IN BLISS

INI n 

s i g h t f r o m T o p V e n d o r s ! 

BLISS 

Art Deco 

Elements 

That you’ll LOVE! 

5 Luxurious 

Honeymoon 

Locations 

The 

Great 

Gastby 

Creating a Reception 

From a Bygone Era 

Vintage Beauty 

Get the look of a 

‘20s screen siren! 

IN BLISS 

1

Contents 

In Bliss Weddings 

In this 

ISSUE 

Summer 2013, Volume 1, Issue 1 

FEATURES 

28: 

THE GREAT GATSBY 

Creating a wedding theme 

from a bygone era 

19: 

14 ART DECO GOWNS 

Swoon over these roaring looks 

44: 

1920’S MAKEUP LOOKS 

From mascara to lipstick, 

get the look of a sizzling 

screen siren 

60: 

DO IT FOR LESS: ‘20s 

RECEPTION 

Get a twenties look for less with 

these do-it-yourself ideas 

2 IN BLISS


3

joan calabrese 

for Mon Cheri 

 

calabresegirl.com 


In Bliss Weddings 

Contents 

In this 

ISSUE 

Summer 2013, Volume 1, Issue 1 

Style 

Details 

Destinations 

in every issue 

11 EDITOR’S LETTER 

12 RUFFLED FEATHERS 

14 REGISTRY 

40 GET THE LOOK 

78 REAL WEDDINGS 

148 LAST LOOK 

19-46 

SPARKLE 

Vintage-inspired 

accessories 

ALL THAT 

GLITTERS IS OLD 

Make your love a 

piece of history with 

a vintage engagement 

ring 

WEDDINGS 

THROUGH HISTORY 

The raucous weddings of 

the roaring twenties 

48-64 

LIT 101 

How to incorporate books 

into your big day 

WHITE FLOWERS 

Make a statement with 

these atypical blooms! 

DREAM VENUES 

We’ve scoured the country 

to unearth the best art deco 

venues in the U.S. 

66-75 

Five Luxurious 

Honeymoon Locations 

Our list of five luxurious 

art deco locales 

THE EMERALD ISLE 

From Dublin to the Cliffs 

of Moher, here are our 

recommendations 

for an Irish adventure 

60 

86 

48 

70 


5

PRONOVIAS 

BARCELONA 

In Bliss 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & CO-FOUNDER 

Rachel Laster 

CO-FOUNDER 

Dean Laster 

Cocktail 

Collection 

Casey Hower 

EXECUTIVE FEATURES DIRECTOR 

Elizabeth Metkus 

REAL WEDDINGS EDITOR 

Rebekah Roberson 

EXECUTIVE FEATURES DIRECTOR 


ALFRED SUNG 

Casey Kallen 

COPYWRITER 

Conti Valle 

COPYWRITER 

Elizabeth Donatoni 

COPYWRITER 

Ivette Nunez 

DESIGN DIRECTOR 

Kate Oakes 

COPYWRITER 

Kyle Vargo 

DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR 

www.dessy.com 

Lindsay Bell 

COPYEDITOR 

Megan Stevenson 

COPYEDITOR 

Advertise with In Bliss 

To inquire about advertising with In 

Bliss the ezine or InBlissWeddings.com, 

please contact 

advertising@inblissweddings.com 

In Bliss 

Samantha Wolfsandle 

COPYEDITOR 

Vanessa Ramos 

COPYWRITER 


7

8 IN BLISS 

VERA WANG

Editor’s 

Nobody knew how to 

throw a swankier soirée than 

the title character from F. Scott 

Fitzgerald’s novel, ‘The Great 

Gatsby’. This is why, for In Bliss’s 

inaugural e-zine, we have 

chosen to take our cues from Mr. 

Jay Gatsby himself, along with 

the glitz, glamour and beauty of 

the roaring twenties. 

The 1920s, long remembered as 

a decade of vibrancy, creativity 

and zest, was the bearer of 

fashion and style that is still en 

vogue to this day. What better 

era for us to focus on for our first 

issue, than the one that saw 

the beginnings of the wedding 

industry, as we know it? 

Letter 

If you’re on the prowl for a 

1920s-esque wedding dress, then 

look no further! Our editors have 

scoured the latest gown styles for 

all things art deco! 

I’m personally in love with our 

Style section-learn how to get 

the perfect smoky eye and red 

lipped look that were standards 

in the roaring twenties, (page 42). 

Editor’s Leter 

If you have all the makings of 

a wedding that would make 

Gatsby himself jealous and want 

to extend it to your Honeymoon, 

study up on our editors picks for 

must-see, luxurious detinations, 

(page 64). 

I hope that you enjoy our premier 

issue and hope to see you back 

for our next! 

Our Great Gatsby-themed photo 

shoot (page 28) is our bridalspin 

on the decadently lavish 

parties of the famed Gatsby 

and the 1920s. A historic library 

creates the perfect backdrop 

for the richly appointed place 

settings, signature cocktails, 

sparkling gowns and elegant 

floral arrangements. 

Rachel 

RACHEL LASTER 

EDITOR IN CHIEF 

Rachel’s 

Fantasy Items 

Hey, a girl can dream, can’t she... 

“Very Riche Strass”, $3,995, 

Christian Louboutin 

“Sybil” Clutch, $1,285, 

Clara Kasavina 

“Savory” Headpiece, 

$200,000, Tiffany & Co. 


9

Eti q u e te 

Ruffled 

Feathers 

By Ca sey Howe r 

My family and friends take up the majority 

of our guest list, with my fiancé only having 

a handful of attendees. Is it okay to have 

guests sit on both sides of the ceremony site, 

regardless of their connection to us? 

Q 

A 

MY SORORITY SISTER HAS ASKED 

TO BRING HER BOYFRIEND OF 

THREE WEEKS TO OUR $125/PLATE 

RECEPTION. I ONLY PUT HER NAME 

ON THE INVITATION, SO I THOUGHT 

SHE WOULD UNDERSTAND! I DON’T 

WANT HER TO BE UPSET WITH ME, 

BUT IT’S JUST NOT IN OUR BUDGET! 

WHAT SHOULD I DO? 

Rest assured that it is your guests 

who are breaching etiquette, 

not you! You have specified on 

the invitation who you are asking 

to attend your wedding, so your 

intention was made clear. Be 

honest with guests making this 

request. As much as you would love 

to let everyone attend, you simply 

cannot afford it. It’s your expense 

after all, so people will understand. 

Absolutely! It is your wedding after all! Just 

inform your ushers that once your side starts 

to fill up, to start seating people on the other 

side. If the guest says something, simply have 

the ushers inform them about your wishes 

regarding even seating. 

One of my bridesmaids keeps complaining 

about the dress that I’ve picked out. What 

should I do? 

As the bride, ultimately you have the final 

say on what your bridesmaids wear. With 

that being said, you should also keep a 

few things in mind when picking out their 

attire. If their body types and budgets 

have been considered, then it is time for 

your bridesmaids to be supportive of your 

decision. If a particular bridesmaid is still 

complaining about your choice, perhaps 

pull her aside and simply say, “I am sorry you 

are unhappy with the dress I’ve chosen. As 

much as I love having you in my bridal party, 

I would understand if you felt the need to 

step down.” This way, you have left the ball 

in her court. Chances are she won’t want to 

back out, and she will get the hint about the 

dress. 

My parents are paying for the wedding, but 

my fiancé’s mom wants to have a say in 

everything! 

She’s excited about her son’s upcoming 

nuptials, so try to be understanding. Beat 

her to the punch by asking her for help 

with certain, smaller things, up front. Good 

suggestions could be: helping with the 

seating chart for her family, planning for out 

of town guests and the mother of the groom 

dance. She just wants to be involved in some 

way, so try to make her suggesstions feel 

welcomed; even if you don’t end up using 

all of them! 


A friend of mine has asked me not to 

seat her with another guest of ours due 

to a recent falling out between the two of 

them. I had actually planned on having 

them at the same table. Should I honor 

her request? 

Think of it like this: essentially, you 

are hosting a party. You want all of your 

guests to feel comfortable, since that will 

make the evening more enjoyable for 

everyone. Your friend probably would 

not have asked if she didn’t think it could 

potentially cause a problem. If seating 

her somewhere else does not interrupt 

your entire seating arrangement, you 

should put her somewhere else. And 

if moving her to a new table is just not 

an option, then the two should not be 

seated next to each other. 

What is the proper amount to spend on a 

wedding gift? 

Trick question! There is no “proper” 

or “set” amount one should spend on a 

wedding gift; nor should anyone expect 

to receive any gift at all. People often 

base what they do give off of how close 

they are with the couple in addition to 

what their budget allows. As for the idea 

that you should give enough to cover 

the cost of your plate: it’s untrue. 

Do you have any ideas on how 

to incorporate giving back to the 

community into my wedding? 

Absolutely! You could ask your 

caterer or venue about donating your 

leftovers to a local food bank to help 

feed the hungry. Check out JustGive. 

org to find food banks in your area. And 

why not donate your flowers as well? 

Organizations such as Random Acts 

of Flowers and Petals With Purpose are 

popping up all over the country. These 

groups repurpose flowers and deliver 

them to local hospitals, nursing homes 

and hospice care centers. What could 

be a better ending to your big day than 

knowing you have put a smile on the 

faces of so many others? 

I would like our wedding to be adults 

only, but my family has a lot of children 

in it. How do I let everyone know and not 

offend anyone? 

Children are tricky! Many people 

understand that weddings tend to be 

more of an adult affair, however some 

people still feel as though their children 

should be allowed to attend. Technically 

speaking, only the names that appear 

on the envelope of the invitation are 

invited to the wedding. It is never okay to 

write “adults only” on the invitation! That 

being said, often times parents ignore, 

or are unaware, that their children are 

not invited, and simply fill in their names 

on the reply card. The best way to avoid 

this is by strong word of mouth. Have 

relatives pass on the word that your big 

day will be adults only. You could also 

call or write certain family or friends who 

could be offended to let them know this, 

and offer up a small explanation, such as 

space or budget restraints. If someone 

informs you that “if their children cannot 

come, neither will they, “ just say you are 

sorry to hear that. Don’t allow yourself 

to be bullied into changing your mind, 

because remember; If you make an 

exception for one, everyone will want it 

made for them as well! 

Ruffled feathers? 

E-mail us at casey@ 

inblissweddings.com 


11

R egi str y 

emerald dreams 

1 

7 

2 

INCORPORATE PANTONE’S COLOR 

OF THE YEAR INTO YOUR WEDDING 

REGISTRY 

3 

10 

10 

4 

5 

6 

15 


8 9 

1. BOTANIQUE AUGUST CANDLE 

by Fringe $37.50; bloomingdales. 

com 

11 

12 

14 

2. KSM150PS STAND MIXER, 5 QT. 

ARTISAN in Bayleaf by KitchenAid 

$499.99; macys.com 

3. BRIGHTON WAY LARGE VASE 

by Kate Spade New York $200; 

bloomingdales.com 

4. CACTUS VERDE BOHO CAN- 

DLE-LARGE by Illume $33.50; illumecandles.com 

5. TURTLE BIRTHSTONE BOX by Jay 

Strongwater $150; neimanmarcus. 

com 

6. PERSONALIZED COASTERS AND 

LIDDED HOLDER by Neiman Marcus 

$48 (coasters)/ $10 (Container); 

neimanmarcus.com 

7. GLASS BASE TABLE LAMP by Horchow 

$185; horchow.com 

8. EMILIA FRAME by Weingeroff 

$695-$795 bloomingdales.com 

9. MOSAIC PLACEMAT by Kim Seybert 

$116; kimseybert.com 

10. ELSIE DINNERWARE by Charlotte 

Moss $29-$271; michaelcfina. 

com 

13 

11. MOSAIC VASE by Sue Smith 

Price Available Upon Request; 

suesmithglass.co.uk 

12. JULES POINT GREEN BOTTLE 

STOPPER by Kate Spade New York 

$11.99; bedbathandbeyond.com 

16 

13. BUTTERFLY BLOOM CUP & SAU- 

CER- BUTTERFLY POSY by Wedgewood 

$39.95; thebowlcompany. 

com 

14. VEGA WATER GLASS by Baccarat 

$205; neimanmarcus.com 

15. MONOGRAM EMERALD GREEN 

& WHITE QUATREFOIL PATTERN LUG- 

GAGE TAG by Zazzle $9.50; zazzle. 

com 

16. ROUND COCOTTE by Staub 

$169.95-339.95; williams-sonoma. 

com 


13



15

BLACK 

byVERA WANG 

exclusively at MEN’S WEARHOUSE 


Sty l e 

Art Deco Elements 

15 

Gowns to Swoon Over 

With stars like Jessica 

Chastain, Naomi Watts 

and Halle Barry referencing old 

Hollywood glamour in sparkling, 

bias-fit gowns, we’re thinking 

it might as well be called new 

Hollywood glamour. 

Every bride wants to feel 

dazzling and pulled together 

on her wedding day. Here we 

present a few gowns perfect for 

swooning over old Hollywood 

style. So get out your chaise 

lounges and read on. 

By Rebekah Roberson 

JOHANNA JOHNSON 

Silk satin bias cut gown with 

silk lined ostrich feather cape 


17

Sty l e 

PATTERNED 

FROM LEFT: 1) ROSA CLARA Crepe satin dress with beadwork embroidery, in ivory; 2)ROSA CLARA Fringed 

dress and body with beadwork embroidery, in ivory; 3)CHARLIE BREAR Lalique lace over fine crepe in ivory; 

4)MAGGIE SOTTERO Metallic embroidery coupled with linear beading over illusion tulle; 5)YUMI KATSURA 

Hand beaded Swarovski crystal, fluted and draped French tulle in white. 


HIGH-LOW 

FROM LEFT: 1) JIM HJELM Peach embroidered tulle gown, satin ribbon with tulle overlay and floral detail 

and sweep train; 2)RIVINI French Chantilly Lace and silk chiffon; 3)SIMPLY BRIDAL Taffeta with high-low 

bubble hem.

TIERS 

FROM LEFT: 1) MOONLIGHT COUTURE Layered embroidered lace, deep v-back and a semi-cathedral train; 

2)ALLURE BRIDAL Lace bodice with organza skirt and crystal sash; 3)ALYNE BRIDAL Taffeta and tulle layers 

with sweetheart neckline and chapel train. 

SHEATH 

FROM LEFT: 1) JOHANNA JOHNSON Silk satin with hand-beaded sleeve detail; 2)RIVINI Silk chiffon and silk crepe with 

organza hand-embroidered bodice with pearls and crystals; 3)JENNY PACKHAM Silk chiffon with crystal beading; 

4)MAGGIE SOTTERO Satin slip gown, open back trimmed in sequin embellished lace. 


19

Sty l e 

2. 

3. 

1. 

5. 

6. 

4. 

7. 

SHOES 

& 

ACCESSORIES 

8. 

1920s Vintage 

1) Necklace: $150, Tat2 Designs for Max&Chloe; 2) Shoes: Boutique 9; 3) Hair Clip: $173, Emmy London; 4) Earrings: $175, 

Tat2 Designs for Max&Chloe; 5) Earrings: $90, House of Harlow; 6) Earrings: $120, Kendra Scott; 7) Evening Bag: $4,900, Gucci; 

8) Bracelet: $28, Sequin Jewelry; 9) Clutch: $198, Whiting & Davis; 10) Earrings: $145, Sandy Hyun; 11) Shoes: $915, Emmy 

London; 12) Necklace: $450, Tiffany & Co.; 13) Shoes: $2,195, Tabitha Simmons; 14) Headband: $1,716, Jenny Packham; 

15) Ring: $475, Tiffany & Co.; 16) Bracelet: $129, Nadri; 17) Earrings: $295, Judith Jack Jewelry; 18) Brooch: $129, Xavier 

Jewelry; 19) Earrings: $95, Nina; 20) Necklace: $52, Argento Vivo; 21) Shoes: $867, Emmy London; 22) Shoes: $805, Charlotte 

Olympia; 23) Brooch: Amazon.com; 24) Ring: $48, Ariella Collection; 25) Earrings: $65, Nina Jewelry; 26) Shoes: $1,295, 

Manolo Blahnik; 27) Necklace: $150, 1928 Jewelry; 28) Clutch: $3,995, Judith Leiber. 


9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

14. 

15. 

16. 

17. 

18. 19. 

21. 

20. 

22. 

23. 

24. 

25. 

27. 

28. 

26. 


21

Sty l e 

What’s 

is 

Old 

New 

Again 

The guests will go home. The dress will be carefully 

tucked away for the grandchildren, but the 

engagement ring will stay with you as the constant 

link between the love that you and your husband 

confessed to each other. You deserve a ring as 

timeless as your love. Vintage pieces can offer that 

in a way modern rings can’t. Antique rings carry a 

love story; they have voices. 1800s engagement 

rings speak of Queen Victoria’s influence of 

femininity and delicacy. Retro rings whisper of 

the Second World War, their wearers perhaps the 

betrothed of soldiers going off to fight. Each one 

has a unique history to reveal. Each one carries 

the weight and mystery of a bygone era. Become 

part of the story. 

! 



Why 

buy a 

vintage 

engagement 

ring? 

Quality: Most of these rings were cut by 

hand and made to last as heirlooms for 

the next generation. Be sure to look for 

details like pronged settings and weighty 

peices, since they will age better. 

Style: Antique jewelry is not a re-creation 

of the past, it is the past brought into the 

present. These rings are the originals. 

Think the actual Marilyn Monroe, not 

the Michelle Williams version of her. 

Both were great, but there’s only one 

genuine article. 

Unique Features: Even if your best friend, 

heck, your closest three best friends, all 

have art deco engagement rings, each 

of them will have different stylings and 

be perfectly individual to the brides who 

wear them. 

Expense: Often times you can get 

more for your money when purchasing 

vintage rings. Brides can almost always 

get larger stones in more lux metals for 

less expensive prices than contemporary 

pieces. 

Things to remember when 

shopping for vintage jewelry: 

1 Craftsmanship: 

These pieces are not perfect; they 

were made individually by hand or 

antiquated machinery, after all. Internal 

flaws were harder to find and many rings 

were cut to be seen in candlelight, not 

in modern fluorescents. This means their 

refraction is often not as brilliant as 21st 

century pieces. 

2 Color: 

We set a standard of colorless 

diamonds to be the highest quality, but 

that wasn’t always true. Different periods 

begged different colors, some eras 

preferred their diamonds a little pink, 

others slightly green or yellow. 

3 Paperwork: 

Make sure you buy antique jewelry 

from a reputable company. Genuine 

jewelry pieces should have paperwork 

prepared by a gemologist documenting 

the diamond’s carat, color, clarity and 

cut. This ensures that you get what you’re 

paying for-- a real diamond-- and can 

prove worth in the future. It is also helpful 

to have this paperwork when getting your 

engagement ring insured. 

4 Wear and Tear: 

Victorian ladies didn’t exactly wear 

their rings for workouts on ellipticals 

or weightlifting. Some antique jewelry 

cannot be put under as much stress as 

new jewelry. To alleviate this problem, 

it is recommended to have the piece 

examined by a modern jeweler (most 

antique stores employ one or can 

recommend someone to you), to ensure 

there are no cracks or loose prongs. 

Sometimes, antique rings can be 

reinforced, as well, to secure that your 

piece from the past can be brought into 

your contemporary lifestyle. 

Shopping 

Guide 

NEW YORK CITY - Leigh Jay 

Nacht Inc., 10 West 47th 

Street, Suite 802 (showroom) 

New York, New York 10036 

Phone: 212.719.2888 Website: 

AntiqueEngagementRings.com 

SAN FRANCISCO - Lang Antique 

and Estate Jewelry, 323 Sutter 

Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 

Phone: 415.982.2213 Website: 

LangAntiques.com 

CHICAGO - Christopher Duquet 

Fine Jewelry Design, 1224 

Chicago Avenue, Evanston, 

IL 60202 Phone: 847.733.0656 

Website: ChristopherDuquet.com 

HOUSTON – Past Era Fine Antique 

Jewelry, 3433 West Alabama, 

Houston, TX 77027 Phone: 

713.621.3433 

Website: PastEra.com 

PORTLAND – Maloy’s Jewelry 

Workshop, 717 Southwest 10th 

Avenue, Portland, OR 97201 

Phone: 503.223.4720 

Website: Maloys.com 


23

Sty l e 

All That 

Glitters 

is Old 

What’s old is new again when shopping for 

vintage engagement rings. Check out our 

guide to era jewelry here! 

Georgian 

Victorian 

Dates: 1714 to 1830 Dates: 1835 to 1890 

Named After: the four 

English King Georges: 

George I, George II, 

George III and George 

IV, respectively. 

Features: Heavy design, 

floral motiffs, elaborate 

scrollwork, rare- most 

were repurposed into 

Victorian period rings 

Cut & Material: Round 

cut diamonds in gold 

with silver overlay are 

most popular. 

Bridal Style: Classic for 

its heavy bling design, 

large stones and rarity 

Named After: Queen 

Victoria of England 

Features: Soft, delicate 

engravings like hearts, 

crescent shapes and 

flowers.Entwined 

serpents representing 

eternal love. 

Cut & Material: Threestone 

styles in rose or 

yellow gold 

Bridal Style: Whimsical 

with the Victorian 

period’s use of symbolic 

engravings, these rings 

are for brides seeking 

fantasy 

Na 

Vic 

Ed 

the 

Fe 

lay 

de 

the 

the 

of 

Cu 

cu 

(ra 

go 

Bri 

for 

fem 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 


1. “Glorious Georgian Cluster Ring,” 14k yellow gold over silver, 1.10 carat total w 

yellow gold, ca. 1780, $ 4,450 from The Three Graces; 3. “Ice Palace,” platinum o 

5. Edwardian, Leigh Jay Nacht; 6. Edwardian, The Three Graces; 7. Art Deco, Le 

Magnificent,” platinum, 1.08 carat pear cut stone, ca. 1960, $7,400; 10. Retro, Leig

Edwardian 

Art Deco 

Retro 

Dates: 1890 to1915 Dates: 1915 to 1935 Dates: 1940 to 1945 

med After: Queen 

toria’s son, King 

ward. Also known as 

Belle Epoch. 

atures:Heavily 

ered, intricate filigree 

tails, scrollwork covers 

entire ring including 

crown and the sides 

the shank. 

t & Material: Round, 

shion and emerald 

re) in platinum, white 

ld and silver 

dal Style: Romantic 

the extravegant, 

inine detail 

Named After: The 

1925 Exposition 

Internationale des Arts 

Décoratifs et Industriels 

Modernes 

Features: Streamlined, 

geometric, architectural. 

Backlash against ultraromantic 

Edwardian 

period. 

Cut & Material: Square, 

round, baguette, 

trapezoid and triangle 

in platinum and yellow 

gold 

Bridal Style: Modern for 

the sleek appearence 

Named After: The 

Latin prefix meaning 

backward or in past 

time 

Features: Large, 

asymmetrical and 

glamorous. Diamond 

solitaires with focus on 

the size of the center 

stone. 

Cut & Material: Square, 

round, pear, marquise, 

heart, and emerald cut 

in gold and rose gold. 

Bridal Style: Glamorous, 

for the bride harkening 

old Hollywood 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

eight, ca. 1800, $3,950 from The Three Graces; 2. “Late 18th C. Chrysoberyl Cluster Ring,” silver and 10k 

ver yellow gold, 0.60 carat center stone, ca. 1890, $3,450, from Maloy’s; 4. Victorian, The Three Graces; 

igh Jay Nacht; 8.“Oh Baby!,” platinum and black onyx, 1.42 carats, ca. 1920, $12,200; 9. “Mid Century 

h Jay Nacht; 10. “Retro,” 14k gold, .90 carat round cut stone, ca. 1950, sold. 


25


The 

Great 

Gatsby 

Inspired Shoot 

Text by Rebekah Roberson 


27

Golden Ceremony 

With Baz Luhrmann’s instant classic 

film, The Great Gatsby released in 

May, at In Bliss we were inspired 

to create a wedding with a 1920s 

aesthetic sure to be rich, lavish and 

oh-so-opulent. For the ceremony, 

our bride and groom say “I Do” 

under a vintage library’s arch. A 

striking double v-neck gown with 

gold sequins by Badgley Mischka 

was the perfect choice for standing 

out in the intimate lighting. 


Sty l e 

Opposite Page: Feathered headpiece by Bridals by Danielle; 

Diamond engagement ring, Safian and Rudolph; Vintage lapel 

pin, Bridals by Danielle. This Page: 1920s black tuxedo, Pierre’s 

Costumes; Gold sequined gown, Badgley Mischka; Pearl 

Bracelets, Safian and Rudolph. 


29

Sty l e 


Left to Right: Headpiece, Bridals by Danielle; 

Embellished mermaid gown, Badgley Mischka 

and gloves from Bridals by Danielle; Pearl 

necklaces and bracelets,Safian and Rudolph. 

Diamond eternity ring, Safian and Rudolph. 


31

Sty l e 

Diamond and white gold 

earrings, Safian and Rudolph. 


Stylized, geometric patterns 

were very popular during 

the nineteen twenties. We 

incorporated this aspect 

of the decade into our 

cake, whiskey favors, place 

settings and gift table. 

We jazzed up the decor by 

adding chair tie backs in 

black satin. The darker color 

of the ties help to ground the 

design of the table. 


33

The slightest homage here and there can 

make a big retro impact. PURE Design florist 

created show-stopping centerpieces by 

staggering urns and vases and piling them 

with emerald and gold foliage, cream 

flowers and fluffy, white ostrich feathers to 

evoke a 1920s style. 

Dreams Come True Cakes made our bold 

color palette and the graphic details 

come to life in rolled fondant. Fan effects 

were made three dimensional in layers 

of gold and emerald, and a hand-made 

topper was created with wire to imitate 

patterns on the rest of the cake. 


Sty l e 

Centerpeices created by PURE Design; 

Chair design by Reign and Co. 


35

Sty l e 

Signature 

Drink 

HighHat 

Julep 

Ingredients: 

1.5 oz VS Cognac 

0.75 oz Peach Schnapps 

8 Mint Leaves 

1 Packet of raw sugar 

Garnish: Pineapple wedge 

and mint sprig 

Glass: Julep 

Preparation: 

Lightly muddle the mint and 

raw sugar in julep cup. Add the 

remaining ingredients and pack 

tightly with crushed ice. Garnish 

the drink with a pineapple 

wedge and mint sprig. 

Designed by 


Vendors 

Accessories: 

Safian and Rudolph 

Henry A. Davidsen 

Bridals by Danielle 

Bridal Gown: 

Bridals by Danielle 

Cake: 

Dreams Come True Cakes 

Florist: 

PURE Design 

Hair Stylist: 

A Bridal Beauty 

Lighting: 

Omnivent Inc. 

Make-Up Artist: 

Pure Spa Ambler 

Menswear: 

Gallelli Formal Wear 

Henry A. Davidsen 

Pierre’s Costumes 

Models: 

Christopher Rex Stone 

Kristen Sokac 

Planner: 

Reign & Co 

Photography: 

Lauren Fair Photography 

Venue: 

The German Society of 

Pennsylvania 

Videography: 

Willow Tree Films 

Our couple made a dramatic 

entrance on the sweeping 

staircase of the library at the 

German Society of Pennsylvania. 


37

Sty ke 

Get 

theLOOK 

Love the look from our 

1. 

2. 

1. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

1. Cadeaux Bridal Headdress II Antique, $663, Jenny Packham; 2. White gold diamond antique style dangle earrings, $1,155, 

Safian and Rudolph; 3. White gold diamond antique style dangle earrings, $1,155, Safian and Rudolph; 4. Heritage gloves, $100, 

BHLDN; 5. “Landyn” $1,930, Maggie Sottero 6. Princess cut white diamond antique style ring, $2,640, Safian and Rudolph; 


Gatsby shoot? Get it here! 

1. 

By Lindsay Bell 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

1. Black Ostrich Feather Merry Widow Veil, $33, IndigoDaisyWeddings on Etsy; 2. Debutante Pearl Necklace, $88, Henri Bendel; 

3. Ben Amun pearl and crystal earrings, $145, Thomas Laine 4. Ben Amun crystal garland and pearl bridal bracelet, $170, Thomas 

Laine; 5. Glitz Gown, $160, Badgley Mischka; renttherunway.com 


39

Sty l e 

Gatsby 

1 

LOOKBOARD 

Groom 

& Groomsmen 

2 


5 

3 

4 

7 

6 

9 

8 

1. Gold Jet Gemstone iPhone 5 case, $150, Case-Mate; 2. Silk Pocket Square in white, $40, Brooks Brothers; Silk Twill Pocket 

Square in green, $120, Salvatore Ferragamo; 3. The Great Gatsby Collection Black Maze Batwing Bow Tie, $60, Brooks Brothers; 

4. Gold and Onyx JFK Presidential Stud Set, $275, Ravi Ratan; 5. The Great Gatsby Collection Backless Vest, $175, Brooks 

Brothers; 6. Wide Rib Mid-Calf Socks in green by Barney’s New York, $32, Barneys; 7. Heavy Oval Onyx Intaglio Signet Ring, 

$1,145, Becker Minty; 8. Black patent lace ups, $348, Brooks Brothers; 9. Johnnie Walker Green Label, $45, johnniewalker.com. 


ROSA CLARÁ 

collection 2014 

rosaclara.es 


41

Sty l e 

Then 

Pucker Up 

Dark, red lips were a 1920s beauty 

staple. Starlets would also define 

their cupids bow, (the center of 

the top lip), for an even more 

dramatic effect! 

Get 

the 

LOOK 

1920s Make-Up 

By Casey Hower 

The silent film sirens of the 1920s will forever be 

credited with making makeup mainstream. Check 

out their sultry looks, and learn how to recreate it 

for yourself! 

Dark Stares 

A single-shade smoky eye was 

all the rage in the ‘20s. A simple 

swipe of charcoal shadow was 

all it took! 

Prominent Peepers 

For mascara, women had to 

use a bristle brush to comb the 

wax mixture onto their lashes! 


Now 

Bobbi Brown, 

“Rich Lip Color” in 

Crimson-Rich Red 

Wine, $24, Sephora 

Clinique, “Quickliner 

for Eyes” in Really 

Black, $15, Sephora 

How to 

Rock the Look 

• Lush black lashes 

• Bold red lips 

• Smoky lids 

• Killer confidence 

Benefit, “They’re 

Real!” Beyond 

Mascara, $23, 

Benefit 

Chanel, “Les 4 

Ombres” in 93- 

Smoky Eyes, 

$59, Chanel 


43

B e a u ty 

1920s 

Hairstyles 


The Bob 

Eton Crop 

Cate Blanchett 

Katie Holmes 

The Bob 

has become 

synonymous with the 

flapper look of the ‘20s. A 

classic bob is when the hair 

is cut just below the earlobes; 

but the bob has evolved! 

Bobbed hair can now be seen 

anywhere from mid-ear to 

just above the shoulder! 

Ginnifer Goodwin 

Anne Hathaway 

The Eton Crop 

was the shortest 

of the ‘20s looks. Hair 

was trimmed all the way 

around, leaving the ears 

totally exposed; and then 

slicked down. The Eton can 

still be seen today, but it is 

recognized as the “Pixie” 

cut. 


Finger Waves 

Charlize Theron 

Emmy Rossum 

Finger Waves 

become popular 

in the ‘20s in order to 

soften the often harsh look 

of the bob. But this style was 

not just for short-tressed ladies! 

Women who chose to keep 

their locks often sported 

waves on top while 

tucking the rest into a 

sleek chignon.

Paloma Blanca 

PALOMABLANCA.COM 

EXCLUSIVELY MADE IN CANADA 


45

D eta i ls 

Photograph courtesy of Library of the Bendedictine Monastery of Admont, Austria 


Lit:101 

Incorporating Books 

into Your Big Day 


Romeo & Juliet, Lancelot & Guinevere, 

Paris & Helen, Cinderella & Prince 

Charming; some of the most memorable 

couples in history have been portrayed 

through literature. Make them, or your 

favorites, a part of the wedding day 

by incorporating books into it! Read 

through to get some ideas on how to 

make your big day a literary work of art! 


47

D eta i ls 

Invitations 

Set the tone for your wedding, by using book inspired invitations! 

From using famous literary quotes to actual books, the invite 

possibilities are endless! 

Do it 

Yourself! 

Add a pocket to the 

front cover for a cute 

library due date effect! 

Design 

a book cover 

inspired invite by using 

a due date card for an 

R.S.V.P. Pillage local garage 

sales for hardcovered books. Add a 

pocket to the front cover out of some 

decorative paper for your response 

cards, directions and maps. Paste the 

wedding invitation to the opposite 

page! For a more subtle way to 

incorporate books or literature 

into your wedding invite, try 

using a quote from your 

favorite book. 


The 

Ceremony 

Saying your vows 

surrounded by an 

assortment of the most 

romantic books of all 

time? Sounds pretty 

perfect to us! 

Use some of your 

favorites to line the aisle, 

create an archway, 

or display some at the 

altar. 

Book 

Bouquets 

Prefer paper to plants? Why not 

have you and your bridesmaids 

carry a stack of books rather 

than a bouquet of flowers? 

Holding a religious text, a book 

of love letters or even a book 

that has meaning to you and 

your significant other can be 

a romantic alternative to the 

traditional bunch. Love the 

floral look, but still want to 

incorporate text? Try making 

paper flowers from pages of a 

favorite book! 


49

Escort Cards 

Using an old card catalog for place cards is a great way to showcase your love 

of literature into your reception site. Take it a step further by utilizing actual library 

cards, (or stationary printed to look like them), as the place cards. Guests will 

have a nice trip down memory lane as they search the catalog for their name! 

FAR LEFT: A line of stamped books reminds guests to grab one of the escort cards to find out where they are 

seated for the reception. MIDDLE: A play on due date cards marks guests names and table numbers. FAR RIGHT: 

Drawers from an old card catalog are placed on stacks of books to hold escort cards. A beautiful vase full of 

white hydrangeas stands in the middle of the table while candles create romance in the library space. 


The Guest Book 

Head to the thrift store and pick up an 

old typewriter to use as a guestbook. 

Your guests will love getting to type 

away their heartfelt messages to 

you! It will add a vintage feel to your 

reception, and you and your partner 

will have a scroll of well-wishes to 

cherish forever. 

Get away from 

typical table numbers 

by printing out a few of your 

favorite literary figures, book 

covers or authors. Frame your 

prints in a style that matches your 

aesthetic. Are you a classic bride? 

A pearl frame is a perfect choice! 

A modern bride? Try wire photo 

holders like the one pictured to 

the left. Not only do they look 

fantastic, but they’re a 

great conversation 

starter! 

Do it 

Yourself! 

Table 

Numbers 

Instead of traditional 

table numbers, why 

not opt for book titles 

or characters instead? 

Who wouldn’t love to 

take a seat at “The 

Importance of Being 

Ernest” table, or how 

about sitting down with 

fellow guests at the 

“Mr. Darcy & Elizabeth 

Bennett” table! 


51

D eta i ls 

Centerpieces 

Your reception table 

centerpieces should be a 

representation of your taste 

as a couple; so if you and your 

beloved are literature lovers, 

this is the perfect place to 

show it off! 

There are so many creative 

ways to use books as part of 

your table display. You can 

let them take center stage, or 

you can incorporate a floral 

display with a book pedestal. 

Or how about turning book 

pages into vases or votives? 

Stacked, standing, open, 

closed, books are the ultimate 

go-to in versatility! 


Dessert 

Your desserts are the perfect way to display your inner-bookworm! 

From miniature book designs to passages to cake toppers; get 

creative with the most delicious part of your reception! 

Parting Gifts 

Send your guests off with a bang-well, book! Why not pick out a 

few of your favorite titles and give one to your guests. Not sure if 

your guests share the same genre styles as you do? How about 

a personalized bookmark. Not only is it budget-friendly, but your 

guests will most certainly appreciate its practicality as well! 


53

D eta i ls 

White 

F lowers 

Love the look of certain flowers, but hate the fact that you’ve seen them at 

every wedding you’ve ever been to? If so, check out our favorite flower swaps, 

that are sure to give your big day a unique feel! 


If you like Roses 

You can a 

lso try: 

Ornamental 

Kale 

Kale, like the rose, is available 

year-round, so it works incredibly 

well for weddings. 

The kale “flowers” are often twotoned, 

with their inner colors 

being white, pink or purple and 

trimmed with green “leaves”. 

Their resemblance to roses 

make them both a stunning and 

creative substitute! 

If you like peonies 

You can a 

lso try: 

Football 

Mums 

Unlike peonies, Football mums 

are a very cost-friendly flower. 

They are the largest of the 

chrysanthemum family, making 

them a great choice for a full, 

lush bouquet or centerpiece. 


Ostrich feathers sat atop this 

bountiful green and white 

centerpiece by PURE Design. A 

tall, metallic gold vase makes this 

centerpiece even more striking. 


55

If you like Li 

ly of the va 

lley 

You can a 

You can a 

lso try: 

lso try: 

Queen 

Anne s 

lace 

Often used as a “filler” flower, 

Queen Anne’s Lace can make a 

stunning bouquet or centerpiece 

all on its own! This delicate white 

flower is actually bunches of tiny 

buds, but from the number of 

blooms, they appear incredibly 

full! This is a great option for a 

rustic bride! 

Gardenias 

If you like ranunculus 

Gardenias, like ranunculus, are 

known for their unusual texture. 

Ranunculus has petals that 

resemble crepe paper, while 

gardenias have a leathery 

texture to them. 

Whether you add a few to a 

bouquet, an elegant updo, or 

make them the star of the show, 

they are sure to make your 

wedding all the more unique! 


If you like Tu 

lips 

You can a 

lso try: 

Parrots or 

fringe tulips 

Tulips are often admired for 

their range of colors, and their 

distinct “cup” shape. But try 

adding a unique twist to your 

tulip arrangements by swapping 

in some Fringe or Parrot tulips! 

These “fancy” tulips, as they are 

often referred, have petals that 

are feathered, curled, twisted, or 

waved. Their ruffled petals add a 

fun, flirty twist to any floral display!

Ornamental kale and green 

moss added a lush feel to this 

luxurious white display of calla 

lilies, roses, hydrangeas and 

stargazer lillies by PURE Design. 


57

D eta i ls 

Do It for 

Less! 

A 1920s Wedding 


Love the extravagance of Jay Gatsby but 

not his price tag? Here are some ideas on 

how to get a Jay Gatsby look on a Nick 

Carraway budget. 

>> 

Gold urns can cost anywhere from $30 to $300! For savings, 

we bought some terra cotta urns for $13 from Home Depot 

and spray painted them gold. Not only did it save us money, it 

allowed us to get the exact gold hue we wanted. 

>> 

>> 

Love the look of a geometric cake, but not its price tag? Get 

one that only has one layer of real cake. You’ll be able to cut a 

slice from that one during the reception and serve guests from 

a sheet cake kept in the back. The remaining tiers will look 100% 

authentic, but will be made of Styrofoam covered in icing or 

fondant to match the real cake. 

Engraved invitations were on trend during twenties weddings, 

but the effect can be costly. A modern and sometimes more 

economical approach, is to get thermography or letterpress 

invitations. If doing-it-completely-yourself isn’t for you, but you’d 

love to save some dough, getting your invitations printed by a 

stationer and then assembling them yourself saves time 

and money. 

>> 

>> 

>> 

What lasting impression can guests leave for your big 

day? For our Gatsby-inspired guestbook, we used a 

recycled cigar box. Guests wrote on pieces of brown 

paper with gold markers that they rolled to re-create 

the look of a cigar. The messages were pulled together 

with gold elastics. 

The mall is great in a lot of ways, but if you want a ring 

that’s different from every other lady’s in your yoga 

class, an independent jeweler is a great way to go! 

Not only are these establishments more competitive 

when it comes to pricing, but they’re also able to make 

custom pieces that can replicate big name brands, 

without the big name price tag. 

Though beautiful, flowers come at a highcost. An ubertrendy, 

non-flower option is a brooch bouquet. It’s a 

lovely way to incorporate heirloom jewelry into your 

big day. Make it soft by adding some silk flowers or 

ribbon detail. 


The key to doing it for less is creativity! Think outside 

traditional wedding materials. This is one of the 

best times in your life to show off your creative skills 

and use them to create the wedding of 

your dreams.


59

venue 


A Piece of 

History: America’s 

Premiere Art Deco 

Wedding Venues 

Historic art deco venues will help set a 

twenties tone for your elegant affair. 

Check out our hot list here! 


The famous pool at the 

world-renowned Raleigh Hotel in Miami.

D eta i ls 

Image courtesy of Skylight One Hanson 

Lavish neo-classic details paired with 

geometric intricacies in art deco design, 

that juxtaposition is one of the reasons 

this period remains so fascinating. Why 

not bring some art deco appeal to your 

wedding? We’ve scoured the U.S. for some 

of the best art deco venues around the 

country. Find the details below! 

Image courtesy of the 

Willard Intercontinental 

THE WILLARD INTERCONTINENTAL 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 

Upon entering the hotel lobby, the 

first word that comes to mind after 

one regains her breath is: grand. 

This sumptuous classical hotel as 

we know it today opened its doors 

in 1901 and has retained its lavish 

beaux-arts style since then. Be sure 

to check out the Red Robin and 

Scotch Bar for art deco detailing. 

The Willard is known for their staff 

and exceptional five-star service, 

so it’s no surprise that everything 

in their wedding package is 

customizable. The maximum guest 

list for a seated reception with 

dancing is 300. Wedding packages 

start at $195.00 per plate. 1401 

Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, 

District of Columbia 20004; 202-628- 

9100 

THE RALEIGH HOTEL 

Miami, Florida 

The hotel equivalent of a glamorous 

hipster but in the nineteen twenties. 

Miami is the quintessential spot 

to find art deco architecture in 

America, but none put on a classier 

wedding than the Raleigh Hotel. 

Rent the ballroom and get the 

views of the famous scalloped pool 

from its giant windows. The enamel 

black and orange striped columns 

are reminiscent of the jazz age 

but still maintain their simple cool. 

Stay a few extra days and rent 

the exclusive “Art Deco Suite” that 

boasts 580 square feet of historic 

décor in ocean hues and private 

beach access. Call for wedding 

package price quotes. 1175 Collins 

Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139; 

305- 534-6300 

SKYLIGHT ONE HANSON 

Brooklyn, New York 

This venue is truly a masterpiece. 

With interior spaces clad in 22 

varieties of Italian marble and 63 

foot tall ceilings, and meticulously 

appointed mosaic ceilings that 

could be in a museum this is truly a 

place that will impress your guests. 

Have guests order cocktails through 

the old bank teller windows. Hang 

out in the basement’s old vault that 

once foiled a robbery with its 60 

ton door. Skylight One Hanson can 

accommodate 100 to 500 guests 

for a dancing and dinner reception. 

Rental prices start at $15,000 with a 

discount for residents of Brooklyn. 1 

Hanson Place, at Ashland Place, Ft. 

Greene; 718-230-0400 

Image courtesy of The Raleigh Hotel 


61

Image courtesy of the Civic Opera House 

THE CIVIC OPERA HOUSE 

Chicago, IL 

Best for being treated like an 

elegant 1920s starlet, the Old 

Hollywood elegance at the Civic 

Opera House is almost unparalleled. 

A red carpet ushers guests into a 

three-level foyer clad in travertine 

and lit with sparkling white deco 

chandeliers. Gilded ceilings make 

the whole opera house shimmer. 

Almost every hand rail, balcony 

and fixture is ornamented in 1920s 

hand-carved metalwork. 850 are 

welcome for a dinner and dancing 

reception. Rental fees range from 

$1,000 to $11,500. 20 N Wacker 

Drive, Chicago, IL 60606; 312-827- 

3580 

The Durham Museum 

Omaha, Nebraska 

Soaring ceilings call attention 

when stepping foot into this art 

deco gem in Omaha. The museum 

served as the city’s premiere train 

station when it opened in 1931. 

Brides can get the elegance of 

old world train travel in the Trish 

and Dick Davidson Gallery where 

guests dine inside a vintage train 

car! We like museum venues for 

their elegant atmospheres and 

with its historic preservation, this 

one is especially romantic. The 

museum can accommodate 50 

to 500 guests for dinner receptions. 

Call for rental fees. 801 South 10th 

Street, Omaha, NE 68108; 402- 444- 

5071 ext. 521 

BIMBO’S 365 CLUB 

San Francisco, California 

If you want to feel completely 

transported in time, Bimbo’s 365 is 

the ticket. It’s one of those places 

where time has stood still and it 

shows in the art deco details, like 

the glamorous mermaid paintings, 

the huge leather and brass bar, 

and the inlaid ceiling. But don’t 

take our word for it, rent the elegant 

retro supper club for yourself. The 

club can host receptions for up to 

685 guests. Rent starts at $10,000 

during high season. 1025 Columbus 

Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133; 

415-474-0365 ext. 18. 

KANSAS CITY 

CONVENTION CENTER 

Kansas City, Kansas 

We know what you’re thinking – a 

convention center? However, this 

isn’t just any convention center. 

This municipal building is famous for 

its streamlined architecture made 

popular in the early thirties. Rent the 

Little Theatre to be enveloped in art 

deco glass signs, chandeliers and a 

stepped ceiling with a labyrinthine 

inlay so intricate that it can almost 

be described as awe-inspiring. 225 

guests can be accommodated 

for a banquet reception. Rentals 

begin at $3,000. 301 W 13th Street, 

Kansas City, MO 64105; 816-513- 

5000 


Twilight at the Kansas City 

Convention Center. 

Image courtesy of the Kansas City Convention Center

TahitiTourism.com 

IN BLISS 63

D e sti n ati o n s 

5 Luxurious 

Honeymoon 

Locations 

Check out some fabulous honeymoon locations that even 

Mr. Gatsby himself would fawn over! 



Eastern 

& 

Oriental 

This exqusite hotel, commonly 

referred to as the E&O, was 

established in 1885. A long standing 

tradition in Penang, this lavish hotel 

showcases the grand elegance of the 

British colonial era. 

Immersed in luxury from the moment 

you walk in, the E&O treats every guest 

like royalty. The crispy white corridors, 

wood furnishings and spacious lounge 

areas make for a perfect honeymoon 

destination. The Eastern & Oriental 

Hotel has six dining options, including 

The 1885 which serves traditional English 

afternoon tea, and Sarkies Corner offers 

Penang, Malaysia 

a range of international and local dishes. 

From fine dining to casual cuisine, the 

E&O offers it all! 

Guests can enjoy activities such as 

yoga, cooking classes and swimming in 

the hotel’s magnificent pools. 

Take a leap back in time by visiting the 

E&O hotel for your honeymoon! 

“A long standing tradition in Penang, 

this lavish hotel showcases the grand 

elegance of the British colonial era.” 

The E&O Hotel has seen two world wars 

along with the birth of Malaysia itself! 

Photographs courtesy of Eastern & 

Oriental Hotel 


65


TheHershey 

Hotel Hershey, Pennsylvania 

Photographs courtesy of The 

Hotel Hershey 

As a Historic Hotel of America, The Hotel 

Hershey boasts 276 guest rooms and 23,500 

square feet of meeting and function space 

Think a hotel bearing the same name 

as the most famous chocolate bar 

in the world is just for kids? Think 

again. The Hotel Hershey is smack dab 

in the middle of the sweetest place on 

earth! 

Situated atop a hill overlooking the 

town of Hershey, this world class resort 

is a perfect honeymoon locale for a 

fun-loving couple! Milton S. Hershey 

designed his grand hotel after the various 

Mediterranean trips he and his wife, 

Catherine, took during their marriage. 

From the original artwork to the gardens 

to the lobby; romantic Spanish influences 

can be seen at every turn! 

The Hotel Hershey’s $67 million “Grand 

Expansion” was completed in 2009, 

bringing with it 10 luxury cottages; 

equipped with fireplaces, a private 

porch and a rainforest shower! Perfect 

for newlyweds! 

Guests can also enjoy the Chocolate 

Spa, year-round ice skating, tennis, 

indoor and outdoor swimming, crosscountry 

skiing, tobogganing, lawn 

bowling, hiking, golfing, and of course, 

a trip to the delicious Hershey Park! 

Check out the Hotel Hershey for your 

honeymoon destination; where every 

night ends with a goodnight “Kiss”! 

“From the original artwork to the 

gardens to the lobby; romantic Spanish 

influences can be seen at every turn!”. 


Big Cedar 

Lodge 

Photographs courtesy of Big 

Cedar Lodge 

Ridgedale, Missouri 

The Devil’s Pool is one of three heated 

swimming pools that Big Cedar Lodge has 

A 

romantic escape to the mountains 

is in store for you when you visit Big 

Cedar Lodge in Branson, Missouri. 

A windy road begins your journey to 

this historic getaway, nestled in the 

Ozark Mountains. The lodge offers 

private log cabins, premier rooms, 

deluxe rooms, and suites, to suit the 

privacy desires of almost every guest! 

You can also enjoy a champagne 

brunch at one of the four on-site eateries, 

take a carriage ride around the grounds 

or take an exhilarating hike along one 

of the numerous trails at the Lodge. 

Whether you want a relaxing escape 

or a non-stop adventure, Big Cedar 

Lodge has something for everyone! 

From the great outdoors including 

horse rides, fishing and boating, to 

painting and photography, to cooking 

and tasting new cuisine, Big Cedar 

Lodge is the perfect lavish honeymoon 

location you’ve been searching for! 

“Whether you want a relaxing escape or 

a non-stop adventure, Big Cedar Lodge 

has something for everyone!” 


67


The 

Cloister 

Sea Island, Georgia 

Photographs courtesy of The Cloister 

The Cloister exudes elegance right from the getgo 

as portrayed here with its main entryway. 

Scenic views and Southern 

hospitality describe the Forbes 5-star 

accommodations at the Cloister. 

Midway between Jacksonville, Florida 

and Savannah, Georgia, Sea Island is 

a lush oasis along the Georgian coast. 

With four areas of stay within the main 

building, a lodge and private cottages, 

you’re sure to find the perfect honeymoon 

destination on this private island! 

The Cloister has activities to suit all areas 

of interest, including; seasonal sea turtle 

excursions, horseback riding, kayaking, 

sailing, swimming, scuba diving, 

snorkeling, bike riding, hiking, along with 

golfing on one of the country’s top courses. 

Along its five miles of private beach, 

Cloister guests can relax and enjoy 

romantic relaxation, as well. And with 

seven areas to dine, including the 

Forbes Five Star Georgian Room, your 

taste buds will be satisfied at every turn. 


“With four areas of stay within the main 

building, a lodge and private cottages, 

you’re sure to find the perfect honeymoon 

destination on this private island!

Peter Island 

Resort & Spa 

Peter Island, British Virgin Islands 

Photographs courtesy of Peter Island 

Resort & Spa 

Enjoy your stay, while overlooking 

the ocean, in one of the resorts 

ocean view suites. Explore the 

waters on a private sail tour, enjoy the 

“Honeymoon Beach”, reserved for just 

you and your other half, lounge in one 

of Peter Islands signature hammocks, 

or indulge in dinner on the beach. 

And while there is an endless list of things 

to do at the resort, you can choose to 

island hop, as well, because there’s 

plenty to do on the surrounding Virgin Isles. 

Romance is Peter Island’s specialty, 

so a honeymoon to this dreamy 

location is the perfect fairy-tale ending! 

Romance is in the air on Peter Island! This 

private island awaits you with its clear 

waters and five sparkling beaches! 

The Falcon’s Nest Villa offers an infinityedge 

pool and three-story waterfall. 

“Romance is in the air on Peter Island! 

This private island awaits you with its 

clear waters and five sparkling private 

beaches!”. 

Peter Island is the perfect place to get 

the ultimate British Isles experience. 


69

The Eme 


By Samant 


ha Wolfsandle 

rald Isle 

A 

honeymoon in Ireland is one steeped in nature, history, and 

beauty. Delicious restaurants, magical castles, and gorgeous, 

green rolling hills surround you at every turn. While Ireland is by 

no means small, its size allows you to easily circle the country. A 

trip of about ten days gives you the time to do so and enjoy the cities and 

villages you stumble upon along the way. 

Renting a car allows you the freedom to visit towns a bit off the 

beaten path and a bit more exclusive and romantic. It also allows you to 

experience the natural beauty of Ireland you can’t get from a train or by 

just flying over. Ireland’s lush greenery invites you to stop along your drive to 

just revel in the natural beauty of the country. 


71



Guide 

Ireland 

A visit to Ireland 

wouldn’t be complete 

without a stay at 

four-star Ballynahinch 

Castle, a lavish hotel 

set on 450 acres 

overlooking the 

12 Bens Mountain 

Range. Built in 1684, 

Ballynahinch takes you 

back into the romantic 

past of Ireland, while 

providing modern, 

luxurious amenities. 

For Couples 

Who Want 

An Irish 

Experience 

Nature 

Dublin 

Learn about the perfect pint at the 

Guinness Storehouse. Enjoy a free pint 

from the seventh story glass viewing 

tower which, on a clear day, will give 

you a 360 degree view of the city. 

Hike the Dublin Mountains. Walk to Three 

Rock for panoramic views of Dublin, 

Bray Head, and Wicklow National Park 

or the Fairy Castle for a better view of 

the mountains that surround you. 

History 

On O’Connell Street, snap a photo 

with a statue of one of Dublin’s most 

famous residents, James Joyce. Author 

of Ulysses and The Dubliners, his novels 

encompassed the lives and feelings of 

Dublin’s people. 

Ireland is full of pubs, 

making your choices 

endless, but why not 

enjoy a meal and a pint 

at Ireland’s oldest pub, 

The Brazen Head? In 

addition to its history, 

live music nightly gives 

you the quintessential 

Irish experience while 

you enjoy dining on 

award-winning food. 

Food and 

Lodging 

Bargain 

Middle 

of the Line 

Splurge 

James Joyce Statue 

Stay: The Best Western 

Plus Academy Plaza Hotel 

Eat: The Arch Bistro 

Stay: Number 31 

Eat: The Brazen Head 

Stay: The Merrion Hotel 

Eat: Sabor Brazil 


Liscannor 

Clifden 

Experience an Irish sport 4,000 years 

old, falconry, at the Burren Bird of Prey 

Centre and Aillwee Cave. Get your 

own hawk to fly and call back along 

the 45-minute walk. 

Joyce Country Sheepdogs 

At Joyce Country Sheepdogs, join 

Joe as he and his border collies 

herd blackface sheep in an exciting 

demonstration. For a bit extra, hang 

out with lambs in a remote locale. 

A trip to Ireland wouldn’t be complete 

without visiting the breathtaking Cliffs 

of Moher. Their natural beauty is worth 

multiple trips to see them unobstructed 

by the Irish fog. 

Enjoy breathtaking views from the 

seven mile circular Sky Road. A climb 

to a height of over 500 feet gives an 

unobstructed view over the deep blue 

ocean and emerald hills. 

One of the largest karst landscapes 

in Europe, The Burren is abounding 

in archaeological sites, including a 

Poulnabrone dolmen, which dates 

back to the Neolithic period. 

Kylemore Abbey was built in the 1860s 

as a romantic gift. Tour the restored 

Victorian Walled Garden where 

romance is in full bloom and donkeys 

are right around the corner. 

Stay: The Siding Bed & 

Breakfast 

Eat: Bay Fish & Chips 

Stay: Heather Lodge Bed & 

Breakfast 

Eat: O’Dowd’s 

Stay: Cliffs of Moher Hotel 

Stay: Clifden Station House 

Burren Bird of Prey Center 

Eat: Tides Bistro 

Eat: E. J. Kings 

Stay: Vaughan Lodge 

Stay: Ballynahinch Castle 

Hotel 

Eat: Vaughan’s Anchor Inn 

Eat: Marconi’s 


73


JIM HJELM

JLMCOUTURE.COM 


75

R ea lW eddings 

Jessica & Keith 


Real Engagement

We weren’t the only 

ones inspired by Baz 

Luhrmann’s The Great 

Gatsby. Jessica and 

Keith take the twenties 

to the streets of Fort 

Myers, Florida for their 

engagement shoot. 

Photographs by Tonya Malay 

Text by Rebekah Roberson 


77

Names: Jessica Wind and Keith Gregor 

Occupations: She’s a speech-language 

pathologist and he works as an investment 

associate in Bonita Springs, Florida 

Dated For: 3.5 Years 

Jessica describes Keith in three words: 

Funny, dedicated and genuine 

Keith describes Jessica in three words: 

Loyal, passionate and kind 

Why a twenties engagement shoot? The 

1920s were an era of decadence. The 

wedding magazines a year ago were 

already discussing the upcoming remake 

of the Great Gatsby – so this, combined 

with an art deco feel, was the source 

of inspiration 



79

Jessica and Keith both attended the 

same school in Chicago, Illinois but it 

took them a trip 1,300 miles back home 

to Florida to discover that! 


“It was actually spring break for both 

of us,” Jessica says. “I was completing 

my master’s at the time, attending 

graduate school in Chicago, Illinois. 

Keith was also in school, completing his 

bachelor’s in Chicago. It’s a small world 

that we were both living in the same 

city, going to school, and consequently 

visiting our family homes in the sunshine 

state for some R&R.” 


81

One night they just happened to go to the same bar to watch a football game. Not feeling well, Jessica thought it would just 

be a quick trip out with her friends. “I promised my mom I would be back in 30 minutes but I was gone for four hours, talking 

to the man of my dreams at this beautiful outdoor bar,” Jessica remembers. 

The couple went on a date that lasted the whole 

day right before Keith headed back to Chicago. 

“He asked to take me out to dinner the following 

week when we both would be back in Chicago. 

We ended up seeing each other three times 

before that actual date,” Jessica says. They have 

been dating ever since. 

After graduating, the couple moved into a place 

on the beach. An evening stroll seemed like any 

other night, but it wasn’t. After almost a mile of 

walking, Keith stopped Jessica to ask her one of 

the most important questions of her life. 

“I couldn’t even tell you the strings of spoken 

words he proclaimed to me, because my heart 

was beating 500 times a second,” Jessica says. 

“That night, Keith had the most fantastically 

romantic dinner planned at Caretta on the Gulf 

in Clearwater Beach. My parents had sent over 

a bottle of champagne, truffles, and chocolate 

covered strawberries. We were on cloud nine.” 


Vendors: 

Wedding Planner: 

Kelly McWilliams with Weddings by 

Socialites 

www.weddingsbysocialites.com 

Hair: Lindsay Johnson with Hope Artistry 

Makeup: 

Hope Henderson with Hope Artistry 

www.hopeartistry.com 

Photography: 

Tonya Malay Photography 

www.tonyamalay.com 


83


Leila 


Real 

Weddings 

& Cody 

Text By Casey Kallen 

Photographs by Becky Walker Photography 

Leila and Cody’s summery California wedding epitomizes vintage DIY chic. With 

a budget of only $6,000, most of the responsibility was placed in the hands of the 

couple. Handwritten favors and signs, homemade food, and thrifted décor made 

for a lovely reception without breaking the bank. The contrast between a traditional 

Christian ceremony and classy backyard-feel reception was pulled off perfectly 

thanks to the small and personal details. To accomplish such an elegant day with 

only five months to plan, and without a wedding planner was no easy task. Every 

couple, DIY or not, can learn something from Leila and Cody’s airy, vintage wedding. 


85



Opposite: This wooden sign marks the occasion in a cute 

backyard style. 

Middle top: The couple found cheap, colorful glassware 

to decorate their tables. 

Middle bottom: This vintage suitcase was found at a thrift 

store, and is a cute way to store guest cards. 

Right top: The programs printed onto fans were a great 

way to keep guests cool during this outdoor summer 

wedding. 

Right bottom: Antique lanterns lit up the night in a 

cost-effective and timeless way. 


87



89


Opposite Page: 

Top left: This old cabinet was revived with some colorful, 

summery paint. 

Top right: The couple found old chinaware at a thrift store 

to add to the vintage vibe. 

Bottom left: As favors to their guests, Leila and Cody wrote 

out their favorite family recipes on vintage book cards. 

This Page: 

Top right: The DIY décor included string banners with sweet 

sayings. 

Bottom right: China tea cups and old library books are the 

perfect way to say “vintage”. 


91



Jessica & 

Michael 

Bridesmaids 

W 

hile planning her southern, 

DIY wedding, Jessica chose 

a unique way to incorporate her 

friends’ individual styles into her 

wedding. Although her special 

ladies were all wearing an 

identical pink shade and length, 

each dress had its own individual 

detail allowing them to perfectly 

suit the body type of its respective 

bridesmaid. 

Jessica’s choice shows how she 

truly cared for the friends in her 

bridal party. By allowing them 

to choose their own dresses, the 

bridesmaids exuded confidence 

throughout the celebration. 

ext By Casey Kallen 

T 

hotographs by CivicPhotos 

P 


93



Top: Jessica’s maid of honor is stunning in her strapless, taffeta dress. The ruched bodice and 

empire waist are both stylish and figure-flattering. 

Middle: Jessica’s bridemaids each have their own moment in the spotlight. 

Bottom left: A bridesmaid is all smiles in her one-strap, chiffon gown. This airy fabric is an ideal 

choice for any body type. 

This Page: 

Bottom right: The bridesmaids beautiful dusty-rose dresses share similar ruching details, 

making them blend together perfectly. 

Below: Jessica and her bridesmaids exude confidence in their matching bracelets and handpicked 

dresses. 


95



97


hayleypaige.com

~Outdoor Ceremony~ 

Cecily and George Feb. 2013 


99



A summertime wedding in the Pacific 

Northwest means having an outdoor 

ceremony is a must! Naturally, Cecily 

and George’s preppy country club 

venue was perfect for the occasion. 

Set on a golf course overlooking the 

Williamette River, the couple exchanged 

vows under a vibrant arch, garnished 

with colorful flowers that complimented 

the striking scenery. 

Glass lanterns draping from the trees 

created a magical place for romance 

to fill the air. The ceremony exuded 

exquisite passion, and the couple 

looked gorgeous on their stunning 

backdrop. This Oregon couple picked 

a venue beyond compare for their 

ideal summertime wedding. 

Photographs by Altura Studio 

Text by Casey Kallen 


101



103

Top left: A bridesmaid stands by the altar with her bouquet of 

English tea roses, peonies, and ranunculus. 

Bottom left: Cecily beams as she stands at the altar with her 

husband-to-be. 

Middle: A flower girl looks around curiously in her satin, ivory 

dress. 


Top right: Cecily and George recite their vows under a 

beautiful floral arch. 

Bottom right: A gorgeous shot of the wedding ceremony set 

on the Oregonian lake. 



105



107



LAZARO 


109

Vendors Interviews 


Wedding Planning With 

Reign and Co. 

From glamorous celebrations to intimate dinner parties, 

Cara Frye and her planning team at Reign and Co. are 

experts at creating elegant affairs. Frye truly listens to 

her brides and turns their detailed dreams into realities. 

In Bliss was elated to have the opportunity to work with Frye 

for our Great Gatsby inspired photo shoot. She pooled all of 

our feathered ideas into a singular, cohesive party straight 

out of Fitzgerald’s imagination. So, why should you hire a 

wedding planner? Besides making your bridal life about a 

million times easier, Frye sat down with us to share the ways 

that wedding planners are an essential part of your big day. 


111

Vendor Interviews 


What do you love about being a 

wedding planner? 

The best part about being a wedding 

planner is hearing the brides’ and 

grooms’ stories and creating a beautiful 

day that celebrates their love. It’s a joy 

to see the couples’ faces as Reign and 

Co.’s designs are executed flawlessly. 

Our designs are aesthetically pleasing 

to the eye and our planning style is truly 

memorable for the bride, groom, family 

and all of their friends. 

How would you describe 

your style? 

We create designs that are 

unique to the bride and groom, 

moments to revel and celebrate in 

and memories to cherish forever. 

Why should brides hire a 

wedding planner? 

1. To enjoy the experience of 

being a bride. Wedding planning 

can become daunting and 

exhausting. Wedding planners 

are here to take the stress away 

so they can live in the moment 

without having to worry about 

meticulous, yet necessary 

components of putting together 

a fabulous wedding. 

2. Wedding planners work with 

vendors all the time. We already 

have the “ins and outs” on 

the best (and unfortunately) 

the worst vendors. Reign and 

Co. knows who to personally 

recommend to each bride. 


113


How far before the wedding should brides book with you? 

Engaged? Start booking. Due to the special detail and catering 

that we show our brides, we only take a limited amount of clents 

so we can accommodate their needs and every detail of 

their weddings. 

What do you do the day of the wedding? 

We are there the day of the wedding to ensure that everything 

runs smoothly. We oversee the vendors to make sure everything 

is in its rightful place. We cue the music, lights, and other elements 

to make sure we create meaningful moments. Our assistants tend 

to the brides, and our teams attend to the guests. We also take 

care of those unexpected emergencies. 

What would you like readers to know about Reign and Co.? 

Reign and Co. is the event planning company for the bride who 

appreciates design and loves to create memories. We are the 

company that truly creates trends and celebrates love. Let your 

love Reign Forever. 

Reign and Co.’s website: http://www.reignandco.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/reignandco 



115


Lauren & Tim Fair 

Dynamic husband and wife duo, Lauren 

and Tim Fair, capture light and emotion 

organically in their photography. 

Get some insight from Lauren on how 

you can make the most out of your 

wedding photos! 



117


What do you love about photography? Specifically, about photographing weddings? 

L.F: Photography is our creative outlet, and we’re lucky enough to call it our full time job, as well. 

We adore traveling and meeting new people, which we get to do both of in the wedding photography 

world! Weddings are so unique — they’re these beautiful celebrations filled with family 

members from across the country, gorgeous details and so much love and emotion. I love that 

they’re always different and fresh. 


119


How do you describe your work? 

L.F: Our work is soft, romantic, playful, and creative. We love 

wide, environmental type of shots, as well as super close up 

and intimate portraits. Our use of light is important to our 

work - we try to create a warm glow in our photos. We want 

to work with people we feel like could be friends, and never 

try to treat anyone like we're just the paid vendor showing 

up to do our job. We truly care about creating fun, romantic 

and stylish images for our couples! We encourage our 

couples to be silly and fun together in front of our camera. 


In regards to wedding photos, what’s the best thing a 

couple can do? 

L.F: Trust your photographer, and give them plenty 

of time with you on your wedding day! We highly 

recommend doing a “First Look”, which allows us a 

few hours to shoot you creatively without the pressure 

of a cocktail hour going on. Love on your partner 

and have fun in front of the camera. 


121

What is the biggest mistake a bride 

can make and what is your advice 

on how to prevent it? 

L.F: Letting little things stress you out. 

Surround yourself with a talented 

team of artists and wedding pros 

who know their stuff, and who know 

how to deflect any stress away 

from you. 



123


What are the biggest perks of owning your own 

photography business? 

L.F: My husband and I work together, and we get to 

spend so much time together. We also get to travel 

for destination weddings and sessions, which we love! 

Most important are the friends and people we have 

been able to meet through the photography world 

and through our amazing clientele. 

How far in advance should couples book 

with you? 

L.F: “We book about 12-18 months out for popular / 

high season, and anywhere from 7-12 months for “offseason” 

or winter months.” 



125


Tara Trainor of ... 

Dreams 

COME TRUE 

Cakes 


Bringing dreams to life is 

exactly what Tara Trainor 

does with her cakes. With 

pearl details and fondant 

sculpture, she has been 

putting smiles on the faces of 

her clients since 2009. 

As a classically trained pastry 

chef, she brings talent and 

professionalism to every cake 

she creates. We had the 

awesome opportunity to sit 

down with her to get some 

of her insight on all things 

wedding cake. 

Dreams Come True Cakes founder, Tara 

Trainor 

What do you love about 

being a pastry chef? 

Tara: To some people 

cake is just cake; but to 

others, it ties a whole 

event together. I love 

that I can create a 

cake for a customer 

and see their reaction. 

It tells me just how much 

they love the cake. 

Making someone’s event 

that much more special is 

what I love about what 

I do. 


127


Have you always wanted 

to own your own business? 

Tara: No, I didn’t always 

know that I wanted to 

own my own company. I 

was bored one day and 

decided I needed to find 

some new hobbies, so 

I signed up for a Wilton 

cake decorating class. 

That’s when I realized I 

wanted to go to school 

to become a pastry chef. 

Then, I took a wedding 

cake course and that’s 

when I realized this is my 

passion. This is what I love 

doing and decided to 

start creating cakes on 

my own. 

What services do you offer 

brides and grooms? 

Tara: Every bride and 

groom is unique. So every 

cake is made to fit exactly 

what they want their 

dream cake to look like. 


“Making someone’s event 

that much more special is 

what I love about what I do.” 


129


How can brides stretch their 

cake budget? 

Tara: I work with each individual 

to make a cake that fits in their 

budget and still looks beautiful. 

They could choose a smaller 

cake to put on display and then 

order sheet cakes to serve to 

their guests. 

What is your most popular 

wedding cake style? Round? 

Square? Fondant? Buttercream? 

Tara: I only create fondant cakes 

but I find that most wedding 

cakes are either round or square. 

What would you like our readers 

to know about Dreams Come 

True Cakes? 

Tara: I make cakes and 

cupcakes for all occasions. My 

passion is seeing every customer 

walk away with a smile. 

To find out more about Dreams 

Come True Cakes and Tara 

Trainor’s work visit her on 

Facebook. 

https://www.facebook.com/ 

pages/Dreams-Come-True- 

Cakes/149568708458296 


It's your day. 

Make your wedding a one of a kind 

with custom engraving. 

Start planning today. 

Get a wedding catalog at ThingsRemembered.com/catalog. 


131


Bridal tips with ... 

A Bridal Beauty 

When your wedding day is quickly approaching, and all the details are in check 

(venue, flowers, cake, DJ, photographer, dress, invitations, favors, shoes) one 

of the last things on your mind is your hair, yet it’s one of the most important 

decisions you will make! With so many options, choosing the perfect bridal hair 

stylist may seem just as daunting and stressful as deciding on all the other details! 

With 18 years of experience in the bridal industry, the team of premiere stylists 

at A Bridal Beauty can recreate any look, from sleek and sophisticated to fun 

and free, for your special day. In Bliss had the opportunity to sit down with the 

company’s owner, Noreen Diani, to ask her a few questions about simplifying the 

process of choosing a stylist and also getting her to suggest a few helpful tips! 


133

Where is the best place to get ready on the 

day of? 

Consider having the hair stylist come to your 

location, whether it’s a hotel, the venue, or at home. 

With the morning of the wedding day usually being 

hectic, avoid the stress of traveling to get your hair 

and makeup done if the artist is available to come 

to you. Many freelance and local stylists offer this 

convenience as part of their services for a small fee. 

If you prefer to get ready at a salon or studio, be 

sure to check it out beforehand to see if you like the 

atmosphere. 

How can a bride determine if a stylist is 

experienced with bridal looks? 

By viewing portfolios. When you browse, you 

can sense the hair stylist’s quality of work and 

experience. The photos should look clean, 

professional, and cover a wide range of looks. 

That way, you know that the stylist is flexible in his 

or her style to meet the needs of yours. You should 

definitely like what you see in the artist’s portfolio. 

How can a bride ensure that her whole bridal 

party can be accommodated? 

Many brides who have several people in their bridal 

party often enjoy the convenience of a stylist who 

work with an assistant or team. With additional 

hands, everyone in the bridal party can be finished 

within a reasonable time frame. If the artist happens 

to work alone, plan the details accordingly with him/ 

her to allow for ample time to get ready. 

What should brides keep in mind about rates when searching 

for a stylist? 

Rates for bridal hair and makeup can vary greatly from artist to artist, 

so be sure to research thoroughly and make comparisons. Have 

a range in mind that you are willing to spend; however, do not try 

to compromise quality work for affordability. You will be looking 

back at your wedding day photos years from now, so you want 

to remember how beautiful you looked on your wedding day. 


How much time should a bride plan to have with 

her stylist on the day of her wedding? 

Think about whether you would like to the artist to 

be around for the entire day or just for a few hours 

to get you ready. Having the artist stay with you 

may cost a little more as he/she will be ready to do 

frequent touch-ups or look changes throughout the 

entire event. Some hair stylists have services in which 

they will come back later in the day to do touch-ups 

or change your look for an additional fee. 

Are there any other tips or things a bride should look for in a stylist? 

Once you have narrowed down your options after much research and 

consideration, contact the makeup artist or agency to arrange a 

consultation and/or trial. At the trial, bring magazine clippings or online 

printouts for looks that you like and want to try. Feel free to bring a close 

friend or family member to give you honest opinions. Also, don’t 

be afraid to voice your thoughts and desires. Good stylists will always 

listen to your suggestions and concerns in effort to create the look that 

you want. At the end, if you are satisfied with the trial, book soon after to 

reserve the wedding date. 

Lastly, an aspect that can easily be overlooked, the person you choose 

should make you feel relaxed and comfortable! You should be able to 

easily communicate your visions and concerns to the stylist without much 

hesitation. Since you will be spending a lot of time together on the day of 

the wedding and maybe on occasions leading up to the event, you will 

want to choose someone whose personality meshes well with yours. This 

will make the experience all the more special and fun! 


135

Benchmarkings.com 

1.800.633.5950 


In Bliss had the opportunity to 

get some insight into the world 

of men’s fashion from the everknowledgeable 

and always 

exquisitely dressed, Michael Oxman, 

the shop’s fashion consultant. 

Henry A Davidsen 

What is your style as a groom? Is it okay to wear a 

pocket square with a different pattern from your 

tie? And how do you even tie a bow-tie, in the first place? 

Fortunately the team at Henry A. Davidsen answers all 

men’s fashion quandaries and ensures that when guys 

leave their shop they’ll be the sharpest dressed on the 

block. Henry A. Davidsen is the premiere formalwear 

retailer in the greater Philadelphia area. From suits to 

tuxedos, tailors create custom one-of-a-kind pieces 

for all of their clients. Every man should own a customtailored 

suit, and your wedding is the perfect time to 

invest in one! 


137


Q: It seems like men in 

the 1920s dressed pretty 

formally even for every day 

activities like boating. What 

are some things men can 

do to add a little style to 

their every day dressing? 

A: That time period was indeed great for men’s clothes. Guys nowadays 

can look to add some style to their everyday wardrobe in a number of 

ways. Wear pocket squares. Don’t be afraid of stylish shoes. Embrace 

color. Get dressed up even when you don’t “have to.” Well-dressed men 

never need an excuse to look their best. Confidence is always in fashion 

and looks good on everyone! 


Q: How would you describe the Henry 

A. Davidsen experience men receive 

when getting image consulting and 

custom clothing from your shop? 

A: Educational and enjoyable. It’s educational 

in that we pride ourselves on ensuring that 

all of our clients know at least the basics of 

image management and Suit Construction 

101, which enables them to make betterinformed 

decisions about what to purchase. 

It’s enjoyable in that the one-on-one, personal 

attention our guys receive allows us to 

thoughtfully design their garments from linings 

to buttons to lapels, which men tend to enjoy. 

The fact that we have a top-shelf bar doesn’t 

hurt, either. 

Q: What are current trends you are 

seeing for grooms this season? 

A: It depends on the groom himself and the 

time of year he’s getting married, but we’re 

seeing many guys go with the wedding 

suit instead of a tux, particularly light grey 

three-piece versions. We have a couple of 

matching linen pants and vests in the works for 

casual weddings this summer (one of which is 

in Colombia), and we still get orders for the 

traditional tuxedo. 

Q: What is the biggest mistake a groom 

can make when it comes to his outfit? 

A: Wearing something boring that fits poorly. 

There are going to be photos (and often 

video) of you on your wedding day, and you 

don’t want to look back on those in 30 years 

and think, “Man, I really wish I’d gone to a 

good tailor.” 

Q: What is the best thing a groom can 

do when it comes to his outfit? 

A: Have fun! Your wedding day is one of the 

happiest days of your life, so why shouldn’t 

you look festive? For guys who are wearing 

suits, this means having fun with pocket 

squares, suspenders, and bow ties. For men 

who prefer tuxedos, this means having all the 

right formal details, but perhaps opting for a 

three-piece version. A midnight blue tux or 

black pants with dinner jacket is also a 

great look. 


139



Q: We just shot a 1920s themed shoot in honor of the Baz 

Luhrmann movie coming out on the 10th. What era of fashion 

would you like to see make a comeback? 

A: The period between the two world wars was the Golden Age of men’s 

style. We’d love to see that overall style philosophy -suits, spectator 

shoes, boater hats, and no pocket left “unsquared”- but with slimmer 

silhouettes to keep things modern. 

Website: www.henrydavidsen.com 


141


PRONOVIAS 

BARCELONA

www.Pronovias.com 

IN BLISS 143


alfredangelo.com


145

P h o to C r e d i ts 

Lit 101: Incorporating Books Into Your 

Big Day 

Micah & Megan 

Photography 

L. Photgraphie 

St. Louis, Missouri 

Walla Photography 

Orono, Maine 

Ryan Ray 

Photography 

Erin Macfarland 

Photography 

Jenny Futography 

New York, New York 

Alexandra Friendly Photography & 

Kelly Sanjonia for Alexandra Friendly Photography 

Rubin Photography 

Napa Valley, California 

Jessica Claire Photography 

Souther California 

Josh McCullock 

Photography 

What’s Old is New Again and All That 

Glitters is Old Courtesy of: 

LANG ANTIQUE AND ESTATE 

JEWELRY 

MALOY’S JEWELRY 

WORKSHOP 

THE THREE GRACES 

Antique Fine Jewelry and 

Estate Jewelry 



147

Send Off 

dazzling departure 

Sabrina & Franco, September 9, 2012 

Photograph by Rochelle Wilhelms Photography with Micheal Elm 

“Our ceremony was blessed and full of emotion. The majority of the beauty was provided by our venue, with the addition of 

some DIY crafts we made by hand. Being able to walk down the aisle with both my biological father and step-father and seeing 

the faces of the people we loved around me made for an intimate ceremony. As I came around the corner, I saw Franco 

cry for the first time when he saw me. As we said our vows, two lovebirds flew around us. Our first dance to Jason Mraz’s “I Won’t 

Give Up,” unfolded perfectly for us. All of our guests were so fun, the food was amazing, the wine was flowing, and we couldn’t 

start dancing soon enough. Before the sunset, Franco and I slipped away for a private photo shoot atop the hill overlooking the 

vineyards, barn, rolling hills, and a gorgeous oak. To end the reception, a sparkler exit summoned a shooting star that bade us 

farewell and a lifetime of happiness.” - SABRINA DAYTON, ON HER WEDDING TO FRANCO SERRA 


We can’t get enough of these gorgeous weddings and we would love to see yours! Send us your favorite 

shot with a description to realweddings@inblissweddings.com and you may be featured in our next e-zine 

or on our website!

IN BLISS

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