Wedding Planner 2017

Wedding P lanner The

2017

Uniquely Yours Custom Options Make For A Memorable Celebration

Wedding Budget 101

More Than A Dream

Making A Destination Wedding A Reality

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A Sense Of Place

Drawing Inspiration From Your Favorite Locations

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arm to Fork - every meal is fresh from the farm to fork.

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• We offer exclusive packages and unique options to customize your special day.

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Step back in time and Embrace the beauty of a place where magic abounds.

Create unforgettable memories while you Dine and Dance the night away under thousands of tiny white lights in our Yellow Barn.

Enjoy a Gorgeous Outdoor Ceremony among acres of trees, gardens and historic buildings.

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Landis Valley is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission with the active support of the Landis Valley Associates

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In This Issue

Planning Tools: 10

Obtaining A Marriage License In PA

72

Your Wedding Planning Checklist

74

Neat Nuptials: Staying Organized During Wedding Planning

78

Upcoming Bridal Shows

The Essentials: 60

Wedding Budget 101

64

Quite A Sight In White

66

The Well-Groomed Groom

68

Wedding Website Essentials

70

FEATURES: 12

Custom Options Make For A Memorable Wedding

18

22

Don't Let The Drizzle Dampen Your Dream Day

Newlyweds In The Golden Years Wedding Wisdom For Couples Of All Ages

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Local Couples:

Go Over "Board"

Rain, Rain, That's OK!

More Than A Dream Making A Destination Wedding A Reality

Get The Most Out Of Wedding Inspirations

76

Uniquely Yours

54

Chris & Emily Evan & Paige Austin & Megan Michael & Meredith Ryan & Samantha

A Sense Of Place Drawing Inspiration From Your Favorite Locations

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Obtaining

Marriagea Licensei a

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The Clerk of Orphans' Court and/or the Register of Wills within each individual county in Pennsylvania handles information, forms, and the actual registration of marriage license applications. Both individuals must appear in person together to complete and file the application for marriage. A Social Security number and a government-issued photo identification are required for both parties. The medical examination and blood test are no longer required.

In Pennsylvania, if either party is under age 18, the consent of a parent or legal guardian is needed. Applicants who have been previously married must provide the following information concerning the dissolution of the most recent marriage: divorces - must present a certified copy of the decree (if maiden name has been resumed, that document must be presented); annulments - the same information as is required for divorces; and widowed - the date of death of the deceased spouse is needed. Blood relatives down to and including first

Adams County Clerk of Courts & Orphans' Court 117 Baltimore St., Room 103 Gettysburg 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

717-337-9806 www.adamscounty.us Berks County Register of Wills 633 Court St., Second Floor Reading 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

610-478-6600 www.co.berks.pa.us Chester County Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans’ Court 201 W. Market St., Suite 2200 West Chester 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

610-344-6335 www.chesco.org Cumberland County Register of Wills/ Clerk of the Orphans’ Court 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 102 Carlisle 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

717-240-6345 www.ccpa.net

cousins may not marry under Pennsylvania law.

A marriage license becomes valid on the third day following application or the next business day if the third day falls on a weekend or holiday. The license is valid for 60 days from the third day following the date of application.

The wedding ceremony need not be performed in the county in which the license was issued. However, an out-ofstate marriage license cannot be used in Pennsylvania, nor can a Pennsylvania marriage license be used in another state.

Details, courthouse locations, and other information for separate counties in the area are listed below. All courthouse office hours listed are for Mondays through Fridays, unless otherwise noted.

Details are available on each county’s government website, by calling the phone number for the Register of Wills/Clerk of Orphans’ Court Office, or in person Mondays through Fridays during regular business hours, at least one half hour before closing time.

Dauphin County Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans’ Court 101 Market St., Room 103 Harrisburg 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

717-780-6506 www.dauphincounty.org Dauphin County - Northern Branch Office Northern Dauphin Human Services Center 295 State Drive Elizabethville First and third Wednesdays of the month, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

717-905-2700, ext. 2507 www.dauphincounty.org Lancaster County Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans’ Court 50 N. Duke St. Lancaster 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

717-295-3533 (Marriage Department), 717-295-3522 (24-hour marriage hotline) www.co.lancaster.pa.us

Lebanon County Register of Wills/Clerk of Orphans’ Court 400 S. Eighth St., Room 105, Municipal Building Lebanon 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

717-228-4415 www.lebcounty.org

Montgomery County Register of Wills One Montgomery Plaza 425 Swede St., Fourth Floor Norristown 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

610-278-3414 www.montcopa.org

York County Clerk of Orphans’ Court 45 N. George St., Second Floor York 8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

717-771-9288 www.yorkcountypa.gov

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A MEMORABLE WALK DOWN THE AISLE

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Yours Uniquely

Custom Options Make for a Memorable Wedding

By Candace Engle

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Weddings are steeped in tradition, and for good reason: Traditions provide familiarity and structure and give us a sense of comfort. But, when weddings tend to be more similar to each other than different, how do you plan an event that stands apart from the rest and is uniquely “you”?

Customizing elements of your ceremony and/or reception can help to create an event that will be memorable and special for you, your spouse, and your guests.

A “custom” wedding may sound a bit daunting, but it need not be.

“Customizing” is less about outdoing the latest viral video or oneupping your sister-in-law and more about enhancing your event so that it best reflects you as a couple and creates an environment in which you and your guests have the best possible time celebrating your big day.

Taryn Blake, an event planner in York County, says, “Your wedding day is one of the most personal events you will host in your lifetime together. It shouldn’t feel just ‘like a wedding’ - it should feel like YOUR wedding.”

Customizations can be as small or as large-scale as you and your partner wish them to be. “When

Be authentic. Choose customizations that truly reflect the two of you and the type of wedding you want to have. For example, don’t plan an intricate, choreographed dance if you are both introverts who shun the spotlight. Don’t feel obligated to change long-standing traditions that you like. If you prefer traditional wedding vows to writing your own, by all means don’t change them.

“Customization doesn’t mean trendy,” Blake says. “It means making your wedding feel like a true representation of who you both are individually and together.”

Be inclusive. Like Blake says: “individually AND together.” Don’t forget to represent the bride AND the groom. Think about serving a unique groom’s cake depicting his favorite sports team or hobby. Each of you could choose a signature cocktail to serve during the cocktail hour. Make an entrance as a couple to a song that evokes a good memory for you both.

Be cohesive. “Customizations work best if there are a few small touches incorporated throughout your wedding day or if there’s one large theme carried throughout,” Blake says.

This piece of advice is a great one to consider at the very beginning of the wedding planning process. If you feel passionately about one special customization, it can serve as inspiration for the rest of your event.

One couple we spoke to took inspiration from the time of year their wedding was being held Christmastime - and used it to add quaint personal touches to their big day, including tables identified with names of Christmas movies instead of numbers, florals with cranberries and pine branches, and a Christmas cookie bar.

Be considerate. Sure, your wedding is YOUR big day, but keeping your guests in mind when planning special elements can go a long way toward setting your event apart. For example, providing amenities like flip-flops, sunscreen, bug spray, blankets, or umbrellas for an outdoor wedding conveys a level of thoughtfulness guests will be sure to notice.

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Here are a few pointers for customizing your wedding:

Be meaningful. Blake says, “Some of the most memorable customizations we’ve seen are those that tell a story about the couple through the unique personal touches they put into their event. A groom who was in a band sang the first dance song to his new wife. An English teacher used old literary works as centerpieces.

Two veterinarians had their dogs as ring bearer and flower girl. A funloving couple had multiple food trucks in lieu of traditional catering. A groom and groomsmen who were Mustang fanatics made their entrance by car (revving engines included!). A couple who met in spin class had a bicycle built for two. Cat cutouts with adoption info included on the back were featured as photo booth props for some animal rescuers.”

“The best part of these unique elements was seeing the guests’ reactions,” Blake adds. “You could see the ‘a-ha’ moments where the guests saw each item and made the connection with how it represented the bride and groom. These personal touches created a memorable and lasting impression that sparked conversation and storytelling throughout the evening.”

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considering customizations for your event, think about things that you love - hobbies, memories, passions,” Blake says. “Whether it’s serving wine from the area [where] you were engaged, playing nontraditional ceremony music (like your college fight song), giving each guest a coffee mug to share your love for joe, or serving cannolis instead of cake as a token of your heritage, these are the things you’ll look back on years from now in your photos, and they’ll still have true meaning for you.”

Perhaps you are a DIY couple who wants to create your own centerpieces, photo booth props, games, etc. Maybe you want to honor a deceased loved one in a significant way. Perhaps you want to create the ultimate “fandom” wedding. It’s all possible.

“If you’re truly seeking an offbeat wedding, be sure to find vendors that embrace [that]. Also, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. You can find pretty much anything online, and there are great sellers on sites like Etsy who can create anything that you can dream of,” Blake says.

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In addition, guests may appreciate a wedding program (which is also another element that can be customized!) to lay out the schedule of the day and provide information about different people in the wedding.

Blake notes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Remember that wedding guests have certain expectations, so customizations that alter whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s considered standard may need some explaining. For example, if you break tradition and forego a seating chart or table assignments, use signage to make it clear to guests (or theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll end up standing around until theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re given direction). If you are hosting an evening event but not serving a meal, let your guests know on their invitation. Remember, your wedding guests are those who are nearest and dearest to you, so theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll likely share in the joy and really appreciate the thought you put into making your wedding truly personal.â&#x20AC;?

Be reasonable. Choose a level of customization you are comfortable with and can reasonably pull off.

Planning a wedding can be a lot of work, so it can be helpful to stick with customizing the elements that are most important to you.

Customizing aspects of your wedding will likely be one of the most fun parts of the wedding planning process and an additional way for you to connect as a couple. Enjoy it! â&#x20AC;&#x153;The team at Taryn Blake Events believes that there really are no rules to weddings,â&#x20AC;? Blake says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Take risks and incorporate the things you want into your wedding day, no matter how far from tradition they may seem.â&#x20AC;?

Special Thanks To: Taryn Blake Taryn Blake Events, York, Pa., and Coastal North Carolina www.tarynblakeevents.com taryn@tarynblakeevents.com

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MAKING A DESTINATION WEDDING A REALITY Destination weddings can make for memorable moments for brides, grooms, and their family and friends. While the celebrations often take place in idyllic locales that make for a gorgeous backdrop to the celebration of the happy couple, setting the perfect ambiance for such a noteworthy occasion without breaking the bank can be tricky.

Destination weddings ask a lot of both the couple and their guests. Couples may need to visit the location of their wedding several times before the big day, and those costs can quickly add up. Guests will also need to budget for flights and lodging to attend a destination wedding.

However, there are some ways for couples to rein in the associated costs to ensure that everyone has a good time without having to worry about finances as soon as the big day is over.

Look for Convenient, Affordable Travel

Some resorts may offer great prices on destination wedding packages, but be careful to avoid locations so remote that you and your guests will be forced to pay for expensive flights. With the rising popularity of destination weddings, many resorts now offer competitive packages; however, if keeping travel affordable for guests is a goal, it is important to choose a location that will allow travelers to book a reasonably

priced flight rather than choosing the location based on the cost of the wedding package.

Shorten the Guest List Trimming the guest list is how many couples curtail destination wedding costs. Invite only your closest family

members and friends to the wedding and reception and then host a second, less-formal party for your remaining relatives and friends after returning from your honeymoon.

Guests will understand, and you will ultimately get the chance to celebrate with all of your loved ones anyway.

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Resist Peak Tourist Season

Much like there is a peak wedding season throughout North America, many popular travel spots' economies depend heavily on tourism seasons. Avoid that season when choosing a date for your destination wedding and you’ll also avoid the higher costs that are associated with the more popular tourist times.

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Many traditional weddings include all the bells and whistles, like lavish flowers and elaborate gowns.

Destination weddings are often expected to be simplified, particularly if the festivities are at an island location. Let nature do the decorating and opt for native wedding attire if it’s more affordable than potentially costly gowns and tuxedos.

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Go Discount Hunting

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Popular destination wedding locations may be willing to negotiate prices on all aspects of the wedding, and those discounts may increase as more guests commit to attending. Resorts recognize that weddings will bring guests in need of lodging, food, and entertainment. Couples can use

that to their advantage when negotiating prices. Couples may even be able to negotiate with airlines for discounted airfares if they can guarantee a certain number of travelers.

Buy Local

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When planning your wedding, embrace the culture of your chosen destination and choose local foods, flowers, and entertainment.

Not only will it make your big day more unique and authentic, but it will also save you money and benefit the local economy at the same time.

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Don’t Forget… Couples hoping to have a destination wedding in another country may want to plan for a longer engagement than those getting married closer to home. The longer timeframe gives guests more time to arrange for travel, and it allows the bride and groom more time to navigate the requirements of getting married in a different country. Paperwork should be expected, and wedding license applications may not be processed as quickly. Be sure to have a firm grasp of the country’s application process, including the possibility of having birth certificates and other personal

documents translated into the official language of the country. Also, be sure to check on residency requirements of the country that you hope to marry in. Take advantage of a professional wedding planner, if the resort you choose has one on staff. A professional can make it easier for couples to navigate the sometimes complex laws regulating destination weddings, and a wedding planner’s services are often included in resort

wedding packages. If no such service is included in the hotel package, consider hiring a local wedding planner to make the process go more smoothly.

Destination weddings can be significant undertakings, but if couples are armed with the proper knowledge and preparation, the bride and groom can enjoy the wedding event of a lifetime and create memories that will last forever.

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When Ben and Andrea Singer of Lancaster decided to plan their dream wedding, they knew that it would involve travel for their family and friends. “Our family is spread out across the country,” Andrea explained. “Regardless of what we did, half of our family would have to travel.”

The couple began planning a lavish autumn wedding in their local area, but they soon decided it wasn’t going to live up to their hopes for the big day. “We realized we needed to refocus and bring things back to what mattered to us,” the couple shared. “We were planning a wedding for other people, rather than a wedding that would make us happy.”

With their newfound focus, the couple zeroed in on a destination wedding in a location that was special to both of them: the Rocky Mountains. “Andrea spent her childhood vacationing at the YMCA of the Rockies, and as adults, we have shared this place together. When we decided to go with a destination wedding, it was a logical choice for us, given its significance and our great love of the outdoors,” Ben said. “It seemed like a wonderful idea to bring our families together in a place with so many fond memories for the two of us, and it gave us an opportunity to share this place with the people we love.”

In the week leading up to the wedding, the couple rented a 32-person cabin where their families could spend time and get to know each other. “It was a surprisingly drama-free week that culminated in our wedding,” Andrea recalled.

“There were certainly a lot of ‘what-ifs’ leading up to the wedding, but the YMCA of the Rockies did an amazing job of making our wedding work,” noted Ben. The Singers were thrilled with their Rocky Mountain wedding, and they have a few tips for other couples who are interested in saying “I do” in a special, far-away locale. “Destination weddings can be tricky because you may not even see your wedding venue until (the big day),” Andrea noted. “Plan how you want things to go way ahead of time so that there are fewer surprises when you get down to the wire.” Ben and Andrea also recommend that couples decide what they are willing to sacrifice, noting that not all of their close friends and family were able to make the big day. “For some, that may be a sacrifice they are not willing to make. Even something as small as trying wedding cakes or catering options will be something you may miss out on,” Ben said.

However, for each sacrifice, there is the reward of lifelong memories.

“Destination weddings replace some of the sacrifices with memories you simply can’t make elsewhere,” Andrea pointed out. One glimpse of the Singers’ incredible wedding photos with breathtaking mountain views in the background, and there’s no doubt that the couple made a great decision.

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Wedding Wisdom For Couples Of All Ages

When they tied the knot on April 9, more so later in life,” Wendell said. His 2016, Wendell Rockey and Ruth Fender new bride concurred, saying, “When were not typical newlyweds, as they you get to this stage in life, love and exchanged their vows at the ages of 92 marriage prove there is hope for comand 86, respectively. The couple mar- panionship, regardless of your age or ried in the Commons building at circumstance.”

Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Ruth and Wendell first met in the Community (QPRC), where they are Windows on Park Dining Room at residents. As both Wendell and Ruth QPRC when Ruth was looking for a were married previously, they brought a place to sit and, always the gentleman, wealth of marriage wisdom to their new Wendell offered her a seat at his table. union.

During their ensuing courtship, the couWendell is a former U.S. Navy man ple realized they share many interests, and pastor. He has three children with and they incorporated a main one – his first wife, who died in 1962, and one music – into their wedding ceremony. with his second wife, who passed away As for planning the wedding, Wendell three years after the couple moved to said, “I pretty much yielded to Ruth but QPRC in 2008. Ruth, who was formerly offered some suggestions and she honemployed as an activities director at a ored them. We planned our wedding skilled nursing facility, moved to QPRC ourselves. At a certain level, you probin 2012. She had been previously mar- ably need the help of a planner. It ried for 25 years and has one child. Ruth would save an awful lot of stress!” To had been a widow for 40 years before that end, Wendell had one more piece of advice for couples she and Wendell embarking on plantied the knot. ning a wedding: Several months “Keep it simple. after their wedSimple can be ding day, The beautiful.”

Wedding Planner The new marriage checked in with was not something the Rockeys, who Ruth entered into were happy to lightly. “I spent a share their insights long time thinking on life, love, and about getting marmarriage, drawn ried to him and from decades of thinking, ‘Is this the living and the best plan for these first few months years of my life?’” of their union she recalled. While together. being married again “Enjoying life has been an adjusttogether is benefiment, Ruth noted cial at any age Photo by Dale Brady that she doesn’t and arguably even

Make A

Second Wedding Stand Out

Couples planning to get married do so with the intention of spending the rest of their lives together. Few couples exchange rings thinking divorce or the loss of a spouse is in their future, but some marriages do end. However, that reality does not prevent many people from seeking happily ever after once again.

A recent study from the Pew Research Center found that many people who were married before are deciding to take the plunge a second time. Four in 10 new marriages in the United States now include one partner who was married before. Roughly 42 million American adults have gotten married a second time - up from 22 million in 1980.

Men and women about to get married for a second time can consider the following tips to help make the day one to remember forever:

· Recognize that a second wedding is not less important than the first. Couples should remember the event is

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still the first wedding for them as a couple, and it should be seen as special. It is easy for men and women marrying for a second time to be hard on themselves, especially when thinking about the gifts that were given and the money spent by guests for the first marriage. But a new relationship and love is worthy of a good party. Friends and family who are supportive of the bride and groom should not have reservations about helping them celebrate. · Do not feel boxed in by old-school etiquette. Rules have relaxed with regard to weddings. Many couples put their personal imprints on their weddings and do not feel the need to conform to traditional expectations. Couples should do what feels comfortable to them. · Let past experience serve as a guide. Couples can use their previous wedding experiences to their advantage.

It is likely the bride- and groom-to-be remember what worked for their weddings the first time around and which things they would have done differently or omitted. In planning their second weddings, they can change these elements. · Wear what you want. Let the formality of the event and the time of day of the ceremony determine the wedding attire. It is acceptable for the bride to wear white again if she so desires. Also this time around, couples may have a better sense of what makes them look good, so they can opt for clothing that best flatters them. · Above all, have fun. Couples know what to expect the second time around, which may result in less stress stemming from the unknown. Being able to relax will make the wedding more fun.

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regret her decision at all. “Has it been worth it? Indeed! It’s definitely better to be married,” she said.

“Realize there are differences and you have to respect that and work through them,” Wendell said. “Even in our advanced age, we’re working through that.” He noted that conflicts can sometimes arise over even simple things like what kind of music to listen to or what to watch on TV. “You’re not going to change a person’s tastes, but you have to make accommodations,” he stressed.

No couple can expect to travel through life together without facing conflicts. “You have to talk about it,” Wendell advised. “You have to identify what the other person is doing that upsets you and discuss the differences.

Sometimes it is helpful to have an outside person give their perspective.”

Ruth noted that the importance of compromise is something she’s been adjusting to after being single for 40 years. “I was completely unaware that I made all of my decisions; I was just used to doing it,” she explained. “Now someone else has input into our lives.

Something I was surprised to learn when I married Wendell that I didn’t know is that there are two right answers: mine and his,” Ruth noted.

When asked what is important for couples - of any age - to know as they contemplate marriage, Wendell remarked, “Hopefully you know one another. To know a person is different than having information on them. You could have two people who are married but don’t really know each other.” He noted that truly knowing your spouseto-be involves thoughtful, honest discussions of hopes for the future, as well as fears and anxieties.

Ruth said, “Be daring. Take initiative.

Believe that you have something to offer somebody else. It’s having a mindset that it’s not what’s in it for me but that I have something to contribute.”

“Some people marry for what they get out of it, but marriage should be about serving each other,” Wendell explained. “You should make your mate a better person and they should make you a better person. (Good candidates for marriage are) people who enrich one another and make each other better. You fill a need in each other’s life and desire to make another person’s life better.”

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Chris & Emily Columbia, PA

Photos by Emily Grace Photography, www.emilygracephoto.com

Meet Emily and Chris

The Wedding

Vendors photographer: Emily Grace Photography, Elizabethtown, PA music (ceremony and reception): DJ Fade (Jere Lefever) of Fade Productions, Lancaster, PA flowers: Floral Designs of Mount Joy, Mount Joy, PA officiant: Renée Heller, Celebrant, Lancaster, PA day-of coordination: Daisy Pagan of Perfect Settings, Columbia, PA hairstylist for bride and bridesmaids: Ashlie Clapper of Kauffman’s Salon, Columbia, PA bride and bridesmaids’ dresses: David’s Bridal groom and groomsmen’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse limousine rentals: Premiere #1 Limousine Service, Middletown, PA catering: Classic Cuisine Catering, Palmyra, PA outdoor chair rentals: Fricke Hardware & Rental, Columbia, PA decorations: Edward Bullock Wedding Planning linens: Special Occasions and Queen Street Linens, Lancaster, PA cake: Mary Frances Kreiser, a family friend videography: Mitchell Weaver, a cousin wedding planning: Joan Barr, the bride’s mother

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wedding date: July 3, 2016 ceremony location: Breezyview Overlook, Columbia, PA reception location: Perfect Settings (owned by Daisy Pagan), Columbia, PA wedding colors: beige and blue wedding theme: elegant peacock menu: mini crab cakes, beef bruschetta, cheese and fruit tray, roast beef, vegetable lasagna, broiled lemon pepper haddock, side salad, spiced carrots with apples and raisins, steamed asparagus, wild rice, and roasted Parmesan red potatoes cake: a four-tiered cake, with two tiers of chocolate with peanut butter filling and two tiers of white cake with strawberry fruit filling flowers: white roses, white ranunculus, and purple and Malibu blue orchids.

“Half of the centerpieces were tall, live curly willows, and the other half were short white hydrangeas,” Emily says. first dance song: “Only You Can Love Me This Way” by Keith Urban special elements included in the ceremony: a sand ceremony to include Chris’ son, Malachi; a special Bible reading by Emily’s grandmother, Claire Storm; and a blessing over the meal by Emily’s grandfather, Albert Storm favorite element: “It’s impossible to choose favorites!” exclaims Emily. favor: peacock feather bottle opener and/or wine bottle stopper one thing worth splurging on: photography

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bride’s hometown: Lancaster, PA groom’s hometown: New Castle, PA current place of residence: Mount Joy, PA bride’s occupation: contact center specialist groom’s occupation: yard jockey how they met: Emily and Chris were first introduced by mutual friends at a Halloween costume party. “We were two of the only attendees not in costume and later found out that we both worked part-time at the same bar,” recalls Emily. proposal story: While sightseeing on a family vacation in Muncy Valley, Sullivan County, Chris professed his love and devotion atop High Knob Overlook in the Endless Mountain Range, knelt down, and popped the question. “Shut up!” was Emily’s response. Chris waited a few moments and asked, “Well, will you?” and Emily, of course, finally said, “Yes!” length of engagement: 13 months honeymoon destination: Rather than taking a traditional honeymoon, the couple treated Chris’ mother, who was visiting from Montana, and Chris’ son to a week in Ocean City, MD.

The Wedding Planner: What was the first thing you did when you began to plan your wedding? What inspired you to start there?

Emily: We started by researching venues and catering.

These two are the most costly and take the most room in the budget.

TWP: How did you select the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dress, the groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attire and the outfits of the members of the wedding party?

Emily: Chris and I selected our attire based on comfort, and

it definitely proved to be worth it when the big day arrived.

The bridesmaids chose their own style to reflect their personality with comfort in mind! The groomsmen matched the groom except for the bowtie, so the groom would stand out.

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TWP: How did you incorporate the tastes and personalities of both the bride and the groom into the wedding?

Emily: I was most concerned with keeping the ceremony

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meaningful and the reception fun. The celebrant and the disc jockey played a huge role in helping make that happen. Chris was most interested in the food and beverage choices, so he approved the menu!

TWP: What did you find to be the biggest challenge in planning a wedding?

Emily: Finding enough time outside of work and other

obligations to meet with potential vendors. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more timeconsuming than we ever realized!

TWP: What is the most important piece of advice you have for other brides and grooms planning a wedding?

Emily: Enjoy the process, accept help from those who offer,

keep an open mind and remember to toast often to your engagement!

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Evan & Paige Red Lion & Hershey, PA

Photos by Tennison Photography

Meet Paige and Evan

The Wedding

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wedding date: February 20, 2016 ceremony location: St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Red Lion, PA reception location: The Hotel Hershey in Hershey, PA wedding colors: light pinks, peach, black and white stripes, and gold glitter wedding theme: romantic and classy the menu: buffet featuring chicken, cocoa-marinated beef, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, a salad bar, different kinds of cheeses, the groom’s mother’s famous punch, Hershey’s peanut butter chocolate pie, assorted macaroons and petit fours, and a hot chocolate and coffee bar wedding cake: lemon cake with raspberry filling and buttercream icing.

Each tier was a different design and color: The bottom two layers were different shades of pink to match the bridesmaids’ dresses, the third layer had a black and white striped design, and the top was a gold dusted layer with a “To the Moon and Back” cake topper.

“Evan and I would say that phrase all throughout our relationship and engagement, and we incorporated that design element throughout our wedding,” explains Paige. flowers: pink cabbage roses, baby’s breath, lily of the valley, stephanotis, and white orchids first dance song: “Come What May” from the movie “Moulin Rouge” sung by Mr. Brennan and Mandi Bell, friends of the groom favorite element of the reception: a tie between the choreographed mashup father/daughter dance featuring “What A Wonderful World,” “The Twist,” “Stayin’ Alive,” “Billy Jean,” and “Shake It Off” and the beautifully designed sweetheart table favors: a Hershey’s candy bar, as well as a doughnut from Dunkin Donuts in Hershey in honor of where Evan and Paige had their first date and got engaged one thing worth splurging on: music. “We wanted to make sure we had a live jazz band that could play music that would capture the feel of our wedding as well as express our taste in music,” says Paige. advice for other brides and grooms planning a wedding: Make sure you take time to take a break from all the planning and invest in your significant other.

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bride’s hometown: Hummelstown, PA groom’s hometown: Manchester, PA current place of residence: Royersford, PA bride’s occupation: worship arts coordinator groom’s occupation: underwriting associate CL how they met: The couple first met at Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene in York, PA, where Paige was a worship intern and Evan helped lead the church’s young adult small group. Both Paige and Evan helped with the middle school/high school youth group, and Paige recalls being impressed by how much the students respected Evan and how invested he was in their lives. proposal story: On the couple’s four-month anniversary, they went to see “Moses” at Sight & Sound Theatres and then stopped at the same Dunkin Donuts where they’d had their first date. Sitting at the same table they sat at on their first date, Evan presented Paige with a box with a light blue stuffed heart in it that said “Be Mine." After Paige picked up the stuffed heart, she saw another, smaller box beneath it that contained a ring.

After Evan proposed and Paige accepted, they went to Paige’s house, where friends and family members threw them a surprise engagement party. length of engagement: one year, to the day honeymoon destination: Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas

The Wedding Planner: What was the first thing you did when you began to plan your wedding? What inspired you to start there?

Paige: The very first thing that my mom and I did together was

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to book The Hotel Hershey for my reception venue. Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of having my reception at The Hotel Hershey, where my family would go every year for Christmas brunch. It was a dream come true to be able to have it there!

I have been in several weddings, so I knew that organization is key! That being said, I knew that I could not plan a long-distance wedding on my own, since I was in Philadelphia and the wedding was in Hershey, so my mother and I decided to invest in a top-notch wedding planner, Susan Moran from That’s It! Wedding Concepts LLC, who pulled off the wedding of my dreams and kept everything and everyone organized.

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TWP: How did you select the bride’s dress, the groom’s attire and the outfits of the members of the wedding party?

Paige: I found my dream dress at POSH Bridal in Lancaster, PA.

I was open to trying a vast variety of dresses, but there were a few elements that I knew the dress must have: a sleeveless design, a sweetheart neckline, chiffon material, and lots of sparkles. When I first tried on my dress, I liked it a lot but decided to keep trying some other dresses. But, when I tried the dress on for a second time, I knew without a doubt that that was my dress. I also liked the back of another dress that had horsehair-like material laced with sparkly gems, and I was able to have that incorporated in my dress as the train/bustle.

I also chose a sparkly belt to accent the hourglass shape of the dress. I chose my Betsey Johnson shoes from David’s Bridal because I love high heels and they were very sparkly!

For Evan and the groomsmen, we chose Jos. A. Bank because of its wide selection of suits and color choices and because of its many convenient locations. All of the groomsmen wore darker gray suits, while Evan wore a light gray suit that made him stand out. We also wanted the guys to wear plain white dress shirts and brown dress shoes. Evan provided skinny black-and-white checked ties as the groom’s gift as well as various crazy socks that described each groomsman.

I gave the bridesmaids the freedom to choose any style dress that would be flattering on them and that would make them feel beautiful and that they could wear again! I chose David’s Bridal because of its color choices, wide variety of dress styles, and affordability. I chose four specific colors in the pink and peach spectrum and told the girls that they could choose any dress as long as it was one of the four colors. For the accessories, I gave the girls complete freedom to choose whatever they wanted as long as it was gold and sparkly. My gift to the girls was whatever hairstyles they would like.

TWP: How did you incorporate the tastes and personalities of both the bride and the groom into the wedding?

Paige: To Evan and me, the most important element that we

incorporated into every part of our wedding was our relationship with Jesus. From the choice of music for the ceremony to the groomsmen’s and bridesmaids’ speeches, we wanted everyone to know that we love each other and that we love the Lord.

One special element I wanted in the ceremony was a time of prayer where both families and any pastors who were attending would come up and pray over our marriage. The Rev. Delbert Bieber, who married my parents, led the family and pastoral prayer during the ceremony. Also, Evan’s pastor, the Rev. Dr. Bayse Reedy, and my pastor, the Rev. William Russell, both co-officiated the service and married us. These three men have a very special place in my heart, and they were an integral part of making our wedding day so special.

Vendors Used

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wedding planner: Susan Moran of That’s It! Wedding Concepts LLC, Mechanicsburg, PA photographer: Tennison Photography, Lititz, PA videographer: Lavon Films, Lancaster, PA cake and catering: The Hotel Hershey, Hershey, PA bride’s dress: POSH Bridal Shop, Lancaster, PA decorations and lighting: Shumaker PDT, Lancaster, PA flowers: Blooms By Vickrey, Camp Hill, PA rings: The Jewelers Bench Inc., Hershey, PA invitations, place cards, programs, and special signage: Persnickety Invitation Studio, York, PA reception music: David Leonhardt Jazz Group, Easton, PA hair and makeup: Shelbi Harmes Expressions, Akron, PA limousine and bus: Premiere #1 Limousine Service, Middletown, PA church vocalist: mezzosoprano Gwendolyn Bowers, Palmyra, PA organist: Shawn Gingrich, Hershey, PA harpist: Louis Lynch, Camp Hill, PA church reception: Linda Bish, Mount Joy, PA photobooth: Mixed-Up Productions, Harrisburg, PA bridesmaids’ dresses: David’s Bridal groom and groomsmen's suits: Jos. A. Bank dance lessons: PA DanceSport Ballroom, Hummelstown, PA

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Austin & Megan Dallastown, PA

Photos by Chad Lippiatt Photo, www.chadlippiattphoto.com

Meet Megan and Austin

The Wedding

Vendors

photography: Chad Lippiatt Photo, Glen Rock, PA cake: The Flour Child, Columbia, PA disc jockey: Ray Thomas, Carlisle, PA bride’s dress: Lilla’s Bridal Boutique, York, PA bridesmaids’ dresses: David’s Bridal, York, PA groom/groomsmen’s attire: Jos. A. Bank, York, PA florist: Lincolnway Flower Shop, York, PA decorations: all do-it-yourself, using supplies from Etsy, Joann Fabric & Craft Stores, wholesale florists, and antique shops hair: Salon Nouveau, York, PA makeup: Brandi Hill Makeup Artist, Emigsville, PA catering: Wyndridge Farm, Dallastown, PA

37 theweddingplanneronline.com

wedding date: June 18, 2016 ceremony and reception location: Wyndridge Farm, Dallastown, PA wedding colors: coral and gold wedding theme: rustic chic the menu: house salad, raspberry sorbet, free-range chicken or flank steak with garlic herb mashed potatoes and grilled lemon butter asparagus wedding cake: vanilla, plus cupcakes in the flavors of raspberry, chocolate with peanut butter, vanilla, and carrot cake with cream cheese icing favorite food items: the appetizers during cocktail hour - spring rolls, crab and asparagus mini quiche, rosemary and basil flatbread, and pork sliders flowers: baby’s breath, orange roses, curly willow, gold/orange cockscomb, raspberry pods, green succulents, peach hypericum berry, coral gerbera, and gold crespedia favorite design element: the historic barn at Wyndridge where the reception took place with the simple decor first dance song: “Mean to Me” by Brett Eldredge favor: Since Austin works at McCormick, the bride and groom gave each guest a test tube filled with a unique spice from his company. They attached a sign that read, “Thanks for spicing up our special day.” one thing worth splurging on: venue

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bride’s hometown: York, PA groom’s hometown: York, PA current place of residence: Dallastown, PA bride’s occupation: special education teacher at Central York School District groom’s occupation: global learning development associate at McCormick & Co. how they met: Megan and Austin first met as fifth-graders at North Hills Elementary in Central York School District. They grew up hanging around with the same friends and playing sports. During senior year, Austin asked Megan to go to the prom with him, and the two began dating during the remaining part of the school year and continued their relationship throughout college at Penn State University and Lebanon Valley College. proposal story: Austin had been intending to propose during two different adventures he planned. Unfortunately, as a teacher, Megan had picked up a bug at school and got very sick, and Austin had to cancel his plans two weekends in a row.

Undeterred, he planned a trip to see the lights and flowers at Longwood Gardens when Megan was feeling better, and the two spent the evening walking around Longwood Gardens and enjoying the sights. Right before they were about to leave, Austin asked a woman to take their picture in the conservatory, and as she was taking the photo, he got down on one knee and proposed. length of engagement: a year and a half honeymoon destination: Sandals Grande Resort in Antigua

The Wedding Planner: What was the first thing you did when you began to plan your wedding?

What inspired you to start there?

Megan: The first thing we did was to create a list of

how many guests we would be asking to the wedding. This gave us a concrete idea of what venues we could look at and also what questions to ask the venues when we visited based upon the number of guests we would potentially be having. That helped narrow our venue search and provide clarity.

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TWP: How did you select the bride’s dress, the groom’s attire, and the outfits of the members of the wedding party?

Megan: I was very specific that I wanted something

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unique and different on the bottom of my dress.

When we went looking, I asked several consultants to show me dresses that would fit this qualification. I went to two dress shops and ended up at Lilla’s.

The dress I chose was the very first dress they put me in at Lilla’s! I started to cry when I had it on, and my family was teary too!

We wanted something classic and timeless for the boys. We selected Jos. A. Bank because of their quality and also their ability to connect with our groomsmen who lived various places in the United States. We chose black suits with white shirts and black ties, because it complemented the girls’ dresses very well.

I wanted unique and different bridesmaids’ dresses that you wouldn’t traditionally see. We went to two shops in Hershey and Lancaster and ended up back in York at David’s Bridal, where we found the gold sequin dress that I was in love with. I saw it online and at other stores and it was too pricey, but David’s had the look and price just right!

TWP: How did you incorporate the tastes and personalities of both the bride and the groom into the wedding?

Megan: Austin and I are very simple and hands-on

when it comes to making things our own. We did all the decorations on our own, gave favors unique to Austin’s line of work, had our pastor incorporate many personal stories and connections into our ceremony, and finally we just let the beauty of Wyndridge speak for itself. We love rustic places, and the restored barn and outdoor wedding venue took your breath away, so simple decor was all we needed!

TWP: What did you find to be the biggest challenge in planning a wedding?

Megan: Communication with the bridal party was a

challenge, because of the members living in all different places. We found it helpful to share Google Docs or emails with them to keep them informed and on top of things like getting their outfits altered.

TWP: What is the most important piece of advice you have for other brides and grooms planning a wedding?

Megan: Create a spreadsheet or organizational list

with all of your vendors and information on it to provide you with easy access in one place for all parties involved to be able to see. Plan ahead! It’s a wonderful thing not feeling stressed two months before your wedding because everything was all taken care of and booked early.

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Michael & Meredith Lancaster, PA

Photos by Lindsey H. Dienner of Sweet Face Photography, www.sweetfacephotography.org

Meet Meredith and Michael

The Wedding

Vendors photography: Lindsey H. Dienner of Sweet Face Photography, New Holland, PA venue: Cork Factory Hotel, Lancaster, PA cake: The Baker’s Table, Lancaster, PA flowers: Rohrer Family Farm Flowers (Lancaster Central Market), Lancaster, PA makeup: C.E. Facial Artistry, Philadelphia, PA disc jockey: Dave Stephenson of A Time for Music & Memories, Douglassville, PA

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wedding date: July 2, 2016 ceremony and reception location: Cork Factory Hotel, Lancaster wedding colors: navy with coral and white accents wedding theme: rustic (burlap and lace) menu: hot and cold hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour, plated and served house salad course, intermezzo sorbet, and entrees Tuscan chicken with wild rice pilaf and London broil with roasted red potatoes cake: alternating layers of red velvet and carrot cake with cream cheese icing. The cake was accompanied by chocolate-covered strawberries. flowers: a variety of pink-, coral-, and salmon-colored flowers first dance song: “Yours” by Russell Dickerson special readings included in ceremony: John 15:9-17 and 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 favorite decoration: Meredith and Michael's favorite decoration was the antique ladder that was hung over the fireplace and decorated with hanging baby’s breath flower bouquets and hanging mason jars with lights inside. favor: M&M’s in a glass jelly jar with a special decorative label with the couple’s wedding date and initials and message something worth splurging on: the photographer and the makeup artist

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bride’s hometown: Reading, PA groom’s hometown: Lancaster, PA current place of residence: Lansdale, PA bride’s occupation: teacher groom’s occupation: sales how they met: The couple first met at their good friends’ wedding, where Michael served as a groomsman and Meredith was a bridesmaid. proposal story: On March 20, 2015, Mike took Meredith to the Iron Hill Brewery in Phoenixville, where they went on their first date, and proposed. “It was a total surprise! Mike knew he had to propose on this date because it was the first day of spring, and it snowed,” Meredith explains, noting that many of the couple’s fun and important events happened in the snow. “Having Mike propose on a snowy night in a special place was magical!” length of engagement: one and a half years

The Wedding Planner: What was the first thing you did when you began to plan your wedding? What inspired you to start there?

Meredith: The first thing we did was find a wedding

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location and venue. We chose Lancaster because it was a central location for guests since most guests had to travel either from out of state or from other areas in Pennsylvania. Plus, Lancaster is a special place for both of us: Michael grew up in Lancaster, and I went to college in Lancaster at Millersville University. We knew the venue would help us decide our wedding theme and colors. Once the venue was selected, it was very easy to move forward with the selection process for other aspects of our wedding, including the attire for Mike and the groomsmen, the wedding dress, the bridesmaids’ dresses, the decorations and centerpieces, the flowers, etc.

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TWP: How did you select the bride’s dress, the groom’s attire, and the outfits of the members of the wedding party?

Meredith: Once we selected the Cork Factory Hotel as

our wedding venue, we knew a more rustic theme utilizing burlap and lace would be a perfect fit for us.

Pinterest was an amazing research tool that helped us select color schemes and attire for the members of the wedding party. We decided to integrate lace with the wedding dress and the bridesmaids’ dresses. We also wanted to use neutral colors like navy for the bridesmaids’ dresses and gray for the groom and groomsmen’s suits and accent with pinks, corals, and white.

These colors complemented the burlap and lace well.

TWP: How did you incorporate the tastes and personalities of both the bride and the groom into the wedding?

Meredith: Fortunately, Mike and I have similar tastes, so

incorporating our personalities and tastes was pretty easy. We both liked the rustic look and wanted to find ways to integrate family and friends in our wedding day.

For example, we had special rustic signs made for guests to guide them to their seat as well as for the sparkler send-off at the end of reception. Mike and I also each used a rustic picture frame to create a collage of family pictures. An anniversary dance was used to celebrate the numerous married couples instead of having a bouquet/garter toss. And the sparkler send-off was a fun way to celebrate the end of the reception with family and friends together.

TWP: What did you find to be the biggest challenge in planning a wedding?

Meredith: The biggest hurdle in planning the wedding

was getting the RSVP responses back from each guest.

Thankfully, we set the RSVP date a month prior to the venue needing final numbers. That gave us enough time to contact our guests and determine if they were able to attend and ensure they would receive the plated entrée of their choice.

TWP: What is the most important piece of advice you have for other brides and grooms planning a wedding?

Meredith: Give yourself plenty of time to plan and stay

organized by saving important documents/receipts in a folder or electronically. Also, don’t sweat the small stuff!

As you’re planning your wedding, enjoy each moment with family and friends. And just take a moment to look around on your wedding day and soak up all of the love and laughter surrounding you.

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Ryan & Samantha theweddingplanneronline.com

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Photos by Autumn Kern Photo, www.wearethekerns.com

Meet Samantha and Ryan

The Wedding

Vendors

venue: Lauxmont Farms, Wrightsville, PA photographer: Autumn Kern Photo, Lancaster, PA dress: Melissa Sweet at David’s Bridal, York, PA dress alterations: Linda Poff, Dover, PA bridesmaids’ dresses: Tevolio at Target groom’s suit: H&M bride’s hair: Meredith Ernest, Dover, PA catering: The Scarlet Runner, Lancaster, PA florals: Daisy May Flower and Event Stylists, Lancaster, PA sound: FnP Productions, York, PA doughnuts: Maple Donuts, York, PA ceremony pianist: Taylor Gavin, Coatesville, PA

49 theweddingplanneronline.com

wedding date: June 26, 2016 ceremony and reception location: the Rotunda at Lauxmont Farms, Wrightsville, PA wedding colors: mint, lavender, and gold wedding theme: brunch and books the menu: brunch food, including quiche with gruyere and herbs, triple berry baked oatmeal, bacon, ham, baked challah French toast with peaches and creme, and roasted baby red potato hash instead of a wedding cake: assorted doughnuts from Maple Donuts in York flowers: lots of greenery, succulents, and lavender first dance song: “Your Song” by Elton John favorite decorations: all of the vintage books.

“It took lots of yard sales and used book sales to get such a beautiful collection!” says Samantha. favor: bookmarks one thing worth splurging on: the photographer

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bride’s hometown: York, PA groom’s hometown: Quarryville, PA current place of residence: Lancaster, PA how they met: The couple met while there were college students at West Chester University. “We started talking at a beginning-of-semester picnic and clicked so well that we already had our first date planned by the end of the night!” recalls Samantha. proposal story: When talking about engagement and marriage, Samantha once jokingly told Ryan that he wasn’t allowed to propose until June. So he made sure to wait until it turned midnight on June 1 to get down on one knee and ask her to marry him. length of engagement: a little over a year honeymoon destination: Bar Harbor, Maine

The Wedding Planner: What was the first thing you did when you began to plan your wedding? What inspired you to start there?

Samantha: The first thing we did was brainstorm what

kind of wedding we wanted, and we began looking at venues based off that. Once we saw the Lauxmont Farms Rotunda, we knew it would be the perfect place for an afternoon brunch wedding, and we began planning based off the space.

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TWP: How did you select the bride’s dress, the groom’s attire, and the outfits of the members of the wedding party?

Samantha: For my dress, I knew that I wanted detail:

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lots of lace and florals. I always loved long-sleeve dresses and wanted to try on a few. I let my family members each choose a dress from David’s Bridal that they wanted me to try on. The dress I ended up wearing was my dad’s choice!

For Ryan’s suit, he saw a brown suit in a movie that he really liked, so we went on a hunt for something similar and found it for a good price at H&M. We had the groomsmen get the same pants, and I ordered the skinny woven ties from Etsy.

With the bridesmaids’ dresses, I wanted two things: a light mint color and something affordable. I ran across the perfect mint Tevolio dresses on the Target website. I didn’t even know that Target had bridesmaid dresses! And it just so happened that they had six varieties – perfect for each of my six bridesmaids to have a different dress! So, once my bridesmaids approved, I let them choose their favorites.

TWP: How did you incorporate the tastes and personalities of both the bride and the groom into the wedding?

Samantha: Both of us are morning people and book

lovers, so an afternoon book and brunch wedding was very “us.” Ryan is obsessed with Maple Donuts, so he suggested using them in place of cake, and it fit into the brunch perfectly. Once I knew those things, I was able to make the rest of the wedding fit in as well.

TWP: What did you find to be the biggest challenge in planning a wedding?

Samantha: It’s so easy to get overwhelmed in the

beginning. Looking at a long list of decisions to make and money to spend can be very stressful. Just take it one step at a time: figure out what your priorities are and get them done as soon as possible. For budgeting, do a lot of research to get a realistic view of what you can afford and plan your budget based on what is most important to you.

Get your vendors booked quickly. You can get crafty decorations anytime, but the caterer you want may be booked if you wait too long. If you find that you simply can’t afford something in your budget, don’t be afraid to ask around to family, friends, and your vendors. You’ll be surprised who people know or what services people are willing to give you “as a wedding gift.”

TWP: What is the most important piece of advice you have for other brides and grooms planning a wedding?

Samantha: Get the big decisions (venue, vendors,

etc.) out of the way early on. Then you only have the fun details left as you get closer to the wedding!

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A Sense of

Place

Drawing Inspiration From Your Favorite Locations

By Ann K. Charles

Destination weddings have become popular for a variety of reasons, but not all couples can jet off to an exotic locale for their nuptials. Sometimes budget and logistical restraints make a destination wedding infeasible. But couples who are still dreaming of a picturesque wedding at an exciting destination need not despair; they can bring the

“destination” home. There are plenty of ways for a wedding celebration to incorporate inspiration drawn from a faraway place, whether it’s a favorite vacation spot, the location of the planned honeymoon trip, or simply somewhere the couple dreams of visiting. Here are a few examples of how brides and grooms can translate a sense of place into the decorations, attire, cuisine, entertainment, and other elements of their special day.

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Hawaii A wedding that draws inspiration from the Hawaiian Islands’ legendary beaches, lush vegetation, and well-known tiki culture will offer a fun, comfortable vibe.

Flowers - Select tropical flowers such as orchids, birds of paradise, or hibiscus for the bouquets of the bride and bridesmaids.

Skipping the bouquets and having each member of the wedding party wear a floral lei would also be particularly appropriate, since leis are traditionally given in Hawaii in honor of important events – including weddings.

Decorations - For centerpieces, opt for tropical flowers or potted mini palm trees or embrace island kitsch and decorate tables with vintage hula dancer dashboard dolls. Turn a surfboard into a functional decoration by affixing photos or table assignments to it like a bulletin board. Or, make a surfboard into an innovative guest book alternative by inviting guests to write their warm wishes for the couple directly onto the board with a permanent marker. If your wedding is outdoors, play up the tropical ambiance by ringing the space with tiki torches.

Food and beverages - One sip of a mai tai will transport attendees straight to the Aloha State. Guava and pineapple juice make for tasty nonalcoholic options. A pig roast will play up the luau feel of the reception, and pineapples, mangoes, papayas, and other tropical fruit can be incorporated into the menu. Coconut and Kona coffee flavors will also make guests feel like they’re dining in a tropical paradise. For dessert, opt for pineapple upsidedown cake or white chocolate macadamia nut cake. Another option would be eschewing the cake in favor of a Hawaiian shave ice stand, where guests can enjoy an icy treat with their choice of tropical flavors.

Mexico A festive fiesta with Mexican-inspired details will ensure that members of the wedding party and guests have a great time while celebrating the happy couple.

Decorations - Cheery fiesta décor will set the stage for the celebration. Beautiful picado tissue paper banners can be liberally strung around the reception space, and colorful folk art pieces can be incorporated into centerpieces. In honor of Mexico’s strong tradition of observing Day of the Dead, couples may even consider honoring the dearly departed members of their families through a traditional Dia de los Muertos altar, complete with photos, flowers, and food offerings.

Food and beverages - The popular cuisine of Mexico provides couples with numerous options for wedding day fare. Set up a taco bar where guests can create their own tacos from a choice of beef, chicken, or beans, as well as a variety of toppings. Or hire a food truck that serves tacos and other Mexican-style food items to be on-site.

For beverages, offer guests margaritas and Mexican brands of beer.

Consider providing a dessert buffet offering tres leches cake, churros with chocolate sauce, and - of course - Mexican wedding cookies.

Entertainment - Couples can hire a real mariachi band to play at the reception. Guests will love dancing to mariachi standards, as well as a modern love song or two performed mariachi-style. Piñatas make for another fun form of reception entertainment. Since piñatas are available in a variety of styles and colors, couples can go with classic shiny star-shaped orbs or find a piñata that showcases their love of a particular sport or animal. Allow the children in attendance to get the first whack before letting the adults join in the fun. The bride and groom can even give guests a mini piñata as a wedding favor.

Couples can play up the beauty of a winter wedding and give themselves and their guests a mountaintop experience by embracing a Swiss Alps theme.

Attire - To help the bride’s and bridesmaids’ dresses to stand up to the winter chill, top them with a faux fur or knit wraps. Stylish coats or sporty parkas will also keep wedding party members toasty and warm in chilly weather. If you’ll be taking photos outdoors, outfit the members of your wedding party in matching scarves and mittens to ward off winter chills.

Decorations - Deck out your reception venue to look like a posh Alpine ski chalet by incorporating cozy, rustic elements. A fireplace with a crackling fire will set the ambiance, and vintage snow sports gear such as skis, snowshoes, toboggans, and ice skates can be used as decorations. Add a sense of warmth to the room by using woolen blankets instead of tablecloths or runners. Purchased or DIY snow globes featuring winter scenes make for charming centerpieces. Other decorative ideas include displaying a collection of Swiss cowbells or even an authentic alphorn.

Food and beverages - Whether as the main meal or an appetizer, you can’t go wrong with classic cheese fondue. Consider offering the Berner platte (the Bernese platter), a regional specialty that consists of an assortment of meats and sausages, along with juniper-flavored sauerkraut, potatoes, and dried beans. A main course could be Alplermagronen, or “herdsman’s macaroni,” made from cheese, potatoes, onions, macaroni, milk or cream, and apples. Help revelers stay cozy and warm by offering mulled wine and hot chocolate. Speaking of chocolate, the Swiss are known for theirs, so be sure to play up that ingredient when dessert time arrives by serving Swiss chocolate mousse in addition to an array of decadent pastries. A wedding favor that sends guests home with a few pieces of Swiss chocolate is also sure to be popular.

Swiss Alps

Japan Borrowing from Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ancient traditions will create a truly lovely and elegant fĂŞte.

Attire - The bride and bridesmaids can incorporate the Japanese theme into pre-wedding preparations by donning kimono-style robes featuring bright, floral patterns while styling their hair and makeup. Kimono-style design elements and silk accents can be incorporated into the wedding attire, as well.

Decorations - Go heavy on the cherry blossoms, incorporating them into the bridal bouquets and reception centerpieces. Scores of paper cranes made with beautiful paper also make for charming decorations, whether sitting on tables or strung up and hung in garland form. Paper lanterns, Japanese-style fans, and oil-paper umbrellas can also be used as decorative elements, and miniature versions can make a unique and memorable wedding favor for guests.

Food and beverages - The traditional Japanese tea ceremony is highly revered in Japanese culture, so providing guests with a selection of teas (hot or iced) is a natural choice. So too is serving sushi, though be sure to include rolls featuring all-cooked ingredients or separate Japanese noodle dishes for guests with less adventurous palates. A Kobe beef dish is another option for those who dislike sushi.

Other popular Japanese imports that can be served include sake cocktails and mochi, daifuku, and other sweets.

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BUDGET Couples engaged to be married have a lot on their plates as they begin planning their weddings. Whereas tradition once held that the parents of the bride paid for a couple's wedding, nowadays more and more engaged couples are completely or partially financing their own nuptials. That means prospective brides and grooms must develop wedding budgets that will ensure their first act as Mr. and Mrs. is not paying down debt.

In its 2015 Real Weddings Study, online bridal resource The Knot found that many couples still receive substantial financial support from their parents to pay for their weddings. The survey found that, on average, the bride's parents contributed 44 percent of the overall wedding budget in 2015, while the couple financed 43 percent. The remaining 13 percent was financed by the groom's parents and additional sources.

11

Couples who hope to follow that formula or pay for their weddings on their own can heed the following tips to build wedding budgets that will not break the bank but will still ensure a day to remember forever.

â&#x20AC;˘ Examine your collective finances. Few couples know the

details of each other's finances before getting engaged. While some may still hesitate to share their personal financial information upon getting engaged, an open and

"If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a budget-friendly wedding, consider a Thursday wedding date. If you plan well in advance and let guests know, they can plan their schedule around your date. This is a great way to have your dream wedding for less, because vendors often offer discounted rates on weekdays."

-Michael Kleinhans

marketing director at Ironstone Ranch, West Donegal Township, PA (http://ironstoneranch.com/)

• Don't count on gifts. Many cou-

vestigation to determine about how much to expect to pay the vendors that provide photography, cake, music, and other services. Don’t forget to budget for tax and gratuities.

• Build extra costs into the budget. When creating their bud-

gets, couples must remember to include a little extra for unforeseen costs. Building such costs into the initial budget will make these unforeseen circumstances easier to handle.

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ples justify runaway wedding budgets by telling themselves that they will ultimately get the money back in the form of wedding gifts.

While many guests will give financial gifts, counting on such windfalls is a recipe for accruing debt.

Do not build potential wedding gifts into a wedding budget.

Couples that do so could be facing considerable debt upon returning home from their honeymoons.

• Research the average costs for vendors. Conduct a preliminary in-

The

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nary guest list can give couples an idea of how large and expensive their weddings will be. According to the Real Weddings Study, the average cost per wedding guest in 2015 was $237. While that cost can vary greatly depending on geography and other factors, couples should keep that figure in mind when drafting their guest lists. If need be, keep costs down by trimming the guest list so it includes only close family members and friends.

get married will have a great impact on how much money they will spend on their weddings. For example, the Real Weddings Study found that, in 2015, the average wedding in Manhattan cost couples slightly more than $82,000, while the average Alaskan wedding cost just over $17,000. Even within the same city, venues can vary greatly with regard to pricing and offerings, so couples should give themselves ample time to gather quotes and find an affordable venue they like.

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• Gather quotes before choosing a wedding location. Where couples

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In

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Many brides walk down the aisle in white gowns, which have long been considered the most traditional choice. Wearing white can be a frightening prospect to some brides, who fear that white clearly shows every blemish or stain. Protecting a white dress so it looks pristine on the wedding day takes a little effort, but such efforts are well worth it.

BeforeiTheiWedding

When trying on gowns, brides-tobe should make sure their hands are clean and they are not wearing any makeup. They may want to wear a thin pair of gloves so any oils from their hands are not transferred to the gown. Anyone who helps the bride-to-be in and out of the gown should also make sure their hands are clean or covered.

The bride-to-be should try on the gown sparingly before the wedding, ideally only for fittings. When she is not trying on the gown, she should store it in a protective garment bag until it needs to be steamed just prior to the wedding. Some seamstresses or tailors will hold onto the gown until the final alterations are done and then steam out any wrinkles prior to delivery.

Wedding Day

On the day of the wedding, resist the urge to handle the gown early in the day. The gown should be the last thing the bride puts on during wedding day preparations.

Wait until just before departing for the service to get fully dressed in the gown. Again, the bride should make sure her hands and the hands of her helpers are clean. The bride should ask for help so that the dress can be placed gingerly over her head so no makeup gets on the gown. Some brides may find it helpful to make

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lipstick application their last step in getting ready, as bright lipstick on a white gown can be especially difficult to conceal.

Pack an emergency stain-fighting kit to bring along to the ceremony and reception. This way, should a minor stain occur, it can be treated right away. The bride should use the kit sparingly because she may not know exactly how a cleaning product will react with the gown's fabric, and overuse may make the stain worse. If possible, test the product on a small swatch of gown fabric prior to use.

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Use caution when removing the gown, and then promptly repackage it into its garment bag. After the wedding, take the gown to a professional dry cleaner to have it cleaned and preserved. Then the gown can be used by future generations or simply saved as a keepsake.

The

Well-Groomed

Groom

professional shave with a straight razor at a barber shop. A hot shave from a professional will produce a close shave with the least amount of irritation when done correctly.

Hands Grooms also may want to book a manicure. Keep in mind that salons will do men's nonpolish manicures and pedicures, and they can be well worth the investment. Photos of entwined hands or close-ups of the ring exchange will have guests zeroing in on the coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fingers. Grooms-tobe should make sure their hands look their best by having clean, shaped fingernails and trimmed cuticles.

Skin

Weddings are a chance for couples tying the knot to be the center of attention. All eyes will be glued to the bride and groom on this special day, so it is important that they look their best.

The bride might garner most of the attention on a couple's wedding day, but the dashing groom also will get his share of the spotlight. As a result, gentlemen must be as diligent as their brides with regard to grooming and appearance on their wedding days. To look picture-perfect, grooms may want to include these tips in their wedding day preparation.

Hair The groom-to-be should schedule a haircut with a professional stylist roughly a week before the wedding to get his hair shaped and trimmed.

Although trendy hairstyles may show

off creativity, grooms-to-be should keep in mind that photos will last much longer than these trends, and it is often better to stick with a classic cut. A barber or stylist may suggest styles that best suit oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face shape and hair texture, though it is a good idea to test drive a different style well in advance of the big day. Above all, the haircut should be neat.

Shaving Shaving is another thing grooms must consider. Gentlemen with a beard should make sure their facial hair is clean, combed and trimmed.

Men who shave on the day of their weddings may find their skin is sensitive and irritated, which can lead to redness. Unless his facial hair grows especially fast, the groom-to-be should shave the evening before.

This is a good time to splurge on a

Get plenty of sleep the night prior to the wedding. Being well rested will help reduce puffy eyes, dark circles and sallow skin. It may also lead to a more positive mood, which can help the groom enjoy the day even more.

On the day of the wedding, shower using water and a mild soap and gentle exfoliator. To avoid skin irritation, the groom should pat his face and body dry rather than rubbing it with the towel. The groomto-be should moisturize his skin to

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avoid dry patches. Stores sell many moisturizers geared toward men's needs, often in unscented or more masculine fragrances.

Drinking plenty of water can also help skin look its best. Hydrate well during the week leading up to the wedding for best results, and be careful not to over-indulge on alcohol at pre-wedding celebrations, especially the night before.

Reducing shine is key for wedding day photos. Rely on face and hair products that will not add unnecessary sheen to the skin or hair, which could create a greasy appearance.

Matte hair waxes and sprays will tame tresses. Also, gentlemen prone to oily skin may want to obtain a package of blotting tissues, which are absorbent sheets that will remove oil from the face and keep sheen to a minimum.

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Smile A groom-to-be should make sure his teeth have been thoroughly brushed and that he has used a minty mouthwash so he is ready for that first kiss.

Many grooms also opt for whitening treatments prior to the wedding to have a dazzling smile.

On his wedding day, a groom will likely be photographed more than any other time in his life. That means putting extra effort into personal grooming so he will look his best.

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Essentials Wedding Website

Personal websites are an invaluable resource for couples planning their weddings. Wedding websites provide a great platform for couples to share all sorts of information regarding their big day, making them an essential element of modern-day wedding planning.

Wedding websites need not feature all the bells and whistles of more permanent sites. Couples should be mindful to share certain information to ensure their guests stay in the know about the pending nuptials.

Participants

Wedding websites can be used to inform guests about the couple getting married as well as the various participants, such as the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Extended families of the bride- and groom-to-be may not know much about their loved one's betrothed, and the wedding website can help guests get to know both people getting married. Include information about the bridal party as well. A brief story about each bridal party member's relationship to the bride and/or groom can be a great way to illustrate just how much each person in the party means to the couple tying the knot.

The Big Day

Invitations were once the go-to source for information about couples' wedding ceremonies and receptions. But unlike invitations, websites won't get lost around the house or in the mail, making them more reliable resources for guests. Include all the pertinent details about the big day on your website, including the time and location of both the ceremony and the reception. Include directions to and from the venue (both

the ceremony and reception venues if they will be held at separate locations), and include a maps feature if possible.

R SVP Info

Couples can save guests the trouble of returning RSVP cards by including an RSVP section on the wedding website. Establish an email address solely for RSVPs and check it regularly so you can update who is and who is not attending your wedding. Couples can save the expense of postage by requesting that guests RSVP exclusively through the website. Be sure to include that request with the invitations if you still plan to mail more traditional invites.

Accommodations

Many couples arrange for discounted hotel rooms for out-of-town wedding guests. Include this information on the wedding website and aim to include at least two hotels where

guests can register under your party and receive discounted lodging. In addition to the hotels, include some extra information about other lodging options in the area. Out-of-town guests will appreciate having as many options as possible, and having that information provided saves guests the trouble of researching certain neighborhoods to determine if they are safe or close to the ceremony and reception sites.

R egistry

Wedding websites also provide a great way for couples to share registry information. Include links that take guests directly to your online registries.

Wedding websites are a great resource for couples who want to share information about their weddings and guests who would like to share in the excitement. As the big day draws closer, couples can update their sites to reflect any new developments.

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Go Over “Board” Get TheiMost Out Of Wedding Inspirations

Turning a dream wedding into a reality may require some creativity.

It can be challenging to organize an abundance of ideas, but inspiration boards may be able to help.

Inspiration boards, sometimes referred to as idea boards, are commonly used by interior designers, artists, writers, and even wedding planners. Such boards can be important when starting a new project, especially if all of those creative ideas seem to lack cohesion. Sometimes it is helpful to see things together, rather than in bits and pieces.

Inspiration boards may include magazine clippings, photographs, fabric and color swatches, and quotes or literary passages. As a couple adds to their idea board, they may find a common

denominator among their inspirational elements. This can help determine a theme for the wedding or jump-start other planning.

While poster boards may be the more traditional style for idea boards, creative ideas also can be compiled in binders or scrapbooks, which work especially well for keeping all items organized and concise. Plus, they are portable, which means a couple can take their scrapbook to a meeting with a wedding vendor and show the vendor concepts for the wedding.

Later, when photographers, florists, and other vendors have been booked, the couple can attach receipts or agreements to the inspiration board for future reference. This practice will keep all the important wedding

information in one place so the bride- and groom-to-be do not have to search through folders or files for important documents. In addition, if friends or family members ask for advice when planning their own weddings in the future, the couple can look back at their inspiration board.

To start building a board or book, the couple should accumulate clippings of photos or articles that resonate with them. As they visit bridal shops and other stores, they can take fabric swatches and pictures of particular looks. Couples may attend bridal shows and take home promotional materials.

Remember, inspiration may not always come from wedding-related sources. Anything in daily life may provide ideas.

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Your

Wedding Planning

Checklist

There are so many things to think about when planning a wedding. We have provided this handy checklist so you can stay on top of your to-do list and have your planning go as smoothly as possible. Everyone has a different vision, so this is just a starting point. Amp up or scale back as you see fit!

9-12 Months Before

❍ Announce your engagement to your family and friends. ❍ Determine the approximate size, style, and formality of your event. ❍ Work out a budget. Decide who is paying for what. ❍ Start the guest list to know an approximate count for booking venues. ❍ Decide on an approximate date for the wedding. ❍ Choose the members of your wedding party. ❍ Hire a wedding planner, if you wish. ❍ Research and visit ceremony and reception venues. Note: If you are hoping to book a popular venue, especially if you are set on a particular date, this step should be completed earlier. ❍ Book your ceremony and reception sites. ❍ Create a wedding website, if you wish. ❍ Begin looking at wedding gowns. ❍ Start thinking about where you would like to take your honeymoon. ❍ Research florists, bands/DJs, and photographers and begin getting quotes. ❍ Research caterers (if separate from the reception venue) and bakeries for your cake. ❍ _____________________________ ❍ _____________________________ ❍ _____________________________

6-9 Months Before

❍ Purchase a wedding dress. ❍ Shop for and order bridesmaids’ dresses. ❍ Send out save-the-date cards. ❍ Book a photographer and/or videographer. Note: If you are getting married during the peak wedding season, you probably want to complete this step sooner, especially if you have a particular photographer in mind. ❍ Get engagement photos taken and submit your announcement to your local newspapers. ❍ Start finalizing the guest list and collecting addresses. ❍ Book a caterer, set up a tasting, and begin choosing your menu. ❍ Choose a honeymoon destination and update your passports if necessary. ❍ Book a wedding officiant. ❍ Choose musicians for your ceremony and book reception entertainment. ❍ Meet with a florist and start choosing flowers. ❍ Create a wedding registry at several different stores/websites. ❍ Block off rooms at a nearby hotel for out-of-town guests. ❍ _____________________________ ❍ _____________________________ ❍ _____________________________ ❍ _____________________________ ❍ _____________________________ ❍ _____________________________

4-5 Months Before

❍ Begin premarital counseling, if you wish. ❍ Choose and purchase wedding invitations. ❍ Book your honeymoon accommodations and buy plane tickets. ❍ Reserve a site for the rehearsal dinner. ❍ Buy wedding shoes and try on veils and other accessories with your gown. ❍ Book a hair and makeup appointment at your salon. ❍ Book limos, carriages, a trolley, town cars, or other modes of transportation for your wedding and reception, if needed. ❍ Meet with bakers, have a cake tasting, and decide on your wedding cake design. ❍ Meet with the officiant and begin discussing ceremony details. ❍ Give your wedding guest list to the host of your bridal shower. ❍ ___________ ___________ ___________ ❍ ___________ ___________ ___________ ❍ ___________ ___________ ___________ ❍ ___________ ___________ ___________

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3 Months Before

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❍ ❍

2 Months Before

1 Month Before

❍ Get your marriage license. ❍ Purchase gifts for the wedding party and your parents. ❍ Have a trial run with your hairdresser for your hair and makeup. ❍ Send out final payments to vendors. ❍ Call any guests who haven’t RSVP’ed. ❍ Give final counts to caterers/venues. ❍ Determine a seating chart. ❍ Get menu cards/programs printed, if you wish. ❍ Get place cards/escort cards printed. ❍ Look into the business of changing your last name (if you are planning to), as well as some of the other details of your status change. ❍ Write vows, if you are going that route. ❍ Have a final dress fitting. ❍ Prepare a shot list for your photographer. ❍ _____________________________ ❍ _____________________________

❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍

Pack for your honeymoon.

Enjoy a bachelor/bachelorette party.

Pick up your dress.

Pick up tuxes/suits.

Gather any items that need to be transported to your venues (guestbook, photos, favors, etc.).

Have the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

Make any additional payments that haven’t been paid.

Confirm, confirm, confirm.

Prepare envelopes with tips for vendors.

Pack your emergency wedding day kit.

Try to get some sleep. _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

After the Wedding

❍ Complete paperwork for changing your last name, changing insurance, etc. ❍ Send out thank-you notes. ❍ Get your wedding dress cleaned and preserved. ❍ _____________________________ ❍ _____________________________ ❍ _____________________________

Day of the Wedding

❍ Be sure to eat and drink plenty of fluids. ❍ Get your hair and makeup done. ❍ Enjoy your day! ❍ _____________________________ ❍ _____________________________ ❍ _____________________________

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❍ Practice walking in your wedding shoes if you purchased high heels. ❍ Finalize ceremony music and readings. ❍ Go for dress fittings. ❍ Enjoy your bridal shower. ❍ Determine a day-of schedule and send it out to your vendors. ❍ Review your reception playlist with your band/disc jockey. ❍ Mail rehearsal dinner invitations. ❍ Finalize honeymoon details/itinerary. ❍ Choose the groom’s and groomsmen’s attire. ❍ Begin a beauty regimen (teeth whitening, pedicures, etc.). ❍ _____________________________ ❍ _____________________________

Week of the Wedding

❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍

TheiWedding Planner

❍ ❍

Finalize your menu options.

Send out wedding invitations.

Choose ceremony music.

Finalize flowers.

Arrange for rental items for your reception, if necessary.

Start looking for wedding favors.

Purchase undergarments and other accessories, as well as bridesmaids’ accessories.

Purchase wedding rings and send them to be engraved, if you wish.

Make an appointment for a dress fitting for alterations. _____________________________ _____________________________

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Staying Organized During Wedding Planning Weddings require a lot of planning. Couples hosting large weddings or even intimate gatherings can easily be overwhelmed by the amount of planning they must do to make their weddings into events they will remember and cherish forever.

Staying organized when planning a wedding is a tall order. It is wise to expect the unexpected when organizing a wedding, and the more organized couples can stay, the more fun they can have during the planning process, and the better they can handle the unforeseen

circumstances that are bound to arise in the months leading up to the wedding. Couples may consider trying the following strategies.

Create separate filing systems for each aspect of the wedding.

Rather than maintaining one massive file with information about various elements of the wedding, maintain a separate file for each aspect of the wedding. For example, keep all quotes from prospective florists in a single folder that remains separate from information about other

Schedule time for fun.

Do not let wedding planning be all-consuming.

The bride- and groom-to-be should schedule days that they can enjoy together without having to think about or discuss their pending nuptials. Activities may include date nights that may have fallen by the wayside since getting engaged or periodic day trips to get away from it all. Explore mutual hobbies or try something new.

parts of the wedding. Separate filing systems make it easier to find quotes and contracts when they are needed, saving couples the trouble of digging through pages upon pages of quotes, notes, and other information they had stored.

Maintain a spending spreadsheet.

Many couples plan weddings on carefully constructed budgets, but couples can easily exceed those budgets if they are not routinely monitoring and recording their spending or the spending they are committing to upon signing contracts with vendors. Couples should create spending spreadsheets that allow them to track how much they have already spent, how much they are committed to spending, and the due dates of various wedding-related bills. The couple should update the spreadsheet whenever they write a check or sign a new contract, and they should periodically examine the sheet so they can make sure they are still on track to remain at or under budget.

Divide and conquer.

Separate wedding planning duties so that both people feel they are contributing equally and neither becomes overly stressed. Stress can lead to short tempers and arguments.

Hire a planner.

Start early.

It's never too soon to start planning certain aspects of your wedding, even if it seems like you have plenty of time before your big day. According to The Knot 2015 Real Weddings Study, the average length of engagement for couples who wed in 2015 was 14.5 months.

That means today's couples have more than a year, on average, to plan their nuptials. By starting their wedding planning early, couples can avoid having to organize everything at the last minute, which can be hectic, nerve-wracking and sloppy. In addition, starting early affords couples more time to find great deals and stay within their budgets.

TheiWedding Planner

If wedding planning is proving especially overwhelming or if the couple simply does not have time to do all the legwork necessary, they can hire a wedding planner. Wedding planners are invaluable resources who can help couples quickly connect with vendors who can meet their needs while staying within their budgets. Planners can advise couples on ways to save money, but also when to splurge. Couples planning destination weddings should inquire about resort-affiliated wedding planners before choosing a venue to host their ceremonies and/or guests.

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Rain, Rain, That’s OK!

Don’t Let The Drizzle Dampen Your Dream Day A beautiful backdrop like ocean waves or rolling country hills lends a lot to a wedding, making the day enjoyable for couples and their guests. But Mother Nature also presents risks to those planning to host an outdoor wedding.

Weather is unpredictable, and couples who hope to tie the knot in the great outdoors must develop a contingency plan just in case Mother Nature decides to rain on their parade. While outdoor

wedding venues often have backup venues in place, couples can take some additional steps to ensure a rainy day will not ruin the wedding.

· Find a place to take photos.

Many couples arrange for outdoor wedding photos whether they are tying the knot indoors or outdoors, but couples should also arrange for a place to take photos indoors in case there is inclement weather. If possible, the couple should

walk the grounds of the ceremony or reception site with the photographer in the weeks before the wedding to scout out potential areas to shoot indoors in case the weather does not cooperate.

Ask a representative from the venue to recommend potential photo locations. · Consider a tent. Some wedding venues are exclusively outdoors, meaning they do not have indoor backup options on their premises. If this is the

· Provide umbrellas. Some inclement weather may not be enough to deter couples or guests from braving the great outdoors. Couples getting married in the summer may be able to withstand a summer shower, but they should provide guests with umbrellas just to be safe. The umbrellas can be mementos of the event.

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· Insure the wedding. Couples who are hosting destination weddings on tropical isles should look into insuring their weddings. Such islands might be susceptible to harmful storms like hurricanes, which can prevent weddings from taking place. Insurance can cover couples for a host of unforeseen circumstances, including weather.

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· Establish a cutoff time. Depending on how remote the ceremony location is, couples might be able to wait until a few hours before their weddings to decide if they will still tie the knot outdoors. Make the call earlier if the wedding is to be held at an especially remote location. At the cutoff time, let guests know where the wedding will be. Include information about the cutoff time on the wedding website and/or invitations.

Use a social media platform such as Facebook or Twitter to inform guests of the final decision.

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MARCH 26, 2017

Celebrations Unlimited Wedding Expo Celebrations Hall 27994 Great Cove Road, Fort Littleton, PA www.celebratewithease.com

APRIL 9, 2017

Maryland Wedding Expo at Timonium 2017 Timonium Fairgrounds – Exhibition Hall 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, MD www.marylandwpa.com 15th Annual Eastern Pennsylvania Bridal Expo Lehigh University Rauch Fieldhouse 123 Goodman Drive, Bethlehem, PA www.jenksproductions.com/pabridal.html

JANUARY 8, 2017

Wink 104 Bridal Showcase Radisson Hotel Harrisburg 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, PA www.wink104.com Wilmington Downtown Bridal Showcase DoubleTree Hotel Downtown Wilmington 700 N. King St., Wilmington, DE www.bridalevent.com Berks Bridal Expo The Reading Country Club 5311 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, PA www.berkscountyweddings.com/expo

Best Wedding Showcase Lancaster Marriott & Convention Center 25 S. Queen St., Lancaster, PA www.bestweddingshowcase.com

FEBRUARY 4-5, 2017

Baltimore Wedding Experience Baltimore Convention Center 1 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD www.weddingexperience.com

FEBRUARY 12, 2017

Best Wedding Showcase Central Hotel Harrisburg 800 E. Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA www.bestweddingshowcase.com

“All Things Lovely” Bridal Showcase Penn Oaks Golf Club 150 Penn Oaks Drive, West Chester, PA www.bridalevents.com

JANUARY 15, 2017

Best Wedding Showcase Santander Arena 700 Penn St., Reading, PA www.bestweddingshowcase.com

Wedding Wonderland York Expo Center – Memorial Hall East 334 Carlisle Ave., York, PA www.weddingwonderlandpa.com fun101.3 Wedding Show Eden Resort & Suites 222 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA www.fun1013.com/wedding-show/

FEBRUARY 19, 2017

Best Wedding Showcase Wyndham Garden of York 2000 Loucks Road, York, PA www.bestweddingshowcase.com

Delaware County Bridal Show Drexelbrook Catering 4700 Drexelbrook Drive, Drexel Hill, PA www.bridalevent.com

JANUARY 22, 2017

FEBRUARY 26, 2017

Chester County Showcase Downingtown Country Club 85 Country Club Road, Downingtown, PA www.bridalevent.com Great Bridal Expo Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown 201 N. 17th St., Philadelphia, PA www.greatbridalexpo.com

The King of Prussia Bridal Showcase Sheraton Valley Forge 480 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA www.bridalevent.com

MARCH 5, 2017

Lehigh Valley’s Winter Bridal Show Lehigh University Rauch Fieldhouse 123 Goodman Drive, Bethlehem, PA www.pabridalshow.com

The “Tie the Knot” Wedding Showcase Talamore Country Club 723 Talamore Drive, Ambler, PA www.bridalevent.com The Big Philly Bridal Show and Expo Philadelphia Marriott Downtown 1201 Market St., Philadelphia, PA www.bridalevent.com The King of Prussia Bridal Show Crowne Plaza Valley Forge 260 Mall Blvd., King of Prussia, PA www.bridalevent.com Best Wedding Showcase Downtown Hilton Harrisburg 1 N. Second St., Harrisburg, PA www.bestweddingshowcase.com

APRIL 23, 2017

The Annual “I Do” Delaware Bridal Show and Expo The Christiana Hilton 100 Continental Drive, Newark, DE www.bridalevent.com

APRIL 30, 2017

Bucks County Bridal Showcase Aldie Mansion 85 Old Dublin Pike, Doylestown, PA www.bridalevent.com

JULY 23, 2017

Best Wedding Showcase York Expo Center – Memorial Hall East 334 Carlisle Ave., York, PA www.bestweddingshowcase.com

AUGUST 13, 2017

Best Wedding Showcase Lancaster Marriot & Convention Center 25 S. Queen St., Lancaster, PA www.bestweddingshowcase.com

SEPTEMBER 24, 2017

Best Wedding Showcase Radisson Hotel Harrisburg 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, PA www.bestweddingshowcase.com

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Specializing in Custom Alterations for Wedding Gowns and Attendant’s Dresses.

Fittings by appointment only.

Please Call: (717) 244-4571

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TheiWedding Planner

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Perfect Setting for Weddings and all of your Wedding Celebrations!

• Rehearsal Dinners • Bridal Showers • Engagement Parties • Bachelor/Bacherlorette Dinners

949 Church Street, Landisville, PA 17538

(717) 898-0536 • www.fourseasonsgolfclub.club

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Weddings Are Always in Season

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