2010 Something Blue Issue 1

Rural weddings offer intimacy

and something unexpected

Give bridal showers and luncheons a

nontraditional twist

Estate jewelry for the eclectic

bride and groom

Vol. 1 No. 2 Spring 2010

Real Weddings | Modern Trends | Timeless Traditions | Southern Grace

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Something Blue Carolina Spring 2010 4

Contents

Table of Contents

Features

Cover story:

At lastHigh school sweethearts tie the knot

Laura Ecklund and Alex Scheer marry at a historic dairy farm in Pittsboro, N.C., during a ceremony complete with love letters and crowd participation.

By Anne Woodman Photography by Logan Jarrard

Lauren Bowden, a Clemson University alumna — and daughter of former Clemson football coach Tommy Bowden — marries University of South Alabama alum Lance Heisler in a fairy-tale wedding.

By Lydia Dishman Photography by Travis Bell Photographers

In their search for the perfect ring, couples are finding estate jewelry is special and different and totally complements their personalities.

Summer love

A summer romance blooms

into happily ever after

Bringin’ the blingEstate jewelry for the eclectic bride and groom

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Spring 2010 Something Blue Carolina

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About the CoverLaura Ecklund married Alex Scheer on July

3, 2009 at Fearrington Village in North Carolina. Photograph by Logan Jarrard.

Editor’s Letter . . . . . . . 6

Daisy Chain . . . . . . . . . 8

Destination . . . . . . . . 10Charleston, S.C. — Paradise, no passport required

Carolina Trends . . . . . 14Experts dish on the latest trends

Let’s Get This Party Started . . . . . . . 22Give a twist to typical howers and luncheons

Fashion Passion . . . . 38Finding the right dress for the right party

Blooms and Plumes . . . . . . . . 40One-of-a-kind stunners make statement bouquets

Etiquette . . . . . . . . . . 44Modifying time-tested traditions

Castles in the Sky . . . 48Rural weddings offer intimacy and something unexpected

Carolina Chronicles . . 54Featuring fabulous weddings

Mirror, Mirror . . . . . . . 61Looking good and feeling great

Departments

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2210 44

Something Blue Carolina Spring 2010

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As a bride, your wedding day is sure to be filled with excitement, anticipation and emotion, and the months leading up to it will be filled with decisions. That’s why we created Something Blue Carolina: We want-ed to provide brides in the Carolinas — and beyond — with useful information, tips and trends, as well as inspirational stories from real brides.

We begin this issue with a look at Charleston as a desti-nation for weddings. Its history, charm and beauty serve as an amazing backdrop for a memorable wedding, whether you hail from the Holy City or have just decided to get mar-ried there. Be sure to check back to see what city in the Carolinas we focus on next.

We hope the articles on choosing estate jew-elry and creating stunning bouquets with a single type of flower are helpful, because they take a look at a couple of current trends that can also be budget-friendly. And our features on rural weddings and nontradi-tional bridal showers or luncheons are sure to get your creative juices flowing.

We are also excited to share with you the stories of Laura Ecklund and Alex Scheer, and Lauren Bowden and Lance Heisler. These newlyweds let us in on the

stories of their courtship, engagement and fairy-tale weddings. They shared their milestones with us, and now we’re sharing them with you.

Although Something Blue Carolina is still a new publication, the company that produces it is not new to publishing. Our parent company, SC Biz News LLC, is well-respected across South Carolina for produc-ing regional newspapers, statewide news

magazines and lifestyle pieces. We think our dedication to real stories and useful information translates well into this bridal magazine and makes Something Blue Carolina stand out.

In addition to our gorgeous magazine, we at Something Blue Caro-lina have also created the Bridal Tip of the Week, an e-mail filled with great tips and trends that

is delivered straight to your inbox once a week. Just visit www.somethingblueonline.com to sign up for it today.

We sincerely hope that you enjoy this issue of Something Blue Carolina and that we somehow help to make your special day a moment you will treasure.

Enjoy,

Editor’s Letter

There are certain moments in life you will always treasure; getting engaged and getting married are two of them. You will spend many hours describing these events to your friends, family

and future generations, and they likely will go down in your history as some of the most important.

Allison Cooke Oliverius

welcome

somethingblueCaro�inaPublished by SC Biz News LLC

Director of Business Development - Mark [email protected] • 843.849.3143

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Creative Director - Larry Preslar Spark Publications - www.sparkpublications.com

Contributing Writers Lydia Dishman, Ashley Fletcher Frampton, Chelsea Hadaway, Wendy Swat Snyder,

Anne Woodman

Contributing PhotographersRon Anderson of Southern Wedding Photography,

Travis Bell Photographers, Tim Broyer, Kim Crenshaw, Shannon DeCock, Lauren Gill,

Amber Griggs, Jim Gund, Logan Jarrard, Lindsey McIntosh, Gregory Moliterno, New Image Studio, Glenn Roberson,

Lynn Roberson, Michelle Rubio, Tuesday’s Frog

The entire contents of this publication are copyright by SC Biz News LLC with all rights reserved. Any reproduction or use

of the content within this publication without permission is prohibited.

Mailing address: 389 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 200

Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Phone: 843.849.3100, Fax: 843.849.3122

www.scbiznews.com

Rural weddings offer intimacy

and something unexpected

Give bridal showers and luncheons a

nontraditional twist

Estate jewelry for the eclectic

bride and groom

Vol. 1 No. 2 Spring 2010

Real Weddings | Modern Trends | Timeless Traditions | Southern Grace

Allison


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Advertisers ListAdvertiser Page

A Southern Bartender . . . . . . . . 62

Abbie’s Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Affordable Affairs at LogBridge Farm . . . . . . . . . 53

aloft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Carolina Cakes and More . . . . . 17

Charleston Marriott Hotel . . . . . . 12

Charleston Museum . . . . . . . . . . 2

Charleston Spa Girls . . . . . . . . . 35

Charming Inns . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Cottage on the Creek . . . . . . . . 51

Hamby Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Hickory Furniture Mart . . . . . . . . 64

Historic Inns of Charleston . . . . . 36

Holiday Inn Mt . Pleasant . . . . . . 25

Lowcountry Park Venues . . . . . 29

Middleton Place Group Services . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Newton Farms Catering . . . . . . 31

Oh Snap! Photobooth . . . . . . . . 31

O .K . Florist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Pavilion at Pepper Plantation . . . 53

Richard Bell Photography . . . . . 37

Spiritline Cruises . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Stacy Howell Photography . . Inside Front Cover

Time Well Spent/ Charleston Entertainment . . . . 17

Westcott Plantation Golf Club . . . . Inside Back Cover

White . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover

Woodlands Resort & Inn . . . . . . 13

Lavishing the Carolinas

Combining Southern charm, timeless Combining Southern charm, timeless traditions and the latest trends, Something Blue Carolina is a magazine that mothers, daughters and grooms will enjoy.

Available biannually, with:• Affordable ad rates starting

at just $400 per issue.• Broad distribution

throughout the Carolinas.• Presence at bridal showcases

throughout the Carolinas.

Don’t miss our next issue, summer 2010!


Dear Daisy, My office is throwing me a shower. This is great, but I hadn’t intended to invite everyone from the office to my wedding. Am I obligated now?

arolina Spring 2010

Daisy C

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Daisy Chain

Dear Daisy, Dear Daisy, Dear Daisy, I have seven nieces and nephews. I want them nieces and nephews. I want them to be able to come to the wedding, to be able to come to the wedding, but also want their parents to enjoy but also want their parents to enjoy the evening. Do you have any the evening. Do you have any suggestions? suggestions?

Children often get invites to serve Children often get invites to serve as the precious flower girl or dapper as the precious flower girl or dapper ring bearer at a wedding. Outside of ring bearer at a wedding. Outside of that, they rarely make the guest list that, they rarely make the guest list to the wedding itself. That’s changing to the wedding itself. That’s changing these days as couples marry later in these days as couples marry later in life. They tend to have friends and life. They tend to have friends and relatives who have children — and relatives who have children — and babysitters aren’t always an option, babysitters aren’t always an option, especially in these tough economic especially in these tough economic times.

The key is to make the nuptials The key is to make the nuptials kid-friendly without ditching the kid-friendly without ditching the romance, sentimentality and beauty romance, sentimentality and beauty of the occasion.of the occasion.

Some couples choose to include Some couples choose to include the children in the reception, the children in the reception, providing activity books at the providing activity books at the tables and even instant cameras for tables and even instant cameras for

them to use. They may bring in extra entertainment, such as a clown or juggler for a kid’s segment. Couples also can ask the DJ or band to play music catering to children’s tastes, even creating a kids-only dance.

You could also host a private room replete with a DVD player, TV, toys, games and snacks. Hire two chaperones from a babysitting service, using referrals from friends and family. One can stay in the room at all times and another would be available to escort kids to the bathroom and to their parents.

Visit www.kidfriendlyweddings.com for more suggestions.

Etiquette queen Emily Post says you shouldn’t invite someone to a shower and then not invite them to the wedding, but office showers are the exception.


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Dear Daisy, I need to register for gifts, but don’t know where to begin. Also, should my fiancé be involved?

You and your fiancé are embarking upon a new life together and part of that is creating and perfecting your new home. Registering for gifts is a big part of that.

You’re both going to have likes and dislikes; you’re both going to be using the gifts for a long time; and the gifts are going to come from both sides of the family. So from the beginning (deciding on stores), through the process (continually updating) and beyond (writing thank you notes), make a commitment to tackling every task together.

To get your mind going about what you might need, check out a few registry checklists. Also, look around your current home. What’s old and needs replacing? What don’t you have that you need? What are your favorite stores?

According to Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette, you should register as soon as you can. You’re going to have a few pre-wedding events (engagement parties, bridal showers, etc.) where guests will

TIP:

Using a unique boutique

Small-scale, locally owned boutiques offer something a little different than traditional large retail stores. They are usually owned by people who really love that statement piece or a special find that no one else has. Remember that each shop is as unique as the items they carry. While some boutiques may offer an online registry, many do not. Make sure you and your guests know your shop’s practices and return policies before you commit to registering, and ask the owner to walk you through a typical transaction.

want to bring you something. You’re not being greedy; you’re being prepared.

Register at two or three stores. One store, even if it has everything, is too limiting; four or five is getting to be a bit much.

Also, some stores have completion programs that give you post-wedding discounts for items still on your registry, and some housewares brands have special gifts for registering for a certain amount of their items, so keep incentives in mind.

Need your dose of Daisy? Send your questions to daisy@somethingblueonline .com . Please note: Daisy may not be able to respond to every inquiry, but she’ll try!

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Destination: Charleston

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For a celebration with the Old World charm of Europe and the lushness of a tropi-

cal island, Charleston offers the best of both sides of the Atlantic. A sun-drenched city of bright Caribbean pastels, centuries of history, walled gardens drip-ping with blooms and beautiful beaches — Charleston is a bit of paradise in your own backyard, no passport required.

Designated a “Top 10” U.S. travel destination by Condé Nast Travelermagazine for 17 consecutive years, Charleston garnered the No. 2 spot in 2009 — second to San Francisco — making it No.1 on the East Coast.

No wonder. Antebellum plantations, mansions nestled together in downtown Charleston, a romantic coastline and pristine waterways — the allure

of Charleston is irresistible, and the possibilities for an amazing wedding are endless.

For Tania Howard and Braden Pritz of Annapolis, Md., Charleston was a natural choice. “We share a love of the water,” Howard said. “So we considered everything from the Caribbean to the Outer Banks, and realized Charleston had everything we wanted – beaches, great venues, history.”

With family and friends traveling from the New York area, Ohio and California, the couple scheduled their wedding around the July 4 weekend to give their guests the option of taking a mini-vacation to explore Charleston and spend some time in the sun.

Howard and Pritz exchanged vows in the quaint Tidewater Wedding Chapel in Mount Pleasant and celebrated at the nearby Cottages on Charleston Harbor, a destination property where they had also reserved seven of the 10 charm-loaded cottages.

The couple hired a day-of wedding coordinator for a stress-free experience and hired wedding photographer Jim Gund to document the entire weekend.

The Cottages on Charleston Harbor catered both the rehearsal dinner — an oyster roast — and the reception, which featured heavy hors d’oeuvres.

“It was really a coming together of family and friends,” Howard said. “All our guests were either at the Cottages or at the (adjacent) Charleston Harbor Resort — it was like one big house party!”

The newlyweds honeymooned in their waterfront cottage with a picturesque view of the famous Charleston skyline, happy to travel no further. “It all worked out perfectly,” Howard said.

Charleston’s rising reputation as a food capital makes it an exciting destination for a wedding as well. “People are really drawn to Lowcountry cuisine,” said Mitchell Crosby, owner of JMC Charleston. To showcase the local cuisine, he said hosts may present their guests with a copy of Charleston Receipts, a cookbook of classic recipes published by the Junior League of Charleston, with the recipe for a dish served at the

no passport required

By Wendy Swat Snyder

Down time Whether you are a local or

have chosen Charleston as a destination wedding, the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is a great resource for things you and your guests can do and see in your down time . Visit www .charlestoncvb .com

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everything went smoothly. “It was a success!” Rachel Puckett said.

The wedding ceremony was held in the historic Unitarian Church in Charleston, which allowed the couple’s own pastor to preside over the ceremony.

For the reception, the couple was able to give their guests another distinctly Charleston experience 40 minutes away on Edisto Island. The evening tent affair unfolded on the lawn of Rachel Puckett’s parents’ waterfront home, overlooking the Toogoodoo River. “Our guests were able to

experience a real Lowcountry event — the moss-draped oaks, a beautiful sunset over the water,” she said.

The dinner menu consisted of a variety of dishes — beef tenderloin, shrimp and grits, cheesy croissant sandwiches — with a twist. All the fare for the evening was prepared by friends and family, who enjoyed bringing something special to the celebration. •

Bride’s Advisor Charleston

A complete resource for planning a Charleston wedding with more than 300 pages filled with venues, vendors, budgets, worksheets, everything you need for a successful destination wedding . (Book cover shot Gissendanner Photography) www .bridesadvisorcharleston .com

Toogoodoo River. “Our guests were able to

Bride’s Advisor

reception elegantly bookmarked.With family in Yonges Island and

Columbia, S.C., Rachel and Bruce Puckett of Leesburg, Va., knew they would marry in Charleston. Their concern was that their many out-of-state friends would not be able to attend, but they were surprised by the response. “Many said they were

excited because it was Charleston,” Rachel Puckett said. “Most hadn’t been there before and stayed an extra couple of days.”

The couple worked as a team to pull the celebration together from Virginia with the help of The Knot and Bride’s Advisor Charleston. And though it was a stressful time for the bride and groom,

Destination: Charleston

http://www.marriott.com/chsmc


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http://www.woodlandsinn.com


“Less is more” is a theme we’re seeing across the Carolinas . Many celebrations are smaller and more intimate, and sustainability is finding expression in everything from the menu to floral arrangements and unique gifts .

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Carolina Trends

Tips and trends from experts throughout the CarolinasBy Wendy Swat Snyder

1,000 Words Jessica Jaskiewicz Smithson of Charleston, S .C ., found a way to thank her father for a cherished gift and a special time together in Dallas . “There’s something about red cowboy boots that make you feel like superwoman when you put them on,” Smithson said . She decided to immortalize the boots her father gave her during her portrait sitting . And when Smithson presented the funky photo to her father on the big day, the picture brought tears to his eyes .

Extraordinary Gift Create an extraordinary gift that keeps on giving by making a charitable donation in your guests’ honor to a favorite nonprofit . Ivy Robinson of Ivy Robinson Weddings and Events in Charlotte, N .C ., takes it to the next level with a clever presentation that’s as much fun as meaningful . Family and friends ham it up in a classic dime-store photo booth, which produces sets of strips for them to keep that are inscribed with the name of the chosen charity .

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Tips and trends from experts throughout the Carolinas

Crêpe Purse Break the mold and give them something to talk about with tiny hors d’oeuvres that pack an explosion of flavor into one amazing bite . Iverson Brownell, chef and owner of Iverson Catering in Charleston, S .C ., strives for a visually stimulating presentation of delicacies like his shrimp cocktail shooter — a single, poached Shem Creek shrimp that you “drink” with a garlicky juice of fresh heirloom tomatoes and pickled jalapenos . The crêpe purse is a perfect little package of sautéed beef tenderloin, caramelized shallots and toasted peanut sauce neatly tied up with a green leek bow . www .iversoncateringcharleston .com

Tables A smaller wedding allows the bride the freedom to splurge on close family and friends with venues and menus that are over the top . Book a historic venue and gather guests at a single, elegant table creating an intimate dining experience for all . Opting for a larger affair? Go for the unconventional and customize your dining space . Angela Gala of Charlotte, N .C .-based Rogers and Gala Creative Partners Inc . said brides are mixing round and rectangular tables of varying size and height for an edgier look . www .rogersandgala .com .

Shrimp and Grits Martini With green consciousness on the rise, chefs throughout the Carolinas are offering dishes composed of fresh, seasonal products from local farms and purveyors . David Casteel, owner of Raleigh, N .C .-based Mitchell’s Catering and Events, prepares a black chicken roulade stuffed with garden fresh herbs and feta cheese from a nearby dairy farm . Michael Granata, executive chef and partner of Table 301 Catering in Greenville, S .C ., presents his signature dish and Carolina classic, shrimp and grits, in a martini glass . www .mitchellscatering .com and www .table301 .com .

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Marshmallows Couture desserts — tiny and over the top — are in . Who wouldn’t want to taste a beautiful petit four made of sherry pound cake, monogrammed with the couple’s initials? At Twenty Six Divine in Charleston, S .C ., Jennifer Meintel is intriguing clients with her handcrafted marshmallows . These high-end cousins of the packaged variety are lighter and fluffier, and infused with rich flavors like lavender lemon and honey bourbon, then dipped in dark chocolate or sprinkles . As a dessert or a pretty packaged gift for guests, the possibilities are endless . www .twentysixdivine .com

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Soft Ruffle The ruffle — a soft, couture ruffle — is making waves in designer gown collections . Not the kind that overwhelms the dress (and bride), but a gentle cascade or detail that enhances the dress and the woman’s figure, blogs Sarah Black, owner of Belle Couture Bridal in Mount Pleasant, S .C . Pictured is the “Carla” from Modern Trousseau .www .bellecouture bridal .com

Elegance Back in vogue for the groom is a traditional and elegant look — the southern gentleman, notes Anne Tipton Pugh, professional clothier and owner of Silver Lining Clothiers in Mount Pleasant, S .C . She pairs a point collar shirt with a long, sometimes finely pleated tie, and often finishes the look with a vest . Leonard Fabrizio, co-owner of Weathers of Columbia, also sees a move toward a more conservative, tailored look . Silver Lining, 843-696-2201; and www .weathersofcolumbia .com .

Classic Traditional rose boutonnieres for the male attendants are a thing of the past, notes Clara Varga-Gonzales, owner of Tiger Lily Florist in Charleston, S .C . Tiny touches of succulents, dusty miller, stock blooms and tips of kangaroo paws add color and texture to this lush boutonniere . Stems are wrapped in raffia, ribbon or natural grasses such as lily grass or bear grass . www .tigerlilyflorist .com .

Carolina Trends

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Green Looking for more ways to make your wedding environmentally friendly? Go green by adding living plants to your décor . Charleston’s Soirée by Tara Guérard is going green by reusing as much as possible, using locally grown foods and flowers, and donating wedding fabric following the affair . www .soireebytaraguerard .com


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Bringin’ the Bling

Hiatt did not take part in the shopping, but she was dazzled bythe result.

“It is an oval lavender star sapphire with two smaller diamonds on each side,” she describes. Though the jeweler couldn’t date the ring precisely, it is believed to have been crafted between 1920 and 1930. The couple wed in September and Sara Hiatt, now Sara McDaniel, placed a simple gold band — also vintage — on her new husband’s finger.

Unique and unusualIn the 20 years she’s been the owner of

Joint Ventures (no relation to the above) in Charleston, S.C., Ellen Rickenbaker has seen many brides and grooms come in search of “the one” that, like their significant other, is special, different and totally complements their personality. “We have clients who are looking for the unique and unusual,” she says.

That’s what happened for Cynthia Zimmerman, an interior designer in Charleston. “I walked in [to Joint Ventures] and saw it immediately. It was big and brilliant,” she muses, describing her large, pear-shaped diamond solitaire flanked by two baguettes that dates from the 1930s.

“For many clients, it is not so much a question of quality, but the romance of the piece,” Rickenbaker says.

Giggling as she underscores her passion for all things sparkly, Zimmerman says it was, indeed, love at first sight. She’s also practical, having “traded up” a variety of jewelry, and says that Rickenbaker and her staff at Joint Ventures have made the process both easy and economical.

Many estate pieces do turn out to be better values, states Brian Filer, manager of Perry’s Jewelers in Charlotte, N.C. By purchasing pieces directly from personal estates, Filer says Perry’s is able to sell

With thisEstate jewelry for the

eclectic bride and groom

When Drew McDaniel was getting ready to propose to Sara Hiatt,

he knew he couldn’t present her with just any old diamond solitaire. Mostly because Hiatt, who is the art director for Baseball America, a magazine dedicated to baseball news, admits she’s not a “diamond” kind of girl. Knowing that Hiatt’s tastes trend toward vintage in clothing, films and furniture, McDaniel headed to Joint Venture Estate Jewelers in Cary, N.C.

By Lydia Dishman

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at or below wholesale prices. And if the bride happens to swing on bling, she’ll be thrilled to know that estate diamonds are typically less expensive than their brand-new counterparts.

Of course, the most economical wedding jewelry is the heirloom, handed from mother to daughter, or channeled from the groom’s family to its newest member, the bride. Such was the case with Jessica Sabatini, a relationship, professional and personal coach and owner of The 360° Woman in Durham, N.C.

Though she’d already picked out a very modern ring, her then-fiancé had other plans. “He got down on one knee in his mother’s living room and held out this gorgeous ring,” Sabatini recalls of his proposal. “It is a 1927 Tiffany’s platinum solitaire with gorgeous Art Deco engravings,” she enthuses, adding that its original owner — her husband’s great aunt — was happily married for more than 50 years. Sabatini notes that other than sizing the ring to her finger, she left it intact, even down to the engraving inside the band with initials and the date. “It was perfect,” she says.

Sabatini was fortunate that even though the Tiffany certificate was lost, the ring and its diamond were authentic. Filer of Perry’s Jewelers advises those purchasing estate settings to make sure that the stones — diamond or otherwise — are checked for authenticity, as some may have been replaced due to damage or loss over the years.

At Joint Ventures in Charleston, Rickenbaker recommends buyers talk to one of their staff gemologists if they want to replace a cabochon stone — a gemstone that has been shaped and polished as opposed to faceted, such as a star sapphire — with a more traditional diamond. She also suggests getting the prongs checked at the time of purchase and once a year thereafter to make sure the stone is secure.

Rickenbaker also clarifies that the term “estate” does not necessarily mean a piece is

an antique. Filer concurs.“Estate is simply something that has

been owned by someone else. The day after it is purchased it becomes estate jewelry. Antiques are pieces that are more than 50 years old,” he said.

And while Filer has observed an uptick in sales of the Art Deco styles (1920-1930), Rickenbaker maintains that her customers are leaning toward the romance of the Edwardian era (1905-1919). “It’s not quite as fussy as Victorian. It is still filigreed, but it’s lighter,” she said.

Keeping up appearancesThe professionals agree that because

estate pieces are often more than 50 years old, they have already withstood the test of time. However, proper care is necessary to keep the jewelry looking its best into the next century. For that, each recommends

a professional cleaning at least once a year. Susan Calvert, a sales associate at Perry’s, warns never to use toothpaste on stones, as it is “incredibly abrasive.”

And since diamonds in particular are magnets for the residue of lotion and soap, Rickenbaker advises, “Let the ring be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off,” especially if you use hairspray or gels. Try not to sleep in your rings either, as that puts undue pressure on the setting.

This advice is not meant to keep you from enjoying your estate piece. Don’t pack it away to wear just for special occasions, says Zimmerman, who sports her ring daily. “I just want to wear it with as much joy and fun and love as I possibly can,” she says.

In doing just that, Sara McDaniel has attracted plenty of attention with her ring. When she recently visited a generic jewelry store in the mall, a saleswoman stopped to marvel because, she explained, star sapphires aren’t sold anymore because they’ve fallen out of favor.

For Sara McDaniel, that was just one more affirmation that she’d found “the one.”

“It’s a conversation piece because it is so different, and it really suits me,” she says, “I also love knowing that probably no one else in the world has the same ring as I do.”•

Bringin’ the Bling

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Let’s Get This Party Started!

The national obsession with cuisine, food networks, chefs and kitchen paraphernalia is driving the trend of group meetings focused on the kitchen and the bar. With wine and food festivals a big part of the social scene in the Carolinas, it’s no surprise that demonstrations by chefs and beverage experts are a big draw for wedding get-togethers.

uniqueGive typical bridal showers

and bridesmaid luncheons a twist

By Wendy Swat Snyder

Throwing a shower or bridesmaid party? Think outside the box! More and more showers are activity-based, centering on a favorite hobby or a new experience

for friends and family to share. These structured events are entertaining and informative, and present a unique environment more conducive to interaction. Out-of-town guests have the opportunity to relax and get acquainted, or reacquainted as the case may be, with the locals while working on a fun project together.


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showers

According to Miranda Wash, executive director of the Charlotte Wine and Food Weekend event, there’s a growing interest in wine blending parties among North Carolina wedding planners. Richard Peck, a certified sommelier and wine educator for Table 301 in Greenville, S.C., confirms the trend. “It’s fun because it’s a very social exercise,” he says. “It helps families

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Left: A cooking session at Charleston Cooks! is a fun way to spend a few hours before the big day.Below Left: At Charleston Cooks!, a staff or celebrity chef prepares a meal while imparting step-by-step instruction.Below Right: For a new twist on the stock the bar party, consider an event hosted by a mixologist.

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get to know each other in a casual atmosphere.”

To get the party started, Peck divides his guests into competing groups, brings out what he calls the “big four” — a cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and malbec — and announces to his “trainees” that they will all be winemakers for the day.

Using precision instruments and blending beakers, each group tests and adjusts percentages of each of the wines until they find the perfect blend. The wine is bottled and labeled, and after several blind tasting rounds, votes are cast to choose the winning wine.

Reproducing the wine in quantity for the wedding reception is also an option, notes Wash.

For a new twist on the stock the bar party, consider an event hosted by a

mixologist. Boris Van Dyke, who owns IceBox in Charleston, S.C., demonstrates all the techniques for composing a perfect cocktail. Choose standards like the Cosmopolitan or Mojito, or choose an innovative new creation, and learn everything from mixing the ingredients to making a beautiful presentation.

Make the event even more memorable — present each guest with a printed recipe for future party fun.

Let’s Get This Party Started!

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Above: Squash and leek risotto was presented as part of a three-course bridal luncheon held at Charleston Cooks!Right: IceBox mixologists prove the presentation of a cocktail is as important as the taste.

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At the Charleston Cooks! demonstration kitchen, a staff or celebrity chef prepares a meal while imparting step-by-step instruction and culinary tricks of the trade, making this a fun and informative way to spend a few hours before the big day. Participation is encouraged, so the bride and perhaps a maid of honor may opt to become a sous chef for the event.

Debbie Zvejnieks organized a get-together at Charleston Cooks! for soon-to-be-wed Halle Harris, whose beau, Brian Kern, attends the Charleston School of Law. “We really wanted to do something different for a change,” says Zvejnieks.

The party of about 20 women enjoyed a three-course lunch consisting of apple and goat cheese stuffed chicken with cider cream sauce, squash and leek

risotto, and pear walnut cobbler. Guests left the party with a gift set of utensils wrapped in bright tea towels.

In Raleigh, N.C., David Casteel, owner of Mitchell’s Catering and Events, takes his kitchen cooking party to the next level.

“The party actually takes place in the kitchen,” he says, “and everyone cooks together.”

Each guest draws a number from a mixing bowl and teams up with a corresponding group — each of which is responsible for preparing a specific part of the meal. The demonstration chef leads the groups through the menu with instruction and a little coaching, when necessary. And in Casteel’s kitchen, the guests arrive with gift-wrapped kitchen utensils for the future bride and groom. •P

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Feature Story

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Three years ago, as an outfielder for the Jaguars, Lance was sent to Clemson for the summer league. Lauren recalls sitting at a table next to the handsome ball player at “Maxi Monday,” a co-ed mixer event. “It was his first night out in Clemson,” she explains. It would be a night to remember for both of them.

Lance laughs while describing being so smitten with the lovely blonde that he immediately called his friends to confess, “I don’t know how this is going to work, she’s way out of my league.” Fate had other plans. “Two days after meeting her, I got hit with a baseball and broke my hand,” says Lance ruefully. Another, less-determined couple might have casually parted ways. But Lance schemed a way to stick around to be with Lauren. “Every day of the week. I was pretty set,” he admits.

That dedication stood the couple in good stead when Lance had to go back to Mobile, Ala. Lauren says that while it was tough to live seven hours apart, they

Summer loveA summer

romance blooms into happily

ever afterBy Lydia Dishman Photos by Travis Bell Photographers

What happens when a tiger meets a jaguar? Well, in the wild, it probably wouldn’t be pretty. But if you are talking about Clemson University alumna Lauren Bowden and a

University of South Alabama Jaguar named Lance Heisler, it was the beginning of a romance that sounds like a fairy tale, complete with a princess and a knight who ride off to live happily ever after.



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worked out a plan to see each other every two or three weeks, switching off driving duty and sometimes meeting in Atlanta.

Perhaps because Lance was used to working hard at his long-distance romance, he remained undaunted in the face of a couple of setbacks when he was set to propose. First, Lance explains, he wanted to formally ask for Lauren’s hand from her father. That was no small feat considering her dad is Tommy Bowden, then head coach of Clemson’s football team.

“I wanted to talk to him in person,” says Lance, but between meetings and obligations, Bowden just wasn’t available and Lance had to settle for getting his blessing via mobile phone.

Next, he cooked up a plan to pop the question beachside at the picturesque Carillon Beach resort in Panama City, Fla., where Lauren would be vacationing with her parents and brother for spring

Feature Story

29 Spring 2010 Something Blue Carolina

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break. Lance let Lauren’s brother, Ryan and his fiancée in on his secret. He says, “I wanted to take Lauren for a walk on the dock after dinner.” While stars would be coming out, he’d get down on one knee and place the ring on her finger. But the night he’d gotten everything ready, Lauren admits she thwarted the plan because she

just wanted to go back home after dinner. Lance scrambled to scratch the setup Ryan had carefully arranged and waited for the next night. Luckily, she agreed.

Lauren says she was completely taken aback when she stepped onto the dock and discovered “Will you marry me?” had been written on the planks surrounded

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by candles. She was overwhelmed, but did manage to say yes. Then the planning began in earnest.

Brainstorming with her mother Linda, Lauren says they were stumped about where to hold the reception. What started as a joke, to hold the party on the football field — affectionately known as Death Valley to Clemson fans — where her dad

spent much of his time, morphed into a serious idea to use the West End Zone, the adjacent facility where many recruiting dinners have been held.

The two tapped the creative talents of wedding planner and floral designer Joyce Collins, owner of The Honey Tree, based in Westminster, S.C. In business for 20 years, Collins has found a way to handle just about every kind of bride’s whim. But Collins admits that while Lauren was “a joy” to work with, she definitely had moments of wondering exactly how to pull it off.

First there was the church. The couple would exchange vows in Seneca Baptist Church, whose charming brick and colonnaded façade heralded the entrance to an elegant hall of worship. Lauren fancied bringing a reference of those exterior columns indoors to line the aisle.

Working in concert with Greg Hall of HFI Floral Design Group in Georgia, slim columns wrapped in tulle and topped with fern fronds and dusky peach roses towered six feet above the pews. The whole thing took eight hours to set up, Collins recalls.

The West End Zone proved to be more of a challenge, Collins says, because of its size and its primary purpose — to host athletic events. “We brought in a lot of props,” she explains, referring to yards of shimmery gold fabric (a nod to Lauren’s grandfather, head coach of the Florida State football team), white paper Chinese lanterns, crystal, linen, chair drapes with bows, and even screens to

cut the glare from the late summer sun. To play up Clemson Tiger colors, the flowers were a palette of vibrant apricots and deep purple.

“It took a tremendous amount of planning,” Collins says, but the result was magical.

Lance points out that he didn’t have a hand in any of the planning, a good thing, he says, because he did not want any tension to develop with his bride-to-be. He needn’t have worried; the day dawned bright and sunny, and despite mutual butterflies, the two got hitched without a hitch.

Well, Lauren notes there was one small mishap. She had purchased a blusher for her veil to wear over her face until her father lifted it and handed her off. In the excitement, she forgot to put it down. No one noticed and Lance says it made it all the better to see her coming up the aisle.

As Lauren floated toward him in a slender, ruched confection of a strapless dress, tiara sparkling over a mass of loose golden curls, Lance remembers, “She was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. She looked just like a princess. Everything I’d ever dreamed of,” his voice soft with emotion.

For her part, Lauren was grateful for memorable moments, such as reading


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a handwritten note delivered by Lance’s brother in which her groom restated his love and anticipation prior to the ceremony, and being able to record a message to him on their video. The rest, she says, was a blur. With more than 300

people in attendance, the reception was a cacophony of good wishes and great food. They both say they ate, although each wishes they’d had more of that tender strawberry cake from Ellison’s Cakes in Seneca. “My mom still has

the top,” says Lauren, adding that she’s looking forward to kicking back and enjoying it to the fullest on her first anniversary.

The party broke up past midnight, at which point Lauren and Lance hopped into a car and headed to Atlanta. They would begin their honeymoon at the crack of dawn, boarding a plane to St. Lucia, and spending much of the first day recovering from the whirlwind celebration.

Things are a lot calmer now for the couple. They’ve since settled in Mobile, where Lauren is teaching second grade and Lance is working as a financial advisor. They purchased a home and are looking forward to their future together. Lauren enthuses, “If we can do three years long distance, we can make a marriage work,” then adds, “We are loving every minute so far.”•


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Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue“I didn’t really do the traditional ‘something borrowed, something old, etc .,’” Lauren said . “Everything I wore that day was brand new: my

dress, tiara, shoes, earrings, belt and hair accessories . I wanted all brand new things for my wedding day . I got so caught up in wanting everything to be so perfect and new, I completely forgot about wearing something old of my mother or grandmother . If I could go back, I probably would have done that!” Lauren did, however, wear something blue: a garter with a blue ribbon on it .

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Cover Story

Best friends Laura Ecklund and Alex Scheer have known each other almost a third of their lives. The high school

sweethearts started talking while at a cross-country team invitational and later had a first date at Burger King. Along the way to the altar 6 1/2 years later, the couple endured several separations and stints at rival universities. But they began their lives together as soon as possible after completing their undergraduate work.

At last

High school sweethearts tie the knotBy Anne Woodman

Photography by Logan Jarrard


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Through it all, Ecklund and Scheer learned and grew up together. “Alex taught me how to drive and was there when I got my driver’s license,” said Ecklund.

Scheer is one year older and attended school at N.C. State in Raleigh while Ecklund headed to UNC-Chapel Hill the next year. “We even managed to stay friends during basketball season,” Ecklund joked.

During one semester in college, Scheer studied in France. The couple found it difficult to be apart, but Ecklund’s visit there is an amazing memory. The semester abroad also offered Scheer the opportunity to purchase the engagement ring. He and his parents traveled to Antwerp, Belgium, and bought the round, solitaire diamond in a platinum setting nine months before he asked Ecklund to marry him.

One rainy January morning during Ecklund’s junior year in college, she woke up to Scheer handing her a piece of paper and a wrapped gift. “All of the members of Alex’s family have embossers so they can emboss their initials over their signatures at the end of a letter. The present was an embosser, and he asked me to emboss the piece of paper. The initials were LSC instead of LEC!” said Ecklund. Although she later chose to keep her own last name, the wheels were set in motion for a perfect summer wedding 16 months later.

The couple began the search for a wedding venue that would suit their style and accommodate Ecklund’s mother’s large family (14 siblings) from up North. “We wanted a place with a lot of character that would show them what the South was like,” Ecklund said. “We went to two places and then Fearrington Village. It felt perfect, even more than the dress did.”

Fearrington Village, situated on a historic dairy farm between Chapel Hill and Pittsboro, N.C., offered the couple upscale elegance with rustic touches, like

a barn for the reception and cows grazing nearby. Ecklund and Scheer felt an instant connection: their cat’s name was Moo, and Scheer’s great-grandparents once owned a dairy farm.

They planned the wedding for July 3, 2009, a risk in the steamy North Carolina summers, but necessary because Ecklund graduated in May, and the couple was set to move to Philadelphia in August for her to begin medical school.

In the meantime, Ecklund went on a search for the perfect wedding dress. After trying on “about 50,” she found one that she hadn’t expected. “I had gone into dress shopping thinking I wanted something plain and form-fitting without any pouf,” said Ecklund. “But as soon as I tried on the poufy dress, I loved the fact that I would

probably never get to wear anything like that again.” The ivory Marisa dress had a sweetheart neckline and A-line skirt.

For the wedding, Scheer wore fleur-de-lis cuff links his parents bought him in honor of his French education. He also carried a handkerchief in his pocket that Ecklund’s aunt made her in case she cried.

For the bridesmaids, Ecklund chose J.Crew cotton candy dresses in clover. Each bridesmaid could choose her own style;

some chose halters, others strapless. They chose their own gold shoes. The flower girls wore ivory dresses with clover green sashes from J.Crew. The groomsmen wore black tuxedos with black vests.

In the days leading up to the wedding, Chapel Hill lived up to its hot, summery reputation. Even the rehearsal itself was

Fearrington Village, situated on a historic dairy farm between

Chapel Hill and Pittsboro, N .C ., offered

the couple upscale elegance with rustic touches, like a barn for the reception and cows grazing nearby .

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“But as soon as I tried on the poufy dress, I loved the fact that I would probably never get to wear anything like that again .” The ivory Marisa dress had a sweetheart neckline and A-line skirt .


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hot, with a healthy dose of bugs. The couple and their families and friends then enjoyed a rehearsal dinner at Top of the Hill, a restaurant overlooking Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill. The couple’s cake paid tribute to their schools’ rivalries: N.C. State’s Mr. Wuf in a top hat was kissing UNC’s Rameses in a veil.

In preparation for the outdoor wedding, the couple bought small spray bottles from Target, filled them with bug spray and tied them with green ribbon. The couple also chose a site at Fearrington with large, overhanging pecan trees for shade and a 6:30 p.m. start time for minimal sun.

Unexpectedly, the day of the wedding turned out to be breezy with comfortable temperatures; the heat turned out not to be a problem and the bugs stayed away.

Ecklund had chosen a palette of greens and whites for the flowers, and the florist at Fearrington hung balls of kermit mums as aisle runners. She used bells of Ireland, green roses, white roses, white spider mums and green hydrangea. The green spectrum also allowed the florist to substitute green leaves for some of the flowers to cut down on cost. Ecklund carried green hydrangeas and green roses and Alex wore a green rose. In contrast, the attendants had a white

palette. The bridesmaids carried white spider mums, and the groomsmen wore white roses.

Ecklund and Scheer both added special touches to their wedding day attire. Ecklund’s J.Crew open-toe, ivory pumps were studded with a rhinestone “A” on the bottom of one shoe, “L” on the other. The bridesmaids signed the bottom of the

In preparation for the outdoor wedding, the

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husband and wife. Even the Fearrington cows wanted a piece of the action, adding “moos” every few minutes throughout the ceremony.

The couple performed a box, wine and love letter ceremony. “We wrote letters to each other about why we fell in love, what we think of each other and our hopes for the future,” said Ecklund. They put the letters and wine into a box and tied it shut. If they ever have a hard time during their marriage, they can open the box, read the letters and drink the wine. Or, even better, they can use it to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

As photographer Logan Jarrard worked his magic taking photos of the bridal party, friends and family enjoyed a cocktail hour nearby. When it was time for the reception, guests could check the moss-covered board outside the barn for their dinner seating cards.

About 200 guests dined on plated salads and a buffet dinner. A dessert bar was set close by, in addition to the couple’s white butter wedding cake. The bottom layer and very top layer of the cake were filled with chocolate mousse and raspberry, the second layer was passion fruit, and the third layer was lemon and raspberry.

When guests had their fill, Ecklund and Scheer began their first dance to Etta James’ “At Last.” As it ended, the bridal party broke into a surprise performance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” The couple had sent out a YouTube video to members of the wedding party about a year earlier, and all were sworn to secrecy.

Guests danced until after midnight, and no one wanted to leave. As Ecklund and Scheer left the barn, guests lit their way with two sparklers each.

The couple look back on the ceremony fondly and have enjoyed starting life together. Ecklund and Scheer exercise together, sharing a love for running, snowboarding and soccer. They love to travel and have visited Germany, Michigan, Tennessee and Colorado. And they both love food. Scheer

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shoes, and by tradition, the first name to rub off should be the next in the group to get married. That bridesmaid got engaged in October.

The ceremony, which Ecklund and Scheer found through Internet research, involved plenty of audience participation. “The idea for the ceremony’s interactivity

stemmed from the fact that our relationship has not only involved the two of us, but has instead been shaped by all of our friends and family,” said Ecklund. The parents of the bride and groom came to the front to state their support of the marriage, and the assembled crowd was encouraged to clap and later to pronounce them

Cover Story

http://www.historicinnsofcharleston.com


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cooks for Ecklund and she loves anything he chooses to make.

Scheer, who had an excellent teaching job in North Carolina, gave it up to move with Ecklund to Philadelphia, where she is studying medicine at Drexel University. Scheer found a teaching job nearby. “School has definitely been a challenging experience so far, and I don’t know how I could be doing it without my best friend,” said Ecklund.•

Something old: Ecklund’s wedding ring was actually the ring Scheer gave her as a present for her 17th birthday . The ring with five diamonds around the front was an “I promise to always love you” gift as Scheer left for college .

Something new: Most of Ecklund’s ensemble was new, including her dress, shoes, clip-on earrings and bracelet .

Something borrowed: Ecklund did not borrow anything .

Something blue: Scheer’s aunt made Ecklund a Carolina blue ribbon with Ecklund’s and Scheer’s initials and the date of the wedding . Ecklund had it sewn into the inside of the dress . She also wore a UNC Rameses garter belt .

Something old:

http://www.charlestonwedding.com


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Fashion Passion

The ART of dress

Tips for finding the right dress for the right party

By Chelsea Hadaway | Photography by Leslie Halpern

A fun, playful cocktail dress works as an attention-grabber for a rehearsal dinner .

Turn it into an outfit to wear out to dinner and drinks by pairing it with slim black pants and a silver clutch .

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One bridal dress in the bag doesn’t get you off the

hook when it comes to weddings.

Before the big day, a string of parties will keep the bride on her sartorial toes, from the engagement party to the countless luncheons and the rehearsal dinner. And each time, with the bride being the star of the show, expectations will run high.

“The most important part about deciding what to wear, no matter what the bridal occasion, is that a bride-to-be should always wear something that makes her feel special,” said Lee Heyward of Charleston Style Concierge.

Heyward, who has styled numerous brides for their festivities, provides the following tips on the art of dress shopping for everything wedding related:

Fit is key. The last thing you want to worry about is pulling down a hem line or feeling like you can’t eat because a dress is too tight.

Choose a dress that shows

off your personal style. Have fun with your dress and let your personality and style show through.

Make sure you look and feel great in your dress both standing and sitting. Parties can be long, so be sure that you are comfortable whether you are dancing the night away or sitting down to tea with old friends.

Choose a dress you love but that isn’t so trendy that you and everyone else will laugh about it when you look at pictures a few years later.

When in doubt, just try it on. You might love a dress you might ordinarily never try on.

And since the price tags can quickly add up with wedding-related attire, Heyward advises shopping for looks that can be worn again later by combining different accessories and pieces.

“This ensures you are making a good wardrobe investment — not just taking care of a wardrobe need for one event. You can change the look of a dress with jewelry, shoes, a fun bag, wearing a vest or jacket over it, etc.”


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Credits: Clothes and accessories provided by Mary Mojo Boutique in Mount Pleasant, S.C. Shoes and other accessories provided by The Shoe Fairy in Mount Pleasant.

A soft, gauzy dress works for a casual rehearsal dinner or an event at an outdoor location, such as a beach party .

Top off the dress with a cardigan and a statement necklace to transition to cooler weather .

A subdued wrap dress works perfectly for an afternoon wedding shower .

Add a ruffled black vest, a gray bag and funky shoes for an outfit to wear out with friends .

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Katherine Malsbary has five daughters, so by the time one of her youngest announced

she was getting married, she had plenty of experience with planning the details .

But this time was different. Distance was going to play a big role in the planning of the big day. Malsbary was based in Charlotte, N.C., while her newly engaged daughter Theresa was away at school in Texas.

One-of-a-kind stunners make statement bouquets

In fullflower

By Lydia Dishman

tulle and lace, and she didn’t want to wear a veil. So the flowers she’d carry needed to reflect a simple elegance, and Malsbary knew Janet Frye’s “one-of-a-kind” bouquets would fit the bill.

As master designer and proprietor of The Enchanted Florist in Asheville, N.C., Frye had already worked with Malsbary on another daughter’s wedding. This time, she honored Theresa’s no-fuss personality by creating a tight nosegay of coral roses securely bound in deep green. Her attendants carried similar bouquets, albeit in slightly deeper shades of color. The result was nothing short of spectacular.

Theresa Malsbary Cross is one of a growing number of brides choosing minimal over high design. Showcasing lush colors, thick rows of petals, or sculptural shapes, these posies are one-of-a-kind statements. Here are a few tips from the experts to guide you in your quest for simple stunners.

Showcasing the season

Though any flower can be shipped from anywhere in the world (the only consideration is your budget), Kristi Podsialdo says nothing beats using what is in season.

As owner of the Greenville, S.C.-based Dahlia, A Florist, Podsialdo points out

shapes, these posies are one-of-a-kind statements. Here are a few tips from the experts to guide you in your quest for simple stunners.


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And, they decided to have the wedding at Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina over the traditionally busy Thanksgiving weekend.

Malsbary admits the stress level was high. But one thing was simple: choosing flowers.

Malsbary says that out of all her girls, Theresa is “the minimalist.” The bride-to-be had already selected a simple brocade sleeveless dress to avoid a meringue froth of

For fall, Podsialdo is a big fan of the oversized glory of the sunflower, not only for its unmistakable cheer but because they come in so many shades .

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this concept is not only less expensive and better for the environment, “You can always look back in photographs and tell what time of year it was.”

For spring, Podsialdo recommends the delicate, blowsy fullness of peonies. She also loves to work with single globe alliums. With a tough stem topped by an oversized fuzzy purple bloom, Podsialdo notes, “It’s a whimsical flower,” one that needs no other floral embellishment to be a knockout.

The high temperatures and humidity of a Carolina summer are tough on delicate petals, and Frye says the only thing she’s ever refused a client is a bouquet of iris in July. “The petals curl in the heat almost immediately,” she says. Instead, Frye recommends anything that grows in the garden, from dahlias to zinnias, because they will hold their shape in withering weather.

For fall, Podsialdo is a big fan of the oversized glory of the sunflower, not only

for its unmistakable cheer but because they come in so many shades. “Everything from golden yellow to chocolate brown is available late summer through fall,” she notes.

Both designers agree that hydrangea is a good choice any time of year. “They are always available and come in a variety of sizes from softball to soccer ball,” quips Podsialdo. Frye says hydrangeas provide a big show for the buck. She loves their color, which ranges from white to blush pink tinged with green to the outrageous periwinkle blue.

Blooms & Plumes

Podsialdo advises brides that if they are

ordering by the stem to note the length of

the stem . “The longer the stem, the bigger

the bloom .”

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Spring 2010

A rose is a roseFrye’s experience has led her to get

creative when a particular flower isn’t available and the bride-to-be is on a budget. “David Austin roses can look just as lush as peonies because they have so many petals,” she explains.

She’s no stranger to coaxing roses from tight bud to full bloom in just a few days. “When they are shipped they are usually closed, but we can put them in a solution of nutrients that speeds the process. It is like nature, but faster.”

Podsialdo advises brides that if they are ordering by the stem to note the length of the stem. “The longer the stem, the bigger the bloom,” she says adding that a relatively new variety, the Esperence rose, has a long stem with a full head loaded with peachy-pink petals.

ExoticaIf money is no object, lush blooms are

available from the far-flung soils of Holland, Thailand or Tahiti. Podsialdo waxes poetic about the Vanda orchid, “The blooms are large and fluttery, usually three to seven per stem, and the color is a variegated purple, almost like a checkerboard.” And Frye points out that Holland’s dazzling variety of tulips can be ordered year-round.

Frye recently created a bouquet

dominated by stephanotis, a traditional favorite to add to larger bridal arrangements and grooms’ boutonnieres because of its delicate snowy color. She dressed up the Madagascar native by affixing pearls to the center of each flower, adding the subtle iridescent glow of the jewel to the all-white nosegay.

It’s a wrapWhether choosing one bloom or all-

of-a-kind, both designers concur that the wraps should remain simple to showcase the color and texture of the flower.

Podsialdo recommends simple streamers or loops if the bride wants something a bit different that will have movement as she walks down the aisle. Frye adds that the girl who loves all things modern will appreciate the latest decorative wire wraps.

Podsialdo reminds brides to consider how long they will hold the flowers and advises them to work with their designer to choose the most comfortable wrap to keep stems from itching sensitive skin, or from slipping between sweaty palms.

Brides may also want to keep their original bouquet instead of giving it to the lucky lady who catches it. Smaller posies can be made with the same bloom or blooms for this purpose and kept aside until it is time for the “big throw.”•

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Etiquette

A growing number of brides are modifying time tested traditions to make their wedding day their own

By Ashley Fletcher Frampton

Wedding traditions

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When it comes to planning the events of a

wedding day, sometimes it can feel as though a script has been written for a bride, complete with stage directions.

The bride is not to see her groom on the day. She walks down the aisle with her father. She kisses at the altar and then smiles for photos whose poses and participants are preordained. Then it’s off to the reception, where invariably the bride will dance a grand number with her husband, followed by a nostalgic turn with her father. She’ll cut the cake to signal impatient guests can leave, and later toss her bouquet to the obligatory crowd of single ladies.

For some brides, these familiar traditions are the details that have structured their wedding dreams for years. But for others, they feel more like arbitrary rules and stressful obligations. Perhaps a very public father-daughter dance is less sentimental when relationships are strained. Maybe cake is not a dessert the bride would serve at any other party, let alone be force-fed before a crowd.

Wedding planners say that more brides are making decisions that go against the standard customs, or finding ways to tweak them to fit. “I would say I have very few who do all of those traditions anymore,” said Lisa Thomas, a wedding planner who owns Ooh! Events and the shop Out of Hand in Mount Pleasant, S.C. “They might do one or two that fit to them.”

Crystal Garrick, who got married in Charleston in 2008, decided to ignore the tradition of avoiding her fiancé, Justin, on their

wedding day. She thought it made sense to spend more of their day together.

The bride and groom ate breakfast with parents and the wedding party at an inn where most of them were staying. Later in the morning, the two went their separate ways with bridesmaids and groomsmen. “Having breakfast together that morning with the man I was about to marry and with my closest friends was a fantastic way to start the day,” Garrick said.

Garrick made another unconventional choice on her wedding day. Dressed in her wedding gown and veil, she met Justin alone in the church well before any guests arrived. She arranged the special meeting so that, afterward, she and Justin could take an hour’s worth of posed family photos prior to the ceremony. That way, they could head right to the reception following their vows.

Though the motivation was practical, Garrick didn’t want to miss the romance of seeing Justin for the first time after she was in her bridal attire. So she found ways to make the non-traditional moment memorable.

“Justin was the only person in the church, along with the photographer and videographer. It was almost more special to walk down the aisle to only him for the first time than it would have been in front of everyone else,” she said. “It was truly our moment, and we

kept it for ourselves.”She even had the florist deliver

the flowers early so she could carry her bouquet down the aisle.

Thomas said she encourages brides to create a day that fits their personalities. “That’s the beauty of a wedding,” Thomas said. “It is your personal time to honor what is important to you, your family and your mate. I really encourage people to make it their own.”

Increasingly, brides approach the wedding with that mentality. One reason is because brides are older than in decades past, more sure of what they want and more involved in planning the wedding,

Thomas said. In some cases, brides are paying for the event themselves, which gives a little less say to parents who might favor the familiar.

Sara Cavallon, owner of Something to Celebrate event planning in

Charleston, said more of the brides she works with are nixing the sometimes awkward introduction of the wedding party at the reception. Some brides trade the cake and ceremonial cake-cutting for bite-sized desserts.

Also, bouquet and garter tosses are going by the wayside, especially for couples with a dwindling number of single friends. “If I look back at the last four or five weddings I’ve done, I probably did one” with a garter and bouquet toss, Cavallon said.

At a recent wedding, a couple who didn’t like being the center of attention combined the father-

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bride and mother-groom dances into one, Cavallon said. Even during their first dance, the couple invited others on the dance floor shortly after they began.

Cavallon said brides often ask her, “‘Do I really have to do this?’ I say, ‘You don’t have to do anything; this is your event.’”

But what happens when parents are paying the bill and insist on certain time-honored traditions, such as a receiving line? Or, money aside, how should a bride react when family members get upset that she’s ignoring a ritual that is meaningful to them?

Thomas offers some advice: “I always say pick your battles. You as a bride need to know what is most important to you and

you need to stick to those things.” One way to avoid a fight is to assign

certain responsibilities, Thomas said. Instead of fighting with Mom about how guests will know they can leave if you don’t cut a cake, ask her to play a big role in helping pick out your wedding gown. That lets her know that you want her involved while setting some boundaries.

“It’s hard to set boundaries,” Thomas said. “But think about it up front.”

Thomas said hiring a wedding planner,

Etiquette

For some brides, these familiar

traditions are the details that have structured their

wedding dreams for years . But for

others, they feel more like arbitrary

rules and stressful obligations .

Wedding dream team

There are two basic options for hiring a wedding planner . You can hire a soup-to-nuts planner to walk you through every step of the process, or you can hire someone for just the day of your wedding .

Whatever type of consultant you choose, the wedding planner’s purpose is to make sure you, the groom and the wedding party enjoys a stress-free day . He or she will help with the scheduling and implementation of the event and take on as much responsibility as you would like .

In addition to the peace of mind a wedding planner can offer, his or her knowledge of the market can save you time and money .Planners have excellent portfolios of vendor relationships and will help you sift through all the caterers, disc jockeys, florists, photographers, videographers, venues and bridal shops to find the ones that best suit your needs and budget . Most vendors also like partnering with a wedding planner because they know that someone is there as a primary contact to handle whatever issues may arise .

In addition to all of the planning leading up to the wedding, a coordinator also is a one-stop shop of solutions for wedding day blunders . Because most wedding planners have years of experience within the industry, they are likely to know little tricks to fixing jammed zippers, delaying the wedding for a late member of the wedding party or even stretching the food when

unexpected guests arrive .When looking for a wedding

planner or day-of coordinator, shop around .

Be open and honest about your needs, availability and exactly what you would like him or her to take on as your consultant . Whether you are looking for someone to take total control, or if you just want someone to take on certain tasks, be sure to let the planner know his or her boundaries .

If you are on a budget, share it with your potential planner so you can be sure he or she can stay within your financial constraints .Give the potential consultant an idea of how frequently you may need to get in touch and see how her or she responds .

The cost of a day-of coordinator is usually much less than having an all-hands-on-deck wedding planner, but may not be as readily available as you need . Also keep in mind that a wedding planner or coordinator just starting his or her business may be just as qualified as one who has been in the business for a decade, but may charge much less .

Don’t forget to ask for references so that you can inquire about the planner from former brides .


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even to play a limited role in the event, can also diffuse tricky situations. Planners with years of experience can act as intermediaries and help parents see things differently.

Cavallon agreed. “Even if parents are paying, we talk about it. It is their (the couple’s) wedding,” she said. “These are things they would like to do.”

Crystal and Justin Garrick didn’t escape maternal second-guessing with their plans not to save the big bridal reveal for the ceremony. “Our mothers were very horrified when we decided not to and were vocal about their opinion,” Garrick said.

But in the end, it was the right decision for the couple.

“I think I would not have been as calm if I hadn’t seen Justin beforehand,” she said. “I was really nervous about walking down the aisle.”

Even if Dad doesn’t share the spotlight for a dance, or Mom doesn’t get the extended family photos she wants, brides can — and often do — honor family members in other ways. Thomas said many wear a loved one’s jewelry or display old photos at the reception. One bride had a relative who quilted, so she asked guests to bring a quilt square to the wedding to

be sewn together. Those details are what people

remember from a wedding, Thomas said. “In the end, it’s one of the most personal days you’ll ever have, so make it that,” she said. “Not what should it be, what your mother wants it to be, what does it say it should be in the magazine, but what do you want it to be.”•

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Castles in the Sky

Lush, freshly mown grass, sprawling hundred-year-old

trees and the scent of seasonal flowers in bloom act as a backdrop for many brides wanting something different in a wedding venue.

By Anne Woodman

Rural weddings offer intimacy and something unexpected

Take

it outside

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In and around the Triangle area in North Carolina, several venues let nature, in all its impulsive glory, take center stage. From rustic farmhouses to upscale historic homes, couples can gather their families and friends together and show off the best of the South. While choosing an outdoor wedding in a rural setting may not be for the faint of heart, the rewards of intimacy, closeness to nature and unique experiences can be worth it.

While choosing an outdoor wedding in a rural setting may not be for

the faint of heart, the rewards of intimacy,

closeness to nature and unique experiences

can be worth it .

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They dried off the chairs and delayed the wedding a few minutes

For Kim Cotten West, an outdoor wedding in a pastoral setting was a lifelong dream. She and now-husband Harvey both grew up around farms.

“We’re both true Southerners,” said West, who chose a southern Louisiana menu for the reception. “We wanted it to be fun and relaxing.”

The couple, who met in Raleigh, N.C., while working for a political candidate,

chose Rosedown as their wedding site. A Greek revival estate house on 13 acres in Smithfield, just southeast of Raleigh,

Rosedown offers several options for wedding locations.

“There are two huge oaks in the front, and we put hanging candles in the trees,” West said. “We had a 5 p.m. wedding planned, but there was a small shower. We stood on the porch until it passed. Then they dried off the chairs, and we delayed the wedding a few minutes. We didn’t need to use the tent for backup, and it was beautiful — just the tip of sunset by the time we started.”

West said Rosedown provided a relaxing family atmosphere for the couple’s 130 guests without being stuffy.

The garden was the inspiration

Jennifer and Anthony Polcaro also wanted to avoid a stuffy feeling for their Oct. 18, 2008 wedding. “We like the outdoors, and we looked at a

Castles in the Sky

“The day was overcast, but as I walked out of the house and

down the aisle, the guests said the sun came from

behind the clouds .”

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lot of venues,” said Jennifer Polcaro. But she and Anthony kept coming back to the garden where Anthony grew up.

The groom’s childhood home, situated on about 90 pastoral acres between Pittsboro and Chapel Hill, is a 200-year-old house with a well-maintained garden. “In our minds, the garden was the most beautiful place — sacred in a way.”

Although every element of the wedding was orchestrated by a family member, from the wedding cake, made by Polcaro’s sister-in-law, to the music, performed by the groom’s band, the setting itself offered unexpected surprises. “The day was overcast, but as I walked out of the house and down the aisle, the guests said the sun came from behind the clouds.”

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A ‘destination’ right here at home

Couples who choose rural weddings should be open to that very element of the unexpected. Cindy Carroll, co-owner of Shady Wagon Farm in New Hill, N.C., said there is no particular type of couple that

chooses a rural wedding. “Today, brides are looking for something unique and different; this spawned the ‘destination wedding.’ And we are a ‘destination’ right here at home.”

Carroll lived in Cary and created wedding cakes for many years before moving to 22 acres in New Hill with her husband, Douglas. The couple opened Shady Wagon Farm in 2006, and the venue was fully booked the first year. “One of the things I think is appealing is that men usually don’t get the whole wedding thing,” Carroll said. “If you dress them up and put them in a ballroom, they’re uncomfortable. In a barn, people can be themselves.”

Michael and Tracy Beasley felt instantly comfortable when they visited Shady Wagon and held their ceremony there on April 19, 2008. “We’re a little ‘crunchy’ — having nature around us was important,” said Tracy Beasley. The couple loved the feel of the lake nearby and the site’s country flavor. They even took

a hayride from the ceremony to the reception.

Carroll said that the juxtaposition of upscale with down home is a home run. “You can dress up against a rustic backdrop and the ‘wow’ factor is off the charts,” Carroll said. “We’ve even had a bride bring Persian rugs, a baby grand and orchids into the barn.”

High school sweethearts and a historic home

One rural wedding site seamlessly combines rural and upscale, old and new. Timberlake, located northeast of Raleigh, is a historic home with its own love story.

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Eight years ago, when a man in Louisburg, N.C., made calls to buy a tobacco allotment, the man he stumbled upon was Joe Webb, his sister’s high school sweetheart. When Webb found out that Sonja, the girl he dated 35 years earlier, was divorced, he called her, and they haven’t stopped talking.

Five years ago, the couple bought Timberlake, a historic home hidden behind brush and trees. Joe Webb began restoring the home and clearing out the overgrown vegetation. “When we uncovered it, it was like a jewel. For so many years, the home, just off Highway 401, was hidden,” said Sonja Webb. “When the leaves and brush were gone, people almost wrecked their cars, they were so amazed.”

In September 2006, the couple married at the home, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places. “The story of Timberlake and the story of our relationship — they are survival stories,” Joe Webb said.

Built in 1803, the home will hold about 100 people inside and up to 300 guests outside. Soon, the Webbs will have a fully restored interior, with three bedrooms upstairs for the wedding party. In the future, three English cottages will sit on the property, with each holding two bedrooms, bathroom, living room and kitchen.

Guests will soon enjoy the scent of the upcoming herb garden and the land’s connection to a bygone era.

Webb wants guests to enjoy a classic southern experience. “We know that the wedding day is one of the happiest times of a person’s life, and we are so happy to be included in that.” •

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Carolina Chronicles

Bride: Antoinette L. Goethe Groom: Tyrone H. Belton Wedding date: July 11, 2009 Location: Camden, S.C. Honeymoon: Playa del Carmen, Mexico Photographer: Glenn Roberson Photography Recommended vendors: Parkland Cakes, Dreamaker Events (stationery

items) DJ Lucky Leon, Lexington Florists Most valuable piece of advice: “Release all baggage and negativity before

you get married; bringing baggage into your marriage and allowing others to drain you emotionally can largely affect the success of your union.”

Wedding details: “We had a very traditional wedding with a modern twist. Our colors were fuchsia and tangerine. Our guest count was about 200 people. We used our creativity to create an original wedding that we would never forget.”

Antoinette & Tyrone


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Heather & Justin Bride: Heather Hayes Groom: Justin Wild Wedding date: Oct. 10, 2009 Location: Lexington, S.C. Honeymoon: Caribbean cruise Photographer: Ron Anderson of Southern Wedding Photography Recommended vendors: 403 North Lake Events, American Floral Something old: “My great-grandmother’s engagement ring was

worn on my right hand.” Something borrowed: “An antique handkerchief that belonged to my

mom was held around the base of my bouquet.” Quirkiest detail: “Even though this day was for Justin and me, my

guests were held in high priority. I worked very hard to make sure everyone would be comfortable and relaxed. One way I did this was to provide flip flops for dancing shoes!”

Wedding details: “We had a garden ceremony and reception with a fall theme using all of the fall colors. The garden sat behind a house built in 1914 and was filled with character. We had close to 100 guests.”


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Carolina Chronicles

Bride: Sarah Bourne Snowden Groom: Christopher James Anderson Wedding date: Oct. 24, 2009 Location: Pendleton, S.C. Honeymoon: Grove Park Inn, Asheville, N.C. Photographer: Ron Anderson, Southern Wedding Photography Recommended vendors: Southern Wedding Photography How you met: “We met backstage at play! I was involved in a production

of the Merchant of Venice one summer, and my friend was talking to a cute boy backstage after the show. She looked an awful lot like him ... so I took a chance and asked for an introduction. I got my invite … and four years later a wonderful sister-in-law!”

Thriftiest trick: “Don’t blow your budget on a dress! You can get a beautiful dress by doing a little research. Think about what you really want as opposed to what you think you should want.”

Unforgettable moment: “Leaving the ceremony and taking a few moments for ourselves ... we took a brief walk around the churchyard, held each other’s hand and reveled in the moment.”

Something blue: “In a last-minute decision, a very good family friend cut the blue ribbon out of her skirt. Since I didn’t have a good a place to put it, we tied it around my ankle!”

Sarah & Chris


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Whitney & Matt Bride: Whitney Poplin Freeburn Groom: Matthew Thomas Freeburn Wedding date: September 26, 2009 Location: Charlotte, N.C. Honeymoon: The Paradisus, Riviera Maya, Mexico Photographer: Glenn Roberson Photography Recommended vendors: Signature Events Studios, Ella Art Bakery, Buy the

Bunch Florist, Shine Salon Thriftiest trick: “My mother loves to garden and has a knack for

putting together beautiful flower arrangements. She made all of our reception center pieces and two large arrangements for the ceremony. They were all gorgeous and very inexpensive!”

Most valuable piece of advice: “Try to relax and enjoy yourself the day of the wedding. Everything is so busy, it’s hard to step back

and really take in everything that’s going on.” Wedding details: “We had a traditional wedding in a very small, old

chapel with family members. The reception was at a country club in our hometown with 165 guests. Our colors were navy and yellow, with a bird theme throughout the decorations and details.”


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Carolina Chronicles

Bride: Stephanie BowenGroom: Alan Taylor

Wedding date: Oct. 18, 2009Location: Lexington, S.C.

Photographer: Ron Anderson, Southern Wedding Photography

Recommended Vendors: Vintage Bakery, Barry Miller - Record Breakers, Southern Wedding Photography, Wintergreen Woods

Something borrowed: “A great uncle’s wedding band and a great aunt’s pearl necklace in honor of them.”

Wedding details: “Our colors were pale blue and dark brown. Approximately 60-70 guests were in attendance. Our wedding was outdoors in the evening. We had a unity sand ceremony which represented both our lives coming together. Our son was also a part of our wedding.”

Stephanie & Alan


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Bride: Leigh Ann Hallman Groom: David Musante Wedding date: Oct. 10, 2009 Location: Bluffton, S.C. Honeymoon: Charleston, S.C. Photographer: R.L. Morris Photography Recommended vendors: A Floral Affair, Bluffton; Signe’s Bakery, Bluffton; Classic

Party Rentals, Colleton River Plantation Club Quirkiest detail: “On the wedding RSVP cards, we asked our guests to

include their two favorite dance songs. We gave the song list to our DJ and asked that he announce the song and ask the guest(s) who requested it to ‘come on out on the dance floor.’ It really worked better than we could have hoped in getting people out there and dancing.”

Something old: Penny in shoe. Wedding details: “Our outdoor wedding ceremony and reception were

held at the Colleton River Plantation Club in Bluffton. Approximately 48 guests gathered under a white tent with chandelier lighting. Our colors were dark blue and yellow, and our theme was intimacy and guest participation. We designed our own wedding ceremony and vows but used traditional guidelines.”

Leigh Ann and David


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Carolina Chronicles

Bride: Rachel Haden Groom: Steven Pangalos Wedding date: July 26, 2009 Location: Charlotte, N.C. Honeymoon: Greece Photographer: Glenn & Lynn Roberson Recommended Vendors: Decadent Designs Bakery, Park Limousine,

MensWearhouse, Marriott Executive Park Videographer: Crown Alley Films Florals: Harris Teeter Floral Dept. Rings: Skatell’s Wedding details: “We had a small, intimate wedding with

approximately 80 guests in attendance. We had a unity candle lighting at which time we presented both mothers a red rose. Our color scheme was apple satin red.”

SUBMIT YOUR WEDDINGWe’re always looking to feature fabulous weddings! To be considered for a feature story or to appear in Carolina Chronicles, submit 10 to 15 professional images from your wedding day. Please provide a short 500-word essay about your wedding, along with the essentials (contact information, names, wedding date, photographer, location, favorite vendors, etc). Submissions may be sent to [email protected]. Emails should not exceed 5-MB. Due to the high number of submissions, we regret we cannot print or respond to all inquiries. We will contact you only if your wedding will appear in an upcoming publication.

Rachel & Steve


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Mirror Mirror

A good plan is key to looking and feeling great on your wedding dayA good plan is key to looking and feeling great on your wedding day

youTaking care of

By Allison Cooke Oliverius

Now that you’ve set the date for your wedding, you’ve probably been busy making

your “To do” list. And, chances are that your ever-growing list includes “Get in great shape” and “Get glowing skin.”

The key to achieving both goals begins with a good plan. It’s critical that you begin a nutrition and exercise plan as well as a skin care regimen with plenty of time to get great results.

Eat right and exerciseYou may have noticed most of the

weight loss challenge and exercise programs on TV take place over the course of 12 weeks. There’s a reason for that.

“It takes your body right at 8 weeks to start maximizing your fat burning,” said Shane Doll, owner of Shaping Concepts in Mount Pleasant, S.C. “You need to give yourself a minimum of at least 8-12 weeks to achieve your goals. Otherwise, you’ll do crash diets and you’ll mess up your metabolism or lose muscle mass. And that’s not good.”

Your plan* should include a sensible diet and exercise plan and ways to hold yourself accountable, like working out with a friend, your fiancé or a personal trainer.

“It is hard to make changes on your own,” said Doll, who opened his personal training business in 2004. “When you have someone to keep you accountable, it helps you to make those behavioral changes and lifestyle changes.”

Doll suggests brides and grooms begin by cleaning out their kitchen cabinets — and their desk drawers at work. Take out all processed, refined foods.

“I’m a big promoter of basing your diet on vegetables, fruits, nuts and lean proteins like fish and eggs,” Doll said. “If you eat what I call ‘close to the ground’ — foods in their natural state — you don’t have to worry as much about counting calories

Anna Richter is working with Steve Lawson, a personal trainer with Shaping Concepts, to get ready for her May wedding to Josh Welch. P

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fiancé is a great idea, Doll said. “The emphasis is that this should not just be for the wedding day. You should make a lifestyle change or habit out of eating right and exercising. Plus, when you become married, your lifestyle and responsibilities don’t slow down. Having balance helps to offset stress, maintain physical health and will just help keep you healthy.”

Way to glowWhile you’re getting in shape, don’t

forget the importance of a skin care regimen. Anna Porrazzo, owner of Synergy Spa in Raleigh, N.C., said if you have a skin condition you are trying to correct — sun spots, for example — you will want to begin a treatment plan three

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or counting points. Doing this alone will make a big difference, even without exercise.”

By cleaning up the food you eat, you will also help your body find balance, which is the ultimate goal, Doll said.

“It’s not just about counting calories; it’s about the hormonal and biological levels of your body. The food industry does such a good job of misleading us, saying this contains no carbs or that is sugar-free. When really, it’s the hormonal reactions you have when you eat these foods. The foods you eat have an impact on whether your body stores fat or feeds muscle.

“Typically, the foods you eat that are natural, whole foods produce the correct response to burn fat. The artificial, fried and manufactured foods have the opposite effect,” he said.

When it comes to exercise, he

recommends burst training. This involves 20-30 minute bursts of high-intensity exercise, which, like the natural foods in your new diet, will evoke a positive hormonal reaction in your body.

Ideally, you should exercise five days a week for 30 minutes each time. You can alternate your training between workouts aimed at building and toning muscles using resistance bands or free weights and high-intensity cardio to burn fat.

In addition to the physical results of burst training, the workouts are intense but efficient at just 30 minutes a pop.

Shaping Concepts has locations in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Bluffton and Hilton Head Island and offers a variety of training packages, from individual plans to partner packages for friends or couples who want to work out together.

In fact, working out with your

Mirror Mirror

1 Day Sample Diet*Always consult with your doctor before beginning any diet or exercise program.

A sample day of your “primal” diet would include:Breakfast: 2 eggs, 1/2 cup blueberries, handful of almonds .Snack: Apple, handful of almonds .Lunch: Garden salad with mixed vegetables, grilled chicken (or other lean protein), sunflower seeds, olive oil-based dressing .Snack: Tuna fish with raw vegetables .Dinner: 4 ounces of chicken breast, fish, turkey, filet or other lean protein with steamed vegetables and dinner salad, olive oil-based dressing .

— Shaping Concepts

http://www.asouthernbartender.com


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to six months before your wedding.A typical treatment would include

microderm abrasion alternated with chemical peels and augmented by at-home treatments of retinol and glycolic lotion at night and an antioxidant cream during the day.This regimen will help minimize brown spots from sun damage as well as fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a nice glow.

Considering the type of dress you are wearing, you will not want to ignore the skin on your back and chest. Many women also have scaring on these areas from acne or sun damage.

Experts say you should not schedule a

facial treatment right before the wedding. Even if you are used to the treatments, wedding stress can cause you to have an adverse reaction.

However, a soothing facial is perfectly fine right before the wedding and

recommended to help you relax and pamper yourself.

Brides should also consider beginning a waxing regimen several months before the wedding to remove hair on their legs and bikini area on an even growth cycle.

“To get the best results, you’ll want to do two to three waxings prior to the pre-wedding wax,” Porrazzo said.

Day of beautyMight as well get ready for it, stress will

be a part of your wedding planning process. Plan to reward yourself with some week of/day of pampering.

Many spas will allow you to rent the spa for the day to treat yourself — and

Top 5 things to avoid:For optimal health, avoid these items during your 8-12 week shape up plan and beyond .Sodas, even diet sodas. Regular sodas are empty calories and the chemical makeup of diet sodas produce an effect that actually makes it harder for you to metabolize fat .Trans fats, or partially-hydrogenated fats. These extend the shelf-life of foods and add to the consistency of pre-packaged foods . But they also raise your bad cholesterol and lower your good cholesterol . Check the labels!Artificial sweeteners. These have the ability to redirect nutrients you consume to fat cells rather than muscle cells .Enriched foods. Usually means the natural fiber has been removed . When you remove the fiber, the food creates a response that triggers fat storage .Fried foods. Need we say more?


Shape up strategies1. Set realistic goals .

2. Rid your kitchen (and desk drawer) of processed, refined foods . Stick to fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean proteins (including fish and eggs) .

3. Eat only when you are hungry and stop when you are satisfied .

4. Drink lots of water . Multiply your body weight by .55 for the total number of ounces you should drink a day .

5. Give yourself 8-12 weeks to achieve your goals .


Skin basicsNow is the time to start working

on your skin . On your wedding day, you’ll have your picture taken close up and many people will get close to your skin as they hug and kiss you . Even a relatively nice complexion can benefit from six months of stress-relief, proper nutrition and increased water consumption .

First, start a good cleansing program that includes:• Cleansing your skin each morning with a product appropriate for your skin type .• Removing makeup and cleansing skin each night .• Moisturizing daily .• Exfoliating at least once a week .

Second, drink more water. Drinking 8-10 glasses daily will help clear up blemishes and make your skin more luminous .

Source: www.weddings.about.com

your bridal party and family members — to manicures, pedicures, soothing facials and relaxing massages.

A growing number of spas also offer makeup application for the bride and her bridesmaids. A popular trend is to have makeup applied, especially foundation, with an airbrush. This technique allows for a

flawless effect that looks great in photos and won’t smudge onto your wedding gown.

“We always cater to brides because it’s a very important day in a woman’s life,” Porrazzo said. “And for many women who do not typically go to a spa, they will splurge on this for their wedding.” •


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