Winter Wedding Showcase 2012

Page 8 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012

wednesday, january 11, 2012

Sunday, Jan. 15 12:00-5:00

2 Fashion Shows • 1:30 & 3:30 You’ll want to see them both!

Multiple professional vendors helping you plan your perfect day!

BRIDES REGISTER TO WIN Over $2500 in Prizes including a

Honeymoon Package

4 days & 3 nights at the Breezes RUNAWAY BAY, JAMAiCA CERTIFIED TRAVEL

PLUS: $500

towards airfare from Northbridge Mall

2012 Bridal Expo Exhibitors Accents Americas Best Value Inn Belles & Beaus Bliss Bridal and Formal Wear Brant Hemingway Photography & Video Certified Travel Conger Catering & Party Shop Dawson Limo Diamond Jo Digital Dreams Sound & Light Show Especially For You Flowers To Be by Bree Grizzly Sound Herberger's Holiday Inn Express & Suites Northwood Hy-Vee

I-90 & Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, MN

Jan Bernau Photography Kelly Lynne Originals LC Photography Leutholds lia sophia-Jean Jaspersen Linda Kane Photography Makeup Artistry By Brooke & Vibrant Airbrush Tanning By Keri Mary Kay-Karen Rowland Memories Aloft Midwest Stainless Moose Lodge The Silhouette Sugar Chic Cake Designs Uptown Sound Wedgewood Cove Golf Club Wendt Photography Your Home Improvement Center

M-F 10-9; Sat. 10-6; Sun. 12-5 • (507) 377-3185 • www.northbridgemall.com

Inside: Meet an Albert Lea DJ who enjoys providing music at wedding receptions and other events

Page 2 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Just dance

TANNING...

15 min. bed

look good. feel great!

12 minute bed

Albert Lea disc jockey hopes to make every gig special

By Brandi Hagen

brandi.hagen@albertleatribune.com

ETC Etcetera

Tanning & Clothing

custom airbrush tanning Ask about our bridal party specials!

Located in Skyline Plaza • 1663 W. Main St. M-F 10-9 p.m. Sat. 10-5pm, Sun. 1-5 507.377.TANS (8267) Walk-ins wlecome

Here’s a Party Just Waiting to Happen Tents Tables/ Chairs Glassware

Flatware Linens Decorating And More!

www.gkrental.com

Mankato: (800) 322-0072 New Prague: (952) 758-5715 1707 Madison Ave. 56001 Jct. Hwy. 13 & 19, 5607

Enjoy your special day we’ll make it stress free • Fresh cut or silk flowers • Reception decorating • Rentals

In 2000, Jacob Abrego was just 15 years old. Like many teenage boys, he could be found in his bedroom jamming out to music.

One day, his mom walked in on him. What she saw was Abrego turning Christmas lights and flashlights on and off to the beat of the music.

It was then that the idea of him becoming a disc jockey came to life.

“She was my first investor,” Abrego said. “She bought me everything I needed to get started.”

Abrego became the face of UpTown Sound.

The first gig he ever did was his aunt’s wedding. Since then, he has done about 200 to 300 jobs including church events for all religions, school dances, birthday parties, anniversary parties and the list just goes on.

“I like the fact that I can be a part of someone’s celebration like that,” Abrego said. “It’s just amazing. I come

home and I think you know what, they actually stayed to the end and applauded, that’s huge.”

In 2006, it was Abrego’s turn to get married and hire a DJ. It was the perfect opportunity for him to learn what he should be doing to keep people excited and having a good time.

“Before our wedding, he pretty much just played music,” Abrego’s wife Allison said. “After he saw what the guy at our wedding did, he became really involved with the crowd.”

Inspired by the confetti and costumes that his DJ used, Abrego spiced up his performances.

“If you get out there and do something, people are going to remember that,” he said.

Something Abrego is known for is dancing. He spends hours watching videos online in order to learn the dances of new hit songs as well as the older wedding favorites.

“It’s very tough to step out of your comfort zone, you’re not sure how

they’re going to react,” Abrego said about showing off dances and dressing up in costumes. “I don’t want to say I’m a different person when I DJ, but I am. It takes a special person to do what DJs do.”

Getting out on the floor and teaching the crowd a dance or letting bubbles soar during the song, “Carwash,” comes second nature to Abrego. It’s the simple stuff that makes or breaks the night.

“The first dance is everything,” Abrego said. “If the CD even skips — that night is going to suck. That matters so much.”

It matters, Abrego said because that moment of being newly married and having that first dance will never happen again.

Before, being a disc jockey was just a fun thing for Abrego to do in his spare time. Now, 12 years later, with the support of his family, UpTown Sound is just getting started.

“I shouldn’t treat a gift like this as a hobby,” Abrego said. “I’ve decided that I’m going to do it as a business.

I’m just excited. It’s time.”

Tips for getting engagements and wedding announcements published in the Tribune So you’re getting engaged to be married. Or you’ve just gotten married. How do you let everyone know?

Through an announcement in the Albert Lea Tribune, of course.

Forms are available online at www.albertleatribune.com, click on the “services” tab, and find the appropriate tab. Forms are also available at our office at 808 W. Front St. in Albert Lea. Call 507-379-3439

with questions.

Couples can announce their engagement any time they choose before their wedding. Announcements after a wedding need to reach our office no later than four months following the ceremony.

Photos may accompany either announcement and may be color or black and white. Photos can be any size.

We discourage couples from sub-

Troy Thompson LUTCF

If you can dream it, we can do it!

Jolene Bute - Owner/Designer 155 S. Broadway, Alden • 507-874-3425

Drop Off Foods to Upscale Events

I want a FREE subscription to Southern Minnesota Magazine!

Return this form to: Southern Minnesota Magazine 808 W. Front St Albert Lea, MN 56007

Name___________________________________________ Address_________________________________________

☞ 377-9672 ☞

ents/guardians and court; less than 18 years, no license; less than 18 years and not a resident of Freeborn County, no license.

Pick-up dates for the marriage licenses are based on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are the following Monday, Thursday is the following Tuesday and Friday is the following Wednesday. A Minnesota marriage needs two witnesses. Those witnesses must be 16 or older.

The law prefers both parties appear at the time of application. If one party is unable to appear and the requirements of Minnesota Statutes are met, the license may then be issued. Those requirements include the second party getting a copy of the initial application, filling out a special form, having it notarized, and returning it to the issuing office. There is a strong preference for both parties being present when the application is made for the marriage license.

The person who actually fills out the marriage license needs their current photo ID. If either of the parties has been married before, the person handling the application needs to see a copy of the divorce decree with the judge’s signature, or a certified death certificate of the previous spouse.

Don’t settle for less, you deserve the BEST! When comparing all of the details, you’ll find our prices fit every budget

• Perfect location for wedding receptions, banquets, holiday parties, meetings and private dinners.

• Seats up to 480 people or can be separated into thirds to accommodate smaller gatherings • Overlooks a full length balcony and offers scenic golf course and lake views.

• Two-sided full service bar.

• No room rental fee.

• Outdoor area by lake for Wedding Ceremonies

(507) 373-2007 ext. 104 Bryce Nelson, Director of Sales and Events

YES!

Toll Free: 877-974-9597

troythompsonagency@gmail.com 1330 W. Main Albert Lea, MN 56007

Facts worth knowing about marriage licenses People preparing to obtain a marriage license in Minnesota may encounter a rather odd situatino. There are two fees involved with the application for a license at any county courthouse in the state. One fee is $115, and the other is $75 less. However, to obtain the license for the $40 fee the couple must present a Premarital Education Certificate when applying.

(More specific information about this fairly new Minnesota law is with a separate article in this publication.)

There is a five-day waiting period to pick up the license after the application is made. The license is valid for six months from the date of issue.

And the license is valid only in the state of Minnesota. For those people who might want to get married at the famous Little Brown Church in the Vale near Nashua, Iowa, or elsewhere in that state, then a marriage license from an Iowa courthouse is required.

Also, a couple from south of the state line wanting to get married somewhere in Minnesota will find out an Iowa-issued license isn’t valid at all.

The age limits for Minnesota marriage licenses to be issued are based on the following: 18 years or over, no consent needed; 16 years, but less than 18 years, consent of par-

mitting photos that have been taken with a filter (soft focus). While these are beautiful, they do not reproduce well in the newspaper.

People may claim their photos after they have run in the newspaper, or include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for their return.

The information and a jpeg photo (with a resolution of no less than 200) may also be emailed to lifestyles@ albertleatribune.com.

auto • home • life • health • busineSs

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Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Page 7

City, State, Zip____________________________________ Phone_______________ E-mail_ _____________________

Page 6 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Page 3

Help make your dreams a reality with wedding insurance

Getting married is a dream. Who hasn’t fantasized about the dress, the jewelry, your dad walking you down the aisle, the music, the cake, the reception following the ceremony?

Because people travel so much these days, weddings aren’t always local any more. Destination weddings on the beaches of Hawaii or the Bahamas, or in a castle in Scotland or even in a 900-year-old bed and breakfast in Ireland are extremely popular, which can make planning a bit more difficult due to the distance. Often couples

Starts with the right venue

• Receptions & Grooms Dinners • Decoration Packages • Create Your Own Menu –Variety of Choices • Seats 175-200 For More Info Call Moose Event Coordinator Betty at 507-369-5434

are not able to travel to the wedding location prior to the ceremony to get everything organized, and rely on telephone and email conversations.

Not being able to directly interact face to face with wedding organizers at the church and reception hall, and vendors who will be handling the cake, photos and flowers, to name a few, can make planning a bit more of a challenge.

Wedding dreams can turn into nightmares well before the wedding — your wedding dress shop, the caterer or even the venue goes out of business — or the day of — a tornado strikes the church where the wedding was to be held. But sometimes the nightmares end up to be extremely funny stories that will be retold time and time again — and they can happen whether the wedding is taking place locally, or halfway across the country.

Stories like the bride, who shortly before the wedding, discovered her brother thought her dress needed a bit of extra color, and took his finger paints to the beautiful white fabric.

Or the cat that decided to give birth — nestled into the folds of the bride’s wedding gown.

“Wedding disasters occur on a daily basis,� said Robert Nuccio, president of R.V. Nuccio & Associates, Inc., the exclusive program manager of the Fireman’s Fund wedding insurance program in the U.S. “Weather, vendors going out of business, the father of the bride not being able to attend due to sudden illness — you name it, it’s happened. You can’t plan for these disasters. But you can have a plan B.�

Under one policy through Wedsure. com, a division of R.V. Nuccio and Associates, couples can pick and choose al a carte up to nine wedding insurance coverage options they want and may need. In addition to cancellation and additional expense, the coverage options also include gifts, jewelry, loss of deposits, photographs and video, professional counseling, rented property, special attire and personal liability and medical payments.

Weather is the biggest offender causing wedding cancellations. If a hurricane, snowstorm, ice storm, tornado or airport closure forces you to move or postpone your destination or travel wedding, Wedsure. com wedding insurance pays all the nonrefundable expenses you incur, including the honeymoon.

Having a plan B can save you plenty of ups and downs on the emotional roller coaster if something turns your dream wedding into a nightmare. For example, if the wedding gifts were to be stolen from the reception, wedding insurance can help protect you from experiencing grief. “If the photographer fails to appear, or he does show up and takes pictures but is nowhere to be found several weeks later when you want your wedding photo proofs, the policy will pay to restage the wedding,� said Nuccio, who is the author of the policy. “This includes flying everyone back, putting them up in hotels, feeding them,

• weddings • proms • corporate events • trade shows

.JLFĂŤT photo booth .BLJOH NFNPSJFTÄ’

• holiday parties • graduation • school dances • much more

Although the latest Brides American Wedding Study shows the average cost of a wedding in 2010 was $26,501, a decrease of 5 percent from 2009, weddings continue to be big business. But many couples are opting to cut the guest list instead of big ticket items like wedding gowns.

In fact, the average wedding gown cost $1,289 in 2010, a 20 percent increase over 2009, according to the study. This is no surprise to the millions who were glued to their television sets this past April during the most talked about wedding since the 1981 royal wedding of Lady Diana to Prince Charles. Many brides are now emulating the elegant lace gown worn

by Catherine Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge.

In addition to beautiful lace, the newest trends in wedding gowns include color, soft sleeves, short hemlines and eco-friendly materials.

Whether it is Chantilly, Alencon, duchesse, guipure, or ribbon, lace has become one of the hottest trends this year. “Designers at all price points have debuted collections featuring full frothy skirts, wildflowers and lace used in both traditional and modern ways,� said Kate Campbell, department chair of Fashion & Retail Management at The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design. “This particular trend parallels the more feminine, elegant trends we see in fashion everywhere — including more fitted and ladylike styles reminiscent of Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy.�

While not for everyone, the use of color in wedding gowns has been growing in popularity. Rich and vibrant, or more subdued, color in bridal wear is everywhere. Some brides choose soft pastel colors, such as blush, rose or skin-tone. Others

Priceless Memories

MikeMJLF )FJEFNBO Ċ Heideman • 507-383-6019 .JLF 5SZUUFO Ċ Mike Trytten • 507-383-8992 NJLFTQIPUPCPPUI!ZBIPP DPN mikesphotobooth@yahoo.com

redressing them, rebuying the cake, rebuying the flowers, rerenting the facility, rehiring a photographer and flying everyone home. Basically photographs and video coverage will pay to recreate the entire fairytale just for the photographs.�

Planning a wedding takes a lot of time and energy, especially when you and many members of the family have to travel for the event. While a disaster could disrupt the dream event, it doesn’t have to cause you financial devastation. Be prepared with a plan B and anticipate that this special time of your life will proceed just like it did in your childhood dreams.

How the royal wedding influenced the latest bridal trends

Make your wedding reception a truly exceptional event!

Dawson Limousine Service

• Groom’s Suppers, Wedding Anniversaries, etc. • Will do catering for any size group, from full sit down meals to sandwiches, salads and desserts made to go.

Call 507-265-3265

Conger Inn Catering & Party Shop Conger, Minnesota

Downtown Albert Lea 507-377-0848

* Ask about our new limo bus! * Ask about our extended rental rates * Weddings, Birthdays * Concerts/Sports Events * Airport & Casino Call 507-402-0606 for booking/pricing information

opt to wear vibrant hues of lavender, green and deep pink. Less bold brides are more likely to use hints of accent color on sashes, bows, embroidery, hems, necklines or beading. “The bride who chooses to add color to her dress is fashion forward and confident — it’s not for the faint of heart,� says Amber Chatelain, lead faculty for the Fashion & Retail Management program at The Art Institute of Tennessee — Nashville, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta.

Another interesting new trend in bridal wear is short gowns, especially for brides choosing destination and beach weddings. While they may be short in length, these dresses are not short on style. Some offer sophisticated laces, chic feathers or multilayered organza mini-skirts.

Soft sleeves are enjoying a comeback. Designers have debuted soft, romantic sleeves, including traditional cap sleeves in florals and tulle, modern silhouettes using vintage elements, sequin fringe and flutter sleeves, and romantic offthe-shoulder versions. “The softness and elegance of the sleeves in bridal wear mirrors today’s general fashion trends, where designers are high-

lighting the elegance and beauty of the female form in very soft ways,� says Charlene Parsons, who heads the fashion programs at Miami International University of Art & Design.

Eco-friendly options have also increased in popularity. “There are now numerous eco-friendly designers whose sole business is to create wedding dresses made with earth-friendly fabrics and materials, using techniques that are in harmony with the earth,� said Crystal Shamblee, department chair of Fashion Design for The Art Institute of Philadelphia. Secondhand and vintage wedding dresses are another eco-friendly choice.

Whatever fashion trends a bride chooses, one that will never go out of

79

Tuxedo prices starting at

$

50

complete

See store for details

eutholds Men's & Ladies' Fine Apparel

Northbridge Mall Mall ••Albert LeaLea • 373-3142 Northbridge Albert

Elegant cakes with decadent taste

373-3142

For the best wedding experience possible

Express your individuality with our unlimited range of creativity!

1417 St. John Ave, Albert Lea 369-0272 info@sugarchiccakes.com www.sugarchiccakes.com

A Gift Suggestion from Clothing Care

Wedding Gown Preservation*

C

lothing are enter

“The Professionals�

116 S. Washington, Albert Lea 373-2318

Leave all the details to us.

Your destination wedding specialists.

GROOM’S TUX FREE!

L

style is a gown that fits well, is figure flattering and makes the bride feel like she’s the most beautiful woman in the world on her big day.

33rd Anniversary

Sale

20% OFF

gowns (Regular priced, in stock or special order)

TUX SPECIAL

RO GO RENT ONE GET ONE 1/2 PRICE TUXEDO SALE

Easton, MN •  507-787-2211 www.SilhouetteWedding.com Hrs: M-F 10-5pm, Sat. 10-4pm Weekday evenings by appt.

Hurry! Sale ends Tuesday, January 31

Courtly Manor Bridals Downtown Albert Lea • 373-2515

M, T, F 10-5; Th 10-8; Sat. 9-4; Closed Wed & Sun Exclusions apply.

Page 4 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Page 5

Page 4 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Page 5

Page 6 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Page 3

Help make your dreams a reality with wedding insurance

Getting married is a dream. Who hasn’t fantasized about the dress, the jewelry, your dad walking you down the aisle, the music, the cake, the reception following the ceremony?

Because people travel so much these days, weddings aren’t always local any more. Destination weddings on the beaches of Hawaii or the Bahamas, or in a castle in Scotland or even in a 900-year-old bed and breakfast in Ireland are extremely popular, which can make planning a bit more difficult due to the distance. Often couples

Starts with the right venue

• Receptions & Grooms Dinners • Decoration Packages • Create Your Own Menu –Variety of Choices • Seats 175-200 For More Info Call Moose Event Coordinator Betty at 507-369-5434

are not able to travel to the wedding location prior to the ceremony to get everything organized, and rely on telephone and email conversations.

Not being able to directly interact face to face with wedding organizers at the church and reception hall, and vendors who will be handling the cake, photos and flowers, to name a few, can make planning a bit more of a challenge.

Wedding dreams can turn into nightmares well before the wedding — your wedding dress shop, the caterer or even the venue goes out of business — or the day of — a tornado strikes the church where the wedding was to be held. But sometimes the nightmares end up to be extremely funny stories that will be retold time and time again — and they can happen whether the wedding is taking place locally, or halfway across the country.

Stories like the bride, who shortly before the wedding, discovered her brother thought her dress needed a bit of extra color, and took his finger paints to the beautiful white fabric.

Or the cat that decided to give birth — nestled into the folds of the bride’s wedding gown.

“Wedding disasters occur on a daily basis,� said Robert Nuccio, president of R.V. Nuccio & Associates, Inc., the exclusive program manager of the Fireman’s Fund wedding insurance program in the U.S. “Weather, vendors going out of business, the father of the bride not being able to attend due to sudden illness — you name it, it’s happened. You can’t plan for these disasters. But you can have a plan B.�

Under one policy through Wedsure. com, a division of R.V. Nuccio and Associates, couples can pick and choose al a carte up to nine wedding insurance coverage options they want and may need. In addition to cancellation and additional expense, the coverage options also include gifts, jewelry, loss of deposits, photographs and video, professional counseling, rented property, special attire and personal liability and medical payments.

Weather is the biggest offender causing wedding cancellations. If a hurricane, snowstorm, ice storm, tornado or airport closure forces you to move or postpone your destination or travel wedding, Wedsure. com wedding insurance pays all the nonrefundable expenses you incur, including the honeymoon.

Having a plan B can save you plenty of ups and downs on the emotional roller coaster if something turns your dream wedding into a nightmare. For example, if the wedding gifts were to be stolen from the reception, wedding insurance can help protect you from experiencing grief. “If the photographer fails to appear, or he does show up and takes pictures but is nowhere to be found several weeks later when you want your wedding photo proofs, the policy will pay to restage the wedding,� said Nuccio, who is the author of the policy. “This includes flying everyone back, putting them up in hotels, feeding them,

• weddings • proms • corporate events • trade shows

.JLFĂŤT photo booth .BLJOH NFNPSJFTÄ’

• holiday parties • graduation • school dances • much more

Although the latest Brides American Wedding Study shows the average cost of a wedding in 2010 was $26,501, a decrease of 5 percent from 2009, weddings continue to be big business. But many couples are opting to cut the guest list instead of big ticket items like wedding gowns.

In fact, the average wedding gown cost $1,289 in 2010, a 20 percent increase over 2009, according to the study. This is no surprise to the millions who were glued to their television sets this past April during the most talked about wedding since the 1981 royal wedding of Lady Diana to Prince Charles. Many brides are now emulating the elegant lace gown worn

by Catherine Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge.

In addition to beautiful lace, the newest trends in wedding gowns include color, soft sleeves, short hemlines and eco-friendly materials.

Whether it is Chantilly, Alencon, duchesse, guipure, or ribbon, lace has become one of the hottest trends this year. “Designers at all price points have debuted collections featuring full frothy skirts, wildflowers and lace used in both traditional and modern ways,� said Kate Campbell, department chair of Fashion & Retail Management at The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design. “This particular trend parallels the more feminine, elegant trends we see in fashion everywhere — including more fitted and ladylike styles reminiscent of Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy.�

While not for everyone, the use of color in wedding gowns has been growing in popularity. Rich and vibrant, or more subdued, color in bridal wear is everywhere. Some brides choose soft pastel colors, such as blush, rose or skin-tone. Others

Priceless Memories

MikeMJLF )FJEFNBO Ċ Heideman • 507-383-6019 .JLF 5SZUUFO Ċ Mike Trytten • 507-383-8992 NJLFTQIPUPCPPUI!ZBIPP DPN mikesphotobooth@yahoo.com

redressing them, rebuying the cake, rebuying the flowers, rerenting the facility, rehiring a photographer and flying everyone home. Basically photographs and video coverage will pay to recreate the entire fairytale just for the photographs.�

Planning a wedding takes a lot of time and energy, especially when you and many members of the family have to travel for the event. While a disaster could disrupt the dream event, it doesn’t have to cause you financial devastation. Be prepared with a plan B and anticipate that this special time of your life will proceed just like it did in your childhood dreams.

How the royal wedding influenced the latest bridal trends

Make your wedding reception a truly exceptional event!

Dawson Limousine Service

• Groom’s Suppers, Wedding Anniversaries, etc. • Will do catering for any size group, from full sit down meals to sandwiches, salads and desserts made to go.

Call 507-265-3265

Conger Inn Catering & Party Shop Conger, Minnesota

Downtown Albert Lea 507-377-0848

* Ask about our new limo bus! * Ask about our extended rental rates * Weddings, Birthdays * Concerts/Sports Events * Airport & Casino Call 507-402-0606 for booking/pricing information

opt to wear vibrant hues of lavender, green and deep pink. Less bold brides are more likely to use hints of accent color on sashes, bows, embroidery, hems, necklines or beading. “The bride who chooses to add color to her dress is fashion forward and confident — it’s not for the faint of heart,� says Amber Chatelain, lead faculty for the Fashion & Retail Management program at The Art Institute of Tennessee — Nashville, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta.

Another interesting new trend in bridal wear is short gowns, especially for brides choosing destination and beach weddings. While they may be short in length, these dresses are not short on style. Some offer sophisticated laces, chic feathers or multilayered organza mini-skirts.

Soft sleeves are enjoying a comeback. Designers have debuted soft, romantic sleeves, including traditional cap sleeves in florals and tulle, modern silhouettes using vintage elements, sequin fringe and flutter sleeves, and romantic offthe-shoulder versions. “The softness and elegance of the sleeves in bridal wear mirrors today’s general fashion trends, where designers are high-

lighting the elegance and beauty of the female form in very soft ways,� says Charlene Parsons, who heads the fashion programs at Miami International University of Art & Design.

Eco-friendly options have also increased in popularity. “There are now numerous eco-friendly designers whose sole business is to create wedding dresses made with earth-friendly fabrics and materials, using techniques that are in harmony with the earth,� said Crystal Shamblee, department chair of Fashion Design for The Art Institute of Philadelphia. Secondhand and vintage wedding dresses are another eco-friendly choice.

Whatever fashion trends a bride chooses, one that will never go out of

79

Tuxedo prices starting at

$

50

complete

See store for details

eutholds Men's & Ladies' Fine Apparel

Northbridge Mall Mall ••Albert LeaLea • 373-3142 Northbridge Albert

Elegant cakes with decadent taste

373-3142

For the best wedding experience possible

Express your individuality with our unlimited range of creativity!

1417 St. John Ave, Albert Lea 369-0272 info@sugarchiccakes.com www.sugarchiccakes.com

A Gift Suggestion from Clothing Care

Wedding Gown Preservation*

C

lothing are enter

“The Professionals�

116 S. Washington, Albert Lea 373-2318

Leave all the details to us.

Your destination wedding specialists.

GROOM’S TUX FREE!

L

style is a gown that fits well, is figure flattering and makes the bride feel like she’s the most beautiful woman in the world on her big day.

33rd Anniversary

Sale

20% OFF

gowns (Regular priced, in stock or special order)

TUX SPECIAL

RO GO RENT ONE GET ONE 1/2 PRICE TUXEDO SALE

Easton, MN •  507-787-2211 www.SilhouetteWedding.com Hrs: M-F 10-5pm, Sat. 10-4pm Weekday evenings by appt.

Hurry! Sale ends Tuesday, January 31

Courtly Manor Bridals Downtown Albert Lea • 373-2515

M, T, F 10-5; Th 10-8; Sat. 9-4; Closed Wed & Sun Exclusions apply.

Page 2 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Just dance

TANNING...

15 min. bed

look good. feel great!

12 minute bed

Albert Lea disc jockey hopes to make every gig special

By Brandi Hagen

brandi.hagen@albertleatribune.com

ETC Etcetera

Tanning & Clothing

custom airbrush tanning Ask about our bridal party specials!

Located in Skyline Plaza • 1663 W. Main St. M-F 10-9 p.m. Sat. 10-5pm, Sun. 1-5 507.377.TANS (8267) Walk-ins wlecome

Here’s a Party Just Waiting to Happen Tents Tables/ Chairs Glassware

Flatware Linens Decorating And More!

www.gkrental.com

Mankato: (800) 322-0072 New Prague: (952) 758-5715 1707 Madison Ave. 56001 Jct. Hwy. 13 & 19, 5607

Enjoy your special day we’ll make it stress free • Fresh cut or silk flowers • Reception decorating • Rentals

In 2000, Jacob Abrego was just 15 years old. Like many teenage boys, he could be found in his bedroom jamming out to music.

One day, his mom walked in on him. What she saw was Abrego turning Christmas lights and flashlights on and off to the beat of the music.

It was then that the idea of him becoming a disc jockey came to life.

“She was my first investor,” Abrego said. “She bought me everything I needed to get started.”

Abrego became the face of UpTown Sound.

The first gig he ever did was his aunt’s wedding. Since then, he has done about 200 to 300 jobs including church events for all religions, school dances, birthday parties, anniversary parties and the list just goes on.

“I like the fact that I can be a part of someone’s celebration like that,” Abrego said. “It’s just amazing. I come

home and I think you know what, they actually stayed to the end and applauded, that’s huge.”

In 2006, it was Abrego’s turn to get married and hire a DJ. It was the perfect opportunity for him to learn what he should be doing to keep people excited and having a good time.

“Before our wedding, he pretty much just played music,” Abrego’s wife Allison said. “After he saw what the guy at our wedding did, he became really involved with the crowd.”

Inspired by the confetti and costumes that his DJ used, Abrego spiced up his performances.

“If you get out there and do something, people are going to remember that,” he said.

Something Abrego is known for is dancing. He spends hours watching videos online in order to learn the dances of new hit songs as well as the older wedding favorites.

“It’s very tough to step out of your comfort zone, you’re not sure how

they’re going to react,” Abrego said about showing off dances and dressing up in costumes. “I don’t want to say I’m a different person when I DJ, but I am. It takes a special person to do what DJs do.”

Getting out on the floor and teaching the crowd a dance or letting bubbles soar during the song, “Carwash,” comes second nature to Abrego. It’s the simple stuff that makes or breaks the night.

“The first dance is everything,” Abrego said. “If the CD even skips — that night is going to suck. That matters so much.”

It matters, Abrego said because that moment of being newly married and having that first dance will never happen again.

Before, being a disc jockey was just a fun thing for Abrego to do in his spare time. Now, 12 years later, with the support of his family, UpTown Sound is just getting started.

“I shouldn’t treat a gift like this as a hobby,” Abrego said. “I’ve decided that I’m going to do it as a business.

I’m just excited. It’s time.”

Tips for getting engagements and wedding announcements published in the Tribune So you’re getting engaged to be married. Or you’ve just gotten married. How do you let everyone know?

Through an announcement in the Albert Lea Tribune, of course.

Forms are available online at www.albertleatribune.com, click on the “services” tab, and find the appropriate tab. Forms are also available at our office at 808 W. Front St. in Albert Lea. Call 507-379-3439

with questions.

Couples can announce their engagement any time they choose before their wedding. Announcements after a wedding need to reach our office no later than four months following the ceremony.

Photos may accompany either announcement and may be color or black and white. Photos can be any size.

We discourage couples from sub-

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ents/guardians and court; less than 18 years, no license; less than 18 years and not a resident of Freeborn County, no license.

Pick-up dates for the marriage licenses are based on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are the following Monday, Thursday is the following Tuesday and Friday is the following Wednesday. A Minnesota marriage needs two witnesses. Those witnesses must be 16 or older.

The law prefers both parties appear at the time of application. If one party is unable to appear and the requirements of Minnesota Statutes are met, the license may then be issued. Those requirements include the second party getting a copy of the initial application, filling out a special form, having it notarized, and returning it to the issuing office. There is a strong preference for both parties being present when the application is made for the marriage license.

The person who actually fills out the marriage license needs their current photo ID. If either of the parties has been married before, the person handling the application needs to see a copy of the divorce decree with the judge’s signature, or a certified death certificate of the previous spouse.

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Facts worth knowing about marriage licenses People preparing to obtain a marriage license in Minnesota may encounter a rather odd situatino. There are two fees involved with the application for a license at any county courthouse in the state. One fee is $115, and the other is $75 less. However, to obtain the license for the $40 fee the couple must present a Premarital Education Certificate when applying.

(More specific information about this fairly new Minnesota law is with a separate article in this publication.)

There is a five-day waiting period to pick up the license after the application is made. The license is valid for six months from the date of issue.

And the license is valid only in the state of Minnesota. For those people who might want to get married at the famous Little Brown Church in the Vale near Nashua, Iowa, or elsewhere in that state, then a marriage license from an Iowa courthouse is required.

Also, a couple from south of the state line wanting to get married somewhere in Minnesota will find out an Iowa-issued license isn’t valid at all.

The age limits for Minnesota marriage licenses to be issued are based on the following: 18 years or over, no consent needed; 16 years, but less than 18 years, consent of par-

mitting photos that have been taken with a filter (soft focus). While these are beautiful, they do not reproduce well in the newspaper.

People may claim their photos after they have run in the newspaper, or include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for their return.

The information and a jpeg photo (with a resolution of no less than 200) may also be emailed to lifestyles@ albertleatribune.com.

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Inside: Meet an Albert Lea DJ who enjoys providing music at wedding receptions and other events