Bridal Guide November December 2020

Escape to a paradise where you DON’T

And a thousand WORRY-FREE WORRY-FREE SERVICE

WORRY-FREE OPEN SPACES

WORRY-FREE SPORTS

MORE QUALITY INCLUSIONS THAN AN Y OT HER RE SO RTS O N T HE P LAN E T

Experience a 5-Star Luxury Included® Honeymoon in a place so serene, so pristine, it defies the very meaning of heaven on earth. A tropical oasis boasting turquoise waters and powder-white sands, where every indulgence is world-class and endless pleasures are created for two people in love. Spectacular pools as big as lakes. Unlimited land and water sports, including golf* and daily scuba* for certified divers. Mouthwatering 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining at up to 16 specialty restaurants per resort, and unlimited premium liquors at up to 11 bars. Decadently romantic Love Nest Butler Suites® that offer the utmost in refinements, even professionally trained butlers who cater to your every whim.

In this place where everything is included, you don’t have to worry about a thing. While you create a thousand worryfree moments, we’ll take care of the rest.

JAMAICA • ANTIGUA • SAINT LUCIA • BAHAMAS • GRENADA • BARBADOS

have to WORRY about a thing moments are waiting to unfold.

WORRY-FREE BEACHES

WORRY-FREE DINING

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PREMIUM

LIQUORS INCLUDED & UNLIMITED THE

GOL D

STANDARD OF

QUALITY & EXCELLENCE

WEDDING SANDALS FREE* TROPICAL WEDDING WITH A THREE-NIGHT STAY OR MORE!

& HONEYMOON *

STAY WORRY-FREE AT

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VOTED WORLD’S BEST AT T H E W O R L D

24

YEARS IN A ROW T R AV E L AWA R D S

Visit www.sandals.com/disclaimers/bridalguidenovdec2020 for important terms & conditions.

Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.

Better Together

ARIZONA PEORIA Forever Bridal 623-3328901 / CALIFORNIA BEVERLY HILLS Panache Bridal 310-860-9221 / COSTA MESA Panache Bridal 714-540-7800 / PASADENA Panache Bridal 626-585-8201 / SANTA BARBARA Panache Bridal 805-892-4000 / MODESTO Bianca’s Bridal 209-575-5902 / FLORIDA BOCA RATON Boca Raton Bridal 561-447-6541 / TAMPA CC’S Bridal 813-877-2410 / WINTER PARK Something New Bridal Boutique 407-6220707 / GEORGIA ATLANTA Bridals By Lori 404252-8767 / ILLINOIS CHICAGO Bella Bianca 312-787-2377 / OAKBROOK TERRACE Bella Bianca 630-627-4027 / MASSACHUSETTS BELMONT Allegria Bridal 617-489-1449 / TAUNTON New York Lace 508-824-6900 / MICHIGAN SHELBY TOWNSHIP Piera’s Bridal 586-566-7800 / MINNESOTA ROCHESTER Mestads 507-289-2444 / MISSOURI KANSAS CITY Gown Gallery 816-361-8111 / NORTH CAROLINA HUNTERSVILLE Anjolique Couture 704-892-6450 / NEW JERSEY VERONA Park Avenue Bridal 973-239-7111 / NEW YORK CARLE PLACE Bridal Reflections 516-742-7788 / MASSAPEQUA Bridal Reflections 516-795-2222 / NEW YORK CITY Bridal Reflections 212-764-3040 / NEW YORK CITY Kleinfeld 646-633-4300 / ROCHESTER Susan Deborah Bridal 585-442-7557 / OHIO CINCINNATI Bridal & Formal 513-821-6622 / COLUMBUS Henri’s Cloud Nine 888-823-9880 / PENNSYLVANIA Pittsburgh Bridal Beginning 412-343-6677 / PHILADELPHIA L & H Bridal 215-676-9206 / TEXAS AUSTIN Signature Bridal 512-892-5000 / MCALLEN Sposa Mia Couture 956-683-8740 / PLANO Stardust Celebrations 972-781-1619 / VIRGINIA ALEXANDRIA Elegance by Roya 703-838-9282 / CANADA WOODBRIDGE Amanda-Lina’s Sposa 905-265-8707 / TORONTO Kleinfeld 416-861-6691 / ITALY BAGNERIA PALERMO Inkanto Alta Moda Sposa / NETHERLANDS DEURNE Koonings 31493313220 / UNITED KINGDOM Ivory Promise 01204 847009 / UNITED EMIRATES DUBAI Bridal Showroom

www.eveofmiladybridals.com

CONTENTS

Bridal Guide November/December 2020

FASHION & BEAUTY 16 COVER STYLE

How to get that beautiful look.

18 STYLE FILE: BRIDES

Airy, ballet-inspired looks ready for dancing; rich, autumnal colors.

22 ALL THAT GLITTERS

Take our quiz and find your ring!

26 BEAUTY FILE

Face the big day in picture- and skintone-perfect makeup.

28 BODY FILE

News from the pre-wedding beauty treatment front. by Natasha Wolff

24 DESIGNER PROFILE

A conversation with Paul Stuart’s Ralph Auriemma.

49 NATURAL BEAUTY

A fresh take on classic lace gowns.

56 RUNWAY REPORT 56

Ethereal organza; off-the-shoulder sleeves; dramatic capes and more.

49 18

ON THE COVER • Love Your Gown! Chic Styles at Every Price, pgs.18, 49

26

• Just. So. Pretty. Makeup That Flatters, p.26 • 351 Creative Ways to Personalize Your Day, pgs. 38, 58 • Dance Fever! 20 Easy Ways to Cut Music Costs, p.44 • Your Ultimate Ceremony Guide: All You Need to Know p.34

CONTENTS

Bridal Guide November/December 2020

WEDDING PLANNING 30 ASK DAVID TUTERA

Our guru’s wedding hair dos and don’ts.

32 BRIDAL INSIDER

The best in save (or change)-the-date correspondence cards.

34 STANDING ON CEREMONY

Your wedding service sets the tone of the entire day. Make it perfect with our ultimate how-to guide.

38 PERSONAL BEST

Fifty ways to put a creative stamp on your celebration.

58 WEDDING ALBUM

An event planner’s dreamy, technicolor wedding on the Isle of Capri.

NEWS & FEATURES 14 WEDDING Q&A

Etiquette questions and answers.

42 BUDGET GURU

Celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss breaks down who pays for what.

44 PARTY ON!

Here’s how to (really!) save on entertainment. by Sharon Naylor

TRAVEL NEWS

78

66 RESORT ROUNDUP

38 58

What’s old becomes new at these luxe lodgings, each with a unique backstory.

68 EDITOR’S TIPS

Read this now: How to stay healthy on your happily-ever-after vacation.

70 WEDDINGS AWAY

Where to wed in one of the country’s hottest destinations—Nashville, Tennesse.

73 REAL DESTINATION WEDDING Get more online at bridalguide.com SWEETEST IDEAS Check out 25+ wedding ideas that’ll make you smile at bridalguide.com/charming GET COZY Add warmth to your cold-weather wedding with the ideas at bridalguide.com/cozy MUST-READ TIPS Read 50 clever tricks to make your life easier at bridalguide.com/clevertricks

One couple went to camp with a celebration that was all about the local offerings at this pretty Maine retreat.

78 REAL DESTINATION WEDDING They took a vacation to Iceland with friends and got married along the way.

88 STAR RESORT

Channel the bold-faced and host a wedding in sunny Florida.

lillianwest.com

TEST DRIVE YOUR WEDDINGMOON® Where you say “I Do” is the most important part of your wedding planning journey, so Beaches ® Resorts gives you a chance to look before you book.

See the venues, taste the cake and chat with the resort wedding team, all while discovering everything that makes Beaches so beloved. From unlimited land and water sports* to extraordinary 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining at up to 21 restaurants and unlimited premium liquors at up to 14 bars. Test drive your WeddingMoon® for two nights in paradise and experience the Beaches 5-Star Luxury Included® difference.

WEDDING & BEACHES FREE* TROPICAL WEDDING WITH A THREE-NIGHT STAY OR MORE!

*

HONEYMOON INVITE FAMILY & FRIENDS AND BOOK MORE ROOMS TO GET MORE PERKS, FROM A FREE HONEYMOON SUITE* UPGRADE TO A LOBSTER DINNER RECEPTION*

CREATE THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS & WE’LL MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE It’s the day you’ve always dreamed of, and Beaches is here to make your dreams come true.

Get married on the beach or in a tropical garden. Have a Free* Tropical Wedding that includes all of the touches of a traditional wedding in a picture-perfect Caribbean setting when you stay three nights or longer and you can bring as many guests as you want—or you can customize your entire celebration from ceremony to reception with decorative options inspired by love and created by you. From simply elegant to stunningly extravagant, every detail can be customized, with a limitless selection of décor options that can be mixed and matched to reflect your own sense of style. Choose from an endless assortment of slip covers, glittering faux jewels, colorful floral blooms, table linens, place settings, centerpieces, and other décor to create a ceremony and reception that’s uniquely your own. From storybook romance to breezy island chic, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating your own fairytale wedding day.

More Quality Inclusions Than Any Other Resorts In The World

BEACHES.COM/WEDDINGS • 1-877-BEACHES or call your Travel Advisor @ beachesresortsweddings VOTE D WORLD’ S BEST

22

YE ARS IN A ROW AT THE WORLD TR AVE L AWARDS

*Visit www.beaches.com/disclaimers/bridalguidenovdec20bch for important terms and conditions.

Beaches® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Beaches Resorts.

Diane Forden

EDITOR IN CHIEF, VP ART DIRECTOR Mary Cate Godfrey EXECUTIVE EDITOR Mary Clarke

TEST DRIVE YOUR

WeddingMoon

®

PREVIEW YOUR WEDDINGMOON ® WITH UP TO 3 NIGHTS IN PARADISE! Sandals® makes it easy for you to test drive your dream destination we dding and exp erience our 5-Star Luxury Included ® Resorts first-hand. Be our guest for up to 3 nights starting at a rate of $250 per couple per night * and receive up to a $1,050 credit * when you book your WeddingMoon® group of 5 rooms or more under a group co de or contrac t at S andals .

FASHION AND BEAUTY

FASHION AND BEAUTY EDITOR Kate Watson ASSISTANT EDITOR Anna Smutny

TRAVEL

TRAVEL EDITOR Jenna Mahoney

HOME DESIGN

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Robin Zachary

DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Wendy Mansfield

DIGITAL DIRECTOR Amy Schweitzer DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Jacklyn Wertman CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Kristen Klein

ART

BRIDALGUIDE.COM

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- -SANDALS SANDALS COM/TESTDRIVE VOTED WORLD’S BEST YEARS IN A ROW AT THE WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS @sandalsresortsweddings

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etiquette

Q&A

ANSWERS

wedding

Straight talk, smart solutions

by Diane Forden, Editor in Chief

Q

We’d like to make sure that the first dances, toasts and cake-cutting all proceed in a timely manner at our reception. Is there a specific guideline to follow for scheduling these activities?

A

Springfield, Illinois

It really depends on how long your reception will be but it’s a good idea to plan ahead so everything runs smoothly. With a reception lasting four hours or longer you can schedule things at a more leisurely pace than you would for a shorter event. And once you’ve mapped out exactly what you’d like to do when, let your maitre d’, DJ and other wedding pros know. Keep in mind that your reception site manager and wedding planner (if you have one) can assist with planning and pacing as well.

To help get you started here’s a basic rundown of scheduled events for a fourhour reception. Hour one: Bride, groom, attendants and family pose for wedding pictures. The receiving line is formed at the cocktail hour as the bridal party arrives and drinks and hors d’oeuvres are served. Hour two: Guests take their seats for the first course, kicked off by the best man’s champagne toast. The maid of honor and the couple’s parents can also say a few words. During this hour some couples like to have their first dance, followed by the father-daughter and mother-son dances. Hour three: Other couples prefer having first dance and other dances at this time. The main course is served and guests mingle and dance. Hour four: The cake is cut and served. The bride tosses her bouquet and the party winds down.

Remember, these are just guidelines. You’re free to schedule your reception in whatever way you like. Some couples, for example, like to take their formal portraits before the ceremony and not during the cocktail hour. Other couples prefer having a receiving line right after the ceremony instead of at the cocktail hour or to greet guests at the reception. Whatever you decide, plan your party in a way that’s most natural and comfortable for you and your groom.

price ranges so I’m sure you’ll find something affordable. If she’s not registered, ask her family or bridesmaids if there’s anything the couple needs for their home or consider sending her a certificate for a spa treatment to help ease any pre-wedding stress.

PROCESSIONAL POINTERS

Q

When walking up the church aisle who goes first, the bride’s mother or the groom’s parents?

Abilene, Texas

A

The groom’s parents precede the bride’s mother during the processional. Here’s a rundown: After the ushers have seated all of the guests, the grandparents start up the aisle followed by the groom’s parents. Then the bride’s mother takes her turn. She is the last to be seated before the bridal party procession begins.

GIFT REQUIRED?

Q

I’ve been invited to a bridal shower that I won’t be able to attend. Do I still need to send a gift and if so, how much should I spend?

A

Concord, New Hampshire

You should send a gift, but as far as how much to spend really depends on your budget and how close you are to the bride. There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to shower gift costs and I’m sure the bride-to-be will appreciate whatever you give. Take a look at her registry: Most brides sign up for a variety of items in all

DINNER DILEMMA

Q

My fiancé’s parents are divorced and neither has remarried. Who should host the rehearsal dinner—his Long Beach, California mom or dad?

A

The best scenario is to have both parents host and split the expenses— provided they’re on equal financial footing.

If this situation isn’t monetarily practical then your fiancé can speak with the parent who is in better financial shape to see if he or she might be willing to pick up the tab, or at least a majority of it, while the other parent contributes what they can afford. If your budget allows, you and your fiancé can even throw your own rehearsal divnner and still have his parents “host” if that makes you more comfortable. Keep in mind that the dinner does not have to be held in an expensive venue and you can tailor it to fit your budgetary needs. ››› Go to bridalguide.com/QA for more etiquette advice. And send your planning questions to us at mail@bridalguide.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY: LAUREN FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY, LAURENFAIRPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

PARTY TIMELINE

You Said Yes, Now See What’s Next Largest Home Selection . Free Shipping & Returns . 20% Completion Discount Get started at wayfair.com/registry

cover style

GET THE LOOK

RAY OF

Wi Gow

LIGHT

this

Go to bridalguide.com /covergown see details below

Dainty florals and sheer details lend a sense of whimsy to a flattering silhouette.

E BEAUTY NOT

2

4

3

1

4

Illuminate any room you enter with a radiant blush makeup palette that plays up your natural beauty.

Start by lightly dusting (1) Lottie London Ombré blush in Serene in an upward, circular motion to the apples of your cheeks for a peach-y flush of color. Using your ring finger or an eyeshadow brush, blend (2) Charlotte Tilbury Jewel Pot eyeshadow in Walk of No Shame along your eyelids. This creamy,

buildable formula instantly adds shimmery warmth, resulting in dazzling marry-me eyes. Then, apply a neutral-colored, waterproof lip liner, like (3 ) Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer pencil in No. 01, around the edge of your lips for a long-lasting, fuller-looking pout.

Complete your look by swiping your lips with (4) Ilia Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil in Only You for a rose-tinted dose of hydration and sheen.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes sponsored by Bridal Guide, New York, NY. Begins 12:01 PM on 9/1/20 and ends 11:59 AM on 11/16/20. Open to any legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who is 18 years or older, except where prohibited by law. Enter online at bridalguide. com/covergown, or send a postcard with your name, address, email, phone number and wedding date to Bridal Guide 2020 Casablanca Cover Gown Sweepstakes, 24 Woodland Place, Scarsdale, NY 10583.

Winner will receive a gown and veil from Casablanca Bridal, Beloved by Casablanca Bridal, or Amare Couture with a value up to $3,000. For full rules visit bridalguide.com/covergown.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TERRY DOYLE. HAIR AND MAKEUP BY THEO KOGAN USING PAT MCGRATH LABS FOR JUDY CASEY

E

mbody love at first sight in this romantic A-line gown that’s budding with girlish charm. The sweetheart neckline, organza skirt and head-to-toe flowery lace create an overall ethereal feel. Plus the detachable, gossamer sleeves provide two looks in one— making this irresistibly sweet style perfect for an intimate outdoor celebration. Gown, about $1,145, and matching sleeves, about $125, by Beloved by Casablanca; belovedbycasablancabridal.com.

Earrings by Lagos; lagos.com. Necklace by Diamond Nexus; diamondnexus.com. Floral design

by Mary Cate Godfrey.

Flowers by Afloral; afloral.com or @afloral.

Everything You Need, All in One Place Group Gifting . Personal Registry Specialists . Easy-to-Use Tools Get started at wayfair.com/registry

style file

BRIDES

SWAN LAKE

NOUVELLE AMSALE

GRACY ACCAD

Pretty, light-as-air gowns adorned with delicate add-ons define on-pointe style.

Chiffon hair accessory by Lihi Hod; lihihod.com

by Kate Watson Silver crystalbow hair pin

by Keren Wolf; kerenwolf.com

Rose-gold crystal swan ring

by Swarovski; swarovski.com

BLUSH BY HAYLEY PAIGE

Sterling silver netted cuff by Ursa Major Jewelry by Kate Jones; katejones.us

BHLDN

Dusty pink lingerie

by Wolford; wolfordshop.com

Ribbon-motif wedding invite

by Susannah Garrod; Papier.com

NICOLE + FELICIA COUTURE

Rose Tangerine Eau de Toilette by Chloé; macys.com

Floral-topped cake with shimmery sprinkles

by Cotton and Crumbs; cottonandcrumbs.co.uk 000

Satin lace-up open-toe boot by Tabitha Simmons; tabithasimmons.com

Cubic zirconia ‘Love’ earrings by Elise Paige Jewelry; elisepaigejewelry.com

style file

FALL

BRIDESMAIDS

IN LOVE

Silk chiffon lingerie by Araks; araks.com

FAME & PARTNERS

BIRDY GREY

Shades of chestnut and marigold make for a crisp, autumn wedding palette.

18k gold-plated ring with large brown stone

by Charlotte Valkeniers; charlottevalkeniers.com

18k-gold drop earrings with citrine & diamonds by David Yurman; davidyurman.com

HĂŠritage Eau de Parfum

by Guerlain; neimanmarcus.com

REBECCA INGRAM

Three-tiered floral cake by Cake Ink; cakeink.com.au

DESSY

JENNY YOO BRIDESMAIDS

Bella Mia wedding invitation

by Petra Kern; minted.com

Brown suede heel with tie straps

by Brother Vellies; brothervellies.com 000

all that glitters

RINGS

Variety Show Pop Quiz! Let your personality take center stage and discover your perfect sparkler. by Kate Watson

START HERE!

Which city would you most dream of going to for your honeymoon?

CAPE TOWN

Do you find yourself straying from typical wedding traditions?

OF COURSE! BALLROOM

NO

How would your partner describe your fashion style in one word?

TRENDY

BEER

NO

GIRLY

FLASHY

YES

What’s your go-to drink of choice at your bachelorette party?

Are you excited to get married?

Which venue would you most likely choose to host your wedding?

MUSEUM

PARIS

N.Y.C.

You’re a forward thinker so your style is likely to take a fresh spin on a classic that speaks to your individuality.

Vrai; vrai.com

Do you envision yourself in a princess-style style wedding gown?

YES

CLASSIC

GLAM

MODERN

SWEET COCKTAIL

As the life of the party, you’ll want your ring to shine bright as the ultimate conversation starter. Edward Avedis; edwardavedis.com

ROMANTIC

PRACTICAL

Low maintanence and easy going, you value life’s simple pleasures. A minimalist ring best suits your no-fuss lifestyle. Forevermark; forevermark.com

You’re sophisticated, worldly and idealistic. Like your love, you want your ring style to feel special. Christopher Designs; christopherdesigns.com

>> Get inspired by 75 of the prettiest engagement rings at bridalguide.com/rings

Last Dance

designer profile

PAUL STUART

A SUIT

& TIE

Designer Ralph Auriemma discusses his Phineas Cole collection for Paul Stuart,, featuring reimagined classics in luxe fabrications with chic detailing.

Phineas Cole denim singlebreasted formal jacket about $2,000.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of designing menswear? For me it is very simple: my love of the category, from the beautiful fabrics that are available to design with to the myriad silhouettes that can be created.

What are some ways a groom can add a personal touch to his look? It can be a small detail

like vintage studs for the tuxedo shirt or a classic tuxedo paired with a unique vest, cummerbund or bow tie. To distinguish his look from the groomsmen, he can choose a different silhouette or fabrication, such as a Nehru collar or a dinner jacket in denim.

What trends you are seeing? At Paul Stuart, iconic silhouettes never disappear but are updated in trendforward materials like art deco-inspired patterns, floral jacquards, denim, velvet, and linen. We are always looking ahead to offer traditional styles with a modern edge such as a soft, natural shoulder and comfortable construction.

Phineas Cole Super 110s Italian wool tuxedo with peak lapels, about $2,300.

Phineas Cole Italian wool paisley print dinner jacket, about $2,300.

What styles do you recommend based on body type? If you like it, then wear it. The most important thing is to make sure that whatever you choose is tailored for your unique body shape. This is why going to a store like Paul Stuart with in-house tailors is so important.

What styles do you recommend for different wedding settings? For a beach wedding, a marine-

blue dinner jacket with white linen trousers. For a garden party, a cream or white dinner jacket, pearl-grey wool trousers, white tuxedo shirt and a grey bow tie. For ballrooms I would suggest tails paired with a white piqué bib-front shirt, vest, and bow tie. For cooler months, a velvet dinner jacket and grey flannel trousers with a grosgrain side stripe.

Material choices and Black patent styling options are leather shoes from the Heron endless—have fun collection, with it! —Anna Anna Smutny about $700.

ABOVE:

Phineas Cole Italian wool doublebreasted tuxedo with shawl collar, about $2,000. RIGHT: Phineas Cole Super 150s Italian wool single-breasted dinner jacket with peak lapels, about $2,000.

With the rules of formality always changing, a man can find anything at Paul Stuart to express himself on his big day. *All items available at paulstuart.com.

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2

3

5

Beaches Resorts lets you customize the wedding of your dreams with stunning inspirations designed to ignite your imagination.

You can mix and match from a vast array of tasteful décor options and wedding venues to reflect your personal style. Exchange vows in a lushly landscaped garden beneath a romantic trellis, or on a pristine beach, or on a sky terrace overlooking the sea.

Enhance your chairs with decorative slip covers and adornments.

Create dazzling tables with your choice of placemats, chargers and votives. Beaches has styled the ideas, colors, flowers and finishing touches—everything from glittering candelabras to magnificent centerpieces—to bring your vision to life with the help of a professional planning team to guide you every step of the way. Best of all, your Caribbean honeymoon begins the moment you say “I do.”

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Beaches® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Beaches Resorts.

beauty file

TRUE HUE MAKEUP

Big-day beauty is yours with pretty makeup best suited for your skin tone. by Anna Smutny

DARK & DEEP TONES Brides with darker skin look fantastic in deep colors: berries, plums, reds and more. Keep in mind that intense shades don’t have to be heavily pigmented: A sheer eggplant lip color can pack a punch that doesn’t look heavy-handed. Make sure you’re using products that complement your skin’s undertone by swatching shades on your face or neck instead of your inner wrist (which tends to be a few shades lighter than your face).

Huda Beauty Nude Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette in Nude Rich

M·A·C Cosmetics Glow Play Blush in Rosy Does It Flower Beauty Liquid Kajal Blendable Eyeliner in Jaded

Marc Jacobs Beauty New Nudes Sheer Gel Lipstick in Rosy Nude

MEDIUM TONES

Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer

Too Faced Born This Way Turn Up The Light Highlighting Palette in Medium

Tom Ford Lip Color in Sable Smoke

FAIR & LIGHT TONES Finding makeup that doesn’t wash out fair skin can be tricky. Avoid products that have an orange or bright red tint. These colors tend to be too pigmented and harsh, making fair skin look sallow. Fairer complexions often have a cool undertone, leaving skin with a subtle flush. Opt for products like light nudes, baby pinks and cool, neutral tans that play up the natural blush in your cheeks and lips.

Medium, tanned complexions are likely to have warm or neutral undertones. With this comes the ability to play around with color.

Ambers, corals, softer golds and even olive hues work wonderfully to give you a radiant look that won’t be too light or look too harsh. Steer clear of colors like ice blues and cooler jewel tones that can take away from your skin’s glow and give it a dull appearance.

Stila Road Less Traveled Eyeshadow Palette

Tarte Cosmetics Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette

Bite Beauty Agave+ PreMakeup Vegan Lip Serum

NARS Blush in Orgasm

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Luminous Color in Light

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body file

TREATMENT

SPECIAL EFFECTS

Natasha Wolff reports on the latest news from the bridal-beautification front.

FOR THE FACE

FOR THE BODY

Last year, 74 percent of facial surgeon members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reported an increase in minimally noninvasive procedures (such as Botox and fillers) in patients under 30, up 32 percent since 2016—with Allergan’s Botox Cosmetic at the top of the treatment list. “I think Botox makes brides look and feel more relaxed,” says New York City cosmetic dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Dr. Dendy Engelman. “Your skin will look smoother and bridal makeup will look better.” With minimal downtime and a quick one-time appointment, clients can see results in 10 days, so Engelman recommends scheduling Botox 3-4 weeks before the big day. Typical target sites might include expression lines in the forehead and the vertical “eleven” lines between the brows, as well as crinkles at the outer corners of the eyes. Dr. Engelman is also a fan of injectable hyaluronic acid-based injectable gel fillers (such as Juvéderm XC, Juvéderm Ultra XC

by Allergan). “These fillers are blends of different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid that are injected into the skin to add subtle volume to wrinkles and folds in the mid-face, jaw and lips,” says Dr. Engelman.

Aesthetician Jeannel Astarita, whose clientele includes supermodels like Elle MacPherson, is finding success with Cutera’s truSculpt iD, which uses radio frequency technology to heat and damage fat cells to a point where they can be easily swept away by the body’s lymphatic system. “We can smooth out the spillover that tends to happen from shapewear or at the top of strapless gowns,” says Astarita. “Women love it for their arms or to smooth the abdomen.

These treatments help you achieve a gorgeous silhouette for your gown.” Optimal results happen with about four to six 15-minute

Botox: $350-$550 per treatment area Gel fillers: about $1,100-$1,500 per syringe

FROM THE INSIDE OUT Talk about glowing from within. Taking its cue from the medical world, IV (intravenous) infusion therapy fasttracks essential vitamins and skin- and health-boosting nutrients directly into the bloodstream, generally over 3045 minutes. New York City integrative medicine specialist Dr. Richard Firshein is a proponent of IV drip therapy with glutathione, an antioxidant powerhouse that delivers in a number of ways: Its immune-boosting properties can help counteract symptoms of stress brought

treatment sessions. Taking a different approach, CoolTone, Allergan’s newest body-contouring device, uses magnetic muscle stimulation, or MMS, to penetrate into the muscle layers and induce involuntary muscular contractions. The body’s response to these contractions results in improved muscle strength, conditioning and tone—and a tighter look—on the abdomen, butt and thighs. One painless 30-minute in-office session is the equivalent of 25,000-30,000 sit-ups. Four sessions are recommended. Visit coolsculpting.com/cooltone for providers in your area. truSculpt iD: from $1,000 per treatment CoolTone: $500 per treatment

IT’S ALL IN THE TIMING “It’s not just about looking good for one day but about setting yourself up to feel good long term. In order to do this, it’s important to come up with a game plan 4-6 months out from the big day to address any skin and body issues that may be troubling you.”

—Jeannel Astarita, owner, Just Ageless body sculpting & beauty lab, NYC

on by wedding planning, for example, says Firshein. “Glutathione is particularly helpful in reversing injury to the liver and lungs, plus its free-radical-protection capabilities impart a healthy glow.” Results are felt and seen within 24 hours, which explains the protocol’s appeal among celebs (think Adele, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chrissie Teigen) during event season.

Other nutrients in the vitamin cocktail on offer include zinc selenium, magnesium and vitamin C, “which all help to detoxify the body,” says Dr. Firshein.

Clean Market, a buzzed-about wellness center in NYC, offers 14 drip protocols (administered by a medical professional) for increased energy, stress reduction and more. Brides might want to take note of Clean Market’s popular skin-glowifying, glutathione-based Nutriglow, which ups the luminosity of skin, hair and nails. IV drips can be done as a series or as a onetime treatment.

IV vitamin drip: from about $100 (Clean Market); from $375 (Dr. Firshein)

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COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU ATLANTA Sunday, January 31, 2021 Sunday, October 10 , 2021

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DENVER Sunday, March 14, 2021 Sunday, October 31, 2021

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See page 47 for locations and times.

*DATES

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ask david

ADVICE

HEADS UP Celebrity wedding and event expert David Tutera shares his game plan for fabulous big-day hair.

Is there any beauty bummer worse than the classic bad-hair day? Smudged makeup can be fixed with relative ease, but frizzy, flat or flyaway hair? That’s a different story, and it’s certainly a scenario you want to avoid on your wedding day. So be prepared. Be very prepared. Here are some guidelines.

I DO’S FOR HAIR

I DONT’S FOR HAIR • Don’t assume your regular stylist is best for your wedding.

The go-to hair pro who cuts your hair every six weeks may not be well-versed in wedding ’do’s. If this is the case, get referrals from recently married friends.

• Don’t assume anything when it comes to the language of hair.

Bringing in images will help your stylist identify what you want.

Terms like “big bun,” “soft waves,” “sophisticated” and “chic” mean different things to different people, so comparing visuals can be the best way to communicate.

• Beware of tendril-overload. A few flirty tendrils around your face can look romantic as long as there are only a few and they are not too long. Too many strands can cast unflattering shadows on your beautiful face.

• Don’t neglect the neckline of your gown. Whether it’s strapless, one-shoulder or sweetheart, the top of your gown is a key shape to keep in mind when it comes to choosing your hairstyle. A full-on updo may feel (and look) too bare with a strapless dress.

• Don’t hide your highlights. When highlighted hair is pinned into an updo, a chunk of dark hair is revealed beneath. Break up the solid color by having extra highlights applied at the underlayers of your hair if you plan to go with an upswept style. 

DAVID’S RULE OF THUMB: BE SURE YOU KNOW PRECISELY WHAT WEDDING HAIRSTYLE YOU’RE GETTING AND HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO STYLE. NO SURPRISES ON THE BIG DAY! >>BRIDALGUIDE.COM Find gorgeous inspiration for your wedding hairstyle at bridalguide.com/hair

PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY DOYLE

• Have a hair trial. The salon appointment should allow enough time for you to try three different hairstyles. Be sure to bring your headpiece (or a photo of it) along. Book your hair stylist four to six months ahead of time, and have your trial four to six weeks prior to the wedding.

• Speak up! Explain the style of your wedding and reception to your stylist, and bring a photo or sketch of your gown. Ask him or her to suggest looks that will harmonize with the overall feel of your wedding.

• Be open to suggestions. You may think you want a cascade of rolling waves, but don’t pass on the opportunity to try, say, a low, loose chignon, or some clip-on extensions. Go on—it’s only a hair trial, and you may be pleasantly surprised.

• Take pictures as you go. Bring a friend to your trial, and have her take photos of all your options from every angle. Be sure to capture front, profile, back, even how hair looks from above. The goal is to have every side be your “best side,” since you’re sure to be photographed from every angle on the big day.

• When scheduling your hair appointments for your actual wedding day, add a cushion of time so no one (neither you nor your bridesmaids) will be “fashionably late.”

• Do wear a button-front shirt or dress for your day-of styling. That way, when you change into your wedding dress, you won’t have to navigate pulling your shirt over your finished hairdo.

PROMOTION

The One Registry Item Every Couple Needs!

We know you,re deep into planning your vision of the perfect wedding day, but you,re also planning for what comes after that—which includes setting up your newly married home together. And whether you,re starting from scratch or looking to upgrade what you have now, your registry list should be chock full of gift ideas for your guests to splurge on.

Any chef will tell you that you can do anything with the right kitchen tools. We found the one item for your kitchen that can replace all the others on your list. Yes, just one! The Thermomix® TM6™ is an absolute must for your gift registry—it,s an all-in-one smart kitchen appliance that performs over 22 different culinary functions without any special skills.

Blend, knead, whisk, caramelize, dice, chop, sous vide, brown, sauté, steam, boil, slow cook, weigh and more—all with the touch of a button!

What,s more, it has an intuitive home screen with high-tech capabilities that literally guides you every step of the way, making it fool-proof for the novice cook or gives the seasoned chef their very own sous-chef!

“I absolutely love my TM6! As someone who is still learning to cook, the TM6 is my secret weapon. It makes cooking easy and fun, and my husband is always happy when he comes home. It does all the work and I get all the credit. It’s honestly been the one gift from our wedding we have really put to work!”—Cindy Fischer

Cookidoo® is the digital recipe platform that powers Thermomix. You can enter in the ingredients you have on hand or select from one of over 50,000 guided recipes. Their recipes are a cinch to follow with step-bystep instructions appearing on the touch screen—when you,re ready to move on, just press next. Even better, you can save time and energy by ordering groceries from a variety of vendors directly from its new built-in “Shoppable Recipes” feature.

Less prep time, space saver, easy clean-up, guided cooking, recipes galore, and so much more. That,s a product we can really get behind.

Check it out yourself at thermomix.com. There you can connect virtually with a Thermomix expert and watch as they prepare a recipe or two so you can see it to believe it. We guarantee you,ll be impressed!

bridal insider

STATIONERY

PAPER TRAIL

“Great Adventure” round save-thedate by Paper Petal, zazzle.com

Bright save-the-date (or change!) cards set the tone for a beautiful big day. by Mary Clarke

“Folly Landscape” save-our-date card, zola.com

“Just the Ticket” save-the-date tag, invitationsbydawn. com

“Calligraphy” savethe-new-date card, papier.com

“Mr. & Mrs. Dancing Shoes” save-the-date, peartree.com

“Rose” save-the-date

by Kate Spade New York, papersouce.com

“Let’s I Do This” save-the-date by Ellis, minted.com

“Chat Bubble” save-the-date card, invitationsbydawn. com

“Long Story Short,” save-the-date by East Six, shutterfly. com

>>BRIDALGUIDE.COM Find ideas for all of your wedding stationery needs at bridalguide.com/stationery

KELLY SWEET PHOTOGRAPHY

7

Reasons to Shop at Your Local Bridal Salon

The YES Moment

You,ve probably been dreaming of this day for a long time—with good reason! There is no greater feeling than trying on a wedding gown and seeing yourself as a bride for the very first time. Surrounded by friends and loved ones makes the YES moment that much sweeter!

Selection

Make the Dress Your Own

Bridal salons offer the largest selection of reputable designers, styles, and colors.Your consultant will work directly with the designer to ensure everything from the color, to the fabric and the fit, are exactly what you envision.

The dress you try on in the store is just a starting point.

Want to add a sleeve? Lower the back? Elongate the train?

At a traditional bridal salon, you can work with a seamstress to customize your gown and turn your dream into a reality.

Feel-Good Factor

Special Pricing

When you buy from a trusted, local bridal salon, you not only support your community, but also small businesses mostly owned by women!

No Surprises You get what you pay for. A designer dress may be pricier than similar versions online, but counterfeit gowns can be poorly constructed, ill-fitting, and made out of cheap fabrics, if you receive your gown at all.

If budget is a concern, there are many ways to shop smart at a local salon. Many brick-and-mortar stores offer discounts at designer trunk shows, and host sample sales annually.

So Much More Than Just the Gown Your trained consultant will take precise measurements, assist with alterations, and put you at ease throughout the entire process. The salon will even steam your gown and store it safely until your wedding day!

For more wedding day fashion shopping tips, visit bridalguide.com/perfectdress.

STANDING ON CEREMONY

FROM PROCESSIONAL TO RECESSIONAL, HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO ENSURE AN UNFORGETTABLE CELEBRATION.

With so much attention given to planning the perfect reception, couples sometimes find that they haven’t given quite enough thought to their ceremony—which is, needless to say, the most important part of your big day. After all, the service sets the tone of the entire event, and it’s also the best opportunity you have to reflect on the rituals, traditions and values that mean so much to both you and your families. Here, we fill you in on all the planning basics.

• The officiant announces to the community that the couple is wed and grants the groom permission to kiss his wife.

• During the recessional, the couple exits the church, followed by the other members of the wedding party.

THE JEWISH CEREMONY • The signing of the ketubah: This ornately

making it legal A simple civil ceremony is all you actually need to be legally married. Religious ceremonies are a bit more complicated. If that’s your choice, you must clear all your plans with your clergyperson, as some houses of worship have strict rules for wedding services.

THE CHRISTIAN CEREMONY

• In the presentation, the bride’s father

• The processional marks the beginning

escorts her to the groom.

of the ceremony. The groomsmen enter first, followed by the bridesmaids, the maid of honor, the ring bearer, the flower girl and the bride on her father’s arm.

The groom waits at the altar with his best man, groomsmen and the officiant.

• A blessing follows. The officiant asks the bride and groom that famous question, “Do you take…?”

• The couple exchanges vows, followed by a benediction recited by the officiant.

• The couple exchanges rings.

PHOTOGRAPHY: LAUREN FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY

license lowdown Whether you marry in a church or a town hall, on a mountaintop or on a beach, you need a marriage license. License requirements vary from state to state and even from county to county (go to findlaw.com for state-by-state information).

Some require couples to apply in person and pay a cash fee (anywhere from $25 to $100); you’ll also be asked to bring along identification, like a passport or Social Security card. Once you have the license, it must be signed by the two of you, your officiant and possibly witnesses. Your officiant must mail the license to the proper state authorities (you’ll receive a certified marriage certificate in the mail within weeks), but in the eyes of the government you are husband and wife from the moment everyone signs the license.

decorated contract spells out the rights of the bride and starts the proceedings. In an Orthodox wedding, the signing is followed by the bedeken, in which the groom places a veil on his bride.

• The rabbi leads a procession of the cantor, the groomsmen, the best man, the groom and his parents, the bridesmaids, the maid of honor and the bride and her parents to the chuppah, a canopy symbolizing home and sacred space. The bride circles the groom seven times; in some synagogues, the groom may also circle the bride.

• The bride and groom drink wine from a cup as a blessing is given.

• The couple exchanges rings.

• The rabbi reads the ketubah.

• The rabbi recites the sheva berachot, or “seven blessings.”

• The groom crushes a wineglass beneath his foot, symbolizing the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the fragility of life and human relationships.

• The couple then observes the yichud (which means “seclusion”), where they spend a short time alone in a room, savoring their newlywed status.

THE CIVIL CEREMONY (Conducted by a judge, county or court clerk or justice of the peace): • In the processional, the couple enters with their wedding party.

• The couple outlines the commitment they're making to each other and exchange rings.

• The officiant pronounces the couple husband and wife.

• During the recessional, the couple and their attendants make their exit. ➺

who officiates Booking your officiant and your ceremony site is generally done about 11 months before the wedding. If you want a religious service but don’t belong to a particular church, know that some churches will allow nonmembers to marry there. Also, some clergypeople will agree to marry a couple at a nonreligious site.

Since your officiant will be the “master of ceremonies,” it’s important that you both feel comfortable with him or her.

Ask these key questions:

take your seats For smaller ceremonies, say 30 guests, whether religious or civil, it’s perfectly OK for people to seat themselves. However, if you’re having a large crowd, enlist the help of groomsmen or family members to make sure everyone ends up in the right place. Here are some standard seating practices: • IN CHRISTIAN CEREMONIES, the bride’s guests sit on the left side of the aisle and the groom’s guests sit to the right. In Jewish ceremonies, it’s exactly the opposite, except if the wedding is Orthodox. In that instance, men sit on one side, women on the other. In all cases, if the number of guests coming for the couple isn’t proportional, you can even up the sides.

1.

• IN JEWISH CEREMONIES, the two sets of parents stand under the chuppah while grandparents and siblings sit in the first few pews. In Christian ceremonies, parents and grandparents sit in the front rows; siblings (and their spouses) sit in the second row.

2.

• IF YOU WANT TO SAVE CERTAIN SEATS for family members and important guests, rope off the first five rows. Also, be sure to insert pew cards into the invitations of guests who should get prime seats.

Is he or she licensed by the state to perform marriages? Can you see the officiant's license?

What are the fees for the officiant’s services and for the use of the site?

(Expect a fee ranging anywhere from $100 to $600 for the ceremony.)

3.

Is your officiant open to personalizing your ceremony? Will he or she spend time getting to know the two of you? Can he or she suggest music, readings and ways to incorporate family and friends into the service?

4.

What documents must you present (e.g., marriage license, divorce decrees) beforehand?

5.

For a religious ceremony: Does the officiant require you to take premarriage classes or counseling before the ceremony?

6.

7.

Is it permissible for the two of you to write your own vows?

Are there any music restrictions?

(Some churches allow only religious pieces to be performed.)

• WHETHER YOU PLAN TO APPOINT USHERS or to make no formal seating arrangements, you should always designate someone who will help older guests or guests with disabilities to find a place up front.

vows to love Writing and reciting your own vows is a wonderful way to put your personal stamp on your service. These guidelines are for both of you.

Jot down a statement of what your mate means to you (“You are my lover and true soul mate, the person I look up to most in the world…”). Next, consider what you admire most (“I love your kindness and compassion, and the way in which you love and honor your parents…”) or what your partner has brought you that you didn’t have before (“Witnessing and sharing in your spirit of adventure has brought joy and laughter to my life…”). Finally, make a promise (“I will honor you, respect you and cherish you through all the days of my life.”). Your vows should be short and sweet (no more than a minute or two). For extra inspiration, ask your officiant if he or she can show you examples from other couples.

8.

9.

Are there any decor restrictions at your ceremony site? Also, are decorations or props, like an aisle runner or pew ribbons, provided? How much time is available for setup and cleanup?

10.

Is there another wedding planned right before or after your ceremony? (You don’t want to feel pressed for time.)

11.

When will the wedding rehearsal be held? (Book the time and confirm at a later date.)

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANNA ROUSSOS PHOTOGRAPHY

Can the photographer and videographer work in the sanctuary?

tweaking tradition • FOR SEATING IN A NONRELIGIOUS VENUE, instead of having two “sides,” arrange seats in a circle and recite your vows surrounded by friends and family. Or why not replace chairs with couches or benches? For outdoor ceremonies, seat guests on cloth-covered hay bales, picnic blankets or heaps of Moroccan-style cushions.

• WHO SAYS YOUR LITTLE RING BEARER HAS TO CARRY A PILLOW? Imagine your wedding rings cradled in a blush-pink seashell or nestled on a bed of fresh dahlias. A childhood music box or other nostalgic item can serve as a pillow.

• TRADITIONALLY, WEDDING PROGRAMS INCLUDE THE COUPLE’S NAMES, the wedding date and a brief outline of the ceremony, with the readings, music selections and the names of all the key players. But your program is also an opportunity to highlight your wedding style. Consider binding the programs with satin ribbons in your wedding colors or printing them on paper with gilt edges. Ask your stationer to letterpress the programs with the image of your favorite symbol or flower. And delight your parents with a surprise thank-you message, formally printed for all your guests to see.

something borrowed Many couples include traditions and rituals from other faiths and cultures in their ceremonies. Want to borrow one for your special day?

• THE LIGHTING OF A UNITY CANDLE In many Christian ceremonies, the bride’s parents light a candle, and then the groom’s parents light another. Together, the bride and groom use these two candles to light a third, larger candle of their own. This ritual represents the joining of two families in a love that burns as brightly as a flame.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHIANA JOY PHOTOGRAPHY AND MARY WEBB PHOTOGRAPHY

• JUMPING THE BROOM African-American couples will sometimes choose to honor their ancestors by jumping over a ribbon-festooned broom—a ritual created during the time of slavery, when marriage between slaves was illegal.

• HANDFASTING In a ritual that originated in Great Britain during pagan times, the bride and groom bind their hands together with a ribbon, symbolizing the joining of their lives.

Today, many couples choose to do this immediately before or after the exchange of rings.

• ROSE PRESENTATION Some brides and grooms will present a single rose—a symbol of love—to their mothers early in the ceremony as a gesture of love and gratitude.

• MEDALLION PRESENTATION In a wedding that includes children from a previous marriage, the new stepparent might present a piece of jewelry to the partner’s children during the wedding ceremony. The gift serves as a reminder of commitment to each member of the newly blended family.

good reads Want friends and family to take part in the ceremony?

Consider these special readings: >> CORINTHIANS 13:4-8, THE BIBLE “Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful...” >> APACHE MARRIAGE BLESSING “Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth for the other...” >> WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, SONNET 116 “Let me not to the marriage of true minds/Admit impediments.

Love is not love/Which alters when it alteration finds...” >> GOETHE “It is the true season of Love when we believe that we alone can love; that no one could ever have loved as much before, and that no one will ever Love in the same way after us.” 

the hit parade What music will play during your walk down the aisle and back?

(If you’re marrying in a house of worship, re­member to clear all the music with your officiant.) Here, a mix of both traditional and indie selections:

PROCESSIONAL

RECESSIONAL

1. Canon in D Minor, Pachelbel 2. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op 61,” Boston Pops Orchestra.

3. “Make You Feel My Love,” Adele.

4. “First Day of My Life,” Bright Eyes.

5. “Marry Me,” Train.

1. “Ode to Joy,” from Symphony No. 9, Beethoven.

2. “Trumpet Voluntary,” Wynton Marsalis.

3. “Crazy in Love,” Beyoncé and Jay Z. 4. “I Do,” Colbie Caillat.

5. “Best Day of My Life,” American Authors.

>> BRIDALGUIDE.COM Personalize your ceremony with these tips at bridalguide.com/ceremonyideas

PERSONAL BEST CELEBRATE YOUR CREATIVE SPIRIT WITH THESE 50 STYLISH TIPS AND IDEAS.

DREAM THEMES 1. DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE BOLD. Los Angeles designer Wayne Gurnick had a bride wild for Alice in Wonderland. He threw her a Queen of Hearts-worthy bash, complete with flower lollipops lining the walkway, cocktails served with “drink me” tags, and a cutout of the white rabbit holding a clock that showed the ceremony time.

2. THE STANDARD BALLROOM NOT

New York City-based tabletop and event designer Tammy Carmona recommends finding a location that’s meaningful to you. “One of my brides wanted to get married in the same castle where her mother married. The place was no longer

YOUR STYLE?

4. SHOWCASE YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY.

in use, but with enough persistence, we were able to secure permission to do the wedding there. It brought back a lot of happy memories for her mom.”

3. FORGET THE GO-TO TULLE AND GOLD CHIAVARI CHAIRS—put your personal

Jill planned a nautical-themed wedding for a couple that loved to sail. “For the cocktail hour, we had roving ‘cigarette girls’ offering vintage candy, as though guests were on the first-class deck. We flew flags, as if from the mast of a boat. And there

were lifesaver rings where the guests could pose for photos.”

5. LOOK FOR INSPIRATION IN THE . . .

For a bride and groom who were teachers, Tammy placed shiny fresh red apples in the centerpieces and mini pencils on the escort card table. For a race-car driving groom, Wayne created a purple-and-white checkered flag motif and used it as a border on the table numbers and escort cards.

6. SAY IT WITH FAVORS. Wayne had a couple from San Francisco and Los Angeles who gave guests a sweetly wrapped duo of their favorite San Francisco tea and L.A.-roasted coffee beans.

OFFICE?

PHOTOGRAPHY: (FROM TOP RIGHT) ©LIZ BANFIELD; COURTESY OF THORNBURY CASTLE

style stamp on your wedding, says Jill La Fleur, a Los Angeles wedding planner.

Jill threw a hacienda-style wedding for a Santa Barbara couple that loves the Spanish mission style. The stemware was Mexican blue glass, Spanish tiles served as escort cards, the centerpieces were set in rustic tin containers, and on the dance floor? Maracas, of course.

7. SHINE THE SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR FAMILY BACKGROUND. For a Moroccan

couple, Tammy placed each dinner table under its own gauzy tent decorated with low seating and vibrant pillows.

PARTY ON 8. GIVE A SHOUT-OUT TO YOUR COL-

After the ceremony, a USC groom Jill worked with surprised his bride by having the entire USC marching band escort the newlyweds and their guests to the cocktail hour.

LEGE YEARS.

9. HAVE A WACKY SENSE OF HUMOR?

One of Tammy’s couples hired their parents’ favorite comedian to do a set during dinner. “He was cracking everyone up!”

Tammy reports.

10. SAY IT WITH PICTURES. Plan a slideshow with snaps of you and your groom, or think even bigger and create a slideshow that features a shot of everyone in your wedding party, or each of your guests.

TASTE MAKERS 11. CAN FOOD REFLECT YOUR PERSONALITY? Yes, says Sabdy Pacheco-Williams at Miami’s A Joy Wallace Catering, Design & Special Events. She had a groom show his love of the ballpark by serving mini hot dogs and kettle corn at the cocktail hour.

12. BITE INTO YOUR HERITAGE.

PHOTOGRAPHY: (FROM TOP) CANDICE BENJAMIN; ANDREW CHAN

Jill had an Italian couple who served a pasta course—one heaping bowl of pasta for each table.

13. ANOTHER VARIATION? At a wedding with a groom from Mexico, guests received end-of-the-night Mexican hot chocolate and bags of churros.

14. BRING BACK MEMORIES OF THE RESTAURANT

where you had your first

date. Many of Sabdy’s couples ask the chef at their favorite eatery to consult on their wedding menu.

15. PUT GRANNY IN THE KITCHEN.

A Joy Wallace Catering & Events will not only recreate your family recipes—they’ll also invite your relatives into the catering kitchen to make sure everything tastes exactly the way the family likes it.

16. DO YOU REALLY NEED A COCKTAIL

Is a sit-down dinner a wedding must? Sabdy says to plan the meal your way. A Cuban couple couldn’t wait to get the dancing started, so they skipped the cocktail hour altogether. Instead of passed hors d’oeuvres, guests were seated at the dinner table right away. There were nibbles on big lazy Susans for between dances, and when it was time for dinner, waiters cleared the lazy Susans and set the first course.

HOUR?

Shop,” a lavish dessert “doggie bag” station in honor of the couple’s dog.

PERFECT PLAYLISTS 19. LOOKING FOR A FIRST DANCE

Let Hollywood inspire you, suggests Frank Macioce of Windy City DJs in Phoenix, Arizona. Romantic movies almost always have a gorgeous song you can dance to, such as “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” from “Twilight” or “Young and Beautiful,” from “The Great Gatsby.”

SONG?

20. THE COCKTAIL MUSIC DOESN’T HAVE

For a bride and groom who loved reggae, Tammy brought in an island-style band.

TO BE VIOLINS OR JAZZ.

21. THERE’S A SECRET TO GETTING THE RIGHT DANCE MUSIC for your friends and

family. Just ask them. Email your crew ➺

17. INVITE YOUR GUESTS ON YOUR FAVORITE LATE-NIGHT SNACK RUN. An L.A. bride of Wayne’s had an In-N-Out Burger truck roll up to her reception at 10 p.m. so everyone could get a bite of her favorite guilty pleasure.

18. IT’S NOT JUST THE FOOD THAT SHOWS WHO YOU ARE—it’s also how you

serve it. Sabdy once set up “Missy’s Bake

FOR A BRIDE GETTING MARRIED AT A MUSEUM, ONE DESIGNER COLLECTED OVER 100 VINTAGE BOTTLES, EACH HOLDING DIFFERENT FLOWERS. ➺

>> BRIDALGUIDE.COM Have more fun at your wedding with the ideas at bridalguide.com/fun

22. CRAVING A TRULY MEANINGFUL

Have one written for you! Jill plays matchmaker between her couples and local songwriters, and the result is a custom first dance song that tells your personal love story.

FIRST DANCE SONG?

23. DOES “BUILD ME UP BUTTERCUP”

make you think of that road trip with your sister? Give your special peeps a shout-out by asking your band or DJ to dedicate a trademark track to them.

24. THE BEST LOVE SONGS ARE ABOUT HEARTBREAK—which can make it diffi-

cult to find something to dance to with your

dad. Frank suggests casting back to childhood. Ask your father what song reminds him of you as when you were a kid, whether it’s a silly campfire tune or an instrumental version of a lullaby.

When your dad twirls you with tears in his eyes, it will all be worth it.

grandmother’s drive.

29. REMEMBER THE ONES YOU’VE LOST.

Kim’s brides are big on mementos—recreating their mother’s bridal bouquet or wrapping their bouquet in a sleeve of lace from their grandmother’s wedding gown.

30. ONE BRIDE TIED HER FATHER’S WED-

25. SOUTHWESTERN BRIDES TAP

DING RING to the handle of her bouquet.

THEIR TOES TO SALSA OR COUNTRY,

“She said it made her feel as if he were there for the whole ceremony, holding her hand,” says Kim.

Frank says, and down south it’s all about Southern rock. Put you and your fiancé’s hometown stamp on your dance floor.

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS

31. ARE YOU NOT A FLOWER GIRL?

Wayne had a jewelry-loving bride who created a dazzling bouquet out of a clutch of multi-colored brooches.

26. THERE’S A FLOWER FOR EVERY PERSONALITY says Kim Sutherland of Moun-

tain High Flowers in Sedona, Arizona. For instance, she sees sunflowers as fun and playful—large flowers for a bride with a lot of personality. Girlie girls love the fluff of the peony, and free spirits swoon over fresh-from-the-meadow wildflowers.

27. LOOK FOR FLOWERS THAT REMIND YOU OF HOME. Arizona brides have been

getting excited about desert-dwelling succulents, says Kim. 28. ANOTHER TAKE? Jill La Fleur tucked a single lilac into her own bouquet because it reminded her of the lilacs that lined her

REVISIT CHILDHOOD TO FIND A SONG FOR YOU AND YOUR FATHER. WHEN YOUR DAD TWIRLS YOU WITH TEARS IN HIS EYES IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT.

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) DANIEL COONS PHOTOGRAPHY; SASHA BLACKBURNE PHOTGRAPHY; BRYANANDMAE.WEDDINGPHOTOGRAPHY

for their top dance songs about six weeks before your wedding, then pass along the list to your DJ. That way, everyone is guaranteed to hear a favorite during the night, and you know your DJ is spinning the right tracks for your BFFs.

32. KIM HAD A FUN-LOVING GROOM

whose boutonniere was a colorful mini pinwheel.

33. EVEN YOUR VASES CAN SHOW YOUR

For a woodsy bride, Kim used vases covered in birch bark.

And . . .

BAKERS ARE CRAFTING CAKES WITH DRESSMAKER DETAILS, INCLUDING LACE, CRYSTAL, PEARLS AND GRACEFUL SWIRLS OF BUTTERCREAM “RUFFLES.”

SIGNATURE STYLE.

34. . . . FOR A BRIDE GETTING MARRIED

she collected over 100 vintage bottles, each filled with a different clutch of flowers.

AT A HERITAGE MUSEUM,

35. WHO SAYS EVERY BRIDESMAID SHOULD HAVE THE SAME BOUQUET?

Wayne suggests a custom bouquet for each girl to highlight her unique sense of style.

to a pickup truck with hound dogs for a groom that liked to hunt.

39. IS YOUR MOM A BAKER? Ask your baker to recreate her signature dessert.

Jim is still using a treasured, old Southern family recipe that a bride gave him for a lemon coconut cake.

40. FIND INSPIRATION IN YOUR OWN

“I worked with a local Charleston couple who live out on one of the rivers and held their wedding under an old oak tree. They wanted me to recreate their oak tree, complete with Spanish moss,” Jim says.

41. TAKE A STAND. From your motherin-law’s heirloom pedestal, to a round of birch, to a modern acrylic square, Jim reminds you that the cake stand is another chance to highlight your sense of style.

BACKYARD.

44. HAVE A PIECE OF ART MADE JUST

For a bride who lived on the California coast, Ceci painted a watercolor of her favorite bucolic view over the water and used it on the invitation liner.

FOR YOUR WEDDING.

45. THINK OUTSIDE THE TRADITIONAL BLACK AND CREAM. One couple sent

their guests a comic book save-the-date that told the story of how they got engaged on the Coney Island ferris wheel.

46. SAY IT WITH SYMBOLS. Ceci loves to include personal touches in her designs, like a love knot for a nautical groom, or even a mini cameo of the bride.

INVITING INVITES 42. GET PERSONAL ON YOUR INVITA-

with a custom monogram, crest, or even a logo made just for you. Ceci Johnson, the couture designer behind Ceci New York, loves to create logos for her couples based on what they love, their favorite city, or even their pets: “We can make a pattern from the logos, and then use it on the envelope liner.”

43. TAKE IT EVEN FARTHER—make your wedding pattern into fabric for table runners or pillows at the wedding. Your monogram or wedding pattern can even be made into a lighting scrim and projected onto the wall.

TIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) HEATHER WARAKSA; VAN GOGH VODKA; CECI NEW YORK

CAKE MASTER 36. THE LOOK OF THE CAKE SHOULD

says Charleston’s Jim Smeal, who has baked for Southern trendsetters such as Reese Witherspoon.

He’s made traditional white towers for his Carolina belles, but he’s also created unexpected confections—like the Japanese pagoda cake he baked up for a bride and groom who had a love of Asia.

BE ALL ABOUT YOU,

37. SHOW OFF YOUR FASHION SENSE

It’s a common request for Jim to recreate the lace from a bride’s gown on her wedding cake, but lately his girls are taking it further. They’re asking for big buttercream flowers and ruffles to mimic the soft, romantic textures on the latest couture dresses.

WITH . . . CAKE?

38. GET WILD WITH A GROOM’S CAKE.

Jim’s made everything, from a lion clutching a football for a sports-loving groom,

SIPPING PRETTY What’s your poison? Jonathan Pogash, AKA “The Cocktail Guru,” and Sabdy Pacheco-Williams of A Joy Wallace Catering & Events give their top tips on how to personalize your wedding tipples: 47. HIS AND HERS. Don’t just have one

signature drink—have one for the bride and one for the groom. She gets her berry mojito and he gets his dark ’n’ stormy.

48. DRESS YOUR DRINKS. A swirl straw in your wedding colors or a stirrer with a monogram puts your stamp on every glass.

49. COME UP WITH A CUTE NAME. For a New York City couple that met on a commuter train, Jonathan designed a drink called The Midtown Direct.

50. BYOB—BOTTLE, THAT IS. If you have a small batch or custom vodka, whiskey, or scotch you love, ask your caterer to feature it at the bar. 

PLANNING

READY, SET BUDGET

B

Bottom-line basics from celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss.

efore you start choosing colors and wrapping yourself in acres of silk, you have to face some spreadsheets.

But don’t worry about your math skills—all you have to do is plug in some numbers. Managing a wedding budget is first and foremost a matter of organization, and all you really need is a good tracking system. Open a separate bank account for wedding expenditures. You’ll need to track every expense related to the wedding; you can create your own chart in Excel, or use a wedding software program.

If you’re creating your own chart, make sure you have a column for estimated cost, another for actual cost and a third for deposit amount. Leave yourself room for notes regarding deposit due dates or the cost of upgrades or extras. Once you’ve settled on an organizational tool, work it into your routine. For some brides, that means saving up receipts and recording purchases once a week, maybe over coffee on Saturday mornings. For others, a more immediate system may work better.

Who’s Paying?

If you expect parents to foot part or all of the bill—or if they’ve already volunteered to do so—you’ll need to have a conversation

about what they wish to contribute. Sometimes parents announce that they can contribute a fixed amount, or they may detail what they’re willing to pay for. They may ask to see estimates before they agree to anything. Some may not be able to help out at all.

And some will want to know what the other side is contributing before they commit to helping out.

If you find yourself stalled over specific items, you’re probably arguing about priorities rather than money. Resolve to get absolute clarity about those priorities: What is most important to you? Ask the same of everyone who’s funding part of the celebration. If a money issue arises, consult your priority lists to see if what you’re fighting about is really worth going to the mat for. Is it in your top three? Your mom’s top three? Can you let her have her way, or do you need to stand firm?

I recommend using what I call the FLOP. The groom’s family pays for flowers, liquor, orchestra and photography. They also cover the cost of the rehearsal dinner. The bride’s family pays for the rest. That said, any division that works for the families is a good one. Each family may decide to cover the costs for “their” guests. Parents may also wish to divide the expenses based on personal interests or connections. If the groom’s mother is friends with the best caterer in town, covering the food would be a natural fit for her.

See below for the traditional breakdown.

GROOM’S SIDE Bride’s engagement and wedding rings; bride’s bouquet, corsages for mothers, boutonnieres for fathers and men (other than the groom) in the wedding party; gifts to the groom’s attendants; honeymoon; liquor; marriage license; officiant’s gratuity; rehearsal dinner; transportation for the groom and best man to the ceremony; transportation or lodging expenses for the officiant if invited by the groom’s family; transportation and lodging for the groom’s parents.

BRIDE’S SIDE Gifts to the bride’s attendants; bride’s gown and accessories; bridesmaids’ luncheon; church costs; flowers for the ceremony and reception, plus bridesmaids’ bouquets and groom’s boutonniere; groom’s ring; invitations and other paper goods; music; photography; reception expenses; rentals for the ceremony or reception; transportation for the bridal party; transportation or lodging expenses for the officiant if invited by the bride’s family; videography.

Adapted from The Wedding Book, by Mindy Weiss with Lisbeth Levine (Workman Publishing).

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) AMY AND STUART PHOTOGRAPHY; AARON DELESIE PHOTOGRAPHY; SIMONE PHOTOGRAPHY; JAY LAWRENCE GOLDMAN

budget guru

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PARTY ON!

HIT THE ENTERTAINMENT HIGH NOTES FOR LESS WITH THESE MONEY-SAVING STRATEGIES. BY SHARON NAYLOR

G

reat entertainment can really make your wedding unforgettable.

A fabulous DJ or a live band keeps your dance floor packed and the

energy up. Those ultra-special moments like your first dances and your cake-cutting become even more special with a stellar introduction, and surprise live performances are sure to wow your crowd. Entertainment can be one of the most expensive parts of the wedding budget, however, and it’s not always the easiest place to cut corners. But fear not, there’s definitely wiggle room when it comes to number crunching—and we’re here to give you the scoop.

You’ve always heard that DJs are less expensive than live bands. After all, there’s only one person to hire and feed, so that has to be less, right? Not always. According to the American Disc Jockey Association, rates can soar to $5,000 and beyond for top-tier master-blasters. But yes, in most cases, DJs can be less expensive than bands since there are fewer people to book and feed.

AND YET: “Think about the experience you want to have at your wedding,” says planner Courtney Hammons of A Magical Affair in Brentwood, Tennessee. You may be aiming for the energy that fills the room when a live band plays hit songs. Or it may be that you really prefer the original artists’ renditions of songs, as played by a DJ. You may want the festive look of a nine-piece orchestra, versus the tech-heavy presence of a DJ. And of course, you might be among the many couples that choose both. They’ll have a band play for the dinner hour and the start of the reception, then have a DJ step in and rev up the energy with club music.

And—surprise—this can save money. Read on to see how.

TYPICAL COSTS • DJ: $780 to $1,600 • Live band: $4,000 to

$8,000-plus • Specialty musicians,

soloists and ensembles: $400 to $1,000-plus These are national averages.

Depending on your reception entertainment choices, such as a 12-piece orchestra, you could be looking at prices double these, if not more. ✽

SOURCE: INDUSTRY SURVEY SITE COSTOFWEDDING.COM.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SASHA BLACKBURNE PHOTOGRAPHY

THE NUMBER-ONE QUESTION: DJ VS. BAND

PHOTOGRAPHY: RIKKI WARD PHOTOGRAPHY

BUDGET BASICS • PROFESSIONAL ENTERTAINMENT will cost less during the off-peak months of October through March, and at non-peak times such as a Sunday wedding, a Saturday afternoon wedding or on a Friday, with prices dipping 20 to 40 percent or more for these less in-demand times.

• AVOID BOOKING FOR TOO FEW HOURS. Andy Kushner of Andy Kushner Entertainment in Rockville, Maryland says, “Four hours is the standard length, and anything else will go too quickly.” Overtime fees can be very expensive, often hundreds of dollars.

• BOOKING A DJ AND BAND to split the time can add up to less. Michael Swerdloff, AKA DJ Mystical Michael of the New York tri-state area says, “I have performed in between the band’s sets and then did the last hours of the reception, which can save 25 to 75 percent over hiring a band for the whole event.”

• ASK YOUR WEDDING PLANNER and additional wedding vendors for recommendations. Katherine Stimson, entertainment specialist with Suman Entertainment Group in Miami says that some vendors offer package deals among “friends” in their vendor circle, saving you 10 to 20 percent.

• ASK YOUR ENTERTAINER if you can get a discount for paying your entire fee in advance. Some experts will give you 5 to 10 percent off a package price if you pay everything up front.

• ASK ABOUT SPECIALTY DISCOUNTS. DJ Mystical Michael granted a 50 percent discount to a military couple, and reports that he often gives a discount for last-minute planners just to book the date.

HOT TIP:

SAVE BY GOING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

• CHECK ENTERTAINERS’ SOCIAL MEDIA SITES for discounts, says Gregg Hollman of Ambient DJ Service in Princeton, New Jersey. These special online offers will typically save you 10 to 15 percent.

• GET MORE OUT OF YOUR DJ by having him take a break during the dinner hour, says Kushner. “Then negotiate for him to play non-stop during the dancing hours.”

• CHOOSE A ONE-MAN DJ OPERATION, rather than paying for a two- or three-member team. This can save you 15 to 25 percent depending on the agency, says Swerdloff.

• LOOK FOR MULTI-TASKING BAND MEMBERS who play more than one instrument to get even more bang for your buck. See if one of your reception band’s musicians will also play at your ceremony, and negotiate a percentage off what it would cost to book a separate musical act.

• DON’T BE AFRAID TO GO BIG: “It’s always best to negotiate with an established entertainment company rather than go to a lesser-known agency,” Kushner says. Larger agencies often have a greater ability to meet your budget needs.

Many DJs and bands offer specialty lighting effects as part of their package; often their basic lighting accents are gratis, with customized lighting for an added fee. Ask if you can use non-custom effects such as light projected in a snowflake pattern on your dance floor at no charge — rather than commission lighting effects with your names.

❋ “Check with local colleges’ music departments to find student musicians who need the credits and additional live-performance experience, and may not charge anything,” says Hammons.

(Do give them a nice gratuity after the show.) Some students do charge, but far less. Mark Kingsdorf, director of The Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultants in Philadelphia agrees, saying that music school student entertainment can cost one-third less than pro musicians. ❋ Hammons also suggests checking with your church’s musical director, who can suggest excellent pianists and other musicians they use during services, whom you can hire for 30 to 40 percent less than the prevailing professional rates. ❋ Professional entertainment companies keep a roster of specialty musicians and dancers, whom you may be able to add onto your music package for a 10 percent discount. ❋ Look to venues like Irish pubs or Indian restaurants for specialty entertainment options such as fiddlers, step- or belly dancers. Hammons says she has found stellar entertainers through local restaurant owners, saving her clients 40 to 60 percent. ❋ Contact local cultural associations to book singers, musicians and dance troupes for 25 to 50 percent less than the going professional rates.

This is a great way to add global flair to your reception. ❋ If you hear a great musician at a local club or coffee shop, always ask if he or she does weddings. These artists often charge an affordable perhour rate that can save you hundreds of dollars. Bonus: You already know their sound, which may be perfect for your cocktail-hour music, if not your ceremony. 

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FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY DOYLE HAIR & MAKEUP: THEO KOGAN USING PAT MCGRATH LABS FOR JUDY CASEY

& STYLE GUIDE

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IN BLOOM 000

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY TERRY DOYLE

Organza and tulle cropped jacket with tiered ruffles and bead embellishments, about $2,200, by Justin Alexander Signature; jasignature.com. Crepe sheath with bateau neckline and long sleeves, about $1,665,

by Sottero & Midgley; maggiesottero.com.

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Engagement ring by Still House NYC; stillhousenyc.com.

Wedding bands and ring (right index finger) by Shashi; shopshashi.com.

Discover 2020’s most evergreen styles showcased in a variety of lace motifs for the ultimate in bridal romance and charm.

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Gold necklace by Missoma; missoma.com. Bracelet

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Engagement ring by Grace Lee; gracelee.com.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY TERRY DOYLE

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Long-sleeve crepe ensemble with lace details along the V-neckline and cuffs. The high-slit, A-line skirt reveals lacetrimmed shorts beneath, about $1,800 by Lillian West; lillianwest.com.

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REPORT

This season’s bridal trends are all about feel-good fashion. From head-to-toe frothy gowns and feather-light capes to embellished, sheer back details and airy, off-the-shoulder sleeves, these styles evoke a sense of wonder and escapism. by Kate Watson

Float down the aisle with ease in a dreamy gown of gauzy tulle and organza.

LIHI HOD

WHITE BY VERA WANG

BELOVED BY CASABLANCA

SAVANNAH MILLER

off-the-shoulder sleeves make SLEEVE TREATMENT Puffy, for an ethereal, princess-like look.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

LELA ROSE

CLOUD NINE

WHITE BY VERA WANG

ALYNE BY RITA VINIERIS

IRIS NOBLE

JENNY YOO

NICOLE + FELICIA

RUNWAY

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF DESIGNERS

CAPE TOWN

Ultra-fine capes with intricate details add a royal flair to any gown, no matter the style.

ALYNE BY RITA VINIERIS

JUSTIN ALEXANDER SIGNATURE

SOTTERO & MIDGLEY

BELOVED BY CASABLANCA

MAGGIE SOTTERO

KELLY FAETANINI

LAZARO

BELOVED BY CASABLANCA

SOPHIE ET VOILA

RIME ARODAKY

BACK TALK Up the wow factor with a sheer back adorned with romantic lace or beadwork.

wedding album

REAL COUPLES

Love

The newlyweds pose overlooking the water.

Island Lisa and Chris flew to the isle of Capri, Italy for a colorful celebration filled with vibrant decor and traditional Italian details.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER FUJIKAWA

8

O A

nce Chris decided to ask the love of his life to marry him, he was determined to make it special. So he took Lisa on a romantic trip to Paris, and from there to Venice, where he had hired a photographer to capture the big moment. Taking a boat through the Grand Canal, the pair reached the island of San Giorgio where Chris dropped to one knee and asked Lisa to be his wife. The couple’s two-year engagement provided plenty of time to envision and plan their intimate destination wedding in Capri.

Aiming for a classically elegant ceremony, the couple opted for all-white decor featuring an aisle lined with white florals, including roses, lily of the valley, sweet pea, dahlias, and hydrangeas and a stunning arch covered in white roses and hanging dendrobiums and chiffon draping. The reception took a sharp turn with a completely different color palette. “We looked to the colors of the island for inspiration,” said the bride, “and chose shades true to the locale, such as the crystal-blue of the water and iconic grotto, the wildflowers and overgrown bougainvilleas, the bounty of lemons grown on the Amalfi coast and the region’s fresh seafood.”

The idea was to distill these elements into their celebration: the stationery, florals, handpainted ceramic flatware and gift bags.

Guests were served a bountiful Italianinspired menu featuring seafood-motif plates and of course, a late-night snack of pizza.

The couple’s special day was filled with spectacular views, delicious fare and lots of love from their friends and family to complete a celebration they describe as “the best day of our lives.”— Anna Smutny

THE COUPLE LISA LAFFERTY AND CHRIS DETERT WEDDING LOCATION: Capri, Italy NUMBER OF GUESTS: 35

>> Find hundreds of photos and steal-worthy ideas from real weddings at bridalguide.com/realweddings

wedding album

REAL COUPLES

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1. The bride and groom kiss as husband and wife with the shimmering Bay of Naples serving as a backdrop. 2. The bride's beautiful lace gown by Galia Lahov. 3. The intimate ceremony featured breathtaking views, an all-white color scheme, an arch decorated with a bevy of flowers and draped chiffon, and a violinist to serenade the guests.

4. The bride poses for pre-ceremony photos with her simple and sweet bouquet composed of lily of the valley and sweet pea.

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1. The reception was held at the Il Riccio Beach Club, selected for its vibrant blue color scheme and glamorous, beachy vibe.

2. Guests were served mini beef burgers topped with cocktail sauce. 3. Following their “I dos!” the couple took a stroll around the venue to have more photos taken. 4. During the cocktail hour, guests were treated to a variety of passed hors d’oeuvres including tuna tartare, millefeuille with roast beef and meatballs. 5. Guests’ goody bags embellished with a family crest the couple designed in traditional Italian style were packed with surprises: prosecco, Limoncello candy, Italian crackers and other treats to enjoy.

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Blue and white umbrellas dot the pretty beachfront.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER FUJIKAWA

Favorite Moments • Walking into the reception and greeting their family and friends as a newly married couple while a violinist played “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve set a romantic tone for the evening.

• To close out a blissful day of celebrating, the Il Riccio staff joined the guests and the couple on the dance floor to end the night with dancing and holding up their glasses to toast the newlyweds.

• Before exchanging their vows the couple wanted to have a moment to themselves and asked their photographer to shoot their intimate “first look.”

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wedding album

REAL COUPLES

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Personal Touches • The goody bags, menus, invitations and itineraries all featured the couple’s DIY family crest created by the two of them in a traditional Italian style.

• The violinist played all of the couple’s favorite love songs during the ceremony and reception to add an extra dose of romance to an already dreamy day.

1. Bouquets showcased eye-catching blooms in a variety of red and pink-hued shades. 2. Elegant, longstemmed candle holders and flickering votives added a warm glow. 3. The table decor was a nod to Capri: ceramic plates depicting sea life, turquoise hues and escort cards that echoed traditional Majolica tiles. 4. Color palette à la Capri: blues echoing the ocean water and pinks reflecting the local wildflowers.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER FUJIKAWA

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HANNAH PHOTOGRAPHY

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1. An array of delectable dishes for guests. The four-course meals included lobster salad, fresh scialatielli pasta with red prawns and tarragon, filet of white sea bream and seafood velouté and petit fours for dessert. 2. Spelt “cannolo” was stuffed with monkfish and red peppers. 3. The couple stroll hand-in-hand following the ceremony. 4. The reception site’s bright kitchen with a view of the dining area.

Catering/Reception site: Il Riccio Beach Club Stationery Design: Christina Tudor Art Event Planner: Lisa Lafferty of Beverly Hills Premier Catering Florist: Capri Flor Di Domenico Ruggiero

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C E L E B R AT E F O R E V E R

HONEYMOON & DESTINATION WEDDING GUIDE

Picture Perfect

PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH KARKENNY FOR THE SURFRIDER HOTEL

California dreaming—Malibu has long been an A-List beach hideaway for surfers, sun lovers and stargazers. The Malibu Surfrider, pictured here, is a low-key, low-rise retreat that’s as romantic as it is chic. For more sunny California content go to bridalguide.com/california.

In these pages: One couple gets campy at their wedding in Maine; we’ve got the low-down on where to wed in Nashville; and sneak a peek at an all-star resort in Florida. Plus, cool hotels with green histories, and a storybook wedding album from the island nation of Iceland.

Go SoCal cool at The Surfrider Hotel.

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RESORT ROUNDUP

Chic design takes flight at the TWA Hotel.

Hit Refresh

What’s old is new again at these posh properties that inhabit former schools, breweries and airport terminals.

by Jenna Mahoney

Hotel Emma After her husband’s death in 1914, Emma Koehler—namesake of this San Antonio retreat and wife of Pearl Brewery founder Otto Koehler—kept the operation going during prohibition and maintained the workforce. The stately brick-facade, waterfront building was

TWA Hotel In 1962, New York City’s JFK airport welcomed the TWA Flight Center, an ultra-modern midcentury architectural masterpiece created by Eero Saarinen & Associates and commissioned

by Trans World Airways owner Howard Hughes.

Recently the center reopened as a hotel after extensive renovations that included input from 14 historians. The result is an Insta-famous homage to ’60s travel. Two marquee spaces in the 512room hotel include the Sunken Lounge, which is located at the heart of the expansive structure and features a split-flip departures board, and the 1958 Lockheed Constellation “Connie” airplane that serves as a cocktail lounge (room rates start at $249 a night; twahotel.com).

used for dry cleaning, auto repair and non-alcholic beer production. It was also the company’s most successful era.

San Antonio’s industrial-luxe Hotel Emma.

Like the brewery building itself, over-

The new Washington School House.

size pieces of the past (bottle labeler, fermentation tanks, CO2 storage tanks) have been repurposed and are on display at the 177-room hotel (room rates start at

The Beaumont Hotel Park it—literally—when you check into this posh London hotel in the city’s sophisticated Mayfair area. Once a garage (mostly for shoppers at nearby The Beaumont’s Selfridge’s), the building’s facade notable facade. is a notable—and photogenic— blend of classical styles complete with a grand colonnade. Visitors to the 73-room, 23-suite hideaway are welcomed in classic British style with superlative service, an excellent afternoon tea, a beautiful spa with traditional hammam (Turkish steam bath) and a clubby grill room-style eatery (room rates start at about $525 a night and include breakfast; thebeaumont.com).

Washington School House Once a schoolhouse, this aptly named boutique hideaway is positioned in the heart of glamorous ski destination Park City, Utah. The original building with its limestone facade was constructed in 1889 as part of a trio of schools. This structure, which is on the National Register, was the sole survivor of a great fire and went on to serve as a social hall that hosted dances and other events.

Today the charming building is home to just 15 chic guest rooms, and an equally intimate spa and dining room (room rates start at $405 a night; washingtonschoolhouse.com).

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) LEFT) TWA HOTEL (3) WASHINGTON SCHOOL HOUSE; COURTESY OF THE BEAUMONT; JASON RISNER; GILES DESIGN BUREAU

$350 a night; thehotelemma.com).

St. Simons Island

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Sea Island

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Jekyll Island

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Little St. Simons Island

Goldenisles.com | (800) 933-2627

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Brunswick

EDITOR’S TIPS

ToYour Health!

N

Don’t let an illness derail your honeymoon travels. by Jenna Mahoney

o one likes being sick, especially on vacation—but feeling under the weather on your honeymoon may as well be a premise for a horror movie. Add a scene in a foreign hospital and, well, you’re pretty much guaranteed night terrors. Here are some ways to stay in good health.

BE PREPARED

on property. Plus, it feels good to get all the plane stress stretched out. Many resort gyms have endless class menus, where you can try Pilates, kickboxing or a personal training session with your new husband.

SAFETY FIRST I’ve been on a snorkeling trip in Hawaii with someone who didn’t know how to swim and on a trek in the Andes with a fellow with a heart condition. These two ruined it for all. Yes, your honeymoon is an awesome time to have totally new experiences, but always recognize your limits. If you’ve got the cardio capacity of a bulldog, skip the intense jungle mountain biking excursion and opt for a more leisurely canopy walk instead. Also, don’t be afraid to sit things out. Once in Thailand my intense fear of heights prevented me from trekking up a precarious flight of stairs to a mountaintop lake. Was I a bit bummed? Sure. But while I was waiting for my friends, I enjoyed some fresh coconut water and got a tip from a local about a super-secret beach on a neighboring island. After my suggestion we checked out the pristine cove—we were the only people there and the scenery was right out of a screensaver. 

PHOTOGRAPHY: ZOËTRY WELLNESS & SPAS RESORTS

A prep step on the front end of your trip can ensure smooth sailing. Before you even book your honeymoon, research any inoculations or medical information on the CDC and WHO websites. If you are traveling to a country with Zika cases, be sure to pack strong mosquito repellent and lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants. If your resort or The Clean Scene hotel doesn’t have air conditioning On the heels of the Covid-19 pandemic, the or has open-air rooms, make sure travel industry has redefined safety and cleanliness they provide screens and mosquito norms. Some destinations like Spain created netting over the bed. If you think certification programs for hotels and restaurants, there is any possibility that you which let travelers know properties meet a might be pregnant, definitely check cleanliness standard. And major hotel groups like with your doctor, and if you plan on Marriott have instituted contactless check-in trying to conceive, wait at least 10 along with enhanced housekeeping procedures. weeks after your return. For everyday For up-to-date info on these developments, ask your travel advisor, and visit each resort/hotel’s illnesses, I always carry an arsenal website to see what guidelines are in place. of vitamins including the vitamin C tablets Airborne (Walgreens has a opposite of pretty. But water safety goes great generic version) and nasal oil. If I beyond hydrating—avoid swimming in feel a sniffle or throat tingle, I use both still bodies of water, which can be filled for an immediate nip in the bud. Other with bacteria and parasites. Limit your medical necessities include blister balm intake of raw veggies in places where and Band-Aids, Rosebud Salve (for lip the water supply is iffy, and always brush hydrating and paper-cut soothing), your teeth with bottled H2O. Although Pepto Bismol tablets and Advil. It’s many resorts have filtration systems, you also a good idea to stock up on hand can never be too careful, says the girl sanitizer and antibacterial wipes. I tote who suffered through a feverish day in pre-moistened towelettes that double as India after not paying attention. makeup and coffee-stain removers.

Tip: Always carry small packs of Kleenex.

FIND BALANCE It’s uncommon to find free toilet paper After your dedicated efforts in operation at public restrooms across the globe. bridal bootcamp, it’s totally understandSAFE HARBOR able that you’ll want to indulge in French Chances are you know that it’s not fries and piña coladas all day, every day the smartest move to drink tap water on your honeymoon. But staying active abroad, since it isn’t purified as it is in and eating well on your vacation actually the U.S. And in extreme cases, drinkenhances the experience. I love taking ing bad water can cause dysentery, an yoga classes at resorts—the studios immobilizing illness that is the exact usually have the best-kept natural views

ON SALE NOW

WEDDINGS AWAY

The Westin Nashville soars above Music City.

NASHVILLE

IN EVERY ISSUE, WE SCOUT A SPOT THAT’S PERFECT FOR TYING THE KNOT AWAY FROM HOME.

T

BY JENNA MAHONEY

here’s many a reason it’s called Music City: From Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline to Taylor Swift, Nashville, Tennessee has been the home of country music’s superstars for generations. And the city’s main attractions include the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and endless smaller music venues and honky-tonks. The food here is just as famous—classic mac and cheese, biscuits and that hot chicken (fiery and spicy

hot) is on every Top Chef’s must-try list. In the past few years, a dizzying array of new hotels have opened their doors, many which

THE WESTIN NASHVILLE

KIMPTON AERTSON HOTEL

Elevated in ethos, offerings and height—it soars 27 stories above the city, the 453-room Westin Nashville can host big bashes of up to 600 guests, as well as more intimate celebrations. There are 11 event spaces and the sophisticated setting excels at cuisine, service and awesome city views. The L27 Rooftop is perhaps the most requested venue thanks to its indoor/outdoor accommodations and sweeping vistas of Nashville. Event menus are equally diverse—traditional Southern, Kosher, contemporary American and more. Guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, mod lighting and those Heavenly Beds for which the Westin name is known (wedding packages start at $175 per person for cocktail hour, a two-course meal, open bar for four hours, some reception decor and more; marriott.com).

Kimpton’s 180 rooms are exactly what aficionados of the brand expect—wood accents, custom artwork, oversize windows and marble bathrooms. The hotel’s amenities are also in keeping with the Kimpton DNA and include a full-service spa, comprehensive fitness program and seasonal rooftop pool. Weddings here showcase the hotel’s city setting thanks to the event spaces’ enormous terraces. There are two—the enormous 8th-floor Patterson Ballroom, named for Patsy Cline, boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and its wraparound terrace is popular for large gatherings. The Woodlea Rooftop Terrace on the 17th floor hosts ceremonies and smaller receptions (wedding packages start at $125 per person and include wedding coordinator service, stationed hors d’oeuvres, buffet meal, four-hour bar package, some decor,

PHOTOGRAPHY: THE WESTIN NASHVILLE

celebrate the music and history of this Southern city. Some of our favorites offering wedding packages are right here.

The hip Moxy Nashville Vanderbilt.

Moxy Nashville Vanderbilt’s centerpiece—the bar.

FUN FACT: ELVIS PRESLEY RECORDED MORE THAN 200 SONGS AT RCA STUDIO B. DOLLY PARTON AND WILLIE NELSON ARE AMONG THE LEGENDARY LIST OF MUSICIANS WHO MADE HITS HERE. IT’S NOW A MUSEUM. Just married at Kimpton.

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) MOXY NASHVILLE VANDERBILT (2); COURTNEY DAVIDSON; THE WESTIN NASHVILLE; KIMPTON AERTSON HOTEL (2)

Kimpton Aertson Hotel’s rooftop terrace.

set-up, a guest room for the couple and more. Facility rentals start at $250; aertsonhotel.com).

MOXY NASHVILLE VANDERBILT Right by Music Row is this boutique 130-room hotel that’s all sleek and hip with modern amenities that include the Listening Room, an event space lined with records. The vibe at this urban retreat is hip and in-the-know with the bar serving as the centerpiece—check-in happens here as well as dining and grab-and-go service. Weddings here are intimate and hosted in one of the chic suites. Celebrations are all about being luxe for less (the chainlet’s ethos) and are customized for 10 or fewer guests (elopement packages start at $2,100 and include a ceremony and set-up for 10 guests, a champagne toast, cake, officiant, a one-night stay and champagne welcome; marriott.com). ¢

Take a dip at the Westin Nashville.

Legally Wedded Marriage licenses are required in Tennessee and are issued at the County Clerk offices. Along with an intent to marry, which, depending on the county may be completed online, couples must present in person proof of age, social security numbers and place and date of birth for each parent. If applicable, a divorce decree and death certificate must also be furnished. There is no waiting period and marriage licenses are valid for 30 days. Tennessee residents may pay a lesser license fee after completion of a premarital preparation course. Marriage Kimpton Aertson Hotel.

certificates—which are issued after the union—must be completed within three days of the ceremony and incur an additional fee.

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REAL DESTINATION WEDDING

MAINE

SIMPLE, FRESH, AND A WHOLE LOT OF FUN, THIS WEDDING CELEBRATION AT A HOMEY FARM ON THE U.S.A.’S LONGEST COASTLINE IS THE WAY LIFE SHOULD BE.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CARA TOTMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JENNA MAHONEY

Angela and Marty share a moment at one of the A-frame cabins at Tops’l Farm.

Just beyond Maine’s rocky Atlantic coastline is a wooded landscape dotted with working farms, hidden ponds and rivers—many teeming with oysters. It’s all the perfect setting for excellent cuisine, as well as awesome wilderness excursions. “The state offers outdoor adventure and delicious local food,” explains Angela Miller, who wed Martin Bamberg at Tops’l Farm in Waldoboro.

They chose the setting for its family-first approach, vacation-perfect vibe and memory-making appeal (both Angela and Marty vacationed in Maine as children; then together as adults). Their wedding weekend was a celebration of the simple life accented with superlative food— “just about everything from our wedding was locally sourced,” says Angela. ➺

REAL DESTINATION WEDDING

Picked and preserved fixin’s.

Wood-fired pizzas by Uproot Pie Company.

Nightcap Bar Co. served cocktails out of a 1957 Shasta Camper.

Farm-to-table isn’t a just movement in Maine, it’s a way of life. And in the past half decade, the state has become a powerhouse in the food scene thanks to its sustainable-first ethos. Angela and Marty’s wedding weekend celebrated Maine’s bounty with local cuisine. There were fresh-shucked Pemaquid oysters from the Damariscotta River and charcuterie boards with local meats, cheeses, and fruits catered by Uproot Pie Company. There was a local taco truck and wood-fired pizzas topped with farm-fresh ingredients also created by the women-owned Uproot Pie Company. “We had Maine’s famous potato donuts from Holy Donut for dessert,” says Angela. “We put our donuts out in old Maine Blueberry boxes,” she adds.

Instead of a boutonniere, Marty wore a braincancer awareness ribbon in honor of his older brother, who had been diagnosed that summer and had recently undergone surgery. Angela found grey/silver satin ribbon and pearl-tipped gold pins on Etsy for all the groomsmen and ring bearers.

Husband and wife sitting in a tree.

TREK MIX Towering pines, ancient hemlocks, red and white spruce trees and mossy hills hug rivers and ponds in this region of Maine. “There’s excellent hiking in the area,” says Angela.

Popular local trails include the 1.2-mile Clarry HiIl path, which promises spotting of rare birds over blueberry fields, and the Riverbrook Preserve, a system of nearly 3 miles of intersecting trails across a wooded landscape and 25-acre farm homestead. “Grab a bottle of wine from Tops’l shop and go have a picnic,” suggests Angela.

The couple on a sweet roll.

Farm-fresh blooms from Swell Farm.

FLOWER GIRLS One of the things we love most about Maine are the beautiful wildflowers,” Angela says. She sourced the flowers for her wedding weekend from Swell Farm, a small local grower. Together with her sister, mom, mother-in-law and sistersin-law, Angela arranged the blooms.

“We had so much fun listening to music and sipping wine.” They placed the arrangements in antique glass milk bottles found at New England’s storied Brimfield Antique Flea Market.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CARA TOTMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

top shelf

wedding details VENUE: Tops’l Farm FOOD: Uproot Pie Company, Taco the Town BAR: Nightcap Bar Co. FLOWERS: Swell Farm PHOTOGRAPHER: Cara Totman Photography DESSERT: Holy Donut COFFEE: Espresso Dave DJ: Soundz Unique, DJ Damien WEDDING DRESS: Reformation EARRINGS: Mejuri BRIDESMAID DRESSES: BHLDN and David’s Bridal GROOM AND GROOMSMEN SUITS: Calvin Klein

Tops’l Farm’s yurt.

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT) CARA TOTMAN PHOTOGRAPHY (3); ERIN LITTLE

A local congratulates the couple.

“The Yurt is a great place to sit on the Adirondack chairs overlooking the water and to enjoy a cup of coffee at dawn or dusk.”

Rustic ceremony details.

SNAP HAPPY “There is no shortage of spots to pose for great pictures at Tops’l,” says Angela. The property’s glamping sites—a collection of five oversize tents and six A-frame cabins set on wooden platforms surrounded by towering trees—served as the backdrop for the couple’s wedding photos.

“In front of the sheep (the property is home to three sheep, four goats and eight chickens), down by the Yurt (it’s positioned riverside), in the Farmhouse or by the barn also offer great opportunities for the ’gram,” she says.

GET HOPPY Lobsters may be Maine’s emblematic export, but craft beers are just as celebrated by devotees across the country.

Maine’s home to nearly 100 small breweries.

Odd Alewives Farm Brewery—a local favorite of the couple—is set in a circa 1820s barn and positioned on more than 22 picturesque acres; the sustainable operation specializes in farmhouse ales. Hops, fruits and herbs grown on site are used in the brewing process; additional ingredients are 95% Maine-grown.

Angela and Marty with their wedding party.

legally wed

Marriage licenses are required in Maine. Couples must apply in person at any town office and furnish valid identification and proof of age. Divorce decrees and death certificates are also required, if applicable. There is no waiting period, nor are blood tests required.

Licenses are valid for 90 days. ➺

REAL DESTINATION WEDDING

Maine’s nickname is “Vacationland” and it’s tagline is “the way life should be.” Tops’l Farm—a family-owned compound encompassing A-frame cabins, white canvas tents and a bonafide farmhouse and barn for events—is this ideal personified with loads of Instagram details to prove it. Accommodations are offered in a variety of settings—in addition to the aforementioned superphotogenic outposts there’s a two-bedroom, red clapboard cottage furnished with vintage items and an iron cast, wood-burning stove. The 83-acre wooded property is also home to adorable animals and outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking, and camp activities including archery. Evenings are all about sitting under the stars and around the campfire taking in the peaceful state of just being in this natural landscape.

Meals here are simple in presentation—often served picnic style, fireside or family-style at large wooden tables—while rich in flavor—nearly everything is sourced locally. The Sugar Shack experience is a seasonal marquee offering at the property. It features a sugaring demonstration, a five-course “slow food” dinner, along with brews from Maine Beer Company. The event also welcomes a DJ and hammerschlagen, a hammer-and-nail (friendly) competitive game (room rates start at $150 a night and include a picnic dinner. There’s a $50 cleaning fee; topslfarm.com).  Details abound.

A guest tent.

Tops’l’s Farmhouse.

A spot to slow down.

An A-frame cabin.

Walking sticks, archery gear and more adventure items.

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) ERIN LITTLE; NINAGALLANT (3) ERIN LITTLE

travel notes

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REAL DESTINATION WEDDING

ICELAND

THIS NEW MEXICO COUPLE SWAPPED VOWS ON THE ADVENTURE ISLAND NATION.

“I

BY JENNA MAHONEY

➺

Ashley and Ryan in front of Iceland’s rugged landscape.

CAPTION HERE LÁRUS SIGURBSSON PHOTOGRAPHY:

wanted my wedding to be an adventure,” says Ashley née Funkhouser Fenton.

And an adventure it was—Ashley and Ryan Fenton swapped vows in the charming Oddi church located just outside of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, a country the couple had never visited before that memorable moment. They worked with on-site planner Eyrún Aníta at Hotel Rangá in South Iceland to create a storybook wedding in the Nordic land of volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields.

great adventures

A magic moment.

Ashley and Ryan wanted to explore Iceland with their family and friends. “Our wedding trip was less of a formal weekend of activities and more like a group vacation,” says Ashley. The couple shared their personal Iceland itinerary with their 45 guests, and invited them to join for “whatever sounded like a wonderful adventure to them,” explains Ashley. They spied waterfalls and dipped in the hot springs. They crossed glaciers and experienced the Golden Circle—Iceland’s marquee drive that links a trio of most-famous sites. And they visited the island’s black-sand beach. One of the top excursions was snorkeling between tectonic plates at Thingvellier National Park. “We got to explore different parts of Iceland with different couples who were available to meet up with us on different days,” Ashley explains.

Oddi Church hosted the ceremony.

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) LÁRUS SIGURBSSON (4); HOTEL RANGÁ

Aspen is magical all year.

“Iceland is a beautiful country and a wonderful place to visit.

It has become extremely popular as a travel destination lately.

I hope visitors appreciate the unique and rugged landscape and remain respectful of the land.”

A traditional marzipan cake.

Hotel Rangá set for a reception.

goin’ to the chapel “Honestly I fell in love with Oddi church,” says Ashley of the picture-perfect white church with a red roof where she and Ryan swapped vows. The couple then worked with Hotel Rangá to coordinate everything including the priest. “He performed the Lord’s Prayer in Icelandic during the ceremony, which was a cool experience,” she recalls. Another uber-local touch was the kransakaka, a traditional tiered wedding cake made of marzipan.

HORSING AROUND

They come in many colors and have more than 100 local names: The Icelandic—as they are commonly known—is the local breed of horse. Shorter than European and Arabian breeds, the miniatures are adept at traversing rugged terrain.

They also have two gaits not found in other horses. There’s the tölt, a single foot at a time movement that goes quickly, and the skeid aka the “flying pace.” Many visitors take horseback excursions, and Ashley and Ryan stayed on a local horse farm for a few nights.

“We got to have breakfast with the owner and talk with him about living in Iceland,” says Ashley.

Happily ever after.

legally wedded Permission is necessary to get married in Iceland. Couples must complete a marriage notification called hjónavígsluskyrsla that’s available online at the National Register’s Office. Valid passports, birth certificates, certificate of marital status—this must be issued within eight weeks of the wedding —are to be presented. If applicable, divorce decrees and death certificates are also required. All original documents are required three weeks prior to the ceremony.

No translation is needed if paperwork is in English. ➺

REAL DESTINATION WEDDING

Hotel Rangá.

Guest rooms have different motifs.

A cozy accommodation.

The Northern Lights above Hotel Rangá.

In the South of Iceland and just an hour from Reykjavik, the capital city, the low-slung, 52-room Hotel Rangá, which is situated at the base of a volcano and overlooking East-Rangá River, promises access to some of the best adventures on the island nation, as well as some superlative vantage points for viewing the epic Northern Lights. One of the favorite perches from which to gaze at the natural phenomenon is in the outdoor geothermal heated hot tubs; they’re tops for stargazing too. The property is also outfitted with telescopes that are housed in an observatory room with a retractable roof, and guided sessions with expert astronomers are on offer.

Cuisine here is a showcase of fresh-culled ingredients presented in modern interpretations of traditional Nordic dishes. Menu favorites include reindeer carpaccio; wild mushroom soup, made from a variety of local picked fungi; and Icelandic cod with lobster sauce, fish roe and sea beans (a marsh-growing algae). Guests can order lunch boxes to fuel their day adventures. Area outings include rafting through a glacial river, exploring lava and/or ice caves, climbing a glacier and loads more (room rates start at about $320 a night and include breakfast; hotelranga.is). 

“Iceland is a magical country. It’s like being in a fairy’s world, Middle Earth and Mars all at once.”

wedding details PHOTOGRAPHER: Lárus Sigurbsson WEDDING PLANNER: Eyrún Aníta at Hotel Rangá FLORIST: Blómagallerí BRIDAL GOWN: Essence of Australia BRIDAL HEADPICE: David’s Bridal SHOES: Blue by Betsey Johnson HAIR: Hárstofan Hellu Salon MAKEUP: Sigurbjörg Fríøa GROOM’S ATTIRE AND SHOES: Stitch & Tie CATERING: Hotel Rangá TRANSPORTATION: South Coast Adventure TRAVEL ADVISOR: South Coast Adventure

PHOTOGRAPHY: HOTEL RANGÁ (4)

travel notes

T h e b i g d ay i s c o m i n g

An elegant chapel, a terrace by the sea, lush green gardens. Wherever your journey takes you, Palladium Hotel Group has the destination you’ve always dreamed of.

Happily ever afters begin here.

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Limit one prize per family or household. If through a printing, production or other error more winners are notified than the rules state, the actual number of such winners, per the rules, will be selected in a random drawing from among those notified. Bridal Guide, RFP Corp., and Sonesta Ocean Point Resort make no warranties with regard to any prize. Prize is nontransferable by winner, has no cash value, and cannot be redeemed for cash. There are no substitutions for prize or changes to available dates.

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MIAMI

Want to wed or honeymoon where the celebs do?

In each issue, we take a peek at a star-studded hideaway.

The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami.

IT WAS HAPPILY EVER AFTER FOR

Riverdale actress Vanessa Morgan and pro baseball player Michael Kopech when they swapped vows in front of 35 guests in Miami. The boho chic celebration was a “fairy tale” come true, according to sources close to the bride. The event, which was VANESSA MORGAN hosted in an intimate—and ultra photogenic—garden was all about the personal touches, including excellent cuisine, bespoke cocktails and a vintage VW bus that doubled as a photo booth.

For an equally tranquil setting, book into the luxe RitzCarlton Key Biscayne, Miami, positioned on an island just minutes from downtown Miami. The quiet beachfront property boasts beautiful gardens and equally stunning golden sands.

Activities at the 450-room hideaway are a celebration of the serenity of the surroundings. There’s yoga, biking, hiking in the neighboring mangrove preserve and, of course, beaching. The property’s spa is a special standout thanks to its array of water therapies. But the energetic centerpoint of the resort are the two pools—one hedged with tropical foliage for

An overview of the resort.

ultimate relaxation; the other a sparkling zero entry retreat.

For an elevated experience reserve a cabana for the day and enjoy exclusive service poolside. Tip: Order the Mahi Mahi burger—it’s a standout. Cuisine here is fresh-caught and showcases a cornucopia of local ingredients (room rates start at $565 a night; theritzcarlton.com). —Jenna Mahoney

An ocean-view guest room.

One of three on-site eateries.

PHOTOGRAPHY: (FROM TOP LEFT) THE RITZ-CARLTON KEY BISCAYNE, MIAMI (4); SHUTTERSTOCK

STAR RESORT