Celebrate Weddings Winter 2022

Edtor’s Leter

We have always loved celebrating love and the unity between two people who vow to celebrate each other each and every day. If you guessed we’re romantics, you’d be 100% right!

With this being the winter issue ending the celebration of our one-year anniversary, a lot of thought and consideration went in to the cover. We wanted it to be something that truly screamed celebration, and gave you all the good feels. Which is why when this cover came across our desks, it was a no-brainer. Thanks to a very talented destination photographer, Pedro, from Pedro Felipe Fotografia, the cover is one of elegance, beauty, and celebration, and resembles a couple celebrating the love they have for one another. We couldn’t have planned it better ourselves.

This winter issue features more innovative and awe-inspiring designs from dress designers, such as Mikaella Bridal, Rebecca Ingram, and an up-and-coming designer we’re very proud to be featuring — Laura with Dream Couture Bridal. Plus, we have advice from Tess Mann of Couture by Tess, as well as designs from her latest collection.

You’ll also find wedding inspiration for a popular blonde fashion doll’s wedding (*wink, wink*), a Romance at Bella Collina styled shoot, a May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor styled shoot (yes, we’re talking about that popular book and movie trilogy), and under the sea mermaid wedding inspiration. Not to mention real weddings that will truly have you swooning, and oh yeah, totally inspired!

You may even find a vendor (or two!) you love for your own wedding! To find out more about vendors in the magazine, head on over to our website: WeddingDayMatch.com. Wedding Day Match is not just a vendor directory, it can actually match you with your wedding vendors. Just click on the vendor category you’re looking for and use the advanced filters to get matched with a vendor that meets your criteria. Within minutes you cut down on your search time. Go ahead check it out for yourself, and we hope you love this new, growing vendor directory as much as we do!

As always, with each upcoming issue we will strive to bring you much of the same (while also bringing you so much more!). Happy reading, and we hope you enjoy the pages to come!

Best wishes!

Like something you see? Tag us and let us know, we’d love to hear from you!

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for its vendors. We may also utilize tools, such as bridal shows/expos, e-marketing services and sponsorships. For advertising information or readers interested in submitting a real wedding or styled shoot to be considered for publication, please call 561-246-8074. Please note that due to volume we are unable to respond to all submissions.

The publisher makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published but cannot be held liable for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Any claims or opinions expressed by the writers and advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of Celebrate Weddings and/or the publication entity behind it. The publisher acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work, which may have been used without permission. In some cases, the publication/use of such trademarks may not be authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Photo courtesy of Christina Wu

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Dream Couture Bridal

By Laura

Photos courtesy of Dream Couture Bridal

All About Bridal Portraits

If you’ve found your dream dress, you’re probably counting down the days until you can wear it again. Well, photographers have heard your pleas and answered with bridal portrait sessions. Think of bridal portraits as rehearsals you may have had if you were in theatre, musicals, dance, or cheer. Acting as a dry-run, this is a moment in time when you can wear your wedding gown, get in full wedding hair and makeup, pose fabulously and maybe twirl around like the diva you are, and love every single moment of it. Oh, and you get amazing photographs of just you to add to your wedding album and memories!

Bridal Portrait Sessions

Bridal portrait sessions are a wedding tradition that gives brides another momento even after the wedding has come and gone. Sure, bridal portraits are a great excuse to wear your wedding dress on another occasion, but they’re also an opportunity to get more photos of you in it than you normally would. On the wedding day there’s only so much time, which is why the photographer and you will work out a carefullycurated timeline for photos on the day-of.

In these sessions, you will have an allotted amount of time with your photographer to pose however you’d like. Some brides even go for a more fun and celebratory vibe for their bridal portraits. Pop the champagne in some photos if you want, release balloons at the end, do whatever you want, because it’s totally and completely your session.

Picking a Location for Your Bridal Portrait

The venue you choose for your wedding day doesn’t need to be where you have your bridal

portrait session. Your photographer will confirm, you can select any location you want. However, some brides choose to keep with the landscape and theme of their wedding photos and have them done at their wedding venue for consistency purposes. It is all about the vibes, after all.

When to Have Your Bridal Portraits

Like your engagement session with your wedding photographer, you’ll want to have your bridal portraits taken months before the wedding day. We did say this was a dry-run, right? It’s rehearsal for your look and gives you a chance to see how you feel in your wedding gown, wedding shoes, hair and makeup. Besides, just think, you’ll get these photographs in advance of your actual wedding album or gallery link, and isn’t that fun?

Getting Ready for Your Bridal Portraits

As we mentioned, besides another opportunity to wear your wedding dress, you may also try out the hair and makeup you planned for your wedding day, but you may also select a completely different hairstyle, say maybe an updo if you are doing loose curls on the day of, or makeup options for the bridal portraits. Always wanted to try fake eyelashes out? Now may be the time. Considering ombré eyeshadow? This may be your chance to try it out. Have fun with your prep and lean into ideas your vendors have for you, because you may just be pleasantly surprised by the results. Who knows? Maybe the look from your bridal portraits will inspire your fi

your bridal portrait photos to look back on.

& SBJames Photography

Photographed by Kayleigh Ross Photography

Get Advice From Real Couples

They walked down the aisle. They have been there. Now learn from them — get advice from every real wedding couple.

Photographed by Brianna Wilbur Photography

Kate & Patrick

wedding was all about being color palette of greenery

The bouquet was peonies, ranunculus, garden roses, butterfl y ranunculus, majolica spray roses, bonsai eucalyptus, jasmine vine, smilax, dusty miller and then all of our table arrangements were similar arrangements with tons of candles and greenery.

When asked her favorite memory, the bride said there were so many to choose from, but she really enjoyed “getting on the stage and doing karaoke with [her] new husband in front of all [their] family and friends!”

The wedding cake was funfetti and for those looking for a more savory flavor they also offered guests a chocolate peanut butter cake

P l a n Y o u r W a y

Whatever

Venue Planner

PhotographerBaker

Wedding Invitation Etiquette Best Practices

By Shylah Trost with Paper Muse Co.

It’s happening! You’re getting married! Planning a wedding can be a huge undertaking from choosing the perfect wedding dress, to budgeting, to choosing the right vibe for your stationery, decorations, and venue. While it may be stressful at times, it can also be one of the most memorable times of your life (in a good way!). Remember to breathe and smile, knowing your wedding day will be wonderful, no matter what.

When it comes to wedding invitations specifically, there are a number of things you should keep in mind. As wedding stationers and wedding invitation companies continue to navigate in a post-pandemic world, some etiquette rules have changed and some withstand the test of time!

First, you’ll want to finalize your guests list. This will give you an accurate number of how many save the dates or wedding invitation suites you’ll need to order. Remember, order one per household, not one per guest. Guests over the age of 18 living in the same home should receive their own individual invitation. We recommend using a spreadsheet for this task! Whether you use Excel, Google Docs, or Numbers, this is the best way to organize your guest addresses and will make addressing your wedding invitation envelopes easier in the long run.

Next, keeping your budget in mind, start to research different styles of wedding invitations. This is the fun part! Think about colors, textures, and what style of printing best represents your wedding style. Letterpress and foil stamping are classic and timeless! Thermography is absolutely beautiful! Digital printing is perfect as a budget friendly option! Keep in mind, your wedding invitations are your guest’s ‘ fi rst look’ and

provide an indication of the level of formality to expect at your wedding!

Don’t worry about wording or information at this stage; simply gather a couple pricing quotes based on your vision and quantity needed. Always order a few extras! You’ll want to provide your photographer with a couple full invitation suites, to capture all of the lovely details, and you’ll also want at least a few as keepsakes.

Once you’ve fi nalized the style of wedding invitations you’d like, there are rules of etiquette that you should follow! As we move through the 21st century, some rules have started to fade, but some are still strongly recommended!

Versing Your Wedding Invitations

This is a highly personal choice, but be sure to include the important details such as (1) Names of persons hosting, (2) Bride and Grooms names (traditionally, wedding invitations should include the bride’s first and middle name followed by the groom’s first, middle, and last name), (3) Day, date with year, and time of the ceremony (traditionally, these parts are spelled out completely, with no use of numerals, and no zip code included), (4) Location with city and state,

spelled out completely, and (5) If the reception is at the same location, a line stating “Reception to follow” is acceptable, along with the indication of attire, such as “Black Tie” or “Cocktail Attire.” On your wedding invitations, do not use abbreviations such as Rd or Ave.

INCLUDE RSVP INSTRUCTIONS

Whether you’re a traditional couple and you’ll be using mail-in RSVP cards (also called response or reply cards) or a modern couple choosing to gather replies via a wedding website or QR code printed on your RSVP cards, be sure that you specify how and when replies are expected. It is recommended to indicate an RSVP date that is close enough to your wedding that you won’t receive “false accepts” (only to have last minute cancellations) but far enough away from your date that you have time to plan for the number of guests attending. At Paper Muse Co., we recommend approximately 30 35 days before your wedding. This will give you or your wedding party a few days to track down anyone who has not responded and finalize numbers.

Timeline & Mailing Your Wedding Invitations

Be sure to give your guests enough time to plan around your wedding day. Some guests will need to secure a babysitter or make travel arrangements. Traditionally, it was recommended to send your wedding invitations out about two months before your wedding. However, we recommend mailing them out between eight and ten weeks before your wedding. This allows for extra time for your wedding invitations to travel through the mail (snail mail is slower than ever in 2022!), gives your guests adequate time to plan and reply, and adds in some extra breathing room for addressing errors or mail mishaps. If you’re having a destination wedding, be sure to mail out your invitations up to 12 14 weeks in advance.

Addressing Your Wedding Invitations

Addressing your guests properly on your outer envelopes is a key part of wedding invitation etiquette and likely the first part of the wedding invitation that your guests will see upon receiving. Make sure to gather proper titles and name spellings for each guest. It is acceptable to abbreviate titles such as Mr. and Mrs. but do not abbreviate street names or states. When in doubt, spell it out.

Here are some main examples:

• To a married couple: Mr. and Mrs. Jack Smith

•

To a married couple with children: Mr. and Mrs. Jack Smith

Jane Smith John Smith or The Williams Family or Mr. and Mrs. Jack Smith and Family

• To a single gal: Miss Jessica Smith (if under 21) or Ms. Jessica Smith (if 21+)

• To a married woman: Mrs. Jessica Smith

• To a single or married man: Mr. Jack Smith

•

To a married couple when one is a doctor: Doctor Jessica Smith and Mr. Jack Smith or Doctor Jack Smith and Mrs. Jessica Smith

•

To an unmarried couple (serious, long-term relationship):

Ms. Jessica Smith and Mr. Jack Smith

•

To a single man or woman, with plus one: Ms. Jessica Smith

In addition to etiquette involved in properly addressing your outer envelopes, you may also consider using inner envelopes too! Traditionally, inner envelopes are used to indicate the names of the specific guests invited. This is also a time where you can use more informal names and provides an extra level or personalization. Inner envelopes have gone in and out of style in the past 25 years as the mail became more reliable, but they are still recommended for an extra level of protection to pad your ever-special wedding invitation suite! Even if you opt to forgo the inner envelope, be clear about who is invited and who may not be (i.e., children)! If your wedding will have limitations on guests, include polite verbiage to that effect on an additional enclosure card, AKA Reception card/Details card.

Whether your wedding is a casual beach wedding or a black-tie formal affair, it’s very special! We recommend honoring your guests with proper etiquette to preserve its history and bring homage to sanctity of marriage and how beautiful your wedding (and marriage) will be!

Rebecca Ingram

Photos courtesy of Maggie Sottero Designs

Rebecca Ingram gown styles from lef to right: Hattie, Marta, Calista (front), Calista (back), Evora, Hazel, Emerald (main), Pippa (bottom three)

a

ordable designer wedding dresses and bridal gowns for the budget conscience bride

Styled Shoot

FASHIONISTA

Photographed by Hope Taylor Photography

The beauty of a Barbie inspired wedding is captured in the color scheme, simple yet elegant ̶ pinks, white & a touch of gold or silver. Other elements include lush florals, timeless pearls, and plenty of sparkling champagne.

Oh, and donʼt forget the shiny limo to drive off into the sunset in.

Photos

The Flavor of Love

By Staci Dunn, The Cake Lady Custom Cakes

The Heston Blumenthal (AKA The Sophisticated Gourmet) once said, “To me, food is as much about the moment, the occasion and the company as it is about the taste,” and I couldn’t agree more. Couples today are bombarded with so many choices to make when planning their wedding — the venue, the date, the dress, the color scheme, the flowers, and the list goes on and on. I can go on and on about the sometimes overwhelming but very necessary amount of choices that there are to make to turn their dream wedding into a reality. With or without a wedding planner, decisions still have to be made.

One more important decision to throw on the pile (or add to your planner book) would be choosing a cake design and of course a cake flavor. Gone are the days of a simple white cake with buttercream filling. Couples these days have a plethora of fl avor options at most artisan bakeries. I for one would want a cake that makes people say, “I can’t wait for dessert.” As an experienced, professional cake artist, I find that there are several helpful insights you can use when choosing a flavor. One, for example is what season of year is the wedding? For a spring wedding you may want to think about a floral design and a cake with fruit fi lling, like strawberry, lavender, white chocolate or blueberry. For a summer wedding, you may want to consider a refreshing citrus flavor like lemon, key lime, mango, passionfruit or raspberry. Fall weddings have particular flavors associated with that time of year, such as pumpkin, spice cake or cinnamon apple. And of course winter is associated with fig, cranberry, dark chocolate and butterscotch.

Another helpful insight would be the type of venue you have chosen. The atmosphere can lend itself to the design and fl avor options. For example, a farmhouse or rustic wedding venue may inspire you to choose a naked, birchwood or a cake with neutral colors and decor such as dried flowers and pompas grass, which are highly trending right now. Common flavors for a venue like this would be a light and creamy French vanilla or butter pecan cake, especially in the fall. A beach venue may lead you to choose an elegant seashell or nautical-themed cake. Appropriate fl avors for such a venue might be mango, pineapple or coconut. Chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, almond and white cake are relatively traditional flavors that are usually crowd-pleasers. These are “safe” choices for the couple that wants to keep things on the simpler side.

Regardless of the venue or time of year, there are no rules when it comes to choosing a flavor for your wedding cake. People are there to celebrate you and whether you choose a traditional simple white wedding cake with buttercream filling or a scrumptious pink champagne cake with a dreamy white chocolate mousse fi lling, people will remember the most important thing at the wedding — the love you and your new spouse share.

Photos courtesy of The Cake Lady Custom Cakes

Match With Your Vendors

Planning Made Easy.

Meghan & Will

Photographed by Maura Jane Photography

This summer wedding channeled a style based entirely on the matron of honor’s dress picking up a vibrant color palette and design that was repeated throughout the decor, hand-painted on the wedding cake and also on a large canvas painted by the bride that sat above the fireplace. The color palette was pinks, ranging from blush to fuschia, deep red, deep greens, and olive green with pops of yellow and peach.

The bride’s dad built the two steel columns that were covered in flowers at the ceremony site/altar.

The cake was almond vanilla with vanilla bean buttercream and alternating layers of lemon curd and raspberry preserve fillings. The couple also had a churro cart with mini churros with a variety of sauces and toppings and a surprise cake for the groom that was chocolate with chocolate covered strawberries.

The flowers were designed by the bride’s best friend and bridesman, Bradley Gaines. They consisted of anemones, ranunculus, garden roses, peonies, hydrangeas, monestera, morning glories, amaranthus, protea, veronica, and delphinium, to name a few!

When asked what the bride’s favorite memory was, she noted the whole day was memorable, knowing that every person there made the effort to travel to her wedding was so special. They were surrounded by all the people who love them! But one of the most unique and significant moments of the day for her was having her two nephews help escort her down the aisle and when asked, “Who gives this woman?”they answered with her father, “Her family does.” And her favorite memory from the day was the private last dance. As all the guests lef to line up for the grand exit, the band played their song, “Honest I Do” by Sam Cooke. It was a beautifully intimate moment to close the day.

The dress that inspired it all!

Venue: Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado | Welcome Dinner: Hervé Wine Bar | Photographer: Maura Jane Photography | Videographer: Emily Joanne Wedding Films & Photography | Florist: Bradley Gaines at Market Street | Baker: Maggie’s Wedding Cakes | Groom’s Cake: Market Street |

Shop

Gown: Sia

Rue

Seine

a&bé Bridal Shop | Leather Jacket: David’s Bridal | Matron of Honor &

Chauhan

Mother

Bride Dress: Teuta Matoshi | Groom, Groomsmen, Bridesman: Jos A. Banks | Band: The Caldwell

Butter

Flower Confetti: Bloomers n Bites | Custom Embroidered

FASHION IS A P

Predicted Wedding Dress Trends

Few know wedding fashion trends better than those who design the gowns themselves, which is why we asked Maggie Sottero Designs expect to see in 2023. Without further ado, these are the 2023 predicted wedding gown trends.

CORSET DETAILING

With a silhouette that draws tight in the middle, this design truly shows o your curves.

MINIDRESSES

Ah, the chic short or tea-length wedding dresses are back and they’re making a statement.

STRAIGHT NECKLINES

The straight or square neckline can be paired with any type of gown, whether Aline or ballgown.

BOW DETAILS

We’ve seen the oversized bow trend and loved every second of it. In fact, a wedding that was recently featured on Wedding Day Match had one of the greatest oversized bows we’ve seen. So more bows? We’re totally on board.

Oksana by Rebecca Ingram

ACKS

Backless dresses have always had a reputation for being sexy, and because it looks sexy it has the ability to make you feel sexy (which is all that matters!), so own it because the backless dress trend is about to make you strut yourself down the aisle like it’s a runway.

Luella by Sottero & Midgley

LLOVER LACE

Lace has been growing in popularity in recent years, so it’s no surprise that lace all over is now in. Lace, we’ve been waiting for this moment!

COLOR

Breaking the mold this year, Maggie Sottero Designs brought us colored wedding dresses that have us rethinking the white dress tradition. Have you seen the new Scarlet and Zander Lane designs?

. . . .

Looking for that wow factor? You just found it, because this will have all of your guests and your love doing a double-take.

Luella by Sottero & Midgley

HIGH-HIGH SLITS

Fashion just gave you a reason to jut out that leg of yours. This dress gives you space to make a picture-perfect pose.

ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS + C

OMPLEX PLEATING

Classic weddings have been cropping up more and more as the preferred theme for weddings, and the classic and contemporary vibe of pleating is bound to be a fan-favorite, too.

SLEEK & SOPHISTICATED

Classic! Silk is basically synonymous with sleek in wedding dress lingo, and the traditional (and modern) beauty will fall in love with this look.

B

Juliette by Sottero & Midgley

RIDAL JACKETS

These are not your mothers’ bridal jackets, breaking the mold in all the right ways — sometimes made out of lace, bridal jackets add an extra flair to the dress.

Clover by Rebecca Ingram

Darius by Maggie Sottero

LORALS

Hello, it’s 3D . . . Need we say more?

ETHEREAL TRANSPARENCY

One word for you . . . Whimsical.

Leandra by Maggie Sottero Knox by Sottero & Midgley

M

OCK NECKS + HIGH NECKS

This trend gives you a choice, you can either cover your entire neck or partially cover it. Hello, winter vibes!

VOLUMINOUS SLEEVES & SKIRTS

The puff y sleeves and skirts are here to stay. They’re light, airy, and add a breezy flair to the dress, why shouldn’t they stay?

OVERSIZED FLORAL MOTIFS

Psst… a certain celebrity recently wore a floral wedding gown that made this a favorite! Now we say bring on the 3D florals, because it’s a game-changer.

Watson by Maggie Sottero

Kashlynn by Maggie Sottero

Vanessa Joy Photography

Naked Wedding Cakes

with Tara Little, Bavarian Cakery Weddings & Events

While wedding cakes are often viewed as the traditional dessert at a wedding reception these days, the style can be anything but traditional. Imagine all the possibilities—fondant, buttercream frosting, whipped cream, or even a naked cake. We’re getting hungry just thinking about it. The point is, gone are the days of traditional cakes, and we’ve even seen the shift years ago with the emergence of groom’s cakes to sit next to the wedding cake on the dessert table. And we’re loving the latest trend of serving up naked wedding cakes. So what about naked-style wedding cakes? We’ve got all the details thanks to our friend Tara Little at the Bavarian Cakery Weddings & Events of Houston, Texas.

extravagant, depending on your preference. Regardless, the most common decorating idea consists of flowers, which are usually added by your florist after delivery and set up at the reception, according to Little with Texas’ Bavarian Cakery. Other ideas include decorating with fruits, especially berries or citrus’s, nuts, or even sprinkles for just a little bit of extra pizazz.

Any expert baker, like at the Bavarian Cakery, can replicate a look or idea that a couple has found on Pinterest or Instagram, making the sky the limit for decorating ideas. It’s just lucky that “any tiered cake looks nice with this type of design,” as Little noted.

According to Little with the Bavarian Cakery, this is the cake for couples who don’t want a lot of icing to overpower the cake flavor. She explained, “A naked style cake can be done a few different ways depending on how much icing you’d like. The icing is placed on the cake where you can see all the layers of cake through it.” Essentially, it is bare, or naked, from the frosting, whipped cream, or fondant that usually covers the cake. This way, you see the beauty of the unfrosted dessert—and it becomes a treat for the eyes as well as the tastebuds.

Paying tribute to the simplicity of the cake, decorating can be minimal, but it can also be

Of course, we couldn’t not ask Little about popular flavor combos for these naked wedding cakes that she’s seen of late. And she first told us that “for naked cake, or scant icing, the lighter the cake is underneath, the better, so any coloring doesn’t bleed through.” That makes sense then why Little sees lots of options like “wedding white, buttery yellow, amaretto, southern almond, luscious lemon, Italian cream, funfetti, and banana nut.”

Photos courtesy of Bavarian Cakery Weddings & Events

Vanessa Joy Photography

Fall Winter 2022 Collection Brings Sophistication to Minimalist Styles

This collection from Mikaella adds a level of sophistication to the understated wedding dress trend that is sweeping the industry. Clean lines, impactful lace accents, and a structured but simple Satin Faille fabric are the focal points of this new collection.

Simple does not need to be boring, and this season, Mikaella Bridal has exemplified this sentiment with eleven stunning wedding dresses. This season, the gowns demonstrate that expert design and high quality fabrics are the foundation of a perfect wedding dress, no matter how understated or opulent the end result may be.

About Mikaella

Mikaella is a division of Paloma Blanca and has remained family owned and operated for over 75 years. They have a renowned reputation for designing high quality wedding gowns that are manufactured in their very own facilities located in Toronto, Canada. Each gown is made with impeccable attention to detail, innovative styling and fit, and they pride themselves on their company’s best in class service.

Photos courtesy of Mikaella Bridal

Strapless bal gown with an off the shoulder neck

Fit and flare with a plunging neckline and short sleeves

Fit and flare with a sweetheart neckline and straps

Strapless A line with a sweetheart neckline

Strapless fit and flare with plunging neckline

Without removable sleeves

Strapless fit and flare with off the shoulder neckline

Bal gown with short sleeves and a sweetheart neckline

Fit and flare with short sleeves and a jewel neckline

Front

Strapless bal gown with scoop neckline

Fit and flare with straps and V neckline

Style

A line with straps and a bateau neckline

Vanessa Joy Photography

Meagan Puett Photography

Styled Shoot

MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR

Photographed by Nick + Lauren Photography

Venue: Banyan Estate | Wedding coordinator, Stylist, and Stationary: Sassy a la Mode | Florist: Violets in Bloom Florist | Gown: La Bridal | Baker: Best Little Cake House | HMUA: Artone Studios

All Things Bouquet Preservation

Wedding bouquets are as important as the gown, and for many it is a chance to include sentiment, perhaps a rosary, charm, photo, or piece of lace wrapped around the stems bunch. They are the one element where your color palette and texture goals merge with influences of the season and sometimes the venue. Arguably, a wedding bouquet is one of the most important details in the wedding planning process, so it would be no surprise if you couldn’t just let them go when throwing it to the single ladies, or disposing of them like leftover and unused napkins, which is where bouquet preservation comes in.

Two Ways to Preserve Your Bouquet

Pressing your bouquet into frames or resin or incorporating them into 3D resin artwork. As explained by Amelia Paradysz, CEO & Founder of the Pressed Bouquet Shop, “wedding bouquet preservation is a popular option for couples because it is a tangible, yet sentimental investment, as a way to relive their special day for years to come.”

1. Pressed. Pressed florals go nicely in frames and resign designs, and at the Pressed Bouquet Shop, custom frame options off sentimental keepsake that captures the memories from the wedding day!”

2. 3D Resin Artwork. Resin artwork can take many shapes and styles as it offers you a three dimensional designed piece. “Resin art allows the flowers to mostly hold their original shape and color, giving the products a close resemblance to their original bouquet,” as noted by Kali Miller, Owner of Wildflower Preservation.

with Amelia Paradysz, Pressed Bouquet Shop

and Kali Miller, Wildflower Preservation

Finding Room in Your Wedding Budget

Wedding budgets can be tight, we get it, but for under $700 you can create a keepsake that you’ll cherish. Of course, you need more accurate figures when budgeting, so Miller with Wildflower Preservation told us that to preserve a bouquet with a 3D resign design, the average price is anywhere between $500 and $700, depending on what 3D design you want. As for pressing your florals, that runs under $500, and at the Pressed Bouquet Shop that could get you a 16x20 frame, displayed in either a single or double glass pane. Although, a simple serving tray can run as little as under $300, with the pressed flower and petal confetti design, according to Paradysz with the Pressed Bouquet Shop.

Timeline & Care

Depending on the product requested, vendor, and demand, turnaround times for orders can be about two to five months. So when invited to place your order as much as six months in advance of the wedding, as is the case with the Pressed Bouquet Shop, couples should definitely get a jump on it. Although, orders can even be placed following the wedding, especially if you decide on your wedding day how important their blooms are to you — the only important thing that both Paradysz and Miller stress is that the flowers must be shipped or delivered as soon as possible to preserve the quality of the original bouquet.

Once the final product, whichever you select, is created, the shelf-life can depend on several factors like care, exposure to light, and the flowers themselves. While resin art, is made to last a lifetime, as noted by Miller, there is the possibility of aging and variations in appearance over time. Likewise when pressed, Paradysz explains, “even with proper care, natural color changes may occur with the aging of your blooms, but the design and arrangement of the

fl

owers within the pieces will stay pressed in place for many years to come.”

Incorporating Other Mementos

Whichever product is selected, both Miller with Wildflower Preservation and the Paradysz with Pressed Bouquet Shop agree that because the nature of these items are entirely customizable, special touches may be added, such as a wedding invitation, photographs, ribbon, lace, or fabric, and even family heirlooms.

And remember, you can preserve a lot more than just bouquets! Got boutonnières, centerpieces, flower crowns, table flowers, or even individual stems and cake fl owers? They can all be preserved, too! So as Paradysz put it: “It is important to invest in memories that can be preserved such as photo and video, and bouquet preservation should now be added to the list.”

Photos courtesy of Pressed Bouquet Shop (le ower bottom & right top)

Pnina Tornai One Collection

Exclusively at

Aloha Erica Wedding musician Wedding entertainment Wedding live music

Credits:

Photos by Dvir Kahlon Makeup by Ortal Elimeleh Hair by Benjamin Ruimi

West

in

for

Just feet from the famed Las Vegas Strip, ceremonies on the Song Ship within Sirens’ Cove will take place at sunset or after sundown, and include personalized music, exquisite bouquets and matching boutonnieres, unique ring delivery from a pirate and more. Two guests can join the couple on the Song Ship, and a private, VIP viewing area is available for additional guests.

For more information and to request a quote, visit

or call (702)

Pairing Your Wedding Dress to Compliment Your Venue

by Tess Man, Tess Mann Haute Couture and Couture by Tess

Where you choose to say, “I do,” and what you will wear is at the top of any wedding planning experience. It’s likely you have a vision of what you want for your big day, flowing sleeves and a long train to accompany the magic of your forest wedding or sheer sleeves with a tight bodice to be the queen in your castle venue. Here are some looks put together for you from fashion designer, Tess Mann, with Couture by Tess and Tess Mann Haute Couture for the perfect pairings.

Cancun Seaside | Cancun, Mexico

Choosing the right dress for your beach wedding is about the fabric, length, and style. A lightweight, breathable fabric is a must as beach weddings are typically in the elements with some heat. Cotton, linen, silk, chiffon, and lace are perfect fabrics for summer sun. If you plan on hiking through the sand to your ceremony, an ankle-length or even shorter dress would fit perfectly for this environment. A high-low hem with complimenting sparkly shoes would be a stunning and practical idea. A bohemian, simple, flowy wedding dress would look amazing alongside your seaside ceremony.

Italian Villa | Tuscany, Italy

Complimenting your venue with your dress will not only make your pictures look on point, but it will also radiate the vibe of your surroundings. Italian villas are chic and dignified. Choosing a dress with these attributes will help you look like you’ve always belonged there! The color of your dress under warm-toned villa lighting will be a very important factor in determining between an off white/palest ivory, ivory, gold champagne, cocoa or blush dress to name a few options. Some Italian villas hold a gothic style of architecture, which would fit perfectly with a layered, sleeved dress with some movement. Lightweight and elegant will always be the norm in Italy. A deep v-neckline will help accentuate the body and add a touch of spice.

Irish Castle | Kildare, Ireland

Feeling like royalty when you are getting married is a dream for many little princesses growing up and may be the dream come true for you. The accessories added will make the dress pop, as well. A veil, tiara, or large hair piece will tie in the elegance of your dress and venue. Elegance and grandeur as your dress fluidly flows behind you when you walk down the aisle of your wedding in an Irish castle would leave all of your guests astonished. Lace, embellishments, and sleeves would be a tribute to the past of a traditional royal feel.

French Vineyard | Provence, France

Vineyards and wineries are perfect venues for weddings. They are beautiful, commodious, and they also have great wine! Allowing nature to compliment your dress allows for a variety of styles and colors. A backless, romantic silk, and bright dress will help illuminate you in the sunshine, allowing you to sparkle while staying cool. Having a textured dress with lace or layers will play well with the aesthetic and grain of the natural setting with the trees, greenery, and picturesque views.

Australian Forest | Kuitpo Forest, Australia

Having an enchanted forest wedding sounds like something right out of a movie, so you have to look the part. Woodland weddings call for softness and femininity as you prance around the woods with your Prince Charming. This is your chance to wear something unique, flirty, and fanciful. Billowing sleeves coupled with a graceful, long skirt could look enthralling in the winds of spring and fall time.

Sedona Desert | Sedona, Arizona

When it comes to a desert wedding, there are many things you’ll have to take into consideration. Fabric choice is a priority. It will be hot and dusty. Picking a dress with a breathable fabric for your day is essential. Stiff, thick fabrics can limit movement and become hot and stuff y, which can be uncomfortable to wear for hours. Slip dresses, lace, and light texture are perfect styles to keep in mind when choosing a wedding dress for your desert venue. Light beading and patterned beadwork will highlight those desert sands and make you twinkle in the moonlight.

Colorado Mountains | Aspen, Colorado

A mountainous location is perfect for the adventurous bride and groom. Allowing for an absolutely stunning backdrop and peaceful environment for your wedding. Choosing a more relaxed style of dress would compliment the windy weather and natural, rugged scenery. Small floral details and lace can help pull off this look making your dress really stand out amongst the greenery while giving you a dazzling look for your guests and pictures. Adding a puffy sleeve will also add to the whimsical feel of the outdoors.

French Vineyard

Australian Forest

Sedona Desert

Colorado Mountains

New Orleans Jazz Hall | New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is just the right fit for the party girl bride! A nightlife style wedding is a celebratory and exciting one, making it difficult to choose the perfect eccentric, yet elegant dress. The lights, loud music, and fun taking place all around you definitely calls for sparkle. Throw the rules to the wind when it comes to a nightlife environment and don’t shy away from feathers, fringe, sparkle, and color. Picking a lively and comfortable dress that creates movement will show out. Unique details such as precision beadwork and crystals could make for some really fun and flashy pictures.

Shopping for your wedding dress is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you want to make special. With so many different styles, it can get overwhelming. Knowing what details to look for in a wedding dress can make your search much easier and help lift some weight off your already full plate of planning a wedding. Starting your search early is best. You need time for ordering the production of a couture gown in your measurements, shipping or production of special fabrics and materials and for any alterations that need to be made once it arrives. Most importantly, the bride’s confidence is what matters most with her happiness shining as bright as her smile on the most special day of her life.

Tess Mann is the fashion designer behind the Tess Mann Haute Couture and Couture by Tess labels in addition to owning a bridal boutique under the name, Couture by Tess Bridal. Tess has been in the bridal industry since 2013. Prior to her formal entry into the industry, she had been designing since she was a young teenager, however chose a different career path in order to serve her country for over twenty years as a federal officer. In September 2018, Tess became a United States Trademark Designer with her designs being protected by the United States Patent Office. After serving the Memphis, Tennessee area for a little over six years providing luxury bridal couture, Tess and her husband, Joe, opened Couture By Tess Bridal on 31 W. Broad Street in Cookeville, Tennessee in November of 2019. Tess is also the talk show host of Couture Chats with Tess on Youtube where she interviews fashion and event industry professionals.

Photos courtesy of Tess Mann, as taken from a recent fashion show hosted by Tess Mann.

Credits: Designs by Couture by Tess/Tess Man Haute Couture; Venue: Ozari; Models: Premiere Model Management; Videography: Forerunner; Photography: Barrett Dennison/El Osiris Films; Catering: G Catering; Rentals: Quest Events Nashville; DJ + Production: DJ Who; Custom Runway Music: HolyOrders with Tyler M. Terry; Swag Sponsor: Wellness Bliss Box; Event Planning: Meredith Events; PR: Meredith Corning

About Tess Mann, Fashion Designer

Vanessa Joy Photography

Kourtnie & Joseph

Photographed by Emily Quigley Photography

This summer wedding was all about the wild

The colors were inspired by the summer

orals

owers

pinks, purples, yellows, and blues

A mix of local wildflowers — cosmos, coneflowers, and black eyed susans. We also used delphiniums, cremones, salidagos veronica flowers scabiosas, carnations, poms, amaranths, tweedias, and then queen anne's lace from my friend’s field.

When asked their favorite memory, the bride said her favorite memory was making her arch and bouquet; her brother and his girlfriend came over to help the morning of and it was fun to play fl orist! Meanwhile, the groom’s favorite memory was the first look and getting time together before the wedding. They also both loved the reception the bride’s brother threw them.

Ceremony Venue: Mt. Sequoyah | Reception Venue: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium | Florals: Sacred Hollow Farm & Flower Moxie | Baker: Rick’s Bakery | Hair Stylist: Conlee Haven | Gown: Azazie

Find Endless Wedding Inspiration

Ever wonder the type of flowers you saw online? How about the vendor that made something possible? Find that out and more for every touch of inspiration.

Photos courtesy of Adrianna Papell

Styled Shoot

ROMANCE AT BELLA COLLINA

Photographed

W h e r e l o v e m e e t s p a s s i o n

Food Truck Catering

with Vivianna D'Ambrosio of Phoenix’s Food Truck Aioli Gourmet Burgers*

Wedding caterers and menu options have been breaking the mold for years now. There are dozens of exciting (and delicious) options that you might have never expected. Interested in local cuisine, there’s many farm fresh choices. Meat lovers can have carving stations. Pasta lovers, build your own pasta dishes. The possibilities are endless, but nothing is as exciting as stepping outside to order your own mouth-watering meal from a food truck. There is something about food trucks that just appeals to people, and rightly so. It’s comfort food at its best, and most convenient. In recent years, food trucks have seen a major spike in catered events, especially weddings. So let’s dish on all things food truck catering — you might just find it a very appealing option for your wedding.

We got with Vivianna D'Ambrosio of Phoenix’s Aioli Gourmet Burger and Modern TortillaMobile Mexican Taco Truck to bring you the delicious scoop. And of course, we had to ask why in D'Ambrosio’s opinion food trucks are such a win for catered events, over more traditional catering. She explained “food trucks and food trailers make for a much more memorable experience than traditional catering. The food is prepared fresh, there is a variety to choose from and everyone is always excited to something di ff erent than the traditional plated or buffet style.” The cost is another excellent reason, especially if you’re working with a tighter budget. For example, D'Ambrosio’s trucks typically cost about $1,500, all inclusive, and that’s for a party of 100. Costs for these particular trucks are based on a minimum spend, travel fee and fi nal guarantee; and menus are priced per person. However, this more casual fare isn’t for everyone.

In fact, it may “limit the level/style of cuisine a bride or groom could be looking for.”

And if you’re wondering, there might be other cons for using a food truck to cater your wedding, depending on how you see things. According to D'Ambrosio, the truck requires additional space, and may require power and water, or even additional permits or paperwork based on the venue and location. One perk when “booking with a reputable food truck company, [is that] they should be able to provide proof of insurance and any necessary permits with no issue,” she explains. Of course, we couldn’t not ask what happens if the wedding gets rained out, because as we all know, you cannot plan for everything. And D'Ambrosio tells us that the “weather is definitely against food truck owners, but [they] always have a back-up plan” and if it can be expected, it’s a good idea to talk with the events manager of your food truck about options. In some cases, she explains, the solution might be as simple as changing the parking location or changing the event menu to a buffer. So, if you’re looking for a casual experience that will put in the extra effort, you might not have to look any further than your favorite food truck or food trailer.

*D'Ambrosio is also associated with Modern Tortilla, Oak Wood Fire Pizza and Bro's Seafood in Phoenix, Arizona.

Photos courtesy of Aioli Gourmet Burger

Photos courtesy of Adrianna Papell

Photos courtesy of Adrianna Papell

Styled Shoot

Photographed by Ruth Terrero Photography

J E N N Y

Styles: Valerie (above), Christina (right)

Photos courtesy of Jenny Yoo

Jenny Yoo | Modern Dresses for the Chic Bride Style: Bettina

Jenny Yoo | Modern Dresses for the Chic Bride Style: Jamie

Jenny Yoo | Modern Dresses for the Chic Bride Style: Florence

Jenny Yoo | Modern Dresses for the Chic Bride Style: Janine

Jenny Yoo | Modern Dresses for the Chic Bride Style: Juliet

Jenny Yoo | Modern Dresses for the Chic Bride Style: Mason, beige

Meagan Puett Photography

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Celebrate Weddings Magazine is dedicated to bringing the best and brightest to readers. With a goal to provide wedding couples with everything they need in one place, Celebrate Weddings Magazine will have readers screaming “I do” over glamorous photos from fashion designers and their latest gown collections, useful information and pro tips, and pages of inspiration. Celebrate Weddings Magazine works with vendors to ensure maximum exposure, creating beautiful and elaborate layouts to do just that. From cover to cover the vendors are what makes Celebrate Weddings Magazine truly special. It’s about vendors and their businesses and bringing wedding couples the finest vendors.

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If you are interested in inquiring about advertising and/or contributing in an upcoming issue, please reach out or fill out the form. For pricing, please refer to the Media Kit on the website.

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