Bridal guide june 2017 valley

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JUNE 2017

Le Center Leader | Le Sueur News Herald | St. Peter Herald

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BRIDAL GUIDE

JUNE 2017

BRIDAL GUIDE

A special publication of the Le Center Leader, Le Sueur News-Herald and St. Peter Herald Publisher Chad Hjellming Media Consultants Kathleen Davies Missy Daschner Gayle Stelten Advertising Design Mary Jo Blanchard Kate McGillen

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Bridal Guide June 2017 is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Le Center Leader, Le Sueur News-Herald and St. Peter Herald at no additional charge. All rights reserved. ©2017 All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertiser.

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(MS) Getting married is an exciting time in a couple’s life together. Wedding planning is the next logical step after the engagement announcement, and while couples often get swept up in planning their dream parties, it’s important to note that ultimately the ceremony is the star of the day.

Before booking a wedding reception venue or getting one’s heart set on a particular date, couples need to secure their ceremony sites as well as apply for a marriage license. In some instances, ceremonies are held

at the same site as the wedding reception, while some couples choose to tie the knot in their church or synagogue. Each of these types of ceremonies will be governed by the schedule of the house of worship or civil site.

Finding a venue Once couples choose a wedding date, it is a good idea for them to visit their ceremony site of choice to check the calendar. It helps to have some flexibility in the wedding date in case the first choice is unavailable. Although summer weddings used to be the

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most popular, today’s couples are tying the knot more often in September and October than other times of year.

Even though a couple’s wedding is special and unique to them, ceremony locations handle hundreds of weddings. Couples must recognize that competition for certain venues may be steep, so it helps to keep more than one venue in mind when planning a wedding.

States, getting a marriage license generally involves filling out the application and paying a fee at the county clerk’s office. Both applicants are typically required to bring identification, such as a driver’s license, passport or birth certificate. There may be a waiting period between submitting the application and the license being issued. Couples can pick up the license or have it mailed to them.

Canadian requirements Getting a marriage license vary by province. For example, While laws may vary from in Ontario, applicants need to be state to state within the United at least 16 years old to marry and

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A marriage license is not the same thing as a marriage certificate. The marriage certificate typically becomes available after the ceremony has taken place and the witnesses and officiant have signed off on the preceed-

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Getting married is a multistep process that begins with determining where the ceremony will take place and acquiring a marriage license. With these items in check, couples can focus on creating memorable wedding days.

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Great wedding gift ideas (MS) Wedding receptions culminate when the happy couple stands before their tiered and towering wedding cake to cut the first slice.

The tradition of wedding cakes has endured since ancient times, and cakes have been presented in many incarnations since their introduction. In fact, some have not been cake at all.

One of the first wedding “cakes” was made in ancient Rome and was comprised of bread. This bread was broken over the bride’s head to symbolize future fertility and good luck for the couple.

Until the 19th century, wedding cakes were actually bridal pies. A “bride’s pie” was made of flaky pastry and filled with oysters, pine kernels, cockscombs,

lambstones, sweetbreads, and spices. According to Gastronomica, a journal of food studies, humble versions of wedding cakes were also created with mutton and mincemeat.

Bridal pies eventually gave way to sweeter offerings, including fruited cakes that served as symbols of fertility and prosperity.

Today, wedding cakes run the gamut from all-white, fondant-covered confections to simple sheet cakes. Some couples even opt to serve their guests cupcakes or cookies.

Although white is the preferred color of wedding cakes, couples may opt for hues that evoke the color schemes of their weddings. Queen Victoria of

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Wedding cakes are usually priced by the slice, and prices can range anywhere from $1.50 per slice and upward. Couples can budget around $300 to $500 for moderately priced wedding cakes for parties with 150 to 200 people. According to the wedding resource The Knot, the most expensive wedding cake commissioned to date was made by Buddy Valastro of Carlo’s Bakery.

At the request of New York City socialite Devorah Rose for her diamond gala event, the $30 million cake was topped with jewels.

(MS) Many people rely on bridal registries when buying wedding gifts for their loved ones. But for those who put off buying wedding gifts until registries have been picked clean, finding the right gift can sometimes be difficult. Even if men and women do not intend to buy wedding gifts directly off a couple’s registry, it’s best to first visit that registry to ensure that the gift that is ultimately purchased is not a duplicate gift. Shoppers who do know what to get the happy couple can consider the following gift ideas.

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• Airline miles: Though it might be unconventional, gifting airline miles to the happy couple may save them hundreds of dollars. Men and women with ample airline miles should determine if their agreement allows them to transfer those miles to a loved one. If so, transferring the miles won’t cost the person doing the gifting any money out of pocket, but it can save couples substantial amounts of money on their next trip, including their honeymoon if they have yet to book one.

• Experience: Many people have embraced gifting an experience instead of an item to their loved ones. Some companies even facilitate such gifts to newlyweds. Websites like Traveler’s

Joy allow couples to establish honeymoon registries, building them with activities and experiences they hope to enjoy on their trips. Loved ones can then gift money toward those activities, providing a win-win situation for people who would prefer to gift an experience and ensuring couples’ honeymoons will be that much more memorable.

• Cash: Cash may seem impersonal, but couples tying the knot will no doubt appreciate an infusion of cash after saying “I do.” According to The Knot, the average wedding cost more than $35,000 in 2016. Even couples whose parents foot the bill for their weddings will appreciate having some extra money on hand that they can use on their honeymoons or put toward a home

JUNE 2017

BRIDAL GUIDE

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Rehearsal dinner planning pointers (MS) Rehearsal dinners are customarily held after couples and their bridal parties walk through the wedding ceremony.

Rehearsals may occur one or two nights before the actual wedding, depending on the availability of the wedding venue.

Rehearsal dinners tend to be less formal than wedding receptions, but couples should still prioritize planning to ensure their dinner goes off without a hitch.

• Con rm ho is paying or dinner. Tradition once suggested that the groom’s parents pay for the rehearsal dinner while the bride’s parents foot the bill for the wedding. But perhaps due to the rising cost of weddings, many couples no longer feel beholden to such traditions. If couples are nancing their o n eddings parents of both the bride and groom may want to pay for the rehearsal dinner. If parents are splitting the cost of the wedding, then couples themselves may want to pay for the rehearsal dinner. Con rm ho is paying and

if there is a budget to work with before booking a restaurant. This way there is no confusion once the bill is brought to the table.

• ive consideration to bridal party members’ dietary restrictions. Couples may not ant to book a seafood restaurant if a hand ul o guests have shell sh allergies. So before booking a restaurant for the rehearsal dinner, couples can ask members of their bridal party and other attendees if they have any food allergies.

• Emphasi e location. Cou ples whose bridal party includes out-of-towners should look for a restaurant that’s close to the wedding hotel and/or the ceremony site to host their rehearsal dinner. Ideally, one that’s within walking distance of both makes getting to and from a lot easier.

Regardless of where the restaurant is located, make sure to arrange for transportation for any out-of-town guests who are not planning to drive to the wedding.

• n orm guests a out the dress code. Rehearsal dinners

tend to be laid back affairs, but members of the bridal party may be uncertain about what to wear.

Couples should in orm rehearsal dinner guests well in advance of the wedding if the dinner will be casual, semiformal or formal.

This gives guests the time to shop for and pack their attire for the night, and saves couples the trouble of answering wardrobe inquiries in the usy nal days e ore the wedding.

• oast the guests. rides and grooms are toasted at their wedding receptions, but rehearsal dinners afford happy couples the chance to thank their closest friends and family members for their love and support. Plan to give a brief toast to loved ones at the dinner. rooms may also want to use this opportunity to toast their brides-to-be, thanking them for all their efforts planning the wedding.

Rehearsal dinners typically are fun, less formal affairs. But even the least formal dinners require some planning.

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to ill-fitting wedding attire (MS) Seamstresses and tailors are sometimes the unsung heroes of weddings. These individuals often work tirelessly under pressure to ensure that tuxes are taken in at the right places and that gowns are hemmed to perfection. People may underestimate the importance of good wedding ensemble alterations, but having someone whose skilled with a needle and thread is essential to looking your best on such a momentous day.

Proper fit can be as important as the gown or suit. Although some couples will spend thousands of dollars on wedding attire, many will not research the person to handle any necessary

alterations. Few, if any, wedding ensembles can be purchased right off the rack and worn without custom tailoring. The scope of the alterations will depend on the desired changes and how well the clothing initially fits. Timing is crucial, and these guidelines can facilitate the process of wedding alterations.

resource The Knot advises allowing between two and three months from a first fitting to the last as an ideal timeline to make all of the alterations. For complicated gowns, brides or bridal party members may need three or four fittings, with the last occurring a few weeks before the wedding.

Length of time It’s difficult to say how long alterations will take, as it depends on the extent of the work and how busy the seamstress or tailor is. And until the alterations have begun, seamstresses and tailors may not know how long the job will take. The bridal

Alteration costs Cost alone should not dictate where to go for alterations.

The costs can include many factors, including which fabrics are used in the gown or suit, which types of alterations are requested (minor tweaks or a major overhaul), proximity to the wedding

Few, if any, wedding ensembles can be purchased right off the rack and worn without custom tailoring. The scope of the alterations will depend on the desired changes and how well the clothing initially fits. Timing is crucial, and these guidelines can facilitate the process of wedding alterations. date, and even geographical location. Brides also can add straps, beading, lace, or other detailing, but it will affect the cost.

Whom to choose Many bridal salons and formalwear retailers will have someone on staff who can handle alterations. If a store doesn’t have a tailor or seamstress, or if this person isn’t able to provide what is needed, take clothing to a professional who special-

izes in wedding wear. Gowns can be complex, with wedding gowns featuring bustles, intricate hems, boning, beading, and much more, so try to work with experienced professionals who have seen it all. Ask friends and family for recommendations, or find out if wedding planners or retailers who sold you the dress recommend anyone.

When attending a fitting, bring along the shoes and undergarments that will be worn on

the wedding day so the fit can be matched accordingly. Also take one friend or family member who can offer an extra opinion on how the clothing falls and fits.

Brides may want to bring a maid(matron)-of-honor if she needs to learn how to bustle a gown.

Skilled tailors or seamstresses help couples look their best on their wedding days, and finding reliable professionals should be part of wedding planning.

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BRIDAL GUIDE

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How to host a casual wedding (MS) Weddings tend to be formal affairs, but there are no laws prohibiting happy couples from hosting more casual affairs.

In fact, many couples confronted with the rising costs of tying the knot are doing just that.

According to The Knot 2016 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding in 2016 exceeded $35,000, and that price tag does not even include couples’ honeymoons. Some couples may not have the means to finance such lavish affairs, while others may want to save for larger expenses, such as a house, while still being able to celebrate their nuptials with family and friends.

Casual weddings can provide that opportunity. However, while casual weddings are less formal, couples will still need to keep some things in mind to make their ceremonies and receptions both fun and memorable.

• Let guests no the ed ding will be casual. Perhaps the most important thing couples can do when hosting a casual wedding is inform their guests that the ceremony and reception will not be formal affairs. Be as specific as possible regarding the dress code so guests don’t feel embarrassed if they overdress.

• ont a andon tradition entirely. Couples hosting casual weddings may not feel beholden to all the traditions associated with more formal affairs, but that does not mean tradition should be abandoned entirely. For example, fathers-of-the-bride may still hope to share a spotlight dance with their daughters, while siblings or friends may still hope to serve as bridesmaids or groomsmen. Just because a wedding is less formal does not mean it has to be completely void of tradition, especially those traditions that can let couples’ closest loved ones know how much they are loved and appreciated.

• Create your o n tradi tions. Embracing some tradition does not mean couples cannot simultaneously create their own wedding traditions. Guests at casual weddings will likely be expecting something different than

(MS) The phrase ‘tying the knot’ is synonymous with getting married. Although the words can represent the symbolic joining of two lives together, in some cultures, getting married actually requires tying a knot. The custom traces its origins to an ancient Babylonian tradition in which threads from the clothes of both the bride and groom were tied in a knot to represent the couple’s union. Other cultures have embraced this tradition, and couples tie ceremonial knots during their wedding ceremonies.

they’re used to, so couples should ning a formal wedding, as out- place to sleep not hesitate to provide that. Cou- of-town guests will still need a ples should strive to keep things tasteful but not shy away from unique ideas that fit into the casual theme.

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Most costly vs. most affordable areas to get married (MS) Many couples know that weddings are expensive.

Whether couples finance their weddings themselves or rely on the generosity of their parents, the final price tag may be several thousands of dollars.

The price of tying the knot can vary significantly depending on geography. According to data compiled by the online wedding resource The Knot, the following are some of the more expensive places to get hitched in the United States. If budget allows for traveling, it may be worth it to head to a nearby state to save considerable dollars, particularly if couples reside in the New York/Tri-State area of the East Coast, where weddings tend to be the most costly.

Wedding locales vary in their average costs for weddings. Traveling can help couples save.

e Places 10 Most Expensiv hattan ($82,299) 1. New York - Man ($61,265) 2. Illinois - Chicago ,501) /Hudson Valley ($57 er st he tc es W rk 3. New Yo Island ($56,950) 4. New York - Long 34) rth/Central ($54,3 5. New Jersey - No 34) - Cape Cod ($54,3 6. Massachusetts 50,266) 7. Rhode Island ($ 82) r boroughs ($46,6 8. New York - Oute ) Springs ($44,646 9. California - Palm ) w Orleans ($44,178 10. Louisiana - Ne

Although there are no directly comparable statistics for Canadian provinces/territories and wedding expenses, it’s fair to assume that the more costly areas to buy a home in Canada would also be the ones where wedding costs are higher. Toronto-based website Rentseeker posted the average costs to buy a home across the country in 2015, and based on the assumption that the more expensive areas would also generate higher wedding prices, couples can probably expect to pay more in Ontario, British Columbia

and Saskatchewan. These areas are followed by Alberta, New Brunswick & Novia Scotia, Manitoba, Newfoundland, and Quebec. According to Wedding Trends 2015 from WeddingBells.ca, the average cost of a wedding in Canada in 2015 (including the honeymoon) was $30,717.

Weddings can be expensive ventures. Choosing the location smartly can shave several thousands of dollars off of the final price tag.

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10 Least Expens ive Places 1. Alaska ($17,361 ) 2. South Dakota ($18,890) 3. Texas - West ($ 19,261) 4. Arkansas ($19 ,856) 5. New Mexico ($ 20,114) 6. North Dakota ($ 20,211) 7. Idaho ($20,245 ) 8. Montana ($20 ,322) 9. Oregon ($20,4 56) 10. Illinois - Cent ral ($21,818)

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What is wedding insurance?

Wedding insurance can provide couples who are about to tie the knot with some peace of mind on their big days. Many wedding venues require couples carry liability coverage in the case of accidents, injuries or incidents. But wedding insurance policies may even surprise couples with regard to what they cover. Each policy is different, and couples may be able to customize wedding insurance policies to cover a host of items. Many policies cover couples in the wake of cancellations or postponements due to weather, damage to the facility or even a change of heart on the part of the couple holding the policy. But some policies may provide coverage for couples should their photographers and/or caterers fail to appear. Policies may also cover lost, stolen or damaged items, including equipment rentals, bridal growns, jewelry, and/or gifts. Couples should speak with their wedding venue representative to determine if the venue offers extended coverage and ultimately compare those offerings to policy estimates they receive on their own.

(MS) Technology continues to infiltrate all areas of life. So it should come as no surprise that apps and digital organization play a prominent role in many couples’ weddings. Couples may now feel it is necessary to design a wedding website to keep their guests up-to-date.

Though they’re useful when planning a wedding, websites are not a must-have, according to bridal etiquette experts. However, those who choose to delve into the world of wedding websites can keep these pointers in mind when navigating.

DO use the wedding website as a central hub for putting pertinent information about the wedding that may not be covered on invitations or save-the-date cards.

be more difficult to track down.

DO use a wedding website provider that gives you the option to password protect your website. Urge guests not to share this protected information with others.

DON’T caption engagement photos, bachelorette party photos and more with dates and names on the wedding website and on other social media.

DO skip the wedding website if you are strongly opposed to it. When properly composed, a wedding invitation will convey all the pertinent details. A group email or phone calls can alert guests to any changes after the fact.

DON’T forget to link to gift DON’T ignore the potential registries.

for identity theft and privacy.

Wedding websites can put quite a deal of personal information out for public consumption. Not only will the website advertise when the wedding takes place (when your home and the homes of all your guests will be empty), but also it could include birthdays, maiden names, and other information that would normally

DO use the wedding website to collect responses and then make a table seating arrangement online. This will help you stay more organized and streamlined.

Wedding websites are yet another tool couples can use to stay organized as they plan their weddings.

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BRIDAL GUIDE

JUNE 2017

Unique groomsmen gift ideas

(MS) Weddings are steeped in tradition, and one of the more enjoyable ones is the custom of gifting members of the bridal party. With regard to picking out tuxedos and planning the wedding, grooms may not spend as much time with their groomsmen as brides do with their bridesmaids. But that does not mean grooms don’t want to go above and beyond when gifting their groomsmen. The following are a handful of unique groomsmen gift ideas.

• uys day out: hile its customary to gift groomsmen with mementos of the wedding that they can keep for years to come, there’s no law forbidding grooms from gifting an experience. rooms can oo a guys day or night out for after the wedding, buying each groomsmen a ticket to a ballgame and paying

for dinner for the whole crew.

Or consider a more adventurous outing, such as a group bungee jump or whitewater rafting trip.

Provide a memento by ordering a handful of specially designed commemorative T-shirts.

• Commemorative photo: Many grooms ask relatives and friends they have known for much of their lives to be their groomsmen. So it’s not uncommon for groomsmen to know each other very well. If each member of the party has known one another for years, grooms can try to find a photo of all of them together when they were much younger. Have the photo professionally framed, noting the date of the wedding with an engraving on the frame. If each groomsman is from a different period in the groom’s life, then the groom can find a photo from

early in each relationship to present as a gift.

• Commemorative eer: Many grooms and groomsmen bond over beer, so grooms who have raised many a pint with their groomsmen might want to create their own commemorative beers to show their love and appreciation for their best guy friends. Many craft breweries offer brewing classes that teach beer afficionados the finer points o ma ing eer. rooms can attend such classes on their own and create their own batch specifically for their groomsmen or pay for the whole group to attend the class together.

• Movie poster: rooms ith a creative side and a love of movies can create

movie posters that mimic those o iconic guy lms li e ood ellas’ or ‘Animal House,’ swapping out images of the film’s stars with likenesses of themselves and their groomsmen.

Have the finished products framed before presenting one to each groomsman.

JUNE 2017

BRIDAL GUIDE

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Unique Wedding Food Trends (MS) Food can make or break a wedding reception. Couples researching potential reception sites for their parties should be sure to schedule tastings and confirm how the foods will look upon being served. In addition to the taste of the food, couples may want to consider which menu items are offered - particularly those that align with the latest trends in wedding reception catering. Based on data compiled

by The Knot, She Knows, Delish, and various food bloggers, the

following food trends are worthy of notice.

• ood stations: ood stations encourage interaction between a chef/server and the guests. Food stations can include a ceviche bar, fondue cart, quesadilla maker, or custom sliders station.

• Color ul oods: uests are often first tempted by the appearance of foods, and bold colors can set dishes apart.

• runch items: ecogni ing that daytime weddings can

be much less expensive than evening affairs, couples may want to have brunch-themed weddings, featuring omelets, pancakes, French toast, and other tasty breakfast foods.

• ancier ordinary are: Although chicken fingers and meat alls arent normally given gourmet status, they can be dressed up and repackaged for weddings. Whole-grain breadings, Kobe beef meatballs and Asian dipping sauces give foods some flair.

• amily eel: ome eddings are no served amily style here guests can share from larger passed plates. This serves to connect everyone at the table and encourages conversation, helping to establish a warm atmosphere.

• ood truc s: rendy couples can treat guests to another special component toward the end of the reception. A takeout style food truck order can serve as a fourth or fifth course.

Men can get manicures for their wedding days, too

(MS) A variety of wedding day cosmetic preparations are geared toward the bride-to-be. entlemen generally limit their wedding pampering to a haircut and possibly a self-tanning product to have a golden glow in their wedding photos.

As social norms continue to relax and guys grow more comfortable and confident taking care of their skin, hair and bodies, the list of services men undergo in advance of special occasions may widen. One service that many men have already embraced is the manicure.

Manicures neaten the fingernails and treat the skin and cuticles of the fingers and can be just as beneficial for men as women. In fact, male-geared hand and foot grooming have already sprouted a niche market,

including the Hammer & Nails rooming or uys ranchise that was featured on the popular sho har an .

Nail technicians can help guys achieve a clean look and alert men to possible underlying health issues present on their hands and feet. According to Dr. David E. Bank, a clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia

Presbyterian Medical Center, technicians are trained to recogni e possi le ungus and other infections within the nails.

Depending on his profession a mans hands may e on display and the appearance of those hands can help close deals or present a more professional look. Manicures can help men achieve that. They re also ideal

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for special occasions like weddings, when guys want to be groomed to per ection. maga ine advises that the occasional professional manicure can offer nice, even nails without out-ofcontrol cuticles - no polish or gel tips necessary.

First-timers may be hesitant to give manicures a try. While salon services can di er heres

what a typical manicure will entail.

• ails are cut and led.

• ands ill e soa ed in warm water and/or oil to soften skin and cuticles.

• Cuticles are pushed ac or trimmed.

• Moisturi er may e applied, and hands are given a brief massage.

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• Clear polish can e used if desired. However, a thorough buffing also can create a healthy shine to the nail.

Men may want to visit nail salons during off-peak times if they are shy about requesting services. Otherwise, they can visit usinesses that cater to mens grooming.

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PAGE 12

BRIDAL GUIDE

JUNE 2017

LAST CALL!!! NEW 2016’S These are the last of the new 2016’S, reserve yours now!

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2016 CHRYSLER 200 LIMITED

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2016 DODGE CHALLENGER HELLCAT

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2016 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SXT

6.2 supercharged hemi, auto, moonroof, remote start, heated & cooled seats

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Hard top, pw, pdl, tow pkg, alloy wheels, satellite radio

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Stock #11994

2016 JEEP COMPASS LATITUDE 4X4

2016 JEEP WRANGLER 4D SAHARA

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Stock #11946

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The New Chrysler Wing is a trademark of Chrysler Group LLC. 1000 Chrysler Drive Auburn Hills, Mchigan 48326 Filed for registration with the US Patent and Trademark Office, July 2009.

First use in commerce, November 2010.

Rendered February 2011 by John Conti <jconti@mediamonitors.com>

M ik e C hm iel W

D a n eg s cheid

A d a m C ow ell

J a r ed S k a la

J a k e P ey m a nn

* Must finance thru Lager’s finance source to qualify.

W.A.C. See dealer for details. ** Must trade in a vehicle to qualify. See dealer for details.