BIG DAY - Wedding Guide

Transcription

Wedding
Spring | Summer 2014
GUIDE
Inspiration
FOR THE
BIG DAY
GLAM
gowns
BEAUTIFUL
bouquets
UNIQUE
vows
FAB
favors
HOT
vendors
plus
REAL NEW YORK WEDDINGS!
Marine Florists
FAMILY OWNED
& OPERATED
Over 100 Years In Business
and Decorators
Like us on
Bridal Package
399
$
Ceremony Package
Includes:
• 1 Bride’s Bouquet
• 3 Bridesmaid’s Bouquets
• 2 Corsages • 5 Boutonnieres
299
$
Includes:
• 2 Altar Arrangements On Stands
• 8 Pew Bouquets, Flowers & Bow
We Can Custom Make Your Floral
or Silk Arrangement
* Other Packages Available For Every Budget
Reception Package
399
$
Includes:
• 10 Table Centerpieces
Wedding
Consultations
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1995 Flatbush Ave. • 718-338-3600
Toll Free 1-800-447-6730 - Visit us online www.marineflorists.com
Open 7 days • We deliver everywhere local & worldwide • Parking available behind Chase bank
Visit Our Spectacular Showroom
BSB
Bridal StyleS
Boutique
Exquisite Headpieces, Veils & Jewelry
Largest Selection of Unique
Headpieces, Veils, Jewelry
and Accessories
905 Avenue U • Brooklyn, NY
(718) 339-3222
www.BridalStylesBoutique.com
facebook.com/bridalstyles
For a Truly Special Event,
Choose a Spectacular Setting.
For wedding receptions, bridal showers,
rehearsal dinners and special events of every
kind, we offer historic venues that have been
beautifully renovated and restored. Two ideal
settings for intimate gatherings or larger
parties of up to 400 guests at Dyker Beach
Golf Course or 200 Guests at Pelham Bay &
Split Rock Golf Courses. You can be sure that
your event will be unforgettable from
beginning to end.
For more information please go to
www.nycevents.americangolf.com
Dyker Beach Golf Course
718.836.9722 x 1
[email protected]
Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Courses
718.885.1258 x 224
[email protected]
contents
20
REAL WEDDINGS
48 GARDEN FETE
You’re invited to a wedding in a rustic
secret garden
52 BIG, FAT GEEK WEDDING
Spectacled sweethearts throw a cool,
riverfront ceremony
58 WHERE THE HEART IS
A soft, romantic wedding at New Jersey’s
Liberty House Restaurant
DETAILS
10 UNIQUE TWEAKS
Want a weding that no one will ever
forget? Get creative with the details
12 YOU IN BLOOMS
Choose a bouquet that reflects your
personal style
16 TRADITIONS TRANSLATED
The origins behind throwing rice, wearing
white, and breaking glass
20 RICE SWAP
Update a convention with a fun, green
option
24 FAVORITE FAVORS
Parting gifts that your guests will
really love
58
ADVICE
28 UNEARTHING A GEM
Tips on how to find an exceptional
wedding venue
24
34 THE BIG PICTURE
Photographers explain how to take quality
engagement photos
38 WILL YOU MARRY US?
How a friend or family member can
become a legally ordained minister
PHOTOS: RYAN BRENIZER PHOTOGRAPHY (TOP), EMILY G PHOTOGRAPHY (BOTTOM)
STYLE
40 RETROPOLITAN
New York brides love dresses with a dash
of vintage glamour
10
46 UNVEILED
Not feeling a veil? There is a variety of
alternative accessories
EXTRAS
6 WEDDING CHECKLIST
64 LOUD VOWS
Offbeat quotes that will grab everyone’s
attention
Wedding
GUIDE
Published by
PUBLISHER
Clifford Luster
VP ADVERTISING
Ralph D’Onofrio
SPECIAL SECTIONS MANAGER
On Man Tse
Courier Life Publications
1 MetroTech Center N. • 10th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 260–2500
EDITOR
Elyse Wanshel
COPY EDITOR
ADVERTISING SALES
DEPUTY EDITOR
Courtney Donahue
ART DIRECTOR
CONTRIBUTORS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Meredith Deliso | Elizabeth Michaelson
Ily Goyanes | Gina Tron
Ali Osworth | Andrew Linderman
Shavana Abruzzo
Leah Mitch
Cheryl Seligman
PRODUCTION STAFF
Arthur Arutyunov | Raymond Cho
Mauro Deluca | Yvonne Farley
Earl Ferrer | John Napoli
Mariel Perez | Klajdi Robo
Vince DiMiceli
Laura Cangiano | Jeanne Eisenhardt
Suzanne Green | Rami Hauzenberg
Andrew Mark | Jay Pelc | Sherri Rossi
Stephanie Stellaccio | Kathy Wenk
COVER PHOTO BY JACOB ARTHUR STUDIO
|
3
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P
Capture the memories with beautiful settings like this.
The lobby has been totally redone.
4
| Wedding Guide
aradise just keeps getting better and
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your special occasions gets easier
and easier, thanks to the Paradise
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West 11th Street; 718-372-4352).
Celebrating your special moments here means
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focused exclusively on your affair.
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They match the walls of marble and granite
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But this is only one reason to choose Paradise.
Here, they accept only a single function at any one
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two or three or even more affairs. When you book
Paradise, you get the skills and expertise of every
person there, on scene and behind the scenes to
assure that your event runs flawlessly.
This sort of ultimate personalized attention
starts the very minute you discover Paradise. At
this facility, you don’t deal with some salesman.
You deal directly with one of the owners, Hercules,
or his son, Mike. And why is this so essential?
Quite simply, they have a vested interest in
making you happy, not just in making a sale.
They know their business depends on wordof-mouth recommendations and on the special
days yet to come in your life and the lives of your
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their longevity and of their success.
The lavish party room, which can be made intimate enough for parties of 100, or grand enough
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It is the focal point for a magnificent space done
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The re-done, picture perfect bridal room is large,
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15 in easy comfort, with wall-to-wall mirrors.
Ideal photographic locales are assured in this
world of environments, which also includes an intimate private garden area, a uniquely designed water fountain, as well as a host of fine, white wroughtiron work.
Can even Paradise become better? Of course it
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Whether it be the wedding, engagement party
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But every month promises your ideal affair at the
Paradise. Service is top flight, with the uniformed
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And when it comes to the food, the chefs are
world class. Whatever you can find in the cookbooks, they can serve at the table. They offer an
added expertise in all manner of ethnic cooking.
Add to that everything is cooked from scratch
right on the premises to assure the highest in
quality control.
Don’t you want to celebrate those once-in-alifetime days in Paradise?
The catering office is open Tuesday through
Sunday, 1 – 9 p.m. Note that the facilities are also
available during the weekdays for all types of social
meetings and functions.
For the further convenience of your guests, Paradise also can provide free valet parking.
Serving the Tri-State Area for 90 Years
The finest in floral designs
that will add an extra touch
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day more memorable!
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Ceremony Package
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Gold Wedding
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1 Bride
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4 Bridesmaids
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wedding checklist
It is exciting to get down on your knee to propose to your future wife — but the minute you do so, you start a countdown
that won’t reach zero until you are on your honeymoon. To properly plan, use our handy wedding checklist below:
■■ First, decide on a ceremony and reception
site. Make sure right away if it can
accommodate all your needs.
■■ Set the date.
■■ Decide on a caterer if catering on-site is
unavailable.
■■ Begin shopping for your attire.
■■ Start shopping for attendants’ attires.
■■ Decide who will play important roles
in your wedding like best man, maid of
honor, flower girl, and ring bearer.
■■ If using a wedding consultant, meet and
provide her or him with your vision of the
wedding day. Remember, that person also
works for you, not the other way around.
■■ Begin search for wedding bands.
■■ Hire a florist. Again, remember that this
person works for you, so make sure you
are happy with the florist’s approach.
A true pro will help you work out table
settings, extra flowers for wedding party
members, etc.
■■ Hire a photographer and a videographer.
Make sure you like their work, they
understand your vision, and that you feel
a sense of chemistry with this person, as
the resulting photos will not capture the
love you feel if the photographer does not
feel it.
■■ Look into wedding-day transportation. Do
you want a limo, horse and carriage, limo
bus?
■■ Begin drafting your guest list.
■■ Keep it fun — wedding planning is
stressful, but not if you’re on the same
page and have fun with it.
6–9 months out
■■ Discuss the menu with caterer.
■■ Finalize wedding day transportation.
■■ Book band, musicians, or DJ service.
■■ Purchase wedding bands and engrave a
special saying.
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| Wedding Guide
■■ Set up your wedding registry.
■■ Purchase accessories, shoes, and
undergarments for first fitting.
■■ Ask friends to be key players. Key players
are trustworthy pals on whom you can
rely for crucial tasks. The key players are
not part of the immediate wedding party
since they will be busy with photo shoots.
■■ Fine-tune the guest list. Remember, this
is your day, not theirs. You are under no
obligation to invite anyone who might ruin
your day.
■■ Compile addresses of guests. Mail savethe-date cards to out-of-town guests.
■■ Search for wedding favors.
■■ Consider honeymoon spots. Call travel
agencies for best packages. Keep having
fun with the process.
4–6 months out
■■ Begin searching for hair and makeup artists.
■■ Complete the guest list.
■■ Order invitations and other stationery.
Think about what “look” and wording you
want.
■■ Book wedding-day transportation.
■■ Book hotel for wedding night, if applicable. »
Photos: Jacob arthur studio (top), Lindsay Taryn photography (bottom)
12 months before the big day
one of the moSt important dayS
of your life is the day you say
Let Flushing Town Hall make your wedding day one to remember. Our onsite event planner is
here to make all of your dreams reality. Our indoor and outdoor spaces are available for
wedding ceremonies, receptions, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and more.
Schedule an appointment today
137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY, 11354
Call us at 718-463-0443
www.flushingtownhallweddings.com
|
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■■ Write a toast for the rehearsal dinner.
■■ Pack for the honeymoon.
■■ Leave honeymoon itinerary with someone
in case of emergency.
One day out
■■ Double-check that you have packed your
clothes and other personal items for the
next day.
■■ De-stress your body. Consider deep
breathing and other relaxation exercises
such as yoga.
■■ Allocate enough time to have fun with
out-of-town guests.
■■ Enjoy your rehearsal dinner.
■■ Select and order the cake. Be sure to have
a topper that represents you and your
spouse as a couple.
■■ Continue to compile a list of duties for key
players.
■■ Mail hotel and city information to out-oftown guests.
■■ Complete insurance issues, such as
coverage for the rings, as needed.
■■ Remind your fiance to order gown or suit.
■■ Let the DJ or band know of special songs
you would like played at the ceremony
and reception.
■■ Purchase wedding favors.
2–4 months out
■■ Get your marriage license application.
■■ Mail out invitations. Hint: make sure to
number each invitation, because people
often forget to write their name on the
response card. This way, you can track it.
■■ Gather all necessary travel documents such
as passports and visas. Get immunizations
for honeymoon if necessary.
■■ Finalize menu.
■■ Finalize ceremony and reception music.
■■ Finalize favors or create your own.
■■ Buy thank-you gifts for wedding party and
key players.
■■ Book your hair and makeup artists.
■■ Book times for fittings. Bring your
accessories. Aim to schedule hair and
makeup trial on the same day to get a
look at the complete package.
■■ Begin finalizing seating arrangements.
■■ Begin to plan receiving line, timeline, and
itinerary of the day.
■■ Purchase guest book, cake knife,
champagne glasses, garters, etc.
■■ Keep having fun with the process. It is
nuts! You are getting married!
8
| Wedding Guide
4–8 weeks out
■■ Have fun.
■■ Tackle applicable legal matters, such as
name changes.
Overall tips
■■ Finalize list of must-have photos. Give a
copy to photographer and key players.
■■ Complete seating plan as RSVPs arrive.
■■ Finalize songs for the ceremony and
reception.
■■ Get a pre-wedding trim and spa treatment
so you feel your best during this stressful
time.
■■ Write your vows. Let the officiant know of
any readings or other special requests.
■■ Confirm date for rehearsal.
■■ Finalize list of responsibilities for key
players and wedding party.
■■ Have a friendly get-together with
everyone and distribute responsibilities.
■■ Book time for final fitting.
■■ Arrange a rehearsal dinner one or two
days before the wedding. Invite wedding
party and key players.
■■ Confirm honeymoon plans.
■■ Make checklist of items to bring for the
honeymoon.
■■ Finalize receiving line, timeline,
and itinerary of the day.
2–3 weeks out
■■ Finalize seating plan. Call
guests who have not returned
RSVPs.
■■ Have your final fitting.
■■ If you have a gown, pick it
up and hang it in a cool, dry
place, away from sunlight.
■■ Confirm details with all
vendors.
■■ Arrange times for key players
to pick up items they are
responsible for.
No matter what kind of wedding you
are having, hundreds of years of human
experience offers some tried-and-true tips for
making sure your big day is the best day it can
be. Here are some:
•• Trust your wedding party and key
players.
•• Laughter is the best beauty tip. A smile
goes a long way.
•• Remember to implement the stressbuster techniques you and your fiance
agreed to use.
•• Always tell your loved one why you love
him.
•• Assume that about 20 percent of your
guest list will not attend, so invite extras
accordingly.
•• Walk around in your wedding shoes
before the big day so that they are
properly broken in.
•• Plan a special dinner with your partner
without any wedding talk. Just relax and
enjoy a night together. n
Photos: erica Camille photography (top), Kristina Hill photography (bottom)
■■ Make time to spend alone with your
partner. Soak up the moment together.
Easily accessible from all five boroughs, New Jersey & Long Island,
The Vanderbilt at South Beach has been designed to offer the latest
in technological and comfort amenities with stunning surroundings.
With dramatic ocean views, relaxing natural acoustics, and truly
magnificent vista of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, our facility is the
perfect setting for your wedding day.
300 Father Capodanno Blvd
Staten Island, NY
718.447.0800
VanderbiltSouthBeach.com
Our facility offers an ideal banquet location for Weddings, Family
Celebrations and more. As you plan your special event, our
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200 Huguenot Avenue
Staten Island, NY
718.356.2771
GrandOaksNYC.com
Details
W
e have all been to weddings: a bride in white
walks down the aisle,
the couple recites vows, there is a reception with cake, and someone’s granny
has a few too many and busts a move to
“Baby’s Got Back.”
Wash, repeat, yawn.
Yet, there are always those ceremonies
that seem to defy cliché — your friend
who used Jenga blocks as her guest
book, your cool cousin who took his wed1
tweaks
What makes your love special can make
your wedding exceptional BY elyse wanshel
ding party tubing pre-nuptials, and your
sister who tied the knot underwater — in
a shark tank.
These ceremonies, though unique,
have one very important thing in common — they relied on personalization.
Your friend met her husband at a boardgame night, your cousin and his wife’s
last name is “Rivers,” and your sister and
brother-in-law are avid scuba divers —
and marine biologists.
So if the term “cookie-cutter” makes
you shudder, leave your fingerprint on
your guests’ wedding psyche by looking
to something truly rare for inspiration —
your love. n
3
4
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1 If you share a mutual love for classic tunes, hire a DJ who spins vinyl . 2 Nothing can be sweeter than putting a mini-me version of your new family atop of your wedding cake.
3 Laid-back board-gamers? Try a picnic cocktail hour of beers and Cards Against Humanity instead of hors d’oeuvres and champagne in a lounge. 4 Have your guests add their
personal touches with an interactive guest book. 5 Use a vintage taxicab for transportation to express your love for the Big Apple.
10
| Wedding Guide
Photos: Lisa Berry Photography (1), Erica Camille photography (2), Kristina Hill photography (3),
emily g photography (4), William Chang Photography (5)
2
In-Salon
Bridal Service
In Salon Bridal Service
for you and your party
including all our special
amenities to start your
day off just right.
Prices starting at
185.00pp
Bridal
On-Site Visit
210.00+ Bride
185.00+ per guest
Formal styling of hair and
professional makeup
application for the bride
and minimum of three
other persons.
395.00+ on site fee.
Beautiful Bridal Party
165.00 per guest
Suggested 1 week prior to wedding
• A.F. BENNETT Manicure
• A.F. BENNETT Pedicure
• 30 Minute Massage
• Blow Dry Styling
• Touch Up of Makeup
Bride-To-Be
220.00
• Private Herbal Steam Shower
• A.F. BENNETT Massage
• Gentle Facial
• French Manicure
• Spa Pedicure
• Kérastase Hair Treatment
• Blow Dry Styling
350 New Dorp Lane | Staten Island, New York | 718.979.9000 | afbennett.com
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DETAILS
blooms
JACOB ARTHUR STUDIO
YOU IN
Choose a bouquet that reflects your personal style
Y
our wedding flowers are firmly
planted in the lush garden of tradition — but they also offer a great
opportunity to represent your emotions
and values on your big day.
What you clasp in your hands is a
primordial rite that has remained largely
unchanged for generations, though in the
past, the nuptial tradition called for pungent
herbs and spices to ward off evil spirits.
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| Wedding Guide
Your blooms will be scrutinized and
remembered by your guests — trust us —
so have them reflect your personality and
complement your color scheme.
Don’t restrict your wedding palette to
colorful pastels; experts say you can do
anything you want, as long as the flower
is fresh.
“The first thing I ask customers is what
kind of flowers are they looking for,” says
BY SHAVANA ABRUZZO
Margaret Yven, owner of Petite Fleur in
Prospect Heights.
To assist them, Yven takes a trip to the
wedding venue and then creates a custom bouquet, cascading with domestic
and European buds, including dahlias,
hydrangeas, peonies, and tulips — all
favorites.
If you’re aching for an autumn wedding, but want to add a summery splash, »
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E
ven the most ornate of
weddings begins with the
invitations, and while the
bride and groom are the recipients
of the gifts, they are also the
bearers of presents for all those
who have helped in so many ways
to make the day a perfect one.
Whatever your needs in this
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all your expectations at Verrazano
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Starting with the invitations,
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In terms of favors, there is no
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|
13
you can still have your cake and eat it too
by pairing soft hues with deeper shades of
the same color.
Armando Cuatianquic, owner of East
Village Florist in Manhattan, says he gets
an instinctive vibe from his clients the
minute they walk in the door.
“I can see their style, I know what they
like,” he said.
A bride-to-be contacted him recently
for a bouquet, but she wasn’t sure about
what she wanted, except that it should be
eye-catching, and a comely contrast to
her wedding dress and her grandmother’s
pendant, which she planned to wear.
Cuatianquic’s floral plan for the October nuptials? Clean lines and a heartwarming fusion of reds and oranges
spun out of mango calla lilies, and roses
sprinkled with wild berries and leaves.
“Simplicity is key because people can
appreciate something that isn’t too busy,
Featuring
Brand New
Caribbean
Menu
and get a connection with it,” he contends.
You can also think outside of the garden and create a stunning arrangement
made out of vintage broaches or creatively incorporate “something borrowed” with
a bouquet made out of family heirlooms.
If you’re crafty, you can even construct
a beautiful bouquet out of something as
simple as paper or felt. The important part
is that you find a bushel of blooms that
will match your personal style. ■
“We’ll make your event
an affair to remember.”
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718-252-4614 VALET PARKING
“Mexican and Spanish fare meld in this elegant restaurant,
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gray days of winter.” – New York Magazine
5313 Avenue N, Brooklyn
114 Bay Ridge Ave., Brooklyn • (718) 833-8865
(Between E. 53rd & E. 54th Streets)
14
$26
| Wedding Guide
Authentic Spanish & Mexican Cuisine
www.casapepe.com
PHOTOS: WILLIAM CHANG PHOTOGRAPHY (LEFT), JACOB ARTHUR STUDIO
(MIDDLE), AP / ANDRE NGUYEN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY (RIGHT)
DETAILS
Let us make your Wedding, Prom, Sweet 16,
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WE CARRY
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• Come in early for the best selection
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• Our expert seamstress is available for that perfect fit
Featuring Styles
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ultfash.com
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Morilee
Sherri Hill
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Mac Duggal
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15
DETAILS
TRADITIONS
translated
The origins of popular wedding conventions
BY ANDREW LINDERMAN
The South Asian tradition of brides wearing henna is rooted in class.
I
f you’ve been to a wedding recently,
you may have wondered about the origins of the traditions. How did throwing rice at the bride and groom become
common practice? What’s the history
behind brides wearing white? Why do
Jews sign contracts, Hindus get tattoos,
and South Koreans beat the groom’s feet?
To shed light on some of the most common (and a few very uncommon) wedding
traditions, we have compiled information from various religious and secular
experts on the subject. And trust us, you
will never look at throwing the bouquet
the same way again:
WESTERN WEDDINGS
THROWING THE BOUQUET
There are a few theories about how
this tradition got started. One is that the
ritual started in the Middle Ages, when
bouquets were made from a mix of garlic
and dillweed. The mixture was believed
16
| Wedding Guide
to ward off disease, and so the tradition
of throwing the bouquet was meant to
bestow good luck — and presumably
health — on potential brides-to-be. A
competing theory is that the bride’s dress
was believed to be lucky and the lady-ofhonor would throw the bouquet to distract
guests from tearing the dress. Better to be
safe than sorry.
THROWING RICE
The origin of this ritual is not entirely
clear, but it is believed that it dates back
to ancient Europe when guests would
throw wheat berries or flowers as a symbol of fertility and growth. In the Middle
Ages, peasants replaced the wheat with
rice, possibly because it was cheaper.
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW,
SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING
BLUE
The ritual was adapted from an old
English adage, according to CNN, which
goes: “Something olde, something new,
STAK WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
something borrowed, something blue, and
sixpence in your shoe.”
The idea behind the tradition is that
the bride should carry good luck charms
meant to represent continuity with the
past, optimism for the future, happiness
with the present, and purity (the blue)
in marriage. The sixpence, meant to
represent good fortune, has been mostly
dropped in America — probably because it
is hard to keep a coin secured inside of a
strappy Jimmy Choo.
MATCHING BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
Matching bridesmaids dresses are a
relatively new development in wedding
history. According to Carrie Hertz, a
wedding dress expert at the Castellani
Art Museum in Niagra, NY, bridesmaids’
dresses started to appear in the 1920s and
1930s when large-scale dress manufacturing became available.
“Before that time, clothes were expensive,” says Hertz. “So most bridesmaids »
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would often wear whatever was available
to them.”
The white wedding dress
It is typically believed that brides wear
white as a symbol of purity. Yet, white
wedding dresses became increasingly
popular after Queen Victoria eschewed
the traditional royal purple robes for
a simple white dress for her wedding
in 1840, according to Hertz. And the
snow-colored frock was actually an act of
rebellion.
“Victoria married for love,” says Hertz
of the queen who opted to defy tradition
of arranged marriage.
The diamond engagement ring
The diamond engagement ring, like the
white wedding dress, owes its popularity
to Queen Victoria. Diamond rings date
back to the Middle Ages, according to
Vivienne Becker of De Beers. But it wasn’t
until Prince Albert presented Victoria a
gold band with an inlaid diamond that the
practice took off.
RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS
The ketubah
In traditional Jewish ceremonies, after
the exchange of rings, couples sit down
to sign the ketubah , an ancient contract
written in Aramaic, which spells out the
groom’s financial obligations. The text is
often summarized when read aloud these
days, according to Matt Axelrod, the cantor
at Temple Beth Israel in Scotch Plains, NJ.
“Some couples modify the ketubah to
include mentions of love and commitment,” adds Axelrod.
The breaking of the glass
The Jewish ritual breaking of a glass
has several potential origins, according
to Axelrod. In ancient times, the broken
glass was meant to remind couples that
they should temper their joy in light of the
Jews’ suffering or after the destruction of
the Second Temple in Jerusalem. In modern times, the interpretation is looser.
“It basically means that there may be
an element of strife in the marriage,” says
Axelrod. “But that the couple should support each other.”
henna (mehndi)
If you’ve ever seen women whose hands
look like they have fading tattoos, it is
almost guaranteed that they’ve been
involved a South Asian wedding. The
tradition of henna, or ceremonial temporary skin-ink decoration, is a large part of
traditional Hindu weddings.
Henna was originally developed as
a substitute for brides whose families
couldn’t afford jewelry, according to Sonal
J. Shah, a South Asian wedding specialist
and event planner. But the tradition transcends class today. Grooms have even
gotten into henna.
“It used to be very uncommon,” Shah
notes. “But now I see more and more men
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18
| Wedding Guide
getting it done.”
male veils
In most of the world, women wear the
veils to keep their faces covered. However, in Punjabi and Sikh traditions, the
sister of the groom will tie a sehera, or
ceremonial floral veil, to the groom’s forehead. The veil is designed to ward off evil
spirits and prevent someone from giving
the groom the evil eye, according to Shah.
UNUSUAL TRADITIONS
Beating the groom’s feet
In traditional South Korean weddings,
men have to tread lightly. In the ritual
dongsangnye, the bride’s male relatives
test the groom by hanging him upside
down and hitting his feet with dried cod
or wooden spoons while asking him questions. According to the Korean Tourism
Organization, the game ends when the
mother of the bride offers everyone food
and wine.
The crying game
In the western part of Sichuan Province
in China, brides are expected to cry for an
hour each night for the month leading up
to her wedding day. The practice known
as “zuo tang” (Sitting in the hall) picks up
participants as the month progresses, according to China Daily. The mother joins
the bride after 10 days of the bride crying
alone, and, 10 days later, they are joined
by the bride’s grandmother. n
33rd
ANNIVERSARY
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19
rice SWAP
DETAILS
Update a tradition with one of
these fun, green options BY ILY GOYANES
Y
ou may want a bit of fanfare as you exit your ceremony, but if you’re the
cool, trendsetting type who bends the rules and bucks tradition, the idea
of having your friends and family chuck fistfuls of uncooked rice at you
and your honey probably doesn’t excite you. You’re not a burrito bowl — you’re
a bride!
So what is a modern gal to do?
Don’t fret — here are a few fun, socially conscious, and eco-friendly alternatives to rice that will make your exit appear as unique as the two of you:
ECOFETTI
This biodegradable confetti
dissolves in water so it can be
hosed away if Mother Nature
doesn’t take care of the clean up.
It also comes in wedding-friendly colors such as pretty pink,
vibrant purple, and periwinkle.
Best part? It’s made from recycled materials and is safe for
nosing wildlife living nearby.
LAVENDER
Imagine making your
getaway under a sun shower
of fragrant, soft, and bright
lavender! These buds make
for a colorfully cool exit and
can easily be found online.
Lavender, of course, is biodegradable and won’t hurt the
environment — or any cute,
little fur babies.
Trattoria
SEEDS
Not only are seeds biodegradable, they’re also food!
A favorite of songbirds,
birdseed contains cracked
corn, sunflower chips, and
oats. Use seeds and exit in
style while feeding your tiny,
winged friends. It’s also inexpensive and can be bought
in bulk. »
Lavender
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| Wedding Guide
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Basil
Confet ti
HIGH-FLOAT CONFETTI
Star Light’s high-float
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PLANTABLE SEED
CONFETTI
Plantable seed confetti,
like the kind from Recycled
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the environment. These tiny,
plantable seeds eventually
grow into wildflowers, leaving
behind a long-term symbol of
your union.
FLOWER PETALS
Flower petals are soft,
aromatic, and fall beautifully,
looking gorgeous in photos.
The only downside is cost. It
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if you want all of your guests
to have a palm-full of pretty
petals.
green as it gets, herb tossing
no longer has to be something you do when prepping
dinner.
HERBS
This new wedding trend
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kitchen. No, not tongs —
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are choosing from thyme,
rosemary, basil, or sage.
Earthy-smelling and as
BUBBLES
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22
| Wedding Guide
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PHOTO: AP / LARRY CROWE (LEFT)
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favors
FAVORITE
Parting gifts your guests will love
BY MEREDITH DELISO
T
he parting favor is as much a wedding tradition as the vows
or first dance. It is a staple that allows a couple to do something creative, unique, and ultimately meaningful.
Yet, finding a gift that fulfills those requirements seems like an
awfully tall order, especially since it needs to be something that
can easily be duplicated for dozens or hundreds of guests.
Need some inspiration? Consider these categories while crafting a memorable wedding favor:
FOOD
An edible favor is certainly a favorite, whether it’s something
your guests can enjoy at the reception or be savored later. The
24
| Wedding Guide
CUTIE PIES
Guests will die for
mason jar pies from
Brooklyn’s Pie Corps.
sky is the limit when it comes to treats. Yet, if you need some help,
here’s a baker’s dozen of ideas: chocolates, mints, taff y, cookies,
mini champagne bottles, pies in mason jars, s’mores or hot cocoa
kits, cake pops, donuts, hot sauce, spices, or macaroons.
Another option is giving your guests something that is
special to you, your partner, or family, such as a hometown specialty, like local honey, or a family recipe, such as jam or pickles.
If you’re really ambitious (and crafty), you can make a favor such
as homemade moonshine, granola, or Sriracha salt, yourself — just
as long as it won’t be too stressful or time-consuming. Tools for
cooking are another option, like a cookie cutter in the shape of
something that is meaningful to your and your betrothed. »
PHOTO: COURTESY OF PIE CORPS
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|
25
DETAILS
PLANTS
An edible favor likely won’t survive long after the wedding, but
a plant is something that can be a constant reminder of your love.
Succulents, for instance, are very popular items because they
are low-maintenance, affordable, and quite beautiful. Handmade
terrariums and seed bombs are other options for unique gifts that
your guests can care for and love.
BABY, I LIKE
IT RAW
Everyone will be
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raw honey from
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CORKAGE GLEE
Eyes will pop when they see these fun
succulent wine-cork magnets
by Windmill Floral Design.
ART PIECE
If you are particularly crafty, your wedding favor can be an opportunity to make something special for your guests. This could
be a framed item, such as a print, matted origami, or photograph.
You could also hire artists to create something special onsite for
your guests, such as caricatures or silhouette drawings, which
they can treasure and enjoy afterwards.
PERSONALIZED
A highly personalized favor can be another way to provide your
guests with a meaningful parting gift. For example, you could
give each guest a magnet featuring the map of where they’re from,
or create place settings or place cards that features hand-drawn
pictures of each guest. Of course, given the individualized nature
of these types of favors, you will have to consider the time and cost
to provide such a highly personalized parting gift.
DONATION
One of the most meaningful favors you could give your guests
isn’t a tangible gift at all, but a donation in their name. Instead of
spending money on favors, you could put it towards a charity that
is important to you and your family, such as for cancer research
or a scholarship fund. A donation could also be made in memory
of a loved one who could not be there on your special day. Cards
alerting your guests to this donation would be a thoughtful gesture they are sure to cherish. ■
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26
| Wedding Guide
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PAIL IN COMPARISON
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ADVICE
gem
UNEARTHING A
Tips on how to find
a unique wedding venue
BY ELIZABETH MICHAELSON
Coney Island Boardwalk
STAK WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
W
the following questions: “What is the most meaningful setting
you can imagine exchanging your vows? Is there a beach club,
farm, broad tree canopy, or perhaps a distinct view that must be
the backdrop for your vows?”
THINK WITH YOUR HEART
First and foremost, think about the places in New York that
you truly love — or even the specific spot where the two of you
fell in love.
“To find your ideal wedding setting, allow yourself to think outside the box,” says Denyse Galiothe, founder and owner of Events
With Intention , a boutique New York City-based event-planning
company. “Consider non-traditional spaces, like a favorite restaurant, park, or perhaps the museum or art gallery where you had
your first date.”
If nothing comes to mind, Galiothe suggests asking yourself
MAKE A LIST
Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, prioritize.
“Try to identify what features are a ‘must’ versus what can
be sacrificed,” says Galiothe. “Perhaps you would prefer to
exchange vows during a certain season of the year or you wish
to have specific outdoor elements in your wedding ceremony
photographs.”
Write down the three most important aspects your venue
needs to have and then stick to those key factors. And if you are
having difficulty pinning down exactly what these factors should
be, try distinguishing what kind of vibe or style you would like
your wedding to have — casual, traditional, grandiose, quirky,
rustic, modern, bohemian, classic, or personalized? This can help
you identity what details a venue needs to have.
For instance, if you want something casual and bohemian, you »
edding venue-wise, you may find the local VFW Hall as
appealing as a bottle of Budweiser. You want something
cool and unique — a place that resonates with you
and your fiance, is within your budget, can host all your guests,
provides essential features (dance floor, seating, and areas for
a ceremony, bar, and food prep), and, most importantly, is not at
all humdrum. Keep all that in mind, and use these tips on how to
unearth a gem of a spot:
28
| Wedding Guide
Choose to be beautiful and get your own celebrity style
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|
29
Advice
Brooklyn Winery
may want to get married barefoot — and if you want to get married barefoot, you need to find a location where it will be comfortable to forgo the Manolo Blahniks.
“Identifying non-negotiables, taste-wise can be invaluable during your entire wedding planning process,” Galiothe points out.
Get chatty
It is also wise to talk to friends and colleagues who entertain
regularly — especially ones who have gotten married recently or
are active in business, charitable, or social organizations. These
are people who are the most likely out of your social circle to be
familiar with local event spaces and what each has to offer.
“One of the most useful resources might be wedding industry
professionals,” adds Galiothe. This includes local event planners,
florists, bakers, caterers, even the staff at the shop where you just
bought your wedding dress.
Connect the dots
Basically, once you’ve found one wedding professional you
like, she will most likely be part of a well-connected professional
web of other knowledgeable wedding vendors that are often great
sources for insider information.
“A florist can be your key to finding a unique venue,” confirms
Alexander Balikas Fell of New York City’s Sterling Fell Florist
and Special Events. “Not only do florists do events, but they have
30
| Wedding Guide
jacob arthur studio
clients in all sorts of interesting corners of the city. And a florist
often has a vast clientele that they can use to make you, and
themselves, look good!”
For instance, Fell once connected two clients who were from
completely different walks of life.
“I had a client who wanted a truly unique, yet elegant and
sophisticated New York wedding venue. I told her about [one of
my clients] the Ukrainian Institute of America,” says Fell. “After
a few calls and texts, my client had an appointment to preview
this iconic New York mansion, a venue that holds one wedding a
month at the most — and is not advertised in any traditional wedding collateral.”
Photographers are another excellent resource for information
about lesser-known venues.
“I see all kinds of spaces,” says Sofia Negron, who has been
shooting weddings and events professionally for 10 years. “I get
to see places that may be perfect for a runway fashion show but
aren’t your typical wedding venue.”
The casual observer may overlook spots like photo studios,
lofts, restaurants, nightclubs, ballrooms, and rooftops, but an
established local photographer will know about them — and can
help you visualize their potential.
Get personal with professionals
Don’t be afraid to create a bond with your wedding vendors.
.
ROOM..
R THE G ir t to Keep
O
F
T
IF
G
uff Sh
re
r en c h C
5 or mo
White F ook a par ty of
ub
when yo
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“I build a strong relationship with my clients, so I know and
understand what they really like,” says Negron. “I can suggest
things they may not have thought about because I know their
personalities, and what’s out there.”
For instance, Negron was able to recommend a few options
to a couple who wanted a non-traditional wedding venue that
could support lots of dancing, cocktails, and their own caterer.
“I sent them several suggestions before they settled on a dance
studio with gorgeous brick walls, high ceilings, and the freedom
to bring in whatever they wanted,” says Negron.
Keep in mind that photographers also go to various networking events, where they meet all kinds of venue owners.
“We learn about new spaces that may not be on the radar yet,”
says Negron.
Professionals you become close to, like photographers and
florists, may also know about venues that can pose problems
for couples. Clients talk about their experiences, and wedding
professionals are more likely to be aware of sites where service or
facilities are less than stellar — and they’re happy to share their
knowledge with you.
So, even if you want to get married on a boat, in a moat, with
a goat — you can have whatever you like just so long as you’re
savvy about your search.
“Trust that your ideal wedding venue exists,” says Galiothe.
“And we can locate it together!” n
Brides can see their future groom try on his complete outfit
when you place your order.
•
Brides would NEVER select a gown from a catalogue,
why should the groom?
•
We have the largest inventory of tuxedos and vests
on Staten Island.
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We have a tailor on the premises
when the tuxedo is picked up to ensure a proper fit.
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Last minute rentals are never a problem.
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Our expert staff has been servicing Staten Island for 20 years.
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Our inventory ranges from boy 3 to adult 72
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Select an elegant tuxedo or accessory from our
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2791 Richmond Avenue • Staten Island, NY 10314
718-698-4859
Most major credit cards accepted
|
31
COUNTRY CLUB CATERERS
What sets us apart? For generations families have entrusted the El Caribe
Country Club Caterers as the primary New York City Premier Weddings venue
to celebrate their once in a lifetime events. With more than 30 years experience
in catering, and two generations of family ownership, the team at the El Caribe
continues to subscribe to the old-fashioned values that built the company from
humble beginnings to its current success as leaders in the industry.
From intimate gatherings of one hundred to the grandest affairs of more
than 1,000, the El Caribe has always provided customers with a sense of
exclusivity by limiting the amount of events hosted simultaneously. The
seasoned professional event staff, expertly trained and renowned for their
uncompromising level of personal service and attention to detail, will work
closely with you to create an atmosphere and deliver a wedding reception that
reflects your individual taste and style.
The award-winning, classically trained, culinary staff will “WOW” your
guests with creative and innovative culinary delights. Using the finest and
freshest foods available, and taking in consideration the cultural heritage of
the customer, the culinary team will customize a menu to please the most
discriminating palette.
The recently renovated interiors make the El Caribe the perfect
destination for your New York City Premier Wedding. Classic décor, elegant
appointments, vaulted ceilings and spectacular lighting set the ultimate
ambience for your one of a kind wedding reception.
Please be our guest and contact the El Caribe today for a personal tour of
this magnificent New York City Premier Wedding facility.
5945 Strickland Avenue, Brooklyn • (718) 531-1200 • elcaribecaterers.com
I NTRODUCING T H
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5945 STRICKLAND
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Advice
picture
Photographers explain how
to take quality engagement photos
BY Meredith Deliso
I
t almost feels like a nuptial decree:
“Engagement photos must immediately follow the proposal.”
Much like the ceremony itself, this particular wedding standard can demand a significant amount of preparation. You have
to figure out where to take your photos, in what style, and what
to wear. It is also one of several important “firsts” — your initial
interaction with your photographer as well as a lasting marker of
your new life together.
“Engagement photos are the first chapter of your story,” says
professional wedding photographer, Diana P. Lang. “A good story
has an interesting location, an amazing cast of characters, details
and a happily-ever-after ending.”
To make sure your engagement photo session is a snap, here
are some tips on how to best prepare and what to expect once
you’re in the spotlight:
Find the perfect fit
If you go to Central Park on a nice spring day, you might run
into five different engagement-photo sessions. In one, a couple
might be looking lovingly into one another’s eyes, while another
pair is goofily running around.
34
| Wedding Guide
Which of these vibes do you prefer?
“Decide whether you want something that’s kind of fun, or something that’s a little bit more formal,” says photographer Steven
Rosen. “Then find a photographer who fits your particular style.”
The best way to gauge whether or not a professional can illustrate your personality as a couple is to take a gander at his
portfolio and see what kinds of poses he tends to capture.
On location
The possibilities can be endless when it comes to picking a
photo-shoot location, so start with places that are important to
you as a couple.
“Maybe it’s the cafe where you had your first date or the spot
where you got engaged,” suggests photographer Kristina Hill. “Or
how about the farmer’s market where you shop together on Saturday mornings, followed by where you brunch directly after?”
A familiar spot can also put people who are camera shy at ease.
“If the location is a place that holds significance, you will feel
much more comfortable interacting naturally,” says Hill.
Feel free to ask your photographer for recommendations if you
can’t figure out where to have your session.
“Most photographers have stock places in mind that they
have used before,” says professional Kathy Valentine. “Or »
photo: Lindsay Taryn Photography
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35
Advice
A matter of time
Good photography is dependent on lighting. If you want your
photos to have a particular look — and look your best — think
about where the sun will be when you schedule your shoot.
“Early in the morning or right before sunset are your better
choices,” says Valentine. “Bright sun and the heat of the day will
not look well on anyone!”
A great way to save money and look fantastic is to schedule
your shoot the same day as your makeup and hair trials.
“This will also give you an opportunity to see how your
makeup photographs,” notes Hill.
Get in your comfort zone
Your photo session can last several hours and you may end up
running around, jumping up and down, or lying on the ground.
You don’t want to be restricted in any way so make sure to bring
comfy threads the complement the location. And remember,
wardrobe changes are encouraged.
“Bring at least three different looks from casual to sporty to
dress-to-impress,” says Lang.
Compliment each other
A couple sporting matching Chuck All-Stars can be cute, but you
don’t want to show up wearing the same color shirts and jeans.
“I tend to recommend that couples think in terms of coordinating rather than matching,” says Hill. “Consider textures,
colors, layers, and patterns when picking out outfitss. And choose
36
| Wedding Guide
clothes that you feel good in. We all have a shirt that brings out
our eyes or a dress that we feel flatters our figure.”
Use props properly
This one is for all you Pinterest addicts. Props can certainly be
included in your engagement session, especially if your wedding
has a strong theme, but Lang warns against going overboard on
the details.
“Props work well for a limited number of shots, but be careful
not to overuse them,” she says. “Simplicity is the key unless you
are planning a stylized session.”
Some ideas she recommends include a flag or uniform if you’re
in the military, writing the wedding date on a chalkboard, or
wearing shoes that say “I do” on the bottoms.
Don’t expect replicas
It helps to look at a photographer’s past work to get ideas, but
don’t expect carbon copies of sample photos. Different times of
day and year can result in altered lighting, which means photos
are almost impossible to replicate. Plus, you want to give your
photographer some room for creativity.
“You don’t want to limit the photographer by asking him duplicate an image,” says Rosen. “I can get a general idea of what you
like based on other images, and then run with that.”
Trust your photographer
If you like your photographer’s portfolio, have faith in his ability,
even if he recommends a pose or a location that bewilders you.
“Trust is super important,” says Rosen. “A lot of times, the
blandest, most boring ‘Why the hell are we here?’ spots can give
you the most gorgeous pictures.”
Have fun
This may be the most important tip of them all. For all the
stress and expense that can go into a planning a wedding, it’s
important to remember why you’re doing it in the first place.
“Ultimately it’s not about posing, props, or Pinterest,” says
Lang. “It’s about the two of you and your love.” n
photos: Diana P. Lang Photography (Left), Kristina Hill Photography (Top middle),
Steven Rosen Photography (Top right), Kristina Hill Photography (Bottom Right)
places that they have scouted and kept in the back of their
minds. A photographer is always thinking about photo shoots
wherever they go.”
Keep in mind that most engagement photo sessions are shot outdoors. So, before settling on a location, evaluate whether you would
feel more relaxed in a public space or somewhere more secluded.
It is also important that you find a photographer that you like
personality-wise. He will be around you like white on a wedding
dress the entire day of your wedding, so make sure you feel good
and at ease around him.
Where your fairy-tale
wedding vision comes true
Whether you wedding is small or large, indoors or outdoors, we will match your heartfelt
desires with an elegant and lavish event. Weddings at Prospect Hall fall into four areas:
FORMAL TRADITIONAL
Imagine yourself in a beautiful white dress with a long train that cascades down a curving marble staircase
VARIOUS THEMES
Nightclub, Masquerade Ball, Victorian, etc.
TRADITIONAL ETHNIC
Russian, Caribbean, Asian, Polish, Arabic & more
TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS
We cater to your religious needs. Kosher, Glatt Kosher, Arabic Halal or Indian catering available.
Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Alice Halkias
263 PROSPECT AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY 11215
(718) 788-0777 www.grandprospecthall.com
ADVICE
WILL YOU
MARRY
US?
How to become
a legally ordained
minister BY ILY GOYANES
T
here are dozens of options when
choosing an officiant (New Agey? Presbyterian?) and you don’t
want to accidentally hire someone you’re
uncomfortable with. If you don’t have a
family minister, rabbi, or justice of the
peace in mind, why not have someone you
love and trust perform what will be the
most important ceremony of your life? By
asking a friend or relative to officiate your
wedding, you can save time auditioning candidates and feel secure that the
person who marries you is someone who
intimately knows you and your hubbieto-be as a couple. Plus, the ceremony will
be more poignant because your ceremony
will not be another “gig” for your friend —
it actually means something to her.
Yet, in order to have a friend marry you,
she must first become ordained. But don’t
fret — the process is as easy as choosing
her to marry you two:
38
| Wedding Guide
JACOB ARTHUR STUDIO
STEP 1: GET COLLARED
Your friend’s first step is actually becoming a minister. Fortunately, several online
ministries will ordain her for a nominal fee
(see step 4). Some require short applications
or other paperwork as well, but nothing too
arduous. Most of the time, the process of
becoming ordained is simply a matter of
filling out an online form and paying a fee.
STEP 2: CHOOSING YOUR RELIGION
Some institutes are religion-specific,
but you can choose from several nondenominational and interfaith groups as
well. The most popular organization is
the American Fellowship Church , which
ordains someone of any religion and allows its ministers to officiate nondenominational wedding ceremonies.
STEP 3: INTERFAITH INTEGRITY
The most important aspect of choosing which organization will ordain your
friend is its legitimacy. Recognized
online ministries include the Universal
Life Church , Rose Ministries, Universal
Ministries, and the American Fellowship
Church. Double check the status of the
organization with the New York State
secretary’s office to make sure your union
will be legally recognized.
STEP 4: TITHE IS EASY
Expect ordination to cost anywhere
from absolutely nothing to about $25.
Most online ministries accept credit
and debit cards as well as PayPal. Your
credentials can take anywhere from a
few weeks to a couple of days to arrive,
depending on the ministry.
STEP 5: MAKE SURE TO MAKE IT
OFFICIAL
Now that your BFF is officially a minister, she needs to make sure that she
includes the “Declaration of Intent” when
officiating at your ceremony for your
marriage to be legal. Most people recognize the declaration as the point in the
ceremony when the official asks: “Do you
take Jane Doe to be your lawfully wedded
wife?” The word “lawfully” is actually the
key word — it must be said in order for the
marriage to be legal. Aside from that, the
ceremony can be customized in a way that
truly reflects you and your future spouse’s
love and your personalities.
A traditional wedding ceremony consists of a processional, welcome, the declaration, a reading consisting of poetry,
literature, or religious text, the exchanging of vows and rings, the pronouncement, and recessional. But the beauty of
having a friend or relative officiate is that
you can truly tailor every single aspect
of your wedding ceremony to please the
most important people there — you and
your honey! ■
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STYLE
Retropolitan
Chic New York brides
BY ELIZABETH MICHAELSON
40
| Wedding Guide
embrace vintage glamour
This dress by New York’s Stone Fox
Bride, features a V-neck and bell
sleeves, which are two emerging bridal
trends (www.stonefoxbride.com).
KAVA GORNA
|
41
Style
Y
ou may not know a peplum from a pepperoni,
but as a New Yorker, you
want your wedding dress to
reflect your home’s savvy style.
Yet, in a city that never sleeps,
fashion is constantly evolving.
So what trends will fashion-forward, Big-Apple brides boast in
2014? We consulted the experts:
Styles and silhouettes
Up-to-date wives-to-be
prefer a look that is less traditional and more glamorous.
“Brides are starting to steer
away from the classic big ballroom gown with lots of ruching,” says New York-based
personal shopper and image
consultant, Mona Sharaf.
“They want form-fitting
evening gowns with a lot less
embellishment.”
Art Deco-style dresses that
reflect the 1920s and ’30s
embody this trend with their
geometric beading and seaming, slim and fluid silhouettes,
and low-cut backs with a dash
of “Great Gatsby” glamour.
“Modern brides like a bit
of bling and sparkle that’s
done in an Old Hollywood
rather than a ‘princess-y’ way,”
explains designer Rebecca
Schoneveld who opened the
Brooklyn-based Rebecca Schoneveld Design Studio in 2013.
Fabrics
Clingy, bias-cut silks and
satins often play a major role
in trendy gowns. Yet, sporting
the slinky material requires a
certain amount of confidence.
“Bias-cut satin is not for
the faint of heart or someone
who doesn’t love the body she
has,” warns Schoneveld.
Beaded lace, however, is
more forgiving while offering
the same Jean-Harlow allure.
“The lace tends to camouflage and the seaming is really
flattering on all sorts of body
shapes,” says Schoneveld. »
(LEFT) This Great Gatsby-esque design,
“Gemma” utilizes cross-beading and
lace to create a flawless form-fitting
look with a little bit of bling (www.
rebeccaschoneveld.com).
Anneke Schoneveld
(RIGHT) “Hobbie” by Cymbeline
Paris, demonstrates the cool elegance
of a high illusion neckline, capped
sleeves, and a gorgeous a low-cut back
(cymbeline.com/en_US).
Michel Perez / Cymbeline.com
42
| Wedding Guide
Winter | Spring 2014
|
43
Style
Sleeves and necklines
Strapless gowns have
long been — and still are — a
bridal-boutique staple, but
sleeved styles are currently
undergoing a renaissance.
Flowing bell sleeves are
beginning to burgeon, as are
cap sleeves, which literally
“cap” the shoulder with their
width that is wider than a
strap but narrower than a
short sleeve. And thanks to
Kate Middleton’s Alexander
McQueen wedding dress,
long and lace sleeves are very
fashionable.
“I love the trend of longer
lace sleeves,” says Schoneveld. “Especially for fall
and winter weddings.”
Schoneveld has also noticed that necklines are rising.
In fact, many of her clients
want a sheer lace top, which
gives a dress an illusion V- or
bateau- (boat) neckline.
“You still get the flattering
fit of a strapless bustier with
the illusion neckline,” says
Schoneveld. “But with the
comfort and design detail of a
higher neckline.”
Color
Wedding dresses used to
come in just two shades: white
and ivory. But today, colors including blush, very light blue,
yellow, and champagne are
also marching down the aisle.
“Many times brides are
surprised how much they like
these colors once they put
them on,” says Schoneveld.
So don’t dismiss that pale
pink dress without trying it
on first.
Marrying timelessness
with trends
Perhaps you like some of
the latest trends, but not all
of them appeal to you. If this
is the case, be a true New
Yorker by allowing fashion
to inspire rather than dictate
your personal style, such as
embracing an A-line cut dress
with a bateau neckline.
And keep in mind that a
classic bridal look is always
a win.
“I believe a bride should
look like a bride,” says Sharaf.
“Whether it’s a big ballroom
gown, a long train, a lace veil,
or simply a tiara, the bride
should stand out from the
crowd.” n
44
| Wedding Guide
(LEFT) A woman who feels comfortable in her skin will
love Rebecca Schoneveld’s slinky, Art Deco-inspired
design “Maya-Ingrid,” which features a low-draped back
and bias-cut satin.
Amber Gress
(TOP) This sleek, modern, and strapless “Hindi Hosta”
dress by Cymbeline Paris is conventionally paired with
a superb tulle overskirt for a dramatic look that marries
timelessness with trendiness.
(BOTTOM) This neo-romantic “Haora” gown by
Cymbeline Paris combines a traditionally elaborate tulle
skirt with a modern boat-shaped neckline.
Style
Not feeling a veil? Here are a few
whimsical options.
BY Gina Tron and Elizabeth Michaelson
W
edding style reflects the bride’s personality. For instance,
funky, fictional fashionista Carrie Bradshaw wore a
bright, blue bird on the side of her head.
“Why would you wear a veil when there are so many other possibilities?” says Cristina Rose Rabusin, a New York resident. “The
whole point of being a bride is being the center of attention.”
A unique hair accessory, in lieu of a veil, is an option that allows for a lot of personalization.
“Women are now seeking out pieces that make a traditional
wedding appear just a little retro,” says Chellise Michael, a
Brooklyn wedding photographer. “A lot are wearing a flower in
their hair or a simple hair piece.”
46
| Wedding Guide
Fascinators — a headpiece that can be as simple as ruched tulle
or as elaborate as the hats worn by guests at the royal wedding —
are a popular altar-bound embellishment favored by brides looking
to marry mid-century glamour with modern style.
“The fascinator is slightly alternative but feminine,” says
Jennifer Valade, the owner of Bunny’s Goodies in Vermont, a
business that sells bridal accessories. “And it’s a piece that make
a traditional wedding appear just a little retro.”
Flower crowns, which were donned by Audrey Hepburn and
Julia Roberts during their weddings, are another fashionable
alternative that provides a bride with a romantic, bohemian vibe.
“Flower crowns are a combination of the simplicity of nature
and the elegance of high fashion,” says Veronica Morali of La Rosette Parisienne, an Etsy shop that sells hand-made floral tiaras.
“They provide a balance that ties together an outfit.”
Yet, regardless of your preference for details, the most important aspect is that you wear something that makes you shine.
The possibilities are endless, so celebrate your commitment to an
endless love with something elegant and truly exceptional. n
Photo: Lindsay Taryn Photography
Unveiled
3ODQQLQJ\RXUZHGGLQJ
)ROORZXVRQ7ZLWWHU
ZZZWZLWWHUFRPEULGDODIIDLU
GARDEN
fete
You’re invited to a rustic,
whimsical wedding
BY GINA TRON | PHOTOS BY SARAH TEW PHOTOGRAPHY
48
| Wedding Guide
I
t was more than just puppy love
for Jaymie and Brad Ivler, who had
their very first date at Madison
Square Park’s dog run in 2009, a day
after being introduced through mutual
friends. The two quickly became
a couple, and after three years of
dating, Brad surprised his sweetheart
with sand art in Washington Square
Park that read: “Jaymie, will you marry
me?” spelled out in glittering grains.
Life with Brad felt like a day at the
beach. So Jaymie naturally said “Yes.”
The couple didn’t hire a planner for
their October 2013 wedding at Fresh
Meadow Country Club — despite their
260-person guest list. They did everything on their own.
“Even though it was a pretty big »
|
49
wedding, we wanted it to feel warm and
intimate,” Jaymie explains.
They took about a year to prepare for
their big day, and spent approximately
three to five hours a day working on it.
The first tasks they tackled were booking
a venue, choosing music, and hiring a
photographer.
“It was a lot of work finding a place
where we were going to get married,” says
Brad. “But, once all the big stuff was out
of the way, we could concentrate on all the
minor, more personal details.”
The pair, inspired by the parks that
acted as the backdrop for their courtship
and engagement, wanted their wedding
to resemble a “rustic secret garden” with
decorative accents that included lush
greens, soft whites, candles, and branches.
One intimate element that was particularly important to Jaymie was finding
the perfect dress — an elegant number
with capped sleeves and vintage lace that
would sway gracefully as she danced with
Brad to their first song together, “Crazy
Love” by Van Morrison.
Jaymie visited a few wedding salons
and found the gown of her dreams at
Wedding Atelier in Union Square.
“As soon as I put it on I was like ‘This
is the dress for me!’ ” she says of her Suzanne Neville designer frock.
Jaymie invested a lot of time finding
her ideal outfit and wanted her closest
girlfriends to feel free to do the same.
So, instead of choosing a uniformed
dress that would flatter some figures but
not all, she picked four shades: blush,
champagne, mauve, and nude. The
bridesmaids picked out their own dress
of any kind. They just had to stick to the
color palette.
“Everyone was happy and they liked
how they looked,” says Jaymie.
Yet, the bride and her maids can’t take
all the credit for their picture-perfect
looks. The couple also credits their
photographer, Sarah Tew, for making
everyone look beautiful.
“She was so warm and helpful,” Jaymie
recalls.
The couple is also known for having
adventurous palates, and wanted their
wedding to reflect their love of culinary
creativity.
“We are always going to markets and
checking out new restaurants,” says Jaymie. “When someone tells us of a new place
in one of the boroughs, we go check it out.”
Due to their love of food, their caterer
baked up a few gastronomic gems such as
a pumpkin appetizer with a side of grilled
cheese and a vanilla square wedding cake
filled with salted caramel. Drinks such as
“Brad The Groom,” which was similar to
an Old Fashioned, and a mint and blueberry cocktail called “Jaymie Juice,” were
also served, adding yet another signature
to a very personalized — and personal —
wedding. n
50
| Wedding Guide
VENDORS
Photographer
Sarah Tew Photography
Dress, belt, and veil
Suzanne Neville at the
Wedding Atelier
Shoes
Jimmy Choo
Makeup and hair artist
Amalia Moscoso
Groom’s outfit
Tuxedo from Custom
from MySuit; shirt and
shoes by Hugo Boss
Florist
Metro Floral Designs
Venue and catering
Fresh Meadow
Country Club
Music
New York City Swing —
Uptown Swing
Invitations, programs,
and place cards
Party Panache
Ketubah
Ketubah.com
1
4
Jaymie & Brad’s
TOP 5 WEDDING TIPS
TAKE CARE OF THE BIG
STUFF EARLY.
Book your venue, music, and
photographer first!
2 3
5
USE THE INTERNET.
The internet is a wonderful resource.
Pinterest is a great inspiration for
style, colors, and ideas.
RELAX!
It will all get done. It
really will all get done.
IT’S ABOUT YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND.
Take everyone’s suggestions into
consideration but ultimately go with what
you want to do.
DON’T STRESS ABOUT THE DETAILS.
The small stuff is just important to you. Things may not be perfect,
but don’t worry: think about the bigger picture instead.
|
51
geek
Big, Fat
wedding
Spectacled sweethearts throw an eye-catching event
BY Ali Osworth | photos bY Lindsay Taryn photography
I
f you are an oddball, you can bounce around the globe in
search of another freewheeling soul. Lucky for kooky kids
Callie Knoepffler and Keil Hock, they didn’t have to hike any
further than their Long Island hometown of Blue Point, NY. The
couple met when they were in pre-K, and their peculiar personalities just seemed to click.
52
| Wedding Guide
“My aunt told me that Kiel and I speak in our own language,”
says Callie. “We tend to make up words, nicknames, and little
phrases for things that only mean things to us. Sometimes it’s
even in song form!”
The two bonded over their love of sci-fi and fantasy movies
and by senior year of college, Keil surprised his high-school »
54
| Wedding Guide
“It is so nice
when two weird people
can appreciate
each other’s weirdness.”
sweetheart with a ring after a long day of snowboarding on
Valentine’s Day weekend.
“It is so nice when two weird people can appreciate each other’s
weirdness,” Kiel’s brother said in his toast at the dorky duo’s wedding. “I am glad you found each other.”
Callie and Keil feel like square pegs in a round world, so they
didn’t want to have a cookie-cutter wedding meant to fit someone
else.
“Most of the weddings we have attended have been near our
hometown and we felt that many of those venues started to look the
same to us,” says Callie of the grinding search for the perfect venue.
The two finally stumbled upon Williamsburg’s Giando on the
Water — an event and fine-dining space with a glass-walled view
of the Manhattan skyline over the East River.
“You can’t really get a more unique setting than Giando’s,” says
Callie. “I would recommend it in a heartbeat.”
The gorgeous city skyline was a breathtaking backdrop, but
guests were gasping at the couple’s wedding for a completely different reason.
“I can’t even tell you how many people mentioned to us that
they had never seen a bride and groom in glasses,” says Callie.
But their decision to don their spectacles wasn’t a deliberate
attempt at being unusual. Rather, it was about being individuals.
“There was never a question as to whether or not we would
wear our glasses at our wedding. We never even thought twice
about it,” says Callie. “I honestly don’t think people would recognize me without glasses. They are a part of who I am, and it was
important for me to feel like myself at my wedding.”
And for Callie, the need to express her personality trickled
down to her dress. She really wanted lace and straps, but couldn’t
seem to find the two details in the same gown.
The Allure Bridal number she wound up buying from Long Island’s Bridal Suite of Bayshore was originally sleeveless, but the
store customized the frock by adding straps in such a way that it
formed a keyhole back.
Kiel and Callie kept adding personal touches to their big day.
Kiel wore a suit instead of a traditional tuxedo, Callie’s cousin
officiated the ceremony, and the two personalized their vows by
“promising to walk together as best friends for life.” All the traditional dances at the reception, like the couple’s first dance and
parents’ dances, were done to upbeat songs such as “You Are The
Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne, “The Way You Look Tonight” by
Frank Sinatra, and “I’ll Always Love My Mama” by The Intruders. The up-tempo tunes got everyone dancing, even between
courses, but the big hit of the night turned out to be “Gangnam
Style” by Psy. And, since everyone knew the dance from the viral
YouTube video, the guests went bananas.
“Everyone knew the moves and had so much fun dancing
that we played it a second time,” says Callie. “The pictures are
hysterical!” n
|
55
VENDORS
Photographer
Lindsay Taryn
Photography
Caterer and cake
Giando on the Water
DJ
AVC Music
Florist
Madison Floral
Dress
Allure Bridal; finishing
touches by the Bridal
Suite of Bayshore
Suit
Ermenegildo Zegna from
Saks Off 5th
Tie
The Tie Bar
Shoes
Hers: Nina “Criana”
His: G.H. Bass & Co.
Bride’s jewelry
DivineJewel on Etsy
Veil
abusymother on Etsy
Rings
Stadtmuller Jewelers
Glasses
Hers: Ray Ban
His: Warby Parker
Bride’s hair
Vanity Square Salon
1
3
Callie & Kiel’s
TOP 5 WEDDING TIPS
DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR HUSBAND!
If your husband is busy with work or school, don’t
make all the decisions without consulting him.
Bounce ideas back and forth.
STUDY UP!
Do you research, especially when
it comes to your photographer. You
want your photos to capture your
day, so you can relive it forever.
56
| Wedding Guide
4
2
ACCEPT HELP.
If someone, like your mom, is willing to help, let
them! They can be a savior in terms of coming
up with ideas, booking appointments, writing
invitations, and a lot of other time-consuming tasks.
DRAFT THE PERFECT
GUEST LIST.
If you invite people who really matter
to you, you will have a wonderful
party … complete with pony dancing.
5
STAY ORGANIZED.
Give yourself plenty of time
to plan so that you don’t get
stressed or overwhelmed
with minor details.
Azatyan Family Jewelers - Since 1969
FREE
WEDDING BAND
from BENCHMARK
with engagement
ring purchase
Celebrate
OKG Jewelry Co.
Not to be combined with
other offers or discounts.
Some restrictions may
apply. Offer expires
08/30/2014
FREE
on the waterfront
APPRAISAL
Limit 1
Per Customer
Offer expires 08/30/2014
248-25 Northern Blvd., Little Neck | 718.423-2526
Open Tuesday–Saturday
www.okgjewelry.com
One Love.
One Perfect Wedding.
Due Ponti. Between the bridges.
•••
the perfect wedding
accommodations...
Congratulations on your engagement
and welcome to The House on Third St.
We encourage you to visit our website,
www.houseon3st.com and have a look
at the amenities, or call Jane White
at 718-788-7171 for information.
From the 12’ ceilings, to the deck
overlooking the garden, we think you
will find the apartment a perfect place
to celebrate and/or relax. We are eager
to make your stay a memorable one.
We hope you’ll consider us for this
most meaningful of occasions.
422 Third Street, Park Slope, Brooklyn
718-788-7171
www.houseon3st.com
For intimate, smaller weddings, or
for bridal showers, engagement parties and
rehearsal dinners, we vow to provide a
unique, gourmet dining experience
with breathtaking views.
Dine under the stars or in our wellappointed dining room. Fine Italian
cuisine, expertly served. Due Ponti, one of
the ingredients for your perfect day.
718.767.3100
154-11 Powells Cove Blvd., Whitestone N.Y. 11357
www.dueponti-ristorante.com
|
57
WHERE
heart
THE
A man, a woman, and a cardiac surgery intensive care unit
BY ELIZABETH MICHAELSON | PHOTOS BY RYAN BRENIZER PHOTOGRAPHY
58
| Wedding Guide
IS
|
59
A
hospital’s cardiac surgery
intensive care unit proved
to be a great place for
the heart in more than one way for
Regina Lee and Jerry Chao. Jerry,
who is currently a resident in plastic
and reconstructive surgery, was doing
a surgical rotation in 2010 when he
met Regina, a clinical pharmacist. The
two spent a month working together
and bonded over their religious faith
and love of good Chinese food. Jerry
asked out Regina as soon as his rotation was up.
On their first date, Jerry took Regina
to the High Line Park, and on Valentine’s
Day weekend 2012, he took her again to
propose.
“It was a freezing cold day, and the trail
of rose petals that Jerry had set up blew
away,” Regina recalled — but that didn’t
stop her from saying yes!
The lovebirds set the date for May 19,
2013, then threw themselves into the wedding planning, which they did with the
help of “lots of Excel spreadsheets.” They
chose Liberty House Restaurant, a large
restaurant and catering facility in Jersey
City’s Liberty State Park, for both the
ceremony and reception. The Manhattan
couple was especially taken with the site’s
fantastic vistas that are surrounded by
water on three sides.
60
| Wedding Guide
“Liberty House offers a beautiful view
of the Manhattan skyline through the
reception ballroom’s floor-to-ceiling windows,” says Jerry enthusiastically.
May 19 was romantically overcast and
the couple and guests were caught up in a
storm of excitement. The groom donned
a tux at the altar, while the bride wore a
slim-fitting satin and tulle gown with lace
appliqués, crystals, a V-neck, and illusion
straps accessorized with a sparkly belt
from Allure Bridals. She carried a sweet
and romantic bouquet of pink lilies, white
roses, and purple orchids. The color pink
resurfaced in the four bridesmaids’ blush
frocks, which matched the groomsmen’s
vests and ties.
One of Regina’s old church pastors
officiated the traditional Christian
wedding and incorporated an unexpected and moving act — the clasping of
pinkies.
“We didn’t know it was going to happen
beforehand,” Jerry says, “but our officiant
asked us to do it during the ceremony.”
The act symbolized the couple’s
promise to remain faithful to each other
throughout the ups and downs of marriage.
Regina and Jerry’s 188 guests snacked
on crab cakes, lobster and asparagus,
chicken satay, coconut shrimp, ceviche,
pasta, and sushi during the cocktail hour.
Then guests feasted at tables adorned
with pink lilies, white roses, hydrangea,
and purple stock. The meal began with a
crab salad and was followed by either red
wine-braised short ribs or macadamia
nut-crusted mahi mahi. The wedding
cake, from local institution Carlo’s Bakery
(made famous by the TLC television show
“Cake Boss”), was a lavender frosted
vanilla and chocolate cake with hazelnut
cream filling. The four-layer confection
was topped with purple orchids in a nod
to the bride’s bouquet.
The reception featured an unusual
twist — party games.
“We had our friends organize a few
games, with us being at the center of
them,” Jerry explains.
In the first game, Regina was blindfolded and asked to pick out her new
husband from among the groomsmen
by feeling their biceps. In another, the
couple was seated back to back, and asked
questions such as, “Who wears the pants
in the relationship?” The newlyweds each
answered by raising a shoe — either one
of the bride’s, or one of the groom’s. The
couple enjoyed these playful games.
“They were really fun for our guests,
too!” says Jerry.
“Everything was done beautifully — the
dress, the flowers, the reception music.
Our guests all raved about the food that
was served,” says Jerry. “Most of all, all
the people were what made it the most
meaningful!” n
|
61
VENDORS
Photographer
Ryan Brenizer
Venue and catering
Liberty House Restaurant
Cake
Carlo’s Bakery
Band
Ariel Music and Events
Flowers
Exchange Place Florist
Dress
Allure Bridals
Bridesmaid dresses
Bill Levkoff
Tuxedo
ChazMaTazz Formalwear
Makeup
Sachiko Yanase
1
3
Regina & Jerry’s
TOP 5 WEDDING TIPS
SPREAD THE WORK AROUND.
Utilize your bridesmaids and groomsmen, especially
if they are willing to help. It’s overwhelming for one
person!
EAT BEFORE THE
RECEPTION STARTS.
You might not have time later.
62
| Wedding Guide
4
2
ON THE DAY-OF, PICK A POINT PERSON.
This way you can relax and enjoy the wedding
without worrying about the details.
TAKE IN THE MOMENT.
This may be the only time you will
have people from all stages of your life
together in one room.
5
DON’T FORGET TO
HAVE FUN!
… and play a few
games.
Thank you, contributing photographers
Jacob Arthur Studio
www.jacobarthur.com
(347) 946–2151
[email protected]
Kristina Hill Photography
kristinahill.com
(917) 887–0092
[email protected]
Erica Camille Photography
www.ericacamilleproductions.com
(920) 539–8212
[email protected]
Sarah Tew Photography
www.sarahtewphotography.com
(917) 374–4346
[email protected]
STAK Wedding Photography
www.getstak.com
(718) 908–6753
[email protected]
Lisa Berry Photography
www.lisaberryphotography.com
(812) 331–7889
[email protected]
Lindsay Taryn Photography
lindsaytarynphoto.com
(917) 740–8327
[email protected]
Diana P. Lang Photography
www.dianaplangphotography.com
(609) 462–1519
[email protected]
Emily G Photography
www.emilygphotography.com
(503) 936–2922
[email protected]
Ryan Brenizer Photography
ryanbrenizer.com
(917) 232–1058
[email protected]
Steven Rosen Photography
stevenrosenphotography.com
(718) 625–7076
[email protected]
William Chang Photography
william-chang.com
(718) 395–7223
[email protected]
Beautiful Weddings
are One Part Fantasy &
Two Parts Inspiration . . .
2014 Wedding Event Calendar
Like Us on
for a Chance to
WIN
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|
63
a parting gift
LOUD
vows
Offbeat quotes that will grab everyone’s attention
BY ELYSE WANSHEL
Y
ou want to shout it from a mountain top — your love is rare! It is so special that
a beautiful, yet humdrum, Bible passage like, “Love is patient, love is kind,”
won’t hack it halfway up a ridge. If you’re looking for something as unusual as
Mt. Kilimanjaro sounds, hike off the First-Corinthians path and consider these lesserknown, striking, yet romantic quotes plucked from literature and pop culture that, if
placed perfectly into your vows, can be as satisfying as a view from a canyon.
“EVERY BREATH that is in your
lungs is a tiny little gift to me.”
THE WHITE STRIPES, “DEAD LEAVES AND THE
DIRTY GROUND”
“I’m going to pull time apart for you.”
another human being.”
HOLDEN, “CHASING AMY”
“Whatever our souls are made of, his
and mine are the same.”
EMILY BRONTE, “WUTHERING HEIGHTS”
AMY POND, “DR. WHO”
“Love makes your soul crawl out from
its hiding place.”
ZORA NEALE HURSTON
“When you realize you want to spend
the rest of your life with somebody,
you want the rest of your life to start
as soon as possible.”
HARRY, “WHEN HARRY MET SALLY”
“I love you. Very, very simply,
very truly. You are the epitome of
everything I have ever looked for in
64
| Wedding Guide
“I guess I kind of hate most things. But
I never really seem to hate you. So I
want to spend the rest of my life with
you, is that cool?”
APRIL LUDGATE, “PARKS AND RECREATION”
LINDSAY TARYN PHOTOGRAPHY
“YOU KNOW YOU’RE IN LOVE
WHEN you don’t want to fall asleep
because reality is finally better than
your dreams.”
DR. SEUSS
“Who, being loved, is poor?“
OSCAR WILDE
“Everybody’s gotta love someone, but
I just wanna love you, my dear.”
THE DRUMS, “DOWN BY THE WATER”
“I would rather share one lifetime with
you than face all the ages of this world
alone.”
“Love is like a friendship caught on
fire.”
“And I need you more than want you.
AND I WANT YOU FOR ALL TIME.”
“But anyway, I think you’re bionic. And
I don’t think you’re beautiful, I think
you’re beyond it.”
JEREMY TAYLOR
ARWEN, “THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING.”
JIMMY WEBB, “WICHITA LINEMAN”
LIL’ WAYNE, “EVERY GIRL”
Bay Ridge Manor
Family Owned & Operated For Over 50 Years
Come plan your wedding
or special event with us....
Call for an appointment to view
our elegant banquet rooms.
Distinctive Catering For All Occasions
Affordable Elegance
Accomodates 40-250 Guests
Valet Service
The Bay Ridge Manor will be honored
to host your special event.
LOCATED IN THE HEART OF BAY RIDGE
476 76th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11209
718-748-8855
www.bayridgemanor.com
PILO ARTS SALON
Member of
Intercoiffure
Mondial
Paris • Tokyo • London
New York • Berlin • Roma
Colour
Hi-Lights
1978 - 2014
Make-Up
Cut & Style
Massage
Body Wrap
Facial
SELECTED TOP 200
Brooklyn Company 2011 & 2012
VOTED 1ST PLACE
BEST SALON 2012 & 2013
37th YEAR ANNIVERSARY SERVING NYC
Up-Dos
RANKED TOP 5 of 20,000
Salons for 2010 to 2013
PILO ARTS SALON
718.748.7411 • PILOARTS.COM
8412 3rd Ave. • Bklyn., N.Y.

BIG DAY - Wedding Guide

Transcription

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