Hello, Honeymoon

The limousine will arrive in a few minutes. Plastic bubble containers are pulled from decorated baskets. Party-weary guests hunt for kicked off high heels and crumpled suit jackets. The bride and groom, exhaustion taking hold, give final good-byes and sentimental hugs.

It’s a scene that plays itself out time and time again - a wedding coming to an end.

Fortunately, the end of a wedding is the beginning of what brides and grooms really look forward to: the honeymoon.

Tradition dictates that, after the big day, the newlyweds jet off for a relaxing, romantic getaway – groom’s treat. But just like wedding trends come and go, the honeymoon has also evolved over time. Today, couples are strategic about honeymoon planning. Many are planning less expensive, less time-consuming vacations, but with all the benefits of a top-notch destination.

Enter Smith Mountain Lake.

Many of the features that make SML a vacation hot spot also make it rich in romance. Postponing a long honeymoon for several months, David and Laura Massey left Charlottesville the day after their October 2009 wedding for a two-night recoup at the LoveStone Inn Bed and Breakfast in Huddleston.

“I had just started a new job and my wife had just started teaching for her first year,” David Massey said. “We didn’t want to take a whole lot of time off from work. We didn’t want to have to travel too far. I was looking around to find places that were close and would give us the fall feel. My aunt has stayed at the LoveStone Inn a few times. She was the one who gave us the recommendation.”

Massey said a highlight of their stay was exploring the area.

“We drove around, took some pictures and found some places to eat. It was nice that we had a chance to explore without there being a whole lot of traffic and it being super busy,” he said.

LoveStone Inn owner Dawn Spencer said honeymooning guests can take advantage of the facility’s various romance services such as a private sunset cruise and candlelit dinners overlooking the lake.

“I have guests saying all the time how peaceful and quiet it is here,” Spencer said. “They see stars they’ve never seen before. When the moon and the stars are out, it’s like you can reach up and touch them. I think that all adds to the romance.”

Newlyweds Jessica and Jeremy Call were married at Mariners Landing Resort in late September. Jessica said the couple chose to linger at the resort after the wedding to spend extra time with friends and family.

“We planned a low-key ‘mini-moon’ with plans for a bigger honeymoon later,” she said. “The lake is a perfect location for something like this. You can see as much or as little as you want, all at a relaxing pace in beautiful surroundings.”

Lori Phillips, Director of Sales at Bernard’s Landing Resort, said honeymooning guests are attracted to the natural beauty of the area.

“So many people want to stay away from the mainstream,” said Phillips. “Coming to SML offers lots to do while still enjoying each other. Couples have all the comforts of home in our condos and can play golf nearby, visit a local winery, go parasailing and so much more.”

Laura Massey summed up the key reasons SML is a perfect honeymoon location.