Town Bride Spring/Summer 2024

town bride

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

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

TOWN BRIDE MAGAZINE,

PUBLISHER

Julie Bailes Johnson

townbridemag@gmail.com (864) 221-9269

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Bride: Jamie Bailes

Groom: Sam Bailes

Gown: Madison Carolina

Bride

Tuxedo: Men’s Warehouse

Hair: Abby Gilreath

Makeup: Brook Gurley

Flowers: Sheila Vest

Venue: The Terrace

Photographer: Kaitlin

Haines

WRITERS:

Kim von Keller

Alexandria Stathakis Jarred Fenske

CONTRIBUTING

WRITERS:

Dr. Gabrielle Cannick, Grand Oaks Dental

Debbi Moore, Something Borrowed Tablescapes

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Pamela Brownstein

Southpaw Media pamelauhles@hotmail.com

Nate Thomason Signal 43 Design signal43@live.com

* This edition of Town Bride Magazine is dedicated to the memory of Jane Catherine Bailes.

Photo by Kaitlin Haines

Let’s set the table with love WEDDING RECEPTION TRENDS IN 2024: TABLETOP DESIGN

By Debbi Moore | Something Borrowed Tablescapes

Setting your wedding reception tables may seem overwhelming, especially when the wedding to-do list is long, but just as a Wedding Planner can make your dream wedding a reality, a tabletop designer can turn your reception vision into a one-of-akind event!

They know that tables are the perfect clean canvas to set the mood, style and create an unexpected experience for guests.

Charming vintage china place settings encourage your guests to gather, eat, converse, and laugh.

They will spend most of their time sitting in the same spot so make it extraordinary.

So, let’s start setting the table!

First, your vision. Create a mood board. Think about colors, textures, and patterns. What is the theme you want your guests to enjoy? Whimsical, Bohemian, Garden or traditional classic? Your vision should express your personality, your love story, and your style. There are no rules.

Second, schedule a consultation with a Tabletop Designer. Most designers offer a free consultation to start bringing your vision to life. Tabletop Designers have curated collections of vintage china, flatware, goblets, napkins and centerpieces that will elevate the ambiance of your wedding reception.

Third, select your pieces.

This is the fun part, pulling dishes and goblets that inspire you, that express your vision, and pulling napkins that create the perfect place setting. The possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid to mismatch colors or prints. Just have fun! Your Tabletop Designer will help you design place settings that complement one another while giving each table a standout moment.

A Tabletop Designer is someone who helps couples design place settings and centerpieces that reflect their personality, love story and style. Once the bride and groom create their perfect place setting, the Tabletop Designer does all the work on the day of the wedding to make sure each table looks amazing.

And that is it — your Tabletop Designer manages the rest. On your wedding day, your designer will bring the dishes, set the tables, and pick up the dishes afterwards while you enjoy the wedding day that you have dreamed of!

With the help of your Tabletop Designer, you can make each reception table as unique as you are!

So, let’s set your table with love!

HOW TO BE THE BEST

BEST MAN

Congratulations!

You’re so important in the life of the groom to be asked to serve as best man. While your most visible role is to stand at his side during the ceremony, you’ll play a lot of roles between the proposal and the reception. With a little preparation, you can be a best man the groom can count on.

ADJUTANT

During the wedding season, your job is to act as the groom’s administrative assistant. Start by creating a spreadsheet with the contact information for all of the groomsmen and create a page for all important dates and deadlines. You’ll need this to make sure information is shared with all involved. You’ll also need this to delegate the duties of the bachelor party or weekend and to keep track of everyone’s payments. At the ceremony, be prepared to serve as a witness to the signing of the marriage license.

CRUISE DIRECTOR

When it comes to the bachelor celebration, you’ll be helping the groom to plan. Once you understand his vision, you’re in charge of reserving accommodations and restaurants, as well as any activities. Whether it’s a round of golf, ziplining, or a pub crawl, you’ll want to book early.

BODYGUARD

It’s important to

By Kim von Keller

remember that “The Hangover” is a cautionary tale, not an aspirational goal. It’s easy to get carried away, especially during a bachelor party or weekend getaway, but as the best man, you’re in charge of making sure the groom stays safe and healthy. You’ll also run interference on the wedding day, making sure that he and his bride stay apart before their first look.

VALET

Once the bride and groom have made their wardrobe decisions, you’ll help the groom order his wedding attire. You’ll also make sure that each groomsman knows how and from where to order his suit or tuxedo and the deadline for doing so. On the wedding day, you’ll make sure that the

groom has all the clothing and accessories he needs for the ceremony, as well as for any after-party. You’ll keep up with the bride’s wedding ring, regardless of whether it is you, the groom, or the officiant who carries it to the altar. After the wedding, you’ll be in charge of returning the groom’s rented apparel, as well as your own, to the menswear shop.

HYPE MAN

One of the biggest duties of a best man is to be a hype man, and this is most important during the speeches that take place during the rehearsal party or wedding reception. Plan your comments in advance and speak from the heart. Don’t be tempted to share embarrassing stories or

secrets. As the best man, everything you do or say should lift up the groom and his bride, not bring them down. And when the reception is over, you’ll be the number-one guy when it comes to the getaway. If you’re decorating the car, enlist any available groomsmen or bridesmaids to help, and make sure it’s ready to go by the time the photographer starts taking pictures before the ceremony.

Regardless of which hat you’re wearing as best man, remember that your first job is to be there for a friend who’s going through one of the happiest — and possibly the most stressful — occasions in his life. Paying attention to the details will make you the best best man ever!

Maid of Honor a modern guide for the

After she says “I do,” a bride-to-be needs quite a staff to pull off a wedding: a human resources director, stylist, event coordinator, secretary, accountant, cheerleader, security guard, and therapist, just to name a few. In other words, she needs a maid or matron of honor, also known as the MOH, who can play all of those roles. And while it is always flattering to be chosen as the MOH, before you say “Yes!” it’s a good idea to know what is expected of you.

HR DIRECTOR

As the MOH, it will be your job to communicate and coordinate with the bridesmaids. A good place to start is by collecting phone numbers and email addresses. Information such as clothing and shoe sizes can also be helpful, especially if you’ll be ordering items for a bachelorette party or weekend. Having all this information on a spreadsheet will prevent you from scrambling at the last minute, and it will also help you delegate duties between the engagement and the wedding day.

STYLIST

EVENT COORDINATOR

One of the earliest decisions a bride will make involves her wedding gown and the attire of her bridesmaids. When visiting bridal shops, be sure to offer your opinion truthfully and tactfully regarding both the wedding gown and the bridesmaids’ dresses. And speaking of tact, remember to defer to the special relationship between the bride and her mother or other family members. A positive attitude is appreciated, so be there to support your bride if the search becomes discouraging.

One of the biggest duties of today’s MOH is to plan the bachelorette party or getaway weekend. Take time to find out exactly what the bride has in mind, and be prepared to make reservations for accommodations, restaurants, and excursions, sharing the details, duties, and costs with the bridesmaids. In the past, the MOH would also plan a shower, although in recent years, more emphasis is placed on the bachelorette celebration.

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SECRETARY

As the bride’s private secretary, you’ll have special responsibilities when it comes to wedding showers and other events. It’s your job to record both a description of the gifts and the full names of the givers. On the wedding day, you’ll carry messages between the bride and groom before their first look. You’ll share any necessary information with the bridesmaids, and you should also be prepared to answer any questions that wedding guests might have.

ACCOUNTANT

This is one of the toughest roles for the MOH. You should be prepared to help the bride stick with her budget and the budgets of her bridesmaids. If a bachelorette

weekend or shower is held, you’ll be in charge of making sure that each bridesmaid pays her share so that no one is unduly burdened. You should also communicate the cost of hair and makeup to the bridesmaids if everyone will be paying for their own day of beauty.

CHEERLEADER

As the MOH, you’re the bride’s biggest hype man. While the wedding season can be stressful, you’ll need to support her in every way and keep the positivity going among the bridesmaids. You’ll also be asked to give a speech at the rehearsal or reception. This is not the time to spill secrets or share embarrassing stories. In everything you do or say, you should lift up the bride and groom, not bring them down.

SECURITY GUARD

You save the wedding by saving the bride. Start by packing a wedding day emergency kit with things like Band-Aids, Benadryl, stain remover, sewing supplies and other items in case the unexpected happens. Keep track of the groom’s ring, or know who will be holding it before the ceremony. Witness the signing of the marriage license if called on to do so. Make sure the bride eats before the ceremony; she wouldn’t be the first to pass out at the altar due to excitement and low blood sugar.

THERAPIST

All of us could use a good therapist, so listen. Give help when necessary. Give hugs when you can’t be of help. In other words, be the kind of close friend who’s asked to be a MOH in the first place!

Gentlemen, A Little Extra Attention Is

IN YOUR POCKET

By Kim von Keller

During most wedding ceremonies, the bride takes center stage. Her gown is distinctive from all other dresses. She’s the only one in a veil. Her bouquet is the largest of the bridal party. She even has her own walk-on music.

Sadly, the groom usually wears the same suit as his groomsmen. They all wear the same boutonnieres. They all have the same walk-on music. As a wedding guest, if you’ve never met the groom, you would only know him because he’s standing next to the bride. But some grooms are moving to take some of their brides’ limelight, and they’re doing it with flowers.

One of the newest trends in wedding florals is the pocket boutonniere, also known as a pocket square boutonniere or a floral pocket square. Think of the pocket boutonniere as a small floral arrangement that fits in the breast pocket of your suit or tuxedo.

“More and more grooms are wanting to stand out during their weddings, and we’ve been making more and more pocket bouton -

nieres,” says Scott Jones, owner of American Floral, a floral design shop in Irmo, South Carolina. “It’s his day, too, but he’s not wearing a white dress, so the pocket boutonniere can create a more distinctive look. I wore one to a Chamber of Commerce event recently, and everyone loved it!”

While a traditional boutonniere must fit in the confines of the lapel, the pocket boutonniere can be larger or more elongated. In addition to the flowers in the arrangement, the pocket

boutonniere can accommodate feathers, dried botanicals, or charms suggesting the groom’s interests.

There are some downsides to the pocket boutonniere. Because it is larger than a traditional boutonniere, it will cost more. If the goal is for the groom to be distinctive, though, all the better reason for the groomsmen to wear traditional boutonnieres. There are some important questions to ask before choosing to wear a pocket boutonniere, however.

“When purchasing a new suit, men will find that most breast pockets are lightly stitched shut,” Jones says. “If you are buying a suit or tuxedo for your wedding, you can easily remove the stitching to insert the pocket boutonniere. But if you are renting your suit or tux from a menswear shop, you should ask if you may remove the stitching. You don’t want to remove it and then face a surprise charge when you return the jacket.”

While he’s not seen as many, Jones also says that some men are choosing a more dramatic floral accessory.

“The floral lapel is a kind of floral collar that runs the length of the lapel,” Jones says. “It’s not for everyone, but it certainly stands out.”

Grooms, if you’d like to stand out during your wedding ceremony, consider upping your boutonniere. It’s an easy way to have a little extra attention in your pocket.

KNOW YOUR

Nosegay

Today’s wedding bouquets are more personal than ever, running the gamut from classic all-white formal arrangements to unique designs featuring brightly colored flowers.

Anything goes, from extravagant cascading arrangements to simple, one-bud bouquets to the popular nosegay.

You just have to choose which one is right for you.

CASCADE BRIDAL BOUQUETS

This bouquet features flowers that descend below the main portion of the bouquet design.

The bouquet’s voluptuousness is often the wedding costume’s main feature. Cascade bouquets are most often used in formal and traditional weddings.

HAND-TIED BRIDAL BOUQUETS

Florists create hand-tied bouquets by placing the stems of the flowers, foliage, and accessories

in their hands and wrapping them around the center of the design until they are securely fastened. These arrangements are designed to show the natural growth of the stems, which are often wrapped in ribbon

or French braided together. Handtied bouquets have a more casual air and are particularly nice for garden weddings and brides who like the feeling of an unarranged gathering of flowers.

When it comes to brial bouquets, anything goes. From extravagant cascading arrangements to the popular nosegay, choose the flower pairing that’s right for you.

CONTEMPORARY BRIDAL BOUQUETS

These bouquets are inspired by unconventional ideas, styles, and patterns and are designed with no specific geometric form. They are usually created with flowers that have definite forms and add character to a bouquet (such as calla lilies, orchids, and anthuriums). Contemporary bouquets represent the individuality of the bride and are perfect for a sophisticated, cosmopolitan-style wedding. They’re simplistic but have the added grace of asymmetrical design.

NOSEGAY BRIDAL BOUQUETS

Nosegays are round clusters of flowers and a very trendy style of bridal bouquet. Also called a tussie mussie, this style of bouquet dates back to the 14th century, when it was used to mask unpleasant odors, thus the term “nosegay.” Nosegays can vary in sophistication and are therefore a good choice for any wedding.

Whatever your style, it’s always a good idea to consult your favorite florist who can help you decide what will make your day memorable.

Perfect smiles for the perfect day

By Dr. Gabrielle Cannick | GRAND OAKS DENTAL

Your wedding day is one of the most significant milestones in your life, filled with cherished moments and captured memories. As you plan every detail to ensure perfection, one aspect that often takes center stage is your smile.

However, if you’re dealing with missing teeth or dullness, it can dampen your confidence and detract from your overall appearance.

Fortunately, modern dentistry offers various solutions to replace missing teeth and teeth whitening treatments, allowing you to achieve the perfect smile just in time for your big day.

IMPORTANCE OF A FLAWLESS SMILE

Your smile is a reflection of joy, happiness, and confidence. It’s one of the first things people notice about you, especially on your wedding day when all eyes are on you. A flawless smile can boost your self-esteem, enhance your appearance in wedding photographs, and leave a lasting impression on your guests. Therefore, addressing missing teeth and teeth discoloration is crucial to ensure you look and feel your best as you walk down the aisle.

TIME-SENSITIVE SOLUTIONS

With wedding planning often spanning months or even years, choosing tooth replacement options and teeth whitening treatments that fit within your timeframe is essential. Fortu -

nately, advancements in dental technology have made many solutions more accessible and efficient, allowing you to achieve your desired results relatively quickly.

DENTAL IMPLANTS AND BRIDGES

Dental implants and bridges offer reliable options for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants provide a permanent, durable, and natural-looking replacement that look and act just like natural teeth. Bridges use a prosthetic tooth to close the gap between natural teeth or implants. With proper planning and adjustments, these options can restore your smile in time for your wedding day.

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TEETH WHITENING TREATMENTS

Teeth whitening treatments are a great way to brighten your smile by removing stains and discoloration. Whether you choose in-office whitening treatments or at-home whitening kits provided by your dentist, these options visually brighten your teeth and give you a radiant smile for your wedding day. While the duration of teeth whitening treatments varies depending on the method used, many options offer noticeable results in weeks or even days, making them a perfect addition to your pre-wedding preparations.

CONSULTATION AND PLANNING

will assess your oral health, discuss your esthetic goals, and recommend the most suitable tooth replacement options and teeth whitening treatments based on your dental health, preferences, and timeframe.

PREPARING FOR THE BIG DAY

Once you’ve chosen tooth replacement options and teeth whitening treatments and finalized your treatment plan, it’s time to prepare for your wedding day. Schedule your dental appointments well in advance, allowing ample time for necessary procedures, adjustments, or follow-up visits. Additionally, practice good oral hygiene habits and follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure optimal healing, results, and long-term success.

EMBRACING YOUR PERFECT SMILE

your loved ones. Whether you opt for dental implants, bridges, teeth whitening treatments, or a combination of these options, know that you’re taking a significant step towards regaining your confidence and radiating joy on your special day. With your flawless smile as your most beautiful accessory, you’ll walk down the aisle with grace, elegance, and a newfound sense of confidence, ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime with your partner by your side.

Before undergoing any dental procedure or teeth whitening treatment, you should consult with a qualified dentist to discuss your options and come up with a customized plan to meet your needs and timeline. During the consultation appointment, your dentist

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, call 864224-0809, click on grandoaksdental.com, or visit Facebook at facebook.com/GrandOaksDental. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

As your wedding day approaches, embrace the excitement and anticipation of showcasing your perfect smile to

party planning

WHAT TO KNOW WHEN PLANNING YOUR WELCOME PARTY AND REHEARSAL DINNER

By Dani Blasena | Owner and Creative Director of HauteFêtes Fine Weddings & Events

While both a welcome party and rehearsal dinner extend the wedding celebrations to more than one day, they do vary in their purpose and guest list.

A welcome party is a pre-wedding event typically open to all wedding guests. This is a fun social gathering that kicks off the wedding weekend

celebrations. While generally less formal and more low-key than a wedding reception, a welcome party does include toasts and the sharing of stories about the couple. For the couple, this celebration is really about soaking in the joy of having all of your favorite people around you.

A rehearsal dinner is a pre-wedding

event that is invite-only and typically includes VIP guests, such as immediate family and the bridal party. Often, it precedes a welcome party, although some couples choose to hold distinct events on separate days. Similar to the welcome party, a rehearsal dinner includes heartfelt toasts and time for meaningful conversations.

Where to throw your welcome party and rehearsal dinner is a big part of planning your wedding.

Both the welcome party and rehearsal dinner are also great opportunities to incorporate cultural elements into the pre-wedding celebration. For Jewish couples, this may include a Shabbat dinner on Friday in lieu of a rehearsal dinner and the day before a Saturday welcome party. For Indian and Pakistani couples, this may be hosting a Sangeet celebration for all guests on the night before the wedding.

PLANNING YOUR WELCOME PARTY AND REHEARSAL DINNER

When it comes to planning your wedding welcome party and rehearsal dinner, keep the differences mentioned above in mind. Then, follow these steps to plan the details for each event, or consider how to combine them for a shorter celebration.

1. DECIDE WHO IS HOSTING THE EVENTS

Traditionally, the groom’s family is responsible for the welcome party and/or rehearsal dinner before the wedding. But with weekend-long wedding celebrations becoming more popular, it’s certainly not a faux pas to have both families split the cost and host all events together. With that said, always communicate with both sides of the family beforehand to set clear expectations for the budget of each event.

2. TAKE

TIME TO PLAN EVENTS

Unlike your wedding day which may be a more formal occasion, a welcome party is usually casual and relaxed. Being one of the first pre-wedding celebrations, your welcome party sets the tone for the weekend, so consider investing some creativity and budget into the evening. The same goes for your rehearsal dinner. Although a more intimate event, it is a unique time when your closest family and friends get to spend time with you and with each other, so it is worth making memorable.

3. CHOOSE YOUR GUEST LIST FOR EACH EVENT

As mentioned, welcome parties are typically open to all while rehearsal dinners have a select guest list. How-

Pre-wedding celebrations are opportunities for couples to bring together friends and family. These are unique events, so take the time to plan the welcome party and rehearsal dinner to make them memorable.

ever, there are no set rules on who you can and cannot invite to any event. With that said, it is a kind gesture to intentionally include “out of town” guests who are traveling to your wedding as a sign of gratitude. If all of your wedding guests are invited to the welcome party, you can include the information on your wed-

ding website or details insert in your invitation suite. However, if you’re planning a rehearsal dinner or event that includes only a subset of your guest list, be sure to include a separate invite and RSVP card so non-invited guests don’t feel excluded.

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event planning

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4. DECIDE WHAT TO SERVE

What is a celebration without good food and drinks? Naturally, a rehearsal dinner includes dinner, and you can decide whether you want a sit-down dinner (either plated or family-style) or a buffet station. Since welcome parties are typically more casual, consider serving tray-passed appetizers or drinks and desserts set at stations, especially if it takes place on the same night as your rehearsal dinner. To make matters even more fun, include creative details like a “Signature Sips” cocktail, feature local cuisine on the menu for a destination wedding, or have a BBQ or taco food truck for a more interactive gathering. Doing so creates a unique and unforgettable guest experience.

5. DON’T FORGO THE DETAILS

As you can tell, welcome parties and rehearsal dinners are designed to be fun, enjoyable events for couples and

their guests. Because actual wedding days can be more formal, use these pre-wedding celebrations to inject a little more personality into the details. For example, coordinate your outfit to the style of your event. We

love to provide stylist referrals to our brides for all wedding weekend attire, including pre-wedding outfits that ensure your ensemble is picture-perfect at every event. And just like the wedding, you’ll want to make sure to incorporate decorative touches and florals that add to the ambiance, as well as an escort card station if you have a seated dinner or live music. Most importantly, don’t forget to rent microphones and speakers for the toasts since that is one of the main highlights of both a welcome party and a rehearsal dinner.

6. PLAN YOUR EXIT STRATEGY

While it may be tempting to party into the wee hours of the night with your friends and family, remember the pre-wedding fête is just the beginning of a long weekend. Set an end time so you can gracefully exit and get a good night’s rest knowing more festivities will begin bright and early the next day. Your guests will also thank you, so they can be at their best for your big day, too.

lovely in lace

SPOSA BELLA PHOTOGRAPHY

So this is love

PHOTOS BY KAITLIN HAINES

— NAT KING COLE

SPOSA BELLA PHOTOGRAPHY

music

The party’s over, but the music plays on!

By Jerrad Fenske

How many of you have planned a choreographed dance for your reception? If you are having a dance as part of your nuptial celebration, the sky is your limit on planning and creativity of that dance. Many couples have sought out a dance instructor to assist in the planning and preparation of their first dance together as a married couple. Will you choose “your” song as your dance music or will you do a mash-up or medley of several different songs that mean something special to the two of you? Of course, your dance is not your only main option. Groomsmen, bridesmaids, attendants, siblings and

When you come home from a day of work and your loved one is in the kitchen, how wonderful to share not only an embrace but a turn around that center island.

even the ever-touching father/daughter and mother/ son dances, your options for your participants can be as touching, entertaining or as involved as those participating are capable of. Like the rest of your day, make sure you plan ahead and get help from a professional!

After you have put your energies towards dance options, have you considered continuing your dancing efforts? When you come home from a day of work and your loved one is in the kitchen, how wonderful to share not

only an embrace but a turn around that center island. It only takes a moment to cue a song on your phone and share an intimate moment together. This may sound corny and your inhibitions may grab you, but if you can prepare a dance in front of all your friends, you can certainly invite your partner into an embrace in the privacy of your home. With music playing, you and your partner can come together on common ground, move to a beat, synchronize your heartbeats and thoughts, putting yourselves together in the

same time and place. How often does life just not flow as easily as what it could, if only we had taken a moment to groove together?

When I run rehearsals with children and adults, it is essential that I get singers thinking, breathing and singing together. At first, one would think that if everyone is there for the same reason, it would make sense that it would all flow together easily. Sadly enough, that is not the case. Somedays it is easier and somedays it is more difficult to get everyone on the same page at the same time.

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Your marriage is no different! You are not always going to be on the same page at the same time. Doing an activity together, synchronizing your minds, bodies and movement does wonders for the two of you. Once I have gotten people in unison, we move forward and work through the tasks at hand and enjoy the fruits of our labors or we struggle and work through the challenges at hand.

Recently, I was watching a program on dancing and the different people who participate in various styles and genres. A mature couple that had been married for years were suffering from disillusionment and complacency with their relationship, considering divorce. The hus -

band came home and asked his wife if she would take a ballroom dance class with him to help aid in some physical challenges he was having, and she was in agreement. It saved their marriage. They began paying attention to each other in their dancing, they began moving and breathing together through the steps and their physical conditions greatly improved. Now, although they are no longer taking lessons, they dance in their home everyday. It saved them.

In today’s society, we desperately look for someone to pay attention to us and to feel acknowledged. This is a large expectation to put on another person. However, if we focus on another individual with undivided attention, even for a bit of time every day, the results might surprise you. As much as we need time to

breathe as individuals, now as a couple committed to each other, you are a team and your synchronicity is key in keeping your relationship in tune. So, dance, sing, breathe, move and as I have said before in previous articles, make

that time together to connect, bond and fall in love all over again. Use music as a vehicle. It never disappoints.

Jerrad Fenske is a musician and teacher with 40 years of experience. Visit jerradfenske. com.

Beauty of Southeast Asia Vietnam. Laos. Cambodia. Explore the

By Alexandria Stathakis

I have recently returned from a trip to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and for me, it was the first time that I traveled with a tour group that was not an adventure tour.

And while you may want a private, more intimate experience for your honeymoon, I wanted to share the highlights of this beautiful region.

My tour group was Classic Journey, which is ranked number one in the region. All in all, they did an excellent job. We took flights everywhere, which was exhausting, but probably the most efficient way to get around the region. Both the accommodations and the food were top of the line; I hardly touched my stash of snack bars! But whether you travel with a group or on your own, it is important to do your research in advance, as the quality of accommodations can vary greatly. If you have food limitations, as some of my traveling companions did, you’ll find plenty of restaurants that can cater to your needs.

When taking a trip such as this, it’s important to understand your destinations’ visa requirements. With this tour operator, each person was responsible for getting their own visas. All three of these countries had e-visas, which made it very easy. If you don’t have time to do this on your own, there are services that do this for you.

If you do travel with a group, the size of the group is important. Ours was only 11 people. On a journey like this, most of the travelers are seasoned and very interesting. For me,

one of the best parts is the people you meet along the way. Sticky rice is a popular dish in Vietnam, but it was what our guide would say when he wanted us to be quiet, so we nicknamed our group Sticky Rice. A small group makes it easy to get to know those you are traveling with and make lifelong friends.

Whether traveling with a group or individually, it is important to be flexible with your itinerary. To ruin your day by sticking to a schedule is a waste. As we were a small group, we were able to adjust on the fly. In Cambodia I asked about going to a pottery store, and the Artisan Center was a highlight. We also switched out a war museum, the second one of the trip, for an art museum, which was a real treat. On a very hot day, we chose not to climb 370 steps up to a temple; instead, we spent time in a fashion/costume museum that was very informative and cooler to boot. Another day, instead of venturing

out to a site that our guide said was not so impressive, we spent a morning at Non Nuoc Beach, formerly known as China Beach. Flexibility is key!

If you do choose a tour, you will be expected to tip your guides, and your tour operator can give you the expectations for each country. Most are OK with American dollars, so next time I will prepare an envelope for each country beforehand and add or subtract based on service level. This way I will ensure that I have the minimum needed, I won’t be as tempted to spend the tips on other things, and I’ll have an envelope available. Can you tell this became a problem for me on this trip? My guide in Cambodia, a country that prefers dollars for everything, got his tip in Cambodia riels because I ran out of American dollars.

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As a honeymoon or as an anniversary trip, visiting Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia would be a journey that I highly recommend. And if you don’t speak the language, don’t want to drive, and want to cover a lot of ground easily, an organized tour is the way to go.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JOURNEY

Cambodia: Angkor Wat, the HinduBuddhist temple complex, at sunrise; Ta Prohm Temple in the jungle; and Angkor Thom were amazing. The stonework was out of this world. I took so many pictures and still could not capture the details of these ancient cities and antiquities that are UNESCO world heritage sites.

Laos: The boat ride at the Elephant Sanctuary. Seeing the fisherman out on the river fishing with their hands and nets was so soothing and beautiful.

Vietnam: I loved the city of Hanoi the best, and there was a tour of a war shelter under our hotel, Sofitel Metropole, that was really interesting. I did not recall the involvement of singer Joan Baez in the war protests, but she was stuck in this hotel during the 12

days of December strikes in 1972. The war sites, such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, and museums were not pleasant but a necessity if you go to Vietnam. They are real lesson in the true cost of war.

Halong Bay: Our night on a boat there was wonderful. The hundreds of chalk and limestone islands were so breathtaking. I could have spent a few days sailing and exploring the bay.

Tra Que Organic Village: This was a surprising, fun day. We started in its pristine gardens, then visited the markets where vendors were selling what they grew, then took a cooking class that was really fun. I was surprised at how tasty everything we made was, and it was easier than I thought to make some of the delicacies of the region.

wedding announcements

ERSKINE - GREENSLIT TO WED IN OCTOBER

Mr. and Mrs. William Ronnie Johnson and Mr. Terry Lamar Erskine are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Olivia Margaret Erskine to Nathan William Greenslit.

Olivia is the granddaughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. Lucius Charles Bailes and the late Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Lamar Erskine.

Nathan is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Mark Leif Greenslit of Summerville, S.C.

He is the grandson of Mrs. Sara Winona Fowler and the late Mr. William Thomas Jayne and the late Mr. William Grant Greenslit and Mrs. Glenna Bengston Greenslit of Summerville.

Olivia graduated from T.L. Hanna High School and Clemson University where she received her B.S. in Environmental and Natural Resources. She also received her Master’s Degree in Agricultural and Environmental Education and Communication from the University of Georgia.

She is a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication at the University of Georgia in Athens.

Nathan graduated from Pinewood Preparatory School and Clemson

University where he received his B.S. in Biological Sciences. He also received his Master’s Degree in Marine Sciences at the University of Georgia. He is a microbiologist for Terrapin Beer Company in Athens.

The couple will wed on October 5, 2024, at The Gassaway Mansion in Greenville.

The bridal party will be: Anna Elizabeth Erskine, Maid of Honor, Sister of the Bride; Emma Frances Erskine, Maid of Honor, Sister of the Bride; Margaret Spicer McGee, Bridesmaid; Ansley Elizabeth Brissey, Bridesmaid; Mendeci Isabella Rivera, Bridesmaid; Maci Carolina Belk, Bridesmaid; Jackson Dwight Moody, Bridesman. Mark Leif Greenslit, Best Man, Father of the Groom; Habib Emil Rafka, Groomsman; Carter Alexander Coleman, Groomsman; Christopher Antonio Ramirez, Groomsman; Jacob Reece Kremer, Groomsman; Michael Clarke Bolt, Groomsman; Nathan Christopher Warner, Groomsman and Officiant.

After a wedding trip to the Caribbean, the couple will make their home in Charleston, South Carolina.

VON KELLER - SCHEPER TIE THE KNOT

Elizabeth Kipling von Keller and Zachary Michael Scheper were married on December 9, 2023, at The Millstone at Adams Pond in Columbia, S.C. The outdoor ceremony was officiated by Latasha Owens Johnson, cousin of the bride.

The bride is the daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. Theodore von Keller of Blythewood, S.C. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Barbara C. Acker and the late Dwyer Kipling Acker and the late Mr. and Mrs. Arthur von Keller III. The groom is the son of Mrs. Janet Baumberger (Scott) of Swansea, S.C., and Mr. Gregory Scheper of Columbia, S.C. He is the

grandson of Mrs. Nancy Hebert and the late Gordon DeVance

Hebert and the late Mr. and Mrs. Francis “Frank” Scheper.

The wedding ceremony was timed to catch the setting of the sun on Adams Pond, the location of a 19th-century gristmill. The house and garden were decorated in candlelight and white roses, mixed evergreens, and dried botanicals including lotus, okra, and bell cups.

Guests were charmed by flower girl Georgia Grace Bundy and ring bearer Colton Griggs. The Rev. Palmer Cantler, sorority sister of the bride, read James Kavanaugh’s “To Love Is Not to Possess”

during the ceremony.

Catherine Ann Parker Bundy and Christina Clay Smith served as matrons of honor. Bridesmaids were Briana Scheper Rogers, Katherine Wallace Wood, Amy Ferguson Cook, Emily Paschal, Lizzie Bishop, and Travis von Keller. Stuart Levan served as best man. Groomsmen were Tyler Troutman, Jack Rogers, Brian Golden, Jacob Smith, and Raymond Drolet.

Following a mini-moon at The Greystone Inn on Lake Toxaway, N.C., the Schepers are at home in Cayce, S.C. An Alaskan cruise is planned for the spring.

ANNA GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY

REUSS - SEILER TO WED IN AUGUST

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Reuss are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Amanda Elizabeth, to Cole Charles Seiler. Amanda is the granddaughter of the late Lloyd and Maurcine Reuss and Jan Lovins, all of Detroit, Michigan.

Cole is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Kirk Seiler of Anderson. He is the grandson of the late Dr. Francis and Catherine Seiler of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and Charles and Dorothy Fox of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Amanda attended Cranbrook Kingswood School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where she received her degree in Public Relations. She is currently the Creative and Social Manager for Buick Motor

Company.

Cole attended Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville and Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where he received his degree in government. He is currently Vice President of B.E. Blank & Company.

An Aug. 3, 2024, wedding is planned at Kirk in the Hills Presbyterian Church.

The bridal party will consist of Sophia Reuss, sister of the bride, as Maid of Honor.

The best man will be Kyle Seiler, the brother of the groom.

Grant Reuss, brother of the bride, and Reid Seiler, brother of the groom, will serve as groomsmen.

After a honeymoon trip to Europe, the couple will make their home in Detroit, Michigan.

Bridal notes