Quincy Area Bridal Magazine Issue 26

QUINCY AREA

Bridal

MAGAZINE ISSUE 26: 2022

LOCAL LOVE Allysa + Spencer Danielle + Cailin Grace + Kyle Stephanie + Max Beth + Brody

Winter WEDDINGS WEDDING EXPO

Tips+Follow Up

so good to be back!

Rocking 26 issues with 2023 just around the corner.

Be a part of our upcoming issues and submit your: engagement wedding article work inspiration advice story We are not just a magazine. We are a loving conversation between local couples, our community, and wedding professionals. Be a part of QAB.

qabmagazine.com

LETTER FROM THE Hello Readers,

editor

And just like that issue 26 is here. I’m excited to be bringing you this next issue and just before our 2023 Wedding Expo. Even though winter is not my favorite time of year and I do not like the cold weather, this issue brings a winter holiday feel and I love it.

We have five great local loves for you to read about and some amazing photos from their wedding day to help inspire you when planning your big day. One thing I think this issue captures is weddings in different seasons. Spring, Summer, Fall and winter all make an appearance and I’m loving it. So, if you need inspiration be sure to check out each local love.

Just another reminder that our 2023 QAB Wedding Expo is just around the corner.

Scheduled for January 14th. Go to pages 64 and 65 to get more details. Since this is our expo issue be sure to read about what to expect at a wedding expo and tips on how to get the most from your experience. And a little reminder to follow through with your favorite vendors because they book up fast.

There are a couple of great articles in this issue as well. We continued with our “From the Past” series with winter weddings. From the archives we found some fun ideas and things to add to your winter wedding. The great Mike Howerton with Mike Howerton Entertainment submitted another amazing article about Wedding Etiquette. As a photographer I know I loved that he mentioned turning off and putting away cell phones during the ceremony. Can’t tell you how many times someone has leaned out into the aisle to take a picture with their phone right when I’m trying to capture a beautiful moment.

Make sure you read all about how not to be that person at weddings.

This may seem silly that I keep mentioning it but HELLO to my fourth issue since becoming the Editor in Chief of the magazine. Again, thank you so much for continuing to return and read this publication. But also, Welcome, if you are a first-time reader. I hope you enjoying reading about our wedding community and local loves!

Brandy Owens

Editor in Chief sales@qabmagazine.com

IN THIS ISSUE

A Letter from the Editor 3 This Issue’s Highlights 6 LOCAL LOVE Allysa + Spencer 11 Danielle + Cailin 20 Grace + Kyle 30 Stephanie + Max 40 Beth + Brody 49 Wedding Etiquette 58 QAB Wedding Expo Details 64 What is a Wedding Expo. Tips + Follow Up 68 From the Past...Winter Weddings 72 How to be Featured in QAB 74

QUINCY AREA Bridal MAGAZINE: issue 26 CREDIT ROLL EDITOR IN CHIEF, PRINCIPAL DESIGNER SOCIAL MEDIA AND CONTENT MANAGER Brandy Owens

TABLE OF CONTENTS

QUINCY AREA Bridal MAGAZINE

QUINCY AR LOCAL LOVE: ALLYSA + SPENCER

WEDDING ETIQUETTE

LOCAL LOVE: DANIELLE + CAILIN

Even though they don’t have a love for the same baseball team this couple doesn’t allow that to affect the love and happiness they have together. Read about how these two met and how their relationship began.

Don’t be that person. Show the bride and groom the respect they deserve on their wedding day. At the end, if you end up being that person there is a good chance other guests at the wedding will remember you, and not in a good way.

High school friends turned husband and wife, and lovers of Taco Bell. Thank goodness Cailin didn’t let bad weather and a couple of tornadoes sway him from the vacation where he planned to propose. Read all about it on starting on page 20.

MHighlights AG A

THIS ISSUE’S

E A Bridal WEDDING EXPO TIPS + FOLLOW UP

LOCAL LOVE: BETH + BRODY

WINTER WEDDINGS FROM ISSUES PAST

Is this the first wedding expo you’ve ever attended? Well don’t fret as we have an article with tips to help you slay the event and follow up with your favorite vendors afterwards. Check it out on page 68.

I guess when you know, you know.

Whether you’ve been dating a couple months or a couple of years, love is love. These two, they totally knew, and they tell us all about it in their love story starting on page 49.

Are you having a winter wedding?

Check out our latest “From the Past” article that shows some fun ideas from past winter weddings. A personal favorite is the sleigh in the snow.

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Karley + Eric Allysa+ Spencer A July An August Wedding Wedding

J. ASHLEY J. ASHLEY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY

LOCAL

L OV E from Allysa Our love story began in January 2019 when Spencer and I met in St. Joseph, Missouri at a mutual friend’s 21st birthday party. I had just moved there for college in the Fall of 2018 and I was not expecting to start dating, let alone a farmer when I had just came from a farming community. Spencer and I hit it off pretty quickly, we liked the same things, had the same hobbies, and had a similar life growing up.

We did oppose on baseball teams however, since he is a Royals fan and I am a LONG TIME Cardinals fan. We talked nonstop and it was like we knew each other forever instead of for a short time. I pretty much knew from the get go that Spencer was the one based on our beginning interactions and how we instantly connected. Spencer warned me from the beginning that he worked long hours on the farm and boy did he mean it. A lot of time was spent together in the cab of a tractor, which made for a lot of great memories and late nights.

I always told Spencer from the beginning that I wanted to be together for at least two years before getting engaged and he listened.

Spencer proposed on July 24, 2021 while we were on a trip to Cheyenne, Wyoming. It was the first night on the trip and I almost found the ring when I was blindly looking for my glasses. I was unpacking nonstop, Spencer finally got me to take a break, and then he got down on one knee and proposed!

Continued on pg 16

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LOCAL LOVE: Allysa + Spencer

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When it came time to plan, I already knew what style wedding we were wanting, and we had plenty of time to plan before our big day. We had several things planned/picked out early on and everything else fell into place afterwards. When deciding on a date, we knew it couldn’t be in the spring due to planting season and we couldn’t go later than mid September due to harvest season. I didn’t want a winter wedding since we would be having family drive from far distances and I didn’t want middle of summer due to the heat, so we chose August 27th, 2022. We were both worried that an August wedding would be super hot and humid, but God had other plans, and the weather was perfect!

The most memorable moment from our wedding day for both of us would have to be when we were finally able to see each other for the first time that day. I was nervous to walk out in front of so many people, but the moment I saw Spencer, I forgot about everything going on around us. The wedding day was such a blur like everyone said it would be, but it was the most special day for the both of us. We are so thankful for each vendor that was part of our special day and we are so thankful we were able to spend it with our family and friends. We have never felt more loved than we did spending our special day with all of our loved ones.

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LOCAL LOVE: Allysa + Spencer

PHO

H T O TOBO

UNLIM

local vendors

PHOTO: J. Ashley Photography PLANNER: Stephanie Haskins CATERING & CAKE: Hy-Vee FLOWERS: The Right Touch Florals VENUE: Beau & Company LLC DRESS: Eighth Avenue Villager BRIDES HAIR: Brittney Ippensen MAKEUP: Olivia Lynn BRIDESMAIDS HAIR: Olivia Lynn DJ: Mike Howerton Entertainment OFFICIANT: Pastor Isaiah Jesch

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Danielle+Cailin A May Wedding

CANYON MACCARTHY PHOTOGRAPHY

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LOCAL

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L OV E from The Couple Cailin and Danielle met as Sophomores in high school in August of 2011 at Liberty High School after Danielle moved to the area. When Danielle arrived at the school, Cailin was tasked by the principal (along with a few of his friends) to show Danielle around the school and make sure she knew where her classes were. Throughout high school, Cailin and Danielle become good friends, but lost connection after graduating high school due to Danielle leaving for college while Cailin remained home to work.

During the fall of 2016, Danielle decided to take a semester off from college and return that spring. Because she had lost connection with him, Danielle decided to reach out to Cailin in order to restore their friendship.

After taking some time to reconnect and catch up, Cailin asked Danielle if she would go on a date with him. Several Taco Bell dates later, Calin and Danielle officially began dating in November of 2016.

While dating, Cailin and Danielle went on several adventures together such as vacationing in Danielle’s favorite place, Branson, MO., attending a game that featured Cailin’s favorite basketball team, the Golden State Warriors (although his favorite player, Stephen Curry, was not at the game due to hurting his ankle), and attending several concerts and other sporting events together.

In October of 2019 Cailin and Danielle bought their first house together and shortly after added an addition to their newly established family; a yellow Labrador puppy named Forrest (named after their favorite movie, Forrest Gump). continued on page 26

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LOCAL LOVE: Danielle + Cailin

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LOCAL LOVE: Danielle + Cailin

In March of 2020, Cailin and Danielle, along with Danielle’s sister, Kelsie, were to travel down to Florida to meet her parents for a vacation. On the way down, the three stopped in Nashville, TN in order to get some rest. Shortly after settling in the hotel, several tornadoes hit the area, destroying their hotel and their rental car.

Although no one was hurt, the three were stranded in Nashville while they waited for Danielle and Kelsie’s father, Randy, to drive up from Florida to pick them up.

While waiting for her father, Danielle tried many times to convince Cailin to go home rather than go to Florida, stating that she felt the trip was ruined. Cailin stayed strong, convinced Danielle that a vacation was needed, and everything would work out.

After arriving in Florida, Cailin proposed to Danielle at a summer training baseball game between the New York Yankee’s and the Pittsburg Pirates in Bradenton, FL. Danielle was completely surprised and of course said yes. Cailin and Danielle soon after planned their wedding and were married at Danielle’s parent’s house on May 8, 2021. Some would say that the day was a bit cold and rainy, but to Cailin and Danielle it was perfect.

The wedding was filled with love from friends and family and was an amazing celebration with no issues.

Since the wedding we have added another addition to our family; a Chocolate Labrador Retriever named Bubba (named after Forrest’s Gump’s best friend, Benjamin “Bubba” Buford Blue, in the movie “Forrest Gump).

local vendors

PHOTO: Canyon McCarthy Photography VIDEO: Sure Shot Video + Photo CEREMONY: Family Private Property CATERER: JJ’s Catering CAKE/DESSERTS: Blue Umbrella Bakery MAKEUP: Brittney Barry (personal friend) HAIR: Shawna Mitchell (Crush Salon) FLOWERS: The Right Touch Florals DRESS: David’s Bridal TUXEDOS: Eighth Avenue Villager RECEPTION: Knights of Columbus (Quincy, IL) DJ: Mike Howerton Entertainment 26

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LOCAL

Grace+Kyle A September Wedding

BRANDY OWENS PHOTOGRAPHY

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L OV E

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LOCAL LOVE: Grace + Kyle

from Grace Our love story begins on the mighty Mississippi river in 2015. I prayed to the good Lord upstairs for a “River Rat” and he answered my prayers.

We met at an annual beach party where I was there with friends, and he was there to celebrate his friend’s bachelor party. Through mutual friends I was invited to the wedding reception a month later. He must of liked my dance moves because somehow he got my number from someone and messaged me the next day.

We ended up at several events through the fall and winter that were the same because of mutal friends while getting to know each other.

Our favorite dates included being on the river, sometimes until the sun came up just to take a power nap and do it all over again with our friends. We love to boat, fish, hunt, and just have a great time with friends and family.

After 6 years of dating, Kyle proposed New Years Eve 2021 while fishing! Definitely our best fishing trip yet. Kyle is the catch of a lifetime. We have the most amazing family and friends who helped make our day the most amazing day of our lives.

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LOCAL LOVE: Grace + Kyle

I prayed to the good Lord upstairs for a “River Rat” and he answered my prayers.

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LOCAL LOVE: Grace + Kyle

local vendors

PHOTO: Brandy Owens Photography VIDEOGRAPHY: 217 Films CEREMONY: St. Francis Church RECEPTION: Adams County Fair Grounds CATERER: JJ’s Catering HAIR STYLISTS: Heather Williams & Kylee Churchill MAKEUP: Lisa Bohan CAKE & DESSERTS: Brenda & Tana Meyer FLOWERS: Friends / Lings Moments DRESS & JEWELRY: Girls in White Satin BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Eighth Avenue Villager TUXES: Savvi Formal Wear RENTALS: Schmidt Tent Rental (tables & chairs) Celebrations (table clothes) DJ: Mobile Entertainer TRANSPORTATION: Party in Progress (after ceremony) Kevin Beck (before ceremony) 37

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LOCAL

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L OV E

Stephanie+Max A September Wedding A SWEET FOCUS

LOCAL LOVE: Stephanie + Max

from Stephanie Every good love story begins with a bit of serendipity and the feeling that sometimes you must go along with the flow.

Max and I met in Milwaukee; both having moved across states to begin our residency programs. The interesting part? The way you’re selected and where you’re told to go is all based on an elaborate algorithm decided upon by fancy computers placing students from across the country simultaneously into different programs.

We possibly never would have met if some computer program did not decide to place Max and I in the same hospital together.

I met Max the night before our program was to start, when he wanted to have people over to hang out. Turns out that night only myself and one other coresident decided to come over. I thought Max talked too much and laughed too loud. And then the next day our work began.

The work was challenging, the schedule was arduous, and we were both focused on transitioning from being students to being out in the real world. We frequently had large projects, work outside of work, and questions that we didn’t even know where to begin to look up answers to. What always made me notice Max even when my life was hectic, was that, outside of him being extremely loud and always telling a joke, was that he always had a way to have a positive outlook and tried to brighten the mood.

Our apartments were close to each other when we first moved to Milwaukee. So of course, that meant he had to drive over almost every other day. He’d wait in the parking lot and say, “come on, we’re going on an adventure”. He didn’t care if projects or work needed to be done. His mind was always running, always wanting to come up with the next thing he was going to do. He always just wanted to have fun first. Somehow the work always ended up being done, but not before he talked me into trying some new food or going to see some new sight. I realized I had fallen in love with the guy who talked all the time and even made me laugh too loud. continued on page 45

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LOCAL LOVE: Stephanie + Max

When the year came to an end, I ended up taking a job three hours away from Milwaukee, while Max stayed on there. I thought that that could be the end of our relationship. We ended up realizing that our attraction was real, we brought out the best in one another, and that we could manage the distance.

So, for the next two years we did long distance.

We’d talk on the phone and laugh and joke when we couldn’t be near, and we’d play games and eat new foods when we could. Over time our love continued to grow. One day, he surprised me and asked me to marry him at the end of a weeklong trip where I frequently flip flopped between thinking “this is where he’s proposing” to “I guess it’s not happening this time”.

Eventually, I was able to get back to Milwaukee and the day of our wedding was getting closer. We wanted to have a wedding back in my hometown, surrounded by our friends and families. Of course, Max had to have some ideas once again, like adding different dance moves to our first dance a few days before as if I didn’t have enough stress. Ultimately, we were able to celebrate our love with those who meant the most to us and with each other.

local vendors

PHOTOGRAPHER: A Sweet Focus VIDEOGRAPHER: A Sweet Focus CEREMONY: St. Peter Church HAIR & MAKEUP: Sheena Crossett at Designer’s Edge FLORALS: Right Touch Floral RECEPTION: The Atrium on Third CATERING: Hy-Vee on Broadway CAKE & DESSERTS: Krazy Cakes Cafe DJ: Mobile Entertainer PHOTOBOOTH: Firestorm Entertainment

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Beth + Brody A December Wedding

BRANDY OWENS PHOTOGRAPHY

LOCAL from Beth

Brody and I met on a dating website and we were matched the first day I was on the app.

We met and had our first date four days later.

I guess you can say our story really started at Applebee’s were we talked and laughed for hours. There was no awkwardness. As we talked it was as if we had been friends for a long time.

As soon as I left the date, I tried to call all my friends because I was so excited about him. I texted my best friend and told her she could put money on it that I was going to marry him. We couldn’t wait to see each other again so we went out for supper the next night. Within the next week, we introduced each other to our parents. We knew we were moving fast, but it felt so right. I had no doubt in him and my mom didn’t either when she met him.

Our love is so easy and effortless. We were both at a point where what we wanted in a relationship we didn’t think existed. Until we found each other. The kindness, effort, communication, and mutual respect. One of the first things I remember that he did that just melted my heart was when I was FaceTiming a friend and he made my coffee, brought it to me, and kissed me on the forehead. Something so little but meant the world to me. continued on page 52 50

L OV E

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LOCAL LOVE: Beth + Brody

Our first big fight, I went to go sleep on the couch and instead of him just staying in the bedroom, he brought a pillow and blanket and said he would sleep on the floor next to me then. A month after being together, he was going with a friend for the weekend. It would be a total of three days not seeing each other. On day two, he told me to meet him so he could see me for a few minutes. He gave me a big hug and told me it felt like a lot longer than two days.

Two and a half month later, he proposed on Christmas Eve. That was the easiest yes of my life. Our relationship isn’t perfect, but its so worth it. He makes me feel so loved every day. I can finally say that I have found the love of my life.

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I tried to call all my friends because I was so excited about him

local vendors

PHOTO: Brandy Owens Photography VENUE: Windsong Acres DECORATIONS: Jubilee De’cor COORDINATING: Jubilee De’cor HAIR: Sara Leavell MAKEUP: Madison Cooper DJ: Pizzazz Entertainment DESSERTS: The Venue/Jalees Bakehaus

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LOCAL LOVE: Paige + Bryce

w w w . j u s t in e w r ig h t p h o t o . c o m

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Justine Wright Photography is a husband + wife photography team serving St. Louis, MO, Qu incy, IL, and beyond. Specializing in family portra iture and weddings, and utilizing both film and digital med iums, they take only a limited number of clientele each year in order to provide an experience of the highest quality. When it comes to their style, they’re incredibly fond of soft, natural light, neutral tones, and the quiet, in-between moments that tell you story. While they believe that a good photograph should be aesthetically pleasing, they believe that a great photograph should evoke emotion; so when they click their shutters, they strive to create imagery that gives you all the feels (today and every day).

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Wedding

D

Ediquette...

on’t be the person who doesn’t RSVP. This is the number one complaint that I hear over and over again from my brides and grooms.

RSVPing is the couple’s best tool for planning their big day. To name just a few; their budget, meal planning and drink service. Fill out the RSVP card and quickly return it. Don’t put it off as it is so easy to miss the requested deadline if you don’t respond right away. Now that you have reserved your spot make sure you show up! The bride and groom have invested money and time into having you as their guest so make sure you show them your respect.

Don’t be the person who brings an uninvited guest.

Bring a “plus one” only if the invitation states that it is ok to do so. If the invitation does not state you and a guest are invited, then you are attending the celebration alone. When it comes to children, the invitation will state whether they are invited or not, so honor the bride and groom’s wishes. If children are invited, please watch your children during the reception.

A wedding reception is not a babysitter for your child(ren).

Don’t be that disrespectful person with your cell phone.

Turn your phone off during the Wedding Ceremony. The couple hired a professional photographer to capture their big day, allow them to do the job without obstacles.

At the reception you are fine to take a few photos, just make sure you are not competing with the photographer for the same shot.

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Don’t be the person who disrespects the dress code.

There is always an “unwritten” dress code even if the couple has not requested one, follow it. Let me be honest with you, your favorite pair of dirty work boots with jeans, t-shirt and that ball cap are unacceptable if the groom is wearing a suit or a tux. You are not only embarrassing yourself but also the Bride and Groom. Plan to match the feel and vibe of the location of the event. If it’s on a beach then beach attire is acceptable, but if it is at a local ballroom, then dress to impress without being over the top.

Don’t be that Person.

Don’t be the person trying to upstage the couple.

This event is not about you and it is not the time or place for you to make the big announcement that you are pregnant, or for your boyfriend to get down on one knee on the dance floor and ask you to marry him.

Don’t be the “party drunk”.

A wedding is a milestone event and is definitely worthy of a great party, but an open bar or free beer is not a free pass for you to make a fool of yourself. Know your limit and stop before you get there. Guests will always remember elements of the grand day and your stupidity will always be one of them.

Congratulations, the Bride and Groom think enough of you to want you to help them celebrate the biggest day of their lives. They have planned this one day for many months and sometimes even years, make sure you show them the Love and Respect they deserve.

Submitted by: Mike Howerton Entertainment

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FEATURED IN

MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS | WEDDING CHICKS | CARATS AND CAKE | RUFFLED BLOG | STYLE ME PRETTY | INSPIRED BY THIS | THE PERFECT PALETTE | QUINCY AREA BRIDAL MAGAZINE

THOUGHTFULLY CREATIVE DESIGNS THROUGH A SOPHISTICATED AND PERSONALIZED APPROACH TO WEDDING PLANNING.

SARAELIZABETHWEDDINGS.COM

SAYING, “I DO” HAS NEVER BEEN SWEETER!

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2449 Broadway • Quincy, IL • (217) 209-0177

so good to be back!

Rocking 26 issues with 2023 just around the corner.

Be a part of our upcoming issues and submit your: engagement wedding article work inspiration advice story We are not just a magazine. We are a loving conversation between local couples, our community, and wedding professionals. Be a part of QAB.

qabmagazine.com

Sponsors

Ruthie Bea’s

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2023 Wedding Expo!

January 14th, 2023 from 12:00pm until 4:00pm Honeymoon Giveaway* courtesy of Destination Travel Entertainment Package Giveaway* courtesy of Pizzazz Entertainment $500 Towards Your Wedding* courtesy of Quincy Area Bridal Magazine

Register early for an extra chance to win one of these amazing giveaways! *Restrictions apply. Please see website for more details. www.qabmagazine.com

Current List of Exhibitors 217 Films American Family Insurance Chalked Occassions Decor DJ Jeremy B Doug Ewing Photography Flash Photobooth Co. Girls in White Satin Howerton Entertainment

Misty Hills Photography Pointe D’Vine Rebel Pig Riverside BBQ & Grill Rossiter Photography Royal Prestige Savvi Formal Wear Schmidt Tent Rental

*Check our FaceBook and Instagram for newly added exhibitors 65

PREMIER DJ FOR QUINCY, ILLINOIS AND BEYOND Large light shows ceremony set up outdoor/indoor competitive pricing karaoke options will travel extensive library wedding props

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What is a

A

Wedding Expo?

Wedding Expo (also called a bridal expo or bridal show) is a large gathering of a variety of local wedding vendors in a single space. Engaged couples, or a bride and her entourage, attend the event to meet with vendors. They can view and sample the vendors work in real life. It’s like conducting a bunch of interviews all at one time until you find the right fit for you and your fiancé.

What to expect at a Wedding Expo.

1. Crowds. These kinds of events bring in hundreds of brides from all over the area with the same idea to shop the vendors, the deals and find the best match for their wedding day.

2.Exhibitors. You’ll see photographers, entertainers, videographers, dress stores, florists and much, much more. Pretty much everything you would be looking for, for your wedding and maybe even some things you didn’t know you needed!

3. Food Samples. There will be caterers there offering up samples of some of their popular items, bakeries and cake makers with some of the best dessert samples and even some fun ideas for other food options to have at your wedding.

4. Prizes and Giveaways. One of the best parts about attending a wedding expo (besides the tasty food samples) are the prizes and the giveaways!

Sponsors and exhibitors will raffle off all sorts of items ranging from wedding dresses, to all-expense paid honeymoons and more! It is super important that you register for anything and everything that catches your eye. People win these prizes, but only if they sign up!

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The

Tips + Follow Up

Tips to help maximize your wedding expo experience.

1. Create a wedding email and maybe a wedding phone number. One of the most important reasons to attend a wedding expo is to find exhibitors to help make your wedding awesome. The best way to organize and prevent having tons of email sent to your personal account is to create a wedding email address to used specifically for your wedding. It may also be a good idea to use a service like Google Voice to get a free phone number that you will only use for your wedding planning. You don’t want your personal phone blowing up all the time with calls from vendors.

2. Bring pre-printed labels. No one wants to waste time filling out their information at a bunch of exhibitor booths over and over and over and over again. Bring pre-printed labels to give to the exhibitors. It’s the easiest way to enter contests and have vendors contact you. The most important information to have on your labels is your name, wedding date and contact info. Seriously, this tip is super important.

Y

ou survived the wedding expo, now what? Make sure you go through all the vendor contacts you collected. Have a pile of your number one favorites and a pile of your runner up favorites. Once you have your mind set on a specific vendor, be sure to contact them as soon as possible. You don’t want to wait for them to contact you. They may have received hundreds of contacts so it will take time for them to work through them all. If you want to book that vendor call them and set up an additional consultation or let them know you want to book them for your wedding day. If you wait too long they may book your wedding day with another couple. Following up with the vendors you met is probably one of the most important things to do after attending a wedding expo.

3. Register early. Remember there will be hundreds of people trying to attend the same show. To speed things up register or buy your tickets early and make sure you fill out all the information.

4. Take care of YOU. Wear comfortable shoes and make sure to eat something before attending. There may be food samples but you don’t want to walk the event on an empty stomach. Make sure you have water to drink as well.

5. Bring people who actually want to be there with you. They need to be just as excited to attend the event as you. It helps to have people to chat with and discuss the different options available. Wedding expos can be overwhelming sometimes so you also need people to help keep you grounded.

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For Brides Who Want..

Exceptional

Abby Schlueter, Owner and Operator of Lavish Floral Design has over 17 years experience and a true passion for wedding and floral design.

Photo credit: Courtney Dueppengiesser Photography

Call or E-mail us for a Consultation: 217-641-2609 info@lavishfloraldesign.com

See more: pinterest.com/lavishfloralquincy www.lavishfloral.com

For more information, contact 217-223-1000 300 Civic Center Plaza, Quincy, IL

We have it all under one roof and can accomodate events of any size and style.

Dressing Rooms * Ceremony Cocktail Hour * Reception Images by Jennifer Lee Photographee

Saying “I do” has never been easier!

FROM THE PAST

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Winter Weddings

ith the winter season coming upon us what better “From the Past” topic than winter weddings! I’m not a big fan of winter or the cold but I do love some of the added touches that these winter weddings had.

So, read on to see some of the ideas you can use for your winter wedding.

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1. March wedding from issue 2.

SNOW! How lucky would it be to for you to have snow on your wedding day? It’s one thing for there to be snow already on the ground but to have it actually start snowing…WOW. Makes for some amazing photos.

2. December wedding from issue 4.

What better way to stay warm on your winter wedding day then with a stylish fur coat or shawl. You can go with the classic brown color or maybe even white or black. Whichever goes well with the feel of your wedding these fur coats or shawls give that elegant feel to any photo.

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3. January wedding from issue 8.

Long sleeve wedding dresses are so beautiful but not something you see very often. But when you have a January wedding those long sleeve dresses come in handy when capturing those amazing outside photos.

4. December wedding from issue 19.

An awesome sleigh and snow on the ground, what a great photo opportunity for a winter wedding. This is by far a favorite.

Great timing for this wedding to be able to have this as part of their wedding day.

Add this to your winter wedding check list!

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your story in

TO QAB MAGAZINE When we first launched QAB Magazine it 2015 we were hoping to feature talented local businesses.

As we began meeting couples - newly engaged, planning a wedding, or already married - we realized there were so many stories to tell. How couples found each other, how they made their day special, who they worked with and more; were all a part of the fabric of Quincy Area Bridal Magazine. We can’t wait to hear more about weddings in Quincy in 2023. There are so many ways to be a part of upcoming issues. Join the conversation and let’s tell your story!

what to submit

YOUR WEDDING

Tell us how you met, or what your wedding day was like. Submit your images and your story, your wedding might be featured in the section we call, Local Love Here’s a list of images we LOVE to see DETAILS Your photographer will be very familiar with the term, flatlay. It will include stylized images of the invitation or program and other details like the wedding rings, cuff links or jewelry.

GETTING READY We’d love to see the couples getting ready, putting make-up or adding those finishing touches to their tie. It’s always a tear jerker when we see you getting your parents and grandparents involved PRE-CEREMONY We love to see that first look and any shots either of you take with your wedding party, before you say, I DO CEREMONY The venue and your entrance is always a favorite, and if your photographer also caught the groom’s reaction, we’d love to see it!

The first kiss is always sweet and creative exits from your ceremony space make for lovely full page spreads!

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GROUP PORTRAITS We don’t look for too many of these. One or two of the whole wedding party - post ceremony - is plenty. We don’t need every family shot with each aunt and uncle that jumped in for a pic!

RECEPTION Details of the room help our readers understand the tone and mood of your wedding. Was it wild and vibrant, or soft and elegant. Images of the wedding cake almost ALWAYS make the cut!

Send us a few of the first dances and definitely an exiting exit from the reception ,if you did one cue the sparklers!

YOUR ENGAGEMENT

What’s the first thing you should do after you get those engagement photos back? Submit to QAB Magazine, of course. We’d love to help you share your big news AND you’ll be first on the list to call TO SUBMIT YOUR WEDDING! It’s fun way to be featured in a local publication and in our social media channels!

YOUR MARRIAGE

Don’t think for one second that you have no place here if you’ve married for years. We love to feature people who have already been through the planning process in our Let’s Play 20 Questions section of the magazine. Plus, we love is you submit your wedding photo and a current photo!

qabmagazine.com

how to submit

ON SOCIAL Send us a message on Facebook or Instagram and let us know your interested ON OUR WEBSITE Go the SUBMISSION page of qabmagazine.com and find the way you’d like to be featured.

VIA EMAIL You can email us a photo or two and tell us a bit about yourself, and we’ll reach out for the rest, once we decide to more forward. Email: sales@qabmagazine.com THROUGH YOUR VENDOR You might get an email from us that says we’d like to feature you wedding. Most likely, one of your vendors was SO proud of the work they did that they submitted to the magazine.

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faq’s

How much does it cost?

It’s FREE to be featured in any Local Loves, Engagements, and/or 20 Questions!

How long before I know?

We try our best to get back to each couple as soon as possible. Some weddings fit a particular theme better than others, but we will definitely reach out!

M& U B L A R L E AT HE E G A L L E RY ONLIN

Can I submit on behalf of someone else?

Sure! We’ve had moms and besties submit in the past, but we will need to reach out to the couple and get their approval first!

217.316.1262 -or- 217.617.5098

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WEDDING VENDORS!! get featured in

TO QAB MAGAZINE

what to submit for FREE exposure YOUR WORK

You know you’re amazing. Let’s show the community what you’ve done. Submit images of your recent weddings to our Local Love feature. If your couple is chosen, your business if featured FOR FREE

YOUR EXPERTISE

Write an article on trends in your industry, or give engaged couples advice in your area. This is a great way to get more exposure!

YOUR MARRIAGE

Yep, wedding vendors should be featured to.

Answer 20 Questions with your spouse and share some advice for new couples. Plus, you’ll get an added plug for your business.

If you’re interested in partnering with us as an advertiser, there are many more ways to showcase your business, including booths in our annual expo, social media posts and marketing help! We help write content, we design ads and your keep the collateral. That means you can use a QAB designed ad anywhere you want!

Email sales@qabmagazine.com for more information

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Wedding & Event Venue

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Customized Cosmetic Services for Your Perfect

Wedding Day glow We believe cosmetic dermatology is the art and science of bringing out the best in your own beauty. Our state-of-the-art approach to aesthetics assures that your treatments will incorporate the latest advances in the industry, providing you with a customized, natural look.

Whether your goal is prevention, rejuvenation, or correction, we have an option for you.

Anti-Aging Treatments: » eMatrix » Forma/Forma Plus Skin

Facials & Peels: Injectables: » AQUAGOLD Premium Facial » Botox, Dysport, Xeomin » Chemical Peels » PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) » Hydrafacial Tightening » Juvederm & Restylane » Fractora Skin Resurfacing » Microdermabrasion » Sculptra » Laser Resurfacing » VI Peels Other Services & Products: » Lumecca Photofacial » Latisse Hair Removal: (Intense Pulsed Light) » SkinCeuticals » Diolaze XL » Plasma Skin Tightening » Skin Better Science » Profractional Laser Treatment » Dermaplaning » Jane Iredale Makeup » Rejuvapen Microneedling COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY TEAM

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

(217) 222-6550, ext. 3435 1025 Maine St, First Floor | Quincy, IL Anna Levin, MD, FAAD

Medical & Cosmetic Dermatologist

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Elena Holman, MA Gariann Roth, MA Lead Esthetician

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For Brides Who Want..

Exceptional

Abby Schlueter, Owner and Operator of Lavish Floral Design has over 17 years experience and a true passion for wedding and floral design.

Photo credit: Courtney Dueppengiesser Photography

Call or E-mail us for a Consultation: 217-641-2609 info@lavishfloraldesign.com

See more: pinterest.com/lavishfloralquincy www.lavishfloral.com

Scan the QR Code below to view our online vendor catalog. Your one stop shop to find local wedding professionals.

www.qabmagazine.com