breathe magazine

BACK-TO-SCHOOL LUNCHES A HEALTHY CLEANSE FOLIAGE-FRIENDLY WORKOUTS

SparkySparkyGoes Green

WEDDING GUIDE

YOUNG SURVIVOR, COURTNEY BUGLER

REDUCING YOUR DOG'S CARBON PAW PRINT

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3September - October

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the i do issueSeptember - October 2011

departments5 Note from the editor + opeN air

7 NutritioN A clean, food-based detox.

9 familyBack-to-school lunch solutions for everyone.

11 fitNessFoliage-friendly workouts.

11 GreeN liviNGReducing your pet’s carbon paw print.

12 Breathe iNFall faves in gear, beauty and style.

37 BreatheaBilityQ + A: Courtney Bugler, breast cancer survivor and Executive Director of Young Survivor Coalition Atlanta.

9

breathe magazineeditor in chief

Lindsey [email protected]

contributing writersAleigh AcerniLisa Consiglio RyanErica Jackson CurranLisa MaloneyJayme MoyeSara NovakKath Younger

copy editorBrooke Edge

art directorMegan Murphy

senior designerAmanda Powers

associate designerLauren Walker

contributing photographersTom DalySarah Cramer

IT directorCraig Snodgrass

digital media coordinatorJack Murray

publisherMartha [email protected]

presidentBlake [email protected]

account executivesDusty [email protected]

Martha [email protected]

Charles [email protected]

Leah [email protected]

Nick [email protected]

business managerMelissa Gessler

distribution managerChuck [email protected]

contact us116 WEST JEFFERSON STREET ChARLOTTESvILLE, vA 22902434.817.2755

56 COLLEGE STREET, SuITE 303AShEvILLE, NC 28801828.225.0868

© 2011 Summit Publishing, LLC.To carry Breathe in your store call 434.817.2755.

cover© Tom Daly, tomdalyphotography.com

Thanks to Stonegate Event Rentals for supplying props for the cover shoot. stonegateeventrentals.com

features17 DIYA crafty couple, block-print invites and knowing when to say “when.”

21 resourcesA few from our black book.

22 onlIneLooking for inspiration? Borrowing ideas and making them your own. Wedding websites, registry alternatives and social media savvy.

24 outDoorsGetting hitched outside without a hitch, regional venues and a mountaintop romance.

27 locAlExpert advice on locally sourced food and decor, plus cake trends.

28 somethIngolDInfusing tradition into your modern wedding.

29 mInI moonsShort on time or budget? Spend a few days at one of these drivable destinations.

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Is Breathe a good fit for you? We think so! Our late fall/early winter issue is all about the home... and just in time for the cold weather when all you want to do is curl up on the couch under a blanket with your favorite magazine (wink). Want to advertise? Contact us! We'd love to hear from you. [email protected]

Wow. I really enjoyed the July-August 2011 issue, and what caught my attention was the front cover. As a culinary student here in Atlanta, I am always looking for easy and fast fresh recipes. Keep the articles on local fare, farmers markets and female chefs. I look forward to the next issue.—Regina Nekola Hild, Atlanta, GA

Open Airyour words. be heard. READER FEEDBACK: SEPT/OCT 2011

HOW dO yOu gO green fOr tHe HOlidAys? Submit your responses by October 7, and you could see your tips in the next issue of Breathe! Email us at [email protected].

I just picked up your mag for the first time today at Wilderness voyagers in harrisonburg, vA... and I love it! It’s really great to read articles about women getting out there. As a rock climber and newbie trail runner, I’ve had more than my share of intimidation about those sports. I’ve also always wanted to surf but (as another male-dominated sport) I haven’t had the “homegirl” support to get me into it. Something I’m always interested in finding in magazines are calendars of events that highlight outdoor sporting events/festivals/or other happenings. Great Job!—Toni Benevento, Wyckoff, NJ

I’m so glad I found your site. I love all of the topics that you cover. As an esthetician, I especially love the the beauty/style section and am inspired to make the carrot-avocado mask with honey...sounds perfect for nourishing the skin! It’s great that you shared product suggestions along with make-it-yourself ideas— that’s something I’ve never seen anyone do. I love the fresh ideas and I’m going to share it with all of my clients on my Facebook page. Thanks! —Pearl Dworkin, San Francisco, CA

editor's note

he planning process should be fun, but there’s a hefty dose of stress that comes with the territory. All of the wedding websites and bridal blogs are full of information. Daunting, if you don’t have the Breathe team to help you streamline and sort through it all. real brides, expert advice, plus budget and green tips on everything from outdoor weddings and DIY to registries and locally sourced food (bacon station, anyone?).

As a veteran bride, I wasn’t sure how it would feel to pull together an issue about weddings. I mean, been there, done that, right? so wrong! Do you know how much has happened in the wedding industry in the last few years? Does the Internet mean anything to you? We’ve had so much fun putting together this issue, reading blogs, talking with brides, registering (for research!). the tips for wedding receptions also make great tips for planning other events, plus it’s fun to compare other weddings to your own and play the “If I got married now…” game.

that’s me, tilting my head back cackling with laughter during our first dance as I learn that my new groom, and not for nearly the last time, hijacked his hygiene in the name of a few moments more sleep, another quarter of Panthers football, I don’t remember the reason. I just

recall the smell of chlorine on his neck and his rationale that a dip in the hotel pool with all of its chemicals was just as cleansing as a shower. that’s right. We put in months of planning, picking, choosing, (and, let’s face it, some arguing) and my husband doesn’t shower on our wedding day. And I laugh about it. that’s love. Almost eight years, and at least a few hundred showers later and we’re still going strong.

If I got married now… I’d have an outdoor wedding on a farm in north carolina with a bacon station. And put one of the groomsmen on shower duty!

Editor in ChiefLindsEy Grossman

Take our survey and you could win!With numbers growing we're excited to hear from the loyal followers, the newbies and everyone in between! It’s short and multiple choice. Oh, and did we mention, that there's a thank you for participating? One lucky lady will win a ditty bag along with some fall musts! More info at readbreathe.com.

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nutrition Wedding CleAnse

get the GLOW for your wedding dayBy Lisa Consiglio Ryan

As a bride, you want to look radiant walking down the aisle. In order to prepare, many brides join boot camps, treat themselves to facials and indulge in massages. But what really gets your glow on is to detox.

You can do this the healthy way by using a clean, food-based method. The benefits of this type of cleanse can be weight loss, renewed energy, clear skin, bright eyes and a balanced mood (which is the biggest highlight for a stressed bride).

If you are on any medication or have a medical condition, make sure to get the okay from your doctor before you start. Even though you are just eating “clean” (i.e. no processed, packaged foods; sugar, caffeine or alcohol), check with a medical professional just in case there are any foods you should avoid. Timing is also very important. Detoxing too close to the wedding day can be disastrous. You don’t want your dress to fall off at the final fitting!

Peach Smoothie

Serves 1

Blend 1 cup frozen peaches, a

handful of romaine leaves, ½

cup cucumber, 4 parsley leaves, 1

lemon (peeled), 1 cup almond milk.

try tHis 14-dAy HeAltHy detOx tO get yOu reAdy tO rOCk tHAt

Wedding dress:

Week 1: pre-CleaNse preparatioN(hint: start the pre-cleanse 3-4 weeks before your wedding date) The key to avoiding harmful binges during and after the cleanse is to build up a solid foundation. Follow these three tips to gently prepare your body:

Cut back on foods that hinder your body’s detox work. These foods include soy, dairy, refined flours and sugars, plus any processed foods

introduce more natural foods. uncooked veggies, fruits and leafy greens are naturally cleansing foods.

drink more water. hydration is the key when cleansing. A rule of thumb is drinking half your body weight in ounces. Try drinking a glass of water upon waking.

Week 2: pre-WeddiNG detoxOnce you have given your body a few days to indulge in a pre-cleanse, you can start this seven-day clean food detox.

Menu:Wake up. Glass of water with lemon.

Breakfast. Enjoy one of the following:Smoothie (see recipe) / Fresh fruit served with 1 cup unsweetened almond milk / Quinoa breakfast (see recipe)

Mid-Morning. Try one of the following: Apple / Pear / Handful of raw nuts and seeds

Lunch. Salads are a great choice. Try Kale and Avocado Salad (see recipe)

Afternoon Snack. Try one of the following: Juice (see recipe) / Handful of cucumber slices and carrot sticks / Grapes

Dinner. Try one of the following: Homemade soups (all-natural and organic ingredients) / 1-2 pieces of baked chicken with broccoli and sweet potatoes / Veggie stir fry with brown rice

PoSt-DetoxEnjoy your glow and return to the pre-detox preparations right up to the big day.

BreakfaSt Quinoa

Make a pot of quinoa at the

beginning of the detox and it use

for breakfast.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked quinoa

½ cup water

1 apple, chopped

1/3 cup raisins

Method: Combine all ingredients

in a pot. Bring to boil. Reduce to

simmer until water is absorbed.

Serve.

avocado and kale Salad

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1 head of kale, shredded

1 cup red bell pepper, diced

1 cup avocado. chopped

2 ½ Tbs. extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbs. lemon juice (organic; no

additives or artificial flavors)

½ tsp. cayenne

Fresh herbs (such as rosemary,

thyme) as garnish

Method: Toss all ingredients in a

bowl and mix together. Garnish

with chopped fresh herbs and

serve.

red alert Juice

Serves 2

Juice 2 Romaine hearts, 1

cucumber, 2 small beets, 3 small

lemons (peeled), 1 celery heart and

2 inches of ginger.

Recipes:

Lisa Consiglio Ryan is a certified health and nutrition coach for busy, active women and their families. She loves her kids, loves to run and loves her green juice. More at wholehealthdesigns.com.

TOM DALY PHOTOGRAPY

8 readbreathe.com

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family HeAltHy lunCHes

thinking outside the (lunch) boxBy Kath Younger, RD

Kath Younger, RD, writes a popular healthy food blog read by more than 10,000 visitors a day from around the world, Kath Eats Real Food, which you’ll find at KathEats.com. She's a registered dietitian and runs Great Harvest Bread Company with her husband in Charlottesville, VA.

tHe piCky elementAry sCHOOlerIt’s hard to get kids to eat whole wheat bread, especially if they won’t eat the crusts, so try using a whole wheat tortilla instead. Fill it with peanut or almond butter, banana and a sprinkle of crunchy granola for a new twist on the average PB&J. For a finger-friendly dish, try packing a container of whole wheat pasta in a fun shape (like bowties, wagon wheels or spirals) and stir in a little pesto. Kids love the texture, they can eat the big noodles with their hands, and pesto pasta tastes great at room temperature. If pesto won’t fly with your little one, try a simple olive oil drizzle and a touch of Parmesan cheese. On the side, stir a little maple syrup into plain hummus for a slightly sweet dip in which to dunk carrots, apple slices or whole wheat crackers. Add some raisins and natural nut butter with celery sticks and kids can assemble their own version of ants-on-a-log.

tHe COOl teen “Mom, all the other kids get to buy the fries and pizza,” might be a common statement in your household, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give them pizza and fries, too. Though it’s tough to compete with cafeteria food, you can at least stay with the theme by baking a sheet of sweet potato fries on Sunday (spray discs or sticks with oil and cook for 20 minutes at 400 degrees) for use during the week. They’re great even when cold, especially with a little ketchup. For the pizza, sandwich pesto or tomato sauce, baby spinach, and cheese between a whole grain English muffin to make a pizza sandwich. If they have a microwave available, your teen can even heat it up at school. And for something sweet, toss a plain or low-sugar yogurt into the lunchbox and pack almonds or whole grain cereal with diced apples or berries to create a parfait.

The hungry husbandIf your spouse is anything like mine, getting him to eat a sandwich other than one piled high with pounds of salami and ham from the deli counter is not easy. It’s all about bulk, so pile a whole wheat baguette with roasted red peppers, tomatoes, spinach, cheese, a layer of pesto or hummus, and a sprinkle of basil, and slip in only a slice or two of meat. Burritos are another hit for big appetites, so try making your own filling (I like equal amounts of canned black beans, corn, and mango, peach or pineapple salsa) and spoon it into a wrap with cheese, romaine and avocado.

The Working WomanFor the working woman, salads can get boring fast. My favorite go-to salad is a pile of spinach thrown into a container and topped with a few chopped veggies (do your chopping on the weekend!), blue or goat cheese, walnuts or almonds, and a hot veggie burger. You can easily make black bean patties in the food processor and bake them on the weekends or buy them at the grocery store (just look for burgers that are actually made with vegetables, not soy fillers). The burger gives the salad flavor, so a drizzle of balsamic, honey and oil is all you’ll need for dressing. You could also morph your spouse’s burrito filling into a great salad, especially with whole grain tortilla or veggie chips for scooping.

Packing a lunch the whole family loves doesn’t have to be impossible—it just takes a little creativity and planning. By keeping the focus on real food in creative combinations, you can find something for every lunchbox in the family.

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fitness Outside tHe gym

Fall’s just-right temperatures and colorful scenery make maintaining your usual indoor routine a test of willpower. Why fight it? Get outside and break a sweat while the getting is good. The gym will still be there, waiting, once winter rolls back around.

climbingMany women assume that climbing is all about upper-body strength and that this gives men a natural advantage. Guess what? Balance, body positioning and core strength are at least as important as upper-body strength, and Lynn hill, indisputably one of the best climbers ever, is a woman. Maneuvering your body up steep cliffs is an excellent full-body, functional workout and doesn’t have to be the death-defying act it once was. Look for classes to get you started through university outdoor programs or at climbing gyms (this may seem counterintuitive but most gyms do offer outdoor instruction).

outdoor yogaYou don’t have to retreat into the mountains to do outdoor yoga; more and more studios offer close-to-home classes in the park. hint: Form-fitting clothing is still appropriate so that your instructor can spot and correct your form, but a zip-on jacket gives you the option to cover up in case of a chill breeze or too many curious onlookers.

hiking circuitshiking is an obvious fair-weather workout choice, but if hoofing it isn’t enough of a challenge for

you, turn your favorite trail into a circuit workout. Stop and do a bodyweight-resistance exercise every 30 to 90 seconds (or 50 to 100 steps, if you’d rather count). Pushups, squats, lunges, side lunges and step-ups are all fair game, as are calisthenics like jumping jacks and burpees.

hoop fitnessWhen the American Council on Exercise sponsored research on whether hula-hooping is an effective workout, even the scientists were surprised by the results. They found that a hooping workout is comparable to step aerobics, boot-camp workouts and cardio kickboxing. You could just go hula-hoop on the lawn, but this toy-turned-exercise-tool is also showing up in hybrid workouts like “Hoopilates” (hooping plus Pilates), hoop yoga and hoop dance.

running clubsIf you know how good for you running is (imagine yourself burning more than 10 calories per minute) but struggle to get motivated, join a running club. You’ll have the advantage of regular club runs and plenty of running buddies to choose from. Need more motivation, or an excuse not to skip those precious outdoor sessions? Set a personal goal, like running a 5k, then map out a training plan and stick to it. If you’re just starting out, you can track down the original Couch-to-5k program on coolrunning.com.

outdoor zumba classesZumba already stretches the limits of conventional aerobics, but instructors across the nation are taking it a step further by conducting classes in parks and at outdoor festivals. Do a little digging on zumba.com to find outdoor classes near you. If it gets rainy, some Zumba instructors are shaking things up in nightclub classes, too.

get out!5 foliage-friendly workoutsBy Lisa Maloney

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green living furry friends

Our dogs and cats deserve the same thoughtful decisions that we make for ourselves, both for their health and the overall health of the planet. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to pass on the planet affection to our beloved animal friends.

use organic pet food.Most conventional pet foods are made

from reconstituted animal byproducts. Gross. uSDA-certified pet food means no pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, artificial preservatives or artificial ingredients. Basically, it’s the good stuff.

spay or neuter your pet.The stats are mind-boggling—70,000

puppies and kittens are born every day in the u.S. One of the easiest ways you can reduce your pet’s impact is to make sure to spay or

reducing your pet's carbon paw printBy Sara Novak

neuter them. In the end, it’s better for their health and it helps reduce the number of homeless animals wandering around without food or shelter.

Buy sustainable pet gear.Think hemp collars and leashes or toys made

from recycled and sustainable materials. Better yet, limit your consumption. Don’t buy Fido a new bone every time you hit the store. Save money and the planet by making your own dog and cat toys. An old tennis ball stuffed in an orphaned sock makes a great tug toy!

use organic pet care products.Make sure that the shampoo you use on

Whiskers is just as good as the organic shampoo that you use. After all, our furry friends are covered with hair, so they use a lot of shampoo. Additionally, when she has an accident on the floor, make sure you clean it up with a natural, plant-based cleaner to keep your home free of unnecessary toxins.

drool-worthyPet Picks worth the sPlurge.

Planet Dog’s HemP Collars anD leasHes planet dog uses naturally dyed pure hemp, one of nature’s most abundant crops, for their super-sturdy collars and leashes. planetdog.com

Vermont soaP organiCs Pet sHamPoo made from organic coconut, olive and jojoba oils, organic aloe vera, and a combination of natural and organic essential oils. the ingredients come from nature and make your pet’s coat shine. vermontsoap.com

organix Pet FooDWith ingredients like free range chicken, organic brown rice, fruits, vegetables, quinoa, flaxseed and glucosamine Hydrochloridem, your dog or cat will be fit as a fiddle. castorpolluxpet.com

a weekend for art & wine

FREE admission to 150 artists from across the country. One of the East coast’s finest shows of original art for the past 39 years.

Sample wine from some of the areas best wineries with musical accompaniment featuring The River City Radio Hour.

Packages available starting at $650; including two nights lodging, food, wine, art and more— for more information: visitwaynesboro.net/events

14 readbreathe.com

breathein SEPTEMBER & OC TOBER

fall hard

Our cOvetables this seasOn in gear, beauty and style have us gOing

It seems like everyone is raving about the

Clarisonic Mia these days—and you won’t hear any differently from us.

It really did clean, soften and smooth our skin, leaving us with fewer breakouts and

smaller pores. Plus, it’s good for all skin types, and lasts for weeks on a single charge. We

like to use our Clarisonic Mia with GoClear’s Clarifying Cleanser—it’s oil-free and packed with active botanicals and

antioxidants. $149 and $25 • sephora.com

Weighing in at only 10

ounces, the New Balance 860 tears it up on the running course.

But this high-performance shoe is no lightweight when it comes to features.

Advanced shock absorption and cushioning give serious runners the edge. Thinking pink: New Balance donates five percent

of sales from this shoe to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. $105 •

shopnewbalance.com

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Beauty | tools of the trade � No makeup bag should be without

a sharp pair of tweezers. These mini-

tweezers from Tweezerman are just

two-and-a-half inches long and perfect

for on-the-go brow maintenance. $15; tweezerman.com � Banish large

pores and blackheads with Boscia’s Pore

Purifying Black Strips. These little black

strips are the natural answer to the pore

strips you’ve tried in the past—and just as

satisfying. $15 for a box of six strips; bosciaskincare.com � After test-

driving Dermablend Professional’s makeup

brushes, we’re hooked on synthetic

bristles. unlike animal hair brushes, which

can irritate sensitive skin, synthetic bristles

are cruelty-free and more easily cleaned.

We love that these brushes are made from

recycled aluminum and black bamboo, and

come in a cute, reusable pouch made from

recycled cotton. $22-$40; dermablend.com

gear | marathons + triathlons� Whether you prefer a visor or a

the distance, making room in our makeup arsenal, and seeing red.

baseball cap, Headsweats has you covered.

The caps provide sun protection as well

as moisture-wicking sweat protection.

Choose from blue, black, white, pink

or red, and from a 13.1 or 26.2 logo,

depending on your favorite race distance.

$20; headsweats.com � When you’re

putting in heavy mileage on the bike, you

need a water bottle that you can keep

sanitary over any distance. Meet Clean

Bottle, a new water bottle that unscrews

at both ends for easy and effective

cleaning. $10; cleanbottle.com � Look

fabulous and perform more comfortably in

Pearl Izumi’s Elite Support Singlet. Equally

effective in running races or triathlons, the

tank top features chlorine resistant fabric

and an internal shelf bra, not to mention

UPF 50+ sun protection and two easy-

access envelope pockets on the back. $75; pearlizumi.com � Going the distance on

the bike or on the run demands adequate

hydration. Nuun Electrolyte Enhanced

Drink Tabs ensure every sip gets absorbed

and utilized by your body by infusing

your water with essential vitamins and

electrolytes. One tab is made to dissolve

quickly into 16 ounces of water. $24 for a 4-pack; nuun.com

Style | Red� Charlotte-based Green Market Girl

uses the remnant wood from their

sister company, S.J. Hilger Interiors, to

create their stunning, and sustainable,

EcoCuffs. Lili Cuff, $45; greenmarketgirl.com � We love the leaf appliqué and

embroidered detailing on this hand-knit

toque from Nobis. Pretty to look at up

close and easy to spot from far away.

Milo Hat, $42; nobis.ca � Spruce up an

old sweater, hat or scarf with cashmere

appliqués from Stella Neptune. They’re

easy iron-on, no sewing necessary. Planet

plus: they’re cut from recycled sweaters!

$12; stellaneptune.com � It’s the

statement bag to wear with your LBD and

it's eco-friendly. Ashley Watson and her

team handcraft her designs from recycled

leather for sophisticated yet accessible

handbags to match any woman’s style.

Oriole Clutch, $250; ashleywatson.ca

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We took these out for a test spin and

got five compliments before our morning coffee. Wrap them at dif-

ferent heights on your legs for different looks with dresses, shorts, jeans, you name it. No matter how you wear them, you’re guaranteed a “wow.” As with all TOMS, buy a pair and they give a pair of new

shoes to a child in need. Comfort, style and a social conscience to

boot! vegan Wrap Boots, $98 ∙ toms.com

designed for everyday performance

THISBAG!AND

Timberland, , and Go out and be you are trademarks of The Timberland Company. All other trademarks or logos used in this copy are the property of their respective owners.© 2011 The Timberland Company. All rights reserved.

SIGNUPR E A D B R E AT H E . C O M / T I M B E R L A N D

womens.timberland.com

S H O R E H A M TA L L F O L D D O W N

B E T H E L B U C K L E TA L L Z I P R U D S T O N WAT E R P R O O F P U L L - O N

C I N N A M O N S H O U L D E R B A G


DIY is a trendy name for something that’s been going on

forever: good old-fashioned, get-your-hands-dirty doin’ it

yourself. While it’s easy to sit back and leave the hard work

to the experts, more and more couples are tapping into

their talents and taking a more active role in their wedding

I do! It Yourselfby erIcA JAckson currAn

planning. The result is deeply personal, unique weddings—

and major savings.

The key to DIY weddings is to recognize your strengths.

If you’ve got an eye for design, make your own invitations

and place cards. Gourmands can whip up handmade

treats for favors, or if you’re handy with a glue gun, craft

some fabric poms or bunting for decorations. With a

little ingenuity and a lot of confidence—and maybe a

little help from friends—everything from centerpieces to

boutonnieres to cake toppers can be made by hand.

� do. DIY.

� doBreathe Magazine. weddings 2011.TOM

DA

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HO

TOG

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AlIce + nIckDown on the Farm

When Alice and nick murray decided to have a simple wedding in a field on nick’s family’s Virginia farm, they didn’t realize just how much work it would be. “It sounds so lovely, and it was, but it was way more work than using a venue,” Alice says. “We had to figure out lots of logistics, from running water to restrooms to clean-up to a sound system, so the main projects were taking people up on their offers of help, finding cheap and pretty solutions, and organizing everything—and still have our families talking to us afterward!” their June wedding truly was a group effort. thankfully, the Brooklyn-based couple is surrounded by creative people. relatives created bouquets from nick’s aunts’ gardens, guests baked pies for dessert, and a friend designed the invitations. Alice’s brother and his girlfriend made the food for the rehearsal dinner, nick’s dad fashioned an arch from a cattle feeder and grapevines for the ceremony, and Alice’s mom made the table runners and local blueberry jam for favors. nick’s cousin served as the day-of coordinator, and she did so well that she now runs an event venue, Panorama Farms, in the very same location (panoramaeventsva.com). their one big splurge? Photographer sarah cramer. “I’m a photographer, so we knew we were definitely not going the DIY route for photography,” Alice says. “splurging on a good photographer, even for a shorter amount of time, was absolutely worth it because we love the pictures and will have them forever.” Alice says organization is key when planning a DIY wedding. “make really awesome spreadsheets and hand them out to people who are helping,” she says. “It sounds a little crazy but it made a complicated scene run smoothly! And then, if you’re going to accept people’s help, you have to let go of the results. not everything turned out how I’d imagined, but it was beautiful and fun so I didn’t care.”

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1.) When it compromises your enjoy-ment of your engagement and your enjoyment of your wedding. It’s totally natural and almost expected for brides to have some hand in the design elements of their weddings, but delegate. Let yourself have fun planning your party. And let yourself, most importantly, have fun at your party.

2.) When you’re tempted to take on responsibilities that are beyond your natural talents. Your engagement is not a time to learn how to become a florist, a wedding planner or a graphic designer.

3.) When you become more focused on the DIY elements of your party than the reason for the party. The reason you have a party to design in the first place is because you’re committing yourself to another human being and you’re joining two families. Don’t let your vision get clouded by seating cards, color swatches and tablescapes.

Courtesy of Courtney Spencer, owner of Merriment Events in Richmond.

budget tipConsider replacing pricey, perishable fresh flower centerpieces with something sustainable. Seasonal fruit is both pretty and edible, while potted herbs or succulents can double as favors.

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HOW TO:

Block-print InvitesAdd a special touch to your wedding with handmade block-print invitations. Kits can be found at art supply stores and generally include paper cutters, a linoleum block and a rubber roller, plus ink or paint and paper.

1.) Start by choosing what size block you will use. Cut a piece of paper that is the same size as your block. Draw, copy or trace your design onto the paper.

2.) Trace the outline of your design onto the block. To do this, you can cut out your design and trace around it with a pencil, directly onto the block. You can also buy carbon paper and place it between the block and your design. The carbon paper will leave a mark after you have traced along the lines of your design—you don’t need to cut it out if you are using the carbon paper.

3.) Now it’s time to carve! Decide which part of your image will get paint and which will not. For example, if your design is the letter “A”, do you want the “A” to get the paint or do you want the area around the “A” to get the paint? If you want the “A” to get the paint, carve all around the “A”, leaving it raised. If you want the area around the “A” to get the paint, carve out the shape of the “A” and leave the area around it raised.

Save on paper by skipping traditional save-the-dates and

replacing them with a fun video announcement. one of our favorites is from maggie and Blair's wedding. They used a local video production company (who also happened to

be friends). Check it out at readbreathe.com!

greeN tip

4.) Cover your roller in paint, and then roll it all over your block. Make sure your roller doesn’t have too much paint. If excess paint falls into the valleys of your carving, the image won’t come out.

5.) Turn your block over and press it firmly onto whatever medium you are printing. Make sure to hold it still and give it a firm press.

6.) Carefully lift your block up and check out your new print! Repeat as necessary.

Courtesy of Christine Algire

How To:

Vintage SpoonsFor a hint of vintage glam, personalize antique spoons as seating cards or table numbers. All you need are some old silver-plated spoons (check your local flea market), a hammer, a black Sharpie, and a set of metal alphabet and/or number stamps (check eBay).

1.) Time to get some of that engagement aggression out: take your hammer and pound on that spoon until it’s flat. Try setting it on a brick and flatten it there, but wrap it in a towel first so it doesn’t get too scratched.

2.) Figure out what you want the spoons to say and get out the letters you need. Obviously, you’ll want to keep it fairly short because you can only fit so much on a spoon.

3.) Starting in the center of the spoon, place a letter against the spoon and bang it about 10 times. Repeat with each letter, and once the word is spelled out, go over the letters with a black Sharpie to make them pop. If you get too much marker on the spoons, you can wash them with rubbing alcohol.

4.) It's all about presentation. Try a wooden box, vintage tins or an open suitcase covered in moss.

Courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes

We had done things we would like and were

overwhelmed by the reaction and impact it had on the guests'

experiences, too.—Christine Algire on the personal

touches she and and her husband wove into their wedding.

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eVent PlAnnersEaston EvEntsCharlottesville, VA434.293.4898 • eastonevents.com

Ivy RobInson WEddIngs & EvEntsCharlotte, NC704.347.3963 • ivyrobinson.com

Merriment Eventsrichmond, VA804.873.5537 merrimentevents.com

taRa guéRaRd soIRéECharleston, SC843.577.5006 taraguerardsoiree.com

eVent VenuesadvEntuREs on thE goRgE866.920.1256weddingsonthegorge.comunique all-inclusive destination experience offers wedding planning, lodging, activity and catering servic-es. Breathtaking scenery, beautiful facilities and award-winning food, this outdoor venue offers some-thing for everyone.

Inn at sEREnbEpalmetto, GA770.463.2610 • serenbeinn.com

MountaIn FaRMBurnsville, NC828.675.4856 • mountainfarm.net

PanoRaMa FaRMsCentral Virginiapanoramaeventsva.com

tRIvIuM EstatE and ConFEREnCE CEntER540-586-2823 • thetrivium.comThe historic home and private event venue located in forest, VA provides the perfect location for weddings, large or small. The property provides endless photo opportunities includ-ing an onsite photo booth.

PhotogrAPhersCRaMER PhotoCharlottesville, va434.242.6074cramerphoto.com

dEboRah tRIPlEttCharlotte, nC704.651.3330deborahtriplett.com

toM daly PhotogRaPhyCharlottesville, va434.409.3287tomdalyphotography.com

A few from our black book.

cakes & cateringEat & SmilE CatEringWashington, DC202.270.1018 eatandsmilefoods.com

Short StrEEt CakESAsheville, NC828.505.4822shortstreetcakes.com

tizzErtSCharlotte, NC704.375.7400 • tizzerts.com

invitations & stationaryPlantablE PlEaSantriES828.216.3680plantablepleasantries.comHandmade, eco-friendly invitations and announcements that sprout.

Party rentalsSPErry tEntS VirginiaCharlottesville, VA434.977.8368 • sperrytentsva.com

StonEgatE EVEnt rEntalSCharlottesville, VA434.466.3213stonegateeventrentals.com.Stonegate Event Rentals is an event décor company specializing in one-of-a-kind furniture, custom pieces, and small details for brides, event planners, designers & photographers.

Hotels, inns & resortshiStoriC mountain lakE ConSErVanCy & [email protected] weddings have a certain fairy tale quality to them, and we know that every detail counts. It is our pleasure to offer you, on your wedding day, the beauty, serenity and freshness that is Mountain Lake.

Proximity hotElGreensboro, NC336.379.8200 • proximityhotel.com

goodStonE inn & EStatEMiddleburg, VA540.687.4645 • goodstone.com

Sourwood innAsheville, NC828.255.0690 • sourwoodinn.com

thE SanCtuary at kiawah iSland golf rESortKiawah Island, SC800.576.1570 • kiawahresort.com

Photo by Laura’s Focus Photography

The Perfect Place . . .… for that Perfect Wedding

Voted “Top 10Wedding Resort” by

resortsandlodges.com!

Conservancy and HotelFor information and pricing, call 800-346-3334

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Mountain Lake is the perfect way for you and your families to share this joyous occasion.

Outdoor weddings have a certain fairy tale quality to them, and we know that every detail counts.

It is our pleasure to offer you, on your wedding day, the beauty, serenity, and freshness that is Mountain Lake.

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22 readbreathe.com

MyWedding. This site offers the best templates we’ve seen for free wedding websites—a perfect hybrid of quality and quantity, including a collaboration with Green Bride Guide (greenbrideguide.com) that offers matching eco-friendly invitations. mywedding.com

if you build it......they won't be calling every minute with questions! Wedding websites are a modern miracle when it comes to planning and sharing details with your vendors and guests.

WeddingWire. With more than 120 website themes to choose from, our favorite feature of their build-your-own site tool is the Carbon Calculator option in the sidebar. Guests can determine and then offset their carbon footprint by making a donation to Carbonfund.org. Plus, their apps for the iPhone, iPad and Android allow you to search vendors, stay on top of your budget and keep track of tasks anytime, anywhere. weddingwire.com

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love at first site.by lInDseY grossmAn

taking advantage of today’s technology can make wedding planning not only

easier, but more fun for you and your guests. however, it also means even more

decision-making. suffering from circuit overload? We’re here to offer tech

support with the lowdown and highlights of our favorite online planning tools.

Present PerFectThe gravy boat has sailed. We’ve rounded up our favorite online registry alternatives.

traveler’s Joy. If you have all you need in the home department, friends and family can help out with your honeymoon expenses, from flights and hotels to kayak rentals and a cat sitter. Customize your registry page to get guests as excited for

your trip as you are. travelersjoy.com

Green Bride Guide. Their green gift registry offers all the home essentials and beyond—register for carbon offsets, shop by eco-strategy (non-toxic, handmade, recycled) or by certification (USDA Organic, Fair Trade Certified, Forestry Stewardship Council). Plus carbon neutral shipping at no additional cost! greenbrideguide.com

HatcH My House. Register for cash donations towards a down payment or home renovations. By selecting items from your virtual home (front door awning, $65), guests can give to your house fund in a personalized, interactive way. hatchmyhouse.com

i do Foundation. Spread the love by giving guests the choice of donating to your favorite charity in lieu of presents. Want to make a difference but still want that blender? You can raise funds with an I Do gift registry at no additional cost to your guests. idofoundation.org

i thee threadFacebook update: “We’re getting married!” Use the following hints to help build a buzz for your wedding day through social networking.

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Style Me PrettyWe love how they divide up their “real weddings” by style—vintage chic, whimsical, contemporary, DIY-inspired—making them easy and fun to navigate. stylemepretty.com

ASheville indie WeddingSOffbeat ideas abound on this unique blog that showcases local artists and businesses in the Asheville community. AIW offers inspiration and resources for the modern mountain bride, Asheville wedding or not. ashevilleindieweddings.com

green Wedding ShoeS The profiles and “DIY ideas” kept us surfing through this site for hours! Check out their project for making table numbers out of vintage spoons, p.19. greenweddingshoes.com

ruStic Wedding chicMaggie Lord started this blog in 2009 when she was planning her own rustic wedding. With her nuptial know-how, we can see why brides love to "Ask Maggie." rusticweddingchic.com

SniPPet & inkThis is the place to go to get your daily dose of aisle candy. Subscribe and get Snippets every morning in your inbox for a quick fix before you start the (ugh) workday. snippetandink.com

PintereStBuild your own “pinboard” to organize and share all the beautiful things you’ve found online that inspire you for your big day. pinterest.com

clickaBle creativity

somethIng BorroWeDLooking for wedding inspiration? Some of the best ideas are “borrowed” from others. The key is taking someone else’s idea and reinventing it as your own. Left-brained brides need not worry—you don’t have to be the next martha Stewart to pull it off.

Just desserts. You saw on a blog or in your favorite magazine (wink, wink) that a bride opted for a pie station over a cake. something new: If the “no cake” notion strikes your fancy but you’re not a pie person, try coming up with a sweet alternative that’s more fitting to you. Do you and your groom scream for ice cream? Serving up your favorite local scoops sundae-style (or from a vintage ice cream truck!) puts your own special spin on the original idea.

start a Facebook page and twitter account dedicated specifically to your wedding. This will keep your wedding plans separate from your personal social networking activities. Show your guests that this is all in good fun by using a lighthearted screen name, like “The future Smiths” or try a location-based screen name, such as “Tying the Knot in Knoxville.” Send out your wedding social networking screen names on your save-the-dates. Then you need to get the networking started by friending your guests.

Choose a main Facebook wedding app. Wedding Wire and Wedding Buzz are two of the most popular facebook wedding apps for general wedding planning.

Face(book)ing the music. facebook apps can also help with your first dance song selection. Build a playlist of your potential first dance songs on a facebook music app and share it with guests to help you make the big decision. popular facebook apps include iLike and my music.

get guests all atwitter. Tweeting little details such as “out tasting cakes! What is your favorite flavor?” will get guests excited for your menu and happy to participate in your wedding

social networking. Another way you can involve guests is by taking song requests on Twitter. Find out what gets them on the dance floor, or what song they danced to at their wedding.

Courtesy of Hatch My House. More home and wedding ideas at hatchmyhouse.com/blog.

FruitFul Find. A wedding profile on a website features a couple who used fruit with names pinned on them for their place cards, only they had oranges for a Florida wedding in June, and you’re a Carolina bride in September. Something new: Adapt the idea to your season and location, and opt for apples!

A great way to personalize the inspiration you borrow from a blog is to connect it to the colors you have in mind for your own wedding.

—Jennifer Callahan, Editor, AshevilleIndieWeddings.com







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Learn from the past. Guérard always begins planning her soirees by consulting Almanac.com. Based on the dates and locations her brides are contemplating, she looks up the high and low temperatures and weather patterns from the past five years. “It really paints a picture for us,” she says.

ConsuLt your CrystaL ball. Next, it’s time to predict the future. Look up the exact time of sunset, consult the tidal charts if you’re getting married on the water, and don’t neglect the obvious details (like how miserable it might be to get married outdoors on a scorching summer day in the South). Bonus tip: If possible, plan your wedding for the evening of a full moon, when it rarely rains, says Guérard.

tents. There are three types of tents in different price ranges, Guérard says, but she recommends a basic pole tent, because it’s the least expensive and looks great without requiring lots of decorations to camouflage the ugly parts. Always be sure you have enough covered square footage to accommodate all of your guests, says Guérard. During peak wedding seasons, tents can sell out quickly, so it’s a good idea to reserve a tent even if you’re not sure you’ll need it. (This is where the advice of a sage wedding planner comes in especially handy!)

have a pLan B. Where will you move guests if there’s a downpour? How will you re-arrange the wedding day schedule to accommodate weather issues? Both are good questions to ask during the planning process. But, says Guérard, sometimes you don’t need a Plan B—instead, you can push Plan A back by a few minutes.

Facing a quick summer rain shower instead of a threatening thunderstorm? Send the guests inside for a pre-ceremony cocktail hour, wait out the cloudburst, then wipe down the chairs and begin again.

Warn your guests. Getting married on a farm? On the beach? Give your guests a heads-up on your save-the-dates, so they can plan to wear wedges or flats if they’ll be walking around on soggy or sandy ground.

locAtIon loVebutterFly gap retreat Maryville, tnThis gorgeous wooded property bordering Tenneessee’s foothills parkway offers rustic outdoor and indoor settings, including a private 12-acre lake, guesthouses and a gorgeous reception facility with 30-foot glass walls for an indoor/outdoor feel. butterflygap.com

bleNheim viNeyardsCharlottesville, vaSteeped in history (the first home on the property was built in 1799), this picturesque venue has hosted Thomas Jefferson, is a National historic place and is environmentally-minded—they’re active composters and recyclers. oh, and the vineyard is a lovely setting for a wedding. blenheimvineyards.com

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the grass.by AleIgh AcernI

Planning a wedding is always challenging, but when mother

nature gets involved, it can seem nearly impossible. “I’ve

been doing this for 15 years and I have many grey hairs

on my head,” says tara guérard, owner of soirée by tara

guérard in the romantic city of charleston, sc. We asked

guérard to share some planning tips for getting hitched

outdoors without a hitch.

Claxton FarmWeaverville, NCThis 500-acre working farm just 14 miles north of Asheville offers 360 degrees of unobstructed mountain views, plus a new-in-2010 event barn with vaulted ceilings—the perfect romantic mountaintop destination. claxtonfarm.net

lowndes Grove PlantationCharleston, SCWith 14 acres on the banks of the Ashley River, Lowndes Grove offers a grand lawn, broad terraces, 200-year-old oak trees and a charming, historic plantation home (c. 1786). It’s witnessed a Revolutionary War invasion, the World Fair and a visit from Teddy Roosevelt—plus it’s Charleston’s only historic waterfront estate available for events. pphgcharleston.com/venues/view/lowndes_grove

atlanta BotaniCal Garden Atlanta, GACentrally located, the botanical garden is a relaxing oasis in the heart of midtown Atlanta. It offers a variety of settings for brides, from the intimate Japanese Garden to the Fuqua Orchid Center, with flower gardens, gazebos and views galore. atlantabotanicalgarden.org

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nAYoung + mAttA mountaintop romance

matt and nayoung k. Wilson love spending time outdoors, especially in the mountains. they dream of one day owning a mountain cabin, and matt proposed while the couple hiked through the georgia mountains—so when it was time to decide on a location for their wedding, there was no debate.

“We knew we wanted a mountain wedding,” says nayoung. the couple, who live an hour outside Atlanta in monroe, ga., chose kingwood resort in the mountains of north georgia, near where the groom grew up, as their setting and inspiration.

“nature was the first and most important inspiration,” says nayoung, who created most of the décor herself. the outdoor ceremony featured an arbor and the mountains as a backdrop. the natural theme carried over into the reception, with natural items like rocks and split peas incorporated into the tablescapes, and branches with hand-cut slits to serve as place card holders.

Bow Tied Wedge, $290

somethIng greenWalk down the aisle in style… and with a lighter carbon footprint.

the bride wore greeN. Choose a dress made of sustainable fabrics like hemp, peace silk, organic cotton, bamboo or vintage fabrics. Atlanta designer morgan Boszilkov handcrafts her Natural Bridals collection from sustainable fabrics, donating five percent of her profits to environmental causes. In addition to the gowns made to order from her collection, morgan creates custom designs such as the one seen here for a June wedding on martha’s Vineyard. Some of her gowns are convertible—detachable bottom skirts for brides who want a shorter look at their reception! naturalbridals.com

somethiNg blue (aNd greeN). We love the animal-free shoes from milk & honey. Their bridal collection breaks tradition with bold color choices and a modern-meets-vintage flare. The best part? If you don’t see a pair you love, you can design your own, from heel height right down to the toes and trim. Whether you go for the gold, crimson red or a more traditional ivory silk, you can still have your something blue. milk & honey will add a light blue insole to any shoe for only ten dollars. milkandhoneyshoes.com

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COUNTY, VAvisitgilescounty.org

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A spectacular Blue Ridge mountaintop setting is the backdrop for Wintergreen Resort’s 3rd annual “Inspirations” weekend, a retreat designed for women to learn, share and enjoy each other’s company. This special weekend is packed with thought provoking speakers, wine tastings, yoga, spa treatments, culinary treats and more.

Weekend packages, including lodging, spa credit, and meals are available starting at $545. Non-lodging rates are also available.

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Just as many of us have learned to favor farmers market produce and CSAs over supermarket chains, the sustainable shopping movement has spread to the wedding industry. With a focus on supporting local businesses, the movement allows consumers to take a more active, responsible role in where they spend their money.

Lynn Easton Andrews, owner of Easton Events in Charlottesville, VA, caters to locavore couples. In fact, she’s so passionate about sustainable eating that she recently opened a winery and event venue, Pippin Hill Farm that emphasizes the use of local food and wine. “We think using local products for both food and decor is the most dominant single trend afoot in the restaurant and wedding industries at the moment,” Andrews says. “The interest and demand from our brides to buy local is very high. Almost every bride inquires about our farm/vineyard-to-table concept.”

Sourcing food from Charlottesville-area businesses like Meadow Creek Dairy,

love. local. Food.by erIcA JAckson currAn

many couples barely get a chance to eat on their

wedding day, much less wonder where the food came

from. Yet a growing number of brides are insisting on

knowing not only where it came from but who grew it,

bottled it or baked it—whether or not they’ll ultimately

get to taste it.

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any way you slice it…

…the cake is often the centerpiece of the reception, so why not have a little fun with it?

trade in the traditional tiered cake for several nine-inch round layer cakes perched on vintage cake stands.

the cupcake trend is still going strong. besides being cute and affordable, they’re portable and super easy to serve—no plates or cake-cutting required.

skip the generic bride-and-groom cake topper and go for something a little more unique like miniature flags, block letters or simple, fresh flowers.

Who says you have to serve cake? no one will complain if you offer a pie buffet, macaroons or an ice cream bar instead.

Gryffon’s Aerie and Polyface Farms, Andrews knows she’s getting the freshest possible products for her clients. Besides superior quality and taste, buying local is typically much gentler on the environment, cutting down on the use of fossil fuels and unnecessary preservatives. It can also add a unique, personal flair to your wedding.

But be aware that buying local often comes at a price—up to 20 percent more

than industrial sources—so if you’re on a budget, it’s important to prioritize. If you can’t spring for a full-out organic, locally sourced meal, you could opt for a single dish highlighting a local, seasonal standout like heirloom tomatoes or shrimp. Check out local wineries and breweries to add local flavor to your bar and consider regional specialties—like candy, coffee or baked goods—for favors. Find your favorite local companies and talk to your caterer about what’s most important to you.

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local doesn’t necessarily mean green. Be sure to ask

your sources about their growing practices if things like pesticide-free produce, free-range eggs

and grass-fed beef are important to you.

choose local treats for late night delights, such as the local donut maker or ice cream truck.

-Lynne Easton Andrews, Easton Events

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With marriages between people of different faiths and cultural backgrounds more common than ever, brides are making their own rules. Not every bride wants to toss tradition instead of a bouquet, however—so what about the future mrs. who wants both modern and traditional? It’s not impossible. We caught up with Ivy robinson, wedding planner extraordinaire and owner of Ivy robinson Weddings and events in Charlotte, NC, for some suggestions on how to infuse modern sensibility into a traditional celebration of love.

Food aNd driNk. pair the authentic foods from your heritage (or your beloved’s) with the fare you grew up with—there’s no reason for Korean barbecue not to be on the same menu as shrimp and grits. The same goes for

Vintage accessories are the perfect finishing touches for your modern-meets-traditional wedding. You can spend hours scouring antique shops and thrift stores to find the perfect one-of-a-kind pieces, or choose an accessory that’s vintage-inspired. We fell hard for this hairpin from Bando; the design is a recreation of an amazing vintage brooch found at an estate sale. ooh la la! Crystal Swirl Bobbi pin, $130 at ShopBando.com

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D. chAnee & VInoo

two Weddings on two continents

Just two weeks into their relationship, chanee and Vinoo Vijay, who live in charlotte, knew their relationship was something special. six months later, the pair boarded a flight to India, Vinoo’s motherland, for their first wedding—a traditional hindu ceremony that lasted for two days—followed by an eco-friendly American wedding a few months later.

“We started dating in June, were engaged by november, and were married in December,” says chanee.

Planned by her new mother-in-law, the hindu ceremony was complete with beautiful mehndi (Indian henna tattoos), three bridal saris and traditional ceremonies. “It made (Vinoo’s) mom so happy,” chanee says. “I wanted to savor every moment.”

A few months later, the couple traveled to sundance in Park city, ut, for their second celebration—a rustic American wedding with an eco-friendly flair. With electronic invitations in lieu of paper, a wedding gown made of hemp silk (and sewn by the bride’s mother) and a bouquet of rosemary and other fresh herbs, the celebration captured chanee’s personality perfectly. At the reception, guests were ushered into a sundance screening room, where they ate dinner and watched a video of the couple’s Indian ceremony—the perfect way to share both ceremonies with friends and family who weren’t able to make the trip to India.

“I’m just a girl from kansas who had never been anywhere but mexico,” says chanee. “It was an adventure. I remember everything very, very vividly.”

moDern meets trADItIonAl

beverages. If your Cuban family knows the secret to a perfect mojito, add it to the menu in homage to your heritage.

Setting. If you’re Jewish and your sweetie is Catholic, Robinson says it can be hard to find a synagogue or church that feels right to both of you. Instead, she suggests, pick a neutral location—like an outdoor venue—where you have a blank slate.

Ceremony. Creating an interfaith marriage ceremony can be a challenge—not to mention finding the right person (or people) to officiate. If the two faiths are completely different, Robinson recommends considering two separate ceremonies. Another, more modern option, she adds, would be to search for officiants from each faith who would be willing to work together to mesh both religions into a single ceremony.

DreSS. Two words: wardrobe change. If

your Indian heritage dictates a gorgeous sari but you have your heart on an ivory Amsale gown, do both, if your budget allows. Let the tone of the ceremony dictate whether you wear the traditional dress down the aisle or to dance the night away at the reception, says Robinson.

Décor. Using modern accessories and décor in more traditional color palettes is a great way to give a traditional wedding ceremony and reception a fresh, modern feel.


Beaufort House Innasheville, nCOwners Jim and Christina Muth have done a wonderful job of celebrating the architectural details of this Queen Anne-style Victorian home while blending it with modern luxury for an atmosphere that’s serene, not stuffy. of note: Located just a half-mile north of downtown Asheville, the one-and-a-half acres of beautifully landscaped grounds give you quiet and convenience. We love: Their open-kitchen policy (guests can watch while they cook!). Insider tip: Check out the Savannah Cottage, their unofficial “Honeymoon Suite." beauforthouse.com

HIgH MeadoWs VIneyard Innscottsville, Va“Whimsical” is the perfect word for this renovated farmhouse that sits on more than 13 acres, with a pinot noir vineyard, gardens, chickens and, yes, a peacock. And just 20 minutes south of Charlottesville! of note: Cynthia used to work for a luxury linen company in

tip: Trade up. Cynthia has exchanged nights for stays in other people’s vacation homes, but also encourages guests to get creative, “I’d totally barter a couple of nights with someone to clear a trail in the woods, or move some rocks!” highmeadows.com

The Vendue InnCharleston, SCLocated in the historic heart of downtown in the French Quarter just a block from the Waterfront Park, the Vendue Inn (politely) screams Southern hospitality. Of note: All of the free extras! Guests are treated to a full Southern breakfast, an afternoon wine and cheese reception, and evening cookies and milk. Honeymooners are also welcomed with a bottle of champagne. We love: The rooftop bar, exposed brick walls in the guestrooms and use of their cruiser bikes to explore the city (yet another extra!). vendueinn.com

AddISOn On AmelIAFernandina Beach, FlThis North Florida beach town B&B flows with southern history and modern tranquility. Of note: A three-course breakfast includes a baked course, fruit course and an entrée. Want to re-live a dish? The innkeepers share some of their favorite recipes on their website. We love: Their eco-efforts (recycling centers in guestrooms!), and above-and-beyond concierge service: guests can borrow umbrellas, folding chairs, towels, and even coolers and unbreakable glasses—perfect for the beach or a romantic sunset cruise. addisononamelia.com

BIg mIll Bed And BreAkFASTWilliamston, nCWho knew there was such a magical place to stay between the mountains and the beach? Nestled in the quiet coastal plain of eastern North Carolina, this renovated farmstead is an idyllic, no-stress, green destination (named one of the top 10 earth-friendly inns by BedandBreakfast.com). Of note: Innkeeper Chloe Tuttle can arrange a candlelit dinner in the grape arbor, by fire in the Packhouse or in the privacy of your room. We love: The Packhouse Suite. Once used to grade tobacco, it’s now the perfect honeymoon suite. Insider Tip: Don’t skimp on the jams at breakfast. Chloe makes them all herself! bigmill.com

Vermont where part of her salary was product… now guests get to enjoy it! The Peony and Dogwood rooms are guest favorites. We love: Their commitment to local and organic food. Most veggies come right from their garden. Insider

� do. mIn

I mo

on

s.

honeymoon? sweet!by lInDseY grossmAn

spending three months traipsing around europe with your new hubby sounds

like a dream. But for most of us, it’s just that. (If only we all had that many

vacation days to burn!) Don’t think you can take a meaningful trip following

your big day? the honeymoon isn’t over.

If you can’t make your dream honeymoon a reality due to budget or time,

consider a mini-moon. A short trip in place of more elaborate honeymoon can

be just as memorable. We’ve even done the legwork for you and found five

incredible places to bask in newlywed bliss… all just a hop, skip and a drive

away!

the Vendue inn, Charleston, sC

like most couples, we were mindful of expenses, particularly since we were

financing much of the wedding and honeymoon ourselves. Following the wedding, we desired a low-maintenance and

relaxing experience that would not require a lot of extra travel arrangements

and details.—Adara Jacobson of Huntersville, NC, on honeymooning with her husband, Josh, for

four days in Asheville.

30 readbreathe.com

breatheability

Courtney was 29 when she found the lump while in the shower. Preparing for a move to Atlanta and trying very hard to have a child, breast cancer was not on the agenda. Throughout her treatment she sought support from her husband (her “rock”) and the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), a non-profit dedicated to the unique issues faced by young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. She became very active in the YSC bulletin board community during her treatment, and then as a volunteer once she moved to Atlanta. Courtney got her happy ending two years following her treatment when she got pregnant. At 31, in the wake of a life-threatening illness that left her without ovaries, Courtney was still able—with the help of modern medicine—to have the baby she always wanted. And it was at YSC where she found her professional passion, leaving a career in television to work for the organization’s Atlanta affiliate. As executive director, she’s responsible for everything that YSC does in the greater metro area including Tour de Pink, Atlanta’s only bike ride for breast cancer, happening this year on October 1.

What do you think makes breast cancer especially difficult for young survivors?CB: Where do I begin? For starters, everyone you meet in your waiting room is at least 30 years older and stares at you with those sad eyes and pity. Then you can’t walk into a support group without people talking about their grandchildren or their Medicare, which is hard when you’re young and uninsured and don’t even know if you’ll be able to have kids. Plus there are all the people who look at you and say “you’re too young for breast cancer…”

Breast cancer is hard at any age, and I would never say it’s worse for young

women… it’s just different. And those differences are what make the experience so isolating.

What has being a breast cancer survivor helped you learn about yourself? CB: I’ve realized that despite battling a life threatening disease, I’m still me. I’m still the person who loves to have fun, who’s a little too loud and who’s an excellent friend. It felt like I lost that person for awhile and it’s taken some time to find her again, but she’s here.

Would you say being a survivor has changed you in any way?CB: Oh, it definitely has… which sounds like a direct contradiction to the previous question. I’m like a kinder, gentler,

more laid back version of that “take no prisoners” kind of girl. I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore—it’s not cancer, so it can’t be that bad. There’s something liberating about having faced someone’s worst nightmare and coming out the other side. I think I’m more compassionate; I can’t imagine spending my days not working to make someone’s life easier, which sounds totally cliché but it’s true.

How old is Aidan now? Is he old enough to understand what you’ve been through?CB: Aidan’s about two-and-a-half years old now. He doesn’t quite understand it, but he does know that there are a ton of crazy women wearing pink who love to see him!

What gets you going in the morning?CB: My son. He wakes up ready to party! We start the day with so much laughter you can’t help but carry it with you.

How do you unwind at night?CB:A glass of wine and a trashy tabloid. I’m addicted to celebrity gossip!

You’re so inspiring to others! Who inspires you?CB: I am in awe each and every day by the women I serve. We once did an event with a brand new young woman who had been recently diagnosed. About half way through she started to cry… not because she was sad but because it was the first time she had felt truly “normal” since she had found out she had cancer. That is why we do what we do.

q&a: Courtney BuglerBreast Cancer survivor and executive director of young survival Coalition Atlanta

There’s something

liberating about having faced

someone’s worst

nightmare and coming out the

other side.

to fiNd out more aBout ysC aNd tour de piNk, Go to youngsurvival.org and ysctourdepink.org.

Courtney with her son, Aidan.

CLIENTuvahlt

JOB NO.003883

DESCRIPTIONCathy Allen-SPINE

PUBBreathe Magazine

MATERIAL DUE DATE08-05-11

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Outback.® Well-equipped at $23,195†

The 2011 Outback. The adventurer’s vehicle of choice. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive grips

whatever comes your way. An efficient transmission gives you an enviable 29 mpg.* Best

of all, it’s built in a zero landfill plant, so you can indulge your urge to explore, responsibly.

Love. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.

* EPA-estimated hwy mpg for 2.5i Continuously Variable Transmission models. Actual mileage will vary. †MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Dealer sets actual price. Outback 2.5i Premium pictured has an MSRP of $24,495. Vehicle shown with available equipment.

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