Addison County Weddings

AddisonCounty

Weddings GETTING TO THE DETAILS

Contents A Made in Vermont wedding registry.........................2 Hiring a professional photographer ............................3 Be prepared for wedding day beauty .........................4 Wedding profile: Jenna and Ian ..................................6 After-party planning pointers .......................................8 Popular and modern first dance songs......................9 Wedding favors and gifts everyone will love..........10 Traditional and modern anniversary gifts ...............11 The countdown to your reception .............................12

ADDISONINDEPENDENT MAY 28, 2015

Photo courtesy of Mountain Meadows Lodge, Killington

PAGE 2 — A Special Supplement to the Addison Independent, Thursday, May 28, 2015

AddisonCounty

Weddings

GETTING TO THE DETAILS

Consider a

Made in Vermont wedding registry

What’s on your list?

Registry • Kitchenware • Tableware Mon-Fri, 10am- 6pm, Sat 9am-5pm • 349-8803 Marble Works, Middlebury • wwwOtterCreekKitchenware.com

By CHRISTY LYNN The “Vermont Wedding” has become something of a theme encompassing the quaint and classic New England themes, décor, food and drinks. Many couples choose backdrops of barns or fields and pastures, drawing the history and agricultural identity of Vermont into their monumental day.

It is undoubtedly a picturesque destination for a wedding, regardless of whether you are a Vermonter who has never stepped foot in a different state or a visitor drawn in by the beauty of the landscape.

Pastoral wedding themes may have guests seated on rows of hay bales and wildflowers arranged in sap buckets or mason jars. Twine and burlap may replace silk or lace, carrying the utilitarian theme (as well as cutting the budget).

Resort weddings may have the bride and groom and all their guests carried to the top of a favorite ski hill for the ceremony of their lives.

Whatever the special theme of your Vermont wedding, consider carrying it through to your wedding gift registry.

Rather than an online registry for generic household goods, consider gifts made in Vermont that engage your guests in your local wedding even before they get here.

After all, Vermont is a state where artists and artisans are plentiful and producers of food, alcohol, music and countless other goods call their home.

Encouraging your guests to purchase a gift while here for the wedding weekend has many benefits.

First, it gives your guests an invitation to have their own mini-vacation while at your wedding.

Give them a list of your favorite shops so they can browse and select a thing or two for themselves after they’ve found your perfect gift. They’ll feel more engaged with the place and connect more with some of the reasons you have chosen Vermont as the venue for your wedding.

Second, it supports the local community, artisans and storeowners working to support those very things you are celebrating on your big day.

The theme of your wedding is in fact a theme of Vermonters’ every day lives.

Third, these gifts will continue the thread of your wedding into your life together with your new bride or groom, creating a permeating theme that you will be able to carry on even after your wedding day is over.

You may look around your home years later at the handmade Vermont ceramics or pair of rocking chairs or plants in your garden that have grown and spread, all given to you at your wedding and remember the meaning behind the themes and messages of that day.

While it may be a little more work to come up with your own local registry, the work may prove worthwhile for you, your guests and

the greater Vermont community.

Here are a few ideas to get you started: CONSUMABLE Vermont is home to many artisan beer, wine, cider and spirit makers. These make great gifts especially for the couple who doesn’t have a large amount of space in their home or who you don’t know as well and wouldn’t know their aesthetic.

A case of the Vermont wine served at the wedding, or a special batch bottle of the whiskey served, could make excellent gifts that the wedding couple could hold onto and store for many years.

Of course, Vermont maple products also make excellent local gifts, either for the wedding couple or for guests.

For Vermont couples, gift certificates to local restaurants are often a safe bet and can come in handy for an anniversary or future special occasion.

EXPERIENTIAL Experiential gifts like a fly fishing or cooking lesson or an overnight stay at a local bed and breakfast or a pair of tickets to a Vermont ski resort or even a Vermont festival can make excellent gifts even for couples who don’t live in Vermont but may wish to come back to visit.

These gifts are great for the adventurous couple or a couple that already has what they need for a home. Vermonters are often lovers of the outdoors and enjoy gifts that encourage them to try something new or share experiences with others.

If the wedding is held at a special site such as a lake, consider gifting a sailing lesson or kayak tour held on the same lake, giving the couple an opportunity to revisit their wedding site at a later time.

TIMELESS Woodcrafters, artists, ceramicists and fiber artists create some of the finest products in the world right here in Vermont. Consider commissioning a customized piece for a unique and treasured gift or a visit to a local gallery to browse the incredible range of Vermont made art.

A Special Supplement to the Addison Independent, Thursday, May 28, 2015 — PAGE 3

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Take control when hiring a professional photographer

By TRENT CAMPBELL friend’s neighbor takes really great pictures Several years ago I photographed a doesn’t necessarily mean you should take wedding at Jay Peak. The ceremony was him up on his offer to shoot your wedding for on top of the mountain and in the half hour free. Be prepared to pay a reasonable fee for preceding the nuptials guests rode the two a professional photographer. Professionals gondolas up the mountain. The groom and have the knowledge and equipment to set his wedding party came up in the next-to- your mind at ease that you will end up with last car. Then the bride, her mother and the quality images. And remember that he or she maid of honor started up. But they didn’t will put in many hours not only on the big arrive to the top in the few minutes it should day but also in the days afterward editing have taken. Turns out the gondola had a through hundreds and hundreds of photos. problem. The summer heat was too much Remember too, that not all bids are for it and it started moving at something created equal. What will the photographer less than a crawling pace. give you in terms of time The bride’s ride up took and final product for the fee almost two hours. When the “Do you want he or she is charging? Will gondola finally arrived the the photographer shoot the bride was hot, tearful and to spend your rehearsal dinner in addition maybe slightly (and maybe big day getting to the wedding day? Will understandably) drunk. I angry because they take engagement was standing on the arrival photos sometime before platform when the doors every time you the big day? Will they opened. The bride, who turn around a arrive before the wedding did not look her best as she flash is popping party starts getting ready stepped out of the gondola, and stay until the last gave me a death stare and in your face? guest stumbles out of the said, “Trent, if you take my Conversely, your reception? After you get picture I will kill you.” back from the honeymoon blood could get That is the kind of direct will the photographer give TRENT CAMPBELL SPENDS a lot of time behind his lens, taking photos for the Addison communication that it is boiling because you a beautifully produced important for a bride (and every time a wedding album, a photo Independent, as well as shooting the occasional wedding. Campbell’s tips for brides- and groom) to have with their book, a box of proof prints grooms-to-be may help as you think about the options and styles of photography on the big day. special moment is wedding photographer. or a DVD of digital files?

Photo by Mark Bouvier Hopefully death threats will happening your Think about what you not be necessary, but good photographer is want, what you are getting communication, both before and how it can affect your and during a wedding, is nowhere to be bottom line in the long probably the most important seen.” run. And just because a element to ensuring a good photographer quotes you a experience with a wedding photographer price doesn’t mean there isn’t some room to and ending up with the kind of photographs negotiate. You don’t want the fancy album that you expect. or the rehearsal dinner shots? Ask what the People often decide on a wedding price would be without them. Work out all photographer based on a recommendation the details and then make sure you get it all Consider a gift to United Way in from friends, seeing a photographer at in writing. the name of the wedding couple. someone else’s wedding or seeing another 2. What is the photographer’s style of couple’s wedding album. Once you have shooting? Some wedding photos you see found someone (or preferably two or three in books and magazines are like stunning, someones) you should schedule a sit-down real-life fairytales. They are images that and start communicating. Here are a few you could hang on your wall. The thing is questions to ask: that the bride and groom in those photos 1. How much does the photographer probably spent more time on their wedding charge and what do you get for your money? day with their photographer than they did 388-7189 For some people money is no object, the rest with their families and guests. For some of us are on a budget. That said, be realistic people this is fine. Other people don’t really www.UnitedWayAddisonCounty.org (See Photographer, Page 5) about it. Just because your uncle’s best

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PAGE 4 — A Special Supplement to the Addison Independent, Thursday, May 28, 2015

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Be smart about wedding day beauty preparation (MS) — All eyes are on the bride and groom on their wedding day. Feeling beautiful and dapper can boost a couple’s confidence and ensure they look back on their wedding photographs and videos with pride.

Certain beauty basics and makeup and hair strategies can help any bride look spectacular on her wedding day. The following are some dos and don’ts of wedding day beauty preparations.

DO employ the services of a professional hairstylist and makeup artist. Professionals have the experience and tools of the trade to help you to look your best. From contouring to make your face seem slimmer to enlarging the appearance of small eyes, some tricks of the trade are best left to the pros.

DON’T forget to schedule a trial run. Make this appointment several months before the wedding day so you have ample time to work with your stylists and experiment with colors and hair arrangements to fit your personality and the style of your gown. Take plenty of pictures and notes so you will remember what needs to be on hand for the wedding day.

DO allot enough time for the wedding day beauty appointment. If you will be going to a salon, block out two or more slots instead of one. This way the stylist does not overbook and will not feel rushed. Many brides opt to have stylists come to their homes. There may

be an extra charge for this service, but it may be well worth the cost.

DON’T make any drastic changes to your appearance right before the wedding. This includes changing your hair color or texture, ex-

treme tanning, using colored contact lenses, or accustomed to wearing because it will show up chopping off all of your hair. It’s better to wait better in photos. However, do not wear so much until after the wedding to change your style. that you look clownish. A makeup artist can DO bring a veil, headpiece, hair extensions, help you achieve the right balance. and any other accessories to your hair consult.

DON’T have bridesmaids wear makeup that This enables the stylist to practice working with is bolder than yours, especially red lips. No one these items. should upstage the bride.

DON’T tweeze or wax brows DO experiment with any prodtoo close to the start of the cer- Allot enough ucts you haven’t used before to emony. Redness and swelling are for allergic reactions and see time for the wed- test common side effects of tweezing how well they wear. and waxing, and they can be diffi- ding day beauty DON’T wear too much undercult to mask with makeup. Instead, eye concealer or one that is too appointment. If take care of hair removal a day or light of a shade. This can draw you will be going more attention to problem areas two prior to the wedding.

DO exfoliate your skin prior to remedy them. to a salon, block than the wedding. This doesn’t necesDO bring a pain relief medisarily mean you should endure out two or more cation in case a tight hairstyle or a harsh fruit acid peel or another headpiece causes a headache. slots instead of procedure. You can exfoliate with DON’T forget that men need a gentle washing of your skin with one. a little help as well. Exfoliation a nubby washcloth to remove any and moisturization can help dry dryness and errant flakes. Moisturize well to en- skin. Guys should use a new razor and plenty of sure a smooth palette for makeup application. cream before shaving to avoid irritation. A dustDON’T wash or condition hair the day of ing of finishing powder can banish shiny noses the wedding. Intricate styles tend to stay better and foreheads for photo-ready faces. when hair has a little grip. “Dirty” hair is easier Chances are more photographs will be taken to work with than shiny, freshly washed locks. of a newlywed couple than at any other moment If you must wash, remember to thoroughly dry in their lives. Certain beauty dos and don’ts your hair before going to your appointment. should be followed so couples put their best DO wear a little extra makeup than you are faces forward.

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ADDISON COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

VERMONT’S TWICE-WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Middlebury, VT 05753 • (802) 388-4944 • www.AddisonIndependent.com

A Special Supplement to the Addison Independent, Thursday, May 28, 2015 — PAGE 5

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Photographer (Continued from Page 3) Maybe you don’t want to interrupt the flow want their photographer to get in the way. of the day. You can opt to do many of these Find out how your photographer works. Will photos before the ceremony. If you and your he or she take charge and set every thing up bride or groom don’t mind seeing each other with attention to the smallest detail or will before the ceremony this is a great option. they slip into the background and simply Whatever you decide, the most important document the event as a silent witness. thing is that you get all the photos you want.

Maybe somewhere in between is what makes Make a list of all the group shots you want. you more comfortable.

Put a lot of thought into And comfort is the key. Do the list and share it with you want to spend your big “Just because the photographer before day getting angry because your uncle’s best the big day or first thing every time you turn around a friend’s neighbor when he or she arrives. flash is popping in your face?

You might also want to Conversely, your blood could takes really great assign a family member get boiling because every time pictures doesn’t or close friend to assist a special moment is happening gathering the various necessarily mean with your photographer is nowhere people together for their to be seen. Ask your potential you should take photos. photographer for some him up on his We all want our references and call a couple of wedding day to go former clients to get the inside offer to shoot your smoothly. We all want to wedding for free.” be comfortable and we all scoop.

3.

When will the want to enjoy our friends photographer take family photos and and family. So remember to prepare and portraits? Getting all the wedding party communicate. And maybe avoid gondolas. and family photos, in addition to bride and Editor’s note: Trent Campbell has been groom portraits, can take up a lot of time shooting weddings since 1995 and, as (see above). Most couples decide to do all regular readers know, he has been the staff these photos between the ceremony and the photographer at the Addison Independent reception, but know that you have options. for more than 17 years.

For All Your Bridal Needs We’ve got you covered...

CHOOSING THE RIGHT wedding photographer can be an intimidating process, as every couple wants their wedding photos to turn out perfectly. Wedding photographer Trent Campbell has a few suggestions to share that might just help you find the perfect match.

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PAGE 6 — A Special Supplement to the Addison Independent, Thursday, May 28, 2015

wedding

n a I d n a a n n Je

By CHRISTY LYNN Jenna Livingston and her fiancé Ian Dahl live in Edmonton, Alberta, more than 2,500 miles from Middlebury. But the couple is planning an important trip back to Livingston’s home state of Vermont in October for a very special event — their wedding.

Though they did not reveal the exact location, Dahl and Livingston say they chose a private venue in the mountains of Addison County for their ceremony and reception.

The date is October 10, 2015, which is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada. “Most of our Canadian guests should have a few days off around that weekend, so we hope that will help with travel,” Livingston said.

Livingston is planning most of the details of the wedding herself, with assistance from her mother, Lisa Ayers, and her bridesmaids.

She agreed to speak with us about the planning process and some of the ways that she has kept the details straight heading into her big day.

Why did you choose the location you did for your wedding?

With so many guests coming from out of state, and out of country, it was essential for us to find a location that could not only hold both our ceremony and reception, but also house all of our guests for multiple days.

We wanted to make everything as easy as possible on our guests.

How long have you been planning your wedding?

We have been really planning our wedding for about a year and a half, though we got engaged in August of 2013. Due to me being a little indecisive, I wanted to have a longer engagement.

Do you have any special themes (seasonal, regional or color) for your wedding? What is the significance of these themes?

One of the things I miss most about Vermont is the beautiful fall colors, I knew I had to have a wedding when I could enjoy the colors of the season.

Our wedding colors are black, gold and silver to go with our vintage feel wedding (black and gold are also my sorority colors, but I tell Ian that is not why I picked them!). My inspiration is also coming from movies like The Great Gatsby and Some Like it Hot, which are super fun movies.

Have you worked with a wedding planner? Why or why not?

I have not been working with a professional wedding planner. My mother is an event planner, and I do a lot of event planning myself, so we just didn’t feel like the extra expense was necessary. Though, if I did not have any experience in event planning I would recommend one. Depending on the size of your wedding it can get a little overwhelming.

A Special Supplement to the Addison Independent, Thursday, May 28, 2015 — PAGE 7

profile What has been the most helpful resource for you while planning the wedding?

My mother and my bridesmaids, I rely on them so much. My mom has a bunch of contacts around Middlebury, which makes finding a trustworthy vendor much easier.

My maid of honor contacts any vendors I need when I don’t have the time, and honestly checks in just to make sure I am sane, which is very helpful. Also, whenever I am in between a couple of things (say three different types of bouquets) I set up a poll on my bridesmaids Facebook group and let everyone vote, it makes picking certain things much easier.

How have you kept your ideas and decisions organized?

I use a binder to keep all of my paper goods organized, including my budget, tear outs from magazines, and any interviews I have done with vendors.

With collaboration with my mom, since she is so far away from where I live, we have been using Trello.com.

It is a free online organization tool where you can set up tasks, discuss them, vote on them, and post inspiration or photos on them. I set up all the tasks by month and move them to the done column whenever they are taken care of. That way my mom can see it in real time and see what we still need to work on.

Have you planned most of the details of your wedding yourselves, or are you working with a venue that handles many of the details for you (food, drinks, music, seating, etc)? How has this affected your planning process? Are you glad you have made the choice you did?

I am working with a vendor that handles many details including food, drinks, seating, and accommodations.

It was important to me to have an onsite caterer and to already have details like the chairs and tables available on site. I found it very helpful and the vendor has been great to work with.

I am so happy that I made the choice I did, because it is one less thing to worry about. Timing is everything, and I really would not want to be concerned about the caterer not showing up on time or having no seats available for my guests.

What is one detail of your wedding that you are most excited about?

I think I am most excited about having all my loved ones in one room, which will be an amazing experience.

Having lived so far away for the whole time that my fiancé and I have been together, I have never had the op-

portunity to have all of my friends and family together, from both Vermont and Canada. I am so excited to have the people that have inspired me throughout my life, share in our special day.

Is there a detail you are especially nervous about, or do you feel comfortable and confident with the choices you have made for your wedding?

I am honestly most nervous about walking down the aisle, mainly because I am afraid to fall on my face.

There are some steps up to where my fiancé and I will be standing too, so that obstacle is concerning.

Do you have any other tips you would give or details to add about planning the details of a wedding?

Just one last tidbit: I made business cards with my name, my fiancé’s name, our phone numbers, our email, our wedding website, and our wedding date on it. I would recommend this to anyone, it was great whenever I was talking to a vendor just to be able to hand them the card.

Have you made most of the decisions together, or is either the bride or the groom mostly “in charge”? Has this been a challenge?

I have made most of the decisions, as the bride. I think it will be more fun if Ian has a bit of a surprise on the wedding day. I have given him a few things to do: the tuxes, groomsman gifts, marriage certificate, but everything else I have been taking care of. He is happy to help, but also knows I really just like to do most of the planning and that I will ask if I need anything. It really has worked out for us.

What has been the most fun part of the planning process?

The most fun part of the planning process is to hear how excited people are for our wedding. If I email someone and ask for their address, or just message a friend to say I miss them, I am always hearing how excited people are to come. That just gives me another boost of excitement to keep planning.

What has been the most difficult? Have you met any significant obstacles along the way?

The most difficult part of planning for me has been when to let my first choice vendor go. Sometimes the communication just isn’t there or you don’t see eye to eye on certain things. It is hard to face that fact, but it is better to face it and find a different supplier before the wedding rather than dealing with it the day of.

Photos by Spencer Hogg Photography

PAGE 8 — A Special Supplement to the Addison Independent, Thursday, May 28, 2015

AddisonCounty

Weddings

After-party planning pointers (MS) — Nowadays, many wedding guests are not ready to call it a night after the deejay plays the last dance at the reception. After parties have grown increasingly popular, but planning an after party is not necessarily as simple as pointing guests to a nearby watering hole.

After parties can be anything a couple wants them to be. They can be a bunch of friends toasting marshmallows over a fire pit or a night of dancing at a club. But it pays for couples to heed a few after party pointers.

C

hoose a place within wa lking distance or close by to the hall or hotel. Guests have reception likely been indulging in alcohol du ring the wedding, and safety should always be a priority. If only a few pe ople are going out, you may be able to pi le into a cab, but if your affair will be att more than a handful of gu ended by ests, choose a venue close by so it’s ea sy for guests to get there and get hom e.

If you’re o comfortably. wedding ready to get out of ge into ns chan finery, by all mea mfortable. You something more co urself more y yo probably will enjo u can mingle yo if y at the after part le attire. in more comfortab

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GETTING TO THE DETAILS

rvices. ake advantage of hotel se erence Many hotels have conf and restaurooms or attached bars gathering rants that make perfect . Make arplaces for an after party concierge rangements with the hotel nce. or the front desk in adva

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elegate responsibilities. A busy bride and groom may not have the time or the inclination to plan another party. If guests want to continue celebrating, put the task in the hands of a third party or volunteer.

A

fter parties are growing in popularity. Tho se planning on celebrating into the early hours of the m orning can star t thinking creati vely.

. Pareave whenever you want need y tygoers will eventuall leave the some sleep. Feel free to u want. after party whenever yo le begin Usually once a few peop the group to disperse, the rest of will call it a night.

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Ask servers to bring a few pitchers of beer or sangria and finger foods.

This will help avoid disagreement s over trying to tally up and split the bill afterward.

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Wedding trivia

Popular and modern first dance songs

(MS) — The timing of when a couple cuts the wedding cake can have a specific meaning. Long ago, the cake was usually cut at the very end of the reception and would signal to the guests that it was the end of the festivities.

Today, cutting the cake is an unspoken signal that represents that the formal wedding is nearing a close, and guests who would like to leave can do so without worry of being rude.

Many couples will cut the cake right after dinner as a courtesy to older guests who may want to get started on their trips home. This affords them the chance to make an earlier exit, rather than staying through the dancing that could extend into the wee hours of the night or missing the cake entirely.

Cutting the cake mid-reception also serves another practical purpose for couples who are paying a photographer by the hour. Photographers typically go home after the cake-cutting, so a mid-reception cutting can save couples a substantial amount of money.

(MS) — A couple’s first dance as man and wife is a cherished wedding tradition. While the first dance can help set a positive tone for the reception, it also can negatively impact the festivities if a poor song is chosen.

Couples may feel pressure to choose the perfect song. Yes, this is a song that the couple has selected to represent their love for each other, but it also should be one that will speak to the masses and can be thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Couples want to avoid a song that does not seem to fit with the festivities. For those couples who need a little musical inspiration, turn to many of the modern hits you’re bound to hear on the radio that may help you to shine in that first dance.

• “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri: “Twi-hard” fans enjoyed this romantic song during the pivotal wedding scene between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen in the popular “Twilight” movie “Breaking Dawn.” Couples looking to recreate the magic of these starcrossed lovers can embrace Perri’s delicate tone and tender lyrics.

• “All of Me” by John Legend: It’s been hard to escape this popular love song by R&B artist John Legend. An ode Legend wrote to his wife, this song has quickly become a popular choice for a couple’s first dance.

• “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles: This peppy song by singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles is a good choice for couples who prefer

Did you know?

being nontraditional. It’s faster paced and less sentimental than many other wedding songs.

• “Better Together” by Jack Johnson: Johnson is known primarily for his soft rock and acoustic guitar work blended with catchy lyrics. Also an accomplished surfer, Johnson’s work is enjoyed by many but may be especially prized by couples who want to their reception to be a laid back affair full of fun and whimsy.

• “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz: Another acoustic ditty, this song has a country influence and talks about not giving up and staying in a relationship for the long haul.

• “I Don’t Dance” by Lee Brice: Speaking of country influences, couples who want a little twang in their first dances can choose Brice’s breakthrough hit.

Romantic lyrics about spinning his partner around in circles despite not liking to dance illustrate what one partner will do for the other when in love.

Couples can make that first moment on the dance floor a special experience by choosing modern classics for their first dances.

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(BPT) — You faithfully recycle at home, use a refillable BPA-free water bottle and charge your smartphone with a solar recharger. When it’s time to choose wedding favors for your own nuptials, or a gift for someone else’s wedding, do you find environmental awareness taking a backseat to style? It doesn’t have to.

It’s possible to give wedding favors and gifts that are natural, responsible and useful — items that everyone can feel good about giving and receiving. Kitchen-related products commonly appear on many wedding registry lists, and creative couples often distribute small pieces of kitchenware as favors to their guests. For gifts that are sustainable, creative and practical, look beyond the pots, pans and dishes to the food itself.

FOOD-INSPIRED WEDDING GIFTS Many newly married couples will be setting up their homes together for the first time. They may already have the basics, but you can help them round out their kitchen with some useful utensils they may not have realized they need.

For example, every cook can benefit from a well-stocked spice rack. Purchase an attractive spice rack and fill it with sustainably sourced, natural spices.

Choose basic spices like versatile organic basil, cinnamon and garlic, then add in some exotic options such as garam masala (an all-purpose Indian spice), Himalayan pink salt or black sesame seed.

Making pizza at home can be a fun, easy meal for busy newlyweds. Put together a pizza-making kit, complete with a quality pizza cutter, a pizza stone for baking, a wedge of Parmesan, some baking yeast, and pizza seasonings like oregano, basil and garlic powder. Place everything in a basket and complete the gift with a book of pizza recipes.

Gardening is a popular activity, and if your newlywed friends will be trying their hand at it, they may find themselves with

lots of leftover produce. Giving canning supplies as a wedding gift can be a great way to encourage their love of growing their own produce, while helping ensure nothing goes to waste. Fill a canning pot with supplies like canning funnels and jars, and canning and pickling spices like bay leaves, peppercorns, celery seed, cumin, dill, mustard and salt, or even a Pickling Spice Blend.

WEDDING FAVORS THEY’LL SAVOR If you’re planning your own wedding, food favors can excite guests and fulfill your desire to be eco-friendly and creative.

Tea is a soothing and sophisticated beverage that can make a great wedding favor.

Simply purchase heart-shaped tea infusers and fill them with a variety of loose teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, or black, green or white teas. Accent the favor with a ribbon in your wedding colors.

Pepper is a ubiquitous seasoning in numerous cuisines from around the world.

For a useful, welcome wedding favor that will expand guest’s culinary knowledge, why not give different gourmet peppers of the world? Peppercorns come in a variety of shades and heat levels — and even shapes!

Present guests with a small peppermill and a selection of gourmet peppercorns.

Grilling is a great American past-time.

If your wedding will take place in spring or summer, grilling spices and seasoning blends can be a fun wedding favor that will turn into your guest’s go-to item when they grill. Look for a variety of seasonings that work with steaks, fish, fowl and even vegetables. Consider local or organic seasonings so that you know you’re giving guests quality seasonings.

Organic, sustainably sourced food gifts can be creative, fun and useful wedding favors and gifts — and a great way to show Mother Nature some love while you’re celebrating your own love story.

A Special Supplement to the Addison Independent, Thursday, May 28, 2015 — PAGE 11

AddisonCounty

Weddings

GETTING TO THE DETAILS

Don’t forget traditional and modern anniversary gifts Avoid the post-wedding blues with a look ahead towards the (hopefully many) anniversaries you and your spouse have yet to come.

Tradition can lend a helping hand when choosing the perfect anniversary gift for the ladies, as there are classic gifts that mark each year of

Anniversary Gifts Year

Traditional

Modern

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 20th 25th 30th 35th 40th 45th 50th 55th 60th 75th

Paper Cotton Leather Linen (Silk) Wood Iron Wool (Copper) Bronze Pottery (China) Tin/Aluminum Steel Silk Lace Ivory Crystal China Silver Pearl Coral (Jade) Ruby Sapphire Gold Emerald Diamond Diamonds

Clocks China Crystal, Glass Appliances Silverware Wood objects Desk sets Linens, Lace Leather goods Diamond Fashion jewelry Pearls, Colored gems Textiles, Furs Gold jewelry Watches Platinum Sterling silver Diamond Jade Ruby Sapphire Gold Emerald Diamond Diamond-like stones/Gold

This list was compiled by librarians at the Chicago Public Library’s Information CenterSources.

wedlock. A partial list of traditional and modern gifts for wedding anniversaries follows, compiled by members of the Chicago Public

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PAGE 12 — A Special Supplement to the Addison Independent, Thursday, May 28, 2015

The countdown to your reception, step-by-step (theknot.com) — So you want your wedding reception to be the most talked about of the century — but don’t know the first thing about throwing a good party? The crucial thing to scoring a fabulous wedding celebration is knowing what’s supposed to happen when.

So we’ve strung together a timeline, based on a traditional cocktail hour and a four-hour reception, to give you an hour-by-hour guide to the day’s postceremonial events. Get your stopwatches ready — the wedding reception countdown is about to begin.

00:00 | The Cocktail Hour After being pronounced husband and wife, the newlyweds are often the first to leave the wedding ceremony, heading off (with photographer in tow) for pictures together before the partying gets under way.

Your guests will head to the reception site for cocktails. Depending on the logistics of the event, your cocktail hour will begin immediately (if the ceremony and reception are held at the same venue), or it might start more than half an hour later (if there’s travel involved).

Cocktails will kick off your reception and will last for at least an hour. During this time the staff will serve stationary or passed appetizers and drinks, which will get people mingling and in the mood.

Don’t forget: Greeting your guests is essential! It’s customary for the couple, along with their parents and the wedding party, to form a receiving line outside the ceremony site to greet guests before the escape.

Many couples these days are opting for this postceremony receiving line, rather than going from table to table during dinner. But if you haven’t done so, you should form one now.

01:00 | Newlyweds’ Arrival/First Dance Here’s the part where the bride and groom make their grand entrance. The coordinator will

usually make sure guests are seated before the emcee alerts them to your imminent arrival.

Generally, both sets of parents and the wedding party are introduced, followed by the announcement of the couple for the first time as husband and wife.

In many cases, your newlywed first dance will begin as you step out onto the floor and into the spotlight after being announced.

Find your first dance music. Alternately, you can wait until after the first course of the meal is served, but since everyone is already cheering you as you enter the reception, use the applause as encouragement enough to skim away any shyness and step on out.

01:20 | Cheers & Toasts Following your first dance, you might want to take the opportunity — while all eyes are still on you, since hopefully no one yet has had too much to drink — to thank everyone en masse for taking part in your wedding.

A family member, often a parent of the bride, will say a blessing (depending on the families’ faiths). Then, since toasting signifies a transi-

tion in the course of an event, the mother and father of the bride will thank guests for attending and invite everyone to enjoy the celebratory meal.

Keep in mind that the toasts given by the best man and the maid of honor should occur between courses, to spread out all the high-emotion, much-anticipated moments and keep guests in their seats.

01:30 | Mangia, Mangia Time to dig into the main course.

If you’re having a seated meal, the band or DJ will play subdued, conversation-friendly background music as the waitstaff makes the rounds.

If you’re having a buffet, your coordinator, DJ, or bandleader will dictate how the rotation will work by calling each table when it’s time to head to the front of the line.

Just remember: The bride and groom need to do everything possible to take their seats and eat!

02:45 | Party Time Monkey-see, monkey-do is how this game is played. Guests are going to follow the lead

of the bride and groom. Once dinner dishes are cleared, the newlyweds should be the first ones on the dance floor so people know it’s time to start partying.

Throughout the jammin’, the music will stop for any extracurricular activities you’ve planned (also known as the bouquet toss, the garter toss, the centerpiece giveaways, and whatever else you’ve dreamed up). If you do choose to toss the bouquet, make sure to get a tossing bouquet from the florist so you can keep your original one as a memento.

04:00 | Cake Cutting About one hour before the conclusion of the reception, when the party starts getting a little too rowdy and the bar starts getting a little too empty, your waitstaff should start preparing tables for coffee and dessert.

Since the cake cutting generally signals guests that it’s OK to leave soon thereafter, be sure not to do this too early or things could start wrapping up before you’re ready.

04:15 | Shake a Leg Once the cake is cut, the band or DJ should start right back into swing and rock music for those wanting to trade in their slices for another turn on the dance floor.

04:45 | Last Dance End your wedding on a high note and choose a dance song that will leave a lasting impression. You’ll want everyone to have a chance for one last twirl, so select something fast and festive.

05:00 | Final Farewell Now the time has come to say good-bye. Your coordinator will usher everyone into the foyer or onto the steps outdoors so that as you make your grand exit from the reception, friends and family can blow bubbles, light sparklers, or toss rose petals — and cheer to your successful celebration and future together.

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