Once-in-a-lifetime occasions call for celebration! Think of a happy event in your life and the impact of sharing it with family and friends. A high school or college graduation, an anniversary, a successful business project, achieving a goal…acknowledging the hard work and sacrifice it takes to achieve a milestone makes a difference.

Celebrating with others builds community and reinforces the value of who they are in your life.

     In business, celebrating wins gives us confidence to continue to innovate and serve our teams and our clients with joy. (We recommend Michael Hyatt’s podcast The Fine Art of Celebration on this topic. You’ll walk away encouraged about how cultivating an atmosphere of celebration can change the tone of your business, even if like us you want to immediately move on to the next project!)

    On a personal note, our family values giving recognition to momentous occasions. While we’re not perfect in this, we’re becoming more intentional in creating space to treasure those times that are significant. For instance, when Kate graduated from college, her graduation gift was a 3 month trip to Chile where she lived and worked with a family she met during a previous college trip.

     Currently, our family is planning an overseas trip. We are celebrating coming through a rough few years and honoring the memory of family members who loved to travel. It’s part of how we continue their legacy. As the cherry on top, the trip also takes place around our 5 year anniversary of opening Always Yours Occasions. We are deeply grateful to reach this milestone.

     Sometimes, a simple celebration may be your style or you may not have time to go away. However, with a better economy and the desire for a personal, meaningful occasion, destination and multi-day events are increasing. Whatever style of celebration you want to plan, here’s some inspiration!

1. Reunite as a family in a fun, yet relaxed atmosphere away from home.

     Pack a picnic and bring a blanket or two and enjoy the simple life with a day at the park. Or, go further afield and plan a family reunion at a unique destination everyone can enjoy. When sharing a meal, especially with a sizable group, consider having it catered or eating at a favorite restaurant. This way everyone has a chance to enjoy each other’s company.

2. Create memories with a family or friends trip to celebrate your birthday or graduation.

     Exploring a destination, whether it’s a beach or the mountains, the city or the country, reveals the fun and relaxed sides of people not often expressed in everyday life. Pair the closeness forged by traveling together with taking in beautiful places or experiencing a new culture and that’s a recipe for a impactful getaway. Let’s be real, though, a momentous occasion is not a requirement for planning trips with good friends. It’s so refreshing to see new places with people who love a good adventure. As a travel enthusiast, Kate tries to fit in one or two long weekend trips with friends each year.

Photo credit: Venue: The Bleak House Photographer:  Derek Halkett Photography Cake Design: Custom Cakes by Gail Florist:  Melissa Timm Designs Planner:  Always Yours Occasions

3. Celebrate your marriage with a destination honeymoon.

     Picture yourself sunning on white sandy beaches gazing at the turquoise ocean or sailing into the sunset just the two of you. Then in the evening, relax in the privacy of your own personal spa or dance the night away with fabulous night life. Alternatively, you could host your wedding at the same destination and indulge in a vacation with your family a few days prior to your ceremony. While you’re there, enjoy golfing on emerald greens or tubing in the pristine waters of the Caribbean. Check out local tours and attractions and find out what amenities your accommodations have for some R & R. BTW, you may qualify for a FREE wedding at some destinations. Ask us how. 🙂

4. Begin a new tradition with a getaway.

     It can bring so much joy into your life to simply celebrate being “us”. This may begin with your honeymoon, first anniversary, or your youngest kid graduating. It’s also worthwhile to celebrate business milestones like your first year. Design a time that could become “always yours” the same time each year. Disconnect from technology and do things that are restful, inspiring, and invigorating.

5. Take a “second honeymoon” to commemorate your anniversary.

     Some couples choose to honor their anniversary each year with a trip to a different place. Some still long for a true first honeymoon because theirs was cut short. Spending time together to celebrate your love and commitment, whether it’s the first year together or the 60th, places importance on the relationship. Relationships matter. It’s worth the time to invest in yours in a way that’s meaningful for both of you, whether it’s a tour through the US or a week in Barbados.

Photo credit: Photographer: Roxy and Jon Photography Jewelry: Lamon Jewelers

     Ready to begin planning a destination celebration? Give us a call! As travel agents through our partnership with Sandals, Beaches and The Association of Bridal Consultants, we are happy to chat with you about all-inclusive Caribbean vacations or get a head start on finding your dream resort with Sandals Vacation Planner. We can also offer resources and planning help for several other locations, including here at home in the Smoky Mountains.

Remember: It’s your occasion. Make it Always Yours!

*Header image credit: Venue: The Bleak House Photographer:  Derek Halkett Photography Decor:  Unique Settings Rentals Florist:  Melissa Timm Designs Planner:  Always Yours Occasions