Wedding Essentials - Spring 2021

SPRING EDITION 2021 WEDDINGESSENTIALSMAGAZINE.COM

An Omaha World-Herald Publication

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SPRING EDITION 2021

INTRODUCTION 6 Editor’s Note ADVICE 8 Bouncing back 10 Worth the spend 12 Priorities & planning 14 Masks: Quandaries solved TRENDS 16 Pets in weddings 18 At-home shoots

20 4 SPRIN G 20 21

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LAUREN KIRKBRIDE

REAL WEDDINGS 22 Erica & Sam 28 Indiana & Daniel 34 McKenna & Chris 40 Brooke & Gavin 44 Faith & Sam

THE ARCHERS

REAL ENGAGEMENT 20 Abby & Dave

2020 Winner

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ED

ITOR’S NOTE

ON YOUR WAY TO ‘MAGICAL’ IT’S HAPPENING! You’re getting married!

Now that the threat of COVID-19 appears to be waning and vaccinations are making it safer for large groups to celebrate together, you’re probably feeling less stressed and more confident and excited about your special day.

We’re here with inspiration, reality checks, expert advice

Chris Christen Editor-In-Chief

and affirmation that wedding dreams really do come true — even in a pandemic.

Maybe it won’t be the extravaganza you originally envisioned. But there’s a case to be made for the joys of a smaller, more personal and meaningful celebration. In this issue, see how five Real Wedding couples arrived at what was most important to them.

Spoiler alert: McKenna and Chris made their getaway in a ‘69 Camaro (page 35) while nearly a dozen puppies crashed Brooke and Gavin’s group photo session (page 40).

Covidly speaking, it’s not quite time to let your guard down. But it’s still your day, your way and local wedding vendors are eager to pick up where we leave off with creative approaches to celebrating safely.

So find a cozy spot, pour a glass of wine and lose yourself in the beautiful details at your fingertips.

And as decisions start to be made, remember: The most important thing is to make the day about your love for each other.

Best wishes for a magical day,

we love sbmissions

Enjoy blogging? Consider sharing your wedding journey as a Wedding Essentials blogger.

Have a Real Wedding or styled shoot you’d like to submit? We’d be thrilled to consider it for our magazine and blog.

Email a few details and a gallery link to chris.christen@owh.com.

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FIN D MORE I N SPI R ATI O N , ADVI C E AN D P L A N N I N G T O O L S AT O M A H A . CO M /W E D D I N G E S S E N T I A LS 6

SPRIN G 20 21

Come See Our Latest Venue Updates!

INCLUDING OUR FULLY RENOVATED SUITES

AN ENTIRE WEDDING EXPERIENCE | Ceremony & Reception | | Planning & Coordination | | Floral & Design| | Photography & DJ |

VOLUME 19 ISSUE 2

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Christen chris.christen@owh.com

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ASSISTANT EDITORS Kiley Cruse cruse@owh.com Marjie Ducey marjie.ducey@owh.com

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COORDINATOR Nick Cavallaro

EVENTS Tam Webb tam.webb@owh.com

DESIGNER April Burford CONTRIBUTOR Kurt A. Keeler

ON THE COVER Indiana and Daniel, photographed by Erin Wyler/Erin Ren Photography

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Wedding Essentials Magazine is a publication of the Omaha World-Herald, a Lee Enterprises Company. ©2021. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the specific written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed by those interviewed are their own. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information, no responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for content, opinions or practices, or how the information herein is used. All materials submitted, including but not limited to images, logos and text that appear, are assumed to be the original work of the provider, and the publisher is not responsible for unintentional copyright infringement.

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ADVICE

2020: A YEAR OF SWITCH IT, CHANGE IT, REARRANGE IT

Tracey Fricke

Chelsea Archer

Lauren Dengel

Editor’s note: Our hearts go out to everyone whose wedding plans have been upended by the pandemic. Time and again, couples have expressed relief that their vendors have been accommodating and sympathetic. Here’s a glimpse into what the past year has been like for them.

W

STORY MARJIE DUCEY

edding planner Tracey Fricke

For the ceremonies that still went on,

“In 2020, people stopped booking,” Archer says. “Those people and other

of Occasion

Fricke developed safety protocols to

people are now feeling like they can

Designed was

keep those in attendance protected.

book.”

busier than

she’d ever been in 2020.

Her normal workload tripled, she

says, as wedding dates were shifted, sometimes more than once, while the

Chelsea and Jack Archer of The

Tonya Brown, owner of Cake

Archers Photography wore masks and

Creations, did 186 weddings in 2019.

tried to give people as much space as

The total was 39 in 2020. She had to cut

they could.

back store hours and trim her staff. “All

“We tried to be outside as much

I can do is laugh at this point,” she says.

coronavirus turned lives upside-down

as possible,” Chelsea says. “We got

“It’s been a nightmare. I am holding on

across the country.

tested between most weddings just to

to the point that sometime it’s going to

make sure.”

get better.”

“I was trying to also take care of everyone’s emotional mental health as

The couple never got COVID-19, but

we planned during the uncertainty and

there were weddings they photographed

for Women, says her business usually

then had to shift and make new plans

that had outbreaks, she says.

books around 100 weddings a year.

again,” she says.

Sixty percent of her weddings moved to 2021, affecting her bottom line just

8

as it did so many others in the industry.

SPRIN G 20 21

But after everything that could

Lauren Dengel, owner of the Salon

Because the salon had to shut down

and did go wrong in 2020, things are

temporarily, she did a fraction of that

looking up.

last year.

THE MULLERS

For manager Justin Sherlock, a seven-month shutdown for Nebraska Party Bus and Party Express Bus meant

businesses are starting to see things

those who end up with guest counts

turn around.

lower than the contracted number, we

The Archers and other photographers

are waiving the requirement. Anything

a $200,000 loss in revenue. “When all

have had to turn people away for this

we can do to put their mind at ease and

the restrictions came in March (2020),

fall. The Salon for Women had only one

move forward with a successful event,

we were just starting to get into the

open weekend, on Memorial Day, for

we are doing.’”

wedding season. We weren’t able to

the rest of the year.

start operating until October. We were

“We feel super lucky,“ Dengel says.

at reduced occupancy, and everyone

“It was a really tough time. We’re back

had already rescheduled their weddings

and stronger than ever.“

by then.”

Dee Hankins-Falcone, who handles

Others say it could take into 2022 before they see profits at their previous levels.

Sherlock of the Party Bus said they’ve yet to enter their busy season, but are

Revenue dropped 80% in 2020 for

event design and management at The

Ollie the Trolley. “PPP and the Economic

Barn at the Ackerhurst Dairy Farm, says

Injury Disaster Loan probably saved us

2021 is sold out for the second half of

direction, but it’s still going to be a long

from closing,” co-owner George Davis

the year, with the exception of a few

bounce back,“ he says.

says of his business, which has been

summer openings, and 2022 bookings

around for 36 years. Wedding business

are strong. Inquiries and tours are also

watch couples agonize about their

in 2021 is down 30% for March to June

back to pre-COVID numbers for the

weddings, and be forced to change a

compared to the same period in 2019,

Bennington venue.

day they’d visualized forever.

but he’s seeing an uptick. “There have

The Barn followed all coronavirus

getting bookings.

“It’s starting to go in the right

Archer says it has been difficult to

“We’re just so happy for engaged

been lots of inquiries and we look

regulations and continues to do so.

couples, that they can finally start

forward to an increase this year,” he says.

“Fortunately, our space allowed for

planning their dream weddings again

out-of-the-box options and our couples

and feel safer to have all the people

took advantage of that,’’ she said. “For

they cherish there with them.“

With 2020 behind them, and the number of vaccinations rising every day,

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ADVICE

SPLURGES YOU WON’T REGRET

B

STORY CHRIS CHRISTEN

efore you finalize your budget, consider these five areas, deemed by wedding pros and newlyweds alike to be well worth the splurge regardless of the size of your wedding.

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY You will never regret investing in a professional photographer and 10 SPRIN G 2 02 1

PHOTOGRAPHY THE ARCHERS

videographer. The images captured on your wedding day will be your family’s single most cherished keepsake for generations to come.

upgrade your menu or enhance your guests’ dining experience in some way.

An extra course or entrée choice, for example, may become possible.

FOOD

GRATIS ALCOHOL

Select a menu that looks great, tastes great and satisfies. If your guests leave hungry, that may be all they will remember — and relay to others — about your wedding. If you have to downsize your guest list because of COVID, view it as an opportunity to

If you’re serving alcohol, you as the party host need to pick up the tab.

You can pinch pennies, if necessary, by limiting the hours when alcohol will be served, narrowing the choices andor only offering beer and wine and a signature cocktail.

SEE MORE FROM THIS REAL WEDDING, PAGE 34.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Entertainment can make for a great, best-night-of-your-life party. Hire a DJ who can get the celebration started and also act as your emcee. A band or combo can provide background music for dinner and then pick up the tempo for the after-party. Keep guests socially distanced yet engaged with sing-alongs, line dances, music bingo, karaoke or newlywed trivia. Or bring in a 360-degree video booth, magician, fortune teller or circus art troupe. In an outdoor space, a cigar-and-whiskey bar

can keep guests lingering, too.

LOCAL RETAIL EXPERIENCES Buying and renting wedding attire and products online might sound like a great way to save a few dollars.

But local retailers offer personal service, flexibility and dependability — invaluable considerations. A bridal boutique can help you find a dress within your budget, ensure a perfect fit and help you with any problems or challenges, including pandemicrelated delays. Some even may offer to

store your gown until your alterations appointment. A bonus of shopping local: Most boutiques will celebrate with you when you say yes to the dress!

Shopping local also is advised for men.

Ordering a tux or suit online is risky; what you see in pictures isn’t always what you get. Tuxedoes are all about the measurements you supply. Get them wrong, and you may not have enough time to correct the fit. An instore experience six to nine months ahead of the wedding is a fail-safe way to look like a million bucks. omaha.com/weddingessentials

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ADVICE

OUR DAY, OUR WAY E VE R YO NE’S A WED D ING PLA NNE R . H E R E ’S H O W W E ’R E R O L L I NG W I T H IT STORY MOLLY MAHANNAH

Editor’s note: Molly Mahannah and her fiance, Stephen Mattison, are planning an Oct. 30, 2021, wedding at Castle Unicorn near Glenwood, Iowa. A lover of Halloween, she’s incorporating Gothic and Victorian elements and dark, moody florals against a backdrop of black and gold.

Molly blogs about her planning journey at omaha.com/weddingessentials.

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TREVOR LEE WILTGEN

T

he first thing I did after getting engaged last September was register with a few wedding planning websites. I also bought a fancy wedding planner.

As I started to map out our special day, my super-organized self was stunned to discover that each website recommended a different wedding planning timeline.

Every. Single. One. On top of that, everyone is a wedding planner.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not so selfassured that I’ll turn down free advice, but it can be overwhelming.

Some recent brides and some notso-recently married people told me I needed to book my photographer, like, yesterday, and offered other advice deemed helpful. In the nicest way possible, it’s not.

There is so much conflicting information out there, any sane bride would lose their mind. Add the potential for “everything to take longer because of COVID,” and my brain is on its last leg.

I’ve taken to nodding kindly and thanking married acquaintances for their suggestions. Sometimes, genuinely, I make a note of something I want to remember. But overall, as much as I may have loved their wedding, it’s not mine.

Let me say that some advice is valuable, especially if you are my best friend, Kelsy. She always gives great

Molly and Stephen didn’t think they wanted an engagement shoot. Then this happened. Get the back story at omaha.com/weddingessentials advice, and she also is engaged. It has been fun to bounce ideas off each other and commiserate about the price of invitations and florals.

Anyway, Kelsy is level-headed. She reminded me to take all the planning lists and advice with a grain of salt and do what feels right for me.

With new rock-star advice to fuel me, I sat down with Stephen and compiled a list of all the things the websites say we need to do. Next, we ranked each item on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most important.

We did this exercise separately then compared lists.

The good news: We are on the same page when it comes to wedding planning! The better news? All those things with 1s and 2s, we simply decided not to worry about. The 3s and 4s? We’ll look into them in the

next few months but know they are not as important as our 5s.

Our biggest priorities are an open bar and decent food for our guests.

We are music lovers, so having a DJ or band that we trust is important as well.

My boho-gothic décor ranks pretty high for me, but I don’t think Stephen really cares what the day looks like.

We are both just excited for our first look (a level 5 item) and to finally tie the knot after dating since 2013.

Making the list helped put all of the advice we’re getting into perspective.

If you are struggling with where to start in terms of your own planning, I recommend this approach.

Now, on to the smaller details!

If you see me freaking out over cake-serving utensils, send me back to this blog post and put me in my place.

ADVICE

YOUR QUANDARIES SOLVED

JAMES MOES PHOTOGRAPHY

MAKE UP, ‘MA SK NE’ A ND OT H E R P R E SSI NG CO VI D BE A U T Y MAT T E R S

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e’re all wondering: Will a “normal” wedding be possible in 2021? It’s promising, especially this fall and winter when the CDC expects everyone to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. Until we get the all-clear, masking up is the responsible thing to do. Kristen Rozmiarek, master stylist and lead makeup artist at Kontempo., solves those mask-related beauty and grooming quandaries.

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STORY CHRIS CHRISTEN

MAKEUP  Consider a mattifying and oil-control product to help keep the skin’s natural oils from creating a barrier between your skin and makeup.

 Know the pros and cons of your foundation choice. Airbrush foundation gives you smooth, all-over cover and tends to hold up to rubbing better than other foundations. The downside is that once airbrush lifts, you can’t touch it up with anything other than

airbrush foundation. Liquid or cream foundation, on the other hand, can be reapplied to conceal areas that have worn off.

 Go with matte makeup; dewy looks have a high emollient content, which can look oily as the day wears on.

 Avoid makeup on parts of your face that will be covered by a mask (i.e. the lower half) or apply makeup very lightly to these areas.

 Play up the eyes and embrace your skin as much as possible. If “maskne” or mask acne is an issue, don’t stress!

There is a lot a professional makeup artist can cover. Practice good skin-care hygiene religiously; discard disposable masks and launder reusable masks after every use.

 For lips, use caution because the color will transfer under the mask. A neutral color is your best bet. If a bold color is a must, matte liquid lipstick will hold up better than a cream formula.

Revlon ColorStay Overtime LipColor is an affordable long-lasting option for a signature pout. “Just be prepared to scrub it off at the end of the day,” Rozmiarek says.  Opt for a quality cosmetic setting spray or setting powder. It’s essential for getting the most wear out of makeup on a long day. Urban Decay All Nighter is the go-to setting spray at Kontempo.

 Consider prepping your skin a couple of weeks before your wedding. “A good canvas is crucial for makeup application,” Rozmiarek says. She’s a fan of dermaplaning, which removes fine, vellus hair as well as dead skin, leaving your face silky smooth. The procedure, she says, is airbrush foundation’s best friend.

HAIRSTYLING  Not much will interfere with masks in terms of hair, other than “whispies” near the ears. They’ll become a nuisance the more you put on and take off your mask.

face becomes prone to the moisture around masks from your breath. In curly textures, the hair around the face will be prone to frizz; in straight textures, it will be prone to curls dropping faster.

FACIAL HAIR FOR GUYS  Very long facial hair and masks are not friends. Masks can make beards look matted. Any length exceeding one inch will be the most susceptible to becoming disheveled under a mask.

 Consult your stylist or barber to accommodate your specific facial hair and face shape. They may be able to shape it

THE ARCHERS

 Similarly, hair down around the

for you for performing best under a mask or guide you in the right direction.

 Be prepared to add product to your

the thread count, the less friction against the skin. A plastic face mask spacer or bracket also can help minimize direct contact with your skin.

facial hair to re-style it if you need to wear a mask prior to photos.

 Some wedding dress designers are

MASK STYLES  Many skin-savvy artists suggest silk masks to prevent maskne. The higher

making matching masks. Etsy also offers a variety of formal and unique masks — even some with lips if you’re missing lipstick! omaha.com/weddingessentials

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T R EN D S

PAWSITIVELY ADORABLE

AMANDA LEIS PHOTOGRAPHY

TIPS FOR GET T ING YO U R F U R BA BY W E D D I NG - R E A D Y

‌I

STORY MARJIE DUCEY

s there a wedding couple out there who doesn’t have a fur baby? If your beloved pooch is likely to make an appearance at your ceremony or reception, check out these tips from pet handler Ashley Vela of Barking Vows.

 Hire or designate a pet attendant. The person should know your pet or have experience handling a pet like yours.

Choose someone who is not in your wedding party; this way, the handler can be totally focused on the responsibilities of dealing with the pet.

 Be sure the handler is equipped with dog waste bags and cleaning products. This is especially important if your pet will be indoors.

 Have your pet groomed a day or two before the ceremony so it looks its best.

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 Talk with your photographer about the photos you’d like with your pet. Your photographer and handler can work together to get single and group shots.

 Add time for your photos. Pets can be distracted more than children. It can take awhile to get a good shot.

 Have treats available. This can be key to keeping your pet on its best behavior. Water is important, too.

 Give any floral wreath or crown a test run before you go all-in. On a recent Wedding Essentials styled shoot, a goldendoodle rejected a floral crown but took a floral wreath around its neck in stride. If your pooch isn’t having either, opt for a decorative leash. Flowers can easily be attached to a handsome nylon leash. Pop for a matching collar and you’re golden!

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ADVICE

GENUINELY YOU HOW TO ROCK YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION (AND CATCH A MOMENT OF CALM)

I

STORY MARJIE DUCEY + CHRIS CHRISTEN

f your home brings you joy, an engagement shoot there can

1

PHOTOGRAPHY THE ARCHERS‌

Your house doesn’t have to be a palace. It’s all about showing

2

Every room doesn’t have to be perfect. Just make sure the house

lead to some magical photos.

you in a space where, hopefully, as a

is clean and doesn’t feel cluttered.

For starters, it’s a highly

couple you feel the most comfortable.

Nothing distracts from a good photo

personalized setting. Every

It’s actually more important that you

like dust on shelves, tabletops and

house is different. And you can’t beat

have good lighting than amazing

floors and cobwebs on ceilings. Also

the weather – because it’s always lovely

decor. Natural light is a photographer’s

check houseplants for unsightly dead

inside. Eight tips to rock the sesh:

dream.

or yellow leaves.

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Perri Colwell and Cody Zach, photographed at home and at Zorinsky Lake.

3

Move from room to room.

for magical photos of genuine

Start in the space where you feel

togetherness.

most relaxed. For many couples, it’s the kitchen. Then move to the living room or another spot where you like to hang out.

4

5

things you collect with your

photographer. Do you love to dance, snuggle together with a pet, share

Vary your poses. For your living

anniversary, the arrival of your first child

room shots, try lying on the floor,

or any other milestone or cause for

putting your feet on the wall, cuddling and sweet.

6

engagements. Invite your

photographer back for your first

or lying on the couch. Keep it cozy Share your interests or fun

7

Home shoots aren’t just for

A home shoot can be just the first step. Plan on some shots

celebration.

8

This many be the most important tip of all: Don’t keep those images

on your computer! Print them to enjoy day after day, year after year. A gallery

a bottle of wine, grill out, play

outdoors for variety. Look for a location

wall is a terrific way to hold on to the

croquet, go on picnics, have pillow

or approach that’s different from what

sweetest, most poignant moments in

fights? They’re all opportunities

you’re seeing other couples do.

your new life together.

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NGAGEME NT AL E E R

Abby & Dave LAUREN KIRKBRIDE  OCT. 19, 2020  MINNEAPOLIS NEIGHBORHOOD PARK PROPOSAL DREAMS The ring was burning a hole in his pocket and the pandemic wasn’t cooperating.

Dave Lam was beside himself, thinking of a way to make Abby Hyslop’s engagement dreams come true. She had always said she didn’t need roses and candles. Family to share the moment was the most important thing. “Abby’s family is scattered.

Even without a pandemic, I didn’t think that would ever be possible,” Dave says. STICKING WITH TRADITION His goal was to propose in 2020; it was July before he found the perfect ring. When COVID restrictions persisted into September and he still couldn’t travel safely from Minneapolis to Nebraska and Washington, he used FaceTime to ask Abby’s parents for their daughter’s hand in marriage. A RAY OF SUNSHINE October started out cold and rainy. When the five-day forecast called for 65 and sunny on Oct. 9, Dave asked a commercial videographer friend to conspire on a product shoot that would involve a picnic setting, a Yeti cooler and Dave and Abby as models. “It was a totally normal request,” says Abby, a senior designer for Target. Dave, a logistics manager, arranged for a photographer friend to capture the proposal. They met that morning to pinpoint the location (and even mark it for Dave with a small pile of leaves). When Dave and Abby arrived with the Yeti cooler, Abby wasn’t enamored with the picnic spot. “Why are we sitting here? Why aren’t we under the tree?” Dave stuck with the plan — while the photographer and Abby’s mom, two sisters, niece and bestie remained in hiding! THE RING Dave chose an oval mine cut diamond with lavender undertones, circa 1890-1910, from an estate jeweler in New York City. “It seems like it was made for me,” Abby says. FRENCH VIBES They’re planning a June 12, 2021, wedding and reception with French and Italian touches at the historic St. Paul College Club. Her inspiration board is feminine and classic, with greenery, lots of white and yellow for accent. She still can’t believe how the surprise played out. “You’ve just experienced a pivotal, exciting moment in life. And you see all the people you love running toward you … To say I lost it is an understatement.” omaha.com/weddingessentials

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RE

AL WEDDING

Erica & Sam JAMES MOES PHOTOGRAPHY  OCT. 17, 2020  M’S PUB IT JUST TAKES ONE Erica Pieper and Sam Raetz went to Lincoln Pius X together, and Sam thought Erica was the most beautiful, charismatic woman that he’d ever met. Unfortunately, Erica wasn’t interested. Through high school, college and post-college, Sam continued to pursue Erica until she finally agreed to one date with him. That was all it took. ENOUGH ALREADY During a trip to Italy, Sam said he’d like to get a bottle of wine from a nearby grocery store. After wandering around trying to find the store, Sam kept leading Erica over the same bridge. Erica started to get a bit annoyed; Sam was focused on making sure others wouldn’t be around. On the third bridge crossing, Sam got on his knee and said, “I’ve known I wanted to marry you since before our first date. Will you marry me?” WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT? They wanted their wedding day to be classic and timeless, with memorable twists. “Whenever we couldn’t make a decision about something, we always came back to the question, ‘What is the option that is most reflective of us as a couple?’“ They married three days before the 31st wedding anniversary of the bride’s parents and on a bye week for Nebraska football. SPECIAL MOMENTS Because they didn’t have dancing at their reception due to COVID-19, Erica and Sam had their first dance together at the front of the church while the groom’s dad played the saxophone with the band. Sam is a huge fan of Valentino’s Pizza, and ordered 30 take-home pizzas for their 30 guests.

ALL ABOUT YOU Make everything you possibly can special and unique to you as a couple, Erica says. “Have someone who knows you both incredibly well to marry you, serve food that you both love (we had chicken and waffles and doughnuts from our favorite bakery, Olsen‘s Bake Shop), have music at the ceremony that is sentimental to both of you, and don’t

be afraid to break from tradition.” They got married at 8:30 a.m. so they could have a brunch reception. NOD TO HISTORY They held their rehearsal dinner at Stirnella and their brunch reception at M’s Pub, both of which are places they typically go to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. The bridesmaids were gifted engraved bracelets — each with a different word — that the bride felt best described them. They used Ollie the Trolley for transportation — the same transportation the bride’s parents had used for their wedding. They also used the same crystal champagne glasses and cake knife. Bridesmaids had masks that matched their dresses. THEY LOVE IT An iced coffee maker is their favorite wedding gift. “It’s something that we would never have bought for ourselves, but now use almost every day.” READY FOR FUN? Sam says Erica is the most fun-loving and “good-time inducing” individual that he’s ever met. Erica says Sam is confidently himself. “He knows what he wants and won’t stop at anything until he gets it.” omaha.com/weddingessentials

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{ ESSENTIAL DETAILS } PHOTOGRAPHER James Moes WEDDING DATE Oct. 17, 2020 REHEARSAL DINNER Stirnella Bar & Kitchen CEREMONY Sacred Heart Catholic Church RECEPTION M’s Pub VIDEOGRAPHER Suit & Tie Films BRIDAL GOWN Kelly Faetanini, Ready or Knot {Wedding Chic} ACCESSORIES Veil, Rhylan Lang; shoes, Manolo Blahnik; custom clutch, Island to East Side HAIRSTYLIST Salon for Women MAKEUP ARTIST Salon for Women BRIDESMAID DRESSES Azazie MEN’S ATTIRE The Black Tux RINGS Custom Gems FLORIST Kinfolk Floral CAKE The Confectionist CATERER M’s Pub MUSIC Karly Jurgensen, pianist, and ensemble TRANSPORTATION Ollie the Trolley, VIP Limousine INVITATIONS/PROGRAMS Lovestruck Events GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS The Magnolia Hotel WEDDING PLANNER Lovestruck Events HONEYMOON Cloud Camp at The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Indiana & Danil ERIN REN PHOTOGRAPHY  OCT. 10, 2020  THE PLAZA AT THE CAPITOL DISTRICT THE EYES HAVE IT Indiana Soliman met Daniel Goebel, a friend of a friend, while heading for a casual brunch en route to the airport. Dan was covered in plaster dust because he was in the middle of remodeling his kitchen, and Indi says he had the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. “It didn’t even occur to me that I was meeting my future husband, but I later learned that Dan was lovestruck from the moment he saw me,’’ she says.

LONG-DISTANCE ROMANCE Dan kept the conversation going over Instagram, which turned into texting, then phone calls, and then long-distance dating between Omaha and Memphis. “You don’t hear great things about long-distance dating, and it certainly wasn’t easy, but we made the best of it by meeting in cities we wanted to explore and visiting each other as often as we could,’’ Indi says. “Each goodbye grew more difficult, and eventually we decided the only goodbye left to say was to longdistance dating.” Indi moved to Omaha in April 2019 and Dan proposed six months later under a colorful Chihuly sculpture at Joslyn Art Museum. “Pure bliss,’’ is how Indi describes the moment. He even surprised her by bringing in her family to celebrate.

Wedding planning began, only to come to a temporary halt when the pandemic hit.

FRENCH CHIC Indi had a dreamy vision of creamy whites and soft pastels for their wedding. She brought it to life, starting with a champagne mermaid gown in allover French Alencon lace, and periwinkle and peach in the decor and the wedding party’s attire. STILL PERFECT Though the year was imperfect, they say their wedding day did not disappoint. “Walking down the aisle in the most beautiful dress I had ever put on with Dan’s smiling face and outstretched hand ready to greet me, I felt as though the whole universe conspired to bring us to this moment of pure joy.’’ SPECIAL MOMENTS The best man’s speech, by Dan’s older brother, had

everyone roaring. As the wedding festivities came to an end, Indi and Dan had the dance floor to themselves for Elton John’s “Your Song.” Earlier, Indi and her father shared a traditional Latin dance. Their roots are in the Dominican Republic, where the merengue originated, so they danced to “Gotas de Pena” by Ramón Orlando. “As we stepped on the dance floor my dad said to me, ‘we didn’t practice,’ only to then pull out the best dance moves I’d ever seen.”

HANDYMAN Dan’s favorite gift is a sliding miter saw from his mother-in-law. Indi loves the seafoam green Smeg appliances that match her Royal Albert tea set. Dan gave Indi a custom art piece by Savannah Jewell Art, the same artist who did their save-thedate artwork. Indi gave Dan a low angle jack plane blade and a gray sectional.

SPECIAL SAINT Indi is a St. Jude cancer survivor, so in honor of the organization that saved her life, Dan, her father, and her stepfather wore blue St. Jude ties. Dan also wore a St. Jude lapel pin. The couple chose Holy Cross Catholic Church partly for its shrine devoted to St. Jude, patron saint for lost causes. FUN ADDITIONS The photo booth from Nebraska Light Booth was a complete hit with guests of all ages. Guests also enjoyed the cocktail napkins with fun facts about the couple.

“We had a few people ask what states we had left from the 43 out of the 50 that we have visited,’’ Indi says. FROM THE START While Dan was lovestruck at first sight, Indi took some convincing. “Indi reminds me to enjoy the day to day, helps get me out of my comfort zone, and keeps me focused on the important things in life and in marriage.

I’m still icing my shoulder after reaching this far out of my league,’’ he teases. Indi says Dan is her safe place and keeps her grounded. “He nurtures me, protects me and loves me even when it’s hard for me to like myself,’’ she says. “And it’s hard not to get lost in those blue eyes full of love.’’ omaha.com/weddingessentials

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{ ESSENTIAL DETAILS } PHOTOGRAPHER Erin Wyler/Erin Ren Photography WEDDING DATE Oct. 10, 2020 REHEARSAL DINNER Anthony’s Steakhouse CEREMONY Holy Cross Catholic Church RECEPTION The Plaza at the Capitol District VIDEOGRAPHER Chad Lawton/Something New Nebraska BRIDAL GOWN Aegir by Pronovias, Ready or Knot {Wedding Chic} ACCESSORIES Earrings, Loren Hope; bracelet, Tiffany & Co.; shoes, Sophia Webster; garter, La Gartier; butterfly crown, Etsy HAIRSTYLIST Lauren Dengel/Salon for Women MAKEUP ARTIST Joey Nielsen/Salon for Women BRIDESMAID DRESSES The Dessy Group MEN’S ATTIRE Groom, custom Abito Sartoriale suit from Jerry Ryan Clothing & Sportswear. Groomsmen, Jos A. Bank suits.

RINGS Brilliant Earth FLORIST The Bouqs Co. CAKE Cake Creations CATERER Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District RENTALS Rachel J. Rentals, Lincoln Tent, FadeUp Design Group, United Rentals MUSIC DJ Phil/PM Entertainment TRANSPORTATION Vintage Jaguar Mark VII; Emerald Limousine INVITATIONS/PROGRAMS Brittany Russell/Letter Lane Design Studio GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District WEDDING PLANNER Rachel Wortmann/Rachel J. Events HONEYMOON Delayed, French Polynesia

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McKenna & Chris THE ARCHERS  SEPT. 26, 2020  MIRAMAR, FREMONT, NEBRASKA THEY GOT ALONG SWIMMINGLY McKenna Shallberg and Chris Angerhofer met while on the swim team at South Dakota State University in Brookings but didn’t start dating until the end of their sophomore year. He was rehabbing a broken collarbone and McKenna was rehabbing from surgery to repair a torn shoulder labrum. “I was initially attracted to his sense of humor and intelligence,” McKenna says. At their reception, their signature drinks were labeled as the couple’s individual events in college: “The Sprinter,” a mojito, and “Distance,” a dirty martini. MOUNTAIN HIGH Chris proposed in the Black Hills, at a scenic overlook along Needles Highway, which they had all to themselves. “We don’t know the exact location and plan to find it this spring on another trip out there,” McKenna says.

They love camping and one of their favorite gifts was a tent and inflatable mattress that can be set up in the bed of a pickup. “This makes our lives easier on a quick weekend trip.” COLORFUL VISION McKenna’s desire for colorful florals gave the wedding a modern bohemian vibe. “We wanted it to be as laid-back as we are, but also wanted it to feel like a wedding.“ The head table and all tables used at the rehearsal dinner were labors of love created by McKenna’s aunt over several months. The farmhouse tables were decorated with greenery, fresh flowers and colorful glassware. They had to move the wedding from their original date of May 23, 2020, to the birthday of her younger sister because of COVID. “We definitely got permission.” SPECIAL MOMENTS They exited down the aisle to “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen.

Rather than have a receiving line or letting people out by rows, they drove off in his dad’s ‘69 Camaro. Later, the maid of honor, McKenna’s younger sister, brought down the house by rapping her speech.

It described the couple’s relationship, engagement and life together. “She is very outgoing and this made sense for her to do; it was fantastic.” While waiting for the ceremony to begin, guests loved the cigar and whiskey bar, with whiskey made by the groom’s father. At the reception, the newlyweds visited each table, serving champagne and thanking their guests.

IT’S YOUR BIG DAY They wanted to make sure their 400 guests had a good time, so they spent the most on food, photography and alcohol. “Do what you want to do; this is your day and in the end, if you’re married and happy, that’s what counts.”

NEW ADDITION The biggest change since their marriage is that they’ve adopted a rescue greyhound named Brad. Chris says McKenna is the funniest and loveliest person he’s ever met. “She’s my best friend, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her,” he says. She says he makes her a better person and knows how to bring laughter and joy into every day. omaha.com/weddingessentials

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{ ESSENTIAL DETAILS } PHOTOGRAPHER The Archers WEDDING DATE Sept. 26, 2020 REHEARSAL DINNER Family friend’s residence, Fremont, Nebraska CEREMONY Camp Christensen/Fremont Family YMCA RECEPTION Shallberg family building, Fremont VIDEOGRAPHER A Final Take BRIDAL GOWN L’amour, Marie & Marie Bridal, Sioux Falls, South Dakota ACCESSORIES Pearl earrings, Tiffany & Co.; veil, Marie & Marie Bridal HAIRSTYLIST Salon for Women MAKEUP ARTIST Salon for Women BRIDESMAID DRESSES Black Tie White Satin MEN’S ATTIRE Black Tie White Satin RINGS Thomas James & Bechtold Jewelry, Sioux Falls FLORIST AZ + Co., Fremont CAKE Cake Creations CATERER Attitude on Food RENTALS AAA Rentals, Lincoln Tent Co., AZ + Co. MUSIC Diamond Empire Band INVITATIONS/PROGRAMS AZ + Co. GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS Fairfield Inn & Suites, Fremont EVENT PLANNER Andrea Zahourek/AZ + Co. HONEYMOON Greece/Mediterranean cruise, post-pandemic

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Broke & Gavin ROCKING J IMAGING  SEPT. 19, 2020  OMAHA DESIGN CENTER NOT STRANGERS AFTER ALL Brooke Taylor and Gavin Shallberg met on Bumble but quickly realized that they knew a lot of the same people. “We both were going to watch the Huskers play in the Music City Bowl in Nashville — with the same family that we have each known forever!”

He proposed two years later in the corn maze at the Harvest Moon Pumpkin Patch in Oakland, Nebraska, with both families present. SHE NEEDED HELP Brooke says she’s really bad at coming up with design ideas and describing her vision, so wedding planner Tracey Fricke of Occasion Designed proved invaluable. That’s her best advice: Get a wedding planner. “She made all of my crazy ideas come to life (including an Amigos ranch dressing fountain for a latenight snack). She also made me feel like I was the only COVID bride going through the craziness and was constantly checking on me. Come to find out that her daughter also had to move her wedding date; I never would’ve known because she made me feel like I was it.” NEW DATE They were supposed to get married April 25, 2020, but rescheduled for September, one of only two dates their reception venue had open.

“Gavin’s twin sister moved her wedding to a week after ours because it’s the date that worked best for her vendors. We thought it would be a hectic two weeks but it was actually really fun and worked out perfectly.”

NEW CEREMONY LOCATION, TOO The alternate site for the ceremony, The Barn at the Ackerhurst Dairy Farm in Bennington, was beautiful, Brooke says. Gavin’s cousin, Adam, got ordained online and performed the ceremony. “We also ended up getting the string quartet I had always wanted for the ceremony since we weren’t at a church with a pianist anymore.” The large wedding party was difficult to corral for pictures, but Tracey kept everything moving forward, Brooke says. DRINK, ANYONE? Instead

of a dollar dance, Brooke and Gavin bartended toward the end of the night. “It was a fun way to talk with all of our guests and try our best to make the cocktails that they came up with,” she says. “We also made a good amount of money (in tips) for our Honeymoon Fund.” FUN TO GO AROUND The couple’s Golden Retrievers, Odie and Nash, inspired two signature cocktails and a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. “Nash became a ‘dad’ four weeks before the wedding, so the litter of 11 came to take pictures with us.’’ During the reception, Brooke surprised her mom with a mother-daughter dance. “She was by my side during all of the craziness of being a COVID bride, and I’m so thankful for her.”

A Bubbly Blaster, basically a champagne squirt gun, on their party bus provided more fun moments. HUNGRY HORDE Food and music were their most important spends because of the large guest list — 480 — and desire to make it a good experience for them. “We had fun desserts and also late-night snacks from Pickleman’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, and a mac-and-cheese bar from Catering Creations. Something Blu was our band, and they make the party, so the energy was there all night.” PERFECT PRESENTS They love to entertain and they appreciated all of the kitchen gifts they received. “We now have an entire closet full of serving dishes, and I think I’ve used every single one already,” Brooke says. TESTED

BY FIRE Brooke says Gavin is her best friend and soulmate. Their wedding day, she says, was even more special because they had to wait a little longer than anticipated because of COVID. “He was able to keep me as calm as possible throughout all of the planning and re-planning we had to do.” Gavin says Brooke is the perfect woman for him and he can’t wait to raise a family together.

“If we can make it through a COVID wedding, we can make it through anything.” omaha.com/weddingessentials

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{ ESSENTIAL DETAILS } PHOTOGRAPHER Rocking J Imaging WEDDING DATE Sept. 19, 2020 REHEARSAL DINNER Driftwood Inn, Blair, Nebraska CEREMONY The Barn at the Ackerhurst Dairy Farm, Bennington RECEPTION Omaha Design Center, North Downtown Omaha VIDEOGRAPHER Suit & Tie Films BRIDAL GOWN Enaura Bridal, Ready or Knot {Wedding Chic} HAIRSTYLIST Stephanie Moss Salon MAKEUP ARTIST Andrea Sortino/Airbrush by Andrea BRIDESMAID DRESSES Bridal Traditions MEN’S ATTIRE Jerry Ryan Clothing & Sportswear RINGS Borsheims FLORIST Flowers for Special Occasions DESSERTS Doughnuts, Connie’s Blair Bakery; Blizzards, Dairy Queen; cupcakes, TIERS Cakes&Creations CATERER Catering Creations MUSIC Something Blu; Mahr String Quartet TRANSPORTATION Elite Party Bus GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS Hilton Omaha WEDDING COORDINATOR Tracey Fricke/Occasion Designed HONEYMOON Minimoon to Mexico; St. Lucia for their one-year anniversary. Both coordinated by Rachel Henne/Enchanted Honeymoons

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Fah & Sam TRIN JENSEN PHOTOGRAPHY  JUNE 6, 2020 BACKYARD OF THE JOHNSON FAMILY HOME HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS Faith Johnson and Sam Gedwillo met at Concordia (Nebraska) High School. Sam proposed a little more than four years later during a beautiful sunset in the rolling hills of Hitchcock Nature Center near Honey Creek, Iowa. “I thought I was going to Hitchcock for a personal photo job, and was totally surprised to find Sam there.

It was so awesome to be that surprised,” Faith says. CHANGE OF PLANS COVID derailed plans for a destination wedding in San Diego on their fifth dating anniversary. Instead, they moved up the date by a week and exchanged vows in the backyard of the home of the bride’s parents. “We wanted it to have a SoCal, bohemian feel. Because it was in the backyard, we wanted it to feel homey and relaxed as well.” Wedding decor from The Bohemian Hatter gave them the vibe they were seeking. SPECIAL MOMENTS Sam’s brother-in-law married them and put a lot of thought into what he said, helping to make it a beautiful occasion. “The ceremony was centered on honoring and praising God, and that is exactly what we wanted our wedding to represent,” Faith says. “The speeches from our dads, maid of honor and best man were so special and near and dear to our hearts. Lots of tears and laughs.” It was a classic hot Nebraska summer day. “We were all sweating like crazy, but didn’t care because we were so excited to all be together, celebrating.”

THEIR OWN PACE Because it was just their immediate family of 18, the day’s timeline was slow and easy. “It was a very chill, relaxed day, which was such a blessing.” Faith recommends investing in an awesome photographer, flowers you love and delicious food. Faith says the day went by in a blink of an eye, as did their preparations. “Truly enjoy this special

season, and soak in the special moments with your loved ones, friends, family and future spouse. Dream of the things you will reminisce about a year from now, or that you will share with your kids one day.

Those are the things that really matter; everything else doesn’t deserve stress.”

FIRST HOME They received multiple home decor and furniture items for their first apartment together. “We were super thankful for those gifts. They make our space feel extra-homey and special.”

DREAM COME TRUE Faith says Sam is her best friend, and it’s been a joy to grow up with him. “I had been dreaming of the day I would marry this man for so long.”

Sam says Faith “looked more beautiful and radiant than a summer sunset.” omaha.com/weddingessentials

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{ ESSENTIAL DETAILS } PHOTOGRAPHER Trin Jensen Photography WEDDING DATE June 6, 2020 REHEARSAL DINNER Backyard of the Gedwillo family home CEREMONY Backyard of the Johnson family home BRIDAL GOWN BHLDN ACCESSORIES Anthropologie HAIR AND MAKEUP STYLIST Bride did her own BRIDESMAID DRESSES Lulu’s MEN’S ATTIRE Express RINGS Helzberg FLORIST Blooms CAKE Magpie Bakery CATERER Voodoo Taco RENTALS The Bohemian Hatter HONEYMOON Hawaii, when it’s safe to travel again

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END NOTE

“For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.”

- JUDY GARLAND

ERICA RAETZ, PHOTOGRAPHED

BY JAMES MOES

Visit any Celebrity Home model home location and pick up YOUR “You’re Home Magazine” !

INFINITELY YOU UNFORGETTABLE. INSPIRED BY YOU.

WWW.MARRIOTT.COM/OMADM