Spectacular Bride The Las Vegas Wedding Resource Vol 23 No 1

LorenzFoto Photography

Redefining Las Vegas Weddings

Photo courtesy of Studio N Photography

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the view. the couple. the moment.

what’s inside

services

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venues CARDIN CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

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planning topics

126 rentals & decor

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132 tipping

rings

40 the gown

134 the cake

44 beauty

138 favors

46 the tux

140 event planners

52 the flowers

144 honeymoon

56 wed tips | flowers

146 travel light

58

music

62

paper

114 photography & video 124 photobooth

KMH PHOTOGRAPHY

reception venues 8

the reception

19 site reviews 26 wed tips | receptions 34 destination las vegas

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CONTENTS

65

tools

ADAM FRAZIER PHOTOGRAPHY

143

CARDIN CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

style + design

resources

65 fashion + trends photo shoot

107 bridal shows

through the lens of 8 photographers on location at 3 spectacular venues:

bridal spectacular

architectural modern sweet + sassy storybook love

veils, tails & cocktails

144 bouquet trends

110 event calendar & tips 148 marry me now 153 the planning place

wedding protocol

time table

real weddings

budget manager

reception and flower checklist

90 stylish local weddings

music selections

what's your style?

real las vegas weddings

170 wedding services directory

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from the editor C

ongratulations! You’re in love. You’re planning a wedding. You’re getting married.

And, you’ve picked up a Spectacular Bride to help guide you through the process. You’re off to a great start.

While certain rules of etiquette will stand the test of time, such as: never include the bridal registry information on your invitation, always send a thank you card, and avoid the “no-host” bar, many others are bending to the times. It’s all about your style, your statement and your vision. Whether a cocktail lounge theme or a sophisticated formal affair, this day is so totally about YOU—it begs for your personal touch.

Not sure where to begin your journey? Start by visiting a quality bridal show and collect ideas, brochures from wedding professionals and interview vendors. Take the information home and organize it by category. Then agree on the theme. You’ll find lots of inspiration both at our shows and in this magazine as you see Real Weddings from other brides who married in Las Vegas or near by destinations.

I got to experience first hand what you are going through recently as my only daughter got married. It is a huge task, but a wonderful experience. Welcome the butterflies and the tender nervous moments of the day. Feel the grasp of his hand, cherish the look in his eyes and let your heart swell with anticipation as you begin this new and exciting journey.

Wishing you a long and happy marriage, Debra Hansen | Editor-in-Chief

about the covers

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Debra Hansen Sales/Customer Service Laura Covington Web Development/Bridal Show Production Ty Hansen Graphics/Spectacular Bride Production Brooke Coxen Distribution Dominion Distribution Spectacular Bride Team Contributors Georgia Barron Joanie Cesano Taylor Nguyen Joyce Scardina-Becker Cristine Thomas Allyson Siwajian Sales Office 2320 S. Duneville Road Las Vegas, Nevada 89146 702.368.0088 p 702.257.2395 f Publisher E-mails: deb@bridalspectacular.com Sales Inquiries: laurac@bridalspectacular.com

spectacularbride.com bridalspectacular.com

JANUARY 2013

AUGUST 2013

PHOTOGRAPHY LorenzFoto Photography DRESS San Patrick, Bridal Elegant HAIR+MAKEUP Amelia C & Co. MODEL Kristina Schiavi

PHOTOGRAPHY Adam Frazier Photography DRESS Disney Fairytale Cinderella, Alfred Angelo HAIR+MAKEUP Lori White MODEL Jaffet Soder

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FROM THE ED I TO R

The Spectacular Bride and Bridal Spectacular Events are produced by Bridal Spectacular Events Inc. The producer accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions. To the best of our knowledge the services offered are in good faith by reputable businesses. Bridal Spectacular Events Inc or it producer cannon and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by the exhibitor or advertisers who market their business through this planner, event or web site. Contributors: National Bridal Publications.

Spectacular Bride contain editorials, articles and graphics under license from National Bridal Publications. The editorials, articles and graphics appearing in the publication Spectacular Bride are reprinted by permission of NBP, Copyright 2013. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication without the written consent of Spectacular Bride and Bridal Spectacular is strictly prohibited. Printed in USA.

KANDYLANE PHOTOGRAPHY

rings You may be among the lucky few whose future husband is blessed with uncanny sensitivity and forethought – a man who anticipates your every desire. Even so, plan on accompanying your intended during the first few visits to the jeweler.

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the

goes where you go!

Pick up a copy at these Spectacular Locations!

Aaron Lelah Jewelers 4175 S. Grand Canyon 702.531.8100 Morgan Taylor Jewelers 7995 W. Sahara Ave #103 702.259.8011 John Fish Jewelers 953 E. Sahara Ave. 702.731.1323 Perfect Princess Cut 10801 W. Charleston Blvd.

702.818.5485 Las Vegas Athletics Clubs Albertsons Vons David’s Bridal Bridal elegant Couture Bride Bowties Bridal Jos. A. Bank Men’s Wearhouse Tuxedo Junction Jerry’s Tux Shop Visit www.BridalSpectacular.com to find Hundreds of Locations!

mobile app at Get theRead free mobile appGet at the freeKindle Online

http:/ / gettag.mobi http:/ / gettag.mobi 6

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RINGS

4C

s

The most important things to consider when shopping for a diamond are cut, color, clarity and carat. These are known as the four C’s.

Contrary to popular belief, cut and not carat is the number one factor in determining the value of a diamond.

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CUT

A well-cut diamond directs rays of light to the diamond’s facets, the small planes on the surface of the stone. The reflected light emanating from the facets defines a stone’s fire and brilliance. “Fire” is the intensity of the rainbow of colors cast outward in a prism-like effect, while “brilliance” indicates the amount of sparkle generated.

2

CO LO R

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) ranks diamonds on a standard 23-grade scale, from D through Z. D, the highest rating, indicates a perfectly colorless stone, while Z, the lowest rating, indicates a light yellow stone.

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C L A R IT Y

Defined by the number, color, nature, size and position of natural marks, called inclusions.

The fewer and smaller the inclusions a diamond contains, the greater its clarity and value. The GIA judges clarity based on a standard 11-part grading scale, as follows: FL & IF Flawless and internally flawless (inclusions not visible under 10x) VVS1 & VVS2 Very, very slight inclusions (extremely difficult to see under 10x) VS1 & VS2 Very slight inclusions (difficult under 10x) SI1 & SI2 Small inclusions (noticeable under 10x) I1, I2 & I3 Imperfect (flaws visible to the naked eye)

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C A R AT

The carat weight of a diamond is the final consideration. A carat is the standard metric weight of 0.2 grams, or 1/142 of an ounce.

Another way to indicate a diamond’s weight is in points, with one carat equaling 100 points.

So a diamond of 50 points, for instance, equals 1/2 carat. ■

J&J PHOTOGRAPHY

G E T T I N G S TA R T E D THE GUEST LIST T H E R I G H T LO C AT I O N S PAC E A L LO C AT I O N YO U R T I M E L I N E R E C E P T I O N F LO W LET THE SEASON INSPIRE M U S I C & A M P L I F I C AT I O N THE COST S A M E DAY B O O K I N G S M A K E I T YO U

the reception Magnificent receptions are brought to life with the kind of creative planning afforded by an organized agenda and the collaboration of bride, groom and several key vendors. Set the stage for a successful celebration with a well thought-out “planof-action.” After all, your reception will account for the majority of your wedding budget and planning efforts. Here’s how to make the most of both.

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THE BUDGET The greatest factor to affect your budget will be the number of guests you invite. So, even though you’re ready to burst with excitement over your engagement, keep the wedding chatter to a minimum until you’ve set the budget and know exactly how many guests you can realistically invite.

Who Pays? Will the two of you be paying for the entire event yourselves, or will your parents be contributing? As awkward as it may feel to ask, it’s important for the harmony of the family to get a firm answer of exactly how much each set of parents is planning to contribute. The days of the bride’s parents paying for the majority of the wedding are past. So any support offered should be appreciated.

Parent Contributions Before discussing their contribution, do some research on overall costs for the wedding you’re envisioning. If they’re lending financial support, it’s likely they’ll expect to have some input and the right to invite friends, extended family and business associates that you would otherwise not invite.

Have an idea of how many guests you’re willing to let them invite (which, realistically, will be affected by how much they’re able to contribute) and a few meetings or decisions you’d like them to be involved in, such as the catering and cake tastings, viewing invitation options, etc. It doesn’t mean you have to take their opinions over your own, it’s simply a way of including them in the process.

Smart Spending Adhering to a budget and being cheap are two different things. Take a look at the Budget Planner at the back of this issue to determine your “must have” priorities, and your “I can live without it” expenses. Then read the Budgeting article on AboutWeddings.com for savvy ways to save without sacrificing the quality of your wedding. You can spend smart without being stingy.

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Jill Johnson PHOTOGRAPHY | Nicole Lisanne Wedding & event design | asiel design

PLAN-OF-ACTION Put the event in perspective by drafting a plan-of-action that includes: potential ceremony and reception sites, date and time options, approximate number of guests, style, theme and budget. Focus on securing the ceremony and reception sites first. This will give you a confirmed date by which to begin booking your service providers.

T

he panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Las Vegas Strip make Anthem Country Club the premier site for your outdoor sunset ceremony or another special event. Our fine food and wines, served by our cordial staff, will assure you and your guests of a memorable event - whether planning an elegant formal wedding for 150 guests or a casual gathering for 25. Contact the club for more information.

Wedding and reception packages are available.

1 Club Side Drive, Henderson, NV 89052 (702) 614-5002 • anthemcc.com

The Guest List Your wedding is a very personal occasion. Devote these few precious hours to the family and friends you cherish most. Limiting your guest list will enable you to focus more time, attention and budget to the details that make a wedding so unique: the location, invitations, favors, table décor, menu selection, and other items that are often limited by large guest lists.

To help determine whom you should invite to your wedding, consider the following: Who have been the most important people in your lives since you were born? Whose house do you go to for dinner on a regular basis? Aside from your immediate family and relatives, include close friends and coworkers you have a relationship with outside of the workplace. If a sense of obligation comes into the picture and not an invitation from the heart, do not invite.

Single Friends If a single friend is engaged or in a serious relationship and you know the partner, by all means include them. However, you are not obligated to include an additional guest for a single friend. Group your single friends together and seat them next to the band. It doesn’t matter if they know each other.

Children Some couples can’t imagine a wedding without little ones. If you’re the type that aren’t bothered by children doing what they do (typically running around, especially on the dance floor) go for it! If you prefer things more formal and controlled, consider opting for an “adult only” reception. Refrain from using the term “no children.” Instead, opt for the more subtle verbiage of, “adult only reception.” An acceptable compromise is including the children at the ceremony, and providing child-care and a separate children’s menu for the reception. Check with your wedding consultant or venue coordinator for suggestions on entertaining your younger guests.

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THE MEMORY JOURNALISTS | kAREN’S CAKES

To reduce the level of discomfort when the topic of your wedding comes up in front of fringe-friends and coworkers you don’t intend to invite, exercise a little discretion in sharing the ongoing saga of your wedding. Avoid talking to everyone compulsively about it for the twelve months prior, and limit the Twitter and Facebook updates. Nobody likes knowing that everyone else is invited to a super cool party, except for them. So, be discrete. You’ll be oh-soglad you were.

SAVE-THE-DATE Send your save-the-date cards as soon as the location is booked, especially if the wedding date falls on or near a holiday or school break. A word of caution—confirming your budget will cover everything you want before sending save-the-date cards. More than a few couples have started out with a large guest list, only to realize their budget could only accommodate a small or medium list. Avoid committing yourself until you’re absolutely sure of how many guests your budget can accommodate. Once your save-the-date cards have been sent you’re committed to that list of guests.

The Right Location Once you have a good estimate of your guest count, begin the venue search.

Looking for a place to hold both the ceremony and the reception? Want something charming and intimate? Prefer a grand estate? There are locations awaiting your every wish. Choosing a venue is very much like going house hunting. Having a list of your top desires will save you time.

Off-site facilities encompass private residences, historic estates, wineries, galleries, event sites and community centers. These locations offer the use of the facility for one flat fee, providing no other services. You then have the freedom of bringing in your own vendors or choosing from a list of preferred vendors. These facilities are extremely popular with couples who have diverse food preferences and who prefer to bring in their own liquor.

Although there may appear to be a kitchen on the premises, certain historic buildings may not be up to present day codes. In this case your catering company may be required to provide their own cooking equipment. Make sure all of this is spelled out in advance of signing your contract.

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LOVE AT FIRST CLICK | VISUAL IMPACT

On-Site and Off-Site Venues are basically divided into two main categories; on- and off-site. On-site venues include hotels, restaurants and private clubs. These locations provide the majority of services you will need for your reception: catering, beverages, tables, chairs, china, flatware, linens and serving staff. They normally charge on a per person basis and have a minimum guest requirement. An on-site facility does not normally charge for the room rental fee as long as the minimum head count is achieved.

With off-site facilities it is strongly recommended, and at times required, that you purchase additional insurance for the day of the reception. These event umbrella policies are reasonably priced and can be obtained through a current home-owner’s policy.

All-Inclusive Much like an all-inclusive vacation, some venues package themselves to service the event from A-to-Z. With this type of venue you can have your wedding and reception at one location. Many times the ceremony will be held in the venue’s outdoor space with the reception inside a ballroom.

This option is very convenient for guests, as they do not have to deal with additional directions and addresses.

Theme Venues Select a venue that will inspire or enhance your theme.

Wineries, museums, train stations, movie palaces, yachts and even breweries offer alternative options. Choose locations that tell your love story. Did you meet in college? Check with your alumni association for use of on-campus facilities. Proposed on the beach? Speak with state park representatives for permission to marry on the beach. By selecting a venue within your theme, you will not only save time and money but create a truly personalized celebration.

Other Factors If you’re booking a location more than a few months out, be sure to inquire about possible issues that could impact your wedding: • Are there any planned renovations that could overlap your wedding day?

• If it’s a union venue, are their any upcoming contract negotiations or ongoing labor disputes you should be aware of?

• Ask to see photos taken during the season your wedding will take place. The grounds will look different in the winter than they do in the spring.

Site Inspection Now that you know the differences in venues, here is what to look for during your tour. Bring along a digital camera and, of course, Spectacular Bride as your guide. If you are working with a consultant, ask

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THE MEMORY JOURNALISTS

• Do they anticipate selling the property? If so, can they guarantee the location will still accommodate weddings under the new ownership?

Say I Do In a Wonderland

Your wedding will be even more memorable at the Springs Preserve.

This enchanting 180-acre sanctuary is ideal for any occasion, including “green”events.

Culinary Arts Catering delivers first-class service and creative customized menus for events ranging from intimate weddings to elaborate sit-down dinners.

702-822-7715 springs@culinaryartscatering.org culinaryartscatering.org

Expect a Masterpiece

culinary arts catering T H E E XC L U S I V E C AT E R E R F O R T H E S P R I N G S P R E S E RV E © 2012 Culinary Academy of Las Vegas, an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Photos courtesy of Ron Miller Photography

them to accompany you as well. Noticing the following details and utilizing a professional will save you from costly mistakes: • Inspect equipment—gazebos, dance floor, tables, chairs, china, stemware, glassware, etc. What is included in the rental fee? Are there additional costs to consider?

• Ask about staffing. Is security staff required? How many servers will there be per table? Who is the facility coordinator on the day of your wedding?

• Inspect florals, greenery and landscaping. Love the trailing wisteria? Book your reception when it is in full bloom.

• Inspect entrances, exits and restrooms. Are they attractive and easy to find?

Booking the Site Secure your location before hiring your vendors. If you have your heart set on a particular venue, then by all means start planning one to two years out. If you are flexible about your venue selection and are open to different options, you can actually plan a wedding in six months.

Choice locations are often booked a year out. Prime dates such as Saturday afternoons and evenings, May through October, go quickly and November through December weekends are in high demand for corporate and social holiday functions. So, once you’ve found your dream site, book it immediately.

SPACE ALLOCATION Knowing a few standard guidelines regarding space allocation will help you make more accurate decisions.

• The space required per person for dining only is 10 sq. ft.

• For dining with a dance floor and band or DJ, the space needed is 15-20 sq. ft.

Once you know the total square footage of your potential reception site, simply multiply the number of guests by the appropriate square footage above to see whether or not the space will accommodate your guest list. You can find a checklist of questions to review with the facility coordinator in The Planning Place at the back of this issue. ■

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geoff white photography

• The floor space required per person for a cocktail reception is 7 sq. ft.

site review

KMH PHOTOGRAPHY

set your sites.

Before the cake, the flowers, the favors and

band, the first order of business will be to secure your ceremony and reception sites. The Site Review showcases photos and eight key points of information for each location to assist you in quickly determining which sites are right for you and your event.

meaning of site review terms: VENUE

the type of facility, such as a country club or hotel

OPTIONS indoor and/or outdoor facilities available EVENT TYPE

ceremony and/or reception space available

CEREMONY CAPACITY maximum seated and standing capacity RECEPTION CAPACITY

maximum seated and standing capacity

CATERING RANGE minimum to maximum cost per person (excluding beverage, gratuity and tax) FACILITY RANGE

minimum to maximum facility rental fee, if applicable

PARKING availability and/or options

to begin your search, be prepared with the following: 1. wedding date

4. length of reception (average is 4 hours)

2. time of day for ceremony

5. number of guests (including wedding party)

3. time of day for reception

6. budget per person (for food, beverage, gratuity and tax)

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ceremony to RECEPTION transition Avoid a large time gap between the ceremony and reception. Out-of-town guests tend to feel a little lost; guests arrive at the reception feeling less than fresh after wearing the same celebratory clothes all day; and those with children will have to arrange for all-day childcare. In addition, guests driving an hour or more will often skip the ceremony and attend the reception only.

YOUR TIME LINE Have your location secured before hiring your vendors. If you have your heart set on a particular venue, then by all means start planning one to two years out. If you are flexible about your venue selection and are open to different options, you can actually plan a wedding in six months. Saturday night weddings and summer holiday weekends are always most popular. If you're interested in these dates, book your venue immediately.

EMERALD AT QUEENSRIDGE 891 South Rampart Boulevard, Las Vegas 702.242.5700 info@eaqlv.com VENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . banquet hall OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . indoor & outdoor EVENT TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ceremony & reception CEREMONY CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 360 sitting RECEPTION CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 360 sitting

For a formal event, choose a location conducive to a formal occasion. By showcasing the natural attributes of the location you've selected, you'll more easily achieve harmony with your décor and the facility. Transforming a room is costly. Working with it will save time and money.

RECEPTION Time line Most receptions last about four hours. In that compressed amount of time, you’ll want to accommodate the following elements:

CATERING RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $95 & up (includes tax) FACILITY RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . complimentary

• Formal introduction of the bride and groom (as you enter the room) • Seating of guests at their tables

Emerald at Queensridge is considered one of Las Vegas’ premier Banquet and Event Centers, located in the prestigious Queensridge community of Las Vegas, just minutes from the Strip.

As a non-gaming, off the strip destination, single event, full-service venue, we provide ideal ambiance for ceremonies, receptions, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, seminars, awards banquets, holiday parties, and virtually any event you may conjure up.

• Your first dance, joined by your parents, then wedding party, then guests • Toasts, to begin as the first course is served • Main course • Dancing • Cake cutting and dessert course • Bouquet and garter toss or sweethearts’ dance • More dancing • Grand finale—the bride and groom’s departure.

Reception Flow A common mistake couples make is failing to orchestrate their reception. Timing of

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SITE REVIEW

A SECRET GARDEN 9001 Dean Martin Drive, Las Vegas 702.361.2202 asecretgardenwedding.com VENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . specialty venue OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . indoor & outdoor EVENT TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ceremony & reception CEREMONY CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 250 sitting RECEPTION CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 250 sitting CATERING RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . all inclusive packages FACILITY RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . complimentary / valet

A Secret Garden specializes in only one event a day. We feature 10 acres of private lush landscape for your outdoor or indoor ceremony and reception. All-inclusive packages can be customized to fulfill your every wish! Take advantage of our enchanting horse & carriage, or one of our classic cars to arrive in grand style to your garden ceremony!

Just South of the Las Vegas Strip, we offer four generations of specialized service!

Visit our website for package prices which include taxes, gratuities and fees! Contact Erin Mills by phone/text at 702.318.1484 for immediate service.

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CARDIN CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

221 North Rampart Boulevard, Las Vegas 877.869.8777 | 702.869.7023 jwlasvegasresort.com VENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hotel OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . indoor & outdoor EVENT TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ceremony & reception CEREMONY CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 500 RECEPTION CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 800

LORENZ FOTO PHOTOGRAPHY

CARDIN CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

JW MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA

the key moments of your reception should be communicated to all your vendors and guests.

The critical factor is to keep the event “flowing” and your guests comfortable and happy.

Direction If your ceremony and reception are at different locations, hire a wedding consultant to greet and guide your guests to the cocktail or reception area, or make sure there are adequate signs directing them to the proper place. If you are having the ceremony and reception in the same facility, this rule still holds true. People must be directed to the next area of the celebration so they feel welcomed and comfortable. Remember, you are the hosts of this event.

Assigned Seating If you are planning on having assigned seating, provide a copy of the seating chart to your caterer or wedding consultant so they can arrange the seating cards in advance. In the case of open seating you’ll want to reserve specific tables (or places) for yourselves and the wedding party, as well as family members and honored guests.

Floor Plan Make sure that the floor plan is well designed. Allow guests a reasonable view of the bride and groom, and enough space between tables (48 to 54 inches) to move about comfortably. Ask your consultant of facility coordinator for the best table arrangement for your venue. They’ll know from experience which configurations work.

CATERING RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $90 to $160 FACILITY RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . complimentary / valet

At the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa, we offer key components which will make your wedding, whether intimate or grand, a memorable occasion for you and your guests.

The Resort features fifty-four acres of lush grounds. Allow our Marriott Certified Staf f to help you plan your Wedding Ceremony and Reception in one of our seven outdoor ceremony sites and eight unique reception venues.

The top-rated Aquae Sulis Spa and Salon offers bridal parties world-class pampering and full-service wedding day preparation.

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Project Manager Hungry guests are harsh critics. Don’t be disorganized. Get the best value out of your wedding by having a professional manage your event. No matter the size of your budget, prioritize organization. No one notices beautiful flowers if they’re waiting an hour for food service. Guests are honoring you by sharing your joy. Keep them happy by designating an experienced project manager for your wedding day. This key person is usually a wedding consultant, your caterer or the facility manager. They’ll be responsible for the timing of the cocktail hour, meal service, musician cues, toasts, cake cutting, etc. You may also want to authorize this person to make decisions regarding alcohol corkage, asking the DJ or band to extend their playing time, or adjusting the timing of key events

SITE REVIEW

THE GROVE 8080 Al Carrison, Las Vegas 702.645.5818 | 866.645.5818 the-grove.com VENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . specialty venue OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . indoor & outdoor EVENT TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ceremony & reception CEREMONY CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 200 RECEPTION CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 225 CATERING RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40 to $70 FACILITY RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . complimentary / valet

The Grove is a Las Vegas Wedding and Reception facility located in Centennial Hills and by far is the most beautiful setting you will find in Las Vegas. We strive for excellence in your wedding.

Leave the neon lights behind and say “I Do” surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, with only the sounds of nature in the background.

We want your wedding and reception to be amazing and unforgettable. We want you to cherish every moment of the beginning of your new life with your loved one. So let us do all the work and choose from one of our Garden Wedding and Reception Packages.

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during the reception–depending on the flow of the party.

Let the Season Inspire Theme Both menu and décor play a major role in carrying out the theme of an event.

Color alone can inspire a wealth of ideas.

From a winter wonderland surrounded by accents of pristine white and silver, to a summer celebration proclaiming love and life with vibrant yellows, brilliant chartreuse and hot orange, following nature’s lead, by selecting produce and flora in season will enable you to be more extravagant and to do more with your budget.

LAGASSE’S STADIUM 3325 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas 702.607.2664 emerilsrestaurants.com/lagasses-stadium VENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . specialty venue OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . indoor & outdoor EVENT TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ceremony & reception RECEPTION CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 1380 CATERING RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70 to $200 FACILITY RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . complimentary / valet

Lagasse’s Stadium transcends “sports bar” to become the ultimate one of a kind venue.

With private rooms fit for celebrities and a unique, modern terraced seating area for your ceremony, your guests will be talking about your wedding for years. Of course, Lagasse’s Stadium features the famous cuisine of Emeril Lagasse. Whether it is for your wedding, reception, rehearsal dinner or bachelor(ette) parties this one of a kind venue has a space that is just right for you. With a modern elegance that is sure to appeal to everyone, Lagasse’s Stadium hopes to make your wedding day a perfect memory. Come and join us for lunch or dinner to discover the magic of our venue in the Venetian hotel.

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Allergies If you’re planning an outdoor reception, consider allergy season and how it will affect both you and your guests.

Family and friends from out-of-town may not be familiar with our pollen months. Post this link: nasal-allergies.com (click “Pollen & Weather Forecast” in the left column) on your wedding website, or Twitter your guest list a day or two before the wedding as a reminder to check the allergen meters in our area and bring the proper allergy medication.

MUSIC AND AMPLIFICATION Whether you intend to have a DJ or a live band, it’s a good idea to inquire about any possible restrictions regarding the type, volume or duration of music—especially at outdoor venues within a residential community, which often have specific cut-off hours for amplified music. Confirm that there is an adequate power supply for speakers, mixers and amplifiers, or good acoustics for string and wind instruments. Some sites have built-in public address systems which can be used for introductions and toasts.

The Cost When discussing costs, especially regarding food and beverage, make sure you get the price inclusive of tax and gratuity. On a $20,000 event, a normal tax and gratuity will be an additional cost of around $5,000. Rates vary significantly depending on the type of venue, the number of guests and the time of year. If your location does charge a fee for the room, it will generally be based on usage for a block of time.

SITE REVIEW

RAVELLA AT LAKE LAS VEGAS 1610 Lake Las Vegas Parkway, Henderson 702.567.4734 ravellaweddings.com VENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hotel / specialty venue OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . indoor & outdoor EVENT TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ceremony & reception CEREMONY CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 500 RECEPTION CAPACITY. . . up to 600 sitting / 1000 standing CATERING RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $112 to $179 CEREMONY PACKAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,200 to $7,400 PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . complimentary / valet

Basking in a tranquil lake shore setting is Lake Las Vegas’ newest Four Diamond AAA, Ravella Resort. Say “I Do” in any of our five Mediterranean-inspired architecture venues designed specifically for ceremonies and receptions including La Capella di Amore, the only lake side resort chapel of its kind.

Select from one of three ceremony packages or create your own with the assistance of your dedicated wedding planner leaving you time to beautify and relax in our award winning Romanesque Spa.

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Some venues begin calculating rental time from the moment your caterer, or staff, arrive on-site, not necessarily just the running time of the reception. If you anticipate your reception running longer, confirm all overtime charges. All of the details for your reception should be written in a contract signed by you and the venue representative.

THE LAKE CLUB AT LAKE LAS VEGAS 702.856.8432 | msantosadams@pacificlinks.com

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS GOLF CLUB 702.263.1000 | nlukasiewicz@pacificlinks.com

SOUTHSHORE GOLF CLUB 702.856.8432 | msantosadams@pacificlinks.com

3 LOCATIONS. 1 PERFECT DAY. VENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . golf & lake clubs OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . indoor & outdoor EVENT TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ceremony & reception CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 indoor / 500 outdoor CATERING RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55 weekdays & up

Transforming a room is costly. Working with it will save time and money. For a formal event, choose a location conducive to a formal occasion. By showcasing the natural attributes of the location you’ve selected, you’ll more easily achieve harmony with your décor and the facility.

Same Day Bookings Inquire about other bookings on the same day or at the same time as yours. Confirm there will be appropriate privacy and separation from other events as well as adequate parking for your guests. There must be sufficient time allowed between events for your caterer or other service people to set-up and breakdown your party.

Make it you While the very idea of a ceremony and reception may seem quite traditional, your celebration can be completely unique. Weave your interests, hobbies, culture and passions into the tapestry of your celebration.

Lastly, don’t sweat the small stuff. Things happen and plans change. It’s not just about the end result, it’s about the journey. Enjoy yourself! n

FACILITY RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $750 weekdays & up PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . complimentary / valet

The Lake Club at Lake Las Vegas captures the ambiance of an Italian seaside villa in a secluded waterfront setting lined with majestic palms.

SouthShore Golf Club at Lake Las Vegas overlooks the gently rolling private golf course, untouched desert mountains, and natural beauty.

The Southern Highlands Golf Club is the epitome of inspired elegance. The Tuscan-style designed clubhouse features high wood-beamed ceilings, beautiful stairway leading to elegant private dining rooms, enormous picture windows overlooking the surrounding mountains and the world famous Las Vegas Strip. From intimate gatherings to lavish receptions, Southern Highland Golf Club’s passionate staff is committed to perfection.

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wedtips | finding the site

• Book early - prime reception locations often book a year to two years in advance.

• The “prime” wedding dates are Saturdays, afternoons, and evenings.

• The “peak” wedding months are May through October.

• Have your guest list completed before you begin your search for your reception site.

SITE REVIEW

THE RITZ OF LAS VEGAS Private Venue, Las Vegas 702.336.3626 theritzoflasvegas.com VENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ballrooms / private gardens OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . indoor & outdoor EVENT TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ceremony & reception CEREMONY CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 RECEPTION CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 CATERING RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . all inclusive packages FACILITY RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . complimentary / valet

The Ritz of Las Vegas offers two beautiful banquet rooms with private picturesque gardens.

We offer all inclusive packages that include your ceremony, and everything you need for an unforgettable reception. You and your guests will enjoy our beautiful remodeled ballrooms and private breathtaking gardens.

We specialize in custom packages to meet every budget and our professional staff is ready to provide uncompromising service and excellence to all of our customers.

The Ritz truly believes every event is a once in a lifetime experience, our professionals are ready to assist you in making unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

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ELLA GAGIANO PHOTOGRAPHY

RHODES RANCH GOLF CLUB

TPC LAS VEGAS

TPC SUMMERLIN

20 Rhodes Ranch Parkway, Las Vegas 702.795.9522 rhodesranchgolf.com

9851 Canyon Run Drive

1700 Village Center Circle

702.256.2000 x225

702.485.6828

tpc.com/lasvegas

tpcsummerlin.com

VENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hotel

VENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . country club

OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . indoor & outdoor

OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . indoor & outdoor

EVENT TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ceremony & reception

EVENT TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ceremony & reception

CEREMONY CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 275

CEREMONY CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 300 outdoor

RECEPTION CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 250

RECEPTION CAPACITY. up to 200 indoor / 300 outdoor

CATERING RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24 to $102

CATERING RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 & up

FACILITY RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $600-$2,000

FACILITY RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000 & up

PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . complimentary / valet

PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . complimentary

Rhodes Ranch Golf Club will take care of all your wedding needs. Imagine walking down a winding path and soaking in that cherished moment... you are now pronounced husband and wife while overlooking a serene lake in your own private wedding paradise.

Celebrate the first day of forever at TPC! Offering two breathtaking locations to host your ceremony and reception, TPC Summerlin and TPC Las Vegas is dedicated to providing the most memorable weddings that compliment your personal style and budget.

From an outdoor ceremony with panoramic views of the Red Rock Mountains and golf course, to elegant indoor receptions, our friendly, professional wedding coordinators are available to assist you with every detail.

Your guests will enjoy a reception of fine dining, cocktails, entertainment and exceptional service in a true Vegas style atmosphere. Let us make your wedding day unforgettable.

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Customized menus and all-inclusive packages are available. All underscored by the PGA TOUR’s renowned service and attention to detail.

SITE REVIEW

SAM'S TOWN HOTEL & GAMBLING HALL 5111 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas 702.454.8020 | 800.897.8696 x8020 samstownlv.com VENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hotel OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . indoor & outdoor EVENT TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ceremony & reception CEREMONY CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 600 RECEPTION CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 650 CATERING RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15 to $150 FACILITY RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . complimentary / valet

Sam’s Town offers a beautiful setting for your Wedding and Reception with our gorgeous live Atrium park as well as our tantalizing entrée selections for you and your guests to enjoy.

From a ceremony of 10 to a reception of 650 our Catering Staff will make your day memorable and amazing!

Your Special Day, Simply The Best!

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THE PLATINUM HOTEL & SPA

THE VICTORIA'S FAMILY

211 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas 702.636.2450 theplatinumhotel.com

2800 W. Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas 702.252.4565 victoriasfamily.com

VENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hotel OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . indoor & outdoor EVENT TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ceremony & reception CEREMONY CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 150 RECEPTION CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 150 CATERING RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . all inclusive packages FACILITY RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . complimentary / valet

At The Platinum Hotel & Spa, our professional staff will exceed your expectations from the moment you arrive. If you are looking for Las Vegas wedding reception facilities, consider this intimate location steps away from the Las Vegas Strip. Here, exquisitely appointed suites and boutique services set the stage for unforgettable weddings. Celebrate in modern venues featuring sleek furnishings and vibrant splashes of color. Plan a sunset pool side reception, bathed in the glow of the outdoor fire pits. Or welcome your guests to Misora - the 17th floor rooftop terrace where breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding mountains lend a truly signature touch.

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VENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . specialty venue OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . indoor & outdoor EVENT TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ceremony & reception CEREMONY CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 150 sitting RECEPTION CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 400 CATERING RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $90-$145 FACILITY RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . complimentary

The Victoria's Family, offers a complete array of award-winning wedding services with each of our three locations.

All services area available in "all-inclusive" packages that take away the worry and stress of planning while ensuring that thre are no extra or "hidden" expenses.

Our planners are seasoned professionals that will help you design the perfect wedding. We can professionally handle every aspect of your occasion, to guarantee that you receive the quality, care and attention you deserve.

SITE REVIEW

SILVERSTONE GOLF CLUB 8600 Cupp Drive, Las Vegas 702.810.3013 par4weddings.com VENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . country club OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . indoor & outdoor EVENT TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ceremony & reception CEREMONY CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 RECEPTION CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 CATERING RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28-$100 FACILITY RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250 & up PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . complimentary / valet

Experience the beauty, professionalism and unmatched setting of Silverstone Golf Club.

Featuring intimate, exquisitely appointed banquet facilities and breathtaking panoramic views, it is the ideal location to celebrate your special day. Silverstone’s experienced staff is ready to welcome you and your guests with warmth, comfort and professionalism.

Because we understand that one of the most memorable and exciting days in your life is the day you say “I do”, your personal Event Coordinator will be there every step of the way to ensure you and your guests enjoy every moment.

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SUNCOAST HOTEL & CASINO 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas 702.636.7090 suncoastcasino.com VENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hotel / casino OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . indoor & outdoor EVENT TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ceremony & reception CEREMONY CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 600 RECEPTION CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 650 CATERING RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $32-$54.50 FACILITY RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . complimentary / valet

Located in the picturesque Northwest corner of the Las Vegas Valley, Suncoast has everything you would ever want for the most beautiful day of your life. Our team of wedding professionals will help you plan every detail of your special day from rooms for your out of town guests, to limousines and the wedding cake.

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SITE REVIEW

THE WESTIN LAKE LAS VEGAS RESORT & SPA 101 Montelago Boulevard, Henderson 702.567.2162 westinlakelasvegas.com/weddings VENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hotel / specialty venue OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . indoor & outdoor EVENT TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ceremony & reception CEREMONY CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 350 RECEPTION CAPACITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 500 CATERING RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $150-$200 FACILITY RANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1500 PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . complimentary / valet

The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa is your destination for real romance. From your first steps down the aisle to the last dance of the evening, our breathtaking location is the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding.

From the roses at Andalusian Gardens to the waterfalls at Lotus Court, choose one of our elegant locations for a ceremony overlooking Lake Las Vegas. Entertain your guests with a reception matching your style, palate and budget in one of our Mediterranean-inspired spaces.

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JOHN MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

wedding chapels license information las vegas: a luxury wedding destination

destination las vegas Wedding chapels aren’t the only place to get hitched in Las Vegas! As one of the world’s premiere wedding destinations, Las Vegas offers opportunities for every bridal style. All you have to discover is what you and your groom want for your wedding day!

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DEFINE YOUR VENUE STYLE In Las Vegas, you’ll find luxurious locations for heartfelt ceremonies and well-planned receptions. Consider your wedding style, and find a venue that reflects you. For a grand occasion, book a ballroom at an off-the-Strip hotel with scenic landscapes. For an intimate gathering, reserve a restaurant or garden venue. For a private party laden with luxury, choose a country club, golf club or Lake Las Vegas property. For a glamorous event, select a chic hotel on the Strip. For a natural connection, explore resorts near Red Rock Canyon or Mount Charleston. At these venues, you’ll receive dedicated customer service for a ceremony and reception customized to your preferences.

BOOK EARLY Since Las Vegas is such a popular wedding destination, book all your wedding services as early as possible. First contact the wedding venue to secure your date and location. Then ask your venue’s representative for a list of preferred vendors. While not every venue makes recommendations, many venues offer individual referrals or all-inclusive packages.

Also to view additional reputable vendors and wedding services, visit BridalSpectacular.com.

With these resources, you can find quality professionals, who match your budget and personal style, for every category of your wedding planning.

ADD THE PERSONAL TOUCH Even destination weddings deserve to be personalized! Since professional vendors frequently work with destination and local brides, they provide excellent services no matter where you live. Once you’ve booked your venue and vendors, stay in touch. Communicate your ideas through e-mail messages (complete with attached photographs for inspiration), Skype appointments or phone calls. Be sure to share your expectations, and listen to vendors’s ideas as well. If you’d like, also hire a local wedding consultant or visit Las Vegas in advance to meet with vendors.

OBTAIN A MARRIAGE LICENSE Before your wedding, visit the Las Vegas Marriage Bureau with your groom to receive a marriage license. While you don’t need a blood test and there is no waiting period, bring these essentials: U.S. government-issued ID or passport, $60 cash ($65 credit card) and, 36

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Four Star Destination

Weddings.

Unique, upscale, contemporary ceremony and reception locations from our spectacular pool terraces to our top of the tower LUX banquet venue offering breathtaking views from 400 ft. above the famous Las Vegas Strip.

INCLUSIVE WEDDING PACKAGES

702-797-1919 • catering@theMresort.com 12300 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Henderson, NV 89044 www.theMresort.com

RESORT • SPA • CASINO LAS VEGAS

D E ST I N AT I O N L AS V E G AS

if applicable, date of past divorce decree. Then it’s time to focus on enjoying every moment of the big day!

www.cili.com 702.597.6316

THRIVE IN THIS CITY As a favorite destination for brides, grooms and wedding guests, Las Vegas offers warm weather, nightlife, arts and entertainment, world-renowned dining, outdoor recreation, affordable travel rates and honeymoon packages. Take advantage of your time in this city. Relax with a spa day for you and your bridesmaids. Hire a photographer for a postwedding “Trash the Dress” session. Invite your family for a Valley of Fire hike. Steal a kiss with your groom amid Nevada sunsets, and thrive at the wedding created specifically for you!

With this destination wedding experience, you’ll unveil a memorable beginning to a lifetime commitment. All you have to say is: “I do.” n Author: Allyson Siwajian

wedtips | obtaining your marriage license in las vegas

www.desertpinesgolfclub.com 702.388.4400 x7228

• Start the application process online at www.clarkcountynv.gov • To obtain your marriage license, both parties must appear in person before a Clerk at a Clark County Marriage Bureau.

•

Nevada law allows only a male and female to marry. Domestic Partnership questions should be directed to the office of the Secretary of State in Carson City, Nevada at 800-992-0900.

•

Identification to prove your name and age is required. You must be at least 18 years old. Be prepared with a driver’s license or passport. Your Marriage License and Certificate will be prepared with your legal name exactly as it appears on the identification presented.

• A marriage license allows a couple to marry in the state up to one year from date of issue. It is not proof of marriage.

•

It is suggested that non U.S. citizens check with their local officials for special documents needed to ensure their marriage will be recognized in their country.

• The fee for a marriage license is $60.

S P E C TAC U1L A R B R I D E .C O M12/10/12 | 39 Fogo_LVBridePlnnr_Dec12_fnl.indd 10:58 AM

ELLA GAGIANO PHOTOGRAPHY GOWN BY MINA OLIVE

the ball gown the a - line the princess the sheath the empire the slip d ress the retailers un d erneath it all bri dal atten dants

the gown Of all the plans, preparations, and purchases that will be made for the wedding celebration, nothing will more dramatically affect how you look and feel on your wedding day than your gown. A carefully chosen gown should elicit sighs among women and stammers among men. But how to find the perfect dress to create such a stir? From couture to classic, here’s how to find the gown that fits you flawlessly.

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Unlike other fashion retailers, bridal salons require a more formal approach to shopping.

Begin by scheduling an appointment with the salon of your choice. This will ensure that a dressing room and personal consultant will be available to help you try on gowns.

An experienced bridal consultant will be invaluable in helping you select styles that flatter your best features and camouflage the flaws. The good news is there are six basic silhouettes that make up almost all wedding gowns, and more than likely at least one will be flattering on you. Being well versed in wedding gown vocabulary is vital. Here are a few key terms-of-art to get you on your way.

Time to make your entrance.

The Ball Gown The cut that exemplifies romance. This silhouette incorporates a natural or dropped waist, set off with a full skirt. Think Cinderella, waltzing with your prince at the reception.

Extremely flattering around the waist. The volume of this dress might overtake the petite bride. A good choice for an average height bride with very romantic taste.

Introducing new designs from Martina Liana Sottero & Midgley Casablanca

The A-Line Flattering to most figures. The secret? A slim fitting narrow top that skims the rib cage and extends out in an “A” triangle along the body.

Look in your closet; chances are you’ll find many of your skirts have an A-line cut. There’s a reason after all; A-lines add height, slimness and minimize hips.

Schedule an appointment

(702) 989-9700

The Princess Another unanimously flattering cut, cousin to the A-line. The difference? Seams that run fluidly from the neckline, through the waist and skimming down the hips. The princess cut universally slims and lengthens. Perfectly paired with a tiara, of course.

Dress style from Martina Liana

www.BridalElegant.com 1801 S. Rainbow Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89146

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The Sheath Ah, the timeless style of and sophistication of Audrey Hepburn. Desire her dresses? She’s all about the sheath. This is the cut for the sexy yet understated bride. With its slim profile, strategically placed darts and seams, the sheath shows your body without an overwhelming display of skin. Flattering to the petite, slim, tall or thin bride.

The Empire Elect to be a Queen. Napoleon’s Josephine made this style the rage. Here’s why: the empire waist is a seam that falls right below the bust, elongating the petite bride and

dresses to one size per style allows them to carry a larger selection. Because the salon has one gown from each style, they must take special care to keep the dress in good condition. For this reason, salon consultants always assist brides in trying on dresses, minimizing damage from wear and tear.

(702) 648-6838 AlfredAngelo.com (702) 433-4579

AltF.com

The

DRESS Master Alterationist 805.769.6053

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flattering the smaller busted. If you have along neck and want to wear big jewelry, the empire is a cut above the rest.

The Slip Dress Love the feeling of your favorite negligee? Now imagine it in sumptuous silk and skimming your curves all the way down to your ankles.

Ready for your figure to show? This is the cut for you. Only glamour goddesses need apply.

The Retailers Bridal salons offer a wide selection of gown styles all in one size. Limiting the number of 44

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THE GOWN

Underneath It All Once you’ve selected your gown, ask your salon for recommendations for appropriate lingerie.

Make sure these garments supply the perfect amount of support and fit. Do you slouch?

Discover a corset with boning. Wearing shimmering silk?

Seamless lingerie is your secret. Heart set on strapless? A seam-free strapless bustier or three-quarter-length convertible bra will do the trick. Bring these items to your dress fittings. You’ll see and feel the difference.

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When calling to schedule the required appoint-ment, inquire about the price range of the gowns. Such a simple question will free you from pressure and temptation to purchase a gown out of your budget. Next, ask that one trusted chic friend to accompany you.

During your first appointment try on different silhouettes, even those you normally wouldn’t choose. Trust your gown consultant and share your preferences with her. Is the fabric too heavy, the neckline too low? Don’t be afraid to speak up. If the off shoulder gown has you fidgeting now, think of the discomfort on your wedding day. The absolute last thing you want to be doing is tugging self-consciously at your gown all day. Your ideal gown leaves you confident and comfortable.

when to order Your gown will need to be special ordered, shipped and altered. To ensure “sheer” perfection, start shopping six to ten months prior to the wedding, at the very least four.

Likewise, dresses for your attendants should be ordered at least eight weeks in advance. n

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ll eyes will be on you, and only you, as you gracefully make your entrance up the center aisle. You’ll be the object of one handsome groom’s love and adoration, and the subject

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of hundreds of photographs. Not to mention your walk will be captured on camera via your cinematographer. Are you just the slightest bit nervous? Don’t be! You may have heard it said before that brides have a special glow.

Well, it’s true. Combine that special glow with a glamorous touch to your hair and makeup and looking your absolute, beautiful best will be easier than you think.

The first decision is whether to use a professional makeup artist, hair stylist or both. Should you consider these services for just yourself, or your entire bridal party, the benefits of hiring such professionals are many.

From the convenience of on-location service, to the reassurance that all of the bridal attendants will look their very best, enlisting the help of an expert is one simple way to shorten the list of wedding day worries.

Makeup Artist A professional makeup artist is experienced in creating many different looks. A true artist will know trade secrets for not only fashioning a longer lasting look, but for accentuating your finer features. From ruby red lips to smokey eyes, your stylist will help you look and feel your best. The end result: a picture-perfect-you.

HAIR STYLIST An initial consultation is generally recommended one to two months prior to the wedding.

Necessary items for this visit are the headpiece or veil and a digital camera. Take photos from several angles to assist the stylist in recreating the same look on your wedding day. n

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KANDYLANE PHOTOGRAPHY

very formal formal semiformal informal

the tux As the wedding day approaches and the bride labors over the smallest details of her dress, makeup and hair, the groom may think his satorial choices to be straightforward and simple, requiring merely a black tie and tux for the momentous occasion. Not so. Although his options of attire may be slightly more limited than those of his lovely bride’s, he will still need to make a few important decisions.

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THE EXPERT IN MEN’S APPAREL

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Wedding formalwear can be separated into four categories, each with its own distinctive style: very formal, formal, semiformal and informal. The time of day your ceremony is held will strongly influence the level of formality, in turn influencing the attire. Other considerations such as the overall color and theme of the wedding will also play a part in the final selection of formalwear.

VERY FORMAL Morning weddings are often considered to be very formal events. Suggested attire is the long-jacketed morning suit with gray waistcoat, striped trousers, top hat, gloves, spats, and for the truly debonair – a walking stick. Some modern men opt to wear a complementary silk tie instead of the traditional ascot or striped four-in-hand tie.

Very formal evening weddings call for white tie and tails – black swallowtail coat and trousers, with a white pique vest, shirt and white bow tie.

Black top hats and white gloves are optional.

FORMAL Afternoon weddings fall into the formal category. For this occasion the groom and groomsmen don the classic black tie or tuxedo. Also appropriate are white or ivory dinner jackets, worn with black pants trimmed with grosgrain or satin ribbon, a bow tie, and vest or cummerbund.

SEMIFORMAL Here is where tradition gives way, ever so slightly, to fashion. Tuxedo or dinner jackets can be livened up with a dash of coordinated color in the tie, vest or cummerbund, and suspenders. Tuxedo jackets come either double-breasted or single-breasted and in a variety of lengths and silhouettes. If you really want to make a statement, some formalwear stores now offer a colorful variety of jackets and vests in brocades and other textures.

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INFORMAL A navy or dark gray suit is perfectly appropriate for an informal wedding. Also attractive and equally suitable is a navy blazer with neutral-colored trousers. The fabric should be appropriate to the season—cotton or linen for summer, flannel for fall. The groom and groomsmen should try to dress in the same color, and ties can complement the bridesmaids’ gowns. Formalwear should be reserved at least three months in advance and all measurements taken at least three weeks prior to the wedding. Out-of-town groomsmen can have their measurements taken at a men’s formalwear store near them and forwarded to the store where you’ve reserved your tuxedos.

Traditionally the groomsmen pick up the rental cost of their own formalwear, but the generous groom can offer to cover the costs of formalwear accessories such as custom cuff links and shirt studs.

Rented formalwear usually includes a jacket, vest or cummerbund, pants, suspenders, shirt, cufflinks, studs and a tie. It is recommended that shoes be rented from the same store to maintain consistency. Someone should be designated to gather and return all formalwear to the store on time to avoid late fees, which run from five to ten dollars per day, per outfit.

The groom, like the bride, has the option of purchasing his wedding day attire or having it tailor-made. If his social calendar calls for it a tuxedo is a good investment, which will pay for itself in three or four occasions, to say nothing of the unmistakable elegance of owning a custom tailored tuxedo.

Whatever the style and degree of formality you choose for your wedding, there are a few key points to keep in mind when ordering formalwear for groom and groomsmen. Shirts, whether with pleated front panels or traditional smooth-fronted, should fit snugly around the neck. The bottom hem of the pants should touch the top of the shoes. Jackets should fit snugly but comfortably with some room at the waist. Sleeves should end at the wrist bone.

Vents on the sides of the jacket should lay smoothly. The jacket collar should hug the neck and the lapels shouldn’t buckle. Cummerbunds should be worn pleats-up (you should be able to stick a finger down into the folds). If the groom chooses to wear a pocket square, it should be small and discreet.

Knowing the proper names and uses of different articles of formal attire will make shopping for this important ensemble a much easier task. n

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ALT F PHOTOGRAPHY FLOWERS BY NAAKITI FLORAL DESIGN

be prepare d seasonal consi d erations color inspire d time - of - day the bouquet ceremony location reception location centerpieces personal flowers finishing touches

flowers Romantic roses, plump peonies, and dreamy daisies have won many a bride’s heart.

Bountiful and beautiful, flowers express your wedding palette like nothing else. From ceremony to centerpiece, flowers are the consistent visual element linking all the activities of your wedding day. Do not be intimidated if you don’t know the difference between an orchid and a lily. A patient and creative floral designer will help you identify your wedding style.

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When interviewing a floral designer, look for their use of color, texture, and overall flair. Share your ideas and your vision, and be open to their suggestions. Examine a designer’s portfolio at their studio. Do you enjoy being in their space? A good floral designer understands display, presentation and scale. Pictures in their portfolio should inspire, mutually generating ideas. Ask about the rentals they provide, as many have large prop closets filled with arches, chuppahs, and vases of every size, shape and style.

With your designer selected, the creative process begins. Supply your floral designer with as much detail as possible. Let them know the particulars: wedding date, time of day, style of wedding (formal or informal), ceremony and reception locations, linens, and a general idea of your budget.

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FLOWERS

Be Prepared How do you express what you want when you don’t know the names for the flowers you like?

Pictures, pictures, pictures. Before your initial consultation, check out the Idea Gallery. The more examples you show your designer of what you do and don’t like, the easier it is for them to meet your expectations. Snapshots of your venue, along with items you would like to accentuate with flowers (from your hair to the Rolls-Royce) are all essentials. Swatches from table linens and the wedding party wardrobe (mothers’, bridesmaids’, flower girls’ and your own gown) are always a big help. Don’t be afraid to bring pictures of completely different arrangements and bouquets that grab your attention. A good designer will help you identify, focus and incorporate elements that appeal to you.

Seasonal Considerations For everything there is a season and flowers are no exception. Flowers in bloom during and around the months of your wedding will be more available and less costly than out-of-season selections. Holidays are also a factor. Ever notice how red roses cost more around Valentine’s Day? Tulips and hyacinths are in high demand during Easter. Christmas creates a premium for poinsettias and holly.

Should you choose these flowers around such seasons, factor this into your budget.

F LOW E R S

Color Inspired Color is a fun and easy way to theme your wedding. Pastels are currently taking a backseat to bold, vibrant and sophisticated hues. Green is still a hot color, but not just any green. You’ll see chartreuse, celadon and emerald green used in monochromatic bouquets, and as accents with dramatic shades of magenta, purple and orange.

Monochromatic Mix and blooms of the same hue.

match

different

Color Cousins Choose colors that are tonally similar, such as blue and purple or orange and yellow, then mix and match these similar shades. For example, deep blue hyacinths and purple double lisianthus, or yellow ranunculus with yellow-orange Oriental poppies and terra-cotta roses.

Contrast Go for a complete contrast and select colors that are wildly different. Purple anemone with magenta and yellow gerbera daisies are a fun summer combination.

GOWNS & TRENDS Take your inspiration f rom the couture runways for some ultra-stylish accents.

Asymmetric The asymmetric hemline is in, and calla lilies and orchids make the most stunning bouquets to complement. Trailing stems should be cut to echo the slant of the hemline.

Bohemian Carry a hand-tied bouquet of lisianthus and lavender, and adorn hair with blooming buds for an unstructured, simply seductive look.

Glamour Bring the embellished detail of your gown to your bouquet. Fabulous feathers and beads can be wired to any floral arrangement.

Modern The clean lines of a sophisticated gown beg for a monochromatic bouquet. Try “Black Magic” roses with deep red mini calla lilies and red hypericum for texture. Or lean towards the heavenly all-white bouquet of amaryllis, freesia and tulips. Either way your statement of simplicity will be timeless.

Time-of-Day Chosen wisely, your floral arrangements should last throughout the day.

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FLOWERS

Some flowers hold up beautifully in the sun; others are better suited for indoors. Let your designer know exactly the time and month your wedding is taking place. A good designer will advise you on what flowers remain perky and perfect under the palm trees, and which wilt before the wedding reception.

The Bouquet The star of all your floral choices is your bouquet. Understand bouquets come in all shapes and sizes. From petite nosegays to showering cascades, realize the size and style you select will affect your overall look. First pick a bouquet style that suits your height, frame and gown. Then combine different blossoms of varying shapes and size, or compose a delicate bouquet of one type of flower. From timeless white, to rich, jewel-toned shades of reds and purples to exotic tropical stems, the selections and combinations are endless.

Ceremony Location Before making any decisions regarding ceremony florals, check with your venue for any possible restrictions. Some churches request that altar arrangements remain onsite for weekend services. A cost saving tip: determine if your ceremony flowers can be repurposed for your reception. Ceremony arrangements are ideal for buffet tables, and aisle flowers can be used to decorate powder rooms, staircases and small hallway tables. Using these items twice helps maximize your budget.

wedtips | bouquet styles

Nosegay Rounded, hand-tied cluster of flowers, stems tied off with ribbon.

Hand-tied Cluster of stems grouped together, finished with ribbon

Cascade Large, hand-tied bouquet where flowers descend below the main portion of the design; can be quite formal

Composite A dramatic flower created using the petals of another flower, wired together to resemble one large bloom; they can be pricey.

Biedermeier Tightly concentric circles of the same color of flower, often framed with a collar of leaves, fabric or ribbon.

F LOW E R S

RECEPTION Location Your reception site is a big influence in determining your floral design needs. High ceiling venues call for bolder, more dramatic arrangements, while an outdoor venue can be accented with rustic, potted and flowering blooms. Let your floral designer know the size of your reception equipment (dining tables, place card tables, etc.) during your initial consultation so the scale of your arrangements will be perfectly balanced.

CENTERPIECES The options are many: elegant vases filled with cut flowers, towering candelabras, potted orchids and detailed topiaries are magnificent design statements. Clusters of smaller arrangements or scattered rose petals around densely packed votives are dual centerpiece and favor options. Except for the “14 inch rule,” dictating that centerpieces should never obscure guests’ vision across the table, there are no hard and fast rules. Mix, match and think “outside the box.”

Personal Flowers In addition to bouquets and arrangements

you’ll need to select personal flowers. See the Flower Checklist in The Planning Place at the back of this issue for a list of the necessities.

The ever-forgotten groom is taking a larger role in selecting boutonniere styles. Popular combinations are lavender and calla lily, pristine lily-of-the-valley paired with bay leaves, or the perfect gardenia.

For mothers and honored women, romance is in vogue: diminutive nosegay bouquets in silver Victorian holders, a simple but elegant single rose and, of course, the always feminine wrist corsage.

Finishing Touches What better way to tie-in your cake with the rest of your wedding, than with a floral cake topper? Echoing your floral choices of bouquet and centerpiece, the cake topper is the perfect statement on your delectable dessert.

Not to be overlooked are greenery and plants.

Ficus trees wrapped with twinkling lights and magnificent potted palms add dimension to all venues. n S P E C TAC U L A R B R I D E .C O M

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ADAM FRAZIER PHOTOGRAPHY

musicians d isc jockeys selecting the music sche d ule for the emcee time line

music Before you take your vows, before your guests get their first gorgeous glimpse of your wedding party, there is one element that is crucial to setting just the right tone and atmosphere for your wedding – music.

From the romantic and thoughtful tone of the ceremony, to the celebratory tenor of the reception, nothing creates atmosphere better than music. From the background melodies surrounding the cocktail hour, to the lively tunes that infuse the reception with romance and energy, music makes the moment.

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Start jotting down your favorite songs as you hear them, keeping all your guests in mind. Music can be a fun way to pull different generations together.

A MUSIC ADVENTURE

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musicians Whether live at a local club or restaurant, during rehearsal, or prerecorded on CD or video, you’ll need to hear prospective groups play to determine if you like their sound and presentation. Never hire a musician without hearing their music first. You want to be certain their talent is up to your performance standards. Find out the range of their musical repertoire. From 50’s to disco, big band to jazz or rock to hip hop, if you plan on keeping all your guests in the party mood, you’ll need a little diversification.

COCKTAIL HOUR The ceremony is usually followed by a cocktail hour to allow guests time to arrive at the reception site and mingle while awaiting the arrival of the guests of honor. Wonderful options for this portion of the celebration are chamber music, classical guitar, harpist, or perhaps a jazz ensemble.

Disc Jockeys Couples traditionally engage disc jockeys for their ability to provide a wide variety of music. They can play all of your favorite songs, each performed by the original artists, and because DJ’s work with prerecorded music your entertainment is continuous, even during breaks.

For the Ceremony It’s common to think of hiring a DJ for the cocktail hour and reception, but how about the ceremony? If your budget doesn’t allow for an organist and string quartet, consider hiring a DJ for both ceremony and reception.

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MUSIC

As Your Emcee A veteran wedding DJ not only plays the music, they can also act as an emcee for the event, smoothly introducing your wedding party, arranging to have champagne poured before the toast, announcing your cake cutting, and a myriad of other milestone moments throughout the reception. Needless to say, they’ll be an integral part of your celebration, which is why you should take great care to hire a disc jockey with a personality and style you’re comfortable with.

The Best DJ For Your Event Decide in advance how much you would like he or she to say, and how interactive you would like them

MUSIC

to be with your audience. Of course much of this will depend on the type of celebration you are planning. An energetic, out-on-the-dancefloor-all-night reception will require a different type of interaction than a sophisticated, more low-key event. In either case a disc jockey with experience and an extensive repertoire can tailor the presentation to the needs of the occasion.

Arrange a meeting with prospective disc jockeys. Listen to their expertise on previous receptions. Don’t be dismayed if they don’t have obscure songs, but gauge their willingness to try and track them down. Also arrange to see them perform, or request a tape or video of past performances.

Selecting the Music Once you’ve decided on a DJ or band, be prepared to provide a list of songs you would, and would not like played at your reception, as well as the songs for your first dance, cake cutting and any other moments you’d like to accentuate with a special song. Keep in mind that while you may love jazz or alternative music, those types of music don’t always make great dance selections, especially for hours on end. Give your professionals the freedom to truly entertain your guests by mixing a few of your personal preferences with a balance of tried and true reception crowd pleasers. An experienced entertainer will know how to read the crowd and keep the party jumping, but only if you let them.

Schedule for the emcee Should you plan on having a band member or your disc jockey emcee the reception, provide a schedule of events. If you are on a stringent time schedule, make sure you convey the importance of strict adherence to the schedule. If there are any special introductions to be made, make sure you review the correct pronunciation of the names and relay what each person’s relationship is to the bride and groom. time line Use the Music List found in The Planning Place at the back of this issue to keep track of song preferences and lengths. A week prior to the wedding, provide the final list to your musicians. Be specific and include song titles and singers/composers, and make sure your musicians can play your first dance song, or that the DJ has a clean copy of the original recording. n S P E C TAC U L A R B R I D E .C O M

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CARDIN CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

paper Your invitations set the expectations of the style, theme and formality of the occasion.

Whether you plan on presenting your nuptial request in a traditional manner, or decide to let your creativity take over and design your own, selecting the paper, style and wording is an important step in the planning process.

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PA P E R

First things first. Unless your wedding budget is unlimited, you will most likely find yourself in the age-old position of “cutting the list.”

Begin by separating your list into a primary list, comprised of friends and family you simply must have at your wedding, and a secondary list of those with whom you’d like to share your day, but whose absence you can accept. On average, about 20 percent of your invitees will be unable to attend.

SAVE-THE-DATE CARDS As a courtesy to guests, send save-the-date cards six to eight months prior to sending the invitations. You many want to send them even earlier if you’re planning a destination wedding or if the wedding date falls on or near a holiday or school break. This considerate reminder encourages guests to block and plan out the necessary dates.

Invitations Ceremony Card This card invites guests to the ceremony. If your ceremony and reception are being held at the same location, it is perfectly acceptable to include all the information on this one card. In fact, since many couples are now choosing one-site locations, the ceremony card is also sometimes referred to as the Invitation.

Reception Card If your wedding ceremony and reception are held at different locations, this card is for you. Printed on a small card that coordinates with the paper, type style and look of the ceremony card, the reception card includes pertinent information such as the address, location, cocktail hour, time and type of meal as well as any dress requirements (i.e. black-tie requested).

Response Card Response cards are included to enable you and your family to keep track of the number of guests who will attend the reception. If your guests are to have a choice of entrees at the reception, the response card will ask for this information as well. Be sure to include the corresponding postage-paid stamp on the return envelope.

Placing Your Order Place your order three to six months prior to the wedding. To determine how many invitations you’ll need, count each household you will be mailing to. Order extra invitations and envelopes for errors and for sending out to your secondary list.

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Mailing Invitations Mail your invitations six to eight weeks prior to the wedding. Weigh the complete invitation to ensure correct postage and to confirm whether the envelope is considered standard or oversized by the postal service. You don’t want your invitations to arrive with postage due.

WEDDING STATIONERY ACCESSORIES Since a wedding is all about the details, show your guests you care by considering the following wedding accessories: Ceremony Programs Ceremony programs acquaint your guests with the key elements of your wedding. Included are the order of the ceremony, the names of the bridal party, parents, the officiant, readers, musicians, and musical selections.

Escort Cards Escort cards direct guests to the table you’ve chosen for them. Many of today’s couples are getting creative with how they display escort cards. They can be as simple as a beautiful tented card, or they can double as wedding favors for your guests. Refer to page 138 for more ideas on favors.

Place Cards In addition to using escort cards, place cards are a nice consideration for your guests if you are planning a formal reception.

These cards are placed at your guest’s specific seat at the table. With careful planning, you can select dining partners that complement each other’s interests perfectly.

Menu Cards Individual menus are the perfect touch of detail to inform your guests of their meal selection. Menu cards can also function as place cards, individually customized with each guest’s name.

Table Number Cards These cards are used to denote the table numbers at your reception.

Like escort and place cards, these numbered cards can be quite decorative and echo the theme of your wedding.

Thank You Notes These notes thank your guests for sharing in your special day. It is recommended that you send them at least 6-8 weeks after the wedding.

With today’s relaxed rules of etiquette and expanded possibilities for design, your creative expression need not have limits. Whether formal or informal, elegant or whimsical, use this opportunity to reflect your style. n

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PAPER

FASHION+TRENDS through the lens of 8 photographers on location at 3 spectacular wedding venues

THE Smith Center

architectural modern

What happens when you bring together six beautiful models, three make-up and hair stylist teams, three floral and dĂŠcor teams, lighting experts, invitation specialists, twenty beautiful

Springs Preserve sweet+sassy

JW MarriotT RESORT & SPA storybook love

wedding gowns and eight talented photographers simultaneously at three incredible venus? Magic.

With so many fabulous photos, it was an editor’s dream and challenge to narrow the selection down for the feature spreads and covers of the 2013 issues of Spectacular Bride. As you gaze at each photo, notice the photographers, the designers, and dress shops that participated in this all day shoot. Jot down your favorites and give them a call.

Adam Frazier Photography

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The Smith Center

Architectural modern

PHOTOGRAPHER Adam Frazier Photography

LOCATION The Smith Center DRESS Mina Olive HAIR+MAKEUP Lori White

FLORIST Flora Couture by Floral 2000 CATERING Culinary Arts

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PAPER Visionary Pen

MODEL Anita Vohra

FAS H I O N + T R E N DS

PHOTOGRAPHER AltF Photography

LOCATION The Smith Center DRESS Mina Olive HAIR+MAKEUP Lori White

FLORIST Flora Couture by Floral 2000 CATERING Culinary Arts

PAPER Visionary Pen

MODEL Anita Vohra

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PHOTOGRAPHER Adam Frazier Photography LOCATION The Smith Center DRESSES Alfred Angelo PAPER Visionary Pen HAIR+MAKEUP Lori White FLORIST Flora Couture by Floral 2000 CATERING Culinary Arts MODELS Jaffet Soder (L), Anita Vohra (R)

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FAS H I O N + T R E N DS

PHOTOGRAPHER AltF Photography

LOCATION The Smith Center DRESS Alfred Angelo HAIR+MAKEUP Lori White

FLORIST Flora Couture by Floral 2000 CATERING Culinary Arts

PAPER Visionary Pen

MODEL Anita Vohra

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PHOTOGRAPHER Adam Frazier Photography

LOCATION The Smith Center DRESS Mina Olive HAIR+MAKEUP Lori White

FLORIST Flora Couture by Floral 2000 CATERING Culinary Arts

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PAPER Visionary Pen

MODEL Jaffet Soder

FAS H I O N + T R E N DS

Architectural modern ceremony

[

sophisticated sexy chrome sleek smooth sculptural graphic geometrical clean

PHOTOGRAPHER AltF Photography

]

LOCATION The Smith Center DRESS Mina Olive HAIR+MAKEUP Lori White

FLORIST Flora Couture by Floral 2000 CATERING Culinary Arts

PAPER Visionary Pen

MODEL Jaffet Soder

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PHOTOGRAPHERS Adam Frazier Photography (top and left), AltF Photography (right) LOCATION The Smith Center FLORIST Flora Couture by Floral 2000 CATERING Culinary Arts

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PAPER Visionary Pen

FAS H I O N + T R E N DS

PHOTOGRAPHER Adam Frazier Photography LOCATION The Smith Center FLORIST Flora Couture by Floral 2000 DRESSES Alfred Angelo, Mina Olive HAIR+MAKEUP Lori White MODELS Anita Vohra, Jaffet Soder

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SPRINGS PRESERVE

PHOTOGRAPHER Images by Edi LOCATION Springs Preserve DRESS Oleg Cassini, David’s Bridal HAIR+MAKEUP Hair’z Melinda FLORIST Enchanted Florist CATERING Culinary Arts LINENS Jovani Linens RENTALS Current Events PAPER Paper and Home MODEL Heidi Freeman

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FAS H I O N + T R E N DS

PHOTOGRAPHER Images by Edi LOCATION Springs Preserve DRESS David’s Bridal HAIR+MAKEUP Hair’z Melinda FLORIST Enchanted Florist CATERING Culinary Arts LINENS Jovani Linens RENTALS Current Events PAPER Paper and Home MODEL Alyssa Mayhew

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PHOTOGRAPHER Kandylane Photography LOCATION Springs Preserve DRESS Allure, Bowties Bridal HAIR+MAKEUP Hair’z Melinda FLORIST Enchanted Florist CATERING Culinary Arts LINENS Jovani Linens RENTALS Current Events PAPER Paper and Home MODEL Alyssa Mayhewn

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PHOTOGRAPHER KMH Photography LOCATION Springs Preserve DRESS David’s Bridal HAIR+MAKEUP Hair’z Melinda FLORIST Enchanted Florist CATERING Culinary Arts LINENS Jovani Linens RENTALS Current Events PAPER Paper and Home MODEL Alyssa Mayhew

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PHOTOGRAPHER Kandylane Photography LOCATION Springs Preserve DRESS Sottero & Midgley, Bowties Bridal HAIR+MAKEUP Hair’z Melinda FLORIST Enchanted Florist CATERING Culinary Arts LINENS Jovani Linens RENTALS Current Events PAPER Paper and Home MODEL Heidi Freeman

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PHOTOGRAPHER KMH Photography LOCATION Springs Preserve DRESS Vera Wang, David’s Bridal HAIR+MAKEUP Hair’z Melinda FLORIST Enchanted Florist CATERING Culinary Arts LINENS Jovani Linens RENTALS Current Events PAPER Paper and Home MODEL Heidi Freeman

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PHOTOGRAPHERS KMH Photography (left), Kandylane Photography (right), Images by Edi (bottom) LOCATION Springs Preserve DRESSES Bowties Bridal, David’s Bridal HAIR+MAKEUP Hair’z Melinda FLORIST Enchanted Florist LINENS Jovani Linens RENTALS Current Events CATERING Culinary Arts PAPER Paper and Home

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PHOTOGRAPHERS Images by Edi (left), KMH Photography (right), Kandylane Photography (bottom) LOCATION Springs Preserve DRESSES Bowties Bridal, David’s Bridal HAIR+MAKEUP Hair’z Melinda FLORIST Enchanted Florist LINENS Jovani Linens RENTALS Current Events CATERING Culinary Arts PAPER Paper and Home

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JW MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA

PHOTOGRAPHER Mindy Bean Photography LOCATION JW Marriott Resort & Spa DRESS Allure, Bowties Bridal HAIR+MAKEUP Amelia C & Co FLORIST / LINENS Jovani Linens & Event Design CATERING Culinary Arts LIGHTING / RENTALS LED Unplugged Lighting and Event Rentals PAPER Visionary Pen MODEL Jessica Senter

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PHOTOGRAPHER Mindy Bean Photography LOCATION JW Marriott Resort & Spa DRESS Maggie Sottero, Bridal Elegant HAIR+MAKEUP Amelia C & Co FLORIST / LINENS Jovani Linens & Event Design CATERING Culinary Arts LIGHTING / RENTALS LED Unplugged Lighting and Event Rentals PAPER Visionary Pen MODEL Jessica Senter

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PHOTOGRAPHER Cardin Creative Photography L O C ATI ON JW Marriott Resort & Spa DRESS Maggie Sottero, Bowties Bridal H AIR+ MAKEUP Amelia C & Co FLORIST / LINENS Jovani Linens & Event Design CATERING Cul inary Arts LIGHTING / REN TA LS LED Unplugged Lighting and Event Rentals PAPER Visionary Pen MODEL Jessica Senter

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PHOTOGRAPHER Cardin Creative Photography LOCATION JW Marriott Resort & Spa DRESS Fiore Milana, Bowties Bridal HAIR+MAKEUP Amelia C & Co FLORIST / LINENS Jovani Linens & Event Design CATERING Culinary Arts LIGHTING / RENTALS LED Unplugged Lighting and Event Rentals PAPER Visionary Pen MODEL Kristina Schiavi

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PHOTOGRAPHER LorenzFoto Photography LOCATION JW Marriott Resort & Spa DRESS Maggie Sottero, Bridal Elegant HAIR+MAKEUP Amelia C & Co FLORIST / LINENS Jovani Linens & Event Design CATERING Culinary Arts LIGHTING / RENTALS LED Unplugged Lighting and Event Rentals PAPER Visionary Pen MODEL Kristina Schiavi

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charming luminous jeweled colorful fanciful ornate dreamy enchanted

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PHOTOGRAPHER LorenzFoto Photography LOCATION JW Marriott Resort & Spa DRESS San Patrick, Bridal Elegant HAIR+MAKEUP Amelia C & Co FLORIST / LINENS Jovani Linens & Event Design CATERING Culinary Arts LIGHTING / RENTALS LED Unplugged Lighting and Event Rentals PAPER Visionary Pen MODEL Kristina Schiavi

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PHOTOGRAPHERS LorenzFoto Photography (top), Cardin Creative Photography (bottom) LOCATION JW Marriott Resort & Spa DRESSES Bridal Elegant, Bowties Bridal HAIR+MAKEUP Amelia C & Co FLORIST / LINENS Jovani Linens & Event Design CATERING Culinary Arts LIGHTING / RENTALS LED Unplugged Lighting and Event Rentals PAPER Visionary Pen

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PHOTOGRAPHERS Cardin Creative Photography (top), Mindy Bean Photography (bottom) LOCATION JW Marriott Resort & Spa DRESSES Bridal Elegant, Bowties Bridal HAIR+MAKEUP Amelia C & Co FLORIST / LINENS Jovani Linens & Event Design CATERING Culinary Arts LIGHTING / RENTALS LED Unplugged Lighting and Event Rentals PAPER Visionary Pen

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REAL WEDDINGS

puoy & kenny Las Vegas, Nevada

photography Ron Miller Photography RECEPTION SITE Private Residence event planner Tory L. Cooper Floral Flora Couture

by Floral 2000 Lighting AV Vegas CAKE Simple Elegance in Cake Design

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16 stylish local weddings

REAL WEDDINGS

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michelle & nick HENDERSON, Nevada

photography Adam Frazier Photography RECEPTION SITE Ravella at Lake Las Vegas VIDEOGRAPHY Something New Films Floral DIY

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heaven & shadarryl Las Vegas, Nevada

photography Dave Lite Photography RECEPTION SITE Rhodes Ranch Golf Club Floral Bunny's Floral Design GOWN Allure BRIDESMAID DRESSES David's Bridal TUXEDOS Men's Wearhouse

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amanda & jason las vegas, Nevada

photography Cardin Creative Photography RECEPTION SITE Bear's Best Las Vegas GOWN Alfred Angelo TUXEDOS Men's Wearhouse Floral Albertsons by Kathy Cake Cravin' Cakes Bakery

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megan & phil Las Vegas, Nevada

photography J&J Photography RECEPTION SITE JW Marriott Resort & Spa Floral JR Events

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crystalyn & erik Las Vegas, Nevada

photography Ella Gagiano Photography RECEPTION SITE TPC Summerlin GOWN Maggie Sottero BRIDESMAID DRESSES Impression TUXEDOS Tuxedo Junction Floral Albertsons Lighting AV Vegas Photobooth Iflick Photobooth

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REAL WEDDINGS

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ashley & danny HENDERSON, Nevada

photography J. Anne Photography RECEPTION SITE The Westin Lake Las Vegas EVENT PLANNER Scheme Events GOWN Waisted Couture BRIDESMAID DRESSES David's Bridal GrOOM SUIT Hugo Boss GrOOMSMAN SUITS Al Phillips Formalwear Floral By Dzign MAKEUP+HAIR Amelia C & Co

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daisy & brett HENDERSON, Nevada

photography John Morris Photography RECEPTION SITE The Westin Lake Las Vegas EVENT PLANNER Brit Bertino Floral Foxtail MAKEUP+HAIR Your Beauty Call Photobooth Shutterbooth

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alise & rob

LAS VEGAS, Nevada

photography Kandylane Photography RECEPTION SITE The Grove Floral Nature's Flowers

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REAL WEDDINGS

colleen & ben LAS vegas, Nevada

photography KMH Photography RECEPTION SITE Red Rock Country Club Floral Enchanted Florist

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nicole & jarrett

LAS VEGAS, Nevada

photography Knight Sounds Entertainment RECEPTION SITE Cili at Bali Hai Restaurant entertainment Knight Sounds Entertainment

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REAL WEDDINGS

joleen & andrew LAS vegas, Nevada

photography Mindy Bean Photography RECEPTION SITE Angel Park Golf Club GOWN David's Bridal BRIDESMAID DRESSES Vera Wang, David's Bridal Floral Flowers by Michelle CAKE Pastry Palace

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annemarie & tim

LAS VEGAS, Nevada

photography Cardin Creative Photography RECEPTION SITE Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort GOWN Alfred Angelo tuxedo Men's Wearhouse Floral Layers of Lovely CAKE Freed's Bakery CANDY STATION Sweet Sensations

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REAL WEDDINGS

andrea & ben LAS vegas, Nevada

photography AltF Photography RECEPTION SITE Springs Preserve

EVENT PLANNER Scheme Events GOWN Mori Lee Floral Layers of Lovely LIGHTING LED Unplugged Lighting and Event Rentals CATERER Culinary Arts Catering entertainment Harry O Productions stationery Paper and Home

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allison & robert

LAS VEGAS, Nevada

photography Adam Frazier Photography RECEPTION SITE Southern Highlands Floral Naakiti Floral Design

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REAL WEDDINGS

theresa & chris LAS vegas, Nevada

photography LorenzFoto Photography RECEPTION SITE The Smith Center EVENT PLANNER Scheme Events GOWN Bridal Elegant MAKEUP+HAIR Hair'z Melinda Floral Naakiti Floral Design CATERER Culinary Arts Catering

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bridal shows A bridal show is a convention for brides and grooms. It affords couples the convenience of meeting photographers, florists, caterers, bakeries, musicians and other wedding professionals all under one roof, in one day. It provides the perfect opportunity to sample the wares and view the work of prospective wedding vendors while observing their personality and professionalism.

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Quality From the moment you enter The Bridal Spectacular, you know you are in for a special day. Wide aisles make it easy to navigate among the area’s premier wedding vendors. The atmosphere is fun and energetic as well as professional.

Variety The Bridal Spectacular bridal show offers a huge variety of specialists in the most categories. You’ll have the opportunity to meet with major vendors including reception facilities, florists, bakers, bridal shops, tuxedo shops, DJ’s, invitations, etc. You will also find a variety of specialty exhibitors such as bridal registry, salons, hairstylists and make-up artists, jewelers and much more.

Trends and Ideas As you wonder thru the hall you will find all the current trends, popular colors and wedding theme ideas for your wedding. In addition to decorating ideas you will see at vendor booths.

Fashion Shows The newest gowns, tuxedo and floral designs are presented in a spectacular way everyone talks about. This dazzling event takes place Friday evening and Saturday at 12:30 pm. Then at 3:00 pm you have the opportunity to see a classic runway style show. different BRIDAL EVENTS TO ATTEND Since face to face interaction with your future wedding professionals is so important in making your selections, we highly recommend attending all quality wedding events. We also don't want you to be disappointed if your expectations are not met, so here is a reference guide to the different types of events.

and ask those important questions to help you make wise decisions. Our event “Veils, Tails and Cocktails” is in this category.

Venue Open House Many of our Las Vegas wedding venues hold open houses once or twice a year so that you can come and see their facility as it would look on your wedding day and meet with their preferred vendors. This is a great opportunity to compare venues and the individualized services they can provide you with. Plus you get to see the building, landscaping, parking and other physical features of the venue. Typically in addition to the venue you will meet with up to 20 of their preferred vendors.

Retailer Open House This event is designed to introduce you to a bridal registry department of a retail store or possibly a photographers studio or a floral studio. They will often invite 20 or less preferred vendors to also be there to meet you.

Bridal Trunk Show This is all about fashion!

Many of the local bridal shops will hold trunk shows at their locations and feature the latest gowns from a particular designer.

So get busy, start with The Bridal Spectacular, and also plan to attend as many open house events as possible so you can shop and compare! n

Bridal Shows, Bridal Fairs, and Bridal Expos This is typically the larger in scope of the possible wedding events you can attend to find the wedding professionals, products and services you will need. The largest in Las Vegas is The Bridal Spectacular held at Cashman Center twice a year. A quality event of this type will generally have approximately 150 or more vendors for you to meet with and will be held in a large convention center.

Hotel Boutique Bridal Expo This is generally a smaller bridal show with between 70 and 100 vendors held in a banquet room of a hotel. You will still find plenty of professionals to talk to S P E C TAC U L A R B R I D E .C O M

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Bridal Show March 22

Friday 6:00-10:30pm

Free “Green” Brides Shopping Bag Free Spectacular Bride Magazine

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Shop - at three incredible Bridal shows a year See - the top wedding trends and decor ideas Watch - award winning spectacular Fashion Shows Meet - the largest group of wedding pros face-to-face Free - brides bag and subscription to Bride’s Magazine Online - resources & tickets at www.BridalSpectacular.com Compare & Save - One stop shopping

MINDY BEAN PHOTOGRAPHY

hiring a professional style lighting methods portfolio e q uipment black & w hite timing must- hav e shots the cost packages assistants proofs book it & contract details finding a v ideographer

photography video The decisions you make when planning a wedding are all important. Few, however, are more crucial than choosing the right photographer. Hire a professional, one who understands your wedding is their canvas.

As you begin your search for this service, you’ll find a number of fine photographers from which to choose. Keep in mind, just because someone is well-known or has a good reputation, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re right for you.

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Select a photographer whose personality works with yours. Remember, this person is with you for a large part of your wedding day. You’ll appreciate someone with a good, positive attitude who treats both you and your guests courteously and with respect. A seasoned photographer knows how to charm your crotchety cousin and seduce smiles from the shyest bridesmaid. If you have a vivacious family, choose a photographer comfortable commanding crowds. Know your group is quiet and reserved? Select a photographer who is calming and patient. Most importantly, pick someone you have chemistry with. The more you “click” together, the better your photographs will be.

Hire A Professional You may be tempted to ask an acquaintance who dabbles in photography to serve as your wedding photographer. The truth is, that unlike a novice, professional photographers have the experience, equipment and knowhow to make your photographs sensational.

They understand the different moods created by proper lighting and posing, and use reliable techniques and equipment to create quality images. Remember, your photographer has but one opportunity to get it right. There are no second chances.

Ask if they’re involved in associations and trade groups. A photographer should invest time in staying current with technology and trends.

Style Wedding photography generally falls into two categories: traditional and photojournalistic.

While most photographers offer a combination of both, it’s common for them to excel in one style over the other. You’ll see it in their portfolio work.

Traditional This style focuses on the perfectly composed or more formal portrait. If your wish is for the pristine posed picture, the traditional photographer is right for you.

Photojournalistic Seeing the moments of your event unfold through their camera lense, these photographers are geniuses with candids. They tell a story through a series of photos which resemble snapshots. Determine your style by flipping through magazines, borrowing friends’ wedding albums and perusing photography books. Decide your preference and choose a photographer whose strength is your preferred style.

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Lighting Methods Natural-light Photography Utilizing illumination that ranges from bright sunlight to softer light from a window. It offers a natural and realistic appeal, complete with dramatic shadows. It tends to be more complimentary to skin tones.

Full-flash Photography Photographs taken with a flash when appropriate lighting is not available. It eliminates the shadows often experienced with natural lighting, but often loses the background, which can appear dark.

It’s not always the most flattering option for skin tones.

Commercial Photography A style necessary to capture table, décor, cake and flower images for high-quality magazine submission and still life shots. Usually requires a tripod for longer exposures.

Special Effect Photography Multiple exposure and specialty filters and lenses.

Evening, candlelight photos are more difficult and sometimes less flattering than images cap-tured in natural light. A photographer will need to use a flash for darker rooms, or setup a tripod for longer exposure. It’s a good reason to consider doing the bride and groom photos earlier in the day.

Ask about the lighting equipment the photographer travels with. Will the equipment meet the needs posed by your choice of venue and time of the event? Are you opposed to a flash going off during your first dance, or is the moment so important you can stand a little extra light? Let your photographer know your preferences. Open the door for them to further explore your preferences and priorities.

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Portfolio A photographer’s portfolio is a collection of their work. During your initial consultation, survey the artist’s studio. Do you like the way the pictures are displayed? Remember, a photographer has to have a good eye. Request to see entire albums—a wedding from start to finish. Look at the most recent weddings. Look for clear, sharp images. Technical expertise is in the focus, lighting and exposure. Pay close attention to the consistency of style and quality. You want a photographer who

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finds good images under pressure. There’s no substitute for experience.

Equipment Film -vs- Digital. Some photographers shoot with film, others have migrated to digital. Is one better than the other? Not necessarily. Some photographers prefer the end product film delivers, while others prefer the convenience of digital. The most important factor is the quality of images in the photographer’s albums. If you like what you see, and can be guaranteed the same camera that captured those images will be capturing yours, don’t worry about what type of equipment or format. View the work!

Black & White Of course you’ll want to capture the vivid hues of your centerpieces and décor with vibrant, color photos. However, when it comes to documenting the emotional, unscripted moments of the day, black-and-white is the way to go. The fewer colors your eyes have to process, the easier it is to focus on the subject matter. Black-and-white is great for capturing intimate and sentimental closeups such as: mom buttoning the gown, the vows, the kiss and the first dance. In addition, black-and-white helps mask skin imperfections because shades of gray don’t record blotchy, skin irritations. It’s perfect for those “getting ready” shots.

Timing One of the most common planning mistakes is shortchanging the photographer on the time. We suggest doing your bride and groom photos, as well as those with attendants, prior to the ceremony. Your wedding coordinator and photographer can set up a private moment for the two of you to see each other before the wedding party joins the show.

Rely on your photographer’s suggested time allocation. If you cut it short, don’t expect to get all the images on your wish list.

MUST HAVE SHOTS If you have a large wedding party or family and want a series of posed group shots, compile a list of the persons or families you’d like in each shot. Provide the list to your photographer and coordinator, or the person in charge of assembling everyone to be S P E C TAC U L A R B R I D E .C O M

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photographed. Nothing holds up a celebration more than waiting for missing people.

The Cost Most basic packages start around $2,800 but can easily reach five times that amount.

Knowing what you’re paying for helps. You’re hiring a photographer for their time to shoot your engagement photos, the day of the wedding, processing the film or editing the digital images, reviewing proofs with you, the final order of images and assembling your albums. Not to be overlooked is the photographer’s level of experience and creative talent. A lot more goes into photographing a wedding than showing up with a camera.

Packages Inclusive Expect a range of prices depending on the skill, experience and demand for the photographer. Most packages include an engagement session, a block-of-time the day of your wedding, reproduction and postproduction charges for the wedding album, two parents’ albums and enlargements for framing .

If proofs are not part of the package and you can’t imagine not owning each and every photo from your wedding, ask if they can be purchased. À la carte If all you want is a block-of-time on the day of your wedding, a couple of enlargements, and one album, à la carte is what you’re looking for.

If you’re do-it-yourselfers, contract the blockof-time and ask for the raw images on a disk, or the negatives, and you’re good to go.

Consider this—if a photographer charges a base fee for his time, and a separate fee for prints, they know the better the images they produce, the higher the order will be, which is an incentive to do an incredible job.

Magazine Albums The style of this album allows for more photos than a traditional album, which is why so many couples gravitate to it. However, if opting for this sexier version of the traditional wedding album prepare to check yourself when it comes to selecting the images. There’s a natural tendancy to go over board on the number of images, resulting in an album that’s cluttered and unattractive. Avoid requesting four photos of virtually the same 120

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image, just because you look exceptionally fabulous in each shot. One image will do.

By exerting some will power and narrowing your selection to the best of the best, you’ll be much happier with the end result.

Keep in mind, you can always purchase the proofs and put them in a separate album you pick-up.

Do-It-Yourself If considering the purchase of your negatives or raw imaes on disk and handling the reproduction yourself, be prepared to weed through a thousand images, arrange for photo retouching. find someone to develop the prints, find and order the album, then construct the album. Evaluate this option realistically. You don’t want to end up twelve months down the road with your proofs and negatives still in a box and your mother asking where her precious photos are.

Assistants Most photographers work with an experienced and professional assistant. While the photographer concentrates on lighting and equipment, the assistant is watching the details; arranging the hem of your gown, smoothing out wrinkles, etc. Although hiring a photographer with a qualified assistant may cost more, it’s worth the investment. If a photographer you’re interested in does not work with an assistant, confirm the images you admired were taken without additional help.

Some photographers simply prefer to work on their own.

CEREMONY Ask your photographer to communicate with your minister, rabbi or priest, to avoid lastminute situations where his or her lighting might not be allowed.

Proofs With the advent of digital photography, wedding proofs can now be viewed and ordered online by not only the couple, but guests as well. This technically savvy option takes some pressure off the bride and groom, who in the past were responsible for gathering the orders, handling the collection of monies and delivery of end product.

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for the ceremony and reception and agree upon a time for pre-wedding photos such as those with the bride, bridesmaids and parents as well as the groom and groomsmen.

Although there are certain prerequisite shots, it still helps to provide your photographer with a checklist of these and other shots you absolutely must have. It is also a good idea to provide a schedule of events, such as the arrival, the first dance, cake cutting, etc., so your photographer is prepared.

Contract Details Understand exactly what you are buying when you purchase this intricate service.

• Name and contact information for you and your photographer • The photographer shooting your wedding and any assistants, if any.

• Name of acceptable substitute photographer in case of emergency • Engagement portrait parameters • Meal for photographer and assistant(s) • Attire of photographer and assistant(s) • Number and type(s) of cameras to be used • Correct date(s) for all event/shoot locations (engagement, rehearsal, wedding, etc.)

• Exact addresses for all event/shoot locations • What time the photographer will arrive • Beginning and end time(s) for each event • Number of hours included in the package • Total Cost (itemized if possible) • Package details: size and number of prints 122

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www.christianplevaimages.com 702.591.6074

Contract Details (continued) • Type of album and number of pages • Parent albums and number of pages • Additional travel costs (mileage, parking fees) • Overtime charges, if applicable • Average number of pictures taken on the wedding day • Percentage of color -vs- black and white pictures that will be taken • Cost of reprints and reorders at a later date • Schedule of receipt for proofs and albums • Number of proofs provided • When and how you’ll receive your order once you’ve placed it • Are negatives included? If not, are they available for purchase?

• Length of time negatives will be held • Who owns rights over reproduction of the images?

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Finding A Videographer The most amazing thing happens the day of your wedding. Your feet never touch the ground, you can’t stop smiling and by the following day you can’t remember half of what happened. It’s true. Of course there’s good reason for not remembering certain things, like watching the flower girl inch her way down the aisle with ring bearer in tow,

todd@shutterbooth.com www.shutterbooth.com 702.823.3659

or catching the groom’s nervous glance as he takes his walk up the aisle.

Simply put, the bride isn’t there for these priceless moments. She’s at the back of the church on her father’s arm, awaiting her grand entrance. What better reason could there possibly be for hiring a videographer? Nothing captures this moment in time like moving sight and sound. Like your wedding photographs, you’ll want to place this treasured keepsake in the hands of a professional. As capable as a favored uncle, or other family member may be, a seasoned professional will have the time, equipment and experience to deliver a sensational product.

photo booths the latest trend in photo fun

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f you are looking for something different for your wedding reception, photo booths and party photos are a unique and fun idea for all your guests to enjoy. Your guests will have a blast taking photos together, creating memories that they will enjoy for years to come. For an amusing twist, provide wigs, gloves, hats, feather boas, and other accessories for your guests to dress up in.

Photo booths instantly print out photo strips, allowing your guests to take home a customized memento from your special day. Some services will place them in a scrapbook for you or you can scrapbook them later.

The bride and groom can join in the fun with their guests or with each other for a private moment (as long as there isn’t a viewing window on that photo booth) LOL. n

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Begin the search for a videographer four to six months prior to your wedding date, up to a year if the wedding is in the peak months.

As in most cases, the best in the trade are hired quickly. Start by contacting your candidates via phone. While some may be willing to mail you a demo, we recommend meeting them in person. After all, you’ll be spending a large portion of your day with this particular vendor. Be sure you “click.”

View a sample tape that has been shot by the professional you intend to hire. We also recommend asking to view a video that was actually delivered to a client. This allows you to see their consistency and impact with the material from one wedding.

It is not uncommon for some videographers to hire “stringers” or “tapers.” If so, ask to meet these subcontractors and view their work; if you like it, hire them. If they can’t provide samples of their work, it might be wise to request someone else. When

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reviewing such tapes or DVD’s, it’s important to pay attention to colors, camera angles and clarity of sound. You want images that are bright and clear, music that is sharp and voices audible, smooth and steady panoramas, close-ups and no jarring jumps from one scene to another, or scenes that linger too long on one certain person or event. It’s equally important to observe their eye for catching meaningful moments and interactions.

The CosT Fees depend on how complete a service you desire and upon the number of cameras used, assistants, editing time and other production costs. Video-graphers often charge per hour or per camera, though you may inquire about a flat fee or packages. A package typically includes the taping, editing of the master and delivery on DVD. Most videographers will offer detailed information about the types of cameras and equipment they use, which can be quite daunting to the average consumer. Don’t be intimidated. Camera quality can definitely impact the end product, but your true criteria should be whether you like their style of taping and editing. As long as you are happy with the quality of the demo and confirm that the same type of camera used for the demo will be used at your wedding, you should be fine. n

wedtips | finding a photographer

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When interviewing, get a sense of your prospective photographer’s enthusiasm for shooting weddings.

If they seem indifferent or “burned out,” interview someone else.

• If the studio you’re considering uses a number of different photographers, make sure you meet and see samples of the person’s work assigned to shoot your wedding.

Get the free mobile app at

http:/ / gettag.mobi

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ceremony rentals linens tables & chairs chair co v ers plants

rentals & decor Party rentals cover a variety of items, such as: tableware, linens, chair covers, tables and chairs, tents, dance floors, candelabras, fountains, plants, props, theme decor and more. The need for various rental items increases when the event is held outdoors or at an event facility where you are required to provide your own caterer.

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Before contacting a rental company, have the following information available: • What items will be provided by the caterer: glass, flatware, china, buffet linens, etc.

• What will be provided by the facility: tables, chairs, bar, umbrella, linens, arbor, etc.

• Your event date, time and location.

• Total number of guests attending, including your wedding party.

• Number of wedding vendors being seated.

• A tentative floor plan.

• Table and chair requirements of your beverage service and disc jockey.

• Food serving style. If you’re having buffet stations, you’ll need linens for each table.

Ceremony Rentals A great deal of focus is placed on the decor for the reception, but not to be overlooked are the elements that literally set the stage for the ceremony. Arbors, columns and pillars, candelabras and chuppahs are special props not always available through a general rental company. Place calls and confirm rental reservations early-on for these unique props.

702-769-2500 See how we can transform your wedding into something beautiful!

Linens The linens and accents covering your tables create the atmosphere for your event. Bold colors and clean lines create a contemporary look. Rich, textured linen in warm tones with lush velvet table runners make a statement of classic elegance, while shimmering shear overlays lend an air of romance.

Do’s and Don’ts • Table linens should always drape to the floor.

• Linens should never match the bridesmaids’ dresses (You don’t want your BFF’s looking like they’re wearing the table linen).

• Go to a paint store to look at paint swatches.

It’s a great way to mix and match colors.

Get bold. You’re not making a commitment, you’re just playing.

Tables & Chairs In determining the number of tables and chairs needed, confirm possible extras: chairs for the ceremony, tables for the back bar, serving stations, DJ, cake and gifts. If your reception site offers an outdoor area, it’s a good idea to rent a few kiosks (elevated cocktail tables) for guests who’ll be slipping outside to

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smoke or get a breath of fresh air. If there’s the chance of extreme heat or rain, you’ll want to rent market umbrellas to go over the tables. These extras will also affect your linen and floral orders.

Chair Covers Old and worn chairs can be an unsightly distraction from an otherwise elegant affair.

Popular options to the “bad chair” dilemma are chair covers and chair rentals. Chair covers come in a variety of colors and are usually accented with a sash or band that goes around the back of the chair. Chivari chairs, an elegant, spindle-back wooden chair with padded seat cushion, can be rented in gold, silver, natural, white, cherry and black. Some rental companies offer chair caps for chivaris that help pull them in to the table linens. Clear acrylic chairs are another contemporary option. Any of the styles mentioned will help complete the overall look.

Some companies include the delivery, set-up and pick-up. If so, that’s great. If not, have someone designated to put them on the chairs and add the sashes. They’re very labor intensive, so be prepared.

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PLANTS Perhaps the best kept secret in event décor— live plants. They can virtually transform any room. Plants create a look of sophistication, and simultaneously stretch your budget by adding a large amount of visual coverage at relatively low cost. Create a regal atmosphere by placing 14-foot palm trees with up-lighting in each corner, fronted by 5-foot Bird of Paradise.

Showcase the wedding cake with perfectly sculpted topiaries and wrapped twinkle lights on each side. The options are endless.

A key element to creating a total look for your reception is good communication between your floral designer and rental company.

The linens, florals, plants and props should complement each other, as well as the room your event will be held in.

Find out in advance what the delivery, set-up, pick-up and payment policies are. Coordinate with the facility manager to ensure the location will be open when the rental company delivers your order and that someone will be there to direct where items should go. Since you’re responsible for any missing or damaged items, arrange for someone to monitor your rental items at the end of the event, paying particular attention to gathering, counting and bagging the linens for return. n

the

ultimate planning resource

CARDIN CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY CAKE BY CRAVIN’ CAKE BAKERY

F L AVO R S THE COST

the cake What’s the one thing you expect to see at every wedding reception? The wedding cake, of course! Steeped in tradition, a symbol of good luck and fertility, cake has been a part of wedding celebrations since Roman times. Whether an elegant threetiered creation trimmed with seasonal fruits and a monogram, or fondant wrapped layers of vibrant colors, bows and designs, your cake and its presentation will undoubtedly be a focal point and object of conversation at your reception.

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Wedding Confections for your Reception

Cakes for all Occassions

702.336.9309

Begin your search with ideas of design and accents admired on cakes from other weddings you’ve attended or seen in bridal magazines. As your path narrows you will be presented with three very important decisions: the cake flavor, the filling, and the icing or cake covering. Properly paired, these elements will create a seductive blend of tastes, texture and visual appeal. This is truly one of the perks of planning a wedding. Enjoy the sweet journey, as you taste your way to your own personal masterpiece.

Cake Flavors Do you and your fiancé share the same tastes?

If so, that’s wonderful. If not, this is an easy issue for compromise. Most cakes consist of multiple tiers, so you can each choose a favorite flavor, then agree on a third. In addition to selecting the flavor of the cake, you have a variety of options for the type of cake, too.

Chiffon A very light sponge cake; best complemented with fresh fruit and mousse fillings.

Genoise The classic French sponge cake.

Some-what dryer and more crumbly than Chiffon; works well with heavier, denser fillings.

French Croquembouche A tower of pastry cream puffs covered with a web of spun sugar.

Others Sponge cake, butter cake, devil’s food cake, pound cake, cheesecake, fruit cake and carrot cake.

THE FINISH | Icings and Coverings Here is where your creative inspirations come to life. Whether theme, season or color inspired, the options available lend themselves to endless possibilities.

Buttercream An icing and a filling consisting of sugar, eggs, vanilla, real butter and cream.

Fondant An icing that is either poured in liquid form onto small cakes and petit fours, or rolled out in a sheet, cut and wrapped around the cake.

Ganache A chocolate and cream mixture used as a cake filling and sometimes as a glaze.

Marzipan A decorative paste made from ground almonds and powdered sugar. It can be rolled like fondant to cover the cake or used

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as a base for the fillings between the layers.

Royal Icing Egg whites beaten with powdered sugar and lemon juice, then piped with a pastry tube to make intricate decorative elements, such as piped lace trellises or miniature buds.

It is very sweet and hardens quickly.

Spun Sugar/Angel Hair A web of long, fine cara-melized sugar threads, thrown to create a magical golden veil over a cake or dessert.

Dragées Gold or silver edible, decorative balls (like BB’s) made of candied sugar.

Gold and Silver Leaf Used in small amounts as a final touch on iced cakes. Painting with edible gold and silver is both labor-intensive and expensive, but quite beautiful for tinted flowers, leaves and Art Deco touches.

Pulled Sugar Sugar syrup that is made molten and pulled into different shapes, like bows and flowers.

Whipped Cream Filling or icing. Use pure whipped cream – no other icing stabilizers mixed with it. Whipped cream must be refrigerated.

The Cost Before talking to a baker you should know your cake budget and how many guests the cake will serve. If you plan on observing the age-old-tradition of saving the top layer for your first anniversary, be sure the number of servings does not include that layer.

The average wedding cake consists of threetiers: 12”, 9”, and 6”; or 15” 10” and 6”, and serves about 125-150 people. You will find that prices can range from $5 to $25 per slice depending on the elaborate nature of your cake. If cost is not an issue, be more elaborate with the addition of a “sweets table”, also referred to as a Viennese table, offering cookies, candies, pastries and deliciously decorated petit fours and other miniatures to complement the cake.

A potential cost for which you should be prepared, unrelated to your baker, is the facility or caterer’s fee for serving the cake which can range from $1 to $6 per slice. In some instances, this fee is negotiable. Ask your caterer and budget accordingly. n

702 544 0275 www.CravinCakeBakery.com 8550 W. Charleston Blvd, Suite 109 702-258-2676 1000 N Green Valley Pkwy, Suite 510 702-568-0557

Popcorn stations for special events

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IMAGES BY EDI PHOTOGRAPHY FAVOR BOX BY PAPER AND HOME

favors If your perception of favors was formed in the late 80’s when almonds wrapped in tulle was the favor of choice, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.

Today’s favor selections are vast and varied.

From themed and scented, to table decorations and place card holders, they’ve evolved into much more than a token gift. From place cards to favors, guest book to cake knife, attention to detail makes a memorable difference.

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Enhance a favor’s value by having it serve a dual role as an element of decoration and a departing gift. Let glass votives provide a home for tealights or become miniature vases for flowers. Elegantly encase guest names with silver frames; at the reception they’re place card holders, later they frame a keepsake snapshot from your wedding.

Select a wrap or type of packaging that adds some panache to your table decor. Enclose the favor of your choice in an organza or beaded bag that brings out the color of your decor, or use a decorative box in an imaginative shape to lend a bit of architecture to your table.

Everyone loves to unwrap a gift.

Hobbies and Sports Favors Here’s a fun way to express your personality.

If you share laughter while playing games, incorporate that into your favor selection.

Go nostalgic with popular games from your childhood in those fun little travel sizes.

Chances are your loved ones will enjoy miniature UNO as much as you! Share your sense of adventure with a favorite sport.

Present your gentlemen guests with a silverplated golf ball bottle opener and the ladies with a porcelain golf ball keepsake box.

Themed favors Favors can be the perfect finishing touch for theme weddings. For example, if you’re getting married by the sea, incorporate silver shell place card holders, frosted nautical tealight holders or festive sea-scented candles. Wine tasting one of your favorite joys? For a wine country theme, gift your guests with unique wine bottle stoppers, decorative wine glass charms, or wine splits personalized with your engagement photo, names and wedding date.

Want to honor your Italian theme with more than just a feast? Evoke old-world charm and the feel of Tuscany with tiny terra-cotta pots that contain fragrant herbs and flowers such as rosemary or lavender. If your wedding is taking place near a particular holiday you enjoy celebrating, don’t hesitate to share that joy with your guests.

Roast can be personalized with your names and wedding date. Tea infusers packaged with several bags of your grandmother’s blend share memories and love.

Prices Favors generally range between $4 to $15 each. Of course your selection is infinite.

Should you come across an extravagant temptation, one you simply must have but can’t afford in great quantities, provide one favor per couple instead of one per person.

Wedding Accessories The term “wedding accessory” encompasses many different things. From ring pillow to guest book to toasting glasses, all are important details in your day and offer fun ways to express yourself.

As you begin planning the major aspects of your wedding, keep an eye out for unique items that will add sparkle and personality to your celebration.

YOUR TIME LINE Three to four weeks before the wedding, set aside an evening with your fiancé to review the accessories you’d like to incorporate in your wedding. Outline each of the items required for the different elements of your ceremony and reception. Assemble these items, making sure they are either delivered to your wedding coordinator or given to the designated individual who will be responsible for them.

Arrange for these items to be removed and returned after the wedding.

Though tempting, avoid procrastinating on these seemingly simple purchases and tasks.

Some selections will require special order, resulting in several weeks for shipping. You should also allow time for delivery delays. n

Consumable favors These are always a delight. Delicious options include custom bonbons, cellophane wrapped lollipops, and the show-stopper: miniature replicas of your wedding cake. Or how about giving your guests a great start in the morning?

Individualized servings of your favorite French S P E C TAC U L A R B R I D E .C O M

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ELLA GAGIANO PHOTOGRAPHY

coordinator ser v ices e v ent designers destination w edding

event planners Planning a wedding can be time consuming, labor intensive and often overwhelming.

Add to the equation the ever increasing demands being placed on today’s working professional and it’s abundantly clear to see why so many couples are enlisting the services of experienced event planners and event designers.

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A common hurdle for brides considering a coordinator is the idea of relinquishing control of such a personal event. In reality, you’re not giving up control at all - you’re simply enlisting the services of someone with organizational skills and resources to bring your vision to life.

They do the footwork and research that allows you to make informed, intelligent decisions.

Here’s a list of standard services: • An initial face-to-face appointment to review your ideas, expectations and preliminary budget.

• Assist in creating a budget.

• Make suggestions and research options.

• Create an overview that accommodates your tastes, preferences and budget.

• Provide a list of recommended vendors.

• Schedule appointments with the vendors being considered.

• Review all contracts.

• Develop a detailed timeline for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.

• Develop a detailed floor plan.

• Stay in communication with your vendors.

• Confirm timeline several days before the wedding and provide final schedule to you and all vendors.

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Be on-site the day of your wedding to see that all service providers are on time and set-ups are proceeding smoothly and on schedule, and any emergencies are dealt with promptly.

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You may have heard the term ‘day-of ’ wedding coordination. While the concept may be appealing to some budget-conscious couples, it’s nearly impossible for an event planner to provide effective service if they just show up the day-of. Prior to the wedding your event planner should review all vendor contracts, develop a detailed timeline and floor plan, reconfirm logistics with all vendors and oversee the rehearsal. And of course, your venue director should be on-site for the entire wedding day to manage every aspect of the event. Overall, to provide this minimum level of service, it usually requires about thirty hours of the planner’s time.

EVENT DESIGNERS If you’re looking for someone to create a total design concept for your wedding, what you really need is an event designer. They offer creative design for the entire event, ensuring all elements compliment one another and support the overall design theme. Hire them in the early planning stages so they can be involved from the get-go.

Destination Wedding Coordinators With the popularity of destination weddings on the rise, more and more couples are finding themselves in need of a destination coordinator. We recommend hiring a local coordinator from the area in which you plan to wed. You’ll need someone who knows the area and who has experience working with the local vendors and has a complete understanding of any legal permissions needed.

Find your destination coordinator several different ways. Start with a search on aboutweddings.com. If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, do a search on Google.

If you have a specific venue in mind, call their sales and catering department and ask for a list of the coordinators they recommend.

Another option is the convention and visitor’s bureau. Leave the details to a professional who can anticipate mishaps before they occur, trouble shoot when necessary, and bring your vision to life. n

bouquet trends what's your style?

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B O UQU E T T R E N DS

left page, clockwise from left: FLORAL DESIGN Enchanted Florist PHOTOGRAPHY KMH Photography FLORAL DESIGN Jovani Linen & Event Design PHOTOGRAPHY Cardin Creative Photography

You may be among the lucky few whose future

FLORAL DESIGN Jovani Linen & Event Design PHOTOGRAPHY Cardin with Creativeuncanny Photography husband is blessed

right forethought page, clockwise from sensitivity and – top a left: man who FLORAL every DESIGN Enchanted anticipates your desire.Florist Even so, PHOTOGRAPHY KMH Photography

plan on accompanying your intended FLORAL DESIGN Flora Couture by Floral 2000 PHOTOGRAPHY Adam Frazier Photography during the first few visits to the jeweler.

FLORAL DESIGN Flora Couture by Floral 2000 PHOTOGRAPHY Adam Frazier Photography

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CRITSEY ROWE PHOTOGRAPHY

all- inclusi v e trav eling abroad cruises staying local

honeymoon Honeymoon - just the mention of the word conjures up images of champagne breakfasts for two, lazy afternoons in the sun, romantic candlelight dinners and passionate nights.

Making arrangements for this intimate escape will be one of the most enjoyable aspects of planning your wedding. Begin discussing honeymoon plans as soon as you’ve set the wedding date. Not only will this allow you time to explore the many options, it will also afford you the best availability and value.

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spa resort. Champagne and candlelight can be just as romantic 100 miles from home as they are on the other side of the globe.

BRIDE’S SPECIALS: Free Airfare Free Cruises Free Show Tickets Free Dinners Your gift from us...Don't wait, call now (702) 353-0190 Ask for Shawn All-Inclusive More than just mere accommodations, allinclusive packages generally include: food and lodging, extensive recreational facilities and equipment, ground transportation plus other amenities and services. Options range from couples-only resorts, which cater specifically to honeymooners, to family resorts. Rates can vary significantly between companies and time of year, so shop around. Whatever your choice, the all-inclusive package is perfect for those honeymooners who want to pay one price and forget about everything else but each other.

Traveling Abroad You’ll need a passport when traveling abroad.

If you don’t have a passport or yours is out of date, apply for a new one at least three months before your wedding, preferably sooner. Typically the process takes six weeks, but allow for any mishaps or delays. For travel in some countries you’ll need vaccinations. Go to www.cdc.gov/travel or do a Google search for recommended and required vaccinations.

Cruises Similar to an all-inclusive resort, cruise packages offer many services and amenities for one price. They usually include airfare, accommodations, meals, spa and health club facilities, sports, activities, entertainment, not to mention exotic ports of call. Overall, cruise packages provide good value for the money.

For this type of honeymoon excursion you’ll want to select a travel agent that specializes in cruise packages. They will have the best knowledge of what each cruise line offers, as well as personal experience and suggestions.

STAYING LOCAL Not all newlyweds are afforded the luxury of extended honeymoon bliss in a faraway place.

If you plan on honeymooning locally consider a quaint bed and breakfast, a posh hotel or a 148

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CONFIRMATIONS No matter the destination, confirm your travel and hotel accommodations well in advance and be sure to double-check them at least a week before your ceremony. In addition, it doesn’t hurt to call the hotel on the day of your wedding to confirm your time of arrival. Be sure to mention you were just married, as this often results in a nicer room or suite, depending on availability, or a special gift from the hotel, basket waiting for you upon arrival.

Whether traveling across the globe or staying close to home, the most important thing is to enjoy each other and relax. Let the glow of newly wedded bliss fill your hearts and imagination as you begin this lifelong journey of love and romance.

HONEYMOON EXPENSES • Airfare • Ground Transportation • Hotel / Accommodations • Resort Packages • Cruise Packages • Food & Beverage • Tips & Gratuities • Sightseeing • Shopping / Souvenirs • Miscellaneous

travel light PACKING ESSENTIALS

W

ith the airlines now charging for extra bags, it pays to pack light. Think about what you’ll really need. Consider the weather and the type of activities you’ll enjoy, and mix and match wrinkle-free fabrics that dress-up easily with accessories.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Airline Tickets, passports, visas and copies Credit cards and traveler’s checks Confirmation/reservation number Itinerary with phone numbers Digital camera and extra memory stick Travel size toiletries in sealable bag Travel iron or steamer Hair dryer, curling/flat iron Sunglasses, sunscreen and bathing suit Birth control / prescriptions Extra contact lenses or glasses Electrical adapter/converter (Intl.) n

ELLA GAGIANO PHOTOGRAPHY

marry me now love me forever If every couple devoted as many hours to learning how to strengthen and protect their relationship as they do planning their wedding, US marriage statistics would boast a different tale. As it is, the average couple will spend an estimated 273.75 hours over a twelve-month period planning for one day— their wedding. Care to guess how much time is spent preparing for the success of their marriage? Less than 2 hours. It’s a very sobering thought.

Thus, the question begs to be asked—what are you doing to ensure your wedded bliss? While your response might be, “Us? Counseling? But we’re so in love, he’s such a wonderful man,” reality suggests that love alone isn’t enough to guarantee matrimonial longevity.

The simple truth is that even with the best matches, all couples can benefit from learning how to build a satisfying, committed marriage.

But don’t take it on faith, let the facts support the reasoning.

A CASE FOR MARRIAGE PREPARATION You’ve probably heard the statistics and know they’re not encouraging. Half of all first marriages end in divorce. Statistics are even less 150

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encouraging for second marriages. Half of those who do stay together report lowered marital satisfaction within a few years of marrying. It’s no secret that the risk for divorce is greatest in the first five years. Spending enough time together, establishing a pleasurable sex life and managing shared finances are the major challenges newlywed couples must resolve in these first five years of marriage. Add children to the mix and the pressure of maintaining relationship satisfaction increases even more.

Studies show that getting married is a major life transition and how the marriage is established in the early years shapes how the marriage will unfold over the long term. Research has also shown that certain types of marriage preparation programs are particularly effective at preventing divorce, lowering the risk by 30% when couples practice specific relationship skills. The conclusion to be drawn from this research is crystal clear: investing in your relationship during the “magic window”—the year before and after marriage—may be the best wedding gift you could ever receive!

Everyone wants the best, most fulfilling relationship possible. Contrary to popular

M A R RY M E N OW

belief, marrying your soul mate doesn’t necessarily inoculate you against the inevitable pressures of modern life. You want a spouse with whom you can build a shared vision of the future, collaborate on raising children and create an open, trusting and accepting partnership. You want someone who supports your personal and career goals and offers the nurturance and safety of a committed relation-ship. You also want great communication, great lovemaking and great times—now and forever! That’s a large order to fill. Just ask anyone who’s been married for thirty years!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOU So, how do you know which program is right for you? The answer has to do with who you are, what your religious practices are, where you’re getting married and what is most convenient to your schedule. Fortunately, there are several options to consider.

The marriage preparation field is divided into three broad categories: • Faith-based church programs • Private pre-marital counseling services • Skill-based classes and workshops Each method has its own strengths and advantages based on its particular approach, required time commitment and cost.

Faith-Based Programs Faith-based marriage preparation got its start back in the 19th Century when a group of Catholic Spanish wives wanted to help their future husbands prepare for the sacrament of marriage. Engaged Encounter as the Catholic program is called today, has rapidly proliferated around the world. It is presented by a lay husband and wife team who has volunteered to present a marriage curriculum with the help of a priest who may have training in pastoral counseling.

Protestant and Jewish religions offer their programs tailored to the beliefs and traditions of their faiths. Unlike Engaged Encounter these offerings can be quite varied community-tocommunity and depend on the resources of the particular church or personnel involved.

Some churches, especially among the Protestant faiths, have “marriage mentors” who volunteer their time to meet with

engaged-couples to answer questions and discuss issues. In many cases, these mentors will continue to be available to the married couple long after the wedding is over. Faithbased marriage preparation services also may be the right choice for couples on a limited budget since the costs are usually minimal, if not free of charge.

Pre-Marital Counseling Another option to consider is pre-marital counseling with a mental health professional.

Many couples may have particular issues they want to work on and prefer a more customized approach that individual sessions can provide.

With individualized therapy, couples can explore in more depth such issues as inlaws, finances, remarriage and differences in backgrounds.

Although many therapists provide pre-marital counseling, it is best to select one who is a specialist in couples therapy, since they will have more expertise in helping couples.

Typically, pre-marital counseling utilizes a three to five session format with one-hour meetings scheduled weekly.

Private counseling is the most expensive of the options described here. However, if your health insurance covers mental health services, you may even be able to get some reimbursement for the fees.

In some cases, therapists might suggest you and your partner take a relationship questionnaire or “inventory” to provide more insight into your relationship’s strengths and challenge areas.

The three pre-marital “inventories” available on the market are Prepare/Enrich (lifeinnovations. com), Foccus (used in Engaged Encounter) and Relate (relate-institute.org). Prepare/Enrich and Foccus are only offered through a licensed counselor, whereas the Relate questionnaire is available online for only $10. Each of these questionnaires provides a detailed report of the couple’s communication styles, values, goals, and relationship dynamics. This tool can serve as a useful discussion guide to augment whatever program you decide to pursue.

Skill-based Programs Within the last ten years a new breed of nonreligious, skill-based marriage preparation S P E C TAC U L A R B R I D E .C O M

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classes have emerged. These classes and workshops teach couples lessons from the latest marriage research studies that emphasize the importance of using particular skills and strategies to promote marital longevity. These studies have yielded an impressive body of knowledge that can easily be taught and applied to couples.

In essence, skill-based programs teach couples how to protect their relationship. By learning how to resolve conflicts that can undermine their commitment, they are safeguarding their marriage as they navigate through the challenging early years. Key resolution skills include listening, com-municating and dealing with personal differences.

By implementing these skills, couples can decrease negative interactions and unreasonable expectations; creating a framework of “we-ness” that promotes marital happiness and satisfaction.

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Having a foundation based on mutual understanding, agreed upon strategies, and personal awareness is crucial to making the transition to married life, especially if children are part of the plan.

Skill-based programs are typically available either in a weekend workshop format or over several weekly sessions. The cost varies depending on what is provided, but the typical range is $400 - $600 per couple.

Making the Decision So what’s the next step? Talk with your fiance, even your parents and clergy about whether marriage preparation makes sense for you.

Visit the Smart Marriages Web site (www. smartmarriages.com) to get more information and a listing of programs available in your area. If you’re simply too busy to do anything before the wedding, consider that half of the couples in many of the skill-based programs across the country are newlyweds. n Drs. Patrick and Michelle Gannon are psychologists in private practice in San Francisco, California and present the skill-based Marriage Prep 101 workshop for pre-engaged, engaged and newlywed couples eight times a year at Fort Mason Center on the beautiful

San

Francisco

waterfront.

For

more

information and workshop registration, visit their Web site at www.marriageprep101.com.

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ADAM FRAZIER PHOTOGRAPHY

planning place Before making the first call or setting the first appointment, take 15-20 minutes to skim through the following 15 pages. A quick immersion in Weddings 101 will not only save time, money and frustration, it will demystify the process so you can relax and enjoy the journey. From setting the budget and creating the guest list, to booking your site and vendors, it's all in here.

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wedding protocol FOR CEREMONY & RECEPTION SEATING DURING CEREMONY Altar

Left Side

Right Side

Bride's Family

Groom's Family

Honored Guests

Honored Guests

Guests

Guests

CHRISTIAN PROCESSIONAL Clergyman Groom and Best Man Groomsmen Bridesmaids Maid of Honor Ring Bearer Flower Girl Brides's Father & Bride

JEWISH PROCESSIONAL Cantor

Rabbi

Bride's Grandfather

Bride's Grandmother

Groom's Grandfather

Groom's Grandmother

Usher Groomsmen Best Man

Groom's Father

Groom's Mother

Groom Bridesmaids Maid of Honor

Bride's Father

Bride's Mother

Bride

RECEIVING LINE Bride's Mother

Bride's Father

Groom's Mother

Groom's Father

Bride

(optional*)

Groom

Maid of Honor

Best Man

Attendants

* Keep in mind that many of today's brides are eliminating the receiving line. If you are expecting a large number of guests, receiving lines can take up to an hour to go through and this becomes very tiring on everyone. You can also simplify the receiving line to include only the mothers of the bride and groom, the bride and groom, the maid of honor and the bridesmaids. Let the fathers and groomsmen be roving hosts.

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planning time table Organized planning will ensure you enjoy every minute of your wedding day. Begin the planning process for a large formal wedding at least six months beforehand.

six or more months ahead  Decide on the type of wedding—large or small, formal or informal  Set the date (select back-up dates)  Set the budget and number of guests to invite  Book the ceremony location and officiant  Book the reception site  Order save-the-date cards  Hire a wedding coordinator—day-of or full event  Choose and notify attendants  Book the caterer  Book the photographer and videographer  Book ceremony and reception music  Book the floral designer  Order the cake  Order gown and accessories—veil, shoes, undergarments  Purchase the wedding rings  Send save-the-date cards

four to six months ahead  Compile guest list and gather addresses  Order invitations, reply cards, direction cards, thank-you notes  Plan and book the honeymoon  Confirm passports are valid  Select and order bridesmaids’ dresses  Purchase or reserve groom and groomsmen’s attire  Plan the details of the reception  Meet with floral designer to coordinate flowers, rentals and design concept  Reserve rental equipment—tables, chairs, linens  Order favors  Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests  Arrange transportation for wedding day  Book a room for the wedding night S P E C TAC U L A R B R I D E .C O M

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155

two to four months ahead  Set-up bridal registry  Select song lists for ceremony and reception  Review menu with caterer  Meet with officiant to plan ceremony  Select vows and readings  Schedule rehearsal and rehearsal dinner  Meet with makeup and hairstylist  Address and mail invitations  Purchase gifts for wedding party  Announce engagement in local paper(s)  Write thank-you notes as gifts arrive

one to two months ahead  Order ceremony program, place cards, table cards and menus  Purchase accessories—guestbook and pen, toasting flutes, unity candles, cake knife and server, flower girl’s baske and ring bearer’s pillow

 Get marriage license and certified copies  Prepare necessary name change documents  Confirm all professional services in writing  Remind bridesmaids of final dress fittings  Order gift baskets to be delivered to hotel for out-of-town guests  Assign family and friends to assist with boutonnieres, guest book, gift table and collecting items after reception

two weeks ahead  Final dress fitting with shoes and undergarments  Arrange for cleaning and preservation of gown  Finalize guest count and meal selections with caterer  Finalize the seating plan and write place cards  Confirm rehearsal dinner arrangements  Confirm rehearsal date, location and details with wedding party  Confirm delivery date of all dresses  Confirm location, date and time with each wedding day vendor  Confirm honeymoon arrangements and make copies of passports  Provide honeymoon itinerary to family or friend in case of an emergency  Confirm final count and delivery details with rental company  Write toasts for rehearsal dinner and reception  Address announcements (mail on wedding day)  Hair color and/or trim  Break-in wedding shoes 156

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one week ahead  Send change of address to post-office  Confirm out-of-town guests’ hotel selections for delivery of gift baskets  Confirm responsibilities assigned to family and friends  Pick-up dress or have it delivered  Purchase traveler’s checks  Pack for honeymoon  Update caterer with final guest and vendor meal count  Make final seating chart adjustments

one day ahead  Massage, manicure and pedicure  Confirm transportation for ceremony and reception  Prepare tip and payment envelopes and make arrangements for someone to deliver them to the appropriate vendors

 Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner  Present gifts to wedding party. Give gifts to parents, if you choose, as thanks for their support

 Give announcements to an attendant to mail the next day

NOTES:

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budget manager One of the greatest influences on the type of wedding you have will be your budget. To establish an accurate distribution of wedding finances, you and your fiancé should first take a moment to discuss one another’s wants, needs and wish-lists. The next step--prioritize. If serving a lavish buffet with passed hors d’oeuvres at the reception takes precedence over hiring a live band, or if an abundance of lush, cascading flowers framing your entry into the reception is more important than the cake, you’ll need to make the appropriate adjustments and allocations. Remember, when you increase the expenditure in one category, you decrease the available budget for the remaining categories.

USING THE BUDGET MANAGER The percentages that appear in the Suggested column on the following pages are only guidelines. They can easily be changed to accommodate your personal preferences and priorities.

To calculate the Suggested Budget per category, simply multiply your Total Budget by the Suggested Percentage. For example: $25,000 (total budget) x 5.00% (suggested percentage) = $1,250.

Utilize this printed version of the Budget Manager or visit www.aboutweddings.com and go to The Planning Place>Budget Manager. Either way, set your budget as soon as possible and commit to following it.

TOTAL BUDGET $ __________________

Suggested %

Budget

Actual

 Beverages/Bar/Corkage Fee

5.00%

__________________

___________________

 Cake/Cake Cutting Fee

2.00%

__________________

___________________

29.00%

__________________

___________________

 Facility Rental

6.00%

__________________

___________________

 Rental Items

1.00%

__________________

___________________

 Other

__________________

___________________

 Other

__________________

___________________

43.00%

__________________

___________________

 Aisle Runner

0.25%

__________________

___________________

 Candles/Candelabras or Sand/Vases

0.35%

__________________

___________________

 Facility Rental

0.75%

__________________

___________________

 Officiant

0.40%

__________________

___________________

 Marriage License

0.25%

__________________

___________________

__________________

___________________

__________________

___________________

reception

 Catering/Food/Servers/Tax/Gratuity

Sub Total

ceremony

 Other

Sub Total

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2.00%

P L A N N I N G P L AC E

Suggested %

Budget

Actual

 Alterations

0.55%

__________________

___________________

 Bride’s Gown

6.45%

__________________

___________________

 Headpiece/Veil

0.50%

__________________

___________________

 Jewelry

0.10%

__________________

___________________

 Lingerie

0.10%

__________________

___________________

0.30%

__________________

___________________

apparel/bride

 Shoes  Other

__________________

___________________

 Other

__________________

___________________

8.00%

__________________

___________________

 Groom’s Tuxedo or Suit

0.75%

__________________

___________________

 Accessories (shoes, cufflinks, etc)

0.25%

__________________

___________________

 Other

__________________

___________________

1.00%

__________________

___________________

7.00%

__________________

___________________

__________________

___________________

7.00%

__________________

___________________

4.00%

__________________

___________________

 Other

__________________

___________________

4.00%

__________________

___________________

 Attendants’ Bouquets

1.00%

__________________

___________________

 Boutonnieres/Mothers’ Flowers

0.75%

__________________

___________________

 Bride’s Bouquet

0.70%

__________________

___________________

 Flower Girl’s Basket

0.10%

__________________

___________________

 Ceremony Arrangements

0.20%

__________________

___________________

 Reception Tables (buffet/cake/guests)

4.25%

__________________

 Other

__________________

___________________

 Other

__________________

___________________

__________________

___________________

Sub Total

apparel/groom

Sub Total

photographer  Photographer Fee/Prints  Other

Sub Total

videographer  Videographer Fee/Copies

Sub Total

flowers

Sub Total

7.00%

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Suggested %

Budget

Actual

 Ceremony

1.50%

__________________

___________________

 Cocktail Hour

1.50%

__________________

___________________

4.00%

__________________

___________________

 Other

__________________

___________________

7.00%

__________________

___________________

1.50%

__________________

___________________

 Save-the-Date Cards

0.30%

__________________

___________________

 Directions/Hotels/Maps

0.20%

__________________

___________________

 Ceremony Program

0.25%

__________________

___________________

 Postage

0.45%

__________________

___________________

 Thank You Notes

0.30%

__________________

___________________

 Seating Cards/Place Cards

__________________

___________________

 Menu Cards

__________________

___________________

 Announcements

__________________

___________________

 Calligraphy

__________________

___________________

3.00%

__________________

___________________

 Cake Knife & Server

0.20%

__________________

___________________

 Favors

1.00%

__________________

___________________

 Guest Book & Pen

0.15%

__________________

___________________

 Toasting Flutes

0.15%

__________________

___________________

1.50%

__________________

___________________

 Bride’s Attendants

0.30%

__________________

___________________

 Groomsmen & Ushers

0.30%

__________________

___________________

 Parents

0.40%

__________________

___________________

 Pre-Wedding Party Hosts

0.30%

__________________

___________________

 Soloists/Musicians (Friends)

0.20%

__________________

___________________

 Guest (hotel) Gift Baskets

__________________

___________________

 Other

__________________

___________________

__________________

___________________

entertainment/music

 Reception

Sub Total

stationery  Invitations/Reply Cards

Sub Total

accessories

Sub Total

gifts

Sub Total

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1.50%

P L A N N I N G P L AC E

Suggested %

Budget

Actual

0.50%

__________________

___________________

1.50%

__________________

___________________

 Other

__________________

___________________

 Other

__________________

___________________

2.00%

__________________

___________________

0.85%

__________________

___________________

0.15%

__________________

___________________

 Other

__________________

___________________

1.00%

__________________

___________________

 Wedding Coordinator

9.00%

__________________

___________________

 Wedding Insurance

1.00%

__________________

___________________

 Other

__________________

___________________

 Other

__________________

___________________

 Sub Total

10.00%

__________________

___________________

2.00%

__________________

___________________

 Other

__________________

___________________

Sub Total

2.00%

__________________

___________________

Total

100.00%

__________________

___________________

transportation  Guest Transportation  Limousine

Sub Total

beauty  Hair & Makeup  Manicure and Pedicure

Sub Total

optional

overages  Tax/Tips

NOTES:

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reception checklist & questionnaire  The Location:_ _______________________________________________________________________________  Date availability?______________________________________________________________________________  Proximity to ceremony location?_________________________________________________________________  Are any other receptions booked for the same day?_________________________________________________  Room capacity? (independently confirm)_________________________________________________________  Square footage of room? Cocktail area? Dance floor? _ _____________________________________________  Is there a public address system available?_________________________________________________________  Are there visual obstructions in room? Pillars, columns, etc.?__________________________________________  What does the rental fee include?________________________________________________________________  Are there discounts for specific days/ time of day/time of year?_ ______________________________________  Is there a minimum person guarantee (equal to a min. food/beverage charge) requirement?_ _______________  What are the overtime fees?_ ___________________________________________________________________  What is the required deposit? When is it due? When is the balance due?_ _______________________________  What additional costs should we expect?__________________________________________________________  Postponement/cancellation policy?_______________________________________________________________  Liability insurance required? Terms?______________________________________________________________  Is there adequate parking or valet?_______________________________________________________________  Are we required to use an in-house caterer or ‘preferred’ caterers list?_ _________________________________  What time will vendors be allowed to enter facility?_ ________________________________________________  Are clean-up services provided? Is there an additional charge?_ _______________________________________  Are candles/open flames allowed? _______________________________________________________________  Are there decorating restrictions?________________________________________________________________  Are there any music/amplification restrictions?_____________________________________________________  Is there a coat check area available?______________________________________________________________  Are there bride and groom changing rooms?_______________________________________________________  Is it handicap accessible?_______________________________________________________________________  Are there childcare facilities?____________________________________________________________________  Is there adequate power and outlets for the entertainment?___________________________________________  Are guests allowed to throw rice or birdseed?______________________________________________________  Are there plans to renovate in the future?__________________________________________________________

(If answer is yes, get completion date in writing before finalizing contract)

 Is it a union venue? _ __________________________________________________________________________  Are there upcoming contract negotiations or ongoing labor disputes to be aware of?______________________  Are you anticipating selling the property?_ ________________________________________________________  When getting final price quote, make sure the dollar amounts include tax and gratuity._ ___________________

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(Can be as much as 20% of total)

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reception order & timeline Begin Time

End Time

_____________________

______________________

_____________________

______________________

 Guests are directed to place card table

_____________________

______________________

 DJ or MC announces the arrival of the

_____________________

______________________

 Bride and groom mingle with guests

_____________________

______________________

 Dinner is announced

_____________________

______________________

 Guests are seated

_____________________

______________________

 Dinner is served

_____________________

______________________

 Champagne is served for toasting

_____________________

______________________

 Toasts by bestman, maid of honor and

_____________________

______________________

 Band or DJ music begins

_____________________

______________________

 Dinner plates are cleared

_____________________

______________________

 Bride and groom’s first dance

_____________________

______________________

 First dance with parents

_____________________

______________________

 Wedding party joins the dance floor

_____________________

______________________

 Open dancing for all guests

_____________________

______________________

 Bestman/designated person presents

_____________________

______________________

 Cake cutting

_____________________

______________________

 Cake and/or other desserts are served

_____________________

______________________

 Garter Toss (optional)

_____________________

______________________

 Bouquet Toss (optional)

_____________________

______________________

 Sweetheart Dance

_____________________

______________________

 Last Dance for bride and groom

_____________________

______________________

 Departure of newlyweds

_____________________

______________________

 Parents or designated host announce

_____________________

______________________

 Guest departure

_____________________

______________________

 Designated persons collect wedding gifts,

_____________________

______________________

 Background music plays as guests arrive and are

directed to the cocktail reception area

 Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are served while

guests await the bridal party

wedding party and bride and groom

other pre-determined guests

enveloped-payment to appropriate vendors

conclusion of the evening

rentals and other items for bride and groom

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flower checklist personal flowers  Bride’s bouquet  Maid / matron of honor bouquet  Bridesmaids’ bouquets  Flower girl basket or headpiece  Mothers’ flowers (i.e., single stem flower, tussy mussy, corsage)  Grandmothers’ flowers (i.e., single stem flower, tussy mussy, corsage)  Readers  Vocalists  Groom’s boutonniere  Bestman / groomsmen boutonnieres  Ushers / ring bearer  Fathers / grandfathers’ boutonnieres  Other ____________________________

ceremony flowers  Guest book attendant  Gift table attendant  Church flower s/ candles  Aisle flowers / ribbons  Altar / chuppah  Rose petals for decorations/tossing  Other ____________________________

reception flowers  Powder-room arrangements  Entryway table  Place card table  Head table  Bride / groom chairs  Guest tables  Cake / cake table  Reception buffet table(s)  Rose petals for decorations  Bar  Other ____________________________

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music selections Whether your preferences lean toward classical, jazz, Motown, ethnic, or spiritual, you needn’t feel bound by traditional selections. Use this opportunity to share songs that mean something to you with those you love.

Most couples assume they’ll remember all their favorite songs when it comes time to compose the list, but with so many details to contend with, it’s easy to forget. When you get to the point of finalizing your list, note the song lengths. Your event coordinator will need this information when composing a time line for both you and your other vendors.

song

performed by

length

 Prelude (20-40 minutes prior to ceremony/guest seating) __________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

Total Minutes ________________

 Processional (1 to 2 selections for wedding party & one for bride) __________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

Total Minutes ________________

 Ceremony Selections (Musicians and soloists) __________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

Total Minutes ________________

 The Recessional (Wedding party and guests departing) __________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

__________________________________________

___________________________

____________

Total Minutes ________________

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song

performed by

length

 First Dance (“Your Song”) / Parent Dance _____________________________________________

_____________________________

_____________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________

_____________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________

_____________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________

_____________

Total Minutes ________________

 Special Requests for Band or DJ _____________________________________________

_____________________________

_____________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________

_____________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________

_____________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________

_____________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________

_____________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________

_____________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________

_____________

Total Minutes ________________

 "Don’t Play" List _____________________________________________

_____________________________

_____________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________

_____________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________

_____________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________

_____________

Total Minutes ________________

ask the right questions  Do you have a demo-CD or is it possible to hear you play live?________________________________________  Do you charge a flat fee or an hourly rate?_________________________________________________________  How do you handle overtime?___________________________________________________________________  What is your cancellation/postponement policy?___________________________________________________  If something happens to the person(s) contracted, who will replace them?_______________________________  Do you have any special requirements regarding space, electricity or any other items?_____________________  Is there a member of the group that can act as MC for the first dance, cake cutting, etc?_ __________________  Will the same performer(s) on the demo-CD be performing at my wedding?_____________________________  Can we make requests at the reception?___________________________________________________________  Do you have a list of your repertoire?_____________________________________________________________  How long will it take you to set up? Will you do it before the guests arrive?______________________________  What will the performers be wearing?_ ___________________________________________________________  How often, and for how long do you break?________________________________________________________ 166

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making the merge your name change Keeping Your Maiden Name Women who have established a professional career using their maiden name often choose to continue using that name.

Name Change Checklist

 Auto Registration  Bank Accounts  Car Insurance  Credit Cards  Credit Reporting Agency  Deeds  Doctor/Dental Records  Driver’s License  Employee Records  Internal Revenue Service  Life Insurance Policy  Memberships  Passport  Post Office  Property Titles  Savings Accounts  Social Security Card  Stock Certificates  Voter Registration

Using Both Names Some women choose to use their maiden name at work and career related functions, yet legally take their husband’s surname and use it for social and family purposes.

Hyphenating Your Name This option requires a hyphen after the bride’s maiden name followed by her husband’s surname.

(Sandra Smith becomes Sandra Smith-Fisher.)

Changing Your Name Women opting to change their name both socially and legally, should plan to take action upon returning from the honeymoon. A request should be made for a separate credit history to be maintained under the bride’s maiden name. It is wise for a woman to keep one or two credit cards under her maiden name to maintain a credit rating in the event she is widowed or divorced.

 Will

where to start His bank or hers?

Joint checking or individual? The merging of two households and two sets of

finances warrants some time and attention. With all the focus on the wedding, it's easy to put off a few of the not-so-urgent details, such as banking, insurance and other financial decisions. Here are a few of the items you'll want to address sooner, rather than later.

Banking

One of the first decisions to make is whether to merge your accounts or keep them

separate. Many couples opt to open a joint account, while still keeping separate accounts. Others choose to open a joint savings account, where they funnel a certain percentage of their monthly income. The amount allocated towards the account is usually determined by their financial goals.

Bills If you choose to maintain separate bank accounts, sit down together and discuss the allocation of household bills. If all funds are merged, you'll need to decide who's in charge of finances and responsible for paying the monthly bills.

Insurance Review car, home, health and life insurance policies. Analyze coverage plans and address the new beneficiary issues where necessary.

Your First Home

No matter what state the economy is in, investing wisely in real estate can be an

important factor in building a solid financial future. Start addressing your financial goals right from the start. There are benefits to being married—you've got combined purchase power. Wield it wisely.

Finding an agent that's familiar with local neighborhoods, schools and market conditions is key.

Whether you know exactly what you want, or have no idea where to start, you'll want an experienced, reputable agent to walk you through the process.

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wedding day responsibilities responsibilities

name

cell phone

Rings & marriage license

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Bride’s wedding apparel

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Bride’s emergency kit

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Groom’s tuxedo and accessories

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Favors, guest book and pen

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Aisle runner, unity candle and holder _____________________________

_ _____________________________

Cake knife, server and toasting flutes _____________________________

_ _____________________________

Wedding programs

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Ring bearer pillow

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Guest book table attendant

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Gift table attendant

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Pay officiant and other vendors

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Personal flowers

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Lighting candles prior to ceremony

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Toasts and announcement of couple _____________________________

_ _____________________________

Transportation of gifts

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Bouquet for floral preservation

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Top layer of cake and cake top

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Gather rental items/bride’s gown

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

vendors (wedding day contact)

name

cell phone

Cake

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Catering

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Event coordinator

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Facility contact

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Flowers

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Hair

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Makeup

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Music/ceremony

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Music/reception

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Officiant

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Photographer

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Transportation

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

Videographer

_____________________________

_ _____________________________

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2013 calendar january

february

S M T W T

F

S

S M T W T

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

3 10 17 24

S M T W T

F

S

S M T W T

F

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

2 9 16 23 30

1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

5 6 7 12 13 14 19 20 21 26 27 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

3 4 10 11 17 18 24 25

september 1 2 3 8 9 10 15 16 17 22 23 24 29 30

march S

S M T W T

2 9 16 23

3 10 17 24 31

april F

S 2 9 16 23 30

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

S

S M T W T

F

S

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

7 14 21 28

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

4 5 11 12 18 19 25 26

june

S M T W T

1 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28

may

F

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

october

1 2 8 9 15 16 22 23 29 30

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

S

S M T W T

F

S

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

3 10 17 24

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

7 14 21 28

6 13 20 27

F

S

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

1 2 8 9 15 16 22 23 29 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 5 11 12 18 19 25 26

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

S M T W T

4 11 18 25

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

5 6 12 13 19 20 26 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

december

F

2 9 16 23 30

5 12 19 26

november

S M T W T 1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29

S

august

S

F

july

F

S M T W T

S M T W T

1 2 3 8 9 10 15 16 17 22 23 24 29 30 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

F

S

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

New Year's Day . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan 1

President's Day . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 18

Memorial Day . . . . . . . . . . . . May 27

1st Day of Rosh Hashanah . . Sept 4

Thanksgiving . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 28

Martin Luther King . . . . . . . . . Jan 21

Good Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 29

Independence Day . . . . . . . . .July 4

1st Day of Yom Kippur . . . . Sept 13

1st Day of Hanukkah . . . . . . Nov 27

Valentine's Day . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 14

Easter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 31

Labor Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sept 2

Columbus Day . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 14

Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 25

NOTES:

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wedding services directory apparel: alterations & bridal gown care

beauty: hair & makeup

The Dress Doctor (see ad pg 44) (805) 769-6053 www.marla-thedressdoctor.com

Amelia C & Co (see ad pg 45) (702) 749-4411 www.amelia-c.com

apparel: bridal & bridesmaids

Hair’z Melinda (see ad pg 45) (702) 608-4635 www.hairzmelinda.com

Alfred Angelo (see ad pg 44) (877) 7ANGELO www.alfredangelo.com

beauty: health & wellness

Bowties Tuxedo and Bridal Boutique (702) 456-5688 www.bowtiestuxandbridal.com

It Works! Global (702) 860-7621 www.skinnyvegas.myitworks.com

Bridal Elegant (see ad pg 42) (702) 989-9700 www.bridalelegant.com

Spinal Care of Nevada (702) 944-4673 www.drdevin.com

David`s Bridal (see ad pg 43) (877) 923-2743 www.davidsbridal.com

bridal registry

Mina Olive (see ad pg 44) (702) 738-2926 www.minaolive.com

apparel: tuxedos & formalwear Jerry's Tux Shop (see ad pg 49) (702) 248-4777 www.jerrystuxshop.com Jos. A. Bank (see ad pg 48) (877) 703-4438 www.josbank.com Men's Wearhouse (see ad pg 51) (800) 776-7848 www.menswearhouse.com Tuxedo Junction (see ad pg 50) (800) 832-5717 / (702) 873-8830 www.tuxedojunction-lv.com

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Bed Bath & Beyond (800) 462-3966 www.bedbathandbeyond.com Kohl`s Wedding Wishes Gift Registry (800) 837-1500 www.kohls.com/wedding

cakes & confections Albertsons Cakes Catering Flowers (see ad pg 136) (702) 336-9309 www.albertsons.com Cravin’ Cake Bakery (see ad pg 137) (702) 544-0275 www.cravincakebakery.com Emerald at Queensridge Bakery (702) 242-5700 www.emeraldatqueensridge.com

wedding services directory cakes & confections (continued)

entertainment & music

Popcorn Girl (see ad pg 137) (702) 258-2676 www.popcorngirlvegas.com

D Jays Entertainment (see ad pg 60) (702) 643-3529 www.djaysentertainment.com

Sweet Lucy’s Confections (see ad pg 137) (702) 494-9757 www.sweetlucysconfections.com

Harry O Productions (702) 767-0699 www.harryoproductions.com

caterers

Knight Sounds Entertainment (702) 452-3544 www.knightsoundsdjs.com

Culinary Arts Catering (see ad pg 17) (702) 822-7715 www.culinaryartscatering.org

clergy Elegant Vegas Weddings (702) 260-7875 www.elegantvegasweddings.com

dance lessons A Perfect Wedding Dance (see ad pg 60) (702) 242-6400 www.aperfectweddingdance.com

destination wedding The M Resort (see ad pg 37) (702) 797-1919 www.themresort.com

entertainment & music All Events DJ & Photobooths (702) 348-6641 www.alleventsdj.com

(continued)

(see ad pg 61)

Media DJs (see ad pg 60) (702) 435-4968 www.media-djs.com New Dimension Sound Entertainment (see ad pg 61) (702) 336-3317 www.ndsound.com

Visuals Around Sound (see ad pg 122) (702) 625-2065 www.visualsaroundsound.com

event planners Scheme Events (see ad pg 142) (702) 778-9414 www.schemeevents.com

florists & floral dĂŠcor Albertsons Cakes Catering Flowers (see ad pg 54) (702) 336-9309 www.albertsons.com Enchanted Florist (see ad pg 54) (702) 731-2656 www.lasvegasfloral.com Flora Couture by Floral 2000 (702) 221-1220 www.floral2000.com

(see ad pg 55)

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wedding services directory florists & floral dĂŠcor

(continued)

photography

(continued)

Naakiti Floral Design (see ad pg 57) (702) 385-5484 www.naakitifloral.com

Alison Henrie Studio (see ad pg 122) (702) 468-9549 www.alisonhenrie.com

invitations & wedding stationery

AltF.com (see ad pg 121) (702) 860-3653 www.altf.com

1st Impressions Invitations (702) 290-6805 www.1stinvite.com

(see ad pg 63)

Ana Studios (see ad pg 122) (702) 540-7717 www.anastudios.com

Alligator Soup (see ad pg 64) (702) 804-0544 www.alligatorsoup.com

Cardin Creative Photography (702) 318-1139 www.cardincreative.com

Paper and Home (see ad pg 63) (702) 776-8243 www.paperandhome.com

(see ad pg 116)

Cashman Brothers Fine Photography (see ad pg 117) (702) 220-9506 www.cashmanbrothers.com

Visionary Pen (see ad pg 64) (702) 395-3583 www.visionarypen.com

Christian Pleva Images (see ad pg 123) (702) 591-6074 www.christianplevaimages.com

photo booths

Dave Lite Photography (see ad pg 118) (702) 228-8080 www.davelitephotography.com

Imagine Studios (see ad pg 124) (702) 982-3598 www.imaginestudioslv.com

Ella Gagiano Photography (see ad pg 116) (702) 340-5505 www.ellagagiano.com

Shutter Booth (see ad pg 124) (702) 823-3659 www.shutterbooth.com

photography

Exceed Photography (see ad pg 116) (702) 768-0210 www.exceedphotography.com

A. Vilela Photography (see ad pg 123) (702) 722-4007 www.vilela-photography.com

Images by EDI (see ad pg 118) (702) 286-8759 www.imagesbyedi.com

Adam Frazier Photographer (702) 379-3435 www.adam-frazier.com

Imagine Studios (see ad pg 124) (702) 982-3598 www.imaginestudioslv.com

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wedding services directory photography

(continued)

reception sites & venues

J & J Photography (see ad pg 121) (702) 612-5255 www.jandjphotos.com

A Secret Garden (see ad pg 21) (702) 361-2202 www.asecretgardenwedding.com

J.Anne Photography (see ad pg 118) (702) 203-5608 www.j-annephotography.com

Angel Park Golf Club (702) 254-3250 www.angelpark.com

John Morris Photography (see ad pg 120) (702) 807-1600 www.johnmorrisphoto.com

Anthem Country Club (see ad pg 11) (702) 614-5002 www.anthemcc.com

Kandylane Photography (see ad pg 118) (702) 471-8161 www.kandylanephotos.com

Bear's Best Las Vegas (see ad pg 13) (702) 804-8500 www.bearsbestlasvegas.com

KMH Photography (see ad pg 123) (702) 285-9588 www.kmh-photography.com

Black Mountain Golf & Country Club (702) 566-2084 www.golfblackmountain.com

LorenzFoto Photography (702) 460-4853 www.lorenzfoto.com

Canyon Gate Country Club (702) 363-4650 www.canyon-gate.com

(see ad pg 120)

(see ad pg 15)

M Place Productions (see ad pg 120) (702) 799-9540 www.mplaceproductions.com

Cili Restaurant at Bali Hai Golf Club (see ad pg 39) (702) 597-6316 www.cili.com

Mindy Bean Photography (see ad pg 116) (702) 340-5415 www.mindybeanphotography.com

Culinary Arts Catering (see ad pg 17) (702) 822-7715 www.culinaryartscatering.org

Moxie Studio (see ad pg 120) (702) 527-0258 www.gomoxiestudio.com

Desert Pines Golf Club (702) 388-4400 www.desertpinesgolfclub.com

Picture Perfect Weddings (see ad pg 122) (702) 740-8207 www.pictureperfectweddingslasvegas.com

DragonRidge Country Club (702) 614-4444 www.dragonridgecountryclub.com

The Black Chicken / Studio ATG (see ad pg 122) (702) 809-4878 www.studioatg.com

Emerald At Queensridge (see ad pg 20) (702) 242-5700 www.emeraldatqueensridge.com

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wedding services directory reception sites & venues (continued)

reception sites & venues (continued)

Fogo de Chao (see ad pg 39) (702) 431-4500 www.fogo.com

Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino (702) 667-4723 www.santafestationlasvegas.com/meetings

JW Marriott Resort & Spa (see ad pg 22) (702) 869-7023 www.jwlasvegasresort.com

Silverton Casino (see ad pg 31) (702) 893-7433 www.silvertoncasino.com

Lagasse’s Stadium (see ad pg 24) (702) 607-2664 www.emerilsrestaurants.com/lagasses-stadium

Southern Highlands Golf Club (702) 263-1000 www.pacificlinks.com

Lakeside Weddings & Events (702) 240-5290 www.lakesideweddings.com

Southshore Golf Club (702) 856-8432 www.pacificlinks.com

Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort (see ad inside front cover) (702) 395-1700 www.lvpaiutegolf.com

Suncoast Hotel & Casino (see ads pg 32, back cover) (702) 636-7090 www.suncoastcasino.com

MEET Las Vegas (702) 322-2910 www.meetlv.com

Texas Station (702) 631-8292 www.stationcasinos.com

Par 4 Golf Clubs Weddings and Events (see ad pg 31) (702) 810-3013 www.par4weddings.com

The Grove (see ad pg 23) (702) 645-5818 www.the-grove.com

Rainbow Gardens (702) 878-4646 www.ilv.com/rainbowgardens

The Lake Club at Lake Las Vegas (see ads pg 1, 26) (702) 856-8432 www.pacificlinks.com

Ravella at Lake Las Vegas (see ad pg 25) (702) 567-4734 www.ravellaweddings.com

The M Resort (see ad pg 37) (702) 797-1919 www.themresort.com

Rhodes Ranch Golf Club (see ad pg 28) (702) 795-9522 www.rhodesranchgolf.com

The Platinum Hotel & Spa (see ad pg 30) (702) 636-2450 www.theplatinumhotel.com

Sam`s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall (see ad pg 29) (702) 454-8020 www.samstownlv.com

The Revere Golf Club (702) 617-5707 www.reveregolf.com

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(see ads pg 1, 26)

(see ads pg 1, 26)

wedding services directory reception sites & venues (continued)

travel: honeymoons (continued)

The Ritz of Las Vegas (see ad pg 27) (702) 336-3626 www.theritzoflasvegas.com

Resort Stay International (702) 589-3481 www.geoholidays.com

The Victoria’s Family (see ad pg 30) (702) 252-4565 www.victoriasfamily.com

Ultra Honeymoons (see ad pg 149) (800) 804-5426 www.ultravacations.com

The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa (see ad pg 33) (702) 567-2162 www.westinlakelasvegas.com

TPC Las Vegas (see ad pg 28) (702) 256-2000 ext 225 www.tpc.com/lasvegas

videography & cinematography Memory Lane Video (702) 501-5622 www.mlvnv.com

(see ad pg 125)

Videos by Mark & Beverly (702) 274-6275 www.wevideotape4free.com

TPC Summerlin (see ad pg 28) (702) 485-6828 www.tpcsummerlin.com

wedding gifts & favors

rentals & dĂŠcor

Things Remembered (800) 274-7367 www.thingsremembered.com

Current Events (see ad pg 131) (702) 944-1848 www.eventslv.com

wedding planning resources

Jovani Linens and Event Design (see ad pg 129) (702) 460-8370 www.jovanilinens.com LED Unplugged Lighting and Event Rentals (702) 266-6900 www.ledunplugged.com

(see ad pg 148)

(see ad pg 128)

RSVP Party Rentals (see ad pg 133) (702) 878-0144 www.rsvpparty.com

Bridal Spectacular Events, Inc. (702) 368-0088 www.bridalspectacular.com Perfect Wedding Venue (800) 809-6714 www.perfectweddingvenue.com Spectacular Bride Wedding Planner (702) 368-0088 www.spectacularbride.com

travel: honeymoons

TheKnot.com (877) 771-3020 www.theknot.com

All About Honeymoons and Destination Weddings (702) 219-2739 www.allabouthoneymoons.com

Veils, Tails & Cocktails (702) 368-0088 www.lasvegasbridalshow.com

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