Terranea Resort : an Ideal Destination for Your Wedding

Are you looking for a unique spot to hold your wedding? Well look no further and not that far away. Terranea Resort is ideal for a couple looking to have a destination wedding that is not only beautiful, but also quite convenient. You will still get the feel as if you are somewhere tropical and remote, yet you will not need to travel so far to get that experience. About a 30 minute drive from LAX, Terranea is located in Rancho Palos Verde. 

Terranea Resort Aerial View

Top Notch Wedding Services and Amenities

If you are worried that your wedding will not be uniquely yours, think again! The staff at Terranea will ensure that your wedding is customized exactly the way that you have always dreamed. Whether it is an indoor or outdoor setting(there can even be a combo of both!), this locale has such an array of ceremony and reception sites that you will most likely have a hard time choosing. Plus the wedding planning team will help you to capture every single detail that you desire from flowers to music. And you can customize the dining experience of your guests --- and the food here is unbelievably delicious!

Our personal favorite is Catalina Point and The Catalina Room.  The classic Terranea choice  for the ceremony is held at Catalina Point which overlooks the water. From there, a path leads to the Catalina Room. This gorgeous venue seats up to 220 guests with gorgeous floor to ceiling windows, right outside of which is a private outdoor terrace.

To learn more and begin planning your dream wedding, click here: http://www.terranea.com/wedding-venues-california.

Guest Accommodations

The Guest Rooms and Suites at Terrenea are perfect for the majority of your guests. Connected to the main building of the resort, these rooms are within walking distances to all that Terranea has to offer whether it be restaurants, pools or spa facilities. And the suites are ideal for those  guests such as the parents and grandparents of the bride and the groom ;) They are a bit more spacious and have balconies with breathtaking views!

Now for the bridal party, book the vacation casitas!! Of course you want to mingle with all of your guests, but it is also your big day and you are entitled to a little privacy and some VIP action. These casitas are perfect - one for the bride and her maids, the other for the groom and groomsmen. They feature a private entrance, a kitchen, living room, and laundry facilities. And there are indoor and outdoor fireplaces. A perfect setting to order the smores kit from room service, drink some wine and talk about your excitement for the upcoming nuptials!

Vacation Casita

Activities, Activities, Activities 

If it is one thing that Terranea is not lacking --- it is things to do! When the guests are not involved in wedding oriented activities, they will have plenty of options to keep them occupied. 

There are three different pools at Terranea. If children are included as your guests, then this is the place for them and their parents; the Resort Pool has a waterslide which will keep kids occupied and give their parents a break. On the flip side there is the Cielo Point pool which is for those ages 18 and up. This area has more of a California beach club vibe with delicious cocktails and a DJ. For those guests who want a more relaxed feel, they can visit the Spa Pool. 

Talking about spas, did you know that Travel + Leisure named Terranea "The Top Five Hotel Spas in the Continental USA." So if you and your guests are spa lovers, you will not be missing out on this one! The services at this spa are impeccable plus a visit there allows you access to the saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, and cold plunges. And right across from the spa is the fitness center, if you feel like getting some gym time in. Read more about the Terranea Spa and Bungalows in our upcoming 2014 issue out this January!

Spa Pool

If your guests are looking for a little bit more adventure, here are some options: coastal hiking, falconry, horsebackriding, habitat photography, painting by the sea, and kayaking to name a few. You can either plan these activities for your guests in a schedule that you can leave as part of their welcome basket or let them explore for themselves.

Wine & Dine

There are eight, yes you read correctly, EIGHT dining choices at Terranea (and that is not including room service): mar'sel, Catalina Kitchen, Nelson's, Lobby Bar & Lounge, Bashi, Spa Cafe, sea beans, and Cielo Point. 

If you are looking to plan a rehearsal dinner, there are two spots that really stood out: mar'sel and Nelson's. 

Are you looking to have a very classic, elegant  dinner -- then mar'sel is the choice for you! Mar'sel is overlooking the ocean and gives off a very cultured, sophisticated feel. The food there is the definition of fine dining both light and full of taste; their menu changes with whats in season and they use locally sourced and organic ingredients. 

On the other hand Nelson's is your choice if you want a get together that is a bit more laid back and lively! Their dining experience is described as "California comfort cuisine" and that it is! Order their Hot Bavarian Pretzel along with one of the regional microbrews, and you'll get why it is such a hot spot for even Los Angeles locals. Plus while at Nelson's you can whale watch, and if you spot one you get to ring the bell there!

Nelson's Fire Pit

Terranea is a wonderful place to choose to hold your destination wedding. Not only will they ensure that everything will come together on your big day, but Terranea will offer you and your guests an unforgettable and irreplaceable experience--- you all will surely be back for more!

Don't Be Scared To Go Pink On Your Wedding Day

Most brides wear white, ivory, or champagne but why not give pink a try?

Jessica Biel, Reese Witherspoon, Anne Hathaway, and Gwen Stefani all wore a soft, feminine shade of pink on their big day and it helped to add a little extra romance to their weddings. Pinks are very complementary on everyone no matter what skin tone and so it's a color that many bridal designers are offering and brides are starting to recognize. While white is still the traditional color of wedding gowns it may not be the best choice for you and that's ok, what is important is finding a color that makes you look radiant and confident.

This Fall there will be lots of strawberry, cream and peach colors seen on the bridal salon racks but if you are thinking about stepping away from the white family, make sure your gown still looks like a wedding dress so everyone knows that you are a BRIDE. Remember, you don't have to sacrifice style for color. Silhouette, neckline and fabrication should still be factors when choosing your gown so don't rush to choose a gown on color alone.

Our biggest advice is to keep an open mind while shopping for your wedding dress or even when starting to finalize your favorites. Some dresses do not look good on the hanger but when they are on, you just might get the WOW factor you've been waiting for. Let your personality lead you to choosing a shade and style. Here, some of our fav pink gowns of this year.

Eden (edenbridals.com)

Allure (allurebridals.com)

Cosmobella (cosmobella.com)

Demetrios (demetriosbride.com)

  

Watters (watters.com)

Real Wedding! Jeff & Whitney -Terranea Resort

It's Wedding Wednesday and we've got a great destination wedding to share with you all today! Jeff and Whitney Barnett wed on August 12, 2012 and chose to have their wedding at the breathtaking Terranea Resort (terranea.com) overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Read below on how this incredible couple met, got engaged and eventually came to marry at this stunning location. Congrats to the new Mr. & Mrs. and thanks for sharing your special day!

PLACE/CITY LOCALE OF WEDDING Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes

NAME OF PHOTOGRAPER Joel Maus-Studio EMP (studioemp.com)

                                                             

HOW THEY MET We met at Taco Tuesday at El Ranchito on the Newport peninsula through a mutual friend

THE PROPOSAL Jeff proposed on Christmas morning. We woke up, opened all our gifts and he had wrapped a beautiful ribbon through our Christmas tree that had a white leather bag attached, when I opened the bag, there was a ring box and Jeff got on one knee and proposed. I cried, a lot. It was perfect! 

NUMBER OF GUESTS 200 Guests

BRIDAL GOWN My dress was by Vera Wang (the Gemma). It was strapless with beautiful fabric pieces going across the entire gown. It was really fitted to below my knees and then got very full with a big train. It had little Champagne sequins and pearls throughout the bottom.

WEDDING COLORS White, Ivory, Champagne, Nude- very natural soft colors 

WEDDING CAKE Our wedding cake was insane! I wanted to go all out! It was 6 tiers, all white with a huge flower draping down the front. We got it at Sweet and Saucy (sweetandsaucyshop.com), by far the best cake I've ever had!

 FAVORITE MOMENT I have two….my first most memorable moment was when I walked down the aisle and Jeff saw me for the first time... His face was priceless. My second favorite moment was our first dance... There were over 200 hundred people watching yet it felt like Jeff and I were the only two people on the room.  We danced to "You Make It Real" by James Morrison

 THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE THE WEDDING Romantic, Vintage, Classic

 FAVORS FOR GUESTS We had a photo booth so everyone got to take the pictures home in a cute clear package that had our names and wedding date on it tied with a pretty piece of lace. The guests names and table numbers were in cute little gold frames which they also could take home. 

HONEYMOON SPOT Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Ceremony at Terranea Resort, Photo by Studio EMP

The bride and groom! Photo by Studio EMP

Tropical Temptations... The Best Honeymoon Spots in the Caribbean

Looking for your place in the sun? Find it in our guide to some of the top spots for honeymooners. 

By Patricia Canole

JAMAICA

ITINERARY There’s just no better place for a laid-back honeymoon, where you’ll listen to hip-swaying music at every turn, than Jamaica—the birthplace of reggae. Of course, you’ll spend countless hours sunning on a dreamy beach. Good choice. But don’t forget to enjoy the country’s many cultural gifts as well. Jamaican artistry runs wild. Look for creations ranging from large canvases in ritzy Montego Bay galleries to silkscreened T-shirts from funky art studios. BEST FOR Those who love music! Take a Chukka Caribbean Adventure (chukkacaribbean.com) bus tour of St. Ann, where you will see—and hear—everything that is Bob Marley. WHERE TO STAY At Round Hill Hotel and Villas (roundhill.com) you’ll feel more like royalty than a guest. The resort occupies a breathtaking location on a Caribbean-lapped promontory just eight miles west of Montego Bay. Flowers bloom everywhere on the estate, a rainbow palette of hibiscus, bougainvillea and jasmine. Honeymoon in the Pineapple House which overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Rooms feature mahogany furnishings and terra-cotta floors. HONEYMOON HIGHLIGHT Spend an afternoon at the Martha Brae River, where according to legend, an Arawak Indian killed herself before ever revealing the whereabouts of a gold mine to the Spanish. The river now bears her name and is believed that her ghost stands guard at the mine’s entrance. Rafting down the river is a popular—and relaxing—pastime.

GRENADA

ITINERARY Affectionately called the “Spice Island,” Grenada has grown its trademark nutmeg, along with mace and cloves for centuries. The island is home to mountainous rainforests alive with tropical birds, white- and black-sand beaches, and always welcoming people. BEST FOR Newlyweds who love to get their feet wet will enjoy discovering Grenada’s lush jungles, mountain trails, waterfalls and glorious beaches. WHERE TO STAY Spice Island Beach Resort (spiceislandbeachresort.com) sits on Grenada’s sprawling Grand Anse Beach—one of island’s prettiest beaches. Opt for the Cinnamon or Saffron suite which is steps away from the beach. The 1400-square-foot ultra-luxurious hideaway features oversize whirlpool tubs, Frette linens, Molton Brown amenities and hammocks to allow guests to languish in the spice-scented breezes. HONEYMOON HIGHLIGHT Grenada is easy to explore by car. Discover the lush Grand Etang National Park, where you can hike to the waterfalls and jump in for a swim.

RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO

ITINERARY Situated just south of Cancun on one of the Yucatan Coast’s longest stretches of white sand, the wildly romantic setting makes it feel like you’ve arrived at the end of the world. All this plus ancient Mayan ruins to explore make for a perfect honeymoon. BEST FOR Couples who appreciate high-end resorts and the high-stakes adventures of exploring local villages for exotic cultural experiences. WHERE TOSTAY Step into a world of Asia-meets-Mexico splendor at the newly opened Banyan Tree Mayakoba (banyantree.com). From your first glimpse of the banyan tree in the water courtyard to the intimate design of each villa and you’ll be convinced this is heaven. Each villa features overwater or beachside accommodations tucked amidst lagoons, canals and lush mangroves for complete privacy. For sheer dining pleasure, enjoy an in-villa gourmet dining experience. HONEYMOON HIGHLIGHT There’s plenty to do in and around Riviera Maya. Browse the luxury shops of Playa del Carmen or explore the vast Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve with its pristine rainforest and mangrove swamps (one of the last stands of the jaguar in Mexico). Nearby are many of the Mayan world’s best ruins like Tulum—where you can explore together.

ANGUILLA

ITINERARY This island’s trademark is its beautiful beaches: sands that are not only whiter than your bridal gown but also incredibly soft. BEST FOR Food enthusiasts. There are more than 100 places to eat in Anguilla’s 35 square miles. Cuisine ranges from simple roadside bistros serving local fish specialties to romantic seaside restaurants catering to romantic gourmands. WHERE TO STAY With its splashing fountains, original artwork, and tall archways, Malliouhana Hotel & Spa (malliouhana.com) embodies the romance and beauty of the exotic East. Understated island luxe characterizes the décor, with treasures from all over the world beautifully capturing your imagination. You’ll no doubt spend plenty of time on your private terrace, designed for outdoor living and complete privacy. HONEYMOONHIGHLIGHT Water taxi to Scilly Cay for a barbecued lobster curry lunch. Grab a waterside table at the islet’s restaurant, place your order, then snorkel while you await lunch.

ST. LUCIA

ITINERARY Known for its dramatic landmark mountains, The Pitons, the French West Indies island of St. Lucia is also home to abundant rainforests, mountainous terrain and spectacular dive sites. Wherever you go—whether you arrive on foot, bike or horseback—twin Piton Mountains dominate your view, a delightful reminder that the best-loved celebrity on St. Lucia is Mother Nature. BEST FOR Nature lovers. If you enjoy soft adventure excursions, then St. Lucia won’t disappoint. The town of Soufrière has some of the best spots for viewing the coral reefs. WHERE TO STAY Play Tarzan and Jane in this lush jungle setting at Jade Mountain (jademountain.com), where bedroom, living area and extravagant private infinity pool seem to slide into one another. Remarkable views of the Pitons are made even more spectacular thanks to its three-wall setting. There are no phones, radio or TV but who cares? HONEYMOONHIGHLIGHT Try a jungle-biking tour at the Anse Chastanet (ansechastanet.com) resort in Soufrière. Along the way, you’ll pass mango trees as well as an 18th-century sugar mill.

TURKS & CAICOS

ITINERARY Just over an hour’s flight from Miami is a cluster of islands known as Turks & Caicos. Eight major islands and dozens of tiny ones give you that priceless honeymoon commodity: quiet. The long stretch of Grace Bay on the main island, Providenciales (Provo), is abuzz with activity and lots to do. BEST FOR Exploring! It doesn’t get much more romantic than chartering a private yacht to a virtually deserted island for the day. Make a stop at Little Water Cay. Here, there’ll be just a few like-minded day-trippers sharing the sand—oh, yes, and quite a few of the creatures that give the islet its local name: Iguana Island. WHERE TO STAY This posh private-island Parrot Cay (parrotcay.com) resort sits on a thousand-acre paradise northeast of Provo. Beach villas feature plunge pools, airy wooden decks and elegant whitewashed rooms. Enjoy lobster dinners (and other seafood specialties) on the deck of the Terrace restaurant, or grab a sundowner from the bar and stroll down to the talcum-powder-soft beach that stretches more than a mile. HONEYMOON HIGHLIGHT Kayaking to the conch-shell-strewn islands, snaking in and out of mangrove-lined coves along the way (keep your eyes peeled for little nurse sharks and other eye-catching marine 

Explore The Bahamas on your Honeymoon

When you stop to think of The Bahamas, you probably conjure up images of bustling Nassau on New Providence Island, known for their sprawling resorts. But just north and south of these better-known parts, you’ll discover the other Bahamas—Grand Bahama and The Out Islands. Beach lovers are sure to find their ideal wedding destination on one of these sandy-shored islands of The Bahamas. Bustling Grand Bahama offers a laid-back vibe, while some of The Out Islands—The Abacos and Harbour Island to name a few—offer incredible views and silky beaches for a sunset wedding. Here, some stellar spots for tying the knot.

GRAND BAHAMA

WHY HERE? If you’re fantasizing about a wedding locale with white sand, palm trees and crystal-clear waters, look no further than Grand Bahama, just a 40-minute flight from Florida. This beautiful island has lots to offer couples and their guests pre-and-post wedding. For starters, this is snorkeling heaven. Grand Bahama Island is home to the Underwater Explorers Society (UNEXSO), the premier facility for snorkeling in The Bahamas. Another good reason for visiting Grand Bahama: The Dolphin Experience offers a rare opportunity to go eye-to-eye with these creatures in their natural environment.
TIE THE KNOT The Westin Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort (starwoodhotels.com) takes care of everything, using high-tech tools to help your wedding plans go smoothly (they’ll even create a personalized Web page where guests can RSVP and book rooms at the hotel). As a result, once you’re at the resort, all you have to do is relax by the pool. Ceremonies can take place on the sand, in a garden or in the resort’s gazebo, surrounded by palm trees. Receptions vary, from a feast on the beach with a bonfire and a buffet to a traditional dinner in one of the resort’s restaurants. Want to really impress your guests? Request that Junkanoo dancers in traditional Bahamian costumes entertain them….The most exclusive hotel on Grand Bahama, British-colonial-style Old Bahama Bay (oldbahamabay.com), is on the island’s western tip. The secluded location has expansive grounds, and the flawless beach is the perfect place to exchange your vows, under the shade of a coconut tree. After the ceremony, you and up to 80 guests can dine on filet mignon and lobster at Aqua, the resort’s restaurant.

THE ABACOS

WHY HERE? Northernmost in The Bahamas, Abaco and its offshore cays offer a rewarding diversity of 18th-century villages, superb sailing, and fine food. Many of the locals on the two main islands (Great Abaco and Little Abaco) are descendants of the British Loyalists who originally settled in the area after the Revolutionary War, building New England-style clapboard houses to remind them of home. Hope Town, on Elbow Cay to the east of Abaco, is the perfect example of a 200-year-old town; separated by neat picket fences and stone walls, the pastel clapboard houses overflow with vines of bougainvillea.
TIE THE KNOT The 87 spacious rooms at Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina (treasurecay.com) on Great Abaco are decorated in festive island prints. True the marina is filled with million-dollar yachts, but what earns this resort its rating as a romantic destination wedding setting is the four-mile long beach, where the sand is so soft it makes confectioner’s sugar feel gritty. This is definitely the place to say “I do” at sunset. Dance and celebrate with friends and family under the stars at a beachside barbecue.…Green Turtle Club Resort and Marina (greenturtleclub.com) on Green Turtle Cay lies just a mere 160 miles east of Florida and is easily reached by air via Nassau into Treasure Cay airport on Abaco. From there, it’s a short ferry ride to the resort to settle into some serious “island time.” The beautiful resort offers couples a casual refinement with cheerful yellow cottages scattered up a hillside amid lush foliage. Weddings can be performed on the beach at sunset or by the harbor’s edge. After saying “I do,” celebrate your joy at a Bahamian-style seafood buffet in the patio dining room or, if you prefer, a more formal sit-down gourmet feast at the resort’s candlelit dining room….Bluff House Beach Hotel & Yacht Club (bluffhouse.com) offers couples the utmost in romance. Split-level suites have tropical-inspired themes, wicker furniture, and double doors opening onto balconies with breathtaking ocean views. Couples can opt for a charming island wedding on the beach, on a yacht by the marina, or on a cliff overlooking the ocean at sunset. The resort’s staff will customize to your liking.

HARBOUR ISLAND

WHY HERE? One of the best-kept secrets, this three-mile-long speck sits off the coast of North Eleuthera. So tiny, the island looks a bit like someone shrank Nantucket, plopped it down in the tropics, and added a three-mile ribbon of pink sand. Aptly named Pink Sands, this magnificent beach is a perfect blush color that would be right at home on a flamingo’s back. At first glance, Harbour Island appears to be stuck in a time warp, with 18-century clapboard houses—and you wouldn’t want it any other way. Cars are all but forbidden (instead, golf carts zip you around), and nothing is more than a short stroll from the beach.
TIE THE KNOT Pink Sands (islandoutpost.com) is an intimate resort of handsome cottages over 16 acres and 800 feet of beachfront. There are many options to say your “I do’s” including the most popular sunset ceremony followed with a Bahamian reception on the beach. The Wedding Package includes a marriage license, registrar’s fees, wedding officiant, bridal bouquet, a bottle of Champagne, wedding cake and photographer (couple will receive a CD with approximately 250 images). Pink Sands has several sites suitable for marriage ceremonies and receptions for small to large wedding parties. Later, retire to your “cottage” as Mr. & Mrs.—which are actually spacious suites adorned with hand-carved furniture, African prints, and Italian tiles. Baths are spacious and mini-bars are well stocked (with rum, of course).