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The Ultimate Wedding Weekend Guide: Top Hotel Destinations to Say 'I Do' presented by Bigdoggpinc Informer's Blog
The Ultimate Wedding Weekend Guide: Top Hotel Destinations to Say 'I Do' presented by Bigdoggpinc Informer's Blog
(BPT) - The most transformative chapter of life is about to unfold, beginning with a celebration of love surrounded by friends and family from near and far. The right venue sets the tone for this memorable occasion, not just for the wedding ceremony itself, but for the entire weekend of pre- and post-nuptial festivities that will be cherished for years to come.
If you're not sure where to begin, look no further than the stunning wedding venue options across Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of over 30 hotel brands. Whether couples envision a traditional or modern celebration, Marriott Bonvoy's team of event and catering experts are dedicated to bringing dream weddings to life.
From opulent ballrooms to picturesque beachfront settings, discover these unique locations to inspire every moment of an unforgettable wedding weekend.
1. Welcome parties that wow
Choosing the right venue for the welcome party is essential for encouraging guest interaction and setting the tone for the weekend.
For a venue with historic ambiance, explore the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection, offering hacienda-style rooms and suites. Party-goers can mingle among lush fruit trees against a backdrop of twinkling string lights at the outdoor Olive Grove, or savor California comfort food infused with authentic Spanish flavor at the Ysidora Restaurant and Lounge.

Looking for a coastal vibe? Treat guests to a sunset welcome reception on the Chula Vista Terrace at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, opening this May, where breathtaking views of sparkling San Diego Bay and warm ocean breezes set the tone for a magical weekend. This resort is designed to be a destination unto itself, where every corner is thoughtfully planned to host the moments that matter most for weddings of all sizes.

2. Rehearsal dinners to remember
With the rehearsal in the rearview, newlyweds-to-be can unwind and reconnect with their closest family and friends. The rehearsal dinner provides a chance to share an intimate moment, express gratitude, and enjoy relaxed conversations before the wedding day. This tradition allows the couple to raise a toast with the wedding party and loved ones, strengthening the bonds that will support them throughout the celebration and beyond.
For a unique rehearsal dinner experience, add Sheraton Kauai Resort to the list. The breathtaking venue, Ocean Cove, offers sweeping views of Kaua'i's coastline from the iconic Po'ipū Beach to the distant waves near the Spouting Horn. After dinner, arrange for the wedding party to experience the island's quintessential sunsets while they make lasting memories learning the art of weaving lei in a Haku Lei-Making class.

Guests will be enraptured by the open-air rooftop Sky Terrace at the Epicurean Atlanta, Autograph Collection. This one-of-a-kind destination features 4,000 square feet of space, including an expansive events lawn. Offerings include setting up action stations, incorporating a live chef and custom-made dishes for each guest.

3. Say "I do" in style
The defining moment and centerpiece of the weekend has arrived — the wedding ceremony, and choosing the right venue is essential to set the tone for the entire celebration.
For an off-the-beaten path option, consider the championship golf course at Hawks Landing Golf Club at the Orlando World Center Marriott. Designed by noted golf architect Robert Cupp Jr., couples can host an indoor reception or an outdoor event on the driving range to create a one-of-a-kind celebration.

For a truly unique option, consider the recently opened Sky Island at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. This island, just off the main pool complex, features multiple large cabanas and a lush lawn, providing a breathtaking setting for a memorable ceremony guests won't forget.

4. Toast the happy couple
Let the festivities take flight after the ceremony by selecting a venue that blends elegance with energy — whether it's a dance floor where guests can let loose, or a chic setting that wows from the first toast to the last dance.
Dance the night away at the Courthouse Ballroom at Le Méridien Tampa, The Courthouse, a century-old architectural gem restored to its former glory. The exquisite room comfortably accommodates even the largest guest lists with its grand vaulted ceiling and windows offering panoramic city views.

A nature-inspired oasis awaits at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, offering three indoor garden atriums spanning a total of nine acres. Each space offers a lush paradise housing exotic plants and serene water features, creating a tranquil and enchanting ambiance alongside a quarter-mile long river.

5. Let the party live on
After the reception ends, keep the celebration going with a fun space where guests can gather all night long. Whether it's a game room or karaoke, engaging elements create a relaxed atmosphere for everyone to continue the fun.
At the newly reimagined W Hollywood, host your wedding after-party poolside on the rooftop WET Deck. Celebrate with 360-degree views of Hollywood, private cabanas and a full-service bar. A large projection wall and pre-installed gobos offer creative ways to personalize the space and set the mood for an unforgettable night.

Guests will have a blast at Philadelphia Marriott Downtown's Liberty Lanes, a four-lane duckpin bowling alley featuring large-screen TVs, specialty cocktails, craft beer and delectable bites to keep the party alive. Between strikes and spares, slip over to the hotel's speakeasy-style pub for specialty cocktails and light fare.

6. Wedding brunch bliss
As the weekend winds down, a next-day brunch offers the perfect chance to relive the magic, share stories from the night before, and enjoy a final heartfelt gathering before guests head home.
At the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, the Crescent Terrace offers a charming outdoor setting with an oak tree canopy, market lights and scenic waterfront views enhanced by passing Disney Friendship Boats. Nestled beside the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, it's a relaxing environment where guests can reminisce and savor the final moments of wedding magic.

Host a farewell brunch in the serene oasis of Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel's Waterfall Garden & Outdoor Terrace, a two-acre natural space. Bask in the sunshine and unwind in this tranquil urban retreat before sharing a delicious meal, reflecting on cherished moments, then enjoy locally inspired flavors at 43 Down.

No matter the vision or destination for your perfect wedding weekend, Marriott Bonvoy provides an array of venues and expert teams ready to turn dreams into reality. From rehearsal dinners to post-wedding brunches, every moment can be flawlessly orchestrated. To explore venues and the exceptional services designed to elevate every moment of a celebration, or to request information, visit MarriottBonvoy.com/weddings.
For a unique rehearsal dinner experience, add Sheraton Kauai Resort to the list. The breathtaking venue, Ocean Cove, offers sweeping views of Kaua'i's coastline from the iconic Po'ipū Beach to the distant waves near the Spouting Horn. After dinner, arrange for the wedding party to experience the island's quintessential sunsets while they make lasting memories learning the art of weaving lei in a Haku Lei-Making class.

Guests will be enraptured by the open-air rooftop Sky Terrace at the Epicurean Atlanta, Autograph Collection. This one-of-a-kind destination features 4,000 square feet of space, including an expansive events lawn. Offerings include setting up action stations, incorporating a live chef and custom-made dishes for each guest.

3. Say "I do" in style
The defining moment and centerpiece of the weekend has arrived — the wedding ceremony, and choosing the right venue is essential to set the tone for the entire celebration.
For an off-the-beaten path option, consider the championship golf course at Hawks Landing Golf Club at the Orlando World Center Marriott. Designed by noted golf architect Robert Cupp Jr., couples can host an indoor reception or an outdoor event on the driving range to create a one-of-a-kind celebration.

For a truly unique option, consider the recently opened Sky Island at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. This island, just off the main pool complex, features multiple large cabanas and a lush lawn, providing a breathtaking setting for a memorable ceremony guests won't forget.

4. Toast the happy couple
Let the festivities take flight after the ceremony by selecting a venue that blends elegance with energy — whether it's a dance floor where guests can let loose, or a chic setting that wows from the first toast to the last dance.
Dance the night away at the Courthouse Ballroom at Le Méridien Tampa, The Courthouse, a century-old architectural gem restored to its former glory. The exquisite room comfortably accommodates even the largest guest lists with its grand vaulted ceiling and windows offering panoramic city views.

A nature-inspired oasis awaits at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, offering three indoor garden atriums spanning a total of nine acres. Each space offers a lush paradise housing exotic plants and serene water features, creating a tranquil and enchanting ambiance alongside a quarter-mile long river.

5. Let the party live on
After the reception ends, keep the celebration going with a fun space where guests can gather all night long. Whether it's a game room or karaoke, engaging elements create a relaxed atmosphere for everyone to continue the fun.
At the newly reimagined W Hollywood, host your wedding after-party poolside on the rooftop WET Deck. Celebrate with 360-degree views of Hollywood, private cabanas and a full-service bar. A large projection wall and pre-installed gobos offer creative ways to personalize the space and set the mood for an unforgettable night.

Guests will have a blast at Philadelphia Marriott Downtown's Liberty Lanes, a four-lane duckpin bowling alley featuring large-screen TVs, specialty cocktails, craft beer and delectable bites to keep the party alive. Between strikes and spares, slip over to the hotel's speakeasy-style pub for specialty cocktails and light fare.

6. Wedding brunch bliss
As the weekend winds down, a next-day brunch offers the perfect chance to relive the magic, share stories from the night before, and enjoy a final heartfelt gathering before guests head home.
At the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, the Crescent Terrace offers a charming outdoor setting with an oak tree canopy, market lights and scenic waterfront views enhanced by passing Disney Friendship Boats. Nestled beside the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, it's a relaxing environment where guests can reminisce and savor the final moments of wedding magic.

Host a farewell brunch in the serene oasis of Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel's Waterfall Garden & Outdoor Terrace, a two-acre natural space. Bask in the sunshine and unwind in this tranquil urban retreat before sharing a delicious meal, reflecting on cherished moments, then enjoy locally inspired flavors at 43 Down.

No matter the vision or destination for your perfect wedding weekend, Marriott Bonvoy provides an array of venues and expert teams ready to turn dreams into reality. From rehearsal dinners to post-wedding brunches, every moment can be flawlessly orchestrated. To explore venues and the exceptional services designed to elevate every moment of a celebration, or to request information, visit MarriottBonvoy.com/weddings.
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Flying high to make a child's wish come true presented by Bigdoggpinc Informer's Blog
Flying high to make a child's wish come true presented by Bigdoggpinc Informer's Blog>
(BPT) - Twelve-year-old Lucas has always loved everything connected with aviation — and learning more about planes is one of the things that keeps him feeling strong and joyful, even when he is dealing with the daily challenges of having congenital heart disease. This chronic health condition affects the way his blood flows through his heart and blood vessels, which can lead to fatigue, difficulty breathing and other serious symptoms that negatively impact his everyday life.
"When I was twelve or so weeks pregnant, we got the news that Lucas' heart was different, which was tough news to learn," said his mom, Stephanie. "But we've had a couple surgeries, and now we're at a stage where he looks and acts pretty much like any other kid."
And when Lucas learned that he would be able to have a wish granted by Make-A-Wish® — which has a mission to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses — Lucas knew just what he wanted right away. His wish was to have an A380 plane experience. The A380 is Lucas' favorite kind of airplane, and he already knows a lot about this type of plane, among many others. Lucas shared that he would love to see the landing gear, the cockpit, where the flight attendants sleep, and to learn anything and everything there is to know about the A380.
Thankfully, Make-A-Wish has had a longstanding national partnership with United Airlines over the years, which would make fulfilling his wish possible. Because over 80% of the wishes from children in Make-A-Wish involve some form of travel, airfare costs are the greatest expense on fulfilling their wishes. In fact, Make-A-Wish would need over 2.8 billion miles to cover every travel wish each year. It is imperative for Make-A-Wish to have generous corporate partners like United Airlines to help make wishes like Lucas' come true.
"Lucas' wish was absolutely amazing. It was a great day, exhausting. But it was awesome to do all the things," said Stephanie. "It was fun to have Make-A-Wish involved for familiar faces, and we didn't realize there were so many jobs outside of the pilot that you can work in the airport. This was more than we could have dreamed of."
How you can help
If you'd like to join the efforts to help fulfill wishes from more children all year long, United Airlines is inviting their MileagePlus members with the opportunity to donate their reward miles to several charities, including Make-A-Wish, through their "Miles on a Mission" platform.
Even better, during the holiday season, from Dec. 3 through 31, 2024, United Airlines is stepping up their support of Make-A-Wish even more. Customers are invited to donate miles or money to Make-A-Wish, and United will match miles donations up to 5 million miles, and cash donations will be matched with United travel certificates up to $500,000. In addition, $1 from every illy® cold brew purchased in flight will be donated to Make-A-Wish, up to $25,000, helping to bring hope to more children facing critical illnesses.
You can unwrap the power of a wish today and help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses like Lucas this holiday season by visiting Wish.org/united-donate.
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