AMERICA’S TOP WEDDING MAGAZINE
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Vol. 36, No.2
DISPLAY UNTIL MARCH 17, 2020
MARCH/APRIL 2020
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Diane Forden
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designer profile
GALIA LAHAV
ETHEREAL
ELEGANCE Galia Lahav’s new collections offer shapely silhouettes in French lace and tulle enhanced with subtle, shimmering details.
Gala French lace gown with 3D embellishments, long sleeves, deep V-neckline and open back, about $7,300.
Can you describe the design aesthetic of your collections? The Fancy White Couture Collection features an array of flowy, soft silhouettes. Each layer of the gown tells a story, much like each layer of a woman’s personality tells her story. The Gala collection showcases a spectrum of hypnotic metallics and delicate blushes that mimic the kaleidoscopic scales of stunning sea creatures and the hues of precious underwater flora.
SULTRY STYLE
What was the inspiration for the collections?
Fancy White embroidered organza and tulle A-line gown with plunging neckline and allover tulle petals, about $13,200.
Like light bouncing off of a brilliant diamond, the Fancy White Fall 2020 Couture Collection was inspired by the beauty that is reflected from within. This collection celebrates a woman’s essence and individuality. Diving into our imaginations, the Gala collection was inspired by the mermaids that eternally roam free in spirit beneath the ocean surface. They fearlessly explore and live in harmony with the vibrant underwater life around them.
What types of fabrics do you enjoy working with and why? The main materials we use are
Gala shimmering embroidered net A-line gown with deep V-neckline, crystal bow belt and crystal-accented shoulder straps, about $7,000.
French lace and tulle. We believe these materials reflect freedom, lightness and femininity. For these two new collections, we created unique fabrics by combining gorgeous textures, such as a shimmering gossamer-like netting that brings undulating seaweed to mind.
How would you like a bride to feel wearing one of your designs? We want our brides to feel beautiful in their dress and we want their dress to embrace who they are and who they want to be on their big day.
What would you consider the mission of your brand? We are a brand that strives to empower women through our bold designs and to connect with our brides in the best way possible, thanks to our personalized service and extensive communication.
What’s the best thing about being a bridal designer? I get to work closely with brides. Some
SHOWSTOPPER
TOP LEFT: Fancy White lilac and silver A-line gown with off-the-shoulder neckline, corset bodice and pleated tulle and organza skirt, about $10,800. ABOVE: Fancy White organza coat with an oversized bow and balloon sleeves that fasten at neckline over a strapless, corset bodice gown. Coat, about, $3,600. Dress, about $12,600.
Gala 3D embroidered French lace and tulle mermaid with detachable puff sleeves, about $7,700.
of them have planned their big day since they were little girls. Designing their dresses is a way to make their dream come true and share this huge moment of happiness and joy with them. —Anna Smutny
Be yourself, pick a gown that shows who you are and in which you feel comfortable and magnificent.
*All dresses
available at galialahav.com.
STYLEINSPIRATION ADVICE partydavid ask planner
dream dresses David Tutera unveils a stellar collection of gowns along with his top shopping strategies.
“I
“Cielo” doubleskirted tulle, chantilly lace and satin-trimmed ballgown named for Tutera’s eldest daughter. 000 BRIDALGUIDE.COM month/month 2009
PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICTORIA ANGELA PHOTOGRAPHY (TUTERA); ALL OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF DESIGNER
guess making weddings special is in the family genes,” says David Tutera of his new Atelier gown collection. “My grandfather Joseph owned a flower shop, my grandmother Mary was a seamstress, and her sister, my aunt Ida, owned a bridal boutique where dresses were custom-made, including my Mom’s wedding gown!” Tutera’s foray into weddings started with florals at age 19, and “blossomed,” as he says, “bringing me into fashion.” (We’re guessing Tutera plans to design wedding dresses for his two daughters, Cielo and Gracie, when the time comes.) Each dress in the new collection is created with a luxe mix of fabrics and embellishments, Tutera says, noting that his meticulous process ensures each design is unique. “Brides deserve to stand out,” he insists. “A bride is like a snowflake: No two brides are alike.”
TUTERA TIPS... ALLOW YOURSELF TIME
to enjoy the process. I ask my brides to find and order their gowns six months in advance of the wedding date. It allows for the gown to arrive and alterations to take place along with any tweaks or changes you may want.
BE A SAVVY SHOPPER.
Find a bridal boutique that not only has an assortment of styles and designers but that also employs staff who are well-versed in fashion and style. Do some research before venturing forth: How long have they been in business? What is the shop’s down-payment and payment process? How long will it take to get your gown after you order it? (Four months is standard.) Do they do alterations and if so what is that cost? Be aware these costs are additional to the gown itself.
Designer David Tutera at work in his atelier.
“Mariana” satin A-line with deepV sweetheart neckline, lace and tulle overlay and detachable sleeves.
“Jennifer” fit and flare with double straps, soft tulle skirt and detachable tulle overlay.
“Joslyn” lace and pleated organza full-length veil.
“Kristen” satin, organza and tulle fit and flare with draped sweetheart bodice and matching veil.
“Joslyn” pleated organza and appliquéd chiffon crepe mermaid with sweetheart neckline and peplum.
THE FIT FACTOR. The fit of the1 gown is a result of how it’s designed and constructed. Some designs have no structure, which is an intentional style, but if you want some extra confidence, look for gowns that have an inner corset that can be tied and secured with buttons or a zipper or a corset that is exposed along the back of the bodice. And keep your body type in mind. Your upper carriage may be narrow or long or broad, and that will help you determine if you will want a gown with straps or an off-the-shoulder or sweetheart neckline, etc.
A VEIL may not be for all brides, but to me, a veil makes you a bride. I love the drama of a veil, and I believe all veils should be long. I call my David Tutera Atelier veils “portrait” veils because I view all my brides as one-of-a-kind art, allowing the veil to frame a bride. A picture is worth a thousand words!
FIND THE RIGHT WHITE. A stark white can wash you out if you are very fair complexioned, for example. Ivory or champagne might be better shades to consider. Alternatives to white such as a pale pastel or rose gold can create a dramatic look as well. Another tip: When trying on gowns, make sure you look special. Wear makeup and have your hair pulled back or up or half up/half down to get a truer picture of how your dress will look on the big day. It’s not unusual for brides not to accurately remember how gowns looked from head to toe in the fitting room mirror. So have someone take pictures as you go. Trust me, it helps!
*For more information visit davidtuteraatelier.com
wedding album
REAL COUPLES
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1. Copper-hued chairs, strings of marigolds and an eyecatching backdrop brought the ceremony site to life. 2. Colorful signage and funky fonts mirrored the vibe of the couple’s favorite decades: the late ’60s and early ’70s. 3. Guests’ escort cards for the reception were displayed on a large wired board with a seating assignment for each attendee. 4. Floral arrangements bloomed with marigolds, yellow roses, dahlias and hints of fern. 3
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1. The bridal party wore matching lounging sets while they had their hair and makeup done. 2.The couple created imaginative “constellations” to help guide guests to their seats. 3. A handpainted wooden table sign featured a constellation. 4. Handcrafted signs included lyrics from the couple’s favorite songs to mark various places throughout the day: the dessert table, the bar and the path from the cocktail hour to the reception. 5. The reception tables were decorated with long strands of marigolds and whimsical floral arrangements. 6. As the celebrations came to a close, the couple drove off in their yellow getaway car, The Thang.
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PHOTOGRAPHY: OUR LABOR OF LOVE
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Favorite Moments • During her vows the bride gave everyone a laugh when she cited an early diary entry that noted everything she knew then about her nowhusband in the early stages of their relationship. • The bride is a big “Hamilton” fan, and for her speech, the maid-ofhonor rewrote a song for the groom and bridal party to perform. • During their first dance, the bride’s sleeve got entangled on the groom’s button and the couple was forced to improvise what was previously a choreographed number.
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A Special Supplement to
MARCH/APRIL 2020
& Destinati Destination stination W We Wedding edding Guide
hot spots DISCOVER THE BEST NATURAL SPAS
resort
101
WHAT’S IN WHAT’S OUT AT ALLINCLUSIVES
PAGE 6
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Fiesta & Siesta
ANIMAL PLANET
AFRICA’S ULTIMATE Mexico’s SAFARI
Best Beaches & MAKE A Cities Exciting SPLASH! TOP 10 POOLS IN THE CARIBBEAN
DIG IN
HAWAII’S CULINARY TREATS
Mangia!
around the world A Look at Italy and Its Fabulous Food
AMAZING ESCAPES FROM THE BAHAMAS TO ZIHAUTANEJO
WORLDWIDE CARIBBEAN
MAKE A SPLASH FROM SWIM-UP BARS TO A MINI ISLAND, THESE POOLS ARE GETTING THE MOST LIKES ACROSS THE CARIBBEAN.
➺ 000 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Jan/Feb 2020
PHOTOGRAPHY; PARK HYATT ST. KITTS
BY JILL FERGUS
You’ve taken the plunge metaphorically (you’ve gotten married!), now it’s time to take the plunge— literally! And what better place for a refreshing dip than one of the many fabulous pools located within gorgeous resorts across the honeymoon-perfect Caribbean islands. From the Bahamas to St. Lucia, we hopscotched across the tropical region and tested the waters to find the best pool just for you. Whether you’re looking to luxuriate in a sublime infinity pool, order rum punches from a swim-up bar or submerge in the privacy of your own in-room plunge pool (the ultimate in romance), here are our picks for the top 10 pools in the Caribbean. Get ready to dive in! ➺
➺
Cue the FOMO—Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour. 000
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