Swanky Weddings Magazine - August 2024: The Wedding Edition Issue

Real Style,Real Beauty

The Rhythm of Love in Bloom

AUGUST 2024 ISSUE 01

GUEST EXCLUSIVE A LOVE LIKE JOHNNY AND BABY A Celebration of Creativity and Individuality

wedding photography WWW.SWANKYMEDIAGROUP.COM

INSIDE COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: KASSANDRA KELAIDI IG: @KASSANDRAKELAIDI FB: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/KASSANDRAKELAIDI WB: WWW.STUDIOKELAIDIS.GR MODEL: ELEUTHERIA THE WEDDING EDITION

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Editor-in-chief SALLY MARIE Lucy Morris Ashley Buchanan Tobias James Jarna Nasso Darren Wynne Heather Wilkins Lyndsey Adams Chloe Bennet Karaaina Bishara Laszlo Balogh

Executive Editor Fashion Editor Digital Editor Staff Writer Photo/Sub Editor Features Editor Beauty Editor Advertisement Manager Features Editor Logo Illustrator

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Online Store Available @swankygroupworldwide.shop THE WEDDING EDITION

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CONTENTS 08 WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHER: ЕЛЕНА ВЛАСОВА @ELENA IG: @FOTO_VLASOVKA7773_

20 THE RHYTHM OF LOVE IN BLOOM PHOTOGRAPHER: LAURA POWERS IG: @LAURAPOWERSPHOTO FLORAL DESIGNER: ALTHEA WILES/ROSE OF SHARON FLORAL DESIGN STUDIO IG: @ROSEOFSHARONFLORAL LOCATION: METEOR GUITAR GALLERY IG: @METEOR_GUITAR_GALLERY PUBLIC RELATIONS: MEREDITH CORNING PR IG: @MEREDITHCORNINGPR WB: MEREDITHCORNINGPR.COM DANCE SCENE VENUE: METEOR GUITAR GALLERY IG: @METEOR_GUITAR_GALLERY BANQUET DRESS: SAMANTHA PLEET IG:@SAMANTHAPLEET

34 FIORI ROSA, FIORI DI PESCO FASHION DESIGNER: DEBOURBONCOLLEZIONI IG: @DEBOURBONCOLLEZIONI FB: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/DEBOURBONCOLLEZIONI WB: WWW.DEBOURBONCOLLEZIONI.COM PHOTOGRAPHER: MARCO CASO IG: @M_A_R_C_O_C_A_S_O FB: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MARCO.CASO.14 WB: MARCOCASO.EU MODEL: FIORENZA VIERI IG: @CRUSHEDGINGERSNAP

WEDDING IN 44 VINTAGE AEGINA GREECE PHOTOGRAPHER: KASSANDRA KELAIDI IG: @KASSANDRAKELAIDI FB: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/KASSANDRAKELAIDI WB: WWW.STUDIOKELAIDIS.GR MODEL: ELEUTHERIA

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Editor’s Letter

August 2024

PHOTOGRAPHER: LAURA POWERS IG: @LAURAPOWERSPHOTO FLORAL DESIGNER: ALTHEA WILES/ROSE OF SHARON FLORAL DESIGN STUDIO IG: @ROSEOFSHARONFLORAL LOCATION: METEOR GUITAR GALLERY IG: @METEOR_GUITAR_GALLERY PUBLIC RELATIONS: MEREDITH CORNING PR IG: @MEREDITHCORNINGPR WB: MEREDITHCORNINGPR.COM DANCE SCENE VENUE: METEOR GUITAR GALLERY IG: @METEOR_GUITAR_GALLERY BANQUET DRESS: SAMANTHA PLEET IG:@SAMANTHAPLEET

Sally Morris Editor-in-chief Welcome to the Swanky Weddings August Issue! One of the busiest month in the wedding industry!

August is a popular month for weddings, as the warm weather and longer days provide a beautiful backdrop for ceremonies and celebrations. Brides often opt for light, airy dresses to stay cool, often choosing fabrics like chiffon or organza that offer both elegance and comfort. Grooms typically select suits that balance style and comfort, with materials such as linen or cotton being popular choices to combat the summer heat. Many couples take advantage of the summer season to host outdoor weddings, incorporating natural elements and vibrant florals into their decor. These outdoor settings, whether in gardens, vineyards, or by the sea, add a touch of nature’s beauty to the festivities. The festive atmosphere of an August wedding, enhanced by the season’s lush greenery and blooming flowers, creates cherished memories for both the couple and their guests.

Additionally, the extended daylight hours allow for longer celebrations, from afternoon ceremonies to evening receptions under the stars.

This extra time means that couples can plan a variety of activities and special moments throughout the day, such as cocktail hours, lawn games, and extended photo sessions. The warm evenings also provide a perfect setting for outdoor dining, dancing, and even fireworks displays, making the entire event feel magical and memorable.

August’s abundant seasonal flowers, like sunflowers, dahlias, and roses, offer a rich palette for floral arrangements, bouquets, and centerpieces. These blooms not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a fragrant ambiance to the celebration. The combination of warm weather, natural beauty, and extended daylight makes August an ideal month for creating unforgettable wedding experiences that are both picturesque and deeply personal.

For many couples, August weddings also mean the possibility of destination weddings, as travel is often easier during the summer months. Whether it’s a beachside ceremony, a mountain retreat, or a charming countryside gathering, the opportunities are endless. Guests are usually more willing to travel during this time, turning the wedding into a mini-vacation for everyone involved. This adds another layer of joy and relaxation to the event, making it not just a wedding, but a memorable getaway for all attendees.

Whether opting for a traditional setting or an adventurous destination, the elements of summer come together to provide a unique and unforgettable experience for both the couple and their guests.

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wedding photography PHOTOGRAPHER: ЕЛЕНА ВЛАСОВА @ELENA IG: @FOTO_VLASOVKA7773_

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The Rhythm of Love in Bloom PHOTOGRAPHER: LAURA POWERS IG: @LAURAPOWERSPHOTO FLORAL DESIGNER: ALTHEA WILES/ROSE OF SHARON FLORAL DESIGN STUDIO IG: @ROSEOFSHARONFLORAL LOCATION: METEOR GUITAR GALLERY IG: @METEOR_GUITAR_GALLERY PUBLIC RELATIONS: MEREDITH CORNING PR IG: @MEREDITHCORNINGPR WB: MEREDITHCORNINGPR.COM DANCE SCENE VENUE: METEOR GUITAR GALLERY IG: @METEOR_GUITAR_GALLERY BANQUET DRESS: SAMANTHA PLEET IG:@SAMANTHAPLEET

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The Rhythm of Love in Bloom T

im and Victoria’s love story dances to a unique beat, harmonizing the timeless charm of classic cinema with the vibrant hues of cultural heritage. Their recent photoshoot perfectly captures this rhythm, blending the iconic allure of Dirty Dancing with a modern, artistic flair. The result is a stylishly cool engagement shoot that looks more like a series of scenes from a rom-com movie, celebrating their individuality and love for each other.

A Love Like Johnny and Baby The first part of their shoot takes us back to the golden era of romance, reminiscent of the final scene in Dirty Dancing. Tim and Victoria perfectly capture the characters of Johnny and Baby, looking as if they’ve stepped straight out of the iconic moment when Johnny declares, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” Victoria, with her short curls and sweet yet bold style, mirrors Jennifer Grey’s “Baby,” while Tim, with his rugged charm, channels Patrick Swayze’s character Johnny Castle. Their chemistry is palpable, and their ability to recreate such a beloved scene speaks volumes about their playful and creative connection. The nostalgic ambiance of their hometown’s Meteor Guitar Gallery serves as the perfect backdrop for their dance-inspired photos, echoing the film’s themes of love, rebellion, and freedom.

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Dirty Dancing is one of my favorite movies, and Tim loves it too,” Victoria explains. “I find most engagement photos to be cookiecutter, so I wanted to do something fun and creative for us. The idea came to me when I heard ‘Time of My Life’ playing on the speakers at a store, and the rest is history.”

An Ode to Heritage Transitioning from the nostalgic to the contemporary, the second part of their shoot features a vibrant day out in their southern hometown. Victoria’s flower crown, a stunning creation by Althea Wiles of Rose of Sharon Floral Design Studio, pays homage to her Polish heritage. This beautiful piece was inspired by Slavic bridal flower crowns, known for their vivid colors and symbolic meanings.

Traditionally, these crowns were worn by brides in rural Poland as a rite of passage into marriage, symbolizing purity and new beginnings.

Althea drew inspiration from various sources, including the rich, detailed artworks of Nikolai Rachkov and Marcin Jablonski, as well as the iconic floral crowns associated with Frida Kahlo. The result was a modern yet deeply symbolic crown, featuring red and pink spray roses, orange and plum ranunculus, blue delphinium, and green hellebore. This eclectic mix of blooms was a nod to traditional folk art while embracing a contemporary flair that perfectly suited Victoria’s personality.

“One of the things I love is designing for a friend or family member,” Althea says. “Victoria is more like a sister than a friend, even though we’ve only known each other for about five years. As the marketing assistant for the floral design studio, Victoria has been a creative force behind many of its projects, making this collaboration even more special.”

Victoria’s wardrobe for the shoot further underscores the fusion of past and present. She donned a still-life print banquet dress from Samantha Pleet, named Harvest. This piece, with its baroque-inspired garden print and sustainable craftsmanship, was a fitting choice for the modern floral theme. Tim, meanwhile, complemented Victoria’s vibrant crown with a coordinating lapel pin featuring deep burgundy scabiosa and chocolate brown leather jacket.

A Celebration of Creativity and Individuality Their photoshoot locations, from the rustic charm of an eclectic guitar store and music venue to the colorful cityscape, provided a perfect backdrop for their stylish adventure. In a world where love stories often follow a predictable script, Tim and Victoria’s tale dances to its own beat. As the couple prepares to elope in Las Vegas, their engagement photos capture the essence of their bond – fun, creative, and uniquely theirs. Tim and Victoria’s stylish adventure not only celebrates their love but also highlights the importance of personal expression and passion for life inspiring us all to celebrate the distinct melodies of our lives.

Photography: Laura Powers IG: @laurapowersphoto Floral Design: Rose of Sharon Floral Design Studio IG: @roseofsharonfloral Banquet Dress: Samantha Pleet IG: @samanthapleet Public Relations/Article Written By: Meredith Corning PR IG: @meredithcorningpr Dance Scene Venue: Meteor Guitar Gallery IG: @meteor_guitar_gallery

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Fiori Rosa, Fiori di Pesco FASHION DESIGNER: DEBOURBONCOLLEZIONI IG: @DEBOURBONCOLLEZIONI FB: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/DEBOURBONCOLLEZIONI WB: WWW.DEBOURBONCOLLEZIONI.COM PHOTOGRAPHER: MARCO CASO IG: @M_A_R_C_O_C_A_S_O FB: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MARCO.CASO.14 WB: MARCOCASO.EU MODEL: FIORENZA VIERI IG: @CRUSHEDGINGERSNAP

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Vintage Wedding in Aegina Greece PHOTOGRAPHER: KASSANDRA KELAIDI IG: @KASSANDRAKELAIDI FB: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/KASSANDRAKELAIDI WB: WWW.STUDIOKELAIDIS.GR MODEL: ELEUTHERIA

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Photography: Laura Powers IG: @laurapowersphoto Floral Design: Rose of Sharon Floral Design Studio IG: @roseofsharonfloral Banquet Dress: Samantha Pleet IG: @samanthapleet Public Relations/Article Written By: Meredith Corning PR IG: @meredithcorningpr Dance Scene Venue: Meteor Guitar Gallery IG: @meteor_guitar_gallery

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