Spring/Summer 2023

town bride

Welcome to town bride , Anderson’s premiere bridal magazine featuring all things wedding. This semiannual magazine focuses on everything the bride and groom need to know to help make their wedding day one of a kind. Enjoy gorgeous pictures, informative articles, engagement and wedding announcements, tips and trends, as well as the top local wedding vendors. The magazine is published in the spring/summer and fall/winter. Issues are available in all vendor locations plus key distribution spots in Anderson, Easley, Starr/Iva, Greenville, and surrounding areas.

So here comes the bride ... town bride . Because there’s a bride in every town.

tbTOWN BRIDE MAGAZINE, LLC

PUBLISHER

Julie Bailes Johnson

townbridemag@gmail.com

(864) 221-9269

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Bride: Anna Katherine

Gallant

Gown: The Dressing Room

South

Hair/Makeup:

Jessica Bagwell

La Bella & Company

Flowers: Electric City

Blooms & Selah Floral

Studio

Venue: Downtown

Anderson

Photographer: Will Malone

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kim von Keller

Dr Gabrielle Cannick

Jarred Fenske

Kristine March

Alexandria Stathakis

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Pamela Brownstein

Southpaw Media

pamelauhles@hotmail.com

Nate Thomason

Signal 43 Design

signal43@live.com

Photo by Will Malone

Show Time

WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS AT BRIDAL EXPOS?

By Kim von Keller

Whether they’re called “expos” or “fairs,” bridal shows are back in full force post-pandemic. If you are newly engaged and unfamiliar with the event, a bridal show gathers wedding vendors such as caterers, clothiers, and entertainment providers under one roof to get you started on your wedding planning. Since 2020, bridal shows were either pared back or nonexistent, but if the one I attended in January of 2023 in Columbia is any indication, vendors are ready to return to convention centers and arenas to meet both brides and grooms with traditional offerings as well as some new wedding trends.

IT’S A MAN’S WORLD TOO Women are no longer the only ones enjoying a bridal fair.

Men are getting in on the excitement as well. I saw many more men at the Bride City Bridal Show I attended than I had at previous bridal shows. Clearly, men are taking a greater role in wedding planning, especially in the areas of food and beverage and entertaining. There were also vendors present who specialized in menswear, giving men the opportunity to compare style, cost, and service. I noticed in particular that clothiers were showing more options than black tie for men. Conservative suits in various cuts as well as nontraditional accessories, such as Brackish Bow Ties made from feathers, were on display for men who are as interested in their attire as women are theirs.

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bridal trends

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TASTINGS ARE BACK

I was particularly excited to see the return of caterers offering samples from their event menus. Tastings were more limited in the last year or so, but this year, samples of passed appetizers, entrees, and wedding cake were all available. Many of the tastings featured traditional Southern items, such as barbecue, pimento cheese, and pickled okra, served in ways that were more elevated and elegant. And while there is nothing like a pound cake, cake tastings can open your eyes to flavors such as sweet potato or red velvet for your wedding showstopper.

THE WRITING’S ON THE WALL … AND THE WINDOWS

There was a time when calligraphers — artists who specialize in beautiful handwriting — were only hired for addressing wedding invitations. While they still provide that service, many couples are using calligraphers to add style to their wedding welcome signs, order of service signs, table numbers, seating charts, and more. Popular surfaces include antique windows, reclaimed wood, mirrors, and picture frames. A word of warning: If you are having a hard time reading the calligrapher’s handwriting at a bridal show, chances are that your wedding guests won’t be able to decipher it either, so choose your calligrapher carefully.

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Calligraphers are being used by couples to add style to their wedding.

Adding artistic expression to weddings is popular today. Many couples turn to watercolorists to design invitations and other stationery.

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LET’S GET PERSONAL

In addition to calligraphy, art is finding its way onto wedding stationery, wedding gifts, and more. Many couples are turning to watercolorists to design the imagery for save-the-dates, invitations, and thank-you notes to add a personal touch to items that traditionally have been more generic. A fun idea on display at the Columbia bridal show was the painted bourbon bottle. An artist takes a top-shelf bourbon and decorates the bottle with the wedding date, an image of the wedding venue, or anything with special meaning to the bride or groom.

A revealing tradition

Hold on to your garters, girls, the history of this practice stems from interesting origins

By Kim von Keller

It’s one of the most familiar wedding reception traditions: First, the bride gathers her single friends and tosses her bouquet. The one to catch it is the next one to marry. Next, the groom removes the bride’s garter, gathers his single friends, and tosses it. Again, the one to catch it is the next one to marry. What a quaint, old-fashioned practice ... that absolutely did not start out that way.

To learn more about the origins of the tossing of the bouquet and garter, I talked to Columbia wedding planner

Amber Watson of À Moi Weddings. It turns out that in the past, the newlyweds’ community was far more “invested” in the couple than one often finds today.

“In ancient times, after the newly married couple had retired to their bed chambers, guests would wait outside the door for proof that the marriage had been consummated,” she explains. “The groom would sometimes offer his bride’s garters to the crowd to indicate that the act had taken place.”

Over time, the bride and groom were afforded more privacy in the bedroom, but the crowd continued to be an issue.

“Eventually, the bride’s clothing came to be known as good luck, offering love and happiness to anyone who could grab a piece of her attire,” Amber says. “Not wanting to have her gown completely torn from her body, the bride would throw her flowers or garter to distract the guests, allowing her to escape.”

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Mc C onnell Hall Plantation

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Talk about rowdy behavior at the reception.

Today, Amber says, fewer couples are including the bouquet and garter toss at their receptions.

“Of all the couples I’ve worked with, about 50 percent forgo the practice entirely. Of the remaining couples, 25 percent do both the bouquet and garter toss, and 25 percent do the bouquet toss only.”

Amber suggests that the reason for the practice’s decline has to do with the age of today’s brides and grooms and their friends.

“Younger brides are more excited to toss the bouquet and garter because they have more single friends to catch them,” she says. “Younger couples also don’t mind rowdier reception behavior. As you age, though, it seems less exciting to have your parents and friends watch your new husband retrieve your garter.”

Wedding Budget Breakdown

SHORT OF IT

By Kristine March

The first time I ever laid eyes on a wedding gown that was actually short, or a mini dress, if you will, was when I was watching MTV as little girl. I was probably 6 or 7 years old and a video for Guns And Roses came on for their legendary song, “November Rain.” Stephanie Seymour was an iconic supermodel at that time, and in the music video, she walked down the aisle in a micro-mini wedding dress. You could even see her little garter. I instantly wanted to be her.

It’s probably one of my favorite wedding gowns of all time and favorite music video of all time. I still love that dress to this day. Carmela Sutera designed the dress back in the ’90s, and short wedding gowns are making a huge comeback today. So many brides are choosing to go with a shorter version of a wedding gown, and I think it’s absolutely stunning. People are breaking traditions and having unconventional weddings, and the new wardrobes are so “it” right now.

I’ve chosen my favorite short wedding gowns that I think any bride would love. If you’re hesitant and don’t want to commit to a short wedding gown for the big dress reveal, you can always opt for changing into a shorter gown and wearing it to your reception. You’d be super comfortable, and you can dance the night away. Whatever your fancy, here are my top short wedding dress picks. The first one is so affordable and so gorgeous. It’s by a trusty company

called For Love & Lemons. It’s a white bustier gown that is high cut plus low, and comes with a boned bodice. You could pair it with the perfect veil and it’s right around $400. It’s breathtaking and will definitely be a showstopper. The company makes several other short wedding gowns that are just out of this world, and the prices are unbelievable. Such a gorgeous company.

My second pick is by one of my favorite fashion designers, Zimmerman. The style is called High Tide.

It’s an embroidered mini dress and it comes with a sweetheart neckline and a little belt to cinch in the waist. It reminds me of something a bride would have worn in the early 60’s. It’s sleeveless and comes in the color ivory. Pair it with the perfect little leather mules and you’re good to go. It’s classic and lovely. The price point is a little higher for this particular gown, but worth every penny. The third dress is my splurge item. It’s a floral applique mini dress with long sleeves by Monique Lhuillier.

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This high cut white bustier gown is designed by For Love & Lemons.

The style of this dress is called High Tide by designer Zimmerman. The embroidered dress comes with a little belt.

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It has a jeweled neckline and an A- lined silhouette. You can actually order it through Bergdorf Goodman. It would be the perfect wedding dress for spring. It’s simply stunning and has a pop of color in the embroidery.

The most outstanding thing about all of these gowns is that they’re ready to wear. I do, however, recommend that any time you’re purchasing a wedding dress to have alterations made. It will make you feel a sense of relief, and you will remain confident in knowing that it’s tailored to your perfect measurements.

Whatever dress you choose for your special day, remember to embrace the moment and enjoy every second of it. After all, the wedding day goes by quickly and will feel short, just like that hemline you’re about to pop on.

Happy wedding day, y’all!

At right: A lovely long-sleeved A-lined dress by Monique Lhuillier.

Signature Cocktails

Asignature cocktail is a great way to not only set the tone for your wedding reception, but it also helps to keep your guests cool and refreshed during those warmer spring and summer wedding days. There are multitudes of beautiful, refreshing and attractive signature cocktails out there to choose from but we found some of the best according to some of the best bartenders in the business. Testing them out first is always

a good idea, so cheers! Drinks are on the house!

LEMON BLUEBERRY MULE

Ingredients

• 1.5 ounce vodka

• 4 ounces lemonade

• 2 ounces ginger beer

• ½ ounce fresh lemon juice

• ½ cup fresh blueberries

• dash of bitters

• fresh thyme for garnish

Directions

To a copper mug, add the fresh lemon juice and blueberries

Muddle together.

Add lemonade and vodka

Add ginger beer

With a bar spoon, mix. Add a few dashes of bitters to add an herbal flavor. Garnish with fresh thyme and lemon slice.

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Lemon Blueberry Mule

food + drink

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BLACKBERRY MARGARITA SMASH

Ingredients

• 8 to 10 fresh blackberries

• 2 to 3 fresh sage leaves, torn

• 1 ounce agave nectar

• 1 ounce lime juice

• 1 ounce pomegranate juice

• 1 ounce mezcal

• Ice

• Raw sugar and fresh sage sprig for garnish

Directions

Rim glass with raw sugar and fill ¾ with ice.

Combine blackberries, sage leaves, agave nectar and lime juice in a cocktail shaker and muddle until blackberries are smashed.

Add ice and remaining ingredients to the cocktail and shake until very cold.

Strain into glass and garnish with fresh sage and serve.

BLOOD ORANGE SPARKLER

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups freshly squeezed blood orange juice

• ½ cup ginger ale

• ½ cup champagne or prosecco

Directions

Fill glasses with ice and pour ¾ cup blood orange juice, ¼ cup ginger ale, and ¼ cup champagne into each. Serve.

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Above: Blackberry Margarita Smash

At left: Blood Orange Sparkler. These are examples of signature cocktails served at weddings. What will your special drink be?

food + drink

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CHAMPAGNE DE VIOLETTE

Ingredients

• 2 parts Creme de Violette

• 1 part fresh squeezed lemon juice

• Dry sparkling wine or champagne

• Fresh viola edible blooms for garnish

Directions

Evenly pour 1 part creme de violette and ½ part lemon juice into two champagne coupes. Top the coupes with dry sparkling wine or champagne. The bubbles from the champagne will gently mix the cocktails. Garnish with edible blooms. Serve immediately.

CHAMOMILE COLLINS

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz Empress 1908 gin

• 10 oz fresh lemon juice

• 10 oz chamomile tea syrup

• Soda water (on top)

• Lemon wheel & dried chamomile flowers

Directions

Shake the gin, lemon juice and chamomile syrup on ice. Strain into a chilled collins glass on fresh ice. Top with soda water, and garnish with a lemon wheel and/or dried chamomile flowers.

ABCs of love, marriage and commitment

By Jerrad Fenske

“At Last” : this iconic love song, ranked as one of the most romantic love songs and has been a prominent choice for first dances and like so many stars in the heavens, labeled as “our song.”

Interestingly enough, it was first introduced in 1941 by Glenn Miller and his orchestra in the movie “Orchestra Wives.” Jump ahead 20 years and Etta James — battling drug addictions, personal challenges and career difficulties — recorded this hit. Her voice is the voice we hear in our minds when we are reminded of the song. Dim the lights, close your eyes, sway back and forth and you’re there, on the dance floor: “ I found a dream, that I could speak to, A dream that I can call my own, I found a thrill to rest my cheek to, A thrill

that I have never known!” Sounds like an arrival point that puts the heart and soul at ease while casting hope for the future.

“Born to Be Together”: a great love song sung by the Ronettes in 1963; oh, the fire of love from the ’60s and its indelible mark upon the future generations. It was a time when the norms were questioned and people sought out expressions that moved them beyond the norm. “ The moment I saw you my heart knew it was forever. You touched me and I swear I knew then and there that I’d never, No I never want somebody else...”

This song may not come as quickly to mind as Etta’s version of “At Last” but it was definitely the style and genre that was so emblematic of the ’60s. Etta James was able to convert the style of “At Last” by her approach to her per-

formance, moving the song beyond the quiet reserve of the previous generation to the present time where she used it as a vehicle to put her thoughts to the actual person. Similarly, the Rosettes were given a song with the lyrics and intention, boldly expressing love directly to an individual.

“Can’t Help Falling in Love”: How can you even think of the ’60s and not think of Elvis? In 1961, at the same time as “At Last,” the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was causing audience listeners to swoon, collapse and lose control with his new hit. The melody is based on “Plaisir d’amour,” a popular French love song composed in 1784. This version was featured in Presley’s 1961 film “Blue Hawaii.” It was listed as one of The Greatest Songs by Rollings Stone Magazine, ranking #403 in the list’s 2012 edition.

Elvis Presley’s version of the song topped the British charts

in 1962, spending four weeks at No. 1. During Presley’s late 1960’s and 1970’s live performances, the song was performed as the show’s finale. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” was the last song he performed live, at his concert in Indianapolis at Market Square Arena on June 26, 1977.

Regardless, if the year is 1784, 1941, 1961, or 2023, music is timeless, just like love, marriage and commitment. Music is the element that strings life together and imprints on our mind the song and the memory attached to it. Pick what you love and what connected you and your betrothed; not everyone has the same taste or memories and this is about making yours for your lifetime together.

Jerrad Fenske is a freelance musician and teacher with 40 years of experience in wedding ceremonies. Visit his website at www.jerradfenske.com.

This is not your grandma’s

wedding registry

By Kim von Keller

Wedding registries have changed tremendously since Marshall Fields instituted the shopping service in Chicago nearly a century ago. Gone are the days when crystal, sterling silver, and fine china were the only items on a couple’s wish list. The modern bride and groom may choose to entertain more informally. They may desire gifts that reflect a shared interest, such as cooking or gardening. They may even prefer gifts that will make their home run more efficiently or economically.

Below, you’ll read couples’ comments on their favorite items from their wedding registries. Prices range from less than $20 to $400. As you build your own wedding registry, be sure to include modest items as well as more extravagant ones so that your guests have plenty of choices.

NINJA FOODI 6-IN-1 10-QT. XL 2-BASKET AIR FRYER WITH SMART COOK SYSTEM

“One of our favorite gifts is our air fryer. This one is big enough to cook an entire chicken in.”

ninjakitchen.com , $249

GOOGLE NEST LEARNING THERMOSTAT

“The Nest thermostat lowers our heating and cooling bills, which we love. During the day, when no one is home, it adjusts our HVAC to energy-saving temperatures, but by the time we get home from work, the temperature is exactly how we like it, summer or winter.”

store.google.com , $249

LODGE SEASONED CAST IRON 5 PIECE SET

“If you weren’t lucky enough to have skillets from LODGE Cast Iron handed down to you, you’ll be handing these down to YOUR children one day.”

lodgecastiron.com , $105.95

OUR TABLE 10-PIECE GLASS BOWL SET

“Our favorite gifts were things for our kitchen. We love cooking together, so it’s also where we requested the most. One of the go-to gifts we get for friends (because we love them ourselves) is this set of glass nesting mixing bowls.” bedbathandbeyond.com , $25

BEAUTIFUL PICTURE FRAMES

“These may not seem like the most exciting gifts, but we have really appreciated being able to put the photos from our engagement and our wedding in beautiful frames to display around our home.” potterybarn.com , prices vary

SPIEGELAU IPA GLASSES

“My husband is much more of a beer drinker than a wine drinker, so he has really enjoyed having these special beer glasses.”

crateandbarrell.com , $10.95/ea

OXO GARLIC PRESS

“Sometimes, it’s the little gifts that make the biggest impact. We use this almost every day, and it makes cooking prep so much easier.”

amazon.com , $17.69

SHARK PRO LIGHTWEIGHT CORDLESS STICK VACUUM WITH POWERFINS AND SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL

“Getting a new cordless vacuum cleaner made us feel so grown up. Our old ones were leftovers from college days. A cordless vac is so much easier to use around the house.” target.com , $399

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wedding gifts

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FIBRAMENT HOME OVEN BAKING STONE

“Those $600 pizza ovens are fine, but we make great pizza in our oven on a stone that costs less than $100.” fibrament.com , $95

YETI 12 OZ COLSTER® CAN COOLER

“We never would have spent $25 on a koozie, but we use these all the time!” yeti.com , $25/ea

CASH FUND

“My husband and I set up a Home Renovation Fund as we’re renovating a small ranch house that was built in the 1950s. Guests who contributed appreciated that they were helping us get started in our married life in a significant way.” theknot.com

Gone

are the days of picking out china dining sets, today’s couples have more practical items on their wedding registries.

Don’t let lack of sleep and stress spoil your special day

By Dr. Gabrielle Cannick

Once upon a time, and perhaps even still today, mothers would say to their daughters, “It’s important you get your beauty rest!”

Is this old-fashioned “wives’ tale” advice? Or smart counsel born out of experience? More to the point, if true can it help brides reduce the stress that comes with planning a wedding and at the same time ensure the star of the show looks and feels their very best on their special day?

The answer? Mom is right. It’s an age-old beauty enhancement formula and it goes like this: Quality sleep = stress reduction = looking AND feeling your best.

Research verifies and experts agree a good night’s sleep can do wonders for your skin. And your skin is not the only beneficiary: think lowering the risk of weight gain, anxiety, a weakened immune system, and other serious health issues. That is why I have embraced sleep dentistry and incorporated it into our Grand Oaks dental practice. In treating my valued patient family, I have come to realize and observe firsthand how important sleep is to our overall health.

How does sleep deprivation affect the skin?

Research indicates that just two nights of limited sleep can significantly change the appearance of the skin and the face. Dark under-eye circles appear, a marked sign that someone has been burning the midnight oil. If dark circles aren’t enough, there is dry skin and hollowing out of the cheeks. The result is not the glow of youth but the tell-tale signs

of premature aging. Not good. This is because dehydration accompanies tiredness. We associate dehydration with not drinking enough water. But research suggests lack of sleep is the real culprit.

Then there is the matter of skin elasticity. More than any other skin feature, skin elasticity or sagging can appear after just six days of poor sleep. Sleep disruption can also exacerbate rosacea, a skin condition that specifically affects the face, causing redness, pimples, and broken blood vessels.

And what about stress and your mental well-being?

Brides are also confronted with a predictable side effect of wedding planning, and that is stress. No matter how organized you are or how impressive your support system may be, stress is unavoidable. The trick is to recognize that it comes with the territory. How you handle it is what matters. Stress can affect your whole body, including your hair, nails,

and skin. Stress causes a chemical response in your body that makes skin more sensitive and reactive. It can also make it harder for any skin problems to heal.

What’s more, when stress becomes chronic and doesn’t go away it can affect the immune system, digestion and leave us vulnerable to feelings of depression, where you end up focusing on and worrying about things that don’t matter.

Further, you can literally run out of adrenaline and other stress hormones. This results in feeling tired, lethargic, and disinterested in what is going on around you. Our modern lives are filled with stress. And planning a wedding can kick stress reactions into high gear.

So, how do you combat stress and keep in control? For consideration here are the top recommendations from the experts:

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Dr. Gabrielle F. Cannick

A good night’s sleep can not only do wonders for your skin, it can also lower the risk of weight gain, anxiety, a weakened immune system, and other serious health issues.

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Meditate. This is simply the practice of concentrating your attention on your breathing and clearing your mind. You can then decide whether you want to respond to the thoughts and feelings coming into your head or let them pass. The idea is to consciously detach yourself from whatever is causing stress and just relax.

Correct Breathing. Yes, how you breathe can make a big difference in your stress levels by helping you produce beneficial hormones, reduce your heart rate, and calm yourself down. Inhale from your stomach and the lower part of your chest first. Then fill the upper portion of your lungs by relaxing the abdominal muscles.

Like a bellows, the lungs fill from

the bottom to the top. You get a much deeper breath than you do with regular chest breathing, a bad habit most of us have.

Exercise. Burn some calories, get your blood pumping. This releases endorphins, a natural antidepressant, which will calm you and put you in a happier mood. Exercise can also give you a sense of focus and achievement.

Very important for those wedding jitters!

Don’t let lack of sleep and uncontrolled stress happen. By overcoming these two impediments to one of the happiest times in your life, you can look your best on that special day, achieve a healthier state of mind, and better manage the inevitable stress that is to be expected and best anticipated.

Resolve: Get enough sleep, set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and be sure to make time to do the things you enjoy. The results just might be dramatic!

And a final thought from one with some experience: The difference between an ordinary marriage and an extraordinary marriage is in giving just a little ‘extra’ every day, as often as possible, for as long as we both shall live.

Dr. Gabrielle F. Cannick is the owner of Grand Oaks Dental, located at 3905 Liberty Highway in Anderson. A strong believer that dental fear and anxiety should not prevent any patient from receiving the highest quality dental care, Dr. Cannick has received extensive training in Sedation Dentistry and is a certified member of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. She is also a member of the South Carolina Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. For more information about Grand Oaks Dental and the services provided, please call 864-224-0809, or click to grandoaksdental.com or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GrandOaksDental.

Don’t let lack of sleep and uncontrolled stress take over. Resolve to get enough sleep, scale back on your to-do list, and set reasonable limits.

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THE BOYS ARE BACK

JESSI NICHOLS PHOTOGRAPHY

“It’s not just another dress. It’s the dress that you’ll remember forever.”

— VERA WANG

PHOTO BY WILL MALONE

WEDDING EMERGENCY KIT packing list

FASHION ITEMS:

O LINT ROLLER

O SEWING KIT

O EXTRA JEWELRY AND EARRING BACKS

O STATIC GUARD

O FLIP FLOPS (FOR DANCING)

O SOLE INSERTS FOR HIGH HEELS

FRESHEN UP ITEMS:

O TRAVEL DEODORANT/TOOTHPASTE & BRUSH

O BABY WIPES

O MAKEUP REMOVER

O TISSUES

O EXTRA PERFUME

O BREATH MINTS

O HAND SANITIZER

REPAIR ITEMS:

O SUPER GLUE

O BAND AIDS

O NEOSPORIN

O CLEAR NAIL POLISH

O Q TIPS

O TYLENOL/ADVIL NECESSARY MEDICATIONS

O TIDE TO GO PEN

O BABY POWDER

O SNACKS TO GO

BEAUTY ITEMS:

O SMALL COMPACT

O EXTRA BRUSH/COMB/HAIR SPRAY

O LIPSTICK/LIP GLOSS/CHAPSTICK

O NAIL FILE

O SMALL SCISSORS

O TRAVEL LOTION

O EYELASH GLUE

O EXTRA EYELASHES

O NAIL POLISH

O OIL BLOTTING SHEETS

O EXTRA CONTACTS/GLASSES

NOVELI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Smart Explorer Pro tips from a seasoned traveler

By Alexandria Stathakis

Over the past year, I took several exciting trips overseas to visit Peru, Costa Rica, Dubai and India. I felt really blessed to be able to go to these places and explore new sights, cultures and food. Here are some tips I picked up from my travels that will come in handy during your honeymoon — and beyond.

On-Off Bus Tours

I usually wonder along aimlessly and avoid the on-off bus tours, but I admit — for big cities and first-time visits — these tours are an excellent way to get a feel for the city.

I used it in Dubai and was reminded of a couple of things. Thinking I needed a two-day ticket to see the old city and the new was a mistake. The time starts running when you first enter the bus. I wanted an earlier start, so I took a cab and walked the area so by the time I first entered the bus, it was afternoon, so I basically ended up with a ticket I didn’t need. But warning: sometimes it is not easy to tell where the pick-up stops are so if you don’t get on and off at the same spot, you could miss a pick-up. My suggestion is that you ride all the loops that you can with a one-day ticket to get an idea of where everything is and then use public transportation to go back to where you want to go.

Hot spots

Once you decide where and

when you are going somewhere, do your research because there are often places that require advance ticket purchases. In Dubai, I knew to buy a ticket in advance to the Burj Khalifa Tower if I wanted to be there at sunset, but I was not aware that tickets to the Museum of the Future had a two-month waiting period, so I missed that one.

I ran into similar situations with top restaurant reservations, so I highly recommend securing tickets or reservations in advance for popular places.

Art districts

I have lucked out in several big cities, finding interesting renovated industrial buildings turned into art districts. They usually include one-of-a-kind gift shops

and nice restaurants. They are often in areas outside of the city so I would recommend taking Ubers or cabs. I ventured to one once on buses and subways in China (not recommended), and thankfully three young Chinese girls helped me on the bus, but I was sure to take a cab back to my hotel.

Addresses

That China trip reminds me that you need to be sure to have your hotel address written down in the local language. Taxi drivers don’t often understand English. Most hotels will give you a card with the information you need. I ended up having to call my hotel to get them to talk to the driver.

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The Burj Khalifa Tower is a skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, that is known for being the world’s tallest building.

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Public transportation

Don’t be fearful of public transportation. It is usually cheap and will get you to the main areas of big cities especially. One regret in Dubai is that I did not take the monorail more often.

At the same time, in big cities at main attractions, airports, or train stations, expect long lines at the taxi stands. I almost missed a restaurant reservation because of an hour-long taxi line. In some cities, one bus will circle the city and you get to see where everything is — just like the on-off bus that costs much more.

Take advantage of dead time

I had a 12-hour layover on my return from India in Dubai so I worked with one of the tour companies to get picked up at an airport hotel and returned there. The hotel agreed to store my luggage. Instead of sitting around doing

nothing, I saw the deserts outside of Dubai. Taking advantage of these moments requires a bit of planning, but will be worth it to make the most of your time in another country.

Hotel concierges

If your hotel has a concierge service, get in contact with them before you arrive. They can give you hints and tips of what to plan.

Look for the bright spots

Traveling in India is stressful. Horns blowing, cows and dogs on the main roads, two wheelers in and out, no lines on the roads and when there are, nobody pays attention to them.

The other thing about India that is nerve wracking is the dirt — everywhere. Most places are just not maintained, and the streets and sidewalks are littered. However, on this visit, my third, I focused on the bright spots. I looked for the beauty and it was in the sculptures I

found, in the eyes of the children, in the archeological wonders, and in the absolute kindness of its people. My point is, there is beauty everywhere, you just need to look for it.

Enjoy your travels.

Wherever you go on your honeymoon, make the most of your time together and enjoy the sights and culture around you.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRI HINES PHOTOGRAPHY

FORD - CROMER

Miss Taylor Ford became the bride of Mr. Brady Cromer on January 7, 2023. Taylor is the daughter of Mr. Robert and Tish Ford and the granddaughter of Carol Ford and Ray and Flo Brennaman. Brady is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Carl Cromer of Anderson, South Carolina, and the grandson of Wayne and Sharon Splawn.

The maid of honor was Ashley Ford, sister of the bride, and bridesmaids were Grace Cromer, sister of the groom; Madeline Cromer, sister in law of the groom; Jessica Phillips, Megan Colburn, Anna Jameson, Katherine Famuliner, Jordan Lindler and Harper Grace Donahue as the flower girl.

The best man was Austin Cromer, brother of the groom, and groomsmen were Austin Gardner, Cole Reynolds, Laurence Rauschnabel, Bray Friar and Cobi Ford.

Taylor is a student at Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia, working on her doctorate in physical therapy. Brady is the broker in charge and vice president of Cromer & Company Real Estate in Anderson.

The couple was married and a reception held at Heyward Manor in Iva, South Carolina. After a honeymoon trip to Jamaica, the couple makes their home in Anderson.

WOOD - OWENBY WED

Britney Danielle Wood of Iva, South Carolina, and Tyler James Owenby of Martin, Georgia, were married on September 18, 2022.

The three o’clock in the evening, intimate ceremony was held at Schwabacher Landing in Jackson, Wyoming, and was officiated by Ray McDaniel.

The bride is the daughter of the late Scotty Wood and Dana Burdette Wood of Iva, S.C.; and the grand-daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Burdette of Iva, S.C. She is a graduate of Tri-County Technical College and the AnMed Health Radiology Program, with an Associates Degree is Science. She is currently employed at AnMed Health Medical Center in Anderson, SC, and St. Mary’s Sacred Heart in Lavonia, Georgia, as a radiological technologist.

The groom is the son of the late Keith Owenby and Pamela McFarlin Owenby of Eastanollee, Georgia; and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Wendell (Pete) McFarlin of Toccoa, Georgia, and Ms. Betty Thompson Owenby of Easta -

nollee, Georgia. He is a 2006 graduate of Stephens County High School. He is a commercial poultry farmer and is currently employed with Columbia Farms.

The couple became engaged in Napa Valley, California, on April 9, 2022, following a five year courtship. Tyler truly surprised Britney with a private proposal at a beautiful vineyard that he reserved just for them.

The bride wore an ivory figure-hugging sheath silhouette, longsleeved lace gown by Lori Allen Couture. The gown had a decadent off-the-shoulder neckline with intricately hand-placed lace motifs. She wore her great-great grandmother’s dinner ring. The look was completed with a cathedral length veil.

The intimate ceremony was held within the Grand Tetons. The happy couple honeymooned for two weeks throughout Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. The couple’s love for travel is what sparked the ceremony location. The couple will reside in Martin, Georgia.

BAILES - LAIL TO WED IN APRIL

Dr. and Mrs. George Steven Bailes of Spartanburg announce the engagement of their daughter, Mary Elizabeth Bailes, to James Barrett Lail.

The bride to be is the granddaughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. Lucius Charles Bailes of Anderson and Dr. and Mrs. John Braun of Charleston. Maid of honor will be Mrs. Catherine Bailes Belk, sister of the bride, and flower girls will be Miss Bailey Belk and Miss Emma Grace Belk, nieces of the bride to be. Miss Bailes graduated from the College of Charleston and is emlployed by Prisma Health as an Ultrasound Technologist.

Mr. Lail is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Randall Lail and the grandson of the late Mr. Perry Lail and Mrs. Sarah Lail. He is also the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Dallas Crumbley. The best man will be Mr. Cole Hudgens and the ringer bearer will be Mr. Charlie Bailes. Mr. Lail graduated from Appalachian State University and is employed by Gabriel Builders as a project manager of custom homes.

The couple will be married on Aprill 22, 2023, at the home of the bride’s parents, surrounded by family and friends. They will honeymoon at Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas, and then make their home in Greenville, S.C.

VON KELLERSCHEPER

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore von Keller of Blythewood, S.C., announce with pleasure the engagement of their daughter, Elizabeth Kipling von Keller, to Zachary Michael Scheper, son of Mrs. Janet Baumberger (Scott) of Swansea, S.C., and Mr. Gregory Scheper of Myrtle Beach, S.C. A wedding is planned for December 2023.

Elizabeth graduated from Wofford College and the University of South Carolina School of Law. She is an associate with the Finkel Law Firm in Columbia, S.C., where she practices Social Security Disability law and domestic law.

Zachary attended Midlands Technical College, where he studied engineering. He is employed by Sunbelt Rentals in Cayce, S.C., as a heavy equipment mechanic.

ANDERSON COUNTY

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