Bridal Guide May June 2023

AMERICA’S TOP WEDDING MAGAZINE

MAY/JUNE 2023

492 inspired ideas

style t at wows

BRIDALGUIDE .COM

love

FEEL THE MOMENT.

What makes for a magical honeymoon? It’s playing together in a place where anything seems possible… where days and nights blend seamlessly because they’re filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. It’s finding romance in suites that defy imagination, savoring cuisine that transports guests to another world and cocktails worthy of a toast or two At Sandals® Resorts, the magic is found in the details and makes honeymoon dreams come true.

SANDALS.COM • 1.877.SANDALS OR CALL YOUR TR AVEL ADVISOR

J A M A I C A • A N T I G UA • S A I N T LU C I A • T H E B A H A M A S • G R E N A DA • B A R B A D O S • C U R AÇ AO Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.

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CONTENTS Bridal Guide May/June 2023

45

16 ON THE COVER • 75 Simple ways to shrink the budget, p. 38

FASHION & BEAUTY 14 COVER STYLE

How to get that beautiful look.

16 MOOD BOARD: BRIDES Minimalist chic or is more always more? The decision is yours.

• Style that wows! Find a look that’s all you, p. 16, p. 45 • From save-the-dates to stylish send-offs, here’s how to create a totally unforgettable celebration, p. 24, p. 60, p. 74, p. 98

20 ALL THAT GLITTERS Not your grannie’s pearls.

23 BEAUTY FILE

Say eye-do in technicolor.

45 IN MY DREAMS

The most wildly romantic wedding dressing ever. 18

22

CONTENTS

Bridal Guide May/June 2023

WEDDING PLANNING 24 PARTY PLANNER

A plethora of pastels in North Carolina.

28 PLANNERS WE LOVE

We’re putting our favorite wedding pros in the spotlight. by Carol Straley

32 PLAN LIKE A PRO

Important dos and don’ts from those in the know. by Stella Katsipoutis

36 PLANNING NOTEBOOK

How to tame the ever-growing guest list.

37 ASK DAVID TUTERA

How to determine your wedding style.

60 WEDDING ALBUM

How I planned my wedding in just 6 days for less than $1,500. by Diandra Lyle

NEWS & FEATURES 12 WEDDING Q&A

Etiquette questions and answers.

38 75 BEST BUDGET TIPS

Keep your bottom line in check without losing your mind. by Kristen Finello

28

TRAVEL NEWS

38

66 WEDDINGS AWAY

One of the country’s oldest inns gets 00 a refresh and is “I do” ready.

68 RESORT ROUNDUP

00of Feel good when you book your trip a lifetime at these sustainable properties.

74 REAL DESTINATION WEDDING 74

This Texas couple went home again with an elevated-yet-homey weekend celebration in Georgia.

78 ALL-INCLUSIVE GUIDE

Get more online at bridalguide.com

Everything you’ll ever need to know about • The Perfect Dress for Your Body, p. 187 68 all-inclusive resorts. by Carrie Bell • 10 Gorgeous Hairstyles for Night, p. 202

“RUST MARRIED” IDEAS FOR 2023 Get inspired by Pinterest’s color of the year at bridalguide.com/rust

• 101 Best Budget Tips, p. 166 98 REAL DESTINATION WEDDING

NEW FLOWER TRENDS Get an inside look at what’s trending at bridalguide.com/flowertrends GET MARRIED IN CHARLESTON, SC Find everything you need to plan your perfect day at bridalguide.com/ charleston

• Make It Personal: Reception Ideas To Paradise found for this pair and their guests in Aruba. Suit Your Theme, p. 68

• Aisle Style: Fabulous Ceremony, p. 207 Celeb Rings! Get the Look, p. 92 The Ritz-Carlton stands tall in a •new • Cheers! Ways to Trim the Bar Bill, p. 164 NYC neighborhood.

104 FIRST LOOK

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to No Stress at Sandals®

Royal Curaçao

A

mazing comes together at Sandals Royal Curaçao, where true Caribbean authenticity leads the way, and an array of transformational brand firsts await those in search for something different for their celebrations. Here, you’ll begin the next chapter of your lives together in surroundings as remarkable as the love you share. Where the endless ocean views meet the striking coast, creating magical backdrops to ceremony and reception venues, all perfectly designed to give you a one-of-a-kind destination wedding experience.

And as Sandals Resorts are created for two people in love, it’s only natural that the honeymoon begin the moment you say “I Do”. Take a dip in the 2-level Dos Awa Infinity Pool, relax in the elegance of the Kurason Island Suites, or choose to get a bit more romantic with an Awa Seaside Bungalows, each with a private pool overlooking the breathtaking Spanish Water. When it comes to dining, this resort’s cuisine experience will challenge the palate. Savor 11 unique dining offerings including 8 restaurants, three casual food trucks with

oceanviews and an Island Inclusive Dining program that expands the culinary experience further with select local restaurants around the island. With our instant credit offer available now, save up to $1,000* when you book any qualifying Sandals Royal Curaçao vacation of seven nights or longer for travel now through December 31, 2024.

For more information: www.sandals.com/weddings, 1-877-SANDALS or call your Travel Advisor. *Visit www.sandals.com/disclaimers/bridalguidemayjune23 or call 1-800-SANDALS for important terms and conditions. Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.

Mary Clarke

EDITOR IN CHIEF ART DIRECTOR Mary Cate Godfrey

FASHION AND BEAUTY

FASHION AND BEAUTY DIRECTOR Juli Alvarez

TRAVEL

TRAVEL EDITOR Jenna Mahoney

HOME DESIGN

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Robin Zachary

ART

DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Wendy Mansfield

FLOWER PRESERVATION Flowers are a part of life’s biggest events, so why not keep them forever? Let us preserve your flowers into an everlasting keepsake that allows time to stand still for the special memory you want to keep alive forever. Every creation is custom made with love all the way from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. My name is Erica Fluck and I am the face behind Botanical Bloom. I started preserving flowers in 2021 in hopes to find a creative outlet for me to decompress from life and well, being a working full-time mom. BOTANICALBLOOMCREATIONS.COM @BOTANICALBLOOMCREATIONS

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Bridal Guide magazine (Vol. 39, No.3 May/June 2023 ISSN 0882-7451) is published bimonthly by RFP Corp., 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804; 212-838-7733. Copyright © 2023 by RFP Corp. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Subscription Rates: U.S. and possessions one year $18.95. Back issues $7; prepayment required. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY 10017 and additional offices. All unsolicited editorial must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We assume no responsibility for returning unsolicited material, including but not limited to photographs, artwork, manuscripts and letters. Postmasters—Send address changes to P.O. Box 16717, North Hollywood, CA 91615 PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

Wedding Dress Shopping

101

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHELBY COOK POWELL PHOTOGRAPHY; BRIDESMAID DRESSES: THE DESSY GROUP; FLORAL AND CREATIVE DIRECTION: PETALS & FIELDS DESIGN, NASHVILLE TN

CONGRATS, YOU’RE ENGAGED! You’ve probably been dreaming of this day for a long time — with good reason! There’s no greater feeling than trying on a wedding gown and seeing yourself as a bride for the very first time. Read on for everything you need to know about shopping for your wedding dress.

Choose Your Stores

Brides should begin shopping for their gowns 10-14 months ahead of their big day. Look up your favorite designers online to see which stores near you carry their dresses. A traditional bridal salon offers a large selection of reputable designers and styles, whereas a designer’s store or showroom is dedicated to their specific brand.

Bring These Important Items

It’s a good idea to bring a strapless bra and a pair of shoes with the heel height you’d like to wear on your big day.

Communicate With Your Consultant A bridal consultant cannot read your mind, so be vocal about what you’re

looking for, give honest opinions, and tell her if you love a dress or not. You’ll be making both of your jobs easier. Not sure? Bring trusted family and friends—your “YES” moment will be that much sweeter!

Make the Dress Your Own

The dress you try on in the store is just a starting point. Want to add a sleeve? Lower the back? Elongate the train? At a traditional bridal salon, you can work directly with the dress designer and an in-house seamstress to customize your gown and turn your dream into a reality.

Ask About Special Pricing

If budget is a concern, there are many ways to shop smart at a local salon. Many brick-and-mortar stores offer

discounts at designer trunk shows, and host sample sales annually.

Inquire About Delivery Dates

Don’t forget to ask your consultant about delivery dates. Due to supply chain issues, your dress may take longer to arrive. Short on time? Many bridal salons have off-the-rack sections where you can select a gorgeous gown and bring it home the same day.

Add on Accessories

Once you say yes to the dress, your consultant will help style your look with accessories like veils, headpieces, jewelry and belts. This is an important step as it helps you envision how you’ll look on your wedding day!

For more wedding day fashion shopping tips, visit bridalguide.com/perfectdress.

ENJOY A

DREAM

HONEYMOON WHERE EVERYTHING’S INCLUDED!

MAKE MEMORIES TO HAVE AND TO HOLD. At Beaches® Resorts you can celebrate the most special time of your life with the people who mean the most to you. Best of all, after your magical wedding day, the two of you can slip off to a private honeymoon in some of the most romantic suites in the Caribbean. Enjoy every land and water sport under the sun, including a scuba program* voted Top 5 in the Western Hemisphere by PADI®. Indulge in gourmet dining at up to 22 exceptional restaurants serving unlimited pours of premium liquors. Even the tips, taxes, and Beaches transfers* are included. So while you celebrate your love, your loved ones will enjoy their own unforgettable celebration, too! *Visit www.beaches.com/disclaimers/bridalguidemayjune2023 or call 1-800-BEACHES for important terms and conditions. ® Beaches is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Beaches Resorts.

YOUR BEACHES HONEYMOON INCLUDES*: A BUBBLY WELCOME A bottle of chilled sparkling wine elegantly arranged in your room upon arrival to toast your future. A ROMANTIC GESTURE A special turndown service on an evening of your honeymoon. WAKE UP TO WEDDED BLISS Delight in a delivery of fresh flowers and a decadent breakfast in bed one morning of your choice.

JAMAICA • TURKS & CAICOS

BEACHES.COM/WEDDINGS • 1-877-BEACHES or Call your Travel Advisor

etiquette ADVICE

Wedding Straight talk, smart solutions by Mary Clarke, Editor in Chief

Q

We’d like to make sure that the first dances, toasts and cake cutting all proceed in a timely fashion at our reception. Is there a specific guideline to follow for scheduling these activities?

A

It really depends on how long your reception will be, but it’s a good idea to plan ahead so everything runs smoothly. With a reception lasting four hours or longer you can schedule things at a more leisurely pace than you would for a shorter event. And once you’ve mapped out exactly what you’d like to do when, let your maître d’, DJ and other wedding pros know. Keep in mind that your reception site manager and wedding planner (if you have one) can assist with planning and pacing as well. To help get you started, here’s a basic rundown of scheduled events for a fourhour reception. Hour one: Bride, groom, attendants and family pose for wedding pictures. The receiving line (if you’re having one) is formed at the cocktail hour as the bridal party arrives and drinks and hors d’oeuvres are served. Hour two: Guests take their seats for the first course, kicked off by the best man’s champagne toast. The maid of honor and the couple’s parents can also say a few words. During this hour, some couples like to have their first dance, followed by the fatherdaughter and mother-son dances. Hour three: Other couples prefer having first dance and other dances at this time. The main course is served and guests mingle and dance. Hour four: The cake is cut and served. The bride tosses her bouquet and the party winds down. 12 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

Remember, these are just guidelines. You’re free to schedule your reception in whatever way you like. Some couples, for example, like to take their formal portraits before the ceremony and not during the cocktail hour. Other couples prefer having a receiving line right after the ceremony instead of at the cocktail hour or to greet guests at the reception. Whatever you decide, plan your party in a way that’s most natural and comfortable for you and your groom.

likely to find something affordable. If she’s not registered, you could ask her family or bridesmaids if they know of anything the couple needs for their home. Another thought: Consider sending her a gift card for a pre-wedding spa treatment.

PROCESSIONAL POINTERS

DINNER DILEMMA

Q

When walking up the aisle, who goes first, the bride’s mother or the groom’s parents?

A

The groom’s parents precede the bride’s mother during the processional. Here’s a rundown: After the ushers have seated all of the guests, the grandparents start up the aisle followed by the groom’s parents. Then the bride’s mother takes her turn. She is the last to be seated before the bridal party procession begins. GIFT REQUIRED?

Q

I’ve been invited to a bridal shower that I won’t be able to attend. Do I still need to send a gift and if so, how much should I spend?

A

Yes, you should send a gift, but as far as how much to spend really depends on your budget and how close you are to the bride. There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to shower gift costs and the bride-to-be will surely appreciate whatever you give. Take a look at her registry: Most brides sign up for a variety of items in all price ranges so you’re very

Q

My fiancé’s parents are divorced and neither has remarried. Who should host the rehearsal dinner—his mom or his dad?

A

The best scenario is to have both parents host and split the expenses— provided they’re on equal financial footing. If this situation isn’t monetarily practical, then your fiancé can speak with the parent who is in better financial shape to see if he or she might be willing to pick up the tab, or at least a majority of it, while the other parent contributes what they can afford. If your budget allows, you and your fiancé can even throw your own rehearsal dinner and still have his parents “host” if that makes you more comfortable. Keep in mind that the dinner does not have to be held in an expensive venue, and that you can tailor it to fit your budget. ››› Go to bridalguide.com/QA for more etiquette advice. And send your planning questions to us at mail@bridalguide.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ASHLEY COOK PHOTOGRAPHY

PARTY TIMELINE

cover style GET THE LOOK

How do you honor your personal style and still embody the bride you have always dreamt of being? Staying true to yourself can be challenging when there are so many expectations. Let your instincts guide you to the dress that lights you up like this glamorous mermaid from GALINA SIGNATURE exclusively for DAVID’S BRIDAL that marries luxurious embellishment with a timeless silhouette. And don’t be afraid to let your hair down, this is your time to shine. You do you. ON THE COVER: Beaded Brocade Mermaid Gown, $1,499, by GALINA SIGNATURE exclusively for DAVID’S BRIDAL. 12 ct. Round Brilliant Cut Diamond and Platinum Ring with Pear Shape Diamonds and Pavé Diamond Split Shank, Price Upon Request, by JACOB & CO. The cover bouquet was designed by FARMGIRL FLOWERS, a national flower delivery company. The bridal arrangement called ‘Extra Buttercream’ features David Austin garden roses. 14 BRIDALGUIDE.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY: ALEX COVO. HAIR: YOICHI TOMIZAWA USING BUMBLE&BUMBLE @ART-DEPT. MAKEUP: WILLIAM MURPHY AT ATELIER MANAGEMENT

YOU DO YOU!! YOU

Achieving flawless, radiant skin is a major goal for every bride, so prepping your skin leading up to the wedding day is essential. Our editors recently test-drove the amazing DiamondGlow facial at the Shafer Clinic in NYC and all we can say is WOW! Our skin looked and felt like glass, and dare we say that our lips were gently sexy and plumped so that we didn’t feel the need for our signature red lipstick! Administered by the lovely Edyta Jarosz, she has this to say about this transformative, non-invasive treatment, “DiamondGlow is a next level skin resurfacing technology that does more than just skim the surface. A single session enhances clarity and luminosity and instantly results in dewy, brighter, healthier skin. The wand, which is made with a real diamond tip simultaneously exfoliates, extracts debris, and infuses the skin with hand-selected serums, and beautifully plumps the lips.” What she said.

mood board BRIDES

Fresh Air. Blanche Eau de Parfum by BYREDO.

Well Heeled. Bijoux Sandals by GIANVITO ROSSI

Hoop Dreams. Inside Out Lab Grown Diamond Huggies by 12FIFTEEN. VERA WANG BRIDE

ALYNE BY RITA VINIERIS

BHLDN X CARLY CUSHNIE

KAVIAR GAUCHE

SEBASTIEN LUKE

Metal Head. Grete Bow Headband by GIGI BURRIS.

MRS. CLEAN

The new guard forgoes feathers, beads, and sparkle for a spare, minimalist vibe. Pared down to the essentials with razor-sharp silhouettes, body-skimming cuts, and stark, unadorned fabrics. This is your moment of zen. by Juli Alvarez

16 BRIDALGUIDE.COM

Wrist Action. White gold and diamond pave Oera Bracelet by TABAYER.

Diamond life. Platinum and diamond Saudade Ring by PRASI FINE JEWELRY.

ONE OF A KIND

CRAFTSMANSHIP

mood board BRIDES KYHA STUDIOS

Tropical blossom Mariana Flip Clip by JENNIFER BEHR.

HERMIONE DE PAULA

GRACE LOVES LACE

Mermaid moment. Reef Headband by DEEPA GURNANI.

DANIELLE FRANKEL

Hold it. Banu Mini Fringe Clutch by CULT GAIA

CHRISTIE NICOLE

Magnolia mules. Cali Slide by OSCAR DE LA RENTA.

destination

I DO

Jetting off to an island locale to tie the knot calls for a dress that is as arresting as its lush surroundings. Break tradition with a look that marries elegance with exotic extravagance. by Juli Alvarez

18 BRIDALGUIDE.COM

DANA HAREL

Wildflower. Raffia Cluster Earrings by OSCAR DE LA RENTA.

Coming up roses. Raving Rose Eau de Parfum by DRIES VAN NOTEN.

Gain access to the latest digital edition of Bridal Guide magazine, now available on Issuu. Browse beautiful wedding gowns, score expert planning tips, research the ultimate honeymoon spots and get the best bridal beauty advice from our editors.

bridalguide.com/onthego

all that glitters JEWELRY

STACKED. Gold and freshwater pearl Pyramid Pearls Ring by TASAKI. PERFECTLY IMPERFECT. 18k yellow gold and baroque pearl Dhin Ring by PACHAREE.

LINE UP. White gold, diamond, and South Sea Pearl Balance Decade Ring by TASAKI.

PEARL JAM

MASTERPIECE. Gold, Pavé Diamond, and South Sea Pearl Isis Goddess Ring by MAREI NEW YORK.

by Juli Alvarez

A miracle of nature, these nacre-covered gems are quietly reshaping the fine jewelry game. No longer relegated to your grannie’s dress-up box, pearls from micro to mega have finally dusted off their old-fashioned image. Baroque, freshwater, and perfect polished spheres are worked in purposefully un-precious modes and quirky combinations for positively breathtaking results.

NATURAL BEAUTY. Sea of Beauty Diamond and Baroque White Pearl Ring by MIZUKI.

20 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

OUT OF THE BOX. 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Cube Ring by MATEO.

TAKE A BITE. Gold, diamond, and Akoya pearl Danger Ultimate Ring by TASAKI.

ADVE RTI S E M E NT

LIFE’S ADVENTURES BEGIN

WITH A WEDDING AND HONEYMOON AT BEACHES®

For those with newly blended families, the whole crew can enjoy their stay. There are spacious suites and villas that give the newlyweds the space they need to be alone. Kids can go their own way with supervised activities for all ages, from the tiniest tots to tweens. Even teens have their places, from private hangouts where they can do whatever it is that teens like to do, to a dance club that becomes a hotspot for the grownups after hours. Of course, it’s easy to make honeymoon dreams come true when everything is included — even the smiles and the romance.

When it comes to the best destination wedding and honeymoon spots, there’s a reason most couples head to the Caribbean. And when it comes to the day brides (and grooms) have dreamt about their whole lives, there’s a reason why Beaches Resorts is at the top of the list. Beaches brings everyone that matters most together for the special day. Every wedding is unique, every moment fully customizable. A dedicated wedding team is there to help plan it all, from the ceremony to the reception, from pre-wedding festivities to post-wedding activities and excursions for guests. Beaches offers destination weddings in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos — two of the most stunning islands in the Caribbean. While it’s a celebration for the newlyweds, it’s the vacation of a lifetime for their guests. At Beaches, everyone gets their own vacation. For some, that may mean sailing across the waves or diving below them. For others, it’s relaxing at water’s edge while the kids are off having a Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street ®.

For the newlyweds, the honeymoon begins the moment the vows are exchanged. Beaches takes honeymoon dreams to a spectacular reality with endless stretches of pristine white sand beaches lined by the calmest, bluest waters, nature made for playtime—or down time. Savoring every tasty morsel of mouthwatering gourmet cuisine at up to 21 restaurants, and creatively crafted cocktails made with premium liquors. Dancing cheek-to-cheek or to reggae rhythms on the beach. Retreating to sumptuous sanctuaries where every amenity is designed for indulgence. Share new adventures by land or sea, every single day. Those with a love for the links will find 18-holes of challenging play one of Jamaica’s best golf courses where green fees are included. Glide across calm waters side by side on paddleboards or use the wind to sail across the surface on a Hobie ® Cat built for two. Those with the heart of an explorer can dive into a whole underwater world, because even scuba diving is included for certified divers.

To book your Wedding or Honeymoon at Beaches, call your travel advisor, 1-800-BEACHES, or visit Beaches.com Beaches® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Beaches Resorts.

JAMAICA • TURKS & CAICOS

body file HEALTH + BEAUTY

Well Rested Be a bright-eyed bride by getting a good night’s sleep. Here’s how. by Mary Clarke

W

hen someone says, “you look tired,” the message is clear. A dull complexion, dark under-eye circles and breakouts can all be chalked up to poor-quality shut-eye. But if wedding-planning details are keeping you up at night, help is at hand. There’s a reason it’s called beauty sleep, and what better time than now to tap into its benefits?

the body for a better night’s sleep. And foods like walnuts are a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that helps control our sleep hormone melatonin.” Other foods to put in rotation: Almonds, bananas, brown rice, chick peas, cherries, oatmeal and kale—all of which contain beneficial amounts of sleep-helping B vitamins and/or amino light that emanates from laptops and acids “I also recommend supplementing phones can make it hard to fall asleep. with magnesium and L-theanine (an amino >>And consider the collateral damage acid) to help with sleep,” Alpert says. that can happen as a result of feeling “I love Nightly One by Twin Lab—a multivitamin you take at tired the next day. Says Engelman: “Stress hormone cortisol night to help improve sleep quality.” For extra help, Dr. Engellevels rise when you’re fatigued, which leads to weight gain.” man looks to Reserveage Nutrition Beauty R&R. Not only does it Typically, a sleepy bride will look to food to feel more energized contain melatonin and L-theanine, “It’s the first sleep supplement says Brooke Alpert, R.D., author of The Diet Detox, “more to include collagen, the building block of our skin,” she tells us. often than not choosing high-sugar foods to give that boost to “It helps you fall asleep, stay asleep and supports skin renewal. power through a tired moment.” Note that besides being caloric, Plus it contains hyaluronic acid to support hydration.” Alpert puts sugar increases the risk of breaking out, warns Engelman. And the kibosh on caffeine after 2 p.m. for most people. “Though it adding insult to injury, “When we’re sleep deprived, ghrelin— depends on your reaction to it,” she says. Cutting out the cocktails a hormone that stimulates hunger—levels rise, making you want is also a great idea. “Many people think it helps them fall asleep to reach for even more food,” Alpert says. but actually their sleep quality is negatively affected by alcohol,” Alpert says, adding, “try to eat at least two hours before you sleep >>You can eat your way to better sleep, says Alpert. so that the main aspects of digestion are complete and won’t inter“I recommend my clients save their starches and carbohydrates fere with your sleep.” Sweet dreams!  (like rice and pasta) until dinner time, as they can help set up 22 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY DOYLE

>> There’s a lot of good stuff that happens while you sleep at night. During the deepest phases, a rise in growth hormones allows damaged cells to become repaired, says dermatologic surgeon Dr. Dendy Engelman. Miss out on deep sleep and this won’t occur. “Instead of being reversed overnight, small breakdowns will accumulate,” Engelman says. “While you’re sleeping, the SOME GROUND RULES FROM THE body’s hydration rebalances,” she continues. NATIONAL SLEEP FOUNDATION. “Not getting enough sleep results in poor • Try to stay on a schedule of going to water balance, leading to puffiness, underbed and waking up at the same time eye circles and rapid aging. We need to seven days a week. This will aid in getsupport our cells and allow them to fully ting your body clock regulated, which repair any damage (such as environmental will help you fall—and stay—asleep. aggressors like UVA/UVB rays) that may • Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep. have occurred duringt the day. When the • Avoid naps if you’re having trouble body is in a deep, restful sleep, the skin’s getting to sleep at night. metabolism increases and cell turnover and renewal escalate.” Skin regeneration is at its • Keep bedroom temperature on the cool side—65 to 70 degrees. height between10 p.m. and 2 a.m., so this • Put your devices away. The blue is the best time to help the skin repair.

beauty file MAKEUP EYE POPPING. RITUEL DE FILLE COLOR NECTAR PIGMENT BALM in Snapdragon

STARRY EYED. NARS HARDWIRED EYESHADOW in Melrose

EYE OPENING. JASON WU JEWEL STICK in 01 Blue Pearl

BRIGHT

eyes julievino.com. Rhinestone headband by NINA SHOES, ninashoes.com. star earrings by Stella Juli Alvarez by SWAROVSKI, swarovski.com.

Bold, super-saturated hues in rich, buildable pigments light up your eyes in every shade of the rainbow. Luxe textures from silky cremes to pillowy powders go on light to bright with matte, metallic, and high-gloss finish. You decide. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

EMERALD EYE. ELF LIQUID METALLIC EYESHADOW in Aurora

EYE TO EYE. MILK MAKEUP COLOR CHALK EYESHADOW STICK in Jump

BEDROOM EYES. ABOUT-FACE MATTE FLUID EYE PAINT in Replicant Matte Soft Aqua

EYE CANDY. CHARLOTTE TILBURY HYPNOTISING POP SHOTS in Ultra Violet

BRIDALGUIDE.COM 23

“We repurposed the freestanding floral ceremony arch, placing it where the couple sat,” Lauren says.

In Full Bloom Event designer Lauren Petervary creates a sunsplashed celebration that puts the focus on family, friends and flowers. Photography by Anastasiia Photography

24 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

1

2

“Every wedding detail held meaning to the bride, groom, or both,” says Lauren Petervary, owner, Elle M Events. “Rachel and Kevin both love flowers so standout arrangements were a priority.” 1 The couple’s first look and stunning bridal bouquet. 2 The table numbers and place cards by Happy Tines Design Co., who also created the couple’s love-story graphic (opposite). 3 “The table design was a collaboration between me at Elle M Events and Dream Events by Daria,” Lauren says. 4 The wedding cake was crafted by Rachel’s “second mom,” Lynette, a family friend who has made a cake for every one of her life events. 4

3

25

1

Ω 1 “The airy venue—The Providence Cotton Mill in North Carolina—brought the gorgeous fall colors and light from outside in,” Lauren says. Dancing and entertainment literally took center stage, with tables hugging the dance floor. 2 The knotted green linen napkins were chosen to complement the bridesmaids’ dresses. Each detail was meaningful to the couple—including the chocolate chip cookie favors by Cookie Fix at each place setting. 3 “The florals were each designed to look as if they were growing,” Lauren tells us. “Most spectacularly, the floral arch, which appeared to be growing out of the ground.” 3

26 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

2

Planner: Lauren Petervary at Elle M Events @ellemevents Photography: Anastasiia Photography @anastasiiaphotography Venue: The Providence Cotton Mill @theprovidencecottonmill Florals: Dream Events by Daria @dreameventsbydaria Cake: Lynette Thompson Catering: Best Impressions Caterers @bestimpressionscaterers Cookies: Cookie Fix @cookiefix Invitations + signage: Happy Tines @happytines Rentals: Elegant + Classy Events @elegantandclassyevents Bridal dress: Maggie Louise Bridal @maggielouisebridal Officiant: Dr. Jerry Cloninger

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Take inspiration from these creative forces as we spotlight the best in the business in our ongoing series. by Carol Straley NATALIE GOOD

Creative Director and Owner, A Good Affair

A love of painting and drawing that began when she was a young girl. A gift for designing and a flair for throwing parties. These were the first steps that would set Natalie Good on the path to her destiny. Next came five years running a private venue managed by a catering company she worked for. By June 2010 Natalie had the expertise, vision and skill set needed to launch her own bespoke event design and production business, and Orange County, CA-based A Good Affair was born.

My Signature Style

• “We never create the same design twice. I look to our couples for inspiration, not Pinterest. I want to tell their story and style on their wedding day.”

The wedding wheels are in motion!

My Favorite Part of Planning

“I am a big-picture lover. Bringing together the perfect team and dreaming up a cohesive design are probably my top favorites; then I love the tiny finishing details, from napkin treatment to cake design and escort displays (those who know me know my love of escort installations. LOL.).”

Gold-accented invites and a constellation of twinkling lights and candles.

Memorable Moments

• “2018 was a year that will forever shine bright— the year I became a mama to twins! This was also a huge growth year professionally. How was I going to handle it all? My faith grew that year and has continued to grow ever since.” • “We got to do ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ director Jon M. Chu’s wedding in Napa, which was an unforgettable experience, and two weeks earlier we were in Washington doing a lakeside wedding. All while five months pregnant!”

My Ideal Wedding Weekend

• “I am all about a cozy rehearsal dinner Thursday night, pool day or activities for bridal party/family Friday, welcome party Friday night for everyone to mix and 28 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

A shimmering dance floor.

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) BRETT HICKMAN PHOTOGRAPHY; MAX TEPPER; BRETT HICKMAN PHOTOGRAPHY; MAX TEPPER; BRANDON KIDD PHOTO (NATALIE)

Planners We L ve

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) MIAMI WEDDING TK; CAMBRIA SHELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY; BRANDON KIDD PHOTOGRAPHY; MAX TEPPER; MIAMI WEDDING TK; JENNY QUICKSALL PHOTOGRAPHY

A palm-fringed pavilion.

A flower-bedecked sweetheart table.

Joy ride!

mingle and meet, then wedding Saturday afternoon or evening with a fabulous after-party.” • “I say skip the Sunday brunch. Let your guests sleep in and dream about the most epic wedding they have ever attended, not drag themselves out of bed begging for caffeine and Advil!”

Bigger Guest Lists

• “2020 weddings were, of course, small and intimate. Then our guest counts for 2021 were up to around 100-150 max. Numbers for 2022 were 200+ and for 2023 we have some 300s happening. I think everyone just wants to get back to life as we knew it and celebrate their friends and family. L’chaim! To Life!”

On the Road Again

• “I think 2023 will be BIG for destination weddings. Couples are dying to travel more again, and when better than for your wedding! Napa is always wonderful, luxury ranches in Wyoming, and Cabo still seems to be a contender too.”

Some things (in this case, linens) blue.

My Favorite Wedding Tradition Details, details.

• “…Is cutting the cake—a classic and I want it to stay!” • “A new tradition (also a blast from the past): disposable cameras. We’re going see a lot of them at weddings in 2023. We had them at several weddings this past year. And using your parents’ cake topper—that is coming back!”

Focus on Guest Experience

• “Couples are all about the experiential right now. They want touches like a shots tray passed around the dance floor, disposable cameras, custom cocktails that have meaning for them.” • “Post-pandemic, couples don’t want everything to be about them. Their focus is their guests and the feelings they will be left with after the last dance.”

I Am Most Excited About

• “…Getting back to a slower pace with our boutique level of quantity of events so we can service our couples and their families and still enjoy our own lives at the same time. I am so excited to get back to traveling for fun and finding inspiration for my designs.” ➺ 29

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) ERIN OF BOSTON, @ERINOFBOSTON; TIM WILLOUGHBY PHOTOGRAPHY, @TIMWILL; LINDSANDMAX.COM, @LINDSANDMAX; TIM WILLOUGHBY PHOTOGRAPHY, @TIMWILL; ALL THE LITTLE STORIES PHOTOGRAPHY

Family style.

MANDY CONNOR

Owner, lead planner, Hummingbird Events & Design

“A lack of authenticity.” This is what frustrated Mandy Connor when she embarked upon planning her own wedding over 13 years ago, and found that traditional options did not tell the story that was unique to her and her fiancé. After successfully overcoming these frustrations, Mandy “caught the bug,” and launched Boston-based Hummingbird Events and Design in 2009, starting out by organizing meaningful, highly personalized celebrations for the brides-to-be among her friends. “I have always been an artist at heart, but my brain functions An autumnal palette. in a very organized and logistical way,” says Mandy. “It’s a unique skill set to be able to ‘marry’ artistry, strategy, logistics and business into a fulfilling career, and A chic invitation suite. I am so grateful to have found my passion in wedding planning and design.”

Tossing Out Tradition

• “My weddings are non-traditional, outside-ofthe-box, and unapologetically personalized. You won’t see me carrying around a copy of Emily Post’s Guide to Weddings.”

Our Signature Style

• “Clients come to us when they want to have fun and go ‘big.’ We helped a couple plan their nuptials on the side of a mountain in Colorado using nothing but gondolas to get guests and all wedding elements up the mountain. • “We planned a high-end Tiki-themed wedding in which all guest accommodations on-site were luxury Airstream trailers. • “We’re currently planning a Halloween wedding in which all of the guests and staff will be in costume.” 30 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

A happy couple and their fur baby.

A tented affair.

Making the cut.

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT0 ERIN OF BOSTON, @ERINOFBOSTON; LINDSANDMAX.COM, @LINDSANDMAX; TIM WILLOUGHBY PHOTOGRAPHY, @TIMWILL (2)

Wedding march.

My Very First Wedding

• “My own. My husband and I planned a day that was deeply meaningful, warm, celebratory, and inviting in every way. My favorite part came when my maid of honor and I decided on a whim to hire a local farmer to bring baby lambs to mingle with guests during cocktail hour. The lambs pranced around the rolling lawn where guests sipped cocktails. It was an unexpected element of surprise that added another special moment to our day.”

Memorable Moments

• When guest capacities were restricted to 10 people, “We worked with one bride’s incredible neighbors to host four simultaneous wedding receptions in four private homes on the same street. All four receptions hosted 10 guests for a formal dinner and dancing, along with live-streaming for the guests who were unable to attend. It was a deeply emotional day and the most difficult wedding we have ever planned. But to see all the happy tears and smiles was the greatest feeling in the world.”

My Favorite Wedding Tradition

• “I am the biggest proponent of first looks. It alleviates nerves and lets you get some of your happy tears out.” • “Taking this one step further, consider doing a first look with your parents and/or bridal party. The excitement of this moment is unforgettable.” • “Lastly, do a quick first look with your reception room. Being able to see your finished reception room—the culmination of a year-plus in design and decisions—before guests enter gives you a chance to take it all in.”

A Game Changing Year

• “We planned 17 weddings in 2022, which was nearly 100% more than we typically take on. We had a number of overflow weddings from postponements coupled with a record high number of bookings It was a huge challenge but it forced us to be more efficient and in the end, we had an incredible year. Now, in going back to our standard number of yearly weddings (10-12) we are so much better at planning as a team.”

A Bright Future A cake takes center stage.

• “I am so fortunate to work in an industry that is constantly evolving and pushing the envelope when it comes to creativity. I am excited for all the unexpected surprises that 2023 has in store.” ¢ 31

PLAN LIKE A PRO TOP EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON THE BIGGEST BLUNDERS TO AVOID AS YOU PLOT YOUR BIG DAY. BY STELLA KATSIPOUTIS

MISTAKE: GOING OVER BUDGET Decide on your wedding budget before you plan or purchase anything, and stick to it! The biggest mistake I see brides make is when they jump right into the details, the plans and the purchasing before even pausing to think about the overall picture. You don’t want to start your marriage in debt, and a beautiful wedding can be planned for any amount of money, no matter how great or small. If you go over budget on one element, make sure to cut back somewhere else to make up for it. —David Tutera, celebrations expert, principal, The David Tutera Experience

The worst thing couples can do when picking their venue is not to discuss their budget. They head off on fun weekends to visit venues, fall in love with a place and book it. After that, they talk about the budget and start to really skimp on the other vendors. To avoid this, I suggest that couples discuss the budget before even looking at venues in person or talking to a salesperson. There are countless resources and online worksheets couples can use to figure out how to divide up their wedding money. The budget conversation is not usually very fun, but always necessary. Having the conversation at the beginning of planning will save a tremendous amount of stress down the line. —Lindsey Nickel, wedding planner & owner, Lovely Day Events 32 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

MISTAKE: THE WEDDING DATE Pick a day that will work best for your family, your budget, and the location of the wedding. Don’t try to get married in Chicago over marathon weekend or have a destination wedding during hurricane season. If your fiancé is an accountant, don’t get married in tax season! —Alyssa Olsen, catering director, Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park

MISTAKE: VENUE SELECTION You can’t design something that flies in the face of the venue’s inherent decor. For instance, you can’t force all gold if there are many large silver chandeliers. You should always check to see what kinds of tabletop and decor pieces are already in-house, and see what you may want to bring in. Design with the venue in mind. Have your flower sample at the venue, bring samples of the rentals you have selected, etc. See it all together before you sign on the dotted line. —Ashley Douglass, owner & creative director, Ashley Douglass Events

A common mistake we see with couples and their wedding venue selection is picking a space that’s too big or too small for their anticipated guest count. Speak candidly with the site manager about an ideal headcount. PHOTOGRAPHY: JANA DILLON PHOTOGRAPHY

—Virginia Edelson, principal/owner, Bluebird Productions Venue selection is perhaps the most critical path in the early planning stages, short of finding your soul mate. Sometimes people choose a location that does not fit their aesthetic. Transforming a modern museum into a lush Southern garden-scape, or morphing a farmhouse into a sleek, contemporary space, are just two examples of “putting the big pot

in the little pot,” so to speak. —Calder Clark, wedding planner, owner & creative director, Calder Clark

MISTAKE: MISTIMED CORRESPONDENCE

NO PLAN B FOR OUTDOOR WEDDINGS Fail to plan, plan to fail. If you think it will rain, it won’t; if you think it won’t rain, it will. Instead of relying on the Nostradamus-like predictions of the local weatherman, always have a plan B— such as a tent or nearby indoor space— and like your plan B. —Calder Clark

Clients sometimes make the error of sending out their save-the-dates or invitations in those hectic weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when everyone is receiving the most mail ever for the year. Even if December 20 seems as if it would be the perfect date to send your invite, it’s much better to send it much earlier— like the week before Thanksgiving—so it’s not lost. It’s common for mail to get lost by the USPS during December! —Ashley Douglass

MISTAKE:

MISTAKE:

NOT READING CONTRACTS

DIY OVERLOAD

Hidden costs can be an unwelcome surprise. Review your contract thoroughly, with a magnifying glass, and be aware of any fine print or potential additional costs for overtime, breakdown charges and any fees for lost or damaged items. Make sure to get everything in writing when you are finalizing your vendor contracts. —David Tutera

DIY is a great idea, but make sure you test it in advance. Don’t begin a project for your wedding a couple of weeks in advance only to realize it’s not going to work. You’ll be left trying to find a resolution with time running out.

MISTAKE:

MISTAKE: THE GUEST LIST Some couples over-invite and make budget sacrifices to accommodate more people. You’d be surprised how many guests that are invited to weddings are practically strangers to the couples. Chances are some or all of these people you don’t know very well will be surprised when they open their invitation. Save your budget for what you really want and need. —Ashley Douglass

The biggest mistake when it comes to creating a guest list: giving blind plusones. There is no reason to give blanket plus-ones to single guests if they already know other people at the wedding. —Virginia Edelson

—Alyssa Olsen

MISTAKE: RELYING ON FRIENDS Couples often allow friends to take part in their wedding day, either by being crafty or perhaps as musicians for their ceremony—with disappointing results. A wedding is not a dress rehearsal. It’s a bad idea to have loved ones bear the responsibility of something so important. Have a well-executed counter response when friends offer to help, something along the lines of, “We have had an outpouring of support from people who would like to help. While we greatly appreciate your offer, we have decided as a couple not to go this route. We are looking forward to having you with us that day as a guest, celebrating.” This being said, if you have a friend or family member who is a legitimate vendor in the industry, that is a different story. —Ashley Douglass ➺ 33

MISTAKE:

MISTAKE:

PHOTOGRAPHY

DECOR MISSTEPS

All too often, couples fall in love with the photos on a photographer’s Instagram feed or in their website portfolio. Sadly, some couples are disappointed when they receive their own wedding photos. That’s because Instagram and websites are marketing tools where photographers can carefully pick photos that work best on these platforms. To ensure that couples will love, love, love their photos, I always suggest that they ask the photographer to send them a gallery link to a recent wedding. This will give the clients a more accurate picture of what they can expect. —Lindsey Nickel

Rarely do flowers look amazing when they are not in season, and oftentimes they are significantly more expensive than seasonal flowers. If there is a particular bloom you love and it is not in season, talk to your florist about a substitute bloom that looks similar. —Virginia Edelson

MISTAKE: CASH BAR

While I only see it happen every so often, it absolutely is not appropriate or considerate to ask your guests to pay for their own alcoholic beverages while celebrating you. If your budget doesn’t allow for a full bar, consider serving a signature cocktail along with beer and wine only.

Don’t go overboard with flowers, which can be very expensive; warm, flickeringcandlelight for evening receptions is just as elegant and comes at a much, much lower cost. A healthy balance of the two is nice, or use more candlelight and fewer floral touches. —Alyssa Olsent Under- or over-decorating: Both are a tragedy. If you are unable to decorate as much as is needed, place one main unforgettable floral arrangement or decor feature as the focal point. Highlight it, dim the rest of the room and rely on candles. —Ron Wendt, owner, Ron Wendt Designs & Weddings

MISTAKE:

MISTAKE:

SEATING ARRANGEMENTS If you want the room to feel intimate, don’t spread the tables too far apart. Rectangular tables are more intimate than round ones, as they place you about two feet closer to the person across from you, making it more conducive to dinner conversation. Try to seat older guests near the dance floor. Younger guests will make their way to the dance floor no matter where they are seated. —Allison Aronne, wedding producer & partner, FÊTE NY

NOT GREETING GUESTS Be sure to build time into the day where you can connect with each guest. Whether you greet them after the ceremony or skip the dessert course to say hello to everyone at his or her table, it is super-important to do. The guests are there for you and want to extend their congratulations. Be sure your photographer is around when you are greeting friends and family. The pictures they capture of your guests’ true excitement will be priceless! —Alyssa Olsen

Unassigned seating sounds casual, low-stress and relaxing, but it can easily go wrong: Grandma can end up sitting next to your college roommate, and single people might get stuck with a group of couples. I suggest that you assign people to tables and let them pick the seat they want. This way, guests don’t have to worry about sitting with people they have nothing in common with, and everyone will enjoy their dinner companions. —Lindsey Nickel

—Courtney Wolf, wedding planner, Invision Events

34 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

Many couples choose a sweetheart table, but you have the rest of your lives to sit with each other at a table. On your wedding day, it’s important to spend time with your friends and family. —Colin Cowie, Colin Cowie Celebrations

MISTAKE: EVENT FLOW The wedding reception should feel organic, with each moment seamlessly flowing into the next. Avoid putting all the toasts or special dances together to get them over with. These are key, special moments that should be spread throughout the evening. —Allison Aronne

MISTAKE: CUISINE CONSIDERATIONS Don’t forget you’re feeding a large group. Just because you’re on a gluten-free pre-wedding diet does not mean the entire meal should follow suit. Conversely, trying to cover every single food group in one elegant three-course meal is overkill. Serve what your caterer does best, offer options and be excited to present a gorgeous seasonal meal. —Calder Clark

MISTAKE: STRESSING OUT

Don’t sweat the small stuff! Be prepared for little things to go wrong and know that it’s OK for everything else to fall by the wayside. That’s what all those months of planning and prep were for anyway. Enjoy the day, enjoy the moments and enjoy each other, because that’s what it’s all about. — David Tutera 

BRIDAL GUIDE

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planning notebook ADVICE

It’s no fun figuring out whom you can—and can’t— invite, but these tips will help ease the process. Compiling a guest list seems daunting. Where do I start? First, think about the style of wedding you envision. “Ask yourself: ‘Do I want a 300-person bash, an intimate dinner or a destination wedding?’ ” suggests Christine Paul of Christine Paul Events in New York City. Or, if you’re considering a particular venue, figure out how many guests you can comfortably accommodate. Start your list with close friends and family, then continue to add until you’ve reached the ideal number for the space you’ve booked.

My parents would like to ask some people. Do I have a say over their choices? Sure you do. But first give them a number to aim for. Paul suggests allotting 25% of the guest list to the bride’s parents, 25% to the groom’s parents and 50% to the couple themselves. This keeps parents from taking over—after all, it’s your wedding. You definitely can question some of their choices, too. “Have a heartto-heart conversation with your parents should issues arise,” says Sherri Williams of Williams-Sossen Events, which has locations in Philadelphia and New York City. But if the ’rents are paying for the wedding, try to be as tolerant as possible.

My list is too long! How do I make cuts? “Take a look at the friends you’re 36

inviting,” says Williams. “How imporand I don’t know what I should do. tant are they to you?” Another tip: “Try If you feel at all uncertain, don’t. Your dividing the list into the people you can’t wedding day should be about you and your imagine not having and those who could fiancé. “It’s only appropriate to invite an ex decline and you wouldn’t mind,” says if you and your fiancé agree it’s okay, and Paul. Celebrity planner Mindy Weiss you decide together where he should sit,” takes it a step further, suggesting three says Williams. And if you and your ex have categories of prospective guests: the “abchildren, having him at the wedding could solutely essentials,” the “almost absolutely be confusing to the kids. essentials” and the “it would be nice” or Speaking of kids, what are some “do we have-tos.” Also, look for groups of guidelines on including them—or people you can eliminate: The pals from not? Taking children off the list can be a your yoga class probably won’t be offended good way to cut down on the head count. if they’re not invited. You may decide to But if you or your fiancé have children, do have an “A-list” of people who’ll consider a child-friendly fête. HINT: get invitations right away and a How do we figure out how If your parents are “B-list” of those who are invitmany guests will send paying for the ed as others decline. Be sure regrets? Weiss’s rule of thumb wedding, you can to ask A-listers to RSVP well still edit their guest list, is to invite 10% over your cabut you can’t be in advance so B-listers don’t pacity. In other words, if you’re overly picky. feel they’re last-minute invites. planning on 200 guests, you can safely send invitations to 220, since I’m including a lot of single 20 people will likely decline. If you’re havfriends, and I’ll go over budget ing a destination wedding, or if over 50% if I let them all bring dates. How of your prospective guests will need to fly do I decide who gets to bring a in, you can estimate that 20% of your inguest? “You never have to invite your vitees will send regrets, and up your guest single friends with dates,” says Paul. “But list count accordingly. it’s always nice.” Consider having all your single friends come dateless unless they A few guests haven’t replied are living with a partner. If you have extra by my RSVP date. What should room, assess: Are some in ongoing relaI do? Have a friend or family member tionships? Then it makes sense to invite contact them to find out if they’re attendthe partner. Or, if all your work friends are ing. “Never assume someone isn’t commarried except one, she’ll feel more coming,” says Williams. Guests often forget to fortable if she can bring a date. pop the response card in the mail, and you don’t want to be surprised when they show Is it appropriate to invite an ex? up on the big day.  My ex and I have become friendly >> BRIDALGUIDE.COM Get more advice for your guest list at bridalguide.com/guestlist

PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH KATHLEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

GUEST LIST BASICS

ask david ADVICE The modern bride’s decor will include clean lines, lots of mixed metallics, mirrored accents and white marble surfaces to create a dramatic environment that still feels high end. Orchids, tulips and calla lilies mixed in monochromatic colors in geometric containers with angular edges or sheen bring out the beauty in simplicity.

THE ECLECTIC BRIDE: DRAMATIC FUN

The eclectic bride is hip and funky, and up for anything. Your wedding will reflect your bold personality, with elements both unexpected and totally fabulous. By adding splashes of color throughout, you’ll let guests know they’re in a wedding scene unlike any other. A whirl of textiles in bohemian patterns and a variety of textures combined with specialty tents and seating creates a look of out-of-the-box extravagance. Don’t be afraid to mix bold colors here for a truly unique, personal feel. Think colorful flowers recreating your favorite piece of art, interesting containers, irregularly shaped blooms (such as orchids) and unique foliage to capture your essence.

THE GARDEN BRIDE: REFRESHING WHIMSY

WHAT’S YOUR STYLE?

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) MARING VISUALS; DAVID TUTERA

Celebration and wedding expert David Tutera helps you take a key step in realizing your creative vision for the big day.

One of my first questions to any bride is “What kind of bride are you and what is your wedding style?” Now I’m not trying to find out what kind of person you are at work or at home, or what kind of style you’ve followed until now—the fact is, you as a bride may end up learning that you are entirely different from your everyday persona. In my book The Big White Book of Weddings I discuss style in detail. Here, in a nutshell, are four bridal styles to consider. Happy self-discovery!

You’re the bride with the playful, romantic persona: you lean toward floral topiaries, chiffon and other sheer fabrics, wrought iron, rustic urns and sundrenched grasses. Antique-inspired accents and flirty garden roses create the magic of an enchanted garden. Light, airy materials set within the fragrant, natural harmony of an outdoor environment create the perfect, gentle scenario for the bride who always loves to stop and smell the flowers.

WHICH BRIDE ARE YOU? Did you choose the one you assumed you were—or did you surprise yourself? If you’re caught between two of the choices, you’re probably a combination. I once had a bride who had a traditional ceremony and one of the funkiest receptions I’ve ever seen, burst- ing with colorful modern decor and floral designs in abstract shapes. Her guests loved it! After all, what could be more fun than having a wedding that combines the best of both worlds? 

MAKE IT HAPPEN

THE CLASSIC BRIDE: TRADITIONAL ELEGANCE

Now that you have a good sense

Your wedding is exactly what every little girl dreams of. The classic bride has a style that is timeless, elegant, rich, ethereal and romantic, and chooses decor that speaks to that. Opulence is a must here. I love filling the room with dripping crystals and florals hung from chandeliers, tall taper candles mixed into luxurious and overabundant floral arrangements, crystal or precious-metal containers that create a focal point for your tablescapes and candles of all sizes clustered on luxurious linens.

of your personal style, you’re ready

THE MODERN BRIDE: SOPHISTICATED EDGE Do you love all things chic and sleek? Visually appealing, dynamic and trendy, your wedding will be as fashion-forward as you are.

to go forth and speak “designerese” to make it crystal-clear what you want! Show your designer magazine clippings and screen grabs, examples from movies, descriptions from books, photos of flowers and arrangements, pictures of buildings you love or anything else that moves and inspires you. When you carefully back up what you say with images, you’ll ensure that everyone is speaking the same visual language. May/June 2023 BRIDALGUIDE.COM 37

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BEST BUDGET TIPS

1 To get a lavish look on a modest decor budget, choose a venue with a lot

of character of its own. Some possibilities: an aquarium, zoo, museum, gallery, botanical garden or historical site. 2 Rent a vacation home or private estate for a small, intimate affair. “They may charge a week’s worth in rent but it may still be equal to or less than renting a traditional reception venue,” says Maryrose Griffith of Maryrose Griffith Designs in San Diego, California. 3 Choose a theme or motif and carry it through the event for a stylish look,

says the creative marketing and events team at Bonnell’s Restaurant Group in Fort Worth, Texas. For example, start with a pattern on your invitation, perhaps 38 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

elegant scrollwork, and incorporate it into other elements like programs, favors, escort cards or even gobo lights for the dance floor. 4 Use color to posh effect, says Griffith. Using a rich hue such as chocolate brown or deep eggplant can give any color palette a stylish look without costing you any extra green stuff. They work with a variety of shades like apple green, light blue, orange, pink or red. 5 Kick off your celebration in high style with a glamorous invite. “Invitations set the mood for the wedding, so go beyond the standard white card,” says Griffith. You’ll get a much more impressive look by incorporating color in your design. 6 Griffith’s savvy stationery tip: Invest

the money to have your invitations designed professionally, but then print your own save-the-dates, programs, menus and escort cards using the same fonts, colors and style as your custom invites. 7 Say ciao to costly hand-done calligraphy. Either print the envelopes on your computer, using a calligraphy font, or have them printed at your local print/copy shop for just pennies each. 8 Have a cocktail reception, but be cost-conscious by focusing on a beautiful display rather than tons and tons of food. “Butlers in tuxedos passing trays of a few kinds of stylish hors d’oeuvres seems more high-end than chafing dishes on a buffet table, but the cost is roughly the same,” says the team at Bonnell’s.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ACQUA PHOTO

YOU WANT A GORGEOUS WEDDING, BUT MONEY IS ON YOUR MIND AS WELL. HERE’S HOW TO KEEP YOUR BOTTOM LINE IN CHECK WITHOUT SACRIFICING STYLE. BY KRISTEN FINELLO

KICK OFF YOUR CELEBRATION IN HIGH STYLE WITH EYECATCHING INVITATIONS. THEY SET THE MOOD FOR THE BIG DAY, SO GO BEYOND THE STANDARD WHITE CARD. your tables. It makes a dazzling effect and

9 Ask your venue’s wait staff to don white gloves while they’re serving. “You

can buy gloves for under $1 a pair,” says Samantha Goldberg of Samantha Goldberg & Co. in Summit, New Jersey. 10 Upgrade your linens. Griffith suggests pintuck, shantung or another glamorous fabric. “For just $15 to $30 per table, they’re the biggest bang for your buck you can get,” she says. 11 While you’re at it, you can rent

PHOTOGRAPHY: (TOP) ACQUA PHOTO; (BOTTOM) JENNY QUICKSALL PHOTOGRAPHY

napkins in a color or pattern for about $1 each, adding a pop of vibrant color and a

more custom look at the same time. 12 Go a little longer than floor length with your table linens. “Pooling linens makes for a much more luxurious, opulent look,” notes Goldberg. 13 Another option: Rent a gauzy overlay, for $9 to $25 apiece, to dress up your table. Or buy sheer organza by the yard at a fabric store and have overlays made for just $5 to $8 apiece. 14 Another table topper: If you (or someone else you know) is handy, create your own table runners. You can go for something extra luxe in your fabric because you won’t need a great deal of it. 15 Accent your table with pretty napkin rings. “You can rent them in different styles and colors for a few dollars each or buy them on sale for as little as 99 cents apiece,” says Goldberg. 16 Top each napkin with a single bloom

One option: Fold the napkin to create a pocket to hold a menu. 18 Attach a small bouquet or floral garland to the backs of the bride’s and groom’s chairs to give them a special look. 19 Change up your chairs. Try white suede for the lead table and regular white chairs for the rest of the guests. 20 Use ribbon to upgrade candleholders. Hold the ribbon in place with sticky dots, says Laura Clare, owner of Laura Clare Floral Design and Event Decor in Hoboken, New Jersey. 21 Place a colored or textured charger ($3 to $5 each) underneath the dinner plates. 22 Instead of using clear glass votive holders, try colored or etched ones, suggests Price. Try your local crafts store or candles4less.com, where you can get a box of 12 for $19.99. 23 Out: standard banquet chairs. In: elegant chiavari chairs (in gold or silver) at about $9 each to rent, or clear “ghost” chairs at about $15 each to rent. 24 Use mirrors or frosted glass to cover

saves you the cost of providing linens. 25 Shake up the table shapes. Try a long rectangular table. These come at the same price as typical round shapes but bring a more sophisticated look. 26 Invest in a little lighting—for a huge impact. Get a wash of color on walls with uplights, suggests Griffith. “Even two or three lights accentuating a focal point will change the feel of the room,” she says. Costs for the light rentals run from $12 to $35 each, including color gels. 27 Another bright idea: Use pin spotlights, at $25 to $50 each, to give extra presence to your tables. 28 To make flower arrangements seem grander and more stylish for just a few dollars, wrap inexpensive glass containers

in handmade paper, wallpaper or fabric and add a ribbon, suggests Griffith. 29 In place of pricey flowers for centerpieces, consider romantic candelabras draped in crystals. Tabletop candelabras can be rented for $25 to $75 at websites like simplyelegantwed.com. 30 Griffith likes to splurge on wellplaced, plush lounge furniture. “Lounge furniture is more affordable than you might think,” she says. “A set of curved benches, for example, might run you about $400. And your guests will feel spoiled!” ➺

and tie with a coordinating ribbon,

recommends New York City-based event planner Leslie Price of In Any Event. 17 Fold it fancy. “A unique napkin fold can make a statement and most venues won’t charge for the service,” says Price. 39

31 Bring on the bling. “Faux crystals— on bouquets, the cake, invitations, place cards and menus—are eye-catching and give an expensive feel,” says Griffith. You can purchase glass beads inexpensively at local crafts stores. 32 Place a beautiful menu at each guest’s place. Many venues will print them for you for free, or you can make them yourself without spending much. 33 Go for chic and simple centerpieces. Instead of paying $75 to $125 each for elaborate table arrangements, purchase tall, clear cylinders from the local dollar store to use as containers for single orchids or rose petals in water with floating candles on top, suggests Goldberg. 34 Or use colored water in your centerpieces to coordinate with your decor.

The effect is magical in candlelight. 35 Set reception tables with colored or patterned china instead of standard white. The cost will be about $3-$7 per

place setting. 36 Hire out-of-the-ordinary entertainment for a high-impact cocktail hour. To save costs, opt for a three-piece ensemble instead of a five-piece. Or use standout musicians for the cocktail hour and switch to a DJ for dancing later on in the evening. 37 Instead of hiring a group for the cocktail hour, have a solo musician, like a classical guitarist, add something different and delightful. 40 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

38 Consider a musical group that combines a DJ and musicians who perform along with the recorded music. It’ll get

49 Want to double the impact of your flower arrangements without adding a dime to your florist bill? Place your

the crowd dancing, and provide the upscale feel of a live band at less expense. 39 If you’re hiring a DJ, consider a live bongo player or sax player to accompany your mix master. 40 Glow on! “Use candlelight to give your room a rich, romantic look,” says Goldberg. “It’s highly affordable.” 41 Get creative with escort cards and/ or place cards. In some cases you can do a different—and more interesting—shape or color for less than you’d pay for the typical tented fold-over cards, says Price. 42 Instead of just lining up escort cards on a table, string them from branches or nestle them in a bed of grass, sand, rocks or flower petals. 43 Splurge on hand calligraphy for your escort cards, place cards or table numbers. 44 Dress up your escort cards and

blooms in front of a mirror—the reflection will create an ultralush look. 50 Order window clings (perfect for personalizing glass doors at your venue) at websites like orientaltrading.com or Etsy. Prices for the clings start at around $15, depending on size. 51 Small wrought-iron trees, available at specialty stores or online, make a chic backdrop or centerpiece. Take them up a notch by hanging votives or glittering ornaments from the branches. 52 A fresh centerpiece idea: Fill clear containers with sliced limes, lemons or oranges. In the center of the fruit, place a tall glass with a votive to illuminate the arrangement.

table numbers by choosing paper with

a metallic sheen rather than a flat card stock, says Price. If you were to purchase card stock yourself, you’d pay about $40 per 100 sheets for metallic and about $27 per 100 sheets of flat. The difference would be about 13 cents a sheet. 45 For an elegant look, ask the calligrapher to spell out table numbers (“six” instead of “6”), says Price. 46 Make it metallic. “Metallic items look extravagant but don’t cost any more than their counterparts,” says Griffith, who suggests presenting favors in little gold boxes and choosing a shimmery champagne color for linens. 47 Vary the height, size or shape of centerpieces. “This is a design trick often used by pros,” explains Griffith. “By doing this you create dimension, which keeps the eye flowing throughout the room, It’s a really nice effect.” 48 Play around with centerpiece containers for a more custom look. One of Bonnell’s Texas brides is filling specialty cowboy boots with wildflowers for a casually elegant air.

53 Use natural elements that hold an earthy, upscale appeal. Goldberg sug-

gests filling a two- to three-foot-high vase with a base of river rocks and adding dramatic branches of curly willow or manzanita branches. Place these arrangements at the entrance to your cocktail hour and/or reception.

PHOTOGRAPHY: (TOP) J WILEY PHOTOGRAPHY (BOTTOM) ACQUA PHOTOGRAPHY

FOR A CHIC IMPRESSION, CATERERS CAN CREATE UNIQUE DISPLAYS WITH ITEMS ALREADY ON HAND SUCH AS SHOT GLASSES AND CERAMIC TEASPOONS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.

54 When selecting butler-passed foods, go for visually pleasing nibbles. Red gaz-

pacho shooters with a green garnish look great lined up on a tray. 55 Start your meal with an amusebouche, a tasty pre-dinner bite. Try an espresso cup of soup, a mini crab cake or a single scallop. Dropping the salad course and replacing it with an amusebouche is usually done at no extra cost. 56 Presenting food in eye-catching ways creates a chic impression but doesn't have to add costs. “Most chefs

serving tray. Guests will really enjoy the naturally creative touch!” 60 Add an unexpected accent to dishes with pretty herbs or edible flowers, such as pansies or squash blossoms, says Clare. 61 Classic cocktails—an old-fashioned, anyone?—are making a comeback. Offer one or two kinds of mixed drinks, and you’ll imbue your reception with a sophisticated, vintage feel that guests will be sure to remember fondly. 62 Have waiters work the room. “Passing specialty drinks can upgrade your

decorate dessert plates with a swirl or drizzle of chocolate or fruit-flavored sauce. 68 Make coffee extra special by serving each cup with a rock-candy swizzle stick. 69 Ask your baker to cover your confection in a soft gold fondant rather than white. “Fondant airbrushed in gold

looks rich and extravagant,” says Goldberg. 70 Display your favorite goodies—cookies, candy, potato chips—whatever you’re known for noshing—in containers or even vases of different heights, shapes and sizes. 71 Take your goodie bag up a notch by providing customized “to go” bags or boxes with a stamp or sticker with your names or logo, says Griffith. 72 An elaborate wedding cake can be super pricey. Instead, offer your guests miniature pies, petit fours or individual servings of crème brûlée. 73 A cupcake or doughnut tower is another fun and budget-friendly change from a traditional cake. A five-tier tower

PHOTOGRAPHY: (TOP) SHERMAN CHU PHOTOGRAPHY (BOTTOM) FEATHER LOVE/NOA AZOULAY

INSTEAD OF JUST LINING UP ESCORT CARDS ON A TABLE, STRING THEM FROM BRANCHES OR NESTLE THEM IN A BED OF GRASS, SAND, ROCKS OR FLOWER PETALS. enjoy creating unique presentations,” says Goldberg. “If they have items available—such as shot glasses, ceramic teaspoons and so on—they can use these at no further cost to you.” 57 Plan your menu around such inexpensive ethnic cuisines as Mexican, Indian or Greek. 58 Treat your guests to an appetizer duo or dessert trio. Price’s insider secret: If your venue offers four courses, negotiate down to three and use the “credit” to pay for the duo or trio. For a fabulous dessert trio, for example, you might serve a mini flourless chocolate cake, a berry tartlet and a shortbread cookie. 59 Adopt a leaf motif. For a summery look, serve appetizers on petite tropical leaves and use a leaf as a charger under the dinner plate, says Clare. “You can even use a long pod or a sturdy leaf as a

may cost as little as $75. 74 Or steal an idea from one bride, and have an outrageously rich brownie tower. 75 Choose favors that do double duty as escort card holders. Clare suggests writing each guest’s name on a pot with a keepsake plant tucked inside. 

look, and most venues will include it in their package,” says Price. 63 The champagne tower is back in style, says Clare. Create one by stacking glasses in a pyramid shape. There may be a small setup cost. Drop single raspberries into glasses for extra effect. 64 Float a slice of lemon, orange, lime or a strawberry or raspberry in each guest’s water glass. 65 Instead of a budget-busting full, open bar, offer your guests a signature cocktail, chosen to complement your wedding colors, suggests Griffith. 66 Decorate your wedding cake with fresh flowers to match your decor (less expensive than sugarpaste!). “Most florists will provide this for you at a minimal charge if they’re already providing other elements of your wedding,” says Price. 67 Sweet and simple: Have your caterer 41

planning 101

Countdown Calendar

Adapted from Bridal Guide’s How to Plan the Perfect Wedding…Without Going Broke, by Diane Forden (Grand Central Publishing)

12 MONTHS TO GO • Announce your engagement • Gather ideas for your wedding theme and style • Work out a basic budget; research wedding/reception venues • Determine number of guests • Get started on attire ideas • If you’ll be working with a planner, review potential candidates • Research photographers, videographers, reception bands or DJs; set up Zoom or live consultations; review portfolios, reels, recordings

11 MONTHS TO GO • If you’re working with a planner, make your selection and set up a meeting • Select and reserve your ceremony venue; schedule rehearsal time • Choose reception venue; negotiate contract; leave a deposit to hold the time • Determine theme/decor for your reception • Meet with potential caterers; arrange for tastings • Select and book caterer • Reserve musicians/DJ • Determine ceremony musicians and make musical selections • Book videographer and photographer; put together a shot list • Research floral designers • Secure venue parking and/or guest transportation • Visit local bridal salons and start looking/trying-on • Choose your wedding-party members; invite them to take part in your celebration

42 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

• Meet with your officiant to discuss the ceremony • Determine your honeymoon budget • Start creating a wedding website as soon as your wedding date and venue are set

10 MONTHS TO GO

• Research wedding rings for you and your partner • Determine your floral designer; discuss wedding theme/style/palette

7 MONTHS TO GO

• Register for gifts (and update your website accordingly) • Work closely with vendors to ensure your theme/style/palette will be woven into all aspects of your day • Decide on the food and drink to be served • Prepare a playlist of reception music ideas for your DJ (include any Do Not Play titles if need be) • Select and order your headpiece, veil, shoes • Confirm order of delivery dates for your wedding attire • Research air, hotel and car-rental options for guests

• Review and finalize wedding details with your partner and/or planner • Coordinate any fittings/alterations with your bridesmaids • Consider groomsmen attire; make recommendations for formalwear shop or rental house • Select attire for flower girl and/or ring bearer • Scout stationers: Determine the design, wording and paper stock for your invitation suite, table cards, thank-you notepaper (you may include your website URL on a small insert, not on your formal invitation); finalize order • Hire a calligrapher (if needed) for table and escort cards • Determine order of ceremony events and choose appropriate wording for your programs • Book hotel-room blocks for your guests; negotiate rates; post info to your website • Select and order your wedding rings • Purchase bridal accessories: jewelry, lingerie, etc. • Choose and order something fun for guests to toss after your ceremony (rose petals, confetti, etc.)

8 MONTHS TO GO

6 MONTHS TO GO

• Go for your first gown fitting: invite your maid of honor to join you • Choose and order bridesmaid dresses and accessories

• Now’s the time to start thinking about honeymoon ideas • Review and approve proofs of invitations and stationery

• Select and order your wedding gown • If your ceremony or reception will be held in a special setting such as a park, obtain any necessary permits • Go over attendants’ duties with your maid of honor and bridesmaids • Send out save-the-dates if yours is a destination wedding (include your wedding website URL)

9 MONTHS TO GO

5 MONTHS TO GO • Order table cards; place print order for programs • Final choice of honeymoon destination • Taste-test a variety of wedding cakes and select a baker; place cake order and arrange for delivery • Make reservations for rehearsal dinner and select your menu

4 MONTHS TO GO • Determine method of addressing invitations and hire a calligrapher, if applicable • Hand address—or have a calligrapher address—invitations • Create your wedding vows • Have groom try on tuxedo • Purchase or rent groom’s wedding accessories • Make honeymoon travel reservations and place all deposits

3 MONTHS TO GO • Review and approve wedding announcement and printed program proofs • Book venue or secure reservations for post-wedding brunch • Discuss any bachelorette party plans with your attendants • Plan a bridesmaids luncheon or dinner, if desired • Book an appointment for a hair trial

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF CACTUS COLLECTIVE WEDDINGS

2 MONTHS TO GO • Weigh, purchase postage for and mail invitations • Secure a wedding-day dressing room for your bridesmaids • Go to final gown fitting; arrange for pickup or delivery • Have groom’s formalwear fitted • Purchase attendants’ gifts • Arrange transportation for bride and groom from ceremony site to reception • Update wedding website as needed

6 WEEKS TO GO • Send rehearsal dinner invitations • Write thank-you notes as you receive gifts • Confirm music selections with musicians and/or DJ • Select menu for post-wedding brunch • Shop for/create wedding favors • Plan and/or purchase honeymoon apparel essentials/luggage • Go for a dry run with your hairstylist and schedule a day-of-wedding appointment

4 WEEKS TO GO • Confirm floral order and arrange for delivery times • Meet with ushers and assign duties • Discuss ceremony details with your officiant • Determine placement or distribution of programs at the ceremony venue • Arrange for preparation, storage and break areas for musicians/DJ at the reception venue • Determine seating arrangements for guests • Go in for a makeup trial with a makeup artist and schedule a day-of-wedding appointment • Book a mani-pedi for the day before the wedding

• Finalize details with photographer and videographer • Finalize honeymoon plans and confirm all reservations • Arrange for transportation to and from the airport • Arrange for escort-card setup at your reception • Schedule pickup/return of groom’s formalwear if needed

3 WEEKS TO GO • Call anyone who has not yet responded to their invitation • Finalize guest list • Give final head count to caterer and review details • Arrange for deliveries: flowers, decor, rentals

1 WEEK TO GO • Reconfirm honeymoon travel arrangements • Start packing for honeymoon • Pick up your wedding dress

WEDDING DAY • Eat a healthy, energizing breakfast • Allow plenty of prep time for you and your ’maids • Relax and feel the love!

43

PHOTOGRAPHY: ALEX COVO. HAIR: YOICHI TOMIZAWA USING BUMBLE&BUMBLE @ART-DEPT. MAKEUP: WILLIAM MURPHY AT ATELIER MANAGEMENT

GUIDE

A NEW MOOD.

Floral embossed jacquard Westbrook gown, $4,830, by ANNE BARGE. Bea Cathedral Length Veil in Gold Lustre, $4,750, by MONVIEVE. Persephone Royal Bridal Crown, $2980 (TOP) and Lucrezia Royal Bridal Crown, $630 (BOTTOM), both by EDEN LUXE Bridal. Vidia Hoops, $360, by YUN YUN SUN. 45 000 000

in my dreams in my dreams in my dreams WHERE ALL YOUR FASHION FANTASIES COME TRUE. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX COVO

FLIGHT OF FANCY. Gazar bias Rosemary ballgown, $9,995, by AMSALE. Butterfly Flutter Flip Clips, $228, by JENNIFER BEHR. (LEFT HAND) Blue Topaz Point Of Focus Ring, $1375, by MATEO. (RIGHT HAND) Mes Ring, $3100, by SHW JEWELRY. 000 46 000

000

000

GOTH PRINCESS. Jet beaded black ballgown and sleeves, $1,469, by CHRISTINA WU. Isabella Gilded Royal Crown, $1,380, by EDEN LUXE Bridal. Diamond earrings and 12 ct. Round Brilliant Cut Diamond and Platinum Ring, Price Upon Request, by JACOB & CO. 48 000

000

DAYDREAMING. Floral lace ballgown, $12,100, by PNINA TORNAI FOR KLEINFELD, available exclusively at Kleinfeld. (left hand) Vike Ring, $4,400 and Mana Ring, $2,500, both by SHW JEWELRY. Tapered Diamond Ring, $5,780, by AKAILA REID. (right hand) Stardust Major Cocktail Ring, Price Upon Request, by HARWELL GODFREY. Mes Ring, $3,100, by SHW JEWELRY. Triple Gypset Ring, $9,140, by AKAILA REID. Kintsugi Ring, $4,350, by MILAMORE.

000

ON ANOTHER PLANET. Beaded knit mesh Simone Gown, $3,800, by KATHERINE TASH, katherinetash.com. Rhinestone headbands by NINA SHOES, ninashoes.com. Rhyme Major Pearl Earrings by STATE PROPERTY, thisisstateproperty.com.

FINE FEATHERS. Amadora feather mini dress, $7,795, by NAEEM KHAN. Aniyah Crystal Diadem, $925, by JENNIFER BEHR. (left hand) Wire Spiral Ring with Diamond, $740 and (right hand) Planeti Wire Spiral Ring, $995, both by RITIQUE. Rhinestone Buckle Mules, $2,250, by ROGER VIVIER. 000 50 000

000

OH MY GODDESS! Nude art-deco beaded Dakota gown, $14,400 and Nude ruffle Edna sleeves, $1,440, both by GALIA LAHAV. Solange Crown, $980, by EDEN LUXE Bridal.

GROUND CONTROL. (Left): Pleated Tulle Dress with Crystal Bows, $7,950, by HONOR NYC, honornyc.com. Rhinestone headband by NINA SHOES, ninashoes.com. Ellipsis Earrings by STATE PROPERTY, thisisstateproperty.com. (Right): Beaded Dress with Embroidered Skirt & Flower Lace Collar, $7,800, and Crystal Heart Belt, $2,400, both by HONOR NYC, honornyc.com. Rhinestone headband by NINA SHOES, ninashoes.com. Drew Pave Drop Earrings by STATE PROPERTY, thisisstateproperty. com. Annika Diamond Engagement Ring and Claudette Diamond Stacking Band, both by SOFIA KAMEN, sofiakamen.com. Both girls wear lace tights by NATORI, natori.com and Ariana Patent Leather Mary Janes by CAREL, carel.fr, courtesy HONOR NYC.

000

All that We See Or seEm Is but a dreaM WiThin A Dream Edgar Allan Poe, “A Dream Within a Dream” from The Works of the Late Edgar Allan Poe, ed. R. W. Griswold. New York: J. S. Redfield, 1850.

DREAMING OF YOU. Floral embossed jacquard Westbrook gown, $4,830, by ANNE BARGE. Bea Cathedral Length Veil in Gold Lustre, $4,750, by MONVIEVE.Persephone Royal Bridal Crown, $2,980 (top) and Lucrezia Royal Bridal Crown, $630 (bottom), both by EDEN LUXE Bridal. Vidia Hoops, $360, by YUN YUN SUN. Planeti Wire Spiral Ring, $995 and Nouveau Stacked Wire Ring, $595, both by RITIQUE. Diamond Edge Cigar Band, $10,900, by MATEO. 52 000

000

OTHERWORLDLY Pink Sylvie silk faille midi dress, $1950, by ALEXIA MARIA, alexiamaria.com. Ellipsis Earrings by STATE PROPERTY, thisisstateproperty.com. Chloe Diamond Engagement Ring (left) and Sloane Lab Grown Diamond Ring, both by SOFIA KAMEN, sofiakamen.com. I Love Vivier Bow Strass Pumps by ROGER VIVIER, rogervivier.com.

000 000

DOWN TO EARTH. Feather Embroidery Single Breasted Blazer, $4200, Ombre Feather Embroidery Trouser, $3,450, and Short Tulle Veil, all by LAPOINTE, shopLAPOINTE.com. Tsang Bone White Signet Ring by STATE PROPERTY, thisisstateproperty.com.

DREAM ON. Puff sleeve tulle Heather Jacket, approx. $837 worn over Stretch crepe Heather gown, approx. $2,277, both by JUSTIN ALEXANDER SIGNATURE. Alexandra Coronet, $1,100, by ERIN RHYNE.

000

000

CLOUD NINE. Lace Angelic puff-sleeve ballgown, $7,995, by REEM ACRA. Fleuri Halo (top), $1,000 and Audrey floral headband (bottom), $1500, and Carmen floral drop earrings, $300, all by ERIN RHYNE. (left hand)Triple Gyset Diamond Ring, $9,140, by AKAILA REID. (right hand) Stardust Major Cocktail Ring, Price Upon Request, by HARWELL GODFREY.

55 000

A DREAM COME TRUE. (left) Penelope tulle gown with beading and appliqués, $10,120, by LIZ MARTINEZ. Freya Floral Tiara, $748, by EDEN LUXE Bridal. (left hand) Triple Gypset Diamond Ring, $9,140, by AKAILA REID. (right hand) Tapered Diamond Ring, $5,780, by AKAILA REID. Vike Ring, $4,400, by SHW JEWELRY. Illusion Duo Stone Ring, $3,890, by RITIQUE. (right) Tulle puff sleeve Blanche gown, $6,900, by LIZ MARTINEZ. Asymmetrical Belle Crown, $1,075, by ERIN RHYNE. Pearl Blizzard Mobile Earrings, $2,050, by MATEO. (left hand) 12 ct. Round Brilliant Cut Diamond and Platinum Ring, Price Upon Request, by JACOB & CO. (right hand) Mes Ring, $3,100, by SHW JEWELRY. 56 000

000

000

LEAN IN. 3D crystalized demicouture Venus ballgown and bodysuit, $8,600, both by ANDREW KWON. Stardust Major Cocktail Ring, Price Upon Request, by HARWELL GODFREY.

58 000

000

OTHERWORLDLY Pink Sylvie silk faille midi dress, $1950, by ALEXIA MARIA, alexiamaria.com. Ellipsis Earrings by STATE PROPERTY, thisisstateproperty.com. Chloe Diamond Engagement Ring (left) and Sloane Lab Grown Diamond Ring, both by SOFIA KAMEN, sofiakamen.com. I Love Vivier Bow Strass Pumps by ROGER VIVIER, rogervivier.com.

THE MAGIC TOUCH. Hand embroidered Perdita Gown and Sleeves, Price Upon Request, by The Atelier Couture by Professor Jimmy Choo OBE. (left hand) Stardust Major Cocktail Ring, Price Upon Request, by HARWELL GODFREY. (right hand) Hand Carved Chalcedony Crown Ring, $8,000, by GUITA M. STYLIST: JULI ALVAREZ STYLING ASSISTANT: JOSHUA SOUZA HAIR: YOICHI TOMIZAWA USING BUMBLE&BUMBLE @ART-DEPT MAKEUP: WILLIAM MURPHY AT ATELIER MANAGEMENT ART DIRECTOR: MARY CATE GODFREY 000 000

C

ELEBRITY

WE

in record time Diandra Lyle tells us how she pulled off her wedding to longtime love, fellow actor Robert Dowdy in six days with just $1,500. BY DIANDRA LYLE PHOTOGRAPHED BY EUGENE BYRD

60 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

DDING

ce upon a time, a long time ago, two people met. It all happened so unexpectedly. Go to a last-minute Friday rooftop hang. Strike up conversation with the guy who took the only open seat beside me. Connect on social media. Grab a beer and watch Monday night football the following week. Six months later, bam! Relationship in full swing. Fast-forward a couple years and we move in together. Three more years go by and The Question is popped. (If you’re doing the math, we’re about five and half years in.) Oh, and fun fact: we get engaged at the rooftop where we met! A year and some change later, I book a show, Secrets of Sulphur Springs, a dream job that takes me to one of my favorite cities, New Orleans. The show is picked up for a second season, and I spend the summer of 2021 back in the bayou region, mosquito-swatting and making TV magic. But the wedding stuff, yeah, it continues to be back-burnered. The truth of the matter? I don’t want to “do it” just to “do it.” I want us to be in a solid, connected place. I want the time to feel right. July 2022 and we’re back in NOLA for a third season. I’m in my favorite city, shooting has just begun, my fiancé is coming to visit me later in the week­­--life is good! A wild no4 tion comes over me out of nowhere…

“What if we just got married this weekend when you come down?” My fiancé, peering back at me wideeyed across FaceTime, releases a slight chuckle followed by a semi-astonished “What?!” I stay the course: “I’m serious. I know it sounds crazy, but what if we just did it?!” Once I have his okay (and my daughter’s, who I actually call first to get her blessing), the wheels are in full motion! It was Monday and Saturday would be the main event, which meant we have less than six days to pull this thing off! Is it possible? Could we do it? Are we crazy? Well, here’s a ‘play’-by-day rundown of how The Little Big Easy Elopement panned out…

TUESDAY After a 12-hour workday, I dash down to the French Quarter to try to find a dress. First shop, no luck. Venture over to another boutique and happen upon a just-my-style dress. It fits damn-near perfect and at a price of $240 makes it even more of a steal! As I walk back to my car, dress in hand, I see a double rainbow arching over the Mississippi River. It must be a sign! WEDNESDAY My day off. I run all over the city and then some on the hunt for shoes, jewelry, a hair adornment, his suit—and anything else I can think of. As I explore a couple shops on Magazine Street I come across a lovely little floral shop. I bounce around some ideas with the gals: jewel tones, odd/non-typical flowers, variety, etc., but ultimately place my trust in their beyondcapable hands. Off to the mall I go. I quickly find a pair of bejeweled shoes at Dillard’s. To my delight, I see that ‘Happily Ever After’ is inscribed on the outsole with a little faux blue sapphire gem. Thanks to Jessica Simpson’s wedding collection, I have my something blue! 61

“WHAT IF WE JUST GOT MARRIED THIS WEEKEND WHEN YOU COME DOWN?” Now a suit for my love. Accompanying me via FaceTime, we find a light blue threepiece linen suit on sale that’s right up his alley. Oh, did I mention it was like 60% off? Winning! As I step outside, I look up and what do mine eyes see? Another double rainbow gracing the sky. No doubt about it, it is most certainly a sign! Got the dress. Got the shoes. Got the suit. Got the flowers. But none of that means anything without that other stuff. The real deal stuff. The legal stuff. Now I have to find an officiant, secure all the necessary documents needed, and—oh yeah, figure out where this ceremony is going to take place. In between stops, I search Thumbtack for an officiant, and fortunately, the first person I reach out to meets all of the marks. So for $150, we lock down our officiant! THURSDAY A FULL 13-hour work day! Bouquet selection is finalized and paid for. Initial phone call with the officiant takes place. Fiancé touches down in New Orleans. FRIDAY First up: marriage license. We head to the office, fill out the forms, cross our fingers that we have everything we need, pay $27.50 and boom—we’re officially licensed! SATURDAY The big day! On my way to pick up the flowers, I wander into a little

Diandra and Robert strike a pose.

“With no time for pre-wedding runthroughs, my glam squad came to my place and worked their magic. My curly, free-styled coif with vintage beaded hair vine was to die for!”

62 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

Once the ink was dry on our marriage certificate, we set off on a quest to capture some newlywed magic. The colorful creole cottages, stoops and shutters, balconies and storied energy make for a boundless canvas. Once we finished, we commemorated the moment with banana daiquiries at the historic Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop on Bourbon Street.

shop directly next door. As I enter, I’m immediately thrust into a majestic sea of umbrellas and parasols. I think to myself, “how perfect would this be for pictures?!” Much to my surprise, I find out they offer rentals! Say no more! I select a fringed parasol for $25 and am on my way. Now, remember the location matter? Well, I wasn’t able to find one. But I still have my ‘if all else fails’ spot: the brick-walled back courtyard of the duplex I’m renting. It has endured many a storm. And it had stories to tell. In hindsight, we really couldn’t have picked a better place to tell ours. For my wedding-day glam, I hire a couple of amazing hair and make-up talents from my show (thank goodness they were available!). We are then joined by the officiant and finally our witnesses, Eugene and Susana. In addition to being a longtime friend, Gene is also my cast mate. And not only does he know my fiancé personally, he is a photographer extraordinaire! He’s the

perfect person to observe our union, both in front of and behind the lens. Gene brought our second witness, Susana, who had come to town to visit her old pal. Little did she know, she’d soon be forever legally bound to a pair of strangers she’d met just minutes prior! 4 P.M. SHOWTIME! I step into the courtyard. There’s no escort, no “please rise,” simply the slight hum of a nearby AC unit and a handsome, smiling face eagerly awaiting my arrival. We take our place at the makeshift altar flanked by two potted palms on loan from my show (our “something borrowed”). We exchange vows, rings (my engagement ring, his Oura Health Ring since we didn’t have time to get wedding bands), a few nervous giggles, and a whole lot of smiles. Surrounded by our witnesses, officiant, a few immediate family members on Zoom, and a dragonfly or two, our knot is officially tied. Our wedding dinner took place at sublime eatery, Atchafalya. They presented us with a complimentary dessert spread consisting of every item on the menu, which conveniently served as our ‘cake’. We cap the night off with one last celebratory drink at my favorite spot, Bar Marilou, then finally come to rest in a breathtaking suite (courtesy of my mother) at the adjoining Hotel Maison de la Luz. So there you have it. A spontaneous notion, culminating in the memory of a lifetime. Looking back, it still feels surreal. Given the circumstances, pulling off a last-minute ceremony out of state, all while adding our

“WE HAD LESS THAN SIX DAYS TO PULL THIS OFF! COULD WE DO IT?”

own special touches and keeping costs minimal in SIX days—start to finish—seems like a near-impossible feat! Sure, there are things we may have missed out on by not going the traditional route, but for us, this was enough. I encourage anyone and everyone considering marriage to follow your heart. Whether it be big and lavish, small and private, do what’s right for you. Forget tradition, forget other’s thoughts and opinions, forget trying to one-up that friend or foe, forget about how it’s “supposed” to be, and do what makes your heart happy. Diandra Lyle (Secrets of Sulphur Springs, American Woman, NCIS) recently starred in Apple TV’s Beauty and the Baller. Robert Dowdy has appeared in Sanador: The Healer, QT, Friends and more.

I was so thrilled to find the perfect accoutrements: a gemstone bracelet, drop earrings, beaded purse and hair ornament, all from Bambi DeVille.

Capturing a moment (above). Sharing all the love with our family over Zoom (left). Stepping out (right).

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HONEYMOON & DESTINATION WEDDING GUIDE

Magical Moments

PHOTOGRAPHY: PHOTOGRAPHY: TURTLE ISLAND

Do good, feel good and stay good when you book into these gorgeous resorts with Earth-first programming. A favored classic gets a modern sensibility in the tony Hamptons on Long Island. New York City’s latest offering is a tower of pampering in the hip NoMad neighborhood. One couple shares the bride’s hometown with guests—and us—with a festive fête in Georgia; another finds their bliss with a two-week weddingmoon on the sun-kissed island of Aruba.

The private Turtle Island in the South Pacific. May/June 2023 BRIDALGUIDE.COM000 65

WEDDINGS AWAY

Canoe Place Inn & Cottages In every issue, we scout a spot that’s perfect for tying the knot away from home. by Jenna Mahoney

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ith its historic peaked roofline and collection of charming cottages, this Long Island mainstay has been welcoming guests for centuries—yes! More than 500 years. First established in 1697, the current iteration (it’s a replica of the circa 1922 Dutch Colonial inn) recently unveiled a mega refresh. The property, that partially hugs Shinnecock Bay, now includes a beautiful spa fronted by a pool, intimate restaurants helmed by award-winning chefs and a smart design that nods to the historic past of the inn thanks to a blend of custom millwork, curated ac-

More Favorites

Marram Montauk At this laid-back beachfront hotel with a decidedly modern design ethos, buyout celebration weekends are the best bet. Bonus: It’s in walking distance to town.

Eastwind Hotel & Bar A former fishing and hunting lodge, this Catskills hideaway promises an elevated sleep-awaycamp vibe, complete with Scandinavian saunas in a trio of A-frame accommodations.

Gurney’s Star Island Positioned on an east-facing cove and a series of sailboat-and-yacht-lined piers, this 170-room property blends the best of beach life with the sophisticated details desired by the fashion set.

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The grand grounds.

cessories and a blend of vintage and modern furnishings. Among the revamped amenities and new room category—Boathouses, multiroom villa-like accommodations—are the event spaces. A central lawn area dotted with fire pits edges a large stone-tiled patio that’s picture-perfect for a ceremony, cocktail reception or morningafter brunch. Receptions are hosted in the grand ballroom with seating for 330, the pavilion, a space that’s essentially wrapped in windows, or oversize tents (wedding packages start at $400 per person and include a wedding cake, reception set up and planning support, as well as a night of accommodations for the couple; canoeplace.com). ¢

Legally Wedded

Exquisite event details.

A peaceful hideaway.

A pre-wedding glam station.

A poolside perch.

Marriage licenses are required in the state of New York, and must be obtained in person by the couple. Each must furnish proof of age (requirements of exact documents may vary by county), the required fee ($40) and, if applicable, a divorce decree or death certificate. Licenses are valid for 60 days. And there’s a 24-hour waiting period.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CANOE PLACE INN & COTTAGES

Setting the scene.

Start Your Story Here In Charleston, hospitality is part of our culture, part of our heritage. It’s who we are, as reliable as the rhythm of the changing tides. We invite you to join us. From full-service resorts to inviting bed & breakfasts, Charleston offers something for every wedding style.

CHARLESTONWEDDINGGUIDE.COM

Scan for your FREE planner.

RESORT ROUNDUP

The earth-friendly Rosewood Little Dix Bay from above.

GO GREEN

A SOJOURN AT ONE OF THESE PROPERTIES IMPRESSES WITH BOTH NATURAL BEAUTY AND SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMMING. BY JENNA MAHONEY

A villa with private pool.

OMNI AMELIA ISLAND

FUN FACT: Until recently the most common sustainable hotels were eco lodges. Found deep in tropical jungles they feature traditional local materials and building methods.

ROSEWOOD LITTLE DIX BAY An eco-first hideaway since its debut in 1964, this low-slung 80-accommodation property on the idyllic island of Virgin Gorda in the Caribbean’s BVI exudes a luxe castaway feel. Situated on 500 pristine beachfront acres, the resort puts sustainability at the forefront starting with its design—buildings blend seamlessly with the landscape—and food and beverage practices—all produce is grown on-site and single-use plastics are barely seen. The resort partners with nature conservancies including the Association of Reef Keepers (guests can tag along with sea turtle monitoring) and continues to make enormous efforts to reforest the area, which endured hurricane damage (room rates start at $1,200 a night; rosewoodhotels.com).

TIMBERS KAUAI AT HŌKŪALA The spirit of aloha at Timbers Kauai at Hokuala.

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This collection of 47 luxury villa residences spread across 450 acres, positioned on the ultra verdant “Garden Isle” in the Hawaiian archipelago centers on the enviornmental stewardship of nature for which the local culture is known. The sprawling grounds are home to myriad wildlife including five different endangered birds as well as the state’s official avian—the Nene bird. The Farm at Hokuala, which provides a bulk of the community’s food, practices regenerative farming techniques. Guests are welcome to join the local Surfrider efforts in keeping the beaches clean—there are programmed outings as well as independent cleanup kits (villa rentals start at $2,000 a night; timberskauai.com).

PHOTOGRAPHY (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) ROSEWOOD LITTLE DIX BAY (2); COURTESY OF TIMBERS KAUAI AT HOKUALA (2); OMNI AMELIA ISLAND RESORT

The seed for “The Sprouting Project” was planted by Davin Wardynski, the food and beverage director at this beachfront and marsh-facing resort positioned on the tip of a barrier island off the coast of Florida. The program is now a property-wide initiative that focuses on being the source of the hotel’s food. There’s an enormous organic garden, innovative aquaponic greenhouse, The Sprouting Project. numerous beehives and resident chickens. The barrel room is a space to age ingredients such as honey and vinegar; it’s also an outpost for weekly tasting events (room rates start at $489 a night; omnihotels.com).

Sustainabilty gets sumptuous at Six Senses Ibiza.

SIX SENSES IBIZA

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) COURTESY OF SIX SENSES IBIZA (2); TURLE ISLAND (2) BEACH BAY HVAR HOTEL (2)

BEACH BAY HVAR HOTEL

The Adriatic island of Hvar is something straight out of a fairytale with its medieval walls, protected stone buildings and glittering sands. Much of the island is a UNESCO World Heritage site. And UNESCO, the global cultural and educational agency, inducted this new 33-room seaview hotel into its newest tourism program—the Sustainable Travel Pledge, which focuses on responsible practices, community resilience and heritage conservation. This proud outpost is the first sustainable hotel on the Adriatic island. The property utilizes solar power exclusively, and a minimum of single-use plastic. And all food is locally sourced (room rates start at $305 a night and include breakfast; suncanihvar.com).

Beachy—and earthy chic at Beach Bay Hvar Hotel.

The Balearic Island of Ibiza is as globally known for its party scene as it is its sustainability ethos. And this homage to all things self-care and healing embodies the latter beginning with its architecture, which is a terraced building built into the craggy side of a mountain overlooking the glittering Mediterranean Sea; some of the rooftops are green and abundant with plantings, the centerpiece of the property is a centuries old olive tree, which marks the entrance to the epic spa. Treatments here showcase ingredients from the property’s farm, as do the restaurant menus. Solar powers much of the resort’s needs as does a geothermal water system which saves more than six million gallons annually (room rates start at $769 a night; sixsenses.com).

Castaway Turtle Island.

TURTLE ISLAND This is paradise found—a collection of 14 bures (Fijian villas) on a self-sustained South Pacific island fringed with 12 beaches. This idyllic destination takes an earth-first approach to every aspect of the island from land and sea conservation to community investment—scholarship programs, employment opportunities, annual dental/eye clinics, trade workshops and more. Solar power feeds the island and much of the furnishings are crafted from felled trees. Each guest plants a tree upon departure to assist in the island’s reforestation, and there’s a turtle conservation program (room rates start at $2,850 a night and are all inclusive. There’s a five-night minimum; turtlefiji.com). ¢

FUN FACT: The Global Sustainable Tourism Council Criteria was introduced in 2018 and with it launched a world-wide standard and accreditation for sustainablity claims in the travel space. 69

romantic

TRAVEL GETAWAYS

ADVERTISING

SECRETS IMPRESSION RESORTS

E

Experience Redefined Romance

xperience the highest level of all-inclusive luxury at Secrets® Impression Resorts & Spas, by the Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt. These incredible boutique couples resorts offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences with expansive suites, indulgent cuisine and inspired moments—and it’s all included in your stay with Endless Privileges®. You’ll receive superior service with your own butler who will anticipate your every need while you relax and enjoy each other’s company.

High-end island sanctuaries await to provide breathtaking settings for every romantic moment. Invite your friends and family for a destination wedding they’ll be reminiscing about for years. Your big day will be planned by their on-site coordinators, who will ensure every moment is a memory to behold. As the guests of honor, you will be pampered with spa treatments, breakfast in bed and complimentary nights with their Newlywed & Anniversary package. After your wedding, the indulgence doesn’t end. Experience a blissful honeymoon with special inclusions to make you feel like royalty in paradise. No matter which part of your love story is unfolding, these resorts will let you celebrate your new chapter with all the best things life has to offer.

To experience all the ways Secrets Impression Resorts & Spas redefine romance, go to hyattinclusivecollection.com.

The Look of Love by Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt Your wedding is a meaningful and symbolic milestone that deserves to be celebrated with those who matter most. Inclusive Collection offers the best option to celebrate every cherished moment in beautiful, tropical oasis. Whether it’s the first time you see one another as you walk down the aisle, or the view from your ocean front suite where you celebrate that special anniversary or renewing your vows. Inclusive Collection expertly crafts stunning experiences, creating lifelong memories for you to love and cherish.

Expertly Crafted Packages Each romantic wedding, honeymoon and anniversary packages are thoughtfully designed to make the most of your special time together. Pick from seven allinclusive brands ideal for your romantic milestone! For more information, please visit: www.hyattinclusivecollection.com/en/weddings-honeymoons

© 2023 Hyatt Corporation

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THE SANDS AT GRACE BAY Happily Ever After Starts Here

sapphire sea tickles the white powder beach. Ocean breezes welcome you to the gracious suites. A tropical moon hovers over the oceanfront restaurant. When it comes to out of the

ordinary destination weddings and honeymoons in Turks & Caicos, The Sands at Grace Bay provides the perfect prelude to the rest of your life.

Visit thesandstc.com or call 1-877-777-2637.

BAY GARDENS RESORTS Set the Scene and Say I Do

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reaming of a private beach ceremony, a beautiful garden gathering, or an intimate affair in an island setting? Planning your destination wedding in Saint Lucia should be anything but stressful! Let your journey begin at Bay Gardens Resorts with a carefree, customizable wedding package. Say ‘YES’ to new beginnings with your Bay Gardens Wedding experience and toast to everlasting memories! Book your wedding now through July 2023 and receive a FREE couples massage and FREE Candlelit Dinner for two.

Visit www.baygardensresorts.com/weddings, call 1-877-620-3200, or email events@baygardensresorts.com.

Weddings in Greece GRECOTEL TRADITIONAL FARMS & VILLAGES Danilia Village & Agreco Farm: A whole new meaning to authentic weddings.

G R E COT E L HOTELS & RESORTS In magnificent Greek locations, luxurious details create fairytale hotel weddings & honeymoons, each as exceptional as the couple living it. grecotel.com

REAL DESTINATION WEDDING

GEORGIA

THIS TEXAS COUPLE HOSTED A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER AT THE BRIDE’S FAVORITE FAMILY HIDEAWAY WITH ALL THE AMENITIES. BY JENNA MAHONEY

OVER A ROUND OF GOLF ON THE PICTURESQUE JIM FAZIO COURSE AT BARNSLEY RESORT, a sprawling estate in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia, Cliff Davis asked Emily Davis’s father for her hand in marriage. “Barnsley Resort is a special place for my family. It was a go-to staycation for us. I grew up in Marietta, GA, so it was a beloved close-by getaway,” says Emily who now lives in Dallas. It was a lightbulb moment when she learned the story of her dad and now husband on the course. “Considering how special Barnsley Resort is to my family, the place that would showcase that quintessential Georgia vibe to all of our Texas friends and family” made it the picture-perfect—and service-oriented—locale for their wedding weekend. 000 74 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

CAPTION HERE GARTER + WHISKEY PHOTOGRAPHY:

Emily and Cliff Davis celebrated with love.

Village People Sprawling over 300 photogenic pastoral acres, the property,

which was actually a wedding gift two centuries ago, is more like an intimate village than a mere historic hotel. Among the three eateries, inn-, cottage-, and villa guest accommodations, and various outposts for activities, there are myriad options for hosting events. And Emily and Cliff took advantage of many of them over the course of their celebration. “Our ceremony was on the museum lawn and the reception was in the Pavillion, an open-air space with soaring beamed wooden ceilings. The rehearsal dinner, hosted by Cliff’s parents, was in the indoor/outdoor Georgian Hall, which flaunts a grand porch.

Heirloom details.

PHOTOGRAPHY: GARTER + WHISKEY

The Taste

The Pavilion is one of many event venues.

“Cliff’s family has a veil that the majority of the women in the family have worn, including in-laws! I felt so lucky they asked me to wear it, too. I also wore my mom’s diamonds, which was very special.”

Georgia is as known for peanuts, pecans and pimento cheese, as it is peaches. And Barnsley’s catering menus throughout the wedding weekend reflected the best in the Southern state’s cuisine. Favorites on the lunch menu at Woodlands Grill include pimento cheese beignets, blackened coastal shrimp and pecan pie. The upscale Rice House is a celebration of local, farm-fresh ingredients inventively prepared in seasonally changing tastings menus. And the casual Beer Garden offers the best in regional brews. ➺

The cake was crafted by a popular local baker who specializes in towering confections.

The ceremony was hosted outdoors.

The boys’ club. 75

REAL DESTINATION WEDDING

SMALL TOWN CHARM

To the bride!

Located equidistant from Atlanta and Chattanooga, Adairsville is a quaint quiet town with a population of fewer than 5,000 people. The revitalized downtown is lined with period homes. Attractions include antique shops, a mercantile and historic locomotive events.

Local blooms.

The couple snuck off to shoot their most intimate photos.

On the Rise

With the exception of her sisters, Emily’s bridesmaids all chose their own dresses.

“The food all weekPicture perfect. end was amazing!” And so was the legally required Marriage licenses are in the state of service: “The staff wed Georgia. Couples must be was super-attentive, 18 years or older to apply and must do so in person. Licenses are issued even being at the by county probate courts and cost about ready with golf carts $60; discounts are available if the couple completes a premarital course. Proof of to help transport age, and if applicable a divorce decree or death certificate, are required along with our guests around the payment. There is no waiting period. the property.”

The To-Dos From golf and horseback riding to yoga and an excellent spa,

expansive amenities are a Barnsley hallmark. And Cliff, Emily and their guests took full advantage of the offerings over their celebratory weekend. The bride and her attendants enjoyed a yoga class on the green followed by a poolside luncheon on Friday, while her groom and friends played golf. The day of the wedding after breakfast at the on-site Beer Garden, Cliff and pals tried their hands at axe throwing.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: GARTER + WHISKEY

Barnsley’s Ruins and their adjacent gardens are not only imposing and beautiful, they are also a remnant of Major General William Sherman’s Civil War march to the sea. The vestiges of an English-manor style estate built by Godfrey Barnsley in the 1840s, the structure was burned in an effort to disrupt the economic strongholds of the confederacy. Today the area is among the property’s most photographed. Says Emily of the space: “Our photographer, Garter + Whiskey, captured so many amazing shots here. He snuck us away during sunset to shoot a few more pictures, and we are so thankful.”

The grand property.

travel notes

UTTERLY ROMANTIC BARNSLEY RESORT HAS THE

essence of love at the center of its DNA. In fact, two hundred years ago the estate was gifted by Godfrey Barnsley to his bride upon their marriage. Located the same distance to Atlanta and Chattanooga, in the sleepy town of Adairsville, not only is the sprawling property with breathtaking gardens and a just as pretty golf course an awesome place to host a full-service wedding weekend, it’s also a storybook hideaway for a minimoon. Accommodations include 55 rooms in an intimate inn and 39 individual cottages. The latter are particularly honeymoon-perfect thanks to soaking tubs and pastoral views; some have fireplaces. Beyond the sumptuous rooms, the resort flaunts all manner of on-site activities including a swimming pool, yoga, horseback riding, archery, axe throwing and guided tours of the Ruins, vestiges of the original WEDDING PLANNER: 1840s estate that were burned during the Natalie Durham with Natalie Durham Events Civil War. Golf on the JIm Fazio course is CATERING: Barnsley Resort WEDDING CAKE: Cakehouse on Main wildly popular, as are pampering treatments FLORIST: Natalie Durham Events in the large spa. Mealtimes can be casual— PHOTOGRAPHER: Garter + Whiskey there’s a laid-back Beer Garden and more VIDEOGRAPHER: Imagine Video Productions upscale grill—or sophisticated in the farmEVENT DESIGN: Barnsley Resort house-turned elevated dining room called CEREMONY MUSIC: The Rice House. All are helmed by SpainGracie Sommers and Guests Trio born, France-trained Chef Javier Cuesta who RECEPTION BAND: puts an innovative twist on Southern classics Big Bling and the Funk Machine (room rates start at $409 a night, plus a $45 RENTALS: resort fee per person; barnselyresort.com).  Crush by Event Works and Party Table

wedding details

A quaint cottage.

Sumptuous and welcoming.

LINENS: La Tavola and Party Table Linens INVITATIONS: 16th and Taylor BRIDE’S DRESS: Sareh Nouri BRIDES’S SHOES: Badgley Mischka BRIDE’S SISTER’S DRESSES: BHLDN PHOTOGRAPHY: BARNSLEY RESORT

HAIR AND MAKEUP: Cassie Capri

Visitors come to tour the gardens.

The gorgeous grounds. 77

ALL-INCLUSIVE GUIDE

T

HE CARIBBEAN IS CALLING WITH THE RELAXING

promise of swaying palms, endless sunshine, sugared sands, succulent seafood, and seas in every imaginable shade of blue, and all-inclusive properties want to help couples answer. Whether pairs picture the tropical paradise as the perfect I-do destination or plan to head there happily ever after getting hitched, all-inclusives offer easy one-stop vacation shoppng.

INCLUDED: An all-inclusive resort booking means accommodations, all meals, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, on-property amenities like fitness centers, kids’ clubs and pools, entertainment, nonmotorized beach sports, Wi-Fi, taxes and tips are packaged into a single, pre-paid tariff. It’s also common for a property to offer premium amenities or add-ons that upgrade elements of a stay like adding top-shelf spirits, suites with on-call butlers and private plunge pools or a daily spa treatment.

EXTRAS: It depends on the reservation and the resort but typically rounds of golf, off-site excursions and tours, airport transfers, spa services, Jet Ski or boat rentals, and water parks. Some charge daily resort fees to cover some of these amenities. TIPPING: Some brands have policies against gratuities while most

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Soaking up the sunshine in the Bahamas.

“All-Inclusive is a convenience; a smart plan which discounts all components (room, meals and drinks) activities and entertainment and gives you great savings. It is a dream vacation planned and paid for in advance. ” says Teena McDonald from Grand Lucayan, an all-inclusive resort in the Bahamas. Before you go, you’ll want to know what is available and what is included at your destination of choice. Here’s a decoder on what to what to know before saying “I do” to a resort.

simply include it in the reservation price. Guests can also reward exemplary service by bartenders, servers or housekeepers at their discretion as long as there isn’t a rule forbidding it.

DRESS CODES: Plan to live in your

NON-MOTORIZED WATER SPORTS: Beachfront all-inclusives

DISCOUNTS & EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS: Membership has its

often outfit guests with snorkeling equipment, SUPs, kayaks, boogie boards, floats/inflatables and small sailboats. Many also keep a treasure trove of pool and beach games, and sports gear like volleyballs and nets.

privileges as some brands reward points-programs, frequent guests, clublevel reservations and direct bookings with perks including upgraded mini-bar selections, access to VIP beach areas, preferential seating at restaurants or coveted room floors.

A LA CARTE DINING: Many people associate all-inclusives with buffets. They wouldn’t be wrong as massive spreads, especially at breakfast, are the norm. Most resorts feature a variety of casual and fine dining restaurants. Specialty restaurants (such as sushi bars, steak houses and teppanyaki) often require reservations.

bikini and short-shorts? Most of the time (swim)suiting up is acceptable but nicer restaurants often require shoulders and knees to be covered.

WRISTBANDS: Depending on your property, these may be the key to your castle—literally— as they can double as room keys. You’ll need them to enjoy restaurants, bars, shows, gyms, activities, and equipment rentals, and sometimes pay for things. Steep fines are incurred in the case of loss. 

PHOTOGRAPHY: GRAND LUCAYAN

Go All In

Here’s a cheat sheet to the terms and conditions at some of your favorite honeymoon resorts. by Carrie Bell

Bring Your Fairytale Wedding to Life

A destination wedding is one of life’s most joyous celebrations, and at Grand Lucayan, where luxury meets beauty, we believe planning one should be joyous, too. You can count on our team of experienced wedding planners to handle every last detail – from arranging a bouquet of your favorite flowers to booking a live local band that will have everyone on their feet. We’ll also craft a menu highlighting authentic Bahamian cuisine (or other personal favorites) that will have your guests raving long after you’ve cut your wedding cake. And don’t forget to take advantage of specials going on throughout the year.

For more information call 1-800-252-9079 or visit www.GrandLucayan.com/weddings

ALL-INCLUSIVE GUIDE

Let’s Eat

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An elevated eatery welcomes all guests.

Buffet-only offerings have gone the way of puffy-sleeved wedding gowns, and sophisticated diners are sated no matter where they check in. by Carrie Bell

OOD ISN’T A TREND, IT’S A LITERAL TASTE OF YOUR takeaway items and several full-service sit-down restaurants destination. And while there are several things plating up all manner of global delicacies including Italian, all-inclusives get right, they truly excel in the art French, Japanese teppanyaki or Brazilian chophouse. of cuisine. Increasingly, you’ll find food trucks, food halls, scoop “Today’s traveler is ever more discerning and wants to shops, romantic pop-ups with a limited amount of seating, spend precious leisure time enjoying elevated culinary and themed concepts, or shows with a side of entrees. And that cultural offerings that go beyond their everyday experience,” doesn’t even take into account after-dinner treats left in says Xavier Pineda, Marriott International’s director of sales your room, midnight snacks delivered by room service, the and marketing, all inclusive. “As guests stocked mini-bar, or the refreshing nibtend to stay in the resort most of their vables handed out poolside. An embarcation, the variety of food is key. Menus rassment of riches to be sure, but if you that reflect authenticity with local flair fancy yourself a foodie who wants to Stay at an all-inclusive property and a touch of international cuisines try it all, develop a dining plan early in like the chic Tamarind By Elegant Hoare a priority.” the trip (or even prior to arrival), betels in Barbados, and eat at the sister Even the smallest boutiques typically cause not everything is available every lodgings along the Platinum West have a handful of eateries, and dining day, many of the upscale eateries reCoast through the dine-around proand drinking options at the mega-properquire reservations, and some come gram. A complimentary water taxi will ties often number in the double-digits. with an added cost like chef’s table shuttle you to bubbles-filled breakfast, There’s most likely an always-on all-day scenarios and just-the-two-of-us canafternoon tea, charcuterie and wine three-meal buffet and usually some dlelight dinners in the sand. Another tastings, and heaping plates of pasta combination of outdoor grills, pool bars, note: Some properties offer premium at The House’s new Positano. casual café with coffee, dessert and wine packages for an additional fee. 

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PHOTOGRAPHY: PLANET HOLLYWOOD CANCUN

Hot Tip

ALL-INCLUSIVE GUIDE

S

With offerings like arts, crafts, swimming and sailing, all-inclusive resorts are a bit like sleep-away camp.. by Carrie Bell

URE, YOU COULD SPEND YOUR WHOLE HONEYmoon making googly eyes at each other over surf ‘n’ turf and bottomless glasses of pinot grigio, entwined in a single hammock, or ensconced in a British Colonial-appointed boudoir. No one would blame you, lovebirds. But if you do want a break from the bedroom Olympics, allinclusives offer a wide range of complimentary ways to fill out your calendar ranging from active or cultural to gastronomic and zen-inducing.

COOKING CLASSES Return home armed with new dinner ideas. Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa brings in local chefs to teach guests to prepare a destinationsignature dish, ackee and saltfish, while you can plate up Puerto Rican mofongo at TRS Turquesa Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

GET CENTERED Say ahhh at the spa. Zentropia is the Palladium branded oasis of wellness. Most offer steam, sauna and wet areas in tropical open-air settings. At the Hilton Playa Del Carmen guests can partake in temazcal, a Maya purification ritual that involves ancestral drums and healing herbal steam guided by a chanting shaman.

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“A perfect honeymoon combines romantic time together, a sense of being somewhere truly special, and fun activities,” says Karen Bussen, the Weddings by Palladium exclusive designer who works across the Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts and TRS Hotels portfolio. “All-inclusive experiences take the stress out of planning every single detail, and allow you you to relax and take in all the resort and the destination have to offer.” From learning the local arts, cuisine and language to taking in a Broadway-style show, here are some of our favorites:

NON-MOTORIZED WATER SPORTS Take advantage of the seaside setting with included use of kayaks, sailboats, SUPS, windsurfing, and snorkel gear. Check the fine print: A few resort chains may even include banana boat rides and introductory scuba lessons.

DANCE LESSONS Take your new bachata (TRS Cap

Cana Waterfront & Marina Hotel) or merengue (Turquesa Hilton La Romana Resort & Spa) moves to the club and/or theme parties (many have all-white parties).

SEE A SHOW Let them entertain you with live

bands, magic and comedy presentations, burlesque performances, movie nights, and piano bars.

LEARN A LANGUAGE Pick up a few key phrases to throw around when you head off campus for souvenir shopping or a tour.

FITNESS For those who ascribe to Matthew McConaughey’s “sweat every day” life philosophy, don’t fret as there are plenty of ways to get moving from yoga, Pilates, golf, biking and tennis. Some come with an added fee.

CONCERTS Some resorts like the Hard Rock properties include tickets with a room night minimum. 

PHOTOGRAPHY: EXCELLENCE RESORTS PLAYA MUJERES

Get Up & Go

All-inclusive resorts promise the chance to do it all.

T h e b i g d ay i s c o m i n g

An elegant chapel, a terrace by the sea, lush green gardens. Wherever your journey takes you, Palladium Hotel Group has the destination you’ve always dreamed of. Happily ever afters begin here. For more information, please contact your travel professional, visit

PALLADIUMWEDDINGS.COM or call 1.888.237.1226 MEXICO | DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | JAMAICA

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ALL-INCLUSIVE GUIDE

W

HETHER IT’S FOR THE ACTUAL BIG DAY OR

your first trip as marrieds, it is worthy of a splurge and it should be all about the two of you—full of your favorite things and memorable moments that could’ve been ripped from a rom-com script, not some copy-and-paste production. Good thing is your all-inclusive experience can be both pragmatic and personalized because these resorts allow you to add bespoke details if your bank account allows. “Our team can help couples plan nearly anything they can imagine whether it’s a surprise moment at dinner on the

♥ Giving new meaning to Netflix and chill is the Love Is Blind package at the TRS Coral Hotel in Costa Mujeres. (It’s where pairs that made it past the pods went in season 2.) It includes a swim-up suite, welcome gift, a five-course dinner at the Love is Blind Cava, tickets to the CHIC Cabaret, passes for the hydrotherapy circuit at the spa, and more.

♥ Feel like royalty by springing for a 5,500 square-foot Castle suite at Sanctuary Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic. With three private plunge pools inside and beach access from your own private island

84 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

Deep dive into luxury.

beach, flowers and champagne in the room, a mariachi serenade, or an off-property adventure,” explains Karen Bussen, the Weddings by Palladium exclusive designer. “We love making couples’ dreams come true.” Although not all add-on services that incur charges outside of the all-inclusive promise will be as interesting or rewarding as surprise singers and sunset souffles with your toes in the sand—sometimes fees are attached to logistics like airport transfers or the ability to have your pet in the room—the following are just a few of the fantastic add-ons we love.

outside, you may never leave the room. But that would be tragic, as the hotel can organize whale watching, horseback riding, and golfing at a Jack Nicklaus-designed club.

♥ Turn a Bali bed and cabana with bottle service into your relaxing love nest for the day at the pool or beach at many Hilton all-inclusives. While you are out soaking up the sun, send a team to set the mood for romance in your room. ♥ The Excellence Oyster Bay spa has not one, not two, but eight different treatments aimed at pam-

pering pairs that feature all variety of essential oil wraps, botanical scrubs, hot stones, and herbal poultices to ensure every last nugget of weddingprep stress has been kneaded into submission. Sparkling wine and IRL wave sounds wafting through the treatment cabana curtains speed up their demise.

♥ Palladium all-inclusives in Jamaica and the DR offer many indulgent ways to keep from getting hangry including sunset wine and cheese boards, garden picnics, or dinner preceded by a twilight photoshoot guaranteed to leave your followers with FOMO. 

PHOTOGRAPHY; TRS YUCATAN

Level Up

Enhance your happily ever after with à la carte offerings. by Carrie Bell

ALL-INCLUSIVE GUIDE

I

by Carrie Bell

F YOUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER INCLUDES A STRETCH of pristine powdered sands lined with the bare feet and

smiling faces of your nearest and dearest, a destination wedding is your ultimate daydream realized. Host your big bash at an all-inclusive resort and you’ve quite possibly saved not only the bank, but also all the planning time most brides invest in wedding weekends hosted in more traditional settings. “All-inclusive resorts are convenient, cost

1

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

First and foremost, all-inclusive resorts are built-in desirable destinations overflowing with endless sunshine, clear turquoise waters, tranquil waves, vibrant flowers, picturesque palm trees, and delicious food. Plus, you can keep the fact that you gave everyone an excuse to take a vacation in your back pocket for the next time you need help moving.

2

BETTER BOTTOM LINE

The national average cost of a ceremony-and-reception wedding in 2021 was $28,000 but all-inclusives, according to Johnson, promise better deals with far more customization. Intimate elopements for two can be had for as low as $1,000. “Wedding packages come with varying inclusions and price points and range from simple to elegant and all-encompassing for easier budgeting,” Johnson says. The savings and straightforwardness are passed on to your guests as well, who can enjoy all the amenities of the

86 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

effective, located in the most sought-after and romantic destinations in the Caribbean, and include elevated culinary experiences, top-shelf cocktails, entertainment, and much more,” says Gina Johnson, senior manager of destination weddings and celebrations for Hilton All-inclusive. “This allows couples to relax and enjoy each other and their closest friends and family, and ensure everyone is having a good time.” Here, reasons for putting a ring on it at an all-inclusive.

property for a single tariff. Some properties also have registry programs through which your guests can have gifts like a bottle of champagne or fresh flowers greet you upon arrival or can help pay for extras like a massage or excursion.

3

EASE OF PLANNING

From the aisle decor to cocktails and tiered cakes, all-inclusives are a one-stop shop that streamline the planning process. You supply the love story and dress and they can handle the rest. Most have dedicated wedding teams who know the best in trends and local providers. They walk couples through the services, themes, and packages they offer as well as try to track down any desired extras. .

4

A sumptuous beachfacing lobby.

VARIETY OF VENUES

From lush gardens and ritzy ballrooms to quaint chapels and sandy stretches with sunset views, there is a venue that can accommodate your guest list whether it is just the two of

you, a handful of your nearest and dearest, or everyone you’ve ever met plus your dad’s business associates. Every event you throw can have a distinct look and vibe, and given the wide range of restaurants offered at most resorts, each party can also offer different cuisines. If your squad is small, you can also make use of existing family tables, bars, or pool areas to meet up without incurring extra rental fees.

5

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

All-inclusives are known for long lists of included activities and entertainment options. Grandma can check out the jazz bar, the Insta-famous cousin can pose on a beach swing or in the cabana, and the guys can stunt at a pickup basketball game, hit the links or try their luck at the casino, while your burnt-out sis can nap on the beach with a frozen marg after sending her children to hang out with people their own age at the kids’ or teens’ clubs. 

PHOTOGRAPHY: HILTON CANCUN

Wed Away

Five reasons to throw an all-inclusive wedding.

WHERE LOVE HAS NO LIMITS

SAY “I DO” TO A DESTINATION WEDDING UNIQUELY YOU Highlighted by magnificent beachfront venues and pristine resort grounds, Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts offer an elevated experience for dazzling destination weddings. Allow our wedding planners to create an all-inclusive celebration where you can be in the moment and make memories to last a lifetime. HILTON LA ROMANA | HILTON PLAYA DEL CARMEN | HILTON ROSE HALL

Contact Our Wedding Center | 888.659.8767 | HILTONBYPLAYA.COM ©2023 Playa Management USA, LLC or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Hilton™ trademark and related marks are trademarks of Hilton Worldwide Manage Limited and/or its affiliates.PLA07800123

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Hello, Paradise

The Caribbean is absolutely one of the world’s leading destinations for romance, and there are countless reasons to choose this sun-splashed region for your next experience. From its warm weather, friendly people, pulsating music, stunning landscapes, aqua blue waters, breathtaking mountain ranges and waterfalls, to world class resorts and sumptuous cuisine, the Caribbean is a top choice for weddings and honeymoons. In the Caribbean, unspoiled nature and beautiful beaches set the scene for adventure activities such as hiking, horseback riding, fishing, diving and snorkeling, boating and even river rafting.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF COCONUT BAY BEACH RESORT & SPA, SAINT LUCIA

Rich in culture and history, visitors can explore heritage sites, museums and forts, and experience a cultural mosaic influenced by native Indians, Africans, Asians and Europeans. Whether sharing an afternoon strolling cobblestoned streets, catching a breathtaking sunrise or sunset (or ubiquitous rainbow), ziplining through lush rain forests or enjoying some of the award-winning eateries and restaurants across the region, the Caribbean offers endless opportunities for creating memories and connecting with your loved one.

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Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau, The Bahamas

Located on a gorgeous stretch of beach in downtown Nassau and offering personalized wedding coordination services, Margaritaville Beach Resort is the perfect choice for the destination wedding of your dreams. Beautifully appointed oceanfront rooms feature unobstructed views of crystal clear, calming Caribbean waters that invite the bride and groom to drift away to paradise. From the luxurious services and treatments available at the world-renowned St. Somewhere Spa to gently swaying palm trees that provide a relaxing backdrop, every detail of the resort works together harmoniously to ensure that your islandinspired celebration of love is unforgettable and unparalleled. World-class eateries ranging from signature steakhouse JWB Prime Steak and Seafood to Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria serve up sumptuous Caribbean and international cuisines. Intimate, relaxing spaces and lounges invite you to bask in romance, while the fun-filled Fins Up Water Park will bring out your sense of fun and adventure. The resort sits alongside One Particular Harbour residences, which offer an elevated lifestyle experience for guests. Within easy walking distance to all of Nassau’s hotspots, such as the

Straw Market, Arawak Cay or “Fish Fry”, shopping and dining, guests can also take advantage of the neighboring ICONS Sports Bar featuring karaoke, bowling, billiards, virtual reality sports and a private movie theater. For the wedding experience of a lifetime, visit margarita villeresorts.com and let them help you tie the knot with a tropical twist. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Margaritaville Beach Resort is located on a gorgeous stretch of beach in downtown Nassau; Oceanfront rooms offer unobstructed views of crystal clear Caribbean waters; Couples massage at the St. Somewhere Spa

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Your Happily Ever After S TA R T S H E R E Overlooking the gem of The Bahamas, Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau is the ideal setting for a destination wedding of your dreams. For more information, please contact Weddings@MargaritavilleResortNassau.com or call us at 242.603.8400 ext. 4889

2 Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas Toll Free: + 1 855.410.2331 |

Local: +1 242.603.8400

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Grand Hyatt Baha Mar The Bahamas

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar offers more than 200,000-squarefeet of indoor and outdoor event space, including the Baha Mar Convention, Arts & Entertainment Center featuring original works from Bahamian artists. This expansive resort has hosted celebrations of all sizes, from unique beachside ceremonies to intimate poolside weddings, in an elegant waterside chapel, or amid the

opulence of their grand ballroom. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar’s team of dedicated wedding specialists can also help you incorporate your cultural traditions into your wedding. With venues that can accommodate up to 1,800 guests, they can flawlessly host large-scale, multi-cultural, and kosher weddings. To discover the possibilities for your day, call 1-242-788-7339 or email bahamarweddings@hyatt.com. LEFT TO RIGHT: Stunning glass-walled chapel; Exchange vows on a glittering white-sand beach

GRAND

YOUR DESTINATION DREAM WEDDING BEGINS HERE GRAND HYATT BAHA MAR Make a statement with one of the most stunning wedding venues in Nassau at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. With flexible indoor and outdoor event space, we have the perfect backdrop for your big day - whether it’s a tranquil beach setting or a traditional ceremony in our waterside wedding chapel.

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Our wedding and events team handle all the details to elevate your wedding, from helping you select food, beverage and vendors to delivering late-night snacks. Personalize your day your way at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. To book, call 242-788-7339 or email bahamarweddings@hyatt.com

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Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa Saint Lucia

There is only one wedding per day at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, yours, and yours alone. And your customized celebration starts with the perfect package for your budget and guest list. In addition to something blue, everything is included, along with exclusive bonuses, group discounts and two oceanfront venues. When you book with Coconut Bay, their personal event planner attends to every detail, making sure everything is stress-free for your dream day—from a bonfire beach party to a rehearsal dinner under the stars to your walk

down a palm-fringed aisle. Your guests will appreciate the ease of being just minutes from the airport, and can choose either a Premium All-Inclusive family-friendly plan or an adults-only couples experience. Call 1-877-252-0304 or visit cbayresort.com/weddings to start planning your dream wedding. , LEFT TO RIGHT: Wedding ceremony at the water s edge; Reception at the oceanfront gazebo

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Serenity at Coconut Bay Saint Lucia

Look no further than Serenity at Coconut Bay for relaxed luxury, superlative service, and an unlimited all-inclusive honeymoon experience. Spacious Plunge Pool Butler Suites surround you in comfort

and×privacy. Venture out for pampered lounging in a private 8-1/8” 5-3/8” w/Bleed pool or beach cabana, or explore the iconic landmarks and 7.88 xstunning 5.125beauty Trimof Saint Lucia, the romance capital of the Caribbean. Your butler can serve you breakfast in bed,

prepare an aromatherapy bath, and arrange in-suite spa treatments for the two of you. Indulge your cravings with 24-hour room service and reservation-free gourmet dining at the Greathouse Restaurant. Make your honeymoon fantasy a reality at Serenity, Saint Lucia’s number one, TripAdvisor traveler-rated resort. Visit serenityatcoconutbay.com or call 1-877-252-0304. LEFT AND RIGHT: Grande Plunge Pool Butler Suite

Start Your Forever In Saint Lucia’s Top-Rated Luxury All-Inclusive Resort Nested in the world’s leading romance destination, SERENITY at Coconut Bay® is an exclusive and exotic hideaway of thirty-six of the most romantic Plunge Pool Suites ever designed, with personalized butler services and every imaginable indulgence. Each luxury suite features over 1,200 square feet of private indoor and outdoor living areas, plunge pool with waterfall, gourmet cuisine, craft cocktails, 24-hour room service and personalized top-shelf bar. To Start Planning Your Luxury Honeymoon, Call Your Travel Advisor or 877-252-0304 Visit SERENITYATCOCONUTBAY.COM

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The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort St. Croix, USVI

One of the most iconic luxury resorts in the Caribbean, the family-owned and operated Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort offers an unforgettable backdrop for your wedding. Celebrate amidst the historic charm of a centuries-old Sugar Mill or exchange your vows in a blissful tropical garden by the sea.

See the wedding options at thebuccaneer.com, or call 1-800-255-3881. Sunset wedding on the historic Sugar Mill lawn

KELLY GREER PHOTOGRAHY

With stunning views in every direction, this oceanfront playground encompasses three glorious beaches, superb restaurants, two pools, an 18-hole golf course, 8 tennis courts, and a full-service spa.

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Frenchman’s Reef Two Resorts. One Paradise. St. Thomas, USVI

Steps from the pristine white sand of Morningstar Beach, the all-new Frenchman’s Reef has just completed a $425 million renovation and now offers two unique luxury resorts, each with their own distinctive panoramic views that capture the beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands. With a seemingly endless amount of indoor and outdoor picturesque locations to choose from, couples can create an entirely unique wedding experience that’s as richly colorful and lively as the coral reefs. It is the epitome of an exotic tropical escape, with no passport needed. The cliffside Westin Beach Resort & Spa boasts breathtaking views at every turn. Embody the essence of the

Caribbean in a gazebo ceremony set against the backdrop of infinite turquoise waters, and celebrate your nuptials as you dance the night away under the glow of the moon and dazzling lights of Charlotte Amalie Harbor on any of the multiple outside terraces. Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort, an Autograph Collection Hotel, is at the water’s edge and will guide you and your guests into a refreshing state of tropical chill. Walk down the aisle with your toes in the sand, in a seaside ballroom or on the oceanfront pool promenade and experience the romantic boutique ambiance of a seaside escape. Visit FrenchmansReefStThomas.com to explore which resort is perfect for your celebration. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Wedding couple on the beach; Overview of the two luxury resorts; Walking along the water's edge on Morningstar Beach

TWO RESORTS. ONE PARADISE. Beach, Terrace, Gazebo and Indoor Ceremony and Reception Locations Steps from Morningstar Beach Nine Bars, Restaurants & Lounges Four Ocean View Pools Luxury Catamaran Excursions

@FrenchmansReef | @BuoyHaus FrenchmansReefStThomas.com

REAL DESTINATION WEDDING

ARUBA THIS NEW HAMPSHIRE COUPLE HAD A SUN-KISSED WEDDINGMOON AT A RESORT THAT KEPT THE PARTY GOING FOR THEIR TWO-WEEK STAY.

Nicole and Michael at their happily ever after dream destination. 000 98 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

CAPTION HERE STEVENDECUBA.COM PHOTOGRAPHY:

BY JENNA MAHONEY

“WE ALWAYS KNEW WE WANTED A DESTINATION WEDDING,” says Nicole Bradford of her happily-ever-after daydreams. And she, along with her groom, Michael Bradford discovered their socialmedia perfect setting after visiting the Caribbean island of Aruba with family. “It only took that one trip for us to determine beautiful Aruba, and the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino specifically, was where our big day would be,” she explains. In addition to consistently sunny skies— “certainly makes for beautiful wedding photos!”—Nicole and Michael chose Aruba thanks to its vacation-ready vibes and overall safety. Say the couple, who spent two weeks on the island: “It was an unforgettable event.” The cake was included in the wedding package.

PHOTOGRAPHY; STEVENDECUBA.COM

On the Go

The couple served a beach barbecue menu.

“We hosted a welcome party in the adult pool area. The team at the Marriott completely transformed it into a beautiful venue for our family and friends; a number of our guests ended up in the pool!”

Exploring the island was top on the couple’s to-do list. They, along with many of their guests, got their hearts pumping on ATV excursions, tubing adventures and Jet Ski rides. A number of the activities were accessible from the hotel beach, notes Nicole, so friends could join as they pleased. The Jolly Pirate and Catamaran adventure was memorable thanks to gorgeous ocean vantage points, snorkeling, and flipping into the water from a rope swing, ThFeria sequid ex etur? shedunt says. “We had so many laughs!” ➺ Equi es nobis

Big Splash

Nicole, her groom and their guests spent a lot of their down time at the main pool, which is large, picture-perfect and has lots of seating. “You could find us and our guests throughout the trip enjoying the weather and the swim up bar,” she says.

We are family—Aruba is a favorite destination. for the couple’s crowd.

A spectacular ceremony site.

00 87 99

REAL DESTINATION WEDDING

Under the tropical night skies.

Pro Planning A DECIDING FACTOR FOR NICOLE WAS THAT ALL HER GUESTS COULD stay at the same resort where the ceremony and reception were held. The couple also took full advantage of the on-site planning services. “The wedding coordinator, Duska, was absolutely essential in planning our wedding day,” says Nicole. “We were very fortunate to be able to plan the events (welcome night and ceremony/reception) almost completely virtually. Duska listened to our vision for the wedding day and brought it to life for us! She managed all the behind the scenes items, which allowed us to fully enjoy our wedding day without any stress,” she adds. Guest goodies.

The New Hampshire couple visited the resort once before their event.

Those island vibes.

TheWay Back

legally wed The wedding was more than a ceremony, it was group vacation.

The flashy casinos of Aruba are a major draw for visitors. The gaming floor at Stellaris, with its rows of glittering slot machines, nearly 30 tables of poker, blackjack and more, is open 24 hours. 100 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

The resort’s wedding planner can facilitate the paperwork for a civil ceremony. Couples must present valid passports and apostilled birth certificates, and if applicable apostilled divorce decree or death certificate. A certificate of no impediment for bride and groom AKA a “negative statement of marriage,” must also be apostilled, and no more than six months old. All must be sent to the Office of Civil Registry a month prior to the ceremony.

PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVENDECUBA.COM

Before there were cars on Aruba, there were donkeys. And when the autos arrived, the former main mode of transport was left to wander the island. Decades later, and a near annihilation of the population thanks to crashes with their replacements, the Donkey Sanctuary was launched as a permanent home for the wayward animals. A visit to the untouristed organization is free; a donation gets alone time to pet, groom, hug one of the 130+ animals, and there is feed for sale, which is another fun activity. A comprehensive visitor center has educational videos, souvenirs and human food.

Tropical delight.

travel notes

The spectacular resort.

IN THE SOUTHERN EDGE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA, WHERE THE tradewinds continuously kiss their glittering white sand shores that touch crystalline waters, stand the A, B, C Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao), which are revered in large part for their location outside the hurricane belt. Celebrated for a calendar of endlessly sun-kissed days, never-ending miles of beaches, elevated resorts and glittering casinos, Aruba is the chain’s most welcoming. Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino offers all that and 141 superb accommodations all set on the edge of the aptly named Palm Beach. Check into this pretty property for a sun-drenched, action-packed sojourn. The outpost’s series of pools include the main one (a favorite gathering spot for Nicole, Michael and their guests) with its pool bar and cabanas and a serene, palm-lined adults only oasis. On the stunning beach there are all manner of watersports, yoga and HIIT classes along with yoga, Pilates, dance and other fitness sessions. Eateries are just as dynamic with options including toes-in-the-sand Palapas line the beach. casual that’s best to view the sunset and the award-winning steaks at Ruth’s Chris (room rates start at $549 a night; qui aut imus inum dolupta veratias vernatu santium marriott.com). 

A room with an unbeatable view.

A peek at the lobby.

wedding details qui aut imus inum dolupta veratias vernatu santium

VENUE: Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino CATERING: Aruba Marriott Stellaris

PHOTOGRAPHY: ARUBA MARRIOTT RESORT

WEDDING PLANNER: Duska Dirksz PHOTOGRAPHY: Steven de Cuba BRIDE’S GOWN: Enzoani BRIDE’S SHOES: Badgley Mischka MAKEUP: Taryn Harrington from TLC glam beauty

Classic Aruba.

➺

HAIR: Sarah Kate Bradford from Sarah Kate Hair Artistry

87 17 101

wedding planning INFO

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built to last. Denby prides itself on the strength and quality of their stoneware that has been produced in England for 200 years. 1-800-DENBY-4U. denbyusa.com 106. The Homer Laughlin China Company Fiesta Dinnerware, an American icon, proudly sustainable and made in the USA. Available in over 85 items and 15 vivid colors. Lead free, microwave, oven and dishwasher safe. fiestafactorydirect.com 107. Noritake For over 100 years Noritake has been a leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality tableware. Choose from an extensive array of designs and styles. noritakechina.com

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992. Send all information for planning my destination wedding/honeymoon on a cruise line or to the Caribbean or Mexico. 993. Send all information for planning my destination wedding/honeymoon to the United States. 994. Send all information for planning my destination wedding/honeymoon to Europe.

ANTIGUA

108. Sandals Grande Antigua Sophisticated travelers are lured to Dickinson Bay where the famous beach at Sandals Grande Antigua is renowned for its calm, crystal-clear water. 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com

ARUBA

109. Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino Perched on 15 tropical acres on the pristine white sands of Palm Beach, say “I do” to your dream wedding and create unforgettable memories at Hilton Aruba. hiltonaruba.com/weddings

BAHAMAS

110. Grand Lucayan Bring your fairytale wedding to life at Grand Lucayan. With our experienced wedding planners, you can rest assured that your big day will be flawless. grandlucayan.com 111. Sandals Royal Bahamian in colonial Nassau, and Sandals Emerald Bay in the Exumas, are close to home, yet far from the ordinary. 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com

BARBADOS

112. Sandals Barbados where exclusive is always inclusive, is now joined by Sandals Royal Barbados. Stay at one, play at both! 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com

CRUISE LINE

113. Carnival Cruise Line From the venue to music, and from the flowers to cake, we will help you create truly unique and unforgettable wedding and honeymoon memories. carnival.com /wedding-cruise

CARIBBEAN

114. Palladium Hotels Group The Weddings by Palladium team of experts provides individualized service and a full line of customizable packages in

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

115. Excellence Punta Cana This adults-only resort in Punta Cana features idyllic locations for you to tie the knot, from a stunning beach paradise to a charming gazebo. excellenceresorts.com 116. Finest Punta Cana Our inspired Punta Cana wedding packages were curated to ensure a stress-free experience, from the onset of preparations until the moment you say “I do.” finestresorts.com 117. Sanctuary Cap Cana On the magnificent shores of the Dominican Republic, adultsonly Sanctuary Cap Cana all-inclusive resort can bring your wedding fantasies to life. sanctuary capcana.com

GREECE

118. Grecotel Hotels & Resorts In magnificent Greek locations, luxurious details create fairytale hotel weddings and honeymoons, each as exceptional as the couple living it. www.grecotel.com

GRENADA

119. Sandals Grenada located on the island’s best beach, defies every convention of traditional design to bring you the Sandals of tomorrow, today. 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com

JAMAICA

120. Beaches Resorts are the world’s #1 allinclusive family resorts where everything’s included for all guests. Generation Everyone. Also #1 for destination weddings and honeymoons. 1-800-BEACHES. beaches.com 121. Jamaica Inn Exchange vows barefoot in the sand at sunset on a private peninsula overlooking the Caribbean Sea or in our glorious gardens. jamaicainn.com 122. Sandals Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals Negril, Sandals South Coast, Sandals Ochi Beach and Sandals Royal Plantation, Jamaica’s only five-star Luxury Included® Resorts. 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com 123. Sunset at the Palms This award-winning, all-inclusive, adults-only, beachside Negril retreat includes Fast-Track service at the airport, 85 elegantly appointed treehouse style accommodations, superb dining and more. thepalms jamaica.com

MEXICO

124. Excellence Riviera Cancun Imagine your big day with the Riviera Maya as a backdrop and your toes in the sand. Your perfect venue awaits at Excellence Riviera Cancun. excellence resorts.com 125. Finest Playa Mujeres Wedding planning professionals will ensure the flawless execution of your day through a beautiful ceremony, surrounded by friends and family, at a unique Cancun destination. finestresorts.com 126. Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts Spectacular wedding venues in Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Let the talented Hilton All-Inclusive wedding team take care of every detail. hilton byplaya.com 127. Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva Incredible wedding venues in Cancun, Los Cabos, Montego Bay and Puerto Vallarta. Choose from wedding packages or customize nearly every detail for your dream wedding. allinclusive.hyatt.com 128. Wyndham Alltra All-Inclusive Resorts The new Wyndham Alltra All-Inclusive Resorts in the heart of Cancun and famous 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen are Mexico’s two hottest wedding destinations. alltrabyplaya.com

SAINT LUCIA

129. Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa The Caribbean’s top honeymoon and wedding destination. This four-star beachfront property

is perfect for your fairytale Saint Lucia wedding. www.baygardensresorts.com 130. Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa Begin your love journey on Saint Lucia. Discover this all-inclusive resort where stress-free wedding packages and picturesque settings combine for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. cbayresort.com 131. Saint Lucia Lauded by the World Travel Awards as the World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination, boasting some of the finest romance settings, and providing a lifetime of cherished memories. stlucia.org 132. Sandals Resorts Stay at one of the Sandals in Saint Lucia and play at all three— Sandals Halcyon Beach, Sandals Grande St. Lucian or Sandals Regency La Toc. 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com

TURKS & CAICOS

133. The Sands at Grace Bay Sapphire sea, white powder beach, and gracious suites. The Sands at Grace Bay is the perfect prelude to the rest of your life. thesandstc.com 134. The Somerset on Grace Bay Say I do at The Somerset on Grace Bay. Stunning outdoor event space. Accommodations for up to 200 guests. Handcrafted wedding packages. Every detail personalized. thesomerset.com

USVI

135. The Buccaneer Family owned and operated, this renowned historic 340-acre estate offers St. Croix’s finest accommodations, three beaches, golf, tennis, spa, pools, superb cuisine, and water sports. thebuccaneer.com

UNITED STATES FLORIDA

136.The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel The words “I do” come naturally on The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. Live the day of your dreams on warm white sands. fortmyers-sanibel .com/weddings 137. Florida’s Sports Coast Unique event venues from country barns, picturesque beaches and chic golf courses partnered with unrivaled outdoor adventures awaits you on Florida’s Sports Coast. flsportscoast.com 138. Martin County Office of Tourism A picturesque place to host the wedding of your dreams. Whether you’re looking for a rustic outdoor space, a luxury mansion or the perfect beach. discovermartin.com 139. Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach From secluded islands, to stunning beachside settings, to unforgettable eco-adventures for your whole party, Punta Gorda/Engelwood Beach awaits to steal your heart. pureflorida.com/weddings 140. Visit South Walton Say “I do” on South Walton’s sugar-white sand beaches, just steps from turquoise water. It’s so effortless; your honeymoon starts before your wedding ends. visitsouthwalton.com/weddings

GEORGIA

141. Golden Isles is a magical setting for any coastal wedding. Breathtaking beaches, historic churches and picturesque landmarks create the atmosphere of a bygone era filled with romance. www.goldenisles.com

NORTH CAROLINA

142. North Carolina’s Crystal Coast To find out everything the Crystal Coast has to offer couples seeking a destination wedding and unforgettable honeymoon, visit crystalcoastnc.org.

SOUTH CAROLINA

143. Explore Charleston Charleston is waiting to welcome you. From iconic portrait spots and unique venues to endless activities—the Low Country is your ideal destination wedding getaway. CharlestonWeddingGuide.com

BRIDAL GUIDE WEDDING PLANNING INFO OFFICIAL RULES (NO PURCHASE NECESSARY)

Sponsored by Bridal Guide, New Rochelle, NY. Entries must be received by May 16, 2023. 1. The Sweepstakes is open to any legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who is 18 years or older except where prohibited by law. Employees of Bridal Guide, RFP Corp., St. James's Club & Villas Antigua, and any and all of their related companies and corporate suppliers are not eligible. Sweepstakes void where prohibited by law. All federal, state and local laws apply. Winners agree to publication and/ or display of their name, likeness and entry form to be made at the discretion of Bridal Guide without further compensation. Participants are subject to official rules. 2. The Sweepstakes runs from 9:01 AM Eastern Time on March 21, 2023 through 9:00 AM Eastern Time on May 16, 2023. To enter, complete the order form at bridalguide.com/getinfo, or print your name, street address, daytime telephone number, mobile phone number, email, wedding date and the words "St James MJ23" on a 3" x 5" plain index card and mail to: Bridal Guide MJ WPI Sweepstakes, 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804. Only one entry per household. Entries must be received by May 16, 2023 and become the property of Bridal Guide, who assumes no responsibility for illegible, late, misdirected or lost entries. 3. One grand prize winner will be selected in a random drawing the week of June 5, 2023, under the supervision of Bridal Guide, whose sole decision will be final. By accepting the prize, winner and travel companion agree to release Bridal Guide, RFP Corp., St. James's Club & Villas Antigua, and their affiliates, agents and employees from any and all liability, claims, injuries, actions or proceedings arising out of and/or sustained in connection with use, acceptance or possession of prize. Potential winner will be notified by email. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, does not respond within 5 days from the date the Sponsor first tries to notify him/her, and/or the prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, such potential winner forfeits all rights to win the Sweepstakes or receive the prize, and an alternate potential winner may be selected. Potential winner and guest will be required to sign Bridal Guide's Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability within 14 days of notification, or prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner may be chosen. Original Affidavits must be notarized and mailed to: Bridal Guide, ATT: MJ23 WPI Sweepstakes, 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804. A copy of the Bridal Guide Affidavit of Eligibility may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope (VT residents may omit postage) to Bridal Guide, ATT: MJ23 WPI Affidavit, 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804. The number of eligible entries received will determine odds of winning. Limit one prize per family or household. If through a printing, production or other error more winners are notified than the rules state, the actual number of such winners, per the rules, will be selected in a random drawing from among those notified. Bridal Guide, RFP Corp., and St. James's Club & Villas Antigua make no warranties with regard to any prize. Prize is nontransferable by winner, has no cash value, and cannot be redeemed for cash. There are no substitutions for prize or changes to available dates. 4. Grand Prize: 5-night all-inclusive stay for two at St. James's Club & Villas Antigua, resort taxes, resort fees, and gratuities. Estimated ARV $3,500. 5. The Grand Prize winner will be responsible for the following: Roundtrip airfare and airport transfers, airport taxes, any and all local, state and/or federal taxes, ground transportation, food and beverages, tours, gratuities, personal expenses and any other expenses not specified as part of the prize. Amendments to confirmed travel arrangements may result in forfeiture of trip or administrative fees. Winner will be issued an IRS 1099 form for prize value. 6.Travel can be taken through December 23, 2024. No extension will be given after the prize has expired. Package inclusions may be subject to change. Accommodations are based on availability at time of booking. 7. Entrants agree that by entering the Promotion, they agree to add their contact information to the Bridal Guide and the St. James's Club & Villas Antigua mailing lists, subject to Entrant’s right to thereafter opt out or unsubscribe to such lists at any time. 8.The name of the winner may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope after June 5, 2023 to Bridal Guide, ATT: MJ 23 WPI Winner, 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804. Requests for winner must be received by August 31, 2023.

FIRST LOOK

The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad Sneak a peek at one of the hottest new hotels where romantic amenities are always on offer.

S

TART SPREADING THE NEWS: THE LATEST ADDITION FROM this legacy hospitality brand in the Big Apple, which debuted in summer 2022, is a showstopper. An artful blend of the classic luxury expected from the Ritz-Carlton and the hip artistic-centric sensibilities of the New York City’s NoMad neighborhood, the 250-room hideaway is the perfect perch for a Big City honeymoon or girls’ getaway. Curated art, custom furnishings and impressive accents including awesome lighting, vibrant A mod bar. living walls and exclusive floral partnerships are all on spectacular display here. Among the notable amenities is a food program helmed by superstar chef and philanthropist José Andres. Zaytina, with its clubby-meets-Mediterranean design sits off the lobby and offers an innovative mezze (small plates) menu featuring Greek, Lebanese and Turkish cuisines. Perched on the spectacular rooftop is bar and eatery Nubeluz, which showcases bespoke cocktails and tapas, meats and cheeses from Andres’ native Spain served alongside unbeatable views. At the opposite level of the hotel, yet just as Go deep. magnificent, is the subterranean spa. An homage to all things healing, the sprawling space encompasses a sauna, separate steam rooms and eight treatment rooms where guests are lavished with exclusive oils and scents harvested from the adjacent neighborhood—the Flower District (room rates start at $995 a night; ritzcarlton.com) —Jenna Mahoney 104 BRIDALGUIDE.COM May/June 2023

A chic room.

Local Favorites

• THE HIGH LINE The brainchild of neighborhood activists, this unexpected park stretches along a former elevated freight rail. Programming includes art pop-ups, guided meditation walks and docent-led excursions. • THE CHELSEA FLEA Once a mainstay of the artist-centric neighborhood, the weekend market was pushed out by luxury development. It’s since been revived by a more maker-forward crowd and is a local favorite activity once again. • MADISON SQUARE PARK Fronted by the city’s first skyscraper—the Flatiron building—this expanse has been a protected greenspace since 1686. It’s also home to the first ever Shake Shack.

Sky high.

PHOTOGRAPHY: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) BJÖRN WALLANDER; MICHAEL KLEINBERG; BJÖRN WALLANDER (3)

Atop the Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad.

CHAPTER 1

A

Kiss The Bride nd with that, misplaced rings were forgotten in the warm glow of true love.

Along enchanting North Carolina shores, their happily ever after was found.

Discover seasonal offers on vacation rentals & more at CrystalCoastNC.org

Start Your Story Here In Charleston, hospitality is part of our culture, part of our heritage. It’s who we are, as reliable as the rhythm of the changing tides. We invite you to join us. From full-service resorts to inviting bed & breakfasts, Charleston offers something for every wedding style.

CHARLESTONWEDDINGGUIDE.COM

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