Weddings & Occasions

’s gift to the Chippewa Valley’s soonto-be wed.

Though it doesn’t seem like it, what with all this snow on the ground, the wedding season is just around the corner. So while you’re hustling and bustling to organize caterers, bakers, and save-the-date makers, take a break to open up Volume One’s first-ever wedding guide. We’ve got an unusual wedding, receptions gone wrong, tips from local spouses, some trivial tidbits, and massive listings of all the things you’ll need to get your day planned.

That’s right; we’ve done a lot of the legwork for you. You can thank us after the ceremony, with a cash-enclosed card on your best stationary.

Editor/Writer: Trevor Kupfer / Photos: Drew Kaiser, Matt Meyer, and Andrea Paulseth / Design: Brian Moen / Contributors: Nick Arnold, Beth Czech, Stefanie Jaeger, Mike and Shannon Paulus, Arwen Rasmussen, Rob Reid, Leah Rule, Jen Schultz, Patti See, Ken Szymanski, Emily Thierfelder, and Tom Ziegler

Jan. 08, 2009

VOLUME ONE 23

24 VOLUME ONE

Jan. 08, 2009

A Night to Remember

R

ob and I had an unusual wedding.

We were married on the fouryear anniversary of our first date. On that first date we talked about our mutual love of Fleetwood Mac. This was a good sign for me. None of the other guys I had dated would ever admit to liking Fleetwood Mac. I moved in the punk and rock scene of the Twin Cities and so did Rob. We also talked about wanting to live in the country one day and how we don’t like weddings.

We already owned a house, pets, and a bunch of other stuff together. Rob didn’t actually propose to me. We just decided it was time to get married and picked the date knowing our anniversary was coming up. We wanted to get hitched without changing anything. To go on as if everything were the same.

Our friend’s father is a judge, so we contacted him and made arrangements for him to marry us. We told only our two best friends because we wanted them to be our witnesses. The judge wouldn’t accept money for his services, but said he would like a gift. Rob bought him some Kachina dolls because we knew he did a lot of work to help Native Americans and collected Native American art. We bought white gold bands (diamonds do nothing for me) at Sears. I wore a red cocktail dress from a vintage shop and Rob bought a Robert Wagner suit at a thrift store.

At 4 o’clock on October 27, 2000, Rob and I and our two friends stood in the judge’s chambers and he performed the ceremony. He had us hold a rock between our clasped hands as he talked about the seasons as metaphor for a life together. We drank single malt scotch that he poured from a turtle he had hanging on the wall into a silver “marriage cup.” The whole ceremony lasted about 15 minutes.

The one thing we did to mark the oc-

Jan. 08, 2009

by Leah Rule, creator of Rural Fox

casion, and to appease our families, was to have professional photos taken.

Immediately following the ceremony, the four of us headed to the studio of our favorite Rock ‘n Roll photographer: Dan Corrigan. Unfortunately, when we got to his studio, we found out he had the wrong date written down. Lucky for us, his studio partner was there and offered to take our photos for us. They turned out great.

In keeping with trying to have as normal of a day as possible, we went home, laid around for a while, and then went to work. We both worked at the Turf Club.

Rob ran sound and I tended bar. By the time we got there, word had spread and all the other Turf employees knew we were hitched. The band Impaler played that night. We get such a kick out of calling Impaler our wedding band. After close, as the band loaded their gear, someone had made a bouquet of napkins and straws for me to throw and we had everyone sign a matchbook. I did the dollar dance with the Impaler guys and Turf staff. We went home for an after-hours party and ate some chocolate cake we had leftover from a BBQ the weekend before.

It was awesome. We have no regrets whatsoever. When we called our parents the next day, my mom was a little upset. She passed the phone to dad and couldn’t talk to me. I called her a couple days later and reminded her that I had never, ever, talked about a wedding.

VOLUME ONE 25

I reminded her how I always thought eloping was more romantic. We talked for a while and by the end she understood. I’ve always felt that marriage is between the two people and anyone else in the room has the power to suck the love energy away.

We continued to work at the Turf Club until shortly before we moved here. Impaler always played Halloween weekend and always wished us a happy anniversary from the stage. I have a “blood” covered pick from our first anniversary. It is in my curio next to the guest matchbook.

A Hitch in Getting Hitched

by Nick Arnold, of Rock’It Out Entertainment; Tom Ziegler, of Entertainment by Tom; and Ken Szymanski What you are about to read is true. The names and places have been changed to protect the innocent.

The city: Somewhere in central Wisconsin.

CASE #1:

A regrettable punch to the face

It’s springtime. Only small patches of snow remain in the shadowy places the sun can’t reach. The smell of lilac seems to color the mind’s eye purple. Movement is the order of things on this beautiful day. It’s as if time froze solid as ice this winter, but has now come alive again.

Love is in the air.

And me? That’s me over there putting up those speakers. Not yet 20, and so nervous. I’m setting up for my first wedding reception, and I’m as worried as hell.

“If they hate you, tell them it’s your first wedding. They’ll understand,” I told myself.

I was totally unprepared for what was about to happen.

I looked out over the crowd. People mingling happily. Smiles. Full dance floor.

“This isn’t so bad. People are dancing, having a good time. I think I’ll be alright at this whole wedding DJ thing,” I told myself.

I made it through the grand march, garter/bouquet, and all the special dances. Smooth sailing from here on out.

But then, from the back — what’s this?

A scuffle. It looks as though the bride’s brother and the best man are having words. The fathers are stepping in. Maybe they can calm things down.

Oh no! The best man tried to punch the bride’s brother. However, in the nick of time the brother ducked causing the punch to glide unopposed right into the face of the bride, sending her reeling backward. Drinks were placed haphazardly; chairs were tipped; it was a mad monkey pile of fists, and glitter, and tuxedos.

“Oh Jesus Hell.” I muttered under my breath.

But wait. A glimmer of hope. The dance

26 VOLUME ONE

floor has seen none of it. My mind raced, “They’re still going. Oh man, do we fiddle as Rome burns? But if I stop playing it will only compound the problem. Just keep the music going until you hear otherwise.”

I was just about to get an earful of otherwise. “What the **** do you think you’re doing? Didn’t you see all the fighting?” said a rather intimidating, angry-looking woman. “The groom the best man and the father of the bride have all been arrested and you need to stop the music now!”

I shot needles at her with my eyes.

I said, “Whatever.” And took down the

REAL WEDDING RECEPTION ACCOUNTS

BY LOCAL DJS equipment. Needless to say, I will remember that wedding for the rest of my life, but I learned an important lesson that day: some things you can’t dance away.

CASE #2: Meal or No Meal

The hordes of people, all neatly arranged by familial relationship or age, were sitting down to dinner. A nice piece of tenderloin and a chicken breast.

I get to rest a little while. Take a load off and refuel. “The calm before the storm,” I thought. Good god was I wrong.

SONGS TO NEVER PLAY AT A WEDDING • Any break-up song (i.e. Picture by Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow). Brides go nuts when you play that stuff.

• Heavy metal is OK, depending on the crowd.

But always dedicate it to the groomsmen.

• Anything explicit – some couples don’t seem to understand that when you have everything from ages 8 to 80, that Prince’s Pussy Control just isn’t acceptable.

Jan. 08, 2009

• Freebird. End of story.

• I don’t think there is such a thing. For every song, there’s a crowd. For example, one couple’s special song was Metallica’s Fade to Black. They gazed lovingly into each other’s eyes while slow-dancing to the suicide song’s lyrics, “I have lost the will to live …” When the guitars kicked in, all the groomsmen rushed to the floor, air-guitaring and head-banging like there was no tomorrow.

All of a sudden, from somewhere behind me, an elderly gentleman was shouting for help. His wife, a relative of the wedding party, was lurched over at the table. She had collapsed face-first into her plate.

Guests rushed over to the commotion.

One of them says he’s a doctor, another says she’s a nurse.

They brought the less-than-thin woman to her feet, administering the Heimlich maneuver with limited success.

The crowd was restless; pacing, hyperventilating, and unable to divert their attention from the scene.

While the nurse and doctor applied CPR and worked feverishly to clear the blockage from the woman’s throat, paramedics sped to the scene. By the time they charged into the room, the woman’s breathing had returned and people’s eyes shifted to a large piece of steak at her side.

A calm swept through the ballroom.

You could almost feel the air from the crowd’s collective sigh of relief.

Guests helped the woman back to her chair, and silently trudged back to their meals. Eventually, conversations began and their thoughts returned to the newlywed couple.

The rest of the evening went off without a hitch. And as for the woman, well, she must have been all right. I mean, she did finish her meal.

Case # 3: Enter Madman

Another successful evening of dancing. I’ve really got the song list down.

Smiles all around.

Wait a minute. Who’s this guy? As his feet shuffle behind my piles of equipment, all I can see is his Fu Manchu moustache and crooked sneer.

“Dude, play some Ozzy, man,” he muttered, his facial hair wavering as his lips parted and air sneaked through. “Or some Metallica, man, get these people moving.”

Yeah, I’m sure everyone is just waiting for some bat-biting, Napster-hating action around this time. I’m sure 97-yearold grandma Ruth wants nothing more.

I gave in, likely out of fear for my own life or the outside chance that he’s related to the wedding party. Wouldn’t you know it? The dance floor clears, and people send stink eyes over to my direction.

Just as he’d done before, the Fu Manchu dude is standing there on the side, staring at the dance floor, smoking.

He looks like he’s going to kill someone before this night is through.

A few hours pass, and I’ve regained the trust of the dance floor. I open up for requests. Guess who swoops in?

“Play some more Metallica, man!”

At that very moment, the very millisecond “man” left his lips, I pressed play on Toni Basil’s 80s classic Hey Mickey.

As he thrusts his arms into the air, I have a jolt of unconscious recoil, thinking a large knife was going to dart into my sides. But wait, his face is lighting up…and he’s charging to the dance floor!

He’s gone nuts!

I packed up my gear that night and drove home humming Enter Sandman.

I had won over an impossible customer, who wound up dancing like a fool the rest of the night.

Jan. 08, 2009

VOLUME ONE 27

Wedding Tips

FROM FORMER AISLE-WALKERS

by Nick Arnold, Beth Czech, Stefanie Jaeger, Rob Reid, Arwen Rasmussen, Mike & Shannon Paulus, Patti See, Ken Szymanski, and Emily Thierfelder

Gifts Gone Wrong The worst

• A paper shredder • By eloping, you get to avoid the drama of picking the maid of honor and bridesmaids. That’s nice. Not to mention the amount of money saved.

• Consider eloping. My wife Jayne and I eloped not because we were dirt poor and didn’t want to get into debt over a one-day event (no sound business would have lent us the money anyways), but because we wanted to keep the moment private. We met in college, went out for two years, and heard the constant stream of “when ya gettin’ married?”

We always replied with the witty retort (witty in our heads) “Next Tuesday.”

One day, while living in Red Wing (MN), we decided to make an appointment at the court house for a Tuesday. We put on our best corduroy pants, got married in the judge’s chambers, went down to the Mississippi River and threw rocks, had a drink in the St. James Hotel, and then, well you never mind. The families (who got along, so that wasn’t the reason we eloped) were a bit put off naturally and threw us a reception a month later.

Saved us a lot of headaches and money.

We’ve kind of lived our lives together this way since then. Just celebrated our 29th anniversary.

• Best advice is to realize you’re paying for just one day and the important stuff comes throughout the many years

• At the reception, we’re going to delegate a kids’ table and instead of decorating it with the usual centerpiece and other fancy items, cover it in paper and set a box of crayons in the middle or at each place setting, and let the kids go nuts while everyone else is enjoying their meals.

• Don’t spend money on stuff that no one cares about (i.e. party favors). Spend more on stuff that makes or breaks the reception (i.e. a good band)

afterward. I’m afraid so many brides and grooms to be think they have to spend a huge amount of money to make their wedding day special. I did a lowbudget wedding. My bridesmaids bought their dresses for $4.95 at a JC Penney’s outlet mall in Milwaukee. When my sister called home to tell her husband the dress was “four ninety-five,” he thought she meant close to 500 dollars. “Nope,” she said, “under $5.” I wore my mom’s wedding dress from 1948 and had it made-over to suit my tastes (and the six inches of height I have on her). No thousand-dollar gown for me, but it looked like a million bucks. Plus I earned many daughter points for wearing her dress.

• Spend time together at the reception, more than just dinner and a dance or two. People advised us to put people off and really stick together and enjoy the night, and we said “Sure, sure, no problem,” and assumed we’d have plenty of time. Well, the night flew by and now we wished we’d had more time together.

People will pull you in all directions, so be firm. It’s your night.

• We served “heavy” hors devours and made it a real reception as opposed to a dinner. It saved money, and our guests loved being able to “graze.”

• The bride’s wedding dress will be wrecked by the end of the night.

Probably by the beginning of the reception even. Don’t try to fight it.

• Use people you know as much as possible (bakers, florists, photographers, etc.), but make sure they’re good at what they do. This will save money and headaches.

• Never, ever, book a reception hall that has the bar separated from the dance floor (i.e. upstairs, downstairs, partitioned). Otherwise the only people on the dance floor are your fun aunt Judy, her cats, and that one woman who wore a white dress who isn’t the bride. To the left or right of the dance floor is ideal.

• Grooms: hold onto your beer. You will be pulled in all directions. People will want pictures. People will want to you to cut the cake. Aunt Judy will want to dance with you during Funky Town. If you set your beer down every time you are bothered, you will never get it back.

So much wasted brew. So sad.

• Just because the venue offers beer and alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t bring in your own. Ask them about it. You can usually save tons of money not going through the venue, especially on kegs, which are usually overpriced. Get the best man to drive the empties back to the liquor store. The best man will probably agree to anything.

• You will never talk to everyone as much as you’d like. Make an announcement thanking everyone for coming, and how you hope to spend time with as many people as possible, it’s very difficult ... so we appreciate you coming, and please yank on our sleeves before you go if we haven’t had a chance to chat. This puts the burden on the guests to talk to you rather than the other way around.

28 VOLUME ONE

Jan. 08, 2009

wedding gifts

• One of my friends we’ve ever gave us a pizza pan gotten as a wedding present.

It was great, since it was one of the items on our gift registry, but he wrapped it in a used pizza box.

• Our worst gift was a set of teak salad bowls. I didn’t want a piece of the rain forest just for my greens. And it was NOT on our gift registry list.

• When my friend got married, a bunch of women got together to throw her a “lingerie shower.” While the majority of people at the party were friends, her mom was there, too. When she opened her mom’s gift, she found a pair of “granny panties” and a note that went something like this: “Dear Alisha , I thought it would be a little awkward if I got you a sexy nighty or some frilly underwear. I figured it might ruin the mood a little if (your husband) asked where you got the outfit and you said, “My mom.”

I thought these underwear could speak for themselves.”

• 3 separate copies of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off • Commemorative plates that obviously came from Goodwill, because they still had the Goodwill price tags on them.

• Anne Geddes pictures of babies dressed like animals and flowers • A mix CD • My great aunt gave us a quilt. By the looks of it, she must have quilted it during an all-night session where she got progressively more blasted on gin. Either that or she was very slowly falling off her chair while she made it. Or she made it during an earthquake. At any rate, it’s the most crooked thing I’ve ever seen. When we unwrapped it and pulled the lid off the box, we were overwhelmed by the stench of cigarette smoke.

It was as if the quilt had been sealed inside that box with the entire cast of Mad Men and 75 cartons of Pall Malls. We had to run the thing though the wash about 10 times to get it smelling nice. Ironically, we keep it on the family room couch and it gets more use that any other blanket in the house.

• The paperwork for an annulment • We got a photo album from an elderly person that was made with plastic canvas and yarn. Bright yellow yarn. Like, it-hurtsyour-eyes-to-look-at-it bright yellow yarn.

And my memory might be a little foggy, but I think it may have had two canaries kissing on the front.

• We also got a lot of crystal. Crystal vases, bowls, containers with lids. ...What we need a lot of crystal for, I have no idea.

• The worst wedding present for us was one we bought ourselves. A relative gave us cash, and I made a big deal about putting it towards a porch swing. I got a great deal on clearance at Menards. Over time, I realized that it was a completely uncomfortable piece of junk. I couldn’t even give it away, so I ended up throwing it away. I didn’t save the receipt or the box. Why would I? If this relative ever asks me about it, I’ll say don’t blame me ... blame Menards.

Wedding Listings Guide

ALMOST EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PREPARE YOUR WEDDING Tux Rentals

to make your wedding more affordable.

Men’s Warehouse 4619 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire • 831-8457 • www.menswarehouse.com Knights Formal Wear 114 Oakwood Place and 4800

Golf Rd # 114, Eau Claire • 831-7931 and 831-7931 • www.knightsformalwear.com

Dresses

The Bridal Shoppe 2734 Mall Dr, Eau Claire • 834-

8422 • www.thebridalshoppe-ec.com

Foreign 5’s Bridal Sweet 123 North Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls • 723-6389 • www.foreign5.com

David’s Bridal 4840 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire • 552-1828 • www.davidsbridal.com

Flowers

Adalar Floral 1500 S Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 830-

1010 • www.adalarfloral.com • This one-stop floral shop allows you to choose from a diverse selection of reception, ceremony, and wedding party bouquet arrangements.

Avalon European Floral 430 Water St, Eau Claire • 838-

8880 • www.flowersbyavalon.com • With everything from large centerpieces to bouquets and boutonnieres, Avalon offers complimentary consultation to help choose your wedding flowers.

Brent Douglas 224 N Dewey St, Eau Claire • 831-0997

• www.brentdouglas.biz • This florist provides a vast array of rich and bright bouquets for any color palette or theme.

Chippewa Valley Floral 2749 London Rd, Eau Claire • 839-ROSE • www.chippewavalleyfloral.com • Conveniently located next to The Bridal Shoppe, this floral business is known for quality and customer service, as well as contemporary and clean arrangements.

Ann’s Beauty Shop 1906 W Mead St., Eau Claire • 8329888

Attitudes 305 E Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire • 835-8742

Bekki’s N Style 209 N Barstow St., Eau Claire • 834-

3133 • Can serve a six-person wedding party, maximum.

Bravo! Salon and Spa 1120 122nd St. Suite S, Chippe-

wa Falls • 552-3200 • www.bravosalonspa.com • Bridal and wedding party specials available.

A Cut Above 302 E. Central St., Chippewa Falls • 720-

0288 • This team of four stylists and one manicurist can beautify parties of about six. Manicures are $15, pedicures $30, make it French for $5. Updos for $40.

Spring Street Studios LLC 34 W Spring St., Chippewa Falls • 723-3672

Starrs Sister 412 Water St., Eau Claire • 835-0180

Studio 9A Corner of Water St. and 9th Ave., Eau Claire

• 836-9511 • www.studio9a.com • Loads of specials, including the ultimate spa pampering for the bride at $929, beginning one month in advance of the ceremony. Bachelorette parties include a manicure and pedicure, facial or massage, and lunch, beginning at $119 per person.

Trend Setters 5924 33rd Ave., Eau Claire • 874-4247 • Can accommodate large groups. 10 percent discount for the bride’s ‘do, 10 percent discount for the whole party if they’re staying at the adjoining Sleep Inn. Ultimate Family Hair Care 5149 Old Mill Plaza, Suite

1, Eau Claire • 876-6456 • www.ultimatefamilyhaircare. com • Brides receive a free consultation, and may choose from pampering packages starting at $150. A wedding party of four or more is entitled to 10 percent off one week prior to the wedding. Have your party beautified on the wedding day, and the bride receives the discount.

Westside Hairstylists 1522 Westgate Rd., Eau Claire • 834-3232 • Updos starting at $35.

for a group appointment. $100 deposit required for wedding parties. Specialty hairstyles $55-$65.

Styling Gallery 105 N Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • 723-

Kay Jewelers Oakwood Mall, 4800 Golf Road, Eau

Styling Post 33 E Colombia St., Chippewa Falls • 723-

Lasker Jewelers 3705 Oakwood Mall Dr, Eau Claire •

Estilo 438 Water St., Eau Claire • 831-0724 • Call ahead The Garage Salon 45 E Elm St., Chippewa Falls •

723-2396 • www.thegaragesalon.com • Six stylists are available to beautify wedding parties. Manicures begin at $30, pedicures that include a heated stone massage at $50, and special hairstyles at $50.

accommodate wedding parties of about nine. Check for springtime bridal and wedding party special rates.

8626 • Ideal for small parties of three or four.

5111 • Groups of no more than five are welcome. Updos range from $40-$50.

Suite Design Salon LLC 405 S Farwell St., Eau Claire •

Head to Toe Studio 1237A Menomonie St., Eau Claire •

831-1616 • Updos $35.

Loring Tower Salon 927 Loring St., Suite 3, Altoona •

• 833-2231

835-6633 • Can take wedding parties of no more than six.

552-3545

My Friends Place 2519 E Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire

• 552-2745 • www.myfriendsplacespa.com • Receive 20 percent off all services prior to the wedding day. Serves wedding parties of any size.

Penney J C Co Inc. 4770 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 832-

5522 • This salon takes wedding parties of any size. A $20 deposit is required for each party member.

Claire • 657-4654 • www.e4seasons.com • Four Seasons services Eau Claire and Altoona with elegant arrangements for the wedding party, reception, and ceremony.

Pro Cuts 5314 Prill Rd., Eau Claire • 836-7667

422-6297 • www.maysfloral.net • Customized with your favorite flowers and colors. Impeccable and detailed service with imaginative designs to create a memorable and stress-free event. From a vintage look to exotic we cover it all. We also have many items available for rental

Shear Envy 2219 Eddy La., Eau Claire • 833-3590

Touch of Class INK 15 W Spring St., Chippewa Falls • 723-3670 • Updos are $35, $20 for the bride.

Studio 22 1122 Birch St., Eau Claire • 831-0837 • Can

Street, Chippewa Falls • 723-6389 • www.foreign5.com • This full-service garden and floral shop showcases a generous supply of floral décor and arrangements for any taste or style.

May’s Floral Garden 3424 Jeffers, Eau Claire • 800-

• 552-5215 • www.retreatspalon.com • Bridal updos for $80 include two or three practice styles to make the ‘do perfect. Bridal makeup application, with a practice session is $30, and a bridal manicure/pedicure/express facial for $125.

0810

D & D Design Hair Studio 13 N. Bridge St. Chippewa Falls • 723-5923 • Check for occasional bridal and wedding party rates.

Nicole’s Inc. 1037 W Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 8353510 • www.nicolesinc.com • Can accommodate wedding parties of any size for salon or spa services.

Four Seasons Florist, Inc. 117 W Grand Ave., Eau

posit is required. The groom’s package begins at $87.

Bridal packages range from $104 to $276.

Retreat Spalon 3440 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire

Salons

Eau Claire Floral 1824 Brackett Ave, Eau Claire • (877) 610-8847 • www.eauclairefloral.com • Bring your color palette selection and a consultant will help you pick the perfect arrangements for your nuptials.

Foreign 5’s Bridge Street Floral 123 North Bridge

We hope this is an all-encompassing listing of wedding services and providers, but it probably isn’t. If we left you or your business out, please contact us (Trevor@volumeone. org or 552-0457) and we’d be glad to add you.

Sweet Styles LLC 2197 East Ridge Center, Eau Claire The Tannery and Hairbenders 427 Water St., Eau

Claire • 836-7500 • www.tanneryandhairbenders.com • 15 percent off tanning or lotion and 10 percent off of hairstyles for the whole wedding party.

Teresa’s Hair Salon 919 Fairfax St., Altoona • 8352203 • Updos starting at $55.

Totally Pampered 2704 London Rd., Eau Claire • 833-

Panache Salon LLC 8428 Commerce Pkwy., Chippewa Falls • 723-4799

Personal Touch Hair Design 2705 Birch St., Eau Claire • 836-9110

Ravin’ Manes 126 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • 831-1130 • Accomodates wedding parties in the spring and summer months. Call for special wedding party rates.

Re’s Tresses Hair Salon and Spa Haven 303 S Barstow St., Eau Claire • 832-3972 • www.royallypampered.com • Any size wedding party is welcome; an advance de-

Jan. 08, 2009

VOLUME ONE 29

Rings

Helzberg Diamonds Oakwood Mall, 4800 Golf Rd # 12, Eau Claire • 833-2322 • www.helzberg.com Claire • 833-0522 • www.kay.com

835-5914 • www.laskers.com

Williams Diamond Center Inc 2823 London Rd, Eau Claire • 834-9929 • www.williamsdiamond.com

Zales Jewelers Oakwood Mall, 4800 Golf Rd, Eau Claire • 835-5004 • www.zales.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Always Over the Top Photography 3545 Briar Crest

Dr., Eau Claire • 552-2761 • alwaysoverthetopphotography.com • Though Dennis does everything from portraits to events, he specializes in wedding photography.

Ambers Photography 726 Kimberly Dr., Eau Claire •

835-7733 • www.ambersphoto.com • Ambers Photogra-

Wedding Listings Guide continued phy takes pride in photographing cherished events such as weddings. The coverage is complete at the church.

Receptions at a different location are an additional cost.

Andrea Paulseth 829-2232 • Andrea specializes in a

photojournalistic approach and modern/contemporary style, but maintains flexibility based on your vision.

Beyond Photography 1235 Menomonie St., Eau Claire • 864-4894 or 379-5509 • www.photographybeyond.com • Customizable packages, all involving two photographers capturing your wedding.

Bh-Moments Photography 379-9029 • www.bhmoments.

com • Bea captures your most cherished events as they naturally occur and to deliver storytelling images that reflect the personality and lifestyle significant to you.

Chumas Photography 834-7076 • www.chumasphotog-

raphy.com • Intimate, photojournalistic style wedding photography. Also designs save the date cards.

D’Angelo Photography Studio 110 West Main St.,

Menomonie • 231-8180 • www.photographer4u.com • Providing portraits in color, black and white, sepia, or a touch of color, D’Angelo offers sessions with no time limit.

Design by Dawn 456-3066 • www.designbydawnpho-

tography.com • Dawn will spend as much time as it takes to get what you are looking for. If you are looking for some fun contemporary stuff, you are going to get it!

Forever Photography 4286 Mill Ridge Circle, Eau Claire • 839-8504 • www.foreverphotographyonline. com • Clients have described her documentation of their wedding as unique, fresh, and fun.

GK Photography Studio 710 6th Ave., Eau Claire • 2258832 • www.photographybygk.com • Family-owned business with portrait with fashion photography experience.

Holly Peters Photography www.hollypetersphotography. com • Holly’s style is primarily photojournalistic, seeking to capture candid and authentic moments, but she also coordinates and takes traditional group portraits.

Photography 19 Cedar Avenue East, Menomonie • 235-8777 • hybben.com • Peter Hybben promises to preserve each precious moment of your wedding day with care, concern, and artistry.

Hybben

Iris Photographics 834-4747 • www.irisphotographics. com • This company’s shots abandon the traditional, and opt for a look that’s more fun, contemporary, creative,

and different, led by a personality that matches with Eau Claire photographer Drew Kaiser.

Jacobs Photography 4223 114th St, Chippewa Falls • 723-4746 • www.jacobsphoto.net • Strives to give a unique look and feel to the photographs of your most special moments.

JB Photography 874-6084 • www.jbphotoart.com • JB Photography specializes in engagement and wedding photography. We offer a blend of both traditional and photo-journalistic/artistic coverage for your special event.

Jeff Thompson Photography 838- 9962 • www.jeff-

thompson.biz and www.jeffthompsonphoto.com • With over 20 years of photojournalism experience, Jeff is based in Eau Claire but travels as far as the Twin Cities, Madison, or Milwaukee for weddings.

Lauper Photography N30339 North Creek Road, Arca-

dia • (608) 323-7117 • lauperphoto.com • Can provide the traditional as well as the unique wedding photography experience.

Life and Style Photography 642- 0101 • www.lifeand-

stylephotography.com • A husband and wife team with style and flair.

Maux Creative Studio 925 W River St., Suite 1, Chip-

photography.com • Dana and Tammy’s style is to be as little of a distraction during your most important day as possible, while capturing the moments as they come.

T-Bo Photography Design Studio 13541 85th Ave,

Chippewa Falls • 723-7664 • www.tbostudio.com • This quality portrait company resides on Glen Loch, adjacent to Irvine Park, for a peaceful combination of water, trees, sky, and wildlife on thousands of feet of shoreline.

Unique Expressions by Melissa 271-3494 • seeunique. net • Melissa has a photojournalistic and traditional style that is flexible to a couple’s needs.

V Imagery and Design 533-1867 • www.vimageryand-

design.com • A husband and wife photography team in Strum, with a combination of fashionable editorial style and creative techniques!

Van Helden Photography 2737 London Road, Eau

Claire • 835-0955 • www.vanheldenphoto.com • Mark and Audree Van Helden work as a team to deliver your wedding photography. Call for appointments.

CAKES & SWEET THINGS

Buttercream Cakes at Cranberry Cottage 2759 London

Road, Eau Claire • 835-7343 • www.buttercream.info • Call to schedule a consultation and Buttercream will set up a complimentary tasting with over 30 cake flavors, including cheesecake and Bailey’s Irish Cream.

cializes in simple, two-tiered wedding cakes. Custom decorating is available. Delivery is not available.

Frosting Fantasies 456-5860 • www.frostingfantasies. com • Ranging from traditional cakes to special themes or an array of cupcakes, call for your custom creation.

Gordy’s County Market 212 Bay St., Chippewa Falls • 726-2500 • 2717 Birch St., Eau Claire • 836-8246 • Both Gordy’s locations have books with several different styles of cakes for any occasion.

Just Desserts by Dyan N4682 State Rd 25, Menomonie • 231- 2253 • www.justdessertsbydyan.com • An orderonly bakery, Just Desserts will include a free anniversary cake with the purchase of a wedding cake. Every cake starts out with a sketch, specified to your liking.

Lammer’s Food Fest 1409 9th Street, Menomonie • 2352134 • www.lammersfoodfest.com • Lammer’s specializes in tiered wedding cakes, with plenty of frosting, filling, and cake choices to mix and match. Lammer’s offers a wide selection of cake adornments.

Mega Pick’n Save 1201 S Hastings Way, Eau Claire

• 836-8700 • 2615 N Clairemont Avenue • 836-6342 • Eau Claire • 303 E Prarie View Road, Chippewa Falls • 723-5232 • www.megafoods.com • Mega Pick’n Save bakeries can accommodate almost any cake need, from tiers to pillars. Decorators are able transform images into sweet reality. If a square design is desired, the Chippewa Falls location is preferable. Delivery is available.

pewa Falls • 726-8662 • mauxcreativestudio.com • Maux is ready to capture your memorable occasion, and offers personal planning sessions along with location scouting.

The Cake Shop 835-8676 • Specialty cake designer

Obsession Chocolates 310 Water Street, Eau Claire •

• 832-8465 • www.welkephotography.com • Russ does whatever it takes to deliver pictures that are unique, interesting and memorable.

Dairyland Heights 835 Broadway St, Eau Claire • 834-

Ron’s Castle Foods 1031 W Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire • 839-0220 • Head cake designer Amy Thurston invites you to call her to discuss your perfect wedding cake.

Russ Welke Photography 1613 Devney Dr., Altoona

Seyforth’s Studio 20 W Spring St., Chippewa Falls • 723-6047 • Though he’s been shooting for a decade, the Syforth name has been around Chippewa Falls since the 30s. Like the other family businesses, this studio has a great package for the money.

Someone Always There Photography 577-8882 • www.

someonealwaysthere.com • Danica captures the inner beauty of each individual by looking beyond their exterior and reveal their true identity through photography.

Steve Vogels Photography 225-9890 • www.pbase.

com/svogels/wedding-photos • Steve believes, “The goal is not to change your subjects, but for the subject to change the photographer.”

Swanstrom Photography 835-4287 • www.swanstrom-

30 VOLUME ONE

Diane Jump prides herself in her versatility, as she can do almost any cake to suit your needs, including special flavors and shapes. By appointment only.

7551 • www.dairylanddelights.com • Hand-made wedding cakes including sheet cakes and one of the best cheesecakes you’ll ever taste.

Dessert First 210 S. Barstow St, Eau Claire • 833-8440 • www.dessertfirst.com • If you’d like several different types of flavors in your cake, try a Dessert First display, which comes with an endless array of varieties.

Fancy Cakes By Staci 729 W. Spruce St., Chippewa

Falls • 723-4197 • Our cakes are one-of-a-kind, as unique and special as the bride to be. The beauty of the cake is a feast for the eyes while the flavor is a delight for the taste buds. Cake and filling combinations are limitless. Please call to schedule a free cake consultation today and take a look at our portfolio.

Festival Foods 3007 Mall Drive, Eau Claire • 838-1000

• www.festivalfoods.com • Festival Foods’ bakery spe-

Jan. 08, 2009

514-1720 • www.obessionchocolates.com • Make your special day sweeter with cookies, wedding cake-shaped truffles, and chocolate bark.

Sisu Sugarcraft 834-CAKE • www.sisusugarcraft.com •

Specializes in styled cakes of exquisite taste using fresh, local ingredients. The artists look forward to creating designs with your sense of personality and style.

Super Target 3649 S Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 838-

0196 • www.supertarget.com • The Super Target bakery can produce anything in the realm of a three-tiered cake, and decorate it to delight. Delivery is not available, but cakes come fully boxed and ready to go.

Wal-Mart SuperCenter 3915 Gateway Dr, Eau Claire • 834-0733 • Wal-Mart’s bakery will customize cakes to your liking, including tiers.

ANNUAL EVENT

BRIDAL FASHION SHOW AND EXPO a one-stop shop for wedding merchandise

Beginnings Bridal Fashion Show and Expo • Sunday, Jan. 18 • Ramada Inn and Convention Center, 205 S Barstow St., Eau Claire • doors open at 11am, runway style show begins at 2pm • $5 • beginningsbridal.com • We may have collected information from most of the wedding-related vendors in the Chippewa Valley, but Northwest Bridal Association has taken convenience a step further by gathering more than 60 of them for this annual event. Beginning Bridal Fashion Show and Expo, in its 29th year, is the largest bridal show in the area, as vendors and merchandise pack two floors of Ramada Inn and Convention Center. There’s everything from florists, accommodations, and bakers to DJs, photographers, and caterers. The event and runway show will showcase the latest trends and even includes a prize drawing! Tickets are available at The Bridal Shoppe, Younkers, May’s Floral Garden, The Bridal Sweet, Simply Elegant Bridal, or Marry-GoRound. Visit beginningsbridal.com for more information.

Wedding Planners/ Consultants

Amaresa’s N4791 Street Road 25, #531, Menomonie • 235-3038.

Carlson Hill Event Planning + Design 3129 Hidden

Place #5, Eau Claire • 529-0405 • www.carlsonhill.com

Pure Energy Productions 1241 Menomonie St., Eau

Claire • 831-8003

The Wedding Genie 864-9652

The Contenders 715-505-3308 www.contendersband. com • This variety dance music band plays country, rock, and rhythm/blues from 50s to today.

Contradiction www.contradictionrocks.com • Playing the best rock songs from the past four decades, the guys in Contradiction make sure everyone is having a good time.

Elements 828-6214 • www.myspace.com/elementsband • Classic and new rock (70s to today), pop, funk, and a touch of country.

The Fuglys 456-0566 • www.myspace.com/thefuglys54701 • Classic and modern rock with swagger.

Invitations

Big Dot of Happiness 412 Technology Drive E.,

Fully Loadid 829-0329 • www.fullyloadid.com • Wide variety or rock and hard rock (AC/DC, Ozzy, Nickelback, etc.).

Menomonie • 800-274-4282 • www.bigdotofhappiness. com

HGT Band 559-5763 or 834-3450 • Oldies like doo-wop

8422 • www.thebridalshoppe-ec.com

In Kahootz 559-5763 or 834-3450 • Classic rock and

St., Chippewa Falls • 723-4697 • www.creativegraphicscv.com

Sassy Magoo 577-1661 • www.myspace.com/sassyma-

Claire • 858-0315 • www.digitaldaisy.net

Sonic Void www.sonicvoid.com • Plays a mixture of hits from the 70s to current rock, and provides a DJ to play before the band starts and during breaks.

The Bridal Shoppe 2734 Mall Dr, Eau Claire • 834Creative Graphics of the Chippewa Valley 10 W Spring Digital Daisy Productions 1201 S Hastings Way, Eau iDesign 396 Overlook Dr, Ellsworth • 579-6981 • www. mdidesign.net

Picture This 6000 Arndt Road, Eau Claire • 830-9555 • www.mmemorieslast.com

Quick Prints 1315 Broadway St., Menomonie • 2351920

Wilder Graphics 120 N Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • 723-9335

and Elvis.

country, from the 50s to today.

gooband • Variety rock from the 60s to today, plus some originals.

The Thundermen 834-8890 • http://thundermen.com • More than 40 years of experience as a 50s and 60s rock cover band.

Whoz Playing? 608-576-5362 • Hits from the 40s-today.

Performers

Harpist Serena O’Meara 830-5070 • www.omearamu-

Transport

A-1 Party Vans 5219 Shorewood Dr, Eau Claire • 8343068 • Two 15-passenger vans available.

Cody Limousines 1717 Birney St., Eau Claire • 835-

1000 • www.codylimousines.com • Rent the six-passenger “Excalibur,” the 24-passenger trip trolley, 18passenger Hummer, 22-passenger Lincoln Navigator, 10-passenger limo, and more.

Mr. Limo 3234 Melby St, Eau Claire • 831-9337 • mrlimoofeauclaire.com • Rent a 10- or 14-passenger limo, beginning at around $250.

Pro Limousine Service 720-9811 or 836-9580 • www. prolimousine.com • Rent a luxurious 10-passenger limo, or buses such as “The Limbusine” and party bus.

Rock ‘n Roll To Go Luxury Limousines 6517 Pleasant View St, Eau Claire • 839-7951 • www.rnrtogo.com • Check out various packages, including limo versions of Lincoln and Hummer.

Saddle Pals Inc. N2539 County Road Y, Menomonie • 664-8340 • Hire a horse-drawn carriage for wedding day transport.

BANDS

Bear Creek Band 672-4491 • www.bearcreekband.com

and www.myspace.com/tbcb2007 • This four-piece variety band from Durand plays cover tunes from Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond to Patsy Cline and Joan Jett, along with some originals.

Big Deeks 456-1046 • www.bigdeeks.com • Big Deeks

play a variety of music from the 50s to now, including some country, and also offer a DJ service during breaks.

Changing Subjects www.changingsubjects.com • 308-

0502 • This Chippewa Falls band plays the best dance music from the 70s to today.

Jan. 08, 2009

sic.com • Classical, hymns, new-age, Celtic, or pop. She can also accompany others.

Pianist Laurie Lee Escher 210-3695

Trillium Flutes 4602 Bogey Ave, Eau Claire • 839-7849 • www.trilliumflutes.com • Traditional wedding favorites and elegant, background music for receptions is our specialty. Select our full quartet, trio or duo to match you event size and budget needs.

Trumpeter Andrew Dziuk 651-335-6535 Trumpeter Shane Siverston 839-0932

Vocalist Cathy Reitz 7835 Blue Valley Dr, Eau Claire • 874-5537 • Wedding music, sacred or secular, sophisticated jazz combo, or a classic big band with girl singer.

DJs

All Occasions DJ Service 829-7413 • www.alloccasionsdjservice.net • Besides its reasonable prices, All Occasions also offers more hours per package than most DJ services.

AV Live 1618 Clearwater Ridge Ct, Eau Claire • 379-

8497 • www.getdjmusic.com • From the moment you first contact them, to the last dance you share, AV Live will be there with you every step of the way.

Blue Moon DJ 6538 50th Avenue, Chippewa Falls • www.bluemoondj.com • Owner and DJ Peggy Nelson will play your choice of tunes, ranging from the 1940s to today.

Blue Thunder DJ 235-3280 • www.bluethunderdjs.com • Customizes the playlist to you. Features a full light show and the best equipment abailable.

Entertainment by Tom 213-5707 www.partypop.com/ Vendors/4124180.htm • Over 6,000 songs for your listening and dancing pleasure featuring blues, swing, jazz, pop, rock, and country (don’t forget the polka).

Midwest Entertainment 216 2nd Ave, Eau Claire • 563VOLUME ONE 31

Wedding Listings Guide continued 4748 • A DJ and Master of Ceremonies company, Midwest offers in-person consultation to personalize your reception’s music.

Music in Motion Disc Jockeys 835-6663 • www.mu-

sicinmotiondj.com • Pre-wedding consultations and a selection of packages, including lighting effects, dinner music, and a wireless mic.

Party Hits 3114 Alf Ave, Suite #2, Eau Claire • 836-7967

• www.partyhitsmusic.com • Party Hits’ mission is simply to keep your party going from the first tune to the last, with plenty of variety and just enough personality.

PartyTunes 579-5790 • Veteran Top-40 radio DJ with an

extensive music collection tailored to your event.

Pure Energy Productions 1241 Menomonie St Suite C,

Eau Claire • 831-8003 • www.thatsmyparty.com • Packages can include bubbles, fog, a wedding CD, projector and video screen with photo montage production, a wireless mic for toasts, and special lighting.

Rock’It Out Entertainment 834-3857 • With more than

10 years of experience, Nick Arnold guarantees you a fun, affordable, and hassle-free reception experience.

Rock n Roll To Go 6517 Pleasant View St, Eau Claire

• 839-7951 • Providing quality DJ entertainment for 25 years, put Rock n Roll To Go’s experience to work.

Shawtown Productions 13249 38th Ave, Chippewa Falls • 720-8807 • www.shawtown.com • With their excellent sound and lighting systems and large selection of music, Shawtown will make your wedding reception the success it should be.

Solid Gold Entertainment 1625 Eddy Lane, Eau Claire

• 835-4996 • eauclairedjs.com • This DJ company’s specialty is weddings, from the dinner music to the hours upon hours of dance music.

ZENON DJ Entertainment N4439 440th St., Menomonie

• 235-7769 • zenondj.com and vqfun.com • A unique DJ/

Emcee interactive flare, advanced Audio equipment, and a customized light show.

Videographers

Bill Olson Video and Iconostar Productions 835-6446 •

www.billolsonvideo.com

Complete Video Productions 20175 77th Ave., Chippewa Falls • 830-9779 • www.complete-video.com

Digital Daisy Productions 668 Wisconsin St., Eau Claire • 858-0315 • www.digitaldaisy.net

Egan Creative Services 832-2037

EZ New Media 962-4660 • ezlink.net

Moments Video Productions 925 Fairmont Ave, Eau

Claire • 828.3258 • www.momentsvideoproductions. com

The Post House 800 Wisconsin St., Eau Claire • 858-

0454 • www.theposthouse.tv

Sound Unlimited/Dream Video N7302 State Road 25,

Menomonie • 235-0248 • www.soundunlimiteddreamvideo.com

Studio One Teleproductions 2904 Moon Ave., Eau Claire • 832-4677 • www.studio-one.net

Thomas Video Studio 3621 E Hamilton Ave., Eau Claire • 832-4349 • www.thomasvideostudio.com

Places to Rent

A1 Express Rental Center 2515 Mall Dr., Eau Claire

• 834-2727 • www.a1expressrental.com • Choose from an assortment tents, fine china, chocolate fountains, arches, and much more. A Wedding and Party Specialist will assist in rental and planning.

32 VOLUME ONE

Avalon Hotel & Conference Center 1009 W Park Ave.,

Chippewa Falls • 723-2281 • www.avalonhotelchippewafalls.com • A ballroom will entertain up to 400 guests and the gold wedding package includes a whirlpool suite. Blocks of rooms can be made available for wedding guests.

Briggs Tent & Party Rental 3350 Horlacher Lane, Eau

Claire • 839-0218 • www.briggstent.com • This large party rental company offers an extensive list of equipment including tables, linens, gazebos, tents, dance floors, lighting, and more.

Cabin Ridge Rides 4271 220th St, Cadott • 723-9537

or 723-0960 • www.cabinridgerides.com • The wedding chapel at this 400-acre facility overlooks Paint Creek and a beautiful woods, and accommodates 150 guests.

Arrangements can be made for the bride (and five others) to arrive via carriage.

Christ Church Cathedral 510 South Farwell St., Eau Claire • 835-3734 • Large ballroom on the second floor of the church is a reception area available for rent.

Creative Farming Studios 770 Kennedy Ave., Fall Creek • 577-5714 • www.creativefarmingstudios.com • Five-acre farm for outdoor ceremonies and a 92-yearold barn for indoor receptions and ceremonies to seat between 200-250 people.

Eau Claire Country Club 828 Clubview Ln, Altoona • 836-8423 • www.ecgcc.com • A stone fireplace and wood crafted interior sets the tone for a reception that will accommodate up to 250 guests.

The Enchanted Barn 330 South Main St., Rice Lake • 254-1557 • www.theenchantedbarn.com • An 1880’s barn loft that has been transformed into a romantic chapel space that can also be used for a reception and/or dance. Holds up to 215 guests.

Epiphany Lutheran Church 3031 Epiphany Lane, Eau Claire • 835-9155 • www.epiphanyec.org • Gymnasium can accommodate at least 150 people.

Fanny Hill 3919 Crescent Drive, Eau Claire • 836-8184

• www.fannyhill.com • Up to 200 wedding guests can enjoy either an outdoor garden setting or the indoor

Jan. 08, 2009

Riverview Ballroom option. With views of the Chippewa River and patio with a tiki bar, Fanny Hill offers seasonal wedding options. Complimentary services include decoration, consultation, and centerpieces.

Fox Run Golf Club 1515 S 65th Ave, Eau Claire • 3664653 • www.foxrungc.com/banquet • Up to 300 can be seated indoors, while the outdoor deck seats 30.

Florian Gardens 2340 Lorch Ave., Eau Claire • 8328836 • www.thefloriangardens.com • Choose from three elegant ballrooms or one of the gardens, each with its own style and setting, with up to 600 guests. Also offers catering specialists to assist in meal planning.

Heyde Center for the Arts 3 South High St, Chippewa Falls • 726-9000 • www.cvca.net • The rates for this three-floor center depend on the amount of space rented, as well as options such as equipment rental, beverages, sound/light personnel, and more.

Houligans 415 S Barstow St, Eau Claire • 835-621 •

www.houligans.net • For a more intimate crowd, about 100 people can fit in Houligans private bar for sit-down, buffet and appetizer-style functions.

Lake Wissota Golf Course 16108 97th Avenue South,

Chippewa Falls • 382-4780 • www.lakewissotagolf. com • This venue offers an 18-hole golf course, a dining room that seats over 300, a full-service bar, a dance floor, and a view of beautiful Lake Wissota.

Mabel Tainter Theater 205 Main St., Menomonie •

www.mabeltainter.com • For a Victorian-style wedding or reception, Mabel Tainter offers a myriad of rentals, including a pipe organ, white pedastals, a baby grand piano, and lighting and sound tech personnel.

Metropolis Hotel 5150 Fairview Dr., Eau Claire • 8526000 • www.metropolishotel.com • Metropolis’ banquet room can accommodate about 250 people, and wedding parties can choose from five specialty suites, including a honeymoon suite.

The Plaza Hotel & Suites 1202 West Clairemont Ave.,

Eau Claire • 834-3181 • www.plazaeauclaire.com • Choose from the Crystal Ballroom, Four Seasons Room, or the Two Rivers ballrooms, which includes views of

the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers. The Plaza can accommodate a dinner of up to 650 guests.

Ramada Inn & Convention Center 205 S Barstow St.,

833-2233 • www.camillescafe.com • With everything from fresh veggies to sandwiches and salads, Camille’s offers a fresh, healthy alternative to the typical hot and greasy catering experience.

VENUE

Eau Claire • 835-6121 • www.ramadaeauclaire.com • Catering is available, in addition to a variety of banquet and reception rooms that hold anywhere from 30 to 900 guests.

Connell’s Supper Club 3800 Starr Ave, Eau Claire, in Chippewa Valley Regional Airport • 833-9400 • Connell’s can handle your needs, whether it be breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with items running from eggs to lobster.

Sea Horse Inn 2106 N Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 834-4356 • Best for smaller wedding parties, with a dining room that holds 50-60, and options for the basement and outdoors.

Draganetti’s 3120 Hillcrest Pkwy, Altoona • 834-9234 • www.draganettis.com • Customize your catering experience from most of this Italian eatery’s menu.

Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center 5872 33rd Ave,

Fill-Inn Station 04 West Columbia Street, Chippewa Falls

Eau Claire • 874-2900 • Sleep Inn’s ballroom can seat between 300 and 400 people, and the hotel has 72 rooms.

• 723-8282 • www.fillinnstation.com • Can accommodate up to 275 wedding guests in its banquet hall, roomy enough to include a DJ and dancing. Choose from a buffet-style meal or a menu of traditional banquet plates.

St. Mary’s Church and Community Center 1828 Lynn

Ave, Altoona • 835-1012 • www.stmary-altoona.com • The Community Center provides reception space for up to 450 guests and includes a catering service.

Fischers & Company Catering 2333 Hillcrest Pkwy,

Altoona • 832-9711 • www.fischersgreen.com • Fischers will personalize and customize any event of any size and budget.

Stella Blues 306 E Madison St, Eau Claire • 855-7777

• www.stellablues.biz • This Cajun-inspired space will accommodate up to 200 guests for hor d’eouvres and cocktails.

Fox Run Catering 1515 S 65th Ave, Eau Claire • 8355630 • www.foxrungc.com/banquet • Fox Run offers a catering menu that includes selections for breakfast, brunch, luncheons, casual and fine dining and hors d’ oeuvres. For parties of 40 or more, choose a wonderful buffet style dinner with several choices.

Various Parks in Chippewa Falls 723-0051 • www. ci.chippewa-falls.wi.us • Some restrictions, depending on park. Tip: Irvine Park is a local favorite.

Various Parks in Eau Claire 839-5032 • www.eau-

clairewi.gov/content/category/24/86/142/ • For outdoor ceremony or reception plans at parks such as Phoenix, Owen, Carson, Riverview, Wilson, and Mt. Simon.

Some have restrictions, such as not allowing alcoholic beverages. Tip: Rod and Gun Park is an insider favorite for outdoor wedding events.

Various Parks in Menomonie 232-1664 • www.meno-

monierecreation.org • Register online for parks such as Wakanda, Cedarama, Crescent, Elmwood, Fowlers, La Point, Lakeside, Lakeview, Leisure Center, Phelan, Wilson, Stokke, Sanna, Riverside, and Point Comfort. Some restrictions, depending on park.

VisionQuest Entertainment Center N4439 440th St.,

Menomonie • 235-7769 • www.vqfun.com • This banquet facility seats more than 500, provides complete set-up and clean up, catering, and a DJ service including dinner music. In addition, the facility provides two large video screens and an entertainment center with pool, air hockey, and video games. Also offers an outside ceremony.

Westgate Sportsman’s Club 4909 Sportsman Dr., Eau

Claire • 832-4548 • www.ecwestgate.com • Two banquet rooms will accommodate up to 400 guests, and a full, private bar, PA system, and stage are all a part of this club’s set-up. Also provides transportation to and from local hotels.

Wild Ridge Golf Course 3905 Kane Road, Eau Claire • 834-1766 • www.wildridgegolf.com • Amidst an 18-hole course, Wild Ridge provides a scenic background for a wedding with a pavilion that accommodates 280 people.

Caterers

Alchemy Family Farm 12453 Cty Hwy DD, Colfax •

271-2094 • alchemyfamilyfarm.org • This sustainable alternative specializes in locally produced foods, such as the herbs and vegetables from its own farm and other local products you may see at the farmer’s markets.

Annabell’s Catering 103 Cherry Avenue West, Plum City • 647-4490 • www.annabellscatering.com • Annabell’s

THE BARN DOOR IS OPEN a unique space for your special occassion

Open House Event • Saturday, Jan. 10 • Creative Farming Studios, 770 Kennedy Ave., Fall Creek • 4-10pm • $5 • www.creativefarmingstudios.com • By late 2012, Joel Schwartz hopes to transform the property he grew up on into an outdoor music venue comparable to Alpine Valley in East Troy. As of right now, however, Schwartz, with the help of a friend and his fiancé, has transformed the five-acre hobby farm into Creative Farming Studios, an eclectic venue for outdoor and indoor events such as concerts, art shows, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, reunions, and, of course, weddings. The property’s “crown jewel” is a 92-year-old dairy barn built with artistic flare. The milking parlor is now an art gallery, behind which resides a lounge with comfy chairs, tables, and an intimate bar, and above which is a large open loft. The beautiful foyer and entrance, sandwiched between two silos, entices you in from the three acres of flower-filled fields and guest house (also available for rent). If you’re looking for a unique venue for your special day, this one likely qualifies. If you don’t believe us, check it out for yourself at this open house event with music by Aaron Williams and The Hoodoo, from Madison, and Sean Carlson and Lindsay Cummings.

wide service area includes Eau Claire. This caterer offers a variety of buffet services or plated dinner selections.

Black Tie Catering 690th Street, Menomonie • 664-8430

• cateringbyblacktie.com • Unlike some caterers, Black Tie allows you to build your own meal, instead of having specific menu items.

Bluegold Dining W.R Davies Center, Room 227, UW-

Eau Claire • 836-3882 or 836-2632 • www.uwec.edu/

Jan. 08, 2009

dining/catering • University Catering can serve groups of more than 650 guests. Offering an extensive menu of meal choices and a variety of dessert options, including a three-tiered cake.

Bresina’s Carry Out 10 Jefferson Ave, Chippewa Falls

• 723-7869 • This buffet-style caterer can serve a group of any size.

Camille’s 1120 122nd St., Suite 3, Chippewa Falls •

VOLUME ONE 33

Franzwa’s 800 Wisconsin St., Eau Claire • 830-0075 • www.franzwas.com • Friendly and Personal custom catering service that starts with a personal interview to determine the homemade foods and needs to cater your event. Then together we can build a menu to fit your needs, not ours.

Haymarket Grill 101 Graham Avenue, Eau Claire • 552-

3400 • www.haymarketgrill.com • Catering for all event sizes and styles; buffet, table service, or course dinners.

The extensive, unique menu offers seafood, steak, and vegetarian options.

Jackblack Catering 1312 Main St., Bloomer • 568-4464 • Customize your menu to exactly what you want from a large list of options.

Lammer’s Food Fest 1409 9th Street, Menomonie • 235-2134 • www.lammersfoodfest.com • Known for its great-tasting food, hospitality, and attention to detail.

Lucy’s Delicatessen 117 N Bridge St, Chippewa Falls

• 720-9800 • Lucy’s will customize your orders with its menu of sandwiches, pizza, soup, meat/cheese platters, and more.

Mancino’s 4056 Commonwealth Ave. and 809 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 835-4000 and 835-4100 • www.mancinoseauclaire.com • For information about Mancino’s full-menu catering, available for rehearsal dinners or receptions, visit one of its locations.

Rainbow Catering 4156 132nd Street, Chippewa Falls •

726-9598 • Choose buffet-style catering or table service, for wedding events of any size.

Sweetwaters 1104 W Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 8345777 • www.sweetwatersec.com • Offers a wide variety of entrees and buffets, and will design special menus or offer suggestions that might meet your budget guidelines.

UW-Stout Catering 160 Merle Price Commons UW-Stout,

Menomonie • 232-2134 • www.uwstout.edu/dining/unv_ catering.html • Have your wedding catered out, or in one of the university’s three immense event spaces. Choose from a menu of gourmet items, including desserts.