Brides and bouquets 2014

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Brides & Bouquets

February 2014

PLANNING A WEDDING ISN’T EASY, BUT WE’RE HERE TO HELP

Everything you need to help plan your big day

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Inc co de Su SO, YOU’RE ENGAGED. Congratulations! Inside the 2014 edition of Brides & Bouquets, you will find many different articles on how to plan, what co to expect and special tips and tricks to make your wedding one of the happiest (and painless) days of your life, as it should be. Every bride is unique, every to me venue has different aspects and each wedding is special in its own right, so be sure to take the proper amount of time to plan for the big occasion. loc ma fac ing we Many couples find themselves bombard- from there. Decide if you prefer the lush ed with questions the moment they become greenery of summer or the amazing color engaged, and perhaps no questions is more spectrum of an autumn afternoon. Perhaps common than, “When is the wedding?” you envision arriving at the ceremony with tin Although a number of couples would a snow-packed landscape amid twinkling gu prefer to bask in the excitement of their en- holiday lights? Think about the season gu gagement, some couples feel pressured to when you feel most happy and then deterwe rush into picking a wedding date. Choosing mine if that time of year is doable. co a wedding date without giving it much conpe sideration may make things more difficult or Month down the road. Rather than jumping head as Certain months may seem perfect, but first into any decisions, couples should give not for busy professionals or those with tio thought to any and all dates and decide if the limited vacation time at their disposal. For there are certain times of the year they want example, early spring may not be good for de to tie the knot or avoid. en accountants tallying year-end numbers.

Teachers may feel most comfortable tying Holidays REMEMBER: Valentine’s air ing Season the knot in the summer when they already Some people would like to tie their wedthe Day can be popular for wedWhen thinking about potential wedhave days off. If you run a pool business ding day to a particular holiday. Valentine’s ding dates, it helps to have a place to start. or a lawn maintenance company, then the Day is popular for weddings thanks to the dings, but couples can expect pe lis Some couples find it helpful to start with a summer might not be so good. Keep these romantic sentiments synonymous with the mo stiff competition for venues particular season and then narrow it down factors in mind. holiday, while some couples prefer Hallowlis een or Christmas weddings. Holiday wed-

START WITH CHOOSING A WEDDING DATE WISELY

dings can be exciting, but they also produce significant obstacles that couples who choose to get married during other times of year don’t have to worry about. Guests may not want to travel or spend time away from their families to attend a holiday wedding.

Having a wedding during a holiday may mean competing for vendors and reception spaces. Prices on everything from food to flowers to airline tickets could be higher as vendors cash in on customer demand.

Day of the week

It’s less expensive for couples to get married on Fridays and Sundays than Saturday afternoons or evenings. Couples may think that the money saved will be well worth it, but they also should think about how this decision may affect their guests.

A Friday wedding requires people to take off from work or school. Sunday weddings

due to that popularity.

may be slightly more convenient, but those who have to get back to work on Monday may be tired from late-night festivities.

Couples should anticipate some guests not making it to their weddings when those weddings are not on Saturdays.

Religious constraints

Couples having religious ceremonies should consult with their houses of worship as to which dates are acceptable. Some will not have weddings on days of religious observation. It is wise to consult with a church, synagogue or mosque before booking any other components of the wedding so that you are certain your chosen day is acceptable.

Any available dates

Your wedding date may be dictated by your caterer or wedding hall.

If you have a particular venue in mind, you may be limited by their availability. This is a concession you will need to make if your heart is set on this particular location. The ball cannot get rolling until couples first choose the day of the Big Day.

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February 2014

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Brides & Bouquets

WHERE TO GET MARRIED? THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN MULLING A DESTINATION WEDDING

According to a study from XO Group Inc., creator of wedding websites TheKnot. com and WeddingChannel.com, 350,000 destination weddings take place annually.

Such figures reflect a growing trend of couples who want to tailor their weddings to their own personalities, even if that means tying the knot in exotic or unusual locales. Though destination weddings can make for memorable affairs, there are some factors couples must consider when mulling whether or not to have a destination wedding.

Guest list

The XO Group study found that destination weddings have an average of 86 guests. When sitting down to organize their guest lists, many couples realize they have well over 100 guests on their lists. Such couples may find a destination wedding especially difficult to pull off, as resorts may or may not be able to accommodate such a substantial number of guests. In addition, couples who hope to invite children to their weddings might want to reconsider a destination affair, as those youngsters’ parents will have to foot the bill for additional airfare and accommodations and, depending on when the wedding takes place, pull the kids out of school for an extended period of time. Couples with smaller guest lists might find a destination wedding much more manageable than those whose guest lists crack triple digits.

Another thing to consider is that the larger the guest list, the more likely many of those guests will not be able to afford to attend or get enough time off from work to make it to a destination wedding. Couples

As popular as destination weddings have become, couples who have had such weddings can attest that planning a destination wedding is not necessarily easier than planning a more traditional ceremony close to home who want to ensure all of their loved ones can be there with them on their big days might be better off avoiding destination weddings.

Accessibility

Accessibility is a common concern for couples considering destination weddings.

Destination weddings typically ask guests to travel far to attend the ceremony and reception, but there are ways to make that travel less of an ordeal. When choosing a location for their destination weddings, couples should consider the cost and convenience of travel. Remote islands are not very accessible, and as a result guests will likely have to pay a pretty penny for their flights and lodging. In addition, the more remote a destination wedding locale is, the

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less convenient getting there figures to be.

Nonstop flights likely won’t be a possibility. Before choosing a locale for a destination wedding, research flights, making sure that affordable flights are available within spitting distance of loved ones’ homes and that they won’t have to suffer through multiple connecting flights when traveling to and from the wedding.

Weather

Weather is another factor couples must consider before choosing to have a destination wedding. The XO Group study found that 30 percent of American couples who have destination weddings choose to tie the knot outside of the continental United States. That’s a distinct disadvantage for couples who likely are not very familiar

with weather patterns overseas. Couples who choose outdoor weddings close to home are often familiar enough with local weather patterns to choose a wedding date that likely won’t be interrupted by harsh weather.

But choosing an overseas or distant locale erases that comfort level, and couples may find themselves worrying about storms or other inclement weather conditions as their wedding days draw nearer. Before choosing a locale for their destination weddings, couples should thoroughly research each potential destination’s weather patterns.

Brides, grooms and guests alike don’t want to do all of that traveling only to end up indoors because it just so happens to be tropical storm season.

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Brides & Bouquets

How to stay energized throughout your wedding day A couple’s wedding day is the culmination of months and months of planning. For most, it is one of the most memorable, magical days of their lives, filled with fond moments of time spent with close friends and family.

As enjoyable as a wedding can be, most brides and grooms who have already tied the knot can attest that a wedding is a long, often tiring day. It is very easy for energy levels to wane.

To ensure you have enough energy to last through to the final good-bye of the evening, follow these suggestions to remain energized.

■ Recognize your wedding day is a very long day. It’s possible to rise quite early in the morning to begin prepping with makeup, hair styles, wardrobe and more. If the party is an evening reception, it could last until the wee hours of the morning. You may find yourself up for nearly 24 hours, when the cameras will be flashing and the video rolling throughout. Naturally, you’ll want to look your best throughout.

■ Get a good night’s sleep the night before. Get to bed early the night before so you will get ample sleep and look rested. It is understandable that nerves and excitement may get the best of you and make it difficult to fall asleep. If you often grow anxious and struggle to fall asleep before big events, talk to your doctor prior to the wedding to ask if you can be prescribed a one-time-only sleeping pill that will ensure you get to sleep promptly. Do not take this medication with alcohol, and be sure to take it only if you can get a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Otherwise you may experience medicine hangover.

■ Enjoy a hearty breakfast. At breakfast on the morning of your wedding, consume a combination of carbohydrates and protein. The carbs will provide the initial burst of energy you need to get going, and the protein will keep you feeling full. A combination of whole wheat toast, fresh fruit and Greek yogurt makes for a filling start to the day.

■ Stay hydrated. Although drinking a lot of water can result in more frequent trips to the bathroom -- which can be

cumbersome for brides wearing their gowns -- it is essential to stay hydrated. Dehydration can result in headaches, weakness and dizziness and may make you feel cranky. Be sure to consume water throughout the day.

■ Pack some snacks. The time between breakfast and the cocktail hour of a wedding may be significant. In your wedding “survival” kit, be sure to pack some easy snacks to eat. Trail mix can be nibbled for a boost of energy, and a banana can take the edge off of hunger pangs. Avoid anything messy that can drip onto clothing or get stuck in your teeth. Arrange to have snacks stowed in the limousine or another mode of transportation so that you can refuel on the way to the ceremony or in transit to the reception.

■ Don’t overdo it with caffeine. It may be tempting to lean on an energy drink or a super-size cup of coffee to give you the boost you need. But caffeine is only a temporary fix.

After the effects of the caffeine wear off, you could find yourself more tired than before and crash at an inopportune time during the day. Instead, a brisk walk outdoors may recharge your batteries. Afterward, time spent on the dance floor enjoying the reception will likely stimulate some adrenaline to keep you going.

■ Eat dinner. When family is beckoning and the photographer needs to get yet another pose, it is easy to skip dinner. Be firm with your decision to enjoy your meal. After all, you paid for it and it should not go to waste. Besides, sitting down to dinner enables you to rest and absorb the atmosphere of the wedding.

■ Continue to drink plenty of water throughout the night. Alcoholic beverages may be flowing, but too many spirits can compromise your energy levels. Be sure to balance the booze with hydrating fluids, such as water or juice.

Weddings take up the entire day, and it can be easy to succumb to a lack of energy as the day progresses.

But by heeding a few tips, it’s possible to remain in top form throughout the entire wedding day.

February 2014

The Best and Worst Foods to Eat on Your Wedding Day The last thing you probably want to think about on your wedding day is the food you can and cannot eat. But you might be interested in knowing that what you munch on can make a big difference in how you feel on the big day. Here, the best and worst foods to nosh on before and after saying “I do.”

The Secret Superfood: Asparagus It might not be the first food that comes to mind when planning your menu, but according to Lauren O’Connor, MS, RD, munching on some stalks throughout the day has some big perks. O’Connor says asparagus has diuretic-like properties that can help fight bloating, along with keeping you fuller longer due to the high fiber content. And when you’re trying to look good in a customfit wedding dress, these two things are kind of a big deal.

For On-the-Go Grazing: Homemade Trail Mix Your wedding day will be the happiest day of your life and also the longest. It’s important to have a stash of snacks on hand to prevent mindless munching until your next meal. Lauren HarrisPincus, MS, RD, and Kathleen Siegel, RD, CDN, of NutritionBabes.com suggest creating your own trail mix with dried fruit, almonds, walnuts, and seeds to keep your hunger in check no matter how hectic the day gets. No time to DIY? Fresh fruit is another option to fill you up fast.

A Perfect Prepper: Avocado Add a few slices of avocado to your lunches and dinners before your big day, suggests O’Connor. They give your body vitamins C and E, antioxidants that protect cells from free-radical damage and promote the growth and repair of tissue. The result? Glowing skin and shiny hair for your walk down the aisle.

Safe Sip: Herbal Tea With all the hustle and bustle going on, it’s easy to forget about drinking enough water throughout the day. But skipping out will leave you feeling less energized, not to mention parched as you read your vows! If you can’t commit to regularly filling up or are sick of H2O, Harris-Pincus and Siegel suggest herbal tea.

The brew will keep you hydrated and calm those pre-ceremony jitters.

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Breath Offender: Coffee Whether you’re kissing the groom or yelling into your great-grandma’s ear, there is one thing every bride can live without: bad breath. It’s not the coffee itself that causes oral odor, it’s the dehydrating effect once you drink it, especially if it’s been mixed with milk, creamer, or sugar. To avoid this wedding faux pas skip the calorie-laden latte and keep your cup of joe black if you really need it. After you finish, swipe a slice of lemon over your top and bottom teeth to avoid stains and keep your pearly whites photo-op ready.

February 2014

Brides & Bouquets

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CAPTURING THE MOMENT CHOOSING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

By AMANDA WOODS Amanda Catherine Photography Congratulations! You are newly engaged. It’s exciting, it’s wonderful... and it’s a lot of work. Why? Because now you’ve got to plan your wedding. And among the most important things you need to do for the big day is to hire a wedding photographer.

It should be one of the first things you do, because the best photographers book their schedules a year or two in advance.

Here are a few helpful tips for choosing a wedding photographer for your special day!

Start by coming up with a budget for your wedding. Figure out how much you can afford TIP: In to pay for photography addition to pro- services. Prices can range from $500 to fessional photog$5,000 or more. raphy, leave dispos- Don’t forget, it’s able cameras on all an investment and you get what the reception tables you pay for.

Next, envision for guests to take your wedding their own photos. and find the style Then collect them that best suits.

There are different and have them styles like traditional, printed. contemporary and photojournalist. Each photographer should showcase what style they typically shoot in, while some photographers may be versatile and shoot in many styles to accommodate the needs of the bride and groom.

Always make sure you see plenty of examples of their work. It isn’t always which photographer has the most flashy website.

It’s their work passion that will set them

should provide someone in their place on your wedding day. A contract also provides security of your date on the photographer’s calendar. If plans shall fail, you still have given the photographer your non-refundable deposit and compensation for the date of your wedding.

My last tip, ALWAYS schedule an engagement photo session with the photographer you have decided to go with. It gives you a chance to loosen up for their camera and to see their shooting style. Engagement sessions give great insight as to what to expect on your wedding day. It also gives the photographer a chance to see you and

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PHOTO BY AMANDA WOODS / AMANDA CATHERINE PHOTOGRAPHY

apart from all the others.

Next, get to know the photographer. Are they easy going, sincere to speak with and show enthusiasm to provide this service for you on such a special day? They should be, because they will be by your side for hours on one of the biggest days of your lives.

Does the photographer provide a selection of quality photo products? Albums, prints, canvas products are all very nice to have to always remember your wedding.

A seasoned photographer will provide a variety of options from professional labs that are tried and trusted for quality.

Next, make sure the photographer provides some sort of contract for services.

This helps cover you in case something may happen to the lead photographer; they

FANTASTIC WEDDING PHOTO POSES ■ Wrapped in his arms ■ A romantic kiss ■ Tender forehead kiss ■ Embracing the natural elements ■ A romantic lift ■ Through stain-glass ■ Old Hollywood-inspired pose

■ Spectacular silhouette ■ Through your wedding ring ■ A private dance ■ Holding your parents’ wedding photos ■ On a busy street ■ Recreating your first couple’s photo

■ Showing off your shoes (and socks) ■ Before the ceremony – without seeing each other ■ With your marriage license ■ Frame within a frame ■ Pinky swear

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your fiancé’s personalities.

When you fall in love with a photographer’s work, you will know. And when you meet them, it will all just feel right.

So don’t hold back, dive in and put down a deposit to hold your date. It will be one of the most cherished investments you will ever make.

Hope these tiny tips help you in your big search for an amazing wedding photographer. Congrats, and happy planning!

(Amanda Woods is a seasoned photographer and is the owner and photographer for Amanda Catherine Photography.)

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Brides & Bouquets

February 2014

WHAT TO ASPIRE TO IN YOUR MARRIAGE A LIFE OF LOVE & LOYALTY

By BRYCE MARTIN Bowman Pioneer Editor As she pulled heartshaped cookies from the oven, Agnes Kitzan said the trick to a successful, lengthy marriage is to have open communication and faith. “It’s a matter of give and take.”

“I’m the taker and she’s the giver,” her husband, Clarence Kitzan, chimed in with a big smile.

The two have been married for 62 years and share the birthday month of April – Agnes will be turning 80 and Clarence will be 83.

Before ending up in Bowman in 1960, the two moved from place-to-place for Clarence’s job and military service, something Agnes said wasn’t as enjoyable, but their marriage

thrived no matter where they called home.

“I didn’t run away yet, and neither did he,” Agnes said.

With a large family – three children, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren – Agnes and Clarence make sure to spend adequate time with loved ones, but share a lot of their time together. Still, the two maintain an active life outside of their home.

For 19 years until it closed, the couple owned Bowman Custom Meats west of Bowman. Agnes cleaned the Catholic Church in Bowman in the 1970s and babysat children for $3 a day, which Agnes emphasized. “I thought I had money,” she whispered.

Today, Clarence is still active as a bus driver for

‘The trick to a successful, lengthy marriage is to have open communication and faith. It’s a matter of give and take.’

-Agnes Kitzan

Agnes and Clarence Kitzan have been married for 62 years. The Bowman couple got married in 1951 and have three children, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. PHOTO BY BRYCE MARTIN / PIONEER (LEFT) Agnes and Clarence Kitzan’s wedding photo from 1951.

Bowman County Schools, which also keeps Agnes busy as she enjoys baking cookies for the children that ride on his route.

The Kitzan love story began in the 1940s – the day the pair met in high school. They “went

together” for three years through high school until Agnes’s mother surprised Agnes with a proposal of her own.

“In our case, there was never a formal proposal (of marriage),” Agnes said.

“But we always knew we would marry as soon as I graduated.”

Clarence left for a job in Las Vegas, working for the U.S. National Geodetic Survey, and Agnes’s heart was focused solely on missing

her love.

Her mother recognized her daughter’s longing, so she approached Agnes in November 1951 and asked, if she could get it arranged, would Agnes like to get married at Christmastime?

As Agnes described this informal proposal, with a strong laugh, she eyed Clarence endearingly.

“I told Clarence the plan,” she paused, “and he agreed.”

When Clarence returned from Vegas, the two were married in Hebron, two days after Christmas in 1951.

“So it was really my mother who did the proposing,” she chuckled.

As the cookies cooled on their kitchen counter, Agnes and Clarence shared an embrace.

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February 2014

Brides & Bouquets

Wedding trends for 2014

By Lori Kesinger Fallon County Times This year marks a return to romance in wedding trends. Natural colors including nudes, blushes, peaches, creams and ivory are leading the color schemes. If the bride is going more glamorous, metallics are huge with gold sugar stripes on wedding cakes, and linens with gold thread.

Candles are also in the spotlight, especially candelabras, but if the venue doesn’t allow them, covered lanterns are also big this year.

Lush and exquisitely romantic mark the flowers of the year - the many-petaled tree peony or the garden rose. Centerpieces include full, loose groupings of garden roses, anemones, poppies, and lilac with unusual greens including soft vines.

Flower garlands are also back in a big way with citrus garlands for bars and over doorways, and fern garlands down the center of tables.

Invitations are getting small with the most requested look for an invitation smaller than the standard 5x7, something little and dainty. Metallics are a massive trend with rose gold or tawny bronzes to add an elegant touch. A sleeve of delicate lace over

the invitation and adorable freehand illustrations are also popular. Old-fashioned floral calico or a vintage botanical printed in gold on the back of a letter-pressed card are blooming on invitations also.

Brides are moving beyond standard catering and expect a restaurant quality meal. The favorite service style is to present the food family style to capture the elegance.

Wedding cakes are being frosted in white on the top tier, then down from palest to the deepest pink hues with each layer inside a different shade.

Cake glitter ranges from a fairy dusting of very fine glitter on the top tiers to heavy sparkle on the bottom. The romantic look of pleats, ruffles and lush sugar flowers are in, instead of the smooth cake, and the classic round shape is being embraced the most. Flavor is being driven by season: in summer - lemon, and winter - chocolate.

One of two of the most popular favor trends are an edible gift, such as truffles, petits fours or a tiny box of pastel macaroons. The other major trend remains donations - to share your love with a gift to a favorite charity made on behalf of the guests.

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30 songs to walk down the aisle to on your wedding day For those who want something a little more fun, personal and different to make an impact - and an entrance. Here’s 30 awesome songs you probably haven’t thought of to walk down the aisle to - from slow and steady to big and bold and everything in between.

1. Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve 2. Cosmic Love (instrumental) - Florence & The Machine 3. Unconditionally - Katy Perry 4. Everlasting Love - Alex Winston 5. Somewhere Over The Rainbow/Simple Gifts The Piano Guys 6. Rhythm of Love - Plain White T’s 7. Kiss Me - Ed Sheeran 8. Young & Beautiful - Lana Del Ray 9. Clocks (instrumental) - Coldplay 10. Best Day of My Life - American Authors 11. When You Love Somebody - The Fruit Bats 12. First Day of My Life - Bright Eyes 13. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri 14. Stuck On You (acoustic) - Meiko 15. Marry Me - Train 16. Only Love - Ben Howard 17. On Top of the World - Imagine Dragons 18. Northern Sky - Nick Drake 19. Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars 20. You’re The One That I Want - Angus & Julia Stone 21. The Knot - Jill Barber 22. Comptine d’un Autre ete - Yann Tiersen 23. La Vie En Rose - Edith Piaf 24. You & I - Ingrid Michaelson 25. Don’t Stop Believing - The Wedding Singer Soundtrack (Journey) 26. Isn’t She Lovely - Stevie Wonder 27. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons 28. Dreams - The Cranberries 29. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell 30. Turning Page - Sleeping At Last

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Brides & Bouquets

February 2014

Alternatives to throwing rice at the newlyweds Throwing rice at a couple is seen as one way to wish a couple good luck in their new marriage, as rice is a symbol of fertility and prosperity. While that may not necessarily be why it’s thrown today, it has been a tradition that has stood the test of time. Rice is still a popular option, but if you’re looking to try out something new, here are a few alternatives to think about.

Sprinkles aren’t just perfect for cake and cupcakes, they work just as well for weddings. They’re the same size and shape as rice, just more colorful!

They will show up great in pictures, especially against a white wedding dress or a black tuxedo. It’s an easy way to add pops of color into your big day.

Go out with a bang on your big day with some sparklers! If you’ve ever seen any of the beautiful pictures posted on the internet, you can see why it’s an easy choice for many couples. These sparkling fireworks are the perfect way to brighten up your exit, especially at evening weddings.

Give your guests a bottle of bubbles to send you and your spouse off into newlywed bliss. Not only do they look great in photos and are fun for guests to use, this alternative is much easier to clean up than rice - they simply float off into the air and pop!

Remember those paper planes you used to make back in high school when you were bored during class? This option would be especially fitting if the two of you are travel enthusiasts. These are adorable and can be adorned with anything from hearts to your monogram, and the best part is they’re ecofriendly. They can be recycled afterwards rather than just tossed in the trash.

Other alternatives include throwing flower petals, confetti, pompoms or mini beach balls, releasing doves, butterflies or balloons, party streamers, silly string, or bird seed. One can also have bells run after the wedding service or light candles.

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February 2014

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Making marriage last!

By Lori Kesinger Fallon County Times Every marriage needs help now and then when things become difficult. The resources for help with issues that impact a marriage are endless, but experience may be the best teacher. Asking a couple who has been married for a long time might be the best help of all.

Some of the timely advice offered by long wed couples include: • Marriage is a wonderful journey. A long lasting marriage has characteristics and qualities that enable a couple to weather through the good times and the bad times. It helps to have a flexible attitude towards marriage, a willingness to create a balance in the time spent together and apart, and an openness to change.

• Remember that most problems have solutions. Don't ignore the problems and issues in your marriage. If your marriage is in trouble, get started and make the necessary changes together that will help your marriage be a successful, long lasting union.

• Love is the expression of attitudes and behavior in which the well-being of your spouse is first and foremost. Your happiness is not complete without your partner’s happiness. This loving consideration is expressed many ways in daily actions. Marriage should come with the constancy of kindness, consideration, thoughtfulness, affection and appreciation. Gaye Sander of Baker said, “ I used to think marriage was about love, and what did I know about love? Not much, but now 35 years later, I feel it is a commitment between two people, who most of the time have the same goals.”

• To have a successful marriage you must learn how to communicate effectively with one another. This includes listening both with your head and with your heart. It is important for you to share the emotions, struggles and triumphs of daily life with each other.

Too many couples grow apart by not talking enough. Talking out problems instead of ignoring or avoiding them is also key to a marriage.

• Anger and temper problems are destructive in relationships and it is important to learn to manage personal stress. Many couples damage their relationships through angry outbursts and fail to be mutually supportive and involved with each other’s lives. Too many couples allow the stress of their work and family responsibilities to come between them, instead of working and cooperating as a team.

• Marriage needs an atmosphere where fun, light-hearted humor, and play are a regular part of being together. Too many couples are involved with their work or parenting. They lose track of how they need to find a place for humor, companionship, fun and romance in their lives. Marriage is enhanced by positive relationships, leisure, friendships, reflection, spirituality, service to others, and deep communication. Gaye, and her husband, Wayne, agreed, “You must have God - go to church, pray together and teach your kids (and grandkids) the Bible.”

• Success in marriage requires dedication and commitment - a lot of hard work, but it is a labor of love. The payoff will be a secure, loving relationship that will be a fountain of joy and a refuge. As Wayne and Gaye noted, “Always be ready to dance in the kitchen, respect each other’s quirks, be willing to forgive (Do you want to be right or happy?) ... and always love unconditionally.”

• Marriage is to have and to hold from the wedding day forward, for better of for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as you both shall live.

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February 2014

Explore unique cake flavor combinations

A wedding cake is the piece de resistance of the wedding ceremony. Guests anxiously await the unveiling of the cake near the end of the festivities. Modern cakes are showpieces grander in scale than in years past. As bakers and confectioners hone their

skills with fondant, buttercream and gum paste even further, the results are often impressive, awe-inspiring cake designs.

While the look of a wedding cake is certainly important, cakes should not only look good, but taste good as well. Vanilla cake

with vanilla buttercream frosting was once the gold standard. But today's couples are being more adventurous with their wedding cakes and winning rave reviews from guests along the way.

The vast scope of wedding cake flavor choices available to brides and grooms is astonishing.

Options may range from the traditional to something adventurous and daring. Keeping in mind that couples will need to please the masses, finding a compromise between plain vanilla and a mocha-chilecoconut surprise is essential. Otherwise, they risk an unpopular flavor and a lot of wasted, expensive cake.

Some couples shy away from more adventurous cakes because they fear something chocolately or not white in color will not be well suited to a wedding reception. Such couples should keep in mind that any flavor of cake can be hidden beneath layers of pearly white fondant or royal icing. Therefore, the sky is the limit with regard

to flavor combinations.

Those who might want to veer from tradition can consider these clever cake combinations.

■ Lemon cake with vanilla buttercream: Lemons are tart, juicy and refreshing, helping to cleanse the palate after a rich meal.

Lemon cake, with its summery feel, is tailor-made for summer weddings.

The flavor is popular enough to appeal to many, but just a little different to add an unexpected zip of flavor.

■ Chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and mocha filling: True choco-

holics will be hard-pressed to resist such a decadent flavor profile. Chocolate can be sweet and satisfying and a welcome change from the vanilla cakes commonly served. For traditionalists, the cake can be covered with a white chocolate ganache. Or couples can ask that the cake be adorned with white sugar roses for an eyeappealing contrast.

Chocolate cakes covered with autumn hued flowers go over well at fall weddings.

■ Red velvet cake with cream cheese

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■ TIP: Think outside of the cake box when selecting flavors for the centerpiece of the wedding reception.

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Decorating of halls & churches and Rentals of • backdrops • lights • pearls • vases • mirrors • votive • chandeliers • card boxes, etc.

frosting: Red velvet cake was once a regionally specific staple, but now has grown steadily in popularity across the country.

Red velvet has quickly become the new classic, as its vibrant red coloring offers a shock of something different, while the flavor is mild for those who are not comfortable taking risks.

The richness and creaminess of cream cheese is irresistible.

■ White cake with chocolate mousse: Couples who want a bit of chocolate but do not want to be overwhelmed can select a white cake that is filled with light and rich chocolate mousse.

It’s the perfect blend of vanilla and chocolate for guests who enjoy both.

CustomiCustomized menus available for Food & Decor Keep us in mind for Weddings, Rehearsal Suppers, Bridal Showers, Gift Openings, Light lunch at the Church during pictures and Family Reunions.

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February 2014

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Brides & Bouquets

HOW TO AVOID A FAUX PAS WHEN TOASTING THE BRIDE & GROOM

Toasting the bride and groom at a wedding reception is a responsibility that typically falls on the shoulders of the bride's father as well as the best man and the maid of honor.

Though it is an honor to give a wedding toast, it also can be nerve-wracking, as no one wants to give a toast that's memorable for all the wrong reasons.

While the best toasts are often those that veer off the beaten path, coming from the heart rather than from a how-to guide found on the Internet, there is a certain formula men and women can follow to ensure their toasts cover all of the appropriate bases without offending the bridal party or fellow guests.

■ Acknowledge the guests. Families are more geographically diverse than ever before, so more and more weddings host guests who come from far and wide to celebrate with happy couples on their wedding days. It's customary for men and women making wedding toasts to acknowledge the guests, thanking them for being there. This is often a great way for best men and maids

of honor to break the ice and calm their nerves, especially at larger weddings where they may only know a small percentage of the guests. When thanking the guests, be sure to thank the parents of the bride and

groom as well.

■ Explain your relationship to the bride and/or groom. Best men and maids of honor should devote a portion of their toasts to explaining their personal relationships with the bride and/or groom. Introduce yourself and explain how you met the bride or groom. Oftentimes, such stories have a comical twist that can further calm your nerves.

■ Aim for a jovial toast. Wedding toasts are typically given at the wedding reception, when guests and the bridal party are ready to celebrate.

Such an atmosphere lends itself to a jovial toast wherein best men and maids of honor focus on happy times with the bride and groom. Tell a funny anecdote that illustrates the special bond you have with the bride or groom. When choosing a story to tell, remember to keep things appropriate for guests of all ages, including young children.

■ Steer clear of alcohol before giving your toast. Many people overindulge in alcohol at wedding receptions, but best men

How to make it legal

By JAMIE SPAINHOWER Adams Co. Record Editor

The date is set, the dress is ready and the cake is ordered.

But to make it legal, every couple needs to get a marriage license to get married in North Dakota.

Both bride and groom must apply for the license together and in person. Once the license is received and the vows are formally solemnized, the wedding officiant will return the marriage license to the issuing county, and then the marriage will be recorded as an official legal event in North Dakota.

Q. Where do you apply for a marriage license?

A. Marriage licenses are issued at a county level by the county recorder. If either the bride-elect or the groom-to-be are residents of North Dakota, the license can be applied for in any county and good throughout the state. They must be a resident of the resident of the county, or their parents need to be a resident of

the county. If neither is a resident, the license needs to be applied for in the county in which the wedding is taking place.

Q. Is documentation of any kind required?

A. Both applicants will need to present identification to verify both age and identity. It can be a passport, certified copy of birth certificate or another form of state issued ID. Most counties prefer a driver’s license. Also, if this not the first marriage for either party, most counties also require a certified copy of the final divorce.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. The current cost of a marriage license is $65.

Some counties only accept cash, so be sure to call and check.

Q. How long is it valid?

A. The license is valid for 60 days.

Q. Who can legally marry a couple?

A. The County Recorder, a judge or a minister can perform a marriage ceremony.

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and maids of honor should avoid consuming alcohol until after they have toasted the bride and groom. Horror stories about drunken, inappropriate wedding toasts may seem more like an urban legend than a legitimate possibility, but the tendency for alcohol to lower people's inhibitions makes it dangerous for men and women to consume it before giving their toasts.

■ Give your best wishes to the bride and groom before raising your glass. Raising your glass to toast the bride and groom is often the last step before your toasting duties officially end. But before you raise your glass, remember to offer your best wishes to both the bride and groom. Once those sentiments have been expressed, ask the guests to raise their glasses and toast the newlyweds.

Toasting happy couples at their wedding receptions can be stressful for best men and maids of honor who are unaccustomed to speaking in front of large groups of people.

But following a certain formula and speaking from the heart will ensure such toasts go off without a hitch.

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Brides & Bouquets

February 2014

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