BRIDES
Ready to start planning?
Wellington The Magazine brings you our Palm Beach Brides
Wedding checklist for the best to-do list and timeline to keep you organized and on track.
WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE
Kylie is wearing a strapless, corseted, stretch Mikado fit-and-flare gown by Elissar Bridal from Bacio Bacio Bridal. It features a sweetheart neckline and an illusion train. Off-the-shoulder bishop sleeves with matching floral embroidered appliqués and a veil with 3D appliqués give her a finished look.
PHOTOS BY JANEL KILNISAN
Kylie & Alexander
Savannah & Richard
Savannah is donning a gorgeous stretch Mikado Justin Alexander fit-andflare gown from Bacio Bacio Bridal with an illusion back bodice and train, V-neckline and vintage illusion appliqué sleeves.
Dr. Kelly DiStefano
WELLINGTON REJUVENATION
CENTER
OUR MISSION IS: To help our patients look and feel their best through all stages of life and to provide affordable aesthetics to our community.
WHY DO CLIENTS CHOOSE YOU: Our clients choose Wellington Rejuvenation Center because of the family feeling atmosphere we provide in our offices. We use only the best products and devices at our practices and believe that patient knowledge and transparency is very important. Our office staff makes everyone feel welcome at each visit!
WE ARE UNIQUE BECAUSE: At WRC we are able to provide quality, reliable services at an affordable price to the community. We have a positive reputation in the community, and strong patient loyalty.
I AM EXCITED ABOUT 2025 BECAUSE: We have expanded our New Jersey businesses and brand with the addition of our 3rd location: Wellington Rejuvenation Center. The new spa is officially open and accepting new patients in Royal Palm Beach.
MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION IS: Mother, wife, friend, and doctor.
MY BIGGEST TIP FOR CLIENTS: Is to make sure they are seeking aesthetic treatments for themselves, and to do what makes them happy. This helps patients feel comfortable, at ease, and positive about the overall experience. It is also never too late to start a medical-grade skincare routine, with SPF of course.
WHEN I AM NOT IN THE OFFICE: I am spending time with my family and friends. I run a book club and enjoy staying active by exercising regularly. These activities keep my mind sharp and my body healthy. I also spend lots of time researching and expanding my knowledge on the latest trends in the aesthetics world.
Dr. Kelly DiStefano with husband Ed Fritz, owners of Wellington Rejuvenation Center
Sara is stunning in a silk charmeuse fit-and-flare gown from Justin Alexander, featur ing a ruched-scoop neckline and a chapel-length train. Olga, the “magical” bridal seamstress at Bacio Bacio Bridal, created her matching sleeves. Sara’s look is made complete with a mantilla veil designed by Boutique de Voile accessories.
The Story Of Sara’s Family Crown
Sara’s family treasures a special heirloom: a bridal crown. Her great-greatgrandfather, who came from Swedish royalty, had it made for his bride, and it was first worn in 1936. From the start, the family hoped this crown would begin a tradition, with each new generation of women wearing it at their weddings.
In addition to the crown, a family book was created to commemorate each bride who wears it. The book includes the date and place of the wedding, the names of the couple and their witnesses.
Since it was made in 1936 in Stockholm, and later kept in southern Sweden, the crown had been worn by nine brides across four generations. On May 17, 2025, Sara became the 10th bride to wear it. With each wedding, including Sara’s recent marriage to Joseph, the crown stands for love, honor and family tradition. By adding their names to the family book, Sara and Joseph celebrate their union and their special place in this ongoing story.
Bridal stylist Amy Panzer of Bacio Bacio Bridal.
Behind theVeil A Bridal Stylist’s Perspective At Bacio
Bacio Bridal Salon
BY SHANNON ANASTASIO
At Bacio Bacio Bridal in Wellington, a bridal stylist is a key member of the team. “As a bridal stylist, I have the unique privilege of witnessing one of the most emotional and transformative moments in a woman’s life — finding her wedding dress,” Amy Panzer explained. “From the outside, it may seem like a simple shopping appointment. But for us, it is so much more. It is about connection, emotion, and storytelling through fabric, fit and detail.”
Every bride has a story, and no two brides are the same. Some walk in with Pinterest boards packed with inspiration, others have no idea where to begin. Some are confident and decisive; others are overwhelmed and anxious. And all of it is completely normal.
“Our job is not just to zip up gowns — it is to listen,” Panzer said. “Before I even pull one dress from the rack, I want to understand her vision, her personality and her priorities. Is she dreaming of a classic gown for a cathedral ceremony? A boho look for a beachfront vow exchange? Maybe she wants something non-traditional that feels like her. We honor it all.”
At Bacio Bacio, owner Lenyce Boyd and her team know that the right gown does not just look beautiful, it feels right. It’s about that moment when a bride looks in the mirror, sees herself glowing and gets emotional. It is magic. Sometimes she cries. Sometimes her mother or her friends do. Sometimes the whole room claps. They have learned to keep tissues close by.
But what most people do not see is how often the dress transforms more than just the look. It changes the posture, the confidence, even the energy. A bride walks in uncertain — and walks out empowered.
“For almost 20 years, we have had many client moments we will never forget,” Panzer said. “We’ve had brides who came in grieving a recent loss, and the dress
became part of their healing. We have had last-minute appointments where everything felt chaotic, and then the perfect dress brought clarity. These are not just fittings — they are deeply human experiences.”
Bacio Bacio also celebrates the “non-traditional” brides — the ones who want color, sparkle or simplicity. There is no one way to be a bride, and they are there for every version.
What makes Bacio Bacio special is not just its curated selection of designer gowns, though, yes, they are stunning. It is the intimacy of the experience. They take their time and learn your name. They cheer with you, hug you and walk beside you through every fitting, alteration and final try-on.
When a bride says “yes,” it is never just a sale. It is a milestone.
“And it is an honor to be part of it,” Panzer said. “We always tell brides, you do not need to know exactly what you want — you just need to be open. Open to feeling something. Open to being surprised. Open to trusting that when it is the right gown, you will know.”
Helping brides find the perfect dress is not just a job, it is a passion. And at Bacio Bacio, they do not just dress brides — they celebrate them.
Turn the page to learn more about the dress styling process.
A:
What’s the first thing you do when a bride walks into Bacio Bacio Bridal for her appointment?
LENYCE BOYD: Before a bride visits our salon, we call to check in and see how she’s feeling. We understand she might be a bit nervous, so we do our best to help her feel at ease. Our goal is to make her feel cared for during this special time. We think of finding a dress as a journey and always encourage brides to trust their instincts. It’s not about stressing over every detail. When a bride follows her heart, the right dress stands out. From the moment the bride and her guests step through our doors, we greet them with warmth and excitement. We aim to create a space where everyone feels instantly at home. With endless gowns sparkling around them, it is easy to feel swept up in the choices. We reassure our bride that we are by her side every step of the way, encouraging her to savor each moment of this unforgettable experience.
Q: How do you help a bride who feels overwhelmed or unsure about what she wants?
A:
AMY PANZER: If I sense a bride is feeling anxious, I gently ask her to tell me about her wedding venue. She chose that beautiful place for a reason. She can picture herself there, surrounded by love, ready to exchange her vows. By helping her focus on the atmosphere she dreams of, I hope she can relax and truly enjoy the magic of finding her dress. It’s normal for a bride to be unsure about what she wants. Most of us don’t shop for bridal gowns until we need one, so it can take time to figure out what feels right. I let brides know it’s OK not to have all the answers and help them by sharing simple terms for dress styles and details, so they feel more confident sharing what they like. As a stylist, I like to interject humor whenever
possible to break any tension a bride may feel. Gowns look like nothing on a hanger; they need a body to come alive. I like to remind my brides that gowns do not have feelings. If they’re in a gown they don’t care for, they don’t need to be polite about it. We’re on the hunt for their perfect gown, and the one they’re currently in is someone else’s beautiful, not theirs. It’s all about them.
Q: Can you describe what it’s like when a bride finds “the one?”
A: LENYCE: Every bride who walks through our doors is wonderfully unique, but when she finally says yes to the dress, the moment sparkles with magic. Emotions pour out, unfiltered and honest. Some brides are swept up in joyful tears, while others smile with quiet certainty. Yet all our brides share something in common: when they find the perfect gown, they’re in no rush to take it off.
Q: What do you think makes the Bacio Bacio experience unique compared to other bridal salons?
A: AMY: At Bacio Bacio, our goal is to provide each bride with a unique experience. We understand how special this time in her life is and feel it is a privilege to be a part of her journey to find the perfect gown and accessories. We emphasize the importance of helping her find a dress that makes her feel her most beautiful, confident and comfortable on her special day. Providing our brides with the perfect bridal experience, from the moment they walk through our door to the moment they walk down the aisle, is our top priority.
Q: What advice would you give to brides starting their dress-shopping journey?
A: LENYCE: Some of our brides walk into our boutique with Pinterest boards and collections of photos they’ve curated from Instagram; others have a blank palette and are unsure about what they want. Bridal gowns are all about patterns and lines and how they complement a bride’s body. Taking the journey with an open mind and allowing oneself to fully experience it — to walk through it at one’s own pace — is the best advice we can offer our brides. Choosing a salon with a boutique feel, one that allows a bride the space to make informed decisions, is an essential first step.
Bacio Bacio Bridal was founded by Lenyce Boyd (shown right) in 2006. It is located in the Kobosko’s Crossing plaza at 9160 Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 792-6111 or visit www.baciobacio.com.
NINE TO TWELVE MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Choose Your Wedding Date
If you are to be married in a church or temple, clear the date & time with your officiant.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________ _______
Announce Your Engagement Consider local & out of town newspapers when appropriate.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
_______ Newspaper: ______________________________
Contact: _________________________________
Phone: ___________________________________
Email:
Set Your Budget
Keep in mind the style of your wedding, type of reception, wedding related parties, & who pays for what.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
_______
Consider Hiring a Bridal Consultant Don’t have the budget for it? Don’t worry; ask relatives and close friends to help you, especially in areas where you feel you need some guidance.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
Name: ___________________________________
Contact: _________________________________
Phone: ____________________________________
Compose Your Guest List
As soon as possible, let out of town guests know your wedding date so they can make travel plans.
Budget: ___________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
Reserve Your Reception Site
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
_______ Newspaper: ______________________________
Contact: _________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________
Email:
Choose your Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids & Wedding Attendants
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
_______
Begin Planning Your Bridal Registry
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
_______
Select Your Wedding Gown, Shoes & Accessories
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
_______ Newspaper: ______________________________ Contact: _________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________
Email:
Select Bridesmaid Dresses
Budget: ___________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
Email: ____________________________________
Location: _________________________________
Contact: __________________________________
Phone: ___________________________________
Email: ___________________________________
Decide theme & colors you want to use for table settings, flowers, food & entertainment.
Budget: __________________________________
Notes: __________________________________
Start interviewing caterers, florists, musicians, DJ’s, entertainers, photographers, videographers & cake bakers. Always get written estimates & keep for reference.
Budget: __________________________________
Notes: __________________________________
Contact Your Travel Agent
Budget: __________________________________
Notes: __________________________________
Travel Agent: _____________________________
Contact: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________________
Email: ___________________________________
Begin Planning an Engagement Party
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Location: ________________________________
Contact: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________________
Email: ___________________________________
SIX MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Choose Your Caterer. Begin planning your menu.
Always get a written agreement/contract.
Budget: ___________________________________
Notes: ___________________________________
Name: ___________________________________ Contact: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________________
Email: ___________________________________
Book Your Photographer Always get a written agreement/contract.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
Name: ___________________________________
Contact: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email: ___________________________________
Book Your Videographer Always get a written agreement/contract.
Budget: __________________________________
Notes: ___________________________________
Name: ___________________________________
Contact: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________________
Email: ___________________________________
Select Your Baker & Order Cake Always get a written agreement/contract.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
Name: ___________________________________
Contact: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________________
Email: ___________________________________
Select Your Florist & Begin Picking Your Floral Arrangements Always get a written agreement/contract.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
Name: ___________________________________ Contact: _________________________________
BRIDES
Phone: __________________________________
Email: ___________________________________
Decide Your Color Scheme
Budget: __________________________________
Notes: ___________________________________
Shop for Wedding Rings & Choose Engravings
Budget: ___________________________________
Notes: ___________________________________
Choose Your Honeymoon Destination Check with travel agent regarding passport and visa requirements.
Budget: ___________________________________
Notes: ___________________________________
Select Your Wedding Invitations Don’t forget to purchase personal stationery Thank-you notes.
Budget: ___________________________________
Notes: ___________________________________
Name: ___________________________________
Contact: ____
Phone: __________________________________
Email: ___________________________________
Complete Your Bridal Registry Process
Budget: ___________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
How do you want your hair to look on your Wedding Day?
Schedule color changes, hair cuts, manicures, pedicures, & massages as necessary.
Notes: __________________________________
Name: _________________________________
Contact: ________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Secure Your Musicians for the Ceremony Always get a written agreement/contract.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Contact: ________________________________
Phone: _________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Secure Your DJ, Musicians & Entertainment for Your Reception Always get a written agreement/contract.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Name: _________________________________ Contact: ________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email: __________________________________
Secure Your Master of Ceremonies for Your Reception
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: _________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Contact: ________________________________
Phone: _________________________________
Email: __________________________________ FOUR MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Budget:
Wedding Checklist
Assist both Mothers to coordinate & shop for their wedding day attire.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
________________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Contact: ________________________________
Phone: __________________________________ Email: __________________________________
Select music for the ceremony & reception.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Select readings for your wedding & write wedding vows.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
________________________________________
Plan Rehearsal Dinner & Reserve Location Traditionally this takes place the day before the wedding. Include members of your wedding party, families & out of town guests.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
________________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Contact: ________________________________
Phone: __________________________________ Email: __________________________________
Investigate hotel rates for members of the wedding party who live out of town. Reserve a block of rooms for out of town guests and let them know where rooms are available. Remember to ask for group discounts or special packages.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
________________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Contact: ________________________________
Phone: __________________________________ Email: __________________________________
Secure your limousine, antique car, horse & carriage wedding day transportation.
Don’t forget transportation for parents.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________ ________________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Contact: ________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email: __________________________________
Schedule appointments for gown fittings.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
_________________________________________
Check the requirements for a marriage license.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Begin searching for your new home together. Keep in mind moving costs & furniture buying.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
________________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Contact: ________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email: __________________________________
Make sure all contracts & arrangements are complete with all of the professionals/vendors you hired for your Wedding Day.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________ ________________________________________
THREE MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Prepare directions for your guests to the ceremony, reception & hotels. Include maps that are easy to read.
Budget: ___________________________________ Notes: __________________________________ _____________________________________
BRIDES
Assemble information packets of fun things to do and see in the area for out of town guests.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
________________________________________
Invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks before your big day. Begin addressing invitations & announcements. Select your special stamp at the post office or custom make them online.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
________________________________________
Furnish your caterer or Banquet Manager with an approximate number of guests to expect.
Budget: _________________________________
Notes: __________________________________
________________________________________
Check that all reservations are in place for honeymoon travel.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Make sure Bridesmaids have ordered their gowns & arranged fittings.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Select gifts for your bridesmaids. Help your fiancé select gifts for his attendants.
Budget: _________________________________
Notes: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Contact: _________________________________
Groom: Purchase wedding present for your Bride. Jewelry is traditionally chosen.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________ Contact: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email: __________________________________
Shop for clothes needed for honeymoon & special items for your trousseau.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________ Contact: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email: __________________________________
Secure appointments to have your hair done for your rehearsal dinner & the day of your wedding.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________ Contact: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email: __________________________________
Plan a “spa day” with bridesmaids for manicures, pedicures, massages & makeup consultation.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Contact: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email: __________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Wedding Checklist
Plan a luncheon on your “spa day” & for a memorable experience. Don’t forget to have someone take a camera.
Budget: _________________________________
Notes: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Contact: _________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Grooms: You, your Best man, the Fathers, Ushers & Attendants need to have tuxedos measured, fitted & coordinated.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Contact: _________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
TWO MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Mail your wedding invitations & track your RSVP’s. Finalize your seating arrangements.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
It’s time to get your marriage license.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Finalize plans for the rehearsal dinner.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
ONE MONTH BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Finalize music selections for the wedding ceremony. Indicate when each selection is to be played.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Plan meals & activities for out of town guests to enjoy the day after your wedding.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Contact: _________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Purchase accessories for your wedding attire.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Contact: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Plan a special thank you for your bridesmaids.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Contact: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Confirm appointments with your hairdresser, makeup consultant & manicurist.
Budget: _________________________________ Notes: __________________________________
Double check your honeymoon reservations. Check again that your passports are current & you have the necessary visas.
THREE WEEKS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Get your marriage license & put it in a safe place.
BRIDES
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
Go for a final fitting of your gown & confirm that your bridesmaids and attendants have had their final fittings as well.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
Finalize your menu selections & all other details with your caterer.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
Record your wedding gifts as they arrive. Use a guest list to stay organized.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
Write thank-you notes on a daily basis. Record them in your guest list.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
It’s time to finalize your seating plan & print guest placement cards.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
Double check the floral arrangements & delivery times with your florist.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
Complete change of address forms at the post office.
Inquire about change of name/address applications to update official documents after the wedding; credit cards, driver’s license, Social Security, etc.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
Confirm with the photographer any formal or candid shots to be taken & any special locations preferred.
Review the video plans with your videographer.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Pick up your wedding rings. Check to make sure engravings appears exactly as you requested.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
Begin packing for your honeymoon.
Budget: __________________________________ Notes: ___________________________________
ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Bride & Groom: review all final plans with your wedding consultant or adviser(s). Finalize any last minute details with your wedding professionals/vendors.
Check your wedding day transportation plans. Confirm addresses, times & number of passengers with provider.
Wedding Checklist
Budget: ___________________________________
Notes: ___________________________________
Make arrangements to have a friend or family member deliver to your home or a safe place, wedding gifts that are brought to the reception.
Budget: __________________________________
Notes: ___________________________________
Confirm plans for the rehearsal dinner. Don’t forget to wrap & bring gifts for your attendants.
Budget: __________________________________
Notes: ___________________________________
Buy travelers checks & speak with your bank regarding conversion of dollars if traveling out of the country for your honeymoon.
Budget: __________________________________
Notes: ___________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Contact: _________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: ___________________________________
Prepare checks to be written & ready to pay vendors per your contract/agreement.
Budget: __________________________________
Notes: ___________________________________
Finalize with your caterer the total number of guests per the RSVP’s received & the seating arrangements.
Budget: __________________________________
Notes: ___________________________________
Check that all guests visiting from out of town are set with hotel accommodations & transportation. See that everyone has maps & any phone numbers they might need.
Budget: ___________________________________
Notes: ___________________________________
TWO DAYS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
It has been traditional, that this is the day bachelor & bachelorette parties take place. Today, a combined party is hosted, creating one big party for all!
Budget: __________________________________
Notes: ___________________________________
THE DAY BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Relax & enjoy a massage, manicure & pedicure with your bridal party.
Budget: __________________________________
Notes: ___________________________________
Make sure to go to bed early & get a good night’s sleep!
YOUR
WEDDING
DAY
Don’t forget your marriage license!
Remember to bring the Wedding Rings!
Don’t forget the airline tickets!
Bring the travelers checks & money for your honeymoon.
Don’t forget your passports and visas.
Remember your birth certificates, drivers license, credit cards, medications & anything else you may need.
Allow plenty of time for dressing, makeup & hair styling.
Allow ample time before the ceremony if you planned on having the photographer take pictures so that you are not rushed.
Remember, this is your day, the result of all your dreams & plans. So relax & enjoy yourselves. Don’t worry about the little things. Cherish every moment & bask in the love and joy around you.
This is the beginning of your new journey as Husband & Wife. Congratulations from all of us at Palm Beach Brides!
12794 West Forest Hill Boulevard, Suite 33, Wellington, FL 33414 www.wellingtonthemagazine.com