Beautiful Bride

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Beautiful Weddings

ORLANDO ATLANTA CENTRAL VALLEY SAN DIEGO LAS VEGAS!

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O U T RIG G E R ON T HE L AG O ON

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Editor’s Note

from thE puBLishEr MARK SHAFFER Dear Bride-to-Be, trust. it’s the foundation of any loving relationship! on this beautiful journey you are on, it began when you trusted your future husband enough to say “yes” to his marriage proposal, and when he trusted you enough to ask you to marry him.

When it comes to planning your wedding, the foundation you build with your wedding professionals should also be based upon trust. however, like finding your soul mate, it takes time to build that trust. the trust you place in your wedding vendors is the foundation to a happy and successful wedding, which can be the beginning of a happy and successful marriage. remember when meeting your soonto-be husband, how you instantly knew that there was chemistry and that you two clicked? When meeting your potential wedding vendors, you should follow the same gut feelings. When you trust your wedding vendors, the planning process isn’t so overwhelming.

Within the pages of this magazine you will find hundreds of wedding professionals that you can put your faith in. We pre qualify every

one of our wedding professionals before they make the pages of this magazine. the Beautiful Bride Magazine team has personally met with the vendors in this magazine, and we give them all our official stamp of approval. When planning your wedding, you can relax knowing that we’ve personally met, connected with, and have confidence that these professionals will handle your wedding as if it was their own special day. your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life… it is the day you and your husband begin a life together. you should be able to relax and enjoy that day knowing you chose the best of the best whom you trust with your most important memories. We are confident that the wedding professionals within these pages will provide you the best for your wedding day! Congratulations on this exciting new chapter in your life! i wish you pure joy, happiness and success in your life of love! mark shaffer National publisher

from thE EDitor JENN ZENN a wedding day can be fleeting; the memories however, should last you a lifetime! for your friends, your family and your wedding professionals, your wedding day will mark a special moment when you and your beloved became one. Whether your wedding is massive or intimate, celebratory or serene, it is the motivation for the day that should linger long past the wedding cake leftovers: love and devotion. so many details can go into planning your perfect day. from the save-the-Dates and shower invitations, to the Wedding invitations, announcements and thank you notes, there are endless ways that you can set the tone for the events surrounding your wedding. Choosing creative methods to express to your guests the love that you and your fiancé share with one another puts a personal touch on the décor and the day.

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a wedding is a stepping-stone to an optimistic new phase in your life. you are merging families, merging lives and making memories that will shape your world forever. however you choose to commemorate your union, remember to take in all of the precious moments of your wedding process and relish in the love that brought you two together in the first place.

Within the pages of Beautiful Bride Magazine, you will find hundreds of ideas to design the wedding of your dreams. Be sure to visit our website for wedding tips and updates to create a perfectly personalized celebration www.beautifulbridemagazine.com Enjoy and Be Well!

my style & fashion

46 • MyVegasMag.coM

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Beautiful Weddings

model: Jamie martin hair and make up: glamsquad70 flowers: Desert rose florist gown Designer: allure Bridal gown provided By: Bowties Bridal

ORLANDO ATLANTA CENTRAL VALLEY SAN DIEGO LAS VEGAS!

3SIMPLY WAYS

Green Your Photography

B E au t i fu LB r i D Em ag a z i N E.Co m

$4.95

OUTRIG G ER ON TH E L AG OON

Exotic Fiji

Roxanne Weatherly, i wish the best for your wedding planning journey, and the years to follow. i hope you send over your stories and images, and tell me about your fairytale wedding, held at the venue of your dreams. publisher, Beautiful Bride Atlanta

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 550 s fort apache, suite 110 Las Vegas, NV 91 info@BeautifulBridemagazine.com toll free 1-55-BriDE-75

NATIONAL PUBLISHER, CEO | mark shaffer

Kimberly Vaughan, throughout the corridor of highway 99 (the heart of our Central Valley), to the skyline on the mountain tops of the sierra Nevada mountain range, you’ll be sure to find a remarkable and perfect venue. Check out the following pages where you’ll find the best wedding professionals Central Valley has to offer, who will make this vision you are dreaming the very best day of your life. i can only imagine the events that will unfold at these remarkable establishments and i wish i could attend each and every one. – kimberly Vaughan, publisher, Beautiful Bride Central Valley

ATLANTA PUBLISHER | roxanne Weatherly LAS VEGAS PUBLISHER | mark shaffer MODESTO/FRESNO PUBLISHER | kimberly Vaughan ORLANDO PUBLISHERS | Jon and monica fehlberg SAN DIEGO PUBLISHER | mark shaffer NATIONAL EDITOR | Jenn zenn WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR | andrea hulihan DATABASE MANAGER | fallon hall FINANCE MANAGER | kathy hood HONEYMOON AND DESTINATION WEDDING EDITOR | mark shaffer

Monica and John Fehlberg, orlando offers many beautiful options for your perfect wedding day. Whether it is a traditional or modern wedding, a magical or serene affair, there is something to satisfy every bride’s tastes and desires. No matter what your dream wedding is, allow one of orlando’s extraordinary wedding venues to become your reality. to make your orlando dream wedding come true, check out the following pages where you’ll find the best orlando has to offer in fine wedding professionals.

–monica and John fehlberg, publishers, Beautiful Bride Orlando

SALES NATIONAL ADVERTISING mark shaffer mark@BBNational.com 70-79-7

CENTRAL VALLEY kimberly Vaughan kimberly@BeautifulBrideCentralValley.com 55-BriDE- x00

ATLANTA roxanne Weatherly info@BeautifulBrideatlanta.com 770-1-7515

LAS VEGAS mark shaffer mark@BBNational.com 70-79-7

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ORLANDO Jon and monica fehlberg monica@beautifulbrideorlando.com jon@beautifulbrideorlando.com 07-97-9710 SAN DIEGO mark shaffer mark@BBNational.com 70-79-7

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maDE iN thE usa keeping america Employed

EXPERIENCE THE AWE OF AN ARIA WEDDING. Be enveloped in modern luxury while enjoying first-class service and undivided attention. Choose from a variety of packages to create a customized ceremony and memories to last a lifetime at ARIA Resort & Casino, Las Vegas.

Be seduced by love at The Wedding Chapel at ARIA. To book your wedding or for more information, please contact us: 702.590.LOVE | weddings@arialasvegas.com | AriaLasVegas.com

Celebrity Writers David Tutera is an artistic visionary who contributes his top tips, take on trends and overall sound advice to the readers of Beautiful Bride Magazine. David shares his innovative and inspirational abilities with brides on his tV show, “my fair Wedding.”

David has been featured on two covers of Beautiful Bride Magazine, one as himself, and another featuring his gowns by mon Cheri Bridals. David has been featured on Oprah, the Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, The View, The Rachael Ray Show and more.

Preston Bailey contributes his 0+ years of experience to our planning section. preston is best known for his ability to completely transform raw spaces into breathtaking environments and creation of unique floral designs. Within the pages of Beautiful Bride Magazine, preston educates brides on the important components of event design and how they can translate his ideas to fit their wedding. known for being an “arbiter of style,” Colin Cowie has been made famous by the spectacular weddings and events he plans. With over three years contributing to Beautiful Bride Magazine, Colin shares his visions on all things wedding from the gown, to the cake, to the flowers, to the music. Colin uses an experiential approach to design, incorporating all of the senses to carefully orchestrated to create the ultimate experience for Colin’s clients. all eyes are on the bride. and all brides are tuning into Randy Fenoli’s series of hit tV shows! With his signature phrase, “hello Beautiful!” randy contributes to our gowns section, and that is a big responsibility. randy believes that every bride is beautiful, no matter what their age, size or shape, and gives brides the peace of mind they desire when shopping for the perfect gown. you can watch randy on Say Yes to the Dress, Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss, Randy Knows Best, and Randy to the Rescue. known for her trademark eyeglasses, Sylvia Weinstock has been creating iconic wedding cakes for more than 0 years. sylvia prides herself on using only the finest ingredients available, including creme de la creme, finest butter, heavy cream, fresh fruit and imported chocolate to create her memorable cakes. Within the pages of Beautiful Bride, sylvia not only tips for choosing the perfect cake but answers our readers toughest questions on everything wedding.

a proud West Virginian, Monte Durham’s interest in fashion was ignited by his stylish mother and honed through educations in fashion merchandising and hair styling. During his career as a personal shopper, monte learned that fashionable women needed help accessorizing and styling their hair. and monte delivered. seamlessly transitioning into the bridal industry, monte is providing the same service to our readers – building the look beyond the dress — and much, much more. you can watch monte on tLC’s hit show say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta.

Renée Strauss is one of the most sought after bridal experts in the world. as the founder of renée strauss for the platinum Bride, she ran the premier luxury bridal salon in Beverly hills for thirty years. she has become the go-to stylist for celebrities and trendsetting brides-tobe, frequently being called upon by film, television, commercial and print productions for her expertise. through her hit tV show, Brides of Beverly Hills, and her popular Huffington Post blog, she connects with fans all across the country, as well as internationally. in fact, strauss travels the world to speak to wedding industry professionals and make appearances at bridal expos and events. a frequent guest on the popular radio show Business Rockstars, strauss also serves on the program’s panel of mentors to assist aspiring entrepreneurs.

Named a “top 5 trendsetter,” multi award-winning entertainment designer Andy Kushner turns simple ideas into extraordinary celebrations by helping brides live their dream. fellow trendsetter Colin Cowie features andy on his site among his elite fabulous friends. andy has a reputation for his precise attention to scale, budget and personalization.

prouD mEmBEr of:

OWN YOUR OWN BEAUTIFUL BRIDE MAGAZINE BUSINESS 1.55.BriDE.75 Opening New Cities Every Month!

Beautiful Bride is published quarterly, by Beautiful Bride Magazine, Inc., Copyright 01, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher. “Beautiful Bride” is a National trademark. the unauthorized use of the trademark is strictly prohibited. the information contained in this publication is believed to be accurate; however, Beautiful Bride does not make any guarantees regarding the accuracy of content. Beautiful Bride highly recommends the wedding professionals found in this magazine however Beautiful Bride cannot not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by the advertisers and/or writers in this publication. Beautiful Bride reserves the right to refuse and/or reject any advertising or content.

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In this Issue Features & Inspirations 12 Destination Wedding: Exotic Fiji’s Outrigger Resort

14 Drawing the Line How to Create Healthy Boundaries in Life and Love

52 Beautiful Flowers A Touch of Color

54 Three Simple Ways To Green Your Photography Creating and Preserving Your Ecofriendly Memories

74 Raising the “BaR” Creating Big Impact for Your Wedding Day Budget

56 Bohemian Gypsy 1970’s Wedding Photo Shoot

79 EVEN 5 More Things Your Guests Won’t Tell You

94 Marriage Isn’t for You 209 Photo Finish

City Guides

98 Atlanta 110 Central Valley 120 Orlando 150 San Diego 158 Las Vegas

In this Issue Celebrity Writers 20 Wedding Talk

with David Tutera Wedding Wow Factor

26 Why You’re Not a Bridezilla

by Randy Fenoli You Have an Absolute Right for Everything to be Perfect

48 Bridal Gown Tips for Expecting Brides Renée Strauss

58 Wedding Chic with Colin Cowie Invitations and Other Papers

64 Picture Perfect Event with Monte Durham A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

80 Ask Sylvia Weinstock 26

Your Wedding Questions Answered

84 Keep Your Dance Floor Packed

by Andy Kushner

92 Destination & Design with Preston Bailey

64

Real Brides

104 Chantrele & Alexander

48

Atlanta

116 Nicole & Ralph Central Valley

130 Elizabeth & Mitchell Orlando

204 Yvette & Eric 92

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Las Vegas BeautifulBrideMagazine.com

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In this Issue Planning & Prep

16 Wedding Countdown What to Do and When…

22 Gift Registries Time to Shop

47 It Cost What?

How to Avoid Sticker Shock

55 Flowers for Your Wedding a Pricing Guide

66 Groom Service The Formal Guide

70 Beautiful Ceremonies Venues, Vows, Music & Officiants

76 Your Reception

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The Main Event

82 Your Cake Love at First Bite

86 Picture Perfect The Story of Your Day

88 Arrive in Style The Ride for the Bride 70

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109 Tour of Gwinnett County

Beauty & Fashion 18 Fab Finds for Her 24 The Perfect Wedding Smile 28 Bridal Attire: A Touch of Class 46 Look Your Best: Bridal Beauty 60 Beauty Bar 46

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68 Fab Finds For Him

Destination Wedding: Exotic Fiji

DEstiNatioN WEDDiNg: ExotiC fiJi

South Seas Nuptials Draw Couples to the Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji

T

he marriage ceremony, a highly regarded element of traditional fijian life, is drawing increasing numbers of visitors to the island paradise.

Couples who choose a beach front setting will walk along an avenue of palms and be wed to the distant sound of surf breaking on the reef.

this trend has seen fiji become the venue of choice for couples attracted by the romanticism of a south seas wedding and the excellent value offered by resorts such as the five star outrigger on the Lagoon,fiji.

those who opt for a garden ceremony will become man and wife amidst lush, tropical foliage planted to represent the traditional layout of a local village, sealing the nuptial bond beside the stream which flows into the resort’s lily covered ponds.

traditional fiji wedding custom requires the groom to present the bride’s father with a whale tooth, a gift that symbolizes status and wealth. outrigger on the Lagoon,fiji may not include a whale’s tooth in its wedding packages but will include a ceremony rich in memories for the bride, groom and their guests.

outrigger on the Lagoon, fiji recently broadened its appeal to couples with the opening of a purpose built adults only pool and bistro, the Vahavu (meaning ‘to relax’ or ‘chill out’). the $. million Vahavu complex features a 0m lap pool, a 5m lagoon pool and a swim-up bar. it also features

the resort offers a choice of locations from a beachfront or tropical garden setting to the idyllic Bure Ni Loloma chapel (fijian for ‘house of love’) sitting high above the resort on Lamolagi hill. the Bure Ni Loloma wedding chapel boasts breathtaking views across the resort’s reef fringed lagoon and beyond to the broad sweep of the pacific ocean, a setting that captures the beauty of the south pacific and is a fitting backdrop to exchange vows of love, respect and fidelity.

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a banquets center, which can cater for up to 100 guests and is an ideal venue for a wedding reception. outrigger on the Lagoon,fiji can also provide the services and expertise essential to ensure that a couple’s every wish and desire is fulfilled. the fijian word ‘Vuvale’ means family and every element of outrigger on the Lagoon, fiji is focused on delivering five star service and facilities from its fijian family to its guests. these include providing a personal wedding coordinator, marriage license, transfers to the registry, a photographer, a church minister or celebrant, floral arrangements (including bouquets and button holes), its own outrigger choir, a dinner or cocktail reception and a wedding cake. the resort also provides luxury accommodation packages for the bride and groom including its unique talai Butler service, Bebe spa sanctuary and Wavelengths hair salon (for the bride and the wedding party), and activities for friends and family. function rooms overlooking the palm trees in the resort’s extensive grounds and the pacific have been designed as the perfect venue for receptions while the Vakavanua Lounge is ideal for post-wedding drinks or a cocktail and canapé reception. menu choices range from the traditional Lovo Buffet to south pacific BBQ buffet, ocean feast buffet and tastes of the pacific rim. group spa treatments can be organized for wedding guests at the award-winning, Bebe spa sanctuary as well as a private champagne breakfast or canapés and cocktails at kalokalo Bar, the highest point of the spa sanctuary and one that offers unsurpassed views. to make the most of a destination wedding, the resort can also plan activities to suit all guests; including deep-sea fishing, a sigatoka river safari or a scenic helicopter flight over the mamanuca islands, followed by lunch on Castaway island. outrigger on the Lagoon provides a setting for a wedding ceremony that blends the exotic with the romantic, ensuring unforgettable moments for the newly-wed couple, family and friends. for additional information visit www.outriggerfiji.com orwww.bebespafiji.com.

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Drawing the Line

DraWiNg thE LiNE

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How to create healthy boundaries in life and love

D

espite the sometimes-overwhelming need to be “one” with your mate, it’s actually healthy to know where your partner ends and you begin. While spending time sharing experiences and discovering common interests helps to create intimacy, take steps not to lose your own identity in your quest for “oneness.”

Keeping Your Identity Safe how do you preserve your identity? Doing things like balancing the time you and your partner spend together and apart can be a good start. putting space between you helps you realize and appreciate your individuality. it also sets healthy limits in your life together; helping to ensure that either partner doesn’t start to feel overwhelmed by aspects of the relationship.

Healthy Choices find how to connect with others in a healthy way, where you both share mutual respect. in some cases, the goal is to ensure that one or both individuals does not feel dominated or taken advantage of in the relationship. it’s good to know the difference between potentially unhealthy interactions and maintaining healthy relationships. take a look at these examples: Potentially unhealthy: • Consistently allowing someone else’s desires or will to override your own • giving in against your judgment where the outcome is in conflict with your personal values or well being

your identity is your sense of who you are. part of that involves knowing yourself well enough to know what you want, and what you find acceptable in your relationships with others. When you are clear on these things you have a better sense of self and a better chance of successfully protecting your interests and needs in any situation.

Healthy: • making decisions together while accepting that at times you may be swayed or influenced by your partner

More Than Saying “No”

maintaining boundaries is not always easy. it takes practice and courage. you can start by asking yourself a few questions; what is it you value, what positive things do you bring to relationships and lastly decide that everyone deserves to have his/her feelings and opinions respected in romantic partnerships, friendships, even in day to day interactions. know what’s most important to you. identify your “must-haves” and “deal-breakers.” know your limits; pinpoint the few things you are not willing to compromise on and stick to them.

Establishing boundaries is not only a good idea in romantic relationships; it can apply to friends, co-workers and family members as well. if you find yourself making most of your decisions based on what someone else feels, does, wants, or find yourself feeling responsible for others’ happiness, it may be time to consider where to draw the line, and prepare yourself for what to do if another person crosses it.

We sometimes mistakenly believe that having boundaries simply means saying “no.” While this is an appropriate part of it, how you communicate your feelings and preferences to others in general help dictate your boundaries - especially when there are conflicting interests or disagreements. it’s all about maintaining balance and staying away from extremes. Completely surrendering to someone else emotionally may be just as detrimental as shutting down or shutting someone out in a way that makes an emotional connection impossible.

• promoting compromise

having healthy boundaries is one of the best things you can do for yourself and those you care about. think of it not just as drawing a line, but creating a structure within which your relationship can function well and continue to flourish.

Nelandra anselmo, ms, mft is a licensed marriage and family therapist who practices in henderson, NV. she supports couples through pre-marital and relationship therapy, education for new parents and families, and supports counselors and clergy in providing tools for strengthening marriages. she can be contacted at true Core therapy and Wellness (www.mytruecore.com).

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Wedding Countdown

WEDDiNg CouNtDoWN What to Do and When…

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ENGAGEMENT • announce your engagement. tell your friends and family the good news.

• Establish your budget and talk with anyone who may be contributing to your wedding.

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MONTHS OUT

MONTHS OUT

• have engagement photos taken. this will prove valuable if you are sending out invitations for an engagement party or a save the date.

• shop for your gown, bridal party attire and set dates for fittings.

• Decide on the date for the big day.

• select a bakery for wedding cake.

• start working on a guest list. this will help as you plan your budget.

• Decide on the style of wedding you want. is it formal or informal?

• Buy or make an organizer. at a minimum, you should keep track of appointments, payments, invitations, gifts and thank you notes.

• reserve location for your ceremony and meet with your officiant.

• reserve a reception site and sign the contract.

• Decide on a maid of honor, best man and wedding party.

• interview and then select your photographer, videographer, florist, caterer and entertainment.

• Book a wedding consultant.

• select and register your gift preferences at your local stores or online.

• select a travel agent and start planning your honeymoon.

• select and order invitations and other wedding stationary.

• Book your wedding day hair and makeup appointments.

• finalize your guest list.

• set dates for bridal showers and other parties, if your attendants offer to throw them.

• mail save-the-dates, especially if you’re having destination or holiday weekend wedding.

WEDDING DAY! DAY The Wedding Day • Eat, so you don’t faint - and breathe.

• allow enough time for hair, makeup and nail appointments.

• Don’t forget rings and marriage license.

THE BRIDE’S WEDDING DAY EMERGENCY KIT Baby powder Blot paper for shiny skin Brush/Comb Cotton Balls Clear Nail polish Dental floss tooth picks

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Earring Backs Emery Board hair pins and ties hair spray hem tape Lint Brush Lipstick/gloss

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makeup & Brushes for touch-ups mints/Breath spray mirror Nail polish in the Color of your manicure perfume

Q-tips sewing kit allergy pills antacid aspirin Band-aids Bottled Water

Contact solution Corsage pins Double stick tape Eye Drops gas relief hand/Body Lotion

matches - you never know when the unity candle won’t light medications moist towelettes mouthwash

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4

MONTHS OUT

• order any additional stationery items: thank you cards, guest book and other personalized items.

• Confirm dates and arrangements (reception site, caterers, florists, honeymoon, photographer, videographer, wedding cake, wedding dresses).

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MONTHS OUT

MONTHS OUT

• address and mail out invitations for out-of-state guests.

• if placing announcements in newspapers, check deadlines.

• make an appointment for you and your bridesmaids on the wedding day to get hair and nails done.

• select attendee gifts.

• finalize honeymoon plans.

• purchase Bride and groom’s gifts for each other.

• arrange accommodations for out-oftown guests.

• have a trial run for hair and makeup.

• have programs, menus and escort cards printed.

• Discuss rehearsal dinner with your fiancé and select the restaurant.

• order wedding rings.

• pick up wedding bands, have them engraved and sized.

• Check for marriage license requirement laws.

• select ceremony and reception music.

• hire wedding-day transportation.

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1

WEEKS OUT

• final confirmation of all services.

• plan seating arrangements.

• get necessary forms for a name change.

• Break in your wedding shoes.

• pick up wedding rings.

• Contact guests that have not responded.

• provide reception site/caterer with total guest count.

• pack for honeymoon; don’t wait until the last moment.

MONTH OUT

• plan a special day with your fiancé to get your marriage license – then go have lunch!

• remind attendants of rehearsal dinner.

• Confirm honeymoon reservations. Check luggage (do you need new pieces?).

• give the bridesmaids a party or luncheon.

• arrange final gown fitting.

• Bride and bridesmaids take a day to relax at the spa and be pampered.

• Double check accessories and attire for all members of wedding party.

• schedule your final hair and makeup trial.

Nail Clipper Nail glue safety pins scotch tape small scissors smelling salts - in case anyone passes out

snacks - granola bars, etc. to help you get through the morning spot & stain remover static Cling spray straight pins

straws - you don’t want to ruin your lipstick on your prewedding champagne do you? tampons/feminine products

White Chalk - to cover up dirt stains on your gown Wrinkle release spray

DON’T FORGET! Driver’s License room key Cell phone Cash family phone Numbers

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Fab Finds for Her

Fab Finds FOR HER

ROSE AND ROSE rose-and-rose.com

BESPOKE BRIDE $250 Bespoke Bride by luxury brand Rose & Rose offers hand dip-dyed cashmere in your wedding-day accent colour, your one-off pieces made to order and forged to perfection by Rose & Rose’s in-house creative team

LISA HOFFMAN BEAUTY lisahoffmanbeauty.com

THE SWAROVSKI® ELEMENTS SILVER PLATED CHARM BRACELET $85 Lisa Hoffman pairs with Swarovski to create a bracelet of unmistakable presence with a filigree charm encasing wooden beads slowly releases an infusion of Lisa Hoffman fragrance (available in silver and gold)

LOVE NATURE NYC lovenaturenvy.com

ZELMA ROSE

THE BOHÈME CANDLE COLLECTION $28 EA With three fragrances inspired by a time when arts flourished and creative expression was celebrated, each 11-ounce candle burns for 80 hours and is hand poured - made with natural soy wax, a cotton wick, and a phthalate-free essential and fragrance oil blend

zelmarose.com

GEOMETRIC NECKLACE IN YELLOW AND GREY GEOMETRIC FABRIC WITH CONVERTIBLE NECKLACE CHAIN $40 This necklace is all about the simple style of Northern California – the clean lines and minimal design come together to make the perfect simple statement piece for your bridal party

ÈCCOLO

eccololtd.com ÈCCOLO JOURNALS $10.00 - $120.00 Whether they need to keep track of a to-do list, jot down some quick notes, or schedule important dates and meetings, Èccolo™ provides brides-to-be a line of high-quality journals that embody the highest attention to Italian-inspired craftsmanship with slight ivory acid-free/ anti-fade paper and delicate greyscale lines

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DEBBIE BROOKS NEW YORK debbiebrooks.com

PETITE SASSY WHITE SPARKLE – BOUQUET $128 Hand silk-screened artwork, embellished with diamond dust and glitter, encapsulated in Jewelry grade acrylic, adorned with Swarovski crystals complete with a detachable snake lace chain shoulder strap

Fab Finds FOR HER

TANDA

tanda.com TANDA ZAP POWER $79 The new Tanda Zap Power Edition uses the same powerful combination of blue light technology, sonic vibration and gentle warming as our original Tanda Zap device but now this incredible zit zapping power is rechargeable

BOSOM COUTURE bosomcouture.com

BOOB GLUE $35 For women of ALL fabulous shapes and sizes, Bosom Couture Boob Glue® instantly enhances the appearance of the breasts by keeping them positioned exactly where you want them

EDGE OF BELGRAVIA edgeofbelgravia.co.uk

CERAMIC ONYX CHEF’S KNIFE $55 - $110 Except for the lightweight and anti-bacterial properties, the principal advantage of the Ceramic knives is that with normal use they retain sharpness for years without sharpening

MOROCCANOIL moroccanaoil.com

MOROCCANOIL BODY BUTTER $52 Rich in antioxidant argan oil, and skin-smoothing argan, shea, cocoa and mango butters, this luxurious Moroccanoil® Body Butter provides abundant nourishment and long-lasting hydration

PLACETILE DESIGNS placetile.com

FITS FOR THE OCCASION COOKIE JAR $56.95 The Fits for the Occasion Cookie Jar is a new take on the classic cookie jar with the added features of having a socket to attach interchangeable, magnetic motif designs as well as a writeable/erasable area to label the contents w/ a marker, making it easily customizable for any setting and occasion by simply detaching one motif and attaching a new one

FRIELING frieling.com

SITRAM PRESSURE COOKER WITH TIMER $224 (6.5 QT.) $263 (8.5QT) OR $280 (10.5 QT.) (MSRP $280) This pressure cooker is not only 100 percent safe, but is also designed for superior convenience and ease of use for all at-home chefs BeautifulBrideMagazine.com

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Wedding Talk with David Tutera Wedding Wow Factor

Keep the elegance of your wedding

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© Michael Segal

David tutera is an american celebrity wedding planner, bridal fashion designer, designer, author and professional speaker. he is the host of WE tv’s show, my fair Wedding with David tutera and the author of seven books. he recently expanded his brand two include a footwear and accessories collection. for more information visit davidtutera.com.

DaViD tutEra

Wedding Talk D aV i D t u t E r a

WEDDING WOW FACTOR

I I

am a big believer that a DJ that’s good, can be the solution to anything. And you really need to make sure that you are comfortable with them. I don’t like DJs that are emcee’s, I like DJs that are artists and are great at spinning the right music, combining it and turning it into art. I do like those that we see still in business that add the interactive live musicians. It’s a great way to mix it up a bit.

© Maring Photography

Having a live band when you walk into a space is a great way to set the tone. I also like when a party starts, or a wedding celebration starts and the guests are led into an environment with a little interactive entertainment going on. And then you go right into dancing. To me, that sets the tone. You can always start the wedding energy high and then drop it down a little bit and go back up! But you can never start the wedding energy low and get to the top again if you start, seated, eating then dancing.

then drop in the formality.

You can keep the elegance of your wedding combined with high energy/fun experience by the execution of your timeline. You know, the level of formality is based on all the logistics combined; first dance, toasts (which need to be concise and placed into a time slot), dinner…etc. But if a bride wants to be elegant and fun, it’s not hard. It’s definitely easier to have the fun than it is to have the elegance. You need to drop your timeline in with the script, figure out how you want to maneuver it throughout the period of 4 or 5 hours, and

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Gift Registries Time to Shop

gift rEgistriEs Time to Shop So Many Options the wedding registry is the best way to guide guests as to what you would like for your wedding. it is a way to get everything you need to start out your new life together. today’s bridal registries go beyond the traditional ideas. they now include “honeymoon registries,” “New home registries” and even “Charity registries” where guests are invited to make a donation toward the bride and groom’s favorite charity. Brides and grooms today have new and different needs and wishes. so create your own registry and enjoy!

Company

Bed, Bath & Beyond

Bloomingdales

Dillards

JC Penney

KOHL’S

Phone/Web

1.800.go.BEyoND bedbathandbeyond.com

1.800.888.2933 bloomingdales.com

1.800.DiLLarD dillards.com

1.800.JCp.gift jcpenny.com

1.800.564.5740

Online Registry

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

Mail Order

yes

No

yes

yes

yes

Return Policy

flexible returns, exchanges and credits

Exchange for store credit

flexible returns, exchanges and credits

Exchange, store credits or refunds

Exchange for store credit

Fine China

yes

yes

yes

yes

No

Silver Service

yes

yes

yes

yes

No

Silverware

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

Crystal

yes

yes

yes

yes

No

Dinnerware

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

Home Furnishings

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

Kitchen/Appliances

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

License

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

Other Items Available

all accessories for the home, except major appliances

full furniture dept., rug dept., luggage dept. table, bed and bath linens

Wedding dresses, gifts for attendants

all accessories for the home

Bed and bath items, pillows, towels, bedding, organizers, home accessories and more

personalized service, gift wrapping and 10% off completion program

Complimentary gift wrapping; in store int. designer; personal shopping; monogramming service (out-store)

gift wrapping for gifts on the registry, “Complete your home” 20% reg items and 10% off small electrics

free gift wrapping with the purchase of $49 and up, and 15% off completion program

15% off left over items from registry; complete gift registry available online

Features

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you should start your gift registry six to nine months before your wedding date. it is always good to register at more than one store, as well as register online. make sure you find out how to keep track of your registry and keep it updated between your showers and actual wedding.

Registry Points Register for Big Ticket Items: a number of your guests may team up and get you a group gift. Be sure to include big ticket items on your registry to ensure guests have this option.

Register at More than One Store: this allows you to add some variety to your registry, and make it more convenient for guests who may not have access to the one store you select.

Prepare Yourself Before Entering the Store: Create a checklist of items you will be looking for, and make a few scouting trips before you set out with the scanner gun.

Take Note it is never appropriate to include your gift registry information with your wedding invitations. it is best spread by word-of-mouth by your wedding entourage, your family and close friends. the word-of-mouth practice should also be used if you are requesting donations to charities instead of gifts or requesting no gifts at all. thank you notes must be sent within three months of the wedding—and the groom is expected to share in the responsibility of writing them. thank you notes must be handwritten and sent immediately for those gifts that were sent via mail or delivery service—including those received prior to your wedding date. Each note should be written by only one person and signed by only one person, but should mention the thanks of the other. send thank you notes not only to those that sent gifts, but also to family, friends and vendors that contributed their time, expertise and effort in planning and organizing your wedding.

Macy’s

Neiman Marcus

Pottery Barn

Tiffany & Co.

Williams Sonoma

1.888.92.BriDEs macys.wedingchannel.com

1.800.727.4858 neimanmarcus.com

1.800.922.5507 potterybarn.com

1.800.843.3269 tiffany.com

1.800.541.1262 williams-sonoma.com

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

Exchanges or store credit

Exchanges or store credit

Exchanges or store credit

Exchanges or store credit

Exchanges or store credit

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

No

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

No

yes

yes

No

No

No

yes

yes

No

yes

No

No

Luggage, home accessories

see catalog

Bed and bath items, home/office, seasonal items, frames, lamps, mirrors and clocks

Visit Website

see catalog

Complete gift registry available online.

Completion program with 10% discount and registry star rewards programs

Exclusive merchandise, knowledgeable service and a host of benefits when you register at Nieman marcus

10% off completion program, gift wrapping, scanners, attendants gifts, complete gift registry available online

Every purchase is wrapped in a blue box with a white ribbon

10% of completion program, gift wrapping, complete registry available online

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The Perfect Wedding Smile

thE pErfECt WEDDiNg smiLE Tips for Picture Perfect Wedding Whites!

D

on’t let your wedding gown outshine your smile; get a dazzling healthy smile with the following wedding whites tips:

Tip # Avoid foods that can yellow teeth Coffee, teas, colas, red wines, dark beers, blueberries, sports drinks and fruit juices can all stain your teeth. stay clear of bright colored sauces such as curries and tomato sauce.

Tip # Eat teeth-whitening foods snack on crunchy apples, broccoli, carrots, and celery. they are naturally abrasive - loosening stains like a toothbrush - and are good for you. Drink lots of water, it moistens your mouth, and can help to prevent teeth staining.

Tip # Use baking soda mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with half a teaspoon of water to form a paste. Brush your teeth with this for two minutes. Baking soda is a mild abrasive and may begin to erode the enamel on your teeth if used to long. for best results, brush your teeth once a week with a baking soda and water paste and rinse with water. Brushing with baking soda should not replace brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste.

Tip # Lipstick plums, pinks, and wine colored lipsticks contain blue undertones creating a whiter looking smile. avoid orange or coral shades they can make teeth look dull.

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Tip # Sugarless gum Chewing sugarless gum can dislodge stain-causing food between teeth, and induce salivation, which can prevent stains from forming.

Tip # Visit your dentist schedule a professional cleaning and dental exam with your dentist. an exam can find cavities and oral health is important for a great smile. Consult your dentist on overthe-counter products for preventative treatment and to maintain your oral health.

Tip # Home whitening treatments Look for home teeth whitening products approved by the american Dental association (aDa) and avoid products that contain chlorine dioxide, which damages tooth enamel. follow the manufactures directions carefully. once you achieve the perfect sparkle, follow up with a once-a-month preventive or touch-up session.

Tip # Use caution when whitening at home Be cautious when using all home teeth whitening treatments. your gums may be sensitive to the chemicals used in whitening kits. some home treatments can burn gums, cause over-sensitivity, damage tissues and wear down enamel down creating teeth with a see-through and gray appearance. if you whiten your teeth too much you may whiten the white out of your teeth, and eventually they can turn shades of blue and gray. pregnant women or nursing mothers should postpone teeth whitening. always consult with your dentist.

Mary Beth Zaber, RN, BSN, MS P.I.N.K.E.D! Brides pinkedbrides.com

Why You’re Not a Bridezilla

by Randy Fenoli

I don’t believe in Bridezillas

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©Jonathan Rubin

randy fenoli is the fashion Director for kleinfeld and star of tLC’s hit show: say yes to the Dress. for those brides who can’t travel to New york, randy is taking his head-to-hem bridal beauty show on the road with his new show randy to the rescue. Visit randyfenoli.com for more information.

raNDy fENoLi

Why You’re Not a Bridezilla raNDy fENoLi

YOU HAVE AN ABSOLUTE RIGHT FOR EVERYTHING TO BE PERFECT

I I

do think that a wedding dress is more than just a garment; it is a symbol of passage from a girl to becoming a woman. And the creation of a new family unit. It symbolizes tradition, creation of the new family unit.

You’ve been “this girl” for 20-some years and now you’re a woman and are going to be with this guy and this is who you are and what you represent. The dress symbolizes who you are as a couple and tells your story. Who are you? Are you traditional? Are you fun? Are you funky? How do you want the wedding to be? Do you want it to be traditional but you are a gothic bride? Then take a traditional dress and add a black sash and with black pumps on.

There are ways to incorporate your story into the dress.

That is why I think there is so much emotion in the gown purchase. Your father is seeing his little girl going from him to another guy. He is losing his little princess. Then you have your mother who says I remember when I went through this and I can’t believe my baby girl is getting married. And then you have your sister or bridesmaid who maybe just got married and is a little jealous because this is going to top her dress or maybe she wants to be the one getting married. Then you have the other friend who wants to be getting married and wants to put in her input. That is why there is typically a lot of drama. Everyone in the group wants to be involved and they’re identifying their role.

I don’t believe in bridezillas. What I really have in the midst of all the chaos and emotion is a woman who wants to look beautiful on her wedding day and why shouldn’t she? It is one of the most important days of her life. One of the most photographed days of her life. She has the absolute right for everything to be perfect and I am on her side. I think that it should be perfect too.

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Bridal Attire: A Touch of Class

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Bridal A ttire

A TOUCH OF CLASS

By Nicole traficante

Making the Right Gown Choice You probably have been dreaming of this day ever since you were a little girl, and by now, you most likely have a good idea of what you want your dress to look like.

It is nice to be open to trying on different silhouettes. When selecting wedding dresses to try on, don’t conform to what you think you should wear. We are all able to select our casual attire, but have no idea what we will look best in on our wedding day. Allow yourself 12 months to search for the perfect gown and allow up to six weeks for alterations. Being open to trying on different styles allows you to make that perfect choice. Many brides-to-be spend endless days shuffling through wedding magazines and bridal boutiques, not having the slightest clue where to begin. And, the more dresses you try on, the harder it gets.

If you feel like you are talking yourself into a dress or making changes to it, then

Fall 2013 Collection From top left, clockwise E-strapless tulle trumpet gown with asymmetrical ruching and beading detail at bodice.

E-silky taffeta strapless gown with ruched bodice and beaded applique at hip E-soft satin dress with portrait back and lace illusion neckline

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you haven’t found the one for you. Choose wisely your panel of judges when trying on gowns. Remember, you are the one who has to wear it and look at photos of it for the rest of your life. When you finally find the one, your wedding planning will take off.

Usually the dress starts your design/theme to your wedding. Here are some styles that may help you narrow your search to finding your perfect gown.

Matching Styles to Figures The trick in shopping for a wedding gown is in knowing a few things: your body shape, the shape of your gown, how it works on your body and what, if anything, can be done with that shape to make it look best on you.

Short and slender — Do: You have many options, and several different styles work well. Fitted, corset-style tops with accent beading around a dropped waist with a pick-up or A-line skirt. Empire gowns with beading or detail around bust area or train, but little to no detail in bodice area. These styles elongate the body and tend to bring the eye up.

Don’t: Stay away from very full skirts that a small bride will get lost in or severe drop-waist dresses that bring the eye down.

Strong mermaid styles with a large lace or detailed hem will also cut the bride off in the middle of the leg.

from top left, clockwise Fada: sweetheart trumpet gown with illusion neckline and all over lace detailing Fairyland: fit and flare strapless tulle gown with layered skirt and lace detailing Fargo:tulle semi a-line gown with illusion neckline and lace detailing

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Petite with curves — Do: A bodice that draws the waist in is beautiful for this style. Strapless or off the shoulder is fine. The waist line is very flattering and forgiving and a semi pick-up or A-line skirt will detract from the hip area. A sweetheart neckline is also nice for curvy figures.

Don’t: Make sure that the gown is in proportion to the figure. Too low a waistline could make the petite bride’s legs appear short and a ball gown with a too-full skirt could overwhelm her appearance.

Tall and thin — Tall and thin brides are very lucky, because just about everything looks great. Do: Sheath, mermaid, dropwaist and silhouette style dresses in silk, charmeuse or all-over lace are gorgeous with this body frame. Don’t: Stay away from too full of a skirt, because you won’t be able to see the bride in the dress.

Plus size — Corset-style bodices with a detailed waist line that angles down, fuller skirts and A-line or empire gowns are a winner for plus-size girls. The princess/Aline style provides graceful lines to a fuller figure, and it allows a bride to have a full skirt without bulk at the hips. Any details that bring the eye up and accentuate the bust line are also a good choice. Plus-size girls have chosen strapless and halter-style gowns with ribbed-corsets style bodices and pick-up skirts time and time again, and they always look beautiful.

Be realistic and confident. Draw attention to your most positive assets and stay away

From top left, clockwise Ferrara: tulle mermaid gown with ruched bodice, layered tulle skirt and lace detailing Floro: one shouldered tulle semi a-line gown with floral appliques at shoulder and hip Freya: strapless duchess organza a- line gown with floral appliques and lace detaling at bodice 32

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from your less positive assets. There are exceptions to every rule. Remember to take assessment of your own figure and of the gown you’re trying on. Beyond the trim and glimmer is a shape that will help you look your best.

Suit Your Style Traditional Ball Gown: The ball gown style is perfect for those brides envisioning a fairy tale wedding. This silhouette pairs a fitted bodice with a full skirt. The ball gown is most appropriate for large, traditional weddings where the dress will be consistent with the formality of the event.

Mermaid: The mermaid silhouette contours to the body from the chest to the knee, then flares out to the hem. This is a very sexy look that highlights the curves of a woman’s body. For this reason, you must be confident and comfortable in your skin to pull off this dramatic style.

A-line: The A-line dress features a shape that is fitted around the bodice and flows out to the ground, resembling the outline of an uppercase A. The dress flows fluidly from the bust to the hem with an unbroken line. Due to its classic and simple style, the A-line dress is appropriate for any occasion, from a quiet backyard gathering to a traditional church ceremony.

Haliya: strapless tulle gown with lace overlay and removable tulle sheath dress

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Empire: An empire dress is defined by the raised waistline that sits just below the bust, from which the rest of the dress flows down to the hem. This style is usually paired with a square neckline and wide set straps or sleeves. Like the A-line, the empire style is very versatile and can accommodate a wide range of formality.

Mom, It’s Your Day Too! This is a very special day for you! You’re about to watch your baby stand at the altar and get married, so you need to look your best, too. Traditionally, the dresses of the mothers of the bride and groom should coordinate, keeping in mind the overall look and style of the wedding. If there are any stepmothers involved in the wedding, it’s always thoughtful to give them a call to inform them what the other mothers are wearing. Mothers typically do not wear white dresses to the wedding. It is best to stick with a neutral color or a lighter color of the bridesmaids dresses. However, each mother is entitled to dress in the style she finds most comfortable. You want to allow yourself five months in advance to order a dress and allow up to six weeks for alterations.

Haldana: tulle fit and flare gown with asymmetrical ruching, layered tulle and lace detailing Hanako: sweetheart neckline trumpet gown with all over lace detailing Hea: strapless tulle gown with layered organza skirt and lace detailing

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Gown Preservation Your wedding day is over and you’ve run off to your honeymoon. After months of stressful planning and thousands of dollars later, it’s understandable that many newlywed brides want to forget everything about the wedding – including the precious wedding gown. But you will want to have your dress cleaned and preserved as soon as possible. You don’t want any stains to soak in and set.

The typical dry cleaning and preservation will run about $150-$300. When buying your gown from a bridal salon, ask if they have any gown preservation discounts for purchasing your dress there. You should expect to have your gown back in twothree weeks.

Before they box and preserve it, make sure they let you inspect the dress to ensure that all stains have been removed – or that all attempts have been made to remove the stains. At that time, give them any other keepsakes you would like preserved with the dress. Take the boxed dress home and store in a cool, dry and dark place in your house. Open the box to inspect the dress every five years or so, and your dress will be like new when the time comes to pass it down.

BRIDESMAIDS SPRING  From top left -slate one-shoulder chiffon own with side drape -Charcoal V front and back chiffon gown with cumber bun waist -Navy one shoulder tulle gown with side drape

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The Bridal Party The bridal party attire should reflect your style and color scheme. When choosing a bridesmaid gown, be sure to consider all the shapes and sizes of your bridesmaids. You want to make sure everyone is comfortable in the gown you pick. Your bridesmaids will be standing right next to you at your ceremony, and it’s especially important that their attire complements your gown. Matching accessories are a way to create a unified look and also make a great gift to your girls.

Make sure that your flower girl can walk comfortably in her dress, especially if she is younger. The biggest trend in dresses for the bridal party is the wear-again dress, a gown that is not in its essence a bridesmaid dress, such as cocktail party-worthy frocks that vary from knee length to tea length.

Also remember that the one-style-fitsall philosophy of bridal-party dressing is fairly passé, so consider dresses with various options such as hem and neckline modifications or a change in fabrics. Allow yourself six months in advance to order your dresses. Make sure you order them at the same time from the company, so that they come from the same dye lot.

-plum long V-neck pleated tulle gown

-Cranberry short folded lace strapless dress

-Violet lace “a” Line one-shoulder dress

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The Colors of Love The brown family of colors is closely associated with warm, nurturing foods‚— think of coffee, cocoa and chocolate. Brown is often seen in nature, another element of nurturing and caring. By selecting wedding colors of these darker shades, the bride may be expressing her nurturing, caring, warm side. The same could be said of the many shades of green that are fast becoming available. No longer does the bride only have the choice of mint or pale green. Bridesmaids’ dresses are being offered in stronger shades of celery, jade and emerald. Hunter and forest greens are also popular, and may be seen as strong but nurturing. Jewel tones of any color are also very popular wedding colors, especially when planning a winter or holiday wedding.

When choosing colors that are of a jewel tone, a bride can even mix up the shades for her table linens—emerald green and ruby red for a December wedding, for instance.

Adding some sapphire blue and shades of gold can break up the colors and still keep the venue looking festive. Of course, those brides still prefer the softer wedding colors of the pastel family have a wealth

-plum one-shoulder gown with lace bodice and chiffon skirt

-Violet bateau neck lace and chiffon short sleeve dress

-Blush ballet length strapless tulle dress with draped bodice and full ballerina skirt

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of options for them. Softer colors never go out of style, and are still seen as being romantic and even passionate. Additionally, by choosing softer colors, the bride knows that they will not overwhelm the setting or theme of the wedding. If you have a large number of bridesmaids and a huge banquet hall, choosing colors such as red and black as your accent can be too powerful, and can even cause the bride herself to get lost in the pictures! The larger the venue and number of attendants, the softer the color shades should be. Of course, these wedding colors can be mixed and matched as well.

A bride may opt for her attendants to be in soft pink while the maid of honor is in a darker shade of rose red or light purple.

If opting for soft wedding colors, you don’t want to make the mistake of having your venue or dresses look washed out or faded. A bride needs to make sure that there are some stronger accent colors to tie everything together.

-Black short sleeve sweetheart neck dress with tulle bodice and full taffeta skirt

-plum long V-neck pleated chiffon gown

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Look Your Best Bridal Beauty

Look your BEst Bridal Beauty

Y

our wedding day will be the most photographed day in your life. if you were ever going to compromise on your beauty routine, now is not the time to do so. instead, you should consider amping it up with some of the below suggestions. this will ensure you are the most picturesque you on your wedding day!

The polished look as soon as you announce your engagement, everyone will be asking to see the ring! keep your nails and hands in pristine condition. this will also give you a chance to find a manicurist (if you don’t have one already), and the opportunity to test-drive your top nail colors, for your wedding day.

Bronzed and beautiful test a variety of sunless tanners to find your perfect product and shade. also, make sure the tanner does not rub off on your clothing! having a tan on your wedding day will give you a healthy glow and will photograph beautifully.

Pearly white you will want a sparkling smile when posing for your wedding portraits. most toothpaste has whitening ingredients, but for faster, more dramatic results consider bleaching trays. Whitening strips are another great alternative.

Shape up if you tweeze your brows, splurge on having your brows professionally shaped. professionals in a salon will listen to what 46

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you want and also offer suggestions for a brow shape that best fits your face.

Testing testing in addition to the obvious hair-trial, schedule a makeup runthrough or two or three. schedule a girls-night-out after your trials. this is an excellent time to test the dignity of your makeup and this way you won’t waste a perfectly done-up face.

Bat those lashes open up your eyes and draw attention to you! Consider false eyelashes for your wedding day. you can go from simple yet enhanced to dramatic and bold, all depending on the type of lash you choose. you can even opt for the more permanent option with eyelash extensions, which will last you through your wedding day and honeymoon!

Smooth and sexy get everything from your pesky facial hair to your annoying bikini line smooth and hair-less. get ready for your honeymoon by splurging on laser hair removal. or head to your local salon for some waxing. the key to looking as fabulous as possible on your big day is feeling comfortable in your skin. Everything you add to your look on this day (elegant nail polish, intensified makeup, an extravagant hairstyle) should enhance your look and personality. highlight your features, don’t mask or change them.

It Cost What?

How to Avoid Sticker Shock

it Costs What?

How to Avoid Sticker Shock

I

t’s no secret that weddings are expensive. it is probably the most expensive party you will ever throw and the most money you will ever spend in one day. But with some education, time and careful planning, you can avoid wedding sticker shock.

in 01, the average cost of a wedding was $7,. that averages out to about $195 per guest. keep that in mind when you want to add just one more person to the guest list.

Here are average estimates on what you can expect spend for your wedding. Not all weddings cost the same. These costs are estimates that may vary based your city, economic climate, time of wedding and other factors.

hair / makeup $250

flowers / Decor $2500

formalwear $600

Jewelry / rings $4,658

Bridal attire $1,609

Entertainment $1338 invitations $400

gifts / favors $806 Cakes $600

photography $2,812 Venue / Catering / rentals $20000

Videography $4000

transportation $412

Wedding planner $2500

Estimate based on 2012 average wedding spending. Keep in mind the location of your wedding as you plan. Certain metropolitan areas can—and will—have higher costs. Happy budgeting.

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Bridal Gown Tips for Expecting Brides Bridal Gown Tips for Expecting Brides Renﾃｩe Strauss

rENﾃ右 strauss

Your wedding is your day to shine and celebrate!

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renée strauss is one of the most sought after bridal experts and stylists. through her hit tV show, Brides of Beverly hills, and her popular huffington post blog, renée strauss has been able to connect with fans all across the country, as well as internationally. she has become the go-to stylist for celebrities and trendsetting brides-to-be, frequently being called upon by film, television, commercial and print productions for her expertise. as LWh hotels Lifestyle & Wedding ambassador, strauss is available for consultations, events, and seminars at LWh hotels properties worldwide. she can be contacted via email at: rstrauss@reneestrauss.com. rENÉE strauss

F

or the average woman, choosing a wedding dress can be both exhilarating and incredibly stressful. For a pregnant bride-to-be, the process can be just as exciting but also a bit more cumbersome. Not only do you need to find a gown in which you look stunning, but you have to dress your growing bump as well.

Although getting married while pregnant used to be considered taboo, this way of thinking is extremely outdated. Your wedding is your day to shine and celebrate!

You have both your marriage and your growing family to commemorate. To accommodate the many women who decide to get married while they are with child, there are now specially designed maternity wedding gowns made for growing tummies.

. Don’t Be Shocked About the Size Ordered Gowns are cut with only a one-inch difference between sizes. I have experiences of customers —pregnant and not — being very concerned that they normally wear a 4 but they were told to order a size 6 or 8 in a wedding gown. This is because wedding gowns use their own size charts that vary greatly from the sizes you find at general department stores.

To help you along your way in finding (or designing) the perfect gown for you, here are ten tips for bridal fashion when you’re pregnant:

If you usually wear a 6, 8 or 10 and the manufacturer uses a measurement chart of a bust 35-27-35, or 36-28-36, or 38-29-38 accordingly, your normal hourglass figure shifts and the waistline measurement gets closer to the bustline measurement. Even if you are normally a size 10 and you went to a size 18 or 20, don’t be shocked; it is not that much when you consider that your tummy is growing every day. Six inches around the middle (balanced all around) isn’t as huge as it sounds. So, do not worry about a number, it is always the fit that counts.

. Wed in the Second Trimester

. Get a Maternity Gown on a Budget

Beware of the first trimester when choosing your wedding date. Gowns may fit you better, but dealing with morning sickness on your wedding day can really spoil the fun.

The second trimester is probably the best stage to tie the knot, you’ll have that beautiful pregnancy glow! It’s also most cost-effective to get married in the second trimester, as by the third trimester you will likely need a special maternity gown to fit your body properly.

If you know you’re going to be seven-to-nine months pregnant at the wedding and a custom dress just isn’t in your budget, there is a far less pricey option available to you. Often, bridesmaid dress manufacturers design maternity dresses and these work very well for pregnant brides. You can choose from traditional bridal colors like white and ivory, or you have the option to do something different and wear a trendy shade like blush or mint; whatever color speaks to you. Sometimes, you may need to add some additional lining, especially on white or ivory gowns, but this is typically far less expensive than designing a maternity wedding dress or special order in a maternity size. Use accessories to dress up your dress, like a luxurious veil, a jeweled brooch or belt at your waist, and gorgeous jewelry to really complete your look.

. Don’t Just Order the Next Size Up Thousands of women have said to me that they’d just like to order a wedding gown in a larger size to accommodate their growing tummies. This, sadly, does not work. Clothing is designed to fit a woman’s curves and adapt to those curves. The main reason why pregnant women cannot wear regularly fitted bridal gowns is that the baby is growing inside thickening the torso, therefore eliminating natural curves. The basic contour or shape of a garment must be cut differently to be fuller around the middle.

. The Bust line Measurement Matters Most The bustline can increase during pregnancy by several sizes depending on a woman’s DNA. So, there is really no way to predict what size you will be from one week to the next. Sometimes ordering one or two sizes up BeautifulBrideMagazine.com

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will be okay, but any more than that and you are better off with a maternity dress so can avoid having to do costly alterations. The bustline is the most important measurement in my opinion. If you are ordering a maternity bridesmaid gown, for example, and will wear it as your wedding gown, generally you only need to have your bustline measured. Your seamstress will already know how to adapt the girth of the garment.

. Yes, You Can Be Comfortable!

I have designed wedding gowns for pregnant television and movie actresses and, to accommodate their shapes, we have made the basic body of the gown out of a gorgeous creamy color spandex with a soft layer of lace or chiffon overlay. This ensures that the belly is supported and the bride is comfortable, which should be the foremost concern. No one will see the lining, anyway. Just add a beautiful veil and- VIOLA! –the bride looks stunning!

. Have the Gown Made Without a Zipper Because wedding dresses are typically purchased many months in advance, your body will undoubtedly change from the time you choose your gown to the time you actually wear it on your big day. I suggest buying a custom wedding gown and ask that it deliver to the store without the zipper sewn into the dress. This way, the seamstress can check your shape periodically and, as you approach the wedding, do her final adjustments on the shape of the dress to ensure it’s proper fit. Your seamstress can “close” the garment with your zipper a day or two before the wedding. Yes, your body changes every day as you get closer to your due date so it’s essential that you wait as long as you can.

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. You Can Wear a Mermaid Gown…

But It Will Cost You Most pregnant brides opt to wear an empire cut dress that’s fitted in the bustline and flows out down to the ground. But, you don’t need to be restricted to this one dress shape; your dress can be whatever you want it to be. If you want to wear a mermaid and show off your tummy, just make sure you understand the tricks the seamstress with have to do in order to accommodate the bump. Not only will the mid-section have to be made bigger, but the fabrics may have to be in three layers: you’ll need to modify the lining, the base fabric of the gown (satin, typically) and then very likely the layer of lace and maybe beading as well. That is a tedious job to do, but it can be done!

. Show a Little Skin While pregnancy has a way of making women want to cover up, you may want to show just a little bit of skin on your wedding day to avoid looking too stuffy. A lower neckline is a lovely way to give your look a romantic feel.

Capped sleeves in lace are also a gorgeous way to frame a lower neckline and draw attention away from your belly to the detailing of your dress and up to your gorgeous face.

. Wear White While outdated etiquette proclaimed that women with child shouldn’t wear white on their wedding days, this stipulation is long dead. Don’t worry about color. You can wear white. Personal preference rules the day!

Floral by Sticks and Stems Floral Studio. © Blynda DaCosta Photography

Beautiful Flowers A Touch of Color

Beautiful Flowers

A TOUCH OF COLOR

Say it with Flowers Choosing the right flowers can be one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding. With a little work, and the help of a good wedding florist, it’s easy to get flowers that will be both memorable and reflect the bride’s individual style and personality. The following points can help you save time and, most importantly, money.

The Date is Key Keeping the date of your wedding in mind is crucial to selecting your flowers. This goes beyond the growing trend of weddings being on a Friday or Sunday, as opposed to Saturday. Spring and summer are ideal for using flowers like orchids, hydrangeas, roses and lilies, while autumn and winter are better suited to roses, lilies, narcissus, gardenia, mums and poinsettias. Just remember, you won’t be able to find every flower you want all year long.

The Budget is Important Figure out your budget and be up front with your florist. From there, you can figure out what flowers you like the most and what is available during the time of the year you’re getting married. Don’t 52

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wait until the last minute to order your flowers. It is usually a good idea to schedule a consultation about six to eight months in advance. By this time you will have a good idea of how many people will be attending, who will be in the bridal party, what they will be wearing and where the ceremony and reception are being held.

Ordering well ahead of your date can ensure that you get what you want, and can often save you money.

Match Your Colors From traditional cascades to pomander flower kissing balls, anything goes. Brides are selecting more colorful flowers for their bouquets instead of the classic all-white, traditional bridal bouquet.

Blues, reds, oranges, yellows and purples are gaining popularity for bouquets, centerpieces, corsages and boutonnières. Picking out the right color really depends on the themes and colors you’ve picked out for your invitations, cake, etc. and whether you want to match the dominant color or accent it with something else. A few color swatches and a visit to your florist can help you to decide which you prefer.

The Location When picking the flowers that are right for your wedding, it’s a good idea to keep in mind where the wedding will be held. If the wedding is going to be outside, floral arches, columns, blooming plants and garden flowers are a great way to add a nice touch to the wedding. Beach weddings can be enhanced by simple flowers with bright colors or exotic and unique flowers that really complement the beach setting.

Pick the Flowers That are Right for You A rose by any other name may smell as sweet, but that doesn’t mean you have to use roses for your wedding. Orchids, tulips, hydrangeas, daffodils and even more exotic and unique flowers are common in today’s weddings.

With a variety of colors and shapes, orchids have quickly become a highly popular flower for everything from centerpieces and bridal bouquets to the corsages and boutonnières.

Using a unique flower is an easy and often affordable way to put your own stamp on your wedding, as well as match the setting that you’ve chosen for your special day. There’s nothing wrong with trading out the white rose for a purple orchid if it’s what your heart desires.

Floral by Sticks and Stems Floral Studio. © Blynda DaCosta Photography

Floral by Sweetpea’s

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© Guy Heart Studios

Three Simple Ways to Green Your Photography

thrEE simpLE Ways to grEEN your photography Creating and preserving your eco-friendly memories

P

ictures are a very important aspect of any wedding, and hiring a good photographer who can capture the moment is well worth the investment. however, traditional photography is chemical intensive and many people still use wasteful disposable cameras at their receptions. the good news is that going green when it comes to photos has never been easier. here are three simple ways to make your photography greener.

1

Stay Digital. although some photographers are still wed to film-based photography (and may try to convince you it is better), digital technology has evolved to the point that the vast majority of professional photographers—including those for National geographic—use digital cameras. film processing requires toxic chemicals, takes a long time, costs more, and does not yield higher-quality results. By staying digital, your photographer can quickly and easily delete unwanted images, provide you with proofs, and color correct.



Use Web Storage. instead of getting your images on a CD or thumb drive, ask your photographer to create an online gallery of your pictures and give you access. many professional photographers will offer this service, but may limit your ability to download images as part of the contract. if possible, negotiate open access to all of your proofs for you and your guests and use a service that allows guest to post their images as well. With a little coordination you can have a centralized database of all of the pictures from your event that everyone can access equally. this makes creating online albums, accessing pictures from all of

your devices and posting favorites to facebook easy. With digital photography, you can print only the pictures you want and save additional resources. if you do hire a film-based photographer, ask him or her to only print proofs of the best pictures (perhaps a few hundred out of the thousands). in addition to being better for the environment, this will save additional money—as proofs are expensive to produce. you can then scan these images and post them on the web for all to enjoy.



Avoid Disposable Cameras. although it’s a fun idea to have a disposable camera at every table (or these days disposable video cameras), usually guests only take a few shots before moving on. Because of the way these cameras are designed, images are often underexposed, the film is expensive to process, and the cameras are not easily recyclable. if you want to make sure you get lots of candid shots, ask a few of your friends to bring their digital cameras with them and to be “on duty.” they will be happy to do it, and the pictures and short video clips you will get will be a lot better. there are also a number of digital camera rental services you can use that will also upload and organize event photos for you. if you decide you really want disposable cameras, be sure to buy ones that have been recycled.

By taking these simple steps you can decrease the impact of your wedding photos on the planet while preserving the memories for years to come.

the green Bride guide is a comprehensive and credible resource for eco-friendly wedding ideas, products and services. the green Bride guide website is published by green Life guides, LLC, a company that is committed to “walking the walk” (to being as green as we possibly can be). the site is a companion to the green Bride guide: how to plan an Earth friendly Wedding on any Budget, written by kate L. harrison after she planned her green wedding in 00-007. in 009, she founded greenbrideguide.com to help couples use their weddings to promote social and environmental change and support the local green economy 54

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fLoWErs for your WEDDiNg a Pricing Guide Piece

Low

Medium

High

Bride’s Bouquet

$15

$50

hair flowers

$15

Flowers for Your Wedding $00 a Pricing Guide

Bridesmaids Bouquets

CEREMONY $0

$0

$55 each

$95 each

$15 each

mothers/aunt/grandmother’s Corsages

$0

$0

$0

Boutonnieres for the men

$15 each

$ each

$ each

ring Bearer’s Boutonniere

$

$1

$0

ring Bearer pillow

$5

$5

$70

flower girl Basket & petals

$5

$55

$75

Ceremony arrangements for altar

$150

$0

$55

petals for aisle

$100

$190

$00

Ceremony arrangements for Chairs/pews

$0

$5

$75

arrangements/garland for aisle

$50

$150

$00

Cocktail table arrangements

$5

$0

$0

Escort Card table

$105

$10

$15

Entrance arrangements

$115

$00

$5

Dinner table Centerpieces

$110

$175

$15

head table arrangement

$15

$0

$515

toss Bouquet

$5

$50

$100

Cake flowers

$5

$5

$5

Buffet arrangements

$15

$00

$5

Bar arrangements

$75

$11

$50

Total

$1,503

$2,546

$4,718

COCKTAIL HOUR

RECEPTION

Floral by Sweetpea’s

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Bohemian Gypsy 1970’s Wedding Photo Shoot

BohEmiaN gypsy 1970’s WEDDiNg photo shoot L

et’s make it Extraordinary! LLC is committed to providing quality and creative professional service solutions within the meeting and event industries.

We strive to have a positive influence on all we come in contact with while maintaining the highest standards of respect, ethics, integrity and compassion! (00) 9710, www.letsmakeitextraordinary.com, www.spectacularbridesofflorida.com

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The vendors who participated in this shoot are: The Wild Hare Flowers & Gifts, Winter Haven, FL Set Design, Flowers, Furniture, Props Bethany May Photography, Winter Haven, FL - Lead Photographer Watson Studios, Winter Haven, FL - Art Director Angelique Bridal and Formal by Michelle, Winter Haven, FL - Wardrobe for entire shoot Rocking H Ranch, Lakeland, FL - Venue Cam’s Catering Services, Winter Haven, FL - Food Bean & Grape LLC, Winter Haven, FL - Wine Fink Ink Designs, Orlando, FL - Stationery Dishie Rentals, Orlando, FL - China (dishes) Michele Renee The Studio, Tampa, FL - Hair & Makeup Team Epic Delights Bakery, Kissimmee, FL - Cake Let’s Make It Extraordinary! LLC, Winter Haven, FL - Producer Vlada Turbina & Stan Bryant, St Pete, FL - Models BeautifulBrideMagazine.com

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Wedding Chic with Colin Cowie Invitations and Other Papers

This little piece of paper has a big job to do: it needs to set the tone, the look and the feeling of your event.

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Colin Cowie Weddings is the latest project from world-famous party planner Colin Cowie. Colin Cowie is on fire with a global events business doing everything from intimate birthday celebrations to iconic weddings to corporate bashes and a consulting business that works on international hospitality and design projects for hotels, retailers and airlines. he is also a regular contributor to NBC’s the today show and a popular personality on hsN. and now, after years of creating magic with trendsetting and exclusive weddings for the rich and famous, Colin has created Colin Cowie Weddings to make fabulous accessible to everyone. Visit ColinCowieWeddings.com for more information.

CoLiN CoWiE

Wedding Chic: Invitations and Other Papers CoLiN CoWiE

A A

fter the flurry of breathless phone calls - telling friends and family, “We’re engaged!” – the first bit of real information that most of your guests will receive about your wedding is the invitation, or possibly a save-the-date card. This little piece of paper has a big job to do: it needs to set the tone, the look and the feel of your event. It’s the first glimpse of the celebration to come. Do you want your guests to open an oversize envelope made from the most luscious card stock, hand lettered in meticulous calligraphy with the details of a formal wedding and black tie reception? Or do you want to pack a handmade envelope with a piece of dried lavender to accompany green card stock with aubergine ink, announcing a morning ceremony followed by a garden reception? Or do you want to provide the facts in an understated fashion- the when, the where, the dress code, and the RSVP date- for next summer’s ceremony?

As you know, I tell every bride to dream big, to conjure up the overall picture in her mind’s eye, and then fill in the small details. Identify the defining visuals of your wedding and then let those images drive the design of the save-the-date card, invitation, RSVP card, menu, host card, ceremony program, place cards and even the thank-you note.

The paper used, the colors of the ink, the style of the lettering, and even the stamp that seals the envelope can be creatively directed. Is your heart set on getting married barefoot on a sandy beach, or do you see yourself riding up a mountain in a horse-drawn sleigh? Is your wedding seasonally inspired?

Once you’ve determined the grand scheme, it’s crucial to remember that the purpose of the invitation is, after all, to convey information and to give it to your guests in time for them to make the necessary plans. It used to be that everyone clung to the old etiquette that the invitations were sent six weeks in advance of the event; and the general rule of thumb today is still six to eight weeks. But if you are holding your wedding on a popular travel weekend or planning a destination wedding, your guests will appreciate knowing earlier, even as much as twelve weeks for celebrations abroad or big holiday weekends.

Whatever printed material you use, remember that consistency counts. All these pieces should be on paper stock and printed in an ink that ties in to the invitation and, of course, matches your color scheme.

If you have a logo or embellishment on your save-thedate card, be sure to use it on the invitation too.

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Beauty Bar

Beauty Bar

FOR THE “BLUSHING” BRIDE!

E.L.F. STUDIO BAKED BRONZER $3 This bronzer creates long-lasting shimmer (but not too shimmery!) goes on smooth and applies evenly to create a believable gorgeous glow

E.L.F. COSMETICS eyeslipsface.com

E.L.F. STUDIO HD BLUSH $3 The Vitamin E enriched formula conditions and hydrates the skin for a healthy glow, while the velvety soft and lightweight, yet highly pigmented color creates long-lasting results for all day wear

E.L.F. STUDIO BLUSH & BRONZING CREAM $3 Ideal for all skin types, this dual bronzer and blush creates a sheer, natural wash of color on the skin

E.L.F. 10 PIECE STUDIO BRUSH COLLECTION $30 These are the new anti bacterial, synthetic haired Taklon brushes that are softer and more absorbent and can be used with wet or dry products

IT COSMETICS itcosmetics.com

LIMITED EDITION HEAVENLY LUXE™ VANITY BRUSH SET $39 This set offers 6 full-size, ultra-luxe, ultra-plush brushes made from 100% cruelty free hair in a chic and convenient vanity case

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Beauty Bar

FOR THE “BLUSHING” BRIDE!

MAYBELLINE FIT ME BLUSH $6 This blush features a silky soft texture that blends easily for soft, fade-free natural color that lasts

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK maybelline.com

BEN NYE

MAYBELLINE DREAM BOUNCY BLUSH $8 Formulated with Silicone elastomers, this product’s gel formula is the best of both worlds: feels light like powder blush, yet melts perfectly into skin like a cream blush

bennye.com

MEDIAPRO CREME BLUSH COMPACTS $14 MediaPRO Blush offers refined hues in a micro-smooth texture that apply and blend effortlessly

MEDIAPRO CREME HIGHLIGHT COMPACTS $14 Silky-smooth Creme Highlights subtly accent the face for light-catching beauty

MEDIAPRO CREME SHADOWS COMPACTS $14

VITA LIBERTA

A touch of shadow defines contours along cheeks, nose or jawline

sephora.com

PHENOMENAL $54 Get a longer-lasting tan – up to 4 times longer than any other tan, with a perfect, natural fade

BELLA LUXURY POWDER $10-$26 Micro-milled for a silky texture, Luxury Powders are translucent with just a hint of color and superior matte finish

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Beauty Bar

GREAT BEAUTY FINDS DERMA E dermae.com

HYDRATING MIST WITH HYALURONIC ACID $13.50 Instantly refreshes and restores moisture to the face, neck or wherever skin is dry and thirsty with beneficial botanicals and nutrients in a sparkling water and soothing Aloe base

BIO-MEDICAL RESEARCH nordstrom.com

EVENLY RADIANT DARK CIRCLE EYE CRÈME $27.95 This formula is rich in circulatory support herbs such as Pycnogenol®, Horse Chestnut and Yarrow to help enhance blood flow, which diminishes the look of dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles and puffiness

BIO-MEDICAL RESEARCH FACIAL TONER $395 The innovative, FDA-cleared Bio-Medical Research Facial Toner uses natural, comfortable electrotherapy stimulation to send gentle electrical pulses, which help enhance the beauty and youthful appearance of your face

DUWOP COSMETICS erabyciara.com

VENOM LIP STYXX $22 The ultimate multi-tasking, intuitive alternative to bronzers, streaky self-tanners, the sun and even hosiery - this advanced multi-use formula deeply moisturizes and smoothes skin while adding flawless color and natural radiance for a perfect appearance

PER-FEKT BEAUTY perfektbeauty.com

MIRACLE SKIN TRANSFORMER sephora.com

TINTED SCULPTING BALM $26 This skin sculpting and reshaping color blush stick sweeps sheer color to effortlessly recreate a natural, flushed look and is infused with anti-aging, skin contouring benefits and instantly brightens uneven skin tone

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PER-FEKT BEAUTY’S BODY PERFECTION GEL $48 The ultimate multi-tasking, intuitive alternative to bronzers, streaky self-tanners, the sun and even hosiery - this advanced multi-use formula deeply moisturizes and smoothes skin while adding flawless color and natural radiance for a perfect appearance

Beauty Bar

GREAT BEAUTY FINDS

IT COSMETICS itcosmetics.com

VITALITY FLUSH STAIN STICK LIP AND CHEEK REVIVER $24 Including rich butters and oils such as plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, aloe and jojoba to treat, this stain hydrates, conditions, and nourishes, while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

YLBB WATERPROOF LIP LINER STAIN $20 This stain pencil was developed by the industry’s leading plastic surgeons who packed it full of anti-aging anti-oxidants like Vitamins A, C, E, Acai, Green Tea and White Tea to protect and ward off free-radicals all day long

PRIME TIME SMILE

VITALITY LIP BLUSH™ HYDRATING GLOSS STAIN $24 Innovative paraben-free formula is infused with nine butters and oils including plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, avocado oil, argan oil and jojoba plus collagen, peptides and hyaluronic acid to treat the lips, while delivering shine and rich pigment.

Ulta and Drugstore.com

ACTIVE BLUE TEETH WHITENING KIT $46 This easy, two-step brush-on + LED light system whitens teeth in less than 30 minutes without messy trays, strips or expensive trips to the dentist

BEN NYE bennye.com

CREME EYE LINER PENCILS $9.50 Color-rich, moist formula glides on like silk.

Smudge for a soft, smokey eye

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Picture Perfect Event with Monte Durham

Picture Perfect Event moNtE Durham

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

These are but a few ideas. Take some time to sit down alone with a fresh glass of sweet tea, and come up with others.

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© Bachrach Photography

monte Durham is the fashion Director on tLC’s hit show; say yes to the Dress: atlanta, where he enjoys ‘jacking brides up’! he recently launched his own line of hair care products: moNtE. in line with his passion for wedding history, monte is the owner of a Jackie kennedy wedding dress replica, now holding court at the greenbrier. monte’s portrait on the adjacent page is by Bachrach photography. the same studio that captured Jackie kennedy onassis’ original wedding portrait.

moNtE Durham

W W

e all have proof of past or present photos telling a story.

Whether happy or sad, joyful or playful, a silent story is communicated and memories are kept alive.

So it’s no wonder how daunting choosing a photographer, for what will be the biggest memory of your life, can be. Not to worry! Here are some tips that will help make for a picture perfect event.

Make sure you have a clear vision of what style of photography you want, when interviewing potential photographers. Be sure to consider the location, time of day (and year) and of course, your budget. These are some factors that can narrow your selection. But mostly, focus on the style and story you want to tell with your wedding album.

I personally love a portrait. For those of you that are with me; how about having a studio shoot taken before your big day? These can be classic, modern or vintage – only limited to your imagination. These portraits can grace the pages of your wedding album, newspaper announcements, and Holiday cards. They will take their place of honor on walls, mantles and grand pianos - as your grandmothers and mothers did.

This is also a perfect time to check out mom and grams albums, recreating their portrait as your something borrowed!

The big plus in a portrait shoot: you can see your look before the big day.

Every detail can be perfected, even your flowers and how you hold them.

This is like a trial run or a dress rehearsal - only a bit more realistic.

1. Are you more traditional?

2. Do you prefer a more relaxed/ photojournalist feel that looks as if you took the photos?

3. Are you an artist and want only black and white images with a modern color wash?

Be sure to keep in mind your wedding album cover and the placement of the photos. These small touches will lend a hand to keeping your vision in tact.

Note: If this is not a very good reason to order your gown in advance, I don’t know what is.

The important thing is to find a photographer you relate to in style and eloquence - one persons casual could be another persons formal.

No matter what you decide, be sure you capture the space and time according to your wedding day.

How about some photos of the table settings or as the room is being set up? And don’t miss a shot of a late evening sun to capture the end of your special day.

There is always your wedding dress hanging all pressed and ready to be slipped on, or the emotional moment when your mother fastens your grandmothers pearls on you. A car being washed and polished for the big ride or the groom walking the dog before he heads out for his run.

Guest filling into the ceremony site, greeting one another and signing the book - filling it with well wishes and good luck. These are but a few unique and intimate ideas. Take some time to sit down alone with a fresh glass of sweet tea, and come up with others.

My point is to be sure to tell the whole story. Envisioning and dreaming of the entire day takes time, so give yourself plenty. Making sure your love story and event are captured perfectly will ensure every time you take a walk down memory lane it’s as fresh to you then as it is now.

So stand up straight, shoulders back, chest out and a big smile, remembering to say CHEESE on the count of three.

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Groom Service The Formal Guide

Groom Service

THE FORMAL GUIDE

For the Groom-to-Be Even though they say it’s all about the bride, it’s just as important for you to look handsome in your tuxedo. You will be standing next to your blushing bride all day and will want to look back and see how dapper you looked as well.

Formal Affairs In selecting the tuxedo formal wear, keep in mind the formality of your wedding, the time of day and, of course, her gown. Use the following basic guidelines for the attire of the groom and ushers: • Consider darker colors for a fall or winter wedding and lighter colors for a spring or summer wedding.

• When selecting a place to rent the tuxedo, check the reputation of the shop. Make sure they have a wide variety of designers and styles to choose from. It is very important that they have the tuxedo you are choosing in stock in case of an emergency.

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• Reserve tuxedos for the groom and ushers several weeks before the wedding to ensure a wide selection and to allow enough time for alterations.

• Out-of-town men in your wedding party can be sized at any tuxedo shop. They can send their measurements to you or directly to the shop where you are going to rent your tuxedos.

Tux Tips Always try on the tuxedo at the first fitting and at the pickup of the rental. Don’t let any of your party take their tuxedos without trying it on.

Register your wedding with a men’s formalwear specialist.

Make sure at time of fitting your party is aware of a deposit or partial payment due.

Don’t order a tuxedo from a catalog. If you cannot see the tuxedo or feel the fabric at the store, you may be disappointed with what you receive.

• Ask about the store’s return policy and be sure you delegate to the appropriate person (usually the best man) the responsibility of returning all tuxedos within the time allotted.

• Ushers and groomsmen customarily pay for their own tuxedos.

Timeline 4-6 Months Before the Wedding: As soon as your bride and her bridesmaids have chosen their attire, you can start exploring options for formalwear. Most importantly: have your bride accompany you to shop for formalwear. After all, she is the only one that knows what her dress looks like.

Groom’s Personal Checklist Vows and toast toothpaste and Brush tuxedo or suit hair gel Wedding rings razor and shaving Cream shoes and socks money/Credit Cards/Checks Breath mints

3-4 Months Before the Wedding: If you are buying a suit or tuxedo that will require extensive tailoring, or having your formalwear custom made, be sure to get fitted now. If you are getting married during a very busy wedding season, or prom time, you’ll want to reserve your rental formalwear now.

1 Month Before the Wedding: You want to make sure everyone has their measurements in one month prior to the wedding, allowing the shop enough time to have the order ready. If there are any changes since booking your party, you will want to have these in by now as well.

Drivers License Deodorant medications Cologne Contact Lenses or glasses most important of all, show up and Don’t be Late...

2 Days Before the Wedding: If you rented your formalwear, pick it up now. Whether you rented or purchased your formalwear, you should try on the entire ensemble to be sure everything is good to go. It’s a good idea to encourage your ushers and groomsmen to do the same so there are no weddingday surprises.

Out of Town Measurements: If you have a member of your bridal party from out of town and not able to arrive until your wedding, you will want to send his measurements in to your local tuxedo shop.

Make sure he includes your name, the bride’s name, wedding date and your contact information, along with his measurements: coat size, chest, coat insleeve, coat over-arm, waist, out seam, neck, sleeve, height, weight and shoe size.

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Fab Finds For Him

Fab Finds FOR HIM

LIMITED EDITION LUXURY SHAVE SET $200 Upgrade your shave this season with the new Limited Edition Luxury Shave Set. Containing Jack Black’s Double Edge Safety Razor and Shave Brush, this dynamic duo is the gift that will give any gentleman the ultimate skin-friendly shave

ZELMA ROSE

JACK BLACK

zelmarose.com

getjackblack.com

BALM SQUAD LIP QUAD $25 This perfectly giftable set features four fabulous flavors of their moisturizing SPF 25 Intense Therapy Lip Balms to soothe and relieve dry, chapped, irritated lips

BLUE MARK RICH LATHER BODY & HAIR WASH $30

THE WORKS $32

WEDDING BOW TIE BOUTONNIERE YELLOW & GREY GEOMETRIC $25 Zelma Rose Boutonnieres are handcrafted in our Northern California studio in limited editions using the highest quality new and vintage fabrics and looks great pinned to a suit or tux for a formal celebration or worn on your favorite corduroy jacket

The newest addition to Jack Black’s line of skin care products, this all-in-one body and hair wash combines the refreshing notes of Japanese Juniper, lush Ginger Essence and sparkling Watermint to indulge the senses and awaken the body

Perfect for everyone on your list, Jack Black’s The Works gift set features four, best-selling skin care products at an amazing value

SIGNATURE BLUE MARK EAU DE PARFUM $70 This blend of the finest essential oils are crafted with an artisan’s skill by world-class perfumers to deliver an exquisite blend of Watermint, Bergamont, Japanese Juniper, fresh Ginger, Thyme and Vetiver to flood the senses with freshness

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MEN’S POCKET SQUARE HANDKERCHIEF YELLOW AND GREY $42 Each Zelma Rose Pocket Square features a unique double sided design with contrast zig-zag stitching and holds a fold like none other

Fab Finds FOR HIM

FASHION CUFFLINKS $85 Würkin Stiffs cufflinks are milled and machined from one-piece of billet brass, angled to a unique “v-design” that keeps the imagery on each cufflink positioned right-side-up on the cuff, and finished off by hand applying the resin on both sides, making for fully-finished cufflinks Truly one-of-a-kind in high design

WÜRKIN STIFFS wurkinstiffs.com

KNOTZ CUFFLINKS $9.50 The Würkin Stiffs Knotz line features an endless amount of color combinations of woven nylon and polyester for a super stylish alternative to traditional cufflinks, with many styles and shapes packaged in crystal-clear glass vials of style with a natural cork stopper

NUTS & BOLTS RFID BLOCKING WALLET $25 Not only are these stylish wallets constructed of tough, rugged material to last many years, but they also feature a thin alloy matrix fused between their ballistic nylon panels to keep its contents, credit cards and personal information protected from RFID hi-jackers

POWER STAYS $40/3-PAIR $20/1-PAIR Power Stays are innovative collar stays crafted from corrosion-resistant, airport-friendly metal alloy and are paired with a set of 6 magnetic power ‘buttons’ to instantly tame the collars of button-down shirts

NUTS & BOLTS DÖPPEL BAG $30 Würkin Stiffs Döppel Bags are super durable and roomy toiletry bags made from ballistic nylon construction and the inside is coated with a polyurethane finish so that the bag is totally washable - Now if toothpaste explodes in the bag, you just wipe it all out - no muss, no fuss

BURGER STOMPER burgerstomper.com

BURGER STOMPER $24 Burger Stomper is a hamburger patty press that forms the perfect burger every time by stomping out uniform, ideally sized patties that are just the right size for the bun - with attachments to create both 6oz burgers and 2oz sliders that do not crack around the edges or fall apart on the grill, allowing it to cook evenly and retain its delicious juiciness

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Beautiful Ceremonies Venues, Vows, Music & Officiants

Making it perfect requires careful planning

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Beautiful Ceremonies VENUES, VOWS, MUSIC & OFFICIANTS

Planning Your Ceremony Your wedding ceremony is the core of your special day, and making it perfect requires careful planning.

The most important detail is where your ceremony will take place. Will you be writing your wedding vows? What type of music will be played during your ceremony? Your best resources are your planner and officiant. Remember to keep in mind that planning your ceremony should be a bonding time for the bride and groom.

Finding the Perfect Place Whether it’s a classic church rich with tradition, a picturesque park with plush greenery, a romantic beach with gentles breezes or an intimate chapel with just your closest friends and family, choosing the right venue is just as important as choosing the right dress.

Churches: Having your wedding in a church is the most traditional of wedding venues. It signifies your religious and spiritual commitment to your spouse and families. However, it can require advance planning in order to secure your date or if you desire to hold your wedding in a church in which you are not a member. Some churches won’t allow you to get married there if you are not a member. A church wedding may also mean that you have to follow specific rules; such as the style of attire for you and your guests, the type of music you can play, or not play, and how long you can stay in the venue after your wedding. A church ceremony should not require any special permits, but you will need to work closely with someone at the church on your details. Some religions require pre-marital classes or counseling, so be sure to factor that into you planning timeline.

Chapels: When you say ‚“chapel wedding‚” most people follow with‚ “Vegas, baby!‚” Yes, Vegas is

synonymous with chapel weddings, but gone are the days of cheesy ceremonies and plastic flowers.

Whether the chapel is in Vegas or not, they can be an intimate and elegant venue for tying the knot.

They are often non-religious venues and allow for customization of the ceremony, music and can even be very liberal when it comes to bridal attire. While no permits may be required, you still need a marriage license and may need to provide your own minister.

Parks: A garden or park wedding is perfect for the naturalists and nature lovers. The outdoors can provide just the right setting to create a one-of-akind wedding, with scenic views and plush greenery.

Oftentimes, an outdoor wedding can come with little or no cost; however, there can be extras that you may need to supply when it comes to decor, electrical needs or bathroom facilities. When planning your event, don’t forget to look into any special permits that may be required. The last thing you would want is to show up on your special day only to be turned away.

Beaches: Does saying your vows while barefoot in the sand sound ideal to you? Beach weddings provide romantic and breath-taking backdrops for photos.

Imagine your first kiss photo in front of a golden sunset? Or saying I do at sunrise with the sound of waves in the background. Having your wedding on a beach can be beautiful, but be sure to ask about any permits that are needed and work closely with your wedding planner or decor company on the right prices. A beach wedding will come with only sand, so keep in mind that you may have to supply chairs for your guests and any other decor you would like, such as an archway or an aisle.

Writing Your Vows Wedding vows are an important part of your ceremony. Wedding vows are written to declare a BeautifulBrideMagazine.com

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public commitment to your partner. When writing your vows, remember they should be no longer than two or three minutes. Exclude any embarrassing, lengthy or intimate details. The wedding vows, whether you write them or not, are the centerpiece of the ceremony.

Do It Yourself Vow: If you are having a hard time coming up with your vows, sit down together and talk about why you two are getting married. Make sure that the two of you are alone and that no one is going to bother you—once you two get interrupted, it may be hard to pick up where you left off. The reasons that the two of you come up with would be a good way to start writing your wedding vows.

Another good way to start is to sit and think about what you two mean to each other. Then tell each other how you feel. He may think of something totally different about you than what you think of him. Think of different, yet meaningful statements to tell each other while you’re sitting together. Make it as easy and enjoyable as you can. Your wedding vows can consist of your fears, your hopes, your dreams and your goals. The wedding vows can also be just about your love together. It can be pretty much about anything you want it to be, as long as you’re writing it. Make sure the words are coming from your heart. Don’t forget, if you want your own voice in your vows, you can make them sentimental, lighthearted and cute, witty, simple, or short and sweet.

Traditional Vows: Yes, you can still be traditional even if you aren’t sticking to the prepared wedding vow script. If you are aiming to be very traditional, all you need to do to prepare is to look up a traditional wedding vow with phrases such as, “In the name of God,” or “From this moment, I (name) promise to take you (name), to be my wife/ husband…” Once you find a traditional vow you like, rewrite it to fit your own personal feelings toward your partner.

You Need Help Vows: One of the blessings of the Internet is that you can find a quote on almost everything. Soccer and marriage? Just Google it!

You’ll certainly find two or three quotes that you can make fit this situation. A good metaphor can guide a marriage.

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Ceremony Music Adds just the Right Touch Contemporary couples are choosing music for their wedding ceremonies that fits their personalities.

Of course, if the bride and groom are religious, or if your ceremony location requires it, religious music is perfectly appropriate. Otherwise, consider adding a bit of contemporary flair to your musical selections.

Wedding Ceremony Music while Guests are Being Seated: Most guests tend to arrive 20-30 minutes before the ceremony begins so they can get good seats. Don’t leave them sitting in silence; entertain them with some witty and fun selections about love and marriage.

Wedding Processional Music: Depending on the size of your wedding party, and the order of your processional, you’ll probably want two or three songs.

The bride traditionally gets a song all to herself.

This is really setting the stage for the ceremony and important ritual that’s about to take place, so they should have some pomp and circumstance to them.

Mid-Ceremony Music: If you have friends who play music, or are hiring professional musicians for your ceremony, you might want to have them perform during the ceremony. This is particularly appropriate if you are having a unity candle ceremony or other unique element.

Recessional Music: As the wedding party walks back down the aisle, choose something celebratory and upbeat that will help your guests get in the mood for dancing at the reception.

Selecting Your Officiate Two essential factors to consider in selecting a wedding officiate are professional qualifications and ministry. Officiating a wedding is more than reciting words and making pronouncements. Talk to different officiates before you choose one. Ask if you can observe a ceremony they are performing in a public place. Try to get someone who will be involved with your plans. These individuals are usually the people who will care the most about your special day.

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Raising the “BaR” Creating Big Impact for Your Wedding Day Budget

raisiNg thE “Bar”

© Eli Turner Studios

Creating Big Impact for Your Wedding Day Budget

I

f you find yourself spending time on pinterest and/or surfing the web for wedspiration you are likely wondering how you will find the time (and perhaps the money) to bring all of these wonderful ideas to fruition. one of the ways to create significant budget impact and visual “wow” at your wedding is by focusing on one or two top priorities rather than stretching your time and budget to create a variety of average ones. While every wedding is as unique as the couple exchanging vows, many of them possess similar elements.

Whether you are planning a sweet, mid-afternoon punch and pie party or a full-scale, weekend long experience, everyone will likely visit the bar at least once during your reception, making it an obvious choice for a little (or a lot) of focus.

© Geoff Chesman Visuals

Colorful straws, drink flags, cocktail stirrers, napkins and bar menus are easy, cost effective ways to add a

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little personality - and you can take it even further with a more tailored approach. By getting specific with your bar offerings you are allowing your guests to get to know you in a way they can enjoy as well. for example, if you met at the kentucky Derby, a mint Julep might be a natural beverage choice. take it a step further and offer a “Julep Bar” with three to four variations of the minty concoction (bar menus inform guests of their options). offer a variety of other spirits in lieu of bourbon or other herbs substituted for mint. this also works for non-alcoholic beverages so don’t feel discouraged if you aren’t serving booze at your bash. “rosemary Lavender” and “White ginger peach” lemonades are delicious, beautiful and intriguing. a gourmet lemonade stand can offer a great way for your guests to customize their mocktails.

principal of magnolia Bluebird design & events, Danielle Couick, CpCE is an award winning event planner whose personality and style have often been described as “southern charm with a city twist.” Educated in hospitality and over 1 years of experience in the catering and special events industries, it is ultimately her calming demeanor, passion for people and eye for detail combined with her drive to exceed expectations and little regard for status quo that allows her to provide clients with exceptional results for beautiful and seamlessly executed events.

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© Eli Turner Studios

apart from the personal favorites that the two of you enjoy, here are a few other angles to consider to create a bar that appeals to you.

• is there a regional or specialty beverage: · Where you met? · Where you were engaged? · that you had on your first date? · Where you are from?

• What time of year is your wedding? What would be seasonally refreshing or comforting?

• Does your color scheme lend itself to an exciting beverage concept?

• Do you enjoy wine tasting? Craft beers? particular spirits? ·hire a wine or newly popular “beer sommelier” or mixologist to create a customized menu to serve and educate your guests.

Engage your guests in an experience during the evening by making their trip to the bar interactive. in addition to what is being offered, think about how it is being offered. Customizing the bar itself can often be a great way to showcase your style

or theme. Work with your planner, caterer, venue and/or décor company to design a bar that makes sense for you. this punched-tin bar is designed to present one bar two different ways. inspired by the craft beer renaissance, the daytime bar shows off a few local varieties. the goal was a masculine look without being overly “manly”. Brightly colored bottles filled with grasses, “hops-like” greenery and millet add natural texture and pull inspiration from the ingredients in beer. Vases and botanicals are a great way to pull in your color scheme. an extra “man-bar” spin is created by offering a variety of snacks that pair well with these hometown brews - such as wasabi peas, local pork rinds and smoked bacon jerky. inspired by long summer nights and the slow, casual conversation that takes place with good friends the punched-tin really shines at night. a spirit tasting, like tequila, is a great interactive way to encourage conversation and interaction at the same time. punched tin lanterns cast beautiful details and shadows; while succulents (paired with cascading greenery) soften the hard metal elements of the bar and the brick backdrop. ask your caterer if they can recommend a distributor or bartender that is knowledgeable enough to present an educational tasting during your wedding.

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Your Reception The Main Event

your rECEptioN the main event

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rides and grooms can often spend several months scouting out the perfect reception venue. Before you waste precious planning time, take a minute to visualize your guests at your event. But just like trying on dresses … while you may have one idea in mind, you can end up with something totally different. today there are more places and times to celebrate your nuptials than ever before. your reception venue becomes the canvas on which you will apply your vision. Clear your mind of any preconceived ideas about where you should have your wedding.

Choosing the right reception venue requires careful analysis. But before venturing too far, consider the “elementary” needs of your guests. after all, it wouldn’t be much of a party if no one showed up!

Begin by thinking globally and clear your mind of any preconceived ideas about where you should have your wedding. Choosing the right reception venue for your wedding is more of a science than an art. it requires careful analysis, playing the part of sherlock holmes, to choose a site that best suits your needs. But before venturing too far, consider the “elementary” needs of your guests. after all, it wouldn’t be much of a party if no one showed up!

Now start to visualize the atmosphere for your party. is it a captivating marble stone beaux-arts structure, a breathtaking 0-degree view of cresting waves or does a mansion graced by persian carpets, crystal chandeliers, silk wall coverings and 1th century furniture speak to you? your options are endless. here are some ideas to help you make that important decision.

Joyce scardina Becker, Wedding Designer, Events of Distinction and author of “Countdown to your perfect Wedding” 76

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Schedule of Events The first step to planning a stress-free wedding reception is to write out a schedule of events in advance, with or without a planner: The receiving line is something nice to have if you are having a large wedding reception. Exchange a brief, but warm, wish as guests pass by.

After a nice cocktail hour, it’s time to be introduced as husband and wife for the first time ever (often the DJ or band leader does this).

The first dance often takes place right after the wedding party is announced or after dinner.

Wedding toasts and speeches can add a memorable and personal note. If there is anyone you don’t want to make a toast, be sure to let your DJ or band leader know who they are. You certainly don’t want any embarrassing or drunk toasts.

Time to eat comes after the toasts.

Avoid planning the cake cutting too late; guests aren’t supposed to leave before that and you don’t want them to miss it.

Toward the end of the reception would be the time to toss the bouquet and garter.

It is customary for the bride and groom to leave the reception before anyone else does.

The Jet Setters For the jet-setting couple who loves to travel, enjoys adventure and globetrotting, consider some of these party venues: Aircraft Carrier Aircraft Hangar Cruise Ship

Paddle Wheel Steam Boat Railroad Train Sailboat

“A nature- and water-loving bride would choose a yacht for her wedding. Being on the water is naturally relaxing and neither land nor air; it is a place that would also be very memorable and exciting.” -Will Candis, Classic Harbor Line Yachts in NYC

The Modern Intellectuals For the sophisticated and creative couple, the couple who may have studied art or world culture and the couple who has a particular interest or hobby.

Aquarium Art Museum Aviation Museum

Natural History Museum Planetarium Sports Museum

“Libraries and museums often have a lot of history; most city libraries have marble floors and gorgeous staircases, ready for a great photo. Art museums boast unique architecture, and your guests will be surrounded by original art work. Museums in a city setting will often have spectacular rooftop views too.” -Stacey Halstead of Create the Moment

The Naturalists For the nature lovers or the couple whose first date may have been on a hike or in a park. If you are a lover of gorgeous flower gardens, lush greenery or white sandy beaches, this is the ideal consideration for your reception.

Arboretum Beach Garden - Botanical, Rose

Caverns Meadow / Pasture Park - City, State or National

“If you enjoy hiking, camping, or fishing, getting married outdoors may be just your cup of tea. Whether you prefer a mountaintop, a lakeside or a meadow, wilderness areas can provide just the right setting to create a one-of-a-kind wedding. The logistics involved in planning a wilderness wedding can be huge and the cost is often higher than a city wedding.” -Glenna Tooman, Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC

The Foodies For the foodies who love food & wine pairings and have a great taste for great tastes. The couple may have discovered this love of food together and are incorporating their love into their wedding.

Apple Orchard Bakery Brewery

Cooking School Restaurant Winery

“These venues are what we often call ‘open,’ meaning that at a winery they are doing tours or tastings and at a country club, you will have members who are golfing and dining. These facilities may impose some restrictions on the start time of weddings. Some may want your event to start after they have closed their retail doors to the public or their members. Be sure to keep this in mind when booking your preferred date and time.” -Angie Zimmerman, Heavenly Yours Events BeautifulBrideMagazine.com

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Now that You Have the Venue, Let the Party Begin!

Wedding receptions are about personality and creativity.

Your wedding is not your mother’s or your grandmother’s.

It’s not your best friend’s wedding, either. This is your once-in-a-lifetime event—and not an inexpensive one.

Take advantage of your time in the spotlight to put together a wedding reception event that really shines.

Tips for Outdoor Weddings: Heat, humidity and rain are big considerations if you plan on having an outdoor wedding. Sunset weddings tend to be the most popular when laying out the timeline of an outdoor wedding.

Providing tents for your guests to shield them from the sun will be a greatly appreciated amenity. You might even consider renting misters. Having an outdoor wedding can offer great views and scenery for your guests and photos.

Heat, humidity and rain are big considerations for an outdoor wedding. While sunset weddings tend to be the most popular, be sure to consider some sort of shade for your guests. You might even consider renting misters.

Rental companies can provide everything you could need or imagine to put together the ultimate outdoors wedding.

Planning Your Reception: Many reception and banquet coordinators will have a standard preset timeline.

Meet with your planner and include, or eliminate, any events that you want or do not want at your reception.

Every wedding is special and needs customizing. Most coordinators will accommodate to make your wedding perfect for you..

Reception Décor and Services: Do you want to handle every detail yourselves or hand the job over to a decorating professional? Keep in mind that the decorating will have to be executed on the day of the wedding. Do you want to handle every detail yourself or hire a professional? The first impression of the reception starts at the front door.

Table décor also adds to the ambiance of the room. Fabrics, lighting, flowers, fountains, arches and props can be used in any combination to provide a one-of-a-kind look.

Reception Etiquette: Make no mistake; wedding etiquette is still very much alive. Having good manners is always in style. Your wedding day is your wedding day and you have the right to be happy, but you should remain gracious, kind and hospitable at the same time.

• If you invite someone to the ceremony, it is proper etiquette to include them in the reception.

• Circulate at the reception; the guests should be one of your main focuses.

• If people bring gifts to the reception, assign one of your bridesmaids or a family member to take them home for you.

A Catered Affair: If your reception is going to be held in a venue that does not provide food, consider hiring a caterer. A caterer will be of great value in handling the preparing, cooking, decorating and serving of the food for your wedding.

• When you hire a caterer, check to see if the location for your reception offers refrigeration and cooking equipment.

• Ask your caterer for references and look at photos from previous parties so you can see and know how the food will be presented.

• Make sure you have a written contract with your caterer stating all the details of what they will be doing.

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EVEN 5 More Things Your Guests Won’t Tell You

EVEN  MORE THINGS your guEsts WoN’t tELL you there are certain things that wedding couples usually never hear from their guests, but might benefit from knowing.

1.

they won’t thank you for making your mom, sister, best friend or maid of honor work on your wedding day.

.

they won’t thank you for making them wait while you take pictures.

.

they won’t tell you that you put way too many things on your wedding registry.

.

they won’t tell you they couldn’t see or hear your ceremony. ask everyone to please stay in their seats so all can see and hear.

5.

they won’t thank you for hiring the cheapest wedding vendors.

.

they won’t tell you the music was too loud for conversation.

7.

they won’t say “i came here to see the two of you, not the people at my table.”

.

they won’t tell you that not sending thank you cards is just rude.

9.

they won’t tell you there were way too many speeches.

10. they won’t thank you for not thinking about the comfort of your guests during the ceremony. here are five more things your wedding guests won’t tell you (so try not to do them to your guests):

alan Berg has over 0 years of experience in the wedding industry and has au¬thored three books, “if your website was an employee, would you fire it?,” “Don’t paint the house” and “your attitude for success.” Learn more at alanberg.com

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Your wedding guests won’t thank you for making them “hangry” (hungry + angry) by serving light hors d’oeuvres at dinner time, instead of a substantial meal. it’s just not enough. they won’t tell you how long the buffet line was or that you ran out of food.

2

Your guests will not tell you that the food was over/ under cooked, which, by the way, could be your fault if you run late on your timeline. your caterer works hard to make sure the food is just right, at the right time. if you run late with your ceremony, or photos, your caterer will have to keep the food warm after it’s ready. there’s only so much you can keep it warm before it gets overcooked.

3

Your guests won’t tell you that they hate having a start time of :pm on the invitation only for the wedding to actually start at :pm. if you know you have some guests who are always late, tell them that you plan on starting on time, and if they’re late… they’ll miss out. make sure you have video.

4

You wedding guests will never thank you for making any part of your reception a cash bar. if you’re trying to stretch your budget you can opt for just beer and wine. if your guests can’t have a good time celebrating your marriage without more to drink, they’re missing the point of the day.

5

Your guests don’t know that you HATE line dances and told the DJ not to play them. they’ll think your DJ is lame and doesn’t know the good songs to play at a wedding! the idea of a wedding reception is to invite your friends and family to celebrate your marriage. if the old ladies want to dance the Electric slide or the Cupid shuffle, let them. one song won’t ruin your wedding day. it’s only  minutes and you don’t have to join them. Don’t you want them on the dance floor having fun? of course you do.

Well, there you have it: more things that wedding guests talk about, but not usually to the wedding couple. think about the weddings you’ve been to and the things that made you scratch your head, and try to avoid doing those things to your guests so everyone can enjoy your wedding day!

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Ask Sylvia Weinstock Your Wedding Questions Answered

k Š Denis Reggie

ASK

syLVia WEiNst

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Gift Registries this month, my husband Benjamin and i will celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary, but i still remember setting up my first kitchen as a new bride all those years ago. as my own mother was not a cook, i could hardly wait to set a beautiful table with flowers, candles and lovely dishes to serve a delicious meal. When i had the chance to buy my first set of dishes, i was excited to choose the latest trend: brown china. Do i need to tell you how unappetizing food looks on a brown plate?!

this month, my husband Benjamin and i will celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary, but i still remember setting up my first kitchen as a new bride all those years ago. as my own mother was not a cook, i could hardly wait to set a beautiful table with flowers, candles and lovely dishes to serve a delicious meal. When i had the chance to buy my first set of dishes, i was excited to choose the latest trend: brown china. Do i need to tell you how unappetizing food looks on a brown plate?! i love the idea of a registry, and the hard lesson learned by my unsophisticated, 19-year-old-self stayed with me- don’t be trendy in your choices! here are some tips to help you create a registry that will be functional, practical and will grow with you and your marriage: first, check with each of your families: are there any sets of dishes, glasses, silver, linens that you will be given? this is a good place to start thinking about what you will need to “fill in” for everyday living, and for entertaining.

When choosing items for your registry, stay on the side of items you will use daily. how many couples really have enough storage space or time for the extra-fancy china and crystal that you will use once a year and that needs to be hand-washed? you deserve to use beautiful things everyday, and be able to put them in the dishwasher!

can contribute something to your new home (or a few can get together for more expensive items.) remember my brown dish story? how does food really look on those plates and platters? think about the fact that you will be living with colors or patterns you choose for quite a while. there is a trend to create registries for honeymoons, wine-collections, skydivinglessons and such. i am not a fan. some older couples who may have already accumulated most of what their new household will need, have asked guests to contribute to select charities instead of a registry; i don’t think philanthropy is ever a bad choice.

Whichever gift road you choose, there is one universal rule in my book: always keep track of who sent what as your gifts arrive! Whatever the gift, each of your guests should receive a lovely handwritten note, thanking them for the specific gift they gave. good manners never go out of style!

You’re invited to participate in our “Ask Sylvia Weinstock!” column.

Questions submitted by you, and selected

by Beautiful Bride, will be answered

by Sylvia Weinstock. The questions published will include your name, last initial and city of residence (i.e., Ashley R., Cincinnati). Please submit your questions to asksylvia@beautifulbridemagazine.com.

registry items should be in a range of price points so all your wedding guests

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Your Cake Love at First Bite

Your Cake LOVE AT FIRST BITE

Have Your Cake and Eat it, Too! Now your attention has turned toward the ultimate confection—your wedding cake. You should order your wedding cake four to six months prior to your wedding date. During cake consultations, there are several key areas that should be considered and discussed: design style, size or number of tiers, types of frosting, cake flavors and fillings, accents and cake topper styles. As the bride, keep your personal questions in mind to ask too.

Chocolate Fondue Fountains Tiered fountains overflowing with chocolate are still a hot trend in wedding receptions. Modeled to replicate the design of a tiered wedding cake, the fountains provide a never-ending waterfall. For fondue—both decadent and delicious—people just love to dip. The chocolate fountain is suitable for both indoor and outdoor events. The typical dipping delights include marshmallows, strawberries, pineapple, bananas, but don’t stop there ... your choices are limitless.

There have been traditional food-oriented wedding favors for years such as small, personalized tins of mints or miniature boxes of Jordan almonds. But today’s truly gourmet wedding favors take food treats to the next level. Gourmet cookies with custom icing, gourmet popcorn and fun cupcakes also make lovely wedding favors for your guests.

Another wedding favor that has moved up a notch in years is chocolates. Remember, gourmet doesn’t apply just to food; wine is also a wonderful option for wedding favors.

Have an “Ice” Day …

Enhance your wedding with a custom-carved ice sculpture. Personalize the carving by engraving names or monogram into your sculpture. There 82

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Cake by: Elegant Cheese Cakes

Sweet Treats for Your Wedding

are endless choices of what style and shape you can have in a sculpture, anywhere from a simple swan to a bridge you can walk under. An ice sculpture is a lovely way to brighten up the reception and create an aweinspiring centerpiece.

Wedding Cake Checklist to have the cake of your dreams, you will need to discuss some, or all, of these items with your baker or caterer.

Number of guests size of your Cake shape of your Cake flavor of Cake flavor of icing flavor of filling Color of icing theme or Design Cake top or flowers placement of Cake Who will serve the cake after it has been cut by the bride and groom time and Date of Delivery total price:__________

Notes

Cake by: Charm City Cakes

Cakes by peggyporschen.com Photography by Georgia Glynn Smith

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Keep Your Dance Floor Packed

kEEp your DaNCE fLoor paCkED E

veryone wants to have their dance floor packed until the very end of the night. What characteristics should your band or DJ have in order to accomplish this, and is there anything you can do to help ensure your crowd stays up on their feet? there should be no pause between songs- otherwise, people tend to either start leaving the dance floor or they become more critical of what is coming next. When one song flows smoothly into the next it keeps most people where they are and their energy rarely wanes. ask whether or not your entertainment will work in this manner.

your entertainment needs to address the several generations of guests who grew up with a completely different set of musical styles. they must play something for everyone yet at the same time have it crossover so that each person can enjoy every moment. older music (such as standards by sinatra, motown, etc.) should be played earlier in the night saving most of the party songs for later in the night when the crowd is more loosened up. the same goes for current top 0 hits. some should be sprinkled in early in the night to let the crowd know that more is coming, but most should be saved for later to really take your party over the top.

placement and sequence of songs is another important factor; when to play the right song and at the right time. this well-honed skill takes years of experience to develop. it is not enough to simply play all your requests and the band or DJ’s selections at any given moment. they need to be able to “read the crowd” and take the room on an emotional journey that constantly builds to the end of the night. my acts never show up with a fully developed and final set list. Being flexible and reading the crowd to determine what to play and when is critical.

pre-planning is a must. it is more than just about song requests. ask your bandleader or DJ to give input into your event timeline. Entertainment professionals should use their carefully developed expertise to know how the timing will flow. When the doors open to your reception, have your entertainment play upbeat dance music to set the tone, letting your guests know this is going to be an exciting party! Consider dancing between courses to keep the party atmosphere going and not lose too much energy unless the meal is in a different location from the dancing.

With a band, lead singers must be the type of professionals who fully understand why they are there, which is to help facilitate your celebration. they must have the skills and desire to engage and connect with your guests. it is their responsibility to set a tone for the entire crowd that is positive, energetic and joyful.

your entertainers are in a unique and powerful position to positively influence the outcome of your party. the key is to make every single person feel they are part of a wonderful and celebratory experience, filling the dance floor, and creating memories for a lifetime!

Named a “top 25 trendsetter,” multi award-winning entertainment designer Andy Kushner turns simple ideas into extraordinary celebrations by helping brides live their dream. fellow trendsetter Colin Cowie features andy on his site among his elite fabulous friends. andy has a reputation for his precise attention to scale, budget and personalization. to learn more about andy, visit his website andykushner.com or to reach him, call or email 301.869.8855. info@andykushner.com

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Picture Perfect The Story of Your Day

piCturE pErfECt The Story of Your Day

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hether the wedding is an outdoor, casual event or a black-tie affair; every couple wants the memories of their wedding to be picture perfect. photojournalism is the buzz word for modern weddings. forget the staged shots. photographers now focus on telling the story of your special day as it unfolds. from the pre-ceremony preparations to the last dance, they capture the events with wedding photography/video that records the unique emotions of your special day. Whether it’s the bride’s heartfelt hug with her dad or the flower girl and ring bearer dancing, it catches the spontaneous and touching moments in an artistic and unobtrusive way.

Choosing Your Photographer and/ or Videographer

available for their wedding date. so book your photographer and videographer as soon as you know your wedding date and budget. send an invitation and a map to them as well. research as many local photographers and videographers as possible. ask your married friends to see their pictures and videos and ask about their experience with the people they chose. this way you can make an informed decision about whom you hire. these days, every photographer should have a website or blog. if they don’t have one, you may not want to consider them; it could be that they aren’t up on today’s trends. the website will give you insight as to the style and quality that they provide.

When you interview your photographer and/or videographer, ask if he or she is going to be the one who is taking the pictures/video at your wedding or if there will be multiple people. most photographers and videographers will bring along an assistant for additional shots.

Be honest, especially if you can’t afford the price. Lay out your budget and ask how they can work with you. most photographers are flexible, and have a variety of packages they can customize. finally, if you can’t afford the photographer and there isn’t any chance to make it work, ask for a referral.

it is common for most brides to book their photographer and videographer far in advance to ensure the company is

try to find a photographer and videographer who is accommodating, tactful and organized. plan a final meeting to go over all the details of your day with everyone involved.

Look for packages that include a twophotographer coverage to capture the overall story of your wedding day, allowing more details and two different perspectives to be captured for the best overall end result. for the person who will be holding the camera, make sure he or she brings out the best in everyone. you’ll want to know if they have a great personality up front.

Videographer Specific Long after the vows have been said, cake has been cut and the songs have ended; the memories of your wedding day live on through your wedding video.

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When choosing your videographer, ask to see demo tapes of other weddings they have shot. a good, reputable videographer will have plenty of samples to show you. if they don’t, consider that a red flag. the ideal video would be a wedding from start to finish, not just a highlight-reel.

Different companies shoot weddings in different styles. Choose the style that best fits you and your fiancé.

Photographer and/ or Videographer Checklist How long have you been in business?

Do you give any guarantees on your services?

Choose someone you feel comfortable around and can trust to capture one of the most important days of your life.

What’s your philosophy to shooting weddings?

and finally, be patient. Editing the video is not only important, but also time consuming. When meeting with potential videographers, be sure to ask how long your final video will be, how many versions you will receive (i.e., one full-length version and a highlight video?) and how many copies of the final product you can get, too.

Will you be shooting our wedding personally?

“Pro” or “Joe”

Do you have backup equipment and shooters?

is your videographer still working with a camera from decades ago? or are they using the latest technology that would make others want to bring popcorn when they watch your wedding video?

Video Format Be sure to ask what format your wedding video will be. if it’s possible, why not have the feel of the theatre in your home?

“Sundance” or “Spielberg” on that same token, know the direction you want your wedding to be viewed in. Do you want it to be a cinematic masterpiece? or do want it to be raw like a documentary? ultimately, this will determine the overall vibe of how your wedding will be remembered when watched.

From Coast to Coast ask if your videographer offers instant webcasting. it is the latest advance to make it seem like your friends and family are right there with you—wherever they may be.

What Does “Hands On” Really Mean? some videographers film your wedding and then send the footage to another company to edit it. it’s important to know the company you are hiring will be same company that will film and edit your wedding and not contracted out to an outside source.

Where to Start?

Bridal shows are the perfect place to search for your ideal videographer.

What is your style?

What do you plan to do at my wedding to make my imagery unique and personal to me?

Who will I be dealing with after the wedding?

How will you show the selections (e.g., electronic, proofs, contact sheets, online gallery, etc.)?

What’s your time frame for preparing my selections?

Will you help me choose the final pictures?

How long do I have to make up my mind on the final edits and quantities?

How will our friends and family order prints?

Are there different degrees of coverage?

What are the costs of the various levels of coverage?

How much for the duplicate prints, albums, folios, enlargements, thank you cards, etc.?

Will you have an assistant? Do you have travel fees?

How much is your overtime fee?

What’s your payment policy?

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Arrive in Style The Ride for the Bride

Arrive in Style THE RIDE FOR THE BRIDE

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t’s your wedding, so why not arrive in style?

Nothing is more exciting than pulling up to your ceremony location and making a graceful exit out of a beautiful stretch limo. Renting a limo can have you feeling like royalty on your wedding day and leave a big impact on your guests.

Luxury limousines do a great job in adding style and charm to a wedding. Reserving transportation for you and your bridal party is a detail that should not be overlooked.

Now that you’ve decided on renting vehicles for your wedding transportation, what is next?

Style How you arrive should compliment your own personal style and your wedding. How do you envision your arrival and getaway: A white stretch limo? A monster-sized Hummer? Various styles and colors of limousines are available to suit any taste or style.

You can choose the type: a stretch limo, a classic car, Lincoln, Hummer, Bentley or even your own car. And the color: white, black, silver or even purple! Many vehicles now come with mini bars, dance areas and a great sound system to get the party started.

Budget Be sure to talk costs and what the costs include from per-hour rate to overtime charges and gratuities.

Be sure to compare costs, too. You may find that renting one larger vehicle is more budget friendly than smaller options. When factoring in a gratuity, estimate about 15-20 percent of the total. It is also 88

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wise to designate a member of your bridal party to handle the payments on-site for you; that is just one less thing to worry about on your big day.

Headcount How many in your bridal party will be riding with you? Don’t forget about parents, siblings, grandparents and other special attendants. Are you providing transportation for the guests to go from the hotel to the ceremony and the reception?

Although not required, it is a nice gesture if your budget can accommodate. One bus may just do the trick, depending on how many guests that may be.

Details When booking your reservation, be clear on your details to the rental company. It is important that they understand where and when to pick up your group so they can factor in enough time for travel.

Don’t be Late Always factor in a few extra minutes for traffic, construction or getting lost. It doesn’t hurt to bring a copy of the directions with you, just in case the driver isn’t certain of where to go. This is not the day to discover the scenic route. Prepare a list of pick-up and drop-off locations, directions to each location and a point of contact at each. This will relieve you of having to field phone calls while getting ready. Be extra prepared and give each point of contact a set of directions.

With a little extra attention to the details, you are sure to arrive in style … and on time.

The Nãpelace® by Gwendolyn G. A New Elegance From Gwendolyn G. Story By: Jo Ann Dioguardi

Webster’s Dictionary defines the word innovate as: “to change or alter by introducing something new; to remodel; to revolutionize.” Being the creator of the Napelace, the first piece of jewelry conceived to adorn the nape of a woman’s neck, Gwendolyn G. is truly an innovative designer! And because this unique concept is a first in the world of jewelry design, Gwendolyn G. has been issued a United States Utility Patent, which entitles her to exclusivity in regards to both the design and concept of the Napelace.

A native of Las Vegas, Nevada, Gwendolyn G. is a former model and makeup artist. Throughout her extensive career in the world of fashion, she enjoyed accessorizing a woman’s individual beauty through her unique use of color in both fashion and makeup artistry. And now, through her revolutionary contribution to the jewelry industry, she has found yet another way to accessorize the beauty of a woman: the Napelace!

Q: What exactly is a Napelace?

Q: What excites you most about the Napelace?

A:

A:

A Napelace is a piece of jewelry designed to adorn one of the most sensual parts of a woman’s body: the nape of a woman’s neck. Consisting of three pieces, two of which are earrings, its precise weight distribution and symmetrical design allows for a feather-light feel without restricting mobility. My jewelry is currently fashioned from rhodium-plated 925 sterling silver, decorated with Swarovski zirconia. However, white gold, diamonds, and other precious gemstones are most often used in custom pieces.

Q: Which words would you choose to best describe the Napelace?

A:

The Napelace is a completely new accessory, so there is a discovery factor involved when you add it to your jewelry wardrobe.

Once you bring your Napelace home, you will inevitably begin to explore, re-examine, and possibly even re-vamp your fashion wardrobe to complement this recent addition to your ever-evolving sense of style. The versatility of this unique piece allows the wearer to “jazz it up” or “dress it down,” making the Napelace work with both upscale casual and elegant evening attire. And the earrings can also be worn alone, which gives two completely distinct looks from only one purchase.

Q: How does it feel to have something in the jewelry industry that no one else can provide?

My choice would be “category creator.” Think about it: When was the last time you walked into a jewelry store to make a purchase or to simply browse, and you saw something absolutely new? I’m not referring to a new design of an already existing concept, such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or rings. The “new” to which I’m referring is an additional category in the jewelry sector. Although there are often beautiful new designs in the types of jewelry that have existed for centuries, there hasn’t been an additional one until now. This is why I refer to the Napelace as a “category creator.” Having specifically designed it to adorn the nape of a woman’s neck, (a design that had never been seen before in jewelry), the Napelace is in a class by itself.

For more information visit: GwendolynG.com Like us on facebook at: www.facebook.com/THENAPELACE Gwendolyn G. Creator

A:

As a fashion-conscious woman myself, I feel honored to bring a truly one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry to women that will work well for many occasions. Whether it’s your own wedding or another’s gala that you’re attending, from less formal events to the grandeur of walking the red carpet, the Napelace gives you another accessory option. And what a unique present for a gentleman to give to his special lady! Simply put, I love providing both women and men with a new choice.

Q: What should women expect while wearing the Napelace?

A:

Expect to be the center of attention, turning the heads of both inquisitive men and women alike, followed by the inescapable questions: “What is it?” and “Where did you get it?” And also expect to relish the feelings of elegance and grace that wearing this extraordinary piece provides.

Q: If you could leave the readers with one thought, what would it be?

A:

I’d leave them with this: “What do you give the woman who has everything? You give her a Napelace by Gwendolyn G.”

Destination & Design with Preston Bailey

Destination & Design p r E s to N B a i L E y

You are sure to have memories to last a lifetime

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globally-celebrated for his unique ability to transform ordinary spaces into lush, theatrical environments, preston Bailey is known as the premier event designer for a client roster that includes celebrities, royal families, CEo’s and athletes. known for his ability to transform the dreams of his clients into reality, Bailey is often sought out to create never-seen-before designs that serve as backdrops for some of the most memorable moments of their lives. for more information, please visit prestonbailey.com prEstoN BaiLEy

W W

hen the wedding planning begins, brides are presented with a choice of hosting their wedding in the city where they may currently live or a destination that will require some travel.

Many brides today are choosing destination weddings because they wish to have a wedding that goes beyond the traditional wedding day experience. With a destination wedding, the traditional one-day event turns into a multi-day vacation experience.

Destination weddings often last over the course of several days and can include activities that may not be found in the bride’s hometown. Imagine taking your bridal party on a private wine tasting in Napa, a skiing trip in the Catskills or a private snorkeling trip in Fiji. Arranged group activities bring your wedding guests together, allowing those closest to you the chance to really get to now each other.

This is also a wonderful opportunity for the bride and groom to spend quality time with the guests who traveled to be with them and to witness one of the most special days in their life. This is the perfect time to thank them with an intimate dinner, wine tasting or cocktail party.

Most destination venues offer all-inclusive packages that ease logistics and amount of stress placed on the couple and their guests. Resort wedding coordinators are trained to assist with all aspects of your planning including room arrangements, transportation and even arranging for your marriage license.

With a destination wedding, your event becomes a more significant experience for everyone in addition to the lovely ceremony and a nice dinner. Your guests will have not only an unforgettable wedding ceremony, but also an unforgettable vacation.

Destination weddings, whether a warm and tropical locale or a major city, provide the perfect reason for anyone to take a few extra days to celebrate with you, and make a vacation out of the trip.

When planning your destination wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind such as travel time, time changes and work schedules. Be sure to give your guests advance notice with a save the date, allowing them more time to prepare both financially and to give enough notice at work for vacation time.

With some advance planning you are sure to have memories to last a lifetime.

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Marriage Isn’t for You

marriagE isN’t for you by seth adam smith

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H

aving been married only a year and a half, i’ve recently come to the conclusion that marriage isn’t for me.

i had seen her play with my nieces, i knew that she was the one with whom i wanted to build our own family.

Now before you start making assumptions, keep reading.

my father’s advice was both shocking and revelatory. it went against the grain of today’s “Walmart philosophy”, which is if it doesn’t make you happy, you can take it back and get a new one.

i met my wife in high school when we were 15 years old. We were friends for ten years until…until we decided no longer wanted to be just friends. :) i strongly recommend that best friends fall in love. good times will be had by all.

Nevertheless, falling in love with my best friend did not prevent me from having certain fears and anxieties about getting married. the nearer kim and i approached the decision to marry, the more i was filled with a paralyzing fear. Was i ready? Was i making the right choice? Was kim the right person to marry? Would she make me happy? then, one fateful night, i shared these thoughts and concerns with my dad. perhaps each of us have moments in our lives when it feels like time slows down or the air becomes still and everything around us seems to draw in, marking that moment as one we will never forget. my dad giving his response to my concerns was such a moment for me. With a knowing smile he said, “seth, you’re being totally selfish. so i’m going to make this really simple: marriage isn’t for you. you don’t marry to make yourself happy, you marry to make someone else happy. more than that, your marriage isn’t for yourself, you’re marrying for a family. Not just for the in-laws and all of that nonsense, but for your future children. Who do you want to help you raise them? Who do you want to influence them? marriage isn’t for you. it’s not about you. marriage is about the person you married.” it was in that very moment that i knew that kim was the right person to marry. i realized that i wanted to make her happy; to see her smile every day, to make her laugh every day. i wanted to be a part of her family, and my family wanted her to be a part of ours. and thinking back on all the times

No, a true marriage (and true love) is never about you. it’s about the person you love—their wants, their needs, their hopes, and their dreams. selfishness demands, “What’s in it for me?”, while Love asks, “What can i give?” some time ago, my wife showed me what it means to love selflessly. for many months, my heart had been hardening with a mixture of fear and resentment. then, after the pressure had built up to where neither of us could stand it, emotions erupted. i was callous. i was selfish.

But instead of matching my selfishness, kim did something beyond wonderful—she showed an outpouring of love. Laying aside all of the pain and aguish i had caused her, she lovingly took me in her arms and soothed my soul. i realized that i had forgotten my dad’s advice. While kim’s side of the marriage had been to love me, my side of the marriage had become all about me. this awful realization brought me to tears, and i promised my wife that i would try to be better. to all who are reading this article—married, almost married, single, or even the sworn bachelor or bachelorette—i want you to know that marriage isn’t for you. No true relationship of love is for you. Love is about the person you love. and, paradoxically, the more you truly love that person, the more love you receive. and not just from your significant other, but from their friends and their family and thousands of others you never would have met had your love remained self-centered. truly, love and marriage isn’t for you. it’s for others.

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beautiful DIAMONDS amazing PRICES personal SERVICE

L A S

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CITY GUIDE Atlanta

CITY GUIDE Atlanta

Pristine Southern weather makes wedding ceremonies in courts, gardens, halls and other wedding venues beautiful and memorable occasions.

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Roxanne Weatherly Atlanta Publisher

City guiDE

Atlanta

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tlanta is an ideal place to get married, with its mix of urban chic and old-fashion southern charm offering wedding locations to suit a range of tastes and interests. an important part of wedding planning is finding the perfect vendors, and atlanta has a variety of picturesque ceremony locations and experienced professionals at which you can also hold a memorable reception afterward.

Incredible Ways to Get Married in Atlanta 1. Country Club Weddings many couples dream of marrying in a distinctive and elegant setting that Country Clubs effortlessly provide. With unparalleled skyline views, luxurious European décor, ideal locations in the heart of atlanta’s best hotels and churches, and attention to detail, there are country clubs that are the perfect venues for the couple looking for a unique and sophisticated Wedding reception. in the rolling hills of georgia among hardwoods and streams, are country clubs that provide the perfect setting for a beautiful wedding. there are many country clubs that combine a picturesque scene with first-class accommodations and service, and they make a beautiful backdrop for hosting an elegant wedding.

2. Mansion Weddings – rich with southern Charm, it’s no wonder mansions are at the top of the atlanta bride’s venue list! there are mansions in south atlanta with spacious ballrooms and many acres of breathtaking gardens. there are mansions located in historic downtown cities surrounding atlanta that are gracious and stately, beautifully decorated and furnished. as you stroll through the authentically restored rooms and view landscaped grounds, you will see why a mansion setting could be your choice.

3. North Georgia Mountain Weddings – Nestled among the North georgia mountains, these venues redefine the typical mountain getaway. for a memorable wedding, there is no finer place. there are venues with lush gardens, majestic mountains and beautiful green valleys; a perfect setting for an outdoor north georgia wedding. indoors you may choose from a cozy, intimate room to the elegant ballroom with dance floor.

Venues are close at hand, whether it on a mountain top, by a beautiful waterfall, in an intimate chapel or a simple country church, the choice is yours.

4. Southern Home Weddings – one of the most romantic location options for brides is southern homes. Complete with their natural charm, and adoring backdrop, this is an effortless and soft option. these southern homes specialize in making wedding memories flawless. their lush gardens and sweeping canopy of hundredyear-old oak trees provide you with a picturesque vista for your outdoor ceremony, while their ballrooms set a warm yet elegant stage for your reception celebration.

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CITY GUIDE Atlanta

5. Waterfront Weddings – imagine exchanging your vows among magical lake views. the splendor of the resorts and marinas make it a dream destination for weddings. Whether your version of an ideal ceremony is in a wooded lakeside hideaway or along a sandy beach while waves peacefully lap at the shore, the yellow river and Lake Lanier islands, (among others) are the perfect settings.

6. Garden Weddings – gardens provide a timeless and picturesque setting to say your “i Do’s” in. atlanta has Botanical gardens that will take your breath away. Natural beauty is in constant evolution at these urban oasis’. your guests can have a panoramic view of beautiful walkways, decks and walking bridges that traverse the tranquil waters with a gazebo in the center of a surrounding lake. magnificent imported statues are nestled along lush garden walkways. Who could ask for a more gorgeous setting?

7. Church Weddings – sometimes there is just nothing prettier than a traditional southern church wedding.

Churches delight in hosting weddings for their members and are eager to make your wedding one that will be remembered with deep joy.

8. Sports Themed Weddings – a sports themed wedding is a wedding you can have a lot of fun with. it can be as simple as you both wearing sneakers or as grand as getting married in your favorite baseball teams stadium. it is all up to you, it is your day after all. there are athletic clubs that feature elegant ballrooms and will make hosting your wedding a first class event.

9. Art Décor Wedding – all across the country, museums of art, history, and others are opening their doors for wedding receptions. an increasing number of brides and grooms are discovering that there’s no better place to hold their own historic events. there are many art galleries with contemporary style, spacious floor plans, high ceilings and artistic lighting- the perfect venues for your perfect day.

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Marriage License Info There are two sets of fees for marriage license applications. The fee is either $56.00 (without certificate*) or $26.00 (with certificate*). The application fee is waived when the couple seeking the license has completed a qualifying premarital education program. A *certificate of completion of a qualifying premarital education program be presented for the $35.00 application fee to be waived.

Two valid forms of id such as drivers license, birth certificate, U. S. passport, Armed Forces ID card, or Resident Alien ID card.

Applicants will also be asked to fill out a brief form.

Marriage License Office & Hours: Fulton County Probate Court 136 Pryor Street Downtown Courthouse Suite C230 Atlanta, GA 30303 404-730-4070 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. / M - F Closed for holidays.

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CITY GUIDE Atlanta

PRO TIPS Atlanta I said yes, now where do I start?

Before you set the date, book the church or call vendors and determine your budget. after announcing your engagement, schedule a meeting with your parents to determine what everyone “can” contribute. Discuss your vision, guest count and their expectations for the wedding. most importantly, financially plan for the number of guest invited not expected rsVps. – IRENE TYNDALE, the Wedding & Event specialist

Testing…Testing!

Doing a hair and makeup trial is a must. if you are not happy, you’ll have time to change it or shop around. if you have sensitive skin, bring your own products to avoid a reaction that could possibly ruin ceremony and honeymoon pictures. take pictures at the trial of both hair and makeup, to ensure the perfect look!

– RUSTY TIDWELL, hair & makeup, Claiborne salon atlanta

Room for Everyone

you send out your invites, and notice one of the groom’s best friends rsVp’d for one. sure enough, he and his girlfriend broke up. at the ceremony, you notice said friend is standing with his old girlfriend. By adding a couple of extra chairs (to the ceremony and reception) will help alleviate potential problems.

– CRICKET RUSSELL, social Catering manager, melia atlanta hotel

Design and Color

When planning the flowers for your wedding, instead of focusing on a particular flower, look to the design and colors you want to bring out. this gives your florist the opportunity to create a palette of flowers to fit your theme while also being friendly to your budget at the same time. it’s a win-win!

SABRINA & ROGER DE MAN, Wedding & Event florist Blossoms of Elegance

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B

ridal Extravaganza of Atlanta

Atlanta's most beautiful bridal show...

sunday

Meet Atlanta's Best Wedding Professionals Couture Fashion Show

January 26 2014 12-5pm

The Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart Building 2 West | 230 Spring Street Atlanta GA 30303

the latest trends, designs & ideas Taste the best in catering & cakes

For more information & tickets

visit BeABride.net

REALBRIDES

Real Bride Stories Atlanta - Chantrele & Alexander

&

Chantrele Alexander Bride: Groom: Date: City: Guests:

Chantrele Edwards Alexander Mohr April 27, 2013 Milner, GA 150

alexander and Chantrele met as children in the 7th grade at Eagles Landing middle school. alexander proposed on memorial Day of 01 at a cookout and pool party hosted by the wedding couple with family and friends in attendance. Chantrele was in the swimming pool when alexander walked outside and proceeded to lead her out of the pool where he then turned down the music, and made the sweetest speech she’d ever heard! the rest was wedding history. the couple decided on april 7 for their wedding date because things start to bloom each year at that time, and the weather is still mild enough for an outdoor celebration. the couple knew from the beginning that they wanted a southern theme, and the farley plantation was a perfect fit for their venue needs. the number 7 is a lucky number for the couple for a few reasons: both of their mothers gave birth for the first time when they were 7, and alex and Chantrele were both 7 when they became engaged. the inspiration for the wedding décor came from Chantrele’s favorite color, soft yellow (and her favorite flower, the yellow rose). the couple had yellow floating calla lilies at each table for the centerpiece. the groom’s cake was his favorite NfL team jersey and a football. Each layer of the 104

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Bride’s cake was a different flavor that consisted of the couple’s favorites. the Bride and groom made s’mores that consisted of two marshmallows, two chocolate bars and two graham crackers and labels that read “s’mohr LoVE”. the Bride further showcased her love of all things Country by wearing white cowboy boots with rhinestones for her second dress.

Carey, “Every time i Close my Eyes”. the Bride picked this song because when she was a little girl she would always say “i’m going to marry the man that makes me feel this way.” and, that’s exactly what she did.

the Bride walked down the aisle to “a thousand years” by Christina perri, and was given away by her mother (and self admittedly, her best friend), during the ceremony. the first dance song at the receptions was by Babyface and mariah

the best advice that Chantrele can give to future brides is to “soak up every single second of your special day because all that hard work you put into planning will fly by within just a few short hours. Live in that moment with all that you have.”

“my favorite memory is coming down in a white horse and carriage to meet my groom for the first time. i felt just like a princess!”

This Couple Recommends: Venue: .......................... The Farley Plantation Bridal Gown: ................. David’s Bridal Cake: ............................ (Bride’s) Lisa Luke Ashburn, (Groom’s) Southern Pound Cake Caterer: ........................ The Farley Plantation Décor and Florist:.......... The Farley Plantation with Heather Miller Favors:.......................... Customized S’mores desserts Hair and Make Up: ........ Maria Martinez and Kimaris Jones Officiant: ....................... Tommy Holton Photographer and Videographer: ............... Scott Evans and Michael Escobar Transportation:.............. Drove away in a Bentley Tuxedo: ......................... The Men’s Warehouse Wedding Planner:.......... Family (private wedding planner)

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CITY GUIDE Atlanta

Specializing in a Signature Style for the Signature Bride

Wedding Planning & Design Complete Home & Bridal Registry Unique Personalized Monograms Bridesmaid & Groomsmen Gifts

Cynthia Porche Interiors 770-837-0185 ď‚„ www.cynthiaporcheinteriors.com 6955 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 102 ď‚„ Johns Creek, GA 30097 106

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Tour of Gwinnett County CITY GUIDE Atlanta

tour of gWiNNEtt CouNty “Atlanta is a huge wedding market, and Gwinnett is the home of a number of great new venues.

The tour was designed to help carry our brand to wedding planners and to Explore Gwinnett’s wedding venues. It was a great opportunity to showcase these venues to planners whose new clients were looking for something located close to Atlanta, but wanted a small town feel. We chose to showcase a myriad of venues, each with a distinct vibe. We wanted the tour to tell a story that would leave planners wanting more...” –Maurice Odems Venues: 1.

Hudgens Center

2.

Payne-Corley House

3.

550 Trackside

4.

TPC Sugarloaf

5.

Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center

6.

Buford Community Center

7.

Ashton Gardens Atlanta

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CITY GUIDE Central Valley

City Guide Central Valley

We are after all, California!

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Kimberly Vaughan Central Valley Publisher

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our wedding ceremony and reception will be the reflection of two, unique individuals with their own taste and style, uniting as one remarkable couple. the venue you select will serve as the backdrop and ambiance, the canvas, of this union. With vast vineyards, historic buildings, charming barns, five star hotels, lakeside resorts, and luxurious country clubs, Central Valley California claims host of some of the country’s most memorably themed occasions. We are after all, California!

Incredible Ways to Get Married in Central Valley California 1. Yosemite National Park Weddings: With panoramic views, waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, the spontaneity of the wildlife, flowing riverbeds, and snow capped mountains, yosemite reflects a natural ambiance for both large, luxurious, platinum weddings, as well as charming, intimate celebrations. if it is a chapel wedding you are seeking, yosemite offers charming chapels at nearby resorts and hotels. once you have experienced this incredible area, you never want to leave.

2. Mountain Weddings: the area is rich with wedding venue option, both inside the park and the surrounding mountain communities. some venues offer multiple cabins, beautiful outdoor ceremony areas, lodges, waterfalls, and gorgeous sunset views. mountain wedding venues have guest cabins available, fine dining, and entertainment, such as bonfires, for your whole wedding party and guests to enjoy.

3. Garden Weddings: gardens create an effortless, soft, romantic setting for weddings. ranches offer beautiful garden areas that promise to capture the perfect photos during the day, as well as sunset silhouettes. at the foothills of the mighty sierra Nevada’s, spacious retreats with mystic gardens, bridal cottages, and

beauty at every turn offer an option for a gorgeous wedding setting. ranch resorts are beautiful venues that encompass every romantic detail you could dream of with gardens, ponds and fountains, and spacious quarters and lush greens.

4. Luxury Platinum Weddings: if it is a platinum wedding you are planning, consider a five star luxurious experience in historical building locations. these landmarks provide old world elegance that creates stylish flair. the ornate embellishments throughout historic venues are true testaments of an exquisite era. Venue banquet rooms accommodate large or intimate weddings. Country Clubs offer a garden-like setting that is perfect for celebrating your special day. With riverfront settings, luxury venues provide sophisticated stairways, italian statue gardens, stately fountains, garden gazebos, and columned balconies that create a platinum wedding experience.

5. Lakeside Weddings: imagine your wedding on the beach, overlooking glistening waters as you vow your love for one another. resorts overlooking the beautiful san Joaquin river allow for weddings to be held on white sand beaches. you and your guests can enjoy

the beach and the feeling of a desert oasis in private venues in the sierra Nevada mountains. the lake is encircled with gorgeous pine trees and the mountains create a haven that cradles this timeless venue. you and your guests can enjoy nearby hotel accommodations, or rent one of the summer rental homes for an extended stay of water sports and leisure.

Lakeside parks showcase manicured venues that provide many options of ceremony location with a serene garden setting and a lakeside pergola and pavilion that are absolutely stunning while lit in the night’s sky along the edge of the lake. the beaches are well kept and the waters are crisp. With cabins and deluxe lodges available for you and your guests you will find it difficult to leave this serene atmosphere.

6. Weddings on the Greens: Lush greens and the pampering of a country club is the ideal setting for today’s bride and groom. Country Clubs are far from the hustle and bustle of city life, but close enough to be comfortably accessible. they also offers brides choice in either an indoor or outdoor ceremony location, exemplary service, fine dining chefs, and stunning photos to remember the day by. Club golf courses provide stunning backdrops for wedding day photos.

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7. The Princess Wedding: Not one, but two castles call our Central Valley their kingdom. kasteel Noz in snelling is truly a castle built for royalty. resting on 0 acres, this tranquil castle made of brick, mortar, steel, flagstone and love, provides two ponds, torch and candlelit ambiance and an unforgettable experience. the fire pit in the back of the castle is lit by a shooting arrow sent by an archer from the top of the castle to the base of the pit below. you will definitely want a horse drawn carriage for this affair. in Clovis, California resides the Clovis Castle, with two tower chambers dressed affluently in Queen Victorian era furnishings. this lavish castle is abundant with gorgeous greens, balconies, and stately charm. a royal couple will feel right at home at this intriguing castle with English hospitality extended from start to finish.

8. Vineyard Weddings: among the vines, many brides find romance, elegance, and whimsical blessings for their special day. Vineyards are perfectly located far outside of the city, adding to the luster of an intimate wedding venue. Lined archways that emote pure romance for brides and grooms exchanging vows in this scented wonderland help to create a magical feeling. Vineyard grounds are whimsically adorned with statues, fountains, ivy covered archways, brick cottages, and hundreds of acres of grape vines. it is the kind of venue you see in travel brochures, calling you to experience italy.

Marriage License Info California law requires a couple to obtain a marriage license in order to have a legally binding wedding ceremony. California requires proof of identification and a license application fee.

It will cost you $49 for a public license and $69 for a confidential license.

Payments can be made in cash, debit card, visa, mastercard only. No checks. There is no waiting period or blood tests in Fresno County and no appointment is necessary.

Each person must present one form of valid photo identification with proof of age. To expedite the identification process, it is recommended that both parties bring a certified copy of their birth certificate.

Couples applying for a marriage license must be unmarried. Your public marriage license is effective immediately and valid for 90 days anywhere within the state of California. Once you have your marriage license the ceremony can be performed at the church of your choice; a wedding chapel, or a civil ceremony may be performed by this office. After the ceremony, the license must be returned to the clerk’s office for recording. Certified copies may be purchased one week after the license is returned to our office.

Marriage License Office & Hours: Fresno County Register-Recorder/County Clerk 2221 Kern Street Fresno, CA 93721 559-600-2575 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. / M - F Closed for holidays.

Modesto County Stanislaus County Marriage License Office Stanislaus County Clerk-Recorder 1021 I Street, Suite 101 Modesto, CA 95354 209-525-5250 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. / M - F Closed for holidays.

Contests and Prizes Register online for these contests and prizes and much more on BeautifulBrideCentralValley.com

Once a month a winner will receive a beautiful package of wedding planning presents from the wedding professionals of Beautiful Bride of Central Valley.

Register with BeautifulBrideCentralValley. com for your free Rewards Card. Use the card throughout Central Valley when meeting your wedding professionals. (Participating vendors only. Wedding professionals, call 855.BRIDE..88 X 200 to get on the card, it’s free!)

Win a Free Wedding Gown

Complimentary Dinner for 2

Monthly Prize Giveaway

Register with BeautifulBrideCentralValley.com for a chance to win the gown of your dreams.

Win Your Dream Wedding

BeautifulBrideCentralValley.com/dreamwedding.php for a chance to win your dream wedding!

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Register with BeautifulBrideCentralValley.com for a chance to win a romantic dinner for 2.

PHOTO BY CHRIS GEIGER PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO BY SOULMATES PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY CHRIS GEIGER PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY CHRIS GEIGER PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY PRO IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

CITY GUIDE Central Valley

9. Country Chic Barn Weddings: a country wedding speaks to the heart like no other, with rustic charm, or refined elegance; however, sometimes finding the perfect venue for such an event can be a daunting task. the old west comes to life in area barns where rows of historic buildings are erect and add to the ambiance as well as barns, which are perfect for photos. there are several ceremony locations to choose from including a heritage oak tree that is iconic in the area.

10. Unique Weddings: many couples seek a truly unique experience when exchanging vows. zipline weddings provide couples with heart-thrilling rides as vows are exchanged zipping through the sierras. another great unique venue provides the perfect place for animal lovers; the fresno Chaffee zoo. the fresno Chaffee zoo has been a favorite place for families to enjoy many different species of animals. Couples have enjoyed being a main attraction at the zoo for years. the moaning Caverns surely

provide a unique wedding venue. Brides have stepped out of the box with theme and ideas while they experienced a cave wedding at the moaning Caverns. the acoustics in the cave are probably the best heard i do’s in the world. a yacht wedding at the Downtown stockton California marina is a unique experience for a small guest list. throughout the corridor of highway 99, the heart of our Central Valley, to the skyline on the mountaintops of the sierra Nevada mountain range, you’ll be sure to find a remarkable and perfect venue. Check out the following pages where you’ll find the best wedding professionals Central Valley has to offer, who will make this vision that you are dreaming manifest into the very best day of your life.

2485 Geer Rd., Turlock, CA 95382

209-656-9219

www.yonansjewelers.com 1 BeautifulBrideCentralValley.com 114YonansSquareAd.indd

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yonan’s floral yonansfloralweddings.com 209-664-9325

2425 geer rd turlock ca

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Nicole Ralph Bride: Groom: Date: City: Guests:

Nicole Garcia Ruiz Ralph Garcia October 6, 2013 Sanger, California 175

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icole and Ralph met in May of 2010 through a family member. Introduced to one another by Nicole’s brother and Ralph’s mother, love soon blossomed between them. Ralph had been keeping a huge secret from Nicole; and on June 16th, he called up a photographer friend of his to help him plan the wedding proposal.

The very next nigh, Nicole received a call from Tiffany inviting her to do a small photo shoot for to help with a portfolio project. The two ladies planned to meet the next day at the Japanese Gardens in Fresno for the shoot. Ralph drove Nicole there and they searched and searched for Tiffany, but could not find her. However, they suddenly found themselves alone in a beautiful garden. Ralph dropped to one knee and popped the question while Tiffany (who was hiding) captured the entire proposal! It was a day Nicole will never forget. the couple decided on an October date to capture fall colors at their outdoor wedding. Initially, they didn’t have an idea of a wedding venue, but were settled on the wedding date. While attending the International Wedding Festival, the couple won an incredible wedding from Y101 (their favorite radio station) to be held at Wonder Valley Ranch Resort. They had heard so many great things about this venue and knew it was going to be a dream wedding The wedding theme was contemporary with a lot of added sparkle.

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The Bride wanted a romantic setting with a touch of color, and it came out beautifully.

It was important to Nicole and Ralph that they were both represented in their celebration. The two are fun, romantic and very much in love and they wanted their guests to experience a romantic setting and feel the love that the couple feels for each other. The first dance song was a compilation of music including Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars that kicked off the party with Ralph and Nicole laughing while their guests laughed along! It truly reflected who they are as individuals, and their guests could relate.

Nicole’s father, who passed away the day that Ralph proposed, loved his blue shirt. The couple had the shirt tailored into a perfect heart shape and sewn to the back of Nicole’s dress: “I felt his presence there as if he were truly walking me down the aisle. Ralph was able to ask

my father’s permission for his daughter’s hand before he passed, so it was equally important to Ralph that my father’s spirit was there as well.” one of the favorite memories of the day was saying, “I do.” According to the happy couple, the ceremony was absolutely perfect. Ralph’s favorite memory of the day was seeing Nicole stepping off the horse and carriage that carried her to the ceremony, and taking in how beautiful she looked. Nicole and Ralph both feel that their wedding day was planned to perfection, and that it was the most beautiful day with gorgeous weather. From the venue and horse drawn carriage, to the flowers and cake, it was absolutely breathtaking. The day could not have been more romantic and special for the pair, and Nicole gushes, “I love Ralph and cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with him. I know our love will last forever.”.

This Couple Recommends: Venue: .......................... Wonder Valley Ranch Resort Bridal Gown: ................. Elegant Bride Cake: ............................ Sweet Dreams Cakery Caterer: ........................ Wonder Valley Ranch Resort Décor and Florist:.......... Valley Event Floral DJ:................................ Sound Express DJ’s Photo Booth: ................. Go Bananas Events Hair and Make Up: ........ Cheyenne Ortiz Officiant: ....................... Della Salcedo Photographer: ............... Bicek Photography Tuxedo: ......................... Pat’s Tuxedos Wedding Planner:.......... California Bridal Eventz & Wonder Valley Ranch Resort

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CITY GUIDE Central Valley

PRO TIPS Central Valley A Photographers Lighting

make sure your wedding photographer can handle all lighting conditions, not only those present on a nice sunny day.

Look at images they shot after sunset and during the reception. the images of a more capable photographer will properly light not only the subjects but the scene/venue as well. the after sunset images won’t look like “flashed” mug shots.

– DOUG MORGAN, morgan James photography

Flawless Fit

When considering chair covers you will need to determine what chairs you will be using, whether they are through a rental company, or through your venue. understanding whether they are folding chairs, or banquet chairs prior to calling for pricing will not only ensure a correct quote for the service, but also a perfect chair cover fit at your event.

– DIANE DAVISON, stylish seating

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Be Selective

your DJ will set the mood and keep the party going. Be very selective when choosing your DJ, by meeting them in person to find the right one. if you’re seeking a platinum style wedding, you don’t want the “hey, hey, hey” DJ. meeting multiple DJs to find the best suited for your event will be worth the effort as your party unfolds exactly as you hoped it would.

– TODD DAVIS, sound Express DJs

Match it Perfectly

Color is the most important aspect of your wedding. make sure you present your florist and decorator with a swatch of your color. With a picture, colors may appear lighter or darker than they really are. By using a swatch, the colors of your linens, table dressing, reception backdrop, flowers and bouquet ribbon can be matched perfectly.

– AILIN YADEGARIAN, Wedding & Event Consultant, yonan’s floral

Find The Venue That Has It All

When shopping for tuxedos, look for a store that has in-stock merchandise. this is a big plus in assuring your gentlemen will be properly attired. you will be able to look at actual colors of accessories, try on items to assure a proper fit and see what style tuxedo would be the best compliment to the groom and his party. more importantly, a store with inventory on hand will be able to accommodate any last minute orders, changes or adjustments.

– ASHLEY ANTONIO, Director of sales & catering, swan Court Conference Center

CITY GUIDE Central Valley

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CITY GUIDE Orlando

City Guide Orlando

Luxury. Fun. Romance...

Come experience it for yourself

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Monica and John Fehlberg Orlando Publisher

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Orlando

rlando weddings are known to be romantic, elegant and beautiful. fresh greenery surroundings, waterfront venues and towering palm trees swaying in the light breeze present a tropical, pleasant ambiance and atmosphere that says elegant, the wonderful wedding you’ve always dreamed of. known for being magical, thanks to Walt Disney, orlando weddings are some of the most sophisticated and elegant weddings in the united states. Whether it’s getting the royal treatment for the day, or celebrating your love in a modern museum, you can find your perfect venue in orlando and all of Central florida in this city of beauty, soon-to-be wed couples have bountiful options for the perfect ceremony and reception. make sure your event is up to par when hosting it at one of the area’s many gorgeous golf courses. Explore the beauty of nature with an event to remember in a garden, or celebrate your nuptials at one of the many, upscale hotels. Whatever your taste or style, orlando can make your dreams a reality. orlando is also popular for destination weddings. pristine beaches and beautiful lake front locations offer a peaceful bohemian setting. No matter what type of venue you choose, make sure the day is a true reflection of you and your love. the possibilities are endless and we are proud to present to you our top ten ideas to help your dream wedding come true.

Incredible Ways to Get Married in Orlando 1. Disney Weddings: a fairytale wedding at Walt Disney World resort would make any bride feel like a princess. there are several magical ceremony locations to choose from. use Cinderella’s Castle as an exquisite backdrop at magic kingdom park’s swan Boat Landing. Disney’s wedding pavilion sets the scene of a classic Victorian summer home. or perhaps your dream wedding is somewhere exotic. you don’t have to travel out of the country to experience a different culture. Epcot offers unforgettable globally inspired venues such as Canada, China, france, germany, italy, Japan, morocco and the united kingdom. these enchanting places are sure to fulfill a bride’s wedding fantasy.

2. Country Club Weddings: there is just something stunning about a golf course. an outdoor wedding on a charming terrace overlooking a spectacular vista of Lake griffin is a perfect setting. Exchange marriage vows beneath a gracefully decorated arbor covered with flowers, surrounded by green rolling hills and tall palm trees. White wedding chairs on the perfectly manicured lawns a golf Club surround both sides of a walkway scattered with rose petals leading up to a gazebo. a white horse-drawn carriage creates a cherished memory on your special day.

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3. Resort/Hotel Weddings: Luxurious five-star resorts are perfect venues for a wedding and orlando has some of the finest. Lush outdoor gardens, extravagant marble halls, cascading waterfalls and exotic orchids combine to form the perfect backdrop. for a more tropical themed union, other area venues offer a dramatic two-story waterfall completing the lovely scenery.

4. Private Venue Weddings: a club or event center offers creative space for the bride and groom. Event centers are blank canvasses giving the couple room to create the wedding of their dreams.

White couches and sheer white pipe and drape give a contemporary feel. state-ofthe-art LED lighting equipment is available for use at most venues. many locations have gorgeous lakefront views and outdoor terraces that are illuminated with visual splendor.

Marriage License Info There is no blood test or waiting in Florida to obtain a marriage license. However, there is a 3-day waiting period for couples who live in Orange County but do not provide proof that they have completed a premarital preparation course. You must be 18 unless you have parental consent. Each party must have a state ID, military ID, passport, or original birth certificate. Social security numbers are also required. Your marriage license will be good for 60 days from the time you secure it.

The marriage license application fee in Orlando is $93.50. That fee is reduced by $32.50 if proof is provided of a premarital preparation course (applies to Florida residents only). There must be at least one additional witness other than the person performing the ceremony.

Those couples who reside outside the U.S. will need to contact officials in their country of origin to find out how to register their marriage at home.

Marriage License Offices and Hours: A marriage license may be obtained Monday through Friday, except holidays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the following Clerk’s offices: Downtown Courthouse Winter Park Branch Apopka Branch Ocoee Branch Goldenrod Branch

Contests and Prizes Register online for these contests and prizes and much more on BeautifulBrideOrlando.com

Monthly Prize Giveaway

Once a month a winner will receive a beautiful package of wedding planning presents from the wedding professionals of Beautiful Bride Orlando.

Win a Free Wedding Gown

Register with BeautifulBrideOrlando.com for a chance to win the gown of your dreams.

Win a Honeymoon in Vegas

Register with BeautifulBrideOrlando.com for a chance to win a Las Vegas Honeymoon!

Includes airfare, hotel, dinners and shows.(Certain blackout dates apply.

Subject to minor restrictions.)

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Get Your Free Rewards Card

Register with BeautifulBrideOrlando.com for your free Rewards Card. Use the card throughout Orlando when meeting your wedding professionals. (Participating vendors only. Wedding professionals, call 407.497.9710 to get on the card, it’s free!)

Beachfront Weddings on Florida’s Most Famous Beach

A historic Daytona Beach resort, overlooking white sandy beaches and pristine waters, The Plaza Resort & Spa will make all of your dreams come true.

Choose from an intimate wedding on the beach or an extravagant affair in one of our grand ballrooms.

For over 100 years the Plaza’s amenities, spacious guestrooms and incomparable service have created special moments that will never be forgotten.

Florida’s Most Famous Beach... Daytona’s Most Historic Resort...

Your Perfect Beachfront Wedding Destination.

PlazaResortandSpa.com

1-386-255-4471

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5. Garden Weddings: take advantage of the delightful weather in orlando by getting married in a garden. a gazebo surrounded by twinkling lights and flowers with a covered pavilion is a perfectly private garden venue. acres of southernstyled gardens provide many different site choices. paved scenic walkways wind throughout the blooming foliage. the largest formal rose garden in florida resides here as well as two acres of tropical stream gardens.

6. Restaurant Weddings: restaurants combine world-class cuisine with the ability to provide any atmosphere envisioned. intimate wedding ceremonies can be held in restaurant gardens and atrium dining rooms hold an amber glow.

Contemporary cuisine can be customized to the happy couple’s tastes with specialty décor adorned dining tables. private event rooms and outdoor dining is also available as and option, and some venues offer spacious views of the lake and nearby scenic beauty.

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7. Universal Orlando Weddings: at universal orlando, a bride can think outside the ballroom. Weddings are created for each individual bride making the ceremony truly unique and special. amazing backdrops can be customized like the iconic buildings of New york City. the bright lights set a glamorous tone. in the garden of allah set the scene in a romantic ancient mayan courtyard. giant palm trees fill the skies at Jurassic park Landing and the bride and groom tie the knot beneath a charming white archway overlooking the lake.

With so many different venues at one location, creativity has no bounds.

8. Beach Weddings: saying i do while barefoot in the sand with the waves crashing against the shore makes the beach a dream venue. Beautiful, wide beach scenery makes for flawless ceremonies. pristine sand, clear blue water and blissful weather gives an amazing setting to a bride’s wedding vision. sultry breezes, breathtaking sunrises and the sandy white beach setting will add sparkle to an already enchanting day.

“ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE” “ONE STOP SHOP”

LEANA JONES “ANGEL”

10524 MOSS PARK RD. ORLANDO, FL 32832 407. 614. 8240 - FX. 407. 614. 5025 ANGELSDREAMLLC.COM ANGELSDREAMBOUTIQUE@YAHOO.COM

CITY GUIDE Orlando

9. Museum Weddings: a museum offers a classic and historic setting for ceremonies. fabulous art and white marble floors serve as a striking backdrop at orlando museum of art. the mayan Courtyard at art & history museums, maitland is truly a unique experience for a wedding. Embellished tiles grace the walkways and attractive landscaping enhances the backyard vibe making the bride and groom feel as if they have been transported to another time.

Lovingly recite your heartfelt vows by the small pond in their bewitching chapel.

Elaborate sculptures and carved floors add character to this intimate location. the serenity of the main garden provides a reflection pond and fountain. the orange County regional history Center fashions monumental events as their facility only books one wedding a day. Whether the ceremony is held in the classic taste of Courtroom B or an outdoor ceremony in the beautiful heritage square Courtyard, a bride’s imagination has no limits.

10. Lakefront Weddings: With over a hundred different lakes, orlando is home to many gorgeous waterfront venues.

Lakefront venues have grounds that are covered in swaying palms and cypress trees.

White sandy beaches and tiki torches add finishing touches to a polynesian look. strings of lights decorate pavilion deck areas and create a picturesque backdrop for a tropical wedding. Exchange vows while graceful white swans swim across the water, and hold hands while exchanging vows and looking at panoramic views of the stunning lake. orlando offers many beautiful options for your perfect wedding day. Whether it is a traditional or modern wedding, a magical or serene affair, there is something to satisfy every bride’s tastes and desires. No matter what your dream wedding is, allow one of orlando’s extraordinary wedding venues to become your reality. to make your orlando dream wedding come true, check out the following pages where you’ll find the best orlando has to offer in fine wedding professionals.

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Congratulations!

At the Holiday Inn & Suites style, creativity & affordability come together to create Memorable Events.

Our experienced wedding coordinators & banquet staff provide the utmost in personalized attention.

Contact our Memorable Events team today so we may assist you with the planning process, recommend local vendors and arrange a Special Group Rate for your out-of-town guest.

Fun. Fresh. & Affordable.

Across from Universal Orlando Š 5905 South Kirkman Rd. Orlando, FL 32819 Memorable Events Catering Sales Manager Diane Gregory 407-313-3344 Diane.Gregory@dimdev.com

Choose from one of our Memorable Events packages today!

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Your Favorite Event Venue Just Got Bigger!

Two Venues, One Amazing Experience!

Host your next private event at either of the two most beautiful private country clubs in North Orlando. Heathrow Country Club and Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes offer multiple event spaces, exquisite cuisine, custom menus, and much more. Our wedding coordinators will assist with uncomplicated planning to fill your wedding day with unforgettable memories. Whether your wedding is large or small, outdoors or in, you can be sure we will help you celebrate your love just the way you've always dreamed.

Say YES to Heathrow & Legacy! “One of the Top 10 Venues in Orlando for Banquets and Meetings� - Orlando Business Journal Call Toni Curlin for more information and to book your event!

407-562-0172 or tcurlin@heathrowcc.com Visit us at www.Heathrowcc.com

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Elizabeth Mitchell Bride: Groom: Date: City: Guests:

Elizabeth Ennis Mitchell Fehlberg 8/10/13 Lake Mary, FL 140

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itchell attended the university of florida for his undergraduate degrees and graduated in 010 with one degree in microbiology and a second degree in history. after graduating, mitchell spent two years teaching high school math for teach for america in houston, texas. returning to gainesville, florida during the summer of 01 to attend medical school at the university of florida, he will be graduating from medical school in 01.

Elizabeth also attended the university of florida for her undergraduate degree. she graduated in may 01 with a degree in Business administration. Elizabeth then enrolled in a post-baccalaureate accelerated nursing program at the university of florida and graduated with her bachelors in nursing in august 01. Currently, Elizabeth is working as a registered nurse at the malcom randall Va medical Center. mitchell and Elizabeth met during their time at Lake Brantley high school. they began dating during mitchell’s senior year in college. During mitchell’s two years in houston, they spent ridiculous amounts of time on skype together and saw each other about once every month. Elizabeth is extremely happy to finally have mitchell back in the state of florida. mitchell and Elizabeth are currently living in gainesville and they have adopted a very sweet dog named sarah and a kitten named Emma; both from the alachua County pet rescue.

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How did you decide on the date?

We picked the date based on the week off that we had between Elizabeth’s graduation and mitchell’s class starting back up for the fall.

What was the theme of your wedding?

We had a lot of touches paying homage to the university of florida. our tables were named after buildings on uf’s campus, we gave out chocolate gators as party favors, we had gator accents in our cake topper, and we had an albert the alligator ice luge.

What was the inspiration for décor? our colors and flowers were all very clean and classic- we wanted the main focus to be the beautiful lake view surrounding our venue.

What was your first dance song? Why did you select that? our first dance song was “grow old with you” by adam sandler. We picked this song because it is goofy and sweet, just like us.

What is the most favorite memory or special moment from the day? the fact that we had written our own vows completely separately, but they turned out to be extremely similar Advice to brides get a planner! it is worth every penny.

This Couple Recommends: Venue (Wedding): ................... Lake Mary Events Center Venue (Rehearsal Dinner): ...... Orange County Regional History Center Bartender (Rehearsal Dinner): Orlando Party Servers Bridal Gown: .......................... Minerva’s Bridal Bridal Gown Alterations: ......... Fitting Gallery Cake (Wedding):..................... Party Flavors Cake (Rehearsal Dinner):........ Spinkles Custom Cakes Caterer: ................................. Arthur’s Catering Cupcakes:.............................. Cut the Cake Inc. Décor and Florist (Wedding): .. A Chair Affair DJ:......................................... Soundwave Flowers (Rehearsal Dinner): ... Peddles Food (Rehearsal Dinner): ........ Bjoely Event Services Hair and Make Up: ................. Moriah Brandon Hotel Accommodations: ......... Holiday Inn Universal Invitations: ............................. The Invitation Lounge Linens:................................... A Touch of Class Linen Officiant: ................................ Rev. Charles Morgan Photo Booth: .......................... Photobooth Rocks Photographer: ........................ Kon Studio Rehearsal Dinner Venue: ........ Orange County Regional History Center Transportation:....................... Above and Beyond Limousines Tuxedos: ................................ Uptown Tux Wedding Planner:................... Anna Christine Events BeautifulBrideMagazine.com

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CITY GUIDE Orlando

(407) 448-0680

www.ExclusiveLinens.com

in Business since 1999 Sashes and overlays in over 40 colors to choose from Visit our showroom located at: 970 Sunshine Lane #K. Altamonte Springs, Fl 32714 Monday and Thursday from 11 AM to 6 PM. No appointment necessary.

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CITY GUIDE Orlando

BUSINESS Spotlight

designing 7 years ago; her first wedding cake designed was her daughter’s (Cyndol). something that started as a hobby has turned into a family business and they have been providing amazing (and delicious) cakes to Central florida customers since.

Cut the Cake provides custom cakes for all occasions. Wedding and D cakes are their specialties. they have a wide variety of delicious flavors to choose from and awesome fillings. they also provide Vegan, dairy, and gluten free cakes and products. Cut the Cake is expanding the business to a new direction-

Cut the Cake

as of July this year, they started providing

(also known as Epic Delights Bakery) is family

a large selection of desserts for dessert

owned by a mother/daughter team: sharon

bars. Customer service is their number one

haller & Cyndol knarr. Cut the Cake is a made

priority; they love to see a customer excited

to order cake/bakery shop located in Longwood,

over a cake and its design. they take your

florida. Cut the Cake has provided outstanding

ideas and dreams and make them come to

cakes for all occasions the Central orlando

life, but in a tasty way…

area for seven years. Cyndol oversees the everyday operations; if you call the shop you will most likely be talking to her. sharon is a cake designer and decorator and bakery coordinator.

Cyndol was sharon’s inspiration in baking/cake

Cut the Cake 1271 South US Hwy 17-92, Longwood, FL 32750 407-265-2205 info@cutthecakeinc.com

Specializing in Wedding Cakes

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PRO TIPS Orlando

When you begin the planning process, i highly suggest starting with your budget and your guest list. many couples know the amount they have to spend, but without a guest list, it’s hard to know how far that money has to go. having more guests doesn’t just mean more food; it means more of everything. Don’t just guess how many people might attend. sit down with your fiancé and your families to get a solid first draft of everyone you want to invite. it will give you an idea of how far you may need to stretch your budget.

– CHRISTY SUBLER, owner, anna Christine Events

Your Priorities

the most important detail you can decide for your wedding is the date and location. your guests and vendors can’t plan anything until those two items are set. that generally starts your timeline and really starts all the fun planning. While you are planning, develop a realistic timeline. By doing this you can see what tasks need the most advanced planning and those that will just fall into place monthly.

– TONI CURLIN, Director of sales, Wedding specialist, heathrow Country Club

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CITY GUIDE Orlando

Guest Lists

CITY GUIDE Orlando

����������� “The best color in the world, is the one that looks good on you!”

Be beautiful

-������������

be you

407•748•5827

debraloweartistry.com debra lowe artistry

orlando’s hottest new space where brides and vendors connect... aweddingcenter.com

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Breathtaking Sunset Ceremonies & Receptions Full Catering and Wedding Packages available Can Accomodate Groups of 30 up to 250

CITY GUIDE Orlando

www.RentalandParties.com Bridal_Ad.FINAL.pdf

C

1

8/13/13

9:32 AM

Let an experienced professional create your perfect look on your most treasured day

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

victorrussell.com 407.892.1005 or TOLL FREE 866.338.9200

A re You a Victor Russell Girl ?

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PRO TIPS Orlando CITY GUIDE Orlando

About You

incorporate your favorite things into your wedding, and really have your personalities shine through. remember this is more than just an awesome party it’s two people proclaiming their love in front of their friends and family. Whatever you choose, don’t lose sight that it is about the two of you- so don’t sweat the small stuff because at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is that you are married!

– ADRIENNE RUNDELL Clearly in focus photography

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CITY GUIDE Orlando

Your day.

Your way.

Bridal Bouquets

Table Decor

fairytale affairs The best part about your wedding plan is working together to make your dream come to life!

floral design

fairytale affairs Orlando, FL

www.fairytale-affairs.com

est. 2013

813-400-3779

BeautifulBrideOrlando.com

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CITY GUIDE Orlando 142

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PRO TIPS Orlando

i’ve seen so many couples make the mistake of sending their invitations out late or having the rsVp deadline too close to their wedding date. that is one way to potentially cause yourself so much more stress than you might already be getting at this time. the sooner you can finalize your guest count and any special needs, the sooner you can finalize everything with your vendors and breathe towards the end.

UnruePhoto.com

Setting.

Sophistication.

The History Center serves as the perfect venue to make history in one of the most romantic cities in America. Our Sales & Events team can work with a variety of budgets to make your reception, wedding ceremony, bridal shower, or rehearsal dinner truly memorable.

For more information visit thehistorycenter.org/events or to schedule a personal tour, call (407) 836-8585.

Surprise.

www.VictoriaAngela.com

65 E. CEntral Blvd. • OrlandO, Fl thEhistOryCEntEr.Org

BB0913

orange

County

regional

His to ry Ce nte r

– BRITTANY JOHNSON, Event Coordinator, Cocktails Catering

BeautifulBrideOrlando.com

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CITY GUIDE Orlando

Don’t Let Your RSVP’s Cause You Stress

CITY GUIDE Orlando

Lewis Paper Designs, llc

Invitations

Programs Place Cards Menu Cards Table Numbers Favor Boxes Thank You Notes & More

•

REHEARSAL DINNERS & RECEPTIONS

901 SOUTH ORLANDO AVENUE (17-92), MAITLAND FL 32751 • (407) 345-0044 • EVENTS@RANGETSU.COM 144

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Full Service Bridal Salon Bridal Bridesmaids Mother Of Flower Girl Tuxedo Rental & Alterations

www.RobynLynne.com (863) 682 - 1414 info@robynlynne.com 3674 Harden Blvd. - Lakeland, FL 33803

CITY GUIDE Orlando

Beautiful. Enchanting. Inspiring.

Unique Mandaps & Chuppas Fresh Florals Designer Linens & Lighting

407.448.7128

Pinky@NikunEvents.com www.nikunevents.com

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CITY GUIDE Orlando

YOU ONLY HAVE

O N E N I GH T S O L E T ’S D O IT R IG H T !

dj’ s/emc ee ’s li ghting phot ob ooths hd videograp h y

EliteFloridaDJ.com/Bride / 407. 362. 8936 / Nick@EliteFloridaDJ.com

yoUr SPeCiAl DAy iS oUr MAiN eveNt. the Hilton orlando/Altamonte Springs features elegant facilities for up to 450 guests. Whether it your ceremony, reception or rehearsal dinner, we make planning easy and your event affordable and memorable. Plus, out-of-town wedding guests receive special room rates.

Call our experienced catering and wedding team for more information at 407 830 1985.

350 S. Northlake Drive | Altamonte Springs, Florida ©2013 Hilton Worldwide

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S tAy H i lto N . g o e v e ry W H e r e .

CITY GUIDE Orlando

Your style. Your story. Your day.

Vanity's Lavish Events & Design is a wedding and event planning company in Orlando, Florida. Every client receives personal attention from owner Vanity Jeffery, who specializes in helping busy couples create a celebration that’s just right for them.

Vanity offers a variety of planning, design and decor packages as well as a la carte options, all at economical prices.

Expect to see your dream ceremony and reception become reality.

V an ityj vj@gma il.c om 321.209. 2257

vanitylavisheventsdesign.com BeautifulBrideOrlando.com

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CITY GUIDE San Diego

City Guide San Diego

One of the nation’s most sought after wedding destinations, rightfully so.

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Mark Shaffer San Diego Publisher

City guiDE

San Diego S

an Diego, California’s second-largest city, has 70 miles of beaches, a world-famous zoo, major scientific research institutions, numerous military installations, and is one of the nation’s most sought after wedding destinations

1. Waterfront Weddings:Nothing says san Diego like being on a military base; imagine a pictorial water view as the backdrop to you exchanging your vows. or start your life together in an absolutely unique and beautiful tropical paradise surrounded by everything you’d expect in a world-class resort. picture perfect outdoor and indoor settings and the utmost in friendly and personalized service, as well as exquisite cuisine set the perfect tone. Brides can choose from elegant ballrooms overlooking mission Bay or charming Beachfront settings.

Whether you envision a celebration that’s traditional or trend-setting, festive or formal, intimate or grand scale, in the ballroom, garden, or right on the beach, there are a variety of premier outdoor wedding that will give you unlimited options in planning your perfect southern California storybook wedding.

2. Landmark Weddings: the best thing about san Diego’s beauty is that the city is abundant in romantic and historic backdrops. spectacular views of the bay and the downtown skyline make the perfect location for any special event.

Nothing gets better than the museum row area of Balboa park, known as the

prado. this mostly pedestrian mall, with the arcade walkways and spanish moor architecture is romance from another era. this is evident in over two dozen, original, hand-painted, wooden stencil designs on doors as well as the intricate hand stenciled ceilings and beams. the immaculate Conception Church is a charming little church located in the heart of historical old town san Diego, the birthplace of California. the organist and cantor serenade the guests beautifully and set the ambiance for a cherished and memorable occasion.

3. Bayside Resort Weddings: mission Bay and Coronado Bay, both minutes from the heart of downtown san Diego, are home to the nation’s most amazing Bayside resorts. Celebrate the beginning of your lifelong journey together at paradise point, an unrivaled san Diego wedding setting where beauty and romance come as naturally as the swaying palms and tropical blossoms that grace the island’s exotic shores. the epitome of a coastal California retreat, paradise point offers  acres of distinctive san Diego wedding ceremony and reception venues located on sparkling mission Bay. BeautifulBrideSD.com

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4. Marina Weddings : the centerpiece of the inspiring san Diego Bay is the san Diego marina. the marina district is a favorite among southern California brides-to-be. imagine sharing your vows in a lush tropical garden under arching palms accented by the musical splashing of a delicate waterfall. spectacular san Diego waterfront banquet rooms and our outdoor lawns overlook a private marina and offer breathtaking views ideal for any reception. unforgettable events require memorable venues. from an ocean-side garden party in the park to a romantic ceremony at sea aboard your own private yacht, one-of-a-kind experiences are just right for your once-in-a-lifetime event.

5. Wildlife Weddings: With wildlife attractions throughout san Diego, you’ll never have a shortage of new and exotic venue options to discover. receive and celebrate with your guests in a truly unique setting. Venues at both the san Diego zoo and the san Diego zoo safari park provide intimate spaces that transform to fit your theme. Beautiful surroundings, inspired culinary creations, and the calls of wildlife combine to make for a marvelously memorable reception. imagine taking your vows surrounded by lacy trees overlooking a vast savanna where graceful gazelles mingle with rhinos and giraffes. the romantic heart of africa venue at the san Diego zoo safari park combines a lush landscape with views of rare animals in an exotic yet elegant setting for your special ceremony. sea World, san Diego offers exciting, stylish and very individual weddings! the spectacular tropical setting, together with the unique appeal that only sea World can offer, will ensure that your Wedding reception is truly an exceptional event.

6. Sports Locations: you’ve already hit a home-run in love, so what better way to celebrate than a sports enthusiast to celebrate than right on the field of their favorite team? the classic spanish missionstyle buildings and landscaped courtyards of the Del mar fairgrounds are available for weddings between mid-september through mid-may each year. Couples can have a private wedding ceremony on a baseball diamond in the park with a full line-up of other mVp offerings for Baseball loving couples along with their family and friends.

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Marriage License Info California law requires a couple to obtain a marriage license in order to have a legally binding wedding ceremony. California requires proof of identification and a license application fee.

In San Diego it will cost you $70 for a public license and $89 for the confidential marriage license. There is no waiting period or blood tests in San Diego.

Each person must present one form of valid photo identification with proof of age. To expedite the identification process, it is recommended that both parties bring a certified copy of their birth certificate.

Couples applying for a marriage license must be unmarried. Your public marriage license is effective immediately and valid for 90 days anywhere within the state of California. Once you have your marriage license the ceremony can be performed at the church of your choice, a wedding chapel, or a civil ceremony may be performed by this office. After the ceremony, the license must be returned to our office for recording. Certified copies may be purchased one week after the license is returned to the clerk’s office.

Marriage License Office & Hours: An appointment is required to obtain a marriage license and/or civil ceremony. It is recommended to get this legal aspect of your wedding out of the way about a month before your ceremony date.

San Diego Recorder/Clerk Main Office County Administration Center 1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 273 San Diego, CA 92101

619.237.0502 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. / M - F Appointments only: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. / M - F

San Marcos Branch Office 141 E. Carmel Street San Marcos, CA 92078 619.237.0502

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. / M - F Appointments only: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. / M - F

El Cajon Branch Office 200 S. Magnolia Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 619.237.0502 All offices closed for holidays.

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. / M - F Appointments only: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. / M - F

Contests and Prizes Register online for these contests and prizes and much more on BeautifulBrideSD.com

Monthly Prize Giveaway

Once a month a winner will receive a beautiful package of wedding planning presents from the wedding professionals of Beautiful Bride San Diego.

Win a Free Wedding Gown Win the gown of your dreams!

Win Your Dream Wedding Register at Win your dream wedding!

Win a Honeymoon in Vegas Win a Las Vegas Honeymoon!

(Certain blackout dates apply.

Subject to minor restrictions.)

Get Your Free Rewards Card Register with BeautifulBrideSD.com for your free Rewards Card. Use the card throughout San Diego when meeting your wedding professionals. (Participating vendors only. Wedding professionals, call 619.922.7407 to get on the card, it’s free!)

Win Dinner for 2

Win a romantic dinner for 2.

S AN DIE G O, C A L I F O R N I A SA EG

”Something

Blue“

is Mission

Bay

on on your your wedding wedding day. day.

858.539.8720 | CatamaranResort.com 858.539.8720 | CatamaranResort.com

3999 Mission Boulevard | San Diego, CA 92109 3999 Mission Boulevard | San Diego, CA 92109 STAY SOCIAL WITH US! STAY SOCIAL WITH US!

CITY GUIDE San Diego

7. Boat Weddings: there is nothing quite like the originality of tying the knot “over water.” With their all-inclusive packages, exploration and adventurous atmosphere and flawless romantic ambiance, boat weddings are becoming increasingly more popular. our own majestic star of india is without question the most unique wedding location in southern California, if not the world. she is the oldest active sailing ship in the world. the beautiful tropical surroundings on sparkling mission Bay create the perfect backdrop for your wedding reception with starry skies, sparkling water and spectacular city landscapes, and daytime gatherings are no less special.

8. Garden Weddings: intimate garden weddings are for the bride and groom who want a simple but naturally elegant wedding with minimum need for additional detail. imagine your own private garden celebration underneath the stars. Explore the lush manicured landscapes, winding pathways, ancient lanterns and tranquil waterfalls. for over sixty years, mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of North san Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. the nearly fifty acres of giant tecolote ranunculus flowers Carlsbad, California, are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year. this annual burst of color, which has become part of the area’s local heritage, is also one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in southern California, and is the an exquisite location for a wedding.

9. Country Clubs: many couples dream of marrying in a distinctive and elegant setting that Country Clubs provide. many brides-to-be dream of a picture perfect southern California destination wedding. Breathtaking san Diego canyons, cascading waterfalls, tranquil lakes and emerald green fairways welcome you and your honored wedding guests. Whether you are planning an intimate wedding reception with your family and closest friends, or prefer to dance the night away like never before, ballrooms with panoramic views are the ideal stage for creating the ideal san Diego wedding experience.

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10. Vineyard Weddings: a Winery is the perfect setting for the wedding of your dreams – unique, romantic, unforgettable; not only for the two of you but for the family and friends gathered to celebrate with you on this special day. Enjoy your ceremony surrounded by lush vineyards and the rich textures of a winery setting. it’s the most important day of your life. you deserve a setting that exceeds your expectations. Celebrate your temecula wedding with unforgettable food and wine in a fully enclosed event pavilion, outdoor patio or intimate barrel room. san Diego is the perfect destination for your southern California wedding! pristine year-round weather make outdoor wedding ceremonies beautiful and memorable occasions. Whether you’re planning a formal or casual, intimate or massive, simple or decadent wedding, you’ll be sure to find the perfect venue in the following pages of Beautiful Bride san Diego.

CITY GUIDE San Diego

PRO TIPS San Diego Get a Vision That Will Come to Fruition

Steps to Have Perfect Hair

Endless Venue Opportunities

there are three things

flow, synergy, favorite

that you need to do when

foods, textures, and

Elegance, uniqueness,

deciding on your wedding

colors all combine to

exclusive settings…

hair. 1. find pictures of

set yourselves up for

create your unique

the kinds of styles you are looking for. . research

signature style. Brunches, casual luncheons,

a successful and memorable event. Whether

stylists and find someone you are comfortable

cocktail parties and weekday weddings are all

you’re planning an elaborate party, intimate

with. . most importantly; Do a triaL. this way

possibilities for savvy couples seeking value.

gathering or the perfect wedding; look for

you can determine what you like and do not like,

ask venues and vendors about special packages

scenic, enchanting, and unique locations.

so the wedding day turns out perfect!

on certain dates. Do your homework, make a

always ask about alternatives and select

– HEATHER MOLCHANOFF, hot seat salon

partners and vendors that will strive to make your dreams a reality for your special occasion.

– MACARENA CARBALLO, Director of Catering, Bahia resort hotel and Evans garage

and work together in the planning.

Making a Lasting Impression invitations and the stationery are extremely

Work Hard

important in your

get help when you need

planning. remember

it. Brides shouldn’t

your wedding invitation is the first reflection of

be afraid to get help

your special day. it is not only the first impression

planning their wedding.

you’re sending out but also your chance at a last

getting planning help

impression, when followed by thank you cards.

doesn’t mean you can’t handle it yourself, it just

your stationery set begins and ends this special

means that you were smart enough to know

and life-changing occasion. your set defines the

that you didn’t have to.

lasting memories for you and your guests.

– YVONNE PROUT, san Diego Wedding shoppe BeautifulBrideSD.com

“vision board” to build your dream wedding,

– JESSICA BROWN, Love Notes

– TRACEY AMERNICK, CpCE, Director of Catering, Catamaran resort hotel and spa

reinventing the bridal show with love, respect & beauty for over a decade.

Register online for advance specials, money-saving offers & prize entry.

CITY GUIDE Las Vegas

City Guide Las Vegas

The only place where you can experience Paris, New York, Venice, Rio, New Orleans and Egypt all on one street!

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Mark Shaffer Las Vegas Publisher

City guiDE

Las Vegas W

hen it comes to Las Vegas weddings, there are numerous ways to tie the knot and all of them memorable and unique. in this “Wedding Capital of the World,” your options are endless. a couple can say their vows on the world-famous Las Vegas strip, overlooking the dazzling lights of the city. or they can experience their first kiss as husband and wife completely surrounded by lush gardens and beautiful waterfalls. a more traditional bride may prefer to celebrate her union in a classic chapel, creating an elegant and intimate atmosphere. Long gone are the days of cheesy “Vegas Weddings.” No more puffy-sleeved bridesmaid dresses and plastic flowers. getting married in Vegas doesn’t necessarily mean drive-through wedding chapels or hearing Elvis say, “you may now kiss the bride.” the old Vegas

wedding chapel has given way to the new gorgeous and beautiful wedding salons found in most of the new beautiful Las Vegas strip hotels and resorts. Vegas has blossomed into an enchanting and romantic place to get married. Whatever your style, whatever your vision, Las Vegas is the place to make it happen. here, you truly can have the wedding of your dreams. although this special day is all about the bride and groom, it doesn’t hurt to have the wedding ion a place that the guests find appealing, as well. With beautiful weather, high-end locations and plenty of activities to do, who wouldn’t want to come to Vegas for a wedding? there are hundreds of different ways to get married in Vegas, but we’ve narrowed it down to the top 10

Incredible Ways to Get Married in Las Vegas 1. Country Club Weddings: a country club venue offers a gorgeous wedding on a pristine golf course with green fairways, glistening lakes, soothing waterfalls and towering palm trees. getting married here offers brides a luxurious and elegant wedding experience, and invites a private, intimate setting. an outdoor ceremony can be done poolside by cascading waterfalls or on the driving range. in the evening, a stunning desert sunset going over the lofty spring mountains is sure to give a beautiful backdrop to any wedding. for indoor ceremonies, stylish ballrooms are available for an intimate or grand affair, as well as clubhouses with impressive architecture, including balconies overlooking the perfectly manicured golf course. Whether the wedding takes place indoors or outdoors, a country club gives an elegant setting.

2. Chapel Weddings: getting married in a chapel combines a romantically private union with levels of grandiose fashion. many resorts have more than one chapel to choose from. Décor styles range from traditional to modern and from simple to extravagant. hand-blown glass chandeliers hang from the ceilings or stained-glass windows may adorn the walls. architectural sconces and lavish draperies create a look that is elegant and timeless. fresh flowers and breathtaking fountains decorate the beautiful grounds.

3. Airplane Weddings: for the more adventurous bride and groom, getting married in the air is the perfect way to say i do. say your vows on an airplane over the bright lights of the strip getting a fantastic view of the city. Local private air charters offer champagne and chocolate covered strawberries before take off. you can hover over the amazing sites of the

grand Canyon by helicopter. the flight gives the couple birds-eye views of places like the hoover Dam, Lake mead and the magnificent grand Canyon while sitting in the comfort of an air-conditioned helicopter. Land on a private bluff and exchange your vows while overlooking the mighty Colorado river.

4. Resort Weddings: resorts offer many different packages to fit any bride. Dream to get married under the Eiffel tower or overlooking the myriad of canals winding throughout old world Venice? it is possible with a Las Vegas resort wedding! on a breezy desert night, enjoy the breathtaking views of the Las Vegas strip and surrounding mountains. if the couple prefers an indoor occasion, luxurious ballrooms and elegant banquet halls are available for a grandiose affair. some ballrooms and banquet halls offer a dazzling floor to ceiling view of elegant patio terraces. the ideas are limitless…

BeautifulBrideLasVegas.com

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CITY GUIDE Las Vegas

Marriage License Info There is no blood test or waiting in Nevada to obtain a marriage license. You must be 18 unless you have parental consent. Each party must have a state ID, military ID, passport, or original birth certificate. Social security numbers are also required. Your marriage license will be good for one year from the time you secure it.

The marriage license fee is $60, and must be presented in cash. There must be at least one additional witness other than the person performing the ceremony.

Those couples who reside outside the U.S. will need to provide proof of their birthdates, such as a passport or other country-issued ID, in order to obtain a marriage license.

There is no other special documentation that will need to be provided. Those couples will need to contact officials in their country of origin to find out how to register their marriage at home.

Marriage License Office & Hours: Clark County Marriage Bureau 201 Clark Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89155 702-671-0600 Open daily 8a.m. to midnight, including holidays.

5. Unique Weddings: Las Vegas is also home to many unique weddings. Chapel of the Dreams at madame tussauds is a setting unlike any other; after the ceremony, enjoy a guided tour where photos can be taken with over 100 lifelike wax figures of celebrities. at the shark reef at mandalay Bay, a bride and groom are completely surrounded by 1. million gallons of seawater and 15 species of sharks. the song ship at treasure island provides an intimate wedding within sirens Cove. glide along the grand Canal in the Venetian and capture the romance of Venice on a beautifully decorated white gondola while being serenaded by a gondolier.

6. Mountain Weddings: Enjoy your wedding surrounded by nature and wildlife in the mountains. an elegant gazebo with decorative arbors complements the beautiful natural surroundings of the mountains and the forest. a mountaintop chateau serves as a cozy, warm and romantic venue. ambrosial greens 160

BeautifulBrideLasVegas.com

and sparkling lakes add to a peaceful ceremony. Clear blue skies and golden hues of glorious sunsets perfect the scene. overlooking Dedication point at red rock Canyon displays the unique grey limestone coming out and over red sandstone. get married on the top of a mesa with beautiful views of the Calico Basin.

7. Restaurant Weddings: restaurants combine world-class cuisine with the ability to provide any atmosphere envisioned. Whether brides dream of a tropical paradise, a posh understated lounge, or an eclectic, vintage family-style affair, she can find it in a restaurant venue. personalized menus or exceptional group and banquet menus are a pleasant option for the bride and groom. restaurants offer full-service bars, warm hospitality and beautiful settings.

8. Waterfront Weddings: a waterfront wedding is a secluded, whimsical destination. flowing willow trees set the stage for nostalgia and romance. majestic lake-front views and budding rose gardens give a serene setting. an elegant gazebo can be used for ceremonies overlooking the lakefront and sparking fire pits add warmth to the bohemian atmosphere.

9. Private Venue Weddings: With indoor and outdoor options, private venues are a popular choice for a bride and groom. some venues have beautifully landscaped courtyards glittered with lights and lush landscape. imagine walkways lined with rose petals, cascading waterfalls and fresh greenery.

10. Garden Weddings: an old-fashioned wooden gazebo is often the focal point in a garden wedding. acres of private gardens create a peaceful setting, rare blooming flowers and hundreds of mature trees filled with white twinkle lights set a romantic tone. During the day, natural light floods the space, generating an inviting atmosphere. at night, the open air and glowing park lamps create a moment worth savoring. an enchanting garden with patios, pavilions, benches and fountains add to the ceremony.

CITY GUIDE Las Vegas

PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY OF BEAUTIFUL BRIDE MAGAZINE AT THESE FINE JEWELERS Aaron Lelah Jewelers 175 s grand Canyon Dr # 10 70-51-100

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Perfect Catch We Have the Perfect Place to Celebrate!

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Weddings in Paradise.

C

ili is Balinese for prosperity, good health and great fortune. With a name that bestows such blessings, let the next chapter of your life begin at Cili. Nestled in the tropical paradise of the spectacular Bali Hai Golf Club, Cili invites you to let our delectable foods and fantastic service be a part of your celebration.

5160 Las Vegas Blvd South At Bali Hai Golf Club

www.cili.com

For your personal consultation please call (702) 597-6361

CITY GUIDE Las Vegas

PRO TIPS Vegas Plan Ahead

plan ahead—even if you are not sure of your actual numbers for your wedding. it is always best to start booking at the higher numbers for tables, chairs, linens or chair covers. it is always easier to take away than add if your numbers go up at a rental store. most rental companies will ask for at least 50 percent down and 100 percent the week of your event if it is booked more than 0 days out.

– DESIREE LEDESMA, rsVp party and tent rentals

Unforgettable weddings created here Your wedding calls for a setting as magical and memorable as the occasion itself. Allow the experienced team at TPC Las Vegas to bring your wedding vision to life.

Customized wedding packages to fit your personal style & budget Outdoor ceremonies for up to 200 guests Elegant indoor receptions for up to 100 guests

Your Invitations

your invitations are the first items your guests receive and they set the entire tone and mood for the event, so make them memorable!

Choose unique options that are special to your relationship and make sure to enclose necessary information, such as itineraries and accommodations, to assist your guests. make your invites special with creative elements and they will become treasured keepsakes of your special day!

– CATHY COLBERT, 1st impressions invitations

Keep Photography in Your Timeline

most couples that know photography is a very important part of your big day. make sure you include your photographer when planning your timeline. the most common mistake we see is that couples don’t include time for romantic photos of just the bride and groom. skilled and caring photographers will spend the extra time to listen to you and give experienced input on your day’s timeline.

– MINDY BEAN, mindy Bean photography

Flash those SMILES

photography captures the events of the day. fun, laughter and good humor are big winners for the camera. make sure you ask your photographer to capture those precious and unexpected moments that happen at each wedding. photojournalism style photography is the trick.

– MARIE ROBERTS, Custom photo LV

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Reception patio is perfect for cocktail hour Event lawn can accommodate tented receptions

To learn more, call --, ext.  or visit tpc.com/lasvegas.

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IT’S ALL ABOUT

MORNINGS!

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FISHER

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JANNER

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Pa A ck ll-I ag nc es lu Av siv ail e ab le!

20 Locations Throughout Nevada and California, Including

Las Vegas

WEDDING & BANQUET CENTERS

WEDGEWOODBANQUET.COM

1-866-966-3009 172

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PRO TIPS Vegas Hair & Makeup to you!

YES.....

IT IS A

BIG

FLOWER DEAL! 702-731-2656 LasVegasFloral.com

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instead of finding a salon to haul your wedding party to, find hair and makeup artists that will come to you. having them onsite to help you and your bridal party to get ready will reduce the stress that you may have about travel timing, your girls getting lost and trying to keep your hair and makeup intact in the time between the appointment and the actual ceremony.

– STEVEE DANIELLE, stevee Danielle hair & makeup

Casino Hotel Resorts are Great Places for Local and Destination Wedding Events

these facilities are a onestop-shop for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, bachelor/ bachelorette events, after-glow brunches and of course lodging. holding events at these locations is – LISA LYNN BACKUS, Cmp, CpCE, Catering & Convention services manager, Las Vegas meetings by Caesars Entertainment, Bally’s Las Vegas & paris Las Vegas

CITY GUIDE Las Vegas

Light, Fresh Cuisine In A Deliciously Laid-Back Atmosphere.

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CITY GUIDE Las Vegas

Make Beautiful Memories

Ceremonies starting at $200 Chapel of the fountain

2880 Las Vegas Boulevard, South | Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 (800) 634-6717 | www.circuscircus.com | weddingchapel@circuscircus.com

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When Everything Has To Be Perfect Located in the picturesque Northwest corner of the Las Vegas Valley, Suncoast has everything you would ever want for the most beautiful day of your life. Our team of wedding professionals will help you plan every detail of your special day from rooms for your out of town guests to limousines and the wedding cake.

Contact one of our professionals today at 636-7090 SM

ALTA & RAMPART

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CITY GUIDE Las Vegas

You’re Getting Married!

Need a spot to host your Bridal Event? iF you ansWEREd “I do,” thEn look no FuRthER. at Buca di Beppo, the enticing aroma of authentic italian specialties will seduce you, the sweet sounds of Frank sinatra will serenade you and our staff will positively spoil you. Celebrate your upcoming wedding by holding your rehearsal dinner, shower or bachelorette party at Buca di Beppo.

Call your local Sales Manager today!

Las Vegas Paradise 412 East Flamingo Road 702.866.2867

summerLin 7690 WEst lakE mEad Blvd.

702.363.6524

bucadibepp.com/bridal 184

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kiCk things oFF at BuCa

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702.451.4524

We Offer Celebrity Style Services Without the Celebrity Price Tag EVENT PLANNING Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Reception Rehearsal Dinners Bachelor & Bachorlette

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FLORAL SERVICES Bouquets Boutineers Table Centerpieces Floral Decor

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ENTERTAINMENT DJ Service Live Bands Specialty Production Decor Lighting

“Because Your Wedding Has To Be Perfect”

The perfect floral arrangement is the one that makes you stop for an instant and smile with surprise and delight.

• Place Settings, Ceremonies, and Parties • Flowers for the affairs of the heart • Corporates 1000 S. Rampart Suite 5 • Las Vegas, NV 89145

702.898.6088 desertroseflorist.net

CITY GUIDE Las Vegas

Hair’Z

M el i n d a

Experience the Unforgettable Bridal hair and make up for an elegant you.

From Hair’z Melinda with 10 years of professional hair and makeup design On location anywhere in Las Vegas Bride and groom packages Innovative solutions for every kind of hair We will make you into the queen you really are

For complete service please call (602) 451-0676 Visit us on the web at: www.hairzmelinda.com

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CITY GUIDE Las Vegas

If you are looking for Entertainment, Interaction, Fun and Classic Memories then Premiere Photobooth is for YOU!

To l l F re e : 8 8 8 . 6 0 0 . 7 3 1 1 Local: 702.285.1761 w w w. p re m i e re p h o t o b o o t h l v. c o m

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CITY GUIDE Las Vegas

Fashion Magazine quality fotos preserving magical moments one wedding at a time!

by Kristi L.

MEMORABLE Vacation Photography Services Quality Services High-end Photos Timeless Photos

Kristi Lundsten

702.202.7258

AD 112007

www.slumberpartiesbykristil.com

fotomgmt & Co. Noel K. Photography 702.250.1871 www.fotomgmt.com fotomgmtbyjk@gmail.com

We Luv Flowers

by faith Serving Las Vegas For Over 20 Years.

702.982.4390 | weluvflowers.com | 1221 S. Main Street Las Vegas, NV 89104 BeautifulBrideLasVegas.com 193

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CITY GUIDE Las Vegas

702-544-0275 www.CravinCakeBakery.com

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CITY GUIDE Las Vegas

Our specialty is helping you choose a

WEDDING TUX that fits your colors and style

Premier tuxedo rental experts in Las Vegas since 1978.

From classic tuxedos to modern formalwear with hip-hop and rock styles. Call today, 800.832.5717.

- Largest selection of in stock tuxedos in Las Vegas.

- Same day service. TJ FastFit system = tuxedos in minutes.

Las Vegas Couple Photo: Alt F Photography

- Accessories customized for your colors & style.

Best Men’s Formalwear Award Las Vegas Bride Magazine

www.TuxedoJunction-LV.com West : 702.873.8830 : 3540 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89102 198

BeautifulBrideLasVegas.com

East : 702.458.1113 : 4130 Sandhill, Las Vegas, NV 89121

CITY GUIDE Las Vegas

Flawless Finish On Your Day! Picture Perfect Beauty Seamless makeup that will last all night Hairstyles that hold Stress free, we come to you Packages available for wedding parties

Hair & Make Up By Jamie Martin 702.561.7513 JamieMartin_Hair@yahoo.com

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“It’s More Than Makeup” ~James Carreira

For all your beauty needs.

702.451.4524 • www.glamsquad702.com

Las Vegas - Yvette & Eric

REALBRIDES

&

Yvette

Bride: Groom: Date: City: Guests:

Eric

Yvette Brown Eric Auger October 13, 2013 Las Vegas, NV 250

B

ritish bride, entrepreneur and professional events planner yvette Brown, met the honorary Consul of france, Eric auger at one of her Las Vegas, Cosmopolitan Connections networking events at “the Beatles™ rEVoLutioN Lounge,” on april 5, 01. Eric, who was invited to the event by his best man David Chavez, attended to see the “unleashed swimwear” Bikini models, but as soon as he was introduced to yvette, it was love at first sight. fast forward to January 9, 01 and Eric very bravely proposed live on stage at one of yvette’s networking events in front of around 00 friends and event guests. following a trip to visit yvette’s family in australia a couple of weeks later, october 1 01 was decided upon for the Las Vegas Wedding date. “Cili,” at Bali hai golf Course was chosen as the wedding venue that would allow 50 guests to attend. it is also located across from the famous iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas sign,” which was a location they definitely wanted to take wedding photos at with their families from overseas. they chose to have a romantic style wedding, from the bridal party dress, to the flowers and décor. many of the wedding guests remarked how beautiful the wedding turned out to be

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their first dance song was to “Waiting for a girl Like you” by foreigner, one of the Bride and groom’s favorite songs of all time. they chose a traditional British wedding cake that was the same recipe as prince William and kate middleton’s wedding cake! the happy couple’s favorite memory from the day was having their family from Las

Vegas, australia, the uk and also Jersey Channel islands attend as bridesmaids and groomsmen, and having yvette’s mother, ida, walk her down the aisle. unfortunately, there were family members from all over the world who were missed due to distance and health reasons, but were not forgotten. the one piece of advice they would give a bride-to-be would be that the day just goes fast…so enjoy every minute!.

This Couple Recommends: Venue: .................. “Cili” at Bali Hai Golf Club Bridal Gown: ......... David’s Bridal Cake: .................... “Cili” at Bali Hai Golf Club Décor and Florist:.. “Cili” at Bali Hai Golf Club DJ:........................ Knight Sounds Entertainment Hair and Make Up: Alejandra Zepeda-Fisher Officiate: ............... Doug Louman Photographer: ....... Marie Roberts/Custom Photo LV Transportation:...... AWG Ambassador Tuxedo: ................. Tuxedo Junction Videographer: ....... Roger Bennett BeautifulBrideMagazine.com

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PHOTO FINISH

© Bogdan Condor.com

Photo Finish

An intimate moment between Kara and Steven during their New Years Eve wedding at the beautiful Union Hill Inn. bogdancondor.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS: to get your photo finish published, call 70.79.7

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