February 2012 "Romance & Wedding Issue"

2.12

Romance &

Wedding Issue

CULTURE

DINING ENTERTAINMENT

FASHION

FITNESS

LIFESTYLE

NIGHTLIFE

y r a u febr ING W E H AT T

!

CARD

wild

GO W

ILD. G

ET RE

WARD E

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publishers note I hope all is well and 2012 is getting off to a good start for everyone. Even though we at Elevate Lifestyle took a month off from the magazine, that doesn’t mean we’ve been sitting around twiddling our fingers.

Hope you enjoy the “Wedding and Romance Issue.” There’s a little bit of everything here, from choosing the location of your nuptials, ways to de-stress before the big day, how to look your best, the do’s and don’ts the night before, and where to take that honeymoon. And since we can only fit so much into the print edition, you can check out some other articles online at ElevateLifestyle.com that might be helpful in making that big day go smoother.

Over the next couple of months, we have lots of fun events planned, and I hope to see you out at some of them! We start off on Wednesday, February 8 for the grand opening party for Smalls Food & Spirits which just opened on Elizabeth Avenue by Presbyterian Hospital. Then on Saturday, February 11 we are doing our annual Mardi Gras Party Cruise onboard Ragin’ Luxury Yacht on Lake Norman. Then on Tuesday, March 6 we are having the “Spring Break Bar Games,” at Whisky River.

Last but not least is the Eleventh Annual Charlotte Bartenders Ball at The Blake Hotel on Sunday, February 19, President’s Day Weekend. We have more than 30 bars participating, and a special guest as our headliner: DJ Graham Funke. You can purchase tickets now at CharlotteBartendersBall.com.

Have a great month, Steve Caldwell

Now BookiNg For ValeNtiNe’s Day

Valentine Day Menu | 3 Courses For $30

Choice of appetizer: stuffed Mushrooms | seafood stuffed eggplant | Chicken satay House salad, Caesar salad or Dessert Mediterranean Filet Mignon | lemon Grass seared scallops | stuffed Chicken Breast Rivergate Shopping Center 14142 Rivergate Parkway Charlotte, NC 28273 704-505-8888

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TEAM MEMBERS Publisher Steve Caldwell Editor Edy Hinson Creative Director Greg Smith Design and Production Greenspon Advertising Lounge Limo Photo Spread Photography Photography: Jim Merrill Photography, JMTFoto.com Models: Brittany Kerr and Jenna Petraglia Makeup: Emily Paige | Hair: Mandi English Wardrobe: I.C. London, ICLondon.com Five Star Limousine, YLimo.com Advertising, Sponsorship, Website Sales, and General Advertising Sales Information Brad Cheek | Steve Caldwell Contributing Editors Culture Editor: Louise Albano-Hurley | Dining Editor: Nikki Wilson Entertainment Editor: Denise Gregory Fashion Editor: Debra Kennedy | Fitness Editor: Dr. Ryan Shum Nightlife Editor: Sean Flynn Contributing Writers Angela Han | Claire Morton | Laela Karimi Monique Douglas | Sarah Hudson Event, Article and Website Photography Auger Images | Eun Park | Lazyday.com | Steve Caldwell | Trip Bye Interns Alex Ramsey | Angela Han | Laela Karimi

“the best of the city” revealed

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Limited Space Available Please RSVP@ElevateLifestyle.com

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Contents

February 2012 18

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22 28

38

Valentine’s Hot Spots Modern, Comfortable, and Addictive?

32

Your Special Day

38

Knock Out Lashes

44

It Is Wedding Season!

48

54

Charlotte Black Film Festival

54

Caution Marriage Ahead!

Limo Lounging

Romance &

Wedding Issue

Your Dream Wedding Comes Alive

64

Wedding Day Man Caves Discovered

70

9 Resorts That Won’t Put You in Debt

76

Smile!

82

Wedding Day Do’s and Don’ts

88

20 Ways To De-Stress

94

Night Before Your Wedding

98

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Need more ?

Visit ElevateLifestyle.com for these additional articles: • Carat Points Catch That Truck!

• I Need Catering For My Wedding!

• Grooms: Find the Most Flattering Tuxedo Styles for Your Wedding • North Carolina Marriage License 101 • Where to Start When Choosing Wedding Flowers

tt h h ee

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culture

Charlotte

Black Film Festival: Sharing the Creation, Diversifying the Dream

The second annual Charlotte Black Film Festival (CBFF) will take place this March first through third at the Mint Museum Uptown and the UNCC Center City building. Developed by Tommy Nichols, the President and CEO of Glorified Media, the CBFF offers for all attendees film screenings, workshops and receptions showcasing the works of emerging African American actors, composers, screenwriters and directors.

Their mission is to showcase “...African American cinema as an art form, and to be a voice for independent filmmakers of color.”

This year’s workshops include, “The Color of Media” (March 1, 10 a.m.) and “The Hollywood of the South,” at which panelists discuss film production in the Carolinas and contract opportunities for actors, directors, makeup artists, caterers and more.

Other events at this year’s festival include “Pitch Me,” where participants pitch their best ideas for a new film; and the Youth Film competitions where this year’s theme will be “Stop the Bullying.” Like last year, the CBFF will host an Actor’s Idol competition on the last day of the event where participants will show off their acting, singing and directing chops. All told, the CBFF will show 10 independent films and two special screenings, host four workshops, The Red Carpet Vision Awards and two competitions.

The festival takes place each year during the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament, which brings

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more than 150,000 people to Charlotte to watch 13 historically African American colleges compete. Prices are affordable for such an extensive festival, and with so many people in town, be sure to reserve your place soon. If you will be in town for the whole event, an all-access festival pass guaranteeing admittance to all screenings, workshops and events is $190 and may be the right buy for you. (The pass also includes access to a networking lounge and VIP seating). Workshops are $20 each (or $40 for all four offered), while an independent film pass for all films being shown Friday and Saturday is available for the same price. Attendance at the Red Carpet Vision Awards, hosted at the Booth Playhouse, will run you $30, but the Pitch Me and Actor Idol competitions are only $10 each. If you only have time to catch one or two of the festival’s events, consider the Youth and Latino film screenings, both of which are free. For more information about pricing, or to purchase tickets online, please visit the CBFF Web site and look under “registration.”

The CBFF also maintains yearly programming as well as a summer camp for youth interested in the filmmaking process, from acting to screenwriting and directing to digital editing.

Programs throughout the year include a late night summer movie series and bi-monthly networking meetings of actors, directors and writers held at the Belk Action Center in the Charlotte Chamber building.

For more information on this year’s festival, as well as other programming from the CBFF, please visit their Web site at www.charlotteblackfilmfestival.com.

Culture Editor, Louise Albano-Hurley 20

tuesday, MarCH 6tH 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

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romance & wedding

s ’ e n i t n e l Va ot Spots H

City Tavern Dimly-lit dining rooms, large booths to snuggle up in, and an extensive martini list puts City Tavern on our list of Valentine’s hot spots. And with a new location in SouthPark slated for opening this Spring, apparently Charlotte agrees, as this will be the third City Tavern in the QC. And just like you are ready for Valentine’s Day, so is the Tavern. A threecourse option is being offered up for only $30 a person. Start off with a freshly prepared appetizer of stuffed mushrooms, seafood stuffed eggplant or chicken satay. Next is your selection of Mediterranean filet mignon, lemon grass seared scallops or stuffed chicken breast with a sun-dried tomato artichoke cream sauce.

And you can always choose a third course of a side salad, or move onto the good stuff: choose from one of four tantalizing desserts to end your dinner with a smile. Who can say no to the peanut butter pie, strawberries and cream or better yet, death by chocolate.

14142 Rivergate Parkway | 704.504.8888 7828 E. Rea Rd. | 704.543.8587 | City-Tavern.com Vida Cantina By now, we all know Vida Cantina. And if for some reason you don’t ... well, seriously? Vida caught my eye with the queso fundido and I pledged my undying love to them after sampling quite a few tequilas from the extensive margarita list. Yes, Jose Cuervo, you now have some competition for my heart.

While Vida’s menu is already plentiful and full of tasty dishes to tickle anyone’s taste buds, this Uptown beauty is concocting even more choices. Vida is inviting patrons to “Spice Up Your Valentine’s Day” by serving up specialty items available for one day only, on February 14.

Stop in and savor the coconut shrimp ceviche for starters, then move onto the grilled filet oscar, topped with jumbo lump crab, green chile hollandaise and served with jalapeno mash. Or if the sea is calling your name, the halibut vera cruz is for you. This panseared halibut is served with smoked tomato butter, black bean and corn salsa and green chile rice. But it just wouldn’t be Valentine’s without a rich, smooth dessert to finish it off with. Vida presents a chocolate mousse made with cocoa meringue and strawberry puree.

210 East Trade St. | 704.971.VIDA | VidaCantina.com

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Terrace Café Ohh Terrace Café, you had me with the red velvet waffles... and now, you steal my heart once again with a delectable four-course Valentine’s menu. It’s nice to know you still love me.

Swing into either of the Terrace Café locations, in Ballantyne or Piedmont Town Center, on February 10, 11 or 14, and celebrate your love of good taste by starting out with the Charleston she-crab soup or the soup du jour. Move onto the next course of a refreshing, light side salad before savoring one of five delicious entrees, like the shrimp scampi or the sliced porterhouse.

Make sure to save plenty of room for the last course that is sure to seal the deal on Valentine’s Day. You and your love can laugh and tease about what the night will bring over chocolate-dipped strawberries and champagne.

Ohhh Terrace... that guy Cupid has nothing on you.

14815 Ballantyne Village Way | 704.369.5190 4625 Piedmont Row Dr. | 704.554.6177 TerraceCafeCharlotte.com Chima Brazilian Steakhouse We all know Valentine’s Day is a woman’s holiday... unless you just really like buying cheesy Hallmark cards and overpriced chocolates. And you know you have to take that special someone out to wine and dine. So why not choose a place that you two will both love, with plenty of selection and all the slow roasted meat you can handle?

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That’s where Chima comes in. If you’ve never stopped in Uptown’s Brazilian Steakhouse and seen what all the fuss is about, now is the perfect time. But make your reservations quick, as Chima is offering up a special Valentine’s package on February 14 that is sure to leave no seat empty.

For $75 a person, enjoy Chima’s rodizio, which offers up 16 different meats, hand-sliced table side, including swordfish, leg of lamb and parmesan pork loin. But don’t forget this package also gives you the gourmet salad bar, glass of champagne, coffee (American, espresso or cappuccino) and a special Valentine’s dessert.

Mmmm... is it February fourteenth yet?

139 South Tryon St. | 980.225.5000 | www.chima.cc Georges Brasserie Ahh the smell of freshly-baked French baguettes, the taste of creamy international cheese and the tickle of light bubbles as the champagne flows over your tongue. Yes, nothing will win your love over like a trip to Paris, but since France is an ocean and two grand away, just settle for the next best thing - dinner at Georges Brasserie.

Nestled in SouthPark, join GB as they serve up special French cuisine to celebrate “Five Days of Love,” starting February 10 and carrying through Valentine’s Day. Even if you’re a regular at GB, you’re in for a new treat on this special occasion, as they will be serving up the Chef’s featured selections, champagne specials and live violin on Valentine’s Day. George’s classic dinner menu will be served as always, offering up all your favorites like the black pepper crusted tuna, served with

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buttered poached lobster and saffron couscous, and a true taste of Europe with the escargot dusted with basil and garlic. Paris just got a little bit closer - minus the Eiffel Tower.

4620 Piedmont Row Dr. | 980.219.7409 | GeorgeBrasserie.com Mimosa Grill While Valentine’s dinner is a sweet touch - and hey, we all gotta eat - the world doesn’t stop for the holiday and sometimes, a late night dinner is out of the question. But you can still celebrate the occasion, and do so in an oh-so-tasty way, by visiting Mimosa Grill and joining them for their Fourth Annual Valentine’s Buffet Brunch on February 12, paired with a complimentary glass of champagne.

Mimosa’s Valentine’s buffets have gained plenty of attention over the last three years and have included impressive dishes in the past such as a shellfish station with shrimp, oysters and mussels, carving stations with salmon and prime rib, an omelet station, Artisan meats and cheeses, Carolina crab cake benedict with country ham, hot pastries and a dessert bar with tarts, red velvet cake and other sweet endings.

Yet if you are craving Mimosa’s fine, Southern cuisine and everchanging seasonal menu but can’t make it by for brunch, stop in later as they are also offering up a $60 tasting menu that is sure to please.

327 South Tryon St. | 704.343.0700 | MimosaGrill.com Dining Editor, Nikki Wilson

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NEWEST HOT SPOT IN CHARLOTTE!

Chef-inspired food served in a true "joint�

Lunch - Dinner - Late Night

Full Bar NC Craft Beers Specialty Cocktails Live Entertainment & Serving Food Late Night Till 2am Wednesday Through Saturday 1609 Elizabeth Avenue 28204 | Right next to the Visulite Theatre

Check out our menu: SmallsCharlotte.com

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dining

Modern, Comfortable, and Addictive?

You’re killing me Smalls!

Well, Smalls isn’t literally killing me, but this new restaurant springing up in the fun and dynamic Elizabeth neighborhood of Charlotte has certainly created a menu to die for! From the Molasses Lacquered Pork Belly small plate, to the Crispy Chicken with salted caramel butter entrée, to the Chocolate Orbit Cake, Smalls has something to satiate any appetite or craving. The grand opening in early January 2012 opened more than just its doors to the Queen City, the eatery opened up a new perspective on dining, focused on providing esteemed guests with inspired cuisine, unparalleled service, and an environment that is purposefully addictive.

Elevate Lifestyle had the luxury to chat with Joseph DiLeo, the owner of this new go-to spot. Of course, we had to ask about the name of the restaurant and how it was decided upon. Turns out, Smalls has nothing to do with the classic film from the early 1990s. The name actually originated after the menu and floor plan were already decided upon.

DiLeo explained that since the menu offers a variety of small plates and sliders, and the restaurant space is intimate, Smalls was the perfect fit.

DiLeo, a native of Rochester, New York, has always been an entrepreneur at heart, but said he needed a change of scenery from his typical corporate job.

“My next endeavor would be rooted in my twin passions of food and hospitality,” DiLeo told us. But why Charlotte? During his previous career, DiLeo frequently traveled to Charlotte four to five times per year for about 10 consecutive years.

“We love the people, the restaurants and found the business climate to be attractive,” he said.

And the location couldn’t be better; Smalls is a short walk from Presbyterian Hospital, CPCC, and Queens University.

Smalls focuses on supporting local and fresh ingredients. According to DiLeo, “Everything that can be made in-house is made in-house, [including] all the breads, pastas, fresh ground beef, daily soups, etc.”

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Continuing with the local emphasis, Smalls exclusively serves N.C. craft beer including Old Mecklenberg Brewery, Mother Earth, Catawba, Greenman, Foothills, Highland, Noda and Duckrabbit.

“We truly wanted to support fellow local entrepreneurs, and the quality and taste of local [beers] are mountains above,” he said.

The chef has even prepared six planter boxes at the restaurant to grow his own tomato plants, lettuce, and various herbs for daily use in a variety of dishes.

Chef Zack Gadberry, a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, follows the same vision as DiLeo. With his amazing creativity and devotion to perfection, the two couldn’t be a better match. Gadberry gained experience in many fine dining establishments around Charlotte, such as Nobles and Customshop. He worked endlessly, along with DiLeo, researching and testing many recipes to finally choose the best 20 that landed on the menu. So we had to ask, what is the best dish on the menu? DiLeo undoubtedly exclaimed, “The eggplant stack – once tasted, you will have dreams about it!”

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But the amazing food and exceptional hospitality is not the only thing Smalls has to offer.

The restaurant plans on including live entertainment from local musicians, with no cover charge!

Smalls has been illustrated as a ‘true joint’ by DiLeo; “The perfect combination of cuisine, people and vibe. We designed Smalls to be a gathering place for all: classy yet undeniably comfortable.”

Smalls also provides catering for both small and large events, and can customize a menu for any taste or budget.

DiLeo also explained that he would not be concluding his entrepreneurial spirit with Smalls; in fact, his next endeavor has already started right next door. Smalls is actually only half of the 8,000 square feet of space in the location DiLeo chose. He plans on utilizing the other half to introduce yet another amazing concept to the neighborhood, The Elizabeth Fish & Oyster Company, which opens in late spring of this year. The new restaurant boasts “six types of oysters from around the country, fresh fish and shellfish, [and] house-made pasta – all served in an environment that screams, ‘Relax, you’re among friends.’”

“We made the move and are enjoying every day of it!” said DiLeo, and Charlotte cannot wait to enjoy it too. Elevate Lifestyle is proud to welcome Smalls, Joseph DiLeo, and all of his future projects to the ever-blossoming restaurant industry in the Queen City. You can get your hands on any of their mouth-watering dishes day or night; Smalls is located at 1609 Elizabeth Avenue and is open until 2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and until 10 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday. For directions and additional information, visit their Web site at SmallsCharlotte.com.

Laela Karimi

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romance & wedding

Your Special Day Your wedding is your special day and you want to make sure it’s perfect. Finding the right venue is important, but many people say what makes or breaks a wedding is the music. Music is powerful enough to do more than accentuate the mood - it sets it and draws on something deep inside us. So whether you want your wedding to be formal or a dance party, picking the right DJ or band is essential to creating the atmosphere you’ve envisioned for months. To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of the best musicians in the area.

DJ Ciprian DJ Ciprian is one of the most popular DJs on the East Coast and in the Charlotte area. He has been creating vibrant mixes for the past 14 years and is the regular DJ for The Mix at Six on 96.1 The Beat as well as the high-end lounge, Butter NC. His mixes are wonderfully energetic and smoothly transitional - and he has featured some of the hottest names in popular music today, such as Akon, Sean Paul, and Jason Derulo. If you’re looking for an experienced DJ to set a fun, club atmosphere, then be sure to check him out at djciprian.com.

DJ Marty When service and flexibility are priorities, DJ Marty is one of your best choices. He goes beyond his job description to help out with the wedding and accommodate you the best he can to give you memories of a lifetime. With experience mixing for both weddings and clubs, he is versatile and knows how to retain formality and when to turn the party up. Many of his influences are big names in progressive house and trance music-such as Kaskade, DJ Tiesto, and Armin van Buuren. In addition to mixing the latest hits, he can also bring back the oldies and lead favorite line dances. For more information, you can contact him at martydj.com.

Carolina Chamber Players For a more formal wedding party, Carolina Chamber Players set an elegant mood. The group has been together since 1985 - and each member is also a part of the Charlotte Symphony. With more than 1,000 weddings played, they know just how to provide you with the best experience imaginable. They play pieces as a string quartet, meaning the group consists of two violinists, a cellist, and a violist. Some of their most popular pieces include works

by Bach, Handel, Mozart and Vivaldi. To contact them or listen to sample songs, visit their Web site at ccplayers.com.

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Diamond DJs Diamond DJs have been together since 1997 and have provided service for more than 2,200 wedding receptions. Flexibility is one of their strong points; they offer a wide range of packages and services to best suit your vision. So whether you want your playlist to consist of today’s hits, the classics, or popular songs from the 1980’s, they have you covered with a library of 20,000-plus songs. Part of their charm comes from their ability to create the mood through uplighting, where they pick out beautiful colored bulbs to cast dramatic light and shadows on the walls. You can view their gallery and contact information at diamonddjs.net.

Providence String Quartet Another choice for classical music is the Providence String Quartet. Weddings and wedding receptions are their specialties, so they know just what to do to make your big day run smoothly.

Each member has been in multiple, prestigious orchestras around the country, and even out of country. Along with their vast amount of experience, they are also highly seasoned travelers and will be willing to go anywhere in the Carolinas for your wedding, including places far from Charlotte, such as Asheville. Because they have back-up musicians on hand in case one of the regular members is unable to make it, you can be assured they will deliver no matter what. Popular pieces include traditional classics such as Bach, Broadway tunes, and religious songs such as Amazing Grace. You can find out more information at providencestringquartet.com.

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DJ Express If you’re looking for a service with more than one experienced DJ, then DJ Express is for you. They have 25 years of experience and have played at more than 1,000 weddings and receptions. Clients have expressed their gratitude over how friendly and dedicated they are; they will do more than show up to play and will make an effort to connect with you and your guests. In addition to having a wide variety of music to choose from - including classical, rock, and hip hop - they also provide karaoke and music videos if desired. However, music isn’t the only thing they’ll provide; you can also order props, decorations, and party favors for your guests!

Visit them online at djexp.com.

Audio to Go Audio to Go has grown in popularity and prestige in the past few years, and was awarded one of Gigmasters’ Rising Stars in 2007.

Owner Brian Hines has 10 years of experience specializing in weddings and 15 years of experience in the broadcast industry, having worked at stations such as 99.7 The Fox and 96.9 Kat Country. All DJs are extensively trained and provided with on-going training to make sure they are up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques. They are able to travel up to 500 miles from Charlotte in order to make your dream wedding come true. And, with a collection of 30,000 songs to choose from, you will be able to find your perfect playlist, whether it consists of old school titles from Village People and Abba or the latest pop hits. Additional services include light shows, photo booths, and video dance parties. You can check out testimonials and more at audiotogodj.com.

With all these stellar choices to pick from, it may be hard to make a final decision. However, as with anything, the key to picking the right DJ or band is to listen to samples of their work and contact them. Talking to DJs will show you who you click with - so you can make your day as perfect as you imagined.

Sarah Hudson

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romance & wedding

KNOCK OUT LASHES With so many brides-to-be wanting full,

natural-looking lashes, we decided to see what’s out there. Here’s what we found.

TINTING This procedure gives a temporary appearance of fuller, longer, darker eyelashes -- without mascara.

EASY ON: Using a mixture of vegetable dye and peroxide, a licensed esthetician/cosmetologist will apply the tint to the upper and lower lashes. The first step in this process is to apply a specially shaped eye sticker to protect the eyes. The tint mixture is then applied in a downward stroking motion from the top of the lash to the bottom. After it dries in about 15 minutes, a damp cloth is applied to absorb excess tint.

LASTING POWER: Three to five weeks IS IT FOR YOU?: This is a good way to have lashes looking great if you are looking for a low-maintenance routine or if you have any allergies to mascara.

FALSIES There are many types of false lashes out there, the most common being strip/band, cluster, and individual lashes. All are made up of soft fiber hairs that are applied with waterproof glue for a strong hold, and can be removed with a makeup remover, which is perfect for those tears of joy at your wedding.

EASY ON: The strip/band is applied to the edge of the lash line and as the name suggests, it is a strip of lashes that blends in with your existing ones. The clusters/individual lashes are applied between the lashes where there is a need for more volume, and they are available in three lengths to create a natural look.

LASTING POWER: The strip/band should only be worn the day of application. Since they are applied to the lash line, 39

there is a chance for bacteria to grow if worn for a long period of time. The cluster/individual lashes can be worn for a longer period, up to 10 days, since they are placed on the natural lashes.

IS IT FOR YOU?: All of these can be applied by a professional or can be purchased at a drug store or makeup counter for a D.I.Y. procedure. Falsies are best for brides who do not want to worry about having their mascara run. If you experience allergic reactions, be wary.

EXTENSIONS Here is another type of individual false lashes; however extensions are made up of synthetic hairs that are considered semipermanent because of their long-lasting strength.

EASY ON: Individual lashes are applied by a certified professional using HP-3 glue (used by plastic surgeons during sutureless wound closure). The procedure takes two to three hours and a touch-up can take 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how many need to be replaced.

LASTING POWER: Touch-ups are required every two to four weeks IS IT FOR YOU?: If you are wanting a look that will last well beyond your wedding day, this may be for you.

SERUMS Serums are specially formulated ingredients that speed up the growth of natural lashes to make them longer, fuller, and darker.

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EASY ON: Apply the serum to the lash line daily with the sterile applicator that comes with the serum.

Serums can be obtained either by prescription or over the counter.

LASTING POWER: Follow the steps routinely and you may see results in as little as four weeks.

IS IT FOR YOU?: This easy method is good for brides on-the-go who don’t frequent salons. It is recommended for women who have naturally inadequate lashes and can commit to a daily application routine.

MASCARAS & PRIMERS With so many mascaras on the market today, choosing the best one comes down to finding the right ingredients to lengthen, darken, and shape, as well as condition your lashes at the same time. The best mascaras will have a great brush, coat the lashes evenly, never flake and -- for the brides especially -- be waterproof. If you want to get an even longer wear out of your mascara and want to separate your lashes as well, a mascara primer is a great option. Applying primer prior to swiping on mascara will separate and define each individual lash before you put on your mascara. Mascaras/primers need to be removed daily.

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romance & wedding

It is wedding season!

Or at least it soon will be...

With a seemingly endless list of things to do and prepare for the big day this year, one can feel overwhelmed to get into shape or retain your sanity. However, take a deep breath and relax. Let’s discuss a few methods to help you feel energized, relaxed and in shape before the day you put on that dress or suit...

Sleep. You cannot overestimate how important this is. There will be plenty of tasks to take care of for your wedding day, which is only natural for the biggest day of your life. However, you will not tackle these tasks any more efficiently if you are feeling fatigued, forgetful and error-prone. Sleep hygiene is the term used to refer to modifiable factors that can influence not only your quantity, but quality of sleep as well. Here are a few methods to help you improve your sleep and your ability to tackle all those wedding-related tasks!

• No eating or strenuous exercise before bed. You should begin to relax at least two hours prior to bed time.

• No electronic devices or bright lights (cell phones, computers, TVs, etc). These can disrupt your brain’s efforts to relax and enter full sleep state. Avoid using the television and computer at least one hour before bed.

• Stick to a pattern of sleeping. Add a routine, such as reading or a bath, prior to bed to encourage training your brain to prepare for sleep. Perhaps more importantly, be consistent with your sleep time and the time that you need to wake up. The more you stick to your sleep plan, the easier it will get to have restful sleep and fall asleep.

• There is some variability, but some studies have suggested that a minimum of seven hours of sleep is beneficial, and no more than eight. Some literature also recommends between six to seven hours. However, there are some outliers: some individuals claim to function best with nine. Find out what works best for you! (And again, be consistent!)

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• Some research has highlighted the importance of acquiring sleep between the hours of 11 p.m. and 1 a.m., where the brain can enter sleep states and get its best rest unlike other times of the night.

Get to bed by 11 p.m.!

• Ensure your bedroom is functional for sleep. Keep the room cool and dark! If you have pets that disturb your sleep, consider keeping them outside your bedroom. (Quick side note: Recent research has shown that pets who sleep in bed with owners present hygienic risks too!)

• If possible, avoid naps. Naps can fragment the normal daily/ nightly dosage of a sleep cycle.

• If you have trouble falling asleep, do not linger in bed for more than five to 10 minutes. Do not turn on the TV or computer either!

Instead, the American Sleep Association recommends to try sitting in a chair and relaxing with some deep breathing.

• If you consume caffeine, do so only before noon. Caffeine can linger in our systems hours after consumption. Sodas and tea can have some caffeine too, so be aware of that. Smoking, medications and alcohol consumption can also disrupt sleep.

• If you are working out and getting into shape for your big day, remember that sleep plays a pivotal role in allowing our brain to help initiate release of Growth Hormone in our bodies. Growth Hormone is important in muscle repair and recovery in our active bodies! If you are looking to build muscle, GH can assist with this too.

Good luck with your wedding preparations!

Fitness Editor, Dr. Ryan Shum

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romance & wedding

d a e h A e g a i r r a Caution: M In this economy, it’s hard to get a group of friends together to blow a bunch of money for an out-of-town bachelorette or bachelor party. Not to mention possibly saving money for an out-of-town wedding, along with buying a fondue set that the newlyweds will use once, or an expensive dish from Crate and Barrel that’s going to consume more dust than the groomsmen will alcohol at the bachelor party. Charlotte offers all the necessities to host an epic bachelorette and bachelor party, so no need to go to far.

Men are easy. Booze, boobs and sports. In any order -- hell, at the same time. These are on our minds constantly so it only makes sense to incorporate all of them into one night. Perhaps do all of them at the same time? That’s right: drink in hand, naked woman on your lap while you high-five your best friend with the game playing in the background. Wow, that sounds fun, I should be at The Men’s Club or Uptown Cabaret now!

Before you settle in at a strip club, break it up and do some bar hopping. Save it for the end of the night to avoid spending all of your money and having a man or two down after they fall in love with Sapphire and refuse to leave the place.

With football done, college basketball and NBA can come to the rescue. Revolving the night around a game always makes sense. Charlotte Bobcats have a few weekend home games to attend. Once you’re downtown, options are wide open for before and after the game. Start the night at the new Hickory Tavern at Metropolitan. Suck down some oysters and a few buckets of beer, and watch plenty of TV’s or even book a private room.

Connolly’s off Fifth Street should definitely be on the hit list for the bar hop. It’s dark, and has good music and pours. In fact, Connolly’s should always be a pit stop when downtown. Whiskey Warehouse in Plaza Midwood is a great place to get a good layer of booze in you too, especially with $4 Jack shots daily.

If you choose The Men’s Club, heading to Montford Drive is a good start for the night. Moosehead Grill has been a staple on this block for years. Their signature wings, “Donnie’s Blackened,” is a good start for food. Then you can walk down to Whiskey’s sister restaurant Brazwells, which is one of Charlotte’s best environments in which to belly up. The staff here is who you want serving drinks for you and your buddies, trust me!

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Last but not loose -- I mean least -- are the naked women. Two places come to mind: Uptown Cabaret (which recently remodeled and added space), and The Men’s Club, which is not in a big party district but is well worth the drive. No need to go too far into details of what to expect here, do I? Women are complicated. Period. So it is no shocker that planning a bachelorette party can be difficult. Never fear dear -there are plenty of places to haul your inflatable penis and drunk girlfriends!

“Ma’am, you have the right to remain sexy!” You really do, but if the thought of a sweaty police officer and cowboy strip50

ping down to their banana hammock grinding you makes you cringe, no worries. I will put my spurs and cowboy hat back in the closet and tell my buddy Stan to keep the cop suit in his trunk. One trend for bachelorette parties has been taking a party bus around town. Two to look into are Charlotte Party Charters and Ragin’ Uptown. From double deckers to mini buses, they even offer booze on ice!

Two taverns that are bachelorette-worthy are Town Tavern and Dixie’s Tavern; both of which offer bachelorette package specials that are worth signing up for and having your party bus beep the horn to. Epicenter’s Howl At The Moon’s dueling piano bar is second to none for bachelorette parties. Howl at the Moon also offers party packages and will always put the soon-to-be bride on a pedestal. Once at the Epicenter you can walk to Mez for some drinks, get your dance on at Suite, and take turns getting thrown off the mechanical bull at Whisky River.

Take advantage of what this city has to offer. Besides, the wedding is going to be the best party you will have in your honor, so make the party count! Just remember to keep the fights clean and the sex dirty, and you should have a solid foundation for a long-lasting, healthy marriage. Good luck.

Cheers!

Nightlife Editor, Sean Flynn

Any feedback or QC night life happenings you think are Elevate worthy that I should share with the QC? Email me at seanf@ElevateLifestyle.com

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romance & wedding

Your Dream Wedding Comes Alive As the cold weather starts to dissipate and romance fills the air, we can say farewell to winter and say hello to wedding season.

Though the season thrives on love and commitment, the romantic foundation is shaken and tested by the seemingly never-ending planning and pressure of the nuptials. We know how agonizing it is to find and choose the perfect wedding reception venue, and at this point we’re sure you’re up to your ears with stressful decisions that you’re tired of making. So whether you’re planning an outdoor reception for 50 or a ballroom reception for 500, we’ve got the best Charlotte venues for you to make your dream wedding come alive.

The Depot

Looking for a reception venue that your guests will be raving about for years to come? If so, The Depot is the venue for you. Located on North Tryon, you and your guests will be in the heart of Uptown in one of the city’s most extravagant venues. The Depot offers a seating capacity of 350, a patio facing the city’s magnificent skyline, and an easily accessible parking lot. Along with the extensive list of items that are included with the event packages, The Depot also offers an evergrowing catalogue of props and themes to make your reception the event of the season.

ExtravaganzaEvents.com | 1610 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28206 704.343.9200 The Big Chill

All the planning and anticipation of your big day can be stressful, to say the least. Get rid of some of that stress by booking your wedding reception at The Big Chill. With a 13,000 square-foot venue and a 1,000 square-foot dance floor, The Big Chill is one of Charlotte’s premier venues. The spacious venue offers two different bars/reception areas to accommodate varying sizes of guest lists. Located down East Morehead Street, The Big Chill is just minutes away from the vivacious city. Along with the great location, The Big Chill has an in-house wedding specialist to help you take a load off, and valet parking that will make arrivals and departures a breeze. And as a gift to the bride and groom, the rental fee for the venue will be waived for all Friday and Sunday wedding receptions!

TheBigChillCharlotte.com | 911 E. Morehead St., S100 Charlotte, NC 28204 | 704.347.4447

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Grand Central At the core of Charlotte’s elegance, style, and creativity lies the Grand Central. Conveniently located on Central Avenue, just a mile from the heart of Uptown, Grand Central aims to not only offer a radiant facility, but also quality and sophistication that will make your special day perfect. The renovated art deco building holds a 1,100 square-foot dance floor, a spacious stage, and a seating capacity of 425 guests.

The venue also offers a state-of-the-art sound system and an enclosed and ventilated cigar room. The professionals at Grand Central will accommodate your every need and strive, with imagination and attention, to make every detail and aspect flawless.

GrandCentralEvents.com | 1000 Central Ave. Charlotte, NC 28204 704.373.1699 The VanLandingham Estate The VanLandingham Estate, located on The Plaza, is only three miles away from uptown Charlotte, yet seems worlds away from the city’s general urban aesthetic. The beautifully warm and comforting environment of the southern mansion provides pleasant hospitality and relaxation.

Along with the main estate is a homey, yet luxurious bed and breakfast that breathes contentment. With a distinctly soft romantic character, The VanLandingham Estate will fulfill every girl’s dream of a fairytale wedding.

VanlandinghamEstate.com | 2010 The Plaza Charlotte, NC 28205 704.334.8909 The Ballantyne Hotel The Ballantyne Hotel epitomizes the idea of modern luxury and sophistication. Located on Ballantyne Commons Parkway, The Ballantyne Hotel is an all-in-one location for your wedding. Not only does the hotel offer a variety of rooms for receptions and dinners, but they also offer guest rooms, a fully loaded spa and salon, fitness center, and a golf course. All of these wedding festivities at one location will not only be convenient, but it’ll also allow for more quality time with loved ones.

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Whether you choose one of the beautiful ballrooms or the gorgeous lawns, The Ballantyne Hotel will surely make your day special.

TheBallantyneHotel.com | 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway Charlotte, NC 28277 | 704.248.4000 The Ritz-Carlton Leave it up to The Ritz-Carlton to plan your wedding reception with leisure and luxury. Located in the heart of uptown Charlotte, The Ritz offers four different venues to accommodate your specific needs. The

hotel can provide everything from food and beverage to specialty linens and chiavari chairs. Along with these services and items, they also carry lists of preferred vendors that’ll make your job as planner a whole lot easier.

RitzCarlton.com | 201 E. Trade St. Charlotte, NC 28202 | 704.547.2244 Roof With A View If you want to experience the extraordinary city at your wedding reception, Roof With A View has got you covered. The venue is composed of a 5,000 square-foot space that’s surrounded by a 1,500 square-foot patio with an inimitable view of uptown Charlotte. Though reception packages aren’t available through the venue, couples have full authority to make their special night distinctly their own. Gaze at the magical skyline with the love of your life at the breathtaking Roof With A View.

RoofWithaView.com | 800 W. Hill St. Charlotte, NC 28208 704.634.2416 Angela Han

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romance & wedding

Wedding Day Man Caves Discovered: How to Take the Plunge Weddings have always been centered on the bride, leaving the groom with rather no say-so or role, except to look handsome and say, “I Do.” Everything from the color, theme, layout, flowers, décor and more is chosen to suit the bride’s taste. But marriage is a continuous compromise between two people. This is, after all, a special day for the both you. Why not share some of the spotlight with your sweetie, and give him the wedding of his dreams as well!

Wedding Day Man Caves can be as condensed or grandeur as you please. A wedding planner can easily assess your wedding budget and assist you in developing a man cave based on your groom’s tastes. Imagine stepping into a dimly lit, lush, private VIP lounge, Sinatra classics softly playing in the background. There is a distinctive scent of the dark leather couches surrounded by side tables topped with mixed nuts and fresh cigars. In the center is a blackjack table, a giant flat-screen TV and a gaming system off to the side, a dartboard on the wall, with his favorite sports team memorabilia as décor. The cave would not be complete without a personal whiskey bar just for him and his crew. It is the oasis of his dreams. This all can be set up in a private corner of the reception or, depending on the size of your wedding venue, a separate room altogether.

The “Man Cave” made it onto the top wedding trends for 2011 on TheKnot.com. Multitudes of brides and wedding planners are welcoming this new trend with open arms. But are wedding day man caves for you? There are many benefits of including this at your wedding.

When the wedding was only focused on lace, floral, pastels, and otherwise feminine touches, grooms backed away from becoming involved due to disinterest and the overwhelming magnitude of a wedding. Now many grooms are thrilled with the thought of planning their own wedding day man cave.

Asking him to help with the decision-making makes him feel more included and comfortable with the upcoming wedding, helping to tone down those pre-wedding jitters. He now looks forward to the big day, instead of dreading it. Including him with the planning process will also alleviate a lot of pressure and stress you may have from arranging all the details solo.

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Your wedding may include a bar for your guests, possibly even an open bar. Everyone knows that at least one groomsman may have too much to drink, and possibly crash the reception. No bride wants this to happen! By providing an “escape� for the menfolk, the unruly groomsmen can easily be contained to one area of the reception, diminishing the chances of a disruption.

Every bride wants to have a wedding to remember.

What better way to have the guests buzzing about the celebration for weeks than to present them with something unexpected. The idea of a wedding day man 72

cave is fresh and exciting. Even though the cave is targeted toward men, many women at your reception may also want to indulge in the VIP lounge.

As expected, brides may be hesitant to include a man cave at the reception. The wedding is supposed to be a celebration of the couple uniting, after all. A man cave may actually seem contradictory to the purpose of the wedding, by separating the bride and groom. If you are considering a man cave for your big day, but are still reluctant, here are some ground rules you can establish with your groom to ensure your wedding still runs according to plan: • He must agree to spend at least 20 minutes on the dance floor with his significant other.

• He must show up for the highlight moments of the reception – toasts, cake cutting, the first dance, etc.

• He must spend at least 15 minutes at dinner talking to the lovely lady he brought to the affair.

The benefits of incorporating a man cave into your upcoming wedding are monumental. Not only will your wedding be a blast, your groom will feel included and important, and you will incur significantly less stress.

With man cave concerns addressed, feel free to let loose and enjoy your special day. In the end, your wedding should be a joyous, care-free celebration focused on both you and your future husband.

Laela Karimi 73

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romance & wedding

9 Resorts

That Won’t Put You in Debt

Escaping to the Caribbean can cost the Earth -- or not.

These hot hotels come with cool price tags.

NONSUCH BAY, ANTIGUA Set in the heart of a secluded bay in Antigua, Nonsuch Bay offers the perfect luxury honeymoon for those looking to combine sun and relaxation with water-sports and sailing. Offering the privacy and flexibility of your own beautifully-appointed, fully-serviced home, Nonsuch Bay promises guests a truly authentic and idyllic Caribbean beach experience. NonSuchBayResort.com LITTLE ARCHES, BARBADOS Come to one of Barbados’ most distinctive boutique hotels, Little Arches. Nestled on a south coast hideaway bay, the property is adjacent to the flawless white sands of Enterprise Beach. This unique, award-winning, CondÊ Nast Johansens-recommended property is for adults only, and features many exceptional elements from bespoke furnishings to celebrated international dining. Their outstanding affordable luxury and ambiance will beckon you back forever.

LittleArches.com ANACAONA, ANGUILLA Anacaona Boutique Hotel is located away from mass tourism in the heart of the trendy West End on the beautiful island of Anguilla in the British West Indies overlooking and with access to wonderful Meads Bay. It is a paradise for those who appreciate quality, friendly people, stable government, warm weather, beautiful beaches and excellent restaurants.

Anacaona Boutique Hotel, built in Mediterranean style with Caribbean colors, is run personally by the owners together with an experienced management team.

AnacaonaHotel.com

AMSTERDAM MANOR, ARUBA Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort -- with its unique Dutch Colonial appearance -- has been managed by the Dutch family Van Schaijk since the hotel was built in December 1989. The Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, located at one of Aruba’s most beautiful beaches, was designed by the famous Dutch architect Jan Hubert.

AmsterdamManor.com A STONE’S THROW AWAY, THE BAHAMAS At the west end of New Providence lies an exquisite hideaway. A Stone’s Throw Away is perched on one of the highest elevations by the coast.

Here, guests can indulge in a rare panoramic view of Nassau’s land and sea. The scenery boasts the best of the island’s natural wonders, from the native pine forest by Lake Killarney to the brim of the coral reefs that protect the glimmering beaches of West Nassau. AStonesThrowAway.com NATURA CABANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Indulge in nature and discover the hotel in Cabarete. This boutique hotel and spa invites you to “disconnect” in a natural, wild and secluded beach in Paradise; a perfect getaway in the Dominican Republic for honeymooners. Water-sports enthusiasts will enjoy the surf spot five minutes away, the world-renowned Kite Beach just 10 minutes away, and the main Cabarete beach, ideal to practice windsurfing, or just relax by the water of the Cabarete Bay. At night, the tropical atmosphere shifts to beach restaurants with chill-out 78

music and amazing clubs to dance and have a good time just before returning to your hotel. NaturaCabana.com ROCKHOUSE, JAMAICA Rockhouse is a boutique hotel stretching across the cliffs of Pristine Cove. Nestled among eight acres of tropical lush gardens, thatched roofed villas are perched on the water’s edge. Guests swim in the 60-foot horizon pool or take the stairs carved into the rock down to the cove for snorkeling on the reef.

The hotel is located on the cliffs, two and a half miles west of Negril, on the town’s West End Road. The hotel is sited on the western most point of Jamaica – the best spot for sunsets. RockhouseHotel.com MAGO ESTATE, ST. LUCIA As soon as you step onto your balcony, dine in the cliff-side ‘Jungle’ Restaurant, meet friends in the ‘Jungle’ Bar, lounge by the pool, or relax in the Jungle Spa, you will see exactly why you traveled so far -the most spectacular view of Petit Piton, Soufriere and the Caribbean Sea of any resort in St. Lucia. “Mago” is the local St. Lucian word for mango, and the hotel sits among the mango trees at the edge of the rain forest above the town of Soufriere. Many guests have also noted that “Mago” translates to “magic” in Spanish, and the Mago Estate certainly provides a ‘magical’ location to enjoy nature, relaxation, and a great view of the Pitons and the Caribbean from every room in the unique and intimate hotel. MagoHotel.com

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romance & wedding

smile!

Remember those days when you and your friend(s) would cram into a photo booth and make silly faces/gestures, one after the other, until the black and white strip would print out and you’d have to rip them from the other and distribute? If you’ve never had that beautifully nostalgic moment, now’s your chance. Photo booths are gaining more and more popularity at wedding receptions because, not only are they simple and to-the-point, but they’re also

fun. They’ll take those shots that you’ll put in your wallet or on your refrigerator, and turn them into simple reminders of that joyous time. It’s an entertaining way to take a little piece of that special day home with you.

ShutterBooth ShutterBooth provides some of the best photo booths in the industry. Your special event is their priority. Along with the high quality of paper and ink used for the photos, Shutter Booth also offers options such as VideoBooth, Live from ShutterBooth, and ShutterYou. If you’re worried about how the booth will look with its surrounding decor, don’t fret because ShutterBooths are designed to blend and compliment your event. If you’re not completely convinced, give it a test drive!

ShutterBooth.com | 704.469.8420 Shoebox Photo Booth Shoebox photo booths are also a great addition to your upcoming wedding reception. Not only do they offer black and white photos, color photos, and video messaging, but they also don’t charge extra for props, extra prints, video, or event keepsake.

Booths are custom built to the event’s specifications, 83

while pricing is flexible and can fit in all budgets. Shoebox photo booths are here to help you capture those prized memories that will last a lifetime.

ShoeBoxPhotoBooth.com | 888.891.4573 Strike-A- Pose Owners Andrew and Joyce teamed up to bring Charlotte’s family-owned Strike-A-Pose. Their quality booths will not only inject life to the party, but they will also capture your beautiful

moments so you don’t have to! Strike-A-Pose photo booths take/print high-quality digital images along with videos that will be saved on a flash drive for you to take home. Your satisfaction is their priority!

StrikeAPoseNC.com |: 704.269.8815 Lime Blast Studio Do you want the fun memories of a photo booth without the booth? Well, Lime Blast Studio has got you covered! Lime 84

Blast Studio serves up their photo booths, but with a twist. Instead of providing an actual booth, Lime Blast Studio provides a professional studio set-up, which allows you to dance, jump, and play as you please. Plus, there’s an actual photographer taking all the photos!

All photos are shot with a Canon 5D DSLR (read: high quality). Besides the fun services, Lime Blast Studio also offers quirky, cute keepsakes to hold all your favorite moments.

LimeBlastStudio.com | 704.491.0388 Carolina Photo Booths Carolina Photo Booths understands the novelty of the classic photo booth and aims to ensure that every event they host is flawless. They provide the delivery, set-up, and removal of the booth so it’s one less thing you need to worry about.

They also provide a selection of props for guests to use for that extra spark. Rentals include unlimited photos, but renters can choose from a list of additional options including video recording, photo personalization, and professional quality scrapbook.

CarolinaPhotoBooths.com | 704.451.0857 Angela Han 85

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romance & wedding

Wedding Day Do’s and Don’ts for the Groom All the planning is done, the guests have arrived, the menu is chosen, the DJ is booked and it’s the big day. A lot of planning has gone into this day, but it’s not over yet. On the wedding day, the bride gets hair and makeup done and is gushed over by the photographer and all her bridesmaids, but the groom always seems to get left out. When was the last time you saw photos of the groom and groomsmen getting ready? This doesn’t have to be the case.

You’ve been involved in the planning process and now you deserve all that other good stuff on your wedding day.

Make A Timeline And Stick To It!!!

We always include an extremely detailed itinerary for our couples and we do all we can to stick to it. That being said, I have been standing at the groom’s hotel door banging on it because he missed breakfast. Getting up on time is key. For more than the obvious reason, if you start the day on time you’re not playing catch-up all day and your stress level will be lower. I suggest not only setting the alarm clock, but get a minimum of TWO wake-up calls and then make sure you have a friend come to the room and bang on the door until you answer it.

Breakfast Is The Most Important Meal Of The Day Once you’re up and about it’s time to get some food in ya.

Make time for breakfast. I say this because you’ll be very busy all day and may not have time to eat another real meal until you sit down to dinner. And that is a long way off. BUT… Don’t order room service. Have breakfast with your parents, or your groomsmen. If you eat breakfast with your groomsmen you know they are up as well, and that they haven’t overslept.

Treat Yourself To A Little Something This may seem like a no-brainer, but no matter how nice it is outside and how your buddy says you have plenty of time… don’t try to squeeze in 18 holes before the ceremony. From experience, please trust me on this one. Not to say you can’t do anything but sit around the room. Book a massage, get a facial, warm towel treatment and straight razor shave. The photographer is gonna want pictures of the rings, so maybe get a manicure the morning of the wedding, that way the nails will be in top form for the photos and all that hand shaking you’ll be doing later.

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Don’t Forget Your Bride While you’re having your massage and getting shaved, don’t forget about your bride. Make a plan with your best man for him to take over the wedding day gift you got for her. Have him take it directly to her room, but make sure she’s awake and dressed etc. I found a good time to do this is when you know the photographer will be there; you know she’ll be up and have all her friends around, so it’s the perfect time to deliver the gift.

Gutsy Groom Advice Don’t be afraid to indulge yourself on your wedding day. You deserve it. Do things that relax you (although I would steer clear of the bar) and make you feel good. Don’t forget to eat whenever you get the chance, even if you think you’re not hungry. If your groomsmen are coming to your room to get suited up, have the photographer there as well. Most photographers bring a second shooter so grab that guy and have him take your pre-wedding shots. But while doing all of this, don’t forget about your bride. The great thing about hiring a planner is that you get to do all the good stuff on your wedding day and the planner makes sure it all runs smoothly…giving you the time to enjoy that massage you’ve booked for yourself.

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20 WAYS TO DE-STRESS When’s the last time you looked up from your to-do list?

Here are some simple ways to take a breather.

HOW TO RELAX...

• After a hard day, leave the TV off and put on some gentle music. Have a glass of wine with your fiancé.

• Take off from wedding planning and go to the zoo or the beach. Act like kids and laugh yourselves silly.

• One big bowl of pasta, two forks. On a Friday night, put the bowl in the middle of the table and share.

• Call a girlfriend. This will help boast a sense of well-being and reduce stress.

• Work out with your guy. Join a gym together or go for a weekend bike ride.

• Hold hands with your man. A recent study showed that holding hands reduces stress levels -- as long as the hands are his hands. Reach out!

• Visualize the waves on your honeymoon beach. Imagine the sounds and the warm water on your toes; focus on each breath. Do this for two minutes.

• Frazzled over the seating chart? Have sex! It de-stresses by releasing a hormone with a soothing effect.

• Go back to nature. Viewing the outdoors can lower your heart rate and relax you. Don’t bother with digital versions of nature -- only the real thing works.

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• Speaking of nature, place a vase filled with flowers near your bed. It will help you start the day feeling calmer and kinder toward the world.

• Overwhelmed with wedding tasks? Delegate to friends and family -- while you curl up with a juicy novel.

• Carry a vial of essential oil of lavender in your purse. If you feel stressed, sniff. The herb is known for its calming qualities.

• Laughter really is the best medicine. Rent “The Hangover” for an at-home movie night with your beloved.

• Vent! Take turns sounding off -- then give each other bear hugs.

• Ask your guy to massage your feet or give you a back rub. Return the favor and go directly to #8.

• Eat foods with tryptophan -- think bananas, oats, soy, poultry, milk, cheese, nuts -- because it helps your brain produce chemicals that calm you down.

• Drink plenty of water. Being even a bit dehydrated can affect your mood.

• Limit alcohol intake; ditto, caffeine. Both can cause a case of the jitters.

• Eat small meals throughout the day; this will help stabilize your blood sugar and keep you on an even keel.

• Got anger? Stop, think and breathe. Count to 10. It will do your heart good -- emotionally and physically.

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romance & wedding

Do’s & Don’ts for the Night

Before Your Wedding Don’t drink a lot of alcohol at the rehearsal dinner. Limit yourself to a glass of wine or champagne for toasting at dinner. Instead, drink plenty of water – it will make you feel and look good for your wedding day.

Do eat a good dinner. Don’t just nibble – you’ll need plenty of energy for the day ahead. Stay away from spicy foods or rich, heavy desserts. They may give you indigestion and stop you from getting a good night’s sleep.

Don’t go out after the rehearsal dinner. There will be lots of friends, relatives and out-of-town guests that will want to see you – but resist the temptation and go home directly after the rehearsal dinner.

After the rehearsal dinner, do spend time with people that are close to you… your parents, your bridesmaids or your fiancé.

Try not to be around people that can be annoying or cause you any stress.

In addition, do spend some quiet time alone to meditate or visualize your wedding day. Try taking an aromatherapy bath with fragrant candles and soft music, and just relax! Use this time to really visualize your wedding day. Picture it clearly (with details) in your mind – everything flowing perfectly!

Don’t overdo it! The night before the wedding is not the time to be putting together your favors or to begin packing for the honeymoon. Make sure you plan accordingly and have everything done before the rehearsal dinner – if not, ask for help!!

Do go to sleep early. This may be difficult with all of the excitement. Allow yourself some time to wind down after the rehearsal dinner and before you climb under the covers. Do something you enjoy that relaxes you, such as reading a book or listening to soothing music. The bath may help you get drowsy!

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photos by: eun park

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photos by: lazyday.com

CAPITOL OFFICE SUITES

INDIVIDUAL OFFICES NOW FOR LEASE “Grow your business, not your overhead.”

Capitol Office Suites, located in Myers Park across the street at ParkTowne Village and Park Road Shopping Center, is now leasing individual office suites.

On the top of the MANN TRAVEL BUILDING, Capitol Office Suites provides your business a professional and economical place to grow. The collective environment of Capitol Office Suites’ multiple businesses creates an opportunity to cross-pollinate your ideas and products with others.

Current businesses located in the building now include: Arthur Elliot Marketing -- A boutique branding and marketing firm with a national footprint Shober Insurance Services -- A group health and insurance service provider TGC Capital -- A commercial real estate acquisition and development company Elevate Lifestyle – The creators of the magazine you’re reading NOW!!!

AdditionAl Amenities include: • Easy access to I-77 and Charlotte Douglas International Airport • Centrally located in Myers Park between Uptown Charlotte and SouthPark • Private and public spaces for rent to meet the needs of your business • Access to two professionally furnished conference rooms for business meetings • Furnished reception area • Furnished offices available • Walking distance to ParkTowne Village and Park Road Shopping center with multiple restaurants, coffee shops and retail offerings available • Free Parking • Free Internet • Great Demographics -- $90,000+ household income within a one, three and five mile radius.

Private Office Suites starting at $400 per month.

Public Office Space with accessibility to conference rooms starting at $75 per month.

(Utilities and Internet Included!)

Join us for our inaugural networking event and see the space!

Beer, Wine and Hors d’oeuvres Friday, February 17 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

For more information, including floor plans and pricing.

Please contact: Joel canino | 704.366.7459 | joel@tgccapital.com

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comiNg iN march 2012

spriNg fashioN issUe Demographics of elevate lifestyle reaDers: female 55.4% | male 44.6% age: 21-27: 25.5% | 28-34: 45.2% | 35-44: 29.3% annual income: less than $35K: 2.2% Between $35k-$54,999: 31.7% | above $55K+: 56.1% psychographics of elevate reaDers: Wear designer labels: 76.8% visit a hair salon each month: 75.3%

featured editorial content: contact us at info@elevatelifestyle.com for strategic aDvertisiNg iN this issUe, please call 980.475.8600 or email Us at aDv@elevatelifestyle.com

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