With a high of 70F and a low of 47F.
Wedding in Hungary
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Philosophie Share Their Wedding Day Cleanse
Sophie from Philosophie shows the MW team how it’s done with this incredible wedding prep cleanse, including an exclusive three day reset guide!
The post Philosophie Share Their Wedding Day Cleanse appeared first on Modern Wedding.
from Modern Wedding https://ift.tt/2Wgoc4a
Breathtaking Bora Bora Elopement Wedding and Trash the Dress Photos
We could all use a little bit of sunshine and joy right now and boy does this stunning Bora Bora elopement do the trick! Carissa & Jasen had dreamed of going to Bora Bora for 21 years. “It was the closest thing to heaven on earth that I have ever seen,” the bride shared. I …
The post Breathtaking Bora Bora Elopement Wedding and Trash the Dress Photos appeared first on Destination Wedding Details.
from Destination Wedding Details https://ift.tt/2VNVFEk
An Effortlessly Elegant Lake Garda Wedding
When your beau proposes to you on a trip to Italy, it is only right that you go back to that same spot to get married! For Sophie & Sean, the plan for a destination wedding formed almost immediately. “Sean organized to hire a boat which he drove around the lake and planned to stop …
The post An Effortlessly Elegant Lake Garda Wedding appeared first on Destination Wedding Details.
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Sophia and Dan’s Seaside Celebration
Sophia and Dan said "I do" in a stunning summer seaside celebration on the shores of Balmoral Beach. Check out their relaxed, contemporary big day!
The post Sophia and Dan’s Seaside Celebration appeared first on Modern Wedding.
from Modern Wedding https://ift.tt/35ic1YW
Vintage Honeymoon Hotspots
Dreaming of your honeymoon plans as you shelter in place? Our brilliant contributor, Susan Moynihan of The Honeymoonist has shared her love of some classic honeymoon destinations and how they’ve been reimagined. Rediscover vintage hotspots like Honolulu, Palm Springs and Niagra Falls.
Certain destinations have drawn generations of couples, all looking for a special place to start their lives together. But, just because the destination has a long history doesn’t mean it’s passé or outdated, as evidenced by these three romantic classics offering just as much beauty and service to modern couples as they did to generations past.
Honolulu, Hawaii
There’s no doubt about it, Hawaii is having a moment. This collection of islands was glamourous back in the 1930s, when visitors would arrive by steamship and stay for months and the Hawaii Calls radio show beamed from Waikiki Beach to households all across America, putting it on the top of every couple’s dream honeymoon list. Those qualities that first lured mainlanders are still in place. Namely, gorgeous natural beauty with iconic places like Waikiki Beach and a gentle aloha vibe personified by lei greetings, ukulele music and gracious hospitality. The island of Oahu showcases all aspects of the state’s beauty, from bustling Honolulu to the serene North Shore.
Where to Stay: Waikiki put Hawaii on the world stage and there’s no better view of its iconic sweeping curve than at Halekulani, the luxury hotel perched on the beach’s north end. Book a Diamond Head Suite and you can see all the way to Diamond Head crater from your balcony. Le Mer is the island’s premier fine-dining spot and, when you wander, you’re just steps from restaurants, shops, surf lessons and everything else Honolulu has to offer.
What to Do: Pearl Harbor is a must for first-time visitors, either as a formal tour or on a DIY basis (For the latter, tickets sell out, so get there early!). Rent a car for a day to circumnavigate the island; the drive is about 120 miles with stops at North Shore surf breaks or hiking spots like Diamond Head. Snorkelers will love Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, located on the island’s eastern tip. And there is no better place to take a surf lesson than Waikiki, where surf legend Duke Kahanamoku made the sport famous.
Palm Springs, California
Once upon a time, there was no cooler place to be than Palm Springs, California. This desert enclave drew in the Hollywood elite, from Golden Age-era stars like Douglas Fairbanks and Greta Garbo to Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack in the 1950s and 60s; they all came here to kick back – away from the eyes of the press. The city has undergone a major rebirth in the past decade as a treasure trove of mid-century modern architecture, with amazing private homes and quirky, design-centric boutique hotels that lure in a new generation of celebrities (and not just for Coachella, which takes place down the road). Add in maximum days of sunshine and the stern beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains and you have a honeymoon spot like no other.
Where to Stay: It doesn’t get more romantic than Korakia Pensione, a beloved 28-room hotel tucked in a quiet, residential neighborhood at the base of the mountains, but just blocks from the shops and restaurants along Palm Canyon Drive. Select your private villa by style – either airy Mediterranean with timbered ceilings, marble floors and whitewashed walls, or minimalist Moroccan with iron woodwork, Persian rugs and natural materials. Every room has a private patio to soak up the sun and, come evening, guests gather poolside to watch vintage movies screened under the stars.
What to Do: Design aficionados will love the Palm Springs Modern Tour, which takes you into stunning houses by mid-century modern superstars including Albert Frey and Richard Neutra. Take the Aerial Tramway for the two-mile ride up to San Jacinto State Park, home to an observation deck, restaurant and 50 miles of hiking trails. Shopping is a feast for the eyes, from designer clothing to vintage stores filled with one-of-a-kind finds. Think Eames chairs, spaghetti poodle figurines and Bakelite jewelry. When you want to mingle, hit the hip pool scene at Ace Hotel (day passes are available for those not staying on property) or go old school with a romantic meal at Melvyn’s Restaurant and Lounge, a favorite of Sinatra’s.
Niagara Falls, Canada
This epic natural wonder has been a popular honeymoon spot since the Victorian era. It has a beloved spot in popular culture, as well, from the Marilyn Monroe movie “Niagara” to “The Office’s” Jim and Pam, who wed on a Falls’ boat tour. While the views are considered most epic from the U.S. side, the lodging there is limited, with much of it having seen better days. So, bring your passport and check in to the Canadian side, in the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Thanks to its lakefront location, tree-lined streets and lost-in-time vibe, it’s been named the “Prettiest Town in Canada.” Bonus: There’s also a great wine scene.
Where to Stay: Established in 1864, the Prince of Wales Hotel recalls the glory days of the Victorian era, with brocade wallpaper, vintage-style furnishing and a cozy book-filled library. Check into a Premium Guestroom, which combine old-world canopy beds and fireplaces with thoroughly modern jetted tubs and en-suite espresso machines. Afternoon tea in the Drawing Room is a must, as is a dip in the indoor pool.
What to Do: Boat tours have been ferrying people out into the mists of Horsehoe Falls since the 1840s. On the Canadian side, Hornblower Cruises take you out into the rapids, allowing you to feel the power and mist of Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Come evening, book a table at Fallsview Dining or head up to the rotating restaurant at Skylon Tower for epic two-country views. When you’ve had your fill of falls, fill up on wine; Niagara is one of Canada’s top wine regions, with more than 50 wineries. Inniskillin is renowned for their ice wine, while Peller Estates wows with their wine and cheese pairings and tasting room made from ice.
Photos in order of appearance (top to bottom): Halekulani, AJ Feducia and Hawaii Tourism Authority, VisitPalmSprings.com, Korakia Pensione and Niagara Falls Tourism
Article originally ran in the Fall/Winter 2019 edition of Destination I Do's print magazine.
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Wedding Venues With A Perfect Outdoor Area
If you're looking to say 'I do' in the great outdoors, we can help! These wedding venues will provide you with the perfect outdoor area for your big day.
The post Wedding Venues With A Perfect Outdoor Area appeared first on Modern Wedding.
from Modern Wedding https://ift.tt/2KK1lJb
Just Engaged: Photo Shoot Vacay
If the idea of doing something special to commemorate your engagement sounds sweet to you, you're going to want to learn about Nicole and Brian's spontaneous Alaskan photo shoot. Bride, Nicole tells the story below:
"As a newly engaged couple looking to find the perfect photographer to capture our engagement and wedding day, we knew we had to reach out to Trisha Spencer with Xsperience Photography. Brian, my fiancé, and I had met Trisha two years prior when she photographed my sister and my brother-in-law's wedding. So, I had sent an inquiry to Trisha and we had arranged a time to meet. Of course, after grabbing a coffee, we began talking about our vision for our wedding day: style, timeline, inspiration, etc. Small talk about summer plans during our consultation had led me to share that we would be leaving for Alaska on a family trip in just a couple of months. My family had planned a bucket list trip to Alaska to celebrate my mom and dad's 30th wedding anniversary. Trisha jumped right on board. She had shared with us that Alaska was on her bucket list locations to photograph. She had just returned from Banff, Canada shortly before we met with her so the thought of her going on another trip so soon seemed out of the question.
We began talking details of the Alaska trip and it was just our luck that was one of Trisha's only open weekends that summer between all of her other weddings, events, and workshops she hosts. Brian and I had left our meeting with Trisha excited at the possibility of an Alaskan engagement session but knew that it likely wouldn't work out and we would continue with a local engagement session as originally planned. Later that evening, I had looked into flight information to Anchorage, Alaska during the time we would be on vacation. I sent some general trip information off to Trisha, and she eagerly responded with photo inspiration, outfit inspiration, and possible locations to shoot our session. Everything felt to just fall into place and before we knew it we were off to Alaska to shoot our engagement session! Without Trisha's eagerness to explore new places, spontaneous easy-going personality, and love for photography in special places, this photoshoot would've never become a reality. Now we have not only breathtaking engagement photos to share but also beautiful professional family photos as well!
Our wedding will take place in my hometown. Because we are staying local for our ceremony, it was so incredibly special to take Trisha and her talent with us to Alaska and capture our love in an entirely different setting.
The coolest part about taking photos with an Alaskan country backdrop was all of the exploring it allowed us all to do! Trisha and our family had an entire day before the shoot to wander, scope out beautiful scenery, and find some fun places to shoot. We took photos in three different locations. The locations we chose were a combination of all of our favorites that we had come across. The photos were so special to have because it allows us to look back and place ourselves right back in that moment and setting. As someone with a strong planner personality, I chose to personally plan our entire trip to Alaska. I had done extensive research on where we would be visiting, tours we would be doing, routes we would be taking, and places we would be staying. The majority of the planning for our family trip was completed when Trisha had made the decision to accompany us. I had looked up flight information for Trisha to give her an idea of the timeframe, cost, and length of her trip. Beyond looking up flights, Trisha took control of her own trip as well and invited her mom and daughter to accompany her. She found her very own little tiny house that they would stay in that was very close to the rental home that my family and I were staying in. Due to the spontaneous nature of this planning process, Brian and I had to quickly figure out the outfits that we would wear to best compliment ourselves, the projected scenery, and Trisha's photography. Trisha did send me a few outfit inspiration pictures and I had searched through Pinterest for inspiration as well! Ultimately, the logistics of the trip came together very naturally."
Consider taking an engagement photoshoot trip, according to Nicole and Brian's experience, you won't be sorry you did!
"As a newly engaged couple looking to find the perfect photographer to capture our engagement and wedding day, we knew we had to reach out to Trisha Spencer with Xsperience Photography. Brian, my fiancé, and I had met Trisha two years prior when she photographed my sister and my brother-in-law's wedding. So, I had sent an inquiry to Trisha and we had arranged a time to meet. Of course, after grabbing a coffee, we began talking about our vision for our wedding day: style, timeline, inspiration, etc. Small talk about summer plans during our consultation had led me to share that we would be leaving for Alaska on a family trip in just a couple of months. My family had planned a bucket list trip to Alaska to celebrate my mom and dad's 30th wedding anniversary. Trisha jumped right on board. She had shared with us that Alaska was on her bucket list locations to photograph. She had just returned from Banff, Canada shortly before we met with her so the thought of her going on another trip so soon seemed out of the question.
We began talking details of the Alaska trip and it was just our luck that was one of Trisha's only open weekends that summer between all of her other weddings, events, and workshops she hosts. Brian and I had left our meeting with Trisha excited at the possibility of an Alaskan engagement session but knew that it likely wouldn't work out and we would continue with a local engagement session as originally planned. Later that evening, I had looked into flight information to Anchorage, Alaska during the time we would be on vacation. I sent some general trip information off to Trisha, and she eagerly responded with photo inspiration, outfit inspiration, and possible locations to shoot our session. Everything felt to just fall into place and before we knew it we were off to Alaska to shoot our engagement session! Without Trisha's eagerness to explore new places, spontaneous easy-going personality, and love for photography in special places, this photoshoot would've never become a reality. Now we have not only breathtaking engagement photos to share but also beautiful professional family photos as well!
Our wedding will take place in my hometown. Because we are staying local for our ceremony, it was so incredibly special to take Trisha and her talent with us to Alaska and capture our love in an entirely different setting.
The coolest part about taking photos with an Alaskan country backdrop was all of the exploring it allowed us all to do! Trisha and our family had an entire day before the shoot to wander, scope out beautiful scenery, and find some fun places to shoot. We took photos in three different locations. The locations we chose were a combination of all of our favorites that we had come across. The photos were so special to have because it allows us to look back and place ourselves right back in that moment and setting. As someone with a strong planner personality, I chose to personally plan our entire trip to Alaska. I had done extensive research on where we would be visiting, tours we would be doing, routes we would be taking, and places we would be staying. The majority of the planning for our family trip was completed when Trisha had made the decision to accompany us. I had looked up flight information for Trisha to give her an idea of the timeframe, cost, and length of her trip. Beyond looking up flights, Trisha took control of her own trip as well and invited her mom and daughter to accompany her. She found her very own little tiny house that they would stay in that was very close to the rental home that my family and I were staying in. Due to the spontaneous nature of this planning process, Brian and I had to quickly figure out the outfits that we would wear to best compliment ourselves, the projected scenery, and Trisha's photography. Trisha did send me a few outfit inspiration pictures and I had searched through Pinterest for inspiration as well! Ultimately, the logistics of the trip came together very naturally."
Consider taking an engagement photoshoot trip, according to Nicole and Brian's experience, you won't be sorry you did!
Monday, April 27, 2020
Easy Wedding Workouts to Follow in Isolation
There is no better time than now to jump right into creating your dream wedding body! Follow these wedding workouts to cure you of your isolation boredom...
The post Easy Wedding Workouts to Follow in Isolation appeared first on Modern Wedding.
from Modern Wedding https://ift.tt/2W4vqsc
Planning Stress & DIY Self-Care
Let's face it, planning a destination wedding is no easy task, and being sheltered at home only makes you feel trapped with your own stress. Before letting the weight of stress overwhelm you, try creating a little spa time for yourself with these simple suggestions by the luxurious spas of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas.
These facial treatments each require just two ingredients, but the results will make you feel like you spent a day at the spa.
Tomato Face Mask
By: Garcia Alcorta, Spa Manager, Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort, Spain
Use this brightening mask to breathe life back into dull and lifeless skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes. Tomato helps brighten skin tone, cools and freshens skin, while honey has beneficial moisturizing properties.
Ingredients:
• ½ ripe tomato
• 1 Tbsp honey
Blend tomato with honey until it becomes a paste. Gently apply the paste to face avoiding the eye area and leave on for 15 minutes. Wash off with cold water and pat skin dry with a clean towel.
Cooling Cucumber & Yogurt Face Mask
By: Lucia McMallion, Director of Spa & Recreation, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, Thailand
The combination of cucumber and yogurt has a soothing effect on skin. The natural ingredients in cucumber moisturize, soften, smooth, and reduce puffiness, while yogurt is refreshing for tired skin.
Ingredients:
• Half a cucumber, grated
• Three Tbsp. of plain natural yogurt
Whip up a quick mask by combining yogurt and grated cucumber. Apply to face and neck and leave on for 20 minutes; and wash it off using cool water. Use this mask at least three times a week for fresh-faced results.
Eye DePuffer
By: Kanatcha Buntongkaew, Spa Manager, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, Thailand
A soothing and easy treat for the eyes. Parsley has active properties that help to diminish dark circles under the eyes and reduce puffiness. The frozen ice cube rubbed under the eyes also works to reduce the puffiness.
Ingredients
• Distilled Water
• Chopped parsley
Fill an ice cube tray with fresh water and add a pinch of parsley to each cube. Place in the freezer. Rub frozen cubes gently under the eyes to get rid of under-eye bags and fine lines around the eyes.
Coffee and Honey Face Scrub
By: Anantara Spa Director and Wellness Guru, Galina Antoniuk, Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort
Don’t throw away your coffee after you’ve ground it for your morning brew. Coffee is rich in anti-aging properties and honey keeps your skin moisturized.
Ingredients
• 1 Tbsp. coffee grounds
• 3 Tbsp. honey
Take a spoonful of the powder and mix it with honey. The sticky cream-like texture makes for a good scrub as well as a face wash. If you have dry skin, you can also add a few drops of coconut oil to the mix. If using as a scrub, keep on for 15 minutes before washing off.
Luscious Lips
By: Vina Teodoro, Spa Manager, Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort, Portugal
Quite often lips are overlooked and only tended to in cold dry weather when they become cracked and chapped. A lip scrub is a great way exfoliate and buff away dry skin. Make sure to hydrate with a next-level moisturizer to keep those lips luscious!
Ingredients:
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp lime juice
• 2 Tbsp honey (one for the scrub, one for the moisturizer)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
For the scrub, blend brown sugar, lime and honey together with a spoon until the mixture is consistent. Add a drop of flavored extract (vanilla or mint are good) to the mix (optional).
Use a toothbrush to apply the scrub to the lips. Spread the mix over the lips with light movements. Wash with warm water after 10 minutes.
Next step is to create a simple softening lip moisturizer with honey and olive oil. Add the 2 ingredients in a bowl and mix until completely blended. Apply the mix directly to the lips using fingers like a lip balm after the lip scrub and allow the lips absorb the mixture.
All Hair Mask Recipes are from Vina Teodoro, Spa Manager Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort, Portugal. Staying indoors with the air conditioning running or central heating on full blast can play havoc with your hair just as much as your skin. Follow these home remedies to show your mane some TLC.
Frizz-Reducing Hair Mask
Ingredients:
• 1 Avocado
• Olive Oil (1/4 Cup)
• 1 Lemon (juiced)
Steps:
• Mix all with an eggbeater until well blended
• Comb mixture through damp hair and let it set for 20 minutes
• Rinse with lukewarm water
Benefits of the Ingredients
• Avocado: Great source of vitamin E and good for treating dry hair
• Olive Oil: Strengthens hair, may tame frizz and reduce breakage
Hydrating Hair Mask
Ingredients:
• Natural Yogurt (1/4 Cup)
• Olive Oil (1/4 Cup)
• Honey (1 Tbsp)
• Lavender Oil (15 drops)
Steps:
• Mix all ingredients with an eggbeater until well blended
• Apply warm water to hair until it is totally damp
• Apply the mask and leave in for 15/20 minutes
• Rinse with lukewarm water
Benefits of the Ingredients:
• Yogurt: Adds protein to hair
• Olive Oil: Strengthens the hair
• Honey: Adds shine and softens the hair
• Lavender Oil: Helps with dandruff
Mask for Damaged Hair
Ingredients:
• Yogurt (1/4 Cup)
• Eggs (2)
• Coconut Oil (1/4 cup)
• Banana (1)
• Honey (1 Tbsp)
Steps:
• Place all the ingredients in a blender smooth and well-blended
• Apply on the hair and leave in for 15 minutes.
• Rinse out with lukewarm water.
Benefits of the Ingredients
• Eggs: Adds protein, the main component of hair
• Coconut Oil: Conditions hair
• Bananas: Promotes hair growth
Body Brushing
By: Bodina Qureshi, Spa Director, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort
A full-body exfoliation is the perfect pampering treatment to combat dry and dull skin leaving a beautiful glow – and the best part is you do not have to leave the comfort of your home to achieve this!
A combination of grated coconut, cinnamon and nutmeg with a sprinkle of salt makes for a beautiful body scrub with the perfect texture and an incredible scent. If you have some coconut oil hiding in your cupboards add some for extra moisture, but a little water will also create the perfect consistency. Nutmeg has long been used in herbal medicine as a treatment to sustain and promote skin appearance.
In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used for its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties decreasing the likelihood of infections and helping control sebum production. Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties and is a great addition to any combination with its bold flavor and scent.
Luxurious Vanilla Bath Bombs
By: Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort, Portugal
Ingredients:
• Baking Soda (8 oz)
• Citric Acid (4 oz)
• Cornstarch (4 oz)
• Epsom Salt (4 oz)
• Coconut Oil (2 Tbsp)
• Water (3/4 Tbsp)
• Vanilla Extract (2 Tbsp)
• Purple soap dry – This is any dry soap bar, shavings from the bar of soap should be used. Purple is the color suggested so that the bath bomb has a bright distinctive color. White soap shavings can also be used.
Directions:
• Mix the baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and Epsom salt with an eggbeater.
• In a separate bowl, mix the coconut oil, water, vanilla extract, and purple soap shavings with an eggbeater.
• When the two mixers are ready, add the second one to the first mix slowly and always mixing with a spoon.
• Place the mix in cupcake molds.
• Chill in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
• Take a finished mold and add to your bath water for a soothing soak.
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Aberdeenshire, Scotland Real Wedding
What happens when the senior editor of a national destination wedding magazine gets engaged after twelve years of dating? She elopes to a castle in Scotland, naturally. 
“Having worked and traveled for Destination I Do for nine years, a hometown wedding was never in the cards for me. Over the years, Zach has gotten to travel with me and agreed we should start our married life together in a new and exciting part of the world,” says Courtney.
Having dreamed of her wedding day for a while, she didn’t want to deal with the countless particulars and trappings of a traditional wedding. “I was also eager to get the show on the road, so-to-speak, and selected a wedding date only six months away. An elopement made this short time frame much more manageable,” says Courtney.
Family and friends were “amazingly supportive” and gave them the freedom to pursue the event that reflected Courtney and Zach’s desires. “Obviously our friends and family, especially our moms, would have loved to visit Scotland and stay in a castle, but understood our reasoning and supported our plan. They knew how long we had waited for this day and wanted it to be everything we had always dreamed of.”
Apparently, Jon Snow does know a thing or two. Courtney was following the “Game of Thrones” actor’s real-life wedding to his costar and discovered Aberdeenshire. “Once I started researching the ‘Castle Country of Scotland,’ I was sold,” recalls the bride.
Her single worry about eloping was not having loved ones around leading up to and on the wedding day. “This was another reason why I suggested Scotland as our destination. I wanted to make sure we were surrounded by vendors who we could rely on and felt more like friends than business associates. I knew in my heart that the Scottish people would be warm, welcoming and make us feel right at home. This was exactly the case.”
With her hand-selected wedding vendors in place, Drumtochty Castle as their backdrop, a dream-like floral ensconced aisle to float down, a bag piper serenading and a Humanist officiant uniting them, Courtney and Zach made their commitment to each other official. Their ceremony was a true reflection of them with an emphasis on a partnership based on mutual respect with a desire to live a compassionate life together.
After the couple said their destination “I do’s,” they enjoyed a first dance and cake cutting. They then headed out to the fish and chip truck their wedding planner had arranged along with a Prosecco van. “We spent our wedding night sitting around the fire drinking whisky, playing pool and taking photos.”
One unexpected add-on Courtney insisted on was a sunrise photo shoot the morning after the wedding. “All our vendors were a bit shocked when I suggested it, but I thought watching the sunrise over 15th century castle ruins on the Scottish coast would be an amazing way to start our married life!”
Vendors: Photographer: Fern Photography; Wedding Planner: Lisa Bauer with Tartan Weddings; Reception/Ceremony Site: Drumtochty Castle; Videographer: Olive & Thistle; Florist: Hay’s Flowers; Humanist Celebrant: Halde Pottinger, facebook.com/humanisthalde, Hair & Makeup: Tiphanie Duncan; Bagpiper & Ceremony Music: Rich Gordon; Food Truck: The Bay Fish and Chips in Stonehaven; Prosecco Cart: Juniper & Grape; Cake: Vicky Irvine with For The Love O Cakes; Vintage Car: Eagle Wedding Cars; Bride’s Gown: Martina Liana (Style #874) from Marieé Bridal; Scottish Tartan Wrap (Purple): Joyce Young; Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka; Bride’s Hair Vine: Twigs & Honey (Style #408); Bride’s Bracelet: “Morning Dew” from BHLDN; Bride’s Earrings: Ayajewellery from Etsy
This article first appeared in Destination I Do's Fall/Winter 2019 issue. You can order a copy here.
Saturday, April 25, 2020
MW Quiz: Find Out What Your Isolation Vibe Is
So you're stuck inside, which means something different for everyone! Are you being productive? Sleeping all day? Find out what your isolation vibe is here
The post MW Quiz: Find Out What Your Isolation Vibe Is appeared first on Modern Wedding.
from Modern Wedding https://ift.tt/2VVzvPq
An Ideal Wedding by the Numbers
By Zoya Gervis
Americans’ ideal wedding costs over $42K, according to new research. A poll of 2,000 Americans (aged 18–55) who plan on getting married found the perfect wedding would cost $42,310.48 total. For their ideal wedding, Americans desire an open bar. Sixty-one percent would have free drinks at their dream wedding. In addition, 44% would want formal attire for their wedding and 48% revealed they want a band instead of a DJ at their wedding.
The study, commissioned by Minted Weddings, examined the wedding features that make up the perfect wedding and discovered 48% envision something different than the traditional wedding celebration.
From flowers and colors to who gives a speech and how long it lasts, Americans are opinionated when it comes to their ideal wedding. Nearly half (49%) of respondents say white is a color they definitely want to include in their wedding, while a further 36% are unafraid of having black as part of their color scheme. And when it comes to flowers, roses top the list of wedding flowers (50%) followed by tulips (36%), lilies (35%) and baby’s breath (31%) — with gardenias (28%) rounding out the top five. Three in 10 said they’d prefer a more modern theme over the traditional church bells and a ballroom.
But how many people would be in attendance at Americans’ dream wedding? Just under 100 — the average respondent revealed their ideal wedding would be comprised of 92 guests in total. In order to make sure those 92 guests have the most up-to-date information, many respondents believe a website is important. In fact, 72% of those studied agree that guests rely on a wedding website to provide the necessary information to plan their trip accordingly.
"Building out wedding solutions allows design-oriented couples to bring their wedding dreams to life," said a spokesperson for Minted. "Couples are looking for a website that provides up-to-date information for their wedding weekend."
Americans are not ready to compromise for their dream wedding. Two in five said the venue was a non-negotiable for their ideal wedding. Besides the location of the celebration, 39% revealed cake was a priority for them while a further 34% said having a best man’s speech was something they aren’t willing to go without. And those aren’t the only wedding priorities Americans have when it comes to their dream day. A third (33%) will not compromise on the type of music played. Speeches were also a priority — 46% of respondents said the father of the bride would give a speech, while a further 43% said a mother of the bride speech is essential at their dream wedding. But everyone’s speech should be a tight 10 minutes or less, according to the respondents.
"Couples planning a wedding want stationery that is uniquely designed and one-of-a-kind," said a spokesperson for Minted. "From wedding websites and address collections to save the dates and seating charts, we always put design first so every couple can find their dream wedding stationery.”
Friday, April 24, 2020
How To Make The Most Of Lockdown With Your Partner
Coronavirus can put an immense strain on your relationship, these tips can strengthen your bond in making the most of lockdown with your partner...
The post How To Make The Most Of Lockdown With Your Partner appeared first on Modern Wedding.
from Modern Wedding https://ift.tt/3bCXFEX
How to be a Body Positive Bride
The topic of body positivity is near and dear to my heart. Having struggled and recovered from an eating disorder and negative body image, encouraging women (and men) to find peace with their bodies is something I truly take delight in. And, for all of you brides out there hoping to look like a movie star on your wedding day, I’m here to tell you, not diets nor workouts will ever truly make you love your body unconditionally. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Liris Crosse, dubbed "The Body" and "The Naomi Campbell of Plus," is a model, actress and pioneer in the fashion industry for full-figured and African American women. Crosse is also the spokesperson for Maggie Sottero Bridal, making her the perfect interviewee to encourage all brides to feel confident and sexy before, during and long after their wedding days.
Q: What got you started modeling in the bridal industry?
A: For years, I was doing prom wear but at some point, you outgrow that! My agent at the time sent me to a casting for the prestigious Kleinfeld Bridal a few years ago. I went and the dresses just fit me so awesome and I felt like a queen. I became the buzz of some of their events because I represented diversity in size and race, something not usually represented in bridal. Then Maggie Sottero got word of me on a referral from bridal boutique Curvaceous Couture Bridal out of my home state of Maryland. They booked me for their E-comm shoot and the dresses fit like a glove. It was literally like a Cinderella story. They decided to use me for their runway shows for all their market weeks and included me in their campaigns. People started to notice and appreciate the diversity being shown. I must say we've been consistently pushing the pedal to the medal in the past two years together and it's helped brides see a piece of themselves when shopping for their special day! The feedback from stores and brides via my social media or in-person has brought me to tears some days. Representation matters!
Q: It's easy for brides to be critical of their bodies going into the hunt for a wedding dress. What would you say to brides to encourage them before diving into that experience?
A: Be kind to yourself. Remember, your partner already loves you just the way you are when they got down on one knee to propose. Of course, you are free to make changes to you as you see fit, but love and accept yourself at this very moment. Know that you're already loved for who you are as a person and not your size or shape. Don't let friends or family's opinions sway you to feel a certain way about your body either. Brides learn a lot about who their friends and family are during this process. Call ahead to make sure the different bridal boutiques have a sample close to your size to try on. It helps mentally. Also, a word to the wise, wedding gown sizing is two sizes bigger than your usual dress size, so don't get caught up in the numbers when trying on. Remember the boutique is there to help you look and feel good in your dress no matter what size you are, so find the dress of your dreams!
Q: What do you wish could be changed or improved about the fashion wedding industry?
A: I wish there were more samples of various sizes for brides to try on when they go into a boutique. It's no fun when a bride is a size 20 and she has to hold a size 6 dress up to imagine what she'll look like in it. These things can play with your mind if you let it. The average woman in the USA is a size 14/16 and women get married all the time, so why aren't plus size bridal models shown on the regular? You hardly see models of color in bridal and if so it's just one. Women of all sizes and races get married every day so we must do better about the representation. That's why it's been such a big deal with my representation within the bridal market. You get the best of both worlds with me.
Q: If you could tell a bride who is struggling with feeling confident in their body anything, what would it be?
A: In my book, "Make The World Your Runway", I talk about my keys to confidence and success. I feel every bride should be able to make the aisle their runway on their special day. Tap into your Liris inspiration! Confidence is a major factor of it. Remember your body and size don't define you. YOU define you by your heart, mind and works. You are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. He doesn't make junk, you're a designer's original just as you are. You should feel confidently successful at the fact that you already hit the love jackpot with someone who sees the inner and outer beauty of who you are. Also if we want to get technical, health is more important than size. You can be plus-size and be healthy just like you can be skinny and be unhealthy. Focus on being your healthiest for your special day if anything so you can be ready for that first dance and for exercising in the bedroom for that honeymoon! Enjoy your day ladies! Make the world and the aisle your runway!
Following Liris Crosse’s advice, we decided to share with you the new campaign imagery from Morilee’s Julietta Collection exclusively for plus size brides in celebration of curvy women & dresses that promote self-confidence! See some of our favorites below:
Images courtesy of (in order of appearance): Amazon & Morilee by Madeline Gardner
Thursday, April 23, 2020
21 Wedding Dresses That Will Have You Shining Down The Aisle
Check out these sparkling wedding gowns that are simply stunning and will have you shining your way down the aisle on your big day!
The post 21 Wedding Dresses That Will Have You Shining Down The Aisle appeared first on Modern Wedding.
from Modern Wedding https://ift.tt/2S1MSMG
Duke Chapel Real Wedding
In situations with a couple’s family and friends spread across the country, there is often no natural central location. This was the case for Caitlin and Jeremy, so they decided to open up their options for a ‘destination’ wedding, as most guests would have to travel anyway.
College sweethearts, Caitlin and Jeremy, felt a special connection to Durham, North Carolina. Duke held so many precious memories for the couple, and they had several friends who were also alumni of the institution.
“Other friends and family were excited to see Durham and the place where our relationship started,” the couple says.
The cherry on top, an October wedding meant their southerner guests would get to experience fall weather and northerners could escape the cold for a weekend. When the couple broke the news to their guests, they weren’t expecting what came next. Jeremy’s family was so excited, they actually planned an impromptu family reunion in the area the week before the wedding, which helped alleviate travel concerns and pushed up attendance. The destination couldn’t have been more of a perfect choice, but that would only be the beginning of their wedding planning journey.
“Having a local wedding planner was absolutely necessary,” Caitlin says. The couple got in touch with a planner from the Raleigh/Durham area who made great vendor suggestions, coordinated visits, and took care of errands that had to be done in Durham.
“While the internet had plenty of lists of vendors with any number of reviews, it really helped to have an insider’s perspective,” the bride says.
At first, the couple had trouble lining up dates for Duke Chapel and venues around town. Duke Chapel allows reservations on a rolling, monthly basis one year in advance. Many couples even place holds on reception venues in the area well in advance for multiple weekends.
“We were so busy enjoying just being engaged that we didn’t move fast enough at first. Luckily, we were not in a hurry and by pure luck an evening time slot on a weekend in October happened to be available at Duke Chapel that matched an opening with our preferred reception venue in the heart of the American Tobacco Campus in downtown Durham,” Caitlin and Jeremy say.
The couple also made sure the travel and transportation logistics for their guests was buttoned up. They booked a hotel room block that would accommodate a majority of guests. Although Durham is a smaller city, it still has plenty of options for accommodations, so the couple was able to easily make recommendations for guests for whom the hotel block didn’t work.
“We chose a hotel within walking distance of the rehearsal dinner and reception venue, and provided bus transportation to and from the chapel, which ensured guests would not have to rent cars for the weekend or take Ubers on the day of the wedding,” the bride says.
Putting aside the emotional nature of the destination, when the weekend of their wedding arrived, Caitlin and Jeremy felt like guests were more present. Having a wonderful attendance at drinks on Friday night and then again at a going away brunch on Sunday morning, guests got to intermingle and enjoy the coming together of two families.
Sufficed to say, Caitlin and Jeremy’s wedding weekend went off without a hitch. The couple points to their local wedding planner for such success as they were incredibly valuable and relieved a huge amount of stress out of planning their destination wedding. In addition, they advise taking a slow pace to planning, as it allotted them extra time to foresee any snags in the plans and fix them before it was too late.
Ultimately, Caitlin and Jeremy say to “be sure that you take time to step back and enjoy your destination during the wedding weekend, that’s the whole reason you chose it.”
Vendors: Photographer: A.J. Dunlap Photography; Wedding Planner: Happily Ever After; Ceremony Site: Duke University Chapel; Reception Site: Bay 7; Florist: New Creations; Stationery: Indigo Envelope; Cake: Cinda’s Creative Cakes; Hair & Makeup: WINK hair+makeup; Gown Designer: Essence of Australia; Groom’s Clothing Designer: The Black Tux; Bridesmaids Clothing Designer: Azazie; Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: The Black Tux; Catering: Angus Barn; Band: The Company Band; Rentals: CE Rental & Greenhouse Picker Sisters; Transportation: Greenway Transit
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Mother’s Day Gifts You Can Order Online
Do you need Mother's Day gift ideas for your mum? We got you covered! Here's some ideas for every budget...and you can order them all online!
The post Mother’s Day Gifts You Can Order Online appeared first on Modern Wedding.
from Modern Wedding https://ift.tt/3bvRq5B
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)