the expo Northbridge Mall
the tuxedo Leutholds
the decorating Accents Decorating
the keepsakes Simply Home Grown
the venue Wedgewood Cove
the invitation Celebrations Party & Gifts
the printing Church Offset Printing
the gown Bliss Bridal
directory
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Crystal Miller Publisher 379-3420 crystal.miller@albertleatribune.com Tim Engstrom Managing Editor 379-3433 tim.engstrom@albertleatribune.com Catherine Buboltz Advertising Director 379-3427 catherine.buboltz@albertleatribune.com Kathy Johnson Creative Director 379-9859 kathy.johnson@albertleatribune.com Lisa Foley Business Manager 379-3424 lisa.foley@albertleatribune.com Terry Thissen Press Production Director 379-9854 terry.thissen@albertleatribune.com News news@albertleatribune.com obituaries@albertleatribune.com Brandi Hagen Community Editor • 379-3436 lifestyles@albertleatribune.com Micah Bader Sports Editor • 379-3434 tribsports@albertleatribune.com Sarah Stultz City Editor • 379-3435 sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com Circulation Melissa Goodwin • 379-3421 melissa.goodwin@albertleatribune.com Retail Advertising Michele Beyer • 379-3428 michele.beyer@albertleatribune.com Renee Citsay • 379-3430 renee.citsay@albertleatribune.com Clay Culbertson • 379-9851 clay.culbertson@albertleatribune.com Angie Hoffman • 379-3429 angie.hoffman@albertleatribune.com Susan Price • 379-9852 susan.price@albertleatribune.com Classified Advertising Michelle DaVeiga • 379-9850 michelle.daveiga@albertleatribune.com Joan Miller • 379-3425 classifieds@albertleatribune.com Creative & Graphic Design Kristin Overland • 379-9859 kristin.overland@albertleatribune.com
Albert Lea Tribune Media 808 W. Front St., Albert Lea, MN 56007-0060 Phone: 507-373-1411 Fax: 507-373-0333 www.AlbertLeaTribune.com Member of Minnesota Newspaper Association & Associated Press
Find us on
Bridal Expo 2014 Sunday, January 12 12:00-5:00 3 Unique Fashion Shows Times: 1:00, 2:15 & 3:30 You’ll want to see them all!
Brides - Register To Win! Many Door Prizes...Plus GRAND PRIZE HONEYMOON PACKAGE 4-Day & 3 Night Package for 2 Courtesy of RIU Hotels, Apple Vacations & Certified Travel Plus...$500 towards airfare, taxes & fees donated by Northbridge Mall
Certified Travel Northbridge Mall - Albert Lea
the expo 1-90 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, MN 507-377-3185 www.northbridgemall.com
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The biggest selection of styles to suit you. Leutholds is a proud member of Savvi Formalwear, representing North America’s largest cooperative of independent formalwear owners working together to serve you. Discover our difference in providing the finest service and styles for your special day. We have the perfect tuxedo or suit along with all the colors and accessories certain to fit you just right. No one can match the number of looks and styles we have waiting for you. From traditional to contemporary, from the most formal to the more casual, you are sure to find what suits you just perfectly. For special promotions on your upcoming wedding, see store for details.
the tuxedo 2
Northbridge Mall • Albert Lea • 373-3142
Make your wedding dreams come true with one-of-a-kind floral arrangements and decoration services from Accents. Since 2005, owner and designer Jolene Bute has been providing unique arrangements and complete decorating service for weddings and receptions. Accents offers the finest variety of fresh cut and silk flowers. Services include setting up arrangements and decorations—from arches, to backdrops, lights, fabrics, greenery and much more. Jolene never creates any two weddings alike. Her personalized service includes getting to know each bride and groom before the big day, and implementing their vision for a dream wedding. Her background in graphic design lends to the creativity and uniqueness, as well.
the decorating If you can dream it, we can do it!
Jolene Bute - Owner/Designer 155 S. Broadway, Alden 507-874-3425
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Don’t throw away your most precious memories... Preserve and Protect them.
At Simply Home Grown we specialize in keepsake floral preservation. We can Freezedry flowers from ANY special Occasion - Your Wedding Day, Anniversary, New Baby or Funeral Memorial. We will create for you a One-of-a-kind Keepsake to decorate your home long after that special day. NEW! At Simply Home Grown... Flower petal Jewelry! Now you can wear your keepsake flowers. Hand crafted from your dried flowers, and with the finest quality Sterling Silver components. Absolutely stunning! Visit our Facebook page “Simply Home Grown Custom Freeze-Drying and Design” for all the latest News and Keepsake Photos.
the keepsakes Simply Home Grown Custom Freeze Drying & Design
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Open by appointment only - Call 641-326-2488 Visit us online at www.simplyhomegrown.com
With sunset’s setting over mature grasses and rolling green fairways, Wedgewood Cove Golf Course offers a beautiful, absolutely perfect location for memorable weddings. After all, a wedding -- the most special of all days -- deserves the most special of all locations, and few places can match Wedgewood Coves beauty. Regardless of the event – engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, weddings or parties – the staff at Wedgewood Cove will help ensure that your occasion will be remembered by all. The Banquet Hall that seats 440 people, Ceremony Pad by Pickerel Lake, well designed and state of the art facility; the food is spectacular and the service is impeccable - all of which combine to create a truly special wedding for you.
the venue GOLF COURSE
2200 W 9th St. 507-373-2007 5
Ready to begin wedding planning? Let’s chat! We have over 15 wonderful wedding invitation albums including two of the newest from McPherson’s and Carlson Craft. From classic to modern styles -- Seal ‘n Send to Sep ‘n Send, we have them all. The invitations these companies provide are absolutely beautiful! Plus ... any wedding invitation order placed with us automatically qualifies for FREE napkins and custom imprinting equal to the number of invitations ordered. It’s our way to show appreciation for your business and take one more item off that long wedding “to do” list. Wedding reception accessory items are also a must have. Not only can we custom order just about anything you’d like, we have a team of very creative people that can assist you with planning to make your day extra special.
the invitation 507.373.7746
122 S. Broadway Ave • Albert Lea www.celebrationsalbertlea.com
M-F 9:30am - 5:30pm | Thurs ‘til 7pm | Sat 9:30am - 3pm
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• Banners • SDate igns • Save The Cards • D • Invitationsisplay Boards • MCards aps • Timeline • Maps • Save The Date • WeddingCPrograms ards/Magnets • Thank You Cards • Invitations • Programs Church Offset Printing has worked imeline Cards for with brides• T and their families over 75 years. We are anCoffset • Thank You ards
banners
posters
display boards
and digital printer, who offers one of the most affordable ways to create the wedding invitation and program of your dreams. If you need help imprinting on stock you have purchased, or need a creative way to implement your unique ideas, we can help.
Our equipment allows us to print 1-color or more, full color photo invites and other pieces. If you are looking for a simpler approach we also offer a variety of ready to order Wedding and Social Invitations. www.churchoffsetprinting.com ONLINE Wedding Invitations & Accessories ORDERING MADE EASY http://www.churchoffsetprinting.cceasy.com
the invitation
the personalized printer 1731 Margaretha Ave. 507-373-6485 www.churchoffsetprinting.com ONLINE ORDERING MADE EASY
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L
ong before couples stand before an officiant and say, “I do,” many make another pledge to each other by getting engaged and agreeing to begin a new life together. Many engagement rings feature a 1-carat center stone with some smaller stones surrounding, accounting for a 1.4 total carat weight on average. It can take a groom-to-be around three months to find his (and her) ideal ring, sometimes longer. Considering a ring is such a significant investment, it pays to have some knowledge in gem selection.
Start by answering a few questions
Having an idea of what you want can help anyone get a better deal, whether one is shopping for a new sofa or an engagement ring. An informed shopper can avoid being taken advantage of or buying something that really isn’t worth the asking price. The 4 Cs is a good place for shoppers to get started. Various attributes affect the value, quality and beauty of a diamond. The 4 Cs stand forcut, color, clarity, and carat weight. The cut refers to the shape of the stone as well as the skill involved in achieving the shape of the facets so that it reflects the light brilliantly. The color is designated by the International Gemological Institute. The grading color in a diamond determines how
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closely a diamond’s color approaches colorlessness.The diamond will be assigned a letter grade. The lower the letter in the alphabet, the whiter the stone. Clarity refers to the amount, size, type, and location of internal flaws in a diamond, also known as inclusions. The cost of the diamond increases when there are fewer inclusions in the stone. Finally, the carat weight is the size and weight of the stone. The larger the stone, the more pricey it can be. Another question to ask is which style of ring your girlfriend prefers? Your fiancee-to-be may have a certain setting style and diamond shape preference. It pays to know what she wants, including the type of setting the stone will be encased in. You should also know whether she will be happy with a larger stone that may have some imperfections not easily seen to the naked eye or a smaller, flawless stone.
Know your budget
Many expenses are associated with planning a wedding, and some couples may not want to begin their lives together in debt. This may need to be factored in to the decision-making process. You should go to jewelry stores to price out different styles and see how diamonds compare. This way you will have an accurate idea of just how much rings cost.
Carefully consider your options. Having an intimate knowledge of what your girlfriend will want can help you to narrow down something that is reasonable. It also pays to understand a jeweler’s return policy. Even if you may know what she likes, in the event that the ring doesn’t work out, find out if the style can be changed or if you can get a refund or make an exchange.
Other tips for savings success
There are ways to maximize your budget and still end up with a beautiful stone. * Ask for a stone that is slightly less than the next carat, for example 0.9 instead of one carat. This nearly indiscernible difference can add up to substantial savings. Experts say the price difference between a 1.90 carat diamond and a 2.0 carat diamond can be as much as $5,000. Also, choose a stone that has more surface area, which will make it appear larger even if it does not have as much sparkle. * If she prefers the look of platinum, realize white gold, silver or tungsten are more affordable options and will still give off that silvery hue she desires. Mixed gold colors, including white, pink and yellow, can be unique.
* Try to buy a loose diamond. You can inspect the entire stone and then shop around for an acceptable setting. This can save you money in the long run by buying the ring elements separately. * Get a part-time job at a jewelry store. This way you may be eligible for an employee discount and can put the savings toward the ring. * Don’t shy away from a warehouse store for a good deal on rings. As long as the diamond is to your liking and follows the requirements of the 4 Cs that you desire, it should not matter where the ring was purchased. * Make sure the store is accredited by the Jewelers of America or is a member of the Gemological Institute of America. This way you know you are buying from a reputable source and the diamonds were acquired ethically. * Negotiate the price. Just because it is jewelry doesn’t mean you can’t comparison shop and find out if another jeweler will match a competitor’s offer. Many stores will be willing to negotiate if it means making a sale. An engagement ring is a large purchase that requires ample forethought. Following some guidelines can yield the results couples desire. SB137311
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reception
Planning a perfect wedding is no small undertaking. From scheduling venues and hiring vendors to tasting menus, lots of decisions must be made when planning a wedding. But when the pieces fall into place, the entire day can be magical. One of the final components of weddings are the favors guests will take home with them as mementos of the festivities. Though favors don’t require immediate attention, that does not mean couples should wait until the last minute to made decisions regarding their wedding favors.
wedding
favors
Choosing the right
Be creative
Wedding favors can be just about anything, so there’s no need to stick to Jordan almonds or wine bottle stoppers. The more creative couples are, the more receptive their guests will likely be. For example, for an autumn-theme wedding, fill mason jars with the ingredients for a spiced cake and give the recipe directions on a tag. For a summer wedding, gift guests with a sun and surf survival bag, full of sunblock, a beach towel and sunglasses.
Complete the theme
Some weddings follow a particular theme from start to finish, and wedding favors should stick with that theme. Couples who will showcase their love of travel on their wedding days may want to give guests keychains or purse holders that feature popular landmarks around the world. Those who are admitted beach bums may want to present a small fishbowl with sand and a goldfish inside, reminiscent of days at the seashore.
Go traditional
Brides- and grooms-to-be should not underestimate the importance of handing out wedding favors, a tradition with a rich history. A wedding favor is considered a symbol of good will to guests, and there are many different wedding favors on the market. Finding the right one can take a little work. It is usually a good idea to find something that suits the theme of the wedding and is both long-lasting and practical. Try to avoid anything that is too kitschy. A couple’s budget should be considered when choosing wedding favors. A couple may want to give their guests lavish gifts but should only do so if their budget allows. It may be challenging for couples to find favors that fit the theme of their wedding, as well as their own personalities and budgets. But it can be done. The following are some favor-finding guidelines.
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Couples who opt for universally appealing favors can lean toward some popular options, such as silver cake servers, candlestick holders, decorative photo frames, or engraved keepsake boxes. Aim for favors that have utility. Otherwise, favors may end up collecting dust on someone’s shelf.
Food and beverage gifts are fun
Food favors mean guests can enjoy their gifts and not have to worry about finding space inside their homes to display trinkets. Food favors can be lavishly decorated cookies, fine chocolates, petit fours, small bottles of champagne or cupcakes decorated like the wedding cake. Favors are often integral to wedding celebrations. Selecting a favor that will be appreciated and fit with the wedding is often a fun and stress-free part of planning a wedding.
You’ve found your true love...now fall in love all over again with a gorgeous gown and accessories from Bliss. We’ve stocked our boutique with exclusive designer gowns from all over the world, styled with you in mind! Hundreds of brides from all over the midwest have entrusted their wedding experience to the staff at Bliss, and we are happy to be making a new home in Albert Lea. You may find it interesting that over 75% of our brides were referred by friends with fond memories of their experience! Let our designers create wonderful wedding memories for you and your special someone to enjoy forever.
the gown 2180 S. Federal Mason City, IA
Northbridge Mall Albert Lea, MN
www.blissformalwear.com • 641-201-1032
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SEEN | Area Weddings & Engagements
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(1) Eric Bakken and Melanie Farris (2) Jamie Neilon and Tracy Dahlum (3) Ashley Misgen and Anthony Cookas (4) Seth Buchanan and Tiffany Schrader (5) Katie Zenk and Chris Hebblewhite (6) Neal Wenninger and Amanda Leonard (7) Tracey Kruger and Klint Sauke (8) David Everhard and Lauren Cliff (9) Brienne Bangert and Tyler Sandal (10) Jacqueline Christensen and Matthew Morris
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(11) Abilyn Wolters and George Gerdes Jr. (12) McKinzey Christian and Tim Stoneking (13) Derek Peterson and Ashley Hall (14) Chad Schaper and Sarah Luna (15) Matthew Schnabel and Krystal Anderson (16) Emily Latch and Jarred Martin (17) Samuel Quintus and Stephanie Lundt (18) Andrew Hertges and Alison Sabinish (19) Derek Nelson and Beth Hajek 19
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Weddings of Impeccable Taste
Dawson Limousine Service * Ask about our new limo bus! * Ask about our extended rental rates * Weddings, Birthdays * Concerts/Sports Events * Airport & Casino
“Let us design the perfect cake for your Special Day!� Custom Cakes for Descriminating Tastes
507-369-0272 www.sugarchiccakes.com 1417 St. John Ave. • Albert Lea
Call 507-402-0606 for booking/ pricing information
One of a kind wedding gifts
Designers with years of experience to make your special day picture perfect - Complete Wedding Floral Services -
Personalize
• Towels • Sheets • Pillow Cases • Blankets
410 Bridge Avenue 507.373.1486
Reinertson’s Embroidery 127 S. Broadway, Albert Lea 56007 507-373-0751 • 877-727-1995
Here’s a Party Just Waiting to Happen Tents Glassware Tables/Chairs Flatware
www.gkrental.com
Linens Decorating And More!
Mankato 507.625.3238 New Prague 952.758.5715
We want your marriage and engagement announcements
Stop by the Tribune office 808 West Front St.
Bring this in and receive 10% off cleaning & Boxing A Gift Suggestion from Clothing Care
Wedding Gown Preservation* Trust Your Wedding Dress To Us!
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...to make the most important garment of your life last for years to come. See us before the wedding to have all bridal attire pressed. Your full service dry cleaners & launderers.
lothing 116Albert S. Washington Lea, MN are Phone 373-2318 6:00-5:30 Mon.-Fri. enter Hours:9:00-11:00 Sat. ''The Professionals''
Locally Owned & Operated by Robin Carstens
Mike MJLF )FJEFNBO Ċ Heideman • 507-383-6019 . NJLFTQIPUPCPPUI! Mike Trytten • 507-383-8992 mikesphotobooth@yahoo.com • weddings • proms • corporate events • t rade shows • h oliday parties .BLJOH NFNPSJFTĒ • graduation • s chool dances • much more
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