The Lawrence Wedding Planner

the 2010

Lawrence Wedding planner

free

Member for life.

Personal Loans

There was a lot to think about when preparing for my wedding,

VISA® Credit Cards

but one thing I didn’t have to worry about was our money. Now,

Lines of Credit

as we begin our life together, my Credit Union is helping us every step of the way. When life changes, they’re here with me.

A Better Way to Bank www.kucu.org 3400 W 6th St · 1300 W 23rd St · 2221 W 31st St · 785.749.2224

the 2010

Lawrence Wedding planner

2010 Features 4. BitterSweet Floral & Design 5. Stony Point Hall 6. Slice of Life Cakes 7. Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center 8. Premarital Education 9. A Beautiful Wedding 10. Circle S Ranch 11. Castle Tea Room 11. After Five Cupcakes 12. Pachamama’s Alton Ballroom 14. The Olivia Collection 16. Alonzo Beardshear 17. Weaver’s 17. Travellers, Inc. 18. American Legion Hall 19. Modern Bouquets 20. Wedding Planner Timeline 21. Wedding Planner Contact Guide

cover photo by epagaFOTO 913-486-0228 / www.epagafoto.com

photo by epagaFOTO

The 2010 Lawrence Wedding Planner is a product of Free Planet Press, Inc. PO Box 571 / Lawrence , KS / 66044 785-393-0710

BitterSweet Floral & Design begin your planning at Bittersweet Floral & Design On the south end of Massachusetts Street, tucked away from the frenzy of downtown Lawrence, BitterSweet Floral & Design serves those with cutting edge, cultivated and refined tastes by providing full-service floral design and event planning.

John and LaDonna McCaffrey and their crew look at everything they do as unique and individual. When planning your wedding, they are eager to create an exceptional design specific to you.

In business since 1989, BitterSweet Floral and Design has experience in complete wedding design and coordination. They can provide you with the resources to hire the best photographers, musicians, caterers and cake bakers in the area. They can recommend little-known venue sights and have invaluable experience working in almost every reception sight in Lawrence.

BitterSweet’s designs for bouquets are as varied and unique as each bride. They have designed hundreds of bouquets, ranging in structure from hand-tied to cascades, and in styles from traditional to eclectic and garden style to contemporary.

Flowers are a major design element of weddings. Whether your ceremony is outside, in a traditional church or an atypical venue that is special to you, BitterSweet specializes in creating the floral display you want. Large floral arrangements can be as different as the environments they are used to fill. The crew at BitterSweet has designed in almost every church and reception venue in the area and can make recommendations for size, style and colors that will work best in your space.

Floral centerpieces are also a large part of the decor of your reception. BitterSweet’s traditional designs allow for identical centerpieces, a simple scattering of colorful petals or even just single stem in a bud vase on each table. More contemporary designs maintain harmony through color and flower choice but every table will have a unique design.

BitterSweet Floral & Design is a unique design shop that gives individual attention to every wedding that they design.

Please call 785.843.5954 or 888.535.6130 to make an appointment. Begin with BitterSweet.

BitterSweet Floral and Design 1407 Massachusetts St. Downtown Lawrence, KS 785.843.5954 888.535.6130 www.bittersweet-floral.com

There is a lot of talk about the economy and people cutting back these days. When it comes to the most important event in your life, no one wants to cut corners. What you need is a responsible solution with the flexibility to create the wedding of your dreams.

Brides in the Lawrence area are discovering just such a solution.

Stony Point Hall is a modern facility with country charm that fits the bill without breaking the budget. Nestled in the beautiful Vinland Valley, just 7 miles south of Lawrence, the facility has become the premier location for everybody from the do-it-yourself bride to full service, to grand celebrations.

The most obvious draw is the location. The 3,500 square foot main hall accommodates up to 299 guests. To the south, in the summer sunshine, is a large rose garden designed for outdoor ceremonies. The garden features a semicircular path around a rock garden, centered on a soothing fountain. The path culminates in a center aisle leading to an arbor bordered by red and pink roses. The entire garden looks out across the valley and rolling wooded hills.

Inside is no less spectacular. The hall has its own decorations in the form of indirect lighting, white fabric bunting and soft colors. The

walls are highlighted by four columns, which are internally lit with colored spotlights that can be adjusted to coordinate with your wedding colors.

The flexibility of the hall is where the savings can really be made.

Stony Point offers catering, floral and photography services on site through Daffodil Hill Events (www.daffodilhillevents.com), but you are not restricted to that company. In fact, you can choose any vendor you want for the services you need. Stony Point allows self-catering from our spacious kitchen, and if you wish to serve alcohol at your receptions, we have a bring your own option, too.

The equipment for a wedding and reception can be expensive to buy, and quite a bit to rent. No worries. Story Point Hall provides tables and chairs and have many rental items available, such as linens, serving items, decorative glass and audio-visual equipment. All items are optional and you are always welcome to bring your own.

If you want to create a special wedding day that you and your guests will fondly remember, head on out to see Stony Point Hall. For rental information, FAQs, photos and a history of the farm, please visit www.stonypointhall.com or call 785-594-2225.

1514 N 600 Road • Baldwin City, KS • 785-594-2225 www.stonypointhall.com • info@stonypointhall.com

Slice of Life

Specialty Cakes for Weddings & All Occasions

Slice of Life will bring to life customized cakes that both look and taste great.

Owner / Designer Ania Middleton will sit down with you to design a cake to meet your exact specifications, ensuring you get just the kind of cake you want.

Everything is made fresh and by hand.

Cakes • Wedding Mints • Decorating Classes • Chocolate Truffles • Chocolate Fountains

7 8 5 - 8 3 8 - 3 1 9 0 • www.sliceoflifeonline. com

Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center relax and let the staff at the Holiday Inn do the work Jedidiah Kruger, Director of Catering at Lawrence’s Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, has a simple motto. “Tell us what you want,” he says. “And we will do everything we can to make it happen.”

The Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center is easily the most versatile and largest reception venue in Lawrence. The Ballroom alone can seat up to 600 guests. “We’ve done events serving more than 500,” Kruger said. “However, we also love the challenge of making smaller, more intimate receptions fabulous.”

“I think many people have the wrong impression of the Holiday Inn,” Kruger said. “Because we are able to host such large numbers, brides sometimes think all we do is open a big room and wish them luck. That could not be further from the truth.

Couples are often pleasantly surprised with our options. ” Kruger said that he insists on meeting with couples when they are considering reception sites. Budgets, themes and logistics are discussed. More importantly, Kruger wants to learn about the couple. “We let couples know that we are here for

them,” he said.

The Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center is, for lack of a better term, a one-stop shop. Catering, linens, dinnerware, chairs, lighting can all be taken care of in-house, allowing brides to concentrate on enjoying the day. The catering staff strives to create a menu that reflects the couple and provide a service that will impress all your guests.

Of course a Honeymoon Suite is generally available for newlyweds and the hotel offers generous discounts to wedding parties. The pool is available for younger guests, and the hotel is located just off I-70.

“We can host the rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony and reception,” Kruger said. “The party can spill over into Paddy O’Quigley’s Pub & Grill and everyone can safely walk to their hotel rooms for the night. All you have to do is enjoy your day.”

With questions, or for more information on rates and availability, please contact Jedidiah Kruger via phone (785-7498923) or email (jkruger@hulsinghotels.com).

We take care of it all so you can have a ball.

Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center • Ideal for groups of 50 to 600 • On-site catering and event staff • Linens, chairs & flat ware • Experienced event planner • Hotel rooms for wedding party • Reception Decor - set up & clean up • Limitless possibilities in one place 200 McDonald Drive Lawrence, Kansas 66044 785-841-7077 www.holiday-inn.com/lawrenceks

Communication key in

Premarital Education

Premarital counseling and education is like an insurance policy for your marriage. You wouldn’t dream of buying a house or a new car without protecting that investment with an insurance policy. Yet many people are entering into a lifetime commitment without exploring how to preserve their most important relationship.

Insurance does not keep bad things from happening. Unexpected and unwanted things will occur in marriage, because there is no such thing as a perfect marriage. Insurance is there to protect your investment when an event does happen. Premarital education provides tools and techniques to get you through rough patches and preserve your marriage. Without these skills, couples are far more likely to join the ranks of the 50 percent of first marriages (and 68 percent of second marriages) that fail.

When shopping for premarital education to insure your marriage, look for an experience that does not simply focus on the details of the wedding, but teaches specific skills that will enhance the marriage. These should include: • Money management • Communication strategies • Conflict resolution • Division of household labor • Setting and maintaining boundaries • Making decisions Premarital counseling and education also should encompass frank discussions about having and parenting children, religion and cultural customs, the role of the extended family and friends in the couple’s life, sex and intimacy, attitudes concerning divorce, and expectations about marriage. It is helpful to explore and repair any damage done by past relationships, especially for those entering into second marriages. Secondtimers ought to spend an extra session or two discussing blending their families and building relationships with each other’s children.

Quality premarital education needs to identify and focus on the strengths of the couple. When couples are aware of positive traits in their relationship—like friendship, resiliency, commonality, and empathy—they will be more likely to weather the inevitable challenging times ahead.

Expect to invest four to six sessions with a premarital counselor. Start soon into the engagement period so that the stress of wedding details does not sidetrack the learning experience.

Premarital education should be enlightening as well as fun.

Most of all, it should be thought of as an insurance policy to guard the health, vitality, and longevity of your marriage. The relationship you are building now is worth protecting well into the future.

Vickie Hull, M.S., LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She provides premarital education, as well as marriage counseling, individual therapy and other relationship counseling.

8

photo by epagaFOTO

A Beautiful Wedding helping make your dream wedding a reality Carmen Hocking has been working for more than 20 years to make the dreams of every couple come true. Weddings are her passion and she offers premium services before, during and after your wedding.

Her professional planning comes from the experience of planning nearly 1,000 weddings, ongoing training and sensitivity to the changing needs of future brides and grooms. This expertise allows her to anticipate possible situations and produce creative solutions; both will save valuable time and alleviate stress.

Carmen is priceless on your wedding day covering myriad details and your every need. She helps the bride with questions and with the bride’s wedding gown preservation.

“Nothing will happen that I can not handle,” Carmen said.

“My experience allows me to really enjoy helping families with this unique time. It is gratifying to be a part of their special day.”

Carmen founded A Beautiful Wedding as a full-service company specializing in unique celebrations of love. She uses her expertise, planning skills and attention to details to guide you

through every step of complex planning. She wants to provide you with a creative direction emphasizing your desires. Without a wedding planner, the stress, questions and details are left up to the bride, groom and family members. Working with Carmen will allow you and all of your family to relax and enjoy your wedding.

Carmen carries a large selection of invitations from which to choose. “The first impression your guests will have of your wedding is your invitation,” Carmen said. “It tells your guests about the formality of your wedding as well as giving them a glimpse of what to anticipate when the day arrives.”

In addition to helping with your wedding plans, Carmen has her Credentials of Ministry and can officiate the ceremony. Her care and attention to detail doesn’t end when you walk down the aisle. Carmen is a trained in wedding gown preservation.

If you are ready to put plans in motion for a personalized wedding that reflects who you are as a couple, call Carmen Hocking and A Beautiful Wedding. For more information please visit www.abeautifulweddingbycarmen.com.

Circle S Ranch natural beauty takes center stage For lovers whose hearts beat with the rhythm of the prairie, there is no more perfect place to begin a new life together. At the Circle S, a bride may create the wedding of her dreams.

Couples may choose to wed in the valley by the brook where wildflowers bloom and love grows beneath a natural bridal canopy. Circle S Ranch also offers space for a more intimate ceremony in the Great Room, or a grand event in the Party Barn.

Regardless of your choice, from rehearsal dinner to wedding ceremony to reception, the Circle S is a place where a couple begins to experience the best of what life can be.

Need help with all those tedious details - florist, band, DJ? What about a tent, decor, tables, and chair rental? Circle S Ranch’s Event Planning Experts are ready to organize, arrange and smooth out the wrinkles to make your day stress free. The staff at Circle S Ranch can fashion an extraordinary day for you... one that even includes a full body massage or pedicure to help you relax. Whatever your delight, it will be a day you will never forget!

Options include The Big Event Package, which gives you exclusive use of the Total Ranch facilities for a weekend. The package includes 12 rooms in the Inn for two nights for up

to 24 guests. A country breakfast both Saturday and Sunday mornings is included in the package. Plus, you will have exclusive use of the Inn for your rehearsal dinner and lunches. The package also includes use of the Prairie Garden for your wedding, and use of the Party Barn for your reception.

Located in the wooded valley meadow just below the inn and just above a brook where wildflowers bloom, the Prairie Garden offers a peaceful setting for exchanging vows. The focal point of the Garden is a terrace framed by massive columns of hewn limestone extracted from a craggy hillside not far from the inn. The terrace serves well as an earthen altar for nuptials.

Majestic trees, including century-old oaks, hickories and sycamores, shade the brome grass seating area.

From entertaining your wedding party on Friday night with a hayride and bonfire to catering your meals and wedding reception, let Circle S see to the details of your wedding so that you are truly free to enjoy the weekend.

Call (785) 843-4124, (800) 625-2839 or visit www.circlesranch.com for an appointment to plan an exclusively tailored day.

Hosting Exquisite Wedding Receptions & Rehearsal Dinners

The Castle Tea Room restored elegance fit for a queen

The

Castle Tea Room

For reservations:

785.843.1151 1307 Massachusetts

CastleTeaRoom.com

After Five Cupcakes

It’s about making a dream come true.

“At some point in their life, I think every girl plans on having their wedding at a castle,” said Mandy Hillman. “I never actually thought I’d get the chance.”

For more than half a century, the grand home at the southwest corner of Massachusetts and 13th Street has been known as the Castle Tea Room. Over the years, this elegant landmark has hosted innumerable weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement dinners and celebrations.

The restored elegance throughout the Castle Tea Room creates an intimate environment to host rehearsal dinners, receptions and bridal showers. If planning a larger wedding, the courtyard can accommodate up to 150 guests and a tent is provided.

“We work with best caterers and event planners to ensure your day is delightful,” said Executive Director Andre’ Bollaert. “Our mission is to make you the queen of The Castle for a day.”

For information on rates and availability, please call 785-8411151.

They were so

beautiful &delicious”

a delicious spin on tradition After Five Cupcakes are delicious, but not just because of the sugar or icing. It’s the liqueur.

Liqueur-infused cupcakes are the original creations of Christine Fritzel. In her signature style, each original recipe incorporates a complimentary liqueur ingredient. “I’ve been baking my entire life,” Fritzel said. “I’ve always thought a touch of liqueur enhances all the other flavors.”

After Five Cupcakes will add a unique touch to your wedding celebration. Wedding guests will indulge in original recipes like the Red Velvet Cupcakes brushed with an amaretto glaze or Coconut Cupcakes glazed with rum syrup.

Though they have their standard recipes, After Five Cupcakes is always willing to work with a bride to give her just that right taste.

In addition, After Five Cupcakes has a number of handmade displays to hold your cupcakes, including a glittering fairy tale castle designed and constructed by Fritzel.

“We want a couple’s wedding day to be a treasure,” Fritzel said. “Being a part of the celebration is really a blessing, and we strive to enhance the day any way we can.”

Christine Fritzel’s

After Five Cupcakes afterfivecupcakes.com 785-842-1653

11

Pacham amas Alton Ballroom Entering Pachamama’s new Alton Ballroom, Flowering Dogwood trees line the east wall, bursting with pink flowers. Flowering Dogwoods, omens of strength and stability, are the perfect backdrop for a wedding ceremony or reception.

Beyond the blossoming Dogwood trees, the Alton Ballroom’s décor balances class, intimacy and comfort, with polished wood floors, rustic brick walls and a natural stone bar. The Ballroom, which seats up to 200 guests, offers leather banquette seating and spacious round tables which can be arranged to suit the needs of any ceremony or party. Add your personal touch to the Ballroom’s sophistication with any color scheme or decorative vision.

Guests will appreciate the beautiful atmosphere — and they’ll never forget the food. Pachamama’s is a Zagat-rated fine dining restaurant and the Ballroom’s cuisine maintains the same high quality.

Whether guests are treated to hors d’oeuvres, select from a buffet, or feast on a multi-course meal, every bite is delicious. For example, two favorite appetizers are brie-raspberry tartlets and spicy ahi tuna maki rolls. A few main course favorites: applewood-smoked beef tenderloin with peppercorn jus, and almond-crusted rainbow trout with lemon sauce. Pachamama’s experienced catering manager will work with you to create a menu that reflects your tastes.

After dinner, guests can cut loose on the Ballroom’s hickory wood dance floor, illuminated by a colorful LED light show. The Ballroom’s state-of-the-art audio-visual system has an eight-speaker sound system that any DJ can easily plug into, and two high-definition projection screens with PC inputs (ideal for slideshows). While giving toasts, party members can use wireless microphones to ensure the entire crowd can enjoy the speeches.

Pachamama’s also has a second private dining room, the Blue Room, which seats up to 50.

Intimate and elegant, the room is an ideal spot for your rehearsal dinner.

The Alton Ballroom is the only space of its kind in Lawrence. Book your reception with us, and let us manage all the small details so you can focus on celebrating. Our expert staff works with a high level of professionalism and grace to serve you and your guests. For more information, photos, or to view the space, please call Catering Manager Dana Hangauer at 785.841.0990, or email her at dana@pachamamas.com. photos by epagaFOTO

800 New Hampshire St.

www.pachamamas.com

785.841.0990

The

Olivia Col le ction

a local tradition, an intimate area and a new landmark

Lawrence is fast becoming the destination of choice for elegant and affordable weddings in the Midwest. With the new Olivia Collection of hotels in Lawrence, brides have a choice of three exceptional properties, which are among the most beautiful hotels in the area.

The Historic Eldridge, The Eldridge Extended and Lawrence’s newest hotel, The Oread, offer countless customized optionswhether planning for 10 guests or 350.

The Eldridge A beautiful historic hotel on the National Register of Historic Places - The Eldridge is centrally located at 701 Massachusetts in beautiful downtown Lawrence. It takes a page from history where a special bride can have a storybook wedding reception in the elegant Crystal Ballroom. This luxury hotel offers suites, breakfast, lunch, dinner, a full bar, live music, room service, free internet and the best steak and martinis in town. The guest suites and honeymoon suite are exquisitely furnished, as well as offering the finest menu and wine selection in the heart of the city.

The Eldridge Extended The Eldridge Extended, located at 201 W. 8th St. in downtown Lawrence, continues the theme of making a bride’s wedding day special with a beautiful downtown location for weddings, complete with eight additional luxury suites and exquisite reception areas. The Extended is a perfect place for smaller intimate weddings all the while experiencing the spirit of downtown Lawrence.

The Oread Open January of 2010, Lawrence’s newest premier hotel, The Oread, located adjacent to the University of Kansas Campus at 1200 Oread Avenue, will make a bride’s day unforgettable.

Enjoy a wedding reception on any one of three spectacular

open-air terraces with views never before seen in Lawrence.

The Hancock Ballroom and The Griffith Ballroom provide two more venues for a couple’s special day.

Elegant accommodations, extraordinary food and wine selections only begin to tell the story of The Oread. The honeymoon suite overlooks the KU campus, complete with its own private bar and terrace. The couple and their guests can enjoy several special locations in the hotel, The Bird Dog Bar, FIVE 21 Restaurant, Slice of History Pizza Restaurant, a hotel fitness center and The Lemon Bliss Day Spa complete with tanning beds, facials, pedicures and manicures. Nightlife will continue in the CAVE, Lawrence’s hottest new state-of-the-art nightclub that rivals any DJ dance club in the Midwest. Wedding guests will never want to leave The Oread.

General Manager, Nancy Longhurst says, “Lawrence is the perfect location for a wedding for KU Alums. They love KU and Lawrence. What a special place to be married.”

Every detail of the wedding reception will be designed for the couple’s special day with the hotels’ experienced and creative team headed by the talented Wedding Director, Aubrey Cain.

“We have a little something for every bride; from the classic to the contemporary, formal to the spontaneous, elegant to the casual; our goal is to make it the day you dreamed of!”

There is no better way to celebrate a magical day than with The Olivia Collection of hotels. With multiple banquet rooms, complimentary bridal tastings, and various packages, the wedding of your dreams can be a reality.

Not only will the bride and groom be in pure and complete bliss, the wedding party and guests will surely feel like royalty, too. Planning a wedding isn’t easy but Aubrey and her team can help the bride every step of the way to provide her with the best experience imaginable.

The Olivia Collection cares as much about the details as the bride does on her special day. To learn more, please contact Aubrey Cain, Wedding Director, at 785-843-1200 or go to our websites www.eldridgehotel.com and www.theoread.com.

Alonzo Beardshear making the night magical with music Music adds magic.

The right song, at the right moment, creates an environment that will stay with you the rest of your life.

“Music sets the stage for great events,” said Alonzo Beardshear.

“The right music can enhance an intimate setting, create emotion in large halls and, obviously, get people up and dancing almost anywhere.”

For nearly 15 years, Alonzo Beardshear has used his experience as a musician and technician to help couples make the most of their wedding day. If you want music at your ceremony, he can play it. Need a DJ for your reception? He can do it. Looking for a quality sound system for your iPod? Alonzo will take care of you.

“Years ago I started arranging and playing guitar for friends’ weddings,” Alonzo said. “Then people started asking me if I could also be the DJ. With the recent popularity of ‘iPod receptions,’ many couples simply need a solid sound system.

I’ve done weddings where I performed guitar during the ceremony, arranged string quartet music for the reception and

set up the sound system and playlist for the reception.”

Because of the impact music has on a wedding day, Alonzo urges couples not to take music for granted. “I always meet with couples well before their wedding day,” Alonzo said.

“It is incredibly important that a couple and their DJ are on the same page. Poor song choices can spoil what should be a magical day.”

Alonzo suggests couples spend some time thinking about what songs they want, or more importantly, don’t want played at their dance. Sure, hip hop is fun, but will Grandma enjoy it?

“This is often the only time extended family is together to celebrate,” Alonzo said. “Of course I’ll play the songs you want to hear, but I recommend taking into account your family and friends as well. Let Grandma dance with the grandkids, then we can break out the Dr. Dre.” Dates are filling quickly, so Alonzo urges couples to secure their wedding date soon. Please contact Alonzo at 785-8416850

Alonzo Beardshear

Instrumentalist, Guitarist, DJ, Sound & Lighting Systems

Alonzo Beardshear can provide music as a soloist singer & guitarist, DJ your wedding and reception with your specifications or provide sound systems & lighting for your celebration.

“Alonzo was fantastic. He took the time to get to know us and what we wanted. He kept people dancing and smiling all night.” ~ Katie G., Lawrence

(785)841-6850 AlonzoMB@sbcglobal.net

Weaver’s

Department Store helping grooms look great

•Weddings •Proms Shop 9:30-6:00 pm Thursday ‘til 8:00 pm Sunday 12:00-5:00 pm

Sure, all eyes are on the bride, but she’s not the only one that needs to look great at the wedding. The groom, groomsmen, ushers and fathers also need to look sharp, and nothing makes a man look better than a well-fitting tuxedo.

Weaver’s Department Store in the heart of downtown Lawrence has a broad selection of styles and colors to make even the roughest of grooms look great. The store fits and rents tuxedos and shoes for weddings and proms. Weaver’s is also able to special order tuxedos for purchase. The store works with a national tuxedo distributor, so the selection is vast and no order is too big or too small.

“We know renting a tuxedo isn’t most men’s idea of fun,” said Earl Reinman, Weaver’s Vice President. “We pride ourselves on great service. The process will be easy and our attention to detail will ensure you look great for your bride on your wedding day.”

Weaver’s, one of the longest running department stores in the country, also offers bridesmaid dresses, an online Bridal Registry and a Gift Registry Site.

Travellers Inc. Travel Agency

leave the travel plans to the experts Kent Houk knows how to plan a honeymoon.

“Sure, you could go online and try to negotiate the plane tickets, transportation, hotel arrangements, meals, events and rates yourself,” Houk said. “Or you could call Travellers and we will do the dirty work for you.”

With his years of experience, Houk suggests one option that seems to work well. “The all-inclusive packages are fantastic,” Houk said. “We’ll get everything set up for you, and you receive only one bill. That bill can cover everything you eat, drink or do while on your honeymoon. Heck if you’re getting married on the trip, we can even set up the ceremony and officiant. We can customize it so you know exactly what your trip will cost - before you leave.”

Houk recommends companies like GoGo Worldwide Vacations. They are internationally respected and have the contacts to ensure you receive the best rates at resorts.

“We know you are busy worrying about the details of your ceremony and reception,” Houk said. “Leave the travel arrangements to us.”

For more information, please call Travellers at 785-749-0700.

17

American Legion Hall options abound at Lawrence’s Legion Hall One of the most challenging elements of planning a wedding is finding the right site for your reception. Many sites are too small, while others are too big. One may have enough room for your guest, but no place for the caterer to work. Another might be just small enough, but doesn’t have room for a dance floor.

The American Legion Hall is the solution to the problem.

Featuring three separate rooms of varying size, the American Legion offers couples unlimited options for their reception.

The Dining Room seats up to 100 people with room for a buffet-style, or waiter service. Round tables help create an intimate environment and the Legion does not limit couples from decorating the room and the lights can be dimmed to accommodate candlelight.

The Lounge area seats more than 150 guests, features a full bar and dance floor. The cash bar, fully stocked, is tended by a Legionnaire and waitress service is available.

The Bingo Hall is the largest of the three reception sites. The room can seat nearly 220 and the rectangle tables can be easily arranged in any fashion to accommodate guests and design.

The open room is large enough to be used for both dinner service and dance site.

One of the most underestimated highlights of the American Legion Hall is the two full kitchens. Reception sites often lack proper food preparation areas, which can encumber a caterers menu and service options. If preparing for service at the American Legion, caterers need only to bring the food and menus.

“It’s important to choose a facility that does not restrict your options,” said Jerry Hanson, Legion Post Commander. “Our space, kitchens and willingness to work with couples does not limit their ideas, even if they want last-minute changes.”

Conveniently located near hotels on 6th Street, the Legion also features two other often over-looked aspects: parking and cleaning up. No worries, the Legion has them covered. Parking is never a problem and clean-up costs are figured into the low rental rates.

Dates for 2010 and 2011 are now available, but Hanson recommends couples act early to secure their reservation. Call 842-3415 for more information.

American Legion Hall

3408 W 6th St 785-842-3415 3 Rooms - Seating for more than 500 - Full Bar & In-House Bartender Dance Floor - 2 Full Kitchens - Ample Parking - Conveniently Located

Modern Trends Influence Bouquets traditional bouquets give way to personal designs Today’s brides want individualized, colorful bouquets that express their personalities. The style and flowers chosen for the bride’s bouquet set the theme for all of the flowers for a wedding.

Usually, the bouquet has personal meaning to the bride, whether it is composed of her or the groom’s favorite flowers, or it features flowers that complement some element of her dress, such as the color, trimming or style. Considering your own preferences is key when deciding the style of your bouquet.

As societal rules about the color and style of wedding dresses have relaxed, so have the opinions about bridal bouquets.

Flowers are no longer limited to white or cream, and most women choose to get creative when it comes to designing their wedding bouquets.

Amy Bellante was married in October 2008 and chose hotpink roses and stargazer lilies as the main flowers for her cascade bouquet. Her bridesmaids’ dresses were a platinum-gray shade, so she chose bright-colored flowers as the focal point of the wedding.

“I wanted the flowers to be the only color, so my bouquet had to be simple, but elegant,” said Bellante. Her aunt, who is a florist, allowed her to design the bouquets, which were inspired by magazine photos she had seen.

Following the trend toward personalized weddings, many brides are choosing to incorporate features of their gown into the bridal bouquet. According to Flower Shop Network, such embellishments as pearls, beads and faux jewels are appearing more often in bouquets. Small crystals scattered throughout a cluster of roses or orchids can add extra sparkle and interest to the bouquet, and a few pearls nestled among a bunch of daisies or lily of the valley would beautifully complement a white or ivory-colored wedding dress.

“Today’s bouquets have more sparkle,” said Lori Zirkle, of Stanley Flowers in Topeka. The idea of adding items to the bridal bouquet is a trend that has become more common recently in Topeka. “I have made bouquets that have ribbons with the bridesmaids’ initial charms attached at the end,” said Zirkle. She also said that she has been using more unusual colors - such as lime green and hot pink - in bridal bouquets.

Of course, some brides will still choose to feature more traditional flowers for their bouquets, which can complement modern weddings.

For those who are looking for flowers that have sentimental significance, the Chamomile Times has compiled a list of popular flowers that are associated with a desirable quality. Some

of those include: Apple blossoms – good fortune Baby’s breath – pure heart Bluebell – constancy Blue violet – faithfulness Daffodil – joy Gardenia – joy Gladiolus – generosity Iris – wisdom Lily of the valley – happiness Magnolia – nobility Orange blossom – purity and fertility Orchid – beauty Rose – deep love White daisy – innocence Modern brides have the freedom to have their flowers set the tone of their weddings. Whatever they choose, florists are prepared to fulfill their wishes.

Having your wedding reception at

Maceli’s ….

Now that’s the icing on the cake!

When it has to be perfect!

Rely on Maceli's sound reputation and years of catering experience for a memorable first impression. Maceli's cuisine will delight you and your guests for the perfect lasting impression.

Our place or yours?

Backyard or ballroom, Maceli's will bring elegance to your affair. Beautifully prepared buffets or fully served dinners are provided by qualified staff.

Call for details about Maceli’s banquet facility with space to accommodate up to 300 guests.

Watch for more information about our exciting expansion plans for 2008!

1031 New Hampshire • 785-331-2096 • www.macelis.com

19

The

Wedding Planner

Perhaps the most important aspect of planning your wedding is organization.The following pages will help you keep your time and contacts straight. Starting with the timeline and followed with the contact pages, you will find the basics you need for your wedding.

8-12 months Consider the type of wedding you want _ Set your wedding budget _ Set the date _ Compile guest list and organize addresses _ Hire wedding consultant _ Reserve ceremony and reception sites _ Order dress and accessories _ Book caterer _

_ Book DJ _ Book photographer _ Book florist _ Order cake _ Select bridesmaids _ Select groomsmen _ Select ushers _ Note all important dates on calender

6 months Reserve rental equipment _ Have engagement photos taken _ Send save-the-date cards _ Purchase wedding day shoes and lingerie _ Begin to break-in shoes _ Arrange transportation for wedding day _

_ Select attendants’ attire _ Purchase or reserve groom’s attire _ Purchase engagement rings with fiance _ Choose gifts for wedding party _ Sign up for dance lessons _ Reserve wedding suite

4 months Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests _ Book hairstylist and makeup artist _ Order stationary (invitations & thank-you notes) _ Finalize guest list _ Order reception favors _ Discuss first dance song _

_ Discuss rehearsal dinner arrangements _ Purchase decorations for ceremony and reception _ Apply for marriage license _ Consider having teeth whitened _ Select menu for reception _ Register for gifts

6-8 weeks Mail invitations _ Maintain record of RSVPs and all gifts received _ Attend wedding showers _ Choose readings for ceremony _ Schedule rehearsal time and dinner _

_ Have first dress fitting (with shoes) _ Determine hairstyle and makeup _ Send change of address forms to all appropriate places _ Write your wedding vows, if doing so

4 weeks Finalize menu, beverage and alcohol order _ Finalize details with photography (“must have” shots) _ Finalize details with florist _ Finalize rehearsal dinner plans _

_ Create detailed timeline for wedding party _ Have programs printed _ Contact local newspapers with wedding announcement _ Pick up wedding rings

2 weeks Have final fitting for bridal gown _ Have gown cleaned and /or pressed as necessary _ Begin seating plan _ Confirm all attendants have dress, shoes and accessories _ Confirm all honeymoon plans _

_ Notify caterer of guest count _ Write toasts and special speeches _ Confirm where your guests will be staying _ Attend to all legal details (insurance, bank accounts, name change, etc.)

1 week Finalize seating plan _ Pack for honeymoon _ Familiarize yourself with guests’ names _ Have mail held at post office _ Arrange to have all rented items returned after wedding _

_ Arrange for someone to run last-minute errands _ Keep up with “thank you” notes _ Gather everything needed for rehearsal and wedding day _ Review all details with each vendor

1 day Confirm transportation for ceremony and reception _ Have manicure and pedicure _ Review list of things to bring to rehearsal _ Rehearse ceremony _ Hold rehearsal dinner _

_ Have welcome packages delivered to out-of-town guests _ Review ceremony seating with ushers _ Give envelopes containing vendors’ tips to be delivered _ Get a good night’s rest

wedding day Rise refreshed and energized _ Eat a good breakfast and lunch _ Wear button-down shirt to hair stylist and make up artist _

_ Remind family and attendants to take plenty of photos _ Allow yourself enough time to dress and prepare _ Relax and enjoy the day

timeline courtesy of Carmen Hocking

the

Lawrence Wedding contact guide

Reception Sites Abe & Jakes Landing...............................841-5855 8 E. 6th St www.abejakes.com Alvamar Country Club.............................842-0004 1809 Crossgate Dr www.alvamar.com

American Legion..........842-3415 see ad on page 19 3408 W. 6th St www.legion14.org Camelot II Ballroom.................................331-2227 1117 Massachusetts St www.camelotballroom.com

The Castle Tea Room....843-1151 see ad on page 11 1307 Massachusetts St www.castletearoom.com

Circle S Ranch...............843-4125 see ad on page 10 3325 Circle S Lane www.circlesranch.com Eagle’s Lodge............................................843-9690 1803 W. 6th St www.foe.com East Lawrence Rec Center.......................832-7920 1245 E. 15th St

Eldridge Hotel..............749-5011 see story on page 14 701 Massachusetts St www.eldridgehotel.com Holcolm Park Rec Area............................832-7920 2700 W. 27th St

Holiday Inn...................749-8926 see ad on page 7 200 McDonald Dr www.holidayinn.com Kansas and Burge Unions.......................864-4651 Jayhawk Blvd www.jayhawks.com/union Knights of Columbus...............................842-2699 2206 E. 23rd St

www.council1372.org Lawrence Arts Center..............................843-2787 940 New Hampshire www.lawrenceartscenter.org Liberty Hall..............................................749-1972 642 Massachusetts St www.libertyhall.net Lied Center (KU)......................................864-3469 1600 Stewart Dr www.lied.ku.edu

Maceli’s.........................331-2096 see ad on page 19 1031 New Hampshire St www.macelis.com

The Oread.....................843-1200 see ad on page 14 1200 Oread Avenue www.theoread.com

Pachamama’s................841-0990 see ad on page 12 800 New Hampshire St www.pachamamas.com Ramada Inn..............................................842-7030 2222 W. 6th St www.ramada.com Spring Hill Suites.....................................841-2700 One Riverfront Plaza www.springhillsuites.com Steve’s Place.............................................843-2174 31st & Louisiana Streets

Stony Point Hall...........841-2700 see ad on page 8 1514 N 600 Road www.stonypointhall.com Union Pacific Depot.................................832-7950 402 N. 2nd St VFW...........................................................843-2078 138 Alabama St

Caterers Aimee’s Catering......................................843-5173 1025 Massachusetts St www.aimeescoffeehouse.com Alvamar Catering.....................................842-0004 1809 Crossgate Dr www.alvamar.com Hy-Vee Food Stores.................................832-2539 3504 Clinton Pkwy 4000 W. 6th St Liz Karr Catering......................................842-6821 512 E 9th St

Maceli’s.........................331-2096 see ad on page 19 1031 New Hampshire St www.macelis.com Marisco’s...................................................312-9057 4821 W 6th St www.mariscosonline.com

The Oread.....................843-1200 see ad on page 14 1200 Oread Avenue www.theoread.com

Pachamama’s................841-0990 see ad on page 12 800 New Hampshire St www.pachamamas.com Paisano’s Ristorante................................838-3500 25th & Iowa www.paisanoskansas.com Stone Creek..............................................830-8500 3801 W 6th St www.stonecreekmenu.com Sugarfoot Catering.................................842-0910 518 E 8th St www.sugarfootcatering.com

Ten Restaurant.............749-5011 see ad on page 14 701 Massachusetts St www.eldridgehotel.com Evan Williams Catering............................843-8530 700 California St www.evanwilliamscatering.com

Disc Jockeys

Wedding Rings

Absolute Audio Ambiance......................749-0715

Goldmakers Inc.......................................842-2770 723 Massachusetts St Hurst Fine Diamonds..............................749-5552 3140 Iowa St Kizer-Cummings Jewelers......................749-4333 Marks Jewelers Inc.................................843-4266 817 Massachusetts St

Alonzo Beardshear.......841-6850 see ad on page 16 www.alonzosmusic.com Clark DJ Service.......................................843-5173 Complete Music.......................................841-9500 1st Class DJ Service..................................856-9291 Lounge Lizard Mobile DJ........................842-9300 Showpro Audio........................................856-7767 Scott Simpson DJ.....................................749-3366

Travel Photographers Creative Images.......................................842-5049 www.ciphoto.net Custom Classics Photography................883-4166 www.customclassicsphotography.com DFM Phototgraphy..................................218-5210 Edmonds Photography...........................841-6280 www.edmondsphotography.net

epagaFOTO...........913-486-0228 cover photo www.epagaFOTO.com J Gladman Gallery...................................842-1233 www.jgladman.com Katz Photography...................................542-2271 www.katzphotography1.com Lighthouse Photography.......................838-3686 www.lighthousephotography.com Mark Hutchinson Photography.............766-8609 www.mhutch.com Monte Mace Photography......................842-5525 www.montemacephotography.com North Light Photography.......................841-9886 4609 Harvard Rd Rubin Photography................................749-2225 2900 Lawrence Ave

Tuxedo Rental Aneita’s Alterations................................842-9296 925 Iowa St Suite H Savvi Formalwear....................................843-7628 815 Massachusetts St www.savvikansas.com

Weaver’s.......................843-6360 see ad on page 17 901 Massachusetts St www.weaversinc.com

AAA Travel Agency..................................843-1600 3514 Clinton Pkwy Carlson Wagonlit Travel..........................842-4000 4104 W 6th St Suite A Lawrence Travel......................................841-7117 3320 Peterson Rd Suite 102B www.lawrencetravelcenter.com

Travellers Inc................749-0700 see ad on page 17 831 Massachusetts St www.www.travellers.vacation.com

Florist BitterSweet Floral........843-5954 see ad on page 4 1407 Massachusetts St www.bittersweet-floral.com Broers Flower Shop................................542-2265 714 Main / Eudora C Designs Floral......................................594-3366 215 N 6th St / Baldwin City Cranberry Merchant & Floral.................843-1438 914 Ames St / Baldwin City Dillons Stores..........................................843-1438 3000 W 6th St Englewood Florist...................................841-2999 1101 Massachusetts St www.jayhawkflowers.com Hy-Vee Stores..........................................832-8448 4000 W 6th St Owens Flower Shop................................843-6111 846 Indiana St www.owensflowershop.net Pendleton’s Country Market..................843-1409 1446 E 185oth Rd Prairie Patches........................................749-4565 821 Massachusetts St

Cakes After Five Cupcakes.....843-1653 see ad on page 11 www.afterfivecupcakes.com Angela’s Custom Cakes...........................766-4683 www.angelascustomcakes.com Dillons Stores..........................................843-1438 3000 W 6th St George’s Cake & Hobby House..............832-8448 1411B W 23rd St Helen’s Cakes & Cookies.........................841-8044 www.helenscakes.com Hy-Vee Stores..........................................832-8448 4000 W 6th St

Wedding Planners A Beautiful Wedding......842-8335 see ad on page 9 2814 Trail Rd www.abeautifulweddingbycarmen.com Red Door Event & Design........................856-7334 941 Pennsylvania St. www.reddoorevent.com

Miscellaneous Affordable Limousine Service................841-0463 Anderson Rentals....................................843-2044 BalloonArts..............................................856-2004 811 E 23rd Street, Suite G www.balloonarts.biz Christie Dobson.......................................979-9484 solo vocalist Hobby Lobby............................................832-2323 1801 W 23rd St www.hobbylobby.com Party America...........................................865-3803 1441 W 23rd Riverfront Chocolates.............................749-4211 Safeway Transportation..........................865-2872 Sunflower Rental.....................................832-8767 3301 W 6th St www.rentwithus.biz Write Angle...............................................832-2567

It’s Your Day...

A

nd we’re here to help make it just the way you’ve always dreamed.

The Olivia Collection has three exceptional properties to make your day unforgettable.

The Historic Eldridge, The Eldridge Extended and Lawrence’s newest hotel, The Oread, offer countless customized options — whether your’re planning for 10 guests or 350. Elegant accommodations. Extraordinary food and wine selections.

And an experienced, creative team that cares as much about the details as you do.

To learn more, please contact Aubrey Cain, Wedding Director, at 785-843-1200.

E

T E E 701 Massachusetts | Lawrence, KS 66044 www.eldridgehotel.com

1200 Oread Avenue | Lawrence, KS 66044 www.theoread.com

201 W. 8th Street | Lawrence, KS 66044 www.eldridgehotel.com