BIG DAY - Wedding Guide
Transcription
BIG DAY - Wedding Guide
Wedding Spring | Summer 2014 GUIDE Inspiration FOR THE BIG DAY GLAM gowns BEAUTIFUL bouquets UNIQUE vows FAB favors HOT vendors plus REAL NEW YORK WEDDINGS! Marine Florists FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED Over 100 Years In Business and Decorators Like us on Bridal Package 399 $ Ceremony Package Includes: • 1 Bride’s Bouquet • 3 Bridesmaid’s Bouquets • 2 Corsages • 5 Boutonnieres 299 $ Includes: • 2 Altar Arrangements On Stands • 8 Pew Bouquets, Flowers & Bow We Can Custom Make Your Floral or Silk Arrangement * Other Packages Available For Every Budget Reception Package 399 $ Includes: • 10 Table Centerpieces Wedding Consultations By Appointment Only Enhance your wedding day with creative elegance Let us provide the floral decor for your ceremony & reception 1995 Flatbush Ave. • 718-338-3600 Toll Free 1-800-447-6730 - Visit us online www.marineflorists.com Open 7 days • We deliver everywhere local & worldwide • Parking available behind Chase bank Visit Our Spectacular Showroom BSB Bridal StyleS Boutique Exquisite Headpieces, Veils & Jewelry Largest Selection of Unique Headpieces, Veils, Jewelry and Accessories 905 Avenue U • Brooklyn, NY (718) 339-3222 www.BridalStylesBoutique.com facebook.com/bridalstyles For a Truly Special Event, Choose a Spectacular Setting. For wedding receptions, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and special events of every kind, we offer historic venues that have been beautifully renovated and restored. Two ideal settings for intimate gatherings or larger parties of up to 400 guests at Dyker Beach Golf Course or 200 Guests at Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Courses. You can be sure that your event will be unforgettable from beginning to end. For more information please go to www.nycevents.americangolf.com Dyker Beach Golf Course 718.836.9722 x 1 catering@nyceventsdyker.com Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Courses 718.885.1258 x 224 catering@nyceventspelham.com contents 20 REAL WEDDINGS 48 GARDEN FETE You’re invited to a wedding in a rustic secret garden 52 BIG, FAT GEEK WEDDING Spectacled sweethearts throw a cool, riverfront ceremony 58 WHERE THE HEART IS A soft, romantic wedding at New Jersey’s Liberty House Restaurant DETAILS 10 UNIQUE TWEAKS Want a weding that no one will ever forget? Get creative with the details 12 YOU IN BLOOMS Choose a bouquet that reflects your personal style 16 TRADITIONS TRANSLATED The origins behind throwing rice, wearing white, and breaking glass 20 RICE SWAP Update a convention with a fun, green option 24 FAVORITE FAVORS Parting gifts that your guests will really love 58 ADVICE 28 UNEARTHING A GEM Tips on how to find an exceptional wedding venue 24 34 THE BIG PICTURE Photographers explain how to take quality engagement photos 38 WILL YOU MARRY US? How a friend or family member can become a legally ordained minister PHOTOS: RYAN BRENIZER PHOTOGRAPHY (TOP), EMILY G PHOTOGRAPHY (BOTTOM) STYLE 40 RETROPOLITAN New York brides love dresses with a dash of vintage glamour 10 46 UNVEILED Not feeling a veil? There is a variety of alternative accessories EXTRAS 6 WEDDING CHECKLIST 64 LOUD VOWS Offbeat quotes that will grab everyone’s attention Wedding GUIDE Published by PUBLISHER Clifford Luster VP ADVERTISING Ralph D’Onofrio SPECIAL SECTIONS MANAGER On Man Tse Courier Life Publications 1 MetroTech Center N. • 10th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 260–2500 EDITOR Elyse Wanshel COPY EDITOR ADVERTISING SALES DEPUTY EDITOR Courtney Donahue ART DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTORS CREATIVE DIRECTOR Meredith Deliso | Elizabeth Michaelson Ily Goyanes | Gina Tron Ali Osworth | Andrew Linderman Shavana Abruzzo Leah Mitch Cheryl Seligman PRODUCTION STAFF Arthur Arutyunov | Raymond Cho Mauro Deluca | Yvonne Farley Earl Ferrer | John Napoli Mariel Perez | Klajdi Robo Vince DiMiceli Laura Cangiano | Jeanne Eisenhardt Suzanne Green | Rami Hauzenberg Andrew Mark | Jay Pelc | Sherri Rossi Stephanie Stellaccio | Kathy Wenk COVER PHOTO BY JACOB ARTHUR STUDIO Spring | Summer 2014 | 3 Advertisement Celebrate Your Love in Paradise www.theparadisecateringhall.com P Capture the memories with beautiful settings like this. The lobby has been totally redone. 4 | Wedding Guide aradise just keeps getting better and better. And choosing the venue for your special occasions gets easier and easier, thanks to the Paradise Catering Hall (51 Avenue U, at the corner of West 11th Street; 718-372-4352). Celebrating your special moments here means having the total attention and expertise of the staff focused exclusively on your affair. But more than this, now is a wondrous time to discover or re-discover this exceptional catering hall. After a stunning re-modeling of their the grand ballroom, management recently spared no expense when they completely re-did the facility’s grand lobby as well as the luxuriously appointed bridal suite, now done up with marble and granite accents for a look of timeless elegance. They match the walls of marble and granite in the ballroom — which itself sports one of the largest chandeliers in all of Brooklyn — giving you just a brief inkling into what they have in store for you and your guests. Come and see the grandeur for yourself. But this is only one reason to choose Paradise. Here, they accept only a single function at any one time. There’s no splitting of the resources between two or three or even more affairs. When you book Paradise, you get the skills and expertise of every person there, on scene and behind the scenes to assure that your event runs flawlessly. This sort of ultimate personalized attention starts the very minute you discover Paradise. At this facility, you don’t deal with some salesman. You deal directly with one of the owners, Hercules, or his son, Mike. And why is this so essential? Quite simply, they have a vested interest in making you happy, not just in making a sale. They know their business depends on wordof-mouth recommendations and on the special days yet to come in your life and the lives of your family. Thus, they will do everything in their power to be certain that the affair you have imagined is transformed into reality under the skilled hands of themselves and their staff. That’s the secret of 718-372-4352 their longevity and of their success. The lavish party room, which can be made intimate enough for parties of 100, or grand enough to host a spectacular of up to 400, is marked by a central chandelier that will take your breath away. It is the focal point for a magnificent space done up in sophisticated pinks and reds, with mirrored accents that lend a touch of infinity to the already expansive area. The re-done, picture perfect bridal room is large, romantic and very feminine, accommodating up to 15 in easy comfort, with wall-to-wall mirrors. Ideal photographic locales are assured in this world of environments, which also includes an intimate private garden area, a uniquely designed water fountain, as well as a host of fine, white wroughtiron work. Can even Paradise become better? Of course it can. And they proved that when they totally renovated the large lobby area, adding a regal touch to this space, as well. Whether it be the wedding, engagement party or any other affair, plan it at Paradise and the bottom line will put a very big smile on your face. But every month promises your ideal affair at the Paradise. Service is top flight, with the uniformed staff a longtime part of the Paradise family. These are full-time professionals who know their business; not weekend teens learning the trade. And when it comes to the food, the chefs are world class. Whatever you can find in the cookbooks, they can serve at the table. They offer an added expertise in all manner of ethnic cooking. Add to that everything is cooked from scratch right on the premises to assure the highest in quality control. Don’t you want to celebrate those once-in-alifetime days in Paradise? The catering office is open Tuesday through Sunday, 1 – 9 p.m. Note that the facilities are also available during the weekdays for all types of social meetings and functions. For the further convenience of your guests, Paradise also can provide free valet parking. Serving the Tri-State Area for 90 Years The finest in floral designs that will add an extra touch of flair to make your special day more memorable! www.HenrysFloristWeddingEvents.com Ceremony Package Reception Package #1 • 2 Alter Baskets • 8 Pew Bouquets, Bow and Flowers • 1 Runner • 10 Low Table Centerpieces $ Reception Package #2 24999 $ • 10 Low Table Centerpieces 39999 $ Bridal Package Bronze Wedding Package #1 • • • • • • • • • • 1 Bride 1 Maid of Honor 3 Bridesmaids 1 Flower Girl 2 Mothers Corsages 8 Boutonnieres 2 Altar Baskets 8 Pew Bows & Flowers 1 Runner 10 High Centerpieces with Pedstals • 1 Dais • 1 Place Card Table and much more 1,49999 $ • • • • • • 1 Bride’s Bouquet 1 Maid of Honor Bouquet 3 Bridesmaid’s Bouquets 1 Flower Girl Bouquet 7 Boutonnieres 2 Corsages $ 34999 • 10 Table Centerpieces w/Pedestals w/Choice of 2 Dz. Roses or Mixed Flower Arrangements • 1 Dais Centerpiece • 1 Cake Decoration 59999 Gold Wedding Package #3 • • • • • • • • • • 1 Bride 1 Maid of Honor 4 Bridesmaids 1 Flower Girl 2 Mothers Corsages 10 Boutonnieres 2 Altar Baskets 10 Pew Bows & Flowers 1 Runner 15 High Centerpieces with Pedstals • 1 Dais • 1 Cake and much more 1,99999 8103 Fifth Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11209 www.HenrysFlorist.com www.HenrysFloristWeddingEvents.com henrysflorist@gmail.com Reception Package #3 $ Silver Wedding Package #2 $ 24999 • • • • • • • • • • 1 Bride 1 Maid of Honor 5 Bridesmaids 1 Flower Girl 2 Mothers Corsages 10 Boutonnieres 2 Altar Baskets 12 Pew Bows & Flowers 1 Runner 20 High Centerpieces with Pedstals • 1 Dais • 1 Place Card Table and much more 3,49999 $ no rental fee on pedestals 800.543.6797 718.238.3838 wedding checklist It is exciting to get down on your knee to propose to your future wife — but the minute you do so, you start a countdown that won’t reach zero until you are on your honeymoon. To properly plan, use our handy wedding checklist below: ■■ First, decide on a ceremony and reception site. Make sure right away if it can accommodate all your needs. ■■ Set the date. ■■ Decide on a caterer if catering on-site is unavailable. ■■ Begin shopping for your attire. ■■ Start shopping for attendants’ attires. ■■ Decide who will play important roles in your wedding like best man, maid of honor, flower girl, and ring bearer. ■■ If using a wedding consultant, meet and provide her or him with your vision of the wedding day. Remember, that person also works for you, not the other way around. ■■ Begin search for wedding bands. ■■ Hire a florist. Again, remember that this person works for you, so make sure you are happy with the florist’s approach. A true pro will help you work out table settings, extra flowers for wedding party members, etc. ■■ Hire a photographer and a videographer. Make sure you like their work, they understand your vision, and that you feel a sense of chemistry with this person, as the resulting photos will not capture the love you feel if the photographer does not feel it. ■■ Look into wedding-day transportation. Do you want a limo, horse and carriage, limo bus? ■■ Begin drafting your guest list. ■■ Keep it fun — wedding planning is stressful, but not if you’re on the same page and have fun with it. 6–9 months out ■■ Discuss the menu with caterer. ■■ Finalize wedding day transportation. ■■ Book band, musicians, or DJ service. ■■ Purchase wedding bands and engrave a special saying. 6 | Wedding Guide ■■ Set up your wedding registry. ■■ Purchase accessories, shoes, and undergarments for first fitting. ■■ Ask friends to be key players. Key players are trustworthy pals on whom you can rely for crucial tasks. The key players are not part of the immediate wedding party since they will be busy with photo shoots. ■■ Fine-tune the guest list. Remember, this is your day, not theirs. You are under no obligation to invite anyone who might ruin your day. ■■ Compile addresses of guests. Mail savethe-date cards to out-of-town guests. ■■ Search for wedding favors. ■■ Consider honeymoon spots. Call travel agencies for best packages. Keep having fun with the process. 4–6 months out ■■ Begin searching for hair and makeup artists. ■■ Complete the guest list. ■■ Order invitations and other stationery. Think about what “look” and wording you want. ■■ Book wedding-day transportation. ■■ Book hotel for wedding night, if applicable. » Photos: Jacob arthur studio (top), Lindsay Taryn photography (bottom) 12 months before the big day one of the moSt important dayS of your life is the day you say Let Flushing Town Hall make your wedding day one to remember. Our onsite event planner is here to make all of your dreams reality. Our indoor and outdoor spaces are available for wedding ceremonies, receptions, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and more. Schedule an appointment today 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY, 11354 Call us at 718-463-0443 www.flushingtownhallweddings.com Spring | Summer 2014 | 7 ■■ Write a toast for the rehearsal dinner. ■■ Pack for the honeymoon. ■■ Leave honeymoon itinerary with someone in case of emergency. One day out ■■ Double-check that you have packed your clothes and other personal items for the next day. ■■ De-stress your body. Consider deep breathing and other relaxation exercises such as yoga. ■■ Allocate enough time to have fun with out-of-town guests. ■■ Enjoy your rehearsal dinner. ■■ Select and order the cake. Be sure to have a topper that represents you and your spouse as a couple. ■■ Continue to compile a list of duties for key players. ■■ Mail hotel and city information to out-oftown guests. ■■ Complete insurance issues, such as coverage for the rings, as needed. ■■ Remind your fiance to order gown or suit. ■■ Let the DJ or band know of special songs you would like played at the ceremony and reception. ■■ Purchase wedding favors. 2–4 months out ■■ Get your marriage license application. ■■ Mail out invitations. Hint: make sure to number each invitation, because people often forget to write their name on the response card. This way, you can track it. ■■ Gather all necessary travel documents such as passports and visas. Get immunizations for honeymoon if necessary. ■■ Finalize menu. ■■ Finalize ceremony and reception music. ■■ Finalize favors or create your own. ■■ Buy thank-you gifts for wedding party and key players. ■■ Book your hair and makeup artists. ■■ Book times for fittings. Bring your accessories. Aim to schedule hair and makeup trial on the same day to get a look at the complete package. ■■ Begin finalizing seating arrangements. ■■ Begin to plan receiving line, timeline, and itinerary of the day. ■■ Purchase guest book, cake knife, champagne glasses, garters, etc. ■■ Keep having fun with the process. It is nuts! You are getting married! 8 | Wedding Guide 4–8 weeks out ■■ Have fun. ■■ Tackle applicable legal matters, such as name changes. Overall tips ■■ Finalize list of must-have photos. Give a copy to photographer and key players. ■■ Complete seating plan as RSVPs arrive. ■■ Finalize songs for the ceremony and reception. ■■ Get a pre-wedding trim and spa treatment so you feel your best during this stressful time. ■■ Write your vows. Let the officiant know of any readings or other special requests. ■■ Confirm date for rehearsal. ■■ Finalize list of responsibilities for key players and wedding party. ■■ Have a friendly get-together with everyone and distribute responsibilities. ■■ Book time for final fitting. ■■ Arrange a rehearsal dinner one or two days before the wedding. Invite wedding party and key players. ■■ Confirm honeymoon plans. ■■ Make checklist of items to bring for the honeymoon. ■■ Finalize receiving line, timeline, and itinerary of the day. 2–3 weeks out ■■ Finalize seating plan. Call guests who have not returned RSVPs. ■■ Have your final fitting. ■■ If you have a gown, pick it up and hang it in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. ■■ Confirm details with all vendors. ■■ Arrange times for key players to pick up items they are responsible for. No matter what kind of wedding you are having, hundreds of years of human experience offers some tried-and-true tips for making sure your big day is the best day it can be. Here are some: •• Trust your wedding party and key players. •• Laughter is the best beauty tip. A smile goes a long way. •• Remember to implement the stressbuster techniques you and your fiance agreed to use. •• Always tell your loved one why you love him. •• Assume that about 20 percent of your guest list will not attend, so invite extras accordingly. •• Walk around in your wedding shoes before the big day so that they are properly broken in. •• Plan a special dinner with your partner without any wedding talk. Just relax and enjoy a night together. n Photos: erica Camille photography (top), Kristina Hill photography (bottom) ■■ Make time to spend alone with your partner. Soak up the moment together. Easily accessible from all five boroughs, New Jersey & Long Island, The Vanderbilt at South Beach has been designed to offer the latest in technological and comfort amenities with stunning surroundings. With dramatic ocean views, relaxing natural acoustics, and truly magnificent vista of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, our facility is the perfect setting for your wedding day. 300 Father Capodanno Blvd Staten Island, NY 718.447.0800 VanderbiltSouthBeach.com Our facility offers an ideal banquet location for Weddings, Family Celebrations and more. As you plan your special event, our professional catering consultants will guide you through the entire process and will make your event both one of a kind and memorable. Our great service, signature cuisine and beautiful banquet facility guarantees that your guests will be talking about their wonderful experience for years to come. 200 Huguenot Avenue Staten Island, NY 718.356.2771 GrandOaksNYC.com Details W e have all been to weddings: a bride in white walks down the aisle, the couple recites vows, there is a reception with cake, and someone’s granny has a few too many and busts a move to “Baby’s Got Back.” Wash, repeat, yawn. Yet, there are always those ceremonies that seem to defy cliché — your friend who used Jenga blocks as her guest book, your cool cousin who took his wed1 tweaks What makes your love special can make your wedding exceptional BY elyse wanshel ding party tubing pre-nuptials, and your sister who tied the knot underwater — in a shark tank. These ceremonies, though unique, have one very important thing in common — they relied on personalization. Your friend met her husband at a boardgame night, your cousin and his wife’s last name is “Rivers,” and your sister and brother-in-law are avid scuba divers — and marine biologists. So if the term “cookie-cutter” makes you shudder, leave your fingerprint on your guests’ wedding psyche by looking to something truly rare for inspiration — your love. n 3 4 5 1 If you share a mutual love for classic tunes, hire a DJ who spins vinyl . 2 Nothing can be sweeter than putting a mini-me version of your new family atop of your wedding cake. 3 Laid-back board-gamers? Try a picnic cocktail hour of beers and Cards Against Humanity instead of hors d’oeuvres and champagne in a lounge. 4 Have your guests add their personal touches with an interactive guest book. 5 Use a vintage taxicab for transportation to express your love for the Big Apple. 10 | Wedding Guide Photos: Lisa Berry Photography (1), Erica Camille photography (2), Kristina Hill photography (3), emily g photography (4), William Chang Photography (5) 2 In-Salon Bridal Service In Salon Bridal Service for you and your party including all our special amenities to start your day off just right. Prices starting at 185.00pp Bridal On-Site Visit 210.00+ Bride 185.00+ per guest Formal styling of hair and professional makeup application for the bride and minimum of three other persons. 395.00+ on site fee. Beautiful Bridal Party 165.00 per guest Suggested 1 week prior to wedding • A.F. BENNETT Manicure • A.F. BENNETT Pedicure • 30 Minute Massage • Blow Dry Styling • Touch Up of Makeup Bride-To-Be 220.00 • Private Herbal Steam Shower • A.F. BENNETT Massage • Gentle Facial • French Manicure • Spa Pedicure • Kérastase Hair Treatment • Blow Dry Styling 350 New Dorp Lane | Staten Island, New York | 718.979.9000 | afbennett.com follow us DETAILS blooms JACOB ARTHUR STUDIO YOU IN Choose a bouquet that reflects your personal style Y our wedding flowers are firmly planted in the lush garden of tradition — but they also offer a great opportunity to represent your emotions and values on your big day. What you clasp in your hands is a primordial rite that has remained largely unchanged for generations, though in the past, the nuptial tradition called for pungent herbs and spices to ward off evil spirits. 12 | Wedding Guide Your blooms will be scrutinized and remembered by your guests — trust us — so have them reflect your personality and complement your color scheme. Don’t restrict your wedding palette to colorful pastels; experts say you can do anything you want, as long as the flower is fresh. “The first thing I ask customers is what kind of flowers are they looking for,” says BY SHAVANA ABRUZZO Margaret Yven, owner of Petite Fleur in Prospect Heights. To assist them, Yven takes a trip to the wedding venue and then creates a custom bouquet, cascading with domestic and European buds, including dahlias, hydrangeas, peonies, and tulips — all favorites. If you’re aching for an autumn wedding, but want to add a summery splash, » Advertisement Verrazano has all the essentials for the perfect wedding E ven the most ornate of weddings begins with the invitations, and while the bride and groom are the recipients of the gifts, they are also the bearers of presents for all those who have helped in so many ways to make the day a perfect one. Whatever your needs in this area, they will surely be fulfilled to all your expectations at Verrazano Gift and Bridal (1205 86th Street, corner of 12th Avenue; 238-2722). Starting with the invitations, the store offers literally hundreds of styles from which too chose, from bold to the most traditional, elegant to sophisticated. If you can’t find it here, it probably hasn’t been designed. In terms of favors, there is no one to compare. Come and be bedazzled by some 200 different favors culled from around the country and the world. With a price range starting at $1.50 and up, there are more than a few items that will satisfy both the taste and budget of anyone. Armani dolls are irresisible, as are the custom-made bridesmaids and bridal dolls. Choose from prestigious names and fine manufacturers. There is a gamut of delights: from picture frames to crystal bowls. There are a host of items imported direct from the top designers of Italy, from napkin holders to jewelry boxes, frames to salt and pepper shakers. And certainly the low prices include personalization and lovely packaging of the favors. From the shower-signing book to the wishing wells and umbrellas (available for rental or purchase), Verrazano has what you crave. The store is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; until 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Other hours accommodated by appointment. Spring | Summer 2014 | 13 you can still have your cake and eat it too by pairing soft hues with deeper shades of the same color. Armando Cuatianquic, owner of East Village Florist in Manhattan, says he gets an instinctive vibe from his clients the minute they walk in the door. “I can see their style, I know what they like,” he said. A bride-to-be contacted him recently for a bouquet, but she wasn’t sure about what she wanted, except that it should be eye-catching, and a comely contrast to her wedding dress and her grandmother’s pendant, which she planned to wear. Cuatianquic’s floral plan for the October nuptials? Clean lines and a heartwarming fusion of reds and oranges spun out of mango calla lilies, and roses sprinkled with wild berries and leaves. “Simplicity is key because people can appreciate something that isn’t too busy, Featuring Brand New Caribbean Menu and get a connection with it,” he contends. You can also think outside of the garden and create a stunning arrangement made out of vintage broaches or creatively incorporate “something borrowed” with a bouquet made out of family heirlooms. If you’re crafty, you can even construct a beautiful bouquet out of something as simple as paper or felt. The important part is that you find a bushel of blooms that will match your personal style. ■ “We’ll make your event an affair to remember.” *Parties Starting at Let Us Create The Perfect Wedding for You At Affordable Prices Serving Brooklyn Over 59 Years DISTINCTIVE CATERING *Min. 25 Adults THE DAILY NEWS Engagements • Bridal Showers • Rehearsal Dinners • Small Weddings —Up to 120 Guests— Wedding Banquets And All Social Functions 718-252-4614 VALET PARKING “Mexican and Spanish fare meld in this elegant restaurant, garden dining in fine weather and fireplace to warm up the gray days of winter.” – New York Magazine 5313 Avenue N, Brooklyn 114 Bay Ridge Ave., Brooklyn • (718) 833-8865 (Between E. 53rd & E. 54th Streets) 14 $26 | Wedding Guide Authentic Spanish & Mexican Cuisine www.casapepe.com PHOTOS: WILLIAM CHANG PHOTOGRAPHY (LEFT), JACOB ARTHUR STUDIO (MIDDLE), AP / ANDRE NGUYEN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY (RIGHT) DETAILS Let us make your Wedding, Prom, Sweet 16, Quincinera, or Bat Mitzvah “the” glamour event by outfitting your entire party WE CARRY A FULL LINE OF DRESSES • Come in early for the best selection • Easy layaway available • Tuxedo Rentals also available • If we don’t have it, we’ll get it for you • Let us dress you from head to toe • Our expert seamstress is available for that perfect fit Featuring Styles from these manufacturers and more: THE ULTIMATE IN BRIDAL STORES ultfash.com ultfash@optonline.net Morilee Sherri Hill Terani Couture Mac Duggal Jovani Impression Bridal La Femme Fashion Night Moves Prom Alyce Designs BGHaute Tiffany Designs HannahS Panoply Designs Studio17 Prom Gigi Prom Partytime Formals Blush Prom Clarisse Tony Bowls Mary’s Bridal Allure Bridal Sophia Tolli Mon Cheri 316 Woodbridge Center Drive Woodbridge, NJ 07095 4255 Amboy Road Staten Island, NY 10308 732-750-1174 718-605-3274 Spring | Summer 2014 | 15 DETAILS TRADITIONS translated The origins of popular wedding conventions BY ANDREW LINDERMAN The South Asian tradition of brides wearing henna is rooted in class. I f you’ve been to a wedding recently, you may have wondered about the origins of the traditions. How did throwing rice at the bride and groom become common practice? What’s the history behind brides wearing white? Why do Jews sign contracts, Hindus get tattoos, and South Koreans beat the groom’s feet? To shed light on some of the most common (and a few very uncommon) wedding traditions, we have compiled information from various religious and secular experts on the subject. And trust us, you will never look at throwing the bouquet the same way again: WESTERN WEDDINGS THROWING THE BOUQUET There are a few theories about how this tradition got started. One is that the ritual started in the Middle Ages, when bouquets were made from a mix of garlic and dillweed. The mixture was believed 16 | Wedding Guide to ward off disease, and so the tradition of throwing the bouquet was meant to bestow good luck — and presumably health — on potential brides-to-be. A competing theory is that the bride’s dress was believed to be lucky and the lady-ofhonor would throw the bouquet to distract guests from tearing the dress. Better to be safe than sorry. THROWING RICE The origin of this ritual is not entirely clear, but it is believed that it dates back to ancient Europe when guests would throw wheat berries or flowers as a symbol of fertility and growth. In the Middle Ages, peasants replaced the wheat with rice, possibly because it was cheaper. SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE The ritual was adapted from an old English adage, according to CNN, which goes: “Something olde, something new, STAK WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY something borrowed, something blue, and sixpence in your shoe.” The idea behind the tradition is that the bride should carry good luck charms meant to represent continuity with the past, optimism for the future, happiness with the present, and purity (the blue) in marriage. The sixpence, meant to represent good fortune, has been mostly dropped in America — probably because it is hard to keep a coin secured inside of a strappy Jimmy Choo. MATCHING BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES Matching bridesmaids dresses are a relatively new development in wedding history. According to Carrie Hertz, a wedding dress expert at the Castellani Art Museum in Niagra, NY, bridesmaids’ dresses started to appear in the 1920s and 1930s when large-scale dress manufacturing became available. “Before that time, clothes were expensive,” says Hertz. “So most bridesmaids » a Perfect Smile Wear One on Your Wedding Day! We can give you a perfect smile in just 1-2 office visits! • Close gaps between teeth in 1 visit • Laser teeth whitening in 1 visit • Repair chipped or broken teeth in 1 visit • Complete smile makeover in just 1-2 visits Dr. Oleg Borshch is a renowned cosmetic dentist who performed thousands of smile makeovers. His work has been published in numerous professional dental journals. Please, see us at www.OmniDentalCare.com to learn more about Dr. Borshch and our office, and to see more “before” and “after” photos of our patients. Call for a complimentary in-depth cosmetic consultation and smile analysis with Dr. Borshch Before After OMNI DENTAL CARE 718.376.8656 www.OmniDentalCare.com 313 Kings Hwy., Brooklyn (corner of W. 6th St.) N, F Train, Bus B82 (All pictures are of actual patients) Before After Details would often wear whatever was available to them.” The white wedding dress It is typically believed that brides wear white as a symbol of purity. Yet, white wedding dresses became increasingly popular after Queen Victoria eschewed the traditional royal purple robes for a simple white dress for her wedding in 1840, according to Hertz. And the snow-colored frock was actually an act of rebellion. “Victoria married for love,” says Hertz of the queen who opted to defy tradition of arranged marriage. The diamond engagement ring The diamond engagement ring, like the white wedding dress, owes its popularity to Queen Victoria. Diamond rings date back to the Middle Ages, according to Vivienne Becker of De Beers. But it wasn’t until Prince Albert presented Victoria a gold band with an inlaid diamond that the practice took off. RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS The ketubah In traditional Jewish ceremonies, after the exchange of rings, couples sit down to sign the ketubah , an ancient contract written in Aramaic, which spells out the groom’s financial obligations. The text is often summarized when read aloud these days, according to Matt Axelrod, the cantor at Temple Beth Israel in Scotch Plains, NJ. “Some couples modify the ketubah to include mentions of love and commitment,” adds Axelrod. The breaking of the glass The Jewish ritual breaking of a glass has several potential origins, according to Axelrod. In ancient times, the broken glass was meant to remind couples that they should temper their joy in light of the Jews’ suffering or after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. In modern times, the interpretation is looser. “It basically means that there may be an element of strife in the marriage,” says Axelrod. “But that the couple should support each other.” henna (mehndi) If you’ve ever seen women whose hands look like they have fading tattoos, it is almost guaranteed that they’ve been involved a South Asian wedding. The tradition of henna, or ceremonial temporary skin-ink decoration, is a large part of traditional Hindu weddings. Henna was originally developed as a substitute for brides whose families couldn’t afford jewelry, according to Sonal J. Shah, a South Asian wedding specialist and event planner. But the tradition transcends class today. Grooms have even gotten into henna. “It used to be very uncommon,” Shah notes. “But now I see more and more men CATERING PARTIES, WEDDINGS AND SHOWERS From an elegant lunch to a black-tie affair, we’ll help you create a memorable reception. Our beautiful banquet rooms can comfortably accommodate up to 120 guests in an intimate, gracious setting. Contact our banquet manager to customize your affair. 18 | Wedding Guide getting it done.” male veils In most of the world, women wear the veils to keep their faces covered. However, in Punjabi and Sikh traditions, the sister of the groom will tie a sehera, or ceremonial floral veil, to the groom’s forehead. The veil is designed to ward off evil spirits and prevent someone from giving the groom the evil eye, according to Shah. UNUSUAL TRADITIONS Beating the groom’s feet In traditional South Korean weddings, men have to tread lightly. In the ritual dongsangnye, the bride’s male relatives test the groom by hanging him upside down and hitting his feet with dried cod or wooden spoons while asking him questions. According to the Korean Tourism Organization, the game ends when the mother of the bride offers everyone food and wine. The crying game In the western part of Sichuan Province in China, brides are expected to cry for an hour each night for the month leading up to her wedding day. The practice known as “zuo tang” (Sitting in the hall) picks up participants as the month progresses, according to China Daily. The mother joins the bride after 10 days of the bride crying alone, and, 10 days later, they are joined by the bride’s grandmother. n 33rd ANNIVERSARY 1981-201 4 DoubleDiamondLimousines.com Winter | Spring 2014 | 19 rice SWAP DETAILS Update a tradition with one of these fun, green options BY ILY GOYANES Y ou may want a bit of fanfare as you exit your ceremony, but if you’re the cool, trendsetting type who bends the rules and bucks tradition, the idea of having your friends and family chuck fistfuls of uncooked rice at you and your honey probably doesn’t excite you. You’re not a burrito bowl — you’re a bride! So what is a modern gal to do? Don’t fret — here are a few fun, socially conscious, and eco-friendly alternatives to rice that will make your exit appear as unique as the two of you: ECOFETTI This biodegradable confetti dissolves in water so it can be hosed away if Mother Nature doesn’t take care of the clean up. It also comes in wedding-friendly colors such as pretty pink, vibrant purple, and periwinkle. Best part? It’s made from recycled materials and is safe for nosing wildlife living nearby. LAVENDER Imagine making your getaway under a sun shower of fragrant, soft, and bright lavender! These buds make for a colorfully cool exit and can easily be found online. Lavender, of course, is biodegradable and won’t hurt the environment — or any cute, little fur babies. Trattoria SEEDS Not only are seeds biodegradable, they’re also food! A favorite of songbirds, birdseed contains cracked corn, sunflower chips, and oats. Use seeds and exit in style while feeding your tiny, winged friends. It’s also inexpensive and can be bought in bulk. » Lavender specializing in french haute couture, bespoke bridal design skilled alterations & www.DIAZestudio.com 347-251-7423 A Room for that Special Occasion Bridal Showers • Rehearsal Dinners Engagements • Family Affairs We also cater affairs on and off premises. 7902 3rd Avenue 718.439.6993 www.giacomospizza.com 20 | Wedding Guide Open for Lunch and Dinner WEDDING PACKAGES AVAILABLE TO FIT ALL BUDGETS 18th Avenue Florist since 1981 6110 18th Avenue • Brooklyn, NY • 11204 FREE tuxedo rentals for your whole bridal party with these packages, or up to 9 suits to own! BASIC WEDDING PACKAGE: $350.00 1 FREE TUXEDO 1 Bridal Boquet (Hand-wrapped Roses Only) 1 Maid of Honor (Hand-wrapped Roses, Choice of Color) 3 Bridesmaids (Hand-wrapped Roses, Choice of Color) 4 Mothers and Grandmothers Corsages Roses 1 Toss Bouquet • 1 Boutonniere 8 Ushers Fathers and Grandfathers Roses BRONZE PACKAGE: $1,499.99 2 FREE TUXEDOS 1 Bridal Boquet • 1 Maid of Honor • 2 Bridesmaids 1 Flower Girl Basket • 2 Mothers Corsages 1 Groom Boutonniere • 1 Best Man • 3 Ushers 1 Ring Bearer • 2 Fathers 2 Basket Arrangements for Church 10 White Bows • 10 Table Centerpieces and More!!! TUXEDO BRANDS: Calvin Klein • Joseph Abboud • Ralph Lauren Jean Yves • Perry Ellis • After Six SILVER PACKAGE: $1,999.00 3 FREE TUXEDOS 1 Bridal Bouquet • 1 Maid of Honor • 3 Bridesmaids 1 Flower Girl Basket • 2 Mothers Corsages 1 Groom Boutonniere • 1 Best Man • 3 Ushers 1 Ring Bearer • 2 Fathers 2 Basket Arrangements for Church 10 White Bows • 10 Table Centerpieces and More!!! GOLD PACKAGE: $3,999.00 UP TO 6 FREE TUXEDOS 1 Bridal Bouquet • 1 Maid of Honor • 5 Bridesmaids 1 Flower Girl Basket • 2 Mothers Corsages 1 Groom Boutonniere • 1 Best Man • 5 Ushers 1 Ring Bearer • 2 Fathers 2 Basket Arrangements for Church 10 White Bows • 10 Table Centerpieces and More!!! PLATINUM PACKAGE: $5,999.00 UP TO 9 FREE TUXEDOS 1 Bridal Bouquet • 1 Maid of Honor • 5 Bridesmaids 1 Flower Girl Basket • 2 Mothers Corsages 1 Groom Boutonniere • 1 Best Man • 5 Ushers 1 Ring Bearer • 2 Fathers 2 Basket Arrangements for Church 10 White Bows with Flowers 1 Place Card Table Arrangement • Arch for Behind Dais 20 Table Centerpieces and More!!! ALL SIZES & STYLES AVAILABLE FROM SLIM FIT TO PORTLY! TAILOR ON PREMISES! OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FREE wedding sample & estimate — make an appointment with joe Book your wedding flowers & get up to 9 tuxedo rentals FREE (718) 256-7434 • www.18floralevents.com DETAILS Plantable Seed Basil Confet ti HIGH-FLOAT CONFETTI Star Light’s high-float confetti is similar to Ecofetti — it is water-soluble and biodegradable. But each individual piece is much larger and boasts a long, drawn-out, float factor. PLANTABLE SEED CONFETTI Plantable seed confetti, like the kind from Recycled Ideas (etsy.com/shop/recycledideas) also contributes to the environment. These tiny, plantable seeds eventually grow into wildflowers, leaving behind a long-term symbol of your union. FLOWER PETALS Flower petals are soft, aromatic, and fall beautifully, looking gorgeous in photos. The only downside is cost. It will cost you a pretty penny if you want all of your guests to have a palm-full of pretty petals. green as it gets, herb tossing no longer has to be something you do when prepping dinner. HERBS This new wedding trend involves items found in your kitchen. No, not tongs — herbs! Down home couples are choosing from thyme, rosemary, basil, or sage. Earthy-smelling and as BUBBLES Beautiful bubbles are a green way to go and they also lend an element of fantasy to your ceremony. Not to mention, bubbles are extremely photogenic, making for excellent wedding pics. ■ Celebrate your special day in a unique setting of affordable elegance with a wedding amid the beauty of Queens Botanical Garden! Packages available for wedding photographs, ceremonies, and receptions. Please contact Clare DelMonaco for details: 718-886-3800 x. 201 or cdelmonaco@queensbotanical.org. Or visit www.queensbotanical.org/weddings. Glamour Me Studio Inc. provides professional wedding services at wholesale pricing Services we provide are: · Photography · Cinematic Video · DJ Flowers · Invitations · Favors · Tuxedos Call us to get a free consultation. top photo: Angela Gaspar Photography; right photo: Annette Fanara 22 | Wedding Guide 718-504-1970 www.glamourmestudio.com PHOTO: AP / LARRY CROWE (LEFT) Bubbles! WORLD MALL Custom European One-of-a-Kind Jovani • Mary’s Bridal Jasmine • Sposa Lara Designs Mac Duggal Janique • Terani Morilee • Karolina European Wedding Dresses Paradox London Shoes Large selection of Designer Gowns and Shoes Halo Co. Headpieces Alterations Available Visit Bridal Dreams for Bridesmaid Dresses Mother of the Bride Handbags Favors Invitations Flower Accessories Bridal Party Gifts Flower Girl & Ring Bearer Attire Large Selection of Swarovski Jewelry and Tiara Sets 7905 5th Ave. • Brooklyn, NY Store: 718-333-5041 • 646-712-4084 www.bridaldreamsmall.com fastworldmall@yahoo.com FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE Open Tuesday – Sunday favors FAVORITE Parting gifts your guests will love BY MEREDITH DELISO T he parting favor is as much a wedding tradition as the vows or first dance. It is a staple that allows a couple to do something creative, unique, and ultimately meaningful. Yet, finding a gift that fulfills those requirements seems like an awfully tall order, especially since it needs to be something that can easily be duplicated for dozens or hundreds of guests. Need some inspiration? Consider these categories while crafting a memorable wedding favor: FOOD An edible favor is certainly a favorite, whether it’s something your guests can enjoy at the reception or be savored later. The 24 | Wedding Guide CUTIE PIES Guests will die for mason jar pies from Brooklyn’s Pie Corps. sky is the limit when it comes to treats. Yet, if you need some help, here’s a baker’s dozen of ideas: chocolates, mints, taff y, cookies, mini champagne bottles, pies in mason jars, s’mores or hot cocoa kits, cake pops, donuts, hot sauce, spices, or macaroons. Another option is giving your guests something that is special to you, your partner, or family, such as a hometown specialty, like local honey, or a family recipe, such as jam or pickles. If you’re really ambitious (and crafty), you can make a favor such as homemade moonshine, granola, or Sriracha salt, yourself — just as long as it won’t be too stressful or time-consuming. Tools for cooking are another option, like a cookie cutter in the shape of something that is meaningful to your and your betrothed. » PHOTO: COURTESY OF PIE CORPS DETAILS CATERERS Weddings • Engagements • Showers Corporate Events • Sweet 16s Sirico’s offers you a variety of Dinner, Cocktail, and Buffet options. We can create any theme for your occasion with unique LED lighting options & special decor packages. 8015/23 13th Avenue Dyker Heights • Brooklyn, NY 11228 718–331–2900 • www.siricos.net Spring | Summer 2014 | 25 DETAILS PLANTS An edible favor likely won’t survive long after the wedding, but a plant is something that can be a constant reminder of your love. Succulents, for instance, are very popular items because they are low-maintenance, affordable, and quite beautiful. Handmade terrariums and seed bombs are other options for unique gifts that your guests can care for and love. BABY, I LIKE IT RAW Everyone will be abuzz about pure raw honey from Occasion House. CORKAGE GLEE Eyes will pop when they see these fun succulent wine-cork magnets by Windmill Floral Design. ART PIECE If you are particularly crafty, your wedding favor can be an opportunity to make something special for your guests. This could be a framed item, such as a print, matted origami, or photograph. You could also hire artists to create something special onsite for your guests, such as caricatures or silhouette drawings, which they can treasure and enjoy afterwards. PERSONALIZED A highly personalized favor can be another way to provide your guests with a meaningful parting gift. For example, you could give each guest a magnet featuring the map of where they’re from, or create place settings or place cards that features hand-drawn pictures of each guest. Of course, given the individualized nature of these types of favors, you will have to consider the time and cost to provide such a highly personalized parting gift. DONATION One of the most meaningful favors you could give your guests isn’t a tangible gift at all, but a donation in their name. Instead of spending money on favors, you could put it towards a charity that is important to you and your family, such as for cancer research or a scholarship fund. A donation could also be made in memory of a loved one who could not be there on your special day. Cards alerting your guests to this donation would be a thoughtful gesture they are sure to cherish. ■ A Blend of Tradition & Trends For Your Boutique Wedding & Affairs Engagement Parties • Bridal Showers • Rehearsal Dinners • Private Functions Three Distinctly Decorated Rooms Accomodating 30–150 People Small and Intimate for Today’s Wedding We Offer Several Catering Menus To Select From... 718-833-8200 7717 3rd Avenue • Brooklyn, NY 11209 www.GreenHouseCafe.com 26 | Wedding Guide Mention CNG Wedding Guide To Receive a FREE Three Hour Photo Booth 347-580-1747 Call the studio for details Award Winning Photography & Cinematography Studio Packages Competitively Priced www.onefi nedayphotographers.com PHOTO: ERICA CAMILLE PHOTOGRAPHY (BOTTLES, TOP LEFT) PAIL IN COMPARISON No gift beats a bottle with a complimentary mixer, especially if you give each guest their favorite cocktail to go. 13th Avenue Florist Gold Signature Wedding Package - $3,99995 Includes: • • • • • • • Brides Bouquet 1 Maid Of Honor 5 Bridesmaids 1 Flower Girl 2 Mothers Corsages Groom Boutonniere 1 Best Man • • • • 5 Ushers 1 Ring Bearer 2 Fathers 2 Basket Arrangements for Church • 10 White Bows w/ Flowers • 20 Centerpieces for Reception Ceremony Package - $24999 • 2 Altar Baskets • 12 Pews, Bows & Flowers Silver Signature Wedding Package - $1,99995 Includes: • • • • • Brides Bouquet 1 Maid Of Honor 3 Bridesmaids 2 Mothers Corsages Groom Boutonniere • 1 Best Man • • • • 3 Ushers 1 Ring Bearer 2 Fathers 2 Basket Arrangements for Church • 10 White Bows • 10 Centerpieces for Reception Bridal Package - $34999 • 1 Brides Bouquet • 3 Bridesmaids • 1 Maid Of Honor • 2 Corsages • 7 Boutonnieres • 1 Flower Girl Bronze Signature Wedding Package - $1,49995 Includes: • • • • • • • Brides Bouquet 1 Maid Of Honor 2 Bridesmaids 1 Flower Girl 2 Mothers Corsages Groom Boutonniere 1 Best Man • • • • 2 Ushers 1 Ring Bearer 2 Fathers 2 Basket Arrangements for Church • 8 White Bows • 10 Centerpieces for Reception Reception Package #1 -$24999 • 10 Centerpieces Reception Package #2 -$39999 • 10 Centerpieces Reception Package #3 -$59999 We are fully equiped to serv e you better on your Wedding Day... Contact George For An Appointment 7806 13th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11228 • 718-236-9088 E-mail: 13thAveFlorist@gmail.com • 10 Centerpieces w/ Stands & More Reception Package #4 -$99999 • 10 Centerpieces w/ Stands & More ADVICE gem UNEARTHING A Tips on how to find a unique wedding venue BY ELIZABETH MICHAELSON Coney Island Boardwalk STAK WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY W the following questions: “What is the most meaningful setting you can imagine exchanging your vows? Is there a beach club, farm, broad tree canopy, or perhaps a distinct view that must be the backdrop for your vows?” THINK WITH YOUR HEART First and foremost, think about the places in New York that you truly love — or even the specific spot where the two of you fell in love. “To find your ideal wedding setting, allow yourself to think outside the box,” says Denyse Galiothe, founder and owner of Events With Intention , a boutique New York City-based event-planning company. “Consider non-traditional spaces, like a favorite restaurant, park, or perhaps the museum or art gallery where you had your first date.” If nothing comes to mind, Galiothe suggests asking yourself MAKE A LIST Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, prioritize. “Try to identify what features are a ‘must’ versus what can be sacrificed,” says Galiothe. “Perhaps you would prefer to exchange vows during a certain season of the year or you wish to have specific outdoor elements in your wedding ceremony photographs.” Write down the three most important aspects your venue needs to have and then stick to those key factors. And if you are having difficulty pinning down exactly what these factors should be, try distinguishing what kind of vibe or style you would like your wedding to have — casual, traditional, grandiose, quirky, rustic, modern, bohemian, classic, or personalized? This can help you identity what details a venue needs to have. For instance, if you want something casual and bohemian, you » edding venue-wise, you may find the local VFW Hall as appealing as a bottle of Budweiser. You want something cool and unique — a place that resonates with you and your fiance, is within your budget, can host all your guests, provides essential features (dance floor, seating, and areas for a ceremony, bar, and food prep), and, most importantly, is not at all humdrum. Keep all that in mind, and use these tips on how to unearth a gem of a spot: 28 | Wedding Guide Choose to be beautiful and get your own celebrity style Bridal specialist Mary K. Berlingeri–Malave is a beauty expert and hairstylist to many celebrities with over 16 years of experience. She and her team of dedicated professionals are here to assist you at Salon Malave. 7824 13th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11228 (347) 497-5720 • www.salonmalave.com Spring | Summer 2014 | 29 Advice Brooklyn Winery may want to get married barefoot — and if you want to get married barefoot, you need to find a location where it will be comfortable to forgo the Manolo Blahniks. “Identifying non-negotiables, taste-wise can be invaluable during your entire wedding planning process,” Galiothe points out. Get chatty It is also wise to talk to friends and colleagues who entertain regularly — especially ones who have gotten married recently or are active in business, charitable, or social organizations. These are people who are the most likely out of your social circle to be familiar with local event spaces and what each has to offer. “One of the most useful resources might be wedding industry professionals,” adds Galiothe. This includes local event planners, florists, bakers, caterers, even the staff at the shop where you just bought your wedding dress. Connect the dots Basically, once you’ve found one wedding professional you like, she will most likely be part of a well-connected professional web of other knowledgeable wedding vendors that are often great sources for insider information. “A florist can be your key to finding a unique venue,” confirms Alexander Balikas Fell of New York City’s Sterling Fell Florist and Special Events. “Not only do florists do events, but they have 30 | Wedding Guide jacob arthur studio clients in all sorts of interesting corners of the city. And a florist often has a vast clientele that they can use to make you, and themselves, look good!” For instance, Fell once connected two clients who were from completely different walks of life. “I had a client who wanted a truly unique, yet elegant and sophisticated New York wedding venue. I told her about [one of my clients] the Ukrainian Institute of America,” says Fell. “After a few calls and texts, my client had an appointment to preview this iconic New York mansion, a venue that holds one wedding a month at the most — and is not advertised in any traditional wedding collateral.” Photographers are another excellent resource for information about lesser-known venues. “I see all kinds of spaces,” says Sofia Negron, who has been shooting weddings and events professionally for 10 years. “I get to see places that may be perfect for a runway fashion show but aren’t your typical wedding venue.” The casual observer may overlook spots like photo studios, lofts, restaurants, nightclubs, ballrooms, and rooftops, but an established local photographer will know about them — and can help you visualize their potential. Get personal with professionals Don’t be afraid to create a bond with your wedding vendors. . ROOM.. R THE G ir t to Keep O F T IF G uff Sh re r en c h C 5 or mo White F ook a par ty of ub when yo Music Hall of Williamsburg SoHo’s Housing Works Bookstore jacob arthur studio Competitive Pricing, Lowest Guaranteed!! Sarah Tew photography Print Out Coupons From Our Website WWW.TuxEdOWORldSI.COM *free suit is not to be combined with any other offer. Midtown’s Salon de Ning rooftop Peninsula Hotel “I build a strong relationship with my clients, so I know and understand what they really like,” says Negron. “I can suggest things they may not have thought about because I know their personalities, and what’s out there.” For instance, Negron was able to recommend a few options to a couple who wanted a non-traditional wedding venue that could support lots of dancing, cocktails, and their own caterer. “I sent them several suggestions before they settled on a dance studio with gorgeous brick walls, high ceilings, and the freedom to bring in whatever they wanted,” says Negron. Keep in mind that photographers also go to various networking events, where they meet all kinds of venue owners. “We learn about new spaces that may not be on the radar yet,” says Negron. Professionals you become close to, like photographers and florists, may also know about venues that can pose problems for couples. Clients talk about their experiences, and wedding professionals are more likely to be aware of sites where service or facilities are less than stellar — and they’re happy to share their knowledge with you. So, even if you want to get married on a boat, in a moat, with a goat — you can have whatever you like just so long as you’re savvy about your search. “Trust that your ideal wedding venue exists,” says Galiothe. “And we can locate it together!” n Brides can see their future groom try on his complete outfit when you place your order. • Brides would NEVER select a gown from a catalogue, why should the groom? • We have the largest inventory of tuxedos and vests on Staten Island. • We have a tailor on the premises when the tuxedo is picked up to ensure a proper fit. • Last minute rentals are never a problem. • Our expert staff has been servicing Staten Island for 20 years. • Our inventory ranges from boy 3 to adult 72 • Select an elegant tuxedo or accessory from our unique retail department. • Free Rental for the Groom w/ parties of 5 or more • New Calvin Klein or Ralph Lauren Suit for the groom to keep w/ parties of 7 or more 2791 Richmond Avenue • Staten Island, NY 10314 718-698-4859 Most major credit cards accepted Spring | Summer 2014 | 31 COUNTRY CLUB CATERERS What sets us apart? For generations families have entrusted the El Caribe Country Club Caterers as the primary New York City Premier Weddings venue to celebrate their once in a lifetime events. With more than 30 years experience in catering, and two generations of family ownership, the team at the El Caribe continues to subscribe to the old-fashioned values that built the company from humble beginnings to its current success as leaders in the industry. From intimate gatherings of one hundred to the grandest affairs of more than 1,000, the El Caribe has always provided customers with a sense of exclusivity by limiting the amount of events hosted simultaneously. The seasoned professional event staff, expertly trained and renowned for their uncompromising level of personal service and attention to detail, will work closely with you to create an atmosphere and deliver a wedding reception that reflects your individual taste and style. The award-winning, classically trained, culinary staff will “WOW” your guests with creative and innovative culinary delights. Using the finest and freshest foods available, and taking in consideration the cultural heritage of the customer, the culinary team will customize a menu to please the most discriminating palette. The recently renovated interiors make the El Caribe the perfect destination for your New York City Premier Wedding. Classic décor, elegant appointments, vaulted ceilings and spectacular lighting set the ultimate ambience for your one of a kind wedding reception. Please be our guest and contact the El Caribe today for a personal tour of this magnificent New York City Premier Wedding facility. 5945 Strickland Avenue, Brooklyn • (718) 531-1200 • elcaribecaterers.com I NTRODUCING T H EL CARIBE CATERE 5945 STRICKLAND WWW.E LC ARIB A S SEEN ON T HE P IAZZA TERER’S AND NEW OUTDOOR EVENT SPACE AVENUE, MILL BASIN, BROOKLYN, NY RIBE C ATERERS .COM / CL | 718.531.1200 Advice picture Photographers explain how to take quality engagement photos BY Meredith Deliso I t almost feels like a nuptial decree: “Engagement photos must immediately follow the proposal.” Much like the ceremony itself, this particular wedding standard can demand a significant amount of preparation. You have to figure out where to take your photos, in what style, and what to wear. It is also one of several important “firsts” — your initial interaction with your photographer as well as a lasting marker of your new life together. “Engagement photos are the first chapter of your story,” says professional wedding photographer, Diana P. Lang. “A good story has an interesting location, an amazing cast of characters, details and a happily-ever-after ending.” To make sure your engagement photo session is a snap, here are some tips on how to best prepare and what to expect once you’re in the spotlight: Find the perfect fit If you go to Central Park on a nice spring day, you might run into five different engagement-photo sessions. In one, a couple might be looking lovingly into one another’s eyes, while another pair is goofily running around. 34 | Wedding Guide Which of these vibes do you prefer? “Decide whether you want something that’s kind of fun, or something that’s a little bit more formal,” says photographer Steven Rosen. “Then find a photographer who fits your particular style.” The best way to gauge whether or not a professional can illustrate your personality as a couple is to take a gander at his portfolio and see what kinds of poses he tends to capture. On location The possibilities can be endless when it comes to picking a photo-shoot location, so start with places that are important to you as a couple. “Maybe it’s the cafe where you had your first date or the spot where you got engaged,” suggests photographer Kristina Hill. “Or how about the farmer’s market where you shop together on Saturday mornings, followed by where you brunch directly after?” A familiar spot can also put people who are camera shy at ease. “If the location is a place that holds significance, you will feel much more comfortable interacting naturally,” says Hill. Feel free to ask your photographer for recommendations if you can’t figure out where to have your session. “Most photographers have stock places in mind that they have used before,” says professional Kathy Valentine. “Or » photo: Lindsay Taryn Photography theBig NEED QUICK CASH? Brooklyn’s & Queen’s #1 Check your jewelry box for broken, tangled or mismatched jewelry - rings, earrings, pendants, watches, bracelets - and we will pay you top dollar instantly! Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain! WE BUY GIFT CARDS WE PAWN CASH LOANS HOST A GOLD PARTY! Invite your friends and family to make quick cash. It’s a fun, safe and convenient way for you and your friends to turn your outdated gold jewelry into cash! ( 718 ) 339-GOLD BROOKLYN, NY 4905 Ave. N 2233 65th St. 2619-2 86th St. Near Utica Ave. Near Bay Parkway Near West 13th St. DCA# 1373537 DCA# 1420833 DCA# 1408714 Gold Buyer NEED MORE CASH FOR THAT SPECIAL AFFAIR? SELL $ 250- $ 499 GET EXTRA $2500 SELL $ 500- $ 999 GET EXTRA $ 5000 SELL $1000 PLUS GET 10% EXTRA 4653 QUEENS, NY 2486 Coney Island Ave. 216-17 Merrick Blvd. DCA#1383520 DCA# 1387619 Corner of Avenue V Springfield Gardens STORE HOURS: MONDAY – FRIDAY 9AM – 7:30PM • SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10AM – 6PM WE BUY PAWN TICKETS NO OTHER GOLD BUYERS IN NY WILL GIVE YOU A LARGER PAY OUT GUARANTEED! VISIT US ON THE WEB www.cashforgoldbk.com Spring | Summer 2014 | 35 Advice A matter of time Good photography is dependent on lighting. If you want your photos to have a particular look — and look your best — think about where the sun will be when you schedule your shoot. “Early in the morning or right before sunset are your better choices,” says Valentine. “Bright sun and the heat of the day will not look well on anyone!” A great way to save money and look fantastic is to schedule your shoot the same day as your makeup and hair trials. “This will also give you an opportunity to see how your makeup photographs,” notes Hill. Get in your comfort zone Your photo session can last several hours and you may end up running around, jumping up and down, or lying on the ground. You don’t want to be restricted in any way so make sure to bring comfy threads the complement the location. And remember, wardrobe changes are encouraged. “Bring at least three different looks from casual to sporty to dress-to-impress,” says Lang. Compliment each other A couple sporting matching Chuck All-Stars can be cute, but you don’t want to show up wearing the same color shirts and jeans. “I tend to recommend that couples think in terms of coordinating rather than matching,” says Hill. “Consider textures, colors, layers, and patterns when picking out outfitss. And choose 36 | Wedding Guide clothes that you feel good in. We all have a shirt that brings out our eyes or a dress that we feel flatters our figure.” Use props properly This one is for all you Pinterest addicts. Props can certainly be included in your engagement session, especially if your wedding has a strong theme, but Lang warns against going overboard on the details. “Props work well for a limited number of shots, but be careful not to overuse them,” she says. “Simplicity is the key unless you are planning a stylized session.” Some ideas she recommends include a flag or uniform if you’re in the military, writing the wedding date on a chalkboard, or wearing shoes that say “I do” on the bottoms. Don’t expect replicas It helps to look at a photographer’s past work to get ideas, but don’t expect carbon copies of sample photos. Different times of day and year can result in altered lighting, which means photos are almost impossible to replicate. Plus, you want to give your photographer some room for creativity. “You don’t want to limit the photographer by asking him duplicate an image,” says Rosen. “I can get a general idea of what you like based on other images, and then run with that.” Trust your photographer If you like your photographer’s portfolio, have faith in his ability, even if he recommends a pose or a location that bewilders you. “Trust is super important,” says Rosen. “A lot of times, the blandest, most boring ‘Why the hell are we here?’ spots can give you the most gorgeous pictures.” Have fun This may be the most important tip of them all. For all the stress and expense that can go into a planning a wedding, it’s important to remember why you’re doing it in the first place. “Ultimately it’s not about posing, props, or Pinterest,” says Lang. “It’s about the two of you and your love.” n photos: Diana P. Lang Photography (Left), Kristina Hill Photography (Top middle), Steven Rosen Photography (Top right), Kristina Hill Photography (Bottom Right) places that they have scouted and kept in the back of their minds. A photographer is always thinking about photo shoots wherever they go.” Keep in mind that most engagement photo sessions are shot outdoors. So, before settling on a location, evaluate whether you would feel more relaxed in a public space or somewhere more secluded. It is also important that you find a photographer that you like personality-wise. He will be around you like white on a wedding dress the entire day of your wedding, so make sure you feel good and at ease around him. Where your fairy-tale wedding vision comes true Whether you wedding is small or large, indoors or outdoors, we will match your heartfelt desires with an elegant and lavish event. Weddings at Prospect Hall fall into four areas: FORMAL TRADITIONAL Imagine yourself in a beautiful white dress with a long train that cascades down a curving marble staircase VARIOUS THEMES Nightclub, Masquerade Ball, Victorian, etc. TRADITIONAL ETHNIC Russian, Caribbean, Asian, Polish, Arabic & more TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS We cater to your religious needs. Kosher, Glatt Kosher, Arabic Halal or Indian catering available. Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Alice Halkias 263 PROSPECT AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY 11215 (718) 788-0777 www.grandprospecthall.com ADVICE WILL YOU MARRY US? How to become a legally ordained minister BY ILY GOYANES T here are dozens of options when choosing an officiant (New Agey? Presbyterian?) and you don’t want to accidentally hire someone you’re uncomfortable with. If you don’t have a family minister, rabbi, or justice of the peace in mind, why not have someone you love and trust perform what will be the most important ceremony of your life? By asking a friend or relative to officiate your wedding, you can save time auditioning candidates and feel secure that the person who marries you is someone who intimately knows you and your hubbieto-be as a couple. Plus, the ceremony will be more poignant because your ceremony will not be another “gig” for your friend — it actually means something to her. Yet, in order to have a friend marry you, she must first become ordained. But don’t fret — the process is as easy as choosing her to marry you two: 38 | Wedding Guide JACOB ARTHUR STUDIO STEP 1: GET COLLARED Your friend’s first step is actually becoming a minister. Fortunately, several online ministries will ordain her for a nominal fee (see step 4). Some require short applications or other paperwork as well, but nothing too arduous. Most of the time, the process of becoming ordained is simply a matter of filling out an online form and paying a fee. STEP 2: CHOOSING YOUR RELIGION Some institutes are religion-specific, but you can choose from several nondenominational and interfaith groups as well. The most popular organization is the American Fellowship Church , which ordains someone of any religion and allows its ministers to officiate nondenominational wedding ceremonies. STEP 3: INTERFAITH INTEGRITY The most important aspect of choosing which organization will ordain your friend is its legitimacy. Recognized online ministries include the Universal Life Church , Rose Ministries, Universal Ministries, and the American Fellowship Church. Double check the status of the organization with the New York State secretary’s office to make sure your union will be legally recognized. STEP 4: TITHE IS EASY Expect ordination to cost anywhere from absolutely nothing to about $25. Most online ministries accept credit and debit cards as well as PayPal. Your credentials can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of days to arrive, depending on the ministry. STEP 5: MAKE SURE TO MAKE IT OFFICIAL Now that your BFF is officially a minister, she needs to make sure that she includes the “Declaration of Intent” when officiating at your ceremony for your marriage to be legal. Most people recognize the declaration as the point in the ceremony when the official asks: “Do you take Jane Doe to be your lawfully wedded wife?” The word “lawfully” is actually the key word — it must be said in order for the marriage to be legal. Aside from that, the ceremony can be customized in a way that truly reflects you and your future spouse’s love and your personalities. A traditional wedding ceremony consists of a processional, welcome, the declaration, a reading consisting of poetry, literature, or religious text, the exchanging of vows and rings, the pronouncement, and recessional. But the beauty of having a friend or relative officiate is that you can truly tailor every single aspect of your wedding ceremony to please the most important people there — you and your honey! ■ FLORALFantasy Florist & Decorators Ltd. 3031 Quentin Rd., Brooklyn, NY 11234 WWW.FLORALFANTASY.COM WWW.FLORALFANTASYNY.COM Archways • Chuppas • Gazebo • Table Stands Fantasy Wedding Special • 1 Bridal Bouquet (Hand Wrapped Roses Accented With Million Star & Ruscus) • 1 Maid of Honor (Hand Wrapped Roses Accented With Million Star & Ruscus) • 3 Bridesmaids (Hand Wrapped Roses Accented With Million Star & Ruscus) • 4 Mothers & Grandmothers Corsages (Roses) • 1 Throw Away Bouquet • 1 Groom Boutonniere (Rose) Complete • 8 Ushers, Fathers, Grandfathers (Roses) 350 $ Table Centerpieces 10 For $250.00 (Daisy & Mini) Table Stand Centerpieces 10 For $500.00 (Roses) Flowers • Photography • Video • Invitations Instructors For The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens 718-998-7060 • 1-800-566-8380 FanIasy PhoIography LTD. Video And Photography Packages Available 718-998-0949 3031 Quentin Rd., Brooklyn, NY 11234 WWW.FANTASYPHOTOGRAPHYANDVIDEO.COM STYLE Retropolitan Chic New York brides BY ELIZABETH MICHAELSON 40 | Wedding Guide embrace vintage glamour This dress by New York’s Stone Fox Bride, features a V-neck and bell sleeves, which are two emerging bridal trends (www.stonefoxbride.com). KAVA GORNA Spring | Summer 2014 | 41 Style Y ou may not know a peplum from a pepperoni, but as a New Yorker, you want your wedding dress to reflect your home’s savvy style. Yet, in a city that never sleeps, fashion is constantly evolving. So what trends will fashion-forward, Big-Apple brides boast in 2014? We consulted the experts: Styles and silhouettes Up-to-date wives-to-be prefer a look that is less traditional and more glamorous. “Brides are starting to steer away from the classic big ballroom gown with lots of ruching,” says New York-based personal shopper and image consultant, Mona Sharaf. “They want form-fitting evening gowns with a lot less embellishment.” Art Deco-style dresses that reflect the 1920s and ’30s embody this trend with their geometric beading and seaming, slim and fluid silhouettes, and low-cut backs with a dash of “Great Gatsby” glamour. “Modern brides like a bit of bling and sparkle that’s done in an Old Hollywood rather than a ‘princess-y’ way,” explains designer Rebecca Schoneveld who opened the Brooklyn-based Rebecca Schoneveld Design Studio in 2013. Fabrics Clingy, bias-cut silks and satins often play a major role in trendy gowns. Yet, sporting the slinky material requires a certain amount of confidence. “Bias-cut satin is not for the faint of heart or someone who doesn’t love the body she has,” warns Schoneveld. Beaded lace, however, is more forgiving while offering the same Jean-Harlow allure. “The lace tends to camouflage and the seaming is really flattering on all sorts of body shapes,” says Schoneveld. » (LEFT) This Great Gatsby-esque design, “Gemma” utilizes cross-beading and lace to create a flawless form-fitting look with a little bit of bling (www. rebeccaschoneveld.com). Anneke Schoneveld (RIGHT) “Hobbie” by Cymbeline Paris, demonstrates the cool elegance of a high illusion neckline, capped sleeves, and a gorgeous a low-cut back (cymbeline.com/en_US). Michel Perez / Cymbeline.com 42 | Wedding Guide Winter | Spring 2014 | 43 Style Sleeves and necklines Strapless gowns have long been — and still are — a bridal-boutique staple, but sleeved styles are currently undergoing a renaissance. Flowing bell sleeves are beginning to burgeon, as are cap sleeves, which literally “cap” the shoulder with their width that is wider than a strap but narrower than a short sleeve. And thanks to Kate Middleton’s Alexander McQueen wedding dress, long and lace sleeves are very fashionable. “I love the trend of longer lace sleeves,” says Schoneveld. “Especially for fall and winter weddings.” Schoneveld has also noticed that necklines are rising. In fact, many of her clients want a sheer lace top, which gives a dress an illusion V- or bateau- (boat) neckline. “You still get the flattering fit of a strapless bustier with the illusion neckline,” says Schoneveld. “But with the comfort and design detail of a higher neckline.” Color Wedding dresses used to come in just two shades: white and ivory. But today, colors including blush, very light blue, yellow, and champagne are also marching down the aisle. “Many times brides are surprised how much they like these colors once they put them on,” says Schoneveld. So don’t dismiss that pale pink dress without trying it on first. Marrying timelessness with trends Perhaps you like some of the latest trends, but not all of them appeal to you. If this is the case, be a true New Yorker by allowing fashion to inspire rather than dictate your personal style, such as embracing an A-line cut dress with a bateau neckline. And keep in mind that a classic bridal look is always a win. “I believe a bride should look like a bride,” says Sharaf. “Whether it’s a big ballroom gown, a long train, a lace veil, or simply a tiara, the bride should stand out from the crowd.” n 44 | Wedding Guide (LEFT) A woman who feels comfortable in her skin will love Rebecca Schoneveld’s slinky, Art Deco-inspired design “Maya-Ingrid,” which features a low-draped back and bias-cut satin. Amber Gress (TOP) This sleek, modern, and strapless “Hindi Hosta” dress by Cymbeline Paris is conventionally paired with a superb tulle overskirt for a dramatic look that marries timelessness with trendiness. Michel Perez / Cymbeline.com (BOTTOM) This neo-romantic “Haora” gown by Cymbeline Paris combines a traditionally elaborate tulle skirt with a modern boat-shaped neckline. Michel Perez / Cymbeline.com Style Not feeling a veil? Here are a few whimsical options. BY Gina Tron and Elizabeth Michaelson W edding style reflects the bride’s personality. For instance, funky, fictional fashionista Carrie Bradshaw wore a bright, blue bird on the side of her head. “Why would you wear a veil when there are so many other possibilities?” says Cristina Rose Rabusin, a New York resident. “The whole point of being a bride is being the center of attention.” A unique hair accessory, in lieu of a veil, is an option that allows for a lot of personalization. “Women are now seeking out pieces that make a traditional wedding appear just a little retro,” says Chellise Michael, a Brooklyn wedding photographer. “A lot are wearing a flower in their hair or a simple hair piece.” 46 | Wedding Guide Fascinators — a headpiece that can be as simple as ruched tulle or as elaborate as the hats worn by guests at the royal wedding — are a popular altar-bound embellishment favored by brides looking to marry mid-century glamour with modern style. “The fascinator is slightly alternative but feminine,” says Jennifer Valade, the owner of Bunny’s Goodies in Vermont, a business that sells bridal accessories. “And it’s a piece that make a traditional wedding appear just a little retro.” Flower crowns, which were donned by Audrey Hepburn and Julia Roberts during their weddings, are another fashionable alternative that provides a bride with a romantic, bohemian vibe. “Flower crowns are a combination of the simplicity of nature and the elegance of high fashion,” says Veronica Morali of La Rosette Parisienne, an Etsy shop that sells hand-made floral tiaras. “They provide a balance that ties together an outfit.” Yet, regardless of your preference for details, the most important aspect is that you wear something that makes you shine. The possibilities are endless, so celebrate your commitment to an endless love with something elegant and truly exceptional. n Photo: Lindsay Taryn Photography Unveiled 3ODQQLQJ\RXUZHGGLQJ )ROORZXVRQ7ZLWWHU ZZZWZLWWHUFRPEULGDODIIDLU GARDEN fete You’re invited to a rustic, whimsical wedding BY GINA TRON | PHOTOS BY SARAH TEW PHOTOGRAPHY 48 | Wedding Guide I t was more than just puppy love for Jaymie and Brad Ivler, who had their very first date at Madison Square Park’s dog run in 2009, a day after being introduced through mutual friends. The two quickly became a couple, and after three years of dating, Brad surprised his sweetheart with sand art in Washington Square Park that read: “Jaymie, will you marry me?” spelled out in glittering grains. Life with Brad felt like a day at the beach. So Jaymie naturally said “Yes.” The couple didn’t hire a planner for their October 2013 wedding at Fresh Meadow Country Club — despite their 260-person guest list. They did everything on their own. “Even though it was a pretty big » Spring | Summer 2014 | 49 wedding, we wanted it to feel warm and intimate,” Jaymie explains. They took about a year to prepare for their big day, and spent approximately three to five hours a day working on it. The first tasks they tackled were booking a venue, choosing music, and hiring a photographer. “It was a lot of work finding a place where we were going to get married,” says Brad. “But, once all the big stuff was out of the way, we could concentrate on all the minor, more personal details.” The pair, inspired by the parks that acted as the backdrop for their courtship and engagement, wanted their wedding to resemble a “rustic secret garden” with decorative accents that included lush greens, soft whites, candles, and branches. One intimate element that was particularly important to Jaymie was finding the perfect dress — an elegant number with capped sleeves and vintage lace that would sway gracefully as she danced with Brad to their first song together, “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison. Jaymie visited a few wedding salons and found the gown of her dreams at Wedding Atelier in Union Square. “As soon as I put it on I was like ‘This is the dress for me!’ ” she says of her Suzanne Neville designer frock. Jaymie invested a lot of time finding her ideal outfit and wanted her closest girlfriends to feel free to do the same. So, instead of choosing a uniformed dress that would flatter some figures but not all, she picked four shades: blush, champagne, mauve, and nude. The bridesmaids picked out their own dress of any kind. They just had to stick to the color palette. “Everyone was happy and they liked how they looked,” says Jaymie. Yet, the bride and her maids can’t take all the credit for their picture-perfect looks. The couple also credits their photographer, Sarah Tew, for making everyone look beautiful. “She was so warm and helpful,” Jaymie recalls. The couple is also known for having adventurous palates, and wanted their wedding to reflect their love of culinary creativity. “We are always going to markets and checking out new restaurants,” says Jaymie. “When someone tells us of a new place in one of the boroughs, we go check it out.” Due to their love of food, their caterer baked up a few gastronomic gems such as a pumpkin appetizer with a side of grilled cheese and a vanilla square wedding cake filled with salted caramel. Drinks such as “Brad The Groom,” which was similar to an Old Fashioned, and a mint and blueberry cocktail called “Jaymie Juice,” were also served, adding yet another signature to a very personalized — and personal — wedding. n 50 | Wedding Guide VENDORS Photographer Sarah Tew Photography Dress, belt, and veil Suzanne Neville at the Wedding Atelier Shoes Jimmy Choo Makeup and hair artist Amalia Moscoso Groom’s outfit Tuxedo from Custom from MySuit; shirt and shoes by Hugo Boss Florist Metro Floral Designs Venue and catering Fresh Meadow Country Club Music New York City Swing — Uptown Swing Invitations, programs, and place cards Party Panache Ketubah Ketubah.com 1 4 Jaymie & Brad’s TOP 5 WEDDING TIPS TAKE CARE OF THE BIG STUFF EARLY. Book your venue, music, and photographer first! 2 3 5 USE THE INTERNET. The internet is a wonderful resource. Pinterest is a great inspiration for style, colors, and ideas. RELAX! It will all get done. It really will all get done. IT’S ABOUT YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND. Take everyone’s suggestions into consideration but ultimately go with what you want to do. DON’T STRESS ABOUT THE DETAILS. The small stuff is just important to you. Things may not be perfect, but don’t worry: think about the bigger picture instead. Spring | Summer 2014 | 51 geek Big, Fat wedding Spectacled sweethearts throw an eye-catching event BY Ali Osworth | photos bY Lindsay Taryn photography I f you are an oddball, you can bounce around the globe in search of another freewheeling soul. Lucky for kooky kids Callie Knoepffler and Keil Hock, they didn’t have to hike any further than their Long Island hometown of Blue Point, NY. The couple met when they were in pre-K, and their peculiar personalities just seemed to click. 52 | Wedding Guide “My aunt told me that Kiel and I speak in our own language,” says Callie. “We tend to make up words, nicknames, and little phrases for things that only mean things to us. Sometimes it’s even in song form!” The two bonded over their love of sci-fi and fantasy movies and by senior year of college, Keil surprised his high-school » 54 | Wedding Guide “It is so nice when two weird people can appreciate each other’s weirdness.” sweetheart with a ring after a long day of snowboarding on Valentine’s Day weekend. “It is so nice when two weird people can appreciate each other’s weirdness,” Kiel’s brother said in his toast at the dorky duo’s wedding. “I am glad you found each other.” Callie and Keil feel like square pegs in a round world, so they didn’t want to have a cookie-cutter wedding meant to fit someone else. “Most of the weddings we have attended have been near our hometown and we felt that many of those venues started to look the same to us,” says Callie of the grinding search for the perfect venue. The two finally stumbled upon Williamsburg’s Giando on the Water — an event and fine-dining space with a glass-walled view of the Manhattan skyline over the East River. “You can’t really get a more unique setting than Giando’s,” says Callie. “I would recommend it in a heartbeat.” The gorgeous city skyline was a breathtaking backdrop, but guests were gasping at the couple’s wedding for a completely different reason. “I can’t even tell you how many people mentioned to us that they had never seen a bride and groom in glasses,” says Callie. But their decision to don their spectacles wasn’t a deliberate attempt at being unusual. Rather, it was about being individuals. “There was never a question as to whether or not we would wear our glasses at our wedding. We never even thought twice about it,” says Callie. “I honestly don’t think people would recognize me without glasses. They are a part of who I am, and it was important for me to feel like myself at my wedding.” And for Callie, the need to express her personality trickled down to her dress. She really wanted lace and straps, but couldn’t seem to find the two details in the same gown. The Allure Bridal number she wound up buying from Long Island’s Bridal Suite of Bayshore was originally sleeveless, but the store customized the frock by adding straps in such a way that it formed a keyhole back. Kiel and Callie kept adding personal touches to their big day. Kiel wore a suit instead of a traditional tuxedo, Callie’s cousin officiated the ceremony, and the two personalized their vows by “promising to walk together as best friends for life.” All the traditional dances at the reception, like the couple’s first dance and parents’ dances, were done to upbeat songs such as “You Are The Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne, “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra, and “I’ll Always Love My Mama” by The Intruders. The up-tempo tunes got everyone dancing, even between courses, but the big hit of the night turned out to be “Gangnam Style” by Psy. And, since everyone knew the dance from the viral YouTube video, the guests went bananas. “Everyone knew the moves and had so much fun dancing that we played it a second time,” says Callie. “The pictures are hysterical!” n Spring | Summer 2014 | 55 VENDORS Photographer Lindsay Taryn Photography Caterer and cake Giando on the Water DJ AVC Music Florist Madison Floral Dress Allure Bridal; finishing touches by the Bridal Suite of Bayshore Suit Ermenegildo Zegna from Saks Off 5th Tie The Tie Bar Shoes Hers: Nina “Criana” His: G.H. Bass & Co. Bride’s jewelry DivineJewel on Etsy Veil abusymother on Etsy Rings Stadtmuller Jewelers Glasses Hers: Ray Ban His: Warby Parker Bride’s hair Vanity Square Salon 1 3 Callie & Kiel’s TOP 5 WEDDING TIPS DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR HUSBAND! If your husband is busy with work or school, don’t make all the decisions without consulting him. Bounce ideas back and forth. STUDY UP! Do you research, especially when it comes to your photographer. You want your photos to capture your day, so you can relive it forever. 56 | Wedding Guide 4 2 ACCEPT HELP. If someone, like your mom, is willing to help, let them! They can be a savior in terms of coming up with ideas, booking appointments, writing invitations, and a lot of other time-consuming tasks. DRAFT THE PERFECT GUEST LIST. If you invite people who really matter to you, you will have a wonderful party … complete with pony dancing. 5 STAY ORGANIZED. Give yourself plenty of time to plan so that you don’t get stressed or overwhelmed with minor details. Azatyan Family Jewelers - Since 1969 FREE WEDDING BAND from BENCHMARK with engagement ring purchase Celebrate OKG Jewelry Co. Not to be combined with other offers or discounts. Some restrictions may apply. Offer expires 08/30/2014 FREE on the waterfront APPRAISAL Limit 1 Per Customer Offer expires 08/30/2014 248-25 Northern Blvd., Little Neck | 718.423-2526 Open Tuesday–Saturday www.okgjewelry.com One Love. One Perfect Wedding. Due Ponti. Between the bridges. ••• the perfect wedding accommodations... Congratulations on your engagement and welcome to The House on Third St. We encourage you to visit our website, www.houseon3st.com and have a look at the amenities, or call Jane White at 718-788-7171 for information. From the 12’ ceilings, to the deck overlooking the garden, we think you will find the apartment a perfect place to celebrate and/or relax. We are eager to make your stay a memorable one. We hope you’ll consider us for this most meaningful of occasions. 422 Third Street, Park Slope, Brooklyn 718-788-7171 www.houseon3st.com For intimate, smaller weddings, or for bridal showers, engagement parties and rehearsal dinners, we vow to provide a unique, gourmet dining experience with breathtaking views. Dine under the stars or in our wellappointed dining room. Fine Italian cuisine, expertly served. Due Ponti, one of the ingredients for your perfect day. 718.767.3100 154-11 Powells Cove Blvd., Whitestone N.Y. 11357 www.dueponti-ristorante.com Spring | Summer 2014 | 57 WHERE heart THE A man, a woman, and a cardiac surgery intensive care unit BY ELIZABETH MICHAELSON | PHOTOS BY RYAN BRENIZER PHOTOGRAPHY 58 | Wedding Guide IS Spring | Summer 2014 | 59 A hospital’s cardiac surgery intensive care unit proved to be a great place for the heart in more than one way for Regina Lee and Jerry Chao. Jerry, who is currently a resident in plastic and reconstructive surgery, was doing a surgical rotation in 2010 when he met Regina, a clinical pharmacist. The two spent a month working together and bonded over their religious faith and love of good Chinese food. Jerry asked out Regina as soon as his rotation was up. On their first date, Jerry took Regina to the High Line Park, and on Valentine’s Day weekend 2012, he took her again to propose. “It was a freezing cold day, and the trail of rose petals that Jerry had set up blew away,” Regina recalled — but that didn’t stop her from saying yes! The lovebirds set the date for May 19, 2013, then threw themselves into the wedding planning, which they did with the help of “lots of Excel spreadsheets.” They chose Liberty House Restaurant, a large restaurant and catering facility in Jersey City’s Liberty State Park, for both the ceremony and reception. The Manhattan couple was especially taken with the site’s fantastic vistas that are surrounded by water on three sides. 60 | Wedding Guide “Liberty House offers a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline through the reception ballroom’s floor-to-ceiling windows,” says Jerry enthusiastically. May 19 was romantically overcast and the couple and guests were caught up in a storm of excitement. The groom donned a tux at the altar, while the bride wore a slim-fitting satin and tulle gown with lace appliqués, crystals, a V-neck, and illusion straps accessorized with a sparkly belt from Allure Bridals. She carried a sweet and romantic bouquet of pink lilies, white roses, and purple orchids. The color pink resurfaced in the four bridesmaids’ blush frocks, which matched the groomsmen’s vests and ties. One of Regina’s old church pastors officiated the traditional Christian wedding and incorporated an unexpected and moving act — the clasping of pinkies. “We didn’t know it was going to happen beforehand,” Jerry says, “but our officiant asked us to do it during the ceremony.” The act symbolized the couple’s promise to remain faithful to each other throughout the ups and downs of marriage. Regina and Jerry’s 188 guests snacked on crab cakes, lobster and asparagus, chicken satay, coconut shrimp, ceviche, pasta, and sushi during the cocktail hour. Then guests feasted at tables adorned with pink lilies, white roses, hydrangea, and purple stock. The meal began with a crab salad and was followed by either red wine-braised short ribs or macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi. The wedding cake, from local institution Carlo’s Bakery (made famous by the TLC television show “Cake Boss”), was a lavender frosted vanilla and chocolate cake with hazelnut cream filling. The four-layer confection was topped with purple orchids in a nod to the bride’s bouquet. The reception featured an unusual twist — party games. “We had our friends organize a few games, with us being at the center of them,” Jerry explains. In the first game, Regina was blindfolded and asked to pick out her new husband from among the groomsmen by feeling their biceps. In another, the couple was seated back to back, and asked questions such as, “Who wears the pants in the relationship?” The newlyweds each answered by raising a shoe — either one of the bride’s, or one of the groom’s. The couple enjoyed these playful games. “They were really fun for our guests, too!” says Jerry. “Everything was done beautifully — the dress, the flowers, the reception music. Our guests all raved about the food that was served,” says Jerry. “Most of all, all the people were what made it the most meaningful!” n Spring | Summer 2014 | 61 VENDORS Photographer Ryan Brenizer Venue and catering Liberty House Restaurant Cake Carlo’s Bakery Band Ariel Music and Events Flowers Exchange Place Florist Dress Allure Bridals Bridesmaid dresses Bill Levkoff Tuxedo ChazMaTazz Formalwear Makeup Sachiko Yanase 1 3 Regina & Jerry’s TOP 5 WEDDING TIPS SPREAD THE WORK AROUND. Utilize your bridesmaids and groomsmen, especially if they are willing to help. It’s overwhelming for one person! EAT BEFORE THE RECEPTION STARTS. You might not have time later. 62 | Wedding Guide 4 2 ON THE DAY-OF, PICK A POINT PERSON. This way you can relax and enjoy the wedding without worrying about the details. TAKE IN THE MOMENT. This may be the only time you will have people from all stages of your life together in one room. 5 DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! … and play a few games. Thank you, contributing photographers Jacob Arthur Studio www.jacobarthur.com (347) 946–2151 eva@jacobarthur.com Kristina Hill Photography kristinahill.com (917) 887–0092 photos@Kristinahill.com Erica Camille Photography www.ericacamilleproductions.com (920) 539–8212 erica@ericacamilleproductions.com Sarah Tew Photography www.sarahtewphotography.com (917) 374–4346 sarahtewphotography@gmail.com STAK Wedding Photography www.getstak.com (718) 908–6753 Steven@getstak.com Lisa Berry Photography www.lisaberryphotography.com (812) 331–7889 lisa@lisaberryphotography.com Lindsay Taryn Photography lindsaytarynphoto.com (917) 740–8327 lindsay@lindsaytarynphoto.com Diana P. Lang Photography www.dianaplangphotography.com (609) 462–1519 diana@dianaplangphotography.com Emily G Photography www.emilygphotography.com (503) 936–2922 emily@emilygphotography.com Ryan Brenizer Photography ryanbrenizer.com (917) 232–1058 ryanbrenizerphotography@gmail.com Steven Rosen Photography stevenrosenphotography.com (718) 625–7076 steven@stevenrosenphotography.com William Chang Photography william-chang.com (718) 395–7223 info@william-chang.com Beautiful Weddings are One Part Fantasy & Two Parts Inspiration . . . 2014 Wedding Event Calendar Like Us on for a Chance to WIN IN 8FFLFOE4IPXT4UBSUBU1.tWeekday Shows Start at 6:30 PM Weds. Sun. Weds. Sat. Weds. Weds. Weds. 01-08-14 01-12-14 01-22-14 02-08-14 03-12-14 04-02-14 04-23-14 Villa Barone Hilltop Manor, Mahopac, NY Hilton - Westchester, Rye Brook, NY Villa Barone Manor, Bronx, NY Sheraton, Stamford, CT Westchester Manor, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY Villa Barone Hilltop Manor, Mahopac, NY Villa Barone Manor, Bronx, NY Admission $10.00 At The Door. Save 50% OFF The Ticket Price When You Purchase Your Tickets Online. www.BoscoWeddings.com All brides & LGBT couples who purchase tickets online will receive a canvas tote bag and a $100 COUPON that can be used towards the services of the vendors at the show! You will also receive a FREE Matching Wedding Band set. Choose from over 20 beautiful designs... Matching Wedding Bands, valued at $600. Spring | Summer 2014 | 63 a parting gift LOUD vows Offbeat quotes that will grab everyone’s attention BY ELYSE WANSHEL Y ou want to shout it from a mountain top — your love is rare! It is so special that a beautiful, yet humdrum, Bible passage like, “Love is patient, love is kind,” won’t hack it halfway up a ridge. If you’re looking for something as unusual as Mt. Kilimanjaro sounds, hike off the First-Corinthians path and consider these lesserknown, striking, yet romantic quotes plucked from literature and pop culture that, if placed perfectly into your vows, can be as satisfying as a view from a canyon. “EVERY BREATH that is in your lungs is a tiny little gift to me.” THE WHITE STRIPES, “DEAD LEAVES AND THE DIRTY GROUND” “I’m going to pull time apart for you.” another human being.” HOLDEN, “CHASING AMY” “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” EMILY BRONTE, “WUTHERING HEIGHTS” AMY POND, “DR. WHO” “Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.” ZORA NEALE HURSTON “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” HARRY, “WHEN HARRY MET SALLY” “I love you. Very, very simply, very truly. You are the epitome of everything I have ever looked for in 64 | Wedding Guide “I guess I kind of hate most things. But I never really seem to hate you. So I want to spend the rest of my life with you, is that cool?” APRIL LUDGATE, “PARKS AND RECREATION” LINDSAY TARYN PHOTOGRAPHY “YOU KNOW YOU’RE IN LOVE WHEN you don’t want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” DR. SEUSS “Who, being loved, is poor?“ OSCAR WILDE “Everybody’s gotta love someone, but I just wanna love you, my dear.” THE DRUMS, “DOWN BY THE WATER” “I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.” “Love is like a friendship caught on fire.” “And I need you more than want you. AND I WANT YOU FOR ALL TIME.” “But anyway, I think you’re bionic. And I don’t think you’re beautiful, I think you’re beyond it.” JEREMY TAYLOR ARWEN, “THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING.” JIMMY WEBB, “WICHITA LINEMAN” LIL’ WAYNE, “EVERY GIRL” Bay Ridge Manor Family Owned & Operated For Over 50 Years Come plan your wedding or special event with us.... Call for an appointment to view our elegant banquet rooms. Distinctive Catering For All Occasions Affordable Elegance Accomodates 40-250 Guests Valet Service The Bay Ridge Manor will be honored to host your special event. LOCATED IN THE HEART OF BAY RIDGE 476 76th Street Brooklyn, NY 11209 718-748-8855 www.bayridgemanor.com PILO ARTS SALON Member of Intercoiffure Mondial Paris • Tokyo • London New York • Berlin • Roma Colour Hi-Lights 1978 - 2014 Make-Up Cut & Style Massage Body Wrap Facial SELECTED TOP 200 Brooklyn Company 2011 & 2012 VOTED 1ST PLACE BEST SALON 2012 & 2013 37th YEAR ANNIVERSARY SERVING NYC Up-Dos RANKED TOP 5 of 20,000 Salons for 2010 to 2013 PILO ARTS SALON 718.748.7411 • PILOARTS.COM 8412 3rd Ave. • Bklyn., N.Y.