truly_you_spring11

truly you spring 2011

s t ay

fresh

picking the place

let them eat

cake

women meet the

of your golden corner

| the journal

truly★you

truly★you

Bridal Edition Congratulations to everyone planning a wedding! You and the person of your dreams are embarking on a new life together, and we couldn’t be happier for you. It’s time to create a day that you and your loved ones will never forget.

One thing brides everywhere have learned this past year is how important it is to make every detail count. Despite smaller budgets – the average bride spent about 10 percent less on her wedding in 2009 than she did in 2008, according to The Wedding Report – brides still deserve the wedding of their dreams. The key is to bid adieu to over-the-top opulence and employ simple, smart and stylish techniques.

From picking the perfect dress to arranging flowers to choosing a cake, we’ve outlined how to pull off an awesome wedding with ease. Our experts’ tips show you how to make the most of your time, energy and budget, while keeping style high and stress low.

Dive in. Follow our tips. Plan a wedding that your guests won’t soon forget.

It’s never been simpler to do.

spring 2011

inside this issue break the marriage mold................3 blooms with personality.................5 thinking about venues....................6 inviting guests..............................7 cake tasting.................................9 plan for the honeymoon...............11 bridal fashion.............................12 capture the moment....................14 the rings....................................15

truly you michael leonard publisher

brett mclaughlin editor

vicki tymon

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spring 2011

Breaking the

truly★you

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Marriage Mold Love remains ‘the’ factor but trends shift O h , h ow m a rri a g e h a s c h a n g ed .

The necessity of love and commitment between two people may largely go unchanged as time goes on, but current-day marriage trends are reshaping the mold of matrimony.

Sarah Winslow, sociology professor at Clemson University, said the majority of people that would have been married by their early 20s back in 1960 are now sitting in higher education classrooms across the nation.

“I often say to my students, ‘Fifty or 60 years ago, you’d already be married, so why aren’t you now?’ They’ll look around for a second and say, ‘Because we’re here.’”

Today, the average age for a woman to get married is 27 (28 for a man), compared to the late teens and early 20s not that long ago.

“Age is probably the biggest shift in the marriage world,” she said.

“And two, people are more highly educated these days. Their mentality, for the most part, is I can get married later. The time is now for college or to focus on a career.”

This has impacted the economy in a way as many people experience a period of ‘singlehood.’

“Instead of moving from your parents’ home into a married home, people are renting apartments or even buying small houses,” she said. “That dynamic has made a difference too.”

Historically, the reasons behind getting married have also shifted.

“Before, marriage was largely influenced by economic factors with each person fulfilling a certain role,” she added. “Now, people are getting married because of personal fulfillment and happiness.

That’s a major transition.”

Other past reasons include being able to file joint income tax returns; collect Social Security, disability, unemployment, veterans benefits, pension plans and public assistance should something happen to your spouse; receive a share of your deceased spouse’s estate; sue a third person for the wrongful death of your spouse; pay family rates for insurance; avoid the deportation of a noncitizen spouse; enter hospital intensive care units, jails and other places where visitors are restricted to immediate family members; make medical decisions about your spouse in the event of a disability and even claim the marital communications privilege, Winslow said.

“Getting married for personal fulfillment explains why we’ve seen a rise in divorce,” she said, “which sends off a public alarm asking if we’ve abandoned the notion of commitment. Not saying that divorce is easy, but since the ’70s, divorce didn’t have to be a blaming game. Specific stipulations were no longer a necessity for ending it.”

While divorce may be on the rise, Winslow said that instances of cohabitation are steadily increasing.

Jessica Sibley | The Journal Newlyweds Krista and Rick Rivera were married in January and had agreed that it was important for them to wait until they were financially stable separately before tying the knot.

In 1960, less than a half-million people in the United States were cohabitating. In 2007, more than 5.3 million people were living together without being married.

“Perhaps we’ve changed what marriage and commitment have to look like,” she said. “It certainly seems like we are doing that now.”

- JESSICA SIBLEY | The Journal

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photo by Jessica Nelms

truly★you | REAL LIVES

spring 2011

lindsey mahaffey Photographer If I had one week, all expenses paid, I would: I’d travel to Bali and stay in an overwater bungalow, enjoying massages and spa treatments every day.

Words I live by: Appreciate the little things, for one day you will realize they were big.

My favorite way to decompress: Sitting on my back deck with a glass of wine and a cheese plate, talking to my husband and watching the sunset

My passion: Traveling and learning about the world, its cultures, people and food The choice I’ve made that has most positively impacted my life (other than marriage or divorce): The choice to leave my 9-5 job to pursue my passion and career in photography. It was a little scary, but has been a great adventure and I’ve never looked back!

My favorite possession: A 1930s cocktail ring that my grandmother passed down to my mother when she was 16. My mother gave to me on my 16th birthday. I never take it off.

Unlike what most people think, I only spend about 20 percent of my time actually behind the camera. The other time is spent editing photos, designing albums, fulfilling orders, corresponding with clients, marketing, bookkeeping and studying new technology and techniques.

I majored in Psychology in college and was working in student services in higher education. My husband, whom I was dating at the time, was beginning his career in photography. I began shooting with him and learning more about photography, and fell in love with it.

To anyone considering a career in photography, I would highly recommend majoring in business or marketing with a minor in graphic design, photography or art. Too many talented photographers are not able to run a successful business or earn a living in photography because they are lacking basic business and financial skills.

What is the single most rewarding aspect of your job?

Capturing special moments and expressions of love between couples and their families that they will treasure for a lifetime. Wedding photography documents the creation of a new family and is passed down for generations. To be a part of that is truly special.

If you could change one thing about your job or your daily routine, what would it be?

I wish weddings were held during the week, rather than on Saturdays. It would be great to have a normal workweek like everyone else so I could spend Saturdays at Clemson football games and out on the lake with all of my friends.

My latest obsession: Eating organic locally grown foods. I try not to miss the great farmers markets our area has to offer.

My favorite place to be: A tiny beach house on the north shore of Oahu where I spent every Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and Fourth of July growing up.

Most daring thing I’ve ever done: I’m not a thrill-seeking person, so probably just quitting the stability of my full-time job to pursue photography.

Most recent extravagance: an iPad What people should know about me: There is no one more passionate about what they do or who is more committed to their clients.

spring 2011

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Stay Fresh

the journal |

Use blooms to add personality and panache to your party

W eddi n g flower s

are more than just petals to toss or a bouquet to throw – they’re an accessory that can complement your dress, bring life to your venue and offer an important opportunity to express your overall style and personality. This year, the best way to be up-to-date is easy: be yourself.

“Individualism is the key trend for 2010,” says Sharon McGukin, a professional florist and author of “Flowers of the Heart” (Floral Trend Publications, 2009).

Assessing Arrangements

Mariell

Before going to the florist, first decide on overall budget, venue and color scheme. The budget will determine appropriate suggestions, while the venue will suggest colors and décor needs. Bare, funky spaces may need a large number of decorations while ornate hotel ballrooms might not.

Huge selection of wedding jewelry, gifts, veils and more.

Bloom Budget

Professional florist Maureen deBruyn, owner of deBruyn designs in Maple Grove, Minn., says couples tend to spend about 10 percent of their overall budget on flowers. To keep costs down, avoid specifying specific flowers. “If you have a general idea of color, type and how much to spend, [your florist] can come up with something,” deBruyn says.

Fresh Ideas

Many fresh color ideas are emerging this year for brides to experiment with in their flowers, according to McGukin. Greens mixed with buttercreams, delicate pinks and fresh blues are a popular neutral that suggests an eco theme. For home weddings, which are on the rise, McGukin suggests a splash of color: bright orange, hot pink, sunny yellow, electric blue.

Larger, looser bouquets also are making a comeback, deBruyn says.

Bouquets will be soft and wispy with more greenery and texture.

Rather than wiring each flower into place for a symmetrical arrangement, deBruyn says she now aims for a more natural look.

Whether you go big, small, bright or neutral, spend time using flowers to show off a piece of who you are. Says DeBruyn: “They should bring out the joy for your whole event.”

–Melanie Wanzek | © CTW Features

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| the journal

spring 2011

Picking Out the

Place

Close your eyes and imagine your wedding: What do you see?

While other elements of the big day might flash by in a blur, images of your venue and the way it made you feel to be there will remain with you forever. It’s important to take time to envision your entire event’s style and the atmosphere you want to remember – whether it’s funky and hip, elegant and modern, or intimate and sentimental. Think about places you have visited, parties you have enjoyed and other things close to you that bring you joy.

A wedding’s style starts with where you choose to celebrate

Setting the Stage

Tara Wilson, a professional wedding planner and president of Tara Wilson Events in Fort Worth, Texas, says there are a few main style cues. A traditional bride might lean toward a church wedding and hotel reception, while someone who is earthy and free-spirited might do best outdoors, in a barn or in custom tents. Eclectic brides might consider environments that are new and modern, such as a boutique or hotel, or even old and historic, like a library or mansion.

Once you have narrowed down the choices – at least a little bit – it’s important to visit multiple venues to get a real idea of what they offer. Many questions will begin to pop up. Marcia Hemphill, professional wedding planner of Chicago-based An Urban Affair, recommends considering overall budget, the city where you are getting married, the number of guests you expect and the overall style and ambiance you desire. Other details to consider may range from the dates and times certain venues are available, the space rental fee and what it includes, what materials are provided (tables, chairs, linens) and whether other parties can be held at the same time. Don’t be afraid to keep asking questions. Every venue is different in its rental inclusions and capabilities.

Location Considerations

Keep It Simple

Some venues offer in-house catering, which can simplify planning by reducing the number of vendors you must juggle. Hotels are making a comeback for this reason; their fees generally cover all venue and catering costs. Consider locations that can host both

ing sac-

your ceremony and reception to make planning and guest coordination more manageable.

“Brides are valuing their guests’ convenience in not having to travel back and forth for the wedding and reception,” Wilson says.

According to Hemphill, art galleries will continue to be a popular venue. They are increasingly open to hosting private events. Another option is a simple, loft-like space.

“Raw spaces are popping up more and more,” she says. “In these spaces, the rules are generally much more flexible. You can bring the caterer you want, provide your own liquor, decorate as much or as little as you would like and really make it your own.”

For all the venues, don’t forget the significant details.

“Always look at the bathrooms,” Hemphill warns. “That could be a deal-breaker.”

–Melanie Wanzek | © CTW Features

Plan strategically and separate your wants from your deal-breakers. The first thing to consider: the number of guests at the reception, which will have the greatest affect on your bottom line. According to wedding planner Tara Wilson, many brides are favormore intimate environments over lavish extravaganzas as a way to stay simple without rificing quality. “Home-style venues, including backyards and homes, are gaining popularity,” she says. “We’re also seeing a rise in unexpected locations, such as boats and bowling alleys.”

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spring 2011

the journal |

Calling All Guests Get revelers ready to go with a stylish invite that sets the tone for your event

A W ell t h ou g h t - out invitation will tell guests everything they need to know

about what’s in store.

Stationery Solutions

With a world of colors, fonts, papers and print styles to choose from, pinning down the right design takes some thought.

To get started, hit the streets, says Ara Farnam, founder of Rock Paper Scissors Events, New York. “Pop into a stationery store to see and feel some different styles and get an understanding for the differences between printing processes.”

Keep It Simple “Keep the design simple!” says Ara Farnam of Rock Paper Scissors Events.

Which is what today’s couples are doing, as experts note the resurgence of letterpress invitations. The trend shows “a move towards a simpler invitation that is beautiful for its font or layout as opposed to intricate folded layers, vellum or ribbons,” Farnam says.

Print Prices

Letterpress invites – produced by pressing a sheet of paper onto movable, raised type – can cost more than twice as much as flat, digitally printed cards. Get letterpress style while cutting costs by printing in just one color of ink, suggests Rachelle Schwartz, coowner of Irvine, Calif.-based Wiley Valentine.

“It’s a great way to still get a fabulous letterpress invitation,” she says.

While a great invite can make a wedding design more cohesive, remember that it won’t make or break your day. “If you end up making changes to your décor, don’t sweat it,” Farnam says. “At the end of the day, guests will remember the elements of your reception more.”

–Danielle Robinson | © CTW Features

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spring 2011

truly★you | REAL LIVES photo by Jessica Nelms

bess ciupak retired; watermedia artist If I had one week, all expenses paid, I would: Return to Santa Fe and Taos and spend time with the artists, exchanging thoughts and observing their techniques.

Words I live by: The glass is half full, but an extra shot wouldn’t hurt.

My favorite way to decompress: Pontooning on Lake Keowee with the mountains in view, Jack at the wheel, Lucy sitting with her nose in the wind and a glass of chilled wine.

My passion: Art and art advocacy; gardening.

The choice I’ve made that has most positively impacted my life: The decision to continue as an artist and not have to make a living at it.

My favorite possession: Lucy, our Shih Tzu. My latest obsession: Working to ensure that the Blue Ridge Arts Council continues for another 44 years.

My favorite place to be: Any place near the water.

Most daring thing I’ve ever done: Getting married to a co-worker 23 years ago in Mexico by an official who couldn’t speak English.

Most recent extravagance: A good camera. I haven’t begun to use all its potential, but will.

What people should know about me: I like people and like to laugh. I speak my mind and have unrealistic expectations. I’m never sure if this is an asset or a fault.

A watermedia instructor, art advocate and advisor for the Blue Ridge Arts Council, Ciupak became involved with BRAC approximately 10 years ago after attending a watercolor class with a local artist.

“I was led into this field by luck. I always enjoyed art. I had the time, was prepared, could afford it and was given many exciting opportunities.

“But, I definitely started in a different field, working with the OEM automotive industry throughout my career in sales and management. That is where I developed my sense of humor and an appreciation of creativity,” Ciupak said.

Did you have a mentor?

Several people influenced me along the way, from my high school art teacher, who gave me the “tools” and felt I had some talent, to the artists I have met in recent years that have shared their knowledge and inspired me to continue.

What advice would you offer to young women considering your career path?

Take your artistic knowledge and skills and shop around for positions that offer the best opportunities to make a living doing what you love. There are positions in graphic art, Web design, art instruction, museum and gallery directors and many more, all requiring creative talent. You don’t have to be a starving artist in today’s world.

What is the single most rewarding aspect of your job?

Teaching. Observing a student feel comfortable enough in my class to allow their artistic skills to blossom. And, of course, watching their progress and accomplishments and trying to take some credit for it.

If you could change one thing about your job or your daily routine, what would it be?

Finding more hours in the day and having the energy at my age to do something productive with them.

spring 2011

truly★you

Let Them Eat Cake Today’s wedding cakes are in good taste While a bride will always be the star of her big day, there’s no denying that the cake comes in close second. And with TV networks cranking out one cake-centric show after another, cake design has taken center stage.

Right along with the rise the of shows like the Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes,” couples are becoming more aware of the endless array of wedding cake possibilities. Choosing a design has become a more challenging task.

the journal |

Beautiful Jewelry Sure To Please Every Bride.

Sweet Designs

“Design, is a compromise sometimes,” says JoAnn Moore, a Vail, Colo.-based wedding planner and owner of Mountains and Meadows.

Couples may desire a complex cake but not the price tag that comes with it. Moore says her customers are opting for understated, classic styles. “I believe it has something to do with the economy,” she says.

“People are going very simple and elegant.”

Confection Costs

Even the simplest designs come at a price. Carrie Biggers, owner of Carrie’s Cakes in Sandy, Utah, says individual servings may run anywhere from $2.50 per person in a smaller area up to $15 per person in a larger city. Cake can cost up to $40 per serving for couples who want the best of the best.

To get the cake of your dreams without blowing your budget, both experts suggest purchasing a smaller, three- or four-tiered cake and placing it on an elevated display for drama. In the kitchen of your reception hall, keep sheet cakes of the same flavor, which you can purchase for a fraction of the cost. “The cake still looks big and beautiful and elaborate, and none of the guests know,” Moore says.

This way, you can have your cake – and pay for it, too.

–Danielle Robinson

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Classic wedding cakes still have a big design impact.

Baker Carrie Biggers says that high-contrast designs, such as a black-on-white damask pattern, are growing in popularity. Simple embellishments are also in. “A single sugar flower is very popular,” Biggers says.

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truly★you | REAL LIVES photo by Jessica Nelms

spring 2011

camille horton pediatric dentist

If I had one-week, all expenses paid, I would: Travel throughout the South of France and eat French food.

(I was a French and chemistry major in college.)

Words I live by: Faith, Family, Friendship and Patience My favorite way to decompress: To cook for my husband and myself in the evenings — my favorite cook is Ina Garten from Food Network’s “Barefoot Contessa.”

My passion: Pediatric dentistry — I am fortunate to be passionate about my career.

Camille Horton is a pediatric dentist — a dental specialist trained to provide comprehensive preventative and therapeutic oral health care for infants, children, adolescents and patients with special health care needs.

To become a pediatric dentist, one must complete four years of dental school prior to entering a 2-3 year residency program.

“When I was growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher. I loved playing school and using my dog as my student,” she said. “Needless to say, he didn’t have much interest in what I was teaching.

When I entered college, I somehow signed up for science classes, which led me into a career for dentistry.

“I enjoyed working with people and teaching them how to better care for themselves. I worked as a general dentist for two years, realizing that my best days were working with children. I decided to return to school for two additional years to learn about oral health care for infants, children and special needs patients. Once again, I was back at teaching young children — except this time about how to care for their teeth.”

The choice I’ve made that has most positively impacted my life: My decision to return to school to specialize in pediatric dentistry.

My favorite possession: My “Barefoot Contessa” cookbooks (I have all six of them!)

My latest obsession: American Idol (I love the new judges!)

My favorite place to be: New Orleans, Louisiana. I was born in Baton Rouge, La., and love the food, music, culture and the people!

What advice would you offer to young women considering your career path?

Never close any doors, because you will encounter so many opportunities in your life. My career path changed many times, and it was exciting to see where it would end up. Even when I graduated dental school, I thought I was finished with school and being a general dentist was going to be my career. But look at where I ended up! Back in school, now doing what I love to do.

So never stop exploring your strengths and never close any doors.

Most daring thing I’ve ever done: Put my fingers in the mouth of an upset toddler during a dental exam!

What is the single most rewarding aspect of your job?

When a child has a history of dental anxiety and fear, it is my job to help them overcome their anxieties and teach them that coming to the dentist can be fun. The best part is when they tell me that they want to be a dentist when they grow up.

What people should know about me: I am a “girly-girl,” but still like an occasional adventure (as long as there are no bugs, dirt or strenuous exercising).

If you could change one thing about your job or your daily routine, what would it be?

I am not a fan of my alarm clock! I wish it didn’t have to go off so early!

Most recent extravagance: A recent excursion to my best friend’s wedding in Jamaica!

spring 2011

truly★you

Careful spending and early planning will have couples flying to far-off locales while staying afloat financially

Destination:

Honeymoon A honeymoon is the once-in-a-lifetime trip that couples dream of, filled with candlelight dinners, long walks on the beach and nights in a luxe suite.

But with a 2009 survey conducted by Web-based honeymoon registry site Traveler’s Joy showing that 62 percent of couples plan to cut their honeymoon budgets due to the recession, those dreams may begin to fade. Luckily, with the right planning and a little flexibility, that dream honeymoon can still be a reality.

Getting Started

If your honeymoon will take place during a high-volume travel season, plan ahead – between six and nine months in advance, says Howard Green, co-founder and CEO of Chicago-based honeymoon travel agency MoonRings. “If you’re traveling during a shoulder season or an off-season, you may not need to plan as far in advance,” he says. “We would recommend anywhere from five to seven months in advance, as a general rule.”

To pick a destination, Brandon Warner, president and co-founder of Traveler’s Joy, advises couples to give serious thought to a few key questions:

What’s our budget?

“The average honeymoon cost $3,657 in 2009, so budgeting $4,000 is a good starting point,” he says.

What’s most important to us?

This means pinpointing your main objective: beach relaxation, cultural exploration or adrenaline-pumping adventure.

How far are we willing to travel?

Which also means considering how much time you have, says Green.

“If you’ve only got five days and you live in Chicago, it’s probably not enough time to go to Australia or New Zealand,” he says.

What destinations will offer the best weather while we’re there? Offseasons are off-seasons for a reason: Research rainy periods and average temperatures for your dates before you book.

Warner says once these questions are answered, couples should be able to narrow the options. “Once the couple has a short list, they

the journal | 11

should talk to friends who have been to those destinations and do their own research,” by reading newspapers, Web sites and travel magazines, he says.

Afford your voyage

Any destination has the potential to be costly, so careful financial planning is key. “We’ve had couples honeymoon for a month or a week and spend the same amount,” Warner says. Play your cards right and you may be surprised how far your dollar can stretch.

Warner says the simplest first steps a couple can take toward saving dough are booking early and taking advantage of any frequent flier miles or hotel points. “Most airlines start to release seats at about 330 days [in advance],” Green says.

If you don’t have your heart set on one location, traveling where the dollar is strong lets couples live large on a shoestring budget, Green says. He recommends Costa Rica and other Central and South American locales.

But don’t book a trip to Argentina just yet. “In general, the farther you fly, the more expensive it is,” Green says. Stick to northerly South American spots; the flight will be cheaper and you’ll still get the warm beaches and affordable eats.

For lodging, ditch the pricey resort or hotel and consider renting a home, Warner says. You’ll be able save money by cooking instead of dining out at each meal and gain the seclusion of a private residence.

To really cut costs, both men suggest staying closer to home. “Airfare can cost almost 40 percent of a honeymoon, so by finding a place within a short flight or a daylong drive, there can be significant savings,” Warner says.

If your dream destination is non-negotiable, however, fear not.

“Consider delaying two or three months,” Green says. That way, you can get your dream spot at the lowest possible rates. Couples may also want to contemplate shortening their honeymoon by two or three days, to free up their food and lodging budget, Green says.

Whatever the final decision, your honeymoon is sure to provide you and your spouse with lifelong memories. Whether in Paris, France or Paris, Texas, this is just the embarkment of a much greater voyage together.

–Danielle Robinson | © CTW Features

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spring 2011

she’s got the look How to put together an ensemble that’s just as ready for the red carpet as it is the aisle

A s bride s take more chances with their fashion statements, Hollywood Glam is one of the key trends emerging in bridal fashion.

Not afraid to experiment with color, shine and other attention-drawing details, brides are borrowing ideas from the red carpet, looking for tips and style direction from celebrities.

“Hollywood style offers endless inspiration to brides,” says San Francisco-based wedding designer Amy Kuschel.

Star Power

Brides can pour on the glitz with gowns heaped in beading and embroidery in form-fitting shapes for a curvaceous silhouette. Romantic flair is part of the look, with eye-catching floral touches or textured designs. For extra bling, metallic shine is in.

Accessories are another way to pull together a Hollywood look. Shoulder-duster earrings, long and layered draping necklaces and bangles are ways to set off a variety of dresses, from strapless to those with sweetheart necklines.

The rule of thumb: More extravagant dresses call for more restrained jewelry. Jewelry is not the only accessory, however. For impact and Audrey Hepburn cool, brides can don long beaded gloves. They can play up hair with sparkling combs and birdcage veils. Ornate headbands are another option.

Footwear has progressed far beyond the dyed-to-match pump. These days, it’s all about color and bedazzlement, whether it’s a slinky, strappy sandal or a peep-toe pump in a bold shade.

“Color is very big, especially as brides look for something blue,” says Sharon Stimpfle, deputy director of WeddingChannel.com.

Up or down, the ’do for brides on their special day should look soft and sensuous. With wavy hair or finger curls parted on the side any bride can channel a big-screen siren. Hair swept back in a low, loose bun with cascading tendrils also captures a the look.

The rest of the wedding party can ride on the coattails of the bride’s Hollywood Glam style. Custom-made suits are an option for grooms/men. Bridesmaids can wear bias-cut gowns in rich jewel tones such as burgundy, amethyst and vintage green.

The Shopping Experience

Shopping for a dream wedding dress may at first sound daunting. Keep in mind a few simple tips:

1. Plan Ahead

Most wedding designers require at least four to six months production time, so start the shopping process around nine months in advance, especially when you factor in the need for alterations. Even custom-made gowns may need a nip or tuck here and there.

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spring 2011

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2. Bring and Wear the Bare Minimum. Literally

To keep bridal gowns pristine, don’t wear makeup, lipstick or even lotions that can stain fabric. Stick to undergarments that match your skin tone to get a realistic view of how a gown will look. Bring footwear that’s easy to take on and off, such as flip-flops.

3. Edit with an Open Mind

It’s nice to know that customer service does exist in some retail entities, and that’s what the bridal industry touts. When visiting a bridal boutique, a sales rep will work with you. Describe your theme and vision and let her take it from there. Try on a variety of gowns, even cringe-inducing ones the rep may suggest. There’s a chance you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Fashionista/Frugalista

Higher-end gowns can range in price from $3,000 to $6,000 and higher, with matching veils that range from $1,000 to $1,800. For brides who allocate more of their budget outside of the dress realm, a number of gowns – from Alfred Angelo to Faviana to Watters – can be had for less than $1,000.

For footwear, glittering peep-toe platforms can set you back about $700 at Jimmy Choo or brides can find strappy sandals from under $100 to $200 at department stores. Another way brides can save a little green, especially if time is on their side, is by buying vintage gowns, accessories and even bridesmaid dresses.

Most bridal experts say Hollywood Glam style is here to stay, especially since it can always be updated. For instance, the addition of a shoulderwarming cover-up is another element brides can use to enhance their wedding day wardrobe, especially if the wedding will take place during a chilly month.Feathered capelets, airy tulle mini-boleros or even fur shrugs are ideal with strapless gowns, tying the ensemble together while you tie the knot.

–Nola Sarkisian Miller | Š CTW Features

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truly★you

14 | the journal

spring 2011

Shoot With

Style

After hours upon

days upon months of planning (and spending), your most momentous of days deserves to be documented. These are images you’ll cherish for the rest of your life, so choosing a photographer and videographer who understand your personality and tastes is crucial.

Photography

As with any artist, each wedding photographer comes with his or her unique perspective and style. Research and communication are key to finding the right fit.

“Make sure that you and your photographer have a good line of communication. Make sure that you click. You will be spending your whole wedding day with this person,” says Lisa Marie O’Quinn, owner of Sweet Tea Photography, Old Town Alexandria, Va. The best way to start researching is to first identify a photography style that’s right for you. O’Quinn says there are three major wedding photography styles: Traditional: The least expensive photographers will likely take a traditional approach, says O’Quinn. Most shots are posed. “These are the images that you would expect to see at every wedding,” she says.

Think straight-on shots and big smiles – not much more, not much less.

Photojournalistic: “Photojournalistic photographers capture the emotion in every moment rather than poses,” O’Quinn says. These photographers will roam an even unobtrusively, capturing candid images.

Artistic: It’s all in the name. Artistic photographers aim to create visually stimulating, highly edited, magazine-worthy photographs.

However, artistic photographers’ styles vary greatly, so choose carefully. “Make sure that their style is not too trendy,” O’Quinn says.

“You want your photos to look beautiful when you receive them and

when you look at them 20 years from now.”

Once you’ve identified your style, however, your work isn’t done.

To ensure your photographer has what it takes, don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions regarding prior experience. Take a good look at past work. “Ask your photographer if you can see an entire wedding that they have photographed,” O’Quinn suggests. That way, you’ll have a clear idea of how many photos you’ll get and how much of your day will be captured on film.

Also, when hiring a photographer through a photography studio, be sure to ask precisely who will photograph your day. “Sometimes you think that you will be hiring one shooter, and then they throw in someone else in,” O’Quinn says.

If you have questions about digital photography, ask your photographer to explain some of it to you, such as what format they shoot in and why. Do you get a DVD with all the photo files and the rights to them after the wedding? Will they be available to proof online?

As wedding photographers cost an average of $1,500 – and up to $5,000 in large urban markets – couples may find that the photographer of their dreams is well outside of the budget. O’Quinn recommends perusing creative wedding blogs or asking friends for referrals in order to get lasting memories without leaving a lasting mark on your bank account.

Video

Videography, too, comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and price points.

The same rules for choosing the right photographer apply to video, from looking at prior work to establishing a good connection, but there are a few key differences.

While many videographers opt for a photojournalistic approach, inconspicuously shooting the day, others may take on a more handson approach, says Leslie Satterfield, owner of Kiss the Bride Films, San Francisco. “Some couples might want their videographer to take a more directorial role – interviewing the wedding party, for example,” she says.

Camera choice can also greatly affect your final video. “The latest HD cameras give superb color and stunning image quality,” Satterfield says. “A black-and-white Super 8 camera creates a romantic, old-fashioned look.”

The price range for videography can vary greatly. Traditional videography can start as low as $250, says Michelle Walker, owner of Layer Cake Films, which operates in L.A. and New York, with the most artful Super 8 films reaching upwards of $5,000. As Satterfield explains, “As with any service, quality will often cost you.”

–Danielle Robinson | © CTW Features

truly★you

spring 2011

the journal | 15

The Wedding Bling Chances are, you’ve already got the ring – you know, the sparkler that announces to the world that you’re engaged. In fact, you may have helped select the engagement ring yourself. According to a 2009 jewelry survey by TheKnot.com, 36 percent of brides are involved in the selection of engagement rings. However, the bulk of couples – 69 percent, according to the same survey – select wedding bands together. Here are some trends to keep in mind as you shop:

Go for the Gold

Keep It Simple Sometimes, fashion doesn’t say it all. Romantic couples often choose to personalize their rings by having a professional jeweler engrave the wedding date, their names and short words of endearment on the inside of the wedding bands. These engravings serve as hidden love notes, not meant for the world to see. Small flush-set diamonds or gemstones set on the inside of the band also are gaining in popularity.

White has been the go-to metal color in recent years, with platinum and white gold maintaining popularity while palladium and titanium are building a following. However, yellow gold is making is return to wedding jewelry, says Amanda Gizzi, director of communications for Jewelers of America. Classic yellow gold bands get an update with seemingly custom details like hammering, etching and engraving.

Anything but Basic Black

Black diamonds are making their way into bridal jewelry, Gizzi says. Also, grooms can look to black titanium and tungsten for a unique look.

A Perfect Pair

The stacking trend continues in 2010 for women; two wedding bands are worn flanking the engagement ring. Wearing the two bands together creates a balanced look on the finger.

Diamonds Forever

Simple, elegant diamond eternity bands remain popular into 2010. © CTW Features

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