2014 | issue NO.

compliments
of
.......................................

Meredith Events

bridal

savoir bridal
faire

show

Sunday, September 28,2014

3-6 PM
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Hosted by A Perfect Bloom and Compassion Fashion Events & Design

www.BridalSavoirFaire.com | 501.882.2144
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IN THIS ISSUE

True Love Stories

6
10
Jonathan

Michaelah and Stephen

Tessa and

Features
24
36
40

La Fleur Fashion
Donnie Brown Interview
A Perfect Bloom Interview

The Style Chronicles

14
16

Bridal Fashion Styling

The Perfect Fit for Your Perfect Day

Beauty Bits
22

Beautified: Wedding Day Beauty Tips

Dear Delicious Diary

30

Top 10 Food Trends of 2014

BRIDAL SAVOIR
Editor-In-Chief
Meredith Corning
Creative Director
Meredith Corning
Editor
Kristen Prince
L.A. Rose
Hannah Webber
Leah Patterson
Lauren Laforce Brown
Meredith Corning
Contributing Photographers
Zo Weddings by Kim Boyd
Emmanuelle Choussey
emmanuellechoussy.com

Bobby Haws
Michelle Little
Sky Touch_E_Photos
Bridal Savoir Faire is an annual publication of
Meredith Corning Enterprises
208 W. Mississippi St.
Beebe, AR 72012
501.882.2530
BridalSavoirFaire.com
Meredith Corning Enterprises. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part without prior written
consent is strictly prohibited.

ON THE COVER
Photo: Bobby Haws
Creative Direction: Meredith Corning
Model: Audrey Leighton
Dress: Clark's Bridal & Formal
Makeup: Etniq Minerals
Bouquet: A Perfect Bloom
Location: Cypress Meadows Plantation

MEREDITH'S NOTE
Welcome to the premiere issue of
Bridal Savoir Faire! It has been a
dream of mine to publish a
magazine for quite some time and
I am very appreciative of
everyone who helped make this
issue happen. Arkansas is a wonderful place to
fall in love and our hope is that you as our
readers will fall in love with all the beauty that
our local vendors have to offer. After planning
our bridal fair last year and getting to know
some of the excellent vendors that are here
inside these pages - I knew I wanted to showcase
their talents. You will find that all our editors are
also local vendors and we are committed to
keeping it that way! Who better to give advice
about wedding planning than those working
hands on in this industry day after day? I hope
you enjoy this issue as it was made just for you.

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BRIDAL SAVOIR FAIRE true love stories

THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER

TRUE LOVE STORIES
EDITOR: KRISTEN PRINCE | ZO WEDDINGS BY KIM
THE DREAM TEAM
Photography: Zo Weddings by Kim
Venue: Cone Chapel on Harding Universitys campus
Catering (and cupcakes): Classic Fare Catering
Rentals: In Any Event
Dress: Davids Bridal
Suits: Mens Warehouse
Printables (Program/Invitation): Designed by Annie of Zo Photographic Group

R AFTER:

MICHAELAH WEAVER AND STEPHEN SARGENT

ichaelah and Stephen met through youth

group years before Michaelah was even old
enough to date. They were friends from day one.
Michaelahs family would not let her date until
she was 16, but this did not deter Stephen in any
way. A beautiful friendship developed not only
between Michaelah and Stephen, but with their
families as well. When Michaelah was a
freshman in high school, and Stephen a senior,
Michaelahs parents decided to bend the dating
rule when Stephen asked her to his senior
prom.
Michaelah's family relocated back to central
Arkansas when she was a sophomore in high
school and she and Stephen continued to date
(via "face time" for the most part) for a year
before Michaelah sadly broke up with Stephen...
on his birthday. They spent eight months apart,
during which time Stephen continued to pursue
Michaelah relentlessly. Let's just say the florist
knew her address by heart. Stephen would tell
you it was all worth the efforteight months of
not letting Michaelah forget about him paid off
and they got back together right before her
senior year of high school. Stephen even
traveled from Cincinnati to take Michaelah to
her senior prom.
After high school, Michaelah accepted a soccer
scholarship to Cincinnati Christian University
and was ecstatic to be headed back to Ohio
where she and Stephen could see each other
regularly. On the day she arrived in Cincinnati

and on Stephens birthday, he asked her to be

his wife.
Michaelah and Stephen were married the
following December at Cone Chapel on Harding
Univeristy's campus in Searcy.
They
incor- porated the simple beauty of winter
into their ceremony and reception. The
Christmas lights outside of the floor to
ceiling windows of the chapel created a
beautiful backdrop. Their intimate
ceremony and reception were decorated with pine boughs and branches that were
not only beautiful, but made the chapel and
reception hall smell like a winter
wonderland as well. Close friends, and the
bride's two brothers, performed live music
that set a tone of worship and love over the
ceremony. Guests were encouraged to leave
the couple messages in vintage coffee cans
to read on their anni- versaries and the
couple was sent off with fanfare and
sparklers.
Stephen and Michaelah's big day was so unstressful. It was a beautiful reflection of their
love as well as the love showered upon them
by their family and friends.

Michaelah's Advice for Brides-to-be:

"Dont worry about the little things that didnt
happen or go wrong. It is the start of an exciting
new life. All the adventures, both good and bad,
www.bridalsavoirfaire.com

BRIDAL SAVOIR FAIRE true love stories

A LITTLE MATCH MADE IN

TRUE LOVE STORIES
EDITOR: KRISTEN PRINCE | ZO WEDDINGS BY KIM
THE DREAM TEAM
Photography: Zo Weddings by Kim
Florist: Artistic Florist
Cake: Mickey's Cakes & Sweets
DeeJay: Sam at Best Little Rock DJ's
Hair Stylist: Lara McCabe of Bliss Salon and Boutique
Wedding Dress: First Impressions (Fashion Designer: Maggie Soterro)
Bridesmaids Dresses: Lows
Tuxedos: Ann's Bridal
Rentals: In Any Event

10

N HEAVEN:

TESSA BROWN AND JONATHAN BEAVERS

BRIDAL SAVOIR FAIRE true love stories

12

essa and Jonathan were initially introduced

and set up on a blind date by none other than
Jonathans stepmother. For their first date,
Jonathan took Tessa on one of what would
become many dates to the country club. It
didnt take long for both a sweet romance and
deep friendship to start building. To see them
now, you would think they had known each
other for many years. They effortlessly make
each other laugh, tease one another incessantly
and are completely smitten with the other.
Jonathan is a farmer and one of the most endearing things about Tessa is how very much
she loves the farm. To meet her, you would describe her as a "girly girl." Shes stylish and
always beautifully put together - but, the farm
has become so special to her. Like Jonathan, its
become her retreat when life gets busy. The
close friend who officiated their wedding shared
that he knew Tessa was really special to
Jonathan when he learned that she had been
spending time at his farm. It isnt surprising
that this is where Jonathan chose to ask Tessa
to be his wife.
Tessa and Jonathan were married in January at
Downtown Church of Christ in Searcy and
everything about their wedding was classically
beautiful. They framed the ceremony with
elegant iron work, candles, lit willow branches
and arrangements of white lilies, white roses
and pine cones.
Bridesmaids wore floor-length, classic black
gowns while groomsmen were in traditional

black tuxedos. Tessa was breathtaking in her

bridal gown with a sweetheart neckline and
beautiful button details on the back. For outdoor
portraits, Tessa wore her great-grandmothers
fur coat while the bridesmaids wore custom
black fur shawls.
Their reception was held at Robbins-Sanford
Grand Hall. It, too, was elegantly decorated with
black and white table linens, burlap details,
candles, white lilies and roses, pine and fir.
Guests were served a buffet dinner and also
enjoyed a cocoa stand that was decorated with
images from their cocoa stand inspired engagement session. Their cake boasted five
decadent tiers and was as delicious as it was
beautiful. It was served atop a shabby chic
wagon-like server and was topped with a stylish
monogram. Tessa and Jonathan toasted with the
same silver goblets thats Tessas parents used
at their own wedding. Tessa, Jonathan and their
guests danced the night away before they left for
their romantic honeymoon.

Tessa's Advice for Brides-to-be:

I was really fortunate to have the help of my
lovely mother who did pretty much everything, so
I really didnt have to do much. Dont let the little
things stress you. On your big day, nothing is
going to matter anyway except that youre
married to your best friend. Yes, the planning is
stressful, but try and enjoy it as much as possible
even though you just want it to be over! And...
enjoy all the special time you have with your
mom during all of the planning.
www.bridalsavoirfaire.com

13

BRIDAL SAVOIR FAIRE the style chronicles

ow does a bride choose from the myriad

of dress options that are available to her? You

have probably heard the term fashion stylist
used a lot on TV, but you may not have heard
of a bridal stylist. When you think of a fashion
stylist you probably envision someone dressing
movie stars and celebrities that are attending
red carpet events. What you may not realize is
that stylists work with ordinary people far more
frequently than celebrities, and many times
those people are brides.
Unless you are having a themed costume
wedding, your gown should be stylish, but also
classically elegant, so that 30 years from now
you do not hide your photos from sheer
embarrassment and say, What was I thinking
with that awful dress? For example, a bias-cut
silk charmeuse gown was fashionable 80 years
ago, 50 years ago, 20 years ago, is still in good
taste today, and will be for the foreseeable
future. It sounds clich, but it really is true that
good taste never goes out of style.
The small fee that you pay to the stylist will pay
for itself many times over. You will save
countless hours, and even more importantly,
you may save yourself from an embarrassing
fashion disaster.

14

What exactly does a bridal stylist do?

Helps you select the perfect dress whether
buying off the rack or custom. If you want to
be completely unique, think custom. Wedding
gowns come in every color of the rainbow now
and a custom gown may be necessary if you
want something truly unusual such as an aqua
or lilac gown.
Assists you during custom fittings. If you want
a perfect fit or have fit issues, go with custom.
If your body is extremely top heavy or bottom
heavy, custom may be a necessity. If you have
a perfect figure, or dont have time to have a
custom gown made, then off the rack is the
way to go. A custom gown will take weeks or
even months to create if it is extremely elaborate.
A bridal stylist will interview you, and after
learning the details of your dress needs and
desires, narrows down the choices from literally
thousands to a select few that are appropriate
for you.
A bridal stylist pre - shops for you and pulls
gowns that will be flattering, stylish, and make
you look and feel beautiful.

Bridal Fashion Styling

EDITOR: L.A. ROSE/ L.A. ROSE FASHION STYLING

www.bridalsavoirfaire.com

BRIDAL SAVOIR FAIRE the style chronicles

Petite
DO
Elongate. A column-like sheath with an unbroken
line or an A - line dress will create the illusion of
height. Find a style with a waistline above that of
your natural waistline to elongate your lower half,
making your appear taller.
DON'T
Most silhouettes will flatter a petite figure. Too
much volume in a gown may be overwhelming on a
petite frame. Avoid drop - waist silhouettes and
calf - length styles, which may make your legs
appear shorter.
Image Credit: Davids Bridal Collection One Shoulder
Chiffon Gown with Floral Appliques.
Available in Stores and Online at www.davidsbridal.com.
Color: Soft White
Price: $549 ON SALE FOR $439.20

The Perfect Fit

for Your Perfect Day
by: Hannah Webber | Compassion Fashion

Tall
DO
Keep it simple. Taller women can pull off most any style,
as long as there are not too many details or
embellishments drawing attention to the height. A lower
waistline, a floor-sweeping hem, and even a longer veil
are all great options for taller women. A simple
silhouette that accentuates the natural shape of your
body tends to be a chic look for taller women.
DON'T
Avoid a dress with a high neckline, as it draws the eyes
upwards, elongating the body even more. Too many
details or embellishments can look busy on a taller
woman. Also, consider wearing your hair down rather
than in an updo that adds more height.
Idea, photography & editing Emmanuelle Choussy
Model Maddison Dexter
Dress "Oh My Honey" | by Louise OMahony, BRIGHTON (UK)
Makeup Artist Kymberlee Curti
Hairstylist Leay Serizawa for Lea Journo Salon
Assistants Florian Frin & Virginie Mervan

BRIDAL SAVOIR FAIRE the style chronicles

Idea & photography Emmanuelle Choussy

Model Maddison Dexter
Dress "Oh My Honey" | by Louise
OMahony, BRIGHTON (UK)
Makeup Artist Kymberlee Curti
Hairstylist Leay Serizawa for Lea Journo
Salon
Assistants Florian Frin & Virginie Mervan

Pear - Shaped
DO
Think classic. A classic A-line
silhouette emphasizes a
small waistline while covering
the bottom half without
clinging. Choose a gown with
a beaded bodice or waistline
to draw the eyes upwards. An
off - the - shoulder neckline
can also help to keep the
attention on your upper body.

DON'T
Sheath style gowns and clingy
fabrics can be unflattering.
Consider sturdier fabrics
such as taffeta or duchess
satin for a more formal
wedding and eyelet lace for
a more casual wedding.

18

www.bridalsavoirfaire.com

Image Credit: Davids Bridal

Collection Strapless Satin V Neck
Gown with Ruched Bodice.
Available in Stores and Online at
www.davidsbridal.com.
Color: Ivory
Price: $499 ON SALE FOR $399.20

Apple - Shaped
DO
Select a dress with a bodice
that will highlight your waist,
offsetting your shoulders and
creating an hourglass shape.
Ruching or lace detail on the
bodice will help to camoflage, and a snug fit will
give a corset - like effect. A
dress with a deep V - neck
will slenderize by drawing eyes
towards the vertical rather
than the horizontal.

DON'T
Avoid cap sleeves, which can
add bulk to your shoulder
area. Trumpet style dresses
emphasize the widest part of
the body and flare out at the
most slender part of the appleshaped body, adding bulk.

Davids Bridal Woman Satin

Trumpet Gown with Sweetheart
Neckline
Available in Stores and Online at
www.davidsbridal.com.
Color: Ivory
Price: $849 ON SALE FOR $549

Full - Figured
DO
A mermaid or trumpet style
gown flatters your curves
while adding volume below to
even out the proportions. An
empire gown with a skirt that
begins just under the bust
may be the most flattering
option for curvey figures.
Asymmetrical ruching that
wraps around the waist can
create a narrower waist.

DON'T
A slinky cut or slim sheath are
the least flattering options for
full - figured women. Avoid
spaghetti straps, opting for
something with more support.
Beware of plunging necklines,
to avoid making you appear
rounded.

SMILE BEAUTIFUL

Our team is here to help you get the smile

of your dreams. We understand that first
impressions are lasting, and the first thing
people notice is your smile. Make the
right first impression with a beautiful
smile!

robert Beavers, D.D.S.

BEEBE FAMILY DENTISTRY

beebefamilydentistry.com

501.882.5491

COSMETIC DENTISTRY
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Boxy
DO
Create curves. Think empire-waist gowns or
ball gowns that cinch in at your natural
waistline and descend into a full floor-length
skirt. Emphasize your slenderness with a
feminine strapless bodice, and camou flage a lack of hips with a full skirt. If you
have a small bust, look for a bodice with
ruching or lace to add volume.
DON'T
Sheath and drop waist gowns will make
you appear even boxier. Avoid sheath or
clingy dresses that contribute nothing to
creating the illusion of curves. Stay away
from fussy or busy design details.
Image Credit: Davids Bridal Collection Chiffon Soft
A-Line with Beaded Empire Waist.
Available Online Only at www.davidsbridal.com.
Color(s): Ivory/White
Price: $499 ON SALE FOR $249.99

Busty
DO
Go ahead and show some skin. Show a little
cleavage, as trying to completely cover a larger
chest can make it appear larger. A V - neckline
with thick, supportive straps, a scoop neckline,
or a strapless sweetheart neckline with supportive boning on the inside, are the best options for
women with a full bust.
DON'T
Avoid detail on the bodice, including ruching,
which adds volume and draws attention to the
bust. Avoid a straight neckline which can make
your bust look shelf-like, or result in spillage.

Image Credit: Melissa Sweet Collection Organza Lace

and Satin Sweetheart Trumpet Gown.
Available in Stores and Online at www.davidsbridal.com.
Color: Ivory
Price: $1200 ON SALE FOR $900

Exclusive Floral Designs

We'll make your wedding day picture perfect!

Image by Sky Touch E Photos

BRIDAL SAVOIR FAIRE beauty bits

BEAUTIFIED
Wedding Day
Beauty Tips
Everything else is in place and now its
time to decide on the most important
part...exactly how stunning you will be
on that day. Just follow this insider
advice from Beauty Editor

Leah Patterson | Etniq Minerals

Photography by Zo
Weddings by Kim

Tips for Radiant Skin...

Begin a skin care regimen a few months before

your wedding. This will consist of being diligent
about cleansing, toning, and moisturizing day and
night. Youll also want to exfoliate your skin twice a
week. You can make your own simple exfoliant with
brown sugar and a bit of coconut or olive oil or you
can purchase one. The most important thing is that
it is gentle on your skin and helps remove dead
skin cells and stimulate new skin cells to the
surface.

A few days before your wedding, schedule a

facial or give yourself one. This will brighten and
rejuvenate your skin. Its important to do this a few
days before your wedding in order to give your skin
time to react and calm down from the treatment.
You want your skin bright and fresh. This is also the
most opportune time to do any waxing. You want
beautiful, glowing skin - not red, irritated skin.

22

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Makeup MUST-Do's

beauty notes

The first makeup must - do is to decide

on your look at least a month before your
wedding. Its a good idea to look through
wedding books and magazines to get a
feel for the type of look you want. The
idea for wedding makeup is to look like
your best YOU. Youll want to look just like
yourself, just enhanced and lovelier than
ever. Because of this, youll want to make
sure that the makeup look you choose
really reflects your character.

1. Use a face primer.

2. Use a highlighter on brow bone and a sparkle at
the inner corners of eyes.
3. Use a lipstain and have lip liner, lip gloss, and
lipstick with you.
4. Use oil absorbing blots and powder.
5. Use light color on eyelids with darker colors in
crease.
6. Define eyebrows.
7. Consider false lashes, consider individuals for a full
and natural look.
8. Use a peachy/pink blush for a natural flushed loo.
k.
9. Test out makeup in flash lighting.
10.. Blend down to neckline.
11.. Choose a foundation that will match your skin in
that season.
12. Use waterproof mascara, eyeshadow primer.
13. Curl lashes.

Have beautiful, glowing skin that

looks great with and without flash. Be sure
you choose a foundation that will not cast
a white hue over your skin with the flash
of a camera. Try out your foundation and
take a few pictures of yourself in natural
light and with a flash. This will help make
sure you dont look ghostly or washed out
on your wedding day photos.

Choose sweat- proof makeup. Mineral makeup is the best choice for a
sweat-proof flawless finish that will last
your entire day. One of the beautiful
things about mineral makeup is that the
finish is very natural. Because of this you
look like you have magnificent skin, not
like you have a plastic face, which can be
the result of so many conventional makeup foundations.

Concealer is your friend! Even if you

dont normally wear concealer, concealer
on your wedding day is most definitely
your friend. Its best to use a mineral
based one that has a bit of yellow in it to
help conceal dark circles under eyes and
dark spots on skin. If you suffer from
redness, find a green - based concealer
that can help neutralize those areas.

Go simple and classic for wedding

day makeup. Be sure to add a little bit of

sparkly eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes and

a matte color to your brow bone. For your brows, choose
a powder eyeshadow that is a bit lighter than your brow
hairs and fill in using an angled brush. Use that same
angled brush and a bit of water with a dark brown or
black eyeshadow to then line your eyes, top and bottom.

Mascara and false lashes go a long way. Apply one

coat of mascara and then consider applying false
lashes. The individual clusters will give you more of a
natural look than a strip lash, however a strip lash isnt
a bad alternative if you are applying them yourself. The
key is to first curl your own lashes, then apply a coat of
mascara, then add the false lashes. The result will be
beautifully enhanced eyes.
www.bridalsavoirfaire.com

23

BRIDAL SAVOIR FAIRE fashion feature

La Fleur

Extra flourishes of decadence - floral headpieces and

overflowing tulle - create a mood of romance and
extravagance. Photographed by Emmanuelle Choussy.

"Maiden" A Series By EMMANUELLE CHOUSSY

Model RACHEL ZIMMERMAN
Dress WILD PENSES BY TITELLE COUTURE
Makeup VIVIAN NGO & VIRGINY MERVAN
Hair VIRGINY MERVAN
Flowers Crown EMMANUELLE CHOUSSY
Assistants STEPHANIE NEIDHARDT & FLORIAN FRIN
Creative Direction EMMANUELLE CHOUSSY

TULLE DEATH DO US PART

Large tulle skirt coupled with a silk
taffeta corset complete with
beaded trim of silver Swarovski
crystals accentuates lines for a
glamorous look.
Titelle custom wedding gowns
available at www.titelle.com.

"Maiden" A Series By EMMANUELLE CHOUSSY

Model RACHEL ZIMMERMAN
Dress WILD PENSES BY TITELLE COUTURE
Makeup VIVIAN NGO & VIRGINY MERVAN
Hair VIRGINY MERVAN
Flowers Crown EMMANUELLE CHOUSSY
Assistants STEPHANIE NEIDHARDT & FLORIAN FRIN
Creative Direction EMMANUELLE CHOUSSY

"Maiden" A Series By EMMANUELLE CHOUSSY

Model RACHEL ZIMMERMAN
Dress WILD PENSES BY TITELLE COUTURE
Makeup VIVIAN NGO & VIRGINY MERVAN
Hair VIRGINY MERVAN
Flowers Crown EMMANUELLE CHOUSSY
Assistants STEPHANIE NEIDHARDT & FLORIAN FRIN
Creative Direction EMMANUELLE CHOUSSY

BRIDAL SAVOIR FAIRE dear delicious diary

Top 10 Food Trends

of 2014
EDITOR:: LAUREN LAFORCE BROWN
SAVORY CATERING
Looking for the best way to serve guests at your
reception? There are so many options to consider
that choosing what and how to serve can be quite
daunting. Food can certainly set the tone for your
reception, so why not allow the food served to
reflect your personal style. Weve compiled a list of
ten food trends that are making the scene this year
around the Central Arkansas area.

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drink stations
Tastes matter today more than ever
and not only have our palettes
become more refined regarding our
food but also our drinks. Serve a
signature cocktail that the couple
creates or have different stations
that arent necessarily alcoholic like
assorted sodas with flavored syrups,
coffee, hot chocolate, flavored teas
or infused water stations. Allow your
guests the opportunity to have
drinks their way. If alcohol is an
element included in the reception,
wine tastings and pairings as well as
beer flights can be a fun experience
for the wine or beer connoisseur.

30

rustic flair
Rustic weddings have been popular for the past couple of
years and 2014 is no different. A new trend has emerged,
however, to serve your guests family buffet style. Treat your
guests to favorite family meals incorporating recipes and
favorite dishes from both the bride and grooms families. You
might even include family heirloom china, flatware or serving
pieces that have special meaning. The food becomes the
centerpiece for the tables being displayed as they would be for
any family holiday or special gathering. The homey and relaxed
atmosphere pairs well with rustic styling. Give homemade jams,
as gifts to your guests, such as this raspberry jam with
personalized label. You can also use them as nameplates
designating seating for your guests.

go small
Bite-sized hors d oeurves that is! Small is definitely in
something that can be eaten in one bite, no more than
two. Tiny trifles, tiny cups, tiny spoons, tiny forks, and food
on skewers are what all the rage is in 2014. Most all foods
can be served in tiny bites, from mac - n - cheese, crab
cakes sliders, and spaghetti & meatballs to desserts like
mini pies, tarts, and cake trifles. Theyre fun and tasty and
lend their selves to wider varieties of plating options for
your guests to try.

dessert bars
Customize it! Serve your favorite
dessert with an array of yummy
toppings like a cheesecake bar or
ice cream station. Have do -ityourself stations of popcorn, nuts
and candies that guests can add
to cute, personalized little bags
to take home. For an outdoor
event, think about a Smores Bar.
Fire can be an added element to
the dcor and who doesnt love a
freshly prepared smore? Desserts can also be incorporated as
centerpieces for the tables, like a
bouquet of cupcakes frosted and
decorated to look like flowers.

do brunch
One hot, new trend is having your ceremony first thing in the morning with a brunch served
afterwards. Morning weddings are great for brides on a budget. Generally speaking, breakfast
foods are much less expensive and can be tailored to suit any type of wedding whether relaxed or
formal. The food possibilities are endless. Think omelet stations, pancake or biscuit bars, and
mimosas.
www.bridalsavoirfaire.com

31

thematic style

Something really theme-y and trendy right now is The Great Gatsby, with a garden party feel,
with little tea sandwiches and champagne towers. You should pick a theme that suits both of
you and make it fun for you and your guests. Incorporate the food into every aspect of the
theme whether ethnic, cultural, color, seasons, tastes, size, etc. The food actually adds
another dimension to the dcor when included.
Another new trend this year is food themes pick a food element that is the star of every
dish. For example, have a food table featuring bacon, which is very popular right now. Serve
mini BLT's, loaded mashed potato cups with bacon or bacon wrapped...well, anything! Add some
sweet elements to the table as well, like candied bacon, bacon maple shortbread cookies or
mini dark chocolate bacon cupcakes.

food bars
There are endless possibilities with food bars.
Make food more of an experience with a chef
creating an individual masterpiece for each guest
while they watch and interact as each dish is
prepared for them. Some example food stations:
crepes or omelets, tacos, pastas with different
sauces, meats, and veggies, guacamole, or hibachi stations. For a more comfort food style
menu serve a mashed or sweet potato bar with a
multitude of favorite toppings for each guest to
choose.

32

www.bridalsavoirfaire.com

Spice up that Special Day

Struggling to find the perfect gift for the bride-to-be? Looking for ways to spice up your own honeymoon?
Book a Pure Romance party with me and Ill bring the latest bath, beauty, and relationship enhancement
products to help you turn up the heat in the bedroom! Just invite the ladies over and get ready for a night!
www.PureRomance.com/ClaudettaMcElhaney

501.258.6061

PureRomanceByClaudetta@gmail.com

the mason jar

Whether you use them for drinks
or desserts or both, these glass
beauties are fabulous! They are
perfect for single serving desserts. Theyre easy to carry, easy
to serve, and easy to decorate
with matching colors and motif,
plus they are just super cute.
Since Mason Jars come in many
sizes, shapes and colors, there
are endless possibilities to their
use. They are finding their way
into more and more wedding
receptions in many different
combinations. At a recent wedding we catered in January, the
dessert display was one of the focal points at the reception, which included Apple Pies, Banana
Pudding Trifles and Red Velvet Cake Trifles all in half pint and pint jars, which added an element
of homey rustic comfort and the guests loved them! We also incorporated a couples element
and served the red velvet trifles in pint jars, tying 2 spoons onto the jar with twine, so the oh-sogood treat could be shared with that special someone.

have a snack
One of the biggest trends right now
is serving a late night snack to keep
the party going after the main part
of the reception is complete. This is
for you brides and grooms who desire to spend some extra time celebrating with your closest friends
and wedding attendants, staying
later in the evening to enjoy music
and dancing. Its an opportunity to
share your favorite late night
snacks, popcorn, sliders, pizza, dip
& chips, ice cream or milk & cookies.
*Note - be mindful of your timeline.
Unless you can stay in your venue till
midnight or the wee small hours, a
late night snack is probably not
right for you.

do it your way

34

www.bridalsavoirfaire.com

Its your wedding and it should reflect who you are and what
type of atmosphere you want for both you and your guests.
Yes, there are all kinds of wedding etiquette rules and expectations. Throw them to the wind if you dare, its your day,
your dollar and the people you want most to share in your
special day will be there. Celebrate with them as you will.
Food included! Let the food express you!

BRIDAL SAVOIR FAIRE celebrity feature

Keeping Up With Celebrity Wedding Planner

DONNIE BROWN
INTERVIEW BY MEREDITH CORNING

linens, custom lighting, tabletop acessories,

favors, chairs and other decorative elements.
What is your personal favorite style of
weddings? Why?
We love all types of weddings. My personal
favorite are those where we can really think
outside the box and include elements that are
not typical. For instance, we love our signature
chocolate menu cards. We love extreme lighting details with computer controlled effects.
We love contemporary dcor with unusual elements that really sets it apart from other weddings of the same style or theme. Most importantly, we like to take the couples theme, colorations or feeling and expand on it to create
something that is beyond their expectations.
What do you consider to be the #1 wedding
planning faux pas?

onnie Brown is a wedding planner extraordinaire based in Dallas, Texas. He has planned
celebrity weddings for stars such as LeAnn Rimes
and the social elite, but has also become a
celebrity in his own right. He has starred on the
Style Network's hit show, "Whose Wedding is it
Anyway," for many seasons and is known for his
calm and charming approach to wedding planning. A true professional, Brown lives up to his
role by taking the stress out of every one of his
clients' weddings and shouldering much of the
responsibilty to ensure a bride can relax on her
special day. His book, Donnie Brown Weddings:
From the Couture to the Cake, has become somewhat of a wedding planning bible for many
brides-to-be and is chocked full of beautiful
imagery and great tips for virtually any style of
wedding.
Can you describe what services Donnie Brown
Weddings and Events offer to engaged couples?
Donnie Brown Weddings and Events is a full service event planning and coordination firm. We
offer everything from month-of service to limited planning services to full planning and turnkey as well. For those clients who cant find the
right fit in the pre-fxed offerings, we can create
an ala carte package with only those items needed. Additionally, we offer full service floral and
dcor services with rental items such as luxury

Hiring a wedding planner that doesnt know

what they are doing or only do this part-time.
Clients need a planner that is 100% devoted to
the weddings they are creating. Part-time
doesnt cut it. A client needs to know they can
reach the planner at a moments notice. Also,
when you say full service, it should be full
service! Many planners think full service is
helping the client for about 50 - 100 hours
leading up to the wedding event. Our Divine
package which is our full service package lends
between 300 500 hours leading up to the
wedding. Our Sublime Package which is our
turn-key plan averages from 500 1500 man
hours. Clients that want to hire a planner are
expecting this kind of dedication to the
event. Anything less gives us all a bad name.
Can you give us the top style and decor trends
for 2014?
Simple, one flower type floral designs are in.
Monochromatic colorations are hot right now.
Lighting is critical. Those days with bright,
sunny wedding receptions are not in vogue
these days. Your lighting package is the lipstick
of your event. Full place settings with an array
of crystal for each liquid component being
offered is important as well are chargers and
a full series of flatware. Set that table, baby.
Make them sweat when they sit down!

www.bridalsavoirfaire.com

37

"Those days with

bright, sunny
wedding receptions
are not in vogue
these days. Your
lighting package is
the lipstick of your
event."

"Set that table,

baby. Make
them sweat
when they sit
down!"

WEDDING PLANNING 101

What Donnie Brown wants you to know.
You really should hire a planner. I cannot broach this
list without including this. A good planner can save you their
fee in better contract negotiations, a detailed eye on the
budget and cash-flow and keeping the client from making
mistakes or being oversold by commission-happy vendors.
You can also hire a planner for month-of so you can
enjoy your wedding and not have to personally manage it
yourself.
Develop a perfected budget and live by it. Dont meet
anyone other than a planner with a budget that has been
developed carefully. A good budget is the very heart of the
planning process.
contracts add 25-45% more on each dollar you spend for service charges, gratuities and taxes? If you
are not careful and dont understand this, you may end up considerably over budget and in trouble with
he or she who is paying!
Make good decisions about how many people you invite. If you are hoping for 175 guests and send out
150 invitations with a potential of two per invite, you are likely going to have 250-275 guests in attendance. Each guest costs money.
If you are having differences of opinion with parents and other members of your inner-circle,
remember, this is your wedding. It should be the wedding you want. Give in on items that you dont really
care about in order to have control over those issues you do want without exception.

BRIDAL SAVOIR FAIRE local vendor feature

A PERFECT BLOOM
FOR YOUR PERFECT WEDD
A Perfect Bloom Florist & Interiors is a family-owned and operated
full service floral and dcor design house. Owner, Kelly Warden,
has a vast career that spans decades of service in the wedding
industry. Her design beginnnings started in Europe and led her
into a business right here at home in Arkansas that allows her to
do what she loves the most - create the perfect wedding for her
clients every time.

DING

BRIDAL SAVOIR FAIRE local vendor feature

How did you begin your career in floral design and

dcor?
I started in the floral business in 1986. I began
designing in West Germany for Herr Hartmann of
Blumenladen, which had been in the business for over
35 years. He truly tried to teach me everything that he
had learned through his many years. I found a great
friend and mentor in him. While I was in Europe, I had
the opportunity to travel and learn many design techniques and work with many world-renown floral designers. It was a fabulous experience and that is where
the beginning of my passion for flowers began.
You now own a posh floral and dcor business called
A Perfect Bloom. What colors and designs do you
see trending this year?
Our design team has to stay up on the latest
trends and styles. There's many areas that have to be
researched to determine a trend - fashion has a great
deal to do with that. Every year is completely different. This year you'll be noticing a lot of hot, vibrant
colors! It's so refreshing to the last few years where we
have been seeing the muted tones. We continue to still
use a lot of the vintage elements such as lace, antiques
and family heirloom items. Using special family vintage items really personalizes the wedding and gives
family the opportunity to contribute.

Flowers are vital to a wedding.

A
wedding is such an important life moment
and there's no better way to make it special.
Flowers dictate the colors of the wedding.
They reflect the theme of the wedding - from
contemporary to posh to simplistic to traditional. With flowers, you achieve the overall aesthetic of the special day.
What is your favorite flower to utilize in
weddings and why?
I love the flower named "stock". It is one of
my favorites. It's fragrant, comes in a
variety of colors, inexpensive, very flexible
and is just pretty! I really love every variety
of orchids also. Spider mums are really
having a comeback in wedding florals. They
are long lasting and really funky!

6 Floral Decor Tips From Kelly

Can you describe the importance that floral design 1. Don't mix over 3 colors.
and dcor plays in the overall aesthetic of a wedding? 2. Stick with your theme- don't veer too far
from it.
3. Sometimes simple is the best.
4. Take advise from people you trust.
5. Set a budget and stick to it.
6. Always ask your florist what's in season...
that will help in pricing.
www.bridalsavoirfaire.com

42

Merchant Corner
ACCESSORIES
Krystal Bijoux Jewelry
Krystal Cornelius
479.790.2295
Park Lane Jewelry
Rildia Bailey
501.288.0310
myparklane.com/rildia

BRIDAL SALON
David's Bridal
12801-C Chenal Parkway
Chenal Commons S/C
Little Rock, AR 72211
David's Bridal
4172 E McCain Boulevard
North Little Rock, AR 72117
David's Bridal
3009 East Highland Drive Suite B
Turtle Creek Crossing
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Deco Rose Couture
decorosecouture.com

BRIDAL SHOW / EVENT

Bridal Savoir Faire
September 28th, 2014
bridalsavoirfaire.com

BEAUTY AND HEALTH

ACE Appetite Control
Becky Nue
501.882.5375
sabaforlife.com/beckyneu
Beachbody Fitness
501.882.9171
501.749.7188
Beebe Family Dentistry
71 Highway 64 West
Beebe Arkansas
501.882.5491
beebefamilydentistry.com
Etniq Minerals
Leah Patterson
etniqminerals.com
It Works! Global
501.428.0323
skinnywrapsbyaimee.com

Wedding Resources
L.A. Rose Image Consulting
l-a-rose.com
Moxie PHD
909 McAfee Medical Cir
Beebe, AR 72012
501.882.9876
Rodan + Fields
Jen Harper
501.804.2658
skincarerx.myrandf.biz
The Cosmetic Studio
1623 E Beebe Capps Expy
Searcy, AR 72143
501.279.2526

CAKES AND COOKIES

FLORAL
A Perfect Bloom
407 W. Dewitt henry Rd.
Beebe, AR 72012
aperfectbloom.com
501.882.2144
Weddings By Karen
710 Southwest Front Street
Walnut Ridge, AR 72476
870.886.2422
weddingsbykarenar.com

INVITATIONS
A Perfect Bloom
407 W. Dewitt henry Rd.
Beebe, AR 72012
aperfectbloom.com
501.882.2144

Patricia Asselin Cake Decoration

flickr.com/p_asselin_cakez
passelincakes@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Plum Peacock

213 West Arch Suite B
Searcy, Arkansas 72143
501.593.6727
theplumpeacock.squarespace.com

REGISTRY

Zo Weddings by Kim
501.281.6433
zoeweddingart.com

CATERING

Pampered Chef
Dawn Nabours
501.230.1565
pamperedchef.biz/dawnnabours

Classic Fare Catering

915 East Market
Searcy, AR 72143
501.279.4231
hardingcatering.catertrax.com

Pure Romance
Claudetta McElhaney
pureromance.com/claudettamcelhaney
501.258.6061

Lead Apron Catering

515 CR 782
Jonesboro , AR 72401
leadaproncatering.com

TRANSPORTATION

Savory Catering
501.230.1421
savorycateringar.com

TRAVEL BARTENDER

DJ / LIGHTING

VENUE
Cypress Meadows Plantation

Arkansas Pro DJs

1400 W Dewitt Henry Dr
Beebe, AR
501.912.5378
arprodj.com
Sound Xtreme
2009 Briarwood
Pocahontas, Arkansas 72455
870.215.2497
soundxtreme.com

Princess's Carriage
501.232.4102
princesscarriage.com

Tami East
teast3@comcast.net

17925 Hwy 17
Howell, AR 72101
501.882.2144
www.cypressmeadowsplantation.com

VIDEOGRAPHER
Betwixt Magnolias
501.230.6328
betwixtmagnolias.com

Savor the Moment!

Relax and enjoy your day as we take care of all your catering needs

Check us out on Facebook

Starters Sweets Suppers

Expert menu planning
www.savorycatering.com

501.593.3263

lauren@savorycateringar.com

Makeup Artistry

1623 E. Beebe Capps Expressway

Searcy, AR 72143
501.279.2526
Photo by www.kbrackins.com
Makeup by Doris

Rustic
surroundings...
Cottage
elegance...

idyllic

Your
experience awaits...

CM

CYPRESS MEADOWS

Wedding & Event

Center
17925 Hwy. 17 Howell, AR
www.cypressmeadowsplantation.com

501.882.2411
or
501.288.2151