Top 8 Most Creative Destination Weddings

Posted on January 28, 2010 by Beachhouse.com2010-01-28T12:23:16+00:00

A growing number of couples are opting out of traditional church weddings in favor of something a bit more extreme. Destination weddings are truly events that will never be forgotten. They allow couples to say “I do” under the most creative situations they can dream up.

Photo: Melanie Bowlen

Take a look at these 8 memorable destination wedding ideas.

Scuba beach wedding—Why not get married with the dolphins and other marine wildlife? A beach wedding lets couples tie the knot about 30 feet from the water. These weddings are popular in Hawaii, California, Florida and other beautiful beach destinations. Of course, if you want to get married underwater, both you and your spouse must be certified divers. Talk about taking the plunge!

Skydiving wedding—If the idea of jumping out of an airplane, exchanging your vows in mid air, and opening your parachute for a (hopefully) smooth landing sounds fun to you, then maybe you should consider a skydiving wedding. This wedding definitely isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s certainly creative and memorable. Daring couples only need apply.

Medieval wedding—Are you and your spouse fans of the Middle Ages? Medieval weddings allow you to embrace your inner renaissance man as you dress in unique period attire and enjoy a medieval feast at your reception. A word of advice: Leave the swords at home.
Hawaiian luau wedding—Do you love the mystical beauty of the Hawaiian culture? Have you always dreamed of having scantily clad men and women dance at your wedding? If so, Hawaiian luaus are an exciting and memorable way to get hitched…. especially because they often take place on the beach at night. If you value your facial hair though, you might want to stay away from the fire breathers.

Photo: Melanie Bowlen

Roller coaster wedding—Warning: Do not eat before your roller coaster wedding. Even the best destination wedding photographer can’t take a beautiful picture if the wedding party is losing their lunch during the ceremony. Saying “I do” while blazing around a roller coaster, turning upside down, and plunging from hundreds of feet in the air is truly an extreme destination wedding. Beware of whiplash.

Waterfall wedding—One of the most romantic destination weddings a couple can have is at the base of a beautiful waterfall. There’s just something about waterfalls that is magical, right? And they make for gorgeous wedding photos too. The good news is you can even stay on dry ground and just use the waterfall as a backdrop. This is perfect for the couple looking for a unique yet timid destination wedding.
Volcano wedding—Nothing says “I love you” like hot molten lava and smoke, but many couples have enjoyed volcano weddings. These weddings often take place in the South Pacific, and they usually feature wedding guests dressed in traditional island wear (grass skirts, feathers, etc.). Just make sure the volcano you choose isn’t too active.
Hot air balloon wedding—A wedding in a hot air balloon allows you to peacefully glide over the landscape with the one you love. It’s an extreme wedding destination to be sure, but hot air balloon weddings are much calmer and less dangerous than many of the other ideas in this list.

Have you been to a creative destination wedding? Share your experience in the replies!

Authors Bio: Melanie Bowlen is a creative destination wedding photographer with over 8 years of experience in the wedding and travel industries. She has a true passion for capturing people’s emotions in an artistic way.

Beachhouse.com’s Clients in the News!

Posted on January 21, 2010 by Beachhouse.com2015-10-20T14:03:30+00:00

Island’s End #671, Hatteras Island, North Carolina

A January 7^th USA Today article which examined the optimal times to book a range of vacations, from cruises to European trips, found that the best time to book a vacation rental home is early – at least 6 months in advance.

“Vacation rentals tend to offer great value, especially for larger groups looking for a kitchen for cooking and extra space to spread out,” reported Christine Sarkis of SmarterTravel.com. “Best of all, they come in all shapes and prices, providing hundreds of ways to build a dream vacation within budget whether you’re headed for a mountain lodge, an oceanfront cottage, or an urban condo.”

Shooting Star #685, Salvo, North Carolina

According to TJ Mahony, CEO and co-founder of SmarterTravel’s sister site FlipKey, in popular destinations, you’re better off starting your rental search at least six months in advance, as being the early bird ensures the best selection and the best homes.

On Hatteras Island and the Outer Banks, where the majority of vacation rental homes can be booked up to 51 weeks in advance, booking early is key since the demand for summer and shoulder season vacations is high.

Surf or Sound Realty on Hatteras Island has found that booking early ensures that guests retain the best selection of amenities that are suited for their vacation needs. “Our homes offer a wide variety of amenities, from game rooms and theater rooms to handicapped

South Beach #306, Rodanthe, North Carolina

accessible features and oceanfront to soundfront locations,” says Ann Wood, Beachhouse.com client and Marketing Director of Surf or Sound Realty. ”Every family is different, and has their own unique personalized interpretation of the perfect vacation. By booking early, our guests have a wide selection to choose from, and can find the vacation rental home with the amenities that best fit their idea of a dream vacation home.”

Vacation rental home websites, like www.Beachhouse.com, are also making it easier for web browsers to search by specific amenities, price ranges, and locations, and get a thorough description of the home through photos, interactive floor plans, and customized brochures.

Help Those Affected by the Haiti Earthquake

Posted on January 13, 2010 by Beachhouse.com2010-09-09T15:00:52+00:00

Damaged buildings resulting from the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean nation of Haiti (Photo: Pan-African News Wire)

On Tuesday, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, which was already one of the Western hemisphere’s poorest countries. In and around Port-au-Prince, where the quake was centered, entire towns that are in shambles, affecting the 1.8 million prople living in the area.

The country will need a tremendous ammount of aid in order to help those who were injured, displaced or lost loved ones in the tragedy. Here are some ways you can help:

The American Red Cross is donating an initial $200,000 to assist communities that were affected. They plan to provide immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support. You can make a donation through their International Response Fund.
UNICEF issued a statement that “Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them.” Make a donation for relief for children in Haiti via their Haiti Earthquake Fund or by calling 1-800-4UNICEF
People carry an injured person after an earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tuesday - The largest earthquake ever recorded in the area (Photo: AP Photo/Radio Tele Ginen)
If you want to donate through Wyclef Jean‘s foundation, Yele Haiti, text “Yele” to 501501 and $5 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through the organization.

Save The Children has launched an emergency relief effort for Haiti. Click here to Donate to their fund to provide medical attention and clean water to children and families.

International Medical Corps is assembling a team of first responders and resources to provide lifesaving medical care and other emergency services to survivors of the earthquake. Donate to the International Medical Corps through their 24-hour hotline at 1-800-481-4462

Ben Stiller’s Stillerstrong campaign will be temporarily diverting all donations to support the Haiti relief effort.

Oxfam is rushing in teams from around the region to respond to the situation to provide clean water, shelter, sanitation and help people recover. To help their efforts, Donate to Oxfam America online.

Kamikaze Iguanas

Posted on January 7, 2010 by Beachhouse.com2010-09-09T15:01:09+00:00

Fallen Iguana - Photo: AP

When the usually sunshiny state of Florida’s temperatures dipped into the 30′s early this morning, it caused an unusual weather related phenomena. But it wasn’s snow that was falling – it was…iguanas?

No, this isn’t a page out of some sick Sci-Fi creator’s mind. It’s sad but true.

Iguanas, like most reptiles, are cold blooded and are therefore dependent on environmental heat sources – mostly the sun – to warm their bodies. When the temperature drops low enough, their bodies go into a state of shock. In order to conserve energy, the iguanas body functions - all but the heart – switches off and blood flow is cut to a minimum, causing the little guys to lose their grip on branches and fall from the trees.

Don’t worry – they’re not dead, it’s almost as if they have fallen asleep. Once the temperatures rise most of these little guys will be just fine.

The Day 3 HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY WINNER is:

Posted on January 4, 2010 by Beachhouse.com2010-01-04T12:41:57+00:00

Congratulations

Steve Slaughter!

(Steve was the first to correctly submitted the answer to part 1 of our question – and since nobody guessed part 2 of our question, he’s the winner!)

The correct answer to our Dec. 23rd Trivia question was:

Part 1: Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta’s Our Lady of Guadalupe church is one of the most recognized buildings in Puerto Vallarta’s skyline – named after “Our Lady of Guadalupe day” celebrated ion December 12^th

Part 2: Property ID#19543

Property ID#19543 – Villa Tesoro Del Mar‘s name translates to: ”Sea Treasure”

*********************************************************************

Steve submitted the right answer & has won Beachhouse.com’s Deluxe Swag Package, including:

Beachhouse.com Logo T-Shirt
Beachhouse.com Embroidered Logo Collared T-Shirt
Beachhouse.com Logo Sweatshirt
Beachhouse.com Logo Beach Towel
Deluxe High-Back Reclining Beach Chair

CONGRATULATIONS to everyone else who submitted the correct answer!

And to everyone who played, THANK YOU!