Lovers Paradise

Love in Paradise!

A week ago, I was in Paradise (aka: Jamaica!)…now, I’m back in NYC with 2 feet of snow. Wow! What a difference a week makes! Last week, Frank and I journeyed to Jamaica to “test-drive” the locations we were interested in...in both Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

We loved the hospitality and generosity we received from the staff at all of the locations – Royal Plantation, Half Moon and Round Hill. The wonderful thing about Jamaica is its blend of old-world luxury with timeless glamour to make every experience special and memorable. After our week-long visit, we were certain that choosing Jamaica to host our wedding weekend was the perfect choice.
Each resorts’ offering was very compelling, and they treated us like kings and queens of the Universe! But in the end, we chose Round Hill (in Montego Bay) because:

It’s centrally located – it’s only 20 minutes from the airport.
Guests can easily and quickly be transported to a horseback trek, adventure sports course or a leisurely day of golf – the staff will arrange everything!
On site, the beachfront location offers all of our guests an oceanfront view as each hotel suite is steps away from the beach.
The villas – 4, 5 and 6-bedroom options - are ideal for an intimate gathering and to begin the tradition of an inter-family vacation.
The resort is like a slice of heaven – from the drinks (with rum, of course!), the food, the grounds and the interiors designed by Ralph Lauren (who owns a villa on-site) – we were overwhelmed with its beauty.
World-class spa where Frank and I enjoyed a 90 minute couples massage that rivals any that we’ve had in at some of the best spas in NYC. Need we say more?

Finally, although we’re not having children in our ceremony, we’ve quickly grown to love the idea of having little ones join us for the weekend. There’s something about hearing those little voices discovering the sand, beach and water for the first time that we love. Round Hill has the Pineapple Kids’ Club – complimentary – for kids 3 to12 years old. It’s like camp for children where they could possible make friends for life.

So, quickly we booked our date and put a deposit down on Round Hill for October 9th, 2010 (with 10.10.10 being in high demand, we needed to move quickly:)
It’s so surreal, everything is coming together and I’m really excited that at the end of the year we’ve completed the ‘save-the-dates’ and invitations. They are both being printed and we should receive the final save-the-dates right after the holidays!!!

As 2009 comes to a close, I start to realize that this time next year, I’ll be Mrs. Frank Altimare, III. WOW! I am so in love with Frank and excited to begin this next chapter of our life together. And, I realize that I’m very lucky (even though it can be a little stressful at times!) that he’s 100% involved in this planning process. It’s our first real project that helps me to know that as we move throughout life, our understanding of partnership will, hopefully, allow us to succeed as we collaborate as parents and spouses.

I wish you all the best this Holiday Season – safe travels, eat a lot and see you in the New Year!
(photo credit: all photos taken at Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Montego Bay)

Say “YES” to the Dress!

Well, there’s no turning back now. I have picked and purchased my dress. Yes, perhaps only the deposit (which was in itself the most money I’ve ever paid for a piece of clothing)…but, I’m not committed to not only Frank – but this beautiful garment. LOL!!!

Knowing that Frank is reading my posts - and also some of guests, and wanting to keep the actual dress a surprise, I will only say that the weekend with my mom, new MIL, SIL and MOH made me realize that this Manhattan hasn’t made me that “hard”. Although I’m DEFINITELY not a princess, ball-gown girl…the beautiful softness that I loved as a little girl in Chattanooga, TN is still there. THANK GOODNESS!

Every day, I, along with my fashionable and stylish New York women, put on my “armor” of black, chic solid and crisp, tailored cuts to go out and conquer this city. I was certain that I would pick an equally suited wedding gown – just in white. Ha, ha, ha!

And I did try – believe me… I loved trying on gowns from Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Pronovias, and Monique Lhuillier …but, I was pleasantly shocked to pick a dress that is a little more “girly”, softer and more “demure” than I had originally thought I’d like. Wow…everyday, I grow more and more …I’m surprising myself.

It was a great weekend, good for family and friends to get together, spend time chatting and learning about each other. They will be our new family – so having their support means a lot to both of us!

Photo credit: Another great photo from Robert Munroe (munroephotography.com) from our engagement shoot.