Horse & Style Magazine Weddings 2017

IN A

BOTTLE: WEDDING PERFUMES

Volume 2

LOVE

Equestrian Wedding Venue

2017

Exquisite

T A S T E M A K E R ’S G U I D E T O : W E D D I N G R E G I S T R I E S • D E S T I N A T I O N : H O N E Y M O O N S

NOW OPEN AT

AND EQUESTRIAN ART GALLERY

For more information: www.wec.net |

| Wilmington, Ohio Photography: Third Shutter from the Sun W E D D I N G S 2 0 17

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F R O M the publisher © 2017 HORSE & STYLE MAGAZINE

PUB LISHE R & E D ITO R - IN- C HIEF

Sarah Appel sarah@horseandstylemag.com

H&S Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Sarah Appel, with her husband Matt on their wedding day; photo © Rachel Balunsat Photography

ED ITO R

Emily Pollard ART DIRECTOR

Danielle Demers ED ITORIAL CON S ULTA NT

Jackie McFarland ADVERT ISIN G & SA LES

Laurie Berglie laurie@horseandstylemag.com

COP YED ITOR

Pam Maley IN T ERN

Kelsey Langsdale CONT RIB UTO R S

Laurie Berglie, Alli Addison, Pam Maley, Danielle Demers, Terri Roberson Psy.D. PHOTOGRA P HERS

Tracey Buyce Photography, Brian Sager Photography, Taylor Rea, Danielle Demers, Leaf Wedding Photography, Siegel Thurston, Photobolic, Spruce Meadows, Salamander Resort & Spa, Tlaw Photography, Justine Milton, Rachel Balunsat Photography P RIN T ED IN C A N A DA ON THE COVER:

Photo: Tracey Buyce Photography Dress: Lily of Saratoga Horse: Man of Steele, 17.2hh Percheron Model: Alana Peterson Make-up: Blush 518 Hair: Hair Creations Location: Livingston Brook Farm Horse & Style Magazine is an equestrian lifestyle publication that is published bi-monthly and available at participating tack shops nationwide for $10, and while supplies last at large training centers and hunter jumper horse shows. The written and visual contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is legally prohibited.

Copyright © 2017 Horse & Style Magazine LLC.

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2013

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AR D WIN

My Seven Year Wedding Planning Itch This issue marks the second volume of Horse & Style Weddings. For me, 2017 also marks the seventh year of my marriage to my husband, Matt. I know, compared to many other marriages we are still at the beginning stages of our union, but we’ve also accomplished a lot together in those seven years: two daughters, two startups and a house purchase and remodel.

It has been a lot, but we are so blessed.

While I don’t itch for another husband, I LOVED planning our wedding, and often feel an itch to plan another one, especially in today’s tech-savvy world.

Even though our wedding was just seven years ago, in the social media world, it might as well have been 100 years ago.

Matt and I got married before Pinterest and Instagram (I know – shocking!) and it is a miracle I didn’t walk down the aisle in a paper bag. What I did have at my disposal, and devoured, were wedding magazines – Real Simple, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Town & Country Weddings, to name a few. I am decades away from the excitement of helping to plan my daughters’ weddings, so in the meantime, I will continue to plan vicariously through Horse & Style Weddings.

After the proposal, the first thing you need to plan is your engagement session. And, of course, your other true love (your horse) must be included. Read about Hailey Feldman and her fiance, Alex, and their lovely engagement photo shoot on page 8.

After the engagement shoot comes the compiling of a gift registry. Alli Addison has designed an equestrian-inspired registry so fantastic, that even if you are already married, it just might make you want to do it again (page 16).

There are so many amazing features in this issue – wedding venues, style advice, honeymoon spots and DIY ideas – that after reading it, planning your wedding with a bit of equestrian style will be a snap. Whether or not you are getting hitched in the near future, the stunning editorials and visuals in this issue will still catch your equestrian eye. But if you are planning a wedding with an equestrian flare, enjoy the process, and don’t forget to add H&S Weddings to the invite list!

Cheers,

CONTENTS 4

• 10 T H I N G S

6

• BETWEEN

EC Style Bar

THE

Honeymoon Reads

LINES

8

• F E AT U R E Equestrian Engagement Session

15

• TREND REPORT Perfect Place Cards

16

• TAS TEMAKERS’ GUIDE Wedding Registries

22

• DIY Bridesmaids’ Gift Boxes

26

• ON

34

• COC K TAIL S

36

• F E AT U R E

42

• ST YLE PROFILES

THE

COVER

Exquisite Equestrian Wedding Venues

Cheers to You!

Love in a Bottle Wanderlust Wardrobe

44

• D E S T I N AT I O N Honeymoons

50

• BEHIND

52

• CYSI

Taylor Rea

THE

LENS

Minimalist Matrimony

CONTRIBUTORS

26

E M I LY POLLARD

DANIELLE DEMERS

PA M MALEY

L AURIE BERGLIE

ALLI ADDISON

JAC KIE M c FA R L A N D

TERRI ROBERSON

KELSEY L AN GSDALE W E D D I N G S 2 0 17

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10 things

by Emily Pollard

with EC

STYLE BAR

Regulars on the west coast show circuit love to see EC Style Bar’s renovated Airstream Trailer parked on the horse show grounds.

After a long, often hot, day of showing, it means a luxurious, salon experience is only a short walk away. Owners and mother-daughter team of EC Style Bar, Dona and Katelyn McCullough, hire local salon professionals to provide clients with a long list of salon treatments – massages, blowouts, nail services, makeup – right from the comfort of their conveniently located Airstream trailer.

Soon after bringing their services to horse shows, EC Style Bar saw there was a niche they could fill in the wedding industry. Now, the team is regularly booked to provide on-site, personalized, beauty concierge services for brides and their wedding parties. They are a one-stop shop for wedding day styling, beginning with facials, massages and spray tans several days before the event, and ending with nails, makeup and lash extensions right before the I-dos.

Both Katelyn and Dona love what they do, and explain that the best part of their job is “adding that personal touch for our clients, and making sure that the day is as wonderful and stress-free as possible.” In this 10 Things, the two share some tips that help ensure your wedding day is styled to perfection.

1.

The bridal trial with your stylist is like a first date to see if you two are a good match. Your wedding is such a special day, you want to work with someone that you get along with and enjoy.

2.

Deals are so tempting. But if an artist is charging a much lower price, it’s usually because he/she is not as experienced or not as confident as the higher-priced stylists. Always remember that you get what you pay for.

3.

Schedule early! Hair and makeup are just as important as the other aspects of a wedding, but they are often among the last vendors a bride books.

4. Prepare your skin by getting facials at least two to three months before your big day.

5. Eat lots of leafy greens and healthy fats during

the months before your wedding. Omega-3s from foods like fish and avocados will help enhance your skin’s elasticity and give it a natural glow.

6. It’s perfectly okay to change the style of hair or makeup that you want on the day of your wedding – this actually happens quite often!

7.

Plan for delays. Your hair and makeup

8.

Plan on allocating for stylists in your budget so you can look back on your photos and video and love the way you looked.

9.

Staying hydrated during the wedding reduces stress and keeps skin glowing. We always recommend drinking alcohol after most of the photos are taken.

10.

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appointments may get postponed due to a number of reasons – bridesmaids being late, everyone having too much fun, travel issues, etc.

As stylists, we become really close with our clients and often become good friends!

Photos © Leaf Wedding Photography (1st) & Siegel Thurston (2nd & 3rd)

amanda shoemak er t eal

Based in San Francisco, Amanda Teal Design creates gracious homes with an emphasis on casual elegance.

Our services extend to clients throughout California and to select national and international sites.

(41 5) 595-32 7 7 | info@amandatealdesi gn.com | amandatealdesi gn.com

B E T W E E N the lines

by Laurie Berglie

Equestrian Romance HONEYMOON READS

All books available in paperback and Kindle editions at amazon.com

Weddings are wonderful, but as anyone who’s ever planned one knows, they are stressful. We want our day to be picture perfect, but with a million moving parts, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. I thoroughly enjoyed my wedding, but after a year’s worth of preparation, the part I was looking forward to the most was actually the honeymoon!

M

y husband and I flew off to Riviera Maya, Mexico, and enjoyed lots of sun, sand, and tropical drinks, and we relished this time to relax after the anxiety of our big day. Of course, no tropical vacation is complete without a few beach reads. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or lying in a cabana by the beach, you’ll enjoy reading about a hunky cowboy, a star polo player, and some feisty, fiery jockeys!

First up is In The Reins by author Carly Kade, and this one has it all: new beginnings, fun characters, beautiful horses, and plenty of enticing, steamy scenes at the stable! Devon Brooke, journalist and freelance writer,

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makes a break for it when she leaves her fiancé and the big city in one fell swoop.

She follows her heart and finds herself back where she belongs, out in the country with a new horse to love. When she moves Faith, her Paint mare, to Green Briar Farm, she is just looking for some peace and quiet, a chance to rejuvenate and focus on herself.

But peace and quiet isn’t in the cards, because she soon meets McKennon Kelly, the resident handsome cowboy horse trainer. McKennon gives riding lessons to Devon and Faith, so their relationship is strictly platonic. But Devon would be lying to herself if she didn’t admit she wished McKennon would take things to the next level – yet something from his past, a secret no one wants to share, is stopping him.

In The Reins is a page-turner, and Kade knows how to spin a tale. And good news – Kade is working on a sequel, so Devon and McKennon’s story will continue! Look for it in Fall of 2017.

In her latest equestrian romance, Millionaire’s Shot, Bev Pettersen brings us Cassie Edwards and Alex Sutherland, polo players with a long and storied past. Cassie was raised by her grandfather, a horse trainer who’s worked hard yet barely made ends meet. Alex, their neighbor, comes from the wealthiest family in town. But their differences fade when Alex visits their farm for riding lessons, and the two kids become fast friends. It’s not surprising then that years later Cassie and Alex finally engage in a night of long overdue passion. Alex is the man of her dreams, so Cassie is shocked when she learns shortly thereafter that he’s marrying another woman.

Unable to see the man she loves in the arms of another, Cassie flees her grandfather’s farm.

Years later Cassie is forced to return to help care for her ailing grandfather, and when she does, she is confronted by the demons she left behind. Alex, now a dad and a divorcee, has never stopped loving Cassie, and sparks fly when he finally lays eyes on her again after nine years. But life has gotten complicated for Alex and his daughter, Grace, and forces beyond his control make it impossible for him pursue Cassie the way he’d like.

Hannah Hooton’s specialty is horseracing romances, and her “Aspen Valley Series” consists of five titles to date. All the novels are set at the same jump yard, Aspen Valley, and feature a variety of characters, including head trainer, Jack Carmichael. While the same cast shows up repeatedly, the main characters of each book rotate, so it’s not absolutely necessary to read these in order.

I have read and thoroughly enjoyed the first two, Keeping the Peace and Giving Chase. In Keeping the Peace, we meet Pippa Taylor, a London waitress who inherits her late uncle’s racehorse, Peace Offering. Shortly thereafter, she leaves London, moves to the country, and takes a job at Aspen Valley working under the handsome, yet difficult, Jack Carmichael. In Giving Chase, you’ll root for female jockey, Frankie Cooper, as she goes head-to-head with the men in her profession, including heartthrob, Rhys Bradford. Book 3, Share and Share Alike, has already been downloaded to my Kindle, and I can’t wait to see what the Aspen Valley team is up to now!

Now that you have some equestrian romance recommendations, all you need is a tropical island, a warm breeze, a cool drink, and your new spouse by your side. Congratulations and enjoy!

FEATURE story by Laurie Berglie photos by Brian Sager Photography

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ot even a post-blizzard, 19 degree day could keep bride-to-be, Hailey Feldman, from her equestrian engagement session. Despite the icy, windy, and utterly freezing conditions, Hailey and her fiancé, Alex, journeyed north from Manhattan to the Hamptons for this once-in-a-lifetime shoot at Firefly Farm, located at the historical Two Trees Stables.

While Hailey and Alex both grew up on the North Shore of Long Island in Oyster Bay, New York, and their paths must have crossed multiple times during childhood, they did not formally meet until introduced at a friend’s Christmas party. “We say our anniversary is December 25th, as well as October 12th, the date we got engaged in Siesta Key,” says Hailey.

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Hailey and Alex live in Manhattan where she is an Enterprise Marketing Consultant, specializing in professional New York-based firms and equestrian branding, and Alex is an anesthesiologist. The gorgeous mare, Quilanda, is stabled in Bridgehampton, Long Island, and Hailey knew she had to include the horse in her engagement session. “Quilanda is a very special mare.

She used to be owned by my best friend who is one of my bridesmaids. I have competed in the hunters my entire life, so Quilanda has been the most incredible teacher as I navigate the jumper arena!”

As a lifelong equestrian and competitive show jumper, Hailey passionately believes that horses are not just a sport or a hobby – they are a lifestyle. Therefore, it was only natural that she wanted to include this large part of who she is in her engagement shoot. The

session took place in early February, the day after New York had been hit by a massive blizzard. Even though the conditions were not exactly ideal, Hailey did not want to miss the opportunity to have photos taken with the pristine snow as a romantic, wintry backdrop.

“Quilanda was prepped for the shoot by our wonderful groom. When I arrived, she was not tacked up. Our groom looked at me as if I was insane when I asked him to put my saddle on! Due to the major snowstorm, I wasn’t planning on riding her for the photos. The horse had not been turned out in two days, and the property was covered in snow and ice, but I decided to give it a try. I definitely had a chat with Quilanda before the shoot, and bribed her with carrots and organic peppermint swirls!”

Thankfully, the mare behaved beautifully and seemed to enjoy having her photo taken.

And speaking of the photos, the entire event was orchestrated by Brian Sager, owner of Brian Sager Photography. Brian and Hailey met on Nantucket two years ago, and he was one of her first calls after she and Alex became engaged. “His work in high fashion initially drew me in. His versatile background, personality, and ability to capture real moments is unparalleled.”

The session began with Hailey out of the saddle, with the happy couple and the horse walking together throughout the grounds.

“Brian had experience shooting models on horses, but this was very different.

Quilanda was extremely interested in Brian,

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and you can see her peeking at him when we were on the ground. Once I got in the saddle, however, she ignored him and enjoyed her time in the snow!” Hailey also notes that Brian was very laid-back and professional, and she can’t wait to work with him again at her wedding in December.

Even an exceptionally cold day did not deter Hailey from wearing her original outfit choices for the occasion. The first look consisted of her vintage Chanel wool dress, Wolford fishnet tights in honey, and nude Jimmy Choo Romy 100 patent pointy toe pumps. For the second look, she wore a Roland Mouret crepe top, White House

Black Market petite pants, and brown booties.

“My mother let me borrow her beautiful diamond earrings for the shoot,” and these statement pieces completed her classic look.

Hailey is so happy she included Quilanda in the shoot, and she recommends that other brides consider equestrian engagement sessions as well. She gushes that riding Quilanda in the snow was an absolutely unforgettable experience. “It was bliss, and the photos capture the mood. I have had moments on horses throughout my life that I will never forget, but this was truly unique.” Congratulations on your engagement, Hailey and Alex!

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T R E N D report

Perfect Place Cards

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3.

2.

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7.

6.

1. Horse Head Petite Cards by Ancesserie; 2. The Printery Equestrian Place Cards

by Kneen & Co.; 3. Horseshoe Place Cards by Lolo Lincoln; 4. Personalized Horse Place Cards by CardsbyGaynor; 5. Winner's circle Place Cards by Paper Whites Press; 6. Horseshoe Escort Card

by KayleighDuMond; 7. Luxe Letterpress Place Cards by Seven Barks

With choosing a ring, a venue, a dress, and every other decision that goes along with a wedding, picking place cards might not rate high on your to-do list for your I-do day. Yet, these hard-working place cards, which direct your guests to their seats and remind the staff of what guests are eating, also provide the perfect way to show off your equestrian style. Have some practical picking fun prior to your big day!

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F E AT U R E

by Alli Addison

THE EQUESTRIAN TAS TEMAKER’S GUIDE TO:

I

’m not going to lie. Gifting is wonderful, but receiving is sublime.

There were two things I looked forward to in the months leading up to my own wedding, beyond the actual planning. The first was receiving the response cards in the mail. It was exciting to see who was coming, who wasn’t coming, and every now and again, a guest would write a fun note on the response card – which I have since learned to do, regarding my attendance to a wedding event. But the second thing I looked forward to, I have to admit, was the receiving of gifts. I learned that many of our guests loved to send the wedding gifts ahead of time – which is entirely convenient, so I don’t blame them a bit.

In the beginning, I was incredibly hesitant to register. I didn’t want our friends and

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family feeling obligated to buy anything for my fiancé and me. We didn’t have much back then, but we also didn’t feel as if we needed much. I was so adamant about not receiving gifts that I even elected not to have a bridal shower. Which was pointless, as my girlfriends threw me one anyway.

When the time came, my mother dragged me to our local Pottery Barn; Bed, Bath and Beyond; Target and such; forcing me to compile my married life wish list. Again, I was reluctant. But once I held that scanner in my hand and tore the bandaid off by scanning my very first item, everything after that point came with ease. Looking back, and as I examine my current china cabinet, I made some good selections.

And I made some questionable registry choices as well. Which leaves me wondering

why I didn’t listen to my mother when she said, “You will never use that, Alli.”

But over the years, I have developed a keen sense of what a newly married couple needs and where to find it. And I have assisted many a friend in compiling her own list. Which is equally fun – for who doesn’t love to live vicariously through someone else’s spending?

In an effort to tap into my wedding registry guru persona, I selected my favorite white outfit (when carrying out or celebrating anything wedding related, wear white, it makes the tasks uber festive), pretended to be a bride (all over again), grabbed that beguiling scanner and went to work. Naturally, everything I chose for my make-believe wedding has a strong sense of equestrian style.

#1

Great White Traditional Dinnerware, 16-Piece Setting/Service for 4, $120, potterybarn.com

E V E RY DAY TA B L E WA R E Go for the classic. My mother told me this when we originally registered and it has echoed in my mind ever since.

To this day, I still own and use on a daily basis my Great White collection from Pottery Barn. And as pieces have broken or become lost over the years (inevitable), I have had easy success in replacing them. Classic white everyday ware will never go out of style. Never.

#2 ART

Buying artwork for another is typically not recommended, for art is a very personal choice.

But as your relationship status quickly approaches ‘married,’ do not miss the opportunity to register for the art you love, and let your friends and family know exactly which pieces you have your eye on. For no home is complete without some fantastic artwork – particularly equestrian-inspired art.

‘Dark Horse in Profile’ and ‘White on White Horse’ Framed Prints by Jennifer Meyers, $99–$399, potterybarn.com; ‘Dark Bay 3’ by Karen Smidth, $1,200, serenaandlily.com

#3

LIGHTING More and more, I see lighting options on the registries of friends and family.

And it makes complete sense. A wellappointed home has several key factors, one being great lighting, both decorative and functional. And there is currently no shortage of beautiful, well-appointed equestrian-themed lighting options on the market.

Stirrup Antique Bronze Table Lamp, $179, crateandbarrel.com; Ralph Lauren ‘Westbury’ Accent Lamp, $506, circalighting.com

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#4

Hermès ‘Cheval d’Orient’ Porcelain

CHINA It’s true that life has become more simple and bit less formal these days.

Regardless, go ahead and register for your own beautiful, classic, fine china. Wedding china becomes a true heirloom that is passed down through the generations, used at the most special of occasions and elevates the everyday ordinary. Hermès, Ralph Lauren, Monique Lhuillier Waterford, Kate Spade, Vera Wang by Wedgewood, eeny, meeny, miny, mo.

There is a collection to fit every taste.

Ralph Lauren ‘Bromley’ Dinnerware

Wedgwood ‘Byzance’ Dinnerware Monique Lhuillier Waterford ‘Opulence’ Dinnerware

Vera Wang Wedgwood ‘With Love Nouveau Indigo’ Dinnerware

Kate Spade ‘New York Library Lane Platinum’ Dinnerware

#5

LINENS

Italian Hotel Satin Stitch Duvet Cover and Shams, $219–$299, restorationhardware.com

Hermès Rocabar Blanket in Rouge, $540, hermes.com

PB Classic Belgian Flax Linen Hemstitch Tablecloth, $99, potterybarn.com

Wamsutta 805 Turkish Cotton Bath Towel Collection, $19.99–$26.99, bedbathandbeyond.com

#6

With linens, keep it classic. Register for each bedroom in your home, two sets of sheeting and duvet covers per bed. And keep the palette fairly consistent. Nothing says clean, relaxing and inviting more than a crisp, white bed. And you can elect to have your linens monogrammed, which makes for a very personalized, elegant gift.

If you need more daring vibrancy in your world, top off your bed ensemble with an impactful throw pillow, quilt or coverlet.

As for bath linens, the same rule applies.

Clean and crisp for your basics, and a bit of color and personality for hand towels and bathmats. For table linens, select a few neutral basics that can be used for years to come, in addition to some fun options.

Hermès Attelage Flatware, $100–$415, hermes.com

F L AT WA R E & S I LV E R WA R E For utensils, you will want to select an everyday flatware collection, and something a bit fancier to compliment your china selection.

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Marchesa by Lenox Imperial Caviar Rose Gold, 5-Piece Setting, $90, macys.com

Vera Wang Wedgwood Flatware, Arden 45-Piece, Service for 8, $199, macys.com

#7

G L A S S WA R E , S T E M WA R E & B A R WA R E

Ralph Lauren Garrett Classic Decanter, $125, ralphlaurenhome.com

Ralph Lauren Preston Bar Tools, $75–$125, ralphlaurenhome.com

Ralph Lauren Greenwich Highball Glasses, Set of 2, $95, macys.com

Riedel Ouverture Red,White and Champagne Glasses, 12-Piece Set, $96, macys.com

#8

I did not begin my marriage as a great hostess. And nearly twelve years later, I still consider myself neither a flawless, graceful host, nor an award-winning mixologist. I see this as a partially inherited/partially acquired skill set, one that I am still, unsuccessfully, striving toward. But I do love having the proper glass- and barware in place to serve my guests, making their visit feel that much more special. Wine glasses for red, white and sparkling, highball and lowball tumblers, bar sets and more; now is the time to accumulate them.

Books: Stables by Kathryn Masson, $55 & The Stylish Life: Equestrian by Vicky Moon, $55, amazon.com

DECOR Throws, pillows, and decorative accessories are all fair game for a wedding registry. From leather floor totes, to stately desk accessories, to coffee table books, to vibrant wool throws. These decorative items are much more personal and fun to give.

Equestrian Throw, $399, williams-sonoma.com Above: Hayes Leather Floor Tote Storage Basket, $229, potterybarn.com; Left:Vintage Hermès Philippe Ledoux Horse Silk Pillow, $749, onekingslane.com

20th C. English Brass Bar Pull Sideboard and Hutch, $2,050–$5,395, restorationhardware.com

Above: Farmhouse Canopy Bed, $1,599–$1,799, potterybarn.com; Left: Hayes Tufted Leather Armchair, $999, potterybarn.com

#9

Derbyshire Frame in Saddle, starting at $225, ralphlaurenhome.com

FURNISHINGS If you’ve had your eye on a few key furniture pieces, consider adding them to your wedding registry. Don’t go overboard and ask for an entire furnishing overhaul, but a small, carefully selected assortment of pieces can certainly have an appropriate place in your registry. Perhaps a pair of classic leather club chairs, a new bed or a china cabinet to house all of the beautiful china and glassware you are about to receive.

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#10

EXPERIENCES I find myself encouraging all of my soonto-be-married friends to partake in the trip of a lifetime for their honeymoon. Perhaps this is a sign of the times, where the experience may be exceeding the material in the scope of importance, or perhaps not. Regardless, those trips of a lifetime can add up. It is now perfectly acceptable in all social circles to add a Honeymoon Fund to your registry. Sign up with a company such as honeyfund.com and live your honeymoon experience to the fullest.

Equitours Horseback Riding Vacations Worldwide, packages vary, equitours.com Hunter Pace, Foxhunting, and Riding Experiences at Blackberry Farm,Walland, TN, pricing varies, blackberryfarm.com

#11

Private Horse Back Riding and Wine Tasting Experience, Santa Ynez, Calif., pricing varies, vinovaqueros.com

C O O K WA R E & S E R V E WA R E

Le Creuset Signature 5.5qt Round Dutch Oven, $329.99, bedbathandbeyond.com

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All-Clad Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set, $699.99, bedbathandbeyond.com

•

Gift giving often begins soon after an engagement is announced. So register early, and remember, you can always add to your registry as the big day draws near.

•

Select an array and a healthy number of items for your friends and family to choose from. (I have attended events for couples who registered for less than 20 items, which is frustrating.)

People still like to make gift giving personal, and tend to give based on emotion and connection.

•

But take care to not go overboard.

Remember, that elusive scanner does not mean you should scan every single item you come across. Ask yourself, will you use it, do you need it, do you want it?

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Offer a range of gifts at varying price points to suit the budgetary needs of all guests.

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How many registries to add to your invitation?

Etiquette experts at The Emily Post Institute say no more than three registry listings total.

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If possible, offer one registry that has an actual brick-and-mortar store. Folks still love to physically select a gift to give.

Especially the internet-challenged.

Your cookware and serveware will receive copious amounts of action in the years to come. So, as they say, invest in quality.

Or in this case, add it to your registry.

•

Consider a universal registry such as myregistry. com that allows you to compile all your registry needs into one, convenient location.

•

Mind your numbers. Whether married life will consist of just two people or if it will include more, keep in mind the appropriate number of items needed. For fine china and crystal you want to plan for the larger groups, so service for 10–12 is appropriate, for bath linens, I recommend 4 sets per bathroom, and for everyday tableware, glassware and table linens, I recommend service for 8 people.

•

Give thanks. It is best to send out your gratitude, in the form of a handwritten note and sent via snail mail, as soon as humanly possible upon receiving your gift.

As you begin to acquire gifts leading up to the big day, do not procrastinate. Send your thank you’s as your gifts arrive, and stay ahead of the course. Etiquette experts give you three months post-wedding to send out those notes of appreciation.

•

No. You cannot register for a new saddle. * Thank You Notes, $28–$32, sugarpaper.com

THERE IS A CERTAIN KIND OF PERSON WHO LOVES HOME DÉCOR. BUYS TOO MUCH HOME DÉCOR. NEEDS TO SELL EXCESS HOME DÉCOR. IT COULD BE A GAY MAN, BUT IT VERY WELL COULD BE YOU — ANYONE WITH GOOD TASTE WHO ENJOYS BUYING OR SELLING BEAUTIFUL HOME FURNISHINGS.

P R E V I O U S LY OW N E D BY A G AY M A N .CO M

DIY

words and photos

by Danielle Demers

MINT JULEPS & THE RUN FOR THE ROSES Bridesmaids’ Gift Boxes Gorgeous hand-crafted boxes filled with personally curated, indulgent gifts your bridesmaids will be delighted to receive.

Equestrian inspiration is at the core, of course!

M AT E R I A L S :

GIFT ITEMS PICTURED:

Large gift boxes or wooden boxes

Rose:

Kraft or wrapping paper (if needed) Scissors Clear tape Double-sided tape Tinsel or tissue paper Horse art prints –OR– Equestrian-themed wrapping paper 6' of wide ribbon Gift tags

• • • •

Mint: • • • •

Diptyque ‘Roses’ Candle C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve Lip Balm Pixi Skintreats Rose Oil Blend Roger & Gallet ‘Rose’ Perfumed Soap Green & Black’s Mint Dark Chocolate Bar Taylors of Harrogate Peppermint Leaf Tea Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish in ‘Zip Me Up’ Aveda Hand Relief Rosemary Mint Moisturizing Creme

Additional Ideas: • • • • • •

Mini mint julep ingredients Silver julep cup Equestrian-themed stationery Chocolate truffles Mint exfoliating bath scrub Pashmina

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STEPS: 1. Spend some time brainstorming which gifts you

would like to give your bridesmaids and how you would like to present them. A well-planned bridesmaid gift box can accommodate every budget, theme and color palette. The format also allows for quite a bit of creativity and customization, making for a truly unique and personal gift.

I looked to eBay, Etsy and even my own assortment of gift boxes, papers and gift tags while gathering supplies. A good-sized gift box you already own can be covered in kraft paper or an equestrian-themed wrapping paper. As an alternative to purchasing boxes, this will help to cut costs; freeing up funds to put toward the actual gifts inside.

2. Once you have made your purchases, bring together

all of your materials. Plan how you would like to decorate the box and how the gifts you are giving your bridesmaids will fill the space of the interior.Visualizing everything together first will make each subsequent step more intuitive, and the process will flow.

3. To re-purpose a gift box by covering it in paper, start

by laying the box completely flat over the paper you are using (this may involve a bit of box disassembly).

Cut the paper a few inches wider and taller than the box on all sides. Starting from one end, fold the paper over the edges of the box and secure with clear tape.

Work your way around the box, taping and cutting the paper where needed to create a custom fit.

4. If you have covered the box in plain kraft paper, or

if the boxes you are using are solid colored, they will benefit from a bit of decoration. Lining the box in a patterned, equestrian-themed paper is a simple way to add interest. Alternatively, there are some lovely horse art prints to be found on both Etsy and eBay. I found a set of four vintage 9"x12" race horse prints from an eBay seller for around $9.00 total including shipping. I used an X-Acto knife to cut the horses and jockeys out from the background, and adhered them both outside and inside the cover of the box using double-sided tape.

5. Fill the box with tinsel or tissue paper so that the gifts inside will be secure and protected.

6. Arrange your bridesmaid gifts in the box. This step

is essentially like assembling a puzzle. I rearranged items about four times before I was happy with how they were all fitting.

7. Tie a ribbon around the box and attach a gift

tag. The gift tags themselves can be elevated to a personalized keepsake should you decide to have a custom monogrammed tag created on leather or metal. The inclusion of these materials would also heighten the equestrian-inspired look.

This is such a fun gift to plan and put together. With so many ways to cater it to your wedding and your bridesmaids’ individual personalities, it is certain to make the day more memorable.

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O N the cover

by Laurie Berglie

Salamander Resort & Spa

S A L A M A N D E R R E S O R T & S PA

GOLDEN OCALA

SPRUCE MEADOWS

There is little as thrilling, yet daunting, as planning a wedding.

With the excitement of the engagement behind you, it’s time to stop staring lovingly at that diamond on your ring finger, (at least for a little bit), and get to work! Below are three equestrian-themed wedding venues that offer something for every bride. Whether you’re looking for the quintessential east-coast experience you’ll find at Salamander Resort & Spa, the refined country club feel at Golden Ocala, or the sophisticated elegance provided by the legendary Spruce Meadows, these venues certainly will not disappoint.

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Salamander R E S O R T & S PA

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estled into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains amid Middleburg, Virginia’s famed horse country lies the luxurious Salamander Resort & Spa. Set on 340 acres, the resort, known as an opulent and homelike destination, features 165 guestrooms and suites, a state-of-theart spa, a full-service equestrian center, and numerous wedding venue locations.

Resort Founder and CEO, Sheila C. Johnson, designed Salamander to “respect the architectural traditions of Virginia’s countryside,” and brides who choose this locale for their wedding will be over the moon with options. With 12 diverse areas within the resort to choose from, the possibilities really are endless. “A wedding at Salamander Resort & Spa is incomparable,” says Reggie Cooper, General Manager at Salamander. “In addition to the uniqueness of our venues, our partnerships with

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leading area planners, spectacular culinary offerings, full-service spa and salon, and comfortable suites are just a few reasons brides host their weddings at our resort.”

The Middleburg Foyer is a 2,500 squarefoot space which overlooks the Equestrian Center and the Bull Run Mountains. It is an equestrian-themed area containing statement chandeliers, making it an excellent choice for both the ceremony (up to 120 guests) and reception (up to 80 for a private dinner).

For larger parties, the Equestrian Center itself is the perfect solution. Celebrate with a formal dinner outside the barn or inside its spacious aisles with or without horses in your company. Guests will enjoy looking out over the undulating pastures and the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond. This space accommodates 140 for a sit-down dinner and up to 250 for a cocktail reception.

For more intimate gatherings, Upperville, a private dining room within Salamander’s

“Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill” restaurant, is designed to resemble a tack room and features a private terrace. This room accommodates up to 20 guests.

The Stallion Barn is another space perfect for smaller weddings. Adjacent to the Grand Lawn, this 100+ year old recentlyrefurbished stone building contains rusticinspired furnishings and custom-made walnut doors. It accommodates 24 people.

“We understand the importance of planning, preparing, and executing a wedding,” says Cooper. “Our dedicated catering and wedding specialists are available to help brides customize their celebration based on the dream wedding they’ve always wanted. Incorporating a world-class Equestrian Center adorned with the proper decor and overlooking picture-perfect paddocks where our horses are grazing, are just a few of the ways our specialists can ensure brides have a flawless equestrian wedding.”

Photos courtesy of Salamander Resort & Spa

Golden Ocala

GOLF & EQUESTRIAN CLUB

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ocated in the heart of Central Florida’s horse country is Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, a gated community that is the perfect combination of the golf, country club, and equestrian lifestyles. Situated on 1,200 acres, it is also a one-of-a-kind wedding venue offering multiple locations at which the happy couple can tie the knot.

“Our mission as a wedding venue is to create a memorable and special day for each and every bride and groom, making them feel like this day was created just for them and their loved ones to celebrate,” says Kindel Carpenter, Director of Membership Relations at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian.

With a variety of locations and beautiful equestrian-inspired decor, it’s easy to see why a bride and groom would choose Golden Ocala as the place to exchange their wedding vows.

The Rose Garden behind the clubhouse is a bride favorite thanks to the colorful gardens, the stunning horse head sculptures, and the large oak trees flanking the ceremony area.

This adds a natural, yet intimate element to the event. Also at this location, the bride can make a grand entrance as she walks down the sweeping staircase of the elegant clubhouse and into the garden. The Rose Garden can accommodate approximately 200 guests.

Another favorite outdoor location is the porte-cochere in front of the clubhouse, “where the bride and groom can state their vows while framed by beautiful columns and lush gardens,” notes Carpenter. And, of course,

there is the Equestrian Center location for the horse-loving bride! Open fields, fenced pastures, and beautiful horses serve as the backdrop and add a refined rustic elegance to the day. With birds chirping overhead and the occasional whinny, equestrians will feel right at home. Each of these locations can also accommodate about 200 guests.

“If a bride dreams it, we can do almost anything to accommodate her wedding on our property,” says Carpenter. “We differ from other equestrian venues because we offer so many options for our brides and grooms – and we have it all in one place. Leading up to the big day, the men can play a game of golf while the women enjoy the spa or even take a relaxing ride through our trail system.” If a romantic country club wedding is what you desire, then Golden Ocala meets every requirement.

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Spruce Meadows

Gallery on the Green, photo © Tlaw Photography

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e’ve all heard of Spruce Meadows, a leading venue in the world of international horse sports located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Built by the Southern family in 1976, the 360-acre show jumping complex lies in the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. Over the last several decades, Spruce Meadows has also grown into a community meeting place that hosts numerous events throughout the year – corporate meetings, tradeshows, and, of course, weddings! With four equestrianthemed locations, this renowned venue has a little something for every couple.

If you’re looking for a dramatic and sophisticated space to exchange your vows, then you will fall in love with The British House. “It is an acknowledgment of the deep relationship and collaboration between Spruce Meadows and Britain,” notes Stavroula Kangles, Manager of

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British House, photo © Justine Milton

Special Event Services at Spruce Meadows.

The British House’s “Georgian Room” features a formal foyer, a sitting area, a bar, and a stately fireplace. The windows overlook the world famous international ring, providing absolutely breathtaking views. This Victorian-style room is approximately 4,000 square feet and can host anywhere from 50–130 guests.

guests. And finally, The CP Canada House is a unique blend of traditional and modern styles. With its floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the International Ring, and an open and spacious balcony on both of its floors, this breathtaking location can be used for a reception hosting up to 140 guests.

Spruce Meadows’ Congress Hall creates an ambience of warmth, comfort, and inviting elegance. Congress Hall has approximately 11,000 square feet of event space, providing an open layout. This unique venue accommodates 120–450 guests and offers the option of indoor or outdoor entertainment with a beautiful patio overlooking the private grounds.

“A stunning backdrop with a number of beautiful venues to select from, Spruce Meadows is elegance and sophistication at its finest,” says Kangles.

“The picturesque grounds bathed in the shadows of the Canadian Rockies will captivate you and your guests while you enjoy the peacefulness our unique locations have to offer. Come and explore Spruce Meadows, where a warm smile from our friendly staff awaits you!”

With its grand crystal chandeliers, open floor concept, and central grounds location, The Gallery on the Green provides a charming, rustic atmosphere in which to celebrate your special day. This site accommodates 150–170

Regardless of which romantic venue you choose in which to say “I do,” each listed above will not only showcase your love of horses and equestrian style, but will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.

Photo Š Photobolic

COC K TAIL S

by Laurie Berglie

T H E B R I T I S H H O U S E ’S

Moët Golden Glamour • • •

4 ounces Moët & Chandon Imperial Champagne 1/4 ounce Navan Vanilla Liqueur 1.5 ounces Passion fruit juice

As we all know, the cake is one of the most important parts of the meal you’ll serve to your guests. It is a delicious, frostingfilled, multi-tiered event in itself!

But a few hours before the cake makes its grand entrance, your guests may have one thing on their minds – the open bar!

Spruce Meadows, one of the venues showcased in our feature article, has four stunning locations to choose from, and each has their own wedding day cocktail. All specialty drinks are designed

by GreatEvents Catering, the food and beverage staff exclusive to their property.

Spruce Meadows proudly presents their signature libations, complete with ingredients, for those who would like to relive their wedding day magic at home. So let’s raise a glass, toast to you – the bride and groom – and sip to a bright, happy future. Cheers!

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THE GALLERY O N T H E G R E E N ’S

Loaded Caesar • • • • •

1.5 ounces vodka Dash of salt and pepper 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce 3 dashes tabasco sauce Fill glass with Clamato juice

T H E C A N A D A H O U S E ’S

Pear & Elderflower Martini • • • • •

2 ounces pear vodka ½ ounce Elderflower liqueur 1 ounce lemon juice 1 ounce simple syrup Sliced pear for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a Boston shaker with a cup of ice. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with pear slices and serve.

C O N G R E S S H A L L’ S

Old Fashioned • • • •

2 ounces rye whisky 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup Dash of angostura bitters Orange peel for garnish

Mix whisky, maple syrup, bitters, and 1 tsp of water in an old fashioned glass until syrup is dissolved. Add a single large ice cube and garnish with orange peel.

Photos courtesy of Spruce Meadows

FEATURE

by Alli Addison

THE BEST OF EQUESTRIAN-INSPIRED WEDDING PERFUMES

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You’ve planned every detail, orchestrated every moment, assembled your team of exceptional wedding professionals, loving friends, and family for assistance. You’ve selected the ideal locale and the most delectable of menus. And you’ve acquired what very well could be the most stunning wedding gown or the most handsome of suits in all the land. Everything is set up to create the event of your dreams and memories that will last a lifetime. These memories will be a combination of the experience, the photography and videography, the sounds, the tastes – and the scents. The power of scent is one of the strongest memory-based senses we possess. We associate, sometimes unconsciously, specific scents with specific memories and experiences. And for each individual, that experience differs.

A

s equestrians, consciously or unconsciously, we associate a combination of scents with a sport we are undoubtedly passionate about. We associate it with love. The combination of leather and dust as you walk into a tack room, the sweet and musty smells of the feed room, the soothing aroma of fresh, dewey grass, and the most intoxicating of them all – pony breath. There is nothing better in the world than the sweet, soft scent of pony breath.

The fragrance one chooses for that special day is a personal undertaking. It will be a scent that will be filed in the memory bank of everyone around you the day you say ‘I do.’ The right fragrance reveals so much about the person wearing it – sheer, romantic, spicy, daring. However, the perfume landscape is vast. And while the concept of finding and having a signature scent is certainly attainable, it does often take time, if not a lifetime, to discover. So here you are, faced with yet another decision to be made in a sea of wedding decisions.

From the soft and romantic to the dark and bold, we have rounded up the best fragrances with an equestrian flare ideal for your big day.

GALOP D'HERMÈS 1 . 6 F L . O Z . | $ 21 0 HERMES.COM

The iconic equestrian-inspired fashion house launched it’s latest fragrance last fall, and it seems fitting that the most recent addition into their house of scents is wholly equestrian. “At Hermès, I discovered all the femininity of leather.

I composed Galop d’Hermès like a painting with two main colors… Two raw materials that are emblematic to Hermès and to perfumery: leather and rose,” says newly appointed in-house perfumer Christine Nagel. The combination of leather and rose in a fragrance is beautifully expressive, classic, yet contemporary. “The leather livens up the rose and the rose carries away the leather,” says Hermès. And to make it most lust-worthy and deserving of photographic placement in your wedding album – the fragrance is exceptionally packaged in a beautiful stirrupshaped bottle fastened with an orange leather tie. Equally beautiful on and in the bottle.

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FLORA

BY

GUCCI

E AU D E PA R F U M 1 FL.OZ. | $72.00 SEPHORA.COM

Gucci is no stranger to the iconic and elegant world of equestrian sport. And their collection of fragrances melds beautifully into equestrian culture. Aromatic facets of citrus, peony, rose, pink pepper and sandalwood notes combine to create a subtle and sophisticated fragrance. The perfume is both soft and warm. There is seductive depth to Flora, making it wonderfully appropriate for fall and winter weddings. “Inspired by princesses from the past, present and future,” the Flora legacy was conceived in 1966 for Princess Grace of Monaco in the form of the iconic Gucci-designed Flora scarf. This scent is an expression of that legacy.

TORY BURC H S I G N AT U R E E AU D E PA R F U M 1. 7 F L . O Z . | $ 9 5 . 0 0 SEPHORA.COM

Having spent her adolescence riding hunterjumpers, it comes as little surprise that season after season Tory Burch continues to draw upon the bold and classic details inherent in the sport. “Growing up, I used to ride horses every summer and always loved the details,” says Tory Burch. In 2016, the fashion house even introduced a new handbag collection named after Burch’s first mount, Alastair. The first, and now signature, fragrance from Tory Burch combines these same classic elements – equal parts easy and polished, feminine and a bit tomboy. Neroli, grapefruit, cassis, bergamot, peony, tuberose, jasmine sambac, vetiver and sandalwood notes create a bright, floral and crisp fragrance.

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C HLOÈ E AU D E PA R F U M 1. 7 F L . O Z . | $ 10 5 . 0 0 SEPHORA.COM Chic, fresh, feminine, effortless and free spirited is the Chloè woman. And the fashion house’s signature scent embodies this. Creative Director Clare Waight Keller has continued to infuse the equestrian aesthetic into the house’s classic and effortless collections and multiple campaigns. The Maison’s signature fragrance is an intimate and sensual combination of rose, magnolia, peony, honey and cedar wood. It is iconically bohemian and reminiscent of a relaxed, boho affair.

E Q U I PAG E G É R A N I U M

BY HERMÈS

3 . 3 F L . O Z . | $ 13 0 . 0 0 HERMES.COM It was in 1970 that the house of Hermès created its first men’s fragrance Equipage, designed to “evoke a refined spirit of sharing and teamwork, characterized by a mood that is restrained yet masculine.” Nearly 50 years later, the original Equipage has been reenvisioned. A fresh combination of spicy geranium and warming sandalwood that is equally complex and sumptuous “gives this new thoroughbred creation a sensual feel.”

ROMANCE

BY RALPH L AUREN 1 . 7 F L . O Z . | $ 74 . 0 0 SEPHORA.COM Nobody does classic equestrian elegance better than Ralph Lauren. The sport has been so deeply infused in the brand’s manifesto that the name Ralph Lauren has nearly become synonymous with equestrian culture. And for the ultimate in wedding day fragrances, their iconic Romance fragrance “evokes the timeless essence of falling in love.” A sensual olfactory combination of velvety woods, extravagant florals such as rose, marigold, freesia and day lily, and seductive musk make this a timeless scent for brides.

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specializing in equestrian weddings available worldwide www.traceybuyce.com 518.441.2704 tracey@traceybuyce.com

H O N E Y M O O N style profiles

by Sarah Appel & Terri Roberson

Evening Excursionist Rocketed Leather Flap Clutch, Valentino, $1,795 Faux-Pearl Wrap-Twice Necklace, Lanvin, $1,354 Floral Mini Dress, Self Portrait, $445 Tête de Cheval Scarf Ring, Hermès, $205 Equestrian Silk Scarf, Ziamoda, $215 Carolina Suede Espadrille Wedge Sandal, Gucci, $595

Seaside Sojourner Running Horse Print Bikini, Stella McCartney, Top: $93, Bottoms: $105 Ayara Embroidered-Cotton Playsuit, Biondi, $306 Giant Studded Metallic Leather Sandals, Balenciaga, $495 Large Beach Bag, Vitamin A, $195 Rocabar à Cheval Printed Beach Towel, Hermès, $630 Round Spring Sunglasses, Chanel, $515

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Winter Wayfarer Pinnacle Boots, Dublin, $210 Women’s Marbled Over the Knee Socks, Ariat, $14 Le Skinny De Jeanne Jeans, Frame, $143 Premium Collection Queen Ladies Quilted Jacket, Pikeur, $188 Crowley Knitted Headband, Kingsland, $42 Small Leather-Trimmed Gabardine Backpack, Burberry, $1,150

Months and months of planning, tasting, fittings, and the dreaded seat assigning of the tables, all culminates in one magical night that is over in the blink of an eye. Post wedding blues are a real thing, and the only cure is your honeymoon. Whether it’s doing nothing on a tropical beach, adventuring through the great outdoors, or exploring a new city, having the right outfit is the key to a stress free honeymoon. So, splurge on the perfect hat or accessory, and enjoy your newlywed excursion.

Happy Packing!

Trendy Tourist Mila Handbag, Noel Asmar, $378 Retro Sunglasses, Christian Dior, $595 Tropical Equestrian Dress, Rönner Design, $520 Leone Panama Hat, ERES, $155 18ct Gold Vermeil Bracelet, Hiho Silver, $135 Pasadena Woven Ballet Flat, Tory Burch, $275

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D E S T I N AT I O N

by Pam Maley

HONEYMOONS THE CLOISTER, SEA ISLAND, GA • THE EQUINOX, MANCHESTER, VT BELMOND HOTEL CARUSO, AMALFI COAST, ITALY

The big day is over, and all the careful planning and decision making was worthwhile – because it was perfect, and it was uniquely yours. But the dream is just beginning; two have become one, and together you’re about to write the first chapter in your forever. It will start with a getaway – a time to catch your breath, relax in the comfort of being newly married, and bask in the glow of happiness.

Horse & Style has chosen to highlight three destinations for your honeymoon: The Cloister at Sea Island, Georgia; The Equinox in Manchester, Vermont; and for a totally exotic experience, the Belmond Hotel Caruso on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. All feature exquisite, luxury accommodations, attentive and welcoming staff, and beautiful surroundings.

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Timeless Elegance After your big day has ended, and the stress of planning has been rewarded with your perfect wedding, how nice it will be to escape to a honeymoon surrounded by sun, sand, luxury, serenity, and a warm welcome. Sea Island, one of the historic, sun-kissed islands off the coast of Georgia, delivers all that and more. Entering The Cloister property, your pace instantly slows, as the beauty of the setting washes over you.

There’s magic on this island, the jewel among the historic barrier islands along Georgia’s Atlantic Coast. Delighting guests since 1928, The Cloister, and now its satellite properties as well, exude a timeless charm, with deep connections to nature, to tradition, and to gracious hospitality. This tradition of excellence has been recognized with 79 FiveStar and Five-Diamond honors; and The Cloister properties are the only resort in the world to achieve four Forbes Five-Stars, nine years in a row.

Nestled along the sands of the Atlantic Ocean, in a chain of islands, Sea Island boasts ocean breezes, stately live oaks lavishly draped with swaying Spanish moss, and an idyllic natural environment ready to be explored. Whether you’re looking for quiet relaxation on the five miles of private beach, or to choose from the host of activities, life will slow down to the natural rhythm of the coastal South.

For honeymooners, the staff at The Cloister recommends The Lodge at Sea Island, which is

more intimate and quiet than the main hotel. Situated on the site of an antebellum plantation whose ruins are still visible, it is secluded, inviting, and grand. The intimate forty-room hideaway feels like an English manor, and offers picturesque ocean and golf course views, as well as round-the-clock private butler service.

The Lodge is equal parts intimate hideaway and Forbes Five-Star hotel, graced with the warmth of rich wood and exposed beams, and marble baths with deep soaking tubs and rainhead showers. Two restaurants are available on the grounds: The Colt and Alison Steakhouse, serving the finest cuts of USDA wet- and dry-aged beef, the freshest local seafood, and boasting an extensive wine cellar; and The Oak Room, offering a relaxed tavern setting, panoramic ocean views, a cozy ambience, a range of signature dishes, and imaginative cocktails. Or, at any time, couples may dine in the privacy of their room.

At sundown, the sweet sounds of a bagpiper waft over The Lodge, as the piper signals the close of day by playing as he crosses the tenth green to the beach. When the honeymooners return from their evening, they will find a romantic rose-petal turndown, and their nightly snack of warm milk and cookies to lull them to sleep.

Three championship golf courses surround The Lodge, a bonanza for golfing couples, and bucolic surroundings for those that are not. Besides golf, couples can indulge in private picnics and wine tastings, helicopter tours of the area, and bagpipe lessons from the resident piper, to name a few.

a turtle nest. These islands are a favored site for sea turtles to make their nests and lay their eggs, and while this miracle can be observed, these beloved creatures are well protected by island naturalists and guests alike, as all wait to protect the babies on their journey to the sea.

Maybe exploring Sea Island and neighboring St. Simons Island sounds like fun. The Lodge has complimentary BMW 7 Series cars available to guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Keys can be picked up at the Concierge Desk. If exploring on horseback sounds more inviting, the Concierge can arrange to rent horses from the nearby Stables at Frederica. Rides leave daily from Sea Island beach, historic and beautiful Muskgrove Plantation, and the lush woods of the Frederica township.

For a day of pampering, couples can book the ‘Together Suite’ at the Cloister, in the renowned Forbes Five-Star spa; feast in one of several elegant gourmet establishments, including the legendary Georgian Room; take a walk through the secluded gardens; or rent a bike and explore the lush tropical landscape. At Sea Island, the romantic possibilities are endless.

There are vast marshlands to explore by kayak or paddleboard, sailing school and sunset sails, guided kayak fishing, a Hobie Cat shelling tour, kiteboarding lessons, and more. There is a shuttle from The Lodge that will take guests to The Cloister and The Beach Club, where poolside cabanas can be rented; or beach setups with chairs, towels, and coolers can be arranged.

Couples can get close to nature by dipping a crab net off the dock, or discovering

The Lodge at Sea Island was named the best resort in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report, and in 2004, it was chosen to host the G8 Summit because of its remote, easily secured location and luxurious accommodations. For honeymooners, The Lodge is intimate, luxurious, and romantic, making it the perfect space for couples to get lost in their love.

For more information, go to seaisland.com Located halfway between Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida, Sea Island can be easily accessed from either airport.

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Fresh & Alive The crisp, cool Vermont air; gorgeous views of Equinox Mountain; an elegant, captivating, and romantic setting; and luxury surroundings with an attentive staff, might be the perfect combination to re-energize and re-vitalize honeymooners after the stress (and joys!) of orchestrating their perfect day. Located in the picturesque town of Manchester Village, and nestled among the Green Mountains, the fourstar Equinox Resort and Spa offers an idyllic retreat with outdoor activities year-round.

Chief Concierge, Richard Hom, is a destination expert, who, along with his well-trained staff, is happy to provide personalized service to make the most of your time at the Equinox. An old ironmining town, Manchester has the postcard charm that a Vermont village calls to mind, complete with a white, steepled church, antique shops, spectacular contemporary shopping, quaint boutiques, and art galleries.

Steeped in its 250-year history, The Equinox has stood as an icon of the New England

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lifestyle since 1769. From its beginnings as the Marsh Tavern, it has been, in turn, Thaddeus Munson’s New Inn, Widow Black’s Inn, Vanderlip’s Hotel, The Taconic, The Orvis Hotel, and now The Equinox. The seventeen structures on the property feature six different styles, reflecting the changes over time.

The fluted columns along the front of the main building, were added in 1839 by Martin Vanderlip, and they still stand, spanning 285 feet, as a trademark of the hotel. The 200room Equinox House was added in 1853 and the original Orvis homestead became its north wing. The homestead fireplace, inscribed “L.C. Orvis 1832,” still provides guests with a cozy fire on a cool night.

A hotbed of American Revolutionaries, the Equinox has also been a popular destination for several U.S. Presidents. Among the first families who came to town was Mary Todd Lincoln and her two sons during the summer of 1864. She so enjoyed her stay, that she made

reservations to visit again the following year, this time with the President. A special suite was constructed in anticipation of the visit, but sadly, the visit was not to be – President Lincoln was assassinated in April, 1865. Their son, Robert Todd Lincoln, made the area his family’s summer destination, by building his estate, Hildene, just down the road.

The property, which contains the Equinox Pond, a 14-acre site that is a favorite for weddings, three tennis courts, and a par-72 golf course, is joined at the back by a 900acre preservation trust that can be explored on foot or bicycle. The concierge can arrange year-round guided trail rides by horseback into the mountains from nearby Mountain View Ranch because, as horsemen and horsewomen know, the best way to appreciate beautiful surroundings is to see them between the ears of a horse. The Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show runs for six weeks in the summer, in neighboring Dorset, and the hotel is happy to arrange transportation for horse lovers.

The beautiful Battenkill River winds through the town, and with its longstanding Orvis connection, The Equinox offers the chance to pick up a fly rod, and work with instructors who will show you how best to set up, select your fly, tie knots, and more, on the fully stocked casting ponds and the river.

Guests also have the rare opportunity to handle a trained hawk and learn about the art of falconry from master falconer Rob White. And there is the Land Rover Driving Experience School that is open year-round and provides off-road driving instruction in all conditions, by teaching techniques on ascents, descents, side tilts, and rocky terrain.

The most luxurious rooms and suites, with breathtaking views of the mountain, are in the main hotel building, or the Orvis building next door. Famous far and wide for extending a warm welcome to their guests, The Equinox delights in providing special accommodations, romantic touches, and small gifts to honeymooning couples; so new brides and grooms should be sure to make the staff aware of their happy news. The renowned spa offers signature spa services, as well as a stateof-the-art fitness club, and an elegant heated year-round pool for relaxation and renewal.

Five dining options are available as part of the hotel complex. The Colonnade is the breakfast venue; the Dormy Grill is available

for golfers’ lunches; Marsh’s Tavern has a relaxed, casual ambience; the Chop House features a more elegant atmosphere and fine dining; and the evening can begin or end – or both – at the Falcon Bar, which features local artisan cheeses, and a selection of ports and scotches, served around a large fire pit.

Since 1769, The Equinox has symbolized all that is elegant and gracious in colonial and contemporary America. Lavish accommodations, fresh-air activities, breathtaking scenery, and natural beauty are perfect for couples writing a new chapter in their story.

For more information, go to equinoxresort.com Or by phone (802) 362-4700

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Luxury & Romance Is there a place more romantic than the Amalfi Coast? And does anyone do romance better than the Italians? The Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello, set on cliffs that rise up from the Amalfi Coast, is a former 11th century palace that seems adrift on a balcony above the Mediterranean Sea. In a triumph of the restorer’s skill, its ancient walls, frescoed salons, and arched stone vaults have been carefully preserved.

Numbering just 50 rooms, it is an intimate retreat with a palpable feel of history. Made for a dream honeymoon, the hotel boasts a 100-year-old rose arbor climbing over the colonnade on the path leading to one of the world’s most spectacular infinity pools; sunlit or candlelit dining in the Belvedere Restaurant; and often serves as a retreat for presidents, writers, and film stars.

Sitting 365 meters (1200 feet) above sea level, Ravello, founded in the 6th century, is a centuries-long inspiration, somehow a bit

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more refined than its lovely coastal neighbors, Amalfi, Positano, and Sorrento. Nearby Villa Rufolo, whose garden inspired Wagner’s Parsifal, is host to the celebrated annual Ravello Summer Music Festival, held on the terrace, and surrounded by lemon trees.

Belmond Hotel Caruso was named Travel & Leisure’s Best Hotel in Italy in 2012, and in 2013, it’s pool was listed among Fodor’s Best Hotel Pools.

While the hotel’s public areas are a visual delight, the 23 rooms and 27 suites are done in elegantly muted tones, so as not to distract from the extraordinary views of the coastline, the gardens, or the town square. All have marble baths, and most have private terraces or balconies.

A stroll through the gardens is a total sensory experience, with terraces and scented walkways, olive trees for shade, and lemon trees and herb beds giving off their soft fragrances.

The scent of roses accompanies you on your walk up the colonnaded steps to the stunning infinity pool, which is built on the highest point on the property. Truly an architectural triumph, it appears to be suspended over the Amalfi coastline. Indulgent pool services include a device pre-loaded with your choice of music, and a fresh fruit appetizer or cocktail, delivered to the side of the pool as you swim.

A casual alfresco restaurant featuring Italian favorites and authentic Neapolitan pizza straight from a wood-fired oven offers poolside dining. The hotel even holds pizza-making master classes.

But the pièce de resistance is the Belvedere Restaurant, with exquisitely appointed round tables on the Belvedere terrace, where guests can revel in the panoramic views day or night, or move to the elegant indoor dining room in cooler weather. Chef Mimmo di Raffaele uses the freshest produce from the small farms and fishermen in the region, and

produces flavor combinations to delight even the most knowledgeable guest. And . . . the evening can begin or end with a cocktail from the Cocktail & Piano Bar. Nestled into the gardens is a small villa that houses an air conditioned gym downstairs, and spa treatment rooms upstairs. Or – an indulgence not to be missed – your spa treatment can be enjoyed alfresco in the gardens, surrounded by the scent of roses, and cooled by the sea breezes.

Honeymooners will want to see the picturesque towns, the colorful houses that cling to the sides of the cliffs, and the lush green mountains of the Amalfi Coast, and for that, the hotel provides complimentary shuttle buses to Amalfi six times a day, and to Positano twice daily. A visit to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Paestum

– all day trips, can be arranged by the concierge with private cars and expert guides.

from the owner how the lemons here are still grown using ancient methods.

There are also complimentary cruises aboard the hotel’s traditional wooden boat, Ercole, every day from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, that go from Amalfi to Positano and back. Just bring your sunglasses and hat, and revel in a bit of old-school glam.

General Manager Franco Girasoli says, “We have lots of ideas for experiences we can arrange just for our guests, and our motto is never to say no, even if it’s to organize a string quartet to play under someone’s balcony.”

A guide will take you on a stroll under the stars through Amalfi, or for the more adventurous, helicopter tours are available, and can be arranged to your liking.You can go out with a local fisherman, who will cook your catch for you on the boat, and show you ceramic-tiled towns and hidden caves reachable only by boat.

The Amalfi Coast is truly a lifetime must-see – so toss your riding attire aside and relish in some seaside elegance with your new life partner.

Chef Mimmo can prepare a picnic for lunch or dinner on a hidden beach, or you can tour a local lemon farm by car, learning

Or contact the American representative: Jordanna Gualtieri, Alice Marshall Public Relations jordanna@alicemarshall.com

For more information, go to belmond.com/hotelcaruso

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B E H I N D the lens

Taylor Rea’s love for photography began when she was a child, by watching her mother take pictures of their family with a Canon film camera. With those photos, her mother assembled beautiful family albums that documented her entire childhood and told her family’s story. Rea soon realized she wanted to be behind the lens too, and started taking glamour shots of her sister with a simple, hot pink, point-and-shoot camera. Growing up, photography proved to be Rea’s favorite creative and artistic outlet, and she continued to develop her eye and invest in better equipment.

It was not until after Rea’s own wedding that she realized she wanted to pursue photography as a profession. She married a wonderful man in 2010 at the beautiful Dana Powers House and Barn in Nipomo, California, and loved every aspect of planning her own wedding. After that memorable day, she knew that she was meant to work in the wedding industry as a photographer. Fortunately, she and her new husband were living in the central coast of California, a wedding destination hot-spot.

She started her photography business in early 2011, and after doing a few sessions for family and friends, booked her first wedding that fall. Rea has been happily shooting – and very busy – ever since!

Her favorite part of photographing a wedding is recording the coming-to-life of the couple’s hard work and wedding vision; and capturing those emotional moments that happen only once – the moment the groom sees the bride for the first time, the father-daughter dance, the champagne toasts. Rea readily admits that she cries tears of joy every time she shoots a wedding. taylorrea.com • IG: @taylorreaphotography FB: facebook.com/taylorreaphotography

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C A N you stand it?

We are loving the “less is now” trend, and the Galop Hermès Ring in rose gold set with a 0.02 ct diamond is the perfect way to marry this trend with your choice in engagement ring. It is also the best ring to simultaneously display your love for your fiancé and your horse... which is great, at least as long as no one asks which one you love more!

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Galop Hermès Ring Rose Gold, Set with 0.02ct Diamond $2,150.00

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