CVLUX JUL|AUG 2015

JUL / AUG

RED HOT RUNWAY COOL LOOKS FOR SUMMER

DESTINATION VACATION

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ROMANTIC GETAWAYS

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THE VOW FACTOR

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BRIDAL EDITION 2015

UPFRONT

VANDERPUMP WEDDING CELEBRATE IN STYLE

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endless collections of invitation designs for every occasion

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 028

HIGH PROFILE DINA JUVE An exclusive with Dina Juve as she discusses what it is like to be named one of the finalists in Women’s Health Magazine’s Next Fitness Star Competition.

FASHION & FEATURES

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MODERN GODDESS A look at some inspiring contemporary bridal designs by Los Angeles based designer, Liana Mirzadeh and her exclusive line, Autumn Silk.

016 Editor’s Note 018 Masthead 020 Contributors

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PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT

Mercedes-Benz of Fresno hosted the Rev It Up Fashion Show benefiting the Fresno Art Museum and the La Visionaria Guild of Valley Children’s Hospital. Guests enjoyed an exciting evening of high-fashion runway couture, and sampled a variety of appetizers and cocktails. For more information regarding the Fresno Art Museum, please visit www.fresnoartmuseum.org.

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A SOCIAL AFFAIR DERBY DOWN Over 750 attendees gathered to raise money for Valley Children’s Hospital. This annual event is hosted and produced by the La Feliz Guild and takes place at the Fresno Fair Grounds.

Guests enjoyed an afternoon of delicious food, fantastic cocktails and inspiring entertainment. For more information regarding this year’s event and all upcoming events benefiting Valley Children’s hospital, please visit www.valleychildrens.org.

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A SOCIAL AFFAIR REV IT UP FASHION SHOW

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A SOCIAL AFFAIR THE 7TH ANNUAL PINK PUMP AFFAIR This year’s gala was hosted at the prestigious Montage in Beverly Hills. Over 500 guests were in attendance to raise money to support the Special Needs Network Inc., which provides services to families affected by Autism and related developmental disorders. For more information regarding the Special Needs Network Inc., please visit www.snnla.org.

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REAL WEDDING Hayley and Mike Truex’s over the top nuptials at the prestigious Bel Air Bay Club in Pacific Palisades, California.

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LUXURIOUS LOCALES A look at some of our favorite Central California destinations to make your wedding one to remember.

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COVER STORY LAUGHING OUT LOUD An exclusive interview with America’s resident funny lady, Patricia Heaton, and what makes her tick.

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A VANDERPUMP WEDDING Pandora and her famous mother, Lisa Vanderpump, invite us to take a closer look at her special day, and share tips to make yours even brighter.

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STYLE REPORT BRIDAL REGISTRY 101 A quick and easy guide to make your registry that much easier.

TRENDSETTER JETSETTER

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BAGGAGE CLAIM This Summer’s hottest fashion.

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THE GREAT ESCAPE Planning your honeymoon just got easier, as we detail the hottest resorts and exotic locations for creating the most romantic vacation of your life.

Cover Look – Laughing Out Loud Casually comfortable, Patricia Heaton shows off her playful side in this monochromatic ensemble. Photographed by Matthew Mitchell. White Pants by Gucci/ White Blouse by Theory / Jewelry by Martin Katz Ltd.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

T

o date, this edition of CVLUX is my favorite. We are changing a lot of things about the publication, which reflects the growth we are experiencing. Each issue will bring you more of the great content you have become familiar with. We have an updated distribution list on our website, so you can be sure to pick up a copy at a newsstand near you.

Our team is also expanding. I am so happy to welcome Pandora Vanderpump Sabo as our West Coast Lifestyle Editor. In each edition she will bring the style that the Vanderpump name has become synonymous with. You can see her first article in this edition on page 58 where she invites us into her fabulous wedding and gives you tips to help plan your special day.

On the digital front, you may have noticed that our website has been redesigned. Everyday CVLUX provides fresh content through the blog LUX daily. I have highlighted some of my favorite blog posts from the past few months on this page to introduce you to what we are doing online.

Nicole Giordano Ashjian is a welcome edition to our family and I encourage you to venture past the pages in this edition and check out our multi-media platform that she has worked so hard to cultivate. Over the next few months you will also see some additional changes as we roll out the much-anticipated video portion to the site.

I encourage you to experience all that the CVLUX brand has to offer you and your business. Who knows what you may discover.

Cheers,

LUX daily

Sheila’s compassion. Your hospital.

Like all our people, registered nurse Sheila Guansing’s approach to treating patients is remarkable. This means delivering personalized care and the kind of understanding you’d expect from a friend.

Sheila loves knowing she’s surrounded by peers who value teamwork, compassion and going the extra mile for patients. We love having her.

Learn more about our remarkable team at samc.com.

DAVID MANNING

DONNA KACZMARSKI Creative Director, Partner

Editor-in-Chief, Partner

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENTS Fashion Editor LAUREN K.T. WILSON Lifestyle Editor PANDORA VANDERPUMP SABO Features Editor CORTNEY SNAPP Travel Editor REAGAN LOWERY Social Editor ANN T. SULLIVAN WHITEHURST Contributors AMY SILVERBERG Copy Editor CHERYL ENSOM DACK ART Graphic Artists GAO MOUA, PHENG MOUA and DALTON RUNBERG Contributing Photographers THERESA JEBIAN, ELLIE KOLEEN, BRIAN LEAHY, MATTHEW MITCHELL, DOUG MORGAN, JOHN RUSSO, JESUS SEPULVEDA and MELISSA WEDEKIND CVLUX.COM Director NIK ASHJIAN Multi-Media Director NICOLE GIORDANO ASHJIAN BUSINESS Legal GONTORWON BORH Accounting DEE ANN LINKER

Please submit all advertising inquires to donna@cvlux.com.

Letters To The Editor: We want to hear from you. Please submit letters to: CVLUX, 7455 N. Fresno St. #205, Fresno CA, 93720 or e-mail to david@cvlux.com. Letters must be signed and deemed appropriate for our readership to be considered for publishing. Letters are subject to editing and may be cut for length.

Story Queries: Are you a writer? Please send story queries to david@cvlux.com. Please allow six to eight weeks for a response. CVLUX is not responsible for unsolicited material.

CVLUX is published bi-monthly by Modern Living Publishing LLC, 7455 N. Fresno St. #205, Fresno CA, 93720. Copyright 2014 by Modern Living Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Every effort has been made to ensure the information within this publication is complete and accurate at the time of publication. CVLUX does not warrant such accuracy or the claims of its advertisers. All materials, articles, reports, original artwork and photos published in this magazine are the property of Modern Living Publishing LLC and cannot be used or reproduced without permission in writing. Modern Living Publishing LLC is not responsible for the opinions expressed within the publication. Prices quoted in advertisements are subject to change without notice.

Ingram

Bedford

Alluvial

CONTRIBUTORS Pandora Vanderpump Sabo Lifestyle Editor CEO & Founder of The Divine Addiction and Vanderpump Wines & Spirits Pandora was born in London, England and has lived in the South of France, Monaco, Washington DC, and Los Angeles. Pandora moved to Beverly Hills to attend Pepperdine University. After graduating with a B.A. in English Literature and a B.A. in Film and Television Production, Pandora embraced a career that has combined a passion for the food and wine industry with a background in writing, design and the film and television business.

Having grown up in a family entrenched in the service industry, Pandora’s love for the food and beverage trade started at a young age. Realizing that there was a need in the market for affordable luxury products led her to create her own brand, Vanderpump Wines & Spirits. In 2013 she launched LVP Sangria, the first premium bottled sangria straight from Valencia, Spain, which is currently available throughout the US and internationally.

Pandora also launched The Divine Addiction (www.TheDivineAddiction.com), a popular online luxury lifestyle magazine devoted to all of the finer things in life.

The Divine Addiction brings readers a peek into luxury lifestyle—with an emphasis on ease and affordable prices. Featuring everything from food and cocktails to fashion and beauty, The Divine Addiction is Pandora’s way of bringing readers a peek into the everyday Vanderpump lifestyle.

Cortney Snapp Features Editor A Jill of all trades, Cortney is passionate about everything she sets her mind to. Her repertoire consists of just about everything from working at a young age on television sets and owning her own business to working as Elizabeth Taylor’s assistant. Cortney loves her current position as the Community Director of MakeA-Wish Central California. The epitome of a Fresno “Boomeranger,” she has lived in many places but found her home right here in the Central Valley with her husband, Chad, and one-year-old son, Campbell.

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THE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL BANK 255 East River Park Circle, Suite 180, Fresno, CA 93720 s WWW PREMIERVALLEYBANK COM

A SOCIAL AFFAIR

DERBY DOWN Benefiting Valley Children’s Hospital

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A SOCIAL AFFAIR

REV IT UP FASHION SHOW Hosted by Mercedes-Benz of Fresno

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Benefiting

Be there. Be fabulous!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2015 1:00 - 5:00 PM At Chateau Bleu, a private estate overlooking the 9th fairway at Copper River Golf Course – Fresno Join us for wine and food tasting, boutique shopping, Shoe Guys dishing up must-haves on silver platters and a glamorous fashion show sponsored by CV Luxury!

WINEWOMENANDSHOES.COM/FRESNO FOR TICKETS & INFORMATION, CALL OR EMAIL 559.221.9474 • INFO@CENTRALCA.WISH.ORG

A SOCIAL AFFAIR

PINK PUMP AFFAIR Benefiting Special Needs Network Inc.

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DISCOVER ETCETERA Fall Trunk Show September 10th-September 16th

Lauren K.T. Wilson ● laurenktwilson@gmail.com ● (559) 892-5758

HIGH PROFILE

DINA JUVE Social Editor Ann T. Sullivan Whitehurst In January, Women’s Health began its third annual nationwide talent search to find the “Next Fitness Star.” After receiving thousands of submissions, the competition has been narrowed down to five amazing finalists who will be featured on the flip cover of the July/August issue of Women’s Health magazine. Dina Juve was selected as one of the Top Five picks for Women’s Health “Next Fitness Star.” Please vote for Dina at www.thenextfitnessstar.com.

CV Luxury caught up with Dina during her online filming for Women’s Health. Dina Juve is 41 years old, a mother of four, and is proud to state she lost 80 pounds 20 years ago and has successfully kept it off. She has encountered many obstacles in her life including psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis and autoimmune disease.

everyone who came through the door felt comfortable, no matter what size or shape they were, regardless of their fitness, health or wellness journey. Those goals are still upheld every day at the studio and clients find the studio to be a safe and nurturing environment in which to help them reach their fitness and nutritional goals.

13 years ago, Dina had the opportunity to change careers, embracing her true passion of studying health and fitness. Kettlebells is only one of the training tools she specializes in. It is a unique certification that has proven to provide fast results to her clients. Melissa Oberti, a previous client of Dina’s, lost 20+ pounds, toned up faster than any other workout she had tried previously, and became immediately addicted.

Dina has developed many weight loss plans and fitness programs, classes and tools, but her priority is always that each plan is individually customized so clients may achieve their individual goals and feel their own success. Although Dina still deals with multiple health issues, fitness and healthy eating have been her main form of medicine. She has every excuse to not exercise and live an unhealthy lifestyle, but she now feels better at age 41 than when she was 21.

Dina and Melissa partnered three years ago to form FitnessSocial Studio and FitnessSocial online services. One of the main goals when planning the studio was to make sure that

Continued on next page...

CVLUX: Tell me your Sun Sign.

Dina: I am an Aquarian through and through, born 2/11/74. I am very independent, adventurous, compassionate, passionate and creative. My passion is to change the world by helping others achieve their personal goals, whether that is losing weight, moving better, improving their health, feeling incredible or just living a happier life. My creativity comes out in how I design individual plans for my clients. It is all in the results, not the hype. If I cannot prove something works through my research and testing theories, then I won’t bring it into FitnessSocial.

CVLUX: Tell me about your family.

Dina: I am married to my loving husband, John, and I am so blessed with 4 incredible children: Tommy (23), Tyler (10), Trevor (7) and my angel baby girl, Anna. I also consider my niece, Daisha, who came to live with us at 15, my daughter, too.

CVLUX: What do you consider your best asset?

Dina: One of my best assets is my heartfelt commitment and determination in supporting others to succeed in fitness, weight loss, toning up, overall wellness and/or just being happier with themselves. This is my true passion and my belief about why I

was put on this earth. I love supporting people as they achieve their personal goals by being their mentor and cheerleader through the rough spots. It is not always easy, but I try to make it as easy as I can for them. I had everything stacked against me...I broke down walls, and they can, too!

CVLUX: Tell me about the most difficult time of your life.

Dina: Losing my daughter will always be the worst pain I’ve ever felt. Losing 80 lbs and changing my life was also very difficult because I had to make so many changes to live a healthy life. I started changing my life by taking “I can’t” out of my vocabulary. I can’t diagram a sentence, either. I had to take grammar and I thought I’d ace it. Barely got a B. CVLUX: Finish this sentence: “The world would be a lot better...”

Dina: If everyone was more compassionate. We never know what someone has been through or the life they have lived.

This doesn’t mean we are responsible for another’s happiness, their lives, or can allow them to bring us down, but we can be supportive, less judgmental, and act with love and kindness.

Being caring and compassionate costs nothing, but can mean so much to someone else.

M

odern Goddess An In-Depth Interview with Liana Mirzadeh

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“Feel like a goddess every day, not just at the wedding.”

If

you see someone standing in front of a boutique window, scribbling in a notebook, it might be Liana Mirzadeh. Calling her a seamstress is like calling Picasso a painter; Liana Mirzadeh is an artist.

She takes notepads everywhere she goes (most of the time, but will use napkins if she leaves them at home!), and creates her distinctive style with inspiration from some of the most unlikely places: the colors around her at local ethnic markets, textures in a store window display, intricate hand-embroidery in traditional Indian dresses, the delicate hand-beading in vintage gowns and even wall art in a car wash in L.A. Her craft is creating the stuff of fairytales: handmade bridal gowns fit for a goddess.

“Each bride is unique,” the designer says, and she adds that she designs dresses that are so varied, most brides will find something that is exactly what she’s been dreaming of.

Autumn Silk wedding gowns are sold in three separate collections: “Signature,” for traditional and modern brides, “Modest,” for those who would like more coverage than some gowns offer, and “Luxury,” ball gowns simply dripping in lace and embroidery that the bride who has always imagined wearing a wedding dress fit for a princess will swoon over.

Using top-quality materials, Liana Mirzadeh especially enjoys working with lace, chiffon and luxury lace. She promises that

this year’s collections will be even more over-the-top than her previous, and you can hear in her description of her work that this is an artist who enjoys and derives great personal satisfaction from her work. That satisfaction is passed on to her customers, of course, since the gowns they fall in love with were born in the mind of an artist, sometimes, quite literally, in her dreams.

That’s right: sometimes Liana Mirzadeh wakes up to find herself sketching a dress design in the middle of the night. But don’t picture her in front of a sewing machine and sketch pad all the time, because this designer is constantly getting ideas from the world around her.

“My addiction is to go to Little India in Cerritos,” she says, “where I search for beautiful textiles, crafts and jewelry made by artisans who still carry on the traditions and skills of their ancestors. I love to talk to people who work there. They can go for hours explaining how their garment-construction process works. Some outfits take 10 months to make and others, a few hours. One day I’m planning to visit India.”

Designing vintage-inspired gowns is something she also enjoys, and it shows. She tries to incorporate old, discarded or forgotten bits of vintage needlework, using intricate hand-embroidery, beads and crystals.

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This designer isn’t stuck in the past, though; she draws from it with her incredible eye for detail, and it certainly infuses many of her designs. She is anything but old-fashioned, however, and creates modern looks with equal skill.

A study in delightfully-varied contrasts, Liana Mirzadeh says, “I also love modern and contemporary architecture, home design, and art. I try to incorporate a modern structure and feel to my design.”

She goes on to talk about the inspiration she found in a car wash in Little Korea, LA: “I saw the most beautiful wall art in the car wash! Who knew? One day I’m planning to do a photo shoot there. It might sound crazy, but I want to see outside of the box, and create something very untraditional.”

A savvy designer, Liana Mirzadeh also keeps her finger on the pulse of bridal fashion trends. Her description of what the current trends in bridalwear are as eclectic as her style: ballgown-style dresses with big tulle skirts, as well as some some simple, classic styles without lots of beading. She says shoulder details are in, and that she finds the illusion back trend in bridal gowns both sexy and demure.

When asked about her plans for the future of Autumn Silk, the talented dress designer explains that she will continue to create magical wedding dresses. She also spoke about the bold new direction she is taking: a new line of clothing called Autumn Silk, designed for real women who should, as she says, “feel like a goddess every day, not just at the wedding.”

A bright, Bohemian-inspired collection, this new line is also almost 100% silk, and each dress is one-of-a-kind or limited editions, and Liana Mirzadeh assures, “You don’t have to be a model to wear it.”

Every garment is handmade with hand-woven and hand-printed fabric, a type of garment creation Liana Mirzadeh calls a disappearing art. She is excited about this new line, she says, because she can see real women wearing her designs while enjoying honeymoons, vacationing or just relaxing around the house.

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Love...

First comes

A

then comes Granville

After you decide to join your lives together, the next step is often choosing your first home. That home should be a reflection of both of you. Here at Granville, we don’t take that lightly.

Once you’ve selected your home, you’ll get down to details. He may love wood plank tile floors, while you could have your heart set on the 12-foot sliding glass French doors off the great room. That’s where our interior design team comes in.

You’ll start by selecting the perfect floor plan. Our sales agents talk you through all of your options and you’ll tour the models, getting a feel for every home.

Our pros will take all of those Pinterest boards and magazine pages you’ve stored and turn them into something that’s truly yours, for years to come.

For a limited time, Granville is offering a $7,500 Newlywed Discount on move-in ready homes!* For details, visit any Granville Model Center or call 559.445.9000. *Proof of eligibility for this program and whether a buyer is qualifed is subject to additional terms, conditions and limitations established by Granville Homes. Offer is subject to change or withdrawal at any time without notice. Not available with broker co-op or other offers. See a sales associate for complete details, terms and conditions of this program, including eligibility.

Clockwise from top left: Bijou master bath with oversized walk-in shower; Bijou living area with 12’ sliding doors; Tresor dining room; Bella model home at at Belterra; custom Wilmington backyard.

GVHomes.com

Real Wedding Mike & Hayley Truex

Bride & Groom Name: Hayley and Mike Truex Photographer: Brian Leahy Location: Bel Air Bay Club, Pacific Palisades Date: 9/20/14 Total Guests: 188

(559) 917-8880 1292 N. Wishon Ave. Fresno, CA 93728 www.frostedbakery.com

Photo By: D.J. Ellis La Bella Vita Photography, Inc. www.lbvphoto.com CVLUX.COM 2015

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CV LUX: When did you first meet your fiancĂŠe? How did he pop the question?

Hayley: I met my husband during the summer of 2008 when I was visiting friends in Los Angeles and we begin dating at the end of 2008.

Although we lived in different cities, me in San Francisco and Mike in Los Angeles, we had an instant connection, stayed in touch after we first met and began dating long-distance.

We flew up and down California visiting each other or met in the middle in my hometown of Fresno. Although we were almost 400 miles apart, we planned many trips exploring restaurants in the city by the bay, going to the beach, and skiing at China Peak. A few years later I moved to Los Angeles and we were engaged in August of 2013.

My husband completely surprised me with a proposal at the beach in Malibu. After a bridal shower and an engagement party that same day, he told me we were meeting friends during the evening. While driving along PCH taking in the beautiful Pacific Ocean, he pulled over at the beach to kill time as we waited to meet our friends. We walked down to take in the views. With the sun setting, he tricked me into touching his shirt pocket where he had hidden the ring. I froze as soon as I felt the ring and he got down on one knee. It was such a special moment for us and incredibly romantic.

Later that night, he surprised me with a romantic dinner under the twinkle-lit patio of an Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills. Our engagement spot left such a special place in my heart that we decided to go back for engagement pictures a few months later.

CV LUX: When you first started planning your wedding, what was the most important thing to you?

Hayley: We wanted to plan our special day in a way that reflected us as a couple and allowed our friends and family to share in our happiness, enjoy good food and drinks, and dance the night away. Choosing a venue we searched for a romantic setting that would allow us to have both the ceremony and reception at the same locale with a door area for the ceremony and a classic Spanish style dining room in which we could dance the night away. We loved getting married close to where we first met in Los Angeles.

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CV LUX: Looking back on your big day, what three things stand out the most to you and why?

Hayley: Our big day was truly special and magical, but if I had to choose three of my favorite things from our wedding: 1. My husband and I took 15 minutes to spend just the two of us after the ceremony and before the reception. I loved having that time together and a few moments that were just between us. It was one of those little things I will always cherish and the perfect way for us to reflect on our special day before it was all over in a flash.

2. Our band was absolutely incredible, full of energy, and so much fun.

Not to mention their amazing voices and even having me up on stage to sing one of my favorite songs (Don’t Stop Believin’, by Journey). Our dance floor was packed until the end of the night. They really helped set the mood for a fun and truly special evening. My husband and I spent the majority of our evening after dinner on the dance floor with our guests, enjoying the music, and creating memories with our families and friends.

3. We were touched by how many notes we received from guests after the wedding about the amazing time they had, the delicious food and fun band. It was so meaningful to have created such special memories with our family and friends, knowing they had a great time and were there to support us. Our photographer did a spectacular job capturing the extraordinary moments and details of our day, with beautiful pictures that will let us cherish our wedding day forever.

CV LUX: Who designed your dress, and how did you make your selection?

Hayley: I went into dress shopping with an open mind and ended up trying on several styles and designers. After my first weekend dress shopping, I went back to a Reem Acra trunk show at a boutique in Corona Del Mar where I found my dress. I initially had my eye on another Reem Acra dress I had fallen in love with while looking at dresses online. To my surprise, I found an even more perfect dress for me and was so glad I went back to the trunk show. It was different than anything I had seen or tried on: it was romantic, elegant, and most importantly, I felt confident and “myself” in it.

I loved the detail of the floral beading, offset by the gorgeous skirt on the dress. Our wedding cake was even designed and inspired based on the floral detail of my dress.

CV LUX: If you had one suggestion to future brides about planning the perfect wedding, what would it be and why?

Hayley: After having gone through the experience of planning a wedding, I have encouraged friends and other brides to hire a wedding planner. Even if it’s for partial planning, it’s so helpful and comforting to have a professional in the business who can answer your questions, assist with vendor referrals, bring your vision to life, and ensure your day goes smoothly, so you, your family and friends can enjoy your day to the fullest extent possible. On the day of the wedding, I was truly relaxed and took comfort in not having to worry about any of the details, knowing that my planner was completely organized and had the day planned out to a “T.” I’d also remind brides to not get too caught up in the details and try not to get overwhelmed. Focus on why you’re getting married and the love you have for each other.

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Locales

Luxurious Central California’s Premier Bridal Destinations

Feature Editor Courtney Snapp

I

think every bride has hindsight. Oh, what I wish I knew before Chad and my big day three years ago! I work in events 24-7, but even I was a “victim” of getting caught up in the thick of all things bridal, and may have even stopped thinking clearly.

After I quit trying to check off the wedding preparation lists on websites and magazines, I remember clearly pausing to asking myself, “What is it that we both want? What are the traditions that are meaningful to us and which ones feel like we just need to check them off of a list because it’s what every other cookie-cutter wedding has?”

That was when Chad and I took all of the rules (well, almost all) and threw them out the window.

We knew we wanted to get married in a church, but didn’t know we’d run into a snag…our aunt is the lead pastor at The Church at Rancho Bernardo, a well-known and respected church in San Diego. We had issues finding a local venue that would let us use her as our officiant because she was (gasp) female! We finally found a church that didn’t have specific rules about officiants and was beautiful, historic and perfect.

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Next we focused on a reception venue that was not only fabulous, but allowed us to apply our personal touch. We chose a private estate. As we focused on the reception theme, Chad and I decided to incorporate our love for happy hour into our special day. We wanted our guests to feel they could still go home and watch a movie, or even attend another event afterward. No, there weren’t drinks at the church; guests at our afternoon reception dined on mimosas and heavy appetizers.

Part of creating the relaxed feel we were going for was deciding not to use traditional seating at the reception. We used different-size tables, so that people could sit at one briefly, then move if they felt inclined. We didn’t assign seating because we wanted our guests to mingle and feel comfortable. We tried very hard to limit the interruptions via microphone and didn’t really have a schedule of when to dance, or eat. Some guests were even able to attend the Fresno State game afterwards!

Think about your reception as an event to which you are inviting your friends and family that feels like an intimate party that you as a new couple are throwing. It truly shouldn’t be stressful.

Unfortunately, our culture has created a standard of expectation when it comes to weddings that allows brides to easily get lost in details, and in doing so, can inadvertently leave out what’s really true to them.

Yes, your wedding day (and you) should be perfect and beautiful, but it should be a fabYOUlous day imbued with who you and your future husband really are. The first way to do this is to pick a venue that allows you to be you. Do you feel uncomfortable or pressured by the venue? Remember: they need you more than you need them. You are in the driver’s seat as you pick the vendors and services that will set the stage for the wedding that is perfect for you.

It’s not about being cheap or finding the least expensive place; instead your focus should be on finding a venue that allows you to spread your matrimonial wings and soar. You will want your personality stamped all over your wedding, and if you choose a venue that only uses certain vendors you are stuck between a rock and a Chiavari Chair. On the other hand, some brides LOVE the idea that everything is already chosen, so that all they have to do is show up. Either way, the objective is to get exactly what you want in a wedding and reception.

Researching wedding venues around the Central Valley allowed me to compile this list of locations that you may like to include in your own research.

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Erna’s Elderberry House 48688 Victoria Ln, Oakhurst, CA 93644 Carina Stephens, Special Events Coordinator (559) 683-6800 events@chateausureau.com

Chateau du Sureau, set in the mountain town of Oakhurst, California, is a “fairytale” inn. This compound contains Erna’s Elderberry House, Erna’s Elderberry House Restaurant and spa, and is known for their authentic European hospitality. Their wedding venue is the Estate by the Elderberries, and true to its name, the grounds are covered in wild elderberries. It’s more for small, intimate weddings with a quaint romantic ambiance, but they have impeccable “Traditional White Glove Service.”

Your ceremony will include pre-wedding portrait photography, use of the Estate Gardens, the usual chairs, tables, linens, planning with our experienced coordinators, and a day-of event coordinator.

The reception includes damask white linen and platinum-rimmed chargers, Riedel crystal and flatware, bud vases with seasonal House flowers, a customized menu to your preferences, planning and day-of event coordination.

Of course all food and beverages are provided exclusively by the world famous Erna’s Elderberry House Restaurant.

After your gorgeous ceremony and reception, the bride and groom can stay in the manor house, Villa Sureau, nestled away in the forest.

“I am with brides from the first property visit, through all the detail planning, those worried emails, and last minute additions—I don’t leave the property until they do. This kind of one-on-one attention and planning makes us truly special,” says Carina, an Erna’s employee.

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Show your Central California LOVE and Vote for Dina Juve as Women's Health Next Fitness Star! www.thenextfitnessstar.com #Vote4Dina

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• Battling Ropes • CARDIO CIRCUIT • PILATES • DANCE • BALLET • BARRE • tabata

7060 N. Recreation Ave #108 Fresno, CA 93720 | 559-324-8500 | FitnessSocial.com

Una Bella Giornata at Cardella Winery 41424 W. Panoche Rd. Mendota, CA 93640 (559) 974-4797 Maria Davis, Event Coordinator maria@unabellagiornata.com In Mendota, California, you can find Una Bella Giornata. This venue is a part of the Cardella Winery that has been open for six years, and its grounds are covered in hundreds of acres in vines, the website says, and all with “the ambiance of Italy.”

With your ceremony and reception at Cardella, your special day includes general linens, tables, tablecloths and napkins (standard poly additional fee applies for specialty linen), basic place setting, 20’ X 20’ dance floor, bar, propane heaters, a 4-bedroom bridal house plus groom room at Apricot Inn, all event setup and cleanup, event coordinator and staff, a shuttle to the local Best Western Apricot Inn, and a venue rental period from noon Friday to 10:00 a.m. Sunday.

“Una Bella Giornata by Cardella Winery is a quaint hidden gem found on the west side of San Joaquin Valley. You and your guests will be overwhelmed with the unique and exquisite beauty the vineyards provide with the Italian inspired cobblestone structures. Their event coordinator Maria does nothing short of making sure your wedding is taken care of in an organized and professional manner. She takes each wedding to heart, ensuring it is completed beyond expectations while reassuring the bride and groom of any nerves that may arise. She handles each situation with special care to execute a finish in an aesthetically pleasing, but timely manner. On top of that, her staff are determined in the work they do with a special eye for detail. Their sincere and gracious service will leave you, your wedding party and guests feeling part of the family.” *Una Bella offers discounts to members of the military.

Toca Winery 36140 Ave 9, Madera, CA 93636 (559) 474-8286 Tali Whelan, Site Coordinator tali@tocamaderawinery.com Toca Winery was planted in 2012 in Madera, California. With its rolling hills and beautiful scenery, this winery is meant to mimic the famous vineyards in Napa. Toca features award-winning wines, a serene and beautiful setting, breathtaking views, and is conveniently located for out-of-town guests.

Toca gives you the ability to choose your own coordinator, caterer, DJ, florist, and other vendors from their preferred vendor

list. They charge a $2,000 rental fee that includes the wedding day venue for six hours, tables and chairs supplied for up to 200 guests (additional fee for guest counts over 200), setup and clean up and one hour of rehearsal time prior to your wedding day (however, if you wish to have your rehearsal dinner at Toca Madera, there will be an additional rental fee).

In addition, the winery’s site coordinator will work with your private wedding planner to make sure things go smoothly. Also provided is a bridal changing area and restrooms, ceremony site, ample parking for guests, and event security.

“The terraced garden behind the winery was designed with weddings and special events in mind, to allow guests to better enjoy the beauty of the adjoining vineyard. The 7,000 square foot winery building, which was built on the vineyard property in 2014, includes a large tasting room with 23-foot high ceilings and a beautiful panoramic view of the vineyard from the bar area.”

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An in-depth conversation with funny lady Patricia Heaton.

AUGHING out LOUD

LOCATION: SOFITEL LOS ANGELES / PHOTOGRAPHER: MATTHEW MITCHELL / PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT: WENDY FIGUEROA / STYLIST: LINDA MEDVENE / SEAMSTRESS: LAURA BASCI / NAILS: ELISA WISHAN FOR CND VINYLUX LOCKET LOVE / MAKEUP: SCOTT BARNES / HAIR: JONATHAN HANOUSEK FOR EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS MANAGEMENT USING KEVIN MURPHY HAIR CARE / STORY: AMY SILVERBERG

Y ou probably recognize Patricia Heaton from various television series: the sitcom, Everybody Loves Raymond, opposite Ray Romano, and most recently, The Middle, now on its seventh season on ABC. There’s something inherently likable about Patricia Heaton, whether she’s playing the long-suffering (and slightly higher-pitched) Debra on Everybody Loves Raymond, or more recently, Frankie Heck, The Middle’s upbeat but overworked matriarch.

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here’s an accessibility to Patricia, (or “Patty,” she says), but also an edge to her performances that complicates the roles she plays, making her more than just watchable, but also compelling. The accessibility is easily accounted for—viewers have watched her be a mother to a few different groups of children over the years.

On television, she’s been hitting all the right beats for more than a decade. Patricia credits The Middle’s two female show creators, Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline, with writing a dynamic family story, and with that, a dynamic mother figure. We can attribute much of The Middle’s popularity to its realistic (yet insistently funny) depiction of family life.

Everybody Loves Raymond aired from 1996 until 2005. We, the viewers, recognize ourselves in the thorough and unflinching way Heaton depicts motherhood—warts and all. For at least that half hour, we watch safely from our sofas, feeling understood. Like The Middle’s Frankie Heck, we resonate with feeling overwhelmed by our circumstances, but press on regardless, trying to do right by our families—if not gracefully— then at least with a killer sense of humor.

Patricia says viewers tell her all the time, “You guys looked right into my house,” to which she replies, “[the show creators] looked into mine, too.” This is the ultimate sign of successful television—it’s so realistic it becomes universal.

Of course, Patricia Heaton’s sense of humor is a bit more cultivated than most. “Would people in your regular life say you’re funny?” I ask her, during our interview. “Do you have to work at it, or does it come naturally?”

With her customary modesty, Patricia says, “Most people would say I’m funny, I think. Or, at least that I have timing.”

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Personally, I love The Middle. I think it’s gutsy in the way most sitcoms aren’t. It doesn’t shy away from addressing issues of socioeconomic level or what it means to be working class; in fact, it swims comfortably in these subjects. The show feels like a throwback, raw in the way that Roseanne was, but without the undercurrents of melancholy. In The Middle, Frankie Heck navigates issues that matter to contemporary families all over America, such as dealing with a child’s learning disability or struggling to make ends meet in the current economic climate.

White 3/4 Sleeve Dress by Kevin Hall Jewelry by Ippolita earrings and bangles Shoes by Jimmy Choo CVLUX.COM 2015

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White dress with black by Lorena Sarbu Jewelry by Martin Katz Shoe by Jimmy Choo

“Most people would say I’m funny, I think. Or, at least that I have timing.”

And it makes sense that Patricia Heaton should feel so comfortable portraying motherhood on television: she has four sons. In fact, her own experience with child-rearing often coincided with that of the mothers she played on tv.

“I was lucky,” she says, “because I got to be a mom and an actress at the same time.”

When they were little, her kids would accompany her to the Everybody Loves Raymond set, she explains. At that time, her actual children were the same age as her t.v. children. Now, her kids are the same age as her “kids” on The Middle.

“I’m lucky to have portrayed mothers at different times of their lives—in different cycles,” Patricia tells me.

Debra on Everybody Loves Raymond is very different from Frankie on The Middle. Debra is a stay-at-home mom, while Frankie works as a dental hygienist. But there are still key similarities: both women deal with the day-to-day caretaking of a family, as well as dealing with outside pressures, like the challenge of being a working mom, or dealing with an overbearing mother-in-law. It’s a testament to Heaton’s acting skills that she can imbue the characters she plays with such complexity— as opposed to being one-dimensionally likable; the women she plays are interesting.

I ask Patricia what she thought about people referring to Debra on Everybody Loves Raymond as a nag while the show was airing.

“I remember reading at the time ‘oh the wife character is so mean,’ and I was surprised,” she says, “because I never read her that way when I got the script. But now when I watch it, I think, okay, maybe I see what they’re saying.”

Personally, I disagree—I think any “nagging” was 1) realistic and 2) crucial to the show. We needed that voice of reason to offset Raymond’s sometimes wishy-washy demeanor.

“I think I might have been putting some of my own experiences into the character,” Patricia says. “I had really young kids and I was probably frustrated with my actual husband at the time.” In other words, we shouldn’t conflate Patricia with the characters she plays, but we can find a bit of her own life in her performances, and vice versa.

In addition to realistically portraying motherhood, she doesn’t have any trouble playing a convincing wife, and for good reason. Celebrating 25 years of marriage this year, Heaton met her husband, David Hunt, when she sub-leased an apartment where he was living.

“There were actually three guys in the apartment,” she explains.

“I didn’t expect it. It was a weird way to meet someone.”

Not only have they raised four boys together—one of whom has recently left for college—but they own a production company aptly named FourBoys Films. For Patricia, her oldest son leaving was difficult, despite still having children at home.

“He was my first kid,” she says, “the first kid who came in and changed everything.”

When asked if she has any advice for other empty-nesters, Patricia’s reply is simple and inspiring: “The world is full of need, and women are the great multi-taskers. You can get involved in so many different ways.”

Incidentally, what I’m struck by, as I talk to Patricia Heaton, is how nice she is—how approachable. As she talks about her kids and her career, I keep forgetting this is an interview, and I start to think it’s just a conversation. At one point, while we talk

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White pants by Gucci White blouse by Theory All jewelry pictured by Martin Katz Ltd. Heels by Jimmy Choo

about her first acting jobs, I start telling her about my first writing jobs, and I realize how often I’m laughing. She seems like someone you would want to be friends with—someone who’ll laugh at a good joke and in whom you can confide. Maybe this has something to do with her background. She grew up in Ohio, deeply entrenched in the middle class.

I ask her what advice she would have given herself then, during her bleaker, younger years. Without missing a beat, she says, “Drink less; eat more. If I knew then what I’d have to eat now— all of that gluten-free stuff—I would have really enjoyed more food.” She thinks for another moment, then adds, “Also, be present, show up and work hard.”

“I didn’t go to school at somewhere like Juilliard,” she says.

“Sort of,” she says when I ask her if she had faith that everything would work out. “It’s a balance, though. You certainly need to put in the work.”

Instead, she went to a state school; she didn’t even know there were other options. That was probably a good thing—nobody handed her a career in acting. Growing up so far from Hollywood, she became aware of her passion for the craft before she became aware of the potential for fame. In fact, fame seemed impossibly far away—like a whole other life, one she could hardly imagine having. When she moved to LA, she didn’t have a job or a car. She worked a series of odd jobs, such as summarizing legal deposition, and working at People magazine.

“It looked bleak for a while,” she says. But it obviously didn’t stay that way.

And Patricia is certainly adept at balance—balancing motherhood and a career, among many other things. Finally, we talk about what’s coming on the horizon. She admits that while she loves playing a mother, her next role will probably be something new, but when asked what, she says, “Who knows?”

I manage to get in one last question before she has to rush off: who would play her in the movie of her life?

“Chris Pratt,” she says, which makes me laugh. “I think he would do something interesting with the role.” And I have to agree.

A Lifestyle Editor Pandora Vanderpump Sabo featuring Lisa Vanderpump

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Vanderpump Wedding

Lisa & Pandora Vanderpump invite you to share in their love for all things wedding-related… From their restaurant Pump’s most popular bachelorette cocktails to some of the hors d’oeuvres from Pandora’s wedding, the Vanderpumps have shared with us all their favorite elements for creating the perfect Beverly Hills wedding.

Pandora’s Wedding I can’t believe it has been so many years since Pandora got married. Some of you might remember the wedding, as we personally filmed it and some of the footage aired on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Pandora’s wedding, which we held at our home in Beverly Hills, was a gorgeous rose garden of subtle pink and pale green hues. We had so much fun creating a warm, romantic and unforgettable atmosphere. It really was the best day of all our lives.

One of the things we learned in the process was that organization is key. We really made sure to be extremely organized beforehand, so that on the day, we were all relaxed and had a fantastic time. Always remember that people don’t remember the small details that go wrong—in fact, they won’t even know if something does go wrong. Your guests will remember the ambiance and, most importantly, how the bride looked and felt. So, don’t stress over the small details and just focus on having the best night of your life!

Love Always,

Lisa Vanderpump

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Vanderpump bridal shower

Sweet Décor & Gifts For me, personalization is always the key to hosting a bridal shower. There are so many things you can do to make the day special and really wow your guests.

I love décor that doubles as gifts for your guests to take home with them. One of the things I did the last time I threw a bridal shower was to make each place setting a gorgeous present for each of the attendees. We had an amazing playlist of the bride’s favorite music throughout the afternoon, so I made custom cds named, “An Afternoon to Remember” for each of the women.

I wrapped them in gorgeous bows with their names on them, essentially doubling as place settings.

Each place also had a vintage teacup filled with flowers and the guests could take the teacup home with them. Lastly, beautiful Compartes chocolate artisan bars pressed with flowers and dried fruit were placed on each plate, adding a stunning touch to each setting.

- Lisa

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Bachelorette Cocktail: The Pumptini The Pumptini is our signature raspberry and citrus martini at Pump Restaurant and is the perfect addition to any bachelorette party.

Hailed as Jennifer Lawrence’s favorite Pump cocktail, it’s delicious, refreshing and (of course) pink!

Ingredients 3 raspberries (and 1 for garnish) ¾ oz simple syrup ¾ oz orange liqueur ¾ oz grapefruit juice ¾ oz lime juice 2 oz vodka Ice Preparation 1. In a shaker, muddle the three raspberries with the simple syrup.

2. Add the orange liqueur, grapefruit juice, lime juice, vodka and ice, and shake vigorously.

3. Strain into a martini glass.

4. Garnish with a raspberry.

Our Favorite Bridesmaid Gifts For my wedding, I really wanted to spoil my bridesmaids. They’re your closest friends and family who are supporting you at one of the most important times of your life, so making them feel special was very important to me! There’s nothing better than finding a gift with a little extra thought and personalization and here are some of my favorites!

- Pandora

Personalized Accessories from GiGi New York & Graphic Image With amazing color and material options ranging from shimmery rose gold leather to patterned fuchsia, GiGi has an amazing portfolio of datebooks, clutches, luggage tags and more. Each item can be embossed with your bridesmaids’ initials for the perfect gift.

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Kyle Chan Design Jewelry

James Michelle Personalized Jewelry

Kyle Chan has some of our favorite jewelry, spanning every price range and taste imaginable. Perfect to have your bridesmaids wear on the day of your wedding, these simple, gorgeous pieces are the ideal gift.

One of our favorites, James Michelle Jewelry, is gorgeous and customizable. Ranging from hammered gold necklaces to simple, elegant cuff rings, James Michelle has something for everyone. I especially love the horoscope constellation necklaces featuring your bridesmaid’s star sign, or the hammered gold discs with their initials!

LVP

Signature Style

The Ultimate Wedding Cocktail: LVP Sangria Our favorite for a unique, visual and delicious signature drink The difficulty with wedding cocktails is usually making the decision between a fully-hosted bar, wine and beer, or signature cocktails. On the one hand, wine and beer can be a little uninspiring; on the other, liquor can be expensive! I love our gorgeous sangria as the perfect compromise for weddings—it has the feeling of a cocktail with the price tag and ABV of wine.

As a more interesting option for your guests, LVP is visually stunning served over ice with fruit and, because it is already prepared and bottled for you in Spain, it’s easy for your bartenders! Your guests will love sipping our perfectly wedding-themed pink rosé sangria with berries (or our red for a richer, more decadent option!) and it will add just a little something extra to your bar. Also, it’s the same alcohol content as wine so, even though it has a kick, your guests won’t be getting too rowdy, too quickly!

- Pandora 100% Premium Spanish Wines. 100% Natural. No Added Sugar.

LVP Sangria is available throughout the U.S and other countries.

Check out www.LVPsangria.com to find it near you!

Lisa’s Favorite Sparkling Sangria Cocktail

The Pink Fizz Ingredients

I love using LVP Sangria as a base for delicious cocktails—it makes a fabulous mixer. One of my favorite summertime cocktails is The Pink Fizz. It’s a remarkably easy sparkling cocktail that is perfect for weddings! It’s a simple way to add a sexy, visual cocktail to your bar for your guests to enjoy without having to use liquor or breaking the bank.

1 frozen raspberry 2 oz chilled LVP Pink Sangria 1 small lemon wedge 2 oz chilled Prosecco, Champagne or sparkling wine Preparation

- Lisa 1. Place the frozen raspberry into a Champagne coupe or martini glass.

2. Pour the Pink Sangria into the Champagne- coupe.

3. Squeeze the lemon into the drink and stir.

4. Top with Prosecco and stir slowly.

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 W SHAW AVE, FRESNO, CA • (559) 225-5363 • THEVAULTJEWELRY.COM

Hors d’Oeuvres Photos by Rod Foster Photography

These are two of the delicious appetizers that we enjoyed at Pandora’s wedding. They were a big hit with our guests and looked gorgeous!

Salmon Rosettes with Caviar This is such an elegant hors d’oeuvre to share with your guests. Tiny slices of fresh salmon rolled into chic little flowers and topped with caviar...they are bite-size, light and delicious.

This idea can be so versatile in flavor, as well. Ask your caterer to play around with the flavors you wrap inside your salmon.

We’ve tried rolls filled with wasabi and ginger, green onions and a dollop of crème fraîche, avocado and cucumber…you name it!

Tuna Tartare on Truffle Wonton Crisps This is one of our house specialties at Villa Blanca and makes an amazing appetizer to pass around during cocktail hour. Easy to pick up, fresh and delicious, they are a staple at most of our parties and perfect for weddings!

Your caterer can make their tuna tartare in many different ways, but we love ours with avocado, green onion and a drizzle of truffle oil!

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Sabrina Brown

Professional, personalized Real Estate service that is customized to fit each client’s needs.

Brown and Brown Real Estate concierge service provides a V.I.P. experience. Sabrina and her dedicated team are available to give you everything you need and everything you didn’t know you needed throughout your home buying and selling experience.

• One-on-one Real Estate consultations • Comprehensive home valuations • Individualized marketing plans • Concierge network of top industry service providers

Brown and Brown Real Estate Broker #CalBRE01775953

3435 W Shaw Ave #104 Fresno, CA 93711 (559) 271-4655 www.brownrealtyteam.com

LVP

Signature Style

Wedding Dress Spotlight: Ian Stuart We love Ian Stuart wedding dresses‌ they are whimsical, romantic and so special.

Pandora wore the one below, the Dauphine, on her wedding day and it was everything she had dreamed of. Ian also designed a stunning dress for me, The Vanderpump, which will be available in 2016.

The Vanderpump (shown right) The Dauphine (shown below)

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RSVP

Bridal Registry

styleREPORT

1. CELEBRATION CHAMPAGNE FLUTES & SERVING SET $185/$200 Hand enameled and Swarovski wedding accessories.

Items available at RSVP Style located at the Palatine Building.

2. EMBOSSED GLASSWARE $11+

Rich and refined glassware with smooth textures, dramatic lines, practical design, and decorative motifs taken from the golden age of France.

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3. VERSACE MEDUSA GALA GOLD COLLECTION $889 The ancient myth of Medusa inspired this regal gold-detailed collection from Rosenthal Meets Versace. 5-piece place setting.

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4. L’OBJET PERLEE WHITE COLLECTION $372

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The refined beauty of natural pearls informed this elegant white porcelain dinnerware from L’Objet. 4- piece place setting.

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5. MICHAEL ARAM ‘SLEEPY HOLLOW’ CASSEROLE DISH $298 Oblong casserole dish is cradled in a leafy stand for a beautiful and practical presentation. Casserole dish is dishwasher and oven safe.

6. PERSONALIZED MAPLE CUTTING/CHEESE BOARD $150+

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Handcrafted with premium Hard Maple Wood and available to personalize for any occasion!

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7. LITTLE GIRAFFE QUEEN PLUSH THROW $285 The perfect statement piece for any home decor. Layer this warm, inviting accent on the sofa or bed for extra cozy cuddle time.

2.

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8. CROWN CAKE PLATEAU $350 This crown-capped cake plateau is made of vintage glass and hand-hammered metal with rough Swarovski crystal.

Each piece is adorned with a beaded loop and signature metal heart. Use to preserve pastries and desserts, or simply enjoy on display in your home.

5.

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design

BC

aggage

laim

PHOTOGRAPHER: JOHN RUSSO, CORBIS OUTLINE / HAIR: JAYSON MEDINA WITH EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS MANAGEMENT / MAKE UP: ANTHONY MERANTE WITH EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS MANAGEMENT / STYLING: MARISSA PEDEN WITH JORGE PEREZ REPS / MODEL: JAMILLETTE GAXIOLA / HANDBAGS: DOMINIE LUXURY COLLECTION, DOMINIELUXURY.COM / MAKEUP: JOHN RUSSO BEAUTY, JOHNRUSSOBEAUTY.COM

Clothes: Nour Amini Couture Nail Shade: Sophia Lip Shade: Bubble

Clothes: Storets Earrings: Erickson Beamon

Clothes: Lum, by Lama Taher Jewelry: Erickson Beamon Nail Shade: Sophia Lip Shade: Little Fagie CVLUX.COM 2015

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Warda Haure Couture Clothes: Adolfo Sanchez Nail Shade: Sophia Lip Shade: Little Fagie

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Clothes: Kora Rae Nail Shade: Sophia Lip Shade: Little Fagie

THE GREAT

ESCAPE HOW TO PLAN YOUR PEFECT HONEYMOON Travel Editor Reagan Lowery, ALTOUR Hotel Collection

Your Honeymoon is one of the most important and memory-rich trips you’ll ever take. There are so many amazing options, so how does one choose where to spend this most special time?

To save you time and frustration in an endless web search, we put together a top-shelf array of trips for those traveling from the Los Angeles area. Our expertise in planning and executing your seamless honeymoon experience is a phone call or email away, as each can be custom-planned around your personal needs and itinerary by expert travel consultant, Stefanie Behrens, at ALTOUR Los Angeles. Stefanie’s connections add amazing value to each property, such as complimentary breakfast, room upgrade and spa credit. Her insights and resourcefulness fill out details of your trip, unimaginable until you personally experience it!

Subscribe to What’s Worth It to receive a monthly report on the world’s best experiences www.whatsworthit.com ALTOUR Los Angeles; VIP Services Stefanie.Behrens@Altour.com | 310-954-3277

Six Senses Samui, Main Pool

London, Brown’s Hotel/Bath, Royal Crescent

Visiting the best of the UK is a convenient yet cultural option. With a 10-hour non-stop flight from LAX, you can be enjoying a pint at the local pub before you know it. You may enjoy the newest 5-star hotels, including Rosewood London and Corinthia, but don’t forget our old favorites like Brown’s Hotel, a property that combines quintessential British culture with a sleek and contemporary sophistication.

A short train ride will whisk you away to the scene of a Jane Austen novel. We recommend taking the train to Bath and enjoying the tranquility of The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Luxuriate in Roman Baths, natural hot springs or a morning hike up to the Bath Skyline with its amazing views of the entire city. Afterwards, indulge in a sumptuous Afternoon Tea, pampering in the Spa & Bath House, and AA 3 Rosette dining in The Dower House Restaurant.

Brown’s Hotel, London Albemarle Suite - Sitting Room

Paris/South of France

Paris is the city of love, so of course it is a perfect honeymoon destination! Another easy 11-hour nonstop flight from LA will begin your romantic journey to France.

After being closed for over a year, Hotel Plaza Athenee reopened last fall with tremendous expectations and they have since exceeded each one. Alluring décor, elegant suites, a spa inspired by Christian Dior and impeccable service make the entire hotel experience the epitome of Parisian romance.

After you shop, and you are ready to give those new Christian Louboutins a rest, continue to Chateau St. Martin and Spa. Guests can fly from Paris to Nice and their beautiful Chateau is just 30 minutes away, nestled between Nice and Cannes. Relish wine tastings in a cellar carved into rock, Spa Saint-Martin Sisley with its outside gazebo massages, yoga sessions in 32 acres of gardens, private helicopter tours over the Mediterranean and fine dining.

Plaza Athenee, Paris Junior Suite Prestige

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ALTOUR invites you to join us for our

LEISURE TRAVEL SHOW

CST#2033020-10

Join us for wine and hors d’oeuvres!

Meet The Experts Plan Your Vacation Enjoy Travel Show Specials Wednesday, August 26, 2015

San Joaquin Country Club

5:00-7:30PM - Doors will open at 5:00PM

3484 W. Bluff Avenue

Register by calling ALTOUR Fresno 559-431-1800 | www.altourfresno.com Formerly Lewis Travel and Travel Express

Our Visalia Office Travel Show will be in February 2016 ALTOUR Visalia 310 W Center St, Visalia, CA | 559-625-1333 | www.altourvisalia.com Formerly Lewis Travel

Faena, Buenos Aires The Library Lounge

Buenos Aires/Uruguay

One of my favorite parts of planning a vacation is pairing two completely different types of trips into one itinerary. A pairing to consider for a sexy honeymoon destination would be Argentina and Uruguay.

Buenos Aires, the city of clean air, is a testament to the life well-lived. The perfect hotel in which to immerse yourself in the art, history and culture of the region is Faena Hotel, Buenos Aires. The entire hotel is like something from a fairy tale: rich, red velvet textures, fresh flowers, ornate pieces of art, white marble bathrooms and pool.

A private dinner in Faena’s intimate La Cava wine cellar surrounded by a collection of over 4,000 bottles of exceptional Argentinian vintages just might lead you to try the Tango, a dance of love celebrated every night with the exclusive Roja Tango performance, located in the hotel’s private Cabaret.

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The second portion of your journey takes you to a ranch, Estancia Vik, Uruguay. Relax while lunching at La Susana on the beach and horseback riding or strolling throughout the peaceful grounds.

Travel Tips!

Faena Buenos Aires Delta has great connections via Atlanta to Buenos Aires; it’s a 13-hour flight so Business Class is best. From the Buenos Aires Ezeiza International airport it’s an hour drive to the hotel. Private transfers are the preferred hotel transportation.

Vik Estancia/Uruguay Departing from the Buenos Aires Jorge Newbury (city airport) you can take a very quick flight to Punta Del Este in under an hour, then a short 30-minute drive to the Resort.

$899,900 Beautiful 5 bedroom 3 bath custom home sitting on a large lot in the desirable Country Club 1. Formal living room. Formal dining room. Family room with fireplace. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters and stainless appliances. Two spacious bedrooms and bath on main floor. Master suite with sitting area and gorgeous bath. All bedrooms are large with different ceiling treatments. Nice deck off of master bedroom. Mature landscaping, pool waterfall and green house. Fresh exterior paint. 3 car garage. Tile roof.

Rama Ambati

Realtor®

Lic #0919580

(559) 360-6036

Luxury Home Specialist Sold one of the most expensive homes in Fresno in 2014

rama@guarantee.com

Over 29 years of experience

Call Rama for a private tour of these amazing homes! $1,499,000

Luxury living in exclusive gated golf course community of Villa Alicante in copper River! Captivating home with great curb appeal. This 5 bedroom 4 bath home with media room and gym is loaded with upgrades. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Beautifully landscaped expansive private interior lot with pool, waterfall and grassy area for play and entertaining!

Andaz, Maui

Hawaii/Maui

Maui is a nautral honeymoon destination: short non-stop flight from L.A., beautiful beaches and scenery, great surf and sunrise bike rides down a mountain. My new favorite for honeymoon couples is Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort with its seven oceanfront villas offering expansive views and adorned with furnishings inspired by the island’s natural beauty. The villa’s residential feel is perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying unobstructed sunsets from the patio’s private heated plunge pool with the one you love.

‘Awili Spa & Salon is breathtaking with an apothecary lounge, ocean view, couple suites and pedicure stations. Sit with an apothecary consultant before your treatment to blend your own oil, mask or scrub using indigenous Hawaiian elements.

Mexico/Zihuatanejo

La Casa Que Canta, easily accessible with weekly non-stop flights from Los Angeles to Zihuatanejo, is beautiful and laid back, with a strong emphasis on Mexican art and history. Only 25 suites, each with large terraces and 11 with private pools, makes your stay more intimate. Relax in a beautiful infinity-edged fresh water pool with stunning views of Zihuatanejo Bay, or a fresh ocean salt water pool sitting right below on top of the rocks. With only 500 people in this lovely small town, you’ll be welcomed by the local culture and customs.

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Thailand Another fabulous combo honeymoon is discovering the beauty of Thailand with Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and Six Senses Samui.

There is no location as coveted in the historical city of Bangkok as Mandarin Oriental’s placement on the Chao Phraya River, offering the most scenic access to Thailand’s historic treasures and popular attractions. Gaze at the stunning glow of Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), visit the sacred grounds of the Grand Palace and The Oriental Thai Cooking School, or enjoy the popular floating markets and famous Bangkok nightlife.

Relax at La Grande Dame’s The Oriental Spa where guests embark on a short boat ride to the spa, situated across the river from the hotel. Welcomed with a soothing tea, guests receive a foot cleansing ritual and private consultation allowing the therapist to custom-tailor treatment. Enjoying live jazz and cocktails at the legendary Bamboo Bar, which includes the largest collections of single malt Scotch whiskies in Thailand, as well as the famous Thaijito, is a great way to end the evening.

Next you can visit the northern tip of Samui Island and stay at Six Senses Samui. The private villa (we recommend confirming one with a personal pool!) and panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand make it an ideal location in which to discover yourself and your new partner while mountain-biking, morning yoga cliffside, the Samui Temple Tour, or a choice of many excursions.

Travel Tips!

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

A long flight at approximately 17 hours means Business class is most comfortable, and Delta and Cathay Pacific both have great connections to Bangkok.

Six Senses Samui Koh Samui

From Bangkok it’s an easy one-hour flight to Koh Samui and then the resort is only 3.5 miles.

Laucala Island East Coast

California

Fiji

Southern California is beautiful, but sometimes there is nothing better than driving up the Pacific Coast Highway to visit a bit further North. My boyfriend and I rented a convertible from which to enjoy the Sunnyside of Santa Barbara, wine tasting in Paso Robles, and sight-seeing at Hearst Castle while en route to Ventana Inn & Spa in Big Sur.

Laucala, a private island in Fiji, is the honeymoon of a lifetime, with its tranquility and beauty, as well as privacy. 25 villas spread out over the island with options of locations including coconut groves, atop Nawi Mountain, along the white sandy beaches or even overwater, means you can choose how much privacy you desire. Guests are able to use their own buggy to explore the island in!

Delectable dining options range from beachside BBQ to fine dining, and activities include diving, an18-hole golf course, or sailboating at sunset. In addition, the Submarine Deep Flight is part of your inclusions.

Honeymooners enjoy extra special options. We would insist that you choose the secluded villa, Peninsula, with its own private beach. Laucala can organize a sunset cruise on a sailing boat followed by a private dinner in the villa, during which a romantic bath with flower petals and champagne is prepared.

The rooms are large, fireplaces roaring, and a quaint lounge offers afternoon wine and breakfast, but my favorite feature is the pool (the clothing-optional pool), and while I don’t consider myself an exhibitionist, it felt exhilarating to enjoy nature in my birthday suit!

Our new favorite hotel in wine country is Farmhouse Inn, with the intimacy of a bed and breakfast and the service and attention to detail of a five-star hotel. Indulge in wine tasting, the Michelin star restaurant, full service spa, edible gardens, and s’mores by the fire pit.

Special Day

Book your Bridal Consultation today and let our staff treat you to a once in a lifetime experience.

Jia

salon and spa

997 E. Champlain Dr. #160 Fresno, Ca. 93720 (559) 433-9824 www.jiasalonandspa.com

Canada

Less than 3 hours from L.A., the city of Vancouver is a melting pot of culture and identities. A walkable metropolitan area with great shops, art museums, restaurants, and nightlife can be found, yet the residents of Vancouver are equally focused on wellness and fitness.

The alluring Shangri La Hotel, Vancouver is a 119-room luxury hotel occupying the first 15 floors of a 61-story landmark building. Amenities include CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, MARKET by Jean-Georges, and heated outdoor pool with hot tub. Also enjoy Xi Shi Lounge providing it’s very own Kung Fu Tea Master, the first in North America! A 36-seat theatre can be rented, a perfect place for playing a relationship montage video during a private dinner for two.

Take a private sea plane to the West Coast of Vancouver Island to enjoy Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, a five-star Relais & Chateaux hotel, with its cozy yet impressive architecture. It is family-owned and operated, featuring custom made furniture throughout, balconies overlooking crashing waves, fireplaces in every room, and delicious, fresh fish. An excursion to the sexy hot springs is perfect for honeymooners.

Shangri-La, Vancouver Tea Lounge

New Zealand

Located on the banks of the Waikato River in New Zealand’s beautiful Taupo region, Huka Lodge, a favorite of Royals and celebrities for over 90 years, is an ideal place to experience the outdoors. Trout fishing, horseback riding, golf, hunting, heli-skiing and heli-fishing, white-water rafting or trekking means you can wear everything Ralph Lauren, trade in your sexy black pumps for hiking boots, and prepare to connect with nature in the most chic and elegant way.

Wake up in your suite or private cottage before starting the day with an array of outdoor adventures before you.

Enjoy candlelit dinners in the evening, in a choice of 20 indoor and outdoor locations, award-winning New Zealand wines and the option for an exclusive getaway to sister property Dolphin Island in Fiji to extend your holiday adventure.

Huku Lodge Lounge APC Cottage

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