What Does "Island Chic" Mean for Men Anyway?

In advance of June, the most frequent question posed to Katie and me is, "What should guys wear to your wedding."  And we thought "island chic" was a completely intuitive concept for everyone... er, maybe not.  Apparently women have a much better grasp on the definitions of such things.  I'm going to work on finding photos to serve as examples for the gents; however, to start let's discuss what "Island Chic" is not.

Island Chic is not, the following:

1. Black-tie
2. Mandatory suits and ties (although, both are certainly welcome)
3. Leather-soled and polished shoes (we'll actually be married on the sand, so probably not a great idea anyway)
4. Anything uncomfortable or stuffy

Things to consider when choosing attire for the wedding:

1. It's going to be hot, probably 85 degrees, so try to wear light-colored and breathable fabrics (linen, cotton or tropical weight wool).
2. Choose footwear that you'll be comfortable exposing to sand.  As mentioned above, we're getting married on the beach, so all of you will be walking across the sand too.
3. Good times will ensue.  Don't wear anything you're overly concerned about sweating in.  Katie and I plan to tear it up, and we hope you do to.

Basic photos for ideas:

From our friends at Ermenegildo Zegna.  This chap is wearing various linen and cotton blends.  Understandably, guys may be uncomfortable working the white pants and white shirt look, but this guy's going to be pretty happy if it's mid-80's and humid.  I would ditch the chukka boots in favor of some loafers or sandals.

Also, no need to tote a suede duffle bag to the wedding.  Apparently one can't live without those in Italy.

Another take from the gentlemen of Brooks Brothers.  This guy might be slightly more comfortable at a wedding down the street at The Ritz, but if he ditches the tie and grabs a drink, he'll be perfectly at home at our wedding.

This jacket is a blend of linen and cotton.  The trousers are linen.

The Honeymoon Has Been Booked - Turks & Caicos

Katie and I are excited to announced that we've selected our honeymoon destination - Turks & Caicos.  Much to my surprise, and potentially to Katie's consternation, the decision was made in the final moments before our departure to attend my cousin Emily's wedding last week.  Quite literally, I pushed the "confirm" button while she dried her hair.

Our eventual destination, the Gansevoort Turks & Caicos, was really a serendipitous discovery.  Two birthday's ago, Katie and I spent an amazing weekend at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa.  I recently received an email from Jetsetter.com, the travel subsidiary of Gilt Group - a collection of sites offering fashion and luxury brands at significant discounts, offering a great price on long-weekends at the afore-mentioned Ojai spot.  Unfortunately, that deal didn't work for us, but Katie happened to notice a remarkable deal at the Gansevoort.  That island destination was "top of mind" for Katie because every time we'd discuss honeymoon locations, I would quote a Jay-Z song advocating "private jets down to Turks and Caicos."  We're flying commercial, but I'm sure the rest of the stay will closely resemble a hip-hop empresario's vacation.

If you're interested, click on the photo to see more about the resort.

Honeymoon Ideas... Anyone???

Katie and I are now wading through the process of deciding what to do for our honeymoon.  At first we thought Cuba might be the right choice.  Interestingly, you can travel to Havana from Grand Cayman with virtually no problems... and no stamps on your passport... who knew?  Upon further consideration, the prospect of violating official State Department policy didn't seem to me like a great way to start married life together.  Now we're opening the discussion to other ideas... HELP!!!!

Please use the comments section of the site to suggest alternatives.  If you've been someplace and loved it, let us know.  If you've always wanted to go someplace, throw it out there.  There are a few places already crossed off the list: Grand Rapids, MI, Vienna, VA, Naples, FL, and of course, Santa Monica or Los Angeles in general.  We're open to everything else.

Thanks - Katie & Shannon