Weddings February 2024

A special supplement to the

inside Places to propose in N.H. ............ Page 4 Pre-wedding events ..................... Page 7 Trend: Surprise weddings ......... Page 10 Family affair at Curtis Farm ...... Page 12 Guide to New England venues . Page 18 Planners adapt to Gen Z........... Page 20

curtis farm, 12

proposals, 4 Weddings

Weddings is published annually. Copyright 2024 by the Newspapers of New England. All rights reserved.

STAFF Editors: Hannah Sampadian and Bill Fonda Associate editors: Sarah Pearson and Rachel Shepard Advertising director: Steve Pare

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Weddings — February 2024

Wildflowers Country Gift Shoppe

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MONADNOCK LEDGER-TRANSCRIPT

Monitor Publishing, PO Box 1177 Concord, N.H. 03302-1177 Advertising information: 369-3212. ads@cmonitor.com Editorial comments: 369-3324, features@cmonitor.com

PO Box 36 Peterborough NH 03458 Advertising information: 924-7172, ads@ledgertranscript.com Editorial comments: news@ledgertranscript.com

CELEBRATING LIFE CEREMONIES Rev. Jane Thickstun

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Weddings — February 2024

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Best places to propose in NH

By ROBIN EASLER

Robin Easler Photography.

Planning a proposal for your partner and wondering where the best place to propose in New Hampshire is? Then you’re in luck!

Today I’m sharing a list of the best places in New Hampshire to propose. We are so lucky that New Hampshire has some of the most scenic locations in all of New England - keep reading for a list of my top favorite places for proposals.

Artist Bluff The first location on my list of top places in NH for proposals is Artist Bluff. Located in Franconia Notch, Artist Bluff is truly iconic New Hampshire scenery and perfect for a proposal during any season. It does require a short but steep 0.5mile hike, but the views of Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch are worth it. I would highly recommend Artist Bluff for a proposal spot.

Mount Willard Mount Willard is another iconic

Robin Easler Photography

A happy proposal on Mount Willard.

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Weddings — February 2024

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spot in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and would be absolutely beautiful for a proposal! It is actually on the 52 With a View list – which is a list of hiking spots in NH with elevations under 4,000 feet and scenic views. Therefore, Mount Willard is a perfect location for any photo opportunity. Think proposals, engagement photos, bridal portraits, or elopements.

Sugar Hill

Robin Easler Photography

A proposal in Sugar Hill.

Talk about a charming location for your proposal! This cute little town is absolutely perfect in any season. In Sugar Hill you can see rolling mountain views from every direction, and in June you can experience a beautiful wildflower bloom.

There are several great spots all throughout Sugar Hill for proposals.

You can choose a location that requires a light and easy 10-minute walk, or a location that is easily accessible from the road. There are scenic views just about everywhere!

And in my opinion, the best time of the day to propose in Sugar Hill is the morning so that you can go to Polly’s Pancake Parlor for breakfast SEE PROPOSALS PAGE 6

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For more information, please contact Kyle Rao, Director of Catering, Conferences and Events, at (603) 899-4195 or conferenceservices@franklinpierce.edu.

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Nestled on 1,200 acres next to Pearly Pond with beautiful views of Mount Monadnock, Franklin Pierce University provides an excellent setting for your business conference, sports camp, group event, wedding, or other special event.

Weddings — February 2024

Franklin Pierce University Conference Services provides excellent conference, meeting site, and recreational experiences. The Rindge Campus offers unique meeting spaces, outstanding athletic facilities, an excellent food and beverage team, and a dedicated staff to offer your group personal care.

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Weddings — February 2024

Your Engagement & Wedding Consult Appraisals • Repairs • Design • Selection

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The Omni Mount Washington Resort is an elegant backdrop for a proposal.

PROPOSALS FROM PAGE 5

from Lincoln, NH to Conway, NH. If you’ve never taken a drive along the Kancamagus (or the “Kanc” as it Omni Mount is affectionately called!), you absoWashington Resort lutely must. It is recognized as a National Scenic Byway and the views If you are picturing a luxurious weekend getaway for your proposal are stunning! Along your drive you will see so many beautiful scenic to your sweetheart, then you will spots that are perfect for any photo definitely want to look into the opportunity. You can stop off at Omni Mount Washington Resort. scenic overlooks, short hiking trails, This picturesque resort is a landmark in New Hampshire and abso- and waterfalls along the way.

I imagine being proposed to here lutely gorgeous. You could complete your day with a trip to the spa is nothing short of spectacular! My favorite views on this route are the before the big proposal, and then celebrate at dinner afterwards. The Pemigewasset Overlook and Sugar resort often has special packages in- Hill Scenic Vista. You can’t go wrong taking this route during all cluding romance specials, so be seasons. sure to check them out. after.

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Robin Easler is a photographer specializing in White Mountain weddings and elopements. She has The final spot on my list of best worked throughout New England. places to propose in New HampContact at robineaslerphotography@ shire is The Kancamagus highway gmail.com, 603-266-8147 or (or NH-112), which is a 34.5-mile state highway that runs east to west robineaslerphotography.com.

Before the big day cially because you will be so excited ended. It could be any kind of party your marriage? If so, you may want A guide to to get engaged, and this will be the or small gathering! Games or activi- to skip this one or encourage your pre-wedding events first opportunity to celebrate. An ties are common at engagement guests not to bring gifts. That being

T

he wedding itself is already made up of a collection of events: ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, after party… But what about the parties that come before the wedding? Your love provides limitless reasons to celebrate, but this list will help you figure out which gatherings are traditional, who will set them up, and which ones you might not need. As always, your wedding is whatever you want it to be! You decide what celebrations you will have and what they will be like. Keep in mind that many of these traditions may vary culturally or have fallen out of common practice. Traditions are not rules!

Engagement Party This is definitely a fun one, espe-

said, the couple are usually not the hosts of this party, so it may not be Wedding/Bridal Shower up to you!

■ When will this event be? It usuThe tradition of the bridal shower doesn’t fit perfectly into our ally takes place about 12 weeks bemodern world, but it is still a kind fore the wedding, but can occur any gesture to throw one for a family time during the engagement.

■ Who should be invited? Local member! This is usually organized by an aunt or cousin of the bride, or family members and wedding party a member of the bridal party. The members should be invited, on both sides, even if the host only knows traditional idea behind the party was to provide women with the one side of the couple’s family. household tools they will need for their new home when they move in Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties with their husbands. Well, most couples are already living together These events are often held sepabefore their wedding, and many rately for each member of the couples don’t fit into such hetcouple, traditionally just before the eronormative boxes, anyway! Alwedding as a “last night of being though the party is traditionally a single”. This is not always approwomen’s event, much like a baby priate within the terms of the shower, it is now common to incouple’s relationship, but it is still clude both members of the couple. common to have a party with You may want to consider: friends which may include some ■ Do you already own many of the sort of wild activity. It is also comhousehold items you will need for pletely possible to do a joint party.

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Weddings — February 2024

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parties, as well.

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By ANGELA DESROCHERS

engagement party will happen within a few months of getting engaged, or possibly on the day of! If the proposer is very confident that they will get a yes, they may organize family and friends to be waiting for a surprise celebration immediately after the party. In this case, it is thrown by the proposer.

Otherwise, it could be put on by the couple or by someone close to them.

You may want to consider: ■ How long will your engagement be? If you will be getting married within the year, it may be less convenient to have an engagement bash.

■ If you are hosting, will you receive gifts? Gifts are not required at engagement parties, but you will likely receive a few unless you specifically let your guests know not to bring any.

■ What format will it take? The engagement party is very open

Bachelor and bachelorette weekends have also become common, taking the form of a trip a few weeks before the wedding. The planning for this event should be a group effort within the wedding party, led by either the bride/groom or the Best Man/Maid of Honor.

You may want to consider: ■ How will expenses be handled, especially if it is a trip? We encourage everyone to be very communicative about wedding party expenses. It can be extremely costly to be a part of someone’s wedding party, and this only multiplies if there is a trip involved. Make sure everyone is on the same page budget-wise. Do not expect your wedding party to cover the expense of your trip.

■ Who should be invited? This can be just the wedding party or it can also include family members.

■ If I am planning someone’s bachelor or bachelorette, can I assume everyone will be okay with doing something sexual in nature?

No! Consent is key. If you are planning a trip to the strip club, ordering a stripper, or playing sexual games at the party, you will need to know if this is the type of event the bride or groom wants. Also, you must inform everyone invited of what will

also need to make sure there is breakfast and lunch (or brunch!) for your wedding party on the day of your wedding if they will be arriving early for beauty services!

Rehearsal Dinner This one is pretty self explanatory. You’ll want to have a celebratory dinner after your ceremony rehearsal. This will include anyone who is in the wedding ceremony. It is traditionally paid for by the parents of the groom, but take this with a grain of salt! The tradition goes that the bride’s family pays for the wedding and the groom’s family PIXABAY pays for the rehearsal dinner. This Your love offers a lot of reasons to celebrate from the engagement party to a shower, to the rehearsal dinner, here are some common options for may not apply to your situation for a whole bunch of reasons! If your gatherings. parents are helping to pay for the wedding, they may also help to pay for this event, but it is something be involved, and be understanding can also be hosted by a family that needs to be discussed, and is if anyone is not comfortable with member of the couple. not expected. this.

You may want to consider: ■ How formal should this event You may want to consider: Bridal/Wedding Party ■ What if a bunch of our guests be? It can take whatever form you Luncheon would like, from a small picnic to a have arrived at our wedding location, but were not involved in the This less common tradition is an reservation at a nice restaurant.

■ This could also be an event you rehearsal? In this case, you may opportunity for the couple to thank want to hold a welcome party, to host early in your engagement the wedding party by providing which everyone is invited. Another them with a lunch a few days before when you are first inviting your common option is to hold dinner the wedding, especially if they may wedding party to be a part of your for only those involved with the rehave arrived early or are visiting to special day!

■ In case it wasn’t clear, you will SEE PRE-WEDDING PAGE 9 help with wedding preparations. It

You got the ring, now let me help you

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Weddings — February 2024

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hearsal, and then welcome everyone else to meet you for drinks or some other type of celebration afterwards.

■ How formal should this be? It depends! It can be whatever you want it to be, but it is important to consider the formality of the wedding itself and how much people have spent on travel and other wedding day costs. If your party has shelled out a lot, you may want to treat them to a nicer dinner.

There are also a myriad of other events that can be held from individual cultures, and you are also welcome to create your own fun

events to substitute or add to this list! Make sure to keep people’s budgets in mind and ensure that no one feels obligated to give you any time or money they do not have. As long as you are thoughtful, the world is your oyster, and you are ready to celebrate your love for all it’s worth!

For more ideas and unique finds for your special day be sure to set up a consultation with Angela today.

Angela Desrochers is the founder of Angela Marie Weddings of Deerfield, NH. Find more information at angelamarieweddings.com.

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Weddings — February 2024

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Weddings — February 2024

When David Mascia got a call from his son inviting him to New Hampshire for a visit, he was thrilled. It would be he and his wife Nancy Mascia’s first time in the Granite State. Following a brief conversation on the phone, plans were arranged for a September weekend spent in the northern part of the state.

“I never thought for a second we’d be leaving there with a new daughter-in-law,” Mascia said.

Peter, the son of David and Nancy, had relocated to New Hampshire from their home state in New Jersey with his fiance. Peter had arranged plans for the four of them to spend a weekend in North Conway, hiking and exploring the downtown shops.

“The first place they took us was

cluded some free, old-fashion activities: breakfast at the country store followed by a short hike.

“Nancy wasn’t thrilled to go hiking,” Mascia said. “We were close to telling them to go ahead without us, but we were only visiting for such a short time we figured ‘why not?’ ” Upon reaching the trailhead of their destination, David Mascia said he could tell there was something else planned.

“The place was called Cathedral Ledge,” Mascia said.

Instead of a hike, their son continued driving up the auto road toward the peak.

“We reached the top and Jessica’s parents and grandparents were already up there,” Mascia said.

COURTESY Jessica’s aunt, a licensed Justice of A New Hampshire couple holds a surprise wedding ceremony with their close the Peace, officiated the ceremony. family in attendance at Cathedral Ledge in Conway, N.H. “It was just such a wonderful surprise and they planned it out to be exactly what they wanted,” Mascia friend, Jessica, assured him and that famous hotel with a red roof,” said. “The whole day was full of love David Mascia said. “I gave my wife a Nancy they were still only looking at venues and not making a final de- and celebration for them, and I know look and thought, ‘who do they it’s not the most important, but I cision anytime soon. think is going to pay for this?’ ” didn’t have to dish out a dime.”

David said Peter and his girlThe next morning’s agenda in-

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Weddings — February 2024

Family-owned farm in the heart of the Monadnock region, with scenic views and space for over 200 guests.

Courtesy photo by Curtis Farm Weddings

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Weddings — February 2024

A drone shot of Curtis Farm in Wilton, with western views toward the Wapack Range, left, and Grand Monadnock in the distance.

Curtis Farm in Wilton has been helping couples tie the knot for 23 years

By JESSECA TIMMONS

Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

In over two decades of years of running Curtis Farm Outdoor Weddings & Events, Matt Fish of Wilton has pretty much seen it all.

“After doing this for 23 years, we can handle just about any challenge on the fly,” Fish said. “You name it, we’ve had it happen. I’ve given away shoes. I’ve had seventeen kids in my house watching “Star Wars.”

Every wedding we have is completely unique.”

The Curtis Farm, built in 1746, is the oldest house in Wilton. Fish’s great-grandparents, Grace and Albert Curtis, purchased the farm in the Wilton highlands in 1906.

Grace Curtis ran a nursing home for critically ill wards of the state for forty years, from 1928 to 1968.

“Even back then, farmers had to supplement their income in other ways,” Curtis notes.

In 1970, Fish’s grandmother, Jenny Curtis, took over the farm and planted a grape vineyard, which sustained the property for decades.

An autumn wedding is set up at Curtis Farm.

SEE CURTIS FARM PAGE 14

Courtesy photo by Curtis Farm Weddings

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Weddings — February 2024

SMOKESHOW BARBEQUE

CURTIS FARM FROM PAGE 13

When Jenny Curtis died in 1996, Fish moved back to Wilton to take over the property at just 22 years of age.

“I was raised knowing I would someday take over the farm, to try to keep it in the family,” Fish says.

Fish, who has a degree in finance, started Curtis Farm Weddings in 2000 after leaving a “suit and tie” job. Curtis Farm now hosts 15 to 17 weddings a year at a 6-acre hilltop venue with views of the Wapack Range. Fish, his wife, Nicole, and their three sons, Eli, Sam and Leighton, all work full-time during wedding season, with the boys helping on weekends during the school year. Nicole serves as Bridal Attendant, while Matt is Event manager, and the boys and their friends work preparation and events. Curtis Farm is open for outdoor and tented weddings from May to November.

“With the level of detail we go into, with every wedding we host being completely unique to the bride and groom, we can only do one wedding per week. I’ve been in wedding venues where there are three weddings going on at the same time,” Fish says. “At Curtis A happy wedding party at Curtis Farm Weddings.

Farm, we completely focus on

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Weddings — February 2024

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their motorcycles, we’ve had people include their pets and their hobbies.

It’s all about who they are as a couple,” Fish said.

Fish notes that Curtis Farm hosted one of the first same-sex weddings in New Hampshire, which included a signed letter of congratulations from Governor Lynch.

Fish and and his family use their long experience in the industry to guide clients to the best possible wedding experience.

“Time is more valuable than money at the actual event. We always suggest that people don’t do the formal reception line, as that takes a lot of time…we do things like encouraging them to make sure they connect with all the older guests before they have to leave. We steer people away from a highly choreographed formal departure as well; that’s another thing that takes a lot of time. We recommend the ‘sparkler send-off.’ The bride runs through the sparkles and she’s off, and the pictures are beautiful,” Fish says.

The entire Curtis Farm wedding venue is accessible, and the venue provides full staff for the tent and the bar for every event.

“People often do not realize what a big deal it is to host a wedding. I

always say, whatever you do, do not get married at your own house — the parking, the lighting, the staff, the plumbing, all the overhead — people have no idea how much is involved,” Fish says. “We’re moving furniture for days, we’re landscaping, were getting the tent up, we’re moving the bars around with forklifts. My wife cuts the grass every four days. After 23 years, we have it down pat.”

Fish jokes that his biggest regret is getting married at Curtis Farm himself.

“I was running around with a walkie-talkie all day,” he says.

The Fish family’s future plans include putting the farmland around the venue in conservation easement so that the location can always be used as a wedding venue.

“It is not easy to get a license for a wedding venue these days. We are very fortunate that we have great relationships with our neighbors.

They appreciate seeing the farm here, having the views when they drive by, instead of seeing the land developed, ” Fish said.

Revenue from the wedding venue enables the Fish family to maintain Curtis Farm as a working farm, with hay fields, peach and apple orchards, livestock, and a blueberry field, as well maintaining the an-

tique farm buildings, including the classic red barn that features in many wedding photos.

“Weddings are mission critical to the farm. My kids know, no weddings, no farm,” Fish jokes.

Fish and his family often maintain close relationships with former clients, who sometimes return to Curtis Farm for anniversary picnics.

“We spend eighteen months working with people, so they become friends. I always say, we see people on their best and worst day.

We all always stop and listen to all the speeches after the ceremony — after all the planning, we feel like we really know people, and it’s really meaningful. Sometimes people bring their kids back and it’s like, this is where is all began,” Fish said.

Nicole and Matt hope their own sons will take over the business and keep Curtis Farm running for years to come.

“I love knowing my grandparents are looking down on us with approval,” Fish said. “We’re just fortunate to have a wedding venue and to be able to do this. They would be so happy we saved the farm.”

For information about Curtis Farm Weddings visit curtisfarmweddings.com.

A Historic Venue To Create Memories If you are planning a wedding in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire, the Old Meeting House of Francestown is the perfect venue. Ideal for weddings in every season, this beautifully preserved historic building brings a classic elegance to any wedding.

And, great reception options are available just a few minutes away!

Contact us for details.

1 New Boston Rd, Francestown, NH 03043

Weddings — February 2024

https://www.francestownmeetinghouse.org omhfrancestown@gmail.com

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each bride and groom; there is nothing else going on. Starting on Wednesday of their wedding week, this is their venue.”

Curtis Farm Weddings also provides wedding planning services, including recommending vendors.

They source food, flowers, and entertainment locally whenever possible.

“We probably plan about half of the weddings we host,” Fish said.

Curtis Farm Wedding’s signature event is the Sunset Cocktail Hour, where guests gather in an outdoor lounge space with antique furniture, against the backdrop of sunset behind North Pack and Temple Mountain. Fish takes a picture of every wedding group from an overhead ladder and mounts the photo on a mat signed by every guest.

“We’re kind of a unique segment of the wedding industry; we encourage people to ‘bring whoever they are’ to their wedding. Our signature is ‘rustic elegance”: it’s all about being on the farm and being outdoors. The people who come here don’t want their wedding pictures in front of drapes or a staircase — they don’t want your standard banquet room. We create their event based around who they are.

People incorporate their own passions — we’ve had people bring

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Weddings — February 2024

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YOUR BRIDAL CONSULTATION IS COMPLIMENTARY!

Weddings — February 2024

BRIDAL BOUQUETS CEREMONY ARRANGEMENTS RECEPTION CENTERPIECES CORSAGES & BOUTONNIERES REHEARSAL DINNERS BRIDAL SHOWERS FLORAL ACCESSORIES

A guide to New England venues Couples have a multitude of choices between seasons and environments in the area

By SHERRI COLLIS Creations by Collis

C

ongratulations on your upcoming wedding! I’m sure you are feeling lots of excitement and maybe a few jitters as well. You have made the biggest and most important decision – picking the best partner, now on to a myriad of other choices. Let’s see if we can’t help you narrow down a couple of the big ones.

Setting the tone for your wedding is the location and timing, whether it is a multi-day escape or an afternoon elopement for two. The New England area of the United States is a very special region to consider. You can have a beach wedding followed by a mountaintop reception. You can stay at a stately mansion or dance the night away in an antique barn.

There are countless hidden gems in the vicinity of almost any spot you point to on the map.

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Two Beautiful Reception Rooms Outdoor Ceremony Sites Accommodate up to 200 guests

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The New England states are known for their four distinct seasons. Each is special and unique making it challenging to choose!

Spring is gorgeous and temperate.

Shades of green create a lush landscape and beautiful florals such as lilacs, rhododendrons, azaleas, and forsythia combine with daffodils, tulips, and pussy willows to add a wide variety of colors.

Summer unfolds with long hours of sultry daylight sparkling on lakes, oceans, and waterfalls. This opens up a time for swimming, boating, water sports, fishing, hammock time, and lounging around with friends. Summer nights are designed for crackling campfires and gooey s’mores.

Autumns are crisp and colorful.

The trees change into a mantle of golden yellows, oranges, reds, and browns. Cozy sweaters and hot cider complete a day of picking apples, hiking, biking, and exploring.

As the daylight grows shorter, winter becomes a dazzling display as the sunlight turns snow-covered landscapes into a carpet of diamonds. Sleigh rides, fireplaces, and snuggling become the order of the day.

It would seem that one can’t go

wrong ... right? Actually, each season also presents challenges. Blizzards, bugs, mud, and very toasty wedding gowns are all considerations of which to be aware. Working with a professional can help you understand the potential hiccups to your perfect day and how to avoid them.

As the oldest settled part of the nation, history is abundant in New England. Historic venues like the Belknap Mill in Laconia, N.H. can be a fun, unique and very affordable choice. Covered bridges, and historical sites like Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Mass., provide a special feel to your wedding. For a venue that is historic and provides onsite lodging for your wedding party onsite, check out the Winthrop Carter House in Boscawen, N.H. For those that prefer a barn atmosphere, minus the critters and work, there are many types and styles.

Some special ones worth making a note of would be The Preserve in Tamworth, N.H., Cedarbrook Barn in Canterbury, Conn., Long Look Farm in Sanbornton, N.H., and The Old Gray Barn in Rupert, Vt. Do you prefer water? French’s Point in Stockton Springs, Maine, has stunning ocean vistas, antique

but upscale accommodations, and a beautiful reception area for a truly elegant wedding escape. If you would like a more relaxed, camp feel, Geneva Point in Moultonboro, NH may fit the bill. Stay in cabins, get married overlooking the lake as balded eagles soar overhead. A quaint chapel provides backup if Mother Nature doesn’t play nicely.

If the mountains are what makes your heart soar, many of the ski lodges are happy to use their lift to take guests to the top for a panoramic ceremony from a stunning viewpoint. and then have a reception at the base in a tent on rolling lawns or in a stunningly transformed lodge. Local accommodations range from modest to fourstar pampering.

From the mansions in Newport, R.I., the Blantyre Castle in Lenox, Mass., or the Mountain View Grand in Whitefield, N.H. (yes, axe throwing is an optional part of the festivities), the variety is endless and as possible as your imagination can dream. New England is an amazing region to host family and friends and create the wedding of a lifetime.

If you’re anything like the hundreds of brides that I’ve organized

weddings for, you’re probably feeling a mixture of emotions right now.

You’re very excited. You’re nervous. You’re overwhelmed with decisions.

There is so much to do when you’re planning a wedding – and it’s often much more than any bride imagines when she gets engaged!

Event planning is hard work. And the reality of planning your big day is that you want to spend as much time on the things that matter most like creating rituals together that will live for a lifetime, choosing the fun things and ensuring that you create a wedding day that you and your guests will love and talk about forever.

But in that process, do you really want to be fussing around with contracts and budgets and ensuring that everyone turns up on time?

No matter if you have a big or a small budget, there are great ways you can work with a wedding planner like me to get you the perfect outcome.

Sherri Collis is the founder of Creations By Collis, an event planning company based out of the Lakes Region. Learn more at creationsbycollis.biz.

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Weddings — February 2024

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Q&A: Next generation of nuptials How planners are adjusting for Gen Z weddings

By DEE-ANN DURBIN Associated Press

T

im Chi, the CEO of The Knot Worldwide, attended eight weddings in the year leading up to his own 2005 nuptials. After seeing all that stress and emotion firsthand, he started thinking about ways to make wedding planning easier.

“I felt very strongly that the wedding industry needed something user-generated that really helped good vendors stamp their reputation and gave consumers more information to make better buying decisions,” Chi said.

So Chi and three friends created WeddingWire, a marketplace for couples to research photographers, bakers and other vendors. In 2018, WeddingWire merged with its rival, The Knot, to form The Knot World-

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ombining personal hospitality with historic elegance, Aldworth Manor is one of New England’s most spectacular and unique exclusive-use wedding venues.

184 Aldworth Manor Road • Harrisville, NH www.aldworthmanor.com 603-903-7547

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wide The company now connects more than 4 million couples to 850,000 wedding vendors each year. It operates in 16 countries and also runs The Bump website for new parents and The Bash for party planning. In 2022, it reported record revenue of $400 million.

Chi spoke with The Associated Press about how weddings are – and aren’t – changing. His answers have been edited for length and clarity.

Q. How have weddings changed since you’ve been in the business?

A. In some ways, so many things haven’t changed. Weddings are a local celebration at the end of the day, and you all come together and you need food and you need entertainment. There’s just a baseline practicality and pragmatism about it that has not changed for as long as people have been getting married.

Where the most change has been is how couples go about making those selections or finding vendors. It wasn’t that long ago when we were all just using binders and clipbooks.

So the “how” has changed considerably, the digital transformation in all of our lives. But you strip that all away and you’re still throwing an awesome party at the end of the

You strip that all away and you’re still throwing an awesome party at the end of the day. day.

Q. How do you ensure couples will keep coming to The Knot when they have other places to look for inspiration, like TikTok? A. I think it’s that Wayne Gretzky quote: “Skate to where the puck is going.” This year-ish Gen Z is starting to get married. We don’t know definitively a lot about how they’re going to behave as they get married, but we know a lot about them as a generation. And so we’re trying to play that forward a little bit. We find them more optimistic rather than realistic; they’re thinking more about generation “we” than generation “me.” They need to be convinced of value before they invest versus just bigspending vanity. So we tell our vendor community, “You should start getting ready because this is the next 10 years of how you need

to adapt your business.”

Q. The Knot relies on vendor advertising for its revenue. But the more vendors there are, the more they have to compete with each other for business, and couples can get overwhelmed with choices. How do you balance those needs?

A. We tend to talk a lot about balancing supply and demand, which ultimately you want to be in harmony together. The vendors themselves often are very bespoke and unique and differentiated. We’re not in the business of, like, you check a couple of boxes and we match you to a couple things and it’s a perfect fit. There’s so much subjectivity and personal stuff that goes into the decision making. So we do need depth and breadth.

Number 2 – and this is very unique to our industry as well – the United

States has about 2 million weddings that happen every year. When do you think most of those 2 million weddings happen? It’s on weekends. So we have this other added layer of supply and demand. It’s not just about number of vendors but it’s about the number of dates that are available. Ultimately, though, when we talk with our vendors we just really focus on building a strong partnership with them. If you’re going to advertise with us, did you feel like you got a good return on your investment? If you did, you’re going to renew.

Q. What advice would you give others about going through a merger?

A. They’re never easy, right? So your best bet is to find a point of view. Make decisions quickly and then just do it all really quickly and not let it drag out for very long. Because uncertainty is the thing that sort of kills all deals and grinds everyone down. It’s better to just run fast and then course correct if you miss along the way rather than agonize for a long time. So speed, obviously, and care. We don’t manufacture widgets or anything; we’re a company of people. Care for your team members by providing them clarity and speed.

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Weddings — February 2024

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