Michigan beach weddings

best seafood on the island. Beach Lovers: Beach yourselves on Playa Sol, Playa Norte's quieter neighbor. Pleasure Trip: Visit the new museum profiling pirate Fermin Mundaca. Nearby, pay your respects to Ixchel, the moon goddess, whose temple lies in magnificent ruins above the sea. After Dark: End the day as nature intended, with only the stars, the moon and each other. Riviera Maya Caribbean waters caress 75 miles of silky white sand along the Riviera Maya. Roll out of bed, pull up a pair of Beach lounges, and see where the day takes you. It might lead to Playa del Carmen, the region's ultra-hip hub lined with shops and restaurants, or to the

for LUXE Destination Weddings, a consulting firm and travel agency. "Destination Weddings require excess travel, so there is definitely a concern about how we are placing our footprints in the sand." Soloway and other event coordinators suggest compensating for those flights through the purchase of carbon offsets.a donation to companies that invest in renewable energy. You can calculate the greenhouse gas emissions of your wedding event at sites likeNativeEnergy.com/Portovert andTerraPass.com and then purchase the offsets that will ensure a carbon neutral experience. These calculators also add up the impact of your hotel stay, which

all ages love to play on the beach, swim and build sand castles". Caribbean all-inclusives are also great for families who treasure sun, sand, surf and kids clubs. In Mexico, Cancúd the surrounding Riviera Maya offer great beaches and a mix of cultural activities, while U.S. destinations like Orlando and San Diego promise theme parks along with fun in the sun. Wherever you decide to go, be sure to compare pricing for family vs. wedding and honeymoon packages, as these tend to differ a lot. Fun For Everyone These days, resorts worldwide provide a range of programs geared toward children and teens, so your kids will be entertained, and you'll have

or researching destination weddings, Beverly's free Wedding Tips will help. Get wedding tips on everything from packing to the honeymoon, and you can even download and print them easily. The New Breed of Registries By Susan Campbell If crystal goblets and sterling flatware aren't your style, and your linen closet simply can't hold another sheet or tablecloth, take a look at the latest crop of alternatives to traditional retail lists. A honeymoon registry, or one that supports a cause, may well prove to be the best gift of all. Once upon a time, registering for wedding gifts meant just one thing-a trip to the department store for lengthy

cities to unparalleled beaches, mountains and deserts. beach LOVERS: Vast stretches of sun-baked sand trim the Southern California coastline. But for epic romance, follow the mile-long path to the beach at Big Sur's Andrew Molera State Park. NATURAL WONDER: Behold Yosemite National Park's Half Dome from Glacier Point, a 3,000-foot freefall above the valley floor. PLEASURE TRIP: Hop a high-speed catamaran for Catalina Island, the original "isle of romance." Up to 30 round-trips leave daily from Long beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. DINNER FOR TWO: You'll have to book two months ahead for Thomas Keller's nine-course tasting menu at the

Kea and sunbathe on the beach that same afternoon. Roads lead from windswept coasts and tranquil bays to rainforests, desert and steaming lava flows. Even the beaches come in a wide diversity of colors: black, white, gray, green and salt and pepper. beach Lovers: Head for Hapuna beach State Park, one of the nicest beaches on the island and possibly anywhere in the world with its clean white beach, sandy bottom and great surf for beginning body boarders. Natural Wonder: Follow the Kilauea Iki trail in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It takes you through a primeval forest into a crater still steaming from its last eruption in 1959. Local Culture:

soiree or as laid-back as a beach barbecue, the expert notes. If you're watching your budget, one idea is to invite your close family and the wedding party to the dinner, and then ask everyone else to join you for toasts and dessert, says McLeskey. "It's a great way to include everyone without spending a fortune". Dress Code The first thing to consider is the environment. Are you tying the knot outdoors in a beachside setting, atop a hillside, or inside an elegant hotel ballroom? If you're heading to an island, go for natural, lightweight fabrics like silk chiffon, silk organza and satin crepes rather than a big ball gown. Look for dresses

the streets. Sun-drenched beaches and thrilling watersports lure most visitors to Jamaica, but many may be surprised to find a lush, mountainous terrain that unveils rivers and waterfalls spilling through verdant valleys. Newlyweds, families and beach bums alike find plenty to fill their day in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril. Whether hiking through a virgin jungle or sipping rum punch on the beach, Jamaica's rhythm appeals to all walks of life. Dinner for Two: Perched high above the sea with panoramic views of Port Antonio and beyond, Mille Fleurs raises Caribbean fare to a new level in a romantic setting. beach Lovers: Placid, crystal clear waters

coasts, there's a deserted beach for every newlywed. Inland, the biodiversity of the cool misty cloud forests that blanket Costa Rica is astounding. beach Lovers: Find your own slice of paradise on Playa Carrillo, a pristine crescent-shaped beach on the Nicoya Peninsula. Calm, clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and the dramatic mountainous backdrop is straight off a movie set. Natural Wonder: High in the mountains of northern Costa Rica, Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve protects a surprising array of wildlife, from jaguars to birds and butterflies. And what better way to get back to nature than through a canopy tour. Zip lines, platforms

or researching destination weddings, Beverly's free Wedding Tips will help. Get wedding tips on everything from packing to the honeymoon, and you can even download and print them easily. Bridal Questions & Answers Considering tying the knot away from home? Here, magazine founder and international wedding expert Beverly Clark answers the most common questions about destination "I dos". Is a destination wedding for us? It depends on what you dream of for your special day. Exchanging vows at a distant locale can add adventure for you and your guests and, in many ways, simplifies the process of getting married, reducing stress, potential