Inside Columbia's Weddings 2014

weddings inside columbia's

2014

YOUR ULTIMATE RESOURCE GUIDE TO GETTING MARRIED IN COLUMBIA

wedding trends of 2014 breaking down the budget what to ask when choosing a venue

Weddings Season for every

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from the staff of Inside Columbia magazine

Contents

Publisher Fred Parry fred@insidecolumbia.net

Inside Columbia's Weddings 2014

Associate Publisher Melody Parry melody@insidecolumbia.net Editor-in-Chief Sandy Selby sandy@insidecolumbia.net Creative Director Carolyn Preul cpreul@insidecolumbia.net Copy Editor Kathy Casteel kathy@insidecolumbia.net Editorial Assistant Morgan McCarty morgan@insidecolumbia.net Contributing Writers Ren Bishop, Anita Neal Harrison Graphic Designers Kate Moore kate@insidecolumbia.net Trever Griswold trever@insidecolumbia.net Graphic Designer Intern Emily Park Photo Editor L.G. Patterson lg@insidecolumbia.net Director of Marketing Kevin Magee kevin@insidecolumbia.net Sales Director Deb Valvo deb@insidecolumbia.net Operations Manager Kalie Clennin kalie@insidecolumbia.net Marketing Representatives Rosemarie Peck rosemarie@insidecolumbia.net Joe Schmitter joe@insidecolumbia.net Jamill Teter jteter@insidecolumbia.net Marketing Assistant Jessica Card jessica@insidecolumbia.net Director of Customer Retention Gerri Shelton gerri@insidecolumbia.net Office Manager Kent Hudelson kent@insidecolumbia.net Assistant Finance Manager Brenda Brooks brenda@insidecolumbia.net Distribution Manager John Lapsley

26 Ultimate Wedding Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Aisle Allocations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Avoid Reception Frustration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2014 Wedding Trends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Wedding Themes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Winter Wedding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Spring Wedding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Summer Wedding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Fall Wedding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Aisle Style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 The Trip Of A Lifetime. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Inside Columbia’s Weddings is produced by OutFront Communications LLC., 47 E. Broadway, Columbia, Mo., 65203, 573-442-1430. Copyright OutFront Communications, 2014.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any editorial or graphic content without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

ON THE COVER Natalie Durkovich & Ryan Adrian Married 10.08.12 at Columbia Country Club Photo By Ashley Turner

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The List

ULTIMATE WEDDING C H EC K LIST You’re getting married! Congratulations!

Now it’s time to get planning. Just take it one month at a time and the overwhelming job will become quite manageable.

12 months to go o Set the date.

o Settle your budget. Decide who will pay for what. o Hire your wedding consultant. o Speak with your minister. o Begin pre-marital counseling.

family members to be your attendants. o Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.

o Put together a things-to-do/ sights-to-see guide for outof-town guests.

o Other: _______________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

o Other: _______________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

o Reserve wedding and reception sites.

10 months to go

o Book the caterer, baker, florist, photographer, videographer, musicians and DJ.

o Begin planning the honeymoon.

o Other: _______________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

11 months to go

o Create the guest list. o Ask chosen friends and

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o Order all the female attendants’ dresses.

o Register with at least three places.

o Order your wedding gown. o Other: _______________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

9 months to go

o Order invitations and announcements.

8 months to go

o Schedule an engagement photo session in time to have photos by Month 6. o Begin planning the rehearsal dinner. o Meet with your florist for an ideas session. o Other: _______________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

7 months to go

o Select music for the ceremony and reception. o Choose the men’s formal wear. o Book all transportation. o Other: _______________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

6 months to go

o Send engagement announcement to papers and submit the information online to Inside Columbia at www.InsideColumbia.net. o Meet with your baker to choose the wedding cake and groom’s cake. o Choose your hairstyle, and purchase your accessories, shoes, etc.

o Other: _______________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

5 months to go

o Meet with your florist to finalize decisions, place order. o Order all decorations not covered by florist, including rental items. o Order napkins and other reception necessities not covered by caterer. o Other: _______________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

4 months to go

o Meet with your caterer to select menu. o Meet with your photographer and videographer to select packages. o Meet with the musicians and DJ to finalize decisions. o Make an appointment at your nail salon this month to begin prepping your nails. o Finalize your honeymoon plans, make all the reservations, and order all the tickets. o Other: _______________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

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3 months to go

o Order the wedding bands. o Purchase gifts for all the attendants and your fiancé. o Plan the seating arrangements for the rehearsal dinner and reception. o Make two appointments with your hair stylist — one for a trial run and one for your wedding day (if you’re having a bridal portrait, schedule the trial run for the same day). o Other: _______________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

2 months to go

o Mail the wedding invitations. o Finalize accommodation arrangements for out-oftown guests.

o Finalize plans for the rehearsal dinner. o Prepare all the necessary forms for name and address changes. o Have your programs printed. o Write thank-you notes as you receive gifts. o Other: _______________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

2 weeks to go

o Get the marriage license. o Give invitations to the rehearsal dinner. o Make sure you have all the clothes, shoes and accessories you’ll need before, during and after the wedding. o Buy clothes and supplies for the honeymoon. o Reconfirm honeymoon reservations.

o Submit all tuxedo sizes with the formal wear store.

o Confirm all transportation plans.

o Shop for lingerie.

o Address announcements to mail on your wedding day.

o Other: _______________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

1 month to go

o Pick up wedding rings. o Have all final fittings. o Have your bridal portrait taken.

o Touch base with caterer, baker, florist, photographer, videographer, musicians and DJ. o Start “breaking in” your wedding shoes at home. o Create a wedding day schedule to hand out at the rehearsal. o Other: _______________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

1 week to go

o Provide the caterer with a final guest count. o Throw or attend the bridesmaids’ party. Give the bridesmaids their gifts there. o Appoint someone not in the wedding party to handle last-minute concerns. o Review expectations with all wedding party members. o Try on everything you plan to wear the day of the wedding, including undergarments and jewelry. o Go for your final manicure. o Pack for the honeymoon. o Pack your wedding day bag. o Other: _______________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

The day before

o Relax! Enjoy the company of a few close friends and family members. o Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. o Get plenty of rest. o Other: _______________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

Enjoy your day!!

Wedding Avenues is back on Feb.23 for its second year. The event is made up of Avenue Stops around Columbia that provide unique wedding experiences and showcase a variety of products and services. From makeup demos, wedding rentals, venue tours, entertainment and more, Wedding Avenues attendees will enjoy a special day planning their weddings with their closest friends and family. For more information, visit www.WeddingAvenues.com or email event coordinator Anne Churchill at hello@annabelleevents.com.

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Budget

Aisle Allocations A breakdown of how to spend your wedding budget.

Stationery (2 percent) Favors and Gifts (3 percent) ✦ Welcome gifts for out-of-town guests ✦ Bridal party gifts ✦ Misc. fees

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Ceremony (2 percent)

Save-the-date cards Invitations and RSVPs Programs Seating and place cards Menu cards Thank-you notes Postage Misc. fees

✦ Site fee ✦ Officiant fee or church donation ✦ Marriage license ✦ Misc. fees

Music (10 percent) ✦ Ceremony musicians ✦ Cocktail hour musicians ✦ Reception band, DJ or entertainment ✦ Sound system or dance floor rental ✦ Misc. fees

Wedding Rings (2 percent) ✦ Bride’s and groom’s wedding bands

Transportation (1 percent)

✦ Limousine or car rental for bride and groom ✦ Limousine or car rental for bridal party ✦ Transportation for out-of-town guests ✦ Valet parking ✦ Misc. fees

Photography and video (10 percent) ✦ Photography ✦ Videography ✦ Additional prints or albums ✦ Misc. fees

Attire (10 percent) ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

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Gown and alternations Headpiece and veil Bridal accessories Hair and makeup Groom’s tux/suit Groom’s accessories Misc. fees

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Flowers and Decorations (10 percent) ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Floral arrangements for ceremony Flower girl’s buds and basket Ring pillow Bride’s bouquet Bridesmaids’ bouquets

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Boutonnieres Corsages Reception decorations Lighting Misc. fees

Reception (50 percent) ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Venue and rentals Food and service Beverages Cake Misc. fees

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Venues

Avoid Reception Frustration As you make the tour of reception venues, you’ll notice the size and décor. You’ll likely ask about price and availability. Here are some questions you might not think to ask, but should.

About the venue: Are there discounts for off-season or off-days, like January through March and Friday and Sunday?

Is there an additional charge if I have my ceremony in the space?

About the food & drink:

●

Do you have alcohol service license?

●

Do you have venue liability insurance?

Are there extra set up fees beyond the rental fee? ●

Are there any deposit requirements?

●

Are there on-site overnight accommodations available?

●

Can I use my own vendors, or is there a preferred vendors list that I have to stick to?

Can you provide an open bar or cash bar?

●

●

How long is the rental for?

Is there a discount if we use less time than allotted?

Can we bring in our own alcohol?

Is the venue handicap accessible?

Is there a special space for caterers?

●

Are tables, linens, chairs, plates, silverware, etc. available for use?

If so, is there an additional cost?

Is a coat check or valet service available? ●

How much parking is available? Is it convenient?

Do you have catering options?

About the details:

Are there any restrictions on décor? Is there anything that cannot be moved?

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Are candles allowed to be used in décor?

Is there an on-site coordinator who will be there during the day? What will he/ she do to help make my day easier?

Do you have audio/video capabilities?

Is there a time when loud music must cease?

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Trend Report

2014 Wedding Trends In 2014, vintage details, sparkly statements and rustic elements surround couples as they celebrate their nuptials. Stay on trend with our guide to the year’s boldest statements for brides-to-be. By Ren Bishop

Navy Blue

Navy blue is this year’s gray. This classic color is a gorgeous, flattering choice for bridesmaids dresses, and navy pumps can be the bride’s something blue. The color can go formal with a navy tux for your groom, sparkle with silver details, or have a playful affair with pops of fuchsia.

Lanterns

For outdoor nuptials, the natural beauty of the woods creates the backdrop for an intimate, rustic ceremony. Incorporate natural wood in the reception décor with wood boxes, signage and tree trunk bar stools to bring this trend to life.

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ashley turn

Refined Woodlands

er photogr aphy

On their wedding day, brides are looking for light fixtures to illuminate their walk down the aisle. Antique lanterns and their unique character are quickly taking the place of Chinese paper lanterns.

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Trend Report

Feathers

From country charm to Vegas glam, feathers provide an elegant and sophisticated alternative to traditional floral designs. Brides this year will incorporate all types of feathers in their reception décor, boutonnières and bouquets.

A Social Affair Guests should always silence their cell phones during the ceremony, but brides will encourage their friends and family to post on social media about the big day as it happens. From phone charging stations to Instagram feeds, weddings become digital experiences in 2014.

Brooch Bouquets

In 2011, country music star Miranda Lambert made brides everywhere envious with her statement brooch bouquet by designer The Ritzy Rose. In 2014, the trend is set to explode as brooch bouquet designers create customized, vintage options for brides.

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Vintage Details

In 2014, brides want their wedding décor to be full of personality. To make the day her own, a bride can incorporate vintage pieces throughout the wedding décor. An antique cake stand, a fainting couch, aged books and worn vases bring charm to any reception.

Golden-Age Chic Last year’s cinematic reboot of “The Great Gatsby” inspired brides to return to the Roaring ‘20s on their wedding day.

Pearl necklaces, glittering details and dramatic makeup are easy ways to bring a bit of ‘20s glam to the big day.

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Wedding Themes

Adorn bridesmaids in elegant plum lace, sheer cap sleeves and an open back for a delicate look of romance. Rubber Ducky Suite Life Backless Lace Dress, available at Elly’s Couture ($189.99).

Experience everlasting romance with the Valina 3.00 carat, round diamond ring set available at KT Diamond Jewelers ($10,000).

Very Bradley Grand Traveler in Olivia Pink includes four exterior and four interior slip pockets, a removable shoulder strap, an ID window and a zip closure. It's the ideal travel accessory for the newlywed bride. Available at Frameworks Gifts & Interiors ($120).

Romantic expression Rich textures and decadent accents highlight the beauty and elegance of the Romantic period. compiled By emily park / photos by l.g. patterson

Create a romantic setting at the reception by seating guests in a mahogany Chiavari chair decorated with an ivory cushion. Available for rent at A-1 Party & Event Rental.

Beautifully crafted to slice cleanly and entirely through wedding cake, the Arrondi stainless steel two-piece cake server/knife set is uniquely designed to deliver a perfectly cut piece of cake to each guest. Available at Tallulahs ($75).

Indulge in more than romance with the rich, smooth center of a chocolate truffle available in a variety of flavors. Available for purchase individually and as sets at The Candy Factory.

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Bridesmaids will sparkle with the Kate Landry Social Clutch, which includes a large brooch detail and shoulder strap for versatility, available at Dillards ($75).

Add timeless appeal to the wedding registry and decorate your home with a Leopold mirror ($99.95) and ivory starburst pillow ($99.95), available at I.O Metro.

Complement a glamorous bouquet with a diamond tennis bracelet, 14 karat white gold with 10.01 carats of sparkling diamonds, available at Buchroeders ($11,200).

Timeless beauty

Revisit the glamorous Hollywood era with black and white, accented with metallic shine.

White silk rose orbs atop tall cylindrical vases create a beautiful Hollywood-inspired centerpiece. Available at Allen’s Flowers.

The groom will look dashing with a black and white Byron British-style silk tie from Italy, available at Binghams ($98.50).

Shine as bright as Hollywood with Gianni Bini Jessa platform pumps, available at Dillards ($89.99).

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Get lost in the Southern shimmer of a Gabriel & Co. 14 karat white gold Victorian halo engagement ring glimmering on the brides left hand, available at KT Diamond Jewelers ($8,000).

Display the wedding cake atop the intricate handmade design of the Incanto Metallic cake stand by VIETRI, available at Tallulahs ($214).

The bride and her bridesmaids with exude Southern charm with an 18” string of freshwater pearls, available with a 14 karat gold clasp or a silver clasp at Gary B Robinson Jewelers ($2,050, $150).

Country Charm

Inspired by the casual elegance of the South, this theme is perfect for a couple with laid-back appeal.

Treat guests to a delicate taste of the South with an irresistibly light meringue-based sweet confection.

Macaroons are available in a variety of colors and flavors at U Knead Sweets.

This tropical leaf frame is the perfect combination of rustic charm and handmade appeal to display the bride and groom’s wedding photo, available at Mustard Seed ($29).

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Fill the air with a hint of Gardenia, Sheer Rain or Warm Cinnamon. Tyler Candle Company scented candles are available in three sizes at Kent’s Floral Gallery ($7.50, $15, $21).

Say “I do” with a vibrant silk floral bouquet that includes the colors of a whimsical carnival dream, available at Allen’s Flowers.

Make sure the wedding day starts off on the right foot with magnificent Robert Graham Brown socks for the groom and his groomsmen, available at Binghams ($28.50).

Guests will dive in to a candy bar’s colorful treats, including rock candy available at Mr. Bulky.

Whimsy& Quirky

A wedding day inspired by a whimsical carnival showcases a couple's quirky sense of humor.

With colorful accents and a bold patterns, a carnival theme will come to life.

Colorful accents in the unique Allure 14 karat gold ruby and diamond engagement ring will make any girl smile.

Available at KT Diamond Jewelers ($9,000).

Decorate the reception venue with brightly colored balloons, available at Party City.

The bridesmaids will highlight the wedding party’s elegant carnival theme, outfitted in a Rubber Ducky royal blue open-back dress, available at Elly’s Couture ($169.99).

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Winter Wedding

anneke Jeffries

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hall & andrew 12.08.12

ndrew Hall had admired Anneke Jeffries for a while before he actually met her. When the two of them did meet at a mutual friend’s party on July 4, 2007, both Andrew and Anneke were in relationships. Their paths crossed a few more times, and finally, in early 2010, the timing was right. Andrew and Anneke spent most of a mutual friend’s birthday party talking, and a first date soon followed.

Andrew and Anneke were wed on Dec. 8, 2012, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The Rev. Herbert Hayek officiated. The wedding had a Christmas theme. Andrew and Anneke exchanged vows in a traditional Roman Catholic wedding ceremony, without Mass. A violin/flute/piano/organ ensemble performed classical selections, and Anneke’s former music teacher Denise Callderello sang.

The reception took place at Museao, a Columbia event venue with avant-garde flair. The glass front of the building revealed several white Christmas trees inside, twinkling with white lights in a glitzy, wonderland forest. The reception was a night full of dancing and celebration before the couple headed out for their honeymoon, a return to the location of Andrew's proposal, Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

story By Anita Neal Harrison photos by silverbox photography

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Spring Wedding

Brielle Vanmatre

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weinreich & chris05.20.12

hris Weinreich and Brielle VanMatre wanted their wedding to be a celebration of life and love.

Having endured the loss of Brielle’s mother to cancer together, the two of them felt such a celebration would best honor her memory. Each was excited to find someone who loved to travel and who was committed to living the Christian faith. They chose a destination wedding to Charleston, S.C., to make memories with their families in a charming, historic setting. The Lowndes Grove Plantation offered both, sitting on the Ashley River in downtown Charleston and providing a majestic circa 1786 house, a grand lawn, waterfront terraces and 200-year-old oaks.

The Sunday wedding took place on May 20, 2012. Spanish moss hung from the trees, where the fragrance of magnolias hung in the air. It was a nontraditional service that included a “blessing of the hands,� Scripture reading and an exchange of rings. Instead of lighting a unity candle, Brielle and Chris planted a tree to nurture as a representation of their commitment to each other.

On June 2, the couple celebrated in Columbia at a cocktail party reception at Orr Street Studios.

story By Anita Neal Harrison photos by Azelle photography

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Summer Wedding

jordyn sharp

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hall & dalton 07.21.12

hen Jordyn Sharp woke up on Friday, April 6, 2012, she thought her wedding to Dalton Hall was still 3½ months away. But that afternoon, she found herself headed to a Virginia courthouse with him to say their “I do’s” before a judge. The sudden change of plans came about because Dalton, a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, had learned he was being deployed to Afghanistan. Jordyn was in Virginia for Dalton's birthday, which is now their legal anniversary as well.

Dalton returned to Columbia for a week for their reception, scheduled on the original wedding date, July 21, 2012. The day was much like a customary wedding day, with Jordyn and her bridesmaids all getting ready together and the groom and groomsmen doing the same.

Jordyn’s dad walked her down a long paved path to meet Dalton, a memorable moment for them all. After the ceremony came photos, and then the reception at the Columbia Country Club. The banquet room had a romantic chic feel. The reception had all of the traditional elements, but Dalton and Jordyn had a secret reason to celebrate: Just two weeks earlier, they’d learned they were going to have a baby. story By Anita Neal Harrison photos by Courtney Tompson

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Fall Wedding

rosie christal

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arand & ben10.05.13

osie Christal and Ben Arand were wed on Oct. 5, 2013, at Les Bourgeois Vineyards and Winery. The day began with a 4 p.m. cocktail hour, during which Rosie wore her mother’s 1985 wedding dress.

“My mother passed away in November 2007 from breast cancer, so it meant a lot to me and to my family that I was able to wear it,” Rosie says.

Right before the 5:30 ceremony, Rosie changed into her wedding gown, a strapless Jim Hjelm lace gown. The wedding took place on the Les Bourgeois blufftop, with a dramatic view of the Missouri River valley providing the backdrop. Afterward, the celebration moved inside the bistro. The reception was warm, intimate and inviting with a few fall accents.

“Overall, we wanted a wedding in the fall, not a fall wedding,” Rosie says.

Instead of a wedding cake, Ben and Rosie chose to cut and serve wedding pie.

A dance ended the night.

“I think our most memorable moments were seeing all the dancing antics of our friends and family,” Rosie says. “Who knew they could move like that?””

story By Anita Neal Harrison photos by Courtney Tompson

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1.

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Beauty

Aisle Style

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From walking down the aisle to dancing the night away, Kevin Murphy’s organic hair products keep you looking your best with its complete line of washes, rinses, styling products, treatments and tools.

4.

1. Color.Bug Shimmer, coloured hair shadow

Change your hair color as quick as your makeup!

This coloured hair shadow gives brides the option to wipe on, wash out and get intense color in seconds. $25

2. Shimmer.Shine Repairing shine mist

Shimmer, shine and revive your hair with an all-inone finishing mist. The gold flakes contain a repairing oil with added all-day sparkle. $27.50

5.

3. Born.Again.Mask Ultra rich extreme moisture masque

Pamper yourself and your bridesmaids with a prewedding beauty masque. Infused with mango and shea butters, it repairs and strengthens hair with a smooth shine. $39

6.

4. Body.Builder Volumising Mousse

Weightless and moisturizing, volumising mousse gives the bridal party a vote of confidence for an allnight flexible fullness and hold. $25

Tangle Teezer

by Aqua Splash

5. Powder.Puff Volumising powder

Especially great for short hair, shake volumising powder on to damp or dry hair to create a casual volume that holds. $27.50

6. Session.Spray Strong hold finishing spray

Give hair a weightless long-lasting hold plus resistance against high humidity for the pictureperfect look. $25

7. Hydrate.Me shampoo and conditioner

Hydrating shampoo and conditioner nourishes hair and conceals split ends while infusing folicles with moisture and gloss. $27.50/each

by emily park & carolyn Preul photos by L.G. patterson products available at a.d.k. designs

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7.

Keep your hair happy and healthy even after your big day and pack this unique hairbrush for your honeymoon.

This lightweight, free-flowing detangler is designed to move smoothly through wet hair, removing tangles along the way. $22

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Honeymoons

The Trip Of A Lifetime The Travel Channel recently revealed its list of top honeymoon destinations. Did your dream honeymoon location make the cut? by sandy selby

Hawaii

The 50th state is known for its beautiful terrain, tropical weather and warm welcome. Honeymooners can hike up the side of a volcano, stroll along a sandy beach, take surfing lessons, or lounge on the balcony of their luxurious hotel room and watch the waves roll in.

greece

Greece has been a hotbed for romance since Zeus first began to flirt with Hera, and nothing has changed with the passage of time. History-loving honeymooners will enjoy strolling through the ruins, visiting the museums and exploring the delicious, traditional Greek cuisine.

Maldives

africa

African safari honeymoons are gaining popularity and there are resorts that cater to adventurous newlyweds who want to walk on the wild side. Whether they’re looking for amenity-laden hotel luxury, or more primitive accommodations, travelers can find their heart’s desire.

turks and caicos

Only eight of the 40 islands and cays of the Turks and Caicos islands are inhabited, but those eight are filled with the kinds of amenities honeymooners love, including beautiful resorts, spas, casinos, and scuba and fishing excursions.

mexico

The Pacific coast of Mexico is dotted with resorts that cater to American honeymooners. These resorts pride themselves on superior service and aim to make every guest feel like a VIP. Of course, the beaches are the true stars of this region and perfect for romantic sunset strolls.

portugal

The island nation of Maldives lies in the Indian Ocean and offers tranquility, privacy, abundant beaches, warm weather and sunshine. In other words, it’s a honeymooner’s dream destination. The small country is home to more than 100 resorts, many of which cater specifically to tourists looking for a romantic getaway.

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Portugal, in southwest Europe, boasts 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and a variety of different landscapes in a compact area that makes it an ideal place for exploration.

Nautical tourism is especially hot in Portugal and there are plenty of rental boats and available guides to help you find your sea legs.