Tag: weddings

-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-

The spirit of Aloha — it’s tranquil and breezy, warm and welcoming — infuses all aspects of Hawaiian life. And the feeling of oneness with nature, family, and community extends to marriage celebrations throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Here are some of our favorite spots to get lei’d.

Montage Kapalua Bay

Photo: Montage Kapalua Bay

Set on four lush acres of Maui, affording privacy, endless tropical foliage and awesome views of neighboring Lanai and Molokai islets, this modern-meets-Aloha traditional property offers 50 one- to four-bedroom villa accommodations. Weddings here are hosted at the refurbished wood-planked circa 1940s Kapalua’s Cliff House. The breezy building is fittingly positioned on a rocky outcropping over the eponymous bay (wedding packages start at $7,500 and include an officiant and ceremony setup for 10 guests, a wedding cake, lei exchange and champagne toast).

Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Photo: Grand Wailea

On Maui’s brilliant white sands is an aptly named luxury property with all the happily-ever-after amenities for romance. Among the gorgeous spa and outstanding eateries, the sparkling pools and towering palms sits a photogenic white clapboard chapel that’s positioned on a waterway and has gorgeous views of the tropical foliage-rich grounds. Ceremonies may also be hosted at the private Molokini Bluff with its uninterrupted vistas of classic Hawaii and ocean scenery (wedding packages start at $7,500 and include site fees, an officiant and wedding-planning services).

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

Photo: Andaz Maui

The chic hotel brand has made a splash with this sleek beachfront hotel on the state’s most popular island with its hip pool, cool restaurants and mod design. Ceremonies here are most often held on the pretty lawns that overlook the only-in-Maui ocean and neighboring islands. Receptions are hosted in charming spaces with wood accents or outside and lit by torches (wedding packages start at $9,500 and include ceremony setup and site fees, an officiant and wedding planning services, photography, bouquet, boutonniere and lei exchange, some music, a cake and more).

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Photo: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Of all of Hawaii’s beautiful resorts, this low-rise vintage property with its renowned architecture and celebrated art collection is one of the most prized. It’s a haven for aesthetes as much as it is for beach lovers, foodies and active travelers thanks to its position on one of the most spectacular coves in the country, amazing cuisine and robust fitness programming that includes tennis, golf and yoga. Weddings here reflect the understated elegance of the property, with many opting for the micro offerings that showcase the pristine property’s natural beauty and bountiful food program (wedding packages start at $7,500 ceremony set up and site fees, an officiant and wedding- planning services, photography, bridal bouquet, boutonniere and lei exchange, some music, a cake and more).

Legally Wedded: In Hawaii, most resorts help with the paperwork and some include transportation to the Health Department (that is where marriage licenses are issued) in the wedding package. The couple must both be present to apply. Each must furnish, along with the application, a certified birth certificate or other valid proof of age and if applicable, an original divorce decree or death certificate, as well as the $60 fee in cash. There is no waiting period; the license is valid for 30 days.

-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-

Vintage Inspiration

Step back in time with a gown reminiscent of Regency-era romance. Strapless, mini-jacquard mermaid with empire waist and satin waistband, about $5,000, and dramatic mikado cape, about $2,500, by Viktor&Rolf Mariage. Green tassel earrings by Mahrukh Akuly Jewelry. Satin gloves by Greatlookz. Three-stone engagement ring by Christopher Designs. Wallpaper mural by The Inspire Decor.

Ethereal Beauty

Evoke a sense of airy grandeur in a whisper-light dress. Off-the-shoulder silk mikado A-line dress with hand-beaded ruffle tulle overlay, about $3,190, by Wiederhoeft. Crystal-embellished headband by Jennifer Behr. Pavé earrings and rings by Mahrukh Akuly Jewelry.

Color Splash

Soft shades make an unforgettable statement. Blue tulle A-line with ruched bodice, lingerie straps and Swarovski crystals, about $3,990, and frothy overskirt styled as a jacket, about $1,990, by Ines by Ines Di Santo.

Jump Suit

Opt for a chic, unexpected one-piece ensemble. Strapless wool jumpsuit with pleated bodice, peplum waist and tailored pant, about $800, by Americae. Stretch net leotard with silk bows and teardrop crystals by Wiederhoeft. Crystal earrings by David’s Bridal. Engagement ring by Christopher Designs. Embellished satin heels by Galina Signature. Bouquet by Farmgirl Flowers.

Black Lace

Designers went big with bold lace patterns. Sparkle tulle mermaid gown with embroidered black lace appliqués, sweetheart neckline, illusion bateau back and semi-Cathedral train, about $2,500, by Moonlight. Black floral headband by Jennifer Behr. Asymmetrical one-sided earring by Maria Elena Headpieces. Rings and bracelet by Mahrukh Akuly Jewelry. Three-stone engagement ring by Christopher Designs.

Fashion Editor: Kayla Hayes
Art Director: Mary Cate Godfrey
Photography: Terry Doyle
Hair & Makeup: Michiko Boorberg using Oribe Hair Care for Bryan Bantry

Special thanks to The Inspire Decor for the stunning handmade, removable vinyl peel-and-stick floral mural. The Inspire Decor offers unique, easy-to-use and customizable papers from premium materials that can adhere to multiple surfaces. The water-resistant vinyl uses latex inks that offer rich, bright and bold non-toxic designs. Visit their online store at etsy.com/shop/theinspiredecor. Refresh, renew and reset with these easy-to-install wallpapers.

While some couples make it a point to see each other before the ceremony on the Big Day, the moment they see each other at the altar is extremely special. But what exactly is going on in the groom’s head during that nerve-wracking, emotional moment?

This question was posed to the Reddit community Wednesday by user excuses_that_I_know. She wrote, “My partner and I are getting married later this year, and I’m so nervous that he’ll hate the dress, ceremony, or worse, have second thoughts and may think of running far, far away. What did you think when you first saw your bride?”

Dozens of Redditors revealed what they were thinking when their brides appeared at the end of the aisle. Read some of the best responses below; then, tell us in the comments: What did you think when you first saw your bride?

Photo Credit: Julie Irene Photography

1. “Holy $%#@, this is happening for real, man.” “Good God she’s beautiful, how did I wind up getting this lucky?” “Wait, is her dad crying? I hope those are tears of joy… Oh, God, does he secretly hate me? Does he think we’re making a mistake? Please don’t let him say anything during the ceremony…” “Ok, now she’s here, hold her hand, don’t get sweaty… dammit, palms, stop sweating!” — FerdThePenguinGuy

2. “She was the only thing that I saw until we turned to walk back down the aisle together as a married couple. She was beautiful. I knew at that moment that I was the luckiest man alive.” — cinnamon_christ

3. “I literally couldn’t think. I just stared in complete awe and tried (read: failed) not to cry like a baby.” — Diphalic

4. “It’s mostly a haze for the first few minutes but I distinctly remember thinking that I’m smiling like an idiot and I’m supposed to say something to her parents but all I can think of is how beautiful she looks.” —WTFOutOfUserNames

5. “I teared up and got really nervous I was going to mess something up. And then she looked so beautiful and I was like damn I made the right choice.” — Canyoudigitsucka

6. “My exact thoughts were ‘my god she looks like a movie star.’ My second thoughts were ‘oh god she’s going to fall down in the loose stones leading to the patio.'” — DrinkinMcGee

7. “I just really needed to pee to be honest.” — wywywywy

8. “Nothing, not one single damn thing, could have ruined that moment for me. My first thought? ‘This is really happening, and it’s perfect.'” — Noexit

9. “That…that is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life. Hot damn, let’s do this.” — mwatwe01

10. “‘Don’t trip down that hill… don’t trip down that hill… damn it, couldn’t her dad have at least gotten a haircut? Man, I hate that guy. He’s going to be the problem drunk at the reception. But oh man, she’s beautiful. I hope it doesn’t rain. Great, now I’m thinking about water and I kinda have to pee.’ I have ADD, if that helps put things in perspective.” — Red-helix

11. “‘How did I fool her into marrying me?’ Followed by: ‘Alright, walk a little quicker now. I want to get this over with.'” — lolmonade

12. “I won. I just felt like if there were a moment in my life where I had beat the final boss, saved the princess and got the congratulations screen, it was that moment.” — PenguinoMcDirt

13. “I didn’t have to fight tears until we said the vows. I don’t think my voice cracked, and I know I didn’t cry. But she could tell that I was close to crying. She told me she was making faces at me so I wouldn’t cry, but I didn’t notice.” — tsrtsrtsrtsr

14. “‘There’s my best friend, and the woman I’m spending the rest of my life with.’ Followed by… ‘Oh, no. Don’t cry. If you cry, I’m gonna cry. Keep it together. Phew. Good girl.'” — chinesewildman

15. “I looked at her and just said out loud, ‘She’s beautiful.’ The second I saw her, the nervousness was gone. The anxiety was gone. I was ready and I could not have been happier.” — jschild

This article originally appeared on The Huffington Post

Photo Credit: Etsy

Some sort of registry is a must for every engaged couple, whether you want to go the traditional route or shake it up with a honeymoon, experiential, or hobby-based version. But after you add all the gifts to your wedding wishlist, how are you supposed to spread the news to your nearest and dearest without seeming too, well, greedy? Like most wedding-related matters, the answer to this question comes with its own set of rules and etiquette. But with our little list of dos and don’ts, sharing your registry will be a piece of cake.

Do include information on your bridal shower invitations. Chances are, you’re not throwing your own shower, so having if the host adds a link or note to the invitation, it’s totally fine. While a bride or groom asking for gifts directly can be taken as a little rude, your mom, aunt, or bestie can feel free to spread the word on your behalf. And, because bridal showers are actually all about the gift giving anyway (ribbon bouquets and hats have to be made from something, after all), guests will want and need to know what you’d like to receive.

Don’t post a Facebook status with links to your registry. While this might make it easy for some people to find your registry, don’t forget that you (probably) haven’t invited every single one of your Facebook friends to your wedding. Plus, it could cross the line into “greedy” territory. Posting a link to your wedding website — which should have easy-to-find registry links — is totally okay, though, as is texting or emailing the info to interested parties. Just make the effort to say something like, “But please know that your presence at the wedding and kind words are more than enough!” to soften the request.

Do include a registry page on your wedding website. Probably the best thing about the new age invention of wedding websites is the opportunity to share your registry information without seeming all “gimme gimme.” Include links to the online stores so guests can access them easily and choose their gifts without too much of a hassle. Just be careful with the language you use to introduce your loved ones to the page: Try something like “If you wish to give a gift to the bride and groom…” to make sure your guests know that gift-giving is an option.

Do put your wedding website on your save the date. While you don’t necessarily have to say, “Hey, we’re registered at Target!” on the save the date, the announcement can be a good way to spread the word about your website. Everyone invited to the wedding (even if they can’t end up coming for the celebrations) will get that info and be able to figure out the details for themselves if they want to buy you something in honor of your nuptials.

Don’t put your registry info on your wedding invitation. Make sure to add in that wedding website somewhere on the invitation, but there should be no direct mention of gifts on your invitation at all — even if you’re requesting no presents. (And definitely do not ask for cash in place of gifts!) Remember, gifts are never to be required; putting information about gifts on the invite could send the wrong message to your guests and make them think that you’re expecting them to bring a present beyond their presence — not a cool or cute vibe to give off, even as a bride-to-be.

Do count on old-school word of mouth to spread the word. Back before wedding websites were a thing, guests learned about registries by asking the bride or groom’s family, VIPs, and attendants. And some traditions should never die — so be sure to share the details with your immediate family, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, and let them know they can spread the word on your behalf.

—Kristin Doherty

Loverly is the heart of weddings: a visual inspiration search engine designed to help brides discover ideas, people to hire, and things to buy. Loverly makes finding beautiful wedding inspiration easier than ever! Their images are powered by the best wedding publishers and wedding shopping partners on the web. Find Bridal Guide on Loverly >>

Photo Credit: Lyndsey Anne Photography 

Here is a complete guide to which vendors you should tip (and how much!) on your wedding day.

Catering:
If your contract doesn’t include gratuity, you should tip 15 to 20 percent of the total bill. Another way to tip is offering $50 to $100 for each chef and $20 to $50 per server.

Wedding planner:
Wedding planners won’t expect a tip, so this is optional based on service. If you were given a huge discount or the planner went far above and beyond their contracted services, offering a tip of 10 to 20 percent is a nice way of saying “thank you” for the efforts.

Photographer and videographer:
You’re not required to tip them if they own the studio. If they don’t, then giving them an extra $50 to $200 is a nice gesture. If there are two or three shooters, giving a $50 to $100 tip to each person (who doesn’t own the business) is optional.

Ceremony staff and reception staff:
It’s not mandatory to tip the ceremony staff, reception staff and delivery staff, but if you’d like to, then you can offer them $20-$50 each.

Officiant:
Often times officiants won’t accept tips, but a $100 donation to their church is a great way to thank them. If the officiant is non-denominational, consider giving them a $100 tip, especially if they aren’t charging for your service.

Hair and makeup artist:
A 15 to 20 percent tip is expected, just like it would be for any other regular salon visit, but it isn’t required.

Band or DJ:
Offering a 10 to 15 percent tip is a nice gesture to your band or DJ, especially if they have to carry a lot of heavy equipment from one location to the next. For musicians, a $25 to $50 tip per band member is appropriate.

Transportation:
A 15 percent tip is optional if it isn’t included in the contract.

Florist:
The florist doesn’t expect a tip. However, if they do an outstanding job, you can consider giving them a 10 to 15 percent tip after services are rendered.

Keep this in mind:
Though tipping at weddings has become more of a custom in all service areas, it isn’t mandatory or even expected by most wedding pros. With the exception of the catering staff and possibly the venue, tips are considered a nice surprise by almost all vendors.

If you don’t have the money to shell out thousands more on tips, there are a few gestures that will go a long way with your team of wedding pros. Send an email with a review, a handwritten thank-you note or a review on Yelp or WeddingWire are great ways to show appreciation and offer something the vendor can use when booking future clients. Even better, refer your vendors to your friends — this gesture will go much further than a cash tip!

Plus, learn how much to tip while traveling on your honeymoon.

—Allison Silber

Guest blogger: Allison Silber, founder and creative director for engagedandinspired.com. Engaged & Inspired is a wedding publication for crafty brides who strive to fill their wedding day with loads of personality. The team of real brides post about the highs and lows of wedding planning and what it takes to pull off their big day. Aside from running Engaged & Inspired, Allison also offers planning and design services to the Carmel Valley area.

Tipping is supposed to act as a reward, so you don’t need to consider it a mandatory expense. Tips are meant to be given for excellent service or for vendors who go above and beyond their contracted duties. Before dishing out gratuity, check your contracts. Some vendors, especially venues and catering companies, will include it in their contract to help eliminate confusion.