complimentary, please take one
6
Real
Style The Reception Issue
the
wedding + CONNEC
ION
2 4 0 2 5 2 N D S T. S U I T E # 9 LUBBOCK, TX 79412 806.744.0234 E D I TO R & C H I E F Aly Fiebrantz
J U N I O R E D I TO R Katherine Parker
E D I TO R I A L T E A M Aimee Eaton Nicole Molter Carlye Pittinger Julie Gore Sarah Baca Mallory Cross
DESIGN Sonya McDowell SALES TEAM Bethany Alexander Claire Sullivan The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights in regards to copyright of their work. No part of this work covered by the copyright may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written consent of the publisher. All copyrighted work was reproduced with the permission of the owner.
A M E M B E R O F T H E J O R DA N C O L L E C T I V E Magazines printed in China. Reasonable care is taken to ensure that The Wedding Connection Magazine articles and other information on the web site are up-todate and as accurate as possible, at the time of publication, but no responsibility can be taken by The Wedding Connection Magazine for any errors or omissions contained herein. Furthermore, The Wedding Connection Magazine takes no responsibility for any losses, damages or distress resulting from adherence to any information made available through this publication. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Wedding Connection Magazine.
C OV E R P H OTO B Y V I S I O N S P H OTO G R A P H Y
the
wedding + CONNEC
ION
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Ideally located in the Uptown Area, we can accommodate every wish & family tradition for your wedding ceremony & wedding reception. We offer a spectacular venue & Marriott Certified wedding planners hosting your dream wedding brilliantly to create your DREAM wedding!
P : 505-837-6687
Albuquerque Marriott | 2101 Louisiana Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110
E : kyla.worker@mariottsales.com
CONTRIBUTORS 2 BIRDS STUDIO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY robinparrott.com ALLEE J. PHOTOGRAPHY alleej.com BELMAR BAKERY belmarbakery.com BOWS-N-TIES bows-n-ties.com GRAY’S STUDIO graysstudio.com JW ETIQUETTE jwetiquette.com
LINDI TODD PHOTOGRAPHY linditoddphotography.com LINDSAY DAVENPORT PHOTOGRAPHY lindsaydavenportphotography.com MAGNET STREET magnetstreet.com MEG SINGLETON PHOTOGRAPHY megsingletonphotography.com PARIE DESIGNS secretgardenfineflowers.com
PINK PERFECTION pinkperfectionweddings.com PINSPIRED getpinspired.com ROB ADAMS FILMS robadamsfilms.com STUDIO 57 studio57fitness.com TAYLOR’D PHOTOGRAPHY taylordphoto.com TONY GAMBINO PHOTOGRAPHY tonygambinophoto.com
77.7331 ell.com • 505.5
www.gingerruss
- THEWCMAG.COM | 7
Table of
10
CONTENTS
09| editor’s letter 10 |the report 13 |DJ vs band 14 | send off in style 16 | social media during weddings 18| pretty in pantone
82
34 | weddings and wines 101 36 | it's all fun and games 38 | man to man: the bow tie bar 42 | 12 days of winter 48 | health and fitness 52 | a big fat greek wedding 56 | top off your cake with style 62 | social media: pros and cons 66 | rounding up the perfect table 72 | samantha + daniel 74 | ashley + benjamin
84
76 | allison + spencer
56
78 | katy + joe 80 | katilyn + travis 82 | julia + seth 84 | diy
from the editor GET I N VO LV E D ! Only thing we love more than working on the magazine is talking about the magazine. So drop us a line, e-mail, or phone call! 2402 52nd Street, Suite 9 Lubbock, Texas 79412 or hello@thewcmag.com We also accept blog comments, Facebook posts, tweets and cookies. thewcmag.com 806.744.0234 Photo by Peace Love Sue Photography
hello! I will confess, I am a proud Southern Californian that has come to call West Texas her home. Growing up, we would spend vacations camping in New Mexico. I discovered the fabulous New Mexico culture and terrain. Plus, who doesn't love an excuse to wear fabulous turquoise jewelry? New Mexico is utterly unique with their southwest sass, and fabulous landscapes we just had to have an issue that was THE New Mexico Issue. This magazine is jam packed with helpful tips on everything from New Mexico cake-spiration to stressful weight gain pre-nuptials. We wanted to put together the anything and everything New Mexico Issue and we did it! Everything from The Report being all New Mexico jewelry to seven ways to dress up your groom New Mexico style. I cannot wait to share all the savy southwest tidbits we found. Happy reading!
xoxo
�aly - THEWCMAG.COM | 9
� report THE
L L
A about OMBRE!
T
his year, it’s out with the old and in with the ombre! While we all know how difficult color matching can be, ombre is a great choice for any color scheme because it allows you to work with all lighter and darker variations of your choice of color. It’s easy to see why ombre is a very hot trend right now in the world of weddings. From hair to nails and flowers to dresses, everything comes in ombre now – just see for yourself.
Image by Stephanie Yonce Photography
DRESSES If you don’t necessarily want your bridesmaids dresses to be ombre, you can create an ombre look by having each of your bridesmaids wear a dress that is a shade lighter than the girl beside her.
CAKES Cakes are a fun way to incorporate ombre into any occasion. That’s what layers are for! Make each layer of the cake a darker shade, or if you want more of a true gradient, you can airbrush the color and go for a less “color block” look.
DECORATIONS
Image by Stephanie Yonce Photography
Image by Danni Beach Photography
Image by Jonathan Ivy Photography
Whether you are looking for a prominent ombre theme, or just little touches here and there, there are numerous ways to make it happen. Chair covers, napkins, centerpieces, rose petals, and more are just some of the creative ways we have seen brides incorporate ombre!
- THEWCMAG.COM | 11
HAIR Ombre is a new, exciting style when it comes to hair. For the bride who doesn’t just want the “same old, same old”, go for an ombre look! The gradient from dark to light looks very natural, but still adds a lot of dimension to your hair.
Image by Janelle Marina Ima
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INVITATIONS Invitations usually reflect the theme of the wedding, so if ombre is what you are going with, there is no better time to start than with the invitations. A really popular look right now is the watercolor look, which is a great way to tie a second color into your look.
FLOWERS Flowers are fun to play with when going for an ombre look. Since no two flowers are the exact same color anyway, it is a very natural transition from dark to light when using flowers like roses, carnations, and many others.
“Brand”
your wedding
with a BAND
Congratulations! He’s popped the question, and you’ve said “yes!” Now, the real work begins. Up until this point, you’ve been dreaming of that special day – what you would wear, who would be in your wedding, and maybe even where you would go to celebrate afterwards. However, did it ever occur that between saying “yes” and “I do,” that there would be so much more to plan?
Do the members of the band have a fun, party-like personality? Do they interact with the guests they are playing for? These are key questions to ask yourself when you are checking out a band for a reception. No one wants to go to a reception, where the live music is performed as if it were pre-recorded. Finally, when choosing a band over a DJ, be sure to ask if they will do the announcements for the first dance and all the other traditional wedding dances. Also, ask if they have recorded music that can be played during their break. This is important, as you certainly don’t want your guests leaving too early, thinking the music and the reception are over. Whichever choice of musical entertainment you may choose to “brand” your wedding reception with, remember it’s your choice. It’s your day, and it should ultimately be your perfect night! Make it yours!
Let’s look at your options - A band or a DJ?
The option that is most often considered is a band, because it is a live source of good music. But really how good is it? Can the band play a large variety of songs to please different tastes, or do they play only what they know? Do they try to play music that keeps people on the dance floor? After all, that’s what live music is known for. Do they realize when it’s time to slow things down and give guests a chance to take a break? There are so many factors to consider when choosing a live band. Even if the bridal couple happens to be country music-lovers, the band still needs to be versatile in their music selections, offering a few other styles as well.
ABOUT CINDI MLADENKA Cindi Mladenka likes to be considered a “celebration stylist,” creating “signature celebrations” such as parties, weddings and events all over Texas. She is the only trained wedding planner with the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners of Dallas in West Texas. Cindi is also a registered Certified Event Planner. A native West Texan, she resides in Midland, Texas where she lives with her husband, Mark, their two adult children, and their four Aussies.
- THEWCMAG.COM | 13
in style sendoff
Image by LMAC Photography
6
farewells you’re sure to love
Sendoffs are often overlooked, but they shouldn’t be! A bride and groom’s farewell is the final touch, the last opportunity to wow your friends and family. Why wait to find one? While we are all for exciting getaways, there is one to steer clear of—throwing rice! While seemingly harmless, rice can cause some serious problems for birds. If tossing something is your idea of a grand farewell, stick with something eco-friendly like birdseed or lavender. Whatever your preference, we have a sendoff that will suit your style.
- 14 | SENDOFF IN STYLE
Image by Gideon Photography
BRIGHTER THAN THE STARS Candle lit paper lanterns are definitely the most romantic farewell we have ever seen! Seeing a dark sky illuminated by candles floating away creates an enchanting ambience that is not soon forgotten. It is so neat finding the lanterns in the sky and spotting how far they have traveled! CHEERS! There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a crowd of people applauding and rooting for you and your beloved! Your wedding day is the perfect place for friends and family to show their support, so what could be better than a roomful of cheers and claps? Your excitement will be their excitement! UP, UP, AND AWAY Releasing balloons after your ceremony is such a cute and clever idea! This is definitely one to do during the daytime so that nobody misses out on watching the balloons fly up together. Using balloons is a great way to stay under budget while still providing a uniquely fabulous sendoff.
Image by Amenson Studio
Image by Renee Clancy Photography
LET LOVE SPARKLE Bubbles are a favorite choice among brides and grooms. Everything about them is fun and festive! Bubbles are also an easy way to get children participating in your getaway without any worries.
CRAFTY IS CUTE If you’re a DIY bride, then this is the perfect wedding project to use for your getaway. These wind ribbons are so adorable, your guests will rave over them! It is the perfect opportunity to show off your beautiful wedding colors. Add something cheerful like a bell to add to the festivities!
SHINE ON Sparklers are such a hit at weddings! They are a blast for both young and young at heart—and are super easy to use. The bright twinkling creates an amazing effect once the sun goes down, and the contrast between the dark sky and golden red sparks gives you a beautiful photo opportunity.
- THEWCMAG.COM | 15
social media
etiquette�
DURING WEDDINGS
Image by Tony Gambino Photography
Social media is a great way to keep people informed about your big day and display photos from the wedding and reception. Here are a few things to keep in mind about social media and your wedding.
should use social media during the wedding. Place a sign at the registration table and add a statement to the program which reads, “Please, no pictures or videos during the ceremony.”
• You may want to set up a website or Facebook events page for your wedding. This will help keep people informed about the details of your big day as they arise. Add details such as pre-wedding events, location of ceremony and reception, time, dress for guests, and gift registries. Be sure to update it regularly, but don’t overdo it. You don’t want people to look forward to the wedding because they are tired of hearing about your plans.
• Provide a hash tag for your guests to use when posting pictures from the reception and place reminders around the reception area.
• Keep your page appropriate and positive. Avoid “venting” any wedding frustrations. Post pictures of your showers, but not the bachelor or bachelorette party. Also keep in mind the feelings of people from your social circle who may feel excluded if they are not invited to all of the events. • Be sure to provide guidelines on how your guests
- 16 | SOCIAL MEDIA ETIQUETTE
• A “thank you” on your wedding website should not take the place of a handwritten “thank you” note for gifts. It’s fine to post pictures of you and your spouse on your honeymoon with a caption that reads “Thank you to everyone who made our wedding day so special.” However, each person who gave a gift should receive a personalized “thank you” note from you or your spouse. Reference: Post, Peggy, Post, Anna, Post, Lizzie, Senning, Daniel P., Emily Post’s Etiquette: Manners for a New World, New York, HarperCollins, 2011, 18th ed.
#
Your
Wedding
Image by Anna Smith Photography
ABOUT JULIE WAKEFIELD
J
ulie Wakefield is an etiquette expert and sought after public speaker. Her company, JW Etiquette, specializes in executive leadership and business etiquette training. Julie’s client base ranges from university athletic departments to corporations to non-profit organizations. Her most popular topics for classes include improving networking ability, making a good first impression, planning effective business meetings, dining tutorials, and cell phone, social media, and electronic communication etiquette. Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in business, a master’s degree in education, and is a certified business etiquette and international protocol consultant through the Protocol School of Washington. She resides in the Dallas area.
TIPS FOR HASHTAGGING • The hashtag information should be displayed where the guests are sure to see it! Make sure to showcase the info during the ceremony and reception. • Start using your hashtag as soon as you get engaged!This idea records a life-changing time in your love story from the engagement ring to the honeymoon. • Wedding guests should share their own favorite wedding details or selfies with the loved ones they spent the evening with. •One your honeymoon or first anniversary, sit down with your hubby and go through all the photos from your unique hashtag to re-live your big day! Images by Something Blue Wedding Photography, Freshly Bold Photography, Blue Hills Photography, and Pure in Art Photography
- THEWCMAG.COM | 17
PRETTY in pantone
A PERFECT THEME for Every Color Palette
I
nspiration for your big day can come from anything. You might be obsessed with a specific cake with real flowers, or a shoe with a bow on the back. The point is that smaller items can become the inspiration for your whole blissful day. We decided to do just that using these colors and designers as inspiration. For everything from a classic black elegance, to a gorgeous sunshine yellow, we have found the perfect pantone for your wedding day color palette. Which one will you favor?
Photography by: Gray’s Studios | Flowers, DÊcor, + Design: Parie Designs Stationary: Magnet Street | Cakes: Belmar Bakery
inspired
CHANEL
CHOCO
- 20 | PRETTY IN PANTONE
black tie In this Coco Chanel-inspired table setting, we opted for clean lines and romantic accessories. This design creates the perfect sophisticated affair with its elegant china and white poppy flowers against a black tablecloth. Simple, solid lines for the menu, place card and invitation are perfect to set the tone for this table, and every little detail down to the script font on the invitations says “classy.�
real weddings Want to see your fabulous wedding in our pages next issue? E-mail us! editorial@thewcmag.com
RALPH LAUREN inspired
hunter green
We just cannot get enough of this woodsy, unique Ralph Lauren-inspired look. This look is clean and sophisticated and allows the nature of the decoration to shine with the use of simple square plates, place card holders, and touches of leather accessories. This inspiration utilizes the best of the outdoors and brings a natural feel to this unique tablescape.
There is sunshine any day with this Kendra Scott-inspired look filled with sunflowers and yellow roses. A common theme in this design, from the invitations and tablecloth to the cake, is circles, which create a whimsical, light hearted tone for this setup. Everything about this table makes it the perfect choice for an outdoor, southern wedding in the summer or fall!
inspired
KENDRA SCOTT
sunshine yellow
VERSACE royal blue
inspired
This Versace-inspired table setting captures the iconic look with its daring royal blue and complementary yellow accents. This demonstrates a very unique design through a mixture of modern clean lines with a blend of textures as seen in the sequin tablecloth. From the spangled tablecloth to the large, tall vases of yellow blossoms, this is the perfect choice for an over-the-top evening wedding.
- THEWCMAG.COM | 25
VERA WANG inspired
- 26 | PRETTY IN PANTONE
the
wedding + CONNEC ION bridal bands
Bridal bracelets are designed as a benefit to advertisers and a resource for Brides. Brides get discounts with various advertisers associated with The Wedding Connection Magazine. Bracelets guarantee a bride who is wearing them discounts at certain advertisers across the New WestMexico Texas area. The bracelet also gets brides into various Wedding Connection events for a discounted rate.
Classic Ivory
The sweet simplicity of these Vera Wang-inspired colors and textures are sure to stand out. The soft colors in the flowers and delicate lace overlay on the cake provide a neutral and elegant table that mimics the look of her wedding gown designs. Everything from the simplicity of the candle votive to the delicate gold detail on the invitations makes this look stylish and chic. Just look at those chiffon chair backs!
- 28 | PRETTY IN PANTONE
LOUIBATON inspired
poppy red Go bold and red with this Louboutin-inspired table! This is perfect for a couple that is big, bold and loves dramatic effects. This theme revolves around embellishment and romance. The ornate, floral centerpiece is perfect for a large table, and the dramatic swirled patterns on the cake and invitations are sure to make a statement at any wedding event.
- THEWCMAG.COM | 29
PHILLIPE inspired
stark grey This Phillipe Starck-inspired design utilizes a theme of circles and swirls to create this ultimate modern setup. The square tiers of the cake are touched with silver detail to mimic the stems in the surrounding vases making the square shape flattering against the circular theme, and every detail from the orange color in the flowers to the clear table and chair makes this tablescape anything but ordinary.
- 32 | PRETTY IN PANTONE
W
eddings and ines
101 by Mike Laughlin
“ T
What will
we drink?
�
hese are four little words, and a million ways to impress or disappoint your guests on your wedding day. In my experience choosing what alcoholic beverages (if any) to serve at the reception scares many couples, and can lead to anxiety that does not need to exist. The flowers may clash with the place settings, your new mother in law may complain about every menu choice, and you may even regret the retro DJ, but you should never regret the wine or beer.
Here are a few simple questions I ask couples to remember when you sit down to choose service options.
Where are you serving? While many event centers allow you to choose what to bring in, who the caterer is, and where to set up, there are some sites that have their own bar service. Be mindful that your options may be limited if the reception is somewhere like this, but also be aware if you may have to provide your own set up.
- 34 | WEDDINGS AND WINES 101
What to serve? Beer or wine, cocktails or shots, water or tea? Deciding how many options are available to your guests is important for guaranteeing a smooth reception. Typically, the smaller the guest list, the fewer options you need to provide. For instance, for one to twenty five guests, you could choose one alcoholic option and two non-alcoholic options, but for seventy-five to one hundred guests, you may want to provide three non-alcoholic and three alcoholic options. Choose quantity of one or two types instead of giving your guests a buffet of choices. I always recommend couples pick three wines - a red, a white, and a sweet or blush - and two types of beer. The smaller the wedding, the less choices you can offer.
How much to serve?
Who is serving? Does the caterer provide TABC certified bar staff or do you have to contact another agency? Many event centers require you to have a certified bar staff if they do not provide their own, and different sites may even have limitations on who can be staff. For instance, many places may not allow you to pick friends or family to serve unless they are licensed or on the approved caterers list.
How are the drinks being served? There are different options for bar service, such as open bar and cash bar. An open bar is where you provide all of the drinks served. A cash bar is where you estimate the number of people and a third party or caterer provides the alcohol on a per guest basis. There are many ways to combine the two, and knowing which you are doing and what is allowed at your reception venue will help you decide.
Decide on the length of the reception to calculate how much you need. For the first hour, you should estimate two servings per guest and one serving for every hour after. For example, a three-hour reception would estimate four servings per guest. Use the guest list to guess how much to bring. If you are serving one hundred guests, usually half will drink beer and half will drink wine. A typical case of canned beer has twenty four to thirty servings, whereas a typical case of wine has sixty servings. So fifty wine drinkers need two and a half cases, and fifty beer drinkers need about six cases of beer.
Whose wedding day is it? This is one of the most important days of your life. Do not spend time worrying over if there is one bottle of Chardonnay for Aunt Laura because she refuses to drink anything else, or if Uncle Cody has whiskey for his mixed drink. Order what you like and save the extras for after the honeymoon.
- THEWCMAG.COM | 35
FUN
It'san All d
GAMES
I
t’s a question every bride and groom has to face—to include children in the wedding celebrations or not. While we think it is fine if the couple requests adults only, we love the idea of the little ones joining everyone for all the festivities! Children often grow bored with dancing or speeches, so it’s always a good idea to have some sort of activity planned to keep them entertained throughout the evening. Also, if the kiddos are busy, parents have more time to celebrate with the other guests! Luckily, there is a wide variety of games and fun that can entertain any child, and our list is just a start!
Image by Robert Evans
Image by Taylor Lord Photography
MOVIE THEATRE
Set up a kids’ movie theatre with a projector and a white sheet. A movie will get the kiddos excited and keep them occupied for a few hours. Throw down some big pillows and blankets, and they’re good to go! Don’t forget the popcorn!
- 36 | IT'S ALL FUN AND GAMES
Image by Taylor Lord Photography
Image by Pure in Art Photography Image by Taylor Lord Photography
Image by Sri Maiava Rusden
GOODIE BAGS
Fill goodie bags with the kids’ favorite snacks and small games – goldfish crackers, fruit snacks, Legos, stickers, and small books. If you know how many children will be attending the wedding, have a table set up with their names and place settings. Finding the special spot and a bag of surprises are sure to be something they will enjoy.
COLORING
The possibilities are endless with paper and boxes of crayons. Tables with white paper tablecloths are a blank slate of fun. The adults may even get in on a game of tic-tac-toe or drawing portraits of the bride and groom. Another coloring activity option is personalized coloring books. Print the books in advance and have kids color in your wedding story.
DRESS-UP PHOTO BOOTH
Hats, feather boas, sunglasses, and fake mustaches – how fun! Photo booths have recently become a popular reception activity, and the pictures of families dressed up in silly outfits turn out really cute. A simple backdrop, a few props, and a camera are all you need. A lot of giggles and smiles are sure to come from this wedding reception activity.
BUBBLES
Simple things like bubbles can preoccupy small children for hours! Worried about running out? No problem! You can find bubble recipes online and simply fill a container with your concoction for bubble replenishments throughout the evening. Bubbles all night!
CRAFTING
Arts and crafts are a great way to keep children entertained during weddings because they are so fun! Feel free to fill small bins or tubs with a variety of art supplies such as glue, feathers, gems—whatever your inner child might love. Creating a cute picture frame or some sort of easy project will ensure an evening full of fun for the kiddos while the parents are out dancing!
CHAPERONE/ CHILD CARE
Hiring childcare for a wedding might help eliminate some stress at the reception, so the adults can fully enjoy the celebration. There are wedding childcare services available, or you can hire babysitters you know. Be sure to let the couples with kids know in advance that childcare will be available so they are not worried about bringing the rest of their family along. A sweet note can be stuffed in with the wedding invitations or a quick phone call would also do the trick.
- THEWCMAG.COM | 37
Man to Man: THE BOW TIE BAR
COMBINING CLASS + COOL
W
hile grooms may not get nearly as much attention as the bride, don’t forget about the guys and their style on their special day. There is a big trend in wedding dresses right now: having not one, but two dresses. In recent years many brides have decided to swap out the formal ball gown for a fun and more comfortable dress as she gets down on the dance floor. A similar trend is emerging for the groom and his men. Instead of swapping the formal tux for a completely new suit, a simple tie change will do the trick. Changing from a formal black bow tie or necktie to a colorful polka dot piece will instantly transform any tux from old-fashioned elegance to modern-day fun. Instead of just giving the groom and his groomsmen the option to swap out their formal neckwear, give your guests the option as well by setting up a fun bow tie bar.
- 38 | MAN-TO-MAN
Assortment of Bow Ties
SOME TIPS
FOR BUILDING The Perfect
BOW TIE BAR
W
hile the bow tie aficionado will insist that a self-tie bow tie is the only sartorically acceptable choice, the casual tie wearer will appreciate the convenience of the pre-tied clip on. That being said, make sure that the majority of the bow ties you buy are pre-tied. Collect a nice assortment of fun patterns and colors. Polka dots, bold paisleys, as well as wild madras plaids are always a great choice. Not only will these pieces infuse a little fun into your wedding photos, your guests will likely enjoy wearing them for years to come. For those ambitious guys that want to master their bow tie tying skills, below are some handy step-by-step instructions the folks over at Bows-N-Ties created for us.
Polka Dotted
Striped Bow Tie
- 40 | MAN-TO-MAN
12Winter days of
Weddings Image by Custom by Nicole Photography
W
e love winter! Cold weather and happy holidays seem to warm everyone’s hearts, including the many couples who get engaged in the winter. Here is an idea - why not take it a step farther and spring for a winter wedding? Sure, it’s close to the holidays, but for those of you who love the winter, there are so many ways to make this season extra special. With all of the different seasonal touches you can incorporate, into a winter wedding, red ribbon and lights are only just a start. From warm drinks to holiday playlists, we’ve researched everything you need to know for your winter wedding!
Coyote Candle Co.
Over 40.000 sq.ft. of Home Decor Lubbock, TX
|
806-798-9677
On the First day of winter...
Image by Jacqueline Williamson
POINSETTAS The iconic Poinsettia flower is the symbol of winter and a truly unique flower. A poinsettia is the essence of Christmas wrapped up into a flower. It is perfect for any aspect of a Christmas or winter wedding and can be displayed in many elegant traditional or even non-traditional ways. When one thinks of flowers what first comes to mind is the bouquet. The flowers can be arranged in a cluster like many traditional bouquets, surrounded with cream roses and baby’s breath to add a variety to complement the poinsettia. Every detail, even the chair backs can be a distinct detail, especially with a poinsettia. Try using the poinsettia as
- 46 | 12 DAYS OF WINTER
a contrast color compared to the cloth on the chair, or even the pop of color. From the style to the flavor, the cake is a major detail that the poinsettia can dress up. The poinsettia can be clustered at the top tier, draped down the side of the cake, or circled around each tier as the pop of color. Details at the ceremony and reception are key to the overall look of the wedding, however, the invitations are equally as important. The design of the invitations sets the standard and theme for the rest of the wedding. The poinsettia can be used as a minor detail in the corner or a watermark in the background allowing the font to stand out, or as the focal point on the front.
On the Second day of winter...
HOT DRINKS Nothing says, “Have a Cup of Cheer” at a winter wedding like two classic winter drinks served hot – hot chocolate and apple cider. These timeless winter drinks are a great way to keep guests warm during your special, but chilly, day. A hot drink will bring comfort and warmth on your special day. For hot chocolate, consider serving this specialty with an edible spoon or incorporating a hot chocolate Bar. A spread of a variety of toppings is a fun whimsical surprise for the guests young and old. For toppings, we recommend sweet treats such as the classic marshmallows or whip cream, caramel bites to melt into the coco, or peppermint. If guests so choose, they can add Bailey’s Irish Cream to add an extra punch of sweetness. For Apple Cider, serve with cinnamon for a kick of spice. Much like edible spoons for hot chocolate, apple cider can be served in an edible cup with the use of hollowed apples to drink from. This element is unique and perfect to add that extra touch of apple. Another inspired look for this drink can be done through the use of apple cider shooters. They can be garnished with thin apple slices and sugar around the rim. The shooters are a quirky memorable way to add a twist to this drink. Adult guests may also choose to add Cinnamon Schnapps or dark rum for extra warmth.
Image by Caroline Ross Photography
s e i d La TO E M I T S IT'
! T F I L
If your heart’s desire is a complete body transformation before the big day, it’s time to take charge and change your workout routine! Cardio is great and a necessary element of your total fitness package, but your golden ticket to the body you’ve been dreaming of is adding strength training to your current workout regimen. So stop worrying and start lifting!
If I lift weights will I get
BULKY?
No!
Simply put, If you are a woman it isn’t possible to “bulk up” with 2-3 1 hour sessions of weight work per week. It’s not nearly enough time and you don’t have the hormones necessary. Did you know that testosterone is the main hormone responsible for increasing muscle mass (bulk)? Men have an abundance of testosterone so they are able to gain muscle mass at a much faster rate than women. Women, on the other hand, have roughly the same testosterone levels as a 10 year old boy, and when was the last time you saw a beefed up 10 year old boy? When you lift weights that are heavy enough to be challenging, you actually create micro-tears in the muscle fibers. These tears are then repaired
- 48 | LADIES IT'S TIME TO LIFT
by the body, thereby creating the feeling of muscle soreness. Now here’s the kicker, because muscle tissue is more dense than fat, adding a little bit more muscle to your body and decreasing your fat actually makes you look leaner— not bigger! Wait, there’s more! Aerobic exercise burns calories during the workout and stops when the workout is complete. Muscle-building activities, however, create caloric expenditure long after the workout is over. Meaning that your body will burn calories for hours after you leave the gym. Working with weights breaks down muscle tissue and energy, in the form of calories, is required to repair the tissue. Unfortunately, the fear of bulk often leads women to avoid stren-
gth training in their daily fitness routines. It is very common for women to rely heavily on cardio in attempt to burn fat, stay fit and even shape up specific areas of their body, but cardio is only a small portion of a much bigger picture. Cardio is great for overall endurance and stamina, but it’s very difficult to tone abs and arms without any weight training. In reality, strength training is the only way to target and tone specific muscle groups. When you add weights to your workout regimen, your muscles will be working in ways that they haven’t. Your body will respond quickly to this change by building muscle (not bulk), which means you will burn loads of calories and convert flab to lean, toned muscle in a matter of weeks not months.
A FEW TIPS
to get you
STARTED... You can safely work out up to 6 days per week, with your strength training mixed in on 2-3 of those days. It is advised to take at least one day of rest per week. Definitely keep your cardio and yoga in the rotation but add in your heavy strength days for a big fat blasting boost!
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For a more fun, effective and motivating strength training experience attend a Group Exercise class such as RIP or Body Pump. These
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classes are designed to hit every major muscle group in your body and are choreographed and set to upbeat music that will really get you going!
Heavy weights are your friend and most likely exactly what you need to jump start your workout routine. Sticking with
Kick it up a notch with compound exercises. Think of sit
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ups, planks, squats and lunges as your foundation exercises. Now think of doing sit up twists with a hand weight, walking planks, lunges with biceps curls and squats with overhead press. Simply put, more muscle movement equals more calories burned.
2
your same light weights will land you in a rut and you will cease to see results. You’ll know your weights are too light if you’re no longer sore after your strength training workout.
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Push your body - You are stronger than you think!
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- THEWCMAG.COM | 49
On the Third day of winter...
Image by Kristin Griffin Photography
WARM SHOES Much like a bride’s wedding gown, the right shoes are equally as important. With colder weather coming up, now is a perfect opportunity to try a new style of wedding shoe and, of course, keep your toes warm on the special day. Boots are a great way to keep your feet warm and still be stylish. We recommend trying fur-lined winter boots. Ugg Australia, or, Ugg boots, now makes a special pair of winter boots specifically for winter brides. The boots come in white and silver, and of course, have the perfect hint of sparkle. They are fur lined and perfect for a dressy, yet very warm, look.
- 50 | 12 DAYS OF WINTER
The bootie, much like a regular boot is a great choice that is usually overlooked. The bootie is growing more and more popular and looks perfect for any winter wedding. We recommend a beautiful lace bootie that will look elegant yet still warm when worn with your perfect dream gown. If a boot just is not for you, we recommend a warm flat. Look for a lined shoe – something with fur or corduroy inside, such as Toms. If you are looking for a warmer footwear option, but not the traditional high heel, any of these unique options are sure to keep those toes toasty.
On the Fourth day of winter...
BOUQUETS Since winter is typically seen as a “dark� season, these color pallets are sure to having you styling, winter 2014 style! As you probably know, there are specific color schemes that really stand out for this time of year, and each of these color pallets are perfect for this winter. For each dark color, there should be a lighter and more neutral color to complement it, as well as a slight accent color to create an elegant look that flows well throughout the wedding.
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Image by Custom by Nicole Photography
A BIG, FAT
GREEK
Wedding
WAYS TO INCORPORATE YOUR FRAT/ SORORITY IN YOUR WEDDING DAY
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ften times men and women who are or were in a fraternity or sorority like to find a way to honor that brotherhood or sisterhood in their wedding. For many people, “Greek” life was a time where they made some of their closest friends, who might even now be their groomsmen and bridesmaids, and it might have even opened the door to how they met. Whatever the case, incorporating your organization’s heritage into your wedding is a great way to show off each of your roots, celebrate fun traditions, and even pay tribute to all your “brothers” and “sisters” who are a part of your special day. Image by Woodland Fields Photography
CALL ATTENTION TO COLORS Fraternity and Sorority colors are very recognizable. The bride could incorporate her sorority’s colors into the wedding party’s outfits, or vice versa with the groom and his fraternity colors. You can also include these colors when decorating your reception area.
- 52 | A BIG, FAT GREEK WEDDING
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All sororities have a flower that represents some aspect of their organization. When planning your wedding, consider including the sorority flower in the groomsmen’s boutonnieres, the bridesmaid bouquets, and anywhere else you can!
Although the bride tends to go with a large, white, traditional cake, incorporating your sorority’s crest or symbol in your cake is a great way to honor your sorority - or for guys, fraternity. You can also choose to use these symbols on smaller desserts, such as cookies, cake pops, or cupcakes if you need a way to be both traditional and non-traditional.
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One of our favorites ideas is incorporating your sorority as your “something borrowed.” In this photo, all of the bridesmaids were sorority sisters of the bride, and each of them let her borrow their sorority pin to attach to her bouquet. The same can be done with a guy, who could use his fraternity brother’s pins on his pocket square of inside his coat on his vest if he is wearing one.
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YOUR "SOMETHING BORROWED"
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One of the most common traditions that sororities have at weddings is serenading the bride. The women celebrate the marriage by circling up around the bride and singing songs from their sorority. The same can be done for the fraternity brothers, who typically circle up around the bride to sing. Sometimes they even coordinate a dance or get down on one knee, all of which will make the bride just melt!
If all of the above are too “over the top” for you and your groom, that’s ok! If so, do not miss out on a group photo opportunity! Have the DJ announce for all sorority sisters to meet at a specific spot where they can all get at least one picture altogether, and do the same for the groom and his fraternity brothers.
- THEWCMAG.COM | 53
Image by Anna Gleave Photography
On the Fifth day of winter... DIAMOND RINGS The cut and style of every diamond is different and unique in its own way. The question is how to chose the most flattering for your hand. Most brides have an idea of a cut they like, however, a diamond may look different on each woman’s hand. Our advice when it comes to a style of ring and cut of the diamond is to try it on, THEN find your favorite. It’s ok to have a cut in mind, but try it on before you commit to it to make sure you love it on your hand. The ring should be as unique as the woman who wears it, no matter the shape or size of the diamond.
- 54 | 12 DAYS OF WEDDINGS -
On the Sixth day of winter...
WARM ACCESSORIES We love accessories - especially if they are for staying warm! For winter, its important to consider what parts of you or your guests might get cold – hands, feet, arms, legs, neck, and ears – and plan accordingly. A recent trend for weddings of extreme temperatures is to have favors that keep your guests comfortable, so consider providing some of these less expensive accommodations or recommend them to your guests. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Scarves Gloves/Mittens Fur muff Personalized Hand Warmers Hose or Warm socks Mink wrap or jacket Image by Visions Photography
top off your
7
cake with style
fabulous toppers
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ou’ve sampled the cake, selected the style, and now all that’s left to do is choose a topper! Deciding what looks best on your edible piece of art can be challenging, but no need to fret. There are an endless variety of toppers to make your day complete, ranging from traditional and sweet to something your or your guests might never see again. We love them all, so choose your favorite!
1. MAD FOR MONOGRAMS Initials and monograms have always been a HUGE wedding trend, and for good reason. Your wedding day is the perfect time to embrace and feature your new initial whether it’s lit up on the dance floor or designed onto your perfectly matching napkins - but nothing beats the cake! What could be a more perfect place to show off your new favorite letter? 2. BUNDLE OF BEAUTY It’s hard to go wrong when your topper is as elegant as a bundle of fresh flowers. Not only is it appealing to the eye, but also flowers simply radiate romance, creating the perfect atmosphere for you and your sweetheart. Your guests will do more than offer a brief glance when they see a beauty like this.
3. THAT’S MY NAME
4. GET THOSE WHEELS TURNING
There is something about seeing “Mr. and Mrs.” on a cake that fills people with pure joy. Guests love sharing the newlywed’s excitement! Name toppers are both stylish and personable, and they fit in at any type of wedding.
For those wanting to stand out and do something out of the norm, you’re not alone! This steampunk inspired cake is the epitome of unique. You may want something other than a variety of wheels to embellish your cake, but at least we’ve got your wheels turning! (Pun Intended)
Images by Brett Alison Photography, James Ramsay Photography, Tri Artic Photography, Something Blue Wedding Photography
- 56 | TOP OFF YOUR CAKE WITH STYLE
5. WORDS FROM THE HEART What better way to capture the mood of the party than a fun slogan on your cake? You can make it personal, sweet, or just fun! Selecting a phrase might seem overwhelming, but just sit down with your groom and decide on a slogan or word that describes how the two of you feel about each other or the wedding!
Image by Lindley's Photography
6. JUST A COUPLE OF LOVEBIRDS Using animals as cake décor is just the cutest! We’ve seen birds, penguins, elephants—and they always look adorable! These types of toppers are ideal for those throwing a themed wedding where the animal is bound to show up elsewhere, or even for the avid animal lover who might want to incorporate their favorite animal or pet.
7. A DYNAMIC DUO Tradition - it’s tried and true and, in this case, absolutely flawless. Figurines of the bride and groom placed on the wedding cake are so much more than a trend - they have become classic. They are eye-catching on naked cakes, but also look very sweet with typical wedding cakes as well.
Image by JD3 Photography
Image by Pure in Art Photography
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Private Weddings at the Flying J Ranch in Beautiful Ruidoso, New Mexico
The Flying J Ranch is the perfect destination to host your private wedding and reception. The Ranch offers various indoor and outdoor spaces, on-site rentals, food, full reception and more. Let us show you how our old-fashioned hospitality can help make your special day one to remember. Call (888) 458-3595 or visit us on the web at yingjranch.com/weddings
On the Seventh day of winter...
WINTER DECOR Winter weddings can have just as much variation in the decor as any other season. With winter weddings come lots of fun ideas for decorating, such as a forest theme with twigs and branches, or more of a holiday theme of holly and berries with red and green ribbons. Both are stunning concepts that create a cozy and seasonal feeling. Let the details reflect what make this season memorable for you and your spouse with some of our favorite winter decorating ideas! Image by Romancing Belle Photography
On the Eigth day of winter... SONGS During the winter, there are special songs that always come to mind. Some are new and some are classic, yet each one sets the tone and feeling of wintertime. For those of you planning a winter wedding, playing seasonal music is not a bad thing! Although, you may want to avoid song specifically geared towards Christmas Day and Santa Claus, everyone loves music that reminds them of the holidays. Here are our top eight seasonal tunes that are sure the have your guests smiling and dancing! 1. Canon D/Christmas Canon 2. I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm 3. Baby It’s Cold Outside 4. A Marshmallow World 5. Let it Snow 6. Jingle Bell Rock 7. Winter Wonderland 8. Sleigh Ride Image by Jaimie Johnson Photography
Image by Bumby Photography
On the Ninth day of winter... PINECONES Pinecones are a great winter element that is easily over looked. As a staple for this season, pinecones, when placed in unique ways, can be that little something extra. This focal element makes a statement and compliments other details of the wedding to help them to standout. There are many ways to incorporate this detail to add character and style to your winter design. Try enhancing you décor with these nine uses for pinecones! Invitations • Cake • Centerpieces • Mixed with flowers in a bouquet • Place Card Holder Candle votive holder • Boutonniere • Chair back • Isle Decor
A
LLEEJ is a full-time wedding & portrait photography businessdedicated to serving clients both in Texas and worldwide. Alexandra Joplin is the owner and photographer behind ALLEEJ & uses a photojournalism+lifestyle photography to create timeless images for her clients.
U
Pick Up the Camera!
sing social media at weddings has become quite controversial in this day and age. For many photographers, it is discouraging to have phones, iPads, etc. interfering with their professional work, and unfortunately at times ruining shots that the couple has invested in the professional to capture. There are many who are against the use of social media and guests snapping pictures during weddings when a professional has been hired to thoroughly document the day; however, I am here to say that there may be several benefits to having your guests snap pictures of their own! As a professional photographer myself, I believe that there is an etiquette guests should honor during the events of a wedding. For example, during the wedding ceremony I think it’s totally fine to grab a quick picture on your phone; however, I believe that it is NEVER appropriate to use your iPads or lean out into the aisle to get a good picture. Let’s be real, we look silly trying to use an iPad to take pictures anyways. Just snap a quick one with your phone from your unique perspective, and then sit back, engage, and be all there for the ceremony. For the entirety of the event, I think you should be able to take as many and all the pictures you would like. At the same time, if a couple has hired a professional photographer, you should honor that and allow the professional to get the shots needed without disturbing them. All that said, I think it is so much fun to have the wedding documented from the guests’ point of view! It is part of our culture to document
- 62 | SOCIAL MEDIA PROS & CONS
our lives through pictures, and we share that by using social media outlets. I believe it is so exciting for the bride and groom to be able to re-live their day almost instantly through guests sharing pictures on Instagram, Facebook and other social media outlets. I personally think it’s a fabulous idea when couples come up with a clever hashtag that guests can tag with their photos, creating an instant collection of photos from the day. Having the perspective of your family and friends gives a personal touch and honestly sometimes may end up being some of the couple’s most cherished photographs. I believe the use of social media is priceless for couples who do not have a budget to hire a professional to capture the day. Your guests become the preservers of your memories through their pictures. Once a bride myself, I can honestly say I adore my photographs captured both professionally and by my guests. Often times, it takes a few weeks to get pictures back from the wedding day, so those instant, personal pictures captured by guests is so great for couples to have, share, and remember the day by. In conclusion, I am all for social media being used during weddings. My motto has and always will be “the more pictures the better.” Therefore, I say snap away!! Couples, be sure to share a fun hashtag with your guests so you can see all of their pictures from the day. To the guests, just remember, honor the bride and groom by being aware of the professional and always allowing them to get shots before getting taking your own. And remember, iPads are never a good idea—leave them at home with the babysitter!
Rob Adams is a New Jersey-based wedding cinematographer with more than 15 years experience in wedding videography. His films are nationally and internationally recognized for their story-telling style and beautiful cinematography. He and his wife, wedding photographer Vanessa Joy travel the world shooting weddings and educating the industry.
A
Unplug Your Wedding
s a wedding videographer, guests who take it upon themselves to get what they feel like is a good photograph is a nightmare—and truth be told, it only hurts the bride and groom. I can’t tell you how often a wedding guest has completely ruined a key moment for me as the paid professional, the one who has been tasked with satisfying a bride and groom who only want to relive their wedding after it whips by in a flash. In a church, the problem is exacerbated. About 90% of the time videographers are told they cannot move at all, especially during the processional. So that means not only do I have to contend with a controlling priest and several professional photographers, but now I have to deal with getting blocked by the lady leaning halfway into the aisle with her massive iPad with a bright pink flip case that completely obscures the bride’s face as she walks down to her groom. For years many people complained about wedding vendors being obtrusive but now that awesome new technology allows us to remain incognito it’s the wedding guests who are ruining it. Trust me when I say this: your hosts would much rather have you ‘in-the-moment' rather than looking through the back of a camera with your face shining blue from the light of the LCD screen. Not to mention, they would rather not have hundreds of flashes going off directly in their face. I’m sure the bride would prefer this not to happen during this time of extreme anxiety. After all, she's just trying to put one foot in front of the other to get down the aisle. As a wedding filmmaker, I’m not just covering the day like wedding videographers used to, I’m trying to create a beautiful story that has gorgeous shots and composition, with as few disruptions and obstructions as possible. Your camera, phone, iPad, or whatever else combined with associated
flash/steady bright white light have the ability to completely ruin one of the most important shots of the day. It’s time people realize that just because you have the means to use technology at weddings doesn’t mean that you should, or that it’s okay to make someone else’s job more difficult. After all, I don’t come to your desk and start yelling out random numbers while you’re trying to do your accounting or leave my foot out between the tables while you are carrying a tray of dishes to the kitchen. In my opinion, it’s downright rude to be on your phone or looking through a screen when a bride and groom have asked you to witness their solemn wedding ceremony. I believe that awareness of the issue and calling people out when they cross the line is the only way to address this problem before it gets worse. I absolutely advocate a bride having an unplugged wedding and making sure that everyone knows that having a phone or camera in your hand during the ceremony will result in a cattle-prod to the back of the neck. Okay, rant over.
Image by Axel M. Studios
Image by Amber Lynn Photography
On the Tenth day of winter... CAKES Typically speaking, the wedding cake is often a focal point for the reception and reflects the overall theme of any wedding. Experimenting with a tasty filling or flavor of your cake is a great way to incorporate seasonality, and much like the décor, you can decorate the cake with a wide variety of winter elements. Take for example a woodland theme or the classic snowflake and icicles. If you are more interested in a simple design, consider dressing up an all white cake with a few of our favorite small accents. Regardless of the look you are wanting, we have ten great ideas for your holiday cake! Fondant Snowflakes • Icicles • Silver Bells or Glitter • Winter flowers • Woodland Branches Tiers of Holiday Ribbon • Lace, Argyle, or Swirl Textures • Shape it like a Present • Snowy Cupcakes Cranberry or Raspberry filling
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- 64 | 12 DAYS OF WEDDINGS -
On the Eleventh day of winter...
INVITATIONS Invitations are a crucial part of the wedding process that gives guests an idea of the theme of the wedding. Invitations come in a wide variety of designs, fonts, and sets, and it is important that no matter what the overall design is, that the font is clear and easy to read for guests. For making them seasonal, we suggest incorporating winter colors or one of our favorite designs that best reflects your personality! 1. Feaux Snow 2. Tree Branches 3. Mistletoe 4. Deer 5. Pinecones 6. Poinsettias 7. Ribbons 8. Holly 9. Bows 10. Ornaments 11. Snowflakes
Image by Custom by Nicole Photography
rounding up the
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perfect table
eception tables—round, long, or both? Trying to decide on what shape you should settle on can be a real challenge. There are many variables to consider before committing yourself to a certain type of table, such as the number of guests and available space at your venue, types of centerpieces, and what sort of ambience you hope to achieve. If you have your heart set on a certain shape or style, go for it! But for those who are a little unsure or simply need some answers, look no further!
N RO U D
In the wedding world, circular tables are the popular choice. They are perfect for receptions that are more on the casual side and for those looking for a more traditional look. We generally recommend this type of seating style for those whose guests may not know each another intimately, as they won’t have to try and force a conversation with the person at the opposite end and should be comfortable enough with those on either side. If your guests do know one another, you might consider using smaller tables to keep everyone close and conversational. Typically speaking, round tables don’t need much decorating to look great, however, round tables make choosing or creating centerpieces a little easier. The one caveat we have for using rounds is that they take up a great amount of space. These tables can usually sit between six and eight, and if you have a large number of friends and family celebrating with you, it might be a tight evening. Also, they lack straight edges so the tables could not be stacked against each other to save room. However, if you have a spacious venue or small guest list, your venue will look utterly timeless.
RECTANGULAR There is simply no denying it, rectangular tables are turning into quite the trend! They are an ultra-modern approach to seating and, if done right, can look absolutely stunning. Rectangular tables often inspire a more formal and elegant atmosphere to the evening because they are not used as often. They also allow for more additions to the centerpieces that create a complete, full appearance. A mixture of small and large arrangements and interesting details or candles make for beautiful décor on long tables. This “family style” seating is wonderful for friends and family who are close to one another because they are able to talk with guests on either side of them as well as those sitting both directly across the table and to their right and left. Not only do they look unique, but they also help save room if there will be dancing. While this seating style is fun and original, it can make serving food to your guests a bit more difficult due to less maneuverability. Instead, we suggest doing a buffet for your
- 66 | ROUNDING UP THE PERFECT TABLE
meal! Ultimately, rectangular tables can leave a contemporary and sophisticated impression on friends and family that they are sure to love! So, what to choose? No matter the decision, both can be decorated beautifully. If you want to spice things up, use both! There are amazing arrangements that incorporate round and rectangles together, as well as square. At the end of the day, people won’t be ranting and raving about the style of table, so no need to stress! Go with what is more functional or what you think will be more comfortable for your guests.
On the Twelth day of winter...
WINTER DRESSES Baby, it’s cold outside, and every winter wedding bride needs a dress with some warmth. This seasonal Alfred Angelo gown with lace sleeves is perfect for a holiday wedding! What better time than winter to wear a dress with sleeves? Everything about this dress, down to the intricate lace detail, says winter. When decided on a dress for a winter wedding, choose a dress with more material. Small details such as sleeves, a full shirt, and a lace-up torso can make you much warmer than you might think. For some extra fair, consider a dress with some color or spice things up with a rich red sash, shoes, or jewelry. Images courtesy of Alfred Angelo
real s g n i wedd
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SAMANTHA WAIDLER DANIEL JARAMILLO Ceremony & Reception: Cimarron NM
- 72 | REAL WEDDINGS
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amantha and Daniel met one night in March 2011 when a friend of Samantha’s had been pestering her to go out. Her friend introduced her to the band, including the drummer, Daniel. On Canyon Road in Santa Fe on Christmas Eve, the road was shut down to traffic and lined with beautiful displays of farolitos. In a courtyard just off of the main road, Daniel got down on one knee and asked Samantha to marry him. Samantha did not want a traditional style wedding dress. She was looking for something that had a vintage look and feel. When she discovered BHLDN, she was immediately struck by her biggest splurge - the Lita Gown. The couple decided to stick to tradition and did not see each other the day before or the day of the ceremony. Of the many favorite memories of the wedding, the one that stands out to Samantha was the song her husband had written for her. After the father/daughter dance ended, he took his guitar and began this amazing, funny and sweet song. It was a total
surprise to Samantha. A few days before the wedding, Samantha and a friend drove down to Santa Fe and bought an entire grocery cart full of flowers from Trader Joe’s. On the morning of the wedding, Samantha and her bridesmaids made their bouquets. A local flower shop did the boutonnieres, and potted flowers lined the aisle.
The couple’s advice to future brides and grooms would be to enjoy the day as much as possible, let other people take charge, and just go with the flow. “Take a moment and just take it all in with each other. It goes by so fast!” says Samantha. Samantha and Daniel are currently living happily in Santa Fe, NM planning some wonderful travel adventures.
-Images by 2 Birds Studio Wedding PhotographyBride’s Dress: BHLDN | Bride’s Shoes + Accessories: Lucchese cowboy boots, ETSY headpiece Bridesmaid’s Dresses: BHLDN & Anthropologie | Menswear: Men’s Warehouse. | Florist: Trader Joe’s Caterer: A Taste of Cimarron, Chuckwagon catering. | Rentals: Celebrations Event Rentals, Taos, NM. Decorations: handmade decorations. | DJ or Band: Anthony Leon and Paige Barton
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ASHLEY BENJAMIN MOHLER
- 74 | REAL WEDDINGS
Ceremony Location: Hotel Albuquerque Outdoor Pavilion and Gardens Reception Location: Embassy Suites
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en and Ashley met six years ago when they were both starting a new job at the Verizon Wireless call center in Albuquerque. On their first date, they knew they had something special. Four years later, Ben popped the question. The weekend of Ashley’s college graduation, there was a graduation party in her honor. An hour into the party, Ben got everyone’s attention and got down on one knee in front of all of their family and friends. Ashley says he couldn’t have picked a better moment.
When Ashley started dress hunting, she knew that she wanted an Alfredo Angelo Disney Fairy Tale Princess dress. After trying on two of his dresses, she found Cinderella. When she put on the dress, she immediately started to cry - happy tears, of course! Ben and Ashley’s two-year-old daughter was the flower girl at the wedding and wore a toddler play dress that was Cinderella. Matching her daughter for her most cherished moment is now
one of Ashley’s most special memories. Since Ashley’s favorite flower has always been the orchid, the centerpieces were orchids submerged in vases with a purple glow in the rocks at the bottom of the vase. The bouquet was a mixture of white flowers embellished with gems, including orchids. Attached to the bouquet was a key, and to the groom’s boutonniere, a locket. Amongst the couple’s favorite moments of the wedding was the ride to their photo shoot. They were in a stretch limo with close friends and siblings drinking, laughing, dancing, and having the time of their lives. Ashley loved dancing the night away and being the center of attention in her gorgeous ball gown. The couple agreed that the reception flowed perfectly, all thanks to a fantastic DJ. Ben and Ashley have been married one year and just bought their first home. They plan to grow their family and careers and plant roots in their favorite city, Denver.
-Images by Lindi Todd PhotographyBride’s Dress: Alfred Angelo | Menswear: Men’s Warehouse. | Florist: Albuquerque Florist Caterer: Embassy Suites | Cake: A Cake Odyssey Decorations: The Knot, Wedding Star | DJ: Too Hot To Stop Entertainment
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ALLISON RHODES SPENCER MCGUIRE
- 76 | REAL WEDDINGS
Ceremony & Reception Location: New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum
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pencer and Allison met at a campus ministry in college. He was leading worship, and she was in the crowd when he caught her eye. The next semester, he asked her out for coffee, they went on their first date, and never looked back! Spencer proposed in his parent’s backyard at a back-to-school pool party that he put together. Allison was hanging out having a good time when he came around the side of the house playing his guitar and singing “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers. Everyone joined in singing, and when the song was over, Spencer dropped to one knee and asked Allison to marry him. After some searching, Allison put on an Alfred Angel Modern Vintage dress and loved it. When she went out to show her mother and sister-in-law, she knew it was the one solely by their reaction. Spencer and Allison decided to do a first look, and they were so happy with the decision. It really helped calm their nerves, and it was such a special moment for them to be able to express how beautiful/handsome each other looked and how excited they were for the wedding – two things you can’t really do during the wedding. Since the wedding was in Las Cruces, the couple decided that green chili was a must-have on the wedding menu. They served a salad with pecans, blue cheese and cranberries, rolls, green chili mashed potatoes, broccoli and asparagus, brisket and chicken topped with green chili sauce. The dessert was cupcakes - vanilla with peach frosting.
-Images by Lindsay Davenport PhotographyBride’s Dress: Alfred Angelo | Florist: Barb's Flowerland Caterer: Embassy Suites | Cake: Let Them Eat Cake Rentals: Dickerson's Catering | DJ: Alec Berve
The couple’s biggest splurge was the videography. After her sister-in-law told her the biggest regret from her wedding was not having a videographer, Allison reconsidered, and now says her seven minute video captured the day perfectly. After their honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico, Allison and Spencer moved to Lubbock, Texas. Allison is currently attending graduate school for speech-language pathology at Texas Tech University, and Spencer is working as an IT consultant. They are loving married life and consider it a huge blessing!
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KATY RHOADS JOE WRIGHT
- 78 | REAL WEDDINGS
Ceremony & Reception Location: Flying J Ranch, Ruidoso, NM
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hen Katy was in high school, she and her friends went on a “scavenger hunt” where she was supposed to kiss a stranger on the cheek. She ran into Joe that night and he agreed to be the stranger. They exchanged numbers and went on their first date November 15, 2009. When Joe and Katy purchased their first house together in 2011, all of their family came over to look and bring housewarming gifts. Katy had no idea that Joe was going to propose in front of the whole family that night. Katy thought she knew exactly which dress she wanted and immediately bought it without trying anything else on. She wanted the dress she bought to make her family say “WOW!” But first, she asked the bridal consultant if she could try on another gown just to have something else for them to see. She pulled a random dress, stepped out in it, and fell in love. Katy
returned the first dress, bought the second “accident dress,” and said she had never felt so beautiful. Since the wedding started at eleven in the morning, Joe and Katy had a lemonade “cocktail hour” immediately following the ceremony. They served lemonade of all flavors in mason jars so that each guest could write their name on it and take it home. Instead of the traditional wedding cake, the couple had Cake de Jour deliver four different flavors of 200 cupcakes that morning. The bouquets and boutonnieres were all silk flowers done months in advance to take the pressure off. However, there were tons of real flower arrangements at the ceremony and the reception. Two days before the wedding, when Katy found out that over half the flowers wouldn’t be
delivered, one of the bridesmaids managed to find flowers at the last minute and made the most beautiful centerpieces, which Katy loved even more than the ones she originally wanted. Katy’s advice is, “Don’t procrastinate. During all the crazy wedding planning, don’t forget what a wedding is all about. It’s going to be okay if things don’t work out perfectly - you’re marrying your best friend and that’s what truly matters.” After being apart for so long, Joe and Katy are just enjoying married life and building their lives together. They plan to travel and are making lists of different places and things to see together.
-Images by Meg Singleton PhotographyBride’s Dress: David's Bridal | Bridesmaid's Dresses: David's Bridal | Menswear: Everything Nice, Hobbs, NM Florist: Janelle Blain & Jackie Brown | Caterer: Flying J Ranch | Cake: Cake de Jour, Ruidoso, NM | Band: TC Fambro & The Copperheads
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KATILYN HANSON TRAVIS OWEN Ceremony & Reception: Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, Las Cruces, NM
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atilyn and Travis met at their job while they were undergrads. Katilyn was against dating her coworker, so she tried keeping her distance. After a binge-watching night of Planet Earth on Blu-ray, they started having a conversation about likability, one-upping each other, and debating which one of them their boss liked more. When Katilyn told Travis, “I like you more than ice cream,” his reply was, “Then why aren’t you my girlfriend?” They went on their first date that weekend. Over the Thanksgiving break before Travis’s graduation, the couple drove downtown in Las Cruces where all the Christmas lights were up and walked through all of the adobe buildings. When they got to an open part of the plaza downtown, Travis got down on one knee and asked Katilyn to marry him. Three years of long
distance was worth it in the end.
weddings that go into the evening.
Katilyn and her family went shopping over Christmas break. She wanted to keep the wedding costs down, so a consignment shop seemed like a logical place to go. After trying on quite a few dresses, she found the perfect one for her - an ivory, A-line dress with cap sleeves, a boat neck in front, and a v-back that led into tiny buttons down the back.
For the reception, Katilyn’s mom, with the help of family and friends, put together a taco bar for the reception food - chicken and beef tacos with all the fixings, including tomato salsa and green chile salsa. They also served a variety of flavored waters, which was a perfect thirst quencher for a warm New Mexico night. It was just what Katilyn and Travis wanted!
Katilyn and Travis had a first look because they both wanted to have that special moment to themselves. By doing the first look before the wedding, they were also able to take the family photos prior to the ceremony with only a few sunset shots after the ceremony. The couple’s advice for New Mexico couples planning a wedding is to plan for better lighting as the night goes on! Lighting is crucial for outdoor
Now, Katilyn and Travis are both in Washington. Katilyn has one year left before she gets her veterinary degree and becomes Dr. Owen. After that, they plan to journey back to New Mexico and make a home there.
-Images by Taylor'd PhotographyBride’s Dress: Bride To Be Consignment | Bridesmaid's Dresses: Etsy | Menswear: Kohl's Florist: Las Cruces Florist | Caterer: Beck's Coffee | Cake: Le Rendez-vous Cafe Rentals: The Mesilla Valley Bosque
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JULIA SILVA SETH MCCORD
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Ceremony & Reception Location: Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
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hen they met, Seth and Julia worked at the same hospital. It was the last day of Seth’s pediatric rotation and Julia’s first day in a new department. She got lost and stumbled in to his clinic. Seth proposed on a camping trip with Julia’s family. They were on her parent’s land, where she spent summers as a kid. It meant so much to Julia that her family was there to celebrate. Julia searched high and low in Albuquerque, Denver, etc. She finally decided on a dress from Albuquerque. She wanted something classic, simple, timeless – it was exactly that. Julia’s favorite moment from the wedding was walking down the aisle and seeing the faces of people she loved, especially her husband to be. They decided to do a first look so that they could spend as much time as possible with friends and family at the reception, and both were glad they did.
-Images by Tony Gambino PhotographyBride’s Dress: Demetrios | Bride's Shoe + Accessories: Betsy Johnson | Bridesmaid's Dresses: Ann Taylor | Florist: Albuquerque Florist | Menswear: Banana Republic Wedding Planner or Designer / Cake / Caterer / Decorations: Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm | Band: Vanilla Pop
Julia wanted white and green flowers, so the main flowers were peonies and succulents - something classy with a southwestern twist. Her favorite part was the décor. There were candles, flowers, and luminarias everywhere. Some of the couple’s other favorites from the wedding were the band, the food, and the photo booth, of course! The couple’s favorite keepsake of the whole day, and most expensive splurge, was the video. Both their photographer and videographer made their experience excellent, and Seth and Julia both agree that getting along with your vendors can make or break your day. Seth and Julia just moved to Alaska and are settling in there. With a new house and new jobs, they are having a blast exploring the area. Julia says Seth is the perfect partner for her in every aspect of life.
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for beginner crafters ABOUT PINSPIRED
Pinspired is a full-scale Do-It-Yourself workshop in Lubbock, Texas that provides the supplies, tools and assistance for any project you want to take on. From small craft projects, to repurposing furniture, all the way to full-scale remodels, we help you every step of the way. To see more DIY projects by Pinspired, visit www.getpinspired.com.
MARQUEE LETTERS
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OUT OF 8" CARDBOARD LETTERS FROM HOBBY LOBBY SUPPLIES NEEDED: • Cardboard letters of choice (we used the 8” letters from Hobby Lobby) • Small dome lights • Decorative paint and brush • Black spray paint and metallic spray paint • Coping saw • Sand paper • Hot glue and Elmer’s Glue • Drill and bit
HOW TO: 1. Using the coping saw, or anything you can cut a small line with, “make an incision” in the front of each letter.
parable in size; lay out your light formation on the letters in order to verify the spacing for the holes you will drill.
2. Gently work the cardboard front away from the sides of the letter.
6. Once drilled out, take the letters and spray paint the inner and outer edges black a. Once dry, dust them with a silver metallic in order to get that metal flashing look.
3. Using sand paper, smooth the edges of the letters ridding them of any small paper fragments. 4. We took Elmer’s Gel Glue and smeared a small amount on the edges of the letter in order to keep the letters’ edges from swelling as we painted them. 5. Take something handy and com-
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7. Paint the inside of your letter whatever color you choose. We used Lone Star Love Chalk and Mineral Paint in the color TX 2-Step. a. Using a mix of brown and black
paint, lightly rub the inside edges of the letters where the walls meet the back to give a rusted/antiqued look. 8. Once dry, insert your lights from the back side and “Viola”, marquee letters perfect for any décor! 9. To take this a step further, Chelsea, the bride-to-be, cut a heart out of ½” MDF. 10. Drilled out her holes, painted the heart, hot glued the letters to the heart, pushed her lights through from the back and now has a sign to stand on a table at the wedding reception.
D.I.Y.
for intermediate crafters COMFORTABLE CRAFTERS
Chelsea plans to use this marquee sign at the edge of the dance floor to hang as the back drop of the dance floor at her wedding. Due to the pallet backer, the sign has a very sturdy base and can be leaned against something instead of hung if hanging the sign is inconvenient.
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HOW TO: 1. Lay out the letters to get the desired look you want. 2. Take something handy and comparable in size to your lights; lay out your light formation on the letters in order to verify the spacing for the holes you will drill. 3. Trace around your “lights” to mark where you will drill the holes. 4. Using a bit just large enough for the back of your lights to fit through, drill out the holes a. Sand the holes to not leave any splinters that will slow you down later 5. Paint the letters in your choice
of colors a. We used the Lone Star Love Chalk and Mineral Paint line to paint our letters in Call Me Darlin’, TX 2-Step and Fredericksburg. 6. Get creative!!! 7. Place your letters and screw them onto the wood from the back of the pallet. 8. Insert the bulbs from the front and the bulb bases from the back. This will hold the bulbs in place until you can staple them secure from the back. 9. Pull the bulbs taught against the pallet and staple the cords down to hold everything in place.
MARQUEE LETTERS OUT OF 23" WOODEN LETTERS FROM HOBBY LOBBY SUPPLIES NEEDED:
• String globe lights • Decorative paint and brush • Pallet • Sand Paper • Wood Glue • Drill and bits • Staple Gun • Ruler and/or tape measure • Screws or nails and hammer
11. Lights out, marquee on!
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advanced crafters
4' TALL MARQUEE STAR SUPPLIES NEEDED: • 4’x 4’ piece of ½” MDF • String globe lights • Decorative paint and brush • Black spray paint and metallic spray paint • Sand paper
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• Wood glue • Drill and bit • Staple gun • Square and flexible tape measure • Screws or nails and hammer or
nail gun if available • String and pencil • Jigsaw • Wood for “metal edges” • Angle finder
1. We cut a 4’x8’ sheet of MDF in half to get our 4’x4’ board) Use the square to run one line down the center of the board and another across the center of the board. Where the two lines intersect, hammer in a small nail. 2. Now, don’t get too excited, but remember this? C=2πr, yep, that’s right! We used good old algebra to find the circumference of our circle. Remember that the Circumference (C) {the outside ring) of a circle equals 2 Pi's (Pi=3.14) {2 Pi= 6.28} multiplied by the Radius (r) {half way through the middle of the circle}. Instead of trying to measure around the entire circle by yourself, just measure your radius (r) but measure from the nail hole in the center of the circle to the outside edge of your circle and then plug that into your equation. 3. Taking anything long and straight, connect your marks to form the star.
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4. Using a Jigsaw (or hand saw if you are really ambitious!), cut out the star.
5. Now measure to find out how long your “metal edges” need to be. 6. Using a tape measure and something to mark your “lights” find your hole spacing and drill out your holes. Again, use a bit that is just large enough for the light base to fit through. Sand both surfaces of your star so that you don’t have any splintering left around your holes or on your edges. 7. Paint the star in your choice of colors 8. Spray paint your “metal edges” on both sides with a black paint. 9. Insert the bulbs from the front and the bulb bases from the back. This will hold the bulbs in place until you can staple them securely from the back. 10. Pull the bulbs taught against the star back and staple the cords down to hold everything in place. 11. Lights out, marquee on and here you go!