JUNE 14, 2019
The Press Special Edition • Summer 2019
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JUNE 14, 2019
Foolproof tips for picking wedding flowers H AY L E Y F I N E T T I
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hen planning for your special day, the pressure of making your dream a reality can be stressful. Here are some
tips that will help make picking floral arrangements an item you can check off your wedding to-do list. Veronica Ruvalcaba, owner of Brentwood Florist, said there are two factors couples should be most concerned about when considering flower arrangements. “The first thing to think about is if the flowers the bride wants are in season. Not all flowers are available yearround,” Ruvalcaba said. “The second thing to consider is budget. All bouquets and arrangements have different prices, depending on flowers selected,” she said. “For couples on a budget, our tip would be to be open-minded when consulting a florist. Mention your budget and colors and let them tell you what is available.” Rona Hullen, owner of R Flowers and Baskets, advised couples on a tight budget to limit the quantity of floral arrangements presented at the wedding. “Reuse the ceremony flowers at the reception, stick to a few types of flowers, be open-minded and flexible, and let your florist suggest some less expensive flowers that might give you the same look and feel you are hoping for,” Hullen said. Ruvalcaba and Hullen said the cost of flowers for weddings varies depending on the type of flower chosen and the number of flower types desired. “Your cost is lower the fewer flower types you pick. The bigger the variety and the type of flowers make all the
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
Choosing flowers for your wedding can seem daunting, but you can get the look you want without breaking the bank. pricing difference,” Hullen said. “Wedding flower cost ranges between $1,600 to $3,000. The price difference is based on the type of flowers requested and number and size of bouquets and/or arrangements needed,” Ruvalcaba said. For budgeting couples having summer weddings, Ruvalcaba said roses are a great option because they are
reasonably priced and hold up well in the heat. In addition to which flowers are in season and within budget, it is a good idea for couples to look into trending styles in 2019. Ruvalcaba and Hullen said bohemian-style floral arrangements are most popular and highly requested this year. Ruvalcaba said soon-to-be-married couples should come to Brentwood Florist to choose their floral arrangements because they care about their customers and are experts at what they do. “There are many options to choose from in regards to wedding flowers, but we always recommend to go with the professionals,” she said. “We have been in the business for over 35 years and take pride in our work. We work with all ideas and budgets. From big to small, we want to help make all your floral dreams come true. You have only one chance to make it perfect, and we will create the vision you are dreaming of.” Hullen encourages bridal couples to consider R Flowers and Baskets for their wedding, because at their shop, every couple is special. “You will not be just another floral job for me,” she said. “I will work diligently to meet your every expectation. I am passionate about my job and will go the extra mile for all my customers. I love giving each bride her own unique floral look. I also have many grand table arrangement containers and candelabra that I rent for free to my floral clients if I have the opportunity to be their florist.” Brentwood Florist is located at 8335 Brentwood Blvd. Ste. E, in Downtown Brentwood. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. R Flowers and Baskets is located at 2126 Prestwick Drive in Discovery Bay. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Show off your toned arms on the big day
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hopping for a wedding gown is a tradition that follows shortly after the engagement has taken
place and the ceremony date is set. Some women have very clear ideas of which type of silhouette and features they desire in a wedding gown, while others are open to suggestion. Most brides-to-be hope to look their most radiant in this customtailored creation. According to Kim Forrest, the editor of WeddingWire, an online marketplace for wedding-related items, strapless dresses are the standard for wedding attire, and that trend is unlikely to change anytime soon. Style directors for Martha Stewart Weddings agree, saying that roughly 75 percent of wedding dresses are strapless, although some alternative necklines are starting to become more popular. With so much attention directed their way, brides might look for ways to tone their upper bodies in advance of the big day. Arm-, chest- and shoulder-toning exercises can be part of a strong fitness regimen. The upper arms and the shoulders have no fewer than nine primary muscles that will need firming for brides to make an impact while walking down the aisle. Tame flabby areas with exercise. According to the University of
The upper arms and the shoulders have no fewer than nine primary muscles that will need firming for brides to make an impact while walking down the aisle.
Photo courtesy Metro Creative
Connecticut, the upper arms are a part of the female body where fat tends to be stored, along with the hips and thighs. Toning this area may take a combination of diet and exercise. Begin with the biceps, which are the front muscles of the arms directly above the elbows. Biceps are one of the stronger arm muscles, and bicep curls can help strengthen biceps further. Shape magazine suggests performing 12 repetitions of three hand posi-
tions, palms up, palms down and thumbs to the side, to really work this area. The triceps are a single muscle that have three sections. Doing triceps kickbacks, bench dips and triangle push-ups can really activate these muscles and cause them to become stronger and more toned. Strengthening and elongating shoulder muscles may take a combination of exercises that work not only the deltoids (muscles
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Ron Essex
surrounding the shoulders), but also the chest and back as well. Arm raises, both with arms extended to the side and in front of the body, can work these areas well. Brides who want to tone up can speak with a fitness instructor at a nearby gym to learn the various ways to firm their arms, chests and backs in advance of their wedding days. – Courtesy Metro Creative
Rick Felix Photography
Ron Essex
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Plenty of choices for local wedding venues H AY L E Y F I N E T T I
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“Couples should make sure they are happy with every part of the venue, including the look, food, beverages, staff and set up,” said Allyson Westlund, office manager at Lone Tree Golf & Event Center. Westlund added that couples choosing Lone Tree Golf & Event Center can feel confident their ceremony will be budget friendly and include great food and service. “All our packages feature amazing food,” Westlund said. “We focus on the catering and venue to create the vision you are hoping for.” Jun Gandia, recreation coordinator at the Brentwood Community Center said couples getting married there have the flexibility to design the wedding of their dreams. “We have a beautiful downtown park and a brand new gazebo where couples can hold their ceremony. Our community center
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is available to rent for wedding receptions,” said Gandia. “We allow couples the option to choose their own vendors and really personalize their event.” Couples may also be interested in hearing about popular wedding trends to get ideas for their wedding ceremony and reception. “Some of the trends I’ve seen are people adding game areas for cocktail hour, such as giant Jenga or giant Connect Four,” Gandia said. “I’ve seen mini food trucks that offer ice cream or donuts as end-of-the-night eats. I’ve even seen late-night taco trucks.” Westlund and Gandia ensure that bridal couples on a budget can conserve costs while still having their dream wedding. “For couples on a tight budget, create do-it-yourself projects for décor,” said Gandia. “Book vendors at least 12 months in advance to lock in prices. I’ve seen a lot of weddings held on Fridays or Sundays to help save money. I’ve even seen weddings done mid-week.” Westlund agreed, noting that the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center holds just as many weddings on Fridays and Sundays as it does on Saturdays. Westlund said the cost of renting a wedding venue varies, depending on the number of guests, food selection, bar and beverage, linen upgrades and other factors. “Couples should always ask if additional insurance needs to be purchased or if there
is an additional fee to use vendors not on the preferred vendor list,” Westlund said. Lone Tree Golf & Event Center offers several packages and amenities to make your wedding special. “We have three wedding packages that include food, beverages, linen, tables, chairs, a dance floor and more,” Westlund said. “Our venue is beautiful, and we provide amazing food and service. We work hard to deliver the wedding you are hoping for at a cost you can afford.” The Brentwood Community Center also has a variety of options for couples to consider for their special day. “We have a hall with a large dance floor, a commercial kitchen, along with beautiful areas downtown and in the park that are great for snapping radiant photos to capture long-lasting memories of your special day,” Gandia said. Lone Tree Golf & Event Center is located at 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. Hours are daily from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information, call 925-706-4232, email catering@lonetreegolfcourse.com, or visit lonetreegolfcourse.com. Brentwood Community Center is located at 35 Oak St. in Brentwood. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 925-516-5444, email info@brentwoodca. gov, or visit brentwoodca.gov/gov/parks/ rentals/buildings/center.asp.
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Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
Second marriage guide
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marriage for the second (or third) time is certainly
worthy of celebration. The Pew Research Center reports that at least four in 10 new marriages now include at least one partner who has been married before, a trend that is on the rise.
for
FF! 10% O
Planning a second wedding can be challenging, as individuals may be worried about proper etiquette, superstitions or meeting the expectations of others. But there are no hard rules governing second weddings. Now that couples are older and a bit more experienced, wedding planning may be met with greater enthusiasm and patience. see Second page 6B
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Planning a second wedding can be challenging, but there are no hard rules.
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Second from page 5B These tips can help the process along:
Dress it up Brides need not eschew white if they prefer to wear it for their second weddings. White, cream, ivory or other shades are perfectly acceptable. Also, brides can make their gowns as lavish or as simplistic as they desire. The length and style of the dress should reflect the formality and scope of the event.
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Couples who have been married before may want to set this new occasion apart from their previous weddings. Brides Magazine experts suggest discussing previous celebrations and what can be done differently this time around. Couples can use this opportunity to get to know each other more intimately by personalizing their festivities.
Don’t feel beholden to intimate affairs Second weddings tend to be more intimate, as guest lists tend to be smaller and couples tying the knot again may prefer more intimacy and less hustle and bustle. But couples should not avoid inviting people simply because second weddings are typically small affairs. Invite as many friends and family as you want and as your budget allows.
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Set up a registry Established couples may have the household basics already in place, but registries can include fun or entertaining gifts that speak to couples’ interests. These may include home theater systems, fancy cookware, athletic equipment or even funds for travel.
Involve the children Couples who have children can make them a special part of their second wedding celebrations. Kids can play any role in the ceremony, depending on their age. If the second marriage comes after an amicable divorce, couples can invite their former spouses to provide support to their children, so they can feel comfortable in the wedding.
Be prepared The marriage application process is similar the second time around, but additional documents, such as a divorce decree or death certificate, may be necessary. These legal documents will also be needed for men and women who intend to change their last names after getting married. A second marriage deserves as much celebration as the first and gives couples an opportunity to express their love for each other and their appreciation to their friends and families. – Courtesy Metro Creative
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Wedding dress fitting guide
B
ecause fashion preferences were once ornate and dependent on precise fits, ready-to-
wear clothing did not become widely accessible until the early 20th century. Such attire is now available in just about any retail store. Because ready-to-wear clothing is so readily available, the average person may be unfamiliar with custom-made or tailored items. In fact, a couple’s wedding may be the only time in their lives when they require the services of a seamstress or tailor. Fittings are a part of wedding planning, and here’s how brides-to-be can navigate the process of finding and being fitted for a dress. ♦♦ Try on sample gowns The first step is to make your rounds to various gown shops and try on the samples they have available. Most sample sizes will not be the size you wear every day, so expect them to be ill-fitting. Do not be discouraged. Once a gown is chosen, the dress shop will take your measurements and order the gown according to the manufacturer’s sizing guide. Again, this can be shocking, since the size will likely be larger than what you wear in street clothes. Some shops will also order a little larger to allow for adequate tailoring.
♦♦ Schedule the first fitting The first fitting should be anywhere from eight to 12 weeks before the wedding date, according to experts at WeddingWire, an online wedding information provider. This is the time it takes to complete most standard alterations. Complex customizations can take even longer. Brides should also budget a minimum of $500 for alterations, which may or may not be included in the price of the dress. ♦♦ Bring shoes and undergarments Remember to bring along the exact shoes and undergarments you will wear with your gown. A change in shoes, bra OR corset can result in the alterations fitting poorly the next time. Bring these items along to all subsequent fittings. ♦♦ Speak up Martha Stewart Weddings suggests speaking up at fittings if anything is uncomfortable or needs tweaking. Seamstresses are masters at their crafts, but only if they understand the desires of the bride. ♦♦ Check the details The second fitting is designed to check that all issues from the first fitting have been addressed, the gown is comfortable and you can move freely. At the last fitting, ask the maid of honor to come along so that she understands how to bustle or help you handle complicated straps or closures. – Courtesy of Metro Creative
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Community Center
Beautiful outdoor wedding site Indoor banquet seating for 330 guests Caterers dream kitchen Elegant pre-function area Ample parking
Photos courtesy of Wedding Bug Studios
Brentwood Parks & Recreation 35 Oak Street, Brentwood, CA parksandrecreation@brentwoodca.gov 925.516.5444