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Photo: Aaron Dyer
Above, NYC-based fashion and bridal designer Lela Rose shares her favorite registry items for bed and bath. These are perfect picks for a fresh, modern bride who loves quirky details.
View all of the items—and where to buy—in the full slideshow.
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Photo: Courtesy of Fox
Fans who wanted the Glee season three finale to wrap up everything with a pretty bow (preferably on a wedding gift) can forget about popping the champagne. Not only did one of the series' most shocking storylines—the wedding of Rachel and Finn—not happen, the sweet-singing duo ultimately split with newly minted New Yorker Rachel Berry fading down Fifth Avenue.
It was obvious something was awry when their impending nuptials went unmentioned until a scene that focused on the couple's disagreement over wedding reception chairs. Rachel, who feels she's already compromised on the food, venue, and nearly everything else ("Does my butt have to compromise too?" she asks), wants the elegant, pricier option. Finn's behind is just fine with white folding chairs, but something else is on his mind—his fear that starry-eyed Rachel is settling for less than she deserves by marrying him. Reassurances are offered and there's a shimmer of hope that we'll get to see Rachel step out in her Audrey Hepburn-inspired wedding dress (above) a second time, until, later in the episode, Finn confides in his mother that he feels like he's failed his late father by becoming an actor instead of setting his sights on a military career. His doubts about acting are only exacerbated when he's rejected from The Actor's Studio—of Bravo's Inside the Actor's Studio—while Rachel gets into the prestigious New York Academy of Dramatic Arts. (Kurt, in a heartbreaking move by the Glee powers-at-be, is rejected from NYADA.)
Rachel decides to defer her acceptance for a year to help Finn and Kurt work on their applications in hopes they can all move to New York as planned. Finn, however, has seemingly coordinated a pseudo-kidnapping scheme with Rachel's fathers and delivers her to the train station so she can meet her parents in New York to look at dormitories. "You're going to get on that train. OK?" he tells her. "And you're going to go to New York and be a star, without me. That's how much I love you." Rachel, devastated and dissolved to tears, puts up a fight but ultimately boards the train and emerges from New York's Grand Central in a bright red pea coat (and a very smart hat).
And that's it! Luckily, Rachel, Finn, and Kurt are all slated to return for season 4, but no news on whether the lovebirds will be reunited—or if we'll ever get to experience a "Finchel" wedding. Even so, the Rachel-Finn engagement storyline created a lot of buzz for the popular series, and with Kurt—who, in my opinion, should have been admitted to NYADA over Rachel (he killed his audition!)—sticking around Ohio, what's not to say Glee's producers won't send Kurt and Blaine down the aisle? Sure, it's highly unlikely that the teen wedding storyline will get a second treatment (nor should it!), but I'm still selfishly holding out for another epic, musical processional—especially since creator and executive producer Ryan Murphy confirmed in an interview with Vulture that "Mr. Shue" wont be tying the knot any time soon.
—Alyssa Wells
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Photo: Johnny Miller
In her new book, Sweet Designs, sweets stylist Amy Atlas offers more than 175 recipes and dessert displays perfect for DIY brides on their wedding day. Here, Atlas takes us through her colorfully crafty idea to transform Necco Wafers into a graphic table runner.
First, a little background on the prosaic little Necco Wafer, an acronym for the New England Confectionery Company, which was created more than 160 years ago. Would you believe that Admiral Byrd hauled two and a half tons of the little disks to the South Pole and that the U.S. government requisitioned a major portion of them for its troops during World War II? The Necco Wafer is practically indestructible, which is good news if you make a table runner out of it (which will give you candy cred for a lifetime)! You might want to approach this project as if you're hosting a quilting bee—invite a few friends over, heat up the glue guns, and start "quilting." I used an Omnigrid straight edge, a tool quilters use to make perfect squares.
MATERIALS
Waxed paper
1 5x3-foot-wide piece of neutral netting or tulle
72 2-ounce rolls Necco Wafers, brown and black separated out
TOOLS
Gridded ruler mat with 1-inch markings, such as an Omnigrid
Hot glue gun
Photo: Johnny Miller
DIRECTIONS
1) Lay sheets of waxed paper on a gridded ruler.
2) Spread the tulle or netting on top of the waxed paper. Measure and mark the tulle 6 inches from each edge to create a frame. You will be gluing the wafers in strips inside the frame.
3) Using the gridded ruler as your guide, hot glue the wafers to the tulle, logo side down, in strips in a rainbow pattern. Vary the lengths of the strips (see Template Index, page 337, and download the tem¬plate at http://blog.amyatlas.com). You will be creating 48 strips. Make certain the glue is dry before proceeding to step 4.
4) With the help of a friend, flip the runner over so that the waxed paper is facing up. Gently peel away the waxed paper from the tulle. Flip the runner over again so that it is Necco Wafer side up.
5) Position the runner in the center of the table. To store, place the runner between two sheets of packing paper and roll into a log. Place in a plastic bag and store at room temperature.
Photo: Johnny Miller
Extra tip: Use a piece of fabric with multicolored pastel polka dots, or white dots on a pastel background. Ideally, the dots should be at least 1 inch wide. Alternatively, you can sprinkle inexpensive confetti dots or Necco Wafers over a solid-colored fabric. Kids love to sprinkle these around; invite them to help you.
—Amy Atlas
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In a collection of romantic lace wedding gowns and trendy peplum silhouettes, this silk-crepe halter sheath by Amsale Aberra attracts added attention with its deviant, skin-baring back. But that isn't the only difference that conveys a spirit of effortless elegance amidst graphic fabrics and voluminous shapes. The sweeping satin ribbon and beaded neckline elevate this fitted column from sultry to sophisticated and free brides from seeking out wedding-day accessories (it's budget-friendly to boot!). Just add a great pair of heels to complete the look for your modern summer wedding—perhaps even in Brooklyn, considering the name Aberra bequeathed her design.
Brooklyn, $4,700, Amsale
—Phillip B. Crook
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From Recipe to Registry: Smitten Kitchen's Spring Salad with New PotatoesWed, 23 May 2012 10:00:26 -0500
Photo: Deb Perelman
The official launch of outdoor barbecue season is a mere three days away. Whether you're hosting a Memorial Day get-together in your own newlywed nest or attending someone else's shindig, this seasonal and elegant twist on the ubiquitous potato salad is the perfect side dish. Please everyone's palates and Smitten-ify your kitchen with this week's recipe and registry picks below.
PS: Smitten Kitchen fans take note: Deb's very first cookbook is out October 30th and available now for pre-sale on Amazon. Can you say shower gift?!
RECIPE
Salad
2 lb small new or fingerling potatoes (mix of reds & Yukon golds recommended)
1 lb asparagus
1/4 lb sugar snap peas, green beans or other spring pea
4 small or medium radishes, thinly sliced
Pickled Spring Onions
3 spring onions (about 6 oz)
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp Diamond kosher salt (less if using Morton or table salt)
1 1/2 tsp sugar
Sharp Mustard Vinaigrette
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp whole grain mustard (Maille or Roland recommended)
2 tsp smooth Dijon mustard
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
Recipe courtesy of Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen. Visit Smitten Kitchen for preparation instructions.
REGISTRY ITEMS
All-Clad stainless steel covered saucepan
Sturdy saucepans are a kitchen must. Use these for everything from soups and sauces to potatoes and pasta.
Stainless steel covered saucepans, $129.99-$224.99 each, Bed, Bath & Beyond
Container Store collapsible colander
Is your kitchen as tiny as Smitten's? Save space with a flexible strainer that takes up 1" of space when collapsed and holds up to a quart of food when expanded.
Collapsible strainer, $14.99, The Container Store
Wusthof monogrammed Santoku knife
Hollow-ground Santoku knives reduce friction during slicing and minimize sticking, so they're perfect for tasks like making paper-thin slices of radishes. This monogrammed version is one more excuse to use your (new!) married initials.
"Classic" monogrammed Santoku knife, $89.95-$99.95, Williams-Sonoma
Anchor Hocking mixing bowls
These are Deb's fave bowls, and they should be yours too. They're durable, they nest, their narrow bottoms take up less counter space, and they're smart enough to take to the table. Need we say more?
"Contemporary" bowls, $35 for 3-piece set, Amazon
Virginia Sin "paper" plates
Whether you're serving your Memorial Day feast grill-side or at the dining room table, these picnic-inspired plates will put everyone in an "al fresco" state of mind.
Porcelain paper plates, $35-$85 each, Cube Marketplace
Fishs Eddy napkins
Sage striped napkins will complement your spring salad and bring a little punch to your table setting. Mix and match with other colors for even more pizzazz.
Sage striped napkin, $5.95, Fishs Eddy
Jars serving bowl
The organic, handmade feel of this serving bowl will make a statement on your table but the neutral glaze won't detract from the brightness of the spring vegetables inside.
"Plume" bowl, $90, Bloomingdale's
Zani & Zani salad serving set
This contemporary serving set is a nice contrast to the natural curves of the "Plume" bowl. A no-stick coating allows you to scoop up the goodies in the bottom of the bowl with ease.
"Sabrina" salad spoon and fork, $250, ABC Home
—Arielle Shipper
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Our 31 Days of Giveaways continues with today's prize: two glamorous clutches from Wanderlust + Co.
The blushing bride's wedding-day tool kit often includes the following: bobby pins, lip gloss, a few blotting papers, breath freshener, maybe a bleach pen and definitely some tissues. The list could go on...unless you have something pretty to hold all of these must have items. We are wild about this sparkly statement clutch from Wanderlust + Co. Embellished with Swarovski crystals and lined with gold satin, it's a perfect black tie accessory. We absolutely love the Art Deco clasp and fun chain strap option too. And valued at over $300, it's a keepsake you'll carry with you long after the big day.
Photo: Courtesy of Wanderlust + Co
Two very lucky winners will score one of these beautiful bags from Wanderlust + Co. Follow these simple steps to enter:
1. Check with Brides.com every morning to hear about the amazing prize
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up for grabs that day.
2. Head over to our Win page to sign up. It only takes 30 seconds, tops (we timed it).
3. Wait to hear back if you're a lucky winner. Don't worry, we won't make you twiddle your thumbs too long! (Winners will be alerted via email no later than June 15th.)
4. Repeat the next day and the day after that, so on and so forth...
You can follow Wanderlust + Co on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr!
*Just remember, you can sign up to win each day's dedicated prize (that's 31 separate giveaway items!), but you have to keep coming back to sign up. Limit 1 person per entry per day. Winners will be selected at random.
—Gray MacDonald
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Photo: Merci New York via Pinterest
At this point, statement jewelry is almost a must-have accessory for your wedding day look. And we love pieces with a personality that feel vintage and timeless. Naturally, we fell hard for these estate-inspired earrings over at Merci New York and just had to pin them. All ten pieces have that wow-factor and look like they were pulled from your grandmother's jewelry box. Good thing we can keep a secret... Like it? Pin it! Be sure to scour our Pinterest boards for stunning inspiration on everything from your wedding hair and bouquet to easy DIY details and cool guest favors. —Gray MacDonald You Might Also Like: A Peek At Our Readers' Engagement Rings, Courtesy of Twitter The Best Fashion Finds For Your Wedding 9 Secrets to Great Wedding Day Hair
Photo: Patricia Lyons
"We are going to carry these memories with us forever. They make all the planning and the work that went into the weekend worth it." —Laird
To see more of Laird and Ross's black and white, Sea Island, Georgia wedding, visit our Real Weddings Gallery.
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Photo: Aaron Dyer
We asked John Karangis of Union Square Events to serve up 10 cocktail-hour bites that are sure to be crowd pleasers. From sophisticated basics, like mini custom-blended sirloin cheddar burgers, to avant-garde treats, like rhubarb-citrus push pops, picky eaters and foodies alike will find something they love.
View all of the hors d'oeuvres in the full slideshow.
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Photo: Courtesy Tammy Carmona
Above, a gorgeous floral elephant infuses a vibrant Indian wedding with both style and tradition. The creative force behind this colorful sculpture is world-class event, floral, food, and dinnerware designer Tammy Carmona, who recently launched her own line of dishes, Carmona New York & Co.
Carmona created this fragrant elephant and flower garland display for a bride who wanted a crisp, modern look without sacrificing the elements of a traditional Indian wedding. "The space was stunning with a very clean, modern look—just like the bride's style," says Carmona, who also designed Edward and Bella's whimsical forest wedding in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1. "We brought the color tones down a bit to fit the space better. And we also stood the elephant on glass, which gives it a very clean look."
—Alyssa Wells
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Photo: Yasu + Junko
Everyone from Sarah Jessica Parker to Jennifer Lopez adores Charlotte Olympia. Now the British shoe designer brings cheeky brilliance to her debut bridal collection, which includes these adorable platform pumps. They just scream You may now kiss the bride, don't they?
Platform pumps, $970, Charlotte Olympia
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Photos: Courtesy of Wauwinet (top) and White Elephant (bottom)
Need an easy to-get-to, long-weekend beach honeymoon? Summer is almost here (yay!) which means that my favorite East Coast island getaway, Nantucket, just opened for the season. I'll give you the quick sell: the pace of life on this 105-square mile island is beyond relaxing; the beaches are great for surfing; and there are two top-notch properties, the Wauwinet and the White Elephant, that cater to couples.
Overlooking a three-mile beach on the secluded northern tip, the Wauwinet (top) has that typical Nantucket exterior—gray, weathered shingles—and 32 unique rooms, many with four-poster beds, gas fireplaces, and bay views. I loved that it has a homey, B&B vibe, but it's big enough that you don't feel forced to talk to random guests, one of my pet peeves with B&Bs. There's gratis port and cheese in the afternoon, the perfect snack after a day of bike riding through moors. (The bikes are free to borrow, too.) Rooms from $195, with breakfast.
But the Wauwinet's real draw is Topper's—the best restaurant on island, by far, and a meal I can't stop talking or thinking about. You could easily lose three hours here. The chef, Kyle Zachary, is an alum of Chicago foodie-favorite Alinea, and his three-course, $70 tasting menus are outstanding: milk-fed piglet, butter-poached lobster, truffle gnocchi with nettles and sweetbreads, hand-cut fries. Totally worth the big price tag, especially since the attentive staff brings out umpteen little treat courses in between. You will leave fat and happy.
If you'd rather be in the heart of cobblestoned, colonial Nantucket town, try the White Elephant. They've got 54 comfy rooms, a bigger spa, and a little more bar and nightlife action at Brant Point Grill. And destination wedding alert: The White Elephant can host groups from 30-150 on their gorgeous front lawn, with the harbor and sailboats for a backdrop. Rooms from $225.
—Jacqueline Gifford
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Though Friday's Facebook IPO kept the spotlight on company founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Saturday belonged to Priscilla Chan—his new bride—and her stunning Claire Pettibone wedding dress. The elegant, ivory gown from the designer's Fall 2010 collection features a laser-cut floral overlay, sweetheart illusion neckline, matte sequins, and a chapel-length train. Unseen by Facebook followers, who first spotted the dress in a wedding photo posted to the couples' timelines, is the gown's gorgeous sheer back, which features the same delicate overlay as the rest of the dress.
Perfectly on-theme with Pettibone's nature-infused "Sky Between the Branches" gown, Zuckerberg and Chan exchanged vows in a small, backyard wedding for 100. The celebration was a surprise for guests. Close friends and family arrived at the couple's home under the impression they were attending a graduation party for Chan, who recently graduated from medical school, and a birthday party for Zuckerberg, who turned 28 on May 14. The couple of nine years had been secretly planning the wedding for months, according to People, though they only made their relationship "Facebook official" in March 2011.
Photo: Courtesy of Facebook
Read more about the Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan's wedding here.
—Alyssa Wells
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Photo: KT Merry
Anne and John have an annual ritual: Every December, they take a two-week vacation on Harbour Island in the Bahamas. The tradition began in December 2008, when the couple, who'd met that year at a mutual friend's party, jetted in for an island getaway. "We live near Bald Head Island in North Carolina, and we love how similar Harbour Island is to home—there are no cars, and you have to take a ferry," says Anne. "It's just so quiet." The next winter, they invited friends and family to come. "And we've all gone back every year since."
In 2010 John, a real estate executive, proposed to Anne, a wedding photographer, after surprising her with a private junkanoo—a boisterous parade of dancers and musicians. The couple decided to return to the island the following year to marry near the "lone tree," an oft-photographed driftwood tree they'd discovered on one of their many beach walks. Mother Nature, however, had other ideas. In August 2011, Hurricane Irene barreled through the Bahamas, burying the tree under tons of sand. It stayed that way until, a few days before the wedding, a local councilwoman (and friend) stepped in: "She rounded up people and excavated the tree," says Anne. "It was an answered prayer!"
Photos: KT Merry
Twenty-five barefoot guests gathered near the newly raised landmark to witness John, 39, and Anne, 36, exchange vows on December 10, 2011. He wore a linen suit; she donned a custom ivory Margaret Spaeth gown with layers of silk organza dyed the same pale pink color as the beach's sand. "I loved the layers," says Anne. "And I wanted a bouquet that wouldn't compete with the surroundings—pink peonies were perfect." As Anne's brother and nephew walked her down the conch-lined aisle, a full rainbow appeared behind the groom and the iconic tree. "Now whenever I see a rainbow, I think of our wedding," Anne says.
Photos: KT Merry
The bride's 20-month-old niece served as the flower girl. The groom's sister, Kelly, was the sole bridesmaid and wore a silk taffeta dress by J.Crew.
Photos: KT Merry
After the ceremony, golf carts carried everyone to the beachfront Coral Sands Hotel, where the newlyweds led yet another junkanoo into the cocktail hour. After the traditional parade, guests sipped Kalik beers and goombay smashes, a Bahamas cocktail made with rum, oranges, and pineapple.
Photos: KT Merry
Anne and John posed in front of license plates tourists have left behind. "We couldn't imagine getting married anywhere but Harbour Island," says Anne.
The reception table was decorated with peonies, hydrangeas, and candles in coral-wrapped vases. For dinner, guests sat on an ocean-view deck, where they feasted on a buffet of stone-crab claws, sashimi, and prime rib.
Instead of cake, the couple served homemade chocolate and vanilla cupcakes. "We always rent the same house when we come to the island," says Anne. "My nephew and niece and my friend Heather came over that morning to help us bake."
Afterward, local band the Brilanders played everything from island tunes to Cee Lo Green. "Everyone was dancing in a conga line, even hotel staff!" she says. At one point, the couple and their guests gathered on the deck to check out the full moon. "The moon, the rainbow, the tree," says Anne. "Everything came together. It was as if nature was telling us to get married!"
Photos: KT Merry
Venue and caterer: Coral Sands Hotel || Florist: The Nassau Florist; 242-393-2223 || Golf carts: Johnson's Rentals; 242-333-2376 || Ceremony music: Rocky and Ersly; 242-554-6537 || Reception music: The Brilanders; 242-554-6537 || Cupcake flags: Becca Bond || Bride's dress: Margaret Spaeth || Bridesmaid's dress: J.Crew || Hair & makeup: Karen Catalyn, The Island Spa || Groom's suit: Calvin Klein
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