Wedding Advice by Ellen

Lovely Wedding, Happy Couple!

2010-07-29T05:39:00.000-07:00

I love weddings!

Leon and I just attended the beautiful wedding of a friend. It's always
gratifying to see the actual wedding day arrive, the bride so excited,
the groom's nerves finally dissipating when he realizes how wonderful
marriage is! With all the Destination Weddings, honeymoons, vow renewals and anniversary celebrations I plan, it's great to get to participate myself!

Another happy couple!

2008-02-12T18:39:00.000-08:00

My husband John and I decided to have a destination wedding after a few months of planning a traditional wedding. Right before we signed all the contracts, we looked at each other and said, "Let's get married on the beach!"

Since we had no idea how to even begin planning our destination wedding, we decided to take a chance and go to destinationweddings.com. We were lucky enough to get Ellen Paderson as our travel agent. She proved to be absolutely amazing. She contacted us immediately after we inquired about the wedding, and was extremely helpful in choosing our resort. We got married at Sunset at the Palms in Negril, Jamaica.

Just from talking to us over the phone, Ellen knew exactly what we would like! She was extremely helpful in setting up all the arrangements for us and our guests in a timely manner, and was available day and night to talk whenever we had questions. Ellen always made sure, even during and after the wedding, that we were all taken care of.

We had the wedding of our dreams. John and I, and our 24 guests, enjoyed four days and nights of non stop fun at the Sunset at the Palms in Negril. Our wedding coordinator, Charm Reynolds, was so efficient and helpful. The resort had a way of centering many of the activities to be about "the bride!" The atmosphere was so laid back, and the staff was so friendly. Everything came together when we finally had our beautiful ceremony on the beach, under our beautiful arch, in front of our family and friends!

Read many other notes from happy couples who entrusted their
Destination Wedding plans to Ellen!

Thank you so much for everything, Ellen!
Robin and John
Boston, MA

Let Smiles and Miles Travel help make your wedding dream a reality! Contact Ellen now!

Holiday gift from a client couple

2007-12-19T16:30:00.000-08:00

What a nice surprise at my door today - a lovely bouquet from an engaged couple whose wedding I'm planning. Their thoughtfulness made my day.

A note accompanied the flowers:
"...thank you very much for all your hard work and your help-
you've created the wedding of our dreams and we really appreciate it."

Read more testimonials from happy clients of Smiles and Miles Travel.

We strive to transform all our brides' wedding dreams into reality!
See our Destination Weddings page for more information or give me a call:
508-238-4088

Norwegian Gem is a Jewel!

2007-12-19T06:42:00.000-08:00

Last week, Leon and I were invited by Norwegian Cruise Lines to sail on the Norwegian Gem, the newly-launched sister ship of the Pearl.
Here we are on the snowy deck before leaving Boston!

All I can say is: awesome!

I love this ship, from the giant Wii system and espresso bar in the lobby, to the four-lane bowling alley (an industry first), to the magnificent Garden Villa suites, it's a modern and magical environment for all ages!

My favorite features:

* Freestyle Dining:there are 12 dining rooms and specialty restaurants onboard, some have premium-priced menus, others are inclusive in the cruise price - wonderful choice of casual or formal dining, super room service, great buffets, eat when you want - love it.

* Lounges and Entertainment: 11 bars and lounges onboard; the Spinnaker Lounge is a gorgeous place to just hang out in the evening, with nightly entertainment; the bowling alley is amazing.
*Virtual Golf: compete with your golf pals at this giant-screen Wii golf system in the Deck 7 lobby.
*Staterooms

Courtyard Villas: Super luxury! These high-end villas are like having your own private yacht...grand piano in the living room, courtyard pool area with retractable roof; they sleep ten and are the ultimate family or group cruise accommodation.

Suites: Perfect for a Honeymoon or Destination Wedding Cruise! These spacious suites offer personalized service and privacy.

There are over 250 adjoining cabins - terrific for families, and excellent facilities and activities for kids. If you want a great vacation to celebrate a second wedding, look no further! Contact me for the best rates and dates!

I absolutely love the spa area - plenty of options and great service!

The Norwegian Gem - an excellent cruise choice if you want to let loose and explore your playful side!

We love it and so will you! Email me about Destination Weddings and Honeymoon cruise deals on the Norwegian Gem!

Top Five Wedding Planning Tips

2007-12-12T08:01:00.000-08:00

OK, you're engaged - now what??
Where to begin making all the important decisions required of a couple before their wedding?
Here are my top five recommendations for getting started:

1. Set a budget. How much can you afford to spend on the wedding and honeymoon? Will you have help from family? Did you know that a Destination Wedding in a beach or resort location may cost much less than a traditional wedding in your hometown?

2. Get a file box...the kind that can hold several folders.
You'll use it to store quotes, contracts, notes from conversations, wedding dress ideas, wedding cake designs, etc. Centralizing your wedding planning materials will keep you sane!

3. Choose a wedding/honeymoon destination. A travel agent with expertise in weddings can be hugely valuable; they won't charge you a fee, and can save you a ton of money.

Read our wedding clients' praise for Smiles and Miles Travel.

4. Set the date: you need to be flexible with the date as some venues book up quickly; your travel counselor can assist with date selection.

5. Start your invitation list; send out a save-the-date notice with a brief outline of your plans.

That's just a start - more details to come!

Welcome!

2007-12-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

As an expert Destination Wedding planner and travel counselor, I'm here to offer my advice and encouragement as you plan your dream wedding!

I don't just sell you on exotic wedding locations - I've been there!

Smiles and Miles Travel staff
have visited wedding venues from

Mexico, Punta Cana, Jamaica, Hawaii to California and Las Vegas- we only recommend the best destinations, hotels and services.

We work with the most luxury-conscious, professional, compassionate hotel and wedding staff around the world...and make sure you get top-quality customer service as well as value for your money.

I'm happy to answer your wedding questions here on my Wedding Advice blog - contact me anytime!

We will constantly add links, suggestions and new ideas to this page as we encounter them.

Besides the latest news on resort and beach weddings, you will find ideas for your wedding dress, invitations, rings, favors, cake, music, band and more. And remember, your Destination Wedding starts with a smile at Smiles and Miles Travel!