A Gift your Groom and Groomsmen will Love

This post is in partnership with Groomsday. As always, the concept and all content are my own. Post contains affiliate links. Shopping for men can be the most difficult thing to do especially when it comes to weddings. There was a point in time when guys were left to fend for themselves when it came to wedding gifts. I’m often asked by my grooms for suggestions when they want to purchase gifts for their wedding party. Well, I start with the first question….tell me something about your crew? Then we try to find a gift(s) that will work with their style and the wedding. Groomsday has been around since 2003 and offers a wide variety of personalized gifts for men. So, if you are looking for gift sets, drinkware, watches or bags, you have found it. My favorite is the wood box personalized Groomsmen set that contains a money clip, tie clip, and cufflinks. The wood box is a perfect size and can be reused to hold loose change, jewelry or more. I also loved the socks with the personalized band. The quality was amazing as well as fast shipping. Check out the products on their site, you won’t be disappointed. Groomsday 

Destination Weddings in Mexico

Hola, mi hombre es Gail

Let’s, book your tailor made wedding in Mexico. A country known for miles of white sandy beaches with warm crystal clear waters, rugged mountain landscapes, barren desert and lush jungles; it's no wonder Mexico is a favorite destination for weddings and honeymoons. While staying at a five-star all-inclusive luxury resort, you can take in the sounds of a mariachi band while soaking up the Mexican sunshine. 

After the wedding, start your honeymoon off with a luxurious couple’s massage by your private pool or take an off-site excursion to one of the ancient ruins such as Teotihuacán or the Mayan city of Chichén Itzá. You will find Mexican towns rich in culture, upscale shopping centers, renowned museums and churches, gourmet restaurants serving everything from tapas to sushi to wine sangrias that will appease the pickiest palates. 

If you are ready to start planning your romantic destination wedding, please contact me at gail@gailjohnsonweddings. 

Saludos, Gail Johnson Weddings & Events, Certified Mexico Wedding Specialist

Coming Soon.....

Yes, a new website is coming soon. I'm working with my fab web designer Deb or stripe on creating a site that is mobile compatible - no more FLASH site. Hope to have it up and running in a few month.

You can reach me at gail@gailjohnsonwedding for more information on planning your wedding or event.

Bridal Week 2016 NYC

Bridal Week NYC 2016 has come and gone, but there are some great memories. Check out this beautiful gowns from the new Fall Bridal Runway shows. I see a lot of lace, plunging necklines and the very popular floral print. My favorite is that Berta gown! swoon....

Say “Si” in Mexico

Say “Si” in Mexico. There are so many great wedding venues with beachfront views view and sandy beaches. Check out the latest issue of Destination IDO & Honeymoons magazine. Two of my favorites Mexican wedding resorts are the Royalton Riveria Maya Hotel and Mahekal Beach Resort 

Gail Johnson Weddings & Events, es una empresa dedicada a la planeación, diseño y coordinación de eventos y bodas destino (Translation: It is a company dedicated to the planning, design and coordination of events and destination weddings).

Mahekal Beach Resort, your magical moment begins on a white, sandy path adorned with crimson rose petals. There simply is not a more magical backdrop for your Playa del Carmen wedding than the turquoise waters, supple sand and lush vegetation surrounding Mahekal BeachResort. The turquoise sea rises to greet you and your groom. Enchanting birds call out from the tropical palm trees with their songs of approval. This is the wedding you have always dreamed of; this is a Mahekal Beach Resort wedding.

The stylish rooms and bungalows (no TVs) feature terraces or balconies with hammocks, as well as free Wi-Fi, safes and sitting areas. Those on the beach add private plunge pools, and adults-only penthouses have outdoor showers and canopy beds. Room service is available. Breakfast and dinner are included and there are 2 restaurants and 3 bars. Additional amenities include 2 outdoor pools, a hot tub, private beach and dive center, plus event space. 

Royalton Riveria Cancun exclusive All-In Luxury™ concept is devoted to providing guests with a unique vacation experience, masterfully blending the Yucatan Peninsula’s unique culture with a luxury product that features top quality service, and great attention to detail. Dedicated and friendly staff, an incredible Puerto Morelos location, top-notch dining venues, wonderful destination wedding packages , spacious rooms and suites, a fitness facility, and great all-inclusive services are sure to enhance your luxury vacation experience.

Tie the knot at the Royalton Riviera Cancun. What could be more beautiful than marrying your true love in paradise? Our luxury resort is designed to make your destination wedding truly unique, and help you create everlasting memories you will cherish forever. Whether you're hosting an intimate family affair or a grand gala, weddings at our All-in Luxury™ resort are extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime events.

Wedgail featured in Long Island Bride & Groom

So excited to be quoted in the March 2016 issue of Long Island Bride & Groom. Giving advice on all things weddings and being a wedding expert is a job that I love. In this issue, I give advice on things couples can do the day after the wedding with guests. So, check out Long Island Bride & Groom -  Food, Glorious, Food section which is available on line digital format and hard copy via snail mail.

Anne Barge Bridal Fashion Show

What a night! Anne Barge Bridal rolled out the red carpet with celebrity industries friends cake diva, Sylvia Wienstock and editorial director at Martha Stewart Weddings, Darcy Miller at Atlanta's newest venue Flourish by Legendary Events. There were tasty appetizers, beautiful models (male and female) and fabulous runway fashion. Trends for 2016 - simple lines, ruffles, lace and high-low hemlines. And, then there were those red Cartier swag bags.

photo: Willett Photography

Destination Weddings - Mexico

If you want a fabulous destination wedding in Mexico, here are some helpful tips and valuable information. I'm your certified travel wedding planner and can help you plan the destination wedding of your dreams.I've included some of my pix from my last visit to Mexico. Contact me at gal@gailjohnsonweddings.com.

Los Cabos: 

Airport- Los Cabos International Airport is the seventh busiest airport in Mexico, located at San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The airport serves Los Cabos area: San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.

Weather - The best time to visit Cabo is from May to June, when the wintertime crowds have gone home and the summertime storms have yet to hit. October and November are also nice months for a vacation, but you'll need to begin your hotel search early if you want to save money.

Currency- The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso but American dollars are also widely accepted. 

Cancun:

Airport- Cancún International Airport is the most popular for those honeymooning in Cancun, Mexico’s top leisure destination. 

Weather- The best weather will be found December through April. You can expect temperatures in the low to mid eighties and decreased precipitation during these months. 

Riviera Maya:

***The Riviera Maya is a large area. The highway runs from the airport in Cancun south 80 miles along the coast to the city of Tulum. The Riviera Maya is everything in between. There are several towns along the way, Playa Del Carmen being the most well known and developed.) 

Airport- You will likely find the least expensive flights flying into Cancún International Airport . 

Weather- If you want the best weather in the area -- still sunny, but milder and with less rainfall and virtually no risk of storms -- plan your vacation from December to April.

Puerto Vallarta:

Airport- Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport is an international airport located at Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco in Mexico.

Weather- The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is between April and June when the weather is pleasant and the room rates are affordable. During these months, rain is scarce and there are fewer tourists. If you're interested in whale watching, however, visit from January to March.

Be Amazing - Talking with Tami Vision Party

When Talking with Tami called and said she needed some help with her Girls Night in Vision Board party, I jumped into action. Of course, I only needed to buy foam boards since everything else was in my closet. Who knew I had so many craft supplies. I think we did more socializing than working on our boards, but at least everyone got a jump start and took their boards home to complete. This was so much fun and a great way to start the year - Love the Sign - BE AMAZING! Yes, I will.
Photos: Genae Banks Photography
Cake: Pum's Sweet

Party of our crew for BE Amazing Vision Party

Me and my girl Tami - making things happen

You need lots of craft supplies

Photog Genae Banks and Tami

Some inspiration and vision board supplies

Tami making her vision board 

Yes, there was wine and yummy brunch items

This marble cake by Pums Sweets was AMAZING!

ASOS Bridesmaids

If you are looking for affordable bridesmaids dresses and accessories, look no further than ASOS. They offer a great selection, in the hottest color of dresses, shoes, purses, headpieces and more. Check on the site and let me know what you think. I'm loving the purple floral dress because they can be worn again after the wedding.

Kick Start your New Year - Reset 2016 (one-on-one Coaching)

After receiving emails almost daily about mentoring and coaching, I am freeing up some time on my calendar to do just that - coach! I have always enjoying sharing my journey in this up and down industry. So, if you want to spend time with me and figure out what is working and not working for your business - now is the time. Space is limited.

Reach me at info@gailjohnsonweddings.com for more information.

Happy New Year!! 2016 Here we Come...

Wow, I can't believe the year went by so fast - so long 2015....here we come 2016!

There were so many GREAT Weddings & Events in 2015 and vast experiences that opened my eyes to the world around me. I posted some of my goals for 2016, some not ALL and look forward to the journal that awaits.

Facebook Post:
"I'm saying goodbye to 2015 as I “reset” for 2016! I will be putting more focus on my personal development (yep, I took two years of Spanish at Spelman College and I’m returning to Emory in January 2016 to start my studies in Spanish - the goal - to become fluent. I am taking my biz to the next level as I pursue more destination weddings (preparing a contract today for a 2017 destination wedding - woohoo!) and feeling thankful for all of my clients (past and future) who have trusted me to plan their special day. Yes, there will be more family time with my biggest supporters. See ya in 2016! Happy New Year! pix Jessica Hatter Photography #wedgail#destinationweddings #dreambig #skyisthelimit"

Life & Business - Design Sponge - Gail Johnson Weddings & Events

In my second life I always dreamt of being an interior designer. I have always had a love for every unique design element and décor. Well, well, well what a surprise when I opened my email box and saw an email from the editor of Design Sponge, Design*Sponge one of my favorite blogs – a daily read! They wanted to feature ME! You never know who is watching you, feeling very thankful. ‪#‎wedgail‬ ‪#‎wedcentral‬ ‪#‎weddesigngirl‬ ‪#‎designsponge‬‪#‎callthepraisedancers‬

I'm a COVERGIRL - Outlast Longwear

I replaced my current beauty products with COVERGIRL's Outlast Stay Luminous Foundation (860) and COVERGIRL Outlast Longwear Lipstick (950). Yes, this coverage lasted the whole day and I didn't even need a touch up. As for the lipstick, the color was perfect for the holidays. Can't wait to wear this combo on Christmas day! Check out the full line of products - outlast does last ALL day! #wedgail #OutlastTheOccasion #CGBridesSweepsEntry #BridesInfluencers #Covergirl. SPONSORED POST

Holiday Gift Guide 2015

All I want for Christmas - it's that time of year and I have picked out a few holiday gifts from some of my favorite retailers. Wishing you the best this Holiday Season!

1. Blushing Bride - Betsey Blue Blushing Bride Clutch $108

2. Agent Provocateur -  Rauve Waspie Black - $590 

3. Vince Camuto double buckle moto bootes - $250

4.  Fictions Eau De Parfum/London, Paris, LA - $48 Anthropologie

5. Tumi Short Trip Packing Case - $385 Bloomingsdale

6. Sprinkle cupcakes/ice cream - $6.75

Spirituality Riviera Maya - Mexico

I'm not impressed by a lot of things, but my excursion trip to Spirituality Riviera Maya in the Mexican jungle was magical. Well, it was a little scary and enlighten to be in the middle of the jungle surround by nature. We toured 4 ceremony sites and participated in Cacao Ceremony. Definitely, the best part of my trip to Mexico. The organization offers traditional Mayan weddings with real shamans, followed by Mayan or Aztec traditions, workshops, spiritual healing-aura cleaning, vow renewals and more. So, if you are ready to book your Mayan ceremony - let me know!