Wedding Blog by The Breakers was able to speak with Kleinfeld Bridal’s Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Jennette Kruszka to find out a few great tips and suggestions for choosing a gown for a Destination Wedding:

• Brides have decided they don’t want to give up their dream-wedding gown for a simple chiffon dress just because they are having a destination wedding. Designers are realizing this and making gowns that are lighter and easier to travel with, yet still important and stunning!




• When choosing a wedding gown for a destination wedding in a hot climate, Kleinfeld recommends light comfortable fabrics such as silk organza, chiffon, taffeta or tulle.




• Some recent designer collections that include lightweight fabrics are Elizabeth Fillmore, Claire Pettibone and David Fielden and Reem Acra (all of which can be found at Kleinfeld).

When thinking of South Florida summertime evening weddings at The Breakers Palm Beach – breezy beachside ceremonies, delicious dinners and sips of cool, refreshing wine are a few things that come to mind! What are the best summertime wines to pair with your dinner? Our Master Sommelier, Virginia Philip, has put together a list of the best pairings for your wedding:


Zarate Albariño, Rias Baixas, Spain
The Albariño grape is often thought to be a distant relative to the Riesling grape. Its high quality and extreme scarcity, and one of Spain’s more expensive grapes, remained virtually unknown until the 1980’s. Medium bodied with peach, pear and citrus notes, the wine is enhanced by the white floral nose and palate.
Pair with: Ceviche, oysters, seafood or as an aperitif


Gramona “Imperial” Gran Reserva, Cava, Penedes, Spain
Produced from a blend of 40% Xarello, 40% Macabeo, and 20% Chardonnay. This ultra-refined Cava is aged at least three years prior to release. Notes of toasted brioche and almonds on the finish complement the clean, Granny Smith Apple, lemon rind and fresh floral aroma.
Pair with: Aperitif, Peekytoe crab, tartare seafood.


Jean-Luc Colombo, Cape Bleue Rosé, Coteaux D’Aix-En-Provence, France, 2008
The Cape Bleue is made from vineyards near the city of Aix-en-Provence in Marselle, France. This wine is made up of 40% Syrah, 40% Mourvedre and 20% Counoise. The delicate pink color is achieved by leaving the red grape skins in contact with the juice for a limited amount of time. This rose displays aromas of cranberry, raspberry, cherry with notes of minerality on the finish. This wine is dry and an excellent way to cool off in the summer.
Pair with: tuna or salmon, light meats


Guigal Côtes du Rhônes, Southern Rhône, France
The winery was founded in 1946 by Etienne Guigal who turned over the reins in 1962 to his son Marcel. Production for this appellation is nearly 2 million hl and over 200 million bottles per year. With 100,000 acres under vine Côtes-du-Rhône encompasses massive plantings on both sides of the River Rhône and created mostly from Grenache and Syrah. Medium bodied with notes of red cherry, black plum, and black pepper, this wine is fairly easy to drink with or without food.
Pair with: light meats, tuna tartare, burgers

Decisions, decisions –choosing a first dance song is one of those stumbling blocks you may find while planning your destination wedding. Your first dance is the initial opportunity to introduce yourselves as a Mr. & Mrs. to family and friends at your Breakers Palm Beach wedding – so choosing a song that is meaningful and speaks of who you are as a couple is important!


We asked Marcia Mitchell, Vice President of Marcia Mitchell Music, Inc. to share her thoughts on First Dance song selections:


“Brides and Grooms today are very expressive and hip! Their first dance selections are no longer of the norm as everyone wants their wedding to be unique and original. We excitedly receive plenty of requests for “extraordinary” first dance songs that are reflective of each couple’s personal taste. A definite way to get the party off to a good start!”


Some great examples are:


Love Story – Taylor Swift
I’m Kissing You – Des’ree
If You’re Not the One – Daniel Bedingfield
You Give Me Something – James Morrison
Feeling Good – Nina Simone


And some of Wedding Blog by The Breakers favorites:


Lucky – Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
Just like Heaven – Katie Melua
Carrying Your Love With Me – George Strait
Come Rain or Come Shine – Mary J. Blige


Photo Credits: Donna Newman Photography

Love is in the air and will surely be surrounding you on your wedding day! Looking for a fun way to carry on the theme of love? The Breakers Master Sommelier (and Wedding Blog by The Breakers expert!), Virginia Philip recommends choosing romatic wines for your guests! She has compiled a list of sensational recommendations for wines with a play on words for “Amour“ or “Love”:


Iron Horse “Wedding Cuvée”, Sonoma, California, N/V
Iron Horse Sparkling Wines have been served at the White House for five consecutive presidential administrations, beginning with the Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meeting in Geneva on November 20, 1985, which led to the end of the Cold War. This cuvée is Iron Horse’s Blanc de Noirs, made from predominantly Pinot Noir. It has a beautiful, pale-peach hue. Joy Sterling, winery owner says, “Rich and creamy, like pure strawberries and cream, this is without doubt the most romantic of our Sparklings. It is dangerously easy to drink.” A favorite for many, Iron Horse is probably best known for this cuvée.


Alma Rosa Pinot Gris, Santa Barbara County, California, 2007
Richard Sanford has been practicing sustainable farm growing for the last 28 years at several different wineries, he is known for creating high quality wines and setting a benchmark for organic farming, sustainable agriculture methods, and environment-friendly commerce. Alma Rosa was created in 2005 and this wine is medium bodied with notes of white flowers and peaches. On the palate there are flavors of granny smith apple, lemon zest completed by a hint of minerality and a refreshing acidity


Hartford Court “Four Hearts Vineyard” Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California, 2006
Hartford Family Winery was founded in 1993 and they specialize in single vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Old Vine Zinfandel. “Four Hearts Vineyards” Chardonnay is located in the four key regions that form the heart of the Russian River Valley AVA; the Middle Reach, Laguna Ridge, Green Valley and the Santa Rosa Bench. The soil is a mixture of ash and lava from ancient volcanoes plus alluvial gravel from rivers and streams. This full- bodied Chardonnay has overtones of ripe apricot, hazelnut and almonds with notes of mineral on the well-balanced finish.


Watts “Dos Amores” Meritage, Lodi, California, 2003
Made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Cabernet Franc, these estate grown grapes are primarily from Los Robles Vineyard, named for the ancient oak trees preserved among the vines and situated on rolling hills of old red clay. Full bodied with notes of blackberry, black cherry and plum, the wine has a hint of chocolate and spice on the finish.


Photo Credits: Lila Photo

Planning a destination wedding may seem like hard work, but creative and innovative Michelle Rago gave Wedding Blog by The Breakers some great tips on how to make planning a destination wedding easy-peasy!

Michelle’s tips:
“When planning a destination wedding my strongest advice is to always have a backup plan. This might seem like common sense but most couples are so married to one vision they often don’t create a back up plan for fear it will be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Pick an alternate place for the ceremony and cocktails if they are outdoors in case of inclement weather. Have the language in place should you have to communicate a change in venue at the last minute. Having a back up plan will give you a much greater sense of security so you can relax and enjoy all your hard work!”

It’s as simple as that ladies, just take it from the expert. Relax, take a deep breath and enjoy your big day!

Google has just launched their brand new wedding templates! These simple and user-friendly templates are ideal for helping you get organized for your wedding day (and because they are always online – you can access them from anywhere!). From keeping track of your guest list and seating chart, to choosing a venue, these templates will allow all of you bride-to-be’s to stay on top of your planning.


The best part about these little lifesavers? Style Me Pretty has teamed up with Google to include some invaluable advice from some of the greatest experts in the wedding industry on these templates. The Breakers’ very own Director of Catering and Banquet Operations (and Wedding Blog by The Breakers expert!), Joan Bever, has been asked to join in on the fun! Check out the venue doc where Joan features some phenomenal tips on working with your venue.


Get started now and let Goggle’s simplicity, simplify your wedding planning!

Working on your bridal registry, but not quite sure where to start? Our Master Sommelier and Wine Director, Virginia Philip is here to help Wedding Blog by The Breakers readers!


Virgina says, “Bridal Registries can be mind- boggling and selecting appropriate glassware can be even more challenging! When registering for your glassware, keep in mind who your guests are, and also when and why you may use specific glassware.”


Here she lists three gorgeous styles of glassware, and what each may be used for:


1. Riedel – this is the true wine connoisseur’s glass. It is a must for those who appreciate a great glass of wine. While not as ornate as Waterford, the glass is designed clear so that the color nuances can be seen, the optimal aroma can be achieved when smelling the wine. The shape of the glass is well thought out to enhance the taste profile.


Price point for the Vinum Collection: $18-$30 per stem and come in several different “Grape Varietal Designated” shapes.


2. Tiffany - these glasses are very simple yet elegant. They can be used for everyday drinking, as well as more formal affairs. While the shape in not specifically designed for specific glassware, the glass is designed for red versus white wines.


Price point: $15 and up, per stem.


3. Waterford – for the elegant dinner table, these glasses are a must. Usually the entire line of glassware is requested such as water, wine, champagne, bar etc… Perfect for the holidays and impressionable to guests, they should not be used for wine tasting style dinners.


Price point: $50 per stem and up, per stem.

So many gowns, so little time! What’s a girl to do? Wedding Blog by The Breakers asked the same question! Lucky for us (and more importantly, YOU!) Kleinfeld Owner and President, Mara Urshel told us just what to do when shopping for the perfect dress.





1) Research- Start looking for gowns in magazines and websites and bring the photos to your appointment, it will give your bridal consultant a general idea of the kind of dress you like: traditional, straight, empire, princess ball gown, etc.


2) Plan- Make sure you have enough time…it can take 6-12 months to order a designer bridal gown. “It will take anywhere from nine months to 12 months to order your dress,” says Urshel. “Sometimes six months is OK, but in that case you will be limiting some of the dresses that can be available to you.”


3) Budget – Know your budget… A lot people forget that they have to pay for alterations, a headpiece, a veil, undergarments. There are a lot of extras and sometimes those extras can add up to more than the gown.


4) Who to bring – Do not bring an army of friends and relatives to your bridal gown appointment. Bring along one or two trusted partners – your mom, a close friend, etc. – for a second opinion. Make sure you bring people you can trust and that you select a dress that works for you – not for them.


5) Open Mind – Keep an open mind, listen to the consultant, and try on gowns she suggests. Gowns don’t always look as good on the hanger as they do on the body. Try on as many styles as you can. “Do it; try everything. This is your chance to try on all the dresses in the world and any salon should take the time to work with you to make sure you are happy.”


6) What to wear – Wear appropriate undergarments, you will be undressing in front of a sales consultant you never met before. You may also want to wear a strapless bra or the salon may have samples for you to use.


7) Trust your instincts – You’ll know it’s “the one.” If you have to be reassured that the gown looks great on you, it’s probably not “the one.” Is this how you pictured yourself looking as a bride? Does the gown suit your personality? Are you comfortable enough in it to enjoy your wedding day?


Dresses: Perla D by Pnina Tornai for Kleinfeld Kollection (left), Alita Graham for Kleinfeld Kollection (middle) Perla D by Pnina Tornai for Kleinfeld Kollection (right)