CUE Bride, June 2015

A G A M B I T P U B L I C AT I O N

2015 JUNE

GET THE LOOK

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GOWNS THAT BRING

COLOR

TO THE

AISLE

FROM CEREMONY TO SEND-OFF

TIPS + TRENDS FOR PICTUREPERFECT IMAGES

3

TOASTWORTHY

CHAMPAGNES

NOT YOUR

ORDINARY RINGS

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CUE bride book JUNE 2015

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Beyond the veil

21

Snap chat

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Rings of desire

A brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essential wedding day looks

Wedding photography trends

Unconventional rings are the thing.

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Something new

36

Wedding welcome bags

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Resources

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Wedding gowns in pastel hues

How to assemble a goodie bag for guests

Bubbly personalities Toast-worthy Champagnes

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Beyond the veil From ceremony to send-off, these looks see you through your wedding with style.

PHOTOGR APHY BY JA SON KRUPPA

THE GOWN Beaded strapless gown, $419.99, veil, $79.99, both at Prima Donnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Closet; vintage 1960s choker, $68 at Magpie; bouquet, $50 at The Plant Gallery.

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THE RECEPTION Satin gown in antique white, $215, rhinestone headband, $86, chandelier necklace, $108, all at Trashy Diva.

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THE GRAND EXIT Cloche hat, $189, necklace, $79, and dress, $389, all at Yvonne LaFleur; embroidered handbag, $28 at Magpie; satin shoes, $150 at Trashy Diva.

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THE WEDDING NIGHT Sheer lace slip, $145 at Basics Underneath.

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THE DETAILS Left to right: vintage 1960s bracelet, $46 at Magpie; French lace garter, $99 at Yvonne LaFleur; heart pendant, $28 at Magpie; beaded clutch, $199, sleep mask, $39, both at Yvonne LaFleur.

PHOTOGRAPHY Jason Kruppa

STYLING Missy Wilkinson

CREATIVE DIRECTION Dora Sison

HAIR Desiree DuBois for Cut Loose Hair Studio: An Aveda Salon

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MAKEUP Mandi Champagne for Cut Loose Hair Studio: An Aveda Salon MODEL Caitlin Ciara

PHOTO ASSISTANT Alicia Parrino Special thanks to Il Mercato (1911Â Magazine St., 504- 299-8400; www.ilmercatoevents.com) for hosting our shoot.

Congratulations on planning your special day.

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For additional information, contact Mary Cay Kern or Shannon Campagne at (504) 948-1285.

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Faa Brides Faa FOR

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SNAP CHAT

Wedding photographers share the latest trends and tips for picture-perfect images.

BY ANDREA BLUMENSTEIN

WEDDING SOCIAL MEDIA

The unconventional bridal party shot also captures the floral arrangements.

PHOTO BY EAU CLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHICS

MODERN NUPTIALS ARE AN EXCELLENT opportunity for couples to share their personal style with friends and family. In the visual age of Instagram and Pinterest, there’s a wide range of photographic trends to consider.

“Couples are definitely becoming more discerning about the style of photography they look for,” says photographer Patrick Niddrie. “As someone who is hired to shoot weddings and engagements based on my travel, portrait and commercial photography work, I understand that my clients are looking for the moments of polished spontaneity and emotionally evocative portraits.”

More and more couples are planning ahead to prioritize key shots on their “must-have” list. Niddrie suggests a mood board on Pinterest as an example of how couples can guide their photographers to their overall aesthetic and the specific shots they want.

“One type of photo I’m digging in particular is the Reservoir Dogs-type shot of the groom and groomsmen walking down the street,” Niddrie says.

Wedding photographer Sandra O’Claire, owner of Eau Claire Photographics, says it is important to capture the details, from the invitations and floral

arrangements to the dress and the venue. She says doing the couple’s engagement photography as well as their wedding photography is a great way to get familiar with the bride and groom, making the end result more successful. She also advises clients to send her the invitation suite prior to the wedding, which guarantees the details in the save-the-date, invitation and response cards all are captured.

Many other wedding party images are shot before the ceremony. This leaves enough time to photograph everything you want and provides an opportunity for location changes and great natural light.

For a more relaxed, fun day, provide ample time for snapping a variety of images of the wedding party.

O’Claire sees a trend in bringing the outdoors indoors. “People don’t want [to stand in a] row, they are looking for that Vanity Fair photo look — some people sitting, some people standing,” she says. “It appears less contrived.’” O’Claire says the buzzword now is organic: “The day is organic and it is going to happen the way it happens and we are going to be there to capture it in the moment.”

Wedding photographer Kerry Maloney of Heirloom Collective says the comeback of natural light dovetails with this trend. “It works hand-in-hand with more natural shots, making a gorgeous, epic scene

Unplugged or plugged in?

Technology is a huge part of our day-to-day life, and social media is a great way to share the special event with your loved ones. Some photographers, such as Bradley King at Secondline Photography, offer selfie booths as add-ons to their main photo packages.

Suggest a hashtag for linking Twitter and Instagram posts as a way to visually document the engagement, wedding, honeymoon and more. Savvy couples will do research to make sure theirs is unique. Instead of #MrandMrsSmith try something like #C&GTableforTwo or #J&J TakeThePlunge. However, proceed with caution, because if you encourage the use of social media during the wedding, you risk a party with more people playing on their phones than actually enjoying the event.

Photographer Sandra O’Claire offers a cautionary tale: One unlucky bride had a guest with a selfie stick protruding into the aisle while the bride walked down the aisle. #lame. Don’t be that girl — or that guy.

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Detail shots can be taken in advance.

Wedding parties are choosing unconventional posing arrangements.

look casual and uncontrived,” Maloney says. She also notes that when you are planning your wedding, don’t forget to factor in daylight saving time.

In order to capture each moment, more couples are opting to hire multiple photographers, which allows more coverage and candid shots. One can arrive at the venue before the reception to capture the table settings and decor.

“I am thrilled that most brides are seeing the benefits of two photographers,” Maloney says. “There are too many shots that get missed and too many variables to put the whole day on one person. … The walk down the aisle is a great example. I love the back shot of the bride walking down, but of course we want to see their faces and especially the groom’s. One photographer can’t get everything.”

O’Claire takes shots from multiple angles to capture spontaneous moments. “Eighty to 90 percent of what couples want captured is unposed,” she says. “I take wide shots, medium and close-ups. In film, you call it coverage. I remind myself of that when I am shooting a wedding.”

Maloney’s favorite trend is the “first look.”

“A first look is a time before the wedding when [the couple] sees each other privately for the first time with [their] photographer,” she says. “The benefits are beautiful reaction shots that you can’t always get, especially during church weddings with long dark isles. It also takes away stress. I’ve seen it 100 times, the sense of relief on couples’ faces after they get to have that moment together, take a breath and remember that this is their day, that they are doing this together.”

Natural light gives bridal photography an “epic” quality, says photographer Kerry Maloney. PHOTO BY KERRY MALONEY

PHOTO BY EAU CLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHICS

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PHOTO BY PATRICK NIDDRIE

ry Me, Mag pie r a MVintage & Antique Engagement Rings for Every Budget

We Buy Vintage & Estate Jewelry • 4529 Magazine • 891–1333 etsy.com/shop/MagpieVintageJewelry JUNE .20 1 5 <<<

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Rings

of desire

Couples share the stories behind their unique rings.

BY K AT IE WA LENT ER INSTEAD OF A DIAMOND SOLITAIRE, many couples opt for a nontraditional wedding ring.

Some skip the engagement rings altogether or design their own with the guidance of custom jewelers.

Here’s a look at some options and stories from couples who went the unconventional route due to their personal taste, budget, ethics or sentiments.

CUSTOM RINGS

Many couples design custom engagement rings and wedding bands with the assistance of a jeweler. With a custom ring, you can be sure your ring is unique and meaningful.

Savannah Pearce, owner of local salon Rocket Science, has a traditional wedding ring by Tiffany, but her husband David wears a custom-made platinum band. “David’s is … a one-ofa-kind [piece featuring] the mountain range that you can see across the bay from where I was born, essentially a diorama of my birthplace,” she says.

Custom rings can take weeks or months to make depending on the complexity of the design, so allow plenty of leadtime. Andrea Arcuri-Hoover, a hair stylist at Salon Diversions, wears a ring her husband Richard had custom made for her by friend Grayson Carroll of Artisan Jewelers in Lafayette.

The ring depicts the moon and stars. The Hoovers also got matching tattoos the day after their wedding “Grayson was inspired by a piece he saw at a museum in Chicago,” Hoover says. “Richard told Grayson his idea and they collaborated via email for a few months.”

Jessica Fite made the simple bronze cigar bands she and her husband Chris wear.

“Chris refuses to let me upgrade them to gold even though his turns his finger green every day,” she says.

“Jessie Fite, they’re the best wedding rings ever,” Chris responds. “You made them.

Doesn’t get any better than that.”

35.07-carat Burma sapphire ring, $2,450,000 at M.S. Rau Antiques

VINTAGE OR ANTIQUE RINGS

Rings more than 100 years old are considered antiques, and those older than 50 years are vintage. Estate jewelry simply means previously owned.

There are good deals to be had for vintage and antique rings, which often carry smaller stones but are rich in detail and craftsmanship.

Sarah Brown, a digital strategist in Austin, Texas, has a verging-on-antique ring. “We didn’t want to spend a lot and all the new rings started to look the same after awhile, so we found mine at one of the jewelers on Wabash (Avenue) in Chicago,” she said.

If you desire a new ring that looks old, there are reproductions or the option to design your own.

Local shops such as French Quarter Gem & Lapidary, Magpie, Wellington & Co. and M.S. Rau Antiques offer vintage, antique and estate rings in a range of prices.

FAMILY HEIRLOOMS

Multicolor 0.5-carat diamond curved stack bands, $1,400 each at Symmetry Jewelers

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Some families honor the tradition of passing down jewelry. This is good news if you enjoy heirlooms or if your family doesn’t mind you altering the rings. Stones and metal also can be repurposed into new pieces.

1.02-carat natural fancy pink diamond ring, $548,500 at M.S. Rau Antiques

Diamond and sapphire ring, $8,500 at Wellington & Co.

New Orleanians Daniel Perez and his wife Rita combined vintage, custom and family heirloom elements into their nontraditional wedding rings.

They wear Daniel’s grandparents’ wedding bands.

“We skipped the jeweler process and had family involved who were happy to pass on heirlooms,” Daniel says. “Plus, since the rings were from family, they meant more to us than something that we could pick in a store.”

GEMSTONE RINGS

Diamonds are not every girl’s best friend. There are dozens of gemstones available in every color, but choose wisely — softer stones can become chipped or scratched.

“Durability should be an important factor in stone selection, especially for engagement rings,” says jewelry designer Chesley Adler of Adler’s Jewelry. “Only consider softer stones if you have a tolerance for repairs. Ask

your jeweler to advise on how specific stones hold up on the hand over time.”

WEDDING BANDS

In much of Europe, couples wear simple matching bands.

The diamond solitaire engagement ring is common in the United States, but wedding rings, like many things, are culturally specific.

“In Germany and many parts of Europe they just do very simple matching bands. No diamonds,” says Sam Winston, a New Orleanian who met his wife in Germany.

Mod Dance Party DJ Kristen Aul wears a silver wedding band handmade by a jeweler in her husband’s village in Germany. “No engagement rings,” says the Louisiana native. “I cook and work in a restaurant here in Germany, and I shudder at wearing rings while working, much less bacteria-ridden stone settings.” Practicality: yet another fine reason for selecting wedding bands.

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Blush-hued organza gown, $1,500-$2,500 at Pearl’s Place.

SOMETHING NEW Non-traditional wedding gowns bring color to the runway and the aisle.

BY LEE CUTRONE

POPULARIZED IN 1840 WHEN QUEEN VICTORIA wore a white lace gown to wed Prince Albert, white is no longer synonymous with weddings. Brides today have a wealth of color choices. In recent years, designer bridal gowns have appeared in everything from florals to bright red. Vera Wang’s fall 2014 wedding dress collection was presented in shades of fuchsia, grapefruit and lilac.

Locally, an increasing number of brides in search of something PAGE 30

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Blush-hued sweetheart neckline gown, starting at $2,150 at MaeMe.

memorable for their special day are embracing the color trend — or at least a modified version.

“When I travel to market nationally, other regions are dabbling in prints and true colors,” says Melissa Estess, owner of Bridal Boutique by MaeMe. “Since New Orleans is a very traditional market and often very church-oriented, we see a large amount of brides looking toward alternatives to white, but still staying within the neutral family.”

Estess says history, culture and “heirlooming” (incorporating an heirloom piece such as a veil or handkerchief into the wedding dress ensemble) play a role in the Southern bride’s adherence to tradition. Colors such as blush, champagne, mocha, silver and gold — all popular requests at Estess’ store — allow brides to express their individuality without veering too far from the traditional.

At Hemline’s original French Quarter location, owner Brigitte Holthausen sells pastel wedding gowns, though the boutique is not a bridal store per se. Holthausen says the customer who buys them is in the 40-to-60 age range, often is having an island or beach wed-

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Strapless gown, starting at $1,100 at MaeMe.

Tulle sheath dress with illusion back, $1,000-$1,500 at Pearl’s Place.

ding, and may be a second-time bride. “They have the courage to do the non-traditional [look],” she says.

Brides who shop at Chatta Box usually choose white, ivory or a muted neutral such as champagne or blush, yet several other types of clients go for color. Chatta Box stylist April Stolf says brides who have beach weddings often buy colors of the sea, sky or sand – such as seafoam and light pink. Brides from other countries, such as India and Brazil where bridal customs are different, may choose red or, in the case of one recent customer, bright rose.

“Colors can vary depending on the [brides’] traditions,” Stolf says.

Popular colors at Pearl’s Place include ivory, champagne, blush and two-tone combinations such as ivory with blush or ivory with a coffee-hued ribbon. Owner Courtney Schulman says that like white, these soft, now-mainstream colors are suited to all skin tones. While ivories of yesteryear often leaned toward yellow or brown, Schulman says today’s ivory offerings PAGE 32

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Ball gown with removable beaded jacket, starting at $1,100 at MaeMe.

are lighter and easier to wear. “[The color choices available now] capture a very rich, very expensive look,” she says. “They’re very classic.”

Schulman notes that designer dresses in reds, blacks and other vivid hues and patterns generate press, but are usually sold in very limited numbers to avant-garde brides while the mass market prefers interpretations of the those dresses in softer hues.

Inspired by Pinterest and the continuing fashion influence of shows like Downton Abbey, brides at Bustles and Bows are selecting gowns in a diverse color pool that includes sherbet, a dark blush and a saturated bubblegum shade, as well as neutral colors like champagne, blush and ivory. Manager Stephanie Kass says the store’s first blue dress was added last fall and since then, that style has sold better in blue than in ivory, both of which are available.

“We don’t see [the color trend] continuing long term, but right now it’s rockin’ and rollin’,” says Kass, who points out that an ivory overlay is often used over colored gowns to soften the effect.

Since the color trend began, the spectrum of hues sold at

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Beaded A-line gown, $1,300-$1,800 at Pearl’s Place.

Blush hued gown, $2,200 at Bustles and Bows.

Wedding Belles has covered everything from champagnes and ivories to blues and grays. But in the last few years, owner Amy Casbarian says blush has been the top seller.

“It’s a safe color choice,” Casbarian says. “It’s not ivory, candlelight or white, but it’s close enough. It’s a different choice but not irreverent or regrettable.”

Along with Pinterest boards and magazines, Casbarian credits photographers’ lookbooks with popularizing the color trend.

Estess also cites the influence of rustic, barn-inspired venues and decor. “Many brides are having a traditional ceremony with a rustic, romantic reception,” she says. “They need a look that can accommodate both.”

According to Casbarian, bridal rules have relaxed and color choice is part of the changing tide. With 25 years of experience in bridal retail, Schulman agrees. “There are more choices now,” Schulman says. “Designers are showing looks in feminine, pretty colors and brides are very receptive.”

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Just their

BAG

What to put in a guest welcome bag.

BY MISSY WILKINSON

IF YOU’RE HAVING A DESTINATION WEDDING or inviting a lot of out-of-towners, your guests will invest considerable time and money into celebrating your nuptials. A welcome bag is a thoughtful way to orient them to a new place and let them know you appreciate their presence. Kim Tran and Hien Nguyen, owners and creative directors of Wink Design & Events, share the essentials for making guests feel at home.

A WELCOME PAMPHLET

Make a card or brochure that includes essential information, which can range from the wedding party agenda (rehearsal dinner addresses, group outing details) to local attractions, restaurant recommendations and nearby convenience stores.

If you’re using a wedding hashtag, be sure to include it on the pamphlet. Couples can print simple pamphlets from their home computer, or they can hire a stationer. “Get a designer, someone dealing with stationery, to lay it out, and make sure the spelling, dates, times and addresses are correct,” Tran says. “You don’t want to send Uncle Joe to the wrong hotel.”

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Hello Darling cotton paper note card, $5 at Markette

A REUSABLE BAG

Canvas tote bags or even a small pouch, like a cosmetics bag, can work, Tran says. Couples often opt for bags that reflect their personalities: for example,football fans might choose a duffle bag. Custom monograms are another way to personalize the bag. Whatever you opt for, keep it simple and travel-friendly. “You don’t want to load them up with a bunch of stuff,” Nguyen says. “Remember, they have to take this back with them.”

Cosmetic bag, $21 at Kalencom

PERSONAL TOUCHES

Choose items that reflect your personality and how-we-met story. For example, if you met at Cafe Du Monde, include beignet mix, Nguyen suggests. If pets are important to you, add doggie treats. You might also consider including tickets to tour a local attraction that is meaningful to you. Overall, make it fun. “This is supposed to show your personality as a couple and kick off a great wedding weekend,” Tran says.

“Happy guests make a happy wedding day.”

Matches, $8 at Sopo

HANGOVER & EMERGENCY KITS

“The millennial generation loves hangover kits with sunglasses, Advil, electrolytes, just funny stuff,” Nguyen says.

Emergency kits for women containing things like clear nail polish and files are popular, as are customized flasks — but don’t include alcohol, Tran warns, because guests can’t bring it on a plane.

Sunglasses, $20 at Sopo

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resou rces A LISTING OF THE RETAILERS AND PROFESSIONALS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE OF CUE BRIDE BOOK.

beyond the veil

snap chat

Basics Underneath (5513 Magazine St., 504-894-1000; www.basicsunderneath.com)

Eau Claire Photographics (641 N. Alexander St., 504-432-7879; www.eauphoto.com)

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Cut Loose Hair Studio: An Aveda Salon (5537 Canal Blvd., 504-486-8255; www.facebook.com/ cutloosehairstudioneworleans) Il Mercato (1911 Magazine St., 504-299-8400; www.ilmercatoevents.com) Prima Donna’s Closet (927 Royal St., 504-875-4437; 1206 St. Charles Ave., 504-522-3327; www.primadonnascloset.com)

are you On

Instagram?

Tag or Search POSTS WITH

#CUEmagazine

SEE YOUR PHOTOS ON BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM http://www.bestofneworleans.com/instacue

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Heirloom Collective (1000 Bourbon St. Suite 410, 504-484-9033; www.heirloomcollective.com) Patrick Niddrie (504-206-7111; www.patrickniddrie.com) Secondline Photography (533 Spain St., Baton Rouge, 225-278-4298; www.secondlinephotography.net)

Jason Kruppa Photography (504-220-4545; www.kruppaworks.com)

rings of desire

The Plant Gallery (9401 Airline Hwy., 504-488-8887; www.theplantgallery.com)

Adler’s Jewelry (722 Canal St., 504523-5292; www.adlersjewelry.com)

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Trashy Diva (537 Royal St., 504-522-4233; 2048 Magazine St., 504-299-8777; www.trashydiva.com)

French Quarter Gem & Lapidary (527 St. Philip St., 504-524-9596; www.facebook.com/frenchquartergemlapidary)

Yvonne LaFleur (8131 Hampson St., 504-866-9666; www.yvonnelafleur.com)

M.S. Rau Antiques (630 Royal St., 504-523-5660; www.rauantiques.com)

resou rces A LISTING OF THE RETAILERS AND PROFESSIONALS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE OF CUE BRIDE BOOK.

Magpie (4529 Magazine St., 504-891-1333; www.etsy.com/shop/ magpievintagejewely)

Pearlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place (3114 Severn Ave., Metairie, 504-885-9213; www.pearlsplace.com)

Symmetry Jewelers (8138 Hampson St., 504-861-9925; www.symmetryjewelers.com)

Wedding Belles (3632 Magazine St., 504-891-1005; www.weddingbellesstationer.com)

Tiffany & Co. (The Shops at Canal Place, 333 Canal St., www.tiffany. com)

wedding welcome bags

Wellington & Co. (505 Royal St., 504-525-4855; www.wcjewelry.com)

something new PAGE 29

Bridal Boutique by MaeMe (3331 Severn Ave., Suite 102, Metairie, 504-266-2771; www.mae-me.com) Chatta Box Boutique (4114 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-4541527; www.facebook.com/chattaboxboutique) Hemline (609 Chartres St., 504-592-0242; 605 Metairie Road, Metairie, 504-309-8778; 3308 Magazine St., 504-269-4005; www.shophemline.com)

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Hadaki by Kalencom (504-943-0123; www.hadakishop.com) Markette (www.marketteneworleans.com)

Sopo (629 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-609-2429; www.soponola.com) Wink Design & Events (1519 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-366-8063; www.winkdesignandevents.com)

bubbly personalities PAGE 43

The Tasting Room (1906 Magazine St., 504-581-3880; www.ttrneworleans.com)

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BRIDAL, BR SPECIAL OCC 3230 S info@bustles

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Bubbly personalities A sommelier’s advice for choosing a toastworthy Champagne.

BY MISSY WILKINSON

Valentino is resident shop dog and maitre d’ at The Tasting Room.

PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER

IT’S COMMON TO HAVE A WEDDING MENU TASTING before placing an order. Lisa and Toby DeVore, co-owners of wine shop The Tasting Room, want to bring the same tradition to wine.

“Just like they do cake tasting, they can do wine and Champagne tasting,” Lisa says. “And wine tastings are a lot of fun.”

California natives Lisa and Toby opened The Tasting Room in 2014 because they saw a need for boutique wine shops in New Orleans. Today, the intimate, chandelier-hung wine bar, event space and restaurant offers 200 wines by the glass.

“Every wine region in the world is represented,” says Toby, who is one of three sommeliers on staff.

The business sells wine for off-premise events, including weddings.

Toby suggests couples sample a range of Champagnes before placing an order. “There’s no disputing taste or what you like, so I recommend trying the wine yourself as opposed to reading about it,” Toby says. “Have two or three people with you and pick out what you like the best.”

Toby recommends trying a flight of Champagnes, which consists of three half-glasses, usually a grower Champagne, a large-house Champagne and a vintage Champagne.

“The bubble flight that shows off three sparkling wines from three countries is really popular,” he says. “It’s a Champagne from France, cava from Spain and a prosecco from Italy.”

Lisa and Toby’s favorite choices include a 2003 vintage Dom Perignon, Bodkin Wines’ sparkling sauvignon blanc and non-vintage Liberte-Fils Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs. Each bottle yields about five glasses of wine, and Lisa says guests drink an average of two to three glasses each.

“New Orleans is toward the higher end of that,” she says. “Probably three glasses is average in New Orleans.”

The three sommeliers on staff all have different styles, Toby says, and can guide couples toward a bubbly they might not have otherwise considered.

“We encourage people to try a wine they have never tried before,” Toby says.

“We don’t want people to feel intimidated about asking about wine,” Lisa adds. “We want a friendly environment so people can learn.”

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