Author: Alexandra

-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-

Prince of Wales Hotel

Befitting its royal moniker, this stately hotel stands regally on the shores of Upper Waterton Lake in Alberta, Canada. The 86-room hideaway, named in honor of Prince Edward, has been welcoming guests to its spectacular water- and mountain-view rooms since 1927. Visitors come for the warm hospitality — the afternoon tea is a standout — and excellent hiking trails that lattice the area’s national park. Bear’s Hump Trail is popular for its views of the hotel, town and lake. Spring is an especially exciting time for wildlife spotting, when Bighorn sheep, black and brown bears, fox and more can be seen meandering among the alpine landscape (room rates start at $250 a night).

Four Seasons Resort & Residences Napa

What happens when you marry one of the world’s most renowned luxury brands with one of the country’s most beautiful — and bountiful —  settings? Check into this recently debuted property in Calistoga in Napa Valley and you’ll be treated to the ultimate experience. Rooms here invite the spectacular setting in with oversize windows showcasing epic views. On-site amenities include a vineyard with tasting room and a spa that utilizes the area hot springs in its experiences (room rates start at $854 a night).

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

This Wisconsin lake town, located just 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 from Minneapolis, is chockablock with Gilded Age homes, local shops and eateries, and all-seasons outdoor activities. Take part in them all when you stay at this enormous hotel of the same name that sits on the shimmering waters. In addition to 365 guest rooms, the resort includes two golf courses, a ski and snowboarding facility, an indoor/outdoor waterpark and a serene spa. The restaurant options are just as robust — the Chophouse and its outdoor fireside lounge being among the most popular spots (room rates start at $199 a night).

Miraval Austin

With the tagline “Life in Balance,” it’s no surprise that this stunning all-inclusive spa resort positioned on Lake Travis is robust with wellness offerings. There’s yoga and massage, of course, as well as meals sourced from the on-site farm that are as flavorful as they are healthy. The resort’s extensive activity menu includes lectures and interactive classes on sustainability, meditation and “creative expression” (think: photography; mala crafting). And there’s a seemingly endless array of equine experiences and fitness classes — we love the hikes. Don’t miss an ayurvedic healing treatment or renewal ritual in the enormous spa (room rates start at $988 a night and are all inclusive).

The Sagamore Resort

In New York’s storied Adirondacks is a series of pristine freshwater bodies that welcome visitors from all over the world. One is Lake George, “The Queen of American Lakes”” which stuns with 109 miles of shore. The alpine area offers four-season adventures like ice fishing in winter; foliage hikes in autumn; farm tours in spring; and beach fun in summer. The historic Sagamore occupies an island within the lake, affording guests unbeatable views throughout the year. On-property activities are seasonal; roasting marshmallows and fireside cocktails are always on offer (room rates start at $499 a night)

Dromoland Castle

This sprawling property — it stretches over 450 acres — that encompasses emerald hills and never-ending lawns, formal gardens and a sparkling lake called Dromoland Lough embodies classic Ireland. The castle itself dates to the 16th century and was once the home of the O’Brien family, who happened to be direct descendants of Irish royalty. Activities on the cinematic expanse celebrate the island nation’s traditions. There’s falconry and archery, golf, horseback riding, fishing in the lake and high tea in ornate dining rooms. Take an exquisitely packed picnic to a secluded spot on the enormous lawn and peep at the gorgeous gardens planted in the impressive style of Versailles (room rates start at $417 a night)

If you’re at all like me, then your parents have played a major part in your life and you owe them the world. They’ve been with you every step of the way from attending every high school sporting event to seeing you off to college and, in my case, helping me move to a different state for my college internship.

Needless to say, it only feels right to thank them for helping me get to this major milestone: my wedding day. I want to take the opportunity to remind them that they no matter what, they will always be just as important to me.

Before the Wedding

1. While registering, your mother might have mentioned what she would register for if she could do it again today. Take her up on that hint and surprise her with whatever it was she was wishing for. She’ll love it!

On The Big Day

2. You’ll be showered with gifts and special gestures all day — pay it forward for those closest to you! A hand-embroidered handkerchief with a special message is a lovely (and useful) gift, as is a special piece of jewelry, such as a necklace or cufflinks.

Photo Credit: Sam Hurd Photography

3. Incorporate part of your mother’s gown into your bouquet handle. Bonus points if you attach a meaningful token to it as well, like a miniature-sized version of their wedding photo!

Photo Credit: La Vie Photography via Junebug Wedding Photo Gallery

4. If you aren’t fond of the idea of cutting up your mother’s wedding gown, then why not put it on display? Create a living museum by displaying your mother’s gown, grandmother’s gown, or any other special ladies’ dresses. This is a great way to dress up the walk to the ceremony site.

Photo Credit: Ashley + David Photography

5. Any parent loves a great picture of their child and your wedding is no exception! While creating your shot list for your photographer, collaborate with them to pay homage to Mom and Dad in some way. I few ideas that immediately came to mind are: a picture of you and your groom holding your parents’ wedding photos, a “first look” with Dad and a “last hug” with Mom before you become husband and wife.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Wilson Photography

Photo Credit: Belen Isabel Photography

Photo Credit: Jeremy Beasley

6. If you and your groom don’t have a tune that’s particularly special to the two of you, pay tribute to your parents by using their wedding song for your first dance. If you prefer to use another song, you could always play theirs later in the evening. Either way, it will be such a special treat for them.

7. Consider including a signature cocktail or treat that has special significance to Mom and/or Dad. It could be an all-time favorite of theirs that didn’t completely fit into the wedding meal choices. For me, I think it would be something along the lines of an ice cream bar, and I’d name it “Bobby’s Ice Cream Shop.” 

8. Having trouble selecting a cake topper? Re-use the one from your parents’ wedding and add a little “something borrowed” to your dessert display. 

Photo Credit: Danielle Poff Photography

Post-Wedding

9. After so much time together planning the big day, your parents might start to miss you a little more than usual. Thank them for all of their help and support by planning some fun activities that you can all do as a family. I live in beautiful Santa Ynez Valley so I know my mother and father would appreciate what I call a home-a-wine mixing class!

10. It goes without saying that certain things will go left undone in your parents’ lives outside of your wedding in the months leading up to your special day. Take the weeks following your wedding and honeymoon to offer to help them with some home improvement tasks.

While all of these are unique ways to thank your parents that I’m sure they’ll love, don’t forget that a handwritten thank-you note goes a long way and will always hold a special place in their hearts. 

— Davia Lee

Davia Lee is a real bride, entrepreneur, lead designer and wedding planner for Davia Lee Events. She loves all things sparkly, fashionable and girly. In contrast, her fiancé, Jesse, is a “man’s man” — beard and all! They are the poster couple for “opposites attract” and prove that true love knows no boundaries. Their greatest wedding-planning challenge will be finding a middle ground where all of their wants, needs and dreams will meet. We can tell you this, though — when everything aligns, their big day will be fabulous!