Summer issue 2013

Swimwear, Lingerie and Boudoir Shoots Show off that beautiful body

Klienfeld’s New Plus Size Bridal Line

By Dina Davos

It’s all about the Boobies

Interivew with Bra Guru Jene Luciani

Real Weddings, Inspiration and More Summer is Here

Summer 2013 Volume 6

www.prettypearbride.com/stelladot 2 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 3

Content

Swimwear, Lingerie It’s All about the & Boudoir Shoots Boobies ~ Jene L. 56 48 8

Ask Lisa

10 Wedding Countdown 12 Editor’s Pick

24 You Don’t Have To Listen To Your Mother 28 Charm City Cakes West

16 Curvy Girl’s Guide to Groom’s Gifts

32 What..I can have an Excellent Marriage?

18 Vintage is “IN”

34 Always a Bridesmaid

20 Let’s Party...Great Gatsby Style

4 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Kleinfeld’s Plus Size Real Weddings Bridal Line and Features 34 68 36 Boston Strong

68 Boudoir Shoots

40 Vintage Bride

87 Real Weddings

44 Health and Beauty

100 Kleinfeld’s Plus Size Bridal Line: Dina Davos

52 Fashion 64 Travel

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 5

Stay Connected with Us

prettypearbride

www.prettypearbride.com

Email hello@prettypearbride.com Phone 866-398-9041 Real Wedding Features: Couples/ Photographers interested in submitting their real weddings should submit their information on our website.

Regretfully due to the volume of submissions, we are unable to respond to all requests.

Editorial Submissions: Please do not send original material to Pretty Pear Bride Magazine. We are not responsible for damage or loss to unsolicited material. Editorial material can be sent to submissions@prettypearbride.com Advertising: To advertise in Pretty Pear Bride Magazine please contact advertising@prettypearbride. com. Advertising requests for prettypearbride.com should also contact advertising@prettypearbride.com.

A media kit will be made available upon receipt of a request.

6 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Cover Credits: Photography: Empire Photography

Model: Kori Spencer Stylist/MUY: Beauty Box

Attire: Empress Lingerie

Editor In Chief: Shafonne Myers Creative Director: Lisa Smith Regular Contributors: Lisa Smith, Lanette Kincaid, Karen Smith, Kristina Denise Advertising Sales: Boardman, OH 189 Terrace Drive 866-398-9041 advertising@prettypearbride

Letter From the Editor W

elcome to V6 of Pretty Pear Bride Magazine, the Summer Issue. I can’t even begin to tell y’all how happy, excited, and elated I am of this issue. First off it’s the summer issue and I’m all about fashionable and amazing swimwear options for us plus women. And this issue is chock full of it.

PLUS, we all know once it gets warm outside everyone starts wearing less and less clothes so we’ve provided some great workout tips and tricks as well as some of our favorite product round ups for working out and staying gorgeous. Because if y’all are anything like me I need all the help I can get when it comes to working out and looking good while doing it.

And of course we have the most gorgeous real weddings for any summer bride to get tons of inspiration and ideas. We’ve made sure to include more images and skimmed back a bit on the verbiage for each wedding so we can incorporate more of what y’all want, IMAGE INSPIRATION. Because as we all know, everyone longs to see inspiration that looks like them and that is our main focus.

But the most important thing that is near and dear to my heart in this issue are the boudoir shoots. This was one of my main objectives when I set out to create a site first and subsequently the magazine was to give plus women the self-confidence to feel that they could do whatever and wear whatever regardless of what others said or thought of them. And a boudoir shoot is all of that wrapped up with a pretty bow.

Shafonne Myers Shafonne Myers/Owner

It’s so refreshing to receive so many boudoir submissions, it made me overjoyed with excitement because it proves that what we have been trying to bring to light is really working. To see these curvy women in the magazine strut their stuff in these shoots, whether being super sexy, sweet and innocent or a little in-between it’s nothing short of spectacular. I encourage everyone who looks through this issue to really embody the confidence, self worth and SEXINESS that these women, and men {yep we can’t forget about those couple’s shoots} possess and make it a point to strive toward that each and every day.

I leave you with one of my favorite quotes. ENJOY! “The body is meant to be seen not all covered up” ~ Marilyn Monroe Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 7

In Every Issue

Ask Lisa Dear Lisa, I’m getting married and my sister has taken over my wedding and my fiancee goes along with everything she says. I knew it was out of control when it came down to picking my best man and my sister volunteered her grandson that’s 6 years old and my fiancee thought it was a cute idea.

There are a lot of things I’m hearing and the more I hear the more it’s irritating me. I’m spending all this money and I’m at the point that I don’t want to have this wedding anymore.

I originally wanted to go to the courthouse but my fiancee wanted her fairytale wedding and I mind wanted to give my fiancee the wedding she deserves. We’ve been together since high school but I thought it was going to be for my fiancee not my sister!

Damn whose wedding is it anyway????

J

Dear J., To answer your last question first it is both you and your fiancee’s wedding. As far as your sister goes, it sounds like she has formed an alliance with your fiancee. Since you are marrying your fiancee you need to have a conversation with her immediately. Once you and your fiancee are on the same accord the two of you need to have a conversation with you sister. It needs to be made crystal clear that you and your fiancee’s wedding, that you are paying for it, is a special day for you and her, not you, her and your fiancee.

With that said, she needs to take a step back and let you and your fiancee plan the wedding. So that it is something that the two of you will comfortable and happy with. This is one of the most important days in your lives and it should be what you want, not your sister. Lastly if she is planning on controlling your wedding the question that needs to be asked is will she also be controlling your marriage?

8 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Lisa Smith is a Certified Professional Wedding and Event Planner and Certified Professional Wedding and Event Planner Instructor. She is one of 46 Wedding planner and Wedding Designers on the Wedding Industry Experts Panelist. Lisa is the Owner of Gabbi Grace Events located in the Metropolitian Detroit area. Gabbi Grace Events is a dedicated Event Planning company who’s work has been featured on The Preston Bailey Blog and on the cover and in The Best Wedding Sites Magazine and blog.

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 9

In Every Issue

Countdown to the Wedding Pretty Pear helps keep you on track. Here you can check off the important tasks before your big day!

12 Months Before Tackle the Guest List Dream about your Wedding

Set-up room blocks for out of town guests Have fun and Register Begin Hair and Makeup Trials Cake Tastings and Order Cake

6 Months Before Send Save the Dates Book Honeymoon Book the getaway car {if needed} Book transportation for guests {if needed}

Talk Money Order Bridesmaid Dresses Figure out who’s paying for what Purchase wedding bands Book a venue for ceremony and reception and settle on a date Hire a wedding planner, if you are using one

4 Months Before Select Groom and Groomsmen attire

10 Months Before

Plan Rehearsal Dinner

Book an officiate

Confirm Vendors

Look for the perfect dress

Decide on Hair and Makeup

Pick your bridal party Shop for Vendors

2 Months Before

Take Engagement Photos

Mail Invitations Write or decide on Vows

8 Months Before

Purchase Day of Accessories

Book the caterer, band/DJ, florist, photographer and any rentals

Confirm Day of Transporation

Finalize and order your dress

10 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Buy gifts for bridal party, parents, and your fiancĂŠ

6 Weeks Before

48 Hours Before

Apply for Marriage License

Pick up your dress

Get Everything Printed; programs, menus, other weddingreception stationery

Put all vendor tips in envelopes. Delegate to Maid of Honor or Best Man

Confirm Arrival of Bridesmaid Dresses

Write day of balance checks that are due

Plan welcome baskets for out of town guests

Drop off welcome baskets for out of town guests to hotel

It’s Bachelorette Party Time

Wrap bridesmaids grooms gifts

and

Bridal Shower

2 Weeks Before

Day Before Reconfirm Pick up times

Final Dress Fitting Last minute dolling up Give shot list to photographer Review music with DJ/Band Review RSVP’s and wrangle up the stragglers Update the Registry

1 Week Before Final Headcount

Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner Give Bridal Party Gifts

Day of Exchange presents with your groom Give the rings to the best man and maid of honor

Finalize Seating chart Eat small, light meals Get Facials and Waxings Get Gorgeous Break in your shoes Give any last minute information to vendors

Get Married and Live Happily Ever After

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 11

In Every Issue

Editor’s Pick Fall in love with the notebook that has luxury, affordability, and environmental sustainability at its core. All of May Books’ notebooks are made from Green-e Certified Canvas Covers that are resilient, durable, and most importantly, water-resistant. Visit www.maybooks.com

Le Grand Courtage Champagne

“Le Grand Courtâge (“the great courtship”) is a trés chic French bubbly which is ideal for weddings given its name and styling. Think French elegance, American appeal and pricepoint...The philosophy on every bottle, ‘Embrace Life. Dream Big. Accept All Invitations’ is perCake: Charm City Cakes West | Designer: Katherine | Cake: Chloe fect for all occasions.”

12 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

PlusMotif makes fashionable and functional interchangeable cases for iPads, iPad Minis, Kindles and Android Tablets. With 16 different colored cases to choose from and 72 motif designs to snap on and off.

You can jot down notes on the included traditional notepad, or on the touch screen of your tablet – it’s the best of both worlds. Visit www. plusmotif.com

Nothing like a fabulous and confident women. Love this image!

Photography by Stormy Stormy Sloane for Rebel & Romance Boudoir Photography

See more in: International Boudoir Shoots Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 13

Putting Your Wedding Style on a Pedestal While love and romance is filling the air, your guests are also being filled with anticipation for your big day! Meet their excitement with a stationery suite that puts your love story and style on a pedestal.

Start with a Save the Date design that’s easily personalized to show off your quirky side or a design that’s the perfect prelude to your wedding theme.

Personal touches are key in creating something truly unique and memorable. Use color and expressive fonts to transform the design into the style you want. Further enhance the mood with wording that captures your love and steals their hearts.

Get

10% off

your wedding stationery.

Enter promo code:

WEDPEAR Offer expires 9/30/2013 Not valid with any other offers.

14 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

MagnetStreet Weddings is an online, full-service store that empowers couples to personalize wedding stationery that captures their creativity and vision.

Known for their Save the Date Magnets, they offer a comprehensive line of Wedding Stationery in coordinating designs, including: Wedding Invitations, Programs, Reception items, Thank You Cards, Embellishments and more.

How to Keep Your Suite Distinct Translate the Trends

Keep your stationery current by incorporating the trends that you love. Hot for summer: mix & match patterns, bold colors, floral prints, rustic charm and creative typography.

Suite Details

Beauty is found in the details.

Add dimension and visual appeal to your suite by layering your Invitations with: Vellum Bands, decorative Seals, and colorful Envelope Liners.

Stationery Timelines & Tips Do …

• Stay organized by using a wedding stationery timeline.

• Send Save the Dates 6-12 months ahead of your date and only to those you plan on inviting to the wedding.

• Start researching your invitations at least 6 months prior to your date.

• Order invitations 2-4 months prior.

Mail 6-8 weeks prior.

• Send RSVP Postcards to save on postage costs.

Don’t …

• Sacrifice quality over price.

• Fail to order 25 extra invitations (for keepsakes, last-minute invites, etc.)

• Overlook the importance of proofing: spellings, locations, names, dates, etc.

• Forget to include an RSVP date with your invitation (2-3 weeks before your wedding).

• Neglect taking one fully-assembled invite to the post office for weighing & accurate postage costs.

Perfectly Polished

From your Save the Dates and Invites, to your Programs and Thank Yous, complement and carry your look across your entire suite, for a theme that’s polished and complete.

Connect With Us MagnetStreet.com/weddings MagnetStreetWeddings @MagnetStreetWed MagnetStreetWeddings TrulyEngaging our wedding blog

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 15

Planning

Model: Kacelia McCollum

A Curvy Girl’s Guide To Groom’s Gifts From Mild to Wild

by Karen Smith, Pretty Pear Bride Contributor

One of the many possible tasks you may have as a future bride is choosing a gift for your groom to be. So what kind of gift do you get for a man that loves all the glorious curviness that is you? I have put some time into researching just this, and I think I have found a great selection of items. Items range from naughty to nice, and there is something to fit every budget.

chance to put in book form your own real life love story. Prices start at $29.95 for the soft cover version. And because this is completely customizable, you can make this as sweet or saucy as you like.

The Sentimental Gift

Do you consider yourself a bit of a vixen? Or maybe you want to break out of your shell? This next idea might be the thing for you. I recently had a chance to visit a company that is local to me called Total Betty Boudoir. They were nice enough to invite me in while doing a shoot with one of their curvy models Ka-

If you are looking for a more sentimental type of gift, then why not try a totally customizable Love Book? When you get your Love Book from http://www.lovebookonline.com you have a 16 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

The Sensual Gift

Photo credit: Veronica Gettinger

celia McCollum. I spent time chatting with everyone involved, and I was very impressed with how they were able to make the whole day feel so relaxed. What makes this place different from other Boudoir Photography studios? Owner and photographer, Veronica Gettinger says, “Total Betty has a completely different view on what makes a woman sexy! It doesn’t matter your age, size or style. Every woman is tantalizingly sexy where they are at right now”. You can really tell this lady means it by her work and the atmosphere around her. So once you have taken all your pictures, there are lots of choices of what you can give your groom to be. Gift options include albums of various sizes, a pinup calendar, and something called The Little Box of Secrets (photo wrapped photo box of 50 4x6 or 5x7 prints). Go to http://totalbettyboudoir.com to see if your lucky enough to live close to this fantastic company.

The Artful Gift Perhaps you and your fiancé are art lovers. If you enjoy art and have spent any time on the internet, whether you realize it or not, you at some point have stumbled upon a Les Toil. What is a Les Toil? He is a well known artist that does art admiring women of fuller figures. Where the gift comes in, is at his website http://www.toilgirls.com/toilgirl.html he says, “anyone can be Toil girl as long as you are not skinny”. That’s right, starting at just $299, he will work with you to give you a custom piece of art. He will paint you in whatever fashion your mind can draw up. And again, because this is customizable, this can be anywhere from mild to wild.

When your looking for your groom’s gift, don’t forget to put part of who you are in it. After all that is who they fell in love with.

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 17

Planning

“Vintage is IN” Bridal trends transform grandma’s china from vintage to vogue

by John Griffith

“Mixing in contemporary service and Mixing salad plates takes this heirloom pattern from vintage to vogue.”

New brides are transforming something old into something new. That’s according to the latest bridal tabletop trends.

While in recent years brides have been registering for casual dinnerware, lately industry experts are seeing brides returning to fine china. Sales indicate they’re 18 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

opting for porcelain and bone china, which are more durable than stoneware because these mediums are less likely to chip.

a resurgence among millennial brides.

White patterns continue to be strong bridal sellers, ranging in shades from pure white to ecru, with gold trim making

“Brides are embracing heirloom patterns for a number of reasons,” says Keith Winkler, product marketing manager at

But in an emerging trend, observers are finding vintage is vogue.

Replacements, Ltd. “First of all, there’s a strong, emotional connection to those inherited pieces because it ties them to family and tradition. At the same time, vintage is huge throughout the fashion industry, and that’s impacting dinnerware trends. Brides are hanging onto Grandma’s china, but they’re also looking to give family treasures a more contemporary spin.”

John Griffith oversees the visual merchandising team at Replacements, known as the world’s largest retailer of old and new china, crystal, silver and collectibles. He often hears from brides needing help transforming family treasures.

“It doesn’t matter whether inherited dinnerware is decades old, patterns are timeless through the magic of mixing and matching,” says Griffith. “I suggest using

your heirloom pattern as a starting point, then mixing in various colors, shapes and even other mediums such as glass or acrylics. By creating a sort of ‘retro remix,’ you can dress up your sentimental favorite for formal entertaining, or just as easily dress down your tableware for a casual evening with friends.”

For example, Griffith says mixing in square salad plates with round shaped dinnerware creates art deco flair. Mixing different colored plates or glass can open up an entire new color palette.

He’s adamant; don’t be afraid to be bold and try something new. “I recently had a customer come in with an heirloom goblet she wanted to match,” he says. “We didn’t have any pieces in her pattern, so I instead zeroed in on a design element with the goblet, in this case the stem style on the glass. I added in four addi-

tional crystal patterns, all with a similar stem design. By matching that particular design element, we created a really elegant, contemporary look.”

Griffith leads design seminars on creating trendy tables at the company’s retail store. Many of his insights appear on Replacements’ YouTube channel and Facebookpage at www.facebook.com/ Replacements.

One challenge brides often encounter with heirloom pieces lies in the fact family members sometimes forget the name of the pattern. Griffith suggests taking advantage of Replacements’ free pattern identification service. Additional information is available on the company’s website, www.replacements. com.

“Adding current crystal and white dinnerware transforms this 80-year old Wedgwood pattern”

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 19

Historic and vintage weddings seem to be all the rage these days.

From everything ranging from shabby chic, Victorian, art deco, and the roaring 20’s. So how about a theme for the Great Gatsby? You could work a Gatsby related theme into any season that you will be tying the knot!

If you do decide to go with a wedding theme like Gatsby you will want to channel the best and the brightest of the era. The era was about fun, champagne, and sex so your wedding should include these ideas.

You may not want to throw a HUGE party like Gatsby—and that is fine too (actually my preference). Adding specific pieces throughout your wedding can add flair, style and elegance while not being too over the top!

Here is a list of a few ideas to add to your wedding to make it Gatsby/ Roaring 20’s/Art Deco all combined.

Invitations: Your wedding invitations, save the dates, even your bridal shower invitations can include the theme and set the tone of the wedding. Your invites can showcase the elegance and art deco architecture of the time. They can also include the reds, oranges, gold’s or mint colors that were prevalent during the time period.

Stationary: The rest of your wedding stationary: escort cards, programs and table numbers can also be subtle enough but add the flair of the 20’s without going overboard.

Let’s Party...

Great Gatsby Style

by Ashley Lepidi

Groomsmen gifts: I find it hard to always pick out something for the groomsmen that is unique and that they will all enjoy. A flask is always a good pick! How about incorporating your theme with the gift for the groomsmen. These flasks are amazingly unique and it is something they will (hopefully) cherish.

Headpiece: The recent trends of feather pieces or floral pieces could still be incorporated in your Gatsby/flapper theme. A hat can also be a great edition for a bride wanting to incorporate the true flapper style. The hat can be vamped up for that ultra-chic feminine look or else played down for more of a casual feel.

Jewelry: Oh the possibilities are endless with wedding jewelry with an art deco flair. The Art Deco era is known for its distinct colors and shapes. So, if you want something to be incorporated into your theme that is subtle but screams boldness focusing on the jewelry pieces will tie everything together.

Whether you are throwing a lavish Gatsby bash, or having something a bit simpler; just remember old sport “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Image by Arielle Doneson Photography

Planning

Art Deco Earrings, Gorgeous art deco brass charms and hung tiny vintage rhinestones on them. By the Etsy Shop, CloudCapJewelry http://ow.ly/lvn1e

Art Deco Roaring 20s Stripes Flasks, Groomsmen, Best Man, Groom and everyone else in your wedding party are going to love these personalized flasks by Etsy Shop, thehairofthedog http://ow.ly/lvxWm

Great Gatsby Roaring 20s Art Deco Bridesmaid Head Piece, Great Gatsby Roaring 20s Art Deco Bridesmaid Head Piece Hairpiece Wedding Hair Accessories Wedding Hair Piece Mint by Parfait Plumes http://ow.ly/lvBLX

Round Art Deco Menu, A 1920’s themed place setting in silver and blue grey tones, completed with a round art deco menu. Stationery and Styling by Baci Designer, Linens by Sitting Pretty Linens, Image by Arielle Doneson Photography Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 23

Planning

You Don’t HAVE To Listen To Your Mother....

Crafting your special day into your personality and style

by Richard O’Malley

“You have to have matching bridesmaids dresses.”

“Make Sure Aunt Vera gets to take home a centerpiece”.

“You just have to invite your cousin Brenda.”

B

rides, does this sound familiar? A little voice, or a not so little one, in your ear at every step of your wedding planning process, giving you 24 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

“advice” that seems much more like a set of rules. This voice can be a sister, friend, mother-in-law or any well meaning loved one, but we all know that usually this voice is your mother’s. But I’m here to tell you that, YOU DONT HAVE TO LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER.

I

n the next several paragraphs and along with the accompanying photoshoot, I hope to show you that you can craft your special day to your personality and lifestyle. There is no reason to

fold to convention and tradition, if you don’t wish to. After all, most people don’t even know that women carry bouquets at weddings as a tradition from the middle ages. This was to mask their body odor at a time when bathing was seen as unhealthy. Brides wear white not to “represent purity”, but as a style choice originating with Queen Victoria, who, while marrying her cousin, Prince Albert, wanted to show the world that she could wear white while the rest of the world wore dingy

grey or earth tones. These are just two traditions many brides feel compelled to adhere to. However, a good shower and a quality roll-on take care of any body odor issues and you don’t need a white dress to distract the masses from the fact that you are marrying your cousin, I hope.

O

ne of the great dramas of all wedding planning processes is in choosing bridesmaids dresses. Somewhere along the way, enough of these “little voices” have convinced brides that all of their attendees need to be in exact replica dresses that seem to have been ripped from the body of an extra on “Gone With the Wind”. The first problem is that women have a basic primal instinct to never wear the same dress to an event as any other woman, now you want them to match an entire herd of them. Never a good plan. Furthermore, these types of bridesmaids dresses

seem to become even more costly, as they become more hideously styled, a dress that is taken from the 1950s, adds 30% to the price! Do your bridesmaids and their purses a favor and select dresses within the same theme or color/print palette so they look unique and stylish all while keeping a note of sameness thru the entire party. Here, we took 3 different styles of dresses, all with a leopard print pattern, that fit the body types and styles of the individual women. The stylish, on trend fashions, were all chosen from Modcloth.com and all were under $75.00!!! You can then accessorize them with their great bracelets or custom designs from designers like Jannette J and Creations by Lynn.

T

he little voices that always want to have you give away floral centerpieces at your wedding apparently

think you are throwing some type of PTA fundraiser and not celebrating your new life. Don’t worry about whether “Aunt Vera gets a centerpiece” in this brand new trend, send everyone home with a part of the centerpiece, in their stomachs. Forget about the multi tiered behemoths of wedding cakes past, and look at the new creations invented by Sabrina Kuratana of “a cake dream”. These smaller, themed cakes can be the centerpiece of every table and even accented with floral rings and candles, to give a new idea some familiarity. Further accents like textured tablecloths, dishes and chargers and chairs that add to your environment are all available from Classic Party Rentals. This new wedding cake has several benefits, firstly, it is easier to serve, as it is already on each table. Furthermore, it allows you to create different flavors of cakes and icings that can delight all of your guest’s taste buds.

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 25

F

loral designs can be suited to the needs of your theme and your personal style as a couple. Not all weddings need to fall back on using only roses and lilies. What you can see here, in designs by Pennylyn Kaine of Blossom and the Bee, the bouquets are gorgeous and exotic looking hydrangeas wrapped in a corresponding leopard print fabric. What you see with the men’s boutineers are the combination of various greens like seeded eucalyptus combined with peacock feathers. Not only are these stylish and on point with the theme, they are sleeker and lower profile than many traditional flowers that always wind up drooping and wilting on the lapel, during the day.

N

ow that I have you looking at the men in our wedding photos, I’m sure you have noticed their faces have been “themed” as well. Now, I don’t expect this type of involvement from all bridal parties, but it can be done. Their make up took about 15 minutes each by Face paint by Jan and lasted for several hours without retouching, during our shoot. It also came off easily with soap and water. Even the groom, styled as a peacock, left behind no hints of blue on his face. This type of make up allowed us to go dramatic and high fashion with the hair and make up of the bride and her bridesmaids. The fantastically talented staff from Pure Energy Hair Salon crafted these looks that worked with each woman’s individual style but carried a cohesiveness thru the party.

Their extensive work in NY Fashion shows was displayed in that concept.

Not every bridal party has to use only glamour make up and soft pastels. You can bring the drama and the beauty, without having to look like Joan Collins.

H

opefully, these pictures, and our ideas have now given you enough confidence and inspiration so your voice will know be the only one you hear when planning your special day. Unfortunately, we still can’t help you with a way to get out of inviting your cousin Brenda.

Hair: Pure Energy | Florals: Blossom and the Bee | Makeup: Face Art by Jan | Rentals Classic Party Rental | Photography: Al Ojeda Photography | Venue: Garden Vista Ballroom | Jewelry: Janette J. | Jewelry: Creations by Lynn | Bakery: A Cake Dream Women’s Attire: Modcloth | Wedding Dress: Pretty Pear Bride by Shafonne

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 27

Charm City Cakes West Charm City Cakes was founded in Baltimore on March 3, 2002 when Chef Duff Goldman discovered the time demands from his day job in the kitchen weren’t allowing him the freedom to try his hand at a new career: playing bass as a working musician in a rock band.

Charm City Cakes is known for outlandish designs, inspired and delicious cakes, yummy flavors, and be it a birthday, bar-mitzvah, wedding, or movie premiere, a constant commitment to making clients’ wishes come to fruition. In the Spring of 2011, Duff packed up the combined talent and knowledge gained in over 10 years in business by the entire crew of Charm City Cakes, loaded up his trucks, and headed towards Los Angeles to open up the left coast expansion: Charm City Cakes West.

Charm City Cakes West has expanded into a group of artists who individually are amazing, but as a collective grew to become unparalleled in the art and craft of cake decorating. Several of the individuals, Katherine Hill and Anna Ellison created masterpieces all their own. Check out some of their fabulous designs from their collections.

Katherine Hill

Kenzo

Pepper Mint

textured silver leopard-snake gum paste wrapped over the top tier, pale pink fondant tier with bold striped grosgrain ribbon, sugar paste ranunculus

Blue

two shades of deep blue fondant with a golden gum paste medallion, pom

Mint

textured silver leopard-snake gum paste wrapped over the top tier, offset 30 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Plush

top tier coated in coarse red sanding sugar, hand painted jungle leaf

Faye

Anna Ellison Clara

sugar flowers w/edible pearl details, silver metallic, striped pleating, lace

Antoinete

hand sculpted sugar flowers

Billie

gumpaste flowers, pleating, cutout lace and piping details, metallic 31 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine florals,

Yves

delicate, sage to white ombre sugarpaste ruffle design.

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 31

Planning

What..I CAN have an Excellent Marriage?

By Jacqueline Richard

P

lanning a wedding is an exciting, creative (and sometimes challenging!) adventure that ideally includes both bride and groom. Together you’ll plan that very special, once-in-alifetime day. You’ll take care to include hopes and dreams of the perfect wedding you’ve probably been collecting for years. Finally your special day is almost here!

Creating your wedding is just the beginning; it sets the stage for something even more important that so easily can get lost in fun and distraction of your engagement and wedding planning.

Planning a marriage really means creating a blueprint for the life you’d like to lead together. Even couples who’ve been living together for a while before marriage or who have already been together for a long time find that being married is a step forward. You’re begin32 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

ning a new life chapter together.

When we think of blueprints, we often think of building a house. Creating an excellent marriage is a lot like building a good home. Like a strong house, it needs a strong foundation. The foundation of an excellent marriage is unconditional love.

Just as there are four main corners of a home, the same is true for a strong marriage. Intimacy is one cornerstone of a healthy marriage, and it’s always built on trust and communication. Also built on trust is commitment, a second cornerstone. Acceptance of each other just as you are is a third cornerstone, and the fourth cornerstone is respect. Think of trust and communication as the supporting structure holding the walls together, and you’ve got the framework for your new married life.

Maybe you’ve been in homes, maybe even your own, where you instantly feel a sense of warmth and safety. We might say it has heart and soul. A good marriage has heart and soul, too, created by gratitude and forgiveness. Forgiving your partner offers a personal gift to yourself as well. I think of it as a gift of the heart. When you’ve been hurt, disappointed, or in some way wronged, forgiveness is the way to find freedom from the resentment that hardens our hearts and causes us to become self-focused and selfish. Resentment is stressful and causes us to suffer.

It becomes a weapon we use against ourselves because it closes the door to the flow of love. Resentment is also a destructive force in the wholeness and integrity of marriage. When we forgive, we let go of a need for revenge. When we forgive, we let go of bitterness and resentment. It’s liberating! The enemy we imagined in our partner vanishes; he

Casey Fatchett Photography

or she is no longer our enemy. That act of forgiving helps us to be stronger, more compassionate, and happier. It’s much easier and healthier than resenting.

When we are in gratitude, we are radiant. We find pleasure in small things and in helping others. We’re happy to be alive, and the difficulties in our lives, while they may still be there, take a back seat to our appreciation of life itself.

When we are in gratitude, we experience a love of life, and we are freer to give and receive love. So, gratitude is an essential part of creating and increasing intimacy in relationships. When partners feel appreciated by their significant other, they feel more appreciative of their significant other. Partners who feel appreciation for each other are more responsive to each other’s needs, and commitment deepens. Studies show us that couples that are responsive to each other’s needs are more likely to remain together because their needs in relationship are being met; their marriage stays strong.

You may be thinking by now, “Oh, no, with all we have to do to plan this wedding, how do we plan our whole life together, too!” Remember that creating an excellent marriage is an evolving process that unfolds over time! You’ve already begun, and you’ll continue for years to come. Most likely, you’re already creating your four cornerstones, built on a foundation of unconditional love, supported by trust and communication.

bling blocks that seem to be in the way of progress, don’t hesitate, together, to get some help from a wise, loving third party, such as a trusted friend or relative, pastor, or counselor. By taking care to communicate, accept, respect, and trust each other, your emotional intimacy will grow; you’ll be in the process of creating the excellent marriage you want and deserve.

Jacqueline received

What to do next? Set aside a time sometime soon, when you and your partner can relax and talk about what you’ve built together so far. Do any of the cornerstones need attention or additional support? What do you want this marriage you’ll call home to look like?

What do you want it to feel like? Imagine, together, that you are fine-tuning the blueprint of your new life together.

Richard her

Doctor

of Clinical Psychology degree from Ryokan College in Los Angeles.

She is a psychotherapist in private practice in Santa Barbara, CA, specializing in Relationships and Sexuality. She is an adjunct professor at Ryokan College and is a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. She is the author of Divinely Attuned,

Your blueprint might be the focus of many private, loving conversations together as you approach your wedding day. If you come across some stum-

available online at balboapress.com, barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com. Her website is www.JacquelineRichardPsyD.com

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 33

Planning

Always the Bridesmaid And Loving It! Bachelorette Parties

By Kristina Denise

I

’m Kristina Denise, frequent bridesmaid and I’m switching the popular saying Always the Bridesmaid, never the Bride around. I say Always the Bridesmaid….

And Loving It! A bridesmaid is an integral part of the wedding party and shoulders a lot of responsibility. This column will provide fun, practical advice from one bridesmaid to another.

Summer 2013 If you’re a bridesmaid or maid of honor, chances are you have “plan the Bachelorette party” on your checklist. The term Bachelorette party is a spin on the bridegroom’s bachelor party. Traditionally the groom’s friends would take him out for a final night of fun before the wedding. Well, we all know what 34 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

men can do, women can do better, and in heels, so over time the bachelorette party was born!

It’s heating up outside, here are some tips on how you can make your bachelorette party sizzle.

2. Is alcohol a must at your bachelorette?

3. Do you want a Girls Night Out or a Girls Night In, or both?

4. Would male entertainment be the highlight of the night or just a super, blush inducing embarrassment?

First, know your bride’s character Some brides-to-be want a wild night of drinking, naughty games and a male dancer might even make an appearance; whereas some future brides just want a quiet dinner with close friends. Ask the bride these questions to see which category fits her best: 1. If you were a Sex and the City character, would you be no nonsense Miranda, prim and proper Charlotte, flirtatious Carrie, or wild, anything goes Samantha?

Judging from her answers you’ll know if the bride-to-be wants to have a wild night out, a mild night out or a quiet girls’ night in.

Here are some bachelorette party ideas ranging from wild to mild. Do them all or mix and match to fit your bride’s personality: • Did someone say Party…Bus? - Party buses often fit up to 20 passengers and come complete with strobe lights and music. Some even offer VIP club passes

Jessica OH Photography

that allow access to different night clubs for your guests. The bridal party can foot the bill or ask each guest to bring a small amount to help cover expenses.

who tore a ligament in her knee and had to wear a leg brace for two months! But it was totally worth it! Although, I bet she might see it differently.

• Slumber Party- this can be the main event or can come after you go out for the night. Have a cutest pajama’s and heels contest, or watch a fun wedding related moving, like Bridesmaids.

• Create a specialty drink in honor of your bride and arrange in advance for the bartender to serve it.

• Dinner and drinks - Try to spice it up by giving the bride her own drinking glass.

Try the Lolita brand, Lolita wedding Martini glass. There a lot of fun designs in this series. Or try the hand painted glasses from newcomer to the glass art industry, Passion Joy Creations. Passion Joy offers customization as well. You can check out those designs here: www. facebook.com/PassionJoyCreations.

• Decorate, decorate, decorate - Visit www.Partycity.com, www.bachelorettepartysuperstore.com or similar sites for decorations such as a sash and tiara for your bachelorette. They also have a wide range of games you can purchase and play during your party.

Whatever you decide, keep your bride and your guests in mind, the bachelorette party should be fun for all. Remember, treat the bride to be like you would want to be treated, because today you’re the bridesmaid and tomorrow you just might be the bride. ☺

• Go to a drag queen show.

Kristina Denise is a sci-fi loving, bibliophile, and self proclaimed

Black

American Princess.

She’s a communications

specialist

by trade; writing newsletters, press releases, and memorandums and, a social butterfly by nature.

When she’s not watching politics, organizing bridal

• Champagne brunch - If your bride doesn’t drink, just brunch is fine too.

showers and bachelorette parties; she’s ripping the runway as a plus size model. She’s fiercely loyal to family and friends and thanks God for them

• Find a place with a mechanical bull. Yes it’s as fun as it looks. But be careful and stretch first, I know a bridesmaid

• Try a pot luck - Everyone brings a dish and a memory to share about the bride.

everyday. She can be reached on Twitter @_KristinaDenise.

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 35

“Boston Strong”

Chic Boston Library Shoot O

n April 16th me and my amazing team of vendors were scheduled to photograph a Boston Library inspired styled shoot for Pretty Pear Bride Magazine. On April 15th two bombs went off near the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon killing 3 people and injuring 264. Rather than finalizing designs for our styled shoot, we were all on lockdown for 24-48 hours as the FBI located and found the criminals.

We knew that canceling this styled shoot would mean we allowed those criminals to place fear into our hearts.

Instead, we regrouped and changed our approach. I ventured back into that Boston area along with two of my close vendor friends. We focused on showcasing the strength of Boston. Highlighting the strong lines on our designs with the soft and quiet emotions we all felt inside.

Through this tragedy came a city united as one. Strong enough to stand up as one. Strong enough to heal as one family. – JennieDee owner/stylist JD Designs ‘The One Fund Boston was established through the generosity of businesses, foundations and individual donors. It was created at the request of Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. Donate at onefundboston.org

{Library}

Photography: Person + Killian

Photography | Stylist: JD Designs | Location: The Hampshire House

| Stationery: Lynn

Graham Designs | Chair Rental: Taylor Ren-

tals Haverhill {Dress} Photography: Lea St. Germain Photography | Flowers Exquisite Linens and Florals | Belt: Something Treasured Gown: Pretty Pear Bride by Shafonne Myers Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 39

Styled Shoot

Vintage Bridal Shoot

By Photography

by Valerie

40 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

T

his is a vintage-inspired bridal session. Very chic, classy and simple. Natural colors and beauty are displayed.

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 41

42 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Photography: Photography by Valerie | MUA: Niki Monty Studios Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 43

Health and Beauty

Eight under $10 Beauty Products

By Alicia Crabtree

2

Perfect for workouts

1

Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser, $10

This natural, hydration cleanser will banish that dry, tight feeling while not over-oiling your skin during your workout.

Pantene Expert Collection AgeDefy Shampoo, $9

The gym can get unbearably humid and we all know when it’s humid, frizz is bound to follow. Exile the frizz with this all-around problem-solving shampoo.

4

CoverGirl + Olay Concealer Balm, $9

44 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

If you’re like me, you can’t leave the house without at least a bit of makeup to cover those small flaws, and the gym is no exception. Well this is the best concealer out there that won’t get cakey due to the hydrating serum recipe.

3

Jergens Daily Moisture Dry Skin Moisturizer, $7

At the gym, it is inevitable that you will be showing some skin.

Coming off of the winter season, smooth out those rough spots with this once a day moisturizer filled with proteins and citrus acids.

5

Coppertone OilFree Faces SPF 50, $9.45

If you’re jogging or biking or swimming outside this summer as your daily workout routine, make sure you lather up. This oil-free sunscreen will keep you protected without the threat of breakouts.

6

Almay Oil-Free Makeup Remover Towelettes, $6.09 This product is vital after every workout. These towelettes not only remove makeup but also dirt and oil that has gotten trapped in your pores. With Aloe and cucumber, these towelettes condition and hydrate at the same time. They’re also fragrance-free and feel like cotton to the skin.

7 8

St. Ives Fresh Skin Invigorating Apricot Scrub, $4.25 I have been using this scrub for years. It shluffs off dry, flakey skin while leaving your skin smooth and rejuvenated. Plus, it’s completely natural.

Secret Clinical Strength Soothing Stress Sweat Protection Deodorant, $7.99

If you’re a regular gym-goer, this deodorant is a must.

It’s ultrastrong and keeps you from sweating while soothing your skin.

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 45

Health and Beauty

Become a Glamazon...

Simple Tips to Glam Up Your Look

Most women would agree that getting ready for a night out on the town is much more exciting than getting ready for a typical day. Dressing up, adding some shine or a little extra sparkle to your outfit can give your mood a boost whether it’s for a special occasion or a regular day.

If you’re concerned that dressing up your daily ensemble will take your look over the top, remember that it’s all about adding the right touches. Think of it as bringing added interest to a basic look, rather than wearing the same items you’d wear to a party. And if you are headed to a special event, some extra touches can make your look that much more show-stopping.

“Adding a bit of glamour to any outfit serves two purposes,” says Janette Ewen, style expert for PANDORA Jewelry. “It gives an added touch of refinement - and fun - to your workday looks, but it also makes you feel special. When you’re well dressed, you feel your best - it’s really as simple as that.”

To make date night, lunch with friends or even a day at the office a little more special, follow Ewen’s tips for adding glam touches to your wardrobe. * Stand out. “Opt for pieces that will set you apart from 46 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

the crowd, whether it’s a brightly colored article of clothing, a striking pair of shoes or attention-grabbing jewelry,” Ewen says. PANDORA’s Winter collection features charms with pave-set stones in a variety of colors that add shine and sparkle.

Ewen. Avoid piling on big earrings, statement necklaces, lots of rings and stacks of bracelets all together. The right amount of sparkle will make your look sophisticated; too much is simply too much.

* Choose an area of focus. If your blouse is boldly colored, let that be the “star” item, and make the rest of your clothes and accessories the supporting cast. “Picking one area to focus on keeps your look classy, rather than overdone,” adds Ewen.

* Wear with confidence. No matter how you choose to accessorize or highlight your look, wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Ewen points out that you don’t need to go outside your style in order to make your look more glamorous - simply add a little shine to a look that’s perfectly your own.

* Shop for transitional pieces. When you’re at the mall or a clothing boutique, look for items that can be worn day to night with the help of the right accessories. Some blouses can be perfectly work-appropriate when topped by a blazer, and then be ready for a night on the town with the addition of jewelry or a different pair of shoes. “I love to pop the collar on a simple white blouse and add long, layered necklaces,” suggests Ewen.

No matter the season, what you wear can have an effect on how you feel. So whether you’re planning what to wear to holiday festivities or the perfect items to pack for vacation, keep these tips in mind to look and feel your best. For more inspiration, visit www.pandora.net, or to give the gift of glam, go to www.PandoraGiftAdvisor.com.

* Don’t overdo it. “If you choose to focus on jewelry, feel free to stack sparkling bracelets against neutral clothing,” says Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 47

Health and Beauty

It’s ALL about the Boobies...

Bra Questions 101

By Jene Luciani

Q: What Is The Most Common Mistake Women Make When Trying To Find Their Correct Bra Size?

A: NOT understanding HOW sizing works. Most women just take what the person tells them in the store but doesn’t understand how or why that number and letter came to be.

That’s why I wrote The Bra Book (BenBella Books, 2009) – to help women get educated and empowered BEFORE they hit the stores.Q: Which designs are your favorites to do?

Q: My straps painfully dig into my shoulders. What can I do?

A: You can look for wider straps with some cushioning (like on the “Oprah” bra by Le Mystere) OR try getting sized…sometimes dig in can occur if your band is too small.

Q: What’s the #1 mistake full-figured women make in sizing a bra?

A: They think they are a larger band size or they go up as far in the band size as possible to find a bra that fits at a mass market store, when really maybe they need more of a specialty shop or brand that can offer a wider variety of sizes.

48 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Q: Why are the bottom of my breasts often red or bruised?

AThis is awful if this is happening to you!!! It means your underwire is riding up and digging into your breast tissue – not good. Most likely, you need a larger cup size.

Q: Why do I need a wider band along the back of my bra?

A:You don’t NEED this per se but it is helpful in eliminating any bulges around the back, and also the band offers the bulk of the support so a wider band will offer a lil’ more support!

Q: What’s the best type of bra for a full figured bride to wear with her wedding gown?

A: IA traditional long-line bra is a great option for offering lots of support and structure underneath the gown that will last all night long!

Jene’ Luciani ~ www.JeneLuciani.com Style & Beauty Expert * Bra Guru * TV Personality *As seen regularly on NBC’s TODAY, The Wendy Williams Show, E! News & Dr. Oz *Also seen on Access Hollywood, Ricki Lake, Anderson Cooper, The Nate Berkus Show, THE BETTER SHOW, BRAVO-TV, STYLE, OXYGEN Bestselling Author, The Bra Book: The Fashion Formula to Finding the Perfect Bra (BenBella, 2009)

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 49

Health and Beauty

Ultimate Wedding Workout

by Lisa Corsello

Biceps

W

edding gowns especially popular during summer celebrations often include strapless and sleeveless styles. More often, I see brides who really want to try to tighten and tone their arms. The best areas to target will be the biceps and shoulders.

Biceps Target the entire bicep by changing the way you rotate the weights as you lower and lift. Begin with basic bicep curls with your elbows in and palms facing up. Repeat 20 times.

Make sure you aren’t using your wrists to pull the weights up.

Continue to do your bicep curls but slowly begin to rotate so that you begin the curl with your palms facing each other and halfway up, gently rotate the weights so that your palms face up. As you lower, reverse the rotation. Repeat 20 times. Complete the set by doing 20 hammer curls, with palms facing each other the entire time.

Shoulders Begin with arms down, palms facing the thighs (weights hovering about one inch in front of thighs). Slowly raise the arms up to shoulder height and lower stopping just before weights touch the thighs. Repeat 15-20 times. Continue to raise arms but slowly rotate the palms out with your thumbs up and pinkies down, palms facing one another. Make sure not to use the wrists or shrug the shoulders. Repeat 15-20 times. Just like the bicep set, finish with both palms facing each other and repeat 15-20 times.

Shoulder Exercise 50 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

For strapless or low v-cut gowns, brides should focus on targeting their chest and triceps.

Plank Up

Chest/Triceps Push-ups can be done anywhere and, if done correctly, can tone the chest, triceps, and even the abs. Begin with hands slightly wider than shoulders, fingers spread evenly on the ground. On the knees or toes, push-ups are easy to modify.

Make sure the shoulders are above the hands so that as you lower, your elbows bend out at 90 degrees. Lower until you’re about 2 inches from the ground, exhale, draw the belly button towards the spine, and push back up to starting position. Do as many as you can. Make sure to lead with your chest, rather than with your forehead, and keep your abs engaged. When your form begins to suffer, take a break and then repeat when you’re ready. For the next set, bring your hands shoulder width apart and lower your body, keeping your elbows close to your sides. Aim to actually feel your elbows skim your sides as you lower down and up. This should feel more challenging than traditional push-ups because your triceps (smaller muscles) are being targeted. Repeat both sets 3-4 times with plenty of breaks in between to avoid wrist strain.

Brides who plan on wearing a slim-fitted, silhouette-style gown on their big day will want to focus on tightening their midsection. Abs and upper body exercises are key to looking perfect in these types of gowns.

Core and Upper Body Plank-ups are very challenging, but they’re worth it! Begin in a basic plank position making sure that your hands are firmly planted on the ground and your shoulders are directly above the hands. Keep your abs engaged and try to think about the back of your neck getting longer to avoid neck strain. Hold the position for 10 seconds. Slowly, without placing your knees on

the ground, lower your body down one elbow at a time starting with your right arm. You should now be in a forearm or “dolphin” plank. Hold for 10 seconds, and then raise your body up by placing your right hand on the ground. Remember to keep your abs engaged, as this is still a plank. Repeat the first 2 steps, leading with the left hand.

Next, rotate to the side so you’re in a side plank on your right forearm (gives your wrists a break and focuses on obliques).

Hold for 30 seconds. Come back to a forearm plank facing the floor, tighten the core, and rotate to the left so that you’re now in a forearm plank on your left side. Be sure that your shoulder is directly over your elbow and that your hips are stacked. Hold for 30 seconds.

Focus on these target areas 3-4 weeks prior to the wedding, and look flawless as you take that special walk down the aisle.

Lisa is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, nutrition consultant and group fitness instructor who works with clients to create customized, chnique She has successfully adapted and applied her methods to clients with a wide range of abilities and capabilities; absolute beginners needing basic knowledge, enthusiasts who want to increase lean body mass and reduce body fat, people recovering from sports injuries or serious illness, and professional athletes in training. Lisa, a Lululemon Athletica Ambassador, has been a featured fitness expert on WebMDas well as inMy Family Doctor Magazine, LowCarb Magazine, Current Health Magazine, and Cornell University’s Food & Fitness Advisor newsletter. In fact, Lisa is a regularly featured fitness expert on the KPIX Weekend Morning Show.

Lisa is currently a contributing fitness expert on SingleMindedWomen.com. Website: http://www.burnsf.com/

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 51

Fashion

Fashion Fierce: What’s in the Jewelry Box?

by LaNette Kincaide What’s in the jewelry box? This summer we are all about colors. Yes, the bolder the better. Jewelry with color is perfect for beach and destination weddings. Since most wedding dresses are white, beige and now black adding bold colored accessories are the perfect solution to the bland and predictable wedding looks.

Brides remember it doesn’t hurt to add a little color to the occasion, but as with any wedding fashion trend you don’t want to over-do it. It’s more about you, your dress and your big day. Remember pops of color are always fabulous.

Here’s are some helpful hints: •

Wear pops of color such as a flashy bracelets, necklaces or earrings

•

Wear a color that shows your style and personality

•

Don’t mix too many colors

LaNette Kincaide is currently the owner of Just Pearlz.com, a jewelry, accessory and fashion consultant company. Since opening Just Pearlz. LaNette has been featured in Crave Fort Worth, Alive Magazine, and Taste Texas Magazine. In addition to writing for the Examiner, Kincaide offers her fashion insights to Fort Worth Black News and now Pretty Pear Bride.

52 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 53

Fashion

Q: Who is Kemi Farquharson?

A: I am the Plus Size Bridal Designer & Creative Entrepreneur behind Kemi Boutique I specialise in Curvy Couture Wedding Dresses, offering both both a bespoke and pre-ordered collection. My collection ranges from classic, elegant to cultured and daring bridal gowns. Inspired by travel and colour my collections have had international interest from London, to Lagos to Brazil.

Q: Do you only design wedding dresses?

A: Predominantly I am a plus size bridal designer, although I also design plus size evening and cocktail dresses. I also have a couture fragrance “First Love” a seductive fragrance for intimate occasions. I really love what I do and put a lot of love into my work.

Q: Why did you choose Plus Size bridal over mainstream bridal designing?

A: When I decided to become a designer there was little choice available to women in my size and above within the UK. I was and still am very passionate about offering choice, luxury and a

54 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

World Renowed Plus Size Bridal Designer “Kim Farquharson”

great service to curvy women, this passion stems from some of my own personal experiences when looking for a wedding dress as a plus size woman. I really love offering a personal service and to create wonderful designs that bring to life the dreams the bride-to-be has for her special day.

Q: Is the design process for a curvy wedding dress different from a standard dress?

A: Certainly, designing a fuller figure dress is very different as women’s bodies are very unique in shape and proportion beyond a size 14. I start my bespoke design service with a complementary consultation and style assessment, looking at the various styles that would best flatter the bride. Once the silhouette is set as a foundation we have fun looking at different designs, fabric choices and finishing. From that point the process remains the same, we undertake detailed measurements and create the toile. Once the measurements are tested we create the gown; 2 to 3 fittings can be expected before the gown is complete, the whole process takes around 5 months.

Q: What is your top tip for picking a wedding dress?

A: Set a budget! When visiting a designer or boutique share you budget as early on as possible so that they can best guide you. There is nothing worse than falling in love with a dress you may not be able to afford. Also remember the dress is only a part of the overall cost. Shoes, headpieces, jewellery.. they all need to be considered.

Q: Q) What would you say is the most flattering style of wedding dress?

A: That will depend on the shape and height of the bride-tobe. Start by looking at the dresses you absolutely love and look great in, this is a great way to workout shapes that work for your body. When you first try on dresses pick different styles but not lots of dresses within the same style! Once you get your shape right you can try on a few options.

Q: What projects are you currently working on?

A: I am creating a new an exciting plus size event - Loving Your Curves. It is the UK’s First Plus Size Wedding Fair & Fuller Figured Expo. We are creating a unique platform of Plus Size Bridal, Fashion, Lifestyle and Beauty. The Expo will kick start the event on the Saturday with Fashion runway shows; a variety of lifestyle, beauty and styling workshops; plus size and fashion vendors and a beauty lounge. Whilst the Sunday will showcase suppliers of award winning and designer wedding essentials; Bridal & Fashion runway shows; a variety of wedding expert lead workshops and of cause our beauty lounge which is being sponsored by CSG Makeup & Beauty and Premae Skincare. {Where to find Kemi} http://www.kemiboutique.com, http://www.lovingyourcurves.co.uk, http://www.csgmakeupandbeauty.co.uk, http://premaeskincare. com

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 55

Fashion

Get Swept away.. with ModCloth’s Great Gatsby Inspired Swimwear

Pelagic Gal Two Pieces

Bathing Beauty One Piece in Wild

56 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Coupe of Tea One Piece

Fruity Suity One Piece

Composed by the Pool One Piece

Bathing Beauty One Piece in Cobalt

In a Splash One Piece

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 57

CoverShoot Shoot Cover

“Inspired by a woman’s curves, Empress Lingerie, presents their second collection of luxurious lingerie and swimwear. Designed to flatter and accentuate feminine curves, Empress’ pieces are beautiful, sensual and vintage inspired, perfect for a dreamy wedding night or a romantic honeymoon retreat.”

Photography: Empire Photography | Model: Kori Spencer | Stylist/MUA: Beauty Box | Attire: Empress Lingerie 58 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 59

Cover Shoot

60 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 61

Travel Fashion

62 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Empress Lingerie and Swimwear

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 63

Travel the resorts From

MADE FOR LOVE

Your new life together begins in a paradise where everything is included.

“Where are you going on your honeymoon?” That’s the question everyone will be asking as you plan your wedding.

So when you tell them, “We’re going to Sandals,” don’t be surprised when you hear a lot of oohs and ahs in return.

After all, nobody does honeymoons better than Sandals® ® Resorts. A Sandals Luxury Included Honeymoon gives you more ways to begin your new life together in paradise. Here, love is all you need, because we include everything else. So you can do it all or nothing at all. Play together on land, with every land sport imaginable—including championship golf†.

Explore together on or below the sea, with every watersport under the sun—even unlimited scuba diving* is included. At the end of the day, an impossibly luxurious, incredibly unique suite awaits—perhaps one with butler service. And there’s nothing more romantic than a firepit at the edge of the sea.

No one offers more choices, with 18 distinctive types of cuisine served at up to 15 specialty restaurants, up to 10 bars where premium brand liquors are always on the house, and parties around the clock, every day. It really is the honeymoon of your dreams…and the perfect start to the perfect marriage.

†Greens fees additional at Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas. In Jamaica and Saint Lucia, caddies are mandatory, but not included. *Scuba included for certified divers. PADI resort dive courses and night dives are available for a nominal fee. Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is the affiliate of the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.

64 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

enjoy the

HONEYMOON of a lifetime

Love Is All You Need

®

A Caribbean Family-Owned Company

World's Leading Honeymoon Resort

JAMAICA • ANTIGUA • SAINT LUCIA • BAHAMAS • GRENADA

More Quality Inclusions Than Any Other Resorts On The Planet

Visit Pretty Pear Bride to start enjoying your honeymoon! www.prettypearbride.com/sandals

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 65

DO I DO. ATLANTIC CITY STYLE

Atlantic City has a dozen full-service casino resorts with numerous honeymoon suite options, along with several first-class non-casino hotels – there are a myriad of ways to “Do AC” on a fun, romantic honeymoon.

The Rockstar Suite at The Chelsea boutique hotel in Atlantic City features four rooms including a sunroom with a balcony, and the Foundation Room suites at House of Blues in the Showboat, where top entertainers stay when they play at the House of Blues showroom, feature loft-style bedrooms.

Enjoy the lap of luxury together. Atlantic City’s elegant day spas can pamper you both with couples’ rooms and massage treatments.

Set sail on your new life together. There are a number of small boat charters available for fishing or cruising in Atlantic City’s calm back bays or the Atlantic Ocean.

The couple that plays together, stays together. Enjoy a twosome at one of the 20-plus championship caliber golf courses within about a half hour of Atlantic City, including Atlantic City Country Club where the term “birdie” was coined, or the Stockton Seaview Golf Resort, where an annual LPGA tournament held.

66 Pretty Pearis Bride Magazine

He won your heart, now win a token of your honeymoon. Steel Pier and Central Pier amusement piers have old-fashioned midways where you can win prizes.

You’ll look sweet on a bicycle built for two. Bike riding is permitted on the famed Boardwalk from 6-10 a.m. Better yet, you can snuggle into a Rolling Chair – a wicker chair pushed along the Boardwalk.

Watch your boat (or someone else’s) come in.

The Deck and the Chart House restaurant at Golden Nugget have beautiful views overlooking the state marina. In addition, the restaurants and the Atlantic City Aquarium at Gardner’s Basin offer bay and boat views.

Get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, bays and tributaries surrounding Atlantic City from atop the Absecon Lighthouse or Lucy the Elephant, two of the area’s most-loved historic attractions.

Beach views and sunsets were made for honeymooners. You can enjoy them from elegant spots like the Sky Garden at Revel (snuggled next to a fire pit if it’s chilly), or the deck at the end of The Pier Shops, extended 900 feet into the ocean.

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 67

1.888.AC VISIT • www.doatlanticcity.com

Boudoir Shoots

Happy Birthday Baby

By Jen Sinclair Photography

Heather decided that a boudoir photo shoot would make the perfect surprise for her husband’s birthday!

MUA: Makeup By Krisa Rose| Hair Stylist: Wave Hair Studio | Model: Heather

68 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Happy New Years

By Jen Sinclair Photography Melissa won a New Year’s Eve Boudoir Giveaway! She’d lost over 100 pounds and wanted to celebrate that achievement!

MUA: Makeup By Krisa Rose| Hair Stylist: Wave Hair Studio | Model: Melissa Smith Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 69

Couples Boudoir Session

By Jen Sinclair Photography

MUA: Makeup By Krisa Rose| Hair Stylist: Elijah Greene | Model: Stacy McGuire

70 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

The Secrets to Preparing for the Perfect Boudoir Photoshoot

By Bad Girl Photography

B

oudoir. You hear the word being thrown around, especially now that you’re engaged. But it terrifies you and sends heaps of thoughts bouncing through your head. Is boudoir something I can do? What do I wear? I’m too nervous.

And I’m totally not photogenic. But will the photographer help me? I secretly would love to do this. But how do I prepare?

It is important for you to know that anyone can do a boudoir photoshoot. No matter her age, shape, size, no matter how nervous or non-photogenic-when you have the right tools as a client matched together with an experienced boudoir photographer, breathtaking images can be created.

Here are the secrets to preparing for an amazing boudoir photoshoot: Do some research.

Is there are particular style you are interested in?

Traditional boudoir? Or maybe something more pinup? Research a variety of photographers to see what you like most. Get familiar with their portfolios and blogs. Do you notice a variety of body types, ages

and skin tones of their clients? Can you relate with any of the women? Having a variety in their portfolio can be reassuring that they have more experience posing and photographing women across the board.

Tip: Don’t limit yourself to only local photographers.

Look at this as a once-in-a-lifetime experience--an amazing keepsake you’ll have forever. You want these to be from your favorite photographer then, right?

Boudoir is an investment, so making sure you choose your favorite photographer can play a huge role in your overall experience.

Plan your outfits.

Believe it or not, you don’t necessarily have to strip down or be nude for your boudoir session. Your man’s shirt and tie, or even a form-fitting corset, can be just as sexy as typical lingerie. Your photographer’s job is to coach you, pose you and create intimate images, meaning the outfit doesn’t necessarily have to do all the talking. Look for outfits that are going to accentuate the areas you’d like to show off as well as will de-emphasize or hide areas you’d prefer not to show.

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 71

Bring a variety of outfits, more than you need. Just in case. You may get halfway through your shoot and be inspired to do a different outfit instead of what you originally planned. Plan out your top outfits to make sure they aren’t too similar to each other. Again, you want to have a variety so your photos don’t all look the same.

Tip: The most important thing to remember about outfit planning is make sure it fits properly. If you aren’t too crazy about the way an outfit looks in the mirror or the way it fits, you more than likely will not like the way it looks in the photograph. Trust me. Choose something else.

Maintenance.

Tip: During the week leading up to your shoot, be sure to not only drink plenty of water during the day but apply lip balm or Vaseline on your lips every night before bed.

This will help to give you perfectly plump, soft sexy lips for your shoot.

Practice facial expressions.

Look through magazines and online. Practice and try out different facial expressions in the mirror. You’ll feel silly and may think all of your expressions look terrible, but just the effort of practicing will help prepare you for the photographer’s expression coaching. Facial expression is so important--it can make or break the photo.

Your expression is what gives the mood.

Get your nails and toes manicured. They will most likely show in the photos. Avoid applying fake tanner.

Natural skin color photographs best. Tans tend to look uneven, unnatural and orange in the photographs. And over-spray-tanned skin can be a problem for matching makeup--you want your face color to match your body color, right?

Tip: While staring in the mirror, try to smile at yourself, but only using your eyes--not your mouth. Then slowly add in a small smile with your mouth. And then try parting your lips slightly, like you’re having to breathe out of your mouth.

Get rest, drink water and arrive to your session sober.

You want to be alert and attentive in order to properly follow your photographer’s coaching. Don’t wear tight clothing before your session. It leaves marks and lines on your skin. Wear clear deodorant and don’t forget to shave or wax.

Having professional makeup and hairstyling is a must.

False eyelashes, a must. These are important factors that give you the right look for your photos. Having your makeup done also gives you time to sit down and relax before your shoot begins. And then seeing yourself all dolled up can help you “get into character”.

72 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Professional makeup.

MUA: Amanda Hopcraft| Photographer: Lindsay Pullen

Tip: Professional cosmetics are not the same as drug store cosmetics. Professional cosmetics photograph high definition in a studio setting as well as with professional camera equipment.

It is also important to have a professional makeup artist apply these cosmetics to ensure that it applied correctly.

Communicate with your photographer.

You have to be realistic that you may not absolutely love every single photo taken of you. Your photographer’s job is to make sure there are a fair amount that you do love however. So what can you do to ensure that you get tons of good ones? Be honest and up front with your photographer. Tell them what you are looking to do, what you like and what you don’t like. Also, don’t be shy about telling them any of your body insecurities. This information can be vital in making sure they get the right angles, poses and images you’ll love.

Tip: If there is a particular shot that you’ve seen and you want to try to recreate something similar, bring a sample photo for your photographer to see. This

will be a lot easier than trying to explain it. Keep in mind though, every photographer is different and every woman is different--so that exact photo may not work for you the same way. Tell your photographer you like it, but to do what they need to do to make it work for you.

Confidence.

It is easier said than done, but this is the time to leave your self consciousness at the door. Trust your photographer to capture your beauty. Their job is to know how to properly pose you, light you and photograph you to make you fall in love with your photos.

If you let yourself go and get into it, you will not only find yourself having a blast but you will see it--the confident woman--reflecting in your photos. And don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

It can’t hurt to just try it. The worst thing is to leave your shoot wishing you would’ve gotten the nerve to try a few shots out of your norm.

Tip: Make a playlist of your favorite tunes and bring it to play during your shoot.

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 73

When You Look In A Mirror...What do you see?

By Le Boudoir Studio

F

rom the moment we are little girls from one avenue to another we are surrounded with images and ideals of what women “should” look like.

We see women in magazines, on television and on the runways, modeling with their thin bodies.

It can set an unhealthy tone for a girl’s life if she is naturally curvy. There is no way that a naturally curvy woman will be able to exercise or diet enough to fit into a size zero, nor should she want to! Every woman is built in different ways and learning to embrace yourself and your body (yes all of it!) will promote more happiness and acceptance in life.

At Le Boudoir Studio we throw all of that “ideal” woman image garbage out of the window! We are here for each and every woman and believe that intimate photography is something every woman should partake in, no matter her dress size! We believe that plus size intimate photography is a beautiful thing! Any woman can look beautiful on camera and trust us once you see yourself all done up, you will FEEL 74 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 75

beautiful too! This is why Jodi Lynn does what she does!

Being able to make women and especially plus size women feel comfortable partaking in boudoir photography is an incredible feeling. We wish that more women would love themselves enough to be the pioneers for plus size boudoir photography. There is nothing more beautiful than a confident woman in our opinion. We wish we could erase any negative images or self-talk that us women have created in our own minds based on things we’ve been told, “ideal” women images and our own silly comparisons to the petite ladies. We believe ALL women are beautiful and deserve to feel so…period!

Writer: Tianna Leigh| Hair and Make-up: Beauty by Erica | Model: Amanda

76 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Bedroom Intimacy

By Tina Dolin Photography

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 77

Boudoir Shoot

MUA: Roxanne Jackson| Hair Stylist: Jennifer Fedock | Location: Stirling Mansion and Guest Hotel | Model: Chauncy Watts 78 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 79

Makeup Artist/Hair - Laura Marsh| Photography - Stormy Sloane for Rebel & Romance Boudoir Photography | Model: Alma White

80 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

International Bourdoir Shoots

By Rebel & Romance Boudoir Photography {London}

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 81

Makeup Artist - Lauren Christy| Photography - Stormy Sloane for Rebel & Romance Boudoir Photography | Hairstyling - Anita Daily | Model: Jada Sezer: 82 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 83

Makeup Artist - Debbie Purkiss | Photography - Stormy Sloane for Rebel & Romance Boudoir Photography | Model: Olivia Campbell

84 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 85

Leticia Dean Nadege Mardy-Spencer

Simply Intimate Sessions Nyree Thompson Makeup Artist - Joanna Kirchon| Stylist - Roxy Jones | Photography: Simply Intimate Sessions

Aimee Santerre 86 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Real RealWedding Weddings

Jill Gearhart & Brandon Stiffler

by Jessica Oh Photography

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 87

Engagements Brandon + Jill were married in October in Indiana, PA. Brandon, a musician, + Jill, a wedding photographer, incorporated adorable touches that reflected their quirky style + professions. Jill was an amazing DIY bride + her taste in style does not disappoint.

The lime green + hot pink color palette, as well as several DIY pieces was so fun to photograph. All the florals were handmade from buttons, guitar pics + wood.

88 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 89

Real Weddings

Justin & Chelsea Ligoncain

by The Roxy Studio

Theme: Classic with a touch of 1920/30s flair.

Wedding Colors: Black, Ivory, and Light Pink 90 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Photographer: The Roxy Studio Baker: Sweet Seduction Florist: inFiori DJ: AMS Entertainment Bride’s Attire: David’s Bridal Bridesmaid Attire: Watters, Brides by Demitrios Flower Girl: David’s Bridal Ceremony Location: Coxhall Gardens, Ritz Charles Reception Location: The Skyline Club

The reception tables were numbered and named. Each table had a number and a name for a famous person during the 1920s/30s. The backside of each frame had a brief bio and interesting fact about the famous person

My dress (the bride) was (surprisingly enough) from David’s Bridal. I wore two veils for the wedding, one traditional elbow veil and a birdcage vintage hat (for the reception). The bridesmaid dresses were Watters in the classic “toast” color. I wanted dresses that would complement all their body types as well as provide a classic, clean look. The flowers that we, held were made of peonies, ranunculus, garden roses and grey berries.

My bouquet was varying shades of white, ivory and light pink.

The flowers were made of peonies, ranunculus, garden roses and grey berries. My bouquet was varying shades of white, ivory and light pink.

All the stationary for the wedding was DIY’d by me – a marketing major at the time. They sported an Art Deco pattern.

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 91

Real Weddings

W

ildflower bouquets, trolley to take us to each location, paired with crazed Mizzou fans mad this a fun, unique wedding!

92 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Brandee Morris & Jeremy Sanders

by In His Image Film and Photo

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 93

Real Weddings

Hair Stylist: Jamie Miller Hair Parlour Floral Designer: Younga Floral & Design Dress Designer: Galina Signature Other: Aladdin Hotel Cake Designer: Christian Chicks Catering Makeup Artist: Amanda Williams Shoes: TOMS Transportation: Kool Nites Trolley Jewelry: Dean Fredrick, Etsy.com Tuxedo and Men’s Attire: Tiecoon Event Venue: The Pilgrim Chapel

Stephanie Young & Jamie Sarver

by Megan Garrison Photography Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 95

Real Weddings

S

tephanie + James have been planning for a September 2013 wedding, but they decided they could not wait a second longer to officially be husband and wife, so about a week and half before their engagement session she called to ask if I would be okay shooting a small ceremony for them instead. She put together this small intimate wedding in a week and a half.

Here children and his father were their attendants.

It was a beautiful ceremony that will be in her and her children’s eyes forever!

96 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 97

Real Weddings

Summer and James Babiarz

by Casey Fatchett Photography

The Bakers at Buffington designed our fabulous cake (salted caramel filling yum!). All of the buttons on the cake are edible and the scalloped bits are based on my dress.

98 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

The overall inspiration behind this wedding was the cottage that the Dashwood sisters are forced to take up in the classic chick flick, Sense and Sensibility. As a devoted detail movie nerd I have soaked in every detail of their space in that film. Victorian sure....stuffy no. I wanted the formality and grandeur of Victoria but I wanted the warmth and functionality of the Dashwood cottage. Most of all I wanted no white. I wanted warm, candle glow colors pinks, creams, champagnes, peachs, taupes and dusty blues. We really fell in love with Meredith Manor as they had gorgeous historical grounds, a brand new tent and an amazing catering staff. Mimi and Mike make everything easy and let you DIY a ton of stuff. Buttons became an easy theme as I sew so much and had a ton of fferent. We used buttons from our grandmother’s and grandfather’s collection. It was a very personal way to make me feel that they were with us.

Floral Designer: Strogus’ Flower Shop & Greenhouses Musicians: Bowman String Quartet Reception Venue: Meredith manor Cake Designer: Bakers of Buffington DJ: Main Line Executive Entertainment Shoes: David’s Bridal Men’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 99

Feature

Dina Davos Exclusive Designer for Kleinfeld...... catering to plus size brides

100 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 101

Feature

102 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 103

Feature

104 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 105

Feature

106 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 107

www.prettypearbride.com