Quincy Area Bridal Magazine Issue 27

QUINCY AREA

Bridal

MAGAZINE ISSUE 27: 2023

LOCAL LOVE Kellie + Gates Madalyn + Chase Marleigh + Elijah Lacey + Noah Alexis + Grady

Bands

Mens Wedding 2023Trends To Watch For

$10.00

RETURNINGSoon

Family MAGAZINE QUINCY AREA

Our mission is to provide readers with a beautifully designed magazine each quarter, that highlights the people of our communities and the organizations that serve them.

We will work to continuously provide articles, posts and blogs that are helpful and inspiring to our reader.

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editor

LETTER FROM THE Greetings Readers,

Hello to 2023 and to issue 27 of Quincy Area Bridal Magazine. This issue comes just after our annual Wedding Expo and I am so excited to announce that the expo was a big hit this year. It was my first expo as owner and I could not be more excited about the turnout. With that, I have BIG plans for the 2024 show, so make sure you check out each issue as I will be announcing details little by little, with the fourth quarter issue having all the details about the show. For now, let’s mention a few things about issue 27.

We have some amazing Local Love stories for you to read about. Some of the local loves tell their story about how their love survived the dreaded long-distance relationships and ended with an amazing and beautiful wedding.

Others talked about the details of their wedding day and how they incorporated things from when they first met, which I just loved to read about. Make sure you check out all the local love stories and see the local vendors they used to help make their wedding day a success. Vendors are listed at the end of each local love.

This issue we added an engagement section and I am so excited that we had six submissions for this issue. Moving forward we will add local engagements as they are submitted. I love reading the proposal stories or how couples met. I’m excited to see more submissions for upcoming issues.

Something I’m going to try and add to each new issue is an article for the men. In this issue we talk about men’s wedding bands and how they don’t always have to be basic and or traditional. Gone are the days where the bride’s ring holds all the bling and personal touch. There are so many options for men’s wedding bands, from the type of mental all the way down to the personal touches. Read all about it on page 58.

Here’s a little something about me. I love wine. It’s my preferred drink when I’m out enjoying time with family and friends. But I can be picky about my wine as I tend to like the sweeter kind like Moscato, which is my favorite. With all that being said, we have an article on weddings at vineyards and or wineries and I love it. We have some amazing wineries in the area and this article mentions a few. So, if you are looking to have your wedding at a winery be sure to check out this article QAB Loves From the Past…Vineyard Weddings.

What’s trending in weddings for 2023? After stalking some wedding professional blogs and looking into what others believe will be trending for the 2023 wedding season, I dropped the 5 trends I would love to see this year from our future wedding submissions. Things like colored wedding dresses, uniquely designed cakes and romantic last dances. These have me already excited to see all the amazing weddings this year.

To wrap things up for issue 27 I want to thank all the amazing vendors that participated in our 2023 Wedding Expo. The show would be nothing without you. If you missed the expo or did not get a chance to stop and see all the vendors, check out page 72 and 73 as I have listed all the amazing vendors that joined me this year. If you would like to have your engagement or wedding featured in an upcoming issue please go to our submissions page here https://qabmagazine.com/submissions/ and submit your stories. If you have a wedding related article that is not bias towards a specific business you can also submit that at the link above. Happy reading friends!

Brandy Owens

Editor in Chief sales@qabmagazine.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

QUINCY AREA BridalMAGAZINE IN THIS ISSUE 3 A Letter from the Editor 6 This Issue’s Highlights

LOCAL LOVE 11 Kellie + Gates 22 Madalyn + Chase 30 Marleigh + Elijah 38 Lacey + Noah 47 Alexis + Grady ENGAGEMENTS 62 Alyssa + Michael 64 Emma + Clark 65 Ariana + Dillon 66 Sarah + Jarrod 68 Jordyn + Tucker 69 Autumn + Cole ARTICLES & MORE 58 Mens Wedding Bands 70 QAB Loves From the Past Vineyard Weddings 72 2023 Wedding Expo Sponsor and Vendor List 74 Trends to Watch for in 2023 76 How to be Featured in QAB

QUINCY AREA Bridal MAGAZINE: issue 27 CREDIT ROLL EDITOR IN CHIEF, PRINCIPAL DESIGNER SOCIAL MEDIA AND CONTENT MANAGER Brandy Owens

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THIS ISSUE’S

Highlights

LOCAL LOVE: KELLIE + GATES

MENS WEDDING BANDS

LOCAL LOVE: MADALYN + CHASE

From meeting in high school, to growing their relationship via long distance, to disappointment to happily every after. Read Kellie and Gates’ love story for all the details on how their love conquered in the end.

If you think the brides ring is the only one to be personalized and blingy, guess again. Check out this article on mens wedding bands to see all the different options there are for the groom to really make his wedding ring his own.

They lived 20 minutes away from each other but their paths never crossed until college. After a proposal on a boat, under the New Years Eve fireworks in Chicgao they are now enjoying their ever after.

QAB LOVES VINEYARD WEDDINGS

LOCAL LOVE: LACEY + NOAH

2023 WEDDING TRENDS TO WATCH FOR

I’m a sucker for a great winery. So it’s obvious that I love vineyard weddings and the different atmosphers they provide. Check out this artile that highlights some vineyard weddings from past issues and why we love them so much.

They met at the county fair but were already on their own paths. But they survived a long distance relationship all to come together for memerable wedding surrounded by all of their family and frineds.

Traditional and classic weddings will always be around but watch out for some of these new trends expected in 2023. From colorful themes to unique wedding cakes, we talk about 5 of the trends we hope to see this wedding season.

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Kellie+ Gates A June Wedding MCDONALD VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHY

LOCA L

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LOV E from Kellie

Our story began when Gates and I met in Spanish class our Sophomore year at Quincy Senior High School. Our first conversation was by the archaic way of passing hand-written notes back and forth during class. I was immediately intrigued with this shaggy-haired boy that wrote in cursive, had an interesting middle name, and a birthday on Christmas. While there was certainly some romantic interest at first sight, it was not smooth sailing from the get-go. Shortly after our friendship took off, I found out my family was moving from Quincy to Milwaukee at the end of the school year.

As we weren’t willing to commit to anything serious and I was moving away, we resolved to forgo any romantic intentions and just be friends. And we became quite good friends! Living miles away and figuring that I’d never see him again made it easier for me to open up to him. Gates was like a secret friend I had in my back pocket; someone entirely separate from the current high school drama and who I could talk to about anything and everything.

And so our friendship grew over the next few years; texting and snapchatting like teenagers in the early 2010’s did. Soon enough, we were off to college, simultaneously learning how to live on our own and commiserating over classes and papers, while still living many miles apart and never seeing each other.

That was, until I had a weekend trip back to Quincy and we coordinated to meet up during the visit. It was the first time we were going to see each other since I had moved away. It felt like a big deal; I was both nervous it was going to be weird in person and also excited to see my friend I hadn’t seen in nearly three years. We finally met up for smoothies and… it was awful. Without digging into the messy details, we departed that weekend with our friendship in shambles. We had a falling out, and stopped speaking to each other.

Obviously, the story doesn’t end there (thank God!). For over a year, Gates and I didn’t speak at all, which was a stark contrast to speaking nearly daily when we were friends. Until one day, I was in my weekly bible study and my bible study leader challenged me to take a “leap of faith” somehow over the next week. To be honest, I wasn’t exactly sure what a “leap of faith” should look like, but I wanted to try to meet the challenge and thus decided on reconciling old relationships that had been broken. There were four relationships I had in mind: one of which was my broken relationship with Gates.

Continues on page 14

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I reached out to Gates, apologizing for my side of the fallout between us and hoping we could find closure.

I didn’t expect our friendship to rebloom, but Gates surprised me by being very appreciative of the gesture and wanting to pick up our friendship back up. Our friendship did more than just rebloom; it reached new depths with the newfound gratitude we had to have each other in our lives again.

Not too long after we reconnected, we finally explored the romantic interests we had buried so long ago, only to find our feelings were mutual. We experienced growth with each other and in our faith over the next few years, and by graduation we had committed seriously to each other. We moved to Colorado to start our careers (and finally not be long-distance!). After a few more years, Gates popped the question one warm evening under the twinkling lights of a gazebo in the park, and of course I said yes! We’ve since moved back to Quincy and got married in town, and are enjoying the happily ever after!

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LOCAL LOVE: Kellie + Gates

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LOCAL LOVE: Kellie + Gates

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LOCAL LOVE: Kellie + Gates

local Vendors 18

PHOTO: McDonald Video & Photography CEREMONY: Lutheran Church of St John CATERING: JJ’s Kitchen Catering CAKE: The Yum Factory FLOWERS: Lavish Floral Design VENUE: Pointe D’Vine HAIR & MAKEUP: Changes Salon & Spa

The Corinthian Event Center will fully decorate and furnish your event to provide the perfect atmosphere.

We also collaborate with top vendors to create the most memorable and exquisite weddings. +WEDDINGS +EVENTS +IN-HOUSE CATERING +FULL DECORATING SERVICES +FULL BAR SERVICES

415 Hampshire, Quincy, IL 62301 (217) 617-5333 thecorinthianevents@yahoo.com thecorinthianevents.com/our-story

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Formal or not, our Catering Managers are ready to help you design the menu you’ve always wanted. Contact your store for details.

Our award-winning floral specialists love to share new ideas for decorating with fresh flowers. From cascading roses to seasonal centerpieces, come see what’s new.

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BROADWAY 217-228-1060 Quincy, IL

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MADALYN + CHASE A September Wedding MADELINE PAIGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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LOCA L from Madalyn

The year was 2017 and I had just moved to Kansas City after college hoping for a new beginning. To my dismay, the job market for my field of work was not hot and after months of applying for jobs in the Kansas City area, I reluctantly decided to apply for jobs elsewhere, which landed me back in Columbia, MO with no plan and nowhere to live.

I finally sublet a room at a duplex some friends were renting and one winter night, without me even realizing, in walked my future husband. He was friends with my roommates, visiting for the weekend and we hit it off almost instantly. Despite growing up just 20 minutes from each other, our paths had never crossed until that winter in Columbia.

After a year of long distance, and making the drive back to Palmyra every weekend to work on our house, we finally moved into our first home. After 4 years if dating, Chase popped the question on the top deck of a boat under the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Chicago. If you would have told 2017 me that all of my perceived misfortune would lead me exactly where I needed to be, I wouldn’t have believed you, but here we are.

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LOV E

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LOCAL LOVE: Madalyn + Chase 26

We were married in my family church on September 17, 2022 followed by a reception under white tents and twinkling lights in my childhood backyard, my dream wedding venue since I was just a kid. Although our guest list was full of sworn rivals from Palmyra and Monroe City, two communities came together as one that day. Cocktail hour was held on my parent’s pool deck, paired with live music from a very talented family friend followed by a night of champagne toasts and barefoot feet on the dance floor.

As our reception came to an end, Chase and I finished the night by jumping into the swimming pool, designer ball gown and all. Followed by some of our wedding party and several guests. Despite the chilly September evening air, we splashed and laughed for an hour. With no professional cameras or videos around, we were truly living in the moment. Soaking in all the wonderful emotions that we will cherish in our memory for the rest of our life. A downpour of rain started just as our reception came to a close, adding to the movie-like atmosphere that was present throughout our entire day.

Our wedding was nothing short of an absolute dream made possible by some great family and friends as well as some amazing vendors.

“without me even realizing, in walked my future husband”

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local Vendors

PHOTO: Madeline Paige Photography FLOWERS: Applebee Tree Flowers MAKEUP: Lauren Berhorst HAIR: H&CO Salon RENTALS: Celebrations Party & Event Rental

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LOCA L

Marleigh + Elijah A November Wedding RACHEL B PHOTOGRAPHY

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LOV E from Marleigh We met in the fall of 2021 at Lincoln Christian University, the college that we both attended. After a few conversations between Elijah and I at the coffee shop that he had been working at, he asked me on a date. One date turned into two, which turned into three... well, you know. Feelings developed very quickly and, as it often goes, we knew right away it was going to be serious. Months later, after a major transition in the university’s model, both of us planned a quick move from Illinois to his parents’ house six hours away, in southern Indiana. It was quite the challenge planning our wedding at a distance from family and friends, but we could not have imagined a better (or colder!) turnout for our wedding in November. It was exactly what we wanted: one big party with family and friends.

We chose a moody theme for our wedding with colors of black, sienna, gold, sage, and pops of warm color in our floral arrangements. Both of us wanted something that spoke to our style – neutral and classy. Though the design of our wedding was fun to create together, both of us agree that our favorite part was being able to celebrate our love and our story with our closest friends and family. We also asked some of our dearest friends to use their gifts and talents to be a unique part of our day. A friend at the local coffee shop Elijah worked at made our cake, Marleigh’s oldest and dearest friend, Rachel, took our photos, friends from our church in Indiana created a stunning video, and a sweet friend from college arranged the florals. It made our day so much more special!

Marleigh is local to the Quincy area, and Elijah is native to the Kentuckiana area, where we now live. Our favorite things to do together are lift, play soccer on Sundays with our soccer league, play music at our church, and do lots of studying together. We live in an apartment with our three kitties, and we stay busy with our hobbies, family, work, and school. It’s been such a joy to learn about each other, encourage each other through tough days, and celebrate each others’ victories.

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LOCAL LOVE: Marleigh + Elijah

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We love our story. The road certainly hasn’t been easy, but life never is. Over the past year, and even the few months we’ve been married, we have been challenged to learn and understand what it means to choose one another, to strive for complete selflessness and service to each other, and to truly work as a team. We have also wept, celebrated, and laughed until we cried. We have both grown exponentially through our experiences, and become better versions of ourselves.

We have continuously prayed for and with one another, for our families and friends, and for the ministry we will get to do in the years to come. And we are so excited to see the ways in which God will use us in the future. So yes, we decided on forever! He popped the question on April 2, 2022, and on November 19, 2022 we were married. And it has been the best adventure of our lives.

local Vendor

PHOTO: Rachel B Photography

Vendors

FLOWERS: 4everfloral DESSERTS: Guest House Coffee & Pastries VIDEO: GG Films VENUE: Illinois Wesleyan University Weddings

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lacey + Noah A October Wedding E.THREE PHOTOGRAPHY

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LOCA L from Lacey Noah and I met at the Adams County Fair in July of 2015.

We were introduced by a mutual friend and we immediately felt like we had known each other forever. We immediately became best friends, that turned into a relationship.

At this time we had both decided on our #1 college, and they happened to be 7 hours away from each other. Although the distance was hard, we both knew we had to find ourselves and take the best path to pursue our dream careers, supporting each other through it all. It was fun to visit each other.

Noah graduated Mizzou in 2019 and I graduated from Marquette University in 2020. In May of 2020, we moved to STL so I could attend Optometry School at UMSL. In August before school began, Noah proposed to me on a beach in Destin, FL at sunset. I am hard to surprise, and he was successful in hiding this from me as he often reminds me that he finally “got me”.

We had a 2 year engagement to prepare for the 460 guests who attended our wedding. We got married on October 22, 2022. If you recall the day, the weather was 80 and sunny and to us a perfect day to get married. It was the best time to reunite with some our closest friends we do not get to see as much, but to have them standing up there with us means the world to us. We were surrounded by loving family and friends and are so thankful we could share such a special day with so many people.

At the reception, every one could not stay off the dance floor.

It was definitely a party and we are so happy everyone had fun.

We could have stayed all night long. To break up the night and as an ode to where we first met, we had late night fair food snacks like cheese curds, corn dogs, chicken strips and fries which was an absolute hit. Highly recommend. We could not have asked for a more perfect day and a more perfect life ahead as husband and wife.

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LOV E

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local Vendors

PHOTO: E.three Photography VIDEO: 217 Films CEREMONY VENUE: St. Francis Church RECEPTION VENUE: Oakley-Lindsey Center PICTURE LOCATION: Villa Katherine MAKEUP: Beyond Beauty HAIR: Hannah Willing and Olivia Stotts DJ: Lyons Pride Entertainment OFFICIANT: Fr. Bob Barko FLOWERS: Frericks Garden CATERING: Danny Veihl Butcher Block CAKE: Kathy Finley DRESS: Girls in White Satin BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Azazie TUX: Schueckings JEWELRY: Untamed Petals SHOES: DSW STATIONARY/INVITES: Erin Frazier

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Contact us today at sales@qabmagazine.com to find out how you can advertise with Quincy Area Bridal Magazine. +Magazine Ads +Online Vendor Catalog +Upcoming Wedding Expos

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!

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Alexis + Grady A June Wedding MCDONALD VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHY

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LOCA L

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LOV E from Alexis

Grady and I met through work in the winter of 2017. We both work for General Mills in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and consider ourselves “Fruit Snack Engineers”. Although we started out as co-workers, we began hanging out in the same friend circle and quickly became friends. Through many sand volleyball games, ski trips and weekend get-togethers, we grew closer.

Despite the constant teasing from everyone about being more than friends, we didn’t officially start dating until spring of 2018.

We continued to build on our strong foundation of friendship and discovered our shared love of travel and adventure. We traveled to Canada, Hawaii, Belize, Peurto Rico and more!

On every new trip, we would do something we’ve never done before: white water rafting, ziplining, snorkeling, and cliff jumping.

Continued on page 52

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Together, we tackled the big life stuff that came our way too: two big moves, a pandemic, purchasing our first home and everything in between. The proposal came in March 2021 when Grady was able to disguise both of our families in town as just “a fun weekend”. He proposed with a package of fruit snacks, a tribute to how we met. I was even more surprised when he had a whole celebration planned that evening and surprised me with my best friend being in town!

We decided to get married on June 11, 2022 and the day came quick! Throughout all the wedding planning, we had the best support system of friends, families, and amazing vendors.

Our wedding day was more than we could have imagined, and we love looking back at the pictures and reminiscing on all the memories. We are so grateful to everyone who attended and made us feel so special on our big day!

local Vendors

PHOTO: McDonald Video & Photography VIDEO: Emily Hugenberg Videography CEREMONY: Lakeview Weddings RECEPTION: Pointe D’Vine PICTURE LOCATION: Villa Katherine MAKEUP: Beyond Beauty HAIR: Kara Marlow DJ: Mike Howerton Entertainment FLOWERS: Bella Rose Floral Design CATERING: JJ’s Catering

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Bands

Mens Wedding

C

ongratulations on your engagement! With the excitement and fun of the ongoing parts of planning your wedding you might have forgot or pushed off one main thing, THE GROOMS RING! As an essential step in the wedding planning process, the grooms wedding band is often outshined by all the other exciting things about a wedding. But at the end of the day, the groom deserves to find a unique and special ring as well.

If your significant other in not known to wear other pieces of jewelry, then the wedding band may be the first piece of meaningful jewelry they own. The good news is there is no shortage in options for wedding bands, regardless of their unique personality, budget, or lifestyle.

So, keep reading to learn just how unique a man’s wedding band can be.

Your Lifestyle Before we jump in, the first thing to keep in mind while shopping for the best ring is your lifestyle. Do you use your hands a lot for your job? Is it rough or dirty work? Jobs like construction work, mechanic, or even a chef use their hands often so you want a ring that is scratch resistant, but also durable and comfortable. If the day-to-day use of your hands is less demanding then you might want something stylish, detailed or unique to your personality.

Metal Type Yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, silver, titanium, and the list goes on. There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing what metal you want for your band. The most desired and common metal used in rings today is gold. An important factor to keep in mind with gold is its durability and hardness depends on the karat size.

One of the most prestigious, and expensive metals is platinum. As a white metal it’s long wearing and already exceptionally white so it will not need rhodium plated like white gold. They use almost 100% purity in these rings and since it is a dense metal the ring will feel heavier than other options.

Silver is another option for a wedding band but it’s not as popular. It’s a softer metal which makes it more susceptible to scratching and other damage. Even though it has a greater tendency to oxidize and turn black, it is easy to restore with silver jewelry cleaner. For this reason, most silver jewelry is used on occasion and not for every day wear like a wedding ring.

Another durable option for men’s wedding bands is Titanium. As the strongest naturally occurring metal on earth, Titanium has become a popular option. It’s very light weight, despite its strength, but a good thing about its strength is that it’s less susceptible to bending, dents and scratches. It’s also 100% hypo-allergenic making it great for people who have reactions to other metals. There is one downside to this metal though. Titanium cannot be soldered or resized, so make sure you get fitted for this metal accurately

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Different Styles Men do have options available as far as styles and design. You can still go with the classic look of a smooth or lightly textured ring as it is a timeless tradition and still the most popular. But if you are looking for something trendy, carved rings are moving up the popular list as far as being fashionable and unique. And then there are diamond bands.

Say bye to the days that only the bride had the bling. Men have options now for diamond accents that really help add a little of your personality to your band. There are also alternative style rings. Ones made of cobalt chrome or ceramic if you’re looking for a more modern option.

Shapes and Finishes Some band shapes you may find are domed, which has a soft, rounded classic look, comfort fit, which is obviously comfortable to wear with a modern look and feel, channel, to keep diamonds in place and beveled, which has rounded edges for increased comfort while appearing stylish and sophisticated.

The texture, or finish of a metal is one of the largest appeals of wedding rings for men. Polished, being the most common, has a smooth, reflective finish that gives that classic, traditional look. Satin finish is also known for a smooth surface, but unlike the polished finish, it is not reflective. Hammered is another finish, obtaining its name because of the dents all around the ring that are created with a jewelry hammer.

And lastly, the brushed texture on the brushed finish, resembles light brush strokes but with a soft shine like a matte finish.

Still think finding the perfect ring for your bride was hard? There are plenty of options for men’s rings as well. Take your time and find the one that best fits you and your lifestyle.

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ENGAGE

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EMENTS from Alyssa

Our love story began when Michael and I met online through Facebook dating. We lived over an hour apart, so if it wasn’t for online dating our paths would never have crossed. His hometown is Unionville, Missouri, and I had never been there prior to meeting him.

We messaged back and forth for quite a while before meeting, trying to learn every detail about each other. About a month after talking, we finally decided it was time to meet. On our first date we met and cooked lunch together and talked for hours. Our connection just grew that much stronger. After the first meeting we were inseparable. I knew he was the one for me. He made me feel so loved. We met in early January 2022. About a month after meeting Michael told me he loved me for the first time. We joke about it now, but I didn’t say it back. My response was “That’s good!” To me love is forever, I wanted to truly mean it before I said it back. Although, it only took me two weeks to say it back to him!

His family was so welcoming and loving they already saw me as part of their family. I started to attend the First Baptist Church in Unionville, Missouri with him. This is the church Michael has attended since he was a child with his family. I am so grateful and blessed that we can grow our faith in God together.

On August 13th, 2022, Michael planned a day date and took me to Canton, Missouri. We ate at Big O’s Eats and Treats restaurant and then he took me to the observation tower that has a beautiful overlook to see the Mississippi river. While I was sitting on the bench, he then got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. Of course, I said “Yes!” He knew the observation tower had a special place in my heart. My grandparents live close by, and that exact spot is where they go on their dates together. Grandpa takes grandma to get milkshakes and then they go to the observation tower to enjoy their drinks and the beautiful view together.

Our love story is shorter than others, by getting engaged just 8 months after meeting, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

When you know, you know! I am so excited to say “I Do” in front of all our family and friends and become Mrs. Robbins in May 2023. #Robbinhislastname

Photos by: Que Misso

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ENGAGE from Emma

Clark and I met the day after I moved into Monmouth College for my freshman year, his sophomore year. We have been together ever since—five years! After we graduated college, Clark started a job in Washington, D.C. and I have been attending law school at Notre Dame. Long distance is the worst so whenever we get to see each other, we fill it with quality time.

While Clark was visiting my family and me in December, it was my idea (or so I thought) to have a date night at Tiramisu.

Little did I know, that was his plan all along. When we pulled up to Washington Park, I commented on how pretty the Christmas lights were, suggesting that we take a quick walk around the park after dinner. Clark, however, insisted that we should take a walk before dinner (that made me suspicious).

We held hands and walked up to the gazebo where I gave him a knowing smirk and he proceeded to smile and say “Yeaaah.”

He got down on one knee and the rest is a blur. I must have said yes at some point because he put the most beautiful ring on my finger. Clark had asked Rachel B Photography to capture the special moment and I am so glad. It was perfect!

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Photos by: Rachel B Photography

EMENTS from Ariana

Dillon and I have been together for almost 5 years. He was so nervous about asking me to marry him. He decided to do it during a private mini photo session for Christmas photos.

It was perfect and super sweet. He had an ornament that said will you be Mrs.Brown? I was so excited I forgot to say “yes!”

We are planning a small wedding possibly in summer of 2024, we haven’t decided. We got engaged on 12-11-22! We have over a foot in height difference so back problems will be in our future! Lol!!!

Photos by: Developed by Duver 65

ENGAGE from Sarah Our love story began in December 2020 when we met on Bumble, an online dating website. We messaged back and forth there for almost a week before I asked him if he wanted my number. I realized months later that he had actually asked for my number on the second day but I didn’t see his message.

I’m so glad he didn’t give up and quit talking to me!

Our first dates were not traditional dates at all. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer a few years earlier and at that time was undergoing Chemotherapy for a second time after a reoccurrence. Due to the risk of Covid and my compromised immune system, we couldn’t go out for dinner, the movies, or concerts. I cooked for us at home or we ordered carry out from our favorite places. We spent our time together with our dogs, going for walks around the neighborhood and talking about everything. He was so sweet, kind and his actions left a great impression. He would go out into the cold and snow to start my car. He’d carry my things and open the door. I knew he really cared when he stopped going out, wore a mask and did everything to protect and keep me healthy. We talked often about our future together.

On November 16, 2022 he told me he wanted to take our dog for a walk. Our walks together are one of the favorite parts of my day. We leave our phones and give one another our full attention. It’s a great chance to catch up on our day and discuss the important things when neither of us is distracted.

I didn’t think much of his request to walk somewhere new that day. We went by the river in Hamilton, Illinois and he asked me to help put the dog’s collar on. When I went to help, he got on one knee and pulled out the most beautiful round solitaire diamond ring from his pocket. I was so surprised! The dog was too! He sat next to him and put his paw up on Jarrod’s leg. It felt like they were both asking me to be a part of their family. I said Yes through all the happy tears. Jarrod is smart, ambitious, and so committed to his friends, family and loved ones. I am so lucky to have this man by my side. We plan to marry in the early fall 2023.

Photos by: Carmen Foxall What I See Photography 66

EMENTS

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ENGAGE from Jordyn

Tucker and I met our senior year of high school in Tuckers hometown, Palmyra, MO. I just transferred to the small town from Phoenix, AZ. We never talked much in class and never would’ve thought he would be the one I was going to spend forever with.

I moved back to AZ after high school but something about the small town was forever stuck with me, and I found myself moving back shortly after. We were 19 when we crossed paths again, and now our paths are now becoming one.

June 15th, 2022, on vacation, Tucker and I woke up at 4am to get sunrise photos on a beach in Maryland with my best friend and her mom. They had a different plan. Instead I found myself walking onto the beach where a line of roses and tea light candles lead to Tucker standing at the end, I knew it was our time. The skies were clear after days of rain and the sunrise was perfect but, not as perfect as when he asked me to Marry him right there.

So, I guess you could say the thing that was forever stuck with me from that small town was my soul mate before I ever even knew it.

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Photos by: Emily Arwine

EMENTS from Autumn

Cole and I met at John Wood Community College, but had known about one another since we were in jr. high. He went to Unity and I went to Liberty, so when it came to sports it was quite the rivalry. One of the funniest things is, in high school when we would gear up to play any sport against Unity, I would always think to myself, “Man I really hope that stupid Thompson boy isn’t there to lead their student section,” because he was just so loud and obnoxious!

Fast forward 5 years and he’s down on one knee in Gulf Shores, Alabama asking me to spend the rest of my life with him. Not without the help of one of our friends, who INSISTED we all went for a walk on the beach, in the dark, when it was 40 degrees out, and I for one kept asking, “Is this even worth it? It’s so cold!” Little did I know it was, and will always be, my favorite walk on the beach despite the wind and the cold. I couldn’t imagine my life being any other way now. It’s funny how life turns out sometimes, but I am forever grateful for the relationship we have now. :)

Photos by: Olive Willow Photography

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QAB Loves

FROM THE PAST...

Vineyard Weddings A

s someone who loves the vibe and atmosphere of a winery it’s easy to guess that I love vineyard weddings. From the locations with amazing views, to the ones tucked back off the beaten path, wineries are a great location for your wedding. There are so many options as far as the vibe you are looking for from your wedding day. Some of the local wineries have that rustic feel, an amazing old barn, a modern blank white space for any of your creative designs, beautiful views overlooking a bluff, a large raised open deck for ceremonies, and one of my favorites are the actual vineyard fields that make for a great background for any photo. So, here are a few weddings from our past issues that took place at a few local wineries.

4. A September wedding at Lake Hill Winery from issue 10.

Rows and rows of grape vines make for great photos of the bride and groom and even the wedding party. So many options there. And everything just glows during sunset, which is amazing and I love it.

1. A June wedding at Pointe D’Vine from issue 2.

With amazing views and open areas, Pointe D’Vine makes for a great spot for outside weddings. As you can see from this wedding the beautiful landscape behind them really makes for a great backdrop during your ceremony.

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2. An October wedding at Pointe D’Vine from issue 8.

A beautiful old, well maintained barn. Is that enough said?

This barn is such a signature piece at Pointe D’Vine it’s hard to not want it as part of your wedding day.

3. A June wedding at Lake Hill Winery from issue 9.

Who wouldn’t want to get married under a pergola, next to a beautiful lake, surrounded by their family and friends. You can find this at Lake Hill Winery and it makes for a great wedding ceremony location. Afterwards you can make your way up to the banquet hall for your reception.

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5.A styled wedding shoot at Spirit Knob Winery from issue 16. What an awesome place to show off your wedding cake than on the wine bar with a wine rack and collection of yummy tasting wines in the background. This cake was from a styled wedding shoot done awhile back by Amy Deters with Above & Beyond by Amy.

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If you missed out on our 2023 Wedding Expo, or if you did not get a chance to stop and chat with all our amazing vendors, don’t fret. Here is a list of all the vendors that participated in our wedding expo this year.

2023 Vendors

217 Films American Family Insurance Chalk Occassions Decor DJ Jeremy B Doug Ewing Photography Flash Photobooth Co. Flying Anchor Entertainment Girls In White Satin Hagel 1891 Himmel Entertainment Howerton Entertainment Jubilee De’cor Liquid Pony Party N Progress Pointe D’Vine

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Powell Film Co. Pumped up Balloons Rebel Pig Renewal by Anderson Riverside BBQ & Grill Rossiter Photography Royal Prestige Savvi Schmidt Tent Rental Small Grand Things Summit Spa & Salon Taylor Kaitlynn Unveiled Boudoir by Misty Hills Photography

2023 Sponsors

Ruthie Bea’s

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2023Trends

TO WATCH FOR A

re you looking for inspiration for your upcoming wedding? After some research, we have the scoop on some trends we think will be big in the 2023 wedding year. From photos to colors to cake, we covered our top 5 favorite trends we plan to see from our local love submissions this year.

Color

One of the top places couples look for wedding inspiration is Pinterest. This online mood board is full of ideas from invitations, to table decorations, to entire wedding themes.

Each year, Pinterest drops a list of trends they expect to see the following year based on users’ common searches. Their trend forecasting shows that colorful wedding details could be big in 2023. From bridesmaid’s dresses to florals, we hope to see lots of color this wedding season. But based on Pinterest’s data the colors we may see most are burn orange, copper, rust or terracotta. Some great colors for the fall season.

Love Drunk Blurry Photos

This next trend has already hit the Quincy area as I’ve seen some of the local photographers using it. Blurry photos, or love drunk blurry photos as they call them, are new fun photos to add to your wedding day. These kids of photos have an old retro feel but still make a dramatic statement. It really does give the feeling of being love drunk. If this is something you would like to add to your wedding day photos make sure to get with your photographer before the big day.

Private Last Dance

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From the moment you wake up on you wedding day it may seem like you’re go go go, with not much alone time to be with each other. A private last dance can help slow things down at the end of your beautiful yet chaotic day and allow you to connect and reminisce about the past few hours where you were surrounded by family and friends who were celebrating you and the beginning of the next chapter in your lives. This time alone also makes your wedding feel more intimate and personal, rather than just one big public event. You have that little bit of time to express your love again and really make it something to remember.

Unique Wedding Cakes

We love the traditional tiered wedding cakes but what about wedding cakes with separated tiers? Or cakes inspired by the brides wedding dress, or even upside-down tiered cakes? These kinds of wedding cakes are proof new couples are breaking the mold on the traditional things you find at weddings. Unexpected floral details, bright and bold colors, unique structural elements and even vintage-inspired cakes and something to watch for in 2023.

Colored Wedding Dresses

If you are looking to add some personality and a little flair to your big day, then having a colored wedding dress will definitely make a statement. With this as an option you can be as unique as you want. We’ve seen blue and red dresses, floral gowns, as well as Ombre styled dresses that still have your traditional white but with that added color. This really is a fantastic way to express yourself and your style.

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your story in QAB MAGAZINE

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!

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!

how to submit

FAQ’s

ON OUR WEBSITE Go the SUBMISSION page of qabmagazine.com and find the way you’d like to be featured.

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!

ON SOCIAL Send us a message on Facebook or Instagram and let us know your interested

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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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!

How much does it cost?

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

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!

Wedding Vendors get featured in 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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2529 Broadway St Quincy, IL 62301

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(217) 224-2641

Wedding Invitations • Envelopes Save the Date Cards • Programs Napkins • Thank You Notes • Signage

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8thavenuevillager.com

Quincy Location: 2615 Ellington Road Quincy, IL 62305 217-222-0617 Macomb Location: 319 N Lafayette St Macomb, IL 61455 309-833-2845

www.royal-printing.com

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QUINCY AREA Bridal

M AG A Z I N E sales@qabmagazine.com | www.qabmagazine.com

wedding

Planning your ?

Make sure to check out our directory of local vendors in the Quincy IL, Hannibal MO, and Keoku IA area! Scan the QR Code below for a direct link.

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