2017 Columbus Weddings Show

TWO big DAYS to plan your BIG DAY Inside:

• Fashion Shows • Ask a Planner: Complimentary Consultations • Full List of 200+ Exhibitors • Prize Giveaways • Columbus Weddings Show Map

See WE tv’s David Tutera

Live on stage Saturday and Sunday!

Q&A, Page 2

SATURDAY, JAN. 14 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, JAN. 15 Noon to 5 p.m.

Ohio State Fairgrounds Cardinal Hall • 717 E. 17th Ave. L

w Ne ion! t a oc

The prince of planning

BY EMMA FRANKART HENTERLY Editors Note: This story originally appeared in Columbus Weddings magazine.

David Tutera has made quite a name for himself in the wedding industry. He’s planned the big day for the likes of Star Jones and Shannen Doherty (not to mention designing major events for countless other celebs). He has his own lines of bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, shoes, jewelry, invitations and DIY craft items. He stars Dispatch Special Sections | Friday, January 13, 2017

on WE tv’s CELEBrations and even has his own

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podcast. Tutera will give presentations at the Columbus Weddings Show on Jan. 14-15.

Columbus Weddings chatted with him beforehand to get some planning pointers from one of the best in the biz.

You’ve planned a lot of celebrity weddings and events over the years.

What tips do you have that translate from those large-scale affairs to wedding planning for the average person?

I think the formula remains the same, whether you’re spending $100 or $100,000. I think what people assume is that more money equates to a better, (more) successful party, and it’s more memorable. But what I like to share with people is, it’s more about the details and the story that you’re telling.

What are some avenues for couples to do that?

Storytelling is done through a lot of simple ways. A really good start is with printed materials. There are things that you can infuse into your save-the-dates, if you do save-thedates, and into your invitations. You can share little storytelling things that you know about one another or how you met. It’s also great to do on a wedding website.

And then when it comes down to things like menu selection, pick

menus that either are culturally related to you as a couple or a menu that maybe you dined on when you were proposed to, or a menu that reminds you of your grandmother. All of these things that are personally connected to you — right down to the flavor of the cake and why. The music that you choose and why.

What’s one question couples always ask you, and how do you respond to it?

Ah, the one question I’ve heard consistently for 30 years is, “How can my wedding be different?” Well, you have to either commit to that or not.

So everybody wants to be different, but everyone is scared to step outside the box.

Once we get into learning what their definition of different is, or unique, or creative, then I can do my job. I think what happens right now is, people are so caught up in everything online — Pinterest has completely destroyed everything.

So should soon-to-be-weds avoid Pinterest altogether?

I think if they glance at it, there’s

nothing wrong with it. But what happens is, they make a decision, collectively or individually, they go to vendors, and then they start going online and they start seeing other ideas. ...

It’s causing couples to make too many changes, costing them more money.

Also, creating confusion and creating a disconnect with what they’ve chosen because it starts to not make sense.

Well, I was going to ask what the biggest mistake couples make is, but it seems like you’ve already answered that. Is it relying on Pinterest too much?

It is. It’s starting too early in the planning, not sitting down and taking a deep breath and going, “What is our vision?” Which doesn’t have to be accurate, but if you really don’t know the vibe, the style, the objective to what you want your guests to leave with, then it’s impossible for you to sit and plan your wedding.

Is there anything couples should do at their wedding that isn’t often done?

I think that brides and grooms

don’t speak at their weddings, and I think they ignore the opportunity to thank their guests for being there.

They wind up being sort of these passive participants in getting up and doing the formalities; you don’t really hear a voice from them. I always have said that I’d rather hear the bride and groom make a thank-you and a speech to each other and to their family and friends, than the ancillary toasts that really don’t make much of a difference.

Are you saying to pass on the best man and maid of honor speeches?

Or shorten them, but I would include, in addition, the bride and groom saying something.

Looking ahead, what are your favorite trends for 2017?

You know, the trend that started in the middle of last year, which has started bleeding in now to ’17, will be the continuation of more of a modern industrial look. But what I am seeing

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Two-day Columbus Weddings Show makes it easy to collect ideas for your big day

BY DENISE BLOUGH DISPATCH MEDIA GROUP

and think about your overall vision.”

Before planning too much, Frankart Henterly stressed finalizing the wedding date, budget and guest list, as those determine nearly everything else.

Brainstorming for the big day is made easy with the show’s hundreds of professionals offering advice and information on live music and DJs, car rentals, cakes, floral arrangements, photography, videography, dancing and more. A full list of exhibitors and a map of the show floor begin on page 6.

Each bride-to-be who attends the show will receive a free ‘bling ring’ for attending, and wedding planners will be on hand each day to answer questions. See page 10 for more details.

But the event isn’t just for brides — it’s a great opportunity for grooms to gain insight into their fiancee’s concepts for the wedding, as well as give their own input.

“If she’s interviewing a vendor at the show, and he disagrees with her vision, he can speak up right there,” Frankart Henterly said.

The show will also have vendors that cater to wedding parties, such as

find out,” said Dollison, adding that she and her husband found the location for their reception by attending the Columbus Weddings Show.

Prizes include free engagement photo sessions, hair and makeup, design-your-own wedding rings and tuxedo rental, as well as gift cards toward catering, reception rooms, hotel rooms, jewelry, restaurants and much more.

“The show will have everything couples possibly need, whether they’re just starting the process or near the tail end of planning and just need to finalize a couple of things,” Frankart Henterly said.

For more information or to purchase tickets online visit CbusWeddings.com. General admission is $10 online or $12 at the door. Get a Squad Pack — admission for three people and available online only — for $25.

Dispatch Special Sections | Friday, January 13, 2017

The average central Ohio engagement lasts between 12 to 18 months, said Emma Frankart Henterly, editor of Columbus Weddings magazine.

And much of that pre-wedding time is spent planning — looking for a venue, finalizing the guest list, finding the perfect gown, cake, jewelry, flowers and food — the list goes on.

Few newly engaged couples have time to survey all of the available options for their wedding, but those who come to the two-day Columbus Weddings Show being held this weekend will have access to more than 200 industry professionals — including celebrity guest and wedding planner David Tutera from WE tv’s CELEBrations — all in the same room.

The Columbus Weddings Show, presented by Worthington Jewelers, will take place Jan. 14 and 15, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and noon-5p.m., respectively, in the new Cardinal Hall at the Ohio Expo Center.

Along with wedding specialists, the show will feature professional runway shows staging the latest wedding fashions, a one-hour presentation by David Tutera at 2 p.m. followed by a meet-and-greet each day, a chance to win a share of more than $20,000 in prizes and more.

“They can’t miss it,” said Frankart Henterly, adding that she and her sister both attended the show as bridesto-be. “I’ve never seen anything like it in the area in terms of what’s available in resources that are offered.”

More engagements occur in December than any other month, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, making January the perfect time for central Ohio’s largest wedding event.

“Your wedding is probably going to be the biggest party you’ve ever planned, and that can be a lot of pressure,” Frankart Henterly said. “But try not to jump into it too quickly, and take a minute to collect your ideas

jewelers and dress and tuxedo designers.

The Columbus Weddings Fashion Show will be held both days of the event, at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m., and will include all of the latest looks for brides and bridal party members.

“It’s really a one-stop shop for brides, grooms, their families and wedding parties to meet with all the vendors that they need to make their wedding day what they want it to be,” said Judy Dollison, marketing manager for Dispatch Consumer Shows.

There will also be a Tablescape Challenge Design Competition in which teams of vendors, including floral designers, caterers, bakers and others will create reception table mock-ups, with show attendees voting for their favorite.

“It exposes you to options you may not have known about or would have had to spend a lot of time digging to

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COLUMBUS WEDDINGS SHOW SPONSORS PRESENTING

FASHION SHOW TIMES: 12:30 AND 3:30 P.M. SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JAN. 14 AND 15 Professionally produced fashion shows are a staple of the Columbus Weddings Show, and they will take place throughout the weekend, at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday.

Models will sport looks by David’s Bridal, Henri’s Cloud Nine, Joan’s Bridal Couture, White of Dublin and Men’s Warehouse as they make their way down the runway. Charles Penzone Salons will provide hair and makeup styles for the models to complement each ensemble.

A popular wedding theme has been the “industrial chic” look, said Emma Frankart Henterly, editor of Columbus Weddings. This incorporates clean lines, silverand copper-toned metals and loose, airy floral arrangements with whites, blues and greens.

“We’re even seeing a bit of a mix of natural elements into that industrial theme,” Frankart Henterly said. “Adding some wood or stone into your decor is a big trend.”

In gowns, the trend has moved toward more intricate and detailed designs.

“So that might mean lots of rhinestones and bling, lots of lace or illusion details,” Henterly said.

“Separates are also starting to get

FASHION SHOW

Dispatch Special Sections | Friday, January 13, 2017

PRODUCED BY

SPONSORS

MUSIC SPONSOR

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HOTEL OF CHOICE

Find inspiration for your wedding attire

MEDIA SPONSORS

a rise in popularity, like crop tops with high-waisted skirts.”

But there are always a few timeless looks, she added, like the ball gown, as well as simple, neutral-colored makeup with a slightly deeper lip tone.

“For grooms, we’re seeing a lot of slimmer fits, particularly with taller guys, and I’ve seen a lot more gray tones lately,” Frankart Henterly said. “Black is always classic, but a lot of guys seem to be favoring dark gray.”

Each fashion show will last 45 minutes, providing a great avenue for brides-to-be and couples to find inspiration if they’re still in the market for a gown.

“They’re going to have some really great looks not just for clothes, but the overall bridal look,” Frankart Henterly said.

Dispatch Special Sections | Friday, January 13, 2017

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2017 COLUMBUS WEDDINGS SHOW FLOOR PLAN AND EXHIBITORS LIST BEAUTY, HEALTH & FITNESS Central Ohio Aesthetics. . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 European Wax Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416 LightRx Face & Body. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Mary Kay Cosmetics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 Richard Bowen, DDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 814 Square One Salon and Spa . . . . . . . . . . 301 The Charles Penzone Salon. . . . . . . . 611, 613, 710, 712 True REST Float Spa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 803 Tzagournis Family & Cosmetic Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407

Dispatch Special Sections | Friday, January 13, 2017

BRIDAL REGISTRY & CHINA Bed Bath & Beyond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 503, 505 Macy’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323, 325, 327

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BRIDAL SALONS, DRESSMAKERS & VEILS David’s Bridal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 501,600 Henri’s Cloud Nine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 516,518 Joan’s Bridal Couture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 711 TWIRL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Universe Bridal & Prom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402 Wendy’s Bridal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701, 800 White of Dublin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 723 CAKES Capital City Cakes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810, 812 Jan Kish - la petite fleur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703 Scrumptious Crumbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 The Cake Studio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 CATERERS A Catered Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411 Bosc + Brie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310 Bravo Brio Restaurant Group. . . . . . . . . 303 Buca di Beppo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 816 Cameron Mitchell Premier Events. . . . . 304 Catering by Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 707 Chef T’s Catering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 City Barbeque Catering. . . . . . . . . 511, 610 Granville Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 605 JP’s Barbeque Ribs and Chicken. . . . . . 1103 L.A. Catering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 911 Marriott Columbus University District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 607 PC Events Catering, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 423 Piada Catering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1016 Lindey’s Catering & Special Events. . . . . 917 Sadie Baby Sweets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 811 The Berwick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1007 The Columbus Athenaeum . . . . . . . . . . . 922

Diamond Cellar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1002 STORE5a. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1004 Worthington Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . 510, 512 MENSWEAR SPECIALISTS American Commodore Tuxedo. . . . 424, 426 Menguin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 President Tuxedo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114, 116 KEY: Sponsor Featured Exhibitor The Grand Event Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . 704 Wedgewood Golf & Country Club. . . . . . 312 DANCE INSTRUCTION Fred Astaire Dance Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Studio Rouge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307 EVENT COORDINATORS, SERVICES & DECORATING Blue Skies HD Video & Film Productions LLC. . . . . . . . . . . 1000 Connie Duglin Linen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Hokulia Of Ohio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412 Lasting Impressions Event Rentals. . . . . . . . 1017, 1019, 1116, 1118 Main Events Party Rental. . . . . . . . . . . . . 302 FLORISTS & FLORAL PRESERVATION Bloomtastic Flowers & Events. . . 601, 700 Vessel Floral and Event Design . . . . . . . 802 The Flowerman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1013 GIFTS & FAVORS Dinner4two. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Men’s Wearhouse . . . . . . . . 602, 604, NutriChef USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Things Remembered. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

522 606 806 404

GOURMET & SPECIALTY FOODS Paddy Wagon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1123, 1125, 1127 GOWN PRESERVATION Dublin Cleaners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507 INVITATIONS, STATIONERY & WEDDING ALBUMS Avant-Garde Impressions. . . . . . . . . . . 110, 112 The Paper Vault. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906 You’re Invited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413 JEWELERS Alfred Angelo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1003

MUSICIANS, ENTERTAINERS & DISC JOCKEYS Andy Shaw Band. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324 Class Acts Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801 Columbus Pro DJs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 823 D and M DJ Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . 1107 Master Mix DJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1106 Mega Beat Entertainment. . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Not So Loud Silent Party. . . . . . . . . . . . 317 ShoPros Ohio Mobile DJ Entertainment & Live Event Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1018 Street Players. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 912 TEAM DJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1006 PHOTOGRAPHERS & PHOTO BOOTHS 222 Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 807 AddVision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306 Brett Loves Elle Photography. . . . . . 311, 410 Cilento Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822 Dan Buckley Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . 524 Doug Melvin Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . 910 Forget Me Knot Photography. . . . . . . . . . 120 Heather Blackston Photography, LLC. . . 415 Hillary Ferguson Photography LLC. . . . . 818 Jim Schwarz Photographers. . . . . . . . . 1005 New Image Studios. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 900 Our Dream Photos

by James DeCamp Photography. . . . 1101 Provence Boudoir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418 Randolph Photo & Video Services. . . . . . 918 Reflections Event Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1111 Rick Buchanan Photography. . . . . . . . . . . 316 Sanchez Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403 Shoot 2 Studios. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406 STYLE AND STORY CREATIVE . . . . . . 1010 Tessa Maxine Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . 1110 The Columbus Photo Booth Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1117, 1119 REALTORS, NEW HOMES, INSURANCE Shannon Grimm Team-HER Realtors. . . . 210 The Michelle Kovach Network/Keller Williams Premier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1012 Universal Windows. . . . . . . . . 1023, 1025, 1122, 1124

SEARCH THE EXHIBITOR DATABASE AT HTTP://BIT.LY/CWEXHIBITORS

Dispatch Special Sections | Friday, January 13, 2017

RECEPTION, REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATIONS & GUEST LODGING Annunciation Banquet & Conference Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904 Columbus Country Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 Columbus Hospitality Management. . . 706 Columbus Marriott Northwest. . . . . . . . 817 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. . . . . . . . 319 COSI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313 Creekside Conference and Event Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901 Embassy Suites by Hilton - Dublin. . . . . . 318 Greater Columbus Convention Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 Hilton Columbus Polaris. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 804 Irongate Equestrian Center. . . . . . . . . . 1112 Jefferson Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . 813 LaScala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 907 Little Bear Golf Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 422 Makoy Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 819 NorthStar Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 919

Ohio History Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 916 Scioto Reserve Country Club. . . . . . . . . . 103 Stuart’s Opera House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 The Ballroom at J.Liu Worthington. . . . . 102 The Barn at Stratford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506 The Blackwell Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 The Country Club at Muirfield village. 905 The Golf Club at Little Turtle . . . . . . . . . 903 The Medallion Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417 The Reception House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 The Worthington Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405 Weatherington Woods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705 SECURITY SYSTEMS Executive Security Consultants. . . . . . . 223 TRANSPORTATION Classic Limousines of Columbus. . . 122, 124, 126, 513, 514, 612 ColumbusCoach.com. . . . . 713, 715, 717, 719

TRAVEL AGENTS & HONEYMOONS AAA Ohio Auto Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322 Active Travel . . . . . . . . 401, 500, 502, 504 Bliss Honeymoons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1001, 1100 Calyco Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 LoveShack Vacations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805 VIDEOGRAPHERS Clear Sky Video. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 WEDDING RESOURCES Aiden & Grace Speciality Rentals. . . . . . . 1011 Columbus Monthly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 603 Experience Columbus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 902 The Columbus Dispatch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 702 WEDDING SITES First Congregational Church UCC. . . . . . 419

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MORE THAN $20,000 IN PRIZES

TICKETS $10 online at CbusWeddingsShow.com $12 at the door $25 squad pack (admission for 3) online only Children 12 and under admitted free Visit the Info Booth to receive a free re-admission pass to return for the second day of the show.

FEATURES • Over 200+ diverse exhibitors • Tablescape Challenge Design Competition-

New for 2017! Teams made up of wedding professionals will show off their creativity in this challenge.

Columbus Weddings Show guests will be the judges to decide which table is the best! This year’s theme is Vintage by Candlelight.

Wedding Day Jewelry Package

Have a wedding planning question? A panel of professional planners will be present to share their expertise.

Quick, complimentary consultations. No appointment necessary.

$2,500 Giveaway

• Ask A Planner

Dispatch Special Sections | Friday, January 13, 2017

Those attending the Columbus Weddings Show will have a chance to win more than $20,000 in prizes including jewelry, gift certificates, photo packages and more, through the Wedding Registry.

Plus, one lucky bride or groom will win a special package from Worthington Jewelers that includes a wedding day pendant you can design yourself, hisand-hers wedding rings, and a gift certificate for your bridal party to purchase earrings for the big day! No purchase necessary.

• Penzone Mani Pop-up Shop Saturday and Sunday at the Show SPECIAL SHOW PRICE: GelColor Manicure $38 (regularly $48!)

Call (614) 418- 5350 to schedule an appointment.

EVENTS • Fashion Shows 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. both days Produced by Bliss and featuring The Charles Penzone Salons, David’s Bridal, Henri’s Cloud Nine, Joan’s Bridal Couture, Men’s Wearhouse, White of Dublin

• David Tutera 2-3 p.m. both days • Worthington Jewelers Drawing, Sunday, 3 p.m.

• Dream Wedding Giveaway, Sunday, 3:30 p.m.

Charles Penzone Surprise & Delight Package

$365 value Courtesy of The Charles Penzone Salons

Updo’s

From the stylists at The Charles Penzone Salons

Photography sessions, gift cards and more!

$7,500 value Main Stage, 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 15 Courtesy of Worthington Jewelers To spend with participating Wedding Show exhibitors $500 1 Instant Winner $250 4 Instant Winners $100 10 Instant Winners

Dream Wedding Giveaway

$21,300 value Main Stage, 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 15 Courtesy of Columbus Hospitality Management Also on Sunday, winner of Columbus Hospitality Management’s Dream Wedding Giveaway will be announced. The Dream Wedding Giveaway accepted entries from engaged couples since November of last year. Now, after more than two months of voting, the final three couples will be interviewed live at the Columbus Weddings Show by a panel of judges.

Once the winner is selected, they will be announced live at the Show on Sunday

MUSIC Class Acts Entertainment will provide live music throughout the show with performances by Cardinal Strings, Buzzard Kings Duo, Erik Augis, and Tony Hagood Duo.

PARKING Convenient parking is located next to Cardinal Hall.

Parking is $5 — cash only.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 and what I am doing for clients is taking modern industrial and softening it.

So if you can imagine, using pewters and coppers and bronzes with lavender and coral.

Which is great, because lavender is an offset of silver; coral is an offset of gold. And it’s a great infusion with the metals, creating more of a contemporary-

slash-romantic look.

Other than seeing you, what should couples plan to do at the Columbus Weddings Show or shows like the Your Wedding Experience that you present?

It’s important for couples to go into (bridal shows) with open minds; to look for vendors that they feel comfortable with and connected to. Don’t make decisions based on prices. Yes, budget is important, but vendors need to understand who

you are and what you want instead of you fitting to the mold of what they do.

What’s your best advice for newly engaged couples?

To enjoy being engaged. To start talking about the planning of your wedding just as a couple, and not open the dialogue with too many people. ... Really try to understand what each of you wants, and then collaborate together on what you will wind up getting.

Dispatch Special Sections | Friday, January 13, 2017

Join the thousands of Ohio brides who have already discovered The Flowerman and learned how to DO IT YOURSELF!

Visit our website or call us to schedule your free consultation!

Dayton/ Cincinna (937)433-8610 Columbus (614)935-5832

www.flowermanflowers.com

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Have questions about how to make your big day unforgettable? Ask a planner!

New to the Columbus Weddings Show is the Ask a Planner area, which will be staffed by professional wedding planners. For an allotted amount of time, guests in line can consult the planner

about any topic they wish — for free.

Wedding planners are useful in several situations, said Emma Frankart Henterly, editor of Columbus Weddings. For instance, hiring a wedding planner can

help when you’re on a tight budget, “which sounds counterintuitive, but planners are going to know vendors that can help you achieve your vision without going over budget,” she said.

Planning a wedding within a limited time frame is another situation in which a planner can be beneficial, because they will help you get everything done more quickly and efficiently, she added.

Saturday 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Angela Rango-Patterson of Red Letter Day Events

Advice to couples: Enjoy this time in your life and continue to develop your relationship with each other and your families during the planning process. No fighting allowed.

Sunday 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Holly Brinkman of Bliss Wedding & Event Design

Sunday 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Meleka Joliff of MMJ Events

Dispatch Special Sections | Friday, January 13, 2017

Advice to couples: When couples are feeling overwhelmed with the planning process, I remind them to remember the true objective — to get married.

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Saturday 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Nina Banks of Nina Marie Weddings

Saturday 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Lucretia Williams of Distinct Event Planning

Advice to couples: Plan fun date nights with your fiance, and leave the wedding planning chatter at home. Enjoy each other’s company the way you did before he popped the question.

Advice to couples: Identify the two most important details that you will want flawlessly executed, and that should be where you focus your time and budget, everything else will seem less stressful after that.

Advice to couples: It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the small details, but try to remember this is supposed to be a fun process. If you can’t invest in a planner, I would ask an organized bridesmaid or family member to help you create a to-do list and take one task at a time.

Dispatch Special Sections | Friday, January 13, 2017

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