SPOTLIGHT ON COSTA BELLA WEDDINGS- Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

 

The earliest recorded evidence of a wedding was discovered about 2350 BC in Mesopotamia. At the time, society needed more stable arrangements so the father of the bride and the groom or his father arranged marriages. Cave peeps must have decided to get more civilized to keep track of relatives and stop all the inbreeding. Today Weddings are a big celebration of Love shared between willing participants, (with the exception of some countries customary practices) by family and friends with a more traditional approach with wedding dresses and tuxes to bridesmaids and groomsmen. Cake cutting, bouquet tossing and the occasional drunken family drama to end the evening so the bride and groom can scoot off to their Honeymoon for some relief.

In Second life much of the same modern day traditions are still practiced but in a virtual atmosphere where  sky’s the limit with the couple's imagination for their perfect fairy tale wedding. Costa Bella Weddings is one of if not the top all inclusive Wedding planning venues in Second Life that caters to the loving couple every step of the way.

 The SL Enquirer met up with  Mrs. Moonkill to learn more about what Costa Bella Weddings has to offer to couples looking to tie the knot in their own unique way.

Interview with Mrs. Moonkill

Lanai: Mrs. Moonkill, Thank you for meeting with me to talk about Costa bella Weddings. I know wedding planning can be tedious and must keep you pretty busy, especially as we approach wedding season!  Where are you from and how did you discover Second life?

Mrs. Moonkill: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me, I appreciate it! Wedding planning does indeed keep me busy, but it's always exciting to connect with couples and help them feel special for their dream day. I'm originally from New York. My older sister introduced me to Second Life from seeing it on a TV news show. She came over and downloaded it for me as soon as she heard about it. It's been a fascinating journey exploring the virtual world and its creative possibilities ever since!

Lanai: I can totally relate, I was hooked the moment I got here many moons ago. You’ve been in Second life since 2010, I’m sure you have seen a lot here! What inspired you to get into Wedding planning?

Mrs. Moonkill: Yes, indeed! What inspired me to get into wedding planning was a combination of factors, but one significant moment was when my husband expressed his desire for the perfect place to renew our vows and own our own wedding venue. That initial spark of wanting to create a special space for our own celebration blossomed into a passion for curating unforgettable experiences for couples. It's been incredibly rewarding to see our wedding place expand and grow into a business, fueled by our shared love for creating magical moments for others.

Furthermore, it has also served as a good luck charm for us, as we're still happily together after 14 years, cherishing each other's company every step of the way.

Lanai: Congratulations on finding your true love and also catering to others who have found theirs! Not only do you plan weddings to meet your clients needs but you also offer photography and a birthing center. I would say that is an all around package for couples. Can you tell our readers about Costa Bella Weddings and the packages you offer?

Mrs. Moonkill: Absolutely! At Costa Bella Weddings, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of services to ensure that every couple's special day is nothing short of magical. In addition to our meticulous wedding planning services tailored to meet our clients'

unique needs, our packages include:

-An officiant to conduct your ceremony with grace and professionalism.

-A skilled photographer to capture every precious moment of your big day.

-A professional DJ to curate the perfect soundtrack for both the ceremony and two-three hours of reception festivities.

-Personal wedding planner assistance to guide you through every step of the planning process.

-The venue of your choice, providing a stunning backdrop for your wedding festivities.

-Traditional wedding elements such as the Garter & bouquet toss, Cake cutting, and first dance.

-Access to the Bridal & Groom suite for moments of relaxation and preparation.

-Your choice of professionally made invitations to set the tone for your celebration.

-A beautifully crafted wedding certificate to commemorate your union.

When it comes to affordability, we've got you covered with four comprehensive pricing packages, ranging from 7k L$ to 19k L$, ensuring that there's an option to suit every budget and preference.  Whether it's a small-scale event, or a grand celebration, Costa Bella Weddings

is here to turn your dreams into reality.

Furthermore, to add an extra touch of enchantment to your post-wedding celebrations, we have three honeymoon sims available, providing a serene and romantic escape for newlyweds and offering the ideal setting for an unforgettable experience.

But that's not all! We understand that the journey doesn't end at 'I do.' That's why we offer a state-of-the-art birthing center, designed to provide comfort and support for expecting parents as they embark on the beautiful journey of parenthood.

Lanai: I have to say, you certainly cover all the bases and make it easier for couples to celebrate their love not only with a wedding but also expanding their families in Second Life. Can you walk me through the process from when couples contact you to help them with their dream wedding?

Mrs. Moonkill: Of Course! At Costa Bella Weddings, we Strive to make the journey from initial contact to dream wedding seamless and enjoyable as possible for our couples. From the moment you reach out to us, whether it's on social media, direct message or in-world, A member of our dedicated staff will promptly get in touch with you to offer assistance and schedule a tour asap of our five stunning venues and three enchanting honeymoon/vacation sims.

Once you've selected the perfect package for your needs, you'll find detailed note cards inside containing all the information you need to fill out. Additionally, our wedding planner will reach out to you personally to address any questions or concerns you may have or even help you find the appropriate attire and to assist you in scheduling a rehearsal date for your special day. During the rehearsal, our entire staff will be present to ensure that every detail is perfect and that your wedding day runs smoothly from start to finish. Your happiness and satisfaction are our top priorities every step of the way.

Lanai: I love your attention to detail with this process.  I know it takes a full staff to ensure a wedding goes smoothly from start to finish. Who else assists in the process with you? (photographer, dj, ect)

Mrs. Moonkill: Yes, indeed! Ensuring a wedding runs smoothly requires a coordinated effort from a dedicated team. Our wedding planner plays a pivotal role in making couples feel extra special by orchestrating every aspect of the ceremony. From organizing the bridal party's procession

down the aisle to coordinating animations during the ceremony, our planner ensures that everything flows seamlessly. They also guide everyone to the reception area and oversee important moments such as the couple's cake cutting, garter removal and tossing, bouquet toss and first dance, ensuring that each element of the celebration is executed

flawlessly.

Our DJ is another essential member of our team, responsible for setting the perfect atmosphere with timely and appropriate music cues. Imagine the bride walking down the aisle without music—it's the DJ's expertise that ensures such moments are accompanied by the perfect soundtrack.

Of course, our photographer captures those precious moments, immortalizing the joy and love shared throughout the day.

At last, our security/receptionist ensures that the privacy of the event is respected while warmly welcoming guests and potential clients. They play a vital role in guiding visitors to different venues if they wish to explore further.

Together, our team collaborates to create unforgettable experiences for our couples and their guests, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and executed.

Lanai: You are making me want to get married now! I should probably start by finding the man of my dreams first! Lol jk. What are your most memorable moments during the weddings you hosted?

Mrs. Moonkill: One of the most rewarding aspects of hosting weddings at Costa Bella Weddings is witnessing the joy and happiness of our couples and their guests. Every wedding is unique and special, but there are certainly moments that stand out in my memory.

One of my most memorable moments is seeing the sheer delight on the faces of newlyweds as they exchange vows in our picturesque venues. It's truly heartwarming to witness such profound love and commitment.

Another memorable moment is when I receive feedback from couples and guests about their experience. Recently, I was touched to receive a link to a Facebook post image of a couple enjoying their honeymoon, accompanied by a lovely comment expressing their appreciation for the exceptional service provided by our staff. Knowing that we've contributed to creating unforgettable memories for our couples fills me with immense pride and joy.

Also, seeing our dedicated staff in action, ensuring that every detail is attended to with care and professionalism, makes my day every day. Their commitment to excellence is truly commendable, and it's a privilege to work alongside such a talented team.

Overall, it's the combination of heartfelt moments, positive feedback, and the dedication of our staff that makes each wedding at Costa Bella Weddings truly memorable and special.

Lanai: With the beautiful memories you help couples create, it must be so fulfilling being able to experience it with each wedding you host. On the flip side, I’m sure you had a bridezilla or two. How do you handle those situations?

Mrs. Moonkill: Hmm, while the majority of our wedding experiences are filled with joy and excitement, we understand that planning such a significant event can sometimes be stressful, leading to moments of tension or anxiety. In such situations, we approach with a lot of

patience and understanding.

Our priority is to ensure that every couple feels supported and heard throughout the planning process, even during moments of high stress. We strive to maintain open communication channels, allowing couples to

express their concerns and preferences freely.

When faced with challenging situations or 'bridezilla moments', our team remains calm and composed, seeking solutions collaboratively with the couple. We believe in addressing issues proactively and finding mutually beneficial resolutions.

Ultimately, our goal is to transform moments of stress into opportunities for growth and understanding. By approaching challenges with patience, empathy, and a commitment to excellence, we aim to turn every wedding experience into a positive and memorable one for our couples.

Lanai: You do it with such care and grace. Do you have a website or a Flickr page showcasing Past Weddings and some photos?

Mrs. Moonkill:  Our Facebook page highlights previous weddings, where joyful couples share their special moments with us, a sight that always brings us happiness.

Our website features galleries of past weddings and detailed information about our services and packages.

These both allow couples to browse through our portfolio and get inspired and excited for their own special day. Feel free to visit our website( https://cbwsls.wixsite.com/costa-bella-weddings ) and facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/CostaBellaWeddings/ ) to explore our work and

see the magic of Costa Bella Weddings!

Lanai: Thank you for sharing those links with our readers. What group can couples join to stay up to date with your services?

Mrs. Moonkill: To stay updated with our services and offerings, couples can join our official Costa Bella Weddings Discord group (https://discord.gg/h2mzabNx ). This ensures that you receive timely updates on new packages, venue options, special promotions, and upcoming

events. It's the perfect way to stay connected and informed about everything happening at Costa Bella Weddings. We look forward to welcoming you to our community!

Lanai: You and your staff have done a fantastic job. Continue to nurture and celebrate Love in Second life. I wish you and Costa Bella Weddings the very best and many great years of services for couples in Second Life.  Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Mrs. Moonkill: I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone reading this for their interest and support. At Costa Bella Weddings, we are passionate about creating unforgettable experiences for our couples, and it's our privilege to be a part of such significant

moments in their lives. Whether you're considering us for your wedding or simply interested in learning more about our services such as our honeymoon/vacation sims or even just renting a venue for a private party, we're here to answer any questions and help turn your dreams into

reality. Thank you for considering us as your partner in creating magical memories that will last a lifetime.

You fell in love slowly and then suddenly it happened. Costa Bella Wedding with our pleasure. -Costa Bella Weddings. 

Additional Information:

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Costa%20Bella/82/116/1498

Website: https://cbwsls.wixsite.com/costa-bella-weddings

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CostaBellaWeddings/

Discord: https://discord.gg/h2mzabNx

Read More

Spotlight on Knot Today Wedding Chapel - Affordable Do it Yourself Weddings! - Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

Weddings have been practiced for centuries as a public display of love and union between two people who are joining each other’s life journey.  There are many traditions passed down through generations that can be seen practiced in modern cultures, such as the bride carrying a bouquet, the groomsmen and bridal party, the garter belt and lots of dancing and drinking. These practices have become more elaborate and expensive as new traditions are added to the celebration of love.

In Second Life, real world traditions do not always apply when couples can get married wherever and however they want using their own imagination and unique style.  There are many wedding venues in SL that offer a variety of packages that can range from 2,500L to 25,000L  and that doesn’t include the perfect attire and rings!

Knot Today Wedding Chapel is a do-it- yourself venue that is affordable but presents couples with top notch romantic scenes.  Hassle free planning is one of the reason couples are choosing KTWC. 

The SL Enquirer met up with jadey Ðragon (jadeylynn resident) to learn more about having the perfect wedding day and all the things you want for an easy, fast and stress free planning experience.

Interview with jadey Ðragon

SLE:  Jadey, I have to to say the venues are beautifully designed. You created a  place for couples to experience a perfect wedding. What inspired you to create Knot Today Wedding Chapel?

jadey Ðragon: Price! My SL wedding to Pen was over the top, and really quite stressful. From going over color schemes, to picking a concert band rather than the everyday DJ, I just didn’t care. I wanted to start my life with my partner, in a nice place, and what color the flowers were meant nothing to me. Yet, 25k later, I only remember the day for how much money we dropped and how much stress we were under. That shouldn’t be a memory!

SLE: I agree! For just 300L what can couples expect when they arrive at KTWC?

jadey Ðragon: A beautiful, stress free, easy to do wedding that will allow the memories to be about the two of them and not how much money they spent. Instead of the package deal that usually includes things you don’t really need, this is ala carte. You don’t need it, you don’t have to have it. If you want it, it can be done. There are no high pressured salesman IM’ing you the minute you land. Don’t get me wrong, anything within reason can be accommodated but that’s not really our target audience.

SLE: With Summer in full swing, I’m sure you are seeing an increase in unintended wedding crashers lol. To avoid overlapping weddings, what advice can you give couples who want to book a date?

jadey Ðragon: That’s just it, you don’t even have to book a date with us. You can show up in your pajamas in the middle of the night and runoff into the sunrise. With a 10-15 minute wedding it rarely, if ever, overlaps.

SLE: It sounds like everything is going great. Are there any rules couples should know about using the venues?

jadey Ðragon: The only really strong rule we ask is that you don’t linger if another party is waiting to go next. It doesn’t happen often, the officiant is quick, but sometimes people linger for photos or the drinks that are provided and that’s ok, just don’t interrupt the next party.

SLE:  Do you make the venue private for guests who want to ensure no wedding crashers disrupt their special moment?

jadey Ðragon: Upon request, absolutely. We’ll also turn voice on to allow them to have their ceremony that way was well. All you have to do is ask.

SLE:  What other types of weddings do you accommodate?

jadey Ðragon: Other than the traditional wedding ceremonies we also have a secret garden located below that provides an automated Collaring Ceremony for those in the BDSM lifestyle. There were 2 reasons for adding this to the venue. The first reason was that many new people to the lifestyle don’t know where to begin with a collaring ceremony in SL, so they usually skip the ceremony altogether and have very little memory of it happening at all. The second reason was, of course, personal to my heart and it needed to be part of my business as my business is part of me.

SLE: You cover everything lifestyle by offering traditional, customization and even collaring ceremonies.   For Elopements and weddings on the fly, how can they DIY their service?

jadey Ðragon: Everything you need is completely provided! You have the tradition walk down the aisle, the awkward stand as the officiant reads the vows, and the most important, a kissing pose. When the wedding is complete, the poses to walk back down the aisle together is also provided. All you have to do is show up, make a small payment and follow directions.

SLE: All of that for only 300L! Do you offer packages?

jadey Ðragon: No. Everything is ala carte available, but that’s not really what this chapel was designed for. If you need a photographer, videographer, DJ etc. it can be done but our target audience are more the ones who are not looking for fluff or high-end extras.

SLE: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers about Knot Today Wedding Chapel & Studio?

jadey Ðragon: Just because we want you to do it yourself, doesn’t mean you have too. If you need help we’re available, but we won’t try to sell you anything or talk you into spending more money. We’re very approachable people and wanting to truly make your day special.

SLE:I wish Knot Today Wedding Chapel much success! How do you prefer to be contacted for special reservations and requests?

jadey Ðragon: Drop a notecard, I do not ever want anyone to feel as if they’re being neglected or ignored and IMs sometimes get capped.

Additional Info:

Teleport: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/One%20Love/233/106/21

URL: https://youtu.be/mNTSGbdezFo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KnotTodayWeddingChapel

Preferred contact: Jadeylynn Resident or Arthuris1974 Resident

Read More

Low price, Luxurious look -Elopement Chapel

Knot Today wedding Chapel: a do-it-yourself wedding chapel. You're smart enough to do it yourself, why spend thousands for a venue you'll only use once? Why wait? We're ready now, are you?

When you want that special day to be perfect, but don't want to break the bank doing it, Knot Today is exactly what you are looking for. It features a beautiful chapel on wonderfully landscaped land with several photo opportunities and has one of the lowest prices of any automated wedding in Second Life.

While the Chapel is fully automated, your options aren't limited. Should you want to have your own officiant, or customize you wedding, Knot Today can accommodate you. The chapel has room for a large wedding party, but is also perfect for a small, intimate wedding. Outside the chapel you can find a room for the bride to get prepared and an area for the groom to relax and have a complimentary drink.

It's not complicated! Come, have a wedding and the go enjoy wedded life!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/One%20Love/237/90/2302

Read More

Ballrooms : Where the Romance Lives - Seersha Heart

“In one kiss, you’ll know all I haven’t said”; Pablo Neruda.  In Second Life, a date at a ballroom is a romantic adventure. It all the romance in one stop; the kisses and the dances of a well-earned night out.  I spend time in ballrooms during the year. This past year has been the most dramatic changes in my SL history. SL has lost two of the top ballrooms in the past year.  One of those was the lovely Rose Theatre Ballroom. In its day, if you asked anyone for the best ballroom “Rose Theatre” was either the first or the second one mentioned.  Angel Manor was a cultural hub of art and performance that is missed. Bogart’s is another loss to the grid. To me, losing Bogarts hurt badly. You could always could on Bogarts.  The walk through the shops to the marquee. At Bogarts you could have the formal stylish surroundings of a traditional ballroom, with an atmosphere that welcomed the single as well as the couples.  

SL has retained a couple of “tried and true” ballrooms.  Each providing different opportunities to the visitor. I recommend visiting these ballrooms at different times.  Each one that I am writing about has a wealth of fun to discover provided by the thoughtful and the clever owners.  And as is always true of SL, things change…..a….lot. One of those tried and true is the Avilion ballroom.  Formal dress required, clothing provided, this continues to be a place of magic and of romance.  I find that when I truly want the most romantic possible evening, of all the places on the grid, you will find me at Avilion.  Sometimes I visit alone, walking through, watching other dancers or dance alone. This is a peaceful place with rich colors and lighting that dances around you.  It is a delight to hear romantic music playing, as I ascend the main staircase to the ballroom. There are a couple of nice couples poses along the way. Inside walk to the railing and the ballroom opens in front of you in all directions.  I recommend sunset or midnight lighting. Let your eyes swept the view for a moment, it is in a word spectacular. The older stationary dance pose balls have been replaced with easy to use dance balls and dance hearts. The real magic in this location is that even though you are immersed grand beautiful ballroom, when you look to your date you will realize that he/she is the true beauty in this room.  Simply magical. After the dancing, when you take your date home, if you are not rewarded with the delicious naughty parts, after an evening at Avilion, it will NEVER happen.  This ballroom is the litmus test for a relationship.

Frank’s Place Jazz Club provides different settings for a formal night out.  With Bogarts gone, there remains the Jazz Club and the Elite Jazz Club.  Beyond the sexy sounding jazz, Frank’s hosts DJs and cover band concerts.  I always think of SL Resident and living large personality Johnathan Hiess when I visit Frank’s.  Jonathan is the grid’s cutting edge to music; at Frank’s he DJs, he produces cover band concerts and generates quite a following.  If you are luck to see him in his military dress, that is just a bonus. Frank’s is a place you may meet Mr. Right Now if not Mr. Right.  It is enjoyable to be in a vast room of avis donning their best clothing. Pan your camera around, use your free What is She Wearing HUD and see who is designing these outfits.  See someone who interests you? Go ahead and IM them, that is what people DO at Frank’s so meet, chat and dance.  

Foxxies ballroom and Jazz club is a treat.  Beyond the elegant ballroom you will find a hot air balloon ride and a horse drawn carriage.  Explore and be rewarded at this gem. Foxxies has been on the grid for well over nine years. The traffic is lower here than Frank’s so if you want to have some snuggle up, one-on-one time with that special person try the atmosphere at Foxxies.  They also have DJs, music, romantic gardens, waterfalls and several romantic cuddle spots.

How would you like to enjoy some 40s swing dancing?  Teleport to the Creationspark SIM.  This is the SIM created to facilitate knowledge and support for Parkinson’s disease.  None of those limitations of the physical realm in the CP Swing Dance Hall.  A bit more casual that most ballrooms, this one sits in a SIM chock full of things to do beyond dancing.  Start at the main center and you can visit an art gallery and many interesting boutiques for shopping. In the beach and yacht areas you will find romantic hot tubs, sailboats, row boats, windsurfers and more water activities.  There are swimming animations, tubes and a waterslide. Bring your free Dutchie’s wearable towel to dry off.  Explore the vast expanse of the underwater paradise.  Truly vivid colors and interesting sea life to be found throughout.  I love the underwater paradise! Finish your visit at the Celestial Realm visiting the Spiritual Circles in the sky.

There are some other great places for an elegant night out on the grid.  Phat Cats Jazz Club Ballroom has a very romantic feeling and host live music.  Regency ballroom is one of those that provides clothing for those who don’t have a formal outfit.  A nice up and comer ballroom, I hope they get more traffic to enjoy what the offer to the visitor.  Many of the ballrooms on the Second Life search are not at their locations any more. Before that special date, make sure the ballroom exists before going out.  Save yourself the last minute fumble of finding a replacement location.

Take a moment and sift through your messy inventory.  Do you have a couple nice formal outfits? It is worth the time to make a couple.  It is a great treat to go out in SL to a nice romantic ballroom where in the arms of that special someone you may lose yourself, if only for a while, life can be magic, let it.

Links;

Heart of Avilion, Medieval Fantasy Roleplay

Frank’s Place Jazz Club

Foxxies ballroom

CP Swing Dance Hall

Phat Cats Jazz Club

Regency ballroom

Ballroom pictures and more:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/140164441@N08/

Seersha Heart [saoirseheart resident]

Photos by Karmaghna Ulrik

Read More