Sophisticated Living Weddings Nashville Sept Oct 2018 by Sophisticated Living Magazine

{weddings}

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Vol.II 2019

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EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS HOME MAINTENANCE

SOPHISTICATED ORGANIZATION Expert Advice by Liz Jenkins, Owner of A Fresh Space

Who doesn’t love a wedding? Planning a wedding is a fun and exciting process, and nothing beats the moment when rings are exchanged and two people in love begin a wonderful future together. But alongside the vows and the champagne toasts, weddings can also bring a lot of stuff into the lives and homes of a newlywed (or soon-to-be-wed) couple. We sat down with Certified Professional Organizer Liz Jenkins of A Fresh Space to find out her best strategies for dealing with the clutter and chaos that can arise when combining households and dealing with the influx of wedding gifts. When is the best time to get organized when a wedding is on the horizon? There’s no time like the present to start getting organized-and that applies to anyone, not just a couple preparing for a wedding! Truthfully, it’s never too early to start organizing, especially if you’re planning to merge multiple households into one. Weddings are such a big event in most people’s lives, so with our clients at A Fresh Space, we typically break it down into two phases. The first happens before the wedding where we work with the soon-to-be-newlyweds in evaluating and editing their current items and spaces. After the wedding, we help the couple focus on combining households and determining where everything should be stored in their home.

Before the wedding, what sort of preparations should happen? If they’re preparing to merge households, one of the most important steps is going through each person’s belongings and editing them. It is super helpful to evaluate what each half of the couple currently owns and help them determine what will go to their future home. If they’re already living together, then evaluating what they already own to make space for the new items they will receive at the wedding is key. When combining households, there’s a good chance that we’ll find duplicates of items-especially in the kitchen or in terms of furniture. In these cases, the couple needs to decide whose item to keep, and helping our clients negotiate this (peacefully!) is a big part of what we do at A Fresh Space! What are the biggest things to consider when a couple is moving in together for the first time or moving into a new home after their wedding? I encourage clients to be realistic when they think about the space in their home. If they are combining two fairly good sized homes into one similarly sized home, we may not be able to fit absolutely everything in the house-we can only bend the laws of physics so much. For most couples, the time leading up to the wedding is busy, but carving out time to edit their belongings and strategically plan their spaces and storage is definitely worth it. Even if the couple is moving into a larger home, it’s best to make

Photo by Lynsey Culwell

Photo by Jessica Bellinger Photography

decisions now so that their new home has only what they truly need and love (and so there is room to grow as they acquire new items after the wedding).

yourself and those around you during this time is very important. When there’s a high level of anxiety in the air leading up to the wedding, making decisions about your stuff can be difficult. Planning ahead is one of the most critical parts of the process in terms of being organized. I can’t tell you how many times we get a call from people who married and moved in together and are now buried in piles of toasters and waffle makers. Take time before the wedding to think through what you have and what you want your life to look like when it is shared with another person - I can’t stress the importance of this enough. On the practical end, evaluating your future (or current) home together with an eye toward storage, function and flow can make all the difference between a chaotic or smooth transition. It is amazing how seamless a post-wedding move can be when storage solutions and systems have been thought through and properly set up.

What about after the wedding? What happens then? This is always the fun part: seeing what was gifted and figuring out where it all goes. If we’ve planned well on the front end, then the majority of the items already have a home waiting for them. If we come in at that point, then we start at the beginning with the edit of existing items, then placing the new. This is also where we bring in the lovely baskets and labels to get those Instagram worthy spaces! Even though the wedding is over, there are still wedding tasks to be completed, like writing thank you notes, returning or exchanging gifts, giving back any decor items that may have been borrowed for the event, and the like. We help our clients set up a space to hold any gifts until decisions are made, as well as create an area where wedding memories are properly stored. As they’re planning a wedding and preparing to move, how can couples make the organizing process easier on themselves and their loved ones? While a wedding is an amazing point in people’s lives, it can also be quite stressful not just for the partners but for those around them. Being mindful of this and giving grace to

Any final words of wisdom for couples that want to get organized before their wedding? A wedding marks a new chapter and a new way of living. Embrace this new phase by letting go of anything that could hold you back as you move forward together. Liz Jenkins created A Fresh Space in 2005 and now leads a team of amazing organizers. Based out of Franklin, TN, A Fresh Space helps people get organized, decluttered, and unpacked throughout the Nashville area with their trademark approach of common sense, practicality, kindness and a strong aesthetic that creates spaces that are both functional and beautiful. As the top organizing firm in the Nashville area, AFS brings years of experience and organizing wisdom to the table for every client.

HERMITAGE HOTEL Nashvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sophisticated + Elegant Venue Written by Alexandra Rhett

Since 1910, The Hermitage Hotel has been the best choice for brides desiring an elegant Nashville wedding. Warm surroundings, careful planning of the finer details, an award-winning culinary team, and beautiful Nashville honeymoon suites are just a few of the five-star ingredients that will make your wedding at The Hermitage Hotel everything you dreamed it would be.

The Hermitage Hotel provides a complete selection of services for your Nashville wedding, including full-service planning and customizable catering. From intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, our dedicated coordinator will take the worry out of planning your big day. Even more, we offer a variety of packages and specials to enhance your wedding experience. Whether you desire an intimate celebration in the Veranda or a larger affair in the Grand Ballroom, your wedding at The Hermitage Hotel will dazzle your guests with its relaxed luxury. Our Nashville hotel is one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best and most unique wedding venues, offering 5,427 square feet of flexible event space, 122 spacious rooms and suites for all your guests, personalized service from an experienced and talented staff, and award-winning culinary services. Photos Provided by Kristin Sweeting, Abigail Bobo, Crystal K Martal, and Matt Andrews

CUSTOM COUPLEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CLOSETS Designed Exclusively by Inspired Closets Written by Genevieve Moore Inspired Closets has built a high-end, high-quality reputation as a leader in custom closets, keeping customers at the forefront of all they do, since 2007. Their mission is simple- Inspired Closets strives to create a space that is organized, stress-free and inspired. This means, listening to each customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wants and needs so they can design each space with intent and care. And what better time to delve into this kind of project then

when you merge your life and living space with your significant other! Inspired Closets has beautiful, customizable options to create or transform wardrobes to meet the individual needs of your newly integrated lifestyles. From rolling racks, jewelry drawers, luxe shoe displays, high-end textures and modern solid finishes; the team at Inspired Closets is here to assist with the after I-Do to-do list.

MARTHA ALICE SMITH + STEPHEN DREW CARNEY Photographed by Austin Gros Mattie Smith and Drew Carney, both of Nashville, Tennessee, wed December 30th at Scarritt Bennett’s Wightman Chapel. The bride wore a long-sleeve gown created by designer Inbal Dror, accompanied with a spectacular cathedral-length veil. The fabulous and unique reception was held at The Loews Vanderbilt Hotel ballroom, where over 350 guests danced the night away to the energetic and vibrant music of The 12 South Band. Executed by Hugh Howser and the team of H Three Events, the evening was glowing with excitement…and neon! Appropriately, being surrounded with New Year’s energy, champagne was bubbling and glow items and noise horns were abundant. Throughout the wedding planning process, Mattie shares some of her favorite memories that she will cherish forever and reflects upon the wedding-planning experience. What was the most fun aspect of planning your wedding? The most fun aspect of planning the wedding was working with our planner, Hugh Howser! Hugh is a dear friend of mine and

also happens to be the best at what he does. Our meetings were more like a hangout, usually at Sam’s Place. We would giggle over chicken tenders and discuss wedding details. I trusted him completely and knew he understood my vision. My main goal was for everything to be different and unique. He pulled it off to perfection and truly made all of my dreams come true! What advice would you give newlyweds planning a wedding now? I would tell newlyweds not to focus on the events and details, but on your relationship. After four years of dating, our engagement was one of the hardest times in our relationship because we didn’t make time for each other a priority. Any free time we had was spent on wedding details. Looking back, I would not have invested so much of myself. As a bride, I would delegate more and not be such a perfectionist! At the end of the day, what matters most is that you are getting to marry your person- so who cares if the cake has almond or buttercream icing.

What do you remember most about your wedding day? Standing with my dad the moment before walking down the aisle. I remember squeezing his arm, looking into his eyes, and suddenly, all of my fears subsided. A calm, surreal feeling overcame me as we stood in the back of the church watching each bridesmaid disappear down the aisle. We were listening to the bagpipes and patiently waiting for the big moment, but I was never nervous or anxious. Instead, I was more relaxed than I had been that entire weekend. I remember thinking to myself, “I will never get this moment back.” It was the moment that I had been dreaming of since I was a little girl, and I wanted to be present. As I walked down the aisle, I remember locking eyes with Drew. That was a

dreamlike moment. He is all I remember the rest of the ceremony. And I can also still hear Holly Williams when she started singing Holy, Holy, Holy- her voice rang throughout the old chapel and thinking of that moment still gives me goosebumps! What is something you learned during the process that you wish you’d known prior? Mom is always right!! There were several instances where my mom and I didn’t see eye to eye. She is very traditional and low key, and I wanted more current and fun aspects in the wedding. I learned that whatever it was that we were debating wasn’t worth it, because she always ended up being right in the end! Looking back, I wish I had listened to her more!

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{weddings}

Weddings Edition Vol. II 2019

slmag.net

Sophisticated Organization

Hermitage Hotel

Custom Couple’s Closets

Martha Alice Smith + Stephen Drew Carney

Brittany Fuson Designs

Pause for Pampering

The Princess Bride

Everything’s Coming Up Roses

Something Old Something New

Break out the Bubbly!

Hot or Not

Runway Bride

Share the Love

Pointers from the Planners

Evolution of the Engagement Ring

Hot or Not Wilderly Bride by Allure

Vol.II 2019

on the cover: Model wearing ‘CoCo’ wedding gown dy designer Grace Loves Lace. Each gown is handmade in-house at their studios in Queensland, Australia. Photographed by Jeremy Choh

615.298.1027 | claytoncollection.com

Weddings Edition Vol. II 2019

Glowing Skin, Glowing Bride

M Street Entertainment Group

Sophisticated Source

Ever-So Charming

Perfectly Passed

Expert Advice on Common Pre-Wedding Day Procedures

Cotton Candy

Elizabeth Meyers + Jake Ramsey

To Be Technical

Luscious Locks

Nashville’s Finest Event Venues

Honeymoon Hot Spots

100

Vroom Vroom Balloon

42 26

Something Old Something New ‘Grimaldi’ gown by Watters Brides

PUBLISHER Fabrizio Venuta fabrizio@slmag.net EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Britt Steele britt@slmag.net

______________________________________________ MANAGING EDITOR Alexandra Rhett alexandra@slmag.net CONTRIBUTORS Chief Plastic Surgery Correspondent Dr. Brian Biesman Contributing Wedding Expert Angela Proffitt Travel Expert Sandy Schadler Writers Victoria Chase Omar Cunningham Abigail Hamilton Jessica Harrington Caylee Matthews Genevieve Moore Austin Pembroke Photographers Michael Scott Evans David Bailey Ian Cresswell Joe Hardwick Rachel Tenpenny Paul Wharton Copy Editors Jennifer Newton Michael Parker SALES OFFICE 205.807.7027 | alexandra@slmag.net

______________________________________________ SOPHISTICATED LIVING MEDIA Eric Williams - CEO Bridget Williams - President Jason Yann - Art Director Illustration by Brittany Fuson, see page 22 for more creative designs

Sophisticated Living® is published by Straightforward Media, LLC. and is independently owned and operated. Sophisticated Living® is a registered trademark of Williams Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living® is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of Straightforward Media, LLC. and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission.

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From the Managing Editor

Love: a tiny, four letter word that holds a mere two consonants and two vowels, yet somehow, this tiny word carries such a tremendous amount of meaning. I love my family, I love crispy veggie flatbread, I love the salty ocean breeze, I love flowers at the peak of their bloom- I love, well, love. When I began working on our 2018/2019 Weddings Edition, I realized that some couples may accidentally get too wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of planning, they may forget why they’re doing this all in the first place. Therefore, with this edition, I wanted to remind each couple on this beautiful journey to not loose sight of the end goal and purpose of it all- your love for one another. Something I often remember, is, of all things, from a 2012 Men’s Warehouse commercial. The scene starts off by panning across the packed church pews filled with loved ones and family members, all with necks turned towards the back entrance, anxiously awaiting for the church doors to open. The camera then switches views to the excited groom, who nervously rocks back and fourth with the sweetest smile on his face, of course, awaiting his bride. The church doors swing open and the audience stands. The bride is walking down the aisle with everyone locking their eyes on the gorgeous, silky white gown, stunning lace veil, and perfectly arranged bouquet, and the voice-over states a message for the groom, “while everyone is looking at her, she will be looking at you.” With my emotions usually always on my sleeve, a few tears streamed down my face as that simple annotate said so much- you plan and you plan to ensure your guests have a beautiful time, but in that moment, your partner is not looking around at the flowers or the candles or thinking of the three hour planning meetings you had each week, but in that moment, they are looking towards the future in the eyes of the one standing at the end of the aisle. In that moment, it is just the two of you. In this edition, we worked hard to represent the ends and outs of wedding planning so your love story’s beginning is perfectly catered to the two of you. From wedding/event expert Angela Proffitt, who shares her game-changing ideas on implementing technology into your wedding, to Chef Penelope Catering who walks us through the “perfect bite” for your cocktail hour appetizers, the team at Sophisticated Living Nashville seized this opportunity to gather everything we believe you just must know for your upcoming planning and nuptials, and of course, all the aspects to look forward to after the “I-Dos.” But even with all the planning advice, beautiful gowns and inspirational editorial you will find within these pages, our team could never voice the importance of putting your love at the top of it all. The flower bouquets will soon wither, the cocktails will run dry, the music will eventually end, but the love you devoted to one-another on this day will last a lifetime. So, enjoy the planning process knowing that the wedding day is only the beginning! Happy planning! xo.

AlexandraRhett Alexandra Rhett Managing Editor alexandra@slmag.net

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PAUSE FOR PAMPERING Arizona resort offers a wellness experience for brides before the big day Written by Caylee Matthews

Every bride knows that the weeks and even days leading up to the big day are anything but organized, peaceful and stressfree. Getting caught up in the minutia of wedding planning means that many brides lose sight of the true meaning of their soon to be union. Recognizing the need for a bridal time out, Sanctuary on Cambelback Mountain Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley, Arizona has rolled out Bridal Balance, a complimentary wellness experience for all Sanctuary brides designed to help them refocus and unwind before their wedding day. For all resort weddings through 2019, Sanctuary brides are privy to a complimentary two-hour Bridal Balance wellness experience, arranged around their schedule before the big day. The experience is tailored to their wedding day priorities, be it

emotional calm, physical fitness or spiritual re-centering. Brides may choose from any two experiences on the Sanctuary Spa menu, be it a massage or body treatment to relieve tension; a personal training session, nutritional consultation or special fitness class to feel strong and healthy; a guided meditation session to align physical, emotional and spiritual being; or a tarot reading for guidance and insight. After their services, brides are welcome to retreat to Sanctuary Spaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Quiet Room for a few moments of reflection, enjoy any of the Spaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world class amenities, including Vitality pools, steam baths and a 25-yard outdoor lap pool, or soak up the breathtaking views of Paradise Valley. For more information visit sanctuaryoncamelback.com.

Ashford Castle is situated on 350-acres near the village of Cong.

THE PRINCESS BRIDE Ideas for a castle wedding or honeymoon to make your fairytale dreams come true Compiled by Caylee Matthews Ashford Castle - Co. Mayo, Ireland (Rooms from $660/night; ashfordcastle.com) Ashford Castle, located on the west coast of Ireland, 45 minutes from Galway City, was originally built in 1228 by the AngloNorman de Burgos family. Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness, of the great Guinness brewing dynasty, purchased the estate in 1852 and made it the family’s country residence. The castle was converted for use as a hotel in 1939; the current owner, Red Carnation Hotels, has invested more than $50 million since 2013 to solidify Ashford’s reputation as one of the most luxurious castle hotels in the world. Sitting on the shores of Lough Corrib and the River Cong, the castle is enveloped by 350 acres of woodlands. Each of the 83 guest rooms are uniquely decorated, with staterooms in the Castle boasting original elements that date as far back as the 13th century. Dining options range from casual-to-formal, with each offering impeccable service and elegant décor. On-site amenities include fishing for brown trout and Atlantic salmon, a 9-hole, par 35 golf course, the Ashford Equestrian Center, a sporting clay

range, a falconry school (Ireland’s first), an archery center, a stateof-the-art spa, jogging and walking routes, and charter of the M.V. Lady Ardilaum for exploring Lough Corrib. Barberstown Castle - Co Kildare, Ireland (Rooms from $199/night; barberstowncastle.ie) This unique 13th century Irish castle is the ideal base from which to visit Dublin (just 30 minutes by car) and Ireland’s Ancient East. Since 1288, the property has had 37 owners, most notably Eric Clapton, who called it home from 1979 though 1987. Since then, a multi-million-dollar renovation has transformed the Castle from a 10-bedroom private residence with just three bathrooms, to a 55-bedroom luxury hotel that is a member of Ireland’s prestigious Blue Book of Country House Hotels & Restaurants. A dedicated on-site team operates the Castle’s bespoke wedding program, which is tailored to a couples’ individual requirements. Banquet spaces include the circa 1562 Medieval Hall with seating

Barberstown Castle

Belleek Castle

Castello del Nero

for up to 200 guests, or the Garden Suite, which has French doors that open onto 10 acres of landscaped gardens. Belleek Castle - Co. Mayo, Ireland (Rooms from $159/night; belleekcastle.com) Awarded “The Most Romantic Castle” at the 2018 Irish Hotel Awards, this 1820s neo-Gothic Castle is informal, cozy, warm and friendly, and guests enjoy its rich décor and antiquities, and roaring log fires. Situated on 200-acres in Belleek Woods along the banks of the River Moy where a medieval abbey once stood, Belleek Castle is an iconic Irish country house with a destination restaurant. With just 10 bedrooms and a spectacular wedding venue in the Great Hall, which is adorned with wood paneling and a 21-foot-long antique banquet table, the property is ideal for highly personalized weddings. Working closely with the couple, chef Stephen Lenahan crafts banquet menus based on seasonal ingredients from both land and sea and combines these with castle traditions and innovative cooking methods.

Castello Del Nero Hotel & Spa - Florence, Italy (Rooms from $500/night; castellodelnero.com) This 12th century castle and former nobleman’s home in the celebrated Chianti wine region is nestled within a picturesque landscape dotted with olive groves and vineyards. Working under the supervision of the Italian Fine Art Commission, period details such as original frescoes have been carefully preserved in each of 50 guest rooms and suites. Spacious bathrooms are decorated with marble and mosaics. Ideal for destination weddings is a fully restored frescoed chapel and adjacent gardens with a 400-year-old cedar tree and beds of antique Florentine roses. The 3,000-foot ESPA, the region’s first destination spa, provides luxurious treatments that fuse advanced techniques with ancient therapies. You can pamper your palate with a meal at La Torre, the hotel’s one-star Michelin restaurant. If you can pull yourself away from the charms of the 740-acre grounds, there is daily shuttle service to Florence and Siena.

Ciragan Palace

Çırağan Palace Kempinksi - Istanbul, Turkey (Rooms from $350/night; kempinski.com) Shrouded in a long history of hosting some of the most romantic fairytale stories of love affairs, Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, a grandiose property on the European side of the Bosphorus strait, holds the distinction of being a residence for sultans of the Ottoman Empire in its previous life. Each of the 310 guestrooms have views of the water or Yildiz Park, which was once a hunting forest for the sultans. Even more luxurious are the suites in the Palace building, which offer 24-hour private butler service, a private entrance and a luxe lounge. Serving as an oasis in the bustling city center, the property offers extensive leisure facilities, including an infinity pool, spa services and spacious gardens that are exclusively available for Çırağan Palace Kempinski guests. There are six waterfront restaurants on property; the most notable is Tug˘ra, whose classic Turkish cuisine is considered among Istanbul’s finest. Castle Durrow - Co. Laois, Ireland (Rooms from $195/night; castledurrow.com) Built by Viscount Ashbrook in 1716 and now the family home of Peter and Shelly Stokes, who have lovingly restored the structures and grounds of the estate, Castle Durrow is both a country house of historical importance and one of Ireland’s most magnificent luxury four-star hotels. Exquisite interiors and extensive formal gardens make the property a popular wedding venue.

Each of the 46 guestrooms are uniquely outfitted in styles ranging from chinoiserie to country house traditional. An on-site organic kitchen garden is tended by award-winning chef Graham Gallagher; what culinary needs can’t be met by the garden are sourced as locally as possible. New for 2018 is a conservatory with a large terrace that functions as a casual dining option. Activities either on-site or nearby include fishing, clay pigeon shooting, archery, tennis, golf and hiking. The Medieval city of Kilkenny is 30 minutes away by car. Castle Hotel & Spa – Hudson Valley, New York (Rooms from $339/night; slh.com/castlehudson) Perched on one of the highest points in Westchester County with views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline, the medieval-style Castle Hotel & Spa opened as a luxury hotel in 1997 (16 years after being designated as a historic landmark) and boasts period details such as intricately carved stairways of dark burnished wood, glowing sconces, mammoth hand-hewn oak beams and leadedglass windows. One of the most spectacular rooms is the ‘Great Hall,” with a 40-foot vaulted ceiling and original Gothic windows with heraldic motifs, making it a popular venue for wedding receptions. The 31 individually decorated rooms are outfitted with fourposter beds, fireplaces, marble bathrooms and superb views. The serene Sankara Spa takes a holistic treatment approach to help patrons rediscover inner physical and mental wellness. Drawing inspiration from local, artisanal farmers in the Hudson Valley, Equus Restaurant offers fine dining in an equally elevated setting.

Castle Durrow

Castle Hotel and Spa

Crossbasket Castle

Castle Leslie Estate Chateau de Fere

Castle Leslie Estate - Co. Monaghan, Ireland (Rooms from $199/night ; castleleslie.com) Nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, Castle Leslie is one of Ireland’s last great Irish castle estates still in the hands of the founding family. The property received international attention in 2002 when it hosted the wedding of Paul McCartney and Heather Mills. “Our family’s ethos has always been one of creativity and curiosity, openness and sharing, of innovation and entrepreneurship, of sensitivity and working with, of involvement and teamwork,” said Sammy Leslie. “With 1000 years of Leslie family history recorded, and 25 years in business, it is my great honor to be the one tasked with bringing a unique and important part of Ireland’s living heritage through to the future.” Located at the heart of the Estate, the Castle offers authentic interiors and time-honored traditional hospitality. The Lodge, which houses Conor’s Bar, Snaffles Restaurant, and The Victorian Treatment Rooms serves as a social hub of the Estate and brings locals and guests together in an atmosphere of conviviality and comfort. The Old Stable Mews and Village Cottages are an ideal spot for guests desiring the convenience of hotel living combined with the perks of private luxury home rental. On-property activities include pike fishing, a private cinema, walking trails, kayaking, clay pigeon shooting, hot air balloon rides, falconry, a spa and equestrian center. Château de Fère Hôtel & Spa - Champagne, France ( Rooms from $174/night; slh.com/hotels/chateau-de-fere) A 90-minute drive from Paris, the manicured grounds and woodlands that comprise the property are graced with two castles.

The original Château de Fère was built in the early 1200s by the grandson of King Louis VI. Now in ruins, it serves as a backdrop for the more “recent” Château, constructed in the 16th century. Each of the 29 rooms are uniquely decorated with fine works of art and antique furniture. On-property amenities include a trio of dining rooms, a spa with sauna and hammam, a heated outdoor pool, tennis court, complimentary bicycles, and a banquet room able to accommodate up to 150 guests. Château de Fère is a perfect base for exploring Soissons, the birthplace or Charlemagne; the city of Reims and its famous cathedral, where the coronation of multiple kings occurred; and, the vineyards of Champagne. Crossbasket Castle - High Blantyre, Scotland (slh.com/crossbasket) The tower of Crossbasket was erected in the early 15th century, and was a jointure, or dower-house of the Lindsays of Dunrod granted by King Robert the Bruce. Fast-forward to 2011, and the building lay empty and near derelict when it was bought by current owners Steve and Alison Reid-Timoney, who have since invested $10 million into transforming the castle into a luxurious hotel and event venue that is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. There are nine en-suite bedrooms, each decorated in a period style and named in honor of a historical custodian of this Castle. Every bedroom is finished with period window and bed dressings and complemented with original antique furniture and luxuriously oversized beds. As for dining, the Albert & Michel Roux Jnr Restaurant, overseen by the legendary French chef Albert Roux, son Michel Roux Junior and run by an award-winning executive head

Kokkedal Castle

Thornbury Castle

chef, set in the luxuriously embellished Baillie Room, surrounded by gold leaf and opulent antiques to offer an experience of a bygone era. Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen - Denmark (from $186/night; slh.com/kokkedal) Set on a stunning stretch of coastline, just north of Copenhagen, Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen is one of Denmark’s most exclusive castle hotels. Surrounded by acres of parkland, an 18-hole golf course, beautiful beaches, fishing villages and art galleries, this stately Dutch Renaissance-style castle dating from 1746 is situated in the heart of the royal North Zealand area. Accoutrements include a unique spa, a gourmet restaurant in the castle’s original vaulted cellar, a stylish library bar and a superb choice of beautifully appointed rooms. The look and feel at Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen is that of a stylish, elegant country house with contemporary touches. Designed to reflect the original style of the castle, Bohemian crystal chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and plush Nina Campbell fabrics adorn the public areas. The colors in the 45 rooms are inspired by nature, creating a truly relaxing ambiance. Taleon Imperial Hotel – Saint Petersburg, Russia (from $200/night; lhw.com/Taleon-Imperial-Hotel-St-Petersburg-Russia) The only hotel in St. Petersburg to be housed in a former palace, the Taleon Imperial Hotel preserves the historic heritage of the space, which has been visited by the likes of Catherine the Great, and melds it with state-of-the-art amenities and attentive service. The rooftop spa includes a swimming pool, while the hotel’s signature restaurant serves formal Russian cuisine, including an extensive selection of caviar and vodka. Situated in the heart of

Taleon Hotel

historic St. Petersburg, the hotel is a five-minute walk from the world-famous Hermitage Museum in Palace Square and other mustsee sights and shopping destinations. Thornbury Castle - Gloucestershire, UK (Rooms from $200/night; thornburycastle.co.uk) Thornbury Castle is the only Tudor castle to be opened as a hotel in England, and guests can marvel at the authentic features of the time that include arrow-slit windows, stone walls, steep-spiral staircases, turrets, tapestries, roaring fires, ornate carved ceilings and views over the historic parkland and the River Severn. Comfortable lounges abound, and the 28 individuallydesigned rooms and suites create a warm ambiance guests love. Bedchambers feature four-poster or coronet beds, and the Tower Suite boasts the largest four-poster bed in the country— measuring some 10 feet across. Guests can stroll through the walled gardens (the oldest Tudor gardens in all of England) and admire two rose gardens, a privy garden, a stone Summerhouse, and lovely lawns. Other Tudor pastimes include croquet, archery and falconry on-site, with fishing, quad (four wheel) biking and other activities available nearby. A thriving vineyard in the Thornbury Castle grounds produces Muller Thurgau and Phoenix grapes that are used to craft a bespoke wine. Couples can rent the entire Castle and grounds out for their wedding or anniversary party, and retire to the Duke’s bedchamber— the very one where King Henry VIII and his bride Anne Boleyn slept almost 500 years ago. On their first anniversary, the happy couple can enjoy a complimentary one night’s stay with breakfast. The Castle offers a variety of wedding venues both indoors and out, with many courtesy touches.

Everythingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coming Up Roses Compiled by Victoria Chase Rose gold engagement rings and wedding bands for the bride that dares to be different

Clockwise from top left: Pale Rose Cinderella ring in 18k rose gold grin Anabela Chan ($1,350; anabelachan.com). 18k rose gold double lace full diamond ring ($5,660; nouvelheritage.com). Voyage By Kim ring in 18k rose gold with a single brilliant-cut diamond (price upon request; wempe.com). 14k rose gold band ring with pavĂŠ diamonds from Adina Reyter ($398; adinareyter. com). One-of-a-kind rose gold band from VTse (price upon request; vtsejewelry.com). Vintage lace band in 14k rose gold from Marrow ($1,000; marrowfine.com).

Clockwise from top left: Margot McKinney 18k rose gold tourmaline and sapphire ring ($15,500; margotmckinney.com). Caress 18k rose gold engagement ring (from $14,800; debeers.com). Djula 18k rose gold pear pink quartz and diamond ring ($1,815; djula.fr/en). Novel Heritage Buried Treasure diamond ring in 18k rose gold with diamonds ($4,620; nouvelheritage.com). Kenya rose gold engagement ring from MiaDonna (from $2,199; miadonna.com). Rose and white gold Xpandable green tourmaline and diamond ring from Picchiotti ($23,400; picchiotti.it). 14k rose gold, diamond and tourmaline ring from Butani (price upon request; butani.com).

Leanne Marshall

SOMETHING OLD SOMETHING NEW From traditional to trendy, a roundup of wedding gowns from the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top designers. Compiled by Victoria Chase

All looks this page by Leanne Marshall

Dresses by Alexandra Grecco Photo by Elizabeth Messina

‘Canella’ gown by Watters Brides

Dresses by Alexandra Grecco Photo by Elizabeth Messina

‘Grimaldi’ gown by Watters Brides

‘Havana’ gown by Yumi Katsura

‘Haley’ gown by Yumi Katsura

‘Hiori’ gown by Yumi Katsura

‘Hestie’ gown by Yumi Katsura

‘Riva’ gown from Eddy K. Dreams 2018 collection

‘Adriana’ gown from Eddy K. Dreams 2018 collection

‘Mirella’ gown from Eddy K. Dreams 2018 collection

‘Eva’ gown from Eddy K. Dreams 2018 collection

‘Erika’ gown from Eddy K. Dreams 2018 collection

‘Winfrey’ gown from Rita Vinieris’ Alyne line

‘Santa Barbara’ gown from Caroline Castigliano

‘Celia’ gown from Caroline Castigliano

‘Claret’ gown from Caroline Castigliano

‘Madeira’ gown from Caroline Castigliano

BREAK OUT THE BUBBLY! What to pour, from the proposal to the reception Written by Bridget Williams Moët & Chandon, founded in 1743, is the Maison that introduced Champagne to the world. Because the effervescent elixir is synonymous with celebrations, we asked Marie-Christine Osselin, Wine Quality Manager for Moët & Chandon, to share some tips on incorporating Champagne into every memorable wedding moment. PROPOSAL | The proposal is the perfect moment to celebrate with champagne! When choosing which champagne, first think about what the bride likes - if she loves rosé, go for Moët & Chandon Imperial Rosé. “It is our flagship Rosé Champagne with fruity, romantic flavors and I’m sure she will love it. If she prefers something crisper, go with Imperial Brut,” says Osselin. BRIDAL SHOWER | Moët Minis are the perfect bridal shower accessory. Tie a nametag along the neck of the mini with the guest’s name and table number for them to enjoy as they find their seat. Alternatively, give away a Moet Imperial Mini as a special something to thank guests for coming to celebrate the bride to be! Tie a pretty ribbon in the bride’s color palate around the neck, with a “Thank You” from the bride. BACHELORETTE PARTY | Kick off the “last fling before the ring” with the first of its kind - Ice Imperial or Ice Imperial Rosé - champagne to be enjoyed over ice. Have the girls bring some fresh fruit and ice cubes and create their own unique refreshing cocktails with Champagne over ice in the festive, white out bottles! REHEARSAL DINNER | Osselin recommends choosing a special champagne to thank your family and friends for their love and support during the wedding preparation, with one of Moët’s Grand Vintage Wines. Choose Grand Vintage Brut 2009 or Grand Vintage Rosé 2009 as a special way to symbolize the time and love your parents have invested in you, and they’ll appreciate the thought you’ve put into it. THE WEDDING | Start the big day by popping some bubbly with a classic Imperial Brut. Moët was the first brand to coin the Champagne tower - why not have a beautiful tower during cocktail hour for guests to not only take a photo for social media (obviously using the wedding hashtag), but also enjoy a glass of bubbly to kick off the evening. For cake and dessert, offer guests Nectar Imperial Rosé, as the sweetness in the wine will pair perfectly with the cake.

2018 Muse Collection by Berta. Photo by Mike Conlon

HOT OR NOT Designers weigh in on bridal trends Written by Omar Cunningham Trends may come and trends may go but some trends have the ability to stay around and become true classics. Everything starts somewhere. Short skirts were once a trend, as were Uggs. Of the two, one is considered a classic staple in every woman’s wardrobe. We’ll let you take a guess at which one became a “classic”. In the bridal industry, there are trends that have become traditions as well. Jumping the broom, smashing plates, wearing a penny in your shoe for good luck, and something borrowed and something blue, all are traditions that at one point were considered trends and have gone on to withstand the test of time. When it comes to bridal fashions, there are some trends that are welcomed to stay, and others that some feel need to go by way of the hobble skirt, leg warmers, velour track suits or patterned tights. We asked leading bridal fashion insiders to weigh in on what’s on the horizon, what may need to fade away, what should resurface, and the influence of trends on the market in general. In the end, it is up to you on what you will wear as you gracefully stroll down the aisle. but why not hear what the experts have to say to get the “inside scoop”! 1. What Trends do you think will be big in the next year? ALLURE BRIDALS | Top three trends include emphasis on geometric appliques, delicate buttons, and soft, stretch lace and crepe fabrics. BERTA | More and more brides are choosing non-traditional colors such as pale pink, champagne and ivory. Our bride

holds a lot of confidence and appeal, and she is not afraid to be bold and try fresh and new styles. As the collections are always evolving and new fabrications are always being revealed, we find the trends to be based more on the bride herself. She wants that sexy and glamorous dress while still remaining true to the classic silhouette. HEY LADY SHOES | Understated Elegance: The Royal Wedding always has a ripple, before with Kate Middleton and lace sleeves, and now with Audrey Hepburn-inspired elegant simplicity with Meghan Markle. It’s “less is more” versus overly textured and bedazzled. Think less Kardashian and more natural beauty, especially in makeup and hair. Elements will be subtler, like a low back or sexy slit for dresses, and ladylike and refined for shoes. You won’t find as much over-the-top, extravagant, ornate shoes on your wedding day, as people want to be timeless from head to toe. The main-event wear is a rolling back to classic chic or minimalism; quintessential silhouettes that won’t go out of style when they look back on photos decades from now. Natural Organic Beauty: For wedding themes it’s evolved from rustic and DIY farmhouses to a more industrialized or outdoor venue softened with wild organic floral arrangements, undone buns. and not-so-arranged details. Bold blooms are found in dresses and shoes, while the nature backdrops are growing more and more wild. You’ll find wedges, low heels, and even flats to be everywhere in these organic venues. Brides still want to be able to walk gracefully down the natural terrain aisle.

Wilderly Bride by Allure

JESSICA BEDARD SHOES | Closed pump, matte satin and neutral colors.

WINNIE COUTURE | We have always been on the forefront of bridal fashion, so with that said, our newest collections really focus on enhancing a bride’s natural beauty. Illusion backlines and plunging necklines featured on figure-hugging silk and lace gowns make a bride feel beautiful on the inside, which radiates outward for everyone to see.

KATHERINE TASH | Colors: I keep seeing color entering the bridal world everywhere I look and I love it. Soft blush, lavender, and light blues. I’m seeing dip-dyed silks, and metallic yarns running through laces, and pops of color on custom embroideries. With today’s confident brides, anything goes and I think when done right, color is a gorgeous way to let your personality shine. The “Naked Dress”: I don’t see any sign of this trend stopping, in fact I see it ramping up. I love the naked dress, because it allows the beading and embroidery design to shine through on the garment, without adding bulky weight to the bride. But I wish we could rebrand this trend the “Illusion Dress”- I think brides get scared by the word naked, but trust me, no designer is going to send you down the aisle with your bits on display. Separates Dressing: I see a lot of brides opting for more modern, tailored styles, whether they’re getting married at the courthouse or not. Think tea length skirts, jumpsuits, silk slip dresses and blazers. I’m noticing almost every bridal designer at the moment adding at least one chic and tailored style to her offering for the woman who doesn’t necessarily want a “wedding dress” for her wedding. RIVINI – Traditional styles with an edge. Simplicity but with a modern couture elements. Pant options. Super Long veils.

2. What Trends do you wish would “go away” or have over saturated the market becoming cliche and are on their way out? ALLURE BRIDALS | Certain trends like cold shoulder sleeves, asymmetrical hemlines and the naked dress seem to be making their way out of the current trend pattern. BERTA | It’s hard to call something negative or cliché as every designer creates their own work. Berta focuses more intrinsically rather than compare herself to other designers. There is always an appreciation for trends in the market and that is something that will continue. HEY LADY SHOES | The Naked Trend: TOO see-through and lingerie sexy. Weddings are still family events!! It won’t be completely head-to-toe naked like the red carpet in recent years, but will have a little corset, a slip, some bustiers seamlessly built-in elements. A super skinny strap and mostly naked feet appeal will fade, there will be peeks of sexy feet but with a more comfort and practicality in mind over time. You won’t find those clear plastic booties anywhere near our design studio ever.

Wilderly Bride by Allure

Katherine Tash

The exact same dress for all bridesmaids should just be put to rest forever, as well as a requirement for the same shoe. There’s more awareness and diversity for the different personalities and body types now more than ever, and brides want their girls to be comfortable. The Ugly shoe: This is just the shoe market in general, in relation to bridal it was more of an anything-goes shoe game. Girls before may just use their wedding as an excuse to purchase their very expensive dream designer shoe, no matter if it complemented her wedding style. Everyone wants to feel their most beautiful version of themselves on their wedding day, and more and more want a cohesive style from head-to-toe.

RIVINI | It’s great to have variety so that every bride has options when looking for her perfect dress. The one trend that I would not miss and would be glad to see it gone is “showing too much skin”.

JESSICA BEDARD SHOES | Personally, I think the bling in shoes has been saturated! I’ve seen it too much but somehow brides still want it.

WINNIE COUTURE | The thing about bridal fashion is that trends may come and go (looking at you, puffy sleeves!), but beauty and elegance is forever. We are known for truly timeless and glamorous designs that feel current in any fashion climate. Let it be the classic strapless sweetheart neckline on a fitted French silk gown, or a dreamy Parisian lace ball gown with sleeves, Winnie Couture is focused on lasting beauty instead of racing to compete with season-long trends. 3. What Trend(s) would you like to see come back and why?

KATHERINE TASH | Traditional Ball gowns: Trust me I love a full skirt, but there is something about a giant satin ball gown with zero bells and whistles that feels so dated! With so many options in today’s market, I love to see brides push the boundaries more with their style. Sweetheart Necklines: Same goes for your traditional sweetheart neckline. If you want to go strapless, there are so many gorgeous updated variations on that neckline, that don’t look like they’ve been hanging on the rack of the bridal salon since 1989. Too Tight Mermaid Gowns: Today’s bride wants to be able to move and dance until 2am with the rest of her guests! It’s not a good look when you can barely make it down the aisle, much less enjoy the after party.

ALLURE BRIDALS | We’d love to see old-fashioned antique lace come back in! We also think ¾ length sleeves are gorgeous as well. And a minimalist slip dress would be beautiful on brides. HEY LADY SHOES | Personalization and Love Stories! We’d like to see more of the couple’s personalities shining through a wedding versus a Pinterest regurgitation. Pinterest is beautiful and is great for ideas, but the wedding details should absolutely tell a story about the couple’s flair. We love the pics where grooms had socks/shoe laces/ties that matched their bride’s Hey Lady shoes. One bride had her red heart sunglasses matching her red heart shoes.

Allure Couture

Winnie Couture

Jessica Bedard Shoes Mady White Lilac

JESSICA BEDARD SHOES | Any trends from the 80’s!

BERTA | Every designer is inspired by his or her own muse. At Berta, the fabric and the intricate details are what creates the whole process of designing. Anything and everything can be an influence to designers – it is truly personal.

KATHERINE TASH | I love sleeves! While I’m not ready for a Princess Diana moment, I do think Alexa Chung nailed the sleeves on the gown she designed and wore to the Met Ball this year. Lightweight fabric and a flattering, fun shape, I hope this trend takes off in a major way. RIVINI | A trend is exactly that and when it’s no longer trending it does not need to come back… if anything is going to make a comeback let it be fringe! WINNIE COUTURE | One thing that will always be welcome in bridal fashion is absolute beauty, which we strive to magnify in every single design for each and every bride. From strategically placed lace, meant to contour a bride’s feminine curves, to the interior construction of the gown that beautifully complements their waistline, our goal is to make every bride feel like beautiful; when a woman feels beautiful, everyone around her can feel her confidence and beauty grow! 4. What are designers being influenced by these days and how are they translating that into their designs? ALLURE BRIDALS | Fast fashion is universal, so designs are not only available more immediately but designs seem to be pulled from more previously inaccessible places. We could be inspired by classic bridal designs, Instagram and a 1960s vintage bridal look all at once.

HEY LADY SHOES | Sadly, designers can be TOO trendconscious and influenced by each other. It’s natural to be inspired by and interpret art, but we are disappointed when everybody jumps on the same bandwagon and it’s a copy of a copy of a copy. It becomes less about a unique offering for a unique style and personality, and more about what they hope editor’s want to put in a collage together. JESSICA BEDARD SHOES | I personally look at old magazines. Trends usually come back every 20 years, so it’s a good reference for me. KATHERINE TASH | I can’t speak for any other designers, but I think social media has such a big effect on the fashion industry in general right now. I think we’re at peak influencer, peak trend forecasting, and peak fast fashion. It’s exciting and scary for a new brand like me! There’s a wealth of inspiration available at your fingertips, but it can be distracting. I think it’s hugely important nowadays to really know what your brand is, who your customer is, and to remain confident in designing for that instead of trying to hit every single new trend. RIVINI | I don’t know what other designers are influenced by, but personally, the elements that sustain life, the beauty in detail and the spirit of my family inspire me to design.

Katherine Tash

Jessica Bedard Shoes - Adeline, Cybelle & Justine

WINNIE COUTURE | We are and will always be influenced by our brides. Understanding that every bride is different, and being able to make every bride’s vision a reality is how this brand was born! Being able to customize a design to a bride’s dream gown is what sets Winnie Couture apart from every brand, and gives us insight into what brides are truly looking for in a gown.

when there is more of a balance. I feel my shoes also have a very unique touch. The beautiful tradition of something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue in every pair of Jessica Bedard shoes!

5. As a bridal brand, what percentage of your collection is influenced by trends? ALLURE BRIDALS | Bridal is a more classic design arena. Our collections are certainly impacted by trends, but the vast majority of our designs adhere to more classic silhouettes. 25% trends/75% classic. BERTA | 0%. Trends are merely a creation and part of the process rather than an inspiration for the collection. Berta is known for creating trends, style, and being above the industry standards. HEY LADY SHOES | 0% trends/100% our own. We are instead influenced by unforgettable women in history and the spirit of entire decades, versus the trend of the moment. We end up with classics-with-a-twist that stand the test of time. They are both refreshingly unique and never out of style. JESSICA BEDARD SHOES | I would say 25%. My first two collections were very matte, opposed to what we see on the market. When I see bling in the dress, the shoes and the hair mixed with jewelry, I personally believe it’s too much. I love

KATHERINE TASH | I like to stay current, always evolving, but staying true to my brand. I try to understand what today’s bride wants without abandoning my own style, and if I can capture a certain trend in a way that feels like my brand and accentuates my bride’s natural beauty then that’s the best of both worlds. RIVINI | As I designer I don’t truly follow trends but my inspiration each season helps me create and set trends. WINNIE COUTURE | As a designer, we listen to our consumer, our beautiful brides! While some brides like Megan Markle are actually marrying a Prince, every Winnie Bride can expect an exclusive and royal treatment. The design for Megan’s dress that we sketched was a hallmark Winnie Couture gown that simply accentuated her own exquisite beauty, and it was very close in design to the gown she decided on. So, if you’re asking if trends influence our designs, we would say our designs actually influence the trends! Whatever your final options may be on your big day we are sure you will pick the dress that it just right for you! But, should you be the type to follow the trends why not take a few helpful tips from the professionals as one day you may look back and wish that you had!

RUNWAY BRIDE The fall makeup you need, inspired by the season’s catwalks Written by Bridget Williams Ditch the fake spray tan and glittery face bronzers because the summer is almost over, but the fall makeup trends have a plethora of products to offer. We asked our colleagues at beautypress.com to compile the top must haves for the fall season this year, inspired by the season’s catwalks. Trend: Skin Prep Must have: All-natural scrubs, serums and masks A good night’s sleep and prepping the skin with nourishing products is every model’s secret to a refreshed and youthful look. Before applying your makeup, in the morning, make sure to wash your face with a gentle foam or a scrub that’s delicate on the face. Partied all night last night like a real super model? No worries, the cure for under eye dark circles is a serum or a cream with active natural ingredients such as rice or soy extract, to reduce the appearance of tired eyes and puffiness. To revive the skin and bring that moisture back, try a hydrating peel off mask that will immediately rejuvenate the face. Finish off with a moisturizer or a primer for the optimal, smudge-free makeup base. Trend: Natural brows Must have: a brow pencil or kit Naturally full brows are the single most important part of our makeup routine this autumn! Whether you have thick, groomed brows a-la Cara Delevigne or more like those of 60’s fashion icon Twiggy, there is no need to panic! Carefully apply a brow pencil with sharp but short strokes where hairs normally grow. Choose a color lighter than your natural hair color to correspond with the tint of the brows. The great thing is that you can substitute a brow pencil with an eyeliner self-sharpening pencil – the effect will be just as good, and the difference – totally unnoticeable! If you have full brows already, all you need to do is tweeze the excess hairs around the brow and brush them in their natural direction. Finally, finish off with a colored or clear brow gel to get that glossy groomed eyebrow look, and keep them fixed for the whole day.

Alexandra Grecco bride. Photo by Elizabeth Messina

Trend: Golden Girl Must have: yellow eyeshadow or gold glitter This Fall there is one pop of color we will be seeing everywhere! Just like Dorothy and Toto follow the yellow brick road to get to the Wizard of Oz, we are off to follow the yellow makeup trend! Whether it’s a bright yellow eyeshadow or glittery gold on the lids, it will leave its mark in the beauty books. How to apply the musthaves? The yellow shadow is usually highly pigmented and it is very important to prime the lids beforehand for a longer lasting wear. To pick up the gold or shimmery product more easily, make sure to spray the brush with some fix setting spray and gently apply on the lid to avoid shadow falling under the eyes. Trend: matching lips and nails Must have: lipstick and nail art kit A fresh, bare face can go a long way this fall, whether at home, in the office or just going for a walk in the park. But to add a bit of edginess, the one trick is to match your lip and nail design. Just like on a clean canvas, the bold lips will be the pop of color. Some of the most popular lip artists on Instagram, for example, turn their lips into marble, gold or even create a dripping ombré effect, only by using lip makeup products and a thin brush. The trend: the same design on the lips is re-created on the nails for a finished, over-thetop look this fall. Trend: accentuate all-natural features of the face Freckles, dimples, moles – they are a must-have this fall! Apply a light foundation and erase around those spots with a cue tip to reveal them. Some celebs are even doing it! Remember Megan Markle at her dreamy Royal Wedding to Prince Harry in May? She was rocking her natural freckles and looked effortless and radiant. Fall 2018 promises a variety of colors, not only in fashion, but also in makeup. Natural or a bit more glamorous, it is all possible, if you have the right products and follow our beauty tips!

Opposite page, left to right, top to bottom: Wink Natural Cosmetics All-Natural Lash & Brow Enhancer ($39; winknaturalcosmetics.com). Liquid Matte from CAO in yellow can be worn anywhere on the face ($18; caocosmaticsusa.com). Choiselle all-natural Neroli Isle Face Elixir ($90; choiselle.com). Gaffer&Child facial scrub ($28; gafferandchild.com). Hynt Beauty Velluto powder foundation ($69; hyntbeauty.com). 3D-licious leap cream from J. Cat Beauty in Cinnamonster ($7; jcatbeauty.com). OPI Kiss Me I’m Brazilian nail lacquer ($6.50; opi.com). Professional Solutions Skincare Champagne Bubble Mask ($18; professionalsolutions.net). Sculpting Multiple Duo from NARS ($39; narscosmetics.co.uk). Sensationail Color Gel Polish ($11.99/each; sensationail.com). Arch your brows to perfection with the waterproof CAILYN Gelux Eyebrow ($22; cailyncosmetics.com).

Inspiration candle holder set from Ten Thousand Villages

SHARE THE LOVE Weddings that Give Back Compiled by Victoria Chase A wedding provides a unique opportunity for you and your betrothed to show the world what makes your match so special. For a growing number of couples, this includes adding a charitable aspect to their big day. From the invitations to the reception, we’ve rounded up a list of companies that help you spread love around. Brides Across America (bridesacrossamerica.com) The mission of this non-profit organization, founded in 2008, is to gift wedding and wedding gowns to our nation’s military and first responders. Since its inception, the organization has given away more than 20,000 wedding dresses. Brides for a Cause (bridesforacause.com) Since 2012, the Oregon-based charity has collected and resold more than 10,000 wedding dresses, enabling them to give away in excess of a halfmillion-dollars to local and national women-focused charities across the county.

Makers + Goods (makersandgoods.com) Planning a wedding is stressful. Between the flowers, cake, dress, and honeymoon— every bride has her hands full. When picking the perfect bridal party or wedding welcome gift, it’s important to show your guests how much you appreciate their participation in your special day. Enter Makers + Goods, an e-commerce site with a mission of giving gifts that give back. Owner Julie Skon designs and curates unique and impactful gifts that leave layers of impact. Next to each item is a thoughtful description of the “maker” and its “impact.” Each maker gives back differently: from helping an animal rescue organization to employing artisans in impoverished nations. You have the option of picking out a gift box that is already curated by Julie or you can create your own for your special day. One Hope Wines (onehopewine.com) Founded by a group of eight friends with the lofty idea to bring together wine and philanthropy. Each of their varietals in One Hope’s portfolio represent a cause

Makers+Goods

category in which vetted nonprofit organizations are strategically paired with a wine and receive a portion of the proceeds. Their glitter edition California sparkling wine benefits children’s charities. Paper Culture (paperculture.com) One of the world’s most eco-friendly stationery companies, Paper Culture offers modern, customizable wedding invitations printed on ultra-luxe 100% recycled paper in your choice of single, double or triple-thick cardstock. The company plants a tree for every order—more than 550,000 so far. Project7 (project7.com) Founded by social entrepreneur Tyler Merrick, Project7 is a specialty gum and mint brand that makes donations within seven defined categories: planting trees, emergency housing in disaster areas, feeding the hungry, access to clean water, malaria treatments, educating in developing nations, and anti-bullying initiatives. A portion of the proceeds

Paper Culture

from their Wedding Cake Gum is allocated for their “House the Homeless” initiative, Ten Thousand Villages (tenthousandvillages.com) Established in 1946, the company is a pioneer in the fair-trade movement and today boasts an impact on 20,000 craftspeople in 30 developing countries. A designated section on their website is Ideal for sourcing thoughtful tokens for wedding shower favors and bridal party gifts. TOMS (toms.com) The shoemaker has made a name for itself with its One for One campaign—giving a new pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold. Their wedding collection includes shoes for every member of the wedding party. Truffles for a Cause (trufflesforacause.com) These elegantly presented chocolate truffles provide couples with a sweet way to raise awareness and make a charitable impact.

Photo booth bus at the Harbor View Hotel

POINTERS FROM THE PLANNERS Written by Bridget Williams From brunch receptions to non-floral bouquets, today’s couples are eschewing convention and saying “I do” to creative new celebration ideas. We asked the experts at top wedding hotels and resorts to weigh in on trends they’re seeing and this is what they shared: Brunch weddings are more relaxed and budget-friendly than the customary evening affair, spurring more couples to hum “I’m getting married in the morning.” “Brunch weddings are an ideal choice for a second wedding or a wedding with a short lead time. Sundays are less sought-after dates, so couples have less competition when booking and the resort has the flexibility of offering reduced F&B minimums. Brunch is also more relaxed – think bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary’s, avocado toast and crab benedict – and give guests a chance to start celebrating early in the day. When the wedding is over, the newlyweds and their guests still have plenty of time to relax at the spa, unwind at the beach or pool, or enjoy a romantic dinner for two.” – Taylann Dubocq, Catering Sales Manager, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa in Riviera Beach, Florida

Bouquets crafted from unconventional materials are an increasingly popular substitute for fresh florals, and with good reason – they’ll look just as pretty on the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary as they do for the “I do’s.” “We’re definitely seeing alternatives to fresh flowers. For a recent wedding we hosted at Whiteface Lodge, the bride and bridal party carried bouquets of hand-carved wooden flowers – a great and lasting keepsake of the occasion.” – Elissa Fornasiero, Director of Sales & Marketing, Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, New York Extravagant themes are on the rise, adding a touch of fantasy and fun to a grand ballroom reception. “The weddings I’m working with this year are highly themed, drawing from hit movies and classic New York City motifs. A few popular themes we’ve arranged in recent months are Wakanda, Paris Meets Harlem, and Broadway musicals. It can get really creative and fun.” – Darian James, Director of Catering & Conference Services, Sofitell New York

Wedding brunch fare at Marriott Singer Island

Wedding at Whiteface Lodge A themed wedding reception at Sofitel New York.

Photo booths are being prioritized in wedding budgets and are getting more creative, so snap away! “Photo booths are gaining popularity to the point that we have seen couples prioritize them over a band or additional décor. One of our wedding parties rented a booth from an online source that was shipped to the hotel to be assembled by our team. It came complete with an iPad for taking photos, a sparkly backdrop and many fun props for guests to choose from, plus a printer so that guests could print out their photos. It was easy to set up and worked really well for less expense. Also, a new vendor here on Martha’s Vineyard has turned a vintage Volkswagen bus into a photo booth. He refurbished the inside and stocked it with props and accessories to add to the fun. There’s a printer so that guests can take their photo collages with them, personalized with the wedding name and date.“ – Makenzie Wall, Event Manager, Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown, Massachusetts

Details that bring the outside in create an authentic sense of place in today’s weddings. “Rustic is a big trend in wedding décor – burlap, lace and earthy color schemes – and even more so in a setting like ours, where such details reflect the wooded Adirondack surroundings.” – Elissa Fornasiero, Whiteface Lodge Place cards with personal messages become a lasting memento guests can treasure, proving even the smallest details count. “Something really special we’ve started seeing at weddings here at Marriott Syracuse Downtown are personalized place cards. Each and every one contains an intimate message that has been written for the guest from the bride and/or groom. It’s a big trend, and it turns a rather utilitarian detail into something meaningful.” – Lindsey Cole, Assistant Director of Catering and Wedding Specialist, Marriott Syracuse Downtown in New York

EVOLUTION OF THE ENGAGEMENT RING

1920’s

EMERALD & ASSCHER CUT

RING STYLE - The Art Deco period favored geometric shapes and multi-stone rings, leading to a surgence in sharp lined cuts like Emerald and Asscher. Diamond halo settings also became popular in the 1920’s.

1940’s

ROUND CUT

RING STYLE - Thanks to De Beer’s “A Diamond is Forever” campaign in 1947, diamonds as center stones became more widespread with a focus on the current classic, the round cut. As platinum became scarce during World War II, yellow gold and rose gold were more widely used and rings began to show some diversity.

1960’s

ASSCHER CUT

RING STYLE - The return of Art Deco brought back the beloved Asscher, as seen with Elizabeth Taylor’s remarkable Asscher engagement ring. Jackie Kennedy’s emerald and diamond ring made colored gemstones very popular as well.

1980’s

ROUND CUT

RING STYLE - Princess Diana’s sapphire ring popularized colored gemstones and many replicas of her ring were made. Yellow gold was widely used for settings while round center stones with baguettes became extremely common.

2000’s

PRINCESS CUT

RING STYLE - The 2000’s embraced classic solitaire rings and 3 stone rings with large center stones. Although created in the 1960s, the princess cut really rose to prominence in the 1990s thanks to its modern and geometric shape.

CURRENTLY

OVAL CUT

RING STYLE - Skinny pave bands and custom made rings currently top the charts as brides chose to show their individuality through engagement rings. The oval, set both vertically and sometimes even horizontally, allows for a wide range of overall ring styles.

ROUND CUT

1930’s

RING STYLE - Trying to evolve from the prominence of Art Deco, settings begin to feature curving designs like ribbons and bows which brought a popularity to round stones. During the Depression, solitaire stones became more frequent given their simplicity and lower cost.

PEAR CUT

1950’s

RING STYLE - With an increased focus on detail, settings featured engravings and braided elements. Sizeable center stones with baguettes became popular. Audrey Hepburn’s engagement ring made stackable engagement rings of various metals popular.

EMERALD CUT

1970’s

RING STYLE - Brides began to create matching ring sets, coordinating their engagement rings with their wedding bands. This led to a more frequent use of yellow gold and rose gold across the board. The emerald cut emerged as a favorite again.

MARQUISE CUT

1990’s

RING STYLE - During the grunge period, marquise diamonds rose in popularity for their sharp edges and bold look. White gold and platinum bands were on trend as yellow gold began to disappear for some time.

CUSHION CUT

2010’s

RING STYLE - Diamond halo settings saw a revival and were used to enhance the size of the center stone. While this setting can be seen used in a variety of diamond cuts, a pairing with the cushion was favored due to its multi-faceted shine and the ability to appear even more brilliant when surrounded by additional stones.

Photographer: Justin Wright

The Parthenon Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions Looking for an elegant, iconic wedding venue? Search no further than the Parthenon, located in the heart of midtown at Centennial Park. Originally constructed in 1897, Nashvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parthenon is the only full-scale replica of the Greek monument and a stunning setting to tie the knot.

Elliott Events for Design and Floral

Now Booking 2019 and 2020 Visit nashvilleparthenon.com or email events@conservancyonline.com for rates and details.

GLOWING SKIN, GLOWING BRIDE A Skin Care Timeline Brought to You by the Experts at FACE Nashville After walking through the chic glass doors, you enter into a warm and professional environment created to cater to your every need. Owner and founder, Sheila Davis, made it her mission to bring Nashville a space that was equal parts med spa and day spa. She and her staff have over 30+ years combined experience in the aesthetics field and can create a customizable skincare plan to fit the individual needs of each client. And when it comes to your wedding day, the team at FACE is here to service an elevated experience from day one to wedding day. The experts share their ideal timeline for brides-to-be and their skin care regiment. 6 Months Out: Begin with FACE’s PCA Skin Chemical Peel Series (approx 3 Peels, 1 per month) combined with an at-home régiment recommended by your Aesthetician. Note: If you’re prepping during the summer months, FACE recommends their *CO2 Facial as a Peel Alternative as peels are typically recommended during the cooler months. A great detox treatment, The CO2, incorporates the active botanicals and antioxidants in PCA Skin’s Oxygenating Trio to clear congested pores & refine skin’s texture. Your Aesthetician will choose the best plan for you based on your skin type.

2235 10th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

3 Months Out: Maintain the results of your firming, refining & brightening peels with FACE’s Classic Facial + Advanced Exfoliation (Dermaplaning or Microdermabrasion) every 4 weeks. Next, make sure to schedule a make up trial so you and your FACE artist can have optimal time to determine the perfect look for your big day. Note: It’s recommended to book your trial before your engagement photos so you can see how your make up will look in photographs. 2 Months Out: Your Lashes & Brows are your defining features... they matter! Begin maintenance on the lashes and brows by scheduling a Precision Brow Shaping and the Lash Lift & Tint. Note: If these features are in need of some growth, FACE will recommend a Lash Serum and Brow Serum to give them a boost. Week Of: Discontinue any peels, facials or treatments week of your wedding. Brow and Lash Maintenance, however, is recommended. Day Of: If you’re opting for studio makeup applications, FACE artists highly recommend The Prep Facial. This pre-makeup mini facial is a must for any bride! This service will cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate and prime so your skin is in pristine condition for makeup application. Next, once the skin is perfectly prepped, it is time for your makeup application. We recommend you do makeup application no more than 2 hours before your wedding. Note: FACE Pro Artists are also available for on-site makeup application. “I created FACE because I realized there was a hole in the landscape of skincare establishments. The standard for aesthetic services has been the Med Spa/Day Spa environment with little attention given to [makeup] artistry...but they actually make a fantastic couple! After all, your makeup can only look as good as the skin beneath it. I wanted to create a space that’s equally dedicated to the Science of Skincare and the Art of Makeup. We want to enhance your beautynot hide it.” –Sheila Davis, Founder of FACE.

M STREET

ENTERTAINMENT One Destination | Seven Signature Concepts | 20+ Unique Spaces

Kayne Prime, Moto, Virago, Saint Añejo, Tavern, Whiskey Kitchen All centrally located in the Gulch on McGavock Street With the exception of Tavern, located in Midtown

WHAT’S TO LOVE • Handling groups from 8-200 people • Customizable menus • Concierge level event planning services for a seamless process from inquiry through event execution • Exceptional / extensive wine and libations lists • Warm atmospheres • Enhancements include custom cakes, dessert bars, and more KAYNE PRIME Groups of 12-100 Union Room | Chef ’s Room | Grand Prime | Prime Bar Champagne Room | Somm Room | Mishima Room

Kayne Prime Mishima Room

Moto Ivy Room

BEST SUITED FOR • Birthday & Anniversary Celebrations • Rehearsal Dinners • Receptions • Business Dinners • Luncheons

Virago Lotus Room

Kayne Prime Chandelier Room

SOPHISTICATED SOURCE Wedding essentials for the chic and on-the-go bride. Soft pinks, customizable gifts and travel must-haves. Curated by Alexandra Rhett

Cake Created by Cooper Whisk Cakes. www.cooperwiskcakes.com

Italian Cady Natalie wide-leg pant in pale pink, $395, by Milly at Nordstrom stores.

Lace shoulder-cutout midi dress, $490, by Self Portrait at Nordstrom stores.

Saint Laurent Toy Lou Lou Crossbody Flap Bag, $1,190. In Marble Pink. www. saksfifthavenue.com

BECCA Lip Gloss in Rose Quarts, $22. The Cosmetic Market at The Hill Center. 615.298.7759

OPI Nail Lacquer in Lisbon Wants Moor, $12.50. www.opi.com

Electric Blush gloss by Jeffrey Levinson, jeffreylevinson.com. Select styles are also available at Barneys New York stores.

Slip for Beauty Sleep. An anti-aging, anti-sleep crease, anti-bed head, pure silk pillowcase, $50. Available at The Cosmetic Market at The Hill Center. 615.298.7759

Frills for All sandal, $895, by Dahlia Selva at Nordstrom stores.

Inventum “Urtica Ferox” porcelain candle in fuchsia, $630, by Gucci Décor at gucci.com.

Carlina Torsade 58mm Round Sunglasses, CHLOE. $430. www.nordstrom.com

Solid & Striped, The Vera offthe-shoulder striped swimsuit, $170. www.net-a-porter.com

St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse Self-Tanner, $42. The Cosmetic Market at The Hill Center.

Monogram Luggage Tag, $73. Nordstrom at The Mall at Green Hills.

Cathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Concepts Monogram Duffel/ Garment Bag. Classic tweed and faux leather, easy to travel with bag that unzips to become garmet bag, $100. Available at Shop.Nordstrom.com

Astyll 22-Inch & 30-Inch Spinner Luggage Set, $285. Available at Nordstrom at The Mall at Green Hills.

Ezrka Arthur No. 5 Passport Wallet, $125.

Chronoswiss “Flying Regulator” Open Gear in steel, 40mm dial. Water-resistant to 10 atm, silver dial with black croco strap, $6,680. www.chronoswiss.com

Corum Admiral Legend 42mm, $4,950.

Maurice Lacroix, Aikon Automatic $1,900. www.mauricelacroix.com

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M, $9,700. www.omegawatches.com

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M in Rose Gold, $13,000. www.omegawatches.com

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Annual Calendar, $29,600.

Reservoir Men’s Longbridge Club Watch in brown leather with brown dial. $3,900. www.reservoir-watch.com

Tutima Tempostopp. In-house movement, manual flyback chronograph, rose gold, alligator strap. Limited to 90 pieces. $29,500

Zenith Defy Classic, Elite skeletonised movement. 41mm brushed titanium case. Silicon escape-wheel lever. www.zenith-watches.com

Sara Jones, Assistant Manager and Make-Up Expert at The Cosmetic Market showcases her perfect pallet for blushing brides of all skin tones.

BECCA Prosecco Pop, $38. Fair to medium skin tones

BECCA Blush in Camilla, $34. Fair/Medium skin tones.

BECCA Opal, $38. Medium skin tones.

BECCA Blush in Flower Child, $34. Fair skin tones.

SURROTT Blush in Peau de Peche, $32. Dark skin tones

BECCA Chocolate Geode, $38. Dark skin tones.

SURROTT Blush in Cherubique, $32. Medium skin tones.

SURROTT Blush in Angelique, $32. Medium skin tones.

Ella B. Candles, Customizable Hand-Poured 100% Pure Soy Candles. Pictured are the boxed 11oz glass pours, starting at $25 each. Available in multiple sizes to fit any budget. Start your customization at www.ellabcandles.com.

Crown Ring Tungsten with Three Diamonds 8mm Men’s Wedding Band, $725

BAND TOGETHER

All Available at King Jewelers. 4121 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN. 615.724.5464

Carlex Luxury 18K White Gold Diamond Men’s Wedding Band, $15,300

Benchmark 18K Satin-Finished White Gold Coin Edge Men’s Ring, $1,595

KJ5 Platinum Round Diamond Eternity Band, $22,500 KJ5 White Gold 1.00ct 7-Stone Diamond Wedding Band, $4,725

Kwiat Jasmine Diamond Eternity Ring, $7,700

KJ5 18K White Gold 3 Row Diamond Eternity Band, $6,225

KJ5 18K White Gold Two Row Pavé Diamond Eternity Band, $4,275

KJ5 18k White Gold Baguette and Round Diamond Wedding Band, $1,221

KJ5 18K White Gold 3 Row Round Diamond Eternity Band, $5,950

EVER-SO CHARMING Customizable Charms by Heather B. Moore

Every letter, number and symbol is hand-stamped into Heather B. Moore’s jewelry, one character at a time. Making impressions directly into the metal with the moments that have made the biggest impression in your life.

Left to right, top to bottom: Size 3 white gold heart with a rose gold frame, 1 and 1.5mm white diamonds. Hand stamped with “We Got Married,” $1,065. Size 6 white gold oval charm with a yellow gold frame. Hand stamped with a double initial and a date. $1,010. Size 4 silver ID tag with a silver frame. Hand stamped with two names and a date. $365. Size 3 rose gold open circle with 1.5mm white diamonds. Hand stamped with two initials and a date. $415. Size 3 oval charm with a white gold channel set frame with white diamonds and a channel set jump ring. Hand stamped with “I do.” $3,952. Size 3 rose gold ID tag with a yellow gold frame and 1.5mm white diamonds. Hand stamped with a date. $953. Size 3 rose gold heart with a white gold channel set frame with white diamonds. Hand stamped with a name and “Will you…” $3,756 Personalized product available at heatherbmoore.com or by calling 855-400-5430

Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lambpops

Savory Mini Mediterranean Tarts

Kentucky Bourbon BBQ Stuffed Mini Corn Muffins

Chef ’s Kickin’ Mac and Cheese Shooter Topped with a Nashville Hot Chicken Bite

PERFECTLY PASSED The Experts at Chef Penelope’s Catering Share the Do’s and Don’ts for Passed Hor D’oeuvres During Cocktail Hour DO • Make all passed apps one or two bites. • Make all apps easy to hold on one hand. • With fried foods, check with your venue to make sure onsite frying is allowed. Otherwise fried foods tend to not hold up well in a hotbox. • Have lots of flavor! Small bites are meant to awaken a guest’s pallet. • Reflect your personality. Offer things you love or reflect where you are from. • Be creative. Use this as an opportunity to feature things you don’t have on your dinner menu.

DON’T • Copy food profiles found in your dinner to follow. • Select meat only options. Make sure you have options for those with dietary restrictions. • Overfeed your guests. Leave room for everyone to enjoy a nice full meal afterwards. • Pick something out of season. This results in extra expense and/or lower quality. • Pick something messy. • Make your cocktail hour longer than one hour.

EXPERT ADVICE ON COMMON PRE-WEDDING DAY PROCEDURES Provided by The Practice of Dr. Brian S. Biesman

If you have a wedding on the horizon, it’s never too early to start thinking about preparation. Whether you’re a parent of the bride or groom, a member of the wedding party, or the brideto-be herself, you’ll want to look your best in photos and while being surrounded by so many loved ones. Dr. Biesman, of The Practice of Dr. Brian S. Biesman M.D., explores some common procedures he and his team offer that can beautifully enhance your appearance as you prepare for the big day. Problem: Unwanted, stubborn bulges of the abdomen (belly), flanks, back, inner and outer thighs, arms, under the chin and other areas. Solution: CoolSculpting®: CoolSculpting is a completely noninvasive, safe and effective way to eliminate unwanted body fat (great for helping those dresses and tuxedos fit more comfortably!) Ideal candidates are within 20-30 pounds of their ideal body weight and have stubborn bulges that simply don’t respond to diet and exercise. Treatment is performed in the office without anesthesia or sedation. Best results are seen 3 months after treatment. Using the latest techniques and technology, CoolSculpting can transform your body. Like any other medical procedure, achieving best results (and avoiding complications) with CoolSculpting requires a great deal of knowledge and experience so choose a highly experienced provider. Problem: Red or brown discoloration of the face, neck, and/or chest skin Solution: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). IPL treatments can correct the red and brown skin tones resulting from sun exposure and aging. The face, neck and chest are the most commonly treated areas although the arms, legs, back and shoulder s respond beautifully to treatment as well. A few treatments are often required for best outcomes so you will want to begin several months before the wedding. Downtime after IPL is minimal, but even still, this isn’t a treatment to have performed within a few days of important photos or events. Problem: Deep or fine skin wrinkling. Solution: Laser skin resurfacing. Laser skin resurfacing rejuvenates tired, wrinkled skin producing a fresh, youthful appearance. Whether you are young and have fine wrinkling or have earned

your deeper wrinkles over time, there is a resurfacing procedure that is right for you! Skin resurfacing clears brown discoloration caused by sun damage, tightens skin along the jawline, eyelids and other areas, smooths wrinkles, and improves the texture and even improves the appearance of scars. Depending on the treatment that is best for you, some recovery may be required after skin resurfacing so explore this option at least several months before the wedding. A great deal of expertise is required to select and perform the skin resurfacing treatment best for your skin safely and with minimal downtime or complications so choose a physician who has a tremendous amount of experience as well as the most up to date technology. Problem: Unwanted wrinkles and lines in the upper and lower face, lines, deep circles under the eyes, sagging of the cheeks, a tired or sad-looking mouth, jowling, unwanted fat under the chin, or generally just not looking your best! Solution: Injectable products such as Botox®, soft tissue fillers, and Kybella®. When administered by an expert, injections can enhance or restore your natural beauty while keeping a natural appearance. While facial injectables are widely available, only a highly experienced expert can listen to your concerns, determine your needs, select the proper products, and administer them safely and effectively so choose your injector carefully! Ideally, facial injections should be performed at least 1 month before any major event. Problem: The wedding is less than a week away and you need a “pick-me-up” to make your skin glow and look its best Solution: CO2Lift mask. The CO2Lift is a facial mask that may be applied in our office or, if you are careful, at home. The treatment takes an hour or so to complete and the results last 5-7 days. There are no known risks to CO2Lift treatment and there is nothing else like it available. Sometimes entire bridal parties will indulge in this amazing treatment. The CO2Lift mask should be applied 24-48 hours before the wedding. Dr. Biesman and his team of knowledgeable experts are highly experienced and able to prepare a customized plan, a timeline for treatments and discuss the expectations, risks, and benefits of each proposed solution. With a little bit of advanced planning they can help you look your absolute best on one of the most important days of your life. Call today to book your consultation 615.329.1110 345 23rd Ave N. SUITE 416 Nashville, TN 37203

COTTON CANDY A Creative and Tastey Addition to Your Wedding or Event

Cotton Candy- a tasty treat that smells and tastes of nostalgia. And thanks to Teneal Ivery, the sweet treat doesn’t have to just live in your childhood. So was born The Ivory Cotton Bar. Using rare, organic confections with a whimsical southern charm, Ivory Cotton Bar is the perfect addition to any wedding, bridal shower, birthday or corporate event. The company is built on principles of faith, family, community, love and creativity, so it should come to no surprise that the ladies of Ivory put just as much love in their work as they do their daily lives. And the most interested annotate? Cotton candy was born right here in Nashville circa 1897! With this fabulous rebirth, it’s only appropriate that the ladies give ode to this 100+ year old favorite with flavors like Cookies’n’crème, Blueberry Pecan Cheesecake, Caramel Cake, Lemon Ginger Cookie and The Perfect Merlot, and so many more. Visit www.ivorycottonbarorganic.com

ELIZABETH MEYERS + JAKE RAMSEY Written by Genevieve Moore, Photographed by Kristin Vanzant

Elizabeth Meyers of Jacksonville, Florida and Jake Ramsey of Atlanta, Georgia wed this past fall in Nashville, Tennessee at the East Ivy Mansion. Their love story begin with bliss, but during the ceremonious time, Elizabeth received a Stage II Melanoma diagnoses that stunned the couple and created a roadblock in their planning, but it was a bump in the road they were determined to overcome! Naturally, the two were fearful, but with Jake’s loving support as well as that of their families, they kept Elizabeth motivated and feeling “normal” while balancing a cancer diagnoses and planning her dream wedding.

Next, insert the fabulous team of Premier W.E.D. who were hired on to create the ceremony of a lifetime. The couple learned to trust the process and put their faith in the Premier W.E.D. team. While Elizabeth and Jake didn’t initially have a strong vision of what they wanted for that day, they let owner and head planner, Dawn Schenkel, roll with it and create a “picture-perfect” vision based off of a few descriptive words of what they thought they may love. And the couple will undoubtedly attest, Dawn and her team more than delivered. That fall afternoon was as perfect as they could have imaged. Elizabeth fought the odds and was declared cancer free and as for the wedding day, it was magical. Jake’s Favorite Traits: She’s beautiful, smart, silly and insightful. Elizabeth’s Favorite Traits: He is energetic, has a positive outlook on life by turning every day moments into joyful ones, ambitious and intelligent. Planner: Premier W.E.D. // Venue: East Ivy Mansion // Photographer: Kristin Vanzant Photography // Florist: Enchanted Florist // Makeup: Dhante Alderson // Hair: Lecia Doss // Rentals: Music City Tents and Events

TO BE TECHNICAL

Your Secret Tech Weapons to a No B.S. (Bridal Stress) Planning Experience Written by Celebrity Wedding Expert, Angela Proffitt Use technology to save time, avoid stress, and collaborate while wedding planning.

automatically show up on all of your devices— so you can access your assets from anywhere.

Google Drive is a way to have your guest list safe, budget, and seating chart in the cloud. You can share this with your family and mom, dad, grooms parents can enter their addresses and it’s a great way to track RSVPs, transportation, how many kids are coming, etc. The best thing, you never have to hit save. Collaborate in real time.

HelloSign is a cloud-based electronic signature tool that enables users to sign, fill out, send, retrieve, and save documents paperlessly. So no printing contracts signing or faxing back. Sign contracts from your phone, iPad or computer.

Wunderlist is a cloud-based task management application so you have all of your “I need to do by this date” in one place. The key is to creating deadlines. You can share lists with wedding party members, family members, and even your planner to help avoid confusion on who is responsible for what. 1Password creates strong, unique passwords that are encrypted for all of your sites and logins so that you don’t have to keep using the same password over and over (because by the way, that is not secure or safe). It’s simple, convenient security. #Hashtag Using a unique hashtag is a creative and fun way for your guests and friends to help you collect your photos for all of the celebrations from beginning to end. Email Ok, duh! We all have one; but do you have one for only wedding stuff? Setting up a separate email for your wedding planning needs and vendors is helpful and strategic and will keep you from mixing work stress with wedding plans. Dropbox Dropbox is a perfect home for all your photos, documents, videos and files. Anything you add to Dropbox will

ClearMe Traveling for your honeymoon? I’m sure you know about TSA Precheck; but let me introduce you to ClearMe. Speed through security lines in 5 minutes or less. ClearMe allows you to surpasses through long ID check lines, and guides you to the screening line even faster then TSA. Check out ClearMe.com. Oh and a passport tip: a lot of countries require your passport to be valued for the next six months, so check the expiration date. Drones Having an outdoor wedding? To capture you walking down the aisle from a bird’s eye view, consider a drone. A few things to know: the weather and wind matter. And the security system matters based on where you are getting married. Interference can bring a drone straight down to the ground. So this is something where you ask, not ask for forgiveness after a crash. GoPro Getting married in a church that doesn’t allow pictures during the ceremony? Consider putting a GoPro in the floral design so you can capture different angles throughout the ceremony. To learn more about wedding planning, check out Wedding Planning University where I share behind the scenes wedding tips that every couple needs to know to plan with confidence: bit.ly/ WedPlanUniversity. Get further information at angelaproffitt.com

LUSCIOUS LOCKS Expert advice on how to have luscious locks on your big day from Cosmetic Market Associate and Owner & Lead Artist of Blush + Honey Beauty, Hallie Dunbar.

My golden rule: don’t sacrifice comfort on such a long day. Many brides get excited and jump to the hype of extensions or tight updos. First, extensions are not always the most comfortable or affordable option. Some women wear them effortlessly; others find them to be uncomfortable. Secondly, a tight updo can cause tension headaches and discomfort. If the desired style requires more hair than what you already have naturally or if you are considering a slicked back look, discuss your options with your stylist so he or she may provide the best, most comfortable style for you. When looking through inspiration photos, don’t forget to consider your own hair color. The more dimension (highlights/lowlights), the more volume and texture your style will have. For example, a braid on a multidimensional hair color will look full and textured, while the same braid on a dark or solid hair color will have a more sleek effect. If you want a hairstyle with full volume and texture, consider adding subtle highlights to bring your style to life. Do not forget to ask for dimension around your hairline and the nape of your neck. Do not get a fresh hair cut less than 8 weeks within wedding day! “Shear Shock” is a real thing. Freshly cut ends sound wonderful, but

are hard to tuck into place when being spun into an upstyle. It is always tragic when a trim turns into a chopped disaster. Avoid this by booking a cut 10 weeks out. Having a trial is a wonderful time to go over your options. You will get the most out of your trial if you try out your styles on your own beforehand. If you never wear your hair up, but are considering it for the big day, wear it up in your every day life. Things can take time to get used to, and sometimes what you are trying to achieve just isn’t you after all. Knowing what you like and do not like will help your stylist nail down and translate your vision. I get asked frequently- how should I prepare my hair in advance? The simple answer is that healthy strong hair will help create a great style that lasts. Begin prepping your hair as far in advance as possible. I recommend using Kevin Murphy Maxi Wash to gently clarify any build up and promote volume. Kérastase Serum Thérapiste is great to mend split ends and keep hair protected and hydrated. Living Proof Smooth Blow Out Concentrate will add shine and promote a healthy look. If humidity and sweat is your worst enemy, consider a keratin treatment to avoid unwanted frizz. www.blushandhoneybeauty.com

Nashvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Finest Event Venues The Sophisticated Living team compiled a unique and intriguing list of some of Nashvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best venues for your upcoming nuptials. With a variety of different styles and feels, we wanted to speak to all different kinds of brides. From outdoor chic to vintage traditional, selecting your venue can be a daunting task, so we wanted to help by highlighting some of our favorites.

2018 Muse Collection by Berta. Photo by Mike Conlon

CHEEKWOOD Cheekwood is Nashville’s premier wedding destination and the perfect setting for rehearsal dinners, showers, wedding ceremonies and receptions. In lieu of a vast ballroom, Cheekwood offers unique indoor and outdoor wedding venues, including the Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art, perfect for a couple’s dream wedding. If you are searching for the perfect wedding venue in Nashville, let Cheekwood show you how they can make your dream wedding a reality. www.cheekwood.org

Photo by Austin Gros

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10,000-square-foot Event Hall, with hardwood floors and soaring 40-foot glass windows overlooking downtown, provides an unforgettable view of the Nashville skyline. This venue with a view offers an awe-inspiring space for meetings, trade shows, catered events, and weddings. Set against the most breathtaking backdrop in town, this unrivaled space can accommodate a reception for up to 1,200 people and banquets for as many as 600 people. For more information call 615-577-7749 or visit www.countrymusichalloffame.org.

THE BARN AT SPRING LAKE The Barn at Spring Lake, nestled in the peaceful rolling hills near Portland, Tennessee – just north of Nashville, is a family owned farm with a large, newly constructed state of the art Wedding / Event Venue. It features over 14,000 square feet under roof – heated and cooled – plus 2 additional outdoor areas for photos and/or event use. There are 2 large open areas for events. Dinner seating for 225, plus a separate dance floor with a stage, lighting and sound equipment for live entertainment or DJ set up. The large roll up doors allow for indoor / outdoor events, weather permitting. The private upstairs areas house the multi-room Bridal Suite with every possible amenity: private dressing areas, a large lounge, even “stylist chairs” for hair and makeup. The Groom’s Room has comfy sofas and a large screen TV. Private bathrooms with showers are in both. Your wedding here can be completely turn-key with the venue handling décor, food, photography and music. Or, you can choose to provide for these on your own, with approved vendors. For more information call 615-642-1751 or visit TheBarnAtSpringLakeFarms.com.

THE HERMITAGE HOTEL The Hermitage Hotel, beautifully located in the heart of downtown Nashville, provides a unique and vintage event space for your upcoming nuptials. Creating a well-rounded selection of services from intimate ceremonies to grand receptions to customizable catering and event designs + dĂŠcor, the team at The Hermitage Hotel are highly skilled in their ability to surround your event with the best of service and hospitality. Contact your event specialist at events@thehermitagehotel.com or 615.649.3927.

LOVELESS The Loveless Barn is Nashvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most versatile venue, with a gorgeous main hall, two covered side porches, large lawn, and private paved courtyard. Included with the venue rental is an inventory of tables, chairs and church pews. The Loveless Events catering team can tailor their talents to your individual tastes. Menu package pricing also includes china, flatware, glassware, table linens and polyester napkins. Loveless Events: A Sophisticated Southern Experience. The Harpeth Room is a beautiful, intimate setting for your bridal shower, breakfast or rehearsal dinner located near the Loveless Barn. With tables and chairs included in your rental, hosting a beautiful event has never been easier or more cost effective. Private restrooms and an outdoor deck make this space both elegant and convenient. www.lovelesscafe.com/events

THE PARTHENON AT CENTENNIAL PARK The Parthenon, sitting majestically as the centerpiece of Centennial Park, is a full-scale replicate of the Parthenon as it was in ancient Greece. This unique venue is the perfect location with their soaring columns, Athena statue and classical architecture. • Indoor theater-style seated (such as wedding): 200 • Indoor seated dinner: 350 • Outdoor plaza: 300 • Standing, Mix & Mingle Reception: 400

M STREET Located on McGavock Street in the Gulch area of downtown Nashville, M Street Entertainment Group provides a variety of different restaurant and venue options for your next event. This lifestyle brand provides original and authentic experiences with a variety of different concepts; including Virago, Whiskey Kitchen, Kayne Prime, Tavern, Moto Cucina + Enoteca, Saint Anejo and Tavern. Each concept hosts a curated atmosphere and unique cuisine options that exceeds exceptional quality, hospitality and innovation. www.mstreetnashville. com Learn more about each concept on page 68.

HONEYMOON HOT SPOTS

Brought to you by the Honeymoon Experts at Travelink, American Express Travel Written by Sandy Schadler Your honeymoon is the first opportunity to get away together, alone, as a married couple and discover more about each other while traveling to a new and exciting destination. To make the journey well worth the challenges it may bring, you want your destination to provide both a physical and mental escape from normal, daily life…and make your friends green with envy from your Instagram posts. Here are four current hot spots for honeymoons that offer romance, relaxation, culture, and a splash of adventure to round out the experience. ALASKA This is the perfect honeymoon destination whether you want a ski getaway that includes the Northern Lights and lots of snuggling around a fire or a summer adventure to explore the largest state and its wild frontier (in comfort, of course). Alaska does have some all-inclusive packages available with secluded wilderness lodges that are only accessible by air or water taxi for a truly authentic Alaskan experience. These upscale retreats might be found on their own emerald-green glacial lake, their own island, or far up a wild river 40 miles from their nearest neighbor. You’ll

escape the crowds in the usual tourist locations (which you may still want to visit for a day or two) and enjoy quiet time connecting with your new spouse and natural wonders. TIP: Plan for a longer stay in Alaska as it is the biggest state, by far. Even if you cut it in half, each half is still bigger than Texas. Use a travel advisor who is an Alaskan Specialist to ensure you experience the honeymoon of your dreams. CROATIA The Dalmatian Coast of Croatia is being called “the new Riviera” and is becoming the next big thing with celebs in the high-season summer months, but we love the fall for a honeymoon here, as well. Arrive in Dubrovnik and take in the city for a day or two before you find yourself at a resort laying on the beach or poolside. Dinner cruises on the Adriatic are a must and you can rent a catamaran to go island hopping. Be sure to tour one of the local wineries on the Peljesac Peninsular, boasting hundreds of wines to choose from you won’t find in Nashville. Plan to carefully bring a favorite home to celebrate your first anniversary and relive the amazing time you had together.

TIP: While in Dubrovnik, you must visit a cliff bar, such as Buža. It’s not easy to find, but the views from the cliff are well worth it. Follow the sign that simply says “COLD DRINKS” on the city walls of the old town.

TIP: Be sure to take a real camera with you. You won’t always be close enough to capture pictures of all the animals with a smart phone, so you’ll want something with a little more zoom to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR Begin your life together where all life began, in Africa. Tanzania (pronounced Tan-ZAN-ee-uh) is a unique destination full of adventure and wonder. The perfect place to enjoy a daily adventure on Safari in the Serengeti trying to spot the Big Five (Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Leopard, & Buffalo) and nightly romance in an African lodge or luxury tent while listening to the sounds of nature around you. After four or five days on the mainland, you’ll be ready to trade the bush for one of the world’s most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar. You’ll fly over to the island and nestle into a boutique hotel with amazing views and the friendliest staff. Don’t miss dining at The Rock Restaurant. It’s located in the middle of the ocean and you should be able to walk up to it during low tide, but the boat ride back to shore is equally lovely.

BALI A paradise for lovers can be found in Bali, Indonesia. Its natural beauty combines effortlessly with cultural curiosities, secluded beaches, luxurious resorts, and deep jungles. For the perfect honeymoon in this faraway gem, we recommend working with a personal travel advisor to select your ideal accommodations and build your honeymoon plans with the resort as your anchor. Then plan to explore the vibrant nightlife, hot springs, temples, spas, and water sports or simply enjoy your private room, beach, and infinity pool overlooking the ocean with the most amazing sunsets. You will be able to enjoy as many activities as your hearts’ desire (or maybe just a few). TIP: Drink lots of bottled water regularly, not from the tap, to avoid “Bali belly” and don’t forget the sunscreen. The last thing you want on your honeymoon is to suffer from sunburned skin and not be touched!

VROOM VROOM BALLOON Written by Alexandra Rhett This past year has been a fabulous whirlwind for mother-daughter duo of Vroom Vroom Balloon. In August of 2017, Sunny Crumpton and Fiona Flaherty launched their bespoke balloon design and installation service that quickly changed the landscape of Nashville’s event industry. Their eye-catching installations create a unique addition to any wedding, bachelorette party, engagement, corporate event, birthday, baby shower or any life celebration. Each balloon is made from 100% organic and biodegradable material and the confetti that can be used to fill the balloons are cut and mixed by hand. Not to mention, each balloon can be customized with hand-painted lettering, each drawn by

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Fiona herself. So whether it is a one balloon project or massive installation order, the ladies of Vroom Vroom Balloon make each client feel special and with each balloon, your event or day of celebration is sure to be beautifully enhanced! • Vroom Vroom Balloon is locating in their party shop, Harlan Ruby, in East Nashville. 805 Woodland Street, Suite 301 Nashville, TN 37206. • The shop is open 7 days a week. Monday - Friday from 10am 6pm and Saturday-Sunday from 9am - 3pm. • Walk-ins are welcome, pre-order is preferred. www.vroomvroomballoon.com or 615-955-0565

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Bringing an exclusive parking experience to Nashville.

Valet Parking for your business or special event Parking Lot Management | Parking Consultations Parking Lot Enforcement Driven by Customer Service, Giving Each Client an A+ Experience. www.ParkAPlus.com | 615-598-2192

“Breathtaking Beauty! Just north of Nashville. . .”

Nashville’s newest Wedding / Corporate / Event Venue

The Barn at Spring Lake Farms is new – & wonderful! 2 luxurious large indoor halls, separate stage and dance floor, full lighting and sound equipment, 2 beautiful outdoor or, indoor / outdoor options pulling in the beauty of Tennessee’s rolling hills.14,000 square feet under roof, heated and cooled, with private suites for Brides and Grooms. We provide a full turnkey event, or you may use your choice of approved vendors. Contact us today for your private tour. Call Phillip or Jan 615-642-1751

395 North Happy Hollow Road. Portland, TN

President & CEO John Sanzo secureaircharter.net