0 Honeymoon Hotspot: Milan

On an Italian honeymoon, Venice, Florence, and Rome are some obvious hot spots to jet off to. But who wants the obvious when it comes to a fabulous post-wedding getaway? Once thought of only as a major business and fashion capital, Milan is a vibrant and molto stylish city with is also surprisingly romantic with its charming streets, cozy cafe's, and Renaissance and Gothic architecture. Here are some highlights you shouldn't miss.

Where to stay: A discreet entrance on Via Gesa leads you into the elegant Four Seasons Hotel Milano (fourseasons.com). The property is a restored 15th century convent done up with swanky accommodations.If you're planning a destination wedding, this hotel is a dreamy location complete with a lavish downstairs ballroom and foyer that opens out to a sunken patio.

Four Seasons Hotel Milano

What to do: - A little known fact about Milan: it's bursting with art and culture. Check out the Pinacoteca di Brera museum, which houses masterpieces by Giovanni Bellini and Raphael; take in the impressive sights of the Duomo Catherdral, the focal point of the city; visit the regal rooms at the Palazzo Reale; and make a reservation to see Leonardo da Vinciâ's The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie church.

Duomo Cathedral

- Explore the Navigli neighborhood, located in the Southern part of the city, which is full of hip restaurants and nightclubs, as well as historic homes lining the Naviglio Grande canal.

- Of course you'll want to do a bit of shopping and you'll have lots of options along the store-packed Corso Vittorio Emanuele, under the glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and among the top-designer boutiques that make up the fashion district known as the Golden Triangle

- Relax and keep up that newlywed glow with a luxurious facial using the Bulgari gem essence-infused skincare line at the spa in the sleek Bulgari Hotel Milan (bulgarihotels.com).

Bulgari Hotel Milan spa

Where to eat: Beautiful hidden courtyards dot the city, and many feature chic restaurants that boast open-air seating. Surrounded by a 19th century palazzo on Via Gesa, Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone (ilsalumaiodimontenapoleone.it) serves delicious traditional Milanese fare and offers a great wine selection. Conti Cafe (conticafe.it), on Via Montenapoleone, has a sexy lounge area that's perfect for an early-evening aperitivo or late-night dinner. Stop for gelato at Cioccolati Italiani (cioccolatitaliani.it), which is the best in town.

Where to go: Just an hour away is the picturesque Lake Como in the Lakes District. (discovercomo.com). Its grand villas, serene atmosphere, and spectacular scenery have made it a favorite retreat for the rich and famous.

Lake Como

Photo credits: Four Seasons Milano, DiscoverComo.com, The Italian Government Tourist Board, Bulgari Hotel Milan

0 Romantic Beach Wedding Inspiration/Ideas

Many couples are looking for a more relaxed approach to planning their wedding. What’s more relaxing then strolling along a beach? There is something about being near the ocean that is incredibly romantic, perfect for beginning your lives together.

The Locationif you are getting married at a beach resort, the best times of year are just before and after the high season. This can be more economical, as well as ensures you and your guests aren't overrun by tourists. Always have a backup plan in place just in case the weather isn't cooperating on your special day.

Announcements & InvitationsThere is an abundance of nautical style stationary to pull your wedding theme together. From palm trees, beach chairs, sunsets or lighthouses. Also, get really creative; send a message in a bottle! Using a theme base invitation is the first thing your guests will see which will set the tone for the entire event.

 The Attire

Consider wearing a halter style wedding dress that is light, airy or flowing. If the wedding is taking place on the beach, keep in mind the ever present wind when considering headpieces or a veil. Bridesmaids would look fabulous in mid-calf dresses with simple flower accents in their hair. Consider going barefoot or wearing beach sandals if you are getting married on the beach.

If you are getting married inside, the groom would look fantastic in a blue blazer with light colored slacks. An outdoor wedding allows for a more casual look. Perhaps navy slacks and a white linen shirt. The groomsmen should be similarly dressed to the groom.

The Flowers

Great choices for flowers include Bird of Paradise, Heliconia, Red Ginger and Orchids. If the wedding is taking place outside, try using palm trees or palmetto plants. Adding small Christmas lights or always sets a romantic setting as well.

The AccessoriesInstead of flowers have your flower girl carry a basket filled with sea shells. If the ceremony is taking place outside, avoid using a unity candle as the wind might make it nearly impossible to light. Try pouring sand from two buckets into one.

The ReceptionHire a DJ or a steel-drum band to play island or beach music. Buy some children’s pail and shovel sets, using them as centerpieces or to serve food on. You can also cover tables with light blue tablecloths to simulate the ocean and adorn them with lots and lots of seashells.

The FoodOysters and clams make excellent choices for appetizers. For the entrée, how about serving crabs or seafood steamer baskets? You could also serve seafood skewers. Consider decorating the champagne flutes with little umbrellas to really enhance the tropical feel, or even better, how about serving drinks in hallowed out coconuts?!

The Favors

Say thank you to your guests by sending them home with personalized sand pails with essentials such as sunscreen and sunglasses. Shells with a favorite candy also make a great wedding favor for your guests.