Shades of Green
Brides can walk down the aisle guilt-free with these environmentally thoughtful wedding options.

BY JEAN MCLEAN | PHOTO BY BLUE MOON STUDIOS

     Carol Griffin, a former model and classical dancer, loves to get her hands dirty. A longtime potage gardener, Carol joined the composting ranks years ago. She began recycling after organizing an Earth Day celebration in the ’80s as a special events coordinator for Parisian department store. So, when Carol decided to expand her recycled stationery/invitation business into a full-fledged wedding service named Wedology, it was only natural that the company be green.
    “I went back to something I loved,” says Carol, who combined formal training from the Association of Bridal Consultants with her product design, event planning and fashion background. While helping brides realize their dreams, she also makes reduce-reuse-recycle recommendations that simplify planning, trim budgets and lessen environmental impact.
    Here are some of Carol’s ideas on incorporating what she calls “shades of green” into established traditions.

Colors: For Carol, this is where every wedding starts. She studies the fashion industry’s Pantone color chart to create color trio suggestions based on the bride’s favorite hues, choosing in-season tints. The primary and secondary colors dominate, while the third adds an unexpected accent or modern twist. How does a particular pink shade make a wedding “green?” Pantone-selected colors ensure flowers, fabrics, ribbon and other materials’ availability nationwide. That reduces carbon emissions, dyes and effort.

Papers: Colors also determine whether you can order post-consumer waste invitation cardstock because not all colors are available in 100-percent recycled paper. Carol’s stationery company, Ink Stationery Studio, uses recycled envelopes and high-percentage recycled cardstock, depending on the color. She encourages brides to only use the paper necessary, eliminating enclosures when possible and using both sides of the paper.

Venues: Historic and outdoor venues have special green appeal, Carol says. Birmingham is blessed with architecturally interesting buildings that were constructed long ago. “And gardens just feel good,” she says. To save fuel, Carol suggests brides either have their wedding and reception at the same location or provide a bus to take guests to the second event.

Power: Electricity is another consideration. Timing the wedding so that buildings will not have to be overheated or overcooled or have lights run continually is a healthy environmental choice, as is having “unplugged” music. Green choices must be balanced, Carol says, with guests’ needs. Will elderly relatives be able to sit in the sun or walk far from a parking spot?

Catering: Carol recommends caterers who offer vegetarian and organic options, along with real china, glass and silverware. “It’s always better to rent, wash and put away. Plastic barely breaks down in landfills,” she says. Carol also seeks caterers who use organic cleaning products and try to “green up” their business practices in general.    
    “Brides’ food choices are often made by the trends they’ve seen. The tide goes in and out on menus,” says Carol. “But it doesn’t have to be elaborate to be special.” She explains that using local or traditional foods leaves a smaller carbon footprint than using foods that must be shipped. And she urges brides to eliminate waste. According to Carol, two meats should be adequate, along with limited appetizers and alcohol.

Photography: “The biggest bang for your buck in the wedding is your photographer,” says Carol. “Cut back on anything to get the best photographer possible. Never use a family member or friend. A good photographer can catch so many moments.” Digital photography is all “basically green,” Carol says, because the industry has lessened waste associated with old-time proofs.

Gown: “Wearing a dress that’s already been used is very environmentally thoughtful,” says Carol. A bride might have her mother’s wedding dress altered and updated or borrow one from a friend. Resale shops are another option. Choosing a “pre-loved” gown is one of Carol’s favorite “reuse” principles.

Decorations and favors: “Start with what you have,” says Carol of wedding décor. Years ago, brides borrowed candelabras from the church closet. Now Carol sees mothers buying dozens of vases or lanterns they’ll never use again. Carol offers her storehouse of retail market finds she’s bought in quantity. Her brides borrow from “my old church closet,” she says, and they create matching or eclectic decorative elements to complement their themes. Wedding favors may be earth-friendly, such as seed packets or seedlings planted to mark the day.

Floral: November tulips will not only be costly to your budget, says Carol, but also to the environment, as they must be flown in from afar. Focus on in-season cut flowers, preferably locally grown. Seasonal potted plants are excellent alternatives, as they can be after-ceremony gifts or planted in the newlywed’s landscape. Carol works with florists that seek to reduce their carbon footprint through locally grown flowers and those that also boost local economies. Some florists work with organic vendors offering pesticide-free products.

Thank family, friends and out-of-town guests for being a part of your special day with these Alabama-inspired goodies

FOR FAMILY

Wine glasses with engraved Birmingham city scene $20.95 and acrylic monogrammed ice bucket $30
PAPER AFFAIR
2800 Cahaba Village Plz.
Birmingham, AL 35243
205.977.2257 • paperaffair.com

Vulcan pewter wine stopper $17.99
VULCAN PARK AND MUSEUM GIFT SHOP
1701 Valley View Dr.
Birmingham, AL 35209
205.933.1409

Morgan Creek Vulcan Muscadine Wine $12.99
WESTERN WINE SHOP
2717 Culver Rd.
Mountain Brook, AL 35223
205.879.1745

FOR GROOMSMEN

One day of sport driving lessons at Barber's Driving School starting at $1,795 (for a complete list of prices, visit porschedriving.com), Barber Motorsport shot glass made on HAAS machine $30 and Barber Motorsport hat $20
BARBER MOTORSPORT MUSEUM
6030 Barber Motorsport Pkwy.
Leeds, AL 35094
205.699.7275 • barbermuseum.org

Toasts and Tributes by John Bridges and Bryan Curtis $28
BROOKS BROTHERS
2000 Riverchase Galleria
Birmingham, AL 35244
205.985.9898 • brooksbrothers.com

Riedel champagne tumblers (set of two glasses) $19.99 and Nautica fold-out duffel bag $22.50
MACY’S
614 Brookwood Vlg.
Birmingham, AL 35209
205.868.2600 • macys.com

Gloria Ferrer Sparkling Wine $21
WESTERN WINE SHOP

10 x 25 digital camera binoculars $24.99
STEIN MART
652 Montgomery Hwy.
Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
205.823.0686 • steinmart.com

FOR BRIDESMAIDS

Canvas bags $9-15 and monogram $10
SMITH'S VARIETY
2715 Culver Rd.
Mountain Brook, AL 35223
205.871.0841 • smithsvarietyshop.com

Manicure and pedicure $32
MAJESTIC NAILS
4274 Cahaba Heights Ct., Ste. 110
Birmingham, AL
205.968.8001

Supersoft nightgown in pink $34.50
GAP
214 Summit Blvd., Ste. 150
Birmingham, AL 35243
205.298.0363 • gap.com

Procession pearl earrings $240
SUNDANCE CATALOG
800.422.2770 • sundancecatalog.com

Historic Photos of Birmingham $40
THE ALABAMA BOOKSMITH
2626 19th Pl. S.
Homewood, AL 35209
205.870.4242 • alabamabooksmith.com

Bellini Canella $17
WESTERN WINE SHOP

Find gift ideas for college friends, out-of-town visitors and more in our January issue on newsstands now! 

If the Shoe Fits

Designer Stuart Weitzman gave this Birmingham bride a one-of-a-kind gift.

BY SARAH BRUEGGEMANN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINE ELLER

     When Katie Kraselsky Held dressed for her wedding day, she gently slid on shoes more stylish and elegant than even Cinderella’s glass slippers. Fit for a princess, the present from family friend and famed designer Stuart Weitzman completed the look of Katie’s fairytale celebration.
     The Kraselskys, who operate the Gus Mayer Shoe Salon, have enjoyed an extensive relationship with the Weitzmans. Katie says, “My grandfather, Nathan, bought shoes from Stuart Weitzman’s father, Seymour Weitzman. The original line was called Mr. Seymour. Then Stuart took over the company and began pro-
ducing shoes under his own name. My dad and Stuart have known each other and done business together for a very long time.”
     Katie has fond childhood memories of meeting the heralded designer. “When I was younger, my dad would take me to the New York showroom,” she says. “Stuart always took time and was playful, kind and caring. He really likes Southern women—his wife, Jane, is from Atlanta.”
     Women around the globe appreciate Stuart’s carefully crafted footwear. Often fea- tured on runways and red carpets, his shoes are known for their sophisticated lines and fine quality. “Stuart is probably the brightest and most talented person in the industry,” says Katie. “His shoes are feminine but with a real fashion edge.”
     Katie worked closely with Stuart to create a personalized pattern for her wedding shoes. “He sent me about 10 original sketches, as well as many examples of pavé [covering the shoe with jewels] options,” she says. “I already had a favorite evening shoe, so we ended up using the front design from that shoe, the heel from another and the pavé selection from another.” The finished design is in champagne with a silver-and-rhinestone ring at the toe and a burst of Swarovski crystals on the back of the shoe.
     On the bottom of one shoe in blue crystals is the date of the wedding, 05-09-09, and on the bottom of the other are Katie and husband Brian’s initials enclosed in a heart. Katie says, “One of the most amazing touches that Stuart added as a surprise for me was inside the left shoe: He wrote ‘made expressly for Katie Held.’ ”
     A happy accident occurred while the shoes were being prepared. The manufacturers first made a pair that was one shade off of Katie’s dress color, so they allowed her to keep those shoes plus a second pair in the correct color. Katie dyed the extra pair a bold hot pink and wore them during the reception. “A waiter brought the pink pair of shoes out during the dinner on a silver tray,” she says. “That was really a fun moment!”
     Stuart’s gift was ideal for Katie, a third-generation shoe merchant. “They are truly one-of-a-kind and made me feel very special on my wedding day,” she says. “They also reminded me of my family’s shoe tradition. We love helping our customers achieve their dreams for their own wardrobe—you know shoes make the outfit!”

Unexpected Island Honeymoons

Skip the traditional wedding destinations and start your life together at one of these lovely offshore retreats.

BY LARRY BLEIBERG

There’s something undeniably romantic about an island. Cut off from the rest of the world, it promises seclusion
and privacy. What better place to start a marriage? These five islands offer a perfect honeymoon escape with plenty to do—but not too much. You’ll want to reserve most of your time for each other.

ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA
     Mention the Florida Keys, and everyone thinks of Key West. You don’t want to go there. We love margaritas and crazy crowds as much as anyone. But your honeymoon should be about the two of you—not dozens of new drinking buddies.
     Here’s the solution: Head south, but stop before the end of the Overseas Highway. The islands of Islamorada feel like the Caribbean, and the most comfortable time to visit is November through April. The Moorings (themooringsvillage.com), a former coconut plantation, offers a collection of 18 cottages and homes carefully positioned for privacy. For extra solitude, book the Treehouse, a spacious cottage at the back of the property. During the day, you can kayak, windsurf or watch dolphins at play. But you’ll probably end up on the beach, sipping a drink and lounging in a palm-shaded hammock.

SALT SPRING ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA
     Canada’s Gulf Islands, located north of Victoria, British Columbia, offer the perfect mix of comfort and adventure. On Salt Spring Island, you can picnic on freshly baked bread and organic cheese, search for orcas on a whale-watching trip
or kayak the serpentine shore. Base your honeymoon at the 18-room Hastings House (hastingshouse.com). Open April through early November, it offers stunning harbor views, romantic cottages and a breakfast hamper delivered to your doorstep every morning.
     Salt Spring is also an ideal place to shop for memorable décor for your new home. The island is known throughout Canada as an artist colony, and whether you prefer blown glass, ceramics or Native American carvings, you'll find it here.
Pick up a studio tour map from the information center in the village of Ganges, and browse to your heart’s content.

CATALINA ISLAND, CALIFORNIA
     A Southern California honeymoon doesn’t have to mean glitz, glamour and endless traffic jams. Just 22 miles from Los Angeles, the wild (and wildly beautiful) Catalina Island entices daytrippers for snorkeling, hiking and sightseeing. You’ll do that, of course, but when the last ferry leaves, you get to stay on this storied piece of real estate.
     Year-round, snuggle down at The Inn on Mt. Ada (innonmtada.com), high above Avalon harbor. Nearly the entire island once belonged to William Wrigley Jr., and this was his home. For a splurge, book the Grand Suite, once the Wrigleys’ bedroom. During the day, there’s the beach and hiking on the new cross-island trail. At night, visit the Art Deco theater and a handful of nightclubs. They’re fun, but we bet you’ll want to spend most of your time at the inn on the hill.

NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS
     There’s a reason New Englanders flock to this tiny island near Cape Cod. It offers high-end style and modern comfort in a charming 19th- century package. You’ll marvel at the too-perfect vistas: lighthouses, church steeples and yachts nodding in the harbor breeze. Twenty-six miles of bike paths make it easy to pedal your way around the scenery.
      From spring through late fall, book a room at the White Elephant (whiteelephanthotel.com), an eclectic collection of guest rooms, suites and cottages, many with fireplaces and water views. Take a walking tour over the cobblestone streets, and, of course, leave time to shop for local art, maritime books and the preppiest of clothes at Murray's Toggery Shop.

CUMBERLAND ISLAND, GEORGIA
      You don’t have to go far away to get away from it all. Cumberland Island may be Georgia’s largest barrier island, but it’s one of the least vis- ited. Why else would Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr. have chosen this spot to get mar- ried in 1996? Their secret, paparazzi-free nup- tials were held at the island’s historic First African Baptist Church.
      Stay where the wedding party did: the gra- cious Greyfield Inn (greyfieldinn.com), a former Carnegie family mansion open year-round. You’ll find rockers, antiques and a library, but no telephones or TVs in the rooms. When you’re not relaxing, take a guided nature hike and explore the Cumberland Island National Seashore, with its stands of palmettos and live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Then stroll 16 miles of white-sand beaches, where you’ll find wild horses—and little else. Ah, paradise ...