Simplybridesjanuary/february 2013 • a special publication of Simply Buckhead

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3  simply brides | January/February 2013

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Let us position the sunset over the lake for your walk down the aisle.

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Let us create a culinary experience that artfully blends new tastes with Southern traditions.

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With world-class and personal attention, let us help make your

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simply brides | January/February 2013  5

PublisherJoanne Hayes

Editor-In-ChiefAllison Weiss Entrekin

Creative DirectorAlan Platten

Creative Production AssistantSandra Platten

Cover sponsored by James Hurley Designs

Photo: Sara Hanna

Flowers: James Hurley Designs

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Hair: Rob Lawson of Van Michael Salon Buckhead

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Shot on location at St. Regis Hotel Atlanta

P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355www.simplybuckhead.com

For advertising rates call: 404-538-9895

your Guide to livinG Well in atlanta

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Vinings, Decatur and Virginia Highland

january/february 2013

contents

A SPEciAl PublicAtion oF

Simplybrides

610131418

BrIDAl Buzz Atlanta’s wedding gurus weigh

in on what’s hot for 2013

FLoweR PoweRAtlanta’s top floral designers dish on

blooming trends for 2013 weddings

BRiDAL ReGiStRieSModern traditions for today’s bride

Set tHe SCeneAtlanta-area wedding venues

with offerings as unique as you

FAR AnD (not So FAR) AwAyWhisk away to one of these destination

wedding venues

Chief PhotographerSara Hanna www.sarahanna.com

Senior Account ExecutivesRobbin Gordoncheryl isaacs

Associate EditorGiannina Smith bedford

Contributing Writerscatherine o’connor HoughKelly SkinnerKarina timmel

Graphic DesignerMichael baker

Copy EditorEllen Glass

legal CounselScott i. Zucker

6  simply brides | January/February 2013

simply brides | January/February 2013  7

warm Receptions Whimsical romance has emerged

again as the trend-setting theme

for 2013. Think soft hues like blush,

champagne and gold with earthy

or vintage accents like burlap, cot-

ton and glass jars. “It’s interesting

because we’ve seen this look done

in a million different ways,” says

Jenni Colosimo, studio manager at

StudioWed. “Brides are even adding

in a bit of sparkle for a unique twist

on the trend.”

“We’re also starting to notice

the introduction of bold, crisp

patterns peeking through ethereal

receptions,” notes Hester Parks,

owner of Park Avenue Events. “I

think you’ll see lots of bold patterns

this year—such as stripes, chevrons

and maybe even paisley in summer

weddings—in details like the table

runners and napkins.”

Home décor aficionados can rest

assured that 2012’s lounge trend

will continue, though it might find

a more masculine twist. “Since a lot

of couples are paying for the wed-

ding themselves, guys are lending

more of an opinion,” Parks says. “I’m

interested to see what happens with

these lounge areas and whether

we’ll start seeing cigar lounges or

scotch tastings added to the event.”

It’s also the new norm to push for

a longer reception. “Four hours just

isn’t enough,” Parks says—mean-

ing that late-night snacks are all

the rage. Think of throwing in tasty

comfort foods like your favorite

fast-food dish (cue the Chick-fil-A

sandwiches), mini boxes of dough-

nuts or a popcorn bar so your guests

will have something to nosh on en

route to your after-party.

the new Bling If you and your beau are still ring

shopping, you may want to consider

a halo setting (the center stone is

secured by a brilliant border of small

sparkling diamonds), this year’s

top diamond trend. According to

Harris Botnick, owner of Worthmore

Jewelers, and Chris Guven, owner of

Guven’s Fine Jewelry, this is the style

for 2013. “Just watch, there’s going

to be a huge push for halo across the

board—from engagement rings to

necklaces and jewelry,” Botnick says.

Since vintage is still in vogue,

there’s also a big demand for estate

pieces and rose gold accessories

boasting a sleek, antiquated feel. So

when you’re finalizing your wedding

day look, a pretty rose gold cuff or

a glimmering timepiece for him in

a rosy hue can give your alfresco

nuptials that subtle rustic touch.

And brides, take note, your groom

might push for a pricier wedding

band than you may have expected.

“It’s an interesting shift,” muses

Botnick. “We’re seeing grooms move

away from cheap bands to nicer,

more expensive options.”

A Little Something for the Ladies

When dressing your besties for your

pending nuptials, keep in mind that

the “one-style-fits-all” adage has

come and gone. Instead, take your

cues from other sensible brides and

let each of your girls pick a dress

within your color scheme (the most

popular colors for bridesmaids are

blush, navy, champagne and slate

blue) that actually flatters her figure.

Jean Robbins, general manager at

Buckhead’s Bella Bridesmaid, also

mentions that “Girls are really trying

to stay away from strapless dresses

and are choosing V-necks [a more

universally flattering cut] instead.”

Meanwhile, mothers of the brides

have taken a different route, trading

in their pastel dresses for ensembles

in richer hues. “I’m seeing a lot of

women buying dresses in vibrant

colors and gem tones like fuchsia,

bright green and coral,” says Melody

Drenning of Susan Lee in Buckhead.

“And they’re sticking with trumpet

skirts and mermaid cuts. It’s more

of a simple silhouette.”

Atlanta’s wedding gurus weigh in on trends for 2013 By KeLLy SKinneR

bridal buzz

WEDDING TRENDS

ollowing a holiday season punctuated with proposals,

Simply Brides chatted up a few of Atlanta’s top wedding pros for the scoop on what’s trending in 2013—so you can start your wedding planning with panache.

f

F

intricate lace detailing, ruby red lips and a high-glam head-piece bode well for a vintage-romance theme.

Photo: Claudia McDade Photography

8  simply brides | January/February 2013

Cake walk

On the sweets front, Highland Bakery

lead cake decorator Karen Portaleo

has noticed a newfound phenom-

enon she likes to call “the Pinterest

trend.” “It’s funny; I used to get lots

of pictures of wedding cakes,” she

says. “Now brides are bringing in

inspiration boards with photos of

a Mason jar and a daisy for me to

work from. There’s more personality

and lifestyle blending with today’s

wedding cakes. Things are very open

to interpretation.” Also trending are

“almost homemade-looking cakes”

with rustic elements thrown in, like a

stucco buttercream cake displayed

on a rough-cut wood stand sur-

rounded by Mason jars and candles.

“It’s either simple and rustic or

ornate and over-the-top,” she says.

It’s a change that Sarah Bon-

ner, owner of Gigi’s Cupcakes, has

noticed too. “Our most in-demand

cupcake right now is the champagne

cupcake, which is a gorgeous,

delicate confection topped with

a creamy champagne frosting,

with hand-placed white chocolate

chips and pearls on top.”

Luxe Locks

Meanwhile, bridal hair styles have

divvied themselves into two

distinct camps: Hollywood glam

and natural beauty. On the natural

beauty front, “Brides today like simple

sophistication,” says Todd G. Wright,

owner of Studio Todd G, noting

the trend toward loose curls and a

long, flowing mane. Steve Hightower,

owner of Steve Hightower Hair Artists’

Studio, agrees, adding, “It’s not

elaborate. It’s soft, romantic

and often pulled to the side.”

While low buns and braids have

taken a backseat to the free-flowing

princess look, Hightower says other

brides are opting for a more regal

style. “A lot of brides are wanting

heavy glamour again,” he says.

“In those cases, the hair and curls

are perfect; everything is perfectly

placed. The eyes are lined and

lips are prominent.” Also in:

hair extensions and dazzling,

jewel-encrusted accessories. n

WEDDING TRENDS

in lieu of a traditional cake, tiered champagne cupcakes by Gigi’s Cupcakes— accented with pearls and white chocolate chips— lend easy elegance to the dessert table.

wow him with one of this season’s reigning hair trends: soft hair pulled to the side, like this look by Studio todd G.

Photo: Studio Todd G, Jeremy Harwell

simply brides | January/February 2013  9

10  simply brides | January/February 2013

rom the subtle touch of the groom’s boutonniere

to the reception’s show-stopping centerpieces, wedding flowers have the power to set the tone for every aspect of your big day. today’s brides (and grooms) are acutely aware of the integral role flowers play in their wedding, making them happy to dish out anywhere from 7 to 12 percent of their total wedding budget to blooms. After talking with some of Atlanta’s top floral designers, we caught a whiff of the floral trends to expect in 2013.

Something oldWhen it comes to color, subtle

variations on the classic all-white

wedding still reign supreme. James

Hurley of James Hurley Designs says,

“Weddings are primarily sticking to

a soft, pastel-focused palette when

it comes to flowers.” Gabrielle Mecca

of Edge Design Group sees a similar

trend: “Brides and bridesmaids are

staying with neutral tones, like ivory

and cream.” Darryl Wiseman of

Darryl Wiseman Flowers, meanwhile,

has also noticed an uptick in white

weddings that include touches of

color, particularly greens and purples.

Something newWhile lush blooms such as peonies,

hydrangeas and garden roses re-

main wedding staples, baby’s breath

has moved up the ranks from accent

flower to dominant focal point in

both bouquets and centerpieces.

Another trend on the rise is the use

of modern yet elegant containers

like mercury glass to make a bold

statement with centerpieces and

other table arrangements. As

Hurley explains, “Containers can

make or break the look.”

From floral canopies in churches

to ornate altar and aisle décor,

wedding ceremonies are becoming

more elaborate in the floral depart-

ment. Receptions, meanwhile, are

at the center of a style evolution

focused on blending two unique

looks together. From Mecca’s

clients’ penchant for “traditional

with modern glamour,” to Wise-

man’s brides’ love of “classic with

a natural and botanical twist,”

Atlanta’s top floral designers dish on blooming trends for 2013 weddingsBy CAtHeRine o’ConnoR HouGH

floWer poWer

F

Centerpieces that mix classic and botanical elements, like this one from Darryl wiseman Flowers, remain a popular choice.

Photo: Kelle and Rob Weddings

simply brides | January/February 2013  11

DArryl WISEmAn FloWErS645 Hillpine Drive N.E. Atlanta 30306404.872.1000www.darrylwisemanflowers.com

EDGE DESIGn GrouP2164 Faulkner Road N.E. Atlanta 30324404.321.3491www.edgedesignatlanta.com

JAmES HurlEy DESIGnS2115 Piedmont Road, Suite 3105 Atlanta 30324404.817.7773www.jameshurleydesigns.com

WEDDING FLOWERS

today’s bride is not afraid to mix

it up. While brides mull over their

various floral options, Hurley offers

this advice: “It is essential to con-

sider what looks best in the venue

itself and how the flowers can best

complement the décor.”

Something borrowedBrides in 2013 have taken the ad-

age “everything old is new again”

to heart by borrowing from their

mother’s style. According to Wise-

man, “Brides are walking down the

aisle with cascading bouquets

like their mothers carried when they

got married.” Mecca sees brides

taking the trend one step further

by using fabric from their mother’s

wedding dress to create a custom

wrap for their bridal bouquet.

Happily ever afterRegardless of which floral trends

brides choose to follow (or forgo),

every bride’s end goal is essentially

the same: to create an unforget-

table experience from start to

finish. As Wiseman sums it up,

“Every element of your wed-

ding should cause conversation

between your guests.” n

Baby’s breath as a dominant flower has made a big comeback. Here, edge Design Group showcases this trend.

Photo: Edge Design Group

Soft, pastel-focused palettes like this one from James Hurley Designs are a floral trend in 2013.

Photo: Sara Hanna

12  simply brides | January/February 2013

Let Gigi’s Cupcakes create a one-of-a-kind gourmet cupcakearrangement that will truly capture the beauty of your day.

Whether it’s a bridal shower, a rehearsal dinner or the big dayitself, we offer a large variety of boutique cupcakes from

which to choose. We can create the perfect complement toyour special event. It’s no wonder more and more brides

are now saying “I do” to Gigi’s Cupcakes.

Don’t forgot about your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day.

Make it special with

our love box featuring 4 cupcakes for $15

BUCKHEAD3655 Roswell Rd; Suite 218 • Atlanta, GA 30342Tel: 404.846.4400 • : BuckheadGigisCupcakes

simply brides | January/February 2013  13

BEvErly BrEmEr SIlvEr SHoP3164 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30305404.261.4009www.beverlybremer.com

CHArlES WIllIS AtlAntA465 E. Paces Ferry Road N.E. Atlanta 30305404.233.9487www.charleswillis.com

KAtHryn lEACH HomE318 Pharr Road Atlanta 30305404.231.9233www.kathrynleachhome.com

hat do adorable puppies have to do with Sferra ital-

ian linens? they’re unique registry choices for today’s bride-to-be, whose priorities are shifting toward comfortable home settings, rather than formal dinner parties.

According to Willow Leach of

Kathryn Leach Home in Buckhead,

their Kumi Kookoon washable (yes,

I said washable) silk duvet covers,

sheets and pillow shams are popular

registry items that invoke comfort,

while the eco-friendly, soft bamboo

towels by Peacock Alley beckon

the bathtub. In the world of scents,

Agraria reed diffusers, Elizabeth

W sachets and Lafco candles

(one of Oprah’s “favorites”) are

casual luxury items that add

ambiance to any home.

Janet Rhodes of Charles Willis

Atlanta puts it simply: “A house

should be a home, not scanned

items.” It’s difficult for department

stores to have in-depth interaction

with couples, offering tips on care

and storage of registry items or tak-

ing time to discover what belongs in

their home. At Charles Willis Atlanta,

by contrast, brides frequently regis-

ter based on lifestyle and family tra-

ditions, including pieces reminiscent

of their mothers’.

With more than 400 patterns

(not just “bestsellers”), Charles Willis

Atlanta offers a custom mix-and-

match experience where casual

and formal can come together. For

example, Herend, Juliska, Arte Italica

and Raynaud china complement

colorful Moser Pebbles glasses. The

store will even arrange a setting with

the bride’s and groom’s names, mak-

ing it easy for the couple and their

gift givers to visualize how the look

comes together.

Beverly Bremer, owner of Beverly

Bremer Silver Shop, says she under-

stands “patterns and people” and

feels that, while crystal and china are

easily broken, silver is forever and

a wonderful investment. Bremer’s

philosophy is helping brides “share

traditions of culture, love and beauti-

ful taste.” She mentions several pat-

terns as ideal for a wedding registry,

including Chantilly by Gorham

(continuously produced since 1896)

and Francis I.

Older or second-time brides tend

to be more practical, since many

already have complete households. A

growing trend in this demographic is

registering for donations to charities

dear to the couple, rather than items

for furnishing a home. Particularly

in Buckhead, where philanthropy

is abundant, there are causes for

animal lovers, children and sports-

loving couples. For families touched

by medical issues, the couple may

register for a donation to a charity in

honor of a loved one.

Today we set our own traditions.

Scanning items in department

stores may be exciting, but current

brides are “refining, defining and

appreciating what they want to

have in their home,” says Leach.

We couldn’t agree more. n

BRIDAL REGISTRIES

By JoAnne HAyeS

Modern traditions for today’s bride

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3

W

1. Raynaud china, available at Charles willis Atlanta, is far from usual: it features magnificently colored and gilded decorations on delicate Limoges porcelain.

2 & 3. Moser’s master engravers have come up with a whimsical pattern called “Pebbles.” evoca-tive of both small stones and little chunks of ice, this popular pattern is available at Charles willis Atlanta.

4. Monogrammed items are a great way to personalize your newlywed home. these Arte italica Regale dishes are mono-grammed in pewter and available at Charles willis Atlanta.

14  simply brides | January/February 2013

he diamond is on your finger and you’re ready

to make your wedding vision a reality. Regardless of your dreams, the Atlanta area has a wide variety of venues that are sure to fit you as perfectly as your sparkling engagement ring.

103 westOperated by the experts at Buck-

head Life Restaurant Group, 103

West’s digs include cozy lounges

and intimate rooms, plus two newly

remodeled ballrooms. What’s more,

its gastronomic offerings rise far

above the standard. The award-

winning cuisine—created with

the same panache as Buckhead

Life’s 12 restaurants—ranges

from European dishes to exotic

Indian fare, all accompanied by

sommelier-selected wines.

404.233.5993 www.buckheadrestaurants.com

/103-west

200 Peachtree

Say “I do” in a 1927 building de-

signed by Philip Shutze. Dance on

marble floors below 30-foot ceilings

hung with crystal chandeliers in

the Grand Atrium, which accom-

modates up to 1,075 guests for a

cocktail reception or 200 to 500

for a seated dinner. This high-rise

also boasts The Carnegie Salon,

where 18-foot ceilings and original

terrazzo floors complement white

satin drapes illuminated by custom

lights. Beginning March 2013, a large

marquee displaying the newlywed

couple’s names in lights will offer a

great photo op on Peachtree Street.

404.522.5522 www.200peachtree.com

Atlanta Botanical GardenWalk down the aisle in a blooming

rose garden or exchange vows in

the shade of a gazebo near a

bubbling fountain. For a view of

the city, host a ceremony at the

Alston Overlook beneath magno-

lias. Whether you want to accom-

modate 200 guests or just 10,

the Garden’s seasonally chang-

ing landscape provides a natural

backdrop for budding love.

Atlanta Botanical Garden also

has a variety of indoor reception

halls, and The Fuqua Orchid Center

offers an indoor ceremony back-

drop with year-round blooms.

404.591.1585

www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org

the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation Nestled on the banks of Lake

Oconee within the 10,000-acre

community of Reynolds Plantation

is a spacious retreat noted for its

tranquility. It’s no surprise that this

secluded resort two hours from

Atlanta played host to the 2010

nuptials of country music star

Carrie Underwood. The 251-room

hotel, which is currently updating

its guestrooms, offers numerous

wedding venues—from a rustic,

wooded clearing called “the forest”

to the lakefront lawn to an

outdoor tent on the back lawn

(Ms. Underwood’s choice). There

are also indoor ballrooms and a

more intimate event space on

the second floor of the classically

styled Linger Longer Steakhouse.

The spa is a prime place to primp

before the big day, and 99 holes

of golf are perfect for grooms look-

ing to burn off nervous energy.

706.467.0600 www.ritzcarltonlodge.com

the estate

The Estate is the new creation

of Tony Conway of A Legendary

Event. Hidden on three acres in

Buckhead, the renovated antebel-

lum mansion (formerly Anthony’s

Fine Dining) underwent a $1 million

renovation to become an elegant

function space with bars, prep-

ping rooms, a wine cellar and a

chandelier-adorned ballroom. Its

1800s decor is accented by modern

interior furnishings selected by

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

and art curated by Bill Lowe of

The Lowe Gallery, creating an

enchanting locale for a ceremony,

reception or both.

404.841.6682. www.alegendaryevent.com

Atlanta-area wedding venues with offerings as unique as you By GiAnninA SMitH BeDFoRD

set the scene

WEDDING VENUES

T

f

15  simply brides | January/February 2013

5 & 6. 200 Peachtree hosts culturally inspired weddings and traditional celebrations.

Photos: 5. Z Molu Photography 6. Picture This! Photography - Sandra & Greg

9 & 10. A renovated antebellum mansion in Buckhead, the estate is one of the newest wedding venues to hit the scene.

Photo: Nancy Jo McDaniel

7 & 8. with lawn and lakeside settings, the Ritz-Carlton Lodge’s secluded lo-cale played host to the 2010 wedding of country star Carrie underwood.

3 & 4. Atlanta Botanical Garden offers blooming wedding ceremony locales in the heart of the city.

1 & 2. the options at 103 west range from grand ballrooms to intimate lounges.

1

2

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7

8

9

10

3

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16  simply brides | January/February 2013

Château Élan winery & Resort This Georgia foothills estate

merges Southern hospitality with

a French countryside ambiance. Its

3,500 acres are home to a winery,

golf and spa facilities, as well as a

275-room inn, offering numerous

settings for the picture-perfect

wedding. Choose from a sunlit

atrium or graceful ballrooms,

as well as outdoor locales like

the bucolic Matisse Lawn.

For something truly unique,

opt for an intimate ceremony

in the winery’s Art Gallery or a

reception in the underground

Cask Room.

678.425.0900 www.chateauelan.com

the Ritz-Carlton BuckheadA wedding at this luxurious hotel

is done in fine fashion. Its recently

renovated Grand Ballroom—nearly

9,000 square feet—showcases six

new crystal chandeliers custom-

ized for the hotel in the Czech

Republic. The 30,000 hand-applied

crystals add major shimmer to the

platinum-wrapped silk wall panels

and antiqued mirrored sconces.

The Plaza Ballroom also recently

got a facelift, matching the style

of the Grand Ballroom. For a

more intimate venue, The Gallery

features 20-foot bay windows

and brass chandeliers.

404.237.2700 www.ritzcarlton.com/buckhead

Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery

Located in the Armour Indus-

trial District near Buckhead, this

gallery offers an unconventional

and artsy setting for the big day.

With an impressive capacity of

up to 800 guests, the modish

industrial space with cement floors

showcases changing contemporary

art from various artists. Its vast

24,000 square feet can be divided

into three different areas for the

ceremony, cocktail hour and recep-

tion. Stop by on Feb. 25, when the

gallery will host “The NotWedding,”

an alternative to a bridal show

that includes a staged wedding

to inspire brides-to-be.

404.879.1500www.masonmurer.info

4 morE to CHECK out:Canoe Atlanta (Vinings). Gourmet cuisine, manicured gardens

and waterside pathways combine

for an unforgettable setting on the

Chattahoochee River.

770.432.2663 www.canoeatl.com

Cator woolford Gardens at the Frazer Center (Druid Hills). Situated on 39 acres of mature

hardwoods, this historic estate is just

a few miles from downtown.

404.377.3836 www.frazercenter.org/what/gardens

Chastain Horse Park (Buckhead). Celebrate the big day overlooking

an equestrian ring in the heart of

Buckhead.

404.252.4244 www.chastainhorsepark.org

Le Bam Studio (Miami Circle). This modern French-vintage space

features crystal chandeliers and a

modern art gallery.

404.512.0329 www.lebamstudio.com n

WEDDING VENUES

1

4

3

6

52

4, 5 & 6. the Ritz-Carlton Buck-head adds its signature service and style to the wedding day.

Photos: 4, 5. Ron Starr 6. Ben Rose Photography

1, 2 & 3. Château Élan winery & Resort’s picturesque vineyards and signature wines make it an ideal venue for wedding ceremonies.

simply brides | January/February 2013  17

Weddings Come Naturally Here

Fripp IslandGOLF & BEACH RESORT

®

(866) 261-7239www.FrippIslandResort.com

© www.wollworthimagery.com

5267 Menge AvenuePass Christian, MS 39571

228.452.5677

www.oakcrestmansion.com

Oak Crest Mansion Inn...for the experience of a lifetime!

Specializing in elegant indoor and outdoor weddings throughout the year, Oak Crest Mansion provides a

historically rich setting. Whether choosing the home’s sweeping staircase and gorgeous antique furnishings,

the beautiful outdoor open gazebo nestled among majestic live oak trees, or the intimate chapel filled with stained glass, your wedding will be the picture

of unsurpassed Southern beauty and charm. The lush surroundings and exquisitely appointed home and

ballroom will be the backdrop for your wedding party. Oak Crest Mansion’s meticulous attention to detail

and service will surpass every expectation to exceed the dream of your most special day. Our staff is a

prime example of Southern Hospitality at its finest in providing you with a memorable experience

where history meets luxury.

18  simply brides | January/February 2013

nce you’re engaged, expect your to-do list to double.

A destination wedding can be even more time consuming since it requires more research from afar to find the perfect spot with everything you want and need for your special day. to speed up the process so you can concentrate on things like dress shopping, here are six of our top “wow”-worthy destination venues.

the Ritz-Carlton Amelia island, Amelia island, Fla.why thee wed: This luxury resort

on one of North Florida’s gorgeous

barrier islands recently underwent

a $65-million renovation. The 446-

room oceanfront property is host

to a plethora of wedding venues,

including oceanfront lawns, a spa-

cious beach, five ballrooms, private

rooms and fine-dining restaurants

that can accommodate anywhere

from two to 800 people. In true

Ritz-Carlton impeccable service

style, a full events team is at

your beck and call onsite to help

coordinate all the details.

Must-try: Your rehearsal dinner

awaits at Salt, a AAA Five-

Diamond restaurant that offers

48 types of infused and imported

specialty salts.

904.277.1100 www.ritzcarlton.com

el Monte Sagrado, taos, n.M.why thee wed: Imagine exchanging

vows on a grassy circle surrounded

by views of mountains, waterfalls,

ponds and towering 80-year-old

cottonwood trees. Sounds pretty

dreamy, right? This bohemian-chic

resort with 84 guestrooms, suites

and casitas sits on a thought-

fully appointed 11-acre landscape.

It has more than 7,000 square

feet of flexible function space and

intimate outdoor sites, including the

abovementioned Sacred Circle; Taos

Mountain Lawn, for weddings of up

to 400 people; Grand Bohemian

Gallery, a 60-person intimate space

featuring original works by various

renowned artists; and the Sandoval

and Rio Grande ballrooms, which

entertain 70 and 200 seated guests

respectively. Opt to incorporate tra-

ditional Native American storytelling

into your service for a completely

unique touch. A wedding specialist

helps coordinate everything.

Must-try: Catch some R&R at the

Living Spa, an eco-friendly retreat

featuring candlelit couple’s suites

and all-natural treatments.

800.875.8675 www.elmontesagrado.com

DESTINATION VENUES

O

Whisk away to one of these destination wedding venues By KARinA tiMMeL

far and (not so far) aWay

simply brides | January/February 2013  19

inn at Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, S.C.why thee wed: There’s a mystical

feeling about the Carolina Low-

country, with its labyrinths of rivers,

islands, marshes and maritime

forests, and The Inn at Palmetto

Bluff is located on 20,000 acres of

a nature preserve right in the heart

of it. Its 50 guest cottages come

complete with large screened

porches, hipped metal roofs and

fireplaces (S’mores kits are gratis).

The white Waterside Chapel is

picture-perfect for your ceremony,

with expansive views of the May

River and majestic oaks. Next, head

to the elegant ballroom and over-

sized verandas of the River House,

which can accommodate 200

guests for your reception. Plus, the

property recently introduced the

Wedding Design Studio, which of-

fers a library of inspiration (literally

color-coded albums of ideas) and

a comfortable lounge for decision-

making with the onsite coordinator.

Must-try: A private wine-cellar din-

ing room with seating for 36 makes

for a unique after-party space.

843.706.6506 www.palmettobluff.com

oak Crest Mansion inn, Pass Christian, Miss.why thee wed: This quaint, 1920s

eight-bedroom inn located on 12

serene acres is all about historic

Southern charm and hospitality.

Ceremonies take place on the front

steps of the mansion with guests

in garden chairs on the lawn; in

the picturesque gazebo or facing

the chapel, both accommodat-

ing about 100 guests; inside the

chapel for intimate weddings of

25; or within the recently added

6,000-square-foot ballroom,

which can accommodate up to

300 guests standing or 150 seated.

While there aren’t any vendors

(besides the gourmet chef) or

planners onsite, each wedding is

provided a wedding coordinator.

Must-try: Embrace the 1920s

theme and choose to ride via

horse and buggy to your ceremony,

courtesy of Tillison’s Carriages.

228.452.5677 www.oakcrestmansion.com

Fripp island Resort, Fripp island, S.C.why thee wed: Only an hour from

Savannah’s airport, this barrier-

island resort is like a private club—

150 home rentals, ranging from one

to eight bedrooms, two top-rated

golf courses and a racquet club (for

that pre-wedding workout!) to boot.

The property hosts weddings of up

to 300 guests and venue options

include the beach, Beach Club, golf

course or pool area. Everyone will

have fun shuttling around on golf

carts and scooters as there are no

cars allowed. The resort handles

catering only—the crab cakes are

not to be missed!—and they’ll rec-

ommend an offsite wedding planner

to help with the rest.

Must-try: Charter a boat for an

entertaining fishing excursion for

early-bird guests the day before

your wedding.

888.741.8974 www.frippislandresort.com

Cala Luna, tamarindo, Costa Ricawhy thee wed: Looking for adven-

ture? Gather your closest (up to

80 guests) and hop on a four-hour

direct flight down to Costa Rica’s

northern Pacific coast. This boutique

luxury resort, made up of suites

and villas within a well-landscaped

jungle, sits on one of the country’s

best beaches—and you can get

hitched on it. Other venues for the

ceremony and reception include the

open-air restaurant and pool area

and a brand-new indoor pavilion.

The onsite wedding coordinator

works with your outside planner on

all the particulars. Freshly muddled

strawberry mojito, anyone?

Must-try: Splurge and stay in one

of the villas—it’s totally worth it

for the private pool.

506.26.53.02.14 www.calaluna.com n

Photo: Antonio Saba

Buckhead Bakehouse_all_OL_FINAL.pdf 1 12/20/12 6:10 PM

simply brides | January/February 2013  21

BEAUTIFUL SKIN | BEAUTIFUL MAKEUP | BEAUTIFUL YOU

4674 ROSWELL RD | ATLANTA | 404.849.0443 | MYIMAGEJOURNEY.COM

FINE LINENS & FURNISHINGS318 Pharr Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30305

www.kathrynleachhome.com ~ 404 522-3203Bridal Registry Available Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 6:00

Château Élan | 100 Tour De France, Braselton, Georgia 30517Located I-85 North, Exit 126 - 30 Minutes North of Downtown Atlanta

O u r C a s t l e y o u r f a i r y t a l e

Indoor & Outdoor Settings - Ballroom Receptions - Complete CateringOn-Staff Wedding Planner - 277 Room Luxury Inn - European Spa MansionChampionship Golf - Winery & Vineyards - Tennis Center - 7 Restaurants

Transportation Services - Recommended Vendors - Custom Wine Labels“Best Romantic Hotel Nationally” by CitySearch.com

Atlanta’s Premier Wedding Destination

Join us at www.facebook.com/chateauelan for exclusive offers.

For more information or to download our Wedding Packet visit

www.chateauelan.comOr, call 678-425-6017

23  simply brides | January/February 2013

CELEBRATE in stle

buckheadrestaurants.com

103 WEST 404-233 -5993

CHOPS LOBSTER BAR404 - 262 - 2675

PRICCI 404 - 237- 2941

VENI VIDI VICI404 - 875 - 8424

ATLANTA FISH MARKET

404 -240-1833

We invite you to host your next private party with Buckhead Life Restaurant Group,

where impeccable service, ideal settings and award-winning cuisine abound.

Our value-oriented menus work within all budgets.

Semi-private dinner parties, private luncheons and Sunday events also available at Kyma.