Destination Wedding Planning

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There’s no doubt Houston provides endless options for a bride planning a spectacular hometown wedding. But to exchange vows overlooking a crystal blue sea or on a hillside of vineyards, you’ll have to look a bit further before saying “I do.”

Destination weddings are uber-chic as couples want to give guests a memorable experience in an intimate setting. Jo Ann S. Woodward, of the husband –and- wife wedding planning firm of Schwartz & Woodward, pairs her extensive planning background with a love for travel to execute romantic affairs miles away.

Jo Ann has handled the details for events on the East and West Coasts, in Italy, Cayman Islands, Mexico and even a wedding in outer space. (She landed on The Today Show after orchestrating nuptials for a Russian cosmonaut at the International Space Station and his bride, who took her vows at NASA via satellite feed.)

A testament to her expertise, most of Jo Ann’s clients arrive at their wedding locale sight unseen. One such couple booked a beautiful Tuscan villa to stay in with their guests. They created menus with a private chef ahead of time and treated guests to a wine tasting in Chianti, a visit to Assisi and a day of shopping in Florence as part of their wedding week of events.

Another couple traveled with 120 wedding guests to the Cayman Islands. The rehearsal dinner took place on the beach, dancing the night away to a local band and everyone was treated to a catamaran sail during their stay. Destination weddings allow for a level of detail and nice surprises when working with a smaller group of guests.

The best way to enjoy your destination vacation, according to Jo Ann is to hire a wedding consultant to not only pre-plan the trip but also attend it. There are many unknowns and you can’t be totally prepared in advance. A couple should be in the moment and enjoy their loved ones, without worrying about chair covers or baby’s breath in the flowers.

Hiring a consultant will also take care of everything behind-the-scenes, while taking advantage of good relationships with travel agents and resorts. Above all, the couple that chooses a destination wedding needs to be flexible and “roll with the punches”. Jo Ann reminds clients that they won’t be able to micromanage as they would with a hometown wedding. One of the reasons couples choose to get married in a new or special place is because of what the flavor, atmosphere and setting provides. Culturally, things are different and she helps her clients manage their expectations so they won’t be disappointed. For example, many island destinations have beautiful local flowers so if you’ve always wanted peonies you might want to reconsider your wedding location.

To get the most from the local flavor, Jo Ann and John work with clients to contract with vendors on –site with the exception of the photographer and videographer. You can’t be too careful with whom you entrust images of a lifetime, so she advises that you bring your own, if budget permits.

Everybody’s reason for choosing a destination wedding is different.” For some it’s all about giving their guests a chance to combine a wedding with a little vacation.” For others, it’s important to be surrounded by a small group of guests to celebrate an intimate moment.

Gathering family and friends to a destination spot creates amazing memories as well as providing couples a place to continue to celebrate their anniversaries for years to come.

To begin planning your destination wedding, call Jo Ann of Schwartz & Woodward.

This article was originally published in Houston Magazine, and has been edited with permission for use on this website. All rights reserved: Modern Luxury Media.