Contemporary Bride

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Honeymoon Spotlight on the Four Seasons Bora Bora

Today we’re packing our imaginary bags and setting sail to a honeymoon destination located in the South Pacific. Close your eyes and dream of a pristine paradise that embraces you with natural beauty complete with a spectacular ambiance that is beyond the ordinary. Wrapped by majestic views, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is surrounded by sand-fringed islets on an outer coral reef that encloses a turquoise lagoon. Immerse yourself in the islands traditions, activities and authentic cuisine. Escape to spacious hideaways nestled around Bora Bora lagoon and its outer beaches. Accommodations at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora include 107 hideaways, 100 over-water bungalows and seven beachfront villas. With isle seclusion, tropical beauty and views to leave you breathless, The French Polynesia will captivate your essence and create a magical honeymoon you’ll never forget. These photos are so pretty, you’ll forget it’s even raining outside today!

Honeymoon Spotlight on Four Seasons Bora Bora | Contemporary Bride

Honeymoon Spotlight on Four Seasons Bora Bora | Contemporary Bride

Honeymoon Spotlight on Four Seasons Bora Bora | Contemporary Bride

Honeymoon Spotlight on Four Seasons Bora Bora | Contemporary Bride

Honeymoon Spotlight on Four Seasons Bora Bora | Contemporary Bride

Honeymoon Spotlight on Four Seasons Bora Bora | Contemporary Bride

Honeymoon Spotlight on Four Seasons Bora Bora | Contemporary Bride

Honeymoon Spotlight on Four Seasons Bora Bora | Contemporary Bride

Honeymoon Spotlight on Four Seasons Bora Bora | Contemporary Bride

Designer Spotlight and Trunk Show – Peter Langner

Kleinfeld Bridal is hosting a Peter Langner Trunk Show from May 31 to Jun 2. It’s by appointment only, so schedule yours today!

As if in a dream the new bridal collection of Peter Langner awakens a kind of true emotion, which can be created only by a couture master. With his symphony of sewers, by hand creating a wing beat, a whisper in the night. Rich threads adorned with crystals, ribbons woven through the finest silks reveals itself to the woman unaccustomed to the ordinary.

Click Here to Schedule an Appointment

Fall In Love with Jillian and Mark’s Real Wedding at The Mill from Danielle Hopkins Photography

Happy Wedding Wednesday! Get ready to fall in love with Jillian and Mark’s fall-inspired wedding! This wedding will warm your hearts from the stunning autumn colors, caramel apples and a unique signature drink created by the bride’s father. There is so much gorgeousness combined throughout this affair, including some of the most magical portraits captured by Danielle Hopkins Photography.

Fall-inspired weddings | Contemporary Bride Magazine

“I fell in love with my ivory, Jim Hjelm lace and organza gown the minute I tried it on! Fortunately, I had worked part time modeling dresses for the bridal store which I ordered the dress from, so I knew what style dress suited my body best. I knew I definitely did not want strapless as I absolutely hate having to pull up dresses when they start to fall! My dress, which featured lace straps to my shoulders and an open back, was comfortable, light weight, and made me feel absolutely beautiful! I actually took the original belt off the dress (a feather beaded flower) and used it to wrap the stem of my bouquet, and instead, added a completely beaded leaf designed belt. I seriously love my dress so much that at the end of the night- 3:00 in the morning as we shut the bar down-I honestly felt sad taking it off!”

Fall-inspired weddings | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired weddings | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Jillian rose gold Badgley Mischka shoes complemented her gown beautifully. She added a personalized touch by asking her mother and bridesmaids to sign the bottom using a purple pen.

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Mark proposed to Jillian with a square halo engagement ring setting with a round one carat diamond and split diamond band.

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Designed by Petal Pushers, Jillian carried a stunning lush bouquet featuring a mixture of each of her bridesmaids flowers with a touch of ivory roses and orange calla lilies. A locket to honor loved ones was attached to the lace wrapped stems.

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

 

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

“Mark went to high school with Danielle, so we checked out her website shortly after getting engaged and saw she did beautiful work, and immediately booked her for our engagement pictures. They turned out beautifully that it was no brainer hiring her for our wedding. She, along with her talented husband Chad, are laid back, as they make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. As a result, we have beautiful photographs capturing all aspects of our most memorable day! We took pictures at our childhood homes, church, and all over the grounds of the Mill. Some of our favorites are outside by the beautiful lake.”

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

“The Mill was only the third venue we saw and we both immediately fell in love with everything: the location (Spring Lake Heights), the modern, yet warm atmosphere, delicious food, and above all the staff. Donald Rodgers, the CEO and site manager was the epitome of a venue manager; he treated us as though he had known us for years, a common feeling when visiting The Mill. The staff makes you feel at home. Throughout our two year engagement, The Mill staff went above and beyond to help us create our dream event. We cannot thank them enough for the way they made our dreams come true after Hurricane Sandy had devastated the area. Thankfully, The Mill was not damaged, but the town of Spring Lake was without power and Don, his son Don Jr., and our wedding coordinator worked diligently to make sure our wedding reception happened (we were concerned as the weddings the weekend prior had to be canceled/postponed due to the power outage). It wasn’t until Wednesday night, two days before our wedding, that Don called us with the good news- they had power. Our wedding was a go! In one day (as our wedding was that Friday), the staff at The Mill prepared for our wedding. My father and I have both worked in the restaurant business, and we know how difficult it must have been to turn out a wedding in less than 36 hours, but the staff, still dealing with their own issues as a result of Sandy, did just that and then some. Our guests were treated royally, the food was fresh and delectable, and as result, Don was recognized in my father’s speech. We can honestly say we will continue to patronize the Mill for years to come.”

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Jillian and Mark’s centerpieces were black lanterns with an ivory candle surrounded by a ring of antique hydrangeas with deep purple and orange accents.

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

The newlyweds held the spotlight to “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz, as family and friends surrounded the dance floor.

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Jillian and Mark opted for two signature drinks for guests to enjoy throughout their wedding. “Fall in Love”, which featured Laird’s apple brandy was created by Jill’s father, a former bartender.  They also had “Tequila Sunrises” available, which is Mark’s favorite wedding drink.

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

“Chris Mathews, our D.J., was fantastic! He played all the must haves on our play list which included everything from Sinatra (Mark’s favorite singer) to The Temptations, 80s hits to LMFAO. We even played a polka (in honor of our eastern European heritage) after we cut the cake.”

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Tell us about your wedding proposal: Mark and I dated for about two years when we were in our late teens/early twenties. We broke up for a while, and it wasn’t until five years later, when I asked him to meet back up for coffee, that I knew he was definitely the one I wanted to grow old with. Though we are opposites in many ways, we have the same values and beliefs, and ultimately, a deep respect and love for one another. Our proposal wasn’t anything grand: he proposed on a Thursday night, in gym shorts, in his childhood bedroom. To me, it was perfect!
Bride’s favorite memory of the day: Our first dance; it was emotional because we honestly didn’t think we were going to be able to have that moment a few days before!
Groom’s favorite memory of the day: Seeing Jill for the first time. She was absolutely stunning!
What was the most exciting part of planning your wedding? Though I honestly enjoyed planning our wedding, I loved spending time with my dad rehearsing our dance. We are quite an emotional pair, so I was thrilled when my dad agreed to surprise our guests with a fast dance combination, avoiding a blubbering scene that was surely to come. I am a part time dance teacher, and my father came into the studio on Saturday mornings to rehearse our number. We began the dance with our real song, “You Can Depend on Me” by the Duprees because I grew up listening to Doo Wop with my dad. Then we broke out into his go to fast song favorite, the Black Eyed Peas “I Gotta Feeling”. At 65, my father did his dancing daughter proud by breaking out into the robot, throwing dice, and shimmy shaking his way across the dance floor. I will cherish that routine forever!
Where did you go on your honeymoon? We went to the Secrets Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It was recommended by family and friends, and booking it was convenient because you could book your hotel and flight all in one. They also had a honeymoon registry, which our family and friends graciously gave us money towards excursions and dinners on the beach.
Do you have any advice for couples that are planning their wedding? If you are a type “A” teacher type like me, please please please, let your family and friends help with they offer. This is just as an important day to them as it is to you, so let your inner control freak go with the flow. Your day will be perfect because it is your day-all the planning can’t stand in the way of pure bliss!
What are you currently enjoying or looking forward to as a couple? We are enjoying our conversations, laughter, and “alone time”. We look forward to traveling and starting a family very soon.

Fall-inspired wedding from Danielle Hopkins Photography | Contemporary Bride Magazine

Jillian & Mark
November 9, 2012
The Mill at Spring Lake Heights • Spring Lake Heights, NJ

Ceremony Location: The Church of the Sacred Heart / Celebrant: Father Dennis Appoldite / Reception Location: The Mill at Spring Lake Heights / Photographer: Danielle Hopkins Photography / Videographer: Creative Video Editing Films / Entertainment: DJ Your Way / Florist: Petal Pushers / Limousine Service: Cescaphé Trolley / Cake Designer: Chocolate Carousel / Bridal Salon: The Bridal Suite of Hamilton / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Formal Attire: Schaffer’s Tuxedos / Invitations: Magnet Street / Favors: Donation to Wounded Warrior Project / Hair Salon: Robert James Salon and Spa of Hamilton / Makeup Artist: Silvana Longo / Jeweler: The Original Pratico Jewelers / Honeymoon Location: Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

New Cake Stands from Sarah’s Stands

Display your flawlessly designed wedding cake front and center during your reception on a cake stand that will complement any wedding style! Available now for a limited release, the Simply Stunning Collection by Sarah’s Stands are strong, affordable and come in five gorgeous colors. For more info and to purchase your cake stand today, visit http://www.sarahsstands.com.

Modern cake stands

Modern cake stands

Modern cake stands

Modern cake stands

Wedding Cakes designed by Three Little Blackbirds / AK Cake Design / Maggie Austin Cake / Charm City Cakes / M. Robin Cakes / Fondant Flinger

Jamie + Eric’s Seaside Soiree Wedding Highlights from Majestic Entertainment

Two weeks ago we relived Jamie and Eric’s seaside soiree through gorgeous wedding photographs that had us reminiscing of sweet memories shared at the Jersey Shore. Today we’re taking another look at Jamie and Eric’s wedding film brought to us by Majestic Entertainment that is one to put in the books and to serve as a reminder that there is  hope for the future of New Jersey’s coastline. Added Bonus: We love how Majestic Entertainment incorporated Eric’s proposal to Jamie!

Jamie + Eric NJ Wedding Highlights The Waters Edge Seabright from Majestic Entertainment on Vimeo.

Ceremony Location: The First Presbyterian Tower Hill Church / Celebrant: Theresa Swenson / Reception Location: The Water’s Edge / Caterer: Merri-Makers / Photographer: Joselyn Diaz of Majestic Entertainment / Entertainment: Majestic Entertainment / Florist: Boxwood Gardens / Limousine Service: Andiamo Limousine / Cake Designer: Bella Palermo / Bridal Salon & Veil: Castle Couture / Shoes: Maggie Sottero / Formal Attire: Love Lane Tuxedo / Invitations: The Papery / Favors: Personalized Picture Frames & Personalized Hershey Kisses / Hair Salon: Milagro Spa / Makeup Studio: MAC Cosmetics / Jeweler: Jared, The Galleria of Jewelry / Honeymoon Locations: Caribbean Cruise

Go Nude… with your wedding heels!

Nude heels have become a wardrobe staple for celebrities and fashionistas. They work wonders for your legs, making you look longer and leaner. Whether you will wear them for your wedding, rehearsal dinner or honeymoon, nude heels are classic and will coordinate with nearly any color.

Allure Sunrise Bridal Shoes

David Tutera Bouquet Bridal Shoes

Badgley Mischka Conary Evening Shoes

Michael Kors Ionna Bridal Shoes

Luichiny Sure Thing Bridal Shoes

Audrey Brooke Earth Bridal Shoes

Nina Electra Bridal Shoes

Badgley Mischka Goodie Bridal Shoes

Sareh Nouri Bridal Trunk Show

If you’re still searching for the perfect wedding gown, Kleinfeld Bridal is hosting a Sareh Nouri TRUNK SHOW May 21-23rd. Come see the whole collection and meet designer, Sareh Nouri!  Schedule your appointment (646-633-4300) today!

Sareh’s couture wedding gowns consist of luxurious, fine imported French lace and Italian silk, a handmade production so light, traditional and elegant for today’s modern bride. Sareh Nouri designs have been featured on top TV shows, such as TLC’s Brides of Beverly Hills and key influencers such as, Miss America.

Sareh Nouri Trunk Show


 

View more of Sareh Nouri’s gowns in our Wedding Gown Gallery.

Inspire Me – Smitten by Bows

Bows aren’t just for little girls anymore. They can be adorable, but when it comes to weddings, they can also be very romantic. With bows being an elegant addition to an event, there are many ways to incorporate this sweet detail to your wedding. Your gown, the cake, the invitations, and your shoes are just some of the things you can find that are embellished with bows.

1. Peach Bows and Ribbons Wedding Cake – http://www.cmnycakes.com  2. Twist Bow Clutch – http://www.etsy.com/shop/DavieandChiyo  3. Modern Crystal Bow Earrings with Teardrop – http://www.perfectdetails.com  4. Satin and Lace Bow Garter – Style 270 – http://www.thegartergirl.com  5. Badgley Mischka Mabel Silver Wedding Shoes – http://www.myglassslipper.com  6. Pnina Tornai Gown – Style 4212 – http://www.pninatornai.com  7. Allison Silk Box Invitation – http://www.revelryinvitations.com  8. Tiffany Anniversary Morganite Necklace – Tiffany & Co. (800) 843-3269

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