Kate Brierley, Isoude
This Rhode Island–based designer crafts chic, timeless silhouettes for women looking for effortless style, but it’s her specialized wardrobe programs that set her apart. Brierley and her team offer three hands-on design options to build personalized closets, whether it’s a few basics or an entire collection of streamlined creations. isoude.com.
Skoah
Skoah’s short but sweet facial menu promises customizable “sweat-free skin-care workouts” powerful enough to whip even the most problematic skin types into shape. Case in point: The “Fitskin” facial, a 45-minute treatment that includes an exfoliating mask, hydrating lotions, and an ultra-relaxing hand-and-arm massage, will leave even the most blemish-prone skin looking bright and healthy. 641A Tremont St., Boston, 857-350-4930; 33 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, 617-383-5185. 641A Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, skoah.com.
Clear Flour Bread
In an era when everyone from your grandparents to your girlfriend has gone “gluten-free,” Clear Flour is unapologetically pro carb. Apricot-studded pain de seigle? Black-sesame sticks basted with garlic-herb butter? It’s easy to see why the yeasty, buttery scent of its long-fermented loaves continues to lure locals in droves. Just arrive early if you’re looking for something special (apologies to the woman behind us who wanted the last rosemary focaccia). 178 Thorndike St., Brookline, MA 02446, clearflourbread.com.
Alden & Harlow
Whether we’re looking for a place to entertain out-of-towners or just an impromptu night out on the town, Alden & Harlow has become our default dining destination. Even after two years, classics like chicken-fried rabbit, roasted carrots over romesco sauce, and chef Michael Scelfo’s scandalously smoky burger continue to feel spry and innovative. Seth Freidus’s cocktail list is endlessly surprising. And service is seamless, gracefully toeing the line between casual and intuitive. 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 02138, aldenharlow.com.
Danger Booth
When it comes to giving your guests custom photo keepsakes, it's best to think outside the box—or, in this case, the booth. Danger's open-air, freestanding unit (complete with a touchscreen, flash, and printer) can be as civilized or as crazy as you desire, with photo-fun experts on hand to hem a themed fabric backdrop, print out a step-and-repeat, or even hook you up with a designer for one-of-a-kind scenery. Move over, Instagram. thedangerbooth.com.
Kate McElwee
Enthusiasm, thy name is Kate. Just one look at this shutterbug's standout portfolio and you'll be giddy. McElwee is adept at capturing the big day's subtle, playful side—a bride's reflection in her groom's glasses, a surprise twirl during the first dance. She works well with natural light outside and shadows inside, so every photo she snaps is worth a thousand words. katemcelweephotography.com.
Brilliant Earth
Your relationship is conflict-free—shouldn't your ring be, too? The pros at Brilliant Earth go well beyond the industry standard, tracking diamonds from the time they leave the mine to the time they're cut and polished. A selection of fresh settings made from recycled metals and one-of-a-kind vintage looks, meanwhile, make it even easier to say yes. 38 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, brilliantearth.com.
Long’s Jewelers
For high-end bling you won’t find anywhere—or on anyone—else, look to Long’s treasure trove of vintage and estate baubles. The venerable jeweler has been collecting unique necklaces, earrings, pins, and more for 135-plus years, with new pieces continually added to its diverse catalog. And if you decide later that you’re more art deco than art nouveau, it even offers a 30-day grace period for your purchase. Multiple locations. 100 Summer St., Boston, MA 02110, longsjewelers.com.
Bricco Panetteria
This basement-level bakery is part of Frank DePasquale's North End culinary empire, and yet somehow everything about it screams old-world charm. From the tiny space, bakers churn out umami-rich olive-studded loaves and prosciutto-stuffed baguettes that are served at DePasquale's restaurants and, if you're lucky, with your next plate of home-cooked pasta. 241 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, briccopanetteria.com.
Bella Bridesmaid
Say so long to tired taffeta and stale silk — all the gowns at this airy boutique are fresh, modern, and completely customizable. Look for styles from LulaKate, Monique Lhuillier, and Lela Rose, plus all the accessories you need to enhance them (Nelle clutches, Kendra Scott jewelry). With eager-to-please staffers happy to help with measurements and color, length, and fabric specifications, you (and your girls) will be ready to make a commitment in no time. 85 Newbury St., Suite B, Boston, MA bellabridesmaid.com.
Long's Jewelers
Finding a life partner takes patience, persistence, and considerable luck. Finding the right ring should not. The army of jewelers at Long's assesses your preferences before working with you to compare styles by Scott Kay, Memoire, Ritani, and the store's own brand. No matter if you're in the market for a blinding rock or subdued sparkler, the store will have something suitably special. After all that time spent looking for the right one, this search, mercifully, can be a cinch. 100 Summer St., Boston, MA 2110, longsjewelers.com.
Yolanda's
Even back when wedding dresses were fairly predictable, Yolanda's always carried designs that stood out from the crowd. These days, there are still plenty of traditional gowns to be found, but the collection can also sate those brides with a taste for cutting-edge fashion. Look for designers like Richard Tyler, Reem Acra, and Vera Wang. Yolanda herself still presides over fittings, and ensures that her customers receive plenty of time to indulge their inner Muriel. 355 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA .
Roger Plourde, James Joseph Salon
Roger Plourde gives humanity what nature didn't, from born-with-it blond highlights to look-at-me strawberry luster. Sure, he's up on the latest color trends and can certainly let fly if you want that. But foremost, Plourde works to give you exactly what you ask for and does so with that rarest of qualities: good taste. And, as the ultimate kicker to your fresh color, he happens to also be a superb stylist. 30 Newbury St., Boston, MA jamesjosephsalon.com.
Frame Gallery
A well-chosen, well-wrought frame can make even the most amateur of prints look like a Degas. That's where the expert framers at Frame Gallery come in: You supply the masterpiece, they supply the packaging. The staff's eyes are as steady (in helping you select the most complementary frame possible) as their hands (in cutting and assembling a tight, flawless finish). The frame possibilities here are epic, too—from intricate vintage silver to sleek, modern brights. 2 Summit Ave., Brookline, MA theframegallery.biz.
Marisa DeMarco, Salon Mario Russo
Finally: a hairdresser who actually listens to your requests and delivers. DeMarco stays away from a on-ecut-suits-all technique, preferring to update your look gradually without any sudden, drastic changes. Based in the Louis Boston location of Salon Mario Russo, she's equally adept at color, for those who like to keep their salon visits down to a minimum. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA mariorusso.com.