Something Blue Fall 2009

Premiere Issue Vol. 1 No.1 Fall 2009

Real Weddings Modern Trends Timeless Traditions Southern Grace

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Table of Contents 5 6 8 16 20 24 28

8

Editor’s Letter Daisy Chain Bringin’ the Bling

Engagement Stories & Jewelry

You Are Invited

Stationery & Etiquette

Let’s Get This Party Started

Engagement Soirées, Showers, Rehearsal Dinners & more

44

Fashion Passion

48

Wedding Gowns, Formalwear & Accessories

Cover Story: Housewarming Gifts, Diamonds & Fast Cars

50

By Lindsay Biggers and Melissa L. Hickman Photography by Critsey Rowe

34 40

50

Feature Story: Lost & Found

By Allison Cooke Oliverius Photography by Indigo Photography

Castles In the Sky

20 44

52 56 60

Wedding & Reception Locales

66

48

68

Blooms & Plumes

Flowers, Rental & Décor

Eat, Drink, & Be In Love

Catering & Cocktails

Globetrotting

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons

Sweet Rewards

Cakes & Desserts

Happy Feet

Music, Entertainment & Dance

Telling the Timeless Story

Photography & Videography

Carolina Chronicles

Featuring fabulous weddings

After I Do

Finances, Homes & Babies

About the Cover Contents

24

Our lovely cover bride is Jennifer Martine Chmiel who married Alex Chmiel on November 8, 2008 at St. Gabriel’s Church in Charlotte, N.C.

4 SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

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Editor’s Letter Melissa L. Hickman

www.somethingblueonline.com

Editor – Melissa L. Hickman editor@somethingblueonline.com Creative Director- Larry Preslar, Spark Publications Associate Editor – Lindsay Biggers Ad Production – Lydia Sumcad Published by SC Biz News LLC Associate Publisher – James Molnar jmolnar@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3146 Director of Business Development – Mark Wright mwright@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3143 Managing Editor - Andy Owens aowens@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3141 Senior Copy Editor - Beverly Morgan bmorgan@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3115 Special Projects Editor - Allison Cooke Oliverius aoliverius@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3149 Senior Graphic Designer - Jane Mattingly production2@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3118 Senior Account Executive - Sue Gordon sgordon@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3111 Account Executives Dave Shepp dshepp@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3109 Darcy Midtvedt darcym@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3106 Bennett Parks bparks@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3126 Robert Reilly rreilly@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3107 Brent Rupp brupp@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3105 Circulation and Event Manager - Kathy Allen kallen@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3113 Circulation and Event Assistant - Kim McManus kmcmanus@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3116 CEO and Group Publisher - Grady Johnson gjohnson@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3103 Vice President of Sales - Steve Fields sfields@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3110 Business Assistant - Erin Williams ewilliams@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3102 Contributing Writers Colleen M. Albert, Chelsea Hadaway, Josie Macalester

The entire contents of this publication are copyright by SC Biz News LLC with all rights reserved. Any reproduction or use of the content within this publication without permission is prohibited.

Mailing address: 389 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 200 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Phone: 843.849.3100, Fax: 843.849.3122 www.scbiznews.com

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n August, my husband, John, and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary. My parents are into their 33rd year of marriage, my husband’s parents are at 40 and my grandparents just celebrated year 64 in July. Longevity obviously runs deep in our family.

As I look onto the last three years, I am amazed at what dreams we’ve already fulfilled.

Four months into wedlock, John and I embarked on a trip around the world for seven months, with nothing but packs on our backs, a camera and journals. Upon our return, we went back to work, bought a house, and I started my own business. This past April, we welcomed our first child, Siena Lillian.

My daughter’s middle name is after my grandmother. Grandma Lillie has always been an inspiration in my life – in fact, I attribute much of my creativity, and love for the written word, to her. She and my grandpa, Wally, raised eight children, which has now amounted to a whopping fifty-five family members to date. Wally and Lillie have created a remarkable legacy. Unlike many families in America, this family has kept intact. Every Christmas, Independence Day, wedding and graduation, the family comes together. Often no reason is needed for the family to celebrate.

My family is known for its humor and love for one another. In this clan, if one person deems it important, then it is that way for everyone.

I attribute much of our family’s success to “keep it together” to my grandparents. My grandfather has never missed an opportunity to dance with my grandma when their song, Goodnight Irene, comes on. Despite his gruff and sometimes cantankerous ways, when it comes to his family and Lillie, there is no end to his love, and his hanky is never far from reach to wipe a damp eye.

In 1995, my grandparents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Several days before we came together for a celebration, Grandma pulled out her wedding gown and encour-

aged me to try it on. The white brocaded satin gown had long sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. I felt as if I were stealing a memory from my grandmother by wearing her dress. But when I saw her face, I realized that nothing had been stolen; instead she had shared one of her most cherished memories with me.

I was asked to sing during mass at the church where my grandparents had raised their children, where my parents were wed, and where I was baptized. My grandparents sat in the front row, while my aunts, uncles and cousins circled the pews around them. To everyone’s surprise, Grandma and Grandpa renewed their vows before the congregation.

After they kissed, Grandpa pulled out his hankie and blotted the tears lining his cheeks.

I had been nervous to sing in front of the congregation, but as I gazed upon the love and devotion sparkling in my grandparents’ eyes, the rows of people disappeared.

My grandparents raised the bar when it came to marriage. And it is that devotion, love and humor that I sought when I married my husband. We have had a wonderful start in our three years. I’ll be 93 when my husband and I celebrate our 64th anniversary. I may be senile and bent over, but I know my dearest John will be by my side, perhaps a little senile himself.

If you are reading this magazine, you are likely on the way down the aisle yourself. Enjoy this time in planning your wedding day… but most importantly, cherish every day of wedded bliss you have together.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Contributing Photographers Richard Bell Travis Bell John Huneycutt, Huneycutt Photography George Lainis, Catch Light Studio Bruce Mayill, Mayhill Photo Tommy McCart Critsey Rowe Jay Weinmiller, Indigo Photography

I

welcome

5 FALL 2009

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Daisy Chain

Dear Daisy: Some of my friends have told me I have a year from our wedding to write thank you notes, but others have told me that I only have a couple of weeks. Can you tell me what the proper etiquette is?

–Hoping Not to Offend Dear Hoping: Still sporting your golden tan from honeymooning in paradise, the last thing on your mind is wedding etiquette.

But waiting to send a thank you note twelve months after “I do” could end you up on Aunt Mildred’s you-know-what list.Thank

HERE ARE A FEW MORE POINTERS

1

Daisy Chain

Thank you notes should be handwritten and sent in the mail. Save email, blog posts, e-cards and Facebook for casual correspondence.

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t hank you! you notes should be written ASAP. For gifts and parties given before the wedding, it is expected to send a note within two weeks.

Gifts received after the wedding are allotted a more generous time span, but should be sent no later than two months after the event.

23

Your thank you notes don’t need to be long.

Three or four sentences are plenty. Be sure to mention the gift and how you plan to use it, though avoid specifying dollar amounts unless you want Aunt Mildred spreading rumors about how tacky the new bride is. For financial gifts, explain how you plan to use the money. Do not mention if you intend to return the gift, or worse, stow it away in a dark closet!

Thank you cards should be personal.

While it may be tempting, fillin-the-blank templates, form letters or generic pre-printed cards with your signature should be avoided. Even though you might save time, keep in mind that your giftgiver took the time to buy your gift, wrap it and arrange for it to be delivered. It doesn’t hurt to show the same courtesy.

4

Waiting for custommade thank you cards with your photo shouldn’t cause a delay.

If you plan to have custommade cards, plan ahead with your photographer and/or stationer.

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Dear Daisy: Is it okay to switch to sneakers during the reception or should I just keep my painful heels on?

–UptownGirl Dear UptownGirl: Wanting to avoid pinched, aching, blistering feet? Your wedding may be the only day you will uch a formal (and expensive!) gown. You will want your wear such ear to be as elegant as your dress, so instead of sneakers, footwear might I suggest padded bridal et slippers? You or ballet will bee able to find such rts at your local comforts bridal salon for as little as $25. The The standard colors hite and ivory, but are white ding on the style, depending many can be

dyed to match your dress.

To avoid discomfort while you are wearing your painful heels, it’s a good idea to break them in several weeks before the wedding. Wear them around the house (never wear them outside or you’ll risk scuff marks!) and practice dancing in them them. Charter the stairs several times and try vacuuming with them on (though beware – it may just drive your fiancé crazy crazy!). The more you wear them for regular activity, the more com comfortable they’ll be when your big day arrives!

NEED YOUR N D DOSE OF DAISY? Sen your questions to daisy@somethingblueonline.

Send com. Please note: Daisy may not be able to respond com to every e inquiry – but she’ll try!

•

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Bringin’ the Bling

It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that...

bling Engagement & Wedding Jewelry

By Colleen M. Albert

W BRINGIN’ THE BLING

eddings are full of magic and sparkle, but there’s nothing like the excitement of your first wedding bling – your engagement ring! Whether you’re surprised with the rock of your dreams, moved by a thoughtful family heirloom, or you helped design your very own sparkler, the outcome is the same. It says commitment. It promises a life of love and happiness.

It quietly gives you hope and inspiration throughout your wedding planning process.

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That’s a lot of pressure for one piece of jewelry, but the engagement ring is up for the job! Though diamonds have been seen as an ultimate gift of love as far back as the 15th century, the diamond took its first role as a marriage symbol in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Hamburg gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond engagement ring. After that, the diamond quickly caught on as the betrothed jewel de jour!

According to adiamondisforever. com, “When diamonds first began to be given as engagement rings, settings were elaborate and did not necessarily showcase the diamond in its best light.” Since then, retailers worldwide have learned how to best display a diamond’s natural beauty by focusing on four critical aspects known as the four C’s. Using this system, you can determine a diamond’s rarity by its rating levels.

Those with the highest ratings across all categories are the most rare, reflecting an increased worth.

Cut – The cut of a diamond refers to its fire and brilliance. In other words, this is what makes your ring bling! Gemologists rate the cut of the diamond based on proportions, symmetry and polish.

Cut also encompasses the diamond’s shape, which can be one of the most

with 1 being a cleaner diamond.

Though not included in the original four C’s, there is a lesser spoken of fifth C to consider, and that’s cost!

What mainly drives a diamond’s price is its four C’s.

The more flawless a diamond is, the bigger the investment.

Other factors include the retailer’s overhead costs, the sentiment you place on an engagement ring, and special trademarked cuts that further drive originality and value.

Traditionally, the groom pays for the engagement ring, though some couples who already share living expenses may opt to buy the ring together. While tradition says a man spends about two months of his salary on the ring, let your fiancé decide what he can afford rather than starting your new life together in debt.

Cost savings tip – Buying just under your preferred carat weight can often save as much as 20% (for example, buying 1.8 instead of 2 carats). No one can tell the difference and you may save thousands of dollars.

Remember, no matter how much you choose to invest in your sparkler, the meaning behind it says the same.

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BRINGIN’ THE BLING

important selection factors because each shape is as unique and distinct as the bride wearing it.

Color – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamonds on a scale from D–Z with D being truly colorless and very rare. Most brides will pick a diamond somewhere between D–J, though it all comes down to preference. It’s recommended to judge several color grades side-by-side to see which best suits you.

Carat – Remember the bunny that fruitlessly chased a carrot tied to the end of a string? Sometimes, a bride-tobe does the same thing with her own carats! A carat measures the weight of a diamond. One carat equals 200 milligrams, or 100 points. Most retailers use the point scale, which helps buyers easily identify quarter sizes (1.25, 1.50, 1.75, etc.).

While larger diamonds often reflect more light (thus creating more sparkle), the cut, clarity and mounting can also greatly affect its brilliance. But don’t get lured into keeping up with the Joneses. What’s important is whether the size is appropriate and attractive on your hand.

Clarity – Because diamonds are natural, most have flaws, or inclusions. An inclusion can be anything from scratches and chips to foreign minerals, all of which can disrupt the flow of light, making the diamond appear less clear. The GIA rates a diamond’s clarity using grades within a range of Flawless (FL) to Included (I). Each grade also contains a number (1 or 2) to indicate the level of inclusion,

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Bringin’ the Bling

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In addition to her engagement ring, the lucky bride has other ways to shine on her wedding day. Aside from her new wedding band, she may choose to add earrings, a necklace, bracelet, brooch, tiara or other sparkly hair ornament.

While planning out your wedding day ensemble, consider these tips before selecting your accessories.

•

Don’t burn a bridge over a piece of metal – It’s your wedding day, and yes, you want to look perfect – but not at the expense of your loved ones. Find a way to incorporate well-intentioned gifts from family or friends. If you truly dislike a piece, find a way to let the person down easily and perhaps wear it to the rehearsal dinner instead. And who knows? Wearing that heirloom may end up meaning more to you than you first realized.

are different yet complementary. This also gives you flexibility to wear that pearl necklace your mom bought you, while pairing it with a vintage arm cuff or some diamond chandelier earrings.

•

Bring in the luck – While many brides choose to wear traditional pearl jewelry to signify purity, there are many other colors with rich meaning to choose from if you’re feeling adventurous. Try wearing rubies or garnets for love, passion, celebration and luck; choose yellow topaz to signify happiness, joy and hope; or wear your “something blue” by sporting aquamarine, sapphire or blue topaz to show your unity, loyalty and trust. Even a small accent piece can set the stage for a magnificent look on your wedding day!

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•

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10 SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

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Let the dress do its thing – Many brides get most excited about trying on and falling in love with their dresses. Don’t let the allure of shiny new bling outweigh the beauty of your gown. Consider the style, cut, fabric and beadwork before deciding what jewelry to add. You may want to go lightly if your dress has a high neckline or long sleeves, lots of lace, or yards of sequins, crystal or beading.

Sometimes simplicity is elegance when it comes to keeping the attention on the bride.

•

Matchy matchy is outy outy – This isn’t Rooms To Go, and not all jewelry needs to match perfectly or be purchased as a set. Often, the most interesting pieces

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OLD Traditions Before dismissing the brooch, consider asking a family member to borrow one as your “something old.” Attach a brooch to a plunging neckline, at the waistline of your dress, at the top of the train, or even with a hat’s veil attachment to spice up the ordinary.

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E The Choice is Yours Design-it-yourself – While you can walk into any jewelry store and find magnificent engagement ring styles and mountings, don’t hesitate to ask about designing your own.

Bringin’ the Bling

metal.

Gemstones – Some girls may consider a diamond their “best friend”, but not all. Many trail-blazing women prefer a gemstone for their engagement ring, perhaps flanked by smaller diamonds. Options may include a sapphire, emerald, ruby, topaz or even onyx.

Heirlooms – An heirloom engagement ring is often cherished by brides because of the sentimentality the piece holds to the family she’s marrying into. If the original setting doesn’t fit Settings – The setting refers to the way the her taste or personality, use the original diamond to create a new setting as unique as the bride-to- diamond is mounted on the ring. While there are several standard settings, many jewelers are now be. creating unique trademark looks, so shop around Precious Metals – The standards are yellow until you find the style that best matches the bride’s gold, white gold, sterling silver, platinum and own brilliance. titanium. Gold comes in different karats (not to be -CMA confused with carats!) based on the sturdiness of the

S

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You Are Invited

YOU ARE INVITED

CRITSEY ROWE PHOTOGRAPHY

Stationery

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FALL 2009

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TOMMY MCCART PHOTOGRAPHY

W

Etiquette

&

hen it comes to weddings, the difference between a good and a not-so-good first impression can be a matter of font, graphic design, paper quality and wording. Wedding invitations are a class unto themselves, so it pays to take care in the planning, wording and design.

The first impression says it all Weddings come in all shapes and sizes. Blacktie country club receptions, backyard garden ceremonies, and stand-up buffet receptions at the local zoo are par for the course. No matter what kind of wedding you’re hosting, there’s an invitation out there that’s right for you! Let the size and formality drive your stationery decisions. The good news is that wedding stationery has evolved. While traditional stationery (think crisp lines, simple design and white, cream, gold or silver colors) is still a popular choice, brides and grooms are selecting invitations that reflect their personalities.

by Colleen M. Albert

Timing is everything You’ll want to order your invitations at least three months in advance of sending them out.

This will give you enough time to comparison shop, finalize wording, and have them

A card for every occasion Many brides choose to use a stationer or professional design service to coordinate their stationery pieces for their entire wedding needs. Nothing ties the wedding together like a consistent monogram, design or style. In addition to your invitation, you may need: Save the Date Cards – Allows guests to mark their calendars well ahead of time. This is especially important for out-of-town guests, or if your wedding will be taking place during the summer or on a holiday.

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YOU ARE INVITED

CRITSEY ROWE PHOTOGRAPHY

What’s on the inside counts In addition to selecting your wedding invitation, you will also need to pick out enclosures such as an RSVP card with reply envelope, reception and/or meal selection cards, and accommodation inserts with details for out-oftown guests. And if the ceremony and reception are in different locations, consider including a map or directional card. Some brides also choose to place a transparent sheet of vellum between card enclosures for that extra touch of elegance.

addressed, stamped and sealed.

You’ll want to mail invitations four to six weeks before your wedding to provide your guests enough time to secure the date, make accommodations and reply. If you’re getting married in the summer or on a holiday weekend, plan to send them eight weeks prior.

Ask guests to RSVP no later than two weeks before the ceremony. You’ll need an accurate headcount to plan table arrangements, order and/or assemble favors and ceremony programs, and confirm your final number with the caterer.

You may also want to purchase both the inner and outer envelopes ahead of time to allow enough time to handwrite the addresses (or hire a calligrapher). Also make sure to order extra envelopes in case of mistakes, as well as extra invitations for your scrapbook and last-minute invites.

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SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

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Ceremony Programs – Provides guests with the ceremony schedule from Pachelbel’s “Canon” to Mendelssohn’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream”, and all the important stuff in between!

Seating Placement Cards – Lets you get back at your brother for childhood pranks by making him sit

Lavishing the Carolinas

with your boring cousin Charlie!

Menu Cards – Get your guests’ mouths watering in anticipation of the evening’s dinner!

Favors – Thank your guests with unique, personalized gifts. Many stationers are able to help you with favors ideas and resources.

Co omb m inin inin in ing So outhe uthe ut herrn rn cha h rm m, time ti ime mele les ess ss tra traadi d ti ditions tion ns an and d the la latest ttee tren tr nds, so somt m hing n bl blue ue is a ma maga g ziine moth mo ther er,, daaug ught htter e (an a d gr groo oom m!) wi willl en njoy oy. oy

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TOMMY MCCART PHOTOGRAPHY

You Are Invited

Weekend Itinerary and/or Welcome Basket – Provides ideas for activities for out-of-town guests and a schedule of events for wedding attendants.

Announcement Cards – After your honeymoon, send announcements to close family or friends who couldn’t attend or weren’t invited to let them know of your nuptials.

Just Moved Cards – If one or both of you will be moving into a new home, it’s a nice touch to have Just Moved cards sent immediately following the wedding. This is also a helpful way for others to know of any name changes.

Thank You Cards and Personal Stationery – Nothing says elegance like creating wedding-inspired stationery for yourself as you start your new life, perhaps with a new name! It also serves as a sweet reminder of your wedding day every time you write a note.

Gracias, Thank You, Merci, Asante, Danke and Arigato In a matter of importance, the thank you card is second only to the wedding invitation itself. Even if your budget doesn’t allow for matching gratitude cards, make the time to handwrite a personal thank you note to every guest. This simple gesture not only lets your friends and family know that you received their gift, but also allows you to express your thanks for their presence on your special day.

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The Charleston Museum presents an original exhibition

150 Years of Wedding Fashion October 16, 2009 June 30, 2010

Sponsored p in part p byy

360 Meeting Street D 843.722.2996 D charlestonmuseum.org SBC Fall 1.indd 19

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Let’s Get This Party Started!

F

rom the moment he places that dazzling ring on your finger, the fun begins! Squeals of delight erupt when sharing the news with family and friends. Bridal magazines are bought and ideas start flowing. While there’s a lot of work involved in wedding planning, there’s also plenty of time to play!

“Let’s Get This Party

By Colleen M. Albert

1

Within 2 months of engagement

Every bride has her own personality.

Some are happy being the center of attention, while others may dread being put on display. If you’re not comfortable being in the spotlight, remember that this is a once-in-a-lifetime magical moment to celebrate the unique love and partnership between you and your husband-to-be. Above all else, these

shindigs are meant to celebrate and honor you and your fiancé; which means, regardless of who hosts or who pays, you both should decide which events you want to boogie down to – and which you’d rather sit out!

So put on your dancing shoes and see which of these standard pre-wedding parties gives your skirt a twirl!

Engagement Party – Traditionally, this is an intimate gathering of close family and friends thrown by the bride’s parents to announce their daughter’s engagement. Your siblings, friends, maid of honor, or best man can also host it. Engagement parties are not required, and are often skipped in lieu of a newspaper announcement and/or save the date cards. However it’s a wonderful way for your families and close friends to meet for the first time and get to know each other before the wedding flurry begins!

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED

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2

4-6 weeks before the wedding

Bridal Shower – Typically, the bridal shower is a small party thrown by the maid of honor. Often, more than one shower may be thrown in an effort to keep it intimate. For example, your maid of honor may throw a shower for your family and closest friends, while a friend at the office may host a work-related shower.

Usually, bridal showers are “girls only” and include the mothers and sisters of the bride and groom, female wedding party attendants, close family, and friends.

Trend Tip: Many couples are asking their hosts to forego a formal girls-only bridal shower in favor of a co-ed shower to be more inclusive. Keep in mind that this may double the number of guests, preventing it from being an intimate gathering.

Started!

”

3

Within 2 weeks of the wedding

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED

Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties – While these have typically been a hell-raising heathen-filled evening of sinful delights, many couples are opting to forego the clichéd stripper-laden bachelor or bachelorette parties of yesteryear.

Yes, girls, we’ve evolved. The host is most often the maid of honor for the bride, and the best man for the groom. Invitees include the closest friends and attendants in the wedding party. If you do opt to cut the rug and make it a wild night, skip the invites to your mom and future mother-in-law.

Trend Tip: Men are often using this as a chance to get away for some male bonding time over the golf course or on an extreme adventure trip such as whitewater rafting, rock climbing or scuba diving. Many women are choosing to celebrate their bachelorette parties with untraditional activities such as pottery painting or beading, a Pure Romance party, or spending a weekend away at a spa.

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Let’s Get This Party Started!

4

Day before the wedding

Bridesmaid Luncheon – This luncheon, hosted by the bride, is a way to honor the bridesmaids for all of their help and support during the planning process, though this too is optional. In addition to your bridesmaids, consider inviting other female wedding attendants, mothers, sisters or favorite aunts of the bride and groom. Depending on your wedding timetable, some brides are choosing to combine this luncheon with their bridesmaids’ last dress fitting. Trend Tip: Many brides and grooms now invite the entire wedding party to this luncheon, particularly if they’re from out of town.

Another option is to skip the luncheon all together and treat your girls with a trip to the salon for pediand manicures.

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED

5

The night before the wedding

Rehearsal Dinner – The rehearsal dinner is a nice way to unwind after your wedding rehearsal, give your friends and family a casual atmosphere in which to get to know each other better, and for you and your groom to spend some quality time with out-of-town guests.

This dinner is usually given by the groom’s family.

Venues may include restaurants, pizza joints, family homes, backyards, or country clubs.

6

The day after the wedding

Post-Wedding Brunch – This event, typically hosted by the bride’s parents at their home, is given in the early afternoon following the wedding day. This is another chance for the newly married couple to spend quality time with loved ones and out-oftown guests before departing on their honeymoon. The bride and groom’s attendance is optional; however, if they do attend, this is often a time when gift openings take place.

No matter which parties you wish to host, or have hosted on your behalf, most of your guests and wedding attendants will respect your wishes – it is your wedding, after all!

The key is to not get hung up in all the details, but rather to let your hair down, bask in the love and attention, and take advantage of a great reason to gather your friends and family around you.

•

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Fashion Passion

Fashion Passion

By Chelsea Hadaway FASHION PASSION

24

Passionate Beginnings Before picking out your dress, it’s a good idea to have the venue chosen and booked. Since venues can range from an orthodox church to a beachside ceremony, the location can influence the SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

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wedding attire, including styles, lengths and fabrics.The Southern heat often dictates a lightweight fabric.

“However, this doesn’t mean that this precludes a visual richness to the dress. We always look for fabrics that are lightweight but have lots of texture and detailing,” says Krista Roach of Gown

Boutique in Charleston.

“Many women think they have to wear a bright white dress,” says Marcell Steely-Judice of Bella Vista Bridal in Columbia. “But silks and natural fibers don’t come in bright white, and off-white hues tend to be more flattering for most skin tones.”

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MAYHILL PHOTO

The search for the perfect wedding dress has turned into a mission of epic proportions. But with a little knowledge and planning, ďŹ nding your dream dress is not an insurmountable task. So grab your maid of honor or mom and plan for a memorable day of fun!

The Price of Fashion Wedding dresses can range from affordable to extravagant. Most bridal boutiques are well equipped with knowledgeable employees who can help you find the dress of your dreams while keeping within your budget.

Special Order. Typically special orders are the most expensive option. The bride is first measured for a gown, and then customizes it by selecting color, neckline, beading, etc.

The dress is then made-to-order by the designer and shipped to the boutique in (typically) 12-16 weeks.

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FASHION PASSION

You’ll want to begin shopping for your dress as early as a year if possible. This allows for plenty of time to order the dress, schedule fittings and alterations, and find time for the bridal portrait.

Bring along clippings from magazines of styles and dresses that you like with a budget already in mind.

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Fashion Passion Off-the-Rack. A less expensive option is to shop “off-the-rack”. These dresses are usually fashioned from a previous season and marked down to a much lower cost.

They can’t be special ordered but can be altered.

Sample Sales. Keep your ear to the ground for sample sales offered at boutiques throughout the year. This is a great way to get a designer dress for a lot less! Again, samples cannot be special ordered – but a good alterations specialist can often make any requested changes.

The Non-wedding Wedding Dress.

Another option is to buy a simple, nonwedding white gown and then dress it up with brooches, batting, crystals or pearls.

No matter what you buy, you should always seek the services of a reputable alterations specialist to have the dress properly fitted. “About fifty percent of how

good a dress looks is in the alterations,” says Terri Epsy, co-owner of Gown Boutique.

To Veil or Not to Veil “A veil really transforms the dress,” says Roach. “You have to think about the whole picture and make sure the veil complements the dress. You want it to accent everything – not take away.”

Today’s brides often wear a veil during the ceremony then replace it with fun hair accessories during the reception. Brooches, headpieces, flowers and feathered accessories make for fun options.

The Complete Package Add some flirtation to your gown by choosing bright colors for your shoes such as purple, lime or fuchsia. Bring your shoes to all your fittings since the hem will be

A less expensive option is to shop “off the rack”. These dresses are usually fashioned from a previous season and marked down to a much lower cost. They can’t be special ordered but can be altered.

FASHION PASSION

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tailored to just the right length.

In addition to a dazzling engagement ring, the lucky bride has other ways to shine on her wedding day. She may choose to add earrings, a necklace, bracelet, brooch, tiara or other sparkly hair ornament.

But let the dress do its thing. Jewelry should complement your dress rather than compete with it. Sometimes simplicity is elegance when it comes to keeping the attention on the bride.

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•

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FASHION PASSION

Post-Wedding Most brides opt to preserve their gowns for family heirlooms. Wedding dresses can be passed down to daughters or incorporated into a christening gown.

An increasing number of brides are having some success re-selling their gowns on eBay and Craigslist.

However, buyers beware – it is always recommended to try on a dress before committing to such an important purchase!

And of course you can always have some fun by prancing in the ocean or galloping on a horse while participating in a “Trash the Dress” photography session!

For the Perfect Southern Wedding…

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

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Cover Story

Housewarming Gifts, J

ennifer Martine’s purchase of her spacious three-bedroom townhouse proved to be a perfect way to celebrate the New Year. Little did she know that she would soon be trading her roomy digs for a flat in Germany.

Diamonds

COVER STORY

It was St. Patrick’s Day and Jennifer was celebrating her friend’s birthday, when Alex Chmiel caught her eye. As he made his way over to introduce himself, a Charlotte Observer reporter who was convinced Jennifer was an MTV reality celebrity insisted on a photo. Alex slyly jumped in.

They had only just met and already had their first

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and Fast Cars for, he worked with jeweler Mark Morrell to custom design a platinum six-prong solitaire diamond eternity band. “It took four months to complete, but it turned out perfectly,” Alex said.

A man of strong values, Alex requested her father’s blessing. Though the two men had only briefly met, her father welcomed Alex into the family with open arms.

Finally, the moment had come. On Jan. 12, 2008, Alex arrived at Jennifer’s new home to find her napping on the sofa.

He woke her up so that she could open a housewarming gift.

“The gift was certainly a surprise, but

Alex is always finding ways of giving me precious gifts,” said Jennifer. Sleepyeyed, she sat up and unwrapped a photo album. Along with mile-marking photos (including the night they met), the story came to life on the last page, where Alex’s handwritten note professed their continuing love and life together.

“When she began reading the letter, I dropped to one knee and asked her to marry me,” Alex said. “Lucky for me, I received the response I was hoping for!”

A Short Engagement In the upcoming weeks, Jennifer FALL 2009

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COVER STORY

photo together.

After a month of dating, Jennifer graduated with an MBA from Wake Forest University. “As with any new relationship, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to have her memory of graduation be connected to a guy who may or may not work out,” Alex said. “So when she asked me to be part of the celebration, I knew she felt the same way I did – that this relationship was going the distance.”

Only six months had passed, but Alex was confident he had found “the one,” so he set out to find an engagement ring.

When he didn’t find what he was looking

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Cover Story and Alex planned their dream wedding, deciding on a short engagement. They wanted a fall wedding, as well as a date that fell on the number eight, a symbol of infinity.

When Nov. 8, 2008 finally arrived, Jennifer and Alex exchanged vows at St. Gabriel Catholic Church surrounded by 80 of their closest family and friends.

Alex and his groomsmen were smartly dressed in Calvin Klein black tuxedos with silver vests and ties from The Tuxedo Shoppe. Jennifer’s bridesmaids wore pink floor-length Charsa gowns from J. Major’s Bridal Boutique.

The bridegroom’s favorite moment was seeing Jennifer walk down the aisle in a silk Eve of Milady gown from Anjolique Bridal. “She had the biggest smile of excitement on her face,” Alex said.

For Jennifer, “The best part of our wedding day was the private time we had together after the ceremony in our couples room prior to our entrance at the reception. We were able to exhale and fully reflect on what we went through during the ceremony,” Jennifer said.

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The couple decided not to begin the reception until two hours after the wedding so that they could participate in an elaborate photo shoot.

“I absolutely loved my wedding dress. It made me feel like a princess,” Jennifer said. And nothing was more special to Alex than seeing his new bride frosted with Swarovski crystals, a pearl necklace from the Czech Republic, and a tiara from the Couture Collection posing in front of his silver Porsche.

To their surprise, they learned that Michael Jordan was also staying at The Westin that evening, which allowed them to take advantage of some photo ops with the famous basketball player’s yellow Ferrari.

The couple then joined their guests at a reception adorned Continued on page 32

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Cover Story Continued from page 30

with clear glass vases comprised of white, cream and pink flowers, designed

by Crawford & Company Florist. White votive candles flickered on the tables and soft pink lighting draped the ballroom.

The four-tier square white and pink fondant cake was designed to feed

170 guests, even though they only planned on 80. “We wanted to make sure everyone had huge slices of cake and went back for more,” Jennifer said, laughing. “We didn’t want any dainty half-inch slices.” Created by Cake Expressions by Lisa, each tier featured a different flavor: vanilla bean butter, sour

COVER STORY

cream spice, and chocolate fudge.

And just in case the sweetness of the wedding cake wasn’t enough, Jennifer and Alex incorporated a candy bar into their reception. “We didn’t think it would be so popular,” Jennifer said. Jennifer said. “But it was amazing how everyone, no matter what age, loved filling a bag with candy.”

To showcase how photography had influenced their relationship, a “Successful Marriage Table” was incorporated into the reception that displayed all the wedding photos of their relatives. “We wanted to celebrate all of their time together and show how they have set a great example for our future,” said Alex.

It also proved to be the ideal way to honor Jennifer’s grandfather who had passed away just two days prior.

Also before the wedding, Alex received a job opportunity to relocate to Germany. The two incidents “forced us to be there for each other,” said Jennifer.

“We developed a trust for one another and know that there is no end to the support each of us gives the other.”

The next day, the newlyweds departed for a two-week honeymoon Down Under, where they visited Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand.

Upon their return, the couple placed Jennifer’s townhouse on the market.

And with another photo taken, they marked the beginning of a new housewarming gift.

•

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Feature Story

FEATURE STORY

Lost &

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T

he summer before Erin Hovis went off to college, she met a guy. “…The cutest guy. We met at a party through mutual friends. He was so cute and my friend, Katie, and I fought over him all night,” Erin said, laughing.

As luck would have it, Katie lost her watch at the party, and the cute guy, Aaron Reed, found it.

By Allison Cooke Oliverius | photography by Indigo Photography

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FEATURE STORY

Found!

“He called my cell and said he would bring us the watch,” Erin said. “We’ve been together ever since.”

Unfortunately, “together” meant a long-distance romance for Erin and Aaron. They met just before both of them went back to school. She attended Lander University in Greenwood, S.C., and he, The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. Aaron wasn’t able to get away very often, so Erin visited him about once a month. They enjoyed exploring Charleston together, spending many afternoons on the swings at Waterfront Park overlooking the Charleston harbor, or dining at Poogan’s Porch.

After graduation, Erin returned home to Gastonia, N.C., while Aaron took a job in Baltimore, Md. As their relationship continued to grow, the two naturally discussed spending the rest of their lives together.

During the spring of 2008, Aaron decided the time had come. He first followed tradition and asked Erin’s parents for her hand in marriage. Then he invited Erin on a business trip to Charleston. They went to Waterfront Park to sit on the swings as they did in college. And then, under the guise that dolphins were swimming just off shore, Aaron convinced Erin to walk down to the end of the dock where he expressed

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Feature Story his love for her and asked her to marry him.

Erin was ecstatic, and even though they had talked about marriage, Aaron still managed to take her by surprise.

“There were a bunch of people watching us and I was so excited. I said ‘Yes’ but asked him to repeat the proposal because I couldn’t remember anything he said,” she said, laughing.

Afterwards, Aaron arranged for a horsedrawn carriage to take them to dinner at Poogan’s Porch. “It was perfect,” Erin said.

Going to the chapel The planning began immediately. “You went out and bought $45 worth of bridal magazines that weekend,” Aaron teased his bride.

While there were many questions to be answered about the type of dress, color of flowers and flavor of the cake, one thing the couple knew from the start was that they would marry at Summerall Chapel at The

Citadel. They booked it immediately and set their wedding day for April 25, 2009, one year and one day after they were engaged.

Erin and her mother began a series of trips to Charleston to decide on a reception site, investigate lodging for their guests and more.

The military chapel was unique in its own right and did not require much decoration.

So Erin and her mother focused their attention on the reception. They decided on the Carriage House at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens where massive live oak trees and magnolias would provide the perfect backdrop for an elegantly rustic event.

Inspired by the majestic oaks, Erin used a silhouette of an oak tree as a recurring theme throughout the wedding. The motif appeared on her save the dates wedding invitations and signage at the reception site.

She chose pink and green for the color scheme, pulling from the deep green leaves of oak trees. Pink peonies were the inspiration

for her bouquet.

Planning a destination wedding certainly had its challenges, but Erin and her mother quickly aligned themselves with vendors who “went out of their way” to take the guesswork and stress out of planning a wedding from afar.

The big day The couple decided not to see each other before the wedding, so when the doors of the chapel were opened, they felt a wave of nervous excitement wash over them. “I remember thinking the aisle was forever long,” Erin said.

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Escorted by her father, Erin wore an ivory lace mermaid gown designed by Monique Lhuillier. She wore a simple, long veil and carried pink peonies. Her bridesmaids wore pear green dresses by Simple Silhouettes.

They carried bouquets of pink peonies and green viburnum accented with French parrot tulips.

Aaron and his groomsmen wore khaki suits with ties that had green and white stripes. Their boutonniĂŠres, delicately created

by Charleston Flower Market, were ivory cymbidium orchids with sprigs of green hydrangea and rosemary.

Keeping with Citadel tradition, as well as paying homage to Aaron’s Scottish heritage, a Citadel cadet played the bagpipes at the chapel while guests were seated.

One of their favorite moments from the ceremony involved another Citadel tradition.

For each newly married couple leaving the church, several cadets line up on either side of the aisle and create an arch out of their swords. As the bride and groom emerge from the arch, one of the cadets gently taps the bride on her backside with the sword, welcoming her to the military family.

And the celebration begins FEATURE STORY

After a year of planning, it was time to enjoy the festivities. Erin and Aaron Reed arrived at the reception a little before sunset and were greeted by 220 guests.

The reception was designed so guests could mill about the Carriage House and on Continued on page 39

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Continued from page 37

the lawn along the Ashley River. Short and tall guest tables were adorned with an assortment of green and white hydrangeas, double pink tulips, bells of Ireland and cherry blossom branches. Rustic lanterns and pillar candles lit up the night as the sun set and guests danced to a live band.

Hamby Catering created a down home Southern-inspired menu consisting of shrimp and grits with fried green tomatoes, roast beef and potatoes, country ham biscuits, chicken skewers, grilled vegetables, coconut shrimp and chicken salad tartlets.

They also enjoyed a beautiful four-layer round wedding cake, designed by Elaine’s Events. Two layers featured sour cream almond cake with strawberries and cream cheese filling. The other two layers had sour cream lemon cake with a seedless raspberry filling. The cake was iced with Italian buttercream frosting and topped with fresh flowers, including pink peonies and green hydrangeas.

They danced the night away to the Entertainers. The band played Michael Bublé’s “Everything” for the couple’s first dance and rounded out the evening with “The Love Train,” which really got guests on their feet.

Together at last The couple now lives in Maryland where Erin is a relationship banker at the Maryland State Credit Union and her husband is a government account manager for Grainger.

The two are enjoying newlywed life – and not having to travel across several states to see one another!

“It’s such a relief for us to be together.

We’ve never lived in the same city,” Erin said.

“It’s so wonderful to wake up and always have your best friend around.”’

•

Lavishing the Carolinas

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FEATURE STORY

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FALL 2009

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Castles In the Sky

Selecting the

CASTLES IN THE SKY

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The venue is also not only meant to cater to you and your guests, but should cater to your vendors as well.

Planning a cocktail hour and a fourcourse meal? Select a site with ample room for caterers to set up both.

Looking to shake your groove? Pick a place with an oversized dance floor that provides enough space for your DJ’s speakers, turntables and the occasional strobe light.

Above all, integrate characteristics about your life, your partnership and your guests to find the ideal venue.

If you are an outdoor, adventurous couple, opt for a garden reception or a lavish tent party. Reserved and simple?

Choose a country club, restaurant or banquet hall for a romantic and intimate gathering. Into arts and entertainment? Consider a museum or gallery for a modern reception. Having a reunion-style affair? Incorporate a place that holds personal significance (a familiar park, renovated warehouse, local watering hole, etc.).

Finally, remember when you find the perfect place, don’t hesitate to secure it. The last thing you want to worry about is finding another venue if your dream site becomes booked before you make up your mind!

Best

•

A

RICHARD BELL PHOTOGRAPHY

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RICHARD BELL PHOTOGRAPHY

s highly regarded as the church, garden or hall, the reception venue is critical to a wedding’s success.

When selecting a location, make sure it accommodates every guest and complements your type of wedding. Guests will drive to a separate site, but consider places within reasonable distances and avoid lengthy time gaps between the ceremony and reception.

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Castles In the Sky

Southern Belle Meets

Humidity – Be sure to keep wellhydrated leading up to the ceremony. The drier your hair is, the more it will frizz!

Drink plenty of water, condition your hair Outdoor wedding ceremonies in the South daily, and consider using a twice-weekly bring to mind sweeping oak trees draped in oil treatment. Also talk to your stylist Spanish moss, historic gardens, and turquoise before your big day. Her ideas on products waters under fiery Atlantic sunsets. But this and styles may well keep your hair under idyllic fairytale can quickly come crashing control! down when you throw heat, humidity and Keep your face on. More than one bugs into the mix. But fear not – the fairytale blushing bride has risked looking like a can still come true if you pay a little extra half-melted candle due to the one-two attention beforehand. Follow these tips to punch of heat and humidity. To combat avoid feeling the brunt of Mother Nature. the heat, start off with a facial wash and Heat Factor – Upon arrival, have astringent that help control oil. Make sure your greeter(s) pass out glasses of ice-cold to use waterproof mascara and eyeliner (a lemonade. Afraid of broken glasses but still must even in cold weather, as you will likely want that touch of elegance? Pick up some shed a few tears of joy on your wedding disposable “crystal” plastic or acrylic cups day!). Use a loose finishing powder to serve from your local party store. as a “matte” over your eye shadow and When the Southern temperatures soar foundation. It’s also a good idea to bring toward 90, keep your guests cool by passing along tissue paper squares to blot your face out (personalized) hand fans. throughout the day to absorb excess oils

Mother Nature

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without disrupting your make-up. Most important, book an appointment with a make-up artist. He or she will have plenty of tricks to keep you looking fresh from morning till night!

Bugs, bugs and more bugs – There’s nothing more distracting than a bugslapping bride during the “I –dos.” Avoid bug sprays that leave odor and residue.

Instead, enlist your father or a family friend to fog the periphery the morning of your ceremony. Organic solutions are also available – check with your local hardware store for options.

Place citronella and tiki candles around the ceremony area. Not only will it keep bugs at bay, the romantic ambience may just rekindle Aunt Fern and Uncle Frank’s longlost passion!

To avoid bees, have your florist clip the pollen from your bouquet. You may also want to avoid heavily fragranced flowers, so as not to attract stinging attention. -MLH

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Blooms & Plumes

boutonnière should match the flower(s) in the bridal bouquet. The groomsmen can wear the same boutonnières as the The importance that flowers have on groom; however, it is more common for s a little girl, how many your special day cannot be overstated. them to have something a little more times did you sit on a From bouquets to boutonnières, the flora understated, often corresponding with park bench plucking you choose will add character, intimacy the bridesmaids’ bouquets. Fathers petals from a daisy wonderand uniqueness to your wedding day. and grandfathers should also be given ing what that particular flower Bouquets: A bride’s bouquet can be boutonnières. had in store for you? Perhaps made up of a single flower type or a Corsages: Given to the mothers it’s only appropriate that varietal spray. Bridesmaids often carry and grandmothers, wrist or pin-on smaller versions of the bridal bouquet corsages should correspond with the the very flowers that once or have a mix of complementary colors groomsmen’s boutonnières. spurred your daydreams will and flowers. Many brides also have an Flower Girl: Fill your flower girl’s now have a helping hand in alternate bouquet made up if they are basket full of petals that complement turning your storybook weddoing a bouquet toss. your bouquet. Many flowers have ding into a reality.

Boutonnières: The groom’s natural oils that can stain, so check with

A

“He loves me … he loves me not.

BLOOMS & PLUMES

Blooms and Plumes

By Li B Lindsay d Biggers Bi andd JJosie i M Macalester l t

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arrangements by placing candelabras, votives and hurricanes throughout. Just be careful not to place the flame too close to those petals!

Outdoor Decor: If you are hosting an outdoor wedding, consider adding lanterns, luminaries or tulle to make the most of the natural beauty.

Rentals: Ask your venue what options you have for customizing your affair. If they don’t have what you envision, contact a rental company. You may be surprised at all you are able to rent, including: chairs, arches, linens, pedestals, columns, fine china, candelabras, fountains and even dance floors.

“He loves me… he loves me not.”

Sometimes those daydreams do come true!

TOMMY MCCART PHOTOGRAPHY

TOMMY MCCART PHOTOGRAPHY

the church or facility to get their stamp of approval. Another option is to give your little tot a pomander to carry down the aisle.

Ceremony Decor: Huppahs, arches, garlands and pomanders, altar arrangements and aisle runners are all wonderful pieces to add beauty to your ceremony.

Reception Decor: From jaw-dropping arrangements to a simple scattering of petals on tablecloths, the possibilities are endless. Spend time with your florist to come up with something uniquely you!

Colored or textured linens, chair covers, menu cards, ceiling canopies and lanterns are fetching accents as well.

Candlelight: Nothing sets the mood like candlelight. Illuminate your floral

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MAYHILL PHOTO

He loves me … he loves me not.”

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Blooms & Plumes

A White Wedding?

By Melissa L. Hickman

T

oday’s weddings have introduced a wide spectrum of colors, ideas and themes.

Traditional white and ivory are being replaced with lavender, aqua and lemon.

Many couples dread choosing colors, so often opt for “safer” choices. Here are some tips on how to incorporate splashes of color, into your dream wedding without it looking like a “Thomas CLOWN Affair”!

First, determine whether you want a formal, whimsical, classic or themed wedding. Next, jot down your favorite colors and share them with your fiancé to get his feedback (after all, it is his day too!). Take the top two or three

colors you most agree on and fit them into a palette.

Make sure two of your colors are understated. Use the softer and deeper colors for wedding attire, using the bright tones in a sash, tie or flowers. The softer colors will provide an elegant backdrop and allow for the brighter color to have more punch.

You don’t want your reception linens to blend (or compete!) with your wedding party; however, use the same concept for the linens and décor. If your bridesmaids are wearing pale yellow with magenta accents, your linens could be a darker lemon tone. Carry over the magenta accents into your floral arrangement, candles, wedding favors or menu card.

Don’t forget to set the tone by incorporating your color scheme into your save-the-dates, invitations and other wedding stationery! A good stationer will know how to intermix these colors while still keeping an elegant look.

If you’re still a bit nervous with colors, consult with your wedding coordinator, rental company or florist for assistance.

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Eat, Drink & Be In Love

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ho says you have to serve rubber chicken at your wedding reception? More and more brides are working closely with caterers to ensure unique food offerings, while staying within budget.

Pick a Style From passed hors d’oeuvres and buffet lines, to formal sit-down dinners, your options are limitless. Other seating options include cocktail tables and bar stools, lounge seating, or furniture groupings. Donald Shives of Best Impressions Caterers in Charlotte advises to average $35-$45 per person (excluding alcohol). Buffet-style will likely cost less, and seated dinners more.

For those on a budget, you may want to consider heavy hors d’oeuvres stations.

“Stations allow for more socializing and freedom to eat whenever and wherever your guests want,” says Shives. A general rule of thumb for this type of serving is to have enough seating for about 40% of the guests.

Get Creative There’s a wide gamut of food options available if you just ask. Menu items can incorporate regional cuisine, cultural inspirations, or personal favorites. Best Impressions incorporated one bride’s favorite by offering pulled pork sandwiches with corn bread and other comfort foods. The groom loved shrimp, so they threw in a shrimp and grits station.

Jean Fisk of Duvall Catering and Event Design in Charleston said they’ve been seeing a blend of comfort and gourmet food, as well as a “street food” trend. It’s not unheard of to have popcorn and gourmet pretzels or milk and cookies.

Best Impressions has been seeing the same trend. They recently provided a grilling station of beef sliders with pimento cheese, mini hotdogs with smoked sausage and cilantro chicken skewers. They also featured a North Carolina Farm Stand using locally grown produce. The menu included chilled asparagus soup, heirloom tomato salad and gazpacho.

Believe it or not, Best Impressions has even used liquid nitrogen to make ice cream on the spot, offering an impressive showing of fog! And that’s not all. Retro desserts have been popping up too, such as banana

&

EAT, DRINK & BE IN LOVE

Catering Cocktails

By Chelsea Hadaway and Melissa L. Hickman

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Caterers are looking forward to making your reception a tasty delight to remember!

Salut!

pudding shots and mini bourbon pecan pie tarts.

“Also, think about the level of interaction you want between the chefs and guests,” said Carolina Heuring of Duvall Catering. “Some hands-on options include sushi rolling stations and hand-tossed pizza.”

Another trend that’s becoming popular is to have late night snacks passed out by the waitstaff about an hour before the reception winds down. Imagine a plate of fresh, hot doughnuts being carried out on silver platters. For another savory twist, hand out sliders or biscuits with bacon, egg and cheese.

Offer a C Off Cocktail kt il

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EAT, DRINK & BE IN LOVE

Depending on how many Joe Six-packs your guest list can claim, the price per person can vary. For a four-hour event and full bar, you can figure about $15-$25 a head.

A popular way to save money on alcohol is to offer a specialty cocktail in addition to beer and wine. Best Impressions serves up a sweet tea signature cocktail using sweet tea vodka served in mason jars.

Chances are you celebrate your birthday by going out for a nice dinner. Shouldn’t you have delectable food at your wedding too? So embark on a lip-smacking tastetesting with your fiancé. And don’t be afraid to ask questions or assume that a custom menu would be too costly. Caterers are looking forward to making your reception a tasty delight to remember!

Salut!

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GlobeTrotting

By Josie Macalester

A Match Made In… You didn’t choose your fiancé on a whim. Your honeymoon should be no different. Where a couple decides to spend their first days of matrimony speaks volumes. Free-spirited or intimate? Daring or traditional? Outgoing or leisurely?

Don’t let chance alone decide.

With love as the common ingredient, why not spice up the concoction? We’ve all heard about the Waikikis and Arubas of the world. But if a pre-scripted honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort isn’t your style, then try one of these on for size.

henever I’m asked about the ideal honeymoon destination, I rarely give the same answer twice.

Whether you’re traveling stateside or overseas, it’s important that a couple’s personality and lifestyle be compatible with their destination of choice. If beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder, what are the chances that my paradise will resemble yours?

Paradise?

free-ranging chickens that might wander your way). If parasailing doesn’t blow your skirt, then don’t rule out a sunset cruise or dolphin watching.

only national park in New England, Acadia offers unparalleled coastal beauty, not to mention activities for casual hikers and adrenaline junkies alike. The views are spectacular, the landscape pristine and the wildlife plentiful. Where else can you eat freshly caught lobster and stay at a bed-andbreakfast with ocean views? The diverse geography of the park includes marshes, meadows, dense evergreen forests and mountains rising from the sea. Whether you’re into climbing granite peaks or taking in the scenery, Acadia is a nature lover’s paradise.

Barcelona, Spain A magnet for night owls and architecture buffs, this Spanish culture capital has a style that few cities can rival. The Mediterranean provides the climate, and the street performers and nightlife of La Rambla Street deliver the rest.

If bullfighting isn’t your idea of a romantic outing, then catch the latest Flamenco dance.

Indulge yourself with Catalonian cooking where seafood isn’t just cuisine, but a way of Key West, Fla. If you want tropical life. And if your timing is right, witness the Queenstown, New Zealand Welcome without straying too far from home, there’s spectacle of Spain’s renowned Carnival. to the adrenaline capital of the Southern no better place than the Florida Keys. Key Hemisphere. It wasn’t by chance that West’s mellow party vibe has a funk all its Queenstown became the birthplace own (guaranteed by none other than Jimmy of bungee jumping. Activities include Buffett). A mecca for bohemians and beach skydiving, hang gliding, caving and skiing, to bums alike, Key West will let your wildest name just a few. In the heart of the Southern dreams of island escapism run their course.

Alps along the shore of crystal clear Lake Scuba or snorkel by day, let loose at night Wakatipu, Queenstown serves up some of at one of Duval Street’s many hot spots New Zealand’s most breathtaking views.

Acadia National Park, Maine The (just be sure to keep an eye out for any If crowds aren’t your thing but you’re still

Life of the Party

Wild at Heart

GLOBETROTTING

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looking for some excitement, try nearby Lake Wanaka as an alternative.

Down to Earth

Niagara Falls, N.Y. A world class destination with something for everyone, Niagara is a rarity that actually lives up to all the hype. We’ll leave it up to you whether you prefer the American or Canadian side.

Either way, you’ll be left with breathtaking views and memories for a lifetime. Be forewarned: there has been reported sightings of heart-shaped Jacuzzis. Though plenty of man-made distractions abound — casinos, arcades and tacky shops along the boardwalk—the undeniable beauty of the 167-foot falls is a crowd-pleaser.

Sun Lovers

Cumberland Island, Ga. Retreat to the very place where JFK Jr. held his clandestine wedding. Much like the tide washing ashore, time moves at a slower pace on Cumberland. Explore

oak-lined trails or sun yourself on sandy beaches where you just might catch sight of one of the island’s wild horses.

The only lodging outside of a campsite is the luxurious Greyfield Inn, which is still furnished as it was at the turn of the century (that would be the 20th century). And if you’re thirsting for civilization, the quaint seaside town of St. Mary’s makes for a great excursion.

The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia This pearl of the Adriatic is sometimes forgotten amidst its more famous Greek and Italian neighbors. In the port town of Dubrovnik, atmosphere is at a premium with marble streets, red-tiled rooftops and a Mediterranean climate.

The surrounding archipelago of 48 islands scattered beyond the city include the renowned Korcula, with its many quiet coves and secluded beaches. The island is also home to some of Croatia’s finest wines and olive oil. Watch yachts glide along the coastline in this seafarer’s paradise.

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GLOBETROTTING

Québec City, Canada Unique is the best word to describe this 400-year-

old hidden gem overlooking the St. Lawrence River. The only walled city in the Americas north of Mexico, Québec City has convinced more than one traveler to skip Montréal all together in favor of its smaller, more intimate neighbor. Québec City’s down-toearth citizens will be more than proud to show off their town’s Old World charm. Walk hand-in-hand down the narrow cobblestone streets lined with 17th- and 18th-century houses. Wander far enough and you might just come across musicians, street-performers and actors in period costumes who have a tendency to show up in the most unlikely places.

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Sweet Rewards

By Allison Cooke Oliverius

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SwRe e

SWEET REWARDS

CAKE BY CLOUD 9 CONFECTIONS. PHOTO BY NC DESIGN IMAGES

ith more brides choosing contemporarythemed weddings, cake designers in the Carolinas are following suit. “Brides are really personalizing. They are breaking out of the norm and doing things much more unique,” says Erica Horton, owner of Cloud 9 Confections and Bakery in Charlotte.

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAKES BY VICTORIA

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAKES BY VICTORIA CAKE BY CLOUD 9 CONFECTIONS. PHOTO BY AZ PHOTOGRAPHY.

An upswing in post-nuptial receptions has also fed this trend. Brides and grooms who have destination weddings often return home to throw a party for friends and family.

“They bring the theme of their wedding home,” says Horton, who recently fashioned wedding cakes to match destination ceremonies in both the Caribbean and Las Vegas.

While many brides choose whimsy over traditional, classic vanilla pound cake with raspberry or strawberry filling covered in buttercream icing is still in high demand.

Bakers anticipate there will always be a place for the traditional white multi-tiered cake that often bears a resemblance to the wedding gown itself.

Cake designers are accustomed to seeing brides bring in clippings and sketches of their dream cake. However, many times the cake tasting is what motivates the bride to determine what sweets to indulge in. During the tasting, bakers usually provide about six different cake flavors, paired with various fillings and icings.

If neither the bride nor groom is a “cake person,” bakers can often duplicate their favorite dessert. Victoria Moore, owner of

SWEET REWARDS

CAKE BY CLOUD 9 CONFECTIONS. PHOTO BY NC DESIGN IMAGES

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAKES BY VICTORIA

Sweet Rewards Cakes by Victoria in Charlotte, said she frequently creates new flavors, often inspired by the seasons. For instance, for a summer wedding, she created a Key lime vanilla swirl cake, which she paired with white chocolate truffle filling. Another mouth-watering creation was a raspberry lemonade pound cake with a lemon curd filling and lemon buttercream icing.

Another tasty trend is cupcake towers. Cupcakes have always been a popular selection because they are budget-friendly, but pastry designers are now doing much more than traditional icing.

“We’ve been doing a lot of ‘bride and groom’ cupcakes,” Horton says. “Bride cupcakes have a bustier and a necklace,

while the groom cupcake has a chocolate frosted tuxedo and little buttons. The brides have been very artistic with their ideas, and we’ve been happy to create them.”

Though not everyone at your reception will indulge in his or her sweet tooth, the rule of thumb is to count on one slice per person. If you need to scale back, Moore suggests ordering a smaller cake to be served only to the wedding party, immediate family and special guests. Less expensive sheet cakes can be made with the same filling and icing.

Whatever you choose, the cake planning should be one of your most fun (and delicious!) decisions.

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SWEET REWARDS

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Stay Awhile

CLOSEST B EACH TO H I STOR IC CHAR LESTON, SOUTH C AROLI NA 1- 8 4 3 - 58 8 - 24 47, e x t 1 ~ w w w. f o l l y b e a c h s o u t h c a r o l i n a . o r g

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Happy Feet

By Allison Cooke Oliverius

T

here is a popular clip on YouTube featuring a wedding party boogieing down the aisle to the dance track “Forever.” The video was filmed on “Jill and Kevin’s Big Day,” and the happy couple decided not only to choose music for their wedding that reflected their personalities, but also to let their attendants in on the funky fun.

Music,

Okay, so it wasn’t Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” or Clark’s “Trumpet Voluntary,” but as Jill bops down the aisle in her white gown and shakes her bouquet in the air, she’s beaming. “It’s like I waited my whole life, my whole life, for this one night,” the words pulse over the church’s sound system.

As the song fades, the bride and groom are grinning ear to ear and more than ready to say, “I do.” Sure, their wedding march was a tad untraditional, but the music did its job – and then some!

HAPPY FEET

Suffice it to say, music will play a big part on your wedding day, whether it’s soft background music before the ceremony or a rousing trumpet recessional. Your options range from recordings over a sound system all the way to a mini-orchestra. But space and budget will certainly influence your decision.

A few things to consider:

TOMMY MCCART PHOTOGRAPHY

Here Comes the Bride…

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Entertainment

&

MAYHILL PHOTO

Dance

Many churches require approval for certain songs. For example, some churches only allow pre-recorded music as backup for a vocalist, and others require songs to be religious in nature.

A small church or chapel may only have room for a solo violinist rather than a trio.

For a beach wedding, line up an adequate sound system so you aren’t outstaged by the wind and surf.

If you hire musicians or a vocalist, listen to them perform live before signing on the dotted line. Once you’ve outlined your limitations, the Internet is a useful tool for researching and listening to samples of music.

Your cousin is in a band; your uncle knows his way around the turntables;

as your master of ceremonies, a DJ will work alongside other vendors to coordinate the music with the timelines of the event. But there is a fine line between getting the party started and becoming the life of the party, so you’ll want to outline your expectations with the DJ and how involved you want him or her to be. If you don’t want to dance to the “Funky Chicken” or the “Macarena,” make sure they know that too.

Most importantly, remember who your guests are. If there are a lot of older people, plan to include a few 50s tunes – perhaps even a polka or two. Later in the evening is a more appropriate time to jam out to louder songs. Talk to your musician or DJ about what kind of guests you expect and the type of mood you want to create. Most importantly, you’ll want all your guests to walk away having had a great time – young and old alike!

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HAPPY FEET

One, Two, Three, Four!

your youngest nephew could hook up his iPod and the family could jam all night. Music choices for backyard barbecues and family get-togethers are one thing. But for a wedding, a more formal option might be in your best interest.

The first decision to make is whether you prefer live music, or a DJ. Your venue may have restrictions on live music and the size of the location may be a factor. Van Halen at high decibels doesn’t go well with quaint historic reception sites.

If you and your fiancé decide on live music to complete your fairytale wedding, work closely with the musicians to come up with a playlist that you’ll be happy with. Request recommendations or attend a reception so you can hear them live.

DJs are certainly a more cost-effective alternative. In addition to serving

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Happy Feet

A how-to on

TOMMY MCCART PHOTOGRAPHY

cutting a rug

Finding the

perfect song

Experts say choose a song that is between three and three and a half minutes in length. Anything over four minutes can feel like an eternity on the dance floor. If you insist on that lengthy ballad, consider inviting your parents, the bridal party, or other guests to join midway through.

Once you’ve selected your song, practice dancing to it to get a sense of the rhythm. Don’t get discouraged if you and your sweetie have four left feet. Many couples feel better if they take dance classes – private, in a group or even over the Internet. Remember that the goal isn’t to look like a professional, but to simply get accustomed to moving together so that you feel comfortable when all eyes are on you.

If you’re not a dancer, or are nervous about it, break from tradition and plan to have your wedding party, family or everyone join in.

Trying to select the song for your first dance as husband and wife can be daunting. Make it too cheesy (Disney movie soundtracks) and it won’t ring true; make it too trendy (Beyonce’s “Single Ladies – Put a Ring on It”), and you’ll regret it a year later; make it too silly (Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters”), and it will seem like you’re not taking the moment seriously. Remember, this is the song that will symbolize your relationship and future life together, and if that wasn’t enough pressure, all eyes will be on you while you’re dancing to it.

You and your beloved may already have a song, but if you don’t, cruise the Internet for possibilities.

Consider time-tested favorites (Etta James’ “At Last”), as well as the latest sensations (ballads by U2 and Big & Rich). The music you choose should represent the unique love you share.

Lee Edwards Entertainment Lee Edwards Entertainment has been recognized for the third year in a row as one of South Carolina’s Premier Music Services by the knot’s ‘Best of Weddings’ Annual National Magazine (www.theknot.com).

This award is a result of online surveys from past clients we have served.

HAPPY FEET

We are honored to be the recipient of this very special recognition in 2007, 2008, and once again in 2009.

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Telling the Timeless Story

Telling the

Timeless Story

TRAVIS BELL PHOTOGRAPHERS

by Allison Cooke Oliverius

TELLING

T

THE TIMELESS

he day you get married is a wonderful whirlwind of a day.

There will be the moments you’ll remember forever, like excitedly walking down the aisle and that ďŹ rst kiss as husband and wife. But there will be plenty of other moments that will escape you.

STORY

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Consequently, the importance of hiring a photographer and videographer to capture every moment should be very high on your list. In fact, it may take anywhere from 9-12% (or more!) of your overall wedding budget.

With such an investment in images that will be passed down through generations, you should know what kind of images you want and choose a photographer and videographer that best suits your needs.

Budget Snapshot Experts say the bulk of your wedding day budget will go to: the reception (48%); photography (12%); attire for bride and groom (10%); and flowers and music (each 8%).

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What’s your style?

When your parents married, there was one type of photography: traditional.

Most every shot was staged, which meant wedding albums of yesteryear contained posed images of the bride and groom with various family members, as well as the must-have shots of the new couple sharing a kiss, cutting the cake, and heading off for the honeymoon.

But today’s brides want that and more.

They want a series of photos that tell the story of the day. More brides are choosing photojournalistic photography.

“My father was a portrait photographer where each shot was staged,” said Travis Bell, owner of Travis Bell Photographers in Columbia, S.C. Bell has been photographing weddings since 1994, and has been around weddings since he was 14 years old. “The way my dad was trained is that each photo should be a portrait so he applied what he did in his studio to the wedding day. But, I thought, why do we need to pose each photo? Why not just document it?” Bell said.

A former newspaper journalist, Bell approaches wedding photography using the ethics learned in the newspaper business. Events are not staged; rather, they are photographed as they happen, to capture real, raw reactions and emotions.

Traditional family photos will always be an important part of any wedding album,

as are photos of the cake, dress, rings, and more. But it’s the photojournalistic style that is embodied to capture tender — and hilarious — moments as they happen that will forever be preserved as family history.

To make the most of this style of photography, Bell urges his brides and grooms to tell their wedding party and guests what to expect. This way, guests don’t think they need to stop what they are doing and pose for the camera. “I’ve been able to take some amazing pictures that way,” Bell said, “because the guests understand they can just be themselves.”

Trends – Brides and grooms are requesting to take 10-15 minutes after the ceremony to have portraits taken of just the two of them. There is also a little more

TRAVIS BELL PHOTOGRAPHERS

Photography

influence on photographing the details, such as the bride’s dress, hair, favors, flowers, etc.

Having a second photographer has also grown in popularity. “Sometimes we have one photographer with the bride and another with the groom before the ceremony,” Bell said. And later, “While I’m doing the formal shots, the second photographer captures the reception, taking pictures of all the food before it gets eaten!”

Post-wedding, photo albums that bear a resemblance to coffee table books have become prevalent.

Choosing a photographer – With the surge of wedding photographers in the last few years, it won’t be hard to find a Web site or a blog on which to view sample photos.

These, combined with viewing proofs of other weddings, are great tools to gauge the photographer’s style and capabilities. But don’t base your decision on that alone.

“You want to be able to put your hands on a final album because it can make a big difference,” said Bell.

It’s not always possible to meet in person before the wedding, particularly when it’s a destination wedding. If this is the case, the bride should plan on having several conversations with the photographer to ensure their personalities don’t clash.

Your photographer will be with you all day - you want to be comfortable in his or her company.

What’s your type?

Here’s a quick reference guide to the types of photography out there.

wedding decor.

Decisions, decisions: Should you choose color photos or black and white?

That’s a big question many brides ponder.

The answer is: both.

Black and white images can bring out the emotion of a photograph because people tend to look at faces and hands first, rather than get distracted by the color in the background or another part of the picture.

Color is needed when it’s important to show the flowers, favors, dress, etc.

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TELLING THE TIMELESS STORY

Traditional: Formal color shots that are generally set up and directed by the photographer. They include typical group family photos and staged images.

Photojournalism: Photos taken as they happen without any orchestration by the photographer or any other party. This style is based on newspaper photography, which hinges on capturing moments as they happen rather than staging them.

Illustrative: This involves allowing the photographer to create “artsy” settings and situations in which to snap photos.

Indispensable yet disposable: For even more images, especially candid photos, buy disposable cameras for your guests to use.

Select either 35mm disposable cameras or digital disposable cameras and place them on tables at the reception and ask guests to snap away.

Cameras are available in a variety of colors and designs to match your

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Other tips in choosing a photographer include: Get references. Check out the photographer’s Web site, as well as Facebook or Twitter pages. Brides will make comments on those pages regarding their experience and the photographer’s capabilities.

Review their professional background.

The other types of work the photographer has performed will influence their approach to wedding photography. For example, a photographer with a sports background knows the importance of timing.

Get a signed contract that outlines exactly what you want and what services the photographer will provide.

Videography And we’re rolling Both videography and photography provide the perfect documentation of your wedding day.

“But the advantage of a video is being able to see and hear what happened at the same time. To see the movement and see the emotions as they happened,” said Bill Nixon of Coastal Videography.

Nixon, along with many professional videographers, provides brides and grooms with a real cinemagraphic, movie-style DVD of their special day. This means that instead of a straight-forward video of the day’s events, Nixon captures the moments with up to six cameras and spends 30-50 hours editing footage. He even mixes in a soundtrack to help tell the couple’s love story.

Don’t rely on Uncle Joe. Choosing a professional videographer is very important because in addition to generous family members with good intentions, there are also a lot of people out there who own a video camera and want to make a few extra dollars on the weekends.

Continued on page 64

TRAVIS BELL PHOTOGRAPHERS

Telling the Timeless Story

TELLING THE TIMELESS STORY

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Telling the Timeless Story Continued from page 62

Nixon offers these tips for selecting a professional videographer: Ask to see a demo. Better yet, ask to see five demos. Even better, ask if they will bring 25 full wedding videos with them to your first meeting. All professionals should have a portfolio of their work.

Ask for testimonials from former customers. Ask your videographer for three to four testimonials and to provide contact information for those couples.

Don’t be fooled by fake testimonials.

Ask the videographer what kind of cameras they use. Most camcorders are not good enough to professionally capture the day for you. You want them to use a broadcast-quality video camera with 3CCD technology. Even the cameras that claim to be high-definition do not process the same amount of information unless

they are 3CCD or better.

Ask them if they have a day job.

Many people claim to be “videographer,” but are actually something else during the week and just trying to make an extra buck on the weekends. They simply do not have adequate time to edit a wedding video properly because of their work schedule. It takes 30-50 hours to edit, author and render DVDs from footage. Any shortcuts will be cuts in the final quality of your video. If they don’t spend as much time editing, you will end up with a video that is chopped together and lacks that movie-like quality you are expecting.

Ask them who will be filming and editing the footage. Many larger firms use freelance camera operators to film the events and then they edit whatever footage they get. For this reason, it is important to see more than one video as previously suggested.

•

M aking the simple complicated, Is commonplace;

M aking the complicated simple; That’s creativity!

TELLING THE TIMELESS STORY

Experience the Difference Experience Dale Wallace (843) 875-5520

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M A K E T H AT DAY TO R E M E M B E R , A DAY O N T H E W AT E R .

You’ve always dreamed of a Charleston wedding. From aboard a SpiritLine Yacht, Charleston’s historic waterfront can be the backdrop for your wedding, reception or rehearsal dinner to make it a truly memorable occasion. Our planners will assist with all of the details to assure your event is all that you ever dreamed. For more information visit us at SpiritLineCruises.com or call us at 843-722-2628.

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Carolina Chronicles

CAROLINA CHRONICLES

Bride: Groom: Wedding Date: Photography: Wedding Gown: Groom’s Attire: Venue: Florist: Cake:

Amy Smith Sam Williams May 16, 2009 Huneycutt Photography Mia Solano Jos. A. Bank Magnolia Glen, Locust, N.C. Perfectly Arranged Hansel & Gretel’s Bakery

Leanna Kluttz Bryan Hancock June 20, 2009 Mayhill Photo Pine Lake Country Club, Mint HIll, N.C. Cake: Cakes by Victoria

Bride: Groom: Wedding Date: Photography: Venue:

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SUBMIT YOUR WEDDING

We’re always looking to feature fabulous weddings! To be considered for a feature story or to appear in Carolina Chronicles, submit 10 to 15 professional images from your wedding day. Please provide a short 500-word essay about your wedding, along with the essentials (contact information, names, wedding date, photographer, location, favorite vendors, etc). Submissions may be sent to editor@somethingblueonline.com. Emails should not exceed 5-MB. Due to the high number of submissions, we regret we cannot print or respond to all inquiries. We will contact you only if your wedding will appear in an upcoming publication.

Bride: Groom: Wedding Date: Photography: Wedding Gown: Groom’s Attire: Bridesmaid’s Attire: Venue: Florist: Cake:

Tiobhan Roberts Senterrio Landrum July 11, 2009 Tommy McCart Photography Maggie Sottero, Dar-Lynn’s Bridal & Formal Wear Men’s Warehouse B2, The Lily Rose The Peninsula Club, Cornelius, N.C. Stroud’s Florist Cheesecake Etc. FALL 2009

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CAROLINA CHRONICLES

Candance Buck Konstantino “Dino” Stambolitis July 12, 2008 Catch Light Studio Affordable Elegance Men’s Warehouse CenterStage at NoDa, Charlotte, N.C. Florist: Roula Economos Catering: Best Impressions Caterers Cake: Cheesecake Etc.

Bride: Groom: Wedding Date: Photographer: Wedding Gown: Groom’s Attire: Venue:

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After I Do

By Colleen M. Albert

T

he fun doesn’t stop after the wedding, though sometimes it can feel that way. For months, brides are busy planning and anticipating their way down the aisle. But what happens after that one day, when the party’s over, the planning ends, and it’s just you and your husband?

What do you tackle first? Do you buy a house, work on finances or start adding to your family? Most new wives find themselves in at least one of these situations depending on their personality, pre-marital living arrangements, age and priorities.

You’re a team now and the decisions you make affect the entire family unit – a reality that can be both glorious and challenging.

It is essential to maintain open and honest communication with your spouse while navigating these discussions. Take time to think, to understand your priorities and to make the best choices based on the life you both want now and in the years to come.

Finances, Homes, Babies

&

is your dream home, so let the excitement and potential pull you through.

Even if you have already cohabitated, now Renting or buying – If this is your is truly when you make a home together as first time living together you may want husband and wife. It is an exciting time to to rent a place while adjusting to your transform your existing pad, buy a new one new living arrangements. This can be a fun time to explore new neighborhoods, or build a dream house. plan a family and imagine homeBuilding – Many couples choose to have their home built while planning their ownership. If you’re a couple who enjoys wedding so it’s ready after the honeymoon. a low-maintenance lifestyle, a condo or This is great in theory and may even be townhome may be a better choice. Work achievable with lots of coordination and with a real estate agent who specializes in caffeine! But it’s pretty rare for a new the neighborhood you desire. An agent construction build to run precisely on will have access to resources that will schedule with no setbacks. If this is the assist you in your search, and they can route you choose, be patient and have a help you negotiate when you find sense of humor. Don’t let the details or the house. delays start quarrels with your spouse. This Staying put – If you opt to stay in one

Nesting

AFTER I DO

of your current residences, talk through the idea of changes so that both partners can really put their stamp on the place to feel right at home together! If the place was yours before, be open to change even if it makes you cringe having to find a place for that ugly recliner or blinking beer sign (Hey, the garage is a place, right?). They won’t last forever, but the damage created by rejecting those items may. So proceed with caution, invite his things in, and in time, they’ll likely find a new home – unless you’re a fan of Stella Artois too! If you’re the mover, it’ll probably take all your willpower not to redecorate the day you arrive. Most guys probably won’t mind the changes you Continued on page 70

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After I Do Continued from page 68

Parenthood

make, but if your guy has opinions about the house, try not to trample his ideas.

Perhaps one of the most exciting – or terrifying – decisions a couple can make is when, or if, to have children.

Hopefully, you’ve discussed this before marriage so there is no shock or disappointment with timing or numbers. It can be tempting to jump

Dollars and Sense

AFTER I DO

Navigating your new financial terrain can be a dangerous landmine or an island breeze, depending on if and how you discussed finances while dating. Having frank conversations and getting on the same page beforehand can make all the difference. Money is often the number one thing couples fight over, and while it’s no doubt an important part of life, it should never come before your relationship. That may be easier said than done, especially if one spouse has expensive habits, bad credit or spending issues.

To join or not to join – One of the first decisions you’ll make is whether or not to combine accounts, keep them separate or do a little of both. Look past your basic checking and savings accounts and make decisions about existing certificates of deposit, investment funds, stocks or money manager accounts. Now is also a good time to add or change your primary beneficiary on any retirement, life insurance and work benefits.

Financially speaking – One of the many advantages of getting married is having combined incomes with reduced debt. Start making smart financial decisions that will benefit your family for years to come. If you’re not already, now is a good time to make retirement contributions. Pay down outstanding debts, resist from creating more debt and save for the future. Most married couples have big dreams about homes, vacations and children. These things aren’t free, so the less debt you have, the easier it’ll be to live the life you want. Seek the advice of a licensed financial planner before making any investment decisions or a debt manager if you’re trying to improve your financial situation.

into this next phase of your life – especially if you’re an older couple or have parental pressure – but give yourself time if you can. This first year is about your marriage. Have fun. Enjoy the solitude of togetherness. Travel.

Learn new things about each other. Get jiggy with it. Hey, they don’t call it a honeymoon period for nothing!

•

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Hickory Furniture Mart NORTH CAROLINA’S LARGEST!

People come from all over the world to visit Hickory Furniture Mart, but visitors traveling from the Greenville area can be there in about 2 hours. Whether you need to furnish a room, a corner, or an entire house, you can do it ALL at Hickory Furniture Mart. The Mart’s friendly and knowledgeable guest services representatives are available to answer all of your questions.

Start your day off with your favorite specialty coffee at Taste Full Beans, the Mart’s on-site Wi-Fi coffee bar.

Enjoy lunch at Hickory’s famous Grapevines, featuring gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads. Take a break from your shopping and relax in the lounge area or read a chapter from your favorite book in the Reading Room. The Mart also offers special Shop & Stay packages with several area hotels, which include discount furniture shopping cards.

Hickory Furniture Mart has over a hundred factory outlets, stores, shops and galleries, representing over a thousand premier furniture manufacturers. And if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also find unique accessories, lighting, fine oriental rugs, art, fabrics and much more throughout a million square feet of idea rich showrooms. Finishing Touch Freight Services offers full service consolidated shipping to any location worldwide. For newcomers who are purchasing two or more rooms of furniture for their home, the Mart will be happy to set up a personal shopper for you in order to help make your time at the Mart more efficient and rewarding. Just contact the marketing department for more details. From Greenville, take I-85 North towards Gastonia. In Gastonia, take US-321 North (Exit 17) to Startown Rd (Exit 33). Turn right at the off-ramp, travel approximately 8 miles, then turn left onto US Hwy. 70. Hickory Furniture Mart is on the left. Open to the public 6 days a week, Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm. For more information, call 1-888-831-4362 or visit www.hickoryfurniture.com.

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