Forever Wedding Planner

2 0 1 9 We dding & Event Planner

What's Hot

What's Not Adornments ThatTake the

Cake 2 Spring

HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

Tablescapes

Cover Photo By: KT Photography 937.459.0702 • ktphotography07@yahoo.com • www.ktphotography07.com 1

  



     

SEARCH NO MORE!

A Beautiful Setting for Your Wedding or Special Event

We Have the Perfect Gathering Place to Create Your Own Canvas

INDOOR or OUTDOOR

special event or wedding

VENUE

CONTACT US TODAY

to Schedule a Tour or Pick a Date

FEATURING . . .

• Banquet Room that seats up to 165 people • Stage • Kitchen • Lounge • Outdoor Area

The Little Mader Farm 7867 W. St. Rt. 185 ~ Covington 937-272-8895 ~ KimberlyKAllison@gmail.com

FULLY HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE For more details or to reserve a date, call number below and ask for Carol Garver

Milton-Union Senior Citizens & Community Club

435 W. Hamilton St., West Milton • 937-698-7129 westmiltonseniorcenter@frontier.com - Like us on Facebook

For all of your Wedding Needs

We Have

• Engagement Rings • Wedding Bands • Wedding Party Gifts

We’ll make your wedding day very special!

2399 Russia Versailles Rd., Russia • jewelrybarn@outlook.com

Monday-Tuesday 9-6, Thursday 11-8, Friday 9-6, Saturday 9-1

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THE DRESS WHAT'S HOT

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TABLESCAPES

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DEADLINES & DETAILS

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12

WORRY LESS WITH WEDDING INSURANCE

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FARM TO FABLE

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NON-EDIBLE ADORNMENTS THAT TAKE THE CAKE!

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SPRING HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

T h e

B r i d e ’ s

Managing Editor Suzanne Polk Fox Creative Director Dianne Waller Production Claire Thomas

arens corporation

R e s o u r c e

P.O. Box 69 • 395 S. High St. Covington, OH 45318

Copy Editor Chad Ruiz

937-473-2028 • Fax 937-473-2500 arenspub@gmail.com • www.arenspub.com

Contributing Writers Patricia Danflous Michelle Robert Poche Chad Ruiz

©2019 Jumpstart Publishing, LLC. • New Orleans, LA All rights reserved. • info@foxprintservices.com - V4

Publisher: Gary Godfrey Office Administration: Kim Rindler, Marty Speer Sales: Jane Grogean: 937-726-9972 Judge Welbaum: 937-564-7768 Yvonne Welbaum: 740-364-8981 Graphic Design: Jean Devlin, Jacqui Noll Marsha Thomas, Carol Wood Publisher of the Stillwater Valley Advertiser Penny Saver • Country Living

From Simple to Elegant We Do It All

“Enhancing the Power of the Flower”

AD

www.abloomflowers.com

South St. Rt. 66, New Bremen 419-629-3226 • 866-629-3226

Kathy Wilson, Mary Watercutter, Deb Goubeaux, Renee Mescher

15 Elm Street • Fort Loramie

Creative Styles

OpEn TuESday - SaTurday

Upstyling • gel ManicUres & MakeUp-sessions

937.295.2555

for Your Special Event

A ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR HAIR & PHOTOGRAPHY NEEDS!

jennifer lavy

157 Salon

PHOTOGRAPHY

Nikki Lavy Hair Stylist

937-216-9242

937-751-8598

Jen, our photographer, specializes in indoor & outdoor photography.

From engagement session to your special day, she will capture all the magic and details!

Nikki, our stylist, will prepare you for your special event with waxing, cut and color services and event updos!

OUR STUDIO IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT 157 SOUTH HIGH STREET IN COVINGTON, OHIO (ON THE CORNER OF HIGH AND BRIDGE STREET)

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s e p a c s e l Tab

By Liz McGehee

Whether you want a fairytale romance, tropical beaches or downhome country vibes, anything is possible with the right tablescape. This is especially true in the spring when color schemes transition from winter hues to summer shades offering an array of possibilities. Bling out your tables or follow this year’s table trend and dare to go bare. As 90’s country music icon Alison Krauss once said,“You say it best when you say nothing at all.” Whatever you choose for the big day, your tablescapes are sure to transport you and your guests to the reception of your dreams.

ur o Y r o F ay D l a i c Spe

You Want the Best Of Everything Including

The Food!

Quality Meats, Fresh Produce and All Your Supplies Many years of experience in selling quality food for weddings

WINNER’S

Quality BEEF & PORK Osgood, Ohio • 419-582-2441 7

No longer winter but not quite summer, spring is the perfect time to take the party outdoors.

White table cloths and accessories brighten up any table and allow your accent colors as well as wood and metal elements to stand out.

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Try a pared down wood look with a bright blue table runner, bold flowers, clear glassware and repurposed wine bottles as candleholders.

We Can Cover YOU! Meiring Insurance Agency, Inc. 94 S. Main St. • Minster

Bill Meiring meiringins@bright.net

Ph. & Fax: 419-628-2530

Metallics and mirrored surfaces add sophistication and a bit of whimsy to any setting.Try reflective tables, metallic dishware or twinkle lights under tulle.

• • • •

Receptions MeetinGs pARties Any occAsion!

You do not have to be an eagle member to rent our facilitY

MinsteR eAGLes 42 W. Fourth st., Minster 419-628-2221

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Deadlines etails &D

THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN PLANNING A WEDDING. TO ENSURE SUCCESS — AND YOUR SANITY — THE KEY IS ORGANIZATION. WE’VE COMPILED A DETAILED CHECKLIST THAT PAYS SPECIAL ATTENTION TO TIME-SENSITIVE DEADLINES, SO YOU CAN CREATE A FOOLPROOF CALENDAR AND TO-DO LIST.

12 months +

 Select date, time and place.Then reserve venues!  Decide on wedding size and style.  Hire wedding consultant (if applicable) and create wedding website.  Shop for gown.  Begin guest list.

9-12 months

 Research honeymoon destinations.  Book

musicians, DJ, florist, photographer, videographer and limousines.  Order invitations.  Purchase gown and begin alterations.  Ask friends to be in wedding party and order bridesmaid dresses.

FUN EVENT SELFIES

We Shoot Any occASion!

All the fun of a photo booth... without the booth!

Fun MeMories oF Your special DaY!

6-9 months

 Finalize guest list and send save-the-date cards.  Book appointments for hair, nails and make-up.  Reserve attire for groom and groomsmen.  Order cake(s).  Purchase rings.

3-6 months

 Secure bridal accessories (such as shoes, jewelry, garter and mementos).  Give musicians a list of songs you want them to play (or to avoid).  Make food choices with venue.

2 months

 Mail invitations.

1 month

alwaYs a HiT aT anY occasion!

Be creaTiVe!

 Give photographer a list of pictures you want taken.

1 week

 Give final head count to reception venue.

The day before

 Hold rehearsal ceremony and dinner.  Deliver everything to site and work out any kinks.  Give marriage license to officiant. P resent gifts to wedding party, parents and any other honored guests.

The day of

 Give rings and officiant’s fee to best man. D esignate liaison for photographer to ensure all necessary pictures are taken.  EXHALE! NOTE: Larger cities have long waiting lists for wedding vendors so you may need to act sooner!

VOTEd “BEST Of ThE BEST” Of PhOTO BOOThS By ThE kNOT! GREEN SCREEN OPTIONS! Simple & Easy to Operate!

Share your Photos Using E-mail, Text, facebook and Twitter, PLUS...

Receive a 4x6 Print to keep!

937-419-4136 info@funeventselfies.com

WORRY LESS WITH

g Weddin ce In s u r a n

By Chad Ruiz

Groom experienced chest pains and went to hospital. Newly diagnosed heart condition forced him to postpone wedding. Amount reimbursed through event cancellation coverage – $28,907.45,” reported by WedSafe.com.

“Reception site was sold and shut down.

Amount reimbursed through event cancellation coverage – $13,367.38.”

It’s the stuff of nightmares. You spend your waking moments planning, scheduling, rehearsing and mailing items for your wedding. With only a handful of days remaining until the biggest day of your life, disaster strikes. Whether it’s a natural or manmade disaster, calamities happen.

According to longtime insurer Travelers Insurance Company, between 2011 and 2015, 30 percent of the costliest wedding insurance claims involved issues with vendors. While another 29 percent of claims resulted from illness and 16 percent stemmed from weather-related cancellations.

Wedding Insurance Softens the Blow Wedding insurance, also referred to as wedding cancellation insurance, protects the money you spend on the Big Day. Things like deposits (yes, even the non-refundable), costs of relocating and rescheduling and even the full cost of the event and vendors falls within the protection of wedding insurance.

If the event cancels or postpones for reasons like inclement weather, vendor no-shows, damaged property, theft of gifts and photos, illness and so

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much more, the insurance policy reimburses you most, if not all of your lost money. And it’s affordable! One-time premiums for wedding insurance policies range from $120 up to $1,000 depending on coverage limits.

Today, the cost of a wedding averages somewhere near $35,000, according to the widely popular TheKnot.com. Insuring a $35,000 wedding only costs around $250.

Many sites like WedSafe.com and WedSure. com feature easy quoting tools that allow users to mix and match coverage based on wedding budgets. Also, it’s a good idea to discuss wedding insurance with each of your wedding vendors and venues. Some carry their own version of liability insurance and could direct you to a local insurance agent.

The odds of a wedding catastrophe are slim but why risk it when wedding insurance is so affordable and easily accessible? If you ask me, $250 is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Stillwater Valley Catering Where Every Event is Unique & Special SpeciaLizing in WeddingS and SpeciaL eventS One-StOp ShOpping Linens • Backdrops • Lighting • Bartenders

•••FULL-SERVICE CATERING •••

No Ordinary Day. No Ordinary Bouquet.

Custom Wedding & Event Arrangements Designed Just for You • bouquets • corsages • boutonnieres • centerpieces • ceremony flowers We specialize in creating extraordinary arrangements that capture the mood and beauty of your special day. Contact us today for a consultation with our head floral designer, and prepare to be wowed by the possibilities for your wedding.

Your Event... Your Way tROY – piQUa • 937-308-1386 www.stillwatervalleycatering.com

53 N. Miami St. • West Milton • 937-698-4171

Area’s Largest Selection of Ready-Made Frames

ts! rb gra Ba Con Ed &

At Frames and Such we feel that quality framing is a wise investment.

It will ensure the preservation of both cherished and valued objects and at the same time enhance the object to its fullest potential. We Love You! understand the special requirements of each framing job.

Ty Our ExpErIEncEd & crEAtIvE StAFF IS rEAdy tO SErvE yOu

FRAMES and SUCH

93 E. Fourth St., Minster • 419-628-3614 Mon., Wed. & Fri. 9:30-5:30 • tues. 12-8 • Sat. 9:30-12:30

Best

Wis h Bob es!

Gre Wed at ding Sue !

Congrats, Chad & Beth!

Wedding Signature Mats

DID YOU GET MARRIED OR HAVE ANOTHER LIFE EVENT? You can live happily ever after with the right financial & tax foundation.

WE ARE DEDICATED TO PERSONAL FINANCIAL SUCCESS FOR EVERY CLIENT RAINBOW ACCOUNTING SERVICES, LLC

Take advanTage of one of our new ClienT disCounTs! now offering 19.5% off your professionally-prepared taxes from last year or $25 off any self-prepared taxes “All odd numbers because we are unique” (call for details)

rainbowaccting.com Melissa@Rainbowaccting.com

FULL SERVICE ACCOUNTING FIRM

Melissa Bowman, EA 8917 N. St. Rt. 121 Bradford, Ohio Next to Dick Lavy’s 937-448-6159

Rent Our Banquet Room for Your Special Event Or Wedding!

Feel Like a Guest At Your Own Party!

Weddings • Graduations • Corporate Events Anniversaries • Birthday Parties • Fundraisers Christmas Parties • Celebrations 601 E. Broadway Covington 937-473-2433 M-Th 11-11, F&Sat 11-2:30, Sun 11-8

••• Full Place settings Provided ••• Creating SpeCial MeMorieS For groupS oF 50 to 1,000!

Call the Professional Caterers Today!

937-548-8144 Greenville, Ohio

Your Place for a Great PartY & Pizza!

Dining Room AvAilAble For Rehearsal Dinners, Parties, or Any Event Call for Details Regarding Large Orders

212 N. Main Pleasant Hill 937-676-2624 Open Wed. & Thurs. 4-9 • Fri. 4-10 Sat. 11-10 • Sun. 4-8 CLOSED MON. & TUES.

Weddings & Special Events

We Treat Your Celebration with the Specialized Attention It Deserves!

Full Service Catering

• Bulk Candy - Great for Favors & Candy Displays • Deli Meat & Cheese Trays • Cheese Curds • Gourmet Coffee

4547 Jaysville - St. Johns Rd. Greenville, OH ~ 937-548-3500

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Make Sure to Schedule Your Furry Friend’s Pampering Ahead of Time

Make yours an Irresistible Wedding or Event

17 N. Main St., Pleasant Hill, Ohio 937-676-2194 Owner/Groomer Becky Christman

The Island Dress Shoppe Lovely Mother of the Bride & Groom Dresses

• • • • •

‘Personal Service to assist you in finding the perfect dress!’

Shoes & Handbags Jewelry Special Orders *sizes 4-30* Sale Dresses up to 50% off Custom Alterations

132 W. Spring St., St. Marys 419-394-5116 Mon. & Wed. 9:30-8; Tues., Thurs. & Fri. 9:30-5; Sat. 9:30-3 Find us on Facebook

The Orrmont Estate One Estate, Two Venues Piqua, Ohio Mansion-Cathedral Tent

#OrrmontEstate Octagon Barn

#OrrmontFarm

Book One Of These Beautiful Venues ~ Contact Us Today! www.orrmont.com • 937-778-1021

MARRY IN CHERRY.

Cherry blossoms are traditional yet different enough from oldfashioned bouquets to stand out. They also symbolize renewal and the cycle of life, making them the perfect flower to represent spring.

Whatever buds you choose, both you and your bouquet are sure to come into bloom on the big day.

FARM TO FABLE

By Liz McGehee You’ve picked your groom. Now, it’s time to pick your flowers.

The days of uniform roses, kempt leaves and bare stems are gone.

This season is all about handpicked florals and fresh-cut greenery.

Try something out of the ordinary and a little less contained.

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THINK PINK. From dusty rose

to peachy pastel, pink varieties are taking over spring. Add a touch of fuchsia or incorporate salmon tones to make your flowers stand out.

Bougainvillea come in pale shades of pink, peach and purple, making these Brazil natives a great choice for pink arrangements.

HOMEGROWN. Create your

very own fairytale wedding by adding greenery from your home into your bouquet, or you can find a nearby florist who works with local growers to create your arrangements. Eucalyptus, ferns, grasses, mint, succulents, small tree branches and vines are just a few of the greens you can use to make your bouquets stand out.

BERRY HERBAL.

Berries and herbs add beautiful pops of color, texture and that handpicked look to your bouquet. Bonus: they release soothing fragrances. Add lavender to your bouquet for a calming effect.

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Wedding & Special Events

BanquEt room availaBlE

Full or Specialized Menu

Perfect For:

Pork Is Our Specialty For Your Special Day Weddings, Banquets, Field Days, Graduation & Other Parties

Free Test Meal for the Bride and Groom

Dan & Tawni Batdorf

• Rehearsal Dinners • Parties • Business Meetings Call To Reserve Your Date

Buffalo Jack’s 137 S. High St • Covington 937-473-2524

937-418-3393

9291 N. St. Rt. 48, Covington

Batdorf@BatdorfsRedBarnCatering.com www.BatdorfsRedBarnCatering.com

Major Milestone in Your Life?

Find the Perfect Fit

I Can Help You Find Your Dream Home CINDY WARNER, REALTOR® REAL ESTATE BROKER office 937-632-0001 cell 937-417-0273 cwarnerrealty@gmail.com

Cloud NiNe CReATioNS Stained Glass Made to Order

Stained Glass Art Makes a Perfect Gift Anytime!

27 N. High St., Covington - (937) 638-8292 Hrs.: Tue-Fri 11-5, Sat 10-3

Get a Camera-Ready Smile for Your Big Day! When Every Detail Must Be Perfect!

Free consultation to determine the ‘Vision’ of your wedding or special event

DREAMS COME TRUE

Nancy Boehringer, Event Decorator/Planner

937-703-3505

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Teeth Whitening for the Couple...

only

$

299

COVINGTON DENTAL

C|D

DR. ZACH STUEVE 550 Mote Dr., Suite 1 Covington • 937-473-2755

A Gym That Has Something for EvEryonE . . . whether you want to get fit for a wedding, a special event or just for yourself!

• MONTHLY/YEARLY MEMBERSHIPS • FAMILY OwNEd & OPERATEd SHOW US THIS AD FOR A SPECIAL 3 MONTH PRICE

176 Front St., West Milton 937.719.3606 www.thegymofwestmilton.com

Light on the Hill An Unforgettable Setting for an Unforgettable Day

What’s , T O H t’s Wha NOT

By Liz McGehee

Our Newly Constructed Modular Style Barn Our Venue is as Beautiful on the Outside as it is on the Inside

We walk the extra mile with a charismatic attitude as we serve Christ and you!

Home of Eloquence Catering

Light on the Hill

thelightonthehillvenue.com

2900 Rugged Hill Rd. Casstown,OH

937-606-4258

Cascading ruffles, off-whites, pearls and elaborate beading are some of the trends you can expect to see walking down the aisle this spring. With tulle, flared skirts and sweetheart necklines, these visions pay homage to traditional gowns, but they’re far from your mother’s wedding dress.

Champagnes and nudes were trending last year. Now we’re seeing a rise in off-white and creamcolored gowns.

Gowns come with a creative spin this year with multilayers from the waist down and mismatched textures.

Sheer and illusion necklines, bodices and skirts aren’t going anywhere just yet. While full-bodied gowns are making a comeback, many brides still want a sleek, Grecian look.

Pearl accessories (especially in the form of shoulder pads) and beading are still hot this season too.

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ADORNMENTS THAT

TAKE THE CAKE! By Michele Robert Poche

Often considered the centerpiece of a wedding, your cake reflects the style and theme of your whole event. It should be featured prominently in a well-lit, centralized area for all to admire.

Why not make it your own with a few personal touches?

CHARMS

A Victorian tradition, silver charms tied to ribbons are inserted into the cake. Bridesmaids are invited to each pull out a charm symbolizing her future (ring = next to marry, etc.) String them each on a chain as a unique memento for the maids

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Mary & Joe

FLOWERS

Fresh flowers bring a natural authenticity to your display with bursts of vibrant color as well as a delicate fragrance

The Icing on Every Special Occasion!

Custom Cakes & Special Occasion Cakes Making dreams come true one cake at a time!

50 S. Dorset Rd., Troy • 937-238-2699 • www.Brittneyscakes.com.

2 SPRING

Honeymoon Destinations

By Liz McGehee

Rio

eiro, Rio de Jan Brazil Named ‘ River of January’ by Portuguese colonizers in 1565, Rio de Janeiro is home to the world’s biggest urban forest, bluest skies and largest Carnival in the world. Enjoy top-notch cuisine, hit Copacabana’s crescent-shaped beach, visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue or take in the legal street art and Portuguese inspired mosaic-tiled promenades on a long walk.

February is the perfect time of year to celebrate with your new spouse.

Rio

C.R.

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

C.R. If you want to escape the tail end of winter, Costa Rica is both beautiful and affordable. Whether you want to zip line next to a volcano, go white water rafting, surf or laze about on the beach, this location has something for everyone. Less than 30 minutes from the Arenal Volcano, zip lining–and rafting and only a few hours by bus to the Nicoya Peninsula, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Playa Hermosa and Puerto Viejo–La Fortuna is a great central location for your stay.

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You’re in

this together... ...make sure you have the right insurance.

Over the years, there will be smooth sailing and rough seas, but the right insurance protection will help you stay the course.

Contact Littman-omas Insurance Agency for a complimentary consultation and rate quote. Our comprehensive coverage plans and unparalleled service will bring you peace of mind for a lifetime together.

Homeowners • Life • Farm • Health Disability • Umbrella • Long-term Auto • Liability • Renters Business & Professional Insurance

GREENVILLE HOURS AT BOTH LOCATIONS 515 E. Main St. ~ 937-548-2131 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday • 9-5 BRADFORD 110 E. Main St. ~ 937-448-2590

Thursday • 9-Noon

Perfect Honeymoons Begin at Global Escapes Tours and Travel

178 W. Fourth St. • Minster, Ohio ~ 419-305-1266 ~ www.gettravel.org

Swirl ...

Sip ...

Savor ...

dry • Semi dry Semi Sweet • Sweet

We can provide the wine for your wedding or next event

A wine for every taste!

SpecIal OffeR 10% dIScOunt On caSe SaleS Wedding delivery available

Old Mason Winery & Vineyard Inc. 4199 South Iddings Road West Milton, Ohio 45383

937.698.1122

Hours: Mon. - Thurs.

12:00pm - 6:00pm Fri. - Sat. 12:00pm - 9:00pm Sun. Closed

Let Us Create a Picture Perfect Look for Your Special Event or Wedding.

• hair • make up • skin care • waxing • tanning • massage • manicures • pedicures

weddings, proms homecoming, parties any special occasion CALL FOR YOUR WEDDING CONSULTATION Come to our salon or we can come to you to do your wedding makeup and hair!

PJ’s Shear Magic 1127 Forest Avenue, Piqua

937.778.1075

Frame Mill Frame Mill Gallery Gallery

and Flower Bin Bin and Country Country Flower Michael Bridenbaugh Michael Grant Grant & Sandy Bridenbaugh

NorthMiami Miami St. St. ~~ West Milton 55North Milton ~~ 937-698-7037 937-698-7037

YourLocal Local Frame Frame Gallery Gallery Your Wedding Gift Gift Boutique Boutique &&Wedding Because every every picture picture Because hasaa story story to to tell tell ... ... has We are experts at helping We are experts at helping youpick pickthe the perfect perfect picture picture frame you frame

Wedding Gifts Gifts Ideas Wedding Ideas

• Specialty t-shirts, hats, throws • Specialty t-shirts, hats, throws • Personalized plates and wine glasses • Personalized plates and wine glasses • Original artworks, pottery, handmade jewelry • Original artworks, pottery, handmade jewelry • Gourmet coffees, French soaps, candles, wreaths • Gourmet coffees, French soaps, candles, wreaths

Custom Floral Arrangements Custom Arrangements ~ callFloral for a consultation ~ ~ call for a consultation ~

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-4 Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-4