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love Publisher: Jadlyn Incorporated
Welcome to the all-new Lovebook by Today’s Bride. Designed with you in mind, Lovebook is filled with current and up-and-coming styles, trends, tips and must-have ideas that will make your wedding day spectacular. Essentially, it’s all the bridal dreaming we know you’ll love. While you may be familiar with Today’s Bride Magazine, the region’s most popular and trusted wedding publication, we had a different agenda for Lovebook. Think of Today’s Bride Magazine as the more informative publication, chock-full of planning tips and advice you’ll need every step of the way. Lovebook, on the other hand, is her trendier little sister – full of up-to-the-moment inspiration and a visual guide to what’s new, what’s hot and what you can expect to see at weddings throughout the year. Ultimately, we hope you’ll use them together as you’re prepping for the big day. If you’re reading this publication, chances are you received it at a Today’s Bride bridal show – we hope you enjoyed your show experience! Many of the companies represented in Lovebook and at the bridal shows are Featured Partners of Today’s Bride, and we encourage you to utilize their services for a wonderful and worry-free celebration. From cover to cover, everything you find within Lovebook can be easily found, matched or reproduced by these businesses. On behalf of the entire Today’s Bride family, congratulations on your engagement, and we wish you the absolute best of luck.
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Kate Wolfram
Social Media & Content Stylist: Denise Wright Jim Frericks, Editor
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Heart it? Then mark it! See those lovely little hearts in the page corners? Those were designed with you in mind. Whenever you find something you love, just fold the corners down to mark your spot. So much easier than finding a bookmark or ripping pages out!
Staff Photographer: Abby Frericks Administrative & Content Assistants: Liz Pruitt Madison Frericks All articles and advertisements are property of Jadlyn Incorporated and may not be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Jadlyn Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any errors, misprints, misquotes or omissions. Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved. Today’s Bride is not responsible for unsolicited editorial material unless a selfaddressed stamped return envelope is included. Advertisement in this publication does not imply the endorsement of Today’s Bride Magazine, Jadlyn Inc. or any of its representatives. For further information call our offices at 330-6709545 or 216-393-5677. Printed in the USA. For a complete listing of our cover credits, please visit: http://www.todaysbride.com/cover-credit.aspx
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Trendy Table Layouts – and how you can incorporate them on your big day!
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t’s pretty safe to assume that most of us have been to a wedding reception that had round tables for guests to sit at during the dinner hour. But have you ever been to one that featured a sweetheart table? What about a banquet-style set-up? That line is about to get a little fuzzier though, considering that unique reception table designs are coming down the (wedding) pike. If you’re looking to add a unique twist to your own wedding reception, incorporating one of these styles just may be the way to do it.
Concept Photography
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America’s Sweetheart Table
Many brides and grooms struggle with choosing who will sit at their head table: Should it be their entire bridal party? Family? Both? Keep in mind, though, that there is a way to avoid having to make such a difficult decision: It’s called the sweetheart table. A sweetheart table is a small table that is reserved solely for the happy newlyweds – and it can be the ideal option for many reasons. First, it will provide you and your groom with coveted alone time before the hustle and bustle of greeting guests begins. Additionally, it can allow your bridal party to mingle with their dates and other guests instead of being confined to a traditional head table. Overall, the sweetheart table is a great set-up because it highlights the two most important people in the room during you wedding, but it also keeps your guests’ needs in mind.
The Rise of the Banquet Table
Looking for a fab table option that instantly adds a sense of drama and royalty to your wedding décor? Look no further than the banquet table. The longer design of these tables not only makes for a classy affair – it also opens up the doors to encouraging close interaction among many of your guests as well as potentially enabling you to do a more family style dining experience. Looking to wow your guests even more? Line banquet tables up end to end and weave them throughout your space for a singular reception table effect. This works especially well for an outdoor setting where you have space to spread out. No matter what your style of banquet table, all in all, we see this reception design growing by leaps in bounds in the coming years … and for good reason.
Photos credits clock-wise from the top: LMAC Photography, Party Decor, Genevieve Nisly Photography, L’Nique Linen Rentals, Genevieve Nisly Photography
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Mixing & Matching Another fabulous option that should be on your radar is the idea of mixing table styles. For example, you might feature smaller square tables among banquet style or traditional round ones. Or, for something truly unique, group them in X’s and O’s throughout your space. The aerial photos that show these kinds of set-ups at their finest would surely be worth it. No matter what your table design of choice, keep in mind that there are some important factors to consider before committing to a layout. First and foremost, your table layouts will depend on the design of your reception space. A cluster of banquets, for example, may not work out in a smaller area; in that scenario, you may have to work some smaller tables into the mix. You’ll also want to keep in mind how your table layout affects the ease of movement in the room: Do your guests have room to walk around? Does your DJ still have complete access to the dance floor or is he/she competing with a large table? In addition, you’ll want to consider the flow of conversation among guests after they are seated. Finally, you’ll want to think through how your arrangement affects the linens you’ll need to rent. Of course, a larger table would require larger linen (or linens, if you’re pushing tables together). One way to lessen the expense? Consider renting runners as opposed to full linens – or for a fun effect, alternate between the two. If you’re looking for a way to wow your guests and provide an instant source of inspiration, considering an alternative table style might do the trick. Above all, it’s a chance to get creative and do something unexpected.♥ LOVEBOOK BY TODAY’S BRIDE
Photos credits from the top: Justine Ungaro Photography, Genevieve Nisly Photography, Carol Malick Photography
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Dress It Up with Draping Looking for a way to add major drama to your wedding décor? You’ve come to the right place!
If drama is your mission, one of the first décor elements you should consider is ceiling drapery. Why? Well, for starters, it’s a terrific way to transform your venue and add a dramatic backdrop for the party. In addition to that, your ceiling drapery can come in a variety of forms – making it easy to create a look that fits the feel and theme of your wedding. If you’re striving for simple elegance, a soft, billowy white chiffon look could do the trick; strand lights could even be added to that to take your dreamy décor up a notch. You could READ MORE ONLINE AT TODAYSBRIDE.COM
Photos credits from the top: WeddingStar.com, Pink Monkey Solitions (www.pinkmonkeysolutions.com)
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love also choose a colorful fabric that matches your color scheme, or for more of a party vibe, be sure to add uplighting. Either way, we think adding lighting in any form makes for amazing ambiance.
Make sure you clear your ideas with venue staff before launching into any plans. Though it’s easy to get distracted by all the prettiness that comes with draping, it’s important to keep a couple of things in mind. First, make sure you clear your ideas with venue staff before launching into any plans. There are often local fire codes you’ll need to adhere to, which could limit how much of the ceiling you’re able to cover;
keep you from covering smoke detectors and sprinkler heads; or require you to use special fire-retardant material. While ceiling draping might seem like something that is easily doable, it actually is a pretty involved process – one that can vary greatly depending on the ceiling structure. Before you consider going the DIY route, we’d like to point out that it’s quite possible your site staff does not allow amateurs to do this because of the dangers of working up high and the ease of marking up or cracking the ceiling. Plus, with such an intricate process and an important part of your décor at stake, it really is best to leave this in the hands of professionals. With a little bit of inspiration and planning, we’re sure ceiling drapery can help you achieve the look you have your heart set on for your reception. What’s that look exactly? Completely stunning. ♥
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Photos credits from the top: Genevieve Nisly Photography, Christopher Norris Photograpers, Christopher Norris Photographers, Brett & Jessica Photography (www.brettjessica.com)
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7Love
Gown Trends We
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Breaking news: We’re crushing megahard on these dress styles! From utterly romantic sheer overlays to dusty blush hues, these are the dress styles that you’re sure to see this year – and these are the styles that have captured both our attention and our hearts.
Beading Beyond Belief
Your wedding ring doesn’t have to be the only thing that’s sparkling when your big day hits. If you’re looking for a touch of glamour, finding a gown that stuns with crystal, pearl or sequin details could absolutely be the way to go.
The Cold Shoulder Romantic and timeless, off-the-shoulder dresses are definitely the hottest new neckline for wedding gowns. These beauties stem from the one-shoulder, cap and illusion sleeves of bridal gowns’ past and are the perfect fit for the slightly bohemian bride with a penchant for graceful gowns with a ton of movement.
Maggie Sottero
Madison James
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A Cut Above You’ve seen it on the runway (and in every other Taylor Swift photo!) and now you can catch a glimpse of one of the latest trends – cut-outs and crop tops – as it makes its way down the aisle. If you like the look but are looking for something a little less daring on your big day, this can be a great option for pre-wedding events like the bachelorette party or bridal shower.
Madison James
Sheer Magic
Does it get any dreamier than this? Whether donning a wispy tulle overskirt or a teasing lace illusion neckline, any bride is guaranteed to be a pure vision with the right sheer detail. If you’re looking to add a touch of romance and hint of sexiness to your bridal attire, this trend could be right up your alley.
Monique Lhuillier
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Bringin’ Sexy Back Chances are, your back is going to be getting lots of camera action on your big day … so why not put your best back forward? Bows, keyholes, decorative beading and other fun elements can all assist with this task, making sure you look picture-ready from every angle. Imagen Photography
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Color-Coded
While we love a bride in classic white, we can’t help but appreciate a woman who dares to be different. Although blush gowns continues to be a popular (and lovely!) choice for brides who are looking for a soft, subtle way to incorporate color into their look, we’re also swooning over shades of blue, grey and even mint green.
Maggie Sottero
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A Cape-tivating Woman
Think nothing could make your wedding gown lovelier? Think again. Gown shrugs, wraps, covers & even jeweled capelets are little items that can accessorize your look in a big way! Bonus: They can act as the perfect accessory for brides who are required to cover their arms for a religious ceremony but may not necessarily want to commit to sleeves for the whole day. David’s Bridal
Regardless of your style, we’re certain that having all these gorgeous options at your fingertips will certainly make dress shopping that much more difficult – but also that much more lovely! ♥
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Mad about
Macarons!
F
irst things first: Let’s not get these little ladies confused with the more commonly known macaroon – a baked coconut cookie. These tasty treats are a gem in their own right, and have understandably exploded onto the wedding scene over the past couple years. In a nutshell, macarons are a traditional French pastry, commonly filled with ganache, buttercream or jam. If that doesn’t sound yummy enough, these confections are also
These beauties can be easily customized to match any color palette and displayed in a number of ways. naturally gluten-free, making them perfect dessert for everyone, including the wheatintolerant. But when it comes to macaron appeal, there’s definitely more
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story to be told. Because macarons act as a no-mess, easy-to-eat alternative, they offer a sense of sophistication that most brides expect for their wedding.
Additionally, these beauties can be easily customized to match any color palette and displayed in a number of ways. Whether you opt for a macaron tower, a flat plate or tiered stand at your dessert display or even personalized favor boxes for each place setting, this mini treat is sure to wow your guests in a big way.♥ Left to Right: Bisou Bisou Macarons, Genevieve Nisly Photography, Love by Serena (www.lovebyserena.com)
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SMALL BITES Why finger foods are the latest fad
Whoever said “bigger is better” clearly didn’t know how fun & tasty a slider-style burger could be! Now that we know better, it only makes sense that our favorite reception foods are getting a mini makeover (or rather, a make-under). The trend of serving up miniature portions at weddings continues to grow – and for good reason. They’re cute as all get out; they can potentially save you money; and for being so tiny, they sure do pack a mighty “wow factor” punch. Looking to pull this trend off for your own big day? Here are our tips for creating small dishes that make a huge impact – without breaking the bank! FIND A VERSAT ILE FOOD GENIUS
One of the first things you’ll want to do on this food journey is find a caterer who specializes in “miniatures.” These tasty treats may seem small and easy to consume, but part of the appeal is that they are usually more complicated dishes that are scaled down. Some caterers will promote these menu options as part of their specialties, but even if they don’t, be sure to ask before assuming that a caterer can’t whip up something for you and your event.
EAT WITH YOUR EYES
You may be asking yourself: “What exactly is the difference between an hors d’oeuvre and a mini dish?” After all, they do seem rather similar. The primary difference between the two lies in the presentation. Mini foods are just a variation LOVEBOOK BY TODAY’S BRIDE
Choosing these miniature foods gives your guests the impression of a full meal, albeit one that is taken in smaller bites. of foods you’d typically see fullsize, while hors d’oeuvres can be any number of things. Choosing these miniature foods gives your guests the impression of a full meal, albeit one that is taken in smaller bites. By serving up these petite portions, you can actually cut some costs by foregoing the use of plates normally needed for the reception meal. That doesn’t mean the quality of your food presentation should suffer though! Talk to your caterer about some creative ways to plate these goodies and serve them up to your guests.
All Photos: Genevieve Nisly Photography
small size doesn’t have to – nor should it – mean small flavor!
PUMP UP THE VOLUME
As you’re planning, keep in mind that you should have enough food to equate to a full meal for each guest. Essentially, that boils to do a minimum of 10-12 pieces per guest. If that seems high, remember that appetizers tend to be cheaper than traditional main courses, so you may end up saving money by going the mini route.
VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE
Because these dishes are bitesize, you can have fun with offering up a greater spread of food options. Burgers and grilled cheese? Absolutely! Want to throw tacos in there, too? Go for it! When all is said and done,
We also recommend making choices that suit all dietary needs. Regardless of whether you go the traditional plated meal route or choose a more “boutique bites” style, you always want to plan a menu that includes a vegetarian option, a starch element, a chicken or fish option and probably a red meat selection as well. If you’re looking to add a little extra flair to your fete, serving up mini reception foods just might be the way to do it. With just a little bit of planning (and a lot of salivating as you scope out ideas), you’ll be ready to take a bite out of the hottest trends in wedding dishes! ♥
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DIY:
The Fragrant & Floral Crown The floral crown is a 1980s inspired trend that has made its way into many beautiful weddings this year. This non-traditional headpiece is the perfect fit for any organic, whimsical or bohemian wedding. What’s even better: It’s an easy DIY craft!
The Materials: greenery and flowers
floral tape
floral wire floral wire cutters
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It’s up to you whether you use fragrant or fabric flowers. For this particular project, we opted for fabric, but visit your local florist to see what they have to offer. Otherwise, all the materials can be purchased at a local craft store.
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Step 1
Form a circle with the floral wire. Place it atop your head to see how long you need the wire to be to form a loose crown. Cut off excess wire, and form the rest into a circle. Tape the circle shut with floral tape. Note: You may want to wrap the tape around several times.
Step 2
Select the greens you wish to use. The greens should be the base of your crown and cover the wire. Once you have your greenery, tape it to the crown.
Step 3
Now that the greenery is taped to the crown, decide how you’d like to arrange the flowers. The flowers may be spread evenly around the crown or clumped together in the front.
Step 4
To attach each flower to the crown, make sure the flower stems are at least three inches long, and then tape the stem to the crown. Again, you may want to wrap the tape around several times. Just follow these four easy steps, and you’ll have an oh-so-beautiful crown for your big day!
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PANTONE ® 18-1438
Meet Marsala Every year, we excitedly await the day Pantone, the experts in all things color, announce their pick for the Color of the Year. It may seem silly to some, but ultimately the shade of choice will start to seep into all of our lives, influencing everything from home décor, fashion pieces and – you guessed it – wedding trends. When Pantone proclaimed Marsala, a “naturally robust and earthy wine red,” as this year’s selection, we couldn’t help but want to know more. While last
Marsala + Blush
year’s Color of the Year, Radiant Orchid, “encouraged creativity and innovation, Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
Cake & flower photos: David Corey Photography; Bride photo: Kayla Barker
This earthy and seductive shade acts as a bit of a chameleon, teetering right on the lines of red, brown and purple. If you’re thinking about including Marsala in your own big day, remember that this highly varietal shade pairs beautifully with neutrals, including warmer shades of taupe and gray. Because of its glossy undertones, sultry Marsala is also highly compatible with amber and golden yellows, as well as greens and blues in the more vibrant range. All in all, the following
Marsala + Dusty Blue
are some of our favorite Marsala-based combos – and they’re guaranteed to get your creative wedding juices flowing! Journee Collection, Available at Overstock.com
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Decor photos: Adam Barnes Photography + Amanda Gray for Ashley Baber Weddings Tie: The Tie Bar
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Marsala + White + Green
Flowers and bride photos: One Red Door Photography; Bridesmaids photo: Azuree Wiitala (xoazuree.com )
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Marsala + Black
Cake photo: Artistic Bites, McCallum Designs, Nerinna Valera Photography; Bridesmaids photo: Natalie Watson (www.nataliewatsonphotography.com); Flower photo: McCallum Designs, Nerinna Valera Photography
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