2010 Something Blue - Issue 2

Vol. 2 No. 2 Summer 2010

Featured weddings Page 20

Embellish your dress with stunning, unexpected accessories

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Thank you, Daddy.

Everything was perfect.

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1 SUMMER 2010

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

Editor’s Letter Allison Cooke Oliverius Vol. 2 No. 2

Summer 2010

Director of Business Development - Mark Wright mwright@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3143

welcome

Special Projects Editor - Allison Cooke Oliverius editor@somethingblueonline.com • 843.849.3149

I recently went shopping with my 3-yearold daughter to find a toy she could take to the beach or pool. While perusing the aisles of a big toy store, she spotted a Barbie in bathing suit. Perfect.

But then she spotted a Barbie in a Embellish you wedding dress. And then, she spotted a r dress with stunning, un expected acc essories toddler-sized wedding dress. The outfit was hilarious. It included a white top, a white skirt, an engagement ring, a veil and a bouquet of roses.

I caved in and bought it, and when we got home, I couldn’t get it out of the plastic packaging fast enough. My daughter couldn’t wait to get all dressed up.

She looked adorable and hilarious at the same time, and she was so proud.

The rest of the night, all she wanted to do was stand in front of the mirror. She would turn around and around, admiring her veil and holding her skirt like a princess. She would gaze at her “diamond” ring, and she somehow knew how to hold the bouquet in front of her when she walked down the hallway.

It was then that I had a flash forward. Someday, I’ll be the mother of the bride and my little girl will be walking down the aisle to marry someone I hope I really, really like. (I’m sure I will, because my husband and I plan to hand-pick him. And after they are married, they will live next door.)

It also made me think about how so many of us begin dreaming of our “big day” when we truly are little girls – and that when we grow up, not much changes. Brides can get downright giddy about the dress, the veil, the flowers, the ring and so much more. In fact, in this issue of Something Blue Carolina, you’ll read about several brides who describe their wedding as a “dream come true.”

Newlyweds Lindsey and Brian Tester and Angelica and Tyler Moses are perfect examples. We hope you’ll enjoy reading about how each of these couples met, fell in love and planned their big day.

This issue of Something Blue also includes articles on choosing funky wedding accessories that reflect your personality; tips on finding an elegant and chic wedding gown from familiar retail chain stores; and suggestions on the perfect roses for your bouquet.

In addition to the magazine, we at Something Blue have also created the Bridal Tip of the Week, an e-mail full of tips and trends that is delivered straight to your inbox once a week. Just visit www.somethingblueonline.com to sign up for it today.

We sincerely hope that you enjoy this issue of Something Blue Carolina and that we somehow help to make your special day everything you’ve ever dreamed of.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Featu wedd red ing Page s 20

2

Enjoy,

Allison SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

SUMMER 2010

Published by SC Biz News LLC

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M A K E T H AT DAY TO R E M E M B E R , A DAY O N T H E W AT E R .

You’ve always dreamed of a Charleston wedding. From aboard a SpiritLine Yacht, Charleston’s historic waterfront can be the backdrop for your wedding, reception or rehearsal dinner to make it a truly memorable occasion. Our planners will assist with all of the details to assure your event is all that you ever dreamed. For more information visit us at SpiritLineCruises.com or call us at 843-722-2628.

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3 W e d d i n g s • R e h e a r s a l D i n n e r s • B r i d a l S h o w e r s • C h a m p a g n e B r u nScUMMER h e s 2010 • R e cSeOMETHING p t i o n Bs LUE• CAAROLINA nniversaries

Table of Contents

Features

Cover photo by Craig Carpenter of Luster Studios

20

26 Full of heart

Just married

Surrounded by friends and family, Lindsey Yates

After seven years of dating, Angelica O’Neal and

weds Brian Tester in Blowing Rock, N.C.

Tyler Moses tie the knot in style in Lexington, S.C.

Departments Destination ........................6 Weddings that celebrate historic Greenville, S.C.

Carolina Trends..................8 Experts dish on the latest trends

Bringin’ the Bling .............12

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Embellish your wedding gown with stunning accessories

4 SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

SUMMER 2010

Let’s Get This Party Started ...................16

Etiquette ..........................38

Rehearsal dinners can be casual and fun

Here’s to a good, appropriate, touching toast

Fashion Passion ..............32

Mirror Mirror.....................40

Elegant, radiant, chic … and off the rack

Blooms and Plumes ........34 When a rose is not just a rose

No stress, no mess hair in time for the wedding

Carolina Chronicles ..........44 Fabulous weddings g in the Carolinas

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 SUMMER 2010

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

Destination: Greenville

Weddings that celebrate

historic Greenville

By Lydia Dishman

ntique floorboards that echo with the whispers of footfalls from a century’s worth of visitors. Soaring ceilings embellished with elegant architectural details. A graceful Victorian gazebo surrounded by lush border gardens.

Is your mind conjuring a picturesque English manor, or perhaps a French country estate? If so, you’d be wrong.

These gracious settings are all in Greenville, each an integral part of the city’s rich heritage.

And each is available to set the stage for unforgettable wedding ceremonies and receptions.

DESTINATION: GREENVILLE

A

6

The Gassaway Mansion (Photo/VISIO photography)

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

SUMMER 2010

Kilgore-Lewis House This historic home makes a grand first impression with its snowy white façade, soaring columns and copper roof. It rises from a gentle hill carpeted with lush green grass. The home, which sits on five acres of rolling hills, was built between 1836 and 1838 in the Palladian style. It still boasts original 4-inch heart pine floorboards fastened together with wooden pegs, as well as simulated marble baseboards and mantels, and pine doors painted to look like burlwood.

Josiah Kilgore purchased the lot and home for $1,200 in 1838. He sold the property to his daughter Mary Keziah Kilgore and her husband John Wycliffe Stokes for $5 as a token of his love and affection. Local legend has it that Mary Keziah and John were married in the front parlor.

For 130 years their descendants lived in the home, and then it was sold to a local church. After a few years, the church donated the home to the Greenville Council of Garden Clubs. The women of the council lovingly restored the home as their headquarters. In the process, they discovered a spring, presumed to be the water source for Chancellor Waddy Thompson’s home as far back as 1807.

Both the house and the spring are currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The spacious rooms, filled with natural light and furnished with antiques and reproductions, are well suited to gatherings, and the grounds of the house feature extensive gardens accented by the spring, a tranquil pond and a formal gazebo.

For more information, call 864-2323020 or visit www.kilgore-lewis.org.

The L-shaped tower of the Poinsett Hotel is one of the tallest on Greenville’s Main Street and a star in the city’s architectural crown. The hotel was named after Joel Roberts Poinsett an American statesman and Greenville resident. He was the first ambassador to Mexico in 1820 and is most known for bringing the Christmas flower, the poinsettia, back to the United States.

Gassaway Mansion The Gassaway Mansion is the largest house in the Upstate (22,000 square feet) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located just one mile from downtown Greenville, this regal home was designed and built in the Roaring ’20s by Minnie Quinn, a hotel proprietress who married textile executive Walter Gassaway. The brick

Top: The Kilgore-Lewis House (Photo/Goodman Photography) Bottom: The Poinsett Ballroom at the Poinsett Hotel (Photo provided)

structure is reminiscent of the classical symmetry of Palladian-style architecture with its massive pillars and portico.

However, the mansion also boasts a grand stone tower that would make a medieval princess sigh.

Inside, the Gassaway Mansion has a dramatic mahogany staircase that affords the bride a sweeping entrance. Waterford crystal chandeliers cast a golden glow over Italian tile floors and walls covered in mahogany and cherry.

Gassaway offers complete planning services. For more information, call 864-271-0188 or visit www.gassawaymansion.com

•

SUMMER 2010

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

DESTINATION: GREENVILLE

The Poinsett Hotel

The hotel is Poinsett’s in name only, as it was constructed by W.L Stoddard in 1925. Despite its being built during the Roaring ’20s, its details are less Art Deco and more neo-classical with high arching windows, corbels and dentil moldings. The Poinsett Hotel’s lobby features elegant black and white terrazzo tiles and crystal chandeliers set into soaring coffered ceilings.

At the Poinsett, couples have two rooms to select from, each carefully restored to reflect the grace of a bygone era. The Gold Ballroom boasts the Midas touch on everything from its ornately carved ceiling medallions to the lavish window treatments and table linens. The Poinsett Room is a study in serene blue.

For more information, call 864-4219700 or visit http://www.starwoodhotels. com/westin/property/overview/index. html?propertyID=1255.

7

Carolina Trends

Tips and trends from experts throughout the Carolinas

By Wendy Swat Snyder

CAROLINA TRENDS

Abundant with local resources and natural choices, the Carolinas offer something perfect for everyone. Discover what suits your wedding plans best and make the most of everything around you.

8

Give Back

Rustic

Find a truly unique gift or something special for your new home at Ten Thousand Villages in Greenville, S.C. One of the world’s largest and oldest fair trade organizations, the shop showcases distinctive home decor, textiles, tabletop items and giftware handcrafted by artisans in 38 countries. Your purchases help to support the work of men and women in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Gift registry available. http://greenville.tenthousandvillages.com.

Surrounded by lush green fields of wheat and corn, this antique dairy barn was hand-built five generations ago with local pine. It has been faithfully restored and transformed into a rustic venue by the Fryar family of McLeansville, N.C. The Hayloft offers an earthy combination of working farm and tricked-out barn featuring a spacious loft, grand stairway, starry lights and the necessary conveniences to facilitate your event. www.nchayloft.com.

Farm Fresh

Dream Dress

Throw a dinner party that will take your culinary chops to a new level.

The Farm to Table program at Woodlands Inn of Summerville, S.C., guides you and your guests through the harvest and preparation of seasonal fare, fresh from a local farm. Dine against the backdrop of a historic plantation resort while chef and farmer work side by side to create sustainable cuisine at South Carolina’s only Five Star, Five Diamond hotel and restaurant. www.woodlandsinn.com.

Your wedding day is no time to compromise. Find the gown of your dreams for a price you can manage at White House Bridal in Summerville, S.C. This high-end consignment shop offers new, sample and gently worn wedding gowns off the rack by some of today’s hottest designers. White House Bridal also carries jewelry, handbags, veils, hair accessories, flower girl dresses and special attire for the ring bearer. www.whitehousebridal.com.

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

SUMMER 2010

Casual Rehearsal Dinners to Elegant Wedding Receptions We serve Southern hospitality at its Ànest

CAROLINA TRENDS

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA 800.538.0003 843.762.9200 843.762.6040 FAX www.FOODFORTHESOUTHERNSOUL.com

HOME OF TIDEWATER CATERING AND BLACKJACK BARBECUE9 SUMMER 2010

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

Carolina Trends

Whatever You Can Dream..

We can Do. Middleton Place 4300 Ashley River Road Charleston, SC 29414

Banner Photo ograp g hy hy

www.middletonplace.org (843) 556-6020

Ceremonies  Receptions  Rehearsal Dinners Luncheons  Wedding Coordination

Cheers Thanks to a change in South Carolina state legislation, craft breweries are now on the tour circuit — making them one of the newest event venues for thirty enthusiasts. Coast Brewing Co. in Charleston, S.C., features a variety of original brews for sampling, including IPA, ales and stouts. A recent creation dubbed “Blackbeerd,” the Imperial Stout is barrel-aged and as swarthy as its namesake, the infamous pirate who blockaded Charleston Harbor. www.coastbrewing.com.

Make Your Event a Historic Occasion Enjoy the timeless elegance of Columbia’s historic properties

SECTION C AROLINA TRENDS

Weddings | Rehearsals | Showers | Private Parties

The Big Apple As a former synagogue from the 1900s to a popular 1930s nightclub, the Big Apple’s spacious floor plan and hardwood floors provide the perfect setting for unique events.

803.252.7742, ext. 11

10 SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

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HistoricColumbia.org

Sweet Nothings

Hot Shots

Photo/ David Keller Photography

For a light-hearted take on the wedding cake, consider a multi-tiered presentation of exquisite miniatures from Magnolia Wedding Cakes of Charleston, S.C. Magnolia creates traditional cakes and delicious, lavishly decorated single cheesecake “bites,” artfully arranged in the flavor of your choice. magnoliaweddingcakes@gmail.com

Surprise your sweetheart with a wedding album for his eyes only. Charleston-based Dana K Photography travels the country consulting with brides and grooms who want to say “I love you” in their own unique style. Already a West Coast trend, Dana K offers nontraditional “rock the dress” shoots, bridal boudoir albums, and guest book photo albums that feature guests signing in and hamming it up for the camera. www.danakphotography.com.

Peanuts CAROLINA TRENDS

A landmark since 1935, Cromer’s P-Nuts of Columbia, S.C., takes the tasty little legume to new heights with a variety of flavors and fun gift ideas. Roasted fresh on the premises, they’re available by the sack, packed in an old-timey tin or arranged in a gift box with an assortment of goodies like peanut brittle, popcorn and multi-flavored cotton candy. www.cromers.com.

11 SUMMER 2010

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

BRINGIN’ THE BLING

Bringin’ the Bling

12 SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

SUM UMMER U MM 2010 MM

Left: Lauren Hill Haberkorn discovered her dream necklace while searching for a bridesmaid dress. (Photo/Luster Studios) Above: This necklace, called “Theodore,” was designed by Greenville, S.C., jeweler llyn Strong. (Photo provided)

By Lydia Dishman

Other ways to

D

espite all the hours of planning and a seemingly endless list of details, many brides agree that their wedding day happens in the blink of an eye. But

even though it’s over in a flash, you’ll have treasured memories to last a lifetime — not to mention plenty of photos.

BRINGIN’ THE BLING

It goes without saying that brides want to look their best for the hundreds of photographs they’ll be smiling in that day. And if you are like so many brides-to-be, your personal to-do list might look something like this: dress, hair, makeup, dress, manicure, headpiece, oh yes, and dress. The all-important gown may take center stage, but it can also act as a blank canvas to embellish with stunning accessories.

Paula Dawkins, the owner of Jewels that Dance, a custom jewelry design gallery in Asheville, N.C., encourages brides to consider the style of the wedding dress as a starting point to select unique jewelry that reflects their personal taste. But Dawkins notes, that doesn’t have to mean a simple string of white pearls. Instead she says, “This is your day to make a statement, you are setting a theme with how you look,” and urges even traditional brides to play with different colors, styles and shapes to create a thoroughly memorable look.

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SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

Bringin’ the Bling

Classic with a twist Dawkins says a strapless frothy dress just begs for oversized, eye-catching pieces.

Think dazzling drop earrings, which Dawkins points out can also lengthen the neck and lend gazelle-like grace to the upper body. She recommends opals for their milky iridescence that come in a variety of shades from pale to deep.

True romantics should consider wearing colored precious stones based on their meanings. Dawkins says rubies signify passion, sapphires stand for loyalty and emeralds for the heart.

Contemporary To balance the simple lines of a sleek sheath-like gown, Tahitian pearls are

an eclectic alternative to their plainer cousins.

Paola Atehorta, a sales associate at llyn Strong in Greenville, S.C., points out that the color variance in Tahitian pearls lends depth and a modern flair around the neck. Owner llyn Strong recently designed a necklace and heartshaped pendant she calls “Theodore.”

The sculptural heart drop is set with 18k rose, yellow and white gold, and frosted with diminutive cognac diamonds and rubies and a South Sea pearl head. A chunky strand of dyed South Sea chocolate pearls completes the statement.

Lauren Hill Haberkorn of Raleigh, N.C., discovered the necklace of her dreams while searching for a bridesmaid dress in Pennsylvania.

“It was just the piece to complete my wedding day ensemble,” Haberkorn said of the piece that includes three strands of pearls accented with a silk organza flower and a gemstone pendant.

Free spirit

BRINGIN’ THE BLING

There’s no better day to showcase your unconventional tastes than your wedding. Atehorta says llyn Strong’s angel wing earrings would be most appropriate sharing center stage with a special vintage find or your grandmother’s wedding dress. Set with 10 round faceted cognac diamonds and 18k rose gold Art Deco earring jackets set with champagne diamonds, these airy wings will swing delicately on your earlobes and cast their golden sparkle across your face all day long.

Girls that love all things gothic can scour antique shops to uncover flashing marcasite stones and Victorian jet beads to add a striking touch to a form-fitting mermaid dress.

Helena Krodel of Jewelers of America, a national trade association, points out that vintage styles are best suited for cool metals such as platinum and white gold.

“Vintage and vintage-inspired jewels say the person is passionate, optimistic and hopelessly romantic.” says Krodel.

14 SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

SUMMER 2010

RIDAL MORE RESSES JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

B D

&

Specializing in Sizes 16-34 Bridal Bridesmaids Accessories Tuxedo Rentals

llyn Strong’s angel wing earrings are the perfect complement to a vintage wedding dress.

(Photo provided)

Rainbow bright

Now accepting reservations for our trip to Charleston to meet with local vendors/venues. Call today to reserve your space.

3031 Scottsman Road • Columbia, SC 29223 (803) 530-2449 • www.bridaldressesandmore.com

BRINGIN’ THE BLING

Just can’t do without the dazzle of diamonds? Then go for them — in color. Robert May, executive director of the Natural Color Diamond Association, says, “You have three dimensions: tone, hue and saturation, and they never quite hit the same.

When it comes to bridal, that’s perfect.”

Atehorta says diamonds come in virtually every shade, thanks to the presence of additional trace elements added when the diamond was forming. Radiation and pressure on the crystal will also change the color.

If you’re on a budget, you can get the same look for a fraction of the cost with cubic zirconia or semi-precious gemstones. Krodel says pink and green are especially hot colors right now.

“There are an abundance of pretty pink gemstones including morganite, kunzite, pink sapphire and pink tourmaline,” she notes. Green has become more popular this year for weddings in general, says Krodel, adding that “Going green” has spurred interest in all things verdant.

When making the final choice, Paula Dawkins reminds brides to look at the big picture. “Think of how you’ll be seen not just from the front. You want something that looks good at any angle.”

Interested in a destination wedding but not sure where to begin?

•

15 SUMMER 2010

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

Let’s Get This Party Started!

Mix up it

Rehearsal dinners can be casual and fun

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

oodma B y Anne W

No one sets out to plan a stuffy wedding weekend. But by the time brides and grooms juggle family commitments and check off lengthy to-do lists, the original concept of a laidback and relaxed weekend may have moved to the back burner.

These days, some couples see a definite potential for fun on the night of their rehearsal dinner. Even wedding ceremonies steeped in tradition and formality can do with a little shaking up the night before.

16 SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

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n

April Rush, sales manager at the Matthews House in Cary, N.C., said part of the shift from formal to more casual for rehearsal dinners may be driven by the economy. The Matthews House is a hotspot for rehearsal dinners, as well as wedding ceremonies and receptions. But they can also simply cater the rehearsal dinner if a family chooses to hold the rehearsal event off-site at a park or in a friend’s backyard. In that case, the family can provide the beer and wine and make the atmosphere more like a family reunion.

“Many couples are choosing a more relaxed atmosphere for the rehearsal dinner,” said Rush. “We see ‘casual attire’ on the invitation, with men in khaki shorts and flip flops and women in sundresses.”

Wedding planner Shannon Sumrall of Green Light Weddings said the reason couples may choose casual is to do something different, a contrast with the more formal wedding day.

“Couples often like to do a picnic or pig pickin’. This is especially popular

Non-traditional all the way

Olivia and Corey Palakovich at their rehearsal dinner. (Photo provided)

when people have guests who are not from the South — they can give a taste of North Carolina barbecue without serving it at the wedding,” Sumrall said.

For Corey and Olivia Palakovich, the rehearsal dinner was a chance to honor Corey’s Polish heritage. Corey, executive chef at The Raleigh Times Bar, knew the food would be an important part of the wedding weekend. One of the couple’s favorite restaurants, J Betski’s, catered the event on the fifth-floor rooftop of 230 Fayetteville St. in Raleigh.

“We actually went away from the traditional on everything,” said Corey.

“We coordinated a lot of it ourselves and didn’t add much to the venue because of its natural feel.”

“Even his family hadn’t tried such traditional Polish fare,” said Olivia. “We tried to make sure there was something everyone could eat, from my pregnant bridesmaids to the children. We also served beer in buckets and hooked our iPod up to the Bose stereo system.”

In late April 2010, Corey and Olivia and their family and friends enjoyed the view from the large glass walls and glass doors overlooking Fayetteville Street

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

17 SUMMER 2010

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

Let’s Get This Party Started! while dining on foods like schnitzel and veal paprikash.

Traditional with a twist Family was also a strong theme when Deborah Loehr began planning her son, Ryan’s, rehearsal dinner. Ryan’s wedding to Claire took place at Christ Episcopal Church in downtown Raleigh, and Loehr wanted the rehearsal dinner to be close by and “traditional with a twist.”

They chose Sitti, a restaurant whose name means grandmother in Lebanese, where food is served family style. “We don’t have any Lebanese family connections, but we loved that family is at the heart of the restaurant,” said Loehr. Under a tent in Sitti’s courtyard, guests dined on fare like grouper with orange sauce.

Greening up the festivities

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Jason and Rachel Guthrie first wanted All Saints Chapel in Raleigh for their December 2009 wedding, but the

Guests at Lindsey Yates and Brian Tester’s rehearsal dinner in June 2009 were treated to barbecue and tunes from White Water Blue Grass Co. from Asheville, N.C. (Photo/Katie Langley)

venue was not big enough for all of their guests. A while later, when searching for a place to hold the rehearsal dinner, they realized because they had fewer guests to seat for the Friday night event, they would get the chance to experience All Saints after all.

“When we were looking at places, we

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18 SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

SUMMER 2010

felt that the hotels were very vanilla; they wouldn’t have been unique or personal to us,” said Jason. “All Saints had the character we wanted.”

The couple’s personality came out in the choice of Beau Catering, owned by Beau Bennett. “We liked that Beau uses local and organic products,” said Rachel. “We got a personalized experience and felt that we got a higher quality food product.”

Most of all, the Guthries wanted their rehearsal dinner to be a good time for families to sit, talk and have a good time.

An opportunity to imprint your personal, casual style “We have had couples do luaus, barbecues and Italian nights, like a little piece of Italy here in Cary,” said Rush.

“We see rehearsal dinners go from one extreme to another. They are an excellent chance to show off your own personal style.”

•

If you decide to turn traditional on its head, consider…

For the Perfect Southern Wedding…

A beautifully designed, barn-inspired pavilion with southern charm awaits you!

This unique ceremony and reception site located within a picturesque equestrian community only minutes away from Charleston...

Spacious open hall area with exposed timber roof truss…

“Lowcountry Style” Wrap-around Porches…

Bowling with your friends and family.

At The Alley, a retro bowling alley across from NC State University in Raleigh, staff welcomes groups and can help coordinate a menu and bowling shoes.

Indoor and Outdoor Fireplaces…

Lakeside lawn with Patio and Fire-pit…

Dock and Gazebo….

Damon R. Smith Photography

1145 Chandler Road, Awendaw, SC 29429 (843) 270-9648 www.pepperpavilion.com

Heading to the ball park. The Durham Bulls Athletic Park holds events, too. Why not take your guests to a game? Friday nights in the summer offer fireworks to top off the evening.

EiWWf 9[Xfe

Visiting the museum. The North Carolina Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural Sciences can help you plan your event on-site.

363 ½ King St, Downtown Charleston 843.297.8674

357 N. Shelmore Blvd, I’On Village 843.388.7495

www.christophechocolatier.com SUMMER 2010

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Taking a tour of downtown Raleigh… on Segways. “We can do private tours with your group,” said owner Todd Massiter.

“So far, the most popular wedding weekend outing is when the whole groom’s side comes in the day of the wedding before it’s time for the ceremony.” But when you’re throwing traditional ideas out the window, why not try Segway for all your friends and family right before or after the rehearsal dinner?

19

Feature Story

Full of

heart

By Anne Woodman

Photography by Katie Langley

M

eet Lindsey Tester: bubbly, friendly, a little on the impulsive side. And her husband Brian? He’s polite, respectful and dependable. They may seem like

opposites, but when you talk to Lindsey and Brian Tester separately, they both say the other one’s best quality is FEATURE STORY

a big heart. Caring for others seems to be the place they meet in the middle.

20 SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

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FEATURE STORY

21 SUMMER 2010

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

Feature Story

The former Lindsey Yates and Brian Tester met while attending Watauga High School in Boone, N.C. But after graduation, their paths did not cross much for the next 10 years.

After high school, Brian, a year older than Lindsey, went to play baseball for Appalachian State University and then LenoirRhyne University. Meanwhile, Lindsey climbed the career ladder at a bank in Boone.

Several years later, Lindsey’s cousin got engaged to one of Brian’s best friends, and the couple suggested Brian call Lindsey, but time went by. Finally, the couple invited Brian and Lindsey out to dinner with a group of friends at Twigs Restaurant in Blowing Rock.

“Is that Lindsey? Wow,” Brian recalled thinking as he looked down the table full of friends.

“It was like a spark lit up inside of me when I saw Brian,” said Lindsey.

Later, Lindsey went over and sat next to Brian and they ended up talking the rest of the night.

Soon after the two started dating, Lindsey’s mother, Susie Cox, knew the relationship was something special.

“Lindsey would tell me about little things Brian would do, and she’d always say, ‘Mom, he’s the best,’” Cox said. “She seemed more relaxed — more herself.”

By the time Brian was ready to propose, the couple had looked at rings

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22 SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

SUMMER 2010

together. But Brian had a surprise up his sleeve. He asked Cox and Lindsey’s sister, Emily Yates, out to lunch to let them know he wanted to ask Lindsey to marry him. And he started planning a special proposal night at the Gamekeeper Restaurant in Boone, the site of their first date. A friend helped him reserve the bar area and Emily helped invite friends and family in secret.

The night of the proposal, Brian was getting dressed when he discovered a note from Lindsey in his pocket. Months earlier, she had slipped in the note to wish him luck on a big presentation at work. As he prepared to meet Lindsey at the Gamekeeper, her note cheering him on, telling him that even though he was nervous he would do great, lent an even more special feeling to the evening.

On Sept. 20, 2008, Brian proposed at dinner, and more than 50 friends and family hid in a nearby room and then gathered in the bar to celebrate afterwards.

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Feature Story “One of our biggest connections is that we have strong ties to our families,” Lindsey said. Both of them were excited to have friends and family nearby as they prepared for their future together.

Not long after the engagement, Lindsey began shopping for a gown. She tried on several and eventually found one in Charlotte, N.C., from the Alfred Angelo

Collection. “The pick-ups on my dress reminded me of Cinderella,” she said.

By June 2009, both Lindsey and Brian were ready for the wedding weekend.

Lindsey worked with Brian’s parents to plan the rehearsal dinner at the Blowing Rock Country Club’s Lake House.

“Their goal was for everyone to have a good time with no tension,” said Cox.

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SUMMER 2010

To accomplish that goal, Brian’s mother used her flair for decorating to create a casual, festive scene. She adorned the red-and-white-checked tables with flowers from her own garden, including daisies and geraniums.

Lindsey’s friends and bridesmaids wore cowboy boots with their dresses, and one of her bridesmaids and her mom, both clog instructors, gave dance lessons.

The group ate barbecue and danced to the tunes of the White Water Blue Grass Co. from Asheville, N.C. “My parents listened to 10 different bluegrass bands before they found the right one,” said Brian.

On June 20, 2009, Lindsey and her 10 bridesmaids and Brian and his 10 groomsmen arrived at First Baptist Church in Blowing Rock, along with over 300 guests. The colors Lindsey chose were chocolate brown and pink, which she had always wanted.

The flower girls were sisters who Lindsey babysat from the time they were in diapers, and the ringbearer was Lindsey’s cousin’s son.

The wedding day was Brian’s turn to be surprised. “As soon as the ringbearer walked through the doors, I saw it — the first baseball glove I ever had. It was

pretty special,” he said. Perched atop the glove were the couple’s wedding rings.

“The moment in the wedding that sticks with me the most was when the church doors opened for me to walk down the aisle to meet Brian,” said Lindsey. “I was so nervous but so incredibly happy.”

Lindsey’s mother agreed. “One of the most special moments for me was turning to watch her walk down the aisle. And I felt that the minister’s message was personally tailored to them.”

After the ceremony, Lindsey and Brian rode in a horse-drawn carriage from Carolina Carriage Co. to their reception at Blowing Rock Country Club. “The horse and buggy added a fairy tale element to our wedding,” Lindsey said.

The couple wanted to make sure guests felt relaxed and low-key at the reception. People visited with each other and danced to the music of Laditude, a local band, while also participating in time-honored traditions like the bouquet and garter toss.

“The reception was a blast — it was one huge party and my favorite part,” said Brian.

Something borrowed. Lindsey borrowed a solitaire diamond necklace that

When the festivities ended, Lindsey and Brian rolled out of the reception in a 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II and spent the night at the Gideon Ridge Inn. The following week, they took off for a honeymoon in the Bahamas. “The moment that it hit me we were really married was when we were in the airport, getting ready to leave for the Bahamas,” said Brian.

“She said her last name was Tester.”

The couple has plenty to look forward to in the years ahead. Lindsey, a customer service representative at United Community Bank in Blowing Rock, and Brian, a plant manager for Skyline Telephone Corp. in Boone, are building a new home and will move in

by Christmas.

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from a very special friend. This necklace also served as her something old.

Something blue. Her “something blue” was a David Yurman ring Brian gave her the night of the rehearsal as a wedding gift.

Something new. Lindsey’s “something said made her feel “like a princess!!” She also wore new Stuart Weitzman shoes accented with crystals and a bow, which were a gift from a special friend that owns

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new” was her wedding dress, which she

25 SUMMER 2010

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

FEATURE STORY

Feature Story

26 SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

SUMMER 2010

Just

By DeeDee Filiatreault Photography by Travis Bell Photographers

married A

ngelica O’Neal and Tyler Moses lived just five houses apart during high school.

Seven years later, they’re sharing a roof — and a new life as husband and wife.

It all started in the smoldering summer heat of Lexington, S.C., where then-Lexington High School senior Tyler started hanging out at his petite blonde neighbor’s pool. He was trying to catch the cute cheerleader’s eye but ended up mostly talking to Angel’s parents.

“He was my mom’s favorite a, right off the bat,” says Angelica, Angel for short, with a goodnatured laugh. “He won her over before he won me over.”

But it wasn’t long before the boyishly handsome soccer player had won Angel’s heart too — with a little help from above, you might say.

Tyler invited Angel to tag along on a “star party” for his astronomy class, which consisted of a night spent looking at the heavens for planets and constellations.

That night became the start of something big — a seven-year journey full of transitions from high school romance all the way to the altar.

“Out of seven years being together, probably about four of those we’ve lived in different cities,” Tyler said.

While Tyler stayed in Columbia to study chemical engineering at the Univ versity of South Carolina,

FEATURE STORY

27 SUMMER 2010

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

Feature Story

Angel (one year his junior) left for college at USC-Aiken. After being separated a year, she became a Gamecock herself. But they weren’t reunited long before Tyler graduated and took a job at a nuclear power plant in Charlotte, N.C.,

where the couple now resides.

After six years together (and so often apart), Angel was eager to make things official. But her graduation was more than a year away, and she thought her dreams of an engagement were still a

long way off. She underestimated Tyler.

On May 5, 2009, Tyler wrote in white chocolate on the biggest strawberries he could find these fateful words: “Marry Me.” Placing the berries on a tray with a certain blue box in the middle, he shoved the whole thing into the oven for safekeeping.

Later, as Angel waited in the car to leave for a night of Cinco de Mayo enchiladas, Tyler pretended he’d forgotten his wallet (an absent-minded habit of his) and dashed back into the apartment to set the stage for their return.

“I put the tray out, I had rose petals everywhere, I had it set up perfect,” Tyler said. “Then we drove to the restaurant and I realized I really had forgotten my wallet!”

To make matters worse, Tyler was pulled over by police on his way to retrieve the wallet.

After dinner at a Spanish restaurant

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(by that time, the area’s Mexican restaurants were all full), they finally ended up back home, where Tyler got down on one knee.

“I just went numb,” Angel said. “If you’ve ever seen the old Charlie Brown films and the sound the teacher makes — that’s what he sounded like. I was just in unbelievable shock. So he really had to ask me twice!”

But once he placed the ring on her finger (a round Tiffany diamond surrounded by bead-set ribbons of more diamonds), Angel said “yes” — at least once.

That evening launched a year’s worth of planning for the big event, set for May 22, 2010, all while Angel was busy finishing school in Columbia and Tyler was beginning his engineering career in Charlotte.

Choosing where to get married was perhaps the simplest decision of all.

Both families call Mt. Horeb United

Methodist Church in Lexington their church home; in fact, Tyler and Angel had both been part of the youth group there.

One of the oldest and largest churches

in Lexington, Mt. Horeb’s modern new sanctuary with its rich red carpeting and striking stained glass scene overlooking the pulpit provided the perfect venue for a wedding Angel and Tyler hoped would

FEATURE STORY

29 SUMMER 2010

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

Feature Story

be heartfelt for their 300 guests.

It would certainly be hot — an unavoidable reality in South Carolina’s Midlands.

“Hotness I didn’t care about,” Angel said. “Sun was all I was hoping for.”

She got her wish with a perfect, shiny 90-degree day, albeit a steamy one for Tyler and the groomsmen in their black tuxedos with platinum vests.

The bride, meanwhile, was all loveliness in a pure white cloud of feathery tulle and icy chandelier earrings. She had discovered the couture strapless

FEATURE STORY

Cake, delicious cake

30

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gown at Bella Vista Bridal Boutique in downtown Columbia and fell in love with its intricate beadwork and flowing train.

It was a dramatic dress that called for a dramatic entry.

Just before the doors opened for Angel’s father to walk her down the aisle lined with pillar candelabras, a bagpiper in full Scottish array led the way, filling the sanctuary with the popular wedding song “Highland Cathedral.”

Angel carried a satin-wrapped clutch of blush and light lavender roses adorned with sparkly stems of crystals.

In striking contrast, her eight bridesmaids wore black chiffon halter dresses with black satin peek-toe shoes. The flower girl — Angel’s cousin — wore a satin dress with a pearl-lined neckline handmade by the child’s mother (who had once been the flower girl in Angel’s mother’s wedding).

After the announcement of Tyler and Angel as man and wife, the bagpiper played again while the guests erupted in applause.

Waiting to whisk them to their reception at the nearby Lexington Municipal Center was a 1953 mint-green Bentley, on loan from a family friend. Blinds in the back window announced the pair “Just Married.”

Friends crowded the hall’s foyer and ballroom, which were lined with two bars and buffet tables overflowing with Southern delicacies such as shrimp and grits, barbeque meatballs, and pimento cheese sandwiches (catered by Simply Delicious of Columbia).

But taking center stage was the cake.

Reminiscent of a stack of hatboxes, the four-layer confection by Parkland Cakes was draped with delicate swags of icing.

And peeking through the blush bouquet on top was a silver M for the bride’s new name, sparkling with rhinestones.

As guests made their way to the dance floor, the couple pulled another surprise out of their hat, this time by trading in the traditional first dance for a performance of the rumba.

Tyler had secretly enrolled the couple in ballroom dancing lessons at Vista Ballroom, where their instructor had choreographed a one-of-a-kind version of the sultry Latin dance for the pair to perform.

“I was not prepared to dance in my dress,” Angel acknowledged. “We had to do some maneuvering because it was just huge!”

Underneath it all, the bride was doing those steps in a bejeweled pair of 4 ½-inch platform heels from the pageant store Dazzles, shoes she ended up dancing in until midnight.

As the party wound down, Angel kept her veil but stepped into a show-stopping going-away outfit — a short white halter dress dotted with rhinestones and strands of white chiffon.

When the couple finally stole away for an idyllic honeymoon in St. Bart’s, guests blew bubbles in a jubilant sendoff then each went home with a bottle of Texas Pete, a hot sauce that Angel says is one of her greatest loves.

“Everyone was on our side to get together since day one,” said Angel.

(The couple has begun settling into

their new life in Charlotte, where she is now job hunting in her field of public health.) “Through faith in God, through our families being so supportive, and through our commitment to each other, I guess that’s how we did it.”

That and a healthy dose of the spice of life.

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Something old. In remembrance of her grandmother who passed away while Angel was in high school, the bride wore her grandmother’s wedding band and engagement ring. The two had been soldered into one band, which was so tiny Angel wore it on her pinkie finger.

Something new. Most of Angel’s ensemble was new, including the silver ankle bracelet Tyler sent to Angel through a groomsman just before she walked down the aisle.

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brooch in blues of royal, cornflower and lapis, which had belonged to the grandmother of one of Angel’s closest friends.

Something blue. While the brooch

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both borrowed and blue, the seamstress who made Angel’s alterations – as a gift to the new bride – embroidered Angel’s new initials in blue on the inside of her wedding gown.

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could have served double-duty as

31

Fashion Passion

, c i h c , t Elegan . . . d n a t radian k c a r e h t off n Drulard

By Shelley Gibso

e popped the question, now it’s time to o

H

shop for the dress. The one that will make you feel like a princess and take

his breath away the moment he sees you walking g down the aisle.

But where will you shop? While most women immediately make a list of local boutiques to visit, it a growing i number of brides are turning to familiar stores – like Anne Taylor and J. Crew – to find the dress of their dreams.

FASHION PASSION

To boutique or not to boutique Buying the perfect dress is a rite of passage. It is such an important part of the wedding that cable channel TLC even created a show called Say Yes to the Dress. The show is based on brides shopping at New York’s Klienfeld Bridal, a world-premier bridal salon where the staff goes to all measures to ensure each bride finds the dress of her dreams.

Visiting a bridal boutique definitely has its advantages, beginning with the assistance of a knowledgeable bridal consultant who is there to make you feel special and assist you at every turn. And she’s offering champagne to everyone in your dress-finding party? Even better!

Here comes the bride 32

While most bridal boutiques certainly SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

SUMMER 2010

do roll out the red carpet for brides, a growing number of retail chains are beginning to attract brides as well, but for different reasons.

Stores like Ann Taylor, White House Black Market and J. Crew are offering bridal wear with great styles, beautiful fabrics, flattering silhouettes and affordable prices. Brides are finding that the stores they frequent for everyday wear are the perfect places to go for wedding wear. And brides don’t seem to care that there aren’t hundreds of dresses to chose from or that a personal consultant is missing from the dressing room.

White House Black Market is fairly new to the wedding dress business. Dayna Isom, the company’s senior public relations specialist, knows that women come to White House Black Market for beautiful clothes and accessories for

many occasions in life.

“We recognized that we’re already dressing her for these important moments, so we decided to create a bridal collection for one of the most special, important and memorable days in her life – her actual wedding day.”

When Susan LaMantia Nolan of Lothian, Md., began planning her Charleston, S.C., wedding, she knew exactly what she wanted in a dress. “I wanted something traditional, and yet, I knew I wanted something simple and elegant, but fun.” After seeing J. Crew’s Sophia gown online, she knew it was the one. Nolan did visit one bridal boutique, but had no luck. While many of the dresses were beautiful, she said, they all just fell short.

While Ann Taylor, White House Black Market and J. Crew stores are lo-

cated through the Southeast, only the J. Crew store at Lenox Square in Atlanta carries bridal wear. Brides do, however, have the option to shop online.

But shopping retail … for a wedding dress … online?

Point and click

Selection, convenience and budget-friendly, too Let’s not forget price. With an unstable economy, couples preparing to start a life together are discovering that wedding style doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

“I’m a frugal gal when it comes to this sort of thing,” said Nolan. “I didn’t feel the need to spend thousands of dollars on the dress.”

According to Mora, “There was a void in the market between the top of the top of the top and the bottom tier. We saw an opportunity to offer timeless sophistication with a bit of a twist and incredible quality and fabrications.” J. Crew carries more than 50 gowns that range in price from $295 to $2,295. Each season they add new styles, colors and overall options to the collection.

Ann Taylor’s spokesman explained that the Ann Taylor quality has improved, but the prices have not changed.

Ann Taylor’s three wedding dresses are

Left: Susan LaMantia Nolan selected a dress from J. Crew for her wedding day.

(Photo provided) Right: White House Black Market currently offers one limited edition bridal gown, but plans to add more this summer. (Photo provided) $275 to $495. While keeping the price so low for something that can be as extravagant as a wedding dress is a challenge, he said that the company offers unique designs with beautiful silhouettes, varieties of colors and fabrics. They plan to add more bridal and bridesmaids dresses and accessories every quarter.

White House Black Market currently features one limited edition bridal gown at $498. In August 2010, three new gowns, as well as new bridesmaid options, accessories and jewelry will be available.

•

SUMMER 2010

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

FASHION PASSION

With popular sites like theknot.com and WeddingChannel.com, brides are already spending a lot of time planning their weddings online.

“Brides are attracted to the ease of online shopping,” said a spokesman for Ann Taylor. “They are already familiar with the brand and know what they expect.”

Being comfortable with the brand is a big reason online retail wedding business is growing. Tom Mora, head of wedding design at J. Crew, believes that their brides come to J. Crew looking for timeless and sophisticated design for that special day. “She knows that our sizing is consistent with the rest of our collection, unlike many bridal companies.”

Nolan said she wasn’t hesitant to order her dress because she was familiar with J. Crew’s clothing. “I had ordered J. Crew dresses in the past and had always been pleased,” she said.

“J. Crew can outfit the entire wedding party. Everyone who walks down the aisle from the bride and groom to the attendants, the mother-of-the-bride, the little ones and also special guests,” Mora said.

Like J. Crew, Ann Taylor and White House Black Market also offer bridesmaids dresses, as well as looks for parties and the honeymoon. The retailers have wedding specialists dedicated to helping brides order the correct size, coordinate her dress with available shoes and accessories, and make sure she is satisfied with the purchase when it arrives. The return policies are typical and straightforward.

Ann Taylor’s spokesman points out that by offering dresses online there is unlimited shelf space so they can offer a vast supply of colors and sizes. They can also reach brides across the country – and beyond.

33

Blooms & Plumes

When a rose is not just a rose

By Lydia Dishman Photos by David Richardson Photography

When Taryn Kraimer Scher was planning her Greenville, BLOOMS & PLUMES

S.C., wedding last year, she knew right away that she’d be carrying roses down the aisle.

“I love roses,” Kraimer Scher said.

“I think they’re classic and timeless.”

34 SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

SUMMER 2010

Kraimer Scher chose to use one single color of rose. She carried a lush clutch of raspberry-colored buds, which she knew would “just pop beautifully in photos.”

An event planner by trade, Kraimer Scher was used to paying very close attention to such tiny details and her dedication paid off. When the bride looks back at her wedding photos, she can see that the vibrant hue of the buds does pop. It also compliments the blush in her cheeks and the color of her groom’s pocket square. Her bridesmaids carried similar nosegays in a delicate, paler pink that contrasted with the deeper fuchsia of their dresses.

Kraimer Scher is just one of a long line of brides to carry a rose bouquet down the aisle. Roses have been the flower of choice for brides since Ancient Greece and Rome. The California Cut Flower Commission says “Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but roses remain the romantic token of choice.” It estimates more than 1.4 billion roses are sold annually.

But that doesn’t mean a bunch of roses has to be ordinary. Here are some tips on how to bring out the natural beauty of these perennial favorites and how to preserve the bouquet so you can enjoy it for years to come.

Bits of bling Woven into Kraimer Scher’s bouquet from TWIGS, a floral design boutique in Greenville, were subtle silver wires tipped with sparkling crystals that mirrored the delicate beads strewn across the bodice of her gown and on her headpiece.

Mixed greens BLOOMS & PLUMES

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, brides often carried bunches of pungent herbs to ward off evil spirits and encourage fertility. The aromatic rosemary was a popular choice, signifying remembrance and fidelity.

Donna Mills, owner of Floral and Hardy Farms in Columbia, S.C., says rosemary makes an excellent pairing with many of the roses cultivated in South America. “They are often grown

35 SUMMER 2010

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

Blooms & Plumes for color and not for scent, so rosemary adds a nice fragrance.”

Mills suggests using seasonal greenery to surround roses. “That way, when you look back at the photos, you’ll be reminded of the month you were married.”

As such, she recommends the variegated oval leaves of pittosporum in winter to set off white roses, or wax myrtle in high summer as a dark contrast to the sunshine-colored roses of summer.

Romantic pairings The pointed petals of stargazer lilies offer a shapely counterpoint to roses round lushness, according to Mills. “I like to mix shapes and textures,” she admits and urges brides to think in those terms, too.

For a delicate contrast, Mills uses Queen Anne’s Lace. For bolder combinations, she gravitates towards the spikey monarda, or bee balm. In the fall, she says, take advantage of beautyberry’s purple beads or the flushed terracotta of hypericum.

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Mills adds that a mix of garden and hothouse roses can turn a blah bouquet into a beauty. “Anything by David Austin will be fragrant and rich,” adds Mills.

“If you can, wait until the week before the wedding to see what is freshest and most colorful.” That might send some brides into a panic, she admits, but it is one way to avoid the disappointment of getting a lesser quality flower that may have been forced to bloom at the wrong time.

Preserve your love Kraimer Scher says she used no other flowers at her reception. Instead, her mom purchased vases for the head table so the bouquets became part of the decor. Though she gave her flowers to her best friend as she left the next morning for the honeymoon, placing them in water immediately after the ceremony is a must-do if you plan to preserve your posies for posterity.

Not only are roses a common choice among brides, they are also the easiest to preserve according to Cristina Segarra, owner of Flowers Forever in Columbia.

One of the simplest methods to do this is to dry them, she says, by hanging them upside down or placing them on a screen. “Anywhere the air can circulate completely around them.”

Keep them away from direct sunlight, which will fade the color. “You’ll know when they are totally dry if you squeeze them gently and they feel crunchy,” says Segarra. At this point, she recommends putting them in a box and keeping them in a cool, dry place.

Segarra cautions that this method will not guarantee the flowers to last through a lifetime of anniversaries.

Companies like hers can take the entire bouquet or a single bloom and preserve it exactly as it is.

For brides that want to do this, Segarra says, “Cut one-quarter inch off

the bottom of the stems and place in a vase with cool water or if your flowers have a foam base, place in a sink and run cool water over the foam until saturated.” Lightly cover the flowers with a large plastic bag and Keep them refrigerated until ready to deliver them for preservation.

Segarra’s treatments capture the blooms’ moment by either pressing à la the Victorian age or vacuum drying.

The rendered flowers are then placed under glass either in a shadow box, ornament ball, or other arrangement as the bride chooses. “It’s an artistic way to treasure your flowers for many years,” she says.

•

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37

Etiquette

Here’s to … a good, appropriate, touching toast

By Anne Woodman

W

hat do you do when your wedding reception is upstaged by a toast about a ferret? If you are Rebecca Sayers or her husband, Jason, you graciously continue a close relationship with

the wayward toaster.

ETIQUETTE

When Sayers, a resident of Durham, N.C., got married in June 2006, the wedding went off without a hitch. All that changed when Jason’s best man, Zac Petersen, got up to toast the couple.

“Back when Jason and Zac lived in the dorm together at college, Jason had a pet ferret,” said Sayers. “The entire toast at the reception turned out to be about the ferret: what happened when it got out of the cage, how horrible it was to clean the cage, memories of the ferret.

People were laughing, but in a sort of awkward way.”

38 SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

SUMMER 2010

Wedding planner Meme Freeney of Raleigh, who owns Blessed Beginnings

by Meme, has seen her share of toasts in the 16 years she has helped couples on their special day. “I have heard some inappropriate things mentioned and some touching ones, too,” said Freeney.

“People want to do a good job but don’t always know how.”

For many brides and grooms, toasts serve to lighten the mood and share touching moments from the past. Jessica Sahoo and her husband, Chino, of Morrisville, N.C., braved not one, but

two wedding ceremonies last summer: Indian and Christian. Both were held at Brier Creek Country Club on the same day. Despite the busy nature of the event, Sahoo said the two toasts were lighthearted and simple.

Her husband’s brother, the best man, used personalized, appropriate humor.

“He talked about how his family had traveled to Chicago on their way to visit my family in Indiana. The people in my family are huge White Sox fans, so when Chino’s family went to a Cubs versus White Sox game, they didn’t know who to cheer for.”

Because of the crowd — about 260 people — Sahoo said her friend was nervous and wanted to get people laughing.

“My maid of honor has been my best friend for about 15 years, so she talked about how we had always dreamed of marrying brothers and living in a huge

Do you take this toast?

If friends or family need pointers on how to pull off quality toast, Meme Freeney of Blessed Beginnings

by Meme in Raleigh, N.C., offers these tips.

I do!

Rachel Weybright pulled off the perfect toast during Chino and Jessica Sahoo’s wedding reception. (Photo/F8 Photo Studios) house together,” Sahoo said. “And then she threw in a quick joke to my husband’s brother telling him she needed to talk to him later.”

Most important of all, though, is that a well-meaning speech that goes wrong doesn’t need to tarnish the relationship between the bride and groom and the toaster. Even four years later, Rebecca and Jason Sayers maintain a close relationship with Petersen, the infamous ferret toaster.

Freeney reminds those giving toasts to be themselves. “Even if you choke up or get emotional, people will think it’s sweet because everyone realizes it’s sincere.”

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Liz Prada Da Costa and Victor Da Costa were married Oct. 31, 2009 in Durham, N.C., at The Duke University Chapel. Their reception was held at The Washington Duke Inn and included one hilarious toast by Victor’s brother David. (Photos/Luster Studios)

Be prepared. Make sure you really k know the person before you try to des scribe him or her in a speech. “Somet times I tell people to think of three positive adjectives that describe the person to give them a place to start,” said Freeney.

Practice, practice, practice. Rehearse what you plan to say — don’t try to wing it. “Whenever I have to give a speech, even after years of speaking in front of groups, I write everything down so I’m comfortable with it,” she said.

Include both members of the couple.

“You may know the bride or the groom better and have much more to say about one of them, but remember to include them both,” she said. “It can be as simple as closing the speech with, ‘You’ve found the one you’re meant to be with.’”

Keep it positive.

Enough said.

Stick to short and sweet. “I never recommend speaking for more than five minutes,” said Freeney. “No one really wants to hear you talk forever, and you graciously give other people to chance to toast, too.”

Stay focused. Just like elementary school students are coached in their writing, focus on tiny moments or specific topics. An epic speech including every key moment of the couple’s relationship from middle school up to the wedding can only end in disaster.

Rehearse your joke. And the punch line. The excitement and stress of giving a speech may cause that easy punch line to exit your brain at a crucial moment. Make sure you try it out at home. “Remember that amusing toasts are fine,” said Freeney. “But don’t go over the top.”

But I don’t: Don’t mention an ex-relationship.

Don’t disclose everything or any secrets that would make Great Aunt Ethel faint.

Don’t think a surprise is best. “Talk to the groom or couple beforehand,” said Freeney. “Say, ‘I want to run this by you — this is the direction I’m heading with the toast.’”

Don’t include anything derogatory or offensive. And if you have to ask, it probably is.

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Mirror Mirror

No stress, no mess hair in time for the wedding

By Anne Woodman Photography by Megan Kime Photography ngagement ring firmly in place, many bridesto-be start a special wedding countdown the very next day. But one particular countdown is completely out of your hands and in the hands of Mother Nature: growing out your hair.

E Marielena Roig loved her short hair, but when she got engaged, she decided to . grow it out for her wedding

Shouldn’t your wedding cake taste as good as it looks?

Continued on page 42

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Mirror Mirror options to be hindered by how many inches I had on my head.”

“Many brides-to-be start letting their hair grow even before they start looking for a wedding dress or venue,” said Kelly Stacy, an independent hairstylist in Apex, N.C. “But hair does not need to be very long for a good updo. If hair falls at the top of the shoulders, that is ideal.”

MIRROR MIRROR

Marielena Roig, a teacher in Cary, N.C., had a little over a year between the engagement and her wedding in May 2010. “I wanted my hair to be a few inches below my shoulders, and at the time it was a very short bob,” Roig said.

“I was disappointed that I had to grow it out, because I love my hair short, but I did not want my wedding day hair

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Everyone’s hair grows at different speeds, and envisioning long, cascading locks when short and spiky is the starting point may add unnecessary stress.

“Many times, there is no certain, perfect length for updos,” said Tiffany Lucio Roca, an instructor at Aveda Institute Chapel Hill. “As hairstylists, we can give it the illusion of length by leaving space.

Instead of putting it in a ponytail and pulling it back, we can create a fuller look by keeping it loose and pinning sections.”

Both Stacy and Lucio Roca agree that very long hair can actually be more difficult and problematic when working with updos. “Long hair is heavier, so I have to use lots of bobby pins just to keep it up,” said Stacy. “If you have long hair, even long layers instead of all one length make an updo more effortless.”

Top: One month before the wedding, Mari’s hair had grown out to the top of her shoulders. Bottom: By Mari’s wedding day, her hair had reached a length that was perfect for an elegant, timeless updo.

trait and the third time for the day of the event.”

The hairstylists emphasized that no matter how long your hair is, they will work to create the look you want. They have tricks up their sleeves and tools to create illusions. If you dream of a certain look, their goal is to help you have that perfect wedding day hair.

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The hairstylists said a softer, more natural look is currently in style. Stacy said a low bun or French twist with a side-swept bang are two popular styles.

Lucio Roca has done several “boho braids” across the hairline and mostly looser, less-sculptured styles.

For some brides who already have long hair, extra help is required to attain the perfect look. April Parker had long hair but considered the time of year and weather when she chose her hairstyle for an August wedding in Zebulon, N.C. “I’m African American, and so was my wedding party,” said Parker. “Our hair does not do well with sweat and humidity.”

She chose an elegant, timeless bun to keep the hair pulled back and off of her neck. Even though her hair was long enough, she added a ponytail hairpiece to make the bun fuller.

“I also showed the hairstylist a magazine picture of how I wanted the bun to look,” said Parker.

Lucio Roca said she appreciates it when a client brings in a picture, but allowing some deviations from the photo allows her the freedom to improvise.

“A lot of times, a client will want the same general concept but with the addition of something a little different,” said Lucio Roca. “If you want something very specific or precise, bring the picture but make sure you are able to explain or show what it looks like from every angle.” As the hairstylist, Lucio Roca said she wants the client to get the hairstyle she really desires.

So after the engagement ring goes on and the hair starts to grow, when should you visit your hairstylist, and how many appointments does it take to get it right?

“I ask that clients come in when they are at the point where they are comfortable with their hair,” said Lucio Roca.

Stacy said she usually works on wedding day hair for women who are already her clients, so there is time before the event to discuss the goals and vision.

“Most often, they come three times specifically for the wedding: once to practice, the second time for the por-

Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

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Melinda & Jeff

Minna & Jarrod

Bride: Melinda Blazar Groom: Jeff Boardman Wedding date: Oct. 10, 2009 Location: Durham, N.C. Honeymoon: Mediterranean Cruise Photographer: Craig Carpenter of Luster Studios Recommended vendors: Washington Duke Inn, Floral Dimensions, LifeSong Studios and Reel Life Productions, Alissa Phillips (hair and makeup), The Headliners (band), Craig Carpenter of Luster Studios (photography), Kayelily Middleton (officiant).

How they met: Blind date.

Unforgettable moment: Raindrops! The rain held off until the very last minute of the ceremony. “Just enough to bring us luck!”

Most valuable piece of advice: “Go with recommendations of trusted friends who’ve been married recently.”

Quirkiest detail: Circles, which were the underlying theme on the save the date card, invitations, table cloths and ties worn by the groomsmen.

Thriftiest trick: “Find a great baker who does wedding cakes on the side and give them a photo to work from.”

Something old: Her mother’s veil and paternal grandmother’s wedding handkerchief.

Something new: The dress.

Something borrowed: Best friend/maid of honor’s earrings.

Something blue: Pendent from her maternal grandmother. “I had something with me from all the important women who have shaped my life.”

Bride: Minna Roh Groom: Jarrod Johnson Wedding date: Oct. 18, 2009 Location: Chapel Hill, N.C. Honeymoon: Italy and Spain Photographer: Craig Carpenter of Luster Studios Recommended vendors: Luster Studios, The Fearrington House (for catering the food, cake and flowers) Unforgettable moment: “During the reception, the bridemaids surprised us with a slideshow of pictures of friends and family who couldn’t make it to the wedding. In the pictures, they were holding up signs expressing their congrats and best wishes. The slideshow was set to music. It was a very emotional moment. One that we’ll never forget!”

Quirkiest detail: “For table numbers, we used a mix of photos that our photographer took during our engagement session as well as some silly pictures of us (or our dog) taken at various locations around Chapel Hill. We intended those images to hold specific meaning to our guests at those tables, as a personal touch. Our dog, Miles, was also our ring bearer.”

Thriftiest trick: “Get married in the fall because the natural fall foliage will create the perfect setting/backdrop for your wedding. You can save a lot of money on decorations/ floral arrangements this way.”

Wedding details: “We had a wonderful outdoor wedding at the Garden Terrace at Fearrington Village. Highlights of the evening included the food, the dancing and the heartfelt toasts.”

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Monica & Richard

Bride: Elizabeth Dann Groom: Christopher Gallo Wedding date: May 1, 2010 Location: Hilton Head, S.C. Honeymoon: Puerto Rico and a Caribbean cruise Photographer: Chi Photography Recommended vendors: Sheri’s Edible Designs (cake), Everlasting Occasions (event planner), Affairs to Remember (rentals), Hilton Head Entertainment (Positive Vibrations, steel drum band) First City Events (DJ Tyson), Carolina Photo Booth, Chi Photography, Coastal Cigar, Christine’s Catering, Bruster’s Icecream (ice cream bar) How they met: “At work, we are both police officers.”

Unforgettable moment: “It was all unforgettable! We arranged a private meeting to see each other before the pictures and ceremony ... it was so emotional, but made me so relaxed and got rid of all my nerves.”

Quirkiest detail: “My blue wedge shoes.”

Thriftiest trick: Find a venue where you can bring your own alcohol; make your own centerpieces.

Wedding details: “We had a destination beach wedding in Hilton Head, S.C., We rented an ocean front house and had the ceremony on the beach and the reception under the tent in the backyard. We had 60 guests that were all from out of town, so we wanted to make sure we created a really fun and relaxed day that our guest would remember. To keep the beach theme, we had mojitos and a steel drum band play for cocktail hour. We also had a photo booth, cigar roller and ice cream bar.”

Bride: Monica Marie Gaynor Groom: Richard Barry Dehn Wedding date: April 9, 2010 Location: Charleston, S.C. Honeymoon: St. Croix, USVI Photographer: Chi Pritchard, www.childcreations.com Recommended vendors: Chi Photography, Palmetto Carriage Co., High Cotton Quirkiest detail: Blushing bride and golfing groom cake toppers.

Thriftiest trick: Use what you already have. Borrow things you may need. Assign jobs/ tasks to those who are trusted and want to help. Don’t think cheap, think less expensive.

“We saw no need in breaking the bank for one day.”

Something old: The garter included tatting lace made by Monica’s great-grandmother.

Something new: Wedding dress.

Something borrowed: Antique cameo ring Monica borrowed from borrowed her aunt.

Something blue: Blue satin ribbon attached to the tatting lace for the garter. It was all pieced together by Monica’s aunt.

Wedding details: “It was a small, intimate gathering of just 30 members of our family and closest friends at White Point Gardens in Charleston, S.C.” The ceremony was written from start to finish by the bride and groom. After the ceremony, the guests took pedicabs to High Cotton on East Bay Street for dinner. Instead of the standard guest book, the bride and groom picked their favorite quotes, love poems and lyrics and had them printed throughout an empty journal for guests to read and sign their own thoughts and wishes for the newlyweds.

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Elizabeth & Christopher

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Bridgette & Tyler

Darla & David

Bride: Bridgett Gilliam Groom: Tyler Guice Wedding date: June 5, 2010 Location: Zirconia, N.C. Honeymoon: Aruba Photographer: Ron Anderson (Southern Wedding Photography) Recommended vendors: Ron Anderson (Southern Wedding Photography), All That Glitters Event Planning (Shelia Burger, wedding coordinator), Choy’s Florist, Hendersonville Tents, Couture Cakes of Greenville How you met: “We grew up together as little kids. We also went to same church, lived a mile apart and were high school sweethearts.”

Unforgettable moment: “Jan. 22, 2010, he took me on top of Pinnacle Mountain on the ledge of a hang gliding ramp. He grabbed my hand and said ‘I’ve loved you for a very long time and I love you so much.’ As he got down on one knee and popped the question, of course I said YES!” Most valuable piece of advice: “Always put God first in your relationship.”

Quirkiest detail: “My sister married Tyler’s brother.”

Something old: “Found my Papaw’s (Edward Lee McAlister) old hankie and had it redone with white lace sewn around the sides and a ‘G’ embroidered in the center.”

Something new: 2010 gold dollar.

Something borrowed: “Two people helped me out with this one. A friend let me borrow her great-grandmother’s hankie and my Aunt Kathy let me borrow a pair of her earrings.”

Something blue: The garter.

Bride: Darla Weber Groom: David Elkins Wedding date: Sept. 19, 2009 Location: Boone, N.C. Honeymoon: Atlantic Beach, N.C. Photographer: Craig Carpenter of Luster Studios Recommended vendors: Westglow Resort and Spa (Jennifer Williams) in Blowing Rock, N.C.; Musicians Nancy Bargerstock and Greg Simmons of Boone, N.C.; Stick Boy Bread Co. in Boone, N.C.; Park Place Flowers in Blowing Rock, N.C.; Craig Carpenter of Luster Studios in Raleigh, N.C. Unforgettable moment: “It was pretty incredible when my dad walked me down the ‘aisle’ to meet David. I had chosen to walk to “The Hills are Alive” from the Sound of Music as a surprise to my mom. The song holds such a special place in our hearts and I thought it was the perfect choice seeing as we were in the Blue Ridge Mountains.”

Something new: “David surprised me with a beautiful necklace the night before the ceremony. The pendant was a circle of diamonds with sapphires running through the middle. He explained the circle was for our union and the sapphires represented September, which was our wedding month. I pinned this to the inside of my dress and it became my something new.”

Something blue: “My mother gave me a beautiful bracelet with blue stones the Christmas after we got engaged to use as my ‘something blue.’ I wrapped the bracelet around my bouquet to carry with me down the aisle.”

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Lauren & Marc

Bride: Katrina Diane Olsen Groom: Allan R. Stratton Jr. Wedding date: March 20, 2010 Location: Greenville, S.C. Honeymoon: Dreams Punta Cana Resort and Spa, Dominican Republic Photographer: Ron Anderson, Southern Wedding Photography Recommended vendors: Ron Anderson, Southern Wedding Photography; Just Weddings (floral); Art Eats Bakery (wedding cake); Larkin’s on the River (reception venue and catering); CCL Productions – Dexter Cannon (videographer) Unforgettable moment: “When the polka came on, all of the Scandinavians and Polish in the crowd started twirling around the dance floor. Then the Scandinavians (who are also Minnesota Vikings fans) realized they had been tricked into dancing to the Pittsburgh Steelers Polka!”

Most valuable piece of advice: Always have a sewing kit available with white or ivory thread. It can literally save the night from complete disaster. Trust me!

Thriftiest trick: We saved hundreds of dollars by buying our invitations at Target and printing them ourselves with a template. They came out great and only took one afternoon to complete. We received lots of compliments!

Something old: “My mom’s blue garter that she wore at her wedding in 1972.”

Something new: “The fun gold flats that complemented my ivory gown perfectly and made it very easy to dance the night away!”

Bride: Lauren (Hill) Haberkorn Raleigh, N.C. Groom: Marc Haberkorn (Originally, Johnstown, Penn.) Raleigh, N.C. Wedding date: May 15, 2010 Location: Raleigh, N.C. Honeymoon: Palm/Eagle Beach, Aruba (Occidental Grand Aruba) Photographer: Craig Carpenter of Luster Studios Recommended vendors: Brier Creek Country Club, Kristy Taylor; Staircase Band, East Coast Entertainment; Luster Studios, Craig Carpenter; Bedford Blooms Florist, Karen Bishop.

Unforgettable moment: “Marc and some of his co-workers at IBM have formed a band called “Mind the Gap” in which Marc is the singer. We thought it would be unique to have Marc’s band play a few songs. As they finished (or so I thought), one of the groomsmen brought a chair onto the dance floor to signal that it was time for the garter toss. Just as I sat down alone on the dance floor, Marc began to sing his own version of ‘I want to grow old with you’ from the movie The Wedding Singer. It was a very sweet and unforgettable moment.”

Thriftiest trick: “In my search for the right accessories, I decided that I wanted to wear a fabric flower in my hair once the veil came out for the reception. After not finding exactly what I was looking for, I decided to make my own! I went to a specialty fabric store (Sew Unique, Raleigh, N.C.) and bought ivory organza, tulle and felt for the backing.

I made petals, hand-sewed them onto the backing, added some feathers and beads and there I had it, my very own hair flower!”

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Lucy & Bryan

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Bride: Lucy Belcher Groom: Bryan Zeiger Wedding date: March 20, 2010 Location: Greenville, S.C. Honeymoon: Sandals Regency, St. Lucia Photographer: Olivia Griffin Recommended vendors: Olivia Griffin, photographer; Betsy Eager, florist; Darla Bernath of Creative Confections Unforgettable moment: “One of the most special moments for me on my wedding day was seeing both sets of my grandparents before the ceremony. One of my grandmothers is 89 years old and her health was weak before the wedding. She and I both thought that she might not make it to our wedding, but it was a dream come true to have her there. She looked radiant and she made me cry when she teared up once seeing me for the first time. Both of my grandparents’ marriages are a testament of true love and commitment and I only hope for a marriage as everlasting as theirs.”

Most valuable piece of advice: “Take everything in and enjoy every moment because it goes by in an instant. One of my friends suggested Bryan and I pull each other aside for a moment alone and time to reflect during each big event (during the rehearsal dinner, after the ceremony and during the reception.) This was so special and gave us a chance to let all of the excitement and bliss truly set in.”

Quirkiest detail: “After our ceremony, Bryan and I were introduced back into the chapel by our pastor and we let out each row of guests. It allowed us to quickly hug everyone that was there and we were able to spend the rest of the evening enjoying ourselves.”

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Mandy & Gordon Bride: Mandy Atkinson Stallard Groom: Gordon Stallard Wedding date: April 3, 2010 Location: Landrum, S.C. Honeymoon: Calabash Cove in St. Lucia Photographer: Olivia Griffin Recommended vendors: Olivia Griffin, Kathy and Co. (cake), Pam Rowland (flowers) How they met: “When we met, we were both teaching and coaching at the same school. He was at summer basketball practice and I was helping the cheerleaders with their physicals. He walked past me to leave, but then he turned around and came back to introduce himself.”

Unforgettable moment: “Seeing Gordon smile as I walked in the chapel and my dad doing the ‘Gator’ on the dance floor.”

Most valuable piece of advice: “Decide the one or two things you care about most and put money towards those. I was in love with the chapel where we got married. It was not cheap to rent, but I couldn’t imagine us getting married anywhere else.”

Quirkiest detail: “We got married the night of the NCAA Final Four, so we showed the games on huge screens at the reception.”

Something old: Her late grandmother’s pearl earrings.

Something new: Shoes Something borrowed: Her grandfather’s handkerchiefs.

Something blue: A blue ribbon pinned to the tulle layers of her dress.