Exquisite Bride The Region’s Preferred Wedding Magazine Summer 2017
Penn’s Peak:
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Ask the Expert:
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Exquisite Bride
The Region’s Preferred Wedding Magazine
Publishers R. Tyler Moorhead Jennifer K. Bergstresser
It is always fun to go to a wedding to see the vision and creativity that couples have put into making their fairy tale day a reality. Knowing that this takes a lot of time, work and planning…this is where our magazine comes in to play. We are not just another bridal magazine, we are a planning resource. Our goal is to help you find the information and assemble the people and tools you need to make your wedding day spectacular and not break the bank. In this issue, we talk with local event coordinator/wedding planner, Carrie Skinner on what it means to have someone else to help you handle all the details of your big day. Whether it is all or just the day of stuff, she does the work so that you and your partner can just enjoy your day without all the stress. Still looking for that perfect dress? Our fashion pages are chock-full of beautiful new gowns from two of the region’s top bridal salons. Struggling to choose the right vendors and ask the right questions? We have just the thing to help you in our story, Tough Choices. With all this and so much more we hope that you find this resource helpful and full of valuable insight as you plan for the biggest day of your life. Until next time…
Executive Editor Jennifer K. Bergstresser Art Director Paula Hannam Sales Jennifer K. Bergstresser R. Tyler Moorhead Contributing Writers C. Carroll Jennifer Doncsecz Family Features Samantha Parks Carrie Skinner Photographs Courtesy of Getty Images Jenn Roberts Photography Penn’s Peak Fashion Photography Allure Bridal Berta Bridal Morilee by Madeline Gardner Pronovias For advertising information, to submit a story idea or to request a free copy of the magazine please contact us at:
Exquisite Bride Magazine 36 South 11th Street, Allentown, PA. 18102 Phone: 484-767-5850 or 610-730-4106 Email: jenn.exquisitebride@gmail.com Website: www.exquisitebride.net Exquisite Bride Magazine in s a division of Slappy Media group. Exquisite Bride is a free quarterly publication that is distributed throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley, Poconos, Berks County, Bucks County and Warren County, New Jersey. Reproduction in part or whole without the consent of Slappy Media Group is strictly prohibited. Slappy Media Group reserves the right to accept any advertising or editorial and the final decision to accept or deny any information is the right of the Publisher. All advertising within Exquisite Bride is believed to be accurate and therefore Slappy Media Group assumes no responsibility for damages, errors or omissions in the magazine. All advertisements and their contents are the sole responsibility of the advertisers.
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Table of Contents
10 22 36
10 - Feature Couple: Danielle Sisson & Chad Trunk Photos: Jenn Roberts Photography 14 - Venue Spotlight: Penn’s Peak Story: C. Carroll | Photos: Penn’s Peak 18 - Put More into Your Day Story: Family Features | Photos: Getty Images 22 - Vendor Spotlight: Musselman Jewelers Story: C. Carroll | Photos: Musselman Jewelers 26 - PA Marriage License Laws: Rules by County Story: C. Carroll 32 - Tough Choices Story: Samantha Parks 36 - Ask the Expert: Q&A with Event Coordinator Carrie Skinner 42 - Fashion Feature: Bridals by Sandra & L’Fay Bridal 56 - The Perfect Scenery Story: Jennifer Doncsecz | Photos: VIP Vacations 60 - Wedding Show Guide
Our cover photo is from the wedding of Danielle Sisson and Chad Trunk at Riverview Country Club. Photo was taken by Jenn Roberts Photography. 8 Exquisite Bride | www.exquisitebride.net
Feature Couple Danielle Sisson & Chad Trunk
Wedding Date: September 24th, 2016
Reception Site: Riverview Country Club Easton, PA Wedding Gown: Bridal’s by Sandra Bridesmaids Attire: Bridal’s by Sandra Grooms Attire: CE Roth Groomsmen Attire: CE Roth Florist: Ruby’s Floral Factory
Photographer: Jenn Robert’s Photography DJ: Dice Productionz Videographer: Memories Unlimited Photobooth: Dice Productionz Hair: Changes for Hair Whitehall, PA Makeup: Makeup by Roxy Invitations: Shutterfly Officiant: Eve Wenger- Journeys of the Heart Brides Jewelry: Helzberg Grooms Jewelry: Helzberg Bridesmaids Jewelry: Charming Charlies Transportation: Corporate Limousine Travel Agent: Travel Impressions Honeymoon Location: El Dorado Royale Riviera Maya, Mexico
Continued on p12 10 Exquisite Bride | www.exquisitebride.net
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Feature Couple (cont’d.) How Did You Meet:? We met through Chad’s friend Todd at his house on Valentine’s Day. How Did He Propose?: We were on vacation with my family in Virginia Beach. Chad had given me a photo album with pictures of us throughout the years. I didn’t think anything of it at the time because Chad and I would buy little gifts for each other randomly for no reason at all. As I was flipping through the album there was a picture of my engagement ring in a box and written on the picture was “Will you marry me?” As I looked up completely in shock, Chad was down on one knee. Danielle’s advice for future brides: My advice to future brides would be to remember what your wedding day is all about. At the end of the day you are marrying your best friend, and nothing else matters. Try to take a moment during your wedding day to sneak off with your husband to just take it all in. This day will go by in the blink of an eye, so try to enjoy every minute! Chad’s advice for future grooms: My best advice for the future grooms is to try and stay involved during the planning process. It will take a lot of stress off the bride and will ensure that you
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and your fiancé are on the same page for the big event. Your wedding day will come and go before you know it. Try to enjoy every moment of the big day. You and your wife will be pulled in a million different directions that day but be sure to take a moment together, step back, and just look at everything and everyone. Everyone is there to celebrate the love that you and your loved one share for each other. Just remember that no matter how crazy the day gets as long as you leave married to the love of your life, it was a success!
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Venue Spotlight:
Penn’s Peak By C. Carroll Photographs Courtesy of Penn’s Peak
For those of us living in northeast Pennsylvania, Penn’s Peak represents the best in a concert venue. It attracts top acts like George Thorogood, Gordon Lightfoot, and Lou Graham of Foreigner in addition to numerous tribute bands. But there are other beautiful things that happen at Penn’s Peak. Brad Paisley was the first act to play when they opened in 2013, and that year Penn’s Peak also hosted their first wedding. This outstanding, private location is closer than you think. Located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, it is just 20 miles north of the Lehigh Valley and just minutes off the Mahoning Valley exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The beauty of its’ all-wood, rustic interior is surpassed only by the 55-mile panoramic view of the Appalachian Mountains visible from the deck. You can have your ceremony outside with the gorgeous view of the mountains for your backdrop, or you can have it indoors on the stage like a rock star. While the interior is beautiful by itself, the options for decoration are limited only by your imagination. You can decorate to the hilt or keep it simple with flowers and candles. The facility can
accommodate a minimum of 150 people up to a maximum of 400 people. When it comes to booking your wedding at Penn’s Peak, Special Events Manager Deb Beige will be your contact. She will be with you through the entire process from the initial site visit, to contract, to being there on your big day. She collects names and prospective dates and keeps them in order of inquiry to select and book in the first quarter of the year for the following year: for example by this March they had booked the 2018 weddings who had given dates (although there is still limited availability for 2018). While Penn’s Peak is a concert venue, once under contract, your date is secure and you won’t be bumped for a concert event! All food is handled by Penn’s Peak in-house caterer. The menus are flexible and a la carte
Continued on page 16 Summer 2017 | Exquisite Bride 15
Vendor Spotlight (cont’d.)
- so you not only have a selection of meals but in what combinations as well to help with cost. They offer plated, buffet and family style service. You choose the bar package, and meal style to fit your preferences. Premium bar and buffet prices are under $90 per person. With a $500 facility rental fee, Penn’s Peak is gentle on your budget. They provide the food. Dessert is
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up to you. You may choose your own baker or use one of Penn’s Peaks’ preferred vendors. To contact Deb for a free consultation, email Dbiege@pennspeak.com or phone 610-826-9663. Penn’s Peak is located at 325 Maury Road in beautiful Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania. Check them out on the web at www.pennspeak.com.
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Put More Into Your Courtesy of Family Features Wedding Day Photos: Getty Images
A wedding day is filled with symbolic tradition, from varied religious customs to the never-ending circle reflected in the rings and the types of flowers accentuating the celebration. Even with all the traditional rituals to consider, nearly every bride and groom can find ways to give their special day some unique touches that reflect their personality and love. Music sets the mood for every wedding, and it’s an easy place to put your own spin on the celebration. Whether you forgo the traditional bridal march entirely or simply look for an arrangement that gives an updated twist to the classic version, let guests know this isn’t your average wedding by setting the festivities against a soundtrack that lets your true character shine. The wedding party is intended to be a collection of those nearest and dearest to the bride and groom, who help ensure the day goes off without a hitch and who lead fellow revelers in celebrating the start of the new couple’s life together. That being said, there’s no reason this group must be limited to women on her side and guys on his, or even that it’s limited to humans – a beloved pooch can make for an adorable ring-bearer, after all. Photography is an essential element of your big day, but think beyond the images you’ll capture throughout the wedding and reception. Photos lend a personal touch, no matter what your color scheme or theme. Integrate photos of the two of you at various stages of life, together as a couple and with loved ones (perhaps even some you’re honoring in memoriam). 18 Exquisite Bride | www.exquisitebride.net
You can display these at a table with the guest book, as part of the table centerpieces, or even on the gift table. Or take things digital and load all your images into a slide show set to music.
Continued on page 20
Put More Into Your Wedding Day (cont’d.)
Make favors meaningful. Forgo more common items like bubbles and chocolate, and instead send a little of yourself home with your guests. Maybe it’s a memento from a place with special meaning to you both, or a bottle opener shaped like a bicycle to represent the way you met. Just
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think about the moments and things that define you as a couple and do some searching online. You’ll probably be surprised by how quickly the options pile up. Serve up a menu that shows guests more about your life together. Your loved ones can order basic beef or chicken anywhere. Instead, give them a glimpse into you. Make your main course the same food you enjoyed on your first date or during another monumental moment in your courtship. Or plan the entire menu around a region that you hold close to your heart. Weddings are filled with traditions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put your own touches on the day for a special event filled with memories that are uniquely your own.
Vendor Spotlight:
Musselman Jewelers By C. Carroll
Right across the street from the historic Hotel Bethlehem, snuggled up against the Moravian bookstore is a downtown staple and very unique jewelry store, Musselman Jewelers.
Founded in 1930 by Claude Mussleman and his family, Musselman Jewelers has a long history of excellence. Although the proprietors and staff may have changed since then, the Musselman name assures you the best in what a jewelry store can provide. Run by Tom Anderko since September of 2007, this establishment has been an important part of historic downtown Bethlehem since its opening and will continue to be for many years to come. What are some of the things that make the Musselman experience different? For starters, their highly experienced staff, individualized service and excellent quality to price ratio differentiates them from other jewelers in and around the region. They carry merchandise that is unique and not from assembly line manufacturers. Their creative team provides custom designs and works very closely with the customer to provide exactly what they are envisioning. These services require strong dedication and constant education to remain at the cutting edge of the jewelry market.
When it comes time to pop the question, there is confusion on what the rule of thumb is for knowing just how much to spend. “The rule has traditionally been 3 months’ salary of the groom to be. Today however, couples should throw out the rules and do what is appropriate for them,” states Anderko. The essential decision to commit to each other has already been made and the ring signifies the love of the couple for one another. The ring must be to the bride’s taste as she will be wearing this piece of jewelry for the rest of her life. Purchasing an engagement ring is a very personal and individual experience, and Musselman prides themselves in bringing their expertise and time to the couple to feel confident they have made the best decision for their situation.
Continued on page 24 Summer 2017 | Exquisite Bride 23
Vendor Spotlight (cont’d.)
How about custom designs? Anderko touts that this is one of their specialties! “We have knowledgeable and creative staff who will provide stunningly beautiful designs. Our in-house design bench workers can redesign existing pieces or begin from a totally new vision based on what the customer is looking for,” Anderko says. So it is no doubt that the high
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standards of quality and personalized service you will find here will please even the most discerning tastes. Musselmans’ carries a large selection of exciting bridesmaid’s gifts and jewelry as well to suit many price ranges. Unique designs by Beth Anne have proven to be extremely popular choices but there are so many options to choose from as well. So when it comes time to pick out that ring for the love of your life, custom design your wedding bands or just to find that unique piece to add to your collection, be sure to visit Tom, Randi, Louie and the rest of the staff at Musselman Jewelers on Main Street in Bethlehem. Musselman Jewelers 420 Main Street Bethlehem, PA. 610-866-3982 www.musselmanpa.com
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Summer 2017 | Exquisite Bride 25
Pa. Marriage License What You Need to Know by County Laws By C. Carroll
Are you ready to walk down the aisle and exchange vows with the one you love? Are you ready for two worlds to join as one? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then here is want you need to know in order to have a legal marriage in Pennsylvania. The marriage laws may vary from county to county as each marriage license bureau could have their own requirements and the appropriate Clerk of the Orphans’ Court office will have the specific requirements necessary in your local area.
That said, every couple that intends to get married in Pennsylvania must apply for a marriage license, and there are certain rules that govern who may get a marriage license, how to get it and when it is valid. According to the website: www.weddingvendors. com, Pennsylvania recognizes heterosexual and same sex marriages where the people wanting to marry are not currently married to someone else. In addition, the couple that wishes to marry can not be related as first cousins, parent and child, siblings, aunt and nephew, uncle and niece or grandparent and
26 Exquisite Bride | www.exquisitebride.net
grandchild. A person must be 18 years of age in order to get married without the consent of a parent or legal guardian. A person under the age of 16 must have the consent of a judge and a parent. The couple must go in person to the county courthouse with a valid driver’s licenses, passport or another acceptable form of identification as well as proof of social security number in order to apply for a license. A license fee will be required with your application and the fee varies from $25 to $85 depending on the county. If either person has been previously married, he or she must bring proof of the divorce decree. This needs to state the date of the decree, the county and state and must provide for proof of name change if applicable. A copy of an annulment must have the same information as the divorce decree. If a widow/ widower, the date when the former spouse dies is necessary. Getting a new marriage license with your name on it doesn’t mean your name has automatically changed. An online marriage name change kit will help you with that. There is a 3-day waiting period in Pennsylvania and you can pick up your license up at the county court house or have it mailed to you. It is valid for 60 days and a marriage license obtained in Pennsylvania can be used anywhere in the
Continued on page 28
Pa. Marriage License Laws (cont’d.) Application: Lower Bucks Government Service Center 7321 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 19055 Phone: 267-580-3585 Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm (Closed for lunch between 12:00 and 1:00 pm) Appointments are encouraged at this location
state not only the county where it was acquired. The wedding must be officiated by a current or retired PA judge, mayor, minister, priest or a rabbi of a Pennsylvania town or city. The license must be signed and certified by the officiant and given to the county within 10 days of the wedding. If it is not returned in time, the wedding may not be considered valid and you may have to apply for a new license. Where To Go To Apply: Berks County Marriage License Bureau 633 Court St., 2nd Floor Reading, PA 19601 610-478-6617 Monday – Friday: 8am – 5pm $55- cash, check, Visa and Mastercard Bucks County Orphans Court Administration Building Doylestown, PA 18901 215-348-6257 $60 Cash or $62 Money Order Monday – Friday 8am – 4:30pm 1st & 3rd Wed. of the Month Open until 7:30 Offsite Location for Marriage License 28 Exquisite Bride | www.exquisitebride.net
Carbon County Clerk of Orphans’ Court Route 209 Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 570-325-2261 $50 Cash or Money Order Only Monday – Friday 8:30am - 3:45pm Lehigh County Marriage License Orphans’ Court 455 West Hamilton Street Room 123.5 Allentown, PA 18101-1614 610-782-3173 $50 Cash, Credit or Debit Cards Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm Monroe County Monroe County Recorder Monroe County Courthouse 610 Monroe Street, Room 327 Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-517-3385 $40 Cash or Money Order Monday - Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm Northampton County Clerk of Orphans’ Court 669 Washington St Easton, PA 18042 610-559-3095 $50 Cash Only Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm
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Summer 2017 | Exquisite Bride 29
Tough Choices How to Pick the Right Vendors
THE WEDDING COORDINATOR You may want to consider hiring a wedding consultant. Wedding coordinators will be able to find the best vendors for your wedding according to your style and budget. They can help you negotiate rates and contracts with your vendors and your venue so you can get the best values and they will make sure all your vendors are set for the big day. SEE A SHOW (or TWO) Be sure to visit bridal shows in your area. Make sure to visit with the vendors at the shows and ask questions. Do due diligence and follow up with the vendors you are interested in. Visit their websites, look at their reviews. If you get a bad vibe they are probably not the vendor for you. 32 Exquisite Bride | www.exquisitebride.net
ASK THOSE YOU KNOW Everyone knows someone who recently said their I do’s. Make sure to talk to friends and family who recently got married. There is no better referral than from someone you know and trust.
Continued on page 34
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Summer 2017 | Exquisite Bride 33
Tough Choices (cont’d.) MAKING THE CHOICE Make sure when the time comes you choose the vendors that you are most comfortable with. You will be spending a good deal of time with some of the people you choose so you should trust them. A good vendor will listen to your ideas and offer you suggestions that will add to the vision you have for your big day. You are hiring these vendors to help you create the wedding of your dreams. Remember, it is not their day so you should not feel guilty if you do not like all the ideas that they offer up.
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Finally, once all vendors are chosen, make sure to read through your contracts completely before signing with anyone. Ask questions if there is wording you are unsure of and make sure if you have any special requests that it is all in there. Most of all, spend time with the vendors you choose and establish a rapport with them so that they get to know you as a couple beforehand and not just the few hours you see them the day of your wedding.
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Ask the Expert:
Q & A with Event Coordinator: Carrie Skinner, Owner at Carrie on Events
Exquisite Bride Magazine wanted to give our couples an inside look at what it is like to work with an Event Coordinator / Wedding Planner for your big day. We sat down and talked with one of the region’s experts, Carrie Skinner from Carrie on Events to get her insight and advice when it comes to making the decision to do it yourself or hire an expert. EB: What is an event coordinator? CS: An event coordinator at the very core, is a project manager for social events. An event coordinator will plan, budget and manage the execution of any gathering ranging from a private dinner party, a corporate fundraiser, to my favorite type of event, Weddings!!! If you think of a wedding as a project (but the best kind of project!), there is a need for a point person that manages the logistics, timeline, budget and brings the various members of the “team� (all the vendors) together to complete what they are responsible for and follow the schedule to ensure success. EB: Options for hiring a coordinator: Day of vs. Full Planning? CS: An engaged couple can choose from a variety of services when hiring an event planner or coordinator. If the idea of finding the venue, managing the budget, negotiating, picking decor and making it all come together seems too much, makes your tummy hurt and/or consider elopement, then a full-fledged planner
and handling all the services may be right for you. With full service planning, you will have someone to handle all the many bits and pieces that make up a wedding, guide you through the entire planning process and follow though to manage the day-of as well. If the couple or one of the two getting married is super organized, keen on hands-on involvement and very interested in finalizing all details themselves, then day-of coordination may be more appropriate. With this service the couple plans, secures all vendors and dreams up all the details themselves. A few months to a few weeks before the wedding the couple then hands off all the contracts, planned details, desires and concerns to the day-of coordinator
Continued on page 38 Summer 2017 | Exquisite Bride 37
Ask the Expert (cont’d) to take over logistics, construct timelines and make it all happen and run flawlessly. From that point on, the couple, their family and bridal party can truly enjoy the weeks leading up to the wedding and the wedding day without worry about their well thought out plans. The day-of coordinator will make sure it all comes together
as intended and the couple was still able to make each choice. In addition, the coordinator will run interference on any issues so the couple isn’t bothered with troubleshooting anything or handling items that arise that were not planned for during their big day. There is always something…a drunk Uncle, a missing personal flower or any other crisis that might arise that was not expected. EB: What questions should a bride be asking when interviewing a coordinator? CS: So many questions!!! Many exhaustive lists of questions for vendors can be found online. I often refer to such lists: https://www.herecomestheguide.com for such lists. TheKnot.com and Weddingwire.com can be great resources for planning lists as well.
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Google is your friend when trying to figure out how to interview vendors. Some key items to ask about are availability for your date and level of experience. You want to understand what is included in each level of service, what they charge for each level and if they work alone or with a team (only very intimate weddings should be handled by one person for dayof ). Aside from spending some time meeting with and seeing if you and the wedding pro have personalities that mesh well, you should see if you hear their passion for what they do. A pro that is passionate about their work will aim not to disappoint and do their absolute best as the advocate for you and your wedding day. EB: What are the price ranges (keep this a rough estimate)? CS: This is a tough one. Pricing structures can vary greatly from one wedding planner/ coordinator to another and by service level. Some charge a flat rate and others charge a percentage of the total of the wedding budget. Some folks even work hourly. The costs certainly should only come after a discussion of what you need help with and what your expectations are.
It should be a red flag if someone provides costs without even trying to first discuss and understand your needs and your wedding. Oh, and make sure you ask about additional fees…no one likes unexpected costs! EB: What other valuable things should a couple know? CS: Weddings are important and a lot of time and money is invested in this day. Do yourself the favor of at least talking to a pro about if a planning or day-of coordination could help make your wedding all it is meant to be. Weddings at home or in non-traditional locations can almost always benefit from a coordinator…there are so many things to think of when not having your wedding in a venue that does it all the time and handles all aspects.
On the flip side, a venue coordinator usually focuses on the items the venue is responsible for, so you may want more attention for your day. Find out what you don’t know, talk to a planner. Call Carrie at 484-866-2289 or email carrie@ carrieonevents.net or visit online at www.carrieonevents.net.
Summer 2017 | Exquisite Bride 39
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Exquisite Bride Magazine
features the latest fashions for the modern bride.
Crystal Beaded Venice Lace AppliquĂŠs Accent the Sheer Neckline and Bodice of This Classic Bridal Mori Lee Beauty. Tulle Over Sparkle Net Adds Dimension to the Skirt. An Open Keyhole Back Completes the Look. Matching Satin Bodice Lining Included. Available at Bridals by Sandra, Nazareth, PA.
Frosted, Embroidered Lace AppliquĂŠs Accent the Bodice and Wide Scalloped Hemline on This Fit and Flare Mori Lee Wedding Dress. A Deep V-Neckline and Removable DiamantĂŠ Beaded Organza Belt Complete the Look. Available at Bridals by Sandra, Nazareth, PA.
This Slim, Fit and Flare Mori Lee Wedding Dress Features Frosted, Embroidered AppliquĂŠs with Wide Scalloped Hemline and Sheer Boned Bodice. Matching Satin Bodice Lining Included. Removable Beaded and Embroidered Shoulder Coverlet also Sold Separately, Completes the Look. Available at Bridals by Sandra, Nazareth, PA.
Forsythia: The modified sweetheart neckline and soft Chantilly lace with cotton lace appliques make this styling perfect for all shapes and sizes. Classic Fit and Traditional Fit available in this vintage inspired styling available in champagne ivory or sold ivory or white.
Intricate Re-Embroidered Lace AppliquĂŠs with Crystal Beading Accent the Sheer Sweetheart Bodice on This Flounced Tulle Blu Ball Gown. Matching Satin Bodice Lining Included. Available at Bridals by Sandra, Nazareth, PA.
A Fairy-tale Ballgown is Brought to Life by Blu with Crystal Beaded, Embroidered Lace AppliquĂŠs and a Full Tulle Skirt. An Elegant Off-theShoulder Neckline and Intricate Illusion Back Complete the Look. Available at Bridals by Sandra, Nazareth, PA.
A stunningly textured delicate lace is overlaid on the stretch chiffon of Style 2306, Savannah, which hugs the bride’s body, exposing an even more intricate Chantilly lace below. This seductively layered look also features a deep illusion V-neckline, godets, and a romantic cathedral length train. Available at Bridals by Sandra, Nazareth, PA.
Sometimes, the seemingly simple makes the most impactful statement. From the front, this style is a blank canvas of structured stretch georgette. However, from the back, the hint of sparkle that starts at the top of the sweetheart neckline bust develops into fully beaded straps in a deep and wide V-shape, adding the wow factor to this fit and flare gown. Available at Bridals by Sandra, Nazareth, PA.
Romantic and regal, this ballgown is an elegant homage to the wedding gowns we dreamed about as little girls. Available at L’Fay Bridal, Fogelsville, PA.
This A-line beauty is classic, with a dash of bohemian glamour. Available at L’Fay Bridal, Fogelsville, PA.
Arlene: Seduction and romanticism. This long-sleeve princess-cut wedding dress is fitted at the waist that melts into the layers of tulle and lace of the skirt, with a fitted bodice in Chantilly, thread embroidery and gemstones that plays with sheer fabrics and flowers on the bateau neckline. Available at L’Fay Bridal, Fogelsville, PA and Bridals by Sandra, Nazareth, PA.
Ofelia: This princess wedding dress is an ode to springtime. A masterpiece with floral motifs and details in thread embroidery and gemstones. Tulle combined with Chantilly and guipure in a tremendously feminine, evocative design. Available at L’Fay Bridal, Fogelsville, PA and Bridals by Sandra, Nazareth, PA.
Berta: This page and opposite. Available exclusively at L’Fay Bridal, Fogelsvile, PA.
The Perfect Scenery 6 Gorgeous Destination Backdrops By Jennifer Doncsecz, CTIE Owner VIP Vacations, Inc.
Destination weddings in the Caribbean provide some of the most gorgeous backdrops! Sandals and Beaches Resorts realize that a beach ceremony is often sought after by wedding couples. However, they also understand that today’s bride wants some unique location options as well. Just because a bride is getting married in the Caribbean doesn’t always mean she wants to walk on the sand to tie the knot. Sandals and Beaches Resorts have many different gazebos and their gardens are spectacular. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of assisting over 100 wedding couples exchange their vows at a Sandals or Beaches Resort. When I speak with my bride, I often ask
her what she envisions for her wedding day. If she is picturing a non-beach location, I then show her photos from my previous “non-beach” brides to help guide her in selecting not only a wedding location but also in choosing a resort. Through this process, I have discovered which tend to be the most popular ceremony locations among my wedding couples. Here are my 6 favorite Sandals/Beaches wedding locations that are not on the beach:
1. Sandals Emerald Bay: Reflecting Pool and Gazebo: Emerald Bay’s gorgeous powder beach sits directly behind the Gazebo, which is at the edge of a long reflecting pool. This one-of-a-kind Sandals wedding location emanates a serene and romantic aura. 56 Exquisite Bride | www.exquisitebride.net
The Perfect Scenery (cont’d) 2. Sandals Negril: Beachside Gazebo: Providing shade from the sun and only two steps from the beach, Sandals Negril’s wooden Gazebo allows brides to still wear their heels, yet hear the calm Negril water lapping the shore just a few yards away.
3. Beaches Negril: Garden Roman Arched Gazebo: Elevated at the edge of where the beautiful gardens meet the sand, this arched gazebo encapsulates the essence of Jamaica’s tropical foliage and still provides ocean views for the most stunning photos.
Summer 2017 | Exquisite Bride 57
The Perfect Scenery (cont’d.)
4. Sandals Montego Bay: Frank Warren Chapel: With the only church setting of all the Sandals/Beaches Resorts, this lovely chapel in the tropics can seat 80 guests. Once brides hear the sentimental story of Frank Warren’s widow who gifted this chapel in memory of her late husband, they often decide to follow the tradition of lighting a candle during the ceremony to honor eternal love. 5. Beaches Turks & Caicos, Schooners Restaurant Deck: Directly outside of Schooners restaurant sits a wooden decking area that offers pristine views of Grace Bay. The turquoise waters directly below the decking added with the tall greenery along the edges create an amazing Caribbean setting. 6. Sandals Antigua: Mediterranean Gardens: Paradise wouldn’t be complete without colorful flowers and lush gardens. In a very intimate setting, Sandals Antigua’s gardens provide an enchanting wedding location. Brides can opt to add an arch or use the Roman Gazebo.
58 Exquisite Bride | www.exquisitebride.net
Romantic Experience
We indulge our customers with a sumptuous variety of menu selections. Excellent service and advice provided by a knowledgeable staff with years of experience. The Woodlands has been the favorite destination for weddings for over 40 years and we are dedicated to maintaining that tradition. Superior amenities including a free bridal suite, outdoor wedding settings and cocktail hours, elegant decor, boutique-style hotel rooms, a beautiful spa and indoor pool. We encourage you to enjoy The Woodlands Experience for yourself.
1073 Highway 315 | Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 | 800-762-2222
www.thewoodlandsresort.com
Exquisite Bride Magazine Presents...
The 3rd Annual State Theatre Wedding Expo
Sunday January 14th 1-4pm Free Admission To Register for This Event
www.exquisitebride.net
Illick`s Mill Wedding Show Sunday March 25th 1-4 Bethlehem, PA
Premier Vendors, Food, Fashion, and Giveaways!
To Register for this Free Event: www.exquisitebride.net
Save the Date... Spring Wedding Extravaganza
at the Beautiful Olde Homestead Golf Club Sunday August 29th, 2018 1-3 in New Tripoli, Pa.
Free Admission! Experts to Assist in Your Planning Process, Food, Fashion and Thousands in Giveaways!Â
Register Now to Attend: www.exquisitebride.net
Advertiser Index A&A Limousine……………………………….......... PG 11 AAA……………………………………………...…........... PG 1 American Male………………………….…….......... PG 33 Bridals by Sandra……………………………......... Inside Back Cover CE Roth Formal Wear………………................ PG 7 CNK Photography…………………………......... PG 9 Corporate Limousine…………………............ PG 40 & 41 Dice Productionz…………………………….......... PG 25 Crystal View Carriage Services……......... PG 35 Gruvin Enterprises……………………….…........ PG 30 & 31 Illick’s Mill………………………………………........... PG 33 Illick’s Mill Wedding Show…………….......... PG 62 J&J Limousine………………………………….......... PG 17 LA Fitness………………………………………............ PG 5 L’Fay Bridal……………………………………............ Inside Front Cover Linda Krisko................................................. PG 35 Memories Unlimited……………………............ PG 39 Musselman Jewelers……………………….......... PG 13 Okaysions Katering…………………………........ PG 27 Olde Homestead Golf Club……………......... PG 2 Olde Homestead Wedding Show……....... PG 63 On the Border………………………………............. PG 33 Penn’s Peak……………………………………............. PG 4 Penn’s Peak Wedding Show…………............ PG 60 Ross Plants & Flowers…………………….......... PG 3 Ruby’s Floral Factory………………………......... PG 25 Simply Smooth………………………………........... Back Cover State Theatre…………………………………............ PG 29 State Theatre Wedding Show………........... PG 61 The Paperbag…………………………………........... PG 35 The Woodlands……………………………............. PG 59 Tim Miller Photography…………………......... PG 21 Top Hat Formal Wear……………………........... PG 29 VIP Vacations…………………………………........... PG 19