The Travelling Fairy DancerWedding Escapes
November 15th 2010 06:54
All hail the Bridezilla - a not-so mythical creature created by pre-wedding planning mishaps - by this I mean too many choices of flower and table arrangements, not enough options for the perfect cake and far too many headaches sorting out the invite list - not to mention where to seat them once you invite them.
Many of you may be rolling your eyes in understanding (bridesmaids), shaking your heads defensively (brides-to-be) or sighing in pleasure (mothers-of-the-brides). Lately, I've found myself surrounded by an onslaught of wedding fever, and the theme seems to be, (this from an actual, real, bride-to-be), "I just want to forget about the little details and focus on the atmosphere".
So - for magical scenery, a touch of history and the scent of the exotic - where the place is far more attention grabbing than the table settings or the bows on the back of the chairs - here are some extraordinary places I've visited that may just save some headaches (but please don't blame me if they serve to create more...).
Paronella Park - North Queensland, Australia
Jose Paronella moved to North Queensland from Spain in 1929, bringing his wife, Margarita, to build a fantasy Spanish complex in the middle of the rainforest.
After being cyclone ravaged and semi-rebuilt, Paronella Park resembles a moss covered set from Radars of the Lost Ark, mixed with a romantic Spanish summer residence, resplendent in its faded glory. Crumbling stone, glistening creeks and waterfalls and tiny bridges lead to bamboo forests and regal, tree-lined paths - a magic garden dotted with ruins just begging for romance.
Tjampuhan - Ubud, Bali
Imagine a resort etched into the side of a hill above a tropical ravine, dripping with hibiscus and frangipanis and ringing with birdsong day and night.
Celebrated painter, Walter Spies, famously resided at this royal guest house and if you even boast a touch of artistic talent, Tjampuhan will rip it out of you in the guise of sublime inspiration. Seductive, tropical heat surrounds the statue littered pools and a day spa, carved into the hill, rivals any imaginative version of King Neptune's Underwater Palace. No flower arrangements required - just add yourselves.
Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie,Scotland
No fairy princess could resist picturing herself strolling towards this castle, rising up from the point where three sea Lochs converge, with the towering mountains of Skye dwarfing all in their presence.
www.photoeverywhere.co.uk
You could almost choose you're scenery, depending on the time of year -snow-capped mountains are an option, or swirling, all-encompassing mist or green, green grounds highlighting the sun glistening on the water.
With a history starting as far back as the 6th century and a quick trip up the road to the Isle of Skye with its mysterious fairy glen and soaring cliffs by the sea, wedding history is yours for the taking - or at least you'll soon forget great-aunt Margie's comments about your inappropriate boob-tube style wedding dress.
Many of you may be rolling your eyes in understanding (bridesmaids), shaking your heads defensively (brides-to-be) or sighing in pleasure (mothers-of-the-brides). Lately, I've found myself surrounded by an onslaught of wedding fever, and the theme seems to be, (this from an actual, real, bride-to-be), "I just want to forget about the little details and focus on the atmosphere".
So - for magical scenery, a touch of history and the scent of the exotic - where the place is far more attention grabbing than the table settings or the bows on the back of the chairs - here are some extraordinary places I've visited that may just save some headaches (but please don't blame me if they serve to create more...).
Paronella Park - North Queensland, Australia
Jose Paronella moved to North Queensland from Spain in 1929, bringing his wife, Margarita, to build a fantasy Spanish complex in the middle of the rainforest.
After being cyclone ravaged and semi-rebuilt, Paronella Park resembles a moss covered set from Radars of the Lost Ark, mixed with a romantic Spanish summer residence, resplendent in its faded glory. Crumbling stone, glistening creeks and waterfalls and tiny bridges lead to bamboo forests and regal, tree-lined paths - a magic garden dotted with ruins just begging for romance.
Tjampuhan - Ubud, Bali
Imagine a resort etched into the side of a hill above a tropical ravine, dripping with hibiscus and frangipanis and ringing with birdsong day and night.
Celebrated painter, Walter Spies, famously resided at this royal guest house and if you even boast a touch of artistic talent, Tjampuhan will rip it out of you in the guise of sublime inspiration. Seductive, tropical heat surrounds the statue littered pools and a day spa, carved into the hill, rivals any imaginative version of King Neptune's Underwater Palace. No flower arrangements required - just add yourselves.
Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie,Scotland
No fairy princess could resist picturing herself strolling towards this castle, rising up from the point where three sea Lochs converge, with the towering mountains of Skye dwarfing all in their presence.
www.photoeverywhere.co.uk
You could almost choose you're scenery, depending on the time of year -snow-capped mountains are an option, or swirling, all-encompassing mist or green, green grounds highlighting the sun glistening on the water.
With a history starting as far back as the 6th century and a quick trip up the road to the Isle of Skye with its mysterious fairy glen and soaring cliffs by the sea, wedding history is yours for the taking - or at least you'll soon forget great-aunt Margie's comments about your inappropriate boob-tube style wedding dress.
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