The A Bridal Magazine 101717

THE A BRIDAL MAGAZINE. SEPTEMBER 2017 

1

PHOTO CREDIT: KEYLASPHOTOGRAPHY.COM. 

THE A BRIDAL MAGAZINE 

Explore . Be Inspired . Create 

INSIDER 

QUESTIONS 

For Photographers 

2018 

The 

Yacht 

WEDDING 

INSPIRATION 

Wedding 

Trends 

Tap into the uber wedding stager weapon. Grab simple wedding planning tools. 

Find amazing vendors. Stay on track. 

@weddingstagers 

2 THE A BRIDAL MAGAZINE. SEPTEMBER 2017 THE A BRIDAL MAGAZINE. SEPTEMBER 2017 3 

PHOTO CREDIT: KEYLASPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.

PHOTO CREDIT: KEYLASPHOTOGRAPHY.COM. 

Buy and sell exquisite sample and 

used wedding dresses and bridal party gowns. 

Save Money. Make Money. 

www.sellthedress.com 

@sellthedress 

4 THE A BRIDAL MAGAZINE. SEPTEMBER 2017 THE A BRIDAL MAGAZINE. SEPTEMBER 2017 1

IN THIS ISSUE 

09 

4 

Publisher’s Note 

29 

6 

To Selll or Not to Sell 

9 

Insider Questions for Photographer 

22 

All you need to know 

- Best Bridal Makeup Tips 

26 

Top 7 Tips for Planning A Successful Wedding 

29 

2018 Wedding Trends 

53 

The Yacht Wedding Inspiration 

58 

Top 10 Wedding Etiquettes You Should Know 

@theabridalmag 


53 

60 

Money and Marriage 

– Tips for Modern Couples 

COPYRIGHT © 2017 BY THE A . ALL MATERIAL IS FULLY PROTECTED AND MUST NOT BE 

REPRODUCED IN ANY MANNER WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE 

Weddings are among the most celebrated, spectacular and memorable 

events anywhere in the world. They are the heart of new and powerful 

beginnings that are rooted in love. The A Bridal Magazine, a new 

picturesque, informative, and resource-rich magazine, is here to 

accompany you on your journey of happily ever after. I’ve planned many 

weddings in the past, and I’ve been intimately involved in the various 

aspects of pulling off some amazing ones, so I know exactly how fun 

and challenging the planning of a wedding can be at the same time. 

Our goal at The A Bridal Magazine is to bring you tips and insights from 

experienced wedding professionals that spotlight important and relevant 

topics and challenges. 

Keep in Touch! 

May this new chapter of your life’s journey bring you much joy, laughter, 

and happiness, and may you be true to yourself in style, character, and 

values during the planning process. 

Have an amazing time planning your wedding knowing that it will all be 

worth it! Be joined together happily ever after. 

— Abla Doku 

TWITTER 

abladoku 

LINKEDIN 

abladoku 

WEBSITE 

abladoku.com 

STYLE + FLASH 

FULL 

SERVICE 

DJ 

www.energyproductions1.com 

Call us to reserve your date: 240-286-2571 


TIPS 

TO SELL 

or 

NOT TO SELL 

7 Reasons Why You Should Sell Your 

Wedding Dress After Your Wedding 

There is no doubt that your wedding dress played a huge role on 

your wedding day; you probably spent years picturing yourself in 

that perfect dress for your big day. 

Now, your special day is over, and you utterly looked gorgeous in 

that wedding dress with lots of beautiful pictures and videos to show! 

Soon after the wedding, you started worrying about what to do 

with the wedding dress. It’s probably just sitting in your closet, and 

you have no idea if you will ever wear it again. 

What then can you do with your amazing wedding dress? 

You have several options to consider when it comes to selling off 

your wedding dress. 

Read on to see seven amazing reasons why you should sell your 

wedding dress after the big day is done. 

Extra Source Of Income 

Selling your wedding dress, which most times, is one of the most expensive items for a 

wedding, puts money back in your pocket. Have you worried about how to finance your 

honeymoon or make extra cash after your wedding? The amount you decide to sell your 

wedding dress for depends on a few factors such as how old the outfit is, the designer 

brand, and its original cost. But no matter how much you spent on your wedding dress, 

selling it will put some money back in your pocket that you can use right away! 

Difference In Fashion 

Taste 

Most brides love to keep their 

wedding gown with the hope 

that their daughters will wear 

it and keep up a new family 

tradition. However, this is not 

always the case! Millennials 

tend to have a mind of their 

own and would hardly keep a 

tradition that will make them 

wear a wedding dress from 

way back. The chances that 

the style of your wedding 

dress will match the fashion 

taste of your daughter are slim. 

Selling your wedding dress is 

the best choice. Keeping it will 

be a waste. 

Loss Of Value 

Buying the gown from a bridal shop is 

like driving a new vehicle off a lot. The 

longer you keep the dress, the less 

valuable it becomes. Sell it off as soon 

as possible! 

Changing Fashion Trends 

Fashion comes and goes, so the chance that any dress will 

be in vogue 20-30 years later is highly unlikely. The fashion 

industry is never static, and your wedding dress will go out 

of fashion in as little as four to five years from the time of 

purchase. If you don’t sell it off now, you may end up with a 

wedding gown that nobody wants. 

Free Up Some Space 

If your dress required a few people to hold 

the train, it must take up a lot of space in your 

closet. The average size 2x3 feet preservation 

box is huge. Your partner might be someone 

who loves the minimalist lifestyle and may not 

be happy with keeping a wedding dress. Selling 

it off at this point is the best option for you. 

Perfect Fit For 

The Next Bride 

Brides-to-be may not be 

financially fit to purchase 

a new wedding dress 

and would actually be 

looking for a dress they 

can buy from a recent 

bride. Give a bride the 

opportunity to wear the 

dress of her dreams, 

and you would have 

made a difference in 

her life. 

Be Practical 

The fact remains that you might 

never wear that dress again, 

so why keep it? Oh, yes, some 

brides wear their wedding 

dresses on their anniversaries 

or themed parties but if you 

don’t see that happening 

anytime soon, then you should 

sell that dress. You saved up so 

much to get a beautiful wedding 

dress and selling it will help 

you recover some of the cost 

incurred. The reality remains 

that it has served the purpose 

for which it was bought and is 

no longer useful. So go ahead 

and find a good place for it and 

you will be glad you did. After 

all, you’ve got beautiful pictures 

of you in the dress to keep the 

memories alive! 


INSIDER QUESTIONS: 

questions you must ask 

before hiring a 

WEDDING 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

beautiful floral arrangements at affordable prices 

202-792-9926 | daniella@ellasflorals.com 

ellasflorals.com 

Photographs are one of the best ways 

to keep your wedding alive for all of 

prosperity. Great wedding photos are 

a good way to relive the day, to see 

things that may have been missed or not 

noticed at the time, or to be reminded of 

things that may have been forgotten. We 

combed the globe to ask experienced 

wedding photographers to tell us what 

brides need to know and the questions 

they should ask before signing on the 

dotted line. Read on to save yourself time, 

money, and lots of headaches. 


TIPS 

Iren 

Rafigh 

Realtor® 

JIMMY CHAN 

PIXELICIOUS 

www.pixelicious.ca 

Coldwell Banker 

Office:703.471.7220 

Mobile:703.887.6055 

Email: iren.rafigh@showswell.com 

Website: www.showswell.com 

Address: 11911 Freedom Drive, Suite 520, Reston, VA 20190 

L: Licensed in Virginia 

Member, Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® (r) (NVAR) 

Member, National Association of Realtors® (r) (NAR) 

Member, Realtors® Regional Information Service (MRIS) 

Residential Brokerage 

What’s the quality and resolution of 

the digital images? 

Including the digital files is pretty much 

standard nowadays. What brides need 

to watch out for is the quality of the 

files. More specifically, are the images 

retouched and what is the resolution 

(so they can make prints)? 

Many photographers rely on print 

and album sales to drive revenue 

after the wedding. Although there’s 

nothing wrong with that, some don’t 

clarify that the digital images given 

are downsized. It turns out that brides 

don’t have the option to print anything 

larger than 8x12 inches. The reason 

for this is because photographers 

intentionally withhold the highresolution 

files, so that their clients are 

forced to buy large prints from them. 

If your intention is to make your own 

prints and albums one day, make sure 

to request the high-resolution files. 

What’s your turnaround time? 

This varies greatly from one photographer to another. We live in a digital, 

social media age so brides do expect to receive their images fast. Some 

photographers are notorious for making their clients wait for months to 

deliver the images. The reason for this is mainly to maximize print and album 

sales before releasing the digital files. The photographer knows that once 

the files are given, the client has no incentive to return and purchase prints. 

Ask yourself how long you are willing to wait to get the files and make sure 

that the turnaround time is written out in the contract to avoid surprises. 

If another inquiry comes in for the same date, who will the 

photographer pick and why? 

This is somewhat of a trick question to ask your photographer. Put the 

person on the spot and pretend another bride is ready to book, despite 

getting married on the same date. Both the client and photographer must fit 

together in order to create stellar images; it is never a one-way relationship. 

Professional photographers know exactly who their ideal clients are. They 

don’t say yes to whoever comes in first, not even whoever pays the most. 

If your photographer can’t properly elaborate why he/she is genuinely 

interested in documenting your big day, then consider someone else who 

is willing to invest in you. 



TIPS 

TIPS 

JEFF ALLEN 

KOLBFLEISCH 

Jeff Allen Studios 

www.jeffallenstudios.com 

SOFIA LEMON 

Ridiculously Happy 

People 

www.sophialemon.com 

If my wedding collection includes digital files, are 

they edited? 

While many couples will concentrate on receiving the digital 

files from their wedding, it’s important to understand not 

only in what size the images will be delivered but also how 

those images are edited. While some photographers will 

provide a basic or even advanced level edit of the image 

in different stages of being polished, some photographers 

will deliver the images unedited, forcing you to return to 

the photographer for any prints or products. 

What’s included in the digital files edit? 

If you are receiving edited digital images in your collection, 

you should ask your photographer what is included in that 

edit. For some photographers, the edit may simply include 

adjusting the exposure, cropping of the image, and minor 

color adjustments. Other photographers may go a bit 

further, performing a more advanced edit including skin 

smoothing, while some may even include removal of 

distracting elements like exit signs. 

Can you shoot both with available light and with 

lighting equipment? 

While shooting with available light (sometimes referred to as 

natural light) is a method used by all photographers, other 

photographers are also skilled in using lighting equipment 

which allows them to overcome obstacles that may come 

up during your wedding day shoot. While not every image 

requires the use of additional lighting equipment, your 

photographer should have the skill set to allow them to 

choose the correct lighting option both to maximize the 

quality of the image and even for artistic elements. Some 

scenarios will absolutely require additional lighting, so 

make sure the option is available. 

Do you have insurance? 

While nobody, including the photographer, likes to think of 

something bad happening, what happens if Aunt Jenny 

accidentally trips over a camera bag or a light stand falls 

and bumps into someone? Liability insurance not only 

protects you and your guests but often is a sign that the 

photographer takes their profession more seriously than 

just being a hobbyist. Also, some venues will require the 

photographer to carry insurance so make sure prior to 

your wedding day! 

Can I see a couple of complete wedding galleries? 

I know this won’t come as a surprise, but photographers 

usually only show their best work online or during a 

consultation. It’s easy to hand pick a few awesome 

images, but what did all the delivered images look like? 

Not only do I generally offer to show a couple of complete 

wedding galleries, but I also publish some of my complete 

wedding albums on my website. 

Are you available for our 

wedding date? 

Most couples don’t ask this! It is the 

most important first contact question 

which will save couples tons of time. 

Will you meet to discuss our plans? 

Most couples also don’t ask this and 

I wish they would. The couple should 

never hire a photographer over email 

and your photographer should be 

willing to meet in person or at least 

talk over the phone. 

Have you worked at our venue 

before? If not, will you go there to 

get a feel for it? 

If your photographer is unwilling to 

check out your venue or even chat 

with the staff there, this should be a 

red flag! 

What package do you recommend 

for us and what does it include? 

Couples should be able to discuss their 

plans and what they want the most 

important memories from their day to 

be. It shouldn’t be your responsibility 

to choose a package. Instead, your 

photographer should be prepared 

to discuss your plans and make a 

recommendation. This is far less stress 

for the couple! 

Do you have testimonials to read? 

Great photos aren’t everything. Your 

photographer should have testimonials 

from happy couples ready for you 

to read. When you’re reading them, 

look for more than just, “We love our 

photos!” Look for comments about the 

photographer’s professionalism and 

behavior, and how responsive they were 

before, during, and after the wedding. 

What is your policy on guest 

photographers? 

This includes guests and other 

vendors. Talk to your photographer 

about their policy. This might mean that 

you need to do a little bit of legwork, 

letting your guests and vendors know 

that they are not to take photos. 

Questions which should be 

answered in your contract 

Do you charge for travel and how 

much? 

How much is our retainer and when 

is our final payment due? 

What happens if we cancel? 

What is your refund policy? 

What will you charge if we need to 

stay longer than expected? 

When will our proofs be ready? 

How do we order our photos 

How much editing is included in 

our package? 

When will our photos be delivered? 


TIPS 

Destination Wedding & 

Honeymoon Specialist! 

Have you dreamed of a destination wedding on a 

beach? On top of a mountain? Or someplace exotic? 

As an experienced travel professional, I will take the stress out of planning 

your destination wedding and or honeymoon, contact me today and let's start 

planning! Here are 6 reasons why you should book with me! 

BETH FORESTER 

BETH FORESTER 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

www.foresterphoto.com 

Ability to provide best options and pricing. 

Product knowledge. 

Ability to ask questions. 

No charge for my services! 

My experience will save you time and money. 

Free tips to stretch your budget. 

Will you help me with my time line for the wedding day? 

I wish every bride would ask me this question. I think 

it’s important to work with your photographer to get the 

types of images you want to include in your album. Light 

changes throughout the day and your photographer will 

know when the light is right for the types of shots you 

want. Plus, they can counsel you on how long it will take 

to get all the shots you want. For example, a very intricate 

shot with dramatic lighting in a spectacular setting doesn’t 

just happen without timing and planning. 

Do you have backup equipment? 

Do you have the capability to provide a same day 

wedding slideshow? 

This is not a must-have on your list but if you really want to 

WOW your guests, see if your professional photographer 

has the capability to provide a same-day slideshow at your 

reception, highlighting a few of your images throughout the 

day. Guests love seeing the behind the scenes moments 

and the images of the day that they may have missed. 

Do you provide retouching, color adjustment or other 

corrective services to the images? 

Jenn Lissak 

Travel Professional 

GURU TRAVEL 

jennl@thewdwguru.com 

877.825.6146 x.708 

www.thewdwguru.com 

I would love to 

help you! 

Calypso Digital Wedding Photography 

Find success in losing… 

Find success in losing… 

A professional photographer should have backup gear for a 

wedding. You don’t want to get stuck with a photographer 

whose camera breaks just before the ceremony starts and 

has no backup lens or camera body they can work with. 

The answer should always be yes. Pro photographers 

have countless hours color correcting, processing, and 

retouching their images. You want their experience and 

professional know-how when it comes to this. 

Trust me, there are a lot more items to ask, but these are 

the ones that I would tell my own family members to ask 

if I weren’t shooting the wedding. 

With 

With 

The Healthy Weigh Now! 

The Healthy Weigh Now! 

Your doctor recommended program for weight-loss 

Your doctor recommended program for weight-loss 

Contact 

Lynne@GFPHealthyWeigh.com 

Contact 

571-499-8496 

Lynne@GFPHealthyWeigh.com 

For a free consultation 

571-499-8496 

For a free consultation 

www.CalypsoDigitalWeddings.com 

12040 South Lakes Drive, Suite 207, Reston VA 20191 

16 THE A BRIDAL MAGAZINE. SEPTEMBER 2017 12040 South THE A Lakes BRIDAL Drive, MAGAZINE. Suite 207, SEPTEMBER Reston 2017 VA 2019117

TIPS 

JENNIFER ROBERTSON - REALTOR 

jenniferourrealtor.com 

J@jenniferourrealtor.com 

KATHY STRAUSS 

IMAGEWERKS 

www.imagewerks.net 

703.963.0087 

LICENSED IN VIRGINIA 

105 W. Broad St., #200, Falls Church, VA 22046 

How far in advance should I book 

the photography for my wedding? 

The earlier the better! If you like a 

photographer’s style, it’s best to meet 

and book with them as soon as you 

start your wedding plans. This goes 

hand-in-hand with selecting a date 

and securing a venue. 

How many hours do you shoot? 

That all depends on how long you 

wish to have the photographer there. 

Typically, the photographer will want 

to capture everything from the bride 

and groom getting ready to the final 

send-off. Some weddings will start 

in the early morning and last until 

the wee hours of the next morning. 

We know that’s a long day for you, 

but it’s also a very long day for your 

photographer, too! 

Can I show you samples of images 

that I like? 

It is helpful to see samples of images 

that represent the style you are looking 

to achieve in your wedding images. 

We are in the age of Pinterest – our 

suggestion is to create an idea board 

of images you like. You can then share 

this with your photographer, as it will 

give them an idea of the style of photos you like – plus ideas of setups or 

creative ideas for poses or even ring photography. As we tell our couples, 

we do our best to replicate images, but do not guarantee specific shots. 

How many images will we receive? 

Since every wedding is different, your photographer should not guarantee 

a set number of images. There are several factors that will affect the 

number of images that will be shot at the wedding, including the number of 

hours you contract your photographer, the activities you schedule, and the 

number of people in your party. As a guideline, 50–100 images per hour is 

a standard for the photography industry. If you have two photographers, 

the number increases. 

I have a lot of downtime between the ceremony and reception. Will I 

be charged for that? 

Many photographers calculate the number of hours they will spend with you 

as “the time they arrive for the getting ready – to the ceremony venue to when 

they leave the reception.” Although the schedule may appear to have some 

wedding downtime, there may still be activities going on that you will want 

documented to help tell the complete story of your day. Oftentimes, it’s during 

this downtime that photographers can catch the most candid moments. It’s 

a great time to do group photos as well, or to get a photo with that friend or 

relative who may have missed the pre-ceremony group photo session. 

Can guests take photos during my wedding? 

The answer will vary, make sure you ask! 



TIPS 

If you hire a 

makeup artist: 

Making your face match up to 

the flawless dream vision of 

yourself on your wedding day 

can be a stressful task. Finding 

the right makeup artist will not 

only relieve you of this stress, but 

they will also make you feel more 

beautiful than ever, while feeling 

comfortable as well. A makeup 

artist can also provide you with 

the best products, offer insight 

on what will look great and which 

colors will complement you best. 

Get a makeup trial: Even if you are on the fence about hiring 

an artist, there are artists out there who offer free makeup 

trials so use this to your advantage. 

Provide looks that you are interested in: These could be 

models that look similar to you in terms of skin tone, age, and 

facial features. 

Communicate with your artist: Let your artist know if you 

have dry or oily skin, if you are a crier, and any other concerns 

or preferences that you have. Have a scar or tattoo you 

wish to cover? Want your nose to appear smaller, or brows 

to appear thicker? Do you wish to cover your freckles or 

let them show through? They can’t read your mind, so be 

honest and upfront with them. Don’t waste each other’s time 

by not expressing your thoughts. Their feelings will not get 

hurt, and they will work with you. 

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW 

- Best Bridal Makeup Tips - 


NICOLE DIMOND 

Your professional makeup artist 

TIPS 

If you are doing your own 

makeup: 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Practice your look a few weeks beforehand 

and take photos. Be sure to apply makeup 

in natural or direct lighting and not overhead 

light. Your makeup and face can appear 

differently on camera. It can also appear 

distorted under different lighting. Stay away 

from fluorescent lights. Photos will also help 

to show if your makeup shade matches the 

rest of your skin. 

Use primer and setting spray. These two 

things will help to make sure your makeup 

lasts for hours. 

Try not to wear SPF, or makeup containing 

SPF. SPF is reflective in photographs and 

can make you appear shiny/oily. Of course, 

you should wear SPF on all other days. 

Do invest in waterproof makeup, mascara, 

and eyeliner especially. 

Get fake lashes. If long lashes are a look you 

want, eyelash extensions are great though 

they can be pricey. False lashes will also get 

the job done. 

Either way: 

About The Author 

Take good care of your skin. No matter what 

makeup you are applying, your skin is the canvas. 

Allow enough time for makeup application so that 

no one is stressed. Give yourself at least one hour. 

Nicole Dimond is an up and coming makeup artist who 

is passionate about highlighting the best features of her 

clients and bringing out their inner beauty through makeup 

artistry. She’s the principal at nicoledimond.com. 

Ask a friend to carry around lipstick, concealer, and 

powder, especially if you are prone to getting oily, 

and anything else you think you may need to touch 

up with. Also, have a friend notify you if you ever 

look like you do need a touch up. 

makeup@nicoledimond.com | 703.220.0375 


Top 7 Tips For 

Planning A Successful 

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, daunting and even a hair-pulling 

nightmare. However, with a great plan, and reaching out to the right people 

who can handle different tasks, the planning process can be a lot easier. Let’s 

dive into the top 7 wedding planning tips for your planning success. 

1. DELEGATE 

You need to admit that you cannot do 

it all by yourself. Engage family, friends 

or even a virtual assistant to help you 

out. Delegate tasks to people around 

you based on their strengths and 

weaknesses. Ensure that you write 

down and note the task delegated 

to each person. You should also give 

them deadlines to report back, it’s not 

being a “bridezilla” it is simply following 

up so you can ensure that task gets 

done and are on time. 

2. YOUR VENDOR’S NETWORK 

So, you have found a great 

photographer but still searching 

for someone to do your makeup, 

up-do etc. and you need trustworthy 

professionals who will follow 

through. Well, the answer might be 

right under your nose. As a wedding 

photographer, he or she may have 

worked with other professionals in the 

industry who are great to work with. 

Makeup artists, florists, wedding cake 

designers, and so forth. JUST ASK. 

You can bet that they will be happy to 

make referrals because in the long run 

it means more business for them and 

everybody wins! 

3. BUDGET 

As you’re planning, you’ll be distracted 

with beautiful and grand things at 

every turn. However, if they are out of 

your budget, it’s critical that you resist 

the temptation and find affordable 

alternatives, believe me they are out 

there. Set a budget for every item in 

your must-have list so that you can plan 

accordingly and ensure that every item 

is adequately provided for. The bridal 

world is competitive, in many cases you 

can make bridal businesses compete 

for your dollar. Discuss extra spending 

with your partner, that way you can 

keep excess spending in check. 

4. PLAY WITH TRIALS 

Many brides-to-be underestimate how 

much time it takes to be personally 

ready for their big day. You want to 

look your best, this means that you 

cannot afford to wait until the last 

minute before you start trying out 

hairstyles, makeup, and your wedding 

dress amongst others. Book trial 

sessions ahead of time so that you 

can experiment and try as many styles 

as possible to find the perfect looks 

that will leave you dazzling on your 

wedding day. 

5. GUEST LIST 

This is very important. Establish the 

number of guests for your wedding 

at the very beginning of the planning 

process and stick with it. Your guest 

list will guide you tremendously 

during your wedding planning. When 

you know the number of guests 

that will attend your wedding then 

you can decide on the right venue, 

food and entertainment that will suit 

your guests. This list will also help 

you in picking the right date that 

will be convenient for a larger part 

of your guest list. The date must be 

convenient for you as well. After all, 

you are the one getting married! 

6. BOOK AHEAD 

Weddings can be financially demanding 

and you should cut costs at every 

opportunity without compromising. One 

way to do this is by booking ahead 

for venues, cake, food, hotels for your 

guests and so on. Take advantage of 

early bird discounts that will help you 

cut costs and still give you the best 

options. Yes, I know you can’t wait to 

marry your soul mate so as soon as 

the question is popped start looking 

and start booking. When you wait till 

the last minute to make purchases or 

bookings, you tend to spend more and 

have limited options. However, don’t 

skimp on important items or services. 

7. ME TIME 

Finally, just before the wedding day, 

take some time off and give yourself 

a treat. This can help you relax and 

have adequate rest before your big 

day. Prior to “me” time, ensure that 

everything is in place and all items on 

your checklist have been covered. 

Start planning early and delegate 

tasks to avoid unnecessary pressures. 

You may also want to hire “a day off 

coordinator” for the big day so you 

and your guests can enjoy all the work 

you’ve done while he or she takes on 

the responsibility of execution. 

Stories are priceless . . . 

. . . your photos should be the same! 

703-492-8215 

www.imagewerks.net 

memorable • creative • passionate 


2018 

Wedding Trends 

Trends are current 

and fun. Weave 

in elements that 

speak to you and 

most importantly, 

be authentic, and 

be true to yourself. 



TRENDS 

TRENDS 

flowering dresses 

Flowers are trending on wedding dresses. Adorn your dress with flowers in your wedding color for a pop of color and 

nature. Choose a complementary non-wedding color to stand out even more. 

the 

dress 

Brides are mixing it up and choosing non-traditional colors 

for their wedding dress. Traditional white is still popular, but 

gowns adorned with flowers, millennial pink wedding dresses, 

and black are on the rise. Also, expect to see unconventional 

bridal fashion like deconstructed dresses and pants. 

Nicole Ettenhofer, Director of Marketing -George Street Photo & Video 


Touch, Experience, Be Inspired! 

Touch, Experience, 

Be Inspired! Deals. 

Fashion. Food. Fun. 

Fabulous Prizes. Make 

your wedding plans fun. 

See Spectacular Reception 

Designs all under one roof. 

Save time. Save money. 

www.theAbridalshow.com 

@theAbridalshow 

BRIDAL SHOW 



TRENDS 

millennial pink 

Millennial pink will keep up the upward mobility. This bride went for this beautiful hue of pink for her bouquet and 

bridesmaids’ dresses. 

Photo: Izzy Hudgins 


TRENDS 

black dresses 

Black is always in. It’s classy and it’s flattering so why not on your big day. This bride paired her black dress with a 

millennial pink and white bouquet. 

Photo: Izzy Hudgins 


TRENDS 

TRENDS 

salt & pepper diamonds and black diamonds 

the 

More people are purchasing non-traditional stones, but the thing that’s so on trend right now is something called ‘salt 

and pepper diamonds’. These are white diamonds that have so many visible inclusions in them that the stone appears 

to have a peppery, flaked appearance. The net effect of these diamonds in engagement rings is an incredible collection 

of unique pieces of jewelry. The creativity that accompanies the design of these rings is stunning! 

jewels 

We’re seeing an extreme uptick in requests for non-traditional 

colored diamonds and uniquely embellished accessories. 

Dan Moran, Concierge Diamonds, LA 


TRENDS 

jeweled headband 

The jeweled headband trend exploded all over the red carpet this season. That now translates into richly embellished 

pieces for the celebrity style fan. Consider it an update to the classic wedding tiara and veil. 

We’re having a 

bridal party! 

& 

YOU are invited! 

Exhibit with us and make face-to-face contact with 

engaged couples who are desperately looking for products and services 

just like yours. 

Make sure they see what you have to offer. Filling your wedding calendar has never 

been easier. 

THE A BRIDAL SHOW is an Intimate Experiential Bridal Showcase with only 3 

vendors in your category, but only if you reserve your spot. Reserve your spot today. 

Here comes the brides! 

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Mariana Leung, Bridal Designer — Weng Meng Design Studio 

BRIDAL SHOW 


TRENDS 

TRENDS 

tropical pop 

After years of monotone florals in the spotlight, brides are now gravitating toward tropical pops of color to accent their 

big day. The right mix of bright pinks, greens, and yellows creates a festive yet sophisticated look. 

the 

florals 

We’ve seen these floral trends gaining momentum with brides. 

Michelle West, Floral Designer - Gage Hotel, Marathon, TX 


TRENDS 

TRENDS 

beautiful disarray 

“Hot Mess” doesn’t just apply to people! Florals that have an organic structure with movement and a seemingly “picked 

from the garden” casual look are also becoming more popular with brides. 

“greenhouse” 

Plants and leaves are on trend with large monstera and fern leaves making a big statement. Potted plants and trees as 

décor and leaf installations as backdrops, chandelier, and ceiling décor are sustainable, affordable, and very popular 

for 2018. Brides are decorating with colorful and interesting fabrics, foliage, and flowers. 


Photo: Penjari Photography 


TRENDS 

wild and whimsical 

Still going strong. Large, unstructured bouquets, centerpieces, and decor loosely designed with lots of color and texture 

are bride favorites for 2018. 

We are seeing a trend in bridesto-be 

wanting their engagement 

rings to stand out from the 

others. 2018 trends will consist 

of engagement rings that include 

stackable bands, fancy-shaped 

diamonds and use of colored 

gemstones. These trends 

add exclusive features and 

personalized touches. 

www.robbinsbrothers.com 


TRENDS 

TRENDS 

collaborative wedding cookbook 

the 

Tools like Honey & Hive Creations let bridal parties, families, and guests easily contribute to a cookbook that has 

recipes, pictures, and stories from the bride and groom’s families. As millennials get married later, often after the couple 

has been living together, they need less household staples. Collaborative wedding cookbooks are on the rise for brides 

looking for a different option! 

gift 

Many people are moving past the wedding registry, and 

looking for a thoughtful gift that is useful for the home. 



IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS WITH PERSONAL PARTY HELPERS | BARTENDERS 

| SERVERS 

| PARTY HELP 

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THE YACHT 

Wedding Inspiration 

Be inspired by the things you love to do and 

incorporate them into your nuptials. After all, it’s your 

big day and nothing should take that away from you. 

Kyle Deeley-Hardgrave & Leana Hardgrave, Photos: Hollywood Pro 


INSPIRATION 

Since my husband is a wedding photographer himself, 

we worked hard to make our wedding unique and unlike 

any wedding he had ever photographed before. Having 

traveled around the world on a ship and being proposed 

to on a gondola in Venice, a moving yacht seemed like the 

perfect place to get married. We incorporated our love of 

travel and good food through our table decor that featured 

candy and sweets from different countries (the France 

table had macaroons, the Myanmar table had candied 

fruits, the Turkey table had Turkish Delights, India’s table 

had saffron candy, Belgium’s table had waffles, Brazil’s 

table had chocolate-covered espresso beans, etc.), a 

table card featuring country and candy information, plus 

each country had a custom stamp and ink pad so that 

the guests could stamp their passports as they went 

around collecting the sweets from each table. This was 

a great ice-breaker for our 130 guests, plus it gave them 

something fun to do while we took photos. To ensure we 

greeted every one of our guests, we invited each table 

up for pictures with us before getting into the buffet line. 

During dinner, our DJ played beautiful live piano music 

while our guests enjoyed their meals. 

As our guests boarded the ship, they were given a glass 

of champagne to enjoy as we began our five-hour cruise 

around the harbor. We wrote our own vows and performed 

a wine and love letters ceremony; the wine was imported 

prosecco from our trip to Italy and it is now locked in a 

bloom fresh flowers 

Alexandria’s hometown, high-end artisan florist 

bloomfreshflowers.com | 703.299.9929 


INSPIRATION 

map-covered wooden box. Our 

card box was an old globe that we 

repurposed into a box and our guest 

book was an assortment of Disney 

artwork postcards for our guests to 

write on. Our cake was dusted with 

glitter and had the words, “And they 

lived happily ever after” written on it; it 

was topped with a silver glitter cutout 

of a couple next to a globe. 

Another detail of our wedding was my 

custom dress. I am a plus-sized, tall 

bride and had a terrible time finding 

a dress to fit me. I was lucky enough 

to find an incredible designer, JC, the 

owner of Chevillon, who worked with 

me to create the most beautiful dress 

I ever could have dreamed of. He 

created a princess-style dress with 

delicate silk sleeves and a full, flowing 

skirt covered in over 5,000 crystals 

and gave me crystal-covered shoes 

to match. 

Kyle Deeley and now Kyle Deeley- 

Hardgrave (after the wedding, he 

hyphenated his name with my last 

name), and I got married on a yacht 

out of Newport Harbor on beautiful 

March 26, 2017. 


TIPS 

TIPS 

Top 10 

Things to 

Know About 

Wedding 

Etiquette 

Every one of us is an artist, and as an artist, you 

really can stroll into any venue that you want, as 

long as you take your time to learn the etiquette 

of that venue. — Terrance Howard 

Weddings are often interesting, and each part is guarded 

by etiquette, which guests are expected to follow. Going 

against the etiquette at a wedding will be frowned upon 

and make you come off as rude. 

We don’t want that to happen to you, right? 

So, what are the dos and don’ts at weddings? 

Let’s dive in and look at the standard etiquette 

for American weddings: 

Bridal Showers 

If you are honored to be a bridesmaid, then you are expected 

to attend and contribute to the bridal shower budget. A 

close friend or family member will often host the shower 

and it can sometimes take place at a hotel. Attendees are 

expected to bring gifts and engage in some form of game 

based on the theme chosen for the bridal shower. 

Rehearsal Dinner 

This is often held the night before the wedding and you’ll 

have close family members, bridesmaids, and groomsmen 

in attendance. If you are invited to the wedding but not to 

the rehearsal don’t fret, because this is normal. 

RSVP 

As an invited guest, you are expected to respond to the 

wedding invitation, and failure to do so can come across 

as rude. Ensure you follow the rules, too. If your name is 

the only one on the card, then an extra guest might not be 

welcome. But if your name plus your family’s name are on 

the card, then it is okay to bring an extra family member. 

Gifts 

Bringing gifts for the couple is a nice gesture but not 

compulsory. The couple often has a wedding registry and 

you can easily pick a gift from the registry list and send it 

out ahead of time. Couples will also be glad if you mail the 

gift directly to their home instead of bringing it along to the 

wedding party. This will lessen the burden of carrying the 

gift back home, and they will thank you for it. 

When to leave the wedding party 

The cutting of the cake is a significant event, and it marks 

the end of the wedding party. It is considered rude if you 

leave before the cutting of the cake. Therefore, stay put and 

enjoy the party. 

The British, however, do things a bit differently, 

and you would be surprised that what is 

acceptable at an American wedding would 

be frowned upon at an English wedding. 

Rehearsal Dinner 

At an English wedding, don’t expect to be invited to 

a rehearsal dinner because they don’t have one. The 

rehearsal dinner is an American etiquette and is usually not 

part of English weddings. 

Wedding Breakfast 

The wedding reception is actually the wedding breakfast 

and is not necessarily the breakfast meal. It signifies the 

first meal of the bride and groom as a couple. 

The Procession 

An English bride will often be expected to make her grand 

entrance first, followed by her bridesmaids to carry the train 

of her dress. However, the American bride makes her big 

entrance last, preceded by her bridesmaids. So next time 

you attend an English wedding, don’t look so confused! 

The Australian wedding is also not to be 

ignored, as they have expectations, too. 

For example: 

Bridal Shower 

The bridesmaids are expected to host the bridal shower 

and provide gifts. This might come as a surprise to an 

English guest, but it is perfectly normal in Australia. 

Bridesmaid Duties 

The bridesmaids are also expected to pay for their 

clothing, shoes, and accessories. So, the next time you 

receive an assignment to be a bridesmaid, ensure that 

you clarify your responsibility. 

Like the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as 

the Romans do.” 

Always ensure that you understand what is 

expected at a wedding you’re invited to, especially weddings 

with cultural and geographical influences, and you’ll never 

go wrong. 


Money and Marriage 

TIPS FOR MODERN COUPLES 

Pamela J. Sams, CRPC, MBA | Jackson Sams Wealth Strategies 

When a couple is in love and 

contemplating marriage, financial 

matters are often far from their minds. 

Even so, it is important to address 

the role that finances will play in the 

marriage, since financial woes can 

damage even the strongest relationship. 

The time to deal with money matters 

is before the wedding, not after. Too 

many couples fail to talk seriously about 

money until after they are married, and 

that can lead to some unexpected and 

unpleasant surprises. 

For instance, couples are often 

surprised to find how far apart they 

are on money matters. In many cases, 

one spouse is a dedicated saver, and 

the other is a dedicated spender. 

This mismatch can lead to problems 

down the line. Getting these important 

matters sorted out and coming to an 

agreement ahead of time is the best 

way to head off future problems. 

For example, couples can agree that all 

purchases over a certain dollar amount 

be discussed in advance, while giving 

each other the freedom to make small 

indulgences from time to time. This can 

help reduce the financial strain on the 

marriage without the partner feeling 

deprived or resentful. 

Couples should also have a rough 

idea of where each partner stands 

financially before the marriage. It is 

not necessary to go through each 

financial statement and bill line by line, 

but a basic understanding of financial 

condition is essential. This allows 

couples to identify potential trouble 

spots early and work on better financial 

habits as a couple. 

Going over finances before the 

wedding also gives couples a chance 

to discuss investment strategies. Every 

couple has both short-term and longterm 

financial goals, but the partners 

may have quite different ideas about 

how to reach them. One person may 

wish to play it safe when it comes 

to investing, while the other partner 

may be comfortable taking on more 

risk. It is important to work out these 

differences and agree on a strategy 

that is acceptable to both partners. 

That could mean separating investment 

money into separate pools, one for 

each partner. It could also mean 

discussing any financial moves ahead 

of time, or allocating some money 

for safe investments and other funds 

for long-term growth opportunities. 

It could even mean that one spouse 

takes the lead on investing while the 

other sits back and makes periodic 

recommendations. In any case, the key 

is to keep the lines of communication 

open and keep all investment decisions 

open and transparent. 

One of the hardest things for couples to 

do is allocate household expenses fairly 

when one partner makes significantly 

more money than the other. That 

difference in earning power can seem 

insignificant at first, but as time goes 

on it can become a real problem, 

especially if the two partners also have 

different spending and saving habits. 

Many couples feel that the fairest way 

to allocate household expenses is 

to simply split everything down the 

middle, but that allocation may not 

go over well with the lower-earning 

spouse. One alternative couples can 

use is to allocate expenses based on a 

percentage basis instead. 

For illustration purposes, consider 

a couple where one spouse earns 

$7,000 a month, and the other earns 

$3,000 per month. In this case, the 

higher-earning spouse would pay 70% 

of the household expenses, with the 

other spouse picking up the remaining 

30%. That ensures that each spouse 

is contributing a commensurate share 

of his or her income to maintaining 

the household. This strategy can be 

debatable as well, but it often works out 

better than a straight 50/50 split. 

Dealing with money is not easy for 

couples; nevertheless, it is an important 

consideration. Financial problems are 

responsible for a large percentage of 

breakups and divorces, so getting this 

aspect talked out before marriage is 

absolutely crucial. 

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The A Bridal Magazine 101717

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