Destination weddings - or Weddingmoons - are rising in popularity; nearly 20% of couples will plan a destination wedding this year. Weddingmoons allow a couple to unite far-flung family and friends for an unforgettable week (or weekend) of fun. In a new series, we'll be spotlighting our favorite locations for a combined eco-friendly wedding and honeymoon. Our first stop -- Florida, the number one destination for honeymoons. The Keys lure many couples looking for sand, surf and adventure... but our focus is on the often overlooked panhandle region in the northwest region of the Everglade State. Portovert's Pick: Rosemary Beach.

Rosemary Beach, At a Glance

Last year, Portovert.com launched WED with the World in Mind to celebrate World Environment Day on June 5th. This year, we'll be celebrating WED throughout June with GREEN WEDDING AWARENESS month. This year's theme is Kick the CO2 Habit -- here at Portovert, we're emphasizing The Difference a Day Makes, so please let us know how you're living a low-carbon lifestyle -- and how you'll be incorporating that into your wedding. Feel free to post below, or send us an email.

We *heart* party in a pouch. It works as a mailer (perfect to send to an expectant bridesmaid), a suitcase stuffer (for those honeymoon nights) or extra sparkle at the wedding. Each pouch is packed with bookbinding scraps and just a hint of glitter ($3.50/each). Genius! 

Every now and then, we're included in a story that just humbles us... makes our knees buckles... makes us realize why we write about green weddings in the first place -- to inspire change! Sometimes we share these stories (see Martha, Martha, Martha and Jumping for Joy). But more often than not, we just keep it to ourselves. No more! You've asked, and we agree; highlighting press hits each month is a great way to share compelling articles and different view points on green weddings and honeymoons. So, we'll be sharing our favorite nods in a new section called, you guessed it, Portovert in the Press. 

Do you have a message to share with your wedding guests? Mud stencils let you add a temporary, eco-friendly note on sidewalks and walls. Milwaukee-based artist Jesse Graves shares how-to instructions on her website. Get creative! Consider adding a (washable) monogram, a custom logo or a family shield to your next event.

These popup placemats by Publique Living come in three themes: Popup Birdcage, Popup Mailbox and Popup Tree. Made in the United States of 100% recycled paper (30% postconsumer waste), we think their ideal for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and shabby-chic weddings. Simply write your guests name on the popup. Feeling creative? Get out your non-toxic paints and paint a few accents on each mat; highlight a bird, paint a leaf or write a special message.

Our first of a series of city guides focuses on the big (green) apple -- New York. From regional artisans to earth-friendly products and services, we've highlighted our favorite local sources for eco-chic weddings and parties. For a complete list of eco-chic venues available for rent, check out our recently updated Green Wedding Guide ™.

Eco Invitations

The symbol of romance and fidelity, the rose, is not surprisingly the star of most weddings. Nearly 90% of brides and grooms opt to include this imported stem -- but this ceremonious icon of love and devotion will cost you a premium; the average rose is marked-up 100-200%!

Jo Gartin Love, Luck and Angels is best known for the stylish events she creates for LA's glitterati -- Courtney Cox, Brooke Shields and Tori Spelling are just a few of her high-profile clients. Love, Luck and Angels is not a "green" design studio, but Jo's minimal approach and use of organic materials give many of her events a sense of simple elegance. We're particularly fond of her custom stationary, which features leaves, wheat sheaves and pressed flowers. Pictured left is a scene staged by Jo -- and styled by nature. Now that's low-impact living!

We're so honored to be featured in so many well-respected, green publications for our editorial research, our eco-friendly (ad-free) look books, the Green Wedding Guide and more. We wanted to take a moment to thank some of the memorable nods we've gotten in the past month. 

Today, Emily Anderson (the author of Eco Chic Weddings) included Portovert.com in her piece for National Geographic's Green Guide. She interviewed our very own Meghan Meyers on whether  "going green" will break the bank (hint: it won't!).