Bridal Guide - Spring 2015

Bridal Guide Spring 2015 k p c n e w s . c o m

THE

HERALD

REPUBLICAN

The

THE NEWS SUN

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 that you remember forever!

Our Winter 2015 Bridal Guide will help you make many of the biggest decisions that lie ahead. From taking the stress out of planning to creating the proper toast to the happy couple, the guide offers much valuable information.

We also hope you will enjoy a special story about Octavia Yoder, editor of the Ligonier Advance Leader, and her experience with getting married.

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.

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

ON THE COVER: Octavia Lehman, now Yoder, shares a kiss with husband Shawn Yoder in the rain on her wedding day in October. Photo by BK Photography

A marriage between rustic and vintage

BY JENNIFER DECKER jdecker@kpcmedia.com

HUNTERTOWN — Erin Doucette took her love of design to start a marriage of sorts between rustic and vintage decor.

Doucette, Huntertown, started a business, Rustic Bliss, in December with the intent of renting wedding props. As lead designer for KPC Media Group, Doucette said its elements go hand in hand with decorating for weddings.

“The idea is I rent vintage and rustic decor and have been marketing to weddings,” she said. “The difference is rustic is country and more weathered and vintage is really refined and rustic. A lot of times, it’s mixed and there’s such a See RUSTIC AND VINTAGE page 3

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Erin Doucette, owner of Rustic Bliss, rents out vintage and rustic decor.

Here she is pictured with her rental items being used for a dessert spread.

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RUSTIC AND VINTAGE From page 2

contrast.”

When helping decorate for a party once, she said after spiffing up many tables, it got to be pricey.

“It’s not wise to buy for one day,” Doucette said. “I think the trend is to be more creative.”

Doucette said she’s currently working with several clients in helping create their dream weddings with creativity being the key. One wants rustic and country decor. Another is into vintage and wants teapots.

“I had a girl looking for an old bathtub to store drinks, but I found out they’re too heavy to be practical,” she said. “A bride wanted to use a globe for a guest book.”

Another big part of the fun is looking for more props at antique, vintage or thrift shops, Doucette said, and plans to continue that search.

“I hope to add more inventory and grow so big and have furniture I would love to have all my (decor) in a barn,” she said. “I’d like to get into vintage settees or bride and groom tables.”

For more details, visit rusticblissrentals.com, Rustic Bliss’s Facebook page or call 343-1233.

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Canning jars are among the many items for rent at Rustic Bliss.

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Page 3

Nature of wedding videos evolving

BY PATRICK REDMOND predmond@kpcmedia.com

KENDALLVILLE — When it comes to capturing and creating wedding videos for local brides and grooms, videographers say natural or documentary style of film making seems to be all the rage, a style they believe is being fueled by changes in today’s video equipment.

The newest technologies in both video cameras and editing software have allowed videographers to ditch the tape and capture weddings on new and improved high-speed memory cards. Those changes have allowed manufacturers to create smaller yet powerful cameras capable of grabbing both still and moving pictures, a move that is changing the face of wedding photography, said local wedding videographers.

The biggest trend seems to be a more candid approach to shooting and editing the traditional video wedding, said Joe Pawlosky, owner and operator of Band Wagon Video Productions, a Bristolbased video service.

Pawlosky says more and more brides

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Videography is becoming a big trend with its more candid approach in wedding videos.

are looking for video that is less formal wedding video than what videographers were delivering brides and grooms just a few years ago.

They’re asking videographers like Pawlosky to take the cameras off the tripods and simply roam in and around the wedding and the reception as it happens, capturing more of the sights and sounds than more formal approaches to the photographing the big day. The end result, said Pawlosky, is something that looks more more like a documentary than a traditional wedding ceremony video.

Part of that process, said Pawlosky, might be driven by the rapid changes now going on within the photography and videography industry. Digital single lens reflex cameras, like the Canon Rebel or Nikon D3200 are now able to record and download high definition, film level video as well as still images.

Another trend starting to gain traction in the world of wedding videographers is producing a a highlight reel, said Ken Strong, owner of Ken Strong Productions, North Webster.

With the explosion of social media, short highlight reels of the wedding — usually no more than 5 minutes long — are now in high demand, said Strong.

Strong works out of his home base in North Webster but travels all over northern Indiana, including Auburn, Angola and Kendallville, shooting weddings. Weddings, he said, are only

a part of his overall business, and his company tries to limit the number of weddings it commits to producing each year to about a dozen because of the labor-insensitive nature of wedding videography.

Like Pawlosky, Strong said the brides and grooms he talks with are looking for videos that reflect the more personal nature of their big day.

“Brides are looking for the ‘all inclusive’ wedding story that we offer, where we come in and combine the wedding photography and videography, and we’ll capture the moments of preparing in the morning all the way through the wedding and reception.

They kind of like that whole feel of telling the story of the day,” Strong said.

Such production often requires more cameras and more camera operators, and Strong admits that can result in a higher price tag at the end of the day.

Most of his wedding packages start at about $1,000 and can run as much as $2,000.

But the highlight reel is his more requested product, something short enough a bride can post to her Facebook page or put up on YouTube for those who couldn’t make it to the big event.

“Not everyone wants to sit through the whole wedding,” Strong said. “Now, with all of the social media, if you’ve got that five-minute highlight reel, that’s a huge, huge thing.”

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Music trends vary with venues

BY BOB BRALEY bbraley@kpcmedia.com

There are two distinct components to wedding music — the ceremony and the reception. And the music for each is substantially different.

Where the wedding takes place has a big impact on the music played, said Barb Braley, organist at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Avilla.

For weddings in secular settings, music can be whatever the couple wants, Braley said. For weddings in a church setting, the music has to meet certain criteria, and those vary with the church.

In the Catholic Church, wedding music played during the ceremony must be liturgical, Braley said. As an example, The Lord’s Prayer sung as a solo would not be liturgical, but the same prayer sung or said by the whole congregation would be.

A broader category of sacred music can be used in the prelude, Braley

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

DJ Chaddy Chaz’s music setup is seen in the foreground of this photo from a wedding reception. Receptions are shorter than a few years ago, with more current music, Chaz said.

See MUSIC page 6

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MUSIC From page 5

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Churches may have restrictions on what music can be played during the wedding ceremony, church organist Barb Braley said.

said. But the Catholic church doesn’t allow secular music in the church — only at the reception.

There are other restrictions, Braley said. The Wedding March from Lohengrin by Wagner, commonly used in other settings at the start of the ceremony, is not allowed in the Catholic Church, but Mendelssphn’s Wedding March, commonly used as a recessional, is.

In Protestant churches, rules vary, Braley said. “If there’s a question, ask the pastor.”

Many people also will know a musician who they’d like to have perform, Braley said. Someone playing harp, flute or guitar may add a personal touch to the ceremony.

These days, more and more weddings ceremonies are held at the same venue as the reception, said DJ Chaddy Chaz of Fort Wayne-based Indiana Mobile Music DJs. “I’ve been seeing that a lot,” he said.

It’s part of a move by many couples to save money on the ceremony, and that includes on the DJ services, Chaz said.

One of the impacts of the move is that receptions are shorter, Chaz said.

Receptions that ran seven hours a few years ago will run four hours, or even two hours, he said.

People just want to have their cake and leave, Chaz said. “They just don’t stay any more, not matter how good the DJ is.”

When it comes to music selection, people don’t want some of the “old fogey” dances that used to be wedding staples, Chaz said. “They’re getting away from doing the Chicken Dance, the Hokey Pokey — not so much the Macarena anymore.”

People want music to which they can do rap-oriented dances, or moves like the Cha-Cha Slide, the Wobble or the Electric Boogie/Electric Slide, Chaz said.

And they want current performers such as Bruno Mars, Chaz said, adding, “They love that.”

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Reception food can be biggest part of wedding budget KPC NEWS SERVICE

Perhaps one of the biggest bridal budget-busters is food and drink for the reception.

Feeding family and friends can easily be the biggest expense of the day, but you can serve guests well and stay in your budget using a few money-saving tips.

Many reception halls limit the list of caterers you can use at their venues, with food costs between $20 to $50 or more per person, without alcohol. An open bar can add an additional $25-30 per person.

Choosing a venue that allows outside caterers allows can help keep costs down.

Caterers often offer food sampling to choose a menu that suits your guests and themes. Sometimes a less-expensive See FOOD page 8

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Reception food is one of the biggest parts of a wedding budget. Choose a menu that works within your budget that you and your guests will enjoy.

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METRO CREATIVE CONNECITON

Serving appetizers only at your reception allows guests to mingle and eat.

FOOD From page 7

entree is a better option than a more expensive steak or seafood dish.

If you choose a sit-down dinner, be sure to price the difference between buffet and plated meals. Depending on the menu choices, a buffet can often cost more than a single-plated meal.

Additional costs include linens, table service and wait staff.

Serving heavy appetizers instead of a full meal is a new trend that allows guests to eat well, mingle at the same

time and not leave the reception hungry.

Another popular choice is using stations where guests can choose from various entrees such as pasta, Mexican food, roast beef and fruit and salad table.

A family-style meal also reduces the cost over a plated dinner.

Choosing a daytime wedding provides the perfect opportunity for a brunch or lunch menu. Why not consider a pancake and omelet bar or serve burgers on the grill or barbecue?

Since food is charged per person, reducing the number of invitations, if possible, especially since food costs are the same for both adults and children.

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Other cost-cutting tips include: • Serving a simple wedding cake for guests while having a tiered display cake can also greatly reduce costs. Another option is serving cupcakes or offering a dessert bar.

• Serve only beer and wine, and offer a signature drink to limit alcohol costs, • Provide your own appetizers, and include in-season fruits and vegetables to keep the cost in check.

• Consider a potluck-type meal where guests bring a favorite dish to serve with main course.

By doing a bit of homework, it is possible to serve guests well without skimping on the fare.

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PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Chicago is a honeymoon destination for those who live in northeastern Indiana.

Head to Chicago for a summer honeymoon

BY AMY OBERLIN aoberlin@kpcmedia.com

A recent study by WalletHub ranks Chicago as a top summer wedding destination.

The average honeymoon costs around $4,000. For those in northeastern Indiana, at least travel costs would be minimal, since Chicago is only a several-hour car trip away.

WalletHub compared 100 of the best domestic honeymoon destinations with budget in mind. While it was 17th on the scale for cost-efficiency, Chicago was at 10 for activities and romanticism and nine for weather conditions in the summertime.

Chicago hotels that aim to please honeymooning couples include The Langham Chicago, with rooms that feature marble baths and rain showers, and the Waldorf-Astoria Chicago, with

its plush king beds, gas fireplaces and balconies.

Staying close to home, in 2013, Midwest Living published 50 romantic Midwest getaways, with first on the list The Villas at Gervasi Vineyard in Canton, Ohio — about a 3 1/2-hour drive east on Interstate 80-90.

The 55-acre Tuscan-themed inn features stucco walls, stone fireplaces, flat-screen TVs and large tiled baths with heated floors. There is a restaurant and Italian coffee in the morning, with fresh-baked breakfast delivered to the door. Spa, yoga and golf packages are available. The Villas offer wedding packages that include both indoor and outdoor forums.

Also at the top of the Midwest Living list was French Lick Resort See HONEYMOON page 11

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Page 9

Follow these tips to prep for your honeymoon METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

When basking in the afterglow of a momentous wedding, most couples would rather think about scores of other things than packing for their honeymoons. But with ever-changing restrictions on what and how much a person can bring along on airlines and other modes of travel, packing is something that eventually must be done.

According to the Honeymoon Study 2010 by The Wedding Report, a Wedding Statistics and Market Research organization, 81 percent of newly married couples take a honeymoon. The top honeymoon destination for those in North America is the Caribbean, where the average couple will spend $3,500 on their honeymoon. Although 15 percent choose to cruise to their destinations, the remaining likely drive or fly. In any case, packing becomes a part of the honeymoon planning.

Some people are good at packing and can execute the task rather easily. Others are left with a bulging suitcase that won’t pass muster at security clearance or meet size and weight guidelines imposed by airlines. Nevertheless, anyone can become a packing pro with a few guidelines.

• If you don’t already have a suitcase, choose a design with a hard case. This way it won’t expand while packing, and there’s no chance it will ever exceed the size limits.

• Roll clothes because it will limit wrinkling.

• Use a layering technique to fit a

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Honeymoon travel is made easier with smart packing. Make sure you plan ahead and not just take off the day after the wedding.

multitude of items and protect against displacement during transit.

• Fill the bottom of the suitcase with the heavier items: shoes, jeans, jackets, and any gear or tech items.

• Next, layer dresses and slacks so they lay lengthwise on top of the first layer of items. It’s okay if the ends extend over the edge of the suitcase.

• Shirts and sweaters (if applicable) can be rolled and then layered next. Use any overhanging slacks and dresses to fold over the shirts and keep them in place.

• Lightweight items, like lingerie and undergarments, can be placed on top.

Also, include toiletries that are sealed in leak-proof bags.

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• Be sure to know airline requirements in advance. While some restrictions have been lifted, the Traffic Safety Administration and the airlines themselves may have rules regarding how much liquid or how many sharp items you can bring along.

• Keep important documents, such as tickets, reservation numbers and emergency contacts, with you in a travel bag. Any prescriptions you need should be carried as well.

• Place an emergency outfit in your carry-on in the event your luggage is lost or temporarily detained.

• Consider packing lightly and buying some necessities at your destination.

• Sometimes it is less expensive to ship items instead of paying airline baggage fees. Investigate these options, especially on the return trip.

• Take advantage of laundry service on honeymoons so you won’t return with a bag full of dirty items that need laundering right away. Also, doing laundry on your trip limits the number of things you need to pack because you can wash and rewear.

• Make the most of the honeymoon by packing early. Come your travel day, you can simply hop in the car and look forward to the vacation ahead.

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HONEYMOON From page 9

in southern Indiana. It features two hotels, spa with couple’s massages, restaurants, golf and hiking. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is situated near Patoka Lake and the Hoosier National Forest. Among the entertainment in French Lick is a casino, zip lines and a winery.

For those who aren’t trying to stick to a budget, a tropical honeymoon never goes out of style.

Jane Anderson, editor of “101 Honeymoons” in the UK, says June is the ideal time to enjoy the European countryside.

“The Caribbean offers great deals in June, which is officially low season, but well before hurricane season,” says Anderson.

For those going green, there are eco-friendly resorts that include Fiji’s Turtle Island, which only allows 14 couples at once, ensuring the 500-acre island’s preservation. Kingfisher Bay Resort in Queensland, Australia, lets people to get up close and personal

with kangaroos and wild dingoes on Fraser Island’s white sand beaches, as well as humpback whales on the nearby Great Barrier Reef, according to a recent article by Amy Levin-Epstein at theknot.com.

Chart of top summer honeymoon destinations Provided by Wallet Hub Overall ranking — Destination — Budget ranking — Activities and romanticism — Weather conditions 1 Chicago 17 10 9 2 Las Vegas 2 5 34 3 Los Angeles 14 17 4 4 Philadelphia 15 13 12 5 New York 47 1 9

BK PHOTOGRAPHY

6 Honolulu 12 11 17

Hay bales

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We borrowed hay bales to make a tower behind the bridal table at the reception. We also used a few in the dance area for seating.

8 Washington 5 3 68 9 San Diego 23 12 19 10 Seattle 51 2 19

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Page 11

do it yourself

A rustic

BY OCTAVIA YODER oyoder@kpcmedia.com

Shawn and I were married on Oct. 18, 2014 — 125 days ago — on a brisk fall day.

When you set a wedding date in October, people warn you of the fickle weather. We shivered during our photo shoot and tried to find refuge under a borrowed umbrella.

The excitement was warmth enough.

I’ve been to more than a dozen weddings in the past several years.

At the age of 25, most of your friends are in the marrying age. What I love about weddings is the energy you feel

in the room. It’s a joyous atmosphere of people coming together to celebrate the love of two people.

If our wedding had a theme it might have been this: rustic. I like antiques and rustic decor. Though, I didn’t want it to look like a grandmother’s country kitchen. My husband had other ideas. I told him I didn’t want to be a bridezilla, but I couldn’t find a place for camouflage at the wedding. He joked with me, “People won’t even be able to see it.”

We comprised and used his favorite color orange as a decorating element.

We did agree on one thing

wedding

instantly: the love for the old barn we discovered in Middlebury. The barn, restored in 2012, had a dance floor and separate bar and upstairs lofts for seating. We wanted a barnyard party, a fall wedding and lots of mason jars.

It was perfect.

We married at the church where we met, Believers Fellowship in Goshen, and had the reception at the Patchwork Quilt Inn in Middlebury.

Shawn grew up in Middlebury. I grew up in LaGrange. Shawn’s cousin gave the wedding sermon and one of our See RUSTIC WEDDING page 14

BK PHOTOGRAPHY

Top - I told Shawn no to his idea of using camoflauge in the wedding. So we comprised and let the groomsmen wear his other favorite color, orange. The bridesmaids picked out their own navy lace dresses. As gifts, I gave them orange necklaces from Mudlove Pottery in Winona Lake. Right - We fell in love with the red barn at The Patchwork Quilt Inn in Middlebury. The owner said they are planning on repainting the building with a fresh coat of red, but I think the distressed look is beautiful.

Page 12

Spring Bridal Guide • February 20, 2015 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Spring Bridal Guide • February 20, 2015 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Page 13

BK PHOTOGRAPHY

Shawn and I wanted to get married in a barn because we like all things out of the ordinary. The inside of the barn at the Patchwork Quilt Inn has its own chandelier lights.

RUSTIC WEDDING

Our musical choices

From page 12

church’s elders led us through the vows that we wrote for each other.

Our engagement was eight months and we spent several weekends visiting garage sales, swap meets and even my uncle’s old barn for the perfect decor.

We found an old wash tub to store the pumpkin ice cream we wanted to serve.

Once the cobwebs were cleaned, my uncle’s rusted milk can was the right piece for an outdoor decoration. For $1, Shawn found a rusty wheelbarrow to hold orange mums. I found a few old doors for $10 each at a garage sale.

Processional: The bridal party walked out to Peter, Paul and Mary’s “The Wedding Song” and I walked out “Appalachia Waltz,” a instrumental piece by Yo-Yo Ma and Mark Connor.

BK PHOTOGRAPHY

I wanted my hair up for the wedding, but didn’t want to have the typical updo style. I love what my hairdresser did — she created a soft look with plenty of curls.

Recessional: “Baby’s Got a Hold on Me” by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band First Dance: “When You Say Nothing At All” with Allison Krauss and Keith Whitley

We wanted to DIY as much as we could for the wedding. I enlisted the help of my sister-in-law to help make burlap See RUSTIC WEDDING page 15

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BK PHOTOGRAPHY

Shawn made the rustic cake tier for our dessert table that featured pies and cupcakes. My aunt Rose Lehman made a variety of baked pies — cherry, apple, peach and raspberry cream.

The creme pies came from Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury and the cupcakes from Mini Delights Bake Shoppe in Elkhart.

Spring Bridal Guide • February 20, 2015 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

RUSTIC WEDDING From page 14

runners for the tables and to create the bridesmaids’ bouquets. They were my bridal planners and helped decorate the reception venue and church. We used hay bales to create a tower for our “Mr. and Mrs.” sign behind the bridal table.

The tables were decorated with miniature crates Shawn made from old pallets. Inside the crates were orange tin cans filled with baby’s breath flowers. A coworker gave me an assortment of lace doilies and tableclothes that I also used on the tables. Each table had an old jar or bottle with a single flower.

Through one of my aunts, I found someone who rented out mismatched china. For drinking glasses, we borrowed mason canning jars from family.

Shawn and I love coffee, so we were lucky to find a coffee shop that caterers with a full espresso bar, although Shawn and I didn’t even have time to try any of the coffee ourselves! My aunt Rose Lehman graciously agreed to bake an assortment of baked pies for the wedding, and we bought cream pies and cupcakes to serve for dessert.

Planning the wedding was a fun adventure, but doing it on your own is a lot of work. The right support makes all the difference.

Even with all of the details we planned, they didn’t really matter because we were caught up in the moments of the day. It’s a wonderful to leave a party and walk into your future together.

— Octavia Yoder is the editor of The Advance Leader in Ligonier and a reporter for The News Sun. She and her husband, Shawn, reside in LaGrange.

Memorable moment Shawn’s two nephews — Hayden and Obadiah — were the ringbearers for the wedding. When it finally came down for them to walk down the aisle with the flower girl, Hayden refused.

He was angry that the flower girl was throwing petals on the ground because his mother taught him not to make a mess.

BK PHOTOGRAPHY

You can see small rain droplets on Shawn’s jacket. Thankfully, it wasn’t pouring, but the brisk temperature made for some memorable bridal photos.

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Page 15

Engagement photo often part of wedding package METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Newly engaged couples choose to capture the occasion in photos that they can cherish. Often, one of these photos is used as an announcement to family and friends and might even be published in the newspaper.

Engagement photos may be part of a package negotiated with the photographer who will be covering the wedding day. Some couples enlist the help of a friend or a budding photographer to capture an engagement shot.

The average cost of engagement photos can range from $200 to $500.

Some couples opt to use a photographer who might specialize in other areas (i.e. fashion models) but may want to break into the wedding biz because of how lucrative it can be.

Costs may be negotiated as a result.

When shopping around for a photographer, there are certain things couples should keep in mind. The first and most important is selecting a photographer you can relate to. If you don’t feel a connection with the photographer, he or she will have trouble coaxing the shots that will produce the best results. He or she should also be a professional and have some experience working with posing couples. This way the photos don’t look stiff or contrived. Here are some other tips that can lead to great photos.

• Find a photographer who fits your style. If you’re a quirky couple, go with a quirky photographer. If you’re

reserved and a follow-the-book type of couple, then select a more traditional photographer. Some photographers out there forget that this is your moment and want to impart their idea of what you want. Make sure he or she takes your ideas into consideration.

• Select one who is open to different shoot locations and brainstorming. Some of the best photos occur in natural settings, where things aren’t entirely planned. If a photographer simply works out of a studio, you may want to select one who has more free reign with different locales.

• Choose your location wisely.

Certain locations will stand out in your minds because they are visually stunning or are special places where you have spent moments as a couple.

By choosing a place that offers a personal connection, there’s a good chance you’ll appreciate the photos in the long run. Also, be open to the fact that unplanned stops may offer a great background for the image. Be open to the unexpected.

• Try random poses and some candid shots. Although you might have a vision of the perfect photo in your mind, experimenting with different ideas can sometimes lead to a great photo you really love. Expect to take your share of kissing, nose-touching and portrait shots. But some fun poses, such as running or jumping (or rolling around on a beach full of waves) can

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METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Engagement photos don’t have to be posed portraits. Experiment with looks that fit your personalities for memorable photos.

produce candid shots that are truly masterpieces. Remember, sometimes photographers will pose you in positions that seem a bit awkward, but this is to get the best lines of the body and flattering images.

• Choose clothing that fits the mood. If time and budget allows, have several different wardrobe changes so that you can see which outfits work and which ones don’t. A formal outfit, comfortable street clothes, something beachy or clothing that fits with your interests (such as polo or baseball) can make for interesting engagement photos. Avoid clothing that is too trendy or busy, which may take away from the actual images in the long run. Plus, you don’t want to look back at these photos in the future and say, “What was I thinking?” Avoid matchymatchy, though. If you are dressed alike, you may appear to be trying too hard. It’s the individual personalities you want to shine through.

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Use the bouquets of the bridal party as the centerpieces of some of the reception tables as one way to bring something different to your wedding.

Special touches can make reception unique METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Over the course of their lifetimes, many people will be wedding guests on several occasions. During the height of wedding season, weddings can run into one another, as the format and the festivities are similar at various ceremonies. Couples interested in setting their nuptials apart may want to enhance the wedding reception with a few unique ideas.

Who hasn’t attended a wedding that seems formulaic? The couple enters, they do their spotlight dance, there’s food, a bouquet toss and then the cake cutting. Guests may actually be able to predict what’s coming next. While it is often customary and easy to follow tradition, that doesn’t mean you cannot buck with tradition and offer a few creative ideas to make your event stand out.

Here are several ideas you can introduce into your wedding to add something special to the reception.

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UNIQUE From page 18

the cocktail hour in the isolation of the wedding suite, mingle with your guests from start to finish. So much time is spent posing for pictures or being out of touch with guests, the cocktail hour can be a great time to sit and chat. Being with guests during the cocktail hour means you don’t have to make that big entrance from behind closed doors. Guests will have all eyes on you when you step on the dance floor for your first dance together.

• Dance to an upbeat number.

Guests are expecting a slow, sappy tune. What they may not expect is an upbeat song that shows you are willing to have a little fun. If you haven’t mastered the waltz but enjoy a little quick step now and again, feel free to choose a tune that shows your excitement and love for each other.

• Encourage couples to dance together. It’s often customary for the bridal party to join the bride and groom on the dance floor midway through the first dance. However, that leaves spouses or significant others waiting in the wings while their dates tango with groomsmen or bridesmaids.

Instead, don’t have assigned partners.

Rather, encourage your bridal party members to dance with whomever they choose.

• Swap the garter/bouquet toss for something more meaningful. If you’re part of a couple who feels the garter and bouquet toss has become trite, there are other ways to create special moments in your celebration — ones that don’t single out the singletons who haven’t yet found their special someones. Use this time to present a small gift or token of your affection to someone on the guest list who has served as a mentor or source of inspiration.

• Choose one special component as an extra goodie for guests. Some couples feel the more they offer the better guests will view their wedding.

Spending more money doesn’t necessarily mean guests will have a better time. If you want to go above and beyond the ordinary, find one thing that you absolutely love and offer that at the party. It could be a flambe presentation, a chocolate or candy bar, a carving station with your all-time favorite food (even if that’s PB&J), or a carnival-inspired automatic photo booth.

• Hire a live performer. Although

it’s hard to beat the performance quality of your wedding song being performed by the original artist, unless you’re cousins with Celine Dion, chances are she won’t be available to sing “My Heart Will Go On” at your reception. However, a live band adds a certain level of excitement that a disc jockey may not be able to provide. Those who are adding a cultural or ethnic component to their wedding may want to hire a dance troupe or another type of performer, like a bagpiper, as an added measure of entertainment for guests.

• Let them eat … cookies? Some people just don’t like cake. Therefore, why should a couple have to cut a seven-tiered white confection? Towers of different types of treats can be created from just about anything and serve as the perfect backdrop for that classic cake-cutting photo. A pyramid of cream puffs, stacks of brownies, a cookie castle, or cereal-cake concoctions can work. Some bakeries will decorate a “dummy” styrofoam cake, and then you can serve apple pie a la mode, if you desire.

• Stage a costume switch. Let’s face it, dancing all night in a long gown takes some stamina. As the bride, have a more comfortable cocktail dress available to switch into for the latter part of the reception. It will also add some variety to your wedding photos.

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Several considerations for choosing bridal party gowns METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION Bridesmaids are an important part of the wedding party, and most brides opt to have a handful of close friends and family members play a special role in the wedding. Choosing a gown and a color that will flatter all of the bridesmaids typically takes a little work.

An overwhelming majority of couples choose to have a formal wedding. The average number of bridesmaids for these formal weddings is four. Considering around two million weddings take place in North America every year, that’s a lot of bridesmaids for whom gowns and other attire must be planned.

Many bridesmaids worry about the gowns they will wear come the big day. Horrible bridesmaid dresses have

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Choosing a gown that flatters bridesmaids is a significant responsibility for prospective brides planning their big day.

See GOWNS page 20

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GOWNS From page 19

been the butt of jokes for years, and many people have their own stories of garish gowns they’ve been asked to don for a wedding. Some have said that brides intentionally choose ugly gowns for their bridesmaids to ensure they’re not outshined come the wedding day. Although this may be the case for some, most brides aspire to select gowns that will be flattering for all. And color scheme is integral in the choice of gown.

Every well-planned wedding carries a color scheme throughout.

This includes the color a bride selects for her bridesmaids to wear. But not every color accentuates everyone’s features. Therefore, some experimentation might be necessary to find a color that is flattering to all and fits with the color scheme.

Depending on hair color and skin shade, there are many flattering hues available for gowns. When making this decision, consider bridesmaids’

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ethnicity and skin tone.

African-American:Women with dark skin and hair may really shine in jewel-colored gowns, including silver, gold, purple and salmon.

Very pale colors may be daring and conspicuous.

Asian and olive-skinned women: Those with a slight yellow tone to their skin will look good in many colors, including red, navy, peach, and fuchsia. However, avoid colors in light yellow, aqua, gray, taupe, or mint, which may make the bridesmaid look washed out.

Fair skin:Ladies with pale skin will benefit from richly colored gowns in jewel tones. Pastels may work, but be careful about those depending on hair color. Pink or red-hued gowns may clash with someone with auburn hair. Yellow and green may not work with a fair brunette. Gray and silver may wash out someone who is pale and blonde.

Once a color is chosen, brides also need to consider the season.

Certain colors may look out of place depending on the season. For

Est. 1878

example, an evergreen or deep blue may seem wintry during a summer wedding. Similarly, russet or brown may work for the autumn but not for a spring wedding. Many brides gravitate toward mid-level blues, greens, pinks and purples for their weddings, simply because those colors transcend the seasons.

After colors are worked out, the style of the gown deserves consideration. Because not every bridesmaid has the same physical attributes, many brides are now open to selecting a color and length and allowing the bridesmaid herself to choose the exact style. This way someone who is busty won’t feel uncomfortable in strapless, and someone who is thin won’t be overwhelmed by a lot of ruffles.

The intent is to have bridesmaids feel beautiful and comfortable, and different styles can help achieve this.

Making the effort to choose a gown color and style that is flattering to all in the bridal party will help the ladies feel they are truly a special part of the wedding.

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Brides experimenting with cake flavors, designs METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

A tiered wedding cake is often a fitting conclusion to a wedding reception. Today’s brides and grooms are experimenting with cake flavors and designs so their cake is a unique representation of their persona as a couple.

It’s no longer necessary to stick with a white cake with buttercream frosting for your wedding day. Think about exploring other flavor and filling combinations that will tempt the guests’ taste buds. For those who can’t settle on just one flavor, how about having a different flavor for each layer?

Couples getting married in the fall may want to think about a spice cake that evokes the feelings of sipping a mug of spiced cider. Cream cheese frosting is often a pairing with spice cake, or think about a layer of caramel that will make it taste like you’re enjoying a candied Halloween apple.

A hummingbird cake may fit the bill for a spring wedding. This is made with mashed bananas, pineapples and chopped pecans. This cake is perfect when paired with cream cheese frosting.

Yellow or white cake are universal favorites for weddings. Some pizzazz can be added through the use of creative fillings. Consider something citrusy and summery for a summer wedding.

Raspberry preserves or lemon curd are tart and sweet. For a tropical flair, mangoes or passion fruit can be mixed with touches of coconut.

A winter wedding can be accented with rich flavors, like a decadent chocolate cake filled with chocolate ganache and black cherries — in a black forest style. Those toasting to the good life may want an almond cake enhanced with some fine liqueur and simple chocolate buttercream.

Couples should sit down with their baker and sample a number of flavor combinations to determine a recipe that

works for them.

Pastry companies also may be able to develop a cake that encompasses a couple’s favorite flavors or symbolizes a special moment in their lives. A Boston Cream Pie-inspired cake may liven up the wedding of a couple who became engaged in Boston. Maybe a cannoli cream filled cake will usher in memories of a trip to Italy. Kids at heart can enjoy candy confection cakes filled with gooey chocolate, nuts and marshmallows.

Whatever the case, couples can use their cake as a centerpiece that wows the sense of taste as well as vision.

Consider displaying this culinary masterpiece on a table with the seating cards placed around it so that it can be enjoyed the entire night.

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Wedding cakes can be an array of shapes, sizes and flavors.

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Children in wedding means no kidding around METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

A wedding is a joyous event that couples want to share with as many people as possible. Couples commonly ask family and friends to take part in the ceremony as ushers, bridesmaids or readers. Before enlisting the help of a child to fill such roles, couples should carefully consider whether a youngster is capable of participating in the wedding ceremony or if he or she may not be up to the task.

Millions of people tuned into the British Royal wedding in April. Among the participants were six young children.

The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Miss Eliza Lopes, Miss Grace van Cutsem, Lady Louise Windsor, Master Tom Pettifer, and Master William Lowther-Pinkerton were bridesmaids and pages in attendance. The children were as young as three years old and as old as 10. Although the Duke and Duchess

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of Cambridge were confident enough in the kids’ maturity to include them, reportedly some measures were taken to keep the tots in line. For instance, Prince Henry reportedly delighted little Eliza Lopes with a pink “wiggly worm” so she wouldn’t be frightened by the crowds.

Said wiggly worm actually made it into the official group bridal photo, being clutched by Miss Lopes.

Couples worrying about all the little details of their own weddings may not want to fret about kiddie meltdowns or the bloopers that can occur when kids act like kids. Each child’s personal maturity level should be considered before enlisting their help. There are some other strategies to use as well.

• Young children serving as flower girls or ring bearers should be able to walk down the aisle without coaxing. If they cannot handle this task, then they should not be asked to take part in the wedding.

• Should children prove competent to walk down the aisle unattended, couples can have them then make their way to the seats next to their parents, rather than awkwardly standing with the rest of the

bridal party for the ceremony.

• An minimum age requirement for wedding participants might be a good idea. A child age 5 or up may be able to appreciate the importance of the event.

• Consult with the pastor or officiant of the ceremony. The ceremony location may have rules governing children in the ceremony.

• All people who have participated in the ceremony will be invited to the reception. If couples decide to have a kids-free party, then reconsider children in the ceremony.

• Think about another role for a young child that will not disrupt the proceedings. Perhaps he or she can help hand out birdseed or small bottles of bubbles to use when the couple has finished their vows. Or give children disposable cameras and allow them to capture a kids’-eye view of the wedding.

Couples who choose to have children participate in the ceremony have to realize that there is the potential for slip-ups. Keeping an open mind and some patience can make for some memorable moments and a little humor as well.

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Couples who choose to have children participate in the ceremony have to realize that there many issues to consider.

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Edible favors can be a favorite for wedding guests METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Do you have a shelf or cabinet that’s filled to the brim with wedding favors such as engraved ice cream scoopers, cake servers, cheese spreaders or tea light candle holders? If you do, you’re not alone. As couples pore over guest favor options, many select trinkets or knickknacks that, while thoughtful, end up collecting dust in someone’s home. Edible gifts also can be thoughtful — and flavorful!

Guests may look forward to an edible favor because it’s a memento of the special occasion and it won’t become a permanent fixture in their homes. There are many edible favors from which to choose. They can also be customized according to the theme of the wedding.

Chocolate It’s difficult to find an edible favor more universally beloved than chocolate.

Rich and inviting, chocolate has long been given as a symbol of love and devotion.

Chocolate candies and baked goods can work well for wedding favors, provided the favors are refrigerated to avoid melting.

Ideas for chocolate favors include individually packaged truffles, gourmet brownie bites, candy-covered chocolates with an inscription, chocolate covered apples, chocolate coins, and other similar creations. Chocolate molded designs (much like those chocolate Easter bunnies) are another idea.

Candies It has become popular to have a self-serve candy bar at many weddings.

Guests are invited to step up to the display and serve themselves from a series of different confections. Autumn weddings could have Halloween-inspired candies or those in fall hues. It’s easy to follow a color theme when you have a bevy of different candies at your disposal. Many discount stores sell inexpensive jars and candy dishes to house the candy. Designer Chinese takeout-type containers are available from craft stores and can be the perfect way for guests to make that candy portable.

Other edibles From cupcakes to maple syrup to personalized bottles of barbecue sauce, couples have so many options for guest favors at their disposal.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Edible wedding favors may include decorative cookie baskets featuring gourmet cookies from a favorite bakery.

Cookies Sweet cookies also make good edible favors. Butter cookies are a favorite because they are sturdy enough to cut into different shapes. Professionally iced, these cookies can be a masterpiece to behold. Some couples opt for customized fortune cookies that express personalized sentiments to guests.

Make-your-own Sometimes it’s less expensive to give guests kits that they can take home to create their own edible treasures. Options abound and can include everything from personalized packets of hot chocolate to tea bags. Other couples choose among mixes for making cookies or cakes.

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