real brides, real advice
flagstaff, arizona
Jessica Omelianowich & Eric Marie
August 16, 2008
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hen they got engaged, the then Phoenix-based couple knew where they wouldn’t tie the knot. “I’ve been to so many hot weddings there,” says Jessica. “It can be 116 degrees in August.” So the couple gathered with guests in the cooler mountain town of Flagstaff for their three-day affair. The laid-back pair laughed off the hailstorm that nearly derailed their 30-person alfresco rehearsal dinner. The next day, they laughed again at the looming tornado watch (though Jessica purchased umbrellas for everyone, just in case). After a quick change of venue, Jessica and Eric said I do on the covered patio at Thornager’s on Kiltie Lane. The 130 guests enjoyed cocktail hour and a sit-down reception, where father and daughter surprised everyone — including the groom — with their dance, the result of months of ballroom lessons. To end the night’s festivities, the couple invited guests to join them at The Wine Loft in downtown Flagstaff. — BM
Jessica’s Tips Choose your photog carefully When it’s all
over, the pictures are what you’ll have left to remember it by.
Don’t sweat the little things It’s the only wedding
you get, and you worked too hard to let things like bad tablecloths bother you.
get help Enlist friends and family members to handle specific tasks so you don’t have to do it all on your own.
qamea island, fiji Amy Hawk & James Cole october 25, 2008
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Amy’s Tip
Use digital cameras We used both digital and
35mm cameras. Unfortunately, the film was ruined during several airport screenings, and only the digital pictures survived. for more info, see the 411 on page 122.
20 destination weddings & honeymoons
ARizona: Chris Hinkle; Fiji: Hazel R Photographers
his North Carolina couple looked to the South Pacifc for an “intimate, stress-free wedding.” Arriving alone, they were quickly adopted by the resort staff, who decorated their bure with flowers and, in accordance with local tradition, posted a guard outside to keep the bride safe the night before the wedding. A morning rain shower threatened to delay the ceremony, but by noon the weather cleared, and a barefoot Amy was escorted to a waterfront altar at the fork of two palm trees, where her groom waited with a minister and an a cappella choir from a nearby village. They exchanged vows, then enjoyed cake and champagne. Afterward, the couple went off for an evening sail, returning to dine in an open, candlelit bure on the beach, serenaded by a small band. The perfect finale: Slow dancing on the beach. — SY