brideLIFE Magazine - Issue 4 by brideLIFE Magazine

IS SU E

ANTONIO GUAL FOR TULLE NEW YORK

talks island weddings

Emma Corrie shares her TIPS FOR THE PERFECT DAY

Fashion by the Sea

MAKE IT

DIY YOUR OWN

featuring Soco Hotel & The Lone Star

DIY BEAUTY by MAC Cosmetics

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the table of

Contents 10. The brideLIFE Team 12. The Contributors 16. Meet our Stylist 20. Creating a Magical Woodland Wedding

Karen Thomas shows us simple ways to use everyday items to create a whimsical wedding design.

26. Meet the Collettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Kelly-Ann & Sean tell us all about their perfect day!

38. Getting Corried Away

Emma Corrieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creative Wedding Designs.

48. Beautiful Makeup

Styles for every bride, and practical tips from Senior M.A.C. Makeup Artist, Gisel Cavillo, for your wedding day.

56. On Location: Soco Hotel

70. West Coast Glamour at Lone Star 81. Personally Yours Your ring, your way.

86. Optimistic Glamour

International designer Antonio Gual for Tulle New York talks about his inspirations and previews his 2015 wedding gown collection.

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94. Catering for Success

Renowned professional chef Scott Ames shares tips for creating the best wedding menu.

100. REAL WEDDINGS Sarah & Richard Stephanie & David Kerri & Tom Santana & Stephen Lynda & Phil

131. The Romance of a Villa Honeymoon

136. On Tour with Loop Barbados

Plan an exciting DIY day in Barbados for your guests.

140. Trash the Dress 144. Vendor Listings

ON THE COVER Marta is wearing ”Azure” bridal gown by Monique Lhuillier US$4,990; “Mardi Gras” bracelet; “Margaret” hair piece, all available at Town & Country Bridal Boutique Hair Stylist Julie McNicoll Photo by Luke DeFreitas Photography On Location at Lone Star Barbados

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Welcome to our first DIY issue! As with any marriage of ideas, our team approached this issue brimming with different concepts and eager to share them with our readers. Barbados is well known for it’s island style and we collaborated with many talented designers and planners for this issue; each of them passionate about their trade and eager as ever to showcase the world class talent we have on the island. We are especially grateful to Jake and Karen Thomas for undertaking our ‘On a Budget’ challenge, it was a great learning experience for us as we watched Karen’s brain ticking over with truly creative projects. Soco Hotel and The Lone Star provided us with breathtaking backdrops for our stunning fashion spreads, and our photographers Leslie St. John and Luke DeFreitas were a dream to work with. M.A.C. Cosmetics and Diamonds International were eager partners and as always the hugely talented Donna Smith and Simply Flowers were 100% involved in our shoots ~ we cannot thank them more for their never-ending support. In this issue, we meet the gorgeous local couple Kelly-Ann and Sean Collett; learn more about the dynamic Emma Corrie and her passion for all things DIY and catch up with our favourite surfer chef Scott Ames, who has a plan for everyone on a budget. This issue is particularly special to us, because it really embodies what we do, which is work together to create something where ideas are pulled out of air and suddenly it’s looking at you on a page….it’s the very essence of our collaborative efforts. - So enjoy our DIY issue, we hope it inspires! xoxo

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meet

The Team

malissa blackman

julie murphy

“I am very excited about this D.I.Y issue - it’s a nice reminder for brides that planning a wedding should be a fun experience and not stressful. I hope these D.I.Y ideas inspire brides to be creative for their wedding!”

“Working with this talented team of ladies is always inspiring, but also always fun! The more I learn about everything we have to offer on this island, the more proud I am to be part of this project; because the rest of the world needs to know it as well. We are truly world class.”

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION

MANAGING EDITOR

sandra bosher

carolann gollop

“I had a great experience developing the brideLIFE Beauty feature, and working with Andrew and M.A.C. Cosmetics, to create a variety of gorgeous looks that brides can easily do themselves.

“Another issue under our belts, and what an issue it is. DIY has to be my absolute favourite, simply because I’m an arts & crafts addict. Obviously this issue has been my recent guilty pleasure! Hope you enjoy it!”

SALES & MARKETING / CONTRIBUTING EDITOR - brideLIFE BEAUTY

MAGAZINE DESIGN & LAYOUT

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meet the

Talented production team

production professionals...

andrew browne

leslie st.john

luke defreitas

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER www.andrewbrownephotos.com

PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER www.jakethomasimaging.com

daphne ewing-chow

nicola wilson

melanie weekes + kimberley bourne

rhiannon marquez

www.lesliestjohn.com

WRITER www.daphneewingchow.com

www.lukedefreitas.com

WRITER

jake & karen thomas

WRITER - BLOGGER

LOOP BARBADOS www.loopbarbados.com

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The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of brideLIFE Magazine or any of its staff, contributors or advertisers. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any way, form or media, without the written permission of brideLIFE Magazine management.

beauty experts...

gisel cavillo

donna smith

SENIOR MAKEUP ARTIST M.A.C. COSMETICS www.giselcavillo.com

HAIR STYLIST www.hairstylebydonna.com

janine cooper

julie mcnicoll

MAKEUP ARTIST

HAIR STYLIST

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“When the sun has set, no candle can replace it” George RR. Martin

““She left beauty wherever she went.” Anonymous

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““If you want to know how much I love you, count the waves.” Anonymous

behind the SEC T I O N N A M E HER E

Scenes stunning models...

MARTA BLADES “My best memory from the shoot was working with and getting to know the brideLIFE crew! They made the day such a blast!”

SARAH LAMBERT

JOELLE HALL

EMILEE TROULAN

“It was so much fun working with the brideLIFE team. All of the gowns were absolutely stunning, Wish I could have worn them all!”

“Any discussion around weddings is going to be cliche, but it was a truly amazing experience working with the brideLIFE team. The gowns were gorgeous, the girls were beautiful and the photos amazing!”

ENA NOKAJ

YESIM AKCAYLI

HOPE ARMSTRONG

SAMANTHA MARSHALL

“I don’t understand why brides don’t know what to do with the dress after the wedding…I say wear it randomly and twirl like a princess whether you’re going down the aisle or not!

“My experience with brideLIFE was amazing, everyone was down to earth and supportive.”

“Working with the brideLIFE Team was a truly great experience! Amazing people, stunning dresses & endless smiles. Thank you brideLIFE!”

“Working with brideLIFE Magazine was a great experience. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and experiencing the talents of those who, together have made it what it is today.”

‘I had a great time working with brideLIFE Magazine! The team is full of great people and made the whole project an enjoyable one.’

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a message from

Our Stylist STEPHANIE FAGYAL TOWN & COUNTRY BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

www.townandcountrybride.com

This was my second trip to Barbados to work with this

amazing team of ladies. Last year my colleague and I were at Mango Bay on the West and this time I came with my hubby and we stayed at Soco Hotel on the South. It was a great change of scenery and I was pleased to have been able to see two sides of the island. The West is gorgeous and very glamorous with sparkling tranquil seas and a quieter more sophisticated air; while the South coast is bustling, dotted with outdoor restaurants and it definitely has a more chilled out casual vibe. The ocean on this coast has a little more life and voice and we were able to go out a bit more and explore on our own which was wonderful! Barbados is very unique to the Caribbean; it has a great laid back feel but with a distinct layer of sophistication which is a perfect blend when considering destination weddings in the islands. One thing we just have to highlight about the island is that it really is a ‘foodie’ heaven. The meals at the hotel were top notch (Barbados has more five star hotels than I can count!) and all of the restaurants we sampled at were truly delicious; it’s quite the gourmet authority and working with the professionals on the island I know that this is true within the catering industry as well. This said I encourage anyone who comes to the island to find and sample the ‘rotis’. We tried lots of different foods while on the island but this was hands down our favourite! It’s a simple West Indian curry dish, with spiced meats or veggies in a delicious wrap and it’s bursting with flavour. Apparently it’s quite popular at weddings as well, with caterers offering gourmet mini versions and DIY ‘roti stations” as a fun alternative to the traditional spread. A little added caribbean ‘flair’ for your guests! This dish definitely gets our stamp of approval! Of course our main reason for being here (roti sampling aside) was the fashion shoot. What a wonderful experience (again)! Working with the team of Malissa 16

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and Donna, Janine, Carol Ann and Julie is always fun, but they have such an eye and passion for what they want and the photographers just ‘get’ it, it’s a seamless process. For this issue I wanted to show that even though we were on a lovely tropical island, brides don’t have to stick with any one ‘look’. We shot in some beautiful spaces and although the scenery was beach, sunset and sand we were able to show that the bride can still go for a formal wedding look. Take Marta at Lonestar, her dress fit that space perfectly but it isn’t what you would typically think of for a beach location; still it worked! Special thanks to our beautiful models who seemed to have as much fun as we did! Another aspect of working with this team that I just love is how much we learn about the ins and outs of the island. With any destination wedding it’s important that you find a planner who is familiar with the venue, the industry professionals and understands the island’s unique attributes. For instance, one of our bouquets in the shoot had the most amazing purple striped orchid and it is apparently grown in Barbados! Those little touches add to the nostalgia of the day and it’s important to have the right planner there by your side, guiding you and giving you those special ‘tips’ and insights on the island. Congratulations to the brideLIFE team again for a beautiful fourth issue and thank you so much for giving Town and Country Bridal Boutique the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful team.

Steph a ni e

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creating a magical

Woodland wedding

I N SP I RATION S

“Creativity, imagination, possibility and practicality all play a major role in a successful DIY Job.”

No DIY issue would be complete without some

good and proper….DIY! We set the talented Karen Thomas of Bouquet Be Mine the challenge of creating a whimsical, vintage inspired wedding design…on a teensy tiny budget. “I love using ‘found’ objects”, she says, “Things we often take for granted can be turned into something unexpected and often magical.” If you’re longing to create a big visual impact with your wedding flowers but have always assumed that the glossy magazine look of your dreams is way out of your budget, Karen is here to prove that thanks to websites like Pinterest and a little creativity, designer inspired bouquets and gourmet favours are entirely possible. “I’m loving the fact that vintage chic is current right now - the hand painted signs, fairy lights and flower garlands are both simple and charming.” Karen explains that an important aspect of DIY weddings is to work with what you have, and don’t be afraid to personalise it. Karen’s woodland wedding was created out of very few elements but comes off with a big impact. She set the tone with a rustic background and designed a tablescape/bouquet and backdrop with organic flair and imagination! brideLIFE Issue 4

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BOUQUET You will need: 1 bouquet holder 1 large styrofoam ball Glue gun Silk flowers Hessian, cloth or ribbon of your choice to cover the handle.

* Remove any oasis that is on the bouquet handle. * Glue the styrofoam ball onto the handle to create *

the base for the bouquet. Glue on flowers starting with the large blooms and fill in spaces with the smaller ones. Finish by wrapping the handle with fabric of your choice.

ALTAR GARLAND You will need: Galvanised chicken wire (use a heavier gauge if the garland is being hung between trees â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a lighter gauge is suitable for garlands being attached to a chuppah/ wedding canopy) 20 gauge jewelry wire or similar Dried branches & Silk flowers Optional: fairy lights (ensure they are outdoor and LED - no heat = no fire hazard!) Fishing wire/jute cord or ribbon to hang Wire cutters/garden shears Thin nose pliers Scissors and Glue gun the length of chicken wire 10 - 12â&#x20AC;? wide using the * Cut wire cutters or shears. the chicken wire lengthways to form a tube, using * Roll the pliers to tuck in any cut edges and to help secure

* * 22

the roll by wrapping cut edges around each other. If using fairy lights, thread the string through the wire as desired and secure with jewelry wire. Push dried branches into the wire tubing and secure with jewelry wire. You will then be able to start gluing your flowers again it is best if you start by placing the large blooms first and fill in with the smaller ones.

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VOTIVES & VASES You will need: Tins of various sizes (try to use ones with a ring pull top, these do not have sharp rims and are safer) Craft Spray Paint Brillo Pad or Scourer Drill with a selection of different size bits. Clamp

* Soak the cans in water to take off any labels. * Spray paint cans evenly with 2-3 coats. Let dry for *

30 minutes. Rubbing vertically up and down the can, then horizontally around the can, use the brillo pad or scourer under water to scrub off paint

To make votives: use the clamp to secure the can and then use the drill to create holes. Try drawing a pattern and creating a design. Use different size drill bits to create interest.

FLORAL CENTREPIECE You will need: Dried Branches & Silk Flowers Glue Gun Masking Tape Hessian (or ribbon of your choice) to finish. Glass Vase Extra Flowers

* Start by gathering your dried branches and arranging * *

in bunch that is equal from all sides â&#x20AC;&#x201C; use masking tape to secure. Glue your flowers, turning the arrangement as you go to ensure that it works from all sides. Cover over masking tape with your choice of ribbon.

Top Tip: It is easier to glue the flowers onto the

branches if the arrangement is in a vase; this will ensure that your blooms are evenly spaced. Stick to smaller blooms for a delicate finish. These arrangements can be as big or as small as you like and could also translate beautifully into bridesmaids bouquets. If you want to make arrangements for buffet tables, make sure that the arrangement has a flat side, so that it is easily placed against a wall. brideLIFE Issue 4

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SIGNS

FAVORS

I used roofing shingles as signs, with watered down white acrylic paint and a fine brush to complete the lettering.

You will need: Seed packets Brown paper (or paper colour of your choice) Black pen Photocopier Glue stick Scissors

You will need: Shingles or wood Jigsaw Drill machine. Ribbon. Glue gun Silk Flowers

Top Tip: Visit your local lumberyard and look around - there are many bargains to be had by making use of scrap wood. Ask your lumberyard to shape the signs for you. Alternatively, ask family and friends who do woodwork to raid their garage!

“Creativity is contagious. Pass it on”. Albert Einstein 24

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the seed packet and mark it out on a sheet * Measure of paper. your message on the brown paper and then * Repeat photocopy to get required amount. out and glue onto seed packets. You could * Cut embellish these with small silk flowers or ribbon.

All craft supplies were found at Laurie Dash Craft Shop. Feature shot on location at Sunbury Great House. Visit www.barbadosgreathouse.com for more information on their wedding packages. Looking for the perfect wedding, anniversary or keepsake gift. Visit Bouquet be Mine’s Facebook page to turn your wedding flowers into a piece of art to cherish forever. www.facebook.com/BouquetBeMine

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meet the

Collett’s Our first local couple for this interview! The lovely

Kelly-Ann and Sean Collett are good friends of ours. Kelly-ann is no stranger to the world of events, being a corporate events manager herself. Her groom Sean is a pilot. This jet-setting couple gives us a little more background to their love story Our love story began a decade ago when my brother, Clint Gregory, introduced us at a party and hinted that Sean would be a great match for me. I rolled my eyes and laughed it off. Sean was four years younger than me. How could Clint think we would be a match, especially since I was returning to university in Toronto in less than a month? However, as the summer passed we became inseparable and I knew in my heart my brother was right; something amazing was happening... and fast! Your black and white theme was visually stunning, what was your inspiration? I have always loved black and white; it is just so clean and classic. Its greatest asset... everything matches! You don’t have to worry if what you’re buying is the right shade of color! I have seen many brides choose a color for their bridal party and then worry over every item they buy whether it is the correct shade of that color. Black and white makes that choice so much easier and stress free, which is exactly what we were looking for. How were you able to personalize the décor for your DIY wedding so that it reflects both of your personalities? Sean and I sat down with Clint (who runs a marketing company) and decided to ‘brand’ our wedding. After a few hours of Sean and I driving my brother mad we created our perfect wedding logo ‘come fly with us’. This logo was used on the wedding invitations, printed on a large canvas for the guests to sign, and of course, what wedding would be complete without branded bandanas 26

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“Sean was AMAZING! Probably one of the most supportive and involved grooms known to mankind. I am truly a very lucky lady!” brideLIFE Issue 4

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and photo booth for the party! I am extremely grateful to Clint for this idea, we really felt it made our wedding special. How about planning, timing and the actual DIY projects, walk us through that process. Planning and timing are what I live for! Anyone who knows me can tell you I am beyond punctual and organized. That truly is a Gregory family trait and Sean and I made an amazing team! I am an Event Manager and with Seanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expertise in running several popular annual functions on the island we thought we could handle everything ourselves; and we did. We created budgets of all the costs, lists of all the items needed for setup day for decor, bar, etc., and of course, a detailed schedule for the bridal party, catering and bar managers. Everything ran like clockwork on the wedding day, without a glimpse of stress from anyone. The little preparation as a team really makes it all worth while on the big day. As a bride and groom you do not want to worry on your wedding day about who is lighting the candles! Seriously, that is what all the work before is for! Enjoy the day, it goes so quickly! What was your favourite DIY contribution to the big day? 28

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our feet in the sand, surrounded by a small amount of people who love us tremendously. So we decided on a destination wedding, and naturally Barbados was the perfect choice! We always stay at Glitter Bay Villas, and decided to have our wedding right there on their beautiful beach. The management and staff at Glitter Bay were so proud to be hosting our wedding, which meant the world to us. We will always be grateful to them for not only allowing us to have our wedding there, but for being so gracious and happy for us. Tell us how your home city of Dallas is different from Barbados. How did this make your time here extra special? While we love living in Dallas, we hate that it isn’t on the ocean. Mark and I are water bugs. We would live in the water if we could. In Barbados, we snorkel, paddle board, swim, and ski. It was amazing that we got to be in the water every day leading up to our wedding. Even on our wedding day we were in the water! This truly is a difficult choice. My wonderful bridal party, with the help of Linda Roach, spent hours glittering wine bottles for the candy station and hearts to line the aisle; and they were spectacular! Guests carried them home for keepsakes! I also cannot forget to mention a very touching surprise was when Duane and Snuffy, two of Sean’s groomsmen painted the dance floor in black and white checkers for us; it was just beyond words to see on the wedding day. I have one word of advice. If you’re not creative... Pinterest... it is where every single one of our ideas came from! Tell us a little about why you chose Lion Castle as your wedding location.

make everything run smoothly. Of course, there were a few arguments over minor details, but I think that is to be expected; it brings you closer as a couple. Our reward… to keep hearing from our guests to this day that it was one of the best weddings they have ever been to! It was DEFINITELY the best day of our lives and we would do it over and over again! To see everyone so happy and filled with love is all that we could have hoped for. It wouldn’t have happened without all the planning. How much did the groom get involved in the process? (We’re envisioning Sean covered in glitter with a glue gun in hand).

Did having such a large part in the preparation of your special day add to the experience and how?

Not to boast... Who am I kidding, I am going to boast; Sean was AMAZING! Probably one of the most supportive and involved grooms known to mankind. I am truly a very lucky lady! From the beginning he was all hands on deck; from helping to choose the venue, caterer, collecting ALL of the guests’ addresses and addressing the envelopes, to helping decorate the venue and ensuring on the morning of the big day that everything looked perfect for us. What a keeper!

It certainly did! Sean and I worked extremely hard to

There are elements of the wedding that brides

We wanted an outdoor wedding and the dates that worked best for the overseas family turned out to be July; hot, hot, July. Lion Castle is thankfully swept by wonderful country breezes. For summer months it has to be the best location, with the polo field and country views as a stunning backdrop.

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would never consider to make a DIY. Whether hair, makeup, invitations etc. where would you suggest to splurge? Two weeks before the wedding Sean decided to surprise me and book Bianca at â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I Do Video Artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and that was our greatest treasure. To say we have watched the video at least thirty times already would not be a lie. And for friends and family who could not be a part of the day to see a glimpse of what it was like is worth every penny. Another important area would be catering, and for that there is no other caterer but Anna Went, her food is just divine! What advice would you give other DIY brides for their big day? Relax! Remember every tear shed. Smile and laugh. Spend all your time before the wedding making lists and planning; but, on the big day, live in the moment. Stop, look around and take it all in. It does not matter if the flowers are in the wrong place. Trust me, on your wedding day all that matters is that you are on cloud nine, surrounded by friends and family; and, of course, that you have just married the most amazing man any woman could wish for! There are no words to describe such happiness and I wish it for every bride-to-be!

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M EET T H E C O LLETT’ S

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“Relax! Remember every tear shed. Smile and laugh. Stop, look around and take it all in.”

the wedding

vendors location LION CASTLE POLO CLUB photography LUKE DEFREITAS decorations FRIENDS & FAMILY hair stylist DANIELLE ELIAS makeup artist JANINE COOPER 34

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videography I DO VIDEO ART

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“For me, I just love to recreate the couple’s vision.” 38

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FEAT U RE P ERSON ALITY

getting

Corried Away emma corrie’s creative wedding designs BY DAPHNE EWING-CHOW

Emma Corrie, Design Director of the eponymous

design house Emma Corrie Designs, along with her design assistant Sandi Kirton share a passion for weddings. Emma credits her theatrical and artistic education and background to her success in designing beautiful bespoke weddings. “It has helped me to think out of the box a little bit more,” she says. Emma Corrie has been at the helm of a number of high profile destination events, including the 2013 wedding of New York fashion designer Erin Fetherston and pop singer Gabe Saporta at St. Nicholas Abbey. She also recalls the experience of marrying water and modern elements for the nuptials of Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren at Sandy Lane in 2004. According to Emma, given the unique nature of Barbados’ natural resources it is almost impossible for a local wedding to not be a DIY wedding of sorts.

“Wedding design is in itself a bespoke, DIY activity,” she says. “Because we live in an environment where not a lot is available, it forces us to be more creative because we cannot always go out and buy exactly what we need.” Emma’s methodology is very much fitting to her DIY focus. Her first steps with a foreign-based couple include a Skype consultation during which she will ask them to create a mood board on Pinterest, which she will use as the source of her inspiration and to which she will usually infuse local or distinctively Caribbean elements. Says Emma, “For me, I just love to recreate the couple’s vision.” Her ideal couple is one that works closely with her and shares as much information as possible. This can often be an issue in the context of celebrity weddings. “Some of the weddings, if they are going to be in a high profile magazine, they are extremely secretive because the magazine is paying for it... The challenge is often getting information.” brideLIFE Issue 4

F EATURE P ERSO NA L IT Y

Having collaborated with world-renowned designers such as Colin Cowie and Preston Bailey, as well as Martha Stewart Weddings, Emma is particularly confident in the excellent reputation of Barbados as a destination, both within the travel industry and among international wedding planners. “More and more people are coming here for those luxurious elements…we have very skilled, talented artists on the island and we have experience that other islands don’t have. Bajans are well traveled, so we know what our clients are looking for…. Barbados in general, we are so fortunate - we have the full package.” Emma and Sandi enjoy integrating tropical and distinctively Bajan bespoke elements in their weddings. Says Emma, “It is easy to incorporate Bajan do it yourself elements into your wedding. We like to use bamboo, coconut husks, floral décor and Caribbean entertainment to really give it that island appeal… but it is always best to give it your own little twist… We have a level of sophistication here that the other islands don’t have. There is a lot that we can get done that would be harder to do in other places.” Some more elaborate Caribbean elements that she 40

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has included in her events include coconut vendors, snow cone vendors that infuse rum and coconut water in their creations, a cocktail area with local rums and even a rum tasting, which was a key feature in Erin Fetherston’s wedding. Emma also recalls hiring an aerial chiffon artist who performed over a giant chess board at one of her more elaborate events. Emma and Sandi’s favorite materials include twine, glitter, feathers and natural materials. A lot of their inspiration is derived from fabrics. This is coupled with what she refers to as “the power of a mood board” on Pinterest. The vision is then “tied together” by their team of “problem solvers” including an on-staff seamstress. “I always say that people are going to come to your event, and they will not remember everything - they will not remember the menu that they were served but they will always remember how it looked; they will always remember the atmosphere that was created. It doesn’t have to be extravagant - just pick one or two feel good areas, like the dance floor or the lounge or even the cake area as a feature.” Says Emma, “Sometimes you think you cannot get it done. I love making it happen against all odds.”

FEAT U RE P ERSON ALITY

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F EATURE P ERSO NA L IT Y

Emma Corrie’s Top 10 Wedding Planner Tips for your DIY Wedding 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

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DIY requires plenty of advance planning make yourself a schedule. Don’t assume DIY = cheap. You will not only need a schedule, you will need a budget! Be selective about what you DIY - base projects on your strengths. In order to save time and money, plan for some trial runs first. Mix and match DIY items with professional services to personalize but maintain quality. To maintain a distinctively Caribbean flair, use natural materials such as coconut husks, shells, flowers, sand, etc. You don’t have to apply your DIY motif to all areas - just pick one or two feel good areas, like the dance floor or the lounge or even the cake area. When in doubt, include rum! There is nothing more Bajan than rum! Draw on a few close friends/ family members who are willing to work hard to help you bring it all together and troubleshoot if need be. Finally, if you are not naturally creative, DIY projects are probably not for you! You can still incorporate DIY elements, but outsource to avoid mishaps.

Emma Corrieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secret to success? Attention to detail!

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Because on that special day, you should look your best!

JULIE - MOBILE HAIRDRESSER juliemcnicoll@live.com

Internationally Trained Professional Hairdresser Wedding Up-Doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and styles | Haircuts and Style | Colors & Highlights Relaxer & Straighteners | Keratin smoothing Treatments brideLIFE Issue 4

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BRI D EL I FE BEAU TY

JOELLE Face

Moisturizer: Studio Moisture Fix SPF15 Primer: Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion Foundation: Face and Body Foundation Concealer: Pro Longwear Powder: Mineralize Skinfinish Pressed, Blot Powder Highlight: Woodwinked Eye Shadow Cheek Highlight: Mineralize Skinfinish in Global Glow Finish: Fix +

Eyes

Eyelid: Crème de Violet Eye Shadow Crease: Fig 1 Eye Shadow Highlight: Prep + Prime CC Colour Correcting Compact in Neutralize (brow bone) Liner: Permaplum, Crème de Violet, Fig 1 Eye Shadow (outer corner) Lashes: #20 Mascara: Opulash

Lips

Primer: Prep + Prime Lip Liner: More To Love Pro Longwear Lipstick: Heroine Finish: Viva Glam Rihanna Lipglass Nail Lacquer: Girl About Town, Mean & Green (accent for ring finger)

Jewellery

14kt white gold & diamond pave’ drop earrings (2.94ct) from the Gift Collection; 14kt white gold & diamond bracelet (17.54ct) from the Sara G collection by Diamonds International.

Photography: Andrew Browne ~ Andrew Browne Photography; Assistant: Amleya Clarke Creative Direction: Sandra Bosher ~ Caribbean Bazaar Makeup provided by M.A.C Cosmetics; MUA: Sabrina Newsam. Makeup Assistant: Tericca Gibson Jewellery provided by Diamonds International Models: Joelle Hall Location: Windward Villa, Sandy Lane, Barbados. Thanks to www.dalmeranproperty.com brideLIFE Issue 4

BRIDELIF E BEA UT Y

SAMANTHA Face

Moisturizer: Strobe Cream, Studio Moisture Fix SPF15 Primer: Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone, CC Colour Corrector Cream Neutralize Foundation: Face and Body Foundation, Mineralize Foundation Concealer: Pro Longwear Powder: Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, CC Loose Powder Highlight: Strobe Liquid; Rice Paper Eyeshadow Blush: Stay Pretty Pro Longwear Finish: Fix +

Eyes

Eyelid: Stormy Pink Paint Pot Crease: Rule, Saddle Eye Shadow (Eye Shadow X15 – Warm Neutral Palette) Liner: Fascinating Eye Kohl (waterline), Bountiful Brown, Saddle, Rule (lower lash line) Lashes: #7 Mascara: Haute & Naughty Black

Lips

Primer: Prep + Prime Lip Liner: Cork Lipstick: Creme Cup Finish: Lychee Luxe Gloss Nail Lacquer: Soirée

Jewellery

18kt white gold and blue topaz necklace, earrings and ring from the Bvlgari Parentesi collection, one of Bvlgari’s best known creative designs, inspired by the joints of Roman sidewalks. Available from Diamonds International.

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Photography: Andrew Browne ~ Andrew Browne Photography; Assistant: Amleya Clarke Creative Direction: Sandra Bosher ~ Caribbean Bazaar Makeup provided by M.A.C Cosmetics; MUA: Sabrina Newsam. Makeup Assistant: Tericca Gibson Jewellery provided by Diamonds International Model: Samantha Marshall Location: Windward Villa, Sandy Lane, Barbados. Thanks to www.dalmeranproperty.com

SEC T I O N N A M E HER E

Romantic 51

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brideLIFE Issue 4

BRIDELIF E BEA UT Y

YESIM Face

Moisturizer: Strobe Cream, Studio Moisture Fix SPF15 Primer: Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone, CC Colour Corrector Cream Neutralize Foundation: Face and Body Foundation Concealer: Pro Longwear Powder: Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Highlight: Mineralize Skinfinish Gold Deposit, Soft and Gentle Blush: Eternal Sunshine Finish: Fix +

Eyes

Eyelid: Layin’ Low Paint Pot, Lemon Tart Eye Shadow (Eye Shadow X15 – Warm Neutral Palettes) Crease: Carbon Eye Shadow Liner: Graphblack smoked with Embark Eye Shadow (lower lash line) Lashes: #21 Mascara: Opulash

Lips

Primer: Prep + Prime Lip Liner: Sublime Culture Lipstick: Honey Love Nail Lacquer: Skin

Jewellery

18kt white gold necklace (4.01ct) & earrings (1.52ct) from the Sara G Collection by Diamonds International.

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Photography: Andrew Browne ~ Andrew Browne Photography; Assistant: Amleya Clarke Creative Direction: Sandra Bosher ~ Caribbean Bazaar Makeup provided by M.A.C Cosmetics; MUA: Sabrina Newsam. Makeup Assistant: Tericca Gibson Jewellery provided by Diamonds International Models: Yesim Akcayli Location: Windward Villa, Sandy Lane, Barbados. Thanks to www.dalmeranproperty.com

SEC T I O N N A M E HER E

Goddess

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BRIDELIF E BEA UT Y

wedding day style

Beautiful Makeup for every bride Senior Artist for M.A.C Cosmetics, Gisel Cavillo shares her practical tips and makeup advice for your wedding day!

Gisel’s 5 Essential Products for keeping your skin looking flawless in the Caribbean heat.

Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF50: I call this product the sun guard – plus, it’s packed with everything you need to have both the protection and the primer you need for your foundation.

Blush: Adding a bit of

color on cheeks adds that healthy glow we all want to have. For fair skin try a soft pink hue (Dame, Blushbaby) and for warmer/deeper skin tones try corals like (Peaches, Fleur Power).

Fix +: This refreshing spray sets your makeup and refreshes skin.

Lipstick: A bold hue is fun to wear and gives that quick pick me up! Try shades like: Morange, Lady Danger, Ruby Woo, Heroine

Mascara: A quick way to get that refreshed look. Try our Extended Play Gigablack Lash mascara for an everyday wear, or for more volume you can try Opulash mascara.

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SEC T I O N N A M E HER E

“Skin is everything - so it is the most important beauty step on your wedding day. If your skin has been taken care of, your makeup will look incredible.” Gisel’s Makeup Advice for Brides:

Taking a Daytime Wedding through to Evening:

“I like a soft palette of hues for day or evening looks. I like to keep it as natural as possible - but also keep in mind that even if you don’t usually wear makeup, this is the day to wear it! Although it may seem like a lot, the pictures will photograph half of what you see. You don’t want to get lost in the picture, so lipstick and eye makeup is important.

This will be a long day, so it’s important to keep in mind that you should try to use all long wearing products – this will help to keep your makeup in place as long as you need to!

“This is the day I would really consider lashes. They will complete your look and not appear as dramatic as you may feel them to be.” For weddings that start early and end late, I usually put together a little bag for the bride with lip liner, lipstick and gloss; Blot Film (it’s better than powder to remove excess oil from skin) and if I want my bride to be extra perfect, I throw in the concealer and blush I used.”

For your special day, there are a few tips I like to have my brides follow: Ensure you are removing your makeup at night and applying your moisturizer/SPF in the morning. Try Green Gel Cleanser to remove and cleanse the skin; in the morning use Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel and set with Fix +. Finish with Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF50 and you are set to go!

For a base try our Pro Longwear Foundation. It’s great in humidity – perfect for Caribbean weddings. Eye makeup: Use a primer - this will help keep everything in place. Try our Paint Pots and our Fluidline eye liner. Both are meant to set quickly and last all day long. Waterproof mascara is a must. Try our Extended Play Lash or False Lashes Waterproof. Lips: matte lipsticks are more longwearing – if you do not want to be constantly touching up during the day this may be your easiest formula to use. “If you decide on a glossy lip I would consider a few points: have an updo, especially if it’s windy – you don’t want to have lipgloss all over your face for the photographs as you won’t feel comfortable and the camera may pick it up.”

“Add gloss only in centre of lip to add volume and not too much texture, especially because you don’t want your gloss to end up all over the groom when you kiss him!” brideLIFE Issue 4

Dress: “Josephine” by Lea-Ann Belter US$2,750 Earrings: “Aquarius” by TF US$225 Hair Piece: Supernova US$855 Bracelet: “Mardi Gras” US$360 Bouquet: Simply Flowers Hair: Donna Smith of Hair by Donna Makeup: Janine Cooper of Makeup by Janine Photography: Leslie St. John Photography

O N L O C ATION

on location

Soco Hotel hastings, christ church

A refreshingly contemporary elegant new

hotel designed with a blend of South Beach style and Caribbean flair. Snuggly situated at the end of the South Coast Boardwalk Soco Hotel boasts many features that result in the perfect get away. Upon entering the foyer you are welcomed into a trendy new lounge with a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea. The concierge warmly greets you for the start of a memorable vacation at this unique all-inclusive hotel. There are 24 ultra modern style rooms that have a simple yet refined design using whites, veneered bamboo and an uninterrupted view of the ocean through glass doors. All rooms are fully equipped so one can ease right into vacation mode. The pool area is truly the best of both worlds with a bar that will quickly serve up those poolside drinks while you still feel as if you brideLIFE Issue 4

ON LOCATION

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O N L O C ATION

brideLIFE Issue 4

ON LOCATION

are right on the beach at the waters edge. In addition the waterfront restaurant serves you all day and switches up its menu regularly so guests are treated to a fresh array of sumptuous dishes! The location is a vibrant area ideal for the whole island life experience, allowing visitors to fully take in the Bajan lifestyle. Activities outside the hotel include dining out on the boardwalk, or nightclubs with all the major partying spots being only a short drive away. The boardwalk is always bustling with activity and is perfect for an evening stroll or, at a solid kilometer long, is perfect for those fitness fanatics looking for a chilled holiday but without sacrificing their normal routine. The possibilities are endless when you stay at Soco Hotel.

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Bridal Gown: “Josephine” by Lea-Ann Belter US$2,750 Earrings: “Aquarius” by TF US$225 Hair Piece: Supernova US$855 Bracelet: “Mardi Gras” US$360 Bridesmaid Dresses: by Amsale US$310 Bouquets: Simply Flowers Hair: Donna Smith of Hair by Donna Makeup: Janine Cooper of Makeup by Janine Photography: Leslie St. John Photography

O N L O C ATION

south coast

Sophistication

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ON LOCATION

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Bridal Gown: “Josephine” by Lea-Ann Belter US$2,750 Earrings: “Aquarius” by TF US$225 Hair Piece: Supernova US$855 Bracelet: “Mardi Gras” US$360 OPPOSITE PAGE Bridesmaid Dresses: by Amsale US$310 Bouquets: Simply FLowers Hair: Donna Smith of Hair by Donna Makeup: Janine Cooper of Makeup by Janine Photography: Leslie St. John Photography brideLIFE Issue 4

ON LOCATION

Bridesmaid Dresses by Amsale US$310 Bouquets: Simply Flowers

Hair: Donna Smith of Hair by Donna Makeup: Janine Cooper of Makeup by Janine Photography: Leslie St. John Photography

I am such a lucky bride, to have my best girls by my side!

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SEC T I O N N A M E HER E

brideLIFE Issue 4

Lone Star SECTION NAM E HE R E Restaurant & Boutique Hotel

fall in

LOVE

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SEC T I O N N A M E HER E

This simply stunning location is the ultimate luxury beach venue for the wedding of your dreams. Whether it be exclusive venue hire or a small intimate affair we will cater to your every need.

Anything is possible! For more information please contact Pamela Di-Benedetto on (246) 419 0599 or via email pamlonestarhotel@gmail.com Our preferred wedding planner is Malissa Blackman malissa@barbadosweddings.net

W | www.thelonestar.com E | info@thelonestar.com T | (246) 419 0599 F | (246) 419 0597 A | THE LONESTAR MOUNT STANDFAST, BARBADOS

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BRIDAL STYLE

west coast

Glamour at Lone Star

Lonestar hotel and restaurant is situated on the

platinum coast renowned for the clear blue water that laps gently onto golden sands. We love it’s relaxed atmosphere and classic contemporary décor; it exudes luxury and comfort but with a definitively ‘chic Caribbean’ vibe. Once an old seaside gas station, the hotel was recently refurbished by new ownership and has redefined itself as THE west coast hot spot for events and luxury holidays. The hotel is very exclusive, offering five beachfront suites (all names in honour of an automobile legend ~ fitting perfectly with the building’s humble beginning). A secluded beach villa adjoins the property offering three bedrooms, spacious living and dining area and a private gazebo ideal for entertaining. The rooms boast a simple elegance with polished mahogany floors, four-poster beds and uniquely Caribbean touches that ensure guests can make themselves ‘at home’ but with those added luxuries associated with the exclusive coastal address. With the golden sands only a stones throw away, it’s 70

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ideal for early morning ‘sea baths’ as the locals call it, or sunset strolls before dinner. The restaurant has a bohemian atmosphere with a nautical sailor design combining a Nantucket-esque flavour with West Indian energy. The expansive staircase with it’s adornment of antique mirrors is almost Gatsby chic but the wooden ceiling fans, island style bar and bungalow style sitting area scream refined boho. As if this assault on the senses wasn’t enough, we haven’t even touched on their menu. In tune with the location they focus on mouth-watering seafood dishes, sexy salads and cool oven fired pizzas, decidedly relaxed but with an Italian flare. As the day passes and the sun slowly disappears, the Lonestar boasts a stunning West Coast sunsets complete with bright pinks, yellows and oranges, a twilight canvas of colour; as the torches are lit and the soft melodies play from neighbouring beaches, guests can sit right at the lapping waves and immerse themselves in the spectacular beauty of Barbados. Truly the gem of the Caribbean!

SEC T I O N N A M E HER E

Dress: “Creme Brulee” gown by Monique Lhuillier US$6,600 Earrings: “Pacific” by Toni Federici US$180.00. Hair: Julie McNicoll Photographer: Luke DeFreitas Photography Location: Lone Star Barbados

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Dress: ”Layla” by Lea-Ann Belter US$3,700 Necklace: “Damsel” by Toni Federici $270 Hair: Julie McNicoll Location: Lone Star Barbados

Earrings: “Aquarius” by Toni Federici US$225 Bracelet: “Anise” by Toni Federici US$195 Photographer: Luke DeFreitas Photography

SECT I O N N A ME HE R E

Dress: ”Azure” by Monique Lhuillier US$4,990 Bracelet: “Mardi Gras” US$360 Hair Piece: “Margaret” US$375 Hair: Julie McNicoll Photography: Luke DeFreitas Photography Location: Lone Star Barbados

Dress: “Heidi” by Monique Lhuillier US$3,630 Earrings: “Jackson” and are US$150 Bracelet: “Catelyn” US$180

Hair: Julie McNicoll Photography: Luke DeFreitas Photography Location: Lone Star Barbados

Dress: “ Maeve “ by Vera Wang US$2,990 Necklace: “Ginger” US$300 Hair Piece: “Meg” US$360

Hair: Julie McNicoll Photography: Luke DeFreitas Photography Location: Lone Star Barbados

SECT I O N N A ME HE R E

Dress: “L111” by Legends by Romona Keveza US$3,180 Bracelet: “Mardi Gras” US$360 Hair Piece: “Hyacinth” US$600

Hair: Julie McNicoll Photography: Luke DeFreitas Photography Location: Lone Star Barbados

Now your gown can travel safely with you to your destination wedding! Specially designed to fit into the overhead space above your seat, your Destination Wedding Kit goes through security when you board the plane. No need to check your gown with your luggage and worry about it getting lost. Kit comes with 20" x 17" x 7" container for your gown, 56 sheets of acid-free paper for packing, packing instructions, a stain stick for wedding day emergencies, and a sturdy carton to place over the container. Carton has a handle for easy carrying. Double check dimensions with carrier before traveling.

www.WeddingGownSpecialists.com â&#x20AC;˘ 800-501-5005 78

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SECTION NAM E HE R E

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BRI D EL I FE B LIN G

personally yours (your ring, your way)

BY DIANA JARRETT

You’re getting engaged. Now that’s exciting news.

You’ll want a ring that tells your love story in a very personal way. Jewelry stores beckon and media tempts a bride and her fiancé with plenty of design choices. But where should you really start the process of selecting this important ring? Before heading to a store, a little planning is in order. Consider some important personal facts. This will go a long way in helping you to fine-tune the selection process. And it will be fun, because you’ll learn more about yourself, and about the unique couple that you are.

SETTINGS

Let’s consider lifestyle too. A bride whose hands are busy at work all day ‘digging in’ to her work will definitely find the low-profile design ring is her best choice. If she’s an athletic on-the-go gal, she’ll be grateful to have selected an uncomplicated style that doesn’t catch on things, or snag clothing. See what we mean? You’re already getting a sense of what may work for your lifestyle.

YOUR RING, YOUR PERSONALITY

Is the bride a romantic sort, who often wears feminine ‘girly’ ensembles? A more detailed ring with delicate flourishes to the design will be an ideal ring choice. Some brides have a preference for times-past; they are drawn to vintage looks in both hair styles and their wardrobe. Nothing would be more perfect than a ring featuring old world charm. But if the lady is an uptown gal who rocks an urban vibe, then we envision either a timeless solitaire ring, or an artistic avant garde design.

Crown of Light has the latest styles brideLIFE Issue 4

BRIDELIF E BLING

Halos lend excitement to a ring STONE SHAPES

The center stone is a very personal choice, and it should be driven by what speaks to you. Everyone has their favorite. But here are a few tips to consider before selecting the important star of your ring. Elongated shaped stones help slenderize the appearance of a bride’s hand and are very flattering. These include ovals, emerald cut, and pear shaped diamonds. Large rounds are often ideal for larger framed ladies or those with larger hands; but every bride likes a sizeable diamond. Radiant, cushion and princess shaped diamonds add a lady-like appeal to any ring style. The stone can also be as distinctive as you are. Did you know that exclusive diamond cuts like Diamonds International’s Crown of Light is a sought after diamond by many brides who want a spectacular fiery stone? DeBeers Forevermark diamonds are another way that brides distinguish their ring from all others. These rare diamonds have a unique number laser inscribed within the diamond. No one else has exactly this diamond.

GETTING CLOSE?

Now might be a good time to start collecting bridal jewelry pictures torn from magazines that are reflect your personal style, your setting preferences and the center stone shapes that appeal to you. But we’re not done.

METALS ABOUND

Earlier eras actually dictated what metal a bride should chose for her ring. But today’s lucky bride has so many choices. And they are all right . . . it’s up to you. White or yellow gold are both in style. If you wear both colors of gold in your other jewelry, you may select a bi-color (also called 82

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two-toned) gold ring. If femininity defines your style choices, consider rose or pink gold for a modern twist on an uber-romantic look. Don’t forget other beautiful alternatives that are available. They are platinum, a hefty choice, which produces a soft sheen on the metals’ surface over time. And there’s palladium too, which is another metal in the platinum family; it’s budget friendly, which is a nice bonus.

SET A BUDGET . . . BUT BE FLEXIBLE

A budget should not be an afterthought. Decide together what the right amount is for you both. Keep it in mind when you do go shopping as it helps the sales professional to select several options that are right for you. But give yourself permission for a little ‘wiggle room’ just in case you both find the one and only ring that you want to say “I DO” to. After all, you will be enjoying this ring for the rest of your lives.

YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY

Like your wedding, and your new life together, ultimately you decide what your bridal jewelry should look like. Your options extend to color choices too, which many stylish brides are opting for now. Accent stones on the band or the central stone can be a colorful precious gemstone other than a diamond. But if you’ve been noticing trendsetting brides lately, especially celebrities, you’ve seen fancy color diamonds featured in their engagement and wedding bands. There are endless ways to personalize your bridal jewelry. This is one of the most memorable seasons of your life; and that includes selecting your engagement ring. Armed with these focal points, you’ll discover the perfect combination of ring options waiting to find its way onto your hand. We think you’ll love the hunt almost as much as the ring you create.

Ask the Gemologist.... SEC T I O N N A M E HER E

Q: I know what the 4Cs are; color, clarity, cut and carat size, but how do I decide which one is more important when selecting my ring?

Unique fancy colored diamonds

GG: That’s a really thoughtful question, and it sounds like you’ve done a little homework. If money is no object, go for all 4 Cs being the best you can get. But most of us work within a budget, whether large or modest. If quality over size is your most important factor, start by looking for stones with superb clarity and color. If you want that wow ring to stun your friends (and yourself) start with the biggest size you can afford keeping in mind that the color may be a bit lower on the scale, as well as the clarity. That said, with some patience, and a knowledgeable sales professional, you’ll be able to find the right combo that stays within your budget but satisfies your key requirements. Q: I’m pretty active and outdoorsy, what kind of setting would you recommend for my engagement ring? I don’t want to lose the center stone but I don’t want to only wear it just on special occasions either.

Chocolate diamonds - delicious!

GG: Modern women live much more active lifestyles than their relatives did a generation or two ago. But I agree, why get a ring that you can’t wear all the time? Besides looking for a low profile design, you may want to consider a ring with a bezel set (or semi-bezel) center stone. This eliminates the slim single prongs that may catch or weaken when subjected to a very active lifestyle. But look for ring designs with channel set diamonds on them too. Not only are they set lower and smooth, but they minimize the risk of pop-outs when the wearer is an active person. Q: I really would like an engagement ring with color; but I’m not sure how to go about it. I want the colored gem to be truly valuable and not look like a ‘fashion’ ring.

Yellow diamonds deliver elegance

GG: Great question. One choice we like is using colored diamonds, either natural fancy colored diamonds which came from the ground with their color. But treated color diamonds are a wonderful choice too. They are genuine from the earth diamonds that have undergone a ‘nudge’ of heat or other treatment to develop its beautiful hue. Either ones are a highly dramatic and very individual choice. Good luck in your search; the right stone is waiting for you! brideLIFE Issue 4

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SEC T I O N N A M E HER E

optimistic

Glamour BY DAPHNE EWING-CHOW

www.tullenewyork.com IMAGES BY ANTONIO GUAL FOR TULLE NEW YORK

We are thrilled to have the talented Antonio Gual

for Tulle New York as our feature designer in this issue of brideLIFE magazine. Antonio was born in Cuba but moved to New York during the Cuban Revolution. We learn how his childhood has inspired his designs and talks about the ‘most perfect’ wedding. What inspired you to design wedding dresses? A wedding gown is symbolic of all things I think are worth living for. Love inspires me to design them. How has your style changed over time? My style has become more body conscious, a bit naughtier. How would you describe your style? Traditional and familiar infused with elements of cuttingedge fashion. Many of your designs are backless, what draws you to this style? I like to find a beautiful focal point on the female body. Currently it is the back. I am plunging my “V”s. Please describe your latest collection. What was your inspiration? My inspiration was the “Koi” fish. As a child in Cuba,

I became mesmerized by the Koi. My neighbor had an elaborate Koi pond and I spent hours watching the beauty of their movement. They are very graceful creatures and I love the way the spans of their “train” unfurl as they swim. All of this contributed to the inspiration of the latest collection. Wispy fabrications, fluted shapes, dramatic trains. The Koi is also a symbol of love and affection, so it seemed fitting. How do you envision your designs accessorized? I love a gorgeous cathedral length veil! It casts a beautiful illusion over the gown and doesn’t interrupt the gown. It keeps the eye moving from the bottom of the gown up to the bride’s face - the most important focal point! A key element of choosing the right dress is that it reflects the bride’s personality. What type of bride do you cater to? My brides are happy and I aim to reflect that happiness in each design. There is a sense of optimistic glamour in each gown. What are the top trends for 2014? 2014 saw a more seductive bride with low backs - at an all new low. brideLIFE Issue 4

DORA by Antonio Gual for Tulle New York

Who is your all-time favorite bride icon? Lauren Santo Domingo; her style is everything I like.

chooses her favorite or favorite aspects of each sketch.

Who would you love to make a wedding dress for? (alive or dead/married or unmarried) Sofia Coppola - she is it!

Third is the fitting of a “toile” (known in the United States as a “muslin”). Fourth, the fabric is selected by the bride.

What is the process of designing a wedding dress for a client - and how long does this usually take on average? First comes the discovery phase; we meet and she tells me all that she desires in her gown. Second, I create multiple sketches and the bride 88

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Fifth, is the first fitting in the actual fabric. There are normally 2-3 fittings. Situations may vary, but it usually spans over a six month period.

BRITTAINY by Antonio Gual for Tulle New York

How is a “Tulle” wedding dress special and different? Tulle gowns are lighter in weight than other gowns. There is a spirit of freshness and an element of feminine charm in each gown. Describe your ideal client/ client relationship. My ideal client is open to suggestions. She comes with an idea of what she wants and has a trust that the universe is aligned to give it to her and that I am simply a means to that end. She allows the process to take place and for the gown to evolve organically. We have mutual respect and admiration for one another.

Who, What, Where inspires you? All forms of elegant lines as in sculpture, painting and found in nature. Flower-filled, happy places like Capri. Who are your favorite designers? I am a big fan of Ellie Saab, Basil Soda and Valentino. Where in the Caribbean have you visited - share your experience!! St EVERYONE! I have been to all the “Saints”St.Thomas, St.Croix, etc. My experiences have always been carefree! brideLIFE Issue 4

BRIELLE by Antonio Gual for Tulle New York

What are the key elements of a perfect dress in a tropical setting? Keep it low maintenance. Opt for a gown that does not require a lot of pressing. Think of wind, if it is outdoors, and use the wind to your advantage by wearing a fluid gown. I love a gown that billows in the breeze - just beautiful. Recently you shot your gowns in the Bahamas, how do you feel the tropical backdrop enhanced the beauty of the dress? The gown against the blue of the sea and sky is stunning. The swaying palms and the wind-blown hair I found perfect; that photo captured the mood of our collection brilliantly. Tell us, how styling the New York City bride differs from styling the island girl bride? A New York bride may be a bit more “touched-up”, perhaps a little less “organic”. Each one has a different degree of what is appropriate to the setting. Are there any suggestions you can give to the DIY bride to create a wedding that perfectly complements an Antonio Gual for Tulle New York dress? 90

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JESSICA by Antonio Gual for Tulle New York

Do not overreach or overextend yourself. Plan your wedding with a degree of sensibility. Remember that all who are there are there because they love you and are happy to be there for YOU. Don’t lose sight of what’s important- Love, Happiness, People - that is what’s important - not “things”. What is the one thing that every bride needs? Besides the groom, I think every bride needs a veil! Tell us a style secret that can make a wedding look magic. (We promise we won’t tell.) Hire like minded creative people (wedding planners, photographers, etc) where the style you want to convey is easy to manifest...creative types whom aesthetics you admire! What quality do you admire most in a wedding gown? Charm. What quality do you admire most in a bride? Grace.

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ELLIANNA by Antonio Gual for Tulle New York

ANNA MARIA by Antonio Gual for Tulle New York 92

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SOPHIE by Antonio Gual for Tulle New York

What is romantic to you? Serenity. Who had the greatest love story in all of history? Lady Emma Hamilton and Lord Horatio Nelson - kills me every time. Describe the most “perfect” wedding you have ever attended. The weddings I love are the ones filled with loving family members that have come to honor the couple. I recently was given the honor of attending a wedding for one of our brides. The entire wedding was very much an “Antonio Gual for Tulle NY” wedding. It took place here at SoHo House, a fantastic hotel in our meat packing district. The hotel is charmpacked with lots of wood and free-standing tubs in the center of the room; adorned with Murano chandeliers -my favorite. The bride dressed in her suite and her bridesmaids came in and out. I was the only male in the bridal suite. The bride sat drinking champagne while her hair and makeup were being done. Eventually the three remaining were the bride, her maid of honor and myself. I helped her into her gown. When the three of us descended down to the street, it was a sunny day and the bride had opted to

WALK to the church instead of taking a limo. The memory of walking with her and her maid of honor through the streets in the Village was wonderful. As we passed sidewalk cafes, passersby, dog-walkers, etc. there were cries of “beautiful”, “congratulations”, “good luck” and other well wishes from strangers in the street. It was beautiful. When we arrived at the church, all of the guests were seated inside the church, but her father was waiting outside to greet us. Seeing her made him tongue-tied and all he could say was “beautiful”. After the ceremony, the bride and her guests were escorted to the park where ice cream was given to the guests - so charming, so unexpected, so relaxed. We went back to the SoHo house for the heartfelt toasts and acknowledgement of loved ones that had passed, including the bride’s mother, who had been one of my best friends. The band began and she waltzed with her husband. Then came the fatherdaughter dance, the mother-son dance and the celebration went into the night. The bride’s happiness was contagious. It was perfect! brideLIFE Issue 4

F OOD STYLE

feature chef: scott ames

Catering for Success BY NICOLA WILSON

Photo by Dave Cox Photography

Anyone who is remotely familiar with the food

scene in Barbados, or rather anyone with functioning tastebuds, (and I think that covers most of us, because it is a well known fact that we West Indians LOVE our food) is also familiar with the name Scott Ames. Scott and food come hand in hand. Moving to Barbados at the ripe age of 26, this unassuming and witty English gentleman hails from a family of chefs, so it is no surprise that he would finally find his niche in a kitchen. With a successful stint at a Michelin Star restaurant, ‘Le Poussin’, under his belt, Scott crossed the Atlantic for warmer climes and the opportunity to train chefs at Larry Rogers’s restaurants La Terra and Olives. After 3 years, this culinary entrepreneur along with his colleague Jason Welch, started Scott’s Catering. Scott claims they “stormed the island with fancy dinner parties and enjoyed the action”. Winner of the Chef of 94

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the Caribbean Award in 2004, Scott’s expertise and flair for culinary art is a given. Scott’s aim is to ”work closely with each client on a one-on-one basis to ensure maximum satisfaction.” Of course owning a successful catering company guarantees that you are in demand for weddings, and Scott and his team are no strangers to the business. In the recent recession, however, where everyone is trying to cut costs and adhere to a budget, for something as economically draining as a wedding feeding your guests with flair and originality sometimes seem a challenge. Not so, according to Scott. There are many ways in which you can improvise on cost without compromising the quality of food. Along with Scott’s Catering, Scott is also the owner of ‘The Bento Box’, providing coffee shops, cafes and

FO O D S TY LE

Scott’s Tips for a Wedding on a Budget “As a caterer, your reputation is only as good as your last meal, so we have had to become innovative with the new budgets being given to us and think of new ways in which to give the client the best experience possible” says Scott. With this in mind, Scott and his team came up with interesting and cost efficient ways to break away from the old sit-down 3 course or buffet style wedding. • One of the innovative ways in which they have done this is to design what Scott calls a “Food Bar”. This consists of one long food station/bar that is an open kitchen. This way the client gets the opportunity to experience the action of a live kitchen right in front of them as well as being able to sample a multitude of dishes.

Photo by Nigel Wallace Photography

• Why this works so well budget wise is primarily because it removes the need for table settings and wait staff, which for a wedding of 100-150 people can be very costly. The dishes are served in small portions on miniature platters, so the guests can try a variety of flavours along with the added bonus of watching it being prepared right in front of them. • Scott’s belief is that when it comes to food you can substitute on cost without compromising quality. For example, a dish that constitutes fresh tuna can be just as easily and deliciously prepared using flying fish, but from a caterer’s standpoint “all food costs the same”; it’s really down to how it is served, staffed and prep time that makes it costly. Scott and his team also believe in creating healthier alternatives to the traditional fried foods and canapés served at weddings. With more and more people becoming conscious of their health and wellness, this is almost certainly a wonderful thing. There is no doubt that when it comes to talent and attention to detail, Scott is not lacking. His food speaks for itself.

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Here are a few examples of the dishes and fun canapés that Scott and his team can create. Seared Yellow Fin Tuna with Som Tum Salad and Citrus Vodka Martini Dressing 8 Hour Smoked Jerk Pork with Plantain, Slaw and Corn Bread Pulled Pork Pancakes Beef Teriyaki Seared Chicken Liver served with Caramelised Red Onion and Focaccia Crouton Smoked Salmon and Goats Cheese Roulade with Avocado Salsa and Wonton Crisp Beef Carpaccio with Tomato Caper Salsa and Parmesan Chili Shrimp Skewer with Mango Chow Braised Oxtail on Risotto Cake Mini Wild Mushroom and Gorgonzola Tartlets Tuna Tartare

food outlets with top quality sushi at a fraction of the cost. This efficient and talented man doesn’t seem to stop, as his latest project, ‘Smoked’, provides businesses with good quality smoked meats provided by local farmers in a bid to support local Bajan brands. Not only a culinary genius but a bit of a philanthropist as well. Who can resist that? To find out more about what Scott and his team do, visit www.scottscateringbarbados.com.

Photo by Julie Webster

A full service entertainment company that specialises in designing music to ďŹ t any occasion. Whether a soloist at a wedding or several artistes for an elaborate elegant event, we cater to the individual needs of each client, creating entertainment packages to ďŹ t their style, the event and their budget.

T: 1-246-826-5550 â&#x20AC;˘ E: notestonote@gmail.com

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sarah & richard Holders House, St. James 20th April, 2014

Photography by Andy Green

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We had a glorious wedding at Holders House

- renting out the whole property for 2 weeks, and flew family and friends out to be with us from all around the world. My dad lives in Barbados still and my eccentric grandfather used to own the plantation house Buckden and the family has a long history on the island.

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We are a very relaxed, fun loving couple and this is exactly what we wanted our wedding to be - simple, natural and lots of fun! We had the ceremony in the gorgeous tropical gardens, we hung paper flowers in the bougainvillea trees that I used to climb as a child and we scattered frangipani flowers on the aisle and had a bamboo arch erected for us by the lovely Stan from West Coast Garden Centre, which we swathed in white muslin material bought in Bridgetown. I grew up in Barbados, I went to St Winifredâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School and then on to Queens College and always knew in my heart that this was the place that I would return to for my special day. I designed the dress myself from sketches and it was made by a lovely local seamstress who lives down the road from me in the UK. We arrived a week before the big day and we took a trip to Hastings Flower Mart, picked out our flowers for the day and arranged them on the tables in glass rum jugs lent to us by an old St Winifreds schoolfriend, Bianca Parravacino. I did my own brideLIFE Issue 4

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makeup and my hair was done by a friend, Melissa Davey. Our photos were by our family photographer, the extremely talented Andy Green, who also produced a great slideshow for us. Scott Ames did the catering and it was divine! We wanted Bajan style food and I am salivating just thinking about what was on the menu! Our band was Z-Rox, they were incredible and so good that by the end of the night nearly everyone was jumping in the pool fully clothed while the band played on the side - it was a riot!

the wedding

vendors location HOLDERS HOUSE photography ANDY GREEN decorations FRIENDS & FAMILY hair stylist MALISSA DAVEY makeup artist THE BRIDE caterer SCOTT AMES band Z-ROX

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stephanie & david Surferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay, Christ Church 29th March, 2014

Photography by Gina Francesca

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From the initial discussions with Stephanie

and David it was immediately evident that they wanted to be very involved in many of the creative aspects of their wedding. This made perfect sense considering the theatrical thread that already bound them together, as they both work with the worldrenowned Blue Man Group in New York City. Their desire was to fuse the traditional ideal of the laid-back Caribbean lifestyle with more contemporary elements that gave a nod to the growing sophistication that is more reflective of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Caribbean reality. Having experienced the Island on a prior surfing trip with Zedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Surfing Adventures, they fell in love with the rustic charm of Surfers Point and its environs. This breathtaking location was exactly

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what they had envisioned for their wedding nuptials and provided the near-finished canvas for their wedding masterpiece. As the couple (and most of their guests) lead such hectic daily routines it was extremely important that everyone be made to feel that they had shed the cloak of winter and the business of being busy and were about to immerse themselves in a completely different reality. This reality was played out beautifully at both the ceremony and reception venues, either of which could have been selected as the quintessential representation of the barefoot Caribbean lifestyle, complete with surfers and other beach enthusiasts.

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the wedding

vendors wedding planner & designer - EMMA CORRIE DESIGNS ceremony location SURFERS POINT reception location SURFERS BAY photography GINA FRANCESCA PHOTOGRAPHY hair stylist JULIE MCNICOLL bridal bouquets SIMPLY FLOWERS wedding cake SWEET TEMPTATIONS chair rentals MARQUEE EVENTS decor EVENTS UNUSUAL dj & lighting DJ OZZY

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Greensleeves, St. Peter 5th November, 2013

Photography by Risee Chadderton

Choosing the perfect venue for your

destination wedding on the island can leave you somewhat spoilt for choice, but for Kerrie and Tom there was no hesitation when they visited the gorgeous Greensleeves; it was love at first sight. Situated along our platinum West Coast the property is made up of secluded gardens, waterfalls and koi ponds which connect the small guest cottages that make up this magnificent villa. The teak wood finishes added to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;secret gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ambience and Kerrie and Tom knew in an instant this was the venue! Kerrie envisioned a very relaxed and simple wedding with 17 of her closest friends and family. The design team was given the task of planning the wedding around these natural surroundings and with close consultation with the bride.

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Tanya from Weddings by Malissa worked closely with Kerrie, creating visual boards and putting in many hours to get every detail right. The ceremony was held in one of the intimate gardens on the property and took place under a beautiful Chuppah draped with white sheer cloth and accented with white hydrangeas, cream and pale pink spray roses and mini green carnations. The aisle was decorated with pale pink and white hydrangeas, silver candle lanterns and white rose petals. The beautiful bride walked up the aisle to Etta James’ classic “At Last” sung by a local gospel choir. After the ceremony the couple held a cocktail hour around the pool with the ocean in the background. Guests sipped on Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne and watched the sunset 112

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and listened to a solo guitarist. Greensleevesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal chef created and designed the most sumptuous wedding menu with canapĂŠs for the cocktail hour followed by a six course meal. The wedding dinner was on the breakfast deck at Greensleeves where the bride and groom and their guests experienced an outdoor feast under the stars. A crystal chandelier was suspended from a tree directly over the centre of the long banquet table with an abundance of flowers in pale pinks, creams and pale greens in clear rectangle boxes that were filled with natural Spanish moss. The floral centerpieces had little details such as shells and starfish that had a special meaning to the bride. Kerrie and her guests dined on Lobster Ravioli with Grain Mustard and Tomatoes, Barbequed Shrimp on brideLIFE Issue 4

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a Tropical Fruit Salsa, Filet Mignon with Rosti Potatoes with a Mushroom Sauce and many more dishes on this gourmet level. Each guest had the pleasure of having every single course being offered and each dish was paired with a wine that was specially selected by Kerrie and Tom. It was very important to Kerrie and Tom that their family and guests experienced luxury and have unforgettable memories of their wedding here in Barbados, and at Greensleeves. Following on from dinner Kerrie and Tom treated their guests to a fun filled evening of dancing in the Lanai Rooms where they danced into the morning. The couple were beyond thrilled with their magical day in paradise.

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the wedding

vendors wedding planner & designer -

WEDDINGS BY MALISSA location GREENSLEEVES VILLA photography RISEE CHADERTON videographer I DO VIDEO ART guitarist DAVID COLLINS hair stylist DONNA SMITH makeup artist JANINE COOPER florist SIMPLY FLOWERS wedding cake BEVERLY MARSHALL food & beverage GREENSLEEVES VILLA decor rentals EVENTS UNUSUAL 116

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santana & stephen

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Crowsnest II, Private Villa May 13, 2013

Photography by Z Molu Photography

As a young girl I used to visit Barbados

every year with my Grandparents, so it has a special place in my heart, knowing this, Stephen proposed the day before our first trip to Barbados together. I wanted a very small, intimate wedding without a lot of fuss and traditions that didn’t mean anything to me, so a destination wedding was the perfect outlet for this, and Barbados the perfect choice. Everyone was very excited with our decision as it’s a somewhat unusual destination, and there was now a great excuse for everyone to visit. One of our guests was also a Marine Biologist so she was especially excited to see the sea turtles. The research began online, contacting all of the local wedding planners we could find, we made our selection based on price as well as the online reviews from past couples. Our experience with Lisa and her team at Barbados Weddings… beyond your imagination couldn’t have been more perfect. In fact, it exceeded my expectations by taking my budget and creating something beautiful. I didn’t feel as if my wedding was missing anything and I would certainly recommend her services 100%. In fact, the only thing she didn’t do was halt the rain prior to our wedding ceremony on the beach, which we thoroughly enjoyed, and were even lucky enough to share with a rainbow! I was so incredibly pleased, I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful wedding day. After much deliberating over which tropical flowers to use for my bouquet, which was one of my most challenging decisions, it was excellent and I loved it! Some of my favourite childhood memories of Barbados are of the steel bands, so a steel brideLIFE Issue 4

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band was a must for our wedding, and it was fabulous, creating the perfect ambiance for our day. I just wished I had taken more time to really enjoy it, as it was such a busy day. Our other priority was the catering which was absolutely fantastic and enjoyed by all. With the open kitchen, it was very entertaining to hear and see the chef and kitchen staff at work. As Stephen and I both love to cook, it was especially intriguing to watch the chef prepare an unbelievable meal, which was not just “wedding food”. The set up at our villa was seamless with no glitches at all. I didn’t even notice the crew of people in the house. The décor was very elegant, so much more beautiful than I ever expected, it literally took my breath away. Our DJ was top class. We researched venues to be sure that we found one that was perfect for us as we wanted to party with our guests and many would not let us run the reception brideLIFE Issue 4

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the wedding

vendors venue CROWSNEST II, PRIVATE VILLA wedding coordinator, design & décor

BARBADOS WEDDINGS… BEYOND YOUR IMAGINATION!! photographer Z MOLU PHOTOGRAPHY catering SCOTT AMES dj SINCLEAR GRIFFITH

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past 12 midnight. This was a big issue for us. As it turned out, everyone danced all night and almost every guest commented on how great the DJ was! Our wedding day in Barbados was perfection from beginning to end, with the exception of the rain (lol), but that’s out of everyone’s control and it made for some fabulous wedding pictures and a rainbow which we loved! I would advise all destination brides to use a wedding planner to assist with planning and executing all aspects of your destination wedding because you just can’t do everything yourself, you need a representative on location! Our family and friends loved our Barbados wedding, they felt it was beautiful and relaxed. Perfect for Stephen and I, and a true reflection of our tastes and personalities.

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lynda & phil St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church & The Crane 31st August, 2013

Photography by Addison Cumberbatch

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A wedding to remember! The showmanship

of the groom and the beauty of the bride, along with gorgeous floral arrangements, breathtaking venues, great food and a grand performance by the band Nexcyx, made this wedding most memorable! The couple, Phil Horigan & Linda Castellanos, actively planned their wedding, using the Island Bliss team to execute their vision and facilitate all their needs. The couple even came to the island prior to the wedding for site visits of venues and to meet various vendors. They were accompanied to Barbados by 50 guests who arrived to a welcome party on the Friday. However this welcome party did not take away from the eagerly awaited, Broadway themed wedding, which was set for the 126

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following day. The wedding ceremony took place at the historic St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parish Church, which included musical interludes by the Barbados String Quartet. The cocktail hour was set at The Crane Resort, where guests were served drinks, canapĂŠs and treated to the delightful Caribbean sounds of steel pan by Andre Forde. When the cocktail hour had concluded, the wedding guests were invited into the dining room, where they awaited the arrival of the bride and groom. Through the smoke filled doorway the couple emerged like the stars of a movie and this kicked off the magical experience; forever to be remembered by all in attendance.

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the wedding

vendors wedding planners & design coordinators ISLAND BLISS WEDDINGS florist ROBERT CARTER OF PETALS PARADISE cake PATISSERIE FLINDT entertainment NEXCYX BAND, PANNIST ANDRE FORDE, BARBADOS STRING QUARTET dj DJ DUSTY photography ADDISON CUMBERBATCH videography DAMION HALLETT OF CIELO PRODUCTIONS makeup artist SARAH LLOYD hair stylist JENNIFER SPENCER OF CUTTING CLUB lighting SHANE MOORE photo booth ZU PHOTO BOOTH EXPERIENCE 128

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BRI D EL I FE LU X U R Y

the romance of a

Villa Honeymoon

When planning your destination wedding in Barbados we highly recommend you consider villa accommodations. Along our platinum West Coast you will find some of the most beautiful villa properties available for short term rentals. Large families or small wedding parties can indulge in intimate private gatherings with personalized touches not often available at hotels. Greensleeves, Mullins Mill, Illusions and Fustic House are our featured villas from Blue Sky Luxury and each house has its own unique blend of characteristics, which add charm and

charisma for your big day! Each villa comes fully staffed to cover all your needs while on the island, and can accommodate parties of up to 80 persons. If you are looking for a tranquil exclusive setting for your Barbados wedding, let the Blue Sky Team guide you to finding that perfect place; more than a villa rental company, the team works closely with guests and event planners to bring together all those special elements that make the day uniquely yours. Look out for more photos of Greensleeves in our real weddings section and call Blue Sky Luxury today!

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fustic house FUSTIC HOUSE St. Lucy Built in the early 18th century, this stately home of coral stone exudes traditional charm. This 11-acre property set in the north of the island, was re-designed between the late 60s and early 70s by celebrated English theatrical designer Oliver Messel. This designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature style was in making indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly flow together - creating a comfortable and elegant family home of exceptional beauty.

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The seven luxury suites in four separate wings, are spaced far enough to give optimum privacy. The Pavilion at the bottom of the Tropical Ravine has a suite with an outdoor shower and a kitchenette. Fustic House Private Estate is the ideal getaway for large families or groups, and offers the finest in Caribbean island living.

GREENSLEEVES St. Peter An exclusive vacation villa on a scenic West Coast beachfront headland, with access to two tranquil beaches. Golden bamboo-framed, Mongolian temple doors at the entrance, usher you over a Japanese water garden, brimming with colourful koi. Greenery and tropical flowers, provide an oasis for hummingbirds and whistling frogs. Raised teak walkways and an openplan design, connect the pond and gardens when moving throughout, with pool and sea views beyond.

www.blueskyluxury.com

Eight en suite bedrooms with private terraces, offer guests gorgeous views through carved teak windows and doors - lending rich warmth against cool, white walls. A ninth bedroom - appropriately named Ocean Suite - is also available on request. brideLIFE Issue 4

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ILLUSION Sugar Hill, St. James The luxurious Sandy Lane Hotel inspired the design of Illusion and the result was a breathtaking villa, which combines elegance with contemporary design in impressive style. As you walk through the large glass front doors you are greeted by an uninterrupted vista of the Caribbean Sea. The foyer spills out onto a covered terrace that overlooks the large swimming pool and dual staircases that lead down to the pool area.

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All of the bedroom suites are air-conditioned, have private covered terraces, en suite bathrooms and a security safe. Four of the bedroom suites are equally proportioned and are located on the ground floor of Illusion. The master suite is on the first floor and features a second living room, a large flat screen television with cable TV, DVD player and Bose surround speakers. The master suite also has a large walk-in closet and an en suite bathroom that includes a tub and separate shower.

MULLINS MILL MULLINS MILL St. James Mullins Mill is a home of unique character nestled on eight acres of landscaped grounds. The main house is constructed around a 17th century sugar mill offering privacy in the two adjoining guest cottages. A cosy gazebo on the cliff side has sweeping views of the coastline, and the property has a ridge side infinity swimming pool with a beach house and separate Jacuzzi located a short walk through the tropical gardens. East of the main house is a floodlit tennis court, garden and orchard.

www.blueskyluxury.com

Mullins Mill is the ideal choice for families - two bedrooms are located in the main house, two in the adjoining cliff cottage and two more in the guest cottage on the grounds. A spacious sitting/dining verandah overlooks the gardens and cliff side gazebo and offers fantastic ocean views. brideLIFE Issue 4

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ON TOUR W ITH L O O P B A R B A DO S

plan an exciting

DIY day in Barbados for your guests BY LOOP BARBADOS

Our little island only being 26km long and 14km

wide; how could you not explore our multi-faceted coasts and features? With the rolling hills of the East coast and the calm turquoise waters of the West it’s actually super easy to plan an entertaining day for your guests with a traditional ‘island tour’ that you can organize all on your own! Loop Barbados hits the road to recommend the ultimate stops for your day and plenty of DIY tips for smooth travels.

Step 1: Hire a Car!

Lots of car hire companies on the island offer a wide variety of jeeps and ‘off road’ vehicles with open tops that really put you into the island spirit ~ sun on your face, wind in your hair, that’s the best way to do it! While you’re at it make sure that you stock up on the good old island map! Look for your Barbados in a Nutshell Road Map…even better…if you’re roaming, download their new My Destination Barbados Travel App. Along with road maps, this provides extra info on local hot spots should you want to ‘play it by ear’. 136

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For top service we recommend the guys at DriveA-Matic or Coconut Car Rentals. Make sure to ask them for the best vehicle allowing you access off the beaten path - our cane fields can be a bumpy ride!

Step 2: Pack your Picnic!

While we recommend you make a stop at the local rum shops and quaint road side restaurants that dot the island, sometimes it can be hard to know exactly when you’ll get there! Our tip? Pre-order a scrumptious picnic for your guests by calling Country House Caterers or Patisserie Flindt! Country House offers an array of delicious dips and nibbles as well as yummy lasagnas, quiches and pies that make for easy serving. Flindt is famous for it’s salads and wraps that all come prepackaged and have a distinctly caribbean flavour (the curry chicken is our personal favourite!) Wash it all down with a cold Banks Beer (DON’T forget your cooler!)

O N T O U R WI T H L O O P BAR B ADOS

Step 3: Plan your Route!

Now this all depends on where you’re staying on island of course but Bajan’s know the best start for your expedition is the rugged Eastern Coast. Bathsheba is our first recommended stop. This popular surfers haunt sets the tone for the day. Take photos, explore the coast line and watch the surfers hang ten on the morning breakers. If you want to begin with breakfast call up our friends at Atlantis Hotel - a perfect place to meet and begin your adventure! From Bathsheba we suggest a scenic drive along the coast and up north to our next stop ‘Little Bay’; full of naturally designed rock formations, small salt-water pools and fabulous blow holes which will knock your socks off! Be ready for the cool salty sea spray to hit your face and the wind from the Atlantic Ocean to tousle your hair. One of many hidden gems along the coast, right next door is stunning River Bay, with it’s own fresh water river running into the ocean. Hop on

over and settle down for your picnic lunch, there are benches scattered along the bay inviting you to sit down and bask in the beauty of the North East coast. With waves crashing against the rocks and cliff faces, it is a sight to behold. Now we carry on up further North to The Animal Flower Cave. Situated at the Northern tip of the island this cave provides breathtaking views of the wild ocean, from the unique vantage point of actually being IN the cliffs. It’s a steep (but safely railed) descent with guides explaining the rock formations and sea views from within. A naturally formed ‘pool’ with smooth rocks and freshly recycled sea water welcomes you for a swim (fyi though…it’s brrrrr chilly ~ there is no sunshine in the cave!) If you are visiting at the right time of year, you may be so lucky as to spot whales breaching off the coastline! Make sure and tell Manny and his lovely wife Sue at the Animal Flower Cave that the brideLIFE team sent you! brideLIFE Issue 4

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By now the sun will be on its way down, and we suggest you head south to the famous platinum West coast. There are many seaside locations to choose from for some well deserved sundowners after your journey. Mullins Bay is popular with visitors on the West and if the sun is still going strong a great spot for water sports. For spectacular sunset skies and a great laid back atmosphere we recommend the understated Juju’s or Ramshackles (situated in Alleynes Bay) for a well deserved rum punch or Banks. Keep your eyes on the horizon, the skies will start to materialize into shades of pink and orange that you may not have seen before. Sit back and fully soak in the grace and charms of Barbados. For a more sophisticated end to your day make reservations at the ultra cool Lone Star Restaurant on the West Coast. Check out our review on page 68.

Step 4: From Day to Night!

We’re not rushing you by any means…but you’ve got dinner waiting at home! For those staying in private residences and villas we recommend in-house catering to end your day. We’ve already told you all about our favourite Chef Scott Ames, but did you know he’s available for dinner parties? Scott can whip up a meal like no other; allowing you to sample the delicious Bajan cuisine that our visitors rave about. From pan-seared fillets of fresh snapper to a succulent trio of pork, you can relax and kick back while he prepares it for you. Planning on making a night of it? You can’t have dinner without some good drinks and our favourite mixolgist Chesterfield Browne from Mount Gay Distilleries is always available to get the party started. He’s a master at his trade and can create any cocktail to tantalize your taste buds! All in all, your guests can really dive into the magic and charisma that the island depicts by traveling through the different coastlines and planning a day tour with the suggested stops above. It’s easy to coordinate yourself and even better in reality. Let Barbados’ natural elements marvel you and take you to places you have never been!

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trash the

Dress PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADDISON CUMBERBATCH

Denis and Ariana were married in early July 2013 in St. Petersburg (Russia) and came to Barbados for their honeymoon, which they spent between the luxurious Sandy Lane Hotel and The Crane Resort. These photos were taken at Foul Bay Beach and The Crane Hotel in St. Phillip, as well as Paynes Bay Beach in St. James. As you can tell, it was a glorious day, filled with laughter and love! brideLIFE Issue 4

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“those who move forward with a happy spirit will find that things always work out ” GORDON B. HINCKLEY

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VENDOR GUIDE

contact our

Wedding Vendors BRIDAL GOWNS & ACCESSORIES Antonio Gual for Tulle New York info@tullenewyork.com www.tullenewyork.com Town & Country Bridal (314) 863-7200 www.townandcountrybride.com

CAKE DESIGNERS

Mahogony Ridge/Corbin’s Catering (246) 427-7777 events@corbinscatering.com Patisserie Flindt & Bistro (246) 432-2626 flindt@flindtbarbados.com

BARBADOS...Weddings Beyond your Imagination!! (246) 420-4832 www.barbadosweddings.com

Scott’s Catering (246) 256-5551 scottscateringbarbados@gmail.com

Beverly Marshall (246) 236-1799 beverlymarshall246@gmail.com

Sweet Temptations (246) 228-7777 www.sweettemptations.net

Cakes by Annalise (246) 234-4216 annalisenb@googlemail.com

The Green Monkey Chocolatier (246) 231-1001 info@thegreenmonkeychocolatier.com

Four and Twenty Bakery Inc. (246) 429-1385 chef@fourandtwentybakery.com

CHURCHES

Sinfully Sweet Creations (246) 233-0572 sinfullysweetcreations@hotmail.com Sweet Temptations (246) 228-7777 www.sweettemptations.net

CATERERS AND CHEFS Anna Went Catering (246) 423-5539

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Four and Twenty Bakery Inc. (246) 429-1385 chef@fourandtwentybakery.com

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Codrington College (246) 416-8501 shirley.mascoll@codrington.org St. John Parish Church (246) 433-5599 / 433-1586

ENTERTAINMENT

David Collins (246) 234-2836 gate6guitarstudio@gmail.com DJ Dusty (246) 239-2972 djdustyitm@gmail.com

V EN D O R GU IDE

NEXCYX (246) 836-7373 www.nexcyx.com

Victoria Florist (246) 426-3379 victoriaflorist@caribsurf.com

Notes to Note 246 427-2555 notestonote@gmail.com

HAIR STYLISTS

Z-Rox Contact JJ Poulter (246) 836 7016

EVENT DESIGNERS & PLANNERS BARBADOS...Weddings Beyond your Imagination!! (246) 420-4832 cupid@barbadosweddings.com

Hair by Donna (246) 234-3731 donna@hairstylebydonna.com Danielle Elias (246) 435-9923 eliasdanielle@gmail.com Jennifer Spencer - Cutting Club (246) 435 9574

Bouquet Be Mine (246) 232-9933 fingers4toes@gmail.com

Julie McNicholl (246) 833-1208 juliemcnicoll@live.com

Emma Corrie Designs (246) 228-7011 www.emmacorrie.com

HOTELS & APARTMENTS

Beach View Hotel (246) 432-6800 www.beachviewbarbados.com

Events Unusual (246) 228 7011 www.events-unusual.com Island Bliss Weddings (246) 419-0486 lisa@islandbliss.net

Bougainvillea Beach Resort (246) 628-0990 www.bougainvillearesort.com

Rennaisance Designs Inc. (246) 418-8326 events@renaissancedesignsinc.com

Santosha (246) 422-7999 www.santoshabarbados.com

INVITATIONS & STATIONERY

Py-on-i Designs Weddings by Malissa (246) 435-3045 (246) 262-1450 www.pyonidesigns.com www.barbadosweddings.net

EXPERIENCES

Silver Moon (246) 435-5285w www.silvermoonbarbados.com

FLORISTS

JEWELRY

Ali Jewelry by Janine Banfield (246) 432-6318 www.heatherharringtonjones.com

Diamonds International (246) 430-2400 www.diamondsinternational.com

Simply Flowers (246) 437-6597 cmfoster@caribsurf.com

Robert Carter (246) 231-9993 robert@petalsparadise.com

Heather Harrington Jones (246) 432-6318 www.heatherharringtonjones.com

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VENDOR GUIDE

LIGHTING

IGM Lighting (246) 420-5627 info@igmstagelighting.com

LUXURY VILLA RENTALS

Eye One Visuals - Risée Chaderton www.eyerisee.com

Blue Sky Luxury (246) 622-4466 experts@blueskyluxrury.com

Steve Cumberbatch’s Magical Moments (246) 230-3732 stevec@caribsurf.com

Dalmeran Property Management (246) 432-1120 www.dalmeranproperty.com

The Zu Photo Booth thezuphotobooth@gmail.com

MAKEUP ARTISTS

Makeup by Janine (246) 266-1883 janinecooper@caribsurf.com Sarah Lloyd www.sarahlloydmakeup.weebly.com Sabrina Newsam (246) 238-1817 brines_1@hotmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Addison Cumberbatch (246) 233-4151 addison.cumberbatch@gmail.com

RENTALS

Marquee Events (246) 243-6514 whitefoldingchairs@gmail.com

SHOPPING

Laurie Dash (246) 4265061 lauriedash@caribsurf.com

TRAVEL

Virgin Atlantic Airways (246) 228-4886 www.virginatlantic.com

TRAVEL GUIDE

Andrew Browne (246) 253-2566 andrewbrownephotos.com

Loop Barbados (246) 233-8016 www.loopbarbados.com

Andy Green www.harreraimages.co.uk

Gina Francesca Photography (246) 256-4459 www.ginafrancescaonline.com Island Gal Photography (246) 263-1760 www.islandgalphoto.com Jake Thomas Weddings (246) 232-5386 info@jakethomasweddings.com Leslie St. John (246) 231-3509 www.lesliestjohn.com

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Luke DeFreitas (246) 256-8000 luke@defreitas.com

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VIDEOGRAPHERS

Cielo Productions (246) 262-9641 ceiloproductions@gmail.com I Do Video Art (246) 264-1999 bianca@idovideoart.com

WEDDING VENUES

Bougainvillea Beach Resort (246) 628-0990 www.bougainvillearesort.com

Beach View Hotel (246) 432-6800 www.beachviewbarbados.com

PHOTOS BY GINA FRANCESCA PHOTOGRAPHY

Codrington College (246) 416-8051 shirley.mascoll@codrington.org Crowsnest II www.crowsnest2barbados.com Fustic House (246) 622-4466 www.blueskyluxury.com Greensleeves Villa (246) 622-4466 www.blueskyluxury.com Holderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House (246) 432-6385 www.holdersseason.com Illusion Villa (246) 622-4466 www.blueskyluxury.com Mullins Mill (246) 622-4466 www.blueskyluxury.com

Santosha Barbados (246) 422-7999 www.santoshabarbados.com St. Nicholas Abbey (246) 422-8725 www.stnicholasabbey.com Sunbury House (246) 423-6270 www.greathouse.com Surfers Bay (246) 262-5483 www.moonracer.com The Crane Resort (246) 423-6220 www.thecrane.com

WINE AND SPIRITS

Trident Wines Inc. (246) 436-0976 tridentwines@caribsurf.com

Pollards Mill (246) 423-6530 pollardsmill@gmail.com brideLIFE Issue 4

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