A VERY VERA HONEYMOON

For brides-to-be shopping for a wedding gown, the name Vera Wang is synonymous with style and sophistication. Now, for honeymooners or destination-wedding couples seeking a glamorous getaway, the name also embodies elegance and island luxury, thanks to the famous fashion designer’s signature suite at the Halekulani, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The one-bedroom, 2,135-square-foot suite with 642-square-foot lanai faces the Honolulu landmarks Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach and offers guests the perfect combination of privacy and panoramic views. Specially designed by Vera Wang herself, the suite also features personal touches from her various collections, including home, gift, bath items and accessories, as well as china, glassware and a king-size Vera Wang Serta mattress.

Completing the high-class experience, the Halekulani offers guests of the Vera Wang Suite a variety of private services and amenities, including 24-hour butler service and 24-hour en suite or oceanfront lanai dining on menu selections chosen by Vera Wang. Private limousine services, private en suite spa services and luxury private car rentals are also available.

For more information, call 800-367-2343 or visit www.halekulani.com.

    
 
 
   
   


A GARDEN PARTY

If you're choosing a wedding location and thinking, “Hotel ballroom … been there, beach … done that,” maybe it’s time to think outside the box" and into the garden.

Quail Botanical Gardens, a 35-acre site in Encinitas, offers a unique wedding experience, with year-round daytime weddings and sunset ceremonies from April through October. Couples can choose from the gardens’ Victorian Gazebo and main lawn for a 300-person ceremony and 250-person reception; the Walled Garden, which accommodates up to 100 people; and the Waterfall View Deck, located in a small, secluded part of the gardens overlooking a three-story waterfall — an area that accommodates intimate gatherings of 25 people or fewer.

The best part of a botanical-garden wedding: You’ll certainly save money on flowers!

For more information about a wedding at Quail Botanical Gardens, call 760-436-3036, ext. 205 or visit www.qbgardens.org.

    
     
   


FINISHING TOUCHES:
COMMITTED TO CAKE

The new law legalizing gay marriage in San Diego has happy same-sex couples saying “I do,” and local bakers saying “Let them eat cake!” Popular North Park bakery Heaven Sent Desserts has even introduced a new offering: commitment cakes, designed to “showcase [the couple’s] union in a more creative, personal way,” says owner Lachlan Oliver.

Adds Executive Chef Tina Luu, “We’ve always made cakes for all types of weddings, couples and occasions, but I wanted to really showcase to same-sex couples that Heaven Sent Desserts is ready to make any dream cake for that special day.”

For more information or to order a commitment cake, call 619-793-4758 or visit www.heavensentdesserts.net.