Category Archives: Vacations & Travels

Miles To Magnolia Market

Magnolia Market is Magical

Magnolia Market Southern Glam Weddings

Magical just doesn’t even begin to describe Magnolia Market in Waco, Texas. I have been a huge fan of Fixer Upper and Joanna Gaines for quite some time and when a trip to Dallas landed on my calendar, I knew a visit to Waco was happening!

When I first saw the beloved silos, I’m pretty sure the entire town of Waco heard my “oh-my-gosh-I-can’t-even” scream!

Magnolia Market Southern Glam Weddings

The first order of business at Magnolia Market was heading to the Silo Baking Co. for cupcakes! Our visit was right before the presidential election and the letter board sign was something everyone could agree on.

Magnolia Market Silo Baking Co Southern Glam Weddings

When in doubt about what flavor cupcake to select, order them all! The Classic was my favorite!

Magnolia Market Silo Baking Co Southern Glam Weddings

I stalked Instagram before our visit and made a mental list of must-have photos. #MilesToMagnolia was one of them! PS: The silos are big on TV; they are massive in person!

Magnolia Market Southern Glam Weddings

Everywhere you looked there was something that had the “Gaines” stamp on it. From the games on the lawn, to the window flower boxes, to the rusted original Magnolia brand logo, not a single detail was missed. You feel a combination of amazement + happiness + “pinch me, is this real?” + excitement all at once. Magnolia Market is giving Disney a run for its money on being the happiest place on earth!

Magnolia Market Southern Glam Weddings

For those with a green thumb or at least try to have one (ahem, me!) you will be amazed at the immaculate gardens of Magnolia Seed + Supply. Herb garden goals, y’all! We ate soon after at one of the delicious food trucks. PS: Most food trucks have gluten-free options that include bread!

Magnolia Market Southern Glam Weddings

Next it was time to shop. Pack your patience! It may be a massive space, but there are people and items everywhere! See that clock below? That clock has one heck of a story after Sean decided he wanted it for our living room. At the time, there was no onsite shipping available, nor the original clock box, so we were given a coupon for 10% off at the Baylor University UPS store. Great! We had the clock held at the store until we were ready to leave Magnolia Market.

A couple hours later, imagine Sean and I trying to shove the clock into the tiniest rental car known to man that was bright blueberry blue. Headrests were flying, seats were collapsing, and strange looks were heading our way. It became very clear that the clock wasn’t going to fit. Thank goodness our family was with us and they had a bigger vehicle . Finally, we were off to UPS. What a story to remember Magnolia Market, right? But, it wasn’t over yet!

Magnolia Market Southern Glam Weddings

Sean and I weren’t prepared for the transaction at UPS. To purchase a box and to ship an item that large totaled a price that was the same as the clock’s purchase price at Magnolia Market. Enter blank stares here. We were past committed at this point so we handed over our meager 10% coupon and decided we’d laugh about this one day. A week later it arrived in Tampa …and we’re still laughing months later! Now THAT is a story for our amazing trip to Magnolia Market!

Magnolia Clock Co Southern Glam Weddings

Have you made it to Waco to visit Magnolia Market yet?

If you have, what was your favorite part? If you haven’t visited yet, what are you most looking forward to?

Follow Southern Glam’s travels #SouthernGlamTravels

Caribbean Island Time at Sandals Barbados

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados

One of the many perks of my job as a wedding planner is the opportunity to work directly with Sandals and Beaches Resorts through the Association of Bridal Consultants. The incredible relationship allows me to sell honeymoons, vacations, and fun-in-the-carribbean-sun experiences. Therefore, I visit the various resorts to be able to truly match each client with the perfect resort for them. When Sandals Barbados called, I immediately packed my bags and husband!

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados pool

Sandals Barbados, an all-new retreat in the spirited St. Lawrence Gap area, offers undeniable luxury with inventive accommodations spanning three unique villages, world-class cuisine with international appeal, including a festive Indian cuisine restaurant, and innovative bar and pool designs.

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados

When we landed at the Barbados airport, we were greeted by smiles and friendly citizens. Although there was not a Sandals Lounge at the airport, we easily found the desk outside the airport to get our bags ticketed and onto the bus. After a short 15 minutes, we arrived at the gorgeous Sandals Barbados resort.

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados

Upon arrival, our Butler greeted us at check-in with a cocktail and escorted us to our ultra swanky suite that overlooked the river pool. We stayed in a “Crystal Lagoon One Bedroom Butler Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub” and I never wanted to leave. Two soaking tubs! A sitting room! A fully stocked bar! That bathroom! From the first moment on the property, we were treated like the most important people on the island.

Sandals Barbados Crystal Lagoon One Bedroom Butler Suite with Balcony Barbados Tranquility Soaking Tub

Sean is no stranger to the Southern Glam Weddings & Events team but this trip made him even more official in the business. During our time on the island, he took the Sandals Certified Specialist training for the first time to expand our Sandals services. He’s now the official Southern Glam’s Groom’s Concierge to assist the sometimes neglected groom in the wedding planning adventure. We all know how much grooms love wedding planning (ha!) but now Southern Glam grooms have another guy on their side. They can grab a beer and chat Caribbean honeymoons instead of linens and centerpieces.

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados

We absolutely adored all three of our butlers. Demar and Juliana were the most amazing Butlers treated us like pure royalty! Utina, who isn’t pictured here was also on Team Phillips and we loved her too!

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Butlers

We’ve never experienced the Butler level of service before at Sandals so it was a real treat this vacation. During our VIP check-in, we were given a cell phone to call on our Butlers whenever and wherever we needed them on property. They also took care of all our dinner reservations, scheduled excursions, and customized menus for me since I am vegetarian and gluten free. I have never had so many food choices available to me before. To say I ate well, despite my dietary restrictions, is an understatement!

A fun memory was when we asked Demar to have dessert with us before he left for the evening. Chatting with him about his life, ambitions, and the island of Barbados was a conversation I will always remember.

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Gluten Free

I told you I was able to eat while on vacation! Sandals and its Culinary Concierge take dietary restrictions seriously; I was able to find gluten free pasta, bread, cookies, pizza, and brownies! Sandals also had vegan butter too. I was one happy gluten free vegetarian!

See the video here on how those with dietary concerns can sit back and relax at Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Butler

Although this photo is a bit blurry and dark, these two incredible people hold a special place in my heart. Utina, one of our amazing Butlers, truly went the extra mile. In addition to the amazing service, Utina had many surprises up her sleeve. One of them: Sean told her about this delicious sauce he had at Sandals Grande St. Lucian on our honeymoon almost five years ago. The next day, it magically appeared with his chicken tender snacks. #TheButlerDidIt

From time to time, we would see Abhishek sneak into restaurants to check in with me to ensure I had enough to eat and enough variety. The level of service and his compassion completely blew me away. That is what Sandals is all about!

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Quiet Pool

Each evening, one of our Butlers would ask where we’d like to spend the next day. We absolutely loved the main pool, so each morning, the Butlers would reserve the best lounge chairs for us and filled a cooler with our favorite beverages and water. Throughout the day, they would bring us drinks before our current ones were empty in addition to  snacks.

I discovered my new favorite cocktail was a Bajan Lemonade. First, muddle limes and add lemonade, raspberry vodka, a spritz of Sprite, and a splash of cranberry. It was a perfect pool drink. Sandals Barbados knows what’s up!

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados

I am a sit by the pool or on the beach kind of gal. Yet, Sean on the other hand, likes a little more action and every afternoon at 3pm, you could find him in the pool playing volleyball. He also took full advantage of the Scuba diving program. As a result, each of us happily enjoyed our afternoons.

Sandals Barbados Scuba Diving

Another #TheButlerDidIt moment! Bubble baths with champagne and snacks? Yes, please!

Sandals Soaking Tubs

One of my favorite restaurants was Kimonos because I love hibachi! It’s a vibrant restaurant that serves up Japanese cuisine in a most captivating way. Kamal made our dining experience superb! And the saki cocktails where delicious!

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Kimonos

While Sean went scuba diving, I went pampering. The first time I ever visited a spa was on my honeymoon at the Grande St. Lucian and the Red Lane Spa certainly set the bar. Each time I visit another Sandals or Beaches property, I make sure to make a spa appointment for a luxury treat!

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Red Lane Spa

One of the eleven restaurants at Sandals Barbados is Soy Sushi Bar. Since I’m not a big sushi fan, the restaurant wasn’t high on my “to visit” list but Sean had never had it. One of the main amazing benefits of the Sandals brand is the luxury included discovery gourmet dining. Why not try something different? Sean did and actually found out that he liked sushi! This remarkable sushi house offers exciting flavors and exotic sushi creations made-to-order. Sushi Chef Gilbert was amazing to watch at preparing each roll.

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Soy

Almost each night we found ourselves at the Merry Monkey Pub. With cozy traditional décor you’ll feel as if you’ve ventured across the Atlantic to England and entered into another reality completely. Bartender Shane mixed amazing cocktails and kept the bar entertained all night with laughter.

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Merry Monkey Pub

The Caribbean and Sandals Resorts are an Instagramer’s paradise! As a result, the number of gorgeous natural light photo opportunities are endless!

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Instagram

On our last morning, we enjoyed breakfast on our terrace thanks to our amazing Butlers. Definitely, it was the perfect end to a wonderful vacation!

While it was incredibly sad to leave paradise, Sandals is our home away from home so we know we’ll be back soon!

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Butler

And now, who wants to visit the gorgeous Sandals Barbados?

Do you want to visit Barbados or any of the gorgeous Sandals or Beaches resorts? Let’s chat and make it happen!

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So Glam Goes SoCal

The Association of Bridal Consultants’ annual wedding planner conference was held in sunny Southern California and I was ready for a dose of inspiration, motivation, and education. It’s been a wonderful year for Southern Glam Weddings & Events but right around the Fall, I’m in need of new and fresh ideas in the wedding industry. My California loving husband tagged along with me so we extended our time to make the most of our time while we were across the country.

Tampa to Los Angeles

Redondo Beach, California

The first time I met my surfing husband, he looked straight out of a Hollister store. He was completely shocked I had never seen the show, The O.C., so our first summer together, we binged watched every season. And I loved it. Naturally our first stop in California was the Redondo Coffee Shop where MANY scenes were filmed for the show.

Redondo Coffee Shop

 

The Redondo Pier was great for a laid back afternoon of local eats and sights. It’s a hardcore fishing pier so at times the smells were … authentic! Be sure to snap a photo with the resident pelicans!

Redondo Pier at Redondo Beach California from the show The OC

 

Huntington Beach, California

On the way to the conference hotel, we stopped at Beach City Brewery so Sean could add another pint glass to his collection.

Beach City Brewery in Huntington Beach California

 

Costa Mesa, California

Conference was held in Costa Mesa and opened with a party and let me tell you, parties for wedding/event planners planned by planners are always amazing! It started at 7:30pm and at 9:30pm, the DJ’s music went silent and the headphones turned on to continue the party. This is a fabulous option for venues that have noise ordinances or those looking to bring a fun tech-savvy touch to an event!

Silent Disco wedding reception planner from the Association of Bridal Consultants

The next two days were filled with education, motivation, and inspiration. It’s always SO great to catch up with fellow planners around the country who I met a conference many years ago. I was incredibly lucky to meet Sasha Souza (!) and learn from other luxury wedding and event planners.

Southern Glam Weddings wedding planner of the Association of Bridal Consultants

Also, I re-took the Certified Sandals Specialist training again to learn about the new and exciting things Sandals and Beaches has to offer couples and families. I’ve helped many newlyweds honeymoon in paradise so who’s ready to travel to the Caribbean next? Let’s chat!

Sandals Honeymoons planning from Southern Glam Weddings & Events

 

Laguna Beach, California & Newport Beach, California

Costa Mesa was right down the road from Newport Beach and Laguna Beach and oh my gorgeous, if I wasn’t set on living in the South, I would live in Laguna Beach, California. The views, the boutique shopping, and the restaurants were incredibly amazing! I was convinced that I was coming back to Tampa alone because Sean was seriously in love with this part of California.

Crescent Bay Point Park in Laguna Beach California Southern Glam Meagan Phillips

Does it get any more gorgeous? The photo above was taken at Crescent Bay Point Park. Another photo opportunity is Top of the World (top right photo below.)

Top of the World in Laguna Beach California

Places I’d recommend dining:

Cucina Enoteco

SOL Cocina

GG’s Bistro

The Cliff – BEYOND GORGEOUS views but be prepared for a wait!

The Deck on Laguna Beach

And for delicious gelato, pop into Gelato Paradiso!

Laguna Beach California

 

Los Angeles, California

When my conference had come to a close, it was time to head up to Los Angeles for the next part of our West Coast trip because it had been too long since I had seen Hollywood and Sean had never experienced it. Our first night we had a laid back dinner at Golden Road Brewing which had SO many vegetarian/vegan options for me so I definitely give it two thumbs up!

It’s no secret I like the Kardashians and watch TMZ, and read People magazine; it didn’t shock Sean much that I wanted to take one of those tours around Hollywood and Beverly Hills to see the stars’ homes and maybe see someone famous. Finding the right tour though took a bit of research. We settled on Glitterati Tours and called to make a reservation . A friendly answer by a Jeremy confirmed our “Whirlwind Los Angeles” two hour tour and gave us directions to meet at The Grove.

On tour day, a classy black Navigator picked Sean and I up for our tour with Colin as our guide. I felt like a celebrity riding in style!

Glitterati Tours in Los Angeles California with Meagan Phillips of Southern Glam Weddings and Events

Up first, we drove through old Hollywood to see the original filming studios which included the neighborhood where Lauren Conrad’s house was used for filming The Hills AND Jamie Lee Curtis’ house used for filming Halloween. Then we drove into the hills to take a photo with the iconic Hollywood sign followed up by seeing celebrity homes. Y’all, had we taken a tour by bus, we would have never been able to get into the hills. Some of the homes we drove by are owned by Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, Matthew Perry, Rhianna, Jennifer Aniston, Keanu Reeves, and Ashton Kutcher. We then drove down Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard and Melrose Avenue to see famous restaurants and bars. We ended the tour driving through Beverly Hills and through Rodeo Drive. Colin was an amazing tour guide and I highly recommend Glitterati Tours!

Hollywood Sign with Glitterati Tours in Los Angeles California

Sean and I wanted to go back to Hollywood Boulevard to see the Walk of Fame so we asked Colin if he had any suggestions as to where to park. He recommended parking off of Orange Street in the Hollywood & Highland Center parking garage. We took his suggestion for easy parking and it lead us right in the middle of the action on Hollywood Boulevard.

We saw a group of people standing at the exit and I overheard someone say, “I cannot believe he’s here!”

I tapped her shoulder and asked, “Who’s here?!”

Her: “Daniel Radcliffe!”

Me: “Daniel Radcliffe? THE Daniel Radcliffe? Like Harry Potter?!”

Her: “Yes! He’s here getting his star on the Walk of Fame!”

Oh man, our first celebrity sighting and we had a front row seat!

Daniel Radcliffe at the Walk of Fame in Hollywood California

We had lunch at the original Mel’s Drive-In and found both Audrey Hepburn’s and Britney Spears’ stars on the Walk of Fame!

Hollywood Walk of Fame and Audrey Hepburn Star in Hollywood California

After Hollywood, I was on the hunt for cupcakes and not just any cupcakes, the original Sprinkles Cupcake ATM which just so happened to be in Beverly Hills. It was life changing and the song is the now the theme song of my life! I love Sprinkles! Yes I do, yes I do!

The original Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM in Beverly Hills California with Meagan Phillips of Southern Glam Weddings and Events

I might have spent a little time shopping off those cupcakes on Rodeo Drive.
Tiffany & Co on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills California with Meagan Phillips of Southern Glam Meagan

While driving on Sunset Boulevard, I spotted Duff’s Cakemix – I’m always down for cupcakes so on we went and discovered Bravo was filming inside. We decorated cupcakes and signed a waiver to be in the background of the show. Could this day be anymore “Hollywood?”

Duff's Cakemix in Los Angeles California

Actually yes,  because we ran into Fred Savage at our hotel where another show was being filmed!

Fred Savage on set filming The Grinder

Our last day was spent on the Santa Monica pier, driving through Malibu, and Sean surprisingly taking me to Calabasas to see if maybe, just maybe, I’d run into a Kardashian. No such luck!

Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica California

I’d say it was a successful trip to the other coast!