Premier Bride magazine 2017 by PBmagadvertising

M A RY L A N D | D C | N . V I R G I N I A | D E L AWA R E C OA S TA L

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Everything you need for the perfect wedding

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.com Venues Catering Planning P R E M I E R B R I D E 2 017

PUBLISHER Tula Stamas ART DIRECTOR Sara Gundersen

Cover Photography: Bradley Images & Video Contributing Writers: KELSEY LAWLER JULIANA PIERORAZIO Contributing Artists: JENNIFER ERDMAN Fashion Location: MILWAUKEE COUNTY PARKS, BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS Hales Corners, WI Fashion Photography: ARTIST GROUP PHOTO & VIDEO artistgroup.net Hair & Makeup: WIDE EYED BEAUTY wideeyedbeauty.com Stylist: LAUREL THE STYLIST laurelthestylist.com Models: FACTOR CHOSEN STYLED PHOTO SHOOTS Sea Plane Base At La Banque: Prestigious Occasions Bella Fiori Flowers Bella Fiori Rentals Tabrizi’s: Bella Fiori Flowers Bella Fiori Rentals Citrus Garden: Clarity and Class Peacock: Butterfly Photography Exceptional Events By Elisa Big Cork Vineyard: Katie Price Events & Design Londonderry: White Oak Weddings and Events Gilded Isle Photography Boardwalk Plaza: Alison To The Altar Paige Engel Photography English Tea Time: Exceptional Events By Elisa Butterfly Photography Combsberry: White Oak Weddings and Events

For advertising or internet information, write or call Premier Bride at: P.O. Box 26 Phoenix, MD. 21131 410.666.1294 tula@premierbride.com premierbridemaryland.com pbwashingtondc.com bridalshowsandexpos.com

COPYRIGHT©2014 Premier Bride. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in any manner of editorial or graphic content herein without the express written permission of Premier Bride is strictly prohibited.

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86 92 22 118 98 92 8 154 86 182 171 96 161 169 134 166 174

AC C OMMODAT ION S | C ATE RI NG | VE NUE S BEAU T Y & MAKE U P BRIDAL FASHION S & F OR M AL WE AR C AKES & DESSERTS C AT ERIN G C OORDIN ATORS & PL AN NE R S F LOWERS & DÉC OR HON EYMOON / T RAV EL IN V ITAT ION S J EWELRY MU SIC & EN T ERTAIN MENT OF F IC IAN T PHOTOG RAPHY, PHOTO B O OTH , VI D E O REN TAL S T RAN SPORTAT ION

Featured Weddings

4 14 30 42 52 74 80 90 94 104 116 130 140 150 164 172 180 186

C A I TL I N & TI M SA M & RY A N CARLEEN & CHRIS J E N & PH I L L I PE ERIN & JEFF J E SSI C A & SE A N R E B E C C A & PATR I C K J E R E M Y & J E SSI C A M A R I SA & M AT T A M A N D A & K EV I N K E RY N & G A B E MICHELLE & ADAM SA R A H & TR I STA N R E B E C C A & C H A SE B R I T TA NY & Z AC H C O U RTNEY & J E SSE L AU R E N & M AT T M E L A NI E & C A L E

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Styled Photo & Video Shoots

Thank you to the following Premier Preferred Vendors who contributed to these fabulous photo spreads:

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SEA PL AN E BASE AT L A BANQUE TABRIZ Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S C IT RU S G ARDEN PEAC OC K BIG C ORK V IN EYARD LON DON DERRY BOARDWALK PL AZ A EN G LISH T EA T IME C OMBSBERRY

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Caitlin & Tim October 9th Tim set up a birthday dinner for Caitlin and her friends from work. He cut dinner short and told her that he had a birthday surprise for her. He took her to Fells Point, near where they had their first date, and popped the question!

Flowers: Amandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Florist pg.88 Venue: La Banque de Flueve pg.59 Cake: Desserts by Rita Caterer: Laurrapin Grill

Check out our blog for more amazing photos and details!

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Midnight Glamour

Check out our blog for more amazing photos and details!

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Overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, Sea Plane Base has it all. Outdoor patio or large tented dining for your guests. Vendors: Le Banque at Sea Plane Base pg. 59 | Prestigious Occasions pg. 154 | Bella Fiori Flowers & Rentals pg. 89

Flowers, flowers and more flowers drape the ceremony site with crystal and silk drapes. An isle filled with lanterns. Exquisite tables setting draped with silk white rode table cloth filled with candles for the perfect romantic evening right on the Chesapeake Bay.

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Featured Food R O U G E F I N E C AT E R I N G PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BRADLEY IMAGES

Lamb Chops & Lentil over Couscous Timbale with a Red Wine Demi-glaze

Asian Duck Crepe

Seared Scallops over Blueberry Risotto

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www.rougecatering.com

Baltimore Area 410-527-0007 delight@rougecatering.com

DC Metropolitan Area 202-524-6801 dcdelight@rougecatering.com P R E M I E R B R I D E 2 017

Featured Food J U L I E S T. M A R I E Beverage Bar with Cider served in Copper Mugs & Cups

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: TREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY

Braised Quail served with Butternut Squash & Saffron Risotto and Honey Roasted Brussel Sprouts garnished with Toasted Almonds Marinated & Grilled Shrimp Over a bed of Roasted Pepper Hummus with a Balsamic Reduction

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Featured Food ELEVEN COURSES Mini “Chicken & Waffles” Old Bay Infused Maple Reduction

Seared Beef Loin, Mango Mousse, Blood Orange Reduction, Brioche Crostini

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: TRE’ LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY

Smoked Tomato Soup Shot, Basil Oil, Mini Gouda Grilled Cheese. New England Lobster Roll, Brown Butter Creme Fraiche, Scallions, Tarragon Maryland Lump Crab Profiteroles, Jalepeno Corn Puree, Fresh Popped Popcorn

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Check out our blog for more amazing photos and details!

Sam & Ryan 14

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October 15th It was karaoke night at the local bar when Sam and Ryan first met. After they each gave it their best shot at the mike, the two hit it off over drinks and about three years later, he asked her to marry him! They tied the knot on their fourth anniversary as couple.

Catering: Eleven Courses Catering pg.13 Flowers & DĂŠcor: S&P Events Dessert: Georgetown Cupcakes Photographer: Jeff Allen Studios Rehearsal Dinner: Charlie Palmer Steak

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Premier C H E F S

PHOTO BY: Daysy Photography

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Chef Jim Benson

Chef Jonathan Soudry

E L E V E N C O U R S E S C AT E R I N G

R O U G E F I N E C AT E R I N G

The world of food is always evolving, Eleven Courses takes several culinary tours around the world and comes back to the kitchen with a fresh perspective and new recipes. Eleven Course’s mantra is: A Private Chef Approach. “Our approach to catering – fresh, vibrant cuisine, with a focus on designing menus that artfully come full circle from beginning to end – never waivers.

Chef Soudry started his training and career as a child working in his parents’ small food business in Marseille. He went on to receive his culinary training in many renowned French restaurants. He worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants in Washington, DC before moving on to develop and operate several restaurant concepts of his own in Baltimore and Boston and now Washington DC. He enjoys cooking Mediterranean and family recipes. Chef Jonathan developed a line of packaged meal products for a Fortune 500 company which were sold nationally. Two of these packaged meal products were awarded the prestigious accolade of being among the 10 best and most innovative new products of the year, on a national level. TIP: Require fresh, fresh, fresh food is critical!

PHOTO BY: BRADLEY IMAGES

After years of scouring the globe to gain vast experience with many types of cuisine, Chef Jim Benson launched Eleven Courses Catering. “I wanted to get out there, collaborate with other chefs and be inspired by what I tasted – putting my own spin on it.” Chef Jim was born a (culinary) artist, he’s always had the ability to listen to a song for the first time and then replay it by ear, the same goes with food – it’s like a 6th sense.

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Julie St. Marie

Chef Yale Koplovitz

J U L I E S T. M A R I E

M A C G R E G O R ’ S R E S TAU R A N T

Julie St. Marie attended culinary school with a concentration in Baking & Pastry Arts. Her mission to prepare food from her traditional roots. Food and family and structure is what she likes most about catering and entertaining. Developing a theme from start to finish and watching it unfold like a story.

Chef Yale Koplovitz, has been the Executive Chef of MacGregor’s Restaurant in Havre de Grace, MD for 4 years. Yale has been in the culinary field for over 17 years, starting when he was 14 years old. Yale graduated from New England Culinary Institute (NECI) in 2006. After graduation, he had a variety of internships & working experiences. Some of these experiences include time in Stowe, VT., New Orleans & Nantucket, Massachusetts before returning back to his hometown of Harford County, Maryland in 2010.

Her love for food and creating delicious dishes was always her passion. She knew she had to follow her dream. Five years ago her dream came true as julie St. Marie Catering and Events opend their doors in Annapolis. Getting the details in place to create moments that matter to people. She leads the event staff and works with her clients to offer delicious food and well planned events.

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Chef Yale’s speciatlies at MacGregor’s include a variety of Seafood & American dishes like Scallops, “Harbor of Mercy” Rockfish & our Award winning Crab Cakes.

Off-premise Catering Personalized events

Chef Ricardo Bonilla C AT E R I N G B Y U P TOW N With over 25 years of experience as a professional in the food service industry, Chef Ricardo has become a master of almost every dish. From his training in preparing French cuisine at the 1789 restaurant in Georgetown to perfecting his Chesapeake crab cakes at Catering by Uptown, the display and quality of his food are second to none. Chef Ricardo’s passion for food spans the globe and is evident in both our traditional and multi-cultural menus. From former Presidents, to thousands of brides & grooms – everyone appreciates the care Chef Ricardo takes in his craft.

Imagine a formal tea in a centuries-old rose garden, a hip happening in a refurbished retro movie theatre, or a poolside banquet at your favorite relative’s beautiful home. How about a ball in a Victorian mansion? Call it formal. Call it casual. Either way, it’s only for you. Off-premises catering is an attractive alternative to the more common reception choices like hotels and country clubs. By opening up a multitude of options for location, style, size and menu, off-premises catering allows you to create a very personalized event that can sometimes cost less than many inside catered affairs. Another big advantage of off-premises catering is the menu itself. With more experience in designing and handling custom menus than restaurants or hotels, off-premises caterers can offer very imaginative, tasty menus. Of course, don’t forget the biggest item on the menu; the wedding cake. Many caterers have professional in-house pastry chefs who will design a cake especially for you. If you know you want a personalized event, but don’t know exactly what you’re looking for, some off-premise caterers work closely with various specialty party facilities and can help you decide what’s right for you. Some also offer free full-service wedding consulting and event planning, providing you with hassle-free planning for everything from flowers and invitations to dining, entertainment and even travel.

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Everything you need for the perfect wedding

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.com Venues Catering Planning P R E M I E R B R I D E 2 017

V E N U E S

Photography By Tre’ Lynn Planner: Prestigious Occasions Flowers & Décor: Special Occasions By Amanda

Finding the right venue Things to consider You’ve got the ring, maybe the date, certainly the city or locale, now what? Ask yourself these questions and your answers will determine the venue. What is more important: wedding date or venue? If it’s the wedding date, then your venues may be limited. However, if you have no particular date in mind and can be flexible, then you can get the venue you want.

How many people can the venue accommodate? They all have their numbers. Ask the venue how many people they can accommodate.

How do you want to use this venue: ceremony, reception, or both? Are you planning a church wedding and the venue is strictly for the reception? Or, are you looking for one place where you can have both the ceremony and the reception? Maybe you’re looking for a place to have the rehearsal dinner. The use of the venue will determine size and location and make the process easier. Also, some venues have exclusive or preferred caterers. If you have a specific catering company in mind and it’s not allowed in that facility, then you need to look elsewhere. Some venues may have other preferred vendors like florists, lighting, audio, to name a few. Finally, some venues require that you buy alcohol directly from them. All this - venue, food, alcohol, rentals, flowers, décor, linens, and lighting - figure into the final price. Find out all this up front!

Can my guests climb this mountain? Be considerate of your guests in choosing the venue. How are you going to get guests from point A to point B to point C? Are the ceremony and reception venues close to each other? Are the venues near the hotel where the guests are staying? You want this to be quick and easy for your guests. In booking accommodations, ask the hotel if they provide this service.

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How big is your guest list? Besides the date, this is a huge part in choosing your venue.

What is your dream wedding? This is a time to share your dreams with your wedding professionals. What have you always envisioned? Do you have a particular place or time of day? Do you have someone in mind to officiate? For your reception, what do you see? Are you in a grand ballroom in an elegant hotel or are you in a barn with a ritzy rustic look?

Anchor Inn

7617 Water Oak Point Rd. Pasadena, MD 410-437-3784 www.cateringbyuptown.com

Billingsley House Museum

5625 Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell St. Baltimore, MD | 410-633-9500 www.bwhotelbaltimore.com

Boardwalk Plaza

Big Cork Vineyards

4236 Main StreetÂ Rohrersville, MD 301-302-8032 www.bigcorkvineyards.com

Brittland Manor

6900 Green Landing Rd. Upper Marlboro, MD 301-627-0730 www.pgelegantsettings.com

2 Olive Ave. & Boardwalk Rehoboth, DE 302-227-7169 www.boardwalkplaza.com

211 Brittland Farm Lane Chestertown, MD 410-810-7591 www.brittlandestates.com

Bulle Rock

Casey Community Center

Celebrations at the Bay

320 Blenheim Lane Havre de Grace, MD 410-939-8887 www.bullerockgolf.com

Best Western Plus Hotel & Conference Center

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810 S. Frederick Ave. Gaithersburg, MD 301-258-6366 www.gaithersburgmd.gov

2042 Knollview Dr. Pasadena, MD 410-437-3784 www.cateringbyuptown.com

Premier Venue Guide

Chesapeake Charm

7617 Water Oak Point Road Pasadena, MD 301-572-7744 www.cateringbyuptown.com

Coconut Malorie

200 59th Street Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 410-723-6100 www.coconutmalorie.com

Darnallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chance House Museum

14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive Upper Marlboro, MD 301-952-8010 www.pgelegantsettings.com

Cheshire Crab Restaurant 1701 Poplar Road Pasadena, MD 21122 410-360-2220 www.thecheshirecrab.com

Combsberry

4837 Evergreen Road Oxford, MD 21654 443-786- 7220 www.tidewaterwedding.com

Dunes Manor Hotel 2800 Baltimore Ave. Ocean City, MD 410-289-1100 www.dunesmanor.com

City of Havre de Grace 450 Pennington Ave. Havre de Grace, MD 410-939-2100 www.hdgtourism.com

Courtyard Gaithersburg Washingtonian Center

204 Boardwalk Place Gaithersburg, MD 301-527-9000 www.riocourtyard.com

Embassy Suites Baltimore North 213 International Circle Hunt Valley, MD 410-584-1400 www.embassybaltimore.com

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Great Room at Laurel Beltsville Senior Center 7120 Contee Rd. Laurel, MD | 301-206-3350 www.pgelegantsettings.com

Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites

3200 N. Baltimore Ave. Ocean City, MD 800-399-6820 www.oceancityhilton.com

Holiday Inn Oceanfront

6600 Coastal Hwy Ocean City, MDÂ 800-399-6820 www.holidayinnoceanfront.com

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Harrisonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Harbor Watch Restaurant

Hilton Garden Inn Columbia

806 S. Atlantic Ave. Ocean City, MD 800-399-6820 www.harborwatchrestaurant.com

8241 Snowden River Parkway Columbia, Maryland 21045 410-750-3700 www.hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com

Historic Sinking Springs

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites

Homewood Suites Columbia/Laurel

Kentlands Mansion

843 Elk Forest Road Elkton, MD 21921 410-398- 5566 www.sinkingsprings.com/weddings

7531 Montpelier Road Laurel, MD 20723 240-360-2725 www.homewoodsuites.hilton.com

1701 Atlantic Ave. Ocean City, MD 800-399-6820 www.ocsuites.com

320 Kent Square Road Gaithersburg, MD 301-258-6425 www.gaithersburgmd.gov/kentlandsmansion

Premier Venue Guide

Kirkland Manor Kirkland Manor

Eastern Shore St. Michael’s, MD 443-786-7220 www.tidewaterwedding.com 443.786.7220 | tidewaterwedding.com

La Banque at Sea Plane base 321 St. John Street Havre de Grace, MD 21078 410-942-1444 www.labanquedefleuve.com

La Banque de Fleuve

321 St. John Street Havre de Grace, MD 21078 410-942-1444 www.labanquedefleuve.com

and Receive

MacG

Mac wil Rece

Special Promotional Discounts www.MacGregorsRestaurant.com

Call ou Londonderry

Seating up to 85 MacGregor’s Restaurant & Tavern

700 Port Street Easton, MD 21601 443-786- 7220 www.tidewaterwedding.com

331 St. John Street Havre de Grace, MD 410-939-3003 www.macgregorsrestaurant.com

Memorial Chapel

Montpelier Mansion

1101 Memorial Chapel, UMD College Park, MD 301-314-9893 www.chapel.umd.edu

9650 Muirkirk Road Laurel, MD 301-377-7817 www.pgelegantsettings.com

Fe Pr

Maria’s Love Point Bed & Breakfast

1710 Love point Rd.Stevensville, MD 410-643-5054 www.mariaslovepoint.com

Newton White Mansion 2708 Enterprise Road Mitchellville, MD 301-249-2004 www.pgelegantsettings.com

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Nottinghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

36889 Bushwood Wharf Road Bushwood, MD 20618 240-925-2163 facebook.com/oceanhallevents

Preston Hall

Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ballroom

25 W. Preston St. Baltimore, MD 410-802-4372 www.prestonhallbaltimore.com

Riversdale House Museum 4811 Riverdale Road Riverdale Park, MD 301-864-0420 www.pgelegantsettings.com

Ocean Hall

8850 Stanford Boulevard Columbia, MD 21045 410-290-0077 www.nottinghamsevents.net

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2411 Pinebrook Avenue Landover, MD 301-341-7439 www.pgelegantsettings.com

Running Fox

23791 Ricauds Branch Road Chestertown, MD 410-810-7591 www.brittlandestates.com

Oxon Hill Manor

6901 Oxon Hill Road Oxon Hill, MD 301-839-7782 www.pgelegantsettings.com

River Lodge

219 Brittland Farm Lane Chestertown, MD 410-810-7591 www.brittlandestates.com

Snow Hill Manor

13301 Laurel-Bowie Road Laurel, MD 301-725-6037 www.pgelegantsettings.com

Premier Venue Guide

Stepne Manor

Tabrizi’s

406 S Cross Street Chestertown, MD 410-810-7591 www.brittlandestates.com

500 Harborview Drive, A9 Baltimore, MD 21230 410-727-3663 www.tabrizis.com

The Minker Banquet Hall

The Restaurant

Breathtaking Weddings at the Ocean

at isLighthouse Sound a first class wedding and reception facility 920 Principio Furnace RoadThe elegant Lighthouse Sound offering the best views in 12723 Ocean City. scenic Road bay and Ocean City St.Overlooking Martin’stheNeck Perryville, MD Skyline, we specialize in delicious cuisine, outstanding hospitality and beautiful Bishopville, MD 410-641-1199 410-939-3003 surroundings. Lighthouse Sound will have your guests raving for years to come! www.lighthousesoundrestaurant.com www.macgregorsrestaurant.com

Ocean City, MD | 410.641.1199 | www.lighthousesoundrestaurant.com

Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

410-280-0445 x314 www.weddingsinannapolis.com

Water’s Edge Events Center 4687 Millennium Drive Belcamp, MD 410-297-9467 www.watersedgeevents.com

The Flagg House

844 East Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 301-572-7744 www.cateringbyuptown.com

The Villa

4060 Powder Mill Rd. Beltsville, MD 301-572-7744 www.cateringbyuptown.com

Waverly Mansion

2300 Waverly Mansion Drive Marriottsville, MD 301-572-7744 www.cateringbyuptown.com

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Check out our blog for more amazing photos and details!

Carleen & Chris 30

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September 16th Chris and Carleen were on a trip with her family in Florida. They all took a boat ride at sunset, and with her loved ones surrounding her, Chris asked Carleen to marry him.

Venue: Brittland Manor pg.61 Rentals: Eastern Shore Tents & Events pg.168 Entertainment: The Bachelor Boys Photography: Bekah Kay Creative Caterer: Occasions Catering

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Tabriziâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A classic and elegant waterfront wedding venue. Vendors: Bella Fiori Flowers pg.89 | Bella Fiori Rentals pg.167 | Melissa Grace Photography

Check out our blog for more amazing photos and details!

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Outdoor Star Comfort. Valentina white leather ottomans and round coffee table, Burgundy Crushed Taffeta Table Cloth Amber Glass Candle Holders, Vintage Champagne Charges, Hearts Roses, Princess Charlene and Patience Garden Roses, Sahara Roses, Keira Garden Roses, Ranunculus, Ivory Majolica Spray Roses, Burgundy Snap Dragons, Eucalyptus Seeded and Scabiosas.

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RODNEY BAILEY PHOTOJOURNALISM

BRITTLAND MANOR

CO CO N U T M A LO R I E R E S O RT

211 Brittland Farm Lane Chestertown, MD 21620 410.810.7591

200 59th Street on the Bay, Ocean City, MD 21842 1.800.767.6060

CAPACITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400

CAPACITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

OUTDOOR SPACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YES

OUTDOOR SPACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YES

WATER VIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YES

OFF SITE CATERING ALLOWED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YES

SEPERATE CEREMONY ROOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YES

FACILITY FEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YES

Brittland Manor is a secluded mansion with gardens, pool, and 530 riverside acres. Nestled away on the Eastern Shore of Maryland this complete wedding kingdom could be yours for an entire weekend. Create a beautiful riverside ceremony in the natural setting of the Cyprus Grove or in the Manor Boxwood Garden. The lawn and gardens of the mansion are a magnificent setting for a reception with a 180 degree view of the Chester River. There is an expansive brick patio that can accomodate six different size tents for your grand reception.

Discover the Coconut Malorie Resort, a Festiva owned Ocean City Maryland Hotel, and the perfect choice for your water front wedding or destination wedding. Beautiful, romantic sunsets on the bay, elegant grand staircase with marble floors. All your guests will enjoy the updated suites. Relax and enjoy your wedding as our proffessional staff oversees your wedding and makes your day a perfect wedding day.

www.brittlandestates.com 34

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www.coconutmalorie.com

RODNEY BAILEY PHOTOJOURNALISM

RIVER LODGE

STEPNE MANOR

211 Brittland Farm Lane Chestertown, MD 21620 410.810.7591

406 S. Cross St. Chestertown, MD 21620 410-810-7591

stepne Manor

CAPACITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400

OUTDOOR SPACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YES

OUTDOOR SPACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YES

WATER VIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YES

OFF SITE CATERING ALLOWED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YES SEPERATE CEREMONY ROOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YES FACILITY FEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YES

With its rustic, peaceful waterfront setting, the River Lodge is an excellent venue for an informal wedding. The Lodge is perched on the banks of the Chester River and includes a shaded beachfront cove, spacious adjacent fields, and a scenic dock to the river. May through September weddings may only be held on Fridays or Sundays. The two night minimum stay allows you and your close ones to relax and enjoy the time spent together while creating lifetime memories.

www.brittlandestates.com

406 s. Cross st. Chestertown, MD 21620. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YES OFF SITE CATERING ALLOWED SEPERATE CEREMONY 410-810-7591 ROOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YES FACILITY FEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YES www.brittlandestates.com

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Ideal for a town charm wedding, Stepne Manor is located within walking distance to Chestertown’s historic buildings, churches, CapaCity galleries, and shops........................................................ Across the street you’ll find a park on400 the Chester River for some great wedding pictures. The wide covered OutDOOr spaCe ..........................................yes porch and spacious lawn at Stepne provide a relaxed yet sophistiWater .................................................yes cated setting forVieW pre-wedding get-togethers and small receptions. The circa house is full of historic..................yes detail and ideal for OFF1690 sitemanor Catering aLLOWeD the small wedding party weekend accommodations.

separate CereMOny rOOM ...................yes FaCiLity Fee ..................................................yes www.brittlandestates.com ideal for a town charm wedding, stepne P R E M I E R B R I D E 2 017 Manor is located within walking distance to

C O W O s F

s a

Beautiful ideas by the season Making even the dreariest days beautiful Most people think of sunshine when they picture a wedding day, but not every day fits that mold. Luckily, something as joyful as a wedding can be sunny even on the dreariest of days. As long as you take advantage of what your season has to offer, all four can provide beautiful accents to your big day. Spring weddings are always popular, in part because of the parallels between new life blooming in the gardens and the new life of a married couple. Using flower bulbs instead of full-grown flowers also add to that feeling. For a spring-themed centerpiece that doubles as a favor, have multiple small, pastel-colored vases and encourage your guests to bring one home. Seeds and tiny monogrammed flowerpots are also a fun favor! You could also try bringing a little Easter to your reception by having lilies as centerpieces or hiding wedding favors, especially if there will be children present. For summer weddings, try a slightly more informal approach to your meal by offering the spread in picnic baskets or garden-party style! Mini picnic baskets or personalized blankets could then be given as a favor. Also, if you want to use bright, bold colors in your flowers or decorations, summer is the best time to do it. A fall wedding has a more rustic feeling to it. Warm reds, oranges and yellows are best for decorations, and don’t

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be afraid to ditch some of the flowers for tasteful wheat stalks or gourds among the arrangements. A fun favor could be making homemade cider or jams with your initials on the jar for your guests to enjoy. Many couples shy away from winter weddings, but it can actually be one of the most intimate seasons for a wedding because it provides such respite from the bitter cold. Deep purples, forest greens and ruby reds are perfect to set a cozy tone, while icy blues and silver show off winter’s sparkle. Cinnamon-scented pinecones with some holly or giant poinsettias make tasteful centerpieces. Instead of bubbling champagne for the toast, why not embrace winter and raise a mug of hot chocolate or egg nog? It’s delicious and comforting in the cold. If there will be kids at the reception, set up a table to make their own sparkling snowflakes to sprinkle on tables as decoration or as a souvenir for the kids! As for their parents, send them home with coffee mugs, spiced tea, or wintry-scented candles. It doesn’t have to be 70 and sunny for the perfect wedding as long as you use Mother Nature to your advantage!

This is our version of a

wedding crasher.

Say I do with an ocean view. We’ll help you plan a picture2 Olive Avenue & the Boardwalk Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 (800) 33 BEACH | (302) 227-7169 www.boardwalkplaza.com

perfect wedding reception in one of our oceanfront banquet halls. When it comes to food, the hotel’s team of chefs from Victoria’s Restaurant can prepare an amazing array of delectable dining choices for your guests. For the wedding day you’ve always wanted call (800) 33-BEACH for a personal tour and advice on how to plan for your special day.

A unique, warm & affordable atmosphere for any special occasion

Casey Community Center 38

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Gaithersburg, Maryland 301.258.6366 â&#x20AC;˘ gaithersburgmd.gov

A bride by any other name Updating your identity Miss turned Mrs. Congratulations! So now that you’re ready to take your husband’s last name, where do you begin? Well, step one is, of course, signing the marriage license! Easy enough right? Now be prepared to do some waiting. You will be waiting on the phone and in lines wading knee deep through bureaucratic mess. Stay strong; it’s worth it! After all, you want your hubby’s name, right? Of course, anything you can change online, do it! It will make your life so much easier. Now that you have your marriage license, it will be number one in your arsenal of proof. Be sure that no matter where you go to prove that you’re married you bring the original with you. It must have a raised seal for it to be officially accepted. In addition to your marriage license, bring your social security card, driver’s license, passport, and even a copy of your husband’s driver’s license, if you must! Some places require multiple forms of identity to be sure that identity theft isn’t in place. Now that your arsenal is safely packed away, start by calling the Social Security Administration. They will help you via an automated system to walk you through the process of changing your last name. Or, go on line to socialsecurity.gov. After the information has gone through, you should receive a new card in the mail for free. Please Note: If anyone tries to charge you for a card, they are NOT the SSA. They are scammers. Write down the number that called you and ask for a number and extension to call them back. Then call the authorities to let them know what happened. Now that you have a new social security card, go to everyone’s favorite place, the DMV! More lines and waiting!! Oddly enough, it’s harder to prove to the DMV than the SSA that you are who you say you are.

Bring ALL the ID’s you have to prove to them that you are married and need a last name change. Be aware the DMV requires that you come in person, no matter what. Be prepared for the usual line and ridiculous wait time by bringing something to occupy your time. After taming the beast, that is the DMV, call everyone else! Call your boss or HR person to have your payroll changed, contact the electric, phone, and water companies plus banks, credit card companies, post office, insurance companies, lease/mortgage agent, and of course, your passport. Whew what a list! How is it that guys always get the easy end of the deal? Here’s a checklist: ☐ Social Security ☐ Driver’s License ☐ Bank Accounts ☐ Credit Cards ☐ Credit Ratings ☐ Doctor and Dental Records ☐ Employment Records ☐ Auto Registration ☐ All Memberships ☐ Passport ☐ All Insurance Policies – Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability to name a few. Good luck ladies! Prove to your man you’d do anything for him including calling everyone in creation, waiting in long lines and waiting on legalities to progress over a period of months! That’s true dedication!

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Your walk down the aisle The first time There is so much to remember when it comes to making your day memorable for many years to come. From invitations, cakes, dresses, flowers, invitations, transportation, saving money or locations, there’s just so much to arrange. We’ve taken a few top “things to remember” and given you the reasons why you better not forget. T H I N K A B O U T WAY S T O S AV E M O N E Y Got a budget? Most people do. If you want a more elaborate wedding for less money, then try a few of these tried and true methods. • Look into saying your nuptials on a Sunday instead of a Friday or Saturday. • Go easy on the alcohol at your wedding. The guests will thank you later. • Choose flowers that won’t wilt before the I Do’s. Tulips no, roses yes. Ask your florist for recommendations. MEET WHERE YOU WILL EXCHANGE VOWS The last thing you want to hear the day of your wedding is “no flashes allowed in the church” or “You only have 30 minutes before the ceremony to decorate the chapel with flowers. Think now of the disasters you can avoid in the future. • Ask where the photographer or videographer can take pictures. Are there any places off limits? • How early can the florist arrive to decorate and are there any stipulations on the number or types of floral arrangements? • Is there a changing room for you and the attendants? What about an area for the groom and groomsmen? I N V I TAT I O N S The invitations will be the first thing that many of your guests will see in regards to your wedding. No

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matter how beautiful your dress or how breathtaking the flower arrangements, the invitations come first and, as they say, you only have one time to make a first impression. • Think about what you want to say with your invitation and express it with style. • Always hand-address your invitations and remember, children over 18 years old get their own invitations as well as your attendants, groomsmen, parents and the clergy. • Keep a good account of the RSVP’s. You will thank yourself later for keeping up with the count from the beginning. WEDDING CAKE WORRIES Eat cake and be happy. But how do you know what flavor to choose so your guests won’t take one bite and just pretend they ate the rest. • Cakes don’t just come in one variety anymore. Think about all those flavors your mother never made like carrot, lemon, strawberries and coconut or even coffee mocha. • Cake tops are saying more nowadays and really showing off a couple’s personality. Some cake designers have mentioned topping wedding cakes with family heirlooms or creations that represent how the couple feels about one another. You can never ask too many questions or be too certain about the details when it comes to the biggest day of your life. Make your first trip down the aisle a snapshot you will remember forever.

Mariaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Love Point Bed and Breakfast Waterfront Weddings & Receptions Have the wedding of your dreams and an exceptionally wonderful celebration. Your exclusive wedding retreat at a scenic wedding venue. You will have the exclusive use of the property for your special day. We will help you plan and design your perfect wedding event. 410-643-5054 | www.mariaslovepoint.com

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Jen & Phillipe 42

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October 9th They met while working together at Kmart and quickly became lunch buddies. Jennifer not only fell in love with Phillippe, but also his three-year-old son, Gabriel. Fifteen years later, he officiated their wedding.

Rentals: Photography by Treâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lynn LLC pg.143 Venue: Billingsley House pg.67 Entertainment: DMV Pro DJs Ceremony Music: Jocelyn Faro

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Child attendants 8 tips to for using kids in your ceremony Children can be a wonderful part of a wedding ceremony - full of joy and spirit. It does take a little extra thought, planning and accommodation, however, to include them successfully. We’ ve compiled a list of helpful tips and things to consider to make your wedding celebration a kid-friendly event! 1. Consider their ages. Young children are adorable, to be sure, but their behavior is unpredictable (to be sure), so if you do include them, then be prepared for the unexpected. Imagine a three-year-old tugging on your dress during the heart of your wedding ceremony and asking in a loud, clear voice, “Are we done yet?” Does this fill you with dread, or make you warm and fuzzy? Do what feels most comfortable to you taking into consideration your personalities, your families and your wedding style. 2. Ask in person. For older children, ask them in person to be a part of your wedding (after running it by their parents first.) This makes them feel involved, important and honored. 3. Spend time with them. Try to include them in pre-wedding events and activities, and just generally spending time with them before the wedding so that they feel connected and involved. Again, this is more important for older children, and is certainly dependent on their age, interest and hometown (whether they live near you or not.) The point here is simply to make sure they don’ t just feel like a ‘ prop’ in the wedding, but instead, like a valued and important participant in this honored event. 4. Rehearse! Be sure to include them in the rehearsal so they feel more comfortable with what is going to happen. Even young kids will benefit by making everything feel more comfortable and familiar.

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5. A special gift. Consider making or purchasing a special gift for them to honor their participation. This will also help them remember this special event and their involvement. Gifts will vary widely by age. Some ideas are in the article below. 6. Keep parents close. For younger children, keep parents seated up front. It’ s ideal if young children can walk down the aisle with someone (a parent, bridesmaid or groomsman), and then sit down immediately with their parents in front. It’ s way too much to expect a young child to stand quietly up front during the whole ceremony! 7. Oh goody, goody bags. Goody bags at the reception (or even during the ceremony if they’ re filled with non-messy, quiet items) for kids are a great way to keep them entertained for awhile. Babysitters, special kids’ meals, art supplies on a table in the corner, and videos playing in a corner or adjoining room are all good ideas if children will be participating in your Big Day. 8. Need a nap? For young children, be sure to take their nap and bed times into consideration! Tired children are impossible, trust me on that. If your rehearsal or wedding will take place after their bedtime or during their nap time, then you may want to reconsider the extent of their involvement. Perhaps instead of walking down the aisle as a flower girl, she could dress up in a special outfit, and be carried by Mom or Dad. Then have a trusted babysitter nearby ready to take her home when necessary.

Londonderry A private estate located between Easton and Oxford which can accommodate 50 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 80 guests. Londonderry overlooks the famous Tred Avon River. The view and ambiance is unrivaled, menus are custom designed and the service unparalleled. For your personalized consultation and site visit please contact us at (410) 745-5255 or (443) 786-7220 or email marry@tidewaterwedding.com www.tidewaterwedding.com

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Pb tips for using pinterest Using pinterest for wedding planning H OW I T WO R K S If you’re planning a wedding, you already know the Internet is a great resource. Pinterest is an easy way to organize your wedding inspiration and ideas. On pinterest.com, you can grab photos from around the web and pin them onto virtual inspiration boards named with categories of your choosing.

You can also find lots of photos from real weddings. Try searching for keywords such as: whimsical, woodsy, DIY, rustic, vintage, elegant, chic, romantic, and couture. These are all popular words on Pinterest’s wedding pins, and even if you think those adjectives wouldn’t apply to your big day, type them in and browse. You might be pleasantly surprised!

You can also browse other users’ boards, and there are seemingly endless wedding-themed boards to choose from! The photos are often accompanied with comments, and can include tips or instructions on how to create the look that was captured in the picture. Like wedding forums, you can interact with friends or strangers to get suggestions and ideas for your special day, but this time, it’s all centered around pictures of your choosing.

If you’re serious about using suggestions from Pinterest, then do your homework. Each picture can be traced back to its original blog or website, so when you find something you like and think you could apply it to your wedding, click through and take notes or bookmark the page.

P I N D OW N T H E D E TA I L S Pinterest certainly displays boards for all the biggies like the gown, décor, and food. But the site’s real strength is in highlighting the details. It’s here that you’ll find inspiration for handmade place cards, fun photography poses, or ideas for “something blue.” Those seemingly insignificant details will make your day truly unique. But like many online wedding hotspots, Pinterest runs the risk of being overwhelming. To get the most out of the site, make sure to be specific when you’re scoping out ideas. In the search box in the top left hand corner of the page, use as many details as possible such as “fall DIY wedding décor” or “cream wedding pumps.”

REALITY CHECK While Pinterest offers a gorgeous visual array of picture-perfection to all brides with a dream, this new Pinterest culture can cause some problems in the real world. Brides pin things like extravagant flower arrangements that far exceed their budget. They show their photographers images of a bride with her veil caught perfectly in a breeze - a lucky shot that surely can’t be recreated. Pinterest can be a recipe for disappointed hopes if taken at face value. Always remember that only perfect, surprising, and unique images make the cut on Pinterest and most of what you see just isn’t realistic. Pinterest should only be used to ignite ideas and to capture the overall look and feel you’d like to aim for at your wedding. In the end, know that while Pinterest-inspired touches are pretty for a day, saying “I do” to someone you love lasts a lifetime!

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Citrus Garden These colors jump right out and grab your attention. Bright lemon yellow, soft sexy pink surrounded by the perfect mint green make this Citrus Garden a one of a kind lavish elegance.

Check out our blog for more amazing photos and details!

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Well put together setting, from a pineapple atop the three tier cake to the sailor style place cards. Pops of perfect flowers finish this eye catching style. The garden shoot came to life through the inspiration of the vivid colors of summer and the beautiful addition of citrus as décor. This captured the effervescence of a summer garden reception as an oasis in the middle of the city.

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Alternatives to church Ceremony options

Contrary to popular belief, not every couple gets married in a church. Nowadays, many couples are choosing to say their vows in the location where they hold the reception. If you prefer to wed in a simple, yet religious atmosphere, a nondenominational chapel could be the answer. This is especially common if your religious backgrounds differ or there are other complications such as annulment delays. The intimate setting of a chapel also allows for the freedom to add personal touches including unique music or personalized wedding vows. Special services provided by the owners of such chapels can vary from tuxedo rental and decorations to photography and catering. Additionally, preserving a date at a chapel rather than a church may be easier, especially if

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you want to marry within a short time of the engagement. The scene of a sentimental moment shared between the two of you can be turned into the place where you say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I do.â&#x20AC;? Weddings are performed in parks, on cruise ships, under a temporary trellis in a backyard, or in the privacy of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home. Other options to explore are canopies, tents or gazebos set up outdoors or you can even exchange your marriage vows in the beauty of nature, think about a beach, a field or a forest. Weather, shelter and the number of guests must obviously be taken into consideration, but many businesses cater to these unique circumstances and can assist you in planning your wild and wonderful outdoor event.

Located at the heart of the Harborview Community in South Baltimore, Tabriziâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offers outdoor and indoor wedding ceremonies and receptions directly on the water. We can accommodate up to 230 seated guests with a dance floor and band area, as well as handicapped accessibility. We offer an Intercontinental eclectic menu, free parking, great ambience, and excellent service, one wedding at a time. Please give us a call at 410.727.3663 to schedule a free tour of our fabulous venue.

www.tabrizis.com

Check out our blog for more amazing photos and details!

Erin & Jeff 52

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June 4th They were married right on the boardwalk in Ocean City, MD while their guests friends from Colassal Fossil Sauce sang and played music as they walked down the aisle.

Reception: Harrison Group pg. 62 Consultant: Sandra Kersetter, K&S Signature Events Photography: Daniel Bostwick Flowers: Ocean City Florist Gown Shop: L&H Bridal

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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.

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Gone are the days of this long redundant table, enter the Sweetheart 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.

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Unique ceremonies Special locations Unique sites can help create an interesting and memorable event. Popular locations require advance booking, usually six months to a year before the wedding date. Most require a 50 percent deposit when you reserve them, with the balance due seven to 10 days before the event. Refundable security deposits are usually required, and some facilities may request a special liability insurance policy. In selecting a unique reception site, consider the different restrictions regarding food, alcohol, smoking, music and hours of operation. Some locations may require that you use an in-house caterer or one chosen from a preferred list. Some sites will provide tables and chairs, but many require that you or your caterer provide your own furniture, as well as linens and china. Check the kitchen facilities, as many sites have only a small kitchen or require that caterers bring a tent for food set up and service. Keep in mind that not all unique sites will allow you to have your reception inside the facility. Often historic homes are available for your guests to tour, but the event itself must be held in the gardens. If that is the case, be sure to include money in your budget for a tent to accommodate your guests in case of rain.

Be Inspired. Find A Setting. Plan Your Day. 410-280-0445 x314 Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County WeddingsInAnnapolis.com

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Make sure your special site is appropriate for your wedding needs and fits your unique style. A historic home may not be able to accommodate hundreds of guests, while a formal museum might not be right for a very casual wedding.

Historic Venue with Ballroom and Balcony in Baltimoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural district. Free Parking for all your guests. Only one event per day! (410) 802-4372 | www.prestonhallbaltimore.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.

301 302 8032 | BIGCORKVINEYARDS.COM

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 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.

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By Land, Air or Sea Our Brides Arrive in Style

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A Beautiful Historic Setting With Spectacular Views of the Chesapeake Bay

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your Special day Relax and enjoy The planning is done, and the big day is here. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve survived the endless meetings, the contracts and confirmations, the guest arrivals and a multitude of other details that have nearly swept away all thoughts of romance and bliss.

WEDDINGS ON THE WICOMICO 240-925-2163 | facebook.com/OceanHallEvents 36889 Bushwood Wharf Road - Bushwood, MD 20618

Somewhere in the midst of the celebratory frenzy youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to take a few moments to physically relax and mentally focus. Many brides find that taking the time to do something special for themselves helps to release built-up stress. What better way to refresh both body and soul than to treat yourself to a day-spa, where you can be pampered with luxurious salon treatments? Before the wedding, schedule a mineral body wrap, body massage, manicure and pedicure. While youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re being pampered youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have plenty of time to turn to thoughts of love and happiness and get your mind away from the logistics, details and contracts. Spa packages also make wonderful attendantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; gifts and are more affordable than you may think. Treatment combinations can be customized to accommodate a variety of budgets. At a spa, you can indulge yourself and your bridesmaids in a number of wonderful treatments. From facials to pedicures to manicures to massages, there is no better way to relax.

Making romantic memories that will last a lifetime EMBASSY SUITES BALTIMORE NORTH HUNT VALLEY 213 INTERNATIONAL CIRCLE Âš +UNT VALLEY, MARYLAND Âš EMBASSYBALTIMORE.COM

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If a pre-wedding spa session doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t suit your situation, try a little self-pampering. Beginwith a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep and then wake up to a light and healthy breakfast. Smooth off the edges of stress with a half -hour of vigorous exercise and then a long leisurely bubble bath. This day will only come once so relax and enjoy it.

Three Premier Venues on Marylandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beautiful Eastern Shore Where Wedding Dreams Become Reality Private Weekend rental for Entire Weekend Freedom to Choose Vendors Limitless Options for Events Centrally Located Between Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia airports Schedule Your Private Tour Today L Hewitt Photography - landmhewitt.com

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destination Just a short drive away ocean city, maryland h a r r i s o n ’ s h a r b o r wa t c h breathtaking views from an unforgettable venue accommodations for 20 to 300 • custom designed menus officiating • floral arrangements • cakes • decor permitting • photography and videography set up and break down on the beach

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NEW BEGINNINGS START AT HILTON. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the heart of Ocean City, Maryland. Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites offers unforgettable accommodations for your big day, as well as rehearsal and reception venues for up to 125 guests.

HOTELS & RESORTS

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For rehearsal, reception and group room rates contact Heidi at heidi@harrisongp.com or 410-289-1470 For further hotel information please visit www.oceancityhilton.com Located Oceanfront, just north of the Boardwalk • 3200 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842

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Modern Mouse Mule Rosemary infused vodka, Ginger beer, lime slices Left Blueberry & Cherry Champagne.

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Peacock Platinum Peacock Design. Elisa and Sanaz truly captured the theme exquisitely. They showcased beautiful details on such a delicate, classy theme. Vendors: Butterfly Photography pg.146 | Exceptional Events By Elisa pg.155 | Historic Rockland | Sammyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rentals | Chic Girl Flowers | Enchanted Petals | KKs Printing & Stationery

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They include subtle and elegant â&#x20AC;&#x153;peacockâ&#x20AC;? elements throughout the entire design that complemented each other and highlighted the focal point of every station. Hanging macaroons in cone shaped hanging holders.

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One-stop shopping Multi-service companies Planning the ideal wedding and coordinating all the services involved is no easy matter. It can take numerous phone calls and dozens of visits before deciding on the wedding professionals that best fit your needs. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the beginning to, since once your selections are made you then must enter contract negotiations with each vendor for their products and services. There is an alternative to this tedious shopping tradition. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the one stop wedding shop. More and more couples are turning to multi-service companies that provide photography, videography, bridal apparel, invitations, favors, hair, make-up, music, tuxedos, cakes, rentals, planning, wedding decorations and a host of other services under one roof.

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The benefit of working with this type of service is that you will be dealing with one company and one person. Once you sit down and explain your wishes, a tailored-made package will be put together detailing each service exactly the way you want it. Just think how easy it will be to work with and explain to one person your photography and video requirements, choose your entertainment and explain your decorating ideas to a staff that works together as a team. More than likely, the staff will be at your disposal and eager to give suggestions to enhance your ceremony and reception while offering timesaving advice. Planning your special day need not be a frustrating experience. Full service salons understand the anxiety couples undergo to coordinate schedules and the decision making process involved in making a wedding celebration a success.

Settings

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Eleg

Experience our elegant settings, located close to Washington, D.C., Baltimore and northern Virginia.

Montpelier Mansion • Oxon Hill Manor Newton White Mansion (pictured above) • Riversdale Mansion Prince George’s Ballroom • The Great Room at L-BSAC Snow Hill Manor • Billingsley Manor • Darnall’s Chance The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of Parks & Recreation, Prince George’s County, Maryland www.pgelegantsettings.com • 301-446-3240 TTY 301-446-6802

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Rustic Glam 68

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Rustic Glam overlooking the beautiful and majestic vineyard. The peaceful view makes you feel as if you can reach out and touch the mountains. Sunset rays fill the dramatic views. Vendors: Big Cork Vinyard pg. 58 | Katie Price Events & Design pg. 160 | Meghan Rose Photography | White Glove Rentals | Everyone Deserves Flowers | Memorable Designs Invitations Check out our blog for more amazing photos and details!

Big Cork includes a renovated Manor House, a romantic sunken tub with marble accents, cigar grooms room and piano sitting room. Three tier cake surrounded by delicious desserts . Apple centerpiece place setting ties the entire Glam look together with grape place cards, and hurricane lamps for evening lighting on a chiffon gold runner.

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Get swept away by the bay! Imagine your special day on a waterfront estate, by a lighthouse or at an historic inn. Centrally located along the 1-95 corridor, your guests will love our convenient location as well as our hospitality.

Entertain in a city that offers so much more! Call for a FREE Wedding Guide: 1-800-851-7756 www.explorehavredegrace.com

Winter wonderland Bringing something warm to a cold day Are you a bride that would happily trade a sandy beach for a snow covered hill? You’re in luck! Winter weddings are exceptional for many reasons, other than personal preference, of course.

for you. In fact, as a winter bride, you have a unique feel to you on your big day. You’ll feel like a snow queen when you step out into the winter snow in your snow white dress.

Since you’re a winter bride you’ll most likely be having your wedding indoors. If not, you’re one daring bride! Since you know indoor will be your venue, you can start looking into warm winter settings such as lodges to be married. If you’re getting married in December then that’s even better because you’ll save on decoration. Everywhere around you has been decorated for the season and has a magical air of it’s own that can lend the mood to your big day. That being said, lodges will have a rustic feel that’s warm with smells of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pine and huge Christmas trees in the lobbies and public areas. If this isn’t quite your style, then ice lodges might be more suiting. It’s definitely unique and special. These hotels are made specially every year out of pure ice! Everything from your bed to your drinking glass is made from ice. Best of all, the ice artists that design the lodge cathedrals can be met with and talked to before the ceremony to create your own custom cathedral. No one will ever be married in the exact same cathedral as you! Talk about being first rate, these lodges have everything for your wedding planned out down to the dance floor and lighting. If you’re interested in one, then book in November when they’re starting to be built to ensure you have a room and a venue.

Since you won’t want to be cold, find what kind of coverup suits you best. If you still want your dress to be seen in all of it’s glory while you’re outside, then consider fur/faux fur wraps or fur lined jackets that cover your arms and bust while exposing the rest of your gown. You should be warm since winter dresses come in heavier fabrics. If you want to seem more along the antique line, then you can consider a cape with a hood. A cape isn’t something that is frequently worn anymore (unless you’re Dracula). This could be your chance to wear one stylishly. A nice floor length cape with hood and fur trim is a classic image in the snow. This will also give you the opportunity to wear full length opera gloves another way to feel like a queen on your day!

Now that your unique venue has been determined, its time to think about your dress! Since you’ll have to deal with the cold it’s sometimes more challenging to decide on a dress. If long sleeves aren’t your style and you are heart-set on a sleeveless dress, there are plenty of options

Have a wonderful winter wedding and most of all enjoy yourself! Your big day will be special in so many ways, so let the magic of winter carry you away.

Since you’ll have snow in your forecast, plan fun activities with your party and groom. Arrive at the cathedral or marriage site in a horse drawn sleigh. After the ceremony, wave to your guests from the back of the sleigh. Then snuggle under some blankets with your new husband and listen to the sound of the jingling bells. Ah the magic of winter! As for your guests, have a few rounds of drinks then go outside and have a snowball fight! Make teams and see who can kick more snowy butt - the bride or the groom?

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Creative details Enhancing the guest experience Give your guests a night they’ll never forget! Creative details really help to make a wedding celebration magical and memorable for your family and friends. We’ve rounded up some of the hottest trends for a wedding day wow factor. For the little ones. If children are invited to the wedding and reception, then consider hiring a babysitter for part of the evening. The babysitter can be stationed in a room off of the main reception hall that’s fully equipped with kid-friendly movies, games, and food. This is a recipe for happy kids and happy parents! For kids of all ages. By embracing whimsy and offthe-wall fun, you’re sure to enchant guests young and old. Set up lawn games like croquet, corn hole (bean bag toss), or horseshoes. Hire magicians, living statues, walking food tables, face painters, or caricature artists. For the foodies. Dinner doesn’t just have to be “your choice of chicken or beef.” Play with your food! Try the build your- own trend with a gourmet burger or baked potato bar topped off with all the trimmings. Serve a Bride’s Menu and Groom’s Menu featuring each of your favorite foods, or offer ethnic cuisine to celebrate each family’s nationality. Serving a late night snack? You can’t go wrong with pizza. For those with a sweet tooth. Be it donuts, cupcakes, or s’mores, there’s really nothing stopping you from turning your favorite sweet into your wedding day dessert. Love candy? Imagine an entire table chock full of pixie sticks, gummies, and rock candy- all in colors coordinated to match the décor. Have an ice cream obsession? Try make-your-own sundaes with toppings galore, or scoops of artisan Gelato for a more continental vibe. If you’re throwing an entirely elegant affair, then a chocolate fountain is always a classic way to wow.

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For the thirsty ones. Infuse some personality into the beverages. Start with a bride and groom signature cocktail or His and Her drinks. Another trend is martini ice sculptures where guests pick their preferred martini flavor and watch as it glides through the sculpture, chilling along the way. In the spirit of “help yourself ” dinner and dessert bars, try a whiskey table for the fellas, jugs of flavored lemonades, or kegs of root beer for the kids. For a late night treat, offer a coffee or hot cacao bar complete with all the fixings. For the dramatic. Are you a couple of movie-lovers? Show your favorite movies during the reception. And don’t forget the popcorn, candy, fountain sodas, and red carpet photo un-booth! Are you and the groom known for throwing themed parties? Give your wedding a theme, and ask guests to dress in costume. Some ideas might be dressing all in black and white, dress from a certain era or from a fictional world. Don’t be afraid to play to your personalities and have fun with it. Your guests will have a blast, too! For the more traditional. Set a table with photos of your parents, grandparents, and great grandparents on their respective wedding days. Be sure to include all of the must-have songs and activities during the dancing portion of the evening - everything from the Electric Slide to the garter and bouquet toss. A photo booth never hurts either!

C O M B S B E R RY

Combsberry is situated on 35 acres of private, exclusive waterfront property on the outskirts of Oxford, Maryland. Rich in history, and architectural beauty, Combsberry is a majestic waterfront venue. Hosting events of a maximum of 100 in the tent on the lawn and maximum 75 in the Barn. Exclusive catering on site. Weddings at â&#x20AC;&#x153;Combsberryâ&#x20AC;? are custom tailored for you where you are offered an open slate to create anything your heart desires. For your personalized consultation and site visit please contact us at (410) 745-5255 or (443) 786-7220 or email marry@tidewaterwedding.com www.tidewaterwedding.com P R E M I E R B R I D E 2 017

Jessica & Sean May 14th Jess and Sean had a live band at their wedding and, as a surprise for the newlyweds, the band learned their song and played it for them live during their first dance.

Photographer : Bradley Images pg.137 Venue: Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Hair & Makeup: Baltimore Spa & Salon Caterer: Clementine Catering Transportation: Limousines, Inc.

Check out our blog for more amazing photos and details!

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Homewood Suites Columbia/Laurel Redefine your experience with our experience Sharon Kim

| Director of Sales/Marketing | Sharon.kim@hilton.com | 240.360.2725

Modern families Divorced parents and mixed families Weddings can be tricky when the bride or groom’s parents are divorced or the extended family is mixed. If you or your fiancé have divorced parents who are on good terms, count your blessings. If their relationship is bitter or merely polite, then correct handling of delicate matters on your wedding day can help avoid unwanted tension. Toss out the traditional wedding rulebook and, above all else, be sensitive to the situation. Start by considering wedding traditions and anticipate ways to prevent any hurt feelings by keeping the lines of communication open with both parents right from the get-go. For instance, it’s tradition for the parent with whom you’ve lived the longest to issue the wedding invitations. This may not sit well if your parents are divorced so try to include both parent’s names on the invites. Then there’s the escort question: Who will walk the bride down the aisle? When dealing with mixed families, the lines sometimes blur between the biological father and step-dad and the biological mother and step-mom. Again, throw tradition out the window and ask yourself, “Who deserves to walk me down the aisle?” It might be your dad, mom, both parents, a step-parent, two dads, two moms – that’s for you to decide. What matters in the end is that you choose the person or pair of people who have earned the honor of being your escort. Do your best to avoid hurting anyone by, again, keeping the lines of communication open. This same logic holds true for the traditional father/daughter and mother/son dance at the reception. While following your heart to create the wedding of your dreams (and possibly shirking tradition in the process), stay sensitive to your family’s feelings and

recognize when to be the bigger person. In an ideal world, you’d be able to explain your decisions to your divorced parents and each would be entirely supportive – but that’s not always the case. Remember that it might be within your power to ease tensions and keep everyone happy. Perhaps you’ll have to compromise on whose names appear on the invitation or who walks you down the aisle, but those are small sacrifices to make to keep your wedding day running smoothly. Similarly, think about how the choices you make on this one day might affect the family dynamic for years to come. Your wedding day could result in tensions flaring up, or it could be a chance for forgiveness and healing. Talk to your divorced parents about what this day symbolizes to you: the creation of a new family. Remind your parents and step-parents of this especially if there are any major points of contention between family members. Appeal to their rational side and encourage everyone to set aside their differences for this one day in celebrationof this new family. A few more practical ways to avoid any awkwardness: If one of your parents is remarried and the other is single, encourage the single parent to bring a guest to the wedding. Brief your wedding professionals on the family dynamics so they know who not to push together for a photo or special dance. You’ll also want to determine the ceremony and reception seating ahead of time. In the end, for every decision that affects you and your divorced parents or mixed family, ask yourself, “What’s right for me and my family?” and do just that.

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Getting married again The second time around Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no secret that men and women are getting married more than once nowadays. However, with the decision to wed a second or a third time, there are also the common worries about tradition and proper etiquette. Brides who are walking down the aisle for at least the second time tend to be more mature and ready to take on the world in a more sophisticated manner. Often, they are busy career women barely able to fit a wedding into their schedule. With commitments such as work, children and a personal life,r it can be a tricky balancing act to plan a wedding during the prime of your life. W H AT A B O U T T H E C H I L D R E N Many couples nowadays are choosing to have their children be part of the ceremony. For example, sons might play the part of an usher or even a ring bearer. Depending on the age of the children, the daughter can also take part in the ceremony as a flower girl or even as a brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maid. The brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son or daughter might stand next to the bride in a show that the groom is not only marrying the mother, but is also acknowledging he is taking the child as his own. CHOOSING THE RIGHT DRESS AND STYLE FOR YOU AND THE W E D D I N G PA R T Y Veils are not a good choice for second time brides as it reflects the innocence of the first time. However, white dresses are no longer taboo. The most important thing is to pick a dress, regardless of the color, that brings out the beauty of the bride. Hemlines are shorter and

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the colors are often soft and pastel. Overall, dresses tend to be less ornamental with better quality silk or silk satin and the train is not as long. Another trend for a second time bride is a hairstyle donning fresh flowers. Wedding parties also tend to be pared down and attendants are usually allowed to pick their favorite cocktail dress that is within the brides color scheme or theme. WEDDING TRENDS Smaller, intimate weddings are definitely the norm for second time couples. Simple dinner parties or cocktail receptions are preferred over full-blown affairs and the bouquet and garter toss are absent and replaced by having the longest married couple in the room be awarded these items. The wedding invitations are issued from the bride and groom, in third person, without titles. It would read as follows:

Jane Cook and John Smith request the honor of your presence at their marriage

Finally, remember that while you might have been married before, it was not to each other. Treat your special day as just that, and keep in mind it is the first day the two of you will spend your lives together.ing, click through and take notes or bookmark the page.

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Rebecca & Patrick 80

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June 4th After a huge snowstorm hit Maryland, they decided to spend a day sledding at the park. They had hiked down to their favorite bend in the nearby river when Patrick got down on one knee and asked Rebecca to spend forever with him.

Photographer: Paige Engel Photography pg.138 Venue: Springfield Manor Catering: Carriage House Flowers: Shelly Black Custom Floral Gown: Maggie Sottero

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Friday or Sunday Saves you money

YOU HANDLE WHERE YOUR GUESTS WILL SIT. WE’LL HANDLE WHERE THEY SLEEP.

If cost is a factor in your wedding budget, consider planning your wedding for a Friday or Sunday. Choosing a day not in high demand can be less expensive and more relaxing, and there are other benefits as well:

With Courtyard Gaithersburg Washingtonian Center, you won’t have to stress about your wedding guests’ comfort. Offering spacious guest rooms, free WiFi and a Courtyard Café with breakfast made-to-order options. Situated in the RIO Washingtonian Center makes it easy to put a little play in your stay. Ask about our Happily Ever After Promotion.

• You’ll find everyone you must engage for a wedding service more open to negotiation, sometimes reconsidering price or adding extras. • Vendors will probably cheer your off-day business by doing an extra-attentive job.

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT® GAITHERSBURG WASHINGTONIAN CENTER 204 Boardwalk Place, Gaithersburg MD 20878 T: (301) 527-9000 I RIOCourtyard.com

DOUBLETREE

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Celebrate in style with the newest venue in Silver Spring, MD

11/16/16 12:34 PM

• Fridays and Sundays can require less notice. Choosing a Friday or Sunday also allows you to avoid making several calls to numerous vendors, only to hear, “Sorry, we’re booked on that date.” • Getting married on alternative days suits the bride who prefers less pressured planning. • It’s more likely that a hotly requested band, emcee, caterer, photographer or videographer will be on hand for the wedding of your dreams • Getting treasured guests into town may be easier if extra days are options. • 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-twohour interim reception or cocktail party. Having the ceremony and reception back to back may ensure more people at the church ceremony.

(301) 563-3846 8727 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD silverspring.doubletree.com 82

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• The rehearsal dinner could be easier and less costly for a restaurant if it was scheduled on a Thursday as opposed to a Friday night.

The perfect vendor What every bride should expect One of the most unique customer service models you will ever find is the wedding industry. Here, you have dozens of businesses hired months in advance to complete an individual task that will be carried out on a particular day. What makes this more interesting is that there can be no do-overs on your wedding day. It is like a “live” stage play that will be orchestrated and presented in real time. We have all heard the saying “beauty is only skin deep”. It implies what you see on the surface is only part of the equation. The same is true in the wedding business. The photos you expect from your photographer or the music you discuss with your DJ is important, but only represents one level of service expectation. The products and service provided is important – so too is the manner in which they are delivered!

Romantic comedies and reality TV have conditioned us to think that weddings are this stressed-out event that tears people apart and reduces the strongest people to a fetal position. It doesn’t have to be that way. Look carefully at training, qualifications and talent and don’t be afraid to ask for an example of how well they work with other vendors. Look at how you will be treated as a customer, how quickly they return your phone calls and respond to your inquiries. Follow your instincts and select vendors who care as passionately about you and the success of your event as they do about their own vocation. Contacting vendors listed in this publication is a good place to start since your local publisher is extremely involved and knowledgeable in your local bridal market.

The surrounding views, exceptional cuisine and personalized service will make your wedding day perfect to every last detail. Lighthouse Sound Restaurant just five minutes west of Ocean City.

Bishopville, Maryland | 410.641.1199 | lighthousesoundrestaurant.com P R E M I E R B R I D E 2 017

Historic Sinking Springs

Privacy in a secluded country paradise

Photography by Horne’s Photography

Wedding colors

410-398-5566 843 Elk Forest Road - Elkton, MD 21921 sinkingsprings.com/weddings

the meaning of what you choose You would think it would be easy to choose the right wedding colors for your big day right? Perhaps you want that periwinkle blue that has been your favorite since you were a little girl. Or what if black is your favorite color, is that appropriate for your wedding color in the middle of August? The wedding colors that you inevitable decide on will play a big part in setting the mood of your wedding and theme as well. For example, a beach wedding might be perfect with natural colors that complement the sea and sky. Overall, when you choose your wedding colors you are also choosing the look and feel of the bridesmaid dresses, the flowers, the invitations and even the look of the ceremony and reception. Start with a base color followed by lighter and darker shades in the same color family. You can also choose two or three colors that complement one another easily.

Hotel & Conference Center Share your dreams and we will make them come true

When you do pick the colors for your wedding make sure you can get the bridesmaid dresses in this color as well, even before you begin ordering the other necessities. For flowers, if you must have a certain type then you can work around the flower colors to determine the final color choices. Remember too that the colors you choose, no matter the season, should not clash with the church or banquet facility. Overall, the best wedding is the one that you add the special touches to incorporating you and your spouse’s ideas into the biggest event of your life.

410-633-9500/800-633-9511 5625 O’Donnell St. – Baltimore, MD 21224 Bwhotelbaltimore.com fb.com/BestWesternPlusBaltimore

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Choosing where to wed Your ceremony location For centuries churches and synagogues have been the traditional choice for the sacred act of exchanging vows. Lending an air of reverence and dignity to even the most casual of ceremonies, these holy places have created the perfect setting for the formal commitment of marriage.

Columbia, MD

Signature Weddings, Stylish Events. Free Day-Of Event Coordinating service offered when you book your wedding or pre-wedding party with Nottingham’s

There are many unique options for couples who, for whatever reason, would prefer an alternate location. Consider holding the event at a non-denominational church or chapel. These locations usually have fewer rules and guidelines than other formal houses of worship, yet still provide a spiritual setting.

8850 Stanford Blvd | Columbia, MD 21045 410.290.0077 | party@nottinghams.net www.nottinghamsevents.net

Have the ceremony at the reception venue. Couples often choose this option as a convenience for their guests, minimizing the distance one must travel from ceremony to reception. Facilities that provide this option normally have separate areas for each event, or a plan for quickly converting the room. Sometimes places with the most personal significance make the best ceremony locations. For example, a park you walked through on your first date, the backyard where one of you grew up or a relative’s home where you enjoy spending time are all good choices. If you love the outdoors, consider holding your ceremony at a cit y park, the beach, a zoo, or even at the foot of a national landmark. If you’re a little on the daring and outrageous side, you might consider exchanging vows while sky diving from a plane, scuba diving, or in a hot air balloon. Whatever your preference, there is no right or wrong way to say “I do.”

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F L O W E R S

Caring for your flowers Keeping flowers fresh • Have delivered flowers be well misted and in boxes with cellophane or other packaging so they get off to a fresh start. • Keep them out of the direct sunlight as much as possible, as the sun will speed up the wilting process.

We can create florals that reflect your unique personality & style. {410.939.6129}

www.blueheronfloral.com blueheronhavredegrace@gmail.com Serving, Baltimore, Harford & Cecil county

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• If you’re preserving your bouquet, get it to the floral preservation specialist after the wedding as soon as possible. Ask them for instructions on how to keep your bouquet in the best shape possible before it gets to them. • If you’re keeping any bouquet stems in water before the wedding, be sure to dry them off quite thoroughly before handing them out to avoid any water drips or stains on dresses.

KEEPING YOU R EVE NT S ST YLI S H W I T H PLA N N I NG , F LOW E R S , D Ã&#x2030;CO R & MO RE

Amanda Merrill | www.Stylishamanda.com | 410-980-4108

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Fun floral trends For your wedding 1. Bold, creative color Make a statement with vivid, dramatic color in your wedding flowers - royal blue-purple, dark lilac, burnt orange or bright yellow-green. Focus on just one color and include a variety of shades and textures, or consider unusual, striking color combinations such as mint green with cherry red, or deep purples with vibrant shades of orange. 2. Wrap it up For your centerpieces and bouquet stems, there’s no limit to the ways you can creatively envelope them: velvet or metallic ribbon, tree bark, rustic burlap or twine, glittery wire, satin, silk or other fabric, banana leaves or anything else you can think of!

3. Black, white and red all over With your white dress and the black tuxes any and all shades of red are the perfect accompaniment. There’s always the classic red rose, but other beautiful, trendsetting red flowers are dahlias, tulips, Gerbera daisies, Calla lilies, red freesia and berries. A bouquet with a variety of reds from pale pink to deep red would be unique and gorgeous. A skilled floral designer will be able to put the right shades together. 4. Variety is the spice of life Really, there’s no rule that says all bridesmaids’ bouquets or all centerpieces have to be identical. Mix it up! While they should all look like they belong to the same wedding, there’s no reason you can’t alter the arrangements to create an interesting mix of floral design. 5. Add a little sparkle Think outside the box when it comes to jewelry, and let your bouquets wear some too! Add a little sparkle to the center of your Calla lilies, or some beaded wire around your bouquet stems or a family heirloom such as pearls that you prefer not to wear, but you would love to include in your bridal bouquet. 6. Beautiful Brooch Bouquets Creating a bouquet out of a meaningful collection of brooches, pins, rings, earrings, and charms from friends and family members to create a non-traditional bouquet is becoming increasingly popular for nostalgic brides who value sentiment over spray roses. 7. Get fruity! Brides looking for something fun and interesting have started incorporating colorful produce into their centerpieces. The pigments of fruits naturally complement flowers like a bright yellow lemon next to a full chrysanthemum or a beautiful apple next to a bright red rose. You can also consider cutting fruit up and using it as accents in drinks and as decoration..

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Couture Floral, Linens & Event Designs

Floral Designs from Modern Elegance to Traditional Sophistication

www.BellaFioriFlowers.com

Couture Floral Designs, Affordable Linens, Pipe & Drape Boutique Vintage Rentals and Lighting Service Consultations by Appointment (443) 519-6088 12360 Owings Mills Boulevard Reisterstown MD 21136 ContactUs@BellaFioriFlowers.com - BellaFioriFlowers@gmail.com P R E M I E R B R I D E 2 017

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Jeremy & Jessica 90

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August 15th They both love the beach and knew they wanted to return to their home state, Maryland, for their wedding. They fell in love with La Banque de Flueve because of its stunning views of the water and its wonderful staff.

Venue: La Banque de Fleuve pg.59 Cake: Flavor Cupcakery Rentals: Chesapeake Rental Photography: Jeff Benzon Photography Flowers: Fawn Grove Florist & Nursery

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Delicious Desserts 1. Chenin Blanc Poached Baby Pear. Dark Chocolate Ganache, Kiwi Puree, Mango. 2. ”Smores Cyclinders.” Graham Pearls, Milk Chocolate Marshmallow Mousse. 3. Fall Harvest Cheesecake. Carrot Gel, Candy Apple Spheres, Fall Leaves. 4. Wall of Donuts. 5. Black Berry Tart. Chantilly Cream, Peach Nectar.

5 9

7 8

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6. Milk Chocolate Tart. Dark Chocolate Cup, Rosemary, Puff Pastry. 7. Hazelnut Tart. Carrot Powder, Lime Zest. 8. Meyer Lemon Tart. Raspberry, Mint Tuile. 9. Chocolate Egg. Dark Chocolate Mousse, Blueberry, Mango Disc.

Vendors: Eleven Courses catering Page pg. 13 | Daysy Photography pg. 145

Sweet traditions Wedding cakes Tradition surrounds the wedding cake, an ancient symbol of fertility and abundance. In Rome, during the first century, wedding cakes were usually made of wheat and were either thrown, crumbled or broken over the bride’s head in one of many symbolic gestures of fertility that were part of the marriage ceremony. Fortunately, today this tradition continues only in the form of throwing rice, birdseed or confetti at the newly married couple. The number of well-wishers at the wedding of a frontier bride could be counted by measuring her cake. Each arriving guest added a layer with applesauce spread in between each one. An old English wives tale says that if an unmarried guest places a piece of wedding cake under her pillow at night then her prospects of finding a partner are greatly increased. Bridesmaids who did the same would dream of their future husbands. Another cake-related tradition is to save the top layer for your first anniversary. Considering that after a year the cake’s flavor may leave something to be desired, many couples forgo freezing their cake and instead have a smaller version baked fresh for their first anniversary.

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Let us create the dream cake to complete your dream wedding. Celebrate with cake! Our design & taste make your wedding cake the centerpiece of your reception.

When you and your spouse cut the cake together you are sharing matrimonial sweetness in the same way the ancient Greeks did, while they also believed a sesame-seed cake helped couples multiply.

1981 Moreland Pkwy, Bldg 4A, Bay 6 Annapolis, Maryland 240-882-2369 | julie@juliestmarie.com | www.JulieStMarie.com

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Marisa & Matt September 24th Marisa met Matt while working a booth at the Ocean City Wine Festival. Three years later, they were married that same weekend.

Photographer: Gilded Isle photography pg.135 Venue: Ocean City Convention Center Cake: Liz Johnson Gown: Bridal Boutique, LLC Flowers: Jordan Suber

Check out our blog for more amazing photos and details!

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exchange wows.

When it comes to making your wedding special, Smyth does it all. With custom-designed engagement rings, wedding bands and special gifts for him and her, as well as attendant gifts, your big day is sure to sparkle. For personal service, selection and prices to make you “happy ever after,” visit the love experts at Smyth.

SmythJewelers.com | Timonium | Annapolis | Ellicott City 96

Utz and the Little Utz Girl are registered trademarks of Utz Quality Foods, LLC. • Mr. Boh is a trademark of National Bohemian Beer. P R E M I E R B R I D E 2 017

Where Maryland Gets Engaged.

Finding the perfect rings 6 helpful tips Start early, and do your research. Buy your rings 2-4 months before your wedding so that you have time for engraving, if desired, and some cushion in case there are any delays. This means you should start looking 4-6 months before the big day, or earlier! Find a good, reputable jeweler, educate yourself on metals and diamonds, and start evaluating your likes and dislikes. Think long-term. If you intend to keep your rings forever, consider settling on a more classic style, versus something trendy. On the other hand, you could plan to “update”your rings on your five, 10 or 20 year anniversary – in which case, go for what you love right now, trendy or not! Be clear about your budget. You may have heard the guideline, “spend about two months salary” on the engagement ring. While this gives you a ballpark amount to consider, the bottom line is: find an amount you are comfortable with and stick with it. To match, or not to match? If it’s important to you that you both have matching wedding bands, then by all means, do it! Just know that it’s not a requirement, and regardless of the jewelry, you’ll always know who belongs to whom. Consider your lifestyle. Active, dressy, casual or formal... Consider how you live, and the activities you engage in, as you think about what you want to wear on your ring finger for the rest of your life. Smart sizing. To be most accurate, don’t have your finger sized first thing in the morning, just after exercising, or when your body temperature is quite hot or cold.

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F A S H I O N

Photography by Treâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lynn

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BEAUT Y IN BLOOM

DESIGNER:

Modern Trousseau moderntrousseau.com

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Anne Barge annebarge.com

100

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Dessy Studio Design Collection dessy.com

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DESIGNER:

Monique Lhuillier moniquelhuillier.com

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DESIGNER:

Angel Sanchez angelsanchezusa.com

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Amanda & Kevin December 31st It was New Year’s Eve and Amanda and Kevin were throwing a big “party” at their house. Little did their guests know that they were actually there for a wedding!

Flowers: Stylish Occasions By Amanda pg.87 Caterer: Eleven Courses Catering pg.13 Gown: Betsy Robinson Photography: David & Blonnie Photo & Cinema Dessert: La Cakerie Music: Electra Dee Jay pg.162

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Relaxing River Elegance

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The floral print Madison linen gave inspiration for this shoot & paired well with the plum cocktail linens. The rich hues paired perfectly with the gold accents and fresh purple, orange & green floral arrangements. P R E M I E R B R I D E 2 017

Vendors: Londonderry On The Tred Avon pg.45 | White Oak Weddings & Events pg.159 | Gilded Isle Photography pg.135 | Sherwood Florist | Special Occasion Linens

Outdoor on the water or indoors in this renovated mansion with attention to detail in every room. Spiral staircase, master chef kitchen, romantic master sitting room bedroom with a huge master bathroom and a gorgeous crystal chandelier are just a glimpse of what you will experience at Londonderry.

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The well-suited groom Everything you need to know The bride in her splendid gown will turn heads as she walks down the aisle, but the groom waiting patiently at the altar deserves to look his best, too. Dressed in the perfect suit and tie for this most perfect day, he’ll be the most handsome man in the room. THE LEVEL OF FORMALITY The first order of business is to evaluate how formal your wedding will be. This depends on the time of day of the wedding, the location, but most of all on you and your fiancé. Whatever level of formality you settle on, make sure you’re consistent throughout - invitations, décor, food, location, and wedding attire should all match in terms of formality. (Most people do this instinctively!)

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In warm weather and for beachy destination weddings, lighter colors (tan, light grey, white) look effortlessly handsome. Though in all climates, darker colors (navy, charcoal, black) always look sharp. Ties, vests, and cummerbunds can match the wedding colors, or compliment them with neutral tones. If the bridal gown is ivory, the men should wear ivory shirts, not white, to compliment her. Semiformal and formal weddings have plenty of options: a high quality, single- or double-breasted men’s suit in black, charcoal, or navy with a Windsor knotted tie in white, ivory, navy, silver, or black is a less formal option. For a more formal look, consider a tuxedo with a single- or double-breasted dinner jacket, a white or

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Grey and Tan tuxedos are stunning along with our other Colored Tuxedos. Or the Sexy Classic black tuxedo. Include an elegant vest and tie/bowtie in an array of colors for a spectacular appearance.

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ivory pointed-collar shirt, a vest or cummerbund, and either a bow tie or a four-in-hand tie (a “fancy” knotted necktie). A very formal wedding, called “white tie,” calls for the traditional black tuxedo with tails, a vest, a white winged-collar shirt, and a bow tie. DISTINGUISHING THE GROOM One way to distinguish the groom is to give him a different, but complimentary, boutonniere to wear. Another option is to have the groom in, say, a white coat while his groomsmen wear black. Use this same color play with vests and cummerbunds. SHOPPING TIPS When the men visit their formalwear shop they should have a firm idea of the women’s wedding attire and bring fabric or color swatches from the bridesmaids’ gowns. Pictures of preferred formalwear styles would also be helpful.

Buying the suit/tux is the best way to get the perfect fit, but rentals are now more widely available in various fits: classic, modern, and slim. A formalwear consultant will be most helpful in getting the fit just right. The groom and groomsmen should reserve their rentals at least three months in advance of the wedding. Final measurements should be taken about three weeks before the ceremony; however, be sure to come back a few days before the wedding for last-minute alterations. Out-of-town groomsmen can get measured at any formalwear store or local tailor’s near them, and send their measurements to the groom or to your formalwear store. Someone should be designated to return all formalwear to the store on time in order to avoid late fees, which can get quite expensive adding up the per day, per outfit costs.

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The perfect fabric Choosing the right style Today’s brides can choose from a wealth of fabrics for that special dress. Lace is the most popular of bridal fabrics, and there are several kinds. Alencon lace, or re-embroidered lace, is a traditional favorite. This is a smooth, floral lace with a “ gimp” — a shiny rayon cord — following the pattern of the floral design. The designs are usually small, about the size of a fist. For a softer floral look, try Chantilly lace. Made of cotton or rayon, Chantilly lace is also the ground lace for Alencon. Both the names Chantilly and Alencon refer to regions in France where these laces originated. Another current favorite with today’s brides is Guipere lace, a heavy rayon or cotton lace made without any netting. Motifs are geometric or floral, and appear to 114

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be joined together by threads known in the industry as “yarns.” Many dresses are being made to highlight fabrics both smooth and textured. For a lustrous look, choose satin. For a dress with detail, choose a brocade — an elaborately woven fabric with a raised design. Both brocades and satins are made of silk, polyester and rayon. For something different, consider shantung or bridal illusion. Shantung starts as a taffeta or a satin, and has woven “ slubs” — threads which resemble tiny cocoons. The original shantung is silk and is named for a province in China. Bridal illusion — a netting finer than tulle — is no longer just the mainstay of veils and headpieces. This fabric is being used for skirting on gowns and detachable trains. Let your bridal fabric weave magic into your wedding gown.

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Keryn & Gabe July 3rd Their centerpieces were made from wine bottles from the venue itself and perfectly tied into their modern, natural dĂŠcor.

Venue: Big Cork Vineyards pg.58 Caterer: Eleven Courses Catering pg.13 Photography: GMS Photography pg.148 Flowers: Multiflor Inc. Entertainment: Bachelor Boys

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M A R Y K AY C O S M E T I C S

By Donna Rueppell, Independent Sales Director.

Do I need a makeup artist? Look as good as you feel Do I need a MakeUp Artist? look as good as you feel You’ll want to look your absolute best on your wedding day, and this can be achieved with the use of a makeup artist. A good makeup artist will have a strong reputation with a long history. If you find a makeup artist you like, consider doing a test run so that you both know what you are going for on your wedding day.

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When choosing a makeup artist, take a look at his/her portfolio as this can tell a lot about their work. Ask for references or recommendations from past clients and also the speed and accuracy of what they were looking for as opposed to what they received. Also interview him/her and ask what types of make up they will be using. Feel free to use your own makeup, either new or from your personal makeup collection. If you have any problem areas that you want your makeup artist to address, be sure to ask! If you have any tattoos that you might want covered up on your big day, let your makeup artist know ahead of time so that they can prepare for using a little more makeup than usual. Tattoo cover up can also involve a different type of makeup all together, maybe even an airbrush. If you cannot afford the use of a makeup artist, go on line and look at some videos to assist you in proper makeup application. Also, go to your local department store, and have them show you precisely what products you need to be using, and where. By the time you add up the cost of all their recommended products, you might save money using a professional makeup artist. Sometimes artists will “sell” you the products they use. Ask about that option.

Perfect wedding hair This season’s top hairstyles The Chignon: Typically a low bun on the side of the head that adds softness and will accompany any dress perfectly. This style is best with headbands or tiaras, and veils or birdcages. Consider this if you are having a vintage style wedding. The Braided Look: You might find a braid amongst flowing hair curled at the ends, with braids going through on the top of your head. This romantic look creates a look that stepped off the red carpet. A Knot: The perfect pairing for a more couture dress. It’s simply a knot in the back of your head, and how appropriate because you will be tying the knot! Beach Waves: A very popular look that can be achieved in a number of different ways. If you have a curling wand or a hair straightener lying around, you might want to use it! If using a curling wand, just twirl it around the wand and hair spray the curl, that’s it! If using a hair straightener, simply twist your hair and flat iron it, that’s it!

Onsite Wedding Hair & Makeup (704) 968-1314 Jackiesdesign1@gmail.com www.jackiesdesign.com

photo by: Living Radiant Photography

Wrap for your wedding!

Perfect Ponytail: You can channel the 60’s by simply having your hairdresser tease your hair into a high ponytail, making it look effortless. This will be the perfect addition to any gown. For Short Hair: Consider doing a short bob with finger waves, and adding earrings to compliment the look! This will look great! If you don’t have a short bob, consider having your stylist tuck your hair under and create an up-do that way, this is chic and very stylish. For bangs: Consider doing a face framing braid just over your bangs to create a softer look. Then, curl and twist the ends of your hair, and instantly your hair looks great!

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It’s natural to be nervous and excited on your wedding day. That’s why it is so important to determine the look you want well in advance and to have a makeup rehearsal. Most makeup artists recommend at least one consultation prior to your wedding day. If you plan to do your own makeup, then take time to practice and perfect your special look.

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“Prepare to be pampered! We offer FREE pampering services to brides who are looking to take some stress out of the planning process! Our bridal team specializes in skin care and makeup technique and application. Educate yourself on your skin and prepare to feel amazing!”

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On your wedding day you will glow as on no other day. You won’t need strong colors to look sophisticated, but you will need the right colors. If you elect to use the services of a professional makeup consultant, he or she will select colors that will enhance your natural beauty and features. If you are creating your own look, experiment with delicately blended sheer browns, pinks, purples and gold’s. Brides may also use enhancers such as extended lashes or liner to accentuate the eyes for photographs. When determining your wedding day make up, there are several factors to take into consideration. Do you want a dramatically trendy look, or something timelessly romantic? Is your wedding during the day or in the evening? If it’s during the summer, will you have a tan? Is your dress white or ivory? Consider whether you will wear your hair down or up and whether you will wear a hair ornament or headpiece. The color of your hair and the color of your skin are what make you unique. Select makeup to accentuate your natural beauty.

An artful self portrait

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Professional beauty Most brides agree: Your wedding day appearance is best left in the hands of a professional. The assistance you employ in choosing dresses, flowers, color schemes and hair styles are also available for nails and make-up too. Cosmeticians and aestheticians may or may not be part of your life, but their nail color and make-up services can ultimately enhance your big day. The appearance you want is natural beauty, but with effective highlights for your wedding pictures. The best prelude to an artful enhancement of your features is by using a professional that only a spa or salon can provide. In addition, a salon or spa will be an island of calm in your final week of tumultuous preparation. A facial will cleanse your skin to best display make-up applications, thereby assuring that you look your best for your wedding day.

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A manicure is also a finishing touch well worth the time, especially if growing long, strong nails is not among your talents. Nail extensions or tips look most natural when applied by a professional, and will help your own nails grow strong. A consultation on polish before the big day will help you avoid loud or bold nail colors. When the desired effect “on hand” is to complement the rest of you, you’ll also enjoy a relaxing hand massage along with your neat nails. For more beauty tips and information on cosmeticians and aestheticians in your area, visit premierbride.com. 410-822-6555 shaper shair salon.com 413 needwood Ave Easton Maryl and

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Courtyard Romance Check out our blog for more amazing photos and details!

Private brick courtyard surrounded by beautiful rose bushes and multi color flowers. Vendors: Boardwalk Plaza pg. 37 Alison To The Altar pg. 156 Paige Engel Photography pg. 138

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Crystal hanging beads, white draped ceiling, and hanging chandelier can be the perfect couples table or cocktail hour. Cushion high back chair or slender Chiavari chairs with elegant pillows for guest, wedding party or bride and groom or even rehearsal dinner guest to relax and share the memories.

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Premier Preferred

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Kay Fraser Prestigious Occasions Full and Partial Planning

410-783-821

Services Available

info@prestigiousoccasions.com

Page: 154

www.PrestigiousOccasions.com

Kay Fraser, a Jamaican-born, New York transplant, had a childhood filled with dinner parties and special events created by her mother to inspire her to pursue a career in event planning. As a recurring Premier Bride and Wedding Wire award recipient, she has become a well-respected and highly sought-after planner in both the industry and by clients. Her background in different cultures and practices has given her the confidence and ability to coordinate weddings while allowing her client to feel relieved and at home. This, combined with her ambition and attention to detail, ensures that she always delivers the best service and support for your big day.

Charlene Gallagher Your Day, Your Way Full and Partial Planning

410-925-1086

Services Available

charlibertini@aol.com

Page: 159

www.yourday--yourway.com

Lead by Charlene Gallagher, Your Day, Your Way was established in 2002. She earned her certification through the American Academy of Wedding Professionals and has since, put together an outstanding team of certified wedding planners and coordinators who share her vision. Her philosophy is simple: provide excellent service to the bride, groom, family and guests and operate as a team with all the vendors involved to ensure a smooth wedding day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our approach with the bride is first to listen to her vision and then to do work on her behalf to make that vision a reality.â&#x20AC;?

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Sonia Hernandez Clarity and Class Full and Partial Planning

240-339-3950

Services Available

hello@clarityandclass.com

Page: 157

www.clarityandclass.com

Sonia Hernandez has always had a passion for hospitality and a knack for creativity. Her career in event planning began as a hobby where she volunteered as an event coordinator for two non-profit organizations. However, she quickly realized she had a talent and a passion for creating memorable moments and decided to become a full-time event planner. With a Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Business Administration and 16 years of experience in the US Armed Forces, she is armed and ready to handle anything her clients may need to ensure their wedding day runs smoothly. Weddings are very special to her because she loves watching love stories evolve from a simple promise to a celebration of unity and love.

Lynn Kaminski Unique Events By Lynn LLC Full and Partial Planning

443-299-8358

Services Available

uniqueeventscompany@gmail.com

Page: 158

www.uniqueeventsbylynn.com

Lynn Kaminski has 28 years of experience in the hospitality, having worked in every aspect of the industry from event coordinating, to catering, to budgeting, to name a few. She started in the hotel industry where she had her first taste of making people feel welcome and creating special memories for them. After she had her son, she switched to catering part-time and eventually interior decorating full-time, which is when her passion for designing parties and coordinating events emerged. Her career took an unexpected turn when she found herself working in the automotive industry, but after planning her own wedding, started her own planning business, Unique Events, LLC, six years ago to continue pursuing her passion. 126

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Elisa Yu-Shan Lion Exception Events by Elisa Full and Partial Planning

703-725-2650

Services Available

events@orderandorganization.com

Page: 155

www.orderandorganization.com

As a young girl, Elisa Yu-Shan Lion had a flair for event planning. Growing up in Honduras, she would design and organize her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holidays, festivals, and celebrations. Eventually, she took her passion for planning to the next level and for the past 20 years, has been coordinating events on a much larger scale. She worked at one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world, planning events like large international conferences for over 1000 people from start to finish. As her business and reputation grew, Elisa eventually took her business fulltime in 2015. She also recently launched another company in 2016, Exceptional Events by Elisa, specializing in high-end, elegant affairs.

Katie Parks White Oak Weddings and Events LLC Full and Partial Planning

301-335-8011

Services Available

katie@whiteoakweddingsandevents.com

Page: 159

www.whiteoakweddingsandevents.com

Katie Parks, owner of White Oak Weddings & Events, has always had a love for people and hospitality, and that is what has ultimately led to her career in the wedding industry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love every aspect of the industry from creative design, to detailing, to coordination,â&#x20AC;? she says. While attending college, she was exposed to the industry through several internships before landing a job as a Wedding Coordinator. After getting married and having her baby girl, she was inspired to follow her dream of becoming a business owner and started her own event planning business. Like any marriage, Katie believes every wedding and event she plans must have a solid foundation P R E M I E R B R I D E 2 017

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Katie Price Katie Price Events & Designs Full and Partial Planning

443-974-2027

Services Available

katiepriceevents@gmail.com

Page: 160

www.katiepriceevents.com

Katie Price has always been drawn to the “magic of weddings” ever since she was a little girl. Based in Hampstead, Maryland, she plans weddings throughout the entire Delmarva area and beyond. She prides herself in her multitasking skills and makes it a point to make sure your wedding day is not just a day, but also a memory that will last over a lifetime. She focuses on the details that will be memorable not only to the couple, but to their guests as well to make sure that everyone has a great time. Her signature touch is her unique selection of vintage furniture of special pieces that you wouldn’t typically choose.

Alison Sappington Alison To The Altar Full and Partial Planning

443-695-5044

Services Available

Alisontothealtar@gmail.com

Page: 156

www.alisontothealtaroc.com

After running an IT consulting firm with her husband, Alison Sappington decided to make a career change and start her own business where she could put her creative skills to use. After ten years of experience planning events for local non-profit organizations, she became nationally recognized and has helped to co-found several other non-profits as well. She briefly switched gears and started a fashion consulting career where she trained with fashion guru, Stacey London, before deciding to focus on wedding planning—specifically beach weddings. Her goal is simple: guide brides down the aisle with beauty, elegance, and class. 128

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Stephanie White Stephanie White Events Full and Partial Planning

410-430-7534

Services Available

stephaniewhite_events@hotmail.com

Page: 158

www.stephaniewhiteevents.com

Stephanie White has been in the wedding planning business for over 10 years. Fresh out of college, she started her business under a different name, Events by Stephanie, while successfully managing a full time job as a Bridal Hostess. After going back to school to pursue a Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Management with Marketing, she changed the name of her business to Stephanie White Events in 2012 and has earned the respect of the bridal industry and her clients alike. She now has planned countless events, from weddings to anniversary parties and everything in between. She also hosts an annual bridal show where she helps to guide brides and grooms on their wedding day plans.

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July 23rd The pair met on a boat while on a company sponsored fishing trip. A little over two years later, they returned to the same spot for dinner when the same boat on which they met â&#x20AC;&#x153;coincidentallyâ&#x20AC;? was pulling into the dock. They boarded at sunset and sailed for a while before Adam got down on one knee.

Rentals: Eastern Shore Tents & Events pg.168 Venue: Brittland Estates pg.61 Lighting: On Your Mark Lighting Photography: Kate Ann Photography Flowers: Theresa Floral

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Fun yet classy event, with a lovely bridal shower in mind. Tiffany Blue and Light Pink with touches of gold. Vendors: Exceptional Events by Elisa pg. 155 | Butterfly Photography pg. 146 | KKs Printing & Stationery

Assorted bite size finger foods pair well with aromatic herbal and fruity loose leaf teas; guests load their dessert plates with small fresh cucumber sandwiches, assorted cheeses and crackers with a touch of honey, and succulent bite size deserts such as cupcakes, macaroons and scones. Exotic fruits decorating a mimosa station add a touch of glamour to an otherwise elegant event. Centerpieces include an antique tea pot filled with an assortment of pink hydrangeas and roses, atop vintage luggage emblazoned with cute letters.

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P H O T O G R A P H Y

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PHOTOGRAPHY

www.gildedisle.com Two Maryland photographers combining our unique styles to tell your story.

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A Picture Perfect Day Finding a photographer that fits your style Wedding photography is more than just documenting the event–it’s about capturing the spirit of the couple and their day. Choose a photographer whose style matches yours. F O R M A L O R TR AD ITIO NAL: Posed, color photos of you, the groom, your respective families, and the wedding party; all the classic moments will be captured. PH OTO J O U RNALISTIC: Shot like a news event, capturing hundreds of candid moments and real emotions; more black and white photos for a timeless feel. ART I S T I C : Special effects used to create dramatic, one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Many photographers offer a mix of these styles, so browse friends’ wedding albums, and surf professionals’ websites and blogs to find what speaks to you. RESEARCH PHOTOGRAPHERS Once you’ve established your style, it’s time to shop around. Collect referrals from friends, review wedding resources like Premier Bride, and scope out local photographers’websites and blogs. Make a short list of potential photographers that specialize in the style you desire and that suits your budget. Then set up a consultation. E VA L UAT E Y O U R O P T I O N S When at a photography consultation, ask yourself: D O I L I K E THE IR WO R K? Make sure you see examples of individual photos and complete wedding albums so you know what to expect in the end. Some larger studios employ more than one photographer; find out exactly who will be shooting your wedding. D O O U R PE RSO NALITIE S M E SH? Of all your wedding vendors, the photographer is the one 136

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you’ll be working with most closely on your big day; it’s important that your personalities click. AM I STAY ING W ITHIN MY B U D G E T ? It’s disappointing to fall in love with a photographer’s work only to later discover their rates exceed your spending allowance. Do your best to meet only with photographers you can afford. W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E D I N T H E PA C K A G E Most photographers offer “a la carte” or custom packages to meet your individual needs –just be sure to ask for specifics. Here are some examples of items that might interest you. BRIDE & GROOM’S AL BUM: These vary in size, color, quality, and price; be sure to compare the size and photo quantity that various photographers offer. PARENTS’ ALBUMS: These will include prints that have been specially selected to create a custom photo book for each family. PRINTS: Don’t underestimate how many extra prints you might want, as this will definitely impact your budget. PROOFS: Ask your photographer how many proofs you will get and in what format. GET THE SPECIFICS In your consultations, learn the nitty gritty details. When is a deposit required? Will there be a backup camera? When will proofs be ready to view? Will online ordering be available for your guests? Download our Ultimate Planner online at premierbride. com/planning where you’ll find a list of questions to ask and a checklist of must-capture moments for guaranteed success.

Bradley Images photo & vIdeo

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Selecting a Photographer Ask the right questions • Will you be taking the pictures? If not, can I meet them? • How long have you been a wedding photographer? • What packages do you offer? What do they include? • What type of photography do you specialize in? • Have you photographed at my ceremony or reception location before? • How many other weddings do you have this night? How long can you stay?

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• Do you offer online ordering for my guests? • Can we purchase all of our images on disk? • Can we order additional prints later? • What happens if you are sick or have an emergency on my wedding day? • How far in advance must I book your services? • What is your cancellation policy? • Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?

Having fun with photos 8 unique ideas for your wedding Even though weddings are a testament of very personal love, sometimes the whole day can seem like a cookie-cutter type deal. But there’s almost nothing more personal than a photo so use those to make your day one of a kind! Here are some suggestions on using images to express yourself in your wedding from the fun and frivolous to the romantic and intimate.

intimate. It’s also a nice way to honor deceased relatives or long-standing marriages.

Save-the-date cards and invitations can seem stuffy and predictable - so spice them up with a photo of you two! For the more informal save-the-date, you could pose as characters from your favorite movie or have side-by-side pictures of when you were younger. It makes a more interesting card and gets guests excited for your wedding.

Here’s a fun, crowd-pleasing, party-enhancing idea: rent a photo booth to have at the reception! Your guests will have a great time entering the booth, posing for photos both lovely and silly, and enjoying the black & white or color prints. Put some scissors, gluesticks, pens and scrapbook pages on a table by the booth for guests to leave one of their photos for you along with a little note.

For a couple of your photos at the wedding or reception, add a little personality by wearing fun sunglasses, a hat from your favorite sports team, or a very trendy item that might look hideous (“we actually wore THAT!??”) when you look back on the photo 15 years from now. The idea is to incorporate your personalities and to have some fun! Surround your engagement photo with a large, smooth, white mat, and display it with nice pens at the reception for people to sign. You’ll have a personal touch around a beautiful photo of the day. Have guests bring a memory card of photos of the two of you, and ask someone to set them up with a photo frame at the reception. Embarrassing or un-flattering - let everyone see all the sides of your relationship!

Many couples have a disposable camera or two at each table - let everyone from the flower girl to your great-grandpa snap a few and have them turn it in at the end of the night to see what everyone was up to!

Looking for a wedding gift for your fiancé? Give him a chic, “for his eyes only” boudoir style photograph of yourself that will capture the romance and affection that only you two share. Boudoir photographs are sensual in a posh, tasteful manner and it’s the photographer’s job to capture your personal and natural beauty in the best light. Many brides wear lingerie, their veil, a corset or whatever they feel most sexy in. Accentuate the posh ambiance with draping pearls, heels or rich makeup. Photos can be shot in a hotel room, bedroom or with a lush backdrop in the studio. Ask your photographer for details. You’ll be sure to capture an image of you that your husband will cherish forever.

Especially at huge reception halls and banquet rooms, the place can seem large and impersonal. By adding pictures from your parents’ and grandparents’ weddings framed nicely, the room will become a little more

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Sarah & Tristan October 8th They were on their way to the their South Carolina wedding when Tristan and Sarah received the call that it would be cancelled because of Hurricane Matthew. However, determined to get married that weekend, they pulled off a whole new wedding at the Lighthouse Sound in just 48 hours!

Planner: Alison to the Altar pg.156 Venue & Caterer: Restaurant at Lighthouse Sound pg. 83 Photographer: Dana Marie Photography Cake: Sugar Rush by Theresa Flowers: Inspired Floral Designs

Check out our blog for more amazing photos and details!

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Photo Booth

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pb tips A good test for a photographer is the engagement photo.

Pay attention

to their communication style and whether or not you are handled in a professional manner. Is this person willing to work with you? Do you love the results? Is the customer service excellent? Don’t sign up for the package deal until you’ve seen the end result.

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Theme weddings so much to choose from It’s true, there are as many themes for your wedding as there are days of the year, but what really matters is what is going to make your day the most memorable. In the springtime think gardens blooming, lace and holidays such as Easter and May Day. It’s no secret that flowers are at their most beautiful this time of year so consider all those plants that can make your wedding special. Surprise your guests with both outstanding colors and the fragrance to match. While spring might be a time for growing new things, summer is definitely the most popular time for weddings. From beach weddings to western or cultural celebrations, June just seems to be the right time to tie the knot. Perhaps a Victorian wedding at this time of year might be appropriate with lots of lace and plenty of candles to light the ceremony and reception. Celebrating Halloween or the fall harvest on your special day is a great time to create memories. As the weather is changing and the seasons are moving into a quieter time, so can your wedding memories remind you of how important change is in your own life. Winter is indeed a special time to exchange wedding vows be it during Christmas, on Valentine’s Day or simply by creating your own winter wonderland theme. For special winter memories ride on a sleigh or in a carriage and look like royalty as you alight from your coach.

I N S P I R AT I O N

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GMS

Productions and Studio Welcome to a world of â&#x20AC;&#x153;WOW Magazine Quality Photography Cinematic Video www.gmsphotos.com Located in the Historic Savage Mill 8600 Foundry Street, Unit 008 Savage MD 20763 410-419-1549

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The vintage bandwagon What’s old is new again One of the most popular wedding themes is vintage. Vintage typically refers to a particular harvest or crop of wine, but can also mean pertaining to a high quality past time. In this case, we mean the latter of the two. Vintage wedding themes are taking the wedding industry by storm. FASHION One of the first things to check off your list is a wedding gown, and designers have caught onto the vintage bandwagon. There are tiers of lace on gowns, along with sleeves, and sweet pearl details. Along with strings of pearls adorning bride’s necks, birdcages are making a comeback, as well as bridal caps. Gloves and lace boots are also making their way back onto the wedding scene. F LOW E R S You can indulge in a gorgeous brooch bouquet, which can be solely made up of vintage brooches from your grandmother, or from an antique store. RECEPTION You can be taken away in a vintage car, like a Rolls Royce, or swept away by carriage. You might find yourself in a barn type wedding, adorned with chandeliers and mason jars all over. Mason jars are extremely popular right now, and can be adorned with lace, or have pictures in them showing family. Don’t be afraid to find some hat boxes to capture the vintage era you are going for in your wedding.

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Your furry friends including your entire family on your day For pet lovers, having their furry friend present at the wedding is a must have, and for good reason. Pets come into your life, and become part of the family. When getting married, you want your furry friend there to be with you, and they also make for some great photo opportunities. The Pros: Dressing your pet in a wedding dress or tuxedo is probably one of the cutest things in the world. Not to mention, walking them down the aisle and seeing how sweet they look! Pets can provide a comic relief, especially if your pet has a funny personality. If having a small outdoor ceremony, this might be the best situation for your pet. They are free to roam about, (with a designated handler) and can relieve themselves (hopefully before the wedding!)

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The Cons: Pets are unpredictable, and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how your pet will react in a situation with two hundred people. You also need to think about if you are going to pick the pet up, will their paws stain your dress? Keep that in mind. If you are the type of bride that is very traditional, you might want to steer clear of having your friend at the ceremony, since you might not know what they will do. If you decide to have your pets present on your wedding, keep in mind that some guests might be allergic, and some guests might not even be animal lovers. Have a designated handler to keep watch of the dog throughout the day as well as take them home that evening. You might want to have your pet present for the ceremony only, and then have the handler take them home directly after pictures.

Maverick Productions internationally acclaimed 4k wedding films + Photography

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Videography A video of your wedding day A good videographer is an artist who finds a way to capture intimate moments of you and your guests. As with photographers, there are countless styles of videography out there so choose a style that speaks to you. Today’s filmmakers use the latest technology and storytelling techniques to create stunning and highly-personalized wedding films. There are all kinds of new tools available to videographers that offer Hollywood-style special effects.

facebook.com/GMSPhotoandVideo

When researching professional videographers in your area, visit their websites and ask to view a full-length sample video. Make sure the film meets your expectations in terms of video detail and quality. There’s a lot to consider so let’s break it down. Evaluate the picture for clarity, smooth transitions, and good lighting. Consider the quality of the sound and the music selections. Think about the overall effect and whether the video is a good length, entertaining, emotionally driven, and feels professional overall. Quality videography services can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $8,000. Remember that your videographer will spend six to ten hours editing each hour of film taken on your wedding day so it’s not surprising that the fee coincides with what you’d pay a photographer. We all know the obvious reason to invest in a wedding video: you’ll have it forever to view as a couple. But so will those guests who couldn’t make it to the celebration. Having a video to share with family and friends who weren’t present on your wedding day will be a wonderful treat for them — and a treat for your future kids!

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Wedding day style quirky, elegant and unforgettable So you’ve found the guy, found the dress, but you really want your bridal look to scream YOU!? Consider adding one or all of the following suggestions into your bridal look on your wedding day. Personalize it: Have a patch made, or even a piece of the gown embroidered with your custom monogram with your new initials and wedding day on it. Make the embroidery blue, so that you have the “something blue” covered. You can also add an image if you would like, instead of a monogram, like a heart or other picture that is special to you. Have the patch or other insignia added to the inside of your gown, this will be something that you will see, but it adds that extra touch of you, on your wedding day. Wearing a veil? Consider having the bottom of the veil embroidered with white or ivory thread, it is simply unforgettable. Have a Surprise!: You might want to think about adding a fun layer of fabric under your gown. Have the fabric sewn on the inside of the gown, and get ready for a photo op! If your gown isn’t full enough, you might consider having a crinoline dyed to your favorite color. Your Shoes: Gone are the days of plain ivory heels, and enter a whole new world of shoes for your wedding day! From cowboy boots to bridal sandals, brides are finding shoes that appeal to them, and express their personality. Have fun with this one, and make sure you get shoes you can wear over and over again! Not Just White: You might be in love with the color pink, why don’t you wear a pink wedding gown? Color is very in style right now, and you might consider wearing a dress in your favorite color.

A famous party |photo booth that takes color and black 410.461.2557 info@electradeejay | electradeejay.com and white pictures. Grab some props and hop in our 5’x5’ A famous party photo booth amazing that takesdigital color and black party photo booth and create magic with white pictures. Grab some props and hop in our 5’x5’ yourand family and friends. All of our booths include use of party photo booth and create amazing digital magic with props and favors, onsite andinclude onsite use printing your family and an friends. Allattendant of our booths of of each session. Images can easily be uploaded online props and favors, an onsite attendant and onsite printing for additional forImages friendscan and family. of eachcopies session. easily be uploaded online for additional copies for friends and family.

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August 6th Rebecca and Chase were hanging out one night watching a movie and talking about their future together. Chase kept asking her what she would do if he asked her to marry him right then, but she laughed it off and went to get a drink. When she came back, he was waiting for her on one knee with the ring.

Photographer: Gilded Isle Photography pg. 135 Venue: Vandiver Inn Entertainment: Friendly Entertainment Gown: Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bridal Tuxedo: Generation Tux

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Eastern Shore Beauty

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Check out our blog for more amazing photos and details!

The color scheme included lavender, gray, ivory and a touch of pink. Dreamcatchers were hung in the garden over a gorgeous table setting with purple china. Feathers were seen in the Floral as well as in the creative stationary place cards.

Best laid plans Help from the pros Getting your wedding exactly the way you want it is no easy task. It can take numerous calls and visits to dozens of businesses before you find the best ones to fit your needs and budget. Sometimes finding specialized or hard-to-find services, like a stretch Rolls Royce, an authentic mariachi band, or a horse and carriage can be a seemingly impossible task. Enter the wedding planner, the person who does the legwork, makes the choices according to your desires, and then contracts those services for you for a fee. The benefit of working with a planner, or consultant, is that you will be dealing with one person. Once you sit down and explain your wishes, a planner can put together a custom package, with each service exactly the way you want it. Just think how easy it would be to work with and explain to one person your reception, cake, photography, video and transportation requirements. A wedding planner can smooth the way for you to focus on the things that are really important to you. You’re still the idea person behind the wedding, but your planner is a level-headed, knowledgeable source of information and expertise who is there for the sole purpose of helping you make your wedding the best it can be. Planning your wedding doesn’t need to be a chore. If you’re not the detail-oriented type, hire someone whose job it is to take care of the details for you. You’ll find the convenience well worth the fee, and the peace of mind you’ll have will be invaluable.

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Specializing in celebrationS of Style and creativity exceptional event plannerS and deSignerS www.exceptionaleventSbyeliSa.com

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Stress-free planning 5 steps to keep you going You’ re engaged – hooray! Now the fun begins (you think) of planning a lovely wedding - trying on wedding dresses, registering for gifts, choosing the perfect party favor...fun, fun, fun. Then reality sets in, and you discover that planning a wedding takes an incredible amount of work. It requires making countless decisions, handling thousands of details, juggling endless tasks and errands, and doing it all while also maintaining your relationships, job, life and sanity. What’ s a stressed-out bride-to-be to do? We’ ve got some suggestions for you!

Start early.

Obviously, the more time you have to plan, the more breathing room you have, and the more op-

tions you’ ll have for wedding vendors. Give yourselves at least a year if possible, so that you can spread the work out over time, and have the most flexibility in securing your first-choice vendors.

Stay organized.

Here are the basics you’ ll need to manage all the details, deadlines and duties. Have one large manila envelope to hold all contracts and receipts. Have another one on hand for all information, ideas, notes and resources. (This could also be a binder, or an accordion file... whatever works for you, just as long as it’ s all in one place.) Keep all wedding-related books, papers and other items in one place – the bookshelf in your home office, the corner of the

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guest bedroom – so that you always know where to find something. And finally, write everything down. Keep a “wedding notebook” and a detailed calendar where you can put everything in writing. Don’ t assume you’ ll remember – 47 details later it may be gone!

friends on non -wedding topics, or to catch up on the world news. Take regular restorative breaks from wedding planning where you don’ t think about, talk about, or work on anything wedding-related. And remember, there is life beyond the wedding!

Get help.

Cultivate gratitude.

The very best thing you could do for a stress-free experience (and a relaxing, stress-free wedding DAY) is hire a wedding consultant. Many couples feel that this just ‘ isn’ t for them’ and yet, without question, it could make the critical difference between having a fun, enjoyable wedding experience, and having a grueling one. You can find a consultant for every budget, and every penny spent will have a priceless return.

When frustration or stress overwhelms you, take a moment to focus on everything going right, and everything in your life that is good. Write them down, or call a friend to share your ‘ gratitude list.’ You’ ll feel better in no time and regain your perspective. This is also a good time to take a break – see above! And, call your wedding consultant and let them help.

Take breaks.

It’ s easy to get so wrapped up in all things wedding that you forget to see movies, visit with

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Full service event planning that offers DAY OF COORDINATION START TO FINISH WEDDING and MUCH more.

pb tips Throw your vendors a curve ball. When you are satisfied with the level of expertise exhibited by a vendor, begin inquiring about customer service. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to ask them for an example of how well they work with other vendors or how involved they will be in the pre-event planning process.

UNIQUEEVENTSBYLYNN.COM uniqueeventscompany@gmail.com 443-299-8358

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A wedding consultant

WHITE OAK

weddings & events

Keeping the pressure off Consultants can help you plan as much or as little of your wedding as you like. You can hire a consultant to simply help you find a florist with a special skill or to research and implement the entire ceremony and reception. You make all the decisions, the wedding consultant does all the work. Although it surprises some brides, these specialists can often help you save money since they are able to negotiate special rates with many of the contacts they have established through the years. Relax knowing that they have made sure that the limo will arrive on time, and most important, that you have the wedding of your dreams.

Wedding Planning

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WEDDING & EVENT SPECIALIST

Creating Lasting Memories of Your Wedding! THERE IS NO REWIND BUTTON!

Your Day Your Way

LLC

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Find out why dj’s rock planning and coordinating Brides traditionally engage DJs to emcee their wedding reception while also providing a wide variety of music at the same time. But even if you book the Rolling Stones, they may not know New York, New York. A less obvious benefit of hiring an emcee is the personal touch he will impart to duties you won’t have to deal with. A veteran wedding DJ will smoothly line up your wedding party and introduce them. He’ll arrange to have champagne poured before the toast and keep a jittery best man on an even and eloquent keel. He’ll emcee your cake-cutting and bouquet-throwing at the appropriate times. In short, he’ll keep the show running smoothly while you’re basking in the spotlight.

The key qualification is experience, not price. Most DJs cost less than the hors d’oeuvres, though they’re remembered far longer. It’s not out of line to ask for references, though, he’ll certainly select satisfied clients. The best idea is to arrange a meeting. Talk your DJ through his conception of your reception and see how your ideas mesh. Ask about musical selections, old and new. Don’t be dismayed if he doesn’t have obscure songs, but gauge his willingness to track them down. Ask about lights and sound (the best systems sound superb at background volume). Most importantly, will he be a lump behind the turntables? Or will he be out front working hard, involving your guests in dancing after dinner?

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Experience Electra - We define entertainment With years experience as eventwith specialists, Experience Electra - Weofdefine entertainment years of experience Electra dedicated to transforming your nexttoevent into a spectacle a lifetime. asisevent specialists, Electra is dedicated transforming your nextofevent From world-class production tophenomenal talent, Electra brings the x-factor, into a spectacle of a lifetime. From world-class production tophenomenal taking your party to a whole new level.

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Songs most requested Bride & Groom First Dances 1. I Won’t Give Up - Jason Mraz 2. At Last - Etta James 3 . Wanted - Hunter Hayes 4. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri 5. Then - Brad Paisley Bride & Father Dances 1. I Loved Her First - Heartland 2. My Little Girl - Tim McGraw 3. My Wish - Rascal Flatts 4. My Girl - Temptations 5. What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

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Groom & Mother Dances 1. My Wish - Rascal Flatts 2. What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong 3. A Song for Mama - Boyz II Men 4. Simple Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd 5. I Hope You Dance - Lee Ann Womack Bridal Party Dances 1. Wobble - V.I.C. 2. I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas 3. Cupid Shuffle - Cupid 4. Let’s Get It Started - Black Eyed Peas 5. Cha Cha Slide - DJ Casper Ceremony Processional Songs 1. Marry Me - Train 2. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri 3. Canon in D - Pachelbel 4. Over the Rainbow - Israel ‘Iz’ Kamakawiwo’ole 5. Make You Feel My Love - Adele Songs provided by Intelligence, Inc.

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Brittany & Zach October 1st After meeting in the fifth grade and â&#x20AC;&#x153;datingâ&#x20AC;? in the eighth grade, Brittany and Zach grew up to be good friends. They reconnected during college and the rest is history.

Venue: Kirkland Manor pg.46 Photography: Coty Jones Photography Rentals: Eastern Shore Tents & Events pg.168 Caterer: Linwoods Flowers: Monteray Farms

Check out our blog for more amazing photos and details!

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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.

pb tips Mirrors and candles will reflect your loving mood, so place them throughout the reception hall.

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Couture Floral & Boutique Rentals

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Romancing the mood Something old, something new, something borrowed, something you Today’s options don’t end with the traditional party rental store. A decorating and planning business can also offer chair covers and linens option as well, along with event design. They can help provide floral, tabletop, specialty draping for a dramatic effect, along with lanterns and columns. Give each table a homespun, made-with-love feeling by including an object that represent you as a couple. Think: old books (if you’re big readers), records (if you’re into music), or film canisters (if you’re cinephiles). Prefer flowers-only? Miscellaneous bud vases and mason jars let you grow your own garden at each table. Some companies offer rental for items like fine leather lounges. That’s right; an intimate seating area brought right to you. Beyond seating, think about including oth168

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er furniture to add a comfortable touch here and there. These pieces add to the fashion, but can also serve a function. A decked out dresser makes an inviting dessert table and a spruced up mailbox or bird cage is perfect for collecting cards. Other fun items can also be found like large picture frames and Bride & Groom chairs.Whether used for a dramatic image of the wedding couple or fun interactive images for your guests, it will certainly be remembered by all. In the end, there’s no right or wrong way to go about adding personal touches to yourwedding day. Just know that these decor & event services can really make the process easier, produce a better outcome, and sometimes, even save you money.

Different weddings It’s your choice There are many different types of weddings from Jewish weddings, to Catholic masses to Pagan handfasting. It’s all a matter of your choice and comfort level. Besides, it’s your big day and it should be celebrated in whatever way you and your spouse choose. In the traditional American wedding many things come into play beginning with where the ceremony will be held as well as the reception. Churches for the ceremony and country clubs or banquet halls for the reception and dinner are by far the most popular choices. However, even when you do opt for a traditional American wedding there are still many different religions and backgrounds that must be taken into consideration. Just because you might be Catholic does not mean that he or his family will be. The most popular religious weddings are Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist and Muslim. While these five are the most popular, they can differ greatly. The Protestant religion does not have the strict rules and regulations as other religions. Couples can get married in gardens, on beaches or even in the reception hall. Vows are exchanged and candles are lit to show unity. For the Catholic wedding there is usually more ceremony since weddings are one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic religion. An assortment of activities must take place even before the wedding. For example, meeting with the priest. At the ceremony, first communion is served and three verses must be read. The wedding must also take place indoors. During the vows, those in attendance are required to stand and a mass is also a part of the ceremony. This is actually why Catholic weddings take much longer than many other faiths. Rules for the Jewish faith include the fact that weddings can not take place on the Sabbath or on a celebrated Jewish holiday. The ceremony can be held

Frank

McFadden Wedding Officiant with over 30 years experience ❦ About you—and for you ❦ Will work with you to make your ceremony a personal expression ❦ Short notice—or planned far in advance ❦ Tailored to your wishes, desires and beliefs without judgement or prejudice ❦ Interfaith, non-denominational, civil, sacred or secular. Comfortable in any faith tradition Frank McFadden ❦ 443/693-3652 www.revfrankmcfadden.com frank.mcfadden510@gmail.com

outside, however, it has to be under a Chuppah. This represents the husband who is bringing the wife into his home. The ring ceremony is very important when the exchange takes places. Additionally, there is the blessing of the wine, the reading of the Ketubah and finally the breaking of the glass. Buddhist weddings are one of the simplest affairs of all. The couple actually holds the ceremony themselves and the O juju is used to offer prayers. The O juju is a 21-bead strand that most Buddhists use in their religious affairs. Additionally, incense is used to make offerings to Buddha. A different type of wedding all together is the Muslim wedding ceremony that lasts no more than five minutes. The five minutes consists of singing the wedding contract. This is followed by a much longer affair which could last up to two or three days. During this two or three day period, food of all types is served to the guests. Following the multi-day ceremony, the bride is taken in the air and officially handed off to the groom. At this point the feasting and celebration is over.

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Everlasting happiness Life after the wedding For all your beach wedding needs! Say Yes to the Best! Your ceremony is the most important part of your wedding day. Weather you are getting married on or off the beach we can create the ceremony of your dreams. We have an extensive assortment of ceremonies to choose from let us help you make it your wedding your way!

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Rev. Robert Turner WEDDING OFFICIANT & PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP COACH

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On your parent’s wedding day, four out of five marriages were destined to last. Today, 50 percent of the unions we celebrate end sadly. Half of America’s children spend time in a single-parent household. Our modern age has complicated the process of blending two personalities into one family. Your commitment won’t work without a willingness to grow. That’s because as your marriage takes on a life of its own, there are really three of you to contend with: you, your spouse and your union. You cannot change your spouse, but you can work on yourself and your partnership. Putting forth a positive effort means playing by some important rules. Attitude defines the difference between an argument and a discussion. Refrain from using judgmental words like “always,”“should” and “never.” Set goals for yourselves, and agree to meet them. Businesses need them, and so does a marriage. Financial goals are a definite must. Never forget that love is not only expressed by passion, but also as much by mouth and pen or gift and gesture as by thoughtfulness, respect, understanding and patience. Take time to listen. Never go to bed mad. Don’t stagnate. Continue to cultivate growth in all areas, including your marriage. Pre-marital counseling may be available through your church or other religious group and in some religions it may even be a requirement. You can also seek the help of professionals. There is no shame in this as it’s better to know as much as you can about one another before the ceremony, so you can have a fulfilling life together.

Attendant gifts Remembering the day They’re the friends you have known for years or perhaps soon-to-be in-laws who you admire and cherish for their special words of love and laughter. Wedding attendants play a large part in weddings and it’s no surprise that brides often languish and toil over the perfect wedding attendant gift. It’s no wonder that you want to give these special women (and sometimes men) a gift and long-term memory of how important they are in your life. If some of your attendants are traveling in from out of town how about holding a luncheon for them the day before the wedding? Local attendants can also be treated to a nice lunch, however in this case you can do it several weeks before your big day. In regards to the luncheon you might also want to include your mother, the groom’s mother and a few of the other participants who are helping to round out your day. This could include singers, organists, attendants at your reception and even parents of important people who have helped your day come together in such a unique way. A special gift is also in order and you might even want to present it to the attendants at the luncheon if you desire. More than anything the gift is a thank you for all their hard work. Many times gifts are engraved and can range from a jewelry box to a key chain to a toasting flute. Whatever you decide make sure it reflects the fact that these special attendants are truly appreciated for their time and efforts spent on your behalf.

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August 14th Their favorite part of the day was when a double rainbow appeared during the reception. “Jesse and I both thought it was our parents looking down from heaven telling us that our wedding day was perfect.”

Photography & Videography: Daysy Photography pg.145 Caterer: Carriage House Venue: Stone Manor Country Club Music & Entertainment: Daniel Cline, XTRA Entertainement Flowers: Monica’s Floral Designs

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Wedding Day Transportation Limos, trolleys and more Here are some tips to make your transport as fun, affordable and memorable as the rest of your day. First, decide how many you’re moving. Do you want just the bride and groom in a car, or the entire wedding party? Once you make those decisions, start shopping around based on size. Whatever you decide on, keep safety in mind for when revelers are bouncing from place to place. LIMOS A limo can be booked for a day, so you could get a ride to pick you up at the house and deliver you to the ceremony and to the reception. Most companies have a minimum for their services so think about the most cost-effective way to go if you want something for before and after the reception. Many options exist for limos. A formal seats four, but a stretch can seat as many as 10. For larger parties, sport utility models like the Hummer and Explorer are popular and flashy. Larger models are often posh with decorative interiors. C ATC H T H E C O A C H For larger parties, a party bus or a luxury coach is a great way to travel. It’s got all the amenities of a luxury limousine, but it seats up to 10 people comfortably. Or, for bigger parties, a passenger coach or a party bus can seat 21-49 people. 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. TA K I N G T H E T R O L L E Y A picturesque alternative is a trolley. They’ll generally accommodate between 20 and 35 people so it’s great for larger parties. With their old world charm, they’ll lend a lovely, elegant touch to this wedding day detail. Since most have outdoor decks, these are especially fun in small towns so you can take a peek outside and watch onlookers wave at newlyweds.

U N I Q U E A LT E R N A T I V E S Some new couples might opt for something more personal or creative. A horse-drawn carriage is a romantic, vintage option especially if you can decorate it with your wedding colors. Vintage cars are also great photo ops. An antique Rolls Royce or a ’69 Mustang are chic.Ride in style like the royal couple did in a decorated navy soft-top Aston Martin Volante. Or, as with everything else in the wedding, make sure the transportation connects to YOU. Maybe you met at a Harley rally – ride off on your twin Hogs! Or maybe you share a love of mountain biking – don’t be afraid to wheel over on a tandem together. D OW N T O D E TA I L S Make sure to confirm booking well in advance of your wedding date. And don’t be afraid to ask for a test drive! Look for these in a written contract: • Name and contact information for you and the company • Date, time and address of all pick-up and drop-off locations • Type and number of vehicles rented, and amenities supplied with each • Exact hours of vehicle rental • Total cost, including gas, mileage, tip and overtime fees • Deposit amount, balance, due date and cancellation policy

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Going green Planning an eco-friendly wedding Can you have a joy-filled wedding celebration and show your love for the planet at the same time? The locale - Choosing a location that’s close to where most of your guests live is an obvious simple but effective way to limit unnecessary transportation as is having the ceremony and reception in the same place. You may also wish to seek out sites that have made “going green” a priority, and are pro-active about reducing energy use and waste. Another green idea is to hold your ceremony in a location already dedicated to sustainability such as parks, protected areas or museums. Finally, having an outdoor ceremony in a beautiful setting will remind you (and your guests) why you make environmentally responsible choices. The food - Serve local, organic, seasonal cuisine, and include a vegetarian or vegan option. Ask your caterer about locally raised, organic meats and wild caught fish versus farmed fish. Before the wedding, research places to donate any leftover food such as to homeless shelters or soup kitchens. The paper - Save trees by going high-tech. Use a website to list directions, maps, accommodations and other details, and use email whenever possible. For the paper you do use, stick with 100% recycled and renewable cotton paper, and vegetable or soy inks which use less energy to produce than do petroleum-based inks. The attire - Just say “NO!” to attire made in sweatshops and petroleum-based fabrics. Seek out wedding attire made with natural fabrics such as 100% silk or organically grown cotton, and hemp linen – which has come a long way since the gunny sack look. (For proof, visit the Hemp Weddings section of rawganique.com.) Another

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very green idea: recycle! Use your Mom’s wedding dress by investing a little time into alterations, or find a vintage dress in specialty stores or on eBay. The gifts, favors, flowers - All those beautiful touches that make weddings special and unique can easily be turned green, and your first stop should be to idofoundation.org. Here you can include charitable donations on your gift registry, donate a percentage of gift registry sales to your favorite charity, and make a charitable donation in your guests’ honor in lieu of wedding favors. When it comes to your wedding flowers, find a floral designer that uses local, organically grown, seasonal flowers, and repurpose the ceremony flowers for the reception to make fewer flowers go farther. (This is also nice for your budget!) The day after the wedding, donatethe floral arrangements to places such as nursing homes, hospice centers or hospitals, so others can enjoy nature’s beauty and all those gorgeous flowers don’t end up in the trash! The honeymoon - Certainly, staying close to home avoids those gas-guzzling airplanes, but if travel is in your future consider a “green hotel” - environmentally-friendly properties. Start the search by visiting greenhotels.com. Another idea: consider ecotourism – socially responsible travel that focuses on conserving the environment and improving the well being of local people. Visit ecotourism.org for more information. With just a little creativity, thought and research, your wedding can reflect the earth-loving couple that you are!

Our goal is to be a leading luxury transportation provider. To continue to grow while providing unmatched service, customer satisfaction and an unparalleled work environment within the industry.

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TIME TO GET REWARDED FOR YOUR WEDDING! Just for registering, you already have one entry. For every Premier Bride vendor that you book, you get an additional entry. Like us on Facebook and watch for the winners!

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Destination weddings let’s run away and get married! Feeling spontaneous, or stressed when it comes to wedding planning? Do you have dreams of jetting off to an exotic location and getting married on a beach with your close family and friends or even saying “I Do” to your partner at that special location you’ve often visited a few hours from home? Either way, why not have a destination wedding? Destination weddings are less stress, and can be planned rather quickly, if needed, and can be the paradise that you were looking for! A destination wedding will also act as your honeymoon, thus spending less money on your wedding day! Okay, so you have decided to do a destination wedding; now what about your dress? When shopping, let your bridal consultant know ahead of time not only when the wedding will be, but also where you’ll be traveling to for it. If your gown will be traveling in a suitcase for an extended amount of time, then consider a lighter dress that can be easily packed. The weight of your dress will matter so don’t go for thirty five layers of tulle. Insure your suitcase, and check it at the counter when going for your wedding festivities. Do not ship your gown ahead of time as this will cause worry and undue stress that you don’t need! Ask your consultant if he/she can pack the gown for you, he/she knows how to pack gowns with the least amount of wrinkles. Ask your venue ahead of time if they have a steamer or laundry service that can get last minute wrinkles out of the gown just in case. Book early if you are deciding to do a destination wedding as some of the more popular wedding venues can get booked quickly. If you are in a hurry, the resort will work with you but the cost will be a major factor. You

will also need to obtain a marriage license where ever you will be traveling to so keep this in mind. If you are leaving the country, then make sure that you have proper documentation and have your passport handy! The last thing you want to forget is your passport and not be able to come back! Avoid changing your name legally until back on U.S. soil so that you can avoid any problems along the way with customs and border patrols. You want to share this day with everyone, but this simply can’t be done! Ask your closest family and friends to accompany you at your wedding. Hopefully they have enough time and money to make this happen. If not, it will be a small, intimate ceremony that you and your future husband will cherish for a lifetime. Use your wedding website to announce that you are having a destination wedding along with word of mouth. There are a lot of people to tell when you are having a destination wedding, and sometimes this is the most stressful part. Tell your parents, and key members of family, and friends, and let them tell the rest. In the end, its all about you two as a couple. Enjoy your day together! When you get back from your destination wedding and honeymoon, get dressed up again, get your hair done, and have a second reception! Invite all of your guests that you want to come to your wedding and party the whole night! Your guests will love the party and you will have a great time!

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Lauren & Matt April 30th It was Laurenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday and Matt had gotten her the purse she had been wanting for a long time. When she opened it up, she found the ring inside.

Photographer: Butterfly Photography pg.146 Cake: Connieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cake Creations Hair & Makeup: Enigmatic Beauty Reception: Belmont Country Club Invitations: Ornate Paperworks

Check out our blog for more amazing photos and details!

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ALL ABROAD! A trip abroad is a chance to get caught up in a whirlwind of new ideas and cultures, but make sure this is an experience you’re both fully committed to. Planning an international trip for the first time can be stressful. S TAY I N G L O C A L If you don’t have the funds for a plane ticket abroad or can’t get away for a long trip, consider what’s close to home. Try a quaint bed & breakfast just a few miles from your house. Turn off your cell phones and focus on each other. It will seem as if you’re light years away. TA K E A C R U I S E Can’t decide on a destination? A cruise might be for you. It’s the best of both worlds! For Europe, there are cruises along the Mediterranean, and island hopping in the Caribbean is a perfect tropical getaway. And if you can’t decide whether you want to relax or be active, a cruise will give the chance to do both.

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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 who 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!

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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. 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 worth a little legwork. For a less expensive option, over-thecounter whiteners 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 or 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, then leave a cushion of time before the wedding just in case your recovery takes a little longer than usual. 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!

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Melanie & Cale September 10th They tied the knot at Melanie’s parents’ horse farm. Not only did it hold sentimental value, the views and her mom’s beautiful gardens made for a spectacular place to say “I Do.”

Flowers: Blue Heron Floral pg.86 Rings: Saxon’s Diamond center pg.97 Photography: James Benglie Be Photography Music & Entertainment: DJ Nick, Baltimore Event Solutions Cake: Sprinkles Specialties

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DIRECTORY Best Western Plus Hotel & Conference Center pg. 84 Accomodations & Venue

410-633-9500 bwhotelbaltimore.com .......................................

Big Cork Vineyards pg.58 Accomodations & Venue 301-302-8032 bigcorkvineyards.com .......................................

City of Havre de Grace pg. 70 Accomodations & Venue

800-851-7756 explorehavredegrace.com .......................................

Coconut Malorie Resort pg. 34 Accomodations & Venue

800-767-6060 coconutmalorie.com .......................................

Embassy Suites Baltimore North / Hunt Valley pg. 60 Accomodations & Venue

410-584-1400 embassybaltimore.com .......................................

Harrison Group pg. 62 Accomodations & Venue

410-289-1470 harrisongroupsales.com .......................................

Boardwalk Plaza Hotel pg.37 Accomodations & Venue

Combsberry pg. 73 Accomodations & Venue

Brittland Estates pg.61 Accomodations & Venue

Courtyard By Marriott Washingtonian Center pg. 82 Accomodations & Venue

Homewood Suites Columbia / Laurel pg. 76 Accomodations & Venue

301-527-9000 riocourtyard.com .......................................

240-360-2725 homewoodsuites.hilton.com .......................................

Doubletree by Hilton Silver Spring pg. 82 Accomodations & Venue

Kentlands Mansion pg. 58 Accomodations & Venue

301-563-3846 silverspring.doubletree.com .......................................

301-258-6425 gaithersburgmd.gov .......................................

Dunes Manor Hotel pg. 79 Accomodations & Venue

Kirkland Manor pg. 46 Accomodations & Venue

302-227-7169 boardwalkplaza.com .......................................

410-810-7591 BrittlandEstates.com .......................................

Bulle Rock Golf Course pg.50 Accomodations & Venue

410-939-8887 bullerock.com .......................................

Casey Community Center pg. 38 Accomodations & Venue

301-258-6366 gaithersburgmd.gov .......................................

Cheshire Crab Restaurant pg. 55 Accomodations & Venue

410-360-2220 thecheshirecrab.com .......................................

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443-786-7220 tidewaterwedding.com .......................................

410-289-1100 dunesmanor.com .......................................

Elegant Settings pg. 67 Accomodations & Venue

301-446-3240 pgelegantsettings.com .......................................

Historic Sinking Springs pg. 84 Accomodations & Venue

410-398-5566 sinkingsprings.com .......................................

443-786-7220 tidewaterwedding.com .......................................

LaBanque DeFleuve at the Sea Plane Base pg. 59 Accomodations & Venue 410-942-1444 labanquedefleuve.com .......................................

Londonderry pg. 45 Accomodations & Venue

443-786-7220 tidewaterwedding.com .......................................

MacGregorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant & Tavern pg. 54 Accomodations & Venue

410-939-3003 MacGregorsRestaurant.com .......................................

Mariaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Love Point Bed & Breakfast pg. 41 Accomodations & Venue 410-643-5054 mariaslovepoint.com .......................................

Memorial Chapel pg.85 Accomodations & Venue

301-314-9866 weddings.umd.edu .......................................

Minker Banquet Hall pg. 66 Accomodations & Venue

Bridal Beauty Associates pg.121 Beauty

Nottingham’s pg. 85 Accomodations & Venue

IT Works pg.119 Beauty

Ocean Hall Events, LLC pg. 60 Accomodations & Venue

Jackie’s Design pg.119 Beauty

410-939-3003 MacGregorsRestaurant.com .......................................

410-290-0077 nottinghamsevents.net .......................................

240-925-2163 facebook.com/oceanhallevents .......................................

Preston Hall pg. 57 Accomodations & Venue

410-802-4372 prestonhallbaltimore.com .......................................

Restaurant at Lighthouse Sound pg. 83 Accomodations & Venue

410-641-1199 lighthousesoundrestaurant.com .......................................

Tabrizi’s pg. 51 Accomodations & Venue

410-727-3663 tabrizis.com .......................................

Beauty Brought to You pg.118 Beauty

302-258-3503 beautybrought2you.com .......................................

888-511-7138 bridalbeautytogo.com .......................................

410-708-6586 jfairbank.myitworks.com .......................................

704-968-1314 jackiesdesign.com .......................................

Mary Kay/Debbie Baker pg.120 Beauty

302-945-3687 marykay.com/debbiebaker .......................................

Mary Kay/Donna Rueppell pg.118 Beauty

443-694-6924 marykay.com/ donna-rueppell .......................................

Mary Kay/Laurie Plyler pg.120 Beauty

803-230-2665 marykay.com/ltplyler .......................................

Shapers Salon pg.121 Beauty

410-822-6555 shapershairsalon.com .......................................

Downtown Bridal pg.109 Bridal Salon

Love and Lace Bridal pg.114 Bridal Salon

Eleven Courses Catering & Event Co. pg.13 Catering

Sandals Bridal & Formal Wear pg.112 Bridal Salon

Julie St. Marie Catering & Event Coordination pg.11 Catering

443-306-9776 loveandlacebridalboutique.com .......................................

410-390-3937 oceancitymdbridal.com .......................................

Julie St. Marie Catering & Event Coordination pg.93 Cakes

240-882-2369 juliestmarie.com .......................................

Ryan’s Sweet Shop pg.93 Cakes

443-299-8358 ryanssweetshoppe.vpweb.com .......................................

Catering By Uptown pg.20 Catering

800-795-8696 CateringByUptown.com .......................................

410-459-6773 elevencourses.com .......................................

240-882-2369 juliestmarie.com .......................................

Rouge Fine Catering pg.9 Catering 410-527-0007 rougecatering.com .......................................

Weddings In Annapolis pg.56 Destination Weddings

410-280-0445 weddingsinannapolis.com .......................................

Amanda’s Florist pg.88 Flowers & Décor

410-939-5403 amandasflorist.com .......................................

410-543-5332 downtownbridals.com .......................................

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DIRECTORY Bella Fiori Couture Floral pg.89 Flowers & Décor

Bradley Images Photo & Video pg.137 Photography

443-519-6088 bellafioriflowers.com .......................................

410-902-6664 bradleyimages.com .......................................

Blue Heron Floral pg.86 Flowers & Décor

Butterfly Photography Center pg.146 Photography

410-939-6129 blueheronfloralcom .......................................

866-201-4861 butterflyphotographycenter.com .......................................

Stylish Occasions By Amanda pg.87 Flowers & Décor

410-980-4108 stylishamanda.com .......................................

Country View Tuxedo pg.113 Formal Wear

410-857-7601 countryviewtuxedo.com .......................................

Tuxedo House pg.111 Formal Wear

410-252-6220 tuxedohouse.com .......................................

Bee’s Gifts & Goodies pg.171 Gifts

443-791-9810 beesgiftsngoodies.com .......................................

Saxon’s Diamond Centers pg.97 Jewelry 410-836-8000 saxonsdiamondcenters.com .......................................

Smyth Jewelers pg.96 Jewelry

800-638-3333 smythjewelers.com .......................................

Absolute Entertainment pg.161 Music & Entertainment

410-761-1212 AbsoluteEntertainment.com .......................................

Baltimore’s Premier Event Solutions pg.163 Music & Entertainment

410-630-4121 baltimoreseventsolutions.com .......................................

Electra Entertainment pg.162 Music & Entertainment

410-461-2557 ElectraDeeJay.com .......................................

Steve Moody’s Entertainment Connection pg.163 Music & Entertainment 800-410-3013 stevemoody.com .......................................

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Alison To The Altar pg.170 Officiant

443-695-5044 alisontothealtaroc.com .......................................

Frank McFadden Weddings pg.169 Officiant

443-693-3652 revfrankmcfadden.com .......................................

Robert Turner Wedding Officiant LLC pg.170 Officiant

410-227-7268 robertturnerwedding officiant.com .......................................

ASI Photos pg.148 Photography

888-306-3686 ASIphotos.com .......................................

Baltimore’s Premier Event Solutions pg.142 Photography

410-630-4121 baltimoreseventsolutions.com .......................................

Daysy Photography pg.145 Photography

888-874-5830 daysyphotography.com .......................................

Electra Photobooth pg.149 Photography

410-461-2557 ElectraDeeJay.com .......................................

Gilded Isle pg.135 Photography

443-365-0978 gildedisle.com .......................................

GMS Photos & Video pg.144 Photography

410-419-1549 gmsphotos.com .......................................

Kap2ure Photography pg.145 Photography

410-487-1335 kap2ure.com .......................................

Paige Engel Photography pg.138 Photography

Katie Price Events & Design pg.160 Planner / Coordinator

Your Day Your Way pg.159 Planner / Coordinator

All Weddings and Honeymoons pg.184 Travel

Photograpy By Treâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lynn pg.143 Photography

Prestigious Occasions pg.154 Planner / Coordinator

Bella Fiori Rentals pg.167 Rentals

Best Vacations pg.183 Travel

443-614-2359 paigeengel.com .......................................

443-570-4864 trelynnpro.com .......................................

Alison To The Altar pg.156 Planner / Coordinator

443-695-5044 alisontothealtaroc.com .......................................

Clarity and Class pg.157 Planner / Coordinator 240-339-3950 clarityandclass.com .......................................

Exceptional Events By Elisa pg.155 Planner / Coordinator

703-725-2650 exceptionaleventsbyelisa.com .......................................

443-974-2027 katiepriceevents.com .......................................

410-783-8211 prestigiousoccasions.com .......................................

Stephanie White Events pg.158 Planner / Coordinator

410-430-7534 stephaniewhiteevents.com .......................................

Unique Events By Lynn pg.158 Planner / Coordinator

443-299-8358 uniqueeventsbylynn.com .......................................

White Oak Weddings & Events LLC pg.159 Planner / Coordinator

301-335-8011 whiteoakweddingsand events.com .......................................

410-925-1086 yourday--yourway.com .......................................

443-519-6088 bellafiorirentals.com .......................................

Eastern Shore Tents & Events pg.168 Rentals

410-810-0686 estents.com .......................................

Rituska Inc. pg.166 Rentals

301-503-9488 rituskainc.com .......................................

Kreated Moments Stationery pg.171 Stationery

410-296-3952 kmstationery.com .......................................

Executive Transportation pg.177 Transportation

302-337-3455 executivetransportationde.net .......................................

Zbest Limousines pg.174 Transportation 800-406-0301 zbestworldwide.com .......................................

800-311-5354 allweddingsand honeymoons.com .......................................

443-593-4000 bestvacationsllc.com .......................................

Lovin Away pg.185 Travel

844-568-2929 .......................................

Suite Dreamz Travel pg.183 Travel

443-541-0602 suitedreamztravel.com .......................................

Travel Makers pg.182 Travel

410-838-0474 travelmakersmd.com .......................................

GMS Photos & Video pg. 148 Videography 410-419-1549 gmsphotos.com .......................................

Maverick Productions pg.147 Videography

410-526-5520 therealmav.com .......................................

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