ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Trevor Collins MARKETING AND EVENTS MANAGER Sharon Moyer
BRIDAL MAGAZINE CONTENTS
4 Elegant event
LOCAL SALES MANAGER Carolyn McLaurin
14 Stylish
MARKETING EDITOR Jason Beck
venues
Feel like a princess with a wedding of any size or budget.
MARKETING WRITER Nikki Toulouse
Find your perfect location – from the garden to the country club.
10 Formal grandeur
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Danielle N. Fennern PHOTOGRAPHERS Cindy Burnham Melissa Sue Gerrits
18 Weddings
Military weddings are filled with style and class.
perfected
Make your wedding day special, even if you’ve walked down the aisle before.
12 Save the date
22 Perfect fit
Consider all of the implications before settling on a date for your most important day.
Contact us at: Celebrations, The Fayetteville Observer 458 Whitfield St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28306 910-609-0657
On the cover
Use our guide to help pick the right dress style for your body type.
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Model Tenille Ramos exemplifies the concept of simple elegance with this timeless dress from Bridal & Formal Center of Fayetteville. These photos, shot by Cindy Burnham, were taken at a private residence in Pinehurst.
Call (910) 609-0696 or visit celebrations.fayobserver.com and click on the Expo Page. CELEBR ATIONS.FAYOBSERVER.COM | 3
Sandhills
Style Make your dream day a reality.
Tenille Ramos models this elegant Maggie Sottero gown on the stairway of a private home in Pinehurst. Photos by Cindy Burnham
4 | CELEBR ATIONS BRIDAL MAGAZINE • Special Advertising Supplement
E
ven the most down-to-earth bride wants a little royalty on her special day.
Transforming a wedding from typical to magical doesn’t have to break the bank or necessitate the use of Windsor Castle. It requires only a few touches of simple elegance to complete the refined look. Well-thought-out elements like a timeless dress, alluring accessories and a tasteful decor can transform any affair into a fairy tale. Complete the elegant vibe by selecting the right venue. The area is full of perfect locations to create a noble ambience The Maggie Sottero gown featured here creates the perfect balance between modern elements and a classic look that recalls a period of grandeur, said Dana Graves, of the Bridal and Formal Center in Fayetteville. “It’s a very new, current style – it’s playful,” she said. “When you are a little girl and you think about your wedding day, you think about being a princess ... This dress gives you that extra combination of looking like a
princess and also looking like a woman.” Elegant details like Vicenza organza, Swarovski crystals, layers of cascading ruffles and embellishments of hand-made flowers separate this dress from the ordinary. A chapel-length train adds the final sophisticated touch but doesn’t push the dress over the top. Absent are excessive tulle, poofy frills and prom-gown bedazzlement. “It’s not overkill and not too heavy on the bling,” Graves said. “It looks very Southern.” That Southern flavor fits area venues perfectly. The pictured location, a private home in Pinehurst, isn’t a castle but conveys a sense of royalty with it’s spiral staircase and gilded rotunda. There are many other great venues available for both weddings and receptions. Some of our favorites listed on page 14. Sandhills Style isn’t about having a platinum wedding or competing with William and Kate. It’s recognizing that every bride deserves a little distinction on a day she'll never forget.
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Impress guests with snazzy invites
BETTY KELLY Candlelight Carlson Craft $185.80/25
O MATTHEWS GIFTS Flower Swirl $1.75/each
AT HOME & SOUTHERN PINES PAPER CO. Bridesmaids .60 per card $10 setup fee
ften, the first impression guests have of a wedding comes in the mail. Make ssure the invitations set the correct tone months before the ceremo ceremony. The formality, colors, venue an and decor can all be gleaned from the invitation. Today’ Today’s invitations range from traditional ecru with a raised bo border to modern, hip seal-andse sends that don’t even require envelopes. Couples are also en opting for pocket invitations – op heavier card stock that holds he traditional invites and doubles as tr an envelope.
Many Ma couples are also changing what is put on the invitations. wh By putting their names in a font different from rest of the text, di those most important words pop th from the stationary. fr There are a variety of printing Th
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methods couples look for to design invitations that make a statement. The four basic types of printing for invitations are: letterpress, engraving, thermography and digital printing.
Letterpress uses a relief plate where the printed area is raised, and pressure placed on the paper at different points creates the desired effect. This is the most expensive type of printing, but it usually renders a product that is artistically appealing. Engraving dates back to the 17th century. This process raises lettering on the front but “bruises” or indents the back of the page. Engraving can be expensive, though discounts are usually given for larger orders. The formality of this process allows it to continue to
remain popular.
For a raised look without the added expense, consider thermography. This method joins heat and a powder similar to resin that results in raised lettering. The process also leaves the back of the page unchanged, unlike engraving. Thermography is gaining popularity across the country. Digital printing has now reached the same high standard that offset has been achieving for years. Many stationary stores have their own in-house digital printing setup. There are no color restrictions, and they can be as bold or muted as the couple desires. Images and graphics can also be printed on the page. Digital printing results in flat invitations and is the least expensive printing option.
Dresses Dazzle with
A
ll brides are convinced they’ve picked a dress their bridesmaids will be proud to wear again. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case.
Nightmares of wearing seafoam taffeta frocks with equally shocking price tags haunt all who have been asked to stand up for the bride. Thankfully, some modern brides are turning the tradition on its head.
iStockphoto
The newest trend is to leave part of the decision to the bridesmaids. Some trusting brides are letting the maids help pick the dress, some are picking the dress and letting each member of the bridal party pick a color within her scheme, and some are just picking the color and leaving the style of dress open. Many brides will pick a fabric or length, which helps tie the look together.
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Recent brides Lindsay Harkey and Kerry Wheeler both adopted this trend for their weddings. Harkey picked the color and the designer, but let her bridesmaids pick the style of their dresses. The result was, Starkey says, something that fit each woman’s personality. “I wanted them to spend the money on something that they liked,” she said. “I had one bad experience as a bridesmaid with the dress, and I didn’t want that to happen to them.” The coral, tea-length dresses were all made of the same silk material, but had different necklines and different skirts. They were such a hit, some of Starkey’s maids have already worn them again.
iStockphoto
Empower the maids and allow their personal style to shine. It made sense to allow her best friends and their personalities to be part of the ceremony since they had been such an influential part of her life. They all wore gold shoes, and Starky wrote each of them a note on the bottom of their shoes letting them know how important they each were. “Everybody looked really good together, yet they were all very comfortable, because they were wearing a dress that fit them,” she said. Wheeler chose a similar route. She picked a bright green color on silk and let her maids choose between two necklines. At the altar the maids were lined up by height with alternating top styles, which is exactly what Wheeler wanted. “Although I have always loved the traditional bridesmaids dresses where everyone is the same, I think its important to find something that fits the bridesmaids body style and personality,” she said. “It’s also important to include the girls in the decision. The bride is the decision maker in the end, but having others opinions always helps.” 8 | CELEBR ATIONS BRIDAL MAGAZINE • Special Advertising Supplement
TO-DO LIST Get Started Here
Here is a quick list of important things to do shortly after getting engaged. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, it’s a good place to start.
❏ Announce the news to your friends and family Use a fun video or surprise them at dinner.
❏ Plan an engagement party
This is a fun way to kick off your engagement and announce to your extended family and friends.
❏ Pick a date
Even if you don’t know the exact day, try to pick a season or month that will work for you.
❏ Set your budget
Have an idea of how much you want to spend before you sign any contacts, and you will avoid unrealistic expectations.
❏ Pick your bridal party
Ask the people you want to be around on your big day, and determine their availability.
❏ Start a guest list
With a budget approved you can figure out how many people you can afford to invite.
❏ Find a reception venue
This will take a big chunk of your budget based on what the venue offers, how many people it will seat and what items are on hand that you won’t have to rent.
❏ Get professional engagement photos
Photos can take some time to order, and this can be a trial run for your wedding photos. If the photographer doesn’t work out, you’ll know before you see terrible wedding photos.
❏ Find your dress
It is never too early to start looking for your dress, and when you find the one, order it quickly.
❏ Consider hiring a planner
If you got frustrated or overwhelmed with this short list, you may need professional help with a wedding planner. There are many more things to do, and a bride-to-be should not be panicking on her wedding day. CELEBR ATIONS.FAYOBSERVER.COM | 9
Nancy and Francisco Gonzalez walk through a saber tunnel while exiting the Fort Bragg Main Post Chapel shortly after their wedding.
and country
Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits
Military style and civilian tradition combine to create fabulous formal weddings.
T
he scene was regal. The bride, adorned in an elegant, mermaid-style gown, and the groom, dressed in his crisp Army dress uniform, exited the historic Fort Bragg Main Post Chapel and passed through a tunnel of gleaming sabers.
Both the bride and groom are warrant officers in the U.S. Army. The two met while waiting for a flight at the Atlanta airport and solidified their relationship during a chance encounter at an Army training course both were enrolled in.
Soldiers and military spouses dedicate their lives to serving our country, so it’s natural for them to incorporate elements of this calling into their special day.
“She gave me a hug and she gave me her email address,” Francisco proudly recalls.
For Nancy and Francisco Gonzalez, mentioned above, there was no question. “We’ve got a sense of tradition, and the Army has always stood for family values,” Francisco said. “You’ve got to think of how many people have passed through these doors before us. Maybe it will give us a little luck.” 10 | CELEBR ATIONS BRIDAL MAGAZINE • Special Advertising Supplement
When it was time to plan their wedding, Nancy said she had no doubts about what type of ceremony she’d have. “We always wanted to do something formal,” the recent bride said. “We wanted something very elegant and traditional. “This day is really about combining all those things that shaped our lives – our faith, our family, our friends, and the Army
traditions and values,” she said. There are no official military guidelines on wedding ceremonies. Standard operating procedure dictates many of the details, such as how to reserve the chapel and dress uniform presentation. Another field manual details the formal sword arches applicable for a variety of ceremonies. Army Chaplain Daniel Kinjorski said military principals and the spiritual principals involved in a wedding are quite similar. He’s more concerned with counseling couples than superficial traditions. “I talk to them about Army values,” Kinjorski said. “Our main concern is the soldier and the person they are marrying, that they know what they are stepping into, what is happening, and honoring their faith and tradition as well.” At Monte and Daniella Newbill’s recent wedding, military details were taken even a step further. Both the bride and groom wore their uniforms during a private ceremony in the chapel at Fort Jackson, S.C. “There are a couple of reasons we wanted to do a military wedding – one reason is the fact that the military brought us together,” the bride said. “Another reason we decided to go with the military theme is because Monte was in senior leadership course at Fort Jackson, and we knew because of his role as a chaplain assistant in the Army, we could get a chapel to get married.” The bride, who is in the Air Force, met her future husband after the two began attending the same church in Fayetteville. After meeting and briefly chatting, it was another two years before the two would see each other again. “If it wasn’t for the military, I would not have this wonderful man, and I know he feels the same way about me,” she said. At the ceremony, attended by only the couple’s closest family and friends, the military theme continued. The father of the groom and groom’s best friend both wore dress uniforms. Even though they have planned a larger, more public wedding for a later date, it was important to the couple to have an Army chapel wedding. “Every Army installation has a main post chapel, and (Fort Jackson’s) chapel is known and viewed as the best of the best,” Newbill said. “The Fort Jackson Main Post Chapel was already perfectly set up for a wedding. The lights were perfect, the seating had more than enough space for our families and closest friends.” These family members and friends don’t always understand the role the military plays in a couple’s lives, Nancy Gonzalez said. “Unfortunately, because of the distance between us, there have been great moments the Army has brought into our lives that we have been unable to share with them,” she said. “It is such a pleasure to be able to bring them all together on such a special day and show them a little piece of Army life.”
Submitted photo Top, the newly married couple enjoys the beauty of the Fort Bragg Main Post Chapel. Above, Daniella and Monte Newbill both wore their uniforms during their ceremony.
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Date
Pick the perfect
Y
ou’ve ’v said id ‘‘yes,’’ b but there he is i another he question ti every newly-engaged y-engaged couple must answer – ‘when?’
Settingg a date is one of the most important but often overlooked aspects of wedding planning. Future bridess devote hours to designing invitations, selecting flowers or modeling odeling dresses, but spend a fraction of the time looking at a calendar. Local wedding planners say picking the perfect time of year should be the bride-to-be’s first decision.
ARA photo ph
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“What vision on does the bride and groom have for their wedding, and nd will they be able to save up enough money in the time span before their wedding date to achieve this vision?” said d Vivian Baldwin, a Fayetteville wedding planner. “After checking ing with key family members, also checking if they are military that there are any possibilities of a deployment or reassignment to other areas, six months to a year out is ample time to plan a wedding.”
WEATHER
LOGISTICS
Cynthia Ross, another lo local wedding designer, said the climate is the greatest determining fac factor in selecting a date.
The bride-to-be may have a vision of her dream wedding, but sometimes those dreams become nightmares when attempted on the wrong date.
prime time for weddings, but the fall is “June has always been pr getting there because it’s so hot. “October is becoming the new June,” she said. “It’s getting just as popular as the spring.” Here in Fayetteville, ille it’s best to avoid outdoor weddings in the hottest months and late fall. “If you want to get married outside, look at April, May through midmarr June,” Ross said. “Then skip July and August. November is iffy.”
“Check with parents, grandparents, special relatives and close friends that you must have there, to see if your desired date for the wedding will work for them,” Baldwin said. “If there are any conflicts, identify what dates are just bad dates."
STYLE The bride has picked her colors, flowers, wardrobe and venue. Make sure the style lines up with the season.
who perform popular June weddings Baldwin had advice for brides b with outdoor ceremonies ceremonie or receptions.
Baldwin said brides even pick dates based on the look they want.
“Outdoor weddings definitely need to be treated for bugs, or they defi will take over the entire wedding,” she said. “Fans and water bottles are a definite plus for your yo guests and can be personalized to tie into the theme of the wedding.” wedding
“Especially for spring and fall weddings, I often have brides that want to tie their favorite color or wedding color of choice, into the colors of the season. Brides want to make sure things match with the season and flow.”
Even indoor wedding planners should consider the temperature pl outside for a late fall or winter wedding. w
Both designers said pastel colors are perfect for spring, vibrant colors for summer, rich accents for fall, and cool colors such as blue and white for winter months.
“How do you envision your gown and your bridesmaid dresses? y Strapless? Are all your photos going to be taken inside?” she said. “If ph not, you are going to consider some wraps for those chilly arms.” cons
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Venues
Picture-perfect These beautiful Sandhills locales accommodate weddings of all sizes and styles.
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Cape Fear Botanical Garden, Gard Fayetteville
Fox Hollow, Fayetteville
capefearbg.org • 910-486-0221
East of Fayetteville is the private home of Kathy and Daniel Fitch, who offer it for turn-key weddings or events. The design and layout of the grounds offer a gentle, tranquil setting typically found in the rural countryside of England or France. The Great Gatsby-esque estate covers 22 acres, complete with French Tudorstyle buildings and gardens reminiscent of old-world Europe. Fox Hollow opened in 2009 and has hosted dozens of weddings in only two years, accommodating 400 to 500 guests.
This is the perfect location for spectacular views, spacious facilities and a wow factor that is off the charts. ch Garden weddings have been held here for 20 years, but with the recent addition of the Wyatt Visitors Pavilion Pa Complex, the venue can host elegant indoor affairs. Light floods the rooms of the new complex, allowing guests guest to view the spectacular gardens. The new building has three large rooms available ava for events, the entry pavilion, which can seat 128; the grand hall, which can seat 120 or break down into three smaller smal rooms; and the orangery, which can seat 400. In addition to the indoor spaces, all renters can utilize the terrace and lawn immediately outside their space. “The space is very unique in design,” Meg Suraci, assistant director of development and marketing said. said “It’s unlike anything else in Fayetteville.” The orangery, the crown of the building, has h glass doors on two sides, is 50-feet high and is topped by a stunning wooden cupola. Doors leading to the garden take visitors v through a pergola and to The Fayetteville Observer fountain f on their way to the park. Take a stroll through the park with free admission included for all wedding guests – a perfect way to pass the time while the bride and groom are taking photos. Couples can elect to have their ceremony on o the great lawn, cocktails outside on the terrace and finally dinner indoors. This has opened up the possibility for more mor weddings and receptions during even the warmest months month of the year. The new facilities are LEED Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, meaning the construction constructi and maintenance is environmentally friendly. “We’ve been a green business, and we are certified through Sustainable Sandhills,” Sharon Osbourne, director of events said. “This now is an effort to keep the same sam theme.” The gardens can be booked up to a year in advance and are often full during the peak wedding season. However, with so much more room in the new buildings, three thr events can occur on the same day with no problems.
Cape Fear Botanical Garden offers stunning, romantic locations both inside and out. The new Wyatt Visitors Pavilion Complex, bottom left, was one o of the most popular reception venues this year.
foxhollowdesign.net • 910-964-0104
Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst pinehurst.com • 910-235-8507 With 14 different venues on site, including a championship golf course and an award-winning spa, the Pinehurst Resort is well equipped for a wedding. Accommodations can be made for ceremonies ranging in size from 10 to 550. In-house catering is available from professional chefs, while a pastry kitchen makes beautiful wedding cakes. Linens and custom centerpieces are available. Destination weddings are also popular here with activities and shopping. With such a breath-taking backdrop, couples are sure to get gorgeous pictures against the scenery of the resort.
Rainbow Room, Fayetteville rainbowroom.biz • 910-486-4466 Couples who want a more eclectic feel need look no further than this downtown hot spot. The former diner has art deco-inspired decor that is easily transformed to match any bride’s vision. With room for up to 100 guests seated or 150 standing, this space is perfect for receptions. A caterer’s kitchen and audio visual equipment are also available. Nestled under the glow of neon along cobblestone streets, the space offers a romantic vibe for more urban brides.
Jefferson Inn, Southern Pines jeffersoninnsouthernpines.com • 910-692-9911 This century-old building is a fun and unique boutique hotel that accommodates small- and medium-sized weddings with ease. The courtyard has space for about 100 guests for a wedding or 150 people for a reception. Inside is a dining room that can hold between 100 and 150 people for a seated dinner. There is also a tavern next door, available for smaller weddings or cocktails between the ceremony and reception. In-house catering means less hassle, and their 5-course event menus make every wedding more elegant. The 15 well-appointed rooms are also great for the couple or the family.
Photos courtesy of George Joell 3 Photography CELEBR ATIONS.FAYOBSERVER.COM | 15
Barclay Villa, Angier barclayvilla.com • 919-639-3700 Barclay Villa is a secluded chateau-style home located in the Barclaysville community. The elegant villa provides a gorgeous backdrop for a ceremony or reception. The landscaping is reminiscent of an English garden with water fountains, a castle-style gazebo and flowers in every season. Inside the estate are elegantly-appointed rooms with antiques, winding stairways, a wine cellar and grand fireplaces. The Lector Corrina grand ballroom can seat up to 250 guests. A suite is also provided for the bride and groom on the evening of their wedding, with breakfast the following morning.
Thomas Walton Manor, Laurinburg thomaswaltonmanor.com • 910-276-0551
Submitted photo
Originally built in 1939, this stately Georgian colonial house offers a picturesque backdrop for weddings. The garden, designed by Charles Gillette, can accommodate up to 200 people, and smaller affairs can be held indoors. Owned by Laurinburg native, Larry Horne, the interior is as spectacular as the exterior. When he purchased and restored the home, Horne used his interior-design skills to create a relaxing, tranquil experience for guests. The bed and breakfast can also serve as the honeymoon suite for the couple, with accommodations for up to 12 at the manor.
Barclay Villa in Angier provides a gorgeous backdrop for a reception.
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Gates Four Country Club, Fayetteville gatesfour.com • 910-425-6667 The beauty of the Sandhills is front and center in the landscape at this golf-inspired club. The spectacular clubhouse, overlooking tall pines and winding streams, is equally enthralling, with multiple-room rentals including an outdoor terrace and a ballroom designed to accommodate 250 people inside or out. With in-house catering and space for both a reception and ceremony, Gates Four is a perfect place for couples to find love on the green.
Cypress Bend, Wagram cypressbendvineyards.com • 910-369-0411 With a variety of locations for a ceremony at this vineyard, the bride can plan a day unique to her. From the grotto by the pond, to the patio or by the vines, there is a space for everyone. Weddings can range in size from 25 to 200. The vineyard also has a large tent on site with a stage and dance floor, perfect for receptions. A wedding coordinator is available in house to work with the bride and groom and make their dream day a reality.
Submitted photo Gates Four offers multiple-room rentals.
Fayetteville Rose Garden at FTCC faytechcc.edu • 910-678-8228 With more than 1,000 different rose bushes, one of the most breathtaking spots in the city is the Fayetteville Rose Garden at Fayetteville Technical Community College. Complete with two open gazebos and a fountain, this flora-rich spot blooms from April until winter’s first frost, which is usually in October. Built in 1972, this spot is free to those who reserve it. Brides who marry here will certainly save money on a florist.
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Second time CHARM Goin’ to the chapel, and we’re gonna get married – again. There is no need to run to the courthouse, no shame in wearing a stunning gown and no holding back in planning an amazing wedding. Matrimony is the ultimate display of love and commitment, and many previously-married brides desire a celebration worthy of the occasion. Natalie Fryer, who married her second husband, Jared, earlier this year, planned an intimate Friday-evening wedding inside the sanctuary of Snyder Memorial Baptist Church. “We planned the ceremony together, and that was important to us,” Fryer said. “This was Jared’s first wedding.”
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Submitted photo Natalie and Jared Fryer tied the knot earlier this year. The bride had been previously married but still desired a dream wedding.
About 75 guests, only the couple’s closest friends and family, attended the ceremony. Fryer wore a simple, flowing ivory dress and walked down the aisle to the melody of piano and harp music. It was elegant, meaningful and personal – exactly how Fryer dreamed it would be. “We wanted everyone there who has had an immense role in our lives, and that’s what we accomplished,” she said. “It was great because we talked to everyone and said hello ... it made it really special for us.” Following the ceremony the newlyweds’ closest friends attended a private dinner at Chris’ Steakhouse, a sentimental location for the couple, who met there almost five years earlier. The celebration continued the next night with a larger, more traditional reception.
Like Fryer, this was Miller’s husband’s first wedding ceremony, and making the day memorable was important. Also, Miller said a courthouse wedding excluding elements of her faith would feel wrong. Including members of a blended family into the wedding ceremony makes the day even more special. “We got the kids involved in it, which was good,” Miller said. “This has been the best experience I’ve had.”
“Everything I’ve ever done has been heartfelt, so to go before a justice of peace is not what we wanted.”
Modern brides are spending as much time planning their remarriage as they did their first. Djuana Miller, of Raeford, married her third husband earlier this year and spent more than a year mapping out the details of her 150-guest ceremony. “Everything I’ve ever done has been heartfelt, so to go before a justice of peace is not what we wanted,” she said. “We wanted to do it right, and we didn’t want anything quick and easy.”
Fryer said her 9-year-old son wanted to wear a tuxedo during the ceremony, but didn’t want to be part of the wedding party. “It was really special to have him there,” she said.
Both said planning their recent marriage was easier than their first. Fryer admits she was the stereotypical bride before her first ceremony, worrying about the details and making sure everything was perfect. Even though her second date took eight months to plan, she approached this one with a different attitude. “A lot of times we get caught up in planning our wedding, but we should be planning our marriage,” she said. “I told myself I wasn’t going to get all worked up and stressed, that I was going to be excited, and I was.”
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Snap!
Use these tips from the pros for perfect wedding photos engagement and wed
■ Appoint someone to organize the family for staged photos “Put together a list of people you definitely want photographed because they are family members. Request someone acquainted with the family to participate in putting these names together and the arrangements. It can be a sensitive subject if the photographer gets involved and doesn’t know who the family members are.” ~ Dwight Creech, Dwight M. Creech Photography
■ Schedule ample time for your photographer “I’d say no less than 6 hours, and if you could do 8 to 10, you can get better coverage. I like to be there two hours before the bride walks down the aisle.” ~ Diane Matthews, Creative Moments Photography.
■ Book your photographer early “The photographer is going to give you the only permanent record of your wedding.
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You should start booking 6 months ahead. We’ve been booked as far ahead as 1 12 months.” ~ Jessie Shelton, retired wedding photographer.
■ Pick a compelling lo location for engagement photos “I like to pick a location that has a variety of interesting backdrops, like the Cape Fear Botanical Garden or Cross Creek Park downtown. I try to go off the couple’s personality, what they like, whether they want to be in a field, are a garden person or they ar are more urban.” ~ George Joell, George P. Joell 3 Photography
■ Be natural There’s no need to look aat the photographer or fake a smile. “I tell them to pretend I’m not there. Don’t look at me unless I need you to. The trend is going more photo journalistic and candid. People want to fee feel their day again.” ~ Diane Matthews, Crea Creative Moments Photography.
■ Make a list of important shots and don’t deviate “You’ve got to get the bride getting dressed, the necklace, the earrings, the face, the garter, the bouquet, the shoes – you’ve got to get it all. Once you get all of that together, you have to do some pre-shots of the guys individually with the groom.” ~ Tony Carter, Tony’s photography and video
■ Don’t skimp – hire a professional “Sometimes brides have a cousin, a relative or friend who has a nice camera, and they know they can save a ton of money by not hiring a professional photographer to do the wedding. “You have a lot of cameras on the market that can do a good job, but this is an un-repeatable event. A lot of times they will come to the professional photographer afterward to do some posing because they didn’t have enough photos for a decent album.” ~ Dwight Creech, Dwight M. Creech Photography
■ Be aware of lighting concerns “The time of day is also important. If it’s high noon, try to look for shady areas. Either early morning or late evening is best, but sometimes you don’t have that option. That’s the golden hour.” ~ George Joell, George P. Joell 3 Photography
■ There is no such thing as too many photos “I’ve taken 5,000 pictures at a wedding. I will take pictures of every person in that wedding, at the reception or wherever ...
iStockphoto
you really can’t take too many pictures. I’m the last person to leave the reception.” ~ Tony Carter, Tony’s Photography and Video
■ Consider an off-site location for some photos Don’t be afraid to get photos at a castle, downtown or at the beach. “No two brides are the same, or the desires of how they want to see themselves. You can go out and can fulfill their fantasy about their wedding.” ~ Jessie Shelton, retired wedding photographer.
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Body Types:
Straight A body type with little differentiation from the chest, waist or hips. The figure is straight up and down.
Pear The chest is narrow when compared with the hips, which tend to be curvy. Women of this body type also have a small waist.
Inverted triangle These women have broader shoulders, a large chest and waist, and smaller hips.
Hourglass This type has an evenproportioned body, with the hips and bust both equally larger than the waist.
Round The body has a broad torso and a large chest, waist and hips.
Silhouettes: Find the perfect style of dress for any body type.
The entire dress should work for you and should match the formality of the occasion. A dress that fits and puts the spotlight on the bride should be the utmost goal. These tips should take some of the stress out of dress shopping.
A-Line: The most popular wedding dress style is also the most flattering to all figures. The flare of the skirt starts below the natural waist. It can give curves and height while hiding imperfections, especially with heavier fabric Best for: pear, straight, round, inverted triangle and hourglass
Ball Gowns:
This is the most formal and dramatic wedding dress style. The form-fitting bodice and full, floor-length skirt convey a royal image. Shorter women should be careful that a ball gown doesn’t make them appear shorter or swallowed by the dress. Best for: pear, round and inverted triangle Worst for: straight
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Empire: A slender skirt flows from the waist line located directly under the chest. This style can make the wearer appear taller and bustier. It can help camouflage a less-defined waist and can be as formal or informal as needed. Best for: pear and straight Worst for: inverted triangle and round
Mermaid/Trumpet: For the more confident bride, this silhouette shows off all the curves. It hugs the body tightly until it flares out at the knee for a mermaid and just above the knee for a trumpet. Best for: hourglass and straight Worst for: pear, round and inverted triangle
Basque:
Sheath:
Best for: round and pear Worst for: inverted triangle
Best for: straight and hourglass
For those looking to hide their waist – this style does it. It is similar to the ball gown, but the V-shaped waist helps the bride look slimmer.
Also called a column, this dress hugs the body all the way down. It can make shorter brides appear taller. Because it stays so close, it does not usually hide any problem areas. Worst for: pear, round and inverted triangle
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Bridal Customs you can toss W
edding style may be returning to the classic elegance of the past, but that doesn’t mean brides are stuck with the outdated traditions of their parents or grandparents.
Some wedding-day customs should be relegated to the family’s old home video collection. They may be dated, unnecessary or even tacky. Below is a list of five traditions you can ditch on your special day:
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CLUNKY CORSAGES
For those special members of the wedding party – the mother of the bride, mother of the groom or grandmothers – drop the corsage and provide a cute tussy mussy, said Cynthia Ross, a Fayetteville wedding designer.
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For bridesmaids, don’t even think about a corsage. “Corsages for bridesmaids was an option to save cost on bouquets, but with so many creative alternatives with flowers, I don’t think anyone would consider corsages for bridesmaids anymore,” said Vivian Baldwin, of Lady Vye Weddings, Events and More.
FUNKY FIGURINES
With their plastic hair and blank stares, bride and groom figurines on top of a wedding cake are out of style. Instead, look for a more elegant alternative. “Bride and groom cake toppers are defiantly being replaced with initials, flowers or unique toppers,” Baldwin said. “The traditional bride and groom toppers are rarely used anymore; everyone is moving towards a more modern look.”
DITCH THE RUST BUCKET
There’s nothing romantic about driving away from your big day in an economy car, empty cans rattling along in tow. Splurge on a luxury model, and keep away the amateur decorators.
“When it comes to traditional (limousines) versus classic, it all depends on the personality and message the bride wants to send,” said Cindy Harrington, owner of Together as One, a Fayetteville wedding planner. “Whether traditional, classic or a horse and carriage, it all depends on the personality of the bride and the picture she chooses to paint.”
TOSS THE GARTER
The bride throwing her bouquet to a group of her single girlfriends is a fun photo opportunity. The groom doing the same with the bride’s garter is uncomfortable at best.
Photo Courtesy of Anthony Wooten This classic Mercedes convertible is the perfect getaway car. When the groom suggests using his hatchback, just say 'no.’
“You don’t see many brides asking for the garter anymore,” said Ross. “It’s tacky.”
BYE-BYE BRIDEZILLA The wedding day can be a stressful occasion, but brides don’t have to be in charge of every aspect of the planning. “Grooms are becoming more and more involved with weddings; some even taking on the lead role in the planning aspect,” said Baldwin. “I also feel that more brides are becoming more cautious with their behaviors and are all about enjoying the moment.” iStockphoto
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Special Thanks
We would like to thank the many businesses and individuals who contributed to make this magazine possible.
Aldena Frye Floral Design
Bridal & Formal Center
Aberdeen • 910-295-1614
Fayetteville • 910-868-4696
Bridal bouquet and arrangement featured on cover
Dress and accessories
The Bakehouse
Aberdeen • 910-944-9204 Cake for cover photo
Ann's Flower Shop
Fayetteville • 910 488-4177 Bridal bouquet featured on page 5
Cover model
Make-up by Monique
Fayetteville NC • 910-916-4703 Bridal makeup for cover model
Ta Dah Styles
Fayetteville • 910-483-8814
One Eleven Main
Hair stylist for cover model
Aberdeen • 910-944-1181 Decor and place settings in cover photo
Tenille Ramos
BRIDAL MAGAZINE
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