gay weddings from pride & groom issue 3

| |W W W . P R I D E A N D G R O O M . C O

|I S S U E 0 3 – N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 F L O R I D A E D I T I O N

+A S L I C E O F H E A V E N

W E D D I N G E T I Q U E T T E

D R E S S T O I M P R E S S

H A W A I I A N H O N E Y M O O N S

P R E T T Y I N W H I T E

Brought to you exclusively by:

Special Summer Pricing from Florida’s Most Popular Wedding Venues

Award-winning Service From Puff ‘n Stuff Catering

Creative Menu Options Using Quality Ingredients

Bar Set-up and Service For Clients Purchasing own liquor

Buffet Table, Linen, Décor Enhancements, and Service Ware

Fresh Floral Centerpieces

Cake Design Selections

Menu Tasting

Flexible Payment Options

Guest List Manager and Planning Tools

Access to Additional Bonus Savings

For availability please visit puffnstuff.comTampa 813.712.7833 • Orlando 407.629.7833

3

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| || | I S S U E 0 3 - N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5W W W. P R I D E A N D G R O O M . C O

We are thrilled to be sharing issue 3 of Pride & Groom with you, filled with

loads of helpful tips, real weddings, and ideas that will hopefully inspire

and encourage you to get hitched!

In this issue we bring you our venue special, where we have hand selected

some of the top settings around Florida for you to host your wedding.

We’ve also gone ahead and chosen a destination hot spot if you’re looking

to go all out to celebrate your nuptials. Bridal guru, Kat de Souza joins us

for a great Q&A on everything hot in the world of brides, and we’ve even

thrown in a little history for you too - check out the last page!

So for now, why not sit back, relax and have a browse through our magazine

and remember, be wild if you want and think outside the box to create your

unique and personal wedding but above all , be yourself – after all it is your

special day!

G I O R G I O S E V E R I - E D I T O R

G I O R G I O @ P R I D E A N D G R O O M . C O

CO

VE

R P

HO

TO

BY

Brought to you exclusively by:

Special Summer Pricing from Florida’s Most Popular Wedding Venues

Award-winning Service From Puff ‘n Stuff Catering

Creative Menu Options Using Quality Ingredients

Bar Set-up and Service For Clients Purchasing own liquor

Buffet Table, Linen, Décor Enhancements, and Service Ware

Fresh Floral Centerpieces

Cake Design Selections

Menu Tasting

Flexible Payment Options

Guest List Manager and Planning Tools

Access to Additional Bonus Savings

For availability please visit puffnstuff.comTampa 813.712.7833 • Orlando 407.629.7833

Welcome t o Issue 3

H a p p y P l a n n i n g , G i o r g i o

4| || | W W W. P R I D E A N D G R O O M . C OI S S U E 0 3 - N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

| |W H A T ’ S I N T H E M A G A N D W H E R E T O F I N D I T !

T H E P & G T E A M :

04

G R O U P P U B L I S H E R

J E F F C R O C K E T T

E D I T O R

G I O R G I O S E V E R I

A R T D I R E C T O R

D A M I A N B R O W N I N G

A D V E R T I S I N G D I R E C T O R

D O N A L D S T E P H E N S O N

A D V E R T I S I N G S A L E S

C A R L O M E N D E Z

P R I D E & G R O O M M A G A Z I N E P U B L I S H E D B Y G & J M E D I A - P O B O X 3 2 5 , P L Y M O U T H F L , U S A 3 2 7 6 8

06 CONGRATULATIONS!

We give a shout out to some of the newly

wedded couples who recently got married in our

beautiful Sunshine State of Florida!

08 HERE COMES THE GUIDE!

Celebrity Wedding & Event Planner, Jamie

O’Donnell composes a comprehensive timeline to

keep all of your wedding plans and tasks on track.

10 STYLE FILE / THE RING

Jeweler & designer Rony Tennenbaum takes

time out to explain what you need to know when

shopping for that perfect wedding ring.

14 SUMPTUOUS SETTINGS

With the color aqua being en vogue this

year, we share some awesome wedding table trends

and designs to get those creative juices flowing.

17 BEHIND THE BOUQUET

With garden style being very popular this

year we go one step further by adding a splash of

bling to your bouquet with colorful jeweled insects.

18 DELICIOUS DESSERTS

As well as a wedding cake why not treat

your guests to an array of delicious treats? Chef

Marie from Tampa’s Hands on Sweets explains all.

20 STYLE FILE / THE DRESS

Looking for that perfect dress can be really

exciting, but also stressful, so we have collected

some top tips to help you on your search.

24 STYLE FILE / WHAT TO WEAR?

When it comes to wedding dress codes, it

can be confusing, but Dominique Brilliantes is on

hand to help with what to wear to that big event.

14

17

M E D I A

05

29 STYLE FILE / THE BOW TIE

Bow ties have had a big revival recently,

especially as part of the wedding look. Brent Kraus

from Ella Bing delves into the history of the bow tie.

33 REAL WEDDINGS / FACEBOOK FATE

After meeting online through mutual friends,

we hear from Kevin and Dusty on how they met

and their sunset proposal whilst camping in the Keys.

37 STYLE FILE / THE 40s LOOK

With many brides choosing to evoke the

vintage style for their wedding day, our photoshoot

oozes Old Hollywood glamour to inspire your look.

43 REAL WEDDINGS / IN PLANNING

Tampa Bay residents, Sam and Emily share

how they first met, their pinky promise and their

plans for their impending September wedding.

47 REAL WEDDINGS / WEDDING DAY WISH

We take a look at Jonathan and Dwayne’s

wedding, a true celebration in color, with rainbow

flags, a jazz band, drag acts and a mini pride parade!

53 REAL WEDDING / SOFTBALL SOULMATES

Sporty couple Jane and Christina fell in

love in Italy whilst competing in the same softball

championships, we get the scoop of their special day!

56 HEAVENLY HONEYMOONS

If you like the idea of crystal clear waters

and stunning white sands then look no further as we

have found four great honeymoon destinations.

SIT BACK, RELAX & HAVE A BROWSE

THROUGH OUR MAGAZINE AND GET

INSPIRED FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY!

37

43

5606 CONGRATS TO COUPLES

We send out a big congratulations to a

host of newly weds who have tied the knot in the

sunshine state!

10 A SLICE OF HEAVEN

Choosing the cake is one of the most fun

parts of organizing your wedding so we offer

some helpful hints to guide you in the right

direction.

12 DESTINATION WEDDING HOTSPOT /

PUERTO VALLARTA

Known as one of the most popular destinations

in Mexico for the LGBT community we delve into

the top venues to celebrate your nuptials with

all your friends and family.

16 REAL WEDDING / PARTY IN PUERTO

VALLARTA

Rather than choosing a traditional marriage,

Brian and Robert decided on a wedding in

beautiful Puerto Vallarta complete with taco

stand and pool party.

18 ETIQUETTE / THANKING YOUR GUESTS

Taking time out to write thank you cards

will add the final touches to your wedding. We

have a few great pointers that will make your

job just that bit easier.

20 DRESS TO IMPRESS WITH KAT DE SOUZA

Bridal wear guru Kat de Souza answers

questions from what to wear if you are having

a beach wedding to how to wear your hair and

what accessories to add to your gown.

24

16

C o n t e n t s

R I C H A R D C H A U D H R YG I O R G I O S E V E R IJ E F F C R O C K E T T D O N A L D S T E P H E N S O N C A R L O M E N D E Z

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5| || | I S S U E 0 3 - N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5W W W. P R I D E A N D G R O O M . C O

| | |

04

06 CONGRATULATIONS!

We give a shout out to some of the newly

wedded couples who recently got married in our

beautiful Sunshine State of Florida!

08 HERE COMES THE GUIDE!

Celebrity Wedding & Event Planner, Jamie

O’Donnell composes a comprehensive timeline to

keep all of your wedding plans and tasks on track.

10 STYLE FILE / THE RING

Jeweler & designer Rony Tennenbaum takes

time out to explain what you need to know when

shopping for that perfect wedding ring.

14 SUMPTUOUS SETTINGS

With the color aqua being en vogue this

year, we share some awesome wedding table trends

and designs to get those creative juices flowing.

17 BEHIND THE BOUQUET

With garden style being very popular this

year we go one step further by adding a splash of

bling to your bouquet with colorful jeweled insects.

18 DELICIOUS DESSERTS

As well as a wedding cake why not treat

your guests to an array of delicious treats? Chef

Marie from Tampa’s Hands on Sweets explains all.

20 STYLE FILE / THE DRESS

Looking for that perfect dress can be really

exciting, but also stressful, so we have collected

some top tips to help you on your search.

24 STYLE FILE / WHAT TO WEAR?

When it comes to wedding dress codes, it

can be confusing, but Dominique Brilliantes is on

hand to help with what to wear to that big event.

14

17

M E D I A

G E T I N T O U C H !

05

/PGWeddingMag @PGwedding @Pride0333 +PrideandGroom

29 STYLE FILE / THE BOW TIE

Bow ties have had a big revival recently,

especially as part of the wedding look. Brent Kraus

from Ella Bing delves into the history of the bow tie.

33 REAL WEDDINGS / FACEBOOK FATE

After meeting online through mutual friends,

we hear from Kevin and Dusty on how they met

and their sunset proposal whilst camping in the Keys.

37 STYLE FILE / THE 40s LOOK

With many brides choosing to evoke the

vintage style for their wedding day, our photoshoot

oozes Old Hollywood glamour to inspire your look.

43 REAL WEDDINGS / IN PLANNING

Tampa Bay residents, Sam and Emily share

how they first met, their pinky promise and their

plans for their impending September wedding.

47 REAL WEDDINGS / WEDDING DAY WISH

We take a look at Jonathan and Dwayne’s

wedding, a true celebration in color, with rainbow

flags, a jazz band, drag acts and a mini pride parade!

53 REAL WEDDING / SOFTBALL SOULMATES

Sporty couple Jane and Christina fell in

love in Italy whilst competing in the same softball

championships, we get the scoop of their special day!

56 HEAVENLY HONEYMOONS

If you like the idea of crystal clear waters

and stunning white sands then look no further as we

have found four great honeymoon destinations.

SIT BACK, RELAX & HAVE A BROWSE

THROUGH OUR MAGAZINE AND GET

INSPIRED FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY!

37

43

5656

37 50

66

30 BUDGET BREAK DOWN

Rosy Usmani, from Puff n Stuff events

and catering, offers some great ideas on how

you can be a money savvy couple while still

enjoying the planning of your marriage.

37 REAL WEDDING / BACKYARD BLISS

Jessy and Ashley knew they wanted to

get married from the first time they met. With a

little help from their mothers and a not so small

backyard, the couple were able to have the

wedding of their dreams and able to walk down

the isle as Mrs. and Mrs. Eller!

42 REAL WEDDING / BEACH BRIDES

Tonya and Haley knew from the day

of their engagement that they wanted to get

married in fabulous Key West. The girls tell us

their story of how they proposed, their wedding

at sunset by the water and how their wedding

dreams came true.

52 REAL WEDDING / NATURIST

NEWLYWEDS

Moving to Florida was a big decision for Andrea

and Japhia, but definitely the right choice as

they decided to get married here too. We hear

their story of how they met, their big day, and

their need to get back to nature.

58 HAWAIIAN HONEYMOONS

Looking for that special place to

honeymoon? Why not choose Hawaii? We select

some great destinations to spend your special

trip on a variety of the islands guaranteed to

add the romance to your time away for two.


| |C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

C ongratulationsTo another fabulous collection of wonderful couples who have made the exciting decision to tie the knot here in the Florida.

If you would like to see your wedding featured here, please email pics of your special day to [email protected]

M a r k & J o e yA . H a r r i s P h o t o g r a p h y . c o m

K e l l y & K a t i eJ e n n i f e r - j u n i p e r. c o m

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B r a n d i & N i k k iA . H a r r i s P h o t o g r a p h y . c o m


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| |C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

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B r i a n a n d G i n o ‏w w w . t i d e t h e K n o t B e a c h We d d i n g s . c o m

J e s s i c a a n d G e o r g i aw w w . t i d e t h e K n o t B e a c h We d d i n g s . c o m

| |A S L I C E O F H E A V E N

1 0| || | W W W. P R I D E A N D G R O O M . C OI S S U E 0 3 - N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

A sl ice of heavenLet the wedding cake be a statement of who you are as a couple and turn it into one of your ‘WOW’ features of the day leaving your friends and family drooling for a slice.

When it comes to planning a wedding, few

decisions are as delightful as choosing your

wedding cake. After all , what could be better

than sampling slice after slice of delicious cake?

As eager as you may be to let the taste testing

begin, taking time to envision the cake of your

dreams will give you the sweetest results.

The cake’s design should match the aesthetic

of the day. A formal wedding generally calls

for a structured, multitier cake; it can be

elaborately or simply decorated, so long as its

style implies something ceremonial and grand.

These cakes are often round, but square or even

hexagonal shapes are more unexpected -- and

the tiers can be stacked for a solid look or set

on pillars for an airy grace. White is the classic

color for a wedding cake, but chocolate and

tinted frostings can be just as elegant.

For a less formal wedding, you can certainly

embrace the unconventional. The cake can be

iced playfully with swirls of meringue or strewn

with flower petals that fall where they may. Or

you can forgo a single cake altogether and opt

for a trio of smaller cakes or even cupcakes,

doughnuts, or pastries displayed on tiered cake

stands for an impressive effect.

Remember, ideally, you should order your cake

six months before the wedding, so it’s best to

start considering what you would like as soon

as you’ve chosen your reception site and the

style of your wedding. Look for photographs in

magazines and books or online for inspiration. &

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1 1| || | I S S U E 0 3 - N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5W W W. P R I D E A N D G R O O M . C O

P h o t o g r a p h y k i n d l y s u p p l i e d b y E l e g a n t C h e e s e c a k e s - F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n

a b o u t t h e s e b e a u t i f u l w e d d i n g c a k e s , p l e a s e v i s i t w w w . e l e g a n t c h e e s e c a k e s . c o m

o r c o n t a c t S u s a n @ e l e g a n t c h e e s e c a k e s . c o m o r a l t e r n a t i v e l y c a l l S u s a n a t 6 5 0 -

72 8 - 2 2 4 8 .

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| |V E N U E S P E C I A L / P U E R T O V A L L A R T A


Nestled against the Pacific Ocean with stunning bay and mountain views, Vallarta is home to some of Mexico’s highest rated resort towns. The area exudes traditional Mexican charm, with plenty to do both in town and on the water. Actively promoting itself as a gay-friendly destination, this is a natural choice for same-sex wedding celebrations and honeymoons, and happy couples looking to celebrate their union can find a wide variety of LGBT-owned hotels, large gay-friendly properties and a host of gay friendly wedding planners.

The fact that same sex marriage is not legal in that area of Mexico doesn’t stop us as many couples get married in their respective countries first, and then move on to Puerto Vallarta to live it up and have the party of a lifetime – Viva le fiesta!

Puert o Val larta

| | |


LA MANSION VALLARTA

Perfect for your wedding party, Villa La Mansion

sits oceanfront with a large private man-made

beach and beautiful pool area. Indoors, the home

is adorned with marble floors, canterra tiles and

intricate stonework throughout and is finished

off with gorgeous stained glass and décor

from the owner’s travels around the world. It

is within very short walking distance to Playa

Garza Blanca, one of the most beautiful beaches

in Puerto Vallarta.

For more info please visit

www.casagarzablanca.com

| |V E N U E S P E C I A L / P U E R T O V A L L A R T A


T h i n k i n g o f c e l e b r a t i n g y o u r u p c o m i n g n u p t i a l s i n P u e r t o V a l l a r t a ? T h e n w h y n o t d r o p Ta l b o t R o s s E v e n t s a n e m a i l . W i t h o v e r 2 0 y e a r s o f e x p e r i e n c e , t h e y c a n c r e a t e a n d d e s i g n t h e p e r f e c t w e d d i n g f o r y o u . H o w a b o u t h o s t i n g y o u r b a s h o n a s k y t e r r a c e o v e r l o o k i n g t h e o c e a n ? M a y b e y o u l i k e t h e i d e a o f a m o r e p r i v a t e a n d i n t i m a t e g a t h e r i n g w i t h j u s t c l o s e f r i e n d s a n d f a m i l y ? W h a t e v e r y o u r i d e a s , t h e t e a m w i l l g o o u t o f t h e i r w a y t o d i s c o v e r w h a t k i n d o f d r e a m y o u w a n t y o u r w e d d i n g t o b e . F r o m a n e x t e n s i v e l i s t o f v e n u e s a n d f l o r i s t s t o c a t e r i n g a n d d e s i g n a e s t h e t i c , Ta l b o t R o s s E v e n t s t r e a t s e v e r y w e d d i n g a s a t r u l y s p e c i a l m a g i c a l a f f a i r .

P l e a s e v i s i t w w w . t a l b o t r o s s . c o m f o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n w h a t t h e y c a n p r o v i d e f o r y o u r w e d d i n g , o r s e n d t h e m a n e m a i l a t Ta l b o t r o s s e v e n t s @ g m a i l . c o m

CASA KARMA BOUTIQUE RESORT

This brand new, luxurious resort hotel, situated

in Puerto Vallarta, is a perfect oceanfront venue

for your special day with space for up to 200

guests. The entrance from the dressing room can

become a dramatic and beautiful entrance down

the staircase onto the lower terrace where the

wedding party and guests will be watching and

waiting for you. All 3 terraces have romantic

fountains and lush landscaping and the garden

terrace is a beautiful setting for photographs

before or after the wedding. If you are looking

for that WOW venue for your wedding then look

no further.


www.casakarma.net

| |R E A L W E D D I N G S / P U E R T O V A L L A R T A


Rober t and B r i an

Robert

Brian

| | |


Robert and Brian met on April 17, 1998 at the

nightclub in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Brian

is from Calgary and Robert was in the city

for a short term on business and fate would

have it that the two connected. Their journey of

17 years together before making the decision to

get married was an easy one as it was a mutual

proposal.

As Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is their home for 5

months of the year it was a natural fit to have the

wedding in Mexico. A guest list of 35 family and

friends from Canada and 35 friends from Mexico

and other places was an intimate gathering that

brought together some of the important people

who have been a part of Robert and Brian’s life

together. It was a nice balance to represent

the combined life of living in both Canada and

Mexico.

The Location of all the festivities was high

above the city of Puerto Vallarta at Hacienda

de Los Santos, a private residence in Real de

Conchas Chinas with a spectacular view of the

entire city and Bay of Banderas. As a destination

wedding all the details were important to Robert

and Brian and it was necessary for them to

find more than an average wedding planning

company or package, they had to find a creative

wedding producer!!

Rather than choosing to do the traditional

get married and head away on a honeymoon,

Robert and Brian planned a family Mexican fiesta

complete with taco stand, a pool party BBQ and

cocktail gatherings so as to be able to spend as

much time with family and friends who travelled

the distance to be part of their big day.

The commitment ceremony was specially

written and officiated by Robert and Brian’s

best friend from Calgary and a custom live

performance was integrated in the ceremony and

throughout the entire evening by the Argentinian

duo Bohemia Viva. To say what was the highlight

of their big day…. well it was the fact that they

were able to get married, to be able to call each

other husband and to be surrounded by family

and friends to celebrate and create a special

moment for everyone. &

| |E T I Q U E T T E


So you’ve tied the knot and your happily settling in to married life, its time to put pen to paper and write those thank you letters, after all, there is nothing more special and appreciated than a lovely handwritten thank-you note. Here are some tips on turning this obligation into a pleasure.

Thanking your guests

| | |


8Tip 1

Contrary to popular myth, the happy couple does not have a year’s grace period in which to

write their notes. All thank-you notes should be written within three months of the receipt of

the gift. Ideally, a response should be written on the day you receive a wedding gift. If that’s

not possible, set a daily goal. It ’s a lot easier to write three or four notes a day than to have

to write a hundred notes in a month after the wedding!

8Tip 2

First of all , stationery is the operative word here: No fill-in-the-blank cards, no pre-printed

cards, no phone calls, no emails, and no generic post on your website! Personal stationery or

store-bought thank-you cards are best.

Creating a card with a photo from your wedding is a nice idea, but the timing is tricky. Don’t

delay writing notes for gifts received before the wedding, and arrange to have the cards made

quickly, so that gifts given at the wedding or just after won’t be kept waiting. If you really

want to have your photo on the cards, consider using a photo from an engagement shoot or

other special occasion instead.

8Tip 3

The people included in your thank you list should be:

l Anyone who gives you an engagement, shower or wedding gift, even if you have thanked

them in person. Individual notes should be written to people who contributed to a group

gift.

l Anyone who gives a gift of money: cash, checks, contributions to savings accounts, and

donations to charities. Mentioning the amount is optional, but it does let the person know

the correct amount was received. You should mention what you plan to do with the money.

l Your attendants. A warm personal note attached to your gifts to your attendants will let

them know how much you appreciate their efforts and support on your behalf.

l Anyone who hosted a party or shower for you. Ideally these notes should be written within

two days of the event. Each host or hostess should be thanked individually with a note and

a thank you gift.

l People who house or entertain your wedding guests. A note and a small gift should be sent

to anyone who houses or entertains out-of-town wedding guests.

l People who do kindnesses for you. The neighbor who accepts delivery of your gifts when you

are at work; the cousin who supervises the parking at the reception – anyone who assists

you before, during or after your wedding.

l Suppliers and vendors. You don’t have to write everyone you hire for services, but anyone

who exceeds your expectations will appreciate a courteous note of thanks.

l Your parents or whoever is hosting your wedding.

| |Q & A / K A T D E S O U S A


Dress t oImpress

| | |


In an ever-changing world of bridal fashion it is very easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing that perfect gown. Unless you have always had your dream dress in mind, then finding the outfit that not only makes you feel a million dollars, but that is also stylish can sometimes be challenging.

To assist you on your quest, we chat with wedding stylist Kat de Sousa who shares with us over 15 years of knowledge within then Bridal industry about what designs are in fashion, colors, fabrics used and even how brides are wearing their hair for their big day.

What styles of wedding dresses are in this

year and how do they differ from last year?

This year we are seeing silhouettes that fit

closer to the body, less crinoline or “poof” in

the skirt, and more sleeve and strap options.

The fits are all more romantic with that light

flowing feeling. A lot of the beading is more

subtle and blended creating a natural sparkle

as opposed to very obvious bling. We are also

seeing a lot of lace and layered lace looks,

which is where we have several varying

textures of fabric overlaid in the skirt to

create more dimension than the traditional

satin/tulle/lace combination. We even have

a few softly ruffled dresses for Spring! It is

a much more organic feel to the overall look.

Last year we saw a lot of ball-gowns as

well as fit-and-flare dresses, which are much

fuller than a traditional mermaid or sheath.

Everything was beaded with rhinestones and

crystals or heavily ruched from the bodice to

the low hip reminiscent of the old Hollywood

glamour.

One thing that remains constant is the

search for a gown that isn’t l ike anything

usually seen in prior seasons. Brides are

definitely veering away from traditional

strapless gowns and going for something a

lot more unique.

Have colors of wedding dresses changed at

all? Or are brides still wearing white?

We are seeing a lot more color! Brides are

choosing gowns that complement their

complexion and wedding colors as opposed

the traditional white or ivory. We have

a variety of options ranging from soft

champagnes and blush, to more on trend

colors such as grey and metallics. Our most

loved gowns come in a combination of ivory

and café or almond. It compliments a lot of

brides and photographs well outdoors. These

colors also show off the detail in the gowns

so much more. Intricate beadwork and lace is

more easily seen and appreciated as opposed

to being lost in a monochromatic white on

white gown.

Colors also have their own trends as well.

This coming season quite a few gowns are

available for order in a sea mist blue, misty

grey and silver.

As this is a state with lots of beaches, what

would be your recommendation for brides

who want to get married on the beach as

opposed to in a venue?

Florida is hot – there is no getting away from

that! It doesn’t seem to matter the time of

year, there is always the chance for heat

and humidity to affect your gown choice.

This doesn’t mean a bride must choose a

simple chiffon gown. She definitely needs to

consider if her wedding is on the beach, near

the beach, will she need to walk along way

to reach the ceremony site and what will be

the gown that fits her personal wedding >

Q & A / K A T D E S O U S A


style the most.

We are seeing many styles that are still full

and yet soft. Tulle skirts with not as many

layers and are easy to dance the night away in.

We also seeing body-hugging low back dresses

that speak of a city influence without being

too formal for such a setting. Something that

will burst with sparkle at a sunset wedding is a

definite must.

Are veils in at the moment and if so what kind

of veils are you seeing most brides choosing?

Veils have changed a lot in the past year. We

used to receive a lot of requests for fascinators

and birdcage veils. Now our brides want beading

and fuller longer veils that frame the gown and

bride for that walk down the aisle.

What are brides wearing on their head to

accentuate the dress?

We are seeing fewer tiaras and more halos.

There are the flower crowns fit for a ‘boho’ bride

as well as crystal and rhinestone halos that add

more glamour to a romantic hairstyle. Braided

hairstyles are still going strong and a lot of halos

and smaller hairpins accent these styles without

adding too much to a bride’s overall look.

What styles are in at the moment with regards

to their hair, updos or down and flowing?

Half up – half down is still a very popular trend

with brides. It allows our girls to keep their hair

out of their face and still have soft waves or

curls to complement their gowns.

We usually see an updo or something pulled to

the side with brides who want to show off their

low back or gowns with some sort of open and/

or intricate back design.

Accessorizing a dress – what should a bride be

thinking of adding to her dress to make the

most of what she is wearing?

This is a tough choice. I personally love bling. It

just depends on the gown and what feature you

want to show off the most. Some gowns with

no beading are the perfect canvas for bling!

Chandelier earrings, gorgeous wrist cuffs and

dropped back jewelry is something we see a lot

with our unbeaded lace gowns or unbeaded low

back dresses.

Gowns with beaded sleeves or straps do not

need much on top, earrings and a headpiece to

compliment and not compete with the gown are

best.

But sometimes less it not more, some gowns

are all about the bling and need that extra in the

accessories to finish the Cinderella effect.

And finally Shoes – what shoes should a bride

be looking at – should she have more than one

pair??

With as much that goes on during the wedding

day it is best to aim for one pair of shoes that

a girl may wear all day/night. Although that

does not always work out, a lot of brides opt

for a more comfortable if not pretty shoe for

the reception when photos are not focused on

the accessories and more on the people. A lot

of brides do opt for stunning embroidered or

blinged out shoes. We see a lot of higher end

designer shoes in a color from Benjamin Adams

to Badgley Mishcka. Some brides use their shoes

as something blue or as an added pop of color

to accent the gown. Mettalic gold, blush, and

red have always been great go to colors. We are

also seeing a few ombre dyed shoes in purples or

blues for our colorful weddings. &

| | |

| |V E N U E S P E C I A L / O R L A N D O


Getting married in the sunshine state is a dream come true for many of us and with so many venues to choose from, we really

are spoilt for choice. From beachfront weddings to vintage style affairs, Florida has it all! Here, we focus on bringing you some of

these stunning locations to give you some ideas of where you could celebrate your union in front of all your friends and family.

Or lando

| | |


THE CASTLE HOTEL ORLANDO

Constructed like a real castle with turrets

and pointy roof, The Castle Hotel Orlando is a

distinctive and unexpected experience for all

wedding couples and their parties, located in the

heart of International Drive. From beautifully

appointed ball rooms and sophisticated yet

modern interiors, to heated outdoor pool and

trendy cocktail lounge, this hotel promises to

offer everything you could ever want to celebrate

your big day in style, and just incase you do have

a special request, the wedding planners will be

there to assist you every step of the way.


www.castlehotelorlando.com

| |V E N U E S P E C I A L / O R L A N D O


THE GRAND BOHEMIAN

Voted as a “Top 20 Hotels in Florida”

by Condé Nast Traveler, Grand

Bohemian Hotel Orlando does not fail

to impress. Located only moments

away from downtown’s cultural

gems, sports and entertainment

venues, and Orlando area theme

parks, this is a perfect spot to host

your union. To complement the

artistic aesthetic of the hotel, each

wedding at Grand Bohemian Hotel

Orlando is a masterpiece that will

be treasured for a lifetime. Expert

planners will work their magic to

insure your special day is executed

as smooth as a bridal gown. From

large gatherings to a more intimate

ceremony, there are an array of

packages to choose from, with a

focus on you and celebrating your

wedding with oodles of class.


www.grandbohemain.com

| |P U F F ‘ N S T U F F / O R L A N D O V E N U E S


With over 30 years of experience within the marriage industry, Puff ‘n Stuff Catering know how to pull off a great wedding, no matter how big or small, giving you the confidence and time to sit back, relax

and enjoy your big day.

HERE ARE SOME OTHER UNIQUE VENUES IN ORLANDO TO CELEBRATE YOUR WEDDING, BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PUFF ‘N STUFF CATERING & EVENTS.

BALLROOM AT CHURCH STREET

From the moment you step into downtown Orlando’s

most distinguished venue, you will be instantly

captivated by its classic elegance, glamour and charm.

From its inviting, brick-paved entry, floor-to-ceiling

stained-glass windows, grand staircases, outdoor

courtyard, to its stunning chandeliers, The Ballroom at

Church Street is truly one-of-a-kind.

THE MEZZ

The MEZZ is an expansive 7,000 square foot

venue featuring wraparound floor-to-

ceiling windows providing a sweeping view

of the beautiful brick-lined streets below. An

impeccably furnished décor featuring modern

art, innovative LED lighting and the state-

of-the-art sound system are sure to leave a

lasting impression on your special day.

ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER

Whether your wedding is rustic or modern,

the Orlando Science Center offers several

versatile and unique event spaces. Tie the

knot under an old oak tree overlooking the

serene Lake Formosa. Dine with the dinosaurs

or dance under the stars on their outdoor

terrace that provides stunning views of

downtown Orlando’s glimmering skyline.

HEAVEN EVENTS CENTER

Featuring a blank canvas and open floor plan, your wedding will soar to new heights

at the Heaven Event Center. Adorned in white satin drapes and Italian leather couches,

their in-house LED lighting allows you to simply customize the event space to suit any

color scheme.

| | |B U D G E T B R E A K D O W N


You don’t have to break the bank to have a memorable wedding day. Here are 5 simple ideas on how to be a savvy couple, while still

enjoying the planning process.

Budgetbreakdown

Wo r d s b y R o s e n a U s m a n i

Idea 1 : Research, Research, Research

Scour the Internet for checklists and ask all your

friends that have been married for planning

advice. For most couples, their wedding is the

largest event they have ever coordinated so

being informed is your best weapon to saving.

Educate yourself on the average cost for each

element and look for creative alternatives.

Idea 2 : Talk the Talk

After you’ve done the research, talk to your

fiancé and determine the “must-have” items

that are important to each you. Once you have

created your list, talk to the key decision makers

about a realistic budget for the entire wedding.

Idea 3 : Date Savvy

When it comes to selecting your perfect wedding

date, there are two ways to save. First, consider

a non-Saturday, for even bigger deals, ask about

Thursday and you will be astonished. Second,

look for opportunities during non-peak months.

Here in Florida, you can typically find the hottest

deals from June to September.

Idea 4 : Save the Splurge

A common mistake made by those newly engaged

is running out and splurging on their first

wedding purchase. They haven’t yet realized

that everything is 5x more expensive than they

thought. Save the splurge for after you’ve had a

chance to research costs for all major elements

of your wedding.

Idea 5 : Do the Math

When it comes to your guest list, it ’s all about

numbers. The more people you invite, the more

people that will come. Multiply that by 2 and it

starts to add up quickly. Especially, if most of

your guests don’t l ive in Florida, and are looking

for a reason to come visit. We know it’s hard,

but keeping your guest list to only the most

important people in your life will have a large

impact on your overall budget. &

It all started with 5 simple wishes...

In the mid 17th century, Europeans celebrating weddings and special occasions would offer their

guests five almond dragées.

Centuries later, Les Cinq Amandes continues this sweet tradition by offering outstanding designs, innovative flavors and the five wishes of Health, Happiness, Longevity, Peace, and of course...Love!

weddings and special occasions would offer their


| | |V E N U E / H O L LY W O O D

With a combined 12,000 square feet of

stunning décor and ambiance, Lavan

events is the perfect backdrop for your

nuptials. Tropical landscaping and dramatic

lighting make the Courtyard a versatile wedding

locale. Stone walls, a waterfall and a draped

arbor, and you’ve got just the right ambiance for

a romantic ceremony, with plenty of room for

dinner and dancing afterwards. The Italian villa

exterior of this newly built venue offers a serene

charm, while inside, the 5,000-square-foot

Ballroom with ornate chandeliers is equipped

with sound, video and light systems equal to ones

you’d find in the best South Florida nightclubs.

With an extensive menu to choose from, it

comes as no surprise that their quest to be top-

of-the-line extends to the kitchen as well, where

old favorites get a new spin and the Middle

Eastern-influenced cuisine can accommodate

every dietary requirement you or your guests may

need.


www.lavancateringandevents.com

Lavan Events


| | |V E N U E / N A P L E S

The Edgewater Beach Hotel provides a

stunning Gulf-front setting for a romantic

Naples wedding. Overlooking the white-

sand shores of the Gulf of Mexico, the Edgewater

boasts 125 spacious suites and stunning Naples

wedding venues that reflect the casual elegance

of their beachfront setting. Exchange vows in

their quaint Beach Cottage, which offers seating

for up to 60 guests indoors and can be combined

with a white tent for additional outdoor space.

The hotel also has several elegantly appointed

venues ready to be transformed for your wedding

reception.

Under the guidance of their Executive Chef,

Edgewater Beach Hotel will treat your guests

to an unforgettable culinary experience during

your wedding celebration. You and your guests

will dine from custom-created menus influenced

by global cuisines and artfully presented to

complement your unique theme and style.


www.edgewaternaples.com

TheEdgewater Beach Hote l

For more information please go to www.marriageequality.org/registries

We are honored to help you create a personal and special donation registry for any occasion.

Wedding Birth / Adoption Holiday Events

In Memory of a Loved One

Any special occasion in your life.

®

Come celebrate your special occasion with

Marriage Equality USA.






®








®



Equality Florida is

the largest civil rights organization

dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian,

gay, bisexual, and transgender community. @equalityFL

Equality Florida is the largest civil

rights organization dedicated to

securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian,


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Get Married on the Beachor at your own location from only $299INCLUDING Ceremony and Professional Pictures!

A D V E R T I S E H E R E

I N F O @ P R I D E A N D G R O O M . C O

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Let Weddings by Lowell make your wedding day one to remember for a life time.

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Get Married on the Beachor at your own location from only $299INCLUDING Ceremony and Professional Pictures!

A D V E R T I S E H E R E

I N F O @ P R I D E A N D G R O O M . C O

3350 NE 12th Ave, #24063 Oakland Park, FL 33307, (954) 240-1944 - [email protected]

Let Weddings by Lowell make your wedding day one to remember for a life time.

www.weddingsbylowell.com

p12-25 - P&G #2 - Close to Home.indd 23 20/09/2015 21:40:18

| | |


R E A L W E D D I N G S / B A C K Y A R D B L I S S

Jessy & Ash l eyJ E S S Y A N D A S H L E Y – N A P L E S , F L O R I D A

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y N E W G R O U N D P H O T O G R A P H Y

W W W. N E W G R O U N D P H O T O G R A P H Y. C O M

| |R E A L W E D D I N G S / B A C K Y A R D B L I S S


“And she smells good……”

That is the only thing Ashley could think to

say the first time she wrapped Jessy in her arms

and from that day forward Ashley would wait

impatiently for the next time she could feel Jessy

melt into her.

Ashley and Jessy first met in 2012 in Winter

Park, FLorida. The couple dated for several

weeks before going separate ways, however,

neither ever truly got past the other. In 2013 both

found themselves single and there was no way

they would squander another opportunity to be

together.

Jessy and Ashley were both ready for marriage

and later that year the couple decided to take

their relationship to the next step and plan a

ceremony to celebrate their love, with an epic

party to follow.

Little did they know that The State of Florida

would progress allowing them to become married

at their wedding.

The only place the couple could imagine

sharing this moment was on the 44 acres of land

Jessy’s parents live on in Fort Myers, Florida.

Ashley and Pam (Jessy’s mom) took to planning

an absolute fairytale wedding where the couples

mothers walked them down the aisle to start

their forever as Mrs. and Mrs. Eller.

The girls had 165 guests and all their friends

and families came together effortlessly!

On their wedding day, Ashley couldn’t

A s h l e y

J e s s y

| | |


imagine not having gotten ready with Jessy. The

transformation was the most beautiful thing she

had ever seen.

The girls also truly enjoyed having their

mothers assist them on the day, helping them

get into their dresses and being walked down the

aisle by the two strongest women they know.

Sharing the father daughter dance was also

a truly memorable moment as both girls were

spun and twirled like true brides should be!

Ashley and Jessy were truly blessed with amazing

bridesmaids (and bridesmen) who managed to

keep the couple calm throughout the day and

shared beautiful words at the ceremony. The

wedding could not have been more magical. &

FURY 24134 Pride and Groom Ad.indd 1 9/11/15 4:23 PM

| | |


FURY 24134 Pride and Groom Ad.indd 1 9/11/15 4:23 PM

V E N U E / K E Y W E S T

If you like the sounds of saying your vows

as you sail on the crystal blue waters

surrounding Key West, then Fury Water

Adventures might just be the perfect answer.

Offering a huge array of water-based sports,

Fury also caters for weddings and special

events.

With a Catamaran or glass bottom boat to

choose from, live bands, and all the amenities

you need on board to have the wedding of

a lifetime, you can be whisked away with

your friends and family on the ultimate sea

adventure and literally sail into the beautiful

Key West sunset.

Fur yWater Advent ur es

| |R E A L W E D D I N G S / B E A C H B R I D E S


Tonya

| | |


We like to say we’ve been together for

13 years, just on a 10-year sabbatical.

Sometimes it just takes us that long to

realize what we need is right in front of us. A gym

workout in 2012 reminded us of that and we have

been together ever since.

Once we decided to get married the question

came up of who proposes to whom. What girl

doesn’t want to be proposed to? We both did.

As soon as the first one proposes, there is a very

awkward thought every day going forward of

“is it my turn yet.” We borrowed the idea from

our close friends and selected an “engagement

day” - July 12, 2014. Tonya gets the morning.

Hayley gets the afternoon. Each girl plans her

own special way to pop the question. We knew

that we wanted to get engaged and get married

in Key West: our favorite place. This one single

island has our hearts forever.

Tonya proposed at Smather’s Beach and

Hayley proposed at Fort Zachary Taylor State

Park. Neither one of us had been to Fort Zach

and quickly knew this is where we would get

married! We picked our ceremony site that day.

A planned engagement day also meant we were

able to finalize some wedding details during the

same Key West trip. Our wedding, our limited

budget, our dreams, our decisions. With

Hayley

T o nyaHa l ey&

>

| |R E A L W E D D I N G S / B E A C H B R I D E S


the ceremony site decided, next stop reception

locale. Kelly’s Caribbean Bar and Grill has it

all : amazing history, beautiful rooftop vibe,

great food, and simply put - Fabulous. Rachel

Ligon photographer, Key West Cakes, Love in

Bloom florist, Doubletree Grand Key Resort: all

major decisions were getting checked off before

we left the island. Back at home, the vendors

made it so easy to plan from thousands of miles

away.

Our beautiful wedding took place at sunset on

May 16, 2015 with an amazing group of our closest

friends and select family members. Our guests

loved coming to Key West for the first time ever

or first time in decades. They made a vacation

out of it! From adventure tours, bike rentals, bar

hoping, pool drinking, and the best drag shows.

Everyone had a blast and has requested reunions

there! For us the best memories from our day

are saying “I Do” by the water with the sound of

a steel drum, being blown away by the rooftop

reception, and of course jumping off the pier

in our wedding dresses. The pictures remind us

everyday of how our wedding dreams came true

- Can we do it again? &

T O N Y A & H A Y L E Y – K E Y W E S T, F L O R I D A

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y R A C H E L E . L I G O N

W W W. R A C H E L E L I G O N . C O M

| |P U F F & S T U F F / T A M P A V E N U E S


TPEPIN’S HOSPITALITY CENTRE

Conveniently situated in east Tampa Bay, this

sophisticated venue features 10,000 sq. ft. of

event space. The Grand Ballroom accommodates

up to 500 guests and includes a built in ‘ l ight up’

dance floor, state-of-the-art lighting and can be

customized to execute any celebration, large or

small.

WHETHER YOUR PERFECT DAY IS AN INTIMATE GATHERING OR A CELEBRATION WITH FRIENDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD, PUFF ‘N STUFF CATERING BRINGS YOU THE TOP

VENUES LOCATED THROUGHOUT TAMPA BAY.

THE WESTLY

Tucked away within a gated community dotted

with palm trees, the Westly Event Center

(formerly known as Mainsail) features over 17,000

sq. ft. of elegant event space.

From the warm welcoming grand entrance, to

the outdoor terrace overlooking a tranquil pond

and cascading waterfall, this hidden gem boasts

an inviting yet sophisticated setting to host your

wedding.

| |P U F F & S T U F F / T A M P A V E N U E S


THE PALMETTO CLUB

Turn moments into memories at The Palmetto Club where

charm meets modern opulence. Exchange vows on an

enchanting half-acre of manicured gardens adorned with

serene water fountains. Dine and dance the night away

under ornate crystal chandeliers found throughout the Grand

Ballroom.

FANTASY OF FLIGHT

With over 100,000 sq. ft. of combined space, this venue can

accommodate from 50 to 5,000 guests. Say “ I Do” in front of a

picturesque, lakeside sunset. Enjoy cocktails in the beautifully

adorned Art Deco Compass Rose; party into the evening inside

one of our spacious hangars or keep it simply elegant in one of

our vintage themed locations.






®








®








®



Equality Florida is








Equality Florida is




Equality Florida is








Equality Florida is





Located on Beach Drive in the laid back hustle

and bustle of downtown St. Petersburg,

FL, The Birchwood is a historical property

offering superb amenities for wedding parties

of all sizes.

Originally built in 1924 as the Lantern Lane

Apartments, the Mediterranean Style building

was redeveloped in June of 2013.

Go above and beyond for your party in the

Birchwood’s Grand Ballroom, which creates

a spectacular setting for your celebrations.

Through soaring windows or on the spacious

balcony, The Grand Ballroom also delivers

enchanted views of Tampa Bay, Beach Drive,

the downtown St. Petersburg skyline and the

peaceful tree top dome of Straub Park. What

could be more romantic for your wedding day?


www.thebirchwood.com

The B i r c hw o od| | |V E N U E / S T P E T E R S B O U R G


Andrea delivered a surprise proposal to

Japhia on January 5, 2014. After almost 6

years together, Andrea chose a very special

and personal setting of Honeymoon Island in

Dunedin, FL. The couple had embarked on a life-

move adventure in 2012 from Baltimore, MD to

find their paradise and they found it on the Gulf

Coast of Florida. Honeymoon Island was a special

ingredient in this discovery, as Andrea loves to

beachcomb for treasures.

The duo were married on Fort De Soto beach

in St. Petersburg, FL and had their reception at

St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club which is an

incredible historic landmark of community in

downtown St. Pete. They wanted a casual, fun

celebration where their most loved friends and

family 4could just be together and celebrate

without any of the traditional trappings. They

had food trucks for the food, Florida beers,

shuffleboard play, and lots of dancing under the

moon.

Many of their family members and friends live

far flung from Florida and so they were really

keen to create an experience and choose a venue

that would give their guests an understanding

and feel for why they had chosen to ground their

lives in Florida.

After their amazing wedding, the newlyweds

took off for their honeymoon to another paradise,

Sayulita, in Mexico, which is about 1 hour south

of Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast. They

stayed in a beautiful, private, nature paradise

resort tucked away through Jungle roads on a

hidden beach.

Some of the many highlights of their wedding

day were being surrounded by so many of their

dear and treasured friends. Feeling all of that

love and energy among their guests who also took

meaningful parts in the ceremony and overall

creation of the day. Walking down the beach

hand-in-hand and arriving to the ceremony site

to the sound of cheers from their guests. Sharing

their vows with each other. They also loved all of

the hugs that they got from everyone throughout

the whole day, dancing at the reception (this

is big coming from Japhia who is typically a

wallflower) and ending the evening in the pool

at the hotel with family and friends “we jumped

right in without even taking out the bobby pins

from our wedding hairstyles!” &

Andrea & Japh i a

A N D R E A & J A P H I A – S T P E T E R S B O U R G , F L O R I D A

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y T I D E T H E K N O T B E A C H W E D D I N G S

W W W.T I D E T H E K N O T B E A C H W E D D I N G S . C O M

| |R E A L W E D D I N G S / N A T U R I S T N E W LY W E D S


| | |

A n d r e a

J a p h i a


You’ve always had a vision for your wedding day. Let the wedding professionals atHyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa help make your dreams come true. Featuring sophisticated style and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, we offer the perfect setting for the celebration you’ve always imagined — whether it’s an intimate event or a ballroom ceremony followed by a grand reception. Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount when you book and hold your wedding with us by December 31, 2016.

For more information, contact one of our wedding professionals at 727 373 4444 or visit clearwaterbeach.hyatt.com.

It’s your special day.We’ll make it extra special.

Offer is valid at Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa through December 31, 2016. Offer is based on availability and blackout periods including holidays may apply. Offer includes a ten percent (10%) discount off of published 2015 Wedding Packages. Offer is valid only for newly contracted weddings in accordance with the Catering Contract. The ten percent (10%) discount is applicable only on eligible food and beverage (on non-labor costs) associated with the event. Other incidental charges incurred at any hotel restaurants and shops are not covered by this offer. Qualifying charges do not include any surcharges, gratuities, hotel fees, taxes or third-party charges by contractors (i.e.: � orists, equipment rental, in-house A/V company, simultaneous translators, or event/venue decorators etc). Offer is subject to availability of function space at time of booking. Offer is not valid in conjunction with previously booked weddings and may not be combined with any other offers, incentives, discounts or promotions. Blackout dates may apply. For details about hotel availability and blackout dates, please contact the Catering Department. HYATT name, design and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2015 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

HYATT REGENCY CLEARWATER BEACH RESORT & SPA301 South Gulfview Blvd.Clearwater, Florida, USA, 33767

PIERC5189 HR Clearwater Pride and Groom Wedding Ad.indd 1 5/26/2015 1:38:14 PM

If a Couple is celebrating their nuptials

in Clearwater, then you can almost be

guaranteed that they are hosting it at the

Kapok, a truly unique wedding spot where the

imagination can run wild. With its perfect mix of

eclectic styles on offer, it would be hard to find

another venue like this that can work for almost

any style or wedding theme that you like – even

in period costume!

From the sumptuous European outdoor

gardens to its beautiful ball rooms, Kapok has it

all , including a staircase that is a replica from

the Titanic, and its located literally minutes

from the beach, making this a great venue for

you to say I do to your loved one!

For more information please visit

www.kapokspecialevents.com

The Kap o k| | |V E N U E / C L E A R W A T E R

You’ve always had a vision for your wedding day. Let the wedding professionals atHyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa help make your dreams come true. Featuring sophisticated style and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, we offer the perfect setting for the celebration you’ve always imagined — whether it’s an intimate event or a ballroom ceremony followed by a grand reception. Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount when you book and hold your wedding with us by December 31, 2016.

For more information, contact one of our wedding professionals at 727 373 4444 or visit clearwaterbeach.hyatt.com.

It’s your special day.We’ll make it extra special.

Offer is valid at Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa through December 31, 2016. Offer is based on availability and blackout periods including holidays may apply. Offer includes a ten percent (10%) discount off of published 2015 Wedding Packages. Offer is valid only for newly contracted weddings in accordance with the Catering Contract. The ten percent (10%) discount is applicable only on eligible food and beverage (on non-labor costs) associated with the event. Other incidental charges incurred at any hotel restaurants and shops are not covered by this offer. Qualifying charges do not include any surcharges, gratuities, hotel fees, taxes or third-party charges by contractors (i.e.: � orists, equipment rental, in-house A/V company, simultaneous translators, or event/venue decorators etc). Offer is subject to availability of function space at time of booking. Offer is not valid in conjunction with previously booked weddings and may not be combined with any other offers, incentives, discounts or promotions. Blackout dates may apply. For details about hotel availability and blackout dates, please contact the Catering Department. HYATT name, design and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2015 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

HYATT REGENCY CLEARWATER BEACH RESORT & SPA301 South Gulfview Blvd.Clearwater, Florida, USA, 33767

PIERC5189 HR Clearwater Pride and Groom Wedding Ad.indd 1 5/26/2015 1:38:14 PM

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Hawai i a nHoneymo o nsL

ets face it - It’s hard to go wrong with Hawaii for that all amazing trip for two. With so many

beautiful destinations to choose from, you are sure to find one that really sets the perfect

backdrop for that perfectly romantic honeymoon, and here is a selection we have chosen, that

might just tickle your fancy!

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The Fairmont Orchid spreads across 32

acres of perfectly manicured gardens

along the Pacific. Vast grounds and open

plan ensure that there’s always a great view.

Sporty newlyweds enjoy the 10,000-square-foot

swimming pool, the 2 championship golf courses,

and the 10 tennis courts. The hotel even has its

own lagoon, complete with resident green sea

turtles.

HONEYMOOCN HIGHLIGHTS

Couples who enjoy getting pampered should

try the outdoor Waterfall Massage, where they

can lounge in a hale (private hut) overlooking

waterfalls and a koi pond.


www.fairmont.com/orchid-hawaii.com

The Fai r m ont O r ch i dt he b ig I s l a nd

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Four Seas onsMau i at Wai l ea / Mau i

For couples who truly love the finer things in life, the

Four Seasons Maui at Wailea can provide a luxurious and

romantic atmosphere on the shores of Maui. The resort

boasts one of the country’s top-rated spas and three of

Hawaii’s most critically acclaimed restaurants.


A concierge can help with any romantic request, but the resort

features two popular options. For the Bougainvillea Trail

option, gardeners handpick bougainvillea from the grounds

and set up a trail from door to bed, complete with chilled

champagne. The Ultimate Romantic Dinner brings private,

fine dining to the beach. The Four Seasons Resort Maui chef

creates a five-course meal for couples at a private table on

the beach set with fine crystal, silver, china, and tropical

flowers.


www.fourseasons.com/maui.com

D E S T I N A T I O N H O N E Y M O O N S / H A W A I I


Kaha l a Hote l a nd Res o r tT

he Kahala’s 6.5 acres of

crescent beach, tropical

gardens, and waterfalls

seem far removed, but the

resort is only minutes from

Honolulu’s cosmopolitan

atmosphere. Five bottlenose

dolphins frequent the private

lagoon — but they aren’t the

resort’s only celebrities. A

walk through the hotel’s photo

gallery shows that The Kahala

has hosted everyone from US

presidents to rock stars.


The Kahala’s “Kissing Point” is

one of the most beautiful spots

on the island to watch the

colorful Hawaiian sunset.


www.kahalaresort.com

K o ’ a Kea / Kauai This low-key hotel on Poipu

Beach skips over the man-made

trappings of other resorts and

instead emphasizes the serenity of

its surroundings. All rooms feature

lanais, most with awe-inspiring

views.


The spa here has five rooms specially

constructed for couples. Follow an

indulgent treatment with an even-

more decadent dinner at Kauai’s

best hotel restaurant, Red Salt.


www.koakea.com

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G rand Wai l ea / Mau iH

oneymooners visiting Grand Wailea will

enjoy a particular combination of decadence

and Hawaiian culture. No expense was

spared during construction: some $30 million

worth of original artwork decorates the grounds,

much of which was expressly created for the

hotel by Hawaiian artists. The hotel also boasts a

farm-to-table dining series, the only specialized

scuba pool in Hawaii, and the largest and most

resplendent spa on Maui, a 50,000 square-foot

marble paradise with thundering waterfall

showers, Japanese furo baths, mineral soaking

tubs and other luxe features.


The Grand Wailea’s signature restaurant float

atop a man-made lagoon; some couples enjoy

fishing for their own lobster, straight from the

waters below.


www.grandwailea.com

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Travaasa Hana / Mau i


P I N K - P A R E N T I N G . C O M

F O R T H E M O D E R N F A M I LY

N E W & I M P R O V E D S I T E L I V E N O W !

At the end of the spectacular road to Hana is

a resort that can only be described as luxury

in its purest form. The adults-only Sea Ranch

cottages here are downright heavenly, featuring

plush beds with organic linens, bamboo floors,

deep soaking tubs and floor to ceiling sliding

doors that open onto spacious lanais (many

with a private hot tub). Active couples love

the Travaasa because the genuinely hospitable

staff sets up dozens of adventures (many at no

extra cost) from archery, to horseback rides

past waterfalls, to learning how to throw a

traditional Hawaiian fishing net. The on-site spa

has been voted “Best in Hawaii”.


This is the only all-inclusive resort in the

Hawaiian isles, so though it’s pricey, once it’s

paid for (perhaps by your friends and family.. .

hint, hint) you won’t have to worry about costs

on the honeymoon itself.


www.travaasa.com/hana.com

| | |D E S T I N A T I O N H O N E Y M O O N S / H A W A I I

P I N K - P A R E N T I N G . C O M

F O R T H E M O D E R N F A M I LY

N E W & I M P R O V E D S I T E L I V E N O W !

T H E W H I T E W E D D I N G D R E S S


Wedding traditions may have relaxed in recent decades, but one thing stays

the same: the bride wears white. Sure, there are plenty of options out

there for the more radicals among us. But as of last year, colored gowns

accounted for only 4 to 5% of sales at popular retailer David’s Bridal.

Like any number of traditions, the white wedding dress comes to us

straight from the Victorian era—in fact, from Queen Victoria herself,

who was married to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha,

175 years ago. Yet when she chose white silk-satin for her

wedding, the choice was almost as radical as it would

have been for Catherine Middleton to walk down the

aisle in bright red.

Red was in fact a very popular color for brides in

Victoria’s day, but the young queen broke with the status

quo and insisted on a lacy white gown. Members of the court

thought it much too restrained in color, and were mystified that

she shunned ermine and even a crown, opting instead for a simple

orange blossom wreath.

Victoria was not the first royal to choose white for her nuptials—

several others, including Mary Queen of Scots in 1558, preceded her—

but Victoria is the one widely credited with changing the norm.

Alongside purity and simplicity, Victoria’s gown

proved to also be economical repurposing the

lace from her dress again and again, even

resurrecting it for her Diamond Jubilee 56 years

later.

Today’s brides may not share this thriftiness, but

they do take after Victoria in style. With its fitted

bodice and full , floor-length skirt, the typical

contemporary wedding gown looks a lot more

like Victoria’s dress than it does anything else

in the bride’s wardrobe. &

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Pride & Groom Magazine is a publication of G&J Media LLC. Neither this publication nor its contents constitute an explicit endorsement by G&J Media LLC of the products or

services mentioned in advertising or editorial content. The editorial content in this publication does not necessarily represent policies or recommendations of G&J Media

LLC. This publication is not intended to be exhaustive. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, G&J Media LLC shall not have any liability for errors or omissions.

© 2015 All copyright G&J Media LLC unless otherwise stated. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from G&J Media LLC is strictly prohibited.

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