Bedell Cellars in Cutchogue
Funny Fiance Gift The “Anti-Cheating Ring” is sure to keep your man in line if he should decide to stray! This titanium wedding ring might look like any ol’ wedding band, but there’s negative engraving on the inside, so if by any chance your hubby slides his ring off, a mark is left on the skin reading, “I’m Married”. ($550, TheCheeky.com)
michaels.com
Wedding Centerpieces
Natural plants and herbs are replacing tall floral arrangements as centerpieces. Wedding herbs like rosemary, sage, myrtle, and ivy that have been used for centuries are once again growing in popularity. Herbs also carry special meanings which can bring another dimension to the wedding celebration when their legends are shared with family and friends. “They want to be more into nature,” says Francesca Leonardini, owner of Dazzling Affairs in Mineola. “There has been a surge in using plants or illuminating flowers with natural elements such as moss, stones, and branches. Brides and grooms are looking to do something different. I think everything else has been played out,” she added. The best part about the centerpieces is they’re totally DIY. Just remember to water the herbs a day or two before the big day so they’re fragrant and lush! kexquisitetouch.com
Photos courtesy of The Cheeky
Unique Venues Couples who are looking for a modern yet vintage wedding reception are choosing barns as their venue! Decorators and wedding planners are transforming barns from simple shabby-chic to all-out elegance. You don’t have to live in the Midwest, there are beautiful and unique barn venues right here on LI! The Barn at Vineyard’s Edge in Mattituck offers relaxed charm that can only be found on a farm. Bedell Cellars in Cutchogue also offers a barn-like venue with beautiful vaulted ceilings. Amy Finno, senior vice president of events at Bedell Cellars in Cutchogue says, “Outdoor spaces like the pavilion at Bedell Cellars are wonderful for hosting weddings. It allows the client the opportunity to take a beautiful raw space and transform it into something truly magical.”
Honeymoon Keepsake
Honeymoon trinkets and knickknacks are fun to buy and display, but a one-of-a-kind piece of wall art will truly capture your special trip together as newlyweds. This craft is simple and something that you can work on together: Find the perfect spot on the beach with smooth damp sand and make a handprint with your left hand. Then, have your husband do the same with his hand about an inch away. Next, take your rings off and position them upright in the sand in the imprint of both of your ring fingers (do this a good distance from the water!). Snap a few photos of your sand art and at home, have your unique honeymoon keepsake beautifully matted and framed!
Wedding Favors Many couples are foregoing the traditional wedding favor for a gift that is unique and meaningful. Handwritten notes have taken the place of favors at each place setting indicating that a charitable donation was made in the guest’s honor. Couples who wish to make a wedding donation to their favorite charity and still bestow their guests with a fabulous favor are giving favors that also give back. Wild Wines, a program used by Volunteers for Wildlife, Inc. in Lattingtown donates a portion of the proceeds from wine purchases to wildlife rescue and care like for resident owl Duncan (pictured, photo credit: Carlos Varon). More than $1.7 million has been donated to Wild Wines since 2007, according to Craig Bourque, their director of retail operations.
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue This 14-karat Gold and Diamond Edwardian Flower Pin features a 1.55 carat diamond center stone surrounded by more than 81 smaller diamonds and makes for the perfect sparkling addition to a belt or an updo. ($7,950, Antiques and Jewels on Main, Huntington, AntiquesAndJewels.com) 60
The Judith Leiber Crystal Cake Minaudiere is a stunning and unique clutch for the bride. The tripletiered crystal cake is simply gorgeous. ($6,995, JudithLeiber.com)
The Setting for Long Island Women
* milieuli.com
The Decades Vintage Chanel CC Pearl Necklace is a classic strand of designer pearls valued at $1,996 that you can rent for your big day. Once ordered, you’ll receive the necklace (or other items that you choose) two days prior to your wedding so you can wear them to the rehearsal dinner, too! ($225, RentTheRunway.com)
Vince Camuto Grady Ocean Gold Heels are the perfect something blue. After all, Olympian blue is the hue of 2012! ($139, Vince Camuto, Plainview and Manhasset, VinceCamuto.com) July / August 2012