from the publisher
Welcome. We are delighted once again to bring you Bradley Gough Diamonds - The LX Magazine, a beautiful coffee table piece as our special gift to you. Intrigued with the concept of love, this spring/summer issue unveils beauty and romance with showcases of exquisite jewelry, fashion, artistic photography and more. As the bridal season begins, we are excited to share this year’s trends including expert wedding cake advice from pastry chef, Duff Goldman, in “Let Them Eat Cake,” as well as tips on popular blooms from floral expert, Simon Lycett, in “Perennial Amore.” Set sail with “Honeymoons on the Waves,” featuring seven of the finest, romantic yachting destinations and celebrate the splendor of beauty in our photo feature, “Behind the Lens of Robert Evans - A Labor of Love.” In the world of fine bridal jewelry, Verragio is renowned for the creation of some of the most delicately beautiful original designs. Learn more about Barry Verragio’s work in “Crafting the Ultimate Symbol of Commitment.” Also in this issue, read “100 Years of Maserati,” the Italian automaker’s history in auto racing to it’s journey as a top luxury brand of today. “Get the Skinny on Summer Cocktails” gives some great advice on lighter libations and features tempting recipes for you to enjoy! Be sure to visit us this season at Bradley Gough Diamonds. We love hearing your stories and feel honored to be a part of your special moments. We will continue to strive for cutting edge fashion in our jewelry while maintaining the high quality you have been accustomed to receiving. Above all, you are very important to us and we treasure your friendship and loyalty. Enjoy this issue of Bradley Gough Diamonds - The LX Magazine. All The Best, www.bradleygough.com
Brad Gough
www.bradleygough.com
gelinabaci.com
Features
inside
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Jewelry 11 Barry Verragio 36 Gift Guide 44 Hearts On Fire Photography 28 Behind the Lens of Robert Evans
Barry Verragio: Crafting the Ultimate Symbol of Commitment
GiftGuide
Bradley Gough Diamonds TACORI
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18kt White Gold 0.42CTTW Diamond Wedding Band $3,995
KWIAT 18kt White Gold 0.650CTTW Diamond Echo Double Pear Necklace $2,600
HEARTS ON FIRE KWIAT
Lorelei Bloom Solitaire starting at $4,250
18kt White Gold 0.68CTTW Diamond String Necklace $2,400
DIADORI
TACORI
18kt White Gold 0.43CTTW Diamond Crossover Engagement Mounting
18kt White Gold 0.15CTTW Diamond Marquise Shaped Engagement Ring
$2,775 (center diamond sold separately)
$2,160
HEARTS ON FIRE
DIADORI
Lorelei Floral Solitaire starting at $3,750
18kt White Gold 0.33CTTW Diamond Engagement Mounting $2,450 (center diamond sold separately)
TACORI 18kt White Gold 0.77CTTW Diamond Halo Petite Crescent Engagement Ring $6,875
VERRAGIO Two Tone 0.55CTTW Diamond Ring $5,170
DIADORI 18kt White Gold/Rose Gold Natural Pink Diamond with 0.27CTTW Diamond Engagement Mounting $4,395 (center diamond sold separately)
DIADORI 18kt White Gold 0.27CTTW Diamond Braided Engagement Mounting $3,250 (center diamond sold separately)
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VERRAGIO 14kt White Gold 0.15CTTW Diamond Twist Engagement Ring $2,100
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TACORI 18kt White Gold 0.43CTTW Diamond Petite Crescent Engagement Ring $4,675
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Bradley Gough Diamonds Gift Guide
Lifestyle 15 Ultimate Summer Brunch 19 Let Them Eat Cake 25 100 Years of Maserati 56 Perennial Amore 65 Outdoor Gourment Fashion 60 Pantone Color Fashion Report Travel 50 Honeymoons on the Waves Libation 47 Lighter Libations
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Behind the Lens of Robert Evans: A Labor of Love
28 47
Get the Skinny on Summer Cocktails,
Lighter Libations
19 Let Them Eat Cake 7
cover on on thethe cover
Publisher BRADLEY GOUGH Associate Publisher ERIN LANE Editor JON ROBERTS Creative Director ANGIE HALTER
Featured on the cover is the work of brilliant fashion, beauty and wedding photographer, Emily Gualdoni.
Project Coordinators COURTNEY DRENTH KATIE HOENISCH
LX: a coffee table magazine Bradley Gough Diamonds - The LX® Magazine is published by LX Publications, LLC, 524 North Main Avenue, Suite 110, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. LX® accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. LX® reserves the right to edit, rewrite, refuse or reuse material, is not responsible for errors or omissions and may feature the same content on lxmagazines.com, as well as other mediums for any and all purposes. Copyright © 2014 LX Publications LLC. All rights reserved. The entire contents of LX® are protected by copyright© and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of LX Publications, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part or storage in any data retrieval system or any transmission by any means therefrom without prior written permission is prohibited. LX® and LX® Magazine are trademarks™ of LX Publications, LLC. 8
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Ac ro s s f ro m Je f fe r s o n Po i n t e 2 6 0 . 4 3 6 . 9 3 0 0 • w w w. b r a d l ey go u g h . c o m
DIAMOND COUTURE COLLECTION
BARRY VERRAGIO Crafting the Ultimate Symbol of Commitment By Lyndon Conrad Bell In every field of human endeavor, there exists a certain group of individuals universally acknowledged to be the elite. In the world of fine bridal jewelry, one such individual is Barry Verragio. Both artist and craftsman, Verragio is renowned for the creation of some of the most delicately beautiful original designs in bridal jewelry. His collections demonstrate a classical feminine quality, enlightened by a wholly contemporary sensibility. Apprenticing himself to a master jewelry maker at the age of 14, once Verragio had mastered the basics of jewelry making, he broadened his understanding of design at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Verragio then spent some 20 years designing exquisite fine jewelry for some of the most prominent manufacturing firms in the business. Along the way, he became an accomplished master of ring design, and he developed a uniquely distinctive setting technique. This technique became the foundation of the company known as Verragio, Ltd.
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Verragio, Ltd. specializes in engagement rings and wedding bands of the highest quality and beauty. Consisting of fashion forward designs, while maintaining a classic foundation, each of the Verragio collections evokes a feeling and style transcendent of time. Further, each Verragio style is individually handcrafted with attention to detail and design. These qualities have become synonymous with the Verragio name. The technique has come to be known as Verragio’s Lumino setting. A revolutionary setting method, the Lumino seemingly suspends the stone, thereby exposing all of its facets to light. In addition to enabling the diamond to reveal all of its inherent fire and brilliance, the Lumino setting also endows the jewelry employing it with a lightly delicate quality. In addition to amplifying the beauty of the stone, the Lumino setting allows the ring to enhance the beauty of its wearer without dominating her hand. Once you have seen a Verragio ring, its timeless and distinctive beauty causes the experience to remain engrained in your memory. Like so many wonderful things, the Verragio ring is also the product of a labor of love.
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Like so many wonderful things, the design language of the Verragio bridal sets is also the product of a labor of love. Upon the occasion of his engagement to be married, Verragio designed the most exquisite wedding set he could envision. This ring ultimately became the template for the first Verragio collection—informing all of the others following it. Further, this ring established the three key tenets of Verragio’s work. 1. Wedding and engagement rings would be where the Verragio Company would concentrate its efforts. 2. Verragio would work primarily with designs for as many unusual cuts as possible. 3. The focus of the Verragio engagement ring would always be to showcase the main diamond. Verragio is also guided by the philosophy a mounting should enhance the beauty of a diamond in the same way a beautiful dress makes a woman even more beautiful. This is reflected in all of Verragio’s bridal sets. It is also why each Verragio style is individually hand crafted with an attention to detail and design that has become synonymous with the Verragio name. In addition to the Lumino setting, Verragio’s work is characterized by the engraving of unique profiles on the sides, underneath, and even on the top of the piece. These imaginative details add interest, while also bolstering the intrinsic beauty of the primary diamond. One of Verragio’s professors at the Fashion Institute of Technology was Maurice Galley, a former designer for Tiffany & Company. Galley taught Verragio to think specifically of women when he designs. Fluidity and flowing grace, the dominant characteristics of the Verragio ring, are there because Galley helped Verragio see how hard edges and angles detract from the femininity of a design. Galley is also responsible for helping Verragio focus his attentions on bridal jewelry. He showed Verragio the potential for evolving the basic solitaires and three-stone rings that tend to dominate the genre by adding nuances, subtle details, and personal innovations. There was also a practical aspect to Galley’s teachings. He helped Verragio recognize the value of a career in bridal jewelry. Galley showed Verragio there is always a need for bridal, how it doesn’t change much over time, and there was considerable opportunity for a talented individual such as Verragio to have an influential role in the field. However, wedding rings hold a specific appeal for Verragio for another reason as well. He likes the fact the rings he designs enable him to play a role in one of the most momentous occasions life affords. Each time the couple sees the ring; Verragio is part of their memories, whether consciously or unconsciously. Working in an area with so many good feelings around it infuses him with a profound sense of responsibility. Being involved in one of the most special moments of another person’s life, producing a symbol of the joy of their time and the history bound to follow it are highly significant motivators for Verragio. Currently, the Verragio line consists of the Parisian Collection, the Venetian Collection, the Couture Collection, the Insignia Collection and the Paradiso Collection. Each is designed to occupy a specific niche in the market. With them, Verragio tries to ensure his work is accessible to as broad a spectrum of economic groups, age groups, and specific tastes as possible. Bookending the line are the Paradiso Collection and the Couture Collection. Paradiso was conceived primarily with price, aesthetic, and day-to-day wearabliity in mind. Couture stays true to aesthetic and wearabliity concerns, while embellishing them with larger center and side stones. Regardless of the Collection’s place in the overall hierarchy, however, each line specifically reflects the hallmarks of the signature Verragio style. The main diamond is always set to radiate and serve as the focal point, regardless of how it is supported by the sumptuously luxurious elements adorning its setting. From the lacelike profiles of the Venetian Collection to the irresistibly diamond intensive profiles of the Insignia Collection, a Verragio wedding set is one truly unlike any other.
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By Nichole Odijk DeMario Brunch, that delightful meal that combines menu items of both breakfast and lunch and has entertaining written all over it. If you prefer to delight an intimate or even large group of guests with the ultimate brunch during the warmth of summer, it can all be accomplished within the comforts of home. Executive Chef and Owner of My Private Chef, Christopher Tong, has been creating and coordinating upscale private gourmet dining experiences for 30 years. Brunch is a food connoisseur favorite, but it can also be the entertainer’s favorite because of its creative options. Tong says the ultimate summer brunch takes advantage of seasonal and exotic fruits and vegetables. He says guests thoroughly enjoy a chef attended gourmet omelet, crepe or waffle station. Flavors should be vibrant and ingredients should vary in color to give dishes that pop. He likes to balance flavors of sweet and savory, which makes the meal that much more enjoyable. Fresh herbs and produce add visual interest. For a unique touch, edible flowers can add to both the menu and dÊcor.
Teriyaki marinated Ahi Tuna served in a Cucumber Cup with Yellow Bell Peppers and Mirco Greens photo: My Private Chef, Inc.
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Prosciutto Ham, Brie Cheese and Quail Egg on tasted Brioche photo: My Private Chef, Inc.
Citrus Salad
photo: My Private Chef, Inc.
Beverage choices are equally as important. Along with serving traditional brunch drinks such as Mimosas or Bloody Marys, serve exotic drinks with fresh juices, fruit, melon and herbs. Presentation does not have to be lost with home entertaining. In fact, it’s an opportunity to let personal touches shine. For intimate affairs, Tong recommends plating the food in multiple courses and in smaller portions. Some items can be served in individual cups or smaller bowls which adds to the presentation, while controlling portion size. One of the most important factors to consider, he says, is to know your guests and their tastes to ensure all palettes are satisfied. To add elegance to the presentation, Chef Tong says colorful flowers, linens, serve ware, flatware and china along with lighting by candlelight are ideal. He adds, “The atmosphere and presentation matter as much as the food.”
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SEREIN 16 DIAMOND SEREIN 16 DIAMOND TWO-TONE
Eternally Yours Kwiat creates diamond bands to be treasured for a lifetime. They can signify your love or your style, worn stacked or as a singular statement. With low silhouettes, bezel settings, and smooth edges, they are infinitely wearable.
Let
Them
Eat
Cake Cake THIS YEAR'S TRENDS
By Chelsie Roberts
Including expert advice from
Duff Goldman of
Charm City Cakes www.lxmagazines.com
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If there is one way I can describe this year’s wedding trends, (not just when it comes to confections) it would be… I give up-there isn’t one way to describe it. Brides still want classic, but classic with modern upsizing. This year’s trends in bridal photography style tend to have a rustic and vintage feel. Some weddings have gypsy carnival type flair or food trucks and tables of candy at the reception. Some have a shimmering chandelier illuminating an amazing suspended cake. Today’s modern weddings vary in style as much as old cowboy boots vary from Manolo Blahniks. Venues include old barns, breweries, art galleries, it seems anything goes. Brides have more choices than ever when it comes to their perfect wedding day. Fairytale princess has turned into vintage, artsy, cowgirl, avant-garde chic with a touch of glamorous glitz. Add a bit of shock factor and you have this year’s trends - at least my interpretation of them. Also, I’m not a connoisseur of cakes, merely someone that enjoys admiring and eating them. For true expert advice, LX turned to pastry chef/cake artist, Duff Goldman, sometimes known as the “Ace of Cakes” of Charm City Cakes in Baltimore.
Cover page and images above Charm City Cakes “ Below Naked Cake Photo Ben Webb Photography
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It’s easy to be thinking about aesthetic and personal touches with so many beautiful visual ideas out there. A bride may need to be reeled in, reminded that a cake is a cohesive unit of vision and taste. It serves two purposes, to be admired and then also devoured. “Cakes, no matter how beautiful, are meant to be eaten. And if something is beautiful, it is a crime to destroy it if there is no reason to, just as it is its sole purpose to be destroyed if it is, indeed, delicious.” One may want to move away from traditional plain white cake to more exotic flavors, like Charm City Cakes’ almond amaretto cream or red velvet. Duff also creates some unexpected, yet tasty flavors like cardamom with pistachio and buerre noisette with pumpkin. When it comes to taste, Duff doesn’t have any specific recommendations for a bride, and for good reason. He says, “Flavor is a completely subjective thing. I like what I like, but she should get whatever she wants. It is her cake, not mine.”
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Above Dress inspired Cake Photo Doug Loneman - Loneman Photography Baker Cakes from Cabin Ridge
Top Left Tamari Cakes Baker Maki's Cakes - makiscakes.com Top RIght Ombre Radiant Orchid Cake Photo Stephanie Yonce Photography - stephanieyoncephotography.com Baker A Cake to Remember - acaketoremember.com 22
Bottom Suspended Decor Cake“ Photo R.A.G.artistry Baker Weddings in Style by Ragini Patel
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Duff recommends that when choosing a baker, a bride should look for a few basics. “Taste the cakes, look at the bakery, look at cakes made by that baker in the past. Are the cakes beautiful? Do they taste good? Is the bakery clean? Is the baker happy?" As for when a bride should schedule her cake tasting and who the bride should bring along, he recommends, “Cake bakers book up pretty fast. When you have a date, pick out a cake. Also, don't bring too many people, just maybe one friend and someone who is going to pay for the cake.” He also says to really think about what you choose. “The cake is like a tattoo, you get it and it is your wedding cake for the rest of your life. This should not be taken lightly. Have an opinion!”
or flower?” He's inspired by fashion. He mentions Chanel bags, Louboutins, “cutting edge use of colour and texture. I love it,” he says. Some are taking their inspiration of fashion into the design by opting to have a cake with elements inspired by their wedding dress. We asked Duff what a bride should bring to her cake consultation, he replied “PICTURES! Lots of pictures. Pictures of cakes, of patterns, of styles. Anything the bride wants to be part of the cake should be in this portfolio.” While one
should be concerned about the details, don’t become overwhelmed. “At the end of the day, the only important thing is that you have found somebody you love and you are sharing this with all your friends and family. If you get the wrong napkin rings or the roses you wanted weren't in bloom, it doesn't matter. You just got married!” he says. And when it comes to cake trends, remember that you don’t necessarily need to be “trendy” to go with the trends. Simple and elegant is always in style.
Regarding the style of cakes this year, there are many that stand out. Many brides are going rustic with naked cakes layered with berries and gorgeous fillings, then adorned with flowers, twigs, succulents and even herbs. Ombre cakes are quite popular. Duff says, “Bold colors are always risky but if used well they can be striking and memorable.” Pantone’s color of the year, Radiant Orchid, is a popular choice for cakes. Not all brides want bright and bold; Combining pastels and neutrals can make for a stunning option. Brides are also choosing different shapes than the basic round. Some brides are going round in a spherical way. Maki’s Cakes’ signature “Tamari” cake is one example. These beautiful balls of cake are inspired by the Japanese art of Tamari. While unique shapes can be marvelous, Duff reminds us that they don’t always work. “Round and square cakes put together make me want to cry,” he says. Other nono’s include staircases, toppers or bridges made of plastic. He also says to abstain from using Roman columns. Instead, brides can choose a custom topper or give their cake sentimental value with hand-painted elements. Inspiration can be found anywhere. “Just look around,” Duff Says. “What makes her happy? What will she like in 20 years when she looks at these photographs? Who is her favorite artist? What is her favorite color Below Painted Cake Baker Wow Factor Cakes Photo Cunningham Photo Artists
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100 Anni Di Maserati - 100 Years of Maserati -
By Lyndon Conrad Bell On December 1, 1914, Alfieri Maserati founded his eponymous company in Bologna, Italy, in partnership with his brothers Ettore and Ernesto. The company officially started operation on December 14, 1914. Another of the Maserati brothers, Mario, was asked to come up with a logo for the company. He chose the trident from the statue of Neptune in Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore, because it is a symbol of strength and vigor. Similarly, Maserati’s colors are taken from the red and blue of the banner of the city of Bologna.
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World War I started shortly after the company was launched and Alfieri was sent to Milan to work on aircraft engines. After the war, Alfieri won his class in the prestigious Targa Florio road race in 1926, behind the wheel of the Maserati Tipo 26 racing car—the first true Maserati automobile. The model debuted with that victory and became the progenitor of a long line of winning Maserati racers. Over the ensuing years, Maserati won the Indianapolis 500 twice, nine Formula 1 races, and the 1957 Formula 1 World Championship.
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The Maserati Tipo 26 was completed in April 1926 and the brothers decided at once that it would race in the Targa Florio. Alfieri Maserati succeeded in finishing ninth overall in the race. A very important win and the first in the long history of Maserati successes.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. In 1937, the brothers sold their company to Adolfo Orsi, but remained under contract to him for 10 years, continuing to develop cars. Orsi moved production from Bologna to Modena. The Maserati brothers continued to win races, even as Adolf Hitler was dumping huge sums of money into Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz during the run up to World War II in his quest to ensure Germany’s domination of motorsports. With the onset of World War II, Maserati’s expertise was once again put to work developing implements for the war effort. After the war, the Maserati brothers’ agreement with Orsi ran out. They left to form O.S.C.A (Officine Specializzate Costruzioni Automobili - Fratelli Maserati SpA). Undaunted, Orsi assembled a group of the finest engineers and driving talent Italy had ever known. Among these men was Gioacchino Colombo, who later became famous as Enzo Ferrari’s small displacement engine designer. Another Orsi recruit was Juan Manuel Fangio, one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. Meanwhile, development of a Maserati road car had also begun. In 1947, the Maserati A6—the company’s first passenger car—was introduced. While that car was warmly received, the introduction of the 1957 Maserati 3500 GT truly marked the transition of the company from builders of racing cars to craftsmen of extraordinary roadgoing machines. Calling upon the company’s racing expertise, an aluminum body by Carrozzeria Touring was draped over a super light structure. However, rather than an out and out sports car, the 3500 GT was a grand touring car. While exciting to drive, the 3500 GT was also highly comfortable and practical for daily use. This car set the template for the nature of all subsequent Maserati road cars. As the 1960’s came roaring in, Maserati offered a succession of beautiful, fast, and luxurious cars with bodies designed by two of the most noted automotive stylists of the time, Vignale and Frua. Then, in 1963, Maserati gave the automotive market a whole new type of car – the world’s first luxury sports sedan—the Maserati Quattroporte. Today, that model is the de facto anchor for the brand.
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Maserati GranCabrio MC
During the 1970’s, Maserati was a leader in the development of mid-engine exotic GT cars. From these efforts the world got Maserati Bora and Merak. The 1970’s also saw the introduction of the stunningly beautiful front-engine Maserati Khamsin.
Poorly constructed, those cars weren’t very reliable, nor were they well received. Long story short, the DeTomaso years marked a pretty low point for the brand. In 1993, DeTomaso sold Maserati off to Fiat. That company turned Maserati over to its most noted subsidiary—Ferrari.
Unfortunately, the period after the 1970’s was less than kind to the company. Orsi sold out to the French automaker Citroën in 1968. While Citroën oversaw the development of Bora, Merak and Khamsin, it was forced to sell Maserati to Alejandro DeTomaso in 1975. Under DeTomaso, the exotic mid-engine automobiles were abandoned in favor of front-engine twin-turbocharged V6 models he could sell at a lower price point.
Today Maserati functions largely as Ferrari’s “mainstream” luxury brand, with full access to that company’s engines and engineering expertise. Contemporary Maserati products straddle the line between exotic and premium, with a grand touring coupe and convertible, along with two posh luxury sedans in the form of Quattroporte and the all-new 2014 Maserati Ghibli.
2014 Maserati Quattroporte
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28 Š Robert Evans
behind the lens of robert evans
a labor of By Lyndon Conrad Bell
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One of the world’s most highly acclaimed wedding photographers; Robert Evans’ viewfinder has framed the weddings of Brad Pitt and Jennifer Anniston; Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes; and Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy—as well as a host of other individuals of significant notoriety. Celebrities, if you will. © Robert Evans
From that moment on the florist, Kevin Lee, was a fan. Several years later, when Kevin was hired to do the flowers and décor for one of the biggest celebrity weddings of our time, he gave them my name. When I was asked to submit my portfolio, I had no idea I was up for a wedding. I was told I was being considered to shoot a corporate party. Happily, Brad and Jen chose my portfolio from amongst the many submitted and I photographed my first celebrity wedding on July 29, 2000.
LX: What triggered your decision to become a professional photographer in the first place?
R.E.: My passion really ignited with photography classes in
high school. Furthering my exposure (so to speak), I took more classes in college, because I just knew photography was going to be my future. I loved the work. I sensed I had a talent for it—along with an eye for artistic expression—so I actively pursued my dream.
LX: There are so many avenues to pursue within professional photography, why weddings?
R.E.: I like to think weddings chose me. My younger self, as
Now, for most people, this would qualify Evans as elite—which by the way, he is. The thing is, the way he photographs is what got him to whom he has photographed. In other words, Evans’ nature, sensitivity, humility, and sheer concern are responsible for ranking him among the elite in his chosen field. All of those couples chose Evans for who he is as a person—just as much as for what he’s done as a photographer. Even with all of the acclaim his work has garnered, Evans’ foremost concern remains the artistic expression of the intimate joy and emotion of the day. Evans says “If I can really touch someone through my photographs, I’ve accomplished what I set out to do. At the end of the day, I know I am being trusted to freeze time and capture moments. I am there to record the feelings people want to remember forever.”
you can imagine, had aspirations of shooting fashion spreads and Playboy centerfolds. My step into wedding photography was also fate. When I was starting out, just to get to work in photography, I took a job at a portrait studio in their wedding department. At first, they had me assembling wedding albums, but gradually moved into assisting the studio’s photographers at weddings. This is how I learned the “ropes”. When I photographed my first wedding in January of 1989, I liked the way it felt to be an integral part of something magical. It was very compelling.
LX: What do you feel is the most important trait for a wedding photographer to possess?
We recently spent time with Evans discussing both his career and his work.
LX Magazine: What was your first celebrity wedding, and how did you get the job?
Robert Evans: I had been photographing weddings for
eleven years when Brad Pitt and Jennifer Anniston chose me to shoot their wedding. A few years earlier, I had photographed a backyard wedding in Beverly Hills and of my own volition, sent prints to the florist who decorated the event. When he got the images, he called me and said; “Robert, thank you so much for the beautiful pictures of my work, I really appreciate them. But honestly, I am even more impressed by the fact I did not have to ask you for them.” 30
© Robert Evans
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© Robert Evans
“ My step into wedding photography was also fate.” - Robert Evans
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Š Robert Evans
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R.E.: Actually, there are three: Experience, personality, and vision—in that order. Experience - There is more to being a great wedding photographer than being capable of taking a pretty picture. One needs to know and understand the flow of a wedding day. You have to be capable of gracefully dealing with a myriad of personalities. You also need the ability to educate couples regarding the creation of, and adherence to, a mutually successful timeline. Further, you absolutely must be adept at anticipating key moments. All of this only comes with experience. Personality - Even if you are the most amazing photographer, if you do not connect with the couple, their families, and their friends, it will be reflected in your photographs. You need to have a knack for putting people at ease, often on one of the most stressful days of their lives. You have to be a person whose company is enjoyable, someone the couple would have invited as a guest. Vision - When all is said and done, the wedding album of the images you produce will be the couple’s primary record of the day. Thing is, you only get one chance to shoot each wedding. Pre-visualization is key. To be successful, you have to have a crystal clear vision of what you’re ultimately working to accomplish.
© Robert Evans
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© Robert Evans
LX: With so much notoriety from all the celebrity weddings you’ve photographed, do you find “normal” people sometimes consider you somewhat unapproachable?
R.E.: Yes, it definitely can be a hindrance at times. People assume because I have photographed some of the biggest celebrity
weddings of our time, they cannot afford my services—or that I am unapproachable as you say. I have a great passion for photography and weddings but ultimately, the celebrity weddings chose me. The thing is, celebrities don’t get married every weekend. Photographing normal people is what I do 20 weekends out of the year. My clients are people who place value on their wedding photography, and my rates are very competitive for a photographer with 25 years of experience. I treat all of my clients with the same professionalism and passion, regardless of their career.
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Meet Mikhail May 2nd & 3rd at Bradley Gough Diamonds
Balance between nature, form & art.
Famous Award Winning Designer
Mikhail Epelman
www.bradleygough.com
GiftGuide
Bradley Gough Diamonds
HEARTS ON FIRE Lorelei Bloom Solitaire starting at $3,750
DIADORI 18kt White Gold 0.43CTTW Diamond Crossover Engagement Mounting $3,550 (center diamond sold separately)
HEARTS ON FIRE
DIADORI
Lorelei Floral Solitaire starting at $4,250
18kt White Gold 0.33CTTW Diamond Engagement Mounting $3,120 (center diamond sold separately)
DIADORI 18kt White Gold/Rose Gold 0.27CTTW Natural Pink Diamonds 0.30CTTW White Diamonds Diamond Engagement Mounting $5,950 (center diamond sold separately)
DIADORI 18kt White Gold 0.27CTTW 0.22CTTW Natural Pink Diamonds 0.13CTTW White Diamonds Diamond Braided Engagement Mounting $4,150 (center diamond sold separately)
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TACORI 18kt White Gold 0.42CTTW Diamond Wedding Band $3,995
KWIAT 18kt White Gold 0.650CTTW Diamond Echo Double Pear Necklace $2,600
KWIAT 18kt White Gold 0.68CTTW Diamond String Necklace $2,400
TACORI 18kt White Gold 0.15CTTW Diamond Marquise Shaped Engagement Ring $2,160 (center diamond sold separately)
TACORI 18kt White Gold 0.77CTTW Diamond Halo Petite Crescent Engagement Ring $6,875 (center diamond sold separately)
VERRAGIO Two Tone 0.75CTTW Diamond Ring $4,800 (center diamond sold separately)
VERRAGIO 14kt White Gold 0.55CTTW Diamond Twist Engagement Ring $4,150 (center diamond sold separately)
www.bradleygough.com
TACORI 18kt White Gold 0.43CTTW Diamond Petite Crescent Engagement Ring $4,675 (center diamond sold separately)
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MIKIMOTO 18kt Yellow Gold 8X7mm Akoya Pearl Strand with 8mm Studs Special Edition $3,990
MIKIMOTO 18kt White Gold 6.5mm Akoya Pearl with 0.14CTTW Diamond Earrings $1,350
MIKIMOTO 18kt White Gold 7mm Akoya Pearl with 0.07CTTW Diamond Necklace $1,500
GELIN ABACI 14kt White and Rose Gold 0.28CTTW Diamond Channel Set Tension Mounting $4,650 (center diamond sold separately)
MIKIMOTO
GELIN ABACI
18kt White Gold Akoya Pearl Strand $2,120
14kt White Gold 0.51CTTW Diamond Tension Mounting $5,825 (center diamond sold separately)
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CROWN Tungsten and Cobalt Wedding Bands starting at $350
GELIN ABACI 14kt White Gold 0.75CTTW Diamond Pave Tension Mounting $7,695 (center diamond sold separately)
AMORE 14kt White Gold 7.5mm Brick Wedding Band $2,850
AMORE 14kt White Gold/Rose Gold 6.75mm Hammered Center Wedding Band $2,850
GELIN ABACI 14kt White Gold 0.40CTWT Diamond Tension Mounting $7,900 (center diamond sold separately)
IDD 14kt White Gold 0.25CTTW Diamond Iddeal Star Solitaire Engagement Ring $1,075
GELIN ABACI 14kt White Gold 0.26CTTW Diamond Tension Mounting $5,595 (center diamond sold separately)
IDD 14kt White Gold 0.37CTTW Diamond Split Iddeal Star Engagement Ring $1,600
GELIN ABACI 14kt White Gold 0.70CTTW Diamond Tension Mounting $7,850 (center diamond sold separately)
IDD 14kt White Gold 0.37CTTW Diamond Iddeal Star Engagement Ring $1,350
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MIKHAIL 14kt White Gold 2.70CT Round Amethyst with .030CTTW Diamond Ring $2,200
MIKHAIL 14kt Rose Gold 0.23CTTW Diamond Slide $1,850
MIKHAIL 14kt Yellow Gold 2.50CT Green Tourmaline with 0.33CTTW Diamond Slide $3,750
MIKHAIL 14kt White Gold 1.68CT Hot Pink Emerald Sapphire with 1.00CTTW Diamond Ring $9,550
MIKHAIL 14kt White Gold .89CT Legacy Center Diamond with 0.44CTTW Diamond Three Stone Halo Ring $14,195
MIKHAIL 14kt White Gold 0.62CT Emerald Cut Diamond with 0.77CTTW Diamond Ring $8,200
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MIKHAIL 14kt White Gold 0.74CT Round Center with 0.92CTTW Side Diamond Half Bezel Ring $11,895
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HEARTS ON FIRE Copley Bezel Necklace $2,250
HEARTS ON FIRE Lorelei Bloom Pendant $2,250
HEARTS ON FIRE Lorelei Bloom Studs $3,950
ROBERTO COIN 18kt White Gold 1.53CTTW Diamond Inside/Out Hoop Earrings $4,500
ROBERTO COIN 18kt Yellow Gold/White Gold 0.2CTTW Diamond Primavera Pave Circle Bracelet $2,900
ROBERTO COIN 18kt Yellow Gold/White Gold/Rose Gold Pois Moi Single Row Bangle Bracelet starting at $3,900 each
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BELLE ETOILE Sterling Silver Stardust Orchid Enamel and Cz Pendant $150 Enamel and Cz Ring $175 Enamel and Cz Earrings $195
BELLE ETOILE Sterling Silver Tango Black and White Enamel Syn. Emerald Pendant $250 Bracelet $750
BELLE ETOILE Sterling Silver Royale Orchid Enamel and Cz Pendant $215 Enamel and Cz Ring $275 Enamel and Cz Earrings $195 Enamel and Cz Bangle Bracelet $550
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YAEL 18kt White Gold/Yellow Gold .89CT Fancy Yellow Diamond With 0.76CTTW Side Diamond Ring $15,885
YAEL 18kt White Gold/Yellow Gold 1.35CT Fancy Yellow Diamond with 0.85CTTW Side Diamond Ring $31,900
CHERI DORI 14kt Yellow Gold Cherie Dori Blue Lagoon Turquoise And Yellow Sappire Pendant $1,925 (chain sold deperately)
TACORI Sterling Silver & 18kt Yellow Gold London Blue Topaz Stackable Ring $190
TACORI Sterling Silver & 18kt Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Stud Earrings $270
TACORI Sterling Silver & 18kt Yellow Gold Clear Quartz Over Neo Turquoise Necklace $620
TACORI Sterling Silver & 18kt Yellow Gold Oval Briolette Cut Black Onyx Link Dangle Earrings $420
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TACORI Sterling Silver & 18kt Yellow Gold 10mm Purple Amethyst Dangle Earrings $320
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By Lyndon Conrad Bell
If you’ve seen a print ad or one of the television commercials, you probably have the tag line committed to memory: Hearts On Fire, The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond. And indeed, Hearts On Fire diamonds possess brilliance unlike any other. While some may decry the Hearts On Fire diamond as marketing hype elevated to its highest level, the truth of the matter is, with a Hearts On Fire diamond, the buyer knows exactly what they’re getting—even if they know nothing at all about diamonds. From the very beginning this was the Hearts On Fire founder Glenn Rothman’s ultimate goal. He wanted to offer the most perfect diamonds possible. Says Rothman; “Hearts On Fire is much more than the world’s most perfectly cut diamond. For
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that matter, Hearts On Fire is also much more than a luxury brand. Hearts On Fire is a message. It is an experience of communicating emotion at a higher level.” To get there, a very painstaking process must be undertaken with each and every diamond. Rothman explains; “When you look at a Hearts On Fire diamond from the bottom through a proportion scope you’ll see the eight perfectly symmetrical hearts. When you look at it from above, you’ll observe eight perfectly aligned Firebursts. Witnessing this for the first time is a moving emotional experience. Once an individual sees what Hearts On Fire really is, it creates an amazing connection, right away.”
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Hearts On Fire’s diamonds are produced using the most meticulous processes in the industry. The diamonds are cut and polished at 10 times the normal standard to ensure the true beauty of each diamond is realized. While most manufacturers use a 10 times magnification process, Hearts On Fire diamonds are subjected to 100 times magnification—using NASA based technology. So painstaking is the process, only 400 people on Earth are capable of crafting a Hearts On Fire diamond.
Most entrepreneurs would be satisfied to produce and market the finest diamonds the world has ever known. However, Glenn Rothman is most assuredly not in the category of “most entrepreneurs”. Rothman says; “The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond deserves an equally extraordinary stage. Our diamonds are placed in exquisite settings designed specifically to showcase their intensity.” Thus, Hearts On Fire collections such as Ceremonious, Boundless, and Virtuoso have been renowned for their singular beauty and are worn by tasteful individuals all over the world. Two such remarkably gifted people are the Hearts On Fire brand ambassadors Tara Subkoff and Janie Bryant. These two fashion icons stand out in their respective fields. Owner and lead designer of the Imitation of Christ high fashion line, Tara Subkoff has starred in more than 27 films. Her clothing line is an artistic collection based on hand sewn, vintage inspired pieces that quickly became an international fashion sensation and garnered her a cult-like following. Janie Bryant, costume designer for the television series MadMen, as well as a number of feature films has been lauded with an Emmy award in addition to legions of very prestigious awards nominations. That women of this caliber chose to associate themselves with the Hearts On Fire brand reveals much about the quality and integrity of Rothman’s life’s work. Giving the gift of a Hearts On Fire diamond speaks to the purest expression of love. Rothman effuses; “Every time a woman wears Hearts On Fire, she’ll feel better about herself. And every time a man who has given Hearts On Fire to the woman he loves sees her wearing it…can you imagine how good he’ll feel knowing he has positively influenced the way she feels about herself?”
www.bradleygough.com
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{
Get the Skinny on Summer Cocktails
}
LIGHTER LIBATIONS! By Angie Halter During the hot days of summer, most of us tend to enjoy sitting outside in the sun while sipping on a chilled cocktail. So delicious, with it’s crisp, sweet and tart balance, it’s easy to end up indulging in more than just one. Unfortnately, this enjoyment can soon lead to regret once realized all the hundreds of empty calories just consumed in these tempting drinks. Before taking another sip of that sugary, high-calorie concoction, know there are lighter alternatives to summer favorites that are just as flavorful and refreshing without the guilt. The reason most of these mixed drinks are high in calories is not because of the alcohol, but mainly due to the high sugar juices, sodas and mixers added. Whether you prefer sweet or sour, on the rocks, shaken or stirred, here are a few tips to making your own skinny version allowing you to have control over everything that goes into your glass. There’s something special about the fizz from sparkling bubbles, but skip the sodas and try using seltzer water or club soda in your skinny cocktail. It’s a bit of a myth that fruit juice is hailed to be healthy, especially with it’s high sugar content. Cut down on the amount of juice used and be sure to use only 100 percent juice without any added sweetners or use fresh squeezed juice. Even better, make it a jeltzer, a mixature of juice and seltzer. Use the jeltzer base in your cocktail to give the vibrant fruity taste, while keeping the calories down. Simply infuse fresh fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, berries and watermelon into your drink. This gives a naturally sweetened and flavorful drink base while still giving you the nutrientional benefits. Blend your beverage with ice. This gives more volume and the optical illusion you’re getting more in a serving but are consuming fewer calories. Don’t forget the garnish! Using garnishes like fresh mint or citrus wedges sure help make the drink look more desireable, but when stirred in, it helps give a huge burst of flavor for little to no calories. If you are one who likes simplicity, then low calorie mixers are for you. Thanks in part to the skinny craze sparked by Skinnygirl Cocktails, founded by Bethenny Frankel. Now several other companies have jumped on the lowcalorie cocktail bandwagon by providing ready-to-drink, lighter versions of summer favorites like margaritas, pina coladas and mojitos, just to name a few. Whether you like to follow a recipe or prefer the ease of pre-made cocktail options, remember you don’t have to sacrifice taste to ditch calories. Sit back, celebrate summer and cheers to the lighter libations! www.lxmagazines.com
WATERMELON REVIVER
1.5 oz. vodka 1 oz. watermelon juice Muddle fresh chunks of watermelon with vodka. Add into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake hard. Strain into a chilled glass with more ice and garnish with slices of watermelon and lime. (Around 202 calories)
MANGO MARGARITA
½ cup frozen mango cubes 2 oz. tequila 1 ½ tbsp. lemon juice ¼ cup crushed iced Blend mango with ice, lemon juice, and tequila to desired consistency. Garnish with fresh lime wheels. (Around 161 calories)
EASY SKINNY MOJITO
1.5 oz rum 12 fresh spearmint leaves 1 tbsp. of fresh lime juice 7 oz Sprite Zero or club soda 2 tbsp. Splenda 2-4 lime wedges In a cool tall glass, muddle the mint, Splenda and lime juice. Add crushed ice. Add rum, soda, lime wedges and stir well. (Around 113 calories)
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LEAN PINA COLADA ½ cup frozen pineapple chunks ½ cup pineapple juice 1 shot coconut-flavored rum ¼ cup light coconut milk Blend all ingredients until smooth, add 3-4 ice cubes and blend again. (Around 244 calories)
SPIKED POMEGRANATE LEMONADE
1.5 oz. lemon/lime vodka 1.5 oz. unsweetened lemonade 1.5 oz. pomegranate juice 4 oz. club soda Mix all ingredients into a chill glass and enjoy! (Around 137 calories)
SKINNY GRAPEFRUIT MARGARITA
5 oz. fresh squeezed grapefruit juice 2 oz. fresh lime juice 2 oz. orange liquor 1 oz. tequila 1 tsp. sugar Add all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker, fill with ice and then shake vigorously! Pour the into a glass and add more ice, if needed. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge. (Around 281 calories)
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on the waves Honeymoons
By Martin Sayers
There is perhaps nothing more romantic than relaxing on a yacht, wind and sun on your face, as it glides effortlessly through deep, blue waters. It’s therefore not surprising that yacht trips are a favorite with honeymooners the world over. From the sun-kissed Mediterranean, to the island splendors of Hawaii and the Seychelles, to the impossible beauty of the Caribbean, honeymooning by yacht has never been more popular. Here are seven of the finest yacht trips the world has to offer to anyone planning a honeymoon on the seven seas.
Hawaii
Pacific Ocean
Hawaii is a yachting destination par excellence. One company making the most of this is Hawaii Yachts, which offers six Beneteau sail-motor vessels that have been carrying honeymooners and other vacationers around the Hawaiian Islands since 2004. Charter packages are available that include an onboard spa experience and, for the more adventurous, a surfing safari around some of the hottest surf spots the islands have to offer. High profile guests have included Bill Clinton and Muhammad Ali and this yacht trip is very much at the luxury end of yacht charters. Customized menus are developed for each journey by an on-board chef and there is even a special line of chocolates for passengers.
Absolutely Loved Photography
www.hawaiiyachts.com
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Greece
The Gulf Coast Mississippi
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is renowned for its beauty and the charter yacht Endurance is a fine way to take in this exhilarating region. The Endurance is a 51’ Morgan Out Island Ketch with a very spacious center cockpit in which guests can relax and enjoy sailing at its best. Bespoke charter packages are available. You can take a tour of this beautiful coastline or name a destination and the experienced crew will take you there, such as the unique Gulf Coast barrier islands that are only accessible by boat and offer empty beaches and unspoilt beauty. www.setsailaway.com
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“The Mississippi Gulf Coast is renowned for its beauty and the charter yacht Endurance is a fine way to take in this exhilarating region.�
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Cote d’Azur France
France
The Cote d’Azur, perhaps better known as the French Riviera, is the southeast corner of France that includes the state of Monaco and is a region that boasts glittering azure waters, lively resorts and island hideaways, making it perfect for a honeymoon by sea. The REHAB – a Predator 68 yacht - is a great way to explore this enchanting corner of the world. It’s very much an outdoors yacht, with two alfresco dining areas and generous sun-pads for lazing away the day, as well as a jet boat for water skiing, wakeboarding, and ringo rides. Accommodation is spacious, with two en-suite guest cabins and a luxury salon boasting satellite TV and a well-stocked bar.
France
www.aquacruise.com/mediterranean/french-riviera
The Ionian Islands Greece Greece
The Ionian islands off the coast of Greece almost seem tailor made for a romantic vacation. These beautiful islands dot a deep blue sea that, because it has no tides, is perfect for a relaxed honeymoon by sail.
A British company called Sailing Holidays Ltd provides the perfect way for even novices to experience a Greek yachting holiday, as they run a flotilla yacht system that tours the breathtaking harbors and bays of the Ionian region. As well as bringing down the cost, this allows you to take control of your own private yacht with support from a fully-crewed lead vessel that offers unobtrusive back-up, local knowledge, informative briefings and assistance whenever required. www.sailingholidays.com
British Virgin Islands Caribbean
The British Virgin Islands is a British protectorate, located just east of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean, which boasts over 60 sixty islands, cays and islets and has a reputation as one of the world’s number one spots for sailing, thanks to sunshine every day and reliable winds that ensure steady movement.
British Virgin Islands
You can take in this amazing archipelago aboard the luxury 62' sailing catamaran Soon Come, which features huge teak decks that are perfect for admiring the scenery or just soaking up the sun. Soon Come is also well equipped for those that want to get active, thanks to a range of watersports equipment that includes kayaks, snorkeling gear, paddle boards, wake-boards, knee-boards, water-skis and tubes. www.sooncome62.com
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The Seychelles Indian Ocean
Comprising over 100 islands in the Western Indian Ocean, each one with its own particular geography, character and history, there is plenty of the Seychelles to explore. There is no better way to do a bit of Seychelles island hopping than aboard a yacht and no better yacht to choose than the five-star luxury catamaran Nkalindau. Built at the famed Fountraine Pajot shipyard in France, this beautiful vessel offers guests comfortable and luxurious accommodation, as well as an onboard chef and equipment such as kayaks and snorkeling sets. www.seychellesyachtcharter.com
Phuket
Phuket Thailand
Phuket, the largest island in Thailand and one of its most beautiful, is a favorite destination for honeymooning couples. It is also a stunning setting for a yacht trip – despite its popularity it can still boast miles of unspoilt beaches and being aboard a yacht allows you easy access to some of smaller islands around Phuket, as well as the incredible beauty of Phang Nga Bay – an amazing region that is protected as a marine national park and is famed for its mangrove forests and limestone outcrops that jut out of the sea like giant’s teeth. One of the most well-regarded charter yachts in the area is the sailing craft Nadezhda, which is available to take couples on a tour of the Phuket coast in style. The vessel is 28’ long and boasts a spacious double cabin and lots of room on deck, making it ideal for an intimate trip; the absence of luxuries such as on-board chef makes this one of the more affordable options in the expensive charter market. www.sailingtourphuket.com 54
Seychelles
“There is no better way to do a bit of Seychelles island hopping than aboard a yacht...�
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By Chelsie Roberts
As this spring/summer bridal season opens and engagements are in full thrall, the pendulum swings and love’s timekeeper is making sure that the fluttering tick tocks of love’s heartbeat are harmonized. Picture the moment. An anticipatory want-to-be bride waits to chime “yes!” with a wink’s timing as he gets down on one knee. Time stands still and the moment is captured in memory just like a watch’s chronograph stops in an instant, or as a flower bud bursts open in anthesis of it’s beautiful life. It’s a blossoming time for romance abound and all is well - a timeless first recital to the real life odyssey of marriage that will soon commence. She's a soon to be bride, a modern woman, perhaps she loves trends, style. Perhaps she’s classic, sleek, refined. The type of bride varies as much as the types of blooms that are used within a bouquet. The possibilities are endless and the new trends are now including everything from buttons, to brooches, feathers and more. How does a bride choose? For this we consulted expert Simon Lycett, floral decorator to crowned heads of the world and expert on all things bouquet. 56
This year’s popular blooms are of the utmost beauty. Simon notes the classics are still in demand. “It’s all of those super favorites, everybody adores them. Peonies are always very popular, roses and spray roses are hugely, hugely popular. Lots and lots of brides still adore stephanotis, as do I and I’m madly in love with gorgeous lily of the valley.” 2014 is a year of color for brides, and who doesn’t love a pop of color? “I’ve noticed that recently a lot of our brides are using color within their bouquets,” says Simon. “It used to be that we had a real want for white and ivory bouquets - very simple. It was a dome of roses, a dome of peonies, hydrangeas, that sort of thing, but recently quite a lot of our brides, if their not going down the very classical route of lily of the valley and beautiful Stephanotis are quite inclined to have some pops of color within their bouquets. There are some quite wonderful color choices of corals and peachy pinks all those shades are back in. I started 20 some years ago, and those were the colors of choice. It’s really interesting to see how things have turned full circle, the lattes, the nudes, the peaches, the corals, they’re wonderful warm colors, gorgeous.”
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Simon warns that although color can be beautiful, not all colors are a wise choice. “I think one of the most overlooked things from brides and from grooms is bearing in mind if they wish to choose to use color, they need to consider photographically what the effect will be. Also, they need to bear in mind what their personal flowers are that they’re carrying and holding in conjunction with their bridesmaids, their grooms-men, their ushers and their parents. That little photographic group together needs to be very holistic, and look beautiful, and be matched. It needs to have a tonality that links through and therefore you need to choose colors that are sympathetic and photographically work very well. I think that dark blues can become quite a recessive color in photographs. It can often look like darkness and a black hole, and in photos if you’ve got a lovely light dress and suddenly your carrying a bouquet with lots of dark colors it can look just like a big black hole.” Not only does a bride need to consider color issues that may arise, she also needs consider embellishments etc. While many of the top bridal trends are exciting, they might not necessarily be right for every bride. So what does an expert think about new bridal trends that include non-floral items such as antique gems and feathered plumes? He says, “Some of them are amazing, amazing, amazing! I follow people on Twitter that make bouquets with nothing but pieces of jewelry, buttons and all sorts of clever engineered stuff. I think they www.lxmagazines.com
are incredible – I adore them. I think you need to think long and hard about them before you choose trends like having a specific fashion led bouquet, or having a very fashion led dress, or hairdo. As he laughs about hairdos of the past that he later came to regret, he cautions that a bride needs to think about her wedding photos and be careful to consider if she will be happy from them years from now. When she is showing them to her grandchildren how will she feel? He says, “Yes you want to say look at me, I did live. Didn’t I have a great life, but there also needs to be an element of the classic in there. You don’t want to be too gimmicky. And I do worry that one or two of those bouquets can be a tiny bit gimmicky.” With this in mind, you may be asking yourself what you can do with your flowers to make them stand out and add some personality into your blooms. “I think if there are little personal items that resonate with your life, like if your name is Button adding some buttons, or if you’re a tailor or work with fabrics then you could make some cute little roses out of ribbons and fabric and incorporate them,” says Simon. He also discussed adding an heirloom or an item of personal meaning. These personality items shouldn’t be the prominent in the display but hidden or to tuck somewhere in the back in the bride’s view. “It’s the sort of thing that is beautiful for just the bride to see. I think the magic of it is the fact that I know it’s there. The bride knows it’s there. Her mother knows it’s there.
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The granny might know it’s there, but nobody else knows. I had a bride whose grandmother had passed away shortly before the wedding took place, and she was called Iris. We did her bouquet just the way we had always planned and in the back I popped in one tiny little white iris.” He also notes that a bit of glam can be added. “Of course we’ve all seen lots of beads, sparkles, crystal and diamanté being incorporated within bouquets. It certainly can add a fabulous little twinkly effect if that’s the look that you’re after, so don’t be shy in having a little bit of sparkle added in your bouquet but in a subtle way.” Not every bride is extremely keen on having flowers for her decoration. Non-floral items are extremely popular and Simon is no stranger to this. Brides should be creative with their florist if flowers are not what they prefer. “We’ve created twelve foot tall stacks of candles on lucite in the middles of tables so that when you walk in it appears as if it’s just a huge column of candlelight hovering above each table. We have also filled tabletops with marshmallows so that when you walk in the whole room looks your going to sit and eat off a pink and white surface. We’ve created amazing, amazing giant flowers out of sweets and candy that fit into huge giant vases, in the middles of the tables so that it’s a total fantasyland. I love to take a strand of something that the bride is really into and interpret that.” In the planning of the wedding with the barrage of new trends to consider, whilst trying to decide which cake, what theme, the location and what dress designer should adorn the bride, Simon gives these final pieces of advice. “Don’t be over ambitious if you don’t have a vast budget. Use your money wisely and listen to the florist about how you can spend your budget… If you’re on a relatively restricted budget, be really sensible and clever about how you spend your money. If you walk into a reception hall and there is one vast stunning amazing floral decoration that everybody notices in the room, it will have so much more impact and make much more of a talking point for years to come than if you try to dilute and spread your money in loads of hundreds of little tiny decorations dotted around on every surface that will be so easily overlooked. One big statement piece is a much better way to spend your money.” He also says, “Be aware that you must never compromise on anything that you carry as a bride and that you wear as a groom, because those are the photos that you live with forever. The flowers for your ceremony will be in some of the pictures, and the flowers on your tables at dinner will be in some of the pictures, but on the whole the image that you live with is the one of you with your partner, holding your personal flowers. Make sure that they are beautiful and just what you want.”
Simon Lycett has been creating flowers for over 20 years. He has worked for film starts, royalty, footballers and more.
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PANTONE
FASHION COLOR REPORT SPRING 2014 Pantone LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated. © Pantone LLC, 2014. All rights reserved.
A SEASON OF COLORFUL EQUILIBRIUM “This season, consumers are looking for a state of thoughtful, emotional Ella Moss
and artistic equilibrium,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone
Color
Institute®.
“While
this need for stability is reflected in the composition of the palette, the inherent versatility of the individual colors allows for experimentation with new looks and color combinations.”
Cynthia Steffe by Suwha Hong
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Women’s Color Palette
Designers take a modern twist on the traditional for spring 2014 by pairing soft pastels with vivid brights to create a colorful equilibrium. Inspired by a mixture of blooming flowers, travels abroad, and strong, confident women, designers use color to refresh, revive and defy conventional wisdom. Three very adaptable pastels sit on one end of the palette, and, because we are so accustomed to seeing them as nature’s background, they can be creatively combined with any other color in the spectrum. Placid Blue, like a picture-perfect, tranquil and reassuring sky, induces a sense of peaceful calmness, while Violet Tulip, a romantic, vintage purple, evokes wistful nostalgia. Similar to the verdant shade of springtime foliage, Hemlock, a summery, ornamental green, provides a decorative touch that’s very different from the greens of recent seasons. Pair any of these versatile pastels with a bolder hue for an au courant look.
Pamella Roland
EMERSON by Jackie Fraser-Swan
Emilio Sosa
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Juicy Couture
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Sand, a lightly toasted and amiable neutral, conjures images of the beach and the carefree days of summer. Try pairing Sand with Hemlock for perfect, natural balance. Paloma serves as a quintessential neutral, interesting enough to be worn alone or combined with any color for sophisticated poise. Cayenne, a high-pitched red, adds a dash of spicy heat to neutrals, and heightens the excitement when mixed with Freesia, a blazing yellow that is sure to illuminate wardrobes this season. A tropical, floral-inspired shade, Freesia’s warmth and energy help set the stage for Celosia Orange, an optimistic, spontaneous hue. Pair Celosia Orange with Violet Tulip for a captivating vision, much like the setting summer sun. The palette is brought full circle with Radiant Orchid, a bold counterpart to Violet Tulip, and Dazzling Blue, a scintillating, polar opposite to Placid Blue. Surprisingly, these strong, vibrant colors also pair well across the palette: They are perfect companions to pastels, and add confidence and vivacity when mixed with other bold colors.
Bibhu Mohapatra
Men’s Color Palette
Light and airy Placid Blue is a perfect background color for spring, offering another alternative to the classic neutrals. Pair it with Comfrey, a more masculine take on the softer Hemlock green from the women’s palette, to create a fresh, seasonally inspired look. For a modernized vintage feel, pair Purple Haze, a deeper, stronger version of Violet Tulip, with Paloma, a confident and adaptable gray. Sand, a warm, agreeable neutral, can be coupled with more daring colors in the palette – making them less intimidating. Both Paloma and Sand are perfect complements to fiery Cayenne red, and help harness the powerful energy that intense Freesia yellow brings to the spectrum. Accessories, including shoes, in bold colors, like Cayenne, Freesia and Celosia Orange, are becoming more popular for men this season, adding a touch of gusto to neutral formal attire. As the temperatures rise, we are also seeing a lot of vibrant patterning that combines bold and tropical colors in many sectors of menswear. Create a magnetic look by mixing Magenta Purple, a more robust version of Radiant Orchid, with the higher voltage colors in the palette, like Celosia Orange and Dazzling Blue. These three energetic yet versatile hues are sure to be a hit in spring 2014.
Timothy Everest
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The colors featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report are culled from the PANTONE FASHION + HOME Color System, the most widely used and recognized color standards system in the world. Each season, Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to collect feedback on prominent collection colors, color inspiration and color philosophy.
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Outdoor
Gourmet
Fine Dining Alfresco? Absolutely!
With warmer weather, our thoughts quite naturally turn to outdoor adventures like camping. Imagine waking to the sound of birds singing just outside your tent. Stepping out into the sunshine, you breathe in the morning’s gloriously fresh air—before sitting down to a campfire breakfast of strawberry ricotta stuffed French toast. Stuffed French toast? On a campout? Absolutely! Moving beyond traditional camping food and going gourmet is a lot easier than you’d think. Hot dogs and sun tea are easily replaced with seasoned steak, herbed vegetables and a good wine. The key to gourmet camp cooking (as in any situation really) is preparation. Do as much prep as possible before you leave home. • Chop fresh vegetables and store them in plastic containers in the cooler. • Bring your favorite herbs and spices in small, resealable bags. Curry, cumin, dried orange peels, ginger, cinnamon and fresh garlic add gourmet flavor to just about anything. • Mix up favorite sauces or marinades ahead of time to dress things up. Try fresh pesto, or spicy dry rubs. To complement your delicious campfire meal, choosing a good wine is a must. To pair wines with your menu, try the food and wine-matching tool at www.foodandwinepairing.org. Make sure you transport your wines in an insulated carrier to keep them at the appropriate serving temperature. And, to keep the entire experience gourmet, serve your wine in elegant stemless plastic wine stemware. Fine dining is possible anywhere, even by the campfire. www.lxmagazines.com
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