The Wedding Day Sourcebook Winter 2023

Winter

2023

Published by: Technigraphics / CJC|creative P.O. Box 916, West Springfield, MA 01090 (413) 737-1152

Publisher: Jim Powers

jim@weddingsourcebook.com

Editor: Lisa Powers lisa@weddingsourcebook.com

Distribution

Distributed at no charge to locations in the Greater Springfield area, including but not limited to: Agawam, Amherst, Belchertown, Brimfield, Chicopee, Deerfield, Easthampton, East Longmeadow, Enfield, Feeding Hills, Granby, Hampden, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Ludlow, Monson, Northampton, Palmer, Somers, Southampton, Southwick, South Hadley, Springfield, Sturbridge, Suffield, Three Rivers, Westfield, West Springfield, and Wilbraham.

Look for a new Sourcebook issue at your local public library, bridal shops, florists, bakeries, banks, and many other locations, including our advertiser’s businesses.

Policies

The entire contents are copyright ©2023 and no portion of any article or ad may be reproduced by any means without prior permission of the publisher. Technigraphics shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad, or for typographical errors in publication, except to the extent of the cost of the space in which the actual error occurred.

Advertising Sales & Information: (413) 737-1152

lisa@weddingsourcebook.com

Display Ad rates are as low as $250 per issue

All ads include a presence on www.weddingsourcebook.com and receive digital promotion monthly. Discounts available for multi issue purchases. To appear in the next issue, your ad and payment must reach us by the deadline below.

Spring 2023 Deadline

publisher’s corner

2022 was such a crazy, fun, challenging and amazing year for weddings. 2023 is shaping up to be another wonderful time for wedding celebrations. Our main recommendation overall is if you’ve found a wedding professional or business you wish to work with for your wedding, don’t delay booking your date with them. Be sure to have a detailed contract to convey all the details and be prepared to give a good deposit so you can lock in your date. This year we’re seeing refreshing and colorful elements being considered with the addition of bold color or accents. The Pantone color of the year, called Viva Magenta, is a perfect compliment for weddings. It can be simply added as napkin, linen and tabletop compliments or just a combination of complimenting flowers for the wedding that can carry the flow of color throughout. We’ll see a mix of bridesmaids’ dress options that allow the attendees to pick the style of dress that makes them confident and comfortable on the day of the wedding but in a color palette that the bride requested. We expect to see some beautiful, personal, fun weddings in the coming season! We hope to feature them here, in the Wedding Day Sourcebook!

Congratulations again!

Jim and Lisa Powers Publishers, The Wedding Day Sourcebook

Lemelin Photography

W23V2

Attend the Area’s Most Amazing

One Day Bridal Event at the MassMutual Center

Upcoming bridal event showcases the area’s best wedding professionals

Attending a bridal show while you’re planning your wedding is a time saver and most effective tool in wedding planning and almost like a rite of passage. After all, there’s no better way to shop and compare wedding services, meet wedding professionals in person and even see the latest trends all in one day? A bridal show.

You can get a jump on planning your upcoming wedding, meeting the wedding professionals you need and have some fun while doing it!

The Western New England Bridal Show takes place on November 5th at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, MA from 113pm. It’s an amazing day that will bring together the area’s finest wedding professionals, products and services for an exciting one-day Spring bridal event.

All kinds of benefits are in store for engaged couples attending this event!

Get your advance discount tickets! Get your wedding party, family or friends together and come for a day of fun! Advance tickets are available at www.cjcevents.com.

Bridal Goodie Bag! Grab one of these awesome bags as you head in. It’s usually filled with great discounts, samples, candy and more.

Get Inspired! View amazing displays and meet talented wedding professionals and businesses on the show floor. View beautiful flowers, enjoy food samples and find your dream venue. Enjoy Pop-up shopping, photo booth experiences, and watch chef demonstrations. Plus you’ll find wedding and bridesmaids gowns and men’s attire too.

Live Entertainment! Listen to wonderful live music as you wander the amazing displays.

Taste the cake! This bridal show will feature amazing wedding cakes and delicious treats.

Giveaways! You’ll be entered to win. Plus you’ll find surprises, giveaways and more.

Follow The Western New England Bridal Show Facebook page, Instagram or on the website for show updates, details and ticket availability.

November 5, 2023 11-3pm

The Western New England Bridal Show at the MassMutual Center, 1277 Main Street, Springfield, MA www.cjcevents.com

Bridal Show Planning Tips!

Are you planning on attending a bridal show?

Looking for some inspiration and information?

Lets get you prepared for a day of fun and inspiration!

Create a Wedding Email Address

This gets you organized, keeping all your wedding planning information together in one account. It helps you keep conversations with vendors and businesses organized and out of your daily email box.

Get Advance Tickets!

Some shows offer free or advance discount tickets if you register in advance of the event. This will save you time getting into the show.

Don’t Forget the Wedding Party!

Brides, grooms, attendants, family, anyone helping to plan this wedding could attend! A recommendation to consider: as much as you may like to bring little ones, especially flower girls, to this event, it can be overwhelming for them. We always suggest leaving them home.

Bring Labels!

One of the easiest ways to leave your information with a wedding professional that you’re interested in is to have a pre-printed label with your name, wedding date and contact info. You can also enter to win show specials or giveaways by just sticking a label on their signup slip.

Wear Comfortable Shoes!

You’ll be walking a bit, looking through displays, standing while speaking with wedding professionals. Make sure you have comfortable shoes on your feet as you’ll be covering a lot of ground.

Make Sure That You Eat!

There’s sure to be concession stands, food samples and delicious cake to taste. Make sure you eat and stay hydrated as all the goodies come your way.

Take Notes and Information!

If you find a wedding professional or business you want to work, with be sure to pick up a business card or flyer and mark it so you know you liked them and why. You can always follow up with them after the show. Don’t be afraid to take some information on a wedding professional or business you may not be ready to even talk to yet. You can use it after the show to look up their website, social media and connect with them after the show.

Have Fun!

Enjoy the show! Wedding professionals and businesses are there to help you with your wedding plans, to assist you with finding your style, wedding inspiration and point you in the right direction to all those things you may need to have an amazing celebration. Take time to have fun in photo booths, sample food, talk to the experts and taste the cake! It’s time to celebrate!

Wedding Planning Do List… and D ’ts...

The pressure for the perfect wedding. The overwhelming feeling that having an amazing wedding to envy all others, social media shared, Instagram-Pinterest imaged packed wedding that can cause an engaged couple just too much stress. Lets share some dos and don’t suggestions to keep you focused and on track.

The Pros

Do hire wedding professionals for your wedding. For your protection they should be licensed and insured and you should always ask for a contract with details so everyone understands what is included and what to expect from them. Do view their social media sites, their website, galleries and reviews to find your best fit. Don’t think about hiring your friends, “friendors” as its best not to put a valued friendship on the line if things don’t go as promised, even if you consider them close friends.

Don’t extend yourself. DIY is not always the best option. It may save some money, but it doesn’t always save time and in many ways might even cause problems.

Wedding Dress/Attire

Do pick the wedding dress or attire you love. It should make you feel beautiful, comfortable and confident. Take your time and be open minded, considering even an unexpected look.

Don’t fall to pressures from family or friends when it comes to selecting your dress. This is your day, your look.

Veils

Don’t ditch the veil. We remember Randy Fenoli saying “a bride is not a bride until she puts on the veil.”

Do find a veil that fits your dress and style.

Bunnell Photography

Invitations

Do invite those family members and friends that you actually have relationships with that are a part of your journey. Those people will mean the most to you.

Don’t feel the need to invite people that you haven’t been in touch with for years. Limiting the number of guests will allow you to spend more time enjoying your wedding with people you love who mean the most to you.

Stop and Enjoy

Breathe it in. You planned this amazing day, take a moment to breathe it in. Do take time for special moments, romantic kisses and a quiet glass of champagne together.

Do try to enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests.

You Should Eat

Don’t go hungry! Make sure you have something delicious to eat during your prep time before the ceremony. You won’t be “hangry” when you’re getting ready.

Do drink water to stay hydrated and clear headed so you can enjoy every moment of the ceremony. Avoid the champagne or mixed drinks until the reception. Do make sure you eat at your reception. Actually sit down and enjoy the fabulous menu you selected. Relax and enjoy it. Don’t let guests or festivities take you away from enjoying your meal.

Let There Be Cake

Do take the time to eat some wedding cake. You took the time to pick a beautiful cake with amazing flavor, do enjoy it. Don’t smash cake. No one likes cake smashed in the face with frosting in hair and makeup ruined. That’s a big Don’t! Wedding cake not your style, try cupcakes or a wonderful dessert table for variety.

Dance Lessons

Take a few dance lessons so you’ll feel more confident and shed that two left-feet feeling. Don’t feel the pressure to do a group dance, especially if it’s not you.

Photography

Photography at a wedding is so important. It’s what you have left after the celebration is over with memories to cherish. Do reserve a photographer that

gets you and your desires, style and value. Don’t skimp here. Consider the photographers options when it comes to second shooters who would capture more details, different viewpoints and as a team can capture the best moments together.

Videography

Don’t dismiss videography when it come to your wedding. This is another option that will last forever. So many couples second guess booking video as not a necessity, but its value is huge. Capturing moments, people and family you can look back on.

Enjoy!

Don’t drink too much yet enjoy your wedding and reception. Pause and take in the moments, the décor, the music, the connection with family and friends. Make lasting memories of an amazing day. Don’t feel the pressure to come up with things that are just not you, not personal or just for looks. Your wedding doesn’t have to be perfect, just enjoy it.

Photo Courtesy of Pete’s Sweets

37th Annual CONNECTICUT BRIDAL EXPO

January 7-8, 2023

CT Convention Center 100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford CT 06103

33rd Annual SPRINGFIELD WEDDING & BRIDAL EXPO

January 14-15, 2023

Better Living Center “Home of the BIG E” 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA 01089

16th Annual WORCESTER BRIDAL EXPO

January 21-22, 2023

DCU Center 50 Foster Street, Worcester, MA 01608

10th Annual KC101 BRIDAL EXPO

January 28, 2023

Oakdale Theatre 95 S Turnpike Rd Wallingford, CT 06492

22nd Annual WESTCHESTER COUNTY BRIDAL EXPO

January 29, 2023

Westchester Marriott, 660 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591

20th Annual KISS 95.7 HARTFORD BRIDAL EXPO

March 26, 2023

Hartford XL Center 1 Civic Center Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103

Trending Trends

New ways to make memories

Absolute Photo Booth brings you a new audio guest book that resembles an old-fashioned telephone! Guests can leave their well wishes or funny stories for the bride and groom to enjoy for many years!

www.absolutephotobooth.com

Mobile bars provide a unique bar experience for guests, The Tipsy Horse is a beautifully restored horsebox that brings it’s unique style to any wedding. Versatile usage, The Tipsy Horse is a dry hire. You hire the Tipsy Horse and stock it with the alcohol, beverages & consumables. They can direct you to TIPS certified bartenders or work with your catering company.

www.thetipsyhorsema.weebly.com

Live Event Painting is a unique and entertaining wedding and event service where a talented artist, a painter, creates a painting for the couple from start to finish as the event takes place. It’s wonderful to watch and will last a lifetime.

www.beretandbrush.com

The best wedding colors are the ones you love. After all, it’s your big day, so you should choose a wedding color scheme that makes you happy. An upward trend are bright colors for dresses, décor and flowers. We can see that coming with the Pantone 2023 color of the year, Viva Magenta. Such a wonderful color, we look forward to seeing all the color compliments for weddings this year!

Metallics are hot! Mirror balls in various sizes, metallic spheres and even shapes bring in the sparkle. Hanging from the ceiling, inside tents with or without greenery for an added touch, and even added to décor elements in a room bring in style and uniqueness.

www.cjclighting.com

Shelby & Michael

Shelby and Michael’s Wedding Team

Photographer

Lemelin Photography

Reception Location

Granite Links, Quincy MA

Bride’s Dress Going To The Chapel

Attendants Dresses

David’s Bridal

Groom/Groomsmen Attire

Men’s Wearhouse

Invitations

Designed and created by the bride and her mom using the company Truly Engaging.

Photobooth

Funfotos2go

Florist

Sarah’s Garden

Band and Ceremony music

The 1999 band/dj combo with acoustic trio

Hair/Makeup

Alicia Rush Makeup

Cake Montilio’s Bakery

Rings

Sayegh Jewelers

On a beautiful August day, the wedding of Shelby and Michael took place at Granite Links in Quincy, MA. A romantic setting with the Boston skyline in view, the color palette of rose, blush and warm tones of pinks and coral with pops a greenery set the stage for this romantic New England wedding.

Shelby and Michael had a vision for their wedding with great attention to details. The bride gave her father a sewn heart patch to go in his suit which was a photo of Shelby as a child wearing her mother’s wedding dress during “dress up!”

The groom, Mike, loves football so for the vows they had the ushers do a ceremonial coin flip to determine who would give and receive their vows first. It was very funny and memorable, letting the couples’ personalities shine.

Next, the newly married couple were get escorted down to the Quincy Quarries for photos taken by the ruins. It was an opportunity to spend some romantic moments being newly married.

On to the celebration with cocktails on the patio. Special floral details were used throughout the venue. The bride had personalized sneakers and a second dress to change into for the reception.

The best part of the reception, the Boston skyline in the background, a city where this couple met, fell in love and live.

Photo by Lauren Hawkins

Jenny & Ryan

Jenny and Ryan’s Wedding Team

Photographer

Seth Kaye Photography

Ceremony + Reception Location

Tekoa Country Club

First Look Location

Stanley Park

DJ, Uplighting, and Photobooth Visual Sound Productions

Videographer

Jpod Films

Florist The Flower Box

Party Bus

Michael’s Party Rentals

Jenny & Ryan had a beautiful wedding day with a first look and wedding party portraits at Stanley Park in Westfield, and then had their ceremony and reception at Tekoa Country Club, also in Westfield. Their day began with Jenny and her bridesmaids getting ready at the Sheraton in downtown Springfield, and Ryan getting ready with his groomsmen at his parent’s home in Southwick. The guys made their way to Stanley Park for the first look while a party bus picked up Jenny and her bridesmaids, bringing them to the same spot. Ryan got a little emotional seeing Jenny in her wedding dress for the first time, and they took a few moments to be with one another before the rest of the day was upon them. We followed that up with wedding party portraits and then some of just the two of them, recreating photos Jenny’s parents made on their own wedding day in the same spots. From there it was a short drive to Tekoa Country Club where Jenny & Ryan were married in an outdoor ceremony witnessed by family and friends. There was then a toast in the bridal suite and a series of family portraits on the edge of the golf course during the cocktail hour.

Their parents and wedding party were introduced into the reception, and when it was their turn to enter the DJ put a spotlight on the door which made it that much more impressive. Jenny & Ryan then shared a first dance which was followed by a maid of honor toast and a best man toast.

Ryan danced with his mother after he and Jenny cut their wedding cake, and after dinner there was dancing and a light show as the DJ had everyone dancing.

The O-Tones

Swing, Soul, Blues, Motown, Jazz, Oldies

Music for ceremony, cocktails, dinner, & dancing singers, guitar, piano, sax, bass & drums

Cakes & Flowers Wedding

Let Atkins’ experienced designers create extraordinary wedding cakes & flowers that perfectly reflect your individual style... all to your exact specifications.

We assure you of the finest, freshest quality flowers and made-from scratch cakes, masterfully prepared and carefully delivered to make your celebration even more memorable!

Route Call for a consultation today. (413) 253-9528 View Our Gallery Online At: www.AtkinsFarms.com

MusicalMemoriestoCherishForever (413)341-3481 petersonprodj.com Named by BuzzFeed as one of fifteen absolutely stunning WEDDING VENUES in the country* *2015 article for venues under $3000 Booking now for 2021-2022! www.opensquare.com/Mill1 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS OF WONDERFUL WEDDINGS

Having a Dog in Your Wedding?

Do you have a dog that you would like to include in your special day? With a little advance legwork, you can feel confident to include your dog in your wedding. Afterall, they are family too!

Before you go full steam ahead and include your dog by your side on your wedding day, you need to think about what’s best for your dog. Would there be too much stress or anxiety? Too many people to make him or her overwhelmed or possibly act out? If so, maybe it would not be the best thing for them or you should scale back your doggie wedding dreams to something they can handle. Remember, you’re going to be busy on your wedding day so you’ll need a trusted friend, family member or even hire someone to tend to your dog, to be the main caregiver during the day. Depending on the “assignment” you think your dog can handle, like walking down the aisle, sitting nicely for pictures and just hanging out, someone you trust should be the handler for the day. Don’t ask a member of your direct family or wedding party as that would be too much for them to take on.

Lemelin Photography

Dogs can be like babies, meaning they can be unpredictable and, of course, needing attention. Are you getting married in your backyard, a barn or in a banquet venue? Having your dog included in your wedding taking place in your backyard would be easiest with familiar surroundings. But you’ll need to check with any other venue location about their rules and to see they will allow your dog on the premises. If not, you can always ask for special permission to do just photos on site or simple just pick another location to do your photos with the assistance of your photographer. Be sure to have simple expectations. Maybe walking down the aisle just won’t work, but sitting for pictures will. Your dog may not be the sweet well-behaved pup you expect, but that’s okay.

Guests may laugh, your dog may run down the aisle, hopefully not jumping on your guests, but you just have to go with the unpredictable flow.

So you’ve thought about it and can’t bring yourself to physically include your dog at your wedding, but you can! There are other ways to include your canine. Consider having a signature cocktail, cupcake or dessert named after your dog with cute signage and a photo of your dog. A coaster at the bar with your dog’s image. You could also incorporate your dog on to your cake with a figurine. Ultimately, it’s the comfort, safety and confidence of your dog on that day. You want him or her to be a cute addition and not a major distraction, but a few quirky moments are sure to lead to a memorable day.

NP Photography

NP Photography

Images by Robert Charles Photography

Kimberly and Filipe’s Wedding Team

Photographer

Four Wings Photography

Reception Location

Blackstone National Golf Club

Florist

Herbert E. Berg Florist

DJ Dave Costa

Cake

Sweetness And Honey Bakery

Kim’s Rings

Hannoush Jewelry

Filipe’s Ring

King Will Rings

Dresses

David’s Bridal

Suits

JT Ghamo

Videographer

New England Wedding Film

Hair and Makeup

Made by Mack

Kimberly & Filipe

Hannah &Jonathan

Hannah and Jonathan’s Wedding Team

Planner

Lovelace Design

Photographer

Laura Foote Photography

Reception Location

Basketball Hall of Fame / Max’s Catering

Invitations

CG Stationery Studio

Florist

Flowers, Flowers

Band

Guilty Pleasures Band

Cake

Nosh Bakery

String Trio

Juhasz String Ensemble

Bridal Party Hair & Makeup

Liz Boghosian

Hurricanes, Candles and Candle Holder Rentals

Elegant Decor and Rentals

Pipe and Drape, Ceremony Stage Rentals

Boateng Luxury Group

Although not fans of basketball, this couple chose to have a one-of-a-kind guest experience with a memorable wedding reception at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA.

Many guests would be attending from out of town and this was a perfect opportunity to give them a wonderful, fun, themed celebration. This was certainly a celebration to remember!

The couple chose a modern, romantic feel with a color of black, white, blush pink and orange. Attending guests were requested to sign a basketball as the guest book. During cocktail hour the museum was open for guests to explore and experience.

For a themed fun accent, a mini basketball was served in each drink. The couple got to sign their Ketubah inside the Slam Lounge at the Basketball Hall of Fame, which was a wonderful backdrop.

Rounding up the fun towards the end of the evening, Dad surprised the bride and groom with singing of Mustang Sally with the band.

Guests had an amazing time, certainly a wedding they will never forget.

Behind The Scenes At Local Weddings

Submitted by Seth Kaye

Day Sourcebook

Things To Do - A Bridal Checklist

12 to 24 Months Ahead

• Subscribe to the Wedding Day Sourcebook

• Attend every Bridal Show you can! Check www.weddingsourcebook.com

• Announce your engagement

• Decide on the atmosphere you’d like at your wedding

• Talk to family & fiancé about budget

• Decide the size of your wedding

• Talk to clergy or J.P. and arrange ceremony location & date

• Find a reception location available on your date

• Plan wedding theme and colors

• Choose your wedding party

• Compile your guest lists and set up a system to track RSVP’s.

• Select all your formalwear

• Select bridesmaids dresses

• Select tuxes and accessories

• Set up a wedding registry

• Choose a wedding planner

• Choose a photographer

• Choose a videographer

• Choose a cake

• Choose musicians for ceremony

• Choose musicians /DJ for reception

• Choose a florist

• Choose lighting and decor

• Reserve any rental equipment needed

• Send deposits to all your vendors, keep all your contracts with your payment schedules.

• Arrange transportation from your house to the ceremony, from the ceremony to the formal photography location, from there to the reception, and from the reception to the honeymoon night location.

4 to 6 Months Ahead

• Reserve accommodations for your out-of-town guests

• Select and order your invitations and thank- you cards

• Arrange your honeymoon travel

• Order rings and engraving

• Have a menu tasting and finalize food selections

2 to 4 Months Ahead

• Address and assemble wedding invitations

• Buy enough postage for invitations and RSVP envelopes

• Mail invitations

• Make hair and makeup appointments including a trial

1 to 2 Months Ahead

•Finalize all arrangements with all vendors

• Have final dress fittings

• Attend showers and send thank-yous

• Plan a get-together with your bridesmaids

• Marriage license (fewer than 30 days before the ceremony)

•Finalize meal counts with venue or caterer

2 Weeks Ahead

• Plan to change your name on your Social Security info, driver’s license, credit cards, & bank accounts -- you will need a certified copy of your wedding certificate.

• Make a seating plan for the reception; write placecards

1 Week Ahead

• Pack for honeymoon

• Pack an emergency kit for the wedding day containing a sewing kit, comfortable shoes, hairspray, touch up kit, bobby pins, kleenex, Pepto Bismol, etc.