Carly and Trevor Allison tied the knot
Lion Hills Vineyard in Bremen, Ga.
Photo by Skylar Powers, Skylar Lien Photo, LLC
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WeddingDay Groom Gifts
Exchanging gifts as a couple on your big day
You’re giving him a ring, your love and your partnership for life. Do you really need to give him another gift the day you get married?
Actually, no, you don’t. There’s no requirement that you and the groom exchange gifts on your big day, but it is a sweet tradition, if you and your groom want to commemorate the day with a memorable item. It’s definitely worth a conversation to see if giving each other gifts on your wedding day is right for you – no need to start your journey together with one of you feeling hurt that the other didn’t buy a gift.
Once you decide you’d like to exchange gifts, the fun begins: what is the best gift? Many brides opt for items like cuff links, a leather journal, picture frame with your favorite photo or a whiskey decanter, and those gifts are incredibly thoughtful. However, with a little planning, you can find a personal, memorable and possibly a little tongue-in-cheek gift to bring a smile to his face every time he sees it.
The Tradition Begins
A gift exchange between the bride and groom is thought to have its roots thousands of years ago, when the groom’s family paid the bride’s family a dowry. This, eventually, morphed into the idea of brides signing up for a registry, which started in 1924 when Marshall Field’s department store rolled out the first bridal registry option.
Fast forward to modern day, and it’s popular for brides and grooms to share a thoughtful gift to commemorate their wedding day. Because it’s completely optional, you set your own rules regarding how much to spend. Some couples agree on a budget, while others go with a theme instead, such as household items, jewelry or items that are directly related to the day at hand.
Timing for the Gift Exchange
Etiquette doesn’t dictate when to exchange gifts, so keep it personal to you and your fiancé. Some couples prefer to give their gifts in private the night before the wedding – these are often gifts designed to be used during the ceremony, such as a special piece of jewelry or a watch.
If you’re doing a first look before the ceremony, that might be a short but quiet time to connect and settle each other’s nerves with a gift. You can also have the maid of honor and best man deliver the gifts pre-wedding, if you’re not going to see each other until you walk down the aisle.
Or, wait until immediately after the ceremony, and make these gifts the first ones you exchange as a married couple. Your photographer is likely to be there taking your first photos together as a couple, so get her to commemorate this moment as well.
Gift Ideas
Don’t let yourself stress over a wedding day gift. Think of something meaningful to him, or something that represents this unique moment in your relationship.
Regardless of what you buy, he’s going to feel appreciated and grateful for your thoughtfulness.
Some ideas include:
• Couples’ Adventure Challenge. Many companies offer booklets or a deck of cards with adventure ideas for couples. This might be trying whitewater rafting for the first time, impromptu road trips or finding a new park to have a romantic sunset picnic.
• Travel keychain: Keeping in the adventure vein, get your groom a keychain that lets you add tokens showcasing all the places you’ve traveled to together. Go ahead and buy one for your honeymoon location to get his collection started.
• Personalized wall art. This might be three maps shaped like hearts showing the location of your first date, where he proposed and the location of your wedding, for example. Or, it might be caricatures of the two of you with the date of your wedding underneath. A more sentimental option could be framing your wedding vows so you never forget what you promised each other.
• Personalized puzzle. This makes for a fun evening with the two of you putting the puzzle together. Create a custom puzzle from your favorite photo of the two of you, or write some sentimental messages for him to read as the puzzle comes to life.
• Personalized wooden hanger. Put both your names and your wedding date on the hanger, then give it to him before the ceremony. He can use it to hold his wedding day tux, then to hang his favorite outfits when you share a closet.
• Special food. Your gift doesn’t have to be one that lasts past your wedding day because the memory definitely will! Send a gift basket of his favorite snacks to the groom’s suite before the wedding, or have custom cookies made to let him know how sweet you think he is.
• Retro reel viewer. Popular in the 1970s and 80s, these adorable toys are making a comeback. Instead of scenes from movies or books, now these are personalized with photos meaningful to you. Add your favorite photos of the two of you so he can reminisce about the moments that led him to say, “I do.”
• Personalized clothing items. These work best when the items are ones he can hide, keeping your messages just for his eyes alone. Collar stays have room for short messages, such as “I love you,” or “You make me happy.” He can wear these for the wedding day or just a normal day at the office. Also, socks offer many personalization options, from photos of the two of you to scenes from your favorite shows to your own messages, like “I’ll always be here to keep your feet warm.” If you’re giving the socks to him before the wedding, lighten up the mood and make it fun with, “In case you get cold feet.” WGW
Fun for the Little Ones A Little
Find interesting ways to involve children in your wedding day
Whether you have children of your own or want to include children of family and friends in your special day, there’s a place for everyone at your wedding. Traditionally, children and teens serve as flower girls, ring bearers, ushers, guest book keepers or junior members of the bridal party.
All of these are thoughtful ways to keep the kids involved, but stepping outside of tradition opens doors for fun and creative ways to help the children feel like they are part of the journey, starting in the planning phase.
Picking the Food
If you leave it up to the kids, your reception menu is likely to sport chicken fingers, hot dogs and pizza. So while you probably don’t want the children in your life to be the decision-makers when it comes to the food you serve, bring them to the caterer with you when you go to make your
final selections. Let the kids know you will listen to their input, but the final decision is yours. They will still have fun trying little bites of tasty treats and comparing flavors, and they might surprise you with some interesting observations about the foods they like the best.
The same applies with the wedding cake. You may think a chocolate chai lime flavor sounds and tastes exotic, but if the kids turn their noses up at it, chances are many of the adults at the wedding will, too. The cake flavor is ultimately your call, but bringing the children with you for a tasting helps them feel included and valued as part of the planning process. If you don’t agree with them when it comes to the wedding cake flavor, perhaps use their choice for the groom’s cake, or a smaller selection of petit fours or cupcakes.
Designing the Decorations
Just like with the food, you can’t leave the decorating solely up to the children. Their input isn’t as likely to be helpful when it comes to decorations, but once you’ve decided on your design, ask the children to help you pull small pieces of it together. For example, make your own table signs or place
cards, and let the children help you decorate them with stamps or watercolors.
Maybe you want to give centerpiece jars a seaglass look, which is a quick and easy craft kids can help with – mix paint or food coloring with white glue, swirl it inside the jar until the inside is fully covered, and turn it upside down to drain and dry. If the children are old enough, ask them to help tie bows around guest favors or arrange flowers for your centerpieces. They can stuff goody bags or place fairy lights inside the decorative lanterns.
Playing with Photos
With your own children, consider doing special “first look” photos, capturing the moment they see each parent dressed and ready for the first time. You can do these at the same time as your first look as a couple, or separately. Because this is likely to be your first look at the kids all decked out for the wedding, ask your photographer to bring a helper –one to catch your expression, and one to catch the kids’ joyful look at your big reveal.
For a different type of surprise, give the children disposable or instant cameras, then turn them loose in the bridal suite and groom’s rooms. Ask them
to take photos of the wedding party as they get ready, showing them some examples of professional photos as a springboard for their creativity. After the wedding, prepare to giggle as you sift through their photos, which could range from crooked photos of the bride putting on her earrings to close-up and blurry images of the groom’s shoes. Even though the photos won’t be perfect, they could offer you and the groom a child’s-eye view of the sweet moments they capture before the ceremony.
Participating in the Ceremony
Planning to hand out programs? Dress up some of the younger children like old-time newspaper boys, complete with short pants, long socks, suspenders and pageboy hats. They can even say, “Extra, extra, read all about it,” to the enjoyment of your guests.
Children can carry banners down the aisle as well, a practice that is gaining popularity. These fabric banners often are high-end, with words or designs embroidered on them, complete with tassled edges and decorative brass poles for the children to hold as they carry the banner. The banners usually say a phrase like, “Here comes the bride,” or something funny, such as, “It’s too late to run!” The banner could also have a photo of the couple, or their last name with the date embroidered on the banner.
If you have children of your own, consider making them your “something blue.” Dress them in blue from head to toe and make their job standing beside you during the ceremony, holding your train or being the special bouquet holder.
If you have older children who aren’t easily intimidated by crowds, consider asking them to lead a prayer, read a Bible verse, play an instrument or sing a song during the ceremony.
At the end of the ceremony, enlist the children to get the celebration started by arming them with bubbles. As soon as the officiant announces you as a couple, have the children line the aisle and start blowing bubbles so you can leave the ceremony with a touch of whimsy.
Raising the Roof at the Reception
During your wedding planning phase, ask the children to pick one song each they would like to hear at your reception. It can be any song they like, or you can give them an assignment, such as their favorite song to dance to, their favorite love song or the song they feel describes you and your fiancé the best. Ask the DJ to announce which child picked the
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song before playing it, and let that child be the first on the dance floor when the music starts.
When it’s time to cut the cake, get the kids involved by letting them have their own cake cutting right after yours. If you don’t want them potentially ruining the wedding cake, give them matching cupcakes to cut, creating an adorable photo opportunity.
The bouquet and garter toss aren’t really meaningful to the children at the wedding, but you can make it more fun by creating a toss just for them. After you toss your bouquet, have the girls line up, and enlist one of the oldest girls to toss a few teddy bears dressed in bridal gowns toward them. One of the older boys can toss bears dressed in tuxes to the younger guys as well.
When it’s nearly time for the reception to come to an end, get the children to pass out the wedding favors to all the guests. If you have a theme for your favors, like giving out plant seeds to reflect how your love will continue to grow, share that with the kids so they can talk to the guests about the favors as they hand them out. Having the children interact with a purpose with the other guests is always a crowd pleaser and a sweet way to end your special evening. WGW
Review:
Planning for Pampering
Step up your selfcare routine as part of your pre-wedding timeline
With your wedding timeline set, it’s time to create a new set of tasks that are way more fun: pampering and self-care items. Your fiancé loves you for exactly who you are, inside and out, so now is not the time to try to turn the woman he loves into someone else. Instead, this pampering is more about making you feel confident, beautiful and radiant while you create memorable moments with the family and friends you enlist to help you with your self-care tasks.
dermatologist or esthetician about any skin concerns, and ask for their advice on what products are right for you. While most women focus on their faces, ask about your neck and décolletage areas as well as your body as a whole. They can recommend products that work together to create the supple look you’re wanting without worrying about the products working against each other and causing breakouts or redness.
In addition to cleansers, lotions, sunscreen and oils, ask if skincare treatments, like facials, might be a good option for you. Laser treatments, chemical peels and microneedling can help give you an amazing glow, but they sometimes require a series of treatments spaced a few weeks apart. Starting these about six months before your wedding ensures you see the full results in time for your nuptuals.
Creating a pampering calendar ensures you hit each mark right on time. Coloring your hair too soon before the wedding might not give the color time to settle in, for example, and teeth whitening takes a little time, if that’s something you’re interested in. Putting all your wants and needs down on paper, then scheduling them early, means you won’t miss the chance to feel like a princess through the entire wedding planning process.
4-6 Months Out
This is the time to really start caring for yourself. Drink lots of water, all day, every day. This not only helps keep your immune system working, but it also hydrates your skin from the inside, ensuring you have the most dewy, glowing skin possible for your big day.
If you regularly work out, keep it up! This helps relieve stress as well as keep you toned and full of energy. If you don’t currently have a regular workout routine, now may not be the time to start something rigorous. Instead, consider walking to clear your head, or something that helps you stretch and relax, like yoga or Pilates. Signing up for regular massages also helps with stress relief as well as muscle tension. Now is the perfect time to focus on your skincare as well. Most skincare takes two to three months to show real results, so give yourself some time to find the right regimen. Start by talking to your
Ask about your hands and nails, too – you want beautiful photos of your hand with that gorgeous new ring on it, and cracked nails or jagged cuticles just might ruin that. Cuticle creams and moisturizing lotions can help, as can vitamins designed to strengthen your nails.
If you’re considering a slightly different hairdo for your wedding, try it out at least six months in advance. It won’t be a surprise for your guests, but that means it won’t be a bad surprise for you – something you risk if you get it cut a few days before the event. Starting a few months out allows you to tweak the look until it’s just right, and it gives you time to let it grow out a little if you decide the new ‘do was a bad
idea. While you’re there, ask your stylist about how to get the healthiest hair possible by your wedding day. She might recommend weekly hair masks, a different conditioner or more frequent trims to keep your hair shiny and thick.
Six months out, make a dental cleaning appointment, and go ahead and schedule one a week or two before your wedding. At the initial appointment, ask about teeth whitening options – the dentist can give you the details and timeline for professional whitening or recommend over-thecounter options for you to start at home.
2-3 Months Out
As the wedding gets closer, it might feel like you’re stuck in a whirlwind of activity, with showers, parties, dress fittings and last-minute wedding planning duties. Remember to make time for your self care, continuing what you started a few months ago. In addition, it’s time to get a hair trim and color, if that’s your thing – you’ll get it done one last time right before the wedding, but this sets you up for success.
Now is an ideal opportunity to try out your wedding look. Do a test run of your makeup and hair, and get a spray tan, if that’s your plan for your big day. Make sure the colors all work together and with your dress – white can make some undertones lean more toward yellow and orange, so try it all together to ensure it is coming together in real life like it looked in your head. If you don’t have your wedding dress back from its alterations yet, wearing anything white helps you check the color scheme.
1 Week Out
It’s crunch time! Visit your hairdresser for a final, basic trim – nothing crazy this time, just something simple to touch up the ends and shape it up. Make an appointment with your esthetician for a gentle facial – one designed to hydrate, moisturize and enhance your glow. Now is not the time to try anything new that might cause redness or breakouts, so make sure it’s all products you’ve used before. Hit the dentist for a final cleaning, and if you’re getting lash extensions, this is the week.
Two Days Out
If you’re getting body hair removed, this is the day to go to the waxing salon. Two days before the wedding, apply a self-tanner or get a spray tan, if
you’d like the bronzed look. This gives the color time to settle a bit before you walk down the aisle.
This is the ideal day to get your manicure and pedicure, as well. Many brides opt for natural colors for a French manicure, but the color can reflect your personality – think bold red or a color that matches your bridesmaids’ dresses.
While this might be the hardest part, you must prioritize sleep. Being well rested keeps the bags out from under your eyes and gives you the resilience you’ll need to roll with last-minute changes and hiccups.
Wedding Day
You’re going to have a big question to answer today, and the correct answer is, “I do!” But the other big question is should you do your hair or makeup first? You’ll get different answers from your hair stylist and makeup artist, so get the two of them together ahead of time to make that decision. In most cases, your hair stylist is fixing your hair but not washing it, so you should do your makeup first. If your stylist is washing your hair as well, do your hair first so it doesn’t smudge your makeup.
Either way will work, so don’t stress – set the schedule based on what makes you the most comfortable. Allow at least 30 to 45 minutes for your makeup and about an hour and a half for your hair, as a general rule.
Grooming for the Groom
While the guys don’t need quite as much pampering as the ladies, they can enjoy the stress management and confidence that comes from self care as well. Many of the suggestions that work for the bride work for the groom, if he’s willing, including skin care, hydration and dental cleanings. Since his hand will be in your photos forever, encourage your groom to visit the nail salon with you for a manicure as well.
To make the pampering special and unique for him, encourage him to go to a men-only styling lounge. These higher-end barber shops offer manly pampering. They often have big, cushy chairs for lounging prior to the service, and many offer areas for pool or cards as well as beer or soda options. Along with a haircut, men can opt for a hot lather shave, steamed towels to hydrate the face, and head and neck massages. Some provide paraffin hand treatments and waxing services as well, ensuring he’s as photo ready for the big day as you are. WGW
Love
is in the
Air
… and on the Tracks … and at Sea
How to get ‘hitched’ without a hitch: Planes, trains and cruise ships
Your romantic journey is just getting started on your wedding day. If you’re feeling adventurous and wanting something completely different for your ceremony, it might be time to look into getting married on the move on a plane, train or cruise ship. Each option comes with a unique set of challenges to ensure the marriage is legal and binding, but one might just be your ticket to an unforgettable ceremony.
Planes
Let your love take flight – in reality and metaphorically – by getting married on a plane. As early as the 1880s, people realized how romantic it could be to be married in flight, starting with hot air balloons. The earliest wedding on a plane was recorded in 1912, although they were married in a parked biplane instead of off the ground. In 2018, Pope Francis happened to be on a flight where a couple was getting married, and he stepped in to perform the ceremony.
Whether you charter your own private plane or prefer to share your wedding with strangers on a standard passenger flight, getting married on a plane adds a unique spin to the day. If you think getting married in the air is for you, plan ahead to ensure you follow all laws and get the airline’s buy-in if necessary.
• Decide what state to be married over. Contrary to popular belief, the captain isn’t automatically
given the power to perform legal marriages. You must find an officiant who is authorized to perform ceremonies in the state you plan to fly over while being married – airspace still counts as being located in the state. Because you can’t always predict the exact moment in the ceremony you cross state lines, it’s best to pick a shorter flight that stays in the state you’ve chosen so you take the guesswork out of it – if you were accidentally over Alabama but your officiant is only licensed in Georgia, you might not be legally married when you land.
• Have a private ceremony beforehand. If you don’t want to worry about what state you’re flying over as you say your vows, have a quick, private, legal ceremony with the officiant right before you board. You, the officiant and the witnesses can sign the papers documenting your marriage, then you can board the plane with your guests and have the “real” ceremony in the air to share with your friends and family.
• Talk to the airline early. Airlines don’t have set guidelines on approving on-board wedding ceremonies. If you want to get married on a public flight, talk to the airline a few months in advance to make sure they will allow it, and to ensure you are on the same page with all the details, like where all your guests are seated. Space is a major factor, so talk to the airline representative about what it looks like to walk down the aisle as well as where you can stand for the ceremony, which will have to be brief to ensure you aren’t inconveniencing other passengers. Chartering a private plane, on the other hand, takes the guesswork out of getting married in the sky – you have complete control over who is on the plane, as well as options to decorate and provide refreshments.
• Have a backup plan for bad weather. The first priority for all airlines is safety. Flights get delayed or cancelled, or turbulence might keep everyone in their seats, delaying what time on the flight the ceremony can happen. If your dream is to be married in the sky, have a backup plan to accommodate for bad weather. This might be a decorated hanger at a private airport or a ballroom at a hotel by the airport.
Trains
Watching the scenery rumble gently by as you relax to the comforting, rolling motion of a train makes for a breathtaking and memorable ceremony for your special day. The railcar adds a touch of vintage whimsy while you get “hitched.”
Like getting married on a plane, the easiest way to keep the ceremony legal is to choose a route that stays within the same state – you’ll need an officiant authorized to perform weddings in that state. Train conductors can’t legally marry you unless they’ve taken the same steps as other officiants, so keep that in mind as you plan your route.
• Size may be an issue. Train cars can easily hold a couple dozen guests, and might be able to accommodate up to 50 guests, in many cases – although it could start feeling a little tight. Smaller ceremonies often work best if you’re staying on the train for the wedding.
• Plan ahead for refreshments. If you’re chartering a train, make sure you book the dining car as part of the deal. It’s not always included with a standard charter. With the dining car attached, you now get to start your reception right away with food and drink for you and your guests immediately following the ceremony.
• Consider combining a train ride with a venue. Many historic train stations have been beautifully refurbished, and many still sit on working rail lines. If you want to get married on the move but have a killer party afterward, perform your ceremony on the train, then hop off at the depot to enjoy your reception in a spacious venue. This gives you more flexibility on the number of guests as well – you might want just close family and friends on the train with you, but a wider net of acquaintances at the reception.
Cruise Ships
If nautical adventures are more your speed, dive into a cruise wedding. This has the added benefit of having a wedding and honeymoon all wrapped up into one. Not every cruise line offers on-board weddings, and not every ship’s captain has the proper credentials to legally marry you, so start your planning early – possibly bringing your own officiant, if necessary. Most cruise ships are licensed outside of the U.S., so even getting the marriage license
from the ship’s country of origin can take up to 10 weeks in some cases. Check with the cruise line about their requirements and wedding packages, as most have wedding planners who can help you with the details.
• Decide whether you want to be married on the ship or at a port. Being married on the ship offers stunning photo opportunities, as well as several built-in reception areas to choose from and activities like prewedding spa packages. Many cruise lines let non-passengers onboard temporarily on embarkation day, so if you want to be married on the ship without requiring your guests to book a room, this might be a strong compromise. If you decide to get married on land at one of the cruise’s stops, check the local regulations on obtaining a marriage license. If the port is outside of the U.S., the cruise line can usually help you get the proper marriage license ahead of time and assist with other details, such as finding an officiant and arranging for food or decorations.
• Arrange for flowers and an on-board photographer ahead of time. Unless you are using silk flowers, you likely can’t design your flowers with a local florist and take them with you on the cruise – they just won’t last that long. However, most cruises that offer wedding packages have flowers as part of those deals. You might not be able to pick the exact types of flowers, but they’ll usually accommodate with colors of your choice. Cruises typically have photographers on staff as well, so make sure their services are included in the wedding package. They have intimate knowledge of the ship, so they’ll know the best spots for pre- and postwedding photos.
• Have a backup plan. Like with planes, cruise ship itineraries often change due to weather. Strong wind could keep you from getting married on deck, for example, while heavy rain might mean the ship skips the port you were planning to use for your wedding. Talk to the cruise wedding planners about what alternatives you have in case weather gets in your way. Remember, getting married on the move is an adventure, and that sometimes means you have to roll with changes on the fly to make your special day a success, but that’s part of the fun of the journey. WGW
Lion Hills Vineyard
Photos by Sarah Colombo, SJ Colombo Photography, LLC
Charli and Flint Stephens were married at Lion Hills Vineyard Sept. 16, 2023.
Nestled in the heart of West Georgia, Lion Hills Vineyard is a family owned and operated wedding venue offering breathtaking views, exceptional service, and an unforgettable experience for couples on their special day. With its gorgeous landscapes and rich history, Lion Hills is quickly becoming the go-to spot for brides and grooms seeking an elegant yet intimate setting for their nuptials.
“The property, which was once a golf course named Lion Hills, transitioned into a beautiful vineyard in 2018 when the first vine was planted,” explains Ryan Sammon, Lion Hills venue manager. “The name ‘Lion Hills’ comes from the original golf course, and it continues to honor the legacy of the land.”
Today, Lion Hills Vineyard is the only wedding venue vineyard in the West Georgia area, making it an exclusive and one-of-a-kind location for couples to celebrate their love.
A Vineyard with Heart
The vineyard combines natural beauty with personalized touches. From the meticulously designed chapel to the groomsmen cottage, every corner of the venue has been thoughtfully crafted to provide a unique atmosphere for every couple.
One of the standout features of Lion Hills is its custom-built, open-air chapel, created by one of the owners as a dedication to his wife.
“The chapel’s openness and
breathtaking views of the vineyard makes it a truly unforgettable place to say ‘I do,‘” Ryan explains, adding that brides never have to worry about a rained-out wedding because of the various location options.
“Couples have a variety of beautiful locations to choose from for their ceremony. Whether it’s in the stunning vineyard, the elegant chapel or the scenic clubhouse, each location offers a unique atmosphere. We also have a large outdoor space that accommodates a tent for additional seating, along with indoor and outdoor options in the clubhouse for your reception.”
Lion Hills Vineyard also offers separate spaces for the bride and groom to prepare for their big day. Equipped with makeup and hair stations, the bridal suite ensures the
bride and her party have everything they need to feel pampered before the ceremony.
“Our bridal suite features a large window that floods the space with natural light, a fulllength mirror, six makeup stations and two dedicated hair stations – perfect for brides and their bridal parties to get ready comfortably. It’s a place where the bride and her party feel welcomed and excited to spend the day getting ready together.”
The addition of the groomsmen cottage has made a significant difference in the venue’s offerings. With its lakeside location and laid-back atmosphere, the cottage provides a fun and private space for the groom and his party to unwind. The groomsmen cottage offers a relaxing retreat before the ceremony, complete with games like cornhole to keep any pre-wedding jitters at bay.
“The lakeside groomsmen cottage is another favorite of mine,” Ryan says. “Our groomsmen cottage was a game changer for our wedding offerings. Overlooking a lake, it provides a peaceful and stunning place for the groomsmen to prepare for the big day.”
Lion Hills Vineyard offers a comprehensive set of services to make wedding planning as stress-free as possible. The venue provides tables and Chiavari chairs as well as full setup and takedown services. In addition, they established
Zachary Dailey, Photographer for West Georgia Woman Magazine
partnerships with local vendors, including caterers, florists and photographers, so couples can seamlessly watch their vision come to life.
Lion Hills provides an on-staff wedding coordinator who assists with every aspect of planning, from rehearsals to day-of coordination, ensuring the wedding and reception run smoothly.
Out-of-town guests can find plenty of lodging options nearby in Bremen and Carrollton, ensuring everyone can stay close to the venue. Lion Hills has a special relationship with the Courtyard by Marriott, which offers room blocks and a convenient location just steps from Carrollton’s charming downtown area. WE CATER TO NEWLYWEDS AND THEIR FAMILIES •
Pricing Packages
“Our venue offers a picturesque setting with flexible options to accommodate different budgets and visions,” relates Ryan. The cost of a wedding at Lion Hills varies depending on the package and specific details of the event. The venue can accommodate up to 200 guests, with plenty of seating, parking and options for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Wedding packages typically range from $6,500 to $9,500, Ryan shares. “We offer add-ons such as a shuttle service for the bride and groom to their next stop, an
antique car for send-off, and there is even an option for a bridal brunch – a new trend we have seen where the bride and her friends come the morning of for a nice, sit-down breakfast before the getting ready commences.”
He says the venue receives positive feedback from past couples and their guests. “People love the beautiful spots for photos around the property, including the stunning vineyard and scenic lakeside views,” he explains. “Many have shared how easy and enjoyable it was to work with our team, noting that we go above and beyond to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our guests often mention how much they appreciate just how easy we make our wedding days. Couples who get married here not only become friends along the way, but we love to see them return for anniversary parties, and even baby showers and birthdays!”
The staff at Lion Hills Vineyard want to ensure the happy couple has an unforgettable experience, working to make the vineyard an idyllic spot to start their lives together. “At Lion Hills, we pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere,” Ryan shares. “Our team goes above and beyond to ensure every couple’s wedding is nothing short of extraordinary.” WGW
Trending Toward Traditional Brides
are mixing the old and the new in 2025
Weddings often follow the same predictable, traditional pattern, but this year is bringing an interesting mix of traditional experiences and out-of-the-box surprises to the table. Some old trends are new again, and guests can expect some innovative ideas that bring smiles to their faces. This blend of old and new keeps wedding trends fresh for 2025.
Wedding Locations
After the pandemic, brides seemed to flock to destinations for their weddings, after a couple of years of delayed ceremonies and travel bans. That’s fading in 2025, with many brides opting for a ceremony closer to home.
While guest counts still remain on the smaller side, keeping weddings local allows brides to include more guests than they could with most destination weddings, which tend to be costprohibitive for many people who would normally attend.
Ceremony Styles
Many brides are saying good-bye to long, structured ceremonies full of songs, lengthy vows and moments like unity candle lightings. Instead, they are embracing the notion of a shorter ceremony and longer reception.
In fact, some couples opt for a private vow reading prior to the ceremony, where the couple can have a quiet moment to share their heartwarming expressions with just each other and the officiant, typically. They can connect in a meaningful way without the audience first, helping center each other and say things to each other that are deeply personal. Then, during the ceremony, they share short, basic vows, allowing guests to get to the party sooner.
Decorations
Expansive florals found their way back this season, with tall, dramatic flower arrangements
flowing freely as bouquets, centerpieces and backdrops. What’s out this year is pipe and drape – instead, couples lean toward draping fabric, often hung from the ceiling, such as surrounding a chandelier, draping across the ceiling toward each wall, and hanging to the floor like curtains. This softer, romantic look brings a more classic and luxurious feel to the décor.
For lighting, look for real and artificial candles to add to the romantic ambiance of the ceremony and the reception, with fewer room lights from above –which makes sense, if the ceiling is draped in fabric.
Clothing
Brides continue to enjoy the trend of letting their bridesmaids choose different dresses in the same color, or sometimes different colors, as long as they fit the overall color scheme. Pops of color in the bridal gowns are out this year, with many brides going with traditional white or off-white.
Modern lace is popular this year, either on the sleeves, bodice or full dress. Lace might find its way to the veil as well, and this year, long, flowing veils are making an appearance down the aisle. These can be as long as the dress train, draping gracefully behind the bride at the altar.
For the grooms, structured tuxes or suits still find their way to the altar, but there’s one twist: instead of boutonnieres, look for colorful pocket squares. With grooms wanting to keep the traditional tux look but add a touch of personal style, using a pocket square lets them set themselves apart. The pocket square can match his tie, match the bridesmaid dress colors or be a completely different pattern that brings in several colors showcasing the groom’s favorite sports team, for example. The groomsmen can have matching pocket squares, or ones that are individual to each of them.
Photos
The reign of the professional photographer isn’t going anywhere – no amateur or cellphone photography can truly compare. However, couples are still into the retro feel of film photography, both with the professional photographer and the guests. Look for oldschool disposable film cameras or instant cameras on the tables
for the guests to use, and multiple professional photographers onsite to enable some film and some digital photography.
Automated photo booths appear to be on the way out this year, with brides opting for more professional portrait-style areas or asking guests to join them on a photo-sharing app, encouraging candid photos in all areas of the reception.
Wedding Favors
Welcome bags and wedding favors fade away a bit this year, replaced by more elaborate invitations. Instead of brides planning for gifts for the guests to receive when they arrive at the wedding or leave the reception, the trend is to provide something exciting from the get-go. Some brides go for hand-drawn calligraphy invitations, while others let their creative juices flow and send an invitation package instead of just a paper invite.
If your wedding is around the holidays, for instance, include a custom tree ornament with your wedding colors, your names and the date of your wedding. The gift could be a keepsake box, or something clever like a custom butter knife with a tag that says you and your fiancé “go together like bread and butter.” Another idea would be a refrigerator magnet with either your names or a likeness of your bridal bouquet, or something like a seed packet that encourages your guests to think about how your love is growing along with the plants.
Cakes
This year shows a return to the traditional when it comes to the wedding cake. Look for tall, elaborate, multi-tiered cakes complete with florals, fruit and toppers. Texture is key in 2025, with waves, dots and palette-knife designs topping the list of textures. Decadent flavors fill the cakes, often with each tier showcasing a different flavor profile.
For brides opting out of the tiered design, look for massively oversized cakes instead – think cakes that take up nearly a whole tabletop. These still have elaborate designs and are incredibly decorated, but they are the height of a regular cake.
Look for fewer individual desserts, like cupcakes or donuts, although the standard groom’s cake seems here to stay. WGW
Finding Love … Again
Tips for Planning a Second Wedding
Finding love a second time is a true gift, and you deserve to celebrate your wedding in a way that reflects who you are as a couple. While no one enters into a marriage hoping it will end so they can plan another one, it does happen. It’s possible a spouse passed away, or that you just fell out of love and realized you would both be happier apart.
About 27 percent of people who are married are not in their first marriage, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and nearly 80 percent of divorced people marry again within three years.
Many wedding etiquette rules cater to first weddings, which means you have more leeway to be yourself and let your personality shine through as you plan wedding number two for your beautiful new beginning.
Second Wedding vs. Vow Renewal
Second weddings aren’t the same as vow renewals. When you renew your vows, you plan a wedding-type event, and you make a new promise to the person you are already married to. You reaffirm your commitment to each other, often surrounded by friends and family. Couples typically opt for a vow renewal on a milestone anniversary, such as 25 years together, or when they are ready to move to a new phase of life, such as when their youngest child moves out to live on her own.
With a second wedding, one or both of the partners was married before. That marriage ended through death or divorce, but you’ve been lucky enough to fall in love with someone new.
Large or Small
This wedding is, and should be, completely different than your first, just like this new relationship is unique. There are no guidelines dictating how large the wedding should be, so talk with your fiancé to determine what
your new dream wedding looks like. If you had a big wedding for the first go-round and know you don’t want to go through that again, opt for a more intimate ceremony, or elope and enjoy the ceremony with just the two of you. But if you started small and always regretted not having all the pomp, definitely make this wedding big and beautiful.
One factor that could affect the size of your ceremony is that you’ll probably end up paying for this wedding yourself. Parents often help with the cost of first weddings, but it’s unlikely they will bring much to the table this time, feeling like they already fulfilled that particular financial obligation. If they express an interest in contributing, ask them for something specific, such as paying for the rehearsal dinner or pieces of the reception, like the food or DJ.
Say Yes to the Dress – Even a Colorful One
Should you wear white if it’s your second wedding? Absolutely! This is your day to celebrate your love together, and if a white dress is what you want, then you should wear it. Since a second wedding can be as formal or as casual as you and your fiancé decide, the dress should reflect the feel of the event, but it can be any color you like – if you think white washes out your skin tone, find a color and style that matches the ceremony, such as a lavender dress for spring or a flowing pastel dress for an intimate beach wedding. If bold is more your speed, walk down the aisle in Barbie pink or even red! This time around, it’s truly all about you and what makes you happy rather than traditions.
Guest List
As far as guests go, that’s also completely up to you, with one notable exception: don’t invite your exspouses, in most cases. Even if you have a pleasant relationship, it often makes other guests (not to mention your new groom!) uncomfortable when they see your former spouse in attendance. If your former spouses passed away, talk to your fiancé about a way to remember them during the ceremony, if that feels right to both of you. Perhaps offer a few words of remembrance during the ceremony or reception, play their favorite songs or have a family member read a Bible passage or a poem they loved.
If you’re blending families, try to keep the kids included in the planning and the ceremony, if possible.
The wedding affects their lives as well, so involving them in your big day helps those families merge. Otherwise, the second wedding is an ideal opportunity to invite just the people you want to share the day with. At your first wedding, you might have invited family you didn’t really know or friends of your parents out of obligation. It’s a relief to know you don’t have to do that this time. Invite people who you know well and feel close to so your ceremony is that much more meaningful.
Registries and Showers
Wedding gifts were originally designed to help the happy couple set up their home, as young couples traditionally moved straight from their parents’ houses into a home together. However, most young couples move out of their parents’ houses before getting married these days, and many live together before tying the knot –yet they still have wedding showers and sign up for registries. So you deserve all the joy and support from
family and friends, regardless of whether this is your second marriage. And, the people who love you probably want to show you how much they care by celebrating your new union with a gift.
Since you likely don’t need traditional wedding gifts, set up a registry with what you really want or need. This might be a honeymoon fund for friends and family to contribute to, or ask guests to donate to your favorite charity instead of bringing a gift. But if you’re both bringing sets of mismatched dishes and old, warped pans to your new lives together, register for those new items and save your old, tired pieces for when your kids go to college. Some online registries let you set up items from multiple stores so people can opt to buy a gift or put money toward something important to you, like an adventure experience to help you continue to make memories together. WGW
Out of Control
How to set clear and healthy boundaries when your parents are footing the bill
People wonder why a bride becomes a bridezilla, and sometimes the answer is because she’s not just dealing with the details, she’s also dealing with her parents and soon-to-be in-laws as well – all of whom feel like they should have a say in the big day. Whoever is footing most of the bill – usually the bride’s parents – tend to want more control.
Chances of everyone agreeing on what the wedding should look like are slim and none, especially considering both sets of parents may feel like they are losing their babies to holy matrimony.
Setting clear boundaries from the beginning can help, and that means getting buy-in from everyone who will be involved in the planning process. This is the perfect chance to set the tone for your entire married life as well –
the parents can be involved, to the extent you allow them to, but you as a couple decide your own fate together.
Setting Boundaries
Sit down and talk. This sounds easy, but is it, really? In most cases, this can be the hardest part of the entire wedding planning process. The first step is to sit down with your fiancé with a list of tasks that need to be accomplished for the wedding to be a success. You two get on the same page before involving anyone else. Decide what your non-negotiables are. For example, you may have a friend who is a caterer, and you absolutely will not have anyone else provide food for your reception. However, neither of you knows a wedding photographer, so you don’t have a strong opinion on who that is, as long as she is an expert.
Next, sit down with both sets of parents at the same time, preferably face to face, if possible. Ask them how much they want to be involved in the planning process, and tell them you want them to be involved. But, present a united front when you tell them that your boundary is you are the final decision makers. Make sure they know their opinions matter, but this is YOUR day, not theirs. Tell them how much you appreciate their financial support, but that you all need to agree that they are paying for you to have the day of your dreams, not the day of their dreams.
Hand Over (a Few of) the Reins
Give the parents some control. It’s the moms here who want a say in some of the planning, typically. Now that you and your fiancé have your non-negotiables on paper, give the list of everything else to your mother and future motherin-law, and ask them if they are interested in taking over some of those tasks. Let them know how
important these tasks are to the finished product so they feel like they are bringing some value to your big day. This can also help by taking some of the tasks off your list so you can focus on the pieces that are the most important to you. While a formal contract isn’t necessary, putting everyone’s duties, along with deadlines, on paper and sharing it with each other creates accountability as well as a clear definition of agreed-upon duties.
When Disagreements Happen
Understand not everyone will be happy with your decisions. This day is about you, but if other people are helping you pay for it, they may try to overstep on occasion. Stand firm, and empathetically but firmly remind them of your initial conversation, and how they agreed to it.
However, when emotions start running high, tensions can rise as well. Even if you keep your cool and redirect everyone back to the original agreement, parents might start digging in their heels about some of the details. Maybe your mother wants you to invite some of her old friends to the wedding,
but you’ve never met them and don’t want to bump your friends from the list to fit hers in, for example. Or, perhaps your fiancé’s mother decides to buy a dress the same color as your bridesmaid dresses because she is upset you didn’t select the color scheme she suggested for your big day. Anger could lead them to threaten to withdraw funds if you don’t give them what they want.
If that happens, you have a couple of options. First, give them some time to cool off. Remind them of the important tasks they are in charge of, and how essential these tasks are to the success of the day. Ask them to stick to the tasks everyone already agreed to. If they are still digging in their heels, you might have to choose between giving them what they want or walking away from the money they were willing to put toward your wedding.
If you end up with that difficult decision ahead of you, talk with your partner again about what is most important to you. If what the parents are asking is something you can compromise on to maintain the financial funding that gives you the rest of what you want, it’s probably worth it to let them have the win. But, if it’s a deal breaker, you both should be willing to walk away without bitterness – even if you have to downsize your wedding to maintain control of the details, you’ll be just as married as if you had a large event.
Also remember that your parents are giving you this wedding as a gift, and most people don’t get to choose their own gifts. While there are pieces that absolutely should be exactly the way you want, if your parents are giving you the gift of a wedding and reception, it might seem fair to let them have a bit more say in the details than you wanted. On the flip side, they are giving you this gift as a way to support your new union, and to help you start your life together by making happy memories. Both sides carry equal weight, so try to find some middle ground where you can. Compromising on the venue or the wedding dress might not be in the cards for you, but if your mom is melting down because you don’t want to use the same lace table runners she had at her reception, that might be a place you could give a little to help keep ruffled feathers to a minimum.
Reassure your parents that you will always be their little girl – much of the controlling nature likely comes from a place of emotion rather than logic. Their world is changing just as much as yours, although in a different way, so a little reassurance might be all they need to step back and let you have a day that is your vision all the way. WGW
