How Millennials Are Changing Destination Weddings Using Social Media

Photo by Spencer Davis

Millennials, born 1980-1995, are seeking weddings with bragging rights. Do social media truly have that much of an impact on millennial destination weddings?

"Big time," said Scott Wiseman, President of Travel Impressions. "Many agents get their leads from referrals and testimonials from other brides. Social media also helps direct brides to new hot spots and creates the buzz that helps to sell the wedding. Word-of-mouth has become even more powerful with the exponential influence of social media and reviews. And user-generated content from one couple can easily spread like wildfire and even go viral."

Millennials want their destination weddings to create buzz, which is where social media plays an enormous role.

According to Ivy Jacobson, senior editor at the Knot, destination weddings present many advantages for social media.

"The location and scenery are gorgeous, and guests will want to document the event on social media the whole time they're there," Jacobson said. "And having a hashtag is a must."

Photography becomes even more important in millennial destination weddings. These clients want to share studio-quality photographs in real time, and not wait for a photo album to emerge months later. 

Lockard-Furry, the founder of Traveluxe Official, said, "I have captured most of the weddings I've worked on really uniquely through their photographer."

Millennial couples are inviting destination-wedding attendees to download Veri for wedding photos.

It is important to set up a live-streaming video of the ceremony for those who cannot attend.

Wiseman listed Breathless and Secrets as the best brands for millennial destination weddings.

Photo by Asad Photo Maldives

"The first as an exhilarating hot spot, and the second as a romantic luxury one," he said. Contemporary decor and advanced technology appeal to this demographic.

Mexico's Unico 20.87 hotel also gets a good amount of social media attention. It has free spa treatments and locally influenced details woven into its modern style. It has quickly become quite popular, especially for destination weddings.

Kelly Poling, senior vice president of marketing for Karisma Hotels & Resorts agrees that social media plays a big part for millennials. She stated, “Other social elements include making personalized Snapchat filters, doing live streaming of the wedding for those who cannot attend to watch later, and providing photo/GIF booths on-site for guests to post photos instantly to their social platforms.”

"It's all about authenticity and capturing moments in real-time," said Poling.

Why Your Honesty Is A Turn Off - Relationship Expert Warns Against A Huge Mistake You Are Making On Your First Date

We always hear that honesty is the best policy. I even heard a well-known actor state, “Always tell the truth and you’ll never have to tell a lie.” Being entirely too frank may not be wise on your date.

Photo by cottonbro studio

Dating expert Louanne Ward feels you should not be 'too honest' on a first date. People do not need to know if you snore, talk to your mother, or know your body count. 'We have all been taught that honesty is the best policy, but there is a difference between being honest and oversharing, and every date is a screening exercise for both parties. Every question you answer and every bit of information you give is data collected by your date to find your date-ability score.'

Photo by Nadin Sh

Louanne explained, 'The only way you are going to get a second date is to have a high date-ability score and you will not get that by sharing useless information.'

Photo by Andres  Ayrton

Ward offered some advice on what to say and what not to say on a first date:

·       Do not share how many dates you have been on.

·       Keep your mouth closed and let the other person do the talking so you can gather the information. 

·       Reveal private information on a need-to-know basis.

·       Not every date needs to know the ins and outs of your life.

Please share or comment on this article. Thank you.

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The Do’s and Don’ts of An Office Romance

Because so many people spend most of their time in the workplace, it is understandable how some individuals find pleasure and excitement in the office.

Photo by Edmond Dantès

According to studies done in the UK, one in three people has had a romantic relationship with a colleague, and 28 percent of working women say they have had sex in the workplace.

 

However, secret trysts in the boardroom and chance encounters in the lift (elevator) can bring despair and intrigue to your working day.

 

Whether you are already romantically involved at work, or just thinking about it, here is how to be ten steps ahead of heartache, embarrassment, and job loss.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Leave him if he is married. You will win very little support for your relationship and you can risk his wife/girlfriend turning up at the office with a large tin of paint for your car. Relationship psychotherapist Phillip Hodson says: 'It's not a crime to fancy someone, but when there are families or other halves involved, you must think of the consequences.'

 

Flirt discreetly. Discretion is the key to a successful office romance. Brushing past someone or a stolen glance over the photocopier is far more enticing than draping your body over his desk. Remember, people are watching. Subtle flirting allows you to maintain your professionalism and keep an air of mystery between you and your object of desire.

 

Anticipate responses. Misreading the signals can be catastrophic. Is he smiling at you, or does he smile at everyone? Be aware that many people put on a 'friendly' mask at work. You risk enormous embarrassment and possibly your job if you proposition the boss and he does not know who you are. Do the groundwork. If you think he is interested, build up a friendship. It will improve your chances for a long-term relationship.

Photo by Thirdman   

Decide whether to confide in colleagues - If you do not want to be a regular feature of office gossip, it might be best to tell a few close colleagues about your romance. That way people lose the intrigue and friends will not feel excluded. However, workplace relationships can incite envy.

 

Think carefully about sex in the workplace. It is all part of the package of an office romance, but if you do not want your cloakroom exploits broadcast at the Christmas party, look out for security cameras. It is better to save the passion for after-hours.

 

Watch your appearance. Do not try too hard to catch his attention. It only takes a bit more lipstick and a slightly shorter skirt for people to start chatting. If you do not want colleagues to suspect your motives and to avoid malicious comments, keep your look discreet.

 

Be careful with e-mails. Hit the wrong key and the entire building will know how you like your strawberries and whipped cream. It is likely that your company can access your e-mails, therefore, be cautious.

 

Beware of company law. Although there are no specific laws that prevent office romances, your company might have its own policy.

 

Richard Isham, an employment lawyer at Wedlake Bell Associates, says, 'Office romances are usually frowned upon because of the issue of confidentiality. For instance, a company would be worried if the head of IT was in a relationship with another employee. Important security information could be transferred during pillow talk. Allegations of misconduct can be made.'

Firms could also argue that office relationships encroach on company time and disrupt the office environment. Some employers will expect you to change departments. Read your contract thoroughly.'

 

Ask him to marry you. According to research, half of all workplace romances result in marriage. Try not to seem too eager, though. It is wise at least to ask him out before you ask him down the aisle.

Photo by Ron Lach

Make sure you are the only one. Phillip Hodson says, 'With any office romance', you have all your eggs in one basket; you are very vulnerable.'

 

If you are going to risk your career, friends, and livelihood, then make sure he is worth it. If you know you are not the first office conquest, steer clear.

 

Worse, if you did not know, give yourself time to cool down. Do not sit there plotting a Lorena Bobbit type of revenge, concurrently weeping uncontrollably. Talk about it after work with friends or family.

 

Would you engage in an office romance? Please leave your comments or opinions below.

7 Signs That You are in a Toxic Relationship

International Romance Author, Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku shares her seven signs indicating that you are in a toxic relationship.

Please share and subscribe to her channel.  Enjoy.

Dating Expert Shares the 'Brutal Truth' About Single Parents in the Dating World: 'Stop Doing This Now'

A dating expert has shared the 'brutal truth' about single parents in the dating world - and why you should never let someone use their kids as an 'excuse' to avoid spending time with you.

 

Professional matchmaker and relationship expert Louanne Ward, from Perth, Australia said, 'Everyone knows that anyone who has kids will always put them first, but if someone truly cares about you, then they will also make time for you in a dating capacity. Do not allow somebody to use their kids as an excuse to breadcrumb you,' Louanne said in a clip on Instagram.

Photo by Vanessa Loring

Breadcrumbing is a behaviour in which one partner gives the other partner just enough energy, time, attention, affection, and affirmation to provide some of the elements of being in a romantic relationship, but never quite enough.

 

Louanne explained that single parents who do not really want to date and instead want to use their children as excuses commonly use breadcrumbing as a tactic.

 

Photo by Monstera

'Any logical person knows when they're dating a single parent - whether it's a single mum or a single dad - that parental obligations come first,' she said.

 

'So if you're dating someone and they keep saying to you, "Oh, my kids come first", then know that this is very much a convenient excuse for them to breadcrumb you with a legitimate reason to do just that'. 

 

Louanne explained that 'nobody' is going to say that their 'mummy or daddy life' comes before their kids and they will 'drop everything to be at your beck and call'.

 

Photo by RODNAE Productions 

But if someone feels the repeated need to 'continuously tell you or point out to you that their kids come first', they are using their kids as an excuse to have 'everything their own way rather than put in the required amount of effort to date someone'.

 

Louanne said 'it doesn't add up because once children have been dropped to school or put to bed, it's perfectly easy to 'pick up the phone and call that person you're dating'.

 

'Someone will always find room to connect with you even if they cannot go out on dates every second night [if they like you],' she said, and will put in the adequate amount of time and effort required - whether they have or haven't got kids'.

 

She said it is simply a 'dating tactic' single parents use to excuse their bad behaviour.

 

Louanne concluded: 'Dating is a two-way street; having children may make it harder for you but don't expect others to accept your crumbs. You have to put in equal effort in other ways'. 

 

Previously, Louanne revealed the one mistake single women make is ditching a man because he wants to help fix their problems rather than just listen to them. 

 

She said she thinks it is a 'massive red flag' if a man does not offer to help his girlfriend, wife, or the woman he is dating with their problems.

 

Photo by Tracy Le Blanc 

Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Dating Profile

1. Use photos representing who you truly are, not who you are trying to be.

2. Embrace your personality. If you attempt to play it safe, people will be unsure about how original and fun you will be in real life.

3. Make your profile a unique story, not a shopping list. Nobody really cares that you love cats, red wine, and walks on the beach.

4. Write a profile that is honest, from the heart, and shows your personality.

####

Source: Louanne Ward

Share or comment on this article

 

Celebrating Juneteenth Day in Costa Rica - Vegan Cook’In

We thought we would share this video with you on this special holiday - Juneteenth Day, not just celebrated in the United States but worldwide.

Have a Safe and Joyous

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Financial Planning Before Marriage by Vivienne Diane Neal

Photo by RODNAE Productions

If you were hit hard financially by COVID-19 in 2020, many experts recommend knowing the status of your finances before you say, “I do.” Even though the pandemic is supposed to be winding down, many are still recovering from the pandemic hit with soaring prices of food, gas, and rent. There is merit to knowing where you stand with your money. Romance without finance is a nuance and the number one fight among couples. Before you take that big step, each person should always have his or her financial state of affairs in order. 

Before committing to marriage, if you have a big credit card debt, need your salary to pay for costs, or borrow one loan to pay another, give yourself a moment to think it over. Money dilemmas will not disappear after the marriage. If you do not resolve money problems first, the cash flow troubles will only get worst. 

This does not mean money problems will not develop. As newlyweds, you want to start out with a fresh slate. The last thing you want is to go into a marriage with accumulated debts from your single days or end up being responsible for someone else’s bad arrears, which can put a strain on the relationship. If you are a saver and plan to marry someone who is a major spender, you will want to protect your assets, especially if you have minor children.

Whether your income is low, medium, or high, the best defense for reducing money quandaries is to manage your money wisely, right from the start. If your money troubles have gotten out of control and you cannot see your way out of a financial mess, you and your future spouse may want to meet with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). 

You can verify a financial planner and get information on how to manage your money by visiting https://www.letsmakeaplan.org - While these qualifications do not guarantee that someone is indeed working in your interest, they show a certain level of education and skill.

Managing your money sensibly begins at an early age. It is never too late to oversee your finances. After saying, “I Do,” you and your spouse will not end up working hard for your money. Instead, your money will work hard for you.

Summertime - the livin’ is easy and online dating can be too!

The sun is shining; birds; are chirping; bees are buzzing, and the air conditioning is on — summer is here.

Photo by Uriel Mont at Pexels 

In the world of dating, summer is usually associated with casual flings, while relationships go hand in hand with winter months. After all, the months of October through February have even earned the name of “cuffing season.” However, I would argue that June, July, and August are great months to be single, especially if you are looking for a serious relationship.

 

When the online dating website and app Zoosk analyzed data from their 40 million users, they found that more people resubscribed in August than during any other time during the year and that August is the second most active month of the year for women, just behind October. They also found July is a “peak time for people trying online dating for the first time,” meaning new people that might be a connection for you.

 

There are a few practical reasons why single people are more active on dating sites in the summer. First, people tend to be generally happier this season than the rest of the year, which is a great starting point to any date or conversation. Who would not be happier when an outing does not require layers upon layers of clothing or the risk of a blizzard canceling your plans?

 

People might also have extra time to devote to dating with some time off from work or school, plus extended weekends thanks to holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. A Sunday night date suddenly becomes something to look forward to instead of a chore, as it might be during other parts of the year.

 

And while there are always great date ideas year-round, the possibilities for activities in the summer are seemingly endless — like checking out an outdoor winery, going for a walk along the beach (ice cream optional but encouraged), or wandering around a local fair. Even if you and your date do not exactly hit it off, it is hard to have a truly terrible time when you are enjoying the outdoors.

 

Therefore, you are in a great mood; you have some time in your schedule, and you have exciting ideas in mind — what should you do now to ensure a successful summer of matchmaking.

Well, you might want to think about giving your dating profile a mini seasonal makeover with updated photos, perhaps with a few cute shots. Remember, sunglasses are great, but potential matches do want to see your eyes in your photos. Prop them up on your head like a headband for an instantly casual snap that shows off your face! You may also want to include a little message bait with one of your goals for the season. Try something like, “summer goal: Fly a kite or catch a fish; does anyone have tips?” or “Who wants to join me in finally crossing skydiving off my bucket list?”

 

Summer is a wonderful time to reset and relax, especially when you get to spend time doing the things you enjoy with friends and family. Moreover, with everyone waking up each morning with an extra boost (thank you, vitamin D … and vaccines); it is also an excellent time to hit the dating scene.

 

About The Author - Erika Ettin is the founder of A Little Nudge, where she helps others navigate the often-intimidating world of online dating and is available for speaking engagements, media requests, and interviews.

How to Spot Dating Scams on Social Media by Miss Know It All

Miss Know It All 

I often receive friend requests on social media. Their reasons for reaching out to me are sometimes questionable. By nature, I am suspicious when the individual says, “I attempted to send you a friend request because I find you very interesting and we seem to have so much in common, but I had trouble doing so. Would you message me and accept my friendship?” Then there is the one who pretends to want to be your friend, who will have images of their children but neglect to give any further details about themselves. I guess you are supposed to be a psychic. Many times, they claim to be a divorcee or widower searching for love, romance, or a lifetime partner. In most cases, these people are con artists seeking your cash.

Photo by Anna Tarazevich

Romance scams are more common than you think. Even if you do not use dating apps, a con artist can still target you. The Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker is getting reports from individuals conned through social media. There are signs that will aid you in spotting a fake romance before getting in too deep.

How The Fraud Works

You are scrolling through Instagram or Facebook when you get a direct message from a user you do not know. If you reply, the conversation will start innocently enough. At first, the scammer will claim to share your interests and likely have a social media account reflecting that. For example, if you post photos of your pets, they may claim to be a fellow animal lover. If you share pictures of your children, the scammer may pretend to be a fellow single parent.

Photo by Michael Burrows

The scammer will quickly profess his love for you without ever meeting you in person. However, something is off! Dramatic emergency crops up whenever you plan to meet. For example, your love interest suddenly needs financial support for their sick child. Fortunately, you can help by wiring funds or sending prepaid gift cards.

One social media user told BBB.org/ScamTracker about their experience: "He sent me a DM through my Instagram account and instantly started love bombing me. He promised me we would spend our lives together forever, and he would marry me. l planned to move to New York to live with him. Then an emergency struck, and he needed my help to get home from Barbados. He claimed he was a successful businessperson and a millionaire, so he would pay me back when he returned to the States. It never happened. Every time he was supposed to come to see me, another emergency would happen, and he needed more money from me."

Unfortunately, if you send money to the scammer, it will be gone for good. The person you fell in love with does not exist. To make matters worse, con artists will repeat the emergency scenarios until you realize the fraud or run out of money, whichever comes first.

Photo by Pixabay

How to Avoid Dating Scams

Know the signs of romance swindles. Romance swindles often start with someone who seems too perfect and immediately falls in love with you. The individual may be in a hurry to create a future together, but hesitant to meet you in person. The person will probably tell you they are overseas or in the military and often talk about the importance of trust to gain yours, and may share sad stories to pull on your heartstrings before asking you for money. Any of these tactics is a big red flag. If you notice similarities with someone who has messaged you on social media, think twice about your relationship.

Never send money or personal information to someone you have not met. Refrain from giving a stranger your credit card or bank account information. Do not wire money to or share the PIN of a gift card with someone you have never met. An online "friend" might not even really exist!  In addition, never provide your credit score.

Ask many questions. When you meet someone online, ask them specific questions about the details in their profile and pay close attention to their answers. If they lie, keeping their story straight will be challenging.

Do some research. Do a reverse image lookup of a person's profile picture to see if it appears elsewhere on the internet. Scammers often use the same stolen photos to create fake profiles. You can also search their name, email, and phone number to see if you find anything fishy.

You can do a background check by going to TruthFinder

BBB Scam Tracker is a free tool that anyone can use to report suspected fraud. Your reports warn others so they can avoid similar cons.

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Keep Your Ex Out! | Biggest Threat to Your Marriage

International Romance Author Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku offers pertinent information when it comes to keeping your ex out of your marriage.

Please like, subscribe to her channel, and order her books.

People Share Their Worst First Date by Miss Know It All

Miss Know It All

We asked folks to share their worst first date. Some will have you rolling on the floor laughing, while others will leave you gasping.

 

My date was 40 minutes late, so I left. Much later, I get a bunch of texts and posts about how I was a horrible person and a slut for not waiting for him.

 

I went to go pick her up and while chatting at her place we ended up staying just talking for about 50 minutes. I actually need 50 minutes because I timed it. She literally spoke for 48 minutes straight about her mental illnesses, her ex-boyfriend, family drama, falling out with her friends, and everything that was going wrong with her life she shared with me. Mind you, this was the first time she and I met in person.

 

Photo by Terricks Noah

I met this girl. She was a local in our town. I decided why not she is cute so I will talk to her. From the moment, I started talking to her, she was rude and had a general distaste for men. I stopped talking to her, and then it was like a split personality. She would then be nice and say sorry for how she acted, well a bit of back and forth of this and she wore me down. I am the one that agreed to a "date" just to shut her up. It was the most awkward "date" because I was just waiting for her to explode. We only talked for a few hours and then I was like, "well this was nice, but I have to get up early for work tomorrow. Maybe we can do this again." Therefore, I left. The next morning there was an explosion with her calling me every name in the book and being very insulting as if she had a genuine hate of men. I blocked her and never felt better. LOL

 

One time, after a date, rather than a kiss or a hug, a man shook my hand. It was very sad and limp.

 

Photo by cottonbro studio

I do not know if this counts since it was hours after our date, but the man I went on a date with got a little too intoxicated and wound up falling asleep during intercourse. I mean DURING intercourse. 

 

Met a man at the bar, knew he was older but was not sure how much older. We wound up hitting it off, and I went home with him. He had told me his kids were home but sleeping soundly. Turns out, he had several kids, his oldest being 19 (I was 21 at the time). Long story short, I went to high school with two of his kids. I literally snuck out of his window in case they recognized me.

 

Photo by Terricks Noah

Woke up at a man’s house and he offered me a shirt (so nice right? Chivalry is not dead… so I thought.) Anyway, he was in his closet for like 10 minutes. I was as confused, as to why he was taking so long to pick out a shirt. That is when he turned to me and said, “I just can’t find a shirt that screams, ‘See you never.’” I have never been so humbled.

 

After what I thought was a lovely date, I dropped him off at his house. He got out of my car, turned around, and threw a whole ass Philly Cheesesteak and a large Dr. Pepper at my face through the window. Turns out, he was on drugs. I sent him to rehab. There was no second date.