ALT Brides Spring/Summer 2011

It’s Your Day!

Personalize your wedding with these great ideas!

Resource Guide

Find the vendors you need to make your wedding dreams come true!

Spring/Summer 2011

S P R I N G 2 0 11 / c o n t e n t s

REAL WEDDINGS

ENGAGEMENTS

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Emily Fruge to Norman Cook

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Kaitlin Freeman to Brandon McDowell

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Christina and Aaron Beebe

HELPFUL INFO

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Brock and Kimberly McCorkle

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I t ’ s Yo u r D a y .

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Donnie and Shelly Morton

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Cheers.

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S h a r e t h e J o y o f Yo u r W e d d i n g W i t h C h a r i t y

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Southern Charm

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Wedding Planner

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Resource Guide

Abby Long to Danny Lows

Make It Personal.

P r e p a r i n g f o r t h e W e d d i n g To a s t

Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower Associate Editors / Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson

k / COVER

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Photography / Image Forward Photography, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson, Rozana Page Sales & Marketing Manager / Charlie McMurphy

Emily and Norm Cook celebrated their wedding in Playa Del Carmen with family and friends.

Contributing Writers / Arwen McDaniel

w w w. a l t - m a g . c o m Right: Kaitlin and Brandon McDowell chose their hometown to seal their vows.

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info@alt-mag.com 200 Heather Dr., Texarkana, TX 75501 (903) 334-9605

©2011 ALT Magazine

Emily & Norman Emily Fruge to Norman Cook Jr.

March 12, 2011 Royal Resort Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

How They Met...

Norman asked Emily to two-step and after a while she finally agreed. The two danced all night, and the very next day they went on their first date. The couple has been together ever since!

spent the whole night with their friends and family and all of their dogs. At the end of the night Norm and Emily were driving home with their two dogs, Izzy and Hercules, in the backseat. Norm began talking about how much he loved their “little family.” He continued to talk to Emily while they were sitting in the driveway of their new house.

Then, when Emily started to get out of the truck, Norm asked her if she knew where the receipt to something was. It was really off subject Emily thought, and it caught her off guard. Norm asked Emily to look for the receipt in the truck console. When she opened it, Emily discovered the ring box!

Norm took the ring out and asked Emily to marry him so their “little family” would be complete. Emily happily said yes!

The Proposal...

The Wedding...

Emily and Norm went to Emily’s sister’s house in Texarkana on the 4th of July to grill out with friends and pop fireworks. They

When the couple started talking about the wedding, they knew two things that they HAD to have: photography by Image Forward and

Emily and Norm met through mutual friends when they were out one night in Texarkana.

Emily was in town for the Christmas break of her senior year at the University of Arkansas.

Emily and Norm talked for a few hours and realized they both loved the Arkansas Razorbacks, football, dancing, and even though they had never met, up until Emily left for college, she and Norm had lived only 15 miles from each other their whole lives!

a laid back wedding with as little stress as possible! Norm and Emily finally decided on a destination wedding. The Royal Resort in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico was the best fit for them! Looking back, Emily says, “Not only was it a fun way to go on a vacation and have the wedding and honeymoon together, but it made our wedding unique and stressfree. Plus, we got the photos we wanted because Image Forward came with us!”

Wedding Party...

Parents of the Bride: Dr Max & Teresa Fruge Parents of the Groom: Jimmeye & James Moore, and Norman Cook Sr. Maid of Honor: Anne Fruge Best Man: Pete Ellison www.alt-mag.com

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Photography: Image Forward Photography www.imageforwardweddings.com Bridal Portrait Bouquet Florist: Jennifer Crawford -Twisted Vines Wedding Dress: Reed’s Bridal Bridal Portrait Hair Stylist: Regan Dunlap, The Cutting Company *Food & Wedding day flowers provided by the Royal.

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by Arwen McDaniel

The door chimes a happy greeting as you enter Reed’s Bridal and your eyes are delighted by the rainbow of colors announcing prom season. The lace and mermaid cut wedding dresses glisten pure white. Excited women twirl in the mirror as they prepare for one of the happiest days of their lives.

In 1995, when Blanche Reed’s son was getting married she struck up a friendship with the lady, Sandy Reed (no relation) who altered her dress. This was the “beginning of a beautiful friendship,” to quote Humphrey Bogart. The two combined 15 years after Blanche opened her store.

Sandy, to this day, still performs alterations for Reed’s Bridal. The circumstances have changed, however, as Sandy is business partners with her daughter Kelly Hoffman, as Blanche retired. The new Reed’s have been owners since 2005 when Kelly quit her registered nurse job in Plano and moved home to go into this business venture with her mother.

Kelly has thrown herself into her new position as owner and knows all the trends of this season for prom and wedding. For prom the brand that is most popular among the young ladies of Texarkana is Karishma Creations. Kelly stated that she has sold over 100 prom dresses of this brand alone!

The styles that are most popular include

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mermaid, ruffled, Grecian and hi-lows. The bridal and pageant line of this brand will be arriving in the early fall of this year and Kelly expects it to be as popular as the prom line.

Though Reed’s has not seen a dominate color for prom, she says that psychedelic colors and wild animal prints are in.

Wedding colors for the bride are traditional and of Reed’s dresses for the bride come in white, ivory and a champagne tone. Da Vinci and Forever Yours are the top two selling bridal brands. Reed’s has seen the “sexy styles” of bridal gowns make a comeback. They have many brides this season wearing mermaid style gowns. The most popular color of her 70 color choices for bridesmaid dresses has been black.

Reed’s carries a line exclusive to their store that is for the voluptuous bride and bridesmaids as well.

A feature unique to Reed’s is that 90% of the veils are hand made by Reed’s. Veils this season are sheer but only 50 percent of brides are wearing them. The other 50% wear a feather or flower in their hair “on the side with their hair in a bun.” Kelly stated she is also selling “birdcage” veils and pillbox styles.

The full line of Aurora prom and bridal will arrive in June and has “a quality dedication” to detail that is slim to none according to Kelly.

Kelly carries and styles of pageant dresses for the age of six months to adults. She has lines that are suited to the glitz pageants to “natural” pageants.

Reed’s carries a full tuxedo department for the prom date, groom, and groomsmen.

From Perry Ellis to Ralph Lauren, you can get it at Reed’s.

Kelly contributes the success of Reed’s to the power of prayer. Her family is her biggest supporter as well. She is married to Bryan and has one son. She has a deep relationship with her minister, Father Malachi, and a great working relationship with her mother. The philosophy at Reed’s is to guide the young lady to the best look for her by being as “honest as a sister” while being “kind” and also “having a blast”.

Kelly states that every girl has the right to “play dress up.” Enjoy a visit to Reed’s Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. You can visit their website www.reedsbridal.com to see their full line of dresses.

Blanche Reed opened her dream bridal store thirty years ago and styles have changed but the joy of going to prom, winning a pageant crown, and being a bride is a tradition that Reed’s understands and celebrates.

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Kaitlin & Brandon Kaitlin Freeman to Brandon McDowell

October 16, 2010 Ramage Farms

The Beginning...

Kaitlin and Brandon have known each other, through mutual friends, since high school, but a connection was never made between them because they were always dating other people. After Kaitlin came back from college at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, she ran into Brandon and a friend at a store. Brandon and the friend invited Kaitlin over for a cookout, but she never made it.

Kaitlin really regretted not going because she thought Brandon was really cute! A few days later, Kaitlin contacted the mutual friend and asked him arrange a double date with him and his girlfriend and she and Brandon.

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After this first date, Brandon and Kaitlin were hooked!

After dating for over a year, the couple had talked about getting engaged several times, but Kaitlin had no idea that Brandon actually had a ring! Katlin always teased him saying “There is no way you have a ring because you wouldn’t be able to keep it and not give it to me.” But much to her surprise, Brandon had the ring for about 6 months before he ever proposed.

The Proposal...

Brandon proposed at a friend’s house in front of lots of his and Kaitlin’s close friends. “He popped the question at the end of the night out of no where,” Kaitlin remembers. No one at the get together knew he was going to do it; they were as surprised as she was!

Brandon had asked for Kaitlin’s father’s permission a week before and intended to ask propose on Valentine’s Day, but he never could find the perfect time, and he figured Kaitlin would be expecting it, “Which I was!”

Kaitlin admits. After Brandon proposed to Kaitlin, he gave her a Bible that had what would be her new name printed on the cover.

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Wedding Party...

Maid of Honor: Erin Easley Matron of Honor: Holly Hickerson Bridesmaids: Anna Moore Laura Binne Julianna Register Best Man: Cole Simpson Groomsmen: Aaron Pope Jay Freeman Daniel Perry Brandon Kennedy Ushers: Dusty Hickerson Rickey Gates Adam Gates Brandon Gates Ring Bearers: John David Cass Tye Mooneyhan Flower Girl: Hadley Hickerson Pastor: Dianne Brown Parents of the Bride: Butch & Barbara Kidd and Mike Freeman Parents of Groom: Bob & Kim Gates and Bobby McDowell

Photography: Image Forward Photography www.imageforwardweddings.com Bride’s Cake and Dessert: Silver Spoon Catering: Silver Spoon Florist: Ruth’s Flowers & Twisted Vines Party Rentals: The Big Event Band: Richard Stuart and the One Night Stand Band Bride’s and Bridesmaids’ Gowns: Low’s Bridal in Brinkley, Arkansas Tuxes: Squires Bride’s Hair: Millie O’Corr

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by Arwen McDaniel

This year Bridal Castle and Tuxedo Place had a very special sale--their first “third generation” bridal family. A current bride, her mother, and her grandmother all bought their dresses from Bridal Castle.

Bridal Castle has been in business for 40 years this year. They have sold thousands of prom, pageant, bridesmaid, wedding dresses, tuxedos, shoes and veils over the years.

In 1971 Dorothy Schelkopf opened Bridal Castle on New Boston Road. She enjoyed the brides she worked with at the family business of Gaunt’s flowers and decided that helping young ladies find the perfect dress is what she wanted to do, and she did.

Vickie Landreth, daughter of Dorothy, has been the proprietress of Bridal Castle since 1983.

Landreth stated that her current best-selling bridesmaid dress brand is Alfred Angelo, and that they have sold it since the opening day of business.

Bridal Castle prom dresses are selling fast now in every color. She also stated that she is selling many hi-low dresses but that “anything” goes. Hi-low dresses are short in the front, but long in the back. She says, “It is very exciting,” that the girls can be their “unique, individual self” this year. Brands that are popular are Sherri Hill, Jovani, and Tony Bowls.

The brides of Bridal Castle get to enjoy the exclusivity of the brand Maggie Sottero.

Brides can also choose from many other brands including Alfred Angelo. The crystals on the bridal gowns are sparkly and clear, casting rainbows in a subtle way around the

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room. A trend that she is sees for brides this spring and summer is the mermaid shape; not large skirts. For veils, the trend is to one layer veils that are sheer with no blushers; Flowers, feathers and small head pieces are being worn a lot.

Bridesmaid’s also have a large selection at Bridal Castle. With over 55 colors and an wide amount of styles, “bright colors” are in, as well as “short dresses”. Lime and fuchsia are being seen as well as combination-color dresses.

One combination that stood out in Landreth’s mind was “pistachio and persimmon.”

Accessory wise, what is in now? “Pave!”

Landeth stated, without hesitating for a moment. She stated every jewelry piece is a pave cut crystal.

Bridal Castle also sells to pageant contestants.

Landreth’s experience having been involved since 1983 as a board member and former executive director for Miss Texarkana is invaluable. She stated that she truly believes in the Miss America system as it is the number one scholarship system for women in the United States and that pageants are “very strong here.” Landreth believes that being “on stage helps [the contestants] later in life, helps them to spontaneously speak in public.”

Bridal Castle carries dresses for pageant costumes for contestants from as young as 3 months. She has worked with Sunni Cranfill, Stacy James, and Hadley Smith in their winning pageant careers. Landreth also stated that white tends to be the winning color because stages are now lit with halogen lights which makes the skin glow. The judges, “don’t want to see the dress first [they] want to see the total picture.”

Tuxedo Palace carries tuxedos and vests in an array of colors for men. Traditional tuxedos are popular, but chocolate brown tuxedo styles and light brown suit coat styles are “very strong.”

Bridal Castle does carry camo pattern vests and ties for you hunters and soon to be wives of hunters.

In addition to her work at their Texarkana location, Landreth has helped design gowns in the past for Sweetheart Gowns in New York.

Dorothy flew to Boca Raton to work with Alfred Angelo. Brides’ Magazine and Modern Bride have come to Texarkana to meet with Landreth and see the four states area.

When Landreth is not at Bridal Castle she is with her family. She has been married to her husband Al for 35 years. They have two adult children and two grandchildren. The family enjoys their cabin in Hot Springs and the horse races.

Landreth believes that Bridal Castle has been a success for forty years because of the “involvement of each staff member with planning the special day.” For a high school student “prom is the most important day in her life” and we are a part of that. When they pick up their senior prom dress she stated that she has been known to say, “We’ll see you in a few years for your wedding dress!”

The ladies of Bridal Castle help women fulfill their dreams by helping women select the gowns that define the moments of their life.

To see Bridal Castle’s selection you can visit them Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm at 3209 Kennedy Lane.

Custom Initial Monogram Stickers make the perfect embellishment for your wedding favor boxes and bags! Choose from many different designs and styles and find a look that really carries out the look and feel of your wedding!

Guests will take note of the little things!

Found at: www.blissweddingsmarket.com

Personalized, hand-painted signs are a fun way to make your wedding day a little more unique. Direct your wedding guests to the ceremony, reception, photo booth, bar or even the candy bar! These great vintage, cottage-style signs can be customized and hung or propped in a place where all your guests will be sure to take notice!

Found at: www.etsy.com/shop/MyPrimitiveBoutique

This custom round memory vase could be the perfect touch to any table arrangement! Simply submit up to 24 photos of you and your soon-to-be spouse and let the magic begin! A personal note and date can also be inscribed on the bottom of the vase!

Found at: www.uncommongoods.com

These chalkboard jars are available in a gallon or a half gallon size. Use them for your dessert station or even as a way to display your wedding favors! Use colored chalk to write the lables and carry on your wedding color scheme!

Found at: www.pier1.com

Your favorite of the many unusual Jones Soda flavors + an adorable photo of you and your sweetheart printed on every label = a perfect touch of personalization for your big day! Custom Jones Sodas will bring an element of fun to your menu, no doubt!

Found at: www.jonessoda.com

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Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When therefore He heard that he was sick, He stayed then two days longer in the place where He was. John 11:5-6

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he urgent message came to Jesus. His good friend Lazarus was very sick and needed Him ASAP. Surely Jesus, the One who would drop everything to go heal complete strangers, would come running to Lazarus’ town of Bethany to save the day, right? Wrong! When Jesus heard Lazarus was deathly ill, He purposely waited two more days before making the twenty mile journey to Bethany. By the time He finally arrived, Lazarus was stinking dead and in the tomb four days.

Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, both said the same thing when Jesus showed up, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21, 32). Undoubtedly, they were wondering WHY He didn’t come in time. Undoubtedly, they were shellshocked at the message He sent, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified by it” (John 11:4). What in the world could that possibly mean given the fact that Lazarus died the very day Jesus uttered those words? Is this some cruel joke?

To be sure, the Lord wasn’t making much sense to Mary and Martha. Have you ever been there? Have you ever prayed about a problem and believed God for deliverance only to have the problem worsen … even to the point of death, or divorce, or bankruptcy? Have you ever cried out to God in faith and seemingly received nothing from Him to meet your pressing need? I think we can all relate.

Hey, what do you do when God doesn’t make sense?

1. You remember that He loves you. Before the Bible tells us that Jesus purposely waited two more days before coming to Bethany, it emphatically states, “Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus” (John 11:4). Just because the Lord does not do things the way you and I think He should, that does not mean the Lord has stopped loving us. God is love and everything He does flows from His great heart of love. When God’s actions and delays don’t make sense to us, we must cling to the fact that He loves us. The Bible declares it again and again,

and the blood-stained cross of Christ proves it beyond any shadow of a doubt.

2. You trust that He has a plan. Jesus purposely waited until Lazarus was dead four days before coming to Bethany. Why in the world would He do that? He did it because He was going to perform His greatest miracle of all, the raising of Lazarus from the grave. Jesus had raised two other people from the dead (Jairus’ daughter, freshly dead in her bed and the guy from Nain, hours dead and in a casket on the way to the cemetery), but He never called a four-day-old dead man back to life from the tomb. That miracle proved He was indeed “the resurrection and the life.” It was irrefutable evidence that Jesus was and is God in the flesh.

Jesus knew exactly what He was doing when He delayed His coming. While it would have been a great blessing to have him heal Lazarus from his sick bed, it was a miracle of the highest order to have Him raise decaying Lazarus from the grave.

WHAT ARE YOU FACING TODAY?

Perhaps you are facing great problems today. Although you have been praying, God does not seem to be answering. Your tears are flowing, your faith is fleeing, and you are sitting bewildered at the Lord’s absence. What gives?

Listen, it may be day three for you and your situation. But I have good news: The Lord is on His way with jaw-dropping, miraculous victory in tow. Day four is coming! You see, the greater the problem, the greater the miracle God is getting ready to perform.

Of course He doesn’t make sense to you and me. He is the infinite God who sees all and knows all, from beginning to end.

Whatever the trouble, remember His love and keep trusting Him, regardless of the current circumstances. He knows exactly what He is doing, and He really will work all things together for your good and His glory!

Jeff Schreve Pastor www.fromhisheart.org jeff@fromhisheart.org

Jeff Schreve is Senior Pastor of FBC Texarkana (www.fbctexarkana.org) and Founder of From His Heart Ministries (www.fromhisheart.org).

Regional Arts Center

available for RENT!

Centerfold for BancorpSouth Then a Regional Arts Center ad May 21st celebration ad 1-3pm Ice Cream Social/half summer classes ad for Arts on Main

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new r u ee o ED s e Com XPAND M! E OO R W SHO

Why is Oak Creek Furniture Different?

We have chosen Amish furniture craftsmen who are recognized leaders in the solid wood furniture industry. Amish furniture is made by hand in small Amish wood shops so every piece of furniture receives the same attention to detail. Our Amish handcrafted furniture is built to last.

Why all the fuss about details?

Because the Amish craftsmen build furniture that your children and grandchildren will be proud to inherit. Come see our Amish-built bedroom furniture and oak dining room furniture. The selection of the boards and the grade of the hard wood, along with dovetailed drawers, mortise-and-tenon construction and the multi-step finish are all just small parts of the build process that add up to an heirloom quality piece of oak or cherry furniture.

Did you know...

That most of the furniture made today uses substitute materials such as particleboard. Because particleboard is made from wood fragments bonded with resin, it is considered an all wood product BUT IT IS NOT solid wood.

Our Amish furniture is made of SOLID Oak, Cherry, Maple, Hickory or Quartersawn Oak.

Lasting elegance...

There is no better place to sit for a meal than around Amish dining room furniture. Amish dining room furniture is made for a family to sit around and enjoy not just the meal, but each other’s company, as well. All of our dining room furniture is sturdy and durable - your family and future generations of your family will be able to sit at and around our dining room furniture for years to come.

Gre a Mot t gifts her ’ f s Da or y!

Friday, May 13th and Saturday, May 14, 2011 Thanks to all our wonderful customers, it has been another great year! We have appreciated providing wonderful people with quality heirlooms!

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Amish Builders will be here on Friday and Saturday, May 13th and 14th! Let them show you the great features and take advantage of their discounts on new orders placed during our anniversary sale! Special financing available!! Hurry in for the best deals!

Come see our new showroom space, featuring furniture for every room of your home!

A variety of new food items for sampling, as well as fresh ground almond and peanut butter made in our own mill! All fresh, wholesome and

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F Hom REE Ice emad e Cre am!

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Following our attendance at the annual Amish furniture show in Indiana, we have many new displays, including

Bedroom Suits, Living Room Furniture, and an Executive Office Collection.

Several of last year’s displays will be

discounted 20% - 40% off!!

Our special sale runs May 7th through 14th, 2011!

Free Homemade Ice Cream will be served on Saturday, May 14th! All you can eat!!

healthy!

Polywood Outdoor Furniture...

At Oak Creek Furniture, you will find many different styles of polywood furniture. The material used is water and weather resistant, and most importantly, created from recycled polyethylene. For this reason, our polywood lawn furniture is

considered a green product.

There is no maintenance required, no cracking or splinting, and the polywood material does not promote bacterial growth or mildew.

Choose from seven different colors and products such as swings, gliders, benches, deck chairs, table & chair sets, bridges and footrests.

1. DO plan ahead. A lot of people make the mistake of assuming they will be able

to successfully “wing it” when the big moment comes for them to stand and make a toast.

The truth is, most people will choke when they realize everyone’s eyes are on them, and what should have been a special and meaningful speech becomes a rambling mess! Brain storm in advance. Write out a few key phrases you want to say a week or so ahead of time. If you plan to use a note card for your toast, clearly write out or type up some short bullet point reminders to keep you on track!

2. DO practice. Practicing out loud will assist you in memorizing the things you want to say. This will be helpful when nerves kick in later! You might also consider having a test run with someone else who is close to the couple you will be toasting. This way you can work together to weed out anything that might not go over well with the couple or the other guests!

3. DO identify yourself. Remember that there will be people there who don’t know who you are or your relationship to the couple. Keep your introduction brief! Remember this is your opportunity to toast the bride and groom- not to hog the spotlight with your life story!

4. DO toast from the heart. Use a personal story or memory to break the ice.

Tell the bride and/or groom how they have impacted your life. This is your chance to make everyone laugh… and cry! You may not know one member of the couple very well, but make sure you say something genuine about the bride and the groom. The wedding is about the couple and both parties should be recognized in your toast, even if all you can say is how stunning they look!

5. DO NOT embarrass the couple. A lot of people cross the line when trying to get a laugh from the crowd. There is a difference in funny and embarrassing! Also, don’t be crude or off-color. Remember there will be people of all ages and backgrounds in the audience so keep your speech clean and polite!

6. DO NOT ramble. Keep your toast between 2-4 minutes. Nine times out of ten, even if you are a good speaker, after about 5 minutes you will begin to lose the attention of the audience. Short and sweet is the way to go!

7. DO NOT get drunk before the toast. You should limit yourself

to one drink before you give your speech. While you may be less nervous after a few drinks, you are more likely to be embarrassingly emotional. You are also more likely to ramble. When you agree to give a toast, it becomes your duty to lay-off cocktail hour!

8. DO NOT refuse to participate. If you have extreme fright

when it comes to public speaking, look for a compromise with the couple. Ask if you can give your toast at the rehearsal dinner instead of in front of the larger wedding reception crowd. If you are a non-drinker, have your champagne flute filled with water or something with no alcohol. It is good manners to take a sip after the toast is given so make sure you are prepared with a beverage you can be comfortable drinking!

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Selecting items for a wedding registry is one of the most exciting things about being a bride.

There is something really fun about knowing that you are going to LOVE your wedding gifts... because YOU chose them!

But what if you and your soon-to-be spouse already have many of the typical items that are asked for on a registry?

Have you ever wondered if there might be something you could ask for from your guests rather than dishes, towels and bed sheets?

Modern brides and grooms are branching out from the traditional registry and using their time in the spotlight to make a big difference!

The awesome concept of a Charity Registry has been made available online at: www.weddingchannel.com

How does a Charity Registry Work?

A Charity Registry allows your wedding guests to donate to the organization of your choice as their wedding gift to you! You can easily create a registry like this online at: www.weddingchannel.com

What Charities are Available?

American Cancer Society American Heart Association American Red Cross Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America Boys and Girls Club of America Habitat For Humanity International Humane Society of the United States Leukemia and Lymphoma Society National Center for Victims of Crime National Wildlife Federation The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation And Many More.... www.alt-mag.com

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Add Character and Charm to your Southern Wedding with these initial engraved Wedding Pin Boutonnieres!

Where we found them: www.etsy.com/shop/braggingbags

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WE D DING PLANNER Use this checklist to help you keep everything organized and ready for your big day! All the details make the difference!

Nine to Twelve Months Before • Announce your engagement.

• Set an initial budget.

• Select a wedding date and time.

• Select and book your ceremony and reception locations.

• Book photographer and videographer.

• Book caterer.

• Book florist.

• Determine who will officiate at the ceremony.

• Set aside blocks of hotel/motel rooms for out-of-town guests.

• Book band or DJ. • Sign up for your church’s premarriage counseling, if required.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Six to Nine Months Before • Start compiling the guest list.

• Select the attendants for your wedding party.

• Purchase the bride’s gown.

• Purchase the groom’s tuxedo.

• Purchase bridesmaids’ dresses.

• Arrange for transportation for the wedding. Limousines, Horse & Carriage, vans, etc.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Four to Six Months Before • Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state.

• Select and order the invitations and stationery.

• Make sure all the men’s attire has been ordered.

• Complete the guest lists.

• Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper.

• Finalize honeymoon details.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Two to Four Months Before • Confirm the menu and catering details with the caterer.

• Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.

• Select your wedding rings.

• Buy a wedding guest book.

• Set the dates and times with the officiant for the rehearsal.

• Plan the bridesmaids’ luncheon and any other parties.

• Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.

• Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests.

• Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place.

• Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.

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Six to Eight Weeks Before • Mail invitations and announcements.

• Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait.

• Select gifts for all your attendants.

• Set appointments with any hairdressers and/or makeup artists.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Four to Six Weeks Before • Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception.

• Buy a gift for the groom.

• Purchase (borrow) all wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, goblets, garter belt, candles, etc.

• Choose the music for your ceremony, first dance, parent dances, and party and give information to band, dj, or other musicians.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Two Weeks Before • Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home.

• Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc.

• Get your marriage license and any blood tests which are needed.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------One Week Before • Start packing for your honeymoon.

• Give a final head count to the caterer.

• Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------One Day Before • Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself.

• Review and rehearse all the details of your participants.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Big Day • Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed.

• Be sure to eat properly.

• Rest and relax with a good bath.

• Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments.

• Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every moment!

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Making life better... from the ground up.

W

ondering if there is anything you can do with that worn and unattractive concrete patio or driveway? Building an outdoor kitchen and interested in having concrete countertops, cabinet cases and flooring?

Remodeling your home and looking for a rich, beautiful and unique floor covering?

Want to put your logo in concrete at the entry to your business?

Consider decorative concrete!

strength of cement with the durability and bonding power of polymers and acrylics. Colors are added to enhance the beauty of these durable products.

Stains and dyes, along with engraving equipment are used to score decorative patterns into your existing concrete surfaces. A penetrating cure and seal is applied to provide superb durability, weather and UV resistance and ensure a long product life.

Gooding Decorative Decorative concrete overlays Concrete’s and staining mission is to

by Gooding transform your Decorative existing concrete Concrete can by providing transform your outstanding existing concrete customer service, into beautiful, delivering one-of-a-kind excellent results surfaces. and employing Using overlays talented and and stamps, dedicated men Ask us about our water features for your home or and women. stains and dyes, office! pigmented Marshall concrete sealers Gooding, owner, and epoxies, templates and engraving has extensive experience in the … and your imagination … you no construction industry. His interest in longer need to tear out, hide or cover the industry began with the influence your worn and unattractive concrete. of his mother, Ann Gooding, an We can transform it into a beautiful and durable surface.

The overlay systems combine the

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Marshall Gooding, Owner

interior designer. He has built homes, cabinets, furniture, arbors, and water features. Our staff, including Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, and Miranda Williams, all graphic designers, have a combined total of more than 30 years of experience. Christian Cisneros and Peter Johnson complete the staff.

Gooding Decorative Concrete is a small family owned and operated contractor business specializing in staining, engraving, overlaying and stamping established concrete. The business center is located in Texarkana, Texas, with easy access to all residential and commercial sites in the Ark-La-Tex and surrounding area.

Gooding Decorative Concrete makes it possible for customers to convert their dreams and ideas into plans. We take those plans and convert our customer’s dreams into reality.

For a free estimate, give us a call. We’d love to talk with you!

Other companies may talk about experience -- our quality shows in our work!

Ark-La-Tex Resource

Guide

Air and Heating Central Air 450 S. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.1212 Alterations Bea’s Alterations 2917 N. Stateline Ave. Texarkana, TX 903-792-2955 Apartments Legacy at Pleasant Grove 5911 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 888.763.2676

Richmond Oaks Apartments 2815 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.832.6150 Summerhill Woods Apartments 4501 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.793.7888 Westwood Apartments 101 Redwater Rd. Wake Village, TX 903.832.8446 Attire Abby Gayle’s 4012 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0088

Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056 Banks Guaranty Bond Bank 2202 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.792.8600

Fuzzy’s Tacos 4809 Texas Blvd.

Texarkana, TX 903.791.8226

Cakes Coldstone Creamery 4228 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.2653

Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354

Reception Arts Becky Risinger Ashdown, AR 870.898.5273 Silver Spoon 5530 Scottsdale Drive Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.4648 www.silverspooninc.com

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Culinary Creations Pam Elliott 903.831.4674

Texar Federal Credit Union Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.223.5626

Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354

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Caterers Chappo’s Italian Restaurant 1617 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.791.1726

La Fogata 3401 Genoa Road Texarkana, Ar 870.773.1879 Silver Spoon 5530 Scottsdale Drive Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.4648 www.silverspooninc.com Smokey Joe’s BBQ 300 W. New Boston Road Nash, TX 903.223.8227

Timothy’s 4115 N. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 903.831.5999

Minton’s Sportsplex 5610 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.838.4697

Twisted Vines 406 N. Stateline Avenue Texarkana, AR 870-772-2700

Wendy’s 4201 Stateline Avenue Texarkana, TX 2902 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 3737 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 1615 N. Hervey Hope, AR 124 N. Loop Highway 59 Atlanta, TX

Flooring G&A Carpet 1019 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.832.0553

Furniture

Wingstop 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, TX 903.255.0090 4501 N. State Line, No. 106 Texarkana, TX 903.792.9464 www.wingstop.com Clothing Abby Gayle’s 4012 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0088 Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056 Cosmetic Surgery Carmony Oral, Facial and Dental Center 5305 Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 903.791.8405

Lighthouse Flooring 6223 Mall Dr. Nash, TX 903.793.2047 Florists H&N Floral 7801 N. State Line 5708 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.1417 903.832.2000 Queen City Floral Highway 59 North Queen City, TX 903.796.2891 Ruth’s Flowers 3501 Texas Bllvd.

Texarkana, TX 903.793.6711 www.ruthsflowers.net Scooter Raney, J. Brown for the Home 121 College Drive Texarkana, TX 903.793.4114

Oak Creek Furniture 8024 West 7th St. Texarkana, TX 903.832.0793

Scooter Raney at J. Brown for the Home 121 College Drive Texarkana, TX 903.793.4114 Table Manners 3205 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.3538

Gifts Dot’s Ace Hardware 3411 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.0059 H&N Floral 7801 N. State Line 5708 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.1417 903.832.2000 Lane’s Gifts & Collectibles 720 Realtor Ave. Texarkana, AR 870.773.2123 Mixing Bowl 4014 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.794.4014 Queen City Floral Highway 59 North Queen City, TX 903.796.2891

Dry Cleaning Holiday Cleaners Locations throughout Texarkana Area 870.773.4072 Event Locations Garrison Gardens Texarkana, AR 71854 870.773.0275 www.garrisongardens.net The Pavillion at Elk Meadow 8 Miles West of New Boston on I-30 382 PR 42042 DeKalb, TX 75559 903.319.5130 Prissy Chrissy Ranch 915 FM 2148 South Texarkana, TX 75501 903.838.6121 www.prissychrissy.com Regional Arts Center Cabe Hall 321 W. 4th Street Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.8681 www.trahc.org Fitness Centers Anytime Fitness Richmond Road 3415 Richmond Road.

Texarkana, TX 75503 903.794.5348

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Twisted Vines 406 N. Stateline Avenue Texarkana, AR 870-772-2700 Hair Care Headmasters Hair Salon 3703 Mall Drive Texarkana, TX 903.832.6261 Style Studio Lisa Harris 3201 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.1719 Hospice Dierksen Hospice 6500 N. Summerhill Road, Suite 2B Texarkana, TX 903.793.6350 Hospitals Christus St. Michael Health System 2600 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.614.1000 Health South Rehabilitation 515 West 12th St. Texarkana, TX 903.793.0088 Wadley Hospital 1000 Pine St. Texarkana, TX 903.798.8000

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Hotels Best Western Texarkana Inn & Suites 5219 Crossroads Parkway Texarkana, AR 870.774.1534 Clarion Lacross Hotel 5100 N. Stateline Ave. Texarkana, AR 870.774.3521 www.lacrosse-hotel.com Courtyard by Marriott 5001 North Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 903.334.7400 Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott 4209 Mall Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.1000 Holiday Inn Express & Suites 4545 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, TX 903.223.0008 TownePlace Suites by Marriott 5020 North Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 903.334.8800 Insurance Brian Purtle Allstate Insurance 3301 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.832.5881

Elite Insurance Tammy McDowell 1705 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.794.0000

Micah’s Jewelers 2812 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.735.2336

Farm Bureau Insurance 4140 McKnight Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.8707

Make-up Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056

Greg Cockerell State Farm Insurance 4807 Texas Blvd.

Texarkana, TX 75503 903.793.7502

Salon Visage Esthetique Mary Ann Robbins 4506 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.4007

Kelli Ashbrook State Farm Insurance 3410 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 75503 903.223.8100 www.kelliashbrook.com

Sanctuary Kimberly Parham, M.D. 3502 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.334.8661

Ron Morrow State Farm Insurance 3306 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.832.5505 www.ronmorrowagency.com Jewelers Alexander’s Jewelers 3701 Mall Drive Texarkana, TX 903.832.3557 Blue Isle Expressions 3402 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.791.9992

Medical Equipment Respiratory Solutions 3101 Kennedy Lane, Suite 1000 Texarkana, TX 75503 903.793.2110 Pet Groomer Bows & Tows 254 E. New Boston Rd. Nash, TX 75570 903.223.3647 Photographer Image Forward Photography 200 Heather Dr. Texarkana, TX 75501 903.334.9605 www.imageforwardtxk.com

Physicians Express Care 5483 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.223.5931 Ly Gaylor, M.D. Dermatologist Collom & Carney Clinic 5002 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.614.3006 Jon Northam, M.D. 6 Woodmont Crossing Texarkana, TX 903.791.1044 Trevor Swanson, D.C. Advanced Spine, Sports & Rehab 4206 Richmond Place Texarkana, TX 903.792.2060 806 West Main St. Atlanta, TX 903.796.2060 Mark Wren, M.D. Physiatrist 3510 Richmond Road, Suite 400 Texarkana, TX 75503 903.831.6275 Vision Source 4401 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.9063 Plumbing Central Air/Roto Rooter 450 S. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.1212 Real Estate Connie Walker Coldwell Banker United 3001 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.277.0100 903.832.2486 Impact Realty Bill and Tracy Spradlin 1200 N. Kings Hwy., Suite 104 Nash, TX 903.748.3186 903.748.2477 Teresa Liepman Remax 5120 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.276.9464 Refreshments Bolls Distributing 700 E. Broad St. Texarkana, AR 870.774.9283 The Villa Liquor Store 5108 N. Stateline Texarkana, AR 870.772.2100 903.277.1239 razorbackbilly@cableone.net

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Rentals Big Event / Atlas Game Room 2837 New Boston Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.334.7444 Bounce-A-Lot 903.276.2961 www.bounce-a-lot.org Dot’s Rentals 814 N. Robison Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.7011 3413 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.0551 Twisted Vines 406 N. Stateline Avenue Texarkana, AR 870-772-2700 Restaurants Chappo’s Italian Restaurant 5602 Richmond Rd., Suite 101 Texarkana, TX 75501 903.791.1726 Daddy Dougaloo’s 905 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.791.0172 Dairy Queen Locations throughout Ark-La-Tex

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Fuzzy’s Tacos 4809 Texas Blvd.

Texarkana, TX 903.791.8226 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 Shorty’s Donuts 2729 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.6686 Silver Spoon 5530 Scottsdale Drive Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.4648 Smokey Joe’s BBQ 300 W. New Boston Road Nash, TX 903.223.8227 Sonic Locations throughout Ark-La-Tex Tasty Donuts 1443 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.838.0422 Timothy’s 4115 N. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 903.831.5999

Wendy’s 4201 Stateline Avenue Texarkana, TX 2902 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 3737 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 1615 N. Hervey Hope, AR 124 N. Loop Highway 59 Atlanta, TX Wingstop 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, TX 903.255.0090 4501 N. State Line, No. 106 Texarkana, TX 903.792.9464 Retirement/Assisted Living Home Cornerstone Retirement Community 4100 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 903.832.5515 Sitters Sitters Kathryn Norwood/Karen Schmidt Texarkana, TX 903.277.2191

Spas/Salons All About You Diana Gregory/Lori Campbell 4100 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.7775 Salon Visage Esthetique Mary Ann Robbins 4506 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.4007 Sanctuary Kimberly Parham, M.D. 3502 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.334.8661 Travel Vickie’s Tours PO Box 682 Hooks, TX 903.547.3030 Wedding Attire Bridal Castle 3209 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.3886 Reed’s Bridal and Formal 2501 N. Stateline Texarkana, TX 903.793.7333

Wedding Coordinators Abracadabra Wedding and Event Planning Debra Mason, Event Coordinator 903.748.4838 damason@cableone.net Wedding Favors Pop Pop Shoppe 2011 Mall Drive, Suite B Texarkana, TX 903.793.0209 Wedding Officiant Jeff Taylor 903.733.6347 pgccminister@yahoo.com Wedding Planners Abracadabra Wedding and Event Planning Debra Mason, Event Coordinator 903.748.4838 damason@cableone.net

Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.4648 www.silverspooninc.com Smokey Joe’s BBQ 300 W. New Boston Road Nash, TX 903.223.8227 Timothy’s 4115 N. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 903.831.5999 Weight Loss All About You Diana Gregory/Lori Campbell 4100 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.7775 Richmond Nutrition 3316 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.832.0437

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Locations Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 Silver Spoon 5530 Scottsdale Drive

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