Impressions Bride Volume 8 2017

VOLUME 8

2017

FEATURED ARTICLES

Wedding Bliss Picture Perfect Toasting Traditions Love Letters ...and much more!

FEATURED BRIDES

Casey Hurley y Jonathan Taft Amy Shackelford y Jared Pennington

CONTENTS2017

FEATURED ARTICLES

4 Wedding Bliss... How do you know if they truly love you?

6 Picture Perfect... Photography tips you’ ll be thankful for 8 Toasting Traditions... Etiquette matters — dos & don’ts of toasting 10 Love Letters... The ABCs of celebrating your love

12 Then & Now... Wedding practices & where they originated

22 Planning Checklist ... Wedding Timeline

FEATURED BRIDES

14 Casey Hurley & Jonathan Taft 16 Amy Shackelford & Jared Pennington

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Publisher & Creative Director Kathryn Yorke kathryn@keymandm.com

Director of Sales & Marketing Jule Budacz jule@keymandm.com

On the Cover Casey Hurley Taft and Jonathan Taft Impressions Bride is published annually

by Key Marketing and Media, LLC. Its covers, contents, articles and ads are copyright protected and may not be reproduced without consent of publisher.

Publisher assumes no liability or responsibility for errors or omissions.

JONATHAN & CASEY TAFT

FLIP AHEAD TO

OUR FEATURED BRIDES S TA R T I N G O N PAG E 14 JARED & AMY PENNINGTON

252.355.8345 www.issuu.com/impressions www.facebook.com/impressionsbride www.facebook.com/impressionsmag

GREENERY

In this issue of Impressions Bride,

we celebrate Pantone’s 2017 Color

of the Year, Greenery, a refreshing, PANTONE 15-0343 Greenery revitalizing shade the symbolizes

new beginnings. Greenery is a fresh, zesty yellow-green shade that evokes first days of spring when nature revives, restores and renews. Illustrative of flourishing foliage and the lushness of the great outdoors, the fortifying attributes of Greenery signals consumers to take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate. Greenery is nature’s neutral, a life-affirming shade, emblematic of ®

the pursuit of personal passions and vitality.

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WEDDINGBLISS

HOW DO YOU KNOW

I

if they truly love you?

t is easier to know when you are in love, the sun gets brighter, air gets lighter and your life becomes happier, but how do you know when they love you…? Some say it is in the way they talk while others say it’s in what they do. Sometimes the three magical words aren’t enough and sometimes it is hidden in words like “watch your step or “get some rest” that you see their real commitment.

There is no hard, fast rule to figure out whether someone loves you or

not. You just have to take time and notice little things they do for you and nobody else. They say with the touch of love, everything changes. Here are a few things people unwittingly do, when they are truly in love. These actions can help differentiate true love from momentary infatuation they feel for someone.

They are always there for you And even when rain is pouring down, your true love will be there to shelter

you. Whether you want to grab a meal, laugh your heart out or need a shoulder to cry on, the one who loves you truly will be at your side on your one call.

Your suffering makes them sad Have you ever noticed how the smile on their face fades when you are not happy? And how your tears kill them?

The one who loves you truly cannot see you unhappy. Your sadness is now not just yours; it makes them feel equally sad and gloomy.

They want to be with you They might not call several times a day to let you know they love you, but they make up for it as soon as they get time. Investing time in a relationship is an indicator of long-term intimacy.

Someone who loves you always takes out little time out of their busy schedule just to stay with you a bit more.

They encourage you to be a better person If you think you are in love and the person makes you a better person every day, tie them to your heart and never let them go. The one who truly loves you might not be there at your fun times, but he/she is always there to get you through your struggles and success. If they love you, they will encourage you to be better even if it has nothing to do with them.

Your opinion & decisions matter Love is where your opinions and decisions matter and are appreciated by your significant other. They want to 4

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WEDDINGBLISS know what you think, whether it is just about a small matter or some serious future discussion, they will always ask your opinion because they love you.

They put you first The one who loves you will always put your wellbeing and interests first, even it if it’s not best for them. They won’t hesitate even if your wellbeing means you’ll be spending time apart. They’d give you required space just to watch you grow, even if it’s killing them.

They’ ll never give up on you The one who truly loves you will never give up on you. They’ll stick by your side in your darkest days and hold your hands through everything. Their love for you is rooted in commitment and not convenience.

If these made you think of someone

who looks out for you and makes you feel like you are the only one, don’t let them go. Figuring out if someone truly loves you can be complicated, but the pleasure of spending a lifetime with your real love is worth it all.  Article by Pragya Sharma / articlesfactory.com

Their feelings are unconditional A true love is love unconditionally.

The one who loves you truly will love you no matter you are 23 or 73. Their intensity of love will not depend on their mood, time or age. There are no terms and conditions when you truly love someone. Feelings don’t change for your significant other.

Family & friends know you Their friends become your friends.

Their family greets you like a family member. The one who loves you is not afraid to tell his family and friends what you mean to them. You step out from “just someone I’m dating” zone to “you are family” zone.

You’re part of their future vision You know things have taken a serious turn when they start visualizing the future with you. It shows they want to be with you and have no anxiety or uncertainty about that. True commitment involves planning forever and after with that person. If you find them talking how your kids will look like or how your lives will turn out to be after ten years, it may be love.

They make you feel at home You feel safe and content with them.

You run to them at the end of everything to let them know your stories and they listen to everything that you have to say, without interrupting you in between, all because they love you.

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PICTUREPERFECT

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

you’ll be thankful for

W

hen your wedding is just a few weeks away, any time that you have seems priceless and no detail too small to overlook. Like any bride or groom it can be assumed that you want your wedding day to be a beautiful affair, and the wedding pictures to be even more beautiful. Given below are a few simple guidelines to follow in order to make sure that your wedding album is the stuff of dreams:.

picture of the first kiss, first dance etc.

Research different styles of wedding photography

Don’t miss the before shots

Yes, there is more than one defined style of wedding photography. Before you hire a photographer or at least before you finalize one, it will do you good to find out about the different styles. For example, a classic photographer will take the patent wedding shots like huge family pictures, generic

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On the other hand, there are those who work as journalist photographers.

They don’t waste any time making everyone pose and making things look perfect. The idea is to capture the beauty of unchoreographed moments.

Another popular style of photography is where both these styles are combined and there are elements of both.

When it comes to wedding photography, most couples hire photographers only for the ceremony. However, the time when everyone is getting dressed and the venue is being prepared has a treasure trove of amazing shots that must not be missed. Pictures of the place where the ceremony will take place, the reception hall with perfectly

decorated table, and the center pieces make great shots.

You can also take pictures of the bride, groom, bridesmaids and the groomsmen getting dressed.

For example, pictures of the bride putting on her veil or the best man tying the grooms tie show intimacy and makes the wedding album more personal.

Communicate well with the photographer If you have very specific notions of how you want your wedding pictures to look, make sure that you communicate your ideas to the photographer clearly. If you want more candid pictures than posed ones, make sure that

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he or she knows about it and is well aware of the expectations. Additionally, if there are specific types of shots that you want to avoid, make sure that the photographer knows about those, as well .

Remember to have fun One of the most important things you must remember is to not try too hard for the pictures. Be your own beautiful self and don’t overthink looking good in the pictures. The photographer will do the job well as long as you are carefree and enjoy the day to the fullest.

Although you must have spent months agonizing over the tiniest details of your wedding, when the day finally comes, you will find that it is over in a blink. This is why you need to carefully select your wedding photographer. A photographer, who is compatible with you will capture the day best in photographs that will be cherished for decades to come.  Article by John Snow / articlesfactory.com

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TOASTINGTRADITIONS

ETIQUETTE MATTERS

dos & don’ts of toasting G

iving a wedding toast is a special moment during the rehearsal dinner or wedding reception. Here are a few tips on toasting etiquette.

Generally speaking, when a toast is given to the Bride and Groom, they will be seen raising their glasses and drinking to themselves. Wrong!

During a toast “to” the Bride and Groom, the couple should NEVER stand, raise their glasses, or drink to themselves. They should thank the toasters or at least smile and graciously nod. They are not obliged to propose a toast in return.

Toasts can be offered with a sip of champagne, wine, a mixed drink or non-alcoholic punch, but never with tea, coffee or water. Whatever the beverage chosen, it should be served to the Bride first, then the Groom, then the maid of honor, then parents and lastly the best man.

An essential ingredient of any wedding, toasts have several functions.

They give some of the principals at the wedding an opportunity to put their feelings into words and to express the collective feelings of everyone there. The toasts are also the first chance to introduce another essential ingredient: humor. And, most importantly, the speeches are a signal for the wedding to progress from the formal to the informal.

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TOASTINGTRADITIONS Traditionally, the first toast is given by the Best Man. It’s proper for him to thank the parents of the Bride and the parents of the Groom. He should also thank the Groom for choosing him as the Best Man. A toast should be brief (two to no more than 5 minutes). Never read a lengthy quote or poem, or recount a long-winded story about you and the groom as young chaps. Get a laugh, get sentimental, be gracious, thank some people, but keep it very short and sit down. Speak slowly and loudly enough for all guests to hear. If given a microphone, hold it close to your mouth.

Make sure your toast sounds like you.

It’s okay to have fun with the toast, but end in a sincere manner. The most beautiful sentiment you can express is to discuss what change you’ve seen in the couple since they met. Use good judgment about which topics. Joking about escapades or a former loves just isn’t funny in front of relatives. Keep

in mind that you are speaking to a wide demographic and some people will take what you say very seriously.

Never share any embarrassing stories.

If only a handful of people will understand an inside story, skip it.  Article by Larry James www.CelebrateIntimateWeddings.com

Never do a toast impromptu. Think about it. Preparation is essential. Jot down a few notes and remember you can’t get it wrong, because no one knows what you are going to say. Write your toast and rehearse it. Practice giving the toast several times in front of a mirror. Reciting your toast over and over will help calm your nerves and get you comfortable with the words you’ve chosen.

Don’t ramble on and on and on. If you’re nervous, that’s normal. You may feel the need to have a drink or two before your toast to relax you, but don’t let it backfire by consuming too much alcohol before your toast.

You may not leave the impression you had hoped for! Because you may be nervous and to avoid a colossal faux pas, like calling the Bride one of the groom’s old girlfriend’s names, it may be wise to write down her name.

Hot tip: Feeling nervous or get-

ting emotional during your toast... take a deep breath. Take another.

And another. Breathing deeply — in through your nose and out through your mouth — is a powerful force and can wash away worries and stress.

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LOVELETTERS

THE ABCs

of celebrating your love A

maze with Adoration. Let them know in special ways that you care. Exercise respect and devotion for your love. Accept them. Avoid taking them for granted.

B

elieve in your instincts. Be spontaneous. Don’t plan, just do something that you’ve wanted to do with your partner for a long time. Let your love occur naturally.

C

uddle. Lie close. Be cozy. Spoon!

Just hold each other. There is a special healing power in a close, warm embrace.

D

iscover new ways of expressing your love for each other. Hire a skywriter. Put a message up on a billboard. Buy a radio commercial.

E

ntice your lover to try new things.

Always doing things the same way can bring on boredom. Focus on pleasure. Enjoy each other to the fullest.

F G

lirt for fun and frivolity — just be creative.

aze into each other’s eyes with a steady intention to say, “I love you” without words. Smile. Notice the eye color. Be generous with your love.

H I J K

ave a private party for just the two of you. Candles, music, the works. Talk. Listen. Express your love.

ndulge each other. Write your secret desires on pieces of paper and trade.

You may be surprised. oke and have fun together. Lighten up. Be joyous. Release your sense of humor. Have fun with love. issy... kissy...! No quick pecks.

Unexpected, looooooong kisses.

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LOVELETTERS

L M N O P Q R S

ove with all your heart and soul.

Remember to say, “I love you” at least once a day. assage away tension and stress.

Begin with the feet and work up. ibble each other’s earlobes or other parts of the body that feels good. ffer breakfast in bed or some other surprise your lover might like. Be creative. Plan. Make it special. retend you are long-lost, passionate lovers. Use your imagination. uote a love poem or a special passage from a book or greeting card that expresses exactly how you feel. emember the little things. Respect, attention, awareness. Deliver it. low dance by candlelight or in the backyard in the moonlight. Get back to romance. Be sensitive to the romantic needs of your lover.

T U V W

ry a little tenderness. Be gentle. Go slow. Be intentional. ncover deep feelings. Speak them or write them to your lover. ow eternal love for each other.

Live by your solemn promises. atch a sunrise or set together.

Bring a picnic. Let the warmth you feel for your partner be felt.

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X Y Z

-plore romantic dreams. Day dream. Think. X-cellerate.

Don’t wait. Don’t make X-cuses. earn for each other’s touch. Don’t hold back. Hugs pay dividends. zzzzzzzzzzzz in each other’s arms.

Zero in on being close.  Article by Larry James www.CelebrateIntimateWeddings.com

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THEN&NOW

WEDDING PRACTICES &

B

where they originated

rides always were white, right?

Not so. In ancient times brides wore bright colored dresses to signify their joy. White for western brides didn’t become fashionable until Queen Victoria wore it at her wedding.

White dresses never did signify purity until Christian churches put that label on them. Feel free to add a little color.

Wedding bands made of hemp or braided grass were the earliest rings.

They eventually fell out of favor,

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replaced by durable metals until about the 15th century when diamonds came upon the scene, to signify a valuable strong commitment, a tradition which most modern couples choose to keep.

ago the brides’ friends wore the same outfit as the bride to confuse evil spirits trying to destroy her happiness. It also helped to prevent the bride from being kidnapped by a rival suitor.

When grooms would “capture” their brides or were afraid of evil spirits they would cover the woman’s head to keep her from being recognized.

The receiving line developed from the belief that on their wedding day the bride and groom brought good luck to everyone they touched. Modern couples often pass on this and prefer to “make the rounds” greeting their guests during the wedding dinner.

Bridesmaids’ dresses are identical. But, where did this practice originate? Long

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THEN&NOW In Rome a marriage was not legal until the couple kissed, considered a legal bond to seal contracts, and thought to be the origin of the custom of banging a spoon on a glass until the first kiss.

Will you have your dad walk you down the aisle? Long ago, a woman was considered her father’s property until marriage, and then she was her husband’s property. At the wedding, Dad would literally “give her away,” transferring ownership. Now brides often have fathers or both parents accompany them and have officiant ask “Who supports this couple in marriage?” The parents answer “We do.”

Do you know where the term honeymoon originated? In ancient Ireland, when a couple married, the parents would make sure they had a supply of drink made from fermented honey called mead, that would last for a full cycle of the moon, believing they’d be blessed with a son within a year.

ing gifts. An older married man went with her, symbolizing a long marriage.

bride and groom were in the church, locks doors so groom can’t back out.

In many cultures, the bride and groom’s hands are tied together as a symbol of their bond and commitment to the marriage. This is the origin of the expression “Tying then knot”.

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue,” is actually an English rhyme including “and a sixpence in your shoe.” Something old like grandmother’s cameo or mom’s gown provided continuity through generations. The “new” symbolizes for the future and can include gown, veil , pearls, flowers, or a new coin in your shoe. Borrowed is something that brought happiness to the owner. Maybe your mother in law’s brooch, your parents’ wedding song, etc. The blue symbolizes fidelity, love and good fortune. Often, a blue ribbon garter, blue flowers, sapphire earrings and necklace, or even lingerie. Try using ideas in your planning. 

In Roman mythology the god Juno rules over childbirth, marriage and the hearth, believed to be the reason for the popularity of June weddings.

African-American weddings often hold the tradition of “jumping the broom”. Slaves were not allowed to marry, so they showed love by jumping over a broom. It’s now a symbol of the intention to set up a home together.

Japanese couples become man and wife when they take the first of nine sips of sake. In Irish tradition when

Article by Martin Smith www.1st-wedding-dresses.com.

Back when a bride could be forced by a captor to marry, the groom would have to carry her against her will into her new home. The Romans thought that it was bad luck, for a bride to trip over the threshold so to prevent that, the groom carried her.

During the Middle Ages the length of a bride’s train indicated her rank in court. The longer her train the closer she was to the King and Queen and the greater her influence with them The Greek bride tucks a sugar cube in her glove to “sweeten the union.”

According to Hindu belief rain on your wedding day is good luck. Some cultures believe rain is unlucky.

In Holland it is traditional to plant a tree outside the newlyweds home as a symbol of fertility. Finnish brides carried a pillowcase door to door, collectW W W.FA C EB O O K .C O M / IMP RES SI O NSB RID E

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Jonathan & Casey Taft n

MARCH 26, 2016

Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards Charlottesville, VA

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FEATUREDBRIDE

Casey Hurley y Jonathan Taft VENUE Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards, Charlottesville, VA OFFICIANT Pastor Charles Grant THEIR WEDDING PARTY 12 groomsmen + 12 bridesmaids The flower girl was Razzmatazz, the couple’s dog Planner ............................................ Amore Events by Cody Photographer ...................................................... Eric Kelley Reception Band ................................................... Pure Party Ceremony Musician ........... Plum Blossom String Quartet Cocktail Hour Band..................... Early Grove String Band Videographer ............................................... Ian’s Creations Hair and Makeup ............................. The Spot Beauty Shop Wedding Cake ...................................................... Sweethaus Florist ........................................... Blue Ridge Floral Design Bistro Lights ......................... Blue Ridge A/V and Lighting Transportation ........................................... Albemarle Limo Farm Tables ......................................................... SM Events THEIR STORY The couple met in Charleston, SC, while Jonathan was a 2nd year law student and Casey was working forGarden & Gun magazine. Ironically, the bride was on a date with someone else when she met Jonathan. He approached her and asked her out. As he likes to say, “I swooped in.” Casey was smitten, and the rest is history!

THE PROPOSAL Occurred on a boat at Figure 8 Island, NC over the 2015 Labor Day weekend. The couple were alone on a boat for dinner. He made Casey believe there was a sea turtle in the water. When she turned around, he was waiting on bended knee. Neither can remember what was said, but suffice it to say that it involved a lot of yes’s and I love you’s. Jonathan surprised her and organized 21 members of the immediate family, not an easy undertaking, to celebrate the couple’s engagement.

THE PARTIES An engagement party was held on Rainbow Row in Charleston, SC. Jonathan’s friends and family hosted a 2nd party in Greenville, NC at his brother’s home.

THE BIG DAY The 5:00 pm ceremony took place on the Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard’s lawn against a gorgeous backdrop panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The all-white wedding theme was highlighted by warm ambient lighting and a string quartet. The reception began in the Granary Room of Pippin Hill, decorated with bistro lights and farm tables. The cocktail hour featured a bluegrass band which entertained while guests enjoyed wine from the Vineyard and hors d’oeuvres. After a station dinner, dancing followed.

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Jared & Amy Pennington n

JULY 30, 2016

First Presbyterian Church & Rock Springs Center Greenville, North Carolina

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FEATUREDBRIDE

Amy Cox Shackelford y Jared B. Pennington CEREMONY & RECEPTION First Presbyterian Church {Greenville, NC} Rock Springs Center {Greenville, NC} THE WEDDING PARTY Officiant........................Reverend Doctor William K. Neely Maid of Honor ........................Vaughn Renee´ Worthington Bridesmaids ..... Ellen Marie Dees, Elizabeth Anne Fisher, Michelle Alice Kibby, Jennifer Lynn Leone, Sara Harrison Pennington, Ashley Elizabeth Wooten Best Man ................................ Robert William Pennington Groomsmen ............ Jordan Richard Jones, Nicholas Brian Lewis, Robert Todd Pennington, Clifton Lee Quinn III, David Paul Shackelford, Jared Lord Taunton, Alex Trent Wynne, Dustin Brent Wynne Flower Girl ................................. Ellison Grace Pennington Ushers........... Nathan Austin Lewis, James Dean McLean, Raymond Earl Styons III Greeters.............Lauren Nicole Rhue, Kinsey Hunter Rosel VENDORS Wedding Stationery ................................................. Doodled Cake ................................................................... Cake by Sue Flowers ...................................................... Your Perfect Day Photography................................. Crutchfield Photography Videography............................................... Duncan Armsby Hair and Makeup .............................................. Salon Circa Travel ................................................... The Travel Mechanic Transportation ............................................. The Jolly Trolly Rings ...................................................... Robinson’s Jewelers Ceremony Music.............. Brad Collier - Pianist / Organist Karrie Rushing - Soloist Reception Music .....................Spare Change with a special performance by The Speculations, band of bride’s father THE FIRST MEETING They were officially introduced in late 2012 by mutual friends and “hit it off!” Their first date was in May 2013.

THE PROPOSAL Ocracoke was a mutual favorite. They planned a trip there to watch her dad’s band, The Speculations, play at Gaffers. While walking toward the lighthouse, Jared got down on his knee and proposed. That night they celebrated with family and friends. “It was perfect!”

SPECIAL EVENTS Engagement Party at Wimpies, hosted by bride’s family Shower hosted by Sara Pennington & Dawn Robinson Shower at Bundy Elementary hosted by 3rd Grade Team Shower at Winterville FW Baptist Ch. hosted by Amy Hines, Ashley Lewis, Cindy Brown, Ardeth Moye, Tina Page, Darlene Edens, Judy Lewis & Dawn Robinson Shower hosted by Cindy Rhue, Lauren Rhue, Ginger Vann, Tina Hardee & Susan Thortan Monograms & Mimosa Shower hosted by Danette Pugh, Martha Flowers & Annette Jones Luncheon hosted by Polly Hardee & Jane Tucker W W W.FA C EB O O K .C O M / IMP RES SI O NSB RID E

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PLANNINGCHECKLIST

WEDDING

P

lanning a wedding can be very stressful, with tons of details to be taken care of. The most important thing is to stay organized. Checklists help you understand what you need to do and when. Follow this timeline to help you track what’s done and what’s left to do.

10-12 MONTHS before the big day…

l Introduce the families; officially announce the engagement. l Find out who pays for what and start a budget. l Create a guest list and manage it with our easy-to-use tool. l Compare calendars and select a tentative date. l Choose your wedding party. l Create a wedding website to share your engagement. l Consider whitening your teeth for parties and photographs. l Interview and hire a wedding coordinator, if needed. l Decide if you want premarital counseling. l Start looking photos of wedding dresses for inspiration. l Send your engagement photo to the local paper. l Begin thinking about where you want to honeymoon. l Visit and book your reception site, and arrange for parking. l Visit and book your ceremony location and rehearsal time. l Create a save-the-date guest list.

6-9 MONTHS before the big day…

l Alert out-of-town guests of wedding date or send a free save-thedate email. l Find a bridal salon and begin trying on dresses and veils. Bring stockings, heels, strapless bra, and hair clip with you. l Get in shape for your gown by starting an exercise routine. l Get ideas for honeymoon locations and research pricing. l Start looking at floral designs and interview florists. l Search for menu ideas and start meeting with caterers. l Research and interview photographers and videographers. l Get ideas for music and interview bands or DJs. l Finalize flower and décor ideas, and select a florist. l Sign a caterer. l Order your gown and wedding veil. l Shop for and select the perfect bridesmaid dresses. l Book your honeymoon! l Find out if your ceremony location requires insurance.

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l Finalize photographer and videographer contracts. l Book your DJ/band. l Purchase dress accessories: shoes, lingerie, purse, and gloves. l Choose your officiant and discuss ceremony ideas. l Start thinking about all of your gift registry options. l Select hotels of varying price ranges; reserve guest rooms.

4-5 MONTHS before the big day…

l Start thinking about cultural traditions for your wedding. l View wedding invitation styles; research proper wording. l Look at photos to get ideas for wedding cake designs and meet with bakers to taste samples. l Discuss menu ideas with your catering manager. l Shop for wedding rings. l Look for the groom’s and groomsmen’s tuxes or other wear. l Confirm bridesmaids ordered gowns; decide on accessories. l Have your mother and future mother-in-law coordinate and select their dresses. l Compare pricing, place your wedding invitation order, and book your calligrapher, if needed. l Purchase your rings and send for engraving, if applicable. l Get ideas for wedding favors. l Confirm dates for bridal showers and bachelorette parties. l Start registries before bridal shower invitations are sent. l Choose your baker and finalize your wedding cake. l Reserve rental equipment: chairs, tables, linens, tents, etc. l Research and book your rehearsal dinner location. l Get ideas for wedding hair and makeup. l Notify family or friends whom you’d like to give readings, sing solos, serve as guest book attendants, etc. l Interview and hire additional staff and babysitters, if needed. l Give your guest list to shower hostesses and check that your registry has enough items. l Update wedding website. l Consider getting wedding insurance.

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PLANNINGCHECKLIST 2-3 MONTHS before the big day…

l Finalize guest list and submit invitations to calligrapher. l Book makeup artist and hairstylist. l Order your wedding favors and buy wedding accessories! l Consider signing up for dance classes. l Schedule your last tasting and finalize menu. l Find gifts for bride or groom, attendants, hostesses, and parents. l Confirm tuxes have been ordered for groom and groomsmen. l Prep for honeymoon—do you have everything you need? l Choose your getaway! Finalize wedding transportation. l Look into bank accounts, insurance, and merging money. l Select all music and review with musicians, singers. l Check the options on registry and update wedding website. l Finalize rehearsal dinner plans; order rehearsal invitations, menus, table numbers, escort cards, and other stationery. l Mail invitations eight weeks before your wedding day.

1-2 MONTHS before the big day…

l Have first bridal gown fitting. Bring stockings, shoes, bra, hair accessories, jewelry, camera, and mom or best friend. l Finalize readings and songs; review with performers. l Order liquor or beverages not handled by caterer. l Meet with officiant; finalize ceremony and formations. l Begin writing your vows if applicable. l Begin writing thank-you notes for bridal showers and early wedding gifts, and update your registry at the same time. l Research where to get your marriage license. l Prepare a photo/video wish list, naming family and guests. l Schedule bridesmaids’ luncheon and buy attendant gifts. l Begin whitening your teeth for your wedding day. l Consider liability insurance for your reception location.

3-4 WEEKS before the big day…

l Finalize jewelry … old, new, borrowed and blue. l Prepare must-have shot list for photographer/videographer. l Finalize your music lists and review with musicians. l Practice your first dance wearing your bridal shoes. l Design and order your wedding program. l Confirm honeymoon and travel arrangements. l Call guests who haven’t RSVPed. l Pick up your wedding rings. l Get marriage license no more than 30 days before wedding. l Research how to change your name. l Mail your rehearsal dinner invitations. l Purchase candles, candies, and mints for guest bathroom. l Meet with stylist to discuss and test the makeup and hair.

1-2 WEEKS before the big day…

l Have your final wedding gown fitting. l Finalize wedding-day schedule (receiving-line order) and share with attendants, parents, and all vendors. l Confirm all of your beauty appointments.

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l Confirm pickup times, schedules, and addresses with your wedding-day transportation. l Pick up your wedding dress and accessories. l Pick up the groom’s accessories and outfit—and make sure it fits. l Finalize your vows for the ceremony. l Get hair colored and trimmed (don’t wait until it’s too late). l Confirm final head count. l Give final attendance numbers to vendors and confirm final dates and times for deliverables and pickups after wedding. l Pack for your wedding night and honeymoon. l Create a “wedding box” to gather ceremony accessories (marriage license, candles, ring pillow, basket, guest book) and assign someone to transport. l Prepare a “reception box” for accessories: guest books, cake topper, cameras, goblets, etc., and assign someone to transport. l Prepare wedding favors for transportation to reception venue and assign someone to move them. l Finalize your seating arrangements (making sure you involve both sets of parents) and submit a plan to your caterer. l Prepare place cards. l Confirm dates, times, and locations for photo and video sessions. l Confirm dates, times and locations with all vendors.

THE DAY BEFORE the big day…

l Prepare payment and tip envelopes; indicate distributors. l Hand out assignment lists and checklists to all parties. l Give ceremony box, reception box and favor box to the appropriate parties for transportation. l Assign someone to mail your announcement cards. l Gather your dress, accessories, and bridal emergency kit. l Get a manicure, pedicure, and massage. l Rehearse ceremony with officiant and wedding party. l Try to relax and get a good night’s sleep.

THE WEDDING DAY Your big day is finally here! You may be nervous, but try to eat breakfast and lunch, if applicable. Drink plenty of fluids! l Take a lavender bath—it’s very relaxing. l Wear a buttondown shirt for hair and makeup appointments.

AFTER THE WEDDING

l Get your wedding dress cleaned and preserved. l Preserve your bouquet. l Write and mail your thank-you notes. l Complete your name change kit. l Check into your store’s bridal registry completion program. l Meet with photographer and videographer to finalize albums and videos. l Begin your new life as a married couple!

Good luck and best wishes for a long and happy marriage from Impressions Bride!  VOLUME 8 / 2017

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PREFERREDVENDORS

BRIDAL directory VENUES BROOK VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

311 Oxford Road, Greenville, NC 252-751-1960 • www.brookvalleycc.com

FLOWERS LANDING

220 Pungo Shores Blvd., Belhaven, NC 252-752-4915 • www.flowerslanding.com

HISTORY MUSEUM OF CARTERET CTY 1008 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 252-247-7533 • www.carterethistory.org

IRONWOOD GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

200 Golf Club Wynd, Greenville, NC 252-752-4653 x 219 • www.ironwoodgolf.com

PLANK ROAD STEAKHOUSE

3689 East Wilson St., Farmville, NC 252-753-3535 www.plankroadsteakhouse.com

ROCK SPRINGS CENTER

Hwy 43 North, Greenville, NC 252-830-8900 www.rockspringscenter.com

SCOTCH HALL PRESERVE

105 Scotch Hall Court, Merry Hill, NC 877-847-3727 www.scotchhallpreserve.com

BAKERIES & CATERING DUCK DONUTS

420 East Arlington Blvd., Greenville, NC 252-689-6305 www.duckdonuts.com

THE SWEET COUPLE BAKERY

2582 Railroad St.., Winterville, NC 252-689-6700 www.sweetcouplenc.com

BRIDAL EXPOS & SHOWS CAROLINA BRIDAL SHOW

Rock Springs Center, Hwy 43 North Greenville, NC • 252-830-8900 www.rockspringscenter.com

EASTERN CAROLINA BRIDAL EXPO Greenville Convention Center Greenville, NC • 252-946-0889

THE BRIDAL EXPERIENCE

Washington Civic Center Washington, NC • 252-349-0473 www.facebook.com/IBXWA

DJ’S BILL & BILL MASTERPIECE DJS 252-531-3466 www.billandbilldj.com

JEWELRY BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY

511 Red Banks Rd., Greenville, NC 252-353-3434 • www.baileybox.com

ROBINSON JEWELERS

633 Red Banks Rd., Greenville, NC 252-321-7000 www.robinsonjewelers.com

STEWART’S JEWELRY STORE

121 N. Market St., Washington, NC 252-946-2611 www.stewartsjewelrystore.com

PHOTOGRAPHY PARTY BOX PHOTOBOOTH 252-902-4331 www.partyboxphoto.com

WILL PRESLAR PHOTOGRAPHY www.willpreslarphotography.com

TRANSPORTATION DIAMOND LIMOUSINE

Greenville | Kinston | Washington 252-228-9131 Morehead City | New Bern | Jacksonville 252-240-1680 www.ADiamondLimousine.com

ADVERTISE WITH US KEY MARKETING & MEDIA, LLC 252-355-8345 Kathryn@KeyMandM.com www.facebook/impressionsbride www.issuu.com/impressions

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VOLUME 8 / 2017

WWW.I S S U U . C O M / I M P R E S S I O N S

W W W.FA C EB O O K .C O M / IMP RES SI O NSB RID E

VOLUME 8 / 2017

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