Amazing Wedding Cakes by Sedona Cake Couture

The Globetrotting Groom and I visited Sedona, AZ this spring and one of the highlights of our trip was getting to meet Andrea Carusetta-Blaut, founder of Sedona Cake Couture. Andrea's beautiful artisan cakes have been enjoyed by celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Kirstie Alley as well as guests lucky enough to be invited to some of the Southwest's most distinctive weddings!

Andrea personally meets with every bride and groom to talk about their wedding, helping them envision their dream wedding cake which ties in all of their important wedding elements (every single cake is one of a kind!). From there, decisions are made regarding colors, cake flavors, fillings and final design. Andrea graciously prepared some cake samples for us and I can definitely say her creations taste as good as they look. Yum!


You may have seen her impeccable designs on the Food Network but if not, here is a little taste. Traditional, quirky, elaborate and simple, Sedona Cake Couture has done it all:

This 5' 2" cake, featuring 1,000 hand made sugar flowers, was designed for an elaborate pink-themed wedding. The couple requested a cake taller than the bride!



This luxurious gold and dark chocolate wedding cake came with matching individual cakes for every guest!

This bride requested a cake with sugar peonies that matched her bouquet:

A Cinderella inspired wedding cake:

I love this trendy new wedding cake topper - Sugar Shoes!

A bridal shower cake for a bride who loves black and white:

A Sedona inspired groom's cake:

Andrea has a great blog too so be sure to take a peek for more cake inspiration. And, tune in next week to learn about some of Sedona's hottest wedding and honeymoon spots.

Have a great weekend!

Want to take your wedding gown around the world?

You know how I've started taking photos of my engagement and wedding rings when I travel?? See them in Mexico, Arizona and Anguilla?

Here's a neat story from Brides.com about a photographer husband who is photographing his bride in her wedding gown on all their travels!






I think this is such a fun idea. Lucky for her, her dress packs light! Check out TwoFeetGallery.com for more photos and scoop on a coffee book they're making.

Looking to incorporate an Indian twist into your wedding?

Love the thought of your very own Monsoon Wedding? If you want to add some exotic Indian wedding traditions into your festivities, here are some ideas:

- You could wear a colorful sari to your rehearsal dinner.

(source)

- You could incorporate vibrant Indian colors and fabrics in your decor.

(source)

- You could have a Mendhi ceremony where brides are intricately decorated with henna "temporary tatoos" pre-wedding. My sister and I had this done on a recent family trip to Texas:

- Or if you're not sure you want to commit to the Mendhi on your body, why not incorporate it into your cake? Just check out this this cake that incorporated this lovely tradition from Lazy Bride.

Honeymoon Dexox Anyone? Unlimited Spa Treatments at Secrets Resorts, Mexico

Wedding planning is exhausting! What could be better than a pampering all-inclusive honeymoon with unlimited spa treatments???

To celebrate the opening of its new spa, Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun, the adults-only, all-inclusive, honeymoon haven in Mexico, is offering the Unlimited Spa Package for guests visiting now through December 23rd. Yeah, there's fine print (four 25-minute treatments per day per person) but still, this is an awesome deal. You'll choose from an array of specialty massages and hydrotherapy treatments at the brand new Secrets Spa by Pevonia. If your guy isn't the pampering type, just grab your bridesmaids and make it a bachelorette getaway.

Put a ring on it! Take three - Caribbean style...

Here's the latest series of my traveling ring shots! This time we're in Anguilla (more about that later!). If you missed the others, click here for Mexico and here for Arizona. And, check out the Tips from the Pros: How to take amazing engagement and wedding ring photos too.

The Wedding Dress Sale to end all sales.....

Yup, its that time again!

You've heard of Running of the Bulls right? Now imagine brides chasing wedding dresses instead of animals. Yes, the Filene's Basement "Running of the Brides" wedding gown sale is underway once again.


If you need a dress and want a bargain, this event is for you. If you're traveling this summer, you may want to add Boston to your list since that's the biggest sale. Bring some bridesmaids along and have fun!

Happy Friday!

Vintage Travel - Free Virtual Rubber Stamps for you DIY Gals

I saw these on iDiY and I think they'd be so great for a vintage travel inspired Save the Date card, escort cards or even wedding invitation RSVPs. Click here for the full story and directions for downloading the free vintage postcard Epherma Brushes.

(images from Le Blahg)

Still looking for the perfect bathing suit? One-piece or bikinis, check out these sexy styles...

I think all brides look great with a sun-kissed tan. If you're lucky enough to enjoy some beach or pool time this summer, make sure you've got a fabulous swimsuit. I love these Cala Ossidiana picks. Stock up now at 30% off thanks to Daily Candy (enter DAILYCANDY at checkout). They just scream tropical honeymoon to me...

Planes, Trains and Engagement Photos!

I love this vintage planes and trains engagement shoot by Christina Carroll I spotted on Elizabeth Anne Designs! The groom has his pilot's license and they both love vintage. So awesome, right? Click here to see the post.

Honeymoon packing tip #11 - Double your shoe wardrobe with Zuzatz

You know how shoes take up so much room on your luggage? Here's a great solution to lighten your honeymoon load without sacrificing your fashion sense... Zuzatz are a black platform sole (great for adding some height) with various interchangeable straps (or uppers)!

The straps click into the base holes with a high-tech QuickClick technology and voila, you've got a brand new look. Definitely read the instructions carefully because it does take some practice to master the fasten. And, if you wear them on the beach like I did, be sure to carefully wash out all the sand before installing a new strap! Click here for a demo.

I took them on my recent trip to Anguilla and St. Martin.

Here they are on the plane (I like that the platform keeps my feet inches away from the bathroom floors...)
And on the ferry to Anguilla:

And on a day of sightseeing:
These are great for traveling since they easily go from day to night - dressed down like a flip flop or dressed up with some bling. Best of all, they are super comfortable. They'd be a great gift for the bride-to-be or your bridesmaids.

No More Wire Hangers: The Must Have Accessory for Every Wedding Gown!

So you've got the gown of your dreams and you've run through the getting ready photo list with your photographer, right? Here's a little tip that you might not have thought of...make sure your wedding gown has a pretty hanger to accompany it in all those wedding dress photos!

This was actually my mom's idea after she hated all of my sister's wedding dress photos that featured an ugly plastic hanger. So, I got a padded hanger at the Container Store and some decorations from Michaels and voila, my mom whipped up this fancy, shmancy hanger:

(all photos by Belathee Photography)

Does your dress already have a fancy hanger?

Summer Loving - Take a break from wedding planning and score a travel bargain

Summer vacations are the best and the deals now are better than ever! So put the wedding planning on hold for a bit (I promise, your fiance will thank you) and hit the road.

(source)

If you're in the market for a cruise bargain or cheap hotel rooms, book them fast. Need some inspiration?

Seabourn Cruises, Crystal Cruises and Silversea Cruises still have some amazing summer deals left (like 65% off certain dates!).

Grab your girlfriends and head down to Miami for a girl's getaway. You'll find cheap hotel rooms, great beaches, restaurants galore and miles of shopping.

Even NYC is on sale right now! The famed Waldorf-Astoria has rooms for under $200 and if you come soon you can take advantage of our NYC Restaurant Week. And don't forget the shopping...Topshop, Kleinfelds, and Sephora, oh my.

Europe is a great deal now so why not grab your guy and head over the pond for a little pre-honeymoon getaway? London and Paris have slew of cheap hotel rooms (yes, we're talking under $100) available with the the money you'll save you can do a little shopping!

Bon voyage!!

Need a great gift for a Globetrotting Couple?

How about a Bespoke Map Dish covered with vintage maps from Etsy seller Bombus?!?! Each one is unique and you can specify the location you'd like featured.


I also like this London map tray:

And the world atlas bowl:

The Most Amazing Wedding Video Ever!!

I'll admit to being a little biased here since it happens to be the highlights reel from our wedding!

Picking a videographer was a tough choice for us. We wanted something classic yet modern, with fabulous music, ingenious editing and award-winning style! In addition, the Globetrotting Groom wanted the latest high-tech filming techniques so the video would look fabulous on his Apple TV and HDTV set up. We had looked at hundreds of wedding videos but when we met with Joe from J.P.I Films, we knew he was the one.

The J.P.I Films crew was super professional, totally unobtrusive and fun to have around (future brides, this is important!). If you're still searching for a videographer (FYI, they will travel outside NY), I highly, highly recommend them.

Hot off the press, I present you with J.P.I Video's latest masterpiece, Lyla and David's Highlights reel:

Lyla and David's Highlight Reel from J.P.I. Films on Vimeo.

Honeymoon packing tip #10 - Make Room for RuMe!

If you're like me, you never know when you're going to find something you need - on a vacation, on your way home, or as you're heading out. Since I love the planet as much as I love shopping, I have taken to carrying a reusable tote in my bag at all times.


Sure there are lots of these on the market but my favorite comes from RuMe. They are super small and light when folded and large enough for groceries or a day's worth of shopping when unfolded. Best of all, they are super sturdy (think groceries for the week) and they fit perfectly over your shoulder keeping your hands free. I also discovered that they can also double as a beach bag - here we are in Anguilla last month:

They're available in an array of sizes and patterns so order one or a few to throw in your honeymoon suitcase. They would also make nice bridesmaid gifts or destination wedding Out of Town bags.

Groom's Week: Target Practice - A Nightlight for Guys

Here's a groovy gadget for grooms that brides will benefit from too. Whether you're already living together or will be after the upcoming wedding, one of the irksome things about guys is when they leave the seat up (add groan here...). Even the most well mannered gents will be guilty of this from time to time so here's your chance to be prepared.

The Johnny Light is a night light for your toilet bowl that lights up when he leaves the seat up! No more falling in for you and no more misguided pee pee for him. Genius I say! The Globetrotting Groom says any gadget with LEDs and batteries will be a sure hit with men. Just watch this video for details.

Get one for your groom as an "I can't wait to live with you" present and spare yourself the "seat-up vs. seat down" controversy before it starts. Its also a fun bachelor or bachelorette party gag gift. Next up, getting him to put a new roll of toilet paper in after he uses it all up.....

Groom Week Continues! Grooms need some relaxing TLC too!

Brides aren’t the only ones who need to relax before the wedding day -- grooms need some time rejuvenate to look their best on the big day too.


To get the them ready for that very important walk down the aisle, grooms-to-be should check out the “Grooms Day at the Red Door” package, which includes a Swedish massage, gentlemen’s manicure and haircut (oh my!). Red Door Spa also offers several other men’s services, prefect for the groom-to-be including a gentlemen’s pedicure, deep tissue massages, and back facials (a must if he'll be sunbathing on the honeymoon)!

Click here to find a Red Door Spa near you.

Groom Week! Has your groom picked out his undergarments yet?

You've spent hours thinking about your wedding day undergarments so maybe your groom-to-be should give some thought to his - Um, maybe 10 minutes or so??

I present you with Tommy John's Second Skin Collection of underwear. Bye, bye to baggy undershirts which can cause "fake love handles." Say hello to these sleek, long and lean undershirts that give your guy a smooth silhouette! I put a Stay Tucked shirt on the Globetrotting Groom and I swear, they are like Spanx for men.

Check out these BEFORE and AFTER shots (and no, this is not the Globetrotting Groom).

BEFORE TOMMY JOHN:

AFTER TOMMY JOHN:

The collection includes crew neck, V neck, long sleeve and tank top undershirts and low rise boxer briefs and underwear briefs. These are so perfect for your grooms and groomsmen. Click here to snatch some up.

And the Pevonia Botanica winner is.....

And the winner of the Tropicale Papaya-Pineapple gift set from Pevonia Botanica is commenter number 2 - Jessica P! Email me at globetrottingbride@gmail.com to claim your great prize!

And to the other 150 fabulous readers who didn't win this time, stay tuned for more great giveaways!!

Groom's Week: What to get the guy who has everything???

Traditionally, the bride gives her groom a wedding present but what if your guy is one of those guys who have it all????

Here are a few unique gift ideas for grooms....

1) Is he the nautical, coin collector type? If so, check out these El Cazador Shipwreck cuff links from Arca Fine Coin Jewelry (call for details) ($795).


2) Is he the political type? Maybe he needs a Jorg Gray 6500 watch ($325) like President Obama!


3) Is he a cigar aficionado? Why not personalize this Not Just Any Old Day sterling silver cigar tube ($398) with your wedding date?

Welcome to Groom's Week! Why should brides have all the fun?

Since most of you fabulous readers are female, I thought I'd spend this week highlighting some great items to share with your grooms. I'm sure you've heard that Real Housewives of New Jersey line "Happy Wife, Happy Life" but I say a "Happy Groom will Make You Swoon." Ok, so that's a little cheesy. Maybe the pregnancy hormones have kicked in?

First up is this fabulous "Here Comes the Groomed Kit" from Anthony Logistics For Men:

Priced at $50, this kit contains glycolic facial cleanser, facial scrub, pre-shave oil, shaving cream, after shave balm, sea salt body scrub, and glycerin hand/body lotion in a lightweight travel case (perfect for taking on the honeymoon...). It's a great way to get your groom's face camera ready for the big wedding day and honeymoon close ups.

When I showed the Globetrotting Groom the potions and instruction card he balked, "I don't need a routine," but when he tried all the products, he changed his mind. Suddenly Mr. Doom and Gloom was all, "Hey, feel how soft my skin feels!" True story ladies!

I think this would be a great engagement gift, nice Jack and Jill shower present or groomsmen gift. Or maybe you just want to surprise him with a "just because" (your face is like sandpaper) present.

Red, White and Blue Wedding from Eat, Drink, Marry!

In honor of July 4th weekend, I leave you with some photos of my favorite red, white and blue election themed wedding from Eat, Drink and Marry. I love how Maggie incorporated her patriotic theme in so many cute ways. Check out her fun blog for more pics and scoop on her wedding weekend.







Have a great holiday weekend everyone!!!

Nifty, Eco-Friendly Personalized Gift Idea

Staying hydrated is super important for summer brides and bridal parties! I love the idea of giving your bridesmaids and groomsmen personalized and eco-chic SIGG water bottles from CafePress.

You simply enter a personal message or date, select your design template (or upload your own artwork or photo) and voila, you're done!

These bottles are great to bring along on your travels too...

Are you a Recessionista Bride?

Weddings are expensive but The Broke-Ass Bride just launched a cool new site called Bride$hare to help out today's Recessionista Brides!


It's a fabulous way to hook up with other brides to share the cost of rentals, decorations, gowns, bridal accessories and much more. Or maybe you're just lazy and want someone to plan everything so you can just show up. Either way, recycling is good for the environment!