cobb life brides 2013

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f r o m t h e e d i t o r

In a world full of

celebrity weddings

and reality TV

bridezillas, it is easy

to lose focus of what a

wedding is really about.

Outside of Holly-

wood and beyond your

TV screen, the rest of us

do remember that a

wedding day is a happy

occasion, full of beauti-

ful moments that will last forever.

It is things like the dresses, the

location and the reception that add

to the day. And it is also about the

stories themselves. Stories of how

the couples met, each one different,

but each one leading up to the mo-

mentous occasion when the two offi-

cially become one.

This year, in our third annual

full-lenth Brides issue, we wanted to

not only cover everything a

bride needs for a wedding,

but also share the unique

stories of some of Cobb's

brides and grooms.

We found stories that

span continents, time,

chance meetings and more.

And even one story that

brought two people together

came courtesy of us a

Cobb Life issue. (You can

read more about that on page 68).

All in all, we hope you enjoy this

issue. We hope it inspires you as you

prepare for the big day, not only in

what you need, but in who you are.

Sincerely,

Stacey L. Evans

E X E C U T I V E

PUBLISHEROtis Brumby III

GENERAL MANAGERLee B. Garrett

V.P. ADVERTISINGWade Stephens

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERJay Whorton

E D I TO R I A L S TA F F

BRIDES 2013 EDITORStacey L. Evans

DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINESMark Wallace Maguire

LAYOUT AND DESIGNStacey L. Evans, Mark Wallace Maguire

CONTRIBUTORSCarla Barnes, Joan Durbin,

Therra C. Gwyn, Stacey L. Evans, Meredith Pruden

PHOTOGRAPHERJennifer CarterPHOTOGRAPHY

Samantha M. ShalA DV E RT I S I N G S TA F F

COBB ADVERTISING MANAGERBecky Opitz

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVESStephanie deJarnette, Dawne Edge,

Paula Milton, Candace Hallford, Tara Guest, Katelyn Ledford, Liz Ridley

GRAPHIC DESIGNERSBeth Poirier, Jennifer Hall, Anna Clark

P RO D U C T I O N

CREATIVE DIRECTORLeigh Hall

CIRCULATION DIRECTORMatt Heck

I N F O R M AT I O N

Cobb Life magazine is published nine times a year by the Marietta Daily Journal and

distributed to more than 33,500 homes andbusinesses. Brides is published annually

and distributed to more than 30,000 readers throughout Cobb County.

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICESTo request a copy or to subscribe,

visit our website atwww.cobblifemagazine.com

ADVERTISINGTo advertise, contact

Wade Stephens at 770.795.4001 SUBMISSIONS

Please send all editorial correspondence [email protected] us on facebook and twitter

Brides 2013Presented by Cobb Life magazine

A Doves Nest 22 & 55

Allure Dance Studio 54

Arlene McCoy & Julie Fogard 32

Aroma Ridge 54

Atlanta Communities 70

Atlanta Dance 46

Atlanta Fine Homes - Jim Glover 28

Atlanta Lyric Theatre 70

Balloons By Bernadette 52

Bel Fiore Bridal 49

Bethany Cleaning Service 55

Blackwell's Jewelers 35 & 54

Brenda's House of Flowers 61

Carol Ann King 32

Cartersville/ Bartow Conference Center 79

Chateau Elon 73

Cherokee County Farm Bureau 46

Cherokee County Historical Society 28

Chic Occasions 50

Cindy Suto Photography 27

City of Smyrna - Bridal Show 10

Merle Manders Conference Center 77

City of Woodstock - Magnolia Thomas

Restaurant 51

Cobb Galleria 67

Cochran Shutters 17

Coconails Upscale Salon 55

Community Welcome House 48

Cruise Planners 23

Cumberland Diamond 37

Cupcakelicious 61

Dallas Civic Center 77

David Hylton 32

Debbie Redford - All Around Atlanta Realty 56

Dermatology Consultants 29

Diamonds R Forever 13

DJ Erupshun 65

Fleming Carpet 36

Fox Theatre 6

Fresh N Fit 20

Gabriel's 18

Gail Holman 40

Gay Locke & Jennifer Prange 32

Georgia Aquarium 84

H & H HVAC 31

Harry Norman Realtors - Marietta 27

Hugh Gilliam 32

Integrated Massage and Bodywork 55

J Lancaster 21

Joanna Conyngham & Carson Wernz 64

Joe Hartley 32

Julias Signature Candies 60

K Mike Whittle 71

King Tux Rentals 46

Kiss My Grass 31

Log Cabin Community Church 20

Marietta Conference Center/Brumby Gardens 47

Marietta Garden Center 30

Marietta Power 3

Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference

Center 75

Northside Physicians Group 11

Olivia Morgan 54

Opulence Aesthetic Medicine 16

Plastic Surgery Center of the South 7

Promo Photo 26

Red Gate Home Furnishings 81

Robbins Realty 10

Roswell Convention & Visitors Bureau 26

Roswell Street Baptist 12

Salon Spa Vanessa 49

Sawyer Bailey Salon 53

Stanley House 65

State Farm - Linda Rodriguez 64

Sue Hilton 50

Sundial Plumbing 57

Superior Plumbing 2

Synergy Medical Weight Loss 33

Tate House 78

The Bottoms Group 5

The Brickyard 45

The Framery 40 & 54

The Pavillion 72

The Strand Theatre 66

Three - 13 Salon 41

Tybee Island Beach Weddings 21

Wellstar 83

Whitlock Inn 19

Workout Anytime Fitness 52

Ye Olde Christmas 18

I N D E X O F A D V E R T I S E R S

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W H A T S I N S I D E

8 LUCKY IN LOVE Onecouple won their dreamwedding in Cobb

16 CATERING Ideas onfood for your guests

24 PICTURE PERFECTWedding photos that make a statement

34 RINGS Dazzling gems

38 BEAUTY Tips on how toshine bright on your day

42 TALK OF THE GOWNWeve got the scoop onthis years trends

58 FLOWERS What type ofbouquet suits you?

62 TYING THE KNOT WITH TRADITION Two local couples blended their heritage into ceremonies and receptions

74 KEEPING GUESTS ENTERTAINED Game ideasfor the reception

76 VENUES Places to sayyour vows

82 REFLECTION CarlaBarnes looks back on herwedding day

o n t h e c o v e rEast Cobb resident Denise Bengtson(formerly Herrera) married BenBengtson at Montaluce Winery inDahlonega, Ga. on Sept. 18, 2011.

Photo by Slavik Photography

24

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hough Matt Traylor and Julie

Stone went to high school to-

gether, they never spoke until

graduation practice. Sitting next

to each other, they began to talk

and make jokes to pass the time.

Something clicked.

It was amazing; we immediately be-

came friends, said Julie.

A strong friendship blossomed over the

summer of 1999, with the promise to keep

in touch after going their separate ways to

college that fall.

After graduating from Clemson, Matt

moved to Tampa for a few years, but the

two did remain in contact through the oc-

casional email and instant message.

And then in 2005, Julie received a

phone call.

I was concerned because my mother

never calls me at work, said Julie. She

told me that Matt was trying to get in

touch with me and didnt have my num-

ber, and I should call him back.

Julies mom was urgently relaying the

message because she sensed something

special.

I could hear her smiling over the

phone, said Julie, who at the time was

recovering from a previous breakup. I

was really focused on work and wasnt

going out having fun. She knew how

much I liked Matt as a friend. She always

really liked him and was happy that he

came back into my life.

Matt had moved back to Cobb, and

wanted to catch up. He asked Julie to din-

ner.

We drove from Marietta to Canton,

down to downtown Atlanta and back to

Marietta, talking non-stop, said Julie.

When he dropped me off at eight in the

morning, we both knew something special

was about to begin.

The couple dated for six years before

Matt popped the question.

I knew I wanted to propose pretty

early in the relationship, said Matt. But

money was tight, so getting a nice ring

was a challenge. It was a matter of being

able to get Julie what I felt like she de-

served.

On the way home from a trip together

in November of 2011, Matt took a differ-

ent route as they neared Marietta.

I was confused as to why he missed

the exit, and he said he just wanted to go a

Matt + Julie =

Cobb Life Brides 20138

{Matt & Julie Traylor} Kennesaw residents | Married 10.11.12

t

17464029:2013_Brides(8) 1/29/2013 2:17 PM Page 8

different way. I didnt think much of it

until he turned to get back on the inter-

state, said Julie. He proceeded a little,

and then pulled over on the shoulder. I

wasnt exactly sure what was going on

until he turned to me, with tears in his

eyes, and started telling me how much he

loved me. He then pointed to the huge

billboard that read, Julie, Will You Marry

Me? I enthusiastically replied, Of

course I will!

Matt had won the stone in Julies en-

gagement ring and the billboard to pro-

pose from D. Geller and Son after

participating in a radio contest.

A few months later, the couple learned

of a wedding giveaway hosted by Say I

Do in Cobb. With such luck winning one

contest, Matt decided it would be worth a

shot. The winners would receive a full

wedding package.

Matt entered the contest for a couple

of reasons. He wanted me to have the

wedding of my dreams and with him start-

ing his pest control business and me get-

ting my specialist degree, we werent able

to afford what we envisioned. Also, since

were both Cobb County natives, and

thats where we fell in love, we felt it was

perfect.

Four couples were chosen as finalists,

and they competed for the most online

votes through the Say I Do in Cobb web

site and through Facebook.

Word got out to family, friends and the

entire community at Cheatham Hill Ele-

mentary, where Julie is a fourth-grade

teacher.

My students would come in first thing

in the morning and update me on the

number of votes Matt and I received,

said Julie. It was so cute because they

would send me emails and post on my

blog the vote count. One student called it

the Marry Ms. Stone Mission. Matt and

I are still extremely touched by the sup-

port we received from everyone, and we

are beyond appreciative.

With over 9,000 votes plus 200 likes

on Facebook, Matt and Julie were

a winning combination

Matt and JulieTraylor incorpo-rated a baseballtheme into theirwedding becauseof their sharedlove of the game.Julie played fast-pitch softball inhigh school andcollege; Mattplayed in highschool and cur-rently plays on alocal team.

BY Stacey L. Evans | PHOTOGRAPHY BY In The Moment Wedding Photography (www.weddingsinthemoment.com)

{ { {Newly weds} } }

17464029:2013_Brides(8) 1/29/2013 2:19 PM Page 9

DOOR PRIZES, FOOD TASTINGS, FASHIONSHOW AND EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS

DDJJ EERRUUPPSSHHUUNN667788--994499--88773388

Goodie bags to the first 100 brides!

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013 12pm 5pmTickets: $5 in advance when purchased online,

$10 cash at the door.Ride the Marietta Trolley between locations,

visit with local vendors and plan your wedding all in one day!

The City of Smyrna and Georgette Lake andCompany present the First Annual

City of Smyrna

http://smyrnabridalshow.wix.com/smyrnabridalshowCome see how you can have the wedding of your dreams for $5000 or less at these venues.

Mock Wedding Reception at Taylor Brawner House byCreations by Cookie

{Julie: My favorite moment was being introduced as husband and wife after the ceremony,turning around and looking out at the people who love us and feeling such happiness.Matt: Being introduced as husband and wife before the reception.}


favorite momentannounced winners during a

special ceremony at a bou-

tique bridal show in March

2012.

Then the planning began

for an October wedding.

We were able to bring

our ideas to the vendors, and

they were able to make our vi-

sion a reality in a professional

manner, said Julie. We

wanted a southern-rustic-

chic theme. Our colors were

white, muted powder/periwin-

kle blue with a hint of muted

tangerine.

About 65 guests attended

the intimate evening cere-

mony at the Marlow House in

Marietta on October, 11, 2012.

After a traditional vow ex-

change, a reception followed.

Later, Matt surprised Julie

with a trip to Costa Rica for

their honeymoon.

17464031:2013_Brides(10) 1/29/2013 2:20 PM Page 10

First dance Then by Brad Paisley

Its a beautiful song we bothreally love and makes us thinkabout when were older andour future together, said Julie.

What was yourfavorite thing at thewedding/reception?We loved and were im-pressed with everything.We absolutely loved all thefloral arrangements! Thetable arrangements werebeautiful and my bouquetand bridemaids bouquetswere exquisite.

Saying yes to the dress. I fell in love with a dress fromDavids Bridal; I had always envisioned wearing a lace jacket. When I sawthis jacket initially at Davids Bridal, I knew this was the one meant for meand Id look for a dress to match it. Luckily, I found a dress that afternoonto match it at Davids Bridal. Its a Grecian-style strapless dress, which I hadspaghetti straps attached to provide additional support. After trying onnumerous dresses I knew this dress was perfect for me. It was extremelycomfortable and suited my personality.

what they wonVenue - The Marlow HousePlanning - Something Blue Weddings LLCCatering - Clement Catering Co.Bridesmaids Dresses - The Red CarpetBridal and Events BoutiqueJewelry - Anna BellagioFloral - Petals and TreatsWedding Cake - TKS Cakes & CateringDove Release - A Doves NestSave the Dates & Invitations - ConfettiWedding Night Accommodations -TheStanley HouseMakeup - Dina Marie Makeup , LLCHair - Hair Art Day SpaEntertainment - Fonix EntertainmentPhotography - In the Moment Photography

Say I Do in Cobbwww.sayidoincobb.com

Interested vendors can contact [email protected] or 678.439.1114


17464032:2013_Brides(11) 1/29/2013 2:21 PM Page 11

ROSWELL STREET BAPTIST CHURCH774 Roswell Street Marietta, GA 30060770-424-9800 www.roswellstreet.com

I invite you to join me eachSunday for one of our exciting anduplifting worship experiences.

- Dr. Ernest Easley, Senior Pastor

Bible Study 9:30 AMBlended Traditional Worship

11:00 AM & 6:00 PMContemporary Connections

Worship Service 11:00 AMBrazilian Worship Service 11:00 AM

Childrens Church 11:00 AM

COME ALIVE at 10:30 AM on WATC-TV, Channel 57

Marriage is about teamwork and com-munication. When planning your wedding,communicate your ideas with each otherand really listen to what your future spousemay want because they are part of theprocess too. You may want to delegate re-sponsibilities with your future spouse, butyet come together to discuss final deci-sions.

Organizing ideas and time managementare very important. I created a masterfolder on my computer with folders labeledwith floral ideas, cake ideas, guest list,etc. Start creating documents and savethem in these files.Vendors are able to un-derstand your vision better with ideas andpictures.

Establish a timeline and stick toit.Things become really hectic, and timemanagement is crucial so you dont feeloverwhelmed. Also, create a weddingemail account you both can equally accesswill help when communicating with all thevendors. Enjoy the process.

Whats the biggest challenge and thegreatest thing about being newlyweds?

Challenge: We feel our biggest chal-lenges have been adjusting to living to-gether and compromising on certain issuesthat werent relevant in our single lives.

Greatest thing: Getting to be with yourbest friend every day and looking forwardto laughing on a daily basis.


whatadvicewould you give to

couples planningtheir wedding?


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CChef Jeff Brister of Carriage House Catering served up roasted pork loin with apple bacon, tilapia with pomegran-ate butter, sauteed vegetables and roasted fingerling potatoes at Lindsey Baggett and Kevin Shannons Decemberwedding at the Brickyard in Marietta.

{ { {Cater ing}} }

17464035:2013_Brides(14) 1/28/2013 1:07 AM Page 15


For many brides, planning that reception can be just as

stress-inducing as getting the details right for the wedding

itself. No matter what the budget, that burden can be eased

with help and advice from a top-notch caterer, allowing the

newly married couple to relax and enjoy their own party.

The less-than-stellar economy doesnt appear to be putting

much of a damper on post nuptial festivities. Though last

year fewer receptions cost into the five figures, Chef Jeffrey

Brister of Carriage House Catering said the company han-

dled more weddings than usual.

Our median per person was $100, Brister said.

Buffet dinners with stations showcasing different dishes

and courses continue to be popular, he said. We have

done a lot of stationed dinners because it offers so many

food choices to accommodate your guests.

Stations allow us to work with food allergies and diets

better. We offer gluten-free and vegetarians options all the

time, but also work with any other allergies people have.

The ceremony is over and itwas as magical and wonderfulas you had hoped. Now itstime to celebrate your unionwith family and friends.

{ { {Cater ing}} }

17464037:2013_Brides(16) 1/29/2013 2:29 PM Page 16

Buffet stations also offer an opportunity

to emphasize personal style, from beauti-

fully elegant with silver chafing dishes and

candelabras to using cross-cut wood to ele-

vate platters

for a more

natural look.

We are see-

ing a more

rustic trend

last year and

into this year,

with uses of

lots of burlap

and natural

woods in the

dcor, Brister

said. Colors

that are popu-

lar are grey

and yellow.

Creating a

menu that re-

flects the cou-

ple is

something at

which Brister

excels.

Southern

food is still

very popular,

but we like to

add twists, he

said. Re-

cently, we took some Southern favorites

and added some Latin and Cajun flavors

and techniques.

At the carving station at that reception,

for example, guests were treated to prime

rib and mojo pork tenderloin with the

Cuban flavors of orange, garlic and cumin.

A grits station offered stone ground

cheese grits with shrimp, crawfish or

Brides 2013 Cobb Life 17

On themenuat the Shannon wedding

Appetizers: Crabcakes and fig and goatcheese en croute

Salad: Spinach withpoached pears, sweetpecans, gorgonzolaand balsamic

Entree: Roasted porkloin with apple bacon,tilapia with pomegran-ate butter, sauteedvegetables and roastedfingerling potatoes

Dessert: Almond cakewith raspberry filling

Corynne Leduc of Athens samples figand goat cheese en croute, shownright, from Chef Jeff Brister.

C

17464038:2013_Brides(17) 1/29/2013 2:30 PM Page 17

sauted crab cakes embellished

with tasso ham cream gravy, a

Louisiana staple.

Some fool proof items that

have always been favorites, Bris-

ter said, include his crab cakes,

classic shrimp cocktail, pecan

crusted chicken and grilled beef

tenderloin. Other popular items

are the chicken salad cones,

seared quail breast with cranberry

butter and herb crusted New York

strip.

The advantage to having a full-

service caterer like Carriage

House is we come set up with all

the linens, china and glassware,

we manage the food, have servers,

bus the plates and do the clean

up, he said.

But Brister and his partner, Al

Freeman, and event manager

Sandy Edwards are more than

happy to work with the bride and

groom to beautifully customize

the experience and still keep costs

down. One way to do that, he

said, is to have platters made up

and delivered to the reception

venue.

Another suggestion, Brister

said, is if alcohol will be served,

try offering a signature drink

along with beer and wine, but not

a full bar.

Its quite possible to have a

memorable reception without

breaking the bank. Keeping

spending under control for recep-

tions is something Chef Mike

Flowers knows quite a bit about.

The Marietta caterer has written a

book, Cater Your Own Wedding:

Easy Ways To Do It Yourself In

Style.

Hes a firm believer that tight fi-

nances shouldnt stand in the way

of having a wonderful reception.

Carriage House Caterings Jeff Brister, chefand co-owner, left, and Al Freeman, oper-ations and co-owner. Below, the salad.

C{ { {Cater ing}} }17464039:2013_Brides(18) 1/28/2013 4:14 PM Page 18

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It breaks my heart to see so many couples get

buried in debt before they even get started, Flowers

said. Last year, families spent an average of $27,000

on their wedding in the United States. The catering

accounted for nearly half of that. Id rather see them

invest a substantial portion of that money into some-

thing other than petit fours, fondant and chocolate-

covered strawberries.

His company, Eastside Catering Services of Mari-

etta, does handle many receptions that are full serv-

ice, Flowers said.

Todays couples usually start with the basics and

work their way up as far as their budget will allow.

Fresh fruit trays, domestic cheese trays, hot and cold

dips, fresh vegetable displays, chicken and beef, a

salty item and citrus fruit punches still rule the roost,

he said, adding that gluten-free items, sandwich

wraps and vegetarian dishes have been requested

more often lately.

Our typical bride will spend $20 to $30 per person

and the average guest count is 150. Obviously, most

reception halls that can accommodate up to several

hundred guests have their own in-house catering staff.

Therefore, our services are primarily performed in

churches, clubhouses, homes and smaller venues. Bite-sized crab cakes were served as an appetizer.


17464041:2013_Brides(20) 1/28/2013 1:11 AM Page 20

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Kelly and Jared Crowder optedfor a buffet style dinner at theirwedding, also at The Brickyard.Carriage House Catering pro-vided beverage services with abar inside and outside.

Michelle Scott Photography (www.michellescottphoto.com)

Eastside Catering Services(404) 578-1653; www.chefmike.com

Carriage House Catering (770) 426-9852; www.carriagehouse-catering.com

Typically, a sit-down meal is cheaper

than the heavy hors doeuvres option,

Flowers said. Theres normally much less

labor required by the caterer. We charge

half price for children under 10 and they

eat from the same menu. Most caterers

will do this. You just have to ask.

Flowers has a few other suggestions on

how brides can significantly reduce their

food costs. Have a mid afternoon wed-

ding reception, between 2 and 3 p.m.

Light finger foods will be sufficient

since your guests will have already eaten

lunch.

Or have a dessert reception at 1 p.m. or

8 p.m. because guests likely will already

have had their lunch or dinner.

Often you can rent a nice clubhouse in

a friends subdivision for your reception.

Theyre much cheaper than most

churches and absolutely cheaper than a

reception hall, Flowers said. If this is

not an option, rent your church or recep-

tion hall on a Friday. C

{ { {Cater ing}} }

TIP: Many couples offer

a signature drink or two

along with beer and

wine, instead of a full

bar, said Chef Brister.

17464042:2013_Brides(21) 1/29/2013 2:32 PM Page 21

Your wedding day is a dream fulfilled,

treasure every moment!

White Dove Release & Displays770-575-0616 www.adovesnest.com

Avante Catering

2800 Canton Road, Marietta

770.427.0145; www.avantecatering.com

Canvas Cafe and Bakery

724 Cherokee St., Marietta

678.213.2268, www.canvasfoods.com

Confection Perfection

678.898.6625;

www.confectionperfectioncakes.com

Gabriels Desserts

800 Whitlock Ave NW, Marietta

770.427.9007, www.gabrielsdesserts.com

Miss Mamies Cakes, Cupcakes and Such

156 Roswell Street, Marietta

678.290.9811,

www.missmamiescupcakes.com

Sugar Cakes Patisserie

101 N Park Sq NE, Marietta

770.218.9994,

www.sugarcakespatisserie.com

Sugarplum Visions

137 Church Street, Marietta

678.354.7586; www.sugarplum-visions.com

Sweet Carolines Cakes

770.639.2211; www.sweetcarolinescakes.com

The Perfect Wedding Cake

770.971.1700, www.perfectweddingcake.com

Carrriage House Catering designed this almondcake with raspberry filling for Lindsey and KevinShannons wedding.

l o c a l b a k e r i e s

{ { {Cater ing}} }


Michelle Scott Photography

taking the cake {and other desserts, too}

C

IDEA! Instead of a grooms

cake, the Crowders ordered

a varied dessert bar from

Gabriels Desserts, below.

Their wedding cake, left,

was made by Lisas Cakes

and Catering.

17464043:2013_Brides(22) 1/29/2013 2:34 PM Page 22

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Above: A great wedding albumhas memories of the whole day,not just shots of the ceremony andportraits. Sometimes the mostbeautiful and poignant shots comefrom candid moments, like thisshot from Slavik Photography of thebrides sister pinning the veil.What s interesting is dynamiccomposition and contrast of darkand light. I like the brides expres-sion shes very concentrated inthis moment, said Slava Slavik. Right: A background of lush green-ery can add a dreamy ambianceto your photos. This setting was anideal complement to the bridesintricate dress. Opposite page: One of photogra-pher Christopher Brocks favoriteshots to compose is what he callsthe cinderella dip. The sweeping,pose and dynamic lighting createsa grand and romantic feel.

{ { {Photography}} }

17464045:2013_Brides(24) 1/28/2013 1:18 AM Page 24

Perspectives have changed when it comes to wedding pho-

tography. Long gone are the days of stiffly posed wedding por-

traits and cookie-cutter background settings. Every couple has a

story to tell, and if you want your wedding photos to pop, you

may have to break a few rules first.

Wedding pictures do not have to gather dust in an album

stuffed in a drawer, only to be pulled out on anniversaries or

when children want to see their parents back when. Your en-

gagement story can be a mini-movie on YouTube. Your wedding

pictures might have their own website. In wedding photographs

now more than ever, every picture tells a story.

Brides want art, says Christopher Brock of Christopher

Brock Photography. They put a lot of thought into their wed-

ding day and they want it represented artistically - not in a for-

mal, posed, way.

One tradition that has changed, he says, is that many brides

dont want a photographer they only see on the day of their

wedding but want someone who will document their journey

from engaged woman to wife.

Brock has photographed over 2,000 weddings in locales

around the world and specializes in the candid, photo-journalis-

tic style that is fast becoming a favorite for many brides. He

also finds what he calls cinema photography to be extremely

popular, where he combines photographs, video, music and

memorable moments, creating an entire story about the bride

and groom. He presents a finished and polished movie to the

Tips on how to get wedding photos youll cherish forever

Last a lifetime

BY THERRA C. GWYN

17464045:2013_Brides(24) 1/28/2013 1:18 AM Page 25

newly-married couple that they can share online

with family and friends.

Another old-school wedding rule has dissolved

in recent years, according to Slav Slavik of Slavik

Photography in Kennesaw. He insists that a

groom should absolutely see the bride in her dress

before she walks down the aisle. Slavik and his

wife Sarah increasingly recieve requests from

couples to take First Look photos. Pictures that

capture the moment when the bride and groom

first see each other decked out in their wedding

finest make for impactful, memorable photos.

Most couples in Europe get together in the

same room or location before the ceremony, he

says. Its nice, and its fun for the couple.

There are other pluses to First Look photos

versus traditional photos taken later after a couple

says I do: the brides make-up, hair, and flow-

ers are at their freshest, its a special time the cou-

ple can share before the wedding, guests wont

have to wait for the couple to finish taking pic-

tures before the reception and often the photogra-

pher will have better lighting in the afternoon

than later in the evening.

Once the wedding is over, your photographs

are what you have to remember one of your lifes

most important events. Dont be afraid to bend a

few rules to get that perfect photo finish.


Sarah Slavik of Slavik Photography saw this picturesque land-scape as a great setting for a beautiful shot shortly before theceremony. The bride is walking with her dad toward the chapel.


17464047:2013_Brides(26) 1/29/2013 2:36 PM Page 26


Another of photographer Christopher Brocks signature shots is using flashes to add sparksof light on the couple. This adds an ethereal element to the photograph. On left, Brockcalls this the glamour Hollywood shot. A strobe light placed behind the couple providedthe effect. On right, the illuminated couple in a forest creates an air of mystery.

L ight magic

17464048:2013_Brides(27) 1/29/2013 2:38 PM Page 27

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On left, Slava Slavik was thrilled when he caught this beautiful moment between a bride and hergrandfather. This moment happened during a formal portrait; we were posing the family and they justgot closer and hugged. Even if focused on one task, a photographer should be ready for something likethis to happen, said Slava. At right, the first kiss as husband and wife is a moment all brides want in thephoto album. What s interesting in this photo is the reaction of maid of honor and how bride andgroom are hugging each other very intensely, said Slava.

C apturing the emotion of the day

17464049:2013_Brides(28) 1/29/2013 2:40 PM Page 28


SPONTANEITY IS KEY:In this shot, thegroom lifted thebride after theirposed portrait ses-sion. The Slaviks liketo encourage fun in-teraction betweencouples to give lifeto their photos,rather than give alot of guidance. When we do por-traits we try give thecouple more spacefor their interaction.It s like fishing, youget a catch if youdont stomp on thebank of the lake,said Slava.


17464050:2013_Brides(29) 1/28/2013 5:00 PM Page 29


Left, the sparkler exit is both popular and makes for anextraordinary photo. In the top photo, the Slaviks used a fish-eye lens to create an interesting perspective. In the bottomphoto, the Slaviks used off-camera flash to give dimension tothe shot and highlight the bride and groom, rather than thepeople standing closest to the camera.Top right, the Slaviks wanted to capture the ambiance of aceremony at King Plow Arts Center in Atlanta. It was prettydark but the two lines of candles point toward the bride, whichstands out in the shot. Also, the contrast of wedding with arustic, industrial place was very interesting, said Slava.

F lash fire

17464051:2013_Brides(30) 1/29/2013 10:25 PM Page 30

Start looking as soon as you set your wedding date. Manyof the best photographers book up well in advance.

Dont go low budget. This not the time to shop in the bar-gain bin. There is just one chance to get your weddingphotos right. They are keepsakes and in many families are

passed down through generations. Make sure your photos lookgreat for the Facebook of the future! Yes, you can negotiateprice with many professionals but expect to spend 12% of yourwedding budget to get the right cameraman or woman.

PHOTOSHOP T i p s t o c o n s i d e r w h e nchoos ing a photographerf o r y o u r w e d d i n g


CAUGHT ON FILM: You never know what moments maymake an interesting photo. Above left, a peek behind thescenes as family members fluff up the brides dress beforethe portrait session. The addition of the umbrella adds tothe composition. Right: An intimate exchange between acouple is captured during dinner.

12

Interview photographers on the phonebefore you decide on an in-personmeeting. Ask how many weddings they

have photographed. There is no substitute forexperience. Are they a seasoned outdoor pho-tographer (if you are having an open air wed-ding)? Do they have an online gallery of workyou can check out?

Do you want them to shoot digital pho-tos, film, or both? Talk to photographersabout benefits of each and the photo

packages they offer before you decide.

Look for a personality that meshes withyours. You will be spending a great dealof time with your photographer. Make

sure he or she is someone you will enjoy hav-ing around during one of the most exciting(and often intense) times of your life.

3

4

5


17464052:2013_Brides(31) 1/29/2013 10:35 AM Page 31

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Left: Placing a bride and groom in an unusual setting can create an intriguing photo, like this ChristopherBrock portrait of a couple in traffic. Right: Using color to highlight certain parts of a black and white photocreates a striking effect.

Christopher Brock Photography: www.chrisbrock.org 404.226.9539 Slava Slavik Photography: www.slava-slavik.com 404.323.1153


IN FOCUS

17464053:2013_Brides(32) 1/29/2013 6:41 AM Page 32

17464054:2013_Brides(33) 1/29/2013 6:43 AM Page 33

ROCK YOUR WORLD

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It all begins with thering. We found a fewthat sparkle, shineand are as endearing asyour love.

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1carat round brilliant cut dia-mond center set in 14K whitegold pave set mounting with 0.75carats. $8,499 at CumberlandDiamond Exchange

Forevermark 14K white gold halo stylemounting with 0.31 totalcarat weight roundbrilliant cut diamonds

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>

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{ { {R ings} } }

Cumberland Diamond Exchange770.434.4367; www.cumberlanddiamond.com

Prentice Johnson, general

manager of Cumberland

Diamond Exchange, said

halo mounts are increas-

ingly popular. The rings

feature a circle of dia-

monds around the center

stone, which emphasizes

sparkle and increases

appearance of its size.

17464056:2013_Brides(35) 1/29/2013 2:45 PM Page 35

1. North American 14K white gold halo semi-mount with .33 carat round cut diamond,$1,779. Shown with a 14K white gold pave bandwith .12 total carat weight diamonds $1,299

2. Verragio 18K white gold halo, three-stoneinsignia ring with .55 total carat weight with around sapphire center $4,270

3. North American 14K white gold halo semi-mount for princess cut diamond, .50 total caratweight in mount $2,449

4. Tacori 18K white gold emerald cut and rounddiamond scalloped semi-mount, antique style;.70 total carat weight $5,010

5. Tacori platinum .86 total carat weight rounddiamond in pave semi-mount $9,600

all rings shown from D. Geller and Son

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THE FOUR CS: What you should look for

when choosing a diamond

Color A colorless diamond

emits more sparkle because it al-

lows more light to pass through

it. Truly colorless diamonds are

rare, but diamonds graded G

through I have color that is virtu-

ally invisible to the trained eye.

Clarity Refers to the pres-

cence of flaws on the surface or

within the stone. VVS and VS

grades have great value and ap-

pearance, while grades SI1 and

SI2, which are more affordable,

have more flaws, but are still vir-

tually impossible to see with the

naked eye.

Cut Refers to the dia-

monds reflective qualities, not its

shape. The better the cut, the

more brilliant the diamonds

shine.

Carat Refers to the weight

of the diamond, not its size.

{ { {R ings} } }

1

2

3

4

5

17464057:2013_Brides(36) 1/29/2013 2:47 PM Page 36

6.28 carat GIA certified radiant cut fancyyellow diamond set in platinum and 18Kgold, with 2 carat total weight mounting,at Cumberland Diamond Exchange

14K white gold three-stoneAsscher cut diamonds,2.02 total carat weight, at Cumberland DiamondExchange


START AS SOON AS POSSIBLEWITH SKINCARE.

Ideally, a bride should start

thinking about skincare five to six

months before the big day. That

will allow time for deeper treat-

ments like glycolic peels or mircro-

dermabrasion, which will help

achieve smoother texture and even

skin tone. It will also allow time for

the esthetician to address any con-

cerns like acne scars or hyperpig-

mentation.

Those treatments are designed

to really deeply improve the skin,

said Iwona. Both can make a huge

statement on the skin.

If you dont have that much

time, youre not a lost cause.

Three months ahead is not too

late to improve skin but its not ad-

visable to have intense treatments

at that point.

Finding an esthetician six

months or more in advance is ideal

to establish a relationship with that

person. We learn your skin and

what you like or dont like so there

is less chance of risking any bad re-

action, said Iwona.

putting your best

t ips for look ing your best on your wedding day

FOLLOW A GOOD SKINCAREREGIMEN AT HOME.

Home care is the most impor-

tant thing, said Iwona.

Use a good cleanser; creamy ones

are often best for the skin. Exfoliate at

least twice a week to get rid of dead

cells, which will allow your moistur-

izer to penetrate better. Moisturize

morning and night. Always wear sun-

screen of at least SPF 30, even if you

dont spend much time outside.

UVA/UVB rays can travel through

windows, car windshields and more.

FACE FORWARDYouve spent countless hours choosing a dress, the dcor, the flowers, the setting, even the music.Amidst all that planning, its easy to forget perhaps one of the most important aspects skincare.Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day it is probably going to be her most pho-tographed day ever. While many think last minute beauty tricks and crash diets are the way to go,

those are likely to do more harm than good. Dont risk looking like the bride of Frankenstein.Renew Day Spa esthetician Iwona Higdon and the Dyer and Posta salon team of Chelsea Luna and

Rachel Carter gave us tips on how to ensure youre looking your absolute best.

1 2

By Stacey L. Evans | Photography by Jennifer Carter

{ { {Beaut y} } }

17464059:2013_Brides(38) 1/29/2013 2:48 PM Page 38

And dont forget your neck and shoulders you want to treat that area the same way

you do your skin. This is especially important if you plan to wear a strapless or low-cut

gown.

Exfoliation tip: A good tool to use at home is the Clearasonic brush.

NEVER start a new routine weeks before the wedding. No change of skincare product, no change of makeup. If there is any change to be

made, do it at least a month before wedding.

Even if you have a makeup artist coming to do makeup, even if they have fantastic

products, we are all different and all have possible reactions to new things, said Iwona.

GET A FACIAL UP TO A WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING.A facial will hydrateyour skin, which in turn will make it more glowing on your wedding day. It will

also help your makeup look fantastic says Iwona.

>>Recommended treatment: Algae-Marine

Detox Facial is an excellent one to get pre-

wedding, said Iwona. She recommends one a month for

three months before the wedding, but even one a couple

of weeks before will produce results. The treatment im-

proves circulation (through massage) which helps

detoxify, and re-mineralizes the skin. Renew Day Spa

also offers a Dcollet Renewal treatment, which revi-

talizes the often neglected area.

DO NOT get a facial in less than a week before the

wedding day. Youre stressed out because youre plan-

ning the wedding, getting excited, getting nervous,

3

Accenting hair with flow-ers or jewels is a greatway to add a little pizazz.Incorporating braids intoupdos is also a populartrend for brides. ModelLauren Cernys hair wasstyled by Rachel Carter ofDyer and Posta. Oppositepage: Far left, Dyer andPosta makeup artistChelsea Luna appliesmakeup to Whitney Betts.Left, esthetician IwonaHigdon of Renew Day Spamassages a clients skinduring a facial.

>>Grooms will benefit

from getting a facial as

well. They will be taking

so many pictures that

day and having a lot of

blackheads or razor

bumps doesnt look so

great in pictures, said

Iwona. They should be

exfoliating and moistur-

izing at home as well.


17464059:2013_Brides(38) 1/29/2013 2:50 PM Page 39

Its best to book a trial hair and

makeup session at the salon nine to six

months in advance, said Rachel Carter of

Dyer and Posta. If you have photos of

your wedding dress, bring that to the trial.

What matters when choosing a hairstyle?

Rachel said type of dress, time of day of

ceremony and brides personality are all

factors, but whats most important is what

the bride feels most comfortable with. A

trial will let you explore different styles.

Its a good idea to start hair andmakeup 3 or 4 hours before pictures, es-

pecially if your whole bridal party is get-

ting done. Dyer and Posta team prefers to

go to the venue and do hair and makeup

there to be on hand for touch-ups.

Most brides keep the same hairstylefrom ceremony to reception, but if you

like to switch it up, choose a style that can

easily transform. One option is a loose

half updo thats held by a few bobby pins

that can be taken out at the reception.

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Rachel Carter of Dyer and Postasalon gets ready to style an updo.

H A I R & M A K E U P T I P S

{ { {Beaut y} } }

DIY TIPS Use a primer before applying

foundation. It will help prolong

makeup. Also, start prepping your skin

a few days before, said makeup artist

Chelsea Luna. Drink lots of water and

keep moisturizing.

For hair, its best to go dirty. Washyour hair the night before, not day of.

That will help it hold product and style.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Bumble and Bumbles spray de

mode, prep and styling lotion.

Dyer and Posta also offers a shinetreatment, which Rachel recommends

having done a week before the wed-

ding. The gloss adds great shine to the

hair, said Rachel.

wwww.dyerandpostasalon.com

770.514.1620

600 Chastain Rd., Kennesaw

WHATS POPULAR

Hair: Loose

updos, braids

and curls, very

chic look.

Makeup: We

see a lot more

natural looks be-

cause they dont

want to be com-

pletely different

than their hus-

band knows

them as.

17464061:2013_Brides(40) 1/29/2013 2:51 PM Page 40

said Iwona. With all those hormones going

through your system its just better not to take

the chance with any changes or new things to

your skin.

PAMPER YOUR WHOLE BODY. SkinGlow Body Polish features a sugar

scrub exfoliation followed by a vichy

shower, which rains softly from six

showerheads as you lie down. A quenching

cream is applied afterwards to hydrate.

DO NOT DRASTICALLY CHANGEYOUR DIET. Changing to a healthy dietsix months before the wedding will

greatly improve not only your body but

your skin. However, crash dieting a couple of

weeks before may cause your skin to detoxify,

resulting in nasty breakouts.

4

w a x i n g

If you get waxed, go to same place you nor-

mally go so you know what products they are

using. Waxes have different ingredients you

want to be sure you are consistent with the

same one to avoid a reaction.

5

Make sure you get enough rest the night before. Lack ofsleep and stress will show on your skin.

Dont skip any of yournormal skin care routine.

Take a brisk walk in themorning. When you walk you

increase oxygen and it helps to

make your skin much brighter

and glowing. After a walk you

have rosy cheeks and your skin is

going to feel so much more

alive, said Iwona.

Lay down for five minuteswith a cool ice pack on your

eyes. That will refresh the skin

around your eyes and help eliminate dark circles or puffiness.

Renew Day Spa offers an eye treatment that can be added

to any facial.

Drink lots of water. You dont feel good and you dontlook good when youre dehydrated, said Iwona.

essentials on your wedding day

R E N E W D A Y S P A4347 Shallowford Rd Marietta

770 998-8592; www.renewdayspa.com


Iwona Higdon

17464062:2013_Brides(41) 1/29/2013 2:52 PM Page 41

FINDINGTHE ONEAISLE STYLE\\\\\\\\

WEDD ING GOWNS THAT W I L L LEAVE YOUBREATHLESSbyMeredith Prudenphotos Jennifer Carter


{ { {Dresses} } }

17464063:2013_Brides(42) 1/28/2013 1:40 AM Page 42

If the thought of a formal ball gown doesnt make you weak in the knees, this ivory charmeuse sheath dress by Modeca,featuring a flirty side flounce, delicate choker neckline and portrait back with floral appliqu details, may have you saying, Ido (style Olba). The experts at Blackwells Jewelers know you can never have too much sparkle with a less-is-more silhou-ette and paired this stunner with an equally dazzling pair of diamond and sapphire drop earrings ($9,789) and an antiquelook marquee diamond ring with champagne diamond accents. Modeca gowns are available at Encore Formals and Bridal.


{ { {Dresses} } }

Bouquet by Milestones Floral Decor, see more on page 58

17464065:2013_Brides(44) 1/29/2013 2:52 PM Page 44

17464066:2013_Brides(45) 1/29/2013 6:51 AM Page 45

BALLROOM LATIN SWINGMake that first dance an

unforgettable one!

CALL FOR YOUR SPECIALWEDDING PACKAGE

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From leftOn Amanda: If youve been bitten by the color bug but

bold hues seem a bit too extreme, this beige Modeca ballgown with illusion neckline, keyhole back, full skirt and intri-cately embroidered overlay may be your perfect fit (styleOlivia). To set off the muted hue of this gown, the teamfrom Blackwells Jewelers paired it with a demure, yet im-pactful, oval sapphire and diamond 18KT white gold ring($11,900) and matching diamond and sapphire drop ear-rings ($9,789).

On Lauren: Another take on this seasons trend towardgolden hues, this satin and Venise lace gown in blush by Al-fred Angelo, with metallic accents, crystal beading, sequins,pearls and a semi-cathedral train, looks like it belongs on thered carpet (style #875). The team at Blackwells Jewelersknows a dress this striking needs a true statement piece tocomplete the look, so they paired it with a 14KT yellow goldand diamond floral pendant necklace ($2,989).

Alfred Angelo gowns are available at Bravura and CCs ofRome. Modeca gowns are available at Encore Formals andBridal.

On Whitney: This net over satin and re-embroideredlace gown in ivory, caf and plum by Alfred Angelo is idealfor an evening wedding with its crystal beading, sequins,pearls, grosgrain ribbon and chapel train (style #876). Thehigh neckline, intricate detailing and rich plum highlights inthis dress speak for themselves, so the team from Black-wells Jeweler chose to keep it simple with a pair of striking18KT two tone drop diamond earrings ($4,000).

GOLDEN GIRLS\\\\\\\\


Our models: From left, Amanda Border of Roswell, LaurenCerny of Acworth and Whitney Betts of Kennesaw.

17464067:2013_Brides(46) 1/29/2013 2:53 PM Page 46

TREND #1: Picture PerfectA natural transition from last years

charming illusion necklines, this seasons

sought-after portrait back comes in a variety

of fashionable stylesfrom sexy to sophisti-

cated. This spring, look for lace frames and

peekaboo keyholes to add an unassuming bit

of sex appeal to even the most traditionally

styled bridal gowns. Theres never been a

more classy way to show a little skin.

TREND #2: Karma ChameleonHints of color have been gaining in popu-

larity for several seasons now, with red and

blush hues gracing everything from belts to

bows. Last year, we showed a bold black

gown and thought the vibrant trend may have

reached its conclusion but, this season, color

is back and better than ever with even more

designers making daring choices in blue,

gold, plum and, yes, black.

TREND #3: Old SchoolElegant bridal gown detailing with a tip of

the proverbial hat to the old world first

gained favor in spring 2011 and, although

evolved, this trend is certainly here to stay.

This season brings a new take on last years

modest illusion necklines and lace sleeves,

ushering in intricate lace overlays and deli-

cate floral appliqus that will make any bride

feel like royalty.

TREND #4: Drop TopLuxurious accents like jewels, sequins

(yes, sequins), peplums at the waist and bold

headpieces are trending this spring, but

gowns you can dress down are also all the

rage. And, nothing better exemplifies this

stylish new look than convertibles. Why bust

the wedding budget buying two dresses when

a cocktail length reception dress is just a zip,

snap or hook away?

Looking back: Details on theback of the dress also really standout as yourre walking down theaisle and standing to take yourvows. This re-embroidered floral ap-plique and button down style by Al-fred Angelo (style #876) is just asgorgeous in the back.


{ { {Dresses} } }

17464068:2013_Brides(47) 1/29/2013 2:54 PM Page 47

Invest in Hopeand a Future!

Refuge and SafetySince 1990, Community Welcome House hasprovided refuge and safety for women andchildren in crisis. With a fourteen-bedroomhome located at a secret location in CowetaCounty.Welcome House serves local womenand those who call from afar. We have neverturned away a woman fleeing a violentsituation. And all of our guests have beensafe once theyre under our protection.

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For the bride who wantsbeauty and comfort, thissilk charmeuse and tulle Jas-mine Bridal gown, featuring afront slit that shows leg fordays and an on trend portraitback, feels like your favoritesilk pajamas. Classic pearlsnever go out of style, and noone knows this better than thepros at Blackwells Jewelers.They paired this sultry, yet ele-gant gown, with a 64-inchstrand of freshwater pearls($159), 18KT white gold pearland pink diamond earrings($5,975) and an 18KT whitegold Tahitian South Sea pearland diamond ring >>>>

{ { {Dresses} } }

All jewelry provided by Blackwells

Jewelers in East Cobb.

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www.blackwellsjewelers.com

W H E R E TO F I N D

J EWELRY

17464069:2013_Brides(48) 1/29/2013 2:56 PM Page 48


This elegant drop waistsatin, net and embroi-dered lace gown withchapel train by AlfredAngelo proves there

really is no occasion towhich you cant wear

black. It features luxu-rious embellishments

that really pack a one-two punch, including arhinestone pin, crystalbeading, sequins andblack taffeta flowers(style #2368). Alfred

Angelo gowns areavailable at Bravura

and CCs ofRome.>>>>

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Group ClassesThis high waisted lace over satin gown byAlfred Angelo features a strapless sweet-heart neckline, crystal beading, sequinsand taffeta flowers in a classically form fit-ting silhouette (style #2380). When agown is minimalist chic, why not set it offwith some sparkle? The team at Black-wells Jewelers chose a timeless look withlots of shinea diamond Rivera necklace($14,000) and matching white gold anddiamond tennis bracelet ($15,500). AlfredAngelo gowns are available at Bravura andCCs of Rome.

>>>>

flowers by Unique Floral Expressions


{ { {Dresses} } }

17464074:2013_Brides(52) 1/29/2013 2:57 PM Page 52

Who said you have tobuy a reception dress?With this organza AlfredAngelo convertible gown,featuring re-embroideredlace with metallic ac-cents, pearls, crystalbeading, sequins and aremovable chapel train,you get two dresses inone (style #2219). AlfredAngelo gowns are avail-able at Bravura and CCsof Rome. >>>>


Bravura

The Avenue East Cobb

4475 Roswell Rd. # 1610

Marietta 30062

770.977.8916 x 1

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CCs of Rome

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Brides Atlanta

6842 Douglas Blvd., Ste. H

Douglasville, GA 30135

770.942.0171

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W H E R E TO F I N D

DRESSES

{ { {Dresses} } }

17464078:2013_Brides(55) 1/29/2013 10:52 AM Page 55

No offense to Cinderella, but she sort of

had it backwards. The shoe should be at the

end of the to-do list for a wedding fairy tale.

After the engagement, first consider the venue, then the

dress then the shoes and other accessories, experts say. Col-

lectively, they should have a complementary vibe.

"Its all a picture that comes together," says gown designer

Reem Acra.

...dont forget the shoe!No flip-flops for a formal setting and dress, and satin pumps

would be silly on the beach.

Tanya Dukes, accessories editor at Brides magazine, suggests

these practical questions:

How high for the heel? Think of the proportions of the

dress, how tall youll stand and if you are used to wearing heels

at all, she says.

Is the wedding outside? A lawn wedding, for example,

could be trouble for a spiky heel. A wedge would fare better.

How formal is the occasion? Fabric matters here. "Satin is

the traditional choice, and its a safe bet," Dukes says.

And then theres deciding whether you ever want to wear the

shoes again.

"Most women dont wear their bridal shoes again not because

theyre not wearable, but because theyre a memento," says

footwear designer Stuart Weitzman, who got his start in business

in bridal more than 25 years ago.

He sees as much variety in wedding-shoe styles as he does on

the street: Women want sandals, stilettos, platforms and lace

booties, but the traditional pump is the most popular.

Shoes often spend most of the big day covered by the gowns

hemline, but they can be a glimpse of the brides personality.

The moment the shoes will probably get the most attention is

right before she kicks them off to dance, says Acra with a laugh.

Crafting a head-to-toe mood is a delicate balancing act be-

tween modernity and timelessness, she explains. Now, the shoe?

Thats a place to have a little fun.

"If I have a bride in the showroom, I might say, Why not an

orange shoe?" Acra says. "Its fun to have something different. I

love playing with shoes. I really prefer colored shoes or some-

thing with bling or fun."

Metallics are a good middle-of-the-road option, as is blush

pink, and even black is doable, especially if you add a black rib-

bon sash around the waist of the dress.

"I do think more out-of-the-box choices will be revisited and

worn again," says Brides Dukes. "Maybe something with a lot

of color, youre more likely to wear that again, like a red shoe,

or cowboy boots or sneakers."

She adds, however: "If you want the memento, your Cin-

derella slipper, and you want to keep them pristine, then white is

a valid choice."

There is more variety now than ever in gown silhouettes

including shorter cocktail dresses, asymmetrical high-low hem-

lines, slim columns and mermaid shapes, in addition to the ball-

skirt and that does mean almost endless choices in footwear.

Bring multiple pairs of shoes to gown fittings to explore the

options, recommends Acra, who chooses the overall look for

models in her bridal runway shows and personally consults with

some private clients.

The most important thing, as with all decisions on the brides

look, is that she is happy and comfortable in it, Acra says.

"When youre walking down the aisle, really no one will be

looking at your shoe. But youll remember what you were wear-

ing, and if it was bright red, when you talk to your children 20

years later, you can say, I was ahead of my time."

{ { {Shoes} } }

By SAMANTHA CRITCHELL, AP Fashion Writer

17464080:2013_Brides(56) 1/29/2013 2:59 PM Page 56

17464081:2013_Brides(57) 1/29/2013 10:58 AM Page 57

I dont have a clue whatflowers to choose. Wheredo I begin? Our website, ofcourse! Actually, todays brides

have so many tools at their finger-

tips. My current favorite is Pinter-

est.com, an online inspiration

board that allows brides to gather

pictures and collaborate through

the website. About 75% of my

brides have a Pinterest account.

When a bride arrives for a design

consultation, I pull up her account

on my iPad and instantly see her

vision.

However, some of my brides

arrive without a clue as to their

vision. They know what colors

they like and have their dress and

venue picked out, but dcor-wise,

they are a bit lost. For those

clients, I have books of flowers,

sorted by color, they can peruse. I

also have an inspiration portfolio

containing pictures of bouquets,

centerpieces, etc. I will ask my

clients to page through these im-

ages and narrate for me the as-

pects of each that they like and

dont like. From that, I am able to

surmise which elements to com-

bine to best encompass her wed-

ding vision.

How much should be bud-geted for flowers? A typicalrule of thumb: Eight to 12% of the

overall wedding budget should be

reserved for floral and dcor.

What are current trends? In color: Aubergine, green

shades and blush tones (both

peach and pink).

In flower type: The most pop-

ular flower is still the rose, but we

like to offer a modern twist on

that romantic standbythe garden

rose. It opens like the expensive

peony, but is much more readily

available and at nearly half the

cost. Its fragrant and ruffled and

gorgeous!

Bouquet style: The most pop-

ular is still hand tied.

Arrangement style: Right

now rustic chic is all the rage.

Brides are utilizing items like

burlap, raffia, mason jars, lanterns

and birch containers with unstruc-

tured, loosely gathered flower

arrangements. Rather than utiliz-

ing tall statement pieces, they pre-

fer clusters of vintage bottles with

single blossoms, gathered to-

gether.

Those opting for a more tradi-

tional fairy-tale reception (still, by

far, the majority of our brides)

will book ballrooms with lots of

opulence. There we make tall

arrangements that are full and

lush. We are using a mix of silver

and gold containers and chargers

with lots of candles at various

heights.

Two top tips: 1. Chooseflowers from whats in season.

That way you can choose from the

freshest, most robust flowers

available. 2. Choose a reputableflorist with lots of experience.

BL SSOMSLOVE

J

ulie Coffin, Owner and Creative Director of

Unique Floral Expressions in Marietta has

provided flowers for more than 800 brides

in her 13 years in the business. Unique Floral Ex-

pressions has won several industry awards and is

listed as a preferred provider by several of the

areas best wedding planners and at many of the

metro Atlantas elite venues.

Coffin, who was first drawn to flowers as a

child while spending time at her grandmothers

floral shop, says flora is an important part of the

wedding ceremony because it makes the first im-

pression on each and every guest.

A brides sense of style will be known to her

guests even before she steps into the aisle, she

said. Her favorite part of her job is the moment

when she presents a bridal bouquet to the bride.

It usually takes her breath away and that

makes all of the hours of preparation worth it for

me, she said.

Coffin provided some helpful tips to help

brides-to-be navigate the floral world:


{ { {Flowers} } }

by stacey l. evans

17464082:2013_Brides(58) 1/29/2013 3:09 PM Page 58

A looselygathered,lush, gardenstyle bouquet,featuringpeonies,lisianthusblossoms andshoots, ranun-culus and softgreenery ac-cents. It is avery popularstyle currentlyand we oftenincorporatesoft touchesof pale pink orpeach to popthe bouquetoff an ivory orwhite dress,said Julie.

Right: Julie Coffin, owner ofUnique Floral Expressions.

17464082:2013_Brides(58) 1/29/2013 3:27 PM Page 59

A nod to the popu-lar aubergine colorthat pairs Picassocallas (ivory with anartistic splatter ofpurple in the throat)with white dendro-bium orchids andlightweight greeneryaccents. The smallnosegay is the per-fect size for anybride, said Julie.

J u l i e s f a v o r i t e c e r e m o n yThe most beautiful ceremony weve ever done was last June at

the Atlanta History Center. The ceremony was on the Swan House

Gardens at the base of

the grand staircase. To

be honest, what I liked

the most was that the

bride (a high powered,

busy attorney) gave me

her color scheme

(cream, palest pink,

gray and navy), a sense

of her style and a

budget and then said,

Please just make it

happen. The cere-

mony arrangements

were garden style,

large and lush, over-

flowing. The reception

featured a mix of tall

and short arrange-

ments, but all were

lushly mounded with

fragrant garden roses,

peonies and cascading

orchids. The Grand

Overlook at the His-

tory Center was

breathtaking!

A classic red rose bouquet symbolizesfire and passion. Im not a huge fan ofusing just one type of flower in a bouquet,so I used two types of red roses (Riohearts and standard Charlottes), andgave the bouquet a small leaf collar to popthe red roses off the dress, said Julie.

Eco-concious brides typically like to include organic elements like suc-culents, pods, greenery, etc. Those bouquets are typically loosely gathered

and hand tied (not perfectly roundy-moundy).

A princess bride typically chooses a large rounded, mounded bouquet,often utilizing several types of big ruffled blossoms (like peonies and roses).

She wants the overall feel of the bouquet to exude softness and romance.

A bride with contemporary taste will choose a more structuredflower for her bouquet, like the calla lily or orchid. She often asks us to

make her entire bouquet from just one or two types of these blossoms.

What type of bouquet reflects your personal style?


Unique Floral Expressions

www.uniquefloralexpressions.com

770.650.7426

17464085:2013_Brides(60) 1/29/2013 3:31 PM Page 60

The perks of consulting aflorist: Several years ago myteam provided both rehearsal

flowers and wedding flowers for

a lovely couple. To be frugal, the

brides family saved the buffet

arrangement flowers from the re-

hearsal dinner on Friday night to

use on the altar at the church the

next day. Unfortunately, they left

Dad in charge of the flowers and

he packed them in the trunk

overnight. The wedding was in

mid-July so when they opened

the trunk the next day at 4 p.m.,

every blossom in the trunk was

shriveled. The mother of the

bride was devastated at the

thought of having a bare altar so

she asked if there was anything I

could do to help-with the wed-

ding just one hour away! I

calmed her down and then

reached out to my florist net-

work to secure the raw materials

to make two new altar arrange-

ments. The bride never knew

what happened and was thrilled

with everything. Julie Coffin

Purple is hot this year, and having a unique blend of flowers and greenery is perfectfor the artsy bride. This dreamy arrangement blends kale, white hydrangea, purplestock, lavender roses, deep purple trachelium, waxflower, deep purple lisianthus andseeded eucalyptus.Designed by: Milestones Floral Dcor for Events, a division of Village Green Flowers & Gifts3246 Atlanta Rd Suite H, Smyrna, GA 30080; 770.435.9393; www.milestonesfloral.com

{ { {Flowers} } }

17464085:2013_Brides(60) 1/29/2013 3:31 PM Page 61

Something

Everyone comes from some-

where. You dont have to have a PhD

in DNA or have a massive family-

tree printout to know that your her-

itage is a part of who you are. For

some, the past is very close at hand

in relatives or community who pro-

vide a real-world link. For others its

in often-told family stories of how

kin emigrated from one country to

another, or in heirlooms handed

down through generations. Then are

those who do not feel especially con-

nected to their history by genealogy,

but by geography. Being raised in, or

having lived in, a special place that

helped shape your worldview can

also add to the treasures of personal

history.

No surprise then that many cou-

ples want to add elements of their

heritage or culture to their wedding

celebration. Whether its a small,

special nod to a long-ago legacy or a

full blown melting pot marriage,

there are many ways to unite the past

and present on your wedding day.

Heres how two couples did it.

Todays couplesoften choose tobring elements oftheir past fromfamily heritage tocultural traditionsor favored geo-graphical ties into the day that isall about celebrat-ing their future .

Old New&something



By Therra C. Gwyn

17464089:2013_Brides(62) 1/28/2013 2:19 AM Page 62

Photography by KVC Photography

Phillip Blakely Justman and Marium Khalid com-bined traditions from her Pakistani culture, ele-ments of his Irish heritage and their Georgiaroots in their wedding. Top, the couple madetheir own wedding bands with help from black-smith Mark Hopper, and inscribed them withmessages. Left, instead of bouquets, the brides-maids walked down the aisle with trays of flowerpetals and dias, or lamps. Once pronounced hus-band and wife, the bridesmaids showered thecouple with petals.

17464089:2013_Brides(62) 1/29/2013 3:35 PM Page 63

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Marium Khalid, 26, and Phillip Justman, 24, both

theatre professionals, met as students during play audi-

tions at Kennesaw State University. Justmans family

are solidly rooted Georgians with ancestors from the

British Isles. Khalid was born in London to Pakistani

parents.

They dated for 3 years before marrying in an au-

tumn outdoor wedding. True to their artistic union and

varied backgrounds, they decided to mix their collec-

tive cultural influences into their nuptials.

We honored all the traditions from my culture,

Khalid said.

Instead of a rehearsal dinner they celebrated a

Mehndi, where the females from Justmans family

brought henna to the bride the night before the wed-

ding.

theatrics and tradition


{Marium & Phillip Justman} Atlanta residents | Married 10.13.12{ { {Newly weds} } }

17464091:2013_Brides(64) 1/29/2013 3:36 PM Page 64

Pakistani custom also stipulates the

bride play a trick on the groom before they

marry. Khalid seized the occasion to don

the best man, similar in height and weight

to her, in a wig and traditional female

dress - complete with veil covering his

face - for a pre-wedding party. Justman

had no idea that the bride who solemnly

entered the room to dance for him wasnt

the one whose hand hed asked for in mar-

riage. He became unnerved as her dance

moves grew progressively wilder and less

G-rated. Eventually the veil came off and

as he realized the joke the room exploded

with laughter.

There was more dancing when Justman

paid tribute to his own heritage by dancing

an Irish jig.

Their wedding was mostly pure Ameri-

cana but at the reception the bride wore a

red dress and the groom donned a turban,

per Pakistani tradition.

A three-tiered cake, topped by an ele-

phant figurine, was an aside to Khalids

culture, where a grooms family would

often travel, usually by horse or elephant,

long distances to meet the bride. Created

by Miss Mamies in Marietta, the flavor of

each tier of the cake represented their

backgrounds and their Georgia home:

peach basil, pistachio rose and Guinness.

It was perfect, said Khalid of their

wedding. One of the best parts is that it

was a group effort.


17464092:2013_Brides(65) 1/29/2013 3:39 PM Page 65

Mehndi is the night before the cere-mony. Guests wear yellows, greens andoranges to symbolize the different shadesof the henna (Mehndi), and henna is sym-bolically placed on the brides hands andfeet. During Mehndi, the women place aspot of henna in the grooms and brideshands and give them sweet treats. All ofthis is to symbolize may your lives be richwith color, and may your lives be sweet,never bitter, said Marium.



17464094:2013_Brides(66) 1/29/2013 3:42 PM Page 66

17464095:2013_Brides(67) 1/29/2013 11:27 AM Page 67

Lola and Akin Ogundipe had two separate cere-monies to reflect their American upbringing andAfrican heritage. Above, the groom's family pres-ents gifts to the brides family and vice versa. Here,the bride's parents are receiving the offering.Top, the groom places the engagement ring onthe bride's finger to signify a "re-proposal" in frontof family and friends.


{Lola & Akin Ogundipe} Smyrna residents | Married 9.1.2012


17464097:2013_Brides(68) 1/29/2013 3:44 PM Page 68

Its a small world after all

By Therra C. Gwyn

Akin and Lola Ogundipe were married in 2012,

yet both travelled halfway around the globe before

meeting in Georgia, falling in love and settling in

Smyrna.

Lola Ajayi, 32, was born in Halifax, Nova Sco-

tia, to Nigerian parents. She spent her summers in

West Africa as a child. Dr. Akin Ogundipe, 44, is a

native New Yorker with a Nigerian father and a

Ghanaian mother. He, too, spent time in Nigeria and

has done a fair amount of globetrotting. The two did

not know each other when their respective careers

brought them to Georgia, but that would change.

Four years ago, Ajayi modeled for Cobb Life in a

fashion article. Ogundipe saw the story and was in-

trigued, especially when he noticed that the model

in the photos had a last name he recognized as dis-

tinctly Nigerian. He inquired about the young

woman in the photographs, but every lead turned

into a dead end.

Then they ran into each other in a grocery store.

He realized who she was and introduced himself.

He also, very quickly, realized something else: a

colleague was the brother of Ajayis fianc. To his

disappointment, the woman in the magazine was en-

gaged to be married. They went their separate ways.

They bumped into each other periodically for

17464097:2013_Brides(68) 1/29/2013 3:45 PM Page 69



Lola and Akin Ogundipehad their second cere-mony at Peachtree Chris-trian Church with areception at the Intercon-tinental Buckhead hotel.Opposite page: Far right,the groom and hisgroomsmen lie flat on thefloor in front of both sets ofparents to show respectand gratitude for whatthey have done to bringthe bride and groom to-gether. Right, Lola andAkin at the reception.

17464100:2013_Brides(70) 1/29/2013 3:45 PM Page 70

156 Church StreetMarietta, Ga. 30060

www.kmikewhittledesigns.com

(770) 499-1700

three years before once again meeting

in the same grocery store, only this

time circumstances were different.

Ajayi was no longer engaged and

Ogundipe asked her on a date.

It was definitely fate, she said.

When they decided to be married,

they considered their very strong cul-

tural ties.

We were both raised by Nigerian

parents and they are very traditional.

One of the things that attracted us to

each other is that we both really love

our parents and heritage, but we also

have the American culture in common

because we both grew up non-African,

explained Ajayi.

They knew they would have to fit

both worlds into their wedding plans.

Their solution was a bit daunting: they

had to have two weddings.

The first wedding was on a Friday at

the Smyrna Community Center, com-

plete with native Nigerian dress, dcor,

food and music. Friends and family

came from England, Africa, Canada,

and Holland to attend the traditional

services.

There was a lot of dancing, a lot of

prayer, said Ajayi.

The next day they had what they

dubbed their All-American wedding,

complete with white wedding dress and

modern cuisine.

Although they had balked at first at

the idea of planning two completely

different weddings, they soon realized

it was the right thing to do.

Ajayi, now pregnant with the cou-

ples first child, reflected on that choice

and smiled; Looking back now, it was

a very, very, good decision.


17464101:2013_Brides(71) 1/29/2013 3:46 PM Page 71



The bridal partyand bride in tra-ditional attire. Atthe ceremony,the bridal partydances into thevenue and cre-ates a circlearound the brideto hide her untilher big reveal. Atthat point, thebride begins todance in joy.

17464102:2013_Brides(72) 1/29/2013 3:48 PM Page 72

17464103:2013_Brides(73) 1/28/2013 2:51 AM Page 73

At Bernie and Jordan Hajovskys wedding reception, it was

useful to know details about the happy couple: Guests had to

answer questions about them before they could join the buffet

line.

The newlyweds hoped the trivia game and other activities

would make the reception more memorable.

I really wanted people to walk away feeling they had been

involved and that it was the most fun wedding reception they

had ever attended, said Jordan Hajovsky, of Austin, Texas.

Games, contests and other icebreakers have become increas-

ingly popular at wedding receptions, said Sarabeth Quattle-

baum, spokeswoman for the American Association of Certified

Wedding Planners, in Dallas.

Couples want a party atmosphere and have realized that the

more guests mix and mingle, the more relaxed theyll be, said

Quattlebaum, owner of Sarabeth Events in Keller, Texas. This

also adds a personal touch to their reception party.

Disc jockey Peter Merry says more and more couples are

asking him to help organize reception activities, such as con-

tests to win table centerpieces or asking guests to serenade the

bride and groom with songs that include the word love in the

lyrics. Other couples are incorporating photo booths, where

guests can have their pictures taken in silly hats and holding

goofy props.

With guests from different phases of their lives who may not

know each other, brides and grooms want to provide opportuni-

ties to interact.

If you can break down any discomfort, guests will stay

longer and have more fun on the dance floor, said Merry, of

Dallas, author of The Best Wedding Reception Ever (Sellers,

2010).

DJ Jimmie Malone, who owns the company Exceptional Re-

ceptions in Binghamton, N.Y., encourages couples to include

activities to set the tone and help balance the weddings pomp

and circumstance.

It keeps guests engaged, Malone said.

Stephanie Goetz of Binghamton said the games at her 2011

wedding helped break the ice. Between the different families

and friends, the majority of people didnt know each other. It

was a lot of fun.

Malone sometimes leads guests through an elaborate game

in which they must pass a drink, a set of car keys and a dollar

Guests may enjoy games, contests, icebreakers at reception

AP Photo, Lynn Barsigian Photography, Lynn BarsigianWedding guests are ready for a trip into a photo booth sponsored by Exceptional Receptions in Bingham-ton, New York. Couples are starting to include photo booths as an activity for the guests during weddingreceptions. Wedding planners say the activities make the evening more fun.

reception raves

By MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON, Associated Press

17464104:2013_Brides(74) 1/28/2013 2:50 AM Page 74

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