World Bride Magazine, International Multi-cultural Bridal Magazine

world bride magazine

RED QUEEN . WINTER 2015

desti NATION

WBM

ASIA

Bangkok, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and China

Winter Wedding We help you organize your perfect winter wonderland

Perfect SUIT the

From Bangkok with love, we get ďŹ tted perfectly

We examine the customs and traditions of the Asian Wedding

WORLD BRIDE MAGAZINE

WINTER 2015 . $9.99(US)

RED D of

STRING

Asian Tradition

The

Fate F

LEGENDARY DESIGNERS in our DESIGNER TAKEOVER

Wedding fashion from the Orient

VERAWANG ZANGTOI JASONWU & newcomer JINNWU

LIVE LIFE

Glamorously Natural and Fabulously Healthy.

DEBRA HARE-BEY RED ROOM LUXE SALON @ OMhh 503 ATLANTIC AVENUE | BROOKLYN, NY 11217 718-858-6644 WBM | 2

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Your Wedding

INES DI SANTO Inspired by light and all of its beautiful qualities.

24 JINN WU Jinn's mantra as always is to give our bride some attitude.“Timeless, confident and a little of rock’n’roll”.

ingredients

32 JASON WU Dedicated to making clothes that are beautifully crafted from the inside out.

Beauty

Spotlights 22

50 BEAUTIFUL HAIR To attain beautiful hair, maintenance has to begin long before the wedding.

THE WEDDING I NEVER PLANNED I never dreamed my marriage license would be issued at a fish market.

68

VERA WANG Vera Wang’s accomplishments are to be applauded.

58 EASTERN PROMISE Accessories and style inspired by the Far-East.

52 IT'S ALL ABOUT THAT BASE Hit or miss when it comes to choosing the right foundation.

Travel 126 WEDDING ADVENTURE For any wedding, it’s important our guests feel just as special as we do on our big day.

128 YIN YANG EFFECT The Shangri La Hotel is situated in a central location with easy access to the old and new parts of Bangkok.

130 LOVE & SPONTANEITY I tried getting her attention on a few occasions but was met with a personal rejection.

132 TO CHINA WITH LOVE China seemed to me, in large part, to be a nation of very proud and wonderfully generous people.

126 DE BEERS WEDDING BAND Why would you not want to show the MAN of your dreams that he is most definitely the one.

Real Weddings 16

ANALEIGH & PATRICK As the rain started to come down, he got down on one knee. No phones and no people around.

17

KIANA & MATT It was all about the Pi.

18

EDEN & MATTHEW The most important thing about my wedding was being with Matthew and celebrating our love.

18

ASAMI & HIDEO Their main wedding ceremony was at the amazingly gothic St Grace Cathedral, Tokyo.

Health and Lifestyle 48

SPHATIKA While in New York City, Sphatika may just be your private oasis.

49

FITNESS TECH Losing weight before your wedding is a tradition as deeply held as the weddings themselves.

86

RED STRING OF FATE

Photography by Peter D Brown Fashion by Carlton Jones Styling by Rashida Meggett Location provided

by The St. Regis, New York City

Essentials 102 TIE THE KNOT Many sources date the origin of neckties to China's fi rst emperor, Qin Shih Huang.

124 HOUSE OF CAKE We interviewed Irena and Kaloyan, House of Cakes’ owners, and they shared with us their passion for baking.

74

Cover Credits Dress by Yumi Katsura Couture

RAJASTHANI The color, the dances, the inciting mysterium that encompasses this region; it's foreign, exotic, and fascinatingly beautiful.

Contents

34

7

Cover Story

26

Fashion

Dress by Isabelle Armstrong Ring by ELLAGEM by Ella Gafter Cuff by ELLAGEM by Ella Gafter

christinejbrandt.com/sterling

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yrdith Leon-McCormack

presenting a

NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

For those of you who know me, and know me well, you are very much aware of how I feel about the cold. I don't like it at all. While I love the beauty of a snowfall, and the vision of fresh snow over a beautiful mountaintop and on a meadow field, I can view that lovely scene from indoors.

Living in New York City during these wintery days loses its luster after a couple days when the beautiful white snow turns into a dirty, slushy, gray, yellow substance. So, how can that be beautiful?

FROM THE RUNWAY FASHION

INES DI SANTO

Inspired by LIGHT and all of its beautiful qualities.

All that being said, there are some amazing things about a wonderful winter snowy wonderland that New York provides for city lovers. Watching the first snow fall as it sticks to the bare tree limbs on a tree-lined block in Brooklyn, resting on rows of brownstone homes, is magnificent. Or being able to bundle up in the most amazing winter fashions the world has to offer is even more superb.

I would submit to you that while the weather may be cold outside, there are so many delightful things to keep you warm indoors. We figured out at least a couple warmer uppers when we met several connoisseurs of Vodka and Sake, both of which are phenomenal in cold weather.

In this issue we will introduce you to the founder of Punzoné Organic Vodka, and we learn about his quest to making the best Vodka and mixes for you to enjoy when the weather is nippy during your winter wedding plans.

I must say my new favorite drink is a little lighter, yet smooth; Sake by Joto enjoys a light fruit flavor. Since this is an Asian inspired issue I wanted the full experience and tried the things I may not have known to try. So I met up with the Joto brand representative while celebrating the Japanese Pop Culture Festival in Brooklyn called Waku Waku; and it was there that I sampled the drinks and felt this would definitely be added to my favorites on my bar at home.

Highlights

Hiroko Tashiro, Randy Fenoli, at Kleinfeld

Vintage Kimono at Shibui Japanese Antiques in Brooklyn New York www.shibui.com

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The Bridal Market was my next stop in search of new Asian designers to feature in this issue. The Asian culture is rich in so many ways: art, design and their particular focus to details. We explore everything from legendary Mikimoto with his beautiful cultured pearls for the discriminating women to iconic shirt maker Kamakura for the gentlemen of refined fit of custom made shirts and accessories.

We know you will enjoy reading about the legendary designers who have reigned the runways, and of course, we all know the Queen of bridal herself Vera Wang, and Zang Toi, Jason Wu, and Son Jung Wan who carved their position in the fashion scene. New comers Jinn Wu and Winnie Chlomin Lee promise to make their mark in the fashion world, and the bridal industry with their classic, yet bold designs.

Our cover was inspired during Bridal Market Week when we saw Isabelle Armstrong’s gown on the runway. We immediately knew this bold red gown was the inspiration for our cover – East meets West. And, to make certain we embraced the statement of the dress we knew that the location would have to embody a grand vision to convey our message. The place – the St. Regis Hotel, off 5th Avenue, in New York City; the historical home of one of the wealthiest American families, the Astors, a prominent family during their era. It is their bold, daring and controversial way in which they lived their lives, managed their business and interacted with one another that the Astor women were bold, outspoken and sometimes tough, but it just may be that it takes bold positions to command change.

This background information confirmed for me that the bold position we are taking with World Bride Magazine is unparalleled. So be bold and take chances... live life full of love.

Enjoy! Amour!

Myrdithx

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Our beautiful World Bride Magazine CONTRIBUTORS

Photographers

Peter D Brown Peter D. Brown is a New York based men’s & women’s fashion and beauty photographer. He has a fine art and photography background with a BFA from Syracuse University and Central Saint Martins (CSM) UK. Peter has been both a freelance and agency art director, creative director and editorial fashion director, (BLACKBOOK Magazine). His love of beauty has encompassed the roles of beauty/image consultant and illustrator for such clients as CHANEL, COVERGIRL, LANCOME, L’OREAL, MAYBELLINE, OSCAR DE LA RENTA, to name a few.

He shoots both advertising and editorial assignments for clients worldwide.

Sean Watters New York based photographer, Sean was born in Louisville, Kentucky. In his early twenties, Sean moved to NYC on a dance scholarship to The Mary Anthony Modern Dance School in the East Village. After dancing from show to show for several years, on the road is where Sean picked up his first camera to document his travels as a gypsy. From there his interest went from shooting food relief programs for Wyclef Jean’s Yele Haiti program to his now signature fashion portraits. Known for his work shooting men’s fashion, Sean Watters’ photographs combine movement with a provocative edge, a look that has led to his success. Sean has contributed to many print and online magazines such as L’Officiel, Elle UK, Fucking Young, Collezioni Uomo, Jon Magazine, and SID Magazine to name a few. For his personal work, Sean has exhibited for the Praz-Delavallade gallery in Paris which Artnet News has heralded as one of the top galleries in Europe. His personal work has appeared at the Salon at the Louvre, Palais de Tokyo, and the Piasa Auction House. Currently, Sean has his first solo exhibition at the Atelier of Marc-Antoine Barrois in Paris of his nudes called “That Window in Harlem”.

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Ezequiel Del La Rosa

Ez’s work as a photographer has been featured inmany leading fashion publications. A native of Cuba, he has made his home in NYC for the past 25 years. He attributes his distinctive style and international appeal to his travels and time living abroad in both Paris and Milan. Clients appreciate his aesthetic, receptiveness and his ability to adapt, regardless of the circumstances. Ez’s natural enthusiasm, contagious energy and dedication to exploring new technologies make him a dominant force in the fashion, beauty and celebrity macrocosm.

Resort isn't just a destination, it's . a

feeling

Juan Algarin Colombian born Juan Carlos Algarin began his photography career shooting models in Miami. In 1996 he moved to New York City and became an assistant for the legendary photographer Steven Klein. Juan was soon discovered by Surface Magazine when he was selected for their first ever Avante Guardian issue. Juan has since photographed models and celebrities for countless prestigious fashion magazines and advertising clients.

Currently, Juan lives in NYC with his wife and two children.

If you would like to contribute to World Bride Magazine, please send all enquiries to contribute@ worldbridemagazine.com

www.carltonjonescollection.com

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Our beautiful World Bride Magazine CONTRIBUTORS

Writers

Annalisa Arcoleo

Debra

Annalisa Arcoleo is a filmmaker and journalist at heart. She started her journalism career working for Utility Magazine, writing about movies and some of the most important Italian events taking place in Italy. After graduating at ACT Cinecitta’ Studios in Rome, she started to work on movie sets and Italian television companies. She was able take part in two TV series at “5 Stelle TV” as an Assistant Producer. In 2012, Annalisa joined one of the most famous Italian television networks, La Rai. In 2013, after winning a scholarship in journalism and movie reviews at Sentieri Selvaggi, her writings have gone on to appear in “La Voce” Magazine.

Debra Hare-Bey is a Celebrity Stylist with over a decade of hair care experience and product knowledge. She is the CEO of OH MY HEAVENLY Hair Inc. A Glamorously Natural Lifestyle Brand and former proprietor of the historic Red Creative Art Concept Studio. Celebrity Stylist Debra Hare-Bey is a respected authority and innovator in the hair care industry. She brings a different aesthetic to traditional hair styling; specializing in unique fabrications as hair additions. Debra is committed to consistently raising the bar of professional natural hair care as she bridges the gap between beautiful, healthy and natural.

Always the dedicated professional, Debra was one of four women instrumental in changing the Cosmetology law in NY.

Rebecca East Rebecca’s focus is on developing bespoke entertainment travel adventures for individuals and groups in the premium lifestyle sector with diverse and unique experiential elements. Her career history ranges from hospitality management in a variety of five star properties around the world to being a pioneering force behind the expansion of a global private lifestyle management company in the US. Born and raised in Malawi in Central Africa, Rebecca is passionate about travel and enjoys creating unique experiences while exploring the globe.

Megan Jander Megan is a journalist who graduated from Penn State University in 2015 with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and an English minor. She has contributed works to WBM and is in the midst of co-producing and hosting a New Jersey travel web series. She is also using her artistic abilities to illustrate a children’s book in the hopes of publication.

With strong interests and previous experiences in meteorology and renewable energy, she dreams of being a Science Journalist someday.

Stephanie Flor Stephanie is a leading makeup artist who works regularly with industry leaders ranging from music artists to celebrity personalities. Her clients include music artists Mariah Carey, rapper Eve, Sting, comedian Kathy Griffin, politician Mexican President Felipe Calderon, and the Israel President Shimon Peres. Stephanie Flor is the founder of Around the World Beauty, a beauty blog about rituals and traditions still practiced in different cultures by women all over the world. Stephanie is also the creator and writer behind barristourista.com.

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Hare-Bey

Remi James Remi has many years experience working for an Award Winning Creative, Digital and marketing agency, which has gained her a vast amount of knowledge and expertise within the Digital and Marketing world. From her first trip to Los Angeles as a teenager, began her love for travelling and she has since travelled to countless countries around the world. Due to Remi’s passion for travel she has become the first point of call from her friends and some of her clients when they need advice on where they should go on holiday.

Susan Dilworth As Editor-at-Large Europe, Susan scopes all corners for European bridal wear and wedding fashion specials; she presents honeymoon and location hotspots as well as the “must haves” at every wedding in Europe. She crosses borders and displays “wedding couture” from Europe. Having been born and raised in Germany, bilingual in German & English dominated her communication skills and facilitated a substantial understanding of different cultures. Becoming a media and marketing manager planted the seed for the launch of her entrepreneurship and laid the groundwork in favor of becoming self-employed. She likes the taste of international travel and contact management as elements of her business life, elements that would later come to be the foundation of her business vision for the future .

Her business expertise is derived through an array of experience in the arena of Public Relations, Event Production and Business development. www.dilworthpr.com

If you would like to contribute to World Bride Magazine, please send all enquiries to contribute@ worldbridemagazine.com

ASIAN WEDDING

TRADITIONS

by Annalisa Arcoleo

亞 洲 傳 統 婚 禮

T

o be an Asian wedding photographer requires a special skill, being able to capture the raw, pure, natural essence of the wedding and the love between the couple and their families without any preparation.

Wedding pictures are forever.

And with that said the special day will be with you always, and on occasions this memory must reflect and chronicle every precious moment. It is imperative that delicate care is given when identifying a photographer, who is responsible for capturing every single movement and its meaning on this sacred day.

In India, the Bridal Mehendi is a traditional ceremony in which the bride receives elaborate henna paintings on her hands, wrists, arms, legs and feet; each is different with a meaning for each color and symbol from a swan - success, the scorpion love, flower - happiness, tortoise - fertility, sun/moon/stars are the long lasting love between bride and groom. The Saptapadi is a very important element where vows are exchanged in the presence of a sacred fire that must be circled three times, after which the groom presents a silver ring which symbolizes his love for the bride.

In Korea, the bride and groom exchange their vows at the bride's family home in a ceremony called Kunbere: Bride and groom bow to each other and exchange their vows by drinking a special wine

poured into a gourd grown by the bride's mother. The wedding banquet is called Kook Soo Sang, meaning "noodle banquet" symbolizing a long and happy life together.

The Chinese can be superstitious and often couples consult an astrologer for the wedding date based on the alignment of the stars, moon and planets’ location.

For centuries brides wore a Qi Pao, a bright red floor length silk dress because this color is considered auspicious.

In Japan, brides wear a beautiful white dress called Shiro, the symbol of purity. Their bodies are painted white and after the ceremony the dress is exchanged for a red, white, gold or silver kimono called Irouchiakake.

Sake is part of an important tradition called San-San-Kudo: three different cups, offered to their families as a symbol of the new bond. Everyone drinks three times to represent the couple, families and three human flaws: hatred, passion, and ignorance.

Another tradition is the 21 bead rosary representing the bond between the couple, families and Buddha.

The photographer must inherently know these traditions and have the ability to capture every nuance – from promise, rite, bond, culture, tradition, memory and love.

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WORLD BRIDE MAGAZINE Publisher & Editorial Director Myrdith Leon-McCormack Editor-At-Large Marsha Reeves Jews Creative Director Dave Wise Copy Editor Belle Du Chene Blondine Leon-Broers Associate Copy Editor Megan Jander Photo/Bookings Editor Murat Ozdemir Associate Producer Maggie McKenna Features Editor Sandra Hill Beauty Editor Sonia Castleberry Kheli French Debra Hare-Bey Grooming Editor Adrian Fanus Guest Fashion & Accessories Editor Paulette Cleghorn Celebrity & Fashion Director Carlton Jones Lifestyle & Travel Director Victor Amos Lifestyle & Travel Editor Martina Glover (Italy) Michelle Lowe (England) Morena Russo (Italy) Aprelle Duany (Kenya) Susan Dilworth (Augusta Georgia & Germany) Health & Wellness Editor Raymond Dente Laci Chisholm

Food & Entertainment Editor Chef Rodney LoveJones Details & Planning Senior Editor Muriel Saldalamacchia Contributing Editors Regina Fleming Gwen Cover (Europe) Saroyah Mevorach Keydra Manns Juliya Fedorovych (Eastern Europe) Corporate OďŹƒce Editorial Assistant - Lisa Banks Legal Department Jennifer Jacques (General Counsel) Art Department Graphic Designer - David Kidd Marketing & Sponsorships Victoria Lynn Cohrs Avant Garde Management Group Human Resources Aicha Randolph Director Of Operations Lianne Clark Williams

If you would like to contribute to World Bride Magazine, please send all enquiries to contribute@ worldbridemagazine.com

Any unauthorized duplication, download or reprint of images or content from this website for promotional or commercial use is strictly prohibited without written permission from World Bride Magazine, LLC. Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Trademark pending.

World Bride Magazine, LLC. Copyright 2015 by World Bride Magazine.

All rights reserved. World Bride Magazine is published 4 times per year. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited.

The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to World Bride Magazine to edit.

Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs, and drawings.

To order a subscription please go to subscription@worldbridemagazine.com.

For customer service please contact info@worldbridemagazine.com.

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World Bride Magazine is published by World Bride Magazine, LLC. (Founder, Myrdith Leon-McCormack).

World Bride Magazine Corporate office : NMBC- 1633 Broadway, 30th Floor New York, NY 10018 Please call us toll free at 855- WBM- LUXE (926-5893) or e-mail us.

General Information: info@worldbridemagazine.com Magazine printed by Approach Print Limited (www.approach-ps.com)

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For national & global advertisement inquiries, email myrdith@worldbridemagazine.com

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

T

MarshaReevesJews

presenting a

All you need is love.

We’ll take care of the rest.

Everything Weddings at Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard.

oo often when we think Asia, we think warm weather, however, be very clear the winters can range from rough to rugged with snow. It is not uncommon for snow to be forecasted in areas of China, the Korean Peninsula, Japan, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. We know that Tokyo, Beijing and Seoul, the Himalayas, far northeastern India, and all the way to northern Myanmar can be very cold and fraught with snow.

So, what does this mean for those who are considering winter weddings in either these regions or other winter wonderlands? First, this could make a difference in your budget – during the “off-season,” winter months have been known to not fill up for wedding dates, therefore, folks are generally open to negotiation.

There is something very special about cold, snowy evenings with a fireplace glowing and candles reflecting off of elegant crystal stemware. The colors are usually warm and rooms can be appointed to exude romance.

In every city there are extraordinary places that could provide the perfect backdrop for a warm and intimate wedding celebration. Many venues love to go all out during these blistering days, mostly between December and April. You and your guests can look forward to discounts steep enough to even stay a couple days after the festivities.

When thinking about winter weddings, I recommend that serious consideration be given to venues that are turnkey or have storage capacity to store all of the decorative items, food and beverage in case of extreme weather conditions.

KATIE & HAYWARD HOWARD

Images courtesy of Ashley Michelle Photography www.ashleymichellephoto.com

During these Nordic months the sun sets earlier, which means you have the perfect backdrop for the most amazing wedding. There are many venues that offer everything from snow covered mountains, tall evergreens, and to the calm of beautiful lakes.

This is also a great time for all necessary vendors, particularly their availability without having to juggle a million schedules between so many weddings during the overly exhausted spring and fall seasons.

Just think, you will probably increase your attendance, no competition with vacations, summer school and other weddings.

Have the best of both worlds! Enjoy a snowy wedding day and book your honeymoon to the tropics! You may even get away with less expensive travel plans in the off-season, plus avoid the storm seasons.

Much Peace, Infinite Love & Immeasurable Blessings,

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Marsha Reeves Jews Editor-At-Large

With its sublime and rural beauty, BHFV offers a beautiful venue and the perfect backdrop for your once in a lifetime event.

Weddings | Showers | Rehearsal Dinners | Engagements | Favors

A wedding favor

that tastes good, looks good and does good.

Award winning horse rescue wines.

Bottles are uniquely custom wrapped to match wedding theme and include a personalized gift card. Plus, a feel good message - “enjoy this wine knowing that 100% of the profits go to the horse rescue”.

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631-369-0100

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” l a e R “WORLD

BRIDES

How did you two meet? How long did you date? How and where did he ask for your hand in marriage?

We were introduced by one of my best friends and a colleague of Patrick, at a Ravens tailgate over three years ago.

We dated for two years, and he asked me at one of my favorite celebrations in Baltimore – The Star Spangled Sailabration weekend. As the rain started to come down, he got down on one knee. We had no phones and there were no people around, so I was crying with joy and showing off my new bling to the only girl in sight, our puppy.

Where did you get married? Reception?

The Woodlawn Bed & Breakfast in St. Mary's County, Maryland, where we first said "I love you.” We both love the outdoors and the waterfront backdrop made for the perfect setting for the ceremony and cocktail hour. The barn was cozy and intimate for the reception with dancing.

How many guests? How many bridesmaids/groomsman?

We had 273 guests with 8 bridesmaids and 10 groomsmen.

Did you create your own vows? If so, what were the main parts of the vows that struck you the most?

We did not create our own vows. We are Catholic and made every effort to incorporate elements from a traditional Catholic ceremony. Our friend read my favorite poem: i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) by E.E. Cummings.

What did you play for your grand walk down the aisle, after you finalized the vows and your first dance?

We chose traditional music and had a beautiful string duet, our first dance was to Alison Krauss and Union Station's "When You Say Nothing At All." Who was the caterer, what was the menu, cake flavors?

Our caterer was Cunningham's, who created an elegantly casual meal. Chef Chris Becker incorporated local seasonal ingredients; during cocktail hour we had passed "shots" of cream of mushroom soup, butternut squash and ricotta bruschetta, fried mac and cheese bites, and braised short rib sliders, with an oyster shucking station. Dinner was served "family style" with platters of kale salad, shrimp and grits, and porketta with Brussels sprouts and potato dumplings. Rather than cake, we decided to serve our favorite dessert – ice cream sundaes.

Most memorable moment of the day?

When Patrick and I agreed we wished time would slow down so we could savor every moment.

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Analeigh& Patrick SMITH

Where did you honeymoon and why there?

We went to Kiawah Island, South Carolina at the Sanctuary Resort on Kiawah. They treated us like royalty! The day we arrived was pretty chilly, but we ended up sitting by a fire and drinking champagne all afternoon, reflecting on the weekend.

What is your happily ever after final comment?

We never dreamed of a traditional wedding ceremony or reception and thought we might just elope. But, as soon as friends and family arrived everything we thought we knew went out the window. The time we shared with our loved ones is something we will never be able to recreate. We will always cherish the memories we made that weekend.

Kiana& Matt PARMISS DANIAL

Celebrating Einstein's birthday and THE Pi Day of the century (3.14.15) are two geeks who decided that this day should also be their wedding day.

The two math lovers who have been celebrating Pi Day for years, got married on this century's significant one — at 9:26:53 a.m. and p.m., the date and time together represented the first 10 digits of π: 3.141592653.

What are the odds that an Aussie/Italian rocket scientist , meets and falls in love with a Persian electrical engineer and forex trader from Japan anyway?

And as is always the case with a unique tale like this, the two strongly independent geeks had also imagined getting married on Pi Day, 2015 (THE Pi day of the century), and in Hawaii of all places.

Before meeting Matt, Kiana had actually reminded her Facebook friends about the significance of the up coming Pi Day: Matt on the other hand, brags about his ability to be able to recite the first 20 digits of Pi without taking a breath.

But March 14, 2015 isn't only special from this aspect. It is also called White Day in Japan. You see, in Japan, Valentine's Day is celebrated differently than elsewhere in the world. On February 14, girls get their aprons on and bake heart-shape chocolates for the men in their lives; and not only men with whom they are romantically involved with.

In return, on March 14, guys who received chocolates would repay girls with White Day cookies, and more! If you receive a super expensive gift from your classmate you never thought of "that way," you would now know that he is definitely interested.

So to combine the couple's favorite day of the century, and the romantic aspect of Pi Day in Japan where Kiana lived and studied for 7 years, they decided that they should throw the geekiest Pi-Day-themed wedding of all time and show the world how much fun two geeks can have.

The ceremony started at 3 PM (Maui time) on an elevated point with a beautiful background view of the ocean and Lanai island.

Kiana walked down the aisle covered in white orchid petals.

After the ceremony, all guests received a Pi Day 2015 commemorative t-shirt. They could pick from two designs, available for men, women and kids.

Remember Monica from FRIENDS once talked about every girl's dream wedding cake, with a little "bride and groom" on top? It turns out this was not the case for Kiana who was willing to go all the way just to prove that they are true Pi Day fans. In true geeky fashion, they came up with the perfect shape for their wedding cake. The cake had two layers with chocolate crème in the lower layer and coconut crème in the top.

To sum it all up, they had a one-of-a-kind count down for their cake cutting. With a true New York style NYE countdown presented by DJ Liam, all the guests counted the last 10 seconds, 43, 44, 45,… so that the happiest geeky couple could cut into the sweetness of their Pi cake at exactly 9:26:53 pm, which coincides with Pi to 9 digits.

March 14, 2015 at 9:26:53 was truly epic!

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� l a e R “WORLD

Eden& Matthew YOUNGSTEIN

BRIDES

What can you tell us about your special honeymoon to Japan?

Our honeymoon was truly an adventure. We went to Japan and traveled through the West to seven different cities starting in Tokyo. In Tokyo we visited the Ueno Zoo (Japan's oldest Zoo), and several different districts including Shibuya, (my favorite, the shopping district), Harajuku, Akihabara and the Imperial Palace. Courtesy of Japan Week, we stayed in Hotel New Otani, it was so beautiful!

The Bride wore Michelle Roth The Groom wore a Traditional Tux

How did you two meet?

We actually had to meet a few times. The first time we met was when I walked into his parent's costume store in Brooklyn and Matthew was working there. We had an instant connection and went on a few dates, but it didn't work out. So a year later, one of my good friends wanted to get a puppy. She asked me to come with her to some guy's house to look at a puppy and it turned out that I walked right into his house!

What was the most important thing about your wedding?

I would say the most important thing about my wedding was being with Matthew and celebrating our love.

Where did you get married?

We got married in Da Mikele Illagio, Queens, New York on May 21, 2015.

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From Tokyo we traveled to Hakone, where we were literally surrounded by nature in the most peaceful setting. We enjoyed the onsen (hot springs) and staying in Hakone Pax Yoshino, where we experienced a traditional Ryokan styled room. We went up to the Fujiya Hotel (very beautiful) and travelled from there to go see Mt. Fuji (which, to our dismay, was covered in fog so it wasn't so visible). From Hakone we traveled to Kyoto where we visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine (A Thousand Torii Gates), that was one of our favorite places.

I didn't realize that the shrine climbed all the way to the top of the Inari mountain but nonetheless we hiked up there!

Kyoto was also beautiful because of its history. I loved walking around with Matthew and experiencing "the old city," we saw geishas, puppet shows and comedies! We also visited Sanjusangendo Hall where our breath was taken away by the 1000 life size statues! It really was amazing! From Kyoto we traveled to Wakayama, where we stayed in a Buddhist temple.

Our room was absolutely beautiful! It was traditional and there were doors from our room leading to a beautiful garden outside. We enjoyed their vegan cuisine and when we woke up early in the morning, we experienced morning prayers with the monks before we set off to continue on our journey. It

was very tranquil. From Wakayama we traveled to Nara. It was so wonderful! The deer there roam freely and are incredibly social. We spent a lot of time feeding them and walking around the park. We also visited Todaiji Temple where we saw the Nara Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Nara). Wow! From Nara we headed to Osaka, where we walked around the city and visited Japan's Universal Studios, it was incredibly fun!

From Osaka we traveled to Hiroshima. This was an educational experience for us. We visited Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park before ending our travels back in Tokyo.

Exploring Japan was one of the best experiences of our lives. I spent 21 days in Japan with my best friend and the love of my life. Being together really made the trip as great as it was. We shared so many laughs, experiences and memories that I will cherish forever. Theres nothing like traveling with your best friend.

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” l a e R “WORLD

Asami &

BRIDES

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本 当 に 美 し い 結 婚 式

Hideo

ONISHI

and of course, beautiful baby Kanomi

J

apanese culture is steeped in tradition going back thousands of years, but, embracing the new is something the Japanese people have always done; all the while recognizing where they came from.

Weddings are no exception, from the groom being the only male member of the wedding party to be able to wear white to the traditional Shintu ceremonies in ancient dress.

Asami and Hideo held their main wedding ceremony at the amazingly gothic St Grace Cathedral, Tokyo. A truly unique venue that has the feel of an old-world French Cathedral.

For them it was vitally important that their beautiful daughter Kanomi was integral to the whole spectacle.

It is also important to note that irrespective of how elaborate the ceremony, how many guests you invite, couples aren't legally married unless the formal documentation is subitted changing their status in their family registries. It is also interesting that under Japanese law, no actual ceremony is required so a wedding is purely a display of their commitment to everyone else in attendance.

21 | WBM

the WEDDING I NEVER PLANNED FOR WAS THE

WEDDING I ALWAYS WANTED

by Nora Walsh

I

never dreamed my marriage license would be issued at a fish market or that I’d wed at a location, sight unseen, without the presence of family or friends.

On the other hand, I never spent a lot of time fantasizing about my wedding at all. Growing up as a caterer’s daughter, I had attended countless receptions. To my nearest and dearest, I proudly held court as a maid-of-honor, a best “man,” a bridesmaid and a speech-giving groomsmaid representing both sides of the aisle.

Even if I had let my imagination run wild with visions of a fairytale wedding, I am certain I could not have manifested a more sublime ceremony than the one my husband and I experienced while vacationing on the quiet island of Kauai.

Our wedding adventure began with a simple Google search that led us to Julie Wirtz, a self-branded “secular celebrant” and humanistic wedding minister. With a bit more research, we discovered that getting married in the state of Hawaii was relatively easy; all we needed was a valid form of identification to secure a marriage license. No witnesses, blood tests, or official records were required.

With sizable extended families living in five countries across three continents, we knew it was virtually impossible to corral them all in one place for a wedding celebration. Eloping seemed like an attractive solution to this logistical dilemma, so we decided to act on this spontaneous idea. We contacted Julie and within the hour we were filing for a marriage license over fresh poke in Kapa’a’s Pono Market.

Wedding Photography by Frank Apostol

It wasn’t until Julie asked us what we had in mind for our ceremony that we began to envision the wedding we truly wanted. Guido and I both felt comfortable with Julie’s approach, which focused on human values rather than traditional religious doctrine. We also preferred minimal planning so we could relax and focus our energy on one another and the lifelong commitment we were about to make.

The week prior to our wedding we freely shared our hopes and fears about married life. We knew we would face seemingly insurmountable obstacles and we discussed how we would overcome them together. Lazing in the sun, we visualized how we wanted our lives to look in the years to come. At dusk, we sipped wine on our open-air verandah and talked about children and raising a family. During drives on Kauai’s winding roads, we grappled with the possibility that one of us could develop feelings for another person, which sparked a conversation about how we planned to keep our passion alive. Over candlelit dinners, we toasted our promise to maintain a strong and healthy relationship for a long, happy life together. Both of us agreed that a successful marriage entails hard work and that each day we would wake up and renew our commitment to one another.

With the blessing of our parents, we set off on a journey to get married. As we bumped down a rugged dirt road in Maha’ulepu State Park, I felt my excitement begin to swell. This path marked the real beginning of our adventure through life together.

We parked in a sandy clearing and Julie guided us down a narrow footpath shaded by towering pine trees. Soon the trail traced craggy coastal cliffs overlooking the crashing Pacific below. To our left was a sweeping green meadow that stretched to the foothills of a small volcano. We had miles of unspoiled beauty to ourselves. A blooming sense of peace pervaded the landscape and I felt part of the natural harmony as we hiked down to our cloistered altar in a tiny cove carved out by the untamed sea.

Beneath a glowing sunset, we exchanged flower leis, welcoming the other into our hearts, home, life, and family, becoming partners in the continuation of our lives together. To the rhythmic choir of the waves, we exchanged our vows. We promised to nurture our relationship with joy and attention, trust each other and communicate our most private thoughts, work through challenges together, forgive and let go, and keep the spark of our romance alive, which would maintain the beauty, peace and strength of our marriage.

Bringing the ceremony to an emotional close, we scooped a handful of sand from beneath our feet— representing all the paths we had taken, all the people we had met, all the choices we had made that led us to that spot, at that very moment. As we poured the sands together, we acknowledged that these grains, which represented both our history and our future, could never be separated into individual handfuls again. They were entwined for eternity, leaving a

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lasting impression on the face of the earth, and becoming part of the island’s sacred landscape. As the sun slipped down into a cobalt cradle on the horizon, we sealed our vows with a long enduring kiss.

When I reflect on our wedding day, there is not a detail I would change. As close as we are to our loved ones, there was a profound intimacy in privately exchanging our vows. In the months following, we celebrated our matrimony with a Hawaiian-inspired luau and other impromptu gatherings. The joy of our union multiplied as we continued to personally share the news with family and friends across the globe.

It turns out, the wedding I never planned for was the wedding I always wanted—a peaceful, heartfelt ceremony with a man who believes that marriage is a choice sustained by love, patience and daily cultivation.

23 | WBM Image by Guido Elgueta

DESIGNER TAKEOVER

JINN WU

by Charlie Reiss

INSPIRED BY THE ART OF ABSTRACT SMOKES. SMOKES THAT COME IN DIFFERENT FORMS AND SHAPES, IT ALSO REPRESENTS FREEDOM IN A WAY. WE USED A LOT OF TULLES TO CREATE THE LIGHT AND AIRY FEELS, JUST LIKE SMOKE.

Jinn began her career studying fashion design at Raffles Design Institute of Fashion Design in Kuala Lumpur. Upon graduating, Jinn had the opportunity to work in design for some of the famous ready-to-wear fashion brand for more than 10 years and also 8 years of experience in Bespoke Bridal Gown Design.

The invaluable experience gained from working within these few design houses inspired Jinn to fulfill her lifelong dream and launch her eponymous line, JINN WU. In 2014, Jinn founded a bridal gown brand name VOILA!, with a mission to develop personalized bridal gowns & evening gowns which is simple yet elegant. Also been featured recently as Top 10 Wedding Gown specialist in Kuala Lumpur.

Jinn's mantra as always is to give our bride some attitude.“Timeless, confident and a little of rock’n’roll” You can visit their website at www.jinnwu.com or send them an email to hello@jinnwu.com to make your order.

ALEXA

Sweetheart A-Line Dress in Ivory| 24 WBM

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DESIGNER TAKEOVER

SON JUNG WAN

by Charlie Reiss

Son was born and raised in South Korea, majored in Industrial Craft at Sookmyung Women’s University and, after graduating, attended design school at International Mode in Seoul.

In 1989, Son opened a small shop across the street from Galleria Department Store to house and sell her collection of stylish wears. Seeing how successful her store was, Galleria offered her a shop and in only a year later and from there the Son Jung Wan brand grew.

In 1993 Son earned the “Golden Needle Award” from the Korea Fashion Editor Association and in 2005, was named “Designer of the Year” by Seoul Metropolitan.

The luxurious collections designed by Son Jung Wan consist of impeccably executed separates and dresses made from the most sumptuous fabrics. With each collection, Son captures the dual nature of women and how they like to dress; at times pretty and feminine, and at other times chic, stylish and sexy.

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Today, Son Jung Wan is one of Korea’s most successful designers with over USD 50 million in sales for 2011.

Her designs are sold at boutiques located across the USA including New York City, Palm Beach and the DC Metro area as well as over 50 department stores in South Korea. Each season Son Jung Wan debuted her collection at New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and later at Who’s Next, the Parisian trade show.

If she weren’t a fashion designer, Son would have been an artist. In May 2005 she collaborated with contemporary artist Hwang for the “Tangible Sound” at TOTAL Museum of Contemporary Art. In August 2011, Son collaborated with Kira Kim, a well known Korean installation artist, for an antiques themed art installation at the Plateau Gallery in Seoul.

Son Jung Wan is a woman of many passions. She is a philanthropist, an avid traveler, a collector of art, a mother and a wife to name just a few.

www.sonjungwan.com

FROM THE AISLETO THE DANCEFLOOR 27 | WBM

DESIGNER TAKEOVER

CHARU LOCHAN DASS

by Megan Jander

Women who want to feel confident, sophisticated and sensual try to find fashion pieces that bring out their inner femininity and strength. Charu Lochan Dass (CLD), renowned designer’s mission is to bring out these traits in her collections. The CLD Woman is a client who is poised and elegant while embracing her sensuality and feminine appeal.

Born in India, Dass migrated with her family to Trinidad at the age of six. With a love for painting and sketching and a natural instinct for fashion, she dove into her creative talents and began designing. Her first design was at the age of fourteen, inspired by her mother’s hand-woven Indian table runner. Her natural talents improved over the years as she pursued a degree in Fashion Design and Marketing at the London College of Fashion. Shortly afterwards, she began her eponymous brand: CLD. “I’m inspired by emotion, whatever enthralls my soul.

From a material to a fashion icon, or even a client.”

Dass’s inspiration for her first collection was drawn from the 1960s, particularly icons such as Jacqueline

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Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn. Her most recent collection was inspired by “a client with an extraordinary story of sacrifice, courage and love.”

A TOUCH OF TRINIDAD

When it comes to weddings or special occasions, Dass favors specific types of fabrics when designing dresses.

“Delicate, flowing fabrics thrill me, those that elicit a graceful appeal; chiffon, silks, georgette and lace, especially for weddings.”

CLD encompasses all that is sophisticated and exudes class. Dass uses the finest materials and intricate detail to produce breathtaking designs that keep the global market in mind. CLD Collections highlight a woman’s silhouette, amplifying her femininity, and adds a “Trini” touch of creativity.

CLD Collections are sold at the CLD Fashion House in Woodbrook, the fashion district of Trinidad and Tobago.

They are also available globally at BoutiKm5 in Ibiza, Spain and at the Pop-up shop at World Fashion Centre in Amsterdam.

available online at nomorefashionvictims.com Photography by Donn Thompson of Drac Inc

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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT FASHION

ZANG TOI was born and raised in a small village in Kelantan, the youngest of seven children of a grocer.

After leaving his native Malaysia at the age of eighteen, Zang arrived in New York and at the age of twenty, began his studies at Parsons School of Design. In August 1989, he opened his atelier and soon after, Zang was awarded the 1990 Mouton Cadet Young Designer of the Year award which recognizes the top, young U.S. designer of the year. In a Newsday article published in 1991, Frank de Car enthusiastically noted of the Malaysian-born designer and his success, “If anyone is THE NEXT BIG THING, it’s him.” (Newsday, New York, 29 April 1991)

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ZANG TOI

Since then, Zang has captured the attention of the world’s fashion elite and continues to be characterized by his precocious aptitude and astute business acumen.

After making his designs available in Malaysia in 1996 through his specialty dress shop in Lot 10 Shopping Center, in 2004 and 2005, Zang further expanded his operation with a Zang Toi Café in the fashionable Pavilion Shopping Center in downtown Kuala Lumpur, and with the Zang Toi shoe licensing in Malaysia.

Zang continues to have a strong presence in the international fashion scene. Having dressed the likes of Sharon Stone, Gong Li, Eva Longoria, Fergie of the Black Eye Peas, Heather Graham, Devon Aoki, Farrah Fawcett, Patti LaBelle, Ivana Trump and Melinda Gates, Zang Toi is now considered an established name in the world of Haute Fashion. His timeless and uncompromising designs pamper women with elegance and glamour inspired by his love of travel and fine living.

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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT FASHION

JASON WU

I CREATE

CLOTHES Jason is a Taiwanese-Canadian fashion designer now based out of New York. Jason has emerged as a leading global talent with a distinctively feminine aesthetic.

Through merging modern American sportswear elements with a sophisticated global attitude he has created timeless classics with a glamorous sensibility.

Since debuting his Ready-to-Wear collection in 2007, Jason has been dedicated to making clothes that are beautifully crafted from the inside out. With the focus on couture quality craftsmanship, over 90% of the Jason Wu Collection is manufactured in New York City's Garment District. His handbag and shoe collections, launched in 2001, are 100% handcrafted in Italy using the highest quality materials and construction.

Jason, despite being just 33 years of age, has already achieved many of his aspirations. His collection is sold in over 170 retailers worldwide and he dresses some of the most influential women in the world including First Lady Michelle Obama, Reese Witherspoon, Julianne Moore, Diane Kruger, Kerry Washington and Christy Turlington.

Jason Wu has a fresh modern chic take on the modern yet elegant woman that is refreshing. His design takes his client from a youthful girl to a modern yet classy woman, that is worthy of the first lady.

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FOR

WOMEN

WHO ARE NOT ONLY FIERCELY FASH IONABLE BUT A LSO OWN THEIR POWER AND

FEMININITY 33 | WBM

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT FASHION

TEM PER LEY

L O N D O N

by Charlie Reiss

T

emperley Bridal launched following Alice Temperley’s own beautiful wedding in 2002.

"I love designing Bridal. Each dress has to be the perfect blend of functionality and fantasy; a bride must never feel overwhelmed by her dress but allow them to be the ultimate version of themsleves."

The ‘Temperley Bridal’ collection is a romanticized version of Temperley London, celebrating the ethereal, sensual nature of the brand.

As of 2011 Temperley Bridal has expanded to two collections a year, containing a wide variety of fantasy dresses in silhouettes that celebrate the female form, resulting in a collection of dresses memories are made in. Each piece conveys an elegance and sophistication, all with the same timeless and feminine nature that is the Temperley handwriting.

Alice Temperley, MBE

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www.temperleylondon.com

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the BRIDAL SHOWROOM OF DIALA ABU ISSA

by Susan Dilworth

P

ast the seas of sand in the eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula arises the majestic city of Dubai. Like a shining jewel placed perfectly by a master hand, Dubai is considered "The Heartbeat of the new Arabian Dream." Embracing a multicultural melting pot, Dubai reflects the modern face of any cosmopolitan city of the world. This "City of Dreams" lacks no measures to show off her undeniable luxurious and blatantly envied cloak of wealth as it dominates being a coveted shopping destination for tourists from around the world. Diala Abu Issa and her husband flourished with their retail business under the rush of the economic development and growth in Dubai and, with a keen eye on tourists shopping demands and trends, began to exclusively service the Arabian bride of today.

E

ven as a young mother of two and recent bride herself, she loves to travel several times a year to the fashion capitals of the world and shop in the most beautiful designer showrooms for her brides. Born and raised in Doha, Qatar, Diala reflects a sovereign Arabic businesswoman. She lays high value in training her staff of 7 international bridal consultants personally. Her high standards and expectations are upheld with daily bridal diaries from each consultant. These diaries safeguard all wishes, dreams, directions, worries and concerns that the bride may disclose in her pre-consultation. Diala is then able to use these diary data entries to make a trending analysis, which she then uses to focus on her dress selections for the upcoming wedding season. As she prepares for 2016, she already has top designers in New York City, Barcelona, London, and for the first time, she is including Milan in her dress-shopping itinerary. As Diala fills her bridal dress cache, she is mindful of Dubai's pulsating city center, which traffics a global tourism wave through The Bridal Showroom doors and brings along all types of cultural challenges. Diala and her consultant team satisfy brides from Russia, Africa and Europe every weekend while keeping the 300sq ft. showroom private and serene. The Bridal Showroom stays true to its Arabian roots despite the constant development of new designs being presented almost daily somewhere in the world.

As for Diala Abu Issa, she feels personally blessed and honored to be a part of a day that has a universal mission that involves such religious, traditional and cultural global diversity on so many levels.

Overlooking the Jumeirah Park residential and business centers, Diala Abu Issa has created a divine bridal suite, which she has named "The Bridal Showroom." Shopping at The Bridal Showroom is an exquisite bridal experience, which upon entering its doors, is second to none. Diala is an expert of Muslim traditions and has intertwined them professionally with a modern day brides' wish list, which often includes Western influences. She walks this delicate tightrope with enlightenment, wisdom and discernment. Assisting her husband by transforming their retail storage location into a luxurious bridal suite was the successful business direction the young couple took together. Splitting The Bridal Showroom business operational responsibilities between themselves, Diala enjoys every aspect of being her own boss in an ever-growing industry that is dedicated to love and commitment.

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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT FASHION

W

"THE IDEA OF TOUCHING A BRIDE'S SOUL IS UTTERLY ROMANTIC."

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innie Chlomin Lee was born and raised in Hong Kong and currently resides in Beverly Hills, California. After relocating to the US at the tender age of 15 where she expanded her inherent sense of design at the school of Architecture at University of Houston. Even at such a young age Winnie knew that she always wanted to design, from sketching to crafting models; anything she could get her artistic hands on.

Winnie says of her inspiration "I was not so much inspired by designers, instead a combination of my architecture background paired with romantic visions. I appreciate lines and structure to contour a woman's silhouette, incorporating dreamy fabrics and soft draping. One of my favorite collections was inspired by the most romantic ballet, La Sylphide. The way fabrics move and evoke emotion is what I am inspired by."

After graduating she met Chris, her soulmate. Chris's family had background in dressmaking, he and they encouraged Winnie to expand her design aesthetic into the world of bridal.

It was at that moment that Winnie found her true passion and has never looked back since. "The idea of touching a bride's soul is utterly romantic."

We asked Winnie for some final advice for brides in search of their dress. Her advice is as truly romantic as are her designs.

"Be ready to find it! Finding your wedding gown is like finding your soul mate. It truly is love at first sight, be it the first dress you try on or the last, your emotions will speak for themselves."

WINNIE CHLOMIN LEE 39 | WBM

A COLORED, SHINING IDEA FOR YOUR WEDDING?

Chinese LANTERNS It’s the symbol of good luck and prosperty. The flame protected by the lantern represents the hope of a prosperous future the perfect symbolism for your special day.

Traditionally, prior to launching the lanterns family and guests can write their prayers, wishes, or anything they want to reach the sky.

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The creation of paper lanterns started in China in 230 BC. There are many stories about their creation, the most famous is from the Emperor Ming who after a dream sent a scholar to India to get Hindu scriptures. Upon his return, the Emperor ordered a temple to be built for the scriptures with red lanterns inside to symbolize Buddha’s power.

The monks used lanterns on the twelfth day of the first lunar month in their worship of Buddha and later, their use became common, with a special festival that takes place every year. In the lantern festivals, people let lanterns fly to the sky to honor the first full moon of the year.

Lanterns come in different colors and materials. This wonderful tradition also includes using the lanterns as ornaments or lighting, they are great decorations and the light they make is spectacular. You can use them in the wedding reception, your guests will be enchanted. The classical lantern is red, decorated with golden tassels, they can be made with paper, bamboo, wood, wheat – straw and metal.

Since the paper lanterns symbolize light, joy, life, they are a perfect way to start your wedding life. So why don’t add a touch of Asian tradition in your special day?

Image courtesy of Erick Pozos

I

n many Asian wedding ceremonies, launching Chinese lanterns is a typical tradition.

The Chinese red lanterns are beautiful with the flame inside creating a beautiful glow inside the red. The very sense of floating so elegantly in the air gives the guests a sense of freedom and beauty. But it’s much more than that.

by Annalisa Arcoleo

41 | WBM

THE MAGIC BEHIND YOUR WEDDING PICTURES

Traveling is one of the most amazing things you can do in your life. Visiting new places is not only a treasure for the eyes, but a treasure for our soul and mind. It’s a way to enrich ourselves and to open our minds to places different than ours, to learn about other cultures and traditions. A photographer knows that, if so desired, his passion can take him around the world where it leads him to discover different aspects of life —beautiful landscapes, discover new cultures, and connect with new people. For a wedding photographer it is especially rewarding: to be part of one of the most important days of someone’s life, in a new country, it’s electrifying and challenging at the same time. A skilled photographer must arrive with an understanding of the culture and be ready to capture the traditions of the location, while incorporating his/her own style.

honesty they illustrate. I love to capture people as they are, without posing. This way I catch the emotional side and the connection between people. I think these are the pictures that transcend time and are priceless.”

WBM shares with you the stories of several exceptional photographers who have traveled around the world capturing that special day.

Today Erik’s clients are global with a specialization in destination wedding

ERIK POZOS “Photography has always been my passion. After graduating college, I took many photography courses.

Then, in 2007, I started my professional photography career in my hometown, Veracruz, Mexico.

Every professional photographer knows that hard work and great technique is a must in order to truly capture the essence of each moment. And every bride and groom should take their time to choose the right photographer who can articulate your big day how you envision it.

“I advise couples to learn about your photographer, so your photos go beyond the classic wedding photo and can be more authentic and reflect the people. I advise that once you have selected your wedding photographer, trust that person. Give them creative freedom to do what they do the best.”

Of course no photographer is born

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ready to shoot, Erik knows that passion and talent should always be developed by study.

“I started doing wedding photography in my city and gradually my photos drew attention on the Internet, which resulted in them being published in magazines in Mexico and the USA. In 2010 I was invited to lecture at WPPI in Las Vegas, and from that experience I am invited every year to give lectures in many international conventions of photography in Mexico, USA, Colombia, etc.”

But what did make Erik an international photographer? Looking at his works we can definitely see passion, talent, technique and heart. Erik is a distinguished international photographer because he understands how to create magic with a touch of a button.

“I think what has made my photos internationally recognizable is the

by Annalisa Arcoleo

photography, and he is considered one of the top destination wedding photographers for the Secretary of Tourism of Mexico.

“Photography has allowed me to learn about different countries and their culture and traditions. The most important thing in wedding photography is to integrate all the elements of each site in the photo to make authentic photos for each couple.

This integration enriches the special day and allows me to tell the couple’s story — who they are, where they live, how they have fun.”

“Every culture has its own traditions; for example, in some cultures the groom is not allowed to see the bride before the ceremony. In this situation, instead of shooting the couples together before the ceremony, I must take the photos after. So knowing every aspect that is part of the traditions of each place allows me to adjust the photo sessions

but to still do intimate and personal work.”

Hiring a passionate and skilled photographer will give you the chance to have real memories of your wedding for a lifetime. Erik loves his job and he loves being part of such a special occasion.

“It gives me the opportunity to meet people. The wedding day is full of emotions — our pictures reveal love and connection between the couple and their family. I like to tell the story of a couple and know that my photos will be part of their most personal memories.”

PAULA MORANDARTE But photography is not only for men!

Women are very emotional creatures.

WBM shares with you a woman’s point of view about photography, and we do that through an extraordinary photographer who works all over the world – Paula Morandarte.

Paula is a shy person with a strong personality. She demands the best from her work, and this means putting aside her shyness and pulling out all the stops that makes her a great photographer.

She always knew photography would be her destiny, and she did everything to make that happen.

“I started as a filmmaker in the Philippines, where I’m a graduate of Motion Pictures in Production. I have worked in various independent films, but since the income in that field was on the minimum side, I needed to supplement my income. So I tried other

things that were related to my passion: shooting weddings and events. It was a good training ground for me, not just for my art but for me as a person. I’m a very timid and shy person, but when I start shooting weddings, it somehow boosts my communication skills because I have to communicate to the clients in a very intimate way. And I always have to be attentive to their needs as well.”

“Although I began my work as a wedding videographer in 2012 in the UAE, my journey to becoming a professional photographer started when my boss saw my extensive knowledge and potential in photography. She would send me as a second shooter and from there I started doing photography.”

There are no obstacles for someone who really wants to achieve their goal.

Rather, obstacles are a chance to improve ourselves, to carry us to new experiences that make us unique in what we do. And, that’s what Paula did.

“As an artist I’m always hungry for new things and experiences. I wanted to boost my confidence and enhance my God-given talent. That’s why I decided to try UAE. See what they had for me. I remember how difficult it was for me to leave the Philippines, to be away from my family and friends.”

Following your passion can require enormous sacrifice. But you grow and learn. And it gives you more motivation to achieve your dreams and do the best in your job. A photographer who can bring her passion, heart and emotions to her work makes memorable pictures.

Paula embraced the opportunity to leave her country in order to be the great photographer that she is today.

“I was working in Abu Dhabi when my close friend invited me to visit Dubai. It was a two-hour bus ride from Abu Dhabi. When I first stepped foot in Dubai I felt a different kind of excitement; I felt it was the perfect place for me – that I should be there. There was something that gave me so much joy, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had to be there. After a month I moved to Dubai. God has been really good to me. What really fascinated me was how well loved Filipinos are in the Emirates. I was also surprised that they can sometimes speak or understand our language. The generosity and love is truly visible there and it feels like home.”

But are there some things that a

photographer can do or not do in Dubai?

“You can do anything … discreetly.

They are very strict on privacy; this is understandable since it’s a conservative region. All photographs and videos are not to be posted online or in any print without their permission. But as photographers and videographers, we abide by their wishes and customs. After I deliver the final output and give them the raw files, I delete all copies on my hard drive.”

The concept of capturing the beauty and the feelings of the moment is universal. But the customs may not always be similar everywhere, and that’s why photographers should be familiar with the traditions of the location prior to the big day.

“Weddings in Dubai are very glamorous, from the flowers to table details, carpets, and perfumes. Everything is

43 | WBM

gorgeous and beautiful. I always look forward to the kosha (the stage where the bride will be staying for the night).

A lot of effort and money is spent on the design. It is fascinating how they design it. Arab women are beautiful with or without make-up. They also have a great sense of fashion. During the bride’s preparation I get to shoot the jewelry and shoes. The wedding gowns are adorned with beautiful gems.

Sometimes I am afraid to shoot them!”

In listening to Paula’s experience, we understand how beautiful it is to work in Dubai. But her principle is always the same for everywhere: “As artists we should not stop learning because we feel we already know something. I strongly believe that there is always room for new things and new information. We should always be open to the possibilities and explore life to improve as an artist and better ourselves.”

SAID ABDEL MESSIH As a young boy, Said felt that he was destined to be a photographer. Was the passion for photography born within you?

“When I was young, there were lots of famous studios in my town and downtown Cairo. They displayed their works in storefront window. I was so fascinated by the images that I used to go from one studio to another and compare who had the better images.

I began my career in photography while studying Business Administration at Cairo University. My love for photography developed while working at a well-known cinema production

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company called Studio Misr. After which I began working as a press photographer for two magazines Sabah El Kheir and Elle El Sharkeya, while working for hotels in Egypt such as the Cairo Marriott, Conrad, Le Meridian, and Hilton. My next position was with the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt where I had the pleasure of working with their team, to photograph former Presidents George Bush (senior) and Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, and other famous American figures during their visit to Egypt. I also had the privilege to photograph Presidents Sadat and Mubarak. On occasion, I continue to work with the American Chamber. ” Said has since opened his own studio, “Studio Said,” where his primary work is weddings. “I have been a professional photographer for over twenty-eight years; my brides know that when they invest in booking me they can trust my

experience and expertise to guarantee a beautiful set of images that they can relive their wedding day for many years to come. And so now I have the enviable life of not only running my own business but doing a job I love, that is my passion.”

Although Said works in Egypt, he also travels to many countries: USA, France, London, UK, Greece, the Bahamas, and many more. So he knows a lot about the different traditions and culture for each country.

“Wedding preparations can be exhausting and hectic and draining.

Different cultures can influence how you can do your work. In a U.S. wedding, you can quickly gather the whole family together for shoots; however, in Egypt

it’s not easy to get the whole family together. Sometimes it’s impossible.

American brides and grooms are open to do unconventional styles of poses, but in Egypt that can be difficult to incorporate. In the U.S. wedding receptions start with introducing family members to the wedding guests. In Egyptian culture just the bride and groom are introduced to wedding guests while Eastern musical instruments are playing and a belly dancer is performing.”

Every photographer has his own technique and secret to capture a moment at its best.

“For my style, ninety-five per cent of my average wedding days are captured by getting myself in the right position at the right time; it’s knowing about weddings and people, so that I capture the incredible events and roller coaster of emotions throughout a wedding

day. Beauty in photography relies on simplicity and how to make a beautiful photo in a very simple way.”

Said knows that we should never stop learning, and he tell us in a nice way through an experience he had during a wedding.

“In 1984 I was shooting a wedding in Boston and after we finished the photo session at the church a friend of the groom offered me a ride to the reception place. However, first he stopped at his house to pick up something at which I asked to use the restroom. Unfortunately, he forgot about me completely, and locked his house and drove to the wedding party.

He realized my absence after he had reached the ballroom. As a result, I lost

about thirty minutes of the reception party! And from that day I learned not to leave the bride and groom under any circumstances until I finish the entire day of wedding photographs.”

Humility makes the difference. Be ready to learn, be ready to listen to other people. And from Said, with all that he has accomplished with his great works of art and personality, it’s inspiring. And we wish him the best for his new project: “I am planning to open another branch of my studio in one of the new cities in Egypt and create a group of well‑trained photographers and designers in Egypt. I also would like to expand my work outside Egypt and help others to improve their photography skills.”

“Dubai is a mix of many nationalities where you have to adapt to different environments. It’s really great to learn about different cultures and traditions during a wedding event. In the beginning, it was a bit of a culture shock; it took some time to adapt, but now I have staff working for me from various countries, and they can speak multiple languages, which helps us to seamlessly communicate with clients.”

Light House Studio in Dubai offers studio and equipment rental, as well as photography, video and production services. They cover many events, fashion shows, behind the scenes, weddings, and music videos. Their mission is to ensure your shoot is a success; they are ready to give you all the professional support you need.

“Light House Studio is a photography and video production company and has 20 full-time staff. We handle various

MOHAMED KASHIF JOOSUB “Photography was my hobby from when I was at the university. I worked in the corporate world, but then I realized that it wasn’t my passion. So I decided to invest all my savings into my hobby, and I started my own photography studio in 2011.”

Mohamed is Light House Studio’s managing director and photographer.

He started his career in Dubai in 2007 as a freelancer, doing photo shoots for family and friends. He was able to make his passion his career. As a photographer he enjoys visiting and working in many different countries where he learns about diverse cultures.

works from corporate, advertising, commercial, fashion and weddings.

Photography is a form of art. Some photographers enjoy interacting with people, like weddings and events, and some photographers enjoy still life, like food and product photography.”

Light House is an international brand that works with clients from around world. They are open to new points of view and work experiences, and they know how to satisfy their clients’ needs.

They collaborate with the best of the best in the industry from all over the world. They offer photo prints, album books, canvas prints, stickers and large format printing.

host their corporate events, commercial shoots and weddings in Dubai. The most frequent request from clients are not to share their photos on our websites, social media or any other pages, as they want to keep their photos confidential.

That’s one of the reasons why they trust and continue working with us: we have a very strict policy to protect our client’s privacy.”

Mohamed has worked in many weddings event. But his career is not only in Light House Studio; he has traveled the world for work.

“We’ve covered many weddings over the years which include diverse religions, nationalities and traditions.

Wedding photography in Dubai is more glamorous and upscale; the couples go all out for their special day, sometimes inviting international celebrities.”

Wedding events in Dubai are spectacular, and more so than in other parts of the world; as such, a photographer must know the rules. “You have to respect the country and region, and work within their regulations.

Because I have a photography company, it is easier to obtain authorizations and permits.”

What we have gleaned from Mohamed is that a good professional photographer respects their clients’ requests and abides by the rules of the venue. And another advice Mohamed wants to give us is the following: “Do something that you enjoy and put in 100% effort every time.”

“We do have international clients, mostly from the Middle East, as they like to

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available online qeelin.com Date Night Gemstone Gold & Black Leather Necklace by ONYX

Qeelin Medium Queen ring in 18K white gold with pave diamonds and rubies

what IS IN THEIR

Qeelin Large Yu Yi necklace in 18K rose gold set with diamonds

available online www.inlovewithonyx.com

YOUR WEDDING PARTY WILL PLAY A VITAL ROLE ON YOUR BIG DAY, WHETHER YOU REALIZE IT AT THE TIME OR NOT. FROM THE GROOMSMEN TO PAGE BOYS, FROM THE MAID OF HONOR TO THE BRIDESMAID. THEY ALL HAVE A FUNCTION THAT SHOULD NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. REWARD THEM WITH THE LOVE THAT YOU HAVE FOR EACH OTHER FOR HELPING TO MAKE YOUR DAY THAT MUCH MORE BEARABLE AND DARE WE SAY IT, GO WITHOUT A HITCH.

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the ULTIMATE BRIDESMAIDS

GIFT

Qeelin Limited Edition Large King and Queen bangle in 18K white gold with pave diamonds

GIFT BAG

Pyrrha Luck Tie Bar (Silver)

WITH LOVE GIFTING

Pyrrha Love Conquers All (Silver)

Pyrrha New Beginnings ID Bracelet (Silver)

Pyrrha My Life Is A Prayer Keychain Pyrrha Crossed Daggers Money Clip (Silver)

L

ooking for the perfect bridesmaid's gift? The Ah Ring from DivineDiamonds.com is a fantastic gift for all the girls who are jealous of the bride's bling! This beautiful ring is set in 14K white gold and features eleven full-cut diamonds. It's designed to be worn on the pinkie, and what bridesmaid wouldn't rather have a cute diamond pinkie ring than a monogrammed mirror?

The Ah Ring stands for A, available and h, happy. It's the first and only diamond ring designed for single women. But don't worry, bridesmaids who are in a relationship can also enjoy The Ah Ring, because they are A, Attached and H, Happy! The Ah Ring is meant to be worn on the pinkie of either hand. It can also be stacked as well.

CLUTCHING STYLE Ann Ong handcrafted opulence clutch made from a bamboo with a Prosperity bird as a closure this is plated to 24 karat gold and price is $1,480.00

Ann Ong handcrafted opulence with the closure of a gold fish which is a symbol of long life, abundance and prosperity. The price is $980.00

This sparkling ring will be a memento that no one will forget. It is available exclusively from www.divinediamonds.com. The price is $450.00. The Ah Ring is a Hollywood favorite with celebrities as well, including Kate Hudson, Teri Hatcher, Eve, Gwyneth Paltrow, and many others.

Pyrrha Fatherhood Cufflinks (Silver)

available online pyrrha.com

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available online www.annongjewelry.com

Personally, my days seem either too long or too short depending on the urgency of whatever project I am working on or when it involves anything important in my life. But, one thing I know for certain, there are only 24 hours in a day and 7 days in a week and it all must fit within these confines. And, yet while I know all of this basic information, I am still trying to extend my days and weeks – trying to juggle all the priorities in my life can be daunting.

Which makes me think about all of you in the midst of planning your wedding; this is probably one of the most monumental moments of your life; outside of giving birth, that amazing promotion or new position you worked for your entire career. And, if you are working or have other responsibilities you must juggle your time to make it all happen.

We all know that each life changing moment can be stressful. No matter how hard you may try, too often sleep will not be the remedy, a good workout at the gym is not enough and no matter how much water you drink your skin still looks dry. So, what is one to do when you are weeks or even days away from walking down the aisle and need that extra glow?

I submit to you, the Spa is your immediate remedy.

However, the next issue is finding the right spa for you in your city and I would pay close attention to friends, referrals, and beauty and monthly magazines in your town. I can certainly share one of my special get-a-way spas in New York.

After running from one meeting to another, I was able to shut off my phone for one hour – that was step one. Walking into the light blue and white oasis, greeted with a warm smile and a fresh glass of water infused with lemon was absolutely everything I needed at that moment; interesting how the little things make such a big difference. As I was escorted to the changing room, the decor of the space and the peace and esthetics with each step made me feel more at ease.

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FITNESS TECH

By the time I lay on the table and heard the soothing voice of my therapist I was fine. As she massaged, steamed and exfoliated every inch of my face and rolled out every knot from my neck, and I knew then that this was exactly what I needed. I was gently awaken by the same soothing voice and knew my little respite was over. And even though I knew I had to go back to my busy world, I was going stress free with a clean face.

by Victor Amos

I had been looking forward to meeting the founder of the Spa, and Ms. Janet League-Katzin greeted me with enthusiasm and listened intently as I shared my wonderful experience. Our cozy conversation was as refreshing as my spa services and Janet was quite inspirational, which explains why this spa has this peaceful spirit. Each appointment came from Janet’s personal experiences in her quest for a healthier being, this beautiful nurturing oasis makes each guests feel welcome and at peace.

This spa is the perfect remedy for a holistic focus to every aspect of your health with the most innovative services in natural care in the art of touch. Sphatika uses natural products and combines energy from natural stones which will satisfy many areas that we often ignore. It is interesting how a health crisis will cause you to seek "the best" services that we take for granted every day.

So friends, finding the right spa may be a challenging task in a big city. While in New York City, Sphatika may just be your private oasis.

there SHOULD ALWAYS BE TIME FOR YOURSELF

Losing weight before your wedding is a tradition as deeply held as the weddings themselves.

Brides and grooms make a big fuss about being “picture perfect” for the big day, which usually equates to being slimmer. Losing weight is not easy for most people, as it requires an incredible amount of time, consistency, restraint, and dedication – things hard to come by when you have to juggle a full-time job, family, and a myriad of fast food options that are cheap, convenient, flavorful, and fattening! Lucky for you, the 21st century has ushered in an era of health technology designed to help us focus on our weight-management goals.

From watches that track your footsteps and heart rate to yoga mats that help guide your movements, there is guaranteed to be a device or app that will fulfill your needs.

If you’re obsessive about the details of your activity, this is the gadget for you.

In addition to tracking your heart rate, footsteps, and calories burned, the FitBit Charge HR also tracks your sleep patterns and provides you with caller id, all on your wrist!

FITBIT CHARGE HR $149.00 USD www.FitBit.com Portion control is a big component of weight loss.

SITU is the smart food nutrition scale that talks to your iPad. It weighs your food in calories and nutrients in addition to grams and ounces. See the exact calories, sugar, salt, protein, vitamins and minerals of any food you place on it.

www.sphatika.com

SPHATIKA

by Myrdith Leon-McCormack

SITU SCALE $120.00 USD www.SituScale.com

LOSE IT! SCALE $69.00 USD www.LoseIt.com

Take weighing yourself to a whole new level. The Lose It! scale works with the Lose It! nutrition-tracking app to wirelessly sync your weight, body fat, and hydration levels.

Exercising in a gym can be boring and expensive.

If you’re going to take it to the streets, personal safety should be a priority.

Luckily, Companion App is here to help! The app allows you to set your destination and path, and then assigns a companion to be alerted in the event that you go off course, fall, start running, or notify that you feel unsafe. The app can also trigger an alarm on your phone to scare-off an attacker.

COMPANION APP FREE www.CompanionApp.io

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HOW TO ACHIEVE

BEAUTIFUL HEALTHY

HAIR

There are many focal points the bride must consider on her wedding day—her dress, boutique, makeup, hair and on and on. I want to focus on THE HAIR. To attain and maintain healthy, beautiful hair, maintenance has to begin long before the wedding and include diet, care and amazing products. Partnering with your hairstylist will help ensure healthy, beautiful hair on your wedding day and thereafter. Below are helpful tips to follow:

NO More SPLIT ENDS

Split ends means your hair is not getting enough nourishment and lacks moisture. Harsh shampoos, sun exposure, blow drying, straightening, dyes and bleaches dry out the hair and damages the amino acids in your hair. Dry and damaged hair breaks easily while styling or brushing. If you think your hair is not growing fast then split ends could be the reason.

WHY Trim

This is where you absolutely want to partner with your stylist. The best solution for split ends is to get a professional trim. Split ends occur when you don’t trim your hair for a long time. Always trim your hair once every 6-8 weeks to get rid of dry and weak parts and promote hair growth.

AIR DRY WHEN POSSIBLE

Avoid heat as much as possible. Heat is the worst enemy for your hair. Understandably it’s hard to completely avoid hair dryers and flat iron. It is best to apply a heat resistant serum to your hair before using heat. Towel dry your hair before drying this way you minimize the damage of heat on wet hair.

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by Debra Hare-Bey

HEALTHIER Shampoos

Avoid using shampoos that contain alcohol as it dries out hair. Use shampoos that contain natural ingredients. Also, excessive washing with harsh shampoos makes your hair ends dry. You should not shampoo more than 3 times a week. It is better to wash your hair at least once a week in warm or tepid water. Hot water strips away oil (sebum) from the hair, which can make the hair dry, dull and frizzy for some people. Whenever possible, avoid using flat irons and curlers daily.

TREATMENTS Help

Once again, you want to partner with your hairstylist. As you condition at home, your stylist can continue at the salon. The level or damage or health will determine your treatment prescription. There are many treatments available which repair hair damage and provide moisture and nourishment. They can seal the split ends but not completely cure them so it helps to maintain regular trims.

As you can see, healthy, beautful hair is not something you have without effort which is why it is recommended to begin well before your wedding day.

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COSMETICS BEAUTY

IT’s

ALL ABOUT THAT BASE

It can be hit or miss when it comes to choosing the right foundation for your skin tone. So we have spent some time with Dior to come up with a collection that should have pretty much everyone ‘COVERED’.

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Photography by Ezequiel De La Rosa Makeup by Shaun Thomas Gibson Hair by Whitney Green Modelled by Aspen Maye @ RED

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a PRETTY PINK SMILE COSMETICS BEAUTY

Dior Eye Reviver

Frankie Rose Midnight

A POP OF COLOR AND A LITTLE GLOW CAN AMPLIFY YOUR STYLE

Anne Barge Show foundation by Temptu

Photography by Ezequiel De La Rosa Makeup by Marc Cornwall Hair by Whitney Green Model Alessandra Albrecht @ WOMEN

BELLE of the BALL

Dior J'adore Perfume

Anne Barge Show foundation by Temptu

smashbox BL Lipstick Famous

Photography by Ezequiel De La Rosa Makeup by Marc Cornwall Hair by Sheila Toledo Model Katya Kulyzhka @ WOMEN Frankie Rose F107 Caramel Foundation

Frankie Rose 103 Pressed Flower Lip Gloss

Frankie Rose Brown Eyed Girl 5 Shade Eye Shadow Dior 500 Diorlisse Abricot Petale De Rose

SIMPLICITY DOESN’T HAVE TO BE BORING

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Bloom Hydrating Mist

Shea Yeleen Peppermint Butter Soap

NARS Spring 2016 Color Collection Hammamet Duo Dior Blooming Bouquet Perfume

smashbox L.A. LIGHTS Cheek Color

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COSMETICS BEAUTY

COSMETICS BEAUTY

NARS Spring 2016 Color Collection Instant Crash Lip Gloss

Dior Miss Dior Body Mist

Frankie Rose Powder Foundation Chestnut

Sheer ELEGANCE Anne Barge Show foundation by Temptu

FINISHING TOUCHES TO POLISH-OFF YOUR LOOK

Dior Miss Dior Extrait de Parfum

Kelly Faetanini Show

Photography by Ezequiel De La Rosa Makeup by Kristrian Bankston Hair by Jon Reyman Model Tereza @ WOMEN

Bold & BEAUTIFUL

Lina Hanson Face Serum

Photography by Ezequiel De La Rosa Makeup by Francisco D Catedral Hair by Sheila Toledo

Shea Yeleen Shea Butter Apple Lip Balm

Lina Hanson Body Serum

smashbox Hollywood & Highlight

Bluffajo Cheers Lip Stick

Dior Daily Nutrition Serum

Besame Red Velvet Lipstick

MAKING A STATEMENT THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF

Shea Yeleen Lavender and Honysuckle Body Butter

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Mastey Complete Protection and Treatment

smashbox ALWAYS SHARP Waterproof Liner

NARS Spring 2016 Color Collection Kari DualIntensity Eyeshadow

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THE

PROMISE

OF THE

EAST Photography by Ezequiel De La Rosa Styling by Laurean Ossorio

Makeup by Francisco Catedral using Naked and Besame Lipstick Hair by Cameron LeSiege for Ted Gibson Nails by Victor Amos using Dior Vernis

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Necklace used as headpiece by Misahara

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Necklace, Earrings and Ring by Misahara

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Earrings by Alex Soldier Ring by Alex Soldier Watches by FP Journe

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Dress worn Luba by Hannah Payne Earrings by Merafson Ring by Merafson Necklace by Merafson Bracelets by Merafson

| 62 WBM Ring by Misahara

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Necklace by Misahara Earrings by Misahara Ring by Misahara

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Dress by Manthey Collection Watches on Neck by Versace Ring by Misahara

Dress by Patricia Bonaldi Earrings by Misahara Rings on Left Hand by Parade Spiral Rings on Right Hand by Misahara Disc Ring on Right Hand by Parade Watches by Versace

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Dress by Patricia Bonaldi Earrings by Parade Left Hand Ruby Flower Ring by Alex Soldier Right Hand Ruby Rings by Parade Facinator by Eric Javits

Dress by Patricia Bonaldi Earrings by Misahara Rings on Left Hand by Parade Spiral Rings on Right Hand by Misahara Disc Ring on Right Hand by Parade Watches on Right Hand by Versace Watches on Left Hand by Movado

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VERAWANG

by Marsha Reeves Jews

Following the career of my fashion/ design icon is quite interesting and inspiring – it means reading and watching all things Vera Wang. THIS! Is so not me, but I have found this woman to be exceptionally extraordinary.

Vera Wang’s accomplishments are to be applauded. She has weathered a couple of storms and used her immense dexterity to flow seamlessly between cultures, fashion correctness with political prowess while building a fashion and design empire. I love women who have exceeded their own goals.

Vera Wang was born and raised by Chinese immigrant parents on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York. I think it is safe to say that while Wang’s privilege was evident by the neighborhood she grew up in and the schools she attended, her inherent vision was broader and deeper than her zip code. While Wang’s background provided her the ability to imagine the vast opportunities and possibilities on a global level, it was her grit acknowledgment of her reality that would one day allow her to make a pivotal decision on how she would move forward with her career.

Through her adolescents and college years, Wang teetered between two incredibly important career paths; although seemingly polar opposite, world class professional ice skating versus the world of international fashion – as it turned out both required focus, discipline and passion, which Wang understood and used as part of her arsenal. As fate would have it a chance meeting in a clothing store presented her with the opportunity to meet the publisher of Vogue magazine, which literally set her mind on a direct path toward any and everything fashion; a chance meeting literally laid the foundation for what would ultimately

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become the renowned House of Vera Wang.

There is an old adage that says there is a time and place for everything. Well, Vera Wang can certainly attest to the reality of that statement. Rumor has it that when she was in search of the perfect dress for her wedding, it became very clear that she had the instinct and capability of creating her own dress. The rest is, shall we say, history. This multi-billion dollar business sector has Vera Wang woven through the very fiber of all things bridal; each and every aspect of the needs of the most discerning bride and groom – from the Vera Wang White Wedding Gowns to Vera Wang Black Tuxedoes. The Wang fashion and bridal designs have covered the most important runways in the world and has become synonymous with elegance, simplicity and exhaustive timeless beauty.

The Vera Wang brand has taken the lead in an array of business sectors within the bridal industry with extraordinary strategic partners from her flagship bridal salons, with dresses that are the most deliciously feminine, sexy, elegantly designed bridal gowns to hit every important runway to elegant paper design products available in the house of Crane; from crystal goblets to elegant threaded bedding, duvets and pillows in her home goods line to colorful fresh bouquets and crystal vases being delivered all over the world by FTD; and amazing to upscale, hip readyto-wear Simply Vera Wang at Kohl’s and other fine stores, florals are exquisite and are a centerpiece to her corporate subsidiaries. Her initial positioning with the normal women’s wear was anything but normal. Her designs are fluid, delicate yet sturdy rich fabrics creating a casual, yet sophisticated look, while the flawless symmetry of each garment fits the most discriminating taste.

Love brilliant cut 1.70 total carat weight solitaire and diamond set shoulders ring in 18 carat white gold £6,500.00

This says to me that corporations that understand this level of investment are going to partner with those brands that understand relationships and product placement. Vera Wang is one of those business women that is very clear about the direction of her company and how each product line complements the other. The Vera Wang model entices the bride who isn’t looking for couture, rather the bride that wants elegance and enjoys how understated soft simplicity is the new hotness. This is also true with the various brands, when put together, respond to the majority of products that will be purchased for a weekend of festivities.

I applaud Vera Wang’s global bridal salons from Boston to New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills and San Francisco. Perhaps you might find yourself in Canada, do stop in Toronto for a look, as well as in Mexico. Those in Asia are fortunate as there are locations in Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei. Of course we can’t ignore London, Moscow, Athens, Istanbul and Kuwait.

The Vera Wang model is “driven by artistic, modern and luxurious design and style, couture-like quality, with a high level of customer service, Vera Wang's collections hold impeccable customer appeal.”

Love Princess cut 0.95 total carat weight cluster and diamond set shoulders ring in 18 carat white gold £3,000.00 Love 0.45 carat total weight brilliant cut diamond eternity ring in 18 carat white gold £1,500.00

Love brilliant cut 1.95 total carat weight cluster and diamond set shoulder bridal set in 18 carat white gold £7,500.00

Love brilliant cut 0.95 total carat weight cluster and diamond set shoulder bridal set in 18 carat white gold £3,500.00

The first step to your marital bliss is getting engaged, why leave it to chance?

Demand the best from the beginning.

The world famous Goldsmiths Jewellers and legendary designer Vera Wang have collaborated to create an amazing collection. We have selected a few for your future fiancé to get you. These rings are breathtaking and will be guaranteed to be the envy of everyone in your life.

Love brilliant cut 0.95 total carat weight solitaire and diamond set shoulders ring in 18 carat white gold £4,000.00

Love princess cut 0.95 total carat weight cluster and diamond set shoulders ring in 18 carat white gold £3,000.00

Love princess cut 1.95 total carat weight cluster and diamond set shoulder bridal set in 18 carat white gold £7,500.00

Love cushion cut 1.30 total carat weight solitaire and diamond set shoulders ring in 18 carat white gold £6,000.00

Love 0.45 carat total weight brilliant cut diamond eternity ring in 18 carat white gold £1,500.00

Love princess cut 0.57 carat solitaire diamond ring in 18 carat white gold £3,500.00 Love brilliant cut 1.12 carat solitaire diamond ring in 18 carat white gold £8,500.00

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First cuff Handcrafted work of art plated to 24 karat gold. With fresh water pearls and green gemstone. $280.00

Handcrafted work of art in real baroque pearls and plated to 24 karat gold. $480.00

ANN ONG CUFFS

Handcrafted work of art multicolored agate stones with fresh water pearls. $280.00

ANN ONG’S CREATIVITY KNOWS ABSOLUTELY NO BOUNDS, WINNING AT THE KATHA AWARDS THREE CONSECUTIVE TIMES. ANN IS SHOWING HER ORIGINAL PIECES AROUND THE WORLD, IN FRANKFURT, SINGAPORE, HONG KONG, HAITI AND INDONESIA WITH PLANS TO OPEN BOUTIQUE STORES ALL OVER ASIA. EVERY PIECE IS MADE WITH LOVE AND EVERY PIECE IS UNIQUE.

Medieval cuff handmade and plated to 24 karat gold encrusted with mother of pearls. $280.00

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Modern geometric handmade cuff plated to 24 karat gold. With red jasper, aventurine jade and agate stones. $280.00

available online www.annongjewelry.com

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White, Tahitian, and Golden Pearl Necklace

1343_B bosco

Pasquale (646) Pasquale (158) Tonino (12a)

ELLA GEM

Zodiac Aquarius (167a)

Diego (186a)

Pasquale (810)

by Myrdith Leon-McCormack

WHILE DIAMONDS MAY BE CONSIDERED A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND, MUCH CAN BE SAID ABOUT THE PEARL.

Pasquale (432a) Scalabri (170a)

Tonino (1071)

Cultured pearls are considered the gems of the sea, amazingly beautiful and formed in oysters far below the sea. These natural works of art are symbols of elegance in completing a woman’s jewelry wardrobe. Today, this highly sophisticated and delicate, feminine gem can be worn with the most elegant dress or to enhance a casual moment, how you choose to adorn your apparel is endless.

The history of this rare jewel goes far back through ancient history with dynasties throughout the world, from the Roman Empire, the Spaniards, Europeans, Latin America, India, Greece, the royalty of China to the renowned Egyptian queen, Cleopatra with Marc Antony.

This small delicate pearl has also been a symbol of wealth and power, publicly displayed by many dynasties and royalty mesmerized by its natural beauty and natural glow. It is said to have been used to pay for armies and became the most sought-after jewel known to man by kings, queens, rulers and men and women of power. These small beautiful gems are used in literature and symbolic storytelling from the Koran to the Bible to demonstrate the value of wisdom.

Pierpaolo Pauletta (241a/514a)

1059 4" w x 4" h bosco

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Double Opera Length Australian Pearl Necklace with Diamonds, Rubies, and Onyx

Pasquale (1377)

It was only natural to highlight the Akoya pearls and their brilliant historical contributions to the Asian culture from the 1800s, which was created by the legendary genius of Kokichi Mikimoto who had the vision and patience to create cultured pearls, totally round pearls by 1905. These marvelous beauties are one of Japan’s most important natural resources. Mikimoto revolutionized the entire pearl market with his work creating a new market that was now accessible to every woman or man around the world. While this jewel was created by the oyster, naturally, Mikimoto has become synonymous with the finest pearls by dedicating his whole life to the process of cultivating pearls. In today’s pearl industry countless companies use the Mikimoto methodology. And, while this legendary figure is no longer with us in physical form, his legacy lives on.

To think that something so beautiful can be created, naturally, from a process of such extreme pressure and conditions, only gives more evidence of the symbolism of its value on such an honorable occasion, as one’s wedding.

While I may not have had the great honor of knowing this iconic figure, it was his story, and vision that captivated my interest throughout the years, leading me to meet another legendary figure that I could not go without introducing Ella Gafter, president of Ella Gem, who founded the company in 1984.

While visiting with this visionary, who I affectionately refer to as the queen of pearls for my era, Miss Gafter completely impressed me and stole my heart with her presentation of both her personal elegance and style, in her showroom. While I enjoyed our divine lunch she prepared, I could not help but be in awe of her walls covered with countless of images of magazine covers, editorial spreads, celebrities that were dripping with her jewels.

What interest me most was her story; her desire pretty much was a reflection of the philosophy of Mikimoto, wanting every woman, or man to own a piece of her legacy.

Her first piece of jewelry was an emerald and diamond clasp for a set of pearls belonging to a Noblewoman Padua in Italy.

When we asked her daughter Talila, what is the legacy Ella wants to be recognized for her "style generated by an artistic imperative that prizes superior quality of materials, harmony in design and execution, and the twofold affirmation of the beautiful and the uplifting as an overarching principle."

If owning a piece of art is as important to you as it is to us, then we know you will find great delight in collecting pearls from the icons of a generation where beauty, and elegance can be possessed by those who value quality close to their heart.

In my opinion, Ella Gafter of Ella Gem may just be the gem needed to modernize the comeback of pearls to a generation that I know can appreciate its value, and reinstate its position back in fashion in the most brilliant of ways.

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Production by Susan Dilworth Photography by Lakendrick Kelly Retouching by Chris Evans Modelled by Shaline Jane and Shanice Makeup by Alberto Camacho Hair & Styling by Kamisha Winfield Fashion by Beela Shaikh Jewelry by Naaiya Antique Shop, Augusta Ga

I

t is the day that every young bride dreams of; the moment to be cherished and fulfill the true meaning of womanhood and love.

Similar to Western marriage customs, South Asian countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, follow some beautiful traditions. South Asian culture never ceases to amaze the whole world. The color, the dances, the inciting mysterium that encompasses this region—it's foreign, exotic, and fascinatingly beautiful to say the very least. World Bride Magazine intends to discover these rich, vibrant cultures; wrapped in centuries of tradition. Our mission is to bring “worlds apart” closer with respect and love toward celebrating all types of nuptials around the world.

Quite naturally, weddings in South Asia harness a slice of culture that is unparalleled in tradition. The entire process consists of multifaceted events from courtship to the actual ceremony. Each step in the process of joining the intended bridegroom and bride is unique and special in its own way.

The Bindi mark or jewel on the forehead of the bride and groom is the engagement milestone commencing the celebrations with showers of gifts and the bride's search of her beautiful Saree, which is a loose garment that drapes down to the feet and is often delicately embroidered with gold and precious jewels. Once her array of Sarees or Lehengas are found, her family and friends will host a week of extravagant celebrations. The celebrations may vary in different countries and religions in South Asia. Some countries commence the celebrations before the nuptial, and in other countries the celebrations are hosted before and after the nuptial.

Courtship between the intended is a very involved and purposeful affair. Once the groom and bride agree and a dowry is paid to marry, an engagement party is set in place. At the engagement party the bride is gifted with gold jewelry and diamonds by friends and family. She is truly the queen of the show as she may change up to 5 custom gowns. As the week continues there is an optional wedding shower (like Western customs), a henna party, and ritual baths for the bride. At the henna party the bride’s hands and feet are decorated in various paisley designs and symbols that serve as her signature body art as a bride in waiting.

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SAREES, BINDIS, GLITZ & GLAM

By Shanice L Jordan & Shannon Cooper

Family and friends of the bride and groom will then prepare a venue to hold the ceremony. A wedding can carry a theme of Bollywood as well as many Western themes such as vintage, gold and glam, circus or even movie themes that the bride and her groom love.

Rich reds, purples, golds and other colors may drape the halls of the venue with beautiful gold trimmings and satin pillows set around the tables.

Modern South Asian weddings are very elaborate, in contrast to the bride’s make-up which is usually quite subtle. As in tradition, her hair may be pulled back and her head is covered with a veil.

Substantial jewels are gently placed on top of her forehead called a Bindi. Now the elegant and graceful bride is ready to be presented to her groom. The ultimate celebration begins once the vows are exchanged and rings are placed.

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FRESH your WHITE & BLACK RE

Photography by Juan Algarin Fashion by Louis Johnson IV

Makeup by Victor Amos using Dior Hair by Michelle Swiney using Mizani Nails by Chanelle Morris using Chanel

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With special thanks to

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Elena Kreiger, Currency NY, Vessel By Lois, Cesare Paciotti, 83 | WBM Showroom Seven, Designer Loft

SIRI S/S 2016 BRITTANY DRESS A combination of sheer and print that just oozes class

SIRI S/S 2016 BREE DRESS Elegant A-Line with a sash to extenuate that gorgeous waistline

HANAYOME BY HIROKO S/S 2016 Two piece set that will definitely set your bridesmaid apart from the bride while being very cool

HANAYOME BY HIROKO S/S 2016 When the bride wants her maids in waiting to look and feel like a princess

WAIT ON THE BRIDE IN STYLE

HANAYOME BY HIROKO S/S 2016 When your bridesmaids need to be pretty in pink

SIRI S/S 2016 MITZI DRESS Lines of elegance for the discerning bridesmaid

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SIRI S/S 2016 TILLY DRESS

SIRI S/S 2016 DEDEE DRESS

Sparkly and flirtatious for the fun bridesmaid

The perfect A-Line dress that's suitable for an elegant maid-of-honor

NYC . TOKYO

REDCARPETINNEWYORK.COM

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Fate Photography by Peter D Brown Fashion Direction by Carlton Jones Styling by Rashida Meggett Location provided by The St Regis, New York City

WBM | 86 Makeup by Austen Parker @ The Parker Twins Makeup using DiorSkin Nudes (Dior Beauty) Hair by Melanie Harris using Ordered Be Hair Products Nails by Chanelle Morris using Chanel Vernis Modelled by Yuen Sze Jia @ MAJOR, Meron Mamo @ RED, Brittanee Brooks @ RED, David Chiang @ MAJOR Photography Assistant Courtney Charles

STRING

The

RED of

Dress by Isabelle Armstrong

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Dress by Mark Zunino for Kleinfeld Veil by Anthony Maxwell

| 88 WBM Dress by Eliza Jane Howell

Tuxedo by Stephen F Shirt and Tie by Tom Ford

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Tulle Gown | 90with Bird embroidered top by Marchesa WBM

Tulle Gown with Bird embroidered top by Marchesa

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| 92 WBM Dress by Mark Zunino for Kleinfeld

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| 94 WBM Dress by Yumi Katsura Couture

Dress by Yumi Katsura Couture

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| 96 WBM Embroidered Dress by Roger Rodney

Origami Dress by Yumi Katsura Couture Suit by Stephen F

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Dress by Anne Bowen Suit by Stephen F Shirt by Paul Smith

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"Coat" Dress and Lace Gown by Akiko Elizabeth Maie Shoes by Andrew Kayla

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Dress by Yumi Katsura Couture All Jewelry by ELLAGEM by Ella Gafter

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when

by Carlton Jones

ACCESSORIES GROOM

TIE the knot

Although many sources date the origin of neckties to China's first emperor, Qin Shih Huang, whose soldiers wore them over one thousand years ago (a fascinating story), fast forward to the 21st century and we know that the tie has transformed over time and is now a staple for various occasions. While ties can surely finish a look with refine polish, don't forget to maximize this accessorizing opportunity to make sure the color, print, shape and fabric reveal what you intend‌ keeping in mind your overall look including your shirt, jacket, pocket square, pants, shoes and socks. The next time a tie is an option, be certain to ask yourself,

A BAND SAYS HE IS YOUR MAN

ACCESSORIES GROOM He is so very proud to be your partner and beneath that straight, calm and collected exterior, is just as excited as you are about getting married. He will wear his wedding band with pride, making sure no matter his occupation, the world will see his bond to the love of his life. Why would you not want to show the MAN of your dreams that he is most definitely the one. DE BEERS offers a beautiful selection of wedding bands.

Elegant, charismatic and unmistakeable. available online www.debeers.com

"WHAT DOES THIS TIE SAY ABOUT ME?" All ties available online at www.skinnytiemadness.com

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FASHION GROOM

by Myrdith Leon-McCormack

K A M A K U R A

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We have listed a few of the best shirt tailors in New York where the best custom-shirts are made. But, please note, this list is not inclusive of general bespoke tailors, department stores, or a chain of stores that also offer custommade shirts. Instead, you will find our list of tradesmen who are traditional shirt makers and tailors only.

While there may be many life-changing events that will require most men to put on their best suits, their wedding day may possibly be on the top of their list.

Having a comprehensive history of the industry, coupled with the Japanese craftsmanship in their heart, they set their goals to reach New York City, and opened their boutique and fulfilled their dream — catering to a global market and working with the most fashion-forward men that appreciate the value of the classic art that goes into making a shirt, while providing impeccable service to each and every one of them in a market where mass production may be king.

So, putting together an ensemble worthy of such an occasion will require perfect planning. While the primary focus is oftentimes the suit itself, what can't be undermined is the shirt. With so many options on the market you may say, that should be simple. But is it?

Kamakura Shirts began this legacy back in 1993 when founder Yoshio Sadasue and his wife Tamiko opened their first boutique in Kamakura, once the ancient capital of Japan. Their desire was to create a luxury line of shirts at affordable prices, while bringing quality and style to both traditionalist and aficionados. This was the beginning of their legacy-building processes that would take them across the ocean to a distinctive global audience of men with style.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE FOR A SHIRT TO BE MADE? Usually it takes 45 days for our dress shirts. For high-end products such as knit shirts ($99), 200 count shirts ($130), and ‘300 CLUB’ shirts ($180), it takes about 60 days. We supply these products twice a month or even weekly from Japan to New York so that our customers can find new arrivals every time they visit our stores.

HOW MANY SHIRTS DO YOU RECOMMEND A MAN HAVE IN HIS WARDROBE? We would recommend they have 20 shirts at the bare minimum.

Fashion standards for men varies around the globe, from man to man, but what remains consistent is that on the most important day of a man's life, his wedding day, he will make the extra effort to make sure that it is suitable for the occasion without losing his sense of personal style.

While it seems easy to pop into the closest department store, and pick up a shirt, we believe you should bring it up a notch. We found several highly respected shirtmakers that impressed us from traditional family shirt tailors like Eton Shirts in New York City, Los Angeles, to iconic boutiques such as Turnbull & Asser, to the legendary Japanese bespoke shirtmakers Kamakura Shirts.

HOW MANY COLORS DO THE SHIRTS COME IN? We have various colors, patterns and fabrics available as you can see on our shelves and online. Please visit our store and take a look at our shirts.

WHAT ARE THE TOP TRENDING COLORS? The top trending colors are deep blues.

We have various kinds of blue shirts in different collars, patterns, fabrics.

www.kamakurashirts.net

World Bride Magazine caught up with the iconic brand with a couple of very important questions they were gracious to answer and share with you our readers.

WOULD THIS BE YOUR FIRST STORE IN NEW YORK OR THE U.S.?

Our Madison Avenue store is our first overseas store, which opened in 2012.

We have just opened our second store in Brookfield Place on December 17th.

SHIRTS

OF

DISTINCTION

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SEI SŌ

Photography by Sean Watters Fashion by Carlton Jones Styling by Rashida Meggett

Carlens wears // Jacket, Vest and Tie by BAR III Shirt by Brooks Brothers Pants by J. Hillburn Pocket Square by The Grunion Run Shoes by Kenneth Cole

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Alex wears // Cape by Franco Lacosta Shirt by Joseph & Feiss Vest by Carlton Jones Pants by Ralph Lauren Tie by Tom Ford

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Carlens wears // Suit and Tie by CALVIN KLEIN Shirt by CANALI Alex wears // Jacket and Pant by FRANCO LACOSTA Shirt by TRANDS Shoes by JOSEPH & FEISS

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Alex wears // Jacket and Pant by FRANCO LACOSTA Shirt by TRANDS Shoes by JOSEPH & FEISS

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Alex wears // Suit by J. HILBURN Shirt by FRANCO LACOSTA Shoes by BALLY

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Carlens wears // Suit by SCOTT LANGDON Shirt by COMBATANT GENTLEMAN Tie by WEYBRIDGE 1761 Shoes by Y-3

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Shoes by JOSEPH & FEISS Pants by MUNSOO KWON

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Carlens wears // Suit by FRANCO LACOSTA Shirt by SEAN SUEN Tie by ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA Shoes by CALVIN KLEIN

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Jacket and Shirt by FRANCO LACOSTA

Alex wears // Suit by JOSEPH ABBOUD Shirt by UNIS Kimono by KAMATO MIYAMOTO Shoes by JOSEPH & FEISS

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Alex wears // Hat by GOORIN BROS Shirt by JOSEPH & FEISS Vest by CARLTON JONES Pants by RALPH LAUREN Ring by SIMPLY VERA VERA WANG Tie by TOM FORD

Alex wears // Jacket by FRANCO-LACOSTA Shirt and Pant by BOSS HUGO BOSS Shoes by JOSEPH & FEISS

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Carlens wears // Suit by FRANCO LACOSTA Tie by DIOR HOMME Shirt by MUNSOO KWON Shoes by BAR III

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FOR

THE

Men neglect their ďŹ ngernails far too often. From buďŹƒng to clipping, let us embrace it all.

LOVE OF NAILS Since its inception in 2009, Adrian Fanus Grooming (AFG) has redefined the grooming experience with hospitality, comfort and an excellence in customer service.

The philosophy of AFG functions as such, just as there is a difference between buying a suit off the rack and purchasing one that is tailor made, there is a difference between getting a generic haircut and receiving a bespoken grooming experience.

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T

o celebrate our first wedding anniversary my wife and I traveled to South East Asia for three weeks.

The trip exceeded my expectations and was a life changing experience for many reasons. There was no denying thousands of years of history and culture and the humility of the people was very unexpected.

EMPORIUM ARMANI 1147 Petchburi New Road Rachathevi Bangkok,Thailand Phone Number: 02 254 2539

The

Perfect

by Adrian Fanus

SUIT

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Our first stop was Bangkok, Thailand and I was overwhelmed by the number of tailor shops that offered custom made suits for a very, very inexpensive price. The saying “if something seems too good to be true it usually is” applies here in Bangkok as in every part of the world.

Three suits for a hundred dollars can’t be possible but here it is. Remember you get what you pay for and quality trumps quantity any and every day.

I was diligent in my search for a tailor shop with a reputation for quality and excellence and refused to settle for less. My hard earned money would not be flushed down the sewer of bad tailoring and inferior fabrics.

Upon arriving I was greeted and given a choice of beverage. I was shown seven different books with options of fabrics from low end to high end. Their product knowledge was impressive and their overall patience and truly making sure that my needs and concerns were met and understood made me very comfortable. The consultation lasted for two hours and there was no sense of urgency on their part to make a sale. I took note.

The SIX steps to a tailor made suit 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Find a reputable tailor Choose a fabric Measure for a fitting Determine the style Personalize it Final fitting

I can’t turn back the hands of time but I wished I had access to Emporium Armani before I got married because this would have saved me tons of time and money and I would have looked so much better in my custom suit than the Ready-To-Wear one I purchased in New York and wore for my wedding.

There is no doubt that a custom suit from here is just what you need to be the Groom among all Grooms.

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by Annalisa Arcoleo

HOUSEOF CAKE Are you looking for a delicious wedding cake in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or Ajman? The House of Cakes is the solution! Established in 2006 by Irena and Kaloyan Dimitrovi, House of Cakes is located in the UAE and Bulgaria. WBM knows that cooking and baking is not for everybody, especially if we are talking about wedding cakes …

You have to love cooking, the love you put in the kitchen is the secret ingredient of every meal.

So we interviewed Irena and Kaloyan, House of Cakes’ owners, and they shared with us their passion for baking and cooking, a love that started a long time ago: “It was my dream as a child to have a shop for cakes and sweets. I have been making cakes since I was seven. Then I went to professional cooking school and became a chef.”

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO OPEN THE HOUSE OF CAKES? I was working as director of sales and marketing of a reputed hotel in Dubai, and while traveling I got to see those unique cakes decorated as art and at that time they were not popular in UAE so I thought it would be a good idea to start such a business. We would be one of the first, and also became the very first online bakery in UAE. So I started the website and we mainly get our business from clients searching for cakes online.

DID YOU TRAVEL TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE CAKES, THAT WERE ALREADY FAMOUS IN OTHER PART OF THE WORLD? Yes I did. At the time we started the business, these cakes were already popular in UK, USA and Australia so I got my inspiration from the best bakeries there.

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WHAT ARE THE MAIN REQUEST FOR CAKES? We mainly make birthday cakes for kids and for adults, Disney character themes are very popular as well as fashion brands cakes – bags, shoes and so on. For the guys, mainly sports cakes. House of Cakes makes great quality, handmade and decorated wedding cakes, celebration cakes, cupcakes and cookies with only the freshest ingredients. We have worked with our suppliers for more than 10 years, they sell only the best brands and products in the market.

LIFT YOUR SPIRITS

The House of Cakes is also known for a variety of specialty cakes; the most popular flavor is moist vanilla sponge with strawberry cream, but you can request anything you want from the traditional flavors or if you want particular flavors with special designs, we love being creative.

Our amazing bakery consults with families and planners on a variety of celebratory themes from birthdays, corporate or family celebrations and events.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THE BRAND? My passion to bring together family and friends; I love to cook, especially on holidays. Punzoné loosely translates in the Italian language to "punch" and the name is a tribute to where the brand began, in my home kitchen.

by Victor Amos

Living an organic lifestyle is easier today than ever. Bringing organic meat and produce to our dining table is a routine part of life, but what about carrying that concept over to your wedding day?

You don’t have to sacrifice the quality of the food and drink offerings for your reception. One of the often overlooked components of organic offerings is liquor. If you’re going to use organic juices and mixers, why not maintain consistency with your spirits?

WHAT KIND OF SERVICE DO YOU OFFER? We deliver cakes at additional charge to save the time for those who are too busy. We also offer cash on delivery service for the same reason.

We have a variety of clients from every part of the world. Our clients ask for quality, and that’s what we offer: fresh ingredients, high quality, make sure their requests are satisfied.

Vodka is inarguably one of the most versatile spirits to have on your menu.

The smooth, flavor-neutral qualities of vodka make it an easy crowd-pleaser.

It offers a versatile spirit that is suitable for any flavor profile you have in mind for cocktails. If you’re looking for ultrapremium vodka, Punzoné Organic Vodka’s silky-smooth body and delicate flavor make it a perfect selection for your reception bar. And if you’re into less traditional flavor profiles, and would like to lean more toward creative mixology, Punzoné Organic Vodka also offers vodka in Blood Orange and Lemoncino varieties.

The House of Cakes price points begin at AED 30.00 per person for round rolled fondant cakes. Most cakes range between AED 25-40 per person. However, these prices may flutuate depending on the scope and detail of work and design.

What are you waiting for? Go to the link below, and you can find a broad spectrum of ideas, from Technology Cakes, Sporting Cakes, Fashion Cakes, Engagment Cakes or classical, beautiful wedding cakes!

www.houseofcakesdubai.com

WHEN CREATING THE PRODUCT, WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR? Using the finest ingredients, it's everything.

Frank Guerrera, CEO and founder of Punzoné Organic Vodka, tells us a little bit about what inspired his brand:

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE DISHES AND COCKTAILS TO SERVE WITH PUNZONÉ ORGANIC VODKA? Whether I'm cooking or mixing cocktails, the key is simplicity. Allow the freshest and finest ingredients to do the work.

Something as simple as a nice fresh filetto di pomodoro and a Punzoné "famiglia" martini (Recipe: Equal parts of all 3 Punzoné products, with freshly squeezed orange juice, shaken not stirred!) is all you need.

Punzoné Organic Vodka is available at retailers and restaurants nationwide.

Punzoné Organic Vodka $33.99 USD

www.worldofliquor.com | www.punzone.com

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MEXICO DESTINATIONS

W

e're always in search of a wedding destination that can inspire us with our authentic beauty roots. We traveled south of the border to discover Mexico’s best-kept beauty secrets, proving that the country is just as much of a wedding beauty destination than a Spring Break hot spot.

For any wedding, it’s important our guests feel just as special as we do on our big day and Mexico offers that luxury combined with ancient beauty that dates back to Mayan times.

Our guests love an adventure but to create the perfect itinerary for a destination wedding in Mexico we started at Le Blanc Spa Resort. From its all white décor to the infusion of herbal scents on every floor, there's only one word I can compare this place to: heaven. Greeted with a champagne glass filled with coconut milk, and a beautiful flower, every guest is met with top service.

THE WEDDING ADVENTURE

by Stephanie Flor

MEXICO

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his all-inclusive resort is perfect for a destination wedding venue offering a full-service salon with bridal packages and their private wedding room. What we loved most was that it feels like your own space, they take pride on creating a personal sanctuary where you truly feel like royalty.

At Le Blanc, the beauty services offered are inspired by local traditions, so you're also getting that authentic native experience. From couple treatments that are their best sellers (reservation required) to their hydrotherapy that offers hot and cold contrast pools and steam saunas, every guest gets to indulge in this beauty retreat before your big day. It's open to guests all day, no reservation required. If you prefer outdoor activities, you have the option to soak in the sun at one of their four pools or retreat to their beach huts. You can even make a reservation for a dinner under the stars for you and your special someone catered by your own private chef and servers.

A great pre-wedding treatment is Le Blanc’s 80-minute Kukulcan Mayan Massage inspired by animals symbolic to Mayan culture. Mayan beauty is all about new beginnings and healing from within so not only is this massage tapping into your animal spirit but also letting go of negative energy.

PRE-WEDDING MUSTS IN

MEXICO 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Eat the Famous Mole Buy a traditional outfit Get a flower crown Try a fish spa Buy Cacao from a local vendor

Looking for more of an indigenous adventure? Board a flight to the Oaxaca, a small state in the southern part of Mexico that is known for their vibrant colors and home to some of the best food in the country. While there check into the beautiful Hotel Azul located in the heart of Oaxaca, known for their custom suites designed by famous Mexican artists. Not to mention they house one of the top chef´s in the country, Alejandro Galindo Tlali. Their menu is typical Oaxacan for breakfast and all ingredients are from local farmers.

Their hotel stays true to Mexican culture with walls painted baby blue to their wooden cactus architecture. Everything about this hotel makes a wedding party feel part of the culture instantly and perfect as a backdrop to any celebration.

As you venture abroad to different areas of Mexico make sure to look out for beauty treatments. One of our favorite prewedding treatments to find in Oaxaca was visiting a Temazcal (steam bath). It's a cleansing ritual native to the Mayan culture.

It helps release toxins and renew your energy. Mayan women would take part in this ritual as a coming of age or before their big day. You can find a local Temazcal by asking the front desk at Hotel Azul.

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BANGKOK DESTINATIONS

by Remi James

I

The

CITY that HAS THE YIN-YANG EFFECT

have to be honest; over the years I have watched and read many different stories about Bangkok and it left me undecided whether or not I would like it. So finally, I decided that I would visit and make my own decision. I am grateful that I visited Bangkok, “I LOVE IT!” One of the main reasons why I had such a wonderful experience was partially my decision to stay at the Shangri La Hotel.

The Shangri La has access to the Space-Age skytrain, a personal shuttle boat available to transport you to any local destination day and night. Treat yourself to the award‑winning CHI Spa after you visit Bangkok’s famous attractions, the Grand Palace, built in 1882, which is host to a collection of beautiful Thai buildings and temples; or the Temple of Dawn (WAT ARUN), Temple of the Emerald Buddha - and one of my personal favorites - the 46-meter long gold plated Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) an absolute must see!

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BANGKOK

The Shangri La Hotel is situated in a central location with easy access to the old and new parts of Bangkok. This iconic hotel has both classic charm and elegance that you experience from the entrance of the grand opulent lobby. I treated myself to the Krungthep Deluxe Balcony room with breathtaking views of the Chao Phraya riverside, sparkling lights at night.

The Krungthep rooms have separate entrances, concierge, private pool, complimentary breakfast in the Riverside Lounge, unlimited beverages and in the evening fabulous cocktail hour. The exclusivity and privacy is delightful and ideal for honeymooners, loved ones, friends or even a business trip.

Thonburi Klongs (canals) take you back in time where you will be given a glimpse into how people lived in the past and how some live today. The tour goes down the Chao Phraya River creating a feeling of being in the past. I was captivated by the Thai people washing their clothes, and a mother with a warm smile bathing her child. This incredible personal glimpse into the lives of the citizens is an amazingly humbling experience!

Bangkok is one of the most exhilarating, vibrant, YinYang cities that I’ve ever visited from their lush hotels, mouthwatering Thai food, floating markets, fast-paced tuk-tuks, intimidating tall skyscrapers, humongous shopping malls to an abundance of lively bars and nightclubs. Any holiday vacation in Thailand should always include the delicious city of Bangkok as an appetizer, it has something for everyone.

Shangri La Hotel www.shangri-la.com/bangkok/shangrila

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Love& SPONTANEITY

They typically last four hours, at a minimum, and the chef takes you to the local market to buy produce, gives you a history lesson on Thailand, and takes you back to the cooking school where they help you tap into your inner culinary creativity.

The primary mode of transportation is motorcycle and tuk-tuk, which is a small open van; your adrenaline will definitely spike as the drivers seem immune to the traffic signals.

Rush hour consists of thousands of motorcycles and it is very common to see up to five people on one motorcycle: culture shock at its finest.

by Adrian Fanus

M

y story may be a little different than most. My wife and I went to high school together. Like most other testosterone-filled teenage boys in my school, I tried getting her attention on a few occasions but was met with a personal rejection that took me months to recover. I finally declared my defeat, gave up and moved on. I must have found favor with a higher power because today I have the honor of waking up to my high school crush and the woman of my dreams every day. Lucky me!

A few months shy of our first wedding anniversary, we wanted to find our ideal getaway; this was also our special honeymoon, since we had a destination wedding and spent three weeks in St Lucia with family and friends. We had several options and decided on her choice – Asia. I wasn’t sold and found every excuse possible from the flight is too long, we don’t speak Mandarin to I won’t get the time off work. I had every excuse in the book, but she started a campaign called “Operation Asia,” and I slowly began to lose ground.

A month later, I gave in as she presented her thesis on Asia and how it could be a life-changing trip. She has no idea how right was. We booked our flights and hotel only for Bangkok.

We would be in Asia for three weeks and would play it by ear; no plans just indulge in the culture, food, music, art scene and be present. I was both nervous and excited. This was either going to be the honeymoon of a lifetime or a disaster.

Mark Twain once said, "I have been through some terrible things in my life, most of which have never happened." Fear is something that lives in our mind and once we confront it head-on it dissipates. This was exactly what I did when we boarded the plane from New York to Bangkok. Twenty-two hours later my smile was a testament that it was not as bad as I imagined.

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The Asian people are some of the most humble people I have ever met in my life; there is a magic in the way they greet you with a bow.

The street food in Bangkok is beyond amazing and the day and night market boasts vendors and cooks from all over.

Beds of ice are covered with fresh fish, lobsters, octopus, squids, and prawns. There is no compromise in the spices and herbs. You can pick your choice of fish and the style you would like it prepared. The aroma created more anticipation than I have every experienced. The passion and love put into the food made me a glutton on a few occasions. I felt like a kid in a candy store. For the truly daring, you can try roasted scorpions, worms, crickets and an assortment of bugs. (It is more tasty than it looks.)

During our stay in Bangkok, we spent our first few nights at a boutique hotel. I have experienced great customer service before, but the attention to detail and hospitality was beyond exceptional. The rooftop bar and pool provided a 360‑degree view of the well-lit Bangkok skyline. Bangkok boasts world‑class cooking classes that we highly recommend.

Our next stop was Phuket where we stayed on a mountain oasis called Senses Resort.

Surrounded by trees and birds, this hotel was tranquil, serene and much needed. It was an escape from the streets bustling with tourists and traffic. The presidential suite was our time to splurge as we lay in the Jacuzzi and watched the sunset cast gold lines on the western horizon.

Phuket is a party town and holds no restraint in showing you its wild side. Whatever you want to indulge in you can find in Phuket. The postcards don't do the beaches justice as the white sand beaches stretched for miles beyond sight.

This trip showed me the true meaning of living life in the present; without an itinerary we were more relaxed, which made it more fun.

NEXT STOP: MALAYSIA Seri Pacific hotel, located in the city of Kuala Lumpur, would be our home for the next few days. We had some of the best Indian food at the hotel and the chef was kind enough to share his curry chicken recipe with me.

Malaysia is the shopping capital of Asia. The shopping malls here put Beverly Hills to shame; the city is very modern and developed, and the most advanced technologies were ever present.

We spent the majority of our time exploring the city first by visiting the famous Kuala Lumpur twin towers, the observatory deck, the bird park and the gardens. We were so comfortable on this honeymoon that after two weeks it occurred to me that with the exception of our children we didn't miss home. This was a first.

The last stop of our trip was Vietnam. We stayed at a very modern briquettes called the Grand Silverland hotel. This was our favorite hotel. We indulged in his and hers massages every day, complemented by an English tea-time in the afternoons.

We ventured out to the countryside for a few days and the memories created here will never be forgotten. A six-hour drive into the countryside took us to the city of Kan Tar. We stayed in a bungalow on the river with the locals. This was different as we sat and ate with them and listened to their folktales, music and history.

Just when I thought I could not love my wife any more, we experienced Asia. It made our bond closer, and by discovering something new every day with her was magical. This trip was a honeymoon of a lifetime. It has taught me to be fearless, not to wait for the perfect moment, take a leap of faith, be present, and to stop and smell the crisp of the morning dew in the air.

It is not the years in your life that matters but the life in your years.

The teenage boy still beams with joy that he got the girl and is able to see the world with her.

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CHINA DESTINATIONS

U

pon reflection and looking back — One thing that really struck me when I visited China was that my preconceived perception of the country was continually misplaced. My first thought was about China’s reputation for extreme smog and that breathing would be difficult. As a precaution, my mother-in-law even sent me face/mouth masks; but we really didn’t need them at all as the smog was nominal. There was one rainy day when we were traveling inland by train to Westlake, and I began to see the heavy layer of smog; but for the most part, staying near the ocean where some days were sunny and clear, I felt the extreme smog stories were all exaggerated fabrications. Of course they were not, I guess we were just lucky with the weather.

Another thing that really intrigued me was the size of the middle class and that they have the same middle class ideals as the US. I imagined it was as if I had stepped back in time, to postwar America with the beginning of the middle class flourishing. The Chinese seemed to have all the same qualities; a strong work ethic, understanding the value of the Renminbi, striving for their individual economic success with a promise for a better future for their children (or child as the case was).

China seemed to me, in large part, to be a nation of very proud and wonderfully generous people wanting to share their culture with me and the world.

I can’t wait to visit China again soon, and I’m pleased that they have allowed visas to be valid for 10 years!

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FIRST STOP – HONG KONG

SECOND STOP – ONTO MACAU

It all started with a short trip to Hong Kong a year ago, but this being the second visit, I had decided to take it a little easier.

More time at the pools in the hotels and more eating of local foods. The Skyline of Hong Kong always intrigues with towering mountains in the background. I think my most vivid memory of Hong Kong was swimming in an infinity pool with the harbor and Kowloon behind, while being served ice cream sandwiches in the scorching summer heat. I will probably talk a lot about pools as I was determined to try each one; although I didn’t make it to the Kowloon side to see the light show of Hong Kong Island from that side, I could see a lot of the lights illuminating the Chinese architectural pride and they were a harbinger of more to come in other cities.

Next stop was Macau on the newly reclaimed land of Cotai, just a short ferry ride from Hong Kong. Honestly this was not my favorite place to stay. To begin with, I am not a gambler or an avid shopper, and it seemed as if it was still under massive construction as well as the sewer systems, which left a lot to be desired.

We did take a trip to a unique temple and main Macau, where I found it to have an intriguing infusion of Portuguese culture.

This was where I began to understand that throughout its history, China had been invaded and controlled time and time again by so many other countries.

Places visited:

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CHINA WITH LOVE

by Rebecca East

Images courtesy of China National Tourist Office

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Victoria Peak – with incredible panoramic views of Hong Kong, Kowloon and the nearby islands. I went up in the Peak Tram and saw the historical gallery from back when the British residents used to go up and down in the man-powered sedan chairs prior to the funicular opening Aberdeen Fishing Village — I rode on a traditional ‘sampan’ or gas-powered wooden boat, out into the floating fishing community. Navigating through lots of trash and murky water and oldstyle boats, I could see the impressive Hong Kong skyline towering above us and adjacent to the luxury yachts owned by the wealthier yacht club members – a crazy juxtaposition that is inherent throughout Stanley Market – an open-air market with views of Murray House

Favorite hotels: • • •

Four Seasons Mandarin Oriental Upper House

Places visited: •

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Historic Center of Macau – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and St. Paul’s Ruins A-Ma Temple – one of the oldest Taoist temples in Macau with a ton of incense burning and built into the rocks Macau Tower – for the best views of what Macau is about to develop into, once construction is complete

Favorite hotels: • • •

Four Seasons Mandarin Oriental Wynn

THIRD STOP – SHENZHEN Next, another fast ferry ride across the water to Shenzhen and then a cab to the hotel.

Shenzhen is huge. Very spread out – in fact everywhere in China is huge and spread out.

We visited a local museum and learned about the history of Shenzhen and encountered a busload of local tourists, all of whom insisted on saying hello to us and tested out their English skills. Apparently an interesting little-known statistic is there are more people who speak English in China than in the United States. That illustrates the enormity of the country and their desire to be integrated into global power sharing.

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FOURTH STOP – GUANGZHOU Our concierge arranged train tickets for us ahead of time (which meant sending a bellboy on the subway to the train station to buy our train tickets at the station then back to the hotel – as tickets cannot be purchased online). So, all we had to do the next day was to go to the station and board the train. This sounds extravagant but really it was relatively inexpensive and unbelievably time saving. Although there are generally signs in English, it can still be difficult to know exactly what to do and where to go in China as everything is so vast with so many people traveling at once.

One sweet girl jumped up after us as we were walking out and very joyously started saying, while smiling, “Hello, hello, how are you?” We responded with enthusiasm, and that was all that she required. Just acknowledgment that what she was saying was being responded to in English. Her mission accomplished.

From our hotel we could see the beautiful night light displayed on the buildings and skyline of Shenzhen.

The city is more of a financial and business hub. We were informed that this business district was restored and renovated in the last 5-7 years.

As we traveled through different districts, this was a recurring theme that entire sections were being rebuilt or newly built downtown districts, or other sections were being revitalized within the last four years. The business development was unbelievable with all types of construction equipment and workers scheduled in 24-hour shifts, working around-the-clock. China’s infrastructure is a reason to come and visit the country on its own. There is very little red tape in processing paperwork and it is clear there is a commitment from the Chinese government to make it happen—when they want something built they get it done. I can only imagine that a lot of displacement happens, but one thing we didn’t see in China was homelessness. Everyone had homes provided by the government in some WBM | 134 form or other.

One morning we walked into the mall across the street. This was my first experience in a Chinese mall. This one was underground. Best described as mind-blowingly large. It never seemed to end. In fact we didn’t finish exploring it. Shop after shop, eatery after eatery.

Endless supplies of stores and people shopping in them. I think this is where I began to realize the magnitude of their population.

We also went shopping at another mall so my husband could purchase a suitcase as his was falling apart. This mall was five or six stories and had a very local feel; the patrons were more working class, but again filled with shops and eateries. Perhaps there were approximately 15 stores with some replication.

Places visited: • •

Shenzhen Museum — not so much for artifacts as for “patriotic education” Luohu Commercial City – shopping mall for budget shoppers looking for Chinese “knockoff” goods

We had a fast and uneventful train ride to Guangzhou and when we arrived we took a cab to the hotel. Our hotel was a thing of architectural beauty. It stood approximately 102 stories tall, with a downstairs welcome lobby to greet us and then onto an elevator to the main lobby on the 70th floor. At this level we looked up to see a massive winding atrium that stretched to the 102nd floor.

The hotel rooms line the sides of the building so that all the rooms have a great view. From the atrium balcony on our floor I was dizzy and delightfully frightened to look down and up. So much fun. The fitness center was on the 69th floor and as I used the elliptical I looked out onto the clouds as they

rolled into the city and over the river.

Again a district that up until five years ago was nothing like the tall building and beautiful parks that laid in front of me. At night it turned into a different vista of beauty as we indulged ourselves at the executive lounge enjoying complimentary drinks, light teas and a vast array of food that would become our dinner.

Places visited: • •

Yuexiu Park Gardens—with the enormous Wuyang stone carving (5 goats) and the beautiful flowers Chen Clan Academy—an academic temple in Guangzhou where we bought a number of very unique souvenirs. There was a gentleman here who painted only with the side of his hand, fingers and nails (no paintbrush required). We saw him paint and what he did was remarkable. The thing that I remember most about this building was a story told to us by our guide about invaders trying to keep warm in winter by burning all the old traditional wooden plaques placed by people for hundreds of years to honor their dead. Tragic

Favorite hotels: • • •

Four Seasons Mandarin Oriental Ritz-Carlton

FIFTH STOP – SHANGHAI Next we flew to Shanghai where we spent four wonderful days walking around the Hutongs, eating in local restaurants and visiting the local sites.

We also went into the French concession and lounged with a delightful lunch outside. I was struck again by the magnificence of the architecture and told that the financial districts had recently been built. The lights of the buildings at night were a sight to behold. We were able to use the bikes

from our hotel and cycle around Pudong and we enjoyed intensive Chinese massages at several health and wellness centers. I even managed to fit in an intricate Shanghai manicure.

Places visited: • •

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Favorite hotels: •

Favorite hotels:

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Four Seasons Shangri-La Futian Ritz Carlton

One of Chairman Mao’s homes at Jiaxiu Lane, Morming Road The Jade Buddha Temple which seemed massive. So many people lighting incense. We were not supposed to snap any pictures of the Buddhas. At every temple there were two statues of guardian lions, one male holding its paw on top of a globe to represent that the king had control of the world and one female lion holding a small lion cub representing nurture Confucius Temple ­­­­— one of my favorites of Shanghai with its beautiful art, ponds and carvings.

World Expo – Chinese Pavilion

Four Seasons Pudong – near the British Concession Four Seasons Puxi – in downtown Shanghai Park Hyatt Pudong Peninsula – The Bund

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Concierge

STOP SIX - HANGZHOU Next we trained to Westlake in Hangzhou. This was so pretty, I was struck by the fact that there were so many Chinese tourists and not many western tourists, as was evident throughout the trip. We took a short boat trip on the lake in the rain and visited a local market. This is where I began to see some of the smog – I suppose it was also coupled with the rain-bearing clouds, but the lake here was absolutely unique.

Places visited: • • • •

Hua Gang Park Boat trip on the lake New Tian Di area with shops and restaurants (and Starbucks) Quinghefang cultural and historical area with small local shops

Favorite hotels: • • •

Amanfayun Four Seasons Westlake Banyan Tree

FINAL DESTINATION - BEIJING A flight to Beijing placed us near the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City. All were important places that I had heard so much about and it was wonderful to finally visit.

The vastness of the Forbidden City is indescribable; the idea that only one family lived there, with their

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whole entourage (court, servants, etc.) as well, but still it was certainly an extravagant way to have lived. Even with its enormity, we literally had to push through doorways at times between the extraordinary numbers of visitors.

And when it came time to go to the bathroom, I had to walk forever.

The next day we visited the Great Wall and the Summer Palace – an ambitious feat, but totally possible. The Great Wall was every bit as amazing as we had imagined. Sprawling, huge, fantastical and ancient. It was also so tiring as it’s not a flat level surface. It’s a huge and exceptionally long up and downhill experience. Even though we opted to take the chairlift up and the mountain‑slide down, just walking along the wall was exhausting. Huge and very steep stone steps. How did they do it all back in the day?

Although exhausted from our trip along the wall we were determined to see the Summer Palace, as we had to fly back home the following day. We walked the

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Favorite hotels: • • •

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entire park and saw it all. So unique and so pretty and peaceful with little pockets of gardens, trees and resting places.

Needless to say, we slept well that night.

Places visited: Mutianyu Great Wall – this is the wall less travelled, so less tourists in comparison to other areas we were told. Fully restored and easy to get up and down to the wall Summer Palace – our hotel had a secret passageway with a private entrance to the Summer Palace so that we avoided all the crowds at the entrance Forbidden City – Imperial Palace from the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty – crazy huge and the most tourists I have ever seen in my life, and yet still easy to get around

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