R-J Bridal Guide January 2011

BRIDE’S GUIDE ■ DIY Ideas ■ Stylish Gowns ■ Rent or Buy?

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■ Beauty Secrets ■ Honeymoon Hints ■ 5 Q’s with Donnie Brown ■ Shop Local

Our Special Engagement Pages!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

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Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

Super Easy, Super Smart

Beauty Secrets From sipping smoothies to researching the paint aisle at the hardware store, the trick to looking great on your big day doesn’t have to be high-maintenance

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Fix MESSY, CRACKED EYE SHADOW by popping it out of its tray, putting it into a makeup palette, and crushing it. Add a dab of Vaseline or EYE CREAM until you’ve gotten the right consistency. Voilà! Cream shadow.

After tweezing, swipe brows with rubbing alcohol to prevent ingrown hairs, then reduce redness by applying COLD CUCUMBER SLICES or chilled green-tea bags.

LIPS Apply a balm immediately after getting out of the shower, when your lips are STILL A LITTLE MOIST; this will create a smooth surface once you’re READY

FOR COLOR. Lips extra dry. Combine 1 teaspoon honey with 1 TEASPOON SUGAR to exfoliate them, says makeup artist Kristofer Buckle, who helped polish looks for Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Connelly. He blends the two ingredients in his hand, then applies the mixture in A CIRCULAR MOTION for 90 seconds before wiping it off.

NAILS No emery board. Celebrity manicurist Elle, who has painted the nails of Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, and Sienna Miller, says the striking surface of a matchbook works in a pinch.

To keep cuticles from drying and cracking, run LIP

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EYES

BALM INTO THEM (and all over your nails) each time you apply the balm to your lips.

Cool weather can make nails brittle and polish chip faster, so protect your polish by wearing gloves every time you step out. To restore moisture to extradry nails, try an AT-HOME SOAK of lemon juice, olive oil, and vitamin E oil. To maximize its absorption, remove nail polish, buff nails gently with a towel to exfoliate, then soak for five minutes. Afterward, slip on a pair of cotton spa gloves to keep moisture sealed in all night.

For really stubborn stains, N.Y.C. nail guru Jin Soon Choi, owners of Jin Soon Natural Hand and Foot spas, recommends dabbing whitening toothpaste onto nail beds. “The whitening agent works on nails the same way they do teeth.”

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Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

SKIN

Refresh your complexion by dipping a washcloth in soy milk and resting it on your face for 10 minutes once a week, suggests Beverly Hills dermatologist Debra Luftman. SOY IS A SKIN BRIGHTENER and contains phytoestrogen, a plant-derived estrogen that is thought to help prevent wrinkles.

Reduce a pimple’s redness by spritzing a small amount of NASAL DECONGESTANT on the blemish, says Mount Kisco, N.Y., dermatologist David Bank. The spray, designed to LESSEN INFLAMMATION, will do the same for a pimple.

Keep your skin hydrated on cold nights with a MAKEIT-YOURSELF humidifier.

Meriden, Conn., dermatologist Nicholas V. Perricone

suggests hanging A WET TOWEL from the doorknob overnight (wring out the edges to prevent drips); by morning, the towel will be dry but your skin won’t.

When you get sun-

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burned, drink a fruit or vegetable smoothie to get damage-fighting antioxidants flowing to your skin from the inside, says dermatologist Ellen Marmur.

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If you have dry skin that is flaky, consider changing up your routine and washing your face with DANDRUFF SHAMPOO instead of your regular cleanser once a month, suggests Wellesley, Mass., dermatologist Elissa Lunder; this REDUCES THE YEAST LEVELS that cause scaly skin.

Clean your cell phone with antibacterial wipes to prevent chin and cheek breakouts. Ideally, you should do it EVERY MORNING, but if that’s too much, aim for once a week.

The day before a party, don’t risk a facial that can leave you red and raw. An AT-HOME MASK made with one teaspoon raw oatmeal and one teaspoon honey is a much safer bet.

Let it sit on the skin for five minutes, then rinse. “The minerals in oatmeal are soothing, and HONEY HYDRATES and kills bacteria,” says aesthetician Kate Somerville, who has worked with Kate Walsh and Debra Messing.

Drink a glass of ice water if your face tends to get splotchy (especially when you’re nervous). Doing so will TONE DOWN YOUR REDNESS. The cold causes blood vessels to constrict and COOL YOU from the inside out, says dermatologist Ellen Marmur.

To control oil and shine, splash your face with COOL BLACK TEA, but do not rinse; it’s A NATURAL ASTRINGENT, says Beverly Hills dermatologist Peter Kopelson.

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Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

Your Long and Winding Road-Trip Honeymoon THE ARCHETYPAL HONEYMOON, jetting off to Niagara Falls after a traditional June wedding was, for many, a mid-century dream come true. Though a honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, it can be quite the task to set out on the marital adventure right after the cer-

emony. Thankfully, for the couple looking for a truly one-of-a-kind adventure, setting out on the road can mean a healthy vacation from a “typical” honeymoon.

“The theory that you go on your honeymoon, and that’s the big trip of your lifetime is wrong,” says Joe

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When airline fees and family bragging rights are cramping your honeymoon’s style, the only solution is hitting the road

the car. You can pack whatever you want; tailor it to be anything you want,” he says. “‘The Great American Road Trip,’ to some degree, is back,” he says.

Road-trips are certainly easier to tailor to your

schedule than airline travel, but that doesn’t mean you can just hit the road, tin cans trailing, without putting some thought into.

Here’s how to do it:

Do Your Homework “Don’t just pile up your things in a car and go somewhere. Google places in the areas you’d like to drive to; don’t be an information-virgin,” Brancatelli says. “Don’t lock yourself in, or plan yourself within an inch of your life but, give it some thought.”

“On a car trip it’s a temptation to go too far, but if you only like driving for three hours, only go that far.

Think of your partner and what they really love to do,” says Marybeth Bond, author of “50 Best Girlfriend Getaways” (National Geographic, 2007). Take advantage of the chance to make some

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setting, staying stateside – within your time zone even – and embarking on a roadtrip honeymoon can create memories out of the journey itself.

The pressure is off of having the “well-planned, showyou-pictures” honeymoon, Brancatelli says. Now, it’s more about making it what you want – not what society tells you it should be.

“You are on your honeymoon, the moment you’re in

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Brancatelli, a New Yorkbased travel expert who runs the travel website JoeSentMe.com. “You don’t have to do the big Niagara Falls thing and then talk about it for the next 20 years.”

For some, the pitfalls of airline travel alone can be enough to trade a destination getaway for a low-key adventure.

“The journey hasn’t been part of the adventure of a honeymoon for a long time,” Brancatelli says. “I can’t think of a whole lot of things you can do nowadays on a plane that are honeymoonish. You’re going to have a helluva time finding champagne.”

Because in-flight regulations and restrictions – not to mention shrinking passenger space and growing luggage fees – have taken a bit of the glamour out of jet-

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Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

Don’tForgettheSeason

Locate Lodging “You don't necessarily need to arrange all your accommodations in advance, but depending on your tastes, your road trip accommodations could be anything from a deluxe bridal suite in a Big Apple hotel to a tent in a backcountry campsite – even a combination of these, on different nights,” Jensen says.

For many couples, stays at a bed and breakfast are a happy medium.

“Unlike a hotel, where you're only paying for a place to sleep, breakfast is included,” says Mary White, author of “Running a Bed & Breakfast For Dummies” (Wiley Publishing, 2009).

“Innkeepers are the local area experts and are available to make restaurant suggestions or suggestions on the best spot for a romantic picnic.”

However, bed and breakfast accommodations are popular and book quickly.

For those couples looking to take the road to the great outdoors, the National Recreation Reservation Service has updated its policies on booking campsites in national parks. For individual campsites, reservations can be made up to six months in advance for all agencies under the NRRS, with a five-month block window for Yosemite National Park, as that is particularly popular year-round.

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“Depending upon when the wedding is, the list of possible honeymoon road trip

locations simplifies itself,” Jensen says. “The Arizona desert is wonderful during the early spring wildflower season but less-than-perfect in August.”

Don’t limit yourself to big cities. Bond suggests avoiding them. “Go outdoors, in nature, Yosemite, national parks, state parks. It lends itself to doing things where you aren’t just going to run around and spend money,” she says.

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Jamie Jensen, author of “Road Trip USA: CrossCountry Adventures on America’s Two-Lane Highways” (Avalon Travel Publishing, 2009), suggests simply going somewhere you've always wanted to go – whether it's a romantic tour of New England in fall foliage season, or something a little wild and rowdy like New Orleans for Mardi Gras.

“Having a focus or theme makes the rest of the road trip fall into place. If you have secret dreams of playing Wild West – a la Doris Day in “Calamity Jane” – look into a road trip out where the buffalo roam.

Wyoming and Montana have fabulous ‘dude ranches,’ which range from rough and ready to full luxury,” he says.

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Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

Questions with

5

Donnie Brown

DONNIE BROWN is a wedding-industry mainstay. In 1994, he opened Dallas-based Five Star Floral Design and Events. Both Lone Star State brides and A-list celebrities took notice of Brown’s penchant for fabulous events, spurring the launch of Donnie Brown Weddings & Events.

The pro began appearing on The Style Network program “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway” in 2003 and recently saw the release of his first book “Donnie Brown Weddings” (Stewart, Tabori and Chang, 2009).

Here, the style pro shares his

secrets for perfecting your hometown wedding Q: As a planner, do you notice something different when planning a wedding for a bride who is a native to an area versus a transplant?

A:Brides come in all shapes, sizes and attitudes. Whether they are from here or there, personalities tend to mix regardless of their point of origin.

It is always fun to bring the destination region into play.

Often we will do a regionally themed rehearsal dinner as

well as the welcome gift bags for the hotel-staying travelers.

Obviously, the better you understand the area, the better chance you have of achieving the goal.

The star planner from ‘WhoseWedding Is It Anyway’offers his tips for a stylish hometown that event that’s absolutely yours Q: You, like many event planners, got your start in flowers.

Do you have any tips to share

with brides for finding inspiration for their weddingday florals?

A: They should do their homework. They should find the things they like and file them to show to their floral designer. As well, they should file the things they really don’t like so the designer will be able to use that information in the development of the plan.

I personally love orchids – all kinds of orchids. Phaelanopsis is my personal favorite but there are many, many to choose from in a variety of colors. They are useful in many ways from the more exotic to the ultra traditional designs.

Q: Date. Venue. Guest List. In your book you say deciding the importance of each is different for everyone, which it is, but do you have a order you typically like to work when planning a wedding?

A: It’s really different for everyone. A couple with their heart set on a venue cannot always get their first date option due

to other bookings. They may need to seek out availability and then move on to the date setting. Others may want the date with less preference to the venue.

Additionally, the couple who has to have a certain number of guests will need to take that into account when picking the venue due to space limitations – which can also impact the date selection.

A lot of the stress of these initial decisions is what most couples find incredibly daunting. This is all before an initial budget can really be confirmed.

And the list continues to go on

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Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide and on.

Q: Do you have any best practices or suggestions for outdoor/public venues?

A: Many high-quality resort hotels as well as country clubs have well-landscaped designated areas to achieve a lovely outdoor wedding ceremony. As well, the couple can get a permit from the parks and recreation department and hold the wedding in a park or on a beach. They cannot really eliminate the onlookers without expensive security, so some of their privacy may be lost at a location like this. Alternatively, they can look for rentable mansions or estates with lovely outdoor areas to hold the entire wedding. Just a warning that these can often carry hefty price tags.

Q: There’s a deluge of wedding information out there today – from magazines and books to TV shows and ideas brides will get from other weddings. To answer the question that is your show’s title – Whose Wedding Is

It Anyway? – how do you suggest brides filter all the ideas out there and really pinpoint her own style and desires?

A: They should take inspiration from the things they like and filter out the bad. Most couples know when they like something and certainly when they don’t.

The planner should be able to make sense of the options and find a tasteful way of combining the couples’ desires into a cohesive plan. Additionally, they should carefully screen where they get their information. If they love the weddings on our show, as a rule, they should use that as a major tool to create their big day. Alternatively, if they read some magazines or watch other television that showcases things that they don’t generally care for, they should then take those out of the mix of options. Most importantly, they should make sure to hire a quality wedding planner. Often a planner can save the couple their fee just in better contract negotiations. It’s a no-brainer.

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Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

Aisle Style Before you walk down the aisle,check out the aisles in your local supermarket

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WHEN MARIA BROUS needed flowers and a cake for her wedding she just turned to her current employer.

Brous doesn’t work for a traditional bakery or florist, though. She’s the director of media and community relations for Publix, the Lakeland, Fla.-based supermarket chain. She simply relied on common features of a supermarket – bakery and floral departments – to be among her goto vendors.

Since 2007, the average spending on weddings has taken a considerable hit according to The Wedding Report, the Tucson, Ariz.based wedding market researcher. After steadily climbing to $28,730 in 2007, the average cost of a wedding was $19,580 by 2009. Many brides-to-be are looking for ways to save money, and the grocery store presents a budgetfriendly, easily accessible option. From cakes and continued on page 10

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Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

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Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide continued from page 8

flowers to catering and even wedding-planning consultation, many supermarkets have become an all-in-one planning stop.

“It’s a good place to start, especially if you’re on a budget,” says Brous. It can be a launching point for grander plans, or a walletfriendly way for putting together a celebration.

Wedding Central When a couple relies on var-

ious supermarket services for their wedding needs, they get the advantage of having multiple vendors that work closely with each other all in one place.

In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jody Stetzel designs flower arrangements ranging from bouquets to table decorations for brides who rely on the floral department at HyVee, a Midwest supermarket chain, for their wedding. “We have quality flowers, and we really care,” says Stetzel, the

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floral department manager.

“We want every bride to have a unique experience.”

Part of what makes that experience unique is the store’s selections, says Stetzel. “I think we have more access to flowers. We have more access to wholesalers,” she says.

Over in the bakery department of the same store, department manager Terrie Winslow crafts highly decorated cakes and hosts customer consultations.

Winslow encourages brides and grooms to come in with ideas, choose from a variety of customizable flavors and styles and walk away with taste test cake samples. “I think people are unaware of the specialty type of cakes that a supermarket can provide,” she says. “Whatever the customer wants, we can make it happen.” The department also offers free delivery and setup services for orders over $100.

To top it off, the catering department can provide food and table service at a wedding reception. Don Mitchell, the kitchen manager, works with the other Hy-Vee departments to

match his dish garnishes with the flowers and cake.

Mitchell’s main focus, though, is preparing something to leave the bride and groom and, just as importantly, the guests satisfied.

“We’re pretty simple – we do food,” he says.

Special Service When it comes to food, many supermarkets can meet alternative and special dietary requests. “Some brides and grooms prefer or require special diets, like vegan or gluten-free, and we can accommodate that,” says Ashley Hawkins, a spokeswoman for Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market. Many of the natural and organic grocery store’s locations offer local options, in addition to a robust selection of wine and cheese, for those thinking of a simple, classic cocktail hour. Many grocery stores offer bulk discounts when it comes to buying booze, so if you’re stocking your own bar be sure to ask around about deals.

Publix, are starting to think beyond the vendor role and offering planning services with on-site event planners.

These specialty designers work with customers oneon-one to plan anything from decorations to food for the wedding. “We understand the importance of special gatherings,” says Brous, who suggests that customers bring some magazine clippings and ideas along with them to craft their desired wedding motif when visiting with in-store bakers, florists and caterers.

Inevitably, a trip to the grocery store to plan a wedding may not sound like the most romantic idea for many people. But for many people, the fact that a single local store can offer all of these planning services at a budgeted price is enough of an incentive. Just remember that using the supermarket to plan a wedding doesn’t necessarily mean exchanging vows in the frozen foods aisle – although if you check your local store, there’s a chance they may offer that, too.

Planning Dept.

Some grocery chains, like

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Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

Bridal Prize Package Winning Couple from the Aqua Turf Bridal Show on January 9th:

Justine Simon & James Grueb Jr!

Congratulations!

How did you meet?

Justine is from Connecticut and Jim is originally from Rhode Island. The couple met in 2002 while Justine was in college at Fairfield University and Jim had recently graduated from the University of New Haven. They met while working together at the Olive Garden in Orange, CT. It wasn’t until four years after they met (and after Jim moved back to Rhode Island) that they went on their first date. During their years apart, when talking to friends they always referred to each other as “the one who got away.” As soon as they reconnected and went on their first date, Justine and Jim knew it was meant to be!

How long have you been together?

4 years

Where do you live?

Seymour, CT

When is your wedding?

September 3, 2011

Where will your ceremony and reception take place?

Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT

Where did yo go on your first date?

Hot Tomatoes in New Haven, CT

How did you know that he/she was the person you wanted to marry?

After our first date. We just simply knew!

How did Jim propose?

Jim and Justine were engaged on September, 5, 2010 on the Carnival Miracle Cruise Ship while on their way to the Bahamas. At the end of dinner Jim arranged for the waiter to bring over a heart shaped cake with the words “Will You Marry Me?” written on it. Jim got on one knee with a beautiful engagement ring in his hand and proposed in front of everyone in the dining room! When Justine accepted the nearby tables clapped in excitement and for the rest of the cruise they were known as the “couple that just got engaged!”

Celebrate!

Place your announcement in the

&

To submit your announcement go to

www.myrecordjournal.com/celebrations or Call (203) 317-2385

12

Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

At the Aqua Turf Bridal Show on January 9th, these brides-to-be entered the Record-Journal contest and answered questions about their relationship.

How long have you been together? ★ How did you meet?

Erica Priebe Josh Michalak 5 years.

We met through his sister- she and I played basketball together.

Eileen Chupron Brian Popp 2.5 years.

We met at a party hosted by my mentor teacher, who also happened to be Brian’s sister!

Jacqueline Johnston Ryan Mulhern 6 years.

We both worked at Quassy Amusement Park

Colette Papageorge Todd Hiller 1.5 years.

We met in high school and never spoke. Facebook reconnected us through a random friend suggestion!

Brittany Michelson Nick Culver 3.5 years.

We met at Lincoln Middle School in Meriden, CT.

Kristen Lainas Mike Palombizio 2.5 years.

I gave Mike a tour of UCONN!

Monica Blanonesse John Novi 1.5 years.

We originally met in high school but we reconnected on Facebook years later.

Marissa Shaw James Solek 10 years.

We first met in 7th grade science class.

Belle Niederwerper & Gary Benway 3 years.

We met at work I was his boss!

Emily Cone Jonathan Johnson 9 years.

I was working as a waitress at Sax’s Restaurant in Plainville while he was there eating with his friends.

Jaime Lazarus Johnathon Adams 3 years.

We met at the only Christmas party our company has thrown in the 20 years they have been in operation.

Jill Kozieradzki Todd Miano 1 year.

Our moms introduced us.

JoAnn Ferrucci Matt Oakes 3 years.

We moved in next door to each other.

Amanda Pannone Adam Fredrickson 5 years.

We met while both shopping at Kohl’s.

Brittani Anzalone Thomas Galasso 6 years.

We met while both working together at Stop and Shop.

13

Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

★ How long have you been together? ★ ★ Where did you go on your first date? ★

Cassandra Dingwall Micahel Salemme 4 years.

Myrtle Beach

Meghan McBride Ned Denslow 2.5 years.

We went to play pool I won!

Alana Falanga Drew Kingslep 3 years.

Mohegan Sun Casino

Bobbie-Lynn Thom Michael Reska 6 months.

Hawaii

Courtney Chase Cliff Gilbert 5 years.

Dinner in Providence

Noel DiDomenico Joseph Williams 3 years.

A party at a pool hall with his friends

Krissy Royce Rich Futia 3 years.

The Eatery in NYC.

Shannon Hass Jack Todaro 4.5 years.

Firehouse Grill and to the movies to see “You, Me & Dupree”

Stefanie Urbanski Jeff Remillard 3 years.

Bennett’s Steak House in Stamford

Elyssa Baker Sean Moran 7.5 years.

Junior prom

Yarielis Tirado Antonio Gonzalez Jr. 4 years.

Home cooked dinner and a movie

Carrie Connor Larry Lucas 4 years.

Bar in New Haven for drinks

Karolina Szymanski David Rametta 3.5 years.

Ruth Chris’s Steak House

Angela Danle Mac McKiernan 2 years.

We went Christmas shopping and to dinner

Nicole Cammilletti John Davis 5.5 years.

Giovanni’s in Waterbury

14

Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

How long have you been together? ★ How did you know he/she was the person you wanted to marry?

Brianne Plont Philip Giovanni 4 years.

When we moved in and he could tolerate my dog and me being so clean :)

Rachel Fritz Tim Gravel 7.5 years.

When we completed college and were still best friends and dating.

Jaime Banks Johnathon Paul Richards

4 years.

When he drove (surprised me) at my father’s funeral and moved me home to CT.

Tara Civitello John Patterson 1 year.

Our first conversation.

Bethany Sarillo Garey Gagne 2 years.

When he made me laugh everyday.

Lauren Gold Mike Matterazzo 10 years.

After we made it through our first year of college at different schools in different cities

Sarah Pennington David Perrotti 3.5 years.

When he was in Iraq for his second tour.

It was early on in our relationship but I knew I was going to wait for him.

Heather McGhee Gregory Long 2 years.

When my 2 kids told me they loved him as much as I do-he’s wonderful with them.

Rory Hazard Dan Tangari 3.5 years.

While we were volunteering together for Special Olympics

Kelsey Christopherson Rick Bond 3 years.

When he dove into the Long Island Sound to save my sandal that was floating away and got it for me.

Christine Wolf Jeremy Carlson 2 years.

When I first laid eyes on him

Desiree Razzaia Jeff Caporaso 6.5 years.

About a year into our relationship when we worked through having a long distance relationship.

Jen Jacobson Steve Paecht 6 years.

When I stayed in CT to continue to be with him when my family moved far away.

Marina Camputaro Jim Geraci 3 years.

When he went outside and played football with my little brother.

Andrea Hayden Peter Cassar 2 years.

When I saw him come off the airplane from Australia.

15

Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

DIY

The

Weekend Project

One quick trip around town to a few stores and you’ll be well on your way to creating unique and remarkably stylish wares for your wedding day

BY ANNA SACHSE THERE’S NEVER BEEN a

better time to be a DIY bride. All it takes is a few store-bought items and a little time and even the most undomestic diva can be on her way to crafting creative, stylish décor and accessories for her wedding. Just follow the expert tips below.

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store for a normal elastic headband that matches Want to wear a fun headthe color of your hair, and piece in addition to – or then attach your great instead of – of a veil? Two aunt’s awesome old experts at the DIY magabrooches. zine ReadyMade, assistant • Visit a fabric store for editor Alexa Fornoff and all the supplies necessary editorial apprentice Riane to cut out a series of stars Menardi, came up with from a glittery fabric, line these three ideas for mak- them with felt, and attach ing your own: them to a band of black • Pop into a department

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Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide continued from page 15

elastic.

• Make colorful fabric flowers by cutting “petals” from old thrift-store blouses, and sew them on hairclips from a beauty supply store.

Ceremony Space Décor To really set off the area where you will say your “I Do’s,” Sarah Trotter, owner of Lasting Impressions Weddings and Event Coordination, Minnetonka, Minn., is a fan of hanging décor that frames the focal point, such as luminous lanterns or romantic ribbons from antique shops or craft stores. Or if you want to get literal, fabulous old window or picture frames from salvage or thrift stores make for a whimsical backdrop.

Chair Embellishments To decorate the seats in the ceremony space, Fornoff and Menardi like tying twine around the tops of mason jars (both can be found at a local discount retailer or

hardware store) and attaching one to the top of the chair at the end of each row – just add fresh blooms from a U-pick garden for a fairytale walk down the aisle At the dinner tables, they recommend hanging fun signs over the

Escort and Place Cards There are countless creative ways to direct your guests to their seats,

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2. Hang the frames on a piece of corrugated sheet metal.

3. Have guests find their seats by looking for the table named after that setting – e.g., the “Sunset Table” or “Beach Table.” Let guests take home the frames as favors. Frames and sheet metal can be found at a discount retailer and hardware store.

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Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

Centerpieces For an affordable centerpiece with a bountiful aesthetic, all it takes is a quick trip to a thrift store for mismatched glass bowls, jars and vases, or to any discount retailer where you can get cheap glassware. Fill these containers with colorful local fruits, such as apples, pears, lemons, oranges or cranberries, acquired at a farmer’s market, orchard or grocery store, Trotter says.

Favors Candy stations are a popular and memorable way to thank guests for celebrating with you.

Make your own by picking up basic glass bowls and platters from a discount retailer and filling

them with sweets from a local grocery or candy store – select from artisan chocolates, colorful candies that match your wedding colors or oldfashioned favorites. The discount retailer also should have serving utensils and a party section where you can find small bags or adorable boxes so that guests can take the goods to-go.

But if you’d rather give guests a parting gift that will last a lot longer, Fornoff and Menardi suggest making tiny terrariums that feature local foliage. You will need to get small glass containers that have lids from a container store, activated charcoal from the aquarium section of a pet store, and sand, moss and small plants with roots from a home

and garden store. After thoroughly washing and drying the containers, fill the bottom with an inch of sand, place a teaspoon of charcoal in the center, place the moss over the sand to create a pillow for the plants, use a pencil to dig small holes through the moss and sand, arrange the plants in the holes, place the lid on top, and voilà!

It’s a living reminder of your fabulous event.

Simply cut ‘petals’ from an old thriftstore blouse and attach to a bobby pin for fantastic fabric hair flowers.

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Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

Simply Stylish Brides have enough to stress about on their wedding day. Having paid thousands for an uncomfortable dress should not be one of those reasons.

Here’s a guide to gowns that look great, feel great, and come without the great, big price tag

T

here’s a new sense that less is more in the bridal gown world, both in terms of style and price.

Fuss-free gowns, in columns, sheaths and cocktail styles, are getting their due as brides scale

By Nola Sarkisian-Miller | CTW Features down their version of their dream dresses, maybe because they’re older brides or are tying the knot in a more casual environment.

In step with the mood, some brides are slashing their fashion budgets in these not-so-flush times.

As a result, a number of brides are embracing “nonbridal” styles, per se, made by the likes of contemporary designers, such as BCBG Max Azria and Sue Wong – not your typical goto bridal resources but ones that are creating “sexy, romantic and feminine” gowns that are “absolutely suitable for weddings,” according to Wong. The shift has prompted other designers and retailers into rolling out their own walletfriendly bridal options that are less showy and more sophisticated.

In spring, White House |Black Market unveiled a strapless dress with a highlow hem for $499, and now it has added three more looks all for under $700.

After hearing that its customers were buying its

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Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide dresses for bridesmaid functions, The Limited debuted a two-dress collection online this summer for

Giordano recently outfitted a violinist for her wedding. The musician had picked out a gr.dano skirt

radar, especially with her spring line that includes a white halter maxi dress in cotton poplin for under

“Today’s bride wants a designer gown, which is more fashion-forward compared to the princesslike dresses worn by brides years ago.”

- Sol Baratech, Designer Bride. under $300, with plans to expand the line to seven looks by January 2011 (four styles currently are available). Higher-end designers joined the mix this summer when the likes of David Meister and Carmen Marc Volvo signed on with New York-based Designer Bride Inc. to license bridal gowns for $1,500 to $3,000 that are not over-the-top.

“Brides want to tone it down,” says Jill Giordano, co-owner of San Franciscobased gr.dano, a contemporary line of architecturally inspired clothes. “They want their dress to match their style versus their age. You can still wear something that’s nontraditional and look spectacular.”

made of crinkled nylon for a press tour and opted to wear it along with a custommade knit blouse for her special day. The possibility of catering to more bridal customers is on Giordano’s

$400.

“We’re definitely trying to hit the events market but

Nylon/silk beaded strapless dress with appliqué swirl and ruched bodice from Sue Wong, far left.

Silk/satin double-faced sheath V-neck gown from Nicole Miller.

Silk empire waist dress with crinkle chiffon ruffles and ivory satin sash from The Limited, left.

keep it in line with what we do – clean, approachable, flattering styles,” Giordano says.

‘Fun and Posh’ White House | Black Market got a plug for its new wedding dress collection in the September 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine, which highlights its elegant strapless Victoria bridal gown in ecru tulle and satin with a floor-sweeping mermaid skirt. The collection also features a mix of acces-

sories, such as satin slingback heels and a clutch.

Along with three bridal gowns priced at $298 (and one at $398), The Limited’s wedding collection offers two bridesmaid dresses under $100, plus accessories, such as teardrop earrings and bobby pin sets. Its strapless ruffled wedding gown in crinkle chiffon generated positive reviews online, many from second-time brides and those having casual weddings. Based on the feed-

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20 back, The Limited is planning to test the dresses in stores in the next year, says Marci Milito, director of public relations for The Limited.

“Even though brides don’t want to spend a huge portion of their budgets on their dress, they still want that shopping experience and we’re looking to make it fun and posh for her,” Milito says.

Los Angeles-based David Meister, whose eveningwear has graced celebrities such as Emmanuelle Chriqui and Diane Lane, is injecting glamour in his bridal gowns hitting about 20 stores in November, including Neiman Marcus, Couture Bridal in Bal Harbour, Fla. and Bridal Images in

Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide Rockville, Md., according to Erin Haggerty, senior manager of public relations for

Kellwood Company, parent company of David Meister.

A tulle ballgown with a tiered skirt and a oneshoulder silk wool Mikado gown are a couple high-

lights from the 12-style collection, which hit the bridal market in October.

Meister’s gowns, along with those of his contemporaries at Designer Bride, are targeting a “new bride,” says Sol Baratech, marketing manager for Designer Bride.

“More independent and more mature, she now pays for her gown,” Baratech says. “She is also more sophisticated and fashion savvy. Today’s bride wants a designer gown, which is more fashion-forward compared to the princess-like dresses worn by brides years ago.”

Wang, debuts her line, White by Vera Wang, with the national retailer. The collection, priced from $600 to $1,500, gives fans a chance to buy a Vera Wang-influenced look without the sticker shock.

Other high-profile names, like Nordstrom, have entered the wedding business. The Seattle-based department store has added a wedding section on its website devoted to gowns made by contemporary designers, such as Laundry by Shelli Segal

The Victoria ecro tulle and satin gown with mermaid skirt from White House | Black Market, right.

‘Sexy, romantic and feminine,’ designer Sue Wong says of her bridal-esque styles, above left.

Silk/satin double-faced sheath V-neck gown from Nicole Miller.

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and Nicole Miller, all of which retail for under $1,000.

Full-service bridal boutiques have also noticed an uptick in interest from brides seeking gowns with down-toearth styles and prices.

“There’s growing interest in that price point,” says Allyson Marshall, manager of Bridal Boutique in Baton Rouge, La., which carries lines such as Maggie Sottero, Casablanca and Mori Lee. “About 60 percent of our business is devoted to that category compared to 40 percent a couple of years ago.”

Boutique owners caution, however, that the dress a bride chooses should mirror the vibe of the wedding.

21

Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

Celebrate!

Place your announcement in the ts n e m e Engag

&

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To submit your announcement go to www.myrecordjournal.com/ celebrations or Call (203) 317-2385

Weddings

22

Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

TUXEDOS GROOM STYLE

Rent or Buy? Save money and rent,or spend more and own?

Formal wear expert Rik Ducar weighs the pros and cons of each

BY TIMOTHY R. SCHULTE RENT OR BUY your wedding tuxedo? It’s a simple question without a simple answer.

Here, Rik Ducar, proprietor of eponymous formalwear shops in both Atlanta and Los Angeles that both sell and rent tuxedos, offers some

insight for grooms’ style choices: Tuxedo Price: packages, when all is said and done,

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It’s all about budget – but more so with rentals “because the groom also has the groomsmen to think about,” says Ducar, noting that around 9 of 10 groomsmen do not live in the same area as the groom, which can make coordination tricky. “That would be a good case for a

Rik Ducar poses a simple question to grooms regarding their wedding wardrobe: Do you want to look like James Bond or a diplomat?

rental,” he says.

Still, buying has its A one-button, peak-lapel bona fides. tuxedo (James Bond) or a two“From a pure button, notch-lapel jacket (the economic diplomat) are the go-to styles sense, tuxethat 95 percent of guys dos are the choose, Ducar says. only part of the wedding “Guys really like to keep it clason the man or sic,” he says. woman side you’ll be able to wear again.

It’ll pay for itself after one wear,” he but he says he can get a says.

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chase. But it’s the pants where you run into problems, he says. It’s the always the same cut – whether the guy is 5’ 5” or 6’ 5” – so short guys will get a long rise in the pants. “They’re always voluminous,” he says. If you rent and the guys are being measured from afar, try to get them into the shop a day or two before the wedding to make any last-minute sizing tweaks.

Even if renting, Ducar likes to get the guy in forpurchase clothes just to find out what would be the best options in terms of a look. “There’s nothing wrong with using a for-purchase product to paint the picture of what they might like on the rental,” Ducar says.

From there, Ducar likes to build the tuxedo from the top down. The jacket’s lapels will influence collar length; the collar length will influence the tie style and width, etc.

23

Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

DRINKS

Think Local,

Drink Local There’s no place like home, right? Here’s how to show off your favorite state with a wedding reception that features stand-out local wines, beers and spirits. .

APretty Presentation

SmartSourcing Your caterer will likely have advice about which regional beverages are the best match for the food being served, but if you are able to procure your own alcohol and you really want to go local, chat with the folks at an area wine shop, Chan says. Not only do these vino aficionados have an insider’s point of view on delicious wines at affordable prices, they often carry craft beers and can typically weigh in on the best local spirits.

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Shine the spotlight on local labels by finding fun ways to make them an active part of your big day’s events, says Christopher Chan, director of wine & spirits at The Rainier Club, a historic private club and event space in Seattle.

He suggests starting the reception with a “Wine Tasting Bar.” Select two each of your state’s best white and red wines and pair them with trays of hors d’oeuvres.

Syrah is a winner with lamb, for example, while the sweetness of a dry sémillon is sublime with crab cakes.

For suds-lovers, Chan recommends hosting a microbrew station. Fill tubs with ice and a variety of local brews that range from bright, hoppy pale ales to dark, malty ambers and porters.

As for spirits, prepare a build-your-own bar that features a local vodka or gin along with a variety of mixers, such as fresh juices and specialty sodas, and ingredients like seasonal herbs and berries.

“If you opt for station-style dinner service, another way to highlight one or all of these beverages is to pair each table with the wine, beer or cocktail that suits that particular cuisine best,” says Jessica Pennington, owner and lead planner for Stella Event

Design in St. Joseph, Mich.

But even if you decide to keep all the bottles behind the bar, she suggests including the background information on cute signs and/or your menu cards.

Personal touches and homegrown details are all the rage at weddings , so why not extend the trend to the bar? a 10- to 20-percent discount when you buy in bulk, notes Pennington, as do many wineries, breweries, distilleries and grocery stores.

If you really want to show off some higher-end bottles but also have a limited budget, the answer is portion control, says Chan. Feature that favorite spirit in a specialty cocktail and, when guests are seated, have waiters pour small glasses of wine and beer as a special treat to kick off dinner. Or go with Pennington’s sweet tip: Stick with cheaper products in the bar, but offer a really splendid local dessert wine with the cake for a fabulous flavor combination that guests won’t soon forget.

24

Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Bride’s Guide

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5 1/2 Hour Top Shelf Open Bar Package Including Frozen Drinks, Dinner Wine on Tables, Champagne Toast and Brands such as: • Canadian Club • Seagrams VO • Crown Royal • Grey Goose • Absolut • Johnny Walker Black • Captain Morgan • Baccardi • Kahlua • DiSarrono • Variety of Beers and Wines and Many More

More Options Available Such As: • Chocolate Fountain • Venetian Table • Chef Attended Stations • Cafe Internationale - Featuring Cappuccino, Espresso, Gourmet Coffees, Italian Pastries, Biscotti and all of our Top Shelf Drinks

• Champagne Fountain • Special Effects Dance Floor Lights • Guest Shuttle When you choose Zandri's Stillwood Inn you get one thing you won't find anywhere else - The Zandri name... and when your name is on the business you take extra pride in providing exceptional service.

More than 60 years experience in the food service business. ~ 31 years at this location ~

Specializing in all Social Events such as:

We can customize your event to meet your every request

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Showers • Anniversaries • Corporate Events • Birthday Parties Retirement Parties • Sweet 15 & 16 Parties • Graduations