2life Weddings Issue No. 3

ISSUE NO. 3

MADE WITH LOVE!

Fresh ideas for your one-of-a-kind celebration!

HOW TO HOST A WEEKEND WEDDING, THE HOTTEST STYLE TRENDS, SWEET TABLE THEMES, 7 SEXY CITIES, GIFT REGISTRY TIPS & MORE!

2LIFE WEDDINGS ISSUE NO. 3

contents IN EVERY ISSUE

REAL WEDDINGS

03 2life Buzz

35 Party On: How to Host a Weekend Wedding Spend quality time with your

06 Upfront Social media tips, speeches 101,

a playlist for the bride and more!

23 Weddings 101 5 wedding day do’s

and don’ts

26 Style Aisle style: top

bridal trends from the runway

2LIFE WEDDINGS

nearest and dearest

46 An Elegant Rustic Wedding Fall in love with this countryside celebration

77 Real Wedding Moment Watch as groomsmen get their groove on

GIFT REGISTRY

58 Informed Decisions Stuff you need to know FEATURES

15 How to Create a Stellar Sweet Table 55 Post-Wedding Disorder Why some brides feel an

emptiness after

68 7 Sexy Cities Explore some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lesser known romantic locales 2LIFE WEDDINGS

2LIFE BUZZ

WE KNOW THAT

wedding planning can be both overwhelming and exciting. We hope that 2life Weddings helps you plan the best party of your lives. In this issue, we’ve got wedding day dos & don’ts to keep you on track, style tips for creating a stellar sweet table, a getting-ready playlist for the bridal party, travel destinations for a romantic getaway, and what to expect after your big day (i.e., Post Wedding Disorder). And don’t miss our real weddings: a super-fun weekend wedding, and a rustic yet elegant celebration. We believe wedding planning can be a shared experience for couples to enjoy together. That’s why we created the 2life Ultimate Wedding Planner app. You can sync your calendars, share pictures and links with each other, and much more. Along with the app’s useful tools, you’ll find inspiring galleries, a gown search, planning tips, daily shopping picks, and even this magazine, all at the swipe of a finger. We’ll even send our best ideas straight to your inbox – sign up for our e-newsletter so you don’t miss a beat! Plus, connect with us daily on our blog and social media to find additional content that will help you plan an epic celebration. #love2life

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RYCCIO

CONTENT DIRECTOR, CEO & CO-FOUNDER Diane Hall diane@2life.io EDITOR AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER (ON LEAVE) Kate Drummond kate@2life.io COO & CO-FOUNDER Gerry Brown gerry@2life.io PUBLISHED BY 2 For Life Media Inc. 2life.io 647-267-5741 APP DEVELOPMENT It Guy Technologies It-Guy.com EDITORIAL FEEDBACK editorial@2life.io ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@2life.io 647-267-5741 TECHNICAL FEEDBACK AND INQUIRIES support@2life.io GENERAL INQUIRIES 2life.io/weddings 647-267-5741 © 2014 2 For Life Media Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced w ithout the written permission of the publisher. Cover Image: Efremova Valeriya

141215_CL_2Life_Ads EL6: Print Ad Version: 1 Page: NA Size: 10.667”x13.263” Color: 4/0 (CMYK) PC: Leanne, Lisa R. DM: Cat CM: Ali

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UPFRONT

#bigday Social Media Tips BY NICOLE KEEN

E’RE LIVING IN a

super-wired world (for better or for worse), so having a social media strategy for your wedding simply makes sense. Some couples are planning “unplugged” weddings, but there are ways to make social media work at your celebration, and you’ll enjoy seeing the day’s events through your guests’ eyes (after all, you can’t be everywhere at once and neither can your photographer!) Set Limits. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask your guests to refrain from using social media at certain times, such as during the ceremony. Your photographer only has one chance to capture these moments and the last thing you need is overeager relatives and friends interfering. 1

EDOARDO AGRESTI PHOTOGRAPHY

Create a Hashtag. A personalized wedding hashtag is the best way to ensure your guests’ social media posts will all end up in one place. Start spreading the word about your hashtag early. Include it with your save-the-date card and invitation. Plus, place a cute sign at your venue. 2

Ask for Help. You’ll have your hands full, so leave the Instagram updates to a trusted friend. Designate someone with expert filter-selecting skills to help document the day. 3

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IS THIS THE NEW FIRST LOOK TREND? BY NICOLE KEEN photo session was actually taken one month before the couple’s big day! Mikala and Alex got dressed up in their wedding finery (an exquisite lace dress for her, a dapper tweed vest and yellow bowtie for him), and met up with photographer Michelle Leach of Magnolia Adam’s Photography for the big reveal. According to Leach, the “bride and groom session” is on the rise because the couple can experience all the surprise and emotion of a day-of “first look” session minus the nerves and pressure of an impending ceremony. Doing the formal portraits in advance is more relaxing, and frees up time on the day of the wedding. THIS STUNNING WEDDING

For more wedding photo tips visit our app galleries!

2LIFE WEDDINGS

MAGNOLIA ADAM’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Speeches 101

RE YOU WONDERING

who should speak at your wedding reception…and what they should say? Here are some wedding speech tips that will shed light on the subject! There aren’t any hard-andfast rules about who goes when, but we like this order: best man, maid of honor, parents of the groom, parents of the bride, bride, groom. BEST MAN: Compliment the bride and bridesmaids. Then stick to the classic humiliate-the-groom format, but don’t take it too far — some skeletons are best left in the closet. Tell jokes, jokes, jokes. Tell more jokes. Ease the sting of the disses with some sincerity: how you know each other, your perspective on the couple and best wishes for their future. End by toasting the bride and groom. MAID OF HONOR: Compliment the handsome groomsmen. Echo the style of best man’s speech — embarrass the bride a bit, recall fond memories and finish with best wishes to the couple.

ISTOCK

PARENTS:

Dote on their child (the father of the bride is traditionally the first to speak) and share stories about his/her childhood. It’s okay to embarrass them too — but only a little. Welcome the new daughter/ son-in-law to the family. Thank service providers. Toast the health and happiness of the new couple. BRIDE: Thank all guests, especially those from out of town and the people who helped during the planning process. Give a big shout out to your bridesmaids and the entire wedding party. Say a special word of thanks to your mother. Give your account of how you met your husband — what you liked/didn’t like about him. Offer a personal message from you to him. Finish with a toast to your guests. GROOM: Give topical remarks about the wedding day. This is also a good time to joke about any mishaps and make people laugh. Tell your version of how you met your new wife. Thank the wedding party; send good wishes to those who were unable to attend due to distance or illness. Thank all of the parents. Finish with a toast to your new wife — talk to her directly and make it heartfelt. 2LIFE WEDDINGS

Did you know you can now print 3D food?!

of how we celebrate, gather and relate. Now, our culinary traditions and the experiences that surround them can get a little sweeter with the leading-edge ChefJet, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first professionally certified, kitchen-ready 3D food printer. With the ChefJet, culinary artists of all kinds can create stunning and tasty decorations, edible sculptures and confections of all shapes and sizes. ChefJet prints in a variety of edibles, including sugar, chocolate or candy. Combining the design freedom of 3D printing with edible materials, chefs can create imaginative food designs that were previously impossibleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;full-color cocktail decorations, architectural cake supports, beautiful sugar sculptures. How sweet is that? FOOD IS A VITAL PART

Click here for more mouthwatering wedding food trends!

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3D SYSTEMS

etiquette tip: According to Lizzy Post, it’s ideal to include your partner’s sibling(s) if you’re having a wedding party. “It’s a really sweet gesture, and a great way to extend a kind courtesy to your future sisterin-law,” says Post. Your partner’s sibling might decline the offer, but it’s important that you give him/her the option to be included. “It’s also perfectly OK nowadays for the groom to simply ask his sister to stand by his side.”

EVER WISH YOU

Wedding Planning On The Go DIGITALSKILLET/ISTOCK (ETIQUETTE TIP)

could store all of your favorite online wedding resources in one list that you can access from your mobile device? The 2life Ultimate Wedding Planner app has got you covered! LINKS is one of the most valuable tools in our mobile app. It lets you search and share your favorite links from within the app and around the web, and bookmark them for handy access. Keep your most-used websites (budgeter, guest list manager, GET THE APP! etc.) at your fingertips, and bookmark helpful information that you find in other parts of the app. If your partner is using the app with you, any thing that you add to LINKS will automatically be shared. 2LIFE WEDDINGS

GROOMS GET THE ROYAL TREATMENT GARRISON BESPOKE, a

leading Toronto tailor, recently opened a bespoke shop exclusively for grooms. At Garrison Weddings, “guys can talk about what they like and don’t like and how they want to feel on their wedding day,” says Garrison President, Michael Nguyen. “It’s the ultimate experience for the groom, but created in a way where any man, regardless of his income level or where he is getting married, can come in and feel really comfortable.” Garrison Bespoke suits and tuxedos are designed to make the groom look sharp, while being flexible enough to let him bust some moves on the dance floor and carry his bride over the threshold. Visit our app galleries for the 2life weekly style report!

2LIFE WEDDINGS

GARRISON WEDDINGS

2LIFE PLAYLIST

SONGS FOR HANGING WITH YOUR BRIDESMAIDS

ALL-GIRL PRE-WEDDING JITTERS DANCE PARTY

Astounded Bran Van 3000 AT THE SALON

Beauty School Dropout Frankie Avalon Cut Your Hair Pavement Hair Song Black Mountain Almost Cut My Hair David Crosby Pro Nails Kid Sister Hair Dresser On Fire Morrissey

FOR THE MOMENT YOU PUT ON YOUR DRESS

At My Most Beautiful REM I’m Getting Ready Michael Kiwanuka Let’s Get Married Al Green Ageless Beauty Stars This Will Be Our Year The Zombies State Of Grace Taylor Swift

DREAMING OF HIM

Today I Met The Boy Darlene Love Teenage Dream Katy Perry

Countdown Beyonce

Falling Slowly Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova

Fancy Iggy Azalea

Bang Bang Phlo Finister

I Love It Icona Pop ft Charli XCX

Sexy Boy Air

SuperLove Charli XCX

Dreams Passion Pit Parentheses The Blow I’ll Be There For You Method Man ft. Mary J. Blige

ch laun st li play

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Dog Days Are Over Florence + the Machine

Love Story Passion Pit Out Loud Kid Street

Fantasy Mariah Carey ft. ODB Smile Lily Allen Music Sounds Better With You Stardust Move Your Feet Junior Senior Bad Reputation Joan Jett

ISTOCK

FEATURE

How To Create A Stellar Sweet Table Sweet tables take the cake when it comes to our favorite wedding obsession! Izabela Chmielewska and Stephanie Brown are the dream team behind Sweet Table, a company that specializes in creative, oh-so-adorable dessert tables. We sat down with table designer Izabela for tips on how to create a stellar dessert table. BY KATE DRUMMOND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARC KOECHER

DESSERTS BY DESMOND & BEATRICE STYLING BY SWEET TABLE

2LIFE WEDDINGS

MARC KOECHER

WEET TABLES 101:

“Sweet tables are a personalized version of a dessert table with everything you could possibly imagine on it,” says Izabela. Unlike the standard desserts on a generic, banquet hall dessert table, all of the treats on a sweet table are handmade especially for you. What’s not to love? Sweet tables are completely customizable and offer yet another way to add that memorable, personal touch to your special day. “No two tables are alike,” says Izabela. Oh, and 2LIFE WEDDINGS

your guests will love it, too! The treats “always disappear within 20 minutes!” Once you’ve made the wise decision to have a sweet table at your wedding, you need to choose a theme. Will your table be design-focused, or do you want your treats to be flavor-focused? A theme can be anything from your wedding colors to your favorite super hero! Hit up a fabric store and find a pattern that you love, or scope out CHOOSE A THEME:

MARC KOECHER

2LIFE WEDDINGS

MARC KOECHER

Pinterest for inspiration. Izabela and Stephanie are super-creative and talented when it comes to building adorable tables that work with your unique theme. It seems that vintageinspired everything is the hottest trend in wedding decor, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no exception when it comes to desserts. Izabela says MUST-HAVE TREATS:

MARC KOECHER

they get lots of requests for home-style treats like pies, tarts and cobblers and retro candy, such as spiral lollipops, rock candy, bubble gum, ribbon candy and vintage candy bars. Other trendy treats include strawberry-flavored milk, decorated sugar cookies, edible lace on cookies and cakes, layer cakes, ombre desserts, pavlovas, cake pops, macaroons 2LIFE WEDDINGS

“Will your table be design-focused, or do you want it to be flavor-focused?”

2LIFE WEDDINGS

MARC KOECHER

and homemade marshmallows. (Are you drooling yet?!) Couples are also loving the idea of having stations or buffets where guests can build their own ice cream sundaes, waffles or crepes. Did you think cupcakes were making their exit as the “it” dessert item? Think again. Izabela says they’re still wildly popular and bakeries like Desmond & Beatrice offer a variety of flavors. “They’re easy to eat; you don’t need a plate or a fork, you just kind of grab one and go,” she says. “That’s why people love them.” For example, if you’re film fanatics, Izabela suggests serving sugar cookies in the shape of movie tickets, or Academy Award-shaped chocolates that have the bride and groom’s names on them. Total Trekkies? Rather than having an all-out Star Trek wedding, use it as the theme for your sweet table. This way, you can have a MAKE IT PERSONAL:

sophisticated, parent-approved celebration and incorporate an element of quirk. Whatever your style, be creative and have fun.

Visit 2life Weddings online for daily inspiration!

MARC KOECHER

2LIFE WEDDINGS

WEDDINGS 101

5 Wedding Day Do’s and Don’ts Avoid embarrassing yourselves, upsetting guests and angering vendors on your wedding day by following these important do’s and don’ts. BY KATE DRUMMOND

1 DO PROVIDE MEALS FOR VENDORS We’ve heard first-hand from vendors who have been served a discounted “vendor meal” to be eaten in the cloakroom. You’ve been working with your vendors for months and

have invited them to be part of your special day, so be gracious hosts to them, as well. Providing them with seats at tables with your other guests and feeding them what your other guests are having will go a long way for your vendor relations. If you’re tipping your vendors (and you should), you’ll also want to have tips organized in separate envelopes before the big day.

2LIFE WEDDINGS

BEA KRAUS

DO WRITE YOUR SPEECH AHEAD OF TIME

DON’T HAVE A

If you’re speaking at your reception, start writing your speech

CASH BAR

sooner rather than later. You’ll have a lot of people to thank

Alcohol is one of

you don’t want to risk missing anyone by scribbling names on

involved in hosting a

want to take this time to say sweet things to your spouse in

etiquette expert

(including each set of parents and the wedding party), and

a napkin in the bathroom while dessert is being served. You’ll front of all of your friends and family—so make it count.

3 DON’T FORGET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE

the largest costs wedding, but

Lizzie Post says the cash bar is always taboo. “It’s not

appropriate to ask guests to pay for

It’s easy to forget details—even important ones like this—as

drinks at your party,”

somewhere that you’ll remember to bring it. You might want

a couple of options

the big day approaches, so make sure you put your license to make arrangements with your officiant to deliver the license prior to the rehearsal.

4 DON’T OVER-CELEBRATE This might go without saying, but over-imbibing on a wedding

she says. There are

for couples who are

on a tight budget and want to cut costs on the bar bill,

including having a dry wedding

(absolutely no

day is more common than you may think. With lack of sleep,

alcohol); only serving

wedding day, it doesn’t take much alcohol to make a bride

cocktail hour; or

high excitement levels, and probably not much food on your

feel tipsy. We’re not saying you can’t enjoy a glass of bubbly

before the ceremony, but make sure you’ve had something to eat before toasting your bridesmaids.

alcohol during the sticking with beer

and wine, instead of expensive spirits.

2LIFE WEDDINGS

plan your celebration together 2life Ultimate Wedding Planner helps you and your partner get inspired and organized for your big day.

the ultimate wedding planner for couples

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FREE!

STYLE

ANDREA ANASTASIOU

ď ź

AISLE STYLE: TOP BRIDAL TRENDS FROM THE RUNWAY want to walk down the aisle in fashion-forward gowns that reflect their individual style. This fall, designers at New York Bridal Fashion Week debuted collections that were clearly a response to these desires. We asked Andrea Anastasiou, stylist and owner of White bridal boutiques to highlight seven of the most stunning aisle styles spotted on the runways. BRIDES TODAY

BY DIANE HALL

PHOTO: PETER TAMLIN

2LIFE WEDDINGS



BACK TALK GALIA LAHAV ♥ ELEANOR

has become a really big talking point with brides,” says Anastasiou, “and the latest collections give them even more to discuss!” Many designers are putting emphasis here: for example, sexy styles by Galia Lahav plunge dangerously low, while creations by Oscar de la Renta feature demure couture details like buttons and bows. There are peek-a-boos, illusion details, and fancy touches of all kinds.

“THE BACK OF THE DRESS

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HINT  OF MINT SEDUCTIVE INES DI SANTO ♥ MADRID

difference for 2015 is the “sexy” revolution. “All designers have been inspired by a ‘new bride’ who is confident and wants to show it!” says Anastasiou. Every collection is offering its own take on showing more skin. From classic to glam, brides of 2015 will have many body-hugging, low-back, dipping-front, and sheer options to choose from! THE MOST NOTICEABLE

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

À LA AMAL OSCAR DE LA RENTA ♥ LOOK 1

of achievements (that includes being brilliant, stunningly beautiful, and marrying one of the world’s most famous bachelors, George Clooney) Amal can add being a big fashion influence! One of the last brides to work with the iconic Oscar de la Renta, she looked stunning and regal on her wedding day in a classic A-line, off-the-shoulder lace gown, making a simple-is-more fashion statement. Her bridal style is reverberating through the bridal industry, just like Kate Middleton’s did a few years ago. TO AN ENDLESS LIST

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HINT  OF MINT CROP TOP REEM ACRA ♥ I’M CHIC

fashion-forward surprise is the “crop” top appearing in some bridal collections! Two-piece outfits have been around for a while, but what is new, fun, and fresh is the cropped top and skirt ensemble. It’s a bit more “rock and roll” and bohemian in some collections like Houghton, or more refined and polished in styles by Monique Lhuillier and Reem Acra. Borrowed from ready-to-wear, the look lends itself to alternative wedding settings, and will appeal to confident, fashion-conscious brides. PERHAPS THE MOST

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

FRINGE FRENZY INBAL DROR ♥ FRINGE DRESS

ready-to-wear runways, fringe has been a hot trend for several seasons – especially in looks inspired by the 70s, another current fashion fave. Now fringe has found its way into the 2015 bridal collections, and Anastasiou predicts that it will be popping up even more in dresses as well as accessories. This is a sexy and dramatic look for brides seeking a polished take on the “luxe bohemian” style. ON THE MAJOR

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HINT SHEER OF MINT DELIGHT 

MONIQUE LHUILLIER ♥ NATALIA

“ILLUSION IS A very pretty look that I am happy to see continuing,” says Anastasiou. Lace,

beadwork or embroidery are layered on top of fine tulle to create the illusion of the embellishments floating on the bride’s skin. For 2015, this trend is going even further with the addition of delicate, sheer sleeves. This flattering style is a wonderful alternative to a strapless gown.

2LIFE WEDDINGS

USE THE

gown search 2life Ultimate Wedding Planner

IN OUR

APP TO FIND YOUR PERFECT DRESS!

HINT  OF MINT V-LICIOUS NAEEM KHAN ♥ MOROCCO

IT’S NO SECRET that the v-neck is one of the most flattering necklines on women, so why not

see more v-necks in bridal fashion, too? Several bridal designers, including Jenny Packham, Inbal Dror, and (shown here) Naeem Khan, offer many stunning styles that feature v-necks. This season, there is a vast array of v’s to choose from, some subtle, some plunging.

2LIFE WEDDINGS

itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sharing thing 2life syncs across your devices in real time, so the two of you are always up to date.

the ultimate wedding planner for couples

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FREE!

REAL WEDDING

PARTY ON: HOW TO HOST A WEEKEND WEDDING A destination wedding that lasts all weekend gives you more time with your nearest and dearest. Take inspiration from Ryan and Jett’s fabulous Palm Springs celebration. BY DIANE HALL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE COWELL DESIGN BY JESI HAACK DESIGN PLANNING BY THE LOVE RIOT

THE LOCATION Choose a destination that holds special meaning for you and is easily accessible to most of your guests (ideally in their time zone). Ryan and Jett, who live in Los Angeles, chose Palm Springs, where they had vacationed and become engaged. It was familiar and not too far away, allowing them to easily plan the itinerary and wedding details from home. STEVE COWELL PHOTO

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THE VENUES Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be spending an entire weekend with your guests, so choose venues that can host various gatherings and keep everyone intrigued. Ryan and Jett rented out the entire Horizon Hotel, which inspired a mid-century modern design theme for the wedding, and where the festivities were kicked off with a pool party. The wedding was held the next day at the historic Frank Sinatra Estate; the piano-shaped pool, architecture, decor, and artwork delighted guests. 2LIFE WEDDINGS

INVITING DETAILS

STEVE COWELL PHOTO

Your invitations and wedding web site are essential for setting the tone, managing expectations and communicating details. Ryan and Jettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s web site included a detailed itinerary, plus where to stay, what to eat, and what to do in Palm Springs. Stylish, fun invitations built anticipation and established that this was a wedding not to be missed! 2LIFE WEDDINGS

DREAM TEAM When planning from a distance, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need a strong team of pros working on your behalf to realize your vision. Ryan and Jett hired wedding planner The Love Riot and Jesi Haack Design to orchestrate their epic celebration.

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VOW TO WOW

STEVE COWELL PHOTO

Make the transition from ceremony to celebration extra special and memorable with streamers and music. Then lead guests to the reception venue with a celebratory parade and greet them with refreshments.

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GET THE PARTY STARTED

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Every detail can put a smile on guests’ faces. Here, the midcentury modern design theme was reflected in the seating cards with mini Eames chairs, as well as all the signage (including menu cards saying “Hit The Taco Carts”). A hilarious sign announced the odds on how the evening might unfold.

PROP IT UP

STEVE COWELL PHOTO

Hiring a design firm or stylist can give you access to props with personality. Jesi Haack set up a tiki bar for themed cocktails, dressed reception tables with vintage radios and dinnerware, and created a 60s-style screen as a backdrop for the dessert table.

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AFTER HOURS

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The best part of a weekend destination wedding is that guests donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to go home. Ryan and Jettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playlist kept everyone on their feet (including dancing congo lines) until the wee hours. As anticipated, Jett ended up in the pool along with Ryan and several of their guests, making for some awesome photos that were later posted to their web site for all to enjoy.

WEDDING MAKERS Planning: The Love Riot Styling: Jesi Haack Design Design: Pitbulls and Posies Venue: Frank Sinatra Estate Accommodations: Horizon Hotel Photography: Steve Cowell Photo Videography: Max and Molly Films Furniture rentals: Yeah Dinnerware rentals: Casa de Perrin Catering: Huntington Cocktails: Pharmacie Desserts: Sweet and Saucy Shop Flowers: Honey & Poppies Hair and makeup: 10.11 Makeup Bridal gown: WTOO STEVE COWELL PHOTO

2LIFE WEDDINGS

REAL WEDDING

An Elegant Rustic Wedding

From pristine red buildings to sprawling apple orchards, this historic farm abounds with dreamy photo ops. BY NICOLE KEEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCARLET Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;NEILL

2LIFE WEDDINGS

e i m i a J &

HEN A COUPLE lives

in Toronto, but the bride hails from Muskoka (two hours north of the city) and the groom from South Africa, where in the world should they celebrate their wedding? This is precisely the conundrum that confronted Jaimie and Ben as they set about planning their celebration. “With Ben’s family being in South Africa, and mine here in Canada, we had the tough decision of whether to have the event in either country or as a destination,” Jaimie explains. Ultimately, the two decided to host their wedding in Canada, and they soon fell in love with a picture-perfect venue: the Fields on West Lake. SCARLET O’NEILL PHOTOGRAPHY

Ben

You honestly couldn’t ask for a prettier spot for an elegant, rustic wedding. From pristine red and green buildings (that date back to the 1860s!) to sprawling apple orchards, this historic farm abounds with dreamy photo ops. Indeed, Jaimie and Ben took full advantage of the property: they said “I do” beside the venue’s pond, served cocktails by the sheep shed, and hosted their reception in the main barn. Conveniently, Jaimie and her bridesmaids were also able to get ready in one of the property’s carriage houses pre-ceremony and several family members stayed the night in buildings on-site. 2LIFE WEDDINGS

NOTHER ADVANTAGE

to the Fields on West Lake was the builtin florist! Blooms on West Lake, which operates out of the barn, provided all the couple’s exquisite flower arrangements, including bright, cheerful bouquets and boutonnières. Furthermore, Blooms also decorated the aisle and the arbor for the duo’s ceremony. Plus, they thoughtfully moved all the flowers up to the barn for the reception, Jaimie notes. 2LIFE WEDDINGS

Flowers were just one way the couple paid homage to Ben’s South African heritage: the exotic-looking orange protea, the national flower of South Africa, was incorporated into bright, cheerful bouquets and boutonnieres. Ben’s parents also brought wedding favors straight from their homeland: hand-made glass figurines of South Africa’s “big five” animals (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo). SCARLET O’NEILL PHOTOGRAPHY

While some elements of the wedding, like the unique guest gifts, came from farther afield, Jaimie and Ben insisted on local products whenever possible: “We wanted to keep things local, serving local wines and apple cider made on-site by Fields on West Lake,” Jaimie explains. “Our caterer used local produce and created milk tarts (a South African recipe) for our desserts.” But milk tarts weren’t the only tasty SCARLET O’NEILL PHOTOGRAPHY

delights on the menu – the happy couple also created their very own “cheese cake” using wheels of Gouda and other cheeses from Toronto and Halifax, Nova Scotia. To complete the tiers of cheese wheels, Jaimie and Ben turned to their talented friend (and bridesmaid) Vanessa Neily, who created a custom cake topper. Needless to say, Ben, whom Jaimie describes as a “cheese-a-holic,” thoroughly enjoyed their unconventional dessert! 2LIFE WEDDINGS

N ADDITION TO THE COUPLE’S

savory “cake,” there was another wedding detail that was a particular hit with Ben: a shiny, candy apple red 1966 Ford Mustang convertible. “He insisted that it would look great in photos, but I know he just really wanted to drive it,” Jaimie laughs. All joking aside, the vintage car truly was a spectacular prop for the couple’s portraits (and their wedding party enjoyed the sweet ride, too!). Speaking of the wedding party, their 2LIFE WEDDINGS

fabulous attire bears noting. The bridesmaids dazzled in deep blue Bill Levkoff gowns, which were complemented by vibrant bouquets, while the dapper groomsmen made a stylish statement of their own in blue blazers paired with crisp white shirts and charcoal gray trousers (all from GotStyle). Not to be outdone, the handsome groom wore a custom-made three-piece suit by Made. Every single detail of the suit was tailored for Ben, including a secret personalized message: his and Jaimie’s initials were embroidered inside the jacket. Last but not least, Jaimie was truly the belle of the ball in a dreamy Private Label by G bridal gown with an exquisite beaded bodice. Like Ben’s, Jaimie’s ensemble was also customized (by Bridal Fashion Fraire). In terms of an overall theme for the day, travel was a natural choice for Jaimie and Ben. Not only were they born in different parts of the world, but the two also enjoy visiting exotic locales together. Indeed, Ben’s profession (he’s an exploration geologist) frequently takes him to far-flung destinations in China and Africa. Soon after they began dating, Jaimie caught the travel bug from Ben, and the rest is history! SCARLET O’NEILL PHOTOGRAPHY

“He insisted that it would look great in photos, but I know he just really wanted to drive it,” Jaimie laughs.

PHOTO : QUENTIN BACON

2LIFE WEDDINGS

SCARLET O’NEILL PHOTOGRAPHY

pastime, Jaimie and Ben named each reception table after a place they’ve visited (like Istanbul and Boston). The centerpieces consisted of souvenirs from each destination as well as photos of them visiting there. To reinforce the travel theme, Jaimie (a graphic designer) designed “passports” with information about the day as well as funny facts about the duo’s relationship. Instead of escort cards, guests received “boarding passes” that indicated where they would be heading for dinner! When asked to describe their favorite moment of the day, Jaimie and Ben both agreed it was during cocktail hour when they slipped away to take some shots with their photographer, Scarlet O’Neill. “We could see everyone mingling; we could hear the odd burst of laughter, and the music from the threepiece band playing, and it felt like we were watching a movie,” Jaimie fondly recalls. “We just said to ourselves that we couldn’t believe it was real life because it was all so perfect.” O HONOR THEIR FAVORITE

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FEATURE

Post-Wedding Disorder Lindsay Noronha mourns her fabulous wedding. ILLUSTRATION BY JULIA BRECKENREID

Y WEDDING, THE

happiest day of my life, passed away on June 23. Since its passing, I’ve had trouble accepting that it’s gone. My husband, Shaun, calls this sadness post-wedding disorder, or PWD. 2LIFE WEDDINGS

And as much as I like to tell him he’s wrong about most things, he’s definitely on to something here. I loved being engaged. Shaun and I had been dating for almost 10 years when he proposed, and I had wanted to marry

him for all of those thousands of days that led up to his giving me a Kinder Surprise egg with a ring inside on Christmas Eve. From the moment I cried yes, I pictured myself as a bride. I loved telling people that I was engaged. I loved trying on my wedding band and going to the dress shop to look at my gown. My wedding day was everything I wanted. I got the perfect guy and I married him on our perfect day and for that I will be forever grateful. So why do I feel an emptiness afterward? I planned each and every tiny detail of my longawaited day, and it went ﬂawlessly. So where did I go wrong? Now that several seasons have passed since my perfect day, I realize that it wasn’t the dream of the wedding that I loved so much; it was being engaged. Although I knew that getting married would bring amazing new things into my life, what escaped my centerpiece-ﬁlled consciousness was that it would eliminate the one thing that meant more to me than roses and peonies: being almost married.

When I look back at the evidence, it seems so obvious now. I wanted to be a wife, yes, but I was far more focused on being an almost wife. Since our marriage, each morning I do a little dance in my head when I wake up to the fact that there are no more wedding to-do lists to stress about. But this relief lasts only moments before the realization kicks in that I will never again plan or participate in my wedding. It’s then that I feel a sadness come over me that I never experienced in all my years as a Miss. For 18 months, I had only one task: to plan the perfect wedding. With my dream fulfilled, what now? The average engagement lasts about a year, so is it really all that surprising that an event that swallows a woman’s life for so long would leave a bruise once the clock strikes midnight? My sister tells me not to worry, that Shaun and I can renew our vows for our 10th anniversary. It’s tempting. But then another bout of PWD? I think I’ll pass.

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GIFT REGISTRY

INFORMED DECISIONS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE PRODUCTS YOU WILL BE REGISTERING FOR BY KAREN HALL

2LIFE WEDDINGS

GIFT REGISTRY

you’ve never really thought much about the differences between fine china and stoneware, or the nuances of copper-bottomed versus triply cookware. But if your wedding gift registry is meant to furnish your marital home with goods to last a lifetime, you HANCES ARE

should learn about the options available and choose wisely. In our previous issues, we introduced you to the hows and whys of wedding gift registries and walked you through the numbers. Here, we delve deeper into some of the stuff you didn’t even know you should know.

COOKWARE 101 Good cooking really boils down to good pots and pans. Think of them as the DNA of your kitchen identity. So before registering for the set of your dreams, make sure you know your copper from your cast iron, stainless steel from non-stick. STAINLESS STEEL

It’s actually an alloy of metals, making it very durable. It’s also easy to clean, scratch- and warp- resistant and fairly inexpensive. NON-STICK

Refers to any material that has an added non-stick surface. It’s easy to clean and requires less oil when cooking. The surface may wear off over time.

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GIFT REGISTRY

HARD-ANODIZED ALUMINUM

Sealed with an extra-thick layer of aluminum oxide for corrosion resistance. An excellent heat conductor. The dark grey matte finish is scratch-resistant and doesn’t react with acidic foods. Affdordable, but tends to degrade over time. CAST IRON

It’s been used for centuries, from pioneers to pro chefs. Incredibly durable and retains heat very well, though it should be “seasoned” before first use. COPPER

A favourite of professional chefs. It heats quickly and evenly, allowing the utmost control over cooking. It’s usually quite expensive because of the high price of copper. TRI-PLY

Essentially stainless steel with enhanced heat transfer properties. Triply pans usually have an aluminum or copper base sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel, helping food cook more evenly.

18/10 STAINLESS STEEL

ALUMINUM

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MAGNETIC STAINLESS STEEL

TABLETOP TIPS There are three things that form the foundation of your tabletop collection: dishes (dinnerware), utensils (flatware), and glasses (stemware and barware). You may receive individual pieces or place settings as gifts, but altogether, these represent quite a substantial investment. There are practical things to consider. For example, do you relish the idea of getting out the “good china” on special occasions, or having various sets to suit various menus or cuisines? Do you have room to store more than one set of dinnerware, or do you need one set that can be used for everything? Are you traditionalists who plan to hand down family heirlooms to your children? Do you enjoy washing dishes by hand, or does everything have to be dishwasher-safe?

2LIFE WEDDINGS

Dinnerware: know your body type FINE BONE CHINA

Thin, translucent, lightweight and extremely durable. Kaolin clay mixed together with bone ash, fired at high heat, and then glazed. PORCELAIN/FINE CHINA

Made from highly refined clays. It’s durable and non-porous and has a lustrous surface. STONEWARE

Made from coarser clays, it’s heavier than china, opaque and extremely durable. EARTHENWARE

Made from a mixture of clays. Semi-porous earthenware is lighter and slightly less durable than stoneware.

ANATOMY OF A TABLE Nothing sets the mood for a special occasion like a beautifully laid table. If you’re going all out with multiple courses, this illustration shows what goes where. Generally, utensils are placed in the order that they will be used, with the first furthest away from the plate. Knife blades always face the the plate. 14 1

16 6

3 9

BUTTER KNIFE

DINNER FORK

DINNER PLATE

TEACUP & SAUCER

BREAD PLATE

DESSERT SPOON

SALAD PLATE

WATER GOBLET

NAPKIN

DESSERT FORK

DINNER KNIFE

RED WINE GLASS

SALAD FORK

CHARGER

SOUP SPOON

WHITE WINE GLASS

2LIFE WEDDINGS

GIFT REGISTRY

SLEEP ON IT You spend a third of your life in bed, so high-quality sheets are a worthwhile investment. Here is a guide to some of the lingo.

THREAD COUNT

This simply refers to the number of threads in a square inch of fabric. Generally speaking, higher is better and more durable, although any more than 600 may make the fabric too dense and likely to trap body heat. The minumum is 200. Between 280 and 400 is ideal: smooth, breathable, and durable. The finer the fiber, the higher the thread count can be. SIZE

Mattresses and sheets come in standard sizes, so if you know the former, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to choose the latter, with one important proviso: make sure the fitted sheet will accommodate the thickness of your mattress.

2LIFE WEDDINGS

Material matters EGYPTIAN COTTON

Most highly prized for sheets: luxurious, ultra-soft and durable. PIMA COTTON

High quality, with silky feel and lustrous sheen. If grown in the U.S., itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s called Supima. POLY/COTTON BLEND

Durable and easy to care for, but possibly less breathable. BAMBOO

Eco-friendly, soft, durable, easy to care for, and hypo-allergenic. SATEEN

Super-soft cotton weave with smooth, lustrous surface. PERCALE

Plain matte weave with a crisp, cool feel. FLANNEL

Fluffy and cozy with a brushed finish, ideal for cold weather.

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TRAVEL

7 Sexy Cities

A canal in Bruges, the “Venice of the North”

Skip Paris and NYC! We dare you to try some of the world’s lesser known but equally romantic locales! BY STEFF MOORE

MATTHEW RAGEN/ISTOCK

Night view of bridges on Vltava river

Prague, Czech Republic will dazzle even the most wary of travelers. You’ll be enchanted by the fairytale architecture and old-world charm, and the hip nightlife will have you out dancing till the wee hours. With its Gothic spires, lovely river and lakes, and plentiful fountains, Prague is the perfect city for romantic walks. WHAT TO DO: Stroll through scented rose gardens. Listen to the chime of a 600-year-old astronomical clock. Kiss on the famous Charles Bridge. Marvel at the “THE CITY OF A HUNDRED SPIRES”

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diversity of the architecture. Visit Prague Castle—the largest ancient castle in the world. Admire the work of Rodin and Picasso at the National Gallery. WHERE TO STAY: A medieval monastery has been lovingly restored to create the tranquil and romantic Hotel Questenberk. Snuggle under the covers in an attic room under the original roof beams, and take breakfast in the converted baroque chapel. You can score a deluxe room for as little as €60 and they offer many other great deals. ISTOCK

2 Beautiful architecture in downtown Willemstad

Willemstad, Curaçao of sun, sand, and city, you can’t beat Curaçao. Willemstad is a world-class capital in the heart of the Caribbean, steeped in beautifully preserved history (it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). You will feel like a local as you explore this vibrant, sophisticated city and the island, easily reached with direct flights from Toronto and New York. WHAT TO DO: Stroll through winding streets enjoying the charming dutch architecture. Shop ’til you drop at chic FOR THE PERFECT COMBINATION

ISTOCK

shops and local markets. Dine at outdoor cafés and fine restaurants. Rent a car and explore the island from coast to coast. Lie on the beach, or get active with swimming, scuba-diving, boating, fishing, surfing, golf, cycling, hiking… WHERE TO STAY: Hotel ‘t Klooster is a former convent that has been transformed into a small, remarkable hotel with a personal touch. Rooms, starting at $110, overlook a tropical courtyard. Shopping, dining, historic sites and a beach are within walking distance. 2LIFE WEDDINGS

Shops and restaurants in Market Square

Bruges, Belgium CALLED THE “VENICE OF THE NORTH,”

Bruges has a network of picturesque canals and preserved medieval charm that make it a must-see for couples in love. A center of trade in the Middle Ages, Bruges is now home to some of the finest beer, sausages and chocolate in Europe. What’s not to love?! WHAT TO DO: Take a cruise around the canals and learn about the fascinating history of Bruges. Climb the Belfry tower and take in panoramic views of the city. Enjoy waffles, chocolate and beer (not all 2LIFE WEDDINGS

at once!) in the many quaint cafes surrounding the Grote Markt. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride or just walk hand-in-hand around the cobbled lanes. WHERE TO STAY: Get the Royal Treatment in Kempinski Hotel Dukes’ Palace, the 15th-century residence of the former Dukes of Burgundy. Choose from one of the palatial rooms and suites–some are even heritage-listed—and spend a day relaxing in the gardens or the spa. Rooms start from €128 and include marble bathrooms and 300-count cotton sheets. MICHAEL UTECH/ISTOCK

Getting steamy in Roman baths

Bath, England cobbled streets and gardens of Bath, a UNESCO heritage site brimming with ancient history and Georgian splendour. Since Roman times, pilgrims have come to Bath to soak in the thermal waters, which were believed to have healing properties. The city boasts more than 20 museums and the famous Bath Abbey, the last of the great medieval churches of England. WHAT TO DO: Hire a vintage car to tour the historic city. Visit the ancient Roman baths and enjoy thermal spa treatments WANDER THROUGH THE

COLIN HAWKINGS/BATH CITY TOURISM

just like the Romans did at Thermae Bath Spa. Enjoy the countryside with a boat trip down the River Avon, and finish with a show at the Theatre Royal Bath. WHERE TO STAY: Bask in Georgian finery at The Windsor, a B&B boasting 15 elegantly appointed rooms. Ideally situated in the center of town on one of the finest streets in Europe, you’re just a short walk from Bath’s romantic attractions. With double rooms starting at £80, you’ll have money left over to indulge in the nearby spa resorts. 2LIFE WEDDINGS

Mosque Ben Youssef in Marrakech with Atlas mountains

Marrakesh, Morocco set against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is a whirlwind of exotic sights, sounds, tastes and smells. Whether you want to explore brightly colored markets, visit a Moroccan bathhouse (hammam) or dance the night away in North Africa’s party city, Marrakesh will be an experience to remember. WHAT TO DO: Stroll through the fragrant Jardin Majorelle French gardens and admire the Islamic arts in the pavilion. Explore the ruins of the 16th-century El AN EXOTIC HIDEAWAY

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Badi Palace. Try haggling as you explore the labyrinth of the souk markets—be sure to sample aromatic tagines and other delicacies. Ride a camel. Marvel at the snake charmers and belly dancers in Jemaa el Fna square. WHERE TO STAY: A visit to Marrakesh wouldn’t be complete without a stay in a riad: a home or palace with an internal courtyard garden and a luxurious, homey atmosphere. Riad Chi-Chi, on a quiet culde-sac in the heart of the Medina, offers simple, elegant luxury from €90 per night. WONGKAER/ISTOCK

The medieval center of Rothenburg

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany Tauber River in the Franconia region of Bavaria, Rothenburg is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe and one of the top sights along the area’s “Romantic Road.” Once a wealthy center of trade in the Middle Ages, plague and war left the town poor and nearly empty, preserving its romantic medieval character. WHAT TO DO: Walk atop the medieval wall encircling the old town and climb the tower for picturesque views over the Tauber valley. Enjoy lunch in the richly LOCATED ALONG THE

JOERG REIMANN

decorated Baumeisterhaus (The Master Builder’s House) near the marketplace. Watch a lively show at the Rothenburg Puppet Theater. Scare yourselves silly on Rothenburg’s Night Watchman tour. WHERE TO STAY: What better way to enjoy a romantic medieval getaway than staying in a thousand-year-old castle? Burg Hotel Colmberg, located a short drive from Rothenburg, offers rooms from €99. You’ll enjoy remarkable views over the pastoral landscape and a scrumptious breakfast in the morning. 2LIFE WEDDINGS

Argentina’s National Congress building

Buenos Aires, Argentina of lovers, then the city that gave birth to it is truly one hot spot! Buenos Aires is a whirlwind of seduction: smell the aromas wafting from steakhouses along the grand boulevards, get swept up in the vibrant and modern arts scene, and delight in watching spontaneous street tango. WHAT TO DO: Take a tango lesson at the Academia Nacional del Tango, and strut your stuff later at one of the vibrant tango salons. Visit Evita Peron’s grave at the striking Recoleta Cemetery. See the IF TANGO IS THE DANCE

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iconic Obelisk and the Torre Monumental. Enjoy a fabulous dinner in the hip Puerto Madero district, followed by an opera at the Teatro Colón. WHERE TO STAY: Located in the trendy Monserrat district, the 1890 Hotel Boutique and art gallery offers guests comfortable luxury in one of six suites overlooking a tranquil garden. Explore the city from this central location, or simply unwind under the colonnaded portico. Price from about $100 per night, this is a getaway anyone can afford. NIKKI BIDGOOD PHOTOGRAPHY/ISTOCK

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REAL WEDDING MOMENT

WATCH

GROOMSMEN GET THEIR GROOVE ON TO BEYONCE, BACKSTREET BOYS AND MORE! WE’RE “CRAZY IN LOVE” with

this choreographed dance routine! Groom Sean Rajaee surprised his new bride by hitting the dance floor with his groomsmen for a wellrehearsed (and hilarious!) group performance to songs by Beyonce, Bruno Mars and more. We especially love the moment when the tempo slows and the groomsmen put on sunglasses as the first notes of I Want It That Way by The Backstreet Boys start up…who wouldn’t want to be serenaded by their very own boy band?! However, the cherry on top of the whole routine is definitely when the groom gets down on one knee and then kisses his bride to the tune of Bruno Mars’s Marry Me. It doesn’t get better than that.

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