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.
TOWN
PUBLISHER
Julie Bailes Johnson
townbridemag@gmail.com 864-221-9269
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Bride: Mendeci Rivera
Gown: Anthropology
BHLDN Collection
Hair & Makeup: Cotton Rouge Hair & Makeup
Flowers: Twigs
Photographer: Amanda Cipriano, Mandolin Media
Photography
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
Gabrielle Cannick, DMD
Rachel Deneroy
Jerrad Fenske
Kim von Keller
Kristine Ker March
Alexandria Stathakis
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Nate Thomason Signal 43 Design 864-933-1444 signal43@live.com www.sig43.com
Pamela Brownstein pamelauhles@hotmail.com
SALES
Becky Pruitt beckypru@aol.com 864-367-2101
Cover photo by Amanda Cipriano Mandolin Media Creative Studios
Fall Bridal Fashion WHAT ARE THE LATEST WEDDING TRENDS?
By Kristine Ker March
Wedding season is in full swing, and I’ve got your official list of all of the latest trends for the bride and groom.
For starters, it’s fall, and what could be more stunning than an autumnal-style wedding? The colors, the food, libations, and just the leaves on the trees will take your breath away. For the beautiful bride, I have three things that were my personal favorites from the runway and from wedding designers, planners, and coordinators this season.
THE BRIDE
1. Romantic Dresses
My first pick is, of course, the dress. Bold botanical embroidered flowers in a 3D design with a sculpted corsetry made my jaw drop, from Monique Lhuillier. Her inspiration this year was from the villas off of Lake Como and their lush, gorgeous Italian gardens. Perfect for the hopeless romantic bride. I’m most partial to the Monaco dress: It’s a tulle strapless ball gown with scattered rose petals all over it. It looks like something straight out of heaven. My second favorite from Monique is the Ravello gown. It’s a strapless ball gown with a tufted skirt and a two-tier veil scattered with butterfly embroidery. Just glorious.
If you’re seriously interested, you can book an appointment at her flagship stores. The closest one to us is in New York, but it’s totally worth it.
2. Dried Flowers
Now for the flowers. Dried flowers are everywhere, and I
think they’re so lovely. You can incorporate wheat, eucalyptus, apple leaves, bunny tails, and pampas grass for the perfect bouquet. The incredible thing about dried flowers is that you can
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Dresses with bold botanical embroidered flowers are inspired by Italian gardens.
wedding fashion
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always preserve them and keep them, and it will always remind you of your big day. They’re also perfect for your groom and groomsmen. You can add the dried flowers to their boutonnières as well.
3. Enchanting makeup
Lastly, for the bridal trend is her makeup. Cranberry and cinnamon hues are so enchanting for fall, especially for eyeshadow and lipstick shades. Try a pumpkin spice blush for the cheeks in a cream base, and for the manicure and pedicure use toasted neutrals or a plum and dusty rose.
THE GROOM
Now for the groom’s trendy ideas. To begin with, men are just a bit less complicated when it comes to weddings, but they still want to make a good impression.
1. Colorful suits.
Well-fitted suits are a must. Also, for the groom’s color palette, we have some unusual colors thrown into the mix this season, such as olive green and warm tan. It adds some depth and refinement instead of your typical black tux, which is still always an instant classic, but this is for the more adventurous groom. Furthermore, earth tones are really beautiful to incorporate in the groomsmen’s attire. Warm caramel and wine are such a lovely contrast, and the bride will certainly swoon.
2. Unique accessories
Another trend for the groom is a unique accessory such as a hat. A wide-brimmed fedora would be so good-looking for the groom at the reception. It will give him an instant rustic approach and make him look sophisticated, yet relaxed. Will & Bear Hat Company makes so many
authentic hats for men that are at a great price point. If hats aren’t your man’s thing, engraved cufflinks would be absolutely dashing.
3. Good Scents.
Lastly, it is a signature fragrance for the groom. Scent always brings you back to good memories, and a good cologne is very important.
Tom Ford makes Tuscan leather that smells so divine. Or try Viktor & Rolf Spice bomb. Both fragrances are perfect for a fall wedding and will make a lasting impression. All of these trends will come and go, but the memories you make at your wedding will last a lifetime. Happy Wedding Day, y’all!
wedding trends
5 alternatives to the guest book Be Our Guest
There’s more than one way to have a record of all the friends and family members who attended your wedding. While the guest book is still in use, many couples are looking for alternatives to signatures on paper. Below, you’ll find five alternatives to the traditional guest book that will leave you with fun – and sometimes funny – memories for years to come.
We Go Together
If the pandemic showed us anything, it’s that puzzles are fun! The Puzzle Guest Book allows your guests to sign individual puzzle pieces that interlock to form a reminder of everyone who celebrated your wedding. You’ll want to choose the size based on your number of guests so that everyone has the chance to sign a piece. Find a popular assortment at etsy.com. Prices start at $50 and increase with size.
Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About
Instead of a visual list of your wedding guests, how about a series of voicemails? With After The Tone, your guests can record their warm wishes, marriage advice, or amusing stories
using a vintage telephone. When the wedding is over, simply return the phone to After The Tone and wait for your messages to arrive via an audio file, a USB, or a vinyl record. Hearing your guests’ voices will take you right back to your wedding day. For more information, visit afterthetone.co. Prices start at $299.
Say It with Pictures
Put faces with names by using a Polaroid station at your reception. This DIY guest book alternative ensures that you’ll have photos of all of your reception guests, even the ones your photographer doesn’t capture on the dance floor. Start with a table positioned at your recep -
tion entrance and someone to staff it. You’ll need a Polaroid Go camera, the smallest of Polaroid’s camera line, and plenty of film. As your guests enter, they pose for their mini portrait, which will measure approximately 2” x 2”. When your reception is over, you’ll have small photos perfect for displaying in a glass vase or decorative bowl in your home. The Polaroid Go is currently priced at $89.99 at target.com, with 48 photo exposures for $59.00. And when your reception is over, you’ll still have this purse-size camera to take on all of your married-life adventures.
It’s All Fun and Games
Do you and your spouse-to-be love hosting game nights? Instead of putting their signatures in a book, let your guests sign individual blocks of one of America’s favorite table games, Jenga. If you’re unfamiliar with the game, 54 small wooden blocks are stacked to create a tower. In turn, each player removes a wooden block from the tower and places it on the top of the tower without the tower collapsing. Simply set up a
table at your reception with the game pieces and plenty of fine-tipped markers for signing. The pieces are easily boxed and stored, which makes them perfect for a small starter home or apartment. More than 54 guests? Multiple sets
can be played together. You’ll find Classic Jenga at Walmart.com for $19.99.
Message in a Bottle
Who hasn’t walked on a beach, secretly hoping to find a message in a bottle, tossed from a dis -
tant shore? Turn that concept into a record of everyone who attended your wedding. All you’ll need is small note paper, pens, small rubber bands, and a decorative wide-mouth glass bottle or jar. Throughout your reception, guests can write special wishes, prayers, or memories, roll them up, and place them in bottle. Later, you can display your bottled messages with your wedding photos, and on your first anniversary, open the bottle to relive your most special day as a couple. Find an assortment of glass bottles and jars at potterybarn.com.
FALL FLORALS
By Rachel Deneroy | Rachel Deneroy Designs
Flower choices are always top of mind for couples dreaming of a wedding filled with fresh blooms. Before diving into specific flowers, it is important to first develop a color palette. The palette sets the tone, it tells a story, reflects the couple’s personality, and shapes the guest experience. Are you aiming for contrast, dimension, or warmth? Every color chosen is intentional, and it directly influences the blooms selected. When you bring a floral designer onto your vendor team, you gain a professional who is highly skilled in building palettes and floral recipes. Designers do not just rely on their past events. They are constantly inspired by weddings and design trends from around the world. With that perspective, they can create something unique for you. When choosing flowers for fall and winter, seasonality should be your guiding light. In South Carolina, we often enjoy local blooms into October, right up until the first frost. While local sourcing does not
always equate to savings, it does provide access to unusual flowers you will not find imported elsewhere. This adds a special touch to your wedding. And remember the golden rule: flowers that grow together go together. By developing a palette with a range of tones and shades, you give your florist flexibility to source creatively and increase your chances of seeing truly one-of-a-kind arrangements. The more
restricted your palette, the harder it becomes to find the perfect match. For fall, I am especially drawn to combinations of berry tones, pinks, and oranges accented with deep burgundy, golden yellow, and a whisper of light blue. Just as interior designers talk about the red theory, florists have a blue theory. A subtle touch of light blue has the power to elevate almost any palette. Favorite fall blooms
include dahlias, zinnias, celosia, scabiosa, cosmos, explosion grass, and autumn eucalyptus. Dahlias in particular are the star of the season. There is almost nothing they cannot do.
As we transition into winter, you can lean into nature’s palette of evergreens, rich browns, branches, and acorns, or embrace bold, high contrast designs. Winter is the perfect season for striking color against a crisp white backdrop. Think vibrant reds or cobalt blues for an artsy, modern effect. Even though local blooms are limited in the colder months, an experienced floral designer has access to trusted wholesalers and farmers worldwide, ensuring your flowers are fresh and tailored to your vision.
Most importantly, do not be afraid to break the mold. The best floral designs feel authentic to you as a couple, telling your story in color, texture, and bloom. Whether cozy and natural or bold and artistic, fall and winter weddings provide endless opportunities for unforgettable floral design.
EVAN TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
BRIDE SMILE TIMELINE
Dental planning before your wedding day
By Dr. Gabrielle Cannick
Your wedding day will be one of the most photographed days of your life. From candid laughs with your bridesmaids and family to the moment you say “I do,” your smile will be at the center of it all. However, a radiant, healthy smile doesn’t happen overnight—it takes a little planning. By scheduling the right dental treatments in advance, you can step confidently into your wedding day knowing your smile will shine as brightly as your joy.
dental care: 12 Months Before: Build the Foundation
Start early with a comprehensive dental exam and cleaning. Your dentist can check for cavities, gum health, or older dental work that may need attention. Fixing these issues well in advance prevents stress closer to your wedding.
This is also the time to talk with your dentist about your cosmetic goals, whether that means whitening, veneers, or subtle reshaping of teeth.
6–9 Months Before: Focus on Cosmetics
Here’s a month-by-month guide to help brides plan their
If you’ve been thinking about orthodontic treatment— such as aligners or braces— this is the perfect time to start. Most treatments take 6–12 months, so beginning now ensures progress before your big day.
With the foundation set, shift to esthetics. More extensive cosmetic work — like veneers, bonding, or gum contouring — should be planned at this stage. These procedures often require several appointments.
Don’t forget your daily routine: brush twice a day, floss, or use a water flosser to maintain healthy gums. Healthy gums are just as important as bright teeth for stunning photos.
3–4 Months Before: Refinements
As the wedding draws closer, focus on finishing touches. If you’re nearing the end of orthodontic treatment, now’s the time for final adjustments. Minor smile reshaping — such as bonding small chips or smoothing uneven edges — can also be completed at this stage. These subtle improvements can make a big difference in close-up photos.
1–2 Months Before: Brightening
Schedule professional whitening one to two months
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before your wedding. This ensures your teeth are at their brightest but gives time for any sensitivity to fade before your big day.
1–2 Weeks Before: The Final Touch
As the countdown begins, avoid or limit stain-causing foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, and red wine. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your teeth and gums. If your dentist recommends it, a whitening “boost” can be done during this time for extra sparkle.
On Your Wedding Day: Smile with Confidence
The day of your wedding, brush and floss as usual. Keep a small dental kit on hand for quick fixes before photos. Most importantly, relax and smile. A confident smile
is one of the best accessories you can wear on your wedding day. By starting dental plan -
ning 6–12 months ahead, you’ll have time to address concerns, enhance your look, and step
into your big day with radiant confidence.
Dr. Gabrielle F. Cannick owns Grand Oaks Dental, located at 3905 Liberty Highway in Anderson. A firm 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, visit grandoaksdental.com, or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/GrandOaksDental.
Brides should plan their dentist visits a year in advance in order to have any work done and ready before their wedding day.
wedding beauty
Should
For many brides, wedding prep goes beyond dress fittings and venue walkthroughs. Smooth, glowing skin has become as much a part of the big-day checklist as flowers and photography.
Enter Botox, the minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that promises to erase fine lines and deliver a refreshed look. But is it a smart move before saying “I do”?
Weddings are heavily photographed events, and Botox can help soften frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead creases that may be accentuated under stress (and camera flashes).
Done right, Botox offers:
• A natural-looking refresh — reducing wrinkles without changing your features.
• Boosted confidence — helping brides and grooms feel more polished.
• Low downtime — no long recovery periods compared to invasive procedures. Experts stress that Botox isn’t a treatment to book on a whim a week before
your wedding. Here’s a timeline bridesto-be should consider:
• 3–6 months before: Ideal for first timers. This allows time to see results, tweak dosage if needed, and get comfortable with how your face looks.
• 4 weeks before: Safe window for a touch-up if you’ve already had Botox and know your response.
• 1 week before: Risky. Bruising, swelling, or asymmetry may not resolve in time for the big day.
“For many brides (and grooms), wedding prep extends beyond securing the perfect venue, attire fittings, and choosing the best photographer,” says Donna Burton of Botox Boutique in Anderson. “In addition to checking off all the daunting wedding ‘to-do’s’ before you say ‘I do,’ having a beautiful, refreshed complexion has become equally as important when celebrating one of life’s most remarkable milestones.”
Donna explains that the minimally invasive treatment can smooth fine lines and wrinkles, boost confidence, and requires little downtime — making it popular for pre-wedding prep. Choose a board-certified, experienced injector to minimize potential adverse outcomes.
Short on time? Opt for skin hydrating facials, mild chemical peels, or under-eye patches for a quick refresh that will brighten your complexion and boost your confidence.
“The big takeaway is that Botox can enhance your look, but plan ahead for natural, photo-ready results,” she says. “The goal is to look naturally refreshed — like yourself, just a little more refined and polished. When planned thoughtfully, Botox can be a very effective treatment to enhance your natural beauty with minimal risk or downtime. It’s your special day, so if it makes you feel beautiful, then do it!”
Think about lyrics before choosing a song
By Jerrad Fenske
Recently, I was going through piles of wedding songs that I have performed for ceremonies over the course of my musical life. While sitting at the piano and playing some of these “all-time favorites,” I began to take note of the lyrics. Sadly, in some cases, the words flowed with not much depth and were rather casual in their supposed profound expression of a love that lasts a lifetime.
song Dolly Parton wrote “I Will Always Love You” sounds like a great expression of love, which it is, but it is love that will not be shared, it is love from afar and separated.
Frank Sinatra, these performers give us examples of timeless trends. The resurgence of nostalgia brings back beautiful expressions of love that might have been lost to the jukebox of time.
disposition and purpose as an individual. When it comes to relationships, it’s important for you to express yourself with the presence of music in various stages of your relationship and life together.
Some songs contained a memorable musical repetition or iconic phrase that stuck in one’s mind, like there is love from Paul Stuckey’s “Wedding Song” from the 70’s. However, what I found were some rather unharmonious examples of love. For instance, the
It is a challenge to find a song that accurately represents your expression of love and commitment to your partner; many contain the elements of action and resolution. We live in a wonderful age where knowing the lyrics is as easy as pulling them up on your device of choice. Most of you getting married today have never had to wait to buy the recording to read the lyrics on the album cover or insert.
Whether it’s songs by artists like John Legend, Ed Sheeran, and Lady Gaga, or classic recordings by Etta James and
What I encourage couples to do is to find music that speaks to your hearts, connects you together, and represents your story accurately. If your journey has been challenging, then maybe Shania Twain’s lyrics, I bet they’ll never make it, but just look at us holding on, we’re still together, still going strong will be an accurate representation of your life. If your relationship is Christian based, Tori Kelly’s setting of Psalm 42 expresses the beauty of the analogy of a deer panting for water, so does my soul need you, O Lord.
Each person has their own
Music is a wonderful gift that is at our fingertips at all times. Whether you choose to use live performers, recorded music, or a combination of both throughout your special day, take the time to be knowledgeable about the connection and references in the songs that reflect your love and feelings for each other. Your musical choices will be a soundtrack for starting your lives together. Make sure it is made up of songs that make you smile and you want to listen to on repeat.
Jerrad Fenske is a musician and teacher who can be reached at www.jerradfenske.com.
wedding trends
Purse Bouquets
The chicest bridesmaid trend of the season
There was a time when bridesmaids carried only one accessory down the aisle: the classic hand-tied bouquet. But in 2025, florals are getting a fashionable upgrade. Enter the purse bouquet — a fresh twist on the traditional arrangement that blends blossoms with a hint of high-style functionality.
Part handbag, part floral art piece, purse bouquets are exactly what they sound like: petite purses transformed into carriers for lush blooms. Think miniature clutches with cascading roses, dainty beaded handbags overflowing with wildflowers, or structured box bags lined with orchids. Bridesmaids can hold them naturally at their side, eliminating the sometimes-awkward bouquet grip, while still adding a pop of color and romance to the procession.
The trend first gained traction on social media, where bridal stylists and florists began posting purse-bouquet hybrids that felt whimsical and couture at once.
Pinterest and TikTok wedding feeds quickly became flooded with bridesmaid squads showing off their floral purses — half accessory, half arrangement.
According to wedding planners, brides love them because they double as both décor and accessory. “You’re essentially giving your bridesmaids a wearable piece of art,” says one stylist. “It’s modern, it photographs beautifully, and it adds another layer of
personal style to the wedding aesthetic.”
Carrying a purse bouquet frees up the hands in a way that a traditional bouquet doesn’t. The baglike handles allow bridesmaids to move more naturally, and unlike fragile hand-tied bouquets, purse arrangements feel sturdier and easier to manage. And while the flowers may fade, the purse itself can often be kept as a keepsake—a gift with both sentiment and staying power.
There are several different ways to style the bags:
• Vintage Glamour: Think pearl-encrusted clutches filled with gardenias and ranunculus.
• Whimsical Romance: Wicker handbags bursting with pastel wildflowers for a cottagecore vibe
• Evening Luxe: Jewel-toned satin purses trimmed with bold roses and dahlias for fall weddings. The beauty of purse bouquets lies in their versatility: they can match the bridesmaids’ dresses, contrast with the wedding palette, or even tie into the overall theme of the event.
While the hand-tied bouquet will never go out of style, purse bouquets offer a fresh, editorial-worthy alternative that feels both nostalgic and fashion-forward. For brides looking to surprise their guests and delight their bridal party, this blooming trend might just be the must-have accessory of the year.
wedding trends
If there’s one universal truth about weddings, it’s that the dance floor burns more calories than anyone expects. Hours of champagne toasts, high heels, and nonstop movement inevitably lead to one thing: hungry guests long after dinner is served. Enter the late-night snack box: a trend that’s quickly becoming a staple at modern weddings.
Traditionally, weddings wind down with cake and coffee. But couples today want to keep the celebration going — and ensure no one leaves hungry. Late-night snack boxes are more than just food; they’re a playful, practical touch that guests rave about long after the bouquet toss. Think of them as a love letter to your guests’ appetites.
The beauty of the late-night snack box lies in its versatility. Couples are using them to highlight personal favorites, cultural traditions, or simply crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Popular picks include:
• Mini Sliders & Fries: A nod
Late-Night Snack Box WEDDING THE
to diner classics in perfectly portioned form.
• Pizza Bites: Because few things unite people like a slice of pizza at midnight.
• Sweet & Salty Combos: Chocolate-dipped pretzels, popcorn, or candy for on-the-go snacking.
• Regional Specialties: Lobster rolls in New England, beignets in New Orleans, or tacos in Texas. Presentation also matters. Chic branded boxes with custom labels, monograms, or playful puns (“Love at First Bite”) turn a snack into a keepsake-worthy detail. Beyond being delicious, snack boxes double as a clever send-off gift. Instead of the usual wedding
favor that gathers dust, guests take home something they’ll actually use — and enjoy immediately. They’re also perfect for guests who’ve indulged in a little too much bubbly, providing muchneeded sustenance before heading home.
Couples are increasingly using snack boxes to showcase their personalities. One bride and groom who met in college handed out late-night ramen cups with chopsticks and custom seasoning packets. Another couple with a shared love of movie nights designed popcorn-and-candy boxes with “Now Showing: Love Forever” stamped across the lid. Late-night snack boxes prove that weddings are no longer confined to tradition — they’re celebrations filled with thoughtful, guest-centered details. Whether savory, sweet, or a mix of both, these boxes send guests home satisfied and smiling. After all, the best weddings are the ones that keep surprising you — even after midnight.
wedding trends
Make it Taylor & Travis Celeb Style (WITHOUT SAYING
TAYLOR AND TRAVIS...)
It’s only been a couple of months since their engagement was announced, but the marriage of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce is shaping up to be the wedding of the century. Regardless of your feelings for the music superstar and the NFL champion, their engagement photos, taken in a garden of lush greenery and abundant white blossoms, communicate the kind of romance she sang about in her 2008 hit, “Love Story.”
But if you want to make your wedding reception Taylor and Travis without saying Taylor and Travis, how do you do it in a subtle, non-friendship-bracelet or Chiefs-jersey way? We asked wedding planners, florists, clothiers, caterers, and even bartenders what they would feature to gently suggest America’s most talked-about couple.
The Wardrobe
“Taylor wears a lot of glitz and glam in concert, but she doesn’t seem very edgy in real life,” says Allie Walker, owner of Katherine Marie Weddings. “She seems much more like the girl next door. At her wedding, she won’t want to feel like she’s onstage; she’ll want to feel exactly like herself. I tell all my brides, ‘Be you, but bridal.’ So don’t feel like your gown is a costume for a performance. If
you’re into yoga pants and want something form-fitting, do it. If you try on a ballgown and it feels like you, wear it. The important thing is that you feel comfortable in your dress, because if you don’t, it will show in your pictures.
“For attendants and guests, I’d suggest what I call ‘garden vogue’ with lots of tulle or embroidery or over-the-top florals, based on Taylor and Travis’s
engagement photos. Shades of purple or lavender would be appropriate, as would accent beading to reference the Eras Tour bracelets. For Travis, we’ve seen him in a tuxedo before when he took the stage with Taylor, so maybe something with a patterned lining or a monogrammed logo; think ‘The Great Gatsby’ or ‘Downton Abbey.’”
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Cassie Hanvey of Crisp Event Rentals suggests a romantic and intimate dinner with antique design set on linens, if the bride is looking to give a nod to Taylor Swift’s style at her wedding.
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The Design
Cassie Hanvey of Crisp Event Rentals has two words on where to start your reception design: “Sailcloth tent.”
Unlike traditional event tents, sailcloth tents feature multiple dramatic peaks. Sailcloth is an open, airy fabric which, when used for an evening event, almost glows with uplighting and accent lighting.
“A sailcloth tent would bring the vibrance and elegance most associated with Taylor,” Hanvey said. “In terms of lighting, crystal chandeliers, either antique or modern conservative, would set the mood. The more crystals, the better!
“For dinner, I would go with something more romantic and intimate. I could see custom plates and chargers with colorful glassware or an antique design set on linens with texture or pattern. Afterwards, I’d move to something more party-like to suggest Travis, with lounge furniture and a custom dance floor, something with a cool, abstract pattern.”
In terms of flowers, Vicki Walker Hardin of Carolina Blossoms also loves the idea of a sailcloth tent and believes that the flowers should match its size and drama.
“To start, I would create a dramatic reception entryway with lush florals climbing up from the ground to the top of the entrance. Lavender and yellow are popular colors now, as well as peaches, corals, and pinks. For romantic gardenesque tables, I would choose lots and lots of garden roses, accompanied by peonies, lisianthus, French tulips, and lilac in compote centerpieces tucked among a tablescape of greenery and lush florals, maybe garlands that drop off the tables. Tall tapers would add light and drama.
“When it comes to the dance floor, I would use beautiful trees to define the area because of the height of the tent. Greenery and florals hanging above the
No matter what Era you’re in, you can be inspired by the style of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
dance floor would also highlight a couple’s first dance.”
Food and Drink
If you’re looking to imply Taylor and Travis, bartender Joshua March of Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian Restaurant knows exactly how he’d start the reception’s cocktail hour.
“Weddings are so fun, and it is especially exciting seeing his-and-hers cocktails take form and be enjoyed. I have curated many a wedding cocktail, and I find that for the bride, any kind of Spritz, like your Aperol or Hugo Spritz, is really light and enjoyable. If you really want to take it up a notch, I recommend a French 75 using Empress Gin to give it a nice lavender hue and garnish with baby’s breath flower. Truly elegant. Now for the groom, I would recommend the Debonair, which is a peach Old Fashioned, using a nice bourbon, a grilled peach cordial, and cardamom bitters to tie it all together! Solid sips!”
When it comes to food, Amanda Scovill of Southern Way Catering starts with the cocktail hour.
“Passed hors d’oeuvres are so elegant, and I’d start with a Spiced Pork Cigar, which features smoked pork, pineapple, and a pineapple ginger salsa. Next, I’d offer an Open-Faced Caviar BLT made
with smoked bacon, lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, and caviar. Finally, servers would pass Sweet Pea Arancini, which are crispy fried risotto balls, with an herbed lemon aioli.”
“Once guests are seated, I’d suggest a Peach Burrata Salad featuring fresh peach slices, burrata cheese, blackberries, and salted pistachios, dressed in a lemon-infused oil, balsamic glaze, and fresh cracked pepper. For the entree, I’d plate a duo of braised short ribs and seared mahi-mahi with Yukon potato puree and woodfire grilled asparagus. And to go with the wedding cake, I’d serve a lemon curd tart with sugared raspberries and a mint garnish.
“Finally, when the dancing is going strong and the real party begins, I’d offer gourmet tater tots with cheddar cheese bechamel, bacon lardons, and chopped green onion. Pair that with a boozy chocolate and Kahlua milkshake to keep the celebration going all night.”
Few couples occupy the glamourous world of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. But the most important thing about any wedding is to fill it with fun and romance. By doing so, you’ll share the joy and the excitement that “your English teacher and your gym teacher” and all couples feel as they take their first steps toward a lifetime together.
ME + YOU
United in Love
ASHLEIGH CRAFT PHOTOGRAPHY
SMILES SHARE
Delight in the Details
ALL PHOTOS BY ASHLEIGH CRAFT PHOTOGRAPHY
Let the Fun Begin!
ASHLEIGH CRAFT PHOTOGRAPHY
BRIDAL ALTERATIONS STAAR TAILORS
With gratitude for your continued support, STAAR TAILORS
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Learning to let go and enjoy the trip
Most of my friends are well aware that I am a control freak when it comes to making travel plans. I want to be involved in the details, and I love being the planner. Where we stay, what we see, where we eat is all important to me, which is why most of my life I have avoided organized travel.
However, this year I have found myself letting go and letting others take control and I’m here to report that it has all worked out fine. I still made sure that I knew what was going to happen, and provided some input, but overall it was nice not being responsible for everything.
Here are some tips for success in letting others take the lead in planning your travel:
First, it is important that those making the plans know what is important to you. If you like nice hotels or restaurants they should know that. However, I encourage you to be willing to compromise on even these important things. I have friends I travel with frequently and they are IHG loyalists. While I like those hotels, I’ve learned that some other hotel chains are just as good, so it helps to trust the planner.
Second, if there are places or things you don’t want to miss, be sure to let the planner know early in the planning stage. That avoids having to change the plans at the last minute when they have invested their time in making it perfect. In Paris, I wanted to see the Rodin museum and so it was added to our plans from the beginning and we had a beautiful morning at this “must see” museum.
Third, where possible include some free time in the travel plans to add something you find in your
By Alexandria Stathakis
travel that you want to do and didn’t realize it until you were there. Sometimes it might be just a morning or afternoon. There have been times when I have added a day to the trip to allow me to control the day. An extra day was perfect in Paris because I ended up going to the French Open and my travel friends were not interested. In Iceland I went to several art museums, which are a must for me. And in Cuba on a free morning another traveler and I went to a beach club while our guide stayed behind.
Fourth, communicate when you know something they might not know. I read several travel blogs and emails so I often will get something that pertains to a place we are planning to visit. If it will be helpful to the plan, I will forward it to those in charge. Don’t wait until you are already and then say, “I read about this great ... whatever.”
Fifth, No surprises. In all cases when someone else is doing the planning, I make sure there is a meeting prior to our travel where the plans
are reviewed. If there are no surprises then the chances of being disappointed are reduced.
You might ask why let someone else take control if I enjoy it so much. In Cuba our planner had been 20 times before so there was no reason not to let her be the planner. In Paris, our young travel companion wanted to do the planning. She had been to Paris before and I thought it was a good learning opportunity for her. She did great. On my National Parks trips, my friends are better at the park details than I am, so they plan that part of the trip, and I do the hotels and restaurants.
Even though I travel a lot, now that I am retired, it is nice to let go and have someone else take the lead. When it comes to your honeymoon, couples might feel overwhelmed trying to make all the plans, especially on the heels of planning their wedding. Following the tips for letting go will help the planning process be more relaxing, and will allow both of you to enjoy the trip.
When it comes to the honeymoon, letting someone else be in charge of making plans will likely be easier for the bride and groom.
wedding announcements
MINYARD - LEGER
Katelyn Bradley Minyard became the bride of Keegan Andrew McKenzie Leger on June 14, 2025.
The wedding and reception were held at Lindsey Plantation in Taylors, South Carolina.
Katelyn is the daughter of John Bradley and Tara Anderson Minyard of Anderson. She is the granddaughter of James David Anderson and Gloria S. Lee, Brenda M. Anderson and Shelby C. Minyard, and the late Thurmond B. Minyard.
Keegan is the son of Raymond Roger and Jennifer Flanagan Leger of Moore, South Carolina.
The bride’s maid of honor was Leah Gilstrap, and the bridesmaids were Taylor Webb, Cassidy Boles, Ava Swift, and Hannah Belcher.
The best man was Isaac Hayes, and the groomsmen were Adam Parks, Gabe Murabito, Collin Turner, and Andy Parks.
The bride attended T.L. Hanna High School and Tri-County Technical College. She is happily a stay-at-home mom to their son, Baylor. The groom was homeschooled in high school and later attended Spartanburg Community College. He is a diesel mechanic at ACME Mobile Service.
The couple will honeymoon at a later date and will reside in Anderson.
