Biggest Celebrity Weddings of the Past Decade

While you may not have the budget of a celebrity couple, it can be fun to take inspiration and ideas from fabulous high-profile weddings and adapt them as your own, on a somewhat smaller scale. Explore some of the biggest celebrity weddings of the past decade and glean a few ideas that you can use to take your own wedding celebration to the next level.

Prince William and Kate Middleton

The royal wedding of Prince William and Duchess Kate was a stunningly elegant affair, one which 23 million Americans watched live. Kate’s lacy gown with its extra-long train inspired other brides to indulge in long, trailing skirts. The fascinators worn by those in attendance also sparked a resurgence of unique, beautiful headpieces for brides and bridesmaids.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding was viewed by an even larger American audience of 30 million people. Prince Harry wore his military uniform, and Meghan wore the stunning Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau Tiara with her veil, which itself was a piece of art, embroidered with delicate florals representing the Commonwealth’s 53 countries.

George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin

When George Clooney married Amal Alamuddin, a British-Lebanese human rights lawyer, the event took place under a gorgeous arch festooned with white roses—a special touch that you could adopt for your own wedding. The wedding itself was fairly small, with only a hundred or so guests, proving that luxurious weddings don’t need to have a large crowd.  Amal’s dress featured an off-the-shoulder style and beautiful beadwork.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

Having been partners and parents for years, Brad and Angelina finally decided to tie the knot in 2014. Though their union has since dissolved, the wedding itself was a charming affair, with many hearts melting over the inclusion of a bridal veil decorated in artwork from their children. This wedding, held at a French chateau, was a small event, with just 22 guests. True to form, Angelina and Brad dispensed with some traditional wedding elements in favor of keeping the event simple. The flowers, for instance, were picked that morning from the garden. The vows were handwritten, and some say that Brad borrowed a tie from one of his sons after forgetting his own.

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend

Model Chrissy Teigen and singer John Legend fell in love during a music video shoot. After seven years of being together, they tied the knot by the edge of the lovely Lake Como in Italy. Letterpressed invitations and programs boasted a crest unique to the couple, while guests were gifted leather-bound itineraries screen-printed linen bags containing bottles of Prosecco. Tiny sachets, also imprinted with the crest, contained rose petals for guests to toss over the couple as they left. Those details, along with the lush florals, the beautiful setting, and Chrissy’s three stunning gowns made this wedding incredibly luxurious and unique.

If a celebrity-style wedding is important to you, your first step should be finding the right venue. Nanina’s in the Park is a gorgeous estate with beautiful gardens and elegantly appointed interior rooms; plus, we offer on-site five-star catering and a host of other benefits. Contact us today to reserve your date or schedule an in-person tour of our grounds and event spaces.

The Wedding Makeover

For many women, the upcoming wedding is their big chance to have a truly astonishing makeover. But a wedding makeover shouldn’t be limited to the morning of the big day; it’s an ongoing process that spans the months preceding the wedding. Gradual change ensures that you have time to experiment with new looks and find out what actually suits you. Plus, you also have time to make lifestyle changes that will hopefully impact your future even after the wedding. Explore some different aspects of the wedding makeover.

The Body Makeover

Your significant other loves you no matter what your size or shape may be; but for many brides and grooms, the wedding day provides additional motivation for getting shape, becoming stronger, and choosing a healthier lifestyle.

If you’d like to get more fit in time for the wedding, you’ll need to start far enough in advance, like months ahead of time. If you have the budget for it, obtain a gym membership or a personal trainer. If you can’t build those into the wedding budget, you can be your own trainer. Find some exercise or fitness coaching videos online and use those to keep yourself motivated!

Making careful food choices, incorporating exercise in your daily and weekly routine, and drinking plenty of water can all take you to the next level with your own health. After weeks and months of effort, you’ll be astonished how strong and healthy your body becomes.

Massages, Exfoliation, and Moisturization

Stress and weariness can take a toll on your body. As your wedding approaches, be sure that you’re getting enough sleep each night. Aim for 7-8 hours at least, no one wants dark shadows under their eyes on the big day. You can use cooling pads for your eyes as well.

Consider taking a spa day a few times before your wedding. Exfoliation and moisturizing can do wonders for your skin, so choose a spa that gives excellent facials. Some Asian beauty practices encourage regular facial massage as a way of increasing blood flow to the skin and promoting healing. In addition, schedule a full-body massage to purge wedding and work stress from your entire body.

Haircut and Treatment

Is your hair dry and brittle? Have you had the same hairstyle for a long time? Think about indulging your hair with some deep conditioning treatments; but first, schedule a haircut to get rid of any split ends. If you like your current hairstyle, keep it, but just freshen it up a bit. You could also try a new color, some highlights, bleaching, or color streaks. Just be sure that the aesthetician is skilled at dyeing and treating hair, so you end up with a beautiful, professional result.

New Makeup Style

Maybe you’re in a rut with your makeup routine. Now is the perfect time to try some new products! Start months ahead of the wedding in case your skin reacts poorly to any of the items you’re trying. If you have friends who are good with makeup, ask them to try a few different “faces” or makeup styles on you, so you can find new foundations, powders, eye colors, and other products that you love. Keep in mind that the best makeup style is one that totally looks like you, only better!

To showcase your gorgeous wedding makeover, you’re going to need the perfect wedding venue. You can view a virtual 3D tour of Nanina’s in the Park on our website, or contact us to schedule an in-person tour. Our event specialists will be thrilled to answer all your questions and provide wedding day tips to make your experience as wonderful as possible.

Travel Tips for Honeymooners

Your honeymoon is the first vacation the two of you get to take as a married couple. Though you may have been on vacation together before, this trip is special. It’s a time to indulge yourselves and to make memories that will last a lifetime. Check out our travel tips for honeymooners so you can make the most of this special journey as newlyweds.

Tell the Hotel it’s Your Honeymoon

Before you arrive at the resort or hotel, let the staff know that you’ll be on your honeymoon. Even if you didn’t spring for a honeymoon suite or romance package, the staff may still provide a little something extra, like flowers, a free upgrade, a box of chocolate, or some complimentary champagne. Those little surprises can make the experience extra special.

Take It Slow At First

The first day or two can be slow-paced and leisurely. After all, the two of you need to recover from the months of wedding planning and from the emotions and stresses of the wedding itself. Plan to save that first day for a nice relaxing time at your hotel or resort. No need to jump right into sight-seeing!

Talk About Honeymoon Goals

Couples often have different visions of what a vacation should be like. To avoid conflict while you’re on your honeymoon, have a clear, honest discussion about honeymoon expectations before you actually go on the trip. Is one of you eager to explore the city, island, or countryside, while the other would prefer lots of time in the hotel or resort? Find a balance or compromise that makes both of you happy.

Have a Basic Plan

You want to leave some room for spontaneity, of course, but having a general plan for the honeymoon can be helpful so you don’t leave your destination disappointed. Discuss which points of interest are must-see spots for you, or which activities you absolutely want to make time for. It also helps to have a budget for your time away, so you don’t start out your marriage having money arguments about what you can and can’t afford. Remember to build in some financial padding for unexpected expenses along the way.

Limit Electronics Time

A honeymoon is all about enjoying each other. Consider an agreement between the two of you to severely limit your time on electronics, including laptops, tablets, or phones. You can set your phones in airplane mode so you can still take gorgeous honeymoon photos without being distracted by other apps and social media.

Surprise Your Lover

Remember, the honeymoon is all about romance and connection. Try to plan a little something to surprise your new husband or wife while you’re on the trip. It might be a small thoughtful gift or a big romantic dinner at a scenic location; the scope of the surprise doesn’t really matter. What matters is showing your new spouse how much you care.

For more tips about weddings and honeymoons, browse the Nanina’s in the Park blog, and remember to view our gorgeous photo galleries for inspiration as you continue to plan your wedding. If you have any wedding-related questions, our event specialists will be happy to help you.

Interesting Ways To Present The Rings During The Ceremony

Traditionally, it has always been the best man who is in charge of safeguarding the rings and safely handing them off to the bride and groom at the altar. Over the years, we have seen a shift in this tradition where couples have been getting pretty creative when it comes to their way to present the rings. Sure, some couples might choose a way that ties into the theme of their wedding, but others wish to have a sentimental or out-of-the box twist. Nonetheless, this element of their ceremony is a moment they can design to completely fit their personalities. 

Father of the Groom: 

Including the father of the groom in this special ceremony is one way to validate how truly special he has been in both the bride’s and groom’s lives. Especially if the father of the bride is given the honor of walking his daughter down the aisle and ‘giving her away’, this can allow both the bride and groom to have special moments with their fathers on their wedding day. Providing this moment for the father of the groom to share with the couple grants a sense of balance in the involvement of both families. 

Children: 

Whether they are your own children, a family member or friend, having a youngster walk your wedding rings down the aisle makes for many smiles and melted hearts. Giving a child this special task makes them feel included and important on your big day. It also will provide the guests with an opportunity for laughs if something is done unexpectedly, also providing cuteness overload. It is important to note that as cute as these kiddos can be, they may be a bit rambunctious or reckless, so making sure that the rings are safely secured while being carried down the aisle is a smart move to make! 

Fur Babies: 

For most unmarried couples, pets are their children and they love them just as much as they would human kids. To see any animal walking down the aisle is just fantastic, but even more so when there is a miniature outfit involved. Dressing up your furry friend to carry the rings will certainly have them stealing the show for a few moments, but will also make for long lasting memories. 

Flying Rings: 

Looking for a way to have your ceremony really stand out? What has a more elegant presence than having your rings flown in by majestic doves? Or maybe you are more of an outdoorsy couple who would prefer to incorporate the grace of an owl or eagle? Nonetheless, having your rings flown in will be sure to have guests oohing and ahhing and will make for a magical and memorable moment. 

However the couple chooses to present the rings, it is important to make sure that this significant detail of the ceremony is meaningful and special for both the bride and groom; making it a moment that lasts a lifetime. 

5 Ways To Celebrate Your Friends At Your Wedding

When you can’t squeeze everyone who is important to you into the wedding party, you have to get creative. Discover 5 ways to celebrate your friends at your wedding, even if they aren’t the ones standing next to you during the ceremony. With some thoughtful planning, you can make each friend feel special and loved on your big day. 

1. Select High-Quality Favors

The small gifts that you give to your wedding guests say a lot about what you think of them. Choose high-quality, useful items that represent your genuine appreciation for their presence at your celebration.  

Food items like hot cocoa mix in a special mug, a bag of jellybeans or coffee beans, a small bottle of olive oil and herbs, specialty chocolates, or a jar of local jam or honey are typically well-received, and you can attach personal notes if you like. If you’re looking for something special, may we suggest jars of our famous sauce, so you can take the taste of your wedding day feast home!  

Sunglasses, bottle openers, wine glasses, engraved keychains, tiny succulent plants, handmade candles, or cocktail kits can also make your friends feel loved and celebrated.  

2. Plan the Seating Carefully

Think about each one of your friends when you’re crafting the seating chart for your reception. Try to avoid awkward placements, like putting exes next to each other or placing relatives who don’t get along at the same table.  

Ideally, everyone should be close to someone familiar, and should have someone with common interests nearby to talk to. At the very least, try to seat your friends where they’ll be comfortable and able to enjoy the festivities.  

3. Ask for Advice

Even if a friend isn’t part of the wedding party, he or she may want to be involved with your big day. Bring him or her along for wedding-related errands, and ask for advice on wedding decisions. If you’re doing another venue tour or checking out table mock-ups, having a friend along adds a fresh perspective and helps that person feel included and valued.  

4. Invite Friends to Pre-Wedding Events

Inviting your friends to your bachelorette or bachelor party, adding them to your bridal shower list, making them honored guests at the engagement party— those are all ways to help them feel celebrated throughout the process. You could even host a cake-tasting or wine tasting night that includes friends you love who aren’t in the immediate group of bridesmaids and groomsmen.  

5. Involve Them in the Wedding Ceremony

Friends who aren’t in the wedding party can serve as greeters or hosts, offering programs to guests. They can help direct other guests from the ceremony space to the reception space. Consider asking some of your friends to do a special reading during the ceremony, to perform a song, or offer a toast at the reception. Some brides and grooms have a non-traditional procession, which might include a group of friends dancing down the aisle in celebration of the big day. 

For more ideas on including your friends in your wedding celebration, talk to our fantastic event specialists at Nanina’s in the Park. They can also guide you when it comes to other important decisions, like selecting vendors, planning decor, and choosing a menu. With careful planning, you can ensure that all your guests feel welcome at your wedding.

How To Infuse Holiday Glam Into Your Wedding Decor

With a holiday wedding, the trick is finding the right balance between too bland and too over-the-top. You want your wedding to be festive, fabulous, and memorable for your guests, without going too far into the seasonal decor. Discover how to infuse holiday glam into your wedding decor! 

Candles, Lots of Candles 

There’s just something about the warm, flickering light of candles— they create a charming, romantic atmosphere, and they’re also festive. Depending on the rules at your venue, you can use regular candles or battery-powered versions. Choose varieties that are fragrance-free, and look for varieties encrusted with sparkles or glitter for extra impact. 

Holiday Ornament Wedding Favors 

A custom-made or customized holiday ornament is a delightful wedding favor option for your holiday wedding. Choose beautiful pieces that will be treasured keepsakes for your guests. If the items are fragile, be sure to package them safely so they’ll make it home with your guests in one piece.  

Glamorous Holiday Bouquets 

Ask your florist to infuse elements associated with the season into your bouquet and those of your bridesmaids. Icy crystals, white twigs, strings of pearls, and sparkly accents take your bouquet from gorgeous to glam, adding holiday cheer without detracting from you as the bride.  

Mistletoe Photo Op 

At your reception, encourage the romance to blossom among your guests! As part of your photo booth, include a beautiful archway or backdrop featuring a bunch of mistletoe. You’ll see plenty of couples puckering up for a photo, and the experience will add to the charm of your holiday wedding.  

Silver and Gold 

Traditionally, silver and gold decorations are part of the holiday look. Choose one of these classic metals to feature in your wedding decorations, or find a way to include both! Gold or silver accents in floral arrangements, vases, candles, and signage take your wedding’s look to the next level. Don’t forget silver or gold ribbons for chairs and wreaths, as well as gold and silver jewelry and accessories for the wedding party.  

Romantic Holiday Cake 

Ask your baker about creating a cake that has a little extra holiday flair. Frosted red berries, powdered sugar, a touch of green, or tiny images of white reindeer can give a nod to the holiday without going overboard. If you’re doing a theme with plenty of silver and gold, ask your cake maker to play up those metallic elements in the cake design. Edible pearls and crystals also boost the glam factor while keeping your cake tasty. 

At Nanina’s in the Park, our venue already features elegant decor and beautiful details, making it much easier for you to achieve the glamorous look you want. Contact us anytime for a tour of the venue, or to ask for advice about vendors, decor options, lighting, and menu options. With help from the event specialists at Nanina’s in the Park, you can infuse holiday glam into your wedding decor and have the holiday wedding of your dreams!

Grooms’ Accessories To Showcase Personality

While your wedding day probably isn’t the best time to break out your favorite college hoodie or well-worn leather jacket, you can still show off aspects of your personality in the way you assemble your outfit for the wedding. Check out some grooms’ accessories to showcase personality while still maintaining a crisp, classy look.  

The Tie 

Are you a bow-tie guy or a classic necktie dude? Wide or narrow? Textured or smooth? Patterned or solid? There are a hundred different ways to show something about your personality through the tie you select. You can also investigate various ways to tie your tie, like the half-Windsor knot versus the traditional Windsor. Keep in mind that for bigger guys, a proportionally wider tie and a broader knot tend to look more attractive, while a narrower tie and a half-Windsor works well for men with a slim frame.  

The Cufflinks 

Have you ever worn cufflinks? If not, your wedding day is the perfect opportunity. Cufflinks can be anything, from tiny bicycle wheels to Superman symbols. Whatever your thing is, you can represent with a pair of awesome cufflinks. Let your groomsmen know what you’re planning to wear so they can coordinate theirs to your set.  

Other Jewelry 

If you have pierced ears, you’ll want to choose the right earrings to set off your groom’s ensemble. It’s usually best to go with a simple, classy hoop or stud. However, studs can come in broad range of shapes and designs, so this is another chance to show a little personality. Just be sure to check your choice with a style-savvy friend or with your spouse-to-be.  

You can add a bracelet or chain to the look as well, depending on your style preferences. Something engraved with a word, saying, phrase, or date that is special to you as a couple could be incredibly meaningful as part of your outfit.  

The Shoes 

Do you love your comfort, or are you more about style? From boat shoes to cowboy boots, there are all kinds of footwear options to show off the kind of person you are. Check out a selection of brogues, lace-ups, boots, derby shoes, and espadrilles to figure out which kind best works for you as a person. 

More Accessories 

Fashionable hats, tie pins, medals, vests, belts, and watches all make a statement about who you are. Choose high-quality pieces that make you feel comfortable and well-dressed. Ideally, you’ll be able to use those items again in the future.  

To have the perfect wedding that showcases your personality, you need the perfect setting. Schedule a tour of Nanina’s in the Park today to see if our gorgeous venue could be right for you and your soon-to-be spouse. Plus, the event specialists at Nanina’s in the Park are happy to help with ideas, advice, and planning— whatever you need for the big day.