Spring 2016 Bridal Guide

Bridal guide

FEBRUARY 2016

$5.00 A special supplement to The News Sun, The Herald Republican and The Star.

102 N. Main Street, Kendallville, IN 46755 (260) 347-0400

Terry G. Housholder thousholder@kpcmedia.com President/Publisher

Randy Mitchell Chief Executive Officer

S. Rick Mitchell Chief Financial Officer

Mike Marturello mmarturello@kpcmedia.com Editor

Partick Redmond predmond@kpcmedia.com Reporter

Kathryn Bassett kbassett@kpcmedia.com Reporter

Amy Oberlin aoberlin@kpcmedia.com Reporter

Jennifer Decker

Welcome Putting together the perfect wedding takes much planning.

That’s why we have created this guide. We want to make sure your special day is wonderful and one you remember forever!

Our Spring 2016 Bridal Guide will help you make many of the big decisions that lie ahead.

From taking the stress out of planning to trying to buy the right wedding ring, the guide offers much valuable information.

We also hope you will enjoy the story written by reporter Mariah Miller, formerly Martz, one of our reporters who was married last fall. She talks about the details that went into her wedding.

Also, we have pulled together infor-

mation about wedding photography, when to hold weddings, bachelor parties and much more, all written by members of the KPC Media Group staff.

As you read through these pages, we hope you will find the information helpful as you plan for the big day, and find the advertising messages useful with your wedding needs.

This guide is also available online at kpcnews.com.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED Best wishes to all of the happy couples out there in northeast Indiana from all of us at KPC Media Group!

ON THE COVER: Mariah Miller poses on her wedding day that was custom designed by her and her husband, Austin Miller. Photo courtesy ChromeLens Photography

jdecker@kpcmedia.com Reporter

Mariah Miller mmiller@kpcmedia.com Reporter

Jacob Klopfenstein jklopfenstein@kpcmedia.com Reporter

Dennis Nartker dnartker@kpcmedia.com Reporter

Michael Swann mswann@kpcmedia.com Advertising Director

Ann Saggars

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Bridal Guide PHOTOGRAPHY

GRANT BEACHY

Outdoor settings are always a popular choice for staging wedding photographs.

Trends are nice, but basics play big role in wedding photography

BY PATRICK REDMOND predmond@kpcmedia.com KENDALLVILLE — Digital photography has changed the way the world takes pictures, including weddings.

Thousands of websites are now devoted to new and different ways to take wedding

pictures, but local wedding photography professionals warn grooms and brides to be not too get too caught up in having their wedding photo shot with those trends in mind at the expense of traditional, timeless, once-in-a-lifetime wedding and family photos.

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A beautiful wedding photograph, they point out, never goes out of style.

These days, the ways to shoot a wedding are almost as varied as the number of digital cameras on the market, and new and different trends in wedding photography pop up almost every day.

So what’s a bride and groom to do?

Experts say start surfing the web and look at photographs to educate yourself, but once the big day starts to loom on the horizon, find and talk to a wedding photographer. Wedding photography trends are almost countless, from Instagram to selfies, photo booths to photo books, wedding photojournalism to photo-backlighting; all popular techniques. But not all of those techniques lend themselves to backbone of wedding photography — couple, wedding party and family portraits.

Flashy or not, good lighting and rich colors, as well as strong composition and sharp focus are always in style, said one wedding photographer.

Grant Beachy, an Indiana-based portrait photographer and wedding specialist who works across the Midwest but calls Goshen his home, warns couples to not get so caught up having the trendiest wedding album possible while forgetting good basic wedding photographs of the bride and groom and their families.

“I try and strike a balance. I think there’s a real danger of responding too quickly to trends,” he said, “because in 10 years, when you’re looking at the photos, you don’t want to have lost those timeless elements.”

Angola’s Bill Eyster of Eyster Photo & See PHOTOGRAPHY page 5

Page 4

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PHOTOGRAPHY Bridal Guide

PHOTOGRAPHY From page 4

Graphics agrees.

“People are doing a lot of wild things in post processing and doing things with wild color effects, and some of that is OK,” he explained. “You have the whole Instragram revolution that has affected the looks that some people want to see, but I would say it’s hard to beat a nicely composed, well-lit, family photo that doesn’t need a lot of stuff added to it.”

Eyster said he looks online to learn and understand what’s new. One trend he enjoys is photographing the proposal. Eyster said he’s already had two recent requests to shoot proposals.

Beachy’s strongest advice is find a photographer you feel comfortable with, someone who you can happily work with for the eight or so hours it can take to shoot a complete wedding.

Talk about the photographs with the photographer long before the big day, and feel free to make suggestions, he said, but rely on the photographer’s skill and professionalism to get the job done right.

“Trust them and enjoy your day,” he explained.

BILL EYSTER

The lakes and many golf courses around northeast Indiana provide excellent outdoor studios for wedding photos.

Eyster said natural moments that happen throughout the day, but can’t be posed or predicted, add life to any wedding album.

“You still want to have those family shots, group shots, all nicely composed, but yes, I think a whole wedding photo package needs to be really good record of the wedding day and it needs to have those special moments you see throughout the day,” he explained. “I’m always on the

lookout for those moments because they’re very fleeting.”

A final bit of advice. While digital discs of images are nice, and can be enjoyed on an smart device, don’t forget to budget some money for actual wedding prints.

Over time, discs can be scratched or accidentally destroyed and five years after the wedding, it might be impossible to have the disc replaced.

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Bridal Guide WEDDING PLANNER

Using a wedding planner helps you overcome many worries

BY KATHRYN BASSETT kbassett@kpcmedia.com From vendors to budgets, guest lists to reception venues, planning a wedding can become overwhelming if you don’t stay organized and on track.

According to the popular marriage website TheKnot.com, “the key to a glitch-free wedding is smart planning.”

So do you enlist the help of a professional wedding consultant, or do you go it alone?

According to TheKnot, a consultant will save you stress during the planning process and especially on the actual day of your wedding. As well as overseeing logistics, a consultant also will offer ideas and insights.

Wedding and event planner Andi Jo Clark operates Simply Sparrow in Fort Wayne. She describes her role as being the go-to person and the voice of reason on what is feasible for couples

based on their vision and their budget.

Clark said she has worked with “I try to make sure that my No. 1 many vendors and can connect couples priority is the with the venbride,” Clark dors who would said. best serve the Wedding couples’ needs, consultants based on their are familiar vision, budget, with venthe wedding She describes her role as being the dors and are location and the go-to person and the voice of reason able to make season. recommen“It saves on what is feasible for couples based dations and time,” Clark on their vision and their budget.” suggestions said. “I’ve alto couples ready worked who don’t with so many so — Andi Jo Clark know where I know what’s to start. Plangoing to fit.” ners also are Wedding familiar with planners also pricing and rates for services and are are there to make the wedding day able to help couples make the most of less stressful by taking care of small their budgets. problems that may arise during the ceremony or reception.

Clark recalled stepping in to solve a problem when the power went out at a church on the day a wedding she was coordinating was scheduled to take place. Clark said she went out and bought candles to fill the space, as well as obtaining a generator. The bride did not have to worry and things went forCatering For Any Occasion ward beautifully.

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At the reception, she makes sure special highlights such as dances and speeches take place at the appropriate time and that the sound system and microphones are working properly.

“There are so many little things and each wedding is so different,” Clark said.

For those who choose to go it alone, there are a wealth online resources, wedding planner books, checklists, Store d on budget worksheets, timelines and apps am Di to help steer them through the wedding planning process.

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WEDDING RINGS Bridal Guide

Choosing the right ring is an investment

BY JENNIFER DECKER jdecker@kpcmedia.com KENDALLVILLE — Buying engagement and wedding rings is a big step for a couple.

Oodles of choices with gems, metals, prices and designs greet shoppers. Morris Barker, sales manager and goldsmith with Barker’s Jewelry, 123 S. Main St., Kendallville, said it’s important to remember there are alternatives.

“It’s really changed,” he said. “With engagement rings, we try to stick to matching (with wedding rings).”

Others couples are looking for alternatives to gold and he said titanium steel and sterling silver is available.

“One in 10 or 15 come in with a design,” he said. “Most want diamonds, but we get some who want colored gems.”

He said it’s a good feeling when he helps a bride or groom find just the right ring and fit. Their search is over, as their investment in ring choice symbolizes their nuptials.

Brekan Manahan said it’s a matter of satisfying and educating customers.

DENNIS NARTKER

Barker’s Jewelry, 123 S. Main St., Kendallville, has a selection of engagement and wedding rings and rings for other special occasions, watches and fine jewelry. The store has been in business for 60 years. Shown are owner Ruth Barker and her son, Morris Barker, sales manager and goldsmith.

Manahan is a bench jeweler and gemologist at Christianson Jewelers, 127 S. Main St., Kendallville. She said buying the right ring starts with answering questions.

“If they’re undecided, it’s a matter

of getting to know them,” she said.

“Traditionally, the gentleman comes in with a list and wants to get it right. The No. 1 thing is after we narrow it down, See RINGS page 11

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Bridal Guide COVER STORY

COVER STORY Bridal Guide

CHROMELENS PHOTOGRAPHY

It turned out to be a brisk fall day and overcast, which is perfect for taking pictures. I loved how the bridal party pictures turned out with the big tree in the background bursting with orange and red fall colors.

CHROMELENS PHOTOGRAPHY

Bride and groom photos of Mariah and Austin Miller were taken in the apple orchard at Sylvan Cellars Event Center in Rome City. The apple orchard was a big focal point for pictures. The scene was romantic, tranquile and fit in well with our fall theme.

A custom wedding fit for two

BY MARIAH MILLER mmiller@kpcmedia.com

P

lanning a wedding is a kind of like running a marathon. Brides plan for months up until the wedding day, the big day comes and goes in a flash, and then a couple months later you’re left to reflect.

Austin and I were married Oct. 24, 2015.

Reflecting back on my own wedding experience, what I found to be the most unique aspect is how everything was tailored to our liking, partly because I’m guilty of being a picky control freak. A lesson in Marriage 101: admit to and accept your faults. Sorry Mr. Miller.

But in all seriousness, the whole day was Page 8

custom to fit our specific tastes including the menu, music, venue, flowers and photography. Even our wine selection was personalized.

While planning took a little extra effort, at the end the day, it was all well worth it.

Menu We started the whole wedding planning checklist by meeting with an event planner from Empyrean Events and Catering of Fort Wayne to start putting together our customized, seasonally-influenced menu.

Austin and I agreed early on in the planning process that we wanted exceptional food choices for our guests to enjoy during the reception.

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CHROMELENS PHOTOGRAPHY

CHROMELENS PHOTOGRAPHY

The Austin and Mariah Miller wedding reception was held at Sylvan Cellars Event Austin Miller poses for a photo in the orchard at Silvan Cellers.

Center in Rome City.

After sharing our favorite staple dishes, from included an orange dusted sea bass Austin’s being pasta and mine being fish, with butterscotch miso, beef tenderloin with we had our very own custom-made wedding a demi glace over dauphinoise potatoes and menu. homemade spinach During the and vegetable lasacocktail hour, gna with seasonal guests sampled squash and boursin mini chicken and cheese. waffles, braised The plated Reflecting back on my own wedding pork belly with dinner was served experience, what I found to be the most to guests on miswhite cheddar grits and potato matched china purunique aspect is how everything was croquettes with chased from local tailored to our liking, partly because I’m antique shops. tomato marmalade. guilty of being a picky control freak.”

The three main Venue — Mariah Miller dishes for our The wedding guests to choose

“

reception was held at Sylvan Cellars Event Center in Rome City. The event center was especially unique because of the historic, vintage nature of the establishment newly renovated with modern, elegant elements.

My sister and brother-in-law happen to own the establishment so the night was not only a celebration of Austin and I’s committment to each other, but also a celebration of their accomplishments with the venue.

Sylvan is, in my opinion, the perfect combination of rustic yet regal. High gabled ceilings with original woodwork with added crystal chandeliers and dim lighting. Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour in the tasting room downstairs while we finished photos in the orchard.

Flowers When you think flower arrangements, you think to pick a color scheme and that’s all, right? Wrong. At the end of my consultation with Kari Geary from BeMarried of Fort Wayne, I had decided on blueberries in the boutonnieres and apples in the tall table arrangements. Who knew?

The color scheme I decided on was a romantic, classic theme incorporating deep red hues, soft blues, golds and silvers. The tables were decorated with large candelabras and floral arrangements with roses, hydrangeas, pink peonies, and apples picked from the apple orchard on the grounds.

Spring Bridal Guide • February 2016 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

See CUSTOM WEDDING page 10 Page 9

Bridal Guide COVER STORY

CHROMELENS PHOTOGRAPHY

Guests found their table number on mismatched china purchased from local antique shops. The plated dinner was also served on china.

CUSTOM WEDDING From page 9

Photography The two of us met with Kristi Martin

of Chromelens Photography of Syracuse a few times before the wedding. Part of what sold me on hiring Martin was how passionate she is about her craft, and how adamant she was about meeting and truly grasping my vision. She insisted on meeting a couple times before our engagement

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photo session to get to know Austin and I personally to capture our personalities and unique love story.

Martin’s approach to wedding photography was exactly what I had in mind.

The pictures look relaxed and natural instead of posed and artificial, which is what initially attracted me to her style of photography.

Music Admittedly, this was extremely time-consuming but, to me, nothing kills the mood more than a group dance or the recent hip-hop hit making my Grandma blush with embarrassment.

Austin and I both started making lists of our favorite songs to include on the playlist. We also took recommendations from friends and family members on their favorite songs to play. Our first dance was “Only One” by The Black Keys, my favorite band.

The Brat Pack performed our favorite classic songs during dinner and then we transitioned into the playlist once guests finished dinner and started to flood the dancefloor.

I’ve never understood why people say, “Well it’s not actually about what you want” because yes, it is. Let your day be an expression of who you are as a couple so you can reflect back on the day with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

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WEDDING RINGS Bridal Guide

RINGS From page 7

what’s the price range? Traditional round diamond or princess cut?”

Engagement rings are usually solo endeavors and couples shop for their wedding ring sets together. When the time comes to shop, give yourselves at least two months to browse and then choose the rings you like best.

Choosing rings comes down to personal preference and it can help for each person to list the attributes he or she would like in a ring. This should include the type of metal, color, width and even cost. Couples may find they have different preferences, and this is perfectly fine, as wedding rings do not have to match.

A wedding band should complement the engagement ring but not be a perfect match.

Similarly cut gemstones also can complement an engagement ring. If the bride chooses to wear both her engagement ring and wedding band together on the same finger, she should choose a band that will accommodate the curves of uniquely shaped engagement rings.

Lifestyle and daily routine should be considered at all times. These rings will be worn daily, and no one wants to fret about a ring being too delicate to stand up to everyday wear and tear. Also, think long-term. Trendy rings can be fun, but will they still seem like such a good idea when you are celebrating your 20th wedding anniversary?

When getting rings sized, both the bride and groom should go when their fingers aren’t swollen from exercise or early in the morning after they may have retained fluid. Shopping should take place when hands aren’t too hot or cold. This will allow the best size so the bands fit comfortably and will have enough wiggle room should fingers swell or shrink a little bit.

People can protect their investments by keeping the ring on as much as possible and only removing it when engaging in demanding physical activity or when working with chemicals. Store the ring in a safe spot when you are not wearing it so you are less likely to lose it.

Wedding rings can be purchased from any number of retailers. Just be sure the rings are of good quality and the seller stands by the craftsmanship.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Bench jeweler and gemologist Brekan Manahan, Christianson Jewelers, Kendallville, examines a ring she is crafting to ensure the stone is secured.

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Bridal Guide SEASONS

Weddings don’t have to be in the summer

BY AMY OBERLIN aoberlin@kpcmedia.com

cheapest time for a Caribbean cruise is People can take advantage of two nights’ October through mid-November, toward stay Sunday through Thursday for the the end of hurricane price of one Why have your anniversary at the season. night, maksame time as everyone else, and when evAirlines tend to ing a wederything else is going on during the busy offer the least expending party summer months? sive fares between at the inn a Some couples purposefully choose to the most expensive bargain for Decor may incorporate items get married in the fall or winter, to get travel times, generthose bringthe most out of their bridal budget or to associated with the season, such as ally between Thanksing guests avoid competition from the many sumfall leaves for a November wedding. giving and Christmas from out of mer festivities. and New Year’s Eve town.

For those looking for a scenic wooded Winter bouquets tend to feature and spring break.

Honeywedding, the Potwatomi Inn offers a a lot of whites and reds.”

Taking advantage of moon desti2-for-1 winter special for lodging. The honeymoon travel nations may inn — nestled in Pokagon State Park on — Teleflora be more deals not only guarLake James — runs the special Nov. 29 antees a fantastic affordable to Feb. 25, except during the Christmas venture after the big off-seaand New Year’s holidays, Dec. 20-31. day, but also inexpensive anniversary son. According to a report by CNN, the travel in the future.

Reception locations provide off-season deals, according to theknot.com. That may go for photographers and caterers as well, who are grateful for work during Civic Center & Auditorium less busy times.

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“Many bridal shops start receiving large shipments of dresses in November because so many couples get engaged LANNING A EDDING around Christmas and on New Year’s Eve, then begin shopping for dresses Remember, the dry cleaners! in the winter. If you shop in December, Specializing in: when stores are less crowded and are try• Before the wedding, steaming & pressing of ing to boost their end-of-the-year sales, wedding gown & bridal party gowns. you’ll be in a better position to negoti• After the wedding, cleaning & acid free ate,” says a Forbes report. preservation of the wedding gown.

Wedding planning, and the wedding Monday-Friday 8:00-5:30 • Saturday 9:00-Noon timing itself, can be optimized to fit a Wednesday 8:00-Noon budget and a couple’s unique interests.

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BACHELOR & BACHELORETTE PARTIES

Bridal Guide

Take time to plan bachelor, bachelorette parties

BY JACOB KLOPFENSTEIN jklopfenstein@kpcmedia.com

Bachelor and bachelorette parties give the bride and groom and their friends a last chance to let loose before the carefully scheduled and planned wedding day.

But if it’s not done right, the parties can quickly become a hassle, says the website theknot.com. After all, an entire film franchise is dedicated to bachelor parties gone wrong. Here’s a few tips to make your party spectacular, memorable and stress-free: • Keep it simple — Don’t bite off more than you can chew when planning the party. Make sure you can pull off whatever you’re planning. A picture-perfect, extravagant weekend to the big city isn’t always the best choice. Alternatively, spend a weekend at a lake house or rent a cabin at a state park.

• Be creative — Outside-the-box party ideas can be both cheaper and more memorable than a big trip to Las Vegas or another big city. Instead of just going out to restaurants or bars, plan more high-octane excursions — like skydiving, rock climbing or whitewater rafting. Chances are you’ll be talking about those adventures years later.

• Timing is key — Nobody wants to show up to the wedding day still feel-

ing it from the from out of town events of the will have time to party the night plan accordingly. before. The • Get on the party should same page — Make Instead of just going out to restau- sure you know be scheduled rants or bars, plan more high-ocat least a week what type of party before the wedthe bride or groom tane excursions — like skydiving, ding, but you wants. If they don’t rock climbing or whitewater rafting. have a good time, might want to schedule it up to Chances are you’ll be talking about no one else will, a month prior to either. Contact evthose adventures years later. the big day. Deeryone who will be pending on what attending the party kind of party and make sure everyone stays in the loop. Figure out how you plan, this might be the best option. much everyone is willing to spend on the Be sure to give those invited plenty of party and stick to that price range. advance notice so that anyone traveling

“

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Page 13

Bridal Guide SYMBOLS

CHROMELENS PHOTOGRAPHY

Mariah Miller’s grandma, Jackie Swain, passed away a week before her wedding. She wore her wedding ring, shown in the foreground, on the big day.

Many symbols involved in weddings have ancient roots

BY DENNIS NARTKER dnartker@kpcmedia.com

symbolism such as a wedding cake, wedding gown, bouquet, bridal veil, wedding ring, throwing rice, honeymoon, carrying the bride across the threshold, bride

Traditional Christian marriage ceremonies in the Western world are full of

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standing left of the groom, wedding bells, groomsmen and garters.

Many of the symbols go back to ancient times. Here’s some information from LovetoKnow.com and Llewellyn Worldwide.

How many symbols are used depends on the bride and groom, but some are meant to invoke good luck, long life and fertility, and skipping them could mean bad luck.

Here are some of the symbols, their origins and what they mean: • Wedding cake — goes back to Roman times when a cake of meal was crumbled over the bride’s head to provide good luck. The cake symbolizes good fortune and fertility and brings good luck to everyone who eats it. The bride is suppose cut the first slice, but

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“ Carrying the bride across the threshold — This tradition prevents the bride from stumbling, a bad omen.

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Page 14

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See SYMBOLS page 15

SYMBOLS Bridal Guide

SYMBOLS From page 14

now days the groom helps. The groom feeding the bride the first slice is also a modern tradition.

• Wedding gown — dates to ancient Egypt when the bride wore a dress of shear silk that clung to her body. Since then more and more has been added for modesty. White symbolizes purity and innocence. Now brides tend to wear any color.

• Bridal veil — brides may choose to wear a veil of a friend or relative who is happily married. The veil conceals the bride’s beauty from evil spirits who might try to steal her away.

• Bouquet — symbolizes joyful lovemaking and fertility. Ribbons bring good luck, and love knots at each end of ribbon symbolize unity and wholeness. The bride throwing the bouquet is a modern tradition. The woman attending the wedding who catches it will be the next bride.

• Wedding ring — should be a perfect circle with no beginning and no end to symbolize union, eternity and completeness. Romans introduced rings of precious metals such as gold and silver to show the woman was married. The wedding ring has been worn on different fingers at different times in history. In ancient Greece, it was on the index finger, and in India, it was on the thumb. The third finger on the left hand was thought to have a vein that led directly to the heart.

• Throwing rice — Rice symbolizes fertility, prosperity and good health in the orient. Throwing it over the marriage couple is a way of wishing them good luck.

• Honeymoon — The word comes from an ancient Teuton practice of drinking mead, a wine made from honey, for a moon’s cycle (one month) after the wedding.

• Carrying the bride across the threshold — This tradition prevents the bride from stumbling, a bad omen.

• Bride stands on the left side of the groom — In ancient times this allowed the groom’s sword arm (right) to be free to fight off other suitors.

• Groomsmen — In the middle ages

CHROMELENS PHOTOGRAPHY

The bouquets for Mariah Miller’s wedding were done by Kari Geary of BeMarried.

The color scheme for the flowers included deep reds, soft blues and light pinks.

groomsmen kidnapped bride for the ceremony or helped defend the bride from suitors.

• Wedding bells — Spread the word that an event had taken place at the church.

• Garter — narrow band of fabric

worn about a leg. The bride removes the garter during the reception and tosses it to unmarried male guests after tossing the bouquet. The man who catches the garter and the woman who catches the bouquet will be the next man and woman to be married.

Spring Bridal Guide • February 2016 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

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Spring Bridal Guide • February 2016 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.