Samantha and Patrick stop at one of the local fresh fruit stands picking up a variety of exotic fruits

Samantha and Patrick exploring the Back Street of San Pedro Town

Samantha sharing her bouquet with the children on the beach

Samantha and Patrick enjoying Belikin at Wayo’s Beachside Bar after an exciting afternoon through San Pedro Town

Special thanks to the very talented Kay Scott of Kay Scott Photography for capturing these colorful and spectacular moments of Samantha and Patrick’s local San Pedro celebration.

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We’re less than one year away from the date that the ancient Maya Calendar marked as the end of an era many centuries ago that would signal the end of humanity.  While some believe the world may end on December 21, 2012, many believe it is the beginning of a new era.  2012 represents a year famous to the Maya Calendar as a significant time for reflection and renewal as one cycle is completed and another begins.

People from all over the world come to visit the famous and breathtaking ancient Mayan temples of Belize. In the year 2012, the place of new beginnings is with out a doubt one of the most incredible, special, and significant place on earth to say “I DO” in the year of 2012!

Congratulations on your marriage Cindy and Marcus!  It was an absolutely honor and pleasure to be part of your very beautiful and special day in Belize.

We wish you a lifetime of happiness, health and an abundance of love.

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, located in western Belize near the darling town of San Ignacio, is one of Belize’s largest and most impressive ruins. The beauty is breathtaking and something truly special to experience.  Xunantunich was a thriving Mayan city during the Classic Period, from about A.D. 600 to 900.

Cindy and Marcus’s stunning photography was thanks to Maya and Colette of Conch Creative Photography!

To request information on marrying at the Mayan Ruins contact I DO Belize Weddings

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To view more Mayan Ruins Weddings visit

Gregg and Yolanda’s Wedding

Brandy and Steve’s Wedding

]]> http://idobelizeweddings.com/blog/trash-the-dress/the-dawn-of-a-new-era-the-most-significant-place-on-earth-to-say-i-do-in-the-year-2012/feed/ http://idobelizeweddings.com/blog/aisles-and-arches/the-peacock-feather-themed-wedding-with-an-incredible-wedding-story/ http://idobelizeweddings.com/blog/aisles-and-arches/the-peacock-feather-themed-wedding-with-an-incredible-wedding-story/#comments Sun, 28 Aug 2011 15:22:24 +0000 I DO Belize Weddings http://idobelizeweddings.com/blog/?p=2069 ♥Erie & Sean’s Belize Wedding ♥

August 1, 2009: Met in San Pedro, Belize

August 1, 2011: Married in San Pedro, Belize

Erie and Sean met in San Pedro at this exact location on August 1, 2009 while they were on a group trip to Belize.  On August 1, 2011 they married at the same house they stayed in the first time they visited the island.  Belize will always hold a very special place in both of their hearts.  There’s even more excitement to their wedding story so please read on…

The Peacock Feather Wedding Theme

The peacock feathers were such a beautiful and fun theme for Erie and Sean’s island wedding.  The bamboo arch accented with peacock feather and strands of white orchids looked so elegant on the beach.  The colors were such a striking mix, inspired by nature.  It is said that Peacock feathers symbolize marriage and some cultures believe peacock feathers represent good luck!

Peacock feathers accented just about everything.  A gorgeous peacock feather tucked in the bride’s hair, peacock feathers tucked into the bride’s shoes, and there were even peacock feathers mixed throughout the bride’s gorgeous bouquet of white tropical flowers!  There were even peacock features in the centerpieces and table napkings.

“The Dress Story” (You’ve got to read this!)

How beautiful is Erie’s dress?  I admit, I’ve looked at this picture many times admiring the bride’s beauty and magnificent dress!   Breathtaking.

Now onto the dress story…

Here they go!  It looks like so much fun.

Nicole and Ed surprised photographers when they jumped into the ocean just after saying I DO in Belize!  The afternoon was beautiful and their day was incredibly romantic.  Their intimate wedding was just the two of them under a beautiful palapa at the end of a pier.  Congratulations Nicole and Ed!

You’ve probably noticed the growing popularity of Trash the Dress in recent years.  Some Trash the Dress sessions are simple and romantic while others choose a unique location creating a more wild and exotic experience.   You may trash the dress and still keep the dress clean and if you’re adventurous you might want to get really creative!

Wherever you choose to trash your dress it’s guaranteed to be a thrilling and romantic experience.  You only marry once in Belize so this is the perfect opportunity to create stunning, magical and memorable destination wedding photographs.

Thank you Conch Creative Photography for capturing such beautiful memories of Nicole and Ed’s special day in Belize.  Trash the Dress is such an incredible experience and our couples always enjoy working with you.

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, located in western Belize near the darling town of San Ignacio, is one of Belize’s largest and most impressive ruins.  The beauty is impossible to put words to, it must be experienced.  Xunantunich was a thriving Mayan city during the Classic Period, from about A.D. 600 to 900.

Yolanda and Gregorio chose to marry at Xunantunich Mayan Ruins in April and were truly blessed to have the honor of sharing their special day at one of the most sacred Mayan Ruins of the world.  Xunantunich Mayan Ruins is now one of the world’s most breathtaking places to say “I DO.”

Upon reaching the ruins lies a hand-cranked ferry which took the couple and their eight guests  across the well known Mopan River. From there, it’s an exhilarating and beautiful mile ride uphill to Xunantunich.

Belize offers the best of both worlds. Relaxation and adventure.  Beach and jungle.  Caves and Ruins.  It’s truly a unique and special country.  The couple spent their week with 8 close friends at the fabulous San Ignacio Resort.  The gorgeous reception was held poolside and catered by the Running W Steak House and Restaurant upon return from the ruins.

San Pedro Sun Newspaper Feature “I DO at Xunantunich”

Looking back at the memories of Yolanda and Gregorio climbing the temples takes my breath away.

The largest pyramid, El Castillo, laid the backdrop where Yolanda and Gregorio exchanged their vows and joined their hearts together.  This temple offers the most breathtaking and panoramic view of the Belize Cayo District and views into even into the country of Guatemala.

Blissful barefoot bride at the top of the sacred ruins.  Without doubt one of the most intimate and romantic wedding locations in the world!

Dear Yolanda and Gregorio,

Congratulations on your marriage!  Thank you for allowing me, Evlyn, and the I DO Belize Wedding’s Team be a part of your very special day in Belize.  Working with you was truly an honor.  We enjoyed the entire process with you from planning to the big day at Xunantunich.  You genuinely are special people and I wish you all the love and happiness you deserve.  We hope to see you again in beautiful Belize.

With love from paradise, Keli Engleson

We are thankful to work with Conch Creative Photography who captured all of the stunning and breathtaking photographs for this amazing wedding.  Many thanks to Maya and Colette.

We were honored that Mary from the San Pedro Sun Newspaper joined us at Yolanda and Gregorio’s amazing wedding.  Thank you for the wonderful feature of I DO Belize Weddings and this special wedding.  To read more about the Xunantunich Ruins Wedding, I DO Belize Weddings, and about the process of marrying in Belize please visit the article at  http://www.sanpedrosun.com/static/photologue/photos/18-21_vg.pdf

Altun Ha Mayan Ruins (Mayan for the “Rockstone Pond”) is one of the most well know and accessible Mayan Ruins Sites in Belize.  While Altan Ha is one of the smaller ruins in Belize it extremely is rich in Mayan history a breathtaking experience. This site is well know for the discovery of the largest Mayan jade carving ever found. Brandy and Stephen decided a destination wedding on their cruise ship stop in Belize with their closest friends was the perfect way to celebrate their marriage.  The couple chose one of the most incredible and unique destinations ever.  Brandy and Stephen married on April 27, 2011 at the Altun Ha Mayan Temple! The day was everything the couple dreamed it to be. To marry at one of the sacred sites of Belize is truly a special privilege.

We were very delighted to work with Kay Scott Photography and thank her for the beautiful photographs we are able to share with you.  Thank you Kay Scott for being part of Brandy and Stephen’s special day in Belize.

Ancient Maya ceremonial center

Altun Ha is the most accessible of the Belize ruins for those who have one day in Belize arriving by cruise ship.  A trek to the top of this pyramid is rewarded with a magnificent panorama of the entire Maya ceremony site and over the treetops of the lush Belize jungle.

Congratulations Brandy and Stephen!  Everyone of I DO Belize Weddings was honored to be part of your incredibly special day in Belize.

All photographs thanks to Kay Scott Photography

CNN.COM

(CNN) — The room service arrived in a canoe and exotic fish frolicked just beneath the floor when Gary Leff spent his honeymoon in Bora Bora.

Life is good when you’re in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and even better when you’re staying in an overwater bungalow — that iconic, stilted, thatch-roofed symbol of a tropical paradise.

“It’s unique because there’s a million beachfront resorts in the world … but it’s much less common to have your room actually be [over] the water,” Leff said.

“There’s something neat to the story about climbing off your deck into the water, snorkeling right off your deck.”

You’ll probably have to travel far and open your wallet wide to stay at one of these exotic villas.

There are more than 90 overwater bungalow resorts in the world, but about two-thirds of them are in the Maldives, according to OverwaterBungalows.net, a website that tracks the properties.

The Caribbean has a few such resorts, but it doesn’t really lend itself to overwater construction because of hurricanes, said Terry McCabe, national director of leisure for Altour.

Many overwater bungalows, like this one in Cayo Espanto, Belize, feature glass panes in the floor.

The peaceful, shallow lagoons of French Polynesia and the Maldives, on the other hand, offer more hospitable surroundings.

Most overwater bungalows come with “Tahitian television,” or glass panes built into the floor through which you can observe the sea life below, McCabe said.

“For everyone, they’ve come to typify romance, the allure of the South Pacific,” McCabe said.

Here are five overwater bungalow resorts to remember.

Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, Bora Bora

The resort, on Motu Toopua in the lagoon of Bora Bora, has dozens of overwater bungalows, including the only two-story overwater villas in French Polynesia, said Kleon Howe of The Art of Travel in San Diego, an agency that specializes in the region.

Leff, who honeymooned here in 2005, said he enjoyed the privacy the huts provided.

“It’s almost like you’re alone in the world,” he said. “Even when the resort had plenty of people there, you rarely saw people because they stayed in their bungalows.”

The resort is also one of the best values for redeeming Hilton HHonors points, said Leff, who shares strategies for making the most of traveler loyalty programs on his website, View From the Wing.

Need another reason to go? Bora Bora Nui was among the winners of TripAdvisor’s 2011 Travelers’ Choice awards — chosen by the site’s members as one of the top 10 hotels for romance in the South Pacific.

A king overwater deluxe villa goes for about $1,170 a night during the summer with an advance purchase .

For more information, click here.

Te Tiare Beach Resort, Huahine

About 30 minutes by plane from Tahiti, the two islands of Huahine — billed as “one of Polynesia’s best-kept secrets” by Tahiti Tourism — are home to archaeological sites, vanilla plantations and mango, banana and papaya groves.

You’ll also find the Te Tiare Beach Resort, where visitors can stay in various types of huts, including deep overwater bungalows.

“There are only 11 of these, and all have stunning views of the lagoon and reef,” Howe said. “The resort is only accessible by water, which lends a remote and very romantic feel.”

All of the bungalows face west, so expect to end your days with spectacular sunsets.

The deep overwater bungalows go for about $830 a night during high season (from June to October) and about $720 for the rest of the year.

For more information, click here.

Constance Moofushi Resort, Maldives

Choose from dozens of water villas on the spectacular South Ari Atoll, which is home to a number of world-class dive sites.

You’ll reach the resort by seaplane after arriving in Maldives International Airport and relax in bungalows with gorgeous views of the Indian Ocean.

There’s lots to do if you want to leave your hut, including scuba diving, snorkeling, night fishing and other activities.

For an extra fee, the resort also offers a “Robinson Crusoe” experience for couples, allowing them to spend a half-day or a full day on a deserted island.

Rates for the all-inclusive package, which includes meals, drinks and other amenities, start at $705 per night for single occupancy in the water villas. They jump to $1,700 per night during the holidays.

For more information, click here.

Four Seasons Bora Bora

The resort’s 100 overwater bungalows sit on stilts over a turquoise lagoon and feature traditional teak wood furnishings and roofs thatched with pandanus leaves.

You can choose various views, but Howe recommended splurging for the Otemanu-view overwater bungalow with a private plunge pool.

“These are right out at the end of the pontoon and have great views of the main peak of [Mount] Otemanu on the main island of Bora Bora,” Howe said.

This type of bungalow goes for about $2,700 a night.

The Four Seasons Bora Bora was among the winners of TripAdvisor’s 2011 Travelers’ Choice awards — chosen by the site’s members as one of the top 10 hotels for romance and luxury in the South Pacific.

For more information, click here.

Cayo Espanto, Belize

As mentioned, you won’t find a lot of overwater bungalows near the United States, but this five-star resort on a private island in the Western Caribbean is one option closer to home: It’s less than two hours by plane from Miami and Houston.

“That’s a lovely property,” McCabe said. “It’s a very private, very upscale resort.”

There are seven villas on the island, including one overwater bungalow. You’ll find the one-bedroom Casa Ventanas at the end of a dock that stretches more than 150 feet off the island “for the ultimate in privacy,” the resort says.

Like many of its counterparts in French Polynesia and the Maldives, the bungalow has a glass panel in the floor so guests can gaze down at the sea life during their stay.

Casa Ventanas is yours for $1,295 per night, which includes meals, drinks and personal butler service. (Prices rise for the holiday season.)

For more information, click here

Click here to view the article and photographs by cnn.com

Tammy and Alan spent the week at the five star resort Cayo Espanto, a private island in Belize.  Cayo Espanto is a tiny island in Belize with just seven luxury over water bungalow villas.

Exhilarating and romantic.  A sunset sail Catamaran wedding is truly an intimate and exciting way to say I” DO”  Tammye and Alan, married March 9, 2011 sailing the sea overlooking the world’s second largest barrier reef in Belize.  I was truly honored to be part of their special day, they are a very special couple.  I know I will always remember them and think of them often.

Thank you to Conch Creative for capturing Tammye and Alan’s big day in Belize.

February 21, 2008.

My sister And brother-in-law married in Ambergris Caye, Belize. It will forever be one my most special memories. It was a true honor that my sister asked me to be both her wedding coordinator and maid of honor.   I want to thank them both of them for giving me this opportunity.  The day was perfect! February 21, three years ago today, Shari and John said “I Do” and celebrated their special day with both immediate families.

Three years later they are blessed with their beautiful family and I am thrilled to be now be aunt Keli.

Shari and John, I love you both. Wishing you many healthy and joyous years ahead. Congratulations on your 3 year anniversary!

Keli

Kay Scott Photography

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!