How a Professional Honeymoon Planner Honeymoons

When a professional honeymoon planner gets married, you better believe her post-nuptial getaway is going to be a trip of many lifetimes. Case in point: the California-based Katie Frederick Jacobson, the owner of Ever After Honeymoons, who recently returned from a two-week trip that combined safaris in Kenya and Tanzania and island-hopping in the Seychelles. "It was so perfect to combine the adventure on safari with the relaxation on the beach," she says. Here, Katie gives us an exclusive look at her recent honeymoon.

Giraffe Manor

We started in Kenya at Giraffe Manor, which was amazing. Right after we checked in, we were told to come to the front terrace. Giraffes slowly started walking up and we were given food and told how to feed them. They are such beautiful animals and interacting with them that closely is an experience we will never forget!

Next we flew to the Maasai Mara and checked into Angama Mara. The safari lodge is set on the hillside with the most beautiful views of the valley. We saw the Big 5 all in the first day. The service was absolute top notch, and they arranged fun experiences for us, like sunset cocktails with a performance by Maasai warriors and a barbecue dinner in the bush surrounded by lanterns.

On our last morning in the Maasai Mara we went on a sunrise hot air balloon ride, and saw areas you can't access by car. Having herds of animals running below us, the sun rising behind us, and going really low over the river with hippos playing was the most surreal experience!

Next we flew to Tanzania and checked into Singita Mara River Tented Camp. This peaceful property has just six luxury tents set right on the river. 

We got incredibly lucky with animal sightings here as well! A highlight was seeing a huge number of wildebeest crossing the river right in front of us. They are such funny animals, and watching them interact with each other was quite humorous.

After six nights on safari we were ready to hit the beach. We flew over to the Seychelles and then boarded a helicopter to Fregate Island Private.

We were immediately whisked away to our villa, which had the most beautiful views, tons of outdoor space, a huge pool and Jacuzzi, and a private butler.

At Fregate, we also had our own golf cart to explore the island's seven beaches. After being on the go on safari, it was really nice to relax, swim, go to the spa, take a boat ride around the island, and enjoy incredible meals.

After a couple nights there, we hopped on a helicopter over to North Island, another private island resort in the Seychelles. The minute we arrived, it was easy to see why Prince William and Kate Middleton chose this island for their honeymoon.

There are 11 villas spread out along one beach. We were in Villa 11, the largest and most private one, which was right on the sand with a private pool, tons of indoor and outdoor space, and three outdoor showers!

While on North Island, they set up really incredible experiences, including a private picnic on Honeymooners Beach, a surprise romantic bath complete with flowers, candles, and champagne, and dinner in the wine cellar. The staff was so incredibly friendly, and truly made us feel right at home.