Wedding
FEBRUARY 2013
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C·I·N·C·I·N·N·A·T·I READ E R S
P O L L
g o t o c i t y b e at. c o m f o r d e ta i l s & to cast your vote
HER PUBLISHER l SouthComm Inc.
HER WORDS l Maija Zummo Editor editor@hercincinnati.com
Abby White Executive Editor awhite@southcomm.com
HER LOOK l Rebecca Sylvester Creative Director
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rsylvester@citybeat.com
Julie Hill Senior Designer and Illustrator jhill@citybeat.com
Jesse Fox Designer and Photographer jessefox@citybeat.com H ER CONTRIBUTORS l Casey Arnold Kelly Blewett Jessie Cundiff Meredith Daniels Kyle Duberville Elle Morris Christina Pfeffer Ilene Ross Leyla Shokoohe Ali Stigler Patricia Stirnkorb Molly Wellmann
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your party and you’ll 18 It’s plan It if you want to Helpful wedding planning advice for the bride on a budget
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Decadent desserts
Local sweeteries bake up beautiful big-day cakes, tarts, cookies and more
4 her words Weddings!
5 her confessions Readers share their secrets
6 her reads
Big day brainstorm books
7 her favorites Plentiful patterns
8 her beauty
Makeup artist Nancy Dawson and her team help brides look their best
9 her health
Blushing Brides Bootcamp guarantees fitness results
10 her Best
Sindur Style creates custom works of wearable art
12 her fashion La Bella Bride
On the cover: Illustration by Julie Hill
23 her big day
Local floral boutiques cultivate creative bouquets and graceful centerpieces
HOW-TO 24 HER Tips and trends for buying the perfect
HER SHUTTERBUGS l Keith Bowers Joe Vandehatert Gina Weathersby
HER WEB l Neil Kowalewski
HER MARKETING l Kenneth Wright
HER SALES l Chuck Davis Lauren Faulkner Tony Frank Matt Murray Neil White Jessica Wolcott her AD traffic l Kane Kitchen kkitchen@citybeat.com HER DISTRIBUTION l Steve Ferguson Advertising inquiries: cdavis@citybeat.com
SOUTHCOMM Chief Executive Officer | Chris Ferrell Chief Financial Officer | Patrick Min Chief Operating Officer | Ron Jiranek Chief Marketing Officer | Susan Torregrossa Chief Technology Officer | Matt Locke Business Manager | Eric Norwood Director of Digital Sales & Marketing | David Walker Director of Accounting | Todd Patton Creative Director | Heather Pierce Director of Online Content/Development | Patrick Rains
engagement ring
25 her kids
Wedding day etiquette for kids (and parents)
26 her quest
Surviving a wedding sans date
27 her night out
Romantic-ish dinner and drinks at one of OTR’s newest hot spots
28 her city
A helpful list of some unique outdoor, historic and unusual wedding reception locations
29 her palate
Expert tips on finding the right caterer
3 0 her happy hour
A simple, sweet signature cocktail
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Her Cincinnati is a free monthly publication of Her City Magazine, LLC, and is distributed throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. All material published within, including design, editorial, advertisements, art and photography, are all copyright 2012, Her City Magazine, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The views that appear in Her Cincinnati do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. No portion of this magazine may be reprinted or used, in whole or in part, modified or altered, in any medium or form of distribution, for any purposes without the express written permission of the publisher. The publication is free; one per reader. Removal of more than one magazine from any distribution point constitutes theft, and violators are subject to prosecution. Editorial submissions are welcome and should be directed to Her Cincinnati, ATTN: Editor, 811 Race Street, 5th Floor, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Press releases must be received by the first of the month for the following month’s issue. Letters to the editor are welcome at the above address and may be edited for clarity and/or length. Photo submissions are welcome and, unless accompanied by a SASE, will not be returned. All submissions become the property of Her City Magazine, LLC. Paid, first-class subscriptions are available for $48 per year. To contact Her Cincinnati, email editor@hercincinnati.com, or visit hercincinnati.com.
February 2013
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you & me HER WORDS
There’s a frequently used saying that presupposes “every little girl dreams of her wedding day,” like we all just sit around in rompers tying sheets to our heads like pretend veils with giant Ring Pops on our left hands — a stereotype which I’d like to argue may or may not be true. Sure, at some point in my life I’ve thought about my imagined wedding day — I really, really like browsing wedding dresses online and there aren’t too many practical places to wear a long, white gown other than to one’s own wedding — but dream? Not so much, unless you consider my personal nightmare of being stared at by a large group of people while walking slowly down a long stretch of carpet a “dream.” But regardless of whether or not I’ve thought about my wedding plans, I love looking at other people’s weddings. Rustic barn weddings, blinged-out affairs, Pinterest bridal boards, the entirety of Martha Stewart Weddings, inspirational photos on theknot.com, Wedding Sunday on WE — I love it all. At one point in my life, I even wanted to be a wedding a planner (which was a decision I made after watching J.Lo’s The Wedding Planner … whatever, that movie is hilarious). So putting together this wedding issue has been incredibly fun. And, ironically, I actually ended up getting engaged while working on the thing, so suddenly editing a story on gorgeous cakes and
City
desserts went from being really pretty, gratuitous sugar porn to being incredibly relevant. In fact, I hope this entire issue ends up being relevant to all Her readers — brides-to-be or not. For all my brideys out there, we have some practical pieces this month including a feature on how to plan your event on a budget, a Her Reads collection of our favorite bridal inspiration books and advice from Her Palate columnist/chef/caterer Ilene Ross on how to pick the perfect caterer. And then we have the pretty, too: the aforementioned cake photo spread; a fashion shoot with one of our favorite coworkers and future bride, Brandi (we spent a day with her, her mom and bridesmaids trying on dresses and pampering her with the full model treatment); and photos of unique bridal bouquets. And then for everyone, we’ve got some great patterned trend pieces in Her Favorites; a super sweet, super simple cocktail recipe using just champagne and cotton candy concocted by award-winning mixologist Molly Wellmann for Her Happy Hour; and a review of new OTR Japanese/sushi joint, Kaze. So while I get used to wearing a piece of jewelry on my hand everyday and try to convince my fiancé that an Indian buffet at a reception is a genius idea, you guys read this issue. (And those of you who have recently gotten married in the 513/859, send some tips and tricks my way!)
Bliss
Host a unique wedding ceremony, reception or both at the newly renovated historic Washington Park across from Music Hall in Over-the-Rhine. For more information, visit WashingtonPark.org. Check on the Park’s availability by calling 513-621-4400 ext. 120. Photo by 5chw4r7z
Find out how to have your wedding in other Cincinnati Parks: 513-357-2604
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you & me HER CONFESSIONS
I keep telling my fiancé that our upcoming wedding is all about us and celebrating our love, but it’s actually all about me.
It’s my day and I’m going to relish every moment in my beautiful gown and then stuff my face with expensive cake and champagne.
Send us your secrets!
hercincinnati.com/submit_confessions
Every time I go to the dentist, I pretend that I am actually going in to have a baby.
It’s the only thing that could possibly be more terrifying than the dentist. The idea of a boy’s club is still very much alive in my workplace.
It makes me insane to see these men skate by and receive promotions and raises because they’re buds with their bosses. I do a better job, work harder, I’m more professional and I’m way more talented than those idiots and no one recognizes it because I don’t know how to golf.
I’m a terrible grown-up.
Every time I see someone with a cup of beer all I can think about is how badly I want apple juice, RIGHT NOW!
I’ve recently acquired an increasingly troubling obsession with picking the split ends off my hair.
I’m addicted to painkillers.
And I honestly don’t think it’s that big of a deal. I stole a lipgloss when I was out shopping with my kids just to see if I could. I could and it was a huge adrenaline rush. Worst part? If I got caught, I was totally planning
on blaming my toddler.
I failed my Milkscreen alcohol test
(after only two glasses of wine) and still breast-fed my baby. Just once! I’m sure nothing bad happened, but I’m afraid to tell my pediatrician.
I kicked my cat
really hard by accident when I was walking into the kitchen.
I lost ten pounds by eating healthier and working out.
I feel like a total badass and my body feels so much better.
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you & me HER READS
Big Day Brainstorm Books Collected ideas, inspiration and DIY wedding projects
by Her staff • illustration by Julie Hill
Adornments: Sew & Create Accessories with Fabric, Lace & Beads by Myra Callan Oregon-based designer Myra Callan is well-known for her whimsically fresh bridal adornment line, Twigs & Honey (twigsandhoney.com). With a focus on fine craftsmanship, her headpieces, fascinators, crowns and hand-stitched veils will cost brides-to-be a pretty penny, but for those of us who would rather reach for a needle and thread than our wallet, Callan’s new book, Adornments, shows DIY brides how to create their own accessories with simple step-bystep techniques.
The Knot Ultimate Wedding Lookbook by Carley Roney and editors of theknot.com
Founded in 1996, theknot.com is an informative, visual feast and basically every bride’s first stop for wedding planning inspiration — well, outside of Pinterest. Co-founder Carley Roney and her editors have taken the essence of this quintessential wedding website and compiled a book of a similar ilk with more than 1,000 gorgeous color photographs, expert tips, effective timelines, money saving tricks and detailed lists to help couples plan their perfect day.
Martha Stewart’s Wedding Cakes by Martha Stewart and Wendy Kromer
Stewart and master baker/decorator Wendy Kromer guide you through all you need to know before you make a decision about your wedding cake. There are charts and tips to explain each material bakers use, as well as what flavors and styles work best for your wedding theme, season and location. The book also has recipes and insider techniques to help you bake and decorate your own memorable, professional-grade cake.
Rustic Wedding Chic by Maggie Lord
Basically a bride’s planning bible.
Rusticweddingchic.com is one of the internet’s best resources for information on trendy “barn” weddings, and this book takes the website’s inspiration, ideas and advice on planning a personalized country wedding and combines it with photos of real, rustic nuptials — all with a signature eco-friendly and creative approach.
The Big White Book of Weddings: A How-To Guide for the Savvy, Stylish Bride by David Tutera
Full of inspirational photos of vintagemodern ceremonies and receptions.
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David Tutera is the detail-oriented diva of the wedding planning world and if you’ve seen his show, My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, you know that he leaves no decorative stone unturned. His Big White Book of Weddings offers a wealth of expert advice — the same he gives to his A-list clientele like Jennifer Lopez and Susan Lucci — on all aspects of planning the perfect day “designed to get every bride down the aisle in style.”
Style Me Pretty Weddings: Inspiration and Ideas for an Unforgettable Celebration by Abby Larson
Abby Larson brings her incredibly popular, 16.5-millionviewers-per-month stylemepretty.com to paper. With a fresh attitude and more than 250 swoon-worthy photos of love-filled weddings and DIY projects, Larson’s book focuses on the basics of determining your couple style in order to thread quirky and intimate personal touches throughout your big day.
you & me HER FAVORITES
Plentiful
Instead of prepping for spring with a typical floral print, opt for something a bit more outrageous: a mash-up of bold patterns and natural textures.
Patterns
Platform heels, $55, The Mustard Seed Boutique, 311 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, mustardseedboutique.com Hemp fabric, St. Theresa Textile Trove, Pendleton Art Center, 1310 Pendleton St., Suite 109, OTR, sttheresatextile.com Prada checkered skirt, $80, Hi-Bred Vintage, 2548 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills, 513-240-4664 Paisley clutch, $18, The Mustard Seed Boutique, 311 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, mustardseedboutique.com Wood necklace, $16, Pangaea, 326 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-751-3330 Betsy Johnson ring, $25, Hi-Bred Vintage, 2548 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills, 513-240-4664 Plaid button-up, $12, Chicken Lays an Egg, 1608 Chase Ave., Northside, 513-834-9268 Sunglasses, $9, Pangaea, 326 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-751-3330 African mudcloth, St. Theresa Textile Trove, Pendleton Art Center, 1310 Pendleton St., Suite 109, OTR, sttheresatextile.com Embroidered collar by Jessy Baum, $35, Chicken Lays an Egg, 1608 Chase Ave., Northside, 513-834-9268 Paisley top, $12, Chicken Lays an Egg, 1608 Chase Ave., Northside, 513-834-9268 Villager tote, $110, Brush Factory, 2019 Central Ave., Brighton, brushmanufactory.com Black patterned pants, $26, The Mustard Seed Boutique, 311 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, mustardseedboutique.com Lace-up booties, $185, Smartfish Footwear, 1301 Main St., OTR, smartfishfootwear.bigcartel.com African Evil Eye fabric, St. Theresa Textile Trove, Pendleton Art Center, 1310 Pendleton St., Suite 109, OTR, sttheresatextile.com styling by Jessie Cundiff • photo by studiovcincy.com February 2013
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health & beauty HER BEAUTY
brideface put your
Forward
Makeup artist Nancy Dawson and her team help brides look their best
W photo by April Smith
photo by Neysa Ruhl
photo by TM Photography
photo by Sherri Barber
by Elle Morris
hen I got married in 2001, I had to travel to my hair stylist and makeup artist — they didn’t come to me. I had to leave the house where I was getting ready and traipse across town to a salon to spend hours sitting, waiting to get my hair and makeup done in between other client’s appointments. The resulting look was so dramatic and trend-based that when I flip through my wedding photos today, I see a bride who doesn’t even look like me. Luckily, local brides now have an excellent and affordable option to help them look like the best version of themselves on their wedding day and not a total stranger: Brideface. The Covington-based makeup studio Brideface, which is owned and operated by makeup artist extraordinaire Nancy Dawson, tackles old-school wedding-day hair and makeup woes head-on. Brides these days are savvy enough to realize that their everyday makeup isn’t going to cut it on their big day, even if they’re rather skilled at applying it. They need long-lasting, waterproof makeup that not only looks incredible in photos but also looks soft and pretty in real life. They want professional service and pampering, at their location; they want that celebrity experience. So in addition to completing your makeup on-site the day of your ceremony, Brideface also does trial runs to ensure you’re going to like your look — in life and on camera. The team at Brideface knows how to achieve a balanced beauty look because of Dawson’s years of training and experience. (When I said Dawson was an “extraordinaire,” I meant it. I’ve had my makeup done by so many artists over my 44 years and she truly stands out.) Dawson’s artistic journey started about 20 years ago when she fell in love with the transformational power of theater makeup while studying the flute at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music. After graduating from CCM, Dawson freelanced as a flutist, dabbled in theater and worked in the bridal registry at Lazarus. When Dawson learned that the now-famous French makeup artist Laura Mercier (the woman behind the “Flawless Face”) was creating her own makeup line, she jumped at the chance to find a way to work with her. Taking the initiative to fly to New York or drive to Chicago whenever Mercier was doing personal appearances, Dawson ended up working directly under her and learned invaluable techniques, including the art of enhancing a woman’s skin and natural beauty with makeup instead of covering it up. While this may seem like a common beauty philosophy now, even a decade ago it was revolutionary. Mercier was also the first to create and market foundation primer —a staple of today’s beauty industry, which was unheard of 12 years ago. Dawson had eight years of direct exposure to Mercier and her knowledge, but after having three children within two years, she, like many moms, was finally forced her to reevaluate her priorities. After having kids, Dawson did wedding makeup as a side gig until she founded Brideface in 2005. Although she professes that she knew nothing about the wedding industry or starting a business when she opened Brideface, and at the time there were very few legit makeup artistry businesses pursuing weddings, her studio hasn’t stopped growing since its founding. Today, Dawson has a crack team of ten makeup artists available to service her clients. The Brideface Bridal Package (starting at $225) covers on-site travel on the day of the wedding, a trial run session and a day of makeup. Her artists specialize in applying airbrush foundation and individual lashes (which have a much more natural look and feel than strip lashes and tend to have much greater longevity). They’ve even won several awards for their work: “Best of The Knot” for the past three years, “Wedding Wire Top Pick” for five years and Dawson received a “Woman of the Year for Beauty” award from Cincy Chic in 2012. Brideface also offers packages for wedding parties and teaches classes to individuals and groups on makeup application. If you’re getting married in 2013 or beyond and want a personalized experience you can afford, I strongly suggest contacting Brideface and booking an appointment. Visit brideface.com or email nancy@brideface.com for more information.
Elle Morris has beauty in her blood. As vice president and managing director of LPK Beauty, both clients and friends know her as a “beauty junkie” with an innate understanding of how the notion of beauty translates from culture to culture.
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The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of Libby, Perszyk, Kathman Inc. or any of its affiliates.
health & beauty HER HEALTH
Blushing Brides Bootcamp Guaranteed fitness results through Russian Kettlebell training by Maija Zummo • photos by Jesse Fox
W
hen the moniker of a workout regimen includes the phrase “boot camp,” you expect results — and probably to do hundreds of push-ups at 6 a.m. while an ex-drill sergeant yells at you. For Queen City Kettlebell’s Blushing Brides Bootcamp, only the good part of that expectation is true: the results, which are underwritten by a money-back guarantee. The comprehensive, personalized fitness and nutrition program at Blushing Brides Bootcamp is built around a core of Russian kettlebell training. Exercising with kettlebells — different sized cast-iron weights with handles — offers a complete, full-body strength and cardio workout. And it has been shown to burn fat and calories faster and more efficiently than the traditional blend of cardio and weight training, with an astounding average loss of 272 calories in 20 minutes, according to a University of Wisconsin, La Crosse Exercise and Health Program study. “[The kettlebell] is a very versatile training tool,” says boot camp instructor Carla Grimm, one of only about 2,000 Russian Kettlebell Certified (RKC) instructors in the world. “It’s ballistic, explosive and strength-training all at the same time. You’re using the largest muscle groups in your body … so it’s just an incredible tool for fat loss, fitness and strength.” Blushing Brides Bootcamp offers an eight- or twelve-week total body plan where brides-to-be complete an intense kettlebell interval-training program, bolstered by an intelligent nutrition plan, to help achieve the goal of looking fantastic when they walk down the aisle. “It’s a lifestyle approach, really,” says Grimm. “This isn’t just your Tuesday night dance club. This isn’t just your, ‘I’m dieting again because it’s Monday.’ This is, ‘Here’s how I’m going to improve my lifestyle.’ … It’s holistic in that you don’t just diet or eat a certain way and you don’t just work out. It’s both.” But the first thing you do when you sign up for the program is go through a consultation process with the Queen City Kettlebell instructors. “We meet with the bride, talk about what her goals are, what she would like to do and how she would like to improve her fitness and her health before she gets married,” says Grimm. Then, once you’re enrolled in the boot camp program, you’ll get an introductory kettlebell class to teach you basic kettlebell skills and safety followed by three, one-hour progressive small group or one-on-one workout sessions per week and personalized nutritional guidance.
“There’s no jumping, there’s no bouncing,” says Grimm. “No coordinated dance moves like Zumba to have to follow and feel silly when you can’t.” “There’s just some basic skills to learn which are very fundamental,” she adds. “And then once you get those, it’s just progressive — everyone’s always improving their skill.” The basic moves include things like a two-handed kettlebell swing, which is exactly what it sounds like; the goblet squat, which uses the kettlebell as a weight when squatting; and the Turkish Get-Up, which is a series of controlled movements that take you from the floor to your side to standing. “It’s both a strength and cardio workout at the same time, so that’s where you get your biggest bang for the buck,” says Grimm, who used to be an avid runner before discovering kettlebell. “There aren’t hours running on the treadmill or the cycle machine or the elliptical machine. “ And the workout is great for any age group, even older adults, because of that focus on personalized, controlled strength and movement. “We do a lot of assessments with our clients on their functional movement,” says Grimm. “We try to use the kettlebell drills as corrective drills to help them move better, sit better, have better posture and increase their stability and mobility, which then allows them to increase their performance and their strength.” For her female clients, Grimm sees incredible gains in muscle tone. “Nothing ever bulky, of course, because that doesn’t happen — that’s a myth. But I see very leaned out brides that feel really good.” In fact, a lot of the Blushing Brides Bootcamp clients love kettlebell so much that they stay on with Queen City Kettlebell. They’ve even had a bride be so successful with her training, she had to get her dress taken in on her wedding day. But if for some reason a bride-to-be doesn’t meet her goal, Queen City Kettlebell offers a 50-percent money-back guarantee. “You know, we haven’t even had to discuss that with a client yet,” says Grimm. “But it’s there to just say we really believe in this and we really think that if you’re here and you’re serious, we’re serious and we’re going to help you meet your goals.” Visit blushingbridesbootcamp.com for more information.
“You’re using the largest muscle groups in your body … so it’s just an incredible tool for fat loss, fitness and strength.”
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health & beauty HER BEST
Diamond Standard
A transformed engagement ring!
The
Sindur Shah McRedmond creates custom works of wearable art
by Maija Zummo • photos provided by SindurStyle
W
hile most little girls grow up playing with dolls, plastic ponies and the occasional G.I. Joe, Sindur Shah McRedmond grew up playing with diamonds. “My father was a rough diamond broker in India,” says McRedmond, owner/creator of SindurStyle, a jewelry design, appraisal and brokering company. “I recall seeing these unique, rough diamonds and being so enchanted with them because I knew what they would end up being after they were polished to perfection: These lifeless crystals would become brilliant gems.” Watching her father make trades over handshakes in then-Bombay’s Diamond District and playing with the rough gems before they were transformed instilled in McRedmond a sense of awe and reverence for both nature and the master jeweler, who could take these raw materials and craft them into a piece of beautiful art. “I still have that feeling of awe when I see gems that are unique and exquisite,” she says. “Nature and its beautiful creations never cease to amaze me. It takes sometimes a decade or 45 millions years to get these small, rare creations to come to our hands. That, in short, is monumental.” After being surrounded by the rough and wholesale diamond trade throughout her adolescence, McRedmond continued her diamond immersion and took at job at a jewelry store as a teenager, where a store manager helped convert her fascination with gems into a career. “I was blessed to have a young and passionate manager that would bring me his books from his personal gemology course,” she says. “Within a short period of time I ended up reading the whole course and was thirsty for more.” After graduating from high school, McRedmond attempted to quench that thirst and went directly to the source of her manager’s course, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the world’s foremost authority and education facility on diamonds, colored stones and pearls, and enrolled.
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“Our educational experience within the GIA is very intense,” says McRedmond. “They believe practice makes perfect and all GG (Graduate Gemologist) students have to pass the dreaded 20-stone test at the end of their course with a 100 percent success rate.” The GIA places 20 different stones in a box and the students have to correctly identify each stone with 100 percent accuracy. “It’s not an easy task as Mother Nature offers about 1,000-plus options,” she says. McRedmond graduated GIA with certifications in graduate gemology, graduate design and as a graduate jeweler. She’s also certified by the American Gem Society, the country’s pre-eminent jewelry trade organization dedicated to consumer protection, as a professional with ethical business practices and superior gemological skills and knowledge. In 2005, McRedmond used her years of experience and education to found SindurStyle, her dream brand and business where she designs custom engagement rings, wedding bands and other jewelry-based work in addition to providing appraisals, gemstone evaluations, diamond brokering and precious metal and gemstone sales. Using the long-standing relationships with vendors, dealers and jewelers that she’s developed over many years and transactions, McRedmond works with her SindurStyle clients to create one-of-a-kind pieces with a conscience — she only uses vendors and dealers who adhere to both the
“My favorite rings or pieces I have created are pieces that I have taken apart and made something new out of.”
Kimberly Process and the Clean Diamond Trade Act, laws and initiatives enacted to stem the flow of blood diamonds. “Every single item I create takes a meticulous and detailed process, she says. “First, I communicate with a client and send them a basic template that will fill me in on what they know already: their likes/dislikes and their comfort range. Then I dissect each one and ask detailed questions about their preferences, non-negotiables and lifestyle: their preference in activity, favorite places to shop, their personal style and lastly their line of work. All of these import factors help me help them design a piece that will suit them. … This is the basis of the basic layout and from there you sprinkle it with personal likes and flare.” And then McRedmond works to create a wearable, enjoyable piece of art that fits into her client’s day-to-day lifestyle and reflects their personal style. “My favorite rings or pieces I have created are pieces that I have taken apart and made something new out of,” she says. “Like taking old diamonds out of grandma’s jewelry and making them into a new engagement ring or taking a diamond from a client that went through a divorce and making it into a modern day mother’s ring.” For one client, McRedmond used the original diamond from an engagement ring and added the birthstones of the client’s children on either side. “I loved what that client told me in the process,” she says. “She said that the stone was the foundation for her path to motherhood and thus why would she sell it to get rid of it even though the marriage didn’t work out? Instead she took something that represented her life before and recreated it into something that reflected her life today. I loved that!” A custom SindurStyle creation can take anywhere from a week to six weeks to craft, depending on complexity. McRedmond works by appointment only and can also conduct in-home appraisals for existing jewelry. For more information or to set up an appointment, visit sindurstyle.com.
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fashion fashion HER STYLE
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fashion fashion HER STYLE
BELLA H
er Cincinnati’s own Brandi Ballou, beloved administrative assistant for the magazine and CityBeat, is getting married in May of 2014, so we decided the wedding issue would be the perfect time for Brandi to try on some wedding dresses with all the pomp, circumstance and pampering that comes along with a traditional fashion shoot. Three of her six bridesmaids and her mother joined Brandi at Belle Bridal Boutique in Bellevue for her photoshoot … and for her first time trying on dresses. “The first dress I put on, my heart was racing. It was like, ‘Oh my god. Am I getting married?’” says Brandi. Like many ladies, Brandi has been thinking about her wedding since before her engagement, which happened when her nowfiancé Adam proposed to her on Chicago’s Navy Pier Ferris wheel on her birthday last June. And so far she says the planning has been pretty stress-free. The hardest part? Figuring out how to narrow down her Pinterest wedding inspiration board and finalize her guest list. “Adam and I have met a lot of people over the five years we’ve been together, so it’s hard to decide who is more important than
who. We’ve probably done three different drafts of the invite list.” Not only does Brandi have her own wedding to plan, but her mother and maid of honor, Stephanie, Adam’s sister, are also getting married within the year. Stephanie ties the knot in August and Brandi’s mom is getting married in October. While Brandi and her mother aren’t planning their weddings together, they’re definitely discussing certain aspects with each other to try to avoid overlap. “We’re telling each other the first dance songs we pick and things like that, so we’re trying not to do the same thing. And same with Stephanie, too.” The three bridesmaids who accompanied Brandi to the shoot were Stephanie; Amy, a friend if Brandi’s since second grade; and Karla, who was Brandi’s college roommate for five years. Everyone had their hair and makeup done on-site by Parlour salon, and Brandi enjoyed the experience of being forced into the dresses we picked trying on dresses with her mother and bridesmaids. “My favorite part is the memory of it,” she says. “It’s not something that everyone gets to do. It’s something I can have on paper and show my kids and have at our wedding. It’s just neat.”
Styling Christina Pfeffer Photography Jesse Fox Interview Ali Stigler Hair and makeup Jessie Hoffman and Katie Delong of Parlour salon, salonparlour.com Location Belle Bridal Boutique 413 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, Ky., thebellebridalboutique.com
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fashion fashion HER STYLE
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“The first dress I put on, my heart was racing. It was like, ‘Oh my god. Am I getting married?’”
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Page 12, 14, 16 On Brandi: Sash worn as headpiece, “Dylan” by Kata Banko Couture, Belle Bridal Boutique, $264; Art Deco clip-on pearl earrings, Gayle’s Vintage, 106 Main St., Milford, gayles-vintageclothing.com, $6; Gown, Justin Alexander, Belle Bridal Boutique, $1,450; Belt, repurposed from a bridesmaid’s dress, Belle Bridal Boutique. On Stephanie, maid of honor: Rhinestone tiara, Gayle’s Vintage, 106 Main St., Milford, gaylesvintageclothing.com, $15; Grey tunic, The Mustard Seed Boutique, 311 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, mustardseedboutique.com, $36; Pearl bracelet, part of a set, Gayle’s Vintage, 106 Main St., Milford, gayles-vintageclothing.com, $175. Page 14, 16 On Brandi: Gown, Justin Alexander, Belle Bridal Boutique, $1,137.50; Sash, “Bree” by Kato Banko Couture, Belle Bridal Boutique, $189. On Stephanie, maid of honor: Bridesmaids dress, off-the-rack, Belle Bridal Boutique, price upon request; Silver cross necklace, Gayle’s Vintage, 106 Main St., Milford, gayles-vintageclothing. com, $28; Mother of pearl cross necklace, Gayle’s Vintage, 106 Main St., Milford, gaylesvintageclothing.com, $16; Gold cross necklace, Gayle’s Vintage, 106 Main St., Milford, gayles-vintageclothing.com, $16; Bracelet, Gayle’s Vintage, 106 Main St., Milford, gaylesvintageclothing.com, $65. Page 14, 15 On Brandi: Sash worn as headpiece, Allure Bridals, Belle Bridal Boutique, $198; Gown, Allure Bridals Allure Women, Belle Bridal Boutique, $998.
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Page 14 On Brandi: Gown, Sweetheart Collection, Belle Bridal Boutique, $850; Grey cardigan, The Mustard Seed Boutique, 311 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, mustardseedboutique.com, $42; Zebra pin, Gayle’s Vintage, 106 Main St., Milford, gayles-vintageclothing.com, $4; White furry stole, Gayle’s Vintage, 106 Main St., Milford, gaylesvintageclothing.com, $18; Pearl bauble bracelet, Gayle’s Vintage, 106 Main St., Milford, gaylesvintageclothing.com, $32; Flowers, Kroger; Ring, bride’s own.
European clothing Boutique. 8181 Camargo Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45243
513-271-2689
Tuesday- Friday
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed
Sunday - Monday
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feature story
It’s Your Party and You’ll it If You Want To Helpful wedding planning advice for the bride on a budget by Patricia Stirnkorb • illustrations by Julie Hill
If you’re one of the 250,000 couples who got engaged between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 — the most popular pop-the-question week of the year — or if you’re hoping to get that sparkling rock on Valentine’s Day — the second most popular time to get engaged— you’ll be among the 1.5 to 2.2 million couples who tie the knot this year in America. And once you have the ring, it’s time to start planning. Planning a wedding is like planning a huge corporate event. You’ve got 100-300 guests, special speakers, entertainment, food and a theme. I’ve been helping brides plan weddings for more than 20 years and I’ve learned a few things along the way: Planning a wedding is costly, time consuming, stressful and it can be incredibly fun. From day one, immediately following placing that engagement ring on your finger, your head will be swimming with beautiful things: You’ll envision yourself in multiple settings, different types of dresses, surrounded by different, elaborate flowers. Allow some time to daydream … and then start working on your very special day.
There is a lot to be done and I can’t stress organization enough. During a wedding I planned several years ago, we were in charge of everything. The couple was very laid-back, easy to please, picked everything we suggested and kept within the budget they planned. The only thing they had to do outside of my office was the cake tasting. They went to the bakery, tasted cakes and made their selection. On the day of the wedding, we were traveling between the church and the reception when I received a frantic call from the reception hall manager telling me no cake had been delivered. I couldn’t get in touch with the bakery (it was after hours) and there were 300 guests on their way to the reception expecting to eat cake. With a few emergency phone calls, I located a grocery store bakery and purchased multiple cakes, which arrived just before dessert was served. Apparently the bride and groom had made their cake selection but failed to make a deposit or payment on the cake. So let me say one more time: Get organized!
Many brides have come to me and rattled off everything they wanted included in their wedding plans: The most popular venue, an outrageous dress, top-of-the-line menu, live flowers, 16 bridesmaids and a limo service for their entire wedding party. And their budget? An unrealistic $5,000. In 2012, the average wedding cost $26,500 — and the key word here is “average.” In New York City, average wedding costs last year topped $65,000, so be glad you live in the Midwest. Be practical and figure out how you’re willing to pay for your blessed event. Are your parents chipping in? Are your fiancé’s parents helping you? How much will you be contributing? In this day of high costs and low economy, anything goes. The old tradition of the bride’s parents picking up the tab ended around 1990. Find out how much you have to work with and start there.
Once you have your budget in hand, purchase a wedding planning book that includes worksheets and ideas. The fun part starts when you can begin to dream. Make a master list of everything you want and dream big. Envision yourself in the most glamorous, elegant or frou-frou setting and then let reality sink in. Start pricing out the things you love and must have and then figure out what you can live without. If live orchids are the most important thing to you, get them, but realize you may have to cut back somewhere else. Pricing out your wedding can be daunting. You need a list (hopefully from your helpful wedding planning book) covering every single item you need to purchase to have a wedding. Start with the most imperative things: the ceremony venue and reception location. Next in price importance are the photographer and videographer (if you’re using one), the entertainment (band or DJ) and the menu planning — all of these are the big-ticket items you need to plan for. Shortly thereafter, focus on the flowers, decorations and accessories.
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Remember: You’re competing with 250,000 other couples who also want a location, so book yours as soon as possible — and be prepared to put money down as soon as you start making reservations. When our son and daughter-in-law got married, they actually called on midnight one year in advance to reserve the church they wanted. By the next morning there were five messages on the answering machine from couples who also wanted that date. There are really no set rules for wedding ceremony locations any more. Park settings are popular in the spring and summer months and even into the early fall. May and September are the most requested for outdoor locales, so again, plan in advance. Destination weddings are popular if you want just the immediate family in attendance with a larger reception when you return home. (Note: These don’t save you very much money by the time you travel to and from and then pay for the reception.) If you know someone who has a great backyard and your guest list is the right size, renting a tent and setting up chairs is an option you may consider. And if you’re a traditionalist, a church wedding followed by a separate reception (very few churches allow drinking on the church grounds) is the way to go.
The single most expensive part of your wedding will be the reception, but there are always ways you can cut costs. For example, you can rent a “hall” (i.e. a VFW, church fellowship hall, American Legion, community center, etc.). In some halls you get nothing and just pay for the time rental, and in others there’s a flat price, which includes everything but the food. Most hall rentals include the tables and chairs and the cost of cleanup. They might make you pay a bartender or two, depending on the number of guests, but you can choose and pay for your own caterer, table coverings, place settings, decorations and everything else to make the party special. This gives you the most for your money because you’re doing all the work and you can haggle for prices along the way. Many brides choose an “all-inclusive” reception venue which provides all the above and the cake, appetizers and part of the bar selection, such as wine and/or soft drinks. This type of rental is generally a flat price for the room and so much per person. Expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000 for the room plus $30-$50 per person attending the wedding. The bar bill is extra, so how “open” your bar tab is will determine the amount you pay at the end. Just a heads up, I have seen bar bills equal the cost of the entire reception so decide in advance if you want an open bar and how much you’re willing to spend.
Emotional issues come up all along the way when planning, so make sure you think about things in advance. Picking your wedding party can be one of these emotional catalysts. Deciding who you’re picking and who your groom is picking for a wedding party can be frustrating, tearful and create heartfelt agony. You might not be able to have everyone in your wedding that you want. Remember, every bridesmaid adds another bouquet, bridesmaid gift, dinner plate and date, which means more money. Another note, it is your groom’s right to choose who he wants as a groomsman, regardless of whether or not your third bridesmaid hates who she’ll walk down the aisle with. This is his time to pick and, let’s face it, it is one of the few things for which he has a final say. (While most brides begin by including their future Mr. Right, most leave him behind somewhere between the invitations and the flowers.)
Shopping for dresses can be an exciting event. Typically, you should include your mother, your fiancé’s mother and your bridesmaids. Make it a day of fun and laughter. Schedule an appointment with the bridal salon at which you want to shop and let them know how many are coming. You want to be able to take your time and not be rushed. This is an important occasion. One of the brides I worked with had her aunt volunteer to pay for her dress because the aunt had no daughters, but instead of inviting her to come along while she was trying on dresses, the bride gladly took the money but not the aunt! Be aware of those around you who would like to be included in your “inner circle.” If you have future sisters-in-law who are not in the wedding, including them in this special event can win a lot of points later.
Keeping track of a timeline is especially helpful. Most good wedding planning books have a master timeline of where you should be and when. A one-year engagement and wedding planning time is perfect to accomplish most of what you want to get done, but I’ve done weddings in as few as three weeks and in as many as 18 months. Keep track of everything you do and when you do it, how much it costs, if you made a deposit, what still needs to be paid or decided and if a task is complete.
Have fun! Plan a day to remember and enjoy it. I have worked with some “bridezillas” in my time and they are no fun — for their fiancé, their families or themselves. Chill out. I can make a guarantee to you right now: Not everything will be perfect. The goal is to hope that about 95 percent of the wedding is and the rest will be forgotten. When your wedding day actually arrives, take a breath and let everyone else handle the details. Adopt a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” mentality and if something goes awry, which it will, just smile and say this will be one of those memories you laugh about on your anniversaries. Savor every minute of your wedding day. From the primping and fluffing to the vows and tears, the food and drinks, the dancing and toasts, this will be a day you want to remember for the rest of your life. Allow it to imprint on your mind and your heart and enjoy it immensely! By the way, congratulations! February 2013
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Never neglect your groom. Let him have his cake and eat it too!
Your cake is a great place to reflect your heritage. This standard, tiered cake is anything but when adorned with lovely cherry trees in bloom.
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Completely vegan and completely delectable.
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Tiffany Blue has become a popular choice with brides for its classic elegance.
Nothing says beauty like a delicate pop of pink. The sumptuous interior of a cake can be just as beautiful as the outside.
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Delicate hand-painting is the sophisticated way to do floral. Sugar Realm also does matching cookies as guest favors. LOVE!
Make these delightful little petit fours part of a chic dessert buffet.
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Why not completely buck tradition and skip the cake entirely? Everybody loves pie, especially when they have their own individual one.
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Send your guests home with a delightful and delicious favor: iced shortbread cookies.
Cupcakes give everyone their own perfect, little bite. Trendy and terrific for good reason. Ethereal ruffles topped with flowers are perfect for that fairy princess in all of us.
DESSERTS
Local sweeteries bake up beautiful big-day cakes, pies, cookies and more
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by Ilene Ross • photos by Gina Weathersby
or many brides, the vision of a fairy tale wedding used to look quite traditional with a white princess gown, massive amounts of flowers, tons of guests and a huge, tiered wedding cake. But in today’s world of Pinterest weddings, where there are literally millions of ideas flooding our computer screens from every corner of the globe, each one more creative than the next, our ideas of tradition literally change at the click of the button. From the start to finish of wedding preparation, no detail is left spared, and that includes one of the most important features of actual concern to the guests: the wedding cake. No longer a simple dessert item relegated to being smashed in the bride’s and groom’s faces, these creations — often costing as much as the wedding gown themselves — are now an integral part of the creative process. Here are some beautiful local bridal confections presented Pinterest-style for your sugary inspiration.
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The BonBonerie 2030 Madison Road, O’Bryonville, bonbonerie.com
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Ileana Saldivia of Sugar Realm, Fine Bakery & Cake Design, sugarrealm.com
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Queen City Cookies 1662 Blue Rock Road, Northside, queencitycookies.com
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Happy Chicks Bakery happychicksbakery.com
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Go graphic! One of the hottest trends on the runways for this spring makes its way to the dessert plate.
Classic style with a twist: whimsical swirls of color. Carry your theme all the way through to the cake. Most bakers are more than happy to work with you on custom designs.
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home & family HER BIG DAY
Coming Up
Roses
Inspired Floral Design photo by Robin Buop
Local floral boutiques cultivate creative bouquets and graceful centerpieces by Casey Arnold
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ccording to theknot.com, a bride can realistically prepare to spend about 8 percent of her overall wedding budget on flowers, which can total up to a whopping $1,970 according to a 2006 Bridal Association of America report. And if you’re planning to invest that much in your big day floral decorations, they better be worth it. So we interviewed several of our favorite local boutiques and asked how they approach wedding day floral design (and included some of our favorite aspirational images from their portfolio).
Eden Floral Boutique
Courtenay Lambert Florals
Eden Floral Boutique, located in the hip neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine, is the perfect setting for a floral shop that creates fresh, modern arrangements. Molly Lay, manager and graphic designer at Eden, says, “Designing a bouquet usually starts with an idea from the bride whether it be a feel, style or color scheme — analogous reds, blush tones and peach, loose and elegant, tight and contemporary ... the options are endless.” Eden has access to blooms from across the globe, and while seasonal availability is important, if a flower is rare or out of season, it just costs a little bit more to get it from there to here. Browse the boutique’s slick, contemporary website filled with floral arrangements from previous weddings and don’t miss the photos of their stunning, sparkling brooch bouquets. “It is a bunching of 75 to 300 wired brooches that are meaningful to the bride and family or are just beautiful. It’s definitely an undertaking but the results are worth it,” says Lay. 1129 Walnut St., OTR, 513-281-3336, edenfloralboutique.com.
There’s something about Courtenay Lambert Floral’s floral and event design style that you can almost pick out of a line-up, and that consistency is why brides flock to her. Lambert says, “We have thousands of pictures. We keep a portfolio on our iPad and [brides] can flip through it while they’re here, but we also have a huge blog that they can look through.” Many of her pieces feature roses and other simple buds with soft, rounded petals often arranged in subtle color ways of white, blush, coral and ivory, sometimes mixed with striking accents of saturated colors. And Lambert always makes sure she and a bride are on the same page. “Sometimes the picture that’s in their head might not be the picture that’s in my head,” shes says. “One person’s pink isn’t another person’s pink and one person’s purple isn’t another person’s purple.” So Lambert likes to pull pictures during a consultation to make sure her design meshes with the bride’s vision as perfectly as possible. 610 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-581-3333, courtenaylambert.com.
Yellow Canary: Flowers and Event Design
Inspired Floral Design
Though this floral boutique was established relatively recently (in 2007), it has cemented itself as a trusted floral and detail-oriented event designer in Cincinnati. Yellow Canary’s floral designs are often grand and elegant — at times oversized and bold and in other instances more natural, reminiscent of moss and other beautiful elements that could have been gathered from the exterior of a hobbit’s home. Owner Kristen Sekowski welcomes a bride’s vision and helps her create a style all her own. “I would say that 99.9 percent of the time we create something completely unique,” says Sekowski. “I hesitate to copy a style because I think each bouquet should be special and speak to the style of the bride.” She recalls one of her favorite arrangements: a head table made completely out of natural materials. “We used succulents, moss and flowers,” she says. “It was a lot of fun and definitely unique.” 333 W. Benson St., Reading, 859-609-2020, yellowcanaryonline.com.
Inspired Floral Design’s style leans toward an organic and free-flowing bohemian vibe. Their pieces are dynamic, incorporating flowers and other natural elements of varied heights and colors. And since owner/atmosphere stylist Robin Buop has had 27 years of floral and event experience, she knows what works. “Anything on the cover of Martha Stewart is normally just for the sake of the photoshoot and not a real wedding,” says Buop. “[It] will not hold up after a long day out of water.” With the growing popularity of Pinterest and other online idea sources, brides can become overwhelmed with options. In addition to inspiring images, Buop points out, “We always ask our brides to bring in photos of what they don’t like. This allows us to explain why they are attracted to a certain style.” 130 W. Sixth St., Covington, Ky., 513-370-7372, inspiredfloral.com.
Eden Floral Boutique
Yellow Canary
Courtenay Lambert Florals
photo by Katie Woodring Photography
photo by Concept Photography
photo by Michael Bambino & Co.
Casey Arnold is the owner of LOC Weddings, a wedding consulting business based in Cincinnati. She caters to left-of-center brides and grooms and has an aversion to cheesy, mundane and overdone. locweddings.com.
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home & family HER HOW-TO
tips and trends for buying the perfect engagement ring by Kyle Duberville • photos by Jesse Fox
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he business of selecting an engagement ring is such a personal and important event in the life of a couple that’s ready to take the next step that gone are the days when the ring’s selection was a private matter for just the groom. Today it seems that an outing to the jewelry store is de rigueur for a duo that’s madly in love. While wedding dress fashion trends may come and go, a bride will proudly display her engagement ring on her hand every single day, regardless of her outfit, the event or the season. Of course, no matter the style of the rock, it will always be the story and meaning behind the ring that is really important, but the style of an engagement ring should be carefully considered. There are four ‘C’s to think about when shopping for a diamond: color, clarity, cut and carat. The characteristics are rated according to the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) 4Cs of Diamond Quality, the first universally agreed-upon standard for describing and assessing the quality of diamonds. Color. A chemically and structurally perfect diamond should have no hue. Rated on a scale from D (clear) to Z (increasing presence of yellow/brown/grey), diamonds in the D color-range are the clearest and most valuable with decreasing value as you go down the
color scale. Most jewelry stores carry diamonds in the D to L (faint) color range. Clarity. A diamond’s clarity is measured by how many flaws both internally (inclusions) and externally (blemishes) it has, as well as how big the flaws are and where they are placed. The GIA’s ratings go from “Flawless,” with basically no imperfections, to “Included,” which contain a significant number of imperfections. The flaws are what make your diamond unique, but you want to avoid stones with inclusions that affect its brilliance. Cut. The cut of a diamond unleashes its sparkle. Artisans craft facets into the body of the stone in an arrangement that creates its shape and brilliance. Most standard diamond jewelry consists of “round brilliant diamonds,” but rings also come in cuts like emerald, princess and pear. No matter the shape, each stone is rated from “Excellent” to “Poor” based on the brilliance, sparkle and fire resulting from the cut. Carat. A carat is how much a diamond weighs. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. The heavier the diamond, the more it weighs — unless it is flawed in the other three Cs. While the 4Cs of Diamond Quality should always be taken into consideration before investing in a ring, so should the bride’s taste. We’ve broken down our five favorite settings, starting with classic and moving toward unique, to give you some inspiration. SETTINGS & STYLES: Classic Solitaire Known for their simple elegance, Tiffany & Co. rings — especially their six-pronged, single-diamond Tiffany Setting — have been a staple for couples in love for ages now. Any version of this classic solitaire setting, in a blue box or not, highlights the beauty of a loose diamond and will be elegant until the end of time. This “no fuss” setting and its elevated, lone diamond are sure to be seen sparkling from across a crowded room. Gabriel & Co. solitaire engagement ring, Kirk & Company Jewelers, 117 Main St., Milford, kirkandcompanyjewelers.com. Double Halo Last year, the halo setting was a major trend for brides-to-be. In 2013, the industry has decided to build on this trend and up the ante a bit. The double halo setting simply takes the standard halo and adds another tier of smaller diamonds around the center stone. By using subtle, contrasting colors in the surrounding stones, the double halo manages to create the impression of a much larger center stone. Beauty aside, this setting is perfect for the couple that wants all of the sparkle without the intimidating price tag. Tacori handcrafted heirloom engagement ring with a double bloom spotlighting the center diamond, Richter & Phillips Co., 202 E. Sixth St., Downtown, richterphillips.com. Antique Though the meaning and commitment symbolized in an engagement ring cannot be compared from couple to couple, some brides are looking for something completely unique. Antique or vintage rings are a great option for the bride that loves a good story. These historic pieces can be handed down through the family or even discovered while traveling the globe. What’s fascinating about this trend, however, is that it’s actually not a trend at all. Because of the different history, size, color, price, etc. of each of the antique pieces, the bride will have something as personal as the love she shares with her partner. Art Deco European-cut engagement ring, Schwartz Jewelers, 6114 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, schwartzjewelers.net. Colored Stones Having an engagement ring featuring a colored stone isn’t anything new by any means, but it’s definitely trending right now for brides-to-be. When Kate Middleton flashed her 18-carat blue sapphire engagement ring back in 2010, the world noticed. Much like an antique ring, having a bit of color for the center stone is a unique way to stand out among other brides. Ruby center stone surrounded by 28 diamonds, Boris Litwin Jewelers, 7565 Kenwood Road, Suite 204, Montgomery, 513 621-1123. Conflict-Free Diamonds Although this trend doesn’t focus exclusively on the aesthetics of the engagement ring, it is something that is very important to many couples. Conflict-free diamonds are a fantastic choice because they have been obtained without the use of any violence. This trend (or ethical stance, rather) gained notoriety in 2006 when the movie Blood Diamond hit theaters. Suddenly this issue, of which many were unaware, was a discussion topic among couples looking for the perfect ring. Luckily, many jewelers have taken a stand and now exclusively sell conflict-free diamonds. SindurStyle, sindurstyle.com.
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home & family HER KIDS
little guests, big complications Wedding day etiquette for kids (and parents) by Kelly Blewett • illustration by Julie Hill
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hen I got married at the ripe old age of 22, I didn’t think twice about inviting kids to my wedding. Two young cousins tripped down the aisle with flower petals and, following the ceremony, they rang tiny silver bells engraved with their names and the date. So you can imagine my surprise a few years later when I found out these same young children had been declined invitations to a family friend’s wedding in Pennsylvania. What was she thinking? I fumed, as I watched the bride head up the aisle, the church silent with reverence. Weddings are for everybody in the community who loves the couple, not just the adults. Now, six years later and a mother myself, I beg to differ. As a mom, I know how unpredictable my son can be in socially rigid situations. While at a wedding he could go tearing down the aisle after the bride for a closer look at the flowers. He could scream wildly in frustration. He could burst into song. For these reasons, I only take my child to weddings armed with precautions. You moms know what I mean: aisle seat, adult ready to exit with the child if necessary, a lollipop in my purse. In fact, during a family wedding this fall, I left my husband home to watch our napping child until the reception. “It’s just too risky,” my mom and I repeated to each other. So what’s a bride wiser than I supposed to do? Should she invite kids to her wedding against her will and anticipate disaster, or is there another option? According to Dora Manuel, wedding planner and owner of Viva Bella Events (vivabellaevents.com) in Cincinnati, a bride can definitely lay claim to an alternative. “Not many brides’ dream wed-
ding includes a coloring table and PB&Js at the reception,” she says. “The bride has every right to choose an ‘adults only’ ceremony and reception.” The wisest course of action is to nip expectations in the bud. “Address the invitation to the adults of the family only,” Manuel advises. “Most people get the message loud and clear.” However, if the bride receives an RSVP with kids included on the response, she should be prepared to call and politely let the guest know that children are not expected to attend. As a helpful gesture to out-of town guests traveling with children, Manuel suggests the bride could either provide childcare during the wedding or a list of reliable sitters. This may, however, be a moment for diplomacy. A bride might want to be cautious before issuing a “no kid” dictum. After all, she might have an immature guest — like my former self —huffing in the pews. If that’s the case, Manuel counsels to consider getting creative. She remembers one couples’ solution. “At one of our weddings, the bride chose to have a kids’ room during the reception, complete
with pizza, bean bags, movies, games and hired babysitters. This ensured the kids and the parents had a great time!” But for Manuel, it’s the bride’s big day and what she wants should fly. I don’t really have much to add to that sage advice, except to share a little story from my latest reception with my son. We were seated at a table next to a dessert bar with giant platters of cookies and cakes. My little boy couldn’t keep his eyes — or his sticky, little hands — off those trays. By the end of the night he’d devoured more desserts than he had in the preceding six months. While some of the guests were wild on the dance floor due to an open bar, he was running on a priceless sugar high. So brides, be aware: If you do have little ones at the reception, seat them far, far away from the goodies. Because, unlike my bridal self would have acknowledged, kids don’t really come to weddings to celebrate the union of two people they love. Quite the opposite: They are the most selfish guests on earth. They come to party hard, to party now and to party their way. And guests like that, well, they have to be managed by a confident and loving bridal hand.
“I know how unpredictable my son can be in socially rigid situations.”
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out & about HER QUEST
none
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Surviving a wedding sans date by Meredith Daniels • illustration by Julie Hill
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e all love a good wedding. You get to wear a fancy dress, indulge in an open bar and do a variety of choreographed group dance moves that involve waving your arms over your head to form letters. But weddings can also be stressful. Stressful for the bride, the groom and their families, sure, but also for the guests — us single guests in particular. Despite the stories/urban legends you hear about couples meeting and falling in love at weddings or the wild tales of drunken wedding night debaucheries, I think we can all agree no one wants to attend a formal event of any sort alone. Who wants to shell out a few hundred bucks for their own hotel room? Or relive high-school-dance awkwardness every time the band plays a slow song? Is that Rod Stewart? What a coincidence. I’ve suddenly realized that my bladder is full/glass is empty/I’ve taken up smoking. What’s that? I just missed the bouquet toss? How could I have missed such a fun and not-at-all humiliating opportunity to display the fact that I am alone? Given budgets and venue constraints, the bride and groom sometimes have to make difficult and unpopular decisions surrounding their guest list, specifically regarding who is and who is not permitted a plus one. On a day when every detail is meticulously planned the presence — or absence — of those two words, “and guest,” on your invitation was no accident. So what do you do when the ivory envelope arrives addressed solely to you, plus none? Or you just can’t find a date to fill that guest spot?
FAMILY AFFAIR
If you’re attending the wedding of a family member alone, accept the fact that you will be interrogated about the current status of your love life. If you’re fresh out of a
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break-up, you might be granted a reprieve, but in lieu of questioning, you’ll probably be given several love life pep talks. If you’re engaged, the topic of conversation will be your impending nuptials. If you’re married, they’ll ask when you plan on popping out babies. And if you have kids, you’ll be chasing them around trying not to get spit-up on your dress. As you can see, no one gets off easy at family parties, so relax and have a second piece of cake.
If you’re attending a colleague’s wedding, regardless of whether or not you have a date, you can assume you’ll be seated at the “work table” — the table designated for the cubicle cohorts you already spend 40-plus hours a week with. “Work table” sounds boring, like a spreadsheet, so I really hope you enjoy the company of your coworkers (even without the ability to send each other links to cat videos on YouTube). Since it’s generally unacceptable to get super drunk at a work-related function and/or make-out with a coworker, it’s OK to leave this type of wedding early. Eat dinner, say your congrats, have a drink and then get out of there.
you share no mutual friends, you seriously need to assess how much you like this person. I was invited to my old roommate’s wedding last November and asked myself: Do I really need to fly across the country, spend close to a $1,000 on hotels and airfare and face the potential awkwardness of not knowing anyone other than the bride and groom? Although I was invited to bring a guest (god bless the woman who doesn’t expect me to come to Houston alone), I decided to go solo. I was single, but I wasn’t stupid. First, I did some research to find out if I knew anyone else who was attending the wedding and then I made contact with them via email/ Facebook. Then I asked for a clarification on the dress code. What do you wear to a casual BBQ second reception? Then I sought advice on where to stay. Yes, there were suggestions on the website but I wanted to stay where the other people my age (aka “the cool crowd”) would be staying. Last, but certainly not least, I got my hair and makeup done professionally. Being single at a wedding can be tough and you deserve to look fantastic. This just might be the best $100 you ever spent. You won’t regret it, I promise.
FRIENDLY NUPTIALS
THE EX FACTOR
WORK WEDDING
This is a broader and more challenging category. If you’re attending the wedding of a close friend with whom you share several mutual friends and you can’t bring/can’t find a date, you’re in luck. You most likely know the people you’ll be seated with, you won’t have to worry about introducing yourself to the point of exhaustion and you probably won’t need to splurge on a king-sized room for one. Have a few cocktails, dance like a fool and let your hair down for you are among friends. On the other hand, if it’s a peripheral friend with whom
In a most dreaded of the single-at-a-wedding scenarios, what if your ex is attending? With his new girlfriend. Oh, and he’s officiating. A close friend found herself in this situation this past September. After much back and forth, she ultimately decided not to attend. It was sad and we missed her dearly but it was the right decision for her. Whether you stubbornly forge ahead or regretfully decline the invitation, both choices are brave and both are OK. There are times we grin and bear it for our friends and times we honor ourselves, make the dreaded phone call and send a nice gift.
out & about HER NIGHT OUT
Romantic-ish PreValentine’s dinner and drinks at one of OTR’s newest hot spots by Leyla Shokoohe photos by Keith Bowers
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ne of the most recent dining and nightlife hot spots to pop up on Vine Street is Japanese GastroPub and sushi bar, Kaze OTR. Located on the first floor of the former Cincinnati Color Company building, the restaurant, which is pronounced “Kah-zey,” boasts a balanced blend of hip and romantic — perfect for a Valentine’s Day dinner. To test out the Valentine-ness of it all, my date was a person I will always love: my best friend, Heather. We decided to eat at the bar the Friday night we stopped by because not a single table was open, which was wonderful to see at a new restaurant. (It should be noted that the night we went, the full dining room wasn’t open to the public yet, only the bar area. The full restaurant should be open mid-January.) Kaze’s interior was dimly lit (10 romance points) and featured dark wood furniture with pops of color provided by Asian accent lanterns and three widescreen TVs on the wall across from the bar. There were tables on either side of the front door, each enclosed by a huge windowpane and some curtains. It felt very open, which might not seem conducive to romance, but I liked the feeling of inviting the atmosphere of the bar into the dining experience. Heather and I stared at the menu — and mock-longingly at each other — as we tried to think of what food qualified as “romantic.” In reality, everything on the small, light fare
menu is geared toward people in love with good food … and possibly each other. We decided to be adventurous in our selection and that meant trying something called the Uni Shooter, a Japanese-inspired sea urchin shot. Heather and I both ordered one because they were described by our efficient bartender Nicholas as tasting “like the ocean in a glass.” Heather has never been to an ocean, so we figured this was as close as she could get for the time being. The shots arrived — and we were a tad hesitant. Accented by a slice of cucumber, the sea urchin was like a little glob in the shot glass. We looked at each other, toasted our glasses and sucked it down. It was slimy and did in fact taste like the ocean. Not bad, not spectacular, but I’m willing to concede that I’m not the most adventurous foodie, so perhaps (probably) the Uni Shooter will appeal to those who are. We each ordered a drink, too. I got the Araki, Kaze’s take on the Manhattan, which is phenomenal. It’s named after the artist that did the artwork in the building, a friend of owner Jon Zipperstein. Heather had a classic vodka tonic, always a good choice. We perused the menu, which will be expanded when the dining room opens, and Heather ordered the Pork Buns while I chose The OTR Roll. After we placed our order, Nicholas offered us a tour of the under-construction dining room and back garden. We grabbed our drinks and followed him over a little bridge that connects the dining room and the bar, passed the open kitchen walkway and saw what is going to be a fantastic dining room. Kaze’s dining room is full of dark wood tables and the sushi bar is the main attraction. Positioned at the back of the dining room, we were introduced to the head chef, Hideki Harada (formerly of Embers in Kenwood) who was busy preparing a myriad of food but greeted us warmly. Nicholas then led us to the back patio, which was mostly just-broken ground, but the vision he described is one I can’t wait to experience. Last on our tour was a stop to the ladies room, which you reach by taking an elevator to the basement. My fellow females will appreciate this: The bathroom is massive. Brightly decorated with distinctly modernist floral wallpaper and huge sinks, the bathroom is seriously one of the best in OTR. Our food arrived moments after we returned to our seats. The OTR Roll — with tuna, avocado, cucumber and a spicy scallion ponzu sauce — was great. The Pork Buns were soft and stuffed with slightly unwieldy, crispy pork. Heather’s one-word review after taking a bite: “Awesome.” I think my favorite part of Kaze OTR was the fact that so many different people stopped in over the course of our time there. In addition to the six people that eventually joined Heather and I for our romantic night out, a number of other familiar faces were present and the open atmosphere really invited mingling and chatting. I loved it and foresee many more stops to this burgeoning section of Vine Street, especially once the full menu is unveiled and the dining room and patio are open.
Leyla Shokoohe is an unabashed optimist. In her second life, apart from working as Cincinnati Ballet’s Marketing Assistant, she writes a lot, focusing on music and culture. Shokoohe regularly partakes in people-watching at Coffee Emporium, when she should really be cleaning her apartment. She enjoys laughing, dancing poorly, spontaneous urban adventures with friends, pinning examples of typeface on Pinterest and is thankful for just about everything. February 2013
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out & about HER CITY
venue variety
A helpful list of some unique outdoor, historic and unusual wedding reception locations by Majia Zummo • photo by Michael Bambino
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hile certainly not comprehensive, this is a shortlist of some of our favorite “so you,” uncommon event venues to hold a wedding reception. Obviously there are many great spaces in town to hold an incredible party — including hotels such as the Cincinnatian, the Hilton Netherland or the new 21c and event centers such as The Phoenix, The Bell Event Centre and The Grand — but here are some locales you might not have thought of.
Find a longer list of venues at hercincinnati.com.
Submit your favorite unique reception venue choice to editor@hercincinnati.com and we’ll add it to the story!
OUTDOOR
HISTORIC
NON-TRADITIONAL
Chateau Pomije Chateau Pomije feels like a little piece of Europe in Southeastern Indiana. With more than 70 acres of vineyards, a three-acre lake and a 5,000 square-foot stone banquet facility, the castle-like Chateau can accommodate up to 350 guests for a rustic, elegant reception. cpwinery.com.
The Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum This Beaux-Arts building served as a public library until 1959. With 22-foot ceilings, wood flooring and several rooms, the venue can seat 185 guests. thecarnegiecenter.org.
20th Century Theatre This Art Deco-style movie theater was built in 1941 and was later transformed into an event venue. It holds both ceremonies and receptions (for 100-300 guests) with personalized marquee messages for each couple. the20thcenturytheatre.com.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden The Cincinnati Zoo offers both exotic indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces for groups of any size. During your big day, you and your guests can enjoy the zoo’s beautiful gardens and unique animal exhibits, including a special visit by one or two small animals — you can even request more “dynamic” animal. cincinnatizoo.org. The Fling Barn Located on a 200-acre working horse farm in Hillsboro, the Fling Barn offers 3,000 square feet of space over two levels for the ultimate barn wedding including a catered dinner for 100 guests. flingbarn.com. Greenacres Arts Center A swath of preserved woodland and functional, educational farmland in the heart of Indian Hill, Greenacres hosts beautiful weddings at their English Norman-style Arts Center manor house with formal gardens. green-acres.org. Krippendorf Lodge Built around 1899, this home sits on 1,025 acres of forest, fields and streams in Rowe Woods. The lodge accommodates 100 guests inside and an additional 200 guests on the porch and stone terrace. Rental discounts between Nov. 1 and March 31. cincynature.org. Pyramind Hill Sculpture Park & Museum The park’s 265 acres overlooks the Great Miami River with several different sized rental facilities to choose from. You can rent everything from the 10,000-square-foot indoor/ outdoor pavilion to the smaller Romanesque Ancient Sculpture Museum Patio & Gardens. pyramidhill.org.
Other fun ideas:
What about BB Riverboats, Cincinnati Parks, Coney Island’s Moonlite Gardens, Devou Park, Krohn Conservatory, Music Hall or Vinoklet Winery?
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Cincinnati Observatory The Greek revival observatory building, ideal for more intimate receptions, houses the world’s oldest telescope. Indoor capacity of 50 for dinner — table and chairs included — but can seat 100 people outside. cincinnatiobservatory.org. Glendale Lyceum Built in 1892, the historic lyceum continues to be a charming gathering place with various rooms available for rental for up to 300 guests. glendalelyceum.com. Peterloon A combination of Georgian and Queen Anne styles built to rival the grandest houses of Europe with walled gardens, terraces and lawns that extend to a circular pool overlooking an eight-acre lake. While only available for a handful of weddings every year, more than 250 guests can be accommodated outdoors on the great lawn under a tent and stars. peterloon.org. Promont House Museum Home to the Greater Milford Area Historical Society, this Victorian mansion, built circa 1865, offers the best in historic elegance: period furnishings, old-world grounds and a gazebo for outdoor ceremonies. milfordhistory.net. Union Terminal A spectacular example of Art Deco architecture, Union Terminal opened in 1933 as a train depot and is now home to the Cincinnati Museum Center. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Cincinnati History Museum, with dinner on the movie set-like Public Landing. cincymuseum.org. Wiedemann Hill Mansion The mansion was built in 1894 by Charles Wiedemann, heir to the George Wiedemann Brewery, and specializes in small, intimate receptions (up to 60 guests). whillmansion.com.
American Sign Museum With more than 400 brightly lit signs in the background, ranging from lettered to neon, no decorations needed. signmuseum.org Art Museums The Cincinnati Art Museum, Contemporary Arts Center and Taft Museum of Art all offer unique and artful spaces for your reception. Each venue has their own specifications so contact them for more information: cincinnatiartmuseum.org, contemporaryartscenter.org and taftmuseum.org. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Although the Thompson Shelterhouse and the Marx Theatre are subject to extremely limited availability, the Playhouse’s other unique combined with the beautiful park setting and a view of the skyline provide an elegant, unique atmosphere. Receptions can accommodate 20280 guests. cincyplay.com. Loveland Castle If you want a reception that reflects the “simple strength and rugged grandeur of the mighty men who lived when Knighthood was in flower,” host a one-to-50-guest reception inside or a 51-to-100-guest reception outside. lovelandcastle.com. Newport Aquarium With a fantastic view of the river, the aquarium’s Riverside Room can accommodate up to 240 guests for dinner (350 for reception). For the ceremony/reception fee, you also gain exclusive access to the aquarium after hours and a visit from African penguins in their own, natural tuxedoes. newportaquarium.com.
food & drink HER PALATE
Caterer
How to Choose a
Expert tips on finding the right food fit by Ilene Ross • illustration by Julie Hill
I
was married in the late ‘80s. My wedding gown was an over-the-top, frothy confection replete with poofy sleeves, shoulder pads and a bustle. My mile-high, poodle-permed hair was on point, as were my dagger-like hot pink nails. I was a stunning vision and, in my mind, the producers of Dynasty would be waiting in the wings at the reception to cast me on their show. To this day I run into people who attended my wedding — they love to regale me with their recollections of that glorious day — but take note: not one of their memories is ever about me, the beautiful bride, it’s always about the food. While I would love for people to remember what a stunning bride I was, as a chef and caterer, I am ecstatic that after 20-plus years guests still remember the food. Because, take my word for it, not only will people remember if what they ate at your wedding was good, they’ll really remember if it was bad — and they’ll talk about it for years to come. Which leads me to why it’s so important to choose the right caterer for your big day. As a food professional, here are some of my best suggestions to help you find the right fit. 1. Go with word of mouth. Talk to people. Don’t just ask caterers for their recommendations. Do you think they’re going to have you talk to the folks who didn’t come away happy? Put it out there on Facebook. Tweet it. Ask as many people as you can. Have you been to a wedding where the food was especially good? Talk to the bride and groom and make sure that they were happy with the planning part as well. Was the caterer timely with communication? Did they feel that they received their money’s worth? Were the servers friendly, professional and efficient? These things are just as important as the quality of the food itself. 2. Think outside the box. You don’t always need to go with a traditional caterer. Chat up the management at your favorite restaurant. After all, you already know that you like what they have to serve. Many of them do outside catering or, if your wedding isn’t large and your choice of venue has a kitchen and allows you to bring in an outside chef, might
arrange for one of their sous to cook for you. 3. Find a caterer who is willing to personalize the menu. When we got married, the only thing my husband-to-be (a Chinese food freak) insisted on was dim sum during the cocktail hour. That, and a really delicious wedding cake. The caterer was happy to oblige and the cake was one of The BonBonerie’s finest: It had alternate layers of carrot cake and opera cream; it was sublime. Personalizing your menu that way is a great way to make your reception your own, and it’s something that no caterer should be unwilling to do. If they’re not enthusiastic about going “off menu” for you, look elsewhere but be willing to pay an up-charge. 4. Know your budget. This is probably my most important tip. Be forthright and truthful. Nobody likes surprises — be it you or the caterer. He/she needs to know how much you can spend and you need to know what you’re getting for your money. So ask the caterer these very important questions: Is service included? Are linens, dishes, silver and crystal included? Can you provide tables and chairs if necessary and how much are they? May I bring in a cake from an outside bakery and, if so, can you provide an experienced wedding cake cutter? A good caterer wants your event to be just as fabulous as you do. After all, their reputation is on the line. If you’re on a tight budget, ask for suggestions on ways to save money. Oftentimes the caterer is the one who knows where you can pull the belt tight and where it’s imperative to spend. And here are some more ideas on how to throw a magnificent soiree and cut some costs. First of all, choose a non-traditional day for your wedding such as a Thursday, Friday or Sunday. Florists, bands and, yes, caterers are all waiting around for business on those days. If a Friday night worked for William and Kate, it can work for you. For experienced help on a super tight budget, try calling a local culinary school to see if students are available. And, if you can’t afford to feed your guests dinner, then nix scheduling a whole night; try a champagne toast after the ceremony with a few hors d’oevres and cake. Simple and elegant, yet romantic.
“...not one of their memories is ever about me, the beautiful bride, it’s always about the food.”
Ilene Ross has lived all over the world educating people on cooking and eating well. Besides food, Ilene’s other obsession is fashion, especially shoes. She lives in Amberley Village with her husband Marc and son Carter. Their daughter Cameron lives in Chicago.
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food & drink HER HAPPY HOUR
CottonCandy Champagne cocktail
A simple, sweet signature wedding reception drink by Molly Wellmann • photo by Jesse Fox
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ignature cocktails are almost a must for wedding receptions these days. They’re a fun way to individualize cocktail hour and reflect your personal tastes as a couple. Recipes can incorporate your favorite spirits, match your color theme, enhance your wedding season or style or incorporate name play e.g. Mary’s Margarita, Groom’s Gimlet and so on. This Cotton Candy Champagne Cocktail is such a creative, cute drink to serve at a reception, and it can be easily adapted to match your color scheme. It’s also inexpensive and basically labor free; you won’t need to hire a mixologist to stand behind the bar and shake multiple ingredients together. If you just put a little puff of the sugary stuff into a
Ingredients: • 1 fluff of cotton candy • Champagne to top
champagne flute and pour liquid over it, it magically dissolves into a beautiful cocktail — the color of your wedding! And while cotton candy is weird and wonderful — it reminds me of fairs, the circus, Kings Island and Bengals/Reds games (because the giant pink cones always block my view) — it’s very easy to make. Cotton candy is simply spun, heated sugar, which can be turned any color or flavor you want. Just add a little food coloring to the sugar before spinning or use store-bought flavored, dyed sugar and voila! You can buy colored and flavored cocoons at the store or rent a cotton candy maker (usually around $50) and make it yourself.
cotton candy champagne cocktail INSTRUCTIONS: Put a fluff of cotton candy in each champagne flute and then pour champagne over to top it off. It’s best to pour in front of guests so they can watch it dissolve and change color.
Molly Wellmann is an award-winning mixologist and an owner of Japp’s in Over-the-Rhine and the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar in Covington.
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