At Knot Retired, we understand that your wedding flowers are more than just decor they carry cherished memories of your special day. That's why we offer a unique way to preserve those beautiful blooms in resin, ensuring they stay as vibrant and stunning as the moment you held them Our flower preservation process protects your bouquet from natural deterioration, allowing you to treasure it forever
In addition to preserving your flowers, our skilled artisans craft custom woodworking pieces that perfectly complement your floral arrangements Each piece is thoughtfully designed with the utmost attention to detail, using the finest materials, ensuring it becomes a timeless keepsake
Let us transform your wedding memories into beautiful works of art that will last for generations, capturing the joy of your wedding day in a form you can display and cherish for years to come
Knot Retired is a team of creative individuals who specialize in woodworking, flower preservation, and resin art Sherry, in her medical profession treating cancer patients, she brings commitment, empathy, and compassion, while Aj leverages his woodworking expertise to deliver exceptional art pieces that capture the beauty of special moments in life Our unique creations can also be found at local farmer's markets and craft shows. We look forward to creating your special memory!
Here Comes The Bride
Wedding Guide
Ideas - Discounts - Resources
“We!ding season is upon us, and we’re excited to be your dedicated partners in inging your dream we!ding to life! Our carefu y curated selection of vendors is here to assist you every step of e way. Whe er you’re searching for e perfect gown, ex,isite decorations, - dreamy venue or e finest catering services, our team has you covered. I ing - uni,e perspective to is journey as e Publisher of “Here Comes The B.ide.” This .ole a ows me to intimately understand e needs and dreams of our ides-to-be. One ,estion at fre,en y arises is e choice between - fu -service we!ding or individua y selecting your vendors. Opting for e la er enables you to craft - we!ding at’s an au entic .eflection of your style and personality, often while being mindful of your budget. E-ch vendor ings eir uni,e artistic touch, and when combined with your vision, e .esult is - we!ding at’s undeniably ‘you.’
The guiding principle is simple – let your we!ding day becele ation of your uni,e love story, shaped by your dreams and desires.
Ha y Planning!
Harrison Sibley, Publisher ‘Here Comes The Bride’ Magazine”
The Barn of Pearl River Photography: Tracie Photography
“Don't forget to check us out at www.bridalshowexpo.org for our upcoming bridal shows.”
THE BARN AT LOVE FARMS
Mini-Moon The perfect Honeymoon alternative when time is tight
BY NA NCY HENRY
Not every couple has the luxury of time right after their wedding to embark on a full honeymoon. For those facing tight schedules, the “minimoon” has become a popular alternative. A mini-moon is a shorter, budget-friendly getaway that lets you unwind and savor the frst days of married life, without the commitment of a long journey. Here’s why a mini-moon might be the perfect ft and some ideal destinations for a romantic, short escape.
Why Choose a Mini-Moon?
The mini-moon is ideal for couples who need to return to work, have other commitments, or are waiting for the right time to take a longer
honeymoon. A few days away in a scenic location allows you to recharge and celebrate together, giving you a little taste of adventure before resuming daily life. Plus, with less travel time and fewer expenses, a mini-moon lets you enjoy the moment without the stress of extensive planning.
Mini-Moon Destinations to Consider
• Napa Valley, California: For wine lovers and nature enthusiasts, Napa Valley offers charming vineyards, breathtaking scenery, and cozy bed-andbreakfasts. Enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and world-class cuisine in this peaceful, romantic setting—all within a short drive or fight from the West Coast.
• Charleston, South Carolina: This historic city is ideal for a charming Southern escape. With cobblestone streets, horsedrawn carriages, and warm hospitality, Charleston combines culture and relaxation. Stroll through its historic neighborhoods, explore the waterfront, and dine in some of the South’s fnest restaurants.
NAPA VALLEY, CA
LAKE TAHOE, CA
• The Poconos, Pennsylvania: Known for its romantic ambiance and cozy accommodations, the Poconos offer a beautiful mountain escape. From lakeside cabins to luxury resorts with spas and outdoor activities, this is a wonderful spot for couples looking to relax and enjoy nature within a few hours’ drive from major East Coast cities.
• Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: For couples seeking outdoor adventure, Lake Tahoe is perfect. In winter, enjoy skiing and cozy lodges; in summer, go hiking, kayaking, or take in the lake’s beauty. Lake Tahoe is both accessible and packed with activities, ideal for couples looking to blend relaxation and excitement.
• The Catskills, New York: For a rustic, charming getaway close to NYC, the Catskills are a prime mini-moon spot. Think scenic hiking trails, cozy cabins, and quaint towns perfect for wandering. It’s a serene retreat that lets you connect with nature while indulging in some farm-to-table dining and luxurious spa services.
A mini-moon provides a special way to start your marriage with a brief but meaningful escape, setting the stage for a longer honeymoon down the road. Whether you’re exploring vineyards, relaxing by a lake, or strolling through historic streets, these short getaways are a beautiful way to celebrate your love.
God Plus Two
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quikly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
THE POCONOS, PA
CHARLESTON, SC
THE CATSKILLS, NY
Elevate Your Wedding
wit hBeautyBlooming
By Gloria Treadwell
BY BETH NUTTALL
Floral ceiling installations are one of the hottest wedding trends, creating an ethereal, romantic ambiance that leaves a lasting impression. These hanging arrangements turn an ordinary space into a magical wonderland, making your celebration feel intimate, enchanting, and timeless.
Choosing the Right Venue
Before dreaming up the perfect foral canopy, consider your venue. High ceilings work beautifully with large installations, giving fowers room to cascade or hang in statement clusters. Venues with exposed beams, chandeliers, or sturdy fxtures can offer secure anchor points for your arrangement. However, even venues with lower ceilings can support this look; simply opt for shorter, streamlined designs that create intimacy without crowding the space.
Designing Your Installation
The design of your foral ceiling installation should complement your wedding theme and personal style. For a lush, garden-inspired look, choose a combination of greenery, cascading vines, and seasonal blooms like roses, peonies, or ranunculus. If you’re aiming for elegance, a single variety of fowers—such as white orchids or hanging amaranthus—can create a sophisticated, modern vibe. For a bold, eclectic feel, experiment with different fower types, colors, and textures to craft a vibrant overhead display.
By Gina Pesnell
Incorporating Lighting
Adding lighting to your foral installation enhances the drama and atmosphere. Look for a venue that has low hanging chandeliers where the ceiling of fowers can act as a beautiful garden backdrop. Fairy lights or mini LED lights woven through the greenery create a twinkling canopy reminiscent of a starry night. For a softer, romantic glow, consider suspending small candles in glass holders. Lighting brings depth to your installation, illuminating blooms and adding warmth to the reception area, making it feel like an enchanted forest.
The Practical Side
While foral ceiling installations are undeniably gorgeous, they can be logistically challenging. Professional forists are skilled in creating sturdy structures and ensuring they’re safely anchored. Discuss the weight and size limitations with your forist and venue to make sure the installation is secure. Also, consider bloom longevity: some fowers wilt quickly, so ask your forist about hardy blooms or opt for silk fowers if you need your installation to last through a longer event.
Floral ceiling installations can be costly due to the volume of fowers and labor involved. However, you can adjust your design to match your budget. Greenery like eucalyptus or ivy is cost-efective and creates volume, allowing you to add fowers strategically for impact. Alternatively, a smaller statement piece above the sweetheart table or dance foor can still have a “wow” efect without covering the entire ceiling.
Gabriel and Grace first met at a national convention held by the leadership school Teenpact, in Tennessee. Becoming fast friends, they stayed in touch despite Gabriel living in Louisiana and Grace, across the country, in Michigan. Eventually the friendship turned in to something more and the two dove headfirst into a long distance relationship. Four years of frequent trips later, Gabriel proposed to Grace while on a getaway in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Shortly after getting engaged, Grace moved down to Louisiana. When it came time to plan a wedding, they knew they wanted something very simple. Since neither of them had a strong desire to have a large wedding, and given the fact that Grace had just moved to Louisiana, started a new job, and was still adjusting to all the change, they decided to keep things a little more relaxed. On January 10, 2024 they were married by the Justice of the Peace with Gabriel’s father and mother as witnesses. Soon after, they celebrated with close friends and family in Gabriel’s family’s backyard. It was simple, intimate, and memorable. The only thing missing were Grace’s dream elopement photos. As she began researching the perfect location, she reached out to Carolyn Leverone, of Carolyn Marie Photography, who shot the couple’s engagement photos. After significant research, planning, and with the help of Carloyn, Grace and Gabriel decided to travel to Italy’s stunning Adriatic coast. Specifically, the small cliffside town of Polignano a Mare in Puglia, Italy. The morning of the shoot, Gabriel and Grace walked across the quiet town and made their way to the rocky coast just before dawn. Clad in a sharp blue suit from John’s Tuxedos in Metarie, Louisiana, Gabriel helped his bride across the uneven ground. As the sun peeked over the charming city, Carolyn, with the help of her second shooter (her husband Tucker), captured unforgettable memories as Grace and Gabriel exchanged their personal vows to each other while overlooking the sparkling waters of the Adriatic coast. In the couple’s eyes, these photos serve not only as precious memories captured but also proof that everyone’s love story can look very different and that following a timeline unique to you can truly lead to the best overall experience. Cemented forever in their memories, Polignano a Mare became a town Gabriel and Grace will always cherish and hope to someday return to.
Dreams
BY LIHI HOD BRIDAL
Milla
An elegant A-line gown featuring a strapless Victorianstyle bodice with boat neckline.
The skirt boasts layers of ethereal tulle and a delicate waist tie, adorned with a row of pearls. The back features fabric buttons and a soft long train.
Swan
Whimsical A-line gown features a structured bodice with visible panels, off-theshoulder puffed sleeves and a full, dramatic skirt with high front slit and pockets. The fabric showcases a subtle floral texture and the back flows into a sweeping train.
Onix
An avant-garde sheath gown, features a fitted bodice with draping, strapless top flows seamlessly into a floor-length skirt with a thigh-high slit and long train. Matching silk scarf available.
Pippa
Luxurious floral embellished A-line gown, features a squared neckline, straps, and apleated voluminous skirt, adorned with a front slit and train. Optional matching silk tulle gloves.
Deadlines & Details
THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN PLANNING A WEDDING. TO ENSURE SUCCESS—AND YOUR SANITY—THE KEY IS ORGANIZATION. WE’VE COMPILED A DETAILED CHECKLIST THAT PAYS SPECIAL ATTENTION TO TIME-SENSITIVE DEADLINES, SO YOU CAN CREATE A FOOLPROOF CALENDAR AND TO-DO LIST.
Floral Cakes Floral Cakes
ADDING FRESH BLOOMS FOR A BEAUTIFUL MASTERPIECE ADDING FRESH BLOOMS FOR A BEAUTIFUL MASTERPIECE
BY SYNDE MILES
FLORAL CAKES ARE ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR TRENDS IN WEDDING AND EVENT DECOR, MARRYING THE BEAUTY OF FRESH BLOOMS WITH THE DELICIOUSNESS OF CAKE. WHETHER YOU’RE HOSTING A SPRING WEDDING, A GARDEN PARTY, OR A ROMANTIC CELEBRATION, FLORAL CAKES OFFER AN ELEGANT WAY TO MAKE YOUR CAKE TRULY STAND OUT. HERE’S HOW TO INCORPORATE FLOWERS SAFELY AND BEAUTIFULLY INTO YOUR DESSERT CENTERPIECE.
Choosing Safe Blooms
The frst step to creating a foral cake is selecting the right fowers. Not all fowers are safe for consumption, so it’s crucial to use either edible blooms or blooms that can safely touch the cake without causing any harm. Common edible fowers include pansies, violets, nasturtiums, roses, lavender, and marigolds, which are not only safe but add a subtle, fragrant favor. If you’re using non-edible fowers, make sure they’re organic and pesticide-free.
Designing with Flowers
Floral cakes can be designed in a variety of styles, from minimal to maximal. For a modern, understated look, consider a simple white or pastel cake adorned with a few fresh blooms and greenery, like eucalyptus or rosemary. If you’re after something more dramatic, a full foral cascade running down the side of the cake creates a romantic, whimsical effect. You could also incorporate fowers to frame each tier or place a foral wreath around the cake base for a fresh, natureinspired look.
