Weddings of Distinction 2012

Page 1

August 23

A Special Supplement of the I-75 Newspaper Group, Sidney Daily News, Troy Daily News and Piqua Daily Call


2 • Weddings of Distinction • August 23, 2012

Sidney Daily News • Troy Daily News • Piqua Daily Call

August, 2012

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We are now in our seventh year of providing a very unique bridal show for the northern Miami Valley brides-tobe! We would like to extend a very special thank you to all of dedicated businesses, readers, Fort Piqua Plaza Banquet Center and staff of Ohio Community Media that have made the seventh annual Weddings of Distinction a huge success.

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The competition with the Dayton area shows is present, but there is a continued need for a show of this type in our area. Our plan is to bring the show to area couples planning their wedding and to let them know of the fine businesses that offer wedding needs right in their own backyard. Local businesses throughout our counties have shown that they are not only up to the task but ready and willing to do what it takes to promote their services. We have almost 40 vendors participating again this year! This year we have a very special fashion show presented by Emmy’s Bridal of Fort Loramie. Special because there will be two very different and distinct shows, one at 1:30 and the other at 2:30. You won’t want to miss both shows!

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August 23, 2012 • Weddings of Distinction • 3

Weddings of Distinction Annual bridal show planned for Aug. 26 BY PATRICIA ANN SPEELMAN Ohio Community Media pspeelman@sdnccg.com Call it an urban legend, a medieval myth or just plain wrong information, but it’s entirely false that soon-to-be brides and their parents and fiances must spend hours and hours of time and miles and miles of travel to organize the perfect wedding. All they have to do is visit the seventh annual

Weddings of Distinction Bridal Show at the Fort Piqua Plaza, 308 N. Main St., Piqua, on Aug. 26. The Sidney Daily News, Troy Daily News and Piqua Daily Call sponsor the event annu-

ally as a one-stop-shop for wedding-planning couples. This year’s show runs from noon to 4 p.m. on the fourth floor of the plaza. Admission is $5. Emmy’s Bridal, of Minster, will stage two different fashion shows,

one at 1:30 p.m. and the second at 2:30 p.m., to showcase gowns, tuxedoes and accessories. More than 30 area vendors will be on hand to offer advice and information. And each one has provided something special as a door prize. The door prizes will be awarded throughout the event. “This year is going to be bigger and better than ever,” said Becky Smith, advertising manager of the Sidney Daily

News and Classified Call Center. “There will be lots of give-aways. These are local businesses in Miami, Shelby and Auglaize counties. Everything you need will be right at your fingertips to plan your wedding. There will be representatives of venues; shops selling attire for the bride, bridegroom, mother of the bride, bridesmaids, and honeymoon attire; photographers; florists; disc jockeys; limousine serv-

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ices and caterers. The caterers will have samples. And it’s all showcased in the beautiful Fort Piqua Hotel.” Businesses registered at press time to participate in Weddings of Distinction include the following: • Disc jockeys: Absolute Audio. • Attire and accessories: Emmy’s Bridal, Unseen Elegance, Bridal Emporium, Harris Jewelers, Ron & Nita’s, JewSee BRIDAL/Page 5

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4 • Weddings of Distinction • August 23, 2012

Sidney Daily News • Troy Daily News • Piqua Daily Call

How to customize a bridesmaid’s dress Bride shares tips to create a practical gown BY EMILY FREDRIX Associated Press I’m practical. Never dreamed of having a lavish gown. Didn’t want to endure a long hunt for bargains. So four little words from the saleswoman spoke to me: “Bridesmaid dress. In white.” Yes, I’m wearing a bridesmaid dress to my own wedding. It’s simple, elegant, relatively cheap and easy. Talk about putting the “bride” in bridesmaid. When I showed up at my local Macy’s bridal

salon on my first day of dress shopping, I explained that I wanted something elegant, good for an outdoor summer wedding, at a price that wouldn’t rival the liquor bill. What the saleswoman suggested is a littleknown trick that can save hundreds of dollars or more on a wedding dress. Perhaps even better, you can customize your wedding dress however you like it; bridesmaid dresses are usually basic — satin or silk, without the beads, lace and other frills on many

traditional gowns. And at anywhere from $100 to $300, there’s no traditional price tag either. Get a bridesmaid dress in white, ivory or whatever color you want. Wear it as is. Or glam it up with accessories and have a unique — and cost-effective — look. It’s called a wedding dress hack, I’d later find out. Happy with my plan, I couldn’t help looking at the women sorting through the expensive gowns at the store. Why would they want to spend thousands on a

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dress for one day? They could spend far less, still look amazing and save the rest for their honeymoon or a house. Why didn’t I feel their urge to splurge? Was something wrong with me? Not at all, says Meg Keene, author of “A Practical Wedding: Creative Ideas for Planning a Beautiful, Affordable, and Meaningful Celebration.” I simply hadn’t bought into the wedding myth, she says. The myth is why so many weddings keep getting bigger (hello Kardashians) and prices keep going up. Women see the glamour and feel they are supposed to have it, regardless of cost, says Keene, who started the blog “A Practical Wedding” when planning her own nuptials in 2008. Dresses are among the biggest costs of a wedding, averaging See GOWN/Page 5

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AP Photo/Carlo Allegri

AP LIFESTYLES writer Emily Fredrix poses for a portrait in her wedding dress and homemade sash in New York. For those looking for a practical and economical wedding gown, consider wearing a bridesmaid’s dress, in white, and glam it up with accessories and have a unique — and cost-effective — look.

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GOWN nearly $1,200, according to The Wedding Report, Inc., which tracks industry spending. And don’t forget accessories, headpieces and veils. An extra $250, please. The average U.S. wedding now costs more than $26,000. “There’s now this industry around weddings,” Keene says. “If the word ‘wedding’ is attached, people will pay.” It doesn’t have to be that way, especially for dresses. There are so many other options: bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses, vintage, renting, borrowing and making. Women like me who seek out alternatives sometimes wonder if they’ll look like a bride. But, says Keene, there’s no one way to look. “You remember how your wedding felt, not how it looked,” says Keene, who wore a $250 vintage dress to her wedding. After deciding that I would customize a bridesmaid dress, I allowed myself one indulgent experience at a designer wedding-gown studio so I could get ideas. After trying on half a dozen pouffy, fancy gowns, I knew that ivory looks just fine on me, a sweetheart neckline works well, and an A-line cut and strapless are both flattering. I took all that knowledge back to my original salon, to my saleswoman friend. In minutes, I found the dress. The sample was white with a black floral print, but in the mirror I envisioned myself in ivory.

August 23, 2012 • Weddings of Distinction • 5

From Page 4 With a deep purple sash, maybe some silk flowers stitched onto it. And maybe some tulle underneath to give me some pouf. It’s all up to me. Final price? The tag said $205, but after a bridal salon-wide sale of 15 percent off, it was $174.25, before tax. Bam. Now I’m planning my accessories. And talking glowingly about my

wedding dress rebellion. The question I get is always the same: “What about your bridesmaids? What are they wearing?” Bridesmaids? I’m not having any. We’ve decided to elope. ——— Follow Emily Fredrix on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com /emfred

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LAS VEGAS (AP) — Denny’s says its newest 24-hour diner in Las Vegas will feature a full bar and a wedding chapel. The restaurant announced recently that it plans to open a flagship diner by the end of the year in downtown Las Vegas’ Neonopolis shopping complex. Denny’s CEO John Miller says Las From Page 3 Vegas is ideal for the one-of-a-kind restaurant because it operates on the same 24-hour schedule as the diner itelry Barn, and April’s Bridal. • Venues: Fort Piqua Plaza, La Quinta Inn, So self. Serene, Comfort Inn and the Fairfield Inn & Suites and the Residence Inn by Marriott. • Caterers and bakers: Dobo’s Delights Bake Shoppe, Romer’s Catering, Lee’s Famous Recipe, Tin Roof Catering, Mrs. B’s Catering, Brittney’s Cakes, Catering by Michael, Heritage Event Catering and Perfect Party Catering. • Florists: Allisten Manor’s Flower Box and GeNell’s Flowers. Trust our expertise for • Photographers: My MC Studio, Candid hassle-free handling of Keepsakes Photo Booth, Photography Lane and Clou Studio. every detail along the way to • Gifts and services: Journey Salon, Elder Beerman, Dunlap Limousine, Mary Kay-Jessica your special day. Williams and Genie Cleaners.

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6 • Weddings of Distinction • August 23, 2012

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the happy couple says I do — again!

Vow renewals growing in popularity it wasn’t a really big deal,” she said. Still, it was important to the couple to make their union special, so they made a plan early on to renew their vows. Fast forward 10 years, and they were saying “I still do” on a trip to Maui, Hawaii. At that ceremony, Abraham let herself cry. She and her husband were so happy with their second wedding to each other that they decided to do it again at the 15-year

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mark as well. “We’ll probably do it again at 25,” she laughed. Recommitting to a relationship through vow renewals is becoming more popular, said Susan Southerland, president of Just Marry!, Inc. wedding planners in Orlando, Fla. “In the last three to five years they’ve become extremely popular. We’ve always done one or two throughout the year, but all of a sudden

it’s become a huge request.” For one thing, it’s a great way to reconnect. Kathryn Quinn of East Lansing, Mich., is approaching her 11-year anniversary. She and her husband recently renewed their vows on a trip to the Virgin Islands. They traveled with three other couples and all four renewed their vows on the beach on Valentine’s Day. “I’m so glad we did it,” she said. “This was our

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year. She enjoys looking back to their 35th anniversary, in 2004, when they renewed their vows in the same small church where they got married. The same couple who stood up with them back then resumed their duties. Brunston feels marriage vows mean more over the years because “after being together after all that time you really know each other,” and “it lets the spouse See VOWS/Page 7

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first trip away from our children. It was at a beautiful location. The vow renewal was meaningful, and gave us a chance away from our daily life to really celebrate our time together and be grateful for our relationship.” Sometimes, a vow renewal is not only a reminder of how far a couple has come but a memory to cherish. Winifred “Wini” Brunston of Lancaster, Calif., lost her husband last

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NEW YORK (AP) — When Letty Abraham of Sylvan Lake, Mich., married her husband, Mark, almost 22 years ago, she was determined not to make a fuss. It was her second marriage and she didn’t want to go overboard. “I had a big wedding the first time … My second wedding I was over that, and I wanted it more small and intimate. We got married in Las Vegas. We had family and friends there but


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VOWS know you still love them enough to marry them again.” Anja Winikka, editor of the wedding website TheKnot.com, believes one reason for the spike of interest in vow renewals is that some celebrity couples have done it. Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott filmed their vow renewal for their reality TV show. Holly Robinson Peete tweeted photos after she and former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete recently celebrated their 17-year anniversary by renewing their vows on top of the Empire State Building in New York. Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon are the most consistent; they renew their vows every year. “You hear about it, and just like any trends in the wedding industry and in decor and fashion, celebrities certainly do influence us in that way,” says Winikka. Southerland says she recently helped a couple who renew their vows every year. “It’s always a surprise, and the husband plans it,” she said. Whether you renew your vows annually or just once, in a small ceremony or as part of a vacation, the cost of saying “I do — again” can vary. “You can do something that’s very simple, that’s just the husband and wife standing up with a photographer, and that can be less than $1,000. Or you can do something where you’ve invited a bunch of people. I’ve had people spend upwards of 50 or

August 23, 2012 • Weddings of Distinction • 7

From Page 6

AP Photo/Matt Sayles, file

IN THIS March 7, 2010, file photo, Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon arrive during the 82nd Academy Awards in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Recommitting to a relationship through vow renewals is becoming more and more popular, some wedding experts say. One reason is it’s a great way to reconnect. Wed in 2008, Carey and Cannon renew their vows every year. 60 thousand,” Southerland said. And even a do-over bride can turn into a Bridezilla, she says. “That still is personality-driven, which kind of makes me chuckle,” she said. “I’m thinking, ‘Wow, you’ve known this guy for a long time. What’s there to be nerv-

ous about? So what if a flower falls off an arch?’ Others are more laidback. But you still have some very nervous brides.” ——— Online: h t t p : / / w w w. t h e knot.com/ h t t p : / / w w w. j u s t marry.com/

AP Photo/DeAnna Fenech

IN THIS Feb. 14, 2012, released courtesy of Kathryn Quinn, Brian Quinn poses his wife Kathryn Quinn, of East Lansing, Mich., on the shore of Trunk Bay, St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The couple renewed their vows on Valentine’s Day after 11 years of marriage.

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8 • Weddings of Distinction • August 23, 2012

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Flowers for your special day Brides personalize weddings with handmade bouquets BY EMILY FREDRIX Associated Press When Carol Ann Vivrette was planning her wedding four years ago, her fiance encouraged her to bring her crafty nature to the day. Hundreds of hours and yards of yarn later, she had knit and felted flowers for her wedding party, from her own calla lily bouquet to the corsages of her two grandmothers. Why toss the bouquet when you can keep it forever?

Instead of fresh-cut flowers, many brides like Vivrette are making or buying alternatives out of fabric, paper and even old brooches. The results can be stunning — colorful paper hydrangeas, sparkling brooches, even quirky buttons, hundreds of them, forming a bouquet. It’s a way to personalize a wedding, and turn what can be a costly, onetime expenditure into a family keepsake. It also can mean a lot of work. Vivrette, of Oakland, Calif., began work-

ing seriously on her project six weeks out and finished the day before her wedding. Part of the fun was that the process became a family affair: One friend helped knit; two helped assemble the pieces into boutonnieres and corsages; and Vivrette’s mother inserted and sewed wire into the flower stems so the bouquet could hold its shape. In all, they made 26 full flowers and 11 boutonnieres or corsages. See BOUQUET/Page 10

AP photo/Andre Nguyen Wedding Photography

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IN THIS Oct. 25, 2008, image released courtesy of Carol Ann Vivrette, a bridesmaid holds a homemade bouquet, made by knitting and felting flowers, for the wedding of Carol Ann and Jason Vivrette in Oakland, Calif. Many brides these days are asking themselves: Why toss the bouquet when you can keep it forever? Instead of flowers, they’re making or buying alternatives made from fabric, paper, even old brooches.

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August 23, 2012 • Weddings of Distinction • 9

honoring biblical connections Non-Jewish couples embrace the faith for their weddings BY LEANNE ITALIE Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Jessie Engelman and her fiance plan to wed later this year in Jamaica, where they’ll sign a ketubah, the traditional Jewish marriage contract. Soon after, they’ll host a pig roast in her tiny Iowa hometown. Neither bride nor groom is Jewish, nor are they evangelical Christians looking to honor their biblical connections

to the faith. “My mom and my grandparents had never heard of a ketubah. … After we explained it they thought it was really cool,” said the 31-year-old Engelman, a quality assurance manager from Nyack, N.Y. “We love the spirit of it.” More non-Jewish couples have embraced Jewish marriage rituals over the last decade. Some stomp a glass — or a lightbulb as a popular substitute. Others recite

vows under a canopy, called a chuppah. But it’s the ketubah, or a less Jewish cousin called a “Statement of Our Love,” that often catches the eye of couples with no familial or cultural ties to Judaism. The demand for “nonJewish” ketubot (the plural) increases every year at the sites JudaicConnection and ShopKetubah, both run by Cindy Michael in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The number See FAITH/Page 12

For photo reprints, visit www.sidneydailynews.com

AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews

IN THIS March 15 photo, artist Shephanie Caplan creates a fine art ketubah, a traditional Jewish marriage contract in her studio in New York. More nonJewish couples have embraced Jewish marriage rituals over the last decade. Some stomp a glass — or a lightbulb as a popular substitute. Others recite vows under a canopy, called a chuppah. But its the ketubah, or a less Jewish cousin called a “Statement of Our Love,” that often catches the eye of couples with no family or cultural ties to Judaism.

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10 • Weddings of Distinction • August 23, 2012

Sidney Daily News • Troy Daily News • Piqua Daily Call

BOUQUET “I definitely feel more loved and connected to them in my wedding memories than I might have if I had just ordered flowers from a florist,” Vivrette said. Some brides choose an alternative bouquet to save money. Flowers for the average wedding can cost more than $2,000, according to The Wedding Report, which tracks industry spending. Of that, the bridal bouquet runs on average $132; it and the other bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages often add up to more than $400. Beyond cost, however, brides might choose an alternative to the traditional bouquet to express their individuality,

go lighter on the environment, or continue or establish a family tradition. All of those factors influenced Karyn Thurston’s decision to crochet flowers for her wedding in Portland, Ore., in February 2011. Thurston grew up seeing the fabric flowers her mother had made for her own wedding and displayed at home. An avid knitter, Thurston also wanted to avoid having flowers shipped to her winter wedding. Over four months, she crocheted flowers for her wedding party of 12 people, including her own bouquet — a mix of golden yellow, rusty orange and a deep gray

From Page 8 blue. The time she devoted to the project gave her a chance to reflect. “As I was going through the process of making flowers, thinking about my hopes for the wedding and our marriage, I was crocheting all that intention into these flowers,” she said. The Internet is awash in patterns, tutorials and how-to videos for making bouquets out of things besides fresh flowers. And if crafting’s not for you, you can find handmade wares on sites such as Etsy.com, where prices range from $50 for simple silk bouquets to well over $600 for custom brooch bouquets.

Some popular bouquet options: • Knit/Crochet — Tiny stitches, an assortment of colors and easyto-follow patterns can turn yarn into gorgeous keepsakes. Novices to experienced knitters can find patterns to suit their skills. Because the flowers are small, you can make a lot out of just a few skeins of yarn. Thurston spent under $100 for yarn for the flowers for her entire wedding party, including wrist corsages and flower headbands, bouquets and boutonnieres. Yarn stores also have patterns, and knitters to help guide you. Many patterns online are free. On Ravelry.com — a networking site for knitters and crocheters — there are more than 2,600 free flower patterns. • Fabric/Felt — Like wedding dresses, fabric flowers can keep for years. And they can be made in many ways. Make flowers out of silk and burn the edges slightly to curl them for a natural look. Have a

favorite fabric designer? Take the vibrant floral patterns found on, say, Liberty of London fabrics and incorporate that into your wedding. A bonus: Many of the patterns for fabric flowers online don’t even require sewing. Felt — a thicker form of fabric — works well too for flowers because it holds its shape. You can buy felt in dozens of shades and thicknesses. Or, like Vivrette, you can essentially make your own felt by knitting flowers and then washing them in hot water. That process, called “felting,” creates a thicker, tighter fabric, akin to what happens when you shrink a sweater. • Paper — Often, all that’s required is the paper, a pair of good scissors and glue. Use recycled books, crumple up tissue paper or fold paper with origami techniques. Online, readymade paper bouquets are among the less expensive options — sometimes as little as $30 — because paper is rela-

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tively cheap. Want to make your own? Martha Stewart has a gallery of 20 different types of paper flowers, with directions, from peonies and dahlias to roses made out of coffee filters and accented with water color paint. • Brooches/Buttons — To get “something old” into your ceremony and add some sparkle too, try incorporating family heirloom brooches or old buttons. Scour thrift stores or ask relatives for contributions. Some brides even assemble a brooch bouquet as they walk down the aisle, having family members reach out and contribute pieces. Or buy online: The Blue Petyl website, for example, has dozens of combinations of brooches, buttons, pearls and more, from about $100 to $500. • Buy a kit — Bridal designer Princess Lasertron sells a felted flower kit for bridal bouquets for $140. To outfit bridesmaids too, a larger kit is available for $420. Paper Source has kits for roses, daffodils, magnolias and more; you can make nine red roses for less than $20. ——— Online: http://www.etsy.com http://www.marthas tewart.com/274777/pa p e r flowers(hash)/241880 h t t p : / / w w w. b l u e petyl.com/ http://www.princesslasertron.com http://www.papersource.com/cgibin/paper/kits/flower-k its.html


Sidney Daily News • Troy Daily News • Piqua Daily Call

August 23, 2012 • Weddings of Distinction • 11

Fresh and Festive Wedding celebrations with tropical flair (Family Features) — Between engagement parties, bridal showers and brunches with new family and friends, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the happy couple. Why not bring a taste of the tropics to your celebrations with mangos? This elegantly simple recipe is inspired by the color, texture and sweet, slightly exotic flavors of mangos. To get more fresh recipe ideas for wedding celebrations visit www.mango.org. Visit

www.culinary.net to get tips, recipes and videos, and to join the community of home cooks and food lovers. Roasted Shrimp and Mango Salad Serves 8 to 10 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided 2 teaspoons paprika Salt and pepper 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon honey 6 cups mixed baby

lettuces, washed and dried 2 large mangos (about 2 pounds), peeled, pitted and diced 1/4 cup shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On large rimmed baking sheet, toss shrimp with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Roast until pink and cooked through and beginning to lightly brown,

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8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to bowl to chill in refrigerator. In large bowl, whisk together remaining 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and honey. Season with salt and pepper. Toss lettuce, mango and chilled shrimp in olive oil lemon juice mixture. Divide among plates, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Source: National Mango Board / Culinary.net See FOOD/Page 14

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12 • Weddings of Distinction • August 23, 2012

Sidney Daily News • Troy Daily News • Piqua Daily Call

FAITH of ketubah artists setting up shop online has exploded in recent years, making it that much easier for non-Jewish couples to embrace the practice. The ketubah is more than just fancy calligraphy. It’s often poster-size and ornate, suitable for framing later with artwork either as backdrop or accompaniment.“Interestingly enough, some of the non-Jewish couples choose very traditional Jewish texts,” Michael said. She works with many ketubah artists who offer words of love and loyalty specifically for non-Jewish couples. One offers an Apache wedding blessing and another uses inspirational text from New Age

From Page 9 guru Kahlil Gibran. “Many times they contact us after having attended Jewish friends’ weddings,” Michael said. “Previously, they often had to order a custom text but now there are many designs they can choose from with standard wording for all faith couples.” Jannine Medrana Malave and her husband, Nelson, had a traditional Catholic wedding with a Mass in their childhood parish church in Philadelphia. Their ceremony included touches reflecting her Filipino roots and his Puerto Rican ones, but they also had a ketubah in a round design with English and Hebrew — signed by, among others, the priest who married them.

The ketubah was a gift from two close friends they consider their “Jewish mothers,” but it was Nelson’s idea after he noticed the ketubot in the shop of the National Museum of American Jewish History, where Jannine works as director of donor relations and special events. “We like to learn about other cultures and other traditions,” said Jannine, 34.“It’s hanging in our living room, next to our crucifix no less.” Stephanie Caplan is a ketubah artist on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. She’s been doing custom work for non-Jewish clients who found her offline and through her website, TheKetubah.com, for several years. She recently added more affordable prints suitable for couples who want to celebrate but not practice the faith. “I always felt it was something that everybody could have,” she said. “I didn’t see why it should just be for Jews. It can be the thing that reflects the spirit of the day, more than those 50,000 photo-

AP Photo/Ryan DeVera Photography

THIS 2010 image released by Ryan DeVera Photography, Father Kevin Moley, C.Ss.R., (left) signs the wedding ketubah of Jannine and Nelson Malavé at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Philadelphia. More non-Jewish couples have embraced Jewish marriage rituals over the last decade. graphs you took at your wedding. It’s just a nice energy.” That’s what New York native Edward Cleveland Jr. and his wife, Maki, thought when they hired a ketubah maker. Cleveland, 37, was raised Catholic in New York. His wife is from Tokyo. They wanted their 2008 wedding to be unique and hired a certi-

fied civil celebrant, Gerald Fierst, to officiate and help plan the ceremony. Fierst suggested a leather-bound “Statement of Our Love” in both English and Japanese, signed by the couple’s parents and other guests. The ceremony also included a sweet sake ceremony and presentation of orchids to honor his wife’s native Japan. With friends “from all different walks of life and ethnic backgrounds and religions, we didn’t want

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anything that was religious but wanted everybody to feel something familiar,” Nelson said. Fierst, who published a book last year on 21st-century marriage,“The Heart of the Wedding,” said Muslims, Quakers and others also have traditional religious marriage contracts. “A lot of Jewish culture has become mainstream,” he said. “People don’t think of it as religious. They think of it as, ‘Isn’t that a nice tradition?’”

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Sidney Daily News • Troy Daily News • Piqua Daily Call

August 23, 2012 • Weddings of Distinction • 13

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14 • Weddings of Distinction • August 23, 2012

Sidney Daily News • Troy Daily News • Piqua Daily Call

FOOD Goat Cheese, Bacon and Mango Crostini Makes about 30 pieces 1 baguette, sliced crosswise into 1/2inch pieces 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Salt 1 pound bacon, chopped 1 cup balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons sugar 8 ounces goat cheese, softened 2 large mangos (about 2 pounds), peeled, pitted and diced 3 green onions, sliced thin (about 1/3 cup) Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

From Page 11 Place sliced baguette on large rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and bake until golden brown and crisp, about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through baking. Set aside. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until fat is rendered and bacon is crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. Using slotted spoon, remove from pan and drain on paper towel lined plate. In small non-reactive saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar and sugar over medium heat until reduced by half and balsamic is thick and syrupy, 15 to 20 minutes.

Set aside to cool. To assemble, spread toasted bread with 1 1/2 teaspoons goat cheese, top with diced mango, sprinkle with cooked bacon, and drizzle with cooled balsamic syrup. Top with sliced green onions. Note: Balsamic syrup can be stored at room Mini Vanilla Cupcake temperature for up to 1 with Mango Buttercream week. Preheat oven to 325 Mini Vanilla degrees. Cupcakes with Line mini muffin tins Mango Buttercream with cupcake liners. Makes 48 mini cupIn large bowl, beat cakes cake mix, water, oil and Cupcakes eggs with electric mixer 1 15.25-ounce box on low speed about 30 vanilla cake mix seconds. Increase speed 1 cup water to medium and mix until 1/2 cup vegetable oil smooth, about 2 min3 eggs utes. Pour into prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into center of cupcake comes out clean, 15 to 18 minutes.

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Cool in pans for 5 minutes then cool completely on wire rack. Mango Buttercream 2 large mangos (about 2 pounds), peeled, pitted and diced 2 1/2 sticks (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter, room temperature 5 cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons white sparkling sugar sprinkles (optional) Purée 1 1/2 diced mangos in food processor or blender until smooth, set aside (will yield about 3/4 cup). Reserve remaining diced mango for garnish. In large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed, until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing between each addition. Add 3/4 cup of mango purée. Increase speed to

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high and beat until incorporated, about 2 minutes. Transfer buttercream to a pastry bag or a large zip top bag fitted with a pastry tip. Top cooled cupcakes with buttercream. Top with 1 piece diced mango and sparkling sugar, if desired. Frost Cupcakes Like a Pro It’s easy to create these Mini Vanilla Cupcakes with Mango Buttercream. With a few simple tricks, they’ll appear as though you selected them from a professional bakery. Just follow these simple steps from the kitchen pros: • Use a large, starburst piping tip in a pastry bag or large zip top bag. • Set the bag over a tall glass or measuring cup, and fold the bag edges into a cuff over the rim of the glass. • Scoop frosting into the bag using a rubber spatula. Fill it about two-thirds full. • Take the bag out of the glass and twist the top closed. • Hold the bag just barely above the top of the cupcake at a 90 degree angle. • Squeeze the bag to pipe a spiral of icing, starting at the outer edge and working inward. • Stop squeezing and pull the tip straight up. V i s i t www.culinary.net to get more tips, recipes and videos, and to join the community of home cooks and food lovers.


Sidney Daily News • Troy Daily News • Piqua Daily Call

August 23, 2012 • Weddings of Distinction • 15

Avoiding wedding day foot pain Tips for selecting shoes (ARA) — The man of your dreams, a stunning dress and the most darling shoes to go with it — you have everything you need to ensure your wedding is perfect in every way. But at the end of your big day, will you be left with something less welcome than beautiful memories? Will you be sporting sore — or possibly even injured — feet? “Brides may think that aching feet at the end of their wedding day is just something they’ll have to put up with,” says Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, a doctor of podiatric medicine

and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “But while dancing the night away at the reception can tire their feet, brides shouldn’t end their big day with sore feet. The right shoe choice can help protect them from foot pain.” Most women consider comfort over style or price when selecting a shoe, according to an APMA survey. Yet brides may be tempted to put looks over comfort, thinking they’ll wear their wedding shoes so briefly a little discomfort won’t make a differ-

ence. Wearing shoes that irritate your feet can cause long-term injury, however, and make existing problems, like bunions or hammer toes, worse. When you’re picking out wedding shoes, keep these tips from APMA in mind: • Lower heels are better. You may love how your legs look in those 5inch stilettos, but very high heels can put a lot of pressure on your feet and even cause misalignment of the spine. If you know you’ll be on your feet for hours (and what bride

isn’t?), consider choosing a lower heel of no more than 2 inches. • Can’t go without your very high heels? Consider keeping a second, lower-heeled shoe on hand to slip on during down times. Wear your hot high heels for the ceremony and photos, and switch to the more comfortable, practical (but still pretty) lower heels for the reception. • Shoes with wide, rounded toes tend to be more comfortable.

Pointed or tight shoes number of foot problems. pinch the toes into unnat- A good rule of thumb — if ural positions, and can you can’t wiggle your toes See FEET/Page 23 cause or contribute to a

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16 • Weddings of Distinction • August 23, 2012

Sidney Daily News • Troy Daily News • Piqua Daily Call

One last party before the wedding Best destinations for bachelorette, bachelor parties the Big Apple. Away.com, a travel inspiration and advice website, notes that guys can start by fueling up at one of the Grade-A steakhouses before taking on the VIP section of a club (reservations usually required). Or they can buy tickets to see one of the city's many sports teams for some real male-bonding time. Ladies can head down 5th Avenue with their department store itineraries and confirm why women make the majority of household purchasing decisions.

Vancouver, Canada Vancouver is a hip and active town just under three hours north of Seattle. If the Olympic committee thought it was a cool enough place for the 2010 Winter Olympics, then it is probably awesome enough for a bachelor or bachelorette party. The summers are warm and perfect for outdoor activities, such as kayaking, hiking, or mountain biking. The winters are, of course, great for a ski adventure, and downtown Vancouver has a plenty of world-class restau-

rants and a nightlife that will satisfy. Tucson, Arizona Girls (and sometimes guys) love to be pampered. Gentlemen (and sometimes ladies) love to play golf. And in Tucson, Ariz., you'll find both. A spa and wellness weekend at a spa resort, such as Canyon Ranch, will leave the bridal party feeling relaxed and renewed by the end of their stay. For a weekend of competition and fun, gather up the guys, the clubs and maybe a flask or two, then tee off at one of the area's desert or

links-style courses designed by Jack Nicklaus or Robert Trent Jones, Jr. New Orleans New Orleans is one of the best options for a bachelor or bachelorette party because a trip here is easy to plan. Just reserve rooms in the French Quarter, show up, and step outside - the Big Easy will take care of the rest. Look at the calendar and up the ante by planning to go during Mardi Gras, Jazzfest, or even Halloween ... but don't worry, the good times roll all year round.

Another option: go on a cruise If conveniences such as unlimited food and beverages are high on your list of must-haves, you might just find yourselves standing on the deck of a cruise ship waving the coastline goodbye. Cruises are an easy and relatively cheap way to escape with the guys or gals. You can book with a cruise line or even charter your own yacht in the Caribbean. Entertainment, food and sometimes drinks are all included, and your party can choose to do as much or as little as they like. 2306885

(ARA) — The countdown to the big day is on, but before the wedding vows are exchanged, one last party must take place. Here are a few destinations to help the bride- and groom-to-be say "so long" to their bachelorette and bachelorhood days. New York City When planning a bachelorette or bachelor party, don't settle for just any big city when you can go to the big city: New York, N.Y. With so many things to do, it takes very little planning to have a blast in

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August 23, 2012 • Weddings of Distinction • 17

Planning for future Financial bliss after ‘I do’

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Sidney Daily News • Troy Daily News • Piqua Daily Call

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identified their top values — and have seen the values identified by their mate — they can use this knowledge to create shared goals. What if he values money and she values friendship? Is conflict sure to follow? There is “give and take” in every relationship, including a couple’s financial priorities. Once each partner understands the values of his or her mate, it becomes easier to set shared short- and longterm goals. At a minimum, it helps couples understand what drives the other’s thinking. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans provides these 10 basic steps that newlyweds can take to launch their new financial lives: 1. Identify your core values. 2. Establish your shared needs and short-

and long-term goals. 3. Create a budget. 4. Reduce and eliminate consumer debt or other loans. 5. Start or increase an emergency fund. 6. Insure your health, property, income and life through appropriate insurance. 7. Save for your retirement. 8. Educate yourself about financial issues. 9. Meet with a financial professional to help you stay on task. 10. Talk regularly about your financial goals and performance. Following the steps above will not address the “who, what and how” related to paying bills or balancing checkbooks. Frankly, there is no one right formula for determining who does what. Newlyweds will need to invest time, conversation and experimenta-

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tion into finding the right fit for their unique circumstances and personalities. Establishing a regular “money date,” where you set aside uninterrupted time to discuss your finances and measure them against your goals can be a fun way of addressing something otherwise considered “work.” This date need not be costly or even away from home, but it must be a time without distractions from television, phone calls or friends. This is truly “your time” to study and learn about your finances as a couple. After “I do,” the work of establishing your new life together begins. By giving regular attention to your values and financial goals, you can enhance the likelihood of living “happily ever after” from a financial viewpoint.

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(ARA) — Wedding season is here. It’s estimated that more than 2 million couples will be married in the United States this year. As couples young and old unite their hearts and lives, they will also face the challenging task of uniting their finances. The truth of the matter is, financial bliss is only partially connected to the size of one’s bank account. Especially for newlyweds, financial satisfaction and contentment is often found in the uniting of partners’ financial values and goals. These values, or life priorities if you prefer, can range from security, to service, to status. Alternatively, they might encompass areas such as independence, financial wealth, meaningful work, faith, family or excellence, among others. Once newlyweds have

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18 • Weddings of Distinction • August 23, 2012

Sidney Daily News • Troy Daily News • Piqua Daily Call

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Cost-control tips for bridesmaids-to-be (ARA) — Standing up for your friend as her maid of honor or bridesmaid is a special experience you'll both remember all your lives. Yet your happiness for your friend, and your joy at participating in her wedding, can be tempered by concerns about the costs associated with being a member of the wedding party. Just like the bride and groom, attendants often need to use credit to fund their wedding experience, including the cost of a dress, gift for the happy couple, the bachelorette party and perhaps traveling to the wedding location. Still, if you rely too much on credit, you could end up with debt - which is a lot worse than a dress you'll never wear again. Careful planning and an honest discussion with the bride and

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the bills start to arrive? How much of your participation will need to be funded through credit? If you know credit will be a big part of your wedding party budget, monitoring your credit for a few months may help you manage your finances. Membership in a product like CreditReport.com offers members valuable tools to help them monitor their credit for a monthly fee. When it's time to say "yes": Once you have an idea of how you can budget, it's time to have a candid discussion with the bride and groom. Let them know what you're comfortable with, and what will be beyond your budget. Determine what their expectations are for the costs you'll bear, and what they'll pay for. If you find that your financial abilities and their expectations are too far apart, give them the opportunity to recon-

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sider their invitation for you to be in the wedding. Ironing out money matters at the beginning of the wedding planning process will help ensure you don't have to distract the bride and groom with the discussion as their big day approaches — and their stress levels go up. When you're committed: Once you've said yes and agreed on expenses, it's time to put your plan into action. Begin setting aside money right away, even if the wedding is a year away. The longer you have to save cash, the less you'll need to rely on credit as the wedding approaches. Look for ways that you can cut expenses without impacting the wedding itself. For example, if the bridesmaid's dress must come from a pricey boutique, perhaps you can find matching shoes for less See COST/Page 23

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groom about cost control can help ensure no one overspends on the big day. Before you agree: The first question you should ask yourself is: "Can I afford to be in this wedding?" If the person asking for your participation is your best friend in the world, and saying "no" will harm your relationship, you'll have to find a way to fund your bridesmaid duties without breaking the bank. But if the invitation comes from a friend you're not particularly close to, it may be appropriate to decline, especially if the associated costs will be a financial hardship. When the answer has to be "yes," your next move should be to assess your finances. How much cash can you reasonably set aside between now and the time

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Sidney Daily News • Troy Daily News • Piqua Daily Call

August 23, 2012 • Weddings of Distinction • 19

Fun, formal and beyond What the groom should wear ruled the day. But times have changed. One of the reasons for this shift could be the economy says Jane Carlton Hall, Fashion Design instructor at The Art Institute of Houston. “When it’s time to find a place to cut costs when planning your wedding in this economy, a formal tux is one place couples start,” she says. Hall points out that even if the groom springs for a new suit, it’ll be something he can wear again and again. But other factors also

come into play. “Now people are much more creative, with destination weddings and dude ranch weddings, which are popular here in Arizona, and the attire matches the location,” says Elizabeth Heuisler, academic director for Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing at The Art Institute of Tucson. She advises that grooms still lay out some cash for a new pair of jeans if they wind up saying their “I dos” at a dude ranch. Cyndy McCoy, a Fash-

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ion Retail Management instructor at The Art Institute of Fort Worth, a campus of South University adds, “A nice light colored shirt with linen pants and sandals or even barefoot works very well for the groom at a beach wedding.” And even if you are taking a more traditional route and planning a formal evening wedding, you don’t necessarily need a tux. “Nothing dictates that you have to wear a tux,” says McCoy. “A nice See GROOM/Page 23

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(ARA) — When you think of a wedding, you probably think of the bride’s dress, the flower arrangements, the food and the music. But what about the groom? More specifically, what about the groom’s attire? It’s his special day, too. So it’s time to devote some attention to him. Think back to all the weddings of decades past. What was the groom wearing as he watched his bride walk down the aisle? Most weddings were formal occasions and the tuxedo


20 • Weddings of Distinction • August 23, 2012

Sidney Daily News • Troy Daily News • Piqua Daily Call

a feast for the senses Enchance your wedding with memorable aromas (ARA) — Weddings are a feast for the senses. Anyone who’s been part of planning a wedding knows that every detail of the sights, sounds and tastes of the event are

given attention. But what about the aromas? You can make your special day even more memorable by using the clean, natural scents of pure essential oils to create the

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perfect atmosphere for your celebration. The ceremony. The fragrance we inhale during any important event often becomes inextricably linked with our memories of that event. In fact, the scents that your guests encounter when they first enter the wedding venue are no less important than the decorations they see. So pick a scent that you want the wedding to be remembered by. Take cues from the style of your gown, the time of year and the setting. Here are some examples of how you might match essen-

tial oils to your event: • Elegant little white dress during the warm season (especially outdoors) is the perfect stage for fresh aromas such as citrus (bergamot, sweet orange, grapefruit) and orange flower (neroli). • Traditional lace dress with tulle and train in a church setting trends toward timeless rose and jasmine underpinned with the balsamic, resinous scents of frankincense and sandalwood. • Bold color dress choice in an autumn or wintertime setting equals luscious aromas of spice

and fruit, coriander, cardamom, tangerine and Mandarin orange. The reception. You’ll want to stay very low key here. Since aroma and taste are so intricately intertwined, you don’t want to introduce outside aromas that might clash with the flavors and aromas produced by any food you’re serving. There may be opportunities for subtle citrus or spice scents perhaps at an isolated drink or snack table - but for the most part, let the aromas of the food prevail. The dance. When the

tables are cleared, and it’s time to kick up your heels, reinforce the change by introducing a distinct party aroma. Take a cue from the kind of music you’re offering: • String quartet and elegant classical music: sophisticated cedarwood, balsamic myrrh, and earthy vetiver, sweetened with a generous dose of sweet orange. • Lively dance band: tangy-sweet lime, bergamot, sweet orange, and spicy, candy-like fennel, anise and coriander seed. • DJ spinning contemSee AROMAS/Page 23

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Sidney Daily News • Troy Daily News • Piqua Daily Call

August 23, 2012 • Weddings of Distinction • 21

Planning your wedding Great tips for summer brides (StatePoint) — Long days, lush plants, beautiful sunsets — summer can be the perfect backdrop for the ideal wedding. The timing is perfect, so make sure the rest of the details follow suit. Be sure to pick out cheerful engagement party and bridal shower invitations, as first impressions are very important in setting the mood. A relaxed and graceful outdoor bridal shower is characteristic for summer. From there, it is on to the main event. “Summer weddings are elegant and beautiful,” said Mariam Naficy, CEO of Minted.com, an online

stationery store that specializes in wedding invitations and accessories.“But elegance doesn’t come without the right amount of preparation. It’s an event that will be remembered forever; why not make it as perfect as can be?” Here are some ways to assure your summer wedding lives up to all your dreams. • Guest List — It’s important that you and your fiancé come to an agreement on the guest list, as getting bogged down on minor details can slow down other critical wedding plans. Many people make travel plans in sum-

mer so keep it organized and send out the “Save the Date” as soon as the list is finalized. • Invitations: Let guests know they should expect to be impressed by the ceremony. The right wedding invitations will show personality, follow the theme, and express excitement about the couple’s future life together. Specialty websites like Minted.com are an ideal place to get just the right invitation for the big day. • Colors: Darker hues are for the cooler months. Use light and bright colors evocative of the season like baby blue, green, teal and pink. • Outdoor Ceremony: Imagine saying “I do” out-

doors on a beautiful day while lovebirds flutter and chirp around you. There won’t be a dry eye in sight. With the comfort of your guests in mind, and for a decorative touch, be sure to provide some relief from the heat and sun with a gazebo or a trellised awning. • Flowers: The scent of gorgeous fresh cut flowers will spruce up any wedding and accentuate that summer mindset. Opt for Birds of Paradise for a tropical feel or Calla Lilly for a touch of elegance.

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Turning a house into a home (StatePoint) — For most newlyweds, getting back to real life after the honeymoon means turning a house into a shared home. But merging the furniture, housewares and artwork of two individuals is not always a cakewalk. Here are some ideas that will help keep you both happy as you plan your new home and future together: Choose Your Battles When merging belongings you may not agree with each other every step of the way, but it’s not worth picking a fight. Choose what is most important to you so your protests carry more weight. For example, it’s okay to put your foot down when it comes to painting an entire room a color you detest, but it may be better to let it go if you’re talking about the color of the bathroom rug. Likewise, let your spouse have his or her way when you recognize what is meaningful to

them. You may hate the rocking chair in your living room, but if it belonged to your spouse’s g r e a t - g r e a t grandmother, you better learn to love it. Something New Thinking of your combined belongings in terms of “ours” and not “mine” is a transition that you can make smoother by picking new things out together. Even if your home is fully furnished, it doesn’t hurt to invest in at least one new side table or a pair of lamps in which you can take pride in as a couple. What you put on your walls can also help you bridge the style gap. “Choosing art together is a great way for new couples to decorate their home as a team,” says Mariam Naficy, CEO of Minted.com, an online stationery and art store. Find art prints you both love from an online site like Minted.com, which allows you to browse a wide variety of designs from independent artists.

best option for you. Seek the advice of a tax preparer or financial adviser who can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages and the adjustments you’ll need to make for your W-2 form. Keep in mind that if you’re married before Dec. 31 of the year for which you’re filing taxes, you qualify as having been married for the entire year. • Talk about bills. As much as you can count on taxes, you can also count on bills. Whether they’re monthly, quarterly or annually issued, you need to figure out who will take care of which bills and where the money will come from. Setting up autopay can lessen the billpaying chore list. You should also make sure that both spouses’ names are on the appropriate accounts. Even if you use autopay, it’s important to check in on your accounts to make sure that nothing is going wrong.

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From Page 21

• Make decisions about moving. If you’re living separately prior to getting married, you’ll need to decide which home you’ll live in. For some couples, this might mean selling a house, while for others it might mean leaving rentals behind and looking for a home to buy. When you’re discussing homes and moving, talk about how your feelings regarding moving away from your current home city, in case you’re ever offered a job transfer opportunity. • Get insurance in order. Meet with your insurance agent or agents to go over your current plans and add your spouse to them. There may be advantages to using one insurer for all of your policies, so if you are currently with different insurers, speak to each to see where you’ll get the best deal. You should also explore your options for health care one spouse’s employer might offer a better plan than the other. Taking care of these practical financial tasks might seem less than exciting compared to the thrill of your wedding day, but getting them done right is important. Since finances are a notorious source of stress, having a clear understanding with your spouse will ensure that you have a good foundation for your marriage. For more information on tools to monitor your credit and help protect against identity theft, go to www.equifax.com.


Sidney Daily News • Troy Daily News • Piqua Daily Call

August 23, 2012 • Weddings of Distinction • 23

FEET

From Page 15

GROOM

counter to keep your foot from slipping around inside the shoe. Consider purchasing inserts for your shoes to help cushion the heels, arches, and balls of your feet. • Don’t buy a gorgeous but uncomfortable pair of shoes thinking you’ll “break them in.” Any shoe you buy should be comfortable immediately, and you probably won’t want to wear them before the wedding day and risk getting them scuffed or dirty. If it rubs or chafes in the store, time and wear will not improve how the shoe feels.

From Page 19

black suit works quite well.” Hall advises that even if you don’t necessarily plan on wearing a tux, a formalwear store is a good place to go for ideas and advice about current trends. Hall says the recent royal wedding in Britain reminds us that classic looks are always in style. McCoy echoes, “You can never go wrong with the classics.” But according to Hall, when all is said and done, the special day is still about the bride. “In my opinion, the groom should dress in the same way that a museum frames a beautiful painting, so as not to detract from the bride.”

• Everyone’s foot expands throughout the day, so go shoe shopping in the afternoon when your feet are at their largest. Even if you plan a sunrise wedding, choosing your wedding shoe based on your end-of-day size will help ensure you get the best fit. • Flip-flops are a hot trend for brides, especially if you’re marrying during warm months. Flip-flops can be very comfortable; just be sure to choose the right style. Flip-flops with soles that bend freely and twist eas-

AROMAS rary tunes: invigorating peppermint, spearmint, and uplifting citrus (lemon, sweet orange). Diffusion is the key to designing an aromatic ambience at your wedding. This can be accomplished using a variety of apparatus that feature a fan and/or heat to propel the evaporation of the essential plant oils into the air. Simply place the oils in the device according to the in-

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crafter who can make one-of-a-kind favors for the reception. Maybe your graphic design skills could help her save money on customdesigned invitations. Or perhaps you can use your flower-arranging skills to help her save money on centerpieces, boutonnieres and bouquets. With some advanced planning and loving honesty, you can help ensure your friend's big day is as perfect as possible — and that the only thing you're left with afterward are happy memories.

From Page 20 structions and add more as needed. Visit www.auracacia.com for more tips on using essential oils as well as a wide selection of plug in diffusers, vaporizers, candle lamps and essential oils. By considering aroma — along with color, sound and flavor — during the planning stages of your celebration, you can create a complete and memorable impression on your big day.

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at a different retail store. If you'll be traveling to the wedding in another state — or even another country — shop for the best airline deal, and explore the possibility of using reward miles or hotel points to help defray your travel costs. Compromise with the bride: If she agrees to let you wear your favorite little black dress, rather than drop a few hundred on something new that you'll never wear again, make it up to her by helping out in some other way. Perhaps you're a skilled

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ily offer no support or stability. Look for a style that bends only at the ball of the foot, and that provides arch support, cushioning the foot and providing stability. The thong part of the shoe should be made of highquality, soft leather to help avoid blisters. “Sore feet should be the last thing on your mind on the biggest day of your life,” Sutera says. “Some wise choices in footwear can help brides ensure their feet feel as great as they look on their wedding day.”

From Page 18

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Sidney Daily News • Troy Daily News • Piqua Daily Call

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