Where in the World are the Cook Islands?
Play their Interactive Game and enter a chance to win a week-long trip for two to the paradise that is the Cook Islands.
Last February, real weddings Magazine was treated to a week-long trip to the Cook Islands and now you have the chance to experience this tropical paradise for yourselves! Go to www.findthecookislands.com to play an interactive game and receive the chance to win a week-long trip for two.
Read about our adventures published in real weddings Spring/Summer 2009 and Fall/Winter 2009.
“More and more visitors from the USA and Canada are finding out about our South Pacific secret,” said Glenda Tuaine, acting CEO of Cook Islands Tourism. “We are thrilled to launch this interactive website to show North America the appeal of our destination. Site visitors will learn about our non-stop flight from Los Angeles, our excellent exchange rate and the natural beauty of our islands. These reasons make the Cook Islands the perfect week-long getaway for those on a budget to those searching for utmost luxury.”
The sweepstakes runs now through May 1, 2010.
The Grand Prize includes:
- a week long trip for two with roundtrip non-stop airfare from Los Angeles on Air New Zealand
- three nights accommodation at Manuia Beach Hotel in Rarotonga
- two nights at Tamanu Beach Aitutaki in Aitutaki
- roundtrip domestic airfare Rarotonga to Aitutaki and roundtrip transfers
- daily tropical breakfast
- One Foot Island Lagoon Cruise
- Jungle Quad Tour provided by Coconut Tours
- introductory dive provided by The Dive Centre
- Progressive Dinner & Wine Tour provided by Cook Islands Tours
The winner must be at least 18 years of age and travel May 31, 2011. Blackout dates may apply.
The staff at Real Weddings are extremely excited to announce the birth of Samuel James to our Executive Assistant Lara Jane and her husband Kevin. Congratulations Lara and Kevin!
Tricia wanted their wedding to be, of course, pretty, but mostly both she and Chris just wanted the day to be relaxed and fun. “We aren’t much for the spotlight, so keeping things pretty natural and informal felt right,” Tricia says of their celebration at 
Earlier this week, our Publisher and Managing Editor attended a media and tourism event at 
Our evening began with an abundance of treats, from Quebec cheeses, to mini creme brulees, maple tartlets, and mini pots of creamy lobster catered by 
Local businesses large and small are in the Olympic Spirit. Champagne & Lace, an Abbostford boutique, sent us a few snapshots of their red-mittened staff. And if you walk by their shop, enjoy their take on the Olympics green-and-blue… with a bridal twist of course! Thanks to owner Gerri Charles and her staff for the fun pics!
Earlier this week, Sweet Naturally, a Vancouver bakery/cakery dropped off a dozen scrumptious cake lollipops to the Real Weddings office (pictured here on our Managing Editor’s desk). After meeting owner Frances Tsai at the Grassroots Wedding Fair a few weeks ago, we were immediately enamoured with the idea of petite cakes playfully consumed like lollipops… really, who doesn’t love food on a stick?
Every few days, we receive a sartorial news bite email from Harry Rosen, purveyor of men’s fine quality clothes and accessories. Today, our inbox contained a Q&A from “Ask Harry”, in which menswear-related questions submitted via email through harryrosen.com are answered. In today’s question, Harry Rosen, the company’s CEO discusses the made-to-measure suit, a great idea for your groom, groomsmen and the dads. The perfect-fitting suit is not only a sharp look for the big day but can then be incorporated into a man’s everyday wardrobe. Vancouver’s Harry Rosen shops are located at Pacific Centre and Oakridge Centre.
In honour of the Games happening in our city in T-minus seven days, local jewellery designer Elsa Corsi has created a collection of 
Pre-wedding activities are not complete without a stagette event with your besties. And since Vancouver is a world-class city with many natural and cultural delights to enjoy, why not treat yourselves right here in your own backyard? Or, if you have friends or guests coming from out-of-town for the big day, any of these destinations and activities are sure to please and impress. In December, our Managing Editor Angie Ishak, her gal pal Corrie, and several out-of-town women in media enjoyed three days of girl-getaway fun in and around our “City of Glass”. First stop, the Sutton Place Hotel.
The Sutton Place Hotel, with it’s warm yet grand and opulent ambience was a great start to our activities. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of downtown on Burrard Street, close to Robson Street for shopping and dining, and English Bay and Stanley Park for a seawall stroll with inspiring ocean and mountain views. The others wisely took in these local pleasures during their stay. After our bags were taken up to our rooms and we freshened up for the evening, we met up with the group and headed to CinCin for dinner. Our lively and chatty evening was fueled by amazing cuisine and local wine from Poplar Grove Winery on the Naramata Bench. Our out-of-town guests thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
The next morning, we headed off to Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa for another luxury stay and some pampering in their spa and hot springs. General Motors Canada supplied new, top-of-the-line 2010 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for the scenic drive. Our 2010 Cadillac SRX SUV carried us comfortably along snow-covered lanes through Langley’s pastoral countryside along the Fraser River. The car’s fuel cell technology allowed us a road-trip sans guilt; it allows for lower carbon emissions than fossil fuel power. (Coincidently, Chevrolet is the officialy vehicle sponsor for our 2010 Winter Games.) With our Sirius XM radio tuned to 80s Hits, we made our way to Fort Langley for a coffee stop at Wendel’s Books and Cafe. Fort Langley’s small-town charm was a contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle and a fitting transition between Vancouver and Harrison.
It was truly a pleasure to meet the other girls: Jennifer Reynolds from Canadian Family, Montrealers Marie-Eve and Vicki from www.divine.ca, and the Wedding Chicks, Amy and Jocey. A huge thank you goes out to our hosts, the gracious and fun Adria MacKenzie from GM Canada, and Lisa Calvi and Gary Sowerby from Odyssey International.