I Do! Fall/Winter 2014

Fall/Winter 2014

I Do!

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Sophie Magazine’s Wedding Guide

Worth the Wait

Elopement in Italy Elegant & Eclectic

Weddings

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… say “I Do” with style….

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I Do!

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Sophie Magazine’s Wedding Guide PUBLISHER

Vincent Grassia MANAGING Editor

JeanAnn Taylor creative EDITOR

Debi Manfre Production manager

Lisa Gallagher Creative Services Specialist

Adalee Elkins Contributor

Carrie Harder Proofing Diva

Karen Shepard director of advertising

Patricia Martin Betts Advertising Consultants

Crystal Pressley Jennifer LeBlanc LuAnne Sheffield Meg Hale Brunton Michael Smith Rick Jenkins Maggie Leftwich Distribution manager

Mark Graham To advertise in the 2015 Spring/Summer edition of I Do!, Please call 828.210.0340 or e-mail editor@sophiemagazine.com.

Sophie Magazine 22 Garfield Street, Suite 100 Asheville, NC 28813 828.210.0340 I Do!, a publication of Sophie Magazine, has accepted contributions which may not reflect the opinion of the publisher. No portion of I Do! may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

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I Do!

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Sophie Magazine’s Wedding Guide It was almost three years ago when I said, “I Do!” to my handsome husband. It was also three years ago when we published the first issue of I Do! With this issue we will have featured photographs from 48 real brides. Putting this magazine together is truly an act of love. I love looking at photos of weddings. Blissful brides, beautiful gowns, colorful flowers, and dazzling cakes are all daydreams that turn into reality. This issue is another illustration of how brides from all over America express their unique personalities on their special day.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as I enjoyed working on it. If you would like to be featured in the next I Do!, please contact me at editor@sophiemagazine.com Photo by Audrey Goforth

XOXO ~ JeanAnn Taylor Managing Editor, Sophie and I Do! Magazines

Featured Brides

Features

Just Married:

Meghan & Tyler

(Pictured on cover)

Stacy & Mickey

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How To Manage Seating Arrangements

20

Dressing For Wedding Day Comfort

29

The Story Behind Jordan Almonds

33

Wedding Thank-You Cards Etiquette

37

Eclectic Winter Wedding

41

Wediquette

46

Color is making its way into the bridal picture.

Just Married:

10

Brides Look For 'Something Blue' & More In Jewelry

30

Strategies to make the process go smoother.

Just Married:

Just Married:

Lauren & Drew

Rebecca & Ben

16

34

Ways for the brides, grooms and guests to be comfortable on the big day.

The name Jordan almond may have originated from the French word "jardin," which means garden.

Just Married:

Just Married:

Courtney & Evan

Kristin & Chad

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38

Guidelines to help the bride and groom write thank-you cards.

Looks ~ Styles ~ Themes

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Just Married:

Just Married:

Jacqueline & Trebor

Taryn & Brian

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48

Answers to a host of etiquette questions.

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Meghan and Tyler

T

yler and I met through a mutual friend on Facebook. When my friend told me that Tyler was a fireman and always had a smile on his face, I was intrigued because most people also describe me as always smiling. Our first date occurred after a couple of group outings with mutual friends. Tyler was very shy in the beginning and sometimes I wondered if he was even interested in me. Over time our love developed and I knew it was something I had never felt. Tyler is a very hard working man and even though he lived 30 minutes away, worked 3 jobs and went to school part time, he still made sure he saw me several times a week. Tyler showed me I was a priority which was something that was lacking in past relationships that I never knew was missing until I experienced it.

After a couple of years of dating, I got a little impatient. I turned 30 and most of my friends were already married and having children. Of course I didn’t want to rush a big decision like marriage, but I knew Tyler was the one for me and I was ready to start our lives together.

Tyler maintained that it would be my turn one day but that marriage was something he was only going to do once. It was hard to hear but I knew he was right. We both come from divorced families and I take pride

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knowing that he and I have the same goal of a family that stays together for a lifetime.

My turn did come on June 7, 2014. The day was undoubtedly the most wonderful day of my life. Our wedding day represented our relationship so well and I will cherish the memories forever. I find it very hard to put into words how blessed I am. Our wedding day was filled with so much love and support from our family and friends.

Our Top 5 Moments 1 When I was in my mid-20s I attended countless weddings.

I found myself sad watching the bride’s father give her away because my father was deceased. I didn’t have a strong relationship with my father but I still yearned to have a sense of “normalcy” when it came to a future wedding. As the years went on and I grew more mature I’ve learned that there is no such thing as normal. My mother has been the strongest person in my life and played the role of both mother and father for the most part. Having my mother walk me down the aisle and present me to my future husband is a memory that I will cherish forever. The picture of us walking down the aisle represents how she has supported me down the path of life and made me the person I am today. I admire my mother and pray that I can be as strong as she is. I urge couples to throw out what may or may not be considered “normal” and make their day the way they want.

2 In the early planning stages one of the first vendors booked

are the photographers. As we discussed the schedule for the day, the question came up about doing a “first look” versus waiting to see each other until the ceremony. Tyler really wanted to do all of our pictures before the ceremony but I hesitated because I liked the tradition of waiting to see each other until I walked down the aisle. I talked to several of my friends that did the “first look” route and the point that hit home for me was a few of my friends saying they felt like their now husbands were able to show more emotion during a “first look” because they were normally shy. Tyler is shy when it comes to having all eyes on him so I decided to go with the “first look” way on our day so that he and I could share that special moment with only the camera lens. This was the best decision! Our photographers staged Tyler in a wooded area near our hotels with his back to me. As I made my way to him I felt all kinds of butterflies in my stomach. When he turned around to see me for the first time in my dress, I was flooded with all kinds of emotions. I loved that Tyler turned me around so he could see my entire dress. After that session, we were both so calm and ready to enjoy being with our bridal party for the rest of the pictures. Doing a “first look” also allowed us to arrive to the reception earlier than if we had to do lots of pictures after the ceremony. The receptions FLIES by so I am thankful that we got to enjoy as much of the reception as possible with all of our loved ones.

3 As I mentioned I have attended and been a part of countless

weddings. It was a running joke that the movie “27 Dresses” was made after my life. I have acquired the best friends a girl could ever have and I was proud to be a part of their day. At the end of the movie, Katherine Heigl’s character is getting married and she is surrounded by all the brides that she stood by for their days and that is exactly how my friends were for me. I cannot describe the feelings that coursed through my body of being so blessed to have my friends and family surround us Fall/Winter 2014 I Do! | 11

to celebrate our union. My friends spoiled me rotten in the months leading up to the wedding and on the wedding day and I am forever grateful to these girls.

My bridesmaids all came over the morning of the wedding with Starbucks in tote. As we were getting beautified, we listened to music and laughed about memories. I felt so calm and relaxed and I can thank my girlfriends for helping me enjoy every moment of the day. Once the ceremony started, the evening flew by and I yearned to relive the moments again. I have started journaling all of the details so that I can look back and remember the “Cloud 9” high I felt when we returned from our honeymoon feeling like the luckiest girl in the world.

4 Although Tyler wasn’t interested in choosing flowers and invitations, he did chime in during one of our wedding planning sessions that he would like to pay tribute to fallen firefighters. Dating a firefighter was a different experience for me. Those in the public service area see devastation that most people, like myself, cannot imagine. I learned very quickly of the tight brotherhood that exists within the fire service community and am happy to be a part of that family. Tyler and I got chill bumps as our minister read through the Fallen Firefighter Ceremony at the reception that highlights a table set for one person.

That table represents the void that our community experiences whenever a hero sacrifices his or her life to serve. This tribute was unique to most of our guests and I am so happy that Tyler added the ceremony to our reception as it certainly represents something that is very close to our hearts.

5 Tyler and I were fortunate to know our grandparents

when we were younger. Our grandparents represented an important part of our lives and we tried to incorporate their memories into our day. First, my engagement ring consists of Tyler’s grandmother’s diamond in a new setting. When we were cleaning out their house, we found Tyler’s grandfather’s wedding ring and had it customized to make it a little more modern. So, both of us wear the rings of a couple that had a very strong, Christian marriage. A marriage that Tyler and I both pray to have. Next, I found the figurines we used to top our cake within my Nana’s corner cabinet. My Nana and Grandpa loved to go to antique auctions and enjoyed collecting china and figurines. The cake topper, a bride and groom dressed for their wedding, was perfect because it had our wedding colors but also is a possible start to a new tradition to be passed down to our children to use on their cake. It was very important to make those that are no longer here on earth a part of our wedding. The name of my father and names of our grandparents that have passed were read during the ceremony and each person’s picture was displayed at the reception. I even displayed the picture of my first childhood pet, ‘Fluffy’, as today the passion for animal welfare is very close to my heart. I think it is so much fun when a couple creates special details to incorporate their family. Of course a wedding is a celebration of the bride and groom but I wanted our wedding to be a family celebration.

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Bride: meghan flynt • Groom: tyler forrest Church: Central United Methodist CHURCH Rehearsal Dinner: Tressa’s Downtown Jazz & Blues Reception Location / caterer: The Venue Hotel: Crowne Plaza Transportation: Grey Line Trolley Groom’s cake / wedding cake: City Bakery Florist: Brown’s Wedding Design Photography: Sassyfras Studios DJ: Nicholas Armand / VWE Music Network Rings: Ellis Jewelry Tux: Men’s Warehouse Bridal Dress: Jasmine Collection via Dawn’s Bridal Bridesmaid Dress: Bill Levkoff via Dawn’s Bridal Invitations: William Arthur via Baggie Goose Makeup: Bride’s friend Hair: The Hair Company – Traci Thacker

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A

Brides Look For 'Something Blue' and More In Jewelry

s weddings become more and more personalized to the bride's own tastes, blue and other colors have been making their way into the bridal picture, both in decor and in jewelry.

Sapphire blue stones are now a staple in bridal collections, with stones set in silver and gold tone metal. Topaz stones set in gold have become popular, and rose gold metal is another color option brides have gravitated to. These trends also influence jewelry for bridesmaids and every member of the bridal party.

While color is making news in bridal circles, pearls will always play a lead role in the world of bridal jewelry. Classic styles like single and double row chokers, often mixed with crystal, are truly classic and always appropriate for brides. There are now many modern twists, both in design and in ways brides choose to wear pearls.

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Modern brides often personalize their pearls by wearing bolder, longer styles, by mixing and layering different millimeters and by twisting, tying or knotting them. The variations are endless with a 72" white pearl rope -- a staple for any bride -- as well as any post-wedding wardrobe.

Crystal styles -- teardrop earrings and necklaces, delicate Y necklaces, chokers and bracelets in floral designs -- are also beautiful and popular choices among brides. They, too, can be layered, mixed and matched with pearls.

The bottom line is that brides are more than ever expressing their personal style in every aspect of their weddings. Jewelry selection is a wonderful way to do this because it is a focal point that frames the face and will live forever in glorious photos of the memorable day.

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Lauren and Drew

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rew and I were engaged in March 2013. In order to enjoy this exciting phase of our lives, we decided to wait before we started planning a wedding that would fit both of our personalities.

While trying to find the perfect location to say “I Do,” Drew casually mentioned Asheville. We stumbled upon The Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville and quickly made an appointment to visit after looking at a few pictures online. The hotel was perfect – for both of us.

The rustic lobby and animal wall mounts were all Drew, and the ballroom’s elegant Swarovski chandeliers were all me! We decided that our wedding theme was “romantic elegance,” and no one understood this better than our florist, Flower Gallery. The owner, Luck McElreath, along with our planner, Mary Bell, made our vision a reality. Before the ceremony, Luck let me peek into the reception room; from the linens, to the flowers, to the cake, I was speechless.

Mary ensured the rest of the day went seamlessly, thanks to her organization and attention to detail. I married my southern gentleman in front of our closest friends and family on April 26, 2014.

Albeit cliché, it was truly the best day of my life!

Our 5 Favorite Memories 1 Lauren: My first look at my husband-to-be while

walking into our ceremony space. He had the biggest smile on this face.

2 Lauren: When my husband grabbed my hand and

thanked me for such a perfect and beautiful day. He said it was the best wedding he had ever been too and it was even better it was his very own!

3 Drew: The surreal moment as I stood in front of our family and friends, the violin started playing, the door opened and Lauren began to walk down the aisle.

This is when it sank in for me that all of the hard work and months of conversations we had been having about the wedding were all for that moment and we were finally getting married!

4 Drew: The moment when the band introduced us

as husband and wife to all of our wedding guests, people brought together from all parts of our lives in one room‌I loved that!

5 Drew and Lauren: Sitting back and watching how much fun our family and friends were having on the dance floor. It was a riot!

Lauren poses with her bridal consultant and wedding planner, Mary Bell.

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Bride: LAUREN BREWER SHEORN Groom: DREW SHEORN wedding dress: Ellis Bridal Groom’s tux: Men’s Wearhouse hair: Kristin Troglin (J Graham & Co. Salon, Charlotte, NC) make-up: Wendy BALLANCE (Blush) Venue: The Grand Bohemian Asheville Bridal Consultant & Wedding Planner: Mary Bell Events Photography: Woodward & Rick Photographers Flowers: Flower Gallery of Asheville Cake: Cakes by Jane Officiant: Mark Sibley-Jones Musicians: Morgan Jeter (Violinist) and Cashmere (East Coast Entertainment)

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How To Manage Seating Arrangements

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fter all of the invitations have been sent and RSVPs returned, engaged couples who are including a sit-down dinner as part of their wedding receptions must figure out the seating arrangements for their guests. Such a task can be both fun and stressful.

The fun of making seating arrangements stems from reuniting friends and family members who couples feel will enjoy one another's company and make the reception that much more fun. But feuding family members can make the task of assigning seats somewhat stressful. Couples need not be relationship experts to plan seating arrangements that ensure guests have a good time. The following tips can help couples enjoy the process of mapping out their wedding reception seating assignments as much as possible.

Make assignments by hand. While there is software designed specifically to help couples map out seating assignments, many couples find it easier to do the seating assignments by hand, which allows couples more freedom to rearrange tables. In addition, making the seating arrangements by hand ensures that couples spread out guests who might not get along.

Don't seat guests in the hopes of quashing old conflicts. While the jovial spirit of a wedding ceremony and reception might seem like the perfect atmosphere for feuding friends or family members to bury the hatchet with regard to old conflicts, this leaves open the potentially ugly possibility that such conflicts might escalate. Couples don't want their weddings to be remembered for all the wrong reasons, so keep feuding factions apart when assigning seats.

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Keep special needs guests in mind. Some guests at the wedding may have special needs, and this must be kept in mind when planning seating assignments. Guests with medical conditions may benefit from sitting close to the restroom, while those with mobility issues might be best served sitting in a spot where waitstaff can more easily recognize when they need something. Consider sitting older guests, whose vision might not be as strong as it once was, as close to the happy couple as possible so these guests can see everything and won't feel left out.

Make sure the seating assignment table is easily accessible. The table on which seating assignment cards will be placed should be accessible upon entering the reception hall. A table that's far off in the corner may confuse some guests, who might think the seating is a free-for-all and simply sit in the first empty seats they see.

Consider flow between tables when making assignments. While you might have aced the seating assignments at each table, don't overlook the importance of mapping out tables as well. No couple wants their guests to feel isolated from friends or family members at other tables, so do your best to ensure there's a good flow between the tables. Plan for tables of family members to be placed next to one another, and do the same with groups of friends. This encourages guests to mingle and can make the night much more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Planning seating assignments for a wedding reception is no small task. But couples can employ several strategies to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

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Courtney and Evan

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t was St. Patrick’s Day, 2011 when my “Irishman” and I met at a St. Patrick’s Day festival in downtown Greensboro, NC. Our mutual love for travel spurred our first conversation and, ironically, four months later, I left to live in Athens for a year. While in Greece, Evan came to visit and we toured around Italy, Germany, Austria, and Greece.

After two years of adventures, on St. Patrick’s Day 2013, Evan asked me to be his wife on the side of a beautiful mountain near Asheville, NC. The surprise continued with a celebration of friends and family at The Biltmore Estate.

Hence, we ultimately decided to have a travel themed wedding at Biltmore. I held a DIY party prior to the wedding with friends and family to help create paper map flowers for the bouquets, map flags for the cupcakes, centerpieces with country flags and pictures of Evan and I from our travels. Candace, our day-of coordinator, did a marvelous job setting up the decor, making sure everything (and everyone) was organized, and even compiling us plates of food for the reception! The day of the wedding was gorgeous and our venue, The Inn on Biltmore, was perfect! It was overwhelming yet amazing to be surrounded by so many of our loved ones. After the ceremony, we shared an intimate moment dancing to “Forever” by Ben Harper for our first dance and cutting our suitcase cake, creatively crafted by Sarah Klaassen. Village Wayside Grille crafted delicious Greek, Italian, and Southern American food and we all danced our hearts out while Nathan at Parkway DJ cranked up the jams.

After guests finished taking “Polaroid” pictures with a life-size, handmade Polaroid (by Evan’s brother), we left amidst a sea of flying paper-map airplanes. It was a day I will never forget!!

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Our Top 5 Moments 1 Walking down the aisle among 150+ people, but I couldn’t take my eyes off of my handsome husband-to-be.

2 Tearing up the dance floor to “My Girl” with my dad.

3 Seeing our precious dog, Jack, wearing a tuxedo and walking with rings in tow.

4 Surprising my husband by whisking him away immediately after

our ceremony to take a photo-op with the donkeys at Biltmore (my husband has an affinity for donkeys).

5 Wearing my grandmother’s heirloom dress from the the 1930-1940 era was a dream of mine. Brooke Priddy, from Ship to Shore, did an amazing job thoughtfully and meticulously altering the dress to help make my dream a magnificent reality!

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Bride: Courtney Money Groom: Evan McIntosh Wedding Dress Designer: R. Brooke Priddy (Ship to Shore) Hair: Suraj Ceremony Venue: Inn on Biltmore Wedding Coordinator: Candace Hightower (Mingle Events) Photography: Scott Hanley Photography Flowers: Kristi Benedict Officiant: Steven Fuller Music/DJ: Nathan White (Parkway DJ) Catering: Polly Harding (Wayside Grille) Cake/Cupcakes: Sarah Klaassen

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Jacqueline and Trebor

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ell the details of the day and us choosing an elopement in Italy are all super interesting! We really didn't choose anything, it was presented to us. Our elopement was part of a women's photography retreat called Retreat Rome 2013. I am a model in Asheville, NC so I am "friends" on Facebook with a lot of designers, photographers, boutiques, etc. Jessica Gallo of Fine and Fleurie posted an off the wall inquiry about looking for an adventurous couple that have passports. I immediately got a response from Jessica, and then she let out the big surprise. She was looking for a couple to come and actually elope in Italy and to be apart of their workshop. We would model the first day for the "engagement shoot", then the second day was going to be a surprise elopement for all the photographers attending the retreat. Jessica continued on to say that every beautiful detail from the stationary to the cake would be taken care of, all we had to do was show up (providing our own airfare) and get married! It was an absolute dream in every way.

It was a true fairy-tale. I was never one of those girls that knew exactly what type of cake and dress I wanted. I dreamed about the man I was going to marry, not the wedding.

Our Top 5 Moments 1 Announcing our surprise "elopement" to the

group of women attending the workshop the night before at dinner. They were given an exquisite hand written envelope by Signora e Mare to witness, celebrate, and photograph our wedding the very next day! Everybody started opening their envelopes and then it was waterworks! Everyone started crying, Trebor and I cried, it was such a special moment. We had only met everyone that very day, but somehow it all felt so right. The warmth and love from all those beautiful women was so genuine.

2 The amazing venue! I had no idea where we

were going to get married until that day. I knew it was a Villa, but I had no idea what to expect.

Villa Bertolami was an absolute dream! From the rustic fireplace, the amazing art, the beautiful wood paneling...it was everything you would think a villa in Italy would be. Every sense of mine was filled with its historical beauty! Trebor and I just walked around with our jaws dropped and then would just look at each other and laugh!

3 My dress! Liz White designed a beautiful

cream silk chiffon gown with hand sewn Swarovski crystals adorning the bodice. Classical elegance in every way. My dress was perfection and made me feel like a goddess. To make things even better, Liz is a wonderful friend of mine so I felt honored to be wearing one of her designs and glad she was a part of my day even though we were far from Asheville!

4 Of course our favorite part was saying our vows (we heard nothing but sniffles behind us!). I had

been emailing back and forth with our celebrant Jo for a month or so prior to our trip to Italy. When I finally got to meet her before the ceremony, she made me feel so calm, and you could tell she was just so genuinely happy to be there for us. Our vows were unique and personal, just the way we wanted them. We are so thankful for Jo making our ceremony so truly special for us.

5 The "reception" and an end to an amazing workshop, Retreat Rome 2013.

Our reception started with the most delectable champagne and hors d'oeuvres by the most amazing catering company, Natalizi. We sat around the fireplace with everyone who now felt like family even though we only met all the attendees of the workshop the day before. We drank, we laughed, nothing felt out of place or unnatural. Poor Trebor was the only male there! He handled himself well :) At dinner we sat around the absolute most beautiful table ever that was filled with stunning floral design by Bo Boutique. And the meal?

Delicious doesn't even cover it. The best night of our life hands down. We met some amazing women that will always hold a special place in our hearts. We are so thankful for the amazing experience and adventure!

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Bride: JACQUELINE FRANQUEZ • Groom: TREBOR CLAVETTE Retreat Gatherings: Retreat Rome 2013 Styling: Fine & Fleurie Event Coordination: The Wedding Care Officiant: Tuscan Pledges Gown: Liz White Couture • Tux: Modern Gent Hair & Make-up: Pastel Make-up & Hair Floral Styling & Design: Bo Boutique Artwork, Calligraphy & Paper products: Signora e Mare Editorial Sponsor: Wedding Sparrow Ceremony musicians: PROFESSIONISTI della MUSICA Ribbon: Frou Frou Chic Photographers: Buffy Dekmar Photography Jen Wojcik Photography Samantha Ward Fine Art Photography

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W

Dressing For Wedding Day Comfort

edding attire is known more for style than comfort. Formal wear, high heels and the various trappings of wedding day wardrobes do not always equate to a day of comfort. While dressing up will never be the same as slipping into a well-worn pair of jeans, there are ways for brides, grooms and guests to be comfortable on the big day.

Dress for the weather. It's tempting to put appearances before comfort. However, wearing clothing without regard for the weather is a surefire way to be uncomfortable all day long. Wraps, short jackets, muffs, and decorative scarves allow women to cover up if there's a chill from the weather or if air conditioning is set too cold.

Invest in alterations. Few people can wear clothing, especially formal attire, right off the rack. The services of a good tailor can prove invaluable. Shortened hemlines or tightened sleeves can make dresses fit better. Shapewear or support components may be added to the wedding gown so that extra undergarment layers can be avoided. The less you have to fuss with clothing, the more comfortable you will be. Try on your outfit without alterations and point out the areas that are bothersome. Is a bodice slipping down? Is the tuxedo jacket a little too snug? Speak with the tailor about what can be done to remedy the situation.

pain. New shoes sometimes need a period of breaking in, so wear them around the house to determine if they're comfortable enough to wear for several hours at a time. Women should opt for the lowest heel possible to avoid pressure on the balls and arches of their feet. Floor-length wedding gowns usually cover a bride's feet, so she has more leeway with finding an attractive, yet comfortable shoe. Outdoor weddings tend to be more casual than indoor affairs, and guests may be perfectly comfortable wearing sandals.

Brides can go minimalist. Wedding dresses range from ethereal sheaths to layered princess gowns. The more fabric, tulle, boning and crinoline in the gown, the heavier it will be. Heavy gowns can make it difficult to move around, particularly when dancing or visiting the restroom. Unless you have your heart set on a full Cinderella look, scale back on your gown.

Comfort may not seem tobe a top priority when planning a wedding. But wedding guests and participants alike should dress with some manner of comfort in mind in order to make the day more enjoyable.

Choose the right size. Formal wear is frequently governed by a different set of sizes from everyday attire. Formal items are cut smaller and more in line with high fashion couture sizing. Expect to have to go up in size with regard to formal gowns. Instead of concerning yourself with the size on the tag, focus on the fit. Squeezing into something that is too small can make you uncomfortable all evening long and inhibit your ability to enjoy yourself on the dance floor. Avoid discomfort (and split seams) by leaving some wiggle room in wedding day ensembles.

Focus on footwear. Guests' eyes likely won't be on your feet. Still, many people subject themselves to uncomfortable shoes all in the name of fashion. The fastest way to an unenjoyable time is having to sit out a wedding because your shoes are causing excruciating Fall/Winter 2014 I Do! | 29

Stacy and Mickey

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t wasn't quite love at first sight when Mickey and I met each other at East Carolina University.

In fact, it took about a year before we realized that we might like each other more than just friends. As we began spending more time together we slowly became inseparable. After I graduated and moved to Virginia for work, we would both drive several hours back and forth to see each other. But not long after our relationship became more serious, I started having chronic severe muscle pain. I was eventually diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, had to leave my job and move back in with my parents; yet Mickey stood by my side. He surprised me one summer day by taking me back to the lake where we had our first date years before and he proposed. Mickey's love brought a new meaning to the statement, "in sickness and in health."

We knew even before we were engaged that we wanted a winter wedding in the mountains. I wanted a theme of "classic elegance" with colors that included gold, silver and ivory. As soon as we saw the Inn on Biltmore Estate, we knew that we had found the perfect location. The atmosphere matched our theme perfectly and the Biltmore facilities really complemented my chosen colors. It was truly the perfect location!

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5 Favorite Moments 1 The wedding guests woke up on the morning of the wedding to a dusting of snow on the ground - perfect for the winter wedding theme.

2 Before the ceremony at the Conservatory, the shuttle drove the guests by the Biltmore house so they could see it lit up at dusk.

3 We prepared a short romantic comedy video for our guests at the reception that shared the story of how we met.

4 Mickey's Mother and Aunts surprised everyone by performing a perfectly choreographed dance at the reception.

5 After years of planning, just seeing the details of the wedding day finally come together was overwhelmingly rewarding for both of us. All the little details that went into the day like the flowers, table decorations, signs and music selections helped personalize the day and make it everything that we had envisioned.

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Bride: stacy bennett Groom: mickey hodges Planner: Mary Bell Events Photographer: Nick Gillespie at Blue Bend Photography Makeup: Blush by Wendy Ballance Hair: Lalena Settlemyre Stationery/Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas Entertainment: Donna Germano (Ceremony) and Mitch Fortune Entertainment (Reception) Ceremony: Biltmore Estate Conservatory Officiate: Fred Werhan Reception: Inn on Biltmore Estate Cake: Biltmore Catering Rentals: China Rental by Biltmore Estate Wedding Transportation: Shuttle and Land Rover provided by Biltmore Florist: Flower Gallery of Asheville Bride's Dress: Custom Design Groom's Attire: Brook's Brothers

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The Story Behind Jordan Almonds

ordan almonds are a popular wedding favor, particularly at events hosted by families of Italian, Greek and Middle Eastern descent. In their most classic form, these sugar-crusted confections are candied almonds, though peanuts, pistachios, chocolate, and even coffee beans have replaced the almonds in some modern reincarnations of the treat.

Also known as "dragees" or "Italian confetti," Jordan almonds date back to 1350, when they're mentioned in Giovanni Boccaccio's "Decameron," a collection of novellas. Ancient Romans used to celebrate momentous occasions, such as births and marriages, with this confetti. Until the start of the Renaissance, when sugarcane was introduced into European kitchens, Jordan almonds were made with honey. In lieu of almonds, sometimes dried fruits, aromatic seeds or cinnamon sticks were covered with a hard coating of sugar, and these delicacies were served at many important banquets.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, the name Jordan almond may have originated from the French word "jardin," which means garden. Others say Jordan almonds resemble a variety of almond that grows along the Jordan River in Palestine.

Nowadays, the term "Jordan almonds" is used to describe any and all candy-coated almonds.

In Greece, where Jordan almonds are known as "koufeta,"

tradition suggests that when a female guest places the packet of almonds under her pillow she will dream about the man she will marry. In Middle Eastern countries, Jordan almonds are considered an aphrodisiac.

Almonds are traditionally given in odd numbers, which are indivisible, symbolizing how the newlyweds will share everything equally and remain undivided, and Jordan almonds are often given five at a time. Each almond represents a quality guests wish for the couple getting married: health, fertility, wealth, longevity, and happiness. The combination of bitter almonds and sweet sugar are representations of a couple's life together, with the hopes that the newlywed's experiences will be more sweet than bitter.

Jordan almonds are usually packaged in a small bag or piece of fabric, though some couples tuck them inside a small, decorative box. Couples thinking about using almonds may include the following poem: Five sugared almonds for each guest to eat, To remind us that life is both bitter and sweet.

Five wishes for the new husband and wife -Health, wealth, happiness, children, and a long life!

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Rebecca and Ben

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e live in Dallas, Texas but our families and friends live all over the country, so we knew a lot of our guests would have to travel to attend. Because of that, Ben and I decided early-on that we wanted to have a destination wedding that would offer something special for everyone in attendance. When Ben and I flew out to Asheville to see Biltmore Estate, we were blown away with how gorgeous the house and the countryside were! Needless to say, it didn’t take much convincing for us to commit to having our wedding there.

But the beauty of the Biltmore couldn't keep the rain away as I awoke to a hard steady rain the morning of my wedding day. As I got my hair and make-up done in the room at the Inn on Biltmore Estate, my anxiety grew: our wedding ceremony was to take place outside at the Butterfly Garden and it had yet to stop raining. I was certain the day was destined for disaster. Luckily, the rain cleared just in time for us to do the “first look� on the lawn of the Inn and stayed away for the remainder of the day. In the end, the clouds provided amazing lighting for all of the great photos and parted for a gorgeous, sun-filled ceremony that evening.

The rest of the day went off without a hitch, as well. A horse-drawn carriage carried my dad and me through the garden to the ceremony and, as I descended the steps, I was able to take in how stunning it had all turned out. Our reception, held inside the conservatory, was absolutely beautiful and I only wish there had been more time to visit with each one of our friends and family.

I really have to thank my mom, Barbara Case, and our wedding consultant, Mary Bell, for taking the lead in planning this wedding. I felt strongly about picking out the location and my dress, but I really wanted help with everything else. They did a fantastic job of taking what vision I did have and turning it into an incredible experience.

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Our Top 5 Moments 1 My dress. That thing is the most amazing piece of clothing I’ve ever owned.

2 Spending time with my mom during every step of the process.

She is amazingly supportive and surprisingly well-suited to wedding planning. Maybe we should do this every year, Mom?

3 Honestly, my eye-roll was palpable when it was suggested I

enter the ceremony on a horse-drawn carriage and it took some convincing for me to come around. As it turned out, the time my dad and I spent sitting in that carriage waiting for our entrance cue was an incredible bonding experience and one of my favorite memories from the day.

4 My Maid of Honor’s toast. I have to give it up to the incomparable Emily Scott for writing a speech on the fly that made me laugh so hard and uncontrollably that all the photos of me from that 5 minutes are basically unusable.

5 Marrying Ben. He’s the smartest and funniest guy I’ve ever known.

I love him more than anything and I’m proud to be his wife!

Bride: Rebecca Case • Groom: Ben Redfield Ceremony Location: The Butterfly Garden at the Biltmore Estate Reception Location: The Conservatory at the Biltmore Estate Bride’s Dress: Monique L. huillier • Bridesmaid’s Dress: Monique Lhuillier • Groom’s and Groomsman Attire: Jos A Bank Planning: Mary Bell Events • Photography: Two Rings Studios • Florist: Flower Gallery of Asheville Hair: Adorn Salon • Make-Up: Kayce Young • Catering: Biltmore Catering • Ceremony Officiant: Rev. Dusty Rubeck Transportation: Blue Ridge Limousine; Biltmore Horse and Carriage Musicians: Ginger Kowal, Nancy Steffa and Frances Doff

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Wedding Thank-You Cards Etiquette

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eddings and gifts go hand-in-hand. Couples who are tying the knot can expect to receive scores of gifts, ranging from simple well-wishes to cash to items listed on their registries. Because gift-giving is tradition, couples should plan on spending some time writing thank-you notes to express gratitude to the people who were kind enough to give a gift.

Contrary to popular belief, couples do not have a year's grace period to mail out thank-you notes after the gift has been received or the wedding has taken place. According to the etiquette experts at The Emily Post Institute, all thank-you cards should be written and mailed within three months of receipt of a gift. It is preferable that the thank-you be written directly after receipt of the gift, but timestrapped couples may not have the opportunity to do so. However, writing a few thank-you cards every few days can alleviate having a giant pile to do later on.

Many couples prefer to order thank-you stationery when they order their wedding invitations. This way the paper, font and style match the original invitations. In addition, it may be less expensive to order stationery as a package.

In some cases, a photography package may include thank-you notes with wallet-sized photos to include. Couples can then mail out a nice sentiment with a photo from the wedding. To keep with the etiquette time frame of thank-you notes, it is important to find out when the thank-you photos and cards will arrive first from the photographer. The thank-you sentiments should not be delayed by the photographer.

For those interested in less expensive options, preprinted thankyou cards can be purchased at a stationery store. There are many designs and price points available. Remember, it is not the card itself, but the thank-you that is important.

As to the rules regarding those getting a thank-you, it is just about anyone who contributed in some part to the wedding, even if a verbal thanks was already offered. Anyone who provided an engagement, shower or wedding gift, those who gave gifts of money, anyone who hosted a party or shower, attendants in the wedding, people who may have housed wedding guests, parents of the bride and groom, suppliers and vendors, and employers who have wished couples well should all be included on the thank-you list.

Here are some other guidelines to follow.

•Mail out a handwritten note to each and every person being thanked.

•Do not use form letters or preprinted cards to which you simply add your signature.

•Be sincere in your messages and try to mention the gift and what it will be used for.

•Promptly respond to gifts that were received through the mail so the giver knows they arrived.

•Never mention that you plan to return a gift or exchange it.

•Mentioning the amount of a monetary gift is optional, but it does confirm to the giver that the right amount was received.

•A mass thank-you posted on social media is not adequate.

•Even if you are late with writing out thank-you notes, that doesn't exclude you from doing so.

By adhering to thank-you card etiquette, couples will ensure their guests know that gifts and efforts to make the wedding special were appreciated.

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Kristin and Chad 38 | I Do! Fall/Winter 2014

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always wanted a country yet elegant fall wedding. There is something magical about a ceremony outside when the leaves have started to change. Chad and I visited T & S Farms and we knew we had found the perfect place for us to say “I Do”.

Our family and friends played such a huge part in the planning and preparation of our wedding. My aunt did all the flowers. My mom made all our hair pieces. Friends helped me make the ribbon wands that were waved when we left our reception. I made our wishing trees from imported manzanita tree branches. Chad’s parents and my cousin had trees cut down to make our centerpieces. We had so many beautiful handmade pieces. There were personal touches incorporated into everything. I couldn’t possibly list them all.

We were surrounded by green pastures, old southern trees, stood in front of a pond with a fountain and what every country wedding needs, a red barn. The fall colors complimented my wedding colors of navy blue and orange perfectly. It was everything we envisioned our wedding to be and more. Our only problem was keeping all of the football fans updated on the scores during the reception.

The day of the wedding our family and close friends, some from out of town, arrived early to help set up and decorate the venue for the ceremony and reception. We could never thank them enough for all the work that they put into making our day a dream come true. We look back on that day and know that we wouldn’t have changed a thing. We were surrounded by our loved ones and had a perfect wedding!

Top 5 Memories 1 My daughter Trinity walking me down the aisle and giving me away.

2 The look on my Chad’s face when he turned around and saw me for the first time for our “First Look” photos.

3 Seeing my Poppa and Granny arrive in time to do our family photos before the ceremony.

4 My mother and sister Mary helping me put on my wedding dress.

5 My God daughter Miley being brought in to see me right before I walked down the aisle.

Bride: Kristin Turner Groom: Chad Hoover Venue: T & S Farms Photographer: Ashley Uhl Photography Hair: Felicia Long Catering: Shealy’s BBQ Cake: Lorrie Whitaker DJ: Jack Parker

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Eclectic

Winter Wedding Looks ~ Styles ~ Themes

Create a wedding in wonderland using clocks, tea cups, keys, and of course, a white rabbit.

MODEL: RIKKI WALKER

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A top hat, gears, and light bulbs add a steam punk feel.

MODEL: CHLOE OWENS

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Elegant filigree & flowers placed in cages complement the bride's romantic crystal - laden dress.

MODEL: PATRICIA WILSON

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Mad for mod: clean lines and a pop of polka dots complement the bride's retro hair and makeup.

PHOTOGRAPHER: AUDREY GOFORTH PHOTOGRAPHY BRIDAL DRESSES AND ACCESSORIES: WEDDING INSPIRATIONS STEAM PUNK BRIDE GOGGLES: JO DOYLE STEAM PUNK BRIDE TOP HAT: THE COSTUME SHOPPE AND BOUTIQUE HAIR: CHARLOTTE MURPHY FOR ANANDA STUDIO MAKEUP: TRACY CALADRON FOR ANANDA STUDIO FLORAL AND SET DESIGN: MANDY OF AN ENGLISH FLOWER COTTAGE

MODEL: TESS MILLER

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Problem: Who should be on the “must invite” list for my bridal shower? I don’t want to make it too expensive for my maid of honor and bridesmaids, but I also don’t want to miss anyone who should be there!

Solution: You are certainly not obligated to invite every woman who is attending your wedding, that could get very expensive depending on the size of your wedding guest list. The bridal shower guest list really need only include your closest female friends and relatives (and your fiance’s mom, sisters, and other close female friends and family). If you have close friends who live far away, you can always send a shower invitation as a gesture to let them know they’re important to you, but you realize they probably won’t be able to make both the shower AND the wedding.

Problem: My fiance’s sister is special to us both and I want to find some way to include her in the wedding, but all the main tasks are already covered. How can I include her in a meaningful way that doesn’t seem like an afterthought?

Solution: Instead of trying to come up with a new task for your future sister-in-law, one that you might not really need or might actually keep her from enjoying her time, consider another way to let her know she’s important to you. You could invite her to do a reading or simply get her a special corsage to signify she’s someone important to you.

Wediquette Written by Carrie Harder Problem: My question relates to life after the wedding.

I have a clean, sleek decorating style and my finance has collections and knick knacks everywhere. I don’t want to have the first fight of our marriage while we decide what to bring with us to our new house! Any tips for how to join our aesthetics and advice for compromising?

Solution: It’s hard enough moving your own stuff, much less merging two peoples stuff! Before you make the move, get together and look at all of your mutual stuff. Try both making lists of your top 10 must have pieces and write down why each of those items are important to you. Sharing your lists should give some insight and help you in setting up your new home.

Problem: What’s the best way to let people know about our registry without being tacky?

Solution: Word of mouth is usually the best way to keep people in the loop, so make sure your parents and wedding party know where you’re registered for sure. Many people have websites for their wedding these days too, and the registries may be linked there, making it really easy to keep those who wish to buy gifts informed without having any awkward conversations!

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Problem: Do the grooms and groomsmen’s tuxedoes have to match? Several of them already own tuxes and want to wear their own. Will this look okay?

Solution: It certainly makes sense to use what you already have. It should be okay, but have them come together on ties and boutonnieres. They can choose colors that match the bridesmaid dresses for a nice cohesive look for the whole wedding party.

Problem: I’ve recently been asked to be a bridesmaid for the first time. Can you give me an idea of what kind of duties may be expected of me?

Solution: In general, bridesmaids assist with the planning and all the events leading up to the wedding. You may be asked to do things like address invitations or, if you have a knack for event planning, you could be a good choice for reception venue research, etc. The bride will probably have more errands than she imagined in the days leading up to the wedding, so offering to pick up flowers or other needed items will be much appreciated. You are not required to throw the bridal shower or bachelorette party, but it often makes sense for the group of bridesmaids to plan the events together after consulting with the bride. During the wedding festivities you can expect to help with all the little details that will keep the day running smoothly, as well as participating in photos and activities such as a receiving line or bouquet toss.

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For details, call 828.210.0340 or email editor@sophiemagazine.com Fall/Winter 2014 I Do! | 47

Taryn and Brian

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sheville has had our hearts for years and we escape to the little slice of paradise every chance we get, so choosing the perfect place for our destination wedding was a piece of cake. My Mom and I made two trips to Asheville and with the help of Mary Bell from Mary Bell Events the planning process was easy!

We chose to get married over July 4th weekend so our guests could get the true Asheville experience and be able to have a nice long weekend in our favorite city. Friends and family started arriving as early as Wednesday and we treated them to what we felt was a true Asheville experience.

We visited Sky Bar, went on a private brewery and historic Asheville tour, had an amazing rehearsal dinner at Asheville Brewing Co., a bachelorette party downtown, and had a bridesmaid’s brunch at Mayfel’s.

Our wedding day was truly the most remarkable day. Marta and Jon at The Venue and Mary Bell took care of absolutely everything. I can truly say I had zero stress on the wedding day and I was 100% focused on marrying the man of my dreams that evening. We wanted our ceremony to be intimate and genuine and our party to be a true celebration.

Mission accomplished! I’ll never forget walking in to The Venue to see it filled with soft candle light and our closest friends and family, hanging on to my Dad’s arm, kissing my Mom at the end of the aisle, and then making the most special promise. We spent the day with the most cherished people in our lives and the next morning, when we woke up, we were married! We feel so blessed that everyday marriage continues to make our life sweeter and sweeter.

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Our Top 5 Moments 1 Our First Look. This is hands down the most sensational

memory of our day! We were back and forth, not wanting to break the tradition of not seeing each other before the wedding, but ultimately we decided to go for it. It was the best decision we ever made. My Dad walked me to the center of the bridge at the botanical gardens and left me with my groom. Brian’s parents and my parent’s stood at the end of the bridge when I spun Brian around and we got our first glimpse of each other. The intimate moment and hour of time we spent together with just each other and our parents, toasting glasses of Biltmore champagne, is a moment that can never be recreated.

2 Our First Dance. Brian isn’t a dancer so when he came

home from work one day and said that he had the perfect song for our first dance I was pretty blown away. He suggested Babel, by Mumford and Sons, which speaks to our hearts but isn’t the easiest to dance to. We discussed choreographing but time slipped away and we decided to wing it. Brian took the lead and had our guests (and me!) laughing so hard they were crying.

3 My letter. At the end of the night, when we got back

to the hotel room, Brian handed me an envelope and said, “I think you should read this”. I opened it and it was a handwritten letter from him, on stationary he found at the Mast General Store, that he had written early in the morning over coffee and had been carrying around in his coat pocket. They were the sweetest words. What a perfect way to end the night!

4 Seeing our parent’s faces after we said “I Do”. After we

shared a pretty awesome kiss, we turned around to face our guests. The band started playing Wagon Wheel and we got to see our parents in the front row. They looked so genuinely happy and to know that they were sitting behind us when we said “I Do” and will be standing behind us throughout our marriage is something we will be eternally grateful for.

5 Hanging out with our guests. There are very few times in life that you get to have all of your family and best friends in the same place at the same time. We spent the morning separately with the very best bridesmaids and groomsmen, had some time away to celebrate with just each other and our parents, and then partied the night away with our guests. Though our vendors were all sensational, it was having our friends and family there that made the night!

Bride: Taryn ANDRICKS • Groom: Brian Kendrick Wedding Coordinator: Mary Bell Events Venue: The Venue • Cake: Tiffany’s Baking Co. Photography: Captured by Clark Photography Flowers: The Flower Gallery Makeup: Wendy Balance, Blush Band: Melonbelly Videography: Grae Skye Studio Trolley: Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville Hotel: The Renaissance Pastor: Fred Werhan

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Sealed With A Kiss TARYN & BRIAN KENDRICK

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