The history of the wedding dress

                                                                  

Have you ever wondered why brides wore white gowns in weddings? Out of my curiosity, I did a quick check and this was what i found. The white wedding dresses you see nowadays were not what the brides wore long time ago.

During the Middle Ages, most weddings were performed due to political reasons rather than love. It does not only involve two individuals but it can be between two families, businesses or even countries. Brides were expected to dress to reflect their social status. The material and color of the gown depends on how wealthy the family is. Luxury materials like fur, silk and velvet are popular among the rich.

On the other hand, the poorer brides wore only their best church dress for their wedding. White is said to represent pureness these days but during the ancient time, blue was use to symbolize purity. The white wedding dresses were not one of the favourite choices during that time.
The trend was started by Queen Victoria who got married to Albert of Saxe-Coburg. Victoria wore a white lace gown for her wedding.  When the photos got published, many brides opted for similar dresses to honor the Queen.
The tradition continued till today, as the color white was assumed to represent virginity, although that was not the original intention.

Redang Honeymoon

As the monsoon nears its end for the East Coasts, seaside and island resorts begin to resume their activities, most of them gearing up for March and onwards. And Pulau Redang is one of them. The island is one of Malaysia’s most famous tourist destinations in the East Coast, under the state of Terengganu.

Popular Destination for Newlyweds

It is no mistake or mystery that Pulau Redang is one of the most popular destinations for newlyweds nowadays. Various wedding photography packages, especially from renowned bridal studios often offer destination photoshoot + honeymoon travel combo promotions for the couple, while Pulau Redang is one of the top choices usually included in tour packages as well.

So, what are the main attractions at Pulau Redang for a couple of newlyweds?

• v  Abundance of Marine Flora and Fauna

o    This is also the main reason that made Redang one of the more popular snorkeling spots in the East Coasts and in Malaysia, aside from the waters off the Sabah coasts. Because of its unique biodiversity, Pulau Redang has been declared a marine park in 1991, thus, preserving much of its beauty which many couples now get the chance to experience.

• v  Quality accommodation

o    Be it 5-star resorts or standard chalets for budget trips, Pulau Redang is never short of choices. A couple who wished for a pampered stay can choose a 5-star resort (e.g. Berjaya Redang Beach Resort), where all forms of services (spa, breakfast-in-bed etc) is fully provided. A couple who wish to enjoy nature at its best can check in to a simple chalet (e.g. Redang Lagoon Chalet), where snorkeling packages and trips are all included in the itinerary.

• v  Various Activities Available

o    While Pulau Redang is well-known for its water and natural beauty, the island is far from boring. Various types of water sports and outdoor activities make good adventure: paragliding, windsurfing, snorkeling & diving, beach volleyball, jungle trekking etc. Aside from that, spas and reflexology, as well as indoor gym facilities and swimming pool are available for those who prefer to stay indoors and relax.

Trips around the nearby towns, food and restaurants, as well as nightlife are also other points that add to the main attractions.

Coconut Palace

The Coconut Palace is a palace in Manila, Philippines, commissioned by former First Lady Imelda Marcos for Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1981. However, he declined the offer, saying that it was an ostentatious option. The Palace’s architect Francisco Manosa, however debunks this myth, saying that the Coconut Palace – a showpiece on the versatility of the coconut and its viability as an export – was planned long before the Pope even decided to visit the country.
The Coconut Palace is made of several Philippine hardwood, coconut shells, and a specially engineered coconut lumber apparently known as Imelda Madera. Each of the suites on the second floor is named after a specific region of the Philippines and displays some of the handicrafts these regions produce. The palace is located on Eduardo A. Makabenta, Sr. Street at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex between the Folk Arts Theatre and the Sofitel Philippine Plaza. The palace is shaped like an octagon (the shape given a coconut before being served), the roof is shaped like a traditional Filipino salakot or hat. Some of its highlights are the 101 coconut shell chandelier, and the dining table made of 40,000 tiny pieces of inlaid coconut shells. Highlighted as one of the CCP’s most striking structures for its architecture and interiors, the palace celebrates the coconut as the ultimate “Tree of Life”. From the coconut’s roots to its trunk, bark, fruit, flower and shell, the palace’s design, form and ornamentation echo these elements.
It is now another favorite venue for weddings and it’s close proximity to the 5-star Sofitel Philippine Plaza just adds to its advantage.
Reviews of the Coconut Palace:
“There are plenty of venues sprouting up around Metro Manila these days that there are so many choices. We wanted an exclusive venue, I wouldn’t like running into another bride on my day nor competing for space with other guests in the lobby. Coconut palace fitted our bill as it is quite near Intramuros and parking is not going to be a problem for guests. Plus it wouldn’t hurt that there’s plenty of space for my number of guests. There is a receiving area, cocktails area inside the house, dinner was served at the poolside. And a spectacular view of the sunset. It was breezy that night and it didn’t felt that we were outside in the middle of summer in Manila. No swarms of mosquitoes like I feared. And Manila Bay was not smelly. Comfort room inside the house was clean. Didn’t get to see the loos outside. We supplied liquid hand soap, citronella candles, facial tissues and loo rolls (all unused items were returned to us). ” — Al & Ana
“- Mabel was so nice, ok kausap
- Venue’s perfect for a Chistian wedding; it’s a serenely beautiful
place
- clean bathrooms
- wasn’t humid for an april wedding (right after holy week)” — Jon & Peejay
“There are a lot of beautiful venues for wedding but nothing beats Coconut Palace when it comes to sunset! We just love it! The rental cost is also very reasonable compared to other venues. We also didn’t have a hard time talking to Chiq as she’s been very accommodating. We also appreciate their honesty when they called us after the wedding, telling us that we’ve overpaid, when in fact we went beyond our target headcount.
If you love sunset, and if you’re looking for a place that is solemn, intimate, and yet lovely … we would definitely recommend Coconut Palace.” –Milo & Toni
“Thanks for the good weather. The palace was really astounding, glimmering with colorful flowers and twinkling lights. At around 5pm, the sun was up but was about ready set, so we waited a little while. Our guests enjoyed exploring the palace & the view of the beautiful sunset taking pictures everywhere. Haha! The wind was so strong it blew most of the luminaries’ candles. And make sure that your luminaries are heavy enough so it won’t tilt, because some of mine did, heavy na bumaliktad pa rin. Still I love the view of the palace at night. All of us enjoyed it.” — Ariel & Erra

CONTACT INFORMATION
Coconut Palace
Address: Roxas Boulevard, Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Manila
Phone : +63 2 831.1756; 832.1898
Email: cocopalace@yahoo.com

Pulau Perhentian Honeymoon Package

Return boat transfer – fast boat
Accommodation for 2 nights – sea view & air-cond
Meals – 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners
Basket fruite
2 Snorkeling trips (include – mask, snorkel, life jacket & boat guide )
Mystery gift. 

Price :
RM 1300/couple – Coral View Island Resort
RM 1100/couple – Cocohut Chalet

Please contact : +609-1234567

Istanbul For Love

Fascinating destination for perfect honeymoon. Istanbul is one of the romantic city in the world. With the nice weather and spectacular view, you will have an everlasting romantic memory. For the Muslim, it’s just perfect as the Halal food is everywhere in the city. Pamper yourself  with the Turkish Bath after serving your eyes with a fantastic sight and enjoy local delicious food afterwards. Try fish sandwich by the Golden Horns and you’ll know why it’s just a perfect romantic place to be.

Istanbul is a beautiful city, modern enough to be comfortable and traditional enough to be interesting. Places to visit including Sultanahmet where you’ll find the famous Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Hippodrome. Head for the shopping experience at the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market in the west of Sultanahmet. It’s also a convenient place to stay and you’ll find various of hotels and inns around this area.

Taksim Square is a place full of people, urban and sits old and new buildings. Find 4 stars and 5 stars hotels and shopping here. Get cosy and have your romantic dinner in various of romantic restaurants available or just sit at a sidewalk cafe and have a sip of Turkish coffee or tea.

Complete your honeymoon with Bosphorus cruise and enjoy the spectacular romantic view of the Black Sea past the castles, palaces and Ottoman-Victorian villages. Climb towards Dolmabahce Palace and get romantic up the hill.

Best time to travel in Istanbul is between May to September. Summer is from mid-June till mid-Sptember. Perfect picture for your souvenir.

 Find your trusted travel agent and book for your romantic Istanbul holiday!