ELOPEMENT
By Robert Rand
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Caviar, couture or coattails? These are just some of the decisions a bride and groom make when planning a wedding and reception location. Sometimes it means having the wedding in one location and reception in another and then finding accommodations for family and friends in yet another. Planning a wedding is extremely stressful and time consuming. Hence, many modern couples have decided to skip the glitz and get married in privacy.
Elopement is not a new marriage concept. However, with the influx of adventurous young adults, more and more people are taking the plunge in secrecy. Planning an elopement is exciting. For this reason, many couples choose elopement for the simple thrill of being able to sneak off to a private location and return home as a married couple. Even though elopements sound simple, couples should handle certain details before tying the knot. Here are a few quick tips for planning a quick and secretive elopement.
Location: Plan your event in one spot, where guests of the bride and groom stay close to the ceremony and reception area.
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Vows: Meet with the officiant or fill out a questionnaire to help personalize the ceremony.
Photographer: This may be a once in lifetime event and pictures leave a lasting impression. Will your wedding photographer capture those important moments. Choosing the right photographer makes all the difference.
Flowers: From your arrival at the chosen site to the evenings reception, flowers express how you feel. Take time to choose and plan the use of flowers throughout the event.
Music: Years down the road, music will take you back to the most romantic moments. Be sure the music memories are wonderful by choosing the right songs.
Julia & Colin Hill enjoy a private moment in the ‘Big Chair' at Casa de Estrellas . |
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But Where?
Well, perhaps Europe or some other exotic destination. However, as soon as you leave The United States, you can have language problems, difficulty securing a marriage license, and finding a planner who will create with you a wedding ceremony respectful of your wishes.
You may think of Las Vegas as a wedding alternative. It may be trendy, convenient and downright cheap to have a drive through wedding, to be one of many waiting their turn at an all night wedding chapel, or to be married by your own Elvis impersonator. But… is there any meaning… any real romance?
Then it dawns on you….. How nice it might be to have a garden wedding amidst the beauty of Historic Santa Fe. But once again…. You think about all the wedding planning to simply find a fine wedding photographer and an officiant to tastefully conduct your marriage ceremony.
You hope there might be a wedding package which will give you the opportunity to elope in a special place and have a great wedding on a budget.
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Whether a large event or not, the reality of planning this event really begins to set in when decisions have to be made. In Santa Fe there is a venue that knows what you need and helps pull it all together. Kat Schilke the onsite planner and Executive Hostess at Casa de Estrellas says, “Whether planning a large wedding or simple elopement, couples need a friend, not a dictator to help with the details.” She then adds, “knowing how to create a lifelong, memorable experience within a given budget is an art. In my case it is a joy getting to know couples in love and helping them realize their dream.”
“Your assistance in planning the wedding went way beyond professional could be considered family.” Becky Ferrell & Michael Humphrey”
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The Wedding Garden at Casa de Estrellas is a private, romantic oasis located in the heart of historic, downtown Santa Fe . Luxury Villas, Spa and courtyard provide each couple the opportunity to plan the ceremony and reception in one location. Because each Villa is a single family residence separated by courtyards in a private compound, family and friends can mingle, share each others Villa and enjoy the event without driving or relocating. http://www.janebernard.com/CasaEstrellas/
Casa de Estrellas is located at 310 E Marcy St. , Santa Fe , New Mexico 87501 . Phone (505) 795-0278. Visit their website at www.casadeestrellas.com
E-mail: manager@casadeestrellas.com
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PRESS RELEASE
Santa Fe , NM November 9, 2007 .
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
INTRODUCING: Casa de Estrellas, Luxury Inn, Spa and Wedding Garden .
Caviar or local flavors, Kama Sutra or Celeste, Oil Drop or Hot Rocks, Tapas and Theater or Tail Gate Dinner and Opera; these are just some of the sumptuous choices guests can make when checking into a Casa de Estrellas private Villa. Complete with private parking (a huge plus in Santa Fe 's crowded downtown), a full service spa, steam room and sauna, this luxury Inn, Spa and Wedding Garden is conducive to sumptuous living. .
Rich interiors and nouveau style architecture has been the trademark of the designer/owner Jay Payne. [view his previous work at www.jaypayne.com ] (“ I have traveled and never liked the typical hotel or inn with a lobby and hallways”, said Payne. “I always wanted to design a hotel and when this amazing, historic property became available I jumped at the chance to create a luxury hotel atmosphere in a private compound setting. The Villas are separated by courtyards and green scape that naturally provide romantic surroundings.”
Nestled in the residential foothills directly across from ‘Artist's Park' near Canyon Roads art walk, just steps from Santa Fe 's downtown plaza the property opened to guests in June of 2007. Already they have hosted weddings and couples have been married in the beautiful ‘ Wedding Garden .'
“The villas are amazing. The attention to detail and quality of finish are exceptional, but the greatest part of the Casa de Estrellas experience is the personalized touch that is always missing in large hotels.” Julia & Colin Hill, St. Germain En Laye , France .
Two TV shows will feature the property in upcoming segments of ‘Take Home Chef' with host Curtis Stone and ‘Awesome Adventures' with host Mystro Clark.
“Casa de Estrellas is beautiful” Curtis Stone host of “Take Home Chef”
The Estrellas Spa, located near the Wedding Garden , has the only steam room in the downtown area. Guests can choose from a variety of services. The spa exclusively carries and uses in their facials the European line of organic skin care Lavera, used by celebrities such as Debra Messing and Kirsty Gallacher. The massage therapies offered include deep tissue, hot rocks with essential oils they also offer private yoga instruction.
For guests who travel to Santa Fe every year, a fractional ownership program is available.
Contact Kat Schilke at 505 795-0278 for more information.
The property website is www.casadeestrellas.com
Email manager@casadeestrellas.com
