runway

SAREH NOURI BRIDAL

NICOLE + FELICIA NICOLE + FELICIA SÉBASTIEN LUKE SÉBASTIEN MARK INGRAM

haute bridal haute

FROM DARING HEMLINES TO ROMANTIC SHEER FABRICS, FROM DARING THE SEASON’S COUTURE-INSPIRED BRIDAL LOOKS THE SEASON’S written by jennifer pickering written by jennifer

Mini

Shorter hemlines have been Shorter hemlines have making the rounds in the bridal making the rounds in world for several seasons. This world for several seasons. style is perfect for the bride who style is perfect for the wants to show off a fantastic wants to show off a fantastic pair of shoes, and it can be worn pair of shoes, and it can as an option for the reception. as an option for the reception. Sheer

Sheer wedding dresses seem like a more risque choice with their barely-there fabrics, but they are done in such an elegant way with embellishments that they are a couture bridal fantasy.

THE ATELIER COUTURE BY PROFESSOR JIMMY CHOO MIRA ZWILLINGER GALIA LAHAV

DOUBLE TAKE

Whether the couple cuts it at their reception or saves it for their anniversary, a perfectly paired mini cake creates a big impact

Photographed and styled by GERARD + BELEVENDER

MILK + HONEY

Inspired by fellow bakers Bayou Saint Cake and Crybaby Cakes, as well as the squiggle and over-piped cake trend, Milk + Honey's cake pair features varied buttercream piping and tossed sprinkles. Lemon cakes with mixed berry jam, lemon curd, and vanilla bean Swiss meringue buttercream, approximately $700 for pair of cakes, milkandhoneymakes.com.

BELLA E DOLCE CAKES

An architectural design with triangular fondant pleats, classic white sugar roses with a runaway vine, and an airbrushed pearl sheen adorn BELLA e DOLCE Cakes’ geometric confections. Lemon rosemary cake with blueberry and raspberry buttercream fillings, $685 two-tier cake and $210 single tier cake, bellaedolcecakes.com.

VENLA'S CAKES

Venla’s Cakes created a pair of kitschy, retro cakes inspired by classic cake design and sweetheart style, complete with over-piped buttercream frosting and royal icing dropstyle piping. Lavender blackberry cake and lavender lemon cake with lavender simple syrup, blackberry jam, and vanilla Swiss buttercream, $140 6-inch heart cutting cake and $375 two-tier heart cake, at venlasdetroit.com.

SWEET BREE'S

The sculpted rice paper on fondant with a brushing of white pearl luster dust on Sweet Bree’s twin cakes evoke the romance of a veil blowing in a breeze. Champagne cake with fresh raspberry filling and mocha cake with salted caramel filling, starting at $6.50 per serving, ilovesweetbrees.com.

Ines di Santo Amal vertical beaded sheath gown with illusion slit, $9,390, and overskirt, $5,790, at Roma Sposa, Birmingham; 248-723-4300; romasposa.com. Ariat Heritage round toe western boot, $160, at ariat.com.

Mark Ingram Bride Daffodil sleeveless crepe contoured mermaid gown, price upon request, at Mark Ingram Atelier, New York; 212-319-6778; markingramatelier. com. Stetson Deadwood cowboy hat, $173, at Scott Colburn Boots and Western Wear, Livonia; 248-476-1262;scottcolburnwestern. com. Wrangler Fender Souvenir fringed denim jacket, $189, at wrangler.com. Tory Burch Western ankle boot, $458, at Tory Burch, Somerset Collection South, Troy; 248-458-1307; toryburch.com.

La Premiere x Inbal Dror Elise gown, $5,000, at L’Amour Bridal, Dearborn; 248-308-2733; lamourbridalmi.com. Stetson JW Marshall fedora, $207, at Scott Colburn Boots and Western Wear, Livonia; 248-476-1262; scottcolburnwestern.com. Ranch Road Boots Presidio short western bootie, $548, at ranchroadboots.com. Elaine B. Jewelry Orbit ring with pavé, $900, at Elaine B. Jewelry, Ferndale; 248-565-8758; elainebjewelry.com.

Reem Acra Sparkling Sky strapless embroidered couture gown with organza trimmed neckline, price upon request, at Reem Acra; for inquiries contact couture@reemacra.com. Wrangler Fender Souvenir fringed denim jacket, $189, at wrangler.com. Stetson Lariat cowboy hat, $325, at Scott Colburn Boots and Western Wear, Livonia; 248-476-1262; scottcolburnwestern.com. Elaine B. Jewelry Looking Glass 2.14 carat salt & pepper diamond ring, $4,000, at Elaine B. Jewelry, Ferndale; 248-565-8758; elainebjewelry.com.

Justin Alexander Signature Tivoli satin A-line gown with side cutouts and detachable off-the-shoulder tulle straps, approx. $3,237, at Piera’s Bridal Couture, Shelby Twp.; 586-566-7800; pierasbridal. com. Elaine B. Jewelry Mars 1.82-carat VS2 F color lab diamond engagement ring, $6,370, Eclipse ring, $840, Minimalist contour ring with pavé, $1,030, Stardust contour ring, $1,550, X ring with pavé, $830, and Concentric midi ring, $68, at Elaine B. Jewelry, Ferndale; 248-565-8758; elainebjewelry.com.

Chosen Ziva corset gown with hand draped tulle bodice and ruched tulle sleeves, $4,595, at Beloved Bridal, Ann Arbor; 734-834-4696; belovedbridal. com. Nocona Belt Co. Ranger belt, $55, at Scott Colburn Boots and Western Wear, Livonia; 248-476-1262; scottcolburnwestern.com. Elaine B. Jewelry Mars 1.82-carat VS2 F color lab diamond engagement ring, $6,370, Eclipse ring, $840, and Stardust contour ring, $1,550, at Elaine B. Jewelry, Ferndale; 248-565-8758; elainebjewelry.com.

Ines di Santo Amal vertical beaded sheath gown with illusion slit, $9,390, and overskirt, $5,790, at Roma Sposa, Birmingham; 248-723-4300; romasposa.com.

Blue Willow by Anne Barge Brookside floral organza fils coupe gown with detachable bows, $2,850, at Sposa Bella Couture, Birmingham; 248-480-4902; sposabellami.com. Elaine B. Jewelry Sapphire Statement Elements necklace, $820, and Gemma Lariat necklace, $780, at Elaine B. Jewelry, Ferndale; 248-565-8758; elainebjewelry. com.

Pronovias Nahal floral tulle gown, $2,840, at Bridal Couture, Birmingham; 248-645-0500; bridalcouturemi.com. Stetson JW Marshall fedora, $207, at Scott Colburn Boots and Western Wear, Livonia; 248-476-1262; scottcolburnwestern.com. Elaine B. Jewelry Gemma lariat necklace, $780, You & Me Marquise necklace, $820, and Elements 1.04-carat green tourmaline ring, $690, Eclipse ring, $840, and Stardust contour ring, $1,550, and at Elaine B. Jewelry, Ferndale; 248-565-8758; elainebjewelry.com. Ariat Encore Rose western boot, $160, at ariat.com.

La Perle by Calla Blanche Camden fringed bell sleeve sheath gown with illusion sweetheart neckline, $2,200, at Piera’s Bridal Couture, Shelby Twp.; 586-566-7800; pierasbridal.com. Stetson Deadwood cowboy hat, $173, at Scott Colburn Boots and Western Wear, Livonia; 248-476-1262; scottcolburnwestern.com. Elaine B. Jewelry Elements ring with tourmalated quartz, $690, Concentric stacking ring, $110, and Concentric midi ring, $68, at Elaine B. Jewelry, Ferndale; 248-565-8758; elainebjewelry.com.

Sareh Nouri Sarah Grace French Alencon lace off-the-shoulder slim flare gown, price upon request and available by special order, and Ariel Taub Chelsea veil, $350, at L’Amour Bridal, Dearborn; 248-308-2733; lamourbridalmi.com. Stetson Deadwood cowboy hat, $173, at Scott Colburn Boots and Western Wear, Livonia; 248-476-1262; scottcolburnwestern.com. Elaine B. Jewelry (left hand) Looking Glass 2.14-carat salt & pepper diamond ring, $4,000, Minimalist contour ring with pavé, $1,030, and X ring with pavé, $830, and (right hand) Elements ring with tourmalated quartz, $690, at Elaine B. Jewelry, Ferndale; 248-565-8758; elainebjewelry.com.

Pronovias beaded lace gown, $2,500, at Piera’s Bridal, Shelby Twp.; 586-566-7800; pierasbridal. com. Nina Mûr “Simona” sunglasses, $415, at Optik, Birmingham; 248-646-6699; optikbirmingham.com. Tacori RoyalT Collection 18K yellow gold diamond engagement ring with a cushion diamond bloom, price upon request, at Lucido Fine Jewelry stores; lucidojewelry.com.

Anna Kara Jolene gown with lace balloon sleeves, $2,695, at Beloved Bridal, Ann Arbor; 734-834-4696; belovedbridal.com. Elaine B. Jewelry (left hand) Aura 1.48-carat Montana sapphire ring, $3,800, Minimalist contour ring, $440, Eclipse ring, $840, and Starshine contour ring, $800, and (right hand) Squiggle ring, $400, at Elaine B. Jewelry, Ferndale; 248-565-8758; elainebjewelry.com. Ariat Dixon haircalf western boot, $210, at ariat.com.

WRITTEN BY BLAKE MILLER dream honeymoons

Gone are the days of pina coladas on the beach. In 2023, magical places that marry wholly different cultures with exquisite cuisine and adventures are a must for newlyweds. Here are six that will have you checking destinations off your bucket list.

Iceland

With a short six-hour flight from Detroit, it’s not surprising that Iceland has quickly become a top destination for newlyweds. This idyllic country features just the right mix of adventure and romance, not to mention culture and cuisine. Start with two days in Reykjavik, the country’s capital and largest city, where you’ll want to walk or bike Laugarvegur, the city’s main shopping district that’s chockfull of luxury storefronts and boutiques. Be sure to check out the Hallgrímskirkja, a stunning, contemporary church inspired by Icelandic traditions, and at night take a tour to see the Northern Lights from downtown. After a long day touring the city, lay your head at Reykjavik Edition. This luxury hotel is centrally located to everything in Reykjavik and boasts a modern aesthetic with a Nordic twist.

Then it’s time to hit the road for three to four days popping in and out of towns via Ring Road. The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular and picturesque attractions and can best be seen with a stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon. The backdrop of the black lava on Reykjanes Peninsula coupled with the cobalt blue steaming water makes the trip Instagramworthy. Along the drive on Ring Road, adventure awaits with quick hikes to two noteworthy waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. No matter how you see the country — by car, foot, ATV, helicopter, or even horseback — Iceland boasts a plethora of adventure options.

PHOTOGRAPH: ISTOCK

iceland

Mallorca

Couples who crave a bit of sand and sun but with a dose of rich culture and history, too, will want to add Mallorca to their honeymoon list. As one of Spain’s Balearic islands, Mallorca offers crystal clear blue water with the stunning backdrop of boat-lined marinas, limestone mountains, and beautiful villas dotting the white sand shoreline. What it lacks in the quietness you might find on a Caribbean island, it makes up for in its Spanish architecture, wineries, and impressive upscale Mediterranean cuisine. Mallorca truly offers a little bit of everything, from charming mountain villages with quaint cafes and shops to dynamic nightlife.

One day touring Palma is a must with its Mallorcan fortresses and stunning gothic cathedrals. Stop by the Moorish Almudaina royal palace and 13th-century Santa María Cathedral, both iconic landmarks. A must is lunch or dinner at El Camino, where outstanding tapas and fresh-caught seafood abound. For adventure lovers, Soller offers biking and hiking to the tops of pine-clad mountains high above the turquoise blue ocean. But a visit to Mallorca wouldn’t be complete without getting out on the water. Seeing the island by boat allows you to take in the scenery that would otherwise be missed sitting on the beach.

There are plenty of accommodations to choose from in Mallorca, but Belmond’s La Residencia should be on the short list. A brief 45-minute drive from Palma, La Residencia is easily one of Mallorca’s most elegant properties. Nestled in the rocky hillside town of Deia, the hotel consists of several separate dwellings that seamlessly blend together, allowing guests to roam the property as if it’s their own private estate.

mallorca

new zealand

New Zealand

Too often New Zealand is overlooked for nearby Australia. But it should be the top of honeymooners’ lists with its stunning scenery of snow-capped mountains against rolling farmlands, abundant adventure options, and amazing wine offerings. Known for its dramatic landscape, which ranges from the subtropical beaches of the North Island to the glaciers and fiords of the Southern Alps, New Zealand has no shortage of adventure. Thrill-seeking couples can try their hand at bungee jumping and heli-fishing one day and lay low the next with a beach hike or game of golf.

To save time, you’ll want to choose between the North and South Island, with both offering a bit more of what couples want on a honeymoon: wine tasting, golf outings, hiking, fishing, ATVing, and more. On the North Island, a stay at Relais & Chateaux property Cape Kidnappers offers the best of New Zealand all in one place. Situated atop a grassy cliff overlooking crystal clear blue water, the property features rustic-inspired accommodations coupled with impeccable cuisine and world-class golf.

The New Zealand landscape is oftentimes best explored off road, so a Can Am tour through rugged terrain or a helicopter tour over the heart of Hawk’s Bay and Kaimanaw Forest Park with expansive views of Mt. Ruapehu’s crater lake is an outstanding way to take in the back country.

One last stop on the trip, though, has to be to Marlborough, the heart of New Zealand’s wine country. This breathtaking landscape is the exact place you’ll want to unwind after all of the adventures on the first leg of the honeymoon.

south africa

South Africa

While it does take more than 16 hours to get to South Africa from Detroit, consider the long flight well worth it. South Africa should not only be on couples’ bucket lists, it should be boldfaced and underlined as the ultimate destination. The country features some of the most diverse landscapes in the world, from sandy white beaches where the crystal blue waves of the Atlantic and Indian oceans crash along the rocky moss-covered cliffs to arid deserts and valleys covered in vines.

There’s no shortage of things to do here, which means the country checks off all the boxes for all types of travelers, from foodies and adventure lovers to culture buffs and fashionistas. Pepper in a couple of days in Johannesburg to start. The capital city is considered the heart of the country and is chockfull of museums such as the Apartheid Museum, which provides an important look into the country’s apartheid history.

Then head via plane two hours to Cape Town where the honeymoon really begins. South Africa’s wildlife is not to be missed, and the best way to see it is by booking a trip with luxury travel operator &Beyond. &Beyond runs KwaZulu-Natal’s Phinda Private Game Reserve, which features seven rich ecosystems, including a sand forest, savannahs, wetlands, and mountain bush. Elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalos are all living freely, and &Beyond brings you up close to all of them with their luxury accommodations coupled with tours throughout the countryside and reserves.

There’s so much to see and do in South Africa, but be sure to take time to visit some of its wineries as they’re some of the best in the world. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, also known as Cape Winelands, is a 45-minute drive from Cape Town and well worth the trek. It features hundreds of wineries with tasting rooms, restaurants, and day spas perfect for making honeymoon memories.

croatia

Croatia

Twenty years ago, Croatia may not have made the top 50 honeymoon destinations. Today, though, this historic European country has become immensely popular with its gorgeous coastal cities along the Adriatic Sea, world-class dining options, rich history for culture buffs, and idyllic pastoral landscapes.

A visit to the country would not be complete without staying a few nights in the capital city of Dubrovnik, which means “pearl of the Adriatic” and it more than lives up to its name. This coastal city is one of the Mediterranean’s top destinations (so it may not be the best option during the summer when it’s booming with tourists) for good reason: it’s the perfect coupling of white sand beaches, turquoise blue water, and palm trees with a rich culture scene and impressive history. One day touring the city should include walking the Walls of Dubrovnik and exploring old town. There, walk through a small “hole” in the ancient city walls to Buza, a bar atop the cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea. If possible, get out on the water and see the rich geography and picturesque architecture. Book a stay at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik. This luxury ocean-front hotel feels more like an intimate boutique property on a remote island in the Mediterranean, but it’s also in proximity to the culture, history and nightlife that Dubrovnik offers.

But there’s more to Croatia than Dubrovnik. With more than 1,200 islands and many off-the-radar quaint towns, there’s a plethora of places to see while there. One of the best destinations is Zagreb, a small town boasting impressive arts and architecture, not to mention an array of charming cafes and storefronts.

the maldives

The Maldives

There’s a reason the Prince and Princess of Wales head to the Maldives for romantic getaways. This wildly private country consisting of approximately 1,200 small coral islands offers the exclusivity and privacy some couples yearn for. If it’s an escape from reality and relaxation you want, the Maldives is the perfect honeymoon spot. With possibly the whitest sand beaches in the world coupled with standalone luxury bungalows over the bluest ocean, there’s no shortage of wow factor here.

Getting out on or in the ocean is a must when exploring the Maldives. Scuba diving or snorkeling three of the country’s most beautiful reefs is the best way to see it all. Bana Reef is one of the most popular reefs and features some of the most exotic and beautiful ocean life in the world. Colorful Palette Surgeonfish (aka Dory from Finding Dory) and giant squirrelfish swim alongside breathtaking coral that you just can’t find in the U.S.

There’s plenty of luxury accommodations in the Maldives, especially if the privacy of an over-thewater bungalow is on your short list of honeymoon must haves. Kothaifaur Maldives offers the option of a beachfront villa or more than 30 over-the-water accommodations. The modern aesthetic results in a luxurious yet casual vibe where you can indulge in fantastic local cuisine without ever having to leave the property.

Grace Kalil and Matthew Werick embrace on the grounds of their wedding venue, the Ancient Spanish Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux in Miami.

WHEN GRACE KALIL and Matthew Werick got engaged, they already had a list of wedding Do’s and Don’ts. After all, Kalil is a Michiganbased wedding photographer and Werick often works as her second shooter — so they’ve seen it all. “We wanted a destination wedding, something we’d never experienced before at work,” Kalil says. “We were also particular about how the venue would stand out in photos. It had to be photogenic from every angle. We wanted our photographer to be able to snap a picture at any turn and have it look candidly beautiful.”

After scouring venues throughout the United States and Europe, they landed on the Ancient Spanish Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux in Miami. It was originally built in Spain in 1133 A.D. but was bought by famed newspaper publisher Randolph Hearst in 1925. Hearst dismantled and brought the building to the United States, where it was reassembled, stone by stone.

“We are both Catholic — we flew our priest in for the ceremony — and we loved the history of the monastery,” Kalil says. “We visited it twice before our wedding. Both times we sat on a bench, watching the way the light hit the stones and seeing little lizards scurrying beneath our feet. We never wanted to leave.”

Kalil and Werick met through friends in 2019. Their relationship happened to hit just the right timeline so that no relationship milestones were altered by the pandemic. Werick is a biologist but enjoys having a creative outlet; when Grace asked if he wanted to help her shoot weddings, it only brought them closer. In October 2021, Matthew proposed and they started planning their dream wedding, which they celebrated on November 18, 2022.

“We notice that couples complain their wedding was such a whirlwind, that they don’t get a chance to talk to everyone,” Kalil says. “Having a destination wedding weekend allowed us to spend quality time with everyone

The couple's love of light extended to their dreamy engagement session in Ann Arbor.

before the ceremony, so that by the time the wedding day came, we could all just relax and celebrate together.”

The couple crafted a black-tie affair that was truly a guest experience: flambe crepes and a string quartet at cocktail hour, a harpist at dinner. “We didn’t want there to be a lull in the day,” Werick says. “We didn’t want people to be just waiting for cocktails and dancing.” Kalil adds, “I am super romantic, so we added more slow dances than you usually see. We wanted to enjoy every moment.”

It was important that they enjoyed each moment of their wedding day together, as a couple. “We see so many weddings where the bride and groom are separated until the ceremony, but that’s what the bachelor and bachelorette parties are for,” Kalil says. That’s why they decided to do a first look. But instead of wearing her wedding dress, Grace chose a custom morning dress and changed into her gown just before the ceremony to maintain an element of surprise.

There to photograph every moment was their photographer, Anastasia Shaydakova of Anastasia Photography, who Kalil spent months searching for on Instagram. “I would scroll for hours,” she says. “I thought it would be difficult to give up the camera and let someone else take the lead, but then I found Anastasia and we just clicked. She’s even inspired me and changed my style as a photographer. Being a wedding photographer helped me plan my wedding, but getting married also helped make me a better photographer.”

Shaydakova’s candid, intimate style of photography is what attracted Grace — and the couple will cherish the images for years to come. “There’s something to be said for documenting the quieter moments of the wedding — those intimate moments that are full of emotion,” Werick says. “Even having a whole wedding weekend, it all goes by so quickly. But it will be so meaningful to have these photos to look back on for the rest of our lives.”