SVM-MAG 072616

Published by Sauk Valley Media

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Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081 P.O. Box 498 Sterling, IL 61081

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2016-2017 16 2017

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There are many choices to be made when planning your wedding, but there is only

one Timber Creek

• The Perfect Venue For Weddings, Receptions, Rehearsal Dinners, & More

• Timber Creek Features A Rich History, Beautiful Landscapes & Premier Service

• Indoor & Outdoor Event Locations

729 Timber Creek Rd. • Dixon • 815-288-5110

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You’re Invited ...

To enjoy this issue of Sauk Valley Media’s “I Do.”

ON OUR COVER: Mackenzie and Brian Treadwell of Ashton, taken by Erica Pospeshil Photogoraphy. You can visit her website at ericapospeshilphotography.com.

Publisher: Sam R Fisher Advertising Director: Jennifer Heintzelman Advertising Sales: Melissa Castillo Jill Reyna

INSIDE The Crystal Cork offers a space for your bridal shower A wedding checklist....................................PAGE 38 and rehearsal dinner.................................PAGE 4-8 Groom’s checklist......................................PAGE 39 Mount Morris woman has 30 years of experience delivering treats for happy couples.........PAGE 10-16 The bride’s trousseau checklist..................PAGE 40 Not many options for flowers are fresher than picking Wedding flowers checklist..........................PAGE 41 them at family’s field in Sterling.............PAGE 18-23 Bride’s attendants checklist.......................PAGE 42 Photographer in Sterling loves to capture romantic and candid moments............................PAGE 24-27 Groom’s attendants checklist.....................PAGE 43 Kreative Rentals in Morrison offer all the decorations Reception checklist....................................PAGE 44 and wedding services you need.............PAGE 28-33 Service providers checklist.........................PAGE 45 Owners of new bridal shop in Clinton treat each wedding like it were their own....................PAGE 34-37 Budget checklist........................................PAGE 46

Editors: Kathleen Schultz Rusty Schrader Lucas Pauley Page Design: Lucas Pauley I Do is a specialty publication of Sauk Valley Media, P.O. Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081, 815-625-3600.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. The information in this guide is believed to be accurate; however, Sauk Valley Media cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy.

Sauk Valley Media cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this magazine.

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Photos by Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com photos

The Crystal Cork in Dixon offers a wine cellar for your rehearsal dinner or bridal shower.

Love the wine you’re with The Crystal Cork Wine Shoppe offers a variety of wedding-related services

BY KACIE KLINGE For I Do

DIXON – Weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers – The Crystal Cork Wine Shoppe has something to offer for each of those.

Shop owner Eric Brantley said the business can host bridal showers and rehearsal dinners in its wine cellar, which comfortably seats 48 people.

“We work with all of the restaurants and caterers around. ... You can make arrangements for your own food, so you’re not limited to anything,” Brantley said. “We’ve had people that got sandwiches from Arthur’s [Garden Deli], ... guacamole from Salamandra [Restaurant], ... crab rangoon from Touch of Thai and breadsticks from Mama Cimino’s and I’m looking at the spread thinking, ‘Oh, dear God, it’s all the best food from around here.’”

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Eric Brantley, owner of The Crystal Cork, said the business can host bridal showers and rehearsal dinners in its wine cellar, which comfortably seats 48 people.

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Owner: Shop known for wine, martinis WINE

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That’s what sets The Crystal Cork apart from some potential rehearsal dinner locations. At The Crystal Cork, you can decide what food you cater in. Brantley added that the cost to rent their wine cellar is relatively cheap at $150, and that includes a bartender.

“We’re known for good wine, good martinis. ... We have a very big martini list,” he said. “Sometimes, for rehearsal dinners, they’ll do open bar for beer and wine, and cash for mixed drinks. Some people want to set a tab where they’ll pay for the first $250. After that, guests have to pay. ... They can do whatever they want.”

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Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

The Crystal Cork has many wines from which to choose. The main level, shown here, showcases different pieces of art.

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Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

In addition to the wine cellar – which is a popular spot for bridal showers and rehearsal dinners – The Crystal Cork also offers a mobile bar for wedding receptions.

Mobile bar also an option for reception WINE

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“We want people to be comfortable with how they’re spending their money and the amount of money they spend,” Brantley said. “We like it when people are pleasantly surprised by their bill.”

The Crystal Cork’s also a great location to host a bridal shower, he said.

“If you have a group, we can do wine tastings and we can do martini tastings,” he said. “We just had a bridal shower that did a wine, martini and chocolate tasting, because we also make our own chocolates. So they had 10 different wines, six different martinis and all of our chocolates.”

Another service The Crystal Cork offers is its mobile bar, which, according to Brantley, can offer any drink your heart desires – as long as it’s not blended.

“The only thing we don’t take with our mobile bar is a blender because they’re noisy. ... If somebody walks up and says,

The Crystal Cork Wine Shoppe Address: 219 W. First St. in Dixon.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday to Friday; and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday.

Phone: 1-844-843-2675 Email: thecrystalcork@gmail.com Online: thecrystalcork.com and The Crystal Cork Wine Shoppe on Facebook ‘Can I have a piña colada?’ just as the bride and her dad start dancing and you turn the blender on, it’s awkward. I’m not going to be that guy,” he said with a laugh.

Despite this, Brantley assures customers will not be disappointed with the mobile bar’s drink selection.

“We take somewhere between 75 and 90 different types of liquor, usually between 10 and 15 different kinds of wine, and between 10 to 15 different

kinds of beer,” he said. “We charge $200 basically to show up. We don’t have travel fees, set-up fees, bartender fees, we don’t have any hourly fees. So it’s just $200 for the bar and then drinks.”

When it comes to any of The Crystal Cork’s services, Brantley said it’s important customers call to schedule with them early if their heart is set on using their services.

“Once you’re on the calendar, you’re good,” he said. “As soon as we sign a contract, that’s who gets it. When the next person calls, unfortunately we have to tell them no. It’s difficult to say no to people, but if someone else has rented it, there’s not much else I can do.”

Brantley guarantees anyone who uses one of The Crystal Cork’s many services will be nothing but satisfied.

“We offer a big variety of wines, drinks, martinis; we like things to be easy and simple. Our bartenders are professional, fun, courteous and personable,” he said.

“The environment is a great environment.”

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Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Delores Wolber bakes cookies (shown below in a submitted photo), cupcakes and cakes for any occasion out of her home in Mount Morris. “If [the cake or cupcake] doesn’t look good, I’m scraping it off and redoing it,” Wolber said. “I take pride in how they look when they go out the door.”

‘It just needs to be beautiful’ Cakes by Dolores offers traditional wedding cakes and cupcakes – which are becoming an increasingly popular alternative

BY KACIE KLINGE For I Do

MOUNT MORRIS – Everyone looks forward to watching the bride and groom cut the first slice of their wedding cake.

But according to at least one vendor, the tide has shifted from wedding cakes to wedding cupcakes.

“It’s definitely cupcakes. ... Usually [the couple] will pick the small 6- or 8-inch cake for themselves and then they do cupcakes. ... It keeps the cost down,” said Dolores Wolber, owner of Cakes by Dolores in Mount Morris.

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Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Wolber decorates a cake at her home in Mount Morris. She says baking is something she’s truly passionate about, which is why she began her business.

Owner: Red velvet popular this year BEAUTIFUL

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“Its easier to serve,” she said. “With cupcakes, you can have such a variety; you don’t have to do just one kind. I’ve done weddings where I’ve done six different kinds of cupcakes.”

Wolber runs her business from her home in Mount Morris. She said baking is something she’s truly passionate about, which is why she began her business.

“If [the cake or cupcake] doesn’t look good, I’m scraping it off and redoing it,” Wolber said. “I take pride in how they look when they go out the door.”

In addition to running her own business, she also works with White Pines alternating between four other bakers making cakes for people’s wedding receptions. This wedding season, she has made cakes and cupcakes for 11 weddings. The most popular flavor has been red velvet, along with raspberry-filled and lemon-filled.

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Submitted

Wolber says she’s getting more and more requests for a small cakes and cupcakes for weddings.

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www.saukvalley.com More cake options Aurelio’s Bake Shop Phone: 815-626-2253 Address: 517 Locust St., Sterling Online: On Facebook

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

When it comes to icing, Wolber said she sticks to buttercream, classic wedding cake frosting, and her own special frosting recipe.

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Folsom’s Bakery Phone: 815-622-7870 Address: 319 First Ave., Rock Falls Online: folsombakery.com and on Facebook

Jackie’s Delish Desserts Phone: 815-593-0783 Email: jackiesdelishdesserts@yahoo.com Online: On Facebook

Baked by Liz Phone: 815-772-2253 Address: 119 E Main St., Morrison Online: bakedbyliz.com and on Facebook

Sweet Dreams Phone: 815-756-8150 Address: 1969B DeKalb Ave., Sycamore Online: sweetdreamsdesserts.com

Walmart bakery Phone: 815-288-7770 Address: 1640 S. Galena Ave., Dixon or Phone: 815-626-7200 Address: 4115 E. Lincolnway, Sterling Online: walmart.com

Sweetheart Bakery Phone: 563-242-4105

County Market bakery Address: 201 W. Third St., Sterling Phone: 815-622-0180 or Address: 1380 N. Galena Ave., Dixon Phone: 815-288-2112 Online: mycountymarket. com HyVee Bakery Phone: 563-243-6162 Address: 901 S. Fourth St., Clinton, Iowa Online: hy-vee.com​ Sullivan’s Foods Phone: 815-772-4696 Address: 300 N. Madison, Morrison Online: sullivansfoods.net Kroger Phone: 815-625-6405 Address: 2301 Locust St., Sterling Online: kroger.com

Cakes by Dolores Phone: 815-499-2443 • Address: 110 W First St., Mount Morris • Online: On Facebook

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Wolber provides free samples to taste POPULAR

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When it comes to icing, Wolber said she sticks to buttercream, classic wedding cake frosting, and her own special frosting recipe.

“You can get any kind of frosting; I can do anything,” she said. “I can make an awesome chocolate peanut butter frosting and then a chocolate cupcake. It tastes like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. It’s the most amazing thing.”

Wolber said she can whip up any flavor of cake or cupcake for your special occasion and is more than happy to provide a dozen free cupcakes to sample a flavor.

If you’re interested in Cakes by Delores making your wedding cake or cupcakes, all you have to do is give Wolber a call, decide what flavors you’d like and put down a $50 deposit to hold your date.

If you are able to pay it off all at once, she discounts 20 percent from your entire purchase.

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Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Wolber has 30 years of experience baking for weddings and can whip up any flavor of cake or cupcake for your special occasion.

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Owner’s goal is to make couple happy TASTE

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“I always tell brides as soon as they start looking, if they decide that they want me, you need to pay your deposit and book the date,” Wolber said. “You can only do one wedding a weekend.”

To ensure your baked goods are fresh, Wolber bakes the cupcakes the day before the wedding.

If it’s an actual wedding cake, and the wedding is on a Saturday, she bakes the cake Wednesday, frosts Thursday, decorates Friday and delivers Saturday.

It depends on the size, but if it’s a wedding for 100 people, Wolber charges $1.25 per cupcake and $1.50 if they’re filled.

For a wedding cake, she charges $2 a serving. Wolber said the cost is about $250 for most weddings.

“I’m very reasonable. I know what it’s like to struggle. ... I just try to keep prices down where people can afford it and they’re not stressing over it,” Wolber said.

Wolber said she enjoys seeing the excitement in the bride’s face when she sees her cake for the first time.

“I love the praise; that’s what helps my business grow,” she said. “That’s my whole goal is for people to be happy. A wedding cake is the focal point of your wedding reception. It doesn’t have to be humongous and outstanding, ... it just needs to be beautiful.”

Submitted

Wolber said she enjoys seeing the excitement in the bride’s face when she sees her cake for the first time. “That’s my whole goal is for people to be happy,” she said.

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Brill’s Penrose Flower Field, located on the outskirts of Sterling, gives brides the chance to completely immerse themselves in their bouquet-building experience.

Feel like a fresh idea?

Brill’s Penrose Flower Field gives brides option to build their own bouquets

BY KACIE KLINGE For I Do

STERLING – Flowers. Every bride needs them for her big day, but not every bride-to-be wants to pay hundreds of dollars to put together their dream bouquet.

Brill’s Penrose Flower Field, located on Penrose Road north of Sterling, gives brides the chance to completely immerse themselves in their bouquet-building experience.

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Photos by Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

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Susan Brill and her daughter, Beth, 14, will help any bride who visits Brill’s Penrose Flower Field. Susan owns the illustrious garden with her husband, Ed. She said the garden originally was created to help start a college fund for their daughters, Hannah, 18, and Beth, who help tend to the garden.

Family helps arrange flowers FRESH

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Susan Brill, who owns the illustrious garden with her husband, Ed, said the garden originally was created to help start a college fund for their daughters, Hannah, 18, and Beth Brill, 14, who help tend to the garden.

Beth is turning out to be a budding florist. She has helped customers pick and arrange flowers from the field.

She also sells floral arrangements she creates at the Twin City Farmers Market every Saturday.

One of the best parts about their flower field is customers are given free range to fill a 2-quart container with as

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Brill’s Penrose Flower Field Address: 26488 Penrose Road in Sterling Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday Phone: 815-336-2053 Online: On Facebook many flowers as they can for $10.

“You’d want to come within 2 or 3 days of the wedding.

There’s a lot of flowers that last more than a week, but you want them to be at their freshest,” Susan said. “The [wedding parties] that have come usually come the day or night before.”

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Brill’s Penrose Flower Field has many colors of lillies available for picking from the garden.

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Owner: Process can get a little dirty FLOWERS

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When you walk onto the property, you are met with a field filled with blossoms of all colors and types. It’s safe to say the bride has a lot to chose from. In fact, Brill said many brides bring their bridesmaids with them, and they each build their own bouquet for the bride’s special day.

“It’s always been really fun for that whole group to come,” Susan said. “The bride and the bridesmaids, they laugh and have a good time. ... It’s fun to watch them. Every time someone has come out they’re like, ‘Oh, this is so much fun!

We should do this all of the time.’”

Some of the flowers grown at Brill’s include: zinnias, rudbeckias, baby’s breath (which

Submitted

This arrangement of flowers displays the variety that is offered at Brill’s Penrose Flower Field. comes in three varieties), bachelor’s buttons, Armenian basket flowers, lilies, irises, tulips, Gladiolus, sunflowers and snapdragons.

Susan added some of the more popular flowers for

brides this year have been lilies, daises and zinnias.

“Zinnias are always popular because there’s so many different colors,” Susan said.

Susan cautions that the flower garden might not fit every-

one’s needs. Flowers that need to be grown in greenhouses, like roses, can’t be grown in their outdoor garden. “[The brides] have to be not real persnickety about the flowers,” Susan said. “If you’re good with a country theme or just a bunch of different colors, it works really well.”

Susan also advises customers to wear comfortable clothes and to make sure they don’t have their hair and nails done when they come to pick the flowers, as the process can sometimes get a little dirty.

Although the garden is regularly open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Susan said she does take appointments as well.

“I’m generally here ... anytime Monday through Wednesday,” Susan said.

“If [customers] want to call and make an appointment, they’re welcome to do that.”

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Capturing love through the lens

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Wedding photographer Mari Trancoso’s signature style is all about being natural. She loves to capture personal, romantic moments between couples. She often will tell people during her shoots to pretend she isn’t there.

Photographer aspires to capture raw and intimate moments with her camera

BY KACIE KLINGE For I Do

STERLING – Most weddings are pretty formal – it’s a special day and that makes sense.

But, because of this, intimate photos of the couple often slip through the cracks between poses if you don’t have the right photographer.

Mari Trancoso, 22, has always been involved in different creative outlets such as dance and yoga, but after having her daughter, Nova, 1, she purchased a camera to capture precious memories of her little girl and discovered she had an eye for photography.

“I’ve always been drawn to photography, ever since high school, but I never thought about doing anything with it,” Trancoso, a Sterling native, said. “I wasn’t working at the time, and I was like, ‘Well, I want to do something to make money,’ and I felt like the photography thing was coming

easy to me. It was really fun, and I feel like I have that eye for it.”

Trancoso’s By Mari Photography has been up and running for a year now. She shoots a little bit of everything, including weddings and engagement photos.

“It sounds weird, but I fall in love with the people I’m shooting and I think that it makes everyone feel more comfortable,” Trancoso said. “I empathize with their love and their passion; it shows in my photos. I try to build that intimate connection with my clients and I think that’s what makes me stand out.

“If they want the raw and real, ... they should come to me.”

Trancoso’s signature style is all about being natural. She loves to capture personal, romantic moments between couples. She often will tell people during her shoots to pretend she isn’t there.

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Candid moments key for weddings Trancoso shoots PHOTOGRAPHER CONTINUED FROM 24 t

Submitted

Trancoso said she puts her whole heart into her work, and the most rewarding part of working with couples is seeing a snapshot of true love and passion.

You’re in this together.

“I tell people right off the bat, ‘We’ll do a couple posed [pictures] but don’t feel that you need to stay in this pose, I want you guys to talk to each other and laugh, give random kisses and stuff,’” Trancoso said. “It’s not like, ‘Oh, stand next to this tree and smile,’ I always usually tell my couples to find an activity for us to do and I can just take pictures of you doing it. That way, it’s like they’re together on a date and I’m just there with a camera.”

When it comes to weddings, Trancoso said posed pictures are necessary, but she still tries to capture as many candid moments as possible.

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Trancoso said if people are looking for raw and real photos, they should come to her.

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Trancoso: It’s all about planning ahead for big day

When it comes to weddings, Trancoso said posed pictures are necessary, but she still tries to capture as many candid moments as possible.

“It’s their wedding day. They should be just falling in love with each other all over again,” she said. “I want to see that in my lens.”

PHOTOGRAPHER CONTINUED FROM 25 t

“It’s their wedding day; they should be just falling in love with each other all over again. I want to see that in my lens,” she said.

In order to get quality photos, one of the most important things to do is make sure the photographer’s day will run smoothly, and Trancoso said it’s all about planning ahead. “[The] timeline is everything. ...

I have my brides write out everything for the family shots list, so that helps a lot,” she said.

One of the more challenging parts of shooting a wedding can be getting so many people to feel comfortable in front of the camera.

“I try to get people to loosen up and have them pretend I’m just hanging out with them, pretend that I’m just the third wheel,” she said.

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More photographer options

By Mari Photography

Erica Pospeshil Photography, Dixon Phone: 224-343-1122 Email: ericapospeshil@gmail.com Online: ericapospeshilphotography.com and on Facebook

Mari works from her home, and can be contacted to set up an appointment by calling 815-677-2187, going to bymariphotography.com, or finding By Mari Photography on Facebook.

Search for @bymari.photography on Instagram to see more of her photos.

Trancoso says she puts her whole heart into her work PHOTOGRAPHER CONTINUED FROM 26 t

It seems clear Trancoso knows what she’s doing when it comes to engagement and wedding photography; she’s already been featured on three wedding websites, including: Perfect Wedding Guide, Wedding Essentials and Aisle Perfect.

Wedding photos start at $2,000 and engagement photos start at $300. Customers are required to put down a 50 percent retainer fee to book their date.

Trancoso said she puts her whole heart into her work and the most rewarding part of shooting couples is seeing a snapshot of true love and passion.

“Everyone has this dream and fantasy of what love and passion is and it’s rewarding for me as a photographer to see it all come together,” she said. “It gives me hope that it’s real and out there. ... It touches me.”

Jodi Flynn Photography, Chadwick Phone: 815-266-9955 Email: djeebb@hotmail.com Online: jodiflynnphotography. blogspot.com and on Facebook Just Cause Photography, Ashton Contact: Suzanne Paul Phone: 815-440-7982 Online: justcausephotography. com and on Facebook Onsite Photography Address: 3917 E. Lincolnway, Suite B; P.O. Box 106, Sterling Phone: 815-716-3282 E-mail: ayonk@photosbyonsite. com Online: photosbyonsite.com Brett Paul Photography Address: 1720 Park Ave., Sycamore

Phone: 815-762-2390 E-mail: bdpaul1@comcast.net Online: brettpaulphotography.com T Entertainment DJ and Photography, Kewanee Phone: 815-714-8335 E-mail: jordan@tentertainmentdjphoto.com Online: tentertainmentdjphoto. com and on Facebook Nikki Jean Photography, Morrison Phone: 815-513-8359 E-mail: info@nikkijeanphotography.net Online: nikkijeanphotography. net/and on Facebook Timestilling Photography Phone: 815-441-5699 E-mail: timestilling@gmail.com Online: timestilling.com Photography by Heather Lanell, Sterling Phone: 815-499-1307 E-mail: heather@heatherlanell. com Online: heatherlanell.com and on Facebook

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Photos by Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Samantha Ringberg, owner of Kreative Rentals in downtown Morrison, sits in her showroom. Along with setting up decorations and coordinating weddings, Ringberg said her business offers decorations, centerpieces and linen rentals.

Coordination is key

Kreative Rentals allows brides to rent wedding decor and offers wedding coordination services

BY KACIE KLINGE Special to SV Weddings

MORRISON – Planning and spending are a given when it comes time to weddings, but it can almost be cumbersome to some couples.

Many hours are spent planning and prepping every little detail of a wedding, down to what color candles your centerpieces will have. The alternative? Spending the money to have someone do the planning for you.

Kreative Rentals, located in downtown Morrison, can help soften the financial blow of paying for a wedding, while helping the bride prep for the big day and ensuring it all runs smoothly.

“With our displays, you can kind of pick and choose, set it on the table and see what you like,” Ringberg said. “It’s kind of like build your own COORDINATION continued on 304 centerpiece.”

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29

At Kreative Rentals in Morrison, the walls are lined with vases, table runners, candles and accent decorations of all shapes, sizes and colors.

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Photos by Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

ABOVE: Ringberg said rustic weddings are starting to go out of style, while vintage romantic themes are gaining popularity.

“There’s more lace and candlelight this year,” she said. BELOW: Rustic weddings will still always be an option for brides.

Shop’s walls are lined with decorations COORDINATION CONTINUED FROM 28 t

“We do set-up and tear-down. We can be there all day to service [the wedding and reception], so you don’t have to worry about anything,” said Samantha Ringberg, owner of Kreative Rentals.

Along with setting up decorations and coordinating the special event, Ringberg said her business also offers decorations, centerpieces and linen rentals.

At Kreative Rentals, the walls are lined with vases, table runners, candles and accent decorations of all shapes, sizes and colors.

“With our displays, you can kind of pick and choose, set it on the table and see what you like,” Ringberg said. “It’s kind of like build your own centerpiece.”

DECORATIONS continued on 324

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A table at Kreative Rentals lets brides see how certain pieces will work together.

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Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

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ABOVE AND LEFT: Prices of decorations at the store vary significantly based on a bride’s tastes and needs.

There are hundreds of different decorations to choose from that have been accumulated over the past 10 years the business has been open.

Wedding supplies SBM (Copy Center) Address: 501 Locust St., Sterling Phone: 815-625-4375, ext. 144 Online: callsbm.com JJM Printing Address: 311 First Ave., Sterling Phone: 815-632-3913 Online: jjmprinting.espwebsite.com Fine Line Engraving Address: 2409 W. Lincolnway, Sterling Phone: 815-535-0629 Online: finelineengraving.com, Fine Line Engraving on Facebook; pinterest.com/shopfineline

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Sauk Valley Printing Address: 3200 E Lincolnway, Sterling Phone: 815-625-3600 ext. 5701 E-mail: ksands@saukvalley.com

Prices vary significantly based on bride’s needs DECORATIONS

CONTINUED FROM 30 t

“A lot of times, it can be cheaper to rent,” she said. “You don’t have to worry about having all that stuff laying around until your wedding day and also getting rid of all of it.”

Ringberg said when you rent, you can get higher quality items, too.

Prices of decorations vary significantly based on a bride’s tastes and needs.

There are hundreds of different decorations to choose from that have been

Kreative Rentals Address: 115 E. Main St. in Morrison Hours: Appointment only Phone: 815-589-9119 Email: info@kreativerentals.com Online: kreativerentals.com and Kreative Rentals Ltd. on Facebook accumulated over the past 10 years the business has been open.

Ringberg, who has worked at Kreative Rentals for the past 4 years, took over the business after the previous owner, Katie Jacobs, decided she wanted to sell it.

“I really didn’t want to see it go,” Ringberg said. “I took over August of last year.

I’ve loved it.”

In addition to the wide selection of decorations, Kreative Rentals also offers banquet setup and wedding day coordination services.

Banquet set-up services cost $500 and include three planning meetings, delivery of rental items, decorating of four bridal tables, tables for the cake and gifts, decorating of up to 30 guest tables, and placing of favors, escort cards and table numbers.

NEEDS continued on 334

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There’s more lace and candlelight this year NEEDS

CONTINUED FROM 32 t

Wedding day coordination services, referred to as a “care-free banquet” cost $1,000 and include all of the services for banquet setup, plus an additional planning meeting, cleanup after reception and day-of wedding and reception coordinating.

“We’re there first thing in the morning to set up all the decorations – even things that you purchased,” Ringberg said.

“I contact any of your vendors, cake, DJ, to make sure they all show up on time. I make sure the ceremony starts on time. ... We make sure all of that goes smoothly.”

This wedding season, Kreative Rentals has 32 rentals and six all-day wedding coordinations. Ringberg said that this season, navy, gray and coral colors are very popular. She said rustic weddings are starting to go out of style, while vintage romantic themes are gaining popularity.

“There’s more lace and candlelight this year,” she said.

Although her job might seem stressful to some, she said she truly loves what she does.

“I have a lot of brides, ... especially parents, that come to me afterwards and say ‘I don’t know how I would have done this without you,’” Ringberg said. “I feel like a lot of people leave the shop happy; even after their first visit, they feel like they got a lot accomplished.”

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Ringberg said navy, gray and coral colors are very popular this wedding season.

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Begin your forever at new bridal shop Mom and daughter aim to make your wedding attire perfect

BY SHELBY KUEPKER For I Do

CLINTON, Iowa – Don’t let the fact that they’re new to the business fool you.

Jen Wilson, 33, and her mother, Paula Luckritz, 60, know what they would want when shopping for bridal gowns, and they want to give that to customers in their shop, Forever Starts Here Bridal Shop, in downtown Clinton.

Their attention to detail and friendliness helps set them apart from larger retailers, they say. Being family-owned and operated, “we pay attention to each individual bride,” Wilson said.

“It’s not just a sale for us,” she said. “We spend a lot of time with each customer. It’s important to us that they have the best experience.”

FOREVER continued on 354

Photos by Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Forever Starts Here Bridal Shop in downtown Clinton, Iowa, has a wide selection of wedding dresses, tuxedos and other bridal accessories.

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Shop has options for bridal party, family FOREVER

CONTINUED FROM 34 t

Wilson and Luckritz understand what it’s like to plan a wedding, and they know how much stress a bride can experience. With the help and knowledge of the women at Forever Starts Here, any bride can ease her mind knowing she will find all she needs to make her wedding attire perfect and individualized.

Forever Starts Here offers gowns for the bride, bridesmaids, mother of the bride, and flower girl, along with tuxedos for the men. They are a one-stop shop for the entire cast of your wedding to make it as perfect as can be.

Don’t forget to check out their prom dress selection as well.

SHOP continued on 364

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

The shop offers many choices for bridesmaid dresses and dresses for other occasions.

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www.saukvalley.com More dress shops The Dressing Room at Déjà Vu Address: 101 Fifth Ave., Clinton, Iowa Phone: 563-242-3356 Online: The Dressing Room at Deja Vu on Facebook Marien and Mae Bridal Boutique Address: 749 First St., LaSalle Phone: 815-220-0844 Online: marienmae.com I Do Bridal Address: 995 Galena Square Drive, Galena Phone: 815-777-2507 Online: idobridalllc.com Something Borrowed, Something Blue Address: 1121 N. Seventh St., Rochelle Phone: 815-543-8105 Online: somethingbsb.com

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

In addition to dresses and tuxedos, the shop offers tiaras, veils and other accessories for the bride, and the owners plan to offer shoes and jewelry soon.

New shop offers private appointments for brides SHOP

CONTINUED FROM 35 t

The shop offers tiaras, veils and other accessories for the bride, and the owners plan to offer shoes and jewelery soon.

Not only can you find the gown you’re looking for in the perfect style and color, but they also offer gowns up to size 26, which “many people tell me that is hard to find,” Wilson said.

Wilson and Luckritz offer private appointments where you and the people of your choosing get the entire store to yourselves to find the perfect dresses for you and bridal party.

If you’d rather not receive so much attention, they are perfectly fine letting you explore the store and gowns on your own time. The mother-daughter team, both of Clinton, want you to have exactly the experience you want, and they are willing to help as much or as little as you want.

Forever Starts Here Bridal Shop Phone: 563-242-2573 Address: 211 Fifth Ave. South, Clinton, Iowa Hours: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; private appointments on Monday Online: foreverbridalstartshere.com Forever Starts Here just opened their doors in April.

Since Jen went to school for business at Ashford University, she and her mom made the perfect combination. The two have run the store for the most part on their own, calling in help from the rest of the family during big events.

“My mom had always wanted to own a bridal shop,” Wilson said. “She always said she had to stop dreaming and start living,” when life got in the way of her bridal shop dream.

Now, it seems both are living the dream.

David’s Bridal Address: 5252 Elmore Ave., Davenport, Iowa Phone: 563-344-7902 Online: davidsbridal.com Storybook Ending Address: 704 Sixth Ave., DeWit, Iowa Phone: 563-659-3983 Online: Storybook Ending Bridal and Prom on Facebook Savy’s Chic Bridal Boutique Address: 111 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon Phone: 815- 677-9579 Online: savyschic.com

Options for tuxedos Seno’s Tuxedos Address: 4015 E. Lincolnway, Suite A, Sterling Phone: 815-625-8247 Online: senoformalwear.com and on Facebook Sauk Valley Cleaners and Tuxedos Address: 120 W. River St., Dixon Phone: 815-288-1322 Online: On Facebook Flowers Etc. Address: 1103 Palmyra Avenue, Dixon Phone: 815-288-3335 Online: eflowersetc.com Petals To Parties Address: 123 W. First St., Dixon Phone: 815-288-7496 Online: petalstoparties.com and on Facebook

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Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Forever Starts Here Bridal Shop in downtown Clinton, Iowa, has a wide selection of colors to choose from for its tuxedo rentals.

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Before the big date: A wedding checklist 9 months before

o Choose your wedding date.

If you plan to be married in a church or temple, clear the date and time with the clergy. o Announce your engagement in local newspapers. o Set your budget. Take time for a heart-to-heart talk with your fiancé about the budget and style of your wedding, reception and wedding-related parties, and who pays for what.

Consider hiring a bridal consultant. If your budget won’t allow that, enlist relatives and close friends to help – especially in areas where you feel you need support. o Compose your guest list. Let out-of-town guests know your wedding is in the works so they can make travel plans. o Reserve the reception site. o Choose wedding attendants. o Select your wedding gown, shoes and accessories. o Decide on bridesmaids’ dresses. o Determine the theme or mood you’d like to establish with the food, table settings, flowers and entertainment at your reception. o Interview caterers, musicians, florists, photographers, videographers and cake makers. Get written estimates of their costs. Keep track of your discussions and their bids in a notebook or with wedding-planning software.

6 months before

o Choose your caterer, musicians and florist. Remember to get written contracts. o Book your photographer and videographer. o Select your baker and order the cake. o Decide on your color scheme. o Shop for wedding rings with your fiancé. o Decide on your honeymoon destination. Work with a travel agent to book your travel and accommodations. o Select your wedding invitations. Don’t forget to purchase personal stationery for your thank-you notes.

4 months before

o Register for gifts at one or more bridal-gift registries. o Help both mothers to coordinate and shop for their wedding-day attire. o Select music for the ceremony and reception.

o Choose readings for your wedding and write your wedding vows. o Plan a rehearsal dinner for members of your wedding party, your family and out-of-town guests. Reserve the location. o Arrange hotel accommodations for members of the wedding party who live out of town.

Reserve a block of rooms for other out-of-town guests, and let them know the rooms are available. Remember to ask for any group discounts or special packages. o Reserve your wedding-day transportation and any other wedding-day rental needs. o Make appointments for gown fittings. o Check the requirements for a marriage license. o Make sure contracts and arrangements are complete with all of your service providers.

3 months before

o Prepare directions, including simply drawn maps, if necessary, to help guide guests to the wedding and reception, and to hotels.

For guests who will travel a long distance, consider assembling an information package on fun things to do and see in your area. o Begin addressing invitations and announcements. Select a special stamp at the post office.

Invitations should go in the mail 6 to 8 weeks before your big day. o Give the caterer or other food suppliers a close idea of the number of guests you expect. o Make sure all reservations are in place for honeymoon travel. o Check with bridesmaids to make sure they have their gowns and are getting them adjusted. o Shop for gifts for your bridesmaids. Offer to help your fiancé select gifts for his attendants. o Select your “going away” outfit and special items for your trousseau. o Make a date with your photographer for formal portraits. o Make an appointment to have your hair done just before your portrait session and again the day or so before your wedding. Consider including your bridesmaids in a “day of beauty” before your wedding, with manicures, hair styling, massages and makeup sessions.

2 months before

o Mail out your wedding invitations and announcements.

o Have wedding portraits taken. o Send bridal portrait and wedding announcement to newspapers for publication. o Finalize the music that will be played during your wedding ceremony. o Meet with musicians who will provide entertainment during your reception and orchestrate precisely what you want and when you want it played. o Don’t be shy to voice your preferences, down to the volume, favorite songs you’d like to hear, or even songs you don’t want played. o Plan your rehearsal dinner and a brunch or fun activity for out-of-town guests to enjoy on the day following your wedding. o Buy special accessories for your wedding-day attire. o Plan a luncheon for your bridesmaids. o Make appointments for a hairdresser, makeup artist and manicurist. o Finalize honeymoon plans. If you’re traveling overseas, check again that your passports are current and that you have any necessary visas. o Gather necessary birth or baptismal certificates you might need for your wedding license.

1 month before

o Get your wedding license. o Have a final fitting of your gown and make sure your attendants have theirs. o Check that your menu selections and service plans are locked in place with the caterer. o Purchase a special book to keep track of wedding gifts as they arrive. o Keep writing those thank-you notes on a daily basis! o If you plan a formal dinner for your reception, it’s time to draw up a seating plan and make up place cards. o Check with your florist to confirm dates and times of flower deliveries. o Review your wedding-day transportation plans and make sure drivers are clear about addresses, times and number of passengers. o Make name or address changes official on documents, including driver’s license, Social Security forms and financial accounts. Fill out change-of-address forms at the post office. o Meet with your photographer to specify the formal shots you

want taken of the bridal party, as well as specific, candid shots you’d like taken during the reception. o Review the video plans with your videographer.

2 weeks before

o Keep writing those thank-you notes for wedding gifts! o Pick up your wedding rings.

Make sure any special engraving appears precisely as you wished. o Begin packing for your honeymoon.

1 week before your wedding o Make final checks with all your vendors: officiant, musicians, florist, photographer, videographer, limousine or other transportation provider, caterers and baker. o Ask a friend or family member to arrange for wedding gifts that may be brought to your reception to be delivered to your home or another safe spot. o Wrap gifts for bridal attendants and have them ready for the rehearsal dinner. o Purchase travelers’ checks and reconfirm honeymoon travel and hotel plans. o See that checks are written and ready to be handed out to vendors at the agreed-upon time. o Inform your caterer of the final number of guests. Confirm that out-of-town guests are set with hotel accommodations, transportation and wedding-day directions.

The day before

o Take time to relax and enjoy a massage, manicure and pedicure. o Traditionally, this is the day for your rehearsal ceremony and rehearsal dinner. Have fun! o Turn in early for a good night’s sleep.

Wedding day

o Allow plenty of time for dressing, makeup and hair styling. o If you plan on photography before the ceremony, allow ample time so you’re not rushed. o Relax, and remember: This is your special day, the result of all your careful planning. Now it’s time to enjoy. Take a deep breath. Refuse to let any glitch get to you. Savor every moment of this sacred day. Let your joy and happiness shine through.

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Groom’s Checklist

BY ROBERT MORTIZ The Knot

So, you finally got up the nerve to pop the big one.

Now it’s time to start doing some heavy wedding lifting.

Here’s a list of your most essential to-dos.

12 months before

3 months before

n Figure out where you’re going to have your ceremony and reception.

The best spots fill up fast, especially for summer and fall, so decide your wedding size and start looking. n Organize your guys. After you ask your best man to do the honors, make up your groomsman list. For crowd control, you’ll want at least one usher per 50 guests. n Get what you want. Crazy as it seems, people start buying you gifts immediately, and registering may be the only way to keep your friends’ and relatives’ questionable tastes in check.

n Get ready for the freeloaders. Your out-of-town guests need a place to stay, so unless you’ve got a couple dozen spare bedrooms, decide on a hotel and reserve a block of rooms. Let them know this in your invitations. n By this time, the guest list should be finalized – i.e., it has the bride, groom and parents’ approval. Time to send out the invitations. n Get dressed. So what will it be?

Tails and top hat or traditional Scottish kilt? Decide and buy (or rent), then pick out your groomsmen’s getups. n Give a jeweler your finger to be measured. Let your fiancée do the same, and then order your wedding rings. Decide on inscriptions. n If you’re going to tie the knot, you may have to get your blood tested. It’s the law in some states.

9 months before n Meet and greet suitable officiants.

Priest, rabbi, justice of the peace, officially sanctioned Elvis impersonator – the choice is yours. n Book the talent. It’ll probably fall to you to choose the band or disc jockey. Be sure to get references and hear music beforehand – and run it by your bride before you sign on the dotted line. n Start drawing up your guest list.

This is something you’ll probably want to get your parents in on, too.

6 to 8 weeks before

n Have a good time, but don’t do something stupid. It’s your bachelor party and last chance to go crazy without the ball and chain legally attached.

1 week before

n Get ready to relax. Double-check n Get a sparkling smile. Cut down on the honeymoon reservations, start packing your bags, and pick up travelcoffee and try a whitening toothpaste.

Want to really shine? Consider a profes- er’s checks. sional bleaching with a dentist or use an n Pay your officiant. Put his or her fee over-the-counter whitening system. in an envelope and give it to your best man for post-vow delivery. n Don’t be cheap. This is one of the most important moments in your life, so n You are expected to speak to the put some real thought into the matter crowd at your wedding reception. and then buy your bride a wedding gift. Sound sensitive and intelligent, start 6 months before coming up with that impromptu toast n Don’t be cheap, part 2. Search n Plan your honeymoon. If you’re to her family now. high and low for the perfect groomsleaving the country, now would be a men gifts. These guys are going to put n Rally the troops. Give your groomsgood time to check or find your passout come D-Day to make sure you look men the rehearsal dinner low-down port – or get them if you and your girl your best. Make sure you get them and make sure everybody’s got his don’t have ’em – and see what kind of something decent to show for it. monkey suit pressed and ready. By the shots or visas you might need. n Don’t lose it. Pick up your wedding way, get a haircut already. n Who’s driving? Arrange for transrings and put them in a safe place. portation to the ceremony and recepWhile you’re at it, check the engraving The day before tion. Think limousine or horse and carefully for typos. n Make her cry. Write a sweet little “I buggy. love you” note (or other touching trick) While you’re at it, figure out where 2 weeks before and leave it somewhere she’ll find it you’re going after the reception – airon wedding morning, particularly if you n Do something really romantic with port? hotel? – and make plans for won’t be seeing her before the ceregetting there. FYI, tradition dictates that your wife-to-be. But before you do, mony. pick up your marriage license. your best man drives you.

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The Bride’s Trousseau Bridal Gown Store: __________________________________________________________________ Phone/Email:__________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________ Consultant:___________________ Gown Description: __________________________________________________ Date Ordered: ____________________Date Promised:___________________ Price: __________________________________________________________ Fitting Appointments: (Bring proper undergarments and shoes to fittings.)

Date/Time:____________________________________________________ Date/Time:____________________________________________________ Date/Time:_____________________________________________________ Date/Time:______________________________________________________

Bridal Accessories ❐ Headpiece and Veil – Price: ______________________________________ ❐ Bra/Bustier – Price: ______________________________________________ ❐ Teddy/Body Stockings – Price: _____________________________________ ❐ Stockings/Pantyhose – Price: ____________________________________ ❐ Garter – Price: ______________________________________________ ❐ Petticoat/Slip – Price: ______________________________________ ❐ Shoes – Price: __________________________________________ ❐ Jewelry – Price: ______________________________________ ❐ Wrap/Cape – Price: _________________________________ ❐ Other – Price: ___________________________________ ❐ Something Old – Price: ________________________ ❐ Something New – Price: _____________________ ❐ Something Borrowed – Price: _______________ ❐ Something Blue – Price:__________________

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Wedding Blooms Florist___________________________________________________Address:______________________________________________ Contact Person:__________________________________________Phone/Email:__________________________________________

COLOR

NUMBER NEEDED

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

Bridal Bouquet

______________

______________

______________

______________

Maid of Honor Bouquet

______________

______________

______________

______________

Bridesmaids’ Bouquets

______________

______________

______________

______________

Flower Girl’s Bouquet

______________

______________

______________

______________

Floral Headpieces

______________

______________

______________

______________

Mothers’/Grandmothers’ Corsages

______________

______________

______________

______________

Hostesses’ Flowers

______________

______________

______________

______________

Groom’s Boutonniere

______________

______________

______________

______________

Fathers’/Grandfathers’ Boutonnière

______________

______________

______________

______________

Groomsmen’s /Ushers’ Boutonnière

______________

______________

______________

______________

Ring Bearer’s Pillow

______________

______________

______________

______________

Altar/Chuppah Flowers

______________

______________

______________

______________

Aisle or Pew Decorations

______________

______________

______________

______________

Reception Room Flowers

______________

______________

______________

______________

Head Table Centerpiece

______________

______________

______________

______________

Guests’ Table Centerpieces

______________

______________

______________

______________

Cake/Buffet Table Decorations

______________

______________

______________

______________

Total

______________

______________

______________

______________

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Bridesmaids

Bride’s Attendants

Name: ________________________________________________Phone/Email: ____________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________Phone/Email: ____________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________Phone/Email: ____________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________Phone/Email: ____________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________Phone/Email: ____________________________________________

Flower girl Name: ________________________________________________Phone/Email: ____________________________________________

Gowns Store: _________________________________________________Phone/Email: ____________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ Consultant: _____________________________________ Gown Description: ______________________________________________ Price:___________________________________________ Date Ordered: __________________________________________________ Date Promised: __________________________________ Fitting Appointments: (Bring proper undergarments and shoes to fittings.)

Date/Time:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date/Time:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date/Time:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Accessories ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Shoes:________________________________________________________ Price:___________________________________________ Jewelry:_______________________________________________________ Price: __________________________________________ Undergarments: _______________________________________________ Price: __________________________________________ Handbags: ____________________________________________________ Price: __________________________________________ Wrap: ________________________________________________________ Price: __________________________________________ Other: ________________________________________________________ Price: __________________________________________

I Do

The Groom’s Attendants Tuxedos Store:____________________________________________________ Phone/Email:______________________________________ Consultant: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Description:________________________________________________________Price_____________________________________ Date Measurements Needed By: ________________ Pick-Up Date: _________________ Return Date: ______________________

Groomsmen Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________

Ring Bearer Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________

Ushers Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________

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Getting A Good Reception Where it’s at Reception site___________________________________________________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________ Price:_________________________________________ Contact person:____________________________________________ Phone/Email:___________________________________

The caterer Name: ___________________________________________________ Phone/Email:___________________________________ Cost__________ Deposit: _______Balance Due:_________________ Per-person rate________________ Flat rate: _________

Reception style: ❐

Formal _______________________________________________________________________________________________

❐ Hors

d’oeuvres ________________________________________________________________________________________

❐ Buffet

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cake and Punch _________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated Number of Guests: ________________

Catering services Numbers of wait-staff___________How long will they serve at the reception?_______________________________________ Services they’ll perform___________________________________________________________________________________ What type of equipment does the caterer supply?_____________________________________________________________ What beverages will be supplied?___________________________________________________________________________ Will table service and linens be provided?_______ Who will provide cleanup?______________________________________

What’s on the Menu?

Hors d’oeuvres__________________________________________________________________________________________ Soup/Salad_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Main course_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Side dishes______________________________________________________________________________________________ Breads/rolls_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Beverages______________________________________________________________________________________________ Extras__________________________________________________________________________________________________

I Do

Beauty Care

Service Providers

Salon: ____________________________________________________ Phone/Email:_________________________________________ Stylist:__________________________________________________________________________Price: _________________________ Appointment Date/Time: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Cake Bakery: __________________________________________________ Phone/Email:_________________________________________ Salesperson: ______________________________________________ Price: _______________________________________________ Appointment Date/Time:________________________________________________________________________________________

Invitations and Stationery Name of Store: ____________________________________________ Salesperson:_________________________________________ Phone: _________________________________________________________________________Price: _________________________ Quantity Ordered:____________________________ Date Ordered: _______________________Date Promised: _________________ Manufacturer:______________________________________________ Style Number:________________________________________

Jeweler Name of Store: ____________________________________________ Salesperson:_________________________________________ Phone/Email: ____________________________________________________________________Price: _________________________

Transportation Company Name: ________________________________________________________________Salesperson:___________________ Phone/Email: ____________________________________________________________________Price: _________________________ Type of Vehicle: _________________________________________________________________Capacity:______________________ Pickup Date: ____________________________________________________________________Time:__________________________ Length of Rental Time: _________________________________________________________________________________________

Travel Agency Agency Name: ____________________________________________ Salesperson:_________________________________________ Phone/Email: ____________________________________________________________________Price:__________________________ Destination: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Departure Date: ___________________________________________ Return Date: _________________________________________ Airline:____________________________________________________ Flight Number: _______________________________________ Travel Notes: __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Videography Studio Name: _____________________________________________ Videographer’s Name_________________________________ Phone/Email: ____________________________________________________________________Price: _________________________

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Balancing The Budget

Stationery

Announcements Invitations Thank-you cards/notes Stamps Other

Attire

Bridal gown Headpiece and veil Shoes Jewelry, gloves Other accessories Groom’s tux Bridal dresses Trousseau Other

Photography

Engagement Wedding/reception Wedding album Parents’ album Additional prints Videography Other

Gifts

Groom’s gift Bride’s gift Groomsmen gifts Bridesmaids gifts Parents’ gifts (optional) Other

Estimated cost

Actual cost

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

Parties

Engagement party Bridesmaids’ lunch Bachelor party Rehearsal dinner

Ceremony

Church, synagogue Officiant fees Organist, soloist fees Janitorial fees

Flowers

Ceremony arrangements Bride’s bouquet Groom’s boutonnière Wedding party Family Reception flowers Host and hostess Reception arrangements Other Reception Facility rental Catering/food Beverages Table decorations Rentals (tents, chairs) Rentals (tableware, linens) Band, DJ, pianist Coat check, valet Tips and fees Janitorial Guestbook/pen Cake knife Unity candle Monogrammed napkins Mementos for guests Birdseed or confetti Other

Honeymoon

Travel clothes Airfare, tickets Hotel reservations Car rental Meals Souvenirs Other

Estimated cost

Actual cost

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

Estimated cost

Actual cost

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

I Do

Index of Advertisers

Here’s where to find the wedding planning professionals, shops and services needed to plan your wedding day

Accommodations Holiday Inn Express ................................... 16 Comfort Inn............... 13

Beauty Salons & Day Spas

Joanne’s Total Image ................................... 21

Bridal Gowns

The Dressing Room at Deja Vu................. 31 Forever Starts Here Bridal.......................... 20

Cakes & Sweets

CM Cakes and Flowers ................................... 45

Event Planner Selmi’s Weddings & Events ................................... 14

Financial Institutions

First National Bank in Amboy....................... 19 Sterling Federal Bank ................................... 27

Florists

Petals to Parties ........ 17 Selmi’s Weddings & Events ........................ 14

Gifts & Gift Registry Oregon Soap Shoppe ................................... 23 Petals to Parties ........ 17

Catering Services

Home Furnishings

Ceremony Sites

Insurance Agents

Creative Cuisine....... 33

Barn On The Hill ........ 14 Byron Forest Preserve ................................... 31 Heritage Canyon ..... 35 K’s Korners ................... 6 Oak Lane of Oregon ..................................... 3

Clergy Pastor Scott Porter ..... 7

Dresses

The Dressing Room at Deja Vu .................... 31 Forever Starts Here Bridal.......................... 20 Petals to Parties ........ 17

Petals to Parties ........ 17

Country Financial..... 14 Schuneman Insurance ................................... 25

Invitations & Supplies Petals to Parties ........ 17 SBM ............................ 29 Seno Formal Wear ................................... 27

Music

Sauk Valley DJs......... 22

Photo Booth Rental Fabulous Photo Booth Company.................. 35

Photographers Onsite Photography ..................................... 5 Bailey Lynne Photography ............ 23 Erica Pospeshil ..........

Photography .. 1, 9 &15

Reception Sites

Amboy Community Center ....................... 22 Arnie’s Happy Spot ................................... 29 Barn On The Hill ........ 14 Byron Forest Preserve ................................... 31 K’s Korners ................... 6 Oak Lane of Oregon ..................................... 3 Post House Ballroom 12 Timber Creek Golf & Banquet ...................... 2

Rentals

Big John Portable Toilet Rentals....................... 33 Fabulous Photo Booth Company.................. 35 Petals To Parties........ 17 Selmi’s Weddings & Events ................................... 14

Transportation Quad City International Airport ........................ 25

Tuxedo Rental

Petals to Parties ......... 17 Seno Formal Wear..... 27

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The Area's Finest Wedding Venue 3298 Hoover Road Route 40 Deer Grove, Illinois

10 Minute Drive South of Rock Falls on Route 40

www.DeerValleyBanquets.com

Join us for our Bridal Fair · Sunday, November 20