Smitten Magazine / Volume 7 by Smitten Magazine

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ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

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WELCOME

TO OUR ANNIVERSARY / DESTINATION

ISSUE!

IN THIS ISSUE/

fall 2012

IDEAS SIGNATURE DRINK

TRY A "THE SPRING TINGLE"

ABOUT A BAG

NELLE HANDBAGS

TOP 10 WEDDING SONGS BY SCRATCH WEDDINGS

EDITOR PICKS HONEYMOON ESSENTIALS 12 FAVORITES FOR YOUR GETAWAY

LOVE ON TOP

THE CUTEST CUSTOM TOPPERS

198

. 198

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IN THIS ISSUE

GET INSPIRED A SIMPLE IDEA

GET TO KNOW LOVER.LY

DESTINATION GLAMOROUS

CITY OF LIGHT

INSPRATION AROUND THE GLOBE

INSPIRATION FROM PARIS

CABIN FEVER

148

A WEEKEND WITH THE BOYS

CLOSET RAID

148

196

OUR PICKS FROM THE DESSY GROUP

GOOD TO KNOW SPOTLIGHT ON: LADURﾃ右

ETIQUETTE

FOR A DESTINATION WEDDING

TWO DREAMERS

DELLA & BECKY CHAT ABOUT SMITTEN

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EDITOR´S L ET t e R

DELL A MACNIC HOL AS CO-F OUNDER & EDITOR -IN-C HIEF

Happy Birthday to us! It seems like just yesterday that the very first issue of Smitten launched — we gathered the most gorgeous inspiration we could find, told the stories we wanted to tell, crossed our fingers and pushed it live. Looking back now, what a beautiful year it has been! For our Anniversary Issue, we went into true celebration mode, kicking up our heels and popping the champagne. From Mexico to Scotland, Tahiti to Shanghai, we packed our bags and went around the world for adventure and inspiration — eating, drinking, shopping and exploring, determined to experience these places in full color. See Paris like never before in City of Light and hang with the boys at rustic Cabin Bluff in Cabin Fever. Our Anniversary Issue is a nod to the places we've been, but also a symbol of what's possible, where we'll be next. In just one year, we've gained millions of readers like you, expanded our presence across the globe, and most recently, joined the exclusive group of inspiration sources for Lover.ly — read all about it in our sit-down with founder Kellee Kahlil (A Simple Idea). After six stunning issues, all I can say is thank you. My devotion and gratitude is to our readers and, of course, to my incredible team. It's moments like these that I feel the need to pinch myself, like I'm living in a fairytale. But based on these pages, maybe I am. All my love, Della

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BEC KY HOPPMANN CO-F OUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

THE TEAM

CL AIRE E. KEYS

LEIGH WEBBER

LINDSEY NOWAK

EMILIE DULLES

SENIO R W R I T E R + E D I T O R

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

STYLE EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CAIT BARNETT

ANNE BOWEN

ALEXANDRA MUNZEL

CON T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R

C O N T R I B U T I N G FLORALS

STYLIST

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KELLEE KHALIL

OF LOVER.LY

our FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

LOVER.LY F OUNDER AND CEO, KELLEE KHALIL IS C ARVIN G HER OWN PATH - OR MAKE THAT AN AISLE - IN THE WORLD OF TEC HN OLOGY AND NEW MEDIA . HER WEDDIN GS-CENTRIC WEBSITE IS QUIC KLY BECOMIN G THE MOS T INSPIRATION AL DES TIN ATION ONLINE F OR BRIDES TO PL AN THEIR WEDDIN GS AND F OR BUSINESSES TO REAC H THIS HIGHLY TARGETED AUDIEN CE.

As a Los Angeles native, a daughter of serial entrepreneurs and one of five children, Kellee was driven for success from the start. She received her business degree with an emphasis in Entrepreneurial Studies from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business. After graduating college, Kellee joined her sister, Leila Khalil’s growing public relations firm, Be Inspired PR. She was tasked with building the strategic partnership division of the agency and helped Be Inspired become the most respected public relations agency specializing in the billion-dollar wedding industry. While working for Be Inspired, Kellee noticed a void in a central online platform that offered search capabilities for brides and wedding industry professionals to share and find visual inspiration. In 2010, Kellee packed up and moved from LA to New York City to pursue her newly conceptualized idea, Lover.ly. Today, Lover.ly is the first and only digital scrapbook and visual inspiration search engine solely dedicated to the bridal industry. Through hundreds of thousands of beautifully curated images collected from Lover.ly’s exclusive top bridal and event planning editorial partners, Lover.ly brings its users quality content, searchability, and inspiration, all in one place. Kellee and Lover.ly have been featured on CNN, Forbes.com, Huffington Post, TechCrunch, Mashable, and AOL among many other esteemed media. Kellee was also named one of NY Daily News’ “12 People to Watch in 2012”.

... find Lover.ly's feature on page 18

...

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IN THIS ISSUE REAL WEDDINGS

132

APRIL + WILLIAM

EILEEN + MICHAEL

MELISSA + ADAM

ALICE + KEITH

112

MARIE + NOAH

132

MICHAELANN + SCOTT

166

JENNIFER + KEVIN

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COVER STORY SMITTEN TURNS 1 And I couldn't be happier to share a little behind the scenes from our cover shoot.

As Smitten's Creative Director, reaching our 1-year milestone meant - some real fun with this issues cover! I knew we wanted something that would not only be unique, but also meaningful to us and our readers. This past year I have seen many beautiful trends, but one of my favorites – Ombre! We have all seen it incorporated into weddings in so many ways, thus was the inspiration behind the amazing florals created by Anne and Nathalie at Stems. Keeping things 'sweet' was easy with the 'Silhouette' plate from BHLDN, and enlisting the talented Hayden at Ashley Bakery to create this custom cookie (she made 3 variations for me – but they were so yummy, they didn't last long). Finally, our very own Lead Photographer, Leigh Webber, made it all come together with her beautiful photography. I could not be more pleased with the outcome! What do you think? Share your thoughts of our special edition cover over on our Facebook page – we'd love to hear from you. COVER PHOTO / LEIGH WEBBER www.ltwebber.com

Enjoy!

FLORALS / STEMS www.charlestonstems.com COOKIE / ASHLEY BAKERY www.ashleybakery.com

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Custom Floral Design Studio for Weddings & Events charlestonstems.com | 843.789.4930

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EDITOR PICKS

N O O M EY

N O H

S L A I T N E ESS

DELLA'S PICKS

Break out the bikinis, big-rimmed hats, and yes, the sunblock. After the celebrating comes the relaxing, so be sure to pack comfy, stylish pieces that go from sun-soaking to cocktail sipping in no time. We've rounded up what belongs in every bride's suitcase.

trina turk bikini turks & caicos tri slider & tie side hipster $170

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estee lauder lip gloss flash dance $18.50 SMITTEN

kiehl's activated sun protectorâ&#x201E;˘ sunscreen spf 50 $23

anthropologie bangle frosted metallic $58

remain tropical print draped halter top orange tahitian $78

the m ustâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; have bag!

zara bag plaited shopper $149 SMITTEN

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kate spade sunglasses lulu $128

anthropologie dress parvati maxi dress $298

banana republic pop stones drop earring $35

jimmy choo espadrille poplar $385

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HIC L C K O LO UR COO YO P E E K &

WIN THIS halogen straw cloche $88

WEDDING DATE BRACELET by Dee Ruel

Want to win this 14k gold, hand stamped patagonia skirt kamala $65

bracelet with your wedding date? Of coarse you do! Date, chain, and stones are all customizable. To qualify, sign up for our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest! A winner will be selected by random from our social media and mailing lists. { Contest closes September 1, 2012 }

V I E W M O R E A M A Z I N G J E W E L R Y AT W W W. D E E R U E L . C O M SMITTEN

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Styles shown in PANTONE速 WEDDING colors. To learn more visit www.dessy.com FA L L 2 012

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BY CLAIRE E. KEYS SENIOR WRITER & EDITOR

A SIMPLE

IDEA KELLEE KAHLIL – GUEST EDITOR AND FOUNDER OF LOVER.LY – TALKS INSPIRATION, KEEPING ORGANIZED AND DREAMING BIG... VERY BIG Calling Kellee Kahlil “ahead of the game” is an understatement. Before sites like Pinterest hit their stride, Kahlil was already perfecting the art of browsing, bundling and sharing. Be it an earring, an eyelet napkin, or a flower in the perfect shade of peach, her site Lover.ly makes it impossibly easy — and quite fun – to unveil the most specific of inspiration, or to browse with wild abandon. The site’s content is of the highest quality, thanks to Kahlil’s curated approach, only pulling from a handful of sources. Just as Smitten turned one, the magazine joined the Lover.ly family (talk about a birthday present!). We sat down with Kahlil to catch up and celebrate. CK: We're so in love with Lover.ly! Tell us a bit more about your story. KK: My first foray into weddings was when

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I worked in business development for Be Inspired PR, my sister's company. Not only were we working hard, she was engaged and we were planning her wedding. I was overwhelmed by all of the information and ideas online, frustrated that there wasn't one place to gather all of the amazing ideas we were finding. That was my ah ha! moment. It’s been over two years and I'm proud of what we’ve done, but even more excited for what's to come. CK: Color clearly plays a huge role in the navigation and experience of your brand. When it comes to weddings, what's your philosophy on color? KK: I love it — color evokes emotion and can enhance an already beautiful setting. There's a photo from my sister's wedding where we (the bridesmaids) are standing in a vineyard, and behind us there are the most beautiful

oak trees. We each were wearing Jenny Yoo dresses in a different shade of green. After the photographs were developed, we could actually match the shade of each of our dresses to a color in the leaves behind us — it’s those unexpected surprises that are so amazing, so magical. CK: There’s so much inspiration out there. What’s your advice for not getting overloaded? KK: Bundling, of course! This is exactly why we created Lover.ly. So many sites lack the tools for organizing ideas. On Lover.ly, brides, planners — anyone partaking in the process — can customize their search through thousands of images from our editorial and retail partners, then organize them into bundles, which can be accessed by everyone involved.

detail, while also being playful and sexy. I also love the use of this year's Pantone Color of the Year, "Tangerine Tango.” It's perfect for summer and pairs well with quieter tones, like soft blue and tan.

HER 3 MUSTS FOR A DREAM WEDDING DAY 1. A BEAUTIFUL BRIDE 2. A JOYFUL GROOM 3. LOTS OF LOVE. EVERYTHING ELSE IS JUST ICING ON THE (WEDDING) CAKE!

CK: Your site features so many special details – from shoes to cocktail stirrers, bouquets to bowties. What are some of your favorites? KK: I love how much of a couple's personality can now be infused through details. If a couple loves video games, they can have a Pac Man cake? Or if they're craft beer lovers, why not have a sophisticated monogrammed koozie as a guest take-away? To stay sane, I suggest remembering that less is more — just focus on doing a few details very well. CK: What's a recent trend or twist that you're loving? KK: I love the use of sequins in weddings. They add instant sparkle and eye-catching

JOIN US ON LOVER.LY SMITTEN

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IDEAS

SIGNATURE DRINK

THE SPRING TINGLE 1.5 oz. Grey Goose Pear

Serve up in a chilled

1/2 oz. Midori

martini glass.

1/4 oz. Domaine de Canton

Garnish with a grilled

Pinch of minced ginger

pear slice.

Recipe provided by

PIN WITH

US! LEIGH WEBBER PHOTOGRAPHY

FISH WWW.FISHRESTAURANTCHARLESTON.COM SMITTEN

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Folded and pinned to perfection — like bespoke origami objects — Nelle clutches are the choice for many a bride’s wedding day essentials. (We love them for maids, too.) 1 CLASSIC IN CORAL 2 DELPHINE IN FRENCH BLUE 3 TUXEDO CHERUB IN SUNSHINE

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style file . .

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1 TUXEDO CHERUB IN SILVER 2 MIDNIGHT CHERUB IN IVORY 3 LINEN JUST BOWTIFUL IN CREAM 4 LINEN JUST BOWTIFUL IN NAVY

T hank You! HANDBAGS COURTESY OF

LAURA NELLI OF NELLE HANDBAGS & BELLA BRIDESMAID CHARLESTON PICKS BY LINDSEY NOWAK

style file . .

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BY CLAIRE E. KEYS SENIOR WRITER, EDITOR, & MACARON LOVER

SPOTLIGHT ON:

LADURÉE

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MACARON — AND WHY ONE FRENCH PATISSERIE IS GIVING WEDDING CAKES EVERYWHERE A RUN FOR THEIR MONEY It’s mid-March in Paris — the flower beds on the Champs Elysees have bloomed; the Hermés horse show tents are pitched — and walking into Ladurée is a spring awakening. Mint and lilac walls, glinting chandeliers, gilded everything. A woman in a black apron and mauve bowtie asks, with a cool French seriousness, for my sister Julie and I to begin our selection. And so we do. We gaze at the rows and rows of color behind the glass. Lavender, chartreuse, brightest orange, deepest pink. We point and gesture, trying to tongue through the flips and twirls of the French names — noix de coco (coconut), cassis et violette (red currant and violet), framboise (strawberry). We choose six macarons (pronounced mac-ah-roon), each perfect and identically sized, then head for the Eiffel Tower, where we eat every last crumb on the lawn.

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Months later, I’m back in New York and a visit to Ladurée’s Upper East Side shop welcomes me in from the July heat. It’s the same girly, glossy — albeit fancy — feel, with a line stretching out the door and down Madison Avenue.

EACH AND EVERY MACARON IS BAKED IN FRANCE, THEN SHIPPED OVERNIGHT ON A DAILY BASIS. The bakery has just received its morning shipment. Each and every macaron is baked in France, then shipped overnight on a daily basis. It’s here that I meet Celine Kaplan, Ladurée’s PR Director, and learn the full story behind the patisserie.

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HAVE A PRODUCT OR SERVICE YOU THINK WE SHOULD SPOTLIGHT? EMAIL US HERE AT SMITTEN MAGAZINE FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE CLAIRE WRITE ABOUT IT

It all began in 1862, when Louis Ernest Ladurée, a miller from southern France, opened a small bakery at 16 rue Royale. At the turn of the century, cafés, salons and literary circles began cropping up across Paris — Louis’s wife, Jeanne, proposed mixing the styles of the pastry shop and the café into a single concept. Behold the Parisian tea salon. Today, precisely 150 years later, a once-small bakery has become perhaps the most beloved patisserie in the world, thanks to Chairman David Holder’s “passion and vision,” Kaplan explains. Ladurée now has locations in St. Tropez, Stockholm, the Arab Emirates, New York City, across Paris, even an outpost at Versailles. And as for the macarons — “small, round cakes, crisp on the outside, smooth and soft in the middle,” Kaplan describes — it was Ladurée who first thought to fill the cakes with jams and ganaches, a technique that became their signature. “We are always so impressed by the creativity of our chefs,” she says, “mixing the best seasonal ingredients in new ways to create signature flavors like strawberry poppy and green apple.” For my second Ladurée experience, I opt for pétale de rose (rose), pistache (pistachio), fleur d’oranger (orange blossom), and what emerges as my absolute favorite, caramel à fleur de sel (caramel with salted butter). Kaplan explains that the macarons have long been popular for weddings, but the

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demand is ever-increasing. This year, the Royals requested a limited edition macaron box set to celebrate The Queen’s Jubilee, and Prince Albert of Monaco served the confections at his own nuptials. Kaplan explains that the options are seemingly endless, from the classic Ladurée pyramid — an architectural display to rival any tiered cake — to “something that’s completely customized.” Glancing back over the macarons, they’re a dream element for any wedding — the colors, the whimsy, and yes, the taste. So beyond the glamour, beyond the pomp, even beyond the story, it’s the little cakes with the sweet centers that make Ladurée what it is — something that everyone should experience, be it on this continent or another.

PHOTO / KEVIN CHIN

3 WAYS T O U S E M AC A RON S Tea Time Serve them on saucers alongside teacups. Great Heights Stack macarons into dramatic pyramids. We love mixing two or three colors, or going totally monochromatic. Sweet Gift Pass macarons on trays at the end of your reception, or package them in individual gift bags. SMITTEN

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APRIL

WILLIAM

SAN YSIDRO RANCH

CALIFORNIA

photographed by SUSAN DEAN

Hidden in the foothills of Southern California’s wine country, San Ysirdo Ranch is steeped in storybook romance. Sir Laurence Olivier married Vivien Leigh here, John and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned here, and many moons later, this duo said “I do” before a handful of their nearest and dearest here. It was an intimate affair, with not a thing out of place. Succulents were tucked ever so carefully in the bride’s bouquet, while pops of hot pink added just the right dose of drama. If the stolen glances and smooches are any clue, we think April and William have a truly rare, once-in-a-lifetime kind of bond. A love that’s theirs, and only theirs. CAIT BARNETT

R E A L

W E D D I N G

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R E A L V I E W

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W E D D I N G F U L L

G A L L E R Y

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& Michael Eileen A MELIA ISL AND

FLORIDA

photographed by BROOKE IMAGES

One of the southernmost Sea Islands, Amelia Island tells a global tale of war and trade and truce. But on Eileen and Michael’s big day, it rang out with modern-day jubilance. The frisky palette of creamy sherbet hues nearly scooped you off your feet—peach and cotton candy pink blooms for the bouquets, dusty blue sweetheart frocks for the bridesmaids and satiny pink lipstick for the bride. Pure white milk glass, roses and tablecloths tamed the saccharine colors, while burlap table runners and wooden details brought a welcome touch of texture. Sweet teeth beware; this wedding may just leave you craving bonbons. CAIT BARNETT

R E A L

W E D D I N G

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PHOTOGRAPHER BROOKE IMAGES | EVENT PLANNER CHRISTINA KREATIONS | FLORALS SHEA HOPELY FLOWERS INC. RECEPTION VENUE OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION RESORT

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W E D D I N G F U L L

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FROM THE BEACHES OF BRAZIL TO THE WATER CANALS OF SHANGHAI, WE WENT AROUND THE WORLD WITH LOVER.LY TO UNCOVER 6 OF THE MOST ENCHANTING PLACES ON THE MAP

STYLE PICKS / LINDSEY NOWAK

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GOWN / EVE BY CHRISTOS ACCESSORY / MYSTIC VINE HAIRPIN BY BHLDN INVITATION / CECI NEW YORK SMITTEN

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GOWN / GODDESS BY TEMPERLEY LONDON ACCESSORY / MULTI-COLORED BRIDESMAID DRESSES, A TRADITIONAL BRAZILIAN CUSTOM INVITATIONS / TINYPRINTS

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GOWN / ISADORA BY CAROLINA HERRERA ACCESSORY / SILVER FOX FAUX FUR MUFF – ETSY INVITATIONS / STUDIO R

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GOWN / ROMONA KEVEZA COUTURE ACCESSORY / A CHINESE CUSTOM, PARASOL BY DESSY INVITATION / CECI NEW YORK

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GOWN / GEMMA BY ANNA MAIER – ULLA-MAIJA COUTURE ACCESSORY / ADORA CHANDELIER EARRINGS BY KENDRA SCOTT INVITATION / DULLES DESIGN

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GOWN / NICOLE MILLER SHEATH GOWN ACCESSORY / REFLECTING POOLS NECKLACE BY BHLDN INVITATION / TINY PRINTS

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LINDSEY NOWAK EDITORIAL & PERSONAL STYLING

for the

INQUIRIES / 843.455.0436

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MODERN BRIDE

WIN THIS

FRESH WATER PEARL NECKLACE by It Fitz Win this amazing five strand fresh water pearl necklace with a crystal and pearl clasp. Hand made by It Fitz. To qualify, sign up for our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest! A winner will be selected by random from our social media and mailing lists. { Contest closes September 1, 2012 }

V I E W M O R E B E A U T I F U L P I E C E S AT W W W. I T F I T Z . C O M SMITTEN

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Photography Floral Design & St yling

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Ke vin Chin Nancy Liu Chin Designs

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THANK YOU

TO THE AMAZING VENDORS WHO CONTRIBUTED!

Photography

Stationery Suite

Kevin Chin

Mira Aster

Floral & Event Design

Toujours Sign

Nancy Liu Chin Designs

Mira Aster

Styling

Grey Vintage Ring Box

Nancy Liu Chin Designs

Courtesy of Anne Millett

White Gown

Shoes

Ivy & Aster

Zara Womens

available at Bella Bridesmaid

Black Veiled Hat Zara

Coral Gown Ivy & Aster

Champagne Glass

available at Bella Bridesmaid

Courtesy of Anne Millett Groom's Apparel Yellow Tie & Gingham Shirt

CINEMATography

J. Crew

Kevin Chin

Macarons Laduree, Paris

Venues Tuileries gardens, Paris Musee Rodin, Paris Louvre, Paris St Germain des Pres, Paris Laduree, Paris Pont des Arts, Paris

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WATCH THE FILM

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Fall in love with

dolly pearl

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a dolly pearl NEW YORK

bridesmaids bridal

special occasions

T O S H O P O N L I N E O R F O R L O C AT I O N S , P L E A S E V I S I T :

www.dollypearl.com

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BY EMILIE DULLES DULLES DESIGNS ~ EXQUISITE STATIONARY

DESTINATION

WEDDING ETIQUETTE DESTINATION WEDDINGS ARE WONDERFUL. THEY INCORPORATE ALL THE JOY AND LOVE OF A WEDDING AND HAVE THE ADDED SPICE OF BEING A VACATION AND ADVENTURE NOT ONLY FOR THE COUPLE, BUT ALSO THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. With over nine years of consulting with mainly destination brides on their wedding stationery suite and also wedding logistics, I have found common threads to making the most not only of the planning process, but also the wedding weekend. Hire a wedding planner that is local to your wedding destination or if your destination doesn't offer the level of service or expertise you expect, hire a planner who is well versed in the region or able to do the research necessary to be familiar with the area. In some cases, a destination wedding is simply a wedding not held in your hometown, but in most cases a destination wedding has a different set of parameters, which require additional expertise and organization from experienced wedding professionals. I do not recommend that you hire first time vendors when planning a destination wedding as you

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may not have time for plan B if a situation arises that needs alternative resources. In the long run, you get what you pay for and this is particularly true when it comes to planning a destination wedding. When picking your destination wedding date, consider the pros and cons for you and your guests. While a holiday weekend does give most people an extra day or two off from work to travel and celebrate with you, they may have a tradition of spending that weekend with family and might not be able to attend your wedding. Also holiday weekends typically cost more as airlines and hotels charge a surplus for popular times of year. That being said, if you want to quell the growth of your guest list, getting married on Thanksgiving weekend far away from home would certainly ensure that only your nearest and dearest would join you.

HAVE AN ETIQUETTE TOPI C Y O U WO U LD LOV E TO LE A R N A B O U T ? EMAIL US HERE AT SMITTEN MAGAZINE FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE EMILIE WRITE ABOUT IT

When guests have to travel further to celebrate with you, it is gracious to make their travels as smooth and enjoyable as possible by entertaining them beyond your wedding reception. You can either invite all out of town guests to your rehearsal dinner or have a welcome celebration that includes plenty of to eat and drink as guests relax from their travels and help you kick off your wedding weekend. Brunch the morning after the wedding is also a hospitable manner to thank your guests for coming so far and allows new friendships and connections to be solidified prior to heading home. Your stationery suite will need to include save the dates with hotel or travel information. Don't just send them a date and town and then wait for the wedding invitation to send necessary wedding weekend details as that may be too late for your guests to make their travel arrangements. If you select to have a wedding website in addition to your save the dates, it can be a useful tool to extrapolate upon all the particularities of your wedding destination and happenings of your weekend. While a wedding website can help answer a plethora of questions for those technologically connected, be prepared to assist any relatives or guests who may not be iHip and need your help getting the necessary information relative to your destination. In addition to save the dates, guests greatly appreciate a schedule of events for the weekend to be shared upon their arrival be it at their hotel or via mail a week or two prior to your wedding. Be sure to include any necessary directions for hard to find spots,

maps in certain cases, and also share some local restaurants and sundries information for last minute necessities.

IF YOUR WEDDING IS IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY WHERE ENGLISH IS NOT THE FIRST LANGUAGE, CONSIDER INCLUDING A BRIEF RUNDOWN OF USEFUL PHRASES IF YOU THINK YOUR GUESTS WILL NEED THEM TO BREAK THE ICE AT THEIR HOTEL OR AS THEY GET AROUND TOWN. Once you are home from your wedding or honeymoon, be sure to write each guest a thank you note that mentions not only their gift, but is especially appreciative of their traveling to join you as you and your spouse exchanged wedding vows. A quick "thank you for the tea pot" isn't enough when guests have gone the distance for you, so take your time reflecting on how much you enjoyed having them by your side and thank them for the extra time and effort they put into making your wedding an unforgettable weekend. Other than that, enjoy the process of planning a memorable weekend in a wonderful location and remember to pack that sunscreen or pashmina!

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TOP s

wed

TOP 10’S

g n o s ding

HERE

by SCRATCH WEDDINGS

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0 TOP 1 SON ER & MOTH SONGS E DANC

0 TOP 1 GHTER U & DA GS R E N FAT H E SO DANC

My Mother’s Eyes – Etta Jones

Have You Seen Her Face – The Byrds

To Zion – Lauryn Hill

God Only Knows – The Beach Boys

I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack

Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison

My Wish – Rascal Flatts

Make Me Smile – Chicago

Beautiful Boy – John Lennon

Somebody’s Baby – Jackson Browne

In My Life – The Beatles

She’s the One – Bruce Springsteen

I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song – Jim Croce

(I Know) I’m Losing You – The Temptations

What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

They Can’t Take That Away From Me – Frank Sinatra

Take Your Mama Out – Scissor Sisters

She’s Gone – Hall & Oates

Your Momma Don’t Dance – Loggins & Messina

Happy Just to Dance with You – The Beatles

0 TOP 1 N PTIO GS RECE SON NCE A R T EN

0 TOP 1 OR E FLO DANC GS SON

Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap

September – Earth Wind & Fire

Beautiful Day – U2

Bell Biv DeVoe – Poison

Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen

P.Y.T – Michael Jackson

You Make My Dreams Come True – Hall & Oates

1999 – Prince

By Your Side – Sade

Walk This Way – Run Dmc ft. Aerosmith

Crazy in Love – Beyoncé

Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison

Pump It – Black Eyed Peas

You Dropped a Bomb on Me – Gap Band

It Takes Two – Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock

ABC – Jackson 5

I Believe in a Thing Called Love – The Darkness

Thriller – Michael Jackson

God Only Knows – The Beach Boys

Give it to Me Baby – Rick James

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Melissa

Adam TH E FA I R M ON T M AYA KOB A

MEXICO

photographed by PA R K E R J . P F I S T E R

Oh, Mexico. From the seemingly endless blue sky and bending green palms to the deep fuschia orchids that colored the reception, Melissa and Adam's dream day was every bit the hue-drenched, luxe celebration they'd dreamed for. Clad in Monique Lhuillier and her great-grandmother's diamond drop earrings, the bride walked the aisle toward her soonto-be husband, flanked by her mother and father. The party continued indoors, where the pair â&#x20AC;&#x201D; he without jacket; she more relaxed in a white crocheted number â&#x20AC;&#x201D; laughed, toasted, and of course, danced (and danced and danced). CAIT BARNETT

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PARKER J. PFISTER

EVENT PLANNING & DESIGN

CELEBRACION BY LORENA ARMENGUAL

HAIRSTYLIST KATIA MONFORTE SALON

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INVITATIONS AND PAPERS

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photo by joetanisphotography.com

C U S TO M B R I DA L G OW N S & AC C E S S O R I E S

handmade in brooklyn, ny

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

Ridiculously delicious. 854.763.4125 A SH L EY BAK E RY.C O M

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LOWNDES GROVE

CH A R L E STO N, S C

photographed by MARNI ROTHSCHILD

As the Atlantic tides pulsed through the historic Ashley River, this couple’s open-air jamboree flooded the banks with provincial grace. The bride sparkled from ear to toe, the glitz of her dangles and sapphire pumps a twinkle of glamour against the woodsy details. Mason jars of white roses and wispy twigs, a wood-burned ring box and the flower girl’s crown of blossoms all hummed a down-home tune. Guests nibbled itty-bitty confections and boogied under the gaze of an 18th-century plantation manor. Then, as day faded into night, loved ones waved sparklers as the two rode past, pedaling in tandem towards forever—and ever, amen. CAIT BARNETT

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PHOTOGRAP H E R M A R N I R O T H S C H I L D | E V E N T P L A N N I N G & D E S I G N S O U T H E R N P R O T O C O L | F L ORALS STEMS VENUE

LOW N D E S G R O V E

CAKES & SWEETS

WILDFLOUR

C AT E R E R

FISH

MUSIC

CHARLESTON

STRINGS AN D 2 T H R E E WAY S | R E N TA L S E V E N T W O R K S , AV C O N N E C T I O N S | O F F I C I A N T K E V I N KUEHMIER GOWN AUG U S TA J O N E S | R E C E P T I O N D R E S S WAT T E R S A N D WAT T E R S | E A R R I N G S B L U E S U E D E | GROOM JOSEPH A BA N K | T I E B A N A N A R E P U B L I C | M A K E U P A RT I S T A L L U R E S A L O N | H A I R S T Y L I S T A LLURE SALON INVITATIONS A N D PA P E R S S C O T T I C L I N E D E S I G N S

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BY CLAIRE E. KEYS SENIOR WRITER & EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY

JENNIFER BEARDEN

TWO

DREAMERS A YEAR AFTER ISSUE 1, FOUNDERS DELLA MACNICHOLAS AND BECKY HOPPMANN SIT DOWN FOR COFFEE TALK WITH SENIOR WRITER AND EDITOR CLAIRE KEYS, TELLING THE COMPLETE SMITTEN STORY – AND REVEALING A FEW WISHES CK: Wow, what a year. How does it feel to see Smitten turn 1?

it always turns out beautifully. It all comes together in the end.

BH: Honestly, a relief! When Della and I first started meeting and brainstorming, it began with just a name. Over salads, I tossed out a few names. As soon as Smitten left my lips, Della squeaked, "that's it!" And so our journey began.

DM: It really does. It’s been seven issues of gorgeous inspiration and there’s so much more to come.

Producing a magazine of Smitten’s graphic caliber is no small feat, but it’s all made possible by our team. I mean, come on, we have Della — so sweet, so personable, so good at forging connections with people in the industry. We have you (CK), who’s so creative and gives everything finesse. Then we have Lindsey [Nowak], who styles like nobody’s business. Our lead photographer, Leigh Weber, is always ready to shoot and

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CK: Della, you'd been dreaming up this look book of wedding fancy for a long time. How did you finally bring it to fruition? DM: It would have been an impossibility without the dedication of our team. Each member contributing through a shared passion for the publication. My hat is especially off to our incredibly talented Becky. The magazine is often recognized for its gorgeous aesthetic that is due to her graphic panache.

ISSUE 6 LAUNCHING May 7, 2012

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Leigh, Becky, Lindsey, & Della (our Dear Claire lives in NY!)

BH: It really is all about passion — it’s something that unites everyone on our team. That’s what makes the publication possible. CK: Every issue has been incredible — does any edition or story stand out as a favorite? DM: No. Each issue is such a labor of love and almost like a new child — it’s impossible to love one more than another. BH: Holy moly, that’s a tough one! A few immediately pop into my head — in our November / December Issue, we had a breathtaking inspiration shoot done by our dear friend, photographer Corbin Gurkin. A feature that we get rave reviews for, time

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and time again, is Anatomy of a Bouquet — I created it for our Premier Issue, then brought it back in March. The piece epitomizes my goal as a Creative Director: be informative, concise and beautiful. CK: What is it about weddings that makes you both tick? DM: What’s not to like? They can be anything imaginable, from fun and funky to over-thetop opulent. BH: I sort of stumbled into it. Having my own design company with my husband here in Charleston eventually led me to work with people in Charleston’s wedding industry,

Baby Dottie, an d An join in on the draya fun!

including Della. I fell in love with weddings because they have it all — fashion, branding, florals, paper and packaging design, décor. It truly is a graphic designer’s dream job. DM: I think above all, for me, it’s about being a true romantic. I love the creativity of the celebrations but I am totally smitten with marriage. For me, the wedding is the quintessential celebration of two people committing to each other — always, no matter what. CK: You just joined the Lover.ly family and have gained a huge audience over the past year. What's next?

BH: More! We are taking everything we have learned this first year and applying it. Our goal is to bring more of what brides really want to the pages of our magazine and blog. Our website will also be expanding greatly in the upcoming months, providing our readers more in depth information and inspiration. DM: I have often been accused of having more ideas than time. I have a few ideas up my sleeve, but I am taking it slowly. BH: Heh, that is so true about Della! But it is always great to be around inspired people.

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CK: Everyone deserves a birthday wish. What's your wish for Smitten as it enters year two? BH: I’m really looking forward to building even more relationships. And of course, growth. From a business aspect, I want industry professionals to see Smitten as an amazing platform to showcase their work. DM: I second everything Becky said. It’s about growth, meeting goals and connecting with readers in the most meaningful ways possible. I’d also love to give the magazine (and our team) a much-needed vacation in Bora Bora.

OUR

TEAM

Meet Della

our Editor-in-Chief, Director of Operations,

our Creative Director who developed the

daily blogger and gushing mother of a

look and aesthetic of Smitten, makeing every

quickly-growing little boy. Della is also

page a thing of beauty. A mother of three

Founder of The Wedding Row, serving as

and also Co-Founder of Hoppmann Creative,

a manager and mentor to the writers who

Becky works tirelessly, always researching,

manage Wedding Row Charlotte, Wedding

concepting ideas for editorial and visuals,

Row California and Wedding Row Kentucky.

and creating innovative designs for Smitten’s

Her role with Smitten is all-encompassing,

website, blog, collateral and every single

constantly assisting with editorial planning,

page of every single issue. She is currently

networking, strategizing and seeking out

launching Gracious Brands – providing

new business opportunities for the brand.

custom branding packages to wedding professionals.

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Meet Becky

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Meet Claire

Meet Lindsey

our Senior Writer and Editor, leading up

our Senior Style Director, who lends her

editorial planning and writing for the

creative sensibility and critical eye to the

magazine. After cutting her teeth in the

looks we showcase. In addition to concepting

advertising

copywriter,

editorial, selecting looks and directing photo

Claire transitioned to a career in editorial,

shoots, Lindsey works as a style consultant

specializing in food, fashion, style and

for private clients and a Manager and Buyer

entertaining. In addition to creative con-

for a bridal boutique. Lindsey’s aesthetic

cepting, writing and editing, Claire manages

helps define the Smitten brand — a synthesis

a team of additional contributing writers

of modern style and classic matrimony.

business

and editors.

Meet Leigh

Meet Andraya

our Senior Photographer, a master shutterbug

our Director of Business Development, who

whose lively, playful style yields powerful

recently graduated college and emerged as

photographs that our readers have come to

a true “jack of all trades,” vital to the Smitten

adore. Her talent and ever-growing fan base

team. From client relations to sales, blog

led her to Smitten, where she quickly became

posts to press releases, Andraya — a recent

an integral member of the team.

bride — brings creativity, diligence and an open, can-do spirit to the publication.

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Marie Noah KOH S A MUI

THAILAND

photographed by CORBIN GURKIN

Exchanging whispers in a thicket of tall, curling grass; strolling through white sand as the tide came in â&#x20AC;&#x201D; these are the moments that made Marie and Noah's wedding (a fusion of Asian tradition and beachside cool) one to gush over. Every detail spoke to eclecticism and color, from the bridesmaid gowns in quiet shades of yellow, lavender and peach to the florals, natural in mix-and-match vases. The icing on the cake? A lantern-laced dinner beneath towering trees and a vivid night sky. CAIT BARNETT

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PHOTOGRAP H E R VENUE

CORBIN GURKIN PHOTOGRAPHY

BAN S U R I YA , L I PA N O I

GOWN

RIVINI DARI

EVENT PLANNING & DESIGN |

VEIL

SARA GABRIEL

INVITATIONS I N K B O X D E S I G N B O U T I Q U E | FAV O U R S I N K B O X D E S I G N B O U T I Q U E

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TA K E U S T O THAILAND

S H O E S B A D G ELY MISCHKA

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W E D D I N G F U L L

G A L L E R Y

WHAT´S COMING

NEXT ? for WINTER 2012

BRIDAL BEAUTY BREAKDOWN WELLGROOMED WINTER GOODIES INSPIRING

IDEAS REAL GORGEOUS WEDDINGS

and more!

BROOKE IMAGES

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CABIN FEVER A rustic hangout, sprawling views â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who says a boys' weekend can't be picture-perfect? We spent a few days kicking back in stunning Cabin Bluff, Georgia and reinvented the bachelor retreat. Consider us just one of the guys

PHOTOGRAPHY

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RICHARD ISRAEL

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RICHARD ISRAEL SMITTEN

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THANK YOU TO OUR VENDORS

CABIN FEVER PHOTOGRAPHY

PARKER J. PFISTER RICHARD ISRAEL STYLING

ALEXANDRA STYLES MODELS

TOUT TALENT CLOTHING & LUGGAGE

M. DUMAS & SONS BILLY REID FILM MAKER

TIMM YOUNG LOCATION

CABIN BLUFF

VIEW THE FILM PIN WITH

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AU G U S TA

GEORGIA

photographed by TIM WILL PHOTOGRAPHY

When it came time to plan her big day, Michaelann chose to think green. Her eight bridesmaids beamed in iridescent tones of it, her groom's tie and socks gave a peek of it, and the cake — cakes, rather! — carried the theme through in a modern, three-piece display. Her whimsical choice paired beautifully with quieter tones of pink and champagne, like the sash worn across her waist and the bed of pink blooms beneath the pedasteled desserts. But as proof that every bride deserves a bit of fun, Michaelann went without white shoes — opting instead for bright, beautiful pink. CAIT BARNETT

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PHOTOGRAP H E R T I M W I L L P H O T O G R A P H Y | E V E N T P L A N N I N G & D E S I G N B R I D E | F L O R A L S M A RY L O UISE HAGLER CEREMONY V E N U E HOME

OFFICIANT

C AT E R E R

S A I N T M A RY O N T H E H I L L C AT H O L I C C H U R C H R O U X ' S C AT E R I N G

FAT H E R J O H N LY O N S

JOEL CONTE

SHOES

GOWN

CAKES & SWEETS

RECEPTION VENUE

LILA GREEN

MUSIC

G R A NDMOTHER'S

D J D WAY NE HOPKINS

LEGENDS BY ROMONA KEVEZA, MADDISON ROW

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

GROOM

TA I L O R E D I N F L O R E N C E , I TA LY

EARRINGS

TIE

LULA KATE

BRIDESMAID L U L A K AT E , B E L L A B R I D E S M A I D C H A R L E S T O N | R E N TA L S R A N C O T E N T S | L I G H T I N G J O H NNY MORETZ

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A PINNING IDEA! From Paris to Brazil, discover tons of this issue’s content on Pinterest .

ADVERTISE

YOU'LL BE SMITTEN WITH T H E R E S U LT S ! . . .

I N OUR

WINTER ISSUE!

DIRECT LINKS TO YOUR WEBSITE & SOCIAL ACCOUNTS O V E R 1 M I L L I O N PA G E V I E W S AD VIEWS FOR MONTHS (EVEN YEARS) TO COME B E N E F I T S T H AT FA R O U T W E I G H PRINT ADVERTISING

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HELLO@SMITTEN-MAG.COM SMITTEN

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JENNIFER

KEVIN

C A R M E L VA L L E Y

CALIFORNIA

photographed by MICHELE BECKWITH PHOTOGRAPHY

Holman Ranch has long been an A-listers destination, where luminaries like Clark Gable and Marlon Brando once found solace. So when this twosome wed, they stayed true to its old Hollywood splendor. The bride herself was a head-to-toe ode to the cinematic vixens of the Golden Age, with her feathered birdcage veil, her art deco diamond earrings, her dazzling Badgely Mischka pumps. And one vivid, standout color: red. Ruby dahlias, boutonniĂ¨res and program ribbons brought the customs of the East to the grandeur of the West. These discerning critics give this reel of nuptials two enthusiastic thumbs up. CAIT BARNETT

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PHOTOGRAPHER

MICHELE BECKWITH PHOTOGRAPHY

EVENT PLANNING & DESIGN

AMY BYRD WEDDINGS

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RAID THEDessy CLOSET DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE – THE

GIRLS HERE AT SMITTEN GOT TO RAID THE ACCESSORIES CLOSET AT THE DESSY GROUP FOR OUR FAVORITE FINDS

WITH

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Lin

Claire

Quinn

Andr aya

ndsey

Della Becky

for the guys...

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