Bridal Guide November December 2022

AMERICA’S TOP WEDDING MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

451

DON’T BLOW THE BUDGET!

BRIDES REVEAL THEIR MONEY MISTAKES

WAYS TO WOW! VENUES,

HELLO GORGEOUS 10 QUICK FIXES FOR THE BIG DAY

FLOWERS, DECOR, CAKES, INVITES

PLANNING MADE SIMPLE

& MORE

+

FROM RUNWAY TO YOUR DAY We Found Your Perfect Dress

TOP PROS TELL ALL

Say

I do!

BE INSPIRED! EPIC REAL WEDDINGS FROM MAINE TO MEXICO

a moment in time

What creates the perfect moment? It’s lounging on pristine white-sand beaches enveloped by the bluest waters.

It’s luxurious sanctuaries made for romance at water’s edge, or directly over the water. It’s shared delicious gourmet creations and crafted cocktails. The perfect moments are found in the details, an art that we’ve perfected for over 40 years with our Luxury Included ® Honeymoon. At Sandals ® Resorts, Love is All You Need.

Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations Inc, is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.

a lifetime of memories

THE LUXURY INCLUDED® HONEYMOON SANDALS.COM/HONEYMOON • 1.877.SANDALS OR CALL YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR

J A M A I C A I A NT I G UA I S A I N T L U C I A I T H E B A H A M A S I G R E N A DA I B A R B A DO S I C U R A Ç A O

CASABLANCABRIDAL.COM

ARIZONA PEORIA Forever Bridal 623332-8901 / CALIFORNIA BEVERLY HILLS Panache Bridal 310-860-9221 / COSTA MESA Panache Bridal 714-540-7800 / PASADENA Panache Bridal 626-585-8201 / CONNECTICUT ROCKY HILL Mariella Creations 860-529-8558 / FLORIDA BOCA RATON Boca Raton Bridal 561-447-6541 / ORLANDO Minerva’s Bridal 407-857-8873 / GEORGIA ATLANTA Bridals By Lori 404-2528767 / ILLINOIS CHICAGO Bella Bianca Bridal Couture 312-787-2377 / OAKBROOK TERRACE Bella Bianca Bridal Couture 630627-4027 / MASSACHUSETTS BELMONT Allegria Bridal 617-489-1449 / TAUTON New York Lace 508-824-6900 / MICHIGAN SHELBY TOWNSHIP Piera’s Bridal 586-5667800/ MINNESOTA ROCHESTER Mestads 507-289-2444 / MISSOURI KANSAS CITY Gown Gallery 816-361-8111 / NEW YORK CARLE PLACE Bridal Reflections 516-7427788 / MASSAPEQUA Bridal Reflections 516795-2222 / NEW YORK CITY Bridal Reflections 212-764-3040 / NORTH CAROLINA CORNELIUS Anjolique Bridal & Formal 704892-6450 / OHIO CINCINNATI Bridal & Formal 513-821-6622 / COLUMBUS Henri’s Cloud Nine 614-825-4495 / PENNSYLVANIA PHILADELPHIA L & H Bridal 215-6769206 / DOYLESTOWN L & H Couture 215489-2777 / PITTSBURGH Bridal Beginning 412-343-6677 / TEXAS AUSTIN Signature Bridal 512-892-5000 / EL PASO Posh 915307-5009 / MCALLEN Sposa Mia Couture 956-683-8740 / PLANO Stardust Celebrations 972-781-1619 / UTAH HERRIMAN Blushing Bride 385-269-1404 / VIRGINIA ALEXANDRIA Elegance by Roya 703-8389282 / CANADA ALBERTA Lereve Boutique 780-903-3392 / WOODBRIDGE AmandaLina’s Sposa 905-265-8707 / UNITED ARAB EMIRATES DUBAI Bridal Showroom 97144579400/ UNITED KINGDOM BELFAST Lauren Elizabeth Bridal 442896936900 / PUERTO RICO SAN JUAN D’Royal Bride 787-781-3162

www.eveofmiladybridals.com

CONTENTS Bridal Guide November/December 2022

FASHION & BEAUTY 14 COVER STYLE

How to get that beautiful look.

18 STYLE FILE: BRIDES

Gowns and accessories perfectly paired to your wedding locale.

20 ALL THAT GLITTERS

A rainbow’s worth of gorgeous colored gems.

22 BEAUTY FILE

Follow our countdown to I do; stay gorgeous with these quick fixes.

26 BODY FILE

Get a jump-start on your day with the perfect breakfast.

48 SMOOTH SAILING

Effortless-chic alert! Be inspired by this elegant waterside celebration.

58 DREAM DAY

Beach-wedding perfection for you and your bridesmaids.

62 RUNWAY REPORT

Light-as-air gowns; two-piece dressing; chic LWDs and more.

58

ON THE COVER • 451 Ways to wow!

• From runway to your day: We found your perfect dress, p.18

18

24

• Don’t blow the budget!

Real brides reveal their money mistakes, p.40 • Hello gorgeous! 10 quick fixes for the big day, p.24 • Planning made simple: top pros tell all, p.36 • Say I do! Epic real weddings from Maine to Mexico, p.48, 58, 64, 86, 92

20

CONTENTS

Bridal Guide November/December 2022

WEDDING PLANNING 28 PARTY PLANNER

A planner designs her own wedding!

32 PLANNERS WE LOVE

We’re putting our favorite wedding pros in the spotlight. by Carol Straley

34 THE GOLDEN RULES

Ten key ways to keep stress levels at bay.

64 WEDDING ALBUM

Charlotte and Joe’s magical Maine wedding.

NEWS & FEATURES 12 WEDDING Q&A

Etiquette questions and answers.

40 0UR MONEY MISTAKES

Brides reveal their biggest budget blunders (and easy fixes). by Daniel P. Smith

28

86

TRAVEL NEWS

64

72 WEDDINGS AWAY

The mitten state of Michigan promises excellent options for saying “I do.”

82 RESORT ROUNDUP

Make a wish on these spectacular night-sky tours hosted by an array of luxury properties.

Get more online at bridalguide.com WEDDING TO-DO Learn the 10 tasks to accomplish first at bridalguide.com/todo GET YOUR GROOM INVOLVED It’s his day, too! Get him involved with these tips at bridalguide.com/groomtasks WEDDING GAMES Bring on the fun at your wedding with these ideas at bridalguide. com/games

86 REAL DESTINATION WEDDING

A classic hotel with recently revamped gardens was the picture-perfect outdoor venue for this couple’s intimate celebration.

90 REAL DESTINATION WEDDING This Colorado couple swapped vows in their happy place—Mexico.

96 FIRST LOOK

The newest Sandals resort makes a splash.

90

The Look of Love

by AMR™ Collection AMR™ Collection embraces every romantic celebration as a perfectly poised, unique moment in time. We expertly craft stunning experiences, creating lifelong memories for you to love and cherish. Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or somewhere in the middle, celebrate your next chapter in a storybook tropical setting.

Expertly Crafted Packages Each romantic wedding, honeymoon and anniversary packages are thoughtfully designed to make the most of your special time together. Pick from seven all-inclusive brands ideal for your romantic milestone!

For more information, please visit: www.amrcollection.com/en/weddings-honeymoons

TEST DRIVE YOUR

WeddingMoon

®

Mary Clarke

EDITOR IN CHIEF ART DIRECTOR Mary Cate Godfrey

FASHION AND BEAUTY

FASHION AND BEAUTY EDITOR Kayla Hayes

TRAVEL

TRAVEL EDITOR Jenna Mahoney

HOME DESIGN

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Robin Zachary

ART

DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Wendy Mansfield

BRIDALGUIDE.COM

DIGITAL MARKETING & CONTENT COORDINATOR Kristen Klein

PREVIEW YOUR WEDDINGMOON WITH UP TO 2 NIGHTS IN PARADISE! ®

®

Beaches Resorts makes it easy for you to test drive your dream destination wedding and experience ®

our 5-Star Luxury Included Resorts first-hand. Be our guest for up to two nights at an exclusive rate starting at $275 per night double occupancy* and learn more about

FASHION ADVERTISING

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, VP Jim Duhe EXECUTIVE ADVERTISING MANAGER Rachel Dichter Capo, rcapo@bridalguide.com, 631-786-2469 ADVERTISING MANAGER Rachel Sonn Bashner, rachelbashner@aol.com, 917-992-8847

TRAVEL ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Karen Higgins SPECIAL TRAVEL ADVISER Thomas F. Curtin

GENERAL ADVERTISING

SENIOR DIRECTOR Steven Ritterman, ritterman@bridalguide.com, 917-338-5841

CLASSIFIED & DIRECT RESPONSE

EXECUTIVE ADVERTISING MANAGER Rachel Dichter Capo, rcapo@bridalguide.com, 631-786-2469

MARKETING SERVICES

CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR, VP Rita Sadowski PROMOTION ART DIRECTOR Patricia Nordin ASSOCIATE MARKETING DIRECTOR Lynda Farrow

your upcoming Caribbean wedding.

BRIDAL GUIDE ADVERTISING OFFICES

Meet with the resort wedding

SOUTHEAST Colleen Schoch Morell, ckschoch@me.com CARIBBEAN/EUROPE Viveca Caldara, viveca@vcmedia.es MEXICO Juan Martinéz Dugay, jmdugay@towmar.mx

planning team, review the décor options, or even sample the sweets to be served. Plus if you book your ®

WeddingMoon group of 5 rooms or more, under a group code or contract, you’ll receive up to $840 in credits, complimentary group inclusions, and more!*

Jeff Hendlin, jhendlin@bridalguide.com

Anabel Rodriguez, anabel.rodriguez@towmar.mx GENERAL MANAGER, VP Yelena Malinovskaya PRODUCTION DIRECTOR William L. Ziff IT MANAGER Jeremy Bucovetsky ACCOUNTING MANAGER Zoya Fleysher

Advertising Sales Offices: 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804 212-838-7733; 800-472-7744 FOR SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION AND INQUIRIES, CALL 818-286-3128 FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM PST OR EMAIL BRGCS@MAGSERV.COM

PUBLISHED BY RFP CORP.

PRESIDENT Barry Rosenbloom FOUNDER Mike Rosenbloom Distributed by Comag Marketing Group PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

Resorts

by Sanda ls

JAMAICA • TURKS & CAICOS

BEACHES.COM/TESTDRIVE CALL 1-877-BEACHES OR CALL YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR *Visit www.beaches.com/disclaimers/ bridalguidenovdec22td or call 1-800-BEACHES for important terms and conditions. Beaches® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Beaches Resorts.

Bridal Guide magazine (Vol. 38, No.6 November/December 2022 ISSN 0882-7451) is published bimonthly by RFP Corp., 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804; 212-838-7733. Copyright © 2022 by RFP Corp.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or use without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Subscription Rates: U.S. and possessions one year $18.95. Back issues $7; prepayment required.

Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY 10017 and additional offices. All unsolicited editorial must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We assume no responsibility for returning unsolicited material, including but not limited to photographs, artwork, manuscripts and letters.

Postmasters—Send address changes to P.O. Box 16717, North Hollywood, CA 91615 PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

2022

Dress Shopping in

Congrats, you’re engaged! You’ve probably been dreaming of this day for a long time—with good reason! There’s no greater feeling than trying on a wedding gown and seeing yourself as a bride for the very first time. While wedding gown shopping in 2022 may look a little different, the experience can still feel just as special as it would have pre-pandemic. Read on for some tips!

Shop at Your Local Bridal Salon

Bridal salons offer the largest selection of reputable designers, styles, and colors. Your consultant will work directly with the designer to ensure everything from the color, to the fabric and the fit, are exactly what you envision. Not to mention, when you buy from a trusted, local bridal salon, you not only support your community, but also small businesses mostly owned by women!

Communicate with Your Consultant

A bridal consultant cannot read your mind, so be vocal about what you’re looking for, give honest opinions, and

tell her if you love a dress or not.

You’ll be making both of your jobs easier. Not sure? Bring trusted family and friends—your “YES” moment will be that much sweeter!

ways to shop smart at a local salon.

Many brick-and-mortar stores offer discounts at designer trunk shows, and host sample sales annually.

Make the Dress Your Own

If possible, leave plenty of time to shop, and be prepared to say “YES!” if you find a gown you love.

Don’t forget to ask your consultant about delivery dates. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and supply chain issues, your dress may take longer to arrive. Short on time?

Many bridal salons have off-the-rack sections where you can select a gorgeous gown and bring it home the same day.

The dress you try on in the store is just a starting point. Want to add a sleeve? Lower the back? Elongate the train? At a traditional bridal salon, you can work directly with the dress designer and an in-house seamstress to customize your gown and turn your dream into a reality.

Ask About Special Pricing

If budget is a concern, there are many

Inquire About Delivery Dates

For more wedding day fashion shopping tips, visit bridalguide.com/perfectdress.

etiquette

ANSWERS

A

& Q

Wedding

Straight talk, smart solutions

by Mary Clarke, Editor in Chief

Q

My maid of honor is planning my bridal shower and we both agree that children shouldn’t be included.

Are we wrong? And how do we let people know?

A

No, you’re not wrong unless you’re planning a non-traditional shower that will include husbands, partners and families.

But for the most part bridal showers are for the grownups. (Little ones can become bored easily especially if all those gifts don’t include any toys for them!) Have your bridal party address the envelopes to invited guests only and spread the word that the gathering will be just for adults.

BAR BILL TIPS

Q A

Any advice on how we might save on drink costs? Can we provide our own liquor?

If you plan on having your wedding at a hotel or banquet hall, the liquor will probably be provided. You’ll be quoted either a per-person fee or a total price for alcohol in your contract. The same is true with established independent caterers. If the caterer you choose does not have a liquor license, he or she will coordinate with a liquor vendor and quote you a price per bottle. If there are bottles left over, you can keep them (or the caterer might be willing to reimburse you for them), so you’ll only pay for what was actually consumed.

If your facility allows it, you can supply the alcohol yourselves; this can be a huge money saver, especially if you purchase the liquor from a wholesaler. You will, however, have to order and arrange for delivery and cart away the unused bottles after the 12 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022

reception. Plus, you may be subject to a corkage fee, a flat rate charged by the caterer per bottle opened, which can easily be $10 or more. Be sure to inquire about this beforehand.

Consider skipping the pricey hard stuff and serve less costly wine and beer only.

Or offer the site’s less expensive brands instead of the premium; the same goes for house wines and champagne. Also, discourage the waitstaff from automatically refilling wine glasses at dinner.

MENU RE-DO

Q

We found a venue we like but I’d like the chef to revamp almost the entire menu. Is it OK to ask him for a lot of changes or would this be insulting?

A

Requesting minor changes to the reception menu is standard and most caterers will happily oblige. They’ll also prepare kosher, vegetarian and vegan dishes upon request. However, if your preferences involve completely revamping the menu then this might be too difficult for the chef.

After all, his staff is trained to prepare certain types of dishes and a special order of different foods or ingredients that may not be readily available in his kitchen could be problematic and prove costly. On the other hand, depending on what your wishes are, he might be able to work with you. Why don’t you speak with the caterer about your menu requests before booking the venue? If he is unable to meet all your needs then you may have to compromise, especially if your heart is set on having your reception at this particular venue. Ask if he can prepare just

one or two of your requests and then agree to the rest of the already established menu.

But if you and your fiancé are real foodies, and the types of dishes served are most important to you, then you’ll need to choose another reception site that’s better equipped to meet your expectations.

SWEET CHARITY

Q

My fiancé and I would like our guests to make donations to two of our favorite charities. Can we let them know through an insert in our invitations?

A

The best way to inform them is by word of mouth since gift-giving should never be mentioned in the wedding invitation. You can, however, set up a website and inform your guests that way.

Share some information about your favorite charities and the reasons you have selected them. Include the addresses where donations can be sent, as well as links to the charities’ websites. On your wedding invitation you can include “For more information about our wedding please visit (your website link).” You can also create a registry of your charities with I Do Foundation and JustGive.

Go to Idofoundation.org and justgive.org for more information. ››› Go to bridalguide.com/QA for more etiquette advice. And send your planning questions to us at mail@bridalguide.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY DOYLE

KID-FREE AFFAIR

justinalexander.com

cover style

GET THE LOOK

A SIREN CALL Turn heads in a sleek gown with daring details.

G

E BEAUTY NOT For a gorgeous look that complements a stunning seaside gown, start with (1 ) Unsun Cosmetics Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen for an all-in-one SPF, primer, and color corrector that leaves a glowing air-brush-like finish.

Next, layer on (2) Pat McGrath’s Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner in Xtreme Blk Coffee along your upper lash line for effortless waterproof definition. The matte finish provides 24-hour wear without smudging.

14

Apply (3) Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Curviest Caramel for a hydrated “I do” kiss that can compete with the heat, while keeping lips soft. The balm has buildable coverage and a soft sheen.

Finish the look with streak-free lashes by coating (4) Essence Double Trouble Waterproof Mascara.

The hybrid applicator brush allows for extreme definition, curl and length that won’t run during your vows or the bridal party speeches.

PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY DOYLE. HAIR & MAKEUP: DAWN JACOBSON USING OGX AND CHANEL BEAUTY.

race the aisle in this stunning fit-and-flare dress covered in gorgeous textured florals, perfect for a sundrenched day by the water.

The deep-V and sheer paneling add a subtle sexiness to the silhouette. Ivory off-the-shoulder gown with hand-beaded pearls, Swarovski crystals, and lace appliqués, price upon request, by Eve of Milady; eveofmiladybridals. com. Crystal drop earrings and fingertip-length tulle veil by Marionat Bridal; marionat.com.

Photographed at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Fort Myers, Florida; westin.com. Bouquet of roses, baby’s breath, pampas grass, and greenery provided by the venue.

A Honeymoon to Remember BEGIN YOUR NEW LIFE TOGETHER IN PARADISE and we’ll make your honeymoon everything you dreamed it would be. With endless land and water sports, 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining at up to 22 exceptional restaurants, unlimited pours of premium liquors, and nightly entertainment, Beaches

®

Resorts is all-inclusive, all the time, anytime.

From the most beautiful beaches to the most romantic suites in the Caribbean, your honeymoon will be perfect in every way.

JAMAICA • TURKS & CAICOS Voted World’s Best 24 Years in a Row At the World Travel Awards

BEACHES.COM/HONEYMOONS • 1-877-BEACHES Or Call Your Travel Advisor Beaches® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Beaches Resorts.

style file

Malachite earrings by Eden Presley Fine Jewelry; edenpresley.com

BRIDES

SCENE STEALERS

Gowns and accessories perfectly paired to your wedding locale.

by Kayla Hayes

Crystal headpiece

by Jennifer Behr x Micaela Collection; jenniferbehr.com

REEM ACRA

GARDEN GORGEOUS Floral fabric details add another layer of whismy to a lush setting.

CLASSIC FÊTE

14k whitegold diamond vine earrings by Kay; kay.com

Up the glamour quotient at an evening affair with an array of sparkling extras.

18k white-gold diamond bracelet

by Brilliant Earth; brilliantearth.com

18

Organically shaped, green enamel ring

by Bea Bongiasca; net-a-porter.com

White and gold orchid heel by Kat Maconie; katmaconie.com JUSTIN ALEXANDER SIGNATURE

Glitter and satin pump by Jessica Simpson; dsw.com

Purple velvet clutch with green crystals

by LarAllan; larallan.com

Satin bow and birdcage veil by Kate Spade New York; katespade.com

Rock crystal, diamond, and gold earrings by Sauer; sauer1941.com

Pearl and gold hair pins by Kendra Scott; kendrascott.com

WATTERS

Pearl earrings by Cristina Sabatini; cristinasabatini.com

Gold and pearl bracelet by State Property; net-a-porter.com

BEACH BRIDE

Ivory drawstring bag

by Sinbono; sinbono.com

ODYLYNE THE CEREMONY

Celebrate your sunny surroundings with natureinspired accents and a gown with movement.

Straw clutch by Btb Los Angeles; btblosangeles.com

CITY SLICKER Lace heel with tulle bows by Bella Belle Shoes; bellabelleshoes.com

For an intimate wedding, a chic short dress packed with personality is the best pick.

Cream-colored heel by 42 Gold; chineselaundry.com

Nov/Dec 2022 BRIDALGUIDE.COM 19

all that glitters

RINGS

Green-blue oval sapphire with old-mine diamonds, Montana sapphires, and an Umba sapphire by Marrow Fine; marrowfine.com.

Marquise-cut center stone in 10k yellow gold framed by pavé diamonds by Zales; zales.com.

COLOR

THE ATELIER CO UTURE BY PROFESSOR JIM MY CHOO

Three-stone ruby ring with diamond accents in 18k gold

by GFG Jewellery; gfgjewellery.com.

Pear-shaped grey spinel with diamond gallery accents in 14k recycled gold by Anna Sheffield; annasheffield.com.

WHEEL Want to up the wow factor?

Unique stones and settings make a chic statement.

by Kayla Hayes

Reddish-brown saltand-pepper diamond with asymmetrical white diamond details by Niza Huang; nizahuang.com.

20 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022

Black mother-ofpearl center stone set in 18k rose gold with a half-halo of dark grey diamonds Samantha Tea; samanthatea.com.

14k yellow-gold band with green tourmaline surrounded by pavé diamonds by Jacquie Aiche; net-a-porter.com.

Your wedding is a month away. Here, beauty experts chime in on how to look and feel your best on the big day.

Countdown

to

I Do

000

PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY DOYLE. HAIR: JOHN RUIDANT AT SEE MANAGEMENT USING ORIBE HAIR CARE. MAKEUP: SANDRINE VAN SLEE AT ART DEPARTMENT USING CHANEL LES BEIGES.

beauty file TIPS

*

Have more than one makeup trial.

2 WEEKS TO GO

•CLEAN UP YOUR BROWS: It’s best to get those brows in shape two weeks prior and then touch up a couple days before the ceremony to ensure less irritation, says Melanie Coba, European Wax Center’s national brand ambassador.

•CUT OUT DAIRY AND PROCESSED FOODS: These can cause bloating and digestive issues, while refined sugars accelerate aging, free-radical damage and stiffening of collagen, Snyder says.

•TRADE IN BEER FOR WINE: Cut back on dehydrating and vitamin-depleting alcohol, Snyder suggests. If celebrating, stick to red wine. Reds tend to be high in antioxidants, not as hard on the liver as other alcohols and don't induce bloating.

10 am Brows

3 WEEKS TO GO

•MEET WITH YOUR MAKEUP ARTIST: She was booked 6-8 months ago but it’s time to get better acquainted so you feel really comfortable with her, says Ashlee Glazer, director of makeup artistry for Pucker. Having more than one trial is important—make sure you factor this into the original agreement. “Bridal showers and rehearsal dinners are great opportunities to test your wedding look.”

•SWEAT IT OUT: Be sure to stick to your routine in the weeks before the wedding.

“Daily exercise is important: It not only tones your body and boosts your confidence, but it also helps flush toxins, improve circulation and relieve stress,” says Kimberly Snyder, nutritionist and New York Times best-selling author of the Beauty Detox series and Radical Beauty.

•REJUVENATE YOUR SKIN: To ensure your skin is looking its best Dr. Bradley S. Bloom, New York board-certified dermatologist, suggests two PICO Genesis laser treatments at four and two weeks before the wedding. PICO Genesis is about a 15-minute treatment with minimal downtime that removes uneven sun pigmentation and damage for a brighter complexion.

•HAVE YOUR LAST FACIAL: "Stay away from 'trending' facials," says Alicia Yoon, licensed esthetician, CEO and founder of Peach & Lily. "Consult with your esthetician in advance so she can determine a treatment specifically tailored to your needs.

Stick to super-hydrating and soothing spa facials from a professional salon or use athome products like the K-Beauty Bridal Radiance Regimen to avoid irritation.”

•BOOK AN EXFOLIATING FACE AND BODY SCRUB: Sloughing off dead skin will not only aid in getting an even spray tan and smoother wax results, but also allows for better makeup application.

•WHITEN YOUR TEETH: For a brighter smile, Dr. Bijan Gohari, DMD prosthodontist, suggests using Supersmile 6 Minutes To A Whiter Smile Kit twice a day.

1 DAY TO GO

•SCHEDULE YOUR EYEBROW AND BIKINI WAX: If opting to remove any unwanted hair on your face or body, go two to three days before so any post-treatment redness disappears, Coba suggests.

•GET YOUR FINAL MANICURE AND PEDICURE: Glazer suggests a gel polish, which will last through the honeymoon.

Try one of LeChat’s Perfect Match sets, which includes a gel polish and perfectly matched lacquer for touch ups, and has a range of over 200 shades to choose from.

•GET GLOWING: Spray tans offer a healthy glow without compromising your skin's well-being. Go two days before to ensure your faux glow has time to develop.

•RINSE OFF: Wait eight to ten hours before showering post appointment.

3 pm bikini wax

•TEST OUT THE TAN: “Before your big day you should do a trial run for every service (hair, makeup and skincare),” says Marlena Orlowska, makeup artist at Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa. If you want the look of a tan, that also includes your bronzing treatment. Consult with your artist about how tan you want to be and the timing of your wedding. Do a trial and see if the application is too light or dark.

1 WEEK TO GO

2 DAYS TO GO

•GET GLOSSY: “For optimal color get a gloss treatment as close to the big day as you can,” says Bb.colorist Robert Mefford, “It’s the best way to have your hair color looking picture-perfect.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY DOYLE

4 WEEKS TO GO

•DON’T STRESS: Last minute breakout?

Yoon suggests Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots, which can help reduce blemishes within hours and can be worn under makeup, as they are transparent.

•KEEP CALM: “Drink lots of water to keep inflammation at bay,” says Yoon. “Before snoozing, use a sheet mask like Peach Slices Original Glow Sheet Mask."

Take the time to Zen out before bed and turn down your big-day nerves. Be sure to get quality beauty sleep by heading to bed extra early.

* Sheet masks

lock in moisture for soft, hydrated skin.

DAY OF

•START SMART WITH A LIGHT, HEALTHY BREAKFAST: To begin the day, Snyder suggests drinking hot water with lemon and her signature Glowing Green Smoothie, which includes spinach, apples and bananas. Eat lighter foods, such as fruits, first and then follow with heavier proteins and starches—“following this principle will reduce bloating on the big day.”

•ALLOW FOR AT LEAST 3 HOURS TO GET READY: Avoid being stressed and pressed for time—you’ll want to enjoy every moment. Wear a robe or buttondown shirt that can be easily removed after your hair and makeup are done.

•ENJOY!

Wedding Day Nov/Dec 2022 BRIDALGUIDE.COM000 23

911

beauty file

TIPS

BEAUTY

TIP!

Don’t smudge your lipstick: Sip through a straw to avoid a lip color mishap and prevent liquids from staining your teeth.

From breakouts to bloating, remedy any big-day beauty troubles with these quick fixes.

1

by Kayla Hayes

You wake up with a zit. If a dreaded day-of blemish makes an appearance do not pop it, urges Ashlee Glazer, New York Citybased on-air and celebrity makeup artist.

“No matter how tempting it may be, a little bump is easier to conceal than a scab.” In a pinch, press an ice cube against the spot to take down the swelling and use Visine to help reduce the redness.

Communication is key.

“If you see it’s not going well you have to stop and regroup,” says Elvin Arvelo, co-owner of Oon Arvelo Salon. Arvelo suggests having a curling iron and straightener on hand for touch-ups (plus, that’s what bridesmaids are for!) if the stylist has already left.

“The best way to avoid this altogether is to have a few practice trials.”

3. You’ve cried and now your makeup is streaky. All eyes will

be on you for your big day and tears will be shed.

“Don’t fret—it happens,” says Glazer. “A dab of eye cream can smooth out the dark streaks without leaving a hole in the makeup.” And reach for a waterproof formula as your default big-day mascara.

5

You’ve overplucked your eyebrows. Fill in the

blanks using feathery strokes in two different shades, says New York City-based celebrity makeup artist William Scott. “One shade should match your brows; the second, lighter shade should mimic the shadow your hair casts against your face. Keep it light and slowly build up to the density you want.”

6

8. You wake up with dark circles.

Stay hydrated and try, try, try to get adequate sleep, suggests Glazer. For dayof fixes, “color correctors and eye-brightening shadows work wonders.” For blue and purple tones choose a peach color to cancel out the darkness.

Add a pop of shimmer shadow at the inner corner of your eye to brighten and bounce the light.

9. Red wine stained your smile. The rehearsal went well, but the wine turned your teeth a shade of pink—don’t worry! Fiber-rich, crunchy snacks like apples or celery will quickly brighten teeth. “The astringent quality and rough texture of apples make them a natural toothbrush to rid extrinsic stains,” explains celebrity dentist Dr. Marc Lazare.

You’re bloated when you wake up. “To initiate the elimination process and flush out toxins, drink one to two glasses of warm water with lemon as early in the day as possible,” says Kimberly Snyder, celebrity clinical nutritionist. She suggests doing yoga poses, especially twists and bends that compress the midsection, to aid in reducing your bloat.

Eliminate bloat-inducers like dairy, beans, onions and carbonated drinks from your diet seven days before the wedding to ensure you wake up bloat-free.

Your spray tan looks uneven.

4

“First, get in the shower and exfoliate from head to toe,” says Alyssa Hilliard, UV-free tanning expert and director at Sunless, Inc. Exfoliating diminishes the appearance of dark or orange tones. For a natural alternative, Hilliard says the acid in lemons works, “but will strip away the tan, so be careful not to use too much lemon juice as you lightly touch up areas that appear orange.”

24 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022

7. Your skin is dry and flaky. Use an exfoliating cleanser or polishing mask. If you don’t have either on hand, make a simple scrub by mixing sugar and a cleanser. Massage the mixture over your dry patches, then rinse with cool water, Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, cosmetic dermatologist, suggests. Layer on a moisturizer and let it sink in completely before applying a primer.

10

Stress leaves your skin looking red and splotchy. Take

a moment and breathe!

“The most important thing for you to do is quiet the skin’s inflammatory response,” says Dr. Karen Hammerman, dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. “Rashes themselves create excess stress, often making the reaction worse.”

Apply a super-hydrating moisturizer to your skin: This will protect it as it becomes more sensitive during highpressure periods— drink water and take essential fatty acids to help reduce inflammation. Cancel out redness by applying a green color corrector under your concealer.

PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY DOYLE

2

Your hair comes out differently than it did at your trial.

For your own natural, healthier-looking lashes and brows Available at:

and rapidlash.com

body file

BREAKFAST

JUMP START Get your biggest day ever up and running with these healthy breakfast ideas.

Say “I do” to vegan pancakes! These 6-ingredient pancakes are made with water instead of milk, pure maple syrup instead of sugar and baking powder instead of eggs. 100% vegan and 100% delicious!

OLIVE OIL PANCAKES 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup water 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, plus extra for serving Olive oil In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together water and maple syrup. Add the liquid to the flour mixture and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should have some lumps.

For each pancake, pour ¼ cup of batter onto a nonstick skillet

The question is, what do you eat in the morning that takes little time to prepare, will help tame a nervous stomach, and won’t make you feel bloated? Here, two easy ideas:

drizzled with olive oil, flipping the pancake when small bubbles

STEEL-CUT OATMEAL is a good—and

appear on the surface. Let pancakes cook on the other side until

comforting—source of protein and fiber. This

lightly browned, about 1 more minute. Top with a swirl of maple

recipe reduces oatmeal’s traditionally long

syrup or olive oil. Serves 2 to 3.

cooking time down to just 10 minutes thanks to

—Chloe Coscarelli, vegan chef, author and restaurateur

an overnight soak.

4 cups water 1 cup steel-cut oats

¼ teaspoon salt gorgeous on her big day. I created this berry anti-inflammatory smoothie to impart a beauty-from-within-glow. Blueberries, blackberries and walnuts deliver nextlevel anti-inflammatory powers to up your skin’s radiance quotient. Prepare some extra servings for your bridesmaids and share the clean, green love!

BERRY BEAUTY SMOOTHIE 1 frozen banana (or swap for 1 avocado to reduce sugar)

1. Bring 3 cups water to boil in a saucepan.

Remove pan from heat; stir in oats and salt.

Cover pan and let stand overnight.

2. In the morning, stir 1 cup water into oats and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 6 minutes. Top with nuts, syrup or dried fruit. Serves 4.

HARD-COOKED EGGS are a terrific source of protein. They aren’t cooked with any extra fat that could upset your stomach or make you feel bloated, and they travel well if you’re on the move. Why this recipe works: Boiled eggs that start in cold water are hard to peel, so the trick is to place cold eggs onto a steamer basket above boiling water. This cooking method ensures that the shell will slip off easily.

¾ cup frozen blueberries ¾ cup frozen blackberries 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk ¼ cup raw walnuts

1. Bring 1 inch water to rolling boil in a saucepan over high heat. Place

1 cup baby spinach

2. When eggs are almost finished cooking, combine 2 cups ice cubes

eggs in steamer basket. Be sure to use large eggs that have no cracks and are cold from the refrigerator. Transfer basket to saucepan. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook eggs for 13 minutes.

Combine all ingredients in a high-performance blender (I recom-

and 2 cups cold water in medium bowl. Using tongs or a spoon,

mend Vitamix) and blend until smooth. Yield, 30 ounces; serves 3.

transfer eggs to ice bath; let sit for 15 minutes. Peel just before using.

—Candice Kumai, chef, journalist and author of Kintsugi Wellness: the Japanese Art of Nourishing Mind, Body + Spirit

26 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022

—Julia Collin Davison, host of “America’s Test Kitchen,” “Cook’s Country” and “Julia at Home”

PHOTOGRAPHY: MIKI DUISTERHOF (COSCARELLI); CHLOE COSCARELLI (PANCAKES)

Every bride should feel and look

C R E AT I N G M E M O R I E S F O R 4 0 Y E A R S

What creates the perfect moment? It’s lounging on pristine white-sand beaches enveloped by the bluest waters. It’s shared delicious gourmet creations and crafted cocktails.

The perfect moments are found in the details, an art that we’ve perfected for over 40 years with our Luxury Included ® Honeymoon. At Sandals ® Resorts, Love is All You Need.

T HE LUXURY INCLUDED ® HONE Y MOON

SANDALS.COM /HONEYMOONS 1-877-SANDALS or Call Your Travel Advisor JA MAICA l ANTIGUA l SAINT LUCIA l THE BAHA MAS l GRENADA l BARBADOS l CUR AÇAO Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.

party planner

RECEPTION

By the Sea

Wedding planner Alex McClard looked to beach glass as inspo for her own wedding—an intimate celebration in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOHN MYERS PHOTOGRAPHY

28 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022

1

2

4

3

“I always wanted a beach wedding, but elevated,” says Alex McClard, owner, Vision in White Events. “And I fell in love with the venue!” she says of @thelodgeandclub. 1 Cool sea-glass hues are offset by pinks and corals. Rattan chargers add a breezy feel. 2 The invitation suite from @mintedweddings.

3 Alex and husband, Lyle, enlisted their pups as “ring dogs” and “flower dogs,” wearing attire that matched the groomsmens’ suits and flowers to match the bridesmaids’ bouquets. 4 “When I found these @birdygrey bridesmaid dresses, the rest of the theme just fell into place,” Alex says.

party planner

RECEPTION

1 3

2

1 Beneath the pretty pergola, a long table was set with infinity-motif chairs. Both table and pergola were bedecked with pink garden roses, coral ranunculus and orchids. 2 As to the signage, “Charlie is our oldest pup (and the boss), so we decided it would be his bar, featuring Lou’s beer and Winnie’s wine,” says Alex. 3 The cake with custom topper—almond with vanilla frosting from @_cakes_and_co—was transported from Nashville. (Opposite: Another view of the cake along with a sea-glass handled cake-serving set. Cupcake flavors included peanut butter, champagne and red velvet.

Planning: Alex McClard, Visions in White Events @visioninwhiteevents Venue: The Lodge & Club Ponte Vedra Beach @thelodgeandclub Flowers: @freshbycarryann Gown: @moderntrousseaunashville Catering, cocktails: @thelodgeandclub Cake: @_cakes_and_co Cupcakes: @alleycakes Invitations: @mintedweddings Specialty linens, chargers: @bbjlinen, @libertypartyrental Chairs, flatware: @eventworksrentals Glassware: @pleasebeseatedrentals Hair & makeup: @leslieanneaesthetics Cake-serving set, toasting flutes, dog suits, bar and dessert menu: @etsy

Nov/Dec 2022 BRIDALGUIDE.COM 31

Planners We L ve Take inspiration from these creative forces as we continue to spotlight the best in the business.

by Carol Straley Erica Vanco & Bianca Hall

BIANCA HALL & ERICA VANCO, co-founders and co-owners, Estera Events

Just as Estera Events was getting off the ground in early 2010, Bianca Hall began her stint as an intern, officially joining the company later in the year. In 2011, Bianca interviewed Erica Vanco for an internship position. They soon discovered their mutual love of creativity and obsession with organization.Thus began a beautiful friendship between two kindred spirits, leading to the duo purchasing the Chicago, Illinois based company from the original owners in 2019. “We immediately clicked,” Bianca recalls. “And our goals and values were so incredibly aligned, it just worked out.” Putting their own inimitable stamp on the business, together they create bespoke celebrations that range from the intimate to the extravagant, with special renown for exquisite outdoor tented weddings. While Bianca is known as a “maximalist” who loves texture, and Erica defines herself as a “minimalist” who leans toward neutrals, the partners agree that what they each bring to the party works in sync to create the perfect wedding for their clients. “We find the most delicate balance for all our couples, and at the end of the day, we’re each other’s biggest cheerleader too!”

A candlelit reception dinner setting.

Today even their husbands and children are best friends!

Our Signature Style

• “We work closely with our couples during the design process, starting with us creating a very unique and detailed style board. From there we make sure every detail is executed as discussed, and our couples walk into the wedding of their dreams!”

• “To make sure our weddings are unique and personalized for each couple, we have one rule: There Are No Rules!”

31 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022

The Estera team is known for exquisite tented weddings.

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) ERIC KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY; STETTEN WILSON (2); ALISHA TOVA

A romantic exit.

“We make sure our couples walk into the wedding of their dreams.”

An airy tent dressed in florals and draping.

Our Favorite Part of Wedding Planning

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) TEC PATAJA PHOTOGRAPHY: STETTEN WILSON (2); KRISTINA LORRAINE; TEC PETAJA PHOTOGRAPHY

A bespoke invitation suite previews the beautiful day ahead.

• “Our couples! We love working side by side and collaborating to plan and design a wedding that is truly reflective of them.

Guest experience is always a top priority, and we make sure to give them just that!”

Key Coping Strategy

• “We are in constant communication with all vendors. We love that we are not only able to be the voice for our clients, but also time managers! Our job is to make sure we are always one step ahead to ensure that we have planned enough contingency time throughout the planning process.”

• “With anything, predictions can be right or wrong, but experience has taught us to be prepared for anything and everything.”

Team Spirit

• “As a team we work together in person all week. We don’t believe in having our own desks and work at a big conference table across from each other every day. Collaboration is key and we are constantly running ideas past each other. Two brains are better than one!”

A summery, sunsplashed tablescape.

Step right up.

A circular outdoor bar.

Our Vision of the Perfect Wedding Weekend

• “We love a Friday golf outing, tennis match, or boat cruise during the day, followed by an intimate rehearsal dinner that evening. Post-rehearsal dinner, all guests can join in for a welcome party, Saturday being the main event with the ceremony and reception, followed by an incredible after-party.”

• “We love to encourage guests to continue to revel in the previous night’s festivities with a celebratory brunch the next day.”

Our Favorite Wedding Tradition

• “While it may not be the oldest tradition, a First Look is our favorite. Seeing your significant other for the first time before the ceremony is such a special moment—plus, it always helps soothe any pre-ceremony jitters.”

• “You also maximize the amount of hours you have with your photographer, and you are able to enjoy cocktail hour and enter your reception in the best way possible.”

We Are Most Excited About

• “The level of trust we have from our clients and the level of excitement that continues to grow for us as a company around the amazing events we coordinate from start to finish.

We have some really beautiful weddings coming up that we can’t wait to execute!” ➺ 33

KRISTEEN LABROT-WIDMYER, Kristeen LaBrot-Widmyer (center) & team

founder and owner, Kristeen LaBrot Events

The relaxed vibe of sun-drenched Southern California. The romance of timeless traditions. The delightful element of surprise. All come together beautifully to make a Kristeen LaBrot Events wedding both magical and memorable. What began in 2008 as a more creative alternative to her career in corporate event planning officially became a full-time endeavor in 2010 for founder and owner Kristeen LaBrot-Widmyer.

And the pure joy of making clients happy with her impeccable full-service Southern California based planning and event design business hasn’t let up since! “I went to school for advertising and design, and wanted do something that combined both,” says Kristeen.

“Strong client management skills are something every wedding planner should have to keep our couples on schedule and within budget.”

In addition to giving her clients the luxury weddings of their dreams, Kristeen also channels her creativity into her role as creative director of The Animal Pad, a non-profit dog rescue dedicated to saving dogs from high-kill shelters in Southern California and Mexico. Small wonder that love of one’s pets can be on display at a Kristeen LaBrot Events wedding!

“Why do I love weddings?

No two are ever the same.”

A whimsical topper on a classicly elegant cake.

My Signature Style

• “I love mixing traditional elements with the unexpected. I had a bride who loves horses and really wanted a unicorn.”

• “I also had a couple who brought in mannequins with the outfits they wore on their first date.”

• “And pets! I try to include them wherever we can.”

• “We brought in sketch artists to do fashion portraits of each guest, and also had a performance by the Bob Baker Marionettes. If my couple has an idea they want to include, I do my best to make it happen.”

34 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022

Feeling the love!

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) NEXT EXIT PHOTOGRAPHY; WESTLUND PHOTOGRAPHY (2); NEXT EXIT PHOTOGRAPHY; ONELOVE PHOTOGRAPHY.

“Many of my couples are doing their ceremony outdoors, the rest indoors.”

A glorious seaside situation.

A bride and her “unicorn.”

“We’ve had to ship flowers in from other parts of the country.”

I Love the Magic of

• “A First Look. …The moment when a couple sees each other for the first time all decked out is so much more special when done in private.”

• “It makes the day less stressful too, because we’re not having to hide one of them until the ceremony.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) NEXT EXIT PHOTOGRAPHY (2); JORDAN VOTH PHOTOGRAPHY; NEXT EXIT PHOTOGRAPHY(2); WESTLUND PHOTOGRAPHY

Words of Wisdom “I love mixing traditional elements with the unexpected.”

LQuatquiae simint dolum eum, venis autempe riatem quam

“It’s the details that make each wedding special.”

• “To help couples breathe easier, I would like to tell them that something will go wrong during the planning and even on your wedding day.”

•“If you trust in your team, it will all be OK! The couples that go in with that expectation will have the most fun at their wedding.”

My Biggest Design Issue This Year

• “Inflation—everything is more expensive than it was pre-pandemic.

That means a budget of $100,000 is more like a pre-pandemic $75,000.”

• “We’ve had to either scale back on design elements or increase the budget. It breaks my heart when couples compare their budgets to their friends’ pre-pandemic budgets—things are so different now.”

• “The flower shortage has been the biggest challenge! A lot of local growers realized that there’s more money in cannabis farms, so they shut down their wedding farms.”

Outdoor vs Indoor Celebrations

• “Most of mine do a combination of the two. Ceremony outdoors, with the rest of the event indoors. I think a lot of that has to do with the noise ordinances here. You have to end by 10 pm at most places.”

My Ideal Wedding Weekend

• “It’s nice when a couple can include a casual welcome party where all guests are invited. Having guests mingle ahead of time makes the wedding day less awkward for guests that don’t know other attendees.”

• “A day-after brunch is always fun too. It’s so hard for couples to talk to every guest at the wedding, so the brunch gives them the chance to give everyone a proper farewell.”

Biggest Learnings This Year

• “Things may change all the way up until the wedding day! As long as you have a strong vendor team, the event will go on.”

• “My couples have learned if they to go with the flow, it’ll all work out!”

Going for Glamour

“My average wedding this year has been 150 guests.”

• “Because people were cooped up in the house for so long, this year they’re going big and they’re going fancy! While I love a rustic wedding, I was ready for the glamour!”  35

THE

GOLDEN RULES IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT WEDDING PLANNING IS STRESSFUL. BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY. HERE, 10 KEY RULES TO FOLLOW.

S

ure, you want to have a fabu-

lous big day, and with good wedding planning, you, your new husband and all your

guests are going to end up having the time of your lives. Unfortunately, there are pitfalls along the way. So take a look at these all-too-common “please don’ts.”

(Psst! They’re all avoidable.) Remember: Forewarned is forearmed!

1

Don’t be superbride.

2

Don’t have a cash bar.

Forcing guests to reach into their sequinned clutches every time they want to enjoy a celebratory champagne or a refreshing gin and tonic is just plain rude.

Think of it like this: You invite people to a party—your wedding, for heaven’s sake!—and then you ask them to shell out for part of the fun. It’s a recipe for bad feelings. Keep in mind that you don’t have to have a top-shelf bar; in fact, there are plenty of other ways to serve and save. You could offer wine and beer only or create a signature cocktail. You might have an open

36 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022

bar during the cocktail hour only and serve wine at dinner. Ask your caterer to suggest lower-cost options.

3

Don’t include registry info on invites.

Registering is a good thing for everyone. When gift buyers are steered to the things you actually want and need, it saves them time—and saves you from having to contend with a pile of cut-crystal candy bowls. Registry info, however, does not belong on your wedding invitation. Why? Giving wedding gifts is never mandatory, though the vast majority of attendees will naturally want to do just that. The best way to get the message across is by word

of mouth on the part of your mom or your bridesmaids or on shower invites.

4

Don’t be bossy with your bridesmaids.

In the most traditional sense, your bridesmaids, in particular your maid of honor, are there to stand up for you as you take your vows, to act as witnesses to this solemn event. Somewhere along the line, bridesmaids have become essential helping hands, relied upon to do more than simply show up on the big day. These are your sisters, cousins, best friends, future in-laws, and there’s something sort of sweet about the way they gather around you, wearing finery you picked out, help-

PHOTOGRAPHY: PHOTOBYBETSY.COM

You’re smart, you’re focused, you’re energetic. But you’re still one woman.

Superbrides—those engaged gals who devote every waking hour to wedding planning, brushing aside all offers of help— eventually run out of steam and end up near the big day with favors unassembled, invitations unstamped, shoes undyed, heads uncounted. How to avoid this fate?

Call in your trusty sidekicks before you’re really scrambling. Here’s a little secret: People want to help. So do yourself a huge favor and accept their kind offers. Then, once you’ve got a cadre of pals stuffing your envelopes, sit back and have your toenails polished. You deserve it.

ing you pin up your bustle, holding your flowers. But some brides ask (or worse, demand) far more: They expect their bridesmaids to shell out for needlessly expensive outfits, to run endless errands, to wear their hair just so, to attend (and buy gifts for) countless all-for-you parties. Don’t let this happen. Gifts to your pals are always welcome, of course, but a little kindness and care go a lot further than any pashmina shawl or monogrammed trinket.

5

Keep to a tight weddingday timeline.

We know a bride who was set on having her wedding in a quaint wooden church in a rural area. Beautiful. But when her guests checked their invites, they saw that the reception was scheduled for much later in the day, at a location that was a good 45-minute drive from the ceremony venue. Sometimes it can be hard to plan a seamless schedule if your heart is set on sites that are wildly inconvenient to one another. but if you really must wed at, say, your childhood church, confine your search for reception locales to local spots. If that’s truly impossible or if you can’t avoid a time gap, provide transportation and/or a comfy spot for guests to hang out while they wait.

6

Don’t plan a difficult destination wedding.

Ah, the lure of the exotic faraway wedding—you can just picture it, can’t you? Exchanging vows on top of a volcano in Hawaii, or how about in a ski gondola or on a majestic slope in the Austrian Alps? Hmmm, nice idea, but will Grandma Gert be up to the trip? Will your college pals drain their bank accounts to get there? No, and no. Destination weddings can be terrific, but as with any wedding, it’s not only about you, it’s also about your guests. While some friends and families welcome (and can afford) an Alpine adventure, others will end up resenting the cost and hassle or simply decline the invitation. Make it easy for all by choosing a well-traveled locale, planning well in advance and providing information and help (securing group rates, for example).

Bon voyage!

7

Don’t go DIY crazy.

You know that clever bride who sewed her own dress and made her own invitations? Or the one who baked her own cake? Everyone’s in awe of the girls who can do these things, and we say good for them—if they did it because they really wanted to, and if they managed not to get stressed out. The point of these projects is to use your craft/sewing/baking skills to save money and to put a one-ofa-kind stamp on some aspect of the wedding. But if you are really not the hands-on type, don’t drive yourself crazy hot-gluing tulle and folding fiddly favors until 3 a.m.

Do only what you can, and beg, borrow or buy the rest.

8

Don’t let parents steamroll your invite list.

Back in the days when parents footed the bill and brides were barely out of high school, the guest list was more mom and dad’s idea of a good party than the couple’s. Times have changed, but that doesn’t stop some pushy parents from insisting on having the whole book club, golf club or garden club at the wedding.

Brush up on your negotiating skills and start early. Once you have a budget in mind, you can rough out the number of guests it’s feasible to invite. Then ask both sets of parents for invite lists, in order of preference, so you can cut from the bottom if necessary. Stay in charge!

9

Don’t forget about your fiancé.

It may not seem like something you’d do, but plenty of women surprise themselves. We’ve got our heads stuck in a glossary of floral terms (stephanotis? anemone?) when all our men know is that there will be flowers at the wedding. We’re neglecting our regular TV and pizza night in favor of dress fittings. Hey, listen up: You’re not just having a wedding, you’re getting married—to that guy over there, sitting on the couch, munching a cold slice of pizza.

Put aside the to-do lists and give him a hug, would you? This is not just partyplanning time, it’s major life transition time.

So talk to each other. Talk about your life together. Talk about what color you want to paint the bedroom, what you want to name the puppy you’ll adopt. Anything but flowers and crab-cake appetizers, please.

10

Don’t bow to bridal peer pressure.

It’s insidious. You just got back from a friend’s wedding and you’re battling the green monster: She had an 8-piece band, you booked a DJ. She had Dom Perignon, you’re having sparkling wine. Well, stop right there. If you scramble your plans to best hers, you’ll go over budget and hate yourself for it. Worse, you’ll veer off the course you set for your own dream day. She made her wedding hers. You’re making your wedding yours. And that’s an “I do!”¢

And now for the good news Here, some things you must do: • PRACTICE SELF-CARE. Do whatever it takes to help you unwind. That could mean a solo hike or a night out with friends. A day off at the movies or a too-expensive-but-whocares massage.

• BE ORGANIZED. It doesn’t matter whether you use a paper grocery bag or the fanciest new software. Stay organized, and sleep better at night.

• STICK TO YOUR BUDGET. Early on, sit down with your fiancé and work out how much you can afford to spend and where to allot your money. Build in some room for surprises and extras that inevitably pop up.

• NEGOTIATE WITH VENDORS. You don’t have to accept a quoted price. Ask if there

>> BRIDALGUIDE.COM Find more must-know wedding advice at bridalguide.com/tips

can be substitutions that may bring the fee down.

• GET HIM INVOLVED. What are his interests? Perhaps music—give him the band or DJ assignment. If it’s food, he can research caterers. After all, the wedding belongs to the two of you!

• BE GRATEFUL. You’ll get lots of good wishes, gifts and offers of help. Say thank you to each and every one. You’re feeling good right now, so share all that beautiful love.

• DREAM BIG. Not just about your wedding, but about your life. This is the next, greatest chapter in the story of you. Imagine how wonderful married life can be—and you’re almost there.

37

ask david

Q&A

JUST ASKING Celebrations and wedding expert David Tutera addresses your most pressing big-day questions and concerns.

Q.

We’re planning an outdoor reception but also want to take advantage of the gorgeous sky view our venue provides from the inside looking out.

What would you suggest we do?—Kristin

A.

If you’re having an outdoor reception, but want to still utilize the inside of your venue, try kicking the evening off indoors for cocktail hour and then bring the party outside for the reception and a night of dancing under the stars. For outdoor events, always have a rain plan. Discuss your options with your venue or have a tent rental on hold just in case.

What is the number-one thing to splurge on for the wedding reception?—Grace

Entertainment would have to be the number-one splurge in my book. I always say that music is the heartbeat to any celebration or event and really sets the tone from beginning to end.

DON’T FEEL PRESSURED TO MATCH YOUR WEDDING COLORS TO A SEASON. PASTELS ARE ALWAYS POPULAR, AND WOULD BEAUTIFULLY COMPLEMENT A FALL WEDDING.

Q. A.

What color dress should I wear for my second marriage?—Annie

You may wear any color your heart desires, whether it is your first, second or third marriage! There is no rule stating that a bride getting married a second time around can’t wear white, just like a bride getting married for the first time can wear a blush gown. Bridal fashion has become so trend-forward and outof-the-box in recent years, breaking free of old-fashioned myths and traditions. My advice? Wear whatever color brings out your personality and makes you feel beautiful.

Q.

I’m getting married this fall, but am not a big fan of traditional autumn colors. I love bright, summery hues and pastels and had always envisioned this scheme for my wedding. What are your thoughts?—Liza

A.

You absolutely do not have to align your wedding colors with the season. Pastel color schemes in particular have become popular all year-round and would beautifully complement a fall wedding. Do however, take note of which flowers are in season and go from there to help save on costs, as blooms that are not in season may be more expensive. When it comes to your bridesmaid gowns, brights or pastels are fine, but do opt for a seasonally appropriate style in a heavier fabric like silk or taffeta as opposed to chiffon or organza.

Q. A.

I know you like mixing tall and low centerpieces.

How many variations should you have?—Rosa

Mixing high and low centerpieces brings extra dimension and visual appeal to the event space. I typically stick with two to three designs. If you do a third, consider a centerpiece that blends aspects of the other two designs. You can take the

38 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022

same approach with candles, using varying sizes to create a more intimate design. If you’re mixing round and long tables, opt for highs and lows on the rounds and a lush runner of florals or votive candles on the longs.

Q. A.

What are your thoughts on whether the bride and groom should be present during cocktail hour vs. remaining behind the scenes in their bridal suite?—Maria There is no right or wrong here, it’s a matter of preference.

When choosing what is best for you and your groom, consider how each situation unfolds. If you prefer to be in the action and like the idea of mingling with your guests during the cocktail hour, keep in mind you may not be able to partake in much food or drink, as you will be kept busy greeting guests and constantly on the move. Taking some quiet time to yourselves in the bridal suite can be a nice way to take a breather, rest your feet and eat something after the first half of the long day. Consider it like a “half-time” before going back out to celebrate and dance the night away with your guests!

Q. A.

Can you recommend some unique thank-you gift ideas for bridesmaids and groomsmen?—Heather

Try gifting your maids with an experience, like a “mani and mimosas” get-together. You can present it to them with a fun nail polish (like Essie Gel Couture in “Blush-Worthy” or “Moments to Mrs”) attached to a little thank-you note stating that you’ll be treating them to a fabulous manicure before the big day (don’t forget the champagne!) Consider big-day accessories for your groomsmen—dress socks, pocket squares, cufflinks—stylish items they can use for future festivities. Take it a step further and customize with monograms or meaningful logos. Your friends will appreciate the thought you put into these creative gift ideas. ■

PHOTOGRAPHY: FORGED IN THE NORTH

Q. A.

Start Your Story Here In Charleston, hospitality is part of our culture, part of our heritage. It’s who we are, as reliable as the rhythm of the changing tides. We invite you to join us. From full-service resorts to inviting bed & breakfasts, Charleston offers something for every wedding style.

CHARLESTONWEDDINGGUIDE.COM

Scan for your FREE planner.

“Our Money Mistakes” Brides reveal their biggest wedding-budget blunders and share their do-over strategies.

BY DANIEL P. SMITH

Texas newlywed Ava knows what it’s like to be a budget-balancing bride. “Hands down, wedding expenses are the most stressful part of the planning picture,” Ava says. And stress often sparks mistakes, particularly on the financial front: Costs get overlooked or miscalculated and immediacy shoves aside diligence and patience as the swirl of wedding energy tramples logic, leading to purchases that will later be deemed superfluous. Fortunately, experience remains a wise teacher. So we asked recent brides to share some of their key lessons learned.

PLANNING “I tried to plan the wedding from start to finish over the course of four months. The more truncated your planning time is, the more money that goes out in a few short months. I did not have much time between a down payment or deposit and the final payments. Over a more extended period of time, our wedding choices would have been much more affordable, alleviated quite a bit of stress and allowed me to manage the budget much more efficiently.”

“I didn’t have a proper budget outline, mostly because I initially envisioned my wedding as a ‘simple’ affair. I had a checklist in my head consisting of my major vendors, dress and honeymoon, and I thought I was set. As the planning progressed, I realized I didn’t have a clear vision of all the singular costs. I should have written out a budget for everything, consulting other brides and wedding checklists to ensure I had everything covered. If I did that from the beginning, there would have been

40 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022

no surprises, no stressful, last-minute budget conversations with my groom and I could have avoided some extra tears.”

—Ava, Spring, TX “I spent a lot of time drawing up a budget for big-ticket items, such as flowers and catering, but I forgot to factor in small items like bar napkins and cups, and those things really added up. I also waited until the last minute to purchase those items, so I was caught off guard when

I realized how much I’d have to spend.

As a result, the wedding total came out a lot higher than I anticipated. I wish that I had spent more time thinking through the details and trying to anticipate every possible expense because it’s amazing how much of an impact small dollar purchases can have on your overall budget.”

—Kelly, Corpus Christi, TX

PHOTOGRAPHY: B.JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

—Christina, Lexington, KY

THOSE LITTLE DETAILS

“My biggest mistake was selecting a venue that was too expensive. I only visited five locations, and I fell in love with the last one we saw. In looking at the different venues, I noticed that they were either inexpensive, but I hated the location or decor, or they

were really expensive. Since I knew I’d be devoting a lot of the budget to the venue, I thought why not spend a little more for the place I love. Looking back, I’m certain I could have found a middle ground, getting a more reasonable price point at a venue I liked, if not loved.”

—Katy, Montclair, NJ “When budgeting for bridal apparel, I failed to account for everything. Bridal apparel is more than just the dress and alterations; it’s shoes, a bra, shapewear, jewelry, and so on. I saw numerous wedding checklists that listed ‘bridal attire,’ but never saw something that listed everything in that category. My advice: Research everything and you’ll be happy you did. The wedding industry can be a crazy business and you want to make sure you’re aware of all the different costs up front to avoid being nickel and dimed.”

—Lindsey, Wheaton, IL “I did not shop around enough for a photographer. I found one and we liked her work, so we booked right away. Our

“Like a lot of women, I’d never had anything tailored before I bought my wedding dress, so it didn’t occur to me to price out alterations. As I bought my dress from a major retailer, it just made sense to have them alter it, and I scheduled my fitting the same day I ordered the dress. Ultimately, I ended up paying 25 percent of the cost of the dress just to have the hem taken up, as well as a ‘designer dress fee’ because of the brand I’d bought. I let the rush of the moment push me into making a spot decision.”

—Lori, Frederick, MD

pictures were beautiful, but after seeing other friends’ wedding photos, I realized we could have paid a few thousand less for the same quality.”

—Katie, Joliet, IL

PHOTOGRAPHY: (TOP) ELIZABETH MESSINA PHOTOGRAPHY; (BOTTOM) CORBINGURKIN

BIG PICTURE ITEMS “My single biggest budgeting mistake was the florist. Though my flowers were gorgeous, looking back, I see they were overpriced. I wanted calla lilies and found these beautiful purple ones called Picasso lilies. There was a miscommunication somewhere along the line and I thought we’d be getting a floral arrangement in a small basket for my flower girl. Instead, we

“It is so easy to get caught up in all the details and spend a little extra here, and a little extra there, but all that spending adds up in the end. Looking back, we could have scaled back our budget. Though we loved some of those little details, they did not ultimately make or break our wedding.”—Caitlin, Lowell, MA

got a bag of petals, which we couldn’t even use at the church since it didn’t allow petals to be tossed.”—Melissa, Hanson, MA “We decided to make our invitations ourselves because we thought it would be a fun project that would save us money.

Plus, we had a very specific idea of what we wanted our invites to look like and the printing services we looked at didn’t really match our style. At the end of it all, we spent hours coming up with a design, trying it out, failing, coming up with a new design and going back and forth to various stores for supplies. Don’t get me wrong, the invites turned out awesome, but considering the time it took to design, print and assemble our handmade invitations, I would have spent a little more time researching stationery companies and comparing the prices of the printed invites versus all of the materials we bought separately.”

—Sarah, Chicago, IL

“While we came in at or under budget on many wedding items, we did not budget enough money for gifts. We wanted to give worthwhile and meaningful gifts to our parents and bridal party, and ended up spending way more than we originally wanted to for good-quality gifts. To avoid this, I would say shop early and shop often. Do not wait until the last minute. Take advantage of big sales and Black Friday deals.”

—Kathryn, Columbus, OH ➺ 41

“Favors. We had picture frames for the photo booth, but our photo booth didn’t work for a good chunk of the reception and half of our guests left the frames.

Favors weren’t a huge cost when you look at the total, but it was probably unnecessary and I don’t think it made a difference to guests’ enjoyment of the night.”

—Anita, Chicago, IL “To show appreciation for guests who took time out of their schedules to travel to our wedding, I spent two solid evenings packaging salt-water taffy into little Tiffany-blue paper boxes that I assembled, complete with a Tiffany-blue ribbon. Many guests left them on the table at the end of the reception and I ended up taking 20 of them home!”—Kristine, Milwaukee, WI

“I ordered linens and charger plates and we could have easily gone without both. The only person that really pays attention to the details when throwing a party is the person who is throwing it. I would have gone with the hotel’s linens and skipped the chargers.” —Cindy, Chicago, IL

ACCOUNTING FOR EXTRAS

“We were on a budget, so we really only saved for the known expenses, and that almost proved disastrous. Since I’m not big on traditions, I didn’t realize it’s polite to invite out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner. Quickly, our rehearsal dinner went from 15 to 35 people. Fortunately, a generous couple – completely out of the blue! – saved the day and offered to host the rehearsal dinner as their wedding gift to us. It would have been wise to have extra money set aside since some new expense always comes up.”

—Ashley, Alexandria, VA

“Our biggest mistake was that once we got to the finish line, we totally blew off our budget and let a flurry of incremental expenses trickle in. We tripled the amount we budgeted for our rehearsal dinner because we wanted to get the celebration off to a great start.

We should have anticipated about 1015 percent in overages because there will always be some unexpected costs or financial decisions you’ll make when emotion, not logic, gets the better of you—which it often does.”

—Angie, Lawrence, KS

Six Ways Real Brides Kept Their Budgets in Line

1. START EARLY Kelly, a recently married Texan, recommends researching and writing down every possible expense several months before the wedding date. “That way, you can start clipping coupons and bargain hunting well before your big day.”

42

3. GAIN PERSPECTIVE THROUGH REFLECTION Illinois bride Brittany determined what was most important to her—photos and food— and focused her budget there. When it came time to decide on other matters, she and her fiancé asked a simple question: “Will we remember this in five years?”

4. LEVERAGE INSIDER KNOWLEDGE Rather than going at it alone, Texas newlywed Cali utilized hotel staff and other

local vendors for recommendations. “They typically know what’s good and often what’s more cost-conscious as well,” she says.

5. DON’T BE AFRAID TO NEGOTIATE Kentucky bride Christina requested that fees such as cake cutting or delivery charges be waived. Illinois bride Cindy, who doubles as an employee of a large hotel chain, adds that many venues and vendors are willing to negotiate when brides pick off-season wedding dates or brunch and lunch events.

6. EMPLOY OTHERS’ TALENTS Ohio bride Laura looked to her artistic brother for help: He snapped her engagement photos and designed the save-the-date cards and invitations before securing some favorable printing costs. 

>>BRIDALGUIDE.COM Get more money-saving advice at bridalguide.com/budget

PHOTOGRAPHY: (TOP) CARLA BOECKLIN; (BOTTOM) MICHAEL ESSIG

2. DETERMINE WHAT’S IMPORTANT Massachusetts bride Candace urges couples to have open conversations about needs and wants before aligning those details with the budget. “It is imperative to ask yourself what the most important part of your day will be,” she says.

AMERICA’S TOP WEDDING MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

451

DON’T BLOW THE BUDGET!

BRIDES REVEAL THEIR MONEY MISTAKES

WAYS TO WOW! VENUES,

HELLO GORGEOUS 10 QUICK FIXES FOR THE BIG DAY

FLOWERS, DECOR, CAKES, INVITES

PLANNING MADE SIMPLE

& MORE

TOP PROS TELL ALL

MARCH/APRIL 2022

& Destination Wedding Guide SUN-KISSED!

A TRULY MAGICAL MEXICAN WEDDING

FROM RUNWAY TO YOUR DAY We Found Your Perfect Dress

PG 22

Hooray for Hollywood

WHERE TO WED IN SUNNY CALIFORNIA

+

Say

I do!

BE INSPIRED! EPIC REAL WEDDINGS FROM MAINE TO MEXICO

PG 6

Romance Ready POSH PROPERTIES WITH THE BEST EXPERIENCES PG 4

Trade Secrets! The inside scoop on cutting costs

PLUS: ONE COUPLE’S ALASKAN LOVE STORY

Gain access to the latest digital edition of Bridal Guide magazine, now available on Issuu. Browse beautiful wedding gowns, score expert planning tips, research the ultimate honeymoon spots and get the best bridal beauty advice from our editors.

bridalguide.com/onthego

planning 101

Countdown Calendar

Adapted from Bridal Guide’s How to Plan the Perfect Wedding…Without Going Broke,

by Diane Forden (Grand Central Publishing)

12 MONTHS TO GO • Announce your engagement • Gather ideas for your wedding theme and style • Work out a basic budget; research wedding/reception venues • Determine number of guests • Get started on attire ideas • If you’ll be working with a planner, review potential candidates • Research photographers, videographers, reception bands or DJs; set up Zoom or live consultations; review portfolios, reels, recordings

11 MONTHS TO GO • If you’re working with a planner, make your selection and set up a meeting • Select and reserve your ceremony venue; schedule rehearsal time • Choose reception venue; negotiate contract; leave a deposit to hold the time • Determine theme/decor for your reception • Meet with potential caterers; arrange for tastings • Select and book caterer • Reserve musicians/DJ • Determine ceremony musicians and make musical selections • Book videographer and photographer; put together a shot list • Research floral designers • Secure venue parking and/or guest transportation • Visit local bridal salons and start looking/trying-on • Choose your wedding-party members; invite them to take part in your celebration

44 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Sept/Oct 2022

• Meet with your officiant to discuss the ceremony • Determine your honeymoon budget • Start creating a wedding website as soon as your wedding date and venue are set

10 MONTHS TO GO

• Research wedding rings for you and your partner • Determine your floral designer; discuss wedding theme/style/palette

7 MONTHS TO GO

• Register for gifts (and update your website accordingly) • Work closely with vendors to ensure your theme/style/palette will be woven into all aspects of your day • Decide on the food and drink to be served • Prepare a playlist of reception music ideas for your DJ (include any Do Not Play titles if need be) • Select and order your headpiece, veil, shoes • Confirm order of delivery dates for your wedding attire • Research air, hotel and car-rental options for guests

• Review and finalize wedding details with your partner and/or planner • Coordinate any fittings/alterations with your bridesmaids • Consider groomsmen attire; make recommendations for formalwear shop or rental house • Select attire for flower girl and/or ring bearer • Scout stationers: Determine the design, wording and paper stock for your invitation suite, table cards, thank-you notepaper (you may include your website URL on a small insert, not on your formal invitation); finalize order • Hire a calligrapher (if needed) for table and escort cards • Determine order of ceremony events and choose appropriate wording for your programs • Book hotel-room blocks for your guests; negotiate rates; post info to your website • Select and order your wedding rings • Purchase bridal accessories: jewelry, lingerie, etc.

• Choose and order something fun for guests to toss after your ceremony (rose petals, confetti, etc.)

8 MONTHS TO GO

6 MONTHS TO GO

• Go for your first gown fitting: invite your maid of honor to join you • Choose and order bridesmaid dresses and accessories

• Now’s the time to start thinking about honeymoon ideas • Review and approve proofs of invitations and stationery

• Select and order your wedding gown • If your ceremony or reception will be held in a special setting such as a park, obtain any necessary permits • Go over attendants’ duties with your maid of honor and bridesmaids • Send out save-the-dates if yours is a destination wedding (include your wedding website URL)

9 MONTHS TO GO

5 MONTHS TO GO • Order table cards; place print order for programs • Final choice of honeymoon destination • Taste-test a variety of wedding cakes and select a baker; place cake order and arrange for delivery • Make reservations for rehearsal dinner and select your menu

4 MONTHS TO GO • Determine method of addressing invitations and hire a calligrapher, if applicable • Hand address—or have a calligrapher address—invitations • Create your wedding vows • Have groom try on tuxedo • Purchase or rent groom’s wedding accessories • Make honeymoon travel reservations and place all deposits

3 MONTHS TO GO • Review and approve wedding announcement and printed program proofs • Book venue or secure reservations for post-wedding brunch • Discuss any bachelorette party plans with your attendants • Plan a bridesmaids luncheon or dinner, if desired • Book an appointment for a hair trial

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF CACTUS COLLECTIVE WEDDINGS

2 MONTHS TO GO • Weigh, purchase postage for and mail invitations • Secure a wedding-day dressing room for your bridesmaids • Go to final gown fitting; arrange for pickup or delivery • Have groom’s formalwear fitted • Purchase attendants’ gifts • Arrange transportation for bride and groom from ceremony site to reception • Update wedding website as needed

6 WEEKS TO GO • Send rehearsal dinner invitations • Write thank-you notes as you receive gifts • Confirm music selections with musicians and/or DJ • Select menu for post-wedding brunch • Shop for/create wedding favors • Plan and/or purchase honeymoon apparel essentials/luggage • Go for a dry run with your hairstylist and schedule a day-of-wedding appointment

4 WEEKS TO GO • Confirm floral order and arrange for delivery times • Meet with ushers and assign duties • Discuss ceremony details with your officiant • Determine placement or distribution of programs at the ceremony venue • Arrange for preparation, storage and break areas for musicians/DJ at the reception venue • Determine seating arrangements for guests • Go in for a makeup trial with a makeup artist and schedule a day-of-wedding appointment • Book a mani-pedi for the day before the wedding

• Finalize details with photographer and videographer • Finalize honeymoon plans and confirm all reservations • Arrange for transportation to and from the airport • Arrange for escort-card setup at your reception • Schedule pickup/return of groom’s formalwear if needed

3 WEEKS TO GO • Call anyone who has not yet responded to their invitation • Finalize guest list • Give final head count to caterer and review details • Arrange for deliveries: flowers, decor, rentals

1 WEEK TO GO • Reconfirm honeymoon travel arrangements • Start packing for honeymoon • Pick up your wedding dress

WEDDING DAY • Eat a healthy, energizing breakfast • Allow plenty of prep time for you and your ’maids • Relax and feel the love!

45

STYLE PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY DOYLE. HAIR & MAKEUP: DAWN JACOBSON USING OGX AND CHANEL BEAUTY.

GUIDE

Photographed at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village

blue crush

Dive into a wave of sleek silhouettes with unexpected details that will add feminine flair to any waterfront affair.

And, catch this season's white-hot trends.

Nov/Dec 2022 BRIDALGUIDE.COM 47 000

smooth Relaxed elegance is yours at a luxury venue that sits squarely on the Gulf of Mexico while still on stateside sand—no passport needed.

he Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village specializes in remarkable wedding experiences unique to the Southwest Florida area, providing a serene location that is perfect for exchanging vows surrounded by the natural beauty of Cape Coral. The resort offers modern banquet halls and more than 25,000 square feet of distinctive outdoor event space, including a striking waterfront lawn with a gazebo and beautiful Gulf of Mexico backdrop, as well as an open-air rooftop terrace ideal for welcome parties and celebrations. Visit Westin.com.

BY KAYLA HAYES PHOTOGRAPHY TERRY DOYLE VENUE THE WESTIN CAPE CORAL RESORT AT MARINA VILLAGE 48 000

Stretch Mikado fit-and-flare gown with sweetheart neckline, boning, and removable puff sleeves, $1,500,

by Le Blanc by Casablanca Bridal; casablancabridal.com. Pearl headband by Marionat Bridal; marionat.com. Pearl heart studs by Lele Sadoughi; lelesadoughi.com.

Groom in Mystic Blue Peak Lapel suit, white button down, and dress shoes, rentals start at $149, by Generation Tux; generationtux.com.

Bow tie by Del Toro; deltoroshoes.com.

Event design throughout by The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village; westin.com in collaboration with suellensfloral.com and globalworksevents.com Nov/Dec 2022 BRIDALGUIDE.COM 49 000

50 000

Bridesmaids in knotted-front dress, flutter sleeve chiffon gown, and one-shoulder dress, each about $110, by Celebrate DB Studio; davidsbridal.com. (Above) Fitted stretch-crepe gown with deep-V neckline and illusion beaded bodice, price upon request, by Sottero & Midgley; maggiesottero.com. Earrings by Mignonne Gavigan; mignonnegavigan.com.

Bracelet by TIJN: tijhome.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY DOYLE

2

Chiffon and chantilly lace soft A-line gown with draped off-the-shoulder sleeves, cross knot bodice and thigh-high slit, about $2,790,

by Ines by Ines Di Santo; inesdisanto.com.

Pearl headband by Kendra Scott; kendrascott.com. Gold-plated and pearl earrings by Joanna Laura Constantine; joannalauraconstantine.com. Golden sun necklace by Bryan Anthonys; bryananthonys. com. Gold wire and pearl-faced rings by Tijn; tijnhome.com. Groom and party in a mix of Bright Blue Notch and Mystic Blue Peak Lapel suits, white button downs, and dress shoes, rentals start at $149, by Generation Tux; generationtux.com. Bow tie by Del Toro; deltoroshoes.com.

Ceremony arch and bouquets

by SuEllen Floral Company; suellensfloral.com Nov/Dec 2022 BRIDALGUIDE.COM 51 000

Event design by The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village; westin.com in collaboration with suellensfloral.com and globalworksevents.com

52 000

Located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River amid 400 miles of Southwest Florida’s navigable canals and waterways, couples tying the knot at Westin Cape Coral will wow guests with the resort’s sweeping waterfront views of untouched aquatic wildlife, picturesque yachts and sailboats docked nearby at the Tarpon Point Marina.

2

1

PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY DOYLE

PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY DOYLE

3

Stretch Mikado fit-and-flare with sweetheart neckline, boning, and removable puff sleeves, $1,500, by Le Blanc by Casablanca Bridal; casablancabridal.com. Pearl headband by Marionat Bridal; marionat.com. Pearl heart studs by Lele Sadoughi; lelesadoughi.com. Allover pink sequin gown, about $200, by Oleg Cassini; davidsbridal.com. Dusty blue empire-waist dress, steel blue flutter sleeve chiffon gown, and steel blue one-shoulder dress, each about $110, by Celebrate DB Studio; davidsbridal.com. Groom and party in a mix of Bright Blue Notch and Mystic Blue Peak Lapel suits, white button downs, and dress shoes, rentals start at $149,

by Generation Tux; generationtux.com. Bow tie by Del Toro; deltoroshoes.com.

000

1

2

2

PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY DOYLE

3

54 000 00 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Sept/Oct 2022

(Top left) Mother of the bride in sequin gown, about $200, by Oleg Cassini; davidsbridal. com. Earrings by Mignonne Gavigan; mignonnegavigan.com. Halter dress, about $200, by After Six; dessy.com. Stretch Mikado fit-and-flare with sweetheart neckline, boning, and removable puff sleeves, about $1,500, by Le Blanc by Casablanca Bridal; casablancabridal.com. Headband by Marionat Bridal; marionat.com. Earrings by Lele Sadoughi; lelesadoughi.com.

Bridesmaids in knot-front dress, flutter sleeve chiffon gown, and one-shoulder dress, each about $110, by Celebrate DB Studio; davidsbridal.com. Groom and party in a mix of Bright Blue and Mystic Blue suits, rentals start at $149, by Generation Tux; generationtux.com. Bow tie by Del Toro; deltoroshoes.com. (Right) Stretch-crepe gown with deep-V neckline and illusion lace bodice, price upon request, by Sottero & Midgley; maggiesottero.com. Earrings by Mignonne Gavigan; mignonnegavigan.com.

55 000

The property also offers a “getaway boat” wedding amenity, where couples can book boats of their choice to make the ultimate getaway at the end of their evening. The boat offers champagne toasts for the couple, with an option to add farewell-deck cocktails for party guests to join in on the imbibing. The resort’s expansive Tarpon Ballroom features 12,250 square feet of customizable, sophisticated space and may accommodate up to 750 guests. The ballroom can be exclusively reserved for wedding events as it is located just steps from the resort in its own separate building.

FASHION EDITOR: Kayla Hayes ART DIRECTOR: Mary Cate Godfrey HAIR & MAKEUP: Dawn Jacobson using OGX and Chanel Beauty

Strapless stretch-lace gown with bohemian beading and embroidery, sweetheart neckline and cape, about $2,100, by Casablanca Bridal; casablancabridal.com. Earrings by Canvas Style; canvasstyle.com. Groom in Mystic Blue Peak Lapel suit, white button down, and Super 130's Merino wool pants, rentals start at $149, by Generation Tux; generationtux.com.

Bow tie by Del Toro; deltoroshoes.com.

These pages were photographed in Fort Myers, Florida, which offers open-air venues, outdoor natural spaces and world-class services. Set against the enchanting backdrop of the locale's beaches and islands, there’s no better place for a dream destination wedding.

Begin your life together in a place as beautiful as the love you share. Visit visitfortmyers. com/weddings.

000

Nov/Dec 2022 BRIDALGUIDE.COM 57 000

Dream Day Say “I do” on a serene beachfront with breathtaking blue water.

A warm palette of rich reds and pinks complements the renowned sunset views on Estero Island—sure to wow your guests.

BY KAYLA HAYES PHOTOGRAPHY TERRY DOYLE VENUE PINK SHELL BEACH RESORT & MARINA

000 58 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022

Tulle A-line gown with exposed boning and sequin lace appliqués, about $2,000, by Lillian West; lillianwest.com. Gold earrings

by Joanna Laura Constantine; joannalauraconstantine.com.

Pearl and crystal headband by Kendra Scott; kendrascott.com.

Bridesmaid gowns by Oleg Cassini and Galina Signature; davidsbridal.com. Groom and groomsmen: Tan suits by Pronto Umono, white button down, and brown dress shoes included in nine-piece rental, about $210, exclusively at Men’s Wearhouse; menswearhouse.com.

Event planning by “I Dew” Events; idewevents.com.

000 59

1

Groom and groomsmen: Tan suits by Pronto Umono, button down, and brown dress shoes included in nine-piece rental, about $210, exclusively at Men’s Wearhouse; menswearhouse.com. (Below, left to right) Long-sleeve chiffon gown, about $220, by Oleg Cassini; davidsbridal.com. Charmeuse flutter sleeve dress, about $120, by Galina Signature; davidsbridal.com. Tulle A-line gown with exposed boning and sequin lace appliqués, about $2,000,

by Lillian West; lillianwest.com. Stretch-crepe dress, about $190, by Galina Signature; davidsbridal.com. Halter gown, about $200, by After Six; dessy.com. Empire-waist dress, about $230, by Lovely; dessy.com.

000 60

Experience a true beachfront getaway when you choose Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina as your wedding venue.

The expansive 12-acre beach offers an unparalleled escape for families and friends to make memories that last a lifetime.

With stunning beach venues, elegant ballrooms, spacious guest rooms and custom wedding packages to meet your needs, this oceanfront resort is the perfect place to start your happily ever after. The property features two elegant ballrooms, each able to host gatherings with up to 150 guests, featuring arched windows, unique light fixtures and aqua accents that will complement your Pinterest inspirations. Or, embrace the outdoors while on the lush deck overlooking swaying palm trees, serene resort pools and the sugary white-sand private beach. Visit pinkshell.com.

FASHION EDITOR: Kayla Hayes ART DIRECTOR: Mary Cate Godfrey

PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY DOYLE

HAIR & MAKEUP: Dawn Jacobson using OGX and Chanel Beauty These pages were photographed in Fort Myers, Florida, which offers open-air venues, outdoor natural spaces and world-class services. Set against the enchanting backdrop of the locale's beaches and islands, there’s no better place for a dream destination wedding. Begin your life together in a place as beautiful as the love you share. Visit visitfortmyers.com/weddings.

000 Nov/Dec 2022 BRIDALGUIDE.COM 61

RUNWAY REPORT

This season, designers crafted striking styles for the runway with sweet sleeve details, barely there paneling, playful hem lengths, and a bevy of mix-and-match separates.

AMSALE MARCHESA COUTURE BRIDAL

BIG LOVE

SCORCESA

WATTERS

LIHI HOD

INES DI SANTO

by Kayla Hayes

Uber-romantic ruched long sleeves lend a touch of demure elegance.

Make it personal with separates: You can

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF DESIGNERS

RIVINI BY RITA VINIERIS

ROWLEY HESSELBALLE

HONOR NYC

RONNY KOBO FOR BHLDN

IT TAKES TWO layer up or pare it down to the bare essentials.

SHORT NOTICE

MIKAELLA

NAEEM KHAN

FINE FABRIC

INES DI SANTO

ANNE BARGE

AMSALE

LOVESHACKFANCY

JUSTIN ALEXANDER SIGNATURE

LIHI HOD GALA GALIA LAHAV

REEM ACRA

PETER LANGNER

A stylish LWD is the perfect pick for any wedding celebration.

Turn heads in a gossamer light gown with transparent features.

63

wedding album

REAL COUPLES

NO PLACE LIKE

HOME

Even a hurricane that swept through the day before couldn’t put a damper on Charlotte Buchanan and Joe LaSala’s glorious midsummer wedding.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANDREW KELLY/CHRISTIAN OTH STUDIO

“IT’S THE FASHION PUBLICIST IN ME,” explains Charlotte Buchanan, as she recounts some of the celebratory details she’d envisioned while planning her nuptials with Joe LaSala, an investment banking associate. The location— her parents’ house in Castine, Maine—was a given. “I’ve grown up spending my summers there,” Charlotte says.

“And Joe joined me up there when we began dating.” Charlotte started with big-picture scenarios: A warm-yet-elevated ease, the color blue—and non-stop dancing. “It was a huge priority for us to have guests never want to leave the dance floor,” she says. To that end, the couple found an “amazing” band, and had waiters pass drinks and dessert bites all night, she tells us.

“It was magical, love-filled and deeply meaningful.”

Charlotte and Joe’s First Look

64 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022

1 6 2

3

7 1, 7 “My starting point was blue,” says Charlotte. “We then integrated lots of greenery plus some complementary color.

I wanted the colors to fit naturally into the environment while still feeling intentional, warm and welcoming. I don’t love matchy-matchy so

adding pops of color was a great way to keep things interesting.”

2 A serene setting.

3 In the mix: ranunculus, blue thistle, garden roses. “We repurposed some flowers, moving them from ceremony to dance floor.” 4 With this ring. 5 Flower girls Eleanor and Ella. 6 Heading to the reception.

3

4

The bride takes a joy ride with her parents.

5

4 69

wedding album

REAL COUPLES 1

7

6

3

3

2

3, 4, 7 Custom watercolor-based cocktail napkin, escort cards and cocktail menu by Karli Stroschein on Etsy.“I like things that are intentionally imperfect. The flowers weren’t tightly packed, the escort cards weren’t in straight rows,” Charlotte says.

6 Sharing the love!

1

1 “Even though we were celebrating in Maine, I wanted to avoid anything rustic or cliche ‘Maine,’ ” Charlotte says.

“I envisioned romantic English Garden meets French Riviera. Plus, my parents have their own wonderful garden, which we integrated into the planning.” 2 A stolen moment together.

6 Magic hour.

4 The fireworks (a total surprise!) were planned by Charlotte’s dad.

3

Reception Venue HALE HOUSE, CASTINE, ME Planning & Design SARAH GOODWIN AT DAISIES & PEARLS

“We had a mix of round and long tables and kept the candles and flowers low, for easy conversation,” Charlotte says.

The couple forwent a wedding cake. Says Charlotte: “Once the cake is cut, so much goes uneaten. Plus, we didn’t want people to leave the dance floor.

Having passed desserts and cocktails kept guests on their feet!”

Charlotte’s Dress MARTINA LIANA Bridesmaids’ Dresses JENNY YOO, HAYLEY PAIGE, AMSALE Groom, Groomsmen Attire ALTON LANE SUITS, HERMÈS TIES Floral Design ALYSSA VAN GUILDER AT APOTHECA FLOWERS Catering TRILLIUM Music FORTRESS VIA ELAN ARTISTS (COCKTAIL HOUR, RECEPTION); GREY MAXIM (BAGPIPER) Stationery KARLI STROHSCHEIN/ETSY

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANDREW KELLY/CHRISTIAN OTH STUDIO

4

BRIDALGUIDE.COM 67

T h e b i g d ay i s c o m i n g

An elegant chapel, a terrace by the sea, lush green gardens. Wherever your journey takes you, Palladium Hotel Group has the destination you’ve always dreamed of.

Happily ever afters begin here.

For more information, please contact your travel professional, visit

PALLADIUMWEDDINGS.COM or call 1.888.237.1226 MEXICO | DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | JAMAICA

/PalladiumWeddings

HONEYMOON & DESTINATION WEDDING GUIDE

Magic Hour

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHANNON GRIFFIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Talk about making a splash—the latest entrant to the Sandals family of resorts stuns with awesome new amenities and a beach that’s perfect for watching the sunsets. The night skies sparkle at a host of properties that offer spectacular vantages—and guided tours—for stargazing.

Plus, one couple hosted their happily ever after celebration at a classic Palm Beach icon, while another toasted to joy on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

The Colony Palm Beach.

Nov/Dec 2022 BRIDALGUIDE.COM000 69

WA LT O N

IDEAL FOR “I DO” In South Walton, Florida, you can truly have it all. With an idyllic setting, distinctive venues and convenient amenities, there’s nothing standing between you and the wedding of your dreams.

These 16 unique beach neighborhoods are filled with exciting activities for creating lasting memories. With great year-round weather, any season is perfect for starting your ‘happily ever a er.’

W H AT ’ S B E S T F O R Y O U R G U E S T S This beautiful destination was named one of “The World’s Greatest Places” by TIME Magazine. Your guests will enjoy excellent dining featuring Gulf-fresh seafood and upscale options for farm-to-table cuisine, as well as a wide variety of boutique shopping and championship golf, all with 26 miles of beautiful white-sand beach as your backdrop. Luxurious accommodations range from boutique hotels to beach cottages or full-service resorts. And travel is a breeze, whether by car or by plane. With non-stop flights from 28 U.S. cities, all major carriers service two convenient airports.

WHERE FOREVER BEGINS With beautiful scenery and settings, South Walton is ideal for bringing family and friends together to celebrate.

VISIT SOUTH WALTON. COM / WEDDINGS

MIRAMAR BEACH • SEASCAPE • SANDESTIN • DUNE ALLEN • GULF PLACE • SANTA ROSA BEACH • BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH GRAYTON BEACH • WATERCOLOR • SEASIDE • SEAGROVE • WATERSOUND • SEACREST • ALYS BEACH • ROSEMARY BEACH • INLET BEACH

WEDDINGS AWAY Mod meets historic at Shinola in Detroit.

MICHIGAN

Wedded bliss at the Daxton Hotel.

In every issue, we scout a spot that’s perfect for tying the knot away from home. by Jenna Mahoney

THE MITTEN-SHAPED STATE IS ACTUALLY DUAL PENINSULAS EDGED BY SAPPHIRE

waters of the eponymous great lake and Lake Huron. Home to wide beaches, rolling hills dotted with farmlands and dairies, one of the best universities in the country and a reviving capital city, it’s a dynamic place to swap vows. From a hip hotel in Detroit

A reception space at the Shinola.

to a 27-acre farm, these are some of our favorite places to say “I do.”

This boutique property in the heart of downtown Detroit exemplifies the revitalization of the motor city. With a sleek, design-forward interior, the 129-room hideaway occupies five circa early 1900s limestone buildings that once housed bustling shops including, at one time, the Singer Sewing Machine Company.

The hotel has all the expected amenities including a stellar food program and an impressive art collection. Wed here and choose among two sleek venues. The intimate Birdy Room is favored for its sophisticated industrial design that includes a glass roof (wedding packages start at $225 per person for a five-hour event and include event set up and some decor, passed hors d’oeuvres, dinner, wine service, bar service and more. Ceremony fees are $2,000; shinolahotel.com).

ZINGERMAN’S CORNMAN FARMS Just minutes from bucolic Ann Arbor, this working farm with an idyllic white clapboard house is the quintessential countryside venue offering picturesque 72 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022

grounds, spectacular gardens and a red barn. Events here range from intimate (just four guests) to grand—up to 200.

All are hallmarked by stellar food sourced from the property and local purveyors.

Add-ons include fire pits, farm games and animal visits (elopement packages start at $2,150 for up to eight guests and include site fees, officiant, photographer,

Zingerman’s Cornman Farms.

Legally Wed Marriage licenses, which are between $20 and $30, are required in the state of Michigan. Non-residents must apply in person at the county clerk office where they are to wed. Residents may apply independently, depending on the county of residence. Upon application, couples must present birth certificates, social security cards, and a valid state-issued ID and, if applicable, a divorce decree or death certificate, along with payment. There is a three-day waiting period. bouquet(s) and/or boutonniere(s), a sparkling wine toast, wedding cake and more; zingermanscornmanfarms.com).

DAXTON HOTEL There are hotels with notable art collections and then there’s this 151-room property, which is more like a museum that happens to have accommodations.

It’s home to 400 awesome mixed-media contemporary works created by 160 art-

ists and curated by the esteemed Saatchi Art Advisory. Weddings here are hosted in a grand ballroom that dazzles with crystal chandeliers. Smaller events for up to 26 guests can be hosted in the clubby wine bar that flaunts a cozy vibe complete with working fireplace (wedding packages start at $200 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, three-course plated dinner, five-hour bar and sparkling wine toast; daxtonhotel.com). ¢

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) NICOLE FRANZEN COURTESY OF THE SHINOLA; NIKI MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY; NICOLE FRANZEN COURTESY OF THE SHINOLA CHELSEA BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

THE SHINOLA

EVERYWHERE

2 BER 202

/DECEM

BER NOVEM

E GAZIN ING MA P WEDD A’S TO AMERIC

T DON’TH E BLOW ET! BUDG

451

BR IDES EIR TH REVEALNEY MO KE S MISTA

TO WAYSW! WOES,

YOU GO!

HELLO US EO GORG ICK 10 QU FIXES E FOR TH Y BIG DA

NING PLANAD M EE SIMPL

VE NU S, FLOWER KES, CA DECOR, TES INVI

OS TOP PR L TE LL AL

RE & MO

Say

+

FROM AY RUNWUR TO YOY DA

d We Foun rfect Your Pe s Dres

I do!

NGS WEDDI IC REALMEXICO TO IRED! EP BE INSPOM MAI N E FR

s ng cost on cutti scoop inside s! The Secret Trade

bridalguide.com/onthego

RUE MAGAZINE, YOUR PATHWAY TO STYLISH LIVING 386

BRILLIANT DECORATING UPGR ADES

Fabulous

Fall Simply.

Stunning.

Spaces.

Sabrina Soto’s Cool Ranch Getaway

Fast Track to Fresh Rooms Real Homes & Amazing Makeovers Road Trip!

Nashville, Here We Come!

P. 1 1 4

Luxe Treasures, Timeless Trends & more

FEATURING BEAUTIFUL HOMES, PRODUCTS YOU’LL LOVE & INTERESTING PEOPLE! AVAILABLE NOW AT BARNES & NOBLE, WHOLE FOODS, TARGET, CVS, WALGREENS, AND MORE!

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

REDISCOVER

Romance in Mexico

The Excellence Collection

ESCAPE TO YOUR ROMANTIC RETREAT IN MEXICO

D

iscover the ultimate romantic destination along the tropical shores of the Caribbean at The Excellence Collection resorts, and enjoy the perfect place to spend time Safety First! together. Select from four All of The Excellence luxurious resorts located Collection hotels and on some the world’s most resorts have health and safety protocols for you beautiful beaches. Discover to enjoy peace of mind intimate spots to enhance and complete tranquility. your romantic experience and leave you with special memories that last well beyond your stay.

Check out our sprawling suites in Beloved Playa Mujeres, Excellence Playa Mujeres, Excellence Riviera Cancun, or, Finest Playa Mujeres, and focus on your love for an amazing getaway together.

Explore your beachfront bliss at theexcellencecollection.com.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Romance REDISCOVER

Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts

BIG DAY PREVIEW—SAMPLE YOUR SPECIAL EVENT IN ADVANCE FOR JUST $500

Y

ou’re preparing for one of the biggest days of your life, and while planning your destination wedding is exciting and fun, it also can be filled with uncertainty. Am I choosing the right location? The perfect cake? The best venue?

That’s why Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts offers a Big Day Preview, where you and a guest can sample your wedding before you book it. For just $500, the two of you can spend two luxurious days previewing one of Hilton’s stunning all-inclusive resorts, located in La Romana, Dominican Republic; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Safety First!

Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Taste-test delectable wedding cakes, explore a variety of beachfront venues, tour elegant ballrooms…your personal onsite wedding planner will guide you, answer your questions, and help you put the final touches on your spectacular wedding in paradise.

Playa Safe Stay™ is one of the most robust antiviral regimens in the industry, and delivers the highest level of confidence to all guests and associates.

During your personalized Big Day Preview, you’ll savor Hilton’s incredible dining, exciting activities, festive entertainment and luxury amenities—all of which will be part of your all-inclusive event.

And the best part? You’ll earn a $500 credit that applies toward your wedding upon booking. It’s like getting your Big Day Preview for free.

Book now by calling 1-888-659-8767, or visit hiltonbyplaya.com.

WHERE LOVE HAS NO LIMITS

SAY “I DO” TO A DESTINATION WEDDING UNIQUELY YOU Highlighted by magnificent beachfront venues and pristine resort grounds, Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts offer an elevated experience for dazzling destination weddings. Allow our wedding planners to create an all-inclusive celebration where you can be in the moment and make memories to last a lifetime.

Hilton La Romana | Hilton Playa del Carmen | Hilton Rose Hall

Contact Our Wedding Center | 888.659.8767 | HILTONBYPLAYA.COM ©2022 Playa Hotels & Resorts is the owner and operator of Hilton La Romana Resorts, Hilton Playa del Carmen and Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa. All rights reserved. PLA07990722

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Romance REDISCOVER

C

LADERA RESORT reate moments of a lifetime in Saint Lucia at Ladera Resort with luxury, romance, adventure, wellness and an eco-friendly philosophy.

Uniquely located on a lush volcanic ridgeline 1,000 feet above the Caribbean Sea, each luxurious suite boasts its own private heated plunge pool and an open air design without a fourth wall, allowing for breathtaking panoramas of the majestic Pitons and deep blue sea.

This intimate 37-suite getaway is situated on an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each stay includes roundtrip private car airport transfers and full breakfast at the award-winning farm-to-table Dasheene Restaurant, offering international cuisine infused with St. Lucian spices and spectacular views. The Ladera Spa is scheduled to open soon.

The essence of this romantic paradise can be found among the exceptional service of the staff, as well as the ambiance created by the furnishings, utilizing locally harvested tropical hardwoods and stones, the unique gardens and Ladera’s commitment to sustainability.

Safety First!

Ladera is in compliance with the Public Health Act and the Hotel Regulations Act of the Government of Saint Lucia, and has taken enhanced health and safety measures for all

.

The wellness gym, yoga, onsite hikes along the ridge, and tours of the organic garden and carpentry shop are all complimentary. Nearby adventures include ziplining, horseback riding, snorkeling, and Piton hikes.

From the jaw-dropping views at The Villa at Paradise Ridge to uniquely-styled suites, Ladera offers a dramatic backdrop for your wedding or honeymoon in Saint Lucia. Ask about the Ladera Resort Buyout.

For more information, visit ladera.com or call 1-844-785-8242.

GRAND

YOUR DESTINATION DREAM WEDDING BEGINS HERE GRAND HYATT BAHA MAR Make a statement with one of the most stunning wedding venues in Nassau at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. With flexible indoor and outdoor event space, we have the perfect backdrop for your big day - whether it’s a tranquil beach setting or a traditional ceremony in our waterside wedding chapel.

NUPTIALS

Our wedding specialists handle all the details to elevate your wedding, from helping you select food, beverage and vendors to delivering late-night snacks. Personalize your day your way at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. To book, call 242-788-7339 or email bahamarweddings@hyatt.com

THE BUCCANEER BEACH AND GOLF RESORT, TRADEMARK COLLECTION BY WYNDHAM

T

he Buccaneer’s 340acre estate has played host to the rich and famous since 1947.

Ideally located just five minutes east of Christiansted, The Buccaneer offers St. Croix’s finest accommodations with 138 rooms and a six-bedroom villa, three glorious beaches, an 18-hole golf course, tennis facilities, two pools, superb cuisine, full service spa, water sports and wedding and group coordinators.

Best of all—no passports are required for U.S. citizens, making it so easy for your friends and family to join you for your special day.

Visit thebuccaneer.com, or call 1-800-255-3881.

ON SALE NOW

RESORT ROUNDUP

STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT

MAKE A WISH (OR MAYBE IT’S ALREADY COME TRUE) WHEN YOU MARVEL AT THE NIGHT SKY AT THESE AWESOME PROPERTIES.

BY JENNA MAHONEY

The pool at night at Kasbah Tamadot.

Stargazing at Amangani.

stone sanctuary of just 40 oversized suites and four multi-room homes perched on a butte near Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks showcases not only its moniker (amangani means peaceful home) but also the jaw-dropping and utterly unique beauty of America’s great outdoors.

Guided national park tours, immersive wildlife tours and seasonal trekking excursions are among the marquee, nature-first offerings at this ultra-pampering hideaway, as is stargazing. Led by two property partners, each program promises insightful celestial sessions that use telescopes and iPads (room rates start at $925 a night; aman.com).

The night sky is epic at Tierra Atacama.

82 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022

KASBAH TAMADOT A collection of traditional Berber tents set near a Moroccan style castle with a private pool and gorgeous gardens make up this ultra-luxe property in the Atlas Mountains that’s helmed by the Virgin Limited hospitality group. Stays here are likened to local home stays, if bunking in with friends included superlative service, activities and cuisine, and guest rooms featured oversize soaking tubs with unbeatable views, private plunge pools and expansive outdoor dining areas. The secluded setting welcomes awesome stargazing, which is offered on Jeeps guided by resident rangers and naturalists (room rates start at about $580 a night; virginlimitededition.com).

TIERRA ATACAMA In the driest desert in the world, Chile’s Atacama, the stargazing is so otherworldly that a council on international space observation is located here. The ALMA observatory is said to be able to detect new star life and planet formation. Visits to the observatory are limited, but that doesn’t mean that guests to this incredible landscape aren’t thrilled with their own night-sky views. As part of their all-inclusive packaging, Tierra Atacama offers night tours that showcase the region’s sky. Heralded as the best place in the world to spy stars, guests are treated to magical views of the Milky Way and not-oft spied constellations including the only-seen-here llama (room rates start at $2,490 per person, per night and are all inclusive; tierrahotels.com).

PHOTOGRAPHY (FROM TOP) KASBAH TAMADOT (2); TETON SKIES; TIERRA ATACAMA

Amangani This timber-and-

El Careyes Club & Residences in Mexico.

EL CAREYES CLUB & RESIDENCES

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) EL CAREYES CLUB & RESIDENCES (2); MONTAGE HEALDSBURG 2); MARRAM MONTAUK (2)

MARRAM MONTAUK Nestled between the epic dunes of the restless Atlantic Ocean and a once-sleepy fishing village that’s now the height of hip sits this revitalized, lowslung hideaway that looks directly to the sea. A celebration of the simple life, the 96-room boutique hotel is low-fi in presentation and high-def in service level.

Activities and food reflect the chic ethos and natural bounty of the area. Beach cruiser bikes, s’mores by the bonfire evenings, poolside yoga sessions and guided evening sky walks are popular— and free—options for guests. The night show is led by a local astronomer who invites viewers to see the sky via on-site telescopes (room rates start at $475 a night; There is a $75 resort fee per night; marrammontauk.com).

This enclave on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is a mystical destination that leans as much into the spiritual and cosmic—the Copa del Sol, an oversized gathering place for rituals including sound baths, is a marquee attraction—as it does its natural setting (turtle conservancy and private boat rides are popular features). Guests to the coastal community spend days lazing at private pools, across the property’s golden sands and on individual boats, with evenings reserved for spectacular sunsets that give way to an even more impressive night sky. Of all the spots to spy the brilliant stars, Teopa Beach is said to be the best. Ensconced in a nature preserve, the area, which is locally known as “where the gods go to rest,” experiences no light pollution (room rates start at $350 a night; careyes.com).

FUN FACT: Sky Safari is one of many apps that enhances the stargazing experience, showing not only current, but past and future (!) night skies in your location. The use of iPads is often offered in addition to telescopes.

The new Montage Healdsburg sparkles.

Montage Healdsburg This ultra-pampering 130-room hideSimple elegance at Marram Montauk.

away in California’s Sonoma Valley stretches over 258 whopping acres of oak tree groves, emblematic vineyards and organic gardens. Among the naturefirst experiences offered on-site is the complimentary Exploring the Night Sky excursion, an hour-long hosted activity where guests can gaze at the moon, planets and constellations. The jaw-droppingly gorgeous property recently announced an even more out-of-this-world package called Sky’s the Limit, which includes private observatory tours, exclusive dinner for six, an astro photo session, private jet transportation and more. Bespoke architectural touches, including rooms that feel like individual tree houses, and the hotel’s impressive art collection may be the only amenities that rival the natural offerings (room rates start at $1,025 a night; montagehotels.com). ¢

83

Where forever begins.

goldenisles.com

REAL DESTINATION WEDDING

Palm Beach

THIS COUPLE REVISITED THEIR PERENNIALLY FAVORITE DESTINATION TO SWAP VOWS AT A FLORIDIAN ICON.

Alice and Trey stayed in a villa at The Colony Palm Beach for their wedding weekend.

000BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022 86

CAPTION HERE

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHANNON GRIFFIN PHOTOGRAPHY:

BY JENNA MAHONEY

CLASSIC AND INTIMATE ARE TWO adjectives Alice née Busch and husband Trey Smith use to describe their big day. And the couple got all that, plus awesome amenities and even better personalized service when they swapped vows in one of Palm Beach, Florida’s most recognizable spots—The Colony Palm Beach. “My great grandmother lived three doors down from the Colony,”explains Ali who grew up frequenting the property. The bride chose the hotel not only for its charm and how “it represented classic Palm Beach,” but also for the ease and accessibility. “We loved the idea of being able to walk over to the reception/cocktail hour from the on-site ceremony,” she explains. “It was the perfect size.”

Since Covid was still an issue, all of the wedding events were hosted outdoors.

On High

There’s something about taking in the sunset that’s inherently romantic.

Alice and Trey say the best perch to view the evening spectacular is “the beach at the end of Worth Avenue.”

Insider tip: “The Colony will set you The Colony has a “fun young energetic vibe,” says the couple.

and drinks,” the couple advises.

Gorgeous floral details abounded.

The bride strikes a pose in the garden.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHANNON GRIFFIN PHOTOGRAPHY

up with a Pink Yeti Cooler of snacks

Big Smiles

While utterly classic and understated in its luxury appeal, with its pink facade and vintage vibes, The Colony Palm Beach boasts a made-for-social-media landscape that’s perfect for all manner of in-feed posts. Among the most photogenic perches is the lobby with de Gournay wallpaper, where the couple posed for photos with their wedding party. At the heart of the Living Room stands the pagoda fireplace, another snap-happy spot. Alice and Trey also took wedding photos by the pool in their private villa and in the gorgeous gardens, which were recently redone.

➺

The couple enjoyed the garden of their the villa.

➺ Vendors, including the baker, were local.

87

REAL DESTINATION WEDDING

A favorite photo of the couple with their attendants.

Up and Out

The couple loves not only the classical

appeal of Palm Beach, but also its extensive wellness offerings, including its gorgeous strands of sands. They took full advantage of the area fitness

amenities during their weekend-long celebration. Trey hosted his groomsman at Palm Beach National Golf & Country Club for golf. The par-72 course that hugs Lake Worth is considered a must-play for serious golfers. “We did a girls’ workout hosted by Olivia Figueroa (LIV Fitness) expedited by The Colony, who provided golf carts, water and towels.” says Alice, of the class she hosted on the beach. She also enjoys playing tennis when she’s in town.

A planner helped with all the fine details.

Another reason they chose to wed here: “We could bring our dog to the ceremony.”

Palm Beach is home to an array of well-known eateries. And regular visitors Alice and Trey have sampled their way to some favorites. Le Bilboquet is a modern French bistro with a vintage-inspired decor and a menu that’s heavy on local ingredients. For dinner, the couple loves the clubby Palm Beach Grill, a favorite among visiting and area celebrities. Popular dishes include the cheeseburger, the silver-service kosher hotdog and the can’t-miss dessert, banana cream pie. Romantic evenings mean reservations at Renato’s, which flaunts an intimate courtyard tucked into a whitewashed Italianate mansion.

For cocktail hour, Alice and Trey prefer Swifty’s at The Colony Palm Beach.

The Aperol Spritz at Swifty’s is a favorite.

Pre-wedding the couple says “we took every opportunity we had to visit, enjoy lunch, interact with the staff and events coordinators, and walk around the beautiful property.”

88 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022

legally wed

The spot where they view the sunset is romantic.

The state of Florida requires marriage licenses. They are issued at the county clerk’s office and cost $93.50. There is a waiting period of three days.

The price may be reduced to a third, and the waiting period waived if the couple completes a premarital course.

In addition to the fee, the couple must present photo IDs and social security numbers. Licenses are valid for 60 days.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHANNON GRIFFIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Top Tables

The stately— yet fun—facade.

The pool scene is epic.

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) LESLEY UNRUH; CARMEL BRANTLEY (4)

travel notes

With its Art Deco details and pink facade, The Colony Palm Beach, which flaunts a guest list robust with bold-faced names and discerning jet-setters, is a Floridian icon. Since its debut in 1947, visitors to the 89-room hotel have met to linger over classic cocktails in the Living Room, a comfortable lobby space with velvet seating, vintage-style chandeliers and bespoke wallpaper featuring the wide-fronded palms. Swifty’s, the hideaway’s equally emblematic eatery, offers dining poolside, beneath hanging gardens or indoors. The restaurant is as well known for its impromptu cultural gatherings— book readings, musical performances—as it is for its al fresco menu.

The famous decor.

Accommodations are individually designed with bold prints and sumptuous furnishings.

Mediterranean-style villas, which is where the couple stayed during their celebratory weekend, are multi-room hideaways each with private gardens, pools and ultraprivate entrances (room rates start at $129 a night; thecolonypalmbeach).  All set at Swifty’s.

wedding details WEDDING PLANNER: GLDN EVENTS CATERING: The Colony Palm Beach CAKE: Earth and Sugar FLORIST: Renny and Reed PHOTOGRAPHER: Shannon Griffin Photography VIDEOGRAPHER: Senderey Video TENTING: Regency Party Rentals & Productions LIGHTING: JM Event Group MUSIC: Miami Project GOWN: Bridal Couture of the Palm Beaches BRIDE’S SHOES: Rene Caovilla MAKEUP ARTIST: Team Beauti HAIR STYLIST: Lotus Hair Studio BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Show Me Your Mumu MEN’S ATTIRE: Bonobos blazers; Too Boots shoes; Knotty Tie ties

The hotel’s most Instagrammable spot.

89

REAL DESTINATION WEDDING

Joshua and Kyle spent five days with their guests in Mexico.

PUNTA DE MITA

THIS COUPLE RETURNED TO A FAVORITE VACATION DESTINATION—AND THE PLACE WHERE THEY GOT ENGAGED—TO CELEBRATE THEIR UNION.

ON APRIL 8, 2018 DENVER, COLORADO COUPLE JOSHUA CASHIN AND KYLE LAVALLIE visited Punta de Mita, Mexico together. Exactly four years later to the date, they swapped vows at uber hip, super food-forward W Punta de Mita, which proudly stands on one of the Pacific town’s most precious sections of the golden beach and is the where the couple got engaged. From the postcard-perfect days—“April/May is definitely guaranteed amazing weather”—to the concluding fireworks—the display was the “cherry on top of our fabulous day.” The couple and their 100 guests celebrated with joy, saying of their 5-day celebration: “Our wedding went off without a hitch. It was truly the event of our lifetime.” All in all,“It was a 20 out of 10 experience,” they gush.

90 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022

PHOTOGRAPHY: AVE SOL (EVA SICA)

BY JENNA MAHONEY

Table Tops

PHOTOGRAPHY: AVE SOL (EVA SICA)

In addition to the cool vibe, the food and cocktails at their event were very important to Joshua and Kyle. “Our menu directly reflected our favorite foods in Mexico. Given we are right by the ocean we wanted to incorporate as much seafood as possible,” they say. “We started with fish tacos, then moved to shrimp risotto and lamb with sweet potato.” In lieu of a cake, the couple opted for “alfajores and churros that were made fresh on the spot for our guests.” Signature cocktails were the resort’s marquee Jaxu (coconut water with rum, gin and mezcal) and Mulamita, which is a Mexican version of a Moscow Mule with tequila resposado The hotel staff handled with fresh mint and a splash of ginger beer. all the details.

Relax, Reset

The couple was wowed by their florals, which were created locally.

To life and love!

Happy places so often include a dedicated moment of self-care and the spa at the W Punta de Mita is a standout. Set in a lush corner of the property, the serene space offers holistic treatments influenced by the surroundings. “In my opinion, it is one of a kind,” says Joshua. “The hydrotherapy really gets you in the perfect mood for your services and is a great spot for an Instagram photo or two,” he explains. The tranquil pools are tiled and there’s a meditative maze as well.

The Huichol Sunway has the best vantage.

A grand welcome.

“When you first enter the lobby and see the entire Huichol Sunway and the palm trees in the background, it truly makes you have butterflies and lets you know the party/vacation has begun.”➺ 91

REAL DESTINATION WEDDING

GOOD BUYS

Making a splash.

The couple, who regularly visit the property for its cool vibe, have a running list of must-purchases for first-timers. They include “a bottle of local tequila, a piece crafted by local artisans [the area is known for its intricate beadwork], a trinket from any one of the beach vendors, aloe for sunburn, and a fridge magnet for the memories.”

legally wed

The requirements for saying “I do” in Mexico are quite involved. All couples must be 18 or older and not currently married. You’ll need to present a valid passport, tourist card (issued upon arrival), birth certificate, blood test results (done in Mexico), completed marriage application forms from the local registry and four witnesses.

All foreign documents, with the exception of your passport, will need to be translated, apostilled and notarized. The couple, and their witnesses, must arrive in Mexico four business days before the wedding day for legal ceremonies.

“We didn’t have any primary family traditions, but Kyle did give me his grandfather’s vintage watch on our wedding day as a gift,” says Joshua A view from above.

92

Time in the Sun

Located minutes from the Puerto Vallarta international airport, Punta de Mita is a sun-kissed community on Mexico’s Pacific Coast that beckons travelers with waters that sparkle in the light and breaking waves that are undeniably surfable. With powdered sands dotted with low-slung seating and edged with towering palms, the beach at the W Hotel Punta de Mita is a knockout. Say the couple of the strand “it’s the perfect length to walk all the way to the end and back during the day and catch some sun. It takes about an hour round trip to complete.” For sunset, they prefer a perch at the hotel’s Huichol Sunway, a tiled expanse that hovers above the central pool, that can only be described as spectacular.

PHOTOGRAPHY: (FORM TOP) AVE SOL (EVA SICA))(2): W PUNTA DE MITA

No Reservations

In addition to tequila savoring when they are in town—the couple makes regular visits to Punta de Mita—they have a list of favorite, must-have dishes. “The best breakfast buffet hands-down is the Venazu.” they say. “Go to Chevrycheria and get the tuna ceviche—it’s truly my favorite!” says Joshua. “The Piwiwi is a great drink to wash it down with,” he adds.

The tapas menu at Spice Market is a top spot for dinner. The mixologist there “will create something fun on the spot.” Mesa 1, the place where the couple got engaged is super special. With only one sitting a night, the setting is romantic and exclusive. The menus are limited to four to seven tasting options.

Romance at sunset.

The Chevycheria.

PHOTOGRAPHY: W PUNTA DE MITA

travel notes

The pool and Huichol Sunway above.

IN RIVIERA NAYARIT, ON THE EDGE OF A golden cape that juts over the inky Pacific Ocean, stands the aptly named Punta de Mita, a luxurious enclave encompassing some of the world’s most luxe resorts and amenities.

Celebrated as much for its postcard-perfect weather as it is for its FOMO-inducing vacation offerings—golf, surfing, unbeatable cuisine and superlative service among others—the 1,500 acre expanse is a favorite for romance visitors in search of all that plus Insta-worthy sunsets. Positioned in a private perch of the community the W Punta de Mita artfully blends the ethos of the surroundings with the sleek sensibility for which the Marriott brand is known. The property is a modern mix of low-slung buildings set in among lush foliage and along the golden sands, each decorated with contemporary infusions of traditional art and crafting techniques, especially beading, from the local Huichol traditions.

Guests to the jungle-edged resort are welcomed with an excellent food and beverage program that’s heavy on the seafood.

Standout eateries include the food-truck inspired Chevycheria and the elevated Mesa1, posiDESIGN AND DECOR: Carolina Almazan tioned on its own island COORDINATOR: Jessica Carrasco and offering a limited VIDEOGRAPHER: 3R Memories single seating for up to PHOTOGRAPHER: Ave Sol (Eva Sica) 10 guests (room rates GROOMS’ SUITS: Indochino start at $700 a night; CATAMARAN: Ally Cat Charters marriott.com). 

The cool pool.

Decor is grounded in the region’s artistic heritage and culture.

wedding details

A guest room.

93

Sweepstakes

YourLITTLE WHITE BOOK

Advertisement

WIN a Honeymoon in Saint Lucia!

Request information from our preferred vendors here and you’ll be automatically entered to WIN a five-night stay at The Landings Resort and Spa! Set on Saint Lucia’s prime beachfront, The Landings Resort and Spa guarantees an intimate and exclusive ceremony for your special day. Couples can choose to tie the knot beside the beach, amidst tropical gardens, or at a picturesque chapel nearby.

The prize includes five nights in a One Bedroom Villa Oceanview Suite, all-inclusive meals, non-motorized water sports, beach ambassador service, round trip airport transfers, one spa treatment per person, a chocolate excursion for two with transportation, and more.

landingsstlucia.com

Sweepstakes sponsored by Bridal Guide, New York, NY. Dates of entry: September 20, 2022 through November 15, 2022. Open to any legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who is 18 years or older, except where prohibited by law. For complete Official Rules see opposite page.

Go to bridalguide.com/getinfo to get FREE information from these Bridal Guide preferred vendors for your wedding, your home and your honeymoon.

YOUR WEDDING

YOUR HOME

990. Send all information for gowns/formalwear/accessories.

991. Send all information for china/crystal/ giftware.

100. Adrianna Papell Platinum combines the elegance, sophistication and exclusivity of Adrianna Papell with the reputation of House of Wu. houseofwu.com/adriannapapellplatinum/

105. Denby USA Limited Designed for living, built to last. Denby prides itself on the strength and quality of their stoneware that has been produced in England for 200 years. 1-800-DENBY-4U. denbyusa.com

GOWNS/FORMALWEAR/ACCESSORIES

101. Christina Wu Brides dresses brides with dreamy wedding gowns that are crafted to perfection, with decadent beading and luxurious fabrics. houseofwu.com/christinawu 102. Christina Wu Celebration features an eclectic variety of designs that are fashion-forward, adorned with feminine details, and effortlessly wearable from day to night. houseofwu.com /storelocator/ 103. House of Wu carries 19 designer labels, each catering to a specific niche, including bridal, bridesmaids, mother-of-the-bride, prom, pageant, and quinceanera. houseofwu.com 104. Justin Alexander Signature redefines luxury. A collection designed for the modern bride seeking a wedding gown that expresses her lavish and on-trend sense of style. jasignature.com

CHINA/CRYSTAL/GIFTWARE

106. The Homer Laughlin China Company Fiesta Dinnerware, an American icon, proudly sustainable and made in the USA. Available in over 85 items and 15 vivid colors. Lead free, microwave, oven and dishwasher safe. fiestafactorydirect.com 107. Noritake For over 100 years Noritake has been a leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality tableware. Choose from an extensive array of designs and styles. noritakechina.com

YOUR HONEYMOON/ DESTINATION WEDDING

992. Send all information for planning my honeymoon to the Caribbean or Mexico.

993. Send all information for planning my honeymoon to the United States.

ANTIGUA

108. Sandals Grande Antigua Sophisticated travelers are lured to Dickinson Bay where the famous beach at Sandals Grande Antigua is renowned for its calm, crystal-clear water.

1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com

BAHAMAS

109. Sandals Royal Bahamian in colonial Nassau, and Sandals Emerald Bay in the Exumas, are close to home, yet far from the ordinary.

1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com

BARBADOS

110. Sandals Barbados where exclusive is always inclusive, is now joined by Sandals Royal Barbados.

Stay at one, play at both! 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

111. Excellence El Carmen has everything on hand for a dazzling destination wedding.

Comprehensive wedding packages guarantee your day will be a dream come true. excellenceresorts.com 112. Excellence Punta Cana This adults-only resort in Punta Cana features idyllic locations for you to tie the knot, from a stunning beach paradise to a charming gazebo. excellenceresorts.com

Your LITTLE WHITE BOOK 113. Finest Punta Cana Our inspired Punta Cana wedding packages were curated to ensure a stress-free experience, from the onset of preparations until the moment you say “I do.” finestresorts.com 114. Sanctuary Cap Cana On the magnificent shores of the Dominican Republic, adultsonly Sanctuary Cap Cana all-inclusive resort can bring your wedding fantasies to life. sanctuary capcana.com

GRENADA

115. Sandals Grenada located on the island’s best beach, defies every convention of traditional design to bring you the Sandals of tomorrow, today. 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com

JAMAICA

116. Beaches Resorts are the world’s #1 allinclusive family resorts where everything’s included for all guests. Generation Everyone. Also #1 for destination weddings and honeymoons.

1-800-BEACHES. beaches.com 117. Excellence Oyster Bay Redefining weddings in Jamaica, this resort has everything on hand to ensure your big day is stress free and as stunning as it is seamless. excellence resorts.com 118. Sandals Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals Negril, Sandals South Coast, Sandals Ochi Beach and Sandals Royal Plantation, Jamaica’s only five-star Luxury Included® Resorts. 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com

MEXICO

119. Excellence Playa Mujeres Stunning scenery, personalized touches, and world-class cuisine.

Unwind in the beauty of the Caribbean knowing that our professionals are taking care of every detail. excellenceresorts.com 120. Excellence Riviera Cancun Imagine your big day with the Riviera Maya as a backdrop and your toes in the sand. Your perfect venue awaits at Excellence Riviera Cancun. excellence resorts.com 121. Finest Playa Mujeres Wedding planning professionals will ensure flawless execution of your special day through a beautiful ceremony, surrounded by friends and family, at a unique Cancun destination. finestresorts.com 122. Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts Spectacular wedding venues in Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Let the talented Hilton All-Inclusive wedding team take care of every detail. hilton byplaya.com 123. Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva Incredible wedding venues in Cancun, Los Cabos, Montego Bay and Puerto Vallarta. Choose from wedding packages or customize nearly every detail for your dream wedding. allinclusive.hyatt.com 124. Wyndham Alltra All-Inclusive Resorts The new Wyndham Alltra All-Inclusive Resorts in the heart of Cancun and famous 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen are Mexico’s two hottest wedding destinations. alltrabyplaya.com

SAINT LUCIA

125. Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa Begin your love journey on Saint Lucia. Discover this all-inclusive resort where stress-free wedding

packages and picturesque settings combine for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. cbayresort.com 126. Ladera Resort On a lush volcano ridgeline above the sea, each suite features an open wall, heated plunge pool, and breathtaking panoramas of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. ladera.com 127. Saint Lucia Lauded by the World Travel Awards as the World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination, boasting some of the finest romance settings, and providing a lifetime of cherished memories. stlucia.org 128. Sandals Resorts Stay at one of the Sandals in Saint Lucia and play at all three— Sandals Halcyon Beach, Sandals Grande St. Lucian or Sandals Regency La Toc. 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com

TURKS & CAICOS

129. The Sands at Grace Bay Sapphire sea, white powder beach, and gracious suites. The Sands at Grace Bay is the perfect prelude to the rest of your life. thesandstc.com

USVI

130. The Buccaneer Family owned and operated, this renowned historic 340-acre estate offers St. Croix’s finest accommodations, three beaches, golf, tennis, spa, pools, superb cuisine, and water sports. thebuccaneer.com

UNITED STATES FLORIDA

131. The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel The words “I do” come naturally on The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. Live the day of your dreams on warm white sands. fortmyers-sanibel .com/weddings 132. Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach From secluded islands, to stunning beachside settings, to unforgettable eco-adventures for your whole party, Punta Gorda/Engelwood Beach awaits to steal your heart. pureflorida.com/weddings 133. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort More than 65,000 square feet of versatile space to bring your dream wedding to life, indoors or out. sandestin.com/gather/weddings 134. Visit South Walton Say “I do” on South Walton’s sugar-white sand beaches, just steps from turquoise water. It’s so effortless; your honeymoon starts before your wedding ends. visitsouthwalton.com/weddings

GEORGIA

135. Golden Isles is a magical setting for any coastal wedding. Breathtaking beaches, historic churches and picturesque landmarks create the atmosphere of a bygone era filled with romance. www.goldenisles.com

BRIDAL GUIDE YOUR LITTLE WHITE BOOK SWEEPSTAKES OFFICIAL RULES (NO PURCHASE NECESSARY)

Sponsored by Bridal Guide, New Rochelle, NY. Entries must be received by November 15, 2022.

1. The Sweepstakes is open to any legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who is 18 years or older except where prohibited by law. Employees of Bridal Guide, RFP Corp., The Landings Resort and Spa, and any and all of their related companies and corporate suppliers are not eligible.

Sweepstakes void where prohibited by law. All federal, state and local laws apply. Winners agree to publication and/or display of their name, likeness and entry form to be made at the discretion of Bridal Guide without further compensation. Participants are subject to official rules.

2. The Sweepstakes runs from 12:01 PM Eastern Time on September 20, 2022 through 11:59 AM Eastern Time on November 15, 2022. To enter, complete the order form at bridalguide.com/getinfo, or print your name, street address, daytime telephone number, mobile phone number, email, wedding date and the words "LANDINGS ND22" on a 3" x 5" plain index card and mail to: Bridal Guide ND LWB Sweepstakes, 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804. Only one entry per household. Entries must be received by November 15, 2022 and become the property of Bridal Guide, who assumes no responsibility for illegible, late, misdirected or lost entries.

3. One grand prize winner will be selected in a random drawing the week of December 5, 2022, under the supervision of Bridal Guide, whose sole decision will be final. By accepting the prize, winner and travel companion agree to release Bridal Guide, RFP Corp., The Landings Resort and Spa, and their affiliates, agents and employees from any and all liability, claims, injuries, actions or proceedings arising out of and/or sustained in connection with use, acceptance or possession of prize. Potential winner will be notified by email. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, does not respond within 5 days from the date the Sponsor first tries to notify him/her, and/or the prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, such potential winner forfeits all rights to win the Sweepstakes or receive the prize, and an alternate potential winner may be selected. Potential winner and guest will be required to sign Bridal Guide's Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability within 14 days of notification, or prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner may be chosen. Original Affidavits must be notarized and mailed to: Bridal Guide, ATT: ND22 LWB Sweepstakes, 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804. A copy of the Bridal Guide Affidavit of Eligibility may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope (VT residents may omit postage) to Bridal Guide, ATT: ND22 LWB Affidavit, 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804.

The number of eligible entries received will determine odds of winning. Limit one prize per family or household. If through a printing, production or other error more winners are notified than the rules state, the actual number of such winners, per the rules, will be selected in a random drawing from among those notified. Bridal Guide, RFP Corp., and The Landings Resort and Spa make no warranties with regard to any prize. Prize is nontransferable by winner, has no cash value, and cannot be redeemed for cash. There are no substitutions for prize or changes to available dates.

4. Grand Prize: 5-night stay at The Landings Resort and Spa in Saint Lucia in a One Bedroom Villa Oceanview Suite, all-inclusive meals, non-motorized water sports, beach ambassador service, round trip airport transfers, one spa treatment per person, chocolate excursion for two with transportation, V.A.T., and service charges. Estimated ARV $4,998.

5. The Grand Prize winner will be responsible for the following: Roundtrip airfare and airport transfers, airport taxes, any and all local, state and/or federal taxes, ground transportation, food and beverages, tours, gratuities, personal expenses and any other expenses not specified as part of the prize. Amendments to confirmed travel arrangements may result in forfeiture of trip or administrative fees. Winner will be issued an IRS 1099 form for prize value.

NORTH CAROLINA

6. Travel can be taken through June 30, 2024. No extension will be given after the prize has expired. Package inclusions may be subject to change. Accommodations are based on availability at time of booking and are subject to blackout dates which include but are not limited to: December 26 - 28, 2022, February 19 24, 2023, March 26 - April 6, 2023, December 23, 2023 - January 2, 2024. Accommodations must be requested within 90-days of arrival. Once reserved, change fees may apply. Original prize certificate must be legibly completed and sent to the resort no later than 10 days after booking is made; otherwise, full rate will be charged upon check-in.

SOUTH CAROLINA

7. Entrants agree that by entering the Promotion, they agree to add their contact information to the Bridal Guide and The Landings Resort and Spa mailing lists, subject to Entrant’s right to thereafter opt out or unsubscribe to such lists at any time.

136. North Carolina’s Crystal Coast To find out everything the Crystal Coast has to offer couples seeking a destination wedding and unforgettable honeymoon, visit crystalcoastnc.org.

137. Explore Charleston Charleston is waiting to welcome you. From iconic portrait spots and unique venues to endless activities—the Low Country is your ideal destination wedding getaway. CharlestonWeddingGuide.com

8. The name of the winner may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope after November 15, 2022 to Bridal Guide, ATT: ND22 LWB Winner, 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804. Requests for winner must be received by February 28, 2023.

A romantic enclave of villas comes with private butler service.

SANDALS ROYAL CURAÇAO Sneak a peek at one of the hottest new hotels where romantic amenities are always on offer.

W

hen it comes to romantic getaways, few have the name recognition that Sandals does. Since its launch 40 years ago, the family-run group of Caribbean resorts has placed romance at the heart of all guest experiences in one of the world’s most honeymoon-perfect regions—the Caribbean. Fun fact: Each property is chosen not just for its spectacular beach, but also for its prime position for sunset-watching. The latest entrant to the intimate group is set on an idyllic stretch of powdered sands on the Southern Caribbean island of Curaçao. A collection of 351 guest rooms, the 44-acre property showcases the wildly romantic touches the hospitality group is known for—hammocks slung over crystalline waters and guest rooms with outdoor tubs for two—and introduces the brand’s newest amenities—hello, food trucks and bi-level infinity pools.

Among the jaw-dropping lovenest accommodations, the new Guest rooms from on high.

Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows and Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalows are particular standouts. The latter are just eight low-slung individual villas set around a heart-shaped pool. Each offers a swim-up deck, an outdoor soaking tub and exclusive butler service. The five Awa suites are expansive palapa-roofed clapboard cottages flaunting larger-than-imaginable bathrooms, oversize sun decks overlooking the sea, private infinity pools and those Instagram-perfect tubs with an uninterrupted view, plus private butler (room rates start at $341 per person, per night and are all inclusive; sandals.com). —Jenna Mahoney 96 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Nov/Dec 2022

Bungalows with private pools are the most romantic.

LOCAL FAVORITES WILLEMSTAD FLOATING MARKET Best visited in the early morning, this local gathering of produce and fish vendors is found on a quay in the island’s main town.

PLAYA KENEPA Actually a combo of two pristine—and super private—beaches, the smaller of the two, Klein Knip, is one of the best spots for snorkeling.

MIKVE ISRAEL EMANUEL SYNAGOGUE AND JEWISH MUSEUM This tiny island was once home to the largest population of Jewss in the Americas. These spots are just two highlights on a fascinating heritage tour.

The perfect perch for watching the evening spectacular.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SANDALS ROYAL CURAÇAO

FIRST LOOK

Fall in love with Saint Lucia, the ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’. Explore, relax, indulge, and celebrate with loved ones, enjoying all that this romantic island has to offer.

For more information visit stlucia.org