CASAMENTO ILHA BELA

MENU ENGLISH___________

1. WELCOME

Dear family and friends,

Neither of us could have ever imagined that John’s first visit to Brazil, to the colorful and joyful festival called Carnival, would end up in something else. However, when we were both least expecting it, life showed the magical power of fate and our paths changed forever!!!

We’ve been together since 2005 and after the intimate ceremony in the United States, we decided to have the official wedding in Brazil….

We are really excited about sharing this special day with you. Ilha bela has been a very special place in our history together, and we are really happy to plan the celebration of our big day on this beautiful tropical island.

For those who will be able to come, we hope you will find all the information you need here.

We really hope you can take some time off and come to enjoy Ilha Bela, Brazil and of course our big day as well.

We hope you enjoy the wedding and we are grateful for your presence.

Love,
Dani & John

Ouro Preto- Minas Gerais - Brazil

P.S. Check this site often, because we are going to be updating information on the blog.

2. ILHA BELA (BEAUTIFUL ISLAND)

Ilha bela is an archipelago located on the north coast of São Paulo and is an approximately 3 hour drive from the city. It’s one of the most well liked tourist destinations. It has clear and calm waters on the side facing the continent, and it has many beaches- some busy with bars and restaurants, and some deserted, tropical and remote. Water sports are a symbol of the island, which has become a sailor’s spot in the state and is the venue of the largest South American sailing competition every year.

Trails through preserved forest, beautiful waterfalls and excellent diving places, in addition to a sunset without equal, complement the list of attractions. Currently, the city’s economy is dedicated to tourism.

Vila is the main town on the island and has many restaurants, little stores, cafes and bars. São Sebastião is the nearest mainland city; a ferry from here is the only way to reach Ilha bela (it takes about 15 minutes).

Climate (March): The temperature stays between 25ºC - 35ºC. The climate is moderate and March is the dry season.

• SERVICES

Tourist Information: +55 (12) 3896-6737 / 3896-2440
Bus Station: +55 (12) 3895-8709
Ferry to São Sebastião: +55 0800 7045510
Hospital: +55 (12) 3895-8789
Banks: Banespa, Banco do Brasil, Itaú, Bradesco and CEF.
Taxi : Barra Velha 3896-5037- Vila 3896-1471

• PLACES TO VISIT

Nossa Senhora da Ajuda and do Bom Sucesso Church
Waterfall of Gato
Waterfall of Laje
Waterfall of Da Toca
Água Branca Waterfall

Castellanos Bay-A seaport, always good for surfing. Sometimes, you can see groups of dolphins swimming near tourists. It is located on the north side of Ilhabela.

Day trips to The Marine Reservation- Isla de las Cabras (Goats Island). In this reservation, the remains of some shipwrecks that took place in the island waters can be observed. Some of the shipwrecks are: Dentre Velásquez (1908), Darth (1884) and Aymoré (1920).

Trilla do Bonete Path-In this location, a traditional community of fishermen resides. Camping is allowed in the zone.

The most popular beaches:

-In the center
The beach of Itaguassu is situated next to an important avenue and a small port with anchored ships.
The beach of Pereque is close to an avenue and a bicycle path decorated with coconut palms.

-To the north:
The beach of Jabaquara is a remote 500 meter beach with calm and crystalline waters.
The beach of Da Forme, 150 meters long, is ideal for day trips. Its access is restricted to ships.
The beach of Do Poco, 50 meters long. It is an old beach, bordered by stones, with small waves. It is recommended for fishing and diving, and its access is restricted to ships.

-To the south:
The beach of Do Curral, with yellow sand.
The beach of Saco Do Sombrio is surrounded by vegetation and hills. Its transparent waters were a shelter for English, French and Dutch pirates of the 16^th and 17th centuries.

Maremar for Jeep tours, Buggies, yachts, sailing, kayaks, trekking, beach tours, climbing waterfalls & transfers http://www.maremar.tur.br/portugues/index.html

BL3 Sailing http://www.bl3.com.br/

Ballyhoo for fishing http://www.ballyhoo.com.br/

Colonial Divers for diving http://www.colonialdiver.com.br/

• PRACTICALITIES
  

On Ilha Bela most hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards…although there is not an official place for money exchange. It is safer to bring some Brazilian Reais from the airport in São Paulo – exchange some money just after landing. ($1.00 is currently equal to R$1,68 reais)

There are some ATM machines on Ilha Bela for international cash advances but is better not to take any risks because they don’t always work.

IMPORTANT- The mosquitoes, known as “borrachudos”, have been substantially reduced with the urban growth of the city, but they still show up – mainly in locations away from the city, at the end of the day. It is a good idea to take insect repellents, especially in outings to Jabaquara and Castelhanos.

Related links

http://www.ilhabela.com.br/

http://www.ilhabela.sp.gov.br/

http://www.portaldolitoral.com.br/ilhabela/

http://www.costaverdesp.com.br/ilhabela/ilhabela/

http://www.ilhabelabrasil.com.br/index.asp

And see you soon!!!!

3. ACCOMODATION-TRANSPORTATION

We are planning to stay, during the wedding weekend, at the Hotel Real Villa Bella www.realvillabella.com.br - it’s the hotel of the event (so very close and easy). The hotel is located near Vila and close to the charming little stores, cafes, restaurants and bars. Calm beaches such Santa Tereza and Prainha are nearby.

After the weekend we are planning to move to a different hotel on the island called DPNY www.dpnybeach.com.br. We may also take a trip to Parati (2 hours driving from Ilha Bela), which is a very beautiful and unique beach near Rio. Our plans are still “in work”- we will keep the site updated. Everyone is welcome to stay and join us for the whole week!

We are going to post the prices of the hotels as soon as possible.

And please, feel free to search for other accommodations if you would like.

We selected some other Pousadas near to the wedding ceremony & reception;

P. Manga Rosa $ (0.5km) http://www.mangarosailhabela.com.br/

Hotel Fita Azul $$ (0.5km) http://www.fitaazul.com.br/

Canto da Praia $$$ (0.5km) http://www.cantodapraiailhabela.com.br/

Maison Joly $$$ (0.5km) http://www.maisonjoly.com.br/

Hotel Itapemar $$ (1km) http://www.itapemar.com.br/

Arm. dos ventos $ (7km) http://www.bl3.com.br/pousada_armacao.htm

DPNY Beach Hotel $$ (20km) http://www.dpnybeach.com.br/

4. WEDDING DETAILS

17:00 pm on 28 March 2009- Hotel Real Villa Bella- Pier 151
Address: Av. Força Expedicionária Brasileira 234, Centro- Ilha Bela
Phone: (55) 12 3896-1288

Times (all are approximate “island” times for now!)

5:00 pm: Wedding begins

6:00 pm: Dinner (same location as the wedding)

7:00 pm: NO more formalities let´s PAAAARTEEEE!!!!!!

The wedding, dinner, and party are all going to be held at the same location by the beach. The intention is to have a great time, enjoy ourselves, celebrate love, drink, eat and dance a lot…We really are looking forward to having an unforgettable time, with our family and friends.

And most important- THERE IS NO TIME LIMIT ON THE PARTY…THE COURAGEOUS ONES CAN STAY TO WACTH AN AMAZING SUNRISE

5. DRESS SUGGESTION

Wedding Day

General wedding attire – The motto is to feel comfortable (I hope is going to be hot and sunny! ). It is not a black tie occasion, our wedding day will have a very informal atmosphere and we would like our guests to be relaxed and feel comfortable.

Everyone can leave the tié and suits in the closet. As a suggestion, you may want to wear soft colors, like pastels, especially of because the hot weather.

As a suggestion;

Women- Cocktail dresses, and remember the wedding will take place on a deck over the water, so be careful of high heels.

Men- Khakis and shirt.

HAIRDRESSERS (all in the town of Vila)

Guidda's- Av. Força Expedicionária Brasileira (the same of the Píer 151), nº13, Vila.
Phone: (12) 3896-3479.

La Ville- Next to the Church/Píer 151. Rua Washington Luís nº25. Phone: (12) 3896-3310.

Salomé- Just a little bit far. Rua Santa Tereza nº20, na Vila. Phone: (12) 3896-5272.