fire show with live clay drums that wow-ed  the guests, and an incredible catered dinner. With an incredible island style dinner no one went hungry!  For starters guests enjoyed traditional shrimp cocktail, Beef Empanadas, Island Style Fritters with Mango Glaze, Sweet n Spicy Mustard Sauce, or a tangy cream sauce. Guests enjoyed multiple main entrees which included a Rib Eye Roast in a savory wine sauce, Lobster, Crab Claw, and Spanish Chicken with vegetables along with a mixed garden salad in a citrus vinigrette and Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes.  The anniversary couple cut the first slice of Deep Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosted Cake again after 50 years of marriage!

Their son and daughter-in-law Jay and Jen married that same night at midnight barefoot on the beach!!  The night was full of celebrations.   Congratulations to one of the most fun and special family ever.  We hope to see you one day in Belize again!

Happy One Year Anniversary Dani and Leon!

Married one year ago this week on October 25, 2007 at the Palm House Beach Villa of South Ambergris Caye.

Dani and Leon return to paradise in celebration of their one year wedding anniversary.  This trip they decided to relax on the north end of the island.

Thank you for keeping in touch with us this past year Dani and Leon.  It was a pleasure to spend time with you and see you here in Belize!  See you next year!!

(photos from anniversary in Belize to follow)