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Events, LIFESTYLE, MSM Online

Wedding Venues That Are Sure to Take Your Breathe Away

By Alyse Mier Photography by Liberty Group From cake and food tastings to wedding dress shopping, planning one of the most important days of your life can become quite a stressful experience. However, once everything seamlessly falls into place your wedding day quickly becomes the most magical day of your life. We’ve created a list of some of Miami’s most stunning wedding venues to help with your nuptials planning and narrow down your location scouting adventure. Ancient Spanish Monastery The gardens and chapel of the Ancient Spanish Monastery offer a truly marvelous setting for your big day. For those of you looking for a more traditional wedding setting this venue offers three beautiful chapels to choose from. The multiple chapel options make this venue the perfect fit for any budget, and it can be tailored to fit any size wedding party or number of guests. This venue also offers five luscious green outdoor spaces to choose from. The greenland is covered in 20 acres of rare palms, Spanish oak, cycads, banyans, and blossoming trees with the ancient and gothic like buildings serving as your background. The wedding reception will be held in the Cloisters, an open passageway that surrounds the courtyard, and will serve as the home to a truly unforgettable day. Coral Gables Country Club The Coral Gables Country Club is a true gemstone in the Coral Gables community. This venue is a luxurious combination of Mediterranean elegance and classic style. The Country Club Houses a grand ballroom and two satellite banquet rooms. Coral stone waterfalls, crystal chandeliers, black marble foyers, rich hardwood floors, and ornate Italian marble columns are among some of the elegant touches that are sure to add beautiful details to your wedding. You can also choose The Atrium Room as host to your wedding festivities. Floor to ceiling glass walls brighten up this room that overlooks lush greenland, bright colored flowers and a poolside patio. This magical location is sure to provide you with your much deserved fairytale ending. Biltmore Hotel This historic location sets the standard for elegance, romance and long lasting memories. The Biltmore is surrounded by over 150 acres of beautiful landscape that will help keep this special moment private for both you and your guests. Whether you are looking to get married under the stars, in a romantic garden, or in a luxurious ballroom the Biltmore promises to offer picturesque venues for any ceremony. The historic charm and Mediterranean inspired architecture is showcased throughout the ballrooms with grand ornaments such as: Cathedral arches, hand-painted ceilings and intricate chandeliers. The Biltmore Hotel is home to a wedding masterpiece. Miami Beach Botanical Gardens If you’re looking for an outdoor wedding surrounded by natural beauty, look no further. The Miami Beach Botanical Gardens offers some of the most colorful gardens that are sure to make for spectacular wedding pictures. Your ceremony can take place in the Japanese Garden, which has a small pond, bamboo, a bright red bridge, and stone lantern sculptures. This particular location is perfect for any small and intimate wedding. After your ceremony, head to the Banyan Room for your reception. This space includes an adjacent terrace, great lawn and courtyard. You and your guests will dine indoors amongst stunning décor and enjoy dancing outside under the star filled sky. The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a romantic and cozy wedding venue.

Health & Fitness, Health & Fitness, MSM Online

Train Like an Empire Star

Still need to shed those last few pounds for your ultimate summer body? Celebrity trainer and model Joey Thurman has all the tips you need to reach your fitness goals. With credentials such as Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Certified Corporate Nutrition Professional, and being a FITchef – there’s no way you can’t win with his help! If you’re a fan of Fox’s TV hit series Empire, you’re going to love what we have to say next. Thurman helped Terrence Howard get into tip-top shape for his infamous role. “Terrence is awesome to work with,” says Joey. He has an intensity and a drive that I love to see, especially in the gym. In just 12 weeks of my program, he lost 25-30 pounds while adding muscle and slimming his waist. He went from a size 38 waist to a loose 34 and will be back in a 32 in no time.” Here is how he helped Terrence Howard get back into shape: True partnership. “I worked out right alongside him,” says Joey. “He told me he didn’t want someone shouting in his face like he was a contestant on The Biggest Loser. Instead, he wanted a partner to workout with, someone to inspire him and keep him motivated and honest.” Two-a-days. “We worked out twice a day when applicable for his schedule,” says Joey. “Once in the morning and once in the evening to maximally stimulate muscle growth, metabolism, and fat burning.”

 Sequence is everything. “I would often have Terrence do cardio AFTER weight training to maximize fat burn. When lifting weights you burn mainly glycogen (stored carbs) so doing cardio after weights will pull from your fat as energy,” explains Joey. “I would have him walk/jog in the morning off and on at a low intensity before breakfast, but he was allowed to have caffeine beforehand.”

 From jail to jacked. “His training was “prison jacked” based. He needed to look like he was in prison working out so the first few weeks I allowed him more slack on his diet to put on muscle and use the carbs as energy and keep fullness. Once he had that muscle, it was time to cut down his weight and sculpt more, so we cut down his carb intake. He’s allowed carbs before and after weight training, that’s it!”

 Eat like an Empire star. “Terrence’s diet consists of a lot of greens, lean protein, and some fruit. The main thing is the timing of the food and carbs to utilize the muscle building potential,” says Joey. “He also drinks lots of water. He also takes supplements including a multivitamin, fish oil, protein powder, BCAAs before, during, and after workout, and protein powder.”

 Train like a beast. “We used a unique cyclical training modality where the routines and body parts changed on a weekly basis for him focusing on weak points and ramped things up with MetCon training (metabolic conditioning),” says Joey. “The cyclical pattern saves his joints and promotes maximal muscle growth, metabolism spike, and fat burn. Some of our favorites are walking planks, fire hydrants, plank pushups on a ball, plank bird dogs, renegade kickbacks, and lunges with a lateral raise.”

Fashion, MSM Online, Swimwear

Miami Swim Week 2015: Keva J Swimwear Debuts The Nile Collection at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach

By Katie Jackson Keva J Swimwear, a favorite among celebrities like the Kardashians, presented “The Nile Collection” at an invitation-only poolside soiree at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach on Saturday afternoon. Inspired by African safaris and Egyptian glamour, Keva J’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection provided bright and bold hues with tropical motifs. The colorful swimwear was perfectly accessorized with earrings from Laruicci and the latest pumps from Steve Madden. Attendees sipped specialty summer cocktails provided by D’USSE while enjoying the showcase.

Fashion, MSM Online, Swimwear

Miami Swim Week 2015: A Hot Debut

By Alyse Mier Photography by World Red Eye Miami Swim Week featured an array of parties and fashion shows that is bound to leave those in attendance talking for days. However, among some of the more extraordinary parties was Hot As Hell’s swimwear debut. The much-anticipated debut took place at Soho Beach House. The party brought out top models Natasha Oakley and, Devin Brugman, esteemed fashion bloggers and exceptionally talented fashion photographers. Guests were treated to electrifying tunes by model turned DJ Alexandra Richards while sipping on a refreshing Dobel Black Diamond Margarita. And if that wasn’t enough, guests were also gifted with Essie nail polish and HAH intimates that would serve as a reminder of this truly memorable night. The night continued on with a screening of the film Le Premiere, which was projected on the wall of a neighboring building for everyone to enjoy. The film features multi-talented model Cailin Russo who showcased her boxing skills, impressive dance moves and her incredible singing talent with her cover of Take A Walk On The Wild Side. The magical night came to a close on an exceptionally high note with a performance by New York based band Swimsuit Issue who wowed the crowd with a set that featured music from their upcoming album. If this bash is any indication of what to expect from Hot As Hell they are sure to raise the swimwear industry standard.

Fashion, MSM Online, Swimwear

Miami Swim Week 2015: DIJANA Swim Fashion Show at the Bass Museum of Art

By Katie Jackson Friday evening was a night of firsts for both DIJANA Swim and the Bass Museum of Art. The contemporary art museum hosted its first swimwear showcase during Miami Swim Week, while DIJANA Swim debuted their line. Designer Dijana Molina launched her eponymous swimwear line to create a collection that accommodates any woman’s mood or experience. Attendees were able to view the entire 2016 summer collection, which provides staple pieces in an abundance of colors and patterns. The collection, inspired by symmetry, sensuality, and beauty, also includes a variety of chic beach cover-ups. The DIJANA Swim Fashion Show was the last show to take place at the Bass Museum before it closes for renovations.

Fashion, MSM Online, Swimwear

Miami Swim Week 2015: Tori Praver

By Gisel Habibnejad Photography by Simon Soong At this year’s Miami Swim Week, Tori Praver Swimwear introduced their Resort 2016 collection combining Praver’s experiences with travel and her love for fashion. The collection, titled Sonoran Sun, embodied girly pieces with edginess. Whether it was expressed in prints or in the designs of the swimwear, you can easily see the inspiration was taken from her favorite Latin destinations. The trend on this runway was easy to spot: pinks and purples were Praver’s favorites this season. Tori Praver Swimwear went even further than prints and colors by debuting a unique fabric which combines different textures to create subtle patterns. In addition to swimwear, the collection included dresses, kimonos, chic tops, and bottoms.

Fashion, MSM Online, Swimwear

Miami Swim Week 2015: Follow 6 Shore Road on a Journey through Panama

By Alyse Mier Inspired by lazy beach days and pieces that can easily transition from day to night 6 Shore Road perfectly captures the essence of being effortless and chic. Designer Pooja Kharbanda is known for taking you on a journey with each one of her collections, and last night’s stop was Panama. The show dazzled everyone in the crowd, from celebrities to fashion enthusiasts and press. The collection drew inspiration from the lush landscapes and rich history found in Panama, which is where Kharbanda spent her teenage years. Ornate patchwork embellished the front of some swimsuits and maxi dresses and represented the craftsmanship of some of Panama’s indigenous people. Other pieces incorporated 6 Shore Road’s signature floral print, which was reminiscent of the lush rainforests found in Panama. These pieces provided a beautiful color palette full of pinks, blues and purple tones. In addition to the swimwear and edgy resort wear, the 2016 collection debuted new bags and sandals, which stayed true to 6 Shore Road’s beachy vibe. The 2016 collection is intended for those days when your tanning on the beach and then dancing the night away as the sun goes down all while feeling effortlessly sexy.

Arts, Culture, MSM Online

Dance as a Form of Emotional Expression

By Alyse Mier Photography Courtesy of Mady’s Dance Factory Madeleine Richmond is a true testament of not allowing a tragic moment in your life define you. Both of Richmond’s parents passed away from AIDS when she was 7 years old. She was left to conquer the world on her own and find ways to cope with her loss. She found that the best therapy came from dance. It became an emotional outlet for her. She was allowed to express any sadness or anger, or simply just express herself creatively. Her passion for dance lead her to open Mady’s Dance Factory to ensure that no child would ever feel like they are alone or isolated in this world. This unique dance studio is a place where underprivileged kids can come together and use dance as a form of self-expression. MSM took the time to interview Richmond and learn a little more about her personal story and what her vision for Mady’s Dance Factory is: MSM: How is your dance studio different from other dance studios? Madeleine Richmond: We are a family owned business that focuses on creating a close-knit neighborhood vibe. We act more like a family than a dance school. We offer programs that are specific to underprivileged kids, and help them become involved in what would otherwise be economically challenging activities. MSM: What is your vision for community outreach?  MR: Performing at numerous charity events and partnering with organizations that promote wellness and community. Some of the organizations that we will be partnering up with this year are the Alzeheimers Association Miami, AIDS Walk Miami, Cure Search for Children’s Cancer, and Relay for Life American Cancer Association. Our vision is to assist children who have lost family members and create an outlet for emotional expression. MSM: How does your background inspire you to serve a particular community?  MR: My parents passed away when I was 7 years old. Growing up without parents left me feeling isolated and alone. I missed out on many normal childhood experiences, which made me feel even more isolated. However, I found one outlet where I could be free to show how I was feeling–dance. I want to create an environment where kids can express their different personalities and life struggles through the art known as dance. MSM: What do you hope to have accomplished five years from now?  MR: To see the growth of kids through many different life experiences is always rewarding. I would want to be a role model, teacher, friend, mother, encourager, motivator and loving influencer in the lives of the kids within this community. For more information on Mady’s Dance Factory, please visit www.madysdancefactory.com

Fashion, MSM Online, Swimwear

Your Guide to Miami Swim Week 2015

By Gisel Habibnejad Miami Swim Week is only a day away and with so many fashion shows and events occurring this week, it’s hard to keep up. MSM has compiled a list of scheduled events to make sure you don’t miss a beat. WEDNESDAY, JULY 15TH Peroni Annual Sneak Peak ­– 6-9pm ­– STK Miami THURSDAY, JULY 16TH Art Institute Fashion Show – 1pm – Main Funkshion Tent Liliana Montoya – 6pm – Main Funkshion Tent If you love mermaids, you are not going to want to miss Liliana Montoya’s Swim Spring/Summer 2016 collection. The show will include “sea-jungle” inspired trends that are all the rage this summer. Planet Fashion TV VIP Opening Night Reception & SWIMMIAMI Kickoff – 6-10pm – W Hotel What better way to celebrate the first official day of Miami Swim Week than with a special performance by MSM’s co-owner, Julio Iglesias Jr.? Sponsored by Planet Fashion TV, the fun event will include a presentation by Lacoste™ to celebrate the opening of SWIMMIAMI 2016. RSVP: (305)793-1389 Art Hearts Fashion – 8pm – Main Funkshion Tent Peroni Emerging Designers – 9pm – SLS Hotel FRIDAY, JULY 17TH Gypsea Swimwear & Lychee Swimwear – 12-2pm – Kaskades Suites Issa de’ Mar Dinner & Presentation – 6pm – Soho Beach House Robb & Lulu – 6pm – Main Funkshion Tent SAME SWIM by Shea Marie ­– 6-8pm ­ EDITION Hotel Clover Canyon Presentation – 6:30-8:30pm – SLS Hotel Hammock Runway Show – 7pm – W Hotel Dijana Swim – 7pm – Bass Museum Filthy Haanz – 8pm – 1Hotel Mikoh – 8:30pm – 1Hotel Mikoh designers Oleema and Kalani Miller showcase their latest swimwear collection highly influenced by surfer chic meets femininity. Style Saves Swim – 9pm – EDITION Hotel Sinesia Karol – 9pm – The Setai San Lorenzo Bikinis – 9pm – W Hotel Wildfox NightSwim – 9pm-12am – Delano South Beach 6 Shore Road by Pooja – 9:30pm – Main Funkshion Tent Mia Marcelle – 10pm – 1Hotel At this year’s Miami Swim Week, fashionistas will be excited to learn that the Mia Marcelle 2016 Collection is bigger and better than ever. You can also expect the men’s line to be joining the runway once again! Hot As Hell Party – 10pm-12am – Soho Beach House SATURDAY, JULY 18TH SwimShow – 9am-6pm until Monday – Convention Center Hammock Trade Show – 9am-6pm until Monday – W Hotel Cabana Trade Show – 10am-6pm until Monday – Collins Park Zigilane Lunch & Presentation – 12pm – Delano Hotel Bungalow 253 by RxGenesys – 1-4pm – EDITION Hotel Escape Miami Style Lounge – 1-6pm – Shelborne Hotel Elite Gifting Lounge & Body Beauty Suite – 1-6pm – 1Hotel Keva J. – 2-4pm – Ritz-Carlton Hotel Mohini – 4-6pm – Shelborne Hotel DIVE Preview – 5pm – SPACEBY3 Gottex – 6pm – 1Hotel Tori Praver – 6:30pm – Main Funkshion Tent CFDA Fashion Incubator Presentation – 7pm – W Hotel Mara Hoffman – 8pm – Casa Casuarina – Invite Only DIVE IN Movie – Swim Week Edition – 8:30pm – The Standard Luli Fama – 9pm – Main Funkshion Tent Join Luli Fama as they present their latest swimwear dream catcher themed show. Being one of the highly anticipated designer brands at Miami Swim Week, you won’t want to miss it! Caffe Swimwear – 9pm – W Hotel Belusso – 10pm ­– 1Hotel With celebrities like Jessica Biel, Miranda Kerr, Eva Longoria, and Chrissy Teigen rocking this swimwear brand, you know you can only expect unique and detailed designs by Belusso. The comfortable pieces exude luxury as this year’s designs were inspired by Steve McQueen’s automobile collection. Frankie’s Bikinis – 10:30pm – W Hotel SUNDAY, JULY 19TH Akai, Alexibella & Siempre Golden Brunch – 11am – Seagrape at the Thompson Hotel Swim Week Field to Table Brunch – 11am-3pm – Mmmm French Café We Are Handsome Preview Brunch ­– 11:30am – EDITION Hotel The always interesting, We Are Handsome designs never seem to disappoint. This year, the Australian-based brand will showcase their latest pieces with an exclusive presentation at the EDITION Hotel. Lazy Sunday BBQ: Swim Week Edition at The Standard Spa Miami Beach – 12-8pm – Standard Spa Bungalow 253 by RxGenesys – 1-4pm – EDITION Hotel Swim Week Pool Party – 2pm – The Broken Shaker Anita Rincón Swim – 2-4pm – Riviera Hotel Nookie – 5-7pm – Mondrian Hotel Lycra Presents: Lybethras & Lila Nikole – 6pm – 1Hotel SwimShow Cocktail Pool Party – 7pm ­– Thompson Hotel Protela Colombian Trend (Maaji, Agua Bendita, Hernan Zajar, Saha, Malai, Firlan) – 7pm – W Hotel Maaji – 8pm – Main Funkshion Tent Hot As Hell Resort/Spring 2016 Collection – 8:30pm – 1Hotel Hot As Hell designer Sharleen Ernster debuts her first ever swimwear collection at this year’s Miami Swim Week. With previous experience as the Chief Design Officer of Guess, it’s safe to say this collection is one to watch out for. AD for Men – 9pm – SLS Hotel Floridita – 9:30pm – The Setai Acacia – 9:30pm – Main Funkshion Tent Indah – 10:30pm – W Hotel

AroundTown, Fashion, MSM Online

Fashion for Breakfast: Fashion Meets Philanthropy

By Katie Jackson In the latest Fashion for Breakfast series—held at the swank Cecconi’s restaurant at Soho Beach House—President and Founder of Style Saves Rachael Russell (featured in MSM’s July/August issue!) moderated a conversation with hosts iShine365, Goêt, AURate New York, and Gee Beauty. Style Saves is a non-profit organization that raises funds in order to provide back-to-school clothing necessities for in-need children. Russell’s annual Style Saves Swim fashion show fundraiser will take place this Friday at the Miami Beach Edition in which each of the hosts, in addition to Regine Chevallier, Jaimie Nicole Jewelry, and Kai Lani, will participate. During last Friday’s Fashion for Breakfast, Russell asked each host to discuss the foundation of their brands, what trends they love for the summer season, and what philanthropy means to them. The discussion allowed attendees to learn about the hosts on a deeper and more personal level. After the discussion, attendees were able to peruse Goêt’s latest eyewear collection, AURate’s luxury jewelry designs, and have their makeup touched up by the founders of Gee Beauty. For more information on Style Saves Swim or to purchase a ticket, visit stylesaves.org

Arts, Entertainment, MSM Online, Music

Creating the Stepping Stones for At-Risk Youth

By Alyse Mier Photography by World Red Eye July 9th marked a day of pure joy for the staff and students at the Irie Foundation Allapattah Music and Literacy Center (IFAMLC). Media, volunteers, staff, Jeff Ransdell from Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Miami’s very own DJ Irie were in attendance to celebrate the van that had been gifted to the center by Merrill Lynch. The students of the center had been working tirelessly for days to put together a performance that would impress the crowd. The performances consisted of exceptionally talented rappers, dancers, solo singers and spoken word poets who made the crowd’s jaws drop. The performers exhibited qualities of artistic professionals and were true examples of the center’s incredible success. Using the arts as a motivational and learning platform, the Irie Foundation has provided kids with a creative outlet for self-expression through its art programs. The students are encouraged to use their talents to increase self-confidence and build essential life skills. At the center, the children are taught how to write songs, produce music videos, edit music videos and, thanks to Irie’s efforts, may soon be able to listen to their very own music on the radio. Most importantly, the center works with each student to ensure that they turn their love for music and arts into a passion for academic success. Free tutoring lessons are offered to every single student and made mandatory for those students that want to participate in music and art classes but are receiving a “C” or below in one or more subjects in school. “Irie and his team are creating opportunities for these young kids to learn and to express themselves, and quite honestly I’m just proud to be a part of it,” said Ransdell who is the Managing Director and Market Executive for Merrill Lynch in the Southeast, Latin America & Caribbean. At the heart of the center is DJ Irie, whose goal is to provide at-risk youth with opportunities to express themselves through a creative outlet and in ways that would otherwise not be provided to them. He wants to be able to award the kids with the same opportunities and experiences that he was able to take advantage of when he was younger. “If I wasn’t able to experience and enjoy music and art at an early age, I don’t think I would be the person that I am today. Some of the kids in there know how to shoot, produce and edit music videos. When you have that knowledge you can take that and pursue it as a career. They don’t have to depend on anybody else, so the fact that all those things are available for them now really enables them to make that decision,” said Irie. The youth currently served by the center are walking testaments that the arts are an extremely powerful learning tool and exemplify just how critical a solid academic foundation is. For more information on the Irie Foundation, please visit iriefoundation.org

Entertainment, Fashion, MSM Online, Music

Julio Iglesias Jr. to Perform at SWIMMIAMI

By Alyse Mier The most fashionable week of the year will kick off with SWIMMIAMI sponsored by Planet Fashion TV. The much-anticipated event will be hosted at the W South Beach Hotel and Residences on July 16th at 6pm. SWIMMIAMI will feature a VIP cocktail reception, a runway presentation by Lacoste™ and a performance by the widely talented Spanish singer Julio Iglesias Jr. Iglesias will perform a not to be missed modern day remake of his father’s hit song “Vous Les Femmes.” However, your swim week fun does not need to end there. SWIMMIAMI will carry on from July 17th through July 19th during swim week. Make sure to gather all your friends and dive into the most fashionable time of the year. To purchase VIP tickets, please call (305)793-1389 For more information, please visit planetfashiontv.com

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