Because there are so many subtle variations, I am forever experimenting with white. Each season I create three new shades especially for my wedding gowns. For me, nothing is more enchanting than mixing several tones in one dress. Perhaps it is an ivory grosgrain ribbon on a white satin bodice or pure white lace on an ivory taffeta train. This deliberate blending of whites has resulted in some of my most signature looks.

A fondness for white need not be limited to the wedding gown. A veil, bouquet or wedding slipper can accentuate a white scheme, as can a floral centerpiece or an upholstered seat cushion. Due to its intrinsic purity, however, an all-white wedding requires enormous discipline. The scent of gardenias, the crispness of a white dinner napkin, the ceiling of a white tent or the glow of a white taper should all be meticulously staged to achieve a cohesive finish.

Depending on the bride’s preferences and the overall design scheme, any tableau of whites can either be starkly minimal or decidedly elaborate. The marriage of different whites provides depth, dimension and texture without the distraction of color.

Although most brides regard white as the true color of weddings, many associate the joy of this day with luscious displays of color. Color speaks to each of us in different ways. Sophisticated pales, such as rose, celadon, sky blue or maize can be flattering to wear, while elegant neutrals, such as gray, taupe, stone or nude, can bring in a bit of subtle contrast to a bride’s gown or her choice of decor. Intense brights, such as fuchsia, bougainvillea and periwinkle, always divert attention away from a plain venue or intensify the drama of a lavish wedding celebration.

For nearly two decades as a Vogue editor, fashion was my life. I had the unique privilege of collaborating with some of the world’s most creative individuals. From styling the fashion pages to working with designers, I was in a rare position to communicate with women. I also learned how to hone my eye and trust my creative instincts to an extent even I could never have imagined. The incomparable training I received continues to guide my work today.

As a fashion professional and a former bride, I am now able to translate all of that knowledge and love of style to the visual and emotional vocabulary of weddings. Having experienced weddings from both a personal and professional perspective, I can truthfully say that no one is more dedicated to brides than I am.

In writing this, I have been constantly amazed by the style, imagination, and individuality of the women I’ve dressed. Not in my wildest dreams could I have anticipated the creativity my gowns would inspire and the impact of the clothes we so painstakingly create in our design studio. As photographs from all over the world started coming into our office, I was equally moved by the beauty, grace and elegance of these celebrations. Each wedding represented its own unique take on timeless tradition. From the gown and veil to the cake and flowers, seeing these brides in their  moment of glory gave me a newfound appreciation for the work we do.

xx

Vera

If weddings attest to our belief in commitment, than wedding cakes celebrate all that is fun and frivolous at the reception. A wedding cake is universally acknowledged as an object of extreme reverence and joy.

The most memorable wedding cakes are as imaginative as they are delicious. I personally love a bit of contrast or some element of surprise, such as morsels of fresh fruit inside layers of frosting or a chocolate cake under a sea of white butter cream. Texture is also important.

Since many wedding venues have bakers on staff, they may require that the cake be made in-house, so the food contract should be checked. Study magazines, books and tear sheets for inspiration. If local bakers are uninspiring, it is feasible to have a wedding cake shipped from another location. Most competent professionals have extensive look-books to peruse.

Cutting the cake represents the start of the newlywed’s life together. The groom places his right hand over the bride’s to guide it for the first cut. Superstition requires that the bride cut the first piece. The groom feeds the bride, then she in turn feeds him. This shared piece of cake symbolizes their first meal together.

As formal toasts usually follow the cutting of the cake, it is best to schedule this fairly early on. This is also an ideal opportunity for guests who wish to depart early to do so.

As for the Groom’s cake, historically, is a dark, rich cake heavily laden with dried fruits, nuts and honey. Today, however, it can come in any shape, size, flavor or motif. It may be served as part of the dessert buffet, alongside the wedding cake, or sliced, wrapped in tissue and boxed with ribbon as a party favor. The groom’s cake also provides an opportunity for the bride to highlight some of the groom’s most endearing idiosyncrasies. As with the wedding cake, make certain that it tastes as good as it looks.

While the thought of marriage can be all compelling, the headiest and most exciting part of a love story is always the proposal. That instant when you both just know. Whoever does the asking, the sheer thrill of being desired can be positively intoxicating. It’s like the beginning of  new love affair, only this time with the added comfort and security of commitment.

Whether your proposal takes place over a candlelit dinner in Capri or during halftime at a Knick’s game, you owe the magic of this interlude to each other first and foremost. It is important to experience your engagement as an ongoing process, part emotional and part rational. It takes endless amounts of love, patience, and maturity to create a marriage. An engagement should be viewed as a valuable prelude to the rest of your life.

However long you’ve been together, the consent to wed will invariably raise new concerns. The resolution to many of these issues will also require compromise as well as time. The marriage you create can provide the love, honesty, and compassion you both desire

Luke and Melissa met by chance through mutual friends 11 years ago (on 11.11.07). “He had just come back from California,” says Dilger, who credits a friend from Monmouth University where she studied graphic design – for putting Ditella on her radar. “He came to visit me at school soon after that and he never left.” It was as simple as that.

After 7 years, Luke surprised Melissa with a fairytale proposal on her birthday on February 10th, 2013 in the midst of a New York City blizzard. In the penthouse of the Dream Downtown Hotel, Luke gathered an intimate group of friends and family and asked Melissa to be his wife. The ring was an antique emerald from France and the setting was personally designed by Luke.

“We didn’t want a conventional wedding,” says Melissa. “We set out to make the day and night about everyone. Not just the two of us. We wanted to curate an event where each person felt they were at the center of it all yet came away with a completely separate and unique experience. Think Gatsby meets Alexander McQueen and with a dash of Tim Burton”.

The concept is simple, it was to be a ‘Black Wedding’, meaning every attendant was to wear black, and only black while the only people to wear any white were the bride and groom. The idea “arose simply from a conversation regarding the final scene in The Shining where Jack Nicolson sees the image on the wall of himself at the front of a room with everyone behind him celebrating in their formal-wear and tuxedos. We thought what an iconic and amazing image it would be to see Melissa in all white in the forefront of the room and have everyone else behind her in all black – It would be this poignant, classic image, and an ode to how she brought us all here. On that very note, The Black Wedding was brought to life”.

“The formal/black tie is something that we both were unwavering on. The bygone era of opulent New York where men wore tuxedos and women wore their best gowns for a night out is something we love and wish we could have experienced. We wanted to bring that back with a modern, darker twist.”

Vera Wang is pleased to announce the release of the Spring 2018 advertising campaign for Vera Wang Collection & Eyewear. Photographed by Patrick Demarchelier and styled by Panos Yiapanis, the campaign features model Freja Beha Erichsen.

Photographer: Patrick Demarchelier

Stylist: Panos Yiapanis

Model: Freja Beha Erichsen

Hair: Garren

Make-up: Marla Belt

Manicurist: Kelly B

With the insanity of planning a wedding, registering for gifts may seem like yet another daunting task. The important thing to keep in mind is that the wedding registry should reflect the couple’s tastes and lifestyle.

Before the bride ever gazes upon a piece of Wedgwood or a Waring blender, the bride and groom should agree on two fundamental issues: where and for how long they plan to live in their first home. If the couple resides in different cities, it may be premature to register for a full china service or antique silver. If, however, the plan is to furnish a dream house,
Baccarat crystal and monogrammed linens could be entirely appropriate and a necessary accoutrement.

For young couples who bring few material belongings to a marriage, a wedding may be the opportunity to acquire some extravagant possessions. For many, the compromise between everyday necessities and those special one-of-a-kind objects may seem difficult to achieve. These decisions, however, will impact a couple’s lifestyle and the furnishing of their home.

TIPS

– Register for a variety of gifts within a range of price points.

– It can be appropriate to have a group of friends participate in less traditional gifts, such as expensive electronics.

– When registering for items such as china and crystal, be sure that the patterns are not discontinued. This covers eventual loss, breakage or possible additions.

– If possible, register with at least one nationwide chain that can service a wide variety of locations.

– Register for specific items at alternative shops, such as a sports chain or a wine shop. For hobbies like cooking and gardening, there are home improvement chains and any number of
highly specific websites.

– For vacations or spas, there are great deals to be had through the airlines and online.

– Even if it has little to do with furnishing a home, the wedding registry should reflect the personal interests of both the bride and the groom.

– Some guests may choose to refer to the wedding list for bridal shower gifts. If the registry is done early on, this can be a convenient and sensible way for friends to shop for
other wedding-related gifts.

– Registering is the perfect moment to complete a collection.

– Some retailers offer a discount on anything left on the registry list after the wedding.

– All gift suggestions should be discreetly conveyed through the maid or matron of honor. Wedding etiquette requires that no guidelines regarding wedding presents be written or spoken
by the couple. Oddly enough, a couple’s registry should never come directly from them.

– Never use any gifts from the registry until after the wedding.

– The only reason to return a gift is if the wedding is cancelled.

– For second marriages or couples who already have substantial lifestyles, it is appropriate to request that money be donated to charity in lieu of a gift.

– In certain cultures it is permissible to give money to the newlyweds. Make sure this is acceptable etiquette given the cultural and ethnic background of the couple.

– Keep all paperwork carefully organized in case of returns, breakage, errors or exchanges.

– Write each thank-you note as the gift is received and recorded. Guests have up to a year to send a gift, and the recipients have the same amount of time to acknowledge it.

Although music is one of the most expressive parts of a wedding, it is frequently the last consideration. The processional music should be personal to the couple and inspire emotions for the guests. Any music during the ceremony should reinforce the dramatic nature of the proceedings and lend meaning to the service. The music for the recessional should also celebrate the couple’s joy and happiness.

Some things to keep in mind:

-The choice of music affects everything else.

-Music always enhances the mood of the wedding ceremony.

-Many couples choose different pieces of music for each group in the processional.

-The choice of music need not always be classical.

-Poignant renditions of popular songs are every bit as moving as a string quartet.

-The musical possibilities for a ceremony can range from a children’s choir, a church organist or a chamber music group to a cantor or soloist.

MUSICAL SUGGESTIONS

“Canon in D,” by Johann Pachelbel

“Trumpet Voluntary (“Prince of Denmark’s March”), by Jeremiah Clarke

“Romanza,” from Eine kleine Nachtmusik by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

“Bridal Chorus” (“ Here Comes the Bride”) from Lohengrin, by Richard Wagner

“Anglaise Minuet for Hornpipe,” by George frideric Handel

“Heroic Music,” by Georg Phillip Telemann

“Fifth Movement,” Sonata Tromba, by Arcangelo Corelli

“Rondeau,” from Fanfares avec une Suite de Simphonies, by Jean-Joseph Mouret

“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” Cantata #147, by Johann Sebastian Bach

“Wedding March,” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, by Felix Mendelssohn

“Spring,” from The Four Seasons, by Antonio Vivaldi

“Arrival of the Queen of Sheba,” from Solomon, by George Frideric Handel

“Marche Gay,” from Symphonies for the King’s Bed Chamber, by Jean-Baptiste Lully

“The Trumpet Shall Sound,” from The Messiah, by George Frideric Handel

Wedding preparations should include certain beauty treatments, some undertaken well in advance of the ceremony. The significance of a life-altering event such as one’s wedding can wreak havoc on everything from one’s skin to one’s weight, so it is important that the bride dedicate sufficient time to prepare both mentally and physically for this enormous rite of passage. While many brides devote inordinate time and attention to their hair and makeup, nothing should take precedence over personal grooming. A polished appearance is the best complement to any wedding gown.
 
THREE TO SIX MONTHS PRIOR
 
• Get a clean bill of health from your general physician or any specialists, plus all vaccinations necessary for the honeymoon.

• As nothing is more attractive than a healthy smile, take care of all dental-related issues well in advance. Leave extra time if needed.

A MONTH PRIOR

 
• Conclude potentially irritating treatments such as facial peels and electrolysis.

• Have your hair trimmed, not cut.

• From here on in, cease to experiment with any new beauty products.
 

ONE OR TWO WEEKS PRIOR

• Attend final dress fittings.

• Schedule dress rehearsals for hair, makeup and veil.

• Purchase extra accessories like stockings and bras.

• Assemble your trousseau.

• Pack for your honeymoon.

• Have all necessary prescriptions filled

• Start moisturizing.

• Get some sleep.
 

THE DAY BEFORE

 
• Lay out all clothing, including rehearsal dinner attire.

• Get a manicure and a pedicure. I prefer short nails in a pale shade of nude polish or a French manicure. This is not the time to make a nail statement.

• Apply a hypoallergenic moisturizing mask. Then moisturize again. Makeup looks best on smooth, hydrated skin. Use a product that will not cause an allergic reaction.

• If possible, get a massage.- Spend a bit of time alone.

BEFORE THE WEDDING

• If you are not getting dressed at the ceremony venue, it is necessary to devise a strategy for the arrival, particularly for a voluminous gown.

• Have a steamer on hand in case of last-minute wrinkles.

• Eat small, high-protein snacks all day, such as cheese, nuts, yogurt and peanut butter.

• For your complexion and your general state of health, be sure to drink enough water to stay hydrated.

• Allow extra time for everything, from hair and makeup to the wedding portraits.

• Once hair and makeup are done, put on the undergarments, unzip the gown and step into it.

• Drape a towel over the dress before any hair or makeup touch-ups.

• Dress in a separate room from everyone else. – Once dressed, remain standing to avoid wrinkling.

• Once dressed, sip clear liquids through a straw to avoid stains.

• The headpiece, veil, blusher, jewelry and lip color should be put on last.

• Anchor the veil securely.

• Have the photographer on hand to document everything.

For most women, a wedding gown represents far more than just a dress. It is also the embodiment of a dream, perhaps one she has nurtured since childhood. In this fantasy of idealized happiness the groom represents perfection and the face of all human possibility. The instant a woman becomes engaged, however, all that energy and passion gets transferred to her dress. What follows can be something akin to madness.

Imagine all the complexity of human emotion and expectation a the crossroads of fantasy and reality. Then add considerations of tradition, propriety, sensuality and fashion, and capture all of that in one dress. It isn’t easy.

While a woman has feelings of self-perception for every facet of love, today she has infinitely more possibilities than ever before. Rules are vanishing. Bareness is no longer taboo, and veils are not alway necessary. Freedom and innovation abound.

Whether she is schoolmarm or siren, flower child or princess, socialite or career girl, or a bit of each rolled into one, the bride should choose the gown that reflects who she is above and before all else. A wedding gown must always embody the individual.

This 2018 CFDA Fashion Awards, hosted by Issa Rae, were filled with iconic fashion moments and numerous honorees.

Attendees were there to congratulate the Winners including:
• Raf Simons, Womenswear Designer of the Year Award for Calvin Klein
• Supreme, Menswear Designer of the Year Award
• Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen, Accessory Designer of the Year Award for The Row
• Sander Lak, Emerging Talent Award for Sies Marjan
• Kim Kardashian West, First Influencer Award
• Naomi Campbell, Fashion Icon Award
• Donatella Versace, International Award
• Narciso Rodriguez, Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award
• Carolina Herrera, Founder’s Award in honor of Eleanor Lambert
• Diane von Furstenberg, Swarovski Award for Positive Change

Vera wore a custom-made Vera Wang yellow ruffled gown alongside Ashley Graham, Jasmine Sanders, and Victor Cruz shown above wearing Vera Wang BLACK .

A main highlight for the evening, however, was when Ralph Lauren received A CFDA Members Salute by designers Vera Wang, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, Alexander Wang, Thom Browne, Jeffrey Banks, John Varvatos, Donna Karan, Marcus Wainwright, Jason Wu, and Diane von Furstenberg.

“Through the demonstration of the numerous nominees and winners, it could be seen at the 2018 CFDA that Fashion Awards is the perfect proof that American fashion is a global powerhouse,” said by Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA.

THE PURCHASE

Shopping for a wedding gown is one of the most memorable parts of the wedding experience. After all the excitement of the engagement, the quest for the right dress can provide a wonderful moment for a bride-to-be to bond with the significant women in her life. Nevertheless, where taste, style, and budget are concerned, it may feel daunting to have to reconcile issues of self-perception, religion, and wedding etiquette. Even well meaning relatives and friends can add to the confusion. In the end, a wedding gown should fulfill the bride’s own sense of identity. The purchase of a wedding gown is still a time-honored tradition that endures today.

TIPS

• Determine the where, when and how of the wedding before looking at gowns.

• Focus on silhouette during the first visit to a shop.

• When possible, take along the necessary foundation garments

• If a special piece of jewelry, a favorite flower or an unusual color plays into the decision, bring those items or swatches along.

• Do not purchase a gown based on anticipated weight loss. If there is a question about size, always go one bigger. A large dress can be taken in, but it is virtually impossible to let out a small one. Due to nerves, most brides tend to shed two to five pounds before a wedding.

• Beware of buying a dress based solely on a photograph. Pictures are not necessarily reliable.

• The simpler the gown, the more precise the workmanship should be.

• A grand wedding usually necessitates a more extravagant silhouette.

• The longer the train, the bigger the bustle.

• Vintage gowns are not easily fitted or repaired because the fabric is most often irreplaceable.

• Wedding separates are a chic and much less expensive alternative to a gown.

• Not every gown is right for every wedding.

WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING

The busiest time of year for bridal shopping is January through April. The busiest days for retailers are Friday afternoon, all day Saturday and, in some cases, Sunday. For extra attention, Monday is usually the best day to shop.

WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING

• Due to the fragility of the gowns, most reputable retailers require that an appointment be made in advance with a sales consultant. Expect the appointment to last between forty-five and ninety minutes.

• Be direct with the dress consultant about one’s budget. State the desired price range and be clear as to one’s limits. A competent consultant can be of great help in advising on the purchase, but only if the consultant has a clear understanding of the client’s budgetary parameters.

• Remain open-minded and receptive to new ideas. Many of my brides are amazed at their final decision. It is also important to allow plenty of time for the purchase of the wedding dress. Typically, dresses take at least three months to come into the store, so if possible, begin the search eight to ten months before the wedding.

• One of the most important factors to consider about a retailer is the caliber of the seamstresses on staff. Only extremely competent technicians can manage both the specific and complex alterations that a wedding dress requires.

• Certain upscale department stores have bridal departments. Some may even have individual shops dedicated to specific designers. Like wedding boutiques, they are equipped to handle most of the issues related to wedding attire: shoes, stockings, handbags, gloves, headpieces and veils. They can also ship and deliver anywhere. Another advantage of department stores is their revolving charge plans, but pay attention to the terms.

• Many bridal retail chains buy dresses in bulk, so they can afford to give discounts. While the shopping is rarely an upscale experience, it is possible to reap big savings if the right dress is available in the right size. Be careful of imperfections and defects.

• Warehouse discounters also offer little in terms of service. They do provide the opportunity to see a wide variety of dresses. Most bridal houses and manufacturers have twice-yearly sample sales. It is, on occasion, possible to spend $1,200 for a dress that might have originally cost $7,000. Examine the clothes carefully for damage and do not expect alterations or returns.

• Trunk shows are collections of a designer’s most recent work. They are held all over the country, usually from Thursday through Sunday. Trunk shows feature the latest styles as well as wedding gowns not necessarily offered in stores due to the price or the complexity of the design. This approach works best for the decisive shopper.

• Some bridal designers maintain their own retail establishments. I have found my shop to be an incredible way to stay in touch with clients and experiment with new ideas. I always showcase a dozen or so wedding dresses that no one else carries.

• Since vintage wedding dresses are one of a kind, they can be perfect for a bride who desires something truly unique Be cautious when entrusting the design and execution of a wedding dress to a seamstress. Alterations are one thing, but creating a gown from scratch is quite another. Made-to-order means made to one’s specific measurements. This is a costly process that permits the bride an unprecedented level of control since any detail can be modified or reworked to her specifications.

• A handful of European fashion houses maintain haute couture workrooms. Unlike made-to-order, these couture wedding gowns are entirely handmade and decorated, and therefore require extensive labor, which is usually reflected in the price. Couture fashion houses require a minimum of four fittings; there are very few haute couture clients in the world.

TERMS OF THE PURCHASE

• Once the gown is ordered, a dress order cancellation fee will usually apply.

• Fifty percent of a gown’s cost is due upon placement of the order. It is usually nonrefundable.

• The balance is due upon completion of the dress, before the alterations are finished. Alterations are usually additional.

• In some instances, depending upon the retailer, the customer may be required to pay the entire cost up-front and keep the dress, no matter the outcome. Be sure to sign a Terms of Sale or Special Order Contract, with the specifics of the purchase noted.

THE FITTINGS

The importance of fittings cannot be emphasized enough. For the beauty of her gown and her own peace of mind, a bride must devote serious time and effort toward fitting her dress. Regardless of its shape or construction, a wedding gown will look beautiful only if it is properly fit.

SOME VALUABLE TIPS

• Even an inexpensive gown can look elegant if it is properly fit.

• To avoid hemline discrepancies, a bride should bring her wedding shoes to every fitting.

• For uniformity of fit, always wear the same underpinnings.

• It is best to maintain a stable weight. Even a two-pound fluctuation can alter the fit of a bodice. A dress that has been overworked will show it.

• The initial fitting will determine the number of subsequent visits.

• A beautiful gown can be ruined by bad alterations.

• Most reputable, full-service bridal retailers are responsible for fitting the gown properly.

• Check with the retailer to understand its policies regarding alterations.

Vera Wang is pleased to announce the release of the Fall 2018 advertising campaign for Vera Wang Collection & Eyewear. Photographed by Inez & Vinoodh and styled by Panos Yiapanis, the campaign features models Lia Pavlova, Odette Pavlova, Oslo Grace, Sora Choi, Adesuwa Aighewi, and Teddy Quinlivan.

Photographer: Inez & Vinoodh

Stylist: Panos Yiapanis

Model: Lia Pavlova, Odette Pavlova, Oslo Grace, Sora Choi, Adesuwa Aighewi, and Teddy Quinlivan

Hair: Shon

Make-up: Marla Belt

Manicurist: Kelly B

Fashion designer and author, Ally Hilfiger, met Artist Steve Hash in December 2010 at a New York City art show. Sparks flew immediately as the two spent the entire evening talking. “My first impression of Steve was that he was a very smart, creative, and fascinating person.” The two went on four more dates before Ally flew to Costa Rica to meet Steve for a surfing vacation.

Steve stole Ally’s heart on that tropical vacation. “I fell in love with him in Costa Rica when we were stranded in the volcano jungle with two flat tires. I love him because he can understand the bigger picture and see that love and kindness is the answer.” Ally knew he was the one when the two moved to California and had their daughter, Harley.

“When you have a soul mate, the labels are unimportant.”

On a surprise weekend trip to Paris, Steve proposed to Ally at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in June 2016 with his parents and Harley by their side. “It was shocking and magical and exciting.”

“The vision for the wedding was to be easy going, yet elegant and fun! We wanted to create a space for our friends and family to kick off their shoes and let their hair down for a few days,” said Ally. The couples creative backgrounds and similar tastes made for a cohesive vision. The wedding was held on the island of Mustique at the Hilfiger’s private home on the beach. The theme was inspired by the elements of the island. “It was important to us to source as many production elements from the local community and neighboring island.”

Ally was in search of a gown that would complement her style and venue. “We walked into Vera Wang on Rodeo Drive and my mother went straight for my dress, we both knew it right away.” The custom backless Ines gown was the perfect fit for her destination wedding.

The Emmy Awards are always a big night for television and fashion. This Monday at the 70th annual show, Issa Rae, star and creator of HBO’s Insecure, stunned in custom Vera Wang Collection. Rae received her first Emmy award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

Rae chose a custom pale blue silk V-neck jumpsuit with a split away skirt, and a hand sewn crystal embellished bodice.
To achieve this look, two set of embroideries in different diamond shades were used to compliment the custom dyed pale blue. Each embroidered crystal appliqué was hand drawn onto the pattern for exact placement and then hand sewn. The look featured 3000 crystals and took 100 hours to complete!

Rae paired her look with Tamara Mellon heels and jewelry from Piaget.

Taylor Shea Mcguire and Nicholas Barber first met in 2006 in New York City. The two were both previously married and remained just friends until they met again in 2015 when Nic visited New York City on his way to Jackson Hole.

“Our first date was in early 2015 in New York City where Nicholas was in town visiting a group of his NYC friends, myself included. That night something changed, neither of us can recall how or why.” says Taylor.

The next day Taylor and Nicholas met for lunch at Locande Verde–and again for dinner. As the weekend neared an end, Nic left for Jackson Hole as planned. While the two remained in touch, Nic suggested that Taylor make a spontaneous trip out to Los Angeles during his 24-hour layover before heading back to Sydney, Australia.

“24 hours turned into 4 days. It was the most romantic exciting weekend of my life.” Nic flew back to Australia with the intention of moving to New York to be with Taylor. Taylor remembers that weekend as the moment she fell in love with Nic; “It was impossible to ignore, I couldn’t believe it and I couldn’t fight it.”

In 2016, Taylor and Nicholas celebrated the birth of their son Wylder and moved to Chicago to be close to family. The new parents decided to take a much needed weekend getaway to New York. “We missed New York City and where we had fallen in love.” At a late dinner at Minetta Tavern, Nicholas popped the question. Taylor remembers it as, “The perfect engagement over steak and wine in our city.”

The couple decided to host their wedding in Byron Bay, Australia at an old mansion right off of Wategoes Beach. “Wategos Beach is the most incredible, intimate location, you can’t help but fall in love with Australia there.” The ceremony was held on the stairs of the mansion surrounded by close friends and family. Following, the guest enjoyed a family style dinner on the terrace overlooking the beach.

In a gorgeously lit dark salon with bright white gowns lining the walls, with her mother and maid of honor by her side, Taylor in search of a dress that made her feel elegant. She surprised Nic with the Florentina gown–the perfect compliment to a romantic evening.

After almost 5 years of love, the two got married on June 23, 2018 at Althorp Estate in the English countryside.

Q: How did you guys first meet each other?

A: We met through my ex boyfriend who I was dating at the time.  My boyfriend told me that he noticed this guy he knew named Brian playing my favorite iphone game Scramble with Friends. He put us in a group chat and told us to play each other.  We played the game with each other for a couple months at which point we finally met and put a face to the name. After my ex and I broke up and Brian knew the coast was clear he started texting me and we hit it off!

Q: What was your first impression of Brian?

A: I wasn’t quite ready to date when he started reaching out to me, but he was very persistent.  After months of Brian asking me out I finally agreed to a date and I had a great time!

Q: What was the most romantic memory that you had with your partner?

A: Brian proposing for sure. I had always hoped Brian would propose in a personal way that felt right and special to both of us.  We had planned a trip to Hong Kong and Thailand to celebrate Brian’s birthday and New Years in December 2016. Our first stop was Hong Kong and when we checked into our hotel room we had the most amazing bathtub with huge windows looking over the city. One of my favorite things to do is take a bath. Brian was planning on popping the question on the beach in Thailand, but the ring was burning a hole in his pocket and he couldn’t wait.  We woke up day two in Hong Kong to celebrate Brian’s birthday. That morning I went to take a bath as usual. Brian came over and sat at the side of the bathtub to chat with me, like he often does and  before I knew it there was a ring in front of my face!

Q: What made you decide he was “the one”?

Everything just felt right. We get along really well and to this day I never tire of spending time with him.

Q: Siena, tell me how did you feel when you just got engaged? Were you overwhelmed/excited? What did you do right after?

Happy and overwhelmed all at the same time.  I started wedding planning one hour after. Later that day the wedding date was already set and later that week my dress appointments were made! Suffice it to say I was really excited.

Q: We all know that planning a wedding involves endless details, deadlines, family drama, and far too often enough stress to make you want to just elope. What was your personal experience?

– Making a guest list: We have so many friends and family, but we were forced to widdle it down to 160 because of the location.  We invited our very closest friends and immediate family. We sent out 175 invites and we were both shocked and thrilled to get so many attending replies considering that it was such a far destination.

– Wedding budgeting: I hated every minute of this, and we did exceed our original budget.  Even though it was stressful I am grateful we did exceed our budget by a little because we were able to accomplish everything we wanted for our wedding and it is truly a weekend we will never forget.

– Logistics: Brian found the wedding planner through one of his clients.  We used Jemma-Jade Events. Jemma-Jade was unbelievable. I was very nervous about planning a wedding in London all the way from LA, but she made it easy.  She knew all the best florists, caterers, ceremony accessories and was an expert on all wedding details. We flew our favorite DJ in from LA because he is someone we love.  We couldn’t see doing our wedding with out him and we wanted to make sure that all of our guests had fun on the dancefloor.

Q: What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?

A: The creative design part and finding all of my outfits of course! I am a very creative person so I had the best time planning the flowers, tables and room design.  I also love fashion so I had a lot of fun working on all of my wedding outfits.

Q: And  most difficult part of the wedding planning process?

A: Seating arrangements! We did two long tables both nights.

Q: Siena, now tell me a little about your dress selection process

A: Selecting my dress turned out to be the easiest part. I had no idea going into the process of finding the dress how challenging it would be, but since I am very particular, I assumed it would be difficult.  I had 4 appointments lined up and our first stop was Vera Wang. I walked in and saw this one dress on a screen on the wall that I had seen on Instagram eight months prior when I was helping my friend look for dresses.  Wedding dresses were not on my mind at the time, so I had sent her the photo on Instagram thinking it would be beautiful on her. When I saw the dress on the screen in Vera I fell in love all over again. I asked to try it on, but it wasn’t out in stores yet, so much to my dismay, I was going to have to return the next month during a trunk show at the store.

I tried on a couple other Vera dresses and truly loved them all, but didn’t feel drawn to anyone in particular. Then right before I was about to leave the associate at Vera appeared with the dress that was on the screen and told me that she found one in back.  It was straight off the runway and had been left behind at the store by mistake. I put it on and it fit perfectly. I had never envisioned myself in a dress with such a big skirt, but I was in love with it. As soon as I put on the dress it just felt right and I knew it was the one. It was so ethereal and just perfect for my venue. I was really drawn to the tulle, I loved how different and modern it was. I felt so strongly that this was my dress that I didn’t want to bother going to any of my other appointments. I was certain that no other dress could compare to mine.

My mom begged me to check out one more place so we did.  I tried on a couple dresses, but nothing came close to my dress at Vera. I returned to Vera the next week to order my dress. At this point, it was 18 months before my wedding and I was aware that new styles would come out, but I didn’t care because I knew without a doubt that this was my dress.

Q: Lastly, do you have any advice for other couples on their big day?

A: Take a step back and take it all in as much as you can during your wedding weekend

Alison Brie chose a custom pale blue tulle plunging V-neck ball gown with embroidered crystal and pearl bustier, accented by a black velvet floor length ribbon.

Constance Wu chose a nude tulle A-line spaghetti strap gown, with a sheer classic corset bodice, accented with a rouille orange velvet ribbon.

Constance Wu was nominated for “Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy” for her role in Crazy Rich Asians. Crazy Rich Asians was also nominated for “Best Picture – Musical or Comedy”.

Taraji Henson chose a deep green Italian velvet column gown, with a plunging square neckline, accented by a black leather belt.

Constance Wu wore a second custom gown for the series of Golden Globe after parties. Her dress featured over 14,000 crystals which took over 1000 hours to hand place.

Mia Swier wore custom Vera Wang on the red carpet with fiancé Darren Criss

While a marriage ceremony exudes an aura of splendor and solemnity, the wedding reception, like the cocktail hour, is entirely dedicated to celebrating the bride and groom.

Unlike the wedding service, the design and decor for the reception need not conform to any preconceived notion of religious ritual.

As most wedding receptions are predominantly focused on the meal, the food presentation and the design of the tables will clearly impact the overall decor. Whether it is a grosgrain ribbon tied around a napkin fold for a restaurant wedding or an entire field tented for an afternoon lunch, decoration is any detail that lends a special touch to the reception.

For most couples, the reception represents the greatest expense. Depending, however, on how they maximize spending, a wedding reception can be imaginatively achieved on any budget.

If the tremendous emphasis is to be placed on the food and wine, candles can be just as effective a way of creating ambiance as flowers are. Should the wedding reception be a stylish cocktail buffet, the most important decoration might be the centerpieces. Issues of budget and how it impacts the decoration should always be a primary wedding consideration.

Sometimes a holiday celebration offers a clever motif for the entire reception, whether it’s a sprig of mistletoe placed over the doorway of a barn, yards of Christmas lights, tiny American flags, or Valentines tucked into the napkins. The most memorable weddings are always the most personal ones.

WEDDING RECEPTION GUIDELINES

•As the primary focus of the reception will be on the tables and the food presentation, anticipate how they will look before settling on a location.
•Certain extraordinary venues may be challenging or less costly to decorate. While a beautiful room with intricate detailing or a breathtaking view might initially appear very expensive, it could end up costing less in terms of decoration.
• Receptions that are exceptionally formal frequently necessitate more costly decorations. More, however, is not necessarily more elegant.
Sometimes an intimate reception can be more opulent than a larger one.
• Sometimes an intimate reception can be more opulent than a larger one.
• While imaginative, an off-site location such as a museum, concert hall, cruise ship or nightclub may entail additional costs, complex legal ramifications or security issues.

Sometimes, a low centerpiece offers a subtle counterpoint to other more extravagant floral schemes. From a giant urn filled with flowering branches to a mantel or chandelier draped in blossoms, flowers always provide the ultimate sense of luxury at a wedding reception.