Bridal Guide Spring 2026

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NEW !

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AL L LO VE !

YO UR

Simply

Best!

Ideas the

583 for Passport to Paradise

The Ultimate Honeymoon Hot List

Gowns, Registry, Flowers, & More!

The Most

Breathtaking Weddings Sophisticated Sunshine: Your Guide to

Florida’s Best

Smarter Sparkle: Insider Tips for

Diamond Shopping

Your Weddings Authority Since 1988

Request your free Charleston Area Wedding Guide.

Start your story here –– we invite you to join us. From full-service resorts to charming bed & breakfasts, the Charleston area offers something for every wedding style.

CHARLESTONWEDDINGGUIDE.COM | @CHARLESTONWEDDINGGUIDE

Meet your new wedding planner, the Caribbean.

Imagine breathtaking backdrops, soothing steel pan drums, vibrant island florals, and flavors that captivate your tastebuds.

Hear yourself saying “I do” at a beach ceremony infused with the warmth and joy of the Caribbean. We have everything you need to make your wedding uniquely your own, let us help you make it unforgettable.

Sandals.com 1-877-Sandals Or Call Your Travel Advisor

Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts. 665/1225

CONTE 6

22 THE PERFECT REGISTRY Check out our foolproof ideas for the perfect wedding registry.

28 OPEN BAR We tapped Omar YeeFoon, Beverage Consultant for Sandals Resorts, to whip up fresh cocktails and mocktails your guests will love.

S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 | B R I D A LG U I D E .C O M

32 IN AN EMERGENCY Be prepared for any hiccups on your big day with these must-have emergency supplies.

36 FATHER OF THE BRIDE Barry Rosenbloom introduces us to the “parentmoon.” First stop: the Amalfi Coast.

38 MEET JEAN DOUSSET The Cartier descendant is making his own luxury mark with gorgeous diamond jewelry.

40 STORES WE LOVE Meet 15 independent bridal stores that are worth the trip.

44 BEAUTY OF FOREVER Our favorite gowns from NY Bridal Week—timeless, stunning designs coming soon to stores near you.

52 SWIFT IDEAS With her big day around the corner, we teamed up with designer Idan Cohen to imagine what she might wear.

J O N AS J U N G B LU T

DEPARTMENTS

16 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Introducing the new BG: Bridal Guide.

S P R I NG 2 0 2 6

88 VISIT VIENNA This jewel-box capital is the ultimate honeymoon destination, with opulent architecture, vineyards, and dreamy gardens.

98 REAL WEDDING: HANNAH AND GIL A fashion executive and a rising star in the art world show how art sparked not only a love story, but an entire wedding.

FEATURES

NTS

106 REAL WEDDING: ANNIE AND VALERIA At this Saint-Tropez celebration, see how the couple blended a vegan lifestyle with Peruvian traditions in a dreamy French affair.

114 BEYOND THE BLOOMS Floral designer Amanda Luu channels the pure beauty of the natural world into memorable wedding landscapes.

56 THE BRIDE’S GUIDE TO GLOW The best advice for looking your absolute best—from a leading plastic surgeon, dermatologist, and aesthetician.

72 REAL WEDDING: NICOLE AND CHRIS Two San Francisco locals throw the ultimate wedding at a Georgian Revival–style mansion known as the “Downton Abbey of California.”

120 DESTINATION FLORIDA Discover our ultimate guide to Florida—the premier destination for extravagant weddings and luxurious honeymoons, where pristine white-sand beaches and world-class dining create the perfect backdrop.

64 IN THE STUDIO: IDAN COHEN Inside the atelier of designer Idan Cohen, whose couture creations are coveted and worn by discerning brides.

80 PLAN IT LIKE BECKHAM Event-planning superstar Michelle Rago shares her top 10 dreamy destinations—so spectacular she recommends a full-property buyout for weddings.

132 SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND Everything you need to know when shopping for the hottest sparklers couples are choosing today: labgrown diamonds.

ON THE COVER: HANNAH POLSKIN AND GIL MANZURI PHOTOGRAPHED BY JESSICA LIVINGSTON

BG: BRIDAL GUIDE

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ELSEWHERE, A COUPLE ENJOYS THE “LOCAL CUISINE” FROM THE HOTEL VENDING MACHINE.

Pinehurst

Plan your trip to North Carolina at VisitNC.com

ASHEVILLE WEDDINGS ARE AUTHENTIC BY NATURE. EACH DETAIL IS SHAPED BY MAKERS, MUSICIANS AND PURE MOUNTAIN MAGIC. GET MARRIED WHERE WEDDINGS ARE MADE BY HAND.

@VisitAsheville

ExploreAsheville.com/Weddings

F Find ind Your Yo Y our Trail Tr T ra il

. . .T . T O YO YO U R D R E A M W E D D I N G V E N U E .

WEDDINGS ARE EXPENSIVE. THIS TRAVEL GUIDE ISNT. Get your FREE North Carolina Travel Guide.

START PLANNING TODAY EXPLOREELKIN.COM

Sandals.com | 1-877-Sandals Call Your Travel Advisor

Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts. 439/0925

Honeymoons are better on island time. Watch the vibrant sunrise from the serenity of your overwater villa. Try bamboo river rafting through calm waters and soft breezes. Unwind with couples massages and candlelit dinners under the stars — just the two of you. At Sandals, no matter how you spend the day, the memories last a lifetime.

Honeymoons. Made of Caribbean.

At Sandals®, we sweat the small stuff so you don’t have to: a cocktail before you ask, a bed so soft the day disappears, a lounger positioned for the setting sun. And behind every moment? Over 18,000 Caribbean-born team members who make this place feel like home.

Here, the first days of your new life together dance to our Caribbean’s natural rhythm. Mornings begin with Blue Mountain coffee fresh from the source, afternoons linger with jerk spice and a Red Stripe, and evenings end with island rum and reggae guiding the night. ATV to adventure in Curaçao, sink your toes into The Bahamas’ soft white sand, or drift down Jamaica’s Martha Brae river on a bamboo raft.

Every island has its own story, and every stay is filled with the best of it. Globally inspired dining, top-shelf spirits, and island hospitality come standard, no matter which resort you choose.

And when you retreat back to your suite, Sandals butlers are prepped for your pampering, as is our Red Lane® Spa. When you stay at our resorts, your first journey as a married couple is more than a getaway. It is made of Caribbean.

And we know paradise is hard to leave, so when you book 7 nights at select resorts, we’ll throw in an extra one, on us.

Come fall in love with what we do best.

Sandals.com | 1-877-Sandals or Call Your Travel Advisor

Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts. 439/0925

Coastal Forevermore

Say “I do” at Beachview Club.

Beneath moss-draped oaks and steps from the ocean, your wedding becomes an unforgettable celebration of love, beauty and Southern charm.

Begin forever with us. www.beachviewclubjekyll.com

912.635.2256

Timeless Charm, Unforgettable Moments at Jekyll Island Club Resort

Tie the knot beneath century-old oaks, celebrate in historic ballrooms or private cottages, and let Jekyll Island Club Resort turn Southern charm into an unforgettable, one-ofa-kind wedding experience. www.jekyllclub.com/georgia-weddings

912.319.4349

Discover a place as

magical as this day.

goldenisles.com

FROM t h e EDITOR

N

o, your eyes aren’t deceiving you—this is the brand-new BG: Bridal Guide, and I’m thrilled to be the first to welcome you.

About a year ago, the opportunity to bring this legacy brand into our portfolio of lifestyle titles arose. And to be honest, I hesitated.

Bridal Guide has been around since 1988 and has become a trusted voice not only for brides and couples, but also for the wedding industry as a whole. Plus—full disclosure—I’ve never planned a wedding, helped a friend choose a gown, or even shopped for an

engagement ring. What could I possibly bring to the table?

But as we dug deeper into the category, I had a lightbulb moment. Weddings have evolved dra-

matically in nearly 40 years. Today’s couples have new priorities: registries that focus less on filling a home with “stuff” and more on funding adventures abroad; formalities replaced by personal, bespoke

traditions; and fashion that embraces new hues, new silhouettes, and even—gasp—grooms skipping socks with their patent leather shoes. Who would have thought diamonds could be “lab” grown?

We also discovered a community of extraordinary talent behind the scenes: Michelin-worthy chefs creating dreamy, sometimes vegan wedding cakes; floral artists crafting whimsical landscapes with sustainability in mind; designers sketching fantastical gowns and bringing them to life; and mixologists perfecting that first unforgettable sip of a signature cocktail.

The new BG: Bridal Guide is a celebration of your special day—and of the entire industry that brings it to life. Cheers to you, cheers to the creators who make it magical, and cheers to a whole new BG: Bridal Guide.

Yours, Danny Seo

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PHOTOGRAPH BY JONAS JUNGBLUT CAPTURED AT THE SANDALS SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES RESORT

justinalexander.com

Editorial Director and Publisher

Danny Seo

Single Stone Rena emerald 18K gold ring; $26,000.

Singlestone.com

Danny@bridalguide.com Art Director

Michael Wilson

Tom Ford knot cufflinks; $8,590; tomfordfashion.com

Home Editor

Kelli Lamb

Digital Marketing & Content Coordinator for BridalGuide.com

Kristen Klein

CO N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S

Shelby Deering, Leslie Garisto, Lambeth Hochwald, Megan McCarty, Barry Rosenbloom, Sandra Soria, Brian Underwood

CO N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R A P H E R S

Kristina Adams, Cobin Gurkin, Jeffrey Hittner, Jonas Jungblut, Jessica Livingston, Catherine Mead, Alicia Rinka, Rikki Snyder, Matt Wier

A DV E RT I S I N G Executive Fashion Advertising Manager

Rachel Dichter Capo

Rcapo@bridalguide.com Senior Advertising Director

Steven Ritterman

ritterman@bridalguide.com

T R AV E L

North America: Colleen Schoch Morell, ckschoch@me.com Caribbean & Europe: Viveca Caldara, viveca@vcmedia.es Mexico: Anabel Rodriguez, anabelrg503@gmail.com Special Travel Adviser: Thomas F. Curtin

M A R K E T I N G S E RV I C E S General Manager, VP

Yelena Malinovskaya Production Director

William L. Ziff

Winston Cluster emerald and diamonds earrings; price upon request; harrywinston.com

A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S O F F I C E S

1333A North Avenue, #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804

P U B L I S H E D BY R F P CO R P.

Cartier Grain de Cafe 18K gold ring with diamonds; $62,000; cartier.com

President

Barry Rosenbloom Founder

Mike Rosenbloom D I ST R I B U T E D BY CO M AG M A R K E T I N G G R O U P

Tiffany Knot yellow gold bangle with diamonds; $9,500; tiffany.com

Bridal Guide magazine is published quarterly by RFP Corp., 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804; 212-838-7733. Copyright © 2026 by RFP Corp.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or use without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. All unsolicited editorial must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We assume no responsibility for returning unsolicited material, including but not limited to photographs, artwork, manuscripts and letters. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

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ELEGANT BEGINNINGS, TIMELESS LOVE Escape to the ideal wedding haven at Excellence Riviera Cancun, where unspoiled sands, natural beauty, and authentic Mexican charm set the perfect backdrop for your big day. Unwind with adults-only amenities, celebrate with sensational catering services, enjoy an All Inclusive wedding package, and create the event that perfectly mirrors the love that you share. Contact our wedding professionals and have every detail tailored to your ideal occasion so that you can rest easy and truly experience every moment of this exciting day together.

All you have to do is say “I do”!

For more information on weddings with The Excellence Collection, please contact: groups@theexcellencecollections.com

First Look

I DE A S , I N F OR M AT ION & I N S P I R AT ION

S P R I NG 2 0 2 6

“IF I HAD A FLOWER FOR EVERY TIME I THOUGHT OF YOU...I COULD WALK THROUGH MY GARDEN FOREVER.” — ALFRED TENNYSON

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PHOTOGRAPH BY RIKKI SNYDER

GRAND

NUPTIALS YOUR DESTINATION DREAM WEDDING BEGINS HERE

GRAND HYATT BAHA MAR Make a statement with one of the most stunning wedding venues in Nassau, Bahamas at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. With flexible indoor and outdoor event space, we have the perfect backdrop for your big day - whether it’s a tranquil beach setting or a traditional ceremony in our waterside wedding chapel.

Our wedding and events team handle all the details to elevate your wedding, from helping you select food, beverage and vendors to delivering late-night snacks. Personalize your day your way at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. To book, call 242-788-7339 or email bahamarweddings@hyatt.com and mention code BG26

FI RST LO OK PER FECT REGISTRY

KELLI LAMB, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF OUR SISTER PUBLICATION RUE, BRINGS HER EXPERT EYE FOR THE FINEST IN HOME DESIGN AND EVERYDAY LUXURY.

Gretel Home Branch Napkin Ring $20; gretelhome.com

Bodum 12-Cup Coffee Maker

$89; store.moma.org

Ginori 1735 Oriente Italiano Tulipano Iris Vase $525; neimanmarcus.com

Kith Crest Monogram Backgammon Set $595; kith.com

Staub Dutch Oven

A

Cool and Colorful wedding registry doesn’t have to be basic—especially if you and your betrothed share a love for bright colors and bold designs. This curated selection spotlights some of my favorite makers and shops.

A colorful coffee pot from Bodum will make every morning feel just

right, while clever napkin rings are the perfect complement to Alessi flatware.

Pro tip: Tekla’s robes come in a full spectrum of shades, so each of you can pick your personal favorite.

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Alessi Clivo Cutlery $590; us.alessi.com

Tekla Terry Bathrobe Hawkins New York Turned Wood Bowl From $48; hawkinsnewyork.com

$345; teklafabrics.com

I N T E R I O R D E S I G N : C A R A WO O D H O U S E P H OTO G R A P H Y: DAV I D E N G E L H A R DT

$469; zwilling.com

FI RST LO OK PER FECT REGISTRY

Traditional

Y

UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE, REIMAGINED FOR A LIFE BEAUTIFULLY SHARED. our registry can be both refined and purposeful.

MATCH Pewter serving pieces bring understated sophistication to the table, while Ralph Lauren lighting will infuse everyday moments

with quiet luxury—and this lamp is rechargeable! Seek out pieces that have a natural warmth and texture, like this Alain Saint Joanis olivewood flatware, and linens should

come in a palette of simple, enduring colors. Each item is designed to be as beautiful as it is lasting—a registry that reflects a life built with intention.

Fable Sommelier Set

MATCH Pewter Brittania Tray Ralph Lauren Carthage Cordless Desk Lamp

$1,016; match1995.com

$1,599; visualcomfort.com

Alain Saint Joanis Riviera Olivewood Flatware $525; aerin.com

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Noritake Infinity Blue China $652; noritakechina.com

S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 | B R I D A LG U I D E .C O M

Matouk India Pique Coverlet From $367; matouk.com

Aerin Classic Croc Leather Wastebasket $1,150; aerin.com

I N T E R I O R D E S I G N : C H R I ST I A N L E M I E U X P H OTO G R A P H Y: DAV I D E N G E L H A R DT

$595; fable.com

FI RST LO OK PER FECT REGISTRY

Fellow Espresso Series 1 $1,499; fellowproducts.com

Vitamix Ascent X5 $749; vitamix.com

Smithey No. 12 Skillet $220; smithey.com

L’Objet Ionic Salt & Pepper Mills $395; neimanmarcus.com

Baccarat Harmonie Shaker $290; baccarat.com

$598; coyuchi.com

Modern Love

I

SLEEK, SMART, AND EFFORTLESSLY STYLISH, THESE MODERN CLASSICS MARRY FORM AND FUNCTION WITH EASE. f the two of you lean toward a modern, contemporary aesthetic, this is the registry for you. Here, top-tier technology meets thoughtful design: consider Fellow’s state-of-the-art espresso or a high-performance blender that effortlessly handles everything from smoothies to soups. Material-

wise, you can never go wrong with linen, wood, chrome, and ceramics. Each

piece is designed to be both functional and visually striking, making your registry as stylish as it is practical.

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LSA International Ash Wood Platter Set

Parachute Mosaic Tub Mat

$195; lsa-international.com

$69; parachutehome.com

Fable Dinnerware Set $388; fable.com

I N T E R I O R D E S I G N : K I M S A L M E L A P H OTO G R A P H Y: J O N A S J U N G B LU T

Coyuchi Relaxed Linen Sheet Set

FI RST LO OK O PEN BA R

Open Bar When it comes to crafting the perfect drinks for your wedding, we knew exactly who to call: Omar YeeFoon, Beverage Consultant for Sandals Resorts. Sandals is legendary for its fresh, flavorful, beautifully balanced cocktails—so tapping one of their top experts was a no-brainer. For this story, Omar created a lineup of celebratory sips designed to delight every guest, from spirited cocktail lovers to those who prefer a zero-proof pour. Each drink is inspired by Sandals’ newest jewel, Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines, an extraordinary all-inclusive escape where the flavors are as vibrant as the views.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JONAS JUNGBLUT RECIPES BY OMAR YEEFOON

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THE LIQUID SUNSHINE GIN COCKTAIL GATHER

½ oz gin ½ oz apricot brandy 1 oz lemon juice 3 oz Sparkling Wine Dash angostura bitters MAKE IT:

1. Combine all ingredients but sparkling wine in a shaker with ice 2. Shake hard for 7-10 seconds 3. Pour into chilled cocktail glass 4. Top with a splash of sparkling wine

JADOO PUNCH RUM COCKTAIL GATHER:

1½ oz White Rum 1 oz Aperol 2 oz coconut water 1 oz passion fruit juice ¼ oz fresh lemon juice MAKE IT:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice 2. Shake hard for 7-10 seconds 3. Pour into glass 4. Top with ice

BRIGHT EYED WATERMELON & CUCUMBER MOCKTAIL GATHER:

3 oz watermelon juice 2 1/2 cucumber slices 1 oz Simple Syrup 1 oz lime juice 1 oz soda water MAKE IT:

1. Use a blender to blend watermelon and cucumber together 2. Add simple syrup and lime juice to the blended mixture in a shaker 3. Add ice and shake all ingredients 4. Pour into glass and top with ice and club soda

BG: BRIDAL GUIDE

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FI RST LO OK O PEN BA R

BALL AND CHAIN VODKA COCKTAIL

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GATHER:

MAKE IT:

1 ½ oz Vodka ¼ oz allspice dram 1 oz pineapple juice ½ oz strawberry syrup 1/2 oz lime juice 1/2 oz simple syrup

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice 2. Shake hard for 7 seconds 3. Pour into a highball glass 4. Top with Ice

FI RST LO OK T H E PL A N N ER

In an Emergency: The Ultimate Check List

N

↓ Rothy’s Knot Point flats ($165; rothys.com) are stylish and super comfy.

o one dreams of drama on their wedding day— but even the most flawlessly planned “I do” can come with a few unexpected hiccups. A loose button, a sudden blister, a wilting bouquet, a

mascara smudge that appears out of thin air… consider them all part of the adventure. That’s why the smartest brides and grooms pack for the unpredictable.

In this guide, we’re looking beyond the usual safety pins and stain sticks to highlight the clever, the quirky, and the delightfully unusual emergency supplies that can save the day. Think of it as your just-in-case kit—equal parts practical and surprising—ready to keep your celebration running smoothly from first look to last dance.

–THE EDITORS

↑ Typology Lip Oil ($32.50; typology.com) offers natural, lightweight coverage for the perfect pout.

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↑ Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firm Eye ($38; peterthomasroth.com) magically de-puffs eyes for a temporary tightened, firm, and smooth finish.

↑ Beekman 1802 Face & Body Wipes ($20; qvc.com) are perfect for a quick refresh between sweaty dance breaks.

ADVERTISING

LOPESAN COSTA BAVARO RESORT, SPA & CASINO

A

FI RST FIR ST LO OK T H E P PL L A N N ER

← W. Dressroom Perfume ($19.98; amazon. com) contains anti-bacterial properties that help zap odorcausing bacteria and leave a light, fresh scent.

↑ Halo Rechargeable Lighter Wands ($55; qvc.com) can light just about anything, including hard-to-reach candles.

→ Boiron Arnicare Gel ($10.18; boironusa.com) soothes sore muscles and tired feet.

→ Kiki Health Activated Charcoal ($12; kiki-health.com) helps eliminate gas and comes to the rescue for guests who may have overindulged at the open bar.

← Flower Water Retainer Bags ($19.99; Walmart.com) let guests take home fresh flowers with ease.

→ Scotch Fabric Tape Strips ($4.99; target.com) instantly mend, bind, and reinforce ripped fabric.

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← Tide to Go Pen ($2.99; target.com) truly does erase all types of stains— instantly.

→ Patyka Matte Perfect Fluid ($35; us.patyka. com) instantly zaps oily shine for a smooth, photo-ready finish.

↑ Wishgarden Party Prep ($15.99; wishgardenherbs.com) is the natural pre-game you need for a better morning after.

↑ Band-Aid Hydro Seal Bandages ($8.69; cvs.com) save the day by cushioning painful blisters.

UNFORGETTABLE WEDDINGS IN MEXICO From the rainforest canopy to secluded sands, discover your dream wedding destination at One&Only Mandarina.

oneandonlymandarina.com

FI RST LO OK FAT H ER of the B RIDE

The Parentmoon

more intimate alternative. Chartering a Giosymar private boat from

SURE, WE ALL KNOW WHAT A HONEYMOON IS. BUT WHAT ABOUT A PARENTMOON? PARENTS DESERVE A CHANCE TO CELEBRATE TOO—AND OUR RESIDENT JETSETTER, BARRY ROSENBLOOM, HAS THE PERFECT IDEAS. HERE’S WHAT WE LOOK FOR: PLENTY OF NONSTOP FLIGHTS, MINIMAL JET LAG OR TIME ZONE CHANGES, AND AN EXPERIENCE THAT’S COMPLETELY STRESS-FREE FROM START TO FINISH. DESTINATION

into the cliffside, the hotel delivers

The Amalfi Coast is a string of small,

sweeping coastal views and true five-

stunning towns about a 90-minute

star indulgence, from impeccable

drive from Naples in Italy’s Campa-

service to standout dining. Enjoy

nia region. Naples itself is an easy

a refined tasting menu at Dei Cap-

nonstop flight from much of the

pucini or savor perfectly grilled fish

Northeastern U.S. Positano, Sor-

and memorable pizza at La Locanda

rento, and Amalfi are the best-known

Della Canonica—either way, you’re in

destinations along the coast—though

excellent hands.

Amalfi is often the quietest and most

bypasses the crowded ferries. Ischia remains relatively unknown to American travelers—part of its charm.

WHERE TO STAY ON ISCHIA

Regina Isabella, located in Lacco INSIDE TIP Skip the rental car. Roads are narrow and winding, and parking is notoriously limited. Do as the locals do: rely on ferries to hop between coastal towns with ease.

Ameno on the island’s northwest coast, is pure magic. The town is charming and walkable, and the hotel itself is legendary. Start your morning with a lavish buffet breakfast—complete with endless fresh-squeezed orange juice—or end your evening with a decadent dinner at Indaco. Sip prosecco by the water as sunset colors drift over the bay and across the island. The guestbook

WHAT TO DO

reads like a who’s who of celebrity

On your way between Amalfi and

visitors.

WHERE TO STAY

Naples, consider stopping at Sorren-

In Amalfi, the Anantara Convento

tino Winery on the slopes of Mount

WHEN TO GO

di Amalfi Grand Hotel offers a

Vesuvius. Enjoy a leisurely lunch

Peak summer (especially June and

spectacular stay. Once a 13th-century

and wine tasting overlooking the

July) can be crowded. Arrive just

convent, it still houses a 12th-century

vineyard and volcano. Or take a quick

before or after the season and you’ll

chapel—perfect for vow renewals or

escape to Ischia. While Capri often

enjoy beautiful weather with far

intimate ceremonies. Built directly

steals the spotlight, Ischia offers a far

more breathing room.

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P H OTO CO U RT E SY O F M I N O R H OT E LS

understated of the three.

Naples is a fast, romantic option that

FI RST LO OK J EW L ERY

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Born of Brilliance THE CARTIER DESCENDANT FINDS CREATIVE FREEDOM — AND ACCESSIBILITY — IN LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS.

T

STORY BY MEGAN McCARTY

hough Jean Dousset is the great-great-grandson of Louis Cartier, he’s quick to clarify that he didn’t grow up surrounded by glass cases and red boxes.

Cartier had been sold out of the family by then. “I

wasn’t born crawling around Cartier stores,” he says.

Instead, Jean came to jewelry on his own timeline, through years spent inside the most storied maisons, including Chaumet, Boucheron, and Van Cleef & Arpels.

“I learned from the best,” he says. Forging his own path wasn’t immediate though. “It took a long time before I felt the courage to become a jewelry designer of my own,” he admits. Once he did, Jean’s strong aesthetic point of view paired with the same level of craftsmanship, customer

In 2023, Dousset became one of the first luxury

experience, and artisanship that shaped his famous

designers to commit entirely to lab-grown diamonds. The

ancestor’s era.

shift, he says, expanded his creative possibilities “a million

Even with a prestigious foundation, Jean felt con-

times.” Free from the pricing hierarchies and extraction

strained by traditional diamonds. Scarcity and price-driv-

limitations of mined stones, “It allows me to create and

en limitations resulted in a narrow reach for fine jewelry.

imagine jewelry without the constraint of what the price is

“The actual number of people that could see, enjoy, and

going to be — for me and for you.”

own that jewelry was very few,” he says. His goal? To make

Customers encountering lab diamonds for the first

diamonds more accessible. “Natural diamonds forced me

time often have two questions. Is it real? Yes. Can even an

to keep it small,” he explains.

experienced eye tell the difference? No. To skeptics, Jean

That changed when Jean encountered lab-grown

simply says: “Seeing is believing.”

diamonds — the innovation that would redefine his brand

Jean is confident his great-great-grandfather — a

and expand his creative freedom. The moment Jean first

“bold, innovative, curious person,” he says — would have

held a high-quality lab-grown diamond, cut by artisans

embraced the innovation. He cites a workshop note at-

from the traditional industry and held to the same stan-

tributed to Louis Cartier: “What nature dares not to do,

dards as mined stones, everything changed. “That looks

the jeweler must imagine.” As Jean puts it, “That’s exactly

like the diamond that I’ve been looking at for 30 years,” he

what we’re doing with lab-grown diamonds. We’re tran-

recalls. “I was instantly sold. I was like, ‘Wow, this is it.’”

scending nature.”

BG: BRIDAL GUIDE

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FI RST LO OK R ETA ILERS

BEYOND THE BIG BOX:

15 Independent Bridal Boutiques Worth Traveling For FROM COAST TO COAST, THESE LOCALLY LOVED BRIDAL SHOPS PROVE THAT PERSONAL SERVICE AND ELEVATED STYLE NEVER GO OUT OF FASHION. BYMEGAN McCARTY

for all involved. She opened

Designers Carried: Monique

Blue Bridal Boutique in 2011

Lhuillier, Ines Di Santo, Galia

as an approachable boutique

Lahav

space where every bride, no

Why We Love It: The White

matter her budget, can feel

Dress brings couture-level

celebrated.

elegance to Big Sky Country,

Designers Carried: Sarah

offering brides access to some

Seven, Martina Liana, Willowby

of the world’s most coveted

by Watters

designers without leaving

Why We Love It: Blue Bridal

Montana. With an emphasis

Boutique captures Austin’s

on refined craftsmanship and

laid-back charm with a mix

modern glamour, it’s where

of modern and romantic

timeless romance meets el-

MARK INGR A M ATELIER

sonalized, and the designer

gowns. The shop is known

evated luxury.

selection—with each gown

for its down-to-earth service,

Star Power: The boutique

City & Instagram: New York

hand-selected by Mark him-

inclusive sizing, and women-

carries Galia Lahav, one of the

City, New York /

self—is globally elite.

empowering-women mental-

most in-demand haute couture

@markingramatelier

Star Power: TV personality

ity—Southern hospitality at its

bridal houses. Simone Biles,

Owner: Mark Ingram sets the

Hannah Brown wore Mira

finest.

Paris Hilton, and even Beyoncé,

standard for New York bridal

Zwillinger’s Cheyan gown from

couture. He is a seasoned

Mark Ingram Atelier for her July

THE WHITE DRESS

bridal expert who opened his

2025 wedding.

City & Instagram: Bozeman,

namesake salon in 2002 after bridal merchandising.

BLUE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

Designers Carried: Elie Saab,

Montana /

for her 2018 vow renewal to Jay-Z, all wore Lahav on their wedding days.

@thewhitedresscdm

CEREMONY

Owner: Marlis Fyke brought

City & Instagram: Boston,

City & Instagram: Austin, Texas

her West Coast eye for luxury

Massachusetts /

Viktor & Rolf, Giambattista Valli

/ @bluebridalaustin

bridal style from her original

@ceremony_boston

Why We Love It: This atelier

Owner: Ruthie Broughton be-

boutique in Corona del Mar

Owner: Alix Childs opened her

defines luxury. Appointments

lieves wedding dress shopping

to the scenic mountains of

own boutique after realizing

are intimate and highly per-

should be a joyful experience

Montana.

fashion-forward Boston brides

decades in luxury fashion and

HONEY BR IDAL City & Instagram: Chicago, Illinois / @honey_bridal Owners: Sisters Hallie Borden and Dana Karlov founded Honey to challenge the traditional bridal shopping experience. They created a safe, supportive environment and partner exclusively with designers who prioritize the planet in their practices.

Designers Carried: Truvelle, Laudae, Tara LaTour Why We Love It: Honey Bridal stands out for its relaxed, low-pressure environment, and is welcoming of all body types, orientations, and gender expressions. They champion independent designers, so each gown is hand-crafted and ethically made in bridal ateliers.

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S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 | B R I D A LG U I D E .C O M

ELLENELLE BRIDAL City & Instagram: Nashville,

Her passion for inclusivity

Why We Love It: This Black-

from premium fabrics using

Tennessee / @ellenellebridal

and couture craftsmanship

owned bridal brand is

couture techniques that

Owner: Leah Langley-

led her to found Ellenelle

redefining inclusivity with

honor the diverse beauty of

McClean, a dressmaker and

Bridal so she can design

gowns available up to size

every bride.

designer, discovered her

modern, size-inclusive

20 in-store and made-to-

Star Power: Ellenelle has

true calling after creating

gowns that celebrate every

measure options for all sizes.

dressed comedian and

her own wedding dress and

shape.

The aesthetic is contempo-

actress Michelle Buteau,

realizing how limited the op-

Designers Carried: Exclusive

rary, clean, and luxurious,

star of Netflix’s Survival of

tions were for curvy brides.

Ellenelle Bridal collection

with each gown crafted

the Thickest.

BG: BRIDAL GUIDE

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FI RST LO OK R ETA ILERS

deserved a nontraditional dress shop experience—without needing to travel to New York City.

Designers Carried: Rue De Seine, Lela Rose, Alexandra Grecco Why We Love It: Nestled in Boston’s charming Beacon Hill, Ceremony is a haven for fashion-obsessed brides. It’s luxurious without being stuffy, with curated gowns that range from sleek minimalist to intricate lace designs.

THE DRESS THEORY City & Instagram: Seattle / @thedresstheory Owner: Camille Wynn believes boring has no place in dress shopping. That’s why she founded The Dress Theory—to create a relaxed yet elevated bridal experience that celebrates individuality and effortless style.

Designers Carried: Dana Harel, Lola Varma, Flora Bride Why We Love It: The Dress Theory brings a dreamy, Pacific Northwest sensibility to bridal style. Think: ethereal lace, soft silhouettes, and gowns that feel as free-spirited as their brides. Since opening its first boutique in Seattle in 2012, The Dress Theory has also expanded to Nashville and San Diego.

BRIDAL ACCEN TS C OUTURE

DANIELLE FRANKEL

City & Instagram: Burnsville,

City & Instagram: Los Angeles, California / @daniellefrankelstudio

Minnesota /

Owner: Danielle Frankel Hirsch trained under industry icons Vera Wang and Marchesa before

@bridalaccentscouture

launching her eponymous label. In 2019, she became the first bridal designer selected by

Owner: Michelle Beck believes

Vogue and the CFDA for their prestigious Fashion Fund.

every bride deserves a couture

Designers Carried: Exclusive Danielle Frankel collection

experience, no matter her

Why We Love It: With her sculptural silhouettes, artful draping, and modern romanticism,

budget. With over 25 years

Danielle Frankel defines the ultimate cool-girl bride. Each gown (or pantsuit, or minidress, if

of experience, she brings a

those are more your style) blends timeless craftsmanship with a fashion-forward edge.

couture-level bridal experience

Star Power: Beloved by celebrities and style icons alike, Alex Cooper, Julia Garner, and Alexan-

to the Minneapolis suburbs.

dra Daddario all wore Danielle Frankel for their weddings.

Designers carried: Martina

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S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 | B R I D A LG U I D E .C O M

Yoo

THE SENTIMENTA LIST

Why we love it: Not only can

City & Instagram: Atlanta,

brides find their wedding day

Georgia /

look here, but so can grooms,

@thesentimentalistatl

mothers, and bridesmaids.

Owner: Mother-daughter duo

Gowns range from luxurious

Gabi Lee and Krista McMichen

silks to hand-beaded beauties,

founded The Sentimentalist

all in an approachable but

to fill a gap in Atlanta’s bridal

glamorous boutique atmo-

scene for brides who want

sphere.

something beyond traditional.

Liana, Justin Alexander, Jenny

Their shared love of personal

BLUE SKY BR IDAL

style and vintage treasures

City & Instagram: Portland,

inspired them to create a

Oregon / @blueskybridal

boutique that celebrates indi-

Owner: Erin S. is the founder of both Blue Sky Bridal and Brides for a Cause, a charity that collects and resells donated wedding dresses to raise funds for worthy causes.

Her passion for sustainable fashion and giving back to the community drives the shop’s eco-conscious mission.

Designers Carried: Morilee, Saint Bridal Couture, Calla

LOHO BR I DE City & Instagram: San Francisco / @loho_bride Owner: Christy Baird, a former fashion stylist, created LOHO (“League of Her Own”) for brides seeking something truly original and unapologetically themselves.

Designers Carried: Cortana, Prea James, Katherine Tash Why We Love It: LOHO redefines the bridal boutique experience. It’s equal parts effortless and editorial. Brides come here (and to their Los Angeles location) for exclusive international designers and a laid-back California sensibility that fuses minimalism with modern romance.

viduality.

Designers Carried: Elizabeth Dye, Carol Hannah, Claire La Faye Why We Love It: The Sentimentalist is a stylish alternative for fashion-forward brides who want a gown as unique as she is. Their curated mix of customizable gowns bring one-of-akind charm in a pressure-free, inclusive environment. All brides are seen and celebrat-

Blanche Why We Love It: While you’re

ed here.

planning for your future, Blue

establishing a luxury bridal

Mallory Thorburn founded

Sky Bridal is thinking about the

destination in Charleston’s

White Magnolia over a decade

A&BÉ BRIDAL SHOP

planet’s future. They’ve created

historic district.

ago, focusing on creating a

City & Instagram: Denver,

an upscale, intimate shopping

Designers Carried: Amsale

personalized boutique ex-

Colorado / @aandbe_brid-

experience with a curated se-

Bridal, Legends by Romona

perience for every bride who

alshop

lection of new and gently used

Keveza, Sareh Nouri

walked through their doors.

Owner: Anna Walsh founded

gowns, partnering with bridal

Why We Love It: Set in a

Their commitment to excep-

a&bé with one goal: make wed-

stores, designers, and brides

beautifully restored historic

tional service succeeded—what

ding dress shopping fun again.

themselves to give samples

home—which dates back to the

began as a single boutique

She envisioned an approach-

and once-worn dresses a sec-

1850s—in downtown Charles-

has now expanded to eight

able, fashion-forward space

ond life at 50% off retail price.

ton, this boutique embodied

locations across the South.

where every bride could find a

southern charm. Their expertly

Designers carried: Sottero &

gown that feels uniquely her.

curated collection of design-

Midgley, Kelly Faetanini, Milla

Designers Carried: Jenny by

ers blend timeless sophistica-

Nova

Jenny Yoo, Made With Love,

City & Instagram: Charleston,

tion with modern sensibilities

Why we love it: White Mag-

Katie May

South Carolina /

straight from the runway, and

nolia’s light and airy spaces

Why We Love It: a&bé, which

@maddisonrowsouth

the white-glove service makes

create the perfect backdrop for

has grown to 12 shops nation-

Owner: Ann E. Rice and her

the experience as memorable

finding “the one.” Their care-

wide, features a thoughtfully

mother, Lisa S. Rice, discovered

as the gowns themselves.

fully curated selection offers

curated mix of indie and es-

a range of styles, from classic

tablished designers for brides

elegance to romantic glamour.

of all styles and budgets.

MADDISON ROW SOUTH

their shared passion for bridal fashion while planning Ann’s

WHITE MAGNOLIA

own wedding, which sparked

City and Instagram: Jackson-

Even with multiple locations,

They’re also committed to giv-

the idea to open their own

ville, Florida /

they’ve managed to maintain

ing back, donating a portion of

boutique. They transformed

@whitemagnoliabridal

that intimate, personalized

every sale to women-focused

their vision into reality by

Owners: Kerrie Hileman and

boutique feel.

organizations.

BG: BRIDAL GUIDE

45

FI RST LO OK PIN T H IS

Wona Concept

wonaconcept.com

PIN THIS

The Beauty of Forever At NY Bridal Week, we saw gowns that reminded us why we fall in love with weddings in the first place. This wasn’t about chasing trends or reinventing tradition—it was about celebrating what endures. Silhouettes that feel as right today as they will decades from now. Trendy is now, but it’s not forever. Romance, reimagined but never rushed. Because the best wedding gowns aren’t designed for a moment; they’re designed for a lifetime. And that’s what we love. Here are a few of our favorite finds.

–THE EDITORS

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S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 | B R I D A LG U I D E .C O M

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALICIA RINKA @ALICIARINKA

We’ve Got Your “Something Blue” We know your big day is made of small moments—so we ensure each is effortless and exquisite. Before your arrival at Curaçao Cu raçao Marriott Beach Resort, our expert wedding planner will craft your vision into i nto the picture-perfect memories you’ll cherish forever. From decor and dancing dan cing to cake and champagne, your love story will be written in our ssands. ands.

From “will you?” to “I do” and each celebration beyond, bey ond, turn moments into memories at this beachfront Dutch-Caribbean gem.

W W W.C U R A C A O - M A R R I OT T.C O M

FI RST FIR ST LO OK P PIN I N T H IS

Enaura

enaura.com

Nicole+Felicia

nicoleandfelicia.com

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S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 | B R I D A LG U I D E .C O M

Guillermo Pharis gp-bridal.com

Honor

honornyc.com

CELEBRATE LOVE WITH GRECOTEL Magnificent Greek locations, majestic settings, heartwarming hospitality, and luxurious details - Grecotel creates enchanting weddings, vow renewals, and honeymoons that honor a true sense of place.

ATHENS RIVIERA, CRETE, CORFU, MYKONOS, WEST PELOPONNESE, KOS, RHODES

FI RST LO OK PIN T H IS

Justin Alexander

justinalexander.com

Sareh Nouri

sarehnouri.com

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S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 | B R I D A LG U I D E .C O M

Francesca Miranda

francescamiranda.com

Pnina Tornai

pninatornai.com

lillianwest.com

FI RST FIR ST LO OK P PIN I N T H IS

Berta Courture

Viktor & Rolf

Galia Lahav

SenStudio

berta.com

galialahav.com

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S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 | B R I D A LG U I D E .C O M

viktor-rolf.com sen-studio.com

FI RST LO OK W H AT SH E M IGH T WEA R

Swift Ideas WE SPENT THE DAY WITH DESIGNER IDAN COHEN, DREAMING UP WHAT A CERTAIN MISS AMERICANA MIGHT WEAR ON HER BIG DAY. PHOTOGRAPHS BY MATT WIER PRODUCED BY DANNY SEO MAKEUP BY JOANNA PISANI HAIR BY ASHLEY PALUMBO MODEL MARY DEVLIN WEARING IDAN COHEN

T

he countdown to the wedding of the century is on—and while Taylor Swift keeps us all guessing about what she’ll wear down the aisle, we couldn’t resist diving into the fan-

tasy. To bring our vision to life, we teamed up with Idan Cohen (check out his feature in this issue), the go-to designer whose gowns strike the perfect balance of romance, drama, and modern star power.

With musician Mary Devlin—whose uncanny resemblance to Taylor makes her the perfect muse—we shot five utterly gorgeous, totally unique looks that capture every side of a Swift-worthy wedding day.

From ethereal ball gowns that shimmer like a love song to sleek, fashion-forward silhouettes that command the spotlight, each look feels like it was made for a modern-day pop icon.

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S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 | B R I D A LG U I D E .C O M

1 THE CRAWFORD WITH PANT, $4248 An Idan Cohen white wedding dress with pants is the ultimate power move—bridal meets runway with a bold, modern twist.

BG: BRIDAL GUIDE

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FI RST LO OK W H AT SH E M IGH T WEA R

2

4

3

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S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 | B R I D A LG U I D E .C O M

2. THE MARILYN, $3748 A traditional wedding gown with a beautifully braided back and sweeping long train brings timeless romance to life. The intricate detailing adds a touch of artistry, while the dramatic train ensures every step feels like a walk down the red carpet.

3. THE MINI, PRICE ON REQUEST. Meet The Mini: Idan’s take on a modern wedding outfit that blends romance and rocker-chic with effortless flair. In soft pale pink, the dress pairs with matching fabric boots laced intricately all the way up, giving the ensemble a bold, fashion-forward edge.

4. THE CRAWFORD WITH SKIRT, $9798 The Crawford gown is pure bridal poetry.

Its skirt, adorned with handmade flowers cascading gracefully from the hip down, adds movement, texture, and a whimsical romance that feels both modern and timeless.

5

THE ARLENE, $8498 A wedding gown adorned with romantic lace and a flowing train is the definition of timeless elegance. Delicate lacework whispers of old-world charm, with subtle nods that give a charming hint to Taylor’s country roots.

BG: BRIDAL GUIDE

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K R I ST I N A K U P T S E V I C H /A D O B E STO C K

T H E BRI DE ’S GU I DE TO

GLOW YOU WANT EVERYTHING ABOUT YOUR WEDDING TO BE PERFECT, INCLUDING YOUR SKIN. HERE, A PLASTIC SURGEON, DERMATOLOGIST, AND AESTHETICIAN OFFER A MONTH-BY-MONTH GAME PLAN. STORY BY BRIAN UNDERWOOD

IF

you’re reading this

year before the date of the ceremony,” says Les-

right now, you probably

ley Rabach, MD, a double-board certified facial

have a lot on your mind.

plastic surgeon in New York City whose prefab

You’re weighing the pros

wedding packages combine noninvasive skin

and cons of a DJ versus

tightening procedures like Ultherapy, lasers,

a band, comparing

hyaluronic acid filler, and neurotoxin injec-

the styles of differ-

tions. “We need to make sure there’s optimal

ent photographers and videographers, and

healing time.” That’s particularly true if you’re

deciding between a bucolic farmhouse setting

considering surgery (eye and brow lifts are two

or a chic urban affair. Wedding preparations are

of the most popular options with brides-to-be,

all-consuming (even when you’ve hired a plan-

says Dr. Rabach).

ner), with a laundry list of things to consider, confirm, and cross-check.

But no matter your goal—effortless radiance or a full-face tune-up—timing is everything. We

That includes your skin. If there were ever

consulted Dr. Rabach, a dermatologist, and an

a moment when your complexion should be

aesthetician to give you a great-skin roadmap

serving main character energy, it’s as you walk

in the months leading up to your nuptials. As

down the aisle. And there’s no better time than

you’re finalizing entrée options and dessert

the present to start plotting that story line. “I

table lineup, make sure a little self-care is on

usually recommend brides come in to see me a

the menu too.

BG: BRIDAL GUIDE

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D E N I R /A D O B E STO C K

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S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 | B R I D A LG U I D E .C O M

THE DERMATOLOGIST SAYS… S TA R T YO U R F O R E V E R I N

Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, is a dermatologist in Miami and director of the Skin of Color Division for the University of Miami Department of Dermatology.

ONE YEAR BEFORE: Skin treatments, whether prescrip-

tion medications or an over-the-counter regimen, require time to do their thing. So, if you’re looking to get your acne under control or tackle any pigment problems (dark spots, melasma), you’ll want to start now, says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a dermatologist in Miami and director of the skin of color division for the University of Miami department of dermatology.

“I’ve had patients do a course of Accutane before their wedding if they have resistant acne or take spironolactone to help with cystic lesions,” she says. For discoloration, Dr. Woolery-Lloyd can use prescription hydroquinone along with topical skincare products to fade dark spots and melasma.

SAINT LUCIA’S #1 TRAVELER-RATED RESORT ON TRIPADVISOR

ELEVEN MONTHS BEFORE: If you want to try neuro-

toxin or filler, Dr. Woolery-Lloyd recommends doing it early to account for unexpected outcomes. Most fillers will last well beyond your wedding date—injecting early allows your dermatologist to make subtle tweaks (or dissolve it altogether) so you get the result you’re after. While Botox and like will fade within a few months, you want to have a good idea of how the jabs will affect you so adjustments can be made before you go in for your final appointment. “Botox can’t be dissolved, so if you wait until a month before your wedding and don’t like the way it’s turned out, there’s not much that can be done,” Dr. Woolery-Lloyd says.

SEVEN MONTHS BEFORE: Neurotoxin can last anywhere

from three to six months, says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd, so if you were injected at your first appointment, it might be time for a refresh.

Not only does this allow your doctor to make changes to her technique based upon how it looked the first time, it gives your skin time to enjoy the cumulative effects of these injections (the more you get Botox, the smoother your skin looks over time since you’re subtly training facial muscles to be less expressive).

SIX MONTHS BEFORE: For fairer-skinned patients dealing

with dark spots due to sun exposure, intense pulsed light treatments can even skin tone, says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. She’s also a fan of the Hydrafacial, which combines vortex suction with a blast of water to cleanse, exfoliate, and leave skin glowing. Try it now to have a complete picture of your results.

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THREE MONTHS BEFORE: It’s time for your last round

of toxin injections and perhaps another Hydrafacial, provided you’ve made no other changes to your skincare routine that may affect the outcome. You’re in the danger zone now—when you want to avoid any type of skin reaction—so it’s time to stay the course. “I have to think of any type of complication because I’m a big believer in Murphy’s Law: What can go wrong will go wrong,” Dr. Woolery-Lloyd says.

To Start Planning Your Luxury Honeymoon, Call Your Travel Advisor or 877-252-0304 Visit SERENITYATCOCONUTBAY.COM BG: BRIDAL GUIDE

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THE PLASTIC SURGEON SAYS… Lesley Rabach, MD, is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York City and co-founder of LM Medical.

address these suture marks before they become trickier to treat. Any last semblance of scarring can be zapped away around three months after surgery.

ONE YEAR BEFORE: It’s time

to schedule a consult, especially if

SIX MONTHS BEFORE: Most

you’re considering going under the

of your swelling has hopefully sub-

knife, says Dr. Rabach, who typically

sided, meaning you’re clear to try

books surgeries six to eight weeks

a light dusting of laser, a chemical

after an initial meeting. Healing time

peel, or microneedling, all of which

can vary based upon many factors,

rejuvenate skin by encouraging cel-

but Dr. Rabach estimates that most

lular turnover, stimulating collagen

patients will be fully recovered two to

production, and addressing dark

three months post-op. “There needs

spots—again, something surgery

to be enough time built in for all the

alone can’t do. “I like to do one small

swelling to resolve,” she says. “For

thing every other month until about

that reason, I wouldn’t recommend

thirty days before the wedding,” says

any elective surgery within three

Dr. Rabach.

months before a wedding.” Some brides complement their surgery

THREE MONTHS BEFORE:

with noninvasive lasers and chemical

This is when you’ll want to explore

peels, Dr. Rabach adds, so planning

hyaluronic acid filler and neuro-

twelve months in advance allows

toxin injections. While many people

enough runway for this combination

confuse the two, they serve differ-

approach.

ent purposes: Botox and the like

TEN MONTHS BEFORE: It’s

other options) limit the movement of

surgery time: Many of Dr. Rabach’s

facial muscles to smooth skin, while

brides ask for a blepharoplasty or

fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane,

brow lift, both of which require

and Belotero are strategically placed

(Dysport, Xeomin, and Juveau are

smaller incisions that heal relatively

to lift and create volume, balancing

quickly. But deep-plane face lifts—

facial features. Regardless, Dr. Rabach

when the skin and muscle tissue

wants to see you for either about

underneath are repositioned—and

90 days pre-wedding to make sure

neck lifts are also popular options.

there’s enough time for the effects to

All of these can lift and tighten, but

settle—and tweaks to be made. “Ide-

none will fundamentally change the

ally, I want to hit the sweet spot when

quality of your skin, which is why Dr.

the treatment is still effective, but the

Rabach often performs fully ablative

face isn’t too tight,” she explains.

CO2 laser along with surgery to address any textural issues. “It’s a great

ONE MONTH BEFORE: You’re

way to combine treatments to make

getting closer to tying the knot, so

the most of a patients’ healing time,”

now is not the time to do anything

she says.

major. Dr. Rabach may see for you a light resurfacing chemical peel, but

NINE MONTHS BEFORE: About

that’s it: “I never like to do anything

four to six weeks post-op, Dr. Rabach

within a month of a wedding because

will see you again to treat any surgi-

you don’t want to be bruised or expe-

cal scars with lasers. You’re likely

rience facial asymmetry that can’t be

still healing, so it’s the ideal time to

corrected.”

BG: BRIDAL GUIDE

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M

Y

CM

MY

CY

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CMY

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S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 | B R I D A LG U I D E .C O M

K

THE AESTHETICIAN SAYS… Vee Mistry is a celebrity facialist and aesthetician in Toronto and founder of of SkinByVee. Her clients include Lenny Kravitz, Olympic gold medalist Tessa Virtue, and Tony award winner Miriam Silverman.

oil, sweat, and pollution. “If you’re

creates “a controlled injury that stimu-

not cleansing properly, that five-

lates collagen-producing fibroblast

hundred-dollar serum you bought is

cells,” Mistry says. She finishes with red

doing diddly squat.” Next is a hydrat-

and near infrared LED light to calm

ing essence with hyaluronic acid or

skin post-treatment.

glycerin, which Mistry describes as NINE MONTHS BEFORE: Your first three months

a “tall glass of water for skin.” She’s

THREE MONTHS BEFORE: Once

with celebrity aesthetician Vee Mistry are focused on

also a big fan of a vitamin C serum

this groundwork has been laid, Mistry

getting your skin to function optimally. “During this time,

for brightening and an eye cream (a

spends the final 90 days before the

I’m working with clients to ensure their sebum produc-

gel to tackle puffiness, a cream for

wedding focusing on reshaping the face

tion is balanced, they’re lifted and toned, their skin pH

dry, dehydrated skin). At night, you’re

with sculpting and lymphatic drainage.

is regulated, and they have a low level of inflammation,”

looking at an at-home exfoliating

“I’m making sure that the fascia, which

says Mistry, whose signature facial technique is a blend

solution, a thicker moisturizer, and a

is the webbing between your skin and

of sculpting, massage, lymphatic drainage, cryo, and

mask. And “everyone goes home with

your muscles, is nice and pliable,” she

energy-based treatments like microcurrent. Lighter

a pair of my Cryo Sticks—and they

says. “There needs to be continual

exfoliation with gentle lactic or glycolic acid peels refine

have to use them daily.”

blood flow to the muscles and the tissues, so the skin looks vibrant.”

skin while keeping it hydrated. “You can’t go hard and fast right away,” says Mistry. “That would be like trying to run a

SIX MONTHS BEFORE: Mistry

marathon before you’ve trained.” Ideally, she’d like to see

brings in the big guns here, including

THE DAY OF: Mistry has been known

you once monthly from this point forward.

enzymatic peels that can truly resur-

to visit brides in their hotel suites

face and microneedling with a solu-

before the makeup artists and hairstyl-

EIGHT MONTHS BEFORE: After your first session

tion that contains vitamins, minerals,

ist begin working. “I’m really focused

with Mistry, she’ll get you a skincare routine that will com-

amino acids, and hyaluronic acid. Not

on cooling, calming, sculpting, and

plement her work. She’s a big believer in proper cleansing

only does the microneedling help any

lifting, and allowing a bride to relax and

and prefers balms to gently remove dead skin buildup,

topical products penetrate better, it

pause,” she says.

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STORY BY LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF PHOTOGRAPHS BY MATT WIER

PERFECTION, with a TWIST IDAN COHEN’S SUMPTUOUS BRIDAL DESIGNS COMBINE COUTURE CLASSICISM WITH PLAYFUL, EYE-ENTICING DETAILS THAT ELEVATE THEM FAR ABOVE THE EVERYDAY.

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here’s lace, and then there’s Idan

The magic of Cohen’s creations has won him a celebrity fol-

Cohen’s lace. The Israeli-born

lowing: He’s dressed Paula Abdul, Jennifer Lopez, Laverne Cox,

bridal designer, celebrated for

Mariah Carey, and Kelly Osborne, among others. Nicki Minaj ap-

his meticulous—some might even

peared in his glittering, gem-encrusted bodysuit (yes, he ventures

say obsessive—attention to detail

beyond bridal) on the July 2015 cover of Cosmopolitan, and he

gently lifts the delicate sleeve of

recently designed the white minidress that Demi Lovato wore at

a translucent gown to demonstrate the difference. “Okay, this

her wedding after-party.

lace is classic,” he says. It’s floral, but with a modern edge, its

“I design for strong women,” he says, a group that, in his

sinuous, rounded outlines suggesting, rather than represent-

mind, seems to comprise most of the gender. “I know the power

ing, flowers. “But then,” he points out, “I cut it and create this

of women because I grew up next to it,” he explains. He’s refer-

3-D element.” Look closely, and you see that some of the petals

ring, specifically, to his grandmothers, whom he calls “the most

have been subtly snipped to rise up from the fabric. The effect is

courageous women I’ve met in my life. They came to Israel from

magical and must be even more so when the gown is in motion,

Morocco and Tunisia speaking no Hebrew, in the middle of the

a fluttering, slightly surreal garden.

night, with their kids, and with nothing to live in except tents, to create this beautiful family.” In fact, it was one of his grandmothers who taught him to stitch when he was five, and together they’d create clothes for his cousins’ dolls out of fabric, socks, shoelaces, buttons.

That was his earliest introduction to fashion, but by the time he was ten, he knew that his future was in design.

Cohen grew up immersed in fashion.

His family founded the luxury denim brand Crocker Jeans, and when he was eight he learned how to judge a fabric by the way it felt in his hands. At 15, he was introduced to Ricky Ben Ari, who’d been Yves Saint Laurent’s right hand in Paris. Ben Ari, then 89, taught him not just how to create fashion sketches but also how to look at a dress to understand its structure and flow. Cohen treasured his time with her and followed her advice to study fashion at the Istituto Marangoni in London, a decision that’s informed his work ever since. He was especially struck by the way London designers embraced the classics but with a modern twist—which is exactly how he describes his own designs.

As an example, he points out a short bridal dress he designed that was inspired by crinolines—the structured petticoats popular in the 19th century. It’s unlikely that Queen Victoria, famous for her crinolines, would have chosen the strapless minidress for her own nuptials (or any other occasion, for that matter), but she might well have admired its extravagant pearl beading. In fact, the dress, with its faultless geometric boning, is also an example of Cohen’s pride in technique. “All my construction will be without mistakes,” he says, noting that his dresses are so carefully constructed you

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could happily wear them inside out. When Cohen talks about his own careful workmanship, it comes off less as braggadocio than a simple statement of fact, as when he says, “My corsets are flawless,” attributing their perfection not just to his own abilities but also to those of his team.

(He’s not referring to underthings, by the way, but to the elegant corsets he incorporates into many of his gowns.)

Mastery of technique has been at the heart of Cohen’s designs since he opened his first atelier in Tel Aviv in 2012.

Initially, he chose to design for the bridal market because, he says, “in Israel, if you want to do couture, the main market is bridal.” But he soon fell in love with that market.

“How can you not?” he asks. “You’re dressing a woman for a day she was dreaming about all her life.” He feels blessed, he says, that he can “work on the happier side of life.”

Some of his own happiest moments—outside of his time spent designing, which he characterizes as pure joy—have been in the gardens he’s visited on his travels, and in fact, nature is one of his abiding influences. “When I go out into nature and I see beautiful flowers, beautiful trees,” he says, “it’s like my heart is a guitar and it starts to play.” His collection for fall 2026, which debuted in October 2025 at New York Fashion Week, offered a floral symphony of sorts, including beaded blooms dripping from a form-fitting bodice, three-dimensional floral lace defining a neckline, and a showstopping gown festooned with what looked like larger-than-life waterlilies.

Another major influence is royalty. “My favorite queen of all times,” he says, “is Elizabeth the First”—a fondness evident in the opulence that marks all of his work, especially his hand-beading. In 2013, a beader who worked with Chanel, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, and other prominent fashion houses introduced him to the centuries-old techniques that are evident in his own intricate beadwork.

Cohen’s attention to detail, combined with his ability to add an inspired modern touch to classic silhouettes, made him one of Israel’s most in-demand designers, but he longed to scale more distant fashion peaks. Specifically, he wanted to fulfill a long-held dream to live and work in the U.S. In November 2022 he established a partnership with American backers and moved to Los Angeles. Five months later, he opened his current atelier in Lambertville, New Jersey, a town that’s famous for attracting artists and other creatives. In 2024, to celebrate this new beginning, he rebranded his company, originally known as Idan Cohen, to House of Idan and introduced two separate lines, Idan Atelier, characterized by extravagant fabrications and detailed handiwork, and Idan, less pricey but nonetheless graced with the distinctive touches that mark all of his creations. Among the high-end retailers now carrying his designs is New York City’s venerable Bergdorf Goodman.

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The “Leigh” inspired by legendary actress Vivien Leigh.

Marlene Dietrich’s sleek elegance inspires the “Dietrich.”

His collections consistently draw accolades from the fashion press. New York Style Guide wrote of his fall 2025 show that it was “a testament to his luxurious and intricate designs.” His fall 2026 show, on the rooftop of One Wall Street, dazzled the assembled audience, drawing a collective gasp at the appearance of a traditional fullskirted gown rendered extraordinary through Cohen’s unconventional but inspired fabric choice of white-onblack floral lace.

Back at his Lambertville atelier, he’s already deep into his next collection. An inspiration board hints at what’s to come with photos of classic silhouettes, glamorous fabrics, and dramatic details like oversized flowers and heavy sequinning, alongside a shot of a corset-style top emblazoned, somewhat mysteriously, with the word “HOME.” When a visitor asks if he’d elaborate, Cohen says, “I feel, as I’m growing, that I’m even going back a little bit P H OTO G R A P H S BY WA LT E R C H I N

more to classic couture, so I think my collections, the last three and the one to come, will take you to more classic designs.” He stops, considering this, then adds, “But of course, always with my twists. I have to put my fingerprint on a dress so that when someone wears it, it says, ‘Oh, this is Idan’s dress.’”

His grandmothers—to whom he’s dedicating the collection—would certainly approve.

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“Taylor” is inspired by Elizabeth Taylor’s playful glamour.

“I DESIGN for STRONG WOMEN.”

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CALIFORNIA DREAMING NICOLE AND CHRIS AVERY, TWO SAN FRANCISCO LOCALS, VOWED TO HAVE AN ELEGANT BUT RELAXED LATE SUMMER WEDDING. STORY BY LAMBETH HOCHWALD PHOTOGRAPHS BY KRISTINA ADAMS

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tell you there were two things that

A

dates, the couple became engaged

stood out about her now-husband

co-parents to Zaza, their beloved

To book the venue, Avery was re-

Chris, senior video producer at Apple,

pup. And, as Nicole began thinking

quired to use a wedding planner and

when they first matched on Bumble

about where she wanted to hold

as soon as she met Elise Antrobus, the

in 2021.

her ceremony and reception, she

Bay Area owner of By Elise Events &

“Chris told me he had been a

instantly landed on Filoli Gardens in

Design, she knew she found someone

first-grade teacher for four years

Woodside, California, a historically

to help her zero in on her vision.

and I found that to be so sweet

preserved Georgian revival-style

and endearing,” says Avery, the

mansion on 654 acres known locally

to feel whimsical, like a secret garden

marketing manager at Decorative

as the Downton Abbey of California,

vibe,” Avery says “But Elise helped

Plumbing Supply, her family’s luxury

and a place that is near and dear to

me realize that a modern take on a

kitchen and bath showroom. “When

the family.

glamorous romantic garden wedding

sk Nicole Avery and she’ll

he said he was in the process of

After a whirlwind year of nonstop

“Filoli was always a dream spot

adopting a golden retriever puppy, I

for me,” Avery says. “I knew I wanted

was hooked!”

the wedding outside in a garden and,

when we learned they had a date that worked, I knew it had to be there.”

“Initially, I wanted the wedding

was more what I was looking for.”

A pool party starts the festivities In keeping with their fun-loving spirit, the couple opted to kick off the wedding with a late afternoon Amalfi Coast-themed welcome party at Filoli the day before the wedding with a twist—the 70-plus guests were invited to swim in the pool on-property—with changing cabanas and towels at the ready for anyone who wanted to take a dip.

“Some guests were swimming during and after dinner and others were eating and drinking the entire time,” Avery says. “It was such a great way to begin the celebration.”

The next day, 210 guests, including eight bridesmaids and eight groomsmen, gathered for a late-afternoon ceremony officiated

by Jeffrey Steves, Nicole’s father, who got certified online by the American Marriage Ministries. The perfect ceremony for Avery: One that included handwritten vows and a service that would be “short but impactful.”

Installing a white carpet walkway, an elevated platform, and a bountiful floral altar of sorts, added to the grandeur, too.

“Having the ceremony in this space, known as the Garden House Lawn, was dreamy,” Antrobus says.

“We really wanted the ceremony to feel like guests were experiencing a lush floral moment, right in the middle of the gardens.”

That feeling of being immersed in nature continued during the cocktail

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hour, when guests could either stroll the verdant grounds or pause and marvel at an especially clever nod to the family business.

“We thought it would be fun to incorporate a gorgeous plumbing fixture so we took one of my favorite handcrafted copper tubs and filled it, so it was overflowing with wildflowers,” Avery says, adding that their seating chart, framed in wood and perched right behind the tub, included the words ‘Overflowing with Love.’

During a candlelit farm-to-table dinner, full of toasts and laughter, the couple sat among their guests

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at long candlelit and floral-filled tables—all under a gorgeous blanket of strung twinkle lights that made it look like a sea of stars was hovering above the crowd.

Dancing ‘til midnight For Avery, dancing with everyone until midnight is one moment she and Chris will never forget, especially since hiring a great band was Chris’ ‘one and only request.’

“The dance floor was packed the entire night,” she says. “No one wanted the night to end.”

But end it had to and as guests left this magical garden, they were greeted with one more whimsical touch to a laidback but elegant reception: A pizza station featuring a cut-out photo of Zaza with a pizza slice in his mouth.

“Elise had the brilliant idea of calling it Zaza’s Za Bar,” Avery says, adding that their beloved pup was the only guest who was unable to join in the fun as Filoli doesn’t allow dogs on property. “It was so adorable and the perfect way to give our guests a late-night snack to take home. Everyone loved it!”

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Venue: Filoli Gardens Planner: Elise Antrobus of By Elise Events & Design Gown: Vera Wang Haute Couture Filmmaker: First Twin Films Catering: The Red Door Catering & Events Specialty Rentals: Found Rental Co Tabletop rentals: Theoni Collection Rentals: Hensley Event Resources Lighting: Sound Image San Francisco Linens: BBJ La Tavola Florals: Loop Flowers Entertainment: Chris Clouse

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PLAN IT LIKE BECKHAM When it comes to creating unforgettable experiences, few can rival event planner Michelle Rago. With a portfolio that includes high-profile clients—most notably the nuptials of Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz in Palm Beach—she has built a reputation for impeccable taste, creative vision, and flawless execution.

For this feature, we asked her to curate 10 dreamy destinations—places so spectacular they’re worthy of a full property buyout for an event, or a luxurious stay if you’re visiting on a more modest budget. From cliffside retreats in Provence to glamorous hideaways on the Italian Riviera, Michelle shares the spots where every detail, view, and experience feels like it was made just for you.

-THE EDITORS

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P H OTO G R A P H BY CO B I N G U R K I N

LE BASTIDE DE MOUSTIERS Provence, France

REID’S PALACE Madeira, Portugal

BELMOND CAP JULUCA Anguilla, British West Indies

Where: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, near

Where: Cliffside overlooking the

Where: Maundays Bay

Gorges du Verdon

Atlantic Ocean

Why Michelle Loves It: Quintessential Ca-

Why Michelle Loves It: Intimate retreat

Why Michelle Loves It: Old-world charm

ribbean beach: soft white sand, turquoise

with 13 rooms, understated elegance,

meets Madeira’s natural beauty. Gardens

water, and serene Moorish architecture.

and Alain Ducasse’s culinary influence.

cascade down cliffs, sea-level swimming is

Perfect for lounging, seaside lunches, and

Evenings under plane trees with Chablis

unique, and afternoon tea on the terrace

cocktails under umbrellas.

capture Provençal serenity.

overlooking Funchal Bay is timeless. Mild

INSIDER TIPS:

INSIDER TIPS:

weather makes it ideal year-round.

• Guerlain spa blends local and

• Helicopter arrival from Monaco for cinematic flair.

INSIDER TIPS:

• Swim off the sea-level platform.

• Garden table lunch is a must.

• Afternoon Tea at sunset.

• Terrace rooms overlooking Verdon cliffs.

• Dine at Ristorante Villa Cipriani or

• Explore lavender fields on Valensole Plateau or kayak Gorges du Verdon.

Michelin-starred William Restaurant.

• Explore Madeira via levada walks.

luxury rituals.

• Go fishing with locals or take a sunset sail.

• Ride hotel bicycles along palm-lined paths.

• Tennis courts among the

Best Time to Go: May–June or

Best Time to Go: Year-round; Madeira’s

September–October.

70s climate ensures no off-season.

Best Time to Go: December–April for dry,

When to Avoid: August due to heat

When to Avoid: July–August if you prefer

breezy beach weather.

and crowds.

fewer crowds.

When to Avoid: September–October due

best in the Caribbean.

to hurricane season.

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SPLENDIDO Portofino, Italy (Belmond) Where: Above the harbor on the Ligurian Coast Why Michelle Loves It: Splendido is chic, intimate, and glamorous.

Perched above the bay, it exudes Dolce Vita ambiance—pines, sea breeze, church bells. Hand-painted walls and artisan details create crafted luxury. Evenings on the terrace are theater: yachts glittering below, a Negroni in hand, and live piano. La Terrazza is a true “pinch me” moment.

INSIDER TIPS:

• La Terrazza: Front-row table at golden hour.

• Spa: Brand-new Dior Spa. • Sister Property: Shuttle to Splendido Mare for trofie pesto pasta and gelato.

• On the Water: Take a small gozzo to Paraggi Bay or San Fruttuoso.

• Walk It Off: Climb Castello Brown and the lighthouse.

• History: Began as a 1600s Benedictine monastery; became aristocratic summer villa.

Best Time to Go: May–June or September.

When to Avoid: August—crowds and yacht traffic; plan early swims and terrace lunches.

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BELMOND HOTEL CIPRIANI Venice, Italy Where: Giudecca Island, a short boat ride from St. Mark’s Why Michelle Loves It: Venice is magical, and Cipriani enhances that enchantment.

From stepping onto the hotel launch to lounging in a pool cabana with a Bellini, it feels cinematic. Rooms are serene, staff are welcoming, and views that open onto the city look like living paintings. Dining at Cip’s—don’t miss the signature carpaccio— and ending the night at Bar Gabbiano with martinis and live piano rounds out the experience.

INSIDER TIPS:

• Concierge-mapped bacaro crawl (Cantina Do Mori, All’Arco).

• Arrive by boat to Da Ivo for a theatrical dinner.

• Early or late hotel launch rides for peaceful canals.

• Private hours at San Giorgio Maggiore for golden-hour views.

• Book a pool cabana in advance— Cipriani’s pool is Venice’s largest.

Best Time to Go: Early spring or late fall; catch the Regata Storica along the Grand Canal.

When to Avoid: High summer (June–August) due to heat and crowds.

FOUR SEASONS MALLORCA Mallorca, Spain Where: Northern coast, between the Tramuntana mountains and the Mediterranean Why Michelle Loves It: A tranquil Mediterranean escape with terraced gardens, stone paths, and mountainto-sea views. Rooms with terraces and plunge pools invite lingering, and the outdoor bar is perfect for sunset cocktails.

INSIDER TIPS:

• Take the hotel boat to Port de Pollença for a seaside lunch.

• Watch mountain goats at sunset.

• Dine cliffside at Ca’s Patró March for fresh seafood and sweeping views.

Best Time to Go: May–June or September–October for warm, calm weather.

When to Avoid: July–August crowds and heat, mitigated by poolside retreats.

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HECKFIELD PLACE Hampshire, UK Where: About 40 minutes from London Why Michelle Loves It: Quintessential British country-house hotel with restorative grounds, stylish rooms, and a Zen-like atmosphere. The Bothy by Wildsmith spa

INSIDER TIPS:

• Estate activities: gardening, beekeeping, or garden tours.

• River swimming—cold, but unforgettable.

• Private film screenings in the screening room.

connects treatments with nature, while

• Chef-prepared picnics for the grounds.

seasonal, farm-to-table dining celebrates

Best Time to Go: Year-round; spring/

simplicity. The Moon Bar adds playful

summer gardens, autumn colors, winter

nights to serene days.

coziness.

When to Avoid: Never.

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CLARIDGE’S London, UK Where: Mayfair, London

Where: Napa Valley

Why Michelle Loves It: Claridge’s blends

Why Michelle Loves It: Iconic terrace views

elegance with ease. Intuitive service,

across vineyards. Rooms evoke Provençal

beautiful rooms, and inviting public spaces

elegance, the spa is tucked among olive

make it a chic home base. There’s a wide

and oak trees, and La Plage pool is perfect

variety of rooms, and the hotel has the

for rosé-soaked afternoons.

rare “home base” feel in central Mayfair.

INSIDER TIPS:

INSIDER TIPS:

• Long lunches with local wine on

• Fried chicken appetizer at The Fumoir Bar. • Shop the wine cellar and enjoy anywhere on property with no corkage.

• One suite even has a pool in central London.

• Afternoon Tea: first seating at The Foyer & Reading Room.

• Bar hop within the hotel—Dante NYC, Painter’s Room, then Fumoir.

Best Time to Go: Year-round; spring for blossoms, December for holiday magic, September for energy.

When to Avoid: Never; the hotel thrives even during busy city periods.

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AUBERGE DU SOLE IL Napa Valley, California

the terrace.

• Nearby: Wineries Heitz Cellars, Charter Oak and Bouchon Restaurant.

• Tasting at Thomas Keller’s Regiis Ova Caviar & Champagne Lounge.

• Tennis on the hotel’s tournamentsurface court.

Best Time to Go: May–June or September–October.

When to Avoid: August—heat and crowds peak.

CRILLON-LE-BRAVE Provence, France Where: Hilltop village near Avignon Why Michelle Loves It: Authentic Provençal charm: sun-washed walls, lavender, and calm, elegant rooms.

Slow mornings at markets, vineyard bike rides, and terrace pools make days serene. Dinner at La Table du Ventoux is creative and local.

INSIDER TIPS:

• Sunrise over the valley.

• E-bike through vineyards with picnics.

• Markets: Carpentras (Fri), L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Sun).

• Spa des Écuries in a converted stone stable.

Best Time to Go: Late April–June or September–October.

When to Avoid: July–August; plan early mornings and sunset dinners.

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VIENNA WA I TS AUSTRIA’S JEWEL-BOX CAPITAL BECKONS COUPLES WITH ITS DREAMY GARDENS, OPULENT ARCHITECTURE, AND VINEYARDS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS.

for PHOTOGRAPHS BY JONAS JUNGBLUT

YOU

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Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop through Vienna’s historic center, offering a timeless way to take in the gilded architecture, grand boulevards, and Old World romance of Austria’s capital.

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ienna is a city made for romance.

most livable cities. Once the glit-

Stroll hand in hand down cobble-

tering seat of the Habsburg Empire,

stone streets and you’ll find yourself

today it is a rich tapestry of art,

surrounded by pastel façades and

architecture, and culinary delights—a

gilded buildings adorned like wed-

setting where history and modern

ding cakes—layers of intricate detail

love stories intertwine.

reminiscent of the city’s famed

At its heart is the Innere Stadt, or

pastries. Look closer and you’ll see

Inner City, a UNESCO World Heritage

trams winding gracefully through the

Site that feels like an open-air ball-

streets, giving this historic capital a

room. The Ringstrasse, a circular bou-

modern rhythm, while bicycles and

levard lined with palaces, gardens,

scooters add a playful bustle.

and monumental buildings, traces

This vibrant yet elegant spirit is

where medieval walls once stood.

part of why Vienna, or Wien as locals

Imagine your own grand entrance

say, is often named one of the world’s

here—just as Emperor Franz Joseph I

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X I M U S Q U I ST, S O LU P TA M F U G I A

Austria’s famed sausages are everywhere—sizzling and served in endless varieties that celebrate the country’s hearty culinary soul.

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and his stylish bride, Empress Sisi, did in the 19th century when they reimagined the city’s layout to embrace beauty and expansion.

The Hofburg Palace, one of the largest palace complexes in the world, still resonates with imperial romance.

Once home to Franz Joseph and Sisi, it’s now filled with staterooms dripping in grandeur. Beyond its gates, discover statues, leafy parks, and the Volksgarten, where more than 3,000 rose bushes perfume the air—an enchanting spot for a post-ceremony stroll or dreamy proposal. On summer evenings, you might even hear a live waltz drifting through the gardens.

For couples seeking an indulgent stay, the Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna offers a five-star retreat on the Ringstrasse. Originally designed for the 1873 World’s Fair, its newly restored interiors blend Neo-Renaissance architecture with Art Deco elegance. Picture savoring afternoon tea with Sachertorte—a decadent chocolate-and-apricot cake—before toasting with espresso martinis at the glittering Canvas Bar. And for couples ready to say I do, Vienna is a dream destination. Imagine exchanging vows in a Baroque palace with frescoed ceilings, hosting an intimate ceremony in a rose-filled garden, or celebrating with a candlelit reception in a hillside vineyard overlooking the Danube. The city offers world-class hotels, historic ballrooms, and romantic outdoor spaces that create once-in-a-lifetime backdrops for destination weddings—equal parts regal, romantic, and effortlessly stylish.

Step beyond the Ringstrasse to explore Vienna’s charming neighborhoods, or Grätzel. The ServitenviX I M U S Q U I ST, S O LU P TA M F U G I A

ertel, with its café-lined streets, is known as the “Paris of Vienna.” Here, cozy bakeries invite couples to linger over coffee and pastries. Nearby, the Sigmund Freud Museum tells a poignant story of the past—a reminder of love, loss, and resilience.

(CONTINUED ON P. 97) The Wien River carves a scenic path through Vienna, perfect for morning runs by following its winding banks toward the heart of the city.

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“ VIE NNA IS MORE

THAN JUST A DE STINATION—IT’S A LOVE STORY WAITING TO BE LIVE D.”

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Vienna’s charming streets are lined with luxury boutiques, where high-end labels like Chanel bring a touch of Parisian glamour to the Austrian capital.

A tempting spread of Austrian cured meats invites a true taste of the country’s culinary tradition.

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Classic pastries like Sachertorte are just as elegant and historic as the architecture.

The architecturally stunning staircase at Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna makes a striking centerpiece.

Sleep in style in the newly renovated Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel, a 5-star base for Viennese exploration

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In the 7th district, antique shops

No visit is complete without expe-

and art galleries sit alongside chic ca-

riencing Vienna’s vineyards. The city

fés where young Viennese sip Melange,

is the only capital in the world with

Vienna is more than just a destina-

the city’s signature coffee. This is also

significant wine production within

tion—it’s a love story waiting to be lived.

where you’ll find Michelin-starred din-

its limits. Couples can escape to

Whether you come to celebrate your

ing at Edvard, where Chef Paul Gamauf

rustic buschenschank wine taverns,

wedding, embark on a honeymoon, or

crafts vibrant, seasonal dishes using

perched on hillsides overlooking the

simply seek a romantic getaway, the

local ingredients—perfect for a roman-

city and the Danube. Here, glasses of

city’s gardens, palaces, and vineyards

tic dinner that feels both modern and

crisp Gemischter Satz are paired with

provide the perfect backdrop for

deeply rooted in tradition.

charcuterie boards piled high, and as

unforgettable moments together.

the sun sets over the mountains, the view is nothing short of cinematic.

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DRAWN

TOGETHER FOR ARTIST HANNAH POLSKIN AND HER HUSBAND GIL MANZURI, A PAINTING NOT ONLY SPARKED A LOVE STORY, BUT AN ENTIRE WEDDING.

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“ART HAS STEERED MY WHOLE LIFE,” says Beverly Hills-based artist Hannah

Polskin. “It brought me Gil, so I didn’t mind it driving on the wedding front.”

It was Hannah’s art, after all, that first brought them together. As the world slowed into lockdown in 2020, Gil Manzuri, a business developer for Revolve, discovered one of her paintings on Instagram. An email later, he bought the piece — Gil’s first major art acquisition. The exchange of the painting was a logistical sign of the times. “It was a contactless handoff,” she says. “We never met.”

A year later, both single, Hannah and Gil matched on a dating app. Their first date struck an effortless balance between playfulness and polish, with arcade games at Dave & Buster’s, followed by drinks at Delilah, an upscale cocktail lounge. That set the tone for a relationship defined by humor and ease. “He felt like family from the jump,” Hannah says. Three years later, at sunset on a boat off the coast of Turkey, Gil proposed.

Taking Shape When it came to wedding planning, Hannah admits she felt out of her element. “I’ve never been the type of girl who had Pinterest boards of what she wanted her wedding day to look like,” she says.

There was one component Hannah was certain about including though: the painting that started it all. She reimagined its abstract, undulating shape into a chuppah, the Jewish structure the couple would exchange vows under. “I’m not a terribly romantic person,” Hannah says, “but it felt poetic to have the shape that brought us together house us on the big day.”

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The chuppah dictated the location.

Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica, a luxury beachfront hotel that could accommodate her custom-built structure, was an easy choice. “There’s something magical about an evening of partying and celebrating and revelry by the beach,” Hannah says. “It’s the best of what life has to give.”

Hotel Casa del Mar could also house all 165 guests, keeping logistics simple for those who traveled from New York, London, Israel, and around the Northeast. The sunsoaked itinerary began Friday with a Shabbat dinner across the street at Shutters on the Beach, followed by a ceremony on the sand

and ballroom reception on Saturday, and

reinforce the fabric again — then again and

wrapped the next day with a pool party at

again. “When you’re working in the midst of

of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

the couple’s home.

Mother Nature,” she says, “you’re going to

For guests’ main dish, they chose between

get curveballs like that.”

miso-glazed cod with bok choy and shiitake

The weekend’s mood reflected the couple themselves — elevated but unpreten-

The effort paid off. The sculptural yet

Dinner began with a bright Caprese salad

mushrooms, red wine–braised short ribs

tious, and perhaps a bit wild. “On Sunday,

ethereal canopy symbolized both the

with Yukon Gold potato purée, or a seasonal

I definitely wanted our guests to feel

couple’s love story and Jewish tradition,

vegetable risotto. Late-night snacks — cones

exhausted and hungover.”

covered above but open on all sides as a nod

of French fries and tater tots, plus mini

to life’s ever-shifting nature.

gelato cookie sandwiches in pistachio,

A Perfect Fit

chocolate, and stracciatella — kept guests

The morning of the wedding, Hannah

Party Time

dancing all night long too. Dessert was the

slipped into a sleek Sarah Seven gown

Inside Casa del Mar, the ballroom glowed

true standout though. Guests indulged in a

with a dramatic train and corseted bodice.

with candlelight illuminating minimalist

classic vanilla bean cake layered with but-

Hannah credits her tailor, Daniela Kurrle,

floral arrangements by Lindsey Cummins,

tercream and a carrot cake with walnuts and

for transforming the structured gown into

whose restrained approach complemented

cream cheese frosting, both from The Butter

a silhouette she could dance all night in.

Hannah’s aesthetic. Even the Shabbat

End. Months later, guests are still raving

“This dress had no business doing that,”

candles held personal meaning; they were

about dessert.

Hannah says. “It should have been like try-

prototypes from her own line.

ing to swim with your clothes on, but it fit so well.”

Gil had only two requests: great drinks and even better music. Check and check.

The couple’s entrance song, “Hello” by Dragonette, set the tone for a high-energy evening. “It felt like one big celebration

From her hotel suite, Hannah watched

Guests sipped on two signature cocktails

from the second we walked in,” Hannah says.

carpenters assemble the chuppah on the

named after the couple’s nicknames for

The dance floor closed out on a tender note,

sand below. Ever the artist, she couldn’t re-

each other. “The Turtle” featured Casamigos

with Michael Jackson’s “Will You Be There,”

sist finessing last-minute details, texting her

Reposado, soda water, and a slice of orange.

as guests gathered around the couple.

crew tweaks while in hair and makeup. The

“The Turtle No Shell” was a stronger, soda-

wind proved relentless, forcing the team to

free version.

The party then moved upstairs to the couple’s suite. “Everyone was in their

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On The Menu FIRST COURSE Caprese, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, extra virgin olive oil MAINS Choice between: Miso-glazed cod with bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, green onion, lotus root chip, matsuri rice Red wine-braised short ribs with yukon gold potato puree, grilled asparagus, roasted root vegetables Seasonal vegetable risotto with fresh herbs, green peas DESSERT Vanilla bean cake with vanilla bean buttercream Carrot cake with walnuts and cream cheese frosting

black-tie gowns, on the floor huddled

wife.” To her, married life is intentional and

around the coffee table and the fireplace,”

deeply romantic.

Hannah recalls.

Hannah’s advice to other brides is refreshingly unsentimental. “If the bridal stuff

Lasting Impressions

isn’t resonating with you, pick and choose

The celebrations culminated in a three-

the moments you want to focus on — your

week-long honeymoon that spanned

bachelorette or your honeymoon,” she says.

Wimbledon, Sardinia, Saint-Tropez, and a

“The wedding’s the main event, but there

particularly memorable stay in Ibiza. There,

are other ways to reclaim yourself.”

the couple stayed at La Torre del Canonigo, a luxury boutique hotel perched atop the

LATE NIGHT SNACKS French fries and tater tots in a cone Mini gelato cookie sandwiches: pistachio gelato with orange cookie, chocolate gelato with chocolate chip cookie, stracciatella gelato with oatmeal cookie

For Hannah, that sense of self was woven through every part of the journey, from the

fortified medieval village of Dalt Villa, a

painting that first caught Gil’s eye, to the

UNESCO World Heritage Site. “No notes,”

sculptural chuppah that framed their vows,

Hannah says. “We spoiled ourselves, and it

to the creative life they continue to build

was phenomenal.”

together. As for that chuppah? She hopes

If wedding planning felt foreign, mar-

it sees new life one day, maybe at another

riage has felt like home. “I didn’t like being

couple’s wedding, or possibly as a jungle

a bride,” Hannah admits, “but I love being a

gym for future grandkids.

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“WE SPOILED OURSELVES, AND IT WAS PHENOMENAL.” Venue: Hotel Casa Del Mar Planner: Maryam Forutan of Delicate Details Gown: Sarah Seven Shoes: Amina Muaddi Makeup and Hair: Dominique Della Maggiore Hair: Florido Basallo Catering: Hotel Casa Del Mar Cake: The Butter End Florist: Lindsay Cummins DJ: DJ Politik Tailor: Daniela Kurrle

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HEART and

HERITAGE AT THEIR SAINT-TROPEZ FÊTE, ANNIE KIMMELMAN AND VALERIA ABRAMOVICH BLENDED VEGAN SENSIBILITIES WITH PERUVIAN TRADITIONS — AND ENSURED THE CELEBRATION, COMPLETE WITH A SURPRISE PERFORMANCE BY RAYE, LASTED UNTIL SUNRISE. STORY BY MEGAN McCARTY

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IF

Annie Kimmelman and Valeria Abramovich

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we knew it wouldn’t work in this country, which opened up the wedding to the whole world.”

Annie, a vegan content creator, and Val, her partner in life and business (together they run the peanut butter brand Heaps), envisioned a weekend that honored their heritages without restrictions. Their search led them to Château de la Messardière in Saint-Tropez, a seaside estate built for parties that stretch toward sunrise.

When they learned an available date aligned

had stuck to their original plan of a California

with Annie’s parents’ wedding anniversary,

wedding, they surely would have pulled off a

the choice felt poetically serendipitous. “They

beautiful ceremony. The reception, though,

also honeymooned in Paris, so it was an ode to

would have been cut short before it even began.

them,” Annie says.

The Miami-based couple of eight years

With Rosemary Events and Joy Proctor

quickly realized that American venues, with their

Design shaping the vision, Annie and Val let the

strict curfews and noise ordinances, couldn’t

Mediterranean setting guide their effortlessly

accommodate the kind of celebration Val’s

elegant parties. The result was a three-day cele-

Peruvian family expected. “They would not stop

bration that married coastal ease with Peruvian

to party,” Annie says with a laugh. “That’s how

flair and plenty of personal moments.

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A Seaside Reunion Around 135 guests flew in from Miami, California, New York, and Latin America to kick off the weekend at Jardin Tropezina, a garden beach club down the hill from the château. “It felt like a big reunion — a mix of all of our most important people,” Val says.

Guests mingled with signature cocktails, including a matcha margarita, inspired by drinks the couple ordered on their early dates. The menus for each meal blended Annie’s vegan preferences with flavors from Val’s heritage.

Custom illustrations by artist Sam Crosby appeared on napkins and welcome gifts, including tote bags, socks, and butter-yellow sweaters featuring a drawing of the brides in tennis outfits.

Vows, A Vegan Feast, and a Surprise Performance The wedding day began quietly, each bride getting ready separately with friends. Working with stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz, they’d curated multiple looks for the weekend. “Our looks were very complementary to each other but still individual to our own personal styles,” Val says. The only outfits they hadn’t chosen together were their ceremony dresses — Val in Galia Lahav and Annie in Danielle Frankel — which, fittingly, ended up being the most similar of all their ensembles.

Their first look took place in the château’s garden overlooking the sea. Annie faced the water, all of SaintTropez in her sightline, when Val approached from behind and tapped her shoulder. “It was a super special moment,” says Val. The ceremony was family-focused, with both brides walked down the aisle by their fathers. (Annie’s father is Doug Kimmelman, founder and executive chair of Energy Capital Partners.) Annie’s brother officiated, and a chair was reserved for Annie’s late mother, Carol. “We wanted to have it feel like she was there,” says Annie.

Cocktails and dinner followed, with a menu that balanced vegan dishes with Peruvian favorites. “France is not a super friendly vegan place,” Annie admits, but famed pastry chef Cédric Grolet rose to the challenge, crafting a towering 12-tier vegan vanilla raspberry cake.

Dinner unfolded across the château’s terraced gardens. “We were able to put long tables on each tier, where we could see all of our guests from the top tier, and everyone could see us as well,” says Val. After heartfelt speeches wrapped, a surprise performance by British singer Raye turned the evening into a private concert. “It was so cool to be that close to someone so talented,” says Annie. The hora loca — a Peruvian “crazy hour” tradition — elevated the energy even higher, with guests dancing until 6 a.m. “I looked outside and the sun was out. I genuinely was having so much fun,” Annie recalls.

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ANNI E ’S GREE N SMO OTH IE GATHER: 1 frozen banana 2 pitted dates 1/2 cup frozen mango 1/2 cup frozen pineapple 1/2 cup frozen avocado slices 1 cup frozen spinach 2 cups almond milk 2 tbsp sea moss (optional) 3 tbsp vegan yogurt (garnish) 1 tsp matcha powder (garnish) MAKE IT: Blend together in a high speed blender.

VAL’S PEANU T BUTTE R BLAST

Camp Annie & Val

That evening, the group gathered one final time for a

A few hours later, everyone rallied for Camp Annie & Val,

relaxed farewell dinner at Matsuhisa Saint-Tropez, com-

a playful fête that blended a French farmer’s market with

plete with vegan sushi and live music. “It was the perfect

a country-club tennis day. Guests wore the couple’s cus-

goodbye,” says Val.

tom merch while sampling baguette sandwiches, charcuterie, Erewhon-inspired smoothies, and ginger shots

The Next Chapter

called “Lulu,” a nod to Annie’s mother, who played on

As for their advice to other couples planning a wedding:

USC’s NCAA National Championship-winning women’s

build a team you trust. And marriage itself? “To be hon-

tennis team and was on the board of the United States

est, it doesn’t feel that different,” says Val. “We moved

Tennis Association.

in together after six months, which is kind of a funny

The tennis theme ran deep, with both brides wearing custom white dresses à la Chris Evert and Billie Jean King

stereotype with lesbian relationships and the U-Haul.”

Now, the couple is preparing for their biggest project

looks, games on the court, and a casual sense of camara-

yet: a baby, due in the spring. “We’re already on to the

derie. “It felt like you were at summer camp,” says Annie.

next phase of our life,” says Annie.

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GATHER: 1 1/2 frozen bananas 1 cup almond milk 1 shot espresso 1/2 tsp cacao powder 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1 tbsp peanut butter 1 tsp cacao nibs 2 tbsp chocolate protein powder 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp cacao nibs (garnish) 1/2 tbsp Heaps peanut butter (garnish) MAKE IT: Blend together in a high speed blender.

Venue: Château de la Messardière Planner: Rosemary Events Design: Joy Proctor Welcome party: Jardin Tropezina Ceremony musicians: Élan Artists Stylist: Gabrielle Hurwitz Reception performer: Raye Pastry chef: Cédric Grolet Goodbye dinner: Matsuhisa Designers: Welcome party: ONE/OF (Val), Markarian (Annie) Ceremony: Galia Lahav (Val), Danielle Frankel (Annie) Reception: Wiederhoeft (both) Tennis camp: ONE/OF (both) Goodbye dinner: Danielle Frankel (Val), Markarian (Annie)

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BEYOND THE

BLO MK SADLER

MEET AMANDA LUU, THE FLORAL DESIGNER BEHIND SAN FRANCISCO’S IN-DEMAND STUDIO MONDINE, WHO CHANNELS THE PURE BEAUTY OF THE NATURAL WORLD INTO MEMORABLE WEDDING LANDSCAPES. HERE’S HOW SHE DOES IT—AND HOW YOU CAN TOO.

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NROMAN & BLAKE

STORY BY SANDRA SORIA

OMS

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A

The beauty of the ikebana philosophy is that flowers themselves are only a part of the story. “There’s something very impor-

manda Luu speaks softly—but she’s likely

tant about branches and leaves in ikebana,”

carrying a stick or two. Whether walking

Amanda explains. “And so, when people

in the wilds with her three-year-old son or

come to us, they’re really thinking about the

tending her studio garden, she’s immersed

flower. But we’re looking at roots, stems,

in what’s growing around her. Not only

trunks, branches—and that’s how we’re able

that, but she takes note of how it’s growing

to create looks, I think, that have a bit more

and where. Along the way, she is gathering

depth than say, a traditional wedding flower

clippings, fallen leaves, sticks, and stones

look where it’s really focused on the bloom,

to bring back to her table for further study,

the face itself.”

enjoyment, and inspiration.

Going beyond the blossom means a

Amanda is steeped in the ancient

wedding that celebrates a couple’s chosen

Japanese philosophy of ikebana, which, in

venue as well as their desired vibe and vi-

the simplest of terms, translates to “the way

sion. “When we’re carving out space inside

of flowers.” The idea is to honor and express

of a reception tent or trying to create a

unity with nature by creating intentional,

meandering aisle,” Amanda explains, “we’re

expressive floral statements inspired by it.

really looking at the entire landscape. And

“I fell into it as a young person,” Amanda

that can even include inorganic material.

says. “I’ve always loved gardens in the actual

For instance, we just did an installation in

world and being outside, and the studio

Palm Springs, and we brought in these giant

practice really allows me to root down in

boulders for the installation, and that just

that—I’m able to explore the natural world

helps to ground a composition and give it a

with this curiosity and learn all of these finer

bit of patina. So that’s the big world for me

points of Japanese ikebana. People think of

when I think about how we ground our work,

it as an aesthetic, but it’s really a philosophy.

we’re looking to add that life, that patina,

It’s a way of relating to the world and seeing

that story that’s unfolding over time.”

the world that pulled me in at a pretty young

Big boulders or not, there is a minimal-

age, and I’m able then to translate that dis-

ist aesthetic at work in Amanda’s designs

covery into our work for our clients.”

that elevates a wedding landscape. The

With her study of nature to ground her,

most dramatic, sweeping settings require

Amanda and her Studio Mondine team have

carefully considered materials—even if they

created some fantastical weddings and

are scaled up to meet the moment—that will

events. Each design plan is rooted to the

translate into picture-perfect events. It’s an

setting and translated through the couple’s

idea that, again, is informed by her guiding

vision, making it unique and unforgettable.

philosophy. “The less cultivated a flower

“If you look at our body of work,” she tells us,

looks, the more I like it,” she says. “That’s

“you’ll see it’s quite distinct from client to

something that’s borrowed from ikebana—

client. And while we are working within each

when you look at a flower that’s grown in the

client’s sort of dream universe, we’re also

field, you’ll see the points in its life where

applying those values from ikebana, namely

it was stressed or where it was reaching for

naturalness, balance, harmony, movement.

the sun. And so it learns to grow around.

These ideas can be rendered in a lot of dif-

It arches around; it comes back. Any time

ferent ways with the various materials that

you can work with material that has that life

are available to us seasonally.”

force and that struggle, at least in ikebana

Though it’s logical to think that winter weddings mean floral limitations, to

and Japanese aesthetics, it is actually very, very important to highlight it. And so, we

Amanda it’s a season of inspiration. “I always

bring that same energy into our sourcing for

think that the most creative designs come

our events. We look for the rare, the unusual,

out of these types of constraints,” she says.

the seasonal, and we try and make sure that

“So, I love a winter wedding. I think if you

we don’t clutter the design so that we can

can get past all the holiday greenery, there’s

celebrate those types of moments in the

still a lot of incredible material.”

material as a way to honor it.”

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“THE LESS CULTIVATED A FLOWER LOOKS, THE MORE I LIKE IT.”

AMANDA’S ADV ICE for WINTER WEDDINGS Lean into lichen-covered branches, mossy trunks, leaves. It presents a wonderful design challenge, which means it can be super memorable.

Turn to the hot house. This is actually the most appropriate season to be using hot house flowers, such as any of the tropicals you might see coming in, such as orchids, heliconia, ginger, anthurium. They are long-lasting and sculptural.

Look to other natural materials, especially from the produce aisle. Fruits, vegetables, food stuffs can be incredible decor. Sunny lemons, for instance, are perfect to brighten the winter wedding.

Think about botanicals.

Amanda is a huge fan of forced bulbs such as paperwhites and amaryllis. Look for uncommon, exotic varietals that take you past red and white. Dramatic tarantula amaryllis come in shades of peach and buttery yellows.

Be inspired by the season. If you reconstitute the materials that go into a wreath— readymade straw wreath bases or berried branches—

SOPHIE LIN BERARD

there’s a lot there to work with.

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EARTH-FR IENDLY IDEA S Amanda’s roots in ikebana means honoring the earth with sustainable choices. Here are Studio Mondine’s practices: Use planted material. These are plants that can be rented from nurseries and go right back to them—a circular approach. It offers material that allows them to create

Shop for organically grown flowers that are compostable after the wedding ceremony.

Purchase favorite plants that can become a lasting “wedding garden” when replanted into the yard or garden of your first home together.

Avoid plastics and especially floral foam. Amanda and her team avoid designing arrangements that use foam. When flowers need to be held in place, reusable chicken wire takes its place.

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(C LO C K W I S E F R O M TO P L E F T ) S A R A H FA LU G O, M K S A D L E R , S A R A H FA LU G O

aisles that have all that softness, that movement of real plants.

TREND WATCH Amanda travels the world to make wedding dreams come true. So, she needs to stay on top of trends.

Here’s how she spots them and what she sees coming.

To keep my finger on the pulse, I keep up a bit more with landscape design and interior design. I feel like those two fields are ahead of weddings. What happens in landscape and interiors and even fashion then trickles down to wedding in a couple of years.

What she sees coming? Two opposite schools of thought. One is the maximalist mindset, younger people who are into the endless party and the dramatic, Roaring Twenties, over-the-top scene. And then at the other end of the spectrum is the hyper minimalist, all organic and

(C LO C K W I S E F R O M TO P L E F T ) S O P H I L I N B E R A R D, N O R M A N & B L A K E , M A S H A I DA A N D A N D R E W T R A N

values driven.

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SPEC I A L SEC T ION FLO RIDA

H AV E A

SUNS WEDDING DAY

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SPECIA L SECTION F LOR I DA

HINY Welcome to our ultimate guide to Florida—the premier destination for extravagant weddings and luxurious honeymoons, where pristine white-sand beaches, five-star resorts, and world-class dining create the perfect backdrop for romance. From glamorous oceanfront soirées in Miami to secluded private-island escapes in the Keys, Florida offers unmatched style, indulgence, and charm at every turn.

And while the Sunshine State is iconic for barefoot vows in the sand, it’s far more than just a place to say “I do.” With countless dreamy locales, exceptional hospitality, and endless opportunities for adventure or relaxation, Florida doubles as one of the most unforgettable honeymoon destinations in the world.

Now turn the page and start dreaming!

–The Editors

PHOTOGRAPH BY JONAS JUNGBLUT

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E V E RY L I T T L E D E TA I L Distinctive venues. Diverse accommodations. South Walton lets you select the exact spaces to match your fairytale vision. You’ll have refined amenities at your fingertips, plus services such as planners, caterers, florists, and musicians to help make your big day run smoothly.

YOUR HONORED GUESTS From championship golf to award-winning chefs, these 16 beach neighborhoods will create an indelible experience for everyone attending your wedding. There are endless opportunities for exploration in the pristine natural beauty. And it all leads back to the famous sugar-white sand.

No matter your wedding style, the size of your guest list or the special touches you’re dreaming of, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa provides the perfect venue for your wedding celebration.

HiltonSandestinBeach.com •

-

SANDESTIN BEACH GOLF RESORT & SPA

MIRAMAR BEACH • SEASCAPE • SANDESTIN • DUNE ALLEN • GULF PLACE • SANTA ROSA BEACH • BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH • GRAYTON BEACH • WATERCOLOR

FR O M THIS DAY FO RWARD Now that you’ve found your forever person, you’ll need a forever place. South Walton’s timeless natural beauty provides a perfect backdrop for your big day and for many memories yet to come. VisitSouthWalton.com/Weddings

SEASIDE • SEAGROVE • WATERSOUND • SEACREST • ALYS BEACH • ROSEMARY BEACH • INLET BEACH

SPEC I A L SEC T ION FLO RIDA

The Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods of Fort Myers Imagine a golden sunset over the Gulf, gentle waves rolling onto white-sand beaches, and you exchanging vows with your soulmate. These are the islands, beaches, and neighborhoods of Fort Myers. Look no further for the ideal destination wedding that offers natural beauty with lush island landscapes and breathtaking waterfront venues.

P

lanning a wedding away from home can feel overwhelming, but the greater Fort Myers area delivers all the charm of an international destination—without the need for passports or long-haul

flights. Located in Southwest Florida, this coastal paradise boasts year-round warm weather and convenient access via numerous direct flights into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).

Fort Myers and its surrounding areas offer a diverse selection of stunning locations to fit every event on your wedding itinerary. Whether you’re envisioning an oceanfront resort, a historic garden estate, or a creative space, you’ll find a venue that reflects your unique style and vision.

C LO C K W I S E F R O M TO P : P I N K S H E L L B E AC H R E S O RT & M A R I N A , T H E W E ST I N C A P E CO R A L R E S O RT AT M A R I N A V I L L AG E , C AS A Y B E L B E AC H R E S O RT

The area is also home to experienced wedding planners who are ready to help bring your dream day to life—fill out an RFP at VisitFortMyers.com/Weddings.

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As intimate as an island

Start dreaming of your perfect wedding.

VisitFortMyers.com/Weddings

SPEC I A L SEC T ION FLO RIDA

collected by Hemingway and his wife, Pauline, appear throughout, while trophy mounts and skins nod to their African safaris and adventures in the American West. The writer’s studio, holding his small Royal typewriter, feels frozen in time—an evocative spot where he wrote for hours each morning after his daily swim.

Outside, the property’s famous in-ground pool—built atop Hemingway’s former boxing ring—still impresses.

Costing $20,000 in 1938 (roughly $340,000 today), it was an almost unimaginable luxury. Contrary to local lore that Pauline commissioned it in retaliation for Hemingway’s dalliances, museum staff say he ordered the pool himself but left her to manage the spiraling expense of excavating through solid coral while he reported from the Spanish Civil War. Look for the penny embedded in the patio near the north end of the pool, commemorating Hemingway’s outburst: “Pauline, you’ve spent all but my last penny—so you might as well have that!”

And if you fall in love with this storied slice of Key West, you’re in luck: the Hemingway Home & Museum is also a beloved wedding venue. Couples can exchange vows amid the tropical gardens, historic architecture, and famously unbothered cats—adding a touch of Hemingway Home & Museum 907 Whitehead St, Key West, hemingwayhomeevents.com

C

literary magic to a truly unforgettable celebration. –The Editors

Vows In A Literary Landmark ats have the run of this legendary property where Ernest Hemingway penned some of his greatest works, including Death in the Afternoon and To Have and Have Not. Around 60 felines—sporting names like Joe Jackson, Judy Garland, and Jackie O.—call the house

and gardens home at any time. Ignoring the barriers meant to keep visitors at a respectful distance, you’ll find them sunning on Hemingway’s bed, curled lush grounds. About half are polydactyl, descendants of a six-toed cat gifted to Hemingway by a ship’s captain—considered good luck, and especially welcome by the famously accident-prone author.

Hemingway lived here from 1931 to 1939, and the paintings, chandeliers, and architectural details remain remarkably well preserved. European antiques

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J O N AS J U N G B LU T

in the bathroom sink, perched beside his typewriter, or weaving through the

F R O M L E F T TO R I G H T: S U N S E E K E R R E S O RT F LO R I DA G U L F C OA ST, M A N A S OTA K E Y R E S O RT

SPECIA L SECTION F LOR I DA

Say “I Do” Where the Gulf Meets Forever

F

A venue for every vision

Effortless planning

Say “I do” on a quiet beach, in an elegant

Same-day marriage licenses streamline the

ballroom, or on a golf course framed

process. Local planners, florists, photog-

by palms and sky. Waterfront gardens,

raphers, and caterers know the venues and

yacht-club terraces, rooftops, and sunset

help keep everything on track. Transporta-

cruises offer picture-perfect backdrops for

tion partners coordinate airports, hotels,

or couples planning an unforgettable

ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations of

and event sites so guests arrive relaxed and

destination wedding, Punta Gorda/

every kind.

ready.

Englewood Beach delivers what matters most: spectacular scenery,

Sunseeker Resort Florida Gulf Coast, Curio Collection by Hilton, provides a

Celebrate and savor

easy logistics, and moments your guests

polished, waterfront setting with multiple

Treat your group to fresh Gulf seafood,

will treasure. This coastal paradise pairs

dining options, expansive pool decks, and

chef-driven menus, and signature coastal

natural beauty with seamless planning, so

stylish accommodations. Prefer something

cocktails. Capture golden-hour portraits

your day flows effortlessly—and your photos

more intimate? Nearby boutique hotels,

along the Harborwalk or toast the night on

keep that golden-hour glow long after the

island inns, and vacation rentals are ideal for

a private harbor cruise.

celebration ends.

extended stays.

Start planning at PureFlorida.com/Weddings

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SPEC I A L SEC T ION FLO RIDA

Squeeze the Day groves to farmers’ markets piled high with honeysweet oranges, tangy grapefruit, and zesty Key

limes, these iconic fruits capture the very flavor of the peninsula.

For your Florida celebration, try our favorite mocktail—a bright, refreshing toast to the state’s finest citrus!

FLORIDA CITRUS MOCKTAIL GATHER:

1⁄2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons of agave syrup ½ teaspoon of fresh ginger zest sparkling water MAKE IT:

Fill a tall glass with ice; add all the ingredients and stir. Top with sparkling water to taste.

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SPRING 2026

Good to Know:

Using cracked or slightly crushed ice will help to chill the drink ingredients faster.

And if you want to turn from mocktail to cocktail… add a dash of rum or vodka.

CO C K TA I L P H OTO BY DAV I D E N G E L H A R DT; C I T R U S P H OTO BY V I C TO R I A P E A R S O N

F

lorida’s legendary citrus is more than a state symbol—it’s sunshine you can taste. From fragrant

M A RT I N CO U N T Y O F F I C E O F TO U R I S M , ST U A RT, F L

SPECIA L SECTION F LOR I DA

M

Martin County artin County is the perfect picturesque place to host the wedding of your dreams.

Imagine exchanging your vows in

a serene setting amidst the charming pastoral landscapes and lush gardens of Kai Kai Farms in Indiantown. Or, in a luxury mansion with waterfront elegance like The Mansion at Tuckahoe in Jensen Beach, set against a backdrop of beautiful sunsets and tropical palm trees.

Visit discovermartin.com/plan/weddings for more inspiration on planning your event.

MCFL_BridalGuide22_01.indd 1

11/30/22 4:23 PM

You can see forever from here.

Marathon: Underwater Wedding

Key Largo: The couple that snorkels together

Islamorada: The wedding party goes fishing

The Lower Keys: Little Palm Island

Key West: Island Wedding

The horizon tells you everything you need to know.

In The Keys, wide-open views, soft colors and calm water give your celebration a natural sense of grace. Gather the people you love, find a private island hideaway or drift into the day your own way. With a setting this expansive, the path ahead feels bright and full of promise.

VisitFloridaKeys.com 1.800.Fla.Keys

SHINE

BRIGHT

LIKE A DIAMOND

WITH SUSTAINABILITY BECOMING A TOP PRIORITY FOR MODERN COUPLES, LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS ARE QUICKLY BECOMING THE SPARKLING CHOICE FOR TODAY’S WEDDINGS AND ENGAGEMENTS. STORY BY SHELBY DEERING | PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEFFREY HITTNER

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“D iamonds are an emotional purchase.”

That’s how Avi Levy, President of the Inter-

national Gemological Institute (IGI), North

America, puts it. Between the near-constant rotation of commercials for diamonds played before Valentine’s Day and celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Mae West, and Elizabeth Taylor famously quoted on their love for diamonds, the stones have become a glimmering cultural mainstay. Ever since Alexander the Great reportedly first brought diamonds from India to Europe, people have been mesmerized by them.

For centuries, diamonds have been exclusively mined from the Earth. That is, until now.

Today, there’s another option for diamond devotees. These gems can now be manufactured in a laboratory. Called “lab grown diamonds,” these diamonds are not formed within the Earth, but there are no differences to the naked eye.

“Lab grown diamonds are diamonds,

ture to create diamonds, and the Chemical

diamonds are a fraction of the price at 20 to

scientifically, chemically, physically, and

Vapor Deposition method that relies upon a

30 percent less than traditional diamonds.

optically,” Levy says. “You can only separate

hydrocarbon gas mixture that helps to grow

natural and lab grown diamonds with

diamonds in a vacuum chamber.

Levy says, “In most cases, the consumer can get a larger, overall better quality lab

Alicia White, CEO and environmental

grown diamond for less than then a compa-

Brittany Bozmoski Kohnke, CMO, Cre-

expert at Blue Skyie, a global social impact

rable natural diamond,” adding that while

sophisticated testing.” ative Director of Forever Companies (a jew-

and sustainability company, explains that

some people appreciate their affordability,

elry group that only works with man-made

the process starts with a “diamond seed”

which allows their budget to go farther, oth-

products), echoes this idea, saying, “Lab

from a pre-existing diamond.

ers may be attracted to the fact that they are

There are several reasons why lab grown

produced in controlled factory conditions

ing beauty, unyielding strength, and chemi-

diamonds have begun to take off in recent

with no earth moving or mining involved.

cal composition as natural diamonds.”

years. As Levy points out, the most common

grown diamonds possess the same captivat-

White comments, “There are reduced

rationale for purchasing a lab grown dia-

environmental impacts when purchasing a

duce lab grown diamonds. They include the

mond among both consumers and retailers

lab grown diamond. If the laboratory or fac-

High-Pressure High Temperature method,

is the value proposition. In fact, Bozmoski

tory producing lab grown diamonds does so

which applies extreme heat and tempera-

Kohnke says that oftentimes, lab grown

without using excessive energy, then the lab

Levy says that there are two ways to pro-

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135

grown diamonds can be well beyond a more

Then there’s another stone to be

sustainable option. Asking about laboratory

aware of. Moissanite is called a “diamond

sustainable practices when purchasing a lab

simulant,” as Levy explains, because it’s lab

grown diamond can also give consumers

created but it’s compositionally, chemi-

more clarity on the level of sustainability.”

cally, and visually different from a diamond.

Levy mirrors this viewpoint, saying,

Chemically identical to a once naturally-oc-

“The myth that lab grown [diamonds] are

curring element found in meteorites, it gives

more sustainable is not always correct. Each

the “illusion” that it’s a diamond, but it really

producer needs to take it upon themselves

isn’t. It tends to show off more rainbow-

to create a sustainable process and culture

hued flashes than a diamond of equal size.

in their business and demand it in their sup-

It’s another sustainable option if you’re

ply chain. There are currently a number of

interested in something that’s diamond-

producers doing this and can be considered

like, but not officially a diamond.

sustainable when verified by a third party.”

White explains that there are different

He adds that there are some lab grown

forms of mining, which include open-pit

diamond producers turning to hydro and

mining, underwater mining, and under-

solar power instead of burning fossil fuels,

ground mining. Many of these forms of

“and they can provide third party scientific

mining use drilling, blasts, land clearing, and

proof of sustainability from organizations

pipe mining and they have the capability to

such as SCS Global,” a company that spe-

negatively impact the environment.

cializes in third-party environmental and sustainability certification.

Just like naturally mined diamonds, lab

Levy emphasizes the fact that diamond mining does tend to be one of the cleanest forms of mining. “No harmful chemicals are

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT TO PAY?

grown diamonds span a range of quality,

used, and the goal of the diamond industry

“from completely colorless and flawless

is to keep it that way,” he says, adding an

When purchasing a lab grown

to saturated and flawed,” Levy says. He

example that mining companies in Canada

diamond, Bozmoski Kohnke says that

says that IGI recommends researching the

maintain three acres of biodiversity and

how the diamond was grown will be

4 C’s of diamonds (cut, color, clarity, and

wildlife programs for every one acre a mine

included on the third party certification

carat weight) and making a priority list of

occupies.

“along with the other 4 C’s,” she says.

the characteristics you are seeking. Before

But if you’d like even more peace of

Bozmoski Kohnke explains that

purchasing a lab grown diamond, he advises

mind and are concerned about potential

there are two categories: diamonds

issues like disrupted ecosystems and soil

and diamond alternatives. “Diamond

productivity, a lab grown diamond just

alternatives are products that optically

asking: • What is most important to you?

• What is your budget?

might be the way to go.

look like diamonds but are not made of

Through increasing consumer awareness

pure carbon,” she says. This is the case

• Is quality more important versus size?

thanks to advertising, social media content,

among both lab and mined diamonds,

• Is sustainability important?

and word of mouth, lab grown diamonds

adding that lab grown diamonds aren’t

have become more popular. Levy observes

“diamond alternatives” because they

that they became more widespread in the

are in fact diamonds. Moissanite is an

lab grown diamonds nowadays, including

United States in 2019, and since then, the

example of a diamond alternative.

local retailers, department stores, designer

number sold has doubled, reaching over $25

brands, and online stores. As is the case with

billion in market size in 2024.

There are several ways you can purchase

any diamond purchase, just be sure that you’re buying from a credible source.

Levy notes that there is a wide range of colors available in lab grown diamonds, similarly to natural diamonds. “They include

In the future, Levy says that there will be more options and collections of lab grown diamonds at retailers.

And, as with any diamond, it’s crucial to do your homework.

Bozmoski Kohnke compares prices among diamond varieties. For instance, a mined 1.5 carat diamond with VVS2 clarity (the high end of the clarity scale), F Color (colorless, third-best grade diamond), and Ideal Cut (round or princess cut) could be priced around $16,930.

colorless to yellows, blues, pinks, greens,

“Consumer education is everything,”

and even some orange and red,” he says.

Bozmoski Kohnke shares. “I believe that the

Meanwhile, a lab grown 1.5 carat

“Advancements in technology have made

more customers know, the more they opt

diamond with VVS to VS clarity (which

the variety of colored lab grown diamonds

into lab as a category.”

denotes a higher clarity level versus a

more accessible, and because they are lab

Similarly to lab grown meat, you may

lower clarity level), F to G Color (color-

grown, more affordable than the natural

rest easy knowing that your diamond wasn’t

less or near colorless), with an Ideal

counterparts.”

found in the Earth’s soil.

Cut costs about $2,390.

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BG Faves

Brilliant Earth

Pacific Green lab diamond solitaire pendant; $1,495

Miadonna

lab grown diamond graduated dangle earrings; $1,015

Jennifer Fisher

lab grown Anniversary ring; $7,600

Angara

lab grown Circle of Life pendant; $2231

Vrai

lab grown tennis bracelet; $8,500

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L AST LO OK

Incredible India The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra Why: Just 2,000 feet from the Taj Mahal, every room in this ultra–five-star resort offers a breathtaking view of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The property itself feels like an eighth wonder, with exquisite fine dining, lush terraced gardens, therapeutic spa treatments, and a temperaturecontrolled pool that echoes the hotel’s palatial design.

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When: For cooler, more comfortable weather, plan your visit between October and March. While this is peak tourist season, the Oberoi team ensures a seamless experience, complete with a golf-cartdriven butler and guaranteed entrance times to the Taj.

Good To Know: Keep an eye out for camel-hair rugs—cashmere-soft, surprisingly affordable, and easy to ship. Agra is also known for its inlaid jewelry, brass handicrafts, and beautifully made leather sandals and bags.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID ENGELHARDT