DESIGNER TAKEOVER

Ankarsrum Slicer/Shredder Attachment - $190 - ankarsrumoriginalusa.com Ankarsrum Pasta Cutter Lasagnette - $120 - ankarsrumoriginalusa.com Ankarsrum Pasta Cutter Fettuccini - $120 - ankarsrumoriginalusa.com

Graypants WICK Rechargeable Lantern - $150 - graypants.com Mindful Crafts: Celestial Paint-By-Numbers - $23 - chroniclebooks.com Brooklinen Votive Set - $60 - brooklinen.com

Lesser Evil Paleo Puffs - $5 - shop.lesserevil.com Skinny Dipped Snacks - $5 - skinnydipped.com Glow Beauty Fuel Protein Bars - $28 - glowbeautyfuel.com Peace Out Acne Healing Dots - $20 - peaceoutskincare.com FEND Airway Cleansing Mist - $29

Baboon To The Moon Go-Bag Mini - $170 - baboontothemoon.com Eagle Creek Pack-It Gear Cube - $47 - eaglecreek.com Eagle Creek Isolate Sac Set - $40 - eaglecreek.com Cadence Capsules - $14 - keepyourcadence.com Zendure SuperTank Pro Portable Battery - $250 - zendure.com Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal E-Tools Organizer Mini - $25 - eaglecreek.com

Enhance Your Dining Experience WORDS BY STEPHANIE BLAKE

Beyond the wedding rehearsal dinners, bridal tea parties, and wedding receptions, family dinner nights at home deserve some rediscovery. This season is the most inspiring time to enhance the overall dining experience. My dinners involve my husband and our two 6-year-olds, Bella and Beau, who appreciate special time at our dinner table. Setting up the tablescape has been a ritual in my family and I now share this experience with my children. I remember the seriousness put into each meticulous placement at my mother’s dining table. Although I appreciate the seriousness, in my household, dinners and their setup are intended for enjoyment. My choice of tableware is timeless, amusing, and striking.

I often see a strong textile influence when I enjoy the New York Table Top shows. It must be the creative part of me that colors my lenses. Taste, I believe is rooted in the iconic personality of an individual. Oftentimes in bridal, we think the gown is selected from trends or the stylist's recommendations, however innately a bride-to-be's decision-making is going to be governed by her inner taste and what truly delights her.

A classy modern bride would select Rosenthal’s T.A.C. Skin whose collection displays strong mid-century influence in silhouette and decor. The set is featured in fine white, slightly translucent porcelain delicately ornamented with gold and platinum accents throughout on chiseled geometric shapes. Genuinely an artful endeavor is inspired by The Architectural Collaborative Inc.; a creative initiative that combines research, sculpture, and ingenuity, started in 1937. Truly clean, minimal, and innovative in design brings fresh life and an artistic appreciation to your tablescape. The price ranges from $45 - $550 and can be purchased at www.rosenthalusa-shop.com/en-us.

For a bold prodigious bride, let Versace’s iconic Christmas collections bring sensation and royalty to your table. Opulent in decor, these two vignettes unveil their own representation of the Versace idols. The Butterfly Garden is a whimsical and ornamental setting an enchanted mythical display. While Prestige is monochromatically overlaid with 24k gold filigree for a regal finish setting decadence over any special occasion dinner.

The price for Prestige ranges from $65 - $775 for a full dinner set. The butterfly collection is a 5pc set ranging from $125 - $525 and can be purchased on www.bergdorfgoodman.com.

All the while, Raynaud, a brand of my personal tableware aesthetic, with its organic shapes and intense colors, this collection of dinnerware promises to enliven. The latest Cristobal Emerald Green collection is bold and imaginative. Inspired by the deep sea, Coral branch shapes decorate porcelain pieces in 24-carat gold of rich hues for the unforgettable theatric bride. The pieces are handmade in France from Limoges porcelain. The price ranges from $65 - $1,565 and can be purchased at www.scullyandscully.com.

No matter the choice of tableware or the occasion, be iconic! Let the sincere you govern the decisions for most of the memorable moments in your and the life of your loved ones.

Cristobal Emerald Green

Rosenthal TAC Skin Platinum

Rosenthal TAC Skin Gold

Setting the Standard: The Delmonico Way with

Max Tucci

WORDS BY MYRDITH LEON-MCCORMACK

Max Tucci is an award-winning Author, Host, Producer, Director, and Entertaining enthusiast. Even with all those titles, he is the most approachable public figure, a celebrity you will want to be around and chit-chat over a delightful meal.

It’s amusing how Max responds to questions about his birthplace; “New Yorker, Born in the city that is so sublime they named it twice.” His ancestry is both Italian (from Firenze) and Lithuanian.

He humbly credits his artistic expression to a higher power. “For me, it's not what I chose per se; I received it from the divine. My gifts are the art of communication, storytelling, and visual and creative expression- then there are the ones I still am discovering—all of which I am grateful for.

Gastronomy Of A Family

Image of Max Tucci by Noah Fecks Image of Book Cover by Noah Fecks Food image by Jennifer Arce

Max recalls fond moments with his beloved grandmother and her wonderful dishes. “Food, glorious food! Growing up, my Lithuanian grandmother always made her famous potato pancakes topped with caviar, and her blintz recipe was splendid. Growing up ‘Tucci’ means growing up at Delmonico’s and experiencing every dish served there. In my new cookbook, The Delmonico Way: Sublime Entertaining & Legendary Recipes from the Restaurant that Made New York! Published by Rizzoli New York—I share my stories of food, family, friends, iconic old New York, and glamorous old Hollywood. My grandfather, Oscar, created the legendary Wedge salad. As a child, my Zia Mary would always make me the simplest recipe- pastina with zucchini in a delicious chicken broth -easy, simple, and made with love. We would watch Turner Classic Movies that mention Delmonico’s, and after all these years, I still remember those bowls of soup served in Ginori and how a simple dish like pastina brought us together.”

The Delmonico Way, which I call The Tucci Touch, is going the extra mile, heightening the experience and the energy to be sublime. Plan ahead, take your time and remember you are the creator of your reality. If you want glamour, bring the glamour. If you want joy, be the joy in the room. Because you are creating new stories and memories, in the end, storytelling brings us all together. Just as beautiful as it is to write the stories, remember to share them with those you love. Be the inspiration and shine!

There you have it, create memorable moments the Delmonico Way–with style and class. So make sure you grab your copy of the fabulous book and gift it to a friend.

Cookin’ In Brooklyn

Kate With Velasquez

Full name: Kate Hines Velasquez Occupation: Health Supportive Culinary Arts (aka, a person that cooks healthy food)

Kate's favorite go-to weeknight meal

Kelp Noodle Pad Thai

Ingredients 1 package of Kelp noodles 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp chopped spring onions 1 tsp chilli flakes 1 tbsp almond butter 1 tbsp tamari 1-2 tbsp noodle water Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions Soak kelp noodles then drain and rinse them under cold water. Separately, add spring onions and chili flakes to a bowl. Heat sesame oil on the stove top and add it to mixture. Add almond butter, tamari, a splash of hot noodle water and then give it a good mix. Add the sauce to the noodles and stir. Add toasted sesame seeds and more spring onions to garnish. Kate Hines Velasquez has a terrific occupation, if i do say so myself - health supportive culinary arts (aka, a person that cooks healthy food). We live in a society that has an overwhelming amount of fast food to offer you that is not necessarily great for you. But things are changing. I met Kate at the book signing event with the amazing max tucci, and she was glowing. And when i asked her what she did, it all made sense. What you eat significantly impacts how you look and feel. So as WBM has promised, we will continue to provide you with more information for a healthier lifestyle; we wanted to introduce you to Kate, our chef, who's 'cookin’ in brooklyn.’

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THIS LINE OF WORK? Like so many women, i struggled to lose weight after the births of my two daughters. I found conflicting advice everywhere i looked, and the noise was maddening. I just wanted someone to tell me what to do to get the weight off and keep it off, so i looked to experts in the field of health. I worked with a functional nutritionist, studied functional medicine, and ultimately left my career in corporate interior design to pursue my passion for health supportive culinary arts. Culinary school and my internship afterward in fine dining helped me hone my skills and become an expert at putting healthy meals on the table quickly. Food is medicine, and my recipes are a reflection of that. My goal has always been to teach other busy people how to get in and out of the kitchen quickly while nourishing their bodies with the best possible ingredients.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS WAY TO EXPRESS YOURSELF AND YOUR ARTISTRY? Food is my love language. It’s my vehicle to connect with others. It allows me to express to people how much they mean to me. Nourishing the bodies of those closest to me is what the joy of life is all about.

WHAT ARE SOME TIPS YOU CAN OFFER COUPLES WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTHY EATING? 1) Always make dinnertime a priority - it’s so easy to get hung up on a deadline, given the busy nature of everyone’s lives. Remember to put work aside and make time for meals with your family.

2) Cook at home - you know your family better than anyone. When you have the time to dine at home, make simple, nourishing meals that you can enjoy together. I’ve put a lot of fancy dinners on the table for my husband, but his favorite was and always will be a simple roasted chicken with a fresh salad on the side. Master a few simple dishes you know your partner loves and try to cook at home for them at least once a week. 3) Fresh is best - eat food from the earth and gets to your plate with as few processes in between as possible. Shop local and buy organic when it makes sense. Incorporate as many plants as possible into your meals and source good quality proteins from farmers you trust.

4) Eat like your life depends on it - i don’t know who coined the term, ‘you are what you eat,’ but there’s so much truth to it! The quality of food that goes into our bodies has a knockdown effect on everything we express, like our mood, cognitive health, radiance, and even level of fitness. So much of it ties back to the time and energy we put into our meals.

5) Think sustainably - avoid food waste at all costs. Didn’t finish your dinner at that fancy restaurant last night? Pack it up and take it home for lunch tomorrow. Was there a boatload of leftover canapés and cheese boards after the cocktail party you hosted? Pack it up and take it to a local food bank. For so many reasons, don’t throw food away.

WHAT ARE SOME GREAT TIPS FOR THE ART OF ENTERTAINMENT WHEN CREATING A MENU? Think about your guests first. What kind of food do they like? Are they adventurous eaters? Curate the menu based on what you think will bring a smile to your guest's faces. Plan a menu based on what you know is achievable in the available time. And try to prep ahead, so your fabulous event appears as if it came together effortlessly. Last but not least, accept help! As hosts, we try and curate every detail when we entertain but read the room and let your guests assist your efforts if they want to lend a hand.

Again, another significant bit of advice that will only make cooking a little more fun with some of our favorite people.

MELBA

is a Peach

WORDS BY MYRDITH LEON-MCCORMACK

Chef Melba Wilson is considered the queen of soul food if you ask anyone that considers themselves a foodie. I can recall whenever I had any guests visiting from all walks of life, from around the world, they all wanted to visit Harlem, New York, one of the hotspots on their list would have to be Melba’s Soul Food Restaurant in New York City.

Food is one of the paramount ways to experience the Black culture. Food goes beyond sustenance to Black people, it is about the people cooking it, who they are cooking it for and the experiences around the dinner table. Every dish has a story, every bit of it is dipped with love and seasoned with pride by the person preparing your meal.

Melba’s restaurant became the Sunday home for everyone all over the city, the country, around the world to visit on Sundays. If you didn’t make a reservation and didn’t beat the church crowd from Harlmen, welp.. Try again next Sunday. Or maybe during the week you stand a better chance. Melba’s Restaurant is historical.

So after running into her this past summer at Miami Swim Week, I knew I had to interview her for our holiday and engagement issue. What better issue than to talk to the queen of home cooking during the busiest time of the wedding industry when couples are going home to meet the family, popping the question and making plans to fall in love. Besides the amazing restaurants and eateries around the world and extending to outside of the US. Anyone that is a foodie will appreciate all she has instored for you which would include her cookbook and other ventures. WBM is simply fascinated by this amazing entrepreneur that is fully immersed in everything culinary. When asked about her occupation I could not help but giggle at her response and I had to share it.

Occupation? “Dishwasher. Check signer. Hostess. Server. Restaurateur, Lover of All Things Food.” And she holds all these positions with pride.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO THE CULINARY SPACE? My love of using food as a conduit to bring a diverse group of people together and spark conversations while enabling us to focus on our similarities and understanding our differences is one of the main reasons I got into cooking.

WITH THE SUCCESS OF YOUR RESTAURANTS, THAT MAKES YOU AN EXPERT IN THE ART OF ENTERTAINMENT. WHAT TIPS CAN YOU SHARE WITH OUR READERS ABOUT THE ETIQUETTE OF DESIGNING A MENU FOR THEIR WEDDING RECEPTION? The menu for YOUR wedding reception should include all time favorites of the bride and groom which evoke memorable moments from childhood, times spent together, while being inclusive of their guest palates. I personally love calligraphy along with a champagne/ wine bar. Specialty cocktails in honor of the bride and groom are fun! Be sure to have professionals to set a table that is memorable and creates a wow factor for you! Colors, plating, linen and florals are a great way to add texture and substance to your setting. Since this is your special day, you may consider splurging and treating yourself to a few luxurious specialty items should your heart desire such. WHAT SHOULD OUR COUPLE KEEP IN MIND WHEN PLANNING DATE NIGHT AND OTHER SPECIAL OCCASIONS? Date Night and other special occasions can include cooking together, thought provoking dishes which include aphrodisiac selections, surprising the other with a different type of cuisine, candles, rose petals, a romantic picnic, poetry, low lighting and soft music are great ways to set the tone for a tantalizing date.

YOU HAVE A GREAT COOKBOOK, CAN YOU TELL US WHY YOU DECIDE TO PRODUCE BOOKS? I have written one book and have featured recipes in a few others. Writing is a great escape for me as well as a wonderful way to have others experience my fondest family meals in the comfort of their home.

My cookbook, entitled “Melba’s American Comfort- 100 Recipes from my kitchen to your home” is a labor of love. It is my very first book ever written. It features stories which document the quilt of my life, with generational recipes woven in.

WHERE CAN OUR READERS ACQUIRE YOUR BOOKS? Many local book stores as well as online. WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU? I am super excited about Melba’s in Newark, my dog food line and a few other projects we are working on.

DO YOU PROVIDE PRIVATE CATERING SERVICES? We provide full service catering services for 20 - 10,000 guests.

WILL YOU BE OPENING UP IN THE MIDDLE EAST REGION? I was invited to visit the Middle East and fell completely in love with the productiveness and the openness to do business especially in Dubai, which is a thriving international hub for entrepreneurs.

I found the people extremely forward thinking, open to new ideas, friendly and extremely hospitable. I have not signed a deal yet however, I am in talks with two major entities.

Ladies and gentlemen… there you have it. Melba’s Restaurants features the best gastronomy in the New York area reflective of the Black experience that is also a celebration of the American experience. Bon Appetit.

The Best Conscious consumers are increasingly thinking about the impact their choices have on the environment, WORDS BY TANYKA RENEE including when they jet off on vacation. Offsetting TRAVEL carbon emissions is crucial, but another way to reduce your environmental footprint while traveling is to invest in sustainable travel gear. Consignment can be an excellent option for finding pre-loved goods that have already been produced, thereby reducing the production line's carbon footprint even BAGS and further. Rebag.com offers excellent curated options for designer consignment bags and accessories, making it easy to shop with confidence, knowing that you're not only getting a great deal but also supporting sustainability efforts. Here are some of our favorite travel picks from Rebag.com. Accessories for your Sustainable Journey

PRADA CONVERTIBLE WEEKEND DUFFLE BAG SAFFIANO LEATHER LARGE Shopping secondhand is a great way to get high-quality items at a fraction of the price. But let's be honest, it can also be a bit of a minefield. With Rebag.com, you can shop with confidence knowing that you're getting the best bargains on pre-loved designer goods.

Rebag.com is the largest online consignment platform for luxury handbags and accessories. With over 500,000 consigned items in their database, they have something for everyone—whether you're looking for a vintage find or the latest It bag. And with their authentication process, you can be sure that you're getting the real deal.

What's more, shopping secondhand on Rebag.com is sustainable. The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, so by shopping secondhand, you're helping to reduce your carbon footprint. As awareness of the fashion industry’s environmental impact grows, so does the demand for sustainable fashion brands. According to GreenPrint's latest Business of Sustainability Index, which surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. adults, 66 percent of Americans said they would spend more on sustainable products compared with less sustainable options. If you’re looking to shop for sustainable fashion brands, secondhand is a great place to start. By definition, sustainable fashion brands extend the life cycle of clothing and other textiles by reusing or recycled materials rather than disposing of them in landfills.

Whether you're looking for an iconic handbag or a spacious tote, Rebag.com got you covered. They love finding new homes for beautiful bags and accessories! So what are you waiting for? Start shopping today!

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CHRISTIAN DIOR TRAVEL KIT OBLIQUE CANVAS

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EHP MARINA & RESORT

Hamptons Hidden Gem

WORDS BY MYRDITH LEON-MCCORMACK

IMAGES COURTESY OF EHP RESORT & MARINA I have spent more time in the Hamptons this year than at home, and I see the craze for the destination. The place is relaxing even when filled with people. As soon as the weather starts to warm up, people start planning to book their homes.

There are many options. If you love the water beyond the beach and pool and love boating, the EHP Resort & Marina is your premier destination. It sits on a striking nine-acre waterfront resort and marina that will leave you breathless. When planning your wedding or anniversary, you must check out EHP.

It's a wedding venue where you can experience the most breath-taking sunsets in East Hampton from your cottage, you will experience spectacular open-air dining, curated activities, and luxury amenities.

Hospitality is number one for WBM, which is critical when recommending a venue. I was visiting the property off-season, but there was no shortage of service. They treated me well and offered to pick me up and drop me off at the local train station.

I saw the setup of a wedding taking place on the property. All hands were on deck behind-the-scenes. The ground crew was setting up chairs, and florists were designing the arch where the wedding was to take place that evening, with the epic view of the sunset to bless the occasion on a perfect September evening.

You will be happy to know that EHP is open year-round for those who don’t mind the cold and love being by the water as much as I do. It would make for a perfect winter wedding as much as a Spring, Summer, and Fall wedding.

You can find a measure of tranquility and calmness in the water – and that is always perfect.

NASHVILLE

WORDS BY MYRDITH LEON-MCCORMACK IMAGES COURTESY OF NASHVILLE TOURIST BOARD

Nashville, Tennessee, may not be the destination you would’ve considered as your destination wedding option or honeymoon selection before this article. But I promise you will consider it for a trip for your bachelor/bachelorette party or, at the very least, a honeymoon destination if you are not a local.

If you enjoy music, good food, history, and great whiskey, start looking for your flights! I booked my flight during the JetBlue Fall Sale, packed my backpack, and left for some good old fashion southern experience.

Tennessee has a great history regarding civil rights, historically Black Colleges, the famous Fisk University, which gave me a sneak peek of the art installation during my visit, and the main stage where some of the world's greatest Country Music artists have performed.

There are a few must-see places for you to make a stop at when visiting. But before we get to that part, we want you to find some of the most fantastic spots to stay:

We will start with the beautiful 1 Hotel located in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of every historical place you must visit. This property is not only a sustainably conscious business, but their customer service perfectly represents what southern hospitality is all about. Their standard rooms are spacious and practical for both short and long visits. The rooms are wonderfully laid out for you and your beloved to enjoy comfortably.

It is truly an urban oasis that provides a remarkable luxury experience while protecting the planet. 1 Hotel Nashville has 215 rooms, which include 37 suites. For those of us that are environmentally concerned, you will see the thoughtful touches of nature in the architecture of the building. They bring spirit into each space with native greenery, reclaimed materials, and organic cotton linens.

They have a restaurant in the main lobby for your dining experience. But if you prefer to stay in the room, you will also enjoy fresh takes on in-room dining and 1 Hotels' signature Lobby Farmstand.

The food is delicious, and their presentation is just as expected.

The property provides three unique ways to have a wonderful dining experience: a restaurant, a bar, and rooftop venues. Each space offers sustainable and locally sourced farm-to-table cuisine. Whether you are a music creator or just an enthusiast, the legendary Hutton Hotel is steps from the famed Music Row. The energy flowing throughout the whole city is a sexy vibe you can feel from the moment you step into the lobby of the Hutton Hotel. One filled with music and good eating. The Hutton is Nashville’s original boutique, so the history is rich, and the staff takes pride in keeping that positive energy flowing. They provide live music and spirits after you check in to the hotel, setting the mood for what is to come.

If you want to hit the right notes–this space is perfect for it in many ways. Their event spaces are non-traditional in the sense it is not a typical ballroom. It gives you an ideal nightlife and elegance for any music lover who wants their wedding to be nothing short of a performance worthy of remembering by all in attendance.

The rooms are also very cozy and the right size for you and your guests traveling to your wedding or any family outing you might be planning to this part of the country.

Since you are so close to so much, be free to stop at The Graduate Hotel and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere at White Limozeen. The combination of elegance, great decor, and excellent food is a must-stop for breakfast or lunch. And be sure to make it upstairs to the rooftop to indulge in libations at White Limozeen that celebrate the iconic Dolly Parton in every way imaginable. It makes for great photo moments.

For those looking for a more modern take on the hotel experience with a bit of a younger, non-traditional feeling of home-away-from-home, The BentoLiving Chestnut Hill must be your top choice. Let’s start with the architecture. Simply brilliant, and the use of the space is just simply genius. As a native New Yorker, walking into a room reminds me of everything happening in our big cities to accommodate people comfortably and not waste a bit of space. for remote work while you are conveniently taken care of, this is your space. The area has a “bodega” on the property to shop for your essentials, and they have some of the critical things you will need to cook for yourself and your traveling partners. But if you want the hotel experience that involves simply making a reservation, just head downstairs. The restaurant offers a full-service restaurant and bars offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner centered around Pacific Rim-inspired fare with fresh and healthy dishes.

Last but not least is The Dive Motel. Yes. Let’s go back in time and thoroughly enjoy a life filled with the simple joys of bright lights and great music in this adult-only facility.

You will feel transformed with this great property. The vibes are superb, and you never know who you may run into from the music industry at Dive Motel. The live music booked at the location brings a diverse group of people that come for the good drinks, good food, and the pool area that just screams let's have a great time and create memories.

So for all of you ladies looking to plan a great girl's trip, go to Nashville. This destination is quickly becoming known for attracting bachelorettes from all over the country to experience its rich history.

While in Nashville, be sure you take advantage of all the cultural experiences they offer: The Country Music Hall Of Fame is equipped to host your wedding. The Grand Opry, Johnny Cash Museum, Nashville African American Museum, and after you see all that, stop by for dinner and drinks at Miranda Lambert's Casa Rosa.

So whether you are looking for luxury hotel experiences that wait on your every need, or if you simply want to be somewhere safe, clean, residential, with less fuss, or just something cool that will have your friends texting you about your whereabouts–Nashville has a lot to offer you and your traveling guests. There is something and somewhere cool for everyone in Music City.

PORTLAND OREGON

IMAGE BY RICK HAN (PEXELS.COM) IMAGE BY TABITHA MORT (PEXELS.COM)

Portland is the largest city in Oregon, with a population of over 600 thousand. Downtown Portland has beautiful waterfronts, and the bridges and its views lend to the incredible landscape. Portland got its name because of being off the rivers–Port-land. It is a combination of loft-like spaces and tall buildings for commercial spaces. But their residential areas are simply beautiful. Tree-lined communities add beauty to the region. It is also one of the leading cities regarding sustainability – green living, and innovation, which has the best outdoor hiking natural views in the US we have visited thus far.

The gastronomy scene in Portland is incredible, with countless options. It is also one of the leading metropolises for having breweries.

Before taking the six-hour flight to Portland, Oregon, I booked a reservation to Kann to experience the celebrated Haitian chef Gregory Gourd, winner of the James Beard award, to be specific. He has recreated Haitian cuisine and added a spin; Haitian cuisine meets Pacific Northwest bounty at Kann. It is a live-fire restaurant designed to honor his heritage and culture while also honoring Oregon's seasons and local ingredients. It is worth a visit. But make sure you make your restaurant reservation BEFORE booking your flight. It is booked months in advance.

The next spot worth enjoying is Portland City Grill. The view from the 30th floor is as epic as the food and customer service. Their happy hour is one of the critical reasons patrons visit the space other than being in the heart of Downtown Portland's busy metropolis. The food is a mixture of American and Asian cuisine that will have your pallet dancing with joy.

Last but not least is Mediterranean Exploration, MEC; it is in the Pearl District of Oregon, and they have a relaxed vibe when you enter this establishment. Their presentation is spectacular, and their customer service is welcoming. The food was succulent — an essential ingredient for a beautiful experience anywhere. All three restaurants have in common their commitment to supporting their community while doing good business. As we have heard in the media, Portland is facing severe challenges regarding its homelessness issue. We are determined to be part of the solution and ask you to support local businesses throughout your travels. Buy local, patronize the small businesses that can afford to stay in business so they can hire more people that can only produce a more stable environment.

While visiting Portland, Nike's headquarters is more like a college campus. Their employees are informed and committed to giving back to the community. My Lyft driver told me that most of his business comes from passengers traveling to and from Nike Corporate offices. Nike is also committed to preserving the natural beauty of the area.

So when visiting Portland, make sure you support as many local businesses as you can.

For those of you that want to get married in Portland, there are countless spaces to select from. We learned about a few of them when we attended the Portland Bridal Expo at the Portland Expo Center. We met numerous small business owners ready to serve all your wedding needs there. Venues range from vineyards to farms and hotel banquet halls, and Florists can provide you with various floral designs for all your design needs. And don’t worry about fashion– a few local bridal dress designers can create some originals. Some boutiques can provide you with familiar brand designers, such as Justin Alexander, Madeline Gardner, and Randy Fenoli, to name a few. Be sure to follow us on all our social media platforms to see in-person interviews and events we cover for more ways you can support local businesses.

GUATEMALA

What’s high on my checklist for a weekend getaway? A walkable city center, sublime regional cuisine, a variety of day-to-night activities, luxury accommodations, a unique destination, and proximity to major US cities. What can I tell you, I set a high bar. I recently re-visited historic Antigua, Guatemala, scouting two exceptional villas as potential locations for bridal showers, bachelor parties, or family accommodations for a wedding or friend's celebration.

Within the gated walls of the 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage city lies Casa Hermano Pedro, a luxurious villa cloistered from the cobblestones streets and containing all the amenities of a five-star hotel. Starting with its seven en-suite bedrooms, heated pool, private gym, garden, and generous meeting spaces, this villa is perfect for group gatherings or for finding a respite after a long day of touring or partying in the city. Sleek, modern, and stylishly equipped, the Kuxtal villa provides all the ingredients for a perfect getaway. Nearby Kuxtal Antigua lies outside the gates of the city in a chic residential community. Also built around a courtyard, this property is filled with Guatemalan style. Traditional Spanish colonial and regional furniture, artwork, tiles, and fabrics fill the rooms that access the central courtyard with its gurgling fountain and garden. Perfect for bridesmaids or as a family headquarters, guests get a taste of the highly regarded craftwork that Guatemala is known for in every room. A bonus is the view of the Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes surrounding Antigua from the traditional rooftop terraces.

For more information about these family-owned residences, visit www.kuxtalresidences.com.

To learn more about Claudia’s trip to Antigua and Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, including insider restaurant recommendations, shops, excursions, and activities, visit us at worldbridemagazine.com

45 Tudor City Place, New York, NY, 10017

Located in the heart of Manhattan and nestled in the beautiful and historic Landmark Tudor City complex, Tudor City Steakhouse is a traditional steakhouse that offers a versatile menu and a variety of event spaces both inside and outside. Between the two-floor indoor dining spaces, outdoor terrace/ enclosed seating and private parks, we can accommodate up to 250 guests and cater to any and all events.

We are looking forward to making your party the most memorable and enjoyable experience! www.tudorcitysteakhouse.com +1 212 682 4000

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from Pexels WORLD BRIDE MAGAZINE | 131 Photo by Anna Shvets IMAGES COURTESY OF THE SHELBORNE HOTEL, MIAMI

Since first opening its doors in 1926, the InterContinental New York Barclay has welcomed countless guests to enjoy a luxurious residential-style experience in the heart of the city.

Offering an ideal setting for the wedding of your dreams, our new ballrooms and grand staircase create the perfect backdrop for a most elegant and memorable celebration. Our premier planning team, renowned partners and signature concierge service will ensure personalized attention, leaving no detail overlooked. The Barclay is the perfect place to host your wedding guests whether your wedding is on property or another venue in the city. Book your wedding block with us and we’ll take excellent care of your friends and family on your special day.

So in love and you just can’t wait…elope and have your ceremony on our Penthouse Terrace with the Chrysler building as the backdrop. Our elopement package includes 2-hours use of the terrace for your intimate wedding with up to 30 guests and a Champagne toast.