A Storybook A Storybook Wedding
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WEDDING Spring 2010
picture perfect on your special day A Supplement to the
January 27, 2010
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A Storybook Wedding Spring 2010
The Story Continues... The families of Paula Descoteau and Nathan Phillips were united in marriage on August 8, 2009 in Duncan, BC. Wishing them much happiness! Garry & Margaret Phillips, Brenda & Steve Smith, Paul Descoteau (Amy)
Jordan MacRobbie & Anthony Cox
Congratulations to
are very pleased to announce their engagement. The wedding will take place on Valentine’s Day.
Travis & Bailey Doskocil
Congratulations and love from your families and friends.
Married September 12, 2009 in a beautiful garden ceremony. Love, Mom & Dad Doskocil
soul sisters... for a beautiful Kim Davies & Damien Lane were united in marriage on August 29, 2009 in an outdoor wedding at AfÂżnity Guesthouse in Duncan, BC
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A Storybook Wedding Spring 2010
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Modern Confections Enhance Weddings T
radition states that wedding cakes are to be tiered masterpieces featuring white cake and white frosting. However, today’s modern couples are going in decidedly different directions with their wedding cakes. Often the dessert is as varied and unique as the couple themselves. Wedding cakes can be created to match couples’ individual styles and tastes, as well as the color scheme of the wedding. Shapes and sizes can be mixed and matched depending upon what the bride and groom envision. Working closely with a skilled cake artist can yield a truly exceptional confection. Here are some ideas for embellishing wedding cakes and making them mirror the personality of the wedding. • Consider a different shape other than standard round or square tiers. How about something that
ties into your theme, such as a seashell or a sandcastle for a beachside wedding? • There are many decorating styles available and you may not have to go with the traditional buttercream icing. Rolled fondant can be cut and shaped into a variety of embellishments. Talk with the cake designer about his or her specialties in cake design, and ask to see a look-book of past cakes created. Be sure the person whose work you are reviewing will be the actual person doing your cake. • Consider matching the flowers in bouquets and table settings on the cake. Skilled decorators can create sugar or piped flowers that rival the look of the real thing. • Base the cake on the style of the bride’s wedding gown. A cake artist may be able to mimic the look of lace, beading, appliques and more. A photo of the gown
may be all the inspiration the professional needs. • Who says you need to have vanilla? Today’s cakes come in so many flavors, including chocolate fudge, banana, carrot, caramel,
pumpkin, and so many more. Ask about the cake flavors and filling offerings. Can’t decide? Find out if you can have multiple flavors, where each tier is a different option. (MS)
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A Storybook Wedding Spring 2010
A Sampling of Wedding Traditions from Different Faiths
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rom every religious perspective, the joining of a couple in matrimony is the celebration of a new and cherished stage in their lives -- one that focuses on both the joys and responsibilities of building a life together. However, there are many wedding customs particular to each religious tradition that have endured over generations and continue to be an important part of marriage celebrations throughout the world. Catholic weddings typically start off with a processional and opening hymn, followed by readings from both the Old and New Testaments and a psalm. After the recitation of the wedding vows and the exchange of rings, the priest blesses the rings as symbols of love and fidelity and offers a prayer to bless the couple’s new union. Taking communion is another traditional part of a Catholic ceremony, often followed by the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer by the entire congregation. Once the priest has blessed and dismissed the congregation, the wedding party begins its recessional and exits the church. Jewish weddings can include any of a number
of customs, depending on the couple’s preferences and their family traditions. Many Jewish couples include the signing of
a Ketubah, a marriage agreement in which the couple declare their commitment to each other and to God and the Jewish people, in
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A Storybook Wedding Spring 2010 their ceremonies. In Jewish weddings, both the bride and groom are typically accompanied down the aisle by their parents and the ceremony takes place under a chuppah, or canopy, that represents the home. Once the ceremony has concluded, the groom steps on a glass that has been wrapped in cloth -- a tradition with several meanings, including a regard for the sanctity of marriage. Muslim wedding ceremonies are traditionally brief and simple, though they can be followed by several days of celebration. Typically, at the marriage ceremony, called a nikah in Arabic, the bride and groom are in different rooms and may or may not be able to see each other. The officiant goes into each room to ask the bride and groom if they consent to the marriage and are entering into the marriage
of their own free will. The bride’s responses are communicated to the officiant by a guardian, called a wali. Then, with witnesses in attendance, the couple signs the marriage contract or license and the officiant brings them together to pronounce them husband and wife. Protestant weddings can vary according to the particular denomination, but in most ceremonies, a friend or family member of the couple participates in the ceremony by reading a passage from the Bible. Most often, the wedding begins with the groom and best man standing in front of the church with the pastor as the wedding party enters and makes its way to the front of the church. The ceremony ends with the pastor offering a final blessing and the wedding party exiting the church following the bride and groom.
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A Storybook Wedding Spring 2010
Making Memories: Unique Ways to Pop the Question
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any people, men and women alike, are on the prowl for unusual and memorable ways to propose marriage to their loved ones. The proposal can be simple, with just the two of you and a few props, or it can be based on an elaborate scheme requiring complex planning and numerous accomplices. The key to a successful, out-of-the-ordinary marriage proposal is the element of surprise, so fitting a proposal into “normal” or everyday activities helps to keep your intended off guard. Here are some ideas that may inspire you to create an enduring and treasured memory for decades to come.
Public Performances If you’re feeling brave and are fairly sure the answer will be “yes,” consider popping the question in front of hundreds, if not thousands of onlookers. • Ask while at the movies, on the big screen! Most movie theaters have repeating advertising slides before the previews that can
be purchased. • If you’re sports fans, let the scoreboard do the talking or make arrangements with the public address announcer at a sporting event. • Skywriting or a plane flying a banner is an old-fashioned and romantic way to propose. You can both have an intimate and private marriage proposal, while still proclaiming your love to the world. • Hang up a series of signs along the road your loved one regularly travels on their way to work or school, proclaiming your love and spelling out your intentions while you wait by the last sign with a ring.
The Game of Love Take a chance and make your big move during a quiet evening of playing games or solving puzzles. • Purchase a blank jigsaw puzzle and be creative. Work on the puzzle together with the ring ready the moment all the pieces fall into place. • A game of charades with family or a few close
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friends is a perfect way to pop the question without your partner ever seeing it coming. “Four words, the first word sounds like...” • There are different ways to spell it out using Scrabble tiles. Secretly pick out the right letters ahead of time and spill those special words from your tray, just as your partner reaches into the bag of tiles and pulls out a box containing the ring.
The Great Outdoors Being outside, spending time together relaxing and sharing a common interest may be the perfect moment to surprise the one you love with the big question. * While out fishing, sailing or at the beach, let your partner discover a bottle you prepared with your proposal message tucked inside. * If golf is your game, have an accomplice ahead of you, hiding the ring at the 18th hole. When your intended reaches into the cup to retrieve their ball, you’ll be ready with those four magic words, “Will you marry me?”
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A Storybook Wedding Spring 2010
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Attire Options for Mothers of the Bride and Groom
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hether you’re the mother of the bride or the groom, it goes without saying that you want to look your best on your child’s wedding day. While tradition offers guidelines for choosing appropriate wedding attire for mothers of brides and grooms, choices abound.
Follow the leaders The most important rule of thumb for mothers is to follow the couple’s cues about the style and tone of their nuptials. Before purchasing an ensemble for the big day, talk with the bride and groom about their vision for the wedding. It’s also a good idea for mothers to postpone purchasing their own wedding attire until the bride has selected her wedding dress and those of her attendants. It may also be useful to know if the couple has selected a color scheme for their wedding. These decisions will be helpful in determining the style, colors and level of formality that will be appropriate for the mothers.
Don’t be a matchmaker Mothers’ dresses should complement the attire of the wedding party, but do not have to match the bridesmaids, the wedding colors or each other. In fact, the only color that is off limits is white, which is reserved for the bride. While wearing black to weddings is gaining popularity, it is not a common color for mothers -- particularly the mother of the bride. In general, mother-of-the-bride and -groom dresses tend to be solid colors rather than intricate prints, which can be distracting and look out of place in photos.
Timing is everything Traditionally, the mother of the bride selects her dress first, and the mother of the groom then chooses something similar in style. If either mother has questions about their choice of wedding attire, they should consult the bride. Clear communication between
the mothers or between each mother and the bride will not only make the shopping process both pleasant and productive, but will ensure that one mother doesn’t “outdo” or overshadow the other.
Know your style -and your place When looking for that perfect dress -- whether it’s a floor-length gown or a flowing cocktail dress -- stick with styles that flatter your figure and enhance your best features. Since your children’s wedding photos will be viewed -- and may even be on display -- for many years to come, choose a style that photographs well and a color that works well with your skin tone and won’t get “washed out” by the camera. Also, keep in mind that while you will be one of the leading ladies at the wedding, your attire should never compete with or draw attention away from the person with the starring role in the production -- the bride.
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A Storybook Wedding Spring 2010
Wedding Dress for Success: Stay True to Your Personal Style For most brides-to-be, the choice of a dress is among the first and most important decisions in planning a wedding. With thousands of choices in every price range, finding the perfect wedding dress can be a difficult and time-consuming process. But by making some decisions before setting foot in a store, the search will be both easier and a whole lot more enjoyable.
First things first Start by knowing your limits. To avoid disappointment down the line, determine the maximum amount that you can spend on a dress -- and don’t forget to include all the little extras, such as undergarments, shoes, jewelry, veil, and/or hair ornaments. Next, take an inventory of your personal style. If you know that you’re not comfortable in strapless
or sleeveless dresses, for example, you can immediately eliminate these options. The trick is to rule out a few style options before hitting the magazines or stores and then be open to all other options.
Firm yet flexible There will be no shortage of opinions -- from mothers, sisters, friends, and store personnel -- about your choice of a wedding dress, but the decision, ultimately, is the bride’s alone. A great strategy is to be open to suggestions
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A Storybook Wedding Spring 2010 about dresses to try on, but reserve the right to choose the look that feels right to you. With so many potential options, you might want to consider bringing along a camera and taking photos of yourself in the dresses that could be “contenders.”
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Remember: Your goal is to find a dress that flatters your body and expresses your personal style -- not to fit into a particular size. If you look ghostly in white, feel free to choose a creamier shade or a dress that has decorative accents of a different color near your neck, shoulders and face. Similarly, there’s no rule that a wedding dress has to be floor-length. If you’re planning a daytime or more casual wedding, you might want to consider a tea-length dress (one that falls a few inches above the ankle) or go even shorter.
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Style and fit may be the two most important factors in choosing a wedding dress, but comfort should be a close third. Ask yourself if you will be comfortable in a particular dress given the setting in which your wedding will take place. For instance, if you’ve always dreamed of an outdoor wedding, you may want forego a dress with a long, trailing train that could trip you up on your walk to or down the aisle. Even if you’re planning an indoor event, having a dress and shoes that are as comfortable as they are beautiful will greatly increase your odds of enjoying your special day to the fullest.
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A Storybook Wedding Spring 2010
Themed Weddings: Campy or Creative?
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airy tale wedding or modern twist? Many brides- and groomsto-be have been thinking about their ideal wedding for years. Some may have strong ideas about wedding ideas, complete with scrapbooks featuring color schemes and wardrobe choices. Themed weddings have grown in popularity -- as couples want to do what they can to set their event apart from the scores of other weddings guests have attended. The key to themed weddings is to create a balance between tradition and elements that tie into the theme. This way the wedding is classy instead of over-the-top ... unless, however, over-thetop is what’s desired. * Decide on your theme: Develop a clear idea of what you’d like the theme to be. Themes can range from tie-ins to seasons to specific interests, such as sports or hobbies, to a particular color scheme. Once you have a firm concept of your theme, you can plan and shop around
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A Storybook Wedding Spring 2010 it. For the purpose of illustration, let’s use a winter theme as an example. * Introduce your theme with stationery: Your save-the-date cards or wedding invitations will present the theme to your guests, and could be the building block for the entire wedding. A winter-themed wedding may feature a whimsical font of swirly patterned type evoking the feel of winter wind. Delicate polka-dots could hint at falling snow. Avoid snowmen and ski boots. * Keep it simple: A winter theme may be achieved simply with color. Draperies, flowers, seat covers, table linens, etc. in a frosty blue, silver or white will touch upon the feel of winter. There’s no need to clutter up the space with nicknacks that make the theme overwhelming. Remember, you want the event to still be traditional, with touches of the theme throughout. * Choose an accent: There may be one concept of your theme that
you’d like to build upon, such as snowflakes. However, instead of paper snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, which would be more reminiscent of a classroom instead of a reception room, think about other subtle ways to incorporate the accent. Delicate doilies under the china could hint at snowflakes. Italian pizzelle cookies dusted with powdered sugar look like snowflakes and are very tasty. Instead of Jordan almonds in favors, use large nonpareils. Ask the venue to create a signature cocktail that’s white and frosty. Rely on flowers and lighting: Flowers, foliage and other natural accents can add a special touch to your wedding. Nature provides so many different hued and shaped flowers that can work effortlessly into your theme. Hydrangea or snowball plants (also called Guelder rose) form large puffs of flowers that resemble snowballs and are aptly named. Delicate alyssum and even the common
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baby’s breath can be tucked into floral arrangements to add a snowflake appeal. Lighting is something couples often overlook. Famed party planner David Tutera often uses lighting to set the mood at the events he plans. Changing the color or the scope of the lighting for different parts of your reception can create different moods. Choose festive foods: Foods
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don’t necessarily need to look like themed elements (mashed potato ski slopes). However, you can touch on the theme by using seasonal foods such as winter squashes, hearty foods or seasonal fruits. Creating a theme doesn’t have to be ostentatious or evoke feelings of a kids’ birthday party. Subtle touches that are cohesive will provide the desired mood.
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Wedding Countdown A checklist designed to help you plan and organize everything you need in order to make your wedding day perfect. It will help you organize the many details involved in planning a wedding. Keep in mind that is only a guide and that although these tasks and timelines apply in most cases, some weddings will require different lead times and involve different tasks.
12 or More Months Before ❑ Determine potential dates and times for your wedding. ❑ Decide on the size, formality and setting of your wedding. ❑ Create a wedding and engagement budget. ❑ Reserve the locations for your wedding and reception. ❑ Meet with and book your wedding officiant or clergy. ❑ Choose your wedding party and confirm the participants. ❑ Choose your wedding rings. ❑ Draw up an initial guest list. ❑ Organize your engagement party.
9–12 Months Before ❑ Order your wedding dress and attendants’ attire. ❑ Book your photographer and videographer. ❑ Reserve a caterer. ❑ Arrange for decor, chair covers and linens. ❑ Book your live entertainment or DJ. ❑ Reserve your florist. ❑ Order your wedding cake. ❑ Reserve any rental items from the rental company. ❑ Register your gift choices at your favourite stores. ❑ Research accommodation for out-of-town guests. ❑ Plan your honeymoon.
6–9 Months Before ❑ Decide on your menu. ❑ Reserve the musicians and soloist for your ceremony. ❑ Reserve your limousine service. ❑ Order your invitations and any other stationery. ❑ Order wedding favours for your guests. ❑ Choose outfits for mother of the bride and mother of the groom. ❑ Check marriage licence requirement.
3–6 Months Before ❑ Finalize your guest list. ❑ Choose the reader for your ceremony. ❑ Finalize your order with the florist. ❑ Reserve the men’s wedding attire. ❑ Make an appointment with your hairdresser.
❑ Have the programs printed. ❑ Purchase gifts for parents and attendants. ❑ Make appointments for nails and make-up. ❑ Schedule final dress fitting.
1 Month Before ❑ Apply for a marriage licence. ❑ Plan the rehearsal dinner. ❑ Meet with photographer and videographer.
2 Weeks Before ❑ Have a party for the attendants. ❑ Draft the speeches. ❑ Finalize reception details. ❑ Call any guests who have not replied. ❑ Meet with your hairdresser and make-up artist for consultation. ❑ Deliver song lists to musicians or playlists to disc jockey. ❑ Confirm honeymoon reservations.
1 Week Before ❑ Finalize seating plan. ❑ Determine the order for the procession. ❑ Have your rehearsal. ❑ Confirm accommodation reservations. ❑ Pick up the attire for the groomsmen. ❑ Confirm the final numbers with the caterer. ❑ Confirm details with the limousine company. ❑ Deliver your marriage licence to the officiant. ❑ Draw up a seating arrangement for the reception and write out the place cards ❑ Choose someone to hand out the bombonieres or wedding favours. ❑ Choose someone to return any rented items after the wedding. ❑ Write any cheques required for the wedding day. ❑ Pack for your honeymoon
On the Day ❑ Give the wedding bands to the best man. ❑ Give the best man any cheques that need to be given out that day. ❑ Present the attendants and parents with their gifts. ❑ Relax and enjoy your special day!
2 Months Before ❑ Mail the invitations. ❑ Decide on your wedding vows or compose your own. ❑ Finalize the reception menus. ❑ Confirm the wedding details with the musicians and clergy or officiant.
After the Wedding ❑ Make a gift list and send out your thank-you notes. ❑ Send thank-you letters to suppliers and attendants. ❑ Arrange for cleaning and preservation of your gown.
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Floral 411 for the Big Day
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eading up to their big day, couples have lots to worry about before they finally get to walk down the aisle as man and wife. The trials and tribulations of planning a wedding is no small task, as even the most minor details must be accounted for. Such is the case with the floral arrangements. Though not a minor detail in any way, preparing a wedding day floral arrangement does have its minor details, particularly when it comes to the more individual aspects of a floral plan. For instance, the following components must be considered when devising a floral plan. * The bridal bouquet. It’s tradition for bridal bouquets to contain white or cream-colored flowers such as stephanotis, roses, orchids, or lilies. Many bridal bouquets also include fillers like baby’s breath as well as some green or ivy, as well as ribbons or additonal accessories. * Bouquets for attendants. Attendants’ bouquets should be identical, and it’s best to coordinate these bouquets with the attendants’ gowns. Only the maid of honor traditionally receives a slighlty different bouquet, as it’s customary to give her one apart from the rest, though not significantly so. * Boutonnieres for groomsmen and ushers. The guy’s side of the wedding also needs to take part in the floral plan. Worn in a buttonhole or lapel, a boutonniere should be worn on the left lapel and match a flower from the bridesmaids’ bouquet. The groom should also wear a boutonniere, though his should match a flower from the bride’s
bouquet. When wearing boutonnieres, men should not wear additional accessories such as pocket squares. * Flowers for special guests. Certain special guests, such as grandmothers and mothers, should receive corsages. While the corsages do not need to be identical, they should match the bridesmaids’ bouquets. It’s best to consult with a florist for a corsage color that matches all dresses, as typically the corsages must be ordered before the bride and groom know what their mothers, grandmothers and other special guests will be wearing. A corsage that goes with anything, therefore, is ideal.
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Discussing and Solving Debt with Your New Spouse
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o be sure, gazing deep into the eyes of your future spouse and talking about the outstanding debts being brought into the marriage isn’t very romantic. So it’s no surprise that the topic isn’t high on the list of priorities when making wedding plans. However, it makes good sense -- and good cents -- for couples to sit down and make a plan for managing their finances and any existing debts long before the ink is dry on the wedding invitations.
Take charge of your debts If you’re not sure of the exact status of your debts, a credit report will provide a detailed history of what you currently owe and if any payments have been late or are missing. Your first and perhaps most important job is to ensure that the report is complete and accurate. Inaccurate or incomplete
information can damage your credit rating -- and it is up to you to document the errors and make sure they are corrected. Managing your debts and credit history is extremely important and all too often overlooked.
Create a plan Determine what your financial obligations are and, together, create a strategy to reduce and eventually eliminate your debts. Expect the unexpected and have contingencies in place should you become unable to continue your payment plan due to a job layoff, an unexpected major expense or medical emergency. Be aware that your current debts may limit your ability to make major purchases and determine how that will impact your future needs. Having children is stressful and costly even under ideal circumstances, so
it pays to tune up your finances before having children.
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A Storybook Wedding Spring 2010 Reducing or eliminating debt Determine a realistic amount you can afford each month and a timetable for paying down your debt. Evaluate every few months how well your plan is progressing and make necessary adjustments to pay off as much as you can without adding undo stress. Even though some strategies to reduce your debt seem obvious, they shouldn’t be overlooked. First and foremost, don’t make purchases that will add to your debt. Contact your creditors and try to negotiate a lower interest rate. This may or may not be possible, but couples won’t know if they don’t try. When paying down debts, eliminate the debts that boast higher interest rates first. See if you can transfer card balances to a card with a lower interest rate. Find ways to cut spending by living on less. This should leave more room to enjoy your new life together, and enable each person in the relationship to improve their credit rating as well. The first step to financial success is to make a plan. All steps thereafter should adhere to that plan.
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