STRESSED OUT? HIT THE SPA

All brides want to look radiant on their big day. Thanks to specialty spa services like those offered at the Spa at Estancia La Jolla, brides can glow from head to toe before they head down the aisle.

According to Holly Cohen, the resort’s director of spa and recreation, several spa treatments have been designed with bridal beauty in mind—either on the wedding day or shortly before.

"We have our traditional package, which includes a stress-relief massage—a targeted 25-minute neck, shoulder and back massage and a manicure and pedicure, which is perfect for when they need a little relaxation and have too much on their mind," Cohen says.

"We also have the Jivana body polish, with Jivana meaning ‘a purposeful life full of joy,’ which is great for brides," she adds. "It’s a combination with rose hips and it’s beautifully fragrant—usually done on the wedding day or the day before."

Brides can also benefit from the spa’s enzyme peel.

"You can do that in a facial and body exfoliation, which leaves the skin radiant," Cohen continues. "Brides always want that radiant skin."

Finally, no bride’s beauty regimen would be complete without indulging her bridesmaids in a little R and R as well. Luckily, the Spa at Estancia has just the answer.

"We do poolside gatherings with the bridal parties renting out a cabaña and having lunch at the pool. They can come in and out of their services and make a day of it," Cohen concludes. "The cabaña is a great place to touch base, have a nice lunch and have intimate time together before they get into the whole crazy wedding thing."

The Spa at Estancia La Jolla is located at 9700 North Torrey Pines Road | 858-550-1000 | www.estancialajolla.com

    
 
 
   
   

WEDDING TRENDS

For many brides, the wedding dress is a sacred piece of material to be carefully packaged after wearing to pass down for generations to come. For others, however, it’s a free-for-all. Less traditional brides across the country are "trashing" their dresses, rolling in dirt, posing on cars or jumping in water for the thrill of a unique photograph. Wedding photography Web site www.trashthedress.com even supplies a state-by-state registry of photographers encouraging open-minded brides to walk on the wild side for the sake of their craft—and a crazy little thing called love.

    
     
   

FINISHING TOUCHES:
GIFTING OFF THE REGISTRY

Opting for one-of-a-kind wedding gifts, guests are stepping away from the registry and toward unique, designer pieces for the newlywed couple’s home. Home décor and jewelry designer Emilia Castillo, daughter of famous Mexican silversmith Antonio Castillo, has a following and reputation that spans the globe. She has created hand crafted, original pieces that make the perfect gift for one-of-a-kind brides, grooms and bridal party members, from serving pieces, vases or unique tableware for the happy couple to silver cuff bracelets for bridesmaids and silver cuff links for groomsmen.

Visit the Emilia Castillo boutique at 1273 Prospect Street, La Jolla 858-551-9600 | www.emiliacastillolajolla.com