town bride
Welcome to town bride , Anderson’s premiere bridal magazine featuring all things wedding. We are a semi annual magazine that focuses on everything the bride, groom and their guests need to know for the big day. Beautiful pictures, informative articles, engagement and wedding announcements, how to’s, what if’s and a whole lot more are who we are. We have everything a bride and groom need to make their day one of a kind and we’re wrapping it all up in a big beautiful bow. We publish in spring/summer and fall/winter. Issues will be 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: Monika Vandiver
Gown: Dimitra Designs
Makeup: Lasash Tate
Flowers: Electric City
Blooms
Venue: The Calhoun
Photographer: Will Malone Photography
EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS to Hope Vandiver of Dimitra Designs
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kim von Keller
Kristine March
Alexandria Stathakis
Jarred Fenske
Lauren James
Donna Burton
Deana Baker
Allie Walker
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Pamela Brownstein Southpaw Media pamelauhles@hotmail.com
Nate Thomason
Signal 43 Design signal43@live.com
RINGBLING
HOW TO CHOOSE AN ENGAGEMENT RING WITHIN YOUR BUDGET
By Kim von Keller
An engagement ring may be one of the most significant purchases of a man’s life. Whether he chooses the ring with or without the help of his beloved, he may have a lot of questions before pulling out a credit card. To learn about how to choose an engagement ring within your budget, Town Bride talked to Sarah Conrad Rodriguez, a jewelry consultant with Hartmann’s Jewelers in Warrenton, Virginia.
Sarah has worked in fine jewelry since 2002. She holds an Accredited Jewelry Professional certificate from the Gemological Institute of America, and she also has credentials in Color Stones Essentials, Diamond Essentials and Jewelry Essentials. She has taken courses through the Hearts on Fire University in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Diamond Council of America. “From showing and selling loose diamonds in a salesroom outside of Boston, Massachusetts, to working directly with goldsmiths to ensure quality and customer satisfaction with jewelry repairs and refinishing, I have been extremely fortunate to work in an industry that is always changing and evolving while the beauty surrounding me remains an everlasting constant,” she says.
Town Bride: Sarah, the first question most men ask is, “How much is this going to cost?” How should a man determine how much to spend on an engagement ring?
Sarah Conrad Rodriquez: The short answer is that you should never spend more than you can afford. The
old adage that you should spend one, two, or even three months’ income has gone out the window in modern times. You should save for an engagement ring like many people save for a vehicle: Be prepared to put money down and finance the rest, ensuring you can always meet your monthly pay-
ments if you run into financial difficulty; or save as much as you can or desire in advance. After that, stick to that budget. That being said, the baseline cost for an entry-level diamond engagement ring should be in the range of $1,200 to $1,500.
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RILEY MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHY
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Many couples set budgets for engagement rings together these days, as couples frequently combine finances before marriage. Consult your beloved to choose a price range you’re both comfortable with before finalizing your budget, assuming the ring is not a total surprise. Doing this can make her feel more valued in your overall relationship and will ensure she is comfortable with the purchase when you present your selection.
TB: How can a man know he’s getting the quality he’s paying for? What questions should he ask when shopping for an engagement ring?
SCR: First, find a brick-and-mortar store with a knowledgeable consultant whom you trust. He or she should educate you on the four C’s of diamonds: carat, cut, color and clarity. While diamonds remain the most classic, traditional and sought-after gemstone for engagement rings, there are many alternatives on the market today which cost much less; for example, moissanite, white zircon, cubic zirconia, or white topaz. A knowledgeable consultant should also be prepared to explain the differences between diamonds and alternative stones. Whichever stone you choose, you should ask how the value of the piece you’re looking at is determined.
If diamonds are impacted by the four C’s, alternative stones, such as colored gemstones, are impacted by the color’s hue, tone and saturation. A little bit of pre-shopping Internet research can set you up to ask all the right questions, but try not to get stuck on any ONE specific criteria, as there is often a balancing act involved with selecting just the right piece for your beloved.
TB: Is the advertised price the final price, or can I negotiate with the jeweler?
SCR: Engagement ring shopping can be very different from vehicle shopping when it comes to negotiating price. Whether you can negotiate on the price of an engagement ring ultimately depends on where you shop. If you shop online, prices are usually “as advertised” and nonnegotiable, considering you are buying sight unseen and without the benefit of a consultant at a brick-and-mortar retailer. Some larger brick-and-mortar retail stores have policies to allow negotiations, up to a certain point. Generally speaking, engagement rings sold at smaller independent brick-and-mortar jewelry retail stores are priced so competitively that the advertised or ticketed price will be the firm price of the piece. And no matter where you buy your engagement ring, be sure to ask about the vendor’s return or exchange policy.
TB: What else should I know about finding an engagement ring within my budget?
SCR: Insuring your ring after your purchase is extremely important. I strongly recommend purchasing insurance
for your engagement ring, regardless of whether you select a diamond or an alternative stone. There are insurance companies, such as Jewelers Mutual, which specialize in insuring jewelry items. These jewelry-specific insurance companies present a logical alternative to contacting your homeowners, renters, or even car insurance company to discuss jewelry coverage. Most non-jewelry-specific insurance companies “cap” jewelry coverage for those without additional jewelry riders; in some cases, these additional riders can be quite expensive! Beware of the jewelry cap and contact a jewelry-specific insurance company to provide coverage for your engagement ring. This is absolutely crucial to ensuring that your purchase is FULLY protected. In the next issue of Town Bride, Sarah talks about how to choose an engagement ring she’ll love!
NOVELLI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
always a bridesmaid...
LOVING A BRIDESMAID DRESS IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK
By Kristine March
From as far back as I can remember, there was always someone in my life getting married. Whether it was a cousin, family friend or someone from our church, weddings were and still are a huge deal in the South. I remember being in way too many to count as a child, and I was always a flower girl. I even gave out the wedding pamphlets at the door as the guests arrived. However, I’m now at the age to be a bridesmaid.
This year, I just happen to be matron of honor in my twin sister’s wedding. As any bridesmaid will tell you, you want to look and feel your best in the dress. Luckily, my sister will allow me to pick out my particular dress style, but
in the past, bridesmaids didn’t have that luxury. Well, to quote Bob Dylan, the times, they are a-changin’.
Today, the bride can still choose her favorite colors, but each bridesmaid can now pick out the dress style that best suits her figure. Not everyone feels comfortable in sleeveless or low-cut or cocktail-length dress. Not everyone wants to wear a long train attached to a dress. I say allow each lady to pick a dress that suits them and plan to have everyone wear the same color combination. It will surely be a win-win situation for all.
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There are so many beautiful styles now. From a daring slit dress to a high neck or midi length, from satin to chiffon, from neutral to bold, everyone in your wedding party will be satisfied, and you can even wear the dress again on a night out or to a dinner party. Money invested in a bridesmaid dress can now be justified.
If you are choosing your bridesmaid dress style, selecting the best dress for your size and shape is easier than you think. First, make sure to take your specific measurements. I recommend getting alterations and a tailor. They’re reasonable in price, and you will have your very own haute couture gown which will fit like a charm. If you’re on the more petite side, I recommend a shorter flared cocktail style. You won’t be overtaken or swallowed in fabric. It also won’t drag the ground, leaving you to feel less constricted
so you can shimmy the night away. If you’re taller, consider a style with a high-low hem — shorter in the front and longer in the back — and be the leggy legend that you are. If you’re voluptuous, show off those curves in a side slit, cut-out or A-line gown; it is an absolute fact that an A-line gown looks good on any body type. The important thing is to find your fit and feel good in the skin that you’re in. And if you can pop some champagne and make the fittings more fun with your girl gang, all the better.
The engagement is a busy time for the bride. Once she chooses her colors, allowing bridesmaids to choose their own styles means that she doesn’t have the task of finding a one-style-fits-all bridesmaid dress. This leads to a more stress-free and fun wedding experience for her girls, and, after all, happy bridesmaids make a happy bride. So enjoy choosing the bridesmaid dress style that’s right for you and, most importantly, make it a fun and fabulous choice!
invitations to art
By Deana Chavis Baker
Weddings and works of art evoke beauty, expression, and emotion, all on a very personal level. Couples getting married seek unique ways to announce and invite guests to witness their special day of professed love for one another with their wedding invitation, the most favored wedding stationery item couples want preserved as a forever keepsake. Family, friends, coworkers and guests often consider a unique off-register wedding gift to include with a monetary gift or a special gift for pre-wedding occasions such as a bridal or couple’s shower.
The wedding invitation can be transformed into a keepsake or gift of original, one-of-kind art by framing it with a customized mat that has been illustrated by an artist. Wedding flowers and greenery are the perfect element for personalizing the mat, as floral illustration has marriage symbolism attached to it. However, the artwork is not limited to blooms and vines. Artists collaborate with clients to ensure ideas are expressed in a creative way, resulting in commissioned artwork that reflects both the couple’s style or wedding story. The illustration can also be painted or drawn directly on either the mat, the invitation, or both. Illustrations can be in various mediums including acrylic paint, watercolor, pen and ink, charcoal, colored pencil, graphic design, photography, or mixed
media. The artist provides the mat type based on the invitation and the amount of illustration desired, and chooses the medium that would work best to match the client’s requests. The client chooses the frame. I have been painting since I was a young girl and have always used my artistic ability to transform paper, canvas, fabric, furniture, photographs — whatever I could find interesting and meaningful — into oneof-kind pieces of art for my own gift-giving, and for creating personalized keepsakes for myself and loved ones.
Recently, my sister’s best friend, whose son was getting married in Charleston,
mentioned she wanted to frame the wedding invitation as a special keepsake for the couple. She asked if I could help her with the artwork. Knowing exactly what she wanted — flowers painted similar to the bride’s bouquet on a mat with the painting to be part of the invitation — I asked her to send me a floral reference, the invitation, desired frame size, and the date she needed it. Since the flowers were pastel colors, I painted with thinned acrylics, building up the layers, ending with dry brushing to keep the mat material dry and light in color, followed by some outlining with colored pencil. Once I got to a stop -
ping point and was happy with my results, I sent her a photo and asked if it was as she’d envisioned. She was thrilled with it, and my sister sent it to her for framing. She chose a simple gold frame that focused more on the invitation and mat art instead of an elaborate frame. I gifted the artwork to her for being a great friend to my sister. Months later, I shared a photograph of the artwork with another friend who once gifted art to me (two of her grandfather’s original watercolor landscapes). We collaborated to create an illustrated mat for her brother’s wedding invitation. She gave me several photographs of the flowers from his wedding in Naples, Florida, that included exotic, tropical botanicals — a favorite muse that inspired my creativity. I chose an abstract style for this piece, and my friend framed it in a complimentary modern frame. I was glad that now I could gift art to her.
As a still life and landscape fine art painter and decorative artist who has collaborated with friends, family, coworkers, interior designers and others on commissions of artwork, I am often told that when the artwork is a gift, the recipient is touched by the forethought, personalization and effort put into such a meaningful keepsake.
For those interested in creating an illustrated invitation, contact @deanachavisbakerart or deanacbaker@gmail.com.
WEDDING INVITATIONS: Finding the right words
Unless you are going with 100% traditional, scripting your wedding invitation and deciding how to handle certain circumstances can be challenging. As you design your invitations, you should consider elements such as hosting responsibility, where you are saying your vows, and the level of formality.
By dividing the invitation into sections, we can look at the different parts, beginning with traditional wording and breaking it down from there:
PART 1: THE INVITATION TO WHAT
Mr. and Mrs. Dad (First, Middle, Last)
Request the honor of your presence
At the marriage of their daughter
PART 2: THE WHO Bride (First Middle)
To Groom (First Middle Last)
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PART 3: THE WHEN Saturday, the fifth of June Two Thousand Twenty One half past six o’clock in the evening
PART 4: THE WHERE Name of Venue City, State
PART 5: OPTIONAL ADDITIONS
Reception Indicator (optional)
Attire Cue (optional)
PART 1: THE INVITATION TO WHAT
Traditional wording would begin with the parents requesting the presence of the guest, followed by the daughter’s first and middle name then “TO” either the groom’s first, middle and last name, or the groom’s first and middle name followed by “son of Mr. and Mrs. Dad (First Middle Last).”
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As we know, several things can influence even just this little segment: What if the parents are divorced? What if one is deceased? What if they don’t like their middle names? All of these items can be adapted to suit the situations unique to each couple.
For example, an excellent trade when both families are contributing or there are complicated familial situations would be to word part one like this:
“Joyously with their families, Jane and Jack invite you to share in their wedding day…”
Or
“Together the families of Jane Smith and Jack Johnson invite you to celebrate their joy on their wedding day...”
Also, the phrase “honor of your presence” typically signifies the wedding taking place in a church, but can
easily be changed out with “requests the pleasure of your company” if the wedding ceremony is to take place at a different style venue.
If traditional wording is desired, but the parents are not married, they should be listed on separate lines with the mother’s name (or couple) on the first line and the father’s name (or couple) following below.
PART 2: THE WHO
Let’s chat about the bride and groom. Traditionally, if the mother and father of the bride are listed by name in part one, the daughter (bride) would be listed by just her first and middle name. If not, it is customary to list the full names of both the bride and the groom. If the bride and groom wish to leave off their middle names, they should either both do it or neither. Consistency is key here.
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If the parents are listed as hosts, then the word “to” is used between the bride and groom’s names. If the hosts are the couple, then the word “and” is used between, as indicated below:
Olivia Anne Beaufort and Zachary Thomas Jansen invite you to the celebration of their marriage on Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October Two Thousand Twenty One at two o’clock in the afternoon The Oaks Anderson, South Carolina
PART 3: THE WHEN
Traditional formatting for the date, time and place are more formal with everything being written out. Other options would be to play with design elements such as rule lines, enlarged parts of the dates, abbreviations, changes to cases, etc. Your friendly neighborhood stationer can help you choose parts to accentuate that best suit your suite design and formatting.
A fun little tidbit: An old wives tale says that you want at least one of the hands of the clock going up when you are getting hitched.
PART 4: THE WHERE
This part is pretty simple. What is the name of the venue, and where is it located? You can add the street address if you feel more comfortable, but it is not necessary and can easily be included on a details card. Most people will now use a phone or other technology to find the address using GPS, so unless there are two of the same named venues nearby, leave yourself a little white space.
PART 5: OPTIONAL ADDITIONS
Two other items that may or may not be included on your wedding invitation: a reception indicator and an attire cue.
Traditional, super formal weddings would typically have a “reception following” note in one lower corner and a black tie or black tie optional — or the most formal, white tie — note in the opposite lower corner. Other attire indicators may be cocktail, festive, semi-formal, or tropical.
With a typical three-piece wedding suite (invitation, RSVP, details card), you may or
may not find a reception indicator on the invitation itself. Often times if the reception is in a different location, that information would be included on a details card which would be included in the same envelope as the invitation.
However, if the reception is immediately following the ceremony and no additional details are needed, you may find the “reception following” note listed below the other invitation information or in a corner. Alternatives to this note with a little more personality include: “dinner and dancing to follow,” “merriment to follow,” “drinks and
dancing to follow,” or “adult reception following.”
As previously mentioned, a typical wedding suite would include in addition to the invitation itself, an RSVP card and a details card which could include information regarding the reception, directions, a wedding website, specific parking instructions, a map, etc.
Your invitation is an opportunity to give guests a sneak peek of what to expect for your big day, in addition to relaying pertinent information, so have fun choosing something PERFECT for you!
Honey, do them the favor of hosting a
During an engagement, friends and family of the betrothed often volunteer to give wedding showers. Previously the purview of the bride, showers are now thrown for the bride and groom together, with themes and gift categories that both will appreciate. So if you’re looking for an idea that’s both fun and practical, consider the Honey-Do Shower.
The Honey-Do Shower derives its concept from the list of the same name. A Honey-Do List consists of things that need to be done around the house and yard, traditionally by husbands, as in, “Honey, do this” or “Honey, do that.” Sometimes, Honey-Do Showers are given in honor of the groom only. But these days, women are likely to be just as capable and interested in home repair, so a Honey-Do Shower can honor both the bride and the groom. However you plan it, though, a Honey-Do Shower allows a couple to receive gifts that will be appreciated and remembered each time something breaks, leaks, or just stops working all together.
THE GUEST LIST
There’s no discrimination here. Be sure to invite the bride and groom’s couple friends, as well as their male and female single friends. A Honey-Do Shower is casual, so you’re not hosting a seated dinner. Invite as many guests as the location can comfortably hold.
THE INVITATIONS
Unlike the wedding invitation, the invitation to a Honey-Do Shower should be playful. Consider using images of tools, gardening supplies or work boots. Zazzle.com and Etsy.com are excellent sources for Honey-Do Shower invitation templates. If the shower is primarily for the groom, the invitation can read, “You’re Invited to a Honey-Do Shower in Honor of Joe Smith.” If both partners are into home repair and yard work, it can read, “… in Honor of Joe and Jen.”
THE DECORATIONS
• Create a garden hose wreath for the front door. Coil a garden hose into a circle, and then tie it off in sections so that it doesn’t unwind. Insert flowers
and small tools, such as wrenches, hammers and trowels, at regular intervals and decorate with a bow before hanging.
• Use a step ladder as shelves for pots of flowers from the garden center, assorted tools and photos of the bride and groom.
• Line a wheelbarrow with black plastic. Fill with beer, white or rosé wine, soft drinks, water and lots of ice instead of using a cooler.
• Fill an empty paint bucket with colorful shredded paper and small, inexpensive tools such as screwdrivers or tape measures.
THE MENU
A Honey-Do Shower is the perfect event for firing up the grill. Consider a traditional hamburger-and-hotdog cookout with plenty of delicious sides, such as potato salad, baked beans and coleslaw. For dessert, make or order cupcakes and add cupcake toppers or picks that look like mini tools from
Amazon.com or Etsy.com. To drink? If you’ll be serving cocktails early in the party, consider the Screwdriver, the Rusty Nail or the Monkey Wrench. You’ll find recipes at diffordsguide.com. Otherwise, offer beer, wine and soft drinks.
THE GIFTS
Make sure that the honorees have the appropriate items on their registries. Gift cards from Lowe’s or Home Depot will always be useful for the home and garden. A wedding registry at Target will allow guests to choose from all sorts of tools and equipment for inside and out. Encourage the bride and groom to select small items for their registry, like hand tools, tape measures (more than one), a level, rakes, hedge clippers, duct tape and assorted batteries; bigger items such as weed eaters, electric screwdrivers, wheelbarrows or complete tool sets; and decorative yard items such as strings of patio lights or colorful planters.
WELCOMING OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS is in the bag
By Kim von Keller
These days, wedding guests and members of the wedding party are far more likely to be traveling some distance to attend the festivities. They’re also more likely to be staying in a hotel where the bride and groom have reserved a block of rooms. So if you would like to show your appreciation for the efforts your out-of-town friends and family have made to attend your wedding, leaving welcome bags for them to pick up when they check into their accommodations is the perfect way to start their weekend off right.
The welcome bag serves multiple purposes. It provides information regarding the time and location of all wedding events. It offers goodies for your guests to enjoy between the rehearsal and the wedding ceremony. But most importantly, it shows concern for their comfort. The contents of the welcome bag may be as extravagant as a split of champagne or as modest as a bag of M&Ms. But regardless the cost of the gesture, here are some tips on how to put together welcome bags that will delight your guests as they check into their rooms and unpack for the celebration to come!
THE BAG
Plan on preparing one bag for each hotel room in your wedding block, plus a few extra in case of last-minute arrivals. While couples with bigger budgets may choose customized reusable canvas totes, these may cost as much as $8-10 each, and that’s before they’ve even been filled. The most common welcome bag is the paper type you would use to hold
a gift. Choose a plain white bag or one in a wedding color, and be sure it has a sturdy handle. A bag of medium size is a good choice; remember, the bigger the bag, the more you’ll pay to fill it. If you have a small number of out-oftown guests, a few bags can be purchased at Target, Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens. If you are expecting a lot of out-of-town guests, online merchants such as Amazon sell plain gift bags with handles in bundles of 24-25. Expect to pay around $.50 per bag.
You’ll also want a decorative identification on the bag. This
is important if a hotel is hosting guests for multiple weddings. Traditionally, the welcome bag is adorned with a sticker or stamp with the names of the bride and groom and the wedding date. Online printing companies such as Vistaprint let you customize stickers for as little as $6.75 for a sheet of six. If you want to spend a bit more and bypass the stickers, you can welcome your guests with custom-printed paper bags. Vistaprint offers 25 white customprinted bags for less than $70.
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THE GOODIES
The most important thing to include in the welcome bag is information, and a schedule of events is a good place to start. Be sure to include the name of each event — rehearsal dinner, bridesmaids’ breakfast, hair and makeup, golfing with groomsmen, pre-wedding photos, wedding ceremony, wedding reception — the address of each event, and the time of each event. If you are using a shuttle service to transport outof-town guests, include the shuttle schedule and the place where guests are to meet the shuttle. And for out-of-town guests who are not members of the wedding party — and who may have more free time during the weekend — information about favorite local restaurants, unique shops, zoos, museums, farmers markets, or craft fairs is a nice touch.
Next, think practically. Include two water bottles in each bag. (Resist the urge to purchase special wedding labels for bottled water. One mother-of-the-bride I spoke to described the process of removing the
No matter how they’re filled, welcome bags are the perfect way to say to your guests, ‘We’re so happy you’re here!’
original label and securing the custom label as “the biggest annoyance leading up to the wedding weekend.”) Individual packages of a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, are always appreciated. Small packages of tissues and bottles of hand sanitizer are also useful.
Finally, the fun stuff. Think about combining sweet and salty treats. Granola bars and small bags of chips or crackers are good choices, but local touches, such as cookies from an independent bakery or truffles from a local candy maker, are even better.
You can even include homemade items. A bride I spoke to included cookies baked by her aunt and pot holders crocheted by her grandmother in her welcome bags. (Note: If you include homemade food items, be sure to include a list of ingredients so that guests with food allergies are forewarned.)
THE LOGISTICS
As soon as the RSVPs have been received, notify the hotel manager or concierge that you will be providing welcome bags for outof-town guests. When you have your bags and the goodies to fill them with, consider enlisting local members of the bridal party to help label and fill the bags. Once the bags are filled, place them in a box with the date of the wedding weekend and the names of the bride and groom, plus contact information in the event of questions. Plan on delivering the bags to the hotel the day before the rehearsal so that they are ready to go when your first guest checks in. Surprising your out-of-town guests with welcome bags is just another way to personalize your wedding weekend. And no matter how they’re filled, welcome bags are the perfect way to say to the travelers, “We’re so happy you’re here. Let the celebration begin!”
Do you have your MUSIC license?
By Jerrad Fenske
Warmer weather is in the air and the plans for your wedding day are taking form, making sure that your checklist is in order. Big or small, elaborate or simple, there are details that need to be attended to and checked off your list. In today’s world we have so many options that can add to your celebration. Your grandparents would have never, ever imagined the possibility of destination weddings, bridal and
bachelor party trips, venue and food options, to mention just a few. In their day, many people took an afternoon off accompanied by a few friends and possibly family to the Justice of the Peace and were married in a simple civil service. It was followed by a meal and toast, after which the newlyweds took off in their car adorned with streamers or even shoes!
The antics of friends obviously have continued through the years and their “fun” has only increased and broadened. Quite often, a friend of the couple would be fortunate enough to have a
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camera and would take of few shots to remember the day. Or, they would go to a photography studio and have a sitting for their wedding photos. Now, we have videos, live streams and a plethora of options to share your day with all your friends, either in person or distanced.
When planning your special day you certainly want to include the music that will accompany the events. You need to be informed and knowledgeable about the copyright and legal ownership of your choices, which will alleviate trouble in the future. Copyright on music and performances is now a very serious issue, especially if you are having a video produced to accompany pictures or the ceremony is being live streamed and available online after the day of the event.
A church that normally live streams its worship services will have copyright in order. Speak with the resident music director about their coverage
and if it will take care of your choices for a live stream and/or continued internet posting of your wedding ceremony.
If you are at an independent venue, talk with performers and/or the DJ that you have hired about the coverage of your musical choices. When hiring someone to produce a video of your pictures accompanied by some of your favorite music, make sure that the music is covered by copyright laws, especially, if your ceremony will be accessible by the public on the internet.
Doing some homework on this issue will pay off in the long run. Talk to the people you have contracted and ask questions about your ceremony and reception music. Hopefully, the wonderful music choices you have in mind will accompany your celebration to give you a lifetime of memories!
Jerrad Fenske is a freelance musician and teacher with 40 years of experience in wedding ceremonies. Check his website for previous articles and contact information, www.jerradfenske.com.
PHOTO BY ZACK BRADLEY
Having the right music that’s properly copyrighted will make your wedding day more fun and enjoyable.
PHOTO BY RHYTHM & ASH PHOTOGRAPHY
It’swhat brides and their bride tribes look forward to most. The bachelorette weekend is an opportunity for the girls to spend fun quality time together before the hectic days leading up to the wedding. Often, brides choose cities like New Orleans, Nashville, or Las Vegas as destinations; after all, who wouldn’t want to post Instagram photos from the St. Charles Streetcar, Ryman Auditorium, or the Neon Museum? The problem with such distant locales is that time is lost and expense is incurred in transportation alone. It is possible, though, to have a perfect — and perfectly Instagrammable — bachelorette weekend without ever seeing the inside of an airport. All it takes is some planning and creative thinking!
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Brides, a memorable weekend doesn’t have to include the anxiety of a delayed or canceled flight. Less travel time means more fun time, so consider a North Carolina weekend in Asheville or Charlotte or a South Carolina weekend in Greenville or Charleston. You’ll find loads of clubs, restaurants, and activities, and the money you save by driving to your destination means more to spend on fun. Once you’ve chosen your destination, hand the planning over to your maid or matron of honor (MOH).
ACCOMMODATIONS
If you’re the MOH, it is important to book your accommodations early, especially if you’re planning a summer bachelorette weekend. Instead of a pricey hotel, book a VRBO or Airbnb property. More than likely, you’ll lower the price-per-person while still being close to all the action. Choose a property that will comfortably accommodate your party in terms of beds/ bedrooms and bathrooms. Check the property reviews before you book, and make sure you understand the cancellation policy in the event that you need to reschedule.
Less travel time means more fun time, so consider a North Carolina weekend in Asheville or Charlotte or a South Carolina weekend in Greenville or Charleston.
MEALS
One of the best things about a shortterm rental is that you have more food and beverage options. Having a brunch or cocktail hour in is much more leisurely than going out, and the only thing better than a mimosa is enjoying one in matching pajamas! MOH, work with the bride to decide in advance what meals you’d like to have in and then ask each bridesmaid to bring components of those meals. One bridesmaid should be in charge of restaurant meals. Ask the bride for her suggestions and then reserve your tables as soon as possible. COVID restrictions mean that many restaurants operate at a percentage of their full capacity, so tables are harder to find. Restaurants are also limiting the number of people at each table, so if your bride tribe is larger than six, be prepared to split your group into two or more tables. If you have to split up, decide on a seating chart in advance to minimize chaos (and hurt feelings) once you arrive.
SWAG
Bridesmaids, you know the bride better than anyone. Would she find the humor in risqué decorations, or is she more reserved? When you’re out and about, will she want everyone to know it’s her bachelorette weekend, or will she prefer to fly under the radar? One bridesmaid should be in charge of ordering the bachelorette swag, and Amazon and Etsy are excellent and economical sources. You’ll find games and personalized drinkware plus t-shirts, ball caps, tiaras, and sashes that identify every important member of your group.
ACTIVITIES
Along with the bride, one or two bridesmaids should be in charge of planning your activities. Drinks, drinks, and more drinks are common, but you’ll feel better and have better Instagram posts if you think outside the bottle. You’ll also be surprised at the fun you can have just a few hours from home. If Asheville is your base, take a group hike at Dupont State Forest and Four Waterfalls (dupontforest.com/visit/). You’ll have dramatic backdrops for your photos, and a gourmet picnic from The Rhu (www.the-rhu.com/picnic) will help you keep your energy up. In Charlotte, channel your inner Ina or Giada with a cooking class at Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen (chefalyssaskitchen.com/ classes/). In Greenville, a Bachelorette Scavenger Hunt (scavengerhunt.com/ bachelorette/Greenville_bachelorette_ party) offers one-of-a-kind memories and photos as you explore the city. And in Charleston, a Dolphin Tour with Charleston Outdoor Adventures (charlestonoutdooradventures.com/ boat-charters/dolphin-tour/) lets you add photos to your Insta Stories.
STANDARDS AND PRACTICES
Every broadcast network has what is called Standards and Practices, a set of rules that determines what is too offensive to air. A bachelorette weekend needs its own Standards and Practices so that everyone ends up looking their best on social media. A tipsy bride might be funny in person, but she probably wouldn’t want her stumbles shared as a Boomerang. Decide in advance what can be shared online and what is best left as an awkward memory.
SETTLING UP
It’s all fun and games until someone gets stiffed. Each bridesmaid should save receipts for purchases made for the group. Before you check out of your accommodations, sit down and determine who owes whom for what. Mobile payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, or Apple Pay allow you to settle up easily so that no one feels ill-used.
boutonnieres
with style
GENTLEMEN, MAKE YOURS PERSONAL, NOT PLAIN
Whether you’re working with a florist or making them yourself, there are many things to consider when choosing the flower arrangements for your wedding. What will make up the bridal bouquet? What will her attendants carry? What will be used to decorate the ceremony venue? What size should the reception table arrangements be? But of all the floral arrangements you consider, the very smallest may be some of the most important, at least according to history. Gentlemen, consider the boutonniere.
Literally translated, boutonniere means “buttonhole” in French. Over the years, it has come to refer specifically to any small floral adornment placed in the man’s lapel buttonhole or pinned to the lapel. Boutonnieres are generally worn for formal dances, such as proms or debutante balls, and weddings, but in their earliest forms, they were worn to ward off evil spirits. A bonus to these tiny floral decorations was that they also covered up any odors that might be present. While evil spirits and odor are no longer wedding concerns, boutonnieres still contribute to the formality of a gentleman’s attire, whether he be the groom, a groomsman, or the father of the bride or groom.
When deciding on the type of boutonniere you’d like to wear on your wedding day, it’s best to start with the colors you and your bride have chosen. Roses are a traditional boutonniere flower,
and they are available in many colors. Calla lilies are another traditional choice for boutonnieres. Orchids add a lovely line to a gentleman’s lapel. Boutonnieres may also feature thistle, acorns, dried berries, seed pods, or even succulents. For grooms who are
looking for a more dramatic adornment, feathers have become a popular component of the wedding boutonniere. Ask your florist for suggestions, or find faux and cruelty-free feathers online if your wedding is more DIY. Small shells add texture, especially at a beach or coastal wedding, and decorative stickpins or small skeleton keys add shine. For the outdoorsman, deer tines or fishing flies can be incorporated. To finish, the boutonnieres may be wound with floral tape or tied with twine or raffia for a more rustic look. As long as the boutonnieres complement the colors and mood of the wedding, the choices are as unlimited as your wallet. As important as what your boutonniere looks like, though, it is also important to understand the message it communicates. Roses are thought to suggest passion, and gardenias, joy and love. Lilies symbolize purity; peonies, trust; and sweet peas, tenderness. Steer clear of marigolds (pain and grief), larkspur (fickleness), and black dahlias (betrayal). Regardless of the boutonniere you design, take the time to make it a true representation of you. Your wedding day belongs your bride AND you, and attention to each detail, no matter how small, will make it a truly personal occasion.
PHOTO BY ZACK BRADLEY
BRIDAL STYLES FOR 2021
hair happiness
By Kristine March
For the 2021 bride, hair trends are like something out of a romance novel or a fairy tale. From delicate metallic vines that adorn a braid or low bun to antique gold chain combs that cascade down flowing beach waves, magical and creative is key. But before you choose your hairstyle, it’s important to consider the style, not only of your dress, but of your wedding as a whole.
A jeweled halo headpiece with the veil descending from the back will make you look like the princess you’ve always wanted to be. If your wedding and your gown will be more rustic or bohemian, consider a halo of fresh flowers or other natural materials. Braided hair wrapped in a crown can also be naturally adorned. If you want to strike a hipster, alternative vibe, choose a hat with flowers around the brim instead of a traditional veil or headpiece.
Many brides want to invoke the look of Old Hollywood glam; think Audrey Hepburn, Ava Gardner, or Grace Kelly. Styling your hair in a sleek chignon will give you and your wedding a sophisticated air. If your wedding will have a vintage look, a netted birdcage veil around the face or hair suggests the late 1940s and early ‘50s, and a pixie cut with an ornate headband recalls the Mod look of the 1960s.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
RILEY MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHY
A low, volumized ponytail is always super chic. Nothing is more glamorous than intricately detailed Swarovski hair combs worn on the side of your hair. And if nature requires a little help for you to have the style you want, try adding some long extensions for a more ethereal look.
As you’re trying to choose your hairstyle and adornments for your wedding day, start with whomever cuts and styles your hair on a regular basis. He or she knows your hair better than anyone and can recommend styles that best suit you. Once you’ve chosen your hairstyle, use the Internet to find the perfect finishing touches. Pinterest is a great source for ideas. And while you’re online, Etsy can help you find affordable, one-of-a
kind combs, vines, halos, and headbands. Be sure to order well in advance of your wedding day, and include a note to the vendor specifying the date by which you’d like to receive your order.
Whichever trend you choose, have your hairdresser or a professional wedding hair stylist beside you on your wedding day if your budget allows. Not only will your hair be perfect, but you will also feel more relaxed.
Remember to enjoy all the moments of your big day. It goes by quickly, so set aside your nerves and excitement and remain present. After all, making those magnificent memories is the most important thing. Happy wedding day to you and yours!
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Lip Augmentation 101: Botox Lip Flip vs. lip filler
By Donna Burton
Considering lip augmentation, but overwhelmed with all the options, or don’t have all the information to be confident in your decision? Allow me to help! Let’s start with the increasingly popular Botox Lip Flip. This is a great way to dip your lips in the augmentation pond. It’s a very simple, quick procedure that allows the upper part of your lip muscle to relax causing the lip to flip up/outward, creating the appearance of a fuller top lip. This is easily accomplished by injecting 4-6 units of Botox along the vermillion border of the upper lip. This minimally invasive procedure amplifies your natural lip shape without exaggerating, for a natural effect, and it’s a less expensive alternative to dermal filler, averaging around $80-100 per treatment. You can expect to notice results in one to three days, with a duration ranging from 8-12 weeks. I recommend this treatment for someone who is uncertain about the commitment or cost of dermal filler. It provides an insight into what your lips might look like a little more full, but without the commitment of filler. Those who smoke, drink through straws frequently or purse
their lips for activities like playing instruments or whistling should carefully consider and weigh the treatment risks and benefits, as it can slightly affect these activities until the Botox wears off.
If you’re ready for commitment, then lip filler might be the best option. I currently use products from the Juvéderm family of fillers — they produce consistent and reliable results. These hyaluronic acid (HA) based gel fillers physically enhance the volume of your lips, as well as soften lines around the mouth (smoker’s lines) or in the body of the lip. The gel contains a soft filler that creates the effect, as well as lidocaine to minimize discomfort associated with injections. Filler
is very forgiving product and can be customized to achieve your desired result. Results are immediate and long lasting, 12-18 months in the lips, depending on which product you choose. HA is naturally found in the body, so there is low risk of adverse reaction. In the event you do experience an adverse reaction or do not like final result, the treatment can reversed by dissolving the product.
Common side effects are tenderness, lumps, swelling and possible bruising, all of which usually subside within a week of treatment.
Both procedures work well for men and woman. And, yes, you can do both procedures at the same time if you choose.
As with any aesthetic procedure or treatment, I always recommend investing in two to three consults with a qualified provider. For optimal results, I suggest taking a picture of what your ideal lip shape is and be prepared to answer questions about your health history and treatment goals. Good communication on both ends will yield the best results and reduce the likelihood of a poor outcome.
Please feel free to reach out with additional questions or to schedule a free consultation today at the Botox Boutique. Visit www.mybotoxboutique.com.
PHOTO BY NOVELI WEDDINGS
PHOTO BY NOVELI WEDDINGS
PHOTO BY NOVELI WEDDINGS
CONNECT 2 LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
“You are every reason, every hope and every dream I’ve ever had.”
let’s hear it for the boys
PHOTOS
PHOTO BY REGIONS WEDDINGS
PHOTO BY REGIONS WEDDINGS
PHOTO
PHOTO
PHOTO BY REGIONS WEDDINGS
RILEY MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHY
THEY’LL THANK YOU FOR thank-you notes
By Kim von Keller
My friend Amanda owns a beautiful farm in the Piedmont, and she has often hosted elaborate outdoor parties for newly engaged couples. Most couples send her gracious thank-you notes, but one sent no note at all. Amanda was left feeling ill-used by that couple, a fact that I have now heard several times.
Thanking your friends and family for the gifts, the expense and the kindness they extend during your engagement is an important part of your wedding. It also speaks to the good manners you’d like to be known for as you start your married life. And while it may seem like a daunting task, it’s easy to write thank-you notes they’ll thank you for if you make a plan as soon as your engagement is announced.
STEP ONE: THE TOOLS
As soon as you become engaged, purchase a large box of notecards for immediate use. These cards don’t have to be fancy or expensive. When you order your wedding stationery, you can order more formal notecards if you desire. Be sure to pick up a supply of good-quality pens and several sheets of stamps. You’ll also need a sturdy notebook to record the names and addresses of everyone to whom you’ll send a thank-you note plus the event they hosted or the gift they gave.
STEP TWO: THE LIST
Who gets a thank-you note? Quite simply, a thank-you note goes to anyone who hosts an event in your
honor or gives you a gift of any kind. This includes hosts of engagement parties, dinners or showers and anyone who gives you a gift at those events. Thank-you notes to your bridesmaids following your bachelorette party or weekend show your appreciation for their hard work. You will also send a thank you-note to anyone who gives you a wedding gift.
STEP THREE: THE STRATEGY
The task of writing thank-you notes is made easier by employing the right strategy. For starters, if you will be opening gifts at an event, make sure that someone is recording a description of each gift plus the name of the giver in your notebook. This can be done by your maid or matron of honor or the host of the event. Give yourself two weeks after
each pre-wedding event to write and send your thank-you notes. This will keep the task from becoming overwhelming. And while the old rules of etiquette said that taking up to a year to send thank-you notes was acceptable, try to have all of your notes sent within three months of your wedding. While the giver may receive a delivery confirmation from the vendor, they may worry that the gift didn’t make it into your hands. A prompt thank-you note will save the giver the embarrassment of having to ask you — or worse, your mother — if you received the gift. And remember, there is no rule that says thank-you notes are written by brides only. Unless the gift was specifically for the bride, grooms can write them as well. Dividing the task means that you’ll be finished that much earlier.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 41
STEP FOUR: THE LANGUAGE
Your notes don’t have to be lengthy, but there is certain language you should include. First, offer thanks for hosting or attending an event. (If a gift-giver was unable to attend an event but sent a gift, acknowledge that their presence was missed.) Next, mention the event or the gift by name, avoiding generalities like “Thank you for hosting a party” or “Thank you for your gift.” To conclude, mention your plans for the gift or why the gift is special. You may also include a wish to see the giver at a later date.
Here are a few examples:
Dear Emily,
Thanks for making my bachelorette weekend so special. I am lucky to have such great girls as bridesmaids. Those decorations were hilarious, and the karaoke bar was so much fun. I can’t wait to celebrate The Big Day with you by my side!
Dear Molly and Frank,
Thank you for hosting our engagement party. It was such a fun night! Russ and I can’t stop talking about the delicious Mexican meal you served, and we love the beautiful Margarita glasses you gave us. We’ll wait for you to come over and use them together!
Dear Mrs. Brown,
We missed you terribly at our couple’s shower, but it was so kind of you to send us the patio lights as a gift. They are sure to make our backyard bright and festive. After the wedding, we hope to have you over for a cook-out!
Dear John, Mary, Jack and Mabel,
Thank you for coming to our wedding. It was a night we’ll never forget, and little Jack and Mabel were so well-behaved. We also want to thank you for your generous contribution to our Honey-Fund. We had a magical time in Jamaica, and we hope we can show you our pictures soon!
KNOW WHAT NOT TO DO
Do not text or email a note of thanks. Do not give your thanks over the phone or in a voicemail. Do not believe that if you don’t write thank-you notes, your friends and family will get over the slight in time because they will not; just ask my friend Amanda.
travel tips
Honeymooners: Book now (or wait)
By Alexandria Stathakis
I don’t know about you, but I am ready to hit the road again, and for the newlyweds planning a honeymoon, the dilemma of when and how is more urgent. As a frequent traveler, I am being bombarded with emails with travel suggestions. Although we are getting vaccines and the COVID-19 picture is improving, we have experienced false hope in the past, so I think it is critical that we make travel plans that can be canceled without penalty. Unless you are a savvy traveler, I would highly recommend that you use an agency that books everything and has a liberal cancellation policy (refunds, not credit with short notice). This way, if the borders close quickly again, you only must make one call and not several.
An additional option from some of these companies are private group trips which might eliminate several problems you have planning a wedding today. Instead of planning a big, expensive wedding, plan a small, intimate trip with a “travel pod” — 8-12 of your closest family and friends with a small private ceremony somewhere on the journey. I think that would be a blast.
One final recommendation is that in 2021, I think it would be best to plan to stay in the United States. We have a beautiful country with so many options, and the chances of getting blocked from entry is significantly reduced.
There are several travel groups that I recommend. Obvious sources are airlines as they have on their websites trips that include air and hotels to most of the popular destinations. I have used both Delta
and United successfully to visit San Antonio, Texas, and San Diego, California. Another excellent travel planner is AAA. Their travel services are excellent with standard and custom packages. We used AAA for Disney World, and I was very impressed with the details covered. If you want to plan a destination on your own, secretescapes.com is a great service for luxury hotels at a discount price. The options change weekly and are for certain days, but if they are where you want to go when you want to go, you will get a great deal.
For more exotic travel, it would depends on your interest. There are agencies that focus on adventure, exercise, biking, history or just about any interest you have. A few years ago, we used MT Sobek Travels for a trip to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. One of my friends, who is an avid traveler and has used this agency frequently, has a travel blog that would be fun to look at when you are in your planning stages. Visit https://traverstravels.org/travel-44-countries/south-america/
brazil-2/amazon-by-motor-yacht
The latest catalog from MT Sobek highlights small group travel, private adventures, and custom adventures for the times that we are currently living in. MT Sobek is adventure travel, but trips focus on the outdoors in places like national parks, Alaska, and the beautiful country out West. On our trip to Brazil, they were very professional and accommodating to all levels of athletic abilities. Find more at mtsobek.com.
I have not used Backroads Travel, but it is highly recommended. They sent me their catalogs, and they also focus on biking trips, multiadventure, walking and hiking trips. The biking trips include E-bike options, which make biking available to everyone and even the playing field. They focus on small groups or custom trips, and you don’t have to be with the group the entire time as they encourage going out on your own. Backroads also has added a Dolce Tempo category, which is easy going by design. They have trips in the United States to Alaska, California, Florida Keys, Kentucky, Maine, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming. They do not have a “total refundable” policy, but because the trips are focused outside, the risk of travel restrictions is less.
Of course, National Geographic and Smithsonian have some excellent travel options, but I haven’t been able to afford them yet! These excursions are more likely to be informational in nature, so maybe save those vacations for your 50th wedding anniversary, when scaling a mountain isn’t what you are looking to do. I feel comfortable that you can start planning that special trip again. Go and enjoy!
HEINTZEPAPAPIERIS
Mr. and Mrs. David P. Heintze Sr. announce the engagement of their daughter, Taylor McGregor Heintze, to Nikolas Demetri Papapieris. The groom is the son of Mrs. Pam P. Hall of Greenville, South Carolina. Miss Heintze is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. William C. McGregor Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. Walter T. Heintze. Mr. Papapieris is the grandson of Captain and Mrs. O.N. Putman.
Miss Heintze attended Coastal Carolina University and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Mr. Paparieris attended Erskine College on a soccer scholarship.
A fall wedding is planned on Seabrook Island. The couple will reside in Greenville, South Carolina, after a honeymoon trip.
KER - HUDSON
Arthur and Phyllis Randolph of Gaffney, South Carolina, announce the engagement of their daughter Katherine Ridgley Ker to Nicholas Sterling Hudson, son of Bobbie and Gil Hudson of Kannapolis, North Carolina.
Katherine studied music theory under Jan Smith Productions in Atlanta, Georgia, and was later signed to Wilhelmina Modeling Agency. Katherine is also a vocalist and fashion stylist. Nicholas graduated from NC State University with a Bachelor Of Science in Civil Engineering. He currently works for REX Engineering Group in Chicago.
The couple will have a fall wedding in the South Carolina countryside. After a honeymoon in the Sedona desert, they will make their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina.
VANDIVER - SMALLS
It is with great pride that Roy Smalls Sr. and Kathleen Bright, along with Charles Rice and Hope Vandiver, announce the upcoming wedding of their children, Ryon Smalls and Monika Vandiver.
Monika is also the granddaughter of Frank Vandiver and the late Marianne Vandiver of Anderson. Ryon is the grandson of the late George Bright and Harriet Bright, the late Woodrow Singleton Sr. and the late Irma Smalls.
Ryon was born in Giessen, Germany, and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. He attended the University of South Carolina Upstate where he received a Bachelor of
Arts in History. Ryon also attended Charlotte School of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate. He currently works for the Gaston County Prosecutor’s Office as an Assistant
District Attorney in North Carolina. Monika was born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina. She attended the University of South Carolina where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as well as a Master of Social Work. Monika currently works for Mecklenburg County Youth and Family Services as a senior quality and training specialist in North Carolina.
Ryon and Monika will become Mr. and Mrs. Smalls on May 8, 2021, before friends and family at SpringHill Suites Uptown in Charlotte, North Carolina. The couple will honeymoon in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Bridal notes
