Spring Issue 2015 {V13}

PPB.COM Spring 2015 Volume 13

Tips for an EPIC Destination Wedding

50

Real Wedding Photos

10

Questions for your Wedding Photographer

Wedding Gowns that Wow!

Content

Wedding Registry Upgrades 12

Love Story 16

6

Editor’s Pick

16 Christina & Chris

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10 Questions to Ask before Hiring Wedding Photographer

10

Tips to Creating a Fun Wedding

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Styled Shoots 26

Real Weddings 56

26 Bridal Gowns that WOW!

56

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62 Rebekah & Chris

Classic Romance at a Luxury Estate ~ Cover Shoot

Christina & Eric

70 Carolyn & Trini

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Stay Connected with Us

PPB.COM Spring 2015 Volume 13

Tips for an EPIC Destination Wedding

prettypearbride

www.prettypearbride.com

50

Real Wedding Photos

10

Questions for your Wedding Photographer

Wedding Gowns that Wow!

Email

Cover Credits

hello@prettypearbride.com

Photography: Nikki Santerre Photography | Floral and Designs: Amanda Burnette | Venue: Dover Hall Estate | Styling: Glamour & Grace | Hair: Samantha Wood of Salon Voss| Wedding Dress: Jolene by Wtoo | Makeup: Sparkle Grose of Avenue 42 | Assistant Artist: Annie Radigan | Wrap: Carol Hannah | Bracelet: Thomas Laine | Hair Clip and Belt: Untamed Petals

Phone 317-426-9412 Real Wedding Features: Couples/ Photographers interested in submitting their real weddings should submit their information on our website.

Regretfully due to the volume of submissions, we are unable to respond to all requests.

Editorial Submissions: Please do not send original material to Pretty Pear Bride Magazine. We are not responsible for damage or loss to unsolicited material. Editorial material can be sent to submissions@prettypearbride.com Advertising: To advertise in Pretty Pear Bride Magazine please contact advertising@prettypearbride. com. Advertising requests for prettypearbride.com should also contact advertising@prettypearbride.com.

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Editor In Chief: Shafonne Myers

Advertising Sales: 317-426-9412 advertising@prettypearbride

Editor’s Letter

I love the spring, it’s all about rejuvenation and starting a new season. The season of plants blooming and blossoming and your surroundings coming to life. I feel that right now in the stage of my life and with the magazine we are in a stage of rejuvenation.

So this issue really embodies the spring season and all it brings. We are featuring tons of plus size bridal gowns in different styled shoots so that you can get bridal inspiration on all different body types. There is nothing better than actually seeing bridal gowns on body types and models that resemble how you look.

We are sharing a wonderful love story from one of my favorite photographers and it makes me so happy to see plus size women in love and wanting to share it. We also have real weddings that will give you tons of spring inspirited inspiration if you are planning a spring wedding. And my ultimate favorite piece of this issue is the amazing styled shoot that we used as the cover. It is truly breathtaking.

One I’m a sucker for romantic and the elegance and chicness that surrounds it. But this shoot takes the cake. It is nothing short of epicness on steroids.

And I can’t rave enough about the team that we had that made it come to life.

As I start the year I’ve been contemplating the future of Pretty Pear Bride Magazine. I love working on it and literally can’t wait to start working on the next issue once one is released. As I’m writing this now I’m thinking about the next issue and what it will contain. Well, I can give a little spoiler alert that it will be the mother of all mother of honeymoon and swimsuits. I can’t wait to share it.

For the next issue we will be switching to a new dis-

tribution structure. We will keep everyone updated and informed of it. As always I have to do my thank you’s!

My husband and kids are a constant beam of light and joy in my life. They are truly the reason why I keep pushing through on those tough days that I have. And the other main players in all that I do are you all, my continuous reminders of how much “I have to keep pushing forward”.

You, my wonderful readers, are who keep me going when I’m having a rough day. When I open my email and there is an email letting me know that, PPB was who helped a plus size bride struggling to find bridal inspiration. Or maybe it’s the curvy bride that walked down the aisle feeling like the most stunning bride EVER, because she was encouraged by what we’ve done here at Pretty Pear Bride. It’s a little late but Happy New Year!

Shafonne Myers

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Editor’s Pick

Editor’s Picks My favorite picks I can’t live without.

1.

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Planning

10 Questions Before Hiring to Ask a Wedding

Photographer

Some moments are simply too important to trust to a camera phone.

Your wedding will be one of the most memorable times of your life and no one can capture it better than a professional photographer. So how do you find the right one? As you begin the interview process, here are 10 questions to help you determine if you’ve found the best photographer for your wedding.

1. Does the photographer have a gallery of wedding images you can review?

Reviewing sample work allows you to see the photographer’s strengths and weaknesses - don’t fool yourself, every photographer has them.

You’ll also be able to get an idea of their style. Are they formal with an eye for the perfect picture or do they love to capture the hidden moments when no one is looking? Look for images that you can see yourself in.

Think of three words that describe you and share those with your photographer. Every photographer has a style and reviewing their gallery can help you determine if theirs is

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right for you.

2. What is the photographer’s working style?

Some photographers are orderly and operate like wedding planners.

Others prefer to sit back and let the events of the wedding unfold. It’s important that you find someone who can understand and meet your expectations. Discuss this ahead of time and ask away, so that you understand how well the photographer’s working style matches your own.

3. Is the photographer available for an engagement session?

An engagement session does more than provide you with priceless images together before you get married. It’s also your first opportunity to work with your photographer and develop a relationship that will allow you to be completely at ease on your big day. Use this session to confirm if the photographer is indeed the right person to capture your wedding.

4. Will the photographer create a detailed shot list?

This list will ensure no important photo is missed during the commotion and excitement of the big day.

You should be able to create that list together, add to the list leading up to the day and have a copy of that list the day of. Take an honest look at what images really matter and fill your photographer in on situations he or she might need to be aware of in order to prevent awkward moments, and to ensure that he or she can get the shots that matter most.

5. What kind of lighting will be used?

Whether you have an indoor or outdoor wedding, you’ll want to make sure your photographer has professional grade lighting equipment to deliver the images your wedding deserves.

6. Does the photographer have backup equipment?

You’ve prepared contingency plans for every other aspect of your wedding; your photographer should as

well. A true professional photographer won’t miss your perfect shot because of a technology issue. He or she will always bring one or two backup cameras, lenses, flashes, additional lighting equipment, extra memory cards, and batteries.

probability that no shot will be missed, especially if you are having a large wedding. If there will be two photographers, ask to meet them both to get a feel for their personalities and how well they might blend in on your big day.

7. Does the photographer have liability insurance?

9. What will happen to the images after your wedding?

Accidents happen at weddings and if one of your guests trips over your photographer’s light stand, it’s good to know you both are protected.

Your reception venue may even ask the photographer to submit a certificate of liability ahead of time.

Will your images be backed up to a hard drive or the cloud once processed? How long will your photographer keep the images afterward?

Will they be kept for a couple of years or dumped immediately? If you have any concerns about losing your photos, knowing what the photographer plans to do with your images after your wedding is important.

8. Will there be one photographer or two?

A second shooter increases the

10. When will you get your photos?

No, you won’t get your pictures the day after; no photographer can deliver that quickly. It’s a good idea, though, to get a general idea of the timeline ahead of time. You might even be able to agree on getting a couple of images ready for social media use very quickly. But obtaining your photos will likely take several weeks. To help with the wait, some photographers will send you a sneak peak with a few images. Just ask ahead of time! You won’t be able to see everything that happens during your wedding day. The right photographer will capture moments you never knew existed. To learn how you can find the perfect photographer for your wedding. {Image

by Casey Hendrickson Photography}

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Planning

Tips to Creating a Fun Wedding

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W

hen planning a wedding, you’ll receive plenty of advice via to-do lists in bridal magazines, from friends and coworkers who’ve already been through the wedding process and even from professionals in the industry who have helped many couples achieve their “I dos.”

The advice might feel a bit overwhelming, but most brides and grooms figure out how to sift through the stories of wedding successes and disasters to personalize all the final touches on their special day. By showcasing their personalities through different aspects of the wedding, guests will remember the special day for years to come.

Here are some ways to inject your personality into a wedding ceremony and reception:

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Tell or show your story. Every couple has the “how we met” and “how we got engaged” stories, and often they can be incorporated quite easily into the ceremony or the reception. For example, if you met at a sporting event, consider using sports paraphernalia as table centerpieces.

Or if he proposed in a beautiful field of wildflowers, incorporate wildflowers into the decorations for the ceremony or the bouquets held by the bridesmaids. A couple of ways to tell personal stories are with a small write-up in the wedding program or a picture slideshow during the reception.

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Incorporate personal details. Every bride has a style. Some brides create an elegant wedding, while others prefer the edgy urban style. Some brides want an outdoorsy look to their weddings, and some think the vintage look matches their personalities perfectly. No matter your style, look for ways to incorporate that style in the details of the wedding. For example, start off with your wedding invitations. Invitations by Dawn has laser-cut wedding invitations to match your personality. Elegant lace, romantic flowers, creative fonts and delicate cutout shapes allow brides to hint at the wedding theme and show off their personality from the very beginning. All wedding invitations can be personalized online with fonts and colors, allowing a couple to match the wedding style perfectly. In a rush? Invitations by Dawn can process and deliver wedding invitations in a week.

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Write your own vows. Personalized vows allow a couple to share with each other, and their guests, how much they love each other, and how they plan to spend the rest of their lives together. The Internet has many examples to help a couple get started, and your guests will be impressed by the creativity and individuality that goes into the vows as you pledge your love to each other.

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Play some favorite tunes. If you’re planning a religious ceremony, ask the minister performing the wedding if there are any restrictions on music played. Churches typically will ask that music performed or played during the wedding ceremony be religious or classical, but the music played during the exit march can often be secular. For example, if the couple loves Star Wars, they could exit the church while the Imperial March is played. If the church is not open to secular music at all, another option is to play a favorite secular tune during the grand march into the reception venue.

With these simple touches, you’ll be able to inject plenty of individuality into your wedding ceremony and reception, allowing the guests who are celebrating with you to connect with your joy and excitement of matrimony. The personal elements will have everyone talking about your wedding for many anniversaries to come. {Image by Casey Hendrickson Photography}

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Domestic Bliss

5 Fabulous Wedding Registry Upgrades 12 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

Getting ready to say “I do?” Of all the tasks you’ll do to prepare for your big day, creating your wedding registry will be one of the most fun. It’s your chance to choose everything for your home, from towels and linens to plates, flatware and kitchen gadgets. Be sure to add choices in a variety of price ranges so guests can decide how much they want to spend, while still getting you and your new spouse something you really want. Dream big - in addition to the basics, take this opportunity to ask for premium gifts. Here are a few items any couple would be thrilled to receive and enjoy.

Mixing up magic A high-performance blender is a must-have for any newly married couple or family. Ask for one that can help with every meal of the day, such as the Vitamix S55. With a smaller footprint than conventional blenders, this powerful machine offers the convenience of four pre-programmed settings and two container options, including a blend-andgo smoothie cup. Use the S55 to make breakfast smoothies in the morning, salad dressing for lunch, soup for dinner, and even dips and drinks for last-minute entertaining.

Multi- taskers Pots and pans are a registry staple, but you should also add specialty cookware and bakeware, such as a roasting pan, rectangular baker or covered baking dish. Choosing oven-to-table pieces makes it easy to go straight from cooking to presentation, all in one dish that works for both tasks. Many of these dishes also include lids for easily storing leftovers. By asking for a set that comes with multiple pieces, you’ll be ready to create brunch casseroles, lasagna for dinner and a warm bread pudding for dessert.

Backyard barbecues An outdoor grill can help set the scene for family gatherings, tailgate parties or just relaxing with friends. Decide if you prefer gas, which offers easy operation and clean-up, or charcoal, which many barbecue connoisseurs say provides a more intense, grilled flavor. Also, think about extra features you may want, such as a built-in thermometer, side burners, shelves or tool hooks. Don’t forget skewers, cooking utensils such as spatulas, tongs and grill forks, as well as other accessories like a grill mitt, grill basket or pizza pan. Be sure to consider space as well. If you live in an apartment, you may opt for a smaller grill or one that hooks directly on your balcony.

Serve in style Be ready for dinner parties with formal dinnerware and crystal stemware. Select timeless patterns that will look fresh and inviting on your table for years to come. Add a pop of color and personality with low-cost, on-trend accent pieces, such as chargers or a coffee or tea pot. Register for a few different types of glasses including water goblets, wine glasses and stemless or highball glasses, depending on your drink of choice. Experts recommend requesting eight to 12 place settings, but you may want more if you plan to host large events.

Unconventional tools Once you’ve got the basics covered, consider some out-of-the-box kitchen items. Keep recipes handy by registering for a cutting board that has place for a tablet. For easy entertaining, a slate cheese board enables you to write the name of each cheese or appetizer right on the board. Or, pick one with a hidden drawer for knives and storage.

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Countdown to Your Wedding

Set-up room blocks for out of town guests Have fun and Register Begin Hair and Makeup Trials

6 Months Before

12 Months Before

Send Save the Dates

Tackle the Guest List

Book Honeymoon

Dream about your Wedding

Book the getaway car {if needed}

Talk Money Figure out who’s paying for what Book a venue for ceremony and reception and settle on a date

Book transportation for guests {if needed} Order Bridesmaid Dresses Purchase wedding bands

Hire a wedding planner, if you are using one

4 Months Before 10 Months Before

Select Groom and Groomsmen attire

Book an officiate Plan Rehearsal Dinner Look for the perfect dress Confirm Vendors Pick your bridal party Decide on Hair and Makeup Shop for Vendors Take Engagement Photos

8 Months Before Book the caterer, band/DJ, florist, photographer and any rentals

2 Months Before Mail Invitations Buy gifts for bridal party, parents, and your fiancĂŠ Purchase Day of Accessories

Finalize and order your dress Confirm Day of Transporation

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6 Weeks Before

48 Hours Before

Apply for Marriage License

Pick up your dress

Get Everything Printed; programs, menus, other weddingreception stationery

Put all vendor tips in envelopes. Delegate to Maid of Honor or Best Man

Confirm Arrival of Bridesmaid Dresses

Write day of balance checks that are due

Plan welcome baskets for out of town guests

Drop off welcome baskets for out of town guests to hotel

It’s Bachelorette Party Time

Wrap bridesmaids grooms gifts

and

Bridal Shower

2 Weeks Before

Day Before Reconfirm Pick up times

Final Dress Fitting Last minute dolling up Give shot list to photographer Review music with DJ/Band Review RSVP’s and wrangle up the stragglers Update the Registry

1 Week Before Final Headcount

Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner Give Bridal Party Gifts

Day of Exchange presents with your groom Give the rings to the best man and maid of honor

Finalize Seating chart Eat small, light meals Get Facials and Waxings Get Gorgeous Break in your shoes Give any last minute information to vendors

Get Married and Live Happily Ever After

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Love Story

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Casey Hendrickson and Chad Brown Story by Casey Hendrickson Photography by Connection Photography Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 17

They say if you love something to set it free, and if it comes back then it’s meant to be. I didn’t believe it at all. Back in 2012, I had just ventured into this “let’s be a photographer” business, things were tough because I had to make the decision to quit school even though I only had just a couple of classes left to graduate with a double major and a couple of minors, I had just gotten out of a rocky relationship, and things just weren’t falling into place as I’d imagined. I was hosting my first boudoir marathon that weekend at a hotel in Concord, and had my friend and makeup artist out there doing hair and makeup for our girls that signed up. After we finished with the last one, I was packing everything up to head back to my apartment when she stopped me. “Hey, uh, do you have any lunch plans?” she asked. “Nope!

Want to go together?” I responded. “Aaaactually, I kinda set you up on a blind date with a good friend of mine! He’s a sweet guy, he’s tall, handsome, and did I mention he is sweet??” WHAT. I was floored.

And scared. “I’ll even do your hair and makeup really quickly!!!” she threw in. “I guess!” I said. After getting to our lunch meeting spot, I was feeling the nerves kicking in, and honestly had no hope that it would go well. In the past, any blind date or online date I’d been on had failed miserably. Horribly. No good. Very bad dates. But I saw this guy standing at the entrance, and he met me with a genuine smile and a warm hug! “Okay,” I thought to myself, “I can do this, and maybe it won’t be as bad.” We placed our order, got to talking, and I realized that we were pretty opposite on a lot of interests, BUT he was really nice to talk to. As this blind date ended, he said he’d call me sometime.

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Over the next month, our schedules got pretty busy, but he said he’d drive down to take me out on a nice date - an official date. I knew his drive would be almost two and a half hours, so I told him I could certainly at least meet halfway, but he said no, that true men pick their ladies up - and then my heart melted! He showed up at my door, took me to a really nice restaurant in the heart of Charlotte, I made a fool of myself during dinner by accidentally half choking on my food, and you know? He just laughed it off with me. Things were really going well, so I offered to take him to the Cheesecake Factory - my treat since he drove so far. He accepted, and off we went! We had a couple of drinks, talked some more, and I realized that he was truly just a great guy!

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Well, the holidays picked up, and as a photographer, it was my busiest time. I remember one day he randomly messaged me and said he’d noticed I seemed stressed in my Facebook updates. He asked me, “Well, if you could take a vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?” Odd. I responded with the first thing that came to mind though. “A cruise to the Bahamas!” and it went silent. A week goes by, and I came home from work to find a random poster sent anonymously, and it was of some palm trees at dusk. Uh.... okay?? The next day I came home to some little drink umbrellas. What the heck. I hadn’t ordered any of this. And the next day? There was a CD of ocean sounds. I finally posted on Facebook asking what was going on, and he responded saying that although he couldn’t afford to send me on a cruise to the Bahamas, I could at least pretend with these goodies that were arriving in the mail. And my heart melted again.

I can’t even remember why, but I started having my doubts (because I’m a worrier that rethinks every big decision a million times and doubts everything) that we would be a good couple, and on Valentine’s Day of 2013, I came home to a giant and beautiful bouquet of flowers from him. I immediately started crying at how sweet this was, but also because I felt guilty. He then asked if we could be a thing, and that’s when I had to tell him I just wasn’t sure. Over that next year and a half, he stayed in my life, liking my statuses on Facebook randomly, texting me every so often to see how things were going, wishing

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me a merry Christmas and what not... I had started again to get back into the dating scene, but again it was failing big time. I jokingly posted that if any secret admirers wanted to send me a gift for that Valentine’s Day, to remember that I’d moved. Why did I post it? Because deep down, I truly wanted this boy to see it and send me something to say he was thinking of me, but I just couldn’t admit it to myself.

Nothing happened that Valentine’s day, and I decided that I’d go out on my last online date, and if it didn’t work out then it just wasn’t time. This date was so horrible that it won me a spot on the radio like they contacted me to retell the date to them that afternoon because someone from there had seen what I’d written about how bad it went. This guy had openly told me I was awkward to talk to because he didn’t know what to say to me, only wanted to tell me about his crock pot adventures, and then left me to walk across the biggest parking lot to meet him at a theater after lunch in 40mph winds with sleet, snow, and rain (because the weather was undecided at that moment apparently). I finally caught up to him, and my makeup was running down my face, my perfectly curled hair was now literally frozen to my head, and my dress that I’d spent quite a bit on was now completely drenched. What did he say?

“Wow, this weather sure is crazy!” Omg. That is the point that my heart just knew. Chad was the one.

I don’t even know how it just surfaced, but I endured that movie, and went back to my cousin’s house.

Her jaw dropped when she got a look at me, and asked me what happened. I told her it was bad, BUT that I had this guy I knew that I thought might be the one. I know I sounded crazy, but I just felt it. I texted my best friend immediately, and she demanded that I reach out to him that instant to ask him to dinner. I was scared, so I made up some story about how some friends were getting together, and I thought he’d really get along with one of the guys there.... Uh, yea, good cover. To my surprise, he texted back and said YES. But then came the question of if he was dating anyone, and I was scared to ask or even know, so I just didn’t. I found ways to randomly call or text him to make it seem like we were totally just chatting, and when the day came for my “whole gang” to get together, oh man, only my best friend and her boyfriend could go so it was now like a double date and I hoped he was okay with that!.....

“Absolutely, sweetheart!” was his response!

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That dinner went very well, my best friend approved of him, her boyfriend liked him, and even my little pup Molly seemed to enjoy his company! Winning moment! I walked him to his car since he was leaving before I was, and that’s when I made the move by asking if he’d like to hang out sometime. He gave me a hug, and said definitely. We got together over a few casual hangouts that he refused to let me pay for, and then one night it just happened. He had walked me to my car, the stars were out, I was trying to think of something witty to say, and he just kissed me. I’ve never had the perfect first kiss from anyone

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until that moment. And I knew. I still knew he was it. We made our relationship official on April 22nd of 2014, and things have never been better. He is my rock, and my great supporter. He is the most caring individual I know, and he’s extremely intelligent in so many walks of life. I’m so grateful to have him in my life, and he always jokes that he knew I’d come back because I wouldn’t be able to resist his charm ;) I guess he is right!

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Styled Shoot

Bridal Gowns that

WOW!

by Elizabeth Burgi Photography

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Dress: Alfred Sung by Dessy #D660 28 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine

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Dress: Stella York Style 5679

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Dress: Stella York Style 5852 Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 31

Photography: Elizabeth Burgi Photography | Makeup Artist: Heather Steele Vadnais and Melissa Ortega |Dress Salon: yourbigdaybridal.com

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Dress: Simply Bridal - Sally

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Dress: Aria - Samantha

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Cover Shoot

Classic Romance at a Luxury Estate

by Nikki Santerre Photography Virginia

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Gown by Watters Wrap by Carol Hannah Belt by Untamed Petals Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 37

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Gown by Watters Veil by Three Sunbeams

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Gown from Kleinfeld Veil by Posh Veils

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Gown from Kleinfeld Headpiece

by Three Sunbeams

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Photography: Nikki Santerre Photography | Styling: Glamour and Grace | Florals and Design: Amanda Burnette | Venue: Dover Hall | Makeup Artist: Sparkle Grose of Avenue 42 | Hair: Samantha Wood of Salon Voss | Assistant Artist: Annie Radigan | Models: Kara Cuba, Michelle Schmidt, and Faye Airhart | Jewelry: Thomas Laine

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Photography: Gina Kolsrud Photography | Florist: Kate Ryan Design | Venue: Bentley Projects | Coordinator and Candy Buffet: Celebrations by Amy Bacon | Hair: Andy Biggs Hair | Cater: Santa Barbara Catering | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridals from Strut Bridal | Bar: Shake it Up | DJ: Desert House Productions | Photo Booth: Snapbooth Entertainment Gown by Roz La Kelin Cakes and Cake Stand: Piece of Cake | Harpist: Meghan Elizabeth Thorr | Samba Veil by Mac PoshUp Veils Dancers : Capoeira Arizona | Limo: In the Scene Limo | Makeup: Artist Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 51

Gown from Kleinfeld Headpiece

by Three Sunbeams

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Christina and Eric Fields

by Christina Maldonado Photography Florida

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Photography: Christina Maldonado Photography| Caterer: Two Chicks and a Pot

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Rebekah and Chris Tollison

by Andie Freeman Photography Georgia Florida

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Photographer: Andie Freeman Photography | Dress Store: Affordable Bridal | Caterer: Bleu House Cafe | DJ: Groomsman Entertainment | Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Men’s Warehouse | Hair Stylist: Salon John Francis | Hair Stylist: Salon John Francis | Event Planner: Southern Sophistication Designs | Dress Designer: The J. Crew Bridal Boutique | Floral Designer: Wedding Flowers by On | Reception Venue: Thompson House and gardens

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Carolyn and Trini Santos

by Casey Hendrickson Photography California

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Photographer: Casey Hendrickson Photography//Event Planner: Disney Fairy Tale Weddings | Floral Designer: Disney Floral and Decor | Reception Venue: Disneyland Theme Park | Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Cinema and Video: Milligan Cinema | Dress Store: SPARKLE bridal couture | Jewelry: Sparkling Waters Studios

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Travel

10 Tips for an Affordable Destination Wedding A

flurry of congratulatory phone calls, social media announcements and sparkling ring pictures all mean one thing: engagement season has arrived.

With approximately 39 percent of marriage proposals taking place between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day, engaged couples are taking note of one of the fastest-growing nuptial trends - destination weddings.

wedding as soon as they get engaged. While the summer months are typically most popular for couples, when choosing a date, Cox recommends considering a Friday or weekday wedding, or planning the big day during the less-crowded but still desirable shoulder seasons (spring and fall).

These days, one in four weddings is a destination wedding, giving couples - and their guests - a reason to blend the joy of a marriage celebration with a fun and memorable vacation. Planning a destination wedding suitable for all your attendees is easier than you think, thanks to some key insights from Myrtle Beach-based expert wedding planner, Cheryl Cox.

Consider a location with something for everyone. Myrtle Beach, S.C., is the perfect example. The destination offers pristine greens for golf enthusiasts, museums and historic plantations for cultural buffs, delicious Coastal Carolina cuisine for the foodies, fun in the sun with a day at the beach or one of the many water parks, and for brides looking for some quality time with the girls, numerous spas for a day of pampering. Plus, there are plenty of lodging options for your guests including oceanfront resorts, beach home rentals and quaint bed and breakfasts.

1. Plan ahead Cox says nine to 12 months is the optimum planning time, especially for a destination wedding. Many couples start planning a destination

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2. Select a destination that caters to all guests

3. Research ceremony locations Beautiful and unique ceremony locations are one of the perks of having a destination wedding. “Research wedding venues, travel and accommodation options, and rates, then rank the venues you like best,” suggests Cox. As a Myrtle Beach wedding planner, she notes that the area’s 60 miles of stunning coastline make the perfect romantic backdrop. Whether you’re looking for a beachside wedding outside a charming beach home or at the Myrtle Beach State Park, or a historic location like Litchfield Plantation or Pine Lakes Country Club, there are countless ceremony locations to choose from. You can even tie the knot 200 feet above the ground on the Myrtle Beach Skywheel. Visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com for more information.

5. Help guests plan activities Travel is the foundation for longlasting memories. In fact, a recent Harris Interactive survey found 62

percent of adults said their earliest memories were of family vacations taken when they were between ages 5 and 10. Help your guests - particularly families with young ones - get the most out of their trip by suggesting activities or even making reservations for dinners, tee times, theme parks, museums, etc., before arrival.

6. Hire a wedding planner Planning a destination wedding doesn’t need to be stressful - hire a wedding planner. “Wedding planners know the local wedding professionals and venues including the city regulations for beach weddings,” says Cox. The perfect beach wedding can be accomplished with the help of a wedding planner as they know the ins and outs of planning a beautiful beach wedding so couples

and their guests can enjoy the true beauty of a beachside wedding.

7. Consider a pre-wedding visit “If possible, attend a local wedding show to meet wedding professionals one-on-one or plan a ‘wedding planning trip’ to visit venues and meet with wedding vendors,” Cox suggests. “Remember to take notes so you can recall all the details when you’re back home.”

8. Get wedding insurance Give yourself peace of mind by purchasing the appropriate wedding insurance. And, Cox notes, “Research to find the best coverage for your wedding - I highly recommend it.”

9. Be mindful of budget

Start your marriage off on the right financial foot by keeping your wedding on-budget. Many couples planning destination weddings find them to be similar or even more affordable than traditional weddings back home. Myrtle Beach offers a variety of wedding venue options at various price points, so you can have your dream beach wedding and still stay on a budget.

10. Enjoy!

This is perhaps the most important step of all. Don’t forget to enjoy the experience of planning this memorable day and enjoying the company of your guests. Take pictures, sample cakes, pick out flowers and remember these moments and the beautiful destination you selected. {Image by Casey Hendrickson Photography}

Pretty Pear Bride Magazine 83

Summer Issue Coming

June 2015

www.prettypearbride.com Photography by Nikki Santerre Photography