OUR WEDDING EXPERT AISLE TO ISLE | 80 Share colors that you can picture in the decor and design landscape. Those critical elements become part of the wedding planning foundation. And last but not least, don’t forget to DREAM BIG! Talk to your other half about non-negotiables. Individually and collectively, you should both be able to express the items you must have. This will further define your personal preferences and help move the planning journey along. After the wedding comes the honeymoon! Do you have any recommendations for couples honeymooning at Sandals Resorts? A big part of what makes a honeymoon special, the first word that comes to mind is romance. After that you want it to be memorable and exciting. In speaking to how couples should choose a Sandals Resort, you really want to fuse the honey with the moon. That means identifying what each half of the couple likes in advance, whether it’s something adventurous like ATVing or a more laid-back experience. A great way to enjoy the best of both worlds is by splitting your stay. For example, you may envision a romantic stay in one of the Over-the-Water Bungalows at Sandals South Coast. I’d recommend staying there for a week and then taking advantage of Sandals Honeymoon HopTM by relocating to Montego Bay for the remainder of your honeymoon where it’s more upbeat, lively, and full of island excursions. All in all, the best advice I can give is to equally plan the honeymoon with as much detail as the wedding! After a few years of being married, what are some ideas for couples looking to keep the spark alive? Sometimes because the buildup to the wedding is so high, couples go into an immediate post-wedding lull. That’s why I always recommend lighting the love torch soon after the wedding. One of the best ways to do that is with a consistent, committed date night that is non-negotiable. Set a time that works for you both and plan it out every week! Only an emergency or act of God should break that weekly commitment. Another great tool is identifying a hobby or sport that you both can enjoy together. We tend to focus on romance, so when you grow together and share a sport, knowing you share that same space becomes essential because it’s time spent together. Whether it’s golf, scuba diving, running, or anything else, choose something that is synonymous with you as a couple, and then let that activity be an integral part of your relationship. When it comes to your anniversary, I believe you should treat it in such a way that it’s like having a watch party! By that, I mean bring out the wedding day memorabilia and pour a glass of wine. Make it a commitment to watch your wedding video and look back on photos — it’s what truly lets you rekindle your reason why. Lastly, choose to renew your vows! Whether it’s a five-year anniversary or 20₋year anniversary, there is something so beautiful about recommitment. Can you share with our readers what a babymoon is and why it’s become a popular trend among modern- day couples? I believe babymoons have definitely taken center stage because couples are more aware of how important it is to spend time together before the baby comes. A baby will take up a good percentage of your time and energy, so babymoons make time for the four R’s you’ll need: rest, relaxation, rejuvenation, and romance. This allows couples to create a space that nurtures and sets them up for life as parents. It also reminds them that, while this new chapter will be the focal point, they should continue to set aside time for those four pillars. Some of my favorite ideas for couples on their babymoon include dinner for two, a day of pampering at the spa, coordinating outfits for a photoshoot, and journaling together! Writing is a great tool for exploring the power of your partnership, and dreams you have for your future child. Can you share some of your favorite ways past Sandals and Beaches newlyweds incorporated fun, memorable moments into their big day? One great way couples can incorporate something unique is through a signature cocktail that they established for themselves as a couple. Some newlyweds opt to play a game or activity during the cocktail party or as a pre-wedding event — cornhole and karaoke are two great options for bringing people together and breaking the ice! Recently, I’ve seen 360-degree videos become very popular. They’re a fun way to engage guests and it gives them a great memory to take home. A A A A Q Q Q Q
