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Bridal 2017

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A SUPPLEMENT TO PHOTO COURTESY

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COUNTRY VENTURES PHOTOGRAPHY

Sponsored by

winkly lights in the woods, “I do’s” in an open meadow, a barn with crystal chandeliers—on the 50-acre wedding venue in Townsend, you can get married in all kinds of settings.

Brides in Farragut may have never heard of Country Manor Acres, but owner April Jopling says her venue has almost everything a bride could want with prices that are “very competitive.” Jopling has decades of catering, lodging and bridal experience, and says she can create the perfect day, or the perfect several days.

Wedding parties can stay overnight in the Country Manor Inn, or stay above the party barn in the three-story Hayloft Sky Cabin that features three bedrooms, a complete kitchen, a game room and a hot tub on the deck. Families can spend time together before the big day on the hiking paths, fishing in the two stocked ponds, or roasting marshmallows over a fire.

The farm is a family business, run by mom, April Jopling, her son, Jeff Jopling, and brand new daughter-in-law, Nicole Jopling, a horse trainer who keeps Arabian horses on the property. Jeff is a country music artist who was working as a traveling musician for Capitol Records in Nashville when his dad passed away. He came home to Townsend to help his mother run the family business and since 2009, they’ve done about 50 weddings a year, including his own wedding last fall.

Jopling plays all over the greater Knoxville area with the Jeff Jopling Band, but he’s also toured across the 48 contiguous states, Canada and Europe. But when it came time to get married, he chose the farm for his own wedding.

“There’s nowhere prettier than Townsend, Tennessee,” he said, “and there nowhere I’d rather have gotten married than right here at the farm. My wife, Nicole, is from the desert area of California. The first time she came here and saw the property, she saw the huge oak tree. She had it in her mind from day one that she wanted to get married at that tree, and two years later we did.”

April and Jeff believe weddings should be fun--and adventurous—so they put all the 50 acres into the bridal party’s

T

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mean a little more at

Manor Acres

See COUNTRY MANOR on Pg 4

P HOTOS SUBMITTED BY C OUNTRY VENTURES P HOTOGRAPHY

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NOW OPEN AND BOOKING FOR 2017 AND BEYOND.

T he area’s premier venue for milestone events.

7690 Creekwood Park Boulevard • Lenoir City, TN • www.VenueLC.com

Country Manor From Pg 2

hands. April specializes in listening to bride’s visions and turning them into reality. With so many different areas on the property, a bride can choose one spot for the ceremony and another for the reception. Once the plans are made, Jeff steps in to set things up.

For example, Laura and Jarred exchanged vows in June by one of the ponds. Then they rode across a meadow in an antique wagon to their reception. Jeff had a “black tie and boots” themed wedding and tied the knot under the old oak tree. One of the most popular wedding sites is Reid’s Landing, a flat plateau near the barn.

“Our views are the number one thing the customers love,” Jeff said.

“They come out here to see our property because of the views, but once they see the lodging that’s included in the wedding packages and all the things we offer—two antique wagons, four different arbors, two sets of white doors--from the second they meet us, they fall in love with us as well as our property.”

April said she has seen a move from causal and country to formal and rustic. Brides are using lights under the cake and the sweetheart tables, lights buried in draperies behind the cake, handmade signs, whiskey kegs and bistro lights outside.

“Our property is so big and unique and different that we have about 10 different wedding sites and 10 different reception sites and 100 different photography sites” April said. “The possibilities are endless.”

For more information, go to townsendcountryweddings.com, or call April at 865-448-9652.

4 With this Ring | February 23, 2017

P HOTOS SUBMITTED BY C OUNTRY VENTURES P HOTOGRAPHY

Many brides-to-be visit bridal shops with specific goals in mind regarding the style of their wedding gowns. Some women come equipped with magazine tear-outs or pull up ideas on their mobile phones.

Others may have an entire scrapbook filled with various ideas they’ve been compiling for years.

Much consideration is given to wedding gowns. The cost and silhouette of the dress may garner the bulk of that consideration, but brides might want to spend more time considering comfort.

Depending on the time of day their weddings take place, brides can spend 12 hours or more in their wedding gowns on their wedding day. However, when shopping for their gowns, brides may prioritize

beauty over comfort, even though it’s entirely possible to find a gown that’s both stunning and comfortable. When staff and friends or family who have come along to offer advice start to blush over wedding gowns, brides-to-be may feel pressured to downplay any discomfort they feel.

To make sure brides look flawless and elegant but are still comfortable in their wedding gowns, consider the following tips.

• Know what to highlight and what to cover up. No two body types are the same, and many women feel certain parts of their bodies are their best See COMFORT on Pg 7

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Weddings at

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Pie it Forward 6 With this Ring | February 23, 2017

Historic Ramsey House offers a beautiful, quiet wedding venue with a lovely historic home built in 1797 and limitless room, including free parking for your guests. These private grounds have an abundance of beautiful old trees, gardens and open fields to surround you on your special day. We offer a charming cottage for the bridal party to prepare complete with comfortable furnishings and a full private bath. We also have a room for the groom and his groomsmen to prepare for the big event. Our indoor facilities can accommodate small groups of up to 80 people.

There is a kitchen for the food staging and public restrooms.

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Comfort From Pg 6

assets while they want to downplay others. Try on gowns that play up your best features. If you have shapely legs, consider a dramatic gown with a slit to show them off. Certain gowns can enhance the decollete or show off an hourglass shape. Remember, many gowns can be modified so that you feel secure and confident. Sleeves can be added or fabric placed to cover up any perceived flaws. Confidence and pride are important parts of the comfort factor.

• Get sized correctly. Bridal gown sizes do not coincide with street sizes.

Depending on the manufacturer, brides may have to select gowns that are several sizes larger than they would normally wear. This should not be a cause for alarm.

Brides should go by their measurements.

Attempting to squeeze into a dress that is too small will only lead to discomfort on the wedding day.

• Purchase the right undergarments.

Improperly fitting bras, shapewear and

other undergarments can lead to discomfort as well. Some seamstresses can sew in supportive cups to remove the need for separate bras. Brides can explore various options to reduce the visibility of certain accoutrements.

• Move around in the gown. Brides should not just stand in front of the mirror and smile when trying on gowns. Put them through their paces. Try sitting, bending and even a little dancing. Make sure the dress is comfortable to move around in.

• Try different options. The gown brides have in mind may not be the one they ultimately go home with. Explore different styles and materials. Choose cooler, breezier fabrics and lightweight gowns, like crêpe, georgette or organza, for summer weddings. Heavier fabrics, such as brocade, may be more comfortable in the winter.

Wedding gowns can be both beautiful and comfortable for those who know how to shop.

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A toast is a drink raised in the health or honor of someone. Such salutes are typically accompanied by some heartfelt words or tokens of advice. Toasts are a common component of social gatherings, including retirement parties, milestone birthdays and weddings.

Toast of the town It’s difficult to pinpoint who originated the practice of toasting. Several ancient societies would raise a glass in honor of deities or special guests. Ancient Greeks offered libations to the gods as a part of ritualistic practices and also as a point to drink to each other’s good health. Ancient Romans at one point instituted a practice that all people must drink to Emperor Augustus at each meal.

The term “toast” has an interesting history. Dating back to the 16th century, “toast” refers to a piece of toasted bread. A piece of toast was commonly added to wine during this time because wine was quite inferior in quality than compared to modern vintages. Stale bread was placed into the jug to soak up acidity and improve the flavor. The wine also improved the palatability of the old or spiced bread. According to National Geographic magazine, by the 18th century, the term “toast” had been transferred from the floating piece of bread to the person honored by the toast. Eventually, “toast” represented the drink raised or the words offered with the gesture.

Prepare for a toast Toasts can be off-the-cuff remarks shared in the moment, but for many special events, they should be prepared well in advance. Nowadays, some toast-givers See TOAST on Pg 13

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While some couples may get cold feet on their wedding days, there’s no reason for anyone, including brides who don high heels in the name of fashion, to endure foot pain.

Foot pain is a common complaint for those unaccustomed to wearing stilettos or formal footwear. Wedding attire is not worn every day, so it’s no surprise that wedding footwear may contribute to some aches and pains.

Podiatrists warn that heels between one and two inches in height are the best to maintain foot health. But that heal size does not work for all brides. Brides-to-be, bridesmaids and others can employ these tips to keep their feet pain-free throughout the ceremony and reception.

• Give your feet a break. Swap out a higher heel with a lower one every couple of hours. Do not wait until you start feeling pain to switch to a lower heel or more comfortable shoe.

• Choose shoes that fit and leave a little room. Standing and dancing can cause feet to swell, sometimes as much as one half-size larger. Make sure the shoes you plan to wear to the wedding afford potentially swollen feet a little breathing room.

• Slip in a pair of insoles. Stores carry a variety of insoles that can add cushioning, distribute weight and prevent rubbing or chafing of the feet.

• Break in the shoes. It’s not a good idea to wear a brand new pair of shoes when you know you’ll be on your feet most of the day. Instead, purchase wedding shoes several weeks in advance of the event. Wear them around the house with a pair of socks to stretch out straps and enable them to mold to your foot shape. Wearing them in advance also helps identify spots that rub or are likely to cause blisters.

• Consider wearing stockings. It’s now less of a fashion faux pas to attend formal events with bare legs than it once was, but it may be in your best interest to wear a pair of stockings to a wedding. The thin material will help alleviate rubbing and hot spots from skin-on-shoe direct contact.

• Stretch and soak feet prior and afterward. Wearing heels can put strain on your calves, creating extra pain.

Stretch your feet and legs whenever possible. And after a long night, make sure a pedicure is one of the first spa experiences you enjoy on your honeymoon.

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Families come in all shapes and sizes. During special events — particularly those steeped in tradition, such as weddings — blended families may have to employ certain tactics to ensure the events go off without a hitch.

When planning their weddings, couples must give consideration to the needs of their families.

Even though a wedding is about the union of two people, oftentimes couples engaged to be married must contend with the politics of divorce or other familial issues. This includes if and how to incorporate stepparents and stepsiblings into the ceremony and celebration.

There are no traditional rules regarding how to handle blended families, so brides- and groomsto-be can customize their decisions based on their own unique situations. Even when families have been happy through the years, the unique circumstances and traditions surrounding the nuptials can 12 With this Ring | February 23, 2017

dredge up former insecurities, and certain aspects may require extra patience and tact. Here’s how to navigate the process.

• Consider stepparents and stepsiblings VIPs. Brides and grooms who are not particularly close to their stepfamilies still have to recognize the role they play in the family dynamics. These people are still family, so respect and courtesy should be offered. If there is any lingering animosity, extend the olive branch on this day and try not to let anyone be made to feel as if they are unimportant. A simple announcement of who stepparents are at the wedding reception or inclusion of their names on wedding itineraries can help smooth over any potential bumps.

• Put others’ needs before your own. While the wedding may be about you and your future spouse, you must consider the feelings of others. Biological parents and stepparents may act defensively if they

feel uncomfortable or hurt, and that can create an air of negativity to the day. Try to avoid this by considering potential areas of conflict. For example, mothers might be hurt if their ex-husbands’ new girlfriends are asked to be in a group family photo.

Instead, select separate times to have everyone included. Remember to give parents and stepparents priority seating as well, and they each should be seated next to someone they love and someone with whom they can converse comfortably. You may think everyone can play nice, but it’s best not to push the issue just to make a point at the wedding.

• Recognize that some families break the mold. Recently, a father made waves on the Internet when a video of him pulling the bride’s stepfather up to assist in walking her down the aisle went viral. This was a wonderful image of families See FAMILY on Pg 15

Toast From Pg 10

devote extra time to preparing toasts, particularly because they know these sentiments can live on indefinitely on social media. Giving a toast can induce anxiety, but some nerves can be relieved simply by doing one’s homework and not procrastinating.

Writing tips A person giving a toast is trying to gain the attention of a group of people who may not be very attentive. These tips can improve the content of the toasts and their delivery.

• Keep ‘you’ out of it. This toast is not about you. It’s about the person you are honoring. Therefore, do not put any self-congratulatory messages in the toast.

Make it all about the person — even beginning the toast with that person’s name.

• Hook people in. Open the toast with a good joke or anecdote that will help introduce the person of honor. For example, Jake is a great guy because he’s the type of person who will offer to meet you at your dorm room at 2 a.m. with pizza and beer to get you through a study session. Too bad he has a horrible sense of direction and repeatedly shows up at the wrong door.

• Tell a story. Reference the person in the toast, other audience members, and even yourself if you can be painted in a self-deprecating light.

• Keep it short. This is a toast, not a monologue. Be brief so that the audience doesn’t lose interest. Set a five-minute limit.

• Wrap it up. Conclude the toast by tying the story back to the introduction and making sure to include the audience once more. This will help you get the biggest laughs and applause.

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Similar in concept to bridal registries, charity registries afford charitable men and women an easy avenue to encourage their friends and families to donate to causes they care about. Charity registries need not be made in conjunction with special occasions, though some couples tying the knot have asked their wedding guests to make donations via their charity registries in lieu of more traditional wedding gifts.

But men and women can establish charity registries simply to raise awareness and money for a cause they care about. Justgive.org, a website devoted to helping men and women find, learn about and support virtually any charity, allows visitors to the site to establish charity registries to facilitate their fundraising efforts. Once the registry is established, men and women can share their registry information with loved ones, relating their own connection to the cause while encouraging those who can afford to do so to make a donation.

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Popular movies and televisions shows give the impression that the job of the father of the bride in a wedding is ultimately about making sure the festivities are adequately funded. In the movies, fathers fret about the costs of everything from flowers to photos.

But gone are the days when the father of the bride bankrolls his daughter’s entire wedding. The Knot’s “2014 Real Wedding Survey” reported that, on average, the bride’s parents contribute 43 percent of the total cost of a wedding; the bride and groom contribute another 43 percent; the groom’s parents spend 12 percent; the remaining 2 percent of the budget is paid for by family members or friends. That frees up Dad for other roles in wedding planning. With some creativity, couples can find ways to incorporate the father of the bride into the festivities in even more productive ways.

• Wedding sites: Assign dear old dad the important task of looking at potential wedding reception sites prior to visiting them yourself. He may have certain connections through work or attended business or leisure occasions at catering halls and other venues. Dad’s connections can pay off. Let him impart his negotiating skills and find the best deals with the ideal backdrop for the festivities.

• Wardrobe: Let your father assist the best man and other groomsmen in securing their tuxedos or other wardrobe essentials. Dad also can step in and return rented items following the wedding.

• Beverages: Dad may be fitting to keep tabs on what is occurring at the bar during the reception, ensuring that guests’ needs are being met. He also can keep an eagle eye trained on anyone who may have overindulged and needs to take a break.

See FATHER on Pg 15

14 W With iti t h th ith thisis RRin Ring ing g | FFebruary ebru eb ruar aryy 23 23,, 20 2017 17

Father From Pg 14

• Speech: Give your father an opportunity to shine by letting him make a speech. Remember, this is a momentous day for Dad as well, as he may be trying to come to terms with his daughter starting a new life.

• Father-daughter song: Let Dad pick father-daughter song, and go with his choice even if you had something else in mind.

• Ceremony: Even if you prefer a less traditional wedding ceremony, let your father walk you down the aisle. This will likely be a moment he’ll remember for years to come.

Expand the father of the bride’s role in the wedding by assigning him tasks where he can put his style, experience and excitement to good use.

Family From Pg 12

making it work despite their differences or the awkwardness that can result when brides or grooms have parents and stepparents in attendance. Although this scenario might not play out for all, find ways to impart a special touch, especially if you’re close to both your biological parents and your stepparents. For example, your biological father may walk you down the aisle, while your stepfather may enjoy the first dance.

• Order flowers and gifts for all. Purchase flowers and wedding party gifts for all of the special people in your lives, including your stepfamily.

Weddings can be complicated affairs when factoring in blended families. With patience and compassion, such families can enjoy a beautiful and happy day.

According to The Knot 2015 Real Weddings Study, the average wedding cost, excluding honeymoon costs, in the United States in 2015 was $32,641, an increase of more than $1,400 from the year prior. Couples did not figure to fare much better in Canada when tying the knot in 2015. According to the Annual Reader Survey from the Canada-based online wedding resource Weddingbells, couples expected to pay slightly less than $31,000 for their weddings. However, those estimates included honeymoon costs. While no information is available regarding the cost of weddings in specific Canadian cities, the 2015 Real Weddings Study found that couples looking to tie the knot in New York City’s Manhattan borough can expect to pay well above the national average. Manhattan weddings cost couples an average of $82,299 in 2015. That’s over $20,000 more than in Chicago, the next most expensive city to tie the knot in 2015. Couples who want a more affordable place to get married than the Big Apple may want to look into saying “I do” in central Illinois, where the average wedding cost was $21,818, more than $10,000 below the national average.

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With this Ring | February 23, 2017

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