Better Together
CONTENTS
Bridal Guide January/February 2021
WEDDING PLANNING 29 ASK DAVID TUTERA
Our guru’s key wedding dos and don’ts.
32 PLANNING NOTEBOOK
How to plan your wedding in record time.
26 PARTY PLANNER
A wildly romantic celebration in Tuscany.
38 PLEASE BEHAVE
Does it seem like everyone has an opinion about your upcoming wedding? Here’s how to rise above the fray. by Michele Bender
33 2021 TRENDS
No matter the size, the season or day of the week, love is love and the weddingplanning wheels are in motion. Here’s what we’re seeing going forward.
56 WEDDING ALBUM
A glorious outdoor wedding held at the bride’s family farm in Oregon.
NEWS & FEATURES 14 WEDDING Q&A
Etiquette questions and answers.
40 FEAST FOR LESS
Don’t let catering costs devour your wedding budget. by Sharon Naylor
TRAVEL NEWS
73 56
62 RESORT ROUNDUP
See what makes America great with a stay at one of these National Parks.
64 WEDDINGS AWAY 62 Get more online at bridalguide.com PLANNING A SMALL WEDDING? Make it spectacular with these ideas at bridalguide.com/ smallwedding ROMANTIC HAIRSTYLES Get inspired by the prettiest half-up, half-down hairstyles at bridalguide. com/romantichair MUST-HAVE WINTER PHOTOS Find gorgeous inspiration for a cold-weather celebration at bridalguide.com/winterphotos
From the beach to the mountains, Massachusetts has options for celebrating.
68 REAL DESTINATION WEDDING
Old-school glamour met new-world amenities at this photogenic celebration in the Charm City—Baltimore.
73 REAL DESTINATION WEDDING This couple made big memories with a small ceremony at a Colorado retreat.
92 FIRST LOOK
Take a peek at Park Hyatt, Aviara in California.
Special Advertising Feature
SEE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAN YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING IN ONE PLACE
Say ‘YES’ To No Stress Take the guesswork out of having a fully customizable wedding at a Sandals® Resort.
Find Your Inspiration Customize your entire celebration, from ceremony to reception, with decorative options inspired by love and created by you.
The Ultimate Digital WEDDING PLANNING TOOL on Sandals.com
Mix & Match to Create Your Own Dream Wedding Choose from hundreds of options and custom design your wedding to reflect your own style.
A once-in-a-lifetime love calls for a once-in-a-lifetime wedding. That’s why Sandals created the only destination wedding that lets you customize every detail—by mixing and matching hundreds of decór, floral and catering options. And with this new digital wedding planning tool, it’s easier than ever to plan your dream day. Everything a bride needs is right at your fingertips, helping you visualize every detail of your ceremony and reception. You can even chat face-to-face with your wedding planner with the Sandals Virtual Wedding Design Experience. Explore a catalog of décor options during a video chat session from the comfort of your own home. You can go over every detail, from venues and menus, to photography packages and special add-on services. You can even Test Drive your WeddingMoon® at any of the 15 Sandals Resorts on seven Caribbean islands. When it comes to your special day, nothing is left to chance. We guide you every step of the way to bring your vision to life.
See Sample Menus and Reception Ideas Get a glance of the gourmet cuisine you want to share with your guests.
See Sandals Signature Wedding Venues Choose from Over-the-Water Serenity Wedding Chapels to romantic garden gazebos.
The Sandals Wedding Difference
Sandals.com/weddings • 1-877-SANDALS or Call your Travel Advisor @ sandalsresortsweddings
Inspired by Romance
TEST DRIVE YOUR WEDDINGMOON® FOR UP TO 3 NIGHTS* Look before you book and see the venues, taste the cakes and chat with the resort wedding team.
JAMAICA • ANTIGUA • SAINT LUCIA • BAHAMAS • GRENADA • BARBADOS *Visit www.sandals.com/disclaimers/bridalguidejanfeb21fp or call 1-800-SANDALS for important terms and conditions. Sandals ® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.
HEALTH + FITNESS
SUCCESS Here’s how one bride got fit and healthy before her wedding. by Mary Clarke >> THE BRIDE Mary Sauerwein Bellavia. A project manager at Boeing in St. Louis, MO, she and her husband, Dan, a chemist at Pfizer, who on weekends plays rugby for the St. Louis Bombers Rugby Club, were married in March 2019 in Columbia, IL. >> BIG-DAY GOALS “I vividly remember shopping for a special occasion dress and just sobbing in the dressing room because I didn’t feel good about myself.
The only tears I wanted when I went shopping for a wedding dress were happy ones. I also wanted to be able to enjoy a more active lifestyle with my husband.”
WHY WW (formerly Weight Watchers) “My mom. She’s been a WW member since I was in high school. She made sure we had healthy food options at home. I gained around 60 pounds after I began living on my own. When I told my mom I had joined WW she met me after work and accompanied me to my first WW meeting and weigh-in.”
>> FITNESS “Prior to WW, I used various diet/fitness apps and worked out 7 days a week, but didn’t lose any weight.
I even hired a personal trainer. I can testify to this universal truth: You cannot out-exercise a poor diet. I don’t regret hiring a trainer— I became a lot stronger and much more comfortable in the gym and with weightlifting.” >> WEEKLY MEETINGS “I chose to go to weekly workshops to have the added in-person accountability. Everyone in the
group had their own individual struggles, yet we all still had a lot in common. I loved being part of a group that understood. I honestly do not think I would’ve met my goals or could continue to maintain them without the WW workshops.”
AFTER
STORY >> GETTING STARTED “ I focused on tracking and learning the points value of food. I didn’t look at this
as breaking bad habits, but learning new ones. I quickly learned the importance of tracking before eating. I will rarely, almost never, regret making a healthier choice but I am likely to regret making an unplanned unhealthy choice.” >> BIGGEST CHANGES
BEFORE
“Before, I didn’t eat a lot of fruits and veggies. Most of my
groceries were purchased from the frozen section, quick meals I could throw in the oven or microwave. I also ate a LOT of fast food or ate out. Now, my fridge is overflowing with fresh food and my freezer is full of zero-point meats (lean proteins).” >> FOODWISE “Breakfast is always a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich.
A poached or over-easy egg is zero points and I use fat-free or low-fat cheese. For lunch I try to have the base of the meal be a zero-point protein and a side of veggies. I like to spend my points on the things that dress up a meal—cheese, dressing, condiments, or if I have to cook anything in oil. Grilled chicken tenders and roasted butternut squash and brussels sprouts
STAYING ON TRACK “At one of my first workshops, a lifetime member said, ‘Motivation is fleeting and fickle, it will wax and wane. So don’t rely on motivation to get you through this journey, be determined. Find your “why” and let that give you determination.’ She was right. Determination got me to (and helps me maintain) my goal.”
BIGGEST CHALLENGES “A lot of my early struggles involved not wanting to feel deprived. I didn’t want to skip wine night with friends or eating out with my fiancé. WW taught me how to plan ahead and use points so I didn’t have to miss out. Dan and I took up more activities that didn’t revolve around meals. I learned that holidays are about spending time with my favorite people, not about the food.”
are a go-to. I get to eat a huge variety of food and I never get bored.” >> TAKEAWAYS “Despite two major 8- to 10-week plateaus during the 18 months of my journey, I met my fitness
and weight-loss goals. I went from a dress size 12/14 to 2/4. I feel strong and confident and continue to follow the WW program. Dan was so supportive throughout and still is. He never joined WW, but he did lose 30 pounds just by living with and supporting me. We cook together more. Being mindful about food and making healthy choices is still part of my life. And as we think about starting a family, I want to be able to set the positive example my mom set for me growing up.”
PHOTOGRAPHY: (WEDDING) THE YOUNGS PHOTO + FILM; COURTESY OF MARY BELLAVIA
body file
beauty file
LASH OUT
LASHES
Mascara, extensions, falsies, oh my! Here, a roundup of the best lash products and procedures complete with tricks and tips. by Anna Smutny IT BUILD to t n a w e r yo u Wheth o for a g r o be bold re natural mo softer, scara c c i M a yo u u G s look, w o ur all e L’Obsc stomiz u c y il s to ea ildable u b s it with tion. formula
MAJO R
LE NGTH S Let your flutter with lashes Wa Beauty M nder ile High Club Ma sca wand’s tin ra. The y bristles grab eac h major de lash, for finition a nd a long-la sting, lengthen ing finish .
L AS HO M UT B e a a r c Ja ut y c At L obs Le n Cur gthenin ash’d lin infu g Mas g and sed c a ra to e with bio is nha look nce tin th a of y n d h e a e our lash lth e s.
TWO FACED Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Full Frontal Volume, Lift and Curl Mascara’s double-sided brush has a flat end to volumize, while the fluf fy side defines lashes.
“EYE DO”
AU NATU REL The game is in the name. L’Oréal’s B ambi Eye Masca ra instantly op ens your eyes for that coveted do eeyed look.
CURLED UP Don’t forget to prep your lashes. Laura Mercier Artist Lash Curler works with all eye shapes to get your lashes set and ready for application.
FLIT & FLUT TER Dramatically define eyes with Velour falsies. With a featherweight feel and natural-looking strands you’ll forget you have them on.
Skip the fuss and maximEYES your bridal beauty with these long-lasting procedures that’ll have your smudge-free lashes fluttering all big-day long and beyond.
LASH EXTENSIONS
LASH LIFT
LASH TINT
Eyelash extensions are mink, silk or synthetic strands individually applied to the root of each real lash. Heather Elrod, CEO of Amazing Lash Studio explains, “Extensions enhance natural lashes, giving the illusion of a fuller lash line by lengthening and thickening. With proper application, lash extensions look and feel completely natural.” For best results, extensions should be applied one week prior to your wedding day (they will last four to six weeks).
If your aim is a subtly enhanced, long-lasting look, consider a lash lift. “Lifts curl the natural lashes from the base in an upward position, creating a semi-permanent curl and the appearance of longer, thicker lashes,” says Elrod. This procedure is an easy way to make eyes pop without the maintenance of mascara or falsies. Like extensions, lifts should be done at least one week before heading down the aisle and last about a month.
Usually applied after a lash lift, a tint “consists of using a special dye, giving you darker lashes without mascara,” says Elrod. While a bride can go in for a lift one week before her wedding, a tint should be applied 48 hours before, as it lasts between one to two weeks on average. Additionally, for extensions, lifts and tints, aftercare is important. “Avoid water, moisture or sweat for the first 24 hours,” states Elrod. “Then cleanse lashes at least twice a week, using oil-free products.”
FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY BY TERRY DOYLE. HAIR & MAKEUP BY THEO KOGAN USING PAT MCGRATH LABS FOR JUDY CASEY
& STYLE GUIDE
Trumpet gown with lace-embroidered tulle, a high illusion neckline and tulle sleeves that extend in back for a cape-like effect, about $928, by Tadashi Shoji; tadashishoji.com. Hat by Eugenia Kim; eugeniakim.com. Studded belt by Free People; freepeople.com.
Sneak a peek at these charming, Western-inspired ensembles that perfectly befit an outdoor affair. Plus, ride out the year in style with the latest trends in bridal fashion.
RUSTIC ROMANCE 000
wedding album
REAL COUPLES
of gold Oregon Brandice and Ransom hosted an idyllic wedding at the bride's family farm that showcased their love for horses, nature and each other.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY COOK PHOTOGRAPHY
Trail
2
1.The Minted invitations featured an illustration of the couple on horseback, reflecting the celebration’s “upscale cowboy” theme. 2. Seasonal dahlias, garden roses, foraged snowberries and ranunculus were incorporated throughout the decor, including the lush ceremonial arch. 3. Wrapped in Western-style shawls, the bride wore a Chic Nostalgia gown while her bridesmaids wore Show Me Your Mumu dresses. 4. Leafy green bundles with cream and sage pumpkins decorated the ceremony setting. 3
1 4
R
ansom asked Brandice to be his wife while riding their horses along the trails of Oregon’s Smith Rock State Park—a love story made full circle as the high school sweethearts originally met at their local 4-H youth horse program as kids. It was only fitting that their nuptials take place in a hayfield at the bride’s childhood home in their shared hometown of Tumalo, Oregon. “The memories from growing up here made our wedding extra-special,” said Brandice. A sunny fall day with the couple’s family and friends—four-legged ones included—completed what the couple described as, “Nothing short of perfect.” —Anna Smutny and Kate Watson
FIRST LOOK Park Hyatt Aviara.
Park Hyatt Aviara
Sneak a peek at one of the hottest new hotels where romantic amenities are always on offer.
California’s only sea-facing Arnold Palmer-designed golf course
Sumptuous and chic. PHOTOGRAPHY: PARK HYATT AVIARA
S
un-drenched, surf-full and with shimmering strands of sands, Southern California has a singular laid-back-tolife approach that’s also somewhat sophisticated—this is, after all, the birthplace of the Real Housewives. And visitors flock here for the flawless weather, excellent eats and supreme accommodations. The latest entry to the region’s collection of high-end resorts is this extraordinary Carlsbad property that sprawls over 200 lush acres. Set atop a ridge overlooking the famed Batiquitos Lagoon, a wildlife sanctuary, the Park Hyatt Aviara is the picture-perfect epitome of the exclusive Park Hyatt brand. There’s the sleek design that’s heavy on the local influences—we’re talking coastal chic accented with bespoke artwork; the elevated LOCAL FAVORITES eateries—Park Lounge especially delivers LEGOLAND with tapas and live entertainment; and the Built on the concept of the popular unparalleled golf—this is the only sea-facing blocks, this enormous amusement Arnold Palmer-designed course in the state. park features more than 60 rides, Book a stay at the brand-new 327-room an aquarium and a hotel. hotel, which launched in September 2020, SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK and enjoy the perfect resort vacation comThe country’s most revered zoo is plete with two swimming pools, an excellent an animal sanctuary and free-range park that houses and studies 2,600 tennis center and multiple on-site eateries, animals and 3,500 plant species. in addition to the aforementioned golf program that’s got a golf-swing simulator and SAN DIEGO BOTANIC GARDENS Thirty-seven acres house more in its blockbuster academy. The spa is Mediterranean-climate landscapes, equally impressive with 20 treatment rooms, California native plants, a tropical wet areas, seemingly endless relaxation rainforest, bamboo groves and a spots and a menu that highlights revitalizing fruit garden. Bonus: It’s a popular treatments (room rates start at $499 a night; wedding venue. parkhhyatt.com) —Jenna Mahoney
An overview of Southern California’s latest entrant.