Bridal Guide by The Pilot LLC

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Bride&Groom

2011

5 Father of the Bride Jim Dodson 8 Aisle Style 12 Beauty Buzz Brandee Dishner 15 Perfect Palettes Ideas to artfully incorporate color into your big day

23 Confessions of a Bridesmaid Ashley Wahl 27 Takes the Cake Deborah Salomon 30 Ever Afters Ashley Wahl A dazzling display of four local weddings

49 The Dress Factor With so many different styles, it’s hard to choose

59 Registry Advice Words of wisdom from our featured newlyweds

61 I Do To-Do: A Checklist 63 Here’s To... Frank Daniels, III 65 A Surprise Wedding Ginny Kelly 2

67 The Directory

Cover Photograph by Tim Sayer The couple on the cover: Jacque & Chuck Haberstroh on their wedding day

by M ollie Tobias February 2011. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .T.his . . .page . . .: .P.hotograph . . . . . . . PS Bride Groom

Bride &Groom

Jim Dodson, Editor

Andie Stuart Rose, Creative Director Kathryn Galloway, Art Director Ashley Wahl, Associate Editor Editorial

Deborah Salomon, Staff Writer Frank Daniels, III, Staff Writer Sara King, Proofreader Mary Novitsky, Proofreader Photographers

Tim Sayer Hannah Sharpe Contributors

Brandee Dishner John Gessner Ginny Kelly Matt McKenzie Mollie Tobias

David Woronoff, Publisher Advertising Sales

Ginny Kelly, 910.693.2481 ginnykelly@thepilot.com

Terry Hartsell, 910.693.2513 Marty Hefner, 910.693.2508 Peggy Marsh, 910.693.2516 Darlene McNeil-Smith, 910.693.2519 Johnsie Tipton, 910.693.2515 Karen Triplett, 910.693.2510 Perry Loflin, 910.693.2514 Pat Taylor, Advertising Director 910.693.2505 pat@thepilot.com

Advertising Graphic Design advertise@thepilot.com

Kathryn Galloway, B.J. Hill Mechelle Wood, Scott Yancey Darlene Stark, Circulation Director 910.693.2488 dstark@thepilot.com

PineStraw Magazine 910.693.2467 145 W. Pennsylvania Avenue Southern Pines, NC 28387 pinestraw@thepilot.com www.pinestrawmag.com ÂŠCopyright 2011. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. PineStraw magazine is published by The Pilot LLC

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Father of the Bride ... someday

By Jim Dodson

y college-girl daughter phoned me recently to break the news that she wouldn’t be getting married anytime soon.

She didn’t say this in so many words, of course, but inasmuch she and her boyfriend of several years had just decided to take a hiatus from each other for an unspecified amount of time, and well, I sort of reached this conclusion on my own. Strictly between you and me, I’m relieved not to have to think about a wedding in the family anytime soon. Because when and if she’s ever ready, I have a hunch she’ll orchestrate the perfect one and I’ll be the one tearing up even before I get the bill. Don’t get me wrong; I like some weddings, particularly those where the bride and groom appear to be deeply in love and thoroughly enjoying every aspect of their shared special day together, the kind of event where guests are made to feel both welcome and genuinely appreciated. The two best weddings I ever attended were lively outdoor affairs — one by the sea, another in a fragrant Maine forest — where the vows were brief, the speeches witty and short, the wine flowing, the food outstanding, and a great

Irish band played until the wee hours of the next morning. People still remark what a great time they had. Purely by coincidence, I happened to be the groom at both affairs. Then there’s the other kind of wedding that makes me wish the couple had seriously considered elopement as an option. I once attended a wedding at the old Roosevelt estate in Croton-on-Hudson that featured a catered seven-course meal for six hundred folks under a pure white circus tent, a handbell choir of two hundred, an appearance by Yale’s Whiffenpoofs, and lovely Tiffany gifts for everyone. Ten hours after this matrimonial marathon of wretched excess began, the bride and her groom — who looked a bit pale at the gills, possibly wondering if he’d accidentally married an Edwardian Duchess — climbed aboard a hot air balloon and floated away with the sunset over the Hudson as fireworks exploded on the lawn. “I feel like we’ve either been at a coronation or in a bad Disney movie,” remarked my own bemused bride of several years. Speaking of films, when our college-girl daughter was still a wee thing, her favorite movie by far was the remake of Spencer Tracy’s classic “Father of the Bride,” which I thoroughly enjoyed save for the psychic body blows rendered to Steve Martin’s poor father figure when

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a simple backyard wedding turned into the production of the century. The scene where he’s shamelessly poking around the bathroom and through the private desk of his fellow future in-laws and is confronted by a pair of snarling Dobermans never fails to crack me up — and seems a little perfect window into the anxious minds of all fathers of the future bride. From friends whose daughters have taken the stroll down the aisle, I hear it’s wise to expect something big to go awry, and thus prepare for any eventuality from a freak June snowstorm to a band that fails to show up on time, and that opening a vein is more or less part of the process of sending the happy couple on their way into the sunset, with or without the hot air balloon. The French have a name for fathers of the bride — Nature’s Bankers. One can surmise from film and contemporary wedding guides that we’re sort of a necessary evil whose primary function is to fund the event and try our best not to tip over the

punch bowl or display our dance moves from the late 70s too boldly on the dance floor. I know an enterprising papa, on the other hand, who filled in as an emergency chef when the kitchen of the country club that had been engaged caught fire. The guests were redirected to the bride’s childhood home, where they found four cooling kegs of beer and sirloins and brats already sizzling on the grill. “I ended up saving a bundle and everyone had a great time. It was like one big neighborhood party,” he relates. With apologies to Spencer and Steve, I aspire to think we Nature’s Bankers may not be entirely forgotten men. And I do look forward to the day my daughter goes down the aisle with some worthy young fellow, regardless of whatever challenges arise with this profoundly special day. It’s their day, in the end, and I’ll be happy do my part to make it perfect — even springing for the unexpected brats and a hot air balloon. PS

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David I. Klumpar, MD

Medical Director

at Carolina Skin Care

Stephanie Blake, LMBT

Lic. Massage & Body Therapist

The science behind beauty

Mia Piazza, LE

Lic. Esthetician

235-SPA1 (7721) • 125 FOX HOLLOW RD • PINEHURST, NC

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Aisle Style Shoes are perfect accessories. Pick a pair that pops. Shoes: Kate Spade. Available at Monkee’s in Southern Pines.

Whoever said less is more must not have seen these. Available at Teramasu in Pinehurst.

Laughter makes the world go round. Don’t forget to add humor into the mix. Available at Mockingbird in Southern Pines.

With a simple dress, oversized pearls on a heavy gold chain not only work — they dazzle. Available at Teramasu in Pinehurst.

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A bold cuff in warm colors works for wedding or reception. Available at Monkee’s in Southern Pines.

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February 2011

Photography by Hannah Sharpe

The wedding’s over — but the party is just getting started. Kick off those heels and slip into something cute and comfy. Shoes and Bag: Tory Burch. Available at Monkee’s in Southern Pines.

Aisle Style Pearls are a timeless choice. Layering multiple strands offers a fun, contemporary twist. Available at Denkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Southern Pines.

Choose a colorful accent piece for the after party. Go ahead, you know you want to. Available at Teramasu in Pinehurst.

Take a break from traditional diamonds and pearls. Available at Teramasu in Pinehurst.

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February 2011

Beauty Buzz By Brandee Dishner

Makeup Must-Haves A Smooth Start

Prep your skin with an oil-free moisturizer and follow with a primer to smooth over fine lines and pores. Try Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, packed with grapeseed extract and green tea. Next, pick a concealer with yellow tones to hide dark circles and spots (we like Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer Kit) complete with concealer and loose powder.

Photo-Friendly

It’s tricky to find a look that translates well in person as well as on camera. Eliminate the guesswork by choosing a photo-friendly foundation like Make Up For Ever Invisible Cover HD Foundation. This oil-free, medium to full coverage base creates a flawless finish and will stay in place through the last dance.

Lush Lashes

Many brides shy away from false lashes, but these little beauties are easier to work with than you may think. Try Ardell Lashes in Demi Black #110 for a flirty look or MAC’s False Lashes in #7 for a little more drama. First prime the eye with a lid primer (we like Benefit’s Stay Don’t Stray) and secure lashes with Duo Lash Adhesive, found in drugstores.

Classic Colors

No matter your bridal style, you can’t go wrong with a classic smokey eye. For rich colors and easy application, try Mally Beauty City Chick Smokey Eye Kit. Define eyes with a long-lasting eyeliner like Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil and finish with L’Oreal’s new Voluminous Million Lashes mascara. Bonus Tip If you are having your makeup done professionally, be sure to schedule a test run with your stylist. Many times this services comes with the total package and allows you the opportunity to try several looks before deciding which one works best for you.

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Gorgeous Skin Guaranteed Exfoliate

Stress, makeup, and pre-wedding workouts can lead to less-thanperfect skin. Get glowing with Soap and Glory’s The Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser. This gentle yet powerful cleanser removes impurities and polishes skin in one sweep. For an all-over glow try Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish with moisturizing sweet almond and jojoba oils.

Moisturize

An often overlooked step, moisturizing is a must. Whether skin is extra dry, oily or blemish prone, reach for a balancing cream or lotion depending on your skin type. Try all natural Jurlique Balancing Day Care Cream.

Treat

There is nothing like a spot, blemish or blackhead threatening to ruin your clear complexion before your special day. Ask your doctor about Differin and Duac, two powerful products that work. No time for a trip to the dermatologist? Treat at home with Juice Beauty’s Organics to Clear Skin Kit complete with a cleansing gel, green apple peel, blemish clearing serum and an oil-free moisturizer. Bonus Tip For a glow from the inside out, stick to a healthy diet full of whole grains, proteins and fruit, and get plenty of rest leading up to your wedding weekend. For an extra boost, try nutrient-packed Phytophanere Dietary Supplement found at Sephora.

Hair, Nails and More Transform Tresses

Keep hair healthy by using a weekly clarifying shampoo to strip hair of debris caused by styling products, and follow with a hydrating conditioner. Hair still thirsty? Try all natural Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Mask, suitable for all hair types.

Smooth Soles

With yummy ingredients like avocado, apricot, lemon and orange peel oils, Barielle’s 60 Second Mani-Pedi will soften hands and feet before you walk down the aisle. For extra comfort, try Gehwol Foot Cushions and you’ll forget you’re in those cute three-inch heels.

Brighten Your Smile

Try Supersmile Professional Brightening System to whiten your smile or an equally effective all-natural system, Burt’s Bees Natural Whitening Toothpaste. Need a quick fix? Dare to try a bold lip ... it’s flattering on all skin tones and is an instant smile brightener. Bonus Tip Stylists recommend washing your hair the night before a big event. Try dry shampoo to rework hair and freshen it. Brandee Dishner is a freelance writer and the beauty editor for “Carolina Bride Magazine.” Have a burning beauty question? E-mail her at brandeeadishner@gmail.com

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Pick the perfect

Palettes “I found I could say things with color…that I couldn’t say any other way — things I had no words for.” — Georgia O’Keeffe, Artist

The color scheme you choose for your wedding will set the tone for the event. Soft colors paint romantic scenes; vibrant colors add excitement. Consider the colors that make your soul sing. Consider the season. Consider the meanings associated with each hue. Which color best represents you? A color wheel may be helpful when coordinating. Complimentary colors (think orange and blue) always work, as do analogous hues (think violet, violet-red, red). Variations of the same tone are perhaps the most fun — pick one color in several different shades. Mother Nature is constantly bursting with color. Let her fruits and flowers in on the scheme too. Dresses, linens, bouquets, jewelry, cake, décor — let color be the tie that binds. Your wedding day is your blank canvas. Paint it with the colors of your heart.

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Yellow 2

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Photograph by Hannah Sharpe

bright, sunny yellow makes a bold statement: Warmth and happiness abound. Think sunshine, lemon trees or a field of daffodils. In addition to being the color of intellect, yellow is also associated with playfulness, confidence, illumination, and optimism. When using yellow, have fun with it.

1. Vest, tie and boutounniére to boot. Who says men can’t match? 2. Animate your home with patterned plates reminiscent of your wedding day theme. Available at Pier 1 Imports, in Southern Pines. 3. Napkin rings and table runners serve as subtle splashes of color at your reception. 4. Give your guests a taste of what’s to come with colorful invitations. Available at RSVP in Southern Pines. 5. Hair accessories add color and whimsy, especially fresh flowers. 6. Continue your scheme with a signature drink. When life gives you lemons ... 7. Choose a cake that complements. A focal point of your reception can be the icing on the you-know-what. 8. Pamper your wedding party — while keeping in theme. Available at Soap & Silk Apothecary in Southern Pines. 9. Less is more — a simple bouquet in a bold color.

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P urple

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Photograph by Hannah Sharpe

any hues, many meanings. Lavender is soft and dainty, which works well for the sweet, traditional bride. Violet shades are associated with imagination; royal purple evokes a sense of elegance and sophistication. But no matter the shade, purple is said to be beneficial to those seeking spiritual fulfillment. 1.When choosing flowers, think about fragrance and color. Pick one (or more) that serves dual purposes. 2. Monogrammed invitations further personalize your style. Available at At Home & Southern Pines Paper Co. in Southern Pines. 3. Dare to be fierce. Uniquely crafted accessories make colorful statements. Available at Monkee’s in Southern Pines. 4. Keep personal luxury in theme. Available at Soap & Silk Apothecary in Southern Pines. 5. A sweet and trendy display of colorful confection — and everyone gets a piece! 6. Because real men aren’t afraid to wear purple. 7. The gift that keeps giving — mementos spark memories. 8. Pretty maids all in a row. Complement dresses with bouqets.

9. Table settings in tasteful hues breathe life into your reception.

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Green

Photograph by Hannah Sharpe

Photograph by 2011.. Hannah. Sharpe 20 February ..................................................

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t is said that green symbolizes harmony, growth, and new beginnings —which makes it a perfect choice for your special day, especially if it’s an environmentally conscious wedding. Green button mums and wheatgrass, for instance, represent the modern sensibility associated with the color green.

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1. Get crafty. Seek nature’s little wonders to add charm to the big picture. 2. Send your guests a sneak peek with packaged invitations. Available at At Home & Southern Pines Paper Co. in Southern Pines.

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3. Calm your wedding day jitters with products that soothe the soul. Available at Soap & Silk Apothecary in Southern Pines. 4. A centerpiece says it all. 5. Use multiple hues for a playful effect. 6. Custom-designed truffles make sweet favors! Available at Sweet Charity in Southern Pines. 7. If these shoes could talk ... Heels by Nina, available at Zappos.com 8. In pale green, seasonal hydrangeas are fresh and simple. 9. Ribbon works wonders — and it goes well with cake!

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Photograph by Tim Sayer

CEvery onfessions of a Bridesmaid girl has stories of her own. These are mine.

By Ashley Wahl

onfession No. 1: I don’t like the idea of summer weddings, especially when they’re held outdoors. That said, I’ve recently sweated my way through two of the latter.

[Note: The term “sweat,” as used in this context, is not to be taken lightly. I’m talking about the kind of perspiration capable of causing chemical change in both cotton and silk; the kind that enables sitting, and upon standing reveals dark, wet patterns where fabric touched skin; not the best look for a bridesmaid.] On the big days of two of my dearest friends, every exocrine gland on my body was glistening, if not dripping, in the Carolina sun. (Think parody for clinical strength antiperspirant commercial.) I’d really like to have a word with whoever it was who said girls don’t sweat. A sticky slap to the face would suffice, though. But weddings aren’t about appeasing the bridesmaids. Everyone knows that. Therefore, any issue, discomfort or dilemma faced by one

of the bride’s gals utterly pales in comparison to anything that could possibly cause unnecessary stress to the future Mrs., which leads me to…

Confession No. 2: Waiting until the day of the wedding to try on a bridesmaid dress is a bad idea.

Designer dresses were foreign to me, too. When I first ordered the little red number my to-be-married friend picked out for her favorite girls — only available online, mind you — I selected the size found on the tag of every other dress hanging in my closet. After a few humbling attempts to zip, I shipped the skimpy scrap of fabric back, swallowed my pride, and upped the order two whole dress sizes. A couple of the other maids skipped the aforementioned process. On the morning of the wedding, bridesmaid dresses were swapped, a built-in corset was ripped out, and an aunt was busy with red thread and a needle. Lucky for all parties involved, things worked out.

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A wardrobe malfunction is truly not a laughing matter. Neither, for that matter, is the proverbial Bridezilla. However, since anything that can go wrong generally will, it’s helpful to have a thrifty bridal party to keep things running smoothly. If there’s one thing my experiences have taught me to consider, it’s…

Confession No. 3: Think not what you can do for your bridesmaids, but what your bridesmaids can do for you.

I was one of six talented (if not sweaty) bridesmaids in an outdoor wedding last August. A cousin of the bride baked, iced, and decorated the four-tier cake, a skill discovered during the wedding-cake classes she took as part of her high school senior project. Two of the bridesmaids were salon stylists by trade. One provided entertainment at the reception — a beautiful rendition of Nora Jones’ Come Away With Me. All I did was help with the best-man speech; just don’t tell him I said so.

Thriftiness aside, wedding expenses will add up for a bridesmaid no matter what. There’s the dress, the shoes, transportation, and if the wedding isn’t local, hotel expenditures, too (not to mention therapy sessions and other such labors of love). Of course, we do it because we love the bride. She’ll do the same for us someday if she hasn’t already. Still, it’s nice to say “thank you.”

Confession No. 4: Practical gifts are the way to go.

I’ve found earrings to be the best token of appreciation a bride can give her girls. Not only do earrings offer a subtle unity among the wedding party during the ceremony, but also, each time they are worn thereafter, memories of the bride’s special day come flooding back — even if they are the little-talked-about moments that only a bridesmaid would know. Like the time the cake was almost dropped, or when one of the groomsmen started making passes at the bride’s little sister, or when the bride drove off to the venue without her dress… PS

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Photography by Hannah Sharpe

Takes the Cake

By Deborah Salomon

Something old, something new, something borrowed, and a sensational cake practically guarantee the perfect wedding.

Wedding cakes certainly aren’t new. Martin Brunner, chef-proprietor of The Bakehouse in Aberdeen, learned that parents of a Roman groom gave the bride’s parents a cake — a reverse (and much less costly) dowry. Another source reports the groom broke a barley cake over the bride’s head to symbolize the anticipated loss of virginity. Ah, well. Surely something has replaced dowries, barley and virginity. “Brides in this area are still very traditional,” Brunner has learned. Fanciful (sometimes outrageous) wedding cakes on TV expose bakers to ideas, but when he puts one in the Bakehouse window not much happens. Don’t mistake traditional for what Brunner calls the Wilton cake — Wilton being a manufacturer of baking supplies. “In the 80s, it was buttercream (frosting) with heavy piping, then rolled fondant draped over the cake like a tablecloth.” Now, better -quality fondant is not only more palatable but more malleable. Warning: Bride-and-groom toppers, carrot cake, and fussy Martha Stewart basketweaves have followed VCRs into the sunset.

Honey sweetened ancient wedding cakes. With the advent of refined sugar, cakes became sweeter and sweeter to symbolize the union. Less-sweet lemon and raspberry mousse fillings are high on the contemporary bride’s flavorings list, Brunner says. Remember, the cake should please all or most guests. Resist the extreme. And although ivory or white remains preferred background hue, aubergine and moss-green accents have surfaced as trends. “Brides don’t want anything heavy,” Brunner says. He calls his layers whipped pound cake — rich but light. Because the cake is often displayed in the round, bakers must design with no “back side.” “The cake is the centerpiece of the reception. It’s not just a cake. It’s part of the wedding,” Brunner concludes. Lena and Robert Yarter of Kraz Elegant Cakes in Pinehurst also find brides turning toward the traditional — with a personality twist. Tiers may be square or hexagonal or alternate several shapes. Decorations reflect their interests. The Yarters look for signs during the interview and tastings. Some brides arrive with pictures, some without a clue. “A wedding cake represents the bride and

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groom, with accents of who they are,” Lena says. “There’s no right or wrong.” But there are cupcakes. The Yarters have done cupcakes on a tiered stand, cupcakes on cake layers, cupcakes on trays. Cupcakes are better suited to a less-formal wedding, although anything goes. Like a water tube up through the layers. Or a trendy topsy-turvy cake that resembles a leaning tower of Cat in the Hat hats. Most brides still want a keeper cake, usually the top layer, to freeze and eat on their first anniversary. Layers are light in texture and moist, with emphasis on the moist. Chocolate with mocha filling has lost its shock value but is still done. The Yarters see the cake as a bellwether. “A bad cake can absolutely ruin the reception,” Robert says. “The cake is the last part of the meal. It’s what guests will remember, so you want that last memory to be delicious.” Fiona McKenzie’s watchwords are form, function, and tradition. The proprietor of Sweet Fi’s Cakes believes the cake to be as strong a tradition as tossing the bridal bouquet. Its form reflects the bride’s taste, with gentle guidance from Fiona. A wedding cake functions as dessert, not just decoration; therefore, it must be outstandingly delicious. As a dessert, the cake might mirror any dessert flavor — like crème brulee — or reflect a holiday or season, like peppermint in December and strawberries in May. Handmade edible sugar flowers span the seasons. Fiona appreciates exposure from TV cake shows. “They [illustrate] how you can personalize a cake.” That might mean organic or vegan. Recently, she decorated a wedding cake with words, phrases, and symbols representing nicknames, travel destinations, schools attended. Another time, she indulged the love of chocolate, peanut butter, and bananas. Has Elvis left the building? Cupcakes, she says, are a challenge to fill and decorate. Reading the bride can be a challenge, too. Occasionally she must talk one down. Ultimately, however, “The bride is paying me to capture her vision. You can tell when she’s made up her mind.” Just don’t make it up too early in the process, Fiona advises, since coordinating the cake with décor and dresses is easier than the other way around.

Left: Fiona McKenzie of Sweet Fi’s Cakes serves up a Chocolate Mud cake with Raspberry and White Chocolate filling covered in white Fondant. 910.949.2252 Above: Kraz Elegant Cakes slices into a Red Velvet cake adorned with Cream Cheese icing. 910.235.3853 Below: The Bakehouse perfectly aligns Chocolate cake with Chocolate and Raspberry Mousse filling topped off with an Italian Buttercream icing. 910.944.9204

British bakers are already churning themselves into butter over ideas for William Windsor and Kate Middleton’s wedding cake. Little chance that Kate will mush a piece into Will’s face. Better chance this top-tier confection will follow form, function, and tradition as well as expressing their personalities in the same way local couples express theirs. Because on her wedding day, every bride is a princess. PS

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February 2011

E V ER AFTERS

Patrick Logan

Patrick and Logan (Turner) Mulligan May 29th, Two Thousand and Ten Weymouth Center for the Arts Southern Pines, North Carolina Photography by Tim Sayer

ot even rain could put a damper on Logan Turner and Patrick Mulligan’s charming Southern wedding, held at the whimsical gardens of the historic Weymouth Center in Southern Pines. “The ceremony was scheduled to begin at five,” Logan says, “but it started pouring down rain at quarter ’til.” An impromptu cocktail hour was called to pass the time. “We crossed our fingers for the rain to stop,” says the bride. “Luckily it did. The service began a little before six.” Logan and Patrick met as students at UNC Wilmington. First came friendship, then — several years after their college days — came love. “I came to love all the things about Patrick that made us such good friends,” says Logan of her groom. “He shows me that he is thinking of me in the smallest but most constant ways, reminding me nearly every day that I am loved.” For their late spring wedding, Logan chose hydrangeas for chic and simple bouquets, table décor, and floral displays beneath the ivy-laced pergola where she and Patrick exchanged vows. An arrangement of green fujis formed a welcoming “M” by Weymouth’s driveway entry, matched by a monogrammed cake topper and bridesmaid sashes. Traditional seersucker was tastefully woven throughout the ceremony as well, complemented by splashes of navy and chartreuse green. Khaki pants and beach music added to the Carolina flair. “When I look at [our wedding] pictures, I see our style,” says Logan, adding that she and her groom believe no detail is too small to be significant.

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February 2011

“When I look at pictures I see our style — not what other people wanted. My husband and I love Carolina beach music, seersucker and Southern casual feel.”

Family and friends signed the wedding guestbook with a wooden pen hand-carved by the bride’s father. Logan’s garter was handmade by her maid of honor; her wedding band belonged to Patrick’s great-grandmother. The bride wore family jewelry, and the Tiffany pearl necklace Patrick had given her during their courtship. A three-tiered fondant white cake strewn with simple beads of pearl complemented the jewelry worn by the wedding party; the strawberry filling stole the show. “I had planned for a reception that included a cocktail hour with music … dinner and dancing on the lawn,” says Logan. Of course, the rain moved evening festivities indoors. “Always love your plan B,” the new bride advises. “It can quickly become your wedding.” Regardless, their wedding was filled with special moments — a touching a capella singing performance by Patrick’s grandmother, for instance. But for Logan and Patricks, the fondest memories from their sacred day are the kind only newlyweds can truly understand.

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The

Details

Photography Sayer Photography | 910.692.6320 www.sayerphotography.com Ceremony & Reception Weymouth Center | 910.692.6261

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February 2011

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E V ER AFTER S

Mike Susannah

Mike and Susannah (Mofield) Palmer June 19th, Two Thousand and Ten Bethesda Presbyterian Church Aberdeen, North Carolina Photography by Matt McKenzie

rom ceremony to reception — and everything in between — each element of Susannah Mofield and Michael Palmer’s June union suggests deep-rooted ties to home, happiness, and the heart. Bouquets of black-eyed Susans, for instance, weren’t just chosen for their sunny disposition. “They were my grandmother’s favorite flowers,” Susannah says of her maternal grandma, Susan Bridgers. “Plus,” she adds, “we’re both [brown-eyed] Susans!” It was no coincidence that Michael was taken by his future bride while seeing her interact with her sister’s children. “When I saw Susannah with her nephews, I knew that she was something special,” he says. “I [could] see myself making a life with her.” When you marry someone, the saying goes, you marry the whole family. Hence, in the holy sanctuary of Bethesda Presbyterian Church, it was only natural that loved ones helped bring Michael and Susannah’s wedding ceremony to life. The bride’s five nephews served as junior groomsmen — Graham tickled ivory keys with a beautiful prelude of Debussy’s Suite; Henry and Joseph lit candles; Seamus read Bible passages; Charlie held the ring. Michael’s cousin, Gracyn Ray, scattered flower petals down the aisle. A friend of the couple’s read a passage from Michael’s favorite book, “The Alchemist.” Another sang Josh Turner’s “Soul Mate.”

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February 2011

“Beautiful blue eyes run in Mike’s family, and coming from a family of brown and hazel eyes, I was completely infatuated.” 36

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At the reception, pork sliders and grits were complemented by the Mofield family’s signature cocktail — The Mayor’s Recipe, as it’s known. “It is a drink that my mother has made for years,” Susannah spills of her Aberdeen mama. To carry the Southern flair, drinks were “served in old-fashioned mason jars.” After shags and slow dances, a series of surprise performances followed suit. The groom’s rap performance, bursting with wit and sentiment, had the bride in tears. “I have never been so nervous in my life,” Michael reflects on his love song, “and I wouldn’t have done that for anyone but Susannah.” However, he adds, “The look on her face absolutely made it worth it.” Bright yellow dresses and print ties kept the wedding party in scheme with the same sunny flowers that adorned cake, bouquets and boutonnières. A Green Bay Packers garter added a splash of both color and personal taste, as did glass canisters filled with white and yellow candy, “including banana-flavored Laffy Taffy,” says Susannah of Michael’s favorite treats. “Having all our family members take part in our wedding festivities meant so much to us,” says Susannah. Thanks to family, she and Michael’s special day was everything a wedding should be — unmistakably theirs.

The

Details

Photography McKenzie Photography | 910.692.1712 www.mmckenziephoto.com Ceremony Bethesda Presbyterian Church, Aberdeen Reception Pinehurst Country Club | 910.295.6811 Flowers Aldena Frye Floral Design | 910.295.1614 Cake Betty’s Custom Cakes | 910.692.3311 Hair & Makeup Spa at Pinehurst | 910.235.8320 Dress J Crew | www.jcrew.com

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February 2011

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EVER A F TERS

Jonathan Kristina

Jonathan and Kristina (Owen) Sawtelle December 29th, Two Thousand and Seven Woodlake Country Club Vass, North Carolina Photography by John Gessner

fter braving the bitter cold climate of Grand Forks, ND — where Kristina Owen and Jonathan Sawtelle met as college students in the ROTC program at the University of North Dakota — a winter wedding in the Sandhills would seem like paradise. And it was. Kristina and Jonathan tied the knot on a 70-degree day in late December, Lake Surf glittering in the backdrop. The outdoor ceremony was beautiful. But being announced as bride and groom at the reception, Kristina says, was nothing short of magic. “Jonathan and I entered the room to ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ by The Verve,” she says, at the pinnacle moment of the song where the steady momentum of strings suddenly swells into chaste, melodic bliss. With Christmas décor still adorning Woodlake Country Club, an enchanting reception was achieved with little effort. Earth-toned flower arrangements complemented the warm, wintry theme. To recognize each of her bridesmaid’s personalities, Kristina chose the color — rich chocolate brown — but let each girl dress herself. “I wanted [the dress] to be something they could wear again,” says Kristina. “I sent them the shade of brown I was looking for and let them do their own shopping. It turned out great. Each dress was unique to the girl and the color was spot on.”

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February 2011

Advice from the groom to future grooms:

“Make sure you go under the veil when you put your arm around the bride… otherwise you pull it down and things get pretty ugly pretty fast.”

Bouquets of lilies, orchids, and berries playfully incorporated deep oranges and blues with softer sage and cream tones. Deep blue boutonniéres kept the groomsmen in the scheme. Cascading flowers added whimsy and color to the white-iced dark chocolate and French vanilla marble cake. Entertainment, bride and groom agree, was essential for a guest list of over 250 friends and family. After the couple’s first dance, a highlight for Jonathan, the DJ was able to get everyone up and moving, even with the couple’s request to avoid cheesy (if easy) crowd pleasers: No YMCA, Chicken Dance or Macarena, please. From the beginning, it’s safe to say, Jonathan and Kristina were smitten with each other. He was taken by her intensity for life — and fierce green eyes to match. “Jonathan is crazy smart and talented,” Kristina says, “and his brown eyes make me melt.” But her ring suggests a love much deeper than the flesh — a trillion cut diamond designed by the groom to represent the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. “The metal wraps around on each side to symbolize Jonathan and me and how we aren’t complete without the trinity being our center of focus,” says Kristina.

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The

Details

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February 2011

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E V ER AFTER S

Sam Kelly Sam and Kelly (Adams) Crosby July 31st, Two Thousand and Ten National Golf Club Pinehurst, North Carolina Photography by Mollie Tobias

s Kelly Adams walked down the aisle, escorted by her mother and father, Sam Crosby’s wedding day jitters vanished. “A sense of relaxation came over me,” says the groom upon seeing his bride smile. And at that moment, he says, nothing else mattered. Kelly and Sam Crosby met as any Sandhills sweethearts might — while out watching a Carolina Panthers football game with friends. But their courtship was a fairy tale. “Kelly was, and still is, the most beautiful woman I have ever laid my eyes on,” the groom gushes. “We could communicate on a level that far surpassed anything I had ever experienced.” His bride agrees. “I loved that we could be ourselves around each other.” Just three months after the proposal — candlelit and garnished with rose petals — the Big Day was set. “We wanted a small wedding with close family and friends,” says Kelly, “so our guest list topped off around 90.” Cupcakes, bouquets, flower petals, and boutonniéres — in delicate hues of peach, pink, green, yellow and ivory — were splashes of whimsy throughout the ceremony and reception, both held in the ballroom at Pinehurst’s National Golf Club. Heirlooms held meaning for the bride and her family. A handkerchief given to the bride’s grandmother from her grandfather — during their own courtship — was wrapped around Kelly’s bouquet. After the ceremony, the new couple danced to a song whose lyrics rang true for both Kelly and Sam: Matthew West’s

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February 2011

“When I Say I Do.” “There must be a God, I believe it’s true. ’Cause I see his love when I look at you…” Father and daughter swayed to Chicago; mother and son to Elton John. Despite reciprocal mess threats, cake cutting was relatively uneventful, Kelly happily admits. The top portion of the bride and groom’s lemon cake was saved and frozen for their first wedding anniversary celebration. Red velvet, banana, carrot and strawberry cupcakes were devoured. “It’s really hard for me to pick my favorite moment, because the whole day was very magical to me. I was marrying my best friend,” says the bride. “We had all our family and friends there to celebrate, and for that I couldn’t have been more thankful.” As for advice to future brides, Kelly’s is simple. “You will still be married at the end of the day, whether everything turns out perfectly or not.” Of course, for her and her groom, their day was perfect.

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“We had all our family and friends there to celebrate, and for that I couldn’t have been more thankful.”

The

Details

Photography Mollie Tobias | 910.988.8839 www.mollietobiasphotography.com Ceremony & Reception National Golf Club | 910.295.5340 Flowers LeJardin - Crystal Blue Cake “The Cake Lady” - Joy Foster 910.690.7587 Hair & Makeup Bliss Salon | 910.944.8888 Dress David’s Bridal | www.davidsbridal.com Entertainment Pierside Entertainment | 910.690.9504

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February 2011

Dr. Amie Collins

It’s your day... look your best with Jeunesse We Also Offer a Bride-to-Be Package, a Mother of the Bride Package, and a “Girls Night Out” 6 Regional Drive Suite C, Pinehurst, NC • (910) 295-9769 beautifulskincarolina.com

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“In our life there is a single color, as on an artist’s palette, which provides the meaning of life and art. It is the color of love.” - Marc Chagall

by Tim Sayer . . . . . February 2011 47 &Groom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P.hotograph

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Dress

the

factor

Photography tim sayer Dresses, Veils & Accessories Brides Etc., Southern Pines, NC Flowers Botanicals, Southern Pines, NC Hair & Makeup Styling Lisa Chan & Katie Largent, Raleigh, NC Shot on Location at The Carolina Hotel, Pinehurst, NC

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February 2011

Designer: Alfred Angelo. Strapless regal satin shirred neckline with wrapped asymmetrical pleated bodice. Trumpet skirt and chapel train with rhinestone/moonstone broach accent at the front hip. Model: Kelly Keodara

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Designer: Venus. A silky charmeuse gown featuring a draped neckline and crystal and rhinestone beaded straps. The bias cut sheath backless gown flows into a floor length skirt and brush train. Young 2011 51 .Model: . . . . . Sarah . . February

Designer: Sophia Tolli. One-shoulder ivy organza gown features sweetheart neckline with shirred organza wrapping the bodice. Embellished lace accents the bodice that flows into a full organza over satin skirt. Model: Cora Deitz 52 February 2011.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PSBride

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February 2011

Designer: Venus. Ivory whisper taffeta gown features pleated bodice accented with beaded floral appliquĂŠ. The corset back leads to ruched skirt and train. Model: Kelly Keodara

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February 2011

Designer: Alfred Angelo. A sweet gown of vintage lace over satin features a sweetheart neckline, empire bodice and A-line skirt. Model: Sarah Young February 2011.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PSBride Groom

Designer: Alfred Angelo. Vintage ivy lace gown trimmed with rum sash and lace. Strapless sheath gown features lace chapel train. Model: Cora Deitz PSBride Groom . . . . . . .

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February 2011

What’s In Store

Registry advice from our featured newlyweds

“Go to multiple places…” -Kristina & Jonathan Sawtelle

“

The best things we received were the intangibles: Our weeklong honeymoon in Aruba was given to us by Patrick’s mother.

“

Don’t spend a lot of time on the registry! We could have spent more time on the wedding planning instead!

”

-Kelly & Sam Crosby

”

-Logan Mulligan

“One of the most useful items that I received was a set of Calphalon pots. I use them every day and they are a wonderful gift for people who enjoy cooking.” - Susannah Palmer

“The gift cards were really great because we were able to go out and purchase exactly what we wanted, and didn’t have anything to return after the wedding!

Sam really enjoyed all of the tools he got — to help with the ‘honey-do’ list.” -Kelly & Sam Crosby

“Stuff to entertain with… serving platters, wine glasses and decanter, board games, cheese board, etc.”

“

-Kristina & Jonathan Sawtelle

Fun items with your new monogram!

”

-Logan Mulligan

“There is nothing that I wish that I had registered for that I didn’t, but I think it is important to take your time and pick out exactly what you want.”

- Susannah Palmer

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February 2011

I Do

To-Do • Book early. Venues go quickly, especially the good ones. • Know what you’re getting. When selecting services, do your research. (Ask to sample cake and food prior to the big day!) • Be flexible. Not everything will go as planned. Make sure to have a plan B. • Be

feasible.

(From dress size to expenses.)

• Cater to your guests. Consider kids, elderly, handicapped when making plans. • Include

the future in-laws in the wedding planning process.

After all, they are your family. • Put

thought into gifts for your wedding party. Consider personalities

and practicality. And don’t forget to include your parents. • Plan ahead. Leaving details until the dayof will only cause unnecessary stress. Take whatever free time you have on your big day to relax and enjoy. • Book

your honeymoon in advance to catch the best deals.

Consider hiring a travel agent for elaborate trips to keep things easy. • Write

and send thank you notes as quickly as possible. Proper

etiquette: Between three to six months. Although the task may be daunting, take time to let friends and family know you appreciate them. PS

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February 2011

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Here’s To...

By Frank Daniels, III

ost of us have fond — dim, but fond — memories of wedding rehearsals and receptions and the traditional toasts to the beautiful bride and glowing groom. Wedding toasts are an essential lubricant for the transition from the solemnity of the ceremony to the celebration and blessings for the new family. Before every wedding was videoed and posted on YouTube, giving an embarrassing toast to the bride and groom was quickly forgotten by nearly everyone, but today your every gaff is memorialized (do a search on YouTube for best wedding toasts and you’ll discover a new definition of “best”). So in addition to making sure that everyone else drinks more than you do, and not spilling your champagne, here are some tips for toasting. The flip side of Internet infamy is the rich trove of toasts, quotes and blessings that can be tailored to your wedding couple. You can find toasts of all kinds, funny, spiritual, bawdy and philosophical to fit your style and party. Google away. The best man’s toast is fraught with opportunity. A good toast is far preferred to a great toast, which generally takes the spotlight from the honorees and focuses it on the best man. But a bad toast is to be avoided at all cost; those toasts leave gaping holes in the celebration and get remembered at every inconvenient time. As best man the goal is not to give a great toast, but rather the perfect toast, one a gentleman would. A good toast is one that pokes fun at the groom, celebrates the bride, thanks the parents (without whom none of this would be happening) and tees up the other celebrants for their brief sage and/or witty send ups. So as the best man, stay reasonably sober, slightly humorous, charmingly generous, and blessedly brief.

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And write it up in advance, but don’t read it to the audience. For the rest of the wedding party and those guests with the need, wedding toasts are a delightful way to participate in the wedding. Those of you with rhyming skills will be remembered and appreciated for your original toasts; for the rest of us it is no sin to borrow words that convey our sentiments. Irish blessings are an excellent toast, and, as it is a celebration of the end of celibacy, PG-rated bawdiness is traditionally embraced. If you haven’t planned your toast in advance, keep a couple in your back pocket to rescue a foundering party, or to add some levity into one that is a bit stiff. Humor or a little bit of naughty can work well for a toast and fits in with the wedding tradition. Some humorous or slightly bawdy toasts are: May all your ups and downs be between the sheets. May all your children have wealthy parents! To the two secrets to a long-lasting happy marriage: Here’s to a good sense of humor - and a short memory! And a traditional Irish blessing like this one is an excellent toast: May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be ever at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rain fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand. And may you be in Heaven a half hour before the devil knows you’re dead. May the saddest day of your future be no worse Than the happiest day of your past. PS Frank Daniels is an editor and writer living in Nashville, Tenn. fdanielsiii@mac.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 2011 63

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A Surprise Wedding

hen guests arrived at Harry Eilert and April Adams’ annual Christmas party on December 18th, they could instantly tell that things were a bit different.

There was a sense of romance that was missing from their past holiday soirees. Poinsettias graced every turn. High-top cocktail tables were draped in black fabric. An enormous spread of food and beverages was matched by unique picture displays of April and Harry. The couple of seven years had been engaged for two and had finally set a wedding date. April was dedicated to finishing nursing school before she took on the daunting task of planning a big wedding. They announced that they would finally wed in June 2011. April’s parents took the honor of turning the festive Christmas event into an evening to shower the couple with love in celebration of their upcoming nuptials. Little did their guests know, the “big day” was a lot sooner than June. As the party kicked off, Harry and April’s family and friends mingled and nibbled while DJ Curtis Carpenter, who was also a new addition to their usual festivities, played Christmas music. Then, in a seemingly routine “thanks for coming” speech, the couple’s friend Tracy Gibson screamed the words in full Oprah Winfrey fashion, “Tonight you’re not just here for an engagement party. You’re here

for a wedding!” She pointed to the far end of the tent where the couple was proceeding out from the side of the house. The uproar of the crowd of close to 150 people was indescribable. Shock and excitement created an overflow of emotion that had several guests instantly in tears. Not even the bride’s closest of friends and relatives knew that they would be married that night. April emerged in a gorgeous white wedding gown as her father escorted her down the “aisle.” Harry had another surprise for his buddies when he appeared in a tux — a new look for the hardworking homebuilder. After the wedding ceremony, which took place over the sniffles and whispers of disbelief from the onlookers, confetti guns burst and the celebration kicked into high gear. The adrenaline of the big surprise had everyone floating on cloud nine. “I really wanted a casual and relaxing night that would make our guests feel comfortable to cut loose. And have a good time. We entertain our friends often at our house, so it was the perfect place for our wedding!” says April. Even though she and her groom skipped some of the traditions that typically surround a wedding, April’s most memorable moment was when her dad addressed the couple in a tearful toast. In their own backyard, in their own special way, on an unforgettable night, this couple pulled off a wedding surprise of a lifetime. They prove it’s not all about the fancy invitations and the five tier wedding cake. It’s the love and support of family and friends that truly make a wedding special. PS

&Groom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PSBride

February 2011

Photography by Diana Matthews

By Ginny Kelly