Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition

Sheic Journals: The Très Chic Asset In Wedding Planning

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition

There’s no doubt about it- the iPad is a handy accessory for all things in life, especially for wedding planning. Although there’s nothing like the real thing– I’m talking about the good old fashioned journal. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition, my life is all about weddings, but especially so as I plan my own wedding. I’m all about keeping organized spreadsheets and doing things digitally, but I must admit, I hold a large appreciation for the basics, whether the written note, or writing in a journal to keep my thoughts, ideas, and information organized.

Recently I’ve been using a Sheic Journal to stay on top of my wedding plans. From jotting down lists of what I still need, to sketching an idea I have, to keeping notes from a meeting with one of my vendors, I have it all in one stylish place within my Sheic Journal. The journal is crafted in leather, has a hidden magnetic closure, contains an inner zipper pocket with beautiful lining, and the book is guaranteed to stay open while writing. I went with “Aqua Spray,” but you might prefer another color to suit your personality; they also offer “Hibiscus Bloom” (pink), “Tropical Palm” (lime green), and “Purple Sunset” (lavender).

I’ve always loved journals, but have found myself in a bit of user-anxiety with them. I’m always afraid to taint the beauty of a journal with less-than-stellar handwriting at one point or another. I love that Sheic Journals come with refillable pages (lined or blank) to eliminate that concern, and create a multi-purpose asset that can serve many uses.

Whether for personal use in planning a wedding, or for those seeking a beautiful and useful gift for the bridal party, Sheic Journals is the way to go. I’m loving it, and I’m sure you will too.

Sheic Journals retails for $54.95 and is available for purchase at www.sheicjournals.com.

Seven Reasons Atlantis Is The Perfect Resort For Destination Weddings And Honeymoons

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition

As we begin to plan for our 2014 Edition of Sophisticated Weddings, we’ve been hard at work (and play!) at scoping out the best places to get married in and out of New York City. For those of us that prefer a Caribbean retreat to host a destination wedding or honeymoon, Atlantis Paradise Island has it all. Having recently visited Atlantis in the Bahamas, we can say with certainty that there is no destination more relaxing, luxurious, romantic, and fun, when you’re looking to plan a destination wedding or honeymoon in paradise. We’ve compiled some of our favorite aspects about Atlantis to share with you lovebirds!

The Cove

The Cove at Atlantis is the lap of luxury for wedded couples. Featuring sophisticated, loft-like suites, The Cove offers its guests exclusive access to The Club, a dedicated concierge service for assistance with restaurants, golf, Mandara Spa, and cabana reservations. Guests may also relish in The Cain, an adults-only pool exclusive to The Cove inhabitants, with an outdoor gaming pavilion and 20 private cabanas. This widely known family-friendly resort ain’t just for kids- and things just got a lot more romantic.

Fine Dining

Unlike many banquet halls and all-inclusive resorts, the cuisine at Atlantis is of superior flavor and quality. With numerous options to choose from, some of the dining highlights at Atlantis include Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, Nobu, and Mosaic. Bringing celebrity chefs and delectable fare to the Caribbean, Atlantis hosts some of the creature comforts of living in New York City. Still not convinced? Not to worry- Atlantis has a Starbucks cafe on-site to fulfill your fix.

Mandara Spa

Indulge in a day of relaxation with your bridal party, or enjoy a treatment with your significant other. Mandara Spa offers a complete menu of services including massages, facials, hair styling, manicures, and pedicures. The spa exudes a luxurious and relaxing ambience to set the tone, but if you find your accommodations too nice to leave (and you just might!), it can be arranged for a massage therapist bring the spa to your private suite.

Aquaventure

Discover your inner adventurer at Aquaventure, a comprehensive water park complete with water slides, pools, and a lazy river. Atlantis is known for its Mayan Temple, where a water slide exists that will actually send you through a fully-enclosed clear tunnel surrounded by sharks! The Bahamas beach at Atlantis is certainly magnificent, but the water activities gives it some major competition!

Night Life

Whether you’re a high-roller or just like to visit the slots, The Casino at Atlantis is open 24 hours a day, complete with all of your gaming favorites. Find yourself a winner? The Crystal Court Shops at Atlantis include many high-end designer boutiques including Cartier, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Gucci, and many others . Couples and bridal parties may also find themselves living it up at Aura Nightclub and Seaglass Lounge (perfect for bachelor and bachelorette parties!).

Dolphin Cay

(Pictured Above: Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition Editor-in-Chief Samantha Ewers tickling Hercules the dolphin’s tummy)

The Dolphin Cay at Atlantis is right on-site, offering shallow and deep water interactions with some of the Caribbean’s friendliest creatures. Whether giving your dolphin friend a nice big kiss, letting them push your feet as you soar across the water, or using a motorized scooter to snorkel with your flipper friend, this experience is unrivaled. The encounter is held with small groups, so everyone gets in on the fun. This encounter is the perfect once-in-a-lifetime treat for couples and bridal party groups alike. Photographers are on hand to capture all of the magical moments of the experience.

Weddings

With so much to do at Atlantis, the last thing anyone wants is to stress over the planning. Expert planners work diligently to coordinate a production as seamless as the Caribbean pace. Whether an intimate beach wedding, or a big affair, Atlantis may accommodate wedding parties of any size, style, or theme. A recent addition to the Atlantis wedding scene includes Indian wedding planning options, including Indian-inspired menus and amenities, complete with bright, vibrant colors, and pulsating, expressive music. When it comes to customizing a wedding at Atlantis, the sky is the limit. To learn more about having a wedding at Atlantis, visit www.loveatlantis.com

From golf to pottery, Atlantis has it all, and the list of things to do and enjoy are endless. There is no resort quite like Atlantis; it is literally a paradise island, and the perfect destination for all occasions, especially weddings and honeymoons.

Check out www.Atlantis.com to discover everything Atlantis Paradise Island has to offer, and be sure to read more about weddings at Atlantis in the 2014 Edition of Sophisticated Weddings, on newsstands in January 2014! To look into seamless flight accommodations to Nassau, Bahamas, be sure to visit www.JetBlue.com.

Customer Service Makes The Difference

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition

Just a few years ago- as the recession was becoming a very real thing- a jewelry client said to me: “during a recession the one thing that is well within our power to improve upon is our Customer Service.” It costs us nothing and always improves our business.”

Most New Yorkers are familiar with Manhattan’s Diamond District. It is the 47th Street block between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Take a walk down that block and you’ll see jeweler after jeweler- hundreds of them. Many of the buildings’ ground floors have anywhere from three to 30 jewelers- like an arcade or a Flea Market of Diamond dealers. Frankly, after walking just a third of the way up (or down) the block, they all start to look the same.

In recent years- likely as a result of the recession- 47th Street has gotten so competitive. Passersby get physically yanked off the sidewalk and into a shop with people yelling and spitting pieces of sandwiches into the air. Some dealers place these “yankers” in front of other dealers’ shops so the potential customers can be (again- physically) swayed into choosing a different dealer over the one they’re about to go see. It can be very off-putting.

Third generation Jewelers Dalia Diamonds stands far out from this commotion with impeccable customer service. Customer service, customer service, customer service! Dalia Diamonds gives a welcome alternative to shoppers looking for a Diamond District deal without having their limbs dislocated or being forced into a hard sell to end all hard sells. Whether Engagement Ring or Wedding Band shopping, they’re more than worth a look.

Dalia Diamonds is located at 69 West 47th Street. To make an appointment (recommended), call Brian Eli at: 212-781-1777.

Celebrate The Mother-Of-The-Bride & Mother-Of-The-Groom With DeNatale Jewelers This Mother’s Day!

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, now is the time to honor our beloved Mother-of-the-Bride and Mother-of-the-Groom! One of our favorite Manhattan retailers in all things fine and sparkly, DeNatale Jewelers, has treats in store that are sure to bring a bright smile to the women we adore.

Offering discounts on all sterling silver jewelry and personalized jewelry from POSH Mommy and Leonore Doskow, there’s something for everyone. There is simply no better way to thank Mom for all of her love and support, and to unite as a family with the Mother-of-the-Bride and Mother-of-the-Groom. The look on their faces will be priceless.

At Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition, we just love a personal touch. In addition to making a great gift for moms, aunts, and grandmothers, these thoughtful pieces make a wonderful token for the whole bridal party, as you look for the perfect way to say “thank you”.

For the moms in our life with a flair for all things chic and beautiful, DeNatale Jewelers is also running a fun contest that encourages cute baby photos (who can resist?)! To enter, just be sure to visit DeNatale’s Facebook page, post your cutest baby photo to their Facebook album, and share with your friends so they can “like” it. The three baby photos with the most “likes” will win a personalized sterling silver loop Posh Mommy pendant! This contest ends on Mother’s Day (May 12th, 2013), with winners announced on May 13, 2013. Get ready to say “awwwww!”

To stay up-to-date with all that DeNatale Jewelers has to offer for every occasion, be sure to visit their Facebook page often, and check out the DeNatale website.

His Day, Too

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition

…the most important rule is to dress for the occasion.

Proper Wedding attire has been, and continues to be, a sartorial conundrum for most men, so we called in the experts. The team at Michael Andrews Bespoke offers their knowledge, experience, and sterling taste to best dress grooms for the big day.

The decision of what to wear depends on the nature of the wedding. An elaborate evening affair at the Ritz likely calls for formalwear, while a sunset wedding on the beach might favor something more casual, like a linen suit. So whether you’re getting married at The Plaza or The Pierre, on a Dude Ranch in west Texas, or at a resort in St. Tropez, the most important rule is to dress for the occasion.

Formal Weddings

A “formal” wedding can be loosely defined as an affair that is held in the evening, indoors, at a grand venue such as a ballroom or a private estate. If the wedding is formal in nature, a classic tuxedo is the garment of choice. A classic tuxedo jacket should have either a peak lapel or a shawl collar, and either a one-button front closure or a double-breasted closure. While tuxedos designed like business suits with notch lapels and two button closures are quite common today, they lack refinement traditionally demanded of formal occasions. The front pockets on the jacketshould not have flaps, and the pocket opening should be piped in the same trim as the lapels. While tuxedo jackets are historically unvented, this is the one area where I advocate deviating from tradition. Side vents are more flattering on nearly every body type, as they lengthen the leg line and enhance the overall silhouette of the jacket.

While most ready-made tuxedos come in black wool, the Duke of Windsor popularized the midnight blue tuxedo in the 1930s. As the tuxedo trim is always black, a midnight blue fabric has the added benefit of enhancing the contrast between the body of the garment and the trimming, creating a more dramatic look. For grooms who want to stand out from their groomsmen, the choice of a midnight blue fabric is even more compelling, assuming the groomsmen are wearing black tuxedos.

…to continue reading about Formal Weddings, Semi-Formal Weddings, Casual & Destination Weddings, click here for the full article: www.sophisticatedweddingsny.com/His_Day_Too.html

Or purchase the 2013 Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition here: www.sophisticatedweddingsny.com/Buy.html, or at any New York City Barnes & Noble.

New York Bridal Market: Anne Bowen Spring/Summer 2014 Collection

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition

Anne Bowen unveiled her Spring/Summer 2014 Collection in Manhattan during Bridal Week, exhibiting a vision inspired by Tim Burton’s “Alice In Wonderland”. The collection, entitled “Imagination Garden”, captures the essence of ethereal, with layers of chantilly lace and beaded tulle. From dramatic silk organza trains, to the structured beaded silk dress, and matching capelet coat, Anne Bowen fuses a touch of fantasy with a drop of modern, and a splash of glamour. The collection also experiments with different lengths, incorporating more tea length dresses into the warmer seasons. Have a look at the looks from the runway below, and check back often for more looks from the Bridal Market runways!

Claire Pettibone Presents “Decoupage” At Bridal Market

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition

( Photos Courtesy Of Anton Oparin)

Derived from the French word “decoupage,” which literally translates into “cut,” Claire Pettibone‘s collection encompasses the old art of assembling and layering paper cutouts for decorating wooden boxes, chests, ceramics, and decorative objects. Layering chantilly and guipure, silk and vintage laces, and flowers with delicate hand-beaded details, Claire Pettibone has once again created a soft beauty by combining textures and treatments for an heirloom collection of wedding gowns. Have a peek at some highlights from the collection below.

Featured Above: “Wren”

Pearl chantilly lace and silk charmeuse with guipure lace capped sleeves and open back.

Featured Above: “Abigail”

Platinum silk A-line with floral lace and applique flowers, cameo insets and capped sleeves.

Featured Above: “Primrose”

Vintage French embroidery with guipure lace neckline and velvet waist with detachable tulle train

Featured Above: “Florentine”

Ivory Leaver’s lace with platinum silk charmeuse and guipulace inset tulle train with silk flower

Featured Above: “Antoinette”

Ivory Leaver’s lace with striped cameo motif and floral silk ribbon lace-up back lined in platinum silk

New York Bridal Market: Junko Yoshioka Spring/Summer 2014 Collection

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition

Presenting a collection during Bridal Market that reaffirms the spirit of the brand while embracing fresh and new ideas, Junko Yoshioka‘s Spring/Summer 2014 Collection is uniquely crafted with satin, lace, and organza. Exhibiting a bold emergence, Junko pairs silver lace trimming with exaggerated key-hole back details. One-shoulder necklines accompany a sweetheart neckline, and a deep front and back v-neck is coupled together with scalloped details. Showcasing the form of the confident and feminine bride, Junko Yoshioka introduced unexpected elements this season with a classic aesthetic. Draped bodices and bustled skirts on fit-to-flare silhouettes, along with traditional delicately embellished mermaid style gowns, held their own next to the flutter sleeves, crystal encrusted belts, and illusion panels. A beautiful presentation that is layered and light in texture, this collection relates best to the bride seeking traditional roots paired with modern flair.

Check out more looks from the Junko Yoshioka Spring/Summer 2014 Collection below, and be sure to check back often as Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition keeps you updated with the most sophisticated looks of the season!

New York Bridal Market: Anne Barge Spring/Summer 2014 Collection

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition

For her Spring/Summer 2014 Collection, Anne Barge inspired awe from the runway’s audience, conveying romance and soft elegance in keeping with the designer’s graceful vision for the bride’s big day. Soft pastels and a sense of lightness evoked interpretations of Monet’s perspective of his opulent gardens in Giverny, France. Anne Barge’s gown silhouettes were inspired by Parisian Couturier Pierre Balain, known for his sophistication and elegance when blending fabrics for the female form. Merging the architectural movement and symbolism of Balmain with Monet’s masterpieces, Anne Barge delicately encompassed visual perfection with flawless execution and a wearable collection for the modern day bride.

Among the audience were many of our favorites in the industry, including our friend Randy Fenoli. Always boasting a bright smile and an enthusiastic presence, Randy spoke with Sophisticated Weddings‘ very own contributing writer Madelyn Sendor (pictured above) about her write up on the looks of the runway of last Bridal Market. Madelyn is notably the youngest editorial contributor in the New York wedding scene, and after meeting with designer Anne Barge after the Spring/Summer 2014 presentation, it looks like we may have a little competition in keeping her on staff! To read Madelyn’s coverage of last October’s Bridal Market, click here.

(Pictured Above: Designer Anne Barge with Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition Editor-in-Chief Samantha Ewers)

Check out these looks from the April 21, 2013 presentation. What kind of wedding do you imagine when you see these looks from the runway? Be sure to check back often as we bring you the best of Bridal Week at Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition.

Journey Of Love: A Bridal Affair On The Hudson

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Sophisticated Weddings: New York Edition

If you’re in the midst of planning your wedding, you know that it can be dizzying. With so many vendors and options, you may not even know where to begin. To check out and meet with some great New York vendors (on a yacht no less!), stop by the Hornblower Landing at HRPT’s Pier 40 at 353 West Street this Sunday, April 2st, between 2-6pm. Special host Kellee Khalil of Loverly will be there, and they will be showcasing some great entertainment, including fashion shows at 3pm and 5pm. RSVP by calling 646.736.2141 or visit Hornblower. Happy planning!

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