February 2011 "Wedding Guide"

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02.11

lifestyle

WEDDING GUIDE

CULTURE

DINING

ENTERTAINMENT

FASHION

FITNESS

NIGHTLIFE

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Cast Your Votes Now at ElevateLifestyle.com What’s in it for you?

Simply registering a vote for your favorite will enter you for a chance to win one of the many great prizes. Plus, you’ll be able to say you contributed to the most comprehensive exclusive “Best Of” contest to see what makes Charlotte tick.

Voting consists of categories in 7 different areas:

culture

dining

fitness

entertainment

lifestyle

nightlife

fashion

the best of the city culture | dining | entertainment | fashion fitness | lifestyle | nightlife

THE VOTE ENDS FEBRUARY 28TH, 2011

written and directed by robert lepage preSented by

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publisher’s note I hope all is well and 2011 is getting off to a good start for everyone. Even though we at Elevate Lifestyle took a month off from printing the magazine, that doesn’t mean we’ve been sitting around twiddling our fingers.

Over the holidays we launched the 2.0 version of ElevateLifestyle.com. It is “YOUR COMPLETE SOURCE ON AND OFFLINE” to all the cool events going down in the Queen City. There are too many new features to list them all, but just to give you a teaser… If you weren’t able to grab the latest issue of the magazine, you are only one click away from downloading it, as well as past issues. Also, if you want to know what’s going on in the city, simply check the “HAPPENINGS: Week in Events” section for a listing of the hottest and coolest events. And last but not least, if you want to see who was out and where they were the past weekend, check out the “In Focus Photos” area.

Hope you enjoy the “Wedding Issue.” There is a little bit of everything here, from choosing your wedding gown, to what type of cocktails and desserts to serve, to where to take your honeymoon. And since we can only fit so much in the print issue, you can now go to our newly designed Web site and find a handful of other useful articles to make your special moment easier and more enjoyable.

Hope to see you all at the 10th Annual Charlotte Bartender’s Ball on Sunday, February 20 -- President’s Day Weekend -- at the Blake Hotel. If you need more info, you know you can find it out on our Web site.

Have a great month, Steve Caldwell

Need a SpriNg BooSt to your BuSiNeSS?

Here’s How Dine Around Charlotte Works…

This March, Sundays through Thursdays, Charlotte area casual-dining restaurants will offer a 3-course dinner for two for a mere $30.

This includes selections of one appetizer, two entrées or sandwich’s, and one dessert.

WANT TO BE INVOLVED? Email Us At: Info@DineAroundCharlotte

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team

Publisher: Steve Caldwell Editor: Edy Hinson Creative Director: Greg Smith Design and Production: Greenspon Advertising Cover Photography: Jim Merrill, JMT Photography | JMTFoto.com Model: Emily Armstrong

Photography Spread: Bridal Beauty Jim Merrill | JMT Photography | jmtfoto.com; Models: Emily Armstrong With Directions USA, directionsUSA.com, Katie Shearin (unsigned), KT Maria Giraldo and Karen Morrison With Evolution, evolutionmt.com; Makeup and Hair: Kymm and Mandi, whosthefairest.biz; Wedding Gowns and Accessories: J Majors Bridal Boutique; Flowers: Carolyn Shepard Design Group, carolynshepard.com; Special thanks to Green Rice Gallery in NODA Photography Spread: MAYFAIR Fenix Fotography | fenixfoto.com; Models: Evolution, evolutionmt.com; Fashion Styling and Makeup: Joey Hewell, jstudiosouthend.com; Hair: Stewart Hough, hairbystewart.com; Lingerie: E Martini; Location: The Dunhill, dunhillhotel.com Advertising, Sponsorship, and Website Sales General Advertising Sales Information: Blair Calabrese, Chris Hendrickson, Christine Younghans, Dempsey Gibson, Jesse Gibbs, and Steve Caldwell Contributing Writers: Carissa St. Aubin, Craig Distl, Ensley Gilchrist, Lauren Nguyen and Matt Kessler Contributing Editors: Culture Editor: Chrystal Rose, Dining Editor: Nikki Wilson, Entertainment Editor: Denise Gregory, Fashion Editor: Debra Kennedy, Fitness Editor: Monique Douglas, Nightlife Editor: Sean Flynn Event, Article and Web site Photography: Eun Park, Steve Caldwell, Taylor Handy & Trip Bye

CONTENTS 22 CULTURE: Cirqe Du Soleil, TOTEM 28 DINING: On The Horizon!

32 ENTERTAINMENT: Dollar Margarita 36 FASHION: Romantic Valentine’s Gifts 40 FITNESS: Crossfit, Anyone?

44 NIGHTLIFE: The Zone

Coming in marCh

Spring FaShion issue SPECIAL EDITORIAL ADV. RATES: 30% Off Rate Card Prices For A 3X Monthly Consecutive Buy Includes Online Editorial Article & Banner Adv. FOR STRATEGIC ADVERTISING IN THIS ISSUE PLEASE CALL 980.475.8600 OR EMAIL US AT adv@ElevateLifestyle.com

WEDDING GUIDE

50 Bridal Beauty 60 Lace or Satin?

68 Indulgence and Relaxation!

74 Say “I Do” with blu 78 Let Them Eat Cake?

82 Mayfair 92 Weddings, Weddings, Everywhere...

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culture

Cirque du Soleil: Totem If you’ve ever had dreams of running away to the circus, prepare to have those desires come racing back. Cirque du Soleil’s new show “TOTEM” will be making its United States debut in March with Charlotte as its first stop. If you’ve never been to a Cirque du Soleil show, you’re going to be right there with the rest of us, dreaming of running away and joining.

“TOTEM” is writer/director Robert LePage’s second Cirque du Soleil creation, following the launch of “KA” in 2004, which still runs at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Cirque du Soleil always has jaw-dropping, gorgeous, colorful and dynamic shows and I have no doubt “TOTEM” will live up to every expectation you have and more.

Follow The Scientist as he explores each world, guided by The Tracker, an “environmentally conscious” friend of the animals. Through acrobatics and screen projections, “TOTEM” traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. Somewhere between science and legend “TOTEM” explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential.

The show “TOTEM” consists of 51 cast members representing 18 countries and hits the Charlotte Motor Speedway, March 3 - 20. “TOTEM” will take place under the Grande Chapiteau (big top) of Cirque’s very own “Village

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on Wheels,” a completely energy self-sufficient structure that relies only on local water supplies and telecommunication.

The show’s run will not only provide entertainment to the citizens of Charlotte, but will provide about 150 jobs for locals.

You don’t want to miss out on this stunning show! For more information, visit the Web site at www.cirquedusoleil. com/totem and you can purchase your tickets at www.cirquedusoleil.com/ en/shows/totem/tickets. aspx”. Excited? I know I am!

Chrystal Rose, Culture Editor Chrystal is an aspiring author and blogs on her site www. xtalrose.com about dating and relationships. You can also follow her on Twitter by the handle xtal_rose 24

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dining

on the horizon!

There’s nothing like going out with a group of friends and being able to get your drinks, food, dancing and live music all in one place. What’s even better is when a place that already gives you all that is looking to give even more. The NC Music Factory became a popular hot spot in 2010 with The Fillmore, Butter, Wet Willies and several other places coming on the scene and giving the rest of Charlotte a run for their money. Now the uptown hot spot is looking to grow, and with an upscale gourmet restaurant, Charlotte’s first beer garden and a comedy hut that’ll give you dinner and a show, the NC Music Factory is coming into the new year with a bang.

VBGB Beer Hall and Garden The latest addition to the Music Factory is sure to please. Looking to open in mid-March, VBGB is Charlotte’s first and only beer garden, providing patrons with 30 different craft beers. That’s right, no Bud or Coors will be found here as the owners are supporting local Charlotte breweries.

About 10 house taps will always be available and will be chosen based on customer favorites. Other beers will include seasonal selections, German and Belgium beers and another eight-to-10 that will vary day to day.

While you’re there, make sure to check out the first frost rail in the Queen

City – a five-inch deep sheet of ice that travels the length of the bar to keep your beer cold. VBGB is sure to be like nothing Charlotte has ever seen.

With great beer comes great food as well. VBGB will feature bratwurst made locally, hot dogs imported straight from New York and a mix of classic bar food including jumbo chicken wings and Bavarian pretzels with beer cheese mustard sauce. The menu is already predicted to grow to accommodate hungry customers with more favorite dishes to come throughout the year.

Bask on Seaboard Sit down and settle in. Explore the menu and have a cocktail. No rush, because as the name suggests, the owners want you to Bask in the moment and enjoy the atmosphere. The newest restaurant to hit the fourth ward is doing more than just providing a meal, but is giving patrons a dining experience. Bask on Seaboard came to life at the hands of three owners, with experience stemming from the United Kingdom, the Midwest and Charleston, S.C. The modern-American menu will evolve seasonally, to show patrons a variety of tastes from the fresh, local produce grown in North Carolina. Yet whatever time of year, Bask will still offer a vast selection of specialty cocktails as well as a 60-bottle wine list. Not that hungry?

Perfect. Bask has a menu featuring small, medium and large-sized plates to accommodate everyone. Make sure to swing in soon as the low-country crab dip gives a great feel of Charleston in the winter and the smoked salmon crostini gets the chef’s special touch with lemon schmear and house pickled onions.

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The Saloon at the Factory With a new name comes new entertainment and best of all, a brand new menu. The Saloon at the NC Music Factory, formerly known as Black Bear Saloon will be making some major changes, giving the place a whole new look and feel. Look for remodeling happening in early February with a grand opening celebration set for Feb. 12. The old menu has hit the trash as only a few popular Black Bear dishes remain. The new selection will feature low-country cuisine mixed with American eclectic. It’s not your regular bar food, as crab cakes and hand-cut steaks are now available.

While you’re there, make sure to sample the fried alligator tail. Unlike any other appetizer you can find in Charlotte, this tail bring together the best flavors, making it chewy, juicy and quite the kick in the mouth when dipped in a side of jalapeno tartar.

The Comedy Zone If you’re looking for the best place to get dinner and a show, you just found it. The Comedy Zone originally called Charlotte home but shut down at the end of 2007. With a whole new crew behind the idea, look for the Zone to premier in the NC Music Factory with national headliners, specialty shows and plenty of good times. Located right below The Saloon, the two will share more than walls as all the dishes will be hand-made by The Saloon. The food will be the same at both spots but look for the Zone to serve smaller appetizer-sized portions, perfect for sharing.

2011 will only bring more good things to the NC Music Factory. Be on the look-out for Cutlet, an upscale gourmet dining experience looking to open later in the year. The owner hails from New York and the restaurant will receive the same design hand as Butter. Also, plans are in the works to open an Asian fusion and sushi restaurant as well as a country and western bar. With plenty more spots available in the back, the NC Music Factory has room for much more and is sure to be one of Charlotte’s best places to watch this year.

Nikki Wilson, Dining Editor

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entertainment

San Antonio’s Modern Mexican Restaurant “Home of the Dollar Margarita” On January 13, I met with Manager Drew Frederickson to chat about San Antonio’s Modern Mexican restaurant that’s been open since May 2010. “This is a new concept for a Mexican restaurant … not upscale but has a unique nature,” said Frederickson. It’s the restaurant to have meetings, featuring a large conference room assumed after Morton’s Steakhouse closing which stood in the very same place.

San Antonio’s has lots to offer for the lunch crowd as there is table-side guacamole and a brand new lunch menu that features fajitas and other lunch values. The menu also includes some of their best sellers like the Tequila Chicken and Jalapeño Stuffed Shrimp, plus American cuisine such as Barbecue Ribs and Mama’s Chicken.

Anytime is margarita time at San Antonio’s, as it is the selfproclaimed dollar margarita spot. Yep; every day of the week, you can take advantage of their $1 margarita special. And if you really want to get fancy and try new things, S.A. bar hosts more than 50 tequilas. During the interview, of course, I enjoyed the premium margarita. You should probably try the Matadore Margarita which has a red bull kick, a twist on the traditional. The Texas margarita made with 1800 is the best seller. Don’t forget their $3 Corona and $2 Sangria- aroundthe-clock specials.

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San Antonio’s is now preparing to offer its crowd a salsa night by partnering up with Charlotte Latin Dance at least one night a week, a venture that makes them stand out from the rest. They’re also planning an enormous Cinco de Mayo party where the entire parking lot will be blocked off (block party alert) for featured bands. Now if that’s no way to party, I don’t know what is. Sure, you’ll be able to roam the parking lot and mingle with your liquor in hand.

I’ve been to San Antonio’s several times since the interview.

I’ve received quality customer service each time. With the kitchen open until 10 on weeknights and the bar offering latenight service thereafter, it’s the spot to drop by for a quick and tasty drink any time of the day or night.

The fajitas are tasty and the margaritas … well you know what I think about those. There’s just no guessing about it; this is a modern Mexican venue that you guys should get to know for all the right reasons. “Ole!” Denise Gregory, Entertainment Editor 34

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fashion

romantic valentine gifts Handpicked by The Love Guru – Debra Kennedy Valentine’s Day is celebrated to express love and affection as well as appreciation. You can’t put a price tag on love but you can keep love flowing in the right direction by selecting a great gift this year for your Valentine.

Debra’s Picks: Love and Beauty Can Last Forever LeMer Crème de La Mer | 1 oz. | $135 www.neimanmarcus.com LeMer Body Crème | 6.8 oz. | $130 www.neimanmarcus.com Love your Scent Daisy Marc Jacobs Eau So Fresh | 2.5 fl oz. | $70 all major department stores Estee Lauder New Pleasures Bloom 1.7 fl oz. | $55 | all major department stores Romantic Dining and Sparkling Drinks My absolute favorite fine dining experience for Valentine’s Day is The Palm Restaurant.

6705-B Phillips Place Court | 704.552.7256 Image 6 (stock photo of The Palm Restaurant) My favorite bubbly is Elyssia by Freixenet Sparkling Pinot Noir. This ultra-chic cuvee shows exacting how much you care. $18 | www.freixenetusa.com Love and Fashion T-Shirt | $47 | www.ProjectIrisClothing.com Happy Valentine’s Day and I hope my favorite gift list helps you capture the love and romance you deserve. You can e-mail me at debra@ debrakennedyshow.com Debra Kennedy, Fashion Editor 37

fitness

crossfit, anyone?

The Queen City has a secret. When meeting with my editor to discuss our goals for the New Year, I quickly learned that there is a workout facility of which I was totally unaware! Eager to investigate, I responded to an e-mail inquiry my editor received, and excitedly scheduled a meeting with the owners of the Crossfit Facility in South Charlotte.

Dr. Brian Strump and his wife Lisa are practicing chiropractors with an office in the Steele Creek area. Their Crossfit Facility is not the gym with a thousand members, thrown into a space with tens of machines they don’t know how to operate, and probably never will. This is a close-knit concept, where their membership numbers are less than 200 and people care to know your name. When I walked into Crossfit, I was pleasantly intrigued and surprised. There wasn’t a treadmill or elliptical in sight. The room was grand and housed various apparatuses along the walls from rings to bars.

The workout I participated in was a form of circuit training. We had to do a given number of pull-ups, push-ups and squats in 10 minutes. Sounds easy? Well that’s certainly what I thought. But when was the last time you were kept in an anaerobic state for 10 consecutive minutes? Trust me, it’s not as easy as it sounds!

However, frightening you is not my intention here, nor is it theirs. The owners and trainers of Crossfit want you to be able to do everyday movements properly and to be able to use your muscles the way they were designed: to lift things with our legs and to squat properly, for instance.

So what is Crossfit? Crossfit is a fantastic, beneficial workout that focuses on “functional movements.” For example, in daily life you don’t have a machine to help you pick up after your dog; you are squatting and using your body to do it yourself. Crossfit focuses on you utilizing your muscles properly, stabilizing your body correctly, and getting in an anaerobic state and staying there.

There are more than nine facilities in Charlotte, however the Steele Creek location is the only one in the area that is joined to a doctor’s office! Dr. Strump was inspired to create this facility after having seen multiple patients re-injure themselves at the gym simply because they didn’t know how to work out correctly. The goal of Dr. Strump and his wife is to get their patients better, and not have them re-injure themselves! They call these “wellness patients.”

However, even if you are not a patient of the Strumps, you can still join their gym. Once you join, they will: • Go over nutrition with you • Discuss your body fat • Hold a “Functional Movement Assessment” (i.e. test your range of motion; make sure you don’t have any muscle/joint issues) • Discuss injury prevention • See if you have any other problem areas The average class size is eight, and members range in age from school children to retirees. All ability-levels are welcome, and all workouts can be modified to accommodate varying skill sets. In fact, when I was there, one of the things I noticed firsthand was that there were all types of people there and the feeling was definitely one of comfort and community. Their instructors are friendly and boast a wide range

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of experiences. I got to meet two of the instructors: Coach Corey Worf has a background with professional cyclists and has been doing Crossfit for five years now, and Coach Amelia Neighbors has run the Boston Marathon and is in the fire academy. Both are passionate, dedicated and extremely knowledgeable. Each morning they list the daily workout on a huge whiteboard, where they also write down challenges and motivations.

Each person gets to write down what their time was for completing a task, as a form of competition. It’s a great way to motivate you to keep doing better, to push yourself!

And trust me, the secret is out! Crossfit is popping up all over the country, with a facility on nearly every corner in California, as Corey told me. Regular gyms, though valuable, are mostly rooms with a lot of equipment, but without the personal training and an explanation of, “this is how you use the machine.” Crossfit also gives you that closeknit family feeling. For instance, Corey is planning a charity cycling tour from San Diego to Daytona, Florida in honor of a gentleman who suffered a spinal cord injury. Everyone at the facility is cheering him on and helping him out, and I find that very supportive!

I was pleased to have had this gym brought to my attention and definitely found this workout concept to be valuable and fun. To get more information about Crossfit at the Steele Creek location such as the schedule and costs, visit www.CrossfitSteeleCreek.com.

Until next time…

Monique Douglas, Fitness Editor

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nightlife

the zone I am shooting the breeze with Noah Lazes, the president of the multi-faceted company, “The ARK Group” to discuss his newest edition to his N.C. Music Factory, The Comedy Zone. That’s right -- The Comedy Zone will be back in downtown Charlotte where it belongs!

Under construction now, the Zone will be located at the N.C.M.F. right below The Saloon (formally Black Bear).

The Saloon will be conjunctive with the Comedy Zone. The Saloon will be serving food and drinks before, during and after a show. The menu is not the typical menu you would find at a comedy club. Remember the old food options at prior comedy gigs? Soggy chicken fingers and fries, hmmm…not here. Look forward to choosing from a wide range of options like ahi tuna, wings, steaks, and even fried alligator tail. Having easy access to walk up and down stairs from a quality bar playing good music to a comedy show at a new state-

of-the-art set-up is great thing. Especially when the show is over, having the option to be able to go back upstairs in a good mood after laughing your ass off and be able continue the party is conveniently awesome to say the least. I mean really, who doesn’t like to laugh and have a good time?

Noah is quick to point out how we are supposed to be considered a ‘World Class City’ but do not even have one comedy club. How can we be considered a world class city without one comedy club?! And it’s true -- all big cities have at least one comedy gig, let alone multiple clubs. It’s like Charlotte has been the Rodney Dangerfield of the comedy scene lately…“No respect, I tell ya no respect!” That is until now, thanks to Noah, and Brain Heffron, who is the owner of the Comedy Zone. The Queen City once again has respect with one of the best comedy clubs back downtown.

What type of seat capacity will the new C-Zone hold?

We’ll have a seat capacity of 400. Including The Saloon, it will be around 7,000 square feet.

Will there be V.I.P. seating for some shows?

Absolutely.

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What is the target date for the opening?

End of March.

Any other new ventures opening up at the Factory?

Bask is our newest restaurant lounge to open. VBGB Beer Garden and Covet Restaurant and Lounge will be opening in spring/early summer.

Any comedians you would like to see come perform at the Comedy Zone?

Tim Allen is one name that we have been throwing around to come pay us a visit. I personally would love to see Robin Williams perform.

That’s exactly the type of answer I was hoping for. I mean really, how many times can you see the guy from Police Academy make robot sounds with his mouth? No offense to the guy but I -- as well as many other people here -- have been patiently awaiting a new shtick in this town and will be able to take one in a few short months!

As Noah and I walk around the N.C.M.F. in the freezing snow checking out all the newly opened hot spots and soon to be hot spots, I can’t help but to think of walking around here in the spring and summer. Drinking beer outside at a beer garden while the concert season revs up at the Fillmore and Uptown Amphitheater, top name comedians steady killing it at the CZone, along with new restaurants to go with it. The goods being manufactured out of this fun factory are exactly what this town ordered and needs --Thanks Noah for making it happen.

Cheers!

Sean Flynn, Nightlife Editor

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weddings

lace or satin?

You’ve set a date, booked the venue, and asked your nearest and dearest to be bridesmaids on your special day. Next on the checklist: finding your dream dress. One of the most highly anticipated parts of wedding planning; the search for the perfect bridal gown can seem overwhelming once you actually get started. Confronted with seemingly endless options, you’ve got to learn to separate what makes you feel good from what makes you feel gorgeous, as well as finding a dress that fits into your budget.

Your initial meeting with a bridal consultant can remind you of a first date, in which you are quickly asked to narrow down your likes, dislikes, and non-negotiables: A-line or ball gown? Sweetheart or cap sleeve? Lace or satin? Just like in your dating days, you’ll try on plenty of dresses that are so-so before you find “The One”.

Don’t know where to start, or can’t seem to tell the difference between ivory and cream? Fear not. Below, you will find a comprehensive guide to finding your dream gown right here in the Queen City, no matter your budget.

TRENDS FOR 2011 Texture, Texture Texture. Picture layers of silk organza, rosettes on a full skirt, or a hint of a feather on a strap or waistline.

One-shoulder. For those who are wary of strapless, there are plenty of other options. One-shoulder styles pull the eye up, placing attention on your collarbone, face, and beautiful hairstyle.

Splashes of Color. Be it a black sash or bold shoe, pops of color are saturating the Spring 2011 runways.

Defined Waist. Think blinged-out belts and clever ruching that trick the eye and slim the waist.

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT Mark your Calendar. Ideally, you should start shopping a year in advance. It can take six to nine months for your dress to be created once your order is placed, plus time to allow for alterations.

Some designers are willing to work within a shorter timeframe, but will often charge you rush fees. (The closer you order to your wedding day, the higher the rush fee.)

Make a Budget. Trying on dresses before you have a budget is like grocery shopping when you’re hungry: always a bad idea. Be realistic, pick a limit, and stick to it. Don’t forget to factor in costs of alterations; ask if the salon has a minimum alteration fee.

Find Inspiration. Tear out pictures from bridal magazines that fit into your vision of the big day. Consider the venue as well as your personal style. If you have a specific dress in mind, ask if the salon will get it for you. For a $75 fee, Nitsa’s will call in a dress from any of their designers, which you can then put toward any gown purchase in the store. (Even if it’s not the one you specifically asked for.)

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Assemble the Dream Team. Be selective when deciding who to invite to your appointment. In general: the fewer, the better. Handpick a group that is small, intimate, and who will make the appointment about you. Make sure your voice will be heard.

DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT Money Talks. Make your budget known upfront. Your consultant doesn’t want you to fall in love with a dress you can’t afford, so be specific. (Remember to ask about the alteration fee!)

Be Honest. Your consultant may ask where else you have been and if you’ve tried on dresses before. Tell the truth. She’s trying to find out where you are in your search for a gown, not sniffing out the competition.

Ask Questions. How long has the salon been in business? If a bridal shop files for bankruptcy after you’ve put down your deposit, you’ll be starting from scratch with much lighter pockets. Do they have in-house alterations? It’s a red flag if a salon sends their dresses out to be altered, since gowns risk being stained or damaged when traveling. Keeping the work in-house is the safest bet for a stress-free experience.

Be Yourself. “The most important thing is that the bride stays true to herself and her sense of style”, says Laura Harper, Sales Manager at Hayden Olivia. Think about what you wear normally. Don’t wear strapless on a regular basis? Search for cap-sleeve and oneshoulder styles. If you always wear your hair down, an elaborate updo may not be the best choice. Remember, the goal on your wedding day is to look like you, only better.

Keep an Open Mind. The right consultant will try and get a sense of your personal style and your vision for the big day. After you show her a few of your favorites, ask her what styles she thinks will work with your body type. Don’t limit yourself.

Have Fun! All of the bridal consultants I spoke to say that when a

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bride finds “the” dress, her eyes light up and she carries herself differently. Don’t force it, just like love, it will happen when you least expect it.

AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT Alterations. Expect three fittings total, with the first being as soon as your dress arrives at the store. This would be a good time to bring close friends who weren’t at your original appointment. The second will be for a few more nips and tucks. The third and final fitting should occur about a week before the wedding because “the bride always loses weight,” said Crystal Sellers, Sales Manager at Nitsa’s. “We want your dress to fit like a glove.”

Consider your bridesmaids. No bridesmaid wants to feel like they could be in the sequel to 27 Dresses. Thankfully, brides these days are choosing to emphasize their friends’ individual style with short, cocktail-style dresses. Many modern brides let their bridesmaids choose different dress styles in the same color, to better flatter their body type.

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SHOPPING IN CHARLOTTE ◊=$500-$1200, ◊◊=$1200-$3000, ◊◊◊=$3000-$5000, ◊◊◊◊=$5000+ J Majors ◊◊-◊◊◊ A higher-end boutique where well-known designers like Nicole Miller and Claire Pettibone are mixed with unique collections like Lilly Pulitzer for Designer Bride. In-house alterations.

2400 Park Rd. Suite G, Charlotte, NC 28203 | 704.372.0082 Nitsa’s ◊◊-◊◊◊◊ Charlotte’s high-end bridal salon since 2003, it lives up to its reputation. Here, you’ll find excellent service with a down-to-earth vibe. The consultants are warm and friendly, creating a relaxed atmosphere for your shopping experience. They make it a collaborative process, putting forth a genuine effort to get to know you and understand your personal style. Designers include Vera Wang, Rivini, and Monique Lhullier. In-house alterations. Reserve 90 minutes for your appointment.

4705 Ashley Park Ln. # 113, Charlotte, NC 28210 | 704.940.1999 Hayden Olivia ◊◊-◊◊◊◊ Though it’s Charlotte’s newest bridal boutique, Hayden Olivia has quickly made a name for itself with its refined selection of high-end dresses. Consultants let brides select their own gowns and guide them from there. The gorgeous loft salon and small staff give it a laid-back, personal touch. Designers include Priscilla of Boston, Modern Trousseau, and Kenneth Pool. In-house alterations. Reserve two hours for your appointment.

221 S. Tryon Street #200, Charlotte, NC 28202 | 704.333.0377 New York Bride and Groom ◊-◊◊ Appointments are not required in this 15,000 square foot salon that encourages brides to browse through their extensive selection of mid-price point dresses. Labels include “Alyne” by Rivini, BLUSH by JLM Couture, and Da Vinci.

4618 S. Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28209 | 704.529.6400

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Mecklenburg Bridal ◊-◊◊ With a 7,000 square foot showroom, Mecklenburg bridal offers one of the larger gown selections in Charlotte. Designers include Anais Bridal, Essence of Australia, and Jasmine Couture. In-house alteratio ns.

8418 Park Rd. # C, Charlotte, NC 28210 704.556.7789 Poffie Girls ◊-◊◊ Set in a charming plantation house in Gastonia, it’s worth the drive for the attentive customer service. Designers include Essence of Australia, Maggie Sottero, and Enzoani.

512 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia, NC 28054 704.866.0198 Make appointments at two or three salons before you begin looking. Go to all of them, even if you think you’ve found “the” dress already. Try on dresses from various price points within your budget. Remember to keep an open mind, stay true to yourself, and (most importantly) have fun!

Ensley Gilchrist

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IN FOCUS photos by: Taylor Handy

Saturday, January 22nd

weddings

indulgence and relaxation!

By the time a bride and groom have navigated the stressful minefields that accompany a modern-day wedding; both are in dire need of a honeymoon filled with indulgence and relaxation.

Fortunately for Charlotteans, the Queen City’s geographical location and international airport provide many options. The crystal blue waters of the Caribbean are reachable in just a few hours via airplane, while an exclusive island off the Florida coast can be accessed by car in just over six hours.

Do yourself a favor and allocate sufficient time in selecting the perfect romantic getaway. After all, the honeymoon lasts much longer than the nuptials, so why focus all your available time on the wedding?

The tropical island of Aruba has long been a favorite for honeymooners thanks to its beautiful beaches and fantastic sunsets, and there’s no better post-wedding spot on the island than the Bucuti and Tara

Resort. In fact, Bucuti was on TripAdvisor’s 2009 list of the 10 most romantic resorts in the world.

Honeymoon packages feature balconies overlooking the ocean, candlelit dinners on the beach, daytime snorkeling and sunset sailing cruises, not to mention the requisite gift basket and chilled champagne. There’s also plenty of nightlife, and a nearby cave known as the Tunnel of Love which is popular with honeymooners because of its heart-shaped opening.

Bucuti is even more desirable for honeymooners because of a new policy that requires all guests to be over 18. The resort also employs several green initiatives, so you can cleanse your ecoconscience at the same time you cleanse your soul.

US Airways and United each offer direct flights from Charlotte/ Douglas Airport, touching down in Aruba less than four hours from the Queen City.

Another great Caribbean destination with direct flights from Charlotte are the Turks and Caicos Islands. In less than three hours, Charlotte honeymooners can land in this tropical oasis and be on their way to the cozy Ocean Club Resorts. Booking at Ocean Club provides two resorts in one. Ocean Club and Ocean Club West have reciprocal agreements and are located a mile apart on the amazing beaches of Grace Bay. Forget hotel rooms, these resorts feature only condominiumstyle suites with Caribbean architecture. Amenities include a full-service spa, tennis courts, bicycles, swimming pools, two casual beach restaurants and fine dining at Opus.

The Turks and Caicos are home to a magnificent array of marine life, readily available to Ocean Club guests via Provo Turtle Divers, an on-site dive school. French angel fish, turtles, yel-

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low tangs, parrot fish and blue hamlets are a few of the many unique sea inhabitants of the Turks and Caicos. This region is generally considered among the world’s premier diving spots.

There is ample nightlife as well, including the resort’s Opus Wine Bar. The nearby Infinity Bar stretches 90 feet to the shores of Grace Bay and provides live music, while a free shuttle ferries guests to Casablanca Casino for roulette, black jack, craps, Texas hold ’em, and the hottest new slot machines. Here’s looking at you, sweetheart.

Did you know Paradise is just two hours and 20 minutes from Charlotte? Honeymooners can fly US Airways to Paradise Island, Bahamas, where the elaborate Atlantis Resort offers about everything imaginable. Atlantis even has staffers whose sole purpose is assisting wedding and honeymoon couples.

These “wedding hosts” build customized itineraries and arrange all dining and activities. The hosts also facilitate exclusive dining in a private cabana at the ultra-chic Cain at The Cove – imagine a five-course meal overlooking the ocean and Cain’s 9,000-square-foot pool.

If a “wedding host” is not your style, couples may opt for a traditional itinerary via the Atlantis Dream Honeymoon package, comprised of four nights lodging, airport transportation, breakfast in bed, three-course dinner, an 80-minute Swedish massage/bath ritual and special gift.

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As the name suggests, Atlantis is a water wonderland with an amazingly steep water slide, mile-long river ride, various water adventures and more than 50,000 fish and marine animals in aquariums and lagoons. A new amenity is an interactive education center focusing on dolphins.

Some consider Atlantis to be the top culinary destination in the Caribbean with a collection of restaurants from renowned chefs such as Nobu Matsuhisa, Bobby Flay and Jean-Georges Vongerichten. There are also several boutiques and shops, not to mention a large casino and conference center.

A little quieter and closer to home is Amelia Island, off Florida’s northern coast. Drive time to Amelia Island is just over six hours from Charlotte, or 30 minutes after a short flight to Jacksonville International Airport.

Escape the everyday world and find inspiration on this peaceful barrier island. Amelia Island has 13 miles of excellent beaches, abundant wildlife and clean ocean waters. In 2009, the island was voted fourth among the Top 10 North American islands by readers of Conde Nast Traveler.

This is a honeymoon spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Local companies offer activities from romantic beach horseback rides to parasailing to Scuba diving to river cruises.

There’s also plenty of hiking, golfing, fishing and cultural activities.

Two of the top honeymoon destinations on the island are The Ritz-Carlton and the Omni Plantation.

The Ritz-Carlton provides five-star beachfront luxury, with ocean views from each of 444 spacious guest rooms. You’ll receive

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such Ritz standards as plush bathrobes, marble baths, full-service spa, luxury linens and 24-hour room service. There’s also a championship golf course and a golf learning center featuring noted LPGA instructor Anne Cain.

The Omni Plantation covers 1,350 acres, much of which is devoted to natural habitat. There are two- and three-bedroom villas in addition to hotel rooms, plus three golf courses, 20 pools and 23 tennis courts. Nature trails provide hiking and biking, or you can experience the outdoors on a more intimate level at the nature-inspired spa.

Amelia Island markets itself as “easy to reach, but hard to forget,” a sentiment that could apply to each of these four romantic destinations for Queen City honeymooners.

Want to Learn More?

Check out these websites: www.bucuti.com | www.oceanclubresorts.com www.atlantis.com | www.ameliaisland.com Craig Distl Craig Distl is author of the Insider’s Guide to Charlotte, available at amazon.com and major book retailers.

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weddings

Say “I Do” with blu The Perfect Marriage of Taste and Technology blu Cigs are the best in-class electronic cigarettes — the better, hightech alternative to traditional cigarettes that’s getting a lot of buzz in the news, celebrity circles, and right here in Charlotte, the company’s headquarters. blu Cigs are tobacco-free and produce no smoke, ash or odor. blu Cigs use vapor, flavoring and nicotine to deliver all the enjoyment of smoking without the 50,000-plus chemicals associated with traditional cigarettes. blu Cigs are available in single-use disposables and rechargeable.

blu Disposable Electronic Cigarettes are perfect for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners and bachelor or bachelorette parties.

Your smoking guests will appreciate the opportunity to enjoy blu, and your non-smoking guests will appreciate the freedom from second-hand smoke. A single blu disposable equals about a pack and a half of cigarettes, comes in Classic Tobacco or Menthol, and makes an elegant and affordable party favor or addition to the cocktail bar.

Brides-to-be and wedding planners can order blu Disposables directly at www.carolinablu.com or contact matt@blucigs.com, 980253-4488. Rechargeable ecigs are available at www.blucigs.com. blu Rechargeable Electronic Cigarettes make a great gift for the smoker in your wedding party.

Each starter kit comes with one pack that holds five cartridges and charges your batteries on the go in the unique blu pack; two electronic cigarette batteries; one wall charger and one USB charger; and a five-pack of flavor cartridges in the flavor and strength of your choice. blu offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty. Order your blu Starter Kit at www.blucigs.com.

Matt Kessler

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IN FOCUS photos by: Taylor Handy

Saturday, January 22nd

weddings

let them eat cake?

It is one of the most significant staples of any wedding – the crown jewel of the reception -- often just as ornate (and quite possibly just as expensive) as the bridal gown itself…the wedding cake.

Although classic confection has long been a time-honored tradition at almost every reception, today many brides and grooms are opting for more creative cake alternatives.

THE CUPCAKE CRAZE America’s current love affair with cupcakes is still nothing short of intense. These nostalgic frosted mini-treats are a cute and stylish alternative to the conventional slice of cake. Cupcakes also offer a way for brides and grooms to broaden the spectrum of what they can offer their guests through different flavors, icings, and display options. In addition to being easy to serve, these sweets are also an affordable alternative for brides prohibited by the cost of a traditional custom cake.

PIE IN THE SKY After a decade of ever-more-elaborately tiered cakes, some wedding couples are craving the simple desserts like good old grandma used to make - pies. Recently, food-trend experts across the nation have made projections that they expect pies to skyrocket in popularity within the next year, even dubbing 2011 as the “Year of the Pie.” Just as customizable as any cake, there are abundant options for fillings. If you’re sticking to a seasonal theme, cherry and berry pies are ideal for spring and summer when the fruit is at its peak, while apple, pumpkin and pecan are the perfect pies for fall and winter.

MAY I PLEASE HAVE S’MORE? A favorite childhood treat. So fun and simple, and it’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor receptions. These gooey marshmallow and chocolate treats don’t have to be the same ones you snacked on at summer camp, since many brides are now choosing more gourmet additions like caramel, peanut butter, mint, white chocolate, and even raspberry!

WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM With so many weddings happening in the heat of summer, guests might need something slightly more refreshing than a heavy pastry packed with butter if they’re expected to hit the dance floor later. The make-your-own sundae buffet is the perfect interactive option for the unconventional couple. Offer guests your favorite flavor ice-cream with all of the accoutrements: hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, caramel, crushed nuts, caramelized bananas, wafer biscuits, crushed cookies, etc. In addition to being absolutely delicious, this option also allows for an adorable photo-op for the bride and groom. Pass on the boring photo of the newlyweds feeding each other bites of cake…giving each other a spoonful of ice cream is much more imaginative!

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THE DESSERT BAR One of the biggest rising wedding trends is the modernthemed dessert bar. Offer each of your guests a seemingly endless variety of scrumptious sweets; cheesecakes, brownies, tarts, chocolates, truffles, - you name it. Feeling even more adventurous? Offer your guests an assortment of unconventional desserts, such as organic, vegan, gluten-free, or fair-trade selections. You can even choose a theme to your dessert assortment, featuring desserts that have a common thread such as a regional specialty or a color in common. If you’d like to add a bit of guest interaction, buy the same type of sweets from many local bakeries and have guests vote for their favorite. The winning dessert can even be named the “official dessert of the bride and groom” that they can then order each year on the anniversary.

Carissa St. Aubin 80

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IN FOCUS photos by: Taylor Handy

Saturday, January 22nd

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weddings

weddings, weddings, everywhere…

With six weddings on my calendar this year and a handful of more friends who just got engaged over the holidays, weddings are the topic of many of my conversations lately. We talk about dresses, colors, flowers, locations… so many things to decide on and so many parties, showers and receptions to plan!

Here are a few wedding-friendly cocktails and tips for your big day…

Something Blue “Something old, Something new, Something Borrowed, Something Blue...” every bride should include blue in her wedding day for good luck. You can’t get much bluer than this cocktail, although you won’t be wearing it, there just might be some luck in it. The Something Blue cocktail is one of my favorites.

It’s simple enough that it can be served at a reception, shower or rehearsal dinner and it’s eye appeal is a perfectly fun touch to any wedding.

2 oz. Skyy Voda 1 oz. Blue Curacao Lemonade

Combine Skyy Vodka, Curacao in a glass. Fill with ice and top with lemonade. Serve it on the rocks in a tall glass, or straight up, martini style! Garnish with a Lemon Wheel.

Southern Bride This wedding martini is simple and refreshing and as genteel as the classic southern bride.

2 1/2 oz. Hendrick’s Gin 1 oz. grapefruit juice dash of grenadine Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

Marital Bliss A tasty cocktail that’s light and very distinct. The lime wedges and mint give this drink a pop of color.

2oz. Hendrick’s Gin 1/2 oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur 1/2 oz. Fresh lime juice Soda Water Lime slice or wedge for garnish Mint sprig for garnish Combine Hendricks gin, liqueur, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake. Pour over ice in glass.

Add soda water and stir. Garnish with lime and mint.

Baby Bellini It’s always a good idea to off a non-alcoholic option for your guests. I’ve chosen the virgin version of the classic peach and champagne cocktail from the 1930’s called the Bellini. The Baby Bellini is a perfect yet simple drink perfect for a shower or wedding reception.

2 oz. peach nectar 4 oz. chilled sparkling cider Pour the peach nectar into a Champagne flute and slowly add the Champagne.

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Blushing Bride No wedding would be complete without a Champagne toast to the bride and groom.

The Blushing Bride is an easy bubbly cocktail that adds just a slight taste of fruit flavors to your bubbly.

1 oz. peach schnapps 1 oz. grenadine 4 oz. Champagne As with any Champagne drink, pour the non-Champagne ingredients in to the glass first and top it with Champagne. Don’t stir the drink -- the bubbles do the work for you.

Lauren’s Lemonade This is my favorite concoction! Simple but so tasty! It’s great for spring and summer weddings or showers…the light pink color with green and yellow from the garnishes compliments a range of flowers and dress colors. Put it in a mason jar style glass for an outdoor event or a martini glass to fancy it up!

2 oz. Skyy Vodka 1 can frozen pink lemonade Club soda Lemon wheels Lime wheels Fresh mint, for garnish Make pink lemonade according to package instructions, except substitute club soda for water. Fill glasses with ice. Place one lemon and one lime wheel in each glass. Add 2 oz of Skyy Vodka to each glass. Fill with pink lemonade.

Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. Delish!

Want more recipes? Ideas? Have a question? Feel free to contact me at Lauren.Loves.Liquor@gmail.com” Lauren.Loves.Liquor@gmail.com Lauren Nguyen

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IN FOCUS photos by: Taylor Handy

Saturday, January 15th