2019 Columbus Weddings Show

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | Thursday, January 10, 2019

See WE tv’s David Tutera

Live on stage Saturday and Sunday!

Q&A, Page 2

Inside:

• Bridal Runway Shows • Q&A with Monte Durham • 125+ Participating Wedding Companies • $15,000 in Door Prizes • Samples and Show-only Specials

Jan. 12 & 13 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ohio Expo Center • Kasich Hall 717 E. 17th Ave.

CBusWeddings.com

See Monte Durham of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | Thursday, January 10, 2019 ■

Welcome to the Columbus Weddings Show The 2019 Columbus Weddings Show will include fashion runway shows, giveaways and appearances by TLC’s Monte Durham of Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta.

By Emma Frankart Henterly The 2019 Columbus Weddings Show presented by Worthington Jewelers will be held Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ohio Expo Center’s Kasich Hall. As central Ohio’s biggest and best bridal expo, the show will feature a mix of old favorites and new, exciting experiences.

“We work hard all year to make this a fun, engaging event for central Ohio brides and grooms alike,” said Stephen Zonars, general manager of Dispatch Consumer Shows. “From bringing in a variety of celebrity guests to ensuring that the best vendors in the region are on hand to answer couples’ questions, everything our team does is designed to help brides and grooms find all the resources they need to plan their perfect wedding.”

Their efforts are paying off. The Columbus Weddings Show is known as a one-stop shop for all your wedding needs, from the engagement ring through honeymoon travel planning.

Many of the 125-plus vendors at the show offer exclusive discounts to attendees who book at the expo, and still more offer service samples ranging from hors d’oeuvres to cake pops to mini-makeovers.

“Engaged couples are excited about their weddings, of course,” Zonars said. “We want them to leave the show excited about plan-

ning their wedding.”

In addition to the vendors, four fashion shows — two each day — will showcase dozens of the latest styles for brides, grooms and bridal parties.

And Monte Durham, co-star of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, will give a stage presentation each day, when he’ll talk trends and take questions from the audience.

The Columbus Weddings Show is also known for its wide range of door prizes, from Bliss Buck$ that can be used with participating vendors to the grand prize giveaway: a $2,500 gift certificate to Worthington Jewelers. Entering for any of the show’s giveaways is easily done via the bridal registry kiosks set up at the show’s entrance.

Tickets to the show are $12 at the door or $10 online, courtesy Twirl. VIP Meet-andGreet tickets with Monte Durham are $25 and include entry to the show, a private small group meet-and-greet (12:45 p.m. check in), professional photograph with Monte and VIP seating for his stage presentations each day at 2:15 p.m. You also can purchase a Squad Pack — three tickets for $27— and bring along your partner, friends or parents. Parking at the Ohio Expo Center is $5, cash only.

A version of this story first appeared in the Spring/Summer 2019 issue of Columbus Weddings magazine.

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | Thursday, January 10, 2019

Monte Durham on finding the perfect dress

By Allison Ward The Columbus Dispatch Wedding expert Monte Durham helps brides say yes to the dress. But he also clears the way for women to say yes — and, in some cases, no — to many other decisions that play a role in planning a wedding.

“They’ll ask: ‘Do I have to wear a veil? Do I have to bustle my dress?’” said Durham, the fashion director for the TLC reality show Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta. “There are still things ingrained in society that, until someone gives them the security to do what they want, it can be difficult for them.”

Durham, who will make appearances Saturday and Sunday at the Columbus Weddings Show, to take place at the Ohio Expo Center, said he strives to give brides that confidence during the many speaking engagements he schedules annually. He will do question-and-answer sessions both days at the event, hosted by The Dispatch Media Group.

“People ask about the style of dress, locations, a lot about etiquette and basic questions from the mother who got married in the ‘80s and ‘90s — things that they aren’t familiar with,” said Durham, whose series recently got the green light for an 11th season.

“Back then people were married in religious facilities. Brides covered up.

Now, there’s such diversity in how you choose to have your wedding. How welcoming is that?”

Ahead of the weddings show, Durham, who lives in northern Virginia, talked about his start in the business, trends for 2019 and more.

Q: When and how did you break into the wedding industry?

A: I became an artistic director and culture director at a hair salon (named Red Door), and I was behind the chair, too. Beside us at the Red Door was (wedding-dress boutique) Priscilla of Boston. This was in McLean, Va. I started doing the (Priscilla of Boston) manager’s hair.

One day, she called me and said: “The guy who is doing our wedding hair for a show just called in sick. Can you help? “ I told her, “OK, I’ll do it,” but then I got hired by every bride in the store. Hairstylists generally aren’t excited about up-dos ... but in 2000 I was named the most preferred vendor for bridal hair and makeup for weddings in the D.C. area.

Q: How has Say Yes to the Dress changed the experience of weddingdress buying?

A: Two things — it shows family.

Everyone wants family there, even if

Durham will conduct Q&A sessions at 2:15 p.m. both days of the event, hosted

by Columbus Weddings Magazine and Dispatch Media Group.

Visit cbusweddings.com for more information.

it’s not your most favorite person. It also shows independence — that these women getting married have a sense of independence in choosing their own dress — whereas, in the past, the mother would come in and say, “That’s the dress,” or said, “You’re getting married in the winter, you must have sleeves.”

Q: How can you be a good shopping companion to a bride?

A: You’re brought along for two reasons: your opinion and your importance to the bride. She trusts you.

Don’t misuse trust. Be objective. Try saying, “Why do you like the sweetheart neckline? You wore a sweetheart neckline to prom and hated it,” instead of, “That looks horrible.”

My recommendation to brides is... you make an appointment on a Thursday and go in after work. Take shoes the height you plan to wear on your wedding day. Maybe call your mom and have a girls’ night. Really dissect what you’re putting on: I don’t like beading, but I like embroidery. I don’t like strapless but do like off the shoulders.

Then, choose three dresses and invite the mother-in-law and all your friends for the final process.

COLUMBUS WEDDINGS show sponsors presenting

Fashion runway show

Q: What can we expect for dress trends this year?

A: We saw this even before Prince Harry and Meghan got married. We saw a cleaner look coming — coverage coming — and that wedding really drove it home.

We’re trending back to veils, maybe not as long or as elaborately embroidered as Meghan’s. We’re seeing plainer dresses, natural waists and less leading as well as soft skirting and coverage, whether it’s a cap sleeve, off the shoulders or an illusion with scattered lace. Sleeves are big right now.

Buttons and bows are back in vogue.

sponsors

®

Q: Any other advice you have for today’s bride?

A: Take out a business card and write three things on it that are important to you. Maybe I want my wedding to be romantic, soft and free, or sophisticated, elegant and chic.

Wherever you go — whether it’s to look at flowers, bridesmaid dresses, cakes — pull out that card to help you make decisions. There are hundreds of types of invitations and cakes and even more dresses, and this can help you center what the wedding means to you.

See page 10 for more wedding planning advice from Monte Durham.

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Transportation Partner

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | Thursday, January 10, 2019 ■

Runway shows offer glimpse into what’s trending in bridalwear

By Sarah Sole Dispatch Media Group As the new year gets underway, the month of January will again become a time for showcasing the best of wedding fashion for brides and grooms making plans for their nuptials.

For many couples, it starts with finding the perfect dress and tuxedo.

And what better place to get ideas all under one roof than at the 2019 Columbus Weddings Runway Show, presented by J. Bentley Hair Studio and Day Spa? This year’s runway shows, organized by Bliss Wedding & Event Design, will be held at 1 and 3:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at the Ohio Expo Center’s Kasich Hall, 717 E. 17th Ave. Four local boutiques will dazzle and inspire showgoers as they show off their wares on stage. David’s Bridal, Wendy’s Bridal, White of Dublin and Henri’s Cloud Nine will showcase their favorite gowns, said Kasey Skobel-Conyers, runway show producer and owner of Bliss. Each boutique will showcase 13 of their favorite wedding looks.

A perk for attendees, Skobel-Conyers said, is that attending the show allows brides- and grooms-to-be to see boutiques’ styles without having to visit each shop individually.

“I think it’s nice to see the dresses on someone,” she said.

Henri’s Cloud Nine will be bringing

a variety of styles that feature cuttingedge trends from around the world.

“We find that upcoming bridal trends are heading back to traditional roots, like you see at the royal weddings, with high-end fabrics and sophisticated silhouettes,” said Lisa Schnader, marketing director.

Henri’s will be including exclusive designs in the show from fashion capitals like New York City and Europe. “We’re excited to bring a taste of elegance and luxury to our Midwestern clientele. Many of our newest gowns feature long trains, sparkling embellishments and intricate lace found around the world,” Schnader said. “We’re looking forward to meeting all of the beautiful brides to be at the Columbus Weddings bridal show.”

For Heather DiMasi, owner of White of Dublin, the show is an opportunity to show fashion-forward pieces as well as timeless classics. The latter group will feature unique twists, which set them apart from other dresses. For example, an A-line silhouette might also feature unique beading or lace, she said.

And while DiMasi is prepping runway looks for the models, she also had a word of advice for the spectators: Be open minded, and don’t shy away from trying on something you think you might not like.

“Because you never know,” she said.

J. Bentley Studio & Spa will provide runway hair and makeup. The runway

show will also include men’s looks provided by Men’s Wearhouse. Taira Benner, salon owner and operator at J. Bentley, said she plans to feature intricate up-dos as well as more simple, flowing hairstyles.

“Both looks can be elegant,” she said.

For makeup, Benner said brides can opt for a natural look while still being mindful of how their makeup will translate to photography. Although the look will be a bit heavier than typical daytime wear, it can still feature natural tones.

And elegant looks can still bring the drama, whether via a pop of color on the lips or with lash enhancements, Benner said.

The show, which includes seats for about 200, often becomes standingroom-only by the start of the event, Skobel-Conyers said. The music and production is on par with what one would find during New York Fashion Week, she said.

This is Skobel-Conyers’ fourth year producing the show, and this year she decided to redesign the runway with a V-shaped stage, so that the audience can view models’ looks from the front as well as the back, she said.

While the audience will be able to see the latest trends in wedding gowns, the runway will also provide an opportunity to view options for hair and makeup.

While wedding gowns might be a fixture on the runway, suits and

tuxedos will also have their share of the spotlight.

Daniel Guerrero, store manager with Men’s Wearhouse, said he will feature a blend of both conservative, formal tuxedos and trendy suits.

Trendier suits will have a slimmer fit through the pants and jackets, and both suits and tuxedos will feature thin lapels. The tuxedos will be dressed up with lapels in satin, while some of the suits will offer a more casual option, he said.

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | Thursday, January 10, 2019

More couples shopping for rings together

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By Sarah Sole Dispatch Media Group With so many options to choose from, selecting an engagement ring and wedding band can sometimes be more anxiety-inducing than popping the question.

But the key to choosing that perfect ring could just be doing one’s research.

Couples are shopping together to get ideas for engagement rings now more than ever before, said Kathryn Givens, sales floor supervisor for Worthington Jewelers, presenting sponsor of the 2019 Columbus Weddings Show.

Knowing what a partner likes while still being able to keep that element of surprise is important, she said.

And when they’re not shopping together, couples are looking to social media for inspiration.

Many times, men come into the store armed with their girlfriend’s Pinterest or Instagram pages, said Worthington Jewelers owner Theresa Capace. By combining pieces and parts of multiple images, they are able to choose something they can feel confident about, she said.

In many cases, people favor basic styles for engagement rings, such as the solitaire cut, Givens said. A pave set, with small stones on the side of a larger stone, is also popular.

Pear-shaped stones are coming back into style, Givens said, and round and oval cuts are trending as well.

Some couples also choose a halo style, in which a large center stone has a crown of smaller stones around it. That style, which has been popular for about five years now, is considered a modern classic now, Givens said.

Whenever shoppers come into Worthington Jewelers, Capace said, they receive an education on cut and clarity and a lesson in how diamonds are priced.

“We want them to feel comfortable,” she said. “We’re not trying to

sell them, we just want to help them pick that perfect ring.”

Diamonds aren’t the only option available, either. A host of alternatives exist for a variety of budgets, Givens said.

Take moissanite, which is a diamond-like gemstone that’s white in color. Moissanite reflects light just like a diamond, but for a fraction of the cost, Givens said.

A one-karat diamond costs on average between $6,000 and $8,000, while a one-karat moissanite costs between $1,500 to $2,000.

Colored stones, such as sapphires, are also popular for engagement rings, and they provide excellent durability, Givens said. Many people like pale pink or peach stones, while the light

teal color of a Montana sapphire is also popular. White sapphires are also a nice alternative to diamonds.

Prices vary for sapphires, some of which can cost as much as a one-karat diamond, Givens said. But since paler stones aren’t as rare as darker stones, they can be 50 to 75 percent of the cost of a one-karat diamond for a similar-sized stone.

While women used to match their wedding bands to their engagement rings, they are now moving toward more unique styles, such as stackable rings Capace said.

Often, the solution is two rings with varied styles, diamond sizes or even metals, that achieve a stackable look, Givens said.

“It kind of makes it personalized to

their tastes,” Givens said.

Meanwhile, when men choose their rings, they tend to lean toward traditional plain metal bands or opt for contemporary choices such as cobalt, zirconium, tungsten and titanium, Givens said.

Shoppers looking for a taste of vintage style are also in luck.

Worthington Jewelers can reset old rings, and the store has two full-time goldsmiths on staff, Givens said. The store also has an estate bridal section, where shoppers can look for both contemporary and older styles that were previously owned.

A small, family owned business, Worthington Jewelers has been in business since 2000.

features, prizes and giveaways

TICKETS

• ReVision Lasik One complimentary Lasik Eye Procedure

$12 at the ticket window $10 online, discount courtesy of Children age 17 and younger free

• $250 to spend with exhibitors (4 prizes)

General Admission

• $100 gift certificates from Worthington Jewelers (10 prizes)

Monte Durham VIP Admission $25 online

Ticket includes: general admission to the Columbus Weddings Show, private small group meet and greet with Monte Durham (12:45 p.m. check in), professional photograph with Monte, VIP seating for Monte’s stage presentation at 2:15 p.m. Available Saturday or Sunday while supplies last.

Squad Pack

$27 online only, admits 3 adults

DOOR PRIZES

The Bridal Registry at the show is your entry to win more your share of than $15,000 in door prizes that will be awarded, with more than 480 winners,

including: • Worthington Jewelers $2,500 Bridal Jewelry Package grand prize • Henri’s Cloud Nine $1,600 Bridal Styling Experience • White of Dublin $700 White Carpet Bridal Experience • J. Bentley Hair Studio and Day Spa $700 in salon services

• Sabering Prize — Sabering is the French tradition of removing the cork from a bottle of champagne.

This ritual dates back to Napoleon when his soldiers used the reverse edge of their saber to break the neck of the bottle open. Let Jan Kish saber your bottle of champagne, and cut your first piece of cake using sterling silver Christofle Saber. Courtesy of Jan Kish.

• 6-person experience at Dueling Axes.

• Hundreds of other door prizes.

PARKING $5 cash

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | Thursday, January 10, 2019 ■

2019 columbus weddings Show exclusive offers Companies participating in the Columbus Weddings Show have created special offers you can only get if you attend the show. So come take advantage of the savings.

Celebrate Your Sexy BOOTH 905 Show special: $59 Photo Shoot ($300 value) if you book with us by April 13.

Al’s Delicious Popcorn BOOTH 400 Show special: Take 10 percent off your wedding shower or reception order.

City Barbeque BOOTH 200 Show special: Complimentary tasting and professional catering personnel to assist with planning.

Avant-Garde Impressions BOOTHS 214, 216 Show special: We will be passing out 10 percent off coupons for wedding stationary orders.

Columbus Coach/ Supreme Limousine BOOTH 202 Show special: If you mention the Columbus Weddings Show at time of booking, we will extend a 15 percent discount off services.

Bridgewater Banquet & Conference Center BOOTH 423 Show special: Stop by our booth and receive $500 off room rental.

Catering by Scott BOOTH 600A Show special: Book your wedding with Catering by Scott and we will include our fabulous cupcake display as our Bridal Show gift to you.

Cedar Grove Lodging BOOTH 307 Show special: Book with us by Feb. 28th and receive $500 off your event venue rental fees.

Comfort Photography BOOTH 913 Show special: 30 percent off of the wedding collection of your choice.

Compass Travel BOOTH 407 Show special: Book your honeymoon or destination wedding package with Compass Travel by Feb. 28 and get a free $75 gift card to Spa Grove day spa in Gahanna.

Heritage Golf Club BOOTH 524 Show special: If you book by Jan. 20,

you will receive one of the following at no cost: upgraded linen, champagne toast for all guests, or half off room rental.

Show special: We are offering complimentary linen rental if you book your wedding at Magnolia Hill Farm.

Hillary Ferguson Photography LLC BOOTH 818 Show special: $100 off of your wedding package.

Makoy Center BOOTH 810 Show special: $500 off if you book

by April 1.

Jefferson Country Club BOOTH 813 Show special: Mention the Columbus Weddings Show-only Offer and receive a Complimentary Round of Golf for Eight or a Complimentary Champagne Toast for you and your reception guests. Provided upon booking and selecting your offer at Jefferson; restrictions apply.

Master Mix DJ BOOTH 911 Show Special: Book DJ + Photo Booth Combo by Jan. 31 and save $100. Unlimited hours for your day.

Jewelry by Catherina BOOTH 712 Show special: Attention brides: The first five who make a deposit for their wedding party will get 25 percent off their entire package.

Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography BOOTH 1001 Show special: 25 percent off any wedding photography package booked during the show.

Little Brook Meadows BOOTH 402 Show special: Free rental of commercial margarita machine with 2019 bookings.

Renewal by Andersen BOOTH 711 Show special: Sweepstakes for $10,000 in windows and doors.

Magnolia Hill Farm BOOTH 318

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NorthStar Golf Club BOOTH 806 Show special: 50 percent off all room rentals for all 2019 receptions.

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | Thursday, January 10, 2019

2019 columbus weddings Show taste samplings Capital City Cakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 611 Cake samples

ReVision Lasik & Cataract Surgery . . . . . . . . 225 Water infused with fruit

Catering by Cox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 723 Fruit, cheese, mini desserts

Scioto Reserve Country Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 Carmelized Bacon Crisp and Caprese Skewers

City Barbeque. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Sliced Beef Brisket

Smoked on High BBQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 502 Smoked Pulled Pork, Homemade BBQ Sauces

COSI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 902 Vegan Date Balls

The Berwick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 907 Chicken Marsala, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Tortellini with Vodka Sauce

Jan Kish – La Petite Fleur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404 Mini cupcakes and desserts L.A. Catering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Charcuterie Magnolia Hill Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318 Cookie Bites Makoy Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810 Bruschetta

The Suisse Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 917, 919 Bite-sized portions of Cake Virtues Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 522 Tomato Bruschetta Wedgewood Golf & Country Club. . . . . . . . . . 411 Chocolate Covered Strawberries

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | Thursday, January 10, 2019 ■

Axe throwing, locally made bow ties among vendors featured at 2019 bridal show

Beau Ties By Edwin beautiesbyedwin.com

Beau Ties By Edwin has been in business for two years in central Ohio, and this will be the first time owner Edwin John Yang will be bringing his handcrafted and locally made bow ties to the Columbus Weddings Show.

Much of Beau Ties’ inventory can be worn as everyday accessories, but for special events — such as weddings — Yang works directly with clients to find the perfect fabric.

“We like to use fabric that matches a person’s personality or event theme. Another service of ours is taking old fabrics, such as a loved one’s shirt or old neck tie, and converting it into a special keepsake bow tie,” he said.

Yang has been wearing bow ties since he was a kid, and said it’s just always been his preference. “I decided to start making my own bow ties when I was less than thrilled with the selections available at stores. I taught myself how to make them by taking one apart and online tutorials.”

When he started wearing homemade bow ties in public, people noticed and complimented his craftsmanship. “The weirdest place I’ve taken a bow tie order was at a fast food restaurant while having lunch alone,” he said. “I like to say that Beau Ties

By Edwin is an accidental business.”

Not only does Yang make bow ties, but he also teaches people how to tie them correctly, which is something he’ll be doing at the Columbus Weddings Show.

“I love how people react to bow ties. I never realized how much a small clothing accessory could evoke so much emotion, especially when I convert an old shirt from a loved one who has passed,” he said. “I also love how I can make something for the groom and groomsmen on their special day. It’s something they can keep as a memento. Usually everything the groom wears is rented and returned afterwards.”

Beau Ties by Edwin are exclusively available at select local events and online.

Al Delicious Popcorn alspopcorn.com

Al’s Delicious Popcorn was started by Albert Voelkel in 1985 and has been a Columbus staple ever since. Scott and Jan Baird took over the business last year and are excited to see where this ven-

ture takes them as they are renovating their flagship store on Bethel Road and launching a new website.

Despite the changes, their core product remains the same: delicious gourmet popcorn, which Columbus Weddings Show attendees will get to sample at the upcoming event.

The shop features more than 70 flavors of popcorn made daily by popcorn chefs. Flavors span from savory to sweet to specialty, Jan Baird said.

“They include cheddar cheese, dill pickle, apple pie, s’mores and our most popular flavor, vanilla butternut. We pop our corn in coconut oil and most of our flavors are gluten free. Vegan options are also available.”

Not sure which flavor you might like? No worries. “When you visit, you can taste the flavors until you find your favorite,” Baird said. “We have bags and tins available to meet all of your needs.”

For weddings and parties, Al’s Delicious Popcorn offers specialty coloring of its vanilla butternut flavor to match party themes and decor. “We often have brides come in with a swatch of their bridesmaids’ dresses in order to match the popcorn to their wedding colors.

The shop is a destination of choice for “popcorn bars,” which can be setup in the style of the wedding and filled with our popcorn, Baird said.

Party favors are another favorite. “We can fill a bride’s favor with her popcorn of choice, or we can provide favors ready to be set out for the event.”

And they can customize labels for special occasions such as engagements “We can put ‘He popped the question!’ on the label to make the bags special,” Baird said.

This is the first time Al’s Delicious Popcorn will be at the Columbus Weddings show, and the Baird family is looking forward to meeting people excited for their weddings. “We hope to be a part of many of those celebrations,” Baird said.

Dueling Axes theduelingaxes.com

Dueling Axes, an indoor axe-throwing lounge in downtown Columbus, opened in July 2018. As the name implies, all they do is throw axes — and teach others the art, technique and joy associated with the activity.

“Our experienced axe throwing coaches teach all participants how to be safe during the activity and provide throwing technique training before the beginning of each reservation. From there, the sport of axe throwing is similar to darts where there are multiple types of game play that can occur,” said

co-owner Jess Hellmich, who started the business with partner Paul Sherry. The duo decided to open an axe-throwing lounge after rigorous research into the industry.

“With Paul’s background in business operations, and my background in marketing, we knew we had the know-how and experience to pull it off, but one of the driving factors of axe throwing is because it is so much fun,” Hellmich said.

“Axe throwing is incredibly fun and fantastically satisfying when you get the axe to stick in the target,” Hellmich said.

Dueling Axes operates as a private club, in which only members can participate. Membership applications and fees are factored into the first reservation booked.

Unique to the industry of axe throwing, Dueling Axes is in a downtown, nightlife setting and includes a high-end, comfortable and trendy atmosphere.

“We refer to ourselves as Columbus’ premier axe throwing,” Hellmich said. “Creating the space from scratch and relying on our experience in construction, we built Dueling Axes from the ground up.

Custom building projects include the axe throwing lanes, tables, flooring, fixtures and more.”

This is the first time Dueling Axes is participating in the Weddings show. “We are really excited about it. We opened our doors right in the heart of the 2018 wedding season, and the amount of bachelor and bachelorette parties that came through were staggering,” Hellmich said. “Seeing the joy on group’s faces as they face off in friendly competition and nailing the bulls-eye is priceless. And now we get to set up a range at The Columbus Wedding Show and share it with thousands of people.”

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | Thursday, January 10, 2019

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2019 columbus weddings Show exclusive offers Continued from page F6 Sadie Baby Sweets BOOTH 811 Show special: Receive 10 percent off your order or wedding sweets table by mentioning this special and booking by Jan. 31.

SafeWhite/HaloSmile BOOTH 903 Show special: We will offer 20 percent off if you purchase a kit while visiting our booth.

ShoPros Ohio Mobile DJ Entertainment & Live Event Services BOOTH 900 Show special: $250 off any services.

STYLE AND STORY CREATIVE BOOTHS 504, 506 Show special: $300 off the Animated Quicky Photobooth.

Swan Lake Event Center BOOTH 904 Show special: Take 10 percent off 2019 wedding packages. To be eligible, the wedding must be booked between Jan. 14-Feb. 28, and must take place on or before Dec. 31.

The Berwick BOOTH 907 Show special: Sign up at the Columbus Weddings Show and you will receive $100 off your reception if you book with us.

The Country Club at Muirfield Village BOOTH 419 Show special: Book a Wedding at the Show and get $500 off of your room rental fee.

The Old Blue Rooster BOOTH 1006 Show special: Receive complimentary linens when you sign a contract with us.

The Golf Club at Little Turtle Show special: Book your wedding before Feb. 28 to receive $500 off room rental.

The Valley Dale Ballroom BOOTH 1004 Show special: Three free dance lessons upon booking your wedding at VDB. Window Nation BOOTH 303 Show special: Buy 2, Get 2 Free with free nocommitment estimate.

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like tickets, gift cards and more. We gave away prizes worth more than $500,000 in 2018. To get your share this year, visit dispatch.com/rewards

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | Thursday, January 10, 2019 ■

Parting advice to the newly engaged from Monte Durham By emma frankhart henterly On Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, Monte Durham helps brides-to-be find the gown of their dreams. But thanks to his background as a wedding planner, Durham has plenty of other advice to offer engaged couples. Read on for just a few of the topics he touched on during a recent chat with Columbus Weddings magazine editor Emma Frankhart Henterly.

Here Comes the Bride

We spoke with Durham shortly after New York Bridal Fashion Week in October, and he was full of feedback on the fashion forecast.

“A lot of people attribute it to Meghan Markle, the new Duchess of Sussex, but we saw a lot of simple gowns. Coverage, not necessarily in long sleeves, but in higher necklines, cap sleeves,” he said. Veils are becoming a key accessory again, “and we are seeing jewelry come back. Very simple, no chandelier earrings until the reception.”

Make Room for the Groom

“I’m predicting the men are going to have a stronger seat in (planning). I’m seeing it already. It’s amazing — these guys are stepping up to the plate about this. It’s great,” Durham says. “They’re really (planning their wedding) as a joint effort. I think we’re going to see that trend continue.”

When it comes to what they’re actually wearing, Durham says current trends — navy blue suiting with brown shoes and belts — will continue. “And a lot of guys aren’t wearing tuxedos, unless it’s a very formal affair,” he said, adding that the addition of vests to a standard suit is rising in popularity as well.

Stay on Track

The most important thing to keep in mind as you plan your wedding is your theme — stick to it or risk lacking cohesion in your carefully planned event.

“I tell brides to take out a business card and on the back of it, write three things that are important to you and your wedding,” Durham said. It could be sophisticated, elegant and understated; casual, energetic and interactive; or even romantic, soft and beautiful. Whatever those three key ideas are, they should be the impetus behind all your planning decisions. Keep the card in your purse or wallet, and pull it out when you’re choosing flowers, stationery fonts or even menu options. “It is so easy to get distracted,” Durham said, “and this just kind of brings it back home to you a little bit.”

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | Thursday, January 10, 2019

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2019 columbus weddings Show EXHIBITORS KEY: Sponsor Featured Exhibitor BACHELOR/BACHLORETTE PARTY Dueling Axes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 BEAUTY, HEALTH & FITNESS European Wax Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416 J Bentley Hair Studio & Day Spa. . . . . . . . 1011, 1013, 1015, 1017 Revive Chiropractic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304 Refresh Aesthetics Medical Spa. . . . . . . 802 Mary Kay Cosmetics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1002 ReVision Lasik and Cataract Services. 225 SafeWhite/HaloSmile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903 Stonecreek Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 803

BRIDAL REGISTRY & CHINA Bed Bath & Beyond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317, 319 Kitchen Tradition Bridal Registry. . . . . . 425

BRIDAL SALONS, DRESSMAKERS & VEILS TWIRL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311, 313 David’s Bridal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 501, 600 Henri’s Cloud Nine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 514, 516 Wendy’s Bridal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 700 White of Dublin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612

CAKES Capital City Cakes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 611 Jan Kish – la petite fleur . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404 Sadie Baby Sweets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 811 The Suisse Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 917, 919

CATERERS A Catered Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412 Catering by Cox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 723 Catering by Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600A City Barbeque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 JP’s Barbeque Ribs and Chicken. . . . . 1003 Smoked on High BBQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 502 The Piada Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 816 L.A. Catering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

DANCE INSTRUCTION Fred Astaire Dance Studios . . . . . . . . . . 822 Studio Rouge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817

EVENT COORDINATORS, SERVICES & DECORATING Lasting Impressions Event Rentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 823, 825 Main Events Party Rental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 Party Pleasers Services. . . . . . . . . . . 1022, 1024, 923, 925 Taylor Rental Party Plus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 918

FLORISTS & FLORAL PRESERVATION Connells Maple Lee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713 The Flowerman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 511

GIFTS & FAVORS Al’s Delicious Popcorn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 Instant Shine Cleaners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1016 Pure Life Cookware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401

GOURMET & SPECIALITY FOODS HelloFresh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

GOWN PRESERVATION Dublin Cleaners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507

INVITATIONS, STATIONERY & WEDDING ALBUMS Avant-Garde Impressions. . . . . . . . . . 214, 216

Just Write Fine Paper & Stationery. . . . . 910 Ivory House Creative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403 JEWELERS Diamond Cellar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310,312 Jewelry by Catherina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 712 Store5a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316 Worthington Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . 510,512

MENSWEAR/GROOMSWEAR SPECIALISTS AlphaSuit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 804 American Commodore Tuxedo. . . 1005, 201, 203 Beau Ties by Edwin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 717 Men’s Wearhouse . . . . . . . . 602, 604, 606 President Tuxedo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400A

MUSCIANS, ENTERTAINERS & DISC JOCKEYS Brandon Rohrig Productions. . . . . . . . . . . 710 Buckeye Sounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413 D and M DJ Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . 1007 Lo-key Entertainment. . . . . . . . . . . 719 Master Mix DJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 911 ShoPros Ohio Mobile DJ Entertainment & Live Event Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 900 Street Players. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 Team DJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906

PHOTOGRAPHERS & PHOTO BOOTHS AddVision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306 Celebrate Your Sexy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 905 Comfort Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 913 Doug Melvin Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . 805 Forget Me Knot Photography. . . . . . . . . 322 Heather Blackston Photography, LLC. . 415 Hillary Ferguson Photography LLC. . . . . 818 Jim Schwarz Photographers. . . . . . . . . . 705 Our Dream Photos

by James DeCamp Photography. . . 1001 Provence Boudoir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418 Reflections Event Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1012 Sanchez Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 814 STYLE AND STORY CREATIVE . . 504, 506 The Columbus Photo Booth Company. 807

REALTORS, REMODELING, NEW HOMES, INSURANCE AT&T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 922, 924 Better Homes & Gardens Realty . . . . . . 204 Shannon Grimm & Associates – HER Realtors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801 Western & Southern Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417 Window Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 Renewal by Andersen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 711

RECEPTION, REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATIONS, & GUEST LODGING Bridgewater Banquet & Conference Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 423

Cedar Grove Lodging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307 COSI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 902 Creekside Conference and Event Center.901 Events at Maple Lane Farm. . . . . . . . . . . 223 Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406 Heritage Golf Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 524 Irongate Equestrian Center. . . . . . . . . . 500A Jefferson Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 813 Landoll’s Mohican Castle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 819 La Scala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 707 Lindey’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 715 Little Brook Meadows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402 Magnolia Hill Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318 Makoy Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810 New Albany Country Club. . . . . . . . . . . . 505 NorthStar Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 806 PC Events Catering, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 Scioto Reserve Country Club. . . . . . . . . . 213 Stuart’s Opera House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302 Swan Lake Event Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . 904 The Ballroom at J.Liu Worthington. . . . 208 The Barn at Stratford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410 The Berwick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 907 The Club at Corazon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 The Columbus Athenaeum . . . . . . . . . . . . 912 The Country Club at Muirfield Village. 419 The Golf Club at Little Turtle . . . . . . . . . 1010 The Grand Barn at the Mohicans. . . . . . 207 The Medallion Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405 The Mill Event Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 916 The Old Blue Rooster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1006 The Reception House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1018 The Valley Dale Ballroom. . . . . . . . . . . . 1004 Virtues Golf Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 522 Wedgewood Golf & Country Club . . . . 411

TRANSPORTATION Columbus Coach/Supreme Limousine. 202 Classic Limousines of Columbus, Inc.. . 218, 220, 222, 224, 518

TRAVEL AGENTS & HONEYMOONS Compass Travel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407 Active Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701, 703, 800

VIDEOGRAPHERS Blue Skies HD Video & Film Productions LLC. . . . . . . . . . . 1000 Kodjoarts Videography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 513

WEDDING RESOURCES Better Business Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 503 Experience Columbus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 The Columbus Dispatch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | Thursday, January 10, 2019 â–