Fashion: GOWN Caffe silk-taffeta trumpet with floral embroidery and a peplum, $7,300, Amsale. VEIL $300, Tia Mazza. EARRINGS Diamond and 18-karat-white-gold ear clips, $47,000, and RING Eighteen-karat-white-gold and diamond, from $4,350, Van Cleef & Arpels. BOUQUET Dahlias, amnesia roses, scabiosa, sweet peas, clematises, artichokes, and spirea, $300, Amy Merrick.
Beauty: All makeup by Dior. Diorskin Forever in 010, Rosy Glow Healthy Glow Awakening blush, 5 Couleur eye shadow in Rose Porcelaine, Diorshow mascara in Black, Brow Styler in Universal Brown, and Rouge Dior Nude in Esquisse. Hair by Charley Brown for Starworks Artists. Makeup by Marija Kopilas for Becca Cosmetics.
Photograph by Charlie Engman
Find out more about our September 2012 cover look!
Features
242
The New Romantics
From a cloud of pink tulle to a tidal wave of silk roses, these dreamy garden gowns are perfect for your princess moment. Click here to see the whimsical wedding dresses.
252
A Night at the Museum
Two Princeton grads threw an elegant bash among the gorillas and gazelles at NYC's American Museum of Natural History. Click here to see this couple's real wedding photos.
258
A Dash of Fashion
White-hot trends like lace and ombré ruffles are making their way from the runway to the wedding cake.
264
On the Wild Side
Tennis, anyone? How about a run with your fiancé? For many brides, the pre-ceremony ritual now extends beyond the mani-pedi.
268
Meet Me at City Hall
A crisp white suit, a pillbox hat, a slim raspberry sheath; the season's most alluring looks are perfect for a trip to the judge. Click here to see the city hall-inspired wedding dresses.
276
Hearts of Gold
It was love at first sight for this San Francisco couple. Three years later, they said "I do" at a rustic, homespun celebration.
Stylist
81-114
Pearl Power
Cover up with a little ladylike bling.
Spotlight
Vintage-inspired lockets, sparkly sashes, and a sun-kissed bouquet.
The Look
The One
A decisive bride with a looming deadline finds a delicate vintage-inspired gown.
Beauty
123-134
DIY Hair Magic
Hair maestro Peter Gray shares backstage tips from the Badgley Mischka show.
Curl Talk
Spinning, clipless, multidirectional—make waves with these 21st-century curling irons.
Hot Pinks
How to rock vibrant hues, from rose to fuchsia.
Details
141-168
Right on Red
Flowers, favors, bird confetti! Scarlet party details majorly up the thrill factor.
Flowers
Ten manly, sophisticated boutonnieres. Click here to see the unique boutonnieres.
The Expert
Party pro Alison Hotchkiss on her perfect wedding—you'll need a horse, but you won't need shoes.
Spending Well
Have your dream wedding on half the budget.
Signature Cocktails
Exquisite drinks your guests will freak over. Click here to see the recipes for the creative signature cocktails.
After Hours
Stylist-blogger Jacqueline Weppner shows how to throw a truly epic after-party.
Registry
Interiors star John Derian dreams up a stylish home starter kit. Click here to see all of the expert registry picks.
On Location
175
Charleston
Historic venues and artisanal delights: the best of Charleston for the southern belle in all of us.
Field Guide
191
The Meal
How to nab the right caterer, serve foodie-approved fare, and create the scene you've dreamed of: our guide to your wedding feast.
The Getaway
197
Insider's Hawaii
Ten days, three luscious islands, one unforgettable honeymoon—from Laird Hamilton's favorite breakfast spot to tiny, romantic beach towns.
Just Married
218
10 Things You Should Know About the First Year of Marriage
The wedding was incredible, the honeymoon beyond. The next 365 days, however, are uncharted territory. Here's how to love all the unplanned moments in Year One.
Personal Shopper
231
Dress Hunting
Bridal-boutique owners across the U.S. on how to make the dress hunt fun!
In Every Issue
46
Editor's Letter
48
The List
Your wedding to-dos—and when to do them.
64
Snapshot
Beauty entrepreneur Aerin Lauder on wild roses, a dance with dad, and launching her new lifestyle brand.
72
We Hear You
Lisa Birnbach weighs in on what's tacky, what's not, and how to avoid all traces of unbecoming behavior.
76
Newsflash
78
Inspiration
Get creative with pretty, painterly details. See the Impressionism-inspired wedding ideas.
