Martha Stewart Weddings_Summer 2017 by Destiny Victoria

Orange Is The New Black’s Samira Wiley

109 FOR YOU AND YOUR ’MAIDS

New Styles For Every Bride

BLACK TIE? BEACH CHIC? DRESS CODES, DECODED

TIPS FOR SAVVY SPENDING PLUS

Celebrate With Chicago Cub

Kris Bryant

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Bright Ideas For Flowers, Showers, Décor & More

Hayley Paige

@misshayleypaige

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Hayley Paige

S tyle Jem Designed f or J LM Couture

H AY L E Y PA I G E . C O M

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SUMMER 2017

CONTENTS Features 158 COLOR STORY These knockout gowns bring the full spectrum to your wedding wardrobe, from the barest hints of tint to fully saturated styles.

174 BOLD MOVES Punches of primary colors—in your centerpiece, favors, invites, and more—make for a big-day look that’s cheerful, chic, and totally fun.

182 LOVE BUGS Go wild for one couple’s late-summer wedding, inspired by the insects, flora, and fauna of Shelter Island, New York.

192 HOW WILL YOU WEAR YOUR HAIR? Find your perfect bridal ’do: Three top stylists share their fresh takes on braids, buns, waves, and ponies.

202 LOVE IS IN THE AIR Join actress Samira Wiley and screenwriter Lauren Morelli’s confetti-filled Palm Springs, California, party.

DAYMION MARDE L

THE DETAILS

Lihi Hod “Tia” handembroidered bustier, $4,104; and skirt with Swarovski buttons, $3,576, lihi hod.com. Paul Andrew “Passion Jewel” 105-mm satin slingback pumps with Swarovskicrystal jewels, in Blush, $795, paulandrew.com. Sachin and Babi crescent hoop earrings, $250, sachinandbabi.com.

Monique Lhuillier Salons: new york 212.683.3332* los angeles 323.655.1088* Additional Salons: Alabama birmingham Ivory & White Bridal Boutique* 205.871.2888 mobile Something New 251.345.0860 Arizona scottsdale The Wedding Suite at Nordstrom 480.946.4111 / California la jolla M Bride 858.551.1718 san francisco Bridal Galleria* 415.362.2277 / Colorado denver anna bé 720.855.1111 / Connecticut westport The Plumed Serpent Bridal* 203.226.9868 / Florida coral gables Chic Parisien* 305.448.5756 orlando The Collection Bridal* 407.740.6003 / Georgia atlanta Joan Pillow Bridal Salon* 404.841.6202 / Illinois chicago Ultimate Bride* 312.337.6300 / Indiana indianapolis Marie Gabriel Couture 317.849.3333 / Louisiana baton rouge I Do Bridal Couture 225.361.0377 / Massachusetts boston L’elite Bridal* 617.424.1010 / Michigan birmingham Roma Sposa Atelier* 248.723.4300 / Minnesota minneapolis L’Atelier Couture Bridal 612.367.8120 / Missouri kansas city The Gown Gallery 816.361.8111 / New York manhasset Wedding Salon of Manhasset* 516.869.8455 new york Bergdorf Goodman Bridal Boutique* 212.872.8957 new york Mark Ingram Atelier* 212.319.6778 new york Saks Fifth Avenue Bridal Salon* 212.940.2269 / North Carolina raleigh Alexia’s Bridal Boutique 919.829.5900 / Ohio cincinnati Bridal & Formal 513.821.6622 columbus Big Rock Bridal Atelier 614.754.8116 / Oklahoma oklahoma city J.J. Kelly Bridal 405.752.0029 / Oregon portland Divine Designs 503.827.0667 / Pennsylvania wayne The Wedding Shoppe* 610.293.1299 / South Carolina charleston Maddison Row Bridal Chic 843.720.7979 / Tennessee nashville The Bride Room 615.297.9899 / Texas dallas Neiman Marcus-Downtown* 214.573.2663 dallas Warren Barrón Bridal* 214.526.8400 houston Casa de Novia Bridal Couture* 713.523.9090 houston Joan Pillow Bridal Salon* 713.622.1122 san antonio Julian Gold Bridal 210.824.2493 / Washington seattle The Wedding Suite at Nordstrom 206.628.2111 / District of Columbia washington Carine’s Bridal Atelier* 202.965.4696 Canada montreal White Montreal* 514.507.4296 toronto Dina Alonzi 416.236.0270 toronto White Toronto* 416.849.9196 vancouver Bisou Bridal 604.696.0880 International Salons: london paris istanbul hong kong tokyo sydney shanghai moscow. For a complete list of International Salons visit our website. moniquelhuillier.com *Indicates Platinum Collection

IN TH IS ISSUE SUMMER 2017

47 B RI D E S M A I DS

143

GOOD THINGS

Squad Goals

THE PLANNER

An old-school dessert rental, cool metallic details, miniature crudités, unique cake toppers, and more.

Mix it up! We’ve got chic, sweet, and smart ways to pull off a mismatched bridesmaids’ look. 92

STYLE

Read our essential how-to guide and make easy work of picking your color palette, filling welcome bags, decoding dress codes, avoiding budget surprises, and more.

CELEBRATIONS

COC KTA I LS

Be our guest at Chicago Cub Kris Bryant’s wedding in Las Vegas, plus gorgeous affairs in South Carolina, New Orleans, and Tennessee.

FASHION M E N ’S WATC H E S

A Timely Gift Check off his wish list with a timepiece he can wear for “I do” and beyond. 69 TH E LOO K B OO K

Flower Girls Dresses for the bride—and her petal tossers—inspired by red roses, peonies, tulips, and other iconic blooms. 78 E NGAG E M E N T R I N G S

Ring Tones A spectrum of rubies, sapphires, moonstones, and more—for those who like their dazzle on the colorful side. 88

Raise a Glass Toast your celebration with killer cocktails in coupes, flutes, highballs, or rocks glasses that are so stylish, you’ll want your own set. 105 F LOW E R S

Tropical Punch A Brooklyn floral designer creates whimsical, highimpact arrangements. 116 R EG I ST RY

Color Theory Here’s a foolproof way to find a look you love: Register for household items in hues that reflect you. 124 B R I DAL SH OWE R

Showered With Kisses A California party master sets the scene for a Frenchinspired fête. 134

ON THE COVER

213 GETAWAYS A romantic Caribbean paradise; stylish and sensible carry-ons; best-of-bothworlds (city and country) destinations around the globe; and a dreamy honeymoon in the Greek islands.

Rediscovering Mexico City One of our editors and her husband enjoy a vibrant second honeymoon in this bustling urban hot spot. 214

IN EVERY ISSUE 16 20 22 152 234 240

ON THE WEB EDITOR’ S LETTER FROM DARCY ASK MARTHA THE GU IDE AFTER “I DO”

THE DETAILS Monique Lhuillier “Ellery” strapless sweetheart natural-waist ball gown with full pleated skirt, $7,955, moniquelhuillier.com. Bouquet created by Naomi deMañana. Photograph by Stephen Kent Johnson.

COR R ECT ION In “White Hot,” on page 99 of our Spring 2017 issue, we credited the wrong photographer. The photographs in the story were taken by Jessica Antola.

CORBI N GU RKI N (TABLE SETTING); JESS ICA A NTOLA (DRESS ); AARON GRAU BART (COCKTAILS)

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M A RT H A ST E WA R T W E D D I N G S SUMMER 2017

Facebook Live Looking for advice on everything from fashion to flowers? Follow us on Facebook to see Q&As with our favorite industry pros.

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LAST-MINUTE FAVORS! Send your guests home in style. Go to marthastewart weddings.com/favors to see our best take-home treats—any of them will make a great final impression without taking hours to assemble.

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CLOCKWI SE FRO M TOP LEFT: MAX WANGER; RO MULO YANES ; BRYAN GARDNER (2)

It’s officially wedding season! That means the biggest party of your life is almost here. Get the inspiration you need to choose day-of accessories, food, décor, and music, and cross every to-do off your list.

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E D I TO R ’ S L E T T E R SUMMER 2017

CATCHING UP WITH KATE UPTON I chatted with bride-to-be/supermodel/ actress Kate Upton recently, right before the (stunning) Atelier Pronovias 2018 bridal runway show in Barcelona. She and her fiancé, Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander, have a ways to go with wedding plans (“We’re the worst!” she says), but she let me in on a few details.

We are a little obsessed with color at Martha Stewart Weddings. Most meetings involve Pantone chips. Each of the editors uses a different color Le Pen. (We squabbled a bit over who would get purple.) And every issue of the magazine has a palette—the predominant colors you’ll see throughout the pages—so it feels cohesive. Of course, we always recommend choosing a palette for your wedding early in the process, for the same reason: to tie everything together visually, bringing a sense of unity to the event. To see the impact that color choice has on a wedding, just check out a few in these pages. For Samira and Lauren’s joyful and fun celebration (page 202), a cheery rainbow of vivid hues set the tone. Jess and Kris wanted an elegant affair (page 47), for which blush and burgundy were dreamy. Katie and Samuel chose yellows, blues, and greens that fit in with their natural setting (page 182). You can incorporate color in so many ways: through your dress (page 158), invitations (page 177), flowers (page 116), or even cones of soft-serve ice cream (page 31). And don’t forget your postwedding life: Think about hues when registering for

“We want a destination wedding, like we’re taking our friends and families on a vacation and we’re having a great time, and we just happen to get married.”

On Wedding Planning: “It’s completely intimidating and overwhelming! I wish I were the type of girl who always thought about my wedding, because it would have been so much easier. I would have just been done.”

On Traditions:

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“Luckily, both of my older sisters are married, and I’ve seen them go through the wedding process. We have a family tradition—I guess it’s a tradition now, since it happened twice—where everyone enters the reception dancing. Then you stop and have dinner, and then you go back on the dance floor.”

On Dresses: “I’m really excited to be here—it’s my first bridal show. I kind of know the shapes that look best on my body, or make me feel best, because of my red-carpet experience. Usually it’s something that accentuates my waist. There are so many fun details you can do with bridal that you can’t do with other dresses, so I definitely want to take advantage of this moment.”

On Cocktails: “My personal favorite is tequila, soda, a splash of orange juice, and a splash of lime juice. It’s my own version of a skinny margarita. Justin enjoys them too, so I’m hoping to have lots of those that night! You should try it!” Thanks, Kate, we will. Cheers!

WESTON WELLS (AMY); PHOTOFORMAT (U PTON)

Wild About Hue

On the Overall Vibe:

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F R O M DA RC Y SUMMER 2017

Spotlight on

DRAPER JAMES Working in this industry—and as a frequent wedding guest—I’m always on the lookout for thoughtful gift ideas. That’s why I was thrilled to discover Draper James, Reese Witherspoon’s shop in Nashville. Named for her grandparents (Dorothea Draper and William James Witherspoon), it’s a charming southern home-and-clothing boutique. On a recent visit, I got a peek at the new Wedding Collection, full of gifts that you can easily make personal with a handwritten note or even a toast for the newlyweds. I also asked if Reese, who’s the ultimate host and gift-giver, would share some tips. Whether throwing a shower or attending a wedding, she knows just what to do, what to wear, and what to bring. Here’s some of her advice.

Darcy Miller, Editor at Large Instagram: @darcymiller

RW: Well, I throw a lot of parties, and a lot are in the backyard with barbecue or a tray of enchiladas. But my favorite ever was my 40th birthday—it was New Orleans–themed, with mint-julep cups and a second-line band. [Note: See the second-line-parade tradition in a real wedding on page 57.] I got to share my southern upbringing with all my favorite people. DM: How about the most memorable bridal shower you ever attended?

RW: It was at a barn in Bolinas, California. We watched the sun go down, drinking Napa Valley rosé. We sat at long farm tables with fresh farm-to-table food.

DM: Favorite shower theme? RW: I love a garden theme. Hosting outside takes the pressure oﬀ having your house look perfect—you can let Mother Nature do all the work!

DM: How about a go-to cocktail? RW: I learned to make southern sweet tea from my grandmother—she always served it when anyone dropped by. I’ve added my own twist to her recipe: I mix

it with vodka for an easy cocktail, or add rum to make an iced-tea mojito.

DM: If you had to pick one detail for a successful party, what would it be?

RW: Great drinks and good music are all you need. Even if the food is bad! If the music is good and the drinks are ﬂowing, everyone is happy.

DM: Tell me about the Wedding Collection and why you love it. RW: These gifts are perfect for engagement parties and bridal showers. There’s a lot to celebrate when it comes to weddings, so we created gifts to honor all the special moments and people involved. JUST- R IGHT GIFTS

From top: Me on a recent visit to Draper James; Reese; some favorite items from the Wedding Collection, including the Champagne-flute set, printed with “Toast” and “Hooray!”; the “Forever & Always” wine tote; and trinket trays with brideappropriate sayings. For more, visit draper james.com.

DONNA NEWMAN (DARCY PORTRA IT); COURTESY OF DARCY MILLER (DARCY AT DRAPER JAMES); DRAPE R JAMES (REESE); PE TER ARD ITO (WEDDING COLLECTION ITEMS)

DM: What was the best party you ever threw, and what made it great?

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Monique Lhuillier Salons: new york 212.683.3332 los angeles 323.655.1088 moniquelhuillier.com Additional Salons: Alabama birmingham Ivory & White 205.871.2888 / California costa mesa Mon Amie Bridal 714.546.5700 la jolla M Bride 858.551.1718 pasadena La Soie 626.356.9889 san francisco Bridal Galleria 415.362.2277 / Connecticut westport The Plumed Serpent Bridal 203.226.9868 / Florida coral gables Chic Parisien 305.448.5756 tampa Isabel O Neil Bridal Collection 813.251.1749 orlando The Collection Bridal 407.740.6003 / Georgia atlanta Bridals by Lori 404.252.8767 / Illinois chicago Ultimate Bride 312.337.6300 / Kansas leawood Altar Bridal 913.451.4696 / Louisiana baton rouge I Do Bridal Couture 225.361.0377 / Maryland baltimore Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection 410.484.4600 / Massachusetts boston L’elite Bridal 617.424.1010 / Michigan birmingham Roma Sposa Atelier 248.723.4300 / Minnesota minneapolis L’Atelier Couture Bridal Boutique 612.367.8120 / New York manhasset Wedding Salon of Manhasset 516.869.8455 new york Kleinfeld 646.633.4300 rochester Silk Bridal Boutique 585.363.5555 / Ohio beachwood Matina’s Bridal 216.464.1288 cincinnati Bridal & Formal 513.821.6622 columbus La Jeune Mariee Collection 614.228.2700 / Oregon portland Divine Designs 503.827.0667 / Tennessee nashville The Bride Room 615.297.9899 / Texas austin Julian Gold 512.473.2493 houston Casa de Novia Bridal Couture 713.523.9090 / District of Columbia washington Carine’s Bridal Atelier 202.965.4696 / Canada calgary S2 Bride 403.668.4649 montreal White Montreal 514.507.4296 toronto White Toronto 416.849.9196 vancouver Bisou Bridal 604.696.0880 / Available at The Wedding Suite at Nordstrom 888.282.6060 / International Salons: london paris kuwait istanbul hong kong tokyo sydney moscow. For a complete list of our International Salons visit our website.

... will you?

Who doesn’t love a sweet proposal? Now it’s time to make sure the home of your dreams is filled with items for all your happily-ever-afters. Cuisinart invites you to register for our celebrated collection of kitchen appliances and cookware to complete your dream kitchen. From breakfast in bed, to a neighborhood potluck, to dinner for eight or just you two, some of the best memories are made in the kitchen – make them delicious with Cuisinart. And don’t forget to kiss the cook!

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GOOD THINGS T E X T BY C L A I R E S U L L I VA N P H O T O G R A P H S BY G R A H A M P O L L A C K

COOL TWIST I scream, you scream . . . for this crowd-pleasing old-school dessert. A rental soft-serve ice cream machine will trigger summer nostalgia among your grown-up guests and delighted squeals from the young ones. Add mix-in concentrates to churn out a frozen treat in dreamy hues that fit your décor, and flavors that complement your menu. (We used grape, peach, pistachio, and lemon.) For an ultracool presentation, set up a station with acrylic cone holders and metallic-paper wrappers. T HE DETAILS : Ice cream machine rental, price upon request, conrads concessions.com. Flavor concentrates, $18 per qt., msconcession.com. Winco acrylic ice cream cone holder stand, $12, foodservicedirect.com.

G OOD TH I NG S SUMMER 

MIDAS TOUCHES Two Ways to Add Shimmer to Big-Day Details

Try a Transfer Go for the gold (or silver): Foil metallic appliqués can turn any notebook or journal into a chic, personalized photo album, thankyou gift, or guest book. It’s as simple as choosing a finish you like online, then uploading your design—which might be your wedding date, your monogram, or a simple message. You’ll receive rub-on transfer sheets in the mail. For a smooth application, use a dull, flat object (like a Popsicle stick or bone folder) to apply the design to the desired surface. T H E DETA I LS: ReproGraphX custom

transfer sheet, from $20, custom rubontransfers.com. From top: Sketchbook (similar to shown), $7, jacksonsart.com. Sketchbook (similar to shown), $25, kunst-papier.com. “Volant” pocket plain notebook, $12 for 2, moleskine.com.

Go Freestyle If you’d rather create designs by hand, you can apply metallic doodles, dashes, dots—or whatever strikes your fancy— using a “Heatwave” pen ($30, wermemorykeepers.com). This kit comes with ready-to-apply sheets of foil in various shiny tones. Place the sheets on a matte surface, then use the pen to transfer the metallic color for a tiny detail or an allover pattern. Here we added a touch of gold to jewelry boxes (in Teal Matte and Pink Matte, $63 for 100, theboxdepot.com).

For an even transfer, hold the pen with a slant-free grip, and apply steady pressure as you write.

www.jennyyoo.com

G OOD TH I NG S SUMMER 2017

SECRET SOURCE: GOURMET SWEET BOTANICALS Ordinary crudités may be ho-hum, but watch the reaction when you bring out piles of veggies in miniature—like these Lilliputian carrots, squash blossoms, radishes, and onions. The pint-size produce is fun-and-easy finger food, ideal for preceremony bridal-party nibbles. Serve with green goddess dip (visit marthastewart.com/green-goddess-dip for the recipe). These veggies are just our latest love from Gourmet Sweet Botanicals. The San Diego–based company sells a variety of microgreens, herbs, and—one of our favorite wedding-cake finishers—crystallized and edible flowers. T H E DETA I LS : “Tiny Veggies” bunches (carrot, onion, squash blossoms, and radish), $14 each, gourmetsweetbotanicals.com. Square and

rectangular wooden dishes, from $16.75 for 20; and wooden spoon, $13.50 for 100, bioandchic.com.

G OOD TH I NG S SUMMER 2017

THE CHERRY ON TOP Make your wedding cake even sweeter with a topper that feels uniquely you— whether that means vintage smooching newlyweds or a more modern, playful motif. These figurines are big on charm and will remain keepsakes long after the last crumbs are gone.

T H E DETA I LS: 1. Pink-and-gold tassel bunting, $10, steelpennycakes.etsy.com. 2. Vintage bride and groom (similar to shown), $28, rustbelttreasures.etsy.com. 3. “Windsor” crown, $23, mypaperromance .etsy.com. 4. “Me & Him” custom, $150, other custom options available as well, lollipopworkshop.etsy.com. 5. “Woodland” animals, $52, coralandtusk.com. 6. Porcelain monogram, $17, weddingcollectibles.com. 7. “Doves and Ferns” keepsake box, $250, wendyaddisonstudio.com. 8. Cat and English pointer (similar to shown), starting at $58, alishasclaystudio.etsy.com. 9. “Kissing Swans,” $695, herendusa.com. 10. Vintage wedding couple (similar to shown), $35, efinegifts.etsy.com.

G OOD TH I NG S SUMMER 2017

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TO HAVE AND TO HOLD Your bouquet can be more than a memory after the day. Try one of these ideas for preserving it: 1. Press flowers between sheets of parchment and under heavy books for 7 to 10 days. Once the flowers are papery and dry, use acid-free archival glue to secure them to thick paper to use as a card or to frame (in Light Pink, $8.75; and envelope, $6.25, paperpresentation.com). 2. Mail flowers to artist Cara Marie Piazza, and she’ll use them to embellish a silk slip, robe, scarf, or your own garment, steaming impressions into the fabric ($635, caramarienyc.com). 3. Use blooms in a custom memory candle that won’t melt away—this one is hollow and comes with an illuminated base (not shown)—or you can use a battery-operated tea light (from $90, theisleco.com). 4. Enclose dried petals in a sachet: Stitch two ribbons (10" long by 2½" wide) lengthwise. Fold the combined ribbons in half, then sew the outer edges to create a pouch; flip inside out, fill with flowers, and cinch with a string (hand-dyed silk-satin ribbon, in various colors, $8 per yd., mjtrim.com).

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G OOD TH I NG S SUMMER 2017

SNAP YOUR ENERGY Capture the spirit of the night: Hire an aura photographer to take portraits of your guests and their psychedelic “energy fields.” An aura reading is said to shed light on personality and temperament with colors that correspond to certain traits: For instance, yellow indicates creativity, blue shows sensitivity, and red suggests power. For the reading and portrait, guests place their hands on a sensor plate and look into an attached camera. The instant prints make fun favors—and a bright dose of color for the wedding album. An online search should reveal aura-photography professionals in your area; we worked with the Brooklyn–based Family of Light Holistic Center (event price upon request, familyoflight.center/ aura-photography).

There’s an App for That If you’re curious about aura imagery, you can give it a low-commitment test run via the Aura and Energy Photo-Magic Detector app (free, from the App Store). Use your phone to snap a picture, and the true colors of the subject will appear onscreen.

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CELEBRATIONS

FIRST LOOK

J. ANNE PHOTO GRAPHY

Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant grinned at his longtime love, Jessica Delp, before their Las Vegas wedding. “This moment was the best part,” Kris says, “because it gave us time to be together, just us, on our wedding day.”

C E L E B R AT I O N S J E S S I C A + K R I S TO P H E R

Kris wore a navy tux by Cedric’s Custom Apparel (as did his groomsmen); Jess wore a gown by Ines Di Santo. “It was the first dress I ever tried on! I knew it was the one,” she recalls.

J A N U A R Y 7, 2 0 1 7 / L A S V E G A S here’s a T-shirt seen around Chicago these days that reads, “Be yourself. Unless you can be Kris Bryant. Then be Kris Bryant.” How does a person become the subject of a T-shirt like that? The short answer: He just had the year of his life. In 2016, his second season in the majors, the Cubs third baseman helped lead his team to its first World Series win since 1908, and in the process was named National League MVP. Then he followed it all by marrying his sweetheart—which we’ll admit is our favorite part of the story. It was Jessica Delp’s mom who first mentioned the cute boy on her brother’s baseball team at their Las Vegas high school in late 2006. “I told her to stop,” Jess recalls. “But then I met him and thought, Mom was right.” Jess, an athlete herself, was outgoing; Kris was shy. She was on student council; he helped her with geometry. They started dating sophomore year and never looked back. Though his schedule—and her school and work as a retail manager—meant they spent large chunks of time apart, they always returned to each other, and to their hometown.

He proposed on Christmas Eve 2015, and soon after, the selfdescribed homebodies put together an uncomplicated vision for their celebration: Vegas, but not the Strip; elegant, not trendy. “I wanted our guests of every age to think it was beautiful,” says Jess. Early in their planning, someone suggested a doughnut stand, and Kris’s eyes lit up. He told Jess, “I don’t care where we get married, but there will be doughnuts.” And so, after the couple took their vows in a Christian ceremony in the foyer of the JW Marriott hotel—a luxury resort about 20 minutes from downtown Vegas—their 225 guests were greeted with a doughnut–escort card wall that proved to be one of the most popular details of the party. The night continued with dinner, dancing, and more sweets, but perhaps the sweetest part was the end. As some guests hit the town, Jess and Kris drove the mile to their brand-new house—where they’d spent only one night so far. They snacked and relaxed after a wedding they remember as flawless. As Kris says, “It was a great way to end an unforgettable time in our lives.” —Laura Wallis

SO URCES Location and catering JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa Event planning Green Orchid Events Flowers and décor Layers of Lovely Photography

J. Anne Photography Cinematography Newfly Films Officiant Pastor Kevin Weddings Stationery She Paperie Calligraphy Ebb & Flow Ink Cake Peridot Sweets Doughnuts Donut Mania Music Premiere Wedding Music Design (ceremony); Simply Modern Productions (cocktail hour); Sound Fusion Entertainment (DJs and emcee) Bride’s gown Ines Di Santo Groom’s tuxedo and shirt Cedric and Imani Harris of Cedric’s Custom Apparel See The Guide for more vendor details

J. ANNE PHOTO GRAPHY

JESSICA DELP & KRISTOPHER BRYANT

“Nothing says love like seven hundred doughnuts!” says planner Angelica McDonnell of Green Orchid Events. Each guest received a doughnut with an escort card—and another round for dessert.

49 Jess’s sister and two best friends, along with her brother’s girlfriend (now fiancée), were bridesmaids. The flower girl was the daughter of a former teammate who is Kris’s close friend.

Kris knew the style Jess wanted for her engagement ring. “After eight years, he had seen my Pinterest board a time or two!” she laughs. His band was similarly ringed with diamonds.

The florists from Layers of Lovely used Jess’s chosen palette of blush and burgundy to bring warmth and lightness to the hotel’s Grand Foyer space. The ceremony took place beneath a dramatic arch of greenery and blooms.

Tables lined with lush arrangements and candles set the elegant but comfortable mood—much like that of a family dinner with all their closest loved ones—that Jess and Kris wanted for the evening.

“She knew it was coming, so I had to think of a way to surprise her,” says Kris, who presented an engraved ornament to Jess on Christmas Eve. It had a heart that read, “Will you marry me?”

A second doughnut wall accompanied the five-tier vanilla-and-chocolate wedding cake, along with favor bags so guests could grab a treat to go at the end of the night.

Kris’s teammate and close friend, first baseman Anthony Rizzo, was among the groomsmen (another friend and the bride’s and groom’s brothers rounded out the party).

Even the youngest wedding guests had a blast on the dance floor, which was adorned with the couple’s monogram—the same emblem used on menus, table numbers, and other décor throughout the reception.

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CALIFORNIA BEVERLY HILLS Panache Bridal 310-860-9221 / COSTA MESA Panache Bridal 714-540-7800 / PASADENA Panache Bridal 626-585-8201/ SANTA BARBARA 805-892-4000 / SAN DIEGO The White Flower 619-501-1700 / MODESTO Bianca’s Bridal 209-575-5902/ GEORGIA ATLANTA Bridals By Lori 404-252-8767 / ILLINOIS CHICAGO Eva’s Bridal 773-777-3311 / MASSACHUSETTS BELMONT Allegria Bridal 617-489-1449 / TAUNTON New York Lace 508-824-6900 / MICHIGAN SHELBY TOWNSHIP Piera’s Bridal 586-566-7800 / PLYMOUTH B.Ella Bridal 734-549-0000 / NORTH CAROLINA WILMINGTON The Wedding Dress Shoppe 910-392-0818 / NEW JERSEY VERONA PARK Avenue Bridal 973239-7111 / MARLBORO TOWNSHIP Castle Couture 732-617-1414 / NEW YORK CARLE PLACE Bridal Reflections 516-742-7788 / NEW YORK Bridal Reflections 212-764-3040 / ROCHESTER Susan Deborah Bridal 585442-7557 / OHIO CINCINNATI Bridal & Formal 513-821-6622 / WARREN Evaline’s Bridal 330-392-6569 / PENNSYLVANIA PHILADELPHIA L &H Bridal 215-690-4018 / TEXAS AUSTIN Signature Bridal 512-8925000 / EL PASO Posh Bridal 915-307-5009 / MCALLEN Sposa Mia Couture 956-6838740 / PLANO Stardust Celebrations 972781-1619 / WASHINGTON KIRKLAND Mea Marie 425-531-5664 / WISCONSIN NEW GLARUS Brandi’s Bridal Galleria 608-5274436 / CANADA WOODBRIDGE AmandaLina’s Sposa 905-265-8707 / EDMONTON Novelle Bridal 780-708-0387 / PUERTO RICO SAN JUAN D’Royal 787-781-3162

C E L E B R AT I O N S G IORDA N A + GEOF F R E Y

The bride, in Bliss by Monique Lhuillier, and the groom, wearing custom Abbeydale, had a wedding party that included siblings and friends from college and childhood.“They are truly like family, and our day wouldn’t have been complete without them,” says Giordana.

GIORDANA ANDRETTA & GEOFFREY WALKER M AY 7, 2 0 1 6 / C H A R L E S TO N , S O U T H C A R O L I N A hen Giordana Andretta and Geoffrey Walker tied the knot, it was a true family affair, with relatives contributing many of the most meaningful details of the day—which was fitting, since family had had a hand in jump-starting the couple’s relationship. In 2013, Geoffrey and his brother, who co-own a production company, interviewed Giordana for a video they were making. “I thought she was supercute and way out of my league,” says Geoffrey. “Luckily my brother sneaked and got her number so he could try to set us up.” The tactic worked, and a little over two years later, Geoffrey got down on one knee in the spot where they had shared their first kiss. After a resounding “Yes!” he took Giordana, who works for her family’s cycling company, to her parents’ house for a surprise celebration with their parents and siblings and Giordana’s grandparents. Not long into their five-month engagement, invitations sporting a crest drawn by Giordana’s brother were sent, asking guests to attend the destination wedding at Middleton Place, in Charleston. The estate,

a National Historic Landmark and home to America’s oldest formal landscaped gardens, set the scene for a southern soirée infused with Italian traditions to honor Giordana’s heritage, starting with the groom “gifting” the bride her bouquet. Both of their brothers and one sister-in-law had roles in the bridal party, Giordana’s maternal grandparents made the wine and bread for the Christian ceremony, and the bride donned her grandmother’s engagement ring as her “something old.” After exchanging vows beneath a giant live oak in the Octagonal Sunken Garden, the newlyweds joined 180 guests for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, then went for a sunset horse-drawn carriage ride around the grounds. At the reception, which took place beneath a tent on the estate’s greensward, the couple had their first dance to Big Mountain’s version of “Baby, I Love Your Way,” which they both consider a highlight of the day. Another one? Being surrounded by their families, of course. “And,” adds Geoffrey, “the epic dance party that ensued.” —Shira Savada

SOURCE S Location Middleton Place Event planning and design Ivy Robinson Events Catering Cru Catering Flowers John Lupton Events Photography Corbin Gurkin

Videography Olive & Oak Films Officiant Todd Phelps of Mosaic Church, Charlotte Stationery Atheneum Creative (invitations); Bohemian Ink (menus, programs, escort-card calligraphy) Cake Kathy Allen Cakes Music Classical Charleston; The Maxx Rentals The Ark; Crush Event Rentals; Party Tables; Snyder Events; Skyline Tent Company Bride’s gown Bliss by Monique Lhuillier from Hayden Olivia Bridal Groom’s custom suit Abbeydale See The Guide for more vendor details

53 At the tented reception, gold-hued, vine-rimmed chargers sat at each place, amid coral blooms and assorted votive candleholders.

The mother of the bride dressed in palette, wearing a coral dress (and a smile).

The bride’s brother drew the live oak in their crest, inspired by the tree under which the duo would wed. A floral print introduced the Italian garden theme in the stationery.

Eight custom-made scalloped umbrellas offered shade for the sunny late-afternoon ceremony, which incorporated communion and the story of when the couple first met.

White phalaenopsis orchids took center stage in the cascading bridal bouquet.

“

CORBI N GU RKI N

I danced to Chubby Checker’s ‘The Twist’ with my dad—he claims it’s the only dance he knows, so we really went for it. It made everyone smile. —GIORDANA

Italian wedding tradition calls for bomboniere—gifts from the hosts to their guests. These included five candy-coated almonds to symbolize five virtues of life; they also doubled as escort cards.

AL - FAIRHOPE, Bliss Bridal 251-990-3244 AL - HARTSELLE, The Something Blue 256-773-4956 AL - HOOVER, Bella’s Bridal & Formal 205-403-7977 AR - BRINKLEY, Low’s Bridal & Formal 870-734-3244 AR - ROGERS, The White Dress Boutique 479-287-2148 AZ - GILBERT, Suzanne’s Bridal 480-926-9106 CA - BAKERSFIELD, Enchanted Bridal Boutique 661-847-9700 CA - CARMEL, Epiphany Boutique 831-626-7700 CA - COSTA MESA, Mon Amie Bridal Salon 714-546-5700 CA - LOS ANGELES, LeeHwa Wedding 213-252-0022 CA - SACRAMENTO, Miosa Bride 916-443-1301 CA - TORRANCE, Bridal Elegance 310-406-3917 CO - CENTENNIAL, The Bridal Collection 720-493-9454 CT - CHESHIRE, Bliss Bridal 203-250-3390 DE - MIDDLETOWN, Louis Marie Bridal 302-378-7800 FL - CELEBRATION, Casa Di Bella 407-566-9198 FL DELRAY BEACH, Bella Amor Bridal 561-877-0436 FL - GAINESVILLE, Atelier Wedding 703-996-9995 FL - SARASOTA, The Perfect Dress 941-925-5888 GA - ATLANTA, Anya Bridal 404-699-4655 GA - MARIETTA, Bel Fiore Bridal 770-509-7185 IA - ANKENY, Bridal Connection 515-964-5683 IA - DEWITT, A Storybook Ending 563-659-3983 IA - MT PLEASANT, Sarah’s Bridal Gallery 319-385-4411 IL - AURORA, Wolsfelt’s Bridal & Tux 630-896-7166 IL - OAK LAWN, Eva’s Bridal of Oak Lawn 708-422-5599 IL - OTTAWA, Bridal Elegance 815-433-3050 IN - FORT WAYNE, The Bride to Be 260-745-8000 IN - NEWBURGH, Ella Park Bridal 812-853-1800 KS - SHAWNEE, Bridal Extraordinaire 913-268-5566 KY - LOUISVILLE, The Bridal Suite of Louisville 502-244-2909 LA - BATON ROUGE, Bustle 225-769-9455 LA - METAIRIE, Bridal Boutique by Maeme 504-266-2771 MA - AUBURN, Elizabeth Ann’s 508-832-8188 MA - FALL RIVER, Alexandra’s Boutique 508-916-2443 MA FEEDING HILLS, In White 413-789-3073 MA - TAUNTON, New York Lace 508-824-6900 MA - WEST BOYLSTON, Beautiful Bride Boutique 508-853-3575 MD - FREDERICK, TLC Bridal Boutique 301-662-8874 MD - PIKESVILLE, Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection 410-484-4600 MI - BRIGHTON, The White Dress 810-588-6147 MI - FOWLER, Becker’s Bridal 989-593-2595 MI - KALAMAZOO, Memories Bridal and Evening Wear 269-344-2404 MI - SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Piera’s Bridal Couture 586-566-7800 MN - MOOREHEAD, Alan Evans 218-236-8543 MN - STILLWATER, Our Shop 651-351-1087 MO - ST. CHARLES, White Traditions Bridal 636-939-6005 MS - BRANDON, Lace Bridal 601-665-4860 MS - GULFPORT, Bridal and Formal Boutique 228-868-2037 MT - BILLINGS, Belle en Blanc 406-702-7646 NC - GASTONIA, Poffie Girls 704-866-0198 NC - RALEIGH, Maggi Bridal 919-781-2898 NC - WILMINGTON, The Wedding Dress Shoppe 910-392-0818 NE - WAHOO, Nebraska Bridal 402-443-5377 NJ - ENGLEWOOD, Jaehee Bridal Atelier 201-541-0077 NJ - HADDONFIELD, Jay West Bridal 856-795-0424 NJ - HAMILTON, The Bridal Suite 609-588-4976 NJ - MANALAPAN, Castle Couture 732-617-1414 NJ - MORRISTOWN, i do... i do... 973-998-6215 NV - LAS VEGAS, Bowties Bridal 702-456-5688 NY - BAYSIDE, Charisol Bridal Boutique 718-819-0033 NY - BROOKLYN, Lotus Bridal 718-332-4385 NY - LEROY, Stella’s Bridal Boutique 585-768-7771 NY - MINEOLA, Max Bridal 519-747-1888 NY - N. SYRACUSE, New York Bride 315-452-0600 NY - NEW YORK, RK Bridal 212-947-1155 NY - PATCHOGUE, Paradise Bridal 631-654-5020 NY - ROCKY POINT, Fantasia Bridal Center 631-744-7200 NY - SARATOGA SPRING, Danielle’s Bridal 518-584-7067 NY - WEBSTER, Heart to Heart 585-872-9696 OH - TOLEDO, Belle Amour 419-244-1812 OK - NORMAN, Silhouette Bridal 405-701-1779 OK - OKLAHOMA CITY, Moliere Bridal 405-840-0100 OR - PORTLAND, Charlotte’s Weddings & More 503-297-9622 PA - BUTLER, D.I. Bridal Boutique 724-284-1164 PA - GREENSBURG, MB Bride 724-836-6626 PA - JENKINTOWN, Le Bella Donna 215-690-4018 PA - LANCASTER, In White 717-392-2018 PA - MONTOURSVILLE, Tanya’s 570-327-6178 PA - PHILADELPHIA, L&H Bridal 215-676-9206 PA - PITTSBURGH, The Bridal Beginning 412-343-6677 PA - WARRINGTON, Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo 215-491-8500 SC - MT. PLEASANT, Bridal House of Charleston 843-971-1477 SD - RAPID CITY, Love Struck Bridal Boutique 605-716-1183 TN - FRANKLIN, The Spoiled Lady 615-807-1352 TN - NASHVILLE, Village Bridal 615-383-8896 TX - ADDISON, Lasting Bridal Couture 972-960-1800 TX - AUSTIN, Signature Bridal Salon 512-892-5000 TX - BULLARD, Dress Me Bridal 903-894-3505 TX FORT WORTH, Bliss Bridal Salon 817-332-4696 TX - HOUSTON, Ventura’s Bridal 713-880-2364 TX - MCALLEN, Sposa Mia 956-683-8740 TX - THE WOODLANDS, Dream Day 936-321-2300 VA - ALEXANDRIA, Ellie’s Bridal Boutique 703-683-8697 VA - FOREST, Ashley Grace Bridal 434-534-3490 VA - FREDERICKSBURG, Ava Laurenne Bride 540-899-7771 VA - HENRICO, Tiffany’s Bridal 804-273-6303 VA - NORFOLK, Maya Couture 757-461-1690 VA - PARKSLEY, Russell’s Formal & Bridal 757-665-4149 WI - MADISON, Vera’s House of Bridals 608-833-6006 WI - MARSHFIELD, Circle The Date 715-384-3900

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C E L E B R AT I O N S CHR ISTI NE + BE NJAM I N

Ben wore an Enzo Custom suit, and Christine chose a gown by Elizabeth Fillmore. “I loved the eyelet pattern and the way the ostrich feathers moved,” she says.

With its gorgeous flooring, the venue needed little more than candles and flowers to prepare it for the ceremony.

CHRISTINE NGO & BENJAMIN ISAAC APR I L 9, 2016 / NEW ORLEA N S

decided to marry, the location was obvious: New Orleans. “It’s a city where we’ve spent anniversaries and birthdays, where we feel like the best versions of ourselves,” says the bride. It’s also a nod to both their heritages: The city has a large Vietnamese population, and it was where Ben’s German-Jewish ancestors settled after coming to the United States. They chose the historic Marigny Opera House for its stunning architectural details and its current use as a performing-arts center. They married in a Jewish ceremony beneath a chuppah of flowers and then headed outside for a “second line” parade that included the entire wedding party and all their guests, accompanied by a brass band. That was followed by a dinner featuring Creole staples such as Gulf redfish and beignets, and dancing to more brass-band music, before the party moved to CellarDoor, one of the couple’s favorite bars. The pair sipped cocktails and swapped stories with loved ones as their wedding day came to a close, the first chapter of their very own happily-ever-after. —Lesley Porcelli

SO U RC E S Location Marigny Opera House Event design, planning, and styling Jessica Sloane Catering Joel Catering and Special Events Floral design

Rosegolden Photography M. K. Sadler Videography Needle & Thread Stationery and calligraphy Michaela McBride Calligraphy Music Mico Productions/Kinfolk Brass Band; The Soul Rebels Bride’s gown Elizabeth Fillmore Accessories Sara Gabriel (veil); Manolo Blahnik (shoes) Bridesmaids’ dresses Natalie Deayala Collection Groom’s attire Enzo Custom (suit and shirt); J.Crew (tie); Bonobos (belt); Cole Haan (shoes) See The Guide for more vendor details

M.K. SAD LER

nce upon a time, a boy and a girl lived on opposite sides of the country. Both state-level officers of their high school debate teams, the levelheaded Junior Statesmen of America (as they were called) didn’t spend much time thinking about things like romance. And yet, when they met years later during a weekend in New York with mutual friends, that’s exactly what they found. When Christine Ngo, a brand manager from San Francisco, describes the moment Benjamin Isaac walked in, it sounds like a fairy tale. “I’m pragmatic, but I swear I said to myself, I’m in love with him, and I’m going to marry him.” Ben, a New York native who works in finance, had heard of the “whip-smart girl” from a pal and was similarly smitten. “She was charming, and we got along instantaneously,” he says. That Saturday, they stole away for karaoke and burgers; by Monday, as she flew home, Christine had decided she was moving to New York. Three months later, she had a job and was on her way. They spent the next three and a half years together indulging a shared passion for travel (“and food!” says Christine). When they

57 Reception centerpieces included jasmine, ranunculus, clematis, foxgloves, lilacs, and garden roses.

The couple’s custom crest featured their initials, framed inside a French Quarter– style window.

“

Over the years, the opera house, which was built in 1853, has suffered from neglect. Now it’s a performing arts center, and a portion of venue rental fees goes toward its repair.

Christine’s bridesmaids wore custom Natalie Deayala Collection dresses.

I love our ketubah, the Jewish wedding contract. It’s a statement of values that really represent us. Now it hangs in our hallway at home.

“

—BEN

The second line is a distinctly New Orleans wedding tradition— the couple and a brass band serve as the main line, leading the second line, composed of their guests and any passersby who want to join the musical parade through the streets.

The brass band included tuba, trombone, and trumpet players.

MonCheriBridals.com

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Wyandotte Bella Donna’s Bridal 734-282-4000

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MISSISSIPPI Brandon Lace Bridal Boutique 601-665-4860

Santa Rosa Starlet Bridal 707-544-0334

MONTANA Great Falls The Brides Shoppe 406-761-6338

COLORADO Colorado Springs Bridal Elegance 719-596-5911

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C E L E B R AT I O N S C A R A L E E + Z AC H

Zach, in Michael Kors, and Caralee, in Sherri Hill, strolled the grounds together preceremony.

Arrangements of Italian ruscus, pink king protea, seeded eucalyptus, and roses, as well as potted cacti and tapers, lined the picnic tables.

CARALEE FOX & ZACH PRIDEMORE SEPTEM BER 24 , 2016 / P IG EO N FORG E, TE N N ESS E E n a place as fraught with politics as a high school cafeteria, few freshmen would dare approach a group of upperclassmen. But Caralee Fox was not a shy teenager. Homeschooled until she turned 14, she didn’t know any of her peers except for a few seniors, including Zach Pridemore, whom she’d recently met at Ohio’s Great Darke County Fair. So at lunchtime, she sat down at his table and began telling jokes. “She was pretty bold,” says Zach, a construction foreman. “I played it cool, but we all thought it was charming.” The two became friends, keeping in touch while Caralee finished high school and Zach attended college nearby. Then in 2011, nearly six years after they’d met, “something shifted and I said, ‘Hey, I like you,’” says Caralee. Though opposites in many ways—he’s bookish, and she’s happy-go-lucky; Zach’s family is small, while Caralee has five siblings—they bonded over little things like a mutual love of Top 40 pop music, and found they shared values, like the importance of family. Five years later, on Caralee’s 25th birthday, Zach proposed over breakfast in bed at their home in South Dayton.

The couple wanted a destination wedding that would feel like a vacation for their 46 loved ones; they settled on Parkside Resort in the Great Smoky Mountains, where everyone could stay together in cabins. “I love bold colors and texture,” says Caralee, a hairstylist, and one of the first decisions she made was her dress with a brightly embroidered bodice. “It felt a little Mexican, a little boho.” Wedding décor followed suit, with cacti and maracas mingling with ribbon wands. Nearly every detail was a DIY for Caralee, who spent months crafting and scouring thrift stores with help from her mother and sisters. “It was hard work, but we had fun,” says Caralee. The weekend kicked off with a pizza dinner at the bridal party’s cabin, setting a relaxed tone for the festivities. The next day, Caralee’s brother-in-law led the outdoor Christian ceremony; then guests returned to a taco-bar buffet. As dinner segued to a dance party, the couple cranked up music from a Spotify playlist and grabbed the mic for a duet of the Chainsmokers’ “Closer,” the perfect tune for longtime loves who are now tighter than ever. —Rebecca Dalzell

SO U RC ES Location Parkside Resort Catering Salsarita’s Flowers Floral V Designs Photography Jenny Haas Stationery Pencil Box Art & Design (design); World Digital Imaging (printing) Cake The Cakery Cookies Bumbles Bake Shop Rentals Prime Time Party Rental Bride’s gown Sherri Hill Accessories Francesca’s (jewelry); Michellia Fine Jewelry & Designs (wedding band) Hair and makeup Sweetly Pinned Hair & Makeup Bridesmaids’ attire Pink Republic (tops); Revelry (skirts) Groom’s attire Michael Kors from Jim’s Formal Wear (suit); Azazie (tie) Plates Target Robes Silkandmore

61 The bridesmaids, dressed in pink tops and skirts, held garden roses, ranunculus, and seeded eucalyptus. The bouquets were tied with bedsheet fabric cut into strips.

Caralee’s mom grew the mandevilla and portulaca plants that framed the ceremony marker. The bride and her family painted the wicker stands and arches.

“

We wanted our wedding to be casual and relaxed, for people to enjoy themselves and not have to adhere to any specific etiquette.

“

— ZACH

“I used it as inspiration for everything,” says the bride of her gown, which featured vibrant floral embroidery.

JENNY HAAS

On the dessert table, a basket held iced sugar cookies in cactus shapes or painted with a cactus image.

Streamers, glued to yarn-wrapped dowels, awaited guests. One of Caralee’s favorite moments was seeing everyone waving them after the ceremony.

Desert plants were hand-painted on the invitations, which were calligraphed by Caralee’s sister Abbie.

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A L L U R E B R I D A L S . C O M

ELEGANCE KNOWS ONLY ONE NAME

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S I N G L E S TO N E . C O M

CALENDAR MAN

He’ll never be late for an important date with Tag Heuer’s “Carrera” stainless steel day-date watch ($2,600, tagheuer.com).

THROWBACK

The art-deco “867” rose-gold timepiece is named after Ralph Lauren’s NYC flagship store at 867 Madison Avenue (price upon request, ralphlauren watches.com). HEY, SLIM

Piaget’s “Altiplano,” with an ultrathin face and 18k rose-gold bracelet, adds polish to any look (price upon request, piaget.com).

EVER READY

Baume & Mercier’s “Classima” automatic watch transitions easily from big day to every day with a steeland-red-gold two-tone bracelet ($4,450, baume- et- mercier.com).

A Timely Gift Tick off the box at the top of his wish list with a timepiece he can wear for “I do” and beyond. Trendy watches abound, but take a long view with this present—it’s something, like you, that he’ll hold on to for a lifetime. T E X T BY C O L L E E N B A N K S P HOTOG RA P H S BY W I L L ST Y E R

HANDS-ON GUY

Raymond Weil’s “Tango 300” stainless steel watch is sturdy enough for any challenge. And thanks to its water-resistant face, he can be impeccable even while washing dishes ($995, bloomingdales.com).

FA S H I O N M E N ’ S WATC H E S

OPEN FACE

For the watch aficionado: Harry Winston’s 18k rose-gold “Midnight Skeleton,” with 21,600 vibrations per hour and mechanical winding (price upon request, harry winston.com). LOOKING SHARP

The Breguet “Heritage 5410” is wedding-ready, with its 18k rose-gold rectangular face and crocodile strap (price upon request, breguet.com).

HIGH NOTES

A twist on tradition, Hamilton’s “Jazzmaster Viewmatic” has a stainless steel case, a gray dial, and an ostrich-leather strap ($1,095, hamilton watch.com).

JET-SETTER

Tour the world in style with Chopard’s “ L.U.C Time Traveler One.” Done in 18k rose gold, it displays every time zone simultaneously. ($22,950, chopard .com/us).

RULE BREAKER

Tiffany & Co.’s “Tiffany East West” three-hand 18k rose-gold timekeeper features a unique setting and an electric-blue minute hand ($12,000, tiffany.com).

designed for your life together TAC 02 Skin Platinum Collection

www.rosenthalusa-shop.com | Made in Germany

FA S H I O N M E N ’ S WATC H E S

WAXI NG POET

He’ll love you to the moon and back if you give him Blancpain’s “Villeret” complete calendar stainless steel watch with moonphase indicator ($14,900, blancpain.com).

GAME BOY

Kansas City watchmaker Niall honors its hometown with the GMT Stadium Series, creating 47 watches in each colorway (red for “home”; white for “away”), one for each year since Kansas City has won an NFL championship ($4,450, niallluxury.com).

BUSINESS CASUAL

Patek Philippe’s 18k white-gold “Calatrava” is sporty, with a blue sunburst and silvery dial, yet classy, with its navy alligator strap (price upon request, patek.com).

A good watch is an investment piece and a potential heirloom. Price depends not only on the case and strap materials but also the workmanship and functional details. A big factor is movement type: Quartz (battery-powered) costs less than mechanical, which can be automatic (winds itself when worn) or manual (requires winding). Most of the watches on these pages are mechanical (the choice of many aficionados). Other details to look for are “complications” such as calendars, moon-phase indicators, chronographs (stopwatches), and multi-time-zone capability. Consider your groom’s style and lifestyle when deciding on these features.

ROYAL TREATMENT

Hublot’s “Classic Fusion Racing Grey” has a satin-gray dial and a case of 18k “king” gold—a red-gold alloy ($23,500, hublot.com).

EVERYDAY MAN

This Bulgari-Bulgari watch, mixing a classic steel case and gray dial with a contemporary blue alligator bracelet, goes with anything, from jeans to suit ($6,100, bulgari.com).

CRE ATED BY CO LLEE N BANKS AND KIM G RAY.

WATC H T H I S

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AL - BIRMINGHAM, Imperial Formal Wear 205-767-5453 AL - HARTSELLE, The Something Blue 256-773-4956 AL - JASPER, Diane’s Formal Affair 205-221-3570 AZ - GILBERT, Grace Style & Bridal 480-306-6634 CA - BAKERSFIELD, Enchanted Bridal Boutique 661-847-9700 CA - CARMEL, Epiphany Boutique 831-626-7700 CA - CLOVIS, Madeleine’s Bridal Boutique 559-299-2619 CA - COSTA MESA, Mon Amie Bridal Salon 714-546-5700 CA SACRAMENTO, Second Summer Bride 916-330-4422 CA - TORRANCE, Bridal Elegance 310-406-3917 CA - UPLAND, Deborah’s Bridal 909-985-6336 CA - YUBA CITY, Always Elegant Bridal 530-755-4282 CO - COLORADO SPRINGS, Danelle’s Bridal Boutique 719-593-0020 CO - DENVER, Little White Dress 303-814-8972 CT - BETHEL, Occasions Bridal 203-791-2425 FL - DELRAY BEACH, Bella Amor Bridal 561-877-0436 FL - MELBOURNE, Olivia Bowen Bridal 321-223-2629 FL - ST. PETERSBURG, The Dressing Room 727-323-7666 FL - TALLAHASSEE, Absolute Haven 850-222-1197 GA - ATLANTA, Anya Bridal 404-699-4655 GA - MARIETTA, Bel Fiore Bridal 770-509-7185 IL - OTTAWA, Bridal Elegance 815-433-3050 KS - HALSTEAD, Gowns on the Go 785-230-9509 KS - LAWRENCE, J. Lynn Bridal 785-840-4664 KS - SHAWNEE, Bridal Extraordinaire 913-268-5566 KY - LA GRANGE, The Couture Closet 502-225-0305 KY - LEXINGTON, White Dress of Lexington 859-276-3737 KY - PIKEVILLE, Unique Boutique 606-432-5008 MA - FALL RIVER, Alexandra’s Boutique 508-916-2443 MA - FEEDING HILLS, In White 413-789-3073 MA - HOLYOKE, Pearl Bridal 413-315-6102 MA - WEST BOYLSTON, Beautiful Bride Boutique 508-853-3575 MD - FREDERICK, TLC Bridal Boutique 301-662-8874 MI - FOWLER, Becker’s Bridal 989-593-2595 MI - GRAND RAPIDS, Bridal Elegance 616-956-1119 MI - SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Piera’s Bridal Couture 586-566-7800 MN - ALEXANDRIA, Jackie J’s Bridal 320-762-5163 MN MOOREHEAD, Alan Evans 218-236-8543 MO - LEBANON, Normans Bridal Shoppe 417-532-2291 MO - ST. CHARLES, White Traditions Bridal 636-939-6005 MS - NATCHEZ, Magnolia Mariee 601-446-6400 MT - BILLINGS, Belle en Blanc 406-702-7646 NC - ASHEVILLE, Maggi Bridal 828-424-7530 NC - RALEIGH, Maggi Bridal 919-781-2898 NE - LINCOLN, Blush Bridal Boutique 402-261-5615 NE - WAHOO, Nebraska Bridal 402-443-5377 NJ - HADDONFIELD, Jay West Bridal 856-795-0424 NJ - MORRISTOWN, i do... i do... 973-998-6215 NY - HAMBURG, Bliss Bridal 716-861-8776 NY - N. SYRACUSE, New York Bride 315-452-0600 NY - NEW YORK, Adrienne’s 212-228-9618 NY - SCHENECTADY, Ferri Formals and Bridal 518-374-3464 NY - WEBSTER, Heart to Heart 585-872-9696 OK - NORMAN , Silhouette Bridal 405-701-1779 OR - BEND , The Bridal Suite 541-639-3139 OR - PORTLAND, Charlotte’s Weddings & More 503-297-9622 PA - EASTON, Christina’s Bridals 610-258-7900 PA - LANCASTER, In White 717-392-2018 PA - LEWISTOWN, The Paisley Bride 717-242-0242 PA - ZELIENOPLE, One Enchanted Evening 724-473-0444 SC - BLUFFTON, Chicas Bridal 843-837-2002 SD - RAPID CITY, Love Struck Bridal Boutique 605-716-1183 TX - AUSTIN, Blue Bridal Boutique 512-441-7700 TX -DALLAS, Gowns of Grace 214-902-0800 TX - FORT WORTH, Sophia’s Gowns 817-741-1616 TX - FRISCO, The Blushing Bride Boutique 214-705-9224 TX - HOUSTON, Ventura’s Bridal 713-880-2364 TX - LUFKIN, Rubie Jane 936-637-1084 TX - MCALLEN, Sposa Mia 956-683-8740 TX - SAN ANTONIO, Liv & Love Bridal 210-698-7373 UT - SALT LAKE CITY, The Bride’s Shop 801-322-4324 VA - FOREST, Ashley Grace Bridal 434-534-3490 VT - ESSEX JUNCTION, Fiori Bridal Boutique 802-872-9663 WA - SEATTLE, I Do Bridal 206-633-7926 WI - MADISON, Vera’s House of Bridals 608-833-6006 WV - CHARLESTON, The Boutique by B. Belle 304-400-4979

lillianwest.com

FA S H I O N T H E LO O K B O O K

Flower Girls Your favorite blooms say a lot about your style, be it delicate and feminine or strong and structured. Here, we translate the feeling of five flowers into wedding-worthy looks to help you—and your petal tossers— blossom on the big day. T E XT BY JESS I C A K I N G

2. 1.

Chevron-stripe sequins add a glam, Gatsby-esque note. Jenny Packham “Montana” gown, $5,400, jennypackham.com.

Sheer sleeves make this embellished-lace gown anything but traditional. David’s Bridal Melissa Sweet “Linear Lace” dress, in Ivory/Champagne, $1,358, davidsbridal .com.

Anemone

4. Fancy meets free-spirited in this flowy blue-chiffon dress. Babes of the Nile by Joanna August “Savannah” dress, in Into the Mystic, $145, joannaaugust.com.

Take a bold step forward in these open-toe boots. Aldo “Ros amilia” lace-up booties, in Rose Dust, $100, aldoshoes.com.

Add extra star quality to your wedding-day ’do. Jennifer Behr Swarovski “Galaxy” barrette, $495, jenniferbehr.com.

LAU RA FORMISANO (WATE RCOLOR); COU RTESY OF MA NU FACTURERS (OTHERS )

With their deep-black centers and supple petals, anemones stand out from the crowd—just like you. Embellished lace, boho silhouettes, and OMG accessories add up to a look that’s all your own.

unique designs, C U S T O M I Z E D F O R Y O U. A M ARKE TPL ACE OF INDEPENDENT ARTIST S

“Boho Chic” by Kristie Kern, Akron, OH a member of Minted’s community of independent artists

O N E I N V I TAT I O N ,

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We will customize any design to create an invitation that is truly unique to you.

NEW CUSTOM FOIL

Anything you want, foil-pressed for a luxe finish.

C U S TO M I L LU S T R AT E D M A P

F R E E guest address printing, designed to match your invitation.

10 F R E E samples CODE: MSWED17 EXPIRES: 9/30/17 W W W. M I N T E D . C O M

FA S H I O N T H E LO O K B O O K

With its glittery trumpet bloom and spiraling stem, this ring is a stunning “something new.” Anita Ko “Calla Lily” coil ring, $4,400, anitako.com.

Take the plunge with a lacy V-neck that flows into a georgette skirt. Beloved by Casablanca Bridal “Indigo” dress, $825, beloved bycasablanca bridal.com.

Calla Lily

Simple yet sophisticated, this is nature’s proof that good design doesn’t need a lot of bells and whistles. The same can be said for these sleek dresses and modern accessories.

3. Frilled sleeves and an Empire waist will make everyone say, “Aww.” Bari Jay style F6217 dress, in Ivory, with sash in Autumn Grey, $180, barijay.com.

5. Kick up your heels in these satin stunners. Gianvito Rossi “Portofino” sandals, in Praline, $815, gianvitorossi.com.

4. Keep them guessing in this dress with a sporty-chic front and a surprisingly sexy low-cut back. Mikaella Bridal style 2115 dress, from $1,800, mikaellabridal.com.

LAU RA FORMISANO (WATE RCOLOR); COU RTESY OF MA NU FACTURERS (OTHERS )

6. This crepe gown seems fit for a Grecian goddess, thanks to a hint of sparkle along either side of the bodice. Atelier Pronovias “Nelly” gown, price upon request, pronovias.com.

Unique designs from our community of independent artists, now digital. Start yours at ido.minted.com A M ARKE TPL ACE OF INDEPENDENT ARTIST S

FREE WEDDING WEBSITES.

designed to match every invitation.

“Boho Chic” by Kristie Kern, Akron, OH a member of Minted’s community of independent artists

FA S H I O N T H E LO O K B O O K

2. If you’ve got it, flaunt it in this sexy sheath. Berta style 17-133 tulle and embellished-lace gown, in Ivory, $9,350, berta.com.

3. Red-and-greenenamel flowers add additional flair and a touch of color. Alison Lou “Rose” hoops, $1,155, alisonlou.com.

1. Opt for ostrich feathers, then book a venue with a sweeping staircase to make your entrance. Rivini by Rita Vinieris flared gown with sheer bodice, in Ivory, $8,000, rivini.com.

6. A lady in red always turns heads. Emmy London “Beatrice” shoes, $1,095, emmylondon.com.

A sweetheart neckline and sweeping skirt make the perfect partner for a showstopping necklace. Sophia Tolli “Desiree” satin A-line gown, in Ivory, $1,348, sophia tolli.com.

LAU RA FORMISANO (WATE RCOLOR); COU RTESY OF MA NU FACTURERS (OTHERS )

Red Rose

This is the ultimate big-impact bloom, arriving by the dozens with giant bows or appearing onstage in the arms of a star. Bring that glamour to your day with these statement makers. Because who said weddings should be drama-free?

Black lace at the waist adds a fashion-forward twist to an otherwise classic flower-girl look. The Dessy Group mousseline dress, $190, dessy.com.

place & escort cards FREE GUEST NAME PRINTING

A M ARKE TPL ACE OF INDEPENDENT ARTIST S

10 F R E E samples CODE: MSWED17 EXPIRES: 9/30/17 W W W. M I N T E D . C O M

FA S H I O N T H E LO O K B O O K

3. 1.

Stand tall in these sculptural heels. Charlotte Olympia “Vreeland” platforms, $790, us.charlotte olympia .com.

Go retro in this tea-length frock with a feminine organza bodice. Lela Rose “The Pier” gown, $3,995, Mark Ingram Atelier, 212-319-6778.

2. This sexy slip is perfect for a garden or beach wedding, and has serious wearagain potential. Catherine Deane “Frida” dress, $800, catherine deane.com.

Tulip

These bright blooms add warmth and playfulness to any room—and the same can be said about you. The ensembles here are just right for the bride who appreciates a touch of whimsy, a splash of color, and, most of all, a good time.

6. Channel Audrey Hepburn in this jumpsuit. Scarlett by Austin Scarlett “Corinne,” in Soft White, $1,570, austinscarlett.com.

5. The Swiss dots and big bow make this dress extra-sweet. Isabel Garreton “Legend” dress, $195, isabelgarreton.com.

LAU RA FORMISANO (WATE RCOLOR); COU RTESY OF MA NU FACTURERS (OTHERS )

Dare to bare in this lacy offthe-shoulder number. Houghton NYC “Jenné” dress, in Blush, $5,000, houghton nyc.com.

FA S H I O N T H E LO O K B O O K

3. Go full-storybook in this dazzling dress. Amalia Carrara ball gown, $5,995, eveofmilady bridals.com.

2. These flower-shaped diamond studs are decidedly heirloomworthy. Cartier platinumand-diamond earrings, price upon request, kentshire.com.

1. This Chantilly-lace frock will feel as at home in a meadow as in a ballroom. Victoria Kyriakides “Roxanne” dress, $4,730, kleinfeldbridal.com.

Peony Unapologetically feminine,

LAU RA FORMISANO (WATE RCOLOR); COU RTESY OF MA NU FACTURERS (OTHERS )

the peony is the spirit flower of the girly girl who adores a fairy tale. Make your own love story just as romantic with ruffles, sparkles, and lace on gowns fit for a princess.

5. She’ll look lovely walking down the aisle—if only you can stop her from twirling. Joan Calabrese for Mon Cheri dress, in Ivory, $198, calabresegirl.com.

4. The layers of this trumpet gown mimic the look of flower petals. White by Vera Wang dress, in Ivory, $1,498, davidsbridal.com.

6. These ruffle heels are like a lush bouquet for your feet. Imagine Vince Camuto “Daphne” rosette sandals, $195, imagine vince camuto.com.

FA S H I O N E NGAG EM E N T R I NG S

Ring Tones There’s a vast spectrum of precious stones, from vivid emeralds to softly glowing moonstones, for those who like their dazzle on the colorful side. Picking a favorite is like choosing a sweet—it’s hard not to want them all.

6 7

T E X T BY C O L L E E N B A N K S P H O TO G R A P H S BY W I L L S T Y E R

The rhodolite is a very intense and bright garnet. Here, its antique cushion cut is enhanced by pear-shaped diamonds.

Cleopatra famously coveted emeralds. During her reign, she claimed all Egyptian emerald mines as her own.

FA S H I O N E NGAG EM E N T R I NG S

Gem experts call the extremely rare and valuable alexandrite “emerald by day, ruby by night.” It shifts from blue-green to purplish-red with changes in the light.

Hues You Can Use 11

Colored stones are having a moment—perhaps because designers are working with them in new ways, like setting them in clusters or in flattering combinations with diamonds. While rubies and emeralds are classics, blue and pink sapphires are popular (more affordable) alternatives to colored diamonds. Moonstones and opals are also trending now, as are stones in lighter, more unusual colors. Bezels (as opposed to prongs) are the safer setting for colored stones, which tend to be on the softer side; gold is sometimes plated over the more durable platinum for protective reasons. 1. McTeigue & McClelland

4.78-carat rhodolite garnet “Apertreza” ring with pear-shaped diamonds, in 18-karat yellow gold and platinum, $12,500, mc2jewels.com. 2. Chopard “High Jewelry Collection” ring with a 9.56-carat emerald and 1.26 carats of diamonds, in 18karat white gold, price upon request, chopard.com/us. 3. Coast Diamond 4.96carat pear-cut spinel and .47-carat diamonds, in

platinum, style LCK10047SPIN , price upon request, coastdiamond.com. 4. David Yurman “Chatelaine” ring with pink tourmaline and diamonds in 18-karat gold, $1,450, davidyurman.com. 5. Graff 8.13-carat cushioncut sapphire ring, .86-carat diamonds, price upon request, graffdiamonds.com. 6. Kwiat cushion diamond with blue sapphires, set in platinum, price upon request, kwiat.com. 7. Harry Winston ruby cushion solitaire ring in platinum with 3.1-carat ruby and .4 carat diamonds, price upon request, harrywinston.com. 8. Gabriel & Co. 14-karatwhite-gold fashion ladies’ ring, with .23-carat diamonds and 4.83-carat green amethyst, $790, gabrielny.com. 9. Anna Sheffield “Theda” oval ring with pink tourmaline center, side stones, and trillions, in 14-karat rose gold, $5,000, annasheffield.com. 10. Oscar Heyman platinum 2.71-carat cushion alexandrite and diamond ring, price upon request, oscarheyman.com. 11. Gabriella Kiss large oval blue chalcedony ring in 18-karat gold, $1,200, augustla.com. 12. Greenwich St. Collection oval morganite ring in 18-karat rose gold, $6,500, greenwichstjewelers.com. 13. Tiffany & Co. platinum ring with 6.28-carat blue spinel with diamonds, price upon request, tiffany.com. 14. Danhov oval padparadschasapphire ring in 18-karat rose gold, $12,100, greenwich stjewelers.com.

martinaliana.com

The Difference is in the Details martinaliana.com

FA S H I O N BRIDESMAIDS

Squad Goals Your bridesmaids aren’t all the same, so why put them all in the same dresses? A mix of gowns—linked by a common theme, palette, or detail— makes for a happy group and a smart big-day look. T E X T BY L A U R A WA L L I S P H O T O G R A P H S BY J E S S I C A A N TO L A

GO CHIC OR GO HOME Black-and-white is never wrong. Some fashionable girls might choose playful patterns, like the (from left) Adeam combo print open-shoulder dress ($1,300, net-a-porter.com) or Ganni “Leclair” dress, in Vanilla Ice ($350, shopbop.com); others might want totally wearable solid black, like Bari Jay Bridesmaids style 1673 ($220, barijay.com). With a few poppy accessories, you’ve got a party. THE DETAILS: Ballet Beautiful satin street shoes, in Crimson, $280, balletbeautiful.com. Houghton NYC “Hopeless Romantic” motorcycle jacket,

$3,950, houghtonnyc.com. Les Petits Joueurs “Andy Rainbow Love” clutch, $775, bergdorfgoodman.com.

True Dimensions® Lipstick Shade shown: Color Me Coral

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FA S H I O N BRIDESMAIDS

MAKE ’EM BLUSH Combining patterns is a cinch when they’re all in dreamy, romantic pastels like these. Mix (from left) the Fendi gold “Blazon” organza top and “Gonna” stencil-print skirt ($1,700 and $3,950, fendi.com) with Amsale Bridesmaids’ style GA121 E halter dress, in Fawn ($310, amsale.com); or a snuggly Jenny Yoo Collection paisley sweater, in Vintage Iris, and “Winslow” skirt, in Watercolor Lavender Multi ($170 and $215, jennyyoo.com). T HE D E TAILS : Chanel lambskin bag,

$2,025, 800-550-0005.

FA S H I O N

BRIDESMAIDS

GIRLY, PLEASE Pale-as-can-be party dresses are sweet—but with floaty sleeveless styles and details like dramatic plunging necklines, not too sweet. Mix and match pastels such as (from left) the Watters Bridesmaids and Social “Angelie” gown, in Blush, ($285, watters.com); Theia’s “Sophia” tank tulle gown ($260, theiacouture.com); and Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids’ “Isla,” in Cerise ($270, moniquelhuillier.com). TH E DETAI LS: Balloon Saloon balloons, from $6 each, balloonsaloon.com.

FA S H I O N BRIDESMAIDS

PRINT PERFECT Everything in moderation, including floral prints and ultrafeminine details. From left: Lela Rose Bridesmaids’ mikado dress ($231, dessy.com) is a solid, simple complement to a pair of sophisticated patterned picks: Donna Morgan’s “Chloe” dress, in Pink Multi Print ($280, bellabridesmaids .com), and Vilshenko’s “Holly Rose Tattoo” dress, in Raspberry Crepe de Chine ($1,235, farfetch.com). T H E DE TA I LS : Imagine Vince Camuto

“Devin” sandals, in Sunflower, $110, imagine vincecamuto.com. Fendi “Kan” mini bag, $1,900, fendi.com. Nina “Samina” heels, in Lemon Lime, $95, ninashoes.com.

mble 2017

DON’T PIT OUT WHEN YOU STRESS OUT.

FA S H I O N BRIDESMAIDS

RUFFLED UP Have your ’maids dress for flirty fun in (from left) the sheer tiers of this Bill Blass “Cynthia” ruffle dress ($588) and “Joy” ruffle jacket, in Sulphur ($488; both billblass.com); the wearable rainbow of Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet’s “Luba” gown ($695, aliceand olivia.com); and the perfectly playful Sorella Vita style 8430, in Blush ($219, essensedesigns.com). T HE DETAILS (from top left): Giuseppe Zanotti “Clover” red loafers, $950, giuseppe zanotti.com. Nicholas Kirkwood “Ziggy” platform sandals, in Coral Red, $995, nicholaskirkwood.com. Marc Fisher “Daiana” pumps, in Light Pink, $89, macys.com.

FA S H I O N

CRE ATED BY CO LLEE N BA NKS, NAO MI de MAÑANA, JESSI CA KI NG, AND MIC HAEL McCORMICK; HAIR BY LINH NGUYEN AT KATE RYAN INC. USING REDKEN. MAKEUP BY MOA N I LEE USIN G HOURGLASS COSM ET ICS

BRIDESMAIDS

Like these looks? For jewelry and accessories sources, see page 234.

SPARKLE ON For a black-tie affair, you can’t have too much glitz. Outfit your party in (from left) Twobirds Bridesmaid’s classic bodysuit and lace skirt, in Black ($105 and $215, twobirdsbridesmaid.com); After Six Bridesmaid’s style 6753 luxe chiffon dress, in Oyster Silver ($210, dessy.com); and Needle & Thread’s “Starburst” top, in Black ($299, lyst.co.uk), and tulle maxiskirt, in Black ($110, needleandthread.com). THE DE TAI LS: Milly glitter-eyelash clutch, $295, milly.com. Camilla Elphick “Crystal Amaze” sandals, $720, camillaelphick.com. Giuseppe Zanotti

“Natalie” velvet booties, in Navy, $1,295, giuseppezanotti.com. Bill Blass “Sutton” slip-ons, in Silver, $388, billblass.com.

ALASKA Anchorage Orainda’s Bridals 907-562-4696 ARKANSAS Brinkley Low’s Bridal & Formal 870-734-3244 CALIFORNIA Bakersﬁeld Enchanted Bridal Boutique 661-847-9700 Fair Oaks Enchanted Bridal Shoppe 916-965-5683 Santa Rosa Starlet Bridal 707-544-0334 Colorado Colorado Springs Bridal Elegance 719-596-5911 FLORIDA Melbourne Aurora Unique Boutique 321-254-3880 ILLINOIS Oak Lawn Eva’s Bridal 708-422-5599 IOWA North Liberty Heart to Heart Bridal 319-665-2000 LOUISIANA Baton Rouge Bridal Boutique 225-925-1135 MASSACHUSETTS Fall River Alexandra’s Boutique 508-916-2443 MICHIGAN Lansing Fantastic Finds 517-702-1200

Wyandotte Bella Donna’s Bridal 734-282-4000 MISSISSIPPI Brandon Lace Bridal Boutique 601-665-4860 MONTANA Great Falls The Brides Shoppe 406-761-6338 NEVADA Henderson Silhouette Bridal 702-534-0949 NEW HAMPSHIRE Nashua Marry & Tux Bridal 603-883-6999 NEW JERSEY Manalapan Castle Couture 732-617-1414 NEW YORK Farmingdale New York Bridal Outlet & Boutique 631-465-9779 Latham The Bridal Gallery by Yvonne 518-782-9333 Massapequa Bridal Reﬂections 516-795-2222 OHIO Cincinnati Wendy’s Bridal 513-761-7750 OKLAHOMA Tulsa Bridal Elegance 918-665-7772 PENNSYLVANIA Greensburg M.B. Bride 724-836-6626 Nazareth Bridals by Sandra 610-759-5156

TEXAS Austin Melange Bridal 512-345-8780 Dallas LuLu’s Bridal Boutique 214-871-9610 McAllen Bride’s Gallery 956-686-5415 Spring The Princess Bridal 281-651-9393 UTAH South Jordan Malmrose Bridal 801-446-8221 VIRGINIA Fredericksburg That’s My Dress 540-370-8574 WISCONSIN Green Bay Tie the Knot Bridal 920-662-1920 Lake Geneva Germaine’s Bridal 262-249-0551 CANADA ALBERTA Calgary Cameo & Cufﬂinks 403-288-5006 ONTARIO Belleville All Dressed in White 613-962-1919 London Garber’s Bridal 519-433-4043 Unionville Blue Bridal Boutique 905-604-3877

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STYLE Raise a Glass To set a celebratory tone between I do’s and dinner, serve up some cool cocktails. We’ve got a dozen fresh takes on classics, showcased in glasses so stylish, you’ll want to put them on your registry. Because why not keep the party going long after your big day? T E X T BY B RO O K E P O R T E R K AT Z P H O T O G R A P H S BY A A R O N G R A U B A R T

S UZ E DA I Q U I R I Pucker up! Both lemon juice and zest flavor this sugar-rimmed cocktail. Suze, a French herbal aperitif, adds a slight bitterness. T HE DETAI LS : Riedel “Veritas” coupe, $69 for 2, riedelusa.net.

AV I AT I O N Play up your purple passion (and palette) with this old-school gin drink. That vibrant hue comes from crème de violette. T H E DE TAI LS : Waterford “Lismore Pops Cocktail,” $135 for 2, waterford.com. Edible violas, $12.50 for 50, gourmetsweet botanicals.com.

WAT E R M E LO N FLI P Honey, watermelon, and lime juice join tequila for a refreshing, fruity summer cocktail, while egg white adds a festive froth. T HE DE TAI LS:

All Couped Up Defined by its bowl-shaped cup, the coupe is the original vessel of choice for Champagne, dating to the 19th century. Though today’s bubbly drinkers tend to prefer flutes (see page 109), this elegant glass is now a go-to for chilled cocktails (shaken or stirred). The long stem keeps your hand from warming the liquor, and the shallow cup concentrates bright colors for extra pop. Plus, it’s more spillproof than a cone-shaped martini glass—so you won’t lose a drop.

Anthropologie “Gilded Rim” coupe, $28, anthropologie.com.

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High Spirits Gin and tonic, Jack and Coke, Scotch and soda: These “and” cocktails are known as highballs— as are the type of glass they’re served in. The tall, straight shape makes them easy to hold, and there’s room for lots of ice and mixers— not to mention a straw and garnishes. The vessels are bound to be among your most-used registry items: They come in fun, textured designs and can do double duty for nonalcoholic refreshers like lemonade and iced tea.

M EZCA L N EG R O N I SWI Z Z L E

ELD ER F LOWE R G I N & TO N I C This G&T is delicately floral, thanks to elderflower tonic. Persian cucumber, rosemary, and lemon garnishes add color and subtle flavor. T H E DETAILS : Canvas Home “Pomegranate” highball, $14, canvas homestore.com.

This gorgeous jewel-toned sipper replaces gin with mezcal, a smoky liquor made from Mexican agave. T H E DE TA I LS: Luigi Bormioli “Bach” beverage glass, $35 for 4, luigibormioli.com. Julep spoon straw, $14 for 6, cocktail kingdom.com.

Y UZ U B R E EZ E The juice of yuzu—a tart Japanese citrus fruit that bartenders are loving lately—stars in this refreshing take on the vodka-based sea breeze. T HE DE TAI LS : Roost “Dainty” tumbler, $65 for 6, scarlettalley.com. Glass straw, $1, cb2.com. Basil blossom, $7 for 25, gourmetsweet botanicals.com.

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PA LO M A After one taste of this not-too-sweet mix of grapefruit soda, Key lime, and tequila, you may swear off margaritas forever. TH E DE TAI LS : Riedel “O” whiskey glass, $29.50 for 2, riedel usa.net.

BOURBON & PEAC H No southern celebration is complete without a hint of peach, here in a simple syrup and garnish. T H E DETAILS : Canvas Home Tivoli Collection “Optic” small tumbler, $7, canvashomestore .com. Cocktail pick, $19 for 12, cocktail kingdom.com.

The Lowdown There’s something about the weighty lowball that just feels good in your hand. Also known as a rocks glass (for spirits served on ice) or an old-fashioned glass (for the cocktail), the short, small vessel is best for drinks that have a high proportion of strong liquor, like bourbon or whiskey. The glass is nice and wide, so any added flavors can be muddled or mixed right inside.

RY E TA I Embrace the tiki spirit with our twist on the mai tai: coconut water, rye whiskey, Disaronno, orange Curaçao, and orange juice. THE DETAI LS: Juliska “Arabella” clear tumbler, $25, juliska.com.

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RAS P B E R RY G R A N I TA Raise your glass if you like to drink your dessert! It’s okay to have seconds of this icy-Italian-treat-andsparkling-wine combo. TH E D E TAILS : Waterford “Lismore Pops” toasting flute, $135 for 2, waterford.com.

SAUT E R N E S & AP R I C OT This fragrant, flavorful mix of sweet French wine, green cardamom, apricots, and star anise is first simmered, then cooled and topped with Champagne. T HE DE TAI LS :

CRE ATED BY KATIE COVINGTON CRANE, KI M GRAY, AND A NTHONY LUSC IA

Kate Spade “Larabee Dot” flute, $50 for 4, lenox.com.

Magic Flutes This slender, super-festive glass is guaranteed to put guests in a party mood. The limited surface area helps maintain the sparkling wine’s effervescence, and, as with the coupe, holding it by the stem keeps the drink cold longer. We’ll toast to that. For recipes, see The Guide

C E L E RY 75 A tablespoon of celery-infused simple syrup—plus a leafy garnish—is all we used to transform the beloved French 75 (bubbles, gin, and lemon juice). T H E DETAI LS : Crate & Barrel “Edge” Champagne glass, $13, crateandbarrel.com.

WHERE YOU WANT TO BE CELEBRATING

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Playing With Fire This sunset-hued bouquet—with its single attention-grabbing anthurium— will appeal to a bride’s untamed side. More-traditional blooms like garden roses and carnations soften the look, and a sprinkling of blue forget-me-nots cools it all down. THE DE TA ILS : Acetate ribbon, $18.50 per yd., eastcoasttrimming.com.

Tropical Punch After launching her career with natural, rustic arrangements, floral designer Taylor Patterson of the Brooklyn studio Fox Fodder Farm has moved on to Technicolor hues and playful shapes. We’re wild about the results. T E X T B Y B R O O K E P O R T E R K AT Z P H OT O G R A P H S B Y C H E L S E A C AVA N A U G H

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LIFE IN BLOOM Costume designer. Jewelry designer. Landscape designer. Taylor Patterson worked for many people—always in creative industries—early in her career. It was a position at a flower shop, however, that really stuck—and led her to open a stand at a Brooklyn flea market, selling potted plants and cut blooms. She named it Fox Fodder Farm after her family’s farm in Delaware, and in 2011, she officially opened her studio with the same name. Her big break came a year in: jewelry designer Pamela Love’s 2012 wedding, which ended up on Vogue.com. Although Patterson initially worked primarily with wildflowers, she has been experimenting with more tropical, architectural varieties, even adding white paint for texture and contrast. But no matter the type, the flowers themselves are what keep her going. “I love working with a medium that I don’t have total control over,” she says. “It makes the act of creating so inspiring.”

A New Leaf This whimsical, high-impact arrangement—an ideal focal point for a guest-book table, escort-card display, or bar—shows that a little paint can go a long way. Big, flat monstera leaves have been transformed into a white backdrop of sorts, which, as Patterson puts it, “sets the stage” to spotlight the spiky tricolor dracaena, anthuriums, garden roses, carnations, forget-me-nots, and a banana blossom. She also thinks outside the vase, with a cluster of unripened dates alongside for added texture. T H E DE TA I LS: Woven bamboo basket, from $10, jamaligarden.com.

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Light as a Feather What do you do when you have an abundance of long, graceful dried areca-palm fronds? If you’re Patterson, you paint them white and transform them into a ceremony marker. (You could also attach the bundle to a chuppah or use it as a garland over, say, a menu board.) As with the leaves on the previous page, the white “helps bring focus to the more colorful things,” says Taylor, including the tricolor dracaena and cherry-red carnations. Orange unripened dates, meanwhile, create a pretty cascading shape. “I didn’t want to bring in any big blooms, because I thought they would overwhelm it,” she says. The result: an element that feels floral, modern, and wholly unique.

ST Y L E

CREATED BY KATIE COVINGTON CRANE AND KIM GRAY. MAKEUP BY HIRO YONEMOTO USING CHANEL FOR ATELIER MANAGEMENT

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More Is More To make your tables feel more open, swap a large centerpiece for groupings of vases, each with two or three flowers of varying heights and shapes (here, big bold anthuriums and more-delicate carnations, garden roses, and forget-me-nots). “This works best for a less-formal event,” Patterson says. T H E D E TA I LS: Crate & Barrel “Edge” wineglasses, $13 each, crateandbarrel.com. West Elm gold flatware, $39 for a 5-piece setting; and

Judy Jackson Stoneware vases, $129 for a 3-piece set, westelm.com. CB2 matte blue-green salad plates, $5 each, cb2.com. Oriental Trading mini gold gift boxes, $4 for 24, orientaltrading.com.

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WALKING DOWN THE ISLE

Aruba is the picture-perfect backdrop for your dream destination wedding or honeymoon. Nestled outside the hurricane belt, Aruba’s sunny skies guarantee things will go off with only one hitch…yours. Discover Aruba’s special wedding and honeymoon packages today.

Plan your perfect SHORTCUT TO HAPPINESS today at weddings.aruba.com

Say “I Do” to Aruba, One happy island Imagine saying “I do” while barefoot on white sands, bathed in a magnificent sunset. Picture making your vows on a romantic sail against the calm rhythms of the Caribbean Sea. With its world-renowned beaches, year-round sunshine, exclusive hotels, and exciting activities, Aruba has become one of the Caribbean’s most popular wedding and honeymoon destinations for couples from around the world. It’s easy to reach this paradise and find great accommodations for your wedding guests. Aruba’s official wedding blog, Beach Brides, incorporates each stage of planning, providing both practical and inspirational content for couples looking to become one on One happy island. The blog is uniquely Aruban and showcases the island as an ideal destination with a vibrant wedding scene. This inspirational digital resource allows couples to customize their experience by highlighting an array of ideas and options that can only be found with a dream destination wedding in Aruba. In addition, Beach Brides highlights local vendors, wedding planners, florists, photographers, and other wedding professionals, featuring their one-of-a-kind offerings on the site daily. The friendly island loves to celebrate the renewal of nuptials and sacred declarations of vows. Civil marriages are held in the historic downtown of its capital city of Oranjestad, an iconic island tradition. Additionally, the island’s historic churches, chapels, and synagogues also offer religious ceremonies. As one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean, Aruba appeals to relaxation seekers, sun worshippers, adventure enthusiasts, culinary lovers, and everyone in between. Couples can explore their wild sides by off-roading on an exciting ATV or Jeep Safari tour through the rugged and breathtaking Arikok National Park, plunging headfirst into the Natural Pool, SNUBA diving with the exotic marine life, or venturing through the mysterious Ayo Rock Formations and ancient Quadiriki Caves. With constant sunshine and warm weather year-round, Aruba gives brides the opportunity to have their dream beach wedding in July, December, or any month that suits their schedule. The Beach Brides blog can be found online at beachbrides.com. The options are truly endless, from all-inclusive resorts and boutique-style hotels in charming Eagle Beach to the luxurious, high-rise branded hotels in Palm Beach. Whether you want to celebrate on a boat, a private island, golf course, boutique hotel, secret cove, or colonial mansion, Aruba can be your picture-perfect, dream destination wedding come true.

For more information, visit weddings.aruba.com

BE YOUR OWN BRIDE

M A K E A N A P P O I NTM E NT DAV I DS B R I DA L .CO M 87 7. 9 0 6 . B R I D E

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Color Theory A palette isn’t only a wedding-day decision—when registering for your home, start with the hue that best reflects you. There’s no faster way to find a look you’ll love to live with. P H O T O G R A P H S BY J O S H D I C K I N S O N

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6. In the Pink Airy yet warm and surprisingly versatile, pale pink is an easygoing color. Infuse your rooms with it—set a table, make the bed, add a few unexpected accessories, too—and envelop yourself in a comfortable cloud of good cheer. T HE DETAI LS: 1. Rikumo “Claire” bath towel, $68, and washcloth, $15, in Smoky Pink, rikumo.com. 2. Iittala x Issey Miyake napkin, $50, store.moma.org. 3. Mud Australia small “Pebble” bowl, in Pink, $38, us.mudaustralia.com. 4. Cuisinart “Power Advantage” 5-speed hand mixer, in Pink, $50, cuisinart.com. 5. Sonoma “Goods for Life” porcelain elephant, $10, kohls.com. 6. Sferra “Celeste” standard pillowcase, in Pink, $173 for 2, and flat sheet, from $240, sferra.com. 7. Martha Stewart Collection Collector’s enameled cast-iron round casserole, 6 qt., in Pink Sea Salt, $180, macys.com.

www.madison-james.com

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White Sale It’s hard to go wrong with white. A no-brainer in home goods (bleach-ability has long explained the popularity of white linens and towels), it’s also the perfect blank canvas—whether in a decorative bowl or a serving platter or a quilt—providing a clean backdrop for any hue you add. Pair it with pops of primary color, black for graphic contrast, or just more white: It works every time. TH E DETA I LS : 1. Michael Aram “Gotham” white dinnerware, $150 for a 5-piece place setting, michaelaram.com. 2. Modern “Palm Springs” house numbers, 4", in White, $24.50 each, shopboxhill.com. 3. Wedgwood Jasper Conran “Strata” oval platter, $100, wedgwood.com. 4. Match “Compendio” steak knives, in Ice Lucite Handles, $434 for 6, match1995.com. 5. Yves Delorme “Etoile” slippers, in Blanc, $75, usa.yvesdelorme.com. 6. Keurig “K200” coffee maker, in White, $120, target.com. 7. Rosenthal “Medallion White” teapot (similar to shown), $92; covered sugar bowl, $35; and creamer, $23, rosenthalusa-shop.com. 8. Martha Stewart Collection “Eyelash Stripe” quilt, $280 for full/queen, macys.com. 9. Vista Alegre “Quartz” centerpiece, $225, alchemyfinehome.com.

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6. Golden Age

Don’t underestimate the power of a little bit of luxe: A gilded tea set; a throw pillow encased in glittering, pleasantly jingling disks; even completely utilitarian items like a garden hose or dustpan take on a glamorous personality when rendered in gold. Add a few pieces for sparkle, or go full-on—your registry is your wish list, after all, so feel free to indulge. THE DETAILS: 1. Garden Glory “Gold Digger” hose, $125, hankandsylvies.com. 2. Molly M gold leather place mats, $264 for 4, John Derian Company, 212-677-8408. 3. Michele Varian “Primary Shapes” brass table lamp, $630, michelevarian.com. 4. Menu “Norm” wall clock, in Brass, $320, aplusrstore.com. 5. Deshoulières Limoges porcelain teacup and saucer, and coffee cup and saucer, in Carat Gold, from a 5-piece place setting, $700, fxdougherty.com. 6. Jonathan Adler “Talitha Discs” throw pillow, $255, jonathanadler.com. 7. Kate Spade New York “Malmo” gold flatware, $90 for a 5-piece place setting, lenox.com. 8. CB2 gold mixing bowls, $50 for a set of 6, cb2.com. 9. Gentner Design brass-and-horsehair brush and dustpan, $185, food52.com.

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Back to Black Few colors are as chic—or as sensible—as basic black. In a matte finish, it lends a modern look to flatware, kitchenware, even sturdy household appliances (yes, that smart little robot is cleaning house); paired with a little bling—a gold handle on a suitcase, for instance, or some cut crystal in a pair of gleaming Champagne flutes—the look becomes instant, dramatic elegance. T H E DETAI LS : 1. L’Objet “Alchimie” charger, $52, and bread-and-butter plate, $24, l-objet.com. 2. Revol roasting dish, $200 for a set of 3, revol1768.com. 3. All-Clad “HA 1” nonstick panini press, $80, all-clad.com. 4. Noritake “Colorwave” covered butter dish, in Graphite, $45, noritakechina.com. 5. Rikumo “FD Style” can opener, $72, rikumo.com. 6. Roomba “980” vacuum-cleaning robot, $900, zola.com. 7. Table Art “Otto” black matte serving spoon and fork, $72, tableartonline.com. 8. SteamLine Luggage “The Soprano” vanity case, $395, steamlineluggage.com. 9. John Rocha at Waterford black cut Champagne flutes, $325 for 2, waterford.com. 10. Garden Glory “Onyx Diamond” watering can, $110, jungleeny.com.

CRE ATED BY NAOMI deMA ÑA NA

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Blue Notes Crisp and nautical when paired with white, and as dreamy as an evening sky when matched with deep, soft grays, blues are an always-pleasing pick for home décor. Think candlesticks, cozy throws . . . even small appliances have more impact in your favorite sapphire hue. T HE D ETAI L S: 1. Dansk “Kobenstyle” saucepan, 2 qt., in Midnight Blue, $80, lenox.com. 2. John Derian vintage African indigo textile panel, $165, 212-677-8408. 3. Vietri “Net & Stripe” pasta bowl, $40, and small oval platter, $84, vietri.com. 4. Tivoli Audio “ PAL” portable radio with Bluetooth, in Blue/White, $200, zola.com. 5. H-Filaments custom apron, from $100, h-filaments.com. 6. Rowenta “Everlast Anticalc DW7180” iron, $119, rowentausa.com. 7. Restoration Hardware Bella Dura “Lido” pillow cover, in Azure, $89, rh.com. 8. Terrain ceramic dipped candlestick, in Indigo, $26, shopterrain.com. 9. R. Wood Studio “Floralform” dinner plate, 11", in Blueberry, $52, rwoodstudio.com. 10. Juliska heirloom linen napkin, in Delft Blue, $15, juliska.com.

CRE ATED BY NAOMI deMA ÑA NA

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Showered With Kisses We asked San Francisco party master Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day to set the scene for a French-inspired bridal shower—with bright stripes, balloons, and many bisous. T E X T BY N ATA L I E E R M A N N R U S S E L L P H OT OG R A P H S BY A AR O N WOJ AC K

TOUT SWEET

Red-and-white-striped paper goods tie together the elements of this sweet spread, inspired by beach umbrellas on the French Riviera. Highlights include dainty marzipan cherries, mini tarts, and, mais oui, pink-poodle balloons. See The Guide for sources.

Your storybook outdoor wedding… …starts here #sperrylove sperrytents.com/sperrylove 888-825-7542

Photo by Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay seanmoney-elizabethfay.com

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ON A ROLL! It’s not unusual to find Jordan Ferney cruising around her office space on mint-green roller skates. “I like to be cheeky,” she says. Ferney started her career as a party planner but discovered that her passion was in the lighthearted—but thoughtfully curated—details. So she began the Oh Happy Day blog, sharing her ideas for new crafts, design, and party inspiration. In 2015, she launched a sister site, a party-supply shop by the same name. Ferney and her 10 full-time employees now live by the credo “We put the art in parties.” She harbors a particular affinity for balloons—and for global décor. “France, hands down, has the best confetti. They tend to have the perfect slow drift, they flutter just right, and they don’t stick together. I know: I’ve tested them all.”

Cocktail Couture Dainty drink umbrellas, which at full size could easily be found in the sand on the Côte d’Azur, top these “French kiss” cocktails. With vodka, vermouth, and an egg-white foam, they make see The Guide). Ferney likes to cut the metallic-paper straws to fit the scale of the glasses. T H E DETAI LS : French drink umbrellas, in assorted colors, $14 for 144; metallic-paper straws, $6 for 25; and striped party napkins, $6.50 for 20, shop.ohhappyday.com. IKEA “Intagande” glasses, $2 each, ikea.com.

ST Y L E B R I DA L S H O W E R

Welcome guests— and create a fun photo op—with a double “kiss.”

Pucker Up! “I like balloon walls because they look impressive but are really very easy— the entire thing took maybe an hour,” says Ferney. Using a projector to cast “Bisou, Bisou” onto a blank wall in a simple script (in the font Thirsty Rough Light), she traced the letters lightly with a pencil. Then she affixed ultra-slender “160 Long Balloons” in shades of coral and blush, with gaffer’s tape in a triple layer. (Shorter lengths of balloon were just tied off and trimmed.) Adding to the festive look is neon confetti. “Giant confetti is my favorite,” she says, “partly because it’s the easiest to clean up.” TH E DE TAILS : “160 Long” balloons, $33 for 100; and confetti party box, $7.50, shop.ohhappyday.com.

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Kisses to Go Ferney transformed clear plastic cylinders into candy-filled “lipstick tubes” for party favors. To re-create: Cut one end of each tube at an angle and fill with candy. (Ferney uses Sixlets—“they’re iconic and come in almost every color.”) Tape acetate on top, then wrap the middle of the tube in gold washi tape. Below that, add an outer layer of card stock in a contrasting color, scored for a beveled look. Attach a lipstick-printed tag with washi tape. T HE DETAILS : Tubes, 2" by 6", in Clear With Golden Caps, $1.25 each, paper mart.com. Paper cardstock craft kit, $16 for 75 sheets; and washi tape, in Border Mikan and Gold, $4 per roll, shop.ohhappyday.com.

CRE ATED BY NAOMI d E MAÑANA. GROOMING BY LISA STRUTZ FOR AU BRI BAL K INC .

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A S TORY BOOK S E T T I N G OUR PICK FOR YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING

Charleston, S O U T H C A RO LI NA An exquisitely preserved jewel box destination that looks like it has been painted in watercolor, Charleston is full of gorgeous scenery, gorgeous people, and gorgeous weather… the ideal place to say “I do.”

To stay in Charleston is to be swept back to an era of flickering carriage lanterns and cobblestone streets. It is a world of old libraries, lovingly manicured gardens, spectacular architecture, church bells tolling on the hour, sophisticated interpretations of Southern cuisine, and soul-stirring coastal landscapes—a fabled setting for your dream wedding. Find everything needed to plan your special day at CharlestonWeddingGuide.com.

@CHSWEDDINGGUIDE @CHARLESTONWEDDINGGUIDE

The PLANNER In This Section . . . Secrets to Picking the Perfect Color Palette Summer-Camp Wedding Venues Dress Codes, Decoded Unexpected Costs and How to Avoid Them Real Couples Weigh In on First-Dance Lessons Welcome-Bag Ideas Everything You Never Knew You Needed to Know About Ice

IN LIVING COLOR

Ask Martha

Summertime is all about vibrant colors, and we’ve uncovered the one tool you need to stylishly work them into your wedding (turn the page to see it). When you’re picking your palette, remember that inspiration can come from anywhere, like this fun new photography book filled with rainbows made of everything from flowers to stamps to sweets. T EX T BY L E I G H C RAN DALL

Fro m En cyc lo ped i a of Ra i nbow s , by J u l i e Seabrook Rea m , p ub l i s hed by Chron ic l e Book s (2 017). It features 80 different rainbows! (continued on following page)

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weeks before your wedding is the ideal deadline for guests to RSVP.

BEHIND THE WHEEL You know that friend who always puts colors together in artful, unexpected ways that you never would have thought to try? Well, there’s a trick that lets you do that, too: Just consult the color wheel, a tool that lays out the spectrum in circular form. Colors can be combined in a variety of ways according to their position relative to one another on the wheel. To help narrow down the options, use the season, the aesthetics of your venue, and the mood you’re looking to set as inspiration.

M O N O C H R O M AT I C

SHIRA SAYS

Monochromatic This color scheme is one of the easiest to execute and lends itself well to a subtle, sophisticated celebration. Simply combine tints, tones, and shades of any single hue.

A N A LO G O U S

Analogous This combo incorporates two or more colors next to one another on the wheel. Because they’re often found together in nature (like the blues and greens of the ocean, or the colors of a sunset), analogous color schemes are a great choice for outdoor weddings and generally make for a serene, comforting design.

Complementary Use colors located directly across from each other on the wheel to design an impactful, high-contrast color scheme. To soften the look, opt for lesssaturated hues.

C O M P L E M E N TA R Y

“Be sure to take your time when you’re walking back up the aisle at the end of the ceremony. Make eye contact with guests and each other, and take it all in. Pause at the top of the aisle, too, and maybe share a kiss— not only does it keep you in the moment, but it also makes for great photos.” —Shira Savada, real weddings editor

ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES (WHEE L); JIM FRANCO (MONOCH RO MATI C); JOHNNY MILLE R (ANALOGOUS); RAYMOND HOM (COMPLEMENTARY); STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON (SHIRA)

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THE PLANNER EXPERT ADVICE

MY FAVORITE

WELCOME-BAG TREATS Tampa, Florida–based planner Anna Lucia Richardson suggests giving your wedding guests a mix of practical, celebratory, and sentimental trinkets, including: Something to Sip On “Go beyond bottled water and include a cocktail set with liquor, mixers, and garnishes,” says Richardson. One easy idea: cans of tomato juice, mini bottles of vodka, and Tabasco sauce for Bloody Marys.

A Nod to the Venue

Should We or Shouldn’t We? FIRST-DANCE LESSONS Classes are a popular way to learn a routine or improve your moves for your dance-floor moment. But are they right for the two of you? Three couples weigh in on their dance-floor prep, and an instructor shares her tips for getting the most out of the experience.

FRO M TOP : KATE HEAD LEY; CARRI E PATTERSON PHOTOGRAP HY

We Did, to Learn a Routine

We Did, for Fun

“We started dance lessons 13 months before the wedding, then began rehearsing a choreographed number in May, four months before we got married. I’m a trained dancer, but it doesn’t come naturally to Robin, so having choreography helped him feel more comfortable. Not only are lessons fun, but they boost your confidence for your wedding day—and any other time you hit the dance floor. And the experience improved our communication as a couple.” —Vanessa Delmer, married to Robin Delmer

“We took dance lessons because Edson was a dancing novice and I wanted lessons myself. Our wedding was in October, and we took eight lessons total, on a weekly basis, beginning in July. While our instructor taught us different steps to create a routine, we decided to freestyle for our first dance to avoid the day-of stress. Knowing different steps from our lessons was useful, because we could use them when we felt like it. Plus, certain moves had our guests cheering!” —Lizette Gutierrez, married to Edson Gutierrez

We Didn’t

An Instructor Says . . .

“We discussed the possibility of taking lessons or learning a choreographed dance. But in the end, we decided not to, because we wanted to relax and not focus on memorizing turns or getting steps right. We didn’t practice and didn’t worry about making the dance perfect, but just enjoyed the moment, surrounded by our friends and family.” —Adrienne Victor, married to Chris Formisano

“Preparing for a first dance is so much more than mastering a few steps. You also learn coordination and performance skills— and you have to do it all with a partner. For a fully choreographed dance, I recommend lessons once per week, starting at least seven months before the wedding. For those looking to feel comfortable with the basics, I suggest beginning at least four months in advance. As for song choice, the optimal length is about two and a half minutes. If your song is longer than that, invite your guests to join in for the last couple of minutes.” —Szewai Lee, Duet Dance Studio, in Chicago

“Add a favorite locally sourced treat or, if it’s a destination wedding, something that’s useful in the location,” she says. Think a subway card or museum pass in the city, trail maps for the woods, or sunscreen for the beach.

A Keepsake “Incorporate playing cards, a hat, or another token that guests can reuse long after the party is over,” says Richardson. Keep in mind: Attendees will need to travel home, so favors that can squeeze into carry-on luggage are best.

Fabulous Packaging “Rather than using items’ original packaging, work with your stationer or planner to create custom labels,” Richardson advises. “It can be as simple as repackaging treats in waxed-paper bags with a label in your wedding’s palette, or placing items in decorative tins.”

A Personal Greeting A note written specifically for each guest is the most important part of making guests feel welcome. Richardson also suggests including a list of wedding events so that guests can access the information quickly.

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Summer camp–style weddings are trending, and for good reason—it’s tough to beat simple pleasures like s’mores around a campfire with your besties. From actual camps for rent to hotels with “glamping” options, these venues make it easy to embrace the great outdoors. T E X T B Y C O L L E E N C L A R K

1. Camp Pinnacle Flat Rock, North Carolina Weddings at this woodlands camp include accommodations for up to 240 guests in rustic cabins, some with attached tree houses! An amphitheaterlike area overlooking the water offers a peaceful setting for a ceremony, while the reception can be held in the retro open-air basketball pavilion or the new dining room, which overlooks the lake. But the real draws here are the waterborne activities: A white-sand beach fronts a floating playground with a rope swing, a water trampoline, and many a boat (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and more). Top Tip: The camp chef is an award-winning ice carver, so be sure to take advantage of his skills for a fun bar centerpiece. T HE D ETAILS: From $8,500 for

entire camp rental with accommodation, camppinnacle.com.

2. Firelight Camps Ithaca, New York Want an Out of Africa look without flying across the Atlantic? Consider this safari-style tented camp in upstate New York. On the grounds of La Tourelle Resort & Spa, outdoorsy guests can bed down beneath the stars

in one of 19 luxe tents, while others can opt for the comfort of a traditional hotel just up the hill. Although the tents are off the grid, they come with battery-powered lanterns, which also charge phones, and an upscale bathhouse provides big-day essentials like hot showers, hair dryers, and bath products. Staff tends the morning and evening campfires, where guests sip local coffee or choose from a list of Finger Lakes–region wines and craft brews. There’s also a bocce court beneath fairy lights, perfect for the after-party. Top Tip: Plan a prewedding hike with your guests to the waterfalls and gorges of Buttermilk Falls State Park—the trailhead is steps from the campground. TH E DETAILS: Site fee from

$4,500, firelight camps.com.

3. Camp Wandawega Elkhorn, Wisconsin This lakeside camp is a Wes Anderson movie come to life (think impeccably styled retro cabins with arrows and souvenir pennants as wall art, plaid throws atop vintage beds, and rocking chairs lining porches). The entire camp must be rented out for weddings, so up to 50 overnight guests have

their pick of accommodations, from tepee to tent, cabin to A-frame. The pièce de résistance? A two- story tree house with space for dancing in front is an ideal spot for the reception. Top Tip: The groom and his guys can get ready in a refurbished motorcycle garage and pose for photos on an antique motorcycle with a sidecar. T HE D ETA I LS : Rental price upon

request, wandawega.com.

4. The Suttle Lodge Deschutes National Forest, Oregon Spread over 15.5 acres on the shores of Suttle Lake in Deschutes National Forest, this getaway for up to 100 overnight guests, operated by the hospitality team behind Ace Hotel Portland, has all the same hipster-chic hallmarks— including locally made microbrews, French-press coffee, and Pendleton camp blankets. The Eagle Scouts on your guest list can bed down in rustic cabins (warning: no running water), while the less adventurous will feel pampered in well-styled deluxe cabins, each with its own canoe. The chef at top Portland restaurant Ava Gene’s created the lodge’s

menu, centered around haute takes on comfort fare. Top Tip: A variety of watercraft means you can make quite the entrance to a lakeside ceremony. (Who needs an aisle when you can arrive via rowboat?) T HE D ETA I LS : Site fee from

$15,000, thesuttlelodge.com.

5. El Capitan Canyon Gaviota, California Just 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara, perched across from a dramatic stretch of El Capitan State Beach, this venue provides the best of a beach and a forest wedding in one. Up to 300 guests can sunbathe in the morn ing, then gather around the campfire at night. The property’s mix of safari- style tents, yurts, and cabins (with private bathrooms) means there’s lodging for everyone, from the intrepid backpacker to the spider-averse city slicker. And with bikes, hikes, a highropes course, a pool, and a massage tent, guests can be as busy—or as relaxed—as they’d like. Top Tip: Throw your day-after brunch at the nearby Cold Spring Tavern, which serves up hearty breakfast fare in a fun log cabin–style setting. T HE D ETA I LS : Venue rental from

$2,500, elcapitancanyon.com.

CLOCKWI SE FRO M LEFT: OLI VIA GRIFFI N PHOTOGRAP HY; ALE XANDRA ELI SE PHOTOGRAPHY; BRAD&JEN PHOTOGRAPHY; NATALIE PULS PHOTOGRAP HY; NIRAV PATE L PHOTOGRAP HY

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THE PLANNER EXPERT ADVICE

The Art of the Thank-You Note We get it. After the rush of your wedding, it can be hard to sit down and get the thank-yous done. But with a little planning, putting your gratitude into words can be a cinch.

1. Stay organized Order thank-you cards at the same time as the rest of your wedding stationery, and add a “gift” category to your list of invitee addresses. Update the list with the gift sent as soon as you receive it, so you won’t forget who gave what.

2. Time it right

BEST PARTY EVER! What’s the secret to a truly memorable bash? Thoughtful hosts. (That would be you!) Claudia Hanlin, contributing editor and founder of the Wedding Library, in New York City, explains how to plan a considerate celebration. T E X T B Y J A I M E B U E R G E R

Put Comfort First When it comes to setting priorities, think through the logistics of your particular celebration and “be mindful of what’s best for your guests’ experience,” says Hanlin. During the ceremony, she suggests, use a microphone or have your officiant wear a lapel mic so that everyone can hear your vows. Be sure the seating is comfortable (chairs with backs and cushions), particularly if you’re planning a service longer than 30 minutes. If it’s hot, hand out fans; if it’s chilly, pass hot drinks or have wraps available. And if rain is in the forecast, provide inexpensive umbrellas for guests to take home. Hanlin also suggests solving the issue of transportation. If it’s a long distance between your ceremony and reception locations, hire

cars or buses—even if that means forgoing other details. “Guests won’t remember not getting favors,” she says, “but a day that goes off flawlessly will stick with them.”

Meet and Greet You don’t have to come up with elaborate get-toknow-everyone exercises, but you should still find ways to encourage guests to interact. One easy idea: Make sure your ushers know the full scope of their role. Yes, they’ll hand out programs and show people to their seats, “but it’s really about chatting guests up and making them feel welcome,” says Hanlin. And if you do like fun little icebreakers, Hanlin’s a fan of cocktail napkins that double as conversation starters. “Print them with facts about the bride or groom, or the cocktail you’re drinking—or easy questions

that lead to a cute story guests can have a laugh over together.”

Make It Personal Welcome bags at hotels are a great way to make out-of-towners feel at home—just be sure to include a thoughtful note. At dinner, consider eschewing formality and using friends’ and family’s nicknames on escort cards for a personal tone. At the wedding itself, make every effort to personally greet all your guests, even if that means you and your spouse divide and conquer while working the room. And, says Hanlin, unless you have a special send-off planned, stay as late as you can at the reception. That way, you can catch up with anyone you haven’t had the chance to talk to, and you won’t miss out on any of the fun.

It’s ideal to send a thank-you as soon as you receive a gift, but when you’re in the throes of wedding planning, that can be a tall order. A realistic goal is to send your notes no later than three months after your vows. To make it easier, write three a day until you’re done, rather than tackling them all in one sitting.

3. Divide & conquer For a streamlined approach, you and your spouse can each tackle your respective family members. Just make sure that both of you sign your names at the bottom of the note.

4. Use your words Your thank-you should mention the specific gift and how you plan to use it. If someone sent a check or gift card, you can still be specific about where you’ll spend it: “Thank you so much for the generous gift. It will be put to good use as we furnish our new home.” —Jaime Buerger

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THE PLANNER EXPERT ADVICE

Everything You Never Knew You Needed to Know About ICE carved into a towering sculpture.

T EXT BY AL A I N A DE M O POU LOS

CLINK, CLINK While all ice is (literally) created equal—by chilling water to below 32 degrees—that doesn’t mean it’s all the same, particularly when it comes to cocktails. Richard Swan, national beverage director of event bartending service the Grand Bevy, explains that the type of ice you can expect to see in your glass depends on the drink.

The idea of selling ice first began in 1806, when entrepreneur Frederic Tudor began shipping ice made from pond water around Boston—insulated with sawdust and hay—to the warmer climates of the Caribbean, Singapore, and India.

FROM TO P: GE TTY IMAGES; CLI PART.COM ; GETTY IMAGES

CRYSTAL CLEAR Artisanal ice is all the rage, but what’s the diﬀerence between your standard freezer cubes and the gourmet upgrade? Simple aesthetics—artisanal ice is completely transparent and thus a little prettier than “normal” ice. “The secret to completely clear cubes is that the air’s forced out of the water during the freezing process,” says Swan. Artisanal ice suppliers use a specialized machine to chill water from the bottom up, which eliminates air bubbles and keeps ice clear.

CUBED ICE Best for

highballs and cocktails, this traditional shape chills drinks quickly but melts slowly enough that drinks don’t get overly watered down. SON IC OR NUGGET ICE

Made up of lots of tiny shards thrown together to create nuggets, it melts quickly, which is ideal for slushy tropical drinks or muddled cocktails like mojitos. “This sort of ice helps to keep crushed ingredients like mint and

berries suspended CYL I NDR ICA L IC E in the drink, which “Tubular, or ‘Collins,’ prevents them from cubes are long, narrow clogging up your straw,” pieces of ice designed says Swan. to fit tall highball or Collins glasses.” LARGE - FORMAT ICE

This ice is typically cut from large solid blocks into a variety of separate one-to-two-inch shapes, such as squares or spheres. “Because they’re larger, they melt more slowly—ideal for single-spirit sippers who want to control dilution and take their time drinking.”

MIX IT UP If you like the idea of serving craft cocktails but don’t want to purchase and prepare all the ingredients, try Herb & Lou’s Infused Ice Cubes ($16 for 12, herbandlous.com). These cocktail starters come premixed and packaged in cube form, with flavor combos like cucumber and watermelon with honey and thyme, so all you have to do is freeze them, add one to your favorite liquor, shake, and serve.

SHAVED IC E It’s

“brilliant for dessert but tricky to use in alcoholic cocktails; it waters down a normal drink too much,” says Swan. “A shavedice cone is flavored with extra-concentrated ingredients to account for the extra water.”

Dry ice isn’t made of water— it’s actually the frozen form of carbon dioxide.

ALL ABOUT ICE SCULPTURES If the ﬁrst thing that pops into your head when you hear “ice sculpture” is a frosted swan, you should know there’s much more to ice carving these days. “Couples are requesting interactive designs so guests are in direct contact with the ice, from photo-op frames to graﬃti ‘walls,’ ” says Shintaro Okamoto, founder and creative director of New York City’s Okamoto Studio Custom Ice, the team behind Central Park’s Ice Festival. Sculptors use tools including chisels and chainsaws to shape ice blocks into art. Most of the work is done outside the freezer in a cold-but-not-freezing space (ice is less brittle and prone to breakage when it’s slightly warmer), so artists work against time to create a design in just a few hours before packing it in shrink-wrap and insulation blankets for transport and setup. Once at an event, pieces remain intact for around four to six hours, after which they slowly start to lose detail. Given the labor-intensive nature can be pricey. Okamoto’s most popular designs (three feet by three feet) start at $580; the cost goes up as the size increases.

“BREAKING THE ICE” While we now apply this term to warming up chilly social situations, it originally described the breaking up of ice floes to allow boats to pass through frigid waters.

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THE PLANNER EXPERT ADVICE

Ensemble cast: Be sure to ask your photographer to take a group shot with your guests to capture the cohesive look.

Hidden Figures Some of these costs can be found buried in your vendor contracts; others seemingly pop up on the fly. Here’s a quick breakdown of the items and services that can quickly derail your budget. 1. POSTAGE: Consider that most invitations are heavier than everyday letters, thanks to extras like reply cards (which etiquette says should also include postage) and envelopes, and accommodation and direction cards—so postage costs add up quickly. To be safe, budget up to $1.75 per invite.

What are we all wearing? It depends on the wording. TEXT BY A N THON Y LU SC I A

Guests’ outfits play a role in determining the look and vibe of a celebration, so lots of couples opt to provide a dress code. Don’t worry about coming across as bossy—many of your loved ones will thank you for simplifying the weddingguest-attire dilemma. Guidelines should be stated clearly at the bottom of invitations or reception cards, as well as on your wedding website, to make sure no one misses them and unwittingly commits a fashion faux pas. Here are a few common dress codes to consider.

You Say: Black Tie It Means: You want your guests to look like they stepped out of a casino scene in a James Bond film. Tuxedos on the gents; floor-length gowns on the ladies. It’s classic and

will always look stylish. Note: If you’re requesting this level of formality from your guests, your event needs to feel tuxedo-worthy (i.e., an evening affair with a formal, seated dinner in a stylish space).

their own way. To help keep folks at the same level of formality, it’s okay to provide parameters, like a preferred color palette or inspirational imagery, on your wedding website. This same concept can also work for seasons. Think “summertime soirée” or “winter wonderland.”

You Say: Formal, Black-Tie Optional, or Cocktail Attire

You Say: All-White Attire (or another color or combo of hues)

It Means: You want people to dress their best, but you’re flexible. Tuxedos are fantastic, but a suit and tie will do the trick, too; ladies should don a cocktail dress or a gown. The morerelaxed dress code also takes pressure off your celebration’s having to live up to black-tie-level swank.

It Means: Guests should honor the request and dress in the suggested palette. Everyone dressed in white looks fantastic, works for a formal or casual wedding, and is easy enough for guests to pull off. If you’re envisioning guests in a broader palette, be sure to include examples of the desired hues on your wedding website (because pink means something different to everyone).

You Say: Beach Chic (or any other combo of location + style) It Means: You’re letting the location inspire and allowing guests to interpret that in

More Creative Sartorial Suggestions Boots + Bow Ties Gatsby Garden Party Summer Sundresses + Seersucker Brooklyn Chic (or any combo that fits your location)

•

3. ALTERATIONS: When you’re creating your dress budget, don’t forget to factor these in. Most gowns need some nips and tucks to fit you like a glove, and professional tailoring can run up to $700, depending on what’s being done. 4. WELCOME-BAG DELIVERY: It’s a nice touch to give out-oftown guests a welcome bag filled with essentials and local treats. But if most of your loved ones are staying at a hotel, prepare to pay a delivery fee between $1.50 and $15 per bag for the staff to place them in rooms before guests arrive. As a wallet-friendly alternative, ask the concierge if they can be stashed at the front desk and distributed as guests check in. 5. TAXES AND TIPS: These aren’t always included, so be sure to review your catering contract to see if they’ve been factored into the final quote; if they haven’t, apply your state’s tax rate for food and drink to the total, and set that money aside. Same goes for tipping waiters and bartenders—sometimes gratuity is added to the contract; sometimes it isn’t. Other vendors who often receive tips, such as hair and makeup artists, musicians, DJs, and parking attendants, typically do not add gratuities to their contracts, so you’ll want to budget a 10-to-15-percent tip for a job well done. —Jaime Buerger

BELATHÉE PHOTOGRAP HY

DRESS CODES, DECODED

2. UNDERGARMENTS: A gown is only as good as its supporting garments, so plan to budget about $200 for specialty bras, a waist-cinching corset, or tummy-flattening shapewear.

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THE PLANNER WEDD IQUETTE

Ask Martha Wedding wisdom and practical solutions for all your pressing questions

Whom should we invite to our rehearsal dinner? —Chandler, via email

A: Since the rehearsal itself is a must-attend for anyone involved in the ceremony (it gives everyone a chance to walk through their roles and make sure they know their responsibilities), it’s standard to invite them all to the dinner afterward. This includes the oﬃciant, readers, the wedding party (flower girls and ring bearers included!), and all their spouses or dates. It’s also courteous to invite your close family members. And since the dinner is usually held the day or evening before the wedding, many couples extend the invitation to anyone coming in from out of town as well. But the guest list is ultimately up to whoever is hosting the party, whether that’s the groom’s parents (which is

traditional), both families, or the couple themselves. Budget and venue size can dictate how many people are included. “Rehearsal dinners are often held in a small, intimate setting,” says planner Debi Lily of A Perfect Event, in Chicago. “For those looking to host a larger group, a welcome party can be held after the rehearsal dinner or in its place.” It doesn’t necessarily require a full dinner menu—often just cocktails and appetizers or desserts are served—so it’s easier to open a welcome party up to a wider guest list.

Q: What is a groom’s cake, and do we need one? —Emily, via email

PHOTOGRAPHS BY BELATHÉE PHOTO GRAPHY; PL ANNING/DESI GN BY S INCL AI R AND MOORE; STATIONERY BY LA HAPPY DESIGN & CALLIGRAPHY

A rehearsal dinner is often a small celebration, but you can also throw open the doors and turn it into a big welcome party, as Hanna and Bret did at Seattle’s Chihuly Garden and Glass.

THE PLANNER WEDD IQUETTE

A: A groom’s cake is a less conventional cake—usually

time: You’ll get your post-ceremony photos done and won’t smaller than the wedding cake—served at the reception or miss cocktail hour! the rehearsal dinner. The idea can be traced back to the 17th century, when there was a tradition of serving two cakes— Q: How do I choose a wedding planner? —Ellie, via email one for the bride, and one in a different form for the groom. The latter was a dense fruitcake that was usually given to A: Hiring a planner is one of the biggest, and most personal, guests in slices to be taken home. Sometimes the slices would decisions you’ll make in the months leading up to your wedbe placed under the recipients’ pillows for good luck. ding. The first thing to do is decide which kind of planner While this custom has fallen by the wayside, the groom’s you need. The main categories are: cake lives on—and is a particularly proud southern wed• Classic planner: She or he will orchestrate the entire ding tradition. “Couples typically ask for a design that will planning process and ensure an organized wedding weekexpress something unique to themselves, or something end. This will include hiring vendors and acting as the point the groom loves,” says Sean Dehan of Austin, Texas–based person for them every step of the way. Expect to pay around Sweet Treats Bakery. The sky’s the limit: We’ve seen cakes 10 percent of your total wedding budget for this service. shaped like golf clubs, dinosaurs, and castles. • Event designer: This pro may fit the bill if you’re the It’s certainly not mandatory to serve a groom’s cake, but organized type who isn’t intimidated by logistics but would it can make for a memorable addition like some guidance on color palette, to dessert, as well as a nice alternative décor, and other aesthetic decisions. to the wedding cake. Chocolate is a She or he usually has an artistic backcommon choice, but any flavor goes. ground and will focus on the overall “I’ve even seen an oversize peanutlook of your day, and may have a team butter cup served as a nod to the groom’s of regular vendors who can bring that favorite candy,” says D.C.-based wedcohesive vision to life. Costs vary, beding planner Kim Newton. The cake cause event designers are often hired to also presents a great opportunity for work alongside a full-service planner; the groom to get involved in the wedsome do both jobs, or simply provide ding-planning process (after all, cake guidance for a couple who are doing tasting is hard to refuse!). To check out much of the planning themselves. some of the best—and wildest—groom’s • Month-of (or even day-of) planner: cakes we’ve seen over the years, visit This type of planner comes in only our gallery at marthastewartweddings near the end of the process to focus on —BETH HELMSTETTER OF BETH .com/grooms-cakes. orchestrating big-day logistics. “This HELMSTETTER EVENTS person will alleviate some of the legQ: The church where we plan to wed work, giving the couple the option to plan the parts they enjoy and skip the only offers 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. ceremotasks they may not love so much,” says Los Angeles–based nies, but I don’t want my reception to start before event planner Beth Helmstetter. 5 p.m. How can I manage my guests in the meantime? To make your choice, you have to consider your time, —Anne, via email your budget, how clear your vision is for the design of the A: Scheduling a sizable break between ceremony and re- day, and how hands-on you’re willing to get to pull off ception can be logistically complicated, but it’s doable. Make a seamless celebration. a plan with your guests’ comfort in mind—particularly “I always use the contractor analogy,” says real weddings the elderly and those from out of town. If the ceremony and editor Shira Savada. “You can renovate a house by yourself, reception locations are near each other and a hotel where but a contractor comes in handy. A lot of behind-the-scenes your guests are staying, that makes things easier. Guests wedding stuff is best handled by the pros.” can enjoy some downtime, or you can serve refreshments As you meet candidates, remember that personality matinformally at the hotel. You can also give guests a list of local ters—a lot. “Your wedding planner is a big part of the team offerings, or arrange a group activity: “Plan a tour of the and ultimately serves as your eyes and ears on the day,” says area to show off your favorite places around town,” suggests Helmstetter. “Ask yourself if you trust him or her to make Colorado-based planner Virgina Edelson of Bluebird Pro- decisions you would make, and if you trust that person to ductions. Of course, there’s a bright side to having that extra manage the team properly.”

“

Your wedding planner is a big part of the team and ultimately serves as your eyes and ears on the day.

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R O S E I N B LO O M Decidedly not for the shrinking violet, this incredibly tactile Peter Langner “Seline” strapless gown with a mermaid skirt and matching sculptural cape, all in dusty pink ($14,300 and $4,000, peterlangner .com), is for the bride who prefers to take fate into her own hands. Simply doff the cape when it’s time to hit the dance floor. You’ll lead, of course. TH E DETA I LS : Rebecca de Ravenel drop earrings, in Rosita, $345, modaoperandi.com. Paolo Costagli 4.68-carat pink-sapphire ring in platinum, price upon request, paolocostagli.com.

STORY

H O U S E O F M I RT H The soft, high-collared Isabelle Armstrong “Mathilda” tulle capelet, which seems to have come straight off an Edith Wharton heroine, feels at once old-fashioned and flirtatious. Wear it over her matching dove-gray taffeta-silk gown with ruched bodice ($4,995 for both, Kleinfeld Bridal, 646-633-4300), and make a TH E DETAI L

Spinner Ring,” price upon request, 212-879-9100. Oscar de la Renta lapis resin flower earrings, $360, oscardelarenta.com.

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Proper up top, party down below: This silk-organza Romona Keveza Collection dress ($19,790, romonakeveza.com) starts with an elegant pale-peach bodice and ends with a riot of orange bougainvillea at the hem of its full skirt. Put it on for your walk down the aisle, and get ready for wherever your adventures take you. TH E D ETAI LS: Emily Wheeler diamond choker necklace in 14k white gold, $14,400, emilypwheeler.com.

You want to go classic on your big day: elegant hair, understated makeup, ivory gown. Problem is, you’re not a totally traditional gal. Add some oomph to your look with can’t-miss-’em jewelry, like the oversize gold-and-silver chandelier earrings that bring shine and sass to this structured Martina Liana silk-zibeline dress (style 844; $1,999, essensedesigns.com). TH E DETA ILS: Eddie Borgo barbell chandelier earrings, $425, eddieborgo.com.

I N H E R S H O E S If you’ve chosen hot-pink heels for your wedding, chances are you’re looking to get down on your big day. But why stop there? Put on some swingy earrings in the same bold shade, and an equally fun off-the-shoulder Delphine Manivet “Harlon” dress ($3,150, delphinemanivet.com)—in a midi length Lele Sadoughi “Plumeria” ring, in Shell, $145, lelesadoughi.com. Sachin & Babi “ChaCha” fringe earrings, $250, sachinandbabi.com.

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E V E R Y T H I N G I S I L LU M I N AT E D All brides fret about day-of weather. Choose this bright-yellow Naeem Khan “Nairobi” gown with an embroidered blouson bodice and charm to spare ($10,995, markingramatelier T H E DETA I L

“Swimming Fish” earrings, in Blue, $175, cynthiarowley.com.

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with a high-necked Angel Sanchez lace gown (style NS1710; $9,790, angelsanchezusa.com) in a tonal floral pattern that is as striking as it is subtle. Petal appliqués on the bodice add texture, while a light-blue underlayer delivers a hint of color. You provide the drama. T H E DE TA I LS: Solange Azagury-Partridge “Cleopatra” diamond earrings, in 18k white gold, price upon request, 212-879-9100.

Slip on Elizabeth Fillmore’s body-hugging “Love and Rockets” silk-crepe gown with vibrant floral and butterfly appliqués ($3,795, elizabethfillmorebridal.com) for a look that’s a little bit rock and roll, a little bit country, a little bit sexy, a little bit sweet. TH E D ETAI LS: Eddie Borgo “Dahlia” mood ring, $250, eddieborgo.com. Oscar de la Renta

tourmaline bead double-oval earrings, $590, oscardelarenta.com.

T H E P R I N C E S S B R I D E Ready for your fairy-tale moment? Carolina Herrera’s organza “Emanuele” dress ($9,900, carolinaherrera.com), in the prettiest blush pink, is a soft, billowing dream. A plunging neckline and an asymmetrical tiered skirt keep the look modern. TH E D ETA ILS: Lele Sadoughi crystal-star earrings, in Ivory, $240, lelesadoughi.com. Jenny Packham

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T H E WO M A N I N W H I T E It’s no mystery why this ivory column dress by Viktor&Rolf (price upon request, viktor-rolf.com) feels so chic. Its long, fluid lines and unexpected one-shouldered cape would steal the heart of any fashion-forward bride. Plus, its minimalist style means you can get away with wearing maximalist jewelry. T HE DETAI

Paolo Costagli “Bon Bon” 11.88-carat moonstone ring with pavé-set diamonds, price upon request, paolocostagli.com.

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($14,990, markingramatelier.com) shows guests you’re not afraid to take risks or take up space. The standout dress boasts a bodice-to-skirt cascade of beading and embroidery, plus detachable sleeves—because you’re nothing if not prepared. THE DETAI LS: Kirk Kara “Lori” ring with signature filigree and milgrain in white gold, from $2,990, kirkkara.com. Cynthia Rowley lapis cabochon earrings, in Blue, $90, cynthiarowley.com. Gatti London blue topaz pendant with 14k gold chain, $650, cynthiarowley.com.

but alluring, simple but embellished? It’s your wedding—you can have it all. A figure-fitting silhouette makes this stunning Temperley London “M’O Exclusive” long crossbone lattice gown ($11,595, modaoperandi.com) surprisingly sexy; an exaggerated bow in the back and hand-embroidered beading, meanwhile, deliver a satisfying dose of bling and high fashion. T H E DETAILS : Paolo Costagli pavé-diamond earrings with connecting diamond pendants, both in 18k white gold, price upon request,

paolocostagli.com. Kirk Kara “Carmella” ring with signature filigree, from $4,540, kirkkara.com.

G R EAT E X P E CTAT I O N S This pink “Rogue” gown with ethereal illusion sleeves and a voluminous net skirt by Hayley Paige (from $7,290, jlmboutique.com) brilliantly walks the line between girly and glamorous. Wear it with a badass pendant necklace and stylishly uncoiffed hair for a look that won’t feel too precious. TH E DE TA I LS: David Yurman “Mustique” tassel necklace

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A D E L I C AT E B A L A N C E Monique Lhuillier’s exquisite “Alexia” gown ($9,400, Monique Lhuillier Salon, 212-683-3332) has a graceful ballerina neckline and layers upon layers of tulle, all embellished with white embroidered flowers. Just be forewarned: It may inspire you to try a few pirouettes on the dance floor. T H E DE TAI LS: Jimmy Choo “Lee”

ABOUT THE LOCATION We shot this story at The Greenbrier, a National Historic Landmark and famed resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The property features bold and surprising patterns and colors throughout— the perfect backdrop for these dramatic dresses. For more information, visit greenbrier.com.

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Art direction by Michael McCormick. Styling by Jessica King. Additional styling (jewelry) by Colleen Banks. Produced by Dawn Sinkowski. Hair by Linh Nguyen at Kate Ryan Inc. using Amika. Makeup by Carlo Longo at Ray Brown using MAC Cosmetics.

T H E G I R L W H O P L AY E D W I T H F I R E

Not a rule follower? Slip on Dior’s siren-red tulle dress with a sheer micropleated skirt ($8,400, Dior Boutiques nationwide, 800-929-DIOR), pair it with colorful high-heel sandals, and gleefully watch jaws drop. TH E DETAI LS: Trademark pom-pom pajama sandals, in Canary Yellow, $498, trade-mark.com. Kirk Kara “Lori” ring in 18k rose gold, $3,050, kirkkara.com.

BOLD MOVES Here’s a bright idea: Add some punches of red, yellow, and blue to your wedding-day décor—against a backdrop of white, the primary colors are cheerful, chic, and oh so fun. That works for your wedding, right? PHOTOGRAPHS BY STEPH EN KE NT JOH NSON

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PA L E T T E P L AY Umbrellas aren’t just for rainy days—have these (opposite) on hand to provide shade during a sunny outdoor ceremony. Or try something entirely new—use them as a photo-booth backdrop or hang them from the ceiling. Liven up a plain white dance floor (this page) with confetti-like decorations that stay put underfoot: They’re just three-inch strips of masking tape. T HE DETAI LS : Umbrellas, in assorted colors and similar styles, ckbproducts .com. Creativity Street colored masking tape, $5.25 per 1-in.-by-60-yd. roll, schoolspecialty.com. Malone Souliers “Maureen” shoes, in Electric Blue Satin Lago Mirror Nappa, $625, modaoperandi.com.

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R E D - L E T T E R DAY

K I CK I N G I T U P A N OT C H

Transport and treat your guests with a welcome bag that makes a grand and romantic statement—“You are the only one for me.” The lettering evokes the style of vintage Italian-film posters and is easy to create with stencils and fabric or craft paint. Spatter a bit more paint onto a plain white phone case for a coordinating accessory, then tuck in items that will come in handy on the wedding weekend and beyond: cute sunglasses, a notebook, a local guidebook, and a water bottle ( jazzed up with bits of tape).

Whether worn by the bride or her ’maids, shoes in red, yellow, or blue stand out in the best possible way (even if they’re just peeking out from beneath a hem). Pick one pair for everyone to wear, or ask each attendant to find her own favorite, for shoes that are guaranteed to be worn again after the big day.

T H E D E TA I LS : Canvas tote bag, $3, cheaptotes.com. Custom

stencil, price upon request, stencilease.com. Blick “Jacquard Textile Colors” paint, in Yellow, True Red, and Sapphire Blue, $10.50 for 8 oz., dickblick.com. Amber & Ash Capsule Collection “Cotton Classic” case for iPhone 7 Plus, $24, amber-ash.com. FBrand Fashion large heart-shaped retro sunglasses, $7.50, amazon.com. S’well Stone Collection bottle, in Moonstone, $35, swellbottle.com. Dan Walsh “Blue Icons Day Edition” book, $35, printedmatter.org. All-You-Can-Eat Press “Paris Croissant” map, vol. 6, $8, thomassires.com.

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TH E DE TA I LS (from top left): Anne Klein Collection “Linden Tie”

sandals, in Red Suede, $298, anneklein.com. Soma “Tassle Topped” sandals, in Cobalt Blue, $80, somashoes.com. Margaux “The Demi” shoes, in Scarlet, $125, margauxny.com. Stuart Weitzman “The NearlyNude” sandals, in Suede Dandelion, $398, stuartweitzman.com. Zara satin high heels with straps, in Electric Blue, $50, zara.com.

( V E RY ) S P E C I A L D E L I V E RY From the moment they open the envelope, everyone will know you’re planning an event that’s cool and modern. Colorblock designs are combined with envelope liners in a trio of perky patterns. Using the three primary hues is particularly playful, but you could stick with one instead. T HE DE TA I LS: Ellen Weldon Design invitation suite, price upon request, weldondesign.com.

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S T R I P E S O F A D I FF E R E N T CO L O R Simple can be spectacular. Case in point: This modern-art-inspired, all-white setting is punctuated with hits of red, yellow, and blue, calling to mind works by Mondrian. Both refreshing and relaxed, it turns tapers in white holders into stylish, flower-free centerpieces. Picking up the colors in rimmed tableware and on favor boxes (wrapped in white paper that’s been painted with stripes) reinforces the theme—but, strictly speaking, isn’t necessary. You can also get a similar effect with an edged napkin or colored ink on place cards. T HE DE TA ILS: White modern candlesticks, $9 each to rent, huntandgathereventrentals.com. Canvas Home “Abbesses” large plate, $22, and small plate, $7.50,

graciousstyle.com. Yummi Candles taper candles, 12" and 15", in Ruby Red, Bright Yellow, and Royal Blue, from $24 for 12, yummicandles.com.

SHELF HELP

IT ’S A WRAP

This idea will appeal to the book lover in all of us. Guests scan the shelf to find their name and table number on the spine of a journal (which doubles as a favor). Have transfers custom-printed for the names. If you don’t have your table assignments ready early enough, you can add a bookmark with the numbers instead.

Send them home with vivid memories of the day. To turn round boxes into nostalgic “hard candies” (lined with tissue paper and filled with actual candies!): Paint the boxes freehand, starting with your brush in the center and adding a little pressure as you paint a curved line to the edge. Let dry, then wrap in waxed paper, and cinch with ribbon.

T HE D ETA I LS: Sax “Blanc” books, 6½" by 8¼", $15.50 for 4, schoolspecialty.com. Transfers, one color on a 8½"-by-11" sheet, $175, imagetransfers.com.

T H E DE TA I LS : Mini round white gift boxes, 3½" by 1½", $3 each, container

store.com. Martha Stewart multisurface satin acrylic craft paint, in Indigo, Love Bird, and Chamomile, $2.50 each, michaels.com. Yellow gumballs, $4 per lb., economycandy.com.

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A C U T A B OV E

FRIENDS FOREVER

Zing! Six slim layers of white cake are filled with tart lemon curd for a surprising striped effect when sliced. The dessert, created for us by Jason Schreiber, is topped with firm lemon gelatin cut into strips and arranged into curves, hinting at the flavor inside.

Show your besties they’re close to your heart with a sweater embroidered with each and every one of their names. Wear it for your shower, after-party, or next-day brunch, or give one to each of your ’maids as a gift. If you’re not handy with a needle and thread, you can have the embroidery done for you.

T HE D ETAI LS : Canvas Home “Abbesses” medium plate, $14, graciousstyle.com; and cake stand, $49, canvashomestore.com. Sideshow Press red linen napkins, $28 for 4, sideshowpress.com.

TH E DE TA I LS: Uniqlo women’s cashmere crew-neck sweater, $50,

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uniqlo.com. New York Embroidery Studio embroidery, $40 per name, nyembroiderystudio.com. Monique Lhuillier “Valletta” skirt, in Silk White, $2,990, Mark Ingram Atelier, 212-319-6778.

C A N DY L A N D Stock up on red, yellow, and blue treats in a variety of shapes and flavors for an enticing dessert buffet, or to send home in cute containers. Add a stenciled design to a wrapped box (top right) or spatter-painted canvas bags (bottom left). T H E D E TA I LS : Assorted candies, candy.com; economycandy.com; candywarehouse.com. N.Y. Cake bow cupcake stencil (similar to shown), from $11, 212-675-

2253. Augbunny cotton canvas favor-bag pouch, $10 for 6, amazon.com. Large slide favor box (wrapped in striped paper), $1.50, favorsandflowers.com. Plastic cylinder favor box, in Royal Blue, $6 for 6, candywarehouse.com. Pill-capsule-shaped large pill holder, $7, containerstore.com. Small toque box, $20, bellocchio.com. Created by Naomi deMañana, Kara Keigan, and Michael McCormick.

LOVE BUGS THE INSECTS, F LO R A , A N D FA U N A O F A N EW YO R K ISLA N D I N SUMMER INSPIRED A M A RT H A S T E WA R T W E D D I N G S S T Y L I S T A N D H E R G R OO M TO C R E AT E A C E L E B R AT I O N F U L L O F W I L D, WO N D E R F U L D E TA I L S . P H O T O G RAP H S BY T H AY E R A L LY S O N G OW D Y T EXT BY L E I G H C R A N DA L L

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SUMMER LOVE Samuel Crane, who wore a custom Indochino suit and a silk-knit tie, and Katie Covington, in a Delphine Manivet dress, shared a preceremony kiss.

here’s a certain magic that occurs at the intersection of art and science. When the two meet, wondrous things are created— architectural marvels, groundbreaking installations, even great love. Samuel Crane, a data scientist and self-professed “insect obsessive,” met Catherine “Katie” Covington, then a jewelry designer and now the senior style editor at Martha Stewart Weddings, on a winter day in 2011. The pair had a drink at his favorite Brooklyn cocktail bar; she charmed him with her creativity and wit, and he impressed her with his 1 logical nature, his sense of humor . . . and his special access to the Morgan Memorial Hall of Gems at the American Museum of Natural History, where he was doing Ph.D. studies. Drinks led to dinner, and “I promptly set up the next date,” says Samuel. Four years later, after asking Katie’s father for his blessing, Samuel proposed during a romantic trip to New Orleans. They decided on a destination wedding to Shelter Island, nestled between the two forks of Long Island, New York,where they rented out the Ram’s Head Inn—a quaint family-ownedand-operated property on the island’s east side. “We love how wild the island is and wanted a botanical theme for the wedding,” says Katie. No stranger to research, Samuel uncovered a book on the local flora and fauna and then scoured the online Biodiversity Heritage Library for images of native animals and plants that would be in season in late summer. Katie then used them to design elements that appeared throughout the celebration,

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beginning with the save-the-dates. “Everything featured was actually on the island, with the exception of the blue cranes, a nod to Samuel’s last name,” she says. The pair also created a local field guide, which was tucked into welcome bags along with binoculars “so everyone could be their own naturalist,” says Katie. All those details set the scene for their outdoor ceremony, held on September 10, 2016, overlooking Coecles Harbor. During cocktail hour, guests found their seats for the alfresco dinner via another collaborative creation: a table of escort cards featuring colorful preserved insects, which also doubled as favors. Samuel had spent months gathering them from collectors, and they were a huge hit—inspiring guests to think creatively about nature-as-décor, too. “They all have them displayed in clever ways in their homes,” says Katie. “Now, whenever we go over, they’re like, ‘Want to see my bug?’”

SUPER NATURAL 1. Working with letterpress

company Bella Figura, Katie designed the invitation suite, which featured plants and animals found on Shelter Island, sent in envelopes calligraphed by her mom, Mary. 2. Bejeweled bug rings, on loan from designer Daniela Villegas, served as Katie’s “something borrowed.” 3. Welcome bags included a field guide to the native wildlife, binoculars for bird-watching, and bottled cocktails. 4. The couple’s close friends from college and New York made up the wedding party. 5. Gifts for the groomsmen included a cigar and cigar cutter, as well as vintage pocketknives. 6. The bride’s mother helped her get ready.

“I guess this gives me a couple more days to go through my fascinating insect-story files and pull out some real winners.” —SA M U EL’ S JO KE TO KAT I E OVE R E MA IL, RETOLD DU R I N G T HEI R C E R E MONY, AFTE R SHE POST PON E D T HE I R F I RST DAT E

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“He is generous, calm, thoughtful, and fun. I’ve never had to guess how he feels about me, because he has always shown me with his actions.” — K AT I E , O N SAM UE L

“I DO” DETAILS 1. An antique tin originally meant to hold scientific specimens was

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transformed into a ring box with the addition of velvet cushioning. Katie designed both of the wedding bands herself. 2. Dried chamomile and calendula were packaged in test tubes and handed out to guests preceremony to toss as the couple recessed down the aisle. 3. Katie gave each of the women on her mother’s side of the family a handkerchief that had once belonged to her maternal grandmother. 4. Twins Hudson and Milo, sons of the couple’s friends, served as ring bearers. Opposite : Katie’s bouquet, created by Martha Stewart Weddings style director Naomi deMañana, included wildflowers picked fresh from the island and a selection of blooms sourced from FiftyFlowers.

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BEETLE MANIA 1. The bride played bocce

with Charlotte, the couple’s niece, who served as flower girl. 2. The escort-card table featured 54 different insect species, held in place with pins. 3. Guests found their names and table numbers on the front of the cards, and the taxonomic name, common name, and place of origin for each bug on the back. 4. Signature cocktails—an Americano, made with Campari, red vermouth, and soda water; and a classic lime-and-rum daiquiri—were served in vintage glassware. 5. Centerpieces featured gomphrena, scabiosa, garden roses, lilies, yarrow, delphiniums, clematis, and bachelor buttons. Opposite: Place settings included napkins Katie hand-dyed as well as menus she designed.

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INN LOVE 1. Guests dined beneath the Ram’s Head Inn’s canopy of trees, then moved inside for dancing. “Since our friends stayed at the inn, we kept the party going late, and people just drifted off to bed when they were ready,” says Katie. 2. Martha Stewart Weddings contributor Jason Schreiber created a fondant-covered cake decorated with flowers, butterflies, and bugs for the couple to cut (they also served a lemon sheet cake). 3. Samuel and his mother, Lavina, danced to Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind.”

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K AT I E A N D S A M U E L’ S

SHELTER ISLAND SHINDIG Of her Delphine Manivet dress, Katie says, “I liked how structured it was, that it had pockets, and that it was a great shape for twirling.” A few weeks before the wedding, her maid-ofhonor and best friend returned from a trip to Portugal with a gift of vintage silk-embroidered flower patches. “I thought they would be pretty ‘somethings blue,’ so I pinned them inside my dress.”

ODE S TO JOY For the ceremony, a DJ played classical pieces selected by Samuel. “The songs really communicate happiness and set a sunny, uplifting tone,” he says. For the recessional, the couple chose a more recent hit, setting the mood for the reception. Prelude “Lieder ohne Worte,” book 6, op. 67: 1–5, by Felix Mendelssohn Processional “An der Schönen, Blauen Donau,” op. 314, by Johann Strauss II Bride’s Entrance “IV: Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity,” from The Planets, op. 32, by Gustav Holst Recessional “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” by the Beach Boys

By the Numbers

RING QUEST “I never doubted it was the right step,” Samuel says about his decision to propose—but with Katie’s background in jewelry design, his biggest worry was finding a ring she’d love. After a bit of snooping on her social-media accounts, he found Erie Basin, a local jewelry shop she liked that specializes in one-of-a-kind designs. “They put a photo of a new ring up on Instagram, and I hopped on my bike during lunch break and paid for it that day,” he says of the east-west diamond and yellow-gold design. The proposal in New Orleans soon followed, and Katie loved the ring. “In fact, I think the first thing she said was, ‘You got a good one!’ ” says Samuel.

symbolic vows you are about “ The to make are a way of saying to one another, ‘You know all those things we’ve promised, and hoped, and dreamed—well, I meant it all, every word.’

“

D RE SS D ETA I LS

FROM “UN IO N ,” BY ROBE RT FULGH U M , RE AD BY K AT IE ’S MOT H E R, M ARY, DU R I N G T HE C E R E MO N Y

1929 The year the Ram’s Head Inn was built

150 Napkins Katie hand-dyed for reception tables

10 Pounds of chamomile and calendula used to fill ceremony-toss tubes

2004 Year OkCupid, the dating site where the couple first connected, launched. Samuel’s handle was “curculio,” a reference to the beetle he studied while getting his Ph.D.

2 Number of hairstyles Katie unexpectedly wore due to humidity and wind

8 Honeymoon Dispatch The couple left the Monday after their wedding for a two-week honeymoon to Greece and Spain. They began in Athens, taking in ancient sights like the Parthenon before heading to Santorini, where they checked into Ikies Traditional Houses (ikies.com), a boutique property with cave houses tucked into the cliffs along the island’s famous caldera. “We loved taking meandering walks past the wild jasmine, olive trees, and grapevines—the wine there is excellent,” Samuel says. Then it was on to Barcelona and a stay at Hotel Brummell (hotelbrummell.com), where the couple enjoyed eating “amazing breakfasts on the beautiful open-air patio,” says Katie. Favorite things included a visit to the Fundació Joan Miró, a tour of Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, and paella on the beach.

Behind the Bottle In welcome bags, the couple included a bottled “Sapsucker” cocktail, a bitter Cappelletti- and vermouth-based drink named for the local yellow-bellied sapsucker that has been known to become intoxicated from the fermented sap it eats. Samuel tested five recipes before deciding upon the perfect blend: The Sapsucker (for a double, in a 6-oz. glass bottle)

1.5 oz. Suze 2.5 oz Cappelletti 2 oz sweet vermouth Mix, then serve on the rocks with an optional top-off of soda.

Species of plants and animals featured on the couple’s invitation

5 Former or current Martha Stewart employees at the wedding

BOOK REPORT One of the largest sources of inspiration for the couple was A Nature Journal: A Naturalist’s Year on Long Island, which includes 155 paintings of the region’s plants and wildlife by Dennis Puleston, an area naturalist who also cofounded the Environmental Defense Fund.

SOURCES Location and catering The Ram’s Head Inn Wholesale flowers FiftyFlowers Photography Thayer Allyson Gowdy Officiant Bettina Yiannakourou Stationery printing Bella Figura (invitations); Wedding Paper Divas (save-the-dates) Cake Jason Schreiber Music DJ Kernsy Rentals Party Rental Ltd. Bride’s gown Delphine Manivet from Bhldn Bride’s accessories Jennifer Behr (crown); Alexandre Birman (shoes); Rosanne Pugliese (earrings); Daniela Villegas (rings); Erie Basin (engagement ring) Hair Melisande Page for Beauty Exchange NYC Makeup Moani Lee for Beauty Exchange NYC Bridesmaid’s dress Zimmermann Flower-girl dress Señorita Lemoniez Groom’s suit and shirt Indochino Groom’s accessories J.Crew (tie); Allen Edmonds (shoes)

See The Guide for more vendor sources

carefree ponies sexy waves messy buns How will you wear your

HAIR

When you get three top-tier hairstylists and ask them to create fresh, fabulous, haven’t-seen-that-before big-day looks, the results are nothing short of magic. Gregory Patterson, Tommy Buckett, and Sarah Potempa came equipped with their curling irons, combs, and creativity, and the results will . . . Blow. Your. Mind. Get ready to find your look. (But good luck choosing just one.) P H O T O G R A P H S B Y PAT R I C S H AW T E XT BY M E L I S S A M I L R A D G O L D ST E I N

See all these dresses, from top to bottom! Page 235.

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The Bardo t Si de Pony Adding volume elevates this ponytail from basic to babe-worthy, channeling the sex appeal of Brigitte Bardot’s signature style. Gregory says: “This iconic teased-andtousled look remains every bit as alluring as it was in the ’60s, but with a softer, more modern texture.” STYL I N G ESSENTIAL:

Build height at the crown by sprinkling in a root powder, like BTZ Rock On Volumizing Powder ($8, sally beauty.com), and back-combing—a lot.

GREGORY PATTERSON is the master of quick styling. He puts his skills to good use, leading the hairstyling team on recent seasons of Project Runway and in his role as celebrity ambassador for Sally Beauty and FHI Brands. @gregorypattersonhair

The Pr i n c e s s Le i a Bu n s Launch your own rebellion with an updated take on the original ’70s style. Tommy says: “Loose buns side by side have a more contemporary appeal. Pair them with a dress that has minimal details up top so it won’t compete.” STYL I N G ESSENTIAL:

Give clean strands some grip with Garnier Fructis Texture Tease Dry Touch Finishing Spray ($5, garnierusa.com).

Garnier stylist

TOMMY BUCKETT has refined the art of effortless hair. Hollywood elite such as Felicity Jones, Zosia Mamet, and Elisabeth Moss seek out his expertise at New York’s Serge Normant at John Frieda salon. @tommy_buckett

The Retr o Ro ll Tommy says: “The 1940s victory roll gets an update. What used to be at the top or side of the head now sits gracefully at the nape of the neck. Simply slick hair back into a pony, then coil it around your fingers or use a foam roller before securing it in place with bobby pins.”

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Th e Fa u x Bo b Gregory says: “For the bride who would never consider wearing her hair up, this is a great in-between option to change her usual ’do—without taking scissors to strands. Fold hair in toward the nape of the neck, and secure with matte bobby pins; they won’t reflect light when the camera flashes.”

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Th e S i d e s we p t Ch i g n o n

The Mul t i -Bra i d B u n

Tommy says: “A chignon is a classic style for any bride. Whether it’s sleek and clean or messy and undone, you can customize the look by placing it just off to the side. Added bonus: It looks great in photos, because you’ll always see a little glimpse of it.”

Sarah says: “Put those braiding skills to work creating several plaits of different thicknesses. Here we used three-strand and fishtail, for dimension and variety. Then we collected hair together and twisted it into a bun. Adorn with anything from flowers to yarn to vintage jewelry.”

Th e Doubl e Fishta i l Getting married in a humid location? Want style-itand-forget-it hair? For those reasons (and many others), nothing beats a braid. Sarah says: “Your weddingday hairstyle should be one that makes you feel beautiful. For the boho bride, braids are a natural fit. Our twist: weaving them into an inverted fishtail pattern.” R+Co Trophy Shine + Texture Spray ($29, randco.com) keeps plaits securely in place all day long. STYL I N G ESSENTIAL:

When she’s not styling Victoria’s Secret models or A-list celebs, braid whisperer

SARAH POTEMPA can be found teaching women how to create their own red-carpet-worthy ’dos with the Beachwaver, the rotating curling iron she created. @sarahpotempa

Th e Moder n B omb shel l A formal affair calls for an equally refined hairstyle. Gregory says: “This has all the elements of the old Hollywood finger wave epitomized by Veronica Lake—the ear tuck, the deep side part, the waves—just a lot less structured.” STYL I N G ESSENTIAL:

To hold hair in place while still delivering movement, a workable, flexible hairspray is a must. Gregory’s favorite is Marula Oil Rare Oil Perfecting Hairspray ($26, rare marula.com).

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The Fi v e - Stra n d Br a i d

Gregory says: “Volume and texture make this a greatlooking, very photographable style. Its versatility also allows for the potential of a quick look change from reception to party. Twist it into a messy braid, or fold it into a chignon before unleashing your moves on the dance floor.”

Sarah says: “Branching out beyond the typical three-strand plait isn’t as intimidating as you may think. Add extensions if hair doesn’t have the necessary heft, then concentrate on repeating a pattern in your head: Right, over, under; left, over, under is my mantra as I weave.”

Th e Wa ter f a l l Bra i d

Th e To p k n o t

Sarah says: “Tweak the simple braid with this waterfall technique. It creates a carefree vibe that pairs perfectly with bared shoulders. Start with three strands, dropping the bottom one and replacing it with a new section from the root. Finish with a traditional braid secured by clear elastic.”

Tommy says: “A high bun is the chameleon of wedding-day styles. It looks great with any neckline. Plus, pulling hair back tightly from the face makes cheekbones more pronounced. Keep the coil slightly undone, which looks youthful and modern, adding hair extensions for fullness.”

Th e Mil k mai d Bra i d This intricate-looking ’do couldn’t be easier. And if it’s chic enough for Beyoncé . . . Sarah says: “Elevate this free-spirited style by twisting some embellished yarn through the braid. Once you’ve locked in the plait, pull out a few pieces and curl them to add movement.” STYL I N G ESSENTIAL:

The Beachwaver S.75 is the right-size barrel to tackle smaller twists ($129, beachwaver.com).

Th e Co o l - G i r l B ee h i v e A fresh turn on the classic French twist, this mod revival will have them buzzing. Tommy says: “I don’t know one person who doesn’t look good with big, full hair at the crown. Start with the classic beehive and mess it up a bit to give it personality.” Back-comb in layers to create the shape, then hold the style in place with Garnier Fructis Sheer Set Ultra Strong Breathable Hold Hairspray ($6, garnierusa.com).

STYL I NG ESSENTIAL:

Th e Se a Si re n Why straighten strands into submission, when embracing your given texture is the ultimate let-you-be-you moment? Gregory says: “Girls with a natural wave can celebrate it with an amped-up, polished version. Take a flattening iron to the roots, then finesse the bends with a curling iron for perfect coil definition.” Protect strands from heat tools with IGK Call Time Styling Primer, which also defends against static and frizz ($27, igkhair.com). STYL I NG E SSENT IAL:

Art direction by Michael McCormick. Styling (fashion) by Jessica King. Additional styling (jewelry) by Colleen Banks. Makeup by Regina Harris.

See the Guide for jewelry sources

Get step-by-step how-tos for these styles (and more!) at marthastewart weddings .com/hair.

Love Is in the Air This confetti-filled Palm Springs, California, party for actress Samira Wiley and screenwriter Lauren Morelli proved that orange—and pink and teal and yellow— are all the new, well, you know. Photographs by Jose Villa Text by Julie Vadnal

THE EYES HAVE IT

The brides, both wearing custom designs by Christian Siriano, focused on each other during their first look.

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“There must be a confetti shortage in the world,” says Lauren Morelli about the early spring day when she and actress Samira Wiley tied the knot and rained more than a dozen pounds of Technicolor paper on their guests. It was a fitting way for such a joyful couple to celebrate their prismatic love. The pair met in 2012 when they were both working on the Emmy-winning Netflix female-prison dramedy Orange Is the New Black, for which Lauren is a writer and producer and Samira played an inmate. (She’s now appearing in Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale.) During the show’s first season, Lauren wrote an episode that involved Samira’s character, and when they met to discuss it, their connection was instant. Lauren was married at the time, so the pair kept it professional. Still, they couldn’t deny the sparks. “I tried to be around her as much as I could,” Samira says. “And when I found out she was married, I assumed it was to a woman. I was very wrong on that.” The two became fast friends, a bond that helped as Lauren started to question her sexuality. “Samira became the person I felt safe talking to,” Lauren says. “I was so confused, and it was such a scary time that I think our romance came out of me leaning on her when it felt like my life was falling apart.” Even once they officially became a couple, two years later in 2014—surprising not many of their OITNB coworkers—they didn’t put rings on right away. Samira was sure she wanted to marry Lauren, but they both decided that Lauren would be the one to propose when she was ready. That’s not to say that Samira didn’t drop some serious hints. “I’d finish doing the dishes, and Lauren would

come in to thank me, and I’d say, ‘I’m just trying to get chose,’” Samira says. “That was my way of saying, ‘Choose me! Choose me! I want you to marry me.’” So right before a weekend getaway to Palm Springs, Lauren dropped down on one knee and presented Samira with a diamond ring. Returning to Palm Springs for their big day was a nobrainer. With help from their planner, Beth Helmstetter, they picked as the venue Colony 29, an event space with residences along its sprawling garden and foothills that would allow them to plan an intimate weekend-long celebration. Once they decided on a confetti wedding cake, the theme—just like bits of tissue paper twirling toward the ground—landed on various parts of the day, from their vibrant invites to the flower-flecked dinner tables. The March 25, 2017, wedding was a mix of traditional and non. The brides passed on having a bridal party and arranged their ceremony in the round, so that everyone would feel like a part of the day. They walked along a spiral aisle arm in arm sans bouquets, saying hello and high-fiving guests as fellow Orange cast member Danielle Brooks sang Sara Bareilles’s “I Choose You,” which Lauren had played during their proposal. Samira’s Baptist-minister parents officiated, just as Samira had always imagined it. Their I do’s ended with a shower of colorful streamers. Afterward, their 94 guests took to the bar for a round of Champagne Jell-O shots topped with edible confettiinspired glitter. Next came a family-style feast. Soon the dancing began, which the newlyweds kicked off by inviting everyone onto the floor while—what else?!—a confetti cannon blasted good vibes into the air. 2

Bright Beginnings

1. Welcome baskets filled with prosecco, oranges, and the weekend’s itinerary greeted guests. 2. “I’m such a crier, and I didn’t cry,” says Lauren of their first look. “There’s this thing that happens when things are crazy. If it’s a red carpet or it’s our wedding—as soon as I look at her, everything is okay.” Opposite: The confetti-filled stationery suite, designed by Maude Press, set the tone for the day.

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I Love Hue

1. Guests—some beneath colorful parasols—sat in a spiral, surrounding the pair as they exchanged traditional and self-penned promises. “Samira’s vows were the funniest thing I’d ever heard,” says Lauren. “She started with, ‘Hey girl. How you doing? Your feet hurt? Me, too.’ I was doubled over laughing.” 2. Before sporting their new bands, Lauren wore a diamond engagement ring (later replaced with a ring of rainbow sapphires), and Samira rocked a diamond solitaire. 3. The brides walked themselves down the aisle in Sophia Webster shoes—Samira in silver sandals and Lauren in white satin pumps that read “Wifey for Lifey” on the soles. 4. Samira’s nieces and nephews—whose on-palette ensembles were a happy coincidence—took over the dance floor when “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” played.

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Party People

1. Friend and designer Christian Siriano outfitted the couple in custom looks. “They wanted it to be a real fashion moment,” he says of Samira’s top and fitted skirt, which she changed into postvows, and Lauren’s jumpsuit. 2. Hanging hexagonal escort cards guided guests to their seats. 3. Actress Danielle Brooks “swung by” for cocktail hour. 4. Guests sipped spicy blood-orange margaritas (Samira’s fave) and old-fashioneds (Lauren’s drink of choice). 5. Felt flags waved above at dinner. Opposite: Citrus-y shades of ranunculus, poppies, sweet peas, garden roses, and camellias dotted long tables.

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What a Blast

1. Obviously the pair served up the dessert that inspired it all: confetti cakes. The sprinkle-topped confections from SusieCakes—a larger one for cutting and mini versions for the guests— were served with sparklers. 2. For their first dance, the pair invited everyone to get down with them to “Uptown Funk,” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars.

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LAU R E N AN D SAM I R A ’ S

Confetti Craze By the Numbers

5 Months between engagement and I do’s

All in the Family “I always knew that I wanted my parents to marry me,” says Samira. “One thing they showed during the ceremony was that we weren’t only committing ourselves to each other, but that all of the people in attendance were there to do their part, too. I don’t remember the exact words they used, but when they were asking, ‘Will you do this,’ we said, ‘I will,’ and everyone in attendance was asked the same question and said, ‘We will.’ ”

60 Candy-hued parasols that shaded guests during the ceremony

13 Pounds of confetti that showered guests throughout the night

102 Ribbon streamers that decorated the ceremony archway

T HE LOG I ST I C S

Most of the weekend’s festivities centered around the venue, Colony 29 (colony29.com), where the brides and their families stayed and where everyone gathered for a next-day brunch. Other guests lodged at the Parker (theparker palmsprings.com) and the Ace Hotel (acehotel.com). For the group rehearsal dinner, they all met at Boomers! Palm Springs (boomers palmsprings.com) for go-cart racing and rounds of mini golf.

WEDDING WISDOM “When we found ourselves getting stressed out about whatever it was, flowers, or making sure that people had information, we’d take a minute, stop and look each other in the eyes, and remember what this actually was—a celebration of the two of us.” —Lauren

50 Handmade custom beeswax candles that lit dinner tables

a kind of love “It symbolized that I hoped I’d have

“

Episode number of Orange Is the New Black that Lauren wrote (leading to her meeting Samira)

someday, that someone would make me a mixtape. SAM I RA , ON L AU R EN ’ S G I V I N G H E R A PRESE N T ( I N ADD I T I O N TO AN ENG AGE MENT RI NG ! ) DUR I N G HE R PROPOS A L

THOSE OUTFITS! Friend Christian Siriano has dressed Samira for red-carpet events in the past. “I knew I wanted the skirt to be princessy, and I knew I wanted it to be two pieces,” Samira says of her fairytale silk-faille ensemble. “He immediately sketched something right in front of my eyes!” After the ceremony, she switched into a more fitted skirt. Lauren’s silk-crepe jumpsuit was transformed, too: The crystal beaded collar and cape came off postceremony when they grooved with Christian, who was in attendance.

SWEET CHARITY

Honeymoon Dispatch

“We’re so fortunate in so many ways that we both felt like we didn’t need to register for anything,” Lauren says. Instead, the couple signed up at The Good Beginning (thegoodbeginning.com), an online registry for donating to charitable causes. They chose Covenant Full Potential Development Center, in Washington, D.C.; and the Allegheny Valley School, a facility for intellectually and developmentally disabled persons in Pennsylvania.

Exactly one week after tying the knot, the pair took off for the cliffside cool of Positano, Italy, where they stayed at the boutique-y Casa Buonocore (casabuonocore.com). They got their pasta on at Da Gemma (trattoriadagemma.com) in Amalfi, and saw Michelangelo’s David in Florence: “We were in awe,” says Samira. And then they celebrated Samira’s 30th birthday in Rome. The Italian phrase they lived by? Grazie mille. “Saying thank you goes a long way,” says Samira, “no matter what language you’re speaking!”

SOURCES Location Colony 29 Event design and production Beth Helmstetter Events Catering The Food Matters Flowers Holly Flora Photography Abby and Lauren Ross Weddings Stationery Maude Press Cake SusieCakes Music Luxury Entertainment Group; Dubgypsy Entertainment Rentals Casa de Perrin; Classic Party Rentals; Folklore Event Rentals Brides’ attire Christian Siriano Brides’ shoes Sophia Webster Hair Melissa Schaefers (Lauren); Jade Perry (Samira) Makeup Kristina Frisch (Lauren); Gina Ghiglieri (Samira) Lighting, draping, and dance floor Barker Décor Service Confetti cannon Chris Austin Productions Rental management and restrooms The Korman Group

See The Guide for more vendor sources

Test the Waters

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GETAWAYS Next Great Stop:

ANGUILLA

ZACH STOVALL

With its bright-turquoise water and soft-white sand, this small Caribbean island is the stuff of honeymoon dreams—and there are plenty of new places to stay. The wellness-focused Reef by CuisinArt (doubles from $500 per night, thereefbycuisinart.com), on gorgeous Merrywing Bay, has its own hydroponic farm and activities like glass-bottom kayaking. Nearby, at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences (shown here; from $500 per night, fourseasons.com), you can choose between two beaches and take in the sunset from the bluff-top infinity pool. On Shoal Bay, the Manoah Boutique Hotel (from $350 per night, the-manoah.com) features just 25 light-filled rooms with balconies, while Zemi Beach House (from $350 per night, zemi beach .com) lays claim to the isle’s only hammam (Turkish bath). There’s also a rum bar, where you can raise a glass to a lifetime of adventures together. —Brooke Porter Katz

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REDISCOVERING MEXICO CITY If the world of travel has a current “it” destination, the former Aztec capital easily claims the title. So when it came time to plan their first solo postbaby vacation (a second honeymoon, if you will), senior editor Brooke Porter Katz and her husband, Andrew, skipped the beach to experience the sprawling, bustling, colorful city known as CDMX. Here, she shares the highlights—proving that even a huge metropolis can make for an amazing romantic getaway.

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DAY 2, 9 : 1 5 a.m.

Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel

E AT I N G SPR E E

We’re early to meet Adrián, our guide from Eat Mexico (eatmexico.com), who is leading us on a street-food tour. It’s just enough time for a walk around the block, where we happen upon an outpost of El Moro (elmoro.mx), the legendary churrería. One sugar-and-cinnamon-covered piece of crispy fried dough won’t ruin our appetites, right? The first stop on our official gastronomic journey is an indoor market selling bright produce, just-butchered meat, and freshly made tortillas. Over the next few hours, we stroll outside from vendor to vendor, sampling everything from a carnitas taco and a pambazo sandwich (a white roll dipped in chile and spices, layered with chorizo, potatoes, cheese, lettuce, and crema) to a much-needed jugo verde, green juice of celery, orange, pineapple, parsley, and prickly pear. The grand finale: an old-school sweet shop filled with cases of candied limes, marzipan, and other sugary confections. Making churros at El Moro. Below: Mango with chili powder.

DAY 1 , 1 1 a.m.

FRO M LEFT: CO URTESY O F LAS ALCO BAS; NICOLE FRANZEN (2). OPPOSI TE: NICO LE FRANZEN

B U T F I RST, LU N C H !

Our trip began with a two-hour delay out of New York, so it was late by the time we checked into the elegant Las Alcobas, A Luxury Collection Hotel (from $332 per night, lasalcobas.com). Needless to say, our first day is off to a slow start. This city of about 9 million people is divided into distinct neighborhoods; we’re staying north of Chapultepec park in Polanco, which is often compared to Beverly Hills. But shopping in upscale stores is not on the agenda—we’re here to get lost in the city’s buzzing energy, learn its rich history, and, of course, eat its incredible food. Since we missed breakfast, it’s straight to lunch at Contramar (contramar.com.mx), chef Gabriela Cámara’s ode to fresh seafood. We’ve forgotten that the afternoon meal here begins at 2 p.m. (and can last hours), but our rookie mistake means we have the breezy spot all to ourselves. An order of avocado-topped tuna tostadas and shrimp aguachile (a spicy ceviche) later, we set off on an ambitious two-milelong walk, crossing a four-lane thoroughfare and winding through quiet streets to Casa Luis Barragán (casa luisbarragan.org; reserve tours in advance). The plain exterior of the Pritzker Architecture Prize winner’s house belies what’s inside: saturated yellow and magenta walls, a floating staircase, a somewhat disorienting layout. I’m so tempted to turn left when the guide turns right—but alas, I resist.

DAY 2, 2 : 30 p.m. B IG - C IT Y NAT U R E

To counteract the marathon eating, we embark on another long walk, this time to Chapultepec, which—at 1,695 acres—is one of the largest urban green spaces in the Western Hemisphere. One step inside and you instantly forget it’s in a city at all. In fact, it’s straight out of a fairy tale, with meandering tree-lined paths that were made for hand-in-hand strolls; a lake where you can rent paddleboats; and an 18th-century castle, the former residence of Emperor Maximilian I and eight Mexican presidents. The park is also home to the zoo, the Museo de Arte Moderno (museoartemoderno.com), and—our next stop—the Museo Nacional de Antropología (mna.inah.gob.mx). With ancient artifacts and informative displays spread across 23 exhibit rooms, it is the most in-depth and overwhelming museum I’ve ever seen. It doesn’t help that we’re tired—our current step tally is already well beyond the requisite 10,000—so we muster the energy for a whirlwind visit, soaking in as much as we can about the hunter-gatherers of 30,000 b.c. through the indigenous groups that settled in Mexico through 1521 a.d.

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Teotihuacán

DAY 3, 8 a.m. STE P BAC K I N T I M E

We arrive early to beat the crowds (and the heat) at Teotihuacán, an archaeological complex about 30 miles northeast of downtown. (We had a driver and guide, but you can easily take an Uber and go at it alone.) It’s said that the site, which dates to the first century, had more than 25,000 residents during its heyday. As we approach the steep steps leading to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun (the biggest of the three main structures), we pass an altar, and our guide, José, tells us about the ceremonies that once took place, human sacrifices and all. Upon reaching the apex, more than 200 feet up, we find that we’re the only two people there. Sitting side by side, we pause to take in the view—and the peace and quiet.

DAY 4 , 4 p. m. D I SCOV E R I N G C E NT RO H I STÓ R I CO

I never thought we’d be eating Lebanese food in Mexico, but here we are at the tucked-away Al-Andalus (Calle de Mesones 171), a spread of hummus, kibbe, and other meze before us. We’ve been exploring the historic area all day: people-watching in the zocalo (main square); staring in awe at Diego Rivera’s murals in the Palacio Nacional; walking the chaotic, vendor-filled streets. Taking one last bite, we realize we have just enough time to freshen up before our reservation in Polanco at Enrique Olvera’s new-andimproved Pujol (pujol.com.mx), where the six-course menu rethinks traditional ingredients and the mole madre has been nurtured for, at press time, 1,266 days.

DAY 3, 2 : 30 p.m. Museo Soumaya

After the pyramids, it’s straight to our next hotel, the stylish CondesaDF (from $325 per night, condesadf.com). While the common areas pop with turquoise walls and animal prints, our room is as serene as it gets: flowy white curtains, white leather couch, white, well, almost everything. As much as we need a nap, the pull of the neighborhood is even stronger. Condesa, southeast of Chapultepec, lays the charm on thick: leafy streets, sidewalk cafés, cool boutiques, and a lively restaurant scene. I peel off for some aimless solo exploring, starting with a few conchas (sweet bread rolls) from the bakery Maque (maque.com.mx). On a local’s tip, I buzz at Taller Vargas (tallervargas .mx), and Mariana, the designer herself, lets me in to browse her chic collection of blazers and dresses. Andrew and I meet up to swap tales over drinks at the dive-y, hidden mezcal bar La Clandestina (milagrito.com), opting to trade sips of a refreshing cucumber-rosemary-mezcal cocktail and a straight shot of the strong stuff. The ground-floor bar at the CondesaDF hotel.

DAY 5, 1 1 a. m. A DO S E O F C U LT U R E

One thing’s for sure about the free-to-thepublic Museo Soumaya (museo soumaya .org): It makes a statement. The undulating building—covered in 16,000 shimmering aluminum tiles—tends to garner more attention than the art itself, which is owned by Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim’s foundation. The breadth is certainly impressive, with 66,000 or so works from the likes of Titian, Picasso, and Dalí; Rodin sculptures occupy the sixth floor. Across the way sits the Museo Jumex (fundacion jumex.org). Founded by the heir to the Grupo Jumex fruit-juice empire, the David Chipperfield– designed space champions contemporary art through rotating exhibits; an Andy Warhol retrospective is now on view.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: THOMAS FRICKE/GETTY IMAGES; JOHN COLETTI/GETTY IMAGES; UNDINE PRÖHL

FALL I N G I N LOV E W I T H CO N D E SA

G E TAWAY S

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MEX ICO CITY

FRO M TO P: RAC HEL LEW IS/GETTY IMAGES; YANIS OURABAH/GETTY IMAGES

Museo Frida Kahlo

DAY 5 , 2 : 3 0 p.m.

BEYOND MEXICO CITY

G E T T I N G TO K NOW J UÁR E Z

If you have more time, add one of these colonial cities to your getaway.

Our final home is Hotel Carlota (from $150 per night, hotelcarlota.com), a design-forward property where the lobby-side pool has a Miami Beach vibe. (Request No. 310, one of the terraced suites.) The room isn’t ready, so we set off to explore the nearby Juárez neighborhood. Among our discoveries: Fusión (casafusion.com. mx), a school-turnedartisan market selling natural soaps, wood jewelry, embroidered shoes, and other locally made goods. At the cool micromall Milán 44 (milan44.mx), we debate between an açai bowl and artisanal ice cream but decide to keep moving. A few more blocks bring us to Amaya (amaya mexico.com), a restaurant and natural-wine bar from lauded chef Jair Téllez. After reading the menu, we vow to return for shareable dishes like grilled lettuce with hummus and sheep’s-milk cheese.

OAXACA An hour by air from CDMX, this culinary powerhouse is known for mole and mezcal. At Las Quince Letras (lasquince letras.mx), chef Celia Florián makes negro, rojo, and other versions of the rich sauce, while Mezcaloteca (mezcal oteca.com) offers tastings from its library of liquor (reserve in advance). Delicious street food, indigenous crafts, and folk art can be found at El Pochote market. And we love the art-filled, 21-room Hotel Azul Oaxaca (from $183, hotelazul oaxaca.com).

DAY 6 , 1 0 a. m . F R I DA-AN D - D I EG O DAY

The dramatic ups and downs of the artistic couple, who resided in the quiet district of Coyoacán, have been well documented. (If you haven’t seen Frida, watch it before you go.) At the Museo Frida Kahlo (museofridakahlo.org.mx; book online), the rooms inside the blue-walled house—where she lived most of her life until her death in 1954—have been frozen in time. And at Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo (estudiodiegorivera.bellasartes.gob.mx), the functionalist buildings have also been preserved and are filled with paintings, masks, sculptures, and folk handcrafts. Too bad it’s not a Saturday, when the nearby San Ángel bazaar takes place. On second thought, it’s probably for the best: The only surefire way to guarantee that Andrew and I will fight is to shop for (i.e., disagree about) souvenirs.

DAY 5, 9 :30 p. m. A N IG H T OF WR EST L I N G AN D M U S I C

I’m drinking watery beer out of a plastic cup the size of my head, and we’re so close to the ring that I can see sweat flying off the masked wrestlers. Welcome to a lucha libre match at Arena México. Cheesy, yes, but so much fun. After the final bell, our friend Tim (who lives in town) leads us via two subways to Plaza Garibaldi, where locals—friends, couples, families—go to hear mariachi bands. He seeks out a quintet to serenade Andrew and me, and as their soulful voices sing “Guadalajara,” it’s like we’re the only ones there. When the song ends, it all comes back into focus: music all around us, the joy of people clapping, dancing, laughing. And I think, This is what we came here for.

PUEBLA The 78-room Rosewood Puebla (from $250 per night, rosewoodhotels.com) is setting a new standard for luxury in this culture-rich spot 86 miles from Mexico City. Set within three lovingly restored buildings off the main square, it’s an ideal base from which to explore. A few architectural highlights include the stucco, maroon-dot-covered Museo Regional Casa de Alfeñique, and the Catedral, which was consecrated in 1649. Make sure to pick up colorful Talavera pottery. To see how it’s made, take one of the in-depth Uriarte Talavera (uriartetalavera .com .mx) tours. SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

This popular expat haven 170 miles northwest of the capital has a vibrant art scene. Soak it up in the historic square or Jardín Principal, which buzzes with vendors by day, mariachi bands by night—and people at all hours. Don’t miss Fábrica La Aurora (fabricala aurora.com), an old textile factory that’s now home to galleries, studios, and boutiques selling handmade crafts. If you don’t stay at the romantic Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada (from $285 per night, belmond .com), sign up for a class at its cooking school. —BPK

OWN the aisle A love like yours is nothing to be quiet about. So when all eyes are on you, go ahead and show off a little. Make it the moment you’ve always imagined. Make today the day you Wed Out Loud.

For more information, visit hrhweddings.com or call 855.762.5255

own the aisle This is your moment, your day, and the beginning of your story. Own it with the bold, warm hues of Golden Radiance, one of three inspired Colin Cowie wedding collections designed exclusively for a love as bold as yours. For more information, visit hrhweddings.com or call 855.762.5255

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EXC LU S I VE DEALS !

Romance for Less Save big on these honeymoonworthy getaways, for MSW readers only. Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne, Switzerland This romantic Belle Époque property overlooks the Alps and Lake Geneva. The deal: Get 30 percent off a double room, as well as breakfast, two spa treatments, and dinner at the on-site Michelin two-starred restaurant. The details: From $1,640 for two nights. Travel through Dec. 31, 2017. Booking code: SWISS_ HONEYMOON ; brp.ch/en.

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Paris Perfect, France 

IT’S IN THE BAG Checked-bag fees and too many missed connections have made us big fans of the carry-on, even for extended trips. Luckily, there are plenty of stylish yet sensible—not to mention registry-worthy—options out there. T E X T B Y B R O O K E PO R T E R K AT Z

1. CUSTOM CARRIER New initials, new bag: Anya Hindmarch’s retro “Bespoke Walton” ($995, anyahindmarch .com) has both covered. 2. DO SOME GOOD Artisans in Bali hand-stitch this cotton Cleobella “Eryn” bag ($435, shop.cleobella.com); a portion of sales goes to CARE. 3. SLEEK AND SIMPLE The “Carry-On” by Away ($225,

awaytravel.com) has a USB charger and two interior compartments, and comes in six colors. 4. KEEP IT CLASSIC Clare V. may call this a “Weekender” ($625, clarev.com)— made from Italian “Newlook” leather—but we say it works for any trip you take. 5. SAFARI GOER L.L. Bean’s “Continental Soft Duffle Pack” ($119, llbean.com)

is ideal for stuffing into small bush planes. 6. THINK PINK Tumi’s “V3 Continental Carry-On” ($495, tumi.com) is bright and light, weighing in at just 6.6 pounds. 7. SPORT STRIPES Channel your post-“I do” happiness with this “Canvas Cromwell Weekender” from Sophie Hulme ($1,125, net-a-porter.com).

Live like a local, thanks to this luxury rental company, which also provides concierge services. The deal: Take 30 percent off the price of the “Chambertin” apartment, steps from the Eiffel Tower, plus one-way airport transfer, a fourcourse dinner, and a Seine cruise. The details: From $2,229 for five nights. Travel through Dec. 31, 2017. Booking code: Mention Martha Stewart Weddings; paris perfect.com.

Delfin Amazon Cruises, Peru This river-cruise company lets you get up close to wildlife—in style. The deal: Receive 30 percent off all-inclusive cruises aboard the new Delfin III. The details: From $1,680 per person for three nights. Book by November 30, 2017; travel between January and April 2018. Booking code: DACMS30 ; delfin amazoncruises.com.

Bring On Bermuda All eyes are on this hook-shaped Atlantic island, which is hosting the 35th America’s Cup sailing competition (americascup.com) through June 27. It’s caught our attention for other reasons, too: The 1885 grande dame Hamilton Princess & Beach Club (from $399 per night, thehamiltonprincess .com) has regained its luster, fully updating its infinity pool and about half of its 400 rooms, and adding an Exhale spa and a Marcus Samuelsson restaurant. And in February, the Loren at Pink Beach (shown; from $500 per night, theloren hotel.com) debuted, with 45 elegant gray-and-white suites and a beachfront pool.

FRO M TOP : CO URTESY O F MA NU FACTURERS ; COURTESY OF THE LOREN AT PI NK BEACH



Here’s where the story begins. Sophisticated occasions. Impeccable service. Elegant accommodations.

Only in Colonial Williamsburg can you celebrate like royalty in a carriage designed for a queen.

1/17-MK-11920785

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G E TAWAY S P E R F E C T PA I R S

You want to gallivant around a buzzy urban center. Your new spouse prefers a relaxing escape. The solution? Do both! These dreamy destination duos make it easy to have double the fun—and, what’s more, the travel time in between clocks in at two hours or less. Hit the city first, and save the peace and quiet for last. T E X T BY A D A M E R A C E

HAWAII HONOLULU

Beach time is a given—but the Hawaiian capital has a decidedly urban side, too. In the burgeoning Kaka‘ako area—which is blanketed in vivid murals by the POW! WOW! art collective (pow wowhawaii.com)—don’t miss Arvo (arvocafe.com), a cool Australian coffee shop. In nearby Chinatown, at Senia (restaurantsenia.com), book the chef’s counter to sample Chris Kajioka and Anthony Rush’s artful dishes that celebrate the flavor of Hawaii. Make your base the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club (from $165 per night, surfjack.com), a 1960s-inspired Waikiki property where the trippy wallpaper is custom-made and the pool bottom is cheekily inscribed with “Wish you were here.”

JAPAN KAUAI

TOKYO

ATAMI

Only 3 percent of the Garden Isle is currently developed, making it a lush, green foil for Honolulu. The north shore’s St. Regis Princeville Resort (from $1,275 per night; stregisprinceville.com) trades in traditional luxury; think fruit kebabs served right to you at the infinity pool. On the south shore, the 1,000-acre residential community Kukui‘ula (from $750 per night, lodgeat kukuiula.com) rents out beach-chic bungalows and cottages. Guests can bike to the 10-acre farm to pick vegetables, fish for bass in the lake, and arrange hiking excursions to the Napali coast. To see the island by air, Safari Helicopter Tours (safarihelicopters.com) offers rides with cinematic views

This frenetic city was made for gastronomic adventures. The nine-seat Tsuta (1 Chome14-1 Sugamo), the first Michelin-starred ramen spot, requires lining up by 7 a.m. for a chance to snag a timed ticket. At Ginza Mitsukoshi department store (4-6-16, Ginza, Chuo-ku), the lower-

With a deep-blue bay, palm trees, and a number of onsen (naturally occurring hot springs), Atami—a city on the Izu Peninsula— couldn’t look more different from Tokyo. Stay at Hoshino Resorts KAI Atami (below; from $670 per night, including meals, hoshinoresorts .com/en), a tranquil ryokan (inn) on a hill overlooking the sea. If its steamy pools, courtly lawns, and forestshrouded garden paths aren’t peaceful enough, check out the city’s 131-year-old Plum Garden, a fairy-tale landscape that’s home to 59 varieties of its namesake fruit. The recently reopened MOA Museum of Art (moaart .or.jp), meanwhile, has futuristic galleries housing collections of Japanese calligraphy, sculpture, paintings, and lacquerware. Come evening, retire to the inn for dishes like foie gras–stuffed persimmon and amberjack and snapper sashimi.

of Manawaiopuna Falls and Hanalei Valley rainforest. It’s worth a drive east to Pono Market (808-822-4581), where locals pick up poke rice bowls and bite-size coconut manjū confections.

GETTING THERE Hawaiian Airlines and Island Air run regular 30-to-40minute flights between Honolulu International and Kauai’s Lihue airports.

level food hall sells bento boxes, exotic fruits, and—at the new Dominique Ansel Bakery Japan—a cookie made of 20 rose-honey tuile “petals.” Or book a two-day tour with culinary expert Ayuko, through Airbnb Experiences (airbnb.com/ experiences/1197 ), that begins at the Tsukiji fish market and ends with a kaiseki dinner. You’ll fall into a food coma at the Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho (from $400 per night; princehotels.com), perched in a luxury high-rise. GETTING THERE Atami is just under an hour from Tokyo station by Tōkaidō bullet train.

CLOC KWI SE FROM TOP LEFT: JO NAS MAON, ARTIST: OUIZI; THE LUXURY COLLECTION; COURTESY OF HOSHINO RESORTS KAI ATAM I; K ICK A WIT T E/K AUAI V ISITORS BUREAU

BETTER TOGETHER

224

G E TAWAY S

DENMARK COPENHAGEN One day in this storybook city and it’s obvious why the locals are some of the happiest people in the world. Located within Tivoli Gardens (tivoli.dk)—the famed 1843 amusement park—the hotel Nimb (from $304 per night, nimb.dk) is adding 21 handsome suites with arabesque windows by the end of the year. We also have our eyes on the stylish 54-room Sanders (from $380 per night, hotel sanders .com), owned by former Royal Danish Ballet dancer Alexander Kølpin and opening this fall. You’ll want to get cozy in the lobby beneath the Murano-glass chandelier. A short train ride north, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (en.louisiana.dk) is currently showing the first major European retrospective of performance artist Marina Abramović. And while chef René Redzepi is plotting his next move, don’t miss Noma’s casual— but no less ambitious— offshoot, 108 (108.dk).

ARGENTINA FUNEN

Hans Christian Andersen grew up on this enchanting island, part of the Baltic’s South Funen Archipelago. Learn about his life and work at his namesake museum (museum.odense.dk) in Odense. Thirty minutes south, the 463-year-old Egeskov Castle (above; egeskov.dk)—where a count and his family currently live—is open to be explored, as are its 18 perfectly manicured gardens. Stay at the Falsled Kro (from $315 per night; falsledkro.dk), in Millinge, a 16th-century smugglers’ inn that’s been reborn with 19 whitewashed rooms. Request No. 9 for its romantic canopy bed and courtyard access, and don’t miss the restaurant, which showcases razor clams, oysters, and other local ingredients with its multicourse menus. From nearby Faaborg, catch a quick ferry to the neighboring isle of Ærø to visit Rise Bryggeri (risebryggeri .dk), a craft brewery known for its award-winning organic IPA s. GETTING THERE Several trains an hour depart Copenhagen Central Station for the hour-andchange ride to Odense.

BUENOS AIRES

MENDOZA

With its elegant boulevards and grand buildings, the well-heeled Recoleta neighborhood exudes romance. (It’s also home to the historic cemetery where Evita is buried.) The storied Alvear Palace Hotel (below; from $400 per night, alvear palace.com) recently got an upgrade, debuting 15 rooftop suites with butler service. In

West of the cosmopolitan capital, wine culture infuses everything in this warm, dry region—from the 500-plus-label cellar at Azafrán (azafranresto.com), an award-winning restaurant in the art-deco downtown, to the grape-seed exfoliation at the rustic-luxe Entre Cielos (from $282 per night, entre cielos.com). Book the Vineyard Loft, a cylindrical suite with skylights that looks like a spaceship that’s landed among the orderly rows of grapes. Head south to the higher-altitude Uco Valley, where the starkly modern 16room Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort (below; from $315 per night, casadeuco.com) offers tastings of its heady Malbecs, followed by an authentic Argentine barbecue among the vines. Want more action? Mendoza Andes (mendozaandes.com) runs hiking, biking, and rafting excursions on the Mendoza River.

Palermo Soho, a sommelier and her chef husband run Pain et Vin (pain-et-vin.com), which—as its name implies— does two things really well: house-baked sourdough and local wine. For dinner, head to La Carnicería (01154-11-2071-7199), which has updated the Argentine parrilla, or grill, with cherrywood smoke and a hipster aesthetic. And in the La Boca barrio, Fundación PROA (proa.org) showcases modern and avantgarde art in a refurbished Italianate mansion with a translucent-glass entry.

GETTING THERE Aerolineas Argentinas and LATAM run more than 10 flights a day between the capital and wine country; flying time is about two hours.

CLOC KWI SE FROM TOP: ROBERT LACY; COURTESY OF ALVEAR PALACE HOTEL; COURTESY OF CASA DE UCO V IN EYARDS & WIN E RESORT; SPOOH/GET TY IM AGES

P E R F E C T PA I R S

226

G E TAWAY S T R AV E L D I A R Y

TRAVE L DIARY

Whitney and Jamie’s

GREECE The Couple: Whitney and

Room With a View: Whit-

Jamie Shurtleff of St. Louis.

ney’s piece of advice? Skip the beachfront hotels on Santorini. “Usually that’s what you want on vacation, but here, it’s all about the cliffs,” she says. The honeymooners holed up at the Iconic Santorini, A Boutique Cave Hotel (from $639 per night, iconic santorini .com), where 19 whitewashed rooms and suites are built right into the caldera (volcano rock wall) and overlook the Aegean Sea. “When we arrived from the airport, we were speechless,” Whitney says. “And the service was incredible—it was a highlight of our honeymoon.”

The Plan: The seasoned business travelers (both work in health-care sales) wanted variety. “You can be on a remote beach in Santorini and surrounded by history in Athens, and get the party atmosphere in Mykonos,” Jamie says. They went at the end of the busy season, which meant smaller crowds.

Blast From the Past: The duo powered through jet lag to make the most of a day in Athens. They stayed central at Hotel Grande Bretagne, A Luxury Collection Hotel (from $246 per night, grandebretagne.gr), walking distance from the Parthenon and the Acropolis. “This is the birthplace of democracy and art, and it was breathtaking to see,” Jamie says. Later on, they sipped cocktails at the hotel’s GB Roof Garden to see the vestiges of history all lit up at night.

Easy Riders: Santorini and Mykonos are full of winding alleyways and steep cliffs—and the best way to navigate them is on ATVs, which are available for rent all over the islands. “Make sure you negotiate the price— and go for the more powerful ones, since some of the hills are

insane,” Jamie says. The pair used them to explore—one day ending up at the small fishing village of Vlychada, where they feasted on the whole-fish special at To Psaraki (topsaraki.gr) and sipped Yellow Donkey beer from a local craft brewery.

Memorable Meals: Whitney and Jamie got dressed up for nice dinners almost every night— but none compared to the private, über-romantic candlelit meal at the Canaves Oia Luxury Resorts (canaves.com), which must be booked months in advance. A single table was set on a balcony with panoramic views of the caldera, and the multicourse menu included grilled watermelon with fetacheese mousse and risotto with mussels, shrimp, and octopus. And the wine flowed freely, making it, as Whitney jokes, “a memorable, plus not-so-memorable, meal!” —Alaina Demopoulos

TRIP STATS Length: Seven days, eight nights. Breakdown: One night at Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens, four nights at the Iconic Santorini, and three nights at Kouros Hotel & Suites in Mykonos. Top tip: Get advice on where to eat and drink from locals, “whether it’s people who work at the hotel or those you meet while walking around,” says Jamie. One of their favorite meals in Mykonos was sushi from Koursaros (koursarosmykonos .gr), recommended by a shop owner on the last day of the honeymoon.

COU RTESY O F ICO NIC SANTORI NI (SA NTORI NI , WI NE ); COURTESY OF HOTEL GRANDE BRETAGNE (ATHENS); COURTESY OF WHITNEY AND JAMIE SHURTLEFF (OTHERS)

Clockwise from far left: The Iconic Santorini hotel; the couple on their suite’s balcony; the Winter Garden at the Grande Bretagne hotel in Athens; a bottle of Assyrtiko from Santorini’s Santo Wines, where Whitney and Jamie did a tasting.

YOU’LL WANT TO WRITE YOUR OWN VOWS. ( JUST SO YOU CAN PROMISE TO RETURN TO CAYMAN. )

Cayman Kai, Grand Cayman

www.caymanvows.ky

PROMOTIONS

dazzling destinations Say “I do” to these specially selected resorts and destinations, for your wedding, honeymoon, or beyond. For more information from our partners, visit marthastewartweddings.com/weddingessentials

Aruba is the picture-perfect backdrop for your dream destination wedding or honeymoon. Nestled outside the hurricane belt, Aruba’s sunny skies and world-class wedding professionals guarantee things will go off with only one hitch…yours! Celebrate your happy day on One happy island. weddings.aruba.com

Start your life together on the Emerald Coast. Whether you are booking your dream destination wedding or romantic honeymoon, Destin and Fort Walton Beach is the perfect slice of paradise. emeraldcoastﬂ.com or 800.483.6372

Imagine your wedding between the sea and mountains in Montego Bay. Whether you want a grand ballroom gala or a simple barefoot beach ceremony, our wedding specialists will handle every detail. 876.618.6404

Preparations for your special day should have the ease of an ocean breeze. To meet our world-class wedding professionals to plan your unforgettable Cayman Islands wedding, visit caymanvows.ky

Your love is not shy; your wedding day shouldn’t be either. Whether you are wedding planning, renewing your vows, or honeymooning, the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels of Mexico and the Dominican Republic will help make it the day you’ve always envisioned. hrhweddings.com

Sandals Resorts boast breathtaking backdrops and an oasis of adventure for your wedding and honeymoon. It’s where love and luxury unite. You dream it, we’ll design it. What’s personal for you is priority for us. sandals.com/weddingmoons

Paradisus by Melia, all-inclusive luxury resorts set along the best beaches in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, offer the most romantic settings for honeymoons and destination weddings. romancebyparadisus.com

PROMOTIONS

wish list Say “I do” to these select products and services to enhance your wedding day and beyond. For more information, visit marthastewartweddings.com/weddingessentials.

At Bloomingdale’s Registry, you’ll get one-on-one advice from expert registry consultants—plus amazing perks all over the store! Make an appointment with a consultant in-store or register online today. bloomingdales.com/registry

Plan your new home, imagine your new life, and scan to your heart’s content. Discover why so many couples are falling in love with registering at Crate and Barrel. crateandbarrel.com/gift-registry

We at Cuisinart want to wish you all the happiness that comes with a beautiful occasion. We look forward to being part of your everyday life, especially in the kitchen where cooking is such an essential part of creating satisfaction. cuisinart.com/weddings

Let us help you create the wedding registry and home of your dreams. Herberger’s has the styles and brands to make your house a home. herbergers.com

Lenox offers exquisite choices for today’s brides, from ﬁne bone china to casual dinnerware to extensive collections of stemware and ﬂatware, along with a wide variety of wedding collectables. Experience the incredible array by visiting lenox.com/dining.

Globally iconic and distinctively English, Wedgwood is world renowned for designing and producing the ﬁnest bone china. It represents the marriage of heritage and modernity, with over 250 years of rich history. wedgwood.com or 877.720.3486

For over 135 years, Rosenthal has created tabletop designs for every lifestyle. From casual simplicity to formal elegance, Rosenthal dinnerware and glassware will make all your moments together unforgettable. rosenthalusa-shop.com

The wedding registry that’ll do anything for love. Mix gifts from our 450+ coveted brands with memorable experiences, cash funds, and anything else from anywhere on the web. zola.com

PROMOTIONS

SUMMER 2017

wedding essentials 5 EASY WAYS TO GET

MAIL the attached card (no postage required!)

FREE INFO

ONLINE marthastewartweddings.com/weddingessentials

FROM ADVERTISERS

FAX the attached card to 888.847.6035 TEXT category code(s) to 41411 CALL 800.905.1544 and enter the extension(s) listed

FOR ALL FREE OFFERS Text WEDSUM 200 to 41411 FASHION + ACCESSORIES

Text WEDSUM 201 to 41411

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REGISTRY + TABLETOP

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29 / Jack Kelége

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PROMOTIONS

wedding essentials

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36 / Emerald Coast

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LOVE WORTHY News + Notes + Events

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234

THE GUIDE How to find the products and vendors in this issue

Unplugged Lighting and Event Rentals, ledunplugged.com. PHOTO

plated brass, $396, bounkit.com.

BOOTH, Joy Squad, joysquad.com.

ishphotoboothrentals.com. Left:

Swarovski “Crystaldust” CHOKER,

DANCE FLOOR, Weddings By Dzign,

Eye M by Ileana Makri “Diamond Sky”

in Gray, $59, swarovski.com. Right:

weddingsbydzign.com. DRAPING,

EARRINGS, $370, net-a-porter.com.

Sarah Magid “Fuchsia Floating”

Quest Events, questevents.com.

Center: Oscar de la Renta black-

EARRINGS, $248, sarahmagid.com.

Pages 52–53 BRIDE’S ACCESSO-

and-white polka-dot sequin triple

Page 96 Left: Anya Caliendo “Scar-

ball EARRINGS, $590, oscardelarenta

let Bow” silk HAT, $615, anyacaliendo

trousseau.com; Kiki McDonough earrings, kiki.co.uk; Alex Šepkus engagement ring, alexsepkus.com; Rupert Sanderson shoes, rupert sanderson.com. BRIDE’S HAIR, Shelby Bloomquist of Jolie Cheveux, 704737-0279. BRIDE’S MAKEUP AND BRIDESMAIDS’ HAIR AND MAKEUP,

Be Pretty by Lindsey Regan Thorne,

CELEBRATIONS Pages 47–49 RENTALS, AFR, afrevents.com; La Tavola Fine Linen, latavolalinen.com; RSVP Party Rentals, rsvpparty.com. BRIDE’S ACCESSORIES, Susan G. Allen

Couture veil, susangallencouture .com; Twigs & Honey headpiece, twigsandhoney.com; Olive + Piper earrings, oliveandpiper.com; Jimmy Choo shoes, jimmychoo.com. HAIR, Halee Chynoweth, 702-595-

0687. MAKEUP, Your Beauty Call, yourbeautycall.com. BRIDESMAIDS’

amethyst EARRINGS in 14k gold–

Page 92 PHOTO-BOOTH RENTAL,

RIES, Modern Trousseau veil, modern

Page 47

SQUAD GOALS

lindseyreganthorne.com. FLOWERGIRL DRESSES, Tadashi Shoji,

tadashishoji.com; Us Angels, us angels.com. FLOWER-GIRL AND PAGE-BOY SHOES, Vans, vans.com. CEREMONY UMBRELLAS, Boutique

Tents, boutiquetents.net. TRANSPORTATION, Absolutely Charleston,

absolutelycharleston.com. RESTROOM TRAILERS, Royal Restrooms,

royalrestrooms.com. WINE, Vino Vino Selected Italian Estates, vino vino.us. PATA NEGRA JAMÓN IBÉRICO AND PARMIGIANO-REGGIANO, Aqua

e Vino, aquaevino.com.

.com. Right: BaubleBar “Sandbar”

.com. Center: Lele Sadoughi “Wind

DROPS, $38, baublebar.com.

Chime” EARRINGS, in Ocean Blue,

Page 94 Left: Eddie Borgo “O-Ring

$150, saks.com. Dita “Creature”

Day” drop EARRINGS, $135, eddie

SUNGLASSES, in Grey Crystal, $550,

borgo.com. Center: Lele Sadoughi

dita.com. Right: Oscar de la Renta

“Island” EARRINGS, in Amber, $185,

“Magenta” short beaded tassel EAR-

saks.com. Garrett Leight x Clare V.

RINGS, $345, oscardelarenta.com.

SUNGLASSES, in Rougier, $340,

Page 98 Left: Hart “Pink Top &

clarev.com. Right: Bounkit clear

Cherry Red” tassel topknot EAR-

quartz CUFF in rose gold–plated

RINGS, $54, harthagerty.com. Center:

brass, $813; clear quartz CUFF in 14k

Jennifer Fisher enamel heart

gold-plated brass, $495; rose-quartz

CHARMS, $550 each; and micro link

and moonstone BANGLE in rose

chain, $240, jenniferfisherjewelry

gold–plated 925 sterling silver, $429;

.com. Pretty Attitude “Oversized

and green agate and lemon quartz

Heart” SUNGLASSES, $20, amazon

flower STUDS in 14k gold–plated

.com. Right: Effy Jewelry 925 Collec-

brass, $120, bounkit.com. Yestadt

tion “Splash Multi Sapphire” RING in

Millinery “Zina” English-cut studded

sterling silver with multicolored

BERET, in Ivory, $350, yeshats.com.

sapphires, $487; and “Splash Ruby

Page 95 Left: Lele Sadoughi “Crystal

and Sapphire” BRACELET in sterling

Lily ” EARRINGS, $198, saks.com.

silver with rubies and pink sapphires,

Center: Bounkit convertible two-way

$1,346, effyjewelry.com. Roger

carved pink mother-of-pearl and

Vivier “Strass Flower Buckle” BELT, in Light Blue, $1,050, rogervivier

DRESSES, Adrianna Papell, adrianna

Pages 56–57 OFFICIANT, Rabbi

papell.com. FLOWER-GIRL DRESSES,

Jeffrey J. Sirkman, larchmonttemple

Rosebud Fashions, rosebudfashions

.org. RENTALS, Distressed Rentals

SOCKS, in White, $8, modcloth

.com, from Bella Bridesmaids,

& Revival, rentdistressed.com. HAIR

.com. Onehope “Pink Glitter Edition”

bellabridesmaids.com. MENSWEAR

AND MAKEUP, Amanda Gros, amanda

California Chardonnay WINE, $59,

AND RING BEARER’S TUXEDO, Cedric

gros.com. GROOMSMEN’S TIES AND

onehopewine.com.

and Imani Harris of Cedric’s Custom

SUITS, J.Crew, jcrew.com. LIGHTING

Page 99 Vintage FURNITURE, rent

Apparel, instagram.com/cedricsuits.

AND TENT, Event Rental, yourevent

patina.com. Left: Eddie Borgo

.com. ModCloth “Cheer for Sheer”

GROOM’S ACCESSORIES, David

delivered.com. TRANSPORTATION,

“Sphere” BANGLE, $750, eddieborgo

Donahue bow tie, studs, and cuff

Platinum Coaches, platinumcoaches

.com. Center: Eddie Borgo long

links, daviddonahue.com; Cartier

.com. MENU-SIGN HOLDERS,

ball-chain drop EARRINGS, $225,

watch, cartier.com; Salvatore

Esselle, essellesf.com. RESTROOM

eddieborgo.com. Kwit Jewelry

Ferragamo shoes, ferragamo.com.

TRAILER, Event Restroom, your

“Girl Boss” letter RINGS, from $450

ENGAGEMENT RING AND WEDDING

restroomdelivered.com. POSTWED-

each, kwitjewelry.com. Right: Lele

BANDS, JB Diamonds & Fine Jewelry,

DING CELEBRATION, CellarDoor,

Sadoughi “Crystal Poppy” EARRINGS,

jbdiamonds.com. LIGHTING, LED

cellardoornola.com.

Page 92

in Moonstone, $150, saks.com.

235

THE GUIDE SUMMER 2017

Francesca Miranda “Indira” embroidered tulle gown, $9,240, francesca miranda.com.

Oleg Cassini Collection exclusively for David’s Bridal style CWG770, in Ivory, $858, davidsbridal .com/oleg cassini.

Amsale “Callie” floral handembroidered ball gown, in Ivory, $9,500, amsale.com.

Mira Zwillinger “Mimosa” silk-tulle and lace dress, in Blossom, price upon request, mira zwillinger.com.

Sottero and Midgley “Nisha” gown, in Ivory, $1,949, maggie sottero.com.

GE T T H E LOO K

COU RTESY O F MANU FACTURERS

Samuelle Couture “Ava-Lee” gown with silk tulle over silk organza and Chantilly lace, price upon request, spinabride.com.

More Gorgeous Gowns When you’re contemplating the big-day question, “How Will You Wear Your Hair?” (see page 192), so much depends on your dress. Here are the dreamy gowns we paired with our favorite new hairstyles.

Matty by Matthew Christopher “Emilia” silkcrepe gown, $2,990, matthew christopher .com.

Monique Lhuillier “Ballad” organzaand-tulle draped V-neck high-low gown, $9,500, monique lhuillier.com.

Lillian West Grecian chiffon gown, style 6500, $1,315, lillianwest.com. Rosa Clará Capsule Collection “Noel” A-line cloqué dress, $3,925, rosaclara bridal.com.

Martina Liana style 843 silkzibeline gown with detachable train, in Ivory, $2,699, essense designs.com.

Sachin & Babi “Maya” silkcrepe column gown with hand-embroidered illusion top, in Ivory, $4,200, sachin andbabi.com.

Sarah Seven “Fairfax” jumpsuit, in Ivory, $1,950, sarah seven.com.

236

THE GUIDE SUMMER 2017 outside. Double-strain into a coupe

BASIL SIMPLE SYRUP

10 minutes. Remove from heat

glass. (If liquid gets stuck in shaker,

Active Time: 5 min.

and let cool completely. Strain and

place upright and tap bottom

Total Time: 35 min.

refrigerate until cold. Syrup can

AVIATION

on table; then continue to strain.)

Makes: 1 cup

be stored in an airtight container in

Active/Total Time: 5 min.

Garnish with watermelon rind.

Makes: 1

Serve immediately.

RAISE A GLASS Pages 105–109

1½ ounces gin ½ ounce fresh lemon juice 1 to 2 dashes maraschino liqueur (about ½ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon), such as Luxardo 2 dashes crème de violette (about 1 teaspoon) Edible flowers, for serving

1 cup sugar ¼ cup packed basil leaves In a saucepan, boil sugar and 1 cup

Active/Total Time: 5 min.

water over medium-high heat until

Makes: 1

Active/Total Time: 5 min.

sugar has dissolved. Remove from

3 ounces coconut water,

Makes: 1

heat, stir in basil, and let cool com-

preferably raw, such as

The botanicals in Hendricks gin pair well with the elderflower tonic.

pletely. Strain; refrigerate until cold. Syrup can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 month.

1½ ounces gin, preferably

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.

Elderflower tonic, such as

Active/Total Time: 5 min.

Add gin, lemon juice, maraschino

Fever-Tree

Makes: 1

nish with flowers; serve immediately.

Mini-cucumber spear, lemon

1 small slice fresh grapefruit, plus

wedge, and rosemary sprig,

grapefruit wedge for serving

for serving

SUZE DAIQU IRI

Fill a 12-ounce highball glass with

Active/Total Time: 10 min.

ice. Add gin; top off with tonic and

Makes: 1

stir. Garnish with cucumber, a

2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest (from 4 lemons), plus 1 ounce fresh juice and 1 lemon wedge ¼ cup sugar 2 ounces white rum 2 teaspoons Suze ½ ounce simple syrup Orange bitters (preferably Suze brand) 1. Combine zest and sugar in a shal-

low dish.

squeeze of lemon, and rosemary. Serve immediately.

MEZCAL NEGRON I SWIZZLE Active/Total Time: 5 min. Makes: 1 1 strip orange zest

Kosher salt 1½ ounces tequila, chilled 1 ounce Pamplemousse Rose liqueur 1 tablespoon Key lime juice

Grapefruit soda, preferably GUS Star Ruby Rub half of rim of a lowball glass

whiskey, Disaronno, orange Curaçao, and orange juice in a cocktail shaker

30 seconds. Strain into glass. Top with more crushed ice; garnish with baby pineapple, pineapple leaves, and cherry. Serve immediately.

RASPBERRY GRAN ITA

and lime juice. Top with grapefruit

Active Time: 25 min.

1 ounce Campari

soda; stir. Garnish with lime round

Total Time: 6 hr. 40 min.

1 ounce sweet vermouth

and grapefruit wedge. Serve

Makes: 4 cups

Sparkling water, for serving

immediately.

sugar. In a cocktail shaker filled with

until fragrant and edges are black-

Makes: 1

ice, combine lemon juice, rum, Suze,

ened, 5 to 10 seconds.

and simple syrup. Shake vigorously

2. Fill a 12-ounce highball glass with

until frosty and cold on outside, 30

crushed ice. Pour in mezcal, Campari,

seconds. Strain into prepared glass.

and vermouth. Top with sparkling

Add 2 to 4 dashes orange bitters.

water; stir with a swizzle stick or

Serve immediately.

straw until glass becomes frosty. Top

1½ ounces bourbon 1½ ounces Peach Simple Syrup (recipe follows) 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice Peach wedges, for serving

with more crushed ice. Serve imme-

Add a large ice cube to a lowball

diately, garnished with zest strip.

glass. Combine bourbon, simple

Active/Total Time: 5 min.

YUZU BREEZE

syrup, and lemon juice; pour over ice. Skewer peach wedges on a

Active/Total Time: 5 min.

cocktail pick; add as garnish. Serve

Makes: 1

immediately.

2 ounces tequila, chilled

2 ounces vodka, chilled

1 large egg white

1 ounce yuzu juice

1 teaspoon honey

1 ounce Basil Simple Syrup

Thinly sliced watermelon rind,

crushed ice. Combine coconut water,

glass with ice; add tequila, liqueur,

1½ ounces mezcal, chilled

Active/Total Time: 5 min.

for serving

cherry, for serving Fill a lowball glass halfway with

with grapefruit slice; dip in salt. Fill

BOURBON AND PEACH

2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

Thinly sliced baby pineapple, pineapple leaves, and cocktail

ously until frosty and cold on outside,

over a gas flame or a kitchen torch

inch) seedless watermelon

strained

filled halfway with ice. Shake vigor-

1. Using tongs, place orange zest

1 cup small cubes (each about ½

1 ounce fresh orange juice,

lime round for serving

2. Rub half of rim of a coupe glass

Makes: 1

½ ounce orange Curaçao

(from 3 Key limes), plus 1 thin

with lemon wedge; dip in lemon

WATERMELON FLIP

Harmless Harvest 2 ounces rye whiskey ½ ounce Disaronno

PALOMA

well. Strain into a coupe glass. Gar-

RYE TAI

ELDERFLOWER GIN AND TON IC

Hendricks, chilled

liqueur, and crème de violette. Shake

refrigerator up to 1 month.

(recipe follows) 4 ounces sparkling water Basil sprig, for serving

PEACH S IMPLE SYRUP Active Time: 5 min. Total Time: 1 hr. Makes: 1 cup ¾ cup sugar 10 ounces pitted and sliced peaches (from 2 peaches)

1 pound raspberries ¼ cup sugar 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1 bottle (750 milliliters) sparkling wine, such as Champagne or cava, chilled 1. Toss raspberries with sugar; let

stand 30 minutes. Place raspberry mixture, ½ cup water, and lemon juice in a food processor or blender; pulse until puréed. Strain through a fine sieve; discard solids. 2. Pour mixture into an 8-inch

square baking dish. Freeze 6 hours, scraping with a fork every hour (mixture should be icy and fluffy). 3. Fill a flute with ¼ cup granita

(about one-third of the way up). Top with sparkling wine. Serve immediately.

SAUTERNES AND APR ICOT Active Time: 15 min.

Combine watermelon, tequila, egg

Fill a 12-ounce highball glass with ice.

white, honey, lime juice, and a few

Add vodka, yuzu, and simple syrup.

Bring 1 cup water, sugar, and peaches

Total Time: 1 hr. 25 min.

ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. Shake

Top with sparkling water; stir. Garnish

to a boil in a medium saucepan.

Makes: 6

vigorously until frosty and cold on

with basil. Serve immediately.

Reduce heat to a simmer and cook

1 bottle (375 milliliters) Sauternes

ADVERT I SEM EN T

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238

THE GUIDE SUMMER 2017

¼ cup sugar

completely. Pour through a fine sieve

TOSS, Karter Scientific Labware

classic ENGAGEMENT RING, style

4 green cardamom pods,

into a bowl; discard leaves. Syrup

Manufacturing Co. test tubes,

MW 2151/166, from $2,910 (not

can be stored in an airtight container

amazon.com; Davidson’s Organics

including center stone), ajaffe.com.

in refrigerator up to 1 month.

chamomile flowers, davidson

Page 201 Kavant & Sharart 18k

split open slightly 2 star-anise pods 5 apricots (about 1 pound total), halved and pitted

SHOWERED WITH KISSES

stea.com; Starwest Botanicals

rose-gold diamond hoop EARR INGS,

calendula flowers, starwest-

$7,280, jayfederjewelers.com.

botanicals.com. RIBBONS (on bou-

Page 134 CB2 “Contact White” din-

quet), East Coast Trimming,

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

wine, such as Champagne or

ner PLATES, $64 for 8, cb2.com.

eastcoasttrimming.com. TABLE-

Pages 202–211 CALLIGRAPHY,

cava, chilled

Marzipan CHERRIES, $5.50 for 2; and

RUNNER FABRIC, Gray Lines Linen,

Calligraphy Katrina, calligraphy

Miette “Old-fashioned” CUPCAKES,

graylinelinen.com. WELCOME

katrina.com. MUSIC, The Westsiders,

$3.75 each, miette.com. Oh Happy

BAGS, Baggu bag, baggu.com;

luxuryentertainmentgroup.com;

saucepan, stirring until sugar has

Day small scallop PLATES, $7 for 10;

Tasco binoculars, tasco.com;

DJ Patrick Belton, dubgypsy.com.

dissolved. Add apricots, making sure

mini balloons, 5", $9 for 30; “160

ForYourParty.com tag, foryour

BRIDES’ RINGS, Lana Neiman,

fruit is fully submerged. Cover

Long” BALLOON BUNDLES, $33 for

party.com; Northern Brewer Home-

lananeimannyc.com. HAIR, Melissa

surface with a parchment round;

100; “Fancy” disposable CUTLERY,

brew Supply Champagne bottles,

Schaefers (Lauren), melissa

simmer just until apricots are tender

in Pastel Yellow, $7.50 for 24 pieces;

northernbrewer.com; Uprinting

schaefers@gmail.com; Jade Perry

when pierced with a knife, 6 to 8

and “Breton Stripe” NAPKINS,

cocktail labels, uprinting.com.

(Samira), iamjadeperry@gmail.com.

minutes. Transfer apricots to a shal-

$6.75 for 20, shop.ohhappyday.com.

low bowl using a slotted spoon;

The Ribbonerie silk-satin RIBBON,

Produced by Naomi deMañana,

kristinafrisch@gmail.com; Gina

cover with another piece of parch-

6mm, $2.60 per yd., ribbonerie

Cassidy Iwersen, Anthony Luscia,

Ghiglieri (Samira), ginabellina28@

ment and let cool.

.com. Paper Mart red striped cube

and Shira Savada.

1 bottle (750 milliliters) sparkling

1. Bring wine, 3 cups water, sugar,

and spices to a simmer in a medium

MAKEUP, Kristina Frisch (Lauren),

yahoo.com. TRANSPORTATION, Lyft, lyft.com; Resort Parking Ser-

2. Bring poaching liquid to a boil;

tuck-top BOX, 2" by 2" by 2", $4 for

cook until golden and reduced to 1

12, papermart.com. Orange striped

cup, about 25 minutes. Strain; let

paper STRAWS, $5.50 for 25, target

HOW WILL YOU WEAR YOUR HAIR?

cool completely. Syrup can be stored

.com. IKEA “Intagande” GLASS, in

Page 193 Anne Sisteron 14k yellow-

.com. RESTROOMS AND WASTE

in an airtight container in refrigerator

Light Pink, $2, ikea.com.

gold precious topaz choker NECK-

REMOVAL, Burrtec Desert Waste &

LACE, $625, annesisteron.com.

Recycling, burrtec.com. PARASOLS,

FRENCH KISS

Page 194 McTeigue & McClelland

Bella Umbrella, bellaumbrella

Active/Total Time: 5 min.

“Baccello” EARRINGS, handmade in

.com. STREAMERS, ExtravagantExits,

Makes: 1

platinum, $3,250, mc2jewels.com.

up to 1 month. 3. Remove skins from apricots and

slice into wedges. Place a few wedges in the bottom of each flute. Add ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) syrup to each. Top with sparkling wine. Serve immediately.

1½ ounces vodka 1 ounce dry vermouth 1 ounce fresh grapefruit juice

Page 195 Top left: Anne Sisteron 14k white-gold “Abby” double-dangle Bottom left: Fred Leighton antique

½ ounce fresh lemon juice

pear-shape diamond pendant

Active/Total Time: 5 min.

½ ounce rich vanilla simple syrup

EARRINGS, circa 1920, in platinum,

1 tablespoon Celery Simple Syrup (recipe follows) 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice ½ ounce gin, chilled

(2 parts sugar to 1 part water,

price upon request, fredleighton

boiled with a small vanilla bean)

.com. Bottom right: Twigs & Honey

1 egg white 1 small sprig rosemary, for serving

star POSTS, $320, bowennyc.com. Page 198 Top left: Bel Aire Bridal

Champagne or cava, chilled

10 seconds. Then add ice; shake 10

style 1721 “Delicate” gold HAIRPINS

Fresh celery leaves, for serving

seconds more. Strain into a cocktail

of leaves and rhinestone flowers,

or rocks glass. Garnish with rosemary

$66 for both, belairebridal.com.

sprig; serve.

Top right: Mish New York pavé dome French-wire EARRINGS with pink

LOVE BUGS

freshwater cultured pearls, set in 18k

Pages 182–191 RING BEARERS’

rose gold with brown-diamond pavé,

ATTIRE, J.Crew shirts and shorts,

price upon request, mishnewyork

CELERY S IMPLE SYRUP

jcrew.com; Purl Soho handmade

.com. Bottom right: Sidney Garber

Active Time: 10 min.

bow ties with Liberty fabric, purl

“Anna” five-stone EARRINGS,

Total Time: 40 min.

soho.com. CAKE KNIFE, Duna by

antiqued silver, 18k gold, blue topaz

Makes: ½ cup

Cutipol matte black pie server, abc

and diamonds, $7,050, sidney

home.com. COCKTAIL NAPKINS,

garber.com.

ForYourParty.com, foryourparty.com.

Page 199 De Beers “Arpeggia” one-

DINNER NAPKINS, Cotton Craft

line EARRINGS, white diamonds set

napkins, amazon.com; Audrey Louise

in white gold, total weight: 1.2 carats,

Combine sugar and ½ cup water

Reynolds dye, alrdyeing.com.

$8,500, debeers.com.

in a small saucepan. Bring to a sim-

ESCORT-CARD DISPLAY, eBay bugs,

Page 200 Mimi So 18k white-gold

mer over medium heat, stirring

ebay.com; Bioquip insect pins and

diamond EARRINGS, $3,400, mimiso

until sugar is dissolved. Remove from

specimen box, bioquip.com; Uprint-

.com. A.Jaffe “Metropolitan Collec-

heat; add celery leaves. Let cool

ing labels, uprinting.com. PETAL

tion” double pavé halo modern

bine. Garnish with celery leaf. Serve immediately.

½ cup sugar 2 tablespoons packed fresh celery leaves

Produced by Katie Covington Crane, Michael McCormick, and Shira Savada.

Page 196 Bowen NYC six-pointed-

shaker without ice; shake vigorously

sparkling wine; gently stir to com-

design.com.

Modern Boho Daisy FLOWER VINE,

Sparkling wine, such as

and gin in a flute. Top off with

extravagantexits.etsy.com. WELCOME BAGS, Bohemia, bohemia

$155, twigsandhoney.com.

Add first six ingredients to a cocktail

Combine celery syrup, lemon juice,

BAR, 200 Proof, 200proofstaffing

EARRINGS, $2,740, annesisteron.com.

CELERY 75 Makes: 1

vices, resortparkingservices.com.

MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS (ISSN 1096-7958) is published quarterly (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter) by Meredith Corporation, 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-3023. Periodicals postage paid at Des Moines, IA, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address changes to Martha Stewart Weddings, P.O. Box 37508, Boone, IA 50037-0508. (Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 40021219, GST #89311617BRT. Return undeliverable Canadian copies to: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, 2835 Kew Drive, Windsor, Ontario N8T 3B7.) Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Occasionally, we make a portion of our mailing list available to carefully selected companies that offer products and services we believe you may enjoy. If you would prefer not to receive these offers and/or information, please send a note along with your address label to Martha Stewart Weddings, P.O. Box 37508, Boone, IA 50037-0508, or call 800950-0019 (U.S. and Canada) toll-free.

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240

AFTER “I DO” SUMMER 2017

He Says She Says For Giordana Walker, the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, has always been home. But since marrying Colorado native Geoffrey last May (see their wedding on page 52), that word has taken on new meaning. The pair and their puppy, Ralphie, are putting down roots as a family of three and soaking up all the city has to offer, like the cycling community and delicious southern eats. They’re settling in, remodeling their house, and creating a space that’s truly their own. W HAT HAS SU RPR I SE D M E MOST ABOUT BE I N G MARR I E D IS . . .

“it adds another level of meaning to everyday tasks, like going to the grocery store. It’s now ‘our’ groceries that we take back to ‘our’ house.”

“So. Much. Laundry. How does one couple create that much wash?”

ON E PI ECE OF ADV IC E I ’D GI V E TO F UTUR E NEWLYWEDS IS . . .

“make sure to spend one night each week with just the two of you. That time is priceless.”

“create a joint calendar. Scheduling can be a source of conflict, and merging your agendas will lessen the chance of a mix-up.”

ON LY AF TE R BE I N G M ARR I E D DI D I LEAR N T HAT MY S POUS E . . .

“really loves pasta. You never know how deep the spaghetti runs until you marry an Italian—I’m not complaining!”

“is a wonderful doggy dad! He is so fun-loving and caring with Ralphie—it melts my heart to watch them together.”

MY IDEA L DAT E N IGH T I NVOLVES . . .

“walking to a restaurant in our neighborhood— like we did when Geoff proposed—with our pup, of course, and eating alfresco.”

TH E MOST I MPORTA N T TH I N G TO RE M E MBE R ON YOU R WEDDI N G DAY IS . . .

“the day is a celebration, after all, and the little things you may be stressed over, in the end, are not as big as they seem.”

“everyone is there for you and your spouse. Enjoy the attention, dance, laugh, and don’t forget to eat!”

JULI AN ANDRETTA

“dinner, strolling around our neighborhood, or going for a bike ride.”

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