Alexa Thomason's Blog (7)

So you're tying the knot in the Windy City? You lucky girl, you! Stop freaking out right now, because Chi-town is one of the country's most unique wedding destinations.

After all, nothing makes a wedding unforgettable like an unusual venue -- and Chicago is loaded with them. Whether you're flying in for a destination wedding or you're a born and bred hardcore Chicago-ite, you'll find the perfect venue for your Windy City…

Traveling to a wedding is a big commitment for your guests, not only financially, but also because they have to spend a lot of time in an unfamiliar city. For example, if you are getting married in Chicago, there is so much to do and see that they probably won't have a clue where to start. One of the ways you can make them feel at ease is by giving out-of-town guests gift bags when they arrive. These bags should include several fun and practical items to make the wedding weekend more…

As far back as I can remember, my parents taught me to appreciate life and never take one day for granted. But sometimes I can’t stop myself from wishing I could jump ahead to 2013. That’s when I’m getting married in Capri, Italy and I honestly can’t wait to get out there (and get married of course!), to enjoy the land and celebrate with family and friends.

Today 2013 seems far off in the future, but time really flies. That’s why we’re starting the process of planning the wedding and…

Similar to the feeling of buying two carts full of groceries – only to realize your car is packed from ceiling to floor with your brother's furniture and mom's craft table – the thought of how you're going to get everything home after your destination wedding is a thought you only seem to have after the fact.

As you try to shove gallons of milk between the legs of the craft table, you silently scold yourself and wonder how you could have been so…

The joys of marriage are abundant. Love, happiness, wedded bliss, etc., the list goes on and on. But, before you can enjoy the marriage, there are a few hurdles to jump. Hurdles like wedding planning, name changes, assorted paperwork and licenses and -- oh yes -- deciding where to live.

Starting a new life together is incredibly exciting, but also requires making a few big decisions beforehand. Knowing exactly what to do, when to do it and how to do it is mostly guesswork and…

So, you're having a destination wedding. You're leaving your hometown far behind, hopping a plane to The Bahamas and soaking up some sun on your big day.

You're freed of the awkward task of how to break the news to not-so-close friends and not-so-favorite family members that they're not invited to the wedding. You can simply say, "Oh, we're having a destination wedding, so it's basically just the wedding party and our parents! Sorry!"

You're good…

A destination wedding is ridiculously exciting. Wedding planning in and of itself is thrilling, but mix in planning for a destination and you've got more joy than you can handle!

But, will all the joy comes some of the stress. If planning a standard wedding is hard, planning a…