Cheryl Richards
Weddings come—ideally—but once a lifetime. Cheryl Richards makes sure the memories will last. Richards and her equipment dissolve into the background only to emerge with stunning black and white photojournalist-style images capturing the poignancy, humor, and beauty of the Big Day. How good is she? Even if the wedding doesn't turn out to be as perfect as your fantasy nuptials, Richards manages to make it seem as if it were. 224 Clarendon St., Boston, MA cherylrichards.com.
Bryan Rafanelli
If the words "wedding coordinator" call to mind a shrieking, melodramatic worrywart, think again. In the calm, confident hands of Rafanelli and his efficient crew, weddings seem all but effortless. Rafanelli molds wedding dreams into reality, based on the clients' own ideas, personalities, and tastes. From the elegant invitations and arrays of gorgeously fresh bouquets to every last perfectly placed fork (all four types of them), Rafanelli whisks away the stress of the event. 142 Berkeley St., Boston, MA rafanellievents.com.
Flair
You don't want your girls in some garish getup out of 27 Dresses. Thankfully, a trip here makes finding the right dresses simple, owing to a tight selection of gorgeous (and, happily, understated) frocks from the likes of Coren Moore, Jenny Yoo, and Lynn Lugo. There are tons of colors, fabrics, and styles, and the service is both professional and patient. 10 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, flairbridesmaid.com.
L'Elite
Whether you're wearing a ball gown or a sheath on your big day, you'll find all the right accoutrements at L'élite, which stocks veils, headpieces, jewelry, belts and sashes, and heels by Badgley Mischka, Malis-Henderson, and Oscar de la Renta. In-store designers work with brides to create customized veils, and a sparkling array of crystal necklaces, pearl hairpins, and delicately feathered hair combs make mixing and matching a cinch. 121-123 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, lelite.com.
Harbor Hotel Provincetown
Shady motor inns might be quintessential Cape Cod, but we don't have to like 'em. So we're thrilled to see the old Cape Inn reborn as the Harbor Hotel, with a mod new look and superb amenities. Spend all day dipping your toes in the pool, then wiggle them in the sand while sitting by the fire pit. 698 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA 2657, harborhotelptown.com.
Hob Knob
Set back from the hubbub of downtown Edgartown, this eco-friendly, 17-room manse is quiet, unpretentious, and posh. (JFK himself once stayed here after an exhausting regatta.) Eat your made-to-order breakfast, then ride one of the cruiser bikes to the beach or to the island's farm institute to gather fresh eggs. And after that? Just linger in the Garden Room till it's time for cookies and tea. 128 Main St., Edgartown, MA 2539, hobknob.com.
The Beachcomber
Whoever said you can't please all the people all the time clearly hasn't been to the Beachcomber. Awesome views and beach access? Check. Long list of cocktails and heavy-pouring bartenders? Got 'em. Live music? Yup. As far as we can tell, the only thing missing is a cot in the corner — so we never have to leave. 1120 Cahoon Hollow Rd., Wellfleet, MA 2667, thebeachcomber.com.
Ana Hernandez Bridal Salon
Ana Hernandez understands women who dream about The Dress. Princess-worthy ball gowns, simple sheaths, lace pantsuits…her line of custom options has something to bewitch almost any bride. And she lets you be as much of a bridezilla as you please, adding sleeves if you want to keep your triceps under wraps, say, or swapping out fabrics if you decide, a few fittings in, that you really do look more fetching in ivory than white. 165 Newbury St., Boston, MA anahernandezbridal.com.
Dress
Blessed with great taste and strong buying instincts, co-owners Martha Hilfinger and Jane Schlueter have stocked their airy 900-square-foot Back Bay boutique with work-to-play separates and delicious dresses from modern favorites (3.1 Phillip Lim, Vena Cava, Vanessa Bruno) and exclusive up-and-comers (Lyell, Lofli denim). The shopping experience is a joy; if you've left your best friend at home, one of the chatty girls here will be happy to dish out reliable opinions on her behalf. 221 Newbury St., Boston, MA dressboston.com.
Barneys New York
You wonder how some guys look so damn sharp all the time? We're betting it's the Barneys men's department. All the key pieces are in place here: suits, shirts, ties, and accents from heavy hitters like Etro, Zegna, and Isaia, plus a sales staff of dapper gents eager to lend a hand in putting it together. You'll emerge looking like your old self, only much, much sharper. Copley Place, Boston, MA barneys.com.
Hilton's Tent City
Who knew the Hub's ultimate collection of camping gear would be found in a never-ending warehouse hidden away among bakeries and pizzerias on a West End side street? Packed with rough-and-ready labels like Marmot, Atlas, Sorel, Vasque, and Black Diamond, this four-floor emporium offers everything that outdoor adventurers might want to wear, pack, or carry for their trip, be it a weekend by Ponkapoag Pond or an assault on Everest. 272 Friend St., Boston, MA hiltonstentcity.com.
Gary Parker
A class-A PGA pro who's done teaching stints at the Legends Club of Tennessee and Stow Acres Country Club, Parker gives duffers a 21st-century swing at his high-tech indoor training center, outfitted with state-of-the-art practice bays and virtual rounds at St. Andrews and Pebble Beach. Free advice: "Most golfers slice to the right, and think they should align their feet to the right to fix it. But it's the opposite—align to the left. If you're a slicer, aim your feet to the shortstop and swing to the second baseman." CityGolf, 38 Bromfield St., Boston, MA citygolfboston.com.
Wine Gallery
This standout vino peddler has always put up a broad range of bottles and good advice. But the wine jukebox—a nifty contraption that doles out samples for free—at its Brookline location has officially taken the mystery out of wine selection by making the whole process as easy as taking a sip and seeing for yourself. If further guidance is required, both shops boast well-educated clerks and intelligent tasting cards. Best of all, the markups are low and the discounts high, something that's sure to please, no matter your taste. 375 Boylston St., Brookline, MA wine-gallery.com.
Brick Loomis
Loomis is the anti-sommelier (a fact that may or may not be rooted in his past as a punk rocker). He's not patronizing, despite knowing all the details on 600 labels and more than 6,000 bottles; his favorite wines are cheap French vintages. In fact, as far as we can tell, the only thing about Loomis that's remotely sommelierlike is his passion for the romance and culture of wine, and his ability to pick the perfect bottle for your meal. Aujourd'hui, Four Seasons Hotel, 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA fourseasons.com/boston.
Tangierino
Morocco could teach us all a thing or two about romance. At Tangierino, groups gather at intimate booths shrouded by gauzy curtains, while couples sit side by side on plush benches—no awkward tables to lean across here. Start with a sweet, phyllo-wrapped chicken b'stila and rich lamb tagine, then finish with a trip to the next-door hookah bar. Unless, of course, you're ready to move your date somewhere more private. 83 Main St., Charlestown, MA tangierino.com.