My fiancé’s aunt had died the year before we wed. She was an integral part of his family, and her vivacious life continues to inspire my groom and his siblings to this day. Her favorite symbol was butterflies.

We don't have to forget. We can choose to memorialize and remember.

I knew my fiancé was upset his aunt couldn’t be at our wedding in a physical sense. But that didn’t mean we couldn’t keep her spirit alive in this special time.

Six months before my wedding, I asked my fiancé’s sister about an idea. An idea about butterflies and a tiara and a momento. His family would immediately be able to recognize this symbol, without asking the additional guests to mellow out their joy on such a celebratory day. His sister agreed. The plan was birthed.

Six months later on June 6^th, I walked down the aisle with butterflies in my hair.

Brides, if you’ve lost someone you love, you don’t have to ignore that fact on your wedding day. Whether you’ve lost a parent, sibling, close friend, or relative from your fiancé’s family, you can acknowledge their importance in your life and their memory on your special day.

To start thinking of the best way for your wedding, consider these memorial ideas. Then customize these thoughts, or feel free to design your own ways to remember.

1. Wear Something Special: The bride’s mantra encourages “something borrowed.” So go for it. Wear a piece of jewelry that belongs to your loved one, or select a new piece of jewelry that symbolizes your loved one to you.

2. Add a Charm to your Bouquet: Select a charm that can fit a small photo of your loved one, or choose a charm shape to reflect your loved one’s interests. Ask your Las Vegas wedding florist to attach it to your bouquet’s ribbon for a subtle memorial. After the wedding, you can have your flowers preserved or simply keep the charm.

3. Include a Phrase on the Wedding Program: At the base of the wedding program, recognize the person (or people) whom you love who could not be with you. Keep it straightforward and simple with a single line, or include a short poem to acknowledge the important roles of your loved ones in your life.

4. Engrave a Vase and Add River Rocks: Purchase a vase engraved with your loved one’s name and “In Loving Memory.” Then fill the vase with polished river rocks. For each rock you place in the vase, recall one special memory with your loved one. Place the filled vase in a special place at your ceremony, such as a table near the altar.

5. Set Aside a Chair: Before the ceremony, select a chair from the front row. Next affix a flower and a card with a meaningful phrase, such as “Reserved in memory of,” and your loved one’s name. Then you’ll have a tangible way to look out at your guests and remember everyone in attendance, even those loved ones present in spirit.

Brides, while these ideas are designed to help you find your way to remember, please know it’s okay if you aren’t ready to include a memorial in your special day. For some brides, the grief is still too fresh. But if you’re ready, be creative and include a way to remember. At your wedding, you’ll likely think of your loved ones you’ve lost. Celebrate their lives as you celebrate this new step of marriage in your life as well.

Ask your photographer to capture these special additions, and invite your family or fiancé to help you with ideas. Together you’ll create a unique and memorable moment at your wedding to memorialize the people whom you love and who loved you too.

Author: Allyson Siwajian © 2012

Photograph credit: Jamison Frady of Quiet Art Photography © 2010 (Used by permission.)

“We are a smart-casual, Italian restaurant,” Heather Linefsky, Marketing Director at Mr. B’s Bar and Grill, Ristorante, said at Bridal Spectacular’s boutique bridal show, Veils, Tails, & Cocktails.

Following its grand opening on March 9, 2012, Mr. B’s Bar and Grill has revealed a fine dining experience on Paradise Road. At this location, brides, grooms, and guests benefit from the close proximity to the Las Vegas Strip while also gaining access to private parties and the ability to set their own tone at the restaurant.

Select an indoor or outdoor reception area at Mr. B's.

“The great thing about us is we have a fantastic banquet room that seats 120, [and] our outdoor patio, which seats 60,” Linefsky said. “We also do full restaurant buy-outs, so we can handle everything from the smallest of rehearsal dinners and bridal showers to the largest of receptions.”

With such variety, Mr. B’s Bar and Grill gives brides and grooms the exact space they need for their special events. Then to make each experience all the more enjoyable, Mr. B’s Bar and Grill hosts an attentive staff that is willing and ready to help its brides and grooms in every way.

“If they’ve got something coming up next month, I’ll be happy to help them next month or even a year or two out,” Linefsky said.

While Mr. B’s exceptional customer service is one of this restaurant’s shining features, this bar and grill’s most defining characteristic is its mouth-watering meals created by an authentic Italian chef.

Mr. B's Bar and Grill offers multi-course meals.

“Our food is fantastic,” Linefsky said. “Our head chef, Chef Nicola, is actually from Sardinia. He’s from Italy for our Italian cooking, and he just brings a great authentic influence into the restaurant.”

Since Mr. B’s Bar and Grill offers so many delectable dishes, comprised of organically grown fresh produce and hormone-free meats, their staff allows brides and grooms the freedom to choose exactly what they want to serve at their wedding receptions.

“The great thing about the venue is that there’s no pre-set menu,” Linefsky said. “The bride and groom [can] come to me [and] say, ‘We’re looking for this in our food, and we’re also looking for this type of budget.’ And we completely customize and make the menu for them.”

In addition to a truly customized menu and the option of a pre-wedding food tasting, brides and grooms can also finish their wedding planning all in one place, thanks to Mr. B’s preferred vendor list. Through this list, brides and grooms are able to choose recommended professional disc jockeys, florists, etc. who know the restaurant and can provide impeccable service for receptions. But while this preferred vendor list is available, Mr. B’s Bar and Grill allows arrangements for outside vendors as well.

Mr. B's menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, pastas, grilled seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and exotic meat entrees.

From the dining experience to the planning process, Mr. B’s Bar and Grill ensures every bride and groom receive only the best in the perfect place for their special day!

To preview the restaurant for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, bachelor party dinners, and more, Linefsky welcomes all brides and grooms to the restaurant.

“Come on down for dinner. Meet us, and take a look at us for your venues,” she said.

For more information about hours, meals, and special events, please visit the official website of Mr. B’s Bar and Grill, Ristorante. For a formal consultation, contact Heather Linefsky at 702-836-9449 or e-mail her at heather@mrbslv.com.

For further options for Las Vegas wedding reception sites in restaurants, please visit the official website of Bridal Spectacular.

Author: Allyson Siwajian © 2012

Photographs: Mr. B’s Bar and Grill, Ristorante (as featured on Mr. B’s Bar and Grill, Ristorante Facebook Fan Page)

“We’re not a typical floral shop. We’re one where every flower we buy is for that event and for that wedding,” Ryan Thornton, Head Floral Designer at White Orchid Floral Boutique, said at the Bridal Spectacular bridal show.

White Orchid Floral Boutique won the 2012 Dazzle Award for Decor at Bridal Spectacular's bridal show.

In a place where every flower has purpose, White Orchid’s staff caters to brides first and foremost through exceptional customer service.

“We’re there for brides every step of the way,” Thornton said. “Any questions, we could meet them at the site. We could meet them at their home. Wherever they would feel most comfortable.”

While this reduces wedding planning stress, White Orchid Floral Boutique also gives brides its best through its affordable pricing, prompt service, and absolute trustworthiness.

“They can really have the trust that we’re going to come through and be on time and their weddings are going to be gorgeous. That just makes their days all the more wonderful,” Thornton said.

Since excellent customer service is the strong stem of this florist shop, White Orchid blooms all the more with its unique features for innovative wedding flowers.

Wilt-Free, Fresh Flowers

“We really know how to make flowers last for weddings in Vegas because it is such a dry climate,” Thornton said. “We have different techniques we use to process our flowers to really make sure they’re hydrated and won’t wilt on a bride.”

In addition to knowing how to make flowers beautiful for every bride’s wedding, White Orchid’s staff can also educate brides on the best flowers for every season.

“I just try to give them all the information so that they can make the best decision for what they want to do,” Thornton said.

Dried, Fresh Flowers

While fresh flowers always make an impression, White Orchid Floral Boutique also offers dried flowers to deliver a different look for a bride’s wedding.

“The brides who want dried [flowers] are usually more the type who really like to have a preserved look … more informal, casual, and kind of a country feel,” Thornton said.

White Orchid also partners with brides to create original decor ideas and riveting floral design.

With White Orchid’s fresh flowers that have been dried, brides receive an instant way to make their décor original and memorable. As these flowers add to a wedding’s theme, they also act as keepsakes. Then brides receive both wedding and home décor, with the timelessness of precious heirlooms.

Silk Flowers

Beyond the realm of fresh flowers, White Orchid offers silk arrangements crafted with the same sense of precision, creativity, and innovation as fresh florals.

“With the silks, a lot of times there will be locations, like some of the military bases, [that] don’t allow fresh flowers or fresh rose petals,” Thornton said.

But with silk flowers by a professional florist, brides can still experience a beautiful atmosphere amidst flowers to fit their styles. Then after the wedding, silk flowers and petals can be cleared from the area with no stains on the carpet and no trouble with the venue. While brides with location restrictions benefit from this option, silk flowers also help brides who plan to host multiple receptions.

“Sometimes brides will have two receptions,” Thornton said. “So if they do silk bouquets, then they can use it for both occasions and they don’t have to do a double fresh look for both receptions.”

Allergen-Free Flowers

Since White Orchid’s silk flowers provide so many opportunities, it’s no wonder they are also popular with brides who need allergen-free flowers.

“[I spoke with] a lady today who was allergic to flowers,” Thornton said. “She wanted to do all silk because of her allergies, so that’s another consideration.”

White Orchid can design bouquets, centerpieces, archways, aisles, and more.

For brides in this situation, White Orchid also provides further options, including fresh flowers with fewer pollen counts.

“If people just have a subtle allergy,” Thorton said, “then we can just have some flowers that just have less pollen … and won’t cause an allergy attack.”

Flowers for Every Bride, Any Style

Thanks to White Orchid Floral Boutique, every bride can revel in the possibilities, no matter their weddings’ styles or special circumstances.

“We really like to be there and really service the brides,” Thornton said. “We love doing weddings. We love doing flowers. We’re always happy for people.”

With a supportive staff and inspiring, creative designs, White Orchid Floral Boutique truly transcends typical to embrace extraordinary!

For further details about White Orchid Floral Boutique, please visit their website. Or to schedule a consultation, please call Ryan Thornton at 702-736-3606. For information about additional Las Vegas wedding florists, please visit the official website of Bridal Spectacular.

Author: Allyson Siwajian © 2012

Photographs: Allyson Siwajian © 2012

Brides, I understand why we like asking our friends to be our photographers. Honestly, it’s cheaper as you’ll receive the friend rate. You’ll feel comfortable posing for this person. Then there’s even that level of trust—you’re friends, so you know he or she will give you his or her best.

But, brides, while it’s tempting to hire your friends as your photographers, I want to give you a little glimpse into several situations to consider before you book. If your friend passes the test, then by all means strike up a deal! But if not, then consider leaving the most important day of your life to a professional with the proficiency to give you exactly what you want.

Ten Questions to Ask before Booking your Friend as your Photographer:

Photo credit: Jamison Frady

• Time Management: A friend might be able to capture excellent imagery, but how many shots will it take? The guests will be waiting for the Grand Entrance, and you’ll want enough time to enjoy your reception.

• Technical Skill: Will your friend have the technical prowess to capture brilliant images, no matter the lighting situation? Think sunset at an outdoor ceremony, the dance floor in a dim reception room, or the cake illuminated by candlelight.

• Post-Production: Professional photographers are not fazed by the magnitude of post-production and the editing process. They have excellent turn-around times too. But will your friend eat you alive the next time you ask: “How much longer before I receive my pics?”

• Party vs. Work: You want your friend to enjoy your wedding, and she will likely want to celebrate too. Can your friend separate “time to party” from “time to work” on your wedding day?

• Artistic Style: Does your friend’s style match your own? The wedding day is no time to find out she wants you to do handstands in heels for some artsy photograph you have no interest in duplicating.

• Photojournalism Experience: Your friend may be great with still-life portraits, but how is he with live action? Your friend must capture moments as they happen, from that special kiss at the ceremony’s end to an impromptu laugh during the best man’s toast.

• Licensure: Is your friend a licensed photographer? Many Las Vegas wedding venues require a vendor be licensed and have insurance. It’d be a shame to find out too late that your friend won’t be allowed to photograph, due to this detail.

• Albums and Prints: Does your friend possess album design skills or offer professional prints? The digital images are only a portion of the final product. To preserve your memories, find out if your friend will provide professional prints that will stand the test of time as well as design a creative album.

Photo credit: Jamison Frady

• Professionalism: How does your friend present himself? A pro has no problem doing his job well, even in high-tension situations. You want a photographer you can trust to be professional, prompt, and interact well with guests and fellow vendors.

• Bonds of Friendship: Will you still be friends at the end of it all? Most importantly, you want to keep your friendship. If high stress equals bad news for you two, don’t put yourselves in that situation.

Las Vegas brides, for your wedding day, you want a professional photographer who has the technical skill, the professional demeanor, the creative edge, and the customer service to make your wedding dreams come true. If your friend fits the bill, then congratulations! But don’t be afraid to be honest with yourself about your friend’s skills either.

To explore additional options, review the portfolios of professional Las Vegas wedding photographers and make appointments to meet with your favorites. If you’d like, invite your photog friend to join you at these consultations.

You know what works for you two! Now do some brainstorming, be honest, and be confident about who you invite to photograph your special day!

Author: Allyson Siwajian © 2012

Photographs: Jamison Frady of Quiet Art Photography © 2010

“Nothing Bundt Cakes is universal. It’s nostalgic. It works for every occasion,” Anthony Solis, a Nothing Bundt Cakes Marketing team member, said at Bridal Spectacular’s Veils, Tails, & Cocktails bridal show.

Nothing Bundt Cakes can customize your cake with fresh flowers, baking flowers, flags, multiple tiers, and more.

With its unique ability to captivate all audiences, the Bundt cake provides the perfect solution to many brides and grooms’ needs.

“It’s perfect for the wedding, the bridal shower, the bachelorette party, the favors, the place setting … even the groom’s cake,” Solis said.

While Nothing Bundt Cakes works for almost any occasion in the wedding planning process, these cakes are also renowned for their unique design appeal. No matter a bride’s style, from whimsical and vintage to fashion-forward and modern, Nothing Bundt Cakes caters to everyone.

“We can really accommodate it to be special for that bride,” Solis said. “You have the large cakes you can put some fresh flowers or some baking flowers on … or customize [it] as the favor or even the place card.”

To fit these many purposes, Nothing Bundt Cakes offers a special line of cakes to brides and grooms that include smaller Bundt cake sizes. This includes the Bundtini and the popular Bundtlet.

“The Bundtini is just a couple of bites that comes by the dozen,” Solis said. “We also have our Bundlet, which is our individual serving.”

With a total of four sizes to select, Nothing Bundt Cakes truly provides a cake for every occasion.

“You can see how versatile it is,” Solis said. “Endless possibilities.”

While these sizes gives brides and grooms a variety of options, the opportunities to customize their cakes continue into the flavor choices. These include: Chocolate Chocolate Chip, White White Chocolate, Red Velvet, White Chocolate Raspberry, Carrot, Lemon, Marble, Cinnamon Swirl, and Pecan Praline.

Give guests an edible party favor and a place card, all with one Bundtlet.

“We have ten flavors,” Solis said. “We have nine flavors all the time. Then every couple months, we bring out a new flavor. One flavor that we have right now is Chocolate Turtle. [It’s] chocolate cake, pecans, caramel.… That one’s pretty amazing.”

With Almond Poppy Seed due to arrive in May and a host of new creations in the works for release later this year, brides and grooms can select these special seasonal cakes to give their Las Vegas weddings an additional custom flair. But whether they choose a classic flavor or a new twist, brides and grooms can expect to receive Nothing Bundt Cakes’ signature frosting to complement the cake flavor.

“Everybody loves our frosting,” Solis said.

Thanks to their delicious flavors, customization possibilities, and uses for so many special occasions, Nothing Bundt Cakes provides brides and grooms with the perfect fit for their special days. From bridal shower desserts to wedding party favors to edible centerpieces, everyone will love a little bite of one of the best cakes in town!

For more information about Nothing Bundt Cakes, please visit their website. To try their cake flavors, schedule a consultation, or place an order, please contact one of their two Las Vegas locations. You can reach the S. Eastern store at 702-314-0520 or the W. Sahara store is 702-871-6301.

For contact information for additional Las Vegas wedding cake bakeries, please visit the official website of Bridal Spectacular.

Author: Allyson Siwajian © 2012

Photographs by Allyson Siwajian, featuring Nothing Bundt Cakes’ Veils, Tails, & Cocktails bridal show display.

Photo credit: Candace Ann Photography

“We offer hair and makeup services for special events, weddings, photography, film, and wherever we’re needed,” Amelia C., owner and artist of Amelia C. and Co. Hair and Makeup Artistry, said at Bridal Spectacular’s Veils, Tails, & Cocktails bridal show.

Thanks to their expansive portfolio, Amelia C. and Co. is ready and willing to take bridal beauty artistry to the next level. To do this, they’ve harnessed the power of high-definition makeup and its refined application for brides in the digital age.

“We are constantly working to improve,” Amelia C. said. “We actually have gone so far as we have actually worked with … the Head Makeup Artist for Universal Studios Singapore to perfect our airbrush technique.”

Now with top-notch skills and the desire to continue growing with the times, Amelia C.’s team gives brides professional hair and makeup that’s completely smudge-free and camera-worthy.

“With the advent of high-definition (HD) technology, photography, and cinematography, what we found is that we actually had to up our skill level as artists,” Amelia C. said. “Suddenly, the things that were a little bit smudged or a little bit fudged are no longer acceptable because HD is showing every, single detail. So we’re actually a photographer’s best friend because if we do our job right, we minimize the post-production. And that also helps a bride’s bottom line because she doesn’t have to pay extra for post-production for sloppy work to be retouched.”

Photo credit: Ron Dillon

To complement their professional skills, Amelia C. and Co.’s personable team also provides a fun, relaxing atmosphere and the personal touch for every bride.

“What characterizes us and our company is we are very tight-knit,” Amelia C. said.  “We do have a genuine interest in our clients and our brides.”

Due to this sincere interest, Amelia C. always works one-on-one with a bride and her bridal party to discover exactly what will best work for each woman.

“Women today are all totally different,” Amelia C. said. “They have different skin types, so we like to customize the makeup experience for each individual person’s skin.”

Along with this custom experience for high-definition, water-resistant makeup that’s either airbrushed or traditionally applied, a bride can also receive professional hair care and styling. If a bride needs inspiration, Amelia C. can certainly help her find her best design. However, if a bride knows exactly what she wants, she is welcome to bring photographs or magazine clippings too.

“Pictures are an excellent idea to convey the look that they’re going for,” Amelia C. said. “It really is not a cliché; a picture’s worth a thousand words.”

Once the makeup application and hair styling are complete, brides also receive the added benefit of professional placement of their hair accessories and veil.

Amelia C. and Co. created the look for this season's Spectacular Bride cover girl. (Cover Photo: D. Tyler Photography)

“Any veil, tiara, accessory placement—whatever it is that they need in their hair—we’re going to make sure is attached securely, so it stays through their whole event,” Amelia C. said.

While Amelia C. helps brides embrace their own individual beauty for their Las Vegas weddings, their team also hosts charitable fundraisers and donates their professional talent to philanthropic endeavors.

“We’re trying to make the planet a more beautiful place,” Amelia C. said.

It’s simply one more way that Amelia C. and Co. seek to reach out to the world, give it all they have, and make a difference.

Brides, let Amelia C. and Co. deliver that difference for your weddings. With flawless makeup and a professional hairstyle, you’ll look your best, which allows you to feel your best for your special days too. Then as you confidently own your beauty, you’ll love every moment of your wedding day and never grow old of revisiting wedding photographs that captured your handsome husband beside such a beautiful you!

For more information about Amelia C. and Co. Hair and Makeup Artistry’s specific services, philanthropic endeavors, and bridal beauty portfolio, please visit their website. Or to schedule an appointment, please call Amelia C. at 702-610-8699. For additional Las Vegas wedding beauty professionals, please visit the official website of Bridal Spectacular.

Author: Allyson Siwajian © 2012