Premier Bride of Hampton Roads the Outer Banks of North Carolina Summer/Fall 2013 by Jennifer Creative

Contact Erin Eissens (757) 490-6300 EEISSENS@CYPRESSPOINTGOLF.COM

Cypress Point Country Club | 5340 Club Head Road | Virginia Beach

Where Dreams Meet Reality

PhotoS by lAurA tAylor

ProfeSSionAl DJ ServiCe

~ ~ reCePtion AnD Ceremony ~ uPlighting ~ guArAnteeD fAir PriCing

online PlAnning & muSiC SeleCtion AvAilAble

The DJ for our wedding did a fantastic job!! He was very easy to talk to and make plans with! I felt like the price we paid was a great deal for the time that we got and my whole family loved the choices in music that he played! I also was happy that he played all the types of music that I asked for and the songs that I requested! We had a great reception! Thanks again! â&#x20AC;&#x201C; review

Serving vA & nC

757.275.8000 | 252.506.0700 www.bigdreamsentinc.com

from PASt Client

OF HAMPTON ROADS AND THE OUTER BANKS OF NORTH CAROLINA

HIGHLIGHTS:

IN EVERY ISSUE:

10 11 32 68 84 111 107 124

48 Beauty 41 Cakes 76 Catering 108 Financial Planning & Insurance 38 Flowers 5 Gowns 34 Invitations 27 Marriage Laws 103 Music & Entertainment

Bridal Attire Guide Summer/Fall 2013 Fashion Preview Jewelers Guide Reception & Rehearsal Dinner Guide Featured Wedding Honeymoon & Destination Locations Bridal Shows Directory of Services

Visit premierbride.com/planning to download our full Planning tool Publishers CHRISTY TOLLIVER Art Director JENNIFER ERDMAN jennifererdman.com Executive Publishers

SCOTT BROWN BETH MANGUS

SCOTT BROWN

General Manager

Contributing Writers

STEPHANIE BROWN RACHELLE DRAGANI KELSEY LAWLER BLAIR SCROGGS

101 Photo Booths 93 Photography 54 Reception 45 Registry 82 Rentals 63 Rehearsal Dinners 28 Rings 100 Transportation 86 Wedding Coordinators

Contributing Photographers artists-eyes.com denisfelber.com filcsikphoto.com lucyparkerphotography.com lusterstudios.com spottswoodphotography.com over & Fashion Photography JMT STUDIOS C CHARLOTTE, NC

Fashion Director & Stylist

Hair & Makeup

BETH MANGUS CARI CARPENTER KELLY COULTER ANGELA RABON

FOR ADVERTISING OR INTERNET INFORMATION, WRITE OR CALL PREMIER BRIDE AT: CHRISTY TOLLIVER, PUBLISHER – CHRISTY@PREMIERBRIDE.COM – (757) 810-2212 COPYRIGHT©2013 iWed, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in any manner of editorial or graphic content herein without the express written permission of iWed, Inc. is strictly prohibited. All images created by Ross Whitaker are reprinted with permission from HarperCollins, 1997 “The Perfect Wedding”

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Congratulations on this very exciting time in your lives! Getting married is a rite of passage that will be a very rewarding, challenging and CHRISTY TOLLIVER happy time. christy@premierbride.com Finding your true love is a blessing. Planning your wedding day should be fun, emotional and memorable. Use the pages of Premier Bride to help you along the way. Collect magazines, surf the Internet and go to bridal shows. These will all help you decide what best represents both the bride and the groom, because that’s what the day is all about! There are so many ways to make the day unique. Your guests should walk away feeling like that your wedding was a memory that they will always remember. Whether they danced the night away, ate the best food in town or visited a fantastic location…they will never forget it. Oh and you will have the pictures to prove it. Here’s a hint…spend a good portion of your budget on a photographer. You will not regret it 20+ years from now when you are sharing your memories with your grandchildren. However you choose to spend the day, we at Premier Bride wish you the very best!

Photo by Keith Cephus Photography

Letter from the E or

Absolutely everything for your wedding! Both LocaL LocaL and nationa ationaL L! idea dea and Picture Galleries

Local Wedding Vendors and More!

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 3

One

COMMITMENT

Deserves

ANOTHER

VOTED BEST OF 2012 ~ VIRGINIA LIVING MAGAZINE VOTED 50 BEST NATIONWIDE IN 2011 ~ BRIDES MAGAZINE Personalized, Full-Service Showroom for the Bride, Groom and the Entire Bridal Party On-Premise Alterations & Custom Gown Designers Endless Resources from Our In-House Wedding Planning Studio, Floral Designer & Photographer 12 Best Square, Norfolk • 461-1690 • mayacouture.com

The only bridal appointment you’ll ever have to make.

jmtfoto.com

Gowns 6 easY sTeps to the gown of your dreams

Everyone knows they can’t try to upstage the bride on her wedding day, and that means one thing –you’ve got to make sure your dress is up for the challenge! Some ladies have dreamt of their gown since before they can remember, but for others finding the dress is a nightmare. Before you start looking here are some tips:4 www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 5

GOWNS Have a trusting team. Invite along friends or family who will be honest yet accommodating with you. If a dress is unflattering, you want them to speak up, but don’t invite someone who wants to control how you’ll look on your day – the ultimate decision is yours, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about that. Keep an open mind. It’s helpful to have an idea of what you want, but don’t be afraid to wiggle outside your comfort zone. You might be pleasantly surprised with the results and make a statement walking down the aisle!

Elegant, Affordable Style for Your Entire Wedding Party

Bridal Gowns by Mori Lee, Impression, Davinci, Alfred Angelo and Casablanca

Maid’s and Mom’s gowns by Dessy, Jordan, Jasmine, Bill Levkoff and more...

Tuxedo Rentals available from Jim’s Formal Wear and Tuxedo Central located in picturesque Elizabeth City, NC 45 miles from the Outer Banks and Hampton Roads

Louisa’s BridaL

106 Capital Trace | Elizabeth City, NC 27909

252-338-8965 | www.louisasbridal.com 6 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

Get treated right. Make sure your service is topnotch. Your dress is one of the most important and memorable parts of one of the biggest days of your life, so you should be taken care of like a queen. You need to be able to trust a consultant to take care of every aspect of your dress-buying experience. Make sure they address how they’ll deal with alterations and other practical matters. Also, be mindful they’re not slacking but are truly showing you all your options while staying within your price range. Your happiness should be their top priority. If you don’t feel comfortable, do NOT be afraid to ask for a different representative or go somewhere else. As for styles, it´s an exciting time to shop. Strapless still reigns, but the market is constantly expanding. Trends like bold colors, asymmetrical hemlines, whimsical trims and dramatic backs are challenging conventional designs. For brides that don’t know where to start, bridal magazines and on-line sites can be a great resource. Remember

GOWNS styles of dresses you’ve loved on yourself in the past. When you see something you like, create a file of your favorites and bring them along when you visit a wedding boutique. It’s helpful to have an idea of what you want, but don’t be afraid to wiggle outside your comfort zone. You might be pleasantly surprised with the results and make a statement walking down the aisle! Here are some of the latest and greatest from the world of bridal fashion: COLOR. Traditional white gowns will always have a place, but it’s not the only option. Romona Keveza has a flowertrimmed robin´s egg blue, Vera Wang embraced a soft blush for a layered gown and Oscar de la Renta showed green skirts and even a dramatic black with striking white butterfly accents. If you don´t want to transition totally away from white, try fading into color, like this Junko Yoshioka. The silky strapless gown starts in an off-white and gently swirls into an asymmetrical yellow train for a pastel spin on a timeless look. Or, go for a bold accent like this look from Anthropologie with a black bow and red shoes. LEGS! Short dresses have always been fun for a switch into a more casual reception dress, but they’re gaining popularity down the aisle. They show off your legs or a great shoe, and come as light-hearted or couture as you like. Project Runway´s Carol Hannah has some flirty, affordable frocks. No one will elegantly show off your curves more than Alfred Angelo´s ´Little White Dress´collection, while Oscar de la Renta has whipped up a more show-stopping number with full skirts. For tee-length, princess options, try a whimsical dress from Rosa Clara.

STRAPLESS’S NEW RIVAL. The one shoulder option is second to strapless, which means the once edgy look now has classic and elegant options. Try a decorative bow, flower or design on the strap, like this Jenny Packham dress. For a less dramatic design, try something like Imogen from Carolina Herrera´s 2011 bridal line, with a simple tulle cap sleeve that gently stems from an easily sloping neckline. Also popular is a folded, asymmetrical look, like Oscar de la Rentashows . (Asymmetrical hemlines are also very in!) COVER UP. Sleeves are back, but not the padded shoulders and too-beaded sleeves of our mothers. Monique Lhuillier´s Addie is a perfect example of sheer sleeves extending from a sleek v-neck to shape a slender arm on any body type. For an updated Grace Kelly look, intricate lace sleeves that don´t remind you of doilies are beautiful from designers like Kelima. Cap sleeves are also popular, especially the detachable type for a different look between ceremony and reception or a lace overlay over the neckline, like many Claire Pettibone gowns. TRIMS. Trims as accents are becoming the perfect way to make a simple gown dazzle. Melissa Sweet, ReemAcra, RomonaKeveza and Anthropologie scattered ruffles, tiny butterflies or even feathers down the dress to add personality to a classic design. BACK IS THE NEW BLACK. After all, it’s a long way down the aisle, and throughout the ceremony and first dance that’s what your guests will see. Silky, knotted backs the Eslava or Enfasis from Rosa Clara enliven the gown and let a strong, beautiful back poke through.

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LOOKING AND FEELING GREAT from head to toe Many brides feel the “Big Day” is a huge incentive to make physical changes that will make them look and feel their absolute best. The changes can be big or small, but the goal is really to feel great, not just for your big day, but ideally for a lifetime! Read on for some ideas on how to look great from head to toe. Consider a personal trainer With the wedding as a specific incentive, now is the time to adopt a healthy, active attitude for life. To get you off on the right foot, consider hiring a personal trainer, they can craft the most efficient workout for you and your goals – say, having strong, lean arms and shoulders for your strapless wedding dress. Also, making a commitment to a trainer greatly increases your odds of following through on workouts! Healthy eating While the experts may continue to squabble over the details, we all know the obvious: eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats, and eat less fast food, processed foods, high fructose corn syrup, white sugar, white flour, and unhealthy fats. A beautiful smile With all of the advancements in dentistry over the last decade, whitening your teeth, making them straighter or fixing a specific problem is easier than it’s ever been. Your first step is to schedule consultations with two or three dentists, to discuss your specific situation and options. This is one change that will last a lifetime and can make a dramatic difference in your appearance, depending on your situation, so it’s well 8 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

worth a little legwork. For a less expensive option, over-the-counter whitners can also be effective, check with your dentist for recommendations. Non-surgical skin procedures From chemical peels to microdermabrasion, from Botox to collagen, the options are endless, and growing every day. Find a dermatologist that you feel comfortable with, by scheduling consultations with at least two or three of them. Be specific about your goals: do you want to reduce wrinkles? Eliminate acne scars? Have fresher, smoother skin? Key considerations include how long does the procedure last, how much recovery time is needed, and the cost. If you do go ahead with a procedure, leave a cushion of time before the wedding, just in case your recovery takes a little longer than usual. Improve your posture Here’s a quick fix to a longer, leaner, better looking you – improve your posture! The time we spend driving, hunched over our computers and slouched in front of the TV is not good for our posture. Stand and sit up straight, head and shoulders back, it’s a simple way to enhance your appearance and improve your health. If back problems are the cause of poor posture, consider a personal trainer, a chiropractor, therapist or a yoga class. Above all, the best beauty secret is attitude – feeling confident and happy. Nothing shines brighter than the smile of a woman who feels good about herself, and is filled with contentment, love and joy. May that be YOU on your wedding day!

Photo: Hair & Make-Up: Natasha Fairbanks and Andra Rosenberg

The DAY SPA

Countdown to your wedding day Our 12 week wedding beauty program covers everything for you and your bridal party. Personal consultations, Skin care, Hair and Nail treatments, Make up and much more. Whether it’s a pedicure party, day of pampering complete with a cafe lunch, or individual custom packages, Salon Vivace will provide a blissful day for you and your group. Please call one of our spa consultants who will be pleased to arrange a complimentary personal consultation and preview visit.

Newport News Shops at Oyster Point Virginia Beach Chambord Commons Chesapeake Hanbury Village Williamsburg New Town Center Richmond Carytown

757.873.1775 757.463.1231 757.482.5790 757.220.9411 804.565.9000

w w w .s a lo n v iv a c e .c om Also in The Greenbrier Resort, WV; Charlotte, NC; Pittsburgh, PA; Los Angeles, CA and Toronto, Canada

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BRIDAL ATTIRE GUIDE Shop Name and Address

Phone Number / Website

Store Hours

757-491-1418 atrvb.com

Mon-Thu 10-8; Fri 10-6 Sat 10-6; Sun 12-5 (Seasonal, call)

757-549-8228 eveningformals.com

Mon-Thu 10-6 Fri 10-5; Sat 10-4

757-962-1466 avaclarabridal.com

Tue-Sat 10-5 Sun 11-3

757-788-8812 bfbride.com

Tues-Fri 10-7 Sat 10-5; Sun 10-2

BLACK TIE AFFAIR BOUTIQUE

252-449-4889 blacktie-affair.com

Mon-Fri 10-5; Sat 10-2 Sun By Appointment

BLUSH BRIDAL CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE

757-595-7797 blushgowns.com

By Appointment

804-642-5157 bridalboutiqueofgloucester.com

Hours: Monday – Saturday 9am – 6pm

757-868-7008 divineboutiquellc.com

Mon-Wed 10-7 Thurs-Fri 10-5 Sat 9-4; Sun Closed Mon-Tues 10-7; Wed 10-5 Thurs-Fri 10-7; Sat 10-5

ALL THE RAGE

Hilltop Shopping Center 1556 Laskin Rd., Suite 144, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

AN EVENING OUT

Bridesmaids, Tuxedos and Prom Dresses 701 N. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23320

AVA CLARA COUTURE BRIDAL

401 N. Great Neck Rd., Suite 119, Virginia Beach, VA 23454

BAREFOOT BRIDE

118 E. Mellen St., Phoebus, VA 23663 3105 N. Croatan Hwy #10, Seagate North, Mile Post 5.5 Kill Devils Hills, NC 27948 Port Warwick Shopping Center 185 Herman Melville Ave., Newport News, VA 23606

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE OF GLOUCESTER

4435 George Washington Memorial Hwy., Hayes, VA

DIVINE BOUTIQUE

538-A Wythe Creek Rd., Poquoson, VA 23662

FRENCH TOUCH FORMALS

5394 Kemps River Drive #102, Virginia Beach, VA 23464

THE INSPIRED BRIDE

757-938-9192/757-938-9194 frenchtouchformals.com 757-345-0008 TheInspiredBride.com

By Appointment

LOUISA’S BRIDAL

252-338-8965 louisasbridal.com

Mon-Fri. 11-6; Sat 10-4

MAYA COUTURE

757-461-1690 mayacouture.com

Mon-Thu 11-7; Fri 10-5 Sat 10-6; Sun 12-4

(757) 383-8021 miguelscustomclothiers.com miguelsformalwear.com 757-282-3787 Once-Upon-A-Wedding.co

By Appointment

757-631-9810 pureenglishbridal.com

Mon-Sat 10-6 By Appointment

757-631-2525 silkbridal.net

Tues-Sat 10-5

757-229-5004 williamsburgbridalandformal.com

Tues, Wed, Fri 10-6 Thurs 12-6; Sat 10-5

5560 Foundation Street, Williamsburg, VA 23188 106 Capital Trace, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 12 Best Square, Norfolk VA 23502

MIGUEL’S CUSTOM CLOTHIERS & FORMAL WEAR MIGUEL’S FORMAL WEAR

3921 Poplar Hill Rd Suite A, Chesapeake, VA 23321

ONCE UPON A WEDDING

3609 Shoreline Dr., Portsmouth, VA 23703

PURE ENGLISH

La Promenade Shops 1860 Laskin Rd., Ste 110, Virginia Beach, Va 23454

SILK BRIDAL CONSIGNMENT

Chambord Commons 332 N. Great Neck Rd., Ste 108, Virginia Beach, VA 23454

WILLIAMSBURG BRIDAL & FORMAL

Shops at Atrawberry Cove 3709C-1 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188

Featured Weddings

Share your story (or read others) from the first kiss to the incredible honeymoon in our “featured wedding” gallery at

10 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

By Appointment

fashion preview S U M M E R / F A L L 2 013

GOWN: MARK ZUNINO, STYLE: 32472060

kleinfeldbridal.com JEWELRY:

kristinmorris.com karenlindnerdesigns.com jupiterjewelry.com HAIR PIECE: BLOOM BAZAAR HAIR STYLIST: ANGELA RABON MAKE UP ARTISTRY BY ANGELA RABON

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GOWN: CLAIRE PETTIBONE, STYLE: RENEE

clairepettibone.com JEWELRY:

Enchantedatelier.com HAIR PIECE: BLOOM BAZAAR HAIR STYLIST: ANGELA RABON MAKE UP ARTISTRY BY KELLY COULTER

12 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

GOWN: INES DI SANTO, STYLE: HEPBURN

inesdisanto.com JEWELRY:

kristinmorris.com HAIR & MAKEUP: CARI CARPENTER

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GOWN: EUGENIA COUTURE, STYLE: 3801

eugeniacouture.com JEWELRY:

kristinmorris.com vahanjewelry.com tiffany.com HAIR STYLIST: ANGELA RABON MAKE UP ARTISTRY BY CARI CARPENTER

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GOWN: CLAIRE PETTIBONE, STYLE: QUEENANNE’S LACE

clairepettibone.com JEWELRY:

tiffany.com HAIR STYLIST: ANGELA RABON MAKE UP ARTISTRY BY ANGELA RABON

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GOWN: PNINA TORNAI, STYLE: 32614299

pninatornai.com JEWELRY:

tiffany.com HAIR ACCESSORY: BLOOM BAZAAR HAIR & MAKEUP: KELLY COULTER

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GOWN: LAZARO, STYLE: LZ3153

jlmcouture.com/lazaro JEWELRY:

tiffany.com HAIR & MAKEUP: CARI CARPENTER

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 17

GOWN: PNINA TORNAI, STYLE: 32614349

pninatornai.com JEWELRY:

kristinmorris.com tiffany.com HAIR STYLIST: ANGELA RABON MAKE UP ARTISTRY BY CARI CARPENTER

18 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

GOWN: MARK ZUNINO, STYLE: 32593568 JEWELRY:

kristinmorris.com enchantedatelier.com tiffany.com HAIR STYLIST: ANGELA RABON MAKE UP ARTISTRY BY CARI CARPENTER

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 19

GOWN: PNINA TORNAI, STYLE: 32614307

pninatornai.com JEWELRY:

tiffany.com karenlindnerdesigns.com HAIR & MAKEUP: KELLY COULTER

20 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

GOWN: PIXTON COUTURE STYLE: ASHLEY BEADED CORSET

Pixtonbridal.com JEWELRY:

kristinhayes.com HAI R & MAKEUP: CARI CARPENTER

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GOWN: RANIA HATOUM, STYLE: DAKOTA

www raniahatoum.com JEWELRY:

kristinmorris.com tiffany.com HAIR STYLIST: ANGELA RABON MAKE UP ARTISTRY BY CARI CARPENTER

22 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

GOWN: CLAIRE PETTIBONE, STYLE: KRISTENE

clairepettibone.com JEWELRY:

tiffany.com HAIR STYLIST: ANGELA RABON MAKE UP ARTISTRY BY CARI CARPENTER

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GOWN: LAZARO, STYLE: 32397259

jlmcouture.com/lazaro JEWELRY:

kristinmorris.com tiffany.com enchantedatelier.com HAIR & MAKEUP: KELLY COULTER

24 â&#x20AC;˘ PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

GOWN: PNINA TORNAI, STYLE: 32503997

pninatornai.com JEWELRY:

kristinmorris.com tiffany.com enchantedatelier.com HAIR STYLIST: ANGELA RABON MAKE UP ARTISTRY BY CARI CARPENTER

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 25

GOWN: CLAIRE PETTIBONE, STYLE: TOULOUSE

clairepettibone.com JEWELRY:

tiffany.com kristinmorris.com mujusjewelry.com HAIR & MAKEUP: KELLY COULTER

26 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

LawsMARRIAGE LAWS

Proof of Age (Driver’s License, Birth Certificate, Passport or Military ID) is Required

VIRGINIA:

NORTH CAROLINA:

Legal age is 18, under 18 must provide written notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian. No blood test required. Both in party must apply in person. Know the complete full names of both parents, including mother’s maiden names. License is issued in the city where either the bride or groom reside. Valid immediately up to 60 days. $30 fee (cash only).

Legal age is 18, under 18 must provide written notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian. For applicants under 21 a birth certificate is required. No blood test is required Both in party can apply in person, or have a notarized document explaining why the other person is absent and a copy of his/her signature. The county may have an affidavit for you to fill out, sign and return, obtained from the register of deeds office in any county. In addition to ID bring your Social Security card or proof of Social Security number. Valid immediately up to 60 days. $50 fee (cash only).

Chesapeake Hampton Gloucester Newport News Norfolk Portsmouth Smithfield Suffolk Virginia Beach Williamsburg Yorktown

757-382-3000 757-727-6105 804-693-2502 757-926-8561 757-664-4380 757-393-8158 757-365-6233 757-514-7800 757-385-4181 757-564-2242 757-890-3350

Currituck County Dare County Hyde County Pasquotank County Camden County

252-232-3297 252-473-3438 252-926-4198 252-335-4367 252-338-1919

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR INDIVIDUAL CITY OFFICES Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. It is important that you verify all information before making any wedding or travel plans.

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 27

spottswoodphotography.com

blackdog.pro

pbtip pbtip

dennisfelber.com

Is your ring insured?

As soon as bring your engagement ring home, make sure that your insurance policy is updated to offer adequate protection in the event of a loss or theft.

28 â&#x20AC;˘ PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

dennisfelber.com

Rings The CIRCLe oF LoVe: understanding the basics

It’s amazing, the power of a piece of jewelry to convey so much meaning… Engagement rings and wedding bands represent the never-ending love you have for each other, and let the whole world know you are married! Besides the exquisite beauty of wedding rings, there is a lot to know about metals, diamonds, and the care involved. This “Ring Primer” will help you understand all the basics.4 www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 29

RINGS KNOW YOUR METALS Gold Gold is classic, beautiful and popular. Pure gold is too soft for practical use, so it’s mixed with other metals for jewelry. 14-karat gold retains its brilliant gold color, but is durable enough for daily wear, and can be polished easily. White gold White gold is made by mixing pure gold with other white metals such as silver, palladium or zinc. It does have a slightly yellow tint, unless it’s coated with a very white metal called rhodium. This provides a very white metal look, but it’s likely that it will need to be re-coated every one to two years as the rhodium wears away. Platinum Extremely popular in the last decade or so, platinum is a very white, heavy (which many people like that substantial feel), and durable metal. It’s a gorgeous, long-lasting compliment to diamonds! Popular demand for this metal has driven the price up quite a bit, and maintenance is more complicated than gold. Palladium A “sister” metal to platinum, palladium is a naturally white metal (whiter than white gold), and like platinum, it is strong, non-tarnishing and hypoallergenic. It’s also less expensive than platinum, making it a good metal to consider if you like the white metal look. Titanium and tungsten carbide Usually used for men’s wedding bands, both of these metals are extremely durable, 100% hypoallergenic and relatively inexpensive. Titanium can be 30 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

oxidized to create some brilliant accent colors such as bright blue, purple and so on, creating a very unique and interesting look. Tungsten carbide is twice as hard as steel and almost impossible to scratch, making is a great metal for very active men. These metals cannot be resized once the ring is made, so order the size carefully. KNOW YOUR DIAMOND When shopping for a diamond, you will quickly be introduced to the “Four Cs” – cut, color, clarity and carat. All four features can make a dramatic impact on the quality, and therefore price, of a diamond. Cut Cut really refers to the proportions of a diamond and it’s facets, as opposed to its shape, which includes round (brilliant), oval, pear, marquise, emerald, square (princess or radiant), heart and triangle. Regardless of its shape, a diamond gets its brilliancy from the cutting, and maximizing the reflection of light. When a stone is cut too shallow or too deep, the light that enters through the top is allowed to escape through the diamond’s bottom and minimizes its brilliance. Color The best color is no color at all (when desiring a white diamond), because it reflects the most light. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) ranks diamonds on a standard 23-grade scale from D through Z. D, the highest rating, indicates a perfectly colorless stone, while Z, the lowest rating, indicates a light yellow stone. Clarity Clarity is defined by the number, color, nature, size and position of natural marks,

RINGS called inclusions, contained in the gem. Inclusions occur naturally during the process of crystallization, when minute traces of minerals are trapped in the diamond. Excellent clarity means light can pass unimpeded through the stone and increases its value. The GIA judges clarity based on a standard 11-point scale from Flawless through Imperfect 3 (see the clarity scale at the end of this article.) Carat Diamonds are weighed in carats, which may also be expressed as “points,” where one carat equals 100 points. A diamond of 50 points, for example, equals ½ carat. Diamonds of more than one carat are extremely rare (one in a thousand), and therefore very valuable. But remember that carat weight is only one factor in determining value. Two diamonds of the same size can vary considerably in value depending on the other three factors – cut, color and clarity.

chlorinated pool water, which could pit and discolor the mounting. To clean your jewelry, regularly soak them for about 30 minutes in either a commercial jewelry cleaner, or a homemade solution comprised of equal parts cold water and ammonia, or a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. Brush the stones gently with an eyebrow brush or soft toothbrush, then rinse thoroughly under warm water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Have you rings checked annually by your jeweler for loose prongs or settings. This is especially important if you have only four prongs, because just one broken prong will cause you to lose your stone. These precautions and gentle care will pay you back with years of enjoyment and pride in this precious symbol of your union. DIAMOND CLARITY SCALE

APPRAISE IT Once rings have been selected and purchased, request an appraisal. This is a written estimate of the value of your jewelry, and should include specific indications of the four Cs. Immediately after purchase, photograph your jewelry for insurance purposes, and make sure your current policy has adequate coverage. If it doesn’t, consult your insurance agent about amending your policy.

• FL & IF: Flawless and internally flawless (inclusions not visible under 10x magnification)

TAKE GOOD CARE Although diamonds are the hardest natural substance known to man, a hard blow could still chip one, so don’t wear your ring when doing rough work. You should also avoid direct contact with chlorine bleach and

• I1, I2 & I3: Imperfect (flaws visible to the unaided eye)

• VVS1 & VVS2: Very, very slight inclusions (extremely difficult to see under 10x) • VS1 & VS2: Very slight inclusions (difficult to see under 10x) • SI1 & SI2: Small inclusions (noticeable under 10x)

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MAKE YOUR DAY UNIQUE make your wedding your own By adding a couple of personal touches to your wedding, you’ll offer guests an inside look into your love story and the chance to be part of a meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Start with the invitations. A picture of you two or a personalized map of the city that includes your favorite hot spots are great ways to set an intimate tone for the big day. For the ceremony, consider writing your own vows. Don’t be shy if you lack creativity – a pastor or wedding guide can help. Think of your favorite romantic song lyrics or poetry to express your commitment. As your guests file into the reception, seat them at tables with names, not numbers. If you met in a Literature class, send everyone to tables named after authors you read together. It will provide them with a conversation piece and a little insight into an interest you share or how you met. After the toasts, surprise the guests by raising your glasses to them. Thank them for being there and share your appreciation for all their support. Everyone will love being addressed as an integral part of your day. Don’t forget about the dancing! For your first dance as a married couple, take tango or ballroom classes and relish the opportunity to show off your new moves with a choreographed number. If you’re really brave, invite your whole bridal party in on the action! Personalizing your wedding simply means bringing a little bit of “YOU” into the day. Express yourself!

32 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

JEWELERS GUIDE Shop Name and Address

Phone Number

Directions

BOYER’S DIAMOND & GOLD SOURCE

757-565-0747 From I 64, East on 199. Take Lightfoot exit. Left (West) on Richmond Rd. Go through 2 lights, look for large clock on street, Boyer’s on the right.

DAVID NYGAARD FINE JEWELERS

757-266-0986

DRUMMOND’S FINE JEWELERS

757-325-1600 I 64 to Mercury Blvd to Coliseum Drive, Left at Cunningham, Right onto Executive Drive.

GOODMAN AND SON’S

757-838-2328 I-64 to Mercury Blvd. (exit 263B), left on Coliseum Drive

GOODMAN AND SON’S

I-64 to exit 242A to Monticello Ave. (route 321) turn left, next light is the shopping center

LONG JEWELERS

757-498-1186 I-64 to exit 284B Newtown Road, exit 18 Rosemont Road towards Princess Anne Plaza, right onto VA Beach Blvd

LONG JEWELERS

757-436-1920 I-64 to exit 290B N Battlefield Blvd.

LONG JEWELERS

757-498-1186 I-264 to Rosemont road, right onto Virginia Beach Blvd, Between Rosemont Rd. and Lynnhaven Blvd.

Gallery Shoppes 6564 Richmond Rd., Lightfoot

1412 Greenbier Pkwy, Chesapeake

Lobby of Executive Tower 2101 Executive Dr., Suite 1K, Hampton

Coliseum Central 2026 Coliseum Dr., Hampton

4640-11A Monticello Ave., Williamsburg 2965 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach

701 North Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake 2817 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 33

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Invitations The first impression

You’ve been planning your dream wedding for months, but for your guests, the invitation is their first glimpse of what’s to come. It provides a clue to the event, and the level of formality, along with some indication of your wedding style: Formal or informal? Modern or traditional? You’ll want an invite that matches… and so, let the search begin!4

34 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

INVITATIONS WHERE TO START Wedding invitations include so many tiny etiquette details, from how to list the names to how to address the envelopes to how to arrange all the enclosures… and for this reason, it’s ideal to find a qualified local professional to be your “go-to” person for all of these questions – and more. Check online at www.premierbride.com to find stationers in your local area, attend local bridal shows or pull out the yellow pages. If you choose to purchase your invitations online, be sure to find a reputable retailer, and if possible, give yourself some extra time just in case there is a problem that would require more shipping time back and forth. You could also “test-drive” the customer service of an online retailer with an email and a phone question, to make sure they are reachable and responsive, to give yourself a little peace of mind. WHEN TO START Like all wedding responsibilities, the earlier you start, the more time you have to search, thoroughly evaluate options, and handle any problems that arise. It’s helpful to have your ceremony and reception details decided (when and where), and your basic wedding style and colors established. Knowing these things will help you find an invite that truly expresses the beauty and style of your day. If possible, order the invitations and other wedding stationery six or more months before the wedding to give yourselves plenty of time for reading and correcting proofs, printing, addressing, stuffing and mailing. Mail the invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. Let any out-of-town guests who would need to arrange flights and/

or hotel rooms about the date as soon as you know it, either informally through conversation, or more formally with a save-the-date card mailed as early as possible. This consideration gives them more time and flexibility to make travel arrangements. ALL THE PARTS Wedding invitations are typically comprised of several components, each with a different purpose. There is the ceremony card announcing the details of the ceremony with the optional tissue paper to lay on top (an old custom to protect the other enclosures from stilltacky ink), the reception card if applicable with those details, the response card with its stamped, addressed return envelope, the map if provided which also often includes hotel details for outof-town guests, and the inner and outer envelopes. Some invitations combine these elements, such as including the reception information on the ceremony card, especially if it’s at the same place or immediately following. It’s also possible to simply eliminate some elements (such as the inner envelope or tissue paper covering the ceremony card), particularly for more informal styles. THE INVITATION WORDING Traditionally, whoever is officially hosting (read: paying for) the wedding is listed first on the wedding invitations. Of course, you can work it out however you like with your families. (This is one area where it’s really important to have good communication between all parties!) Some couples today, who are paying for the majority of the expenses themselves, with help from their mixed and blended families, simply say “Mary Bride and John Groom, together with www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 35

INVITATIONS their families, request the honor of your presence at their marriage…” This is also where it would be very helpful to have an experienced professional to assist! You could also do a search online to find invitation wording samples and discuss the options with your groom and respective families. ASSEMBLING THE PIECES The traditional way to put together an invite is as follows: start with the ceremony invitation on the bottom, cover with tissue if desired, put the reception card on top of it, and then put the response card with the unsealed return envelope and the map, if you’re using one, on the very top. Slide all items face up into the inner envelope. Do NOT seal the inner envelope, and slide it into the outer envelope with the addressee’s name facing the back flap so that it will be visible upon opening. ADDRESSING ADVICE The outer envelope should have a return address included on the back flap, and it’s probably well worth this small extra cost to have this done by the printer, so you don’t have to write the return address on every single invite you send! For the names and addresses of your guests, you can hand-write them, run the envelopes through your printer using a calligraphic font, or for a very beautiful and special touch, hire a calligrapher. One bride-to-be actually framed the envelope with her name and address on it that she received for another friend’s wedding, because the calligraphy was such an incredible and gorgeous work of art. What a visual treat for the guests of that wedding! Ideally, try to avoid labels, even clear ones, because they just don’t convey the sense of “specialness” and 36 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

elegance that something as special as a wedding deserves. The following guidelines provide the traditional “rules” when addressing wedding invites that do help convey that sense of specialness and elegance. Street names, cities and states should be written out completely without any abbreviations. To indicate both parties of a married couple, use both “Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Green.” When addressing an unmarried couple living together, use each of their full names: “Mr. Ronald Green and Miss Angela Thomson.” If every member of a family is invited, write “Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Green and Family.” If only the older children are included, their names are written below the parents’: “Miss Erin Green.” Adult children no longer living with their parents should receive their own invite. Addressing children this way should let guests know if children are invited or not, but often this is unknown or overlooked by guests. If you’d rather not have children at your wedding, you could also include on the invite “Adult Reception.” And, you may just want to let certain guests know this as well when you talk to them in person. A FINAL, CRITICAL TIP When you’ve fully assembled your invites, take one to the post office, and have them weigh it, assess it and give you a definitive postage due amount. It may weigh more than one ounce, or be an odd size (such as square) that costs extra, and the last thing you want is 100 wedding invites coming back to you marked “insufficient postage!” So make that extra trip to the post office to be absolutely sure, mail them out, and take a deep breath. The wedding is officially underway!

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 37

spottswoodphotography.com

Flowers

BRIdaL BLooMs: design a beautiful wedding with flowers The romantic link between weddings and flowers dates back to ancient civilizations where garlands of flowers, leaves and vines were worn or carried by young brides to symbolize their beauty and innocence. Wedding flowers have since evolved from simple hand-held bouquets to vibrantly artistic creations used to set the mood and theme for the entire celebration.4

38 â&#x20AC;˘ PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

FLOWERS Flowers have adorned weddings for hundreds of years, and for good reason: they are beautiful! Breathtaking bouquets, gorgeous centerpieces, fresh boutonnieres… these colorful gifts from nature will give you and your guests a visual feast on your wedding day. Where to start Start your research right away, from the first bridal magazine you open and the first bridal web site you visit. Also be sure to visit www.premierbride.com to enjoy the beautiful floral photos in our Idea Gallery. Collect photos of anything you like in a file, to share with the florist you select. In addition to collecting information on what you do like, start making a list of anything you definitely don’t like. It’s also helpful to have some elements of the wedding established before you meet with potential florists, so that they can offer more specific suggestions. For example, your wedding gown will certainly influence the style of your event – is it streamlined, modern and simple? Or heavily beaded, traditional and ornate? Also knowing your wedding colors, ceremony and reception locations, and wedding date will be necessary before your florist can give you any concrete ideas that will match the tone, colors, style and season of your wedding. Finding a fabulous florist Find some potential florists at bridal shows, online or through local print publications such as this one, and select up to four to meet with in person. (Interviewing more than this could easily get overwhelming!) Your goal is to find someone who has a style that you love, a personality that you

mesh with, and is also an organized professional. Incredible floral design is pointless if they’re not at the church in time! Bring the following items with you when you meet with your florist, for your first big planning meeting: a photo of your wedding dress, photos and other information regarding your ceremony and reception sites, images to show your preferences, and fabric swatches of your bridesmaids’ dresses and other wedding colors. And one more thing to bring along: your budget amount! It’s quite critical that you share this with your designer, so that they can meet your needs at a price you can afford. Determining your floral needs Once you’ve selected your florist, he or she can help you determine exactly what you will need for your wedding and start narrowing down which flowers to include. Visit the “Checklists & Questions to Ask” section under “Planning” on www.premierbride.com for questions to ask potential florists, available seasonal flowers and more, to help get started. Before making decisions regarding the floral arrangements for your ceremony be sure and check with your chosen church or synagogue for any restrictions. If you’re on a budget, it’s useful to reuse ceremony flowers at the reception site, but some churches request altar arrangements remain on-site for weekend services. You will want to determine what you can and cannot take with you after the ceremony before you order the reception flowers. Ceremony arrangements are usually ideal for buffet, gift and head tables if using them twice is an option.

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 39

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Cake Flavor Tip If you decide on a basic tiered cake, use different flavors/fillings for each layer to appeal to more tastes.

40 â&#x20AC;˘ PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

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Cakes

Y UR WeddInG CaKe: Yo a sweet ending to a special day It’s the sweetest wedding task of them all – deciding on dessert for your big day. Tradition calls for a tiered cake with your plastic (un)likeness smacked on top, but brides and bakers are breaking cake molds to create funky and fresh options that add the icing to your wedding. Take in all the options, work with a pro to make it custom and whatever you do, don’t miss out on any tasting!4 www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 41

Let us make your day special with our delicious cupcakes! Your guests will have no idea they’re vegan! Competitive Rates tonyavegan@yahoo.com

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CAKES The sweetest wedding is deciding on dessert for your big day. Tradition calls for a tiered cake with your plastic (un) likeness smacked on top, but brides and bakers are breaking cake molds to create funky and fresh options that add the icing to your wedding. Take in all the options, work with a pro to make it custom and whatever you do, don´t miss out on any tasting! What first? Your dessert should match your day, so take everything into account. If you have a paisley themed wedding, a large tiered cake with paisley fondant would make a beautiful room centerpiece. A casual outdoor wedding is perfect for a table of tasty and colorful candies or make-your-own ice cream sundaes. Do you share an interest such as running? Get a replica cake of your running shoes tied together at the laces. Wedding cakes and desserts are one of the latest wedding designs to challenge convention, so bakeries want to keep up with the latest trends and customize. If you have a sweet idea, find someone who can work with it. Book Early! Bakeries fill up quickly. Stay safe and book six months in advance. Don`t worry – this doesn`t mean you have to know exactly what you want so far ahead of time. First, shop around 42 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

in general for bakeries, and when you find one you think can satisfy your needs for taste, quantity, efficiency and personality, book a date. Then, you can really work with a pro to determine exactly what it is you want. So…how do I find the bakery? Trusting your gut is always sound advice, especially so when it comes to a food decision! Tasting is important. Also, make sure you’re comfortable with the efficiency and professionalism of the bakery. They should return your calls and e-mails promptly, be flexible, willing to customize, familiar with your reception venue and guarantee an on-time dessert, including set-up, delivery, and clean-up if necessary. Don`t be afraid to switch bakeries or make demands if you don`t feel comfortable with the service. Cost. Cakes are typically priced by the slice, which is generally anywhere from $1.50 to $6.50 per slice, depending on the style, ingredients, size and decorating. Your reception site or caterer may also charge a plating fee as well, often $.50 to $1.50 per person, to cut and serve the cake. Ask about this, and if there is a plating charge see if it’s negotiable. Cutting the Cake. Most likely your baker will provide tips for you and your new

CAKES spouse for cutting. Plan ahead to have your cake knife and lifter engraved or decorated. Traditionally, the bride grasps the knife with her right hand and the groom covers her hand with his. Together, the couple glides the knife into the masterpiece while flashbulbs pop. 1 Year Later. Some bakeries offer ‘anniversary cakes’ as part of their bridal packages. Instead of having to freeze the top layer of your wedding cake, the bakery will make you a fresh cake for your one-year anniversary. OTHER IDEAS Here are some tasty treats that may suit your wedding better than the traditional cake. Centerpiece cakes. Use a smaller wedding cake as the centerpiece for each of your tables. Some ambitious newlyweds stop at each table to cut and serve their guests the cake, but depending on the number of tables this won’t work for everyone. Cupcake Tower. Individual cupcakes are fun, the perfect serving size and allow for all kinds of decorating freedom. Cupcake arrangements could be anything from a tower that resembles a traditional tiered cake to something

more inventive such as mismatched layers of different colored cupcakes over decorated shelves. Make-Your-Own-Sundae! Who doesn´t love a sundae? Think of every topping you can, and then some, then let your guests run wild. Perfect for an outdoor summer wedding or one with lots of children, your guests will be craving this at every wedding they attend after yours. Candies Table. The newest trend in wedding desserts, an array of colorful candies is sure to make eyes pop and sweet teeth scream. Arrange glass containers such as antique jars, fishbowls or giant martini glasses of gummies, chocolates, toffees and more over an expansive table. Then, give guests a plate or plastic bag and let them be a kid in a candy shop again. Often wrappers and candy colors can be custom ordered or just let a rainbow of sweets entice the room. Late Night Coffee. This works best for small, upscale weddings with mostly adults. Bring in a barista to whip up comforting lattes, cappuccinos and espressos served with rich coffee pastries such as biscotti or tiramisu.

Made from scratch, with love!

1716 Pleasure House Rd., Ste. 104 • Virginia Beach

757-464-1455 • www.iloveflourchildbakery.com www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 43

Small town charm, with big city taste, Green Gates Gifts is a gift boutique that exudes its own signature style. We have coastal flair with traditional, contemporary and french country pieces. Wedding gifts • gift RegistRy • JeWelRy • gouRmet food PuRses • sandals • men’s gifts • CaRds foR all oCCasions

1467 George Washington Mem. Hwy Gloucester Point, VA 23062 (804) 642-5618 Hampton Peninsula Town Center (757) 848-5324 www.greengatesgifts.com

THE NUTS AND BOLTS of gift registries If registering for gifts is on your current to-do list, then read on for all the nuts & bolts – so should we say cups & bowls – of gift registries. WHEN SHOULD WE START? Start four to six months before the wedding so that you’re ready for any engagement parties, showers or eager guests. Don’t stress about getting it all done perfectly right away – you can always edit your selections or add more later. HOW DO WE REGISTER? Start out by considering your tastes and needs as a couple, and select two to four stores that feel right. Ideally, visit at least one store in person, so that you can see, touch and hold the different items, and make some of your selections. The rest of your gift registering you may wish to do online for convenience. Most full-service stores offer a great deal of free assistance from registry specialists, and you are encouraged to take advantage of this helpful service. While it may be hard to imagine someone not being comfortable with purchasing gifts online, you will have guests at your wedding that want to buy their gifts in person, or aren’t comfortable with computers. So make sure that this option is available to them – ideally at a store that is popular nationwide. WHAT DO WE REGISTER FOR? Consider what you have already as a couple, and think about what you need as you start your life together. Most couples find that this is an opportunity to get things they would never buy themselves, but would love having to grace their home and the future gatherings held there…

timeless items such as crystal vases, formal china, serving dishes and linens. You may also want to think about any hobbies you have such as gourmet cooking, gardening or wood working, as well as any special desires such as honeymoon travel, saving for a house or donating to a meaningful cause. No matter where you choose to register, be sure to include gifts in all price ranges, so that your guests can choose gifts within their budgets. COMMUNICATING THE NEWS How do you let all the guests know where you are registered? The simple answer is, word of mouth, through the bride and groom, their families and the wedding party. While it’s appropriate for the shower hostess(es) to include the information on their shower invites as well, it is NOT appropriate to include the information with your wedding invites. THANK YOU NOTES Your guests have been kind enough to send you a lovely gift, so be sure to show your appreciation, and send that thank you note promptly! For gifts received before the wedding, send the note out within two weeks. For gifts received at the wedding, send the thank you notes within four weeks. Make sure your thank you notes are personal, handwritten and timely. AFTER THE WEDDING Most stores will keep your gift registry for at least a year after your wedding date, and they’ll often offer a discount to you for items still on your list. This is a great opportunity to see what items you still want and/or need, and perhaps use some of your wedding gift cards or gifts of cash to acquire these.

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 45

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t he per fect ma r r ia ge of rewa rds a nd savings

When you register at Kohl’s, you’ll earn 10% rewards on gifts purchased from your registry. Plus, both you and your guests will save an extra 15%. Rewards and savings—it’s a match made in heaven. To register, visit Kohls.com/Wedding or one of our 1,100+ stores nationwide.

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*Reward is not legal tender. No cash back. Registrant will receive a Reward valued at Ten Percent (10%) of the total purchases made from Registrant’s Kohl’s Wedding Wishes Gift Registry (“Registry”) from the date of the Registry creation through and including the Registrant’s wedding date. The Reward is earned on the amount of eligible customer purchases from your Registry after all applicable discounts are applied and before tax is imposed (excluding gift wrap and/ or shipping fees), with a maximum Reward value of $200. Eligible customer purchases include sale-, regular- and clearance-priced Registry merchandise, excluding Gift Cards, provided that your Registry is credited at the time of purchase. Reward can be redeemed with any other offer, but cannot be redeemed for cash. Reward will be applied prior to percent-off total purchase discounts. Kohl’s Reward coupon may not be redeemed (1) on purchases of Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise or other charitable items; (2) to reduce customer’s Kohl’s Charge or any third party charge account balance; (3) as price adjustments on prior purchases; or (4) to purchase Gift Cards. If merchandise purchased earning a Reward coupon is subsequently returned or price adjusted during the ninety (90) days following Registrant’s wedding date, the value of the Reward previously earned may be reduced to reﬂect any unearned value. Return value of merchandise purchased with a Reward coupon may also be subject to adjustment. Offer is nontransferable.

46 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

CARING FORtimeless YOUR TREASURES treasures If there is one thing a new bride can be sure of, it’s that she’ll receive wonderful wedding gifts, many of them items she never owned before such as crystal, china and the like. Though some of the gifts will be meant for immediate wear and tear, others will become timeless treasures, meant to remind you of the lasting love and commitment. By caring properly for your treasures you can use them now, and still make them last a lifetime.

Silver Holloware Silver bowls, trays and candlesticks should be stored in treated silver-storage pouches to prevent tarnishing. To prevent scratching your furniture, attach stick-on felt dots to the bottom of heavy pieces. Should your silver show signs of tarnish, purchase an easy-to-use tarnish remover and follow the instructions.

Stemware Store your stemware suspended upside down on a rack or upright on a shelf to prevent chipping. Crystal Hand washing is recommended, so place a protective rubber nozzle on the faucet to guard against breaking or chipping should you bump a glass on it. When rinsing your crystal, keep in mind that the hotter the water, the more quickly it will evaporate and the less handling your crystal will require. Should you use the dishwasher, place glasses on the top rack only. Avoid putting platinum or gold-accented glassware in the dishwasher since the decorative metal will wear off over time. Avoid moving your glasses from one extreme temperature to another. Silver Flatware Wash silver flatware by hand in hot, sudsy water and follow with a hot rinse. Dry by hand. Immediately after drying, place in a tightly closed drawer or a chest lined with tarnish-proof cloth.

China Check the care instructions for your china before putting it in the dishwasher, oven or microwave. Do not use steel wool or harsh abrasive cleaners, as these products can damage the glaze. Place a piece of cloth, paper plate or felt between china plates to keep them from scratching each other. Linens Always clean linens immediately after use to prevent stains from setting in. Spray tablecloths with a fabric protector. Insuring Your Gifts If you receive many gifts of notable worth, you might want to consider adding a rider on your homeowners insurance policy to cover them. The policy is fairly inexpensive and will be well worth the peace of mind it will bring.

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 47

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Do a Test Run!

Make sure you test out beauty products several times to make absolute sure that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not allergic!

48 â&#x20AC;˘ PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

Beauty The do’s and don’Ts of looking your best

All eyes are upon you as you glide gracefully up the center aisle. Your handsome groom gazes at you with love and adoration. Everyone wants to take your picture. Once you combine your special sense of style with a few tricks of the beauty trade, you’ll look your absolute best. 4 www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 49

BEAUTY

Makeup, hair, nails… every blushing bride wants these to be in top form on the big day. We’ve done the research, reflected, and compiled our best tips to help you look completely fabulous for your wedding day!

Your Beauty. Your Place.

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Making your dream wedding come true with hair and Make-up SerViceS

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50 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

WHAT TO DO Now is a great time to focus on healthy, glowing skin. If you’re concerned about the health and appearance of your skin, then consider a visit to a dermatologist (for bigger problems) or an aesthetician (for minor issues.) Depending on the severity of your skin problems, start six to 12 months before your wedding day so you have time to treat, heal and achieve good results. Facials are a must for all skin types. Regular treatment results in refined pores, smoother facial lines, healed blemishes and a more radiant complexion. When choosing your hairstyle consider your gown, the level of formality of your wedding, your personal style, your hair and your face shape. Generally speaking, the more elaborate the gown, the simpler your hair should be, or it all simply becomes “too much of a good thing.” Work with your hair stylist four to six weeks before the wedding to find the right style for you – and bring a photo of your gown with you! Whether you use a pro for your makeup, have a friend do it or do it yourself, do a trial run before the wedding. In addition to looking in the mirror and getting feedback from close friends and/or family, take photos and evaluate those. Do you like what you see? Do you want to make any changes?

BEAUTY Regular manicures in the one or two months before your wedding day will get your nails in perfect shape. You can probably avoid using acrylic nails this way, and enjoy the beauty of your own strong, healthy nails. Have your eyebrows professionally shaped at least two weeks before the wedding. If you’ve never done this before, you’ll be amazed at how different you look with well groomed brows! Touch up if needed before the wedding with a tweezers. If you use a professional for your makeup, be sure to have the same colors available to take with you for touch-ups during the day. Do use waterproof mascara and eye makeup, just in case you shed a tear or two… And use primers underneath your foundation, lipstick and eye shadow, so that your makeup lasts longer. To take good care of your skin everywhere, try a body wrap and waxing. Body wraps detoxify and soften the skin using minerals or other natural substances to help heal acne problems on the back and chest. Body waxing is one of smoothest and longest lasting forms of hair removal. WHAT NOT TO DO Don’t alter your style too dramatically for your wedding day look. You want to look like yourself – your best self – and “polished” enough to honor the fact that this is a very special occasion. Avoid really trendy looks in makeup, nail color and hairstyle. 10 to 20 years from now, these styles will glaringly stand out and look distractingly outdated. If you’re considering any drastic hair changes, do it a couple months before the wedding. This way, if you don’t like

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BEAUTY it, you have plenty of time to make changes. Don’t go too light with your makeup, or you’ll look pale and washed out, especially in photos. Don’t go too dark, or it will be distracting and overpowering. Experiment before the wedding to find the right balance. Avoid facials for two or three days before your wedding, in case it causes any kind of undesirable reaction. Don’t overdo the blush. You’ll be emotional, excited, busy dancing… So there’s a good chance you’ll have some natural color of your own, and combined with too much blush you could look too red. OUR FINAL, AND BEST, ADVICE DO strongly consider using beauty professionals for your wedding day

52 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

hair, makeup and nails. This is one simple way to shorten the list of wedding-day worries! A true makeup artist will know trade secrets not only for fashioning a longer-lasting look, but also for accentuating your features. They will also provide you with great information, advice and tips that will last a lifetime – a beauty investment. A great hair stylist can help you create a look that complements your facial features, headpiece and veil, and do it in a way designed to hold through the last dance. When you go pro, the end result is a relaxed, picture-perfect bride. Finally, don’t forget your most beautiful accessory: your radiant, lovefilled smile.

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Set the mood.

For a sensuous pause before a high-energy party, have a small jazz quartet set the tone with a wine and micro-beer tasting, served with cheese selections.

54 â&#x20AC;˘ PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

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Reception What you need to know before booking your reception site

You’ve said “I do,” he’s kissed the bride, and now it’s time to party! Kick off those heels and mix, mingle, dine, and dance the night away with family and friends. But finding the perfect reception spot is no easy feat – Luckily, we’re here to help! 4 www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 55

RECEPTION Step 1: What to do first The biggest question regarding the reception is “where?” Before you can work on this question, however, you’ll need to know a couple of things: what style of wedding do you envision, and how big? Obviously, a casual, relaxed summer afternoon reception would require a completely different reception site than a formal, elegant winter evening reception – so clarify the type of wedding (and the time of year) you both desire first. Once that’s been established, determine the rough guest list, including all interested parties: you and your groom, and each set of parents. Of course, you’ll also need to consider your budget as well, as this will have great influence on the number of guests you can afford to have. Once you’ve

made these critical decisions, it’s time to start looking for the ideal reception site. As with anything, the more time you have, the better – some choice reception sites get booked one to two years in advance, particularly for prime dates. Step 2: Start the search Local bridal publications, the Internet, wedding shows, married friends and the yellow pages are all good sources of potential reception sites. If you have no idea where to hold your reception, try hotels, banquet halls, restaurants, community centers and country clubs. Other less obvious options are country inns, historic homes or mansions, city parks, college or university facilities, art galleries, museums and boats. Each location offers its own unique style and ambiance.

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to a beach wedding Start with a beautiful beach ceremony. Then celebrate with friends and family in our oceanfront ballroom where the award-winning restaurant, Mahi Mah’s, will cater your special day. After an unforgettable reception, your guests will enjoy the Ramada’s all oceanfront accommodations complete with private balconies.

855.809.6790 | virginiabeachramada.com

RECEPTION There are two basic types of reception facilities: on-site and off-site. Most on-site locations provide the majority of services you will need for your reception: catering, beverages, tables, chairs, tableware, linens and serving staff, making this a very convenient option. The facilities normally charge on a per person basis, and have a minimum guest requirement. Such locations include hotels, private clubs and restaurants. Off-site locations offer the use of the facility only, providing no other services. You supply nearly everything yourself, paying a flat fee for the use of the site. The nice thing about off-site locations is the freedom to do everything your own way, and more choices – although this can also mean more work! Narrow down your search by focusing on those sites that seem to best meet

your needs, depending on your style, season and estimated guest count. Once you’ve selected some possibilities, it’s time to go on a road trip with your fiancé, maid of honor and/or Mom and check out the sites in person. Step 3: Evaluating reception sites Now the real work begins. Every site offers advantages and disadvantages, and your job is to sift through all of the features of each site, to find the best one for your wedding – all while keeping your budget in mind. Here are some factors to consider: Location. The reception site should be no more than a 30-minute drive away from the ceremony location. A longer drive than that is really asking too much of your guests! If the location is difficult to find, or will offer special challenges www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 57

Embark Embark

on an Elegant Waterfront Weddingâ&#x20AC;Ś

ur award-winning team of culinary experts and dedicated staff bring together the traditions that have created over 84 years of memories. With the Chesapeake Bay as your backdrop, The Chamberlin offers both indoor and outdoor settings and venue spaces for grand or intimate occasions. The Chamberlin will create a worry-free, picture-perfect waterfront wedding that you will always treasure!

Located on Historic Fort Monroe 2 Fenwick Road Hampton, VA 23651 www.historicchamberlin.com

Weddings, Receptions, Dinners, Luncheons, Bridal Showers & More Call Today For Your Personal Tour! Chamberlin@TheChamberlin.com | (757) 637 - 7200

RECEPTION to get there (say, located near a football stadium that has a home game on your wedding day) you should consider providing transportation for your guests from the ceremony site, and back to their cars after the reception. Size and layout. Will everything happen in one big room, or in separate rooms for the cocktail hour, dinner, dancing? Will it comfortably hold the number of tables you’ll need, and will everyone dine in the same room? Is there room for a band or DJ, and for cocktail hour musicians, if you’re having them? Privacy. If your venue does multiple events, find out if there are other bookings on the same day or time as yours. If so, ensure that there will be adequate privacy and separation for your celebration. There should also be

ample time in between events to allow your caterer or other service people to set up or break down your party. Parking. Make sure there is convenient, well-lighted, ample parking for your guests, and if not, find out if valet service is available. Technical details. Whether you intend to have a DJ or a band, inquire about possible restrictions regarding the type, volume or duration of music. Be sure to confirm that there is an adequate power supply for speakers, mixers and amplifiers, or good acoustics for string and wind instruments. Some sites have built-in public-address systems which can be used for introductions and toasts. If your site of choice doesn’t offer this equipment, make sure your DJ or musicians can provide it.

Smithfield Center Sparkles Windsor Castle Park Enchants

the

Located in downtown Smithﬁeld, this brand new riverside park features over four miles of walking trails, orchard, picnic area, kayak/canoe launch, ﬁshing pier and Windsor Castle Historic Site.

The Smithfield Center and Windsor Castle Park offer all the amenities you expect from a premier conference center and outdoor venue, but with all the charm of Smithfield, the quintessential small southern town. • Multi-purpose spaces for groups of 6 to 600 • Advanced technical capabilities • A naturally beautiful setting on the Pagan River • Free historic attractions, specialty shops and art galleries all within easy walking distance

SmithfieldCenter.com

Arrangements for both venues can be made through The Smithﬁeld Center, 220 N. Church Street Smithﬁeld, (757) 356-9939 www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 59

RECEPTION

757-441-5830 x320 www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org

Photo by Justin Hankins

impressions FIRST

ARe ImpoRTAnT, So ARe

BuT

finales.

Enhance your next event with a delicious treat your guests are sure to remember... • Hand-Crafted of Fine Belgian Chocolate and Presented in Elegant Glass Containers • Wide Selection of Custom Chocolate Stations for Any Occasion • Pickup or Have Delivered and Artfully Arranged

252-715-0779 ~ distinctdelights@gmail.com Buccaneers Walk, Kitty Hawk, MP 4.5 ~ TimBuck II Shopping Center, Corolla

60 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

Room décor. Most sites offer a neutral background to work with, but make sure the flooring, wall coverings and colors will work with the style and season of your wedding. Services offered. Be clear, with each site visited, exactly what is and is not included. From catering and wait staff, to candles and chairs… get those details up front. A note about outdoor receptions If you’re planning an outdoor reception, it’s critical to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Planning for an outdoor reception is usually much more work overall, because you have to provide for everything from the salad forks to the tents to the chairs, and you may need to change plans at the last minute due to the weather! For these reasons, it’s highly recommended that you use an experienced wedding coordinator if you want an outdoor reception – this will ease your workload, and your stress, immensely. Down to details As with any wedding vendor, make sure that all details are outlined in writing, and use a credit card whenever possible when making payments so that you have more protection in the unlikely event of a problem. You should feel very comfortable with your contact person, and feel that they respond in a timely and efficient manner to your questions and requests. Visit premierbride. com’s online wedding planner for a comprehensive list of questions to ask potential reception sites, and other great wedding planning help.

Photo by Mark Schilling

An Elegant Stage Alison Alcaine, Certified Wedding Planner by Marriott 757-310-5006 | Alison.Alcaine@CrestlineHotels.com www.marriott.com/phfoy 740 Town Center Drive, Newport News, Virginia

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE â&#x20AC;˘ 61

AmberLantern Waterfront Wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners in the Banquet facility Customized Menus with the Executive Chef Accommodations for parties of 30 to 150 guests Panoramic sunset views of the Intracoastal Waterway

5532 Bainbridge Boulevard | Chesapeake, Virginia 23320 | 757-227-3057

www.toprackmarina.com

THE HEAD TABLE the head table vs. sweetheart tables The head table has been a staple in wedding reception tradition for many years. It involves each member of the bridal party sitting together, the girls on one side, and the guys on the other side, all surrounding the bride and groom. You can choose to have your party elevated or be on the ground in one large single sided head table. The head table can be presented in a couple of ways including the long, double sided head table, so at least the couples could stay together. Another type of head table is a tiered table, where the party is one level higher than the other. Naturally the bride and groom would appear on the higher of the two levels. Gone are the days of this long redundant table, enter the Sweetheart 62 â&#x20AC;˘ PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

table. The sweetheart table consists of a small, usually round table, that can function as the centerpiece of the room. You can decorate it however you want, but in the end, its just you and your sweetheart at the table. A plus to the sweetheart table is that everyone in your bridal party can sit with whomever they want to sit with. This also formally presents you as a duo, instead of being apart of a larger party. You might want to put your bouquet as the centerpiece of the sweetheart table, as this would be the centerpiece of the table. In addition, you might want your bridesmaids to put their bouquets in the same area, so that it can decorate your table. This is a way to cut cost on additional flowers needed for the reception.

REHEARSAL DINNER time to get acquainted While it’s certainly not a necessity, the rehearsal dinner can be a great way to begin your wedding festivities, allowing everyone to get acquainted. The rehearsal dinner is traditionally hosted by the groom’s parents, who should invite the immediate family of the bride and groom, the clergy-person and his or her spouse or special guest and the complete wedding party and their spouses or guests. If there are friends from out of town who have already arrived, they should also be invited to join the party. Since this will probably be the first time many of your guests will meet, it can be helpful to include place cards. “Betty’s Aunt Milly,” or “Maid of Honor, Barbara Jones,” can help break the ice. Plan your seating so that your guests will enjoy the

company of those with whom they are seated while also meeting new people. The bridal couple and their immediate families generally sit together at the front or focal table. The wedding party can be seated with the bridal couple and their families, or seated amongst your other family members and special guests. The rehearsal dinner is traditionally the time for the groom’s father to make his formal toast to the couple. It’s also an excellent time for the couple to give their attendants their gifts, especially gifts that are during the wedding ceremony. The rehearsal dinner is a joyous, relaxed time for friends and families to meet, get to know one another and enjoy each other’s company. So whether it’s simple or elaborate, it’s a lovely gesture and makes a great beginning.

HYATT PLACE Chesapeake/Greenbrier Our spacious guestrooms, complimentary hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi make out-oftown guests feel more than welcome. Have your guests catch a ride with our courtesy hotel shuttle that runs within a 5 mile radius as well as to and from Norfolk International Airport. Unique among hotels in Greenbrier, we offer the perfect location to celebrate your bridal shower, relax by the pool before the big day, or host an intimate wedding reception or rehearsal dinner. For more information on hosting your wedding at the Hyatt Place Chesapeake/Greenbrier, please contact our Sales Team today!

709 Eden Way North | Chesapeake, VA | MAIN 757-312-0020 | SAlES 757-553-9053

w w w.hyattplacechesapeake.com www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 63

The ever after is the only thing we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take care of.

our walk down the aisle is just the beginning of a lifetime together, and the crescendo of another perfect wedding at The Founders Inn and Spa. Our expert, professional staff can handle your every need from award-winning cuisine, to matchless service, to the warmest, most welcoming of accommodations. We will host your event in unparalleled style in the lush English Gardens â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a setting so lovely it will make your wedding one that will last through a lifetime of memories. Let us worry about the once upon a time, so you can take care of the happily ever after.

For a wedding consultation, please call The Founders Inn and Spa at 757-366-5716 or visit us at www.foundersinn.com 5641 Indian River Road

l Virginia Beach, VA l

23464

FRIDAY/SUNDAY WEDDINGS the advantages of weekend weddings If you decide to have your wedding on a Friday or a Sunday, you’ll reap several rewards: both financial and otherwise. You’ll save time, you’ll probably save a significant amount of money, and you’ll find that your guests may appreciate having a Saturday free to spend time with you and the other guests they know.

SAVE THE DATE Planning for a Friday or a Sunday wedding makes it much more likely that you will be able to reserve the church, hall, music and other services on the date of your choice. Choosing a Friday or Sunday date allows you to avoid making several calls to numerous vendors, only to hear, “Sorry, we’re booked on that date.”

MAXIMIZE YOUR DOLLAR For Friday or Sunday weddings, the majority of banquet facilities, photographers, video producers, musicians/entertainers and limousine services are much more willing to negotiate in order to reach a price that suits your budget. Vendors tend to see Friday and Sunday as bonus days, a time when they can earn income. Savings on these services can really add up, making this option a great way to save money without having to sacrifice the quality of your wedding. SAVE TIME On a Friday, you’ll probably have your wedding in the evening, which means that the ceremony is followed immediately by dinner. This means that you will avoid the extra cost and hassle of a one-to-two-hour interim reception or cocktail party. Having the ceremony and reception back to back may ensure more people at the church ceremony. Additionally, a Friday/Sunday wedding frees up at least one day of the weekend, generally making your family, friends and guests more appreciative of the extra time, especially if they are traveling.

REHEARSAL IS EASY Restaurants are usually thrilled to have rehearsal dinners booked on Thursdays or other evenings during the week, since those are typically their slower business days. You will find a more relaxed atmosphere and the staff will be more attentive to your party’s needs. In selecting a Friday or Sunday date for your event, you’ll help both your budget and your odds of getting exactly the wedding you want, while also allowing for more time dedicated to finalizing last minute details. You can use the extra day to catch your breath, and use the extra money to purchase something special.

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 65

Wedding Receptions, ReheaRsal dinneRs, BRidal shoW hoWeRs ho We eR Rs Rs

and more!

516 East Main Street, Elizabeth City, NC

(252) 338-6455 www.artsaoa.com

Pink Weddings of OBX Offering free wedding ceremonies to Cancer Survivors and Cancer Warriors at the Beaches of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Each client is treated with love and respect to make your day special. – Free Wedding Ceremonies and Vow Renewals performed by Reverend Kimberly Kelly – Photography Services – Searching for vendors to donate their services: Hotels, Airlines, Bakers, Florist, and more!

www.dreamalittledreamweddings.com/Pink-Weddings.html – 252-261-0706 – 252-564-4615

YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY come together to celebrate your love Your wedding ceremony makes the marriage official, so you want to make it special. The wedding ceremony can be celebrated in many different ways, and can be held just about anywhere. The ceremony itself can express your individual personality, so get creative. Keep it simple: When planning your ceremony, keep in mind that if you stray too far from a traditional ceremony, you might loose people. In keeping with the traditional ceremony, tweak little things, or have your officiant tell a story about you as a couple. If your officiant knows you very well, this might be the perfect way to incorporate funny stories about you, and how you got together! Keep it personal: You may or may not want to write your vows, and that’s okay. Make sure that if you do write your own

vows that you keep them simple, and personal. Include something that only you and your husband will understand; this makes your vows that much more special. If you don’t want to write your own vows, that’s okay too. Just keep in mind that you can change the vows to “I will, or I do” depending on your preference. In terms of length of the ceremony, this can also be altered. If you are having an early ceremony, you might want to change the length, otherwise you might have some sleepy guests! This is also true with evening weddings, as guests might be hungry, and ready for your amazing dinner. You can speak with your officiant to discuss your options to find the perfect ceremony for you!

Happily Ever After

Begins on the Currituck Outer Banks

Request Your

FREE Wedding Planner Today!

877.287.7488

www.OurWeddingOnTheBeach.com www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 67

Call 757.213.2324 to arrange a personal tour with our wedding specialists.

www.hiltonvb.com

RECEPTION & REHEARSAL DINNER GUIDE AMBER LANTERN RESTAURANT

757-227-3057

AMY'S DANCE STUDIO

Ad on Page

Average Price per Person

House Special Entrees

Custom Menu

150

1-3

Call

757-596-2697

200

Call

APPLE BLOSSOM PLANTATION

804-966-1411

250

ARTS OF ALBEMARLE

252-338-6455

200

BAY BREEZE CONFERENCE CENTER / 757-224-0290 PARADISE OCEAN CLUB

400

Call

Varies

5532 Bainbridge Boulevard Chesapeake, Virginia

51 Hidenwood Shopping Center Newport News 6311 South Couthouse Road Providence Forge, VA

516 E. Main St., Elizabeth City, NC

Number of Suggested No. Reception Available Banquet of Months to Room Capacity Rooms Schedule

490 Fenwick Road Fort Monroe (Hampton), VA

Customized Menus Available

BEACH QUARTERS RESORT

757-648-1832

120

1-12 months

$25

BEST WESTERN OCEANFRONT

757-428-5370

200

Call

Varies

THE BOXWOOD INN

757-888-8854

200

Call

Varies

CAVALIER GOLF & YACHT CLUB

757-428-8622

Call

Varies

THE CHAMBERLIN

757-637-7200

CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER

501 Atlantic Ave. Virginia Beach, VA

2809 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach 10 Elmhurst St., Newport News 1052 Cardinal Rd., Virginia Beach

180

Call

Varies

Fresh Seafood

757-425-0000 ext.18

50-350

Call

Varies

CROWN PLAZA HAMPTON MARINA 757-727-9700

400-700

Call

Varies

Call

Varies

Call

Varies

2 Fenwick Rd., Hampton 2200 Parks Ave., Virginia Beach

700 Settlers Landing Rd., Hampton

CROWNE PLAZA WILLIAMSBURG

757-220-2250

450

CYPRESS POINT COUNTRY CLUB

250

DANCESPORT VA

757-490-6300 Inside Front Cover 757-473-3267

150

Call

DOUBLETREE VIRGINIA BEACH

757-422-8900

380

Call

6945 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg 5340 Clubhead Rd., Virginia Beach 5721 Arrowhead Dr., Virginia Beach 1900 Pavilion Dr., Virginia Beach

68 â&#x20AC;˘ PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

Back Inside Cover

Varies

Separate Ceremony Area Available

Serving Style Available

Low Fat/ Off Outside Valet Kosher Cholesterol Premise Outside Reception Parking Cuisine Menu Catering Caterers Area Available Available Available Available Permitted Available

Plated, Buffet

Special Features

Panoramic Sunset views of the Intracoastal Waterway from our third floor private Banquet Facility. New bronze & gold ballrooms are perfect for any event.

buffet or tableside

All Styles

Call

All oceanfront suites and the most amenities at the beach including a rooftop tennis court and swimming pool overlooking the ocean. Beach Quarters offers 2,200 sq. feet of circular meeting space. With spectacular ocean views, they provides a dramatic and memorable venue for meetings, functions, social events and gatherings of all kinds. Memorable setting as well as catering for the event of your life.

Bride's Choice All Bride's Choice Call

Call

Renowned clubhouse with its spectacular waterfront views, welcoming staff and elegant décor

All Bride's Choice

Breathtaking waterfront and historical location Call

Call

Dramatic atrium with live trees, beautiful grounds with sculpture garden.

Bride's Choice n

All Bride's Choice

Wedding packages include full access to the plantation from Friday morning through Sunday evening - all 5 bedrooms of the bed and breakfast, wedding tent, tables and chairs and complimentary wedding hostess. Arts of the Albemarle is located one block from the waterfront in downtown Elizabeth City with ample public parking and within walking distance of 3 churches and 3 bed and breakfast inns. Set in the heart of Historic Fort Monroe, our Ballrooms have an exquisite view of the beach on the Chesapeake Bay.

From the elegance of the décor to the charm of the space, we host romantic Virginia weddings unlike any other n

n Call

Elegant country club setting with panoramic views of the golf course. Spacious and beautiful floating maple dance floors make the perfect setting for any event.

Bride's Choice

Capable of creating a wedding that may be luxurious or low-key but always personalized and totally unique

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 69

Treasure the Moment

Enjoy beauty, elegance and history by hosting your wedding and reception at The Mariners’ Museum and Park.

100 Museum Drive, Newport News, VA 23606 (757) 591-5124 • events@MarinersMuseum.org www.MarinersMuseum.org

Jessica Smith Photography

RECEPTION & REHEARSAL DINNER GUIDE

Ad on Page

Number of Suggested No. Reception Available Banquet of Months to Room Capacity Rooms Schedule

Average Price per Person

House Special Entrees

Call

Varies

Call

Varies

EMBASSY SUITES HAMPTON ROADS HOTEL

757-827-8200

ENDVIEW PLANTATION

757-887-1862

FORD’S COLONY COUNTRY CLUB

757-258-4120

250

Flexible

$40.00

Excellent Chef Custom Menus

FREEMASON ABBEY RESTAURANT

757-622-3966

ASAP

757-963-7000

$29 / $32 All inclusive $35 - $55

Seafood Platter, Prime Rib, Crab Cakes

FREEMASON INN BED & BREAKFAST

No separate rooms 1

GRAND AFFAIRS

757 460 9786

50-700

$22

American

888-878-4843 or 757-802-3199 extension:2

150/650

GREAT WOLF LODGE

866-969-9653

Call

Varies

GREENBRIER COUNTRY CLUB

757-547-7375

250

Call

$40

HAMPTON ROADS CONV. CENTER

757-315-1610

3900

Flexible

Varies

Menus to suit your taste & budget Varies

HILTON GARDEN INN

252-261-1290

HILTON GARDEN INN CHESAPEAKE / SUFFOLK

757-484-9001

20 - 250

Flexible

Varies

Special Wedding Packages Available

HILTON GARDEN INN HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

757-925-1300

550

Call

Varies

HILTON NORFOLK AIRPORT

757-466-8000

500

Call

Varies

HILTON VIRGINIA BEACH OCEANFRONT

757-213-3001

1,000

$39 and up

HOLIDAY INN NORFOLK AIRPORT

757-213-2231

180

Call

Prime Beef & Fresh Local Seafood Varies

3900

1700 Coliseum Dr., Hampton 362 Yorktown Rd., Newport News 240 Ford’s Colony Drive Williamsburg, VA

209 W. Freemason St., Norfolk, VA

411 West York St., Norfolk 2036 Pleasure House Rd., Virginia Beach

THE GRANBY THEATER

421 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA

549 E. Rochambeau Dr., Williamsburg 1301 Volvo Pkwy., Chesapeake 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hampton

5353 North Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 5927 Harbour View Boulevard Suffolk, VA 23435 100 East Constance Road, Suffolk 1500 N. Military Hwy., Norfolk 3001 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach 1570 N. Military Hwy Norfolk, VA

70 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk

Contact: Miha Slegel, Sales Manager

252-261-1290 • 877-629-4586 (ext.103) www.hiltongardeninnouterbanks.com

Photo by brooke Mayo PhotograPhy

Separate Ceremony Area Available

Serving Style Available

Low Fat/ Off Outside Valet Kosher Cholesterol Premise Outside Reception Parking Cuisine Menu Catering Caterers Area Available Available Available Available Permitted Available

Bride's Choice

Special Features

Two-story wall of cascading water & an open-air balcony under our signature billowy white canopy. Surrounded by prime farmland, Harwood situated his home atop a little knoll with a spring at the base.

Bride's Choice

Gorgeous country club setting with spectacular views of our championship courses

individual plates n

All

Upon Request n

n n

Unlike any other special event facility in the world. Spectacular architecture and décor, breathtaking lighting system, state-of-the-art sound system, bartender and valet services available, professional Wedding Design & Coordinating services available, and more. New and modern professional facilities that are the perfect setting to start your new lives together.

All All

Exquisite cuisine served with a personal touch in an elegant country club setting.

All

All Styles

All

All Varies Varies

All

CFD Call

Call

call

Call

Two-story wall of cascading water & an open-air balcony under our signature billowy white canopy.

Call

Our Chef and Sales Staff will work with you to help create a wonderful memory. Our Wedding Packages include a variety of options from a Champagne Brunch to a Formal Sit Down Dinner. This estate setting provides a lovely vista of park and river views further enhancing their world-class accommodations and service. Dedicated Catering Professionals that will provide you with a memorable beginning to your new life together. Oceanfront Ballroom with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, The largest oceanfront park Neptune's park and a Sky Bar on top of hotel Our experienced wedding specialist will work with you to make sure every detail of your special day is exactly as you've always imagined it. www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 71

Chesapeake/Suffolk

RECEPTION & REHEARSAL DINNER GUIDE

Celebrate your special day at the Hilton Garden Inn. Our staff will help you create a memorable day. 5921 Harbour View Blvd., Suffolk, VA 757-484-9001 ~ www.chesapeakesuffolk.hgi.com

Ad on Page

Number of Suggested No. Reception Available Banquet of Months to Room Capacity Rooms Schedule

Average Price per Person

House Special Entrees

HOLIDAY INN SUNSPREE RESORT

757-428-1711 800-94-BEACH

10-370

$25 or less

Seafood Specialities

HOLIDAY INN VIRGINIA BEACH NORFOLK HOTEL & CONF. CENTER

757-499-4400

450

Call

Varies

HYATT PLACE CHESAPEAKE/ GREENBRIER

757-312-0020 option 2

Call

Varies

KILN CREEK GOLF CLUB & RESORT

757-874-2600

10-225

Flexible

Call

LEE HALL MANSION

757-888-3371

THE MARINERS' MUSEUM

757-591-5124

MARRIOTT CHESAPEAKE

757-523-1500

MONTERO'S RESTAURANT

252-331-1067

NEWPORT NEWS MARRIOTT AT CITY CENTER

757-310-5006

6700 Azalea Garden Rd., Norfolk

NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN

757-441-5830 ext. 320

OCEANAIRE RESORT HOTEL

POINT PLAZA SUITES & CONFERENCE HOTEL

39th St. & Oceanfront, Virginia Beach

5655 Greenwich Rd., Virginia Beach

709 Eden Way North, Chesapeake 1003 Brick Kiln Blvd., Newport News 163 Yorktown Rd., Newport News

Prime Rib, Grilled Salmon

Call

Varies

varies

800

Call

Varies

800

Flexible

Call

Can customize

85-250

Call

757-648-1832

150

1-12

$25

757-599-4460

400

Flexible

Varies

THE PRINCESS ANNE COUNTRY CLUB 757-440-3101

Call

Customized Menus Available

200

$32

Crab Cakes

100 Museum Dr., Newport News, VA 725 Woodlake Dr., Chesapeake 414 McArthur Dr., Elizabeth City, NC

740 Town Center Dr., Newport News

3421 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA

Varies

950 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News 3800 Pacific Ave, Virginia Beach

RAMADA ON THE BEACH / MAHL MAH'S 757-491-3679

615 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA

72 â&#x20AC;˘ PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

Casual elegant dining in a 141 year old church

209 w. Freemason St. Downtown Norfolk Open daily for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch

Separate Ceremony Area Available

Serving Style Available

Low Fat/ Off Outside Valet Kosher Cholesterol Premise Outside Reception Parking Cuisine Menu Catering Caterers Area Available Available Available Available Permitted Available

Special Features

All

Oceanfront ballrooms, complimentary valet parking, glass-top reception area.

All

Sophisticated surroundings that provide the perfect location for rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, receptions and even your farewell breakfast. n

Buffet

Plated, Buffet

Call

Perfect venue for intimate weddings, rehearsal dinners, and bridal showers. Gazebo available for outdoor ceremonies within Towne Place @ Greenbrier. Exceptional food, championship golf course, outdoor gazebo & pavilion. One of the last remaining antebellum homes on the Virginia Peninsula, Lee Hall offers visitors a step back to the mid-Victorian period.

Varies

All

Day time events include option to tour the Museum. Museum tours offered in the evening for a set price Decorations include centerpieces, colored linens, lace skirting & silver candelabras.

Unique Ceremony space, Rotunda has domed ceilings, Gorgeous Chandelier, and Cascading Staircase. Located in Newport News City Center with Fountain Backdrop for pictures and walking distance to shops and restaurants An oasis of more than 30 themed gardens and indoor facilities that can accommodate special events of nearly any type.

Deluxe oceanfront and ocean view deluxe rooms and spacious suites. All ocean view banquet space, 10th floor lounge & sundeck perfect - for cocktails/hors d' oeuvres

All

Lawn Space

Any

2 level ballroom with private entrance, dramatic sunken area.

Most special diets

Two blocks from the Atlantic Ocean with stunning views of our award winning golf course. Over 80 years of tradition in a newly constructed clubhouse with modern amenities and classic elegance.

Oceanfront space. Complimentary valet parking.

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE â&#x20AC;˘ 73

Bay Breeze Conference Center & Paradise Ocean Club 490 Fenwick Rd. Fort Monroe, VA 23651 757-224-0290 www.paradiseoceanclub.com

RECEPTION & REHEARSAL DINNER GUIDE RAMADA PLAZA NAGS HEAD BEACH

252-441-2151

Ad on Page

Number of Suggested No. Reception Available Banquet of Months to Room Capacity Rooms Schedule

Average Price per Person

House Special Entrees

200

$25.00

RENAISSANCE PORTSMOUTH HOTEL 757-673-3000

1200

Call

$35

757-593-7400 RENAISSANCE ROOM 324 N. Great Neck Rd., Virginia Beach 757-348-5993 757-213-0747 RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE 205 Central Park Ave. Virginia Beach 757-425-9000 SHERATON OCEANFRONT HOTEL 3501 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach 757-356-9939 THE SMITHFIELD CENTER 220 N. Church St., Smithfield 757-625-1463 SPIRIT OF NORFOLK 866-445-9283 109 E. Main Street, #500, Norfolk

10-250

100

Call

$65

Steak

400

Call

Varies

Special Wedding Menus

350

Flexible

Call

Varies

400

Flexible

varies

variety

425 Water St., Portsmouth

Crab stuffed mushrooms, andouille sausage & smoked gouda stuffed oysters, steak & lobster, chicken Saltimbocca, chocolate covered strawberries Varies

Flexible $25 and up Excellent Chefs, Fresh Seafood

SUFFOLK RIVERFRONT

757-925-1300

550

Call

Varies

TOWN POINT CLUB

757-625-6606

250

Flexible

Call

Variety to suit taste & budget

VIRGINIA BEACH CONVENTION CENTER

757-385-2000

2056

Call

Custom Menus

VIRGINIA SPORTS HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

757-393-8031

300

160

6-8

WEST NECK VILLAGE HALL 2580 SIGNATURE THE WHALEHEAD CLUB AT CURRITUCK HERITAGE PARK, NC

757-689-4189

150

Call

252-305-0401

400

WILLIAM & MARY ALUMNI HOUSE 757-221-1176 THE YACHT CLUB AT MARINA SHORES 757-496-7006

120

300

Call

100 East Constance Road, Suffolk 101 W. Main Street, Suite 300 Norfolk, VA 1000 19th St., Virginia Beach

206 High Street Portsmouth, VA

2100 Marina Shores Dr., Virginia Beach

74 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

flat fee package pricing

Varies

Where forever begins.

Tie the knot at the Holiday Inn Norfolk Airport

• Bride and Groom Jacuzzi • Cake Cutting Room Night of Reception Service with Breakfast the • Champagne Following Morning or Sparkling • Personalized Web Site for Cider Toast for Guest Reservations all Guests • Parking for All Guests • Overnight • Punch during Social Hour stay in Jacuzzi • Dance Floor Room with • White Linen Breakfast for Two on Your Anniversary • Centerpieces on Each Table (Room Type Based on Availability)

1570 N. Military Highway Norfolk, VA 757-213-2231 | WeddingsNorfolk.com

Separate Ceremony Area Available

Serving Style Available

Low Fat/ Off Outside Valet Kosher Cholesterol Premise Outside Reception Parking Cuisine Menu Catering Caterers Area Available Available Available Available Permitted Available

n Plated or Buffet

All Bride's Choice

Elegant atmosphere with a touch of warmth and comfort.

All

In the heart of Virginia Beach town center, patio overlooks the grand fountains.

Bride's Choice

Beautiful ocean grand foyer perfect for ceremonies and receptions.

All n

Different ceremony and reception areas on site.

Buffet, Plated

All n

Bride's Choice

Largest ballroom in Virginia (31,029 sq.ft.) - can accommodate weddings of all sizes.

n All

With spectacular views from the water, bountiful dining, friendly and attentive service, entertainment and more all for one price, there’s no better value in the city. Treat your guests to a beautiful, one-of-a-kind cruise on the Elizabeth River. With completely customizable, all-inclusive packages, our wedding event specialists will handle every detail, making all of your visions come to life. Their expertise and vision goes beyond flowers and food alone.

All

Special Features

Ocean View Ballroom, Complimentary 1 Night Stay on your wedding night, Located directly on the beach, Space for Beach Ceremonies, Back up location for ceremony in case of bad weather, Discounted Sleeping rooms for your guests, Beach Chairs & Umbrellas Available for use (at a charge), Deck Bar over looking the beach, Indoor Pool and Hot Tub, $1.5 Million Dollar Renovations completed in March 2013 Unique ice carvings, floral displays, great wine selections and distinctive menus.

Situated on 39 acres of breathtaking soundfront property in Corolla and featuring almost 360 degrees of water views. The park features the historic Whalehead Club museum, architecturally stunning wooden bridge, boathouse, Currituck Beach lighthouse in the background, soundfront gazebo, and expansive lush lawns. A truly picturesque and magical venue! Beautiful waterfront marina setting with stunning elegant interiors and separate bridal changing room. Arrive by boat or limousine for your unique grand entrance. www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 75

ambiancestudios.com

kbimagephoto.com

pbtip pbtip

artistgroup.net

Budget wisely.

Don’t forget that taxes and gratuities can be a large chunk of your food and beverage costs, so make sure you’re including these in your budget.

76 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

lusterstudios.com

Cater ing 7 sTeps to the perfect wedding cuisine

Perhaps the only part of a wedding thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gotten a bad rap throughout the years is the meal. Guests usually expect a dry chicken breast and some sticky rice pilaf, so spicing up the dinner and giving it a personal spin is the perfect way to make your wedding memorable and give your guests some fuel to dance the night away.4 www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE â&#x20AC;˘ 77

Everyday Beauty to Bridal Beauty

Best Face Forward Skin, Makeup, & Color Artists *Hair Styling Also Available*

(866) 851-5247

bestfaceforward@hotmail.com facebook.com/BestFaceArtists

CATERING STEP 1: START THE SEARCH. As soon as you’ve selected your reception site, the catering search can begin. Some locations require that you use their in-house caterer or banquet department, which makes your choice fairly simple. These locations include hotels, country clubs and some of the more unusual facilities such as museums, boats or historical homes. If they allow an independent caterer, you may be asked to choose from a pre-approved list. If you’re able to select your own caterer, though, try to narrow down your list to no more than three, otherwise you’ll be tasting for a month and all the flavors will blur together. When you’re calling caterers, make sure to have as much information as you know on hand. They’ll want to know your wedding date, time of day, approximate

number of guests, if you’d like a sit-down or buffet meal and the degree of formality and style. If you have any general menu ideas or preferences, let the caterer know so they can be better prepared for your initial meeting. Ask for sample wedding menus and references before a formal meeting or tasting. STEP 2: DETERMINE YOUR SERVICE STYLE. Right off the bat, caterers will want to discuss your taste and budget in detail. Think about the style and feel of your wedding, and decide whether you want a sit-down meal or a buffet. Then talk about the extras – do you want hors d’oeuvres during cocktails and a late-night snack? How about fruit or coffee with the cake? Talk with a caterer about the different

Looking for ideas? View the Cakes gallery online at

78 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

CATERING options and appropriateness for the time of day, number of guests and style.

Be a Guest at Your Next Event

STEP 3: SCHEDULE A TASTING. When you finally narrow down your list, the fun part is here – tasting! Don’t be afraid to speak up during tastings, or ask if they can tweak something to your tastes. This is your day and your meal and fulfilling your food wishes is their job. STEP 4: DESIGN THE MENU. Start by searching through magazines, web sites and bridal shows to clarify your likes and dislikes. Think about weddings you’ve attended, or ask caterers or friends for favorites and fails. Then, work closely with your caterer to craft the perfect and personal menu. Remember that the caterer has probably seen lots of weddings and knows what works best with the number of people, the time of day and the locations, so take their professional advice if they think a cool, crisp salad might not be the best appetizer in your outdoor summer wedding. Also keep your guests in mind – you might have to accommodate for lots of children or vegetarians, for example. STEP 5: CALCULATE THE COST. Once you’ve selected a caterer, think business and cost. Most caterers base their prices on a per-person cost. Facilities with in-house catering departments may have a minimum charge or set-up fee, while an off-premises caterer will usually work within any reasonable, agreedupon budget. Keep in mind buffets are usually priced higher, since they’ll have to account for a little more per person, and it’s common to add overage or gratuity. Your final guest count is usually required one week before the event. This will be the minimum number of

Catering for all occasions and venues “Exclusive Caterer” of The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts.

(757) 538-5090 mosaicedibles.com www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 79

“big city” quality at “home town” prices Offering on and off premise catering including Bridal Luncheons, Rehearsal Dinners, Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions, Bridal Cooking Classes and much more! 20 years of experience • Customized Menus Visit our website for menu ideas or contact Andy Montero at eatatmonteros@gmail.com

252-331-1067

www.monterosrestaurant.com 414 McArthur Drive, Elizabeth City, NC

80 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

CATERING people for which you will actually be charged. Most caterers will plan on the addition of a few last-minute guests and will add the meals to the bill after the wedding. Decide if you’ll include meals for wedding-related personnel, such as the DJ, musicians, photographer and consultant. If cost is an issue, ask your caterer about “vendor meals,” these meals are more casual than the guest menu and are offered at a lower cost per person. Get specifics as to what extras are included in the caterer’s charges, such as table linens, plates, glasses, crystal, silverware and service pieces. STEP 6: PLAN THE HELP. Once the menu is finalized, the next step is determining the number of wait staff you will need to serve your feast and keep your reception running smoothly. Your caterer will give you a better idea, but a general guideline is one server per 10 to 12 guests for a sit-down dinner. A full and open bar will require more servers. Ask ahead of time what their attire is, so it matches the style and formality of your reception.

PERSONALIZE YOUR MEAL! Trip around the world. Give your guests a culinary trip across the globe, with a variety of food stations offering a range of ethnic food…pad thai, bruschetta, and mini sushi rolls are a fun way to inspire conversation and provide something for everyone. Share your faves. Do you have a favorite restaurant or a meal you love cooking together? Make it part of your day. Even if your favorite restaurant doesn’t have a special cater service for those fish tacos, talk to an owner and see if they’d be willing to bend a little, especially for a small wedding. Don’t make your grandma cook her favorite lasagna on your day, but don’t be afraid to look for a great Italian caterer and let everyone know the inspiration for the meal.

STEP 7: FINALIZE THE DETAILS, IN WRITING. Don’t sign a contract without this info – day, date, time, address of the site, food items by course, number of guests covered, provisions for special meals, time of cocktail hour, time meal is served, contact people, number of bartenders and wait staff, linens, beverages and bar guidelines, terms of payment and liability insurance. There will probably be an advance deposit when you sign the contract, and don’t forget to check the cancellation policy. www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 81

Tents, Linens, Dance Floors, Chairs, China and More!

www.affordabletent.net Visit our showroom. Open Daily from 8am to 5pm! 545 S. Birdneck Road Suite 117, Virginia Beach, VA • 757-428-8368 82 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

PARTY RENTALS every last detail Depending on where you choose to hold your reception, you may find yourself in need of certain items not provided by your reception facility. The term “party rentals” covers a variety of rental items, including linens, chair covers, tables and chairs, tents, dance floors, fountains, plants, props and theme decorations. If you are holding your reception in a hotel, most of the items listed above may be included in the overall cost. The need for various rental items increases when the event is held outdoors or at an event facility where you are required to provide your own caterer. Before contacting a rental company it is recommended that you have the following information available: • Exactly what items are provided by the caterer: glass, flatware, china, buffet linens, and so on.

• Any items provided by the facility: tables, chairs, portable bar, and so on. • Your event date, time and location • The number of guests attending • Any special requirements or themes Find out in advance what the delivery, set-up, pick-up and payment policies are. Be sure to coordinate with the facility manager to ensure the location will open when your rental company drops off your order. From the proper tent size for an outdoor wedding, to the portable dance floor complete with tables and chairs, a good rental company will work closely with you to determine exactly what and how many rental items will be needed to make your guests comfortable and your special occasion a complete success.

Tents • Dancefloor • Tables • Chairs www.abzrentals.com • Linens • Fountains • Arches • Columns • Glasses • Dishes •

www.abzrentals.com or call 757-890-4700 www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 83

Je2r3e2my1 & Sar3ah1 PHOTOGRAPHER: Fresh Look Photography VENUE: Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art WEDDING PLANNER/ EVENT DESIGNER: Baxter’s Creative Events GOWNS & ACCESSORIES: Pure English Couture Bridal TUXEDOS: French Touch Formals MAKEUP, HAIRSTYLING: Best Face Forward

84 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

STATIONERY: PaperDolls Design FLORIST: Catherine’s Distinctive Floral Designs CAKE: Cake Delights WEDDING LINENS: Classy Covers WEDDING PARTY: Jeremy and Sarah Winslow, Stephanie Arcangelo, Paul Santos, Mara Chauvette

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 85

Pinch of Charm Wedding design, decor and coordination

Call for a free consultation

757-262-7820

www.pinchofcharm.com

Your dream wedding, our personal touch. 86 â&#x20AC;˘ PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

TREASURED TRADITIONS incorporating customs Every family has its own meaningful traditions, and the celebration of your marriage presents a perfect opportunity to explore them. Even if they’re not considered the “norm” you may find that incorporating them into your ceremony and reception adds a very special significance to your day. Invite your parents, grandparents, minister and/or rabbi to share the vast information they hold on family and cultural traditions, customs and wedding celebrations. Perhaps someone has a song that’s important in your family. Maybe there’s a dish that’s always served at weddings. Your family’s traditions for weddings may vary from another’s in ritual, ceremony, food, dance and music. Do not hesitate to thoroughly explain your wishes to the caterer, coordinator, photographer, bandleader and all other wedding professionals who will be providing services. They will more than likely be very willing to accommodate your desires. Discuss in detail the wedding celebration you envision. Request that your catering director and chef be involved in planning your reception, especially if you’re serving a family favorite dish or a special dessert. Your wedding coordinator also needs to be aware of any traditions you want to incorporate into your wedding. An experienced coordinator will be familiar with the many religious and cultural customs, but do not assume that he or she knows exactly how your family carries out tradition.

exquisite classy events

Wedding Planning Packages Available! Certified Wedding & Event Planner

Your Vision, Our Passion Wedding Planning & Event-Floral Design

www.e-classevents.com

(252) 267-1230

Cynthia L. Roseman, Owner Planner • Consultant • Coordinator

taLk: 757.839.3451 wRite: info@dreamstworeality.com Like: facebook.com/Dreams2RealityLLC LOOk: www.dreamstworeality.com tweet: @Drms2Reality *Military Discounts Offered*

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Providing

reliable planning memories! that caters to your needs, creating a lifetime of

Joiful faith EvEnt Planning, ll llC C

757.636.0493

www.joifulfaithevents.com 88 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

YOUR GUESTS from near and far When planning your wedding, it’s important to consider the needs of your out-of-town guests, many of whom will be traveling great distances to share in your joyous occasion. You’ll want to make certain their visit is an enjoyable one. Most hotels provide a discounted rate when you reserve a block of rooms. The number of rooms required to qualify for a group rate will vary by hotel. Some hotels offer additional services such as a hospitality suite for your guests to gather for breakfast or cocktails and, if needed, special check-out considerations. It’s a good idea to consider the different economic situations of your out-of-town guests. Provide two or three options to create a comfortable price range to choose from. While some of your guests may be on a limited budget, others will be combining their vacation with your wedding. Traditionally, it is the duty of the bride’s family to recommend accommodations for out-of-town guests. It is not their responsibility, however, to pay for them. Include printed information in the wedding invitation such as tollfree numbers for each hotel, the name under which the reservation is held and hotel shuttle information so your guests can call the hotel directly to make their reservations. It is appropriate for the bride and groom to arrange transportation to and from the ceremony and reception locations for all out-of-town guests. It is perfectly acceptable to arrange for family and friends to provide the transportation.

DIFFERENT WEDDINGS itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your choice There are many different types of weddings from Jewish weddings, to Catholic masses to Pagan handfasting. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all a matter of choice and comfort level. Many couples opt for a more spiritual ceremony by simply pronouncing the importance of love without mentioning God because one or both of the people in the relationship is not necessarily religious. Additionally, nondenominational ceremonies are a good option for couples who want to create their own vows, mention God, but still be a bit more liberated than many church weddings allow. Second marriages can also be difficult in that religions often make it hard for couples to marry a second time. Children are often involved as well, which means there is a need to solidify an entire family instead of two people. It might also be a important to incorporate the children into the ceremony therefore allowing them to understand that they are an important part of the family overall. Interfaith marriages can also be tricky in that neither religion will actually be recognized. This might be necessary for example if the couple is Jewish and Catholic. The most important thing to remember in a marriage involving two religions is that the similarities are often quite obvious. Take into consideration this common ground and stress the importance of love and happiness over religious tradition. Even choosing a place for an interfaith marriage can be tricky, so go with the most beautiful and common area that will make both families feel as comfortable as possible.

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE â&#x20AC;˘ 89

90 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

WEDDING PLANNERS an affordable luxury A wedding consultant is an expensive luxury. That’s the myth. Here’s the reality. You’re busy. You work. Your fiancé works. A wedding consultant can save you both time and money, and reduce the stress of planning a wedding. Experienced consultants have access to hundreds of wedding professionals and specialty services. By utilizing these contacts, they can provide creative and unique recommendations, tailored to suit both your style and your budget. Their expertise will ensure that you get what you want in terms of quality, quantity and service. Many reception locations, caterers and entertainment companies offer coordinating services as part of their full-service packages. While these services can be very useful, they can also be limited to a small list of vendors. A professional wedding consultant will give you individualized attention and provide unbiased opinions on protocol and style. You can hire a consultant to assist you in planning your entire wedding, or to simply help orchestrate a rehearsal and wedding day. Fees may be charged hourly at a flat rate or on a commission basis, depending on the consultant and the services you require. Most consultants offer a variety of packages and a la carte services. Although friends and relatives can certainly assist with wedding plans, leave the details to a professional who can anticipate mishaps, troubleshoot when necessary and provide you the affordable luxury of a stress-free wedding.

Special event DeSign

decor giftsplanning

From linens and centerpieces to candy buffets and more. We’ll make your day as special as you’ve imagined.

221 Main Street | SMithfield, Va Call for a free consultation

757-344-9045

www.emilydecorates.com www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 91

Creations By Tiffeny EvEnt Planning SPEcialiStS

www.creationsbytiffenyevents.com 757.292.7908 Want Your Wedding to be our next “Featured Wedding” on premierbride.com? As a part of our online idea gallery, Premier Bride displays real weddings in three categories: traditional, theme and destination. Share your story from the first kiss to the incredible proposal along with some of your favorite images. We’ll also give credit to your photographer along with the other vendors that made your day special. First, visit premierbride.com and click on the “featured wedding” link on the gallery page. Read some of the other submitted stories and photos. Then, submit your wedding for publication by emailing info@premierbride.com. We look forward to telling your story!

Let us help plan, your next Creative A ffair! Terri Scott

Certified Wedding & Event Planner

8292 Indian Road Gloucester, VA

www.creativeaffairsweddings.com • 804-824-1871 92 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

spottswoodphotography.com

Photography a picture perfect day

It may be hard to imagine now, but after many months of hard work and detailed planning, your wedding day will suddenly arrive… and zooooom! The hours will fly by in a blur of beautiful, moving, memorable moments. And after the cake has been eaten, the dress has been carefully put away, and the gifts have been opened – you and your new spouse will be left with the most precious gift of all: memories of your special day. 4

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PHOTOGRAPHY There is simply no better way to capture and preserve these memories than with a collection of beautiful photographs that not only document the day and its events, but also embody the emotions and spirit of your wedding. Quite frankly, this is simply not a component of your wedding planning to treat lightly! Invest the time, attention and budget necessary to ensure that your wedding memories will be preserved for the future. WHAT’S YOUR STYLE? Start by determining which style of wedding photography is right for you and your fiancé. Here are brief descriptions of the three main styles: Formal or traditional This style produces color, posed portraits of you and your groom, your wedding party, and your families, along with all of the traditional wedding moments such as the cake cutting and bouquet/garter toss. Photojournalistic This style is a popular trend in wedding photography, and it means your photographer will be shooting your wedding as if it’s a news event, capturing hundreds of candid moments on film. These photographers tend to use more black & white film, for a classic, timeless and emotional effect. Artistic Artistic photographers use a variety of special effects to create a dramatic, one-of-a-kind piece of art. Effects could include double exposures, hand tinting, special borders and much more. Most photographers offer a blend of two or more styles, but tend to specialize in, and focus on, just one. If you like the 94 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

PHOTOGRAPHY photojournalistic style, but want some posed formal portraits to showcase your families or the day’s special moments, find a photographer that can comfortably do both. So which style is right for you? The first step is to think about the end product: what is most important to you, to have after your wedding? Do you definitely want to have beautiful, timeless, color portraits of you and your groom that you can elegantly frame and display? Do you want a large number of candid, heartfelt moments – many captured in black & white, to document your day? Are you envisioning a one-of-a-kind, artistic piece to hang on your wall after the wedding that incorporates one or more images from the big event? To help you, take a look at friends’ wedding albums, surf around professional photographer’s web sites, clip photos from magazines of photography that moves you, and spend some time in photographers’ booths at wedding shows. All of this research will help you zero in on what style of photography you seem drawn to, and ultimately, which one you want to use for your wedding. HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER Once you’ve established the style that is best for you, it’s time to find a professional photographer that meets your needs. Start the process by collecting referrals from friends, reviewing helpful resources like Premier Bride, attending bridal shows and surfing the Internet. Create a short list of potential photographers that specialize in the style you desire, based on their work and your budget, and set up an in-person or phone consultation with them.

We capture memories. P recious moments in time that last…

forever!

www.youmansncompany.com 757-822-9865 | 757-238-9805 www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 95

96 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Your goal at this consultation is to evaluate three main areas: Do you like their work? Be sure to see complete wedding albums along with individual photos, to get the best idea of the end product you can expect to receive. Also, be very sure that you know exactly WHO will be shooting YOUR wedding – and view their work, as some larger studios have more than one photographer. Do your personalities mesh? Of all your wedding vendors, the photographer is the one vendor with whom you will spend a good deal of time on your wedding day. You want to feel comfortable with this person! Even if he or she is a great photographer, if your personalities just don’t ‘click’ – you may want to keep looking. Do they fit your budget? It’s so critical to have a budget amount in mind before looking for a photographer, so that you can feel confident that the one you’ve decided on, and love, also meets your financial requirements. THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF A PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGE As you’re selecting your photographer, it may help to be aware of the various elements generally included in wedding photography packages. Most photographers also offer these elements ‘a la carte,’ or can create a custom package that specifically meets your needs – so be sure to ask. Bride & Groom’s Album Albums vary in size, color, material, construction and price. When comparing different photographers’ bride & groom albums, be sure you’re noting the quantity of photos and in what sizes, to make sure you’re comparing “apples to apples.”

“Capturing your memories, one photograph at a time” www.judithsfreshlook.com 757-749-5350 Parents’ albums These are smaller versions of the bride & groom album, and have traditionally included about twenty 5x7 photographs. Photos should be carefully selected for each family to create two (or more) custom family albums. Extra prints You will probably want to order extra photographs in addition to the main album and parents’ albums, for yourself or your parents to have some framed portraits at home, for members of the wedding party, and for other close friends and family members. Proofs Ask your photographer how many proofs you will get, and in what format. They may be provided as small photos, in digital format, on the Internet, or on contact sheets.

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98 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

YOUR CHOICE FOREVER different photo formats In recent years a variety of different film formats have began to be used to capture wedding memories. There are choices as diverse as the 35mm format versus a photographer who prefers the quality of the medium, 2 1/4 format style. The professional standard for years has always been the medium format. The medium format shoot allows the wedding professional the luxury of creativity, while increasing the overall quality. Sure, the 35mm camera certainly has its place in the realm of good quality amateur snapshots at a reasonable price, but the quality is still not good enough for your wedding day. For truly unforgettable, once in a life

time memories that you will always cherish, never settle for less than medium format photography and a recognized professional artist. Another nice thing about the medium size format is that the photographer can produce photos of different sizes. Not only standard 8X10’s and 5X7’s can be made, but square sizes are also available. This allows the pictures to fill the pages and the album never has to be turned sideways to be enjoyed. So, for that fairy tale wedding all brides dream of, insist on a medium format camera and square photos. If it is good enough to be used in the Royal Wedding in London then it’s perfect for your special day.

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ARRIVING IN STYLE coordinating wedding transportation Arriving at your ceremony, relaxed and unruffled, in an elegant, chauffeur-driven limousine is the perfect way to begin your wedding day celebration. Luxurious Limousines Limousines can be acquired for the entire day, picking you up at home and delivering you to the ceremony, the reception, and even to the airport to depart on your honeymoon. Most companies have a one to two hour minimum for their services, so put some thought into the most cost-effective option: keeping your limousine on call throughout the ceremony and reception or hiring one limousine to take you to the ceremony and reception, then another for leaving the reception. Traditionally, one limousine carries the bride and her father to the ceremony, while a second limousine or sedan transports the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother and bridesmaids. Of course many brides opt to have both parents or their attendants ride with them. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simply a matter of personal preference. After the ceremony and reception, the newlyweds ride together, either alone or with the maid of honor and best man. A formal limousine seats four people, while stretch limousines can allow for six to 10. Limousines are usually black or white, and new models include sport utility varieties like the Hummer and Explorer, for a rough-and-ready look. Some companies offer fleet rates for those who want the entire wedding party and family to arrive and depart in regal style. The choice you make depends not only on how much you wish to spend or the impression you wish to make, but also on the level of revelry. If the day is to be filled 100 â&#x20AC;˘ PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

with many champagne toasts, providing safe transportation for those who will be celebrating the most is a smart idea. Catch the Coach A limousine is a luxurious way to travel; however, there are creative alternatives to this standard bearer that can add a distinctive mark to your ceremony and reception. One option is a luxury coach. With all the amenities and style of a luxury limousine with room to spare, these vehicles can seat 10 or more people comfortably. A passenger coach, without all of the added luxuries, can seat anywhere from 21 to 49 people, which is a great way to transport your family and guests, especially if your reception is located in an out of the way location or if parking is an issue. A luxury coach allows the bride and her attendants to spend time together surrounded by mobile luxury on the way to the ceremony. After the ceremony, the bridal party can enjoy a grand celebration with the bride and groom while traveling to the reception. Like limousine services, passenger and luxury coach companies require a minimum number of hours. The size and type of coach will determine the hourly rate. Depending on the size of your party, it may make sense to hire two coaches, perhaps a luxury coach for the bride, groom and their attendants and a passenger coach for the guests. By having more than one vehicle, it will allow some guests to leave at different times if needed. There are many options available for you, and with just a little creativity and planning, you can find the mode of transportation that best suits your style.

FUN WITH A PHOTO BOOTH capturing the excitement of your guests A wedding is just one day, so everyone knows photos are a great way of capturing the excitement and emotion for years to come. The professional photographer usually does a great job of snapping the couple, but pics of your friends and family members celebrating with you will be great mementos going forward. In the past, couples used to leave disposable cameras at tables for guests to point and shoot, but the chance in finding a gem amongst those blurry, lowquality shots is rare, especially when kids get their hands on them. Plus, the cost of developing film is going up steadily. Instead, a fun, plucky alternative can be to get a photo booth. Photo booth rentals are becoming popular at wedding receptions –not only do you get too see everyone in their finest for your big day, but they can take home a quality memory from the wedding. Photo booth rentals are different in size and output. Some give guests prints of their pictures right away, in the traditional photo booth setting, with the four black and white prints on one single strand. This is a great way to give guests a souvenir right away, especially because it’s a unique type of print. Other photo booths just continuously shoot throughout the night, and provide the couple with a digital record of all the shots taken. Then, guests could go to an online database to choose which photos they want and print them at their own convenience. The newest innovation in photo booths is a flip book, which is more interactive and involves a true keepsake for everyone. With a flip book, a representative from the company is on hand, acting as kind

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PHOTO BOOTHS

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of a mini-director encouraging guests to perform skits or don playful costumes. At the end, it’s put together into a video and everyone receives a copy. One fun way to really spice up the photos is to supply props like goofy hats, accessories, or fake mustaches for guests to poke around with. A chalkboard or dry erase board is also fun, so family and friends can doodle a special message or sentiment and capture it on film. A giant, decorative frame is another fun prop to create the picture-within-a-picture look. When deciding on a rental, choose one where you can really customize it, if you’d like. You could ask for the background to be matching the colors of the wedding, or add your names or the date to a sign at the top of the photo. But no matter how basic it is, your family and loved ones smiling faces will make it a truly personal memory! ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS • What exactly is included in your package price? Props? Color choice? Personal message? Travel Charge? • What does it look like, what are the space requirements and when should it be on? • Will there be an attendant present the entire time? • Do you use a high quality printer and photo paper? • What are the payment and cancellation policies? • Are there any current promotions or discounts available? • When will you setup and breakdown? • How many people can fit into the Photo Booth? • Have you worked at my venue before? Do you provide references? • Is there a limit on the number of pictures taken or printed? • Is the Photo Booth handicap accessible? • Do you offer any additional services or products such as a memory book/ scrapbook? B

MUSIC FOR YOUR WEDDING getting the party started Music is used throughout the years as a form of celebration, and will serve as getting the party going, and keeping it going for the entire night. If you choose the right mix of music, your guests will never want to step off the dance floor. Selecting the music can be a daunting task, but with the right help, you can get it right. WHERE IS MUSIC USED: You can choose music for many events leading up to the big day so keep your DJ on speed dial. Build up a rapport with your DJ in advance so that they know your personal music style ahead of time and your reception will be flawless. Invite your DJ along to the engagement party and rehearsal dinner and groove to the beats. Submit some music early to

allow him/her to come up with perfect mash ups that will accommodate everybody! By the time of the reception they will feel so comfortable with you and your guests that they won’t need a playlist. THE CEREMONY: Music is used the entire day of your wedding and is not limited to the reception. From the minute you wake up there will probably be music to get you going. You will be expected to pick out the prelude, processional, interlude, recessional and postlude songs. The music that is playing while your guests are waiting for the wedding to begin is called the prelude. A fantastic example of a processional is “Here Comes the Bride.” When exchanging rings you might hear

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MUSIC

Just a few tips to make your reception perfect. • Interested in putting baskets in the restrooms at your reception? Special items (for both men and women) will help your guests handle mishaps and rejoin your celebration. After the wedding, it makes a great addition to a guest bathroom in your home. • Having children at your reception? Consider hiring a company that specializes in just such arrangements. • Having disposable cameras at the reception? Using a Scavenger Hunt theme, create a list of possible ideas for photos. • Planning to do the Dollar Dance at the reception? Consider making a donation to your favorite charity with the proceeds. 104 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

the interlude music because it is used as silence filler. The recessional is used when you are leaving the ceremony as husband and wife. Postlude music is simply more music to fill the silence as your guests are leaving your venue. THE IPOD GENERATION: With such a diverse mix of music available to you, where do you start? Throw your iPod on shuffle and see what mix you think will suit your guests the best. Couples are finding that house music mixed with a little Bruno Mars really gets the guests up on the dance floor. Toss in some cheesy ballads and fun line dances and you will have an unstoppable party! THE IMPORTANT DANCES: Here’s a list of the most important dances at your wedding that you will need to pay special attention to when selecting the music. -Announcements -Entrance Song -First Dance -Father/Daughter Dance -Mother/Son Dance -Garter Dance -Bouquet Toss Dance -Last Dance THE RIGHT FOOT FORWARD: Some couples decide to get the help of a dance instructor for their big day, and for many reasons. If you feel pressured to do the perfect “cha- cha,” than taking lessons would be the best idea! Pick out your wedding song before going to the dance school and bring comfy shoes! Closer to the wedding you will need your wedding shoes or something similar so that you know how you will dance in them! If you have shoes that are especially slippery and you don’t want to fall, consider

MUSIC scuffing them up ahead of time or purchasing gripper pads at your shoe store. STAGE FRIGHT BE GONE!: Is your future honey not so excited about taking dance lessons? Assure him that most couples do take dance lessons of some form before the big day. (This is a true fact!) Also remind him of how many eyes will be looking at him while he is doing the “sprinkler,” and you are trying to do the “waltz!” Once you have convinced him about taking the lessons, have fun and put your best foot forward. You can take a couple with you, or take even the whole bridal party. If you want the experience to be more intimate keep it between the two of you and make a lasting memory. HOW TO SELECT PERFECT GET UP AND DANCE MUSIC: So you have a lot of college buddies attending the wedding, but grandma is still going to be there too! Make the dance floor the focal point of the room, this will convey a message to your guests that music is important, and dancing is even more important! Go through different music genres and set up a music poll on your wedding website, to let your guests decide. Ask for requests on your RSVP cards, allowing your guests to have a say in what is played at the wedding. CHOREOGRAPHING A BRIDAL PARTY DANCE: There are popular videos circulating on the Internet showing bridal parties dancing down the aisle, or having a traditional slow dance, and suddenly breaking out into dance. Make and effort to choreograph your wedding dance for a memorable experience for everyone.

There’s even more

! e n li n O You’ll find everything

you need to plan your wedding on premierbridehr.com. Be sure to gather inspiration for every bride on our blog, twitter and facebook!

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Jan 19, 2014 Winter Blast Wedding Show Newport News Marriott at City Center Mar 30, 2014 Spring Love Wedding Show Princess Anne Country Club

Sep 22, 2013 Unique Weddings Bridal Expo Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg

Nov 24, 2013 Show 50 The Founders Inn and Spa

Aug 25, 2013 Distinctive Weddings Bridal Expo Holiday Inn Va Beach Norfolk Hotel & Conference

Jul 28, 2013 Bridal Boot Camp Wedding Expo Crowne Plaza Hampton Marina Hotel

www.showbride.com

The best way to plan the perfect wedding! $5 online or $10 at the door info@showbride.com

photo credit: Mark Rodriguez

AREA BRIDAL SHOWS

2013-14 Hampton Roads/Outer Banks Bridal Show Events SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2013

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013

Crowne Plaza Hotel Hampton Marina www.showbride.com

The Founders Inn and Spa www.showbride.com

BRIDAL BOOT CAMP WEDDING EXPO SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2013

HILTON GARDEN INN CHESAPEAKE/ SUFFOLK BRIDAL EXPO www.hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

DISTINCTIVE WEDDINGS BRIDAL EXPO

SHOW 50

SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 2014

HAMPTON ROADS BRIDE MAGAZINE

Founders Inn and Spa www.hamptonroadsbride.com SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2014

UNIQUELY YOURS BRIDAL SHOWCASE

Holiday Inn VA Beach Norfolk Hotel & Conference Center www.showbride.com

www.uniquelyyoursbridalshowcase.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

WINTER BLAST WEDDING SHOW

UNIQUE WEDDINGS BRIDAL EXPO Great Wolf Lodge, Williamsburg www.showbride.com SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2013

SPECIAL OCCASION SHOW Smithfield Center

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2014

Newport News Marriott at City Center www.showbride.com SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 2014

SPRING LOVE WEDDING SHOW Princess Anne Country Club www.showbride.com

BRIDAL SHOW AND TELL everything in one place The groom has proposed; you’ve accepted. Now the planning begins. The only problem is that you and your groom probably work full-time jobs and have hundreds of day-to-day errands and responsibilities. So where do you find the time to plan a wedding? A bridal show affords couples the opportunity to meet photographers, florists, caterers, bakery representatives, musicians, DJs and many other wedding professionals, all conveniently set up under one roof. These shows also provide the opportunity to sample wares, view vendor’s work and compare your level of comfort with other vendors you may already be considering. Many bridal shows feature fashion shows, where the latest in men’s formalwear, bridesmaid’s dresses, and

bridal gowns are presented. It is a good idea to bring a note pad and pencil, so you can take notes on your favorite dresses, tuxedos and the stores that offer them. Bridal shows range in size from 40 to 200 exhibitor booths. They normally take place on weekends during the months of January, February, March, August and September. In addition to fashion shows, food samples and entertainment are also featured. There are numerous door prizes and contests to enter so bring stick on labels with your name, address and wedding date to make registering for prizes easier. Local bridal shows generally advertise on the radio, in bridal magazines, and in the newspaper. Local merchants, especially bridal salons, have information on shows in your area as well.

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MONEY MATTERS a component of successful marriages It is easier to talk about sex than to talk about money, yet unresolved money issues are the number one cause for divorce. Therefore, money matters to a bride and groom beginning a successful life journey together. Most of us weren’t taught to discuss money in a shared conversation. Here are some good questions to get a conversation started between you and your future spouse. How was money handled in your families when growing up? Were there fights about money? Did you feel well off or poor as a kid? Today, how important is money to you? Do you consider yourself a saver or spender? Do you have any large debts or assets? Who earns the most money and how does the other person feel about it? Lastly, what are your financial dreams (individually and as a couple)? How do you plan on making those dreams a reality?

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Before your married life begins, it can be useful to create a starting budget for your household and to agree on who will pay for what within the household. At what dollar amount does one spouse need the permission of the other to purchase? A regular, set-aside time each month is important to create healthy communication and will reduce tensions. Additionally, the couple’s problem solving skills are enhanced. Compromise is the key. Where money is spent is where one’s life is. Money management is more than keeping the checkbook balanced. And the best money management tip? Avoid debt – especially credit card debt, which is particularly draining on a couple. By Ann Homer Cook, Ph.D., President, A. Homer Cook & Associates, A Management Consultant firm.

“Before Saying “I DO”…Be Warned!” Getting married brings with it a number of unanswered questions. What will I do if there is a storm like Sandy that prevents me from getting married? Will my future spouse be deployed? Will my wedding gifts make it home? These questions can plague the new bride and groom. Your wedding day is one of the biggest commitments you’ll make in your life. Consider protecting it with an insurance policy that covers the unexpected. Ava Ryan at 123ABC Insurance can provide you with honest advice and estimates

to protect your wedding day investment. Call 757337-3919 or email avaryan@123abcinsurance. com for your free no obligation/no pressure estimate and “The Top 10 Things You Need To Ask Before You Say: “I DO” guide.

“Calling Ava Ryan after getting engaged (well, after your family and friends) is one of the best decisions our Brides & Grooms can make for their wedding.” Plan ahead and protect your day!” – Janel Bailey Keen Vivid Expressions, LLC

WEDDING INSURANCE don’t let your day be a horror story You have heard those horror stories before, the bride trips and breaks her nose, has to postpone the wedding, or the caterer backs out at the last minute, and you suddenly have 200 mouths to feed, with no caterer available. Have no fear, wedding insurance is made to help ease your mind. After you get your ring appraised, get it insured-just in case! Next, move onto wedding insurance. Insurance protects you from the unexpected like natural disasters (tornado, hurricane, etc.) days before your wedding, and people are unable to go, you will be stuck without that money that you originally paid. With wedding insurance, the only money you will be paying is the deductible. Wedding insurance is the perfect addition to your wedding budget because it will inevitably save your wedding in case

of disaster. It will protect your investment, with minimal money lost. Check with your vendors before purchasing the wedding insurance to see how well they are covered personally so that you don’t purchase too much coverage. Deductibles typically run anywhere from $95 to $600, depending on the size of the wedding and more. When applying, be sure to ask about covering you in as many situations as possible. Most wedding insurance will have exactly what they cover on their website, if they ask you to call, this might not be a reputable site. Make sure you are making the right choice when choosing wedding insurance companies. The most popular companies are always listed first.

RegistRy tips ips & FAQ’s

Find links to all the top stores, browse bridal shower themes, learn how to write personalized thank you notes and reference our gift chart for every anniversary.

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Planning your

DESTINATION WEDDING OR HONEYMOON has never been so easy! A warm, sunny beach… A villa in Italy… A chalet in the Rocky Mountains… Finding the perfect location is the first step and where better to start than

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domestic

SEATTLE

WASHINGTON

Seattle, Washington is located on the west coast and fondly named “The Emerald City.” Sights such as Mt. Rainier, the Space Needle and Pike Place Market will make your stay that much more authentic when visiting. There are museums that cater to the music lover, art lover and children alike; sure to please everybody! If you’re a “foodie” at heart, check out Pike Place Market located in the heart of downtown featuring fresh seafood, chocolates and the ﬁrst ever Starbucks! If that’s not enough, check out the unique breweries that Seattle has to oﬀer, not to mention the extensive wine country.

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LAY OF THE LAND Seattle is a port city situated in the Northwest of Washington state. Seattle has many hills and features one of the country’s tallest volcanoes, Mt. Rainier. Since Seattle is on the coastline there is a lot of water activities to take part in; so soak up some sun and prepare to ride the waves! Try activities like sea kayaking, water skiing, sailing and yachting. If water is not your thing, try other outdoor adventures like biking, hiking or cruising along the gorgeous Alki Beach.

Alki Beach is a scenic location to run, bike or rollerblade, with Elliott Bay and the Seattle skyline serving as backdrops. ©HOWARD FRISK

Pike Place Market

©CHARLIE SCHUCK

MUST-SEES, MUST-DOS Pike Place Market This all-year round market is one of Seattle’s most iconic tourist attractions and is filled with food and drinks! Bring your walking shoes because this attraction is over nine acres across with 500 farmers, bakers, craftspeople and fishmongers who receive the fresh fish in from the sea each morning! You might want to visit early in the day because it does tend to get a little crowded; Pike Place Market boasts a staggering 10 million visitors per year. You’ll find fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, fresh cut flowers, locally made clothing and jewelry and more. The Pike Place Market is truly a one-stop-shop and an experience that you will never forget

Seattle’s skyline, including the Space Needle and Mount Rainier. ©HOWARD FRISK

Seattle Center With four museums, six fountains, five gardens, a skate park, an events arena and too many theaters to count; you are sure to find something to do. Culture is bursting at the seams at this one-of-a-kind location; not to mention that the space needle is in the center of the mix. Designed by Edward E. Carlson in 1959, the Space Needle is the dominant structure for the Seattle World’s Fair. It’s structure is one of the most prevalent structures in the vast Seattle skyline. Be sure to check out the observation deck after your ultimate dining experience atop the Space Needle, which rotates a full 360 degrees.

Woodland Park Zoo

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The Alexis Hotel

Woodland Park-Zoo

Courtyard at Inn at the Market

If nature is more your style, check out one of the most amazing zoo’s in the United States. Located just ten minutes north of downtown, this 92-acre zoo is a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Woodland Park-Zoo is home to creatures like the kookaburra, sloth bear, and wallaroo, and chuckwalla. Don’t know what those are? Here is your chance to find out! The zoo is open every day except Christmas and is open later in the summertime. While you visit be sure to check out the 2.5 acre rose garden that is in the park; with over 280 varieties of roses and over 5,000 individual plants. Feel good about visiting the zoo because a portion of every dollar spent on admission goes to animal conservation projects in the Northwest and around the world.

WHERE TO STAY The Alexis Hotel The Fairmont Olympic

Serious Pie Restaurant

This exclusive hotel is part of the Kimpton hotels and restaurants and has been named one of Travel + Leisure’s “500 Best Hotels in the World” and Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top 20 Hotels in the Pacific Northwest.” The luxury honeymoon suite is filled with tons of amenities including a jet tub, four-poster bed, specialty bath supplies and an extensive book and music collection. Room service is also available with the touch of a button; perfect for the honeymooning couple. Other amenities include towel warmer, two-person shower and “his” and “her” slippers; not to mention the comfy robes! If you want to get even more relaxed, try the Chroma Salon.Spa featuring massages, body wraps and facials (also available in-room!).

Inn at the Market Choose from city view rooms that offer a look over Seattle’s bustling downtown to water view rooms that overlook Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Top-notch amenities include luxury Hypnos beds, plush 114 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

bathrobes, floor to ceiling bay windows and custom linens. Room service is also available and each room is outfitted with a coffee maker with Seattle’s Best Coffee and Tazo Teas. The hotel offers many packages that can fit the needs of your individual tastes. The SIGHT PACKAGE features two tickets to the Seattle Art Museum. The SOUND PACKAGE gets you into one of Seattle’s best entertainment venues, The Triple Door. The TOUCH PACKAGE is all about relaxation and features an in-room one hour massage. The TASTE PACKAGE highlights the three top restaurants within the hotel - two French restaurants and a Korean restaurant. Last, but not least, fresh market flowers and a $50 gift certificate to the courtyard shops greet you with the SCENT PACKAGE.

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel Located in the heart of downtown this stunning Italian Renaissance style hotel is home to more than 450 rooms. Situated just steps from the finest shopping and entertainment, there isn’t much more you can ask for from a hotel. Check out the in-room spa treatments courtesy of Penelope & The Beauty Bar and then take a trip to The Georgian restaurant for the latest sampling of afternoon tea. If you hold your wedding at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel you will receive 5% back for your honeymoon at any Fairmont Hotel and Resort location. Lastly, check out the house made chocolate honey truffles; the honey is made from the rooftop beehives! Chandler Crabhouse

WHERE TO EAT Serious Pie For starters, check out the burrata, bosc pears, Oregon hazelnut and truffle appetizer. Next, try one of their seven signature pizzas like their buffalo mozzarella, red sauce and fresh basil pizza. Finish it off with a serious root beer float. In addition to their killer pizza menu, they have signature sodas, wine, and local beer.

Chandler’s Crabhouse Specializing in the “World’s Best” Dungeness Crab Cake, this crabhouse is perfect for lunch, dinner and anything in between. Starting at 3pm, Chandler’s serves a bar menu complete with beer, specialty cocktails, and full bar. Be sure to check out the specialty bar items including the Dungeness crab leg Rockefeller, Dungeness Crab Mac and Cheese or even the Garlic Prawns. Happy hour also serves a number of different types of sushi. The full dinner menu features soups, salads and an abundance of other seafood.

Sky City Restaurant Take the elevator all the way to the top of the Space Needle and prepare for a night along the clouds as you see unparalleled 360-degree views of the city. Dress code is casual attire but must be clean, neat and presentable. Sky City restaurant offers brunch, lunch and a dinner menu; a wine list and kid’s menu as well. The appetizers range from Dungeness crab fritters to smoked tenderloin carpaccio and everything in between. Sky City Restaurant

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tropical

ANTIGUA Antigua, a little piece of paradise is situated oﬀ the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and is about 17 degrees north of the equator. Antigua is roughly 108 square miles with a sprawling coastline littered with coves, bays and amazing beaches. The island is the largest of the British Leeward Islands and ﬁlled with rich history. When exploring this little slice of heaven, be sure to see the breathtaking views at Shirley Heights, which overlook the English Harbour. St. John’s Cathedral is also conveniently located on this island and has become quite the tourist attraction.

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LAY OF THE LAND In Spanish, Antigua translates to “old” or “ancient” and it’s easy to see why, with rich and cultural history to see on the island. It might also be the perfect setting for your perfect destination wedding. The best time to visit Antigua is from May to November, which is the island’s off-season. Your rates will be a lot cheaper and there will be fewer tourists crowding the streets and beaches.

MUST-SEES, MUST-DOS Stingray City If swimming with stingrays sounds like fun, take in the number one attraction on Antigua. This is one of the most popular attractions for snorkelers and non-swimmers because you can actually touch and feed a stingray! Watch the graceful fish swim around you while experiencing a unique encounter with your new husband! A guide will be with you at all times to aid you in your one-of-a-kind experience. In addition to swimming with stingrays, be sure to check out the brilliance of the coral reefs and other colorful fish!

Barbuda Express This convenient ferry service travels five days a week between Antigua and Barbuda. Barbuda is the sister island to Antigua and is most popular for its pink sandy beaches! Enjoy whale watching aboard the Barbuda Express or travel to St. John’s Island for shopping. While on the catamaran boat, diving and snorkeling is offered and hiking in the caves at The Highlands. Don’t be surprised if you see the largest Frigate bird colony flying above you outside the Galapagos. Be sure to take a camera with you so that you don’t miss the opportunity to capture nature in action!

National Parks Antigua You can visit all of the National Parks of Antigua in one day, including the Dockyard Museum, Dow’s Hill, Shirley Heights, Fort

Charlotte, and Fort George. The Dockyard Museum is filled with artifacts that display the history of the ancient island. Dow’s Hill is a major sightseeing attraction and is an unforgettable setting for weddings on the island. Shirley Heights is a restored military lookout and is the perfect place to watch a stunning view of the sunset. Every Sunday night, a party is held at this iconic venue. Fort George was previously a hideout for the islands inhabitants just in case there was an invasion. Beautiful views of the island can be taken in while you stroll along the beaches at this location.

WHERE TO STAY Sandals Grande All-Inclusive Antigua Resort & Spa This resort has been named the World’s leading Honeymoon Resort three years in a row! Not to mention the World’s Most Romantic resort. The location is everything for this resort because it is conveniently situated on Antigua’s most famous beach, Dickenson Bay. The resort features a two-in-one bonus since there are Mediterranean and Caribbean Villages on the resort. The Mediterranean Village is built into the mountainous landscape filled with boutiques and swanky places to eat. With a six star diamond award, the restaurants at the Mediterranean Village are sure to please. The Caribbean Village is a picturesque location with groves surrounding the lush landscape and pink plumeria dangle above your head. There is always something to do at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa! Get a massage at the Red Lane Spa, take in the adventure tours or swim with the fish while scuba diving. There are plenty of watersports that you can take part in, or challenge your new husband to a round of golf. Book an all inclusive vacation through Sandals, you experience many amenities such as unlimited premium drinks, after hours parties and nightclubs. www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 117

Sandals Grande All Inclusive Antigua Resort & Spa

Sugar Ridge Antigua:

Sugar Ridge Antigua

Jumby Bay A Rosewood Resort

A luxury boutique hotel bordered with sugar cane is the perfect setting for panoramic views of the turquoise seas ahead of you. Offering rooms that are in unique sets of four, each room has its own entrance and radio frequency door lock. All rooms come with a four-poster bed draped with muslin and accented with rich textures and natural tones. iPod docks are offered in the rooms along with flat screen televisions and complimentary Wi-Fi. Dine at the hotel’s more formal restaurant known as Carmichael’s while overlooking the resort. Take in the panoramic views as you savor the grilled filet steak with spinach and crème fraiche. If you are into a more casual dining area, check out the Sugar Club restaurant. The entire bottom floor of the Sugar Club is the exclusive spa. The spa features four treatment rooms, a hair salon, and nail salon. Two swimming pools, cabanas and fountains are also open all day for your pleasure. Weddings are held at this luxurious location and is perfect for your intimate ceremony along the sandy beaches of Antigua.

Jumby Bay: A Rosewood Resort

Catherine’s Cafe

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This exclusive resort is one-of-a-kind because it offers fully staffed private estate homes and luxury villas. This private oasis features an Estate House restaurant with dining options fit for a king and queen. There are two other restaurants on the grounds including the Verandah Restaurant and the Pool Grille. Each restaurant overlooks an infinity pool. You can expect all three meals included as well as an unlimited open bar and afternoon tea. You will have access to the Beaches of Jumby Bay, and an array of watersports are available at your fingertips. Relax at Sense, A Rosewood Spa or enjoy a round of golf. The hotel also offers sailing, deep-sea fishing and scuba diving with instruction. Island tours are also available with sightseeing opportunities.

WHERE TO EAT Catherine’s Café: One of the more hip places to eat on the island. Featuring a sprawling view of both Freeman’s bay and Nelson’s Dockyard, this setting is unparalleled. Serving French cuisine with daily specials, this restaurant is hard to disappoint. Catherine’s Café is open six days a week, Wednesday to Sunday with live music and the ideal accompanying French wine. Enjoy a lobster salad sprinkled with grapefruit, melon and mangetout peas. With specials every day it’s hard to eat the same thing every night. Lobster Risotto, Strip-loin Tournedos, Mahi Papillotte and Duck Legs Confit are just a few of the inspiring dishes on the menu.

Ristorante Paparazzi: An authentic Italian restaurant set in the heart of the pristine beaches of Antigua. The Ristorante Paparazzi blends home-style cuisine with the warm hospitality of the island. Serving lunch, dinner and dessert this restaurant is voted the best wood oven pizza in the Caribbean. With twenty unique pizzas, Ristorante Paparazzi restaurant is a mustsee! For lunch sample the fresh soups, salads and tappas. If you are still feeling hungry, try the tortellini gigi or seafood linguini. The philosophy behind the Ristorante Paparazzi is “that you serve dishes in a specific order to achieve a certain kind of eating experience.”

To achieve the experience, try the salmon affumicato for an appetizer and the stracciatella alla as a soup. For the next course try the insalata di spinaci con gamberi which is a baby spinach and avocado salad. For your main course choose between pasta, chicken, veal, beef or fish. Finish your meal off with Ristorante Paparazzi’s desserts like tiramisu, cheesecake or variety of other sweets. .

The Cove Restaurant: Take in the beautiful blue waters of Antigua while dining in this intimate outdoor restaurant. Sit at a candlelit table while basking in your newlywed glow. Sample authentic Antiguan lobster bisque soup and coconut shrimp for a starter. The main courses range from beef to pork, chicken, lobster and even salmon. Other seafood items such as mussels and snapper are also on the menu. Dessert includes coconut crème brule, lemon and apple tarts, chocolate lava cakes or dark mousee au chocolate. Ristorante Paparazzi

The Cove Restaurant

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 119

international

MYKONOS,

GREECE Mykonos, Greece is located south of Tinos on an island in the middle of the Aegean Sea. This popular tourist attraction has much to offer. Honeymooners flock to this breathtaking island by boat, cruise ship or plane to take in all of Mykonos, Greece. There is plenty to see on the island including popular landmarks such as the Windmills, Petros the Pelican museums and beaches. Mykonos Island has a must see beach appropriately named Paradise. Tourists find shopping to be enjoyable because of the fancy boutiques on the island. Most boutiques are open seven days a week but closed daily from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

120 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

LAY OF THE LAND Since Mykonos, Greece is located on an island you can expect plenty of water. Research the beaches that surround the island they might not be what you expect. Restaurants line the cobblestone streets and there is always something good to eat. There are three nightclubs on the island, two on Paradise beach and one in Mykonos town. Whether you fly, ride in on a cruise ship, or sail the open seas by boat, Mykonos has something for everyone.

MUST SEE & DO’S The Mykonos Windmills: One of the most iconic features of Greece are the windmills atop the town of Mykonos. The mills were initially established to refine and compact grain for sea transport. The mills are white and circular with a cone shaped roof. Since no longer used for grinding grain however they have been restored and are used for museums or living spaces. The Windmill of Geronymos is still preserved and is privately owned.

A Day at the Beach: There are many beaches on Mykonos with tavernas and deck chairs. You typically have to rent deck chairs and umbrellas. The south

side of the island has the best beaches with vendors that walk up and down trying to sell their goods. There are also nude beaches on the island so be sure to research which beach you are going to! Most beaches are located close to hotels, apartments and restaurants. Some beaches have beach bars, while others are a constant party. Paradise beach is known for the party scene and you can expect music to be blaring on the island at 4 p.m.

Little Venice: The most romantic and picturesque neighborhood on Mykonos is known as “Little Venice.” Situated on the edge of the sea, this bustling area is filled with plenty of shops, restaurants and an unparalleled view as the sun sets. Don’t miss this perfect little neighborhood!

WHERE TO STAY Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort : Experience another world at this island oasis resort known as Mykonos Grand Hotel. Located on the beachfront, this luxurious resort is an inspirational sight with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Watersports are not allowed on the sandy beach that surrounds the resort in an effort to create a peaceful and relaxing environment. Customer service is the

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 121

Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort

number one priority at the resort where your every need is fulfilled. There are many types of rooms offered at the resort with views of the garden and sea. Suites are also available with our without a private pool. Three honeymoon packages are available with amenities including champagne, daily room service and VIP lounge check in. Relax at the Althea Spa Center by indulging in the Mykonian “Chill Out” Package. The package includes a Mykonian scrub, Detox algae mask in a Vichy shower and back massage. The resort also includes usage of the facilities including restaurants, bars, spa, and a traditional church. The picturesque setting is perfect for your wedding ceremony and all ceremony related services are offered by hotel. Make sure to bring your birth certificate, baptism certificate and letter from your church’s minister giving permission and blessing to get married on the island. If you plan on getting married at the resort you must be Christian Orthodox.

Hotel Kivotos Mykonos

Hotel Kivotos Mykonos:

Cavo Tagoo Wentworth Mansion Suite

122 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

Traditional architecture and original art provide the backdrop to one of the best hotels on Mykonos. Each piece of artwork in Hotel Kivotos is painstakingly selected for beauty and grandeur, much like the hotel itself. Originally intended to be a villa this hotel is just five minutes from Mykonos’ town. The resort features a hotel and a private villa upon request. Noah’s Villa is a private residence on the resort which sleeps six guests. Offering private dining and sitting areas, a Jacuzzi with direct views of the sea and a butler service, this villa will become your home away from home. Two specialty suites at the hotel include breathtaking sea views and a private pool. Other luxurious rooms at the hotel boast sea and garden views and feature amenities such as televisions and modern furnishings. The most unique feature about this hotel are the rental services. You can rent a helicopter, lear jet, car, motorbike or private yacht for your pleasure. The hotel offers two wedding

packages that include wedding planning services and pick-up with a limousine or Porsche Cayenne. Relax at the Kivotos SPA or at the private beach which is just steps away from your room. The main seawater pool is located on the lower level and has underwater music and a swim up bar. A freshwater pool is surrounded by the flower gardens and also features an open Jacuzzi.

Cavo Tagoo: A five star boutique hotel nestled in the cliffside of Mykonos, Greece. The hotel’s philosophy “strives to be a canvas upon which visitors can color their island dreams.” The main concern for staff at Cavo Tagoo is the customers experience. Rooms range from one to two bedroom private villas and suites. Fall in love all over again in the honeymoon suite. The suite includes an upper level view and features a private pool, Jacuzzi and a king size bed. The Mykonos luxury spa offers a variety of relaxation treatments that include the use of extra virgin Greek olive oil. Only the best when you stay at the best! If you forgot your swimsuit, an on-site boutique can help you with that!

WHERE TO EAT Avli tou Thodori: In Greek Avli tou Thodori means Thodore’s Courtyard and is known for the distinct tastes and stunning views of the Aegean sea. The restaurant is located on the east side of the

island. With its easy access to both Paradise and Super Paradise islands this restaurant is a must see! Old black and white photos line the walls of this cottage style restaurant. Enjoy traditional dishes such as tzatziki, Greek salads and pork souvlaki.

Jimmy’s Gyros: Although it might sound like an American name, don’t be fooled. This hole in the wall restaurant is a little secret among locals and serves the best gyros on Mykonos island. Make sure to visit more than once and pick up a tee shirt as a memento. Just be sure to give Jimmy a nod as you walk out the door while he plays his guitar.

Nobu Matsushisa: One of the most amazing and exclusive Japanese restaurants in the world resides in Mykonos, Greece. Nobu Matsushisa offers fresh sushi is made to order in an array of fish to please your palate. Other traditional Japanese dishes include salads, kushiyaki, and tempura. Various hot and cold special dishes are on the menu as well as an abbreviated lunch and dinner menu. Donburi is served with many options including chicken teriyaki and combination tempura versions. The chef’s choice of Omakase, a Japanese phrase that means “I’ll leave it to you,” is the most exotic and best dishes at the restaurant.

Little Venice

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 123

DIRECTORY • Apparel (See Bridal Attire Guide pg. 11) • Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties (See Reception Guide See pgs. 68-75) • Beauty & Health

• Carriages • Caterers • Children’s Formalwear (See Bridal Attire guide pg. 11) • Chocolates & Chocolate Fountains

• Bridal Accessories (See Bridal Attire Guide pg. 11)

• Consultants & Coordinators

• Bridal Shops (See Bridal Attire Guide pg. 11)

• Decorators • DJs

• Bridal Showers Lunches & Teas (Also see Reception Guide pg. 68-75)

• Favors & Gifts

• Cakes & Cupcakes

• Formalwear (Tuxedos) (Also See Bridal Attire Guide pg. 11)

• Gown Preservation and Cleaning (See Bridal Attire Guide pg. 11) • Honeymoons & Destination Weddings • Housing-FinancialInsurance • Ice Sculptures • Invitations • Jewelers/Jewelry (Also see Jewelers Guide pg. 32) • Lighting • Lingerie (See Bridal Attire Guide pg. 11)

• Photo Booths • Photography • Reception/Rehearsal Dinner Facilities (See Reception Guide pg. 68-75) • Registry • Rentals • Shoes (See Bridal Attire Guide pg. 11) • Veils (See Bridal Attire Guide pg. 11) • Videography • Websites

• Officiants

Louisa’s Bridal www.louisasbridal.com 252-338-8965

(See pg. 6)

Maya Couture Bridal Salon www.mayacouture.com 757-461-1690

(See pg. 4)

Salon Vivace Williamsburg New Town Center 5116 Center Street Virginia Beach-Chambord Commons 2228 Virginia Beach Blvd. Newport News-Shops at Oyster Point 639 Pilot House Drive Chesapeake-Hanbury Village 237 Hanbury Road East, Suite 20 www.salonvivace.com

The Inspired Bride www.theinspiredbride.com 757-345-0008

(See pg. 6)

Theresa Little Make-up Artistry www.theresalittle.com 757-287-7787

APPAREL

(See Bridal Attire Guide pg. 11)

BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE PARTIES

(See Reception Guide See pgs. 68-75)

Tidewater Chiropractic Group Hampton Portsmouth www.tidewaterchiripractic.net

BEAUTY & HEALTH

(See Bridal Attire Guide pg. 11)

Best Face Forward 866-851-5247

(See pg. 78)

Eye Deux www.eyedeux.com 757-742-3389

(See pg. 52)

Hair by Alice www.hairbyalice.com 757-818-5459

Barefoot Bride www.bfbride.com 757-788-8812 Green Gates Gifts Hampton Gloucester Point www.greengatesgifts.com

757-873-1775 757-482-5790 (See pg. 9)

757-224-0424 757-465-7299 (See pg. 51)

(See pg. 35) 757-848-5324 804-642-5618 (See pg. 44)

Louisa’s Bridal www.louisasbridal.com 252-338-8965

(See pg. 6)

(See pg. 4)

(See pg. 6)

(See pg. 51)

Kristal Lane - Beauty on Location www.kristallane.com 757-469-6130

Maya Couture Bridal Salon www.mayacouture.com 757-461-1690

(See pg. 50)

Salon Noa www.salonnoa.net 757-553-8351

The Inspired Bride www.theinspiredbride.com 757-345-0008

(See pg. 50)

124 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

757-463-1231

BRIDAL ACCESSORIES

Ardyss International Inc. by Kristine www.thenewyounaturally.com 757-727-3240

It Works! Global www.wrappingvirginiaskinny.myitworks.com 757-535-6481

757-220-941

DIRECTORY OF SERVICES BRIDAL SHOPS

(See Bridal Attire Guide pg. 11)

BRIDAL SHOWERS LUNCHES & TEAS

(Also see Reception Guide pg. 68-75)

CAKES & CUPCAKES Flour Child Bakery www.iloveflourchildbakery.com 757-464-1455

(See pg. 43)

My Vegan Sweet Tooth www.myvegansweettooth.com 757-339-2794

(See pg. 42)

CARRIAGES CATERERS Barefoot Gourmet 757-469-6265

(See pg. 78)

Creative Catering of Virginia www.creativecateringva.com 757-499-2002

(See pg. 96)

Montero’s www.tmonterosrestaurant.com 252-331-1067

(See pg. 80)

Mosaic www.mosaicedibles.com.com 757-538-5090

(See pg. 79)

CHILDREN’S FORMALWEAR

(See Bridal Attire guide pg. 11)

CHOCOLATES & CHOCOLATE FOUNTAINS

(See pg. 88)

Memorable Events by Apryl www.makememorable.com 757-349-6322

(See pg. 91)

Pinch of Charm www.pinchofcharm.com 757-262-7820

(See pg. 86)

The Main Event 757-344-9045

(See pg. 91)

Vivid Expressions, LLC www.vividexpressions.com 757-802-3199

(See pg. 88)

Creations By Tiffeny www.creationsbytiffenyevents.com 757-292-7908/337-0494

(See pg. 92)

Pinch of Charm www.pinchofcharm.com 757-262-7820

(See pg. 86)

The Main Event 757-344-9045

(See pg. 91)

Vivid Expressions, LLC www.vividexpressions.com 757-802-3199

(See pg. 88)

DJS Astro Entertainment www.astrodj.com 757-460-2224

(See pg. 104)

Baker Entertainment www.bakerentertainment.com 757-813-1214

(See pg. 101)

Big Dreams Entertainment www.bigdreamsentertainment.com 757-275-8000

252-453-3188 252-715-0779 (See pg. 60)

CONSULTANTS & COORDINATORS 29:11 Celebrations www.2911celebrations.com 757-619-8561

(See pg. 87)

Joiful Faith Event Planning www.joifulfaithevents.com 757-636-0493

DECORATORS

Carolina Carriages www.harvestmoonhorses.com 252-619-5745

Distinct Delights Corolla Kitty Hawk www.distinctdelights.com

Exquisite Classy Events www.e-classevents.com 252-267-1230

(See pg. 89)

Creative Affairs www.creativeaffairsweddings.com 804-824-1871

(See pg. 92)

Creations By Tiffeny www.creationsbytiffenyevents.com 757-292-7908/337-0494

(See pg. 92)

Dreams 2 Reality www.dreamstworeality.com 757-839-3461

(See pg. 87)

Colonial DJs www.colonialdjs.com 757-865-0020

(See pg. 1)

(See pg. 103)

FAVORS & GIFTS Distinct Delights Corolla Kitty Hawk www.distinctdelights.com

252-453-3188 252-715-0779 (See pg. 60)

Green Gates Gifts Hampton Gloucester Point www.greengatesgifts.com

757-848-5324 804-642-5618 (See pg. 44)

FORMALWEAR (TUXEDOS)

(Also See Bridal Attire Guide pg. 11)

www.premierbridehr.com PREMIER BRIDE • 125

DIRECTORY OF SERVICES GOWN PRESERVATION AND CLEANING

(See Bridal Attire Guide pg. 11)

HONEYMOONS & DESTINATION WEDDINGS

Baker Entertainment www.bakerentertainment.com 757-813-1214

(See pg. 101)

The Boardwalk Photo Booth Company www.boardwalkphotoboothcompany.com 757-655-5FUN

(See pg. 102)

PHOTOGRAPHY Cherish The Moment Photography and Video www.ctmweddingsandevents.com 877-552-4881

(See pg. 98)

HOUSING-FINANCIALINSURANCE

Dragon Studios www.dragonphotostudio.com 757-636-9807

(See pg. 94)

123ABC Insurance www.123abcinsurance.net 757-4337-3919

(See pg. 109)

Fresh Look Photography www.judithsfreshlook.com 757-749-5350

(See pg. 97)

(See pg. 108)

Impressions In Time www.impressionintime.com 757-329-3600

(See pg. 99)

(See pg. 142)

Keith Cephus Photography www.keithcephus.com 757-430-2169

(See pg. 96)

Youmans & Company www.youmanscompany.com 757-238-9805

(See pg. 95)

Currituck North Carolina www.cometoourbeach.com 252-453-9612

Ashley-Paige Realty Inc. Ruth Benjamin 757-472-3461 The Cosmopolitan Apartments www.thecosmopolitanapartments.com 757-456-9292

(See pg. 67)

ICE SCULPTURES Ice Art Inc. www.iceartva.com 757-498-4777

(See pg. 81)

INVITATIONS

(See Reception Guide pg. 68-75)

BlueGreenAqua www.bluegreenaqua.com

(See pg. 37)

JEWELERS/JEWELRY

BlueGreenAqua www.bluegreenaqua.com

(See pg. 37)

Electric Rainbow www.electricrainbow.artfire.com 757-503-3289

(See pg. 33)

LIGHTING (See pg. 101)

LINGERIE

(See Bridal Attire Guide pg. 11)

OFFICIANTS A Fulfilled Wish www.storybookevents.net 757-625-4321

Green Gates Gifts Hampton Gloucester Point www.greengatesgifts.com Kohls 1547 Sams Circle, Chesapeake 551 Bland Blvd., Newport News Harbour View Station 6253 College Drive, Suffolk Virginia Beach Pembroke Mall 4564 Virginia Beach Blvd Virginia Beach Princess Anne 3344 Princess Ann Road 100 Gristmill Plaza, Williamsburg www.kohls.com

(See pg. 47) 757-848-5324 804-642-5618 (See pg. 44) 757-312-0980 757-988-3013 757-686-1373 757-473-1017 757-368-0424 757-564-0111 (See pg. 46)

RENTALS

Pink Weddins of OBX www.dreanalittledreamweddings.com/pink-weddings.html 252-564-2615 or 252-261-0706 (See pg. 67)

PHOTO BOOTHS Astro Entertainment www.astrodj.com 757-460-2224

REGISTRY Corolla Wild Horse Fund www.corollawildhorses.org 252-453-8002

(Also see Jewelers Guide pg. 32)

Astro Entertainment www.astrodj.com 757-460-2224

RECEPTION/REHEARSAL DINNER FACILITIES

(See pg. 104)

126 â&#x20AC;˘ PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

ABZ Rentals www.abzrentals.com 757-890-4700

(See pg. 83)

Affordable & Luxury Event Rental www.affordabletent.net 757-428-8368

(See pg. 82)

Classy Covers www.classycovers.net 757-478-3401

(See pg. 99)

DIRECTORY OF SERVICES SHOES

Just a couple honeymoon tips.

(See Bridal Attire Guide pg. 11)

VEILS

No matter where you’re going, when you’re traveling with someone you love, it’s important to remember a few very important pieces of information.

(See Bridal Attire Guide pg. 11)

VIDEOGRAPHY Baker Entertainment www.bakerentertainment.com 757-813-1214

(See pg. 101)

Cherish The Moment Photography and Video www.ctmweddingsandevents.com 757-515-3144

(See pg. 98)

WEBSITES Premier Bride www.PremierBridehr.com 757 Wedding Professionals www.757weddingpros.com Wedding Professionals of Southeastern Virginia www.wpsv.net WedAlert.com www.wedalert.com

• You love this person. Whether the airline lost your baggage, you got Dengue fever, or he accidentally had one too many tropical drinks, you love him. Remember that and your trip will be better for it. • Share the experience of your honeymoon as well. He wants to golf and you want to shop. If you can’t bear to be apart even for a few hours, then you try golfing in the morning and he goes shopping with you in the afternoon.

(See pg. 110)

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2014

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SEPTEMBER 7th Labor Day 14th Rosh haShanah 23rd Yom Kippur

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Log on to premierbride.com for more an even more detailed planner! 128 • PREMIER BRIDE www.premierbridehr.com

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Perfectly Planned for a beautiful beginning. Because it truly is your day, you can be sure that we are fully committed to every detail of your wedding. Whether you prefer an intimate gathering or grand event, DoubleTree can help you orchestrate the celebration of your dreams.

• Fully customizable rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, party and honeymoon packages • Elegant arrangements for groups of 7 to 700

• Designated wedding and event planner on staff • Attentive, courteous staff and convenient amenities for your guests

Call Jackie Ivester, our Director of Catering, to begin your journey. 757.437.2022 or email jivester@doubletreevb.com 1900 Pavilion Drive • Virginia Beach, VA 23451 • VirginiaBeach.DoubleTree.com