Bridal Couture Magazine Fall/Winter 2016

BRIDAL

Fall/Winter 2016

Magazine

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Representing the Central Valley’s Leading Wedding Vendors San Joaquin, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Stanislaus, & Merced County Bridal Couture Magazine by Mira A Division of Mira Bridal Group Inc

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Enjoy the finest cuisine from our acclaimed and gifted culinary team, pampering spa services to make the wedding party (groomsmen, too!) even more beautiful, and luxurious guest rooms and suites for friends, family, and of course, the newlyweds! Traditional or playful, Wine & Roses helps you bring your dream perfectly to life.

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A place of Beauty, Elegance and New Beginnings .

LARSA BANQUET HALL

An elegant venue for every occasion. From weddings to corporate events and trade shows. Comfortable accommodations for 50 to 1,000.

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BRIDAL

Magazine

COUTURE About the Cover

Cover Couple: Aliesha & Brandon Long Featured Wedding on page 86 Photography: Greg Petersen , GregPetersen.co Gown: Enzoani at Mira Bridal Couture, MiraBridal.com Suit: Vito’s Menswear

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Mira Jantz Design and Layout Mira Jantz Copy Editor Nathaniel Lloyd Contributing Writer Ceciley Smith Advertising and Sales Dawn Ramirez, Susan Cruz of Cruz Integrated Contributing Photographers Greg Petersen, Kori and Jared Heuvel, Melissa McKinley, Sara Malough, William Khoury

THE WEDDING PARTY by

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Copyright 2016-2017 Mira Bridal Group Inc. D.B.A. Bridal Couture Magazine by Mira. All rights reserved. Materials in this magazine/print publication may not be reproduced in any form without written consent of the Publisher. Any and all submissions to Bridal Couture Magazine become property of Mira Bridal Group Inc and may be used within any media. We reserve the right to edit. Any statements and opinions expressed in the publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the ownership or management of this publication.

All submitted materials including logos, images, advertising and editorial content are considered property of Bridal Couture Magazine under Mira Bridal Group Inc. While we make an effort to ensure all of the included information is correct, mistakes may occur. If you notice an error, please email info@bridalcouturemag.com. Bridal Couture Magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertising and/or submissions. Advertisers assert that they have the rights to publish the content they have provided to Bridal Couture Magazine including advertising, editorial submissions, featured wedding submissions, and images. Advertising content is not the responsibility of Mira Bridal Group Inc and Bridal Couture Magazine and no responsibility will be accepted for arrangements, written or verbal, that readers enter into with advertisers. Mira Bridal Group Inc. and Bridal Couture Magazine can not be held responsible for any claims by its advertisers.

To our readers: Bridal Couture magazine welcomes your feedback. Please email us at info@ bridalcouturemag.com. Advertising inquiries can be sent to sales@bridalcouturemag.com.

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Yo u c l o s e

yo ur eyes... ...and you see it. The perfect setting for your special day.

Your wedding. Your way. Just down the street.

Events at California State University, Stanislaus,

© ne v e r b o r in g. c o m

T he C l os e s t Th i n g to Pe r f ec t.

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• Custom wedding packages

• Budget friendly

• Fully catered

• Experienced staff

Events at C a l i f o r n i a S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y S t a n i s l a u s 2 0 9.B6R6 I7.D3A9L1 3C O• Ue Tv eUnRt E s@ M CA SGU. Cs tOaMn . e d u

INSIDE

BRIDAL

Magazine

COUTURE

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12 Announcing Your Engagement on Social Media 13 Announcements of Art 24 Stationery 101 26 10 Beauty Blunders to Avoid the Week Before Your Wedding 30 Redefining Facials with LED Light Therapy 33 Direct from the Runway—FALL 2016 40 BCM Preferred Vendors 43 Featured Weddings 44 Sarah & Austin Alvaji 46 Mari & Niniv Tamimi 50 Amber & Tim Rasmussen 52 Britni & Parker Sousa 53 Alayna & Ryan Wright 54 Jocelyn & Matthew McKay 56 Amanda & Jason Casus 57 Tara & Alex Salazar 58 Emily & Andrew Inman 60 Holly & Derek Rey 62 Laura & Jeremy Antrim 65 Megan & Greg Tedford 66 Kacie & Mark Conover 70 Megan & Paul Goodell 71Jessica & Michael Miller 72 Alex & Tucker Richardson 73 Amy & Jason Filbrun 74 Christina & Bryan Main 76 Zoya Sohel Sareshwala & Raihaan Khan 80 Sarah & Rodney Funston 82 Doris & Steven Gergees 84 Amanda & Austin Callaway 85 Kayleigh & Jeremy Leaver 86 Aliesha & Brandon Long 90 Kortnee & Travis Streich 92 Shelby & Tevin Jones 94 Ann-Marie & Ron Mattis

elegance of the city... gorgeous designer lines, Fine quality and That warm feeling of family.

The

3200 Sisk Road, Suite C Modesto

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Tuesday - Saturday, 10-6 Thursday & Friday, 10-7 Open Sundays, 11-4

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EDITOR’S LETTER L

ove bears all things, even the summer heat, but we certainly can’t let a little sweat get in our way when it comes to wedding planning. This time of year newly engaged brides and grooms often find themselves at the beginning stages of planning where important decisions about each of the elements of their big day have to be made. It is this planning process that was the genesis of our magazine and the reason we’re as relevant today as the year we first published. Prepare to venture into your wedding planning with the assistance of Bridal Couture Magazine, and let us help you with ideas that will inspire imagination and creativity, provide simple suggestions for the wedding planning basics, or just simply give you a mental “resting place” in that hectic day.

Inside you’ll find pages of inspiration intended to get you excited about this exhilarating stage of your romance, including features on some of the Central Valley’s most colorful ceremonies, including Zoya Sohel Sareshwala and Raihaan Khan on page 76 and the intimate and whimsical details of our cover couple, Aliesha and Brandon Long, featured on page 86.

With love as your fuel and BCM as your roadmap, you can now start putting the pieces together that will create your wedding day.

Each of these components will set the tone – starting off with important details such as the color palette, venue preference and attire, or whether you might write your own vows, just as Ann-Marie and Ron Mattis did as described on page 94.

In this issue, you’re invited to explore some contemporary wedding planning tips, including timelines for stationery on page 24, how to manage your engagement news with social media on page 12, and some of the hottest looks from the runway on page 33.

If you find yourself crazy-busy with wedding planning or nervous about romantic details, try this: take a deep breath and find comfort in the thought that of the multitudes of people outside your door…You Found The One! Mira Jantz

Editor in Chief @MiraJantz

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Make Your Memories at The Tower

Located inside the Tower Health & Wellness Center you will find an exquisite, spacious atrium decorated with a Tuscan flare. Elegant dining, professional floral service and an inviting day spa on site make the Tower the perfect place to host your next event.

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AIS LE STYLE

Don’t choose the wrong platform Avoid sharing your engagement announcement on business-related social networks or forums, such as LinkedIn. If business sites are the only platforms you use, instead wait until you’re married and have to make an official name change on your profiles, and use that opportunity to share news of your nuptials with your professional contacts.

Don’t post until you’re ready for everyone to know

Simple Rules for Announcing Your Engagement on Social Media Social Media gives you nearly limitless options when it comes to announcing your engagement. Many couples turn to Facebook first to announce an engagement, with 28% of soon-tobe spouses updating their relationship status within hours and another 24% by the next day. However, many couples are turning towards Instagram to creatively announce their engagements. But with more ways to show off that ring and wonderful partner, you can also make a lot of social media mistakes — not the least of which is letting your announcement get lost on the wrong platform. Make your message stand out by avoiding these missteps.

The downside of social media is that it is easy to spread news fast! Avoid spending hours on damage control.

Either go ahead and post a few quick pictures and follow up with something more elaborate later, or keep the news to yourself until you have a chance to make the proper rounds with the announcement.

Karissa Pearce & MacGregor Goodhart Wedding Date::October 8, 2016 Kori & Jared Photography KoriandJared.com

Don’t neglect to tell your VIPs the old-fashioned way Call your close friends and family before you post anything.

They deserve to hear the great news straight from you, the traditional way.

Don’t get too personal When announcing the engagement, some newly engaged couples have the urge to share every single detail of the proposal, including what happened before, during and after the question was popped. When you dish on so many details, you can unknowingly offend someone. Offenses include things as simple as disclosing those pet names you have for each other, sharing that uncomfortable description of the “best kiss of your life” after you said yes, or including details about those more salacious celebratory moments. Choose to omit or limit some of the more intimate details that may have been part of the proposal, and save those stories for a more private offline chat with friends or share them on your next girls’ night out

Don’t be tacky Admittedly, we are used to sharing just about every detail of our lives on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other networks. But your friends and family really do not want you to broadcast how many carats your engagement ring is, or how much it cost your fiancé. Seriously, it’s a bit pretentious and totally tacky. Avoid clichéd photo captions like “I’m marrying my best friend.” It might be true, but people have heard it a thousand times. The last thing you want is for coworkers and acquaintances to roll their eyes as they learn the news.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS of

Photo Credit: Greg Petersen

Art

The question is popped, the ring is on and now it’s time to let everyone know.

Herald trumpets and town criers seem a bit much, but finding a creative photographer to help you design the perfect engagement photos and announcements is the first step.

BCM is delighted to showcase the following photographs as inspirations for our readers in their quest for imaginative engagement proclamations.

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Bianca Trujillo & Alexis Lopez

Wedding Date::September 3, 2016 William Koury Photography WillKhoury.com

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Maria Yakoub & Michael Blohm

Wedding Date:: July 9, 2016 William Khoury Photography WillKhoury.com

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Haley Pascoe & Zach Fowler

Wedding Date::October 1, 2016 Kori & Jared Photography KoriandJared.com

Amanda Garcia & Marc Putman Wedding Date::October 30, 2016 Emily Jean Images

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Tara Gosik & Clifford Shaw Wedding Date:: September 10, 2016 Photographed by Greg Petersen GregPetersen.co

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Catarina Cardoso & Justin Sisk

Wedding Date:: June 4, 2017 Lauren Feddersen Photography

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Emily Goodwin & Blake Bryan

Wedding Date:: Nov 19, 2016 Kori & Jared Photography KoriandJared.com

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W edding & E vent F loral D esigner S ervicing N orthern C alifornia

209-640-3121 ELYSE@WILLOWFLORALDESIGN.COM

WWW.WILLOWFLORALDESIGN.COM

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Katesin Weathers & Scott Richards Wedding Date:: October 14, 2016 Plain Jane Photography PlainJanePhoto.com

Heather Walker & Joseph Perez

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Wedding Date::August 20, 2016 Plain Jane Photography PlainJanePhoto.com

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Linda Yalda & Edward Berberich

Wedding Date:: October 22, 2016 Photographed by Greg Petersen GregPetersen.co

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Stationery 101 The ring is on your finger and the planning is underway—time to start spreading the word. While today’s engagement announcements are more often ring selfies and Facebook posts than cards in the mail or newspaper clippings, traditional engagement announcements shouldn’t be relegated to the history books.

Allow this simple stationery timeline to guide you through your planning.

6-8 MONTHS 6-8 WEEKS

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SAVE THE DATES Giving your friends and family a headsup has never been easier with creative announcements from sticker magnets to letterpress bookmarks and modern photo cards. With so many stunning ways to declare your important date, you’ll want to tackle this task and have them mailed six to eight months beforehand.

INVITATIONS

Your invites are one of the most important elements in your day because they provide guests with crucial information.

And while some details of your wedding don’t follow a strict set of rules, your invitations do have a set of hard-and-fast rules to follow. Letting your guests know the when and where has never been easier… just make sure they receive your awesome selection four to eight weeks before your celebration.

4-5 WEEKS 3

MONTHS

DAY OF

Don’t forget about the importance of stationery for the ceremony or reception, everything from beautiful programs to gorgeous menus to place cards that will lead your nearest and dearest to their seats at the greatest ever party. Order these beauties with plenty of time to have them day-of ready, but when it comes to those RSVPs, give your guests a deadline of at least two weeks.

THANK YOUS

Contrary to popular myth, the happy couple does not have a year’s grace period in which to write their notes.

All thank-you notes should be written within three months of the receipt of the gift. Ideally, a response should be written on the day you receive a wedding gift. If that’s not possible, set a daily goal. It’s a lot easier then writing them all in one day a month later.

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A IS LE STYLE 10 Beauty Blunders to Avoid the Week Before Your Wedding With just a few days left before the big day, you already have a mile-long checklist of to-do’s—now consider the don’ts!

From all-night movie marathons partnered with a few glasses of wine to impromptu skin treatments, here are 10 beauty blunders to avoid at all costs.

Even if your hair stylist is the best, avoid making changes to your hair within the week of your wedding. Wedding trials can start as early as 3 months before the actual day, and you should keep the same stylist throughout this process. A drastic change might not work with the gown’s neckline, veil or accessories you have already purchased. If you feel the need for a change or update, speak to your hairstylist as soon as possible

2. Alcohol

Sure, you are feeling the pressure of all of your last minute projects, but don’t let alcohol be your hero. For something you sip, alcohol carries a ton of extra calories, so you may want

Photo: Kori & Jared

1. New Hair Color or Drastic Hair Cuts

to cut back even earlier than the week before your wedding.

As for immediate effects, alcohol can make you look and feel puffy due its sulfur-bearing gases and other quantities that weaken your digestive system.

3. A New Workout Routine

Now is not the time for new moves. Pulled muscles take weeks to heal, and you definitely don’t want to be sore when you’re getting your groove on the dance floor.

4. A New Spray Tan Routine

Spray tan booths are budget-friendly and protect you from UVA and UVB radiation, but don’t schedule your first spray tan appointment the week of your wedding. It’s best to speak with a specialist about what color and method to use. You’ll also want to test several options a few months before the big day to ensure you pick the right one. And since we are on the subject of tanning, avoid wearing straps in the sun a few weeks beforehand. Last minute fixes to cover up your “farmer’s tan” will just add more to your already busy schedule.

5. Changing Up Your Makeup

Sometimes brides panic at the last minute that they’ve got too much or too little makeup on. That’s why, during your makeup trail, speak to your makeup artist about trying a few different looks.

Keep in mind that modern bridal makeup is a little like red carpet makeup. It needs to look good on HD video cameras, professional cameras, personal camera phones, and in bright light and candle light. It also needs to last for hours.

How do you make sure your skin is the perfect canvas for your wedding day makeup? Water, water, water! Sleep, sleep, sleep!

Stay away from sun beds and major tanning. And don’t worry too much about breakouts! They can be easily be covered by a good makeup artist—as long as you don’t touch or pick at the blemishes.

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6. Juice Cleanses

You need calories to keep you alert and help you get through your crazy, busy weekend. It’s not the time to stop nourishing yourself. Juice cleanses are very low in calories, sapping your energy and making you irritable. And cleanses that include mostly fruit juices are high in sugar. The week before your wedding, you should be eating well-balanced meals with a focus on fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water.

Don’t skip any meals!

7. Peels & Microdermabrasion

A peel or microdermabrasion session promises silky-smooth skin in the future, but it’s a total no-go the week before your wedding. After receiving a chemical peel or microdermabra-

8. New-to-you Skincare Products

Don’t change your skincare regimen if you have fewer than two weeks to go before your wedding. You should change it months in advance if you change it at all. Swapping in a new product could lead to allergic reaction, dryness, oiliness, or a bevy of other side effects that take time to correct. Be sure to see your dermatologist a few months ahead of time. Your doctor can give you a personalized pre-wedding skin care routine, which will address your specific concerns to make sure your skin is radiant for the big day. Your dermatologist should be up there on your to-do list with dress fittings and flower arrangements.

9. All-Nighters

Up all night hand-embossing your ceremony programs? Find a dutiful friend to fill in and get some sleep! When we’re sleep-deprived, our bodies produce more ghrelin, the hormone that tells us when to eat, and less leptin, the hormone that tells us when to put down the fork. It’s a diet-destroying combo, especially if you’re reaching for junk food. Salty snacks make you bloat, not to mention the fact that eating foods with no nutritional value can leave you feeling sluggish.

Sleep deprivation also affects your immune system. Whereas logging enough shuteye improves your complexion, rids your eyes of dark circles, and—let’s face it—makes you a happier, calmer bride. (Your bridal party will thank you.)

10. Excess Caffeine

sion, some people see their skin peel off repeatedly, which leaves dead skin on the surface that can ball up under makeup. Others see their skin get extremely red and irritated. And wearing makeup, which is the reason you went in for a skin smoothing and cleansing treatment in the first place, can only exacerbate that irritation. Schedule any appointments for a peel, microdermabrasion, or other treatments like Botox at least 2 weeks before your wedding in case there is any redness or bruising.

Relying on caffeinated beverages to get you through those long nights (as well as the long, last minute detail-filled days) just adds fuel to the bad-for-you fire. Caffeine is a stimulant and an irritant, especially to the nervous system. You’re going to have a lot of anxiety and nerves regardless. You don’t need to add to your stress. What’s more, caffeinated beverages— whether they’re energy drinks or frothy Starbucks mainstays—pack a ton of extra sugar. Experts agree you’re OK to stick with your normal caffeine consumption, but don’t overdo it.

In Good Taste Catering

Full Service Catering & Event Planning Specializing in Weddings

209.652.5223 209.854.1961

berniem@inreach.com fully licensed and insured

Bernadine Medeiros, Owner

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Mira

BRIDAL COUTURE

mirabridal.com 209.338.9333

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1201 J Street Modesto

Maggie Sottero, Sottero Midgley, Essense of Australia, Stella York, Watters, WTOO, Willowby, Hayley Paige Occasions, Noir by Lazaro, Alvina Valenta Maids, Jenny Yoo, Lela Rose, Dessy, Alfred Sung, After Six, Social by Dessy, Sorella Vita

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AIS L E STYLE

Health & Beauty Redefining Facials with LED Light Therapy s we usher in fall, with winter just around the bend, nupA tial-planning season is in full effect! If ever there is a day you’d want perfect skin, it is your wedding day. The most shining moment demands the ultimate preparation for overall transcendental beauty. It’s the day for exceptional flawlessness so you wouldn’t trust just anyone to lay their hands on the bride’s face—professional or otherwise. We reached out to one of our favorite estheticians, Tenile, owner of Nirvana Face and Body, for the newest treatments out there before your “I do’s”, and she can’t stop talking about LED Light Therapy.

LED (light emitting diodes) is the wonder technology that supremely reinvigorates skin.

This therapy has been used

by NASA to heal wounds and regenerate healthy epidermal tissue. With this effective natural face care,you can achieve optimal cell renewal and muscle regeneration for toned, age-defying radiance.

LED light therapy uses light energy to stimulate your cells similarly to the way plants absorb light energy from the sun. It emits four clinically proven wavelengths of UV-free light that energize cells and stimulate the body’s natural process to build

new proteins and regenerate cells. When the light is applied directly to the skin, it helps to enhance collagen and elastin production, reduce inflammation, speed healing, increase circulation, and destroy acne bacteria.

This treatment is not just for the newly engaged prepping their wedding-day beauty; everyone benefits from LED Light Therapy. It can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, heal and calm acne breakouts, and fade scars and stretch marks.

If you haven’t planned ahead for your bridal beauty and grooming routines, you could end up with some wedding-day blues. Before you take those final steps toward wedded bliss, take time for yourself. Book your next facial and ask your esthetician about LED Light Therapy. It’s the perfect add-on for the camera-ready complexion you’ve imagined for your big day.

FACIALS EYELASH EXTENSIONS SUGARING nirvanafaceandbody.com 1213 14 St, Ste 5, Modesto, CA 95354 // 209.529.3807 th

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"Come in and let B-Bar blow your mind.

Whether it's for a special event or an average Tuesday, we are here for you. Our B-bar offers blowouts, brows,bronzing, blushing, brides and braids." -Daydre Eastwood, Salon Owner

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D IRE C T FROM THE RU NWAY

This past April 2016, couture wedding dress designers from around the world debut their latest bridal collections to buyers and press at the New York Couture Bridal Market.

This season is all about the bold bride who is looking to make a statement. Some of our favorite looks included front plunging necklines, textured fabrics, colorful floral prints, and our absolute favorite new trend, off-the-shoulder necklines. Here are just a few of our editor's picks straight off the runways.

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RESOURCES The best wedding resources: vendors, venues, catering, salons, and more.

BCM introduces you to our highly curated list of wedding resources from the Central Valley and beyond. Recognized to be among the best in their industry, our list includes new and rising stars along side those most accomplished in their field. Their work reflects integrity, creativity, and excellence. You can be confident in their abilities and the quality of their service.

These talented profesionals can asist you in creating your big day.

Venues, Catering, & Cakes Events at the Tower Health

The Reata 209.845.9855 TheReata.com

209.928.9348 BlackOakCasino.com

and Wellness Center Toscana’s Ristorante 209.216.3555 Romeo Medical Clinic 209.216.3320 The Flowery 209.216.3383 Tower-Health.com

The Century

The Fruit Yard

Turlock Golf & Country Club

The Almond Pavilion 209.845.8837 AlmondPavilion.com

Black Oak Casino

209.451.2292 DowntownCentury.com

209.577.3093 TheFruitYard.com

DoubleTree by Hilton

Hurst Ranch

Modesto

209.984.3016 HurstRanch.com

209.525.3037 Modesto.DoubleTree.com

In Good Taste Catering

Edible Arrangements

209.551.3030, 209.368.8875, 209.951.7788, 209.943.1200, 209.634.3030 EdibleArrangements.com

Elkhorn Banquet Facility & Restaurant 209.477.2200 ElkhornBanquet.com

Event at California State University, Stanislaus 209.667.3913 Csustan.edu/event-sevices

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Spring Creek Golf & Country Club 209.599.3258 SpringCreekCC.com

209.634.5471 TurlockCountryClub.com

Wine & Roses Hotel - Restaurant - Spa 209.371.6117 WineRose.com

209.652.5223 berniem@inreach.com

L&M Blodgett Catering 209.838.7967 L-MBlodgettCatering.com

Larsa Banquet Hall 209.634.7096 LarsaBanquetHall.com

Pageo Lavender Farm 209.632.5052 PageoLavenderFarm.com

Fashion Mira Bridal Couture 209.338.9333 MiraBridal.com

Sewing & More Alterations 209.523.7189 SewingandMore.com

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Florist, Event Design & Decor

Jewelers

Country Darling Floral

209.524.7746 CiccarelliJewelers.com

Ciccarelli Jewelers

831.915.5664 CountryDarlingFloral.com

Gabriel Fine Jewelers 209.529.2110 GabrielFineJewelers.com

Willow Floral & Design 209.640.3121 WillowFloralDesign.com

Vail Creek Jewelry Design 209.667.4653 VailCreek.com

Yonan’s Floral 209.664.9325 YonansFloral.net

209.656.9219 YonansJewelers.com

If you would like to be considered for an invitation to join BCM’s preferred resource list, please let us know. Contact us at info@bridalcouturemag.com. If any member of our preferred vendors resource guide does not perform as you expected, we want to hear about it.

Featured Weddings

Health & Beauty Nirvana Skin Care 209.529.3807 NirvanaFaceandBody.com

Streaks Salon 209.523.9800 StreaksSalon.com

A picture is worth a thousand words and all it takes is the perfect pictures to tell a story.

We invite you to share yours. Are you a newly married couple and would like to have your wedding featured in BRIDAL COUTURE Magazine or online at BridalCoutureMag.com? Visit us online at BridalCouturemag.com/submissions for details.

Paper Habit

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Kori & Jared Photography 209.253.8021 KoriandJared.com

209.818.7774 MelissaMckinley.com

Plain Jane Photography 209.604.0155 PlainJanePhoto.com

William Khoury Photography 209.614.1079 WillKhoury.com

Entertainment 209.522.5999 SoundsinMotiondj.com

Photo Booth The Platinum Photo Booth

209.567.0605 PaperHabit.com

.

209.380.4777 GregPetersen.co

Sounds in Motion

Gift Registry, Invitations, & Paper Goods

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Greg Petersen

Melissa McKinley Photography

Yonan’s Jewelers

Resources

Photography & Cinematography

209.648.0490 ThePlatinumPhotoBooth.com

.

Join Follow Friend Like Pin #BridalCoutureMag #BCM

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Sewing & More

Alterations by Arte

With an eye for style and perfection.

Excellent service with a personal touch!

SewingandMore.com (209)523-7189 903 West Roseburg Ave. Modesto

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BCM presents

Featured Weddings

We have collected some of our favorite and most distinctive weddings from the past year to share with you.

Allow these intimate details to inspire your big day.

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A Golden Romance

Sarah & Austin Alvaji Married May 7, 2016

In 2010, Sarah and Austin knew that their friendship had developed into something deeper, a romance and love that had taken them both by surprise. Six years later, the couple was beyond excited to spend the rest of their lives together.

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Tying the knot in the beautiful The Century located in Downtown Modesto was a dream come true to the couple, and their planning had already paid off. The process was easy and non-stressful; Sarah and Austin studiously researched wedding ideas and checked off their to-do list as they went. Before they knew it, Austin and Sarah were at the day of their wedding, and that, unfortunately, was when the stress kicked in. The original flower arrangements had gone bad, a foul smell emitting into the hall. There seemed to be no way to fix the problem, and Sarah and Austin were deeply concerned that all of their hard work would go to waste when Erin Doran, owner of The Century, saved the day. She and a handful of family rearranged flowers until the venue looked (and smelled) beautiful.

Photographer Greg Petersen captured their romantic theme, expressing the love between the two perfectly with beautiful pictures that the newlyweds would look back on for years.

Sarah and Austin could not keep the smiles from their faces as they enjoyed a celebration and union of their two hearts.

RESOURCES PHOTOGRAPHY Greg Petersen GregPetersen.co CEREMONY Blessed Hope Church Turlock, CA RECEPTION The Century Modesto, CA DowntownCentury.com BRIDAL GOWN Sarah Seven WEDDING PARTY DRESSES Bari Jay SUITS Pheroni RINGS Zales ENTERTAINMENT Sounds in Motion SoundsInMotionDJ.com FLORIST Krista Vannest CAKE Sunrise Bakery CATERING Mike’s Branding Iron B.B.Q EVENT COORDINATOR Erin Doran The Century Modesto, CA DowntownCentury.com

INVITATIONS Shutterfly.com TRANSPORTATION Dream Limousine BAR SERVICE Mobile Mixology

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A FLORAL TRADITION Mari & Niniv Tamimi Married April 16, 2016

“10-9-8-7…” Mari smiled from ear to ear as she said yes to Niniv Tamimi, the love of her life and now soonto-be husband. Niniv had dropped down to one knee on Dec 31st, 2014, 10 seconds before the big ball drop in Chicago, Illinios. Mari knew, as he slipped the ring on her finger, he had

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always been the one and now would finally be able to make it official.

Mari and Niniv had met at a professional mixer hosted by Niniv himself.

Used to speaking his own engineer language, he was surprised and impressed when Mari understood him

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and was able to relate to him on the same level. Mari, sensing that Niniv was interested, rushed away, not bothering to give him the chance to ask for her number. Taking matters into his own hands, Niniv pursued her, and with the aid of a mutual friend was able to secure her number

“I knew Niniv was the one for me right away, he is kind and loving and I have never met anyone like him.”

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RESOURCES PHOTOGRAPHY Fabian Pourmand Photography CEREMONY Saint Zaia Cathedral Church Modesto, CA RECEPTION Assyrian American Civic Club Turlock, Ca BRIDAL GOWN Kleinfeld’s New York WEDDING PARTY DRESSES Watters Mira Bridal Couture Modesto, CA MiraBridal.com SUITS AND TUXEDOS Rossini’s Formalwear

and ask her to dinner. “I’m going to marry that girl,” Niniv had told his friend. The couple was inseparable from that fateful moment on.

Finding most of what they needed in Bridal Couture Magazine and other wedding resources, Mari and Niniv booked their vendors right away, and with the help of Mari’s wedding planning binder, the bride was able to check off her ceremony to-do list. The bride’s gorgeous ring was designed and selected from Yonan’s Jewelers, a stunning white diamond stone wedding band matching it perfectly. The groom sported the

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bride’s masculine counterpart: white gold comfort fit men’s band with a flat matte finish. Their event coordinator, Ailin Yadegarian, helped the couple create their dream event, taking the time to communicate and give special attention to each detail.

With family in Modesto and Turlock, Mari chose her home church in Turlock, happy that family would not have to travel very far to attend.

With an intense love for floral design, Mari enlisted Yonan’s Floral to create her perfect arrangements.

Centerpieces of white hydrangeas, ivory vendela roses, and peach gar-

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den spray roses were placed on every table, cradled in gold mercury bowls.

Romantic floating candles lined the tops of the arrangements, suspended atop the beautiful foliage. Mari’s wedding colors of champagne and gold, bridesmaids in flowing, neutral toned chiffon gowns courtesy of Watters design all blended together and were accented with a pop of coral that complemented the soft candlelight and bathed the wedding party in a classically romantic glow.

Guests and loved ones watched Mr. and Mrs. Tamimi as they bloomed before their very eyes.

FLORIST Yonan’s Floral Turlock, CA YonansFloral.net RINGS Yonan’s Jewelers Turlock, CA YonansJewelers.com PAPER GOODS Wedding Paper Divas CINEMATOGRAPHY Extreme Vision Film EVENT COORDINATOR Ailin Yadegarian Yonan’s Floral Turlock, CA YonansFloral.net ALTERATIONS Sewing & More by Arte Modesto, CA SewingandMore.com

CATERING Skewers Kabob House CAKE Creative Cakes by Debra DESSERT BAR Sunrise Bakery FRUIT BAR Hasmik Fruit ENTERTAINMENT DJ Paul Juliana Jendo & King’s Band PAPER GOODS Wedding Paper Divas CINEMATOGRAPHY Extreme Vision Film TRANSPORTATION Luxor Limo

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Garden Beauty

Amber & Tim Rasmussen Married April 16, 2016

First impressions are usually the best. So when Tim proposed to Amber in the same place as their first date, they knew that the impressions they had made on each other’s life was everlasting.

Amber had heard that planning a wedding was tough, but to the bride’s surprise, she was met with very few challenges. Hiring vendors that were able to coordinate calmly and efficiently, Amber and Tim expressed their love for each other with a stunning Garden Beauty-themed wedding. Amber knew that capturing the big day was one of the most important details of the wedding, and was thrilled to work with Kori and Jared Photography.

Tim and Amber were married April 16th, 2016, in the luscious garden rooms at Bellindora House in Thornton, Ca. Enhancing the natural beauty and elegance of the venue, Amber kept her color pallette simple and neutral, incorporating different textures of foliage to bring the garden to life.

All the work was worthwhile in order to create the most perfect day of their lives, which they would never forget. Keeping connected, present, patient, and happy, Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen celebrated their union with family and friends.

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PHOTOGRAPHY Kori & Jared Photography KoriandJared.com CEREMONY AND RECEPTION Bellindora House Thornton, CA BRIDAL GOWN Maggie Sottero

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RINGS Shane & Co. FAVORS Planted herbs in pulp pots DIY Cake topper Wine cork bar sign Moss table numbers Wood arbor

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Britni & Parker Sousa Married May 14, 2016

RESOURCES PHOTOGRAPHY Kori and Jared Photography KoriandJared.com CEREMONY & RECEPTION Borges Park Farmington, CA

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ENTERTAINMENT Sounds in Motion DJ SoundsinMotionDJ.com

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Alayna & Ryan Wright

May 21, 2016

Kori & Jared Photography

KoriandJared.com

Private Residence

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Bohemian Brunch Jocelyn & Matthew McKay

Married July 11, 2015

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Escalon, CA

Photographed by Greg Petersen

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PHOTOGRAPHY Greg Petersen GregPetersen.co CEREMONY AND RECEPTION Private residence Escalon CA BRIDAL GOWN Saboskirt.com BRIDES RING Gabriel Fine Jewelers Modesto, CA GabrielFineJewelers.com GROOMS RING Fred Meyer DONUT BAR Mr. T’s Donuts

11 years is a long time, but time meant nothing to Matthew and Jocelyn. High school sweethearts since the age of 16, when Matthew finally asked Jocelyn to marry him, she was ecstatic that all of the time they had put into their relationship was finally going to be celebrated.

Planning went off without a hitch.

The vendors Jocelyn chose helped keep the couple organized and

on track towards their big day.

Jocelyn and Matthew knew they had chosen well when they selected Greg Petersen to photograph their wedding and were able to incorporate their laid-back personalities into an enjoyable event as unique as they are. A donut and mimosa bar followed a sweet and simple wedding ceremony, and the bride and groom toasted to their guests, champagne and bear claws in hand.

FLORIST Country Shelf Floral ENTERTAINMENT Live Again Band EVENT COORDINATOR The Detailed Look PAPER GOODS WeddingPaperDivas.com SPECIALTY RENTALS Classic Party Rentals HAIR STYLIST Ashley Rocha Alexa Marker MAKE UP ARTIST Jocey Bossy Beauty Teara Bullock

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Amanda & Jason Casaus Married May 14, 2016 Plain Jane Photography PlainJanePhoto.com

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Tara & Alex Salazar

Married November 15, 2015

Photography by Greg Petersen

GregPetersen.co

Wine & Roses Lodi, CA

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION Wine & Roses Lodi, CA WineRose.com BRIDAL GOWN Essense of Australia Mira Bridal Couture Modesto, CA MiraBridal.com PHOTO BOOTH The Platinum Photo Booth ThePlatinumPhotoBooth.com

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Emily & Andrew Inman May 21, 2016

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RESOURCES PHOTOGRAPHY William Khoury Photography WillKhoury.com CEREMONY AND RECEPTION Sacramento Zoo Sacramento, CA BRIDAL GOWN David’s Bridal SUITS AND TUXEDOS Men’sWearhouse CAKE Cheesecake Kitchen FLORIST Twigs & Stems ENTERTAINMENT Neil Buettner

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Holly & Derek Rey Married June 25, 2016

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PHOTOGRAPHY Kori & Jared Photography KoriandJared.com

WEDDING PARTY DRESSES Occasions by Hayley Paige Mira Bridal Couture Modesto, CA MiraBridal.com

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION Spring Creek Golf and Country Club Ripon, CA SpringCreekCC.com

ALTERATIONS Sewing and More Alterations Modesto, CA SewingandMore.com

BRIDAL GOWN Essense of Australia Mira Bridal Couture Modesto, CA MiraBridal.com

SUITS AND TUXEDOS Michael Kors Macy’s

RESOURCES

CAKE Burgess Bakery

ENTERTAINMENT Sounds In Motion DJ SoundsinMotionDJ.com FLORIST Hart Floral INVITATIONS AND PAPER GOODS Minted.com PHOTO BOOTH The Early Bords Photography FAVORS “Jam Packed with Love” Homemade jam by the Mother of the Groom

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Laura & Jeremy Antrim Married February 5, 2016

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Photos Just So

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RESOURCES CEREMONY St. Stanislaus Catholic Church Modesto, CA RECEPTION The Century Modesto, CA DowntownCentury.com BRIDAL GOWN Maggie Sottero Mira Bridal Couture Modesto, CA MiraBridal.com WEDDING PARTY DRESSES Watters Mira Bridal Couture Modesto, CA MiraBridal.com ALTERATIONS Sewing and More Alterations Modesto, CA SewingandMore.com SUITS AND TUXEDOS Michael Kors Mira Bridal Couture Modesto, CA MiraBridal.com RINGS Gold Diamonds & More CAKE Creative Cakes by Debra ENTERTAINMENT Sounds In Motion DJ SoundsinMotionDJ.com CATERING Fuzios Universal Bistro FLORIST The Century Modesto, CA DowntownCentury.com INVITATIONS AND PAPER GOODS Simi’s Flowers And Gifts SPECIALTY RENTALS AND LIGHTING The Century Modesto, CA DowntownCentury.com EVENT COORDINATOR Erin Doran The Century Modesto, CA DowntownCentury.com

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TRANSPORTATION Luxury Limousine

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Megan & Greg Tedford

Married September 19, 2015

Kori and Jared Photography

KoriandJared.com

The Presidio, San Francisco, CA

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A FALL MASTERPIECE Kacie & Mark Conover Married October 10, 2015

Planning a wedding can be daunting, but

when you have the right tools to help keep you organized and goal-oriented, there is more time to enjoy the memorable process…rather than wishing that it would be over.

After Kacie and Mark were engaged, Kacie knew exactly where to start and was excited to flip through the pages of Bridal Couture Magazine. Paper Habit, a preferred vendor of BCM, was able to provide Kacie with invitations that captured the essence of her wedding as well as extended a warm invite to their guests.

Photos captured Kacie’s elegant bridal style, and the custom-made cathedral-length veil RESOURCES PHOTOGRAPHY Alicia Gines Photography CEREMONY St. Stanislaus Catholic Church Modesto, CA RECEPTION Private Residence Mape’s Ranch Modesto, CA BRIDAL GOWN La Soie Bridal VEIL Erica Koesler Mira Bridal Couture Modesto, CA MiraBridal.com BRIDAL ACCESSORIES Givenchy WEDDING PARTY DRESSES Jenny Yoo, ASOS, Ralph Lauren SUITS AND TUXEDOS Tony Bowls Kenneth’s Fine Menswear

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she had ordered from Mira Bridal Couture completed her elegant look.

“I love Mira Bridal Couture, and I adore your magazine!” Kacie gushed to Mira Jantz, owner of Mira Bridal Couture. Mira had emailed Kacie asking for wedding information to be featured in the latest issue of the Bridal Couture Magazine, and Kacie did not disappoint. Kacie and Mark’s Fall Masterpiece was everything they could have hoped for and more.

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RINGS Yates & Co. Jewelers CAKE Green’s Market DESSERT BAR Moss Rose Bakery Greens Market FLORIST Flowers By Alis ENTERTAINMENT Five Star Entertainment BAND Live Again DJ Five Star Entertainment SPECIALTY RENTALS Classic Party Rentals LIGHTING Five Star Entertainment PHOTO BOOTH Five Star Entertainment CATERING Green’s Market FAVORS Honey Jars from groom’s personal bee hives PAPERGOODS Paper Habit Modesto, CA PaperHabit.com EVENT COORDINATOR Kathleen Reeve HAIR STYLIST Bella Vagos MAKEUP ARTIST Jocelyn McKay ALTERATIONS Phyllis Johnson Alterations The Boutique At Salon Salon TRANSPORTATION Legacy Limousine Storer Coachways

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Megan & Paul Goodell Married April 23, 2016 Melicety Spring Photography

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A Vintage Thunderstorm

Jessica & Michael Miller Married May 6, 2016 Pageo Lavender Farms Turlock, CA PageoLavenderFarm.com Photographed by Kelly Gloria

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ven as freshman in high school, Jessica and Michael knew that they wanted to be in each other’s life forever, and on August 23, 2015, Michael turned their fantasy to reality, asking Jessica to be his wife.

Setting their wedding date for May 6th, 2016, three days after their eight year anniversary, the high school sweethearts began the planning process, taking on DIY project after DIY project to create the exact wedding the two dreamed of. Jessica practically lived in Hobby Lobby as she collected decorations for her venue. Lace, pearls, doilies and twine tied her theme of Vintage Chic together, and with the beautiful Pageo Lavender Farm booked, the couple was on the way

to the big day. About a week before the wedding, Jessica checked the forecast, wondering how high temperatures would be on her special day. Her jaw dropped as she viewed the results: rain. Not just rain: thunderstorms. All. Day. Long. Jessica worried that her hard work would be ruined but was determined to stay calm and positive. After accepting and determining what needed to be changed, the couple rented tents, and then they were ready to be married!

worry about whether she would be able to stay dry for her ceremony. Finally around 2:30, the rain started to let up, the sun struggling to shine amongst the dark clouds. With the ground still glistening from the rain, the air misty and trees dripping from the storm, the ceremony commenced, only 15 minutes behind schedule. The clouds finally cleared the minute Jessica and Michael were pronounced man and wife, and although the two faced stressful situations on the most important day of their lives, they The day started early as Michael and his couldn’t have asked for a better day. Jessigroomsmen began setting up, the ladies ca and Michael Miller celebrated the rest able to stay inside and prepare for the cer- of their day in warm and sunny wedded emony. The rain was persistent, pouring bliss. down on the venue, and Jessica began to

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Alex & Tucker Richardson

Married April 9, 2016 Photographed by Kori & Jared Photography KoriandJared.com Walnut Grove, CA

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Amy & Jason Filbrun

May 28, 2016 Photographed by Amanda Callaway Photography Private Residence

RESOURCES RINGS Ciccarelli Jewlers Modesto, CA CiccarelliJewelers.com Grooms ring passed down from grandfather

CAKE Malinda Denlinger FLOWERS Kathryn Callaway

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A Picture Perfect Winter Wedding

Christina & Brian Main Married January 9, 2016

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William Khoury Photography

Waterford, CA

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After their first date in April 2014, the couple couldn’t stay away, and Brian proposed on June 12, 2015. Christina could finally begin planning the wedding she had dreamed about as a young girl, and she would need pictures to last a lifetime. Christina and Brian were in awe as they surveyed their beautiful wedding ceremony, with colors of deep purple and vintage ivory offsetting the rustic venue and creating a theme of elegance and class. The couple was even more pleased with the photos that were taken; laughter and happiness were the theme of the day for Brian and Christina, and their hearts filled with appreciation for the guests that had come to share in their ceremony. Capturing love in every frame, William Khoury was able to immortalize the pure love Brian and Christina radiated for each other; their smiles shined brightly as husband and wife.

RESOURCES PHOTOGRAPHY William Khoury Photography WillKhoury.com CEREMONY AND RECEPTION Community Baptist Church Waterford, CA BRIDAL GOWN Maggie Sottero WEDDING PARTY DRESSES Sorella Vita SUITS AND TUXEDOS Men’s Wearhouse BRIDE’S RING Roger’s Jewelers CAKE Main Street Bakery FLORIST Dean’s Floral

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Zoya Sohel Sareshwala & Raihaan Khan Married May 28-29, 2016

RESOURCES PHOTOGRAPHY William Khoury Photography WillKhoury.com CEREMONY Central Valley Crescent Modesto, CA RECEPTION Larsa Banquet Hall Turlock, CA LarsaBanquetHall.com

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BRIDAL GOWN Asopalav RINGS The Diamond Outlet CAKE Creative Cakes by Debra CATERING Tandoori Nights FLORIST L’etoile Chocolatier HAIR & MAKE UP ARTIST Edith Jamila Abdalla

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A Countryside Match

Sarah & Rodney Funston

Married April 2, 2016 fter Rodney found Sarah on Match.

A com, they spent the night fumbling with chopsticks and telling stories, and by the end of the night, a connection had formed between the two. Both were excited for the next time they would be able to see each other again, which would be the very next night. The couple dated for a few months, taking many adventures and experiencing life together. From hiking in Pinecrest to Sarah’s very first trip to Yosemite, where she experienced her first flat tire, the two were there for each other, and their bond grew stronger every day.

When Rodney introduced Sarah to his one-year old son, Remington, they knew that they were about to embark on something exciting and bigger than any adventure they had ever been on: a family and a future together. Deciding after several months, the couple purchased a home in the Oakdale area, ecstatic that they would build their family in a home that they owned. One night, Rodney drove Sarah to

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RESOURCES PHOTOGRAPHER Melissa McKinley Photography MelissaMcKinley.com CEREMONY AND RECEPTION Galas Barn Oakdale, CA BRIDAL GOWN Bianca’s Bridal BRIDAL HEELS Betsy Johnson SUITS AND TUXEDOS Rossini’s Formal Wear ENTERTAINMENT Chris Legaspi

DECOR & SPECIALTY RENTALS Unique Boutiques the location of their home, surprising her with the foundation of their new home poured. “This is our beginning,” he said, dropping down to one knee.

Sarah happily accepted, after moments of shock, and the couple knew they had found their match.

With beautiful decor from Unique Boutique, the couple was able to display their wedding theme: A Countryside Match. Their china, ivory and elegant, was decorated with the most

romantic of details, and the furniture they had rented for the occasion tied the two personalities together. Rodney and Sarah could not have asked for a more perfect day. Everything from the decorations to the photos were brilliant. Sarah, expressing deep gratitude to her wonderful photographer, Melissa McKinley, was in awe of her work.

“Not only did we fall in love with our pictures but with her as well. “Our pictures were everything we wished they’d be and more!”

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PAPEGOODS ETSY.com

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Doris & Steven Gergees Married April 9, 2016

A MODERN BLACK-TIE CLASSIC

Meeting the love of your life in church ensures that the spiritual foundation of the marriage is secure. When Doris met Steven, neither knew that their friendship would blossom into a wonderful relationship with a strong foundation of faith, family, culture, and love that would make for a beautiful marriage.

After setting the date in April for their springtime wedding, Doris and Steven both knew that for the theme of their day they wanted clean, simple classic elegance with a modern city touch. Hiring Yonan’s Floral was a step in the right direction. The bride, groom, maid of honor and best man sat at a silver Mercury wood king’s table lined with mirrors on the edges, upon a vintage style couch colored white with a black wood trim, and the floral arrangements of white Tibbet roses, white hydrangeas, and white orchids draping down green amaranths helped the couple pull off their theme: A Modern Black-Tie Classic. The elegant and sophisticated lines of the decor: Garnier vases with white Phalaenopsis orchids mixed in with crystal stands brought their classic vision to life. The tasteful colors of

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the flowers tied everything together, and the couple couldn’t have been more pleased with the result.

In Assyrian culture, wedding ceremonies are large and emotionally charged events. Doris was appreciative and very grateful to her photographer and videographer, who calmly kept the wedding party on time while keeping a smile on the bride and groom’s faces.

RESOURCES PHOTOGRAPHER Fabian Pourmand CEREMONY St. George Parrish Assyrian Church of the East Ceres, CA RECEPTION Assyrian-American Civic Club Turlock, CA

From the custom made photo booth, created by Platinum Photo Booth, to the simple, classic, and elegant lines of the decor, Steven and Doris were grateful and overjoyed that their wedding was perfect. It has been said that rain on your wedding day is unlucky, but on April 9th, 2016, the rain could not dampen the wedding of Doris and Steven Gergees. Celebrating despite the clouds, the happy newlyweds and guests enjoyed an elegant ceremony filled with love, happiness and memories, lucky to be blessed with such a wonderful day.

BRIDAL GOWN Allure Bridals Mia Bella SUITS AND TUXEDOS Men’s Wearhouse RINGS Jewelry Center San Francisco ENTERTAINMENT Linda George and Ninweh Band DJ Brolin Mirza CATERING Assyrian-American Civic Club DESSERT TABLE Sunrise Bakery FRUIT TABLE Samira Osman CAKE Creative Cakes by Debra PHOTO BOOTH The Platinum Photo Booth ThePlatinunPhotoBooth.com FLORIST Yonan’s Floral Turlock, CA YonansFloral.net

DECOR Yonan’s Floral

Turlock, CA YonansFloral.net

PAPEGOODS WeddingPaperDivas.com PARTY BUS Rock Star Limos

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Amanda & Austin Callaway

Married June 27, 2015

Joleen Willis Photography

Private Residence

Modesto, CA

BRIDAL GOWN Essense of Australia PHOTO BOOTH The Platinum Photo Booth ThePlatinumPhotoBooth.com

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Kayleigh & Jeremy Leaver

Married October 3, 2015

Plain Jane Photography

PlainJanePhoto.com

The Price Ranch, Waterford, CA

“But I would walk 500 miles And I would walk 500 more,”

“Just to be the man who walked 1000 miles To fall down at your door.”

-Sleeping at Last

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Aliesha & Brandon Long Married May 28, 2016

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“Everything happens for a reason,” so 10 years ago, when Aliesha met Brandon, neither knew that their reason for everything was standing before them.

“Love me tender, Love me sweet Never let me go You have made my life complete And I love you so”

Aliesha and Brandon both decided that they wanted to keep their wedding personal and intimate, making sure those that meant the most and had an impact on their lives were present. Therefore after Brandon proposed, Aliesha knew a way she could show them how much they meant to her. She would hold her wedding ceremony in a beautiful walnut orchard on her grandparents’ property, something that had become a tradition in her family and a fantasy she’d had since she was a young girl. Aliesha knew how happy the decision she had made would make her grandmother. With family backing them, the happy couple started the wedding journey.

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Aliesha, new to wedding planning, was given great advice on how to organize and plan her dream wedding by clients from her work. She had also decided to hire Detailed Look to make her vision possible without breaking the bank. She would first need a theme; and after talking with her fiancÊ, she was able to create something unique: An Antique Tiki Fairytale, perfectly combining her and Brandons’ interests. Aliesha, her mother and her sister collected antique gold and brass vases and candleholders from different shops in Northern California, adding just the touch they needed. Brandon spray

painted the standing candleholders and the tiki masks that decorated the bar, which served four different types of beer he and his friends had brewed for the occasion. The couple took a trip to a rock and mineral show, selecting amethyst pieces for the table settings and a special pink salt crystal for their sweetheart table.

From the wedding favors down to the runners, bar signs and welcome signs, Aliesha, Brandon and their family conquered each task. Although planning was going well, Aliesha, Bran-

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RESOURCES PHOTOGRAPHY Greg Petersen GregPetersen.co CEREMONY AND RECEPTION Family Ranch Private Residence BRIDAL GOWN Enzoani Mira Bridal Couture Modesto, CA MiraBridal.com

don, and Family still had their challenges to face; they couldn’t believe how such small projects could take so long! As unique as their wedding was, Aliesha and Brandon still wanted to put their own twist on things, so they decided to hire AZCO Rustic Design to host lawn games at their reception! They knew that their guests would have the time of their lives and that their wedding would stand out from all the rest.

The day neared, and Aliesha and Brandon finalized the details. Aliesha mailed the Agate-style wedding invitations, and Brandon

worked on his 1955 Cadillac. On May 28th, 2016, Aliesha rushed from appointment to appointment, makeup and hair and nails.

Before she even realized, she was slipping into her Enzoani wedding gown. “Take a deep breath and remember this moment,” Aliesha told herself. As she walked down the aisle into the walnut orchard, Elvis crooning “Love Me Tender” into her ear. She gazed at her husband to be, love filling her heart.

Everything was perfect. Aliesha’s advice to future brides: “Pause. Take a deep breath.

Remember this moment. Remember it forever.”

WEDDING PARTY DRESSES Dessy Mira Bridal Couture Modesto, CA MiraBridal.com GROOMS SUIT Vito’s Tuxedos BRIDES RING Geiger’s Jewelers GROOMS RING Komo Koa Rings ENTERTAINMENT Five Star Entertainment CINEMATOGRAPHER White Raven Productions PHOTO BOOTH Five Star Entertainment FLORIST Country Shelf Floral CATERING Greens Market SPECIALTY RENTALS AZCO rustic Design LIGHTING Five Star Entertainment CAKE Dust & Drizzle DESSERT BAR Kelly Lynn’s Sweets & Treats EVENT COORDINATOR The Detailed Look PAPER GOODS Minted.com

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TIMELESS VINTAGE WITH A TWIST Kortnee & Travis Streich November 13, 2015

“Don’t walk under any ladders. Don’t break any mirrors. Don’t spill any salt, and don’t let any black cats cross your path!” All of the superstitions about Friday the 13th meant nothing to Travis and Kortnee Streich. To the happy newlyweds, the unluckiest of days was transformed into the most memorable day of their lives.

When Kortnee and Travis decided to marry on Friday the 13th, they were not intimidated by the superstitious holiday. Instead, they incorporated the day into the theme of their wedding: Timeless Vintage with a Twist. Kortnee embraced the unlucky and chose darker colors for the wedding party: plum and black for her bridesmaids and all black with lighter accents of champagne and white for the groomsmen. Kortnee had a surprise twist to make her wedding unique and unforgettable. As she began planning, getting ideas from different sources, she found that one in particular was able to provide her with what she needed. Flipping through the pages of Mira Bridal Couture Magazine, Kortnee booked the Century in Downtown Modesto, elated that the venue was still available for her ceremony and the reception to follow in the DoubleTree Hotel.

The rings came next, an ad for Ciccarelli Jewelers catching her eye.

When she found her beautiful gown from Mira Bridal Couture, she knew she had chosen the right dress. Unlike other weddings, Kortnee and Travis both believed that less was more and refrained from taking on many DIY projects, but to keep themselves personally involved with the guests that would attend their special day, they created ISpy cards--something that would keep the younger guests busy when there was a lull in entertainment. They also managed to

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RESOURCES

create their own wedding favors: bulk rock candy with a clever saying on the tag. Simple and unique.

in remembrance of those who left us far too soon and could not be here tonight. They are loved and missed.”

On Friday, November 13th, 2015, the day went off without a hitch. With something borrowed and something blue, Kortnee and Travis stood before their guests and family and said I Do. Verna Brown, Kortnee’s aunt, officiated the ceremony, explaining love in a way the soon-to-be-married couple had never heard before but knew they would always remember. Kortnee and Travis had decided to place a candle in a lantern in the lobby in memory of the family and friends that were unable to celebrate with them. The sign to accompany the candle read: “This candle burns

At the reception, Kortnee revealed her big surprise and came out celebrating in a black reception dress. Her guests were thrilled and awed by her bold statement. Kortnee and Travis looked out over the festivities, watching their loved ones enjoy Platinum Photo Booth. They boogied down to Sounds in Motion and knew they had captured their picture perfect wedding: two families becoming one.

PHOTOGRAPHY Melicety Spring Photography CEREMONY AND RECEPTION The Century Modesto, CA DowntownCentury.com BRIDAL GOWN Stella York Mira Bridal Couture Modesto, CA MiraBridal.com WEDDING PARTY DRESSES David’s Bridal RINGS Ciccarelli Jewelers Modesto, CA CiccarelliJewelers.com ENTERTAINMENT Sounds in Motion SoundsinMotionDJ.com PHOTO BOOTH The Platinum Photo Booth ThePlatinumPhotoBooth.com FLORIST Country Shelf Floral CAKE Burgess Bakery

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Lavender & Lace SHELBY & TEVIN JONES

Married June 4, 2016

Bogdon Condor Photography

Turlock, CA

In the throes of high school, Shelby

and Tevin had no idea they were sharing classes with the love of their life. A chance encounter gave way to fate as they evolved from peers to lovers and began planning their wedding.

Giving themselves ample time, Shelby and Tevin began the process a year and a month in advance and accepted help from family and friends where they felt it was needed. New to wedding planning, Shelby relied heavily on the Knot and her wedding coordinator, Sonia, to keep herself on track. The couple knew that they wanted to hold their ceremony close to home and outdoors, and when Shelby found Pageo Lavender Farm, she fell head over heels in love with her venue.

Shelby thought it would be perfect and would help capture the theme of her Lavender & Lace wedding. Pinterest helped Shelby to decide on bridal party colors of navy and grey that would enhance the exquisite beauty of the Pageo Lavender Farm and bring a charming tone to the overall event.

Although the planning process was long, Shelby and Tevin are glad they took the extra time and were not stressed out by or fed up with what should be the happiest day of any couple’s life. As Shelby was helped into the gorgeous lace gown she had found at Mira Bridal Couture, she thought back to her high school days, amazed and awed at how her life had played out. Their wedding was one for the books, the ceremony unfolding without incident, and their day was just as special as Tevin and Shelby are to each other.

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RESOURCES CEREMONY AND RECEPTION Pageo Lavender Farm Turlock, CA PageoLavenderFarm.com BRIDAL GOWN Stell York Mira Bridal Couture Modesto, CA Mira Bridal.com RINGS Geiger’s Jewelers CAKE Sunrise Bakery CATERING La Morenita ALTERATIONS Sewing & More by Arte Modesto, CA SewingandMore.com SPECIALTY RENTALS The Party Connection

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Star-Crossed Love of a Lifetime Ann-Marie & Ron Mattis Married June 11, 2016 with a snowball is usually Bnoteingthepelted way the average person meets and falls in love, but Ann-Marie and Ron Mattis were star-crossed lovers, and their love would be nothing short of extraordinary.

Ann-Marie met Ron in an Irish Pub in San Francisco, her heart thumping as she saw him walk through the door. He was tall, handsome, and had a smile that stretched from ear to ear. Sitting down next to her, they talked all night, laughing hysterically and enjoying one another’s company. When Ann-Marie had to depart, they promised to keep in touch. She never knew that Ron would be entwined in her heart for life.

Ron and Ann-Marie had crossed paths many times in their lives. Surprisingly, Ron and Ann-Marie found out that they had been neighbors in Cape Cod, MA, as children. Later on in life, both worked the same profession in the city and had even shared 40 work accounts together. Co-workers would constantly tell them that they should meet. But fate has a funny way with timing.

As Ann-Marie and Ron grew more serious in their relationship, Ann-Marie’s future changed right before her eyes, and her love for Ron grew every day.

They moved in together after 4 months of being in a relationship, neither having lived with a significant other before in their lives. They both were surprised at how easy it was! When Ron finally asked for Ann-Marie’s hand in marriage, she was shocked. She never knew that she could love someone as much as the man kneeling down before her, promising to love her forever as she already did him. Ann-Marie happily accepted and was overjoyed to know that she would soon marry her best friend.

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Planning a wedding was more than difficult for the couple, several disasters adding stress and disappointment to the process. However, their photographer, Sara Malough was a bright and shining light who captured the intense and beautiful love between the two.

Her amazing work kept Ann-Marie happy and less stressed, and with some help from Boheme Tipi Events, Ron and Ann-Marie were able to keep their focus on what was truly important: the deep and true love they had for one another. Keeping their love strong, they were able to overcome their difficulties and produce their classical and vintage wedding.

June 11th, 2016: the wedding day. Two star-crossed lovers had finally become aligned. As their close friend officiated, the two stared into each other’s eyes, everything else falling away. The rabbi read their vows, letters that Ron and Ann-Marie had written to him explaining why they loved one another.

Ann-Marie could never imagine herself without Ron, her prince, her savior; she knew as they danced their first dance that she had loved him from the start and their love would grow stronger every day.

The day of was moving.

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RESOURCES PHOTOGRAPHY Plain Jane Photography PlainJanePhoto.com CEREMONY AND RECEPTION General’s Residence — Fort Mason Center San Francisco, CA BRIDAL GOWN Amy Kushel RINGS Custom designs from paternal family heirlooms CEREMONY MUSCIANS Thaleo String Quartet ENTERTAINMENT DJ Alex Leon CINEMATOGRAPY El Nido Productions PHOTO BOOTH TNT entertainment CATERING Chef Mark Gallagher CAKE AND DESSERTS Sweet Escapes

“I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend Lucky to have been where I have been Lucky to be coming home again.”

DESIGN, FLORAL, AND DECOR Boheme Tipi Events EVENT COORDINATOR Boheme Tipi Events MAKE UP AND HAIR MV Artistry Maria Vartanian

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Where Dreams Become Reality Largest Selection in the Valley ~ Custom Creations~ Wide Variety of Styles

Gabriel Fine Jewelers McHenry Village Modesto Contact Us: Phone: 209-529-2110 Email: Info@GabrielFineJewelers.com Follow us: Facebook & Instagram: Gabriel Fine Jewelers Modesto BRIDALCOUTUREMAG.COM

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World-class Designer

Meet Donnie, a world-class jewelry designer, located in your backyard...

Donnie Fernandes is a national and international award winning jewelry designer, who has designed for clients all over the globe. Classically trained in the art of jewelry making, Donnie has taken the lost art of hand wax carving to the new world of technologically advanced computer automated drafting. This cutting edge technology allows him to create any ring your heart desires.

Book your appointment with this remarkable jewelry designer and create your one-of-a-kind dream ring… because there’s no one like you…

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www.vailcreek.com ~ (209) 667-4653 B R~ I 111 D East A L Main C O UStreet T U and R E2804 M AWest G . CMonte O M Vista Avenue ~ Turlock, CA 95380