Something Blue

Beauty Tips for

Brides 15

Photographer Spotlight:Jennifer Werneth

Dream Dresses

A Magazine for Brides

Wedding Q & A

Spring 2012

on a Dime

How to: Pick the

PERFECT wedding

Photographer

Orlando Venues for

Every Vison

Even as a little girl, I was fascinated with weddings. From making wedding fantasies out of Barbies, to creating scrapbooks of my favorite wedding images from the internet, I knew I

would one day work in the bridal field.Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would become the editor-in-chief of a bridal magazine. I hope you will find

inspiration in these pages, and get some new ideas. Remember: this day is one that you will remember for the

rest of your life, so make it count! xoxo,

Stephanie

Orlando Venues for Every Vision

In this Issue...

From the Editor

PhotographerSpotlight:

Jennifer Wernetth

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Page 10

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Wedding Q & A

15 Beauty Tips for Brides

Dream Dresses on a Dime 6

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Brittany & NathanCouple of the Season:

How To: Pick the Perfect Wedding Photographer18

BLISS

Bridal BoutiqueServing SW Florida Since 1985

blissBB.Com

Brittany & Nathan:Couple of the SeasonSo

met

hing B

lue

From day one, Brittany and Nathan knew they had met ‘the one.’ Their fairytale romance began in a college chemistry class, and according to Brittany, “the sparks really did fly!” After dating for only a few months, Nathan eventually gathered the courage to propose. He took her out on a romantic date night to Cocoa Beach and popped the question on the sand, right as the sun sunk beneath the horizon. “I was so nervous; I knew she would say yes, but it was still nerve-wracking having that ring in my pocket all evening,” exclaimed Nathan while staring tenderly at his new bride.

Brittany ultimately said yes, after a few moments of stunned silence and tears. They set the date for May 14, 2011, and then the planning commenced. “I never realized how much planning went into planning a wedding. I imagined cake and wine testing, not all the tiny details,” Brittany alleged. She said how it was very stressful in the beginning, but eventually everything worked itself out. They made the

decision to not hire a wedding planner, but they did use professional services for everything out, from the caterer to the photographer. When the day finally came, all the little details came together and made for a picture- perfect wedding. The venue was

the Winter Park Racquet Club in Winter Park, Florida.

They had an intimate outdoor ceremony with only about fifty friends and family members,

followed by a small buffet reception. The color scheme was dark blue and green, and everywhere had accents of blue. Everything was well thought out and color coordinated; it looked professionally done. According to Brittany, “I really wanted to highlight the ‘something blue’ in the wedding saying. My favorite part was my blue shoes.” The shoes really were gorgeous! Even the desert table highlighted blue cuisine. They had blue frosted cupcakes and to the guests delights, blue Peeps. The reception lasted way into the evening, complete with lots of dancing and champagne toasts. When it finally came time for the happy couple to leave, they made their way to the car surrounded by sparklers and congratulations. The bride and groom were beaming, and we can only hope that their happiness will last forever. It sure looked like it would!

“I never realized how much planning went into planning a wedding. I imagined cake and

wine testing, not all the tiny details”So

methi

ng B

lue |

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“TheSparks Really Did Fly!”

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Dream Dress

es

on a Dime

Every bride’s dream is to find that one dress that makes them feel elegant and beautiful. But for many brides, their dreams of that perfect dress is dashed when they start to go shopping. The bridal market is inundated with outlandishly priced gowns, with many into the tens of thousands of dollars. For some, that price may work, but for the majority of brides, even one thousand dollars is a lot to spend on a dress.So what is a bride to do? There are many options when it comes to finding a great dress on a bargain price. According to Amelia Vargas, owner of Bliss Bridal Boutique in SW Florida, “the best thing a bride- to- be can do is wait til’ the start of the new season. Many of the stores get all new gowns, and severely discount the merchandise they already have.” You see

“I saw the tag on the gown, and I just about cried”

this a lot of the time in the big chain stores, such as David’s Bridal and Alfred Angelo’s; however even small “mom and pop type” stores switch out their merchandise with the changing seasons. There are also other ways to save money on a gown. Typically when a bride picks a dress, the dress is custom made for her in her size,

and then it is shipped to the store after a few weeks. However you can save considerably if you purchase the sample dress instead. A sample dress is simply the dress that store’s keep in stock, in order for clients to try on. The price for a sample dress is sometimes cut by almost fifty percent. Of course, you usually have to dry- clean a sample dress, but that is still much cheaper than paying for a brand new dress.

If a bride is particularly budget conscious, many excellent gowns can be found in thrift shops- often at steep discounts. Sometimes, you can even find a gown that is brand new if you look hard enough. Once again, the only extra fee may be for the dry-cleaning bill if the gown has been previously worn. One of our

readers, Kara King, was able to find a never- worn Vera Wang gown at a

thrift store in Naples, FL for $250. “I saw the tag on the gown, and I just about cried. The dress was originally $2,200, and I got it for $250.” Brides don’t have to fear the cost of a wedding dress if they simply are willing to look hard enough. There are wallet friendly options for every bride, no matter what her budget is. So get out there and find that dream gown. You deserve it!

Kay JewelersEvery Kiss Begins with Kay

kay.com

Ask the Experts

Answering Your Important Questions

Q: I’m in a biracial relationship, and my fiancé has a lot more relatives than I do; all expecting to come to the wedding?

How do I not exclude his family from the festivities, but still stay within my budget? - Oh my, that is definitely a predicament! There are two options that you and your fiancé can take. One is to simply deal with the increase in numbers by cutting back on unnecessary costs at the actual reception. Maybe do a small buffet instead of a sit down dinner and get rid of the open bar, for example. Those will substantially cut costs. However, if that is not an option, you can always sit down with your fiancé and go over the list of his extended family members. Maybe there are a few that you can cut from the guest list, and just send a letter of appreciation and love, explaining the situation. Best of luck my dear!

Q: How do I tell a semi- close friend of mine that I’m not planning on having her

in the wedding party? She is assuming that she will be! HELP!

-This is a situation where tact and compassion is key. Perhaps take her out for coffee and gently explain the situation. Then give her the option of something else to do to be involved in the wedding if she wishes. Even something as simple as inviting her to help you pick out tablecloths or floral arrangements. She’ll likely feel hurt, but as long as you are tender and don’t place the blame on her, I’m sure it’ll out work out. Good luck!

Q: My fiancé and I are trying to decide if we want to do the “First Look” or not before our wedding; where we see each other and take pictures before we actually meet at

the altar. I know there are pros and cons to each scenario, but I’m not sure what is the best decision to make!

- You are right! Whether you see each other before you walk down the aisle or not, both sides have their positives and negatives. I’ll lay them out for you the best I can. Some of the pros of a “First Look” is that you’ll have more time at your reception, enjoying your party, versus taking pictures in between. You’ll also have time to touch up your makeup before the actual ceremony, because tears are inevitable the first time you see your groom. The cons are that you won’t get to see the look on your groom’s face as you’re walking down the aisle for the first time. Granted, you’ll see that same look when you do the “First Look,” but it might not feel the same. Regardless, it all comes down to personal preference and how traditional you want your ceremony to be. I’d discuss the matter with your fiancé and your photographer to see what their opinions on this is. If you’re still set on waiting to see the groom until you walk down the aisle, then your photographer can do some creative shots of you two, without letting you see one another. Best wishes!

Q: What do I do if I don’t like my ring?-You’re engaged. Just enjoy it! If you really don’t like your ring, upgrade on your one year anniversary. Don’t complain about it though, or you risk being called a “Bridezilla.”

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Photographer Spotlight:Jennifer Werneth

photographers that Disney uses for their events. “I pay special attention to detail, so I think that puts me ahead of the competition,” Jen remarked when asked how she accomplished all of this in just a few years. That special attention to detail is what sets her apart from other photographers in the state. Jen has an eye for composition and is very creative when it comes to finding great portrait locations. She can take publication worthy photos even when a location seems lacking in photo opportunities. Christin Waldo, a Missouri bride, hired Jennifer for her wedding based on the reviews found on the Knot. “I wanted someone skilled to capture my special day. After all, this will only happen once in my lifetime, and I want incredible pictures,” she said. They encountered some problems while taking “First Look” shots, where the bride and groom see each other for the first time before walking down the aisle. The location Christin had picked was under construction and inaccessible. Jen was able to find a more picturesque photo location, even though she was new to the area.

“Smile, and just be natural,” is the advice Jennifer Werneth gives to her daughter while taking candid portrait shots. Jennifer has been an event photographer since 2008 when she started her own photography company. However, her passion for photography began early in her youth. “I remember when I was about nine or 10 years old I won an art contest at my school. The assignment was on creating a piece of art that was a series. Ironically I did a series of wedding photos. Of course I was only nine and no one would of course hire me to do their wedding photography so I used my cabbage patch kids to create a wedding scenario.” She was fascinated with the artistry contained in portraits and she even dabbled in modeling in her teens. After a few years of waitressing and other various jobs, she eventually gave in to her passion and began a career in photography. Today Jennifer is considered the number one photographer in Florida according the Knot, a nationwide wedding magazine. She has been recognized by Etsy, Perfect Wedding Guide, Modern Bride, among others. She is also one of the exclusive

Something Blue features photos from one exclusive photographer every issue. For the Spring 2012 edition, we’re featuring Jennifer Werneth of Davenport, FL.

“The pictures were breathtaking. I had never even thought of the location she picked, but the results were so much better than I could have thought. I’m so grateful,” Christin explained. Jen’s flexibility and quick thinking saved the day. “I was worried that we wouldn’t have time to take the pictures once we realized the location was closed, so I did the only thing I could think of; find a new location fast,” Jen remarked. Jennifer strives to provide the brides with the best photography experience she can offer, even if it means sacrificing her own comfort. She went on to say how she has photographed in all sorts of conditions, from the freezing cold, to the scorching temperatures of Floridian summers, and how she’s been subjected to some very interesting weddings over the years.

“I remember one particular wedding, the groomsman and the groom wore kilts. It was a traditional Scottish wedding, and let’s just say that some of the men didn’t know how to sit in the kilts. I got an eyeful,” Jen exclaimed while chuckling lightly. With her easy-going personality and sense of humor, along with the photography skills she possesses, it’s easy to see how Jennifer has been able to rise to the top. However, Jen credits one main thing for her success; her passion for pictures. “I’ve always loved photography, but after my father passed away, I’ve really learned the value of a picture. I want everyone to have pictures that will last them a lifetime and beyond. That is my passion. My mission in life.”

Contact her at: jenniferwernethphotography.com

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Beauty Tipsfor Brides15

Every bride wants to look gorgeous on her wedding day. Something Blue is here to help. We’ve compiled the top 15 tips in order to ensure that a

bride looks her absolute best!

Start prepping your nails in advance. Everyone will be looking at that diamond on your hand. Experiment with different shades of polishes and types of manicures

in order to find one that best suits your wedding theme and your personality. If you’re able to splurge, it might be smart to invest in a Shellac manicure. These are more expensive, but can last up to twice as long as a traditional manicure.

Get that radiant smile. Whitening toothpastes are great options if you have a lot of time on your hands,

but for faster results use whitening strips. The most expensive, but most effective option is

professional whitening. The results will be dramatic, especially if you’re an avid coffee or red wine drinker.

Get glowing skin. Now it is possible to get a safe tan by using the

gradual at home tanning lotions. These gradually darken the color of your

skin so you’ll look gorgeous and glowing on your

wedding day. Many tanning salons also have spray on tans that will last about a week. Regardless of what option you choose, make

sure you don’t go too crazy. You want to look natural,

not like an orange.

Get a clear face. Start a skin care regiment at least six months

before the wedding. That will give you time to test products and find ones that work best. If

you are able to financially, get a monthly facial. These will clear your pores and help you look

your absolute best.

Establish healthy eating habits.

Throw away that junk food and start munching

on healthy fruits and veggies. Not only are they yummy, but you

won’t believe the improvements in your skin tone and overall

health once you eliminate unhealthy food from your

everyday diet.

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"You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly." -Sam Penn

Stick to a workout regimen.

Start walking outdoors or sign up for a gym

membership in order to be toned and fit on your

wedding day. There’s nothing better than an

intense workout to relieve the wedding planning

stress.

Get your brows done. Nothing frames your face better than well-shaped eyebrows. Eyebrows can

make or break your entire look. Professional threading or tweezing is more accurate than traditional waxing, but either option is better than

nothing.

Experiment with makeup.

Experiment with different kinds of makeup to see what looks best in real

life and in photographs. If you’re getting your makeup professionally done, this will also give you a chance to try out various makeup artists.

Get smooth, sexy skin. Exfoliate at least once a week leading up to your wedding day that way your

skin will look and feel its best. Mixing sugar with your favorite body wash is an inexpensive and very effective way to get rid of dead skin. Make sure to follow up with a thick moisturizer to keep skin soft.

Figure out what you’re going to do with your hair.

Don’t wait till the big day to decide how you’re going to do your hair. Schedule a few hair

appointments in order to find the best style and look for your face shape. Make sure to bring the veil with

you, so the stylist can see how to incorporate it.

Have a touch up kit planned. You don’t want to find yourself without essentials on

the big day.

Waterproof Everything! We can’t emphasize this enough; you will cry,

and your makeup will smear if you don’t choose waterproof formulas.

Hair spray. Keep your strands picture-

perfect by finishing with a light hairspray. In addition to hair,

a very quick spritz on the face will keep your makeup from

budging. Try this a few weeks in advance to make sure you

are not allergic.

Wedding day pimple. If you can, get a rush

appointment with your dermatologist to get a cortisone injection. If

all else fails, cover with concealer and foundation,

then dust a light coat of translucent powder on top.

Relax. Nothing will make you

appear more beautiful than a confident and relaxed demeanor. Your groom

loves you no matter what you look like, and his

opinion of you is the only thing that should truly

matter on your wedding day.

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OrlandO Venues fOr eVery VisiOn

Every bride has a unique personality and vision for her wedding. Nothing highlights that individuality more than a gorgeous venue

that suits your theme. Some brides want the extremely formal and decadent weddings that hotels and other large venues can offer.

There are also the brides who want an exceptional wedding, but in a smaller, more intimate environment. Then, there are those brides who want an out of the box wedding, without any of the intricacies and elaborate planning that the larger weddings require. Regardless

of what kind of wedding you want, Orlando and its surrounding areas are full of exquisite venue locations.

For the bride that desires a traditional, formal wedding, the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is the way to go. With over 42,000 square feet of event space,

there are endless options for a bride to choose from. Capable of holding up to 1,380 guests, nearly every wedding size can be accommodated. Their pricing

is flexible, depending on what services you require, and what package you choose. They have on-staff wedding personal to help you with every step of the wedding planning. The Portofino is a truly spectacular wedding venue.

www.loewshotels.com/en/Portofino-Bay-Hotel

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

The Ritz- Carlton offers unparalleled services for brides. When you choose to have your

wedding at the Ritz, you are assigned a wedding planner

who oversees all the details of the event. They customize every wedding to suit the needs of the

bride, and to ensure that your wedding is everything that you

imagined and more. www.ritzcarlton.com/Orlando

Ritz- Carlton

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Holding up to 120 guests, the Casa Feliz is perfect for those brides

who want a smaller wedding, with a rustic, old-world charm. This venue offers indoor or outdoor

seating, a main bar, and areas for dancing, along with a bride and groom suite for the pre-wedding

preparations. The venue costs about $2,000 for a five hour

Saturday wedding and reception. This venue is gorgeous!

www.casafeliz.us

Casa Feliz

The bride that desires a wedding that is incredibly unique and

intimate, should consider putting a hot air balloon ride on the list.

With only a handful of people able to be on the balloon at a time, the bride will be able to focus on her groom, and enjoy

the gorgeous views that Orlando has to offer. Bob’s Balloons, with over 100 launching sites, gives

you the flexibility to choose where you want to begin your

adventure from. The price for a balloon wedding is a mere $200, a steal considering how much a

traditional wedding costs.www.bobsballoons.com

Bob’s Balloons

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How To: Pick The

PhotographerPerfect Wedding

One of the most important wedding decisions, besides whether to say “yes” to the groom, is what to do about wedding photography. Nowadays, most people

agree that the price for hiring a professional wedding photographer is well worth it, especially considering how special those pictures will be in the years to come.

However, most brides are confused about how to narrow down the often extensive list of photographers in their area. Something Blue has advice on how to make that

decision a little easier.

Visit Websites Most photographers list their portfolios online on their websites. By checking out lots of portfolios, you will be able to compare styles of photography, and find

one that will suit your personality and theme of your weddings.

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Compile Personal Referrals Everyone knows someone who has been married. Ask your friends and relatives for photographers they have heard of or used, and get comparisons based on reviews

from people you can trust. Sometimes the photographers with the most professional looking websites have the worst reviews. A review from a client that you personally know is often enllightening.

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Ask Questions Once you’ve narrowed down the

list to a few photographers, it’s time to call and ask questions.

Inquire about their packages and the services they offer. Make sure to find out about

guarantees or what they will do in the event of an emergency. You don’t want your photographer to cancel

on you at the last minute without a backup plan.

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Make a CommitmentOnce you’ve asked the questions,

you should have a good idea about whom you should pick as your

wedding photographer. After you make the final decision, make sure to get a contract in

writing guaranteeing the prices and services.

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Photography is a way

of feeling, of touching,

of loving. What you

have caught on film

is captured forever... It

remembers little things,

long after you have

forgotten everything.

Aaron Siskind

The Perfect Honeymoon DestinationTrinidad

trinidad.us