JANUARY 2014
wh en
For you’re ready to share...
BUTTERFIELD WEDDING LOANS Planning the perfect wedding involves a lot more than choosing a venue or photographer. It’s about creating memories that will last a lifetime. Ensure that your big day is perfect with a customised wedding loan. Financing for when you’re ready to share…with Butterfield, it’s possible. To discuss your lending needs, visit a Butterfield Banking Centre or contact us on 298 4799. www.butterfieldgroup.com
FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OF THE BERMUDA SUN
n
JANUARY 31, 2014
n
PAGE 1
n COVER BRIDE COMPETITION OVERALL WINNER / Christopher and Khetiwe Richards
Bermuda Sun 19 Elliott Street, Hamilton, Bermuda HM 10 Tel 295-3902 Fax 292-5597 E-mail feedback@bermudasun.bm This special supplement is produced and published by Bermuda Sun Limited and printed in Bermuda by Island Press Limited.
Inside this supplement Love among the ruins Page 2 Feel comfortable with your photographer Page 3 City’s parks provide unique wedding venue Page 4 How men can look their best on the big day Page 6 Tips on how to get you through your speech Page 7 Indulgent manicure will add special touch Page 8 Marry at the beach and travel back in time Page 9 Cover Bride Wedding finalists Pages 10-12 Challenge to look trim on the big day Page 14 Details that make your day unique Page 15
Publisher Randy French President Lisa Beauchamp Editorial Robyn Bardgett Editorial Layout Jack Garstang Advertising Sales Carlita Burgess (Deputy Advertising Manager) Diane Gilbert, Claire James, Larissa French Creative Services Christina White, Colby Medeiros, Calae Steede Circulation & Distribution Michelle Furbert
n PHOTO BY AMANDA TEMPLE
photo - amandatemple.com
The Bermuda Sun publishes twice weekly and is a subsidiary of MediaHouse Limited. We are members of the Inland Press Association, International Newspaper Marketing Association and the Newspaper Association of America. We are located at: 19 Elliott Street, Hamilton HM 10; P.O. Box HM 1241, Hamilton HM FX Tel: 295-3902 Fax: 292-5597. Visit our website: www.bermudasun.bm
LOOK OF LOVE: Khetiwe said that as soon as she and Christopher decided to marry in Bermuda she knew immediately she wanted to get married at the Unfinished Church in St George’s. See Love among the ruins, Page 2
Washington Mall West, 7 Reid Street, Hamilton | 441-236-9009 | alexandramosher.com
2
n
FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
JANUARY 31, 2014
THE BERMUDA SUN
Love among the ruins of the Unfinished Church BY ROBYN BARDGETT rbardgett@bermudasun.bm
It was all in the details for Khetiwe and Christopher’s November nuptials. The couple met on a blind date at a Thai restaurant in downtown Decatur, Georgia, in 2010. They not only shared a meal that evening, but they also shared the same last name. Their relationship seemed to have taken a serious turn when Khetiwe believed Chris was planning to propose to her after he surprised her with a party for her birthday. “Chris planned a surprise birthday party for me on my birthday and I thought for sure he was going to propose,” Khetiwe recalls. “The evening came and went without event. I was peeved. “The next night after hanging out at our neighbour’s house for football (which I don’t enjoy) and wine (which I enjoy immensely), as I am getting settled in bed, I notice that he is on my side of the bed and kneeling on the floor.” Christopher popped the question Khetiwe was hoping he would ask and she didn’t begrudge his timing — she, of course, said yes. The couple planned their wedding at the Unfinished Church in St George’s — the perfect venue for the rustic, chic event they were hoping for. “I’ve never been one of those girls that daydreamed about the details of her wedding, but as soon as we decided we would get married in Bermuda I knew immediately I wanted to get married at the Unfinished Church,” explains Khetiwe.
Unconventional
Playing along the lines of the untraditional location, the couple also opted to choose personal songs to reflect their relationship rather than the standard wedding musical fare. The couple were excited that Darlymac Enterprises Corp were able to play some of their more “quirky” musical selections. “I wanted the music to reflect our tastes and wanted nothing to do with traditional songs heard at many weddings,” says Khetiwe. Selections included Concerning Hobbits from The Lord of the Rings movie, Married Life ,from the movie Up and Pure Imagination from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Christopher did have to rein in his bride when he vetoed her bridal entry selection. Khetiwe says: “I wanted it to be the opening bars of the Star Trek theme as I am a huge trekkie but I was vetoed by my husband and family and settled on Air by Bach, a piece I have loved since childhood.” The church has a magical feel to it that Khetiwe ensured ran through the entire event. She walked down the open-air aisle swathed in an Elizabeth Fillmore trumpet dress with a sweetheart neckline.
“My favourite detail was the pompadour that poofed out the back,” Khetiwe says. “It was the second dress I tried on at the first and only bridal shop I visited — Kelly’s Closet in Decatur. I must give my sister all the credit because she picked it after I had passed it by.”
Accessories
Khetiwe topped off her stunning dress with a short veil she selected from Twigs and Honey and her “something borrowed” included vintage pearl necklace and earrings from her aunt. Khetiwe was on the hunt for the perfect shoes to match her elegant gown. She says: “I had seen the Zara glitter flat sandals on a blog and I searched high and low for them until I finally found them on eBay.” That evening after exchanging vows, the couple made their way to Tom Moore’s Tavern where their guests were treated to a delicious selection of food and wine designed by the restaurant’s Bruno Fiocca. However, Khetiwe was very specific about the vision for her cake. “I wanted to follow the theme of the wedding invitations that I handmade and was quite proud of,” she says. “But I also wanted it to taste good!” The couple employed the talents of Juliette Jackson who they had heard was the best cake baker on the island. “She told me to trust her and I did and the results were beyond what I had hoped for. I was hoping for at least one of the features I had requested — pretty or tasty — but she surpassed both.” To ensure all of the elements of her wedding day translated from her vision to reality, Khetiwe turned to technology to help pull together her ideas on sites such as Pinterest. She was then able to pass these visual ideas on to the décor and flower designers. “At the ceremony we wanted the beauty of the church to be the focal point so we only slightly accented the church with a few palm trees.
Heritage
For the reception, I absolutely loved things like a gift table made from old suitcases, jenga-style blocks for guests to sign, burlap accents on the mason jar décor and the wedding cake topper which I proudly made myself by following instructions found on Pinterest.” In bringing some of the elements of their family and heritage, the couple mesmerized their guests with the sights and sounds of the Gombeys. The bride recruited her cousin’s troupe to perform on the special night. “At the reception we were honoured to have Place’s Gombeys perform. The travelling guests absolutely loved the performance,” Khetiwe says. The bride’s aunt also gave the entranced audience a history lesson about the Gombeys, which reflect
n PHOTO BY AMANDA TEMPLE
JUST MARRIED: Christopher and Khetiwe Richards made their vows at the Unfinished Church in St George’s — the perfect venue for the rustic, chic event they were hoping for. the island’s blend of African, Caribbean and British cultures. As the night started to heat up the DJ opened the dance floor and guests let loose.
“Once the dance floor opened up and our good friend Adrian Lee of Ricochet Sound started to DJ and there was never a dull moment.
Wedding details CEREMONY AND RECEPTION Ceremony: Unfinished Church, St George’s Reception: Tom Moore’s Tavern Invitations: Handmade Wedding colours: Canary and mustard yellow and grey with accents of green and brown from natural items such as plants, fruits, leaves, burlap and wood. Bride’s dress: Isabella by Elizabeth Fillmore Bride’s shoes: Zara Glitter flat sandals
“The highlights include the four-year-old ring bearer owning the dance floor and the entire wedding party and guests ‘palancing’ so hard it must have
Bride’s veil: Twigs and Honey Bride’s jewellery: Vintage “something borrowed” from bride’s aunt Bridesmaid’s dresses: Jenny Yoo Hair: Felecia Pike Minors Makeup: Oneeka Williams Flowers: El Shaddai Florist Décor and table design: Delight Morris of Orange Bay Company Photographer: Ceremony, Amanda Temple; Reception, Alex Masters Videographer: Lara Smith LDS Multimedia
sounded like a stampede.” A great way to end a wedding that Khetiwe describes as being all about “family, friends and fun!” n
Bride’s transportation: Vintage Morris Minor Ceremony music: Darlymac Enterprises Corp Cake: Juliette Jackson Reception entertainment: Places Gombey’s DJ: Adrian Lee of Ricochet Sounds Food: Bruno Fiocca at Tom Moore’s Tavern Favours: Natural Bermuda Honey
FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
THE BERMUDA SUN
JANUARY 31, 2014
n
3
Check style and feel comfortable with your photographer BY ROBYN BARDGETT rbardgett@bermudasun.bm
Developing a relationship with your wedding photographer may not be easy when in the midst of planning a wedding. But the feeling that you get when you first meet the person who will capture the most important memories of your life means it is critical to feel comfortable in their presence. “I try to encourage people to meet me beforehand if possible,” says photographer Amanda Temple. “But most importantly is do you like the style of their work?” Luckily for brides nowadays, many photographers have blogs where couples can not only get a decent view of a photographer’s portfolio, but possibly even a glimpse into their lives. “Photographers do put some personal things on
their blogs and this can be a good way to get to know them,” Ms Temple says. “Anyone can put together a website with a few really good pictures, but I have 700 posts on my blog at the moment and each wedding post has about 50 pictures of one wedding. “So it really can show you a photographer’s style on whether it fits what you are looking for.”
Consider style
Ms Temple advises couples not to just choose a photographer based on the fact that they like the pictures. “With the photographers on the island we all have very different techniques and shoot very differently from each other. “Even though you may like the look of my photographs, I may not be the photographer for you. Look at the pictures and see
n PHOTO BY ALEX MASTERS
ALEX MASTERS: While remaining unobtrusive, photojournalist, Alex Masters captures the raw emotion that depicts the complete story of a wedding day.
what they are saying about the photographer. “I tend to really like natural light — natural light makes for beautiful pictures — but if you’re planning your wedding to happen mostly inside with very little natural light there may be other photographers that are better for what you’re looking for.”
Focus
Ms Temple says it’s also worth conveying to the photographer exactly what you are looking for them to focus on throughout the time you have them booked. “Brides will definitely find things that are important to them. I have a bride this year who wants to make sure that I am there to get all the pictures of the giggly, intimate times as they get ready where as some people don’t care about that sort of thing. “Some people spend thousands of dollars on the details and want to make sure that those things are photographed. “Think about the elements that are important to you and pass that information along to your photographer,” she says. The end product is also important to consider, says Ms Temple. “Are you just looking for one picture of the two of you together to have on the mantelpiece or do you want to have a book with pictures that pulls together all of the elements of the day?” Thinking through your desires for what you want the photographer to capture will help to dictate the best photographer for your needs, she adds. While budget is an important aspect of deciding on a photographer, it’s also important to take into account exactly what you are getting for the price you are paying. “It’s great to have all these extras, but if you don’t like the pictures what’s the point of having extras that you might not want in the end?” Ms Temple says. “Look at the style of the photographer and make sure the style and tastes
n PHOTO BY SACHA BLACKBURNE
SACHA BLACKBURNE’S images are creative, intimate and emotive, and capture the true essence of a couple’s love on their wedding day.
n PHOTO BY AMANDA TEMPLE
AMANDA TEMPLE uses the beauty of natural light to create enduring images that are classic, elegant and romantic. For more information, and to have a look at Ms Temple’s work, visit www. amandatemple.com
match yours. These are going to be pictures that will be hanging in your home forever so you want to think to yourself when you see the photographer’s work are you be able to see yourself in these pictures.” The personality is also key to being happy with the end images. Ms Temple suggests an engagement session with a chosen photographer can give both parties a taste of what the relationship will be like on the wedding day. “I can get a good idea of what the couple are like with an engagement session,” she says. “Are they shy, how affectionate are they and how much direction do I need to give them. It also helps me know what they are comfortable with and it’s a great way to gauge the way the photographer works and how comfortable you are with them.” n
n PHOTO BY MEREDITH ANDREWS
MEREDITH ANDREWS: Wedding and portrait photographer Meredith Andrews combines documentary and fine art styles to capture beautiful, honest, and timeless images.
4
n
JANUARY 31, 2014
FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
THE BERMUDA SUN
n PHOTOS SUPPLIED
WEDDINGS IN THE CITY: Barr’s Bay Park, left, has views overlooking Hamilton Harbour, and Victoria Park with its iconic bandstand and gates add a little more privacy.
City’s beautiful parks provide unique wedding venue BY ROBYN BARDGETT rbardgett@bermudasun.bm
For a unique location for your upcoming wedding, take a look at some of the beautiful parks the City of Hamilton has to offer. Locations such as Fort Hamilton and Victoria Park have some exceptional features that will enhance such a special occasion. “Fort Hamilton being a fort is what I like to think of as a Bermudian version of a castle,” says superin-
tendent of parks Steven DeSilva. “You enter the fort over a bridge and it can be a very personal and private location for a wedding.” Not only does Fort Hamilton have the unique fortifications that give it its character, but it also has stunning views over the city and Hamilton Harbour. “The views are stunning, particularly at sunset,” says Mr DeSilva. Fort Hamilton also affords the perfect setup for amenities that can be
incorporated for food and service. Another great location within the city for a wedding is Victoria Park. The beauty of this location is the iconic bandstand, which would make for a gorgeous place to exchange vows.
Harbour
Other beautiful parks that would make incredible wedding locations include Barr’s Bay Park with its views overlooking Hamilton Harbour and the
marina — giving it a fun nautical vibe. Queen Elizabeth Park (formerly Par-la-Ville park) is a beautiful oasis in the centre of the city that would lend itself perfectly to a garden-themed wedding. “These locations are as unique as a wedding can be,” says Mr DeSilva. “You can be outside in green space — it’s the equivalent of getting married on South Shore with water lapping at your feet and it’s a great way to experience nature. “Weddings are not the norm in the city parks but it has been something that has seen interest in the last couple of years.” The events team at the Corporation of Hamilton have been aggressively looking for ways to bring more life into the city and
the parks, adds Mr DeSilva. While the parks have many unique attributes, they don’t all afford the privacy that some may desire for their wedding, as they are still open to the public.
Privacy
Some of the parks, such as Victoria Park and Queen Elizabeth Park, have gates, which can help add a little more privacy. The Corporation has also developed a list of restrictions and requirements in order to rent one of the parks in the hopes of making sure that they maintain the high quality of the location. “We take great pride in our parks that are beautifully maintained by our staff, who take a lot of pride in the appearance of the
parks, so it is important that if people are planning to rent one of the parks that they treat it with the greatest of respect,” says Mr DeSilva. Information about what is entailed in terms of renting one of the parks can be found on the Corporation’s website as well as an application form. “We do limit the amount of usage the parks get for events such as weddings,” explains Mr DeSilva. “And people need to be aware that the park needs to be returned to acceptable usage for the following day as our parks are opened 365 days of the year.” n
TO PRINT off a park rental application form, visit www.cityhall.bm and click on Permits. Or call 292-1234 for more information.
n PHOTO SUPPLIED
CITY OASIS: Queen Elizabeth Park (formerly Par-la-Ville park) iin the centre of the city lends itself perfectly to a garden-themed wedding.
THE BERMUDA SUN
FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
JANUARY 31, 2014
n
5
6
n
FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
JANUARY 31, 2014
THE BERMUDA SUN
Advice on how men can look their best on the big day Top stylist says men’s skin and hair need attention two weeks before the wedding BY ROBYN BARDGETT rbardgett@bermudasun.bm
While the groom and his groomsmen may think they can get away with a quick shave and a shower on wedding day, there should be a little more preparation when it comes to preparing for such a special day. For some men the idea of being pampered may be appealing, but for others the thought of spending more than five minutes on their appearance might seem dreadful. Vernon G, top stylist at Strands Hair Salon, says that he is seeing a trend to more men taking care of their skin. “We have noticed that a lot of men have started to take care of their skin and have seen an increase in men’s facials as well as pedicures,” Vernon says. “Invest in your skin — it lasts forever!” So what does this mean for wedding day? At the very least men should be using a hydrating moisturizer to make sure their skin looks good for the big day. “Clarins has a cleanser that acts as a shaving cream and cleanser and is a great way to get rid of dead skin cells and promote great looking skin. An everyday hydrating moisturizer plays a big role for a subtle skin care regime,” explains Vernon. “Hydration plays a key role for the skin to look luminous –– Clarins have a dedicated men’s range that has been specifically created for men.” But if a man really wants to impress on one of the most important days of his life there are a few other areas that should be taken care of. “Subtle eyebrow shaping can really change the look of every man. When being photographed it opens up the face and creates a ‘friendly’ look for the eye area. Men sometimes forget that they are just as important in the wedding pictures,” advises Vernon. This also goes for the groomsmen, who should also take some time to
n PHOTO CREATIVE COMMONS
LOOKING SHARP: Men should have a facial two weeks before the wedding along with a great haircut and a good moisturizer,” says Vernon G, top stylist at Strands Hair Salon make sure they look sharp come wedding day. He also recommends that men who are sporting a bit of grey can benefit from a semi-permanent colour treatment.
Grey hair
“A subtle semi-permanent colour that gently colours the grey hair and blends in very well.” Facial hair also needs to be looked after. He says: “The man that wears a beard should also take care of a well-shaped beard and styling of the hair.” To enjoy the full effects of the perfect grooming, men
‘Two weeks before the wedding is also a great time to get the eyebrows in shape, the haircut and possible colouring.’ VERNON G Stylist at Strands Hair Salon
should aim to start taking care of themselves about two weeks before their wedding day.
“A men’s facial two weeks before the wedding along with a great haircut and a good moisturizer,”
he says. “Two weeks before the wedding is also a great time to get the eyebrows in shape, the haircut and possible colouring. Once again, using regular moisturizer to help the skin to look youthful and glowing. But Vernon warns men not to leave any grooming – especially using a new treatment — to the last minute. “Eyebrow waxing should not be left to the last minute as we don’t like to see a possible reaction on the skin if a man has this done the day of the wedding. “We also recommend not letting friends offer to
Dream day… dream location Make your beautiful Bermuda wedding truly historic at…
NATIONALMUSEUM BERMUDA OF
Sacha Blackburne photo
Rental details from Planning Factory at 236-0514 or lindsay@planningfactory.com
Strands is located at 31 Reid Street. For more information call 295-0353.
cut your hair for you. We have seen many laughable moments when friends offer to ‘help out’ but even though it was funny — pictures last forever,” he warns. Reluctant men are advised to stop in at Strands to have a free consultation or to chat with their in-house skincare consultant, Katie, to assist in the best routine to look great on the big day. n
THE BERMUDA SUN
FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
JANUARY 31, 2014
n
7
Follow the 3-2-1 rule to get you through your speech BY ROBYN BARDGETT rbardgett@bermudasun.bm
Speeches can be the best or the worst part of the wedding. There are, of course, no hard or fast rules about giving speeches but there are some things to take into consideration so that you still remain friends with the bride and groom at the end of the wedding. The history of the toast dates back to the Greeks who would pour wine from a common pitcher at gatherings. The host would take a drink from his glass first to make sure that no poison had been placed in the wine. Greeks would spike the drinks of their enemies to ensure silence. Over the years the toast has become a bit less aggressive with a toasts in the 1800s being given as a gesture of good faith and to wish health and happiness to the guests attending the special occasion.
Who speaks
Traditionally, most speeches at weddings were given by the males in the wedding party. Specifically the best man, groom and the father of the bride. The father of the bride would thank everyone on behalf of himself and his
wife and indicate that the party could begin. Of course, as times have changed and more people are planning weddings that reflect their own beliefs and desires, the traditional speeches have been phased out and anyone can be prevailed upon to say a few words. Often times brides will also give a little speech as well as ushers, bridesmaids and even wedding guests. This has also led to their being some pretty cringe worthy moments when well-intentioned guests maybe get a little more personal than they should. Before we dive into some tips on how to ensure a smooth speech, it’s of utmost importance that you ensure all guests, and especially the bridal party, have a full glass so that when your speech is over everyone can raise a glass to the happy couple.
What happens in Vegas
The first and most important rule is really to leave the raunchy stuff out of your speech. Remember that you’re speaking to a roomful of people that will most likely include a grandmother or two and, really, no one wants to know about that one time in Vegas. Really, no one. Try not to dig so far into
marriage, but let’s remember that this is a special day for the couple that are hopeful and happy about marriage. Always focus on the positive even if you’re not entirely convinced on the idea of marriage yourself.
The 3-1-2 rule
n ISTOCK PHOTO
AND FINALLY: The person giving the speech should remember it is the bride and groom’s day and they should focus on the positive, and as a guide, the 3-2-1 rule will steer them clear of trouble. the past that you and the bride or groom are the only ones who actually were there when the event took place. Especially if it’s something that will need to take a lot of explaining. Remember that speeches need to be fairly speedy and to the point or you’ll have lost people’s attention and
instead you’ll be hearing crickets.
To the point
This is one time where you really do need to be prepared before you get up in front of a roomful of people. That’s not to say that you should read word for word from a stack of flashcards but at the very
least try and attempt to stick to the script. Waffling on about something that has nothing to do with the couple or doesn’t somehow tie everything together should not be part of your speech.
The positive
Everyone knows the old ball and chain jokes about
According to New York Times columnist Bruce Feiler the best approach to wedding speeches is the 3-1-2 rule. He suggests first, speaking for a few minutes in the third person by sharing a funny story or a warm memory about the bride or groom. He recommends something along the lines of: “Let me tell you something about Harry you may not know ...” or “I knew he had found true love that time he called me and said. ...” Next, he says you should say a few genuine words in the first person, explaining your own feelings about the person you are toasting. For example, “One thing I could always count on my brother for was” or “I have always admired my brother for.” His last tip is to speak directly to the couple, using second person. An example might include: “May you have a life filled with…” or “May you always find joy in.” n
8
n
FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
JANUARY 31, 2014
THE BERMUDA SUN
An indulgent manicure will add that special touch BY ROBYN BARDGETT rbardgett@bermudasun.bm
Beautiful hands should be the centrepiece to showing off the magnificent ring on your finger on your wedding day. And an indulgent manicure topped off with a classic French manicure is a great way to add that special touch. Before the big day, it’s a good idea to start getting your hands wedding-ready, recommends Strands Skin Spa senior therapist Nicci Ellis-Cole. “You definitely want to start caring for your hands beforehand by investing in a good quality cuticle oil,” advises Ms Ellis-Cole. “At least three to four treatments before your wedding are recommended depending on the state of your nails and hands.” Using a cuticle oil every day leading up to the wedding can make a huge improvement to the quality of your hands, she says. And coming in for treatments ahead of the big day gives the bride an opportunity to talk with her therapist about what other treatments might help ensure smooth, stunning hands for the wedding. “I can’t reiterate how important it is to moisturize your hands and use cuticle oil on your nails,” says Ms Ellis-Cole. She also recommends wearing gloves when doing the washing up as soapy dishwater can wreck havoc on hands. Sounds like a good excuse to have someone else wash the dishes!
French manicure
As for the trends for wedding nails, Ms EllisCole says that brides can’t go wrong with a French manicure. “The classic, chic style is always the French manicure,” she says. However, she adds, “I always do enjoy a bride who comes in looking for bright red nails!” Taking good care of nails is important if a bride does want to have a French manicure, advises Ms EllisCole. “A French manicure does depend on the length of the nail bed.” Strands Skin Spa also offers Shellac manicures and pedicures, which last 10 to 14 days, says Ms EllisCole. “And what bride wouldn’t want to have one less thing to worry about?” Ms Ellis-Cole says that
n PHOTO SUPPLIED
FRENCH MANICURE: Strands Skin Spa senior therapist Nicci Ellis-Cole stresses how important it is to moisturize your hands and use cuticle oil on your nails well ahead of the big day. brides need to make sure to take care of their feet before the big day – especially if they intend on wearing strappy shoes. “I advise all of my clients to wear flip flops when using the showers at the gym,” she says. “And be
aware of drying between the toes.” For any dryness on the feet (or hands, for that matter), Ms Ellis-Cole recommends adding on a paraffin wax to any treatment when visiting the salon.
“It’s nourishing and hydrating and is a nice add-on to a pedicure. The results are really unbelievable,” she says. “The oils are absorbed and you are left with this completely soft skin.” For a fun way to get your
bridal party together and enjoy some pampering time, Strands Skin Spa will help organize treatments so that the group can enjoy time spent together, says Ms Ellis-Cole. “It’s a great memory to share together and we
make sure that it’s convenient so that the appointments can be arranged together. “Come in and have a mani and pedi and you will all be floating out of here.” n
Your beauty checklist: start planning six months ahead of the big day SUBMITTED BY STRANDS
Six months to go
Plan ahead — Once your wedding date has been set, you should book your appointments for hair and makeup. Beautiful skin –– Start your bridal skin care regimen now to ensure a glowing complexion on your big day! Book a Clarins facial treatment today and discuss a course of treatments and home care for the best possible results. Manicure and pedicure — These are essential treatments for a
beautiful total look, especially if you want to be able to show off your beautiful wedding ring. We offer Clarins ‘Beautiful hand and foot’ treatments for the best results. Hair — Book your wedding day hair trial now. Bring in pictures from magazines or websites that you are most interested in. This will help our stylists achieve the best possible results. It is always a good idea to bring along your veil or any other hair accessories that you may be considering. Makeup — Book your makeup
trial now. Our beauty therapists will be able to create that flawless look. You may wish to try false lashes to add that extra bit of drama!
Three months to go
Bridal party gifts — Strands Gift Certificates are always a great way to say thank you and are conveniently available for any treatment package or dollar denomination. Don’t forget Mom — Let us take care of Mom for a day. From hair and makeup to manicure and pedicure, give her a special
Strands treat because she deserves it.
The final countdown
Your pre-wedding facial — This should occur two to three weeks before your wedding day. If you are planning on wearing a backless dress, then you might want to consider a Clarins cleansing back treatment. It will make you look and feel great. Beautiful and tanned without the sun –– Clarins offers a great self tan treatment to give that special sun kissed glow. Honeymoon sundries — Stop by
our retail centre and stock up on all your hair care, skincare and sun products. Smooth to the touch — We offer a wide range of waxing treatments (bikini, Brazilian, eyebrows, lips, underarms and legs) that will ensure the perfect you. Day before stress relief — Consider one of our Clarins treatment massages to help melt away fatigue and stress. On the big day — Time for the final hair and make up, all that’s left to do now is walk down the aisle. n
FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
THE BERMUDA SUN
JANUARY 31, 2014
n
9
Marry at the beach and travel back in time at Fourways BY ROBYN BARDGETT rbardgett@bermudasun.bm
Bermuda has some of the most stunning scenery and charming historical properties, and the Fourways Inn on Middle Road in Paget blends them all together perfectly. If you want to exchange vows while feeling the sand between your toes and the ocean as your backdrop but want to enjoy an award winning, full-service restaurant for your reception, the team at Fourways can make it happen. “You can still get married at the beach and then travel back in time to Fourways Inn,” says Fourways manager Andy Detzer. “This way you get everything Bermuda has to offer from the beach to history still in the making.” The building Fourways restaurant is housed is over 250 years old and has all the traditional elements of a Bermuda home. “Fourways is a true Bermuda setting dating back to 1727,” says Mr Detzer. “It has a homestyle feel to it as it was a private residence in the old days and doesn’t have a commercial look.” Especially if you’re looking for an elegant and sophisticated dining experience, Fourways offers high-end silver service with an award-winning menu and a refined atmosphere. “Fourways is the only restaurant left in Bermuda with a live piano player during dinner,” says Mr Detzer, which lends to the sophisticated atmosphere. Menus can be created for a Bermudian-inspired feast featuring codfish cakes and fish chowder to European menu favourites such as Caprese salad and steak. The onsite executive pastry chef, Ganesh Suppiah, is one of Bermuda’s leading wedding and specialty cake makers and his cakes are not only dazzling to look at, but also incredibly delicious to eat. The restaurant also has a large, covered outdoor space, perfect for more casual events, or it can be dressed up for something more black tie. The location also affords a beautiful outdoor space for exchanging vows. The open pavilion can be dressed up in the wedding day colours and reflect
n PHOTO SUPPLIED
HISTORIC VENUE: The location also affords a beautiful outdoor space for exchanging vows. The open pavilion can be dressed up in the wedding day colours and reflect exactly what the couple is looking for on their special day. exactly what the couple is looking for on their special day. If you’re looking to host your wedding at a different location, but still want to enjoy Fourways’ delicious menu, the restaurant also offers catering.
Full service
“We offer the only full service catering on island, offering everything from food, beverage, service, equipment including tenting — basically a one-stop shop,” says Mr Detzer. “We
n PHOTO SUPPLIED
THE COTTAGE COLONY is the perfect place for the bride and groom to get ready on the day of the wedding.
are part of Bermuda’s largest independent restaurant groups on island and therefore offer resources others can’t provide.” Onsite, the cottage colony
is the perfect place for the bride and groom to get ready with their attendants on the day of the wedding, and is a romantic spot to retire to after all the excite-
ment of the wedding day is over. Couples who opt to get married at Fourways get the service of an onsite organizer to help them plan
all of the details of their wedding day. n
FOR MORE information, contact manager Andy Detzer on 236-6517.
THE BERMUDA SUN
FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
JANUARY 31, 2014
n
13
14
n
FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
JANUARY 31, 2014
THE BERMUDA SUN
Take the Special K Challenge and look trim on the big day BY ROBYN BARDGETT rbardgett@bermudasun.bm
If you’re the type of person who likes a good action plan to get your body wedding dress ready, an online planning tool can make a huge difference. With the Special K Challenge plans, you can see exactly how well you are doing towards your goal weight. The Special K challenge is also not just a set weight loss plan but gives users options such as a two-week challenge or a goal weight challenge. The variety also helps make success more realistic. And because each challenge is tailored to you and your lifestyle, as well as exactly when your goal date is, you can keep track of your progress along the way. There are lots of fun features, including handy menu ideas and a section for creating shopping lists. The plans are designed based on your measurements, so your goal can be realistic making it more likely for you to succeed and not give up. Of course, there’s also the motivation of looking fantastic in front of your family and friends on the big day. The website also tailors recipes to your likes based on nutritionist-created meal plans that fit your specific needs. Meal preparation is also made easy with the handy shopping list feature. Another great feature is
that there is a Special K app available for both android and iPhones, so you can take your plan details wherever you go. Starting the plan is simple. The website begins by asking what your motivation is, whether you’re getting ready for a special event or you’re looking to achieve a specific goal weight.
Motivation
You can include your reason for wanting to lose weight, which can be a positive reminder for why you’re signing up for the plan – whether it’s to have more confidence or to reach a certain milestone in your life. This can be a huge motivating factor in your goal weight when you feel like you have invested emotionally in your health. The website then helps you personalize your Special K plan by getting to know what type of meal fits your lifestyle – whether you’re in need of easy recipes for on the go, you’re interested in being more adventurous with your meals or you’re a vegetarian. The plan also allows you to factor in your gender – so it can be tailored for both men and women. It also asks about your typical activity level in order to recommend a daily calorie in take. You’ll need to know your starting weight and height and be ready to have a goal date. The Special K plan will
recommend a few shorterterm goals to help keep you motivated. Once you’ve finished going through the sign up process the website will suggest your weight goal and date and offer up a slew of yummy recipes and snack ideas.
Recipes
Meal options included mozzarella, tomato and avocado sandwich for lunch and a mouth-watering sounding cheese rice soufflé for dinner. Each recipe includes a calorie count to make it easy to calculate exactly how much you’re eating each day. There are a lot of great interactive features on the site including a place to write down how you’re feeling each day with some key words such as motivated, cranky or drained. It will help give a good overview of how you felt over the plan and possibly help you discover what foods make you feel better or worse throughout the challenge. You can also log in your exercise level for each day and keep track of your progress over the weeks. As always with any type of weight loss plan, it’s important to speak with your physician first before starting a programme to ensure you’re healthy and ready to take on the challenge. n
LOG ON to www.specialk. com to get started building your plan.
n AFP PHOTO
FITS NICELY: A bride to be tries on a wedding dress at Filene’s Basement in Columbus, Ohio. Fitting into their bridal gown is a motivation for many brides to be to start a weight loss programme.
FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
THE BERMUDA SUN
JANUARY 31, 2014
n
15
n PHOTOS SUPPLIED
WEDDING DAY VISION: Exclusive Events rents items from as big as dance floors, couches and tables to as small as napkin rings and charger plates.
Finding the right details to make your day unique BY ROBYN BARDGETT rbardgett@bermudasun.bm
Wedding trends change quickly and brides are looking to replicate what they see in the pages of their favourite magazines or on television. Making your wedding pop and be unique to you means finding all of the right details and Exclusive Events has everything a girl could dream of for her big day — from blingly celebrity-style chandeliers to the basics like chairs, tents and tableware. “We are basically a onestop shop for all of your wedding needs,” says owner Steven Faries. “We keep up with the trends and have a special relationship with our bridal contacts and our suppliers so that we make sure we have the items that brides are looking for their wedding. Mr Faries, who started Exclusive Events five years ago, attends trainings every six months to make sure he has all the latest event accessories and is up on all of the trends such as the new techniques in event lighting or knowing the hottest colours (Radiant Orchid, a warm purple, is the Pantone colour for 2014). “We attend the Special
. . . Exclusive Events has everything a girl could dream of for her big day – from blingly celebrity-style chandeliers to the basics like chairs, tents and tableware.’ Events Show once a year and other smaller events, which allows us to also network with different people and meet some of the best celebrity planners including Preston Bailey and David Tutera.” The event company rents items from as big as couches and tables to dance floors to as small as napkin rings and charger plates. Any detail that you need for your wedding, they can provide.
Chiavari chairs
“We have the largest quantity of Chiavari chairs on the island in four different varieties, we do every type of special event,” he says. “You name it, we do it. We’re specializing in doing VIP areas at events at the moment.” And with
For more information about Exclusive Events and to see what items they provide for rental, visit www. eebermuda.com or call 2383331.
Mr Faries’ expert eye and contacts with professionals in the wedding business on the island, such as florists, the company can easily manage the details of a wedding, big or small. And a bride doesn’t just see a disjointed compilation of stock images when they hire Exclusive Events, but instead will have access to seeing the event set up before the big day. “We have a special showroom where we set up their event exactly as it will look on the day,” explains Mr Faries. “Instead of just talking on the phone and seeing pictures, they get to come back and touch and feel and see everything exactly how it will be on their wedding day. “We set up everything from the lighting and backdrop to the centrepiece and the chairs. When they see it put together it brings their dream to life,” says Mr Faries. Mr Faries says that most brides come to him with the ideas and vision that they want. But for those that aren’t sure where to start he says to bring him the colour swatch for the wedding theme and he can pull together ideas from there. “We utilize technology a lot and have a computer in the showroom where we can show them ideas and pictures. Then once we set
n PHOTOS SUPPLIED
EVENT PREVIEW: When hiring from Exclusive Events the bride does not see a disjointed compilation of stock images, but instead will have access to seeing the event set up before the big day. up the design at the warehouse brides can touch and feel and decide if they like everything and have the opportunity to move things around or decide whether
they like something. “Sometimes people will chose a colour but then when they see it in real life they decide they don’t like it but for the most part we
get it right. The best part of my job is getting it right and I get to create those personal connections with my brides.” n
16
n
JANUARY 31, 2014
FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
THE BERMUDA SUN
W W W. D I N I N G B E R M U DA . C O M
W W W. D I N I N G B E R M U DA .C O M
catering to your every whim
we have you covered in style
FOURWAYS CATERING
PAVILION RENTALS
Bermuda’s most award winning Caterer for small and intimate events and for events in the thousands. THE Caterer of choice for major events, for the event you want to remember and the only Caterer that offers a backup location. Food, beverage, equipment and the best, most reliable staff. Every detail, every nuance, everything done for you! RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR FOOD & BEVERAGE BY MENTIONING THIS AD WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR WEDDING. OFFER VALID FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY.
TELEPHONE
PO Box PG 294, Paget PG BX 236 6517 | FACSIMILE 236 5528 | EMAIL info@fourways.bm
Pavilion Rentals keeps you covered with a variety of elegant marquee tent options for smaller events, weddings, major parties or corporate extravaganzas. Accessorize in style with globe lights, banquet tables and more. PO Box PG 294, Paget PG BX 236 6517 | CELL 705 3061 EMAIL tim@mef.bm or rentals@pavilion.bm
TELEPHONE
W W W. PAV I L I O N . B M
W W W. C AT E R I N G . B M
46512 MEF_FWC_BDASUN_5x7_Ad_2014.indd 1
1/10/2014 9:17 AM
37851 MEF_PR_BDASUN_5x7_Ad.indd 1
11-07-06 11:35 AM
DEMCO 5"x7" Ad - Jan'12
1/12/12
10:57 AM
Page 1
FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
10
n
n
BERMUDA WEDDINGS / Cover bride competition finalists
JANUARY 31, 2014
Rachel Willitts & Will Gonzalez August 17, 2013 Ceremony and reception Gate’s Bay Beach and The Beach House (formally Blackbeard’s Hideout) Theme Since Will is American they knew people would be travelling from overseas so they couldn’t resist having a beach-themed wedding. Three words to describe your wedding day Joyous, simple, unity. First date Rachel and Will wanted to make sure that their guests from overseas got to experience the beauty of Bermuda the sun setting over the water. They decided The Beach House was the perfect location to host their reception, as it was the restaurant where they had their first date. Bridal attire Rachel went for all out fairytale glamour with her Manuel Mota, Pronovias gown which featured layers of tulle and a bodice made from pure, white feathers. Rachel completed the look with Giuseppe Zanotti heels and an intricately beaded waistband also designed by Manuel Mota. She topped off her look with a cathedral length veil and a crystal hairpiece. Makeup Kyla Tear created a dramatic but elegant look for Rachel. Attendant attire Rachel’s maid of honour’s floor length ivory dress came from Etsy designer Linna Wang. She matched her hair jewel to Rachel’s and
wore Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery earrings. Flowers Petals designed a bamboo chuppah for the couple’s ceremony on the beach and decorated it with white sheers and white and ivory hydrangeas and roses. They repurposed the chuppah for the cocktail hour at the reception where they surrounded the decorated chuppah with candles placed inside mason jars. Photographer and videographer Amanda Temple and Lara Smith of LDS Multimedia captured the special day for the couple. Entertainment D-General DJ Jason Sukedo kept the guests on the dance floor throughout the night. Favours The couple opted to donate money to charity instead of handing out favours. The details The couple offered guests mojitos during the cocktail hour. “Will currently works for Bacardi so it was really fitting. Everyone mingled around on the lawn at The Beach House while the DJ played 50s and 60s pop and we had fun hors d’oeuvres,” Rachel said. “We didn’t want the day to be ‘wedding-y’ at all, we just wanted it to be a celebration with lots of food, drink, dancing, heartfelt speeches, love in the air and special touches that were totally us. That’s exactly how it turned out and we had a blast!” n
n PHOTOS BY AMANDA TEMPLE
THE BERMUDA SUN
THE BERMUDA SUN
FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Erinn Griffin & Noel Hayward September 28, 2013 n PHOTOS DUVON POWELL
Ceremony and reception Heydon Trust Chapel and Pompano Beach Club Theme An intimate, nature-inspired wedding Bridal attire Erinn purchased her sophisticated Modern Trousseau ivory sheath gown from Kelly’s Closet in Atlanta, Georgia. The dress was custom designed with a hidden treasure of her new initials. For a pop of colour, Erinn wore fuchsia Salvatore Ferragamo heels. Jewels Erinn sparkled with chandelier earrings and matching bracelet from Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery. Attendant attire The couple wanted a quiet affair and only had their closest friends stand in as witnesses. “I wanted to keep the wedding simple and stress-free and I told my friend she could wear whatever she liked. She ended up wearing a dress that complemented my fuchsia shoes,” Erinn said. Flowers Designer Tamisha Greene of Ambience Design created the bride’s bouquet of gerbera daisies, lilies, roses, moss and fern curls. Erinn's little sister gave her fresh orchids to decorate her hair. Entertainment N Christopher Darrell of Darymac Enterprises played the violin as guests arrived for the ceremony. At the reception, he also threw in a special saxophone serenade while the couple had photos taken before they sat down for dinner. n
JANUARY 31, 2014
n
11
12
n
FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
JANUARY 31, 2014
THE BERMUDA SUN
Tyrika Simmons & Anthony Caisey n PHOTOS BY DONOVIN SEYMOUR
October 19, 2013 Ceremony and reception St Paul AME and The Berkeley Institute. Three words to describe your wedding day Magical, amazing, unique. Bridal attire The bride choose a tulle, sleeveless dress with a high neckline designed by Elianna Moore. The dress was enhanced with a jeweled belt and featured covered buttons running down the length of the bride’s back. Attendants attire Tyrika’s bridesmaids wore Bari Jay strapless purple chiffon gowns with fabric flowers at the waist. Her maid and matron of honour wore the same gowns but in hot pink. Flowers Tyrika’s handtied bouquet of lavender and ivory roses, purple calla lilies and pink lisianthus was designed by Rachel at Demco. Instead of bouquets, the bridesmaids held clutch bags. Tyrika also had a clutch for after the bouquet toss. Entertainment Tyrika and Anthony had special Gombey capes made so they could participate during the special performance by Warrior Gombeys. “Dancing with the Gombeys was extremely fun,” said Tyrika. Details The couple sent their guests home with monogrammed bags filled with candy. Tyrika also
changed into a Sherri Hill cocktail dress for the reception that reflected the design of her wedding gown.
“A few guests didn’t realize it was a totally different dress,” she says. “They thought my original dress came apart!” n
Jayné Dill & Nicholas DeRosa July 20, 2013 Ceremony and reception St Paul AME Church and Berkeley Institute. Bridal attire Jayné wore a dress by Maggie Sottero featuring dazzling crystals and asymmetrical draping. Her shoes were white satin Benjamin Walk heels embellished with diamonds. Both Jayne and her bridal party wore jewellery designed by Daisy Field Jewellery which featured pearls and crystals. Favours The couple sent their guests home with a diamond key chain wrapped in a silver box
with a Tiffany blue ribbon in keeping with their theme, “Diamonds Are Forever”. Details A memorial table was set up during the reception to remember the family members that had passed. A picture of Nick’s father, who died in 2003, and Jayné’s grandmother, who passed in 2005, was on display along with candles. “Both were very important to us and although they weren’t there with us to celebrate physically, we definitely felt their presence spiritually,” said Jayné. n
n PHOTOS BY KRYSTAL DESILVA
whenever I wear
mademoiselle,
I get a whiff of Paris.” They say you can’t bottle charm. I did. Now, flirt with all my pretty pales by simply changing your shade. Flaunt your French side with “mademoiselle” one day, twirl in “ballet slippers” the next. Now, for the first time, my gorgeous salon colors can be found in stores everywhere. My pretty pales are like a chic whisper...they make an elegant statement every time.