Kendall County Magazine_January 2020

Kendall County MAGAZINE

WINTER 2020

EXPERT TIPS FOR THE PERFECT PARTY

Fabulous favors your guests will cherish

PAGE 10

PAGE 12

Must haves for your new home, together PAGE 16

A

Family Affair

One local family, two glorious v venues, right in Yorkville PAGE 6

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Kendall County

Editor's Note

MAGAZINE

KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE

Wedding wonderful!

As we dive into 2020 the biggest wedding planning season of the year is upon us, a welcome diversion from the gray of winter.

And if you live in Kendall County, we have a great array of tips, choices and ideas to help local brides and grooms plan the big day!

This wedding edition of Kendall County magazine is all about the latest trends and designs – we’ve got information of the perfect wedding manicure to get your hands photoready. We have great new ideas for the perfect wedding favors for guests and special gifts for your attendants. And we even talk a look at what’s hot in home décor, so you can settle in to your new space, as a new family.

intimate gathering to the longest of guest lists.

And if the planning has you overwhelmed, don’t despair: experts from across the industry weigh in on tips and trends to make for the perfect party– one that’s unforgettable!

Whatever your personal style, budget, timeframe or special request, there’s a wonderful wedding day waiting for you, right here, in Kendall County.

Thanks for reading.

Published by Shaw Media 109 W. Veterans Parkway Yorkville, IL 60560 Phone: 630-553-7034 news@kendallcountynow.com

PUBLISHER Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group Laura Shaw lshaw@shawmedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Ryan Wells 630-849-4347 rwells@shawmedia.com ADVERTISING Kristin Hawkins 630-385-4404 khawkins@shawmedia.com

Speaking of family, we introduce you to one that has made weddings their business, and their pleasure. At Whitetail Ridge and Ashley Farm in Yorkville, The Johnson clan offers up personalized choices for your big celebration, with a focus on you, creating a truly tailored experience from the most

Sherri Dauskurdas, Editor

Julie Harn 630-385-4402 jharn@shawmedia.com EDITOR Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6263 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Allison LaPorta 630-427-6260 alaporta@shawmedia.com

on the

COVER

Whitetail Ridge in Yorkville is one of two local venues owned by a family of wedding professionals.

See story on page 6.

Photo by Seth Morris Photography

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CORRESPONDENTS Allison Horne, Pat Szpekowski, Melissa Riske, Vicki Martinka Petersen, Chris Walker, Erin Sauder, Diane Krieger Spivak

est. 1851

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Ask About our

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Destination Weddings & Honeymoons

INSIDE WEDDINGS

5 GIVE THEM A HAND

Modern twist on classic designs topping bridal nail trends.

6 A FAMILY AFFAIR

The family at Ashley Farm and Whitetail Ridge are making memories for couples across Kendall County.

10 FLORAL FUN

From elegant greenery to bold tropicals, it’s choice that tops the bridal wish list this year.

12 FAVORITE FAVORS

Leave your guests with more than a simple memento.

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14 YOU’RE ENGAGED…NOW WHAT?

Experts share tips for the perfect celebration.

HOME AND LIFESTYLE

16 MUST-HAVES FOR YOUR NEW HOME

Local home décor specialists have tips for making your home a reflection of the couple who lives there.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS 18 FIT FOR TWO

Couples staying healthy, and happy, together.

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KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 3

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hand GIVE THEM A

Modern twist on classic designs topping bridal nail trends

By Erin Sauder

W

hen it comes time to walk down the aisle, classic and sophisticated are topping the list of bridal nail trends.

Julie Campbell, owner of Enzo Salon & Spa, located at 256 N. Merchants Drive, Oswego, says she is seeing an uptick in requests for the micro French manicure, which calls for a very thin line of white at the tip of the nails.

“It’s a modern twist on something classic,” she says.

It’s one of Campbell’s favorite nail styles as well.

“Traditional French manicures are always good but I do like the micro French look more. I love that it’s sophisticated and elegant and great for any occasion, whether it’s a wedding or a New Year’s Eve party,” she says. “And it looks nice in photographs.”

That’s good news for brides who are planning for close-up bouquet shots.

Another popular French manicure variation: using glitter polish at the tips

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instead of a white line. Some brides are choosing the reverse French manicure, where the white lines run across the edges of the cuticles instead of at the tips. Because of this nail style’s versatility, it’s easy to accommodate all tastes and styles.

Another popular go-to for nails? Many brides are jumping on the nude polish bandwagon.

“So the very pale pink to an offwhite,” Campbell says. “Some brides might do pops of gold or silver on the ring finger.

So there’s still a little bit of sparkle happening right now. But not over the top. Everything is subtle right now.”

And the variety of options makes finding the perfect nude hue a breeze. Another perk to the trend? Neutral colors tend to complement most gowns and skin tones.

For bridesmaids, the ombre manicure is a popular request. The technique calls for a deeper shade near the cuticle, and lighter shades towards the tips. The style can also be reversed, with darker hues at the top and lighter hues near

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the cuticles.

“It’s kind of fun and different. And that subtle gradation or ombre trend can be done on all the nails or just an individual nail,” Campbell says.

It can also be a great way to feature several colors in your manicure.

Enzo bridal parties are one of the salon’s most known about specialties.

The team is happy to plan out the beauty needs for the entire bridal party, including the younger attendants, so hands are photo-ready.

What nail art is trending for flower girls?

“Sparkles,” Campbell says. “They want sparkles, glitter...anything flashy.”

Well-groomed feet are also a must for a walk down the aisle. And brides who need some inspiration on nail art should look no further than their hands.

“These trends are for both manicures and pedicures,” Campbell says.

Need to book a nail appointment?

Visit http://enzospa.com for more information.

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A

Family Affair Ashley Farm & Whitetail Ridge

By Allison Horne

Photo provided by Adams Photography

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Photo provided by Shutterwinks Photography

Photo provided by Photography By Lauryn

W

hen your family operates a wedding venue, planning your big day starts with one big decision out of the way.

“It’s not like we were going to go anywhere else,” Ashley Johnson says. Her family owns Whitetail Ridge and Ashley Farm, two of the area’s most popular wedding destinations. And these beautiful hometown locations have hosted the “big day” for not only Johnson, but her sisters Amanda Hopkins and Kirsten Balog as well.

“We love the product and the people here. It was never a question of going somewhere else; it was more of a question of how we could make our

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Photo provided by Melissa Jean Photography

weddings our own.”

And that labor of love, started by Johnson’s father and uncle, Ron and Dave Walker and their spouses Sue and Teresa in 2007, has become a true family business. Several of their children and their children’s spouses have since joined the team.

Together, they are creating treasured wedding memories with that same dedication to personal attention for couples across Kendall County.

Whitetail Ridge, is a championship golf course that offers a 24,000 square foot clubhouse. It can seat up to 350 people indoors, with an outdoor patio that can seat 140 for a ceremony, and a driving range option that matches the indoor capacity.

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Food, beverage, a planner, staffing and linens are included in rental fees at Whitetail, with additional options for floral and other customizations. Dinners can be plated, buffet or family-style.

“It definitely has a rustic flair to it,” says Johnson, director of private event sales, whose husband, Brett, is the general manager. “But with the comfort of being indoors.”

Things went so well with Whitetail that when a locally-renowned farm property went up for sale on Ashley Road, the same ownership group jumped on the opportunity.

“It had always been known for being a beautiful property,” Johnson says. “They had gone to take a

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look at it and thought it had potential.”

They brought in the same group who ran the weddings at Whitetail, who all agreed.

“We were blown away by how beautiful it was and how well it was laid out for a wedding venue,” she adds.

The Yorkville farm dates back to 1845 and is situated on 17 acres with six separate indoor spaces, including a ceremony barn, reception barn, house and silo bar. There are also several outdoor options for ceremony spots.

Photo provided by Inspired Eye Photography

Despite her name, Ashley Farm was not actually named after Ashley Johnson. Rather, it was named after the family who originally started the homestead. In fact, you will more commonly see Johnson’s sister, Amanda Hopkins, on the farm most weekends as one of the venue’s main coordinators.

“It’s always been known as the Ashley Farm so we decided to keep that,” Johnson says, noting that it used to be a dairy farm.

After the families purchased the farm, it underwent a three-month remodeling process, which included gutting the inside of the barn while trying to keep as much of the original features as possible.

Photo provided by Fox + Ivory Photography

“The wood floors that used to be upstairs in the barn are now the walls in the bathroom,” Johnson says. “We tried to repurpose as much as possible and keep it true to the actual farm while making it functional and safe for people.”

Ashley Farm officially opened in 2016, hosting a wedding for Teresa’s son, Corey Boone, and bride, Rachel. Rachel is now one of the coordinators at the venue. Like Whitetail Ridge, food, beverage, planners, seating and tables are included in every booking.

“Anytime you’re starting a new venue with a totally different concept, there are always some unknowns,” says Johnson, noting that the main reception barn can seat up to 225 across two floors. “But it’s gone way smoother than anyone ever anticipated.”

While the basics are included, additional options like chalkboards, lanterns, old windows and wood discs are available for rental. Plus, the coordinators are skilled in hand-lettering and can fully customize any signs for their couples.

“We’re always willing to customize packages,” Johnson says. “There are always new trends and we’re willing to work with people.”

Johnson recommends looking at venues as soon as you are engaged to ensure you can get the date and venue you want. Both of theirs tend to book out over a year and a half in advance.

“I always tell people the sooner the better, especially if they have a specific date,” Johnson says. “If you’re flexible on your dates and we have a spot, we’re happy to plug it in pretty last minute.”

Whitetail’s season is year-round with discounts on the offseason and off-days, while Ashley Farm’s season typically runs from April to November.

“We really love having two different types of venues we can offer to the community,” Johnson says. “It’s fantastic to be able to share a rustic outdoor venue and then a rustic indoor venue.”

With so many members of the family working together that have extensive knowledge about the venues and almost 10 years wedding planning in the industry, they believe it provides peace of mind for couples looking for stress-free weddings.

“It’s virtually one of the happiest days of someone’s life, but at the same time, something they’ve never done before,” Johnson says. “It can be very daunting - it’s their one and only shot at it and they have zero experience.

“It’s really nice to be able to say we do have the practice - day after day and week after week.”

The most rewarding part for Johnson is working with couples and her family and connecting with them on more than just a business level.

“We’re like a family here,” Johnson says. “And a lot of us are actually family, but I think it goes further than just the ones who are blood related or married.”

Overall, two of the three sisters work at the family business, and all three husbands work at the venues in some capacity. The youngest, Kirsten, is a photographer, so she does end up working at the venues sometimes, too.

“It’s super unique because we bring two families together for weddings it’s like a huge family party,” Johnson says. “I’m friends with a lot of these people beyond their wedding days.

“I do feel like it’s a true family. We treat all our weddings like they’re part of our family.”

Photo provided by Photography By Lauryn

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Floral B

un fu

eyond the blizzards and cold weather blues, January is a month of excitement and sweet-scented dreams for new brides-to-be in anticipation of planning their splashy bouquets and floral arrangements.

wedding coordinator at Yorkville Flower Shoppe in Yorkville, which is owned by her mother Susan Parker.

“We have many brides, almost everyone actually, who bring us Pinterest boards. Many brides are visual and it helps them to see.”

Wedding flower trends may come and go, but the most successful initial process begins with a candid conversation. Local florists help capture the bride’s inner thoughts to spark ideas and transform them into reality for show-stopping looks.

Getting expert advice can help making decisions a happy time with no added stress.

Katie Konop, owner of Katydidit Flowers in Yorkville agrees.

There’s a no-holds barred attitude when it comes to choosing a style.

Brides envision them all, including the traditional, bohemian twists, minimalistic backdrops, and gardeninspired.

From elegant greenery to bold tropicals, it’s choice that tops the bridal wish list this year

Blockbuster floral statements for this very special day run the full range from simple naturals and greenery to singular or bold seasonal color splashes. Take it up a notch and add enhancements with memorable accents such as heirloom jewelry or vintage ribbons and lace.

by Pat Szpekowski

So, how and where does a bride-tobe usually begin?

“Pinterest,” says Nicole Parker,

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“Brides are still using Pinterest and wedding websites like TheKnot and WeddingWire for their inspiration.

The downside to this is that many of the bouquets are the same or very similar using the same flowers.”

How do these two experienced florists foresee floral trends for weddings in 2020?

“Most brides that have already booked with us are following in the same trends as previous years,” Konop notes. “The greenery is being scaled back a bit and we are using more local flowers again that are in season.”

Cool eucalyptus greenery is a delicate option and it’s more popular than ever. “Eucalyptus is being used in a majority of our weddings,” adds Konop. “We have seen it being used with other bright greenery as opposed to previous years’ bouquets which usually included it alone.”

Parker says there has been a shift | JANUARY 2020 |

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Family.

Friends.

Community. to a greener, less structured design in recent years.

“Today’s weddings are definitely more natural than they were when I first started doing flowers in 2003,” she says. “There’s more greenery, more natural tones and most definitely, simple and elegant has been an ongoing trend. Weddings are always evolving and there are never two the same. The laid back feel has definitely been a change.”

Wedding styles and color palettes continually evolve each season.

Soothing colors evoke calmness and sustainability and many brides select muted flowers, including the use of white flowers only for impact.

But bold colors aren’t being left behind.

They are making a strong comeback for wedding bouquets and centerpieces, too.

“If brides do bright colors, it’s very bright,” says Konop, “like hot pinks, corals, yellow and orange. For the fall, I foresee the trend continuing with burgundy and fall colors with local greenery.”

As for flowers, Konop says brides are loving peonies, garden roses, dahlias, and ranunculus, plus baby’s breath is still popular.

Are there any surprising trends?

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We’re all in this together.

“Cascading bouquets are making a comeback,” saysd Konop. And another real surprise is the large single flower.

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“Some of our brides late in the wedding season last year started to use a single large tropical flower, the protea, as a focal point on one side of the bouquet with added flowing greenery,” she says. “Having a bouquet like this means brides have to hold the bouquet in a certain way because of the design.”

Not to be denied their fair share in the wedding spotlight, centerpiece decoration trends include lanterns, boxes, and clusters of vases. They can have the wow factor of being tall and over-the-top, or short and compact.

Candles, mirrors, and greenery continue on trend and will continue to remain perennial favorites.

“If lanterns are used, the decorations range from minimal greenery surrounding it, to flowers inside, flowers spilling out of it, or an arrangement around it with just candles,” says Konop.

“Every wedding is so different,” says Parker. “Here in our shop, we try to cater to each bride’s specific needs. We feel it is important to be personal and we take great pride in catering to each bride. We have built friendships with some couples which continue after the wedding.”

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FAVORITE favors Leave your guests with more than a simple memento

By Chris Walker

E

nsuring that none of your guests leave wedding favors behind shouldn’t be a problem since there are a variety of unique and fun wedding favors to choose from that those who share in your special day can enjoy later at home.

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Options are virtually limitless, from handmade soaps and jarred candles to fancy olive oils, mini bottles of champagnes, gourmet popcorn, delectable baked goods, and locally-made honey, as well as seedlings, small potted plants, personalized stemware, wine glasses and beer steins and much more.

At Lather of Life, Homemade Bath & Body in Yorkville, 630-624-1205, Priscilla LaCoco can work her magic with therapeutic, all-natural soap. She matches wedding theme colors and can shape it like cake or pie slices as well as hearts, flowers, butterflies, mermaid tails and more. She also makes bath bombs and soap cupcakes that include any type of charm that you can imagine. LaCoco says she likes to wrap the individual soap in fishnet fabric and include the bride and groom’s info with it as a way of saying thank you.

Since the couple is sharing love that’s hopefully as sweet as honey, why not consider a little honey pot filled to the brim with delicious raw and local honey? Winnie the Pooh isn’t the only one who loves this thick, golden liquid. Draper’s Raw & Local Honey, 7308 U.S. Hwy. 34, Oswego can supply the honey as long as you can find the mini pots or other

containers to your liking.

Sweet Temptations Dessert Company, 728 E. Veterans Pkwy., Unit 101, Yorkville, considers its delicious mini cookies, mini chocolate truffles and cake pops among its delicious ideas for wedding favors. Sweet Temptations owner Marlene Zebleckis says she can add stickers from the couple on bags for the cookies and cake pops while the four-pack of truffles come in a gold box. “I do think theymake nice favors,” she says. “At least it’s edible and it’s not another koozie.”

Floral Expressions & Gifts, 26 Main St., Oswego, might be best known for its modern and unique custom floral designs for special occasions, including weddings, but its also home to some wonderful wedding favor ideas including personalized coaster sets. “For favors many people do two coasters per person wrapped with acute ribbon or thank you note from the bridge and groom,” says Megan Dell’Aringa of Floral Expressions & Gifts. “We can engrave anything on the coasters.”

Laci McCleskey runs her own little craft business, The Craftheads Store, out of her basement in

Plano. She offers a variety of unique, handmade wedding favors, including etched wine glasses with the name of the couple and their wedding date as well as handmade candles with the line “Scent: Forever Love”, customized Tic Tacs, etched shot glasses suggesting, “Take a shot, we tied the knot” and slippers with an attached tag stating, “nobody is getting cold feet.” Contact her by searching The Craftheads Store on Facebook.

While it’s impossible to ensure memories of your special wedding stay remain with your guests for a long time, these wonderful wedding favors are one of the ways you can leave a great impression.

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d e g a g En . .. now what?

Experts share tips for the perfect celebration

By Allison Horne

T

he first thought that may come to mind after getting engaged (after all of the excitement and celebrating) is: “Now what?”

There’s no right or wrong way to start planning a wedding. Before anything can come to fruition, couples need to sit down and decide what they’re looking for during their big day.

“Before you even start looking at anything, talk with your significant other in terms of what you want your wedding day to be,” says Abryanna Ward, event coordinator with the Chapel on the Green and owner of Dessa Event Planning. “Take the time to sit down and envision how you want the day to go. Once you get that, it’s easier to decide what you want.”

SETTING THE SCENE There are two main types of venues to choose from: do-it-yourself and all-inclusive.

“If you’re a DIY person and want to do it yourself, then go for a venue that lets you,” says Antoinette Meciej, communications, marketing 14 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE

KN_January 2020.indd 14

and public program specialist at the Kendall County Forest Preserve District, which runs the Ellis House and Meadowhawk Lodge. “If you’re a more stressed person, then go with a venue that has things taken care of.

I always think when you want to do DIY, do one thing less than you were planning, because you’ll have more hiccups than you think.”

The DIY venues generally provide the space and sometimes chairs/tables, but everything else is on the couple to provide. While it can be great for creative couples looking to make their own unique day, it can also can make for more work in the long run.

“When scouting out venues, choose a venue that has all-inclusive wedding packages,” says Rachel Boone, private events coordinator at Ashley Farm, which includes liquor, food, glassware, linens, tables and chairs in packages.

“This helps alleviate stress because it’s one less thing our couples have to worry about!”

Finding out what is included in the price of the venue is the most important part, but other questions worth asking include how many other events are planned that weekend, how any guests can it truly accommodate and if it’s an outdoor venue, what the weather backup plan is.

“A lot of venues do a la carte, and once you add everything together, what was once affordable is not affordable,” Ward says. “You definitely need to know what is included because you don’t want to get a couple of months out and be like, ‘oh no! The linens.’”

Another key part in the planning process is figuring out a budget and working within that. Ward says that the current average wedding is $33,000, which is a lot of money for one day.

All-inclusive venues typically come with a day-of planner or venue coordinator who will help the planning process go smoothly with everything they offer.

Long engagements have been the trend these days; partially so that couples have more time to plan and get their venue (many are booked up completely over a year out), but

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SPLURGE & SAVE

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money may also have something to do with it.

“One of the main things people worry about with their wedding is money,” Ward says. “Instead of having to pay for it in less than a year, people are taking their time and making payments for a longer period of time.”

An easy way to save money from the start is to trim the guest list.

“The guest list can get out of hand easily,” Ward says. “Keep in mind you have to provide food and beverage for everyone you invite, which adds up.”

Time of year and day of the wedding can also make a huge impact on the price of a wedding. Ward notes that some venues offer deep offseason discounts, and many have lower pricing on Fridays and Sundays.

“Stay focused on the point on the day,” Meciej says. “At your 20-year anniversary, are you going to think, ‘I should’ve upgraded the flowers?’”

Meciej recommends altering the guest gifts, or not doing them at all.

“If you have 200 people at $5 per guest gift bag, it adds up,” she says.

“Those people are there to love

you and support you. Do you really need to do gift bags just because of tradition?”

night.”

But it’s all about the couple and their relationship - so any splurges should represent them.

If you do choose to do gifts for guests, Boone recommends making them practical, rather than something that will end up thrown away or in a junk drawer. She suggests succulents, personalized ChapStick, candles, matches or anything edible.

“Definitely splurge on photography, but also, whatever you’ve been dreaming of,” Meciej says. “If you’ve always had that certain dress style in mind, and it’s more expensive than others, get it. If a venue is more expensive, but that’s where you see yourself, get it.”

Making simple cuts will make room in the budget for something that all venues and planners can agree is a must-splurge: photography.

START PLANNING!

Between the flowers and gift bags, music selections and whining auntie, when it comes down to it, a wedding day is about the couple and their love for each other.

“Pictures last a lifetime and the last thing you want is to look back at your wedding pictures and not like how they turned out,” Boone says.

Ward, who was married nine years ago and really only has one good photo from her wedding, regrets not splurging on a photographer.

“You should really focus on making the day exactly what you and your significant other want,” Meciej says.

“Make it whatever you’ve been dreaming of - don’t compromise to make it something someone else wants.

“Definitely put money into a photographer than can provide video and drone coverage,” says Pete Pasteris, owner of Northfork Farm.

“You’ll have that to last a lifetime, as opposed to spending money on sliders or something later in the

Everyone has their two cents - if you followed everyone’s opinions, it will be nothing like you imagined.”

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MUST-HAVES

FOR YOUR NEW HOME, TOGETHER

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

O

nce upon a time, a couple marrying needed everything from furniture to silverware to establish a new home.

Today, couples have likely lived on their own during their college and post-graduate years, meaning they have accumulated furniture and furnishings.

As they marry their lives and their furniture from their single days, local businesses have what it takes to help the happy couple make their new abode a perfect blend of their lives.

A great accent piece can be a great gift for the newlyweds, says Jen Gomoll, owner of Olde Farm Creek in Yorkville. She says a beautiful wall clock, decorative mirror can be a great way to brighten up a blank wall and make a wonderful wedding gift too.

“We are seeing a lot of people buy home décor for

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wedding shower presents,” Gomoll says.

grandma’s China cabinet and dishes.

She loves to work one-on-one with customers to help them find a perfect gift and says it’s not unusual for people to bring in photos of rooms and measurements as they seek out items to help fill space around the home.

“Today couples are more minimalist and they don’t want their families’ old furniture and they don’t want China that they have to pack away,” Schulz says.

“I love talking to everyone who comes in the shop.

It’s that personal touch,” Gomoll says.

Gomoll says wooden cabinets or painted dressers can transform can be great statement pieces that provide storage and when one adds an accent tray, create space for a fun bar or coffee station. It’s the vintage and one-of-a-kind look that today’s young couples are looking for in their home.

While vintage is a great look, decorator Kim Schulz says that doesn’t translate into passing down

HOME & LIFESTYLE

Schulz has been helping others decorate their homes for the past 34 years including her work staging real estate. She also used to own the shop Kimberly Ann Home Décor in Oswego. She says she loves being able to help families work with what they have, shop for accents and unique pieces to help give a room a fresh look.

Schultz says today’s younger couples are staying with clean, neutral colors, simple patterns and lines.

Gray is the top color for walls, she says.

And while couples used to shop for China and patterned dishware settings, Schulz say today’s

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couples are more likely to gravitate to simple, white dishes.

“They want plain and simple,” she says.

With plain and simple, accent pieces or decorations can make a room pop with color.

Gomoll says her customers love to shop her seasonally changing floral.

“We’re famous for our floral for every season and we’ve got quite a bit few staples that are always a nice little accent to add to a table piece,” Gomoll says.

For larger pieces of furniture the staff at Cooper Home Furnishings in Plano is ready to help couples add living room, bedroom and dining room sets to fit every budget. Along with furniture couples can shop for floor coverings, accessories including lamps and accent rugs and find pieces that reflect their preferred styles including modern or antique looks.

One of the trends is the rustic farmhouse kitchen table look, says design and sales consultant Cara Brummel who adds that this look pairs well when blending furniture from the past and present. She says for couples on a budget, a few statement pieces can go a long way, such as an accent rug which can add color and bring a room together.

In the family-owned business Brummel is a fifth and says the staff truly enjoys helping people find the look they desire for their home. While it can be easy to shop with a few clicks on a phone or computer, Brummel says take time and make the time to visit stores to see and touch pieces.

“Fill your home with things you love,” Brummel says. “It really should be a reflection of things you love and when you mix old and new, it will feel more intimate when you have pieces that are meaningful to you.”

For those shopping and gifting newlyweds, a popular idea is personalized accents for the home. Schulz, who enjoys crafting for her clients, has created custom designed cutting boards and decorative wooden signs that evoke sentiment.

“For one couple who married in Texas I made a wooden piece in the shape of the state of Texas and added the longitude and longitude of the exact city where they got married and added their names,” Schulz says.

“No one wants what everyone else has. “They love the hand-created pieces that show you really thought of the individuals,” Schulz says.

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| JANUARY 2020 |

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

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o w t r fo

Couples staying healthy, and happy, together

By Diane Krieger Spivak

W

hen making their vows, “in sickness and in health” it’s almost a given that couples are thinking more about their wedding reception or honeymoon than any health issues that may arise down the road.

Yet, health and wellness should be a lifelong priority. Many health and wellness facilities offer group classes, but some include couples classes to make that commitment more fun.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Here are some local classes and wellness services that couple can take advantage of together:  HAND & STONE MASSAGE 3050 US-34, Oswego 630-473-8427 | www.handandstoneoswego.com Hand & Stone offers hot stone, Himalayan salt stone and Swedish massage, as well as optional different enhancements couples can treat themselves to, such as cold stone face massage, aromatherapy and paraffin treatments for hands or feet, hot towels hand or foot sugar scrubs, CBD oil for managing stress, and decompression (cupping) therapy. Couples suites are available for a 60or 90-minute body massage. Therapists and Reiki masters, many with 20-plus years of experience, specialize in various types of massage.  FOX VALLEY FAMILY YMCA, SANDWICH, AND PLANO (815) 786-9998 | www.foxvalleyymca.org The Y, at both its Sandwich and Plano branches, offers two-person fitness training for members in 10 one-hour sessions. “Each is tailored to the participants to improve overall fitness, reach and maintain a healthy weight and focus on your individual health concerns,” says Melissa Wright. “We work on proper technique and form and try to maximize your workout with minimal time. We offer a free

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Five- or three-session packages, are also available. Call Michelle LeMaistre at Plano at 630-5524100, or Melissa Wright at Sandwich at 815-786-9998.  JC HEALTH & FITNESS 101 N. Main St., Sandwich (815) 786-9291 | jchealthfitness.com JC Health & Fitness offers active adult classes, which are open to everyone, but couples participate regularly. Classes meet one hour three days a week, each day devoted to upper, lower or cardio exercises. “We focus on core strength and balance for functional moving,” says JC’s Cherri Gustafson. Classes are popular with couples of all ages.  THE ARCHERY PLACE 1725 Suite B Crescent Lake Dr., Montgomery (844) 910-6100 | tapintoarchery.com For a super fun way to health and fitness, check out The Archery Place, which hosts Date Night for couples every other month. Archery is one of

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PAINTING (630) 554-9374

the top sports for improving focus and concentration, and building upper body strength with low impact, notes coowner Kevin Helwig. The two-hour class starts with a recurve bow, moving to a compound bow, then a crossbow. Note: Archery is great for veterans with PTSD, adds Helwig. “It’s a calm environment with no trigger smells or sounds, and it requires no license or investment in ammunition.”

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Explore yoga poses for two at this couples yoga special event, Wine & Yoga, Sat., Feb. 15, 7-8:30 pm. $10 for members. $15 for non-members. Enjoy a lighthearted and playful evening while improving strength, balance and relaxation. Suitable for all yoga levels.

Call Amy at 630-499-2322 to register.

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KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 19

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Northfork Farm

Wedding venue features thoroughbred race horses with Kentucky Derby and Breeder’s Cup bloodlines that offers the perfect setting for your wedding ceremony and reception.

The beautifully manicured yard and pastures with over 100 different species of trees offers many multiple locations to host your ceremony.

1998 Johnson Road, Oswego

Visit our website www.nforkfarm.com • Facebook (northfork farm) and call 815-768-5400 or e-mail us at laurie.pasteris@gmail.com to schedule a tour.

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