Weddings 2013

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Proposal

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Find a gown they all will love Pg.15

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Weddings | 2013 | Special supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer

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Weddings | 2013 | Special supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer

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Proposal The

Last month, we asked Black Hills Pioneer readers to submit their engagement stories, then vote in our online poll for their favorite.

These are the top two lucky couples.

Engagement of Tori Vette & Ryan Bissell

by Holly Glatt

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o set the stage, it was Monday, April 15th, 2013 and the city was Boston, Massachusetts.

Tori Vette participated in one of the most prestigious races in the world, the Boston Marathon. Her five close friends and boyfriend, Ryan Bissell, cheered from the sidelines as Tori ran an amazing 3:17:26 marathon! After finishing, she headed to the buses to gather her belongings and meet her crew at the family meeting area behind the finish line. Friends’ of Tori’s rushed through the huge crowds to make it to the meeting area before her; the word was there would be a big surprise!

Upon arriving, Tori was met by her five friends and boyfriend- cheers and exhilaration exploded through the air!

Ryan dropped to his right knee and presented a gorgeous ring to Toritears flowed as Ryan recited “I am so proud of you. I love you and want to

spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?” She said YES! The next few minutes were filled with love, joy and excitement for the happy couple from friends and strangers alike on the corner of that street in Boston.

Nearly 30 full minutes of pure bliss passed as we quickly stopped at our hotel (a mere two blocks from the finish line) and then hit the streets in search of champagne and celebration!

That’s the moment we heard the “cannon-like” sound and in a split second, the day of Tori’s amazing run and the couple’s beautiful engagement was tarnished by the terror of the Boston bombing.

Not realizing what was happening, we ducked into a packed pub just a few blocks from our hotel and watched in awe the horrific events on the news with strangers. Priorities changed from sharing the exciting news to frantically trying to call out and let our families and friends know we were alive and

Courtesy Photo

safe. We finally found a quiet place to rest as we watched the events unfold on the television.

We made our best attempts to celebrate the good even though we had witnessed such a tragedy. There will

Engagement of Narissa Stahl & Brian Holmgren

by Narissa Stahl

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Courtesy Photo

he dream began long ago… and the credit goes to my father for getting me and my siblings to the top of Harney Peak (7,224 feet) throughout our youth … not only during the day but at times we started at midnight to see the sunrise.

We woke up around 11:15 p.m. All I could think about was how badly I had to pee; however, in order to get out of the tent I needed to get on my gear. It was already 0° and we were seven hours away from the Rooftop of Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro. I had Fun’s song in my head as we began our summit day, “I’ll put one foot in front of the other one. I don’t need a new love, or a new life.

Just a better place to die.” You see, I was here two years earlier but didn’t make it out of my tent for summit day; I was experiencing altitude sickness.

As we hiked by moonlight, I kept thinking, “any moment my body will start to feel the altitude.” Instead we kept climbing and I continued to feel great.

We started to approach what looked like the top … wait … false summit. We kept walking. We heard our guide remind us, “pole, pole” (slowly, slowly). Then in a

always be sadness in the memories we had that day, as so many lives were forever changed, but we also had the privilege of being a part of something truly beautiful, the love of two amazing people.

distance we could see it … the top. I wanted to run, but my body was content with the current pace. Then, there we were, standing in front of the summit sign. Wow, we were really there, on the top of Africa. Our guides gave us hugs and we were all smiles. We felt great, happy and healthy. As we took our pictures, it got colder and the wind was relentless. I was putting my gloves and my backpack back on when Brian came up to me and said, “You need to take another picture of me at the sign because your glove was in the way.” So many thoughts raced through my head, ”How selfish of you. When did you have time to look through the pictures? Really another picture, don’t we have enough?”

I was upset because I was cold and I could see our guides were cold. Brian kindly looked at me and said, “This is a happy time.” I then realized we may never be here again so, okay, let’s take another picture. As we walked back up to the sign, he hands the camera to a girl nearby and says to me, “come up with me.” So I turned toward the camera (for what I thought was another picture of us) when he said, “now turn towards me, I have a question to ask you.” As I did, he pulled a white box out of his pocket, got on one knee.

As I said yes, complete strangers starting yelling, clapping and cheering; our guides immediately came to us, smiling and giving us hugs. I totally forgot about being cold; I was happy.

Thanks Pa for giving me the hiking bug.

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Let us help you choose your Bridal Flowers to fit your wedding style!

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Weddings | 2013 | Special supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer

Tips for selecting wedding day flowers

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hat would a wedding day be without flowers? The beauty and the aroma of fresh-cut flowers can create a welcoming atmosphere and complement the beauty and the style of a wedding wardrobe. Flowers are often the first things that guests see upon arriving for the ceremony, and they may even be something guests take home at the end of the night. Flowers create an air of romance, and most couples want to make flowers -- whether fresh or silk -- an integral part of their wedding day.

As with any decision when planning a wedding, choosing the right flowers requires some research and a basic knowledge of which flowers will convey the message and the theme of your wedding.

The number of colors, textures and combinations that can be created are so numerous that couples may feel the decision on the floral arrangements is best left to the florist. But it doesn’t take a lot of expertise to know what you want, and it is important for couples to convey their feelings to the florist.

Consider these tips when choosing a florist and selecting flowers.

• Experts advise that a couple start looking for a florist at least six months before the wedding, especially if the wedding will take place during the peak season of May through September. Get recommendations from friends as to which florist they used or find out if your wedding planner or banquet hall manager recommends a particular florist.

Some catering halls have agreements with florists, and they work together.

• Browse magazines to get ideas of what you like. You also may be able to find a florist through an advertisement or if he or she has been featured in publications. Keep a scrapbook of the colors, types of flowers and arrangements and any other ideas that attract you so you will be able to present this information to the florist.

• Establish your flower budget prior to sitting down with the florist. You should expect to pay at least 8 percent of the total wedding cost on flowers.

Get an estimate on the floral arrangement and then tweak your needs according to your budget. Many florists can modify arrangements and find a middle ground with regard to cost. Selecting flowers that are in-season will result in more affordable rates than if you desire exotic or out-of-season blooms.

• Once you’ve hired the florist, you can come up with a wedding flower worksheet that establishes all of your needs. The florist may ask for specific information, such as photos of the bride’s gown as well as the colors and styles that the wedding party will be wearing. A good florist knows that a bouquet should not overpower or detract from the beauty of the bride. The florist may want to mimic textures from the dress, such as beading, with smaller flowers or berries within the arrangement.

The groom’s boutonniere is traditionally one of the flowers from the bride’s bouquet so that the look is cohesive.

• Ceremony flowers may be traditional, and some houses of worship have strict guidelines as to what can and cannot be used. However, reception flowers can be where you show off your creativity and whimsy. After all, this is a party and it should be fun. You may want to give the florist more freedom of expression with regard to reception centerpieces and flowers that adorn other areas of the room.

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Photo courtesy Watson Photography

• Because receptions tend to take place in the evening hours and are often indoor affairs, experts say that added lighting may be needed to put emphasis on the floral centerpieces and help present them in their best light. You may want to think about hiring a lighting designer to spotlight some areas of the room or at the very least incorporate candlelight into your centerpiece arrangements.

• To give the impression that there are more flowers than there really are, use fragrance and filler as your tools. Fragrant flowers can fill up the room with a welcoming aroma. Look for frangipani, lilies, hyacinths, jasmine, and sweet peas for a big impact. Florists know how to stretch arrangements by using greenery and other filler to lend bulk without too much extra cost.

• Experienced florists will know how long it takes certain buds to open and show off their maximum beauty. Therefore, expect a florist to be working on

your floral arrangements as much as a week before the wedding date -- purchasing containers, cleaning flowers and waiting for certain ones to open fully. Minimize changes close to your wedding date as most things will already be started.

• It is possible to make your own centerpieces or bouquets if you so desire. Simplicity will work best for the novice. Think about grouping similar-hued calla lilies together for a bridal bouquet. Hydrangea and peonies are larger flowers that can easily fill up a vessel on a table as a centerpiece. White flowers will coordinate with any color scheme and could be the easiest to mix and match. White blooms include sweet pea, rose, camellia, stephanotis, narcissus, gardenia, orchid, lily of the valley, jasmine, and gypsophila.

Flowers are one component of the wedding that will help achieve the magic and beautiful atmosphere couples desire.

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Weddings | 2013 | Special supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer

When buying a diamond ring, learn the 4 C’s carat, clarity, color and cut

By BETH J. HARPAZ Associated Press

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EW YORK (AP) — Buying a diamond ring can be intimidating. What do you look for? How much should you pay?

Demystify the process by learning about the four C’s: carat, color, clarity and cut. This system of grading diamonds was developed 60 years ago by the Gemological Institute of America.

Then do some research online and visit jewelers. You’ll soon understand your options. Here’s a primer on the four C’s and other advice.

THE FOUR C’s • Carat is a weight measurement.

A 1-carat diamond weighs 200 milligrams. But there’s no ideal size for a diamond. It depends on your budget and taste. Some women want a big rock; others prefer a delicate, less blingy look.

Small diamonds are cheaper than large diamonds. A ring with three small diamonds totaling 1 carat costs less than a single 1-carat stone of similar quality.

• Color is graded by letter, starting with D for rare, colorless diamonds.

E and F are considered excellent, but G or H diamonds will look just as good to the naked eye.

Farther down the scale, you’ll notice differences. “If you put a K color beside a G color, you’ll notice more yellow in the K,” said Russell Shor, senior industry analyst for the Gemological Institute.

• Clarity measures diamond flaws, called inclusions, which might appear as tiny spots, clouds or cavities in the stone. The clarity grade SI stands for “slightly included.” VS is a better grade, “very slightly included.”

VVS is even higher, “very, very slightly included.” Most inclusions in the VVS-SI range cannot be seen by the untrained eye “unless someone tells you where it is,” Shor said.

Photo courtesy Watson Photography

• Cut measures workmanship, rather than a diamond’s inherent qualities. The way a stone is cut enhances sparkle and luminosity and can hide flaws. The best cut rating, ideal, is rare. About a third of diamonds are rated fair, good or very good.

THE FORMULA What should you look for in each of the C’s?

“The one thing you should not trade off on is the quality of the cut,” said Shor. “Even a nice color stone, if not well-cut, will be dull and lifeless.

But if it’s a middle color — like K — and it’s got a real excellent cut, it will pop and flash with all the sparkle that diamonds are famous for.”

After choosing the cut, “balance the color, clarity and carat weight based on your personal preference to find the best diamond for you and your budget,” said Amanda Gizzi, spokeswoman for Jewelers of America.

For example, for $2,000, you might pick a 1-carat, K-color stone with a slight inclusion, or a half-carat, G-color, with a very slight inclusion.

An L or M-colored diamond at that price “will get you a 2-carat honker, but you’ll definitely notice the yellow and you’ll see some inclusions,” said Shor.

Consumers pay $3,500 on average for engagement rings, according to Jewelers of America. On the low end, Shor recommends spending at least $700 to $1,000 to get “something that’s not too small and of reasonable quality, a respectable half-carat stone.”

Many websites list the four C’s for every ring they sell. Brick-and-mortar stores should be able to provide grading reports, whether from GIA or another expert lab.

SHAPE AND STYLE Engagement rings traditionally feature gold bands with a center diamond, though some have smaller diamonds on either side. Melissa Colgan, senior style editor for Martha Stewart Weddings, says the engage-

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Weddings | 2013 | Special supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer ment ring that Prince William gave to Kate Middleton, a large sapphire surrounded by diamonds, has increased interest in rings with other gemstones.

Diamonds can be cut into many shapes. Round, the most common, offers “the biggest bang for your buck because the difference between the raw and cut diamond is smaller,” Colgan said. But she said unusual shapes with retro looks and names like marquise, Asscher and pear are having a resurgence, partly because celebrities are wearing them.

Whether a shape is flattering depends on your fingers. “If you have long thin fingers, you can wear something like Asscher or princess that is more square-cut,” Colgan said. “If you have shorter fingers or muscular hands, marquise or oval will elongate your fingers.” But long nails don’t mix with oval: “It looks like you’ve got a weird nail in the middle of your hand.”

ESTATE SALES & INVESTMENTS In 2011, a 33.19-carat diamond owned by Elizabeth Taylor sold for $8.8 million. The same stone was $305,000 in 1968. But that’s an exception: The average diamond does not appreciate much, if at all.

“A diamond will never become worthless, but I would not buy a stone for $1,200 thinking I’m going to get $2,000 back for it at some point,” Shor said.

Does that mean estate-sale rings are a bargain? Shor says “older stones can be a bargain,” but cautions that

stone-cutting has improved with computers and robotics, so older rings may not have “the quality of workmanship” found in modern diamonds.

It’s also a matter of taste.

“I think some of the old-cut jewelry is so incredibly beautiful,” said Colgan. “They’re not quite as shimmery or blingy but they have a really sweet sparkle. There are also girls out there who want an estate look because they identify with a certain decade and they don’t want something blinged out.”

Jewelers who specialize in estate collections are not hard to find, but be careful buying from a Sunday “everything must go sale.”

CONFLICT-FREE DIAMONDS In the 1990s, concerns arose that some African diamond mines supported rebel movements undermining legitimate governments. The U.S. and 79 other countries agreed to a set of rules called the Kimberley Process to ensure that diamonds sold within their borders are “conflict-free,” meaning they do not come from mines supporting rebel activity, according to this definition.

Some organizations like the Anti-Slavery Society and the Responsible Jewellery Council are working to raise awareness of issues not addressed by the Kimberley Process, such as harmful environmental practices or child labor in diamond production. Interested consumers should ask retailers about their involvement with these efforts.

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Photo courtesy Watson Photography

Did you know?

It’s well known that weddings can be expensive. But just how much money defines expensive?

Although couples ultimately control how much they spend on their wedding, the average cost of the main ingredients to a wedding indicate that many couples prefer to splurge for their special day.

If you like dining with us then you’ll love the way we cater to your wedding or special event.

Wedding: $26,951 Dress: $1,124 Music: $3,109 Photographer:$2,307 Florist: $1,971 Invitations: $367 Videographer:$1,518 Reception:$13,106 Cake: $591 Transportation:$658

From a brunch buffet, hors d’oeuvres, sandwiches or black-tie affair, we’ll help you create a memorable reception that will fit into any budget.

Source: WeddingStats.org

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605-584-3510

At the upper entrance to beautiful Spearfish Canyon

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Weddings | 2013 | Special supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer

tips 100

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Weddings | 2013 | Special supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer

to keep you sane

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eing well informed about every detail - big or small - will make all the difference.

When was the last time you planned a party this big? If you’re like most brides, this event is a first in size, details - and pressure! Because wedding planning is so time consuming, being well organized is the only way to keep things under control. Most weddings, especially large ones, require lots of advance planning in order to book the best bridal resources, many of which are reserved one or two years before the event. Today’s long engagements - 14 months on average allow couples time to pull the details together and save for the expenses they may be handling or sharing with parents.

This checklist is packed with all the essential steps you need to know about during planning. The more time you have, the more opportunity you’ll have

to comparison shop. And you’ll also feel less pressured to commit to something that does not seem right for you. However, if your timetable is condensed, simply move the steps up. For a much shorter schedule, a wonderful wedding can still be had by making some logical compromises. For example, plan on a morning/noon wedding, with a breakfast or brunch/luncheon reception, or a Friday or Sunday evening ceremony and reception. In some areas of the country there is also more flexibility for hiring choice resources for a Saturday wedding on shorter notice during the months of January, February and March. Happy planning!

12 to 24 MONTHS

Before the Wedding....................

1. Visit your clergy together and set the date for the ceremony.

2. Discuss expenses with all concerned and establish a firm budget.

3. Decide on the size and formality of your wedding.

4. Interview party planners or wedding consultants with a reputation for a job well done. If time is at a premium for you or distance is a problem, a professional planner is well worth the fee.

With so many details to look after, their experience can help save you costly mistakes.

5. Consider unusual locations to hold the celebration. Contact your local parks department or historical society.

6. Select the place you’d like to hold the reception.

Make reservations if it is in a club, hotel, catering hall or restaurant. If it is to be at home or at a place that does not provide food, check into catering services and

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book them. Ask to see a variety of possible menus; inquire if a wedding cake is included or if one must be arranged for separately.

7. Start shopping around for your wedding dress, headpiece and veil.

8. Make alternate plans for an outdoor wedding in case the weather is bad. The most logical options include a very sturdy tent and a platform that withstands rain, or an indoor, alternative location that is indicated on the reception invitation.

9. Invite relatives and/or friends to be in your wedding party. Talk over finances with them and be considerate of their limitations.

10. Select two or three possibilities for your attendants’ gowns and arrange an appointment with the shop to bring your attendants in to see their choices.

Because they pay for their own dresses, it’s thoughtful to do this, if possible.

After a review of the styles, the final decision is yours.

11. Buy calendars for attendants and immediate families and mark important wedding-related dates for them in red.

As other dates are made during the planning they can plug them into their calendar.

12. Draw up the guest list. Notify your fiancee’s family to do the same.

13. Interview photographers, videographers, musicians and florists. Make a separate folder for each service you select. Keep contracts, notes, questions and all pertinent data in them for a handy and quick reference.

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for your rustic, western or country wedding.

Shade Valley is nestled along the beautiful Bear Butte creek and is an ideal location for your laid back, relaxed, private wedding.

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2 0 1 5 8 1 3 7 T H P L A C E | S T U R G I S , S D | 6 0 5 . 3 4 7 . 5 5 5 6 | W W W. S H A D E VA L L E Y. C O M

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6 to 12 MONTHS

Before the Wedding....................

14. Select and order your invitations.

Include extra envelopes in case of mistakes, and a few extra invitations to have as mementos for you and your family.

If you want calligraphy and find handwork too expensive, look into computer resources. Ask for envelopes to be delivered early so you can address them leisurely. At the same time, order personal stationery (an ample supply of both letter and notepaper) for writing thank-you notes.

15. Have mothers select their dresses. Your mother has the privilege of first choice so that she can have the color and style she prefers. The groom’s

mother chooses a dress similar in formality and in a complementary color.

Both should blend with your bridal-party color scheme.

16. Decide upon the men’s attire. Accompany your fiancée to a formal-wear specialty shop in your locale to select what the groom, best man, ushers and fathers will wear.

17. Register with the bridal gift registry in your favorite store. Meet with the director of the registry and her trained staff for help choosing your china, crystal, linens and other household preferences.

Indicate engagement and shower gift choices, as well as wedding presents.

18. Reserve the location for your rehearsal dinner.

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Photo courtesy Frogworks Photography

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Don’t underestimate the importance of wedding day photography

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imousines, gowns and flowers are each important components of a couple’s wedding day. But few aspects of a wedding are as important as photography.

Thanks to the popularity of social media, some couples may overlook the importance of hiring a professional photographer for their weddings. Although there is something to be said for candid images captured on phones and personal cameras, the pictures a couple will cherish and look back on for decades are best supplied by a professional photographer.

Even if you will be hiring a videographer and having photos snapped by loving friends and family, professional wedding photography is an ideal way to immortalize this special day. Most couples say “I do” with the hopes of staying together forever, giving them only one chance to capture the magic of the wedding day on film. Leaving photos to chance by hiring an amateur photographer may be something couples regret down the road.

Professional photographers use high-quality equipment that will produce much better results than photos snapped on the average digital camera. Plus, the photographer has experience with posing, placement of arms and legs, head tilting, and lighting, each of which ensures that the photos

come out looking as good as possible.

While a friend may not notice an eyesore in the rear of a photo composition when taking a picture, a professional may notice something that will stand out and make adjustments. Furthermore, professional photographers tend to have an eye for interesting angles to capture images that may be overlooked. Rather than a series of portraits at one level, he or she may climb high for aerial shots or lie on the floor for a different perspective. The results may be unique vantage points that set your wedding photos apart from those of the masses.

Price alone should not dictate which photographer to hire. Although wedding budgets are often stretched, skimping on a photography allotment may result in subpar results. That doesn’t mean you need to hire the most expensive photographer, but couples should realize the value of experience and professional equipment, both of which tend to come at a premium price. Do not expect to pay package prices that would be offered at department or discount stores. Many photographers are artists who take their work very seriously. A photographer will be spending all day with you capturing hundreds of photos. Each image will then need to be reviewed, repositioned and potentially enhanced

Photo courtesy Frogworks Photography

or retouched. This time-consuming attention to detail is often what dictates the higher costs of a very good photographer.

Keep in mind that photographers are unique individuals and not all the visions and styles of particular artists will meld with your own perception of how you want the wedding to look.

Expressing your expectations and comparing your goals with the port-

folios of photographers will help you find the best fit. Do not feel shy about asking for testimonials from past customers or talking to couples you know who have recently gotten married and asking for a recommendation.

While couples are making wedding day magic, photographers are behind the scenes capturing all of the memories couples can relive for years and years to come.

Every Bride has a story... Let us tell yours.

We offer two professional photographers to capture the intimate moments of your wedding that you will remember for a lifetime.

(605) 381-9296 or (605) 641-0935 www.blackhillsreflections.com

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4 MONTHS

Before the Wedding....................

19. Address invitations and announcements. All addressing, stuffing and stamping should be completed in time to mail the invitations four to six weeks before the wedding. If you have an “A” and a “B” list, you may mail “A” eight weeks in advance. When you receive regrets, you may invite people on “B” four weeks (and no less than three weeks) before the wedding. Prepare maps and directions to include with invitations.

20. Check with the post office for the postage needed to mail the invitation when all the pieces are enclosed in the envelope.

21. Purchase pretty “Love” stamps for an appropriate wedding touch.

22. Meet with the caterer to firm up the menu and all the details. If any guests require special food, arrange that now. Be sure all your expectations are clearly defined in a written contract, which should include taxes, any service charges, and additional fees to bartenders and waiters, if not included in the package. Also, you should make certain that the location - which should be a licensed catering establishment - carries basic liability insurance.

23. Engage a baker to create a special wedding cake, if you want something more elaborate than what your caterer offers. Inquire about a cake-cutting charge if you bring in the wedding cake from elsewhere.

24. Investigate having air-conditioning in a tent when the wedding is to be held in warm weather.

25. Plan a rehearsal dinner. Members of the wedding party, their spouses, fiancee’s or significant others should be invited, along with both your immediate families. If possible, invite out-of town guests, too.

26. Arrange accommodations for attendants who do not live in town. If neither you nor any of your family, friends or neighbors have the facilities to house them, make hotel reservations.

Your fiancée does the same for his attendants.

27. Reserve a block of rooms at a hotel for out-of-town guests. Most hotels offer discounts to guests for a wedding weekend. In advance of mailing invitations, write to your guests and enclose the hotel information so they can make their reservations directly. Once they arrive, have waiting for them a complete information packet, including city maps, transportation schedules and prices, sights to see and restaurants. An additional courtesy, included with this information, might be a refreshing basket of fruit, snacks or other food that your region is known for.

28. Ask a friend or relative to check on your out-of-town guests to be sure they are comfortable and answer any of their questions. Provide that person’s name and phone number in your letter because you will be so busy those last few days.

29. Visit your florist with dress-color swatches to help with the selection of flowers for your wedding and reception.

Ask about providing the aisle runner for the ceremony. Again, be sure everything is clearly itemized in a contractual agreement.

30. Decide on your honeymoon destination. Consult a travel agent. Traditionally, the groom makes these arrangements, but if you’re better at that, don’t hesitate to offer.

31. Hire limousines or other specialty cars for the wedding party members.

32. Investigate resources for designing and printing a program to distribute at the ceremony. Desktop publishing should make that possible at a reasonable cost to you.

33. Consult with your officiant about any restriction on photography and videography.

34. Discuss with helpful family or friends the possibility of their inviting out-of-town guests to dinner the night before the wedding, if you can’t include them at your rehearsal party.

Also, they might host a breakfast or lunch for travelers, if the wedding is late in the day.

2 MONTHS

Before the Wedding....................

35. Compile a list of all the friends and family members you would like to have invited to showers.

36. Tell the hostess for parties in your honor where you are registered. That store may be indicated right on the shower invitation, but not on the wedding invitation.

37. Now’s the time to put your wedding invitations into the mail.

38. Record your wedding gifts as they arrive. Note the giver’s name, address, type of gift, date received and date you acknowledge them.

39. Write thank-you notes promptly.

Within two months of returning from your honeymoon, you should acknowledge all wedding gifts.

40. Call to confirm the exact date and time of rehearsals with your officiant. Notify attendants and family of the time and place.

41. Send out all invitations to the rehearsal dinner.

42. Plan a get-together party for your attendants.

43. Select gifts for wedding attendants. Your fiancée does the same for his.

44. Begin trousseau shopping for lingerie, honeymoon clothes and other items you’ll need depending on where you plan to live.

45. Purchase a pretty wedding guest book for friends and family to sign at the reception.

46. Check with local authorities to see whether a blood test is needed for a marriage license.

47. Make an appointment with your doctor for a complete physical. See your dentist, too.

48. Meet with the organist and anyone else you have asked to play or sing at the service to determine the music.

49. Meet with the musicians or DJ engaged to play at the reception to plan the selections you and your fiancée want, from your song to the dance tempo you expect them to maintain. Plan a variety of songs so there’s something older guests will enjoy as well as what’s hot among your peers. Caution the musicians about excessive volume - it can ruin a recep-

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Weddings | 2013 | Special supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer tion. Tell them about any ethnic favorites you may want so they’ll be familiar with the music. Inquire about breaks, continuous music and overtime. Get it all in writing.

50. Speak with the caterer about the food you want to serve to your photographer and musicians. Something simple to eat, a beverage and a place to sit that’s away from your guests are considered sufficient.

51. Meet with the person handling your reception and firm up every detail. If rental equipment is required, make arrangements for it.

52. Select your wedding ring(s). Arrange for engraving.

53. Set a date with your photographer for a formal bridal portrait to be made four weeks before the wedding.

54. Discuss having a portrait of both of you done for the newspaper announcement. This is an alternative to the traditional formal newspaper photo. Or you may submit a wedding photo of the two of you taken on your wedding.

55. Check with your local newspaper for the form and timing of your wedding-announcement submission.

56. Select party favors to present to your guests to thank them for sharing your happiness. For this purpose, a groom’s cake, in a traditional fruitcake or deep, rich chocolate, may be ordered from your baker. Guests take a piece home in little boxes.

57. Give thought to your cake top.

Porcelain figurines are beautiful and will be a lasting memento. A creative baker will most likely have other ideas to present to you.

58. Talk about ways to personalize your ceremony and then discuss your ideas with the officiant.

59. Check with the church sexton and manager of the reception location for accessibility to accommodate handicapped or elderly guests. Inform ushers of this.

60. Buy fake rings to sew on your ring bearer’s pillow. The best man carries the real ones.

67. Check apparel for the wedding party. Have bridesmaids’ gowns fitted. Get swatches of material and have shoes dyed to match. If any attendants live out of town, send their dresses to them to be fitted. Check mothers’ dresses and accessories.

68. Call the caterer and make a final decision on the reception menu. Be sure that the cake has been ordered.

69. Give your caterer a reliable estimate of the number of guests expected at the wedding reception, so they can give you a written confirmation of

Page 13 72. Select a special wedding gift to give each other.

73. Go over all procedures of the wedding ceremony and receiving line with each other.

74. Make seating plans for the rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception.

75. Write out place cards, if you plan to have a bride’s table and a parent’s table. Also complete table number cards for guests if you’re hosting a sitdown dinner.

2 WEEKS

Before the Wedding..................

80. Set a date with your fiancée to get your marriage license.

81. Be sure that the clothing and accessories for all members of the bridal party are in order.

82. Check with the society editor of your local newspaper and your groom’s hometown paper to find out what form they wish you to follow to submit your wedding announcement and photograph. Mail the materials soon.

83. Change your name on your bank account, Social Security card, license, insurance and other important documents, if you are assuming your husband’s name.

1 WEEK

Before the Wedding..................

84. Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements.

85. Wrap gifts purchased for your attendants and groom. Present them at the rehearsal party.

86. Make plans to transport any gifts brought to the reception to your parents’ home or other designated place.

87. Call guests who have not responded to their invitation to ask if they’ll be attending.

88. Add last-minute acceptances and phone your caterer with the final guest count.

89. Confirm ceremony vocalists and musicians, and recheck your musical selections.

90. Arrange your gift display. All cards should be removed. Checks are not displayed, but a card stating “Check from Aunt Louise” may be substituted. Insure gifts.

91. Invite friends and relatives to drop by to see your gifts.

92. Present a small gift or note of appreciation to friends and relatives who did special favors that made planning run smoothly.

93. Do a final check on details with your florist, caterer, sexton, clergy, musicians and photographer.

94. Finalize your honeymoon plans and begin packing.

1 MONTH

Before the Wedding..................

61. Finalize plans with your photographer and draw up a list of pictures you definitely want taken during the ceremony and reception.

62. Ask a relative or friend who knows the family well to help the photographer identify the people to be included in your photos, especially if there is a divorce or remarriage, or any type of sticky situation among the parents of the couple.

63. Develop an orderly system of tracking guests’ responses and any special information you need to remember.

64. Discuss the bachelor party with your fiancée. Suggest the event be scheduled at least a week before the wedding day so there’s plenty of time to recover from the revelry.

65. Have a final fitting on your gown and make certain it will be ready to take to your bridal-portrait sitting.

66. Make an appointment to have your hair styled just before your formal portrait is taken, and again the day before or day of your wedding.

79. Make certain you are insured against damage or loss in transit.

1 DAY

Before the Wedding..................

95. Have a manicure, pedicure and even a massage to pamper yourself and help you feel relaxed.

96. Attend the rehearsal. Review all important duties with the principals in the wedding party.

97. Give ushers the list of guests to be seated in the reserved section.

Photo courtesy Frogworks Photography

cost per person with an itemized accounting - to the smallest detail - of what they promise to provide.

70. Confer with the florist to be sure everything is ordered. Confirm the time that flowers will be delivered and decorations will be completed.

71. Arrange a transportation schedule for those in the wedding party.

76. Decide which members of the wedding will be included in the receiving line and plan their positions.

77. Keep gift checklist up to date, and write thank-you notes daily.

78. Consult professional movers for estimates to move your gifts and personal belongings to another town, if you’re relocating.

The WEDDING DAY................

98. Rest and thoroughly relax in a nice warm bath.

99. Allow plenty of time to dress about two hours before the ceremony begins, if possible.

100. Have a wonderful wedding day and enjoy every beautiful moment!

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Weddings | 2013 | Special supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer

Page 14

A Guide for Today’s Busy Bride

Variety is the spice of life with wedding cuisine

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eddings are a celebration wherein guests look forward to the reception as much as the actual ceremony, and the food served at the wedding is often hotly anticipated.

Wedding receptions feature a bevy of different foods to tempt the palates of those in attendance. From appetizers served during the cocktail hour to the last crumb of cake, food plays a big role in a wedding reception. Choosing foods for a reception can take a little forethought, especially when the wedding party is especially large. The following are a few suggestions to ensure most guests are happy with the menu selections.

The first rule of thumb is variety. As much as budget allows, give guests the choice over what they dine on. During the cocktail hour -- if there is one -- couples can play with many different tastes and offerings. For those who want to be creative, this is the time to do so. Exotic flavors can be served alongside more traditional offerings that guests recognize.

For example, offer Asian fusion appetizers that may have spice alongside more traditional items, like miniature quiches.

During the main course of the meal, give guests a few options. Most catering facilities will offer suggestions in their meal packages. Couples can typically choose to offer a meat dish, a poultry and a seafood. This caters to a wide variety of diners.

It is important for couples to recognize that many people have food allergies or are on restricted diets. While it may not be possible to provide for everyone’s specific requirements, it is possible to make some accommodations. First, ask the catering manager how his company provides for guests who are vegetarians or vegans. Ensure that the meal will not be simply a bunch of garnishes and vegetable side dishes lumped together.

In addition, couples should recognize that many people have now adopted glu

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Photo courtesy Watson Photography

ten-free lifestyles. More and more restaurants and establishments have expanded their offerings to include gluten-free items, so it is important for the bride and groom to confirm. People who are diabetic and must limit their consumption of sugars and carbohydrates may appreciate a selection of sugar-free desserts or lower carbohydrate foods. When couples focus on meeting the needs of their guests, it shows they have put in the effort to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable at the wedding.

Couples who have the environment in mind can choose to serve organic foods and look to catering facilities that purchase foods from local vendors and farms. If a banquet hall does not make such concessions, ask if specialty items that benefit organic and local food producers can be brought in. Some caterers will be happy to make the change, but it will likely affect the cost of the wedding package to do so.

Food and drink will be some of the most costly portions of a wedding, and couples who are interested in keeping costs down can still offer quality foods if they make some changes. Varying the time of day that the wedding is held can enable a brunch or luncheon wedding to take place. These foods are often less expensive and labor-intensive to prepare, and therefore the cost savings are passed down to the bride and groom.

Some couples opt for a cocktail and hors d’oeuvre-only reception -- which should clearly be indicated on the invitation so that guests can plan accordingly.

An informal wedding may feature only a selection of desserts and specialty liquors. This may be the least expensive option.

Food is an important factor at a wedding and it is in a couple’s best interest to ensure that the food served is tasty, full of variety and acceptable to the majority of the guests who will be attending the reception.

Weddings | 2013 | Special supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer

Find a gown they all will love

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lose friends and family members are an important component of a couple’s wedding day. Individuals who are especially close to the bride and groom are often asked to become members of the wedding party, which means a bride-to-be will be asking one or more women to play an integral role in the celebration. To set these ladies apart from other guests at the wedding, they are often asked to wear coordinating bridesmaid gowns. Selecting a style and color that is fitting to the unique people of the bridal party can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.

As if choosing your maid of honor wasn’t tricky enough, you now must make a host of other decisions as well, all while playing stylist to the wedding party. Fashion sense is as unique as a fingerprint, and it is unlikely the bridesmaids will be able to agree on every aspect of the gowns they will be asked to wear. However, there are ways to narrow down the choices and be as accommodating as possible to their needs.

Photo courtesy Frogworks Photography

Size matters

The body shapes and sizes of the women in your bridal party will be different, and this should be kept in mind when selecting a gown style and cut.

There are certain dress shapes that are universally flattering, such as A-line.

Try to avoid gowns that are extremely form-fitting, as only a few of the bridesmaids may be able to pull off this look successfully. The remainder could be left feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable. Plus, form-fitting clothing will be restrictive and can be difficult to move around in -- particularly considering the gown will be worn for an entire day.

Flattering Color

As a bride you may have a colorscape in your mind for the wedding. But what looks good in table linens and flowers is not always the right choice for clothing. Take the skin tones and hair colors of your bridesmaids into consideration before choosing a dress. Green- and yellow-hued dresses may not look nice on women with olive skin tones, while very pale colors may wash out women with fair skin. Those with dark skin may need a brighter-colored dress.

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Page 15

Price Tag

It is an honor to be asked to be part of a bridal party, but that honor can be very expensive. The bridesmaids are expected to pay for their wardrobe, hair styling, and makeup, as well as parties and gifts for the happy couple. As a courtesy to the women who already will be investing a considerable amount to be a part of your wedding, make every effort to select a gown that is affordable. There are plenty of retailers offering stylish options that may not be as expensive as some specialty stores.

Other Tips

Once you’ve decided on the basic elements, consider the following suggestions to find a gown that the bridal party will enjoy.

• Take one or two bridesmaids shopping with you. Try to select ones with opposite body types so you can see how the gown looks on a woman who is thin and one who may be more full-figured.

• Think about choosing separates.

The bridesmaids can mix and match tops and bottoms to find a fit that works. This may enable a woman with

a larger bust size to select a top with supportive straps while another bridesmaid can opt for strapless. Many stores have increased their inventory of separates because of their growing popularity.

• Choose one color and then let the bridesmaids choose the style they like the best for themselves. The look will still be cohesive, but it won’t be boring with one type of gown. Also, each bridesmaid will be comfortable with a gown that flatters her shape.

• Go with a tea-length gown. These gowns have become quite trendy and are less formal and cumbersome than full-length gowns. Plus, there is a greater likelihood that the gown can be used again at a later date.

• Purchase the bridesmaid gowns at the same store where you will be purchasing your wedding gown. Most shops will offer a courtesy discount if the bridesmaid gowns are purchased at the same store.

Ensuring bridesmaids are happy in their gowns takes a little work but will be well worth the effort.

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Weddings | 2013 | Special supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer

Page 16

Things to consider when a bridesmaid is pregnant

Did you know?

For decades the month of June held firm as the most popular month for weddings.

But statistics now indicate that there may be shifting preferences in the time of the year for marriages. According to The National Center for Health Statistics, July and August are now the most popular months for tying the knot in the United States. September and October have also gained momentum as premier months. Explanations for this shift vary, but it may have something to do with changing weather patterns and warmer weather now arriving later in the season than in the past. Also, getting married later in the year may make it easier for couples to secure their first choice of wedding venues.

Let

B

rides-to-be thinking of

asking a pregnant friend or family member to be in the bridal party should know such a request is common. Recent findings indicate that around half of all weddings now have at least one member of the bridal party showing off a baby bump -- sometimes it’s even the bride herself.

Barring a medical condition, there is no reason a pregnant woman can’t be in the wedding and fulfill her obligations, so feel free to invite that special someone to be in the wedding. There are just a few things to consider to help make it easier on everyone involved.

Think over these things.

• Gowns: One of the things brides and bridesmaids often fret about is the gown they will be wearing. While nonpregnant members of the bridal party won’t fluctuate much in weight from the day of their first fittings to the wedding day, a pregnant woman is growing with new life within her from the moment of conception. This will have to be taken into consideration. Some maternity designers create bridesmaid dresses for pregnant women, but they may not exactly match the other gowns in mind. Ask the bridal store if alterations can be made to a standard gown, including ordering a much larg-

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er size, adding elastic panels or another way to ensure the gown will stretch over a growing belly. Also, be considerate and choose a gown in an empire waist style so that it is flattering for the pregnant bridesmaid.

• Shoes: While pregnant, some women’s feet swell. Having strict restrictions on footwear can make a pregnant woman uncomfortable. Low heels or ballerina slippers can be comfortable and fashionable. The other members of the bridal party may also thank you for choosing a sensible shoe.

• Breaks: Many activities during the wedding are bound to be tiring. But someone who is pregnant may feel it more than others. Ensure your mamato-be has ample time to sit and rest.

Also, try to have planning meetings near a restroom where she will be comfortable.

• Nonalcoholic drinks: From bachelorette parties to the wedding itself, be sure there are plenty of nonalcoholic and decaffeinated drinks she can enjoy. Pregnant women need to have a lot of water to meet the physical demand of pregnancy as well.

• Travel: In the latter months of the pregnancy, many doctors advise against air travel. Spending long hours

in a car may be uncomfortable as well.

If you were thinking about having the wedding far away, these are things that must be taken into consideration.

You may want to revise your plans if your heart is set on having this woman in the bridal party.

• Ceremony: It can be tiring for a pregnant woman, especially one in the last trimester, to stand for a long period of time. If you are having a long, religious ceremony, see if a seat can be arranged so your bridesmaid can sit down when she needs a rest.

• Declined invitation: Some pregnant women will jump at the chance to be in the wedding, while others may realize their limitations and prefer to attend only as a guest. Have another person in mind in case your bridesmaid invitation is declined, and do not hold it against the person if she feels she won’t be able to commit during her pregnancy.

• Patience: Although all eyes are generally on the bride on her special day, having a pregnant bridesmaid may garner a share of “oohs and aahs” and attention for her as well. It’s a humble bride who can share her spotlight for a while. And remember, the “something new” at your wedding may be that new baby who is on the way!

Pack an emergency wedding day kit

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rides- and grooms-tobe hope and pray their wedding day will go off without a hitch. After a year or more of planning and writing checks for so many things, couples hope that it all comes together in the end. For most it does. Others may need a little help keeping things on track.

Although the idea is to hope for the best, being prepared for a few obstacles along the way can ensure the day goes smoothly. Many couples find it wise to pack an emergency kit, stocked with items to make repairs or handle tie ups with ease.

Brides and grooms can use this checklist to compile a wedding day kit that meets their needs and customize with any speciality items.

• needle and thread in white, black and the color of bridesmaid gowns • extra pairs of pantyhose • pain reliever pills/antacid • quick-clean detergent stick • bandages • powder

• • • • • • • • • • • •

deodorant double-sided tape black buttons sanitary pads mints/gum makeup for touch-ups extra cash slippers or a change of shoes umbrellas hairspray hair pins names and phone numbers of all wedding vendors • static cling spray • hair dryer • contact lens solution/eye drops • nail file/clipper • straws (to sip drinks without ruining lipstick) • safety pins • black socks • earring backs

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Weddings | 2013 | Special supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer

Page 17

Reception decor gets creative, personal Breaking the mold: Wedding receptions trend toward the personalized, inventive

By KIM COOK Associated Press

M

ore personal, more

inventive. Those are the dominant trends in wedding receptions, experts say, in an era when brides have all the resources of the Internet to plan, share and often produce their own affairs.

Many are drawn to something beyond the traditional banquet/speeches/garter throw-and-go reception of the past.

PINS AND PLANS Sites like Project Wedding, The Knot, Wedding Wire and Pinterest show a wide variety of designs for fabric and paper decorations, centerpieces, color schemes, food table displays and party activities. A bride can take on the creative task herself with friends, or share her favorite ideas with professional planners or vendors.

There are tips online for hosting an under-$5,000 wedding (have an afternoon affair serving cookies, cider and champagne instead of a whole meal, decorate tables with trails of polished river rocks and small bowls of single-hued flowers), or making a large reception feel more intimate (group people at smaller tables, provide sofas or lounge areas for casual conversation).

Many sites include region-specific vendor lists.

A bride “has access to tons of creative, easy ideas that she can even replicate herself to save a little money and add unique personality to her event,” says Diana Vermeulen, who runs the Detroit-based Moxie Photography. She

shoots photojournalist-style weddings with a contemporary vibe; she likes to train her camera on candid moments — a group of guests sharing a laugh; the bride in a pensive moment; kids and dogs enjoying the party.

Shira Savada, an editor at Martha Stewart Weddings, says that when it comes to details, today’s brides aren’t “just duplicating something they see in a magazine — it’s ordering something custom through Etsy, or having mom make fabric napkins instead of renting.”

Vermeulen recalls one couple who gave a nod to older relatives by displaying several of their old wedding dresses on dress forms.

“It was a real point of interest for guests and a virtually cost-free way to decorate some areas of the reception hall,” she says.

THEMES Craig Norton, director of operations for the Prince George Hotel in Halifax, Nova Scotia, says themes are in. He oversees between 40 and 50 weddings a year, with budgets from $10,000 to $120,000.

“We’ve done a Parisian theme, with a bistro menu en francais. We did a summer camp theme for a couple who had met at one. There was food served in a canoe, a campfire, picnic tables and s’mores,” he says.

COLORS Savada, at Martha Stewart, says color palettes have gotten more unusual: combos such as gray and black paired with coral, or ivory and cream with emerald.

“Black may not be the first color you think of when you think wedding, but it packs a punch and can be quite elegant,” she says. “And metallics are all over the place.”

wedding magazines and surfing The Knot: “Succulents are one of my favorite blooms, and when I saw them trending in wedding floral arrangements, along with herbs like lavender and rosemary, I definitely wanted to discuss that option with my florist,” she says.

NUPTIAL NOSH Norton’s seeing the return of a wedding-reception icon: the cake.

“Cupcakes are out, and cakes are back,” Norton says. “At one wedding, we did a parade of cakes. Each table got its own two-tiered cake, cut and served family style. It’s impressive when a train of servers carrying 22 identical cakes walk into a room!”

A couple that worked for Research in Motion Ltd. had a Blackberry-shaped cake; a pair of avid golfers had a ninehole, course-shaped cake.

Cupcake towers can still be a great alternative to a big pricey confection. Or try a doughnut tower, with gourmet flavors for adults and simpler ones for the children’s table.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds offered a dessert buffet at their Charleston, S.C., wedding last year with mini tartlets, fruit jellies and cups of chocolate espresso beans.

Other brides have gone potluck, inviting guests to bring plates of their favorite cookies.

In a nod to their region, some Southern brides like pie bars.

Meal planning has gotten similarly inventive and personal.

Ethnic menus are in. And Norton has created food stands with hotdogs, French fry cones and scoop ice cream.

While stripes and polka dots were on trend in the past couple of years, she says, those bold geometrics are yielding again to loose, hand-painted patterns like florals and prints inspired by art and nature.

Savada also notes that some brides love modern typography and juxtaposing sleek elements with a rustic outdoor venue, for example. Others love all things vintage — but now are finding inspiration in mid-century, ‘60s and ‘70s style.

Another trend, she says, is having decor pull double duty: escort cards as favors, place cards integrated into the menu, centerpieces for the guests to take home.

“And centerpieces don’t have to be flowers,” she says. “Couples are using paper blooms, plants, simple candles, fruits or vegetables, and shells.”

FLOWERS IN FASHION Although there are lots of new alternatives to flowers, Norton, at the Prince George, observes that brides still love blooms.

“With the green movement, they were out of style for a while, but we’re once again getting requests for big centerpieces and buckets of flowers,” he says.

For elaborate affairs, towering glass cylinders filled with crystals, ornaments, glittery sand or submerged blooms are popular.

Tara Druker, who is getting married in October in New Rochelle, N.Y., saw what she wanted while poring over glossy

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Weddings | 2013 | Special supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer

Page 18

Strapless styles can give sleekness to brides

By SAMANTHA CRITCHELL AP Fashion Writer

N

Photo courtesy Watson Photography

EW YORK (AP) — The traditional bridal gown isn’t a skimpy silhouette: It’s long and typically without a plunging neckline or high slit. There’s often a whole lot of fabric. One of the few opportunities for brides to be a little bare is to go with a strapless or sleeveless dress — and go with them they do.

David Tutera, wedding planner, designer and host of WeTV’s “My Fair Wedding With David Tutera,” says that besides those restricted by religious customs, he encounters very few brides who want to be more covered than they have to be. More often they want to savor their moment in the spotlight and show themselves off as youthful, pretty and sexy, he says.

New bridal collections are dominated by dresses with no sleeves, even though that takes many women out of their comfort zone.

There was a brief period when sleeves were hot — after Kate Middleton wore a long-sleeve Alexander McQueen gown to become the Duchess of Cambridge — but it didn’t last.

Bare arms are again the norm.

It wasn’t always that way.

“It feels like strapless has been the go-to in wedding dresses forever, but, historically speaking, it’s still a very recent trend,” says Keija Minor, editor in chief of Brides magazine. “With some notable exceptions, gowns had high necks and long sleeves up through the 1990s. Just think about Princess Diana’s wedding gown in 1981 with those big puffy sleeves. It was larger than life to be sure, but still very on trend for the times.”

The shift, she says, came about 20 years ago as tradition gave way to a hint of sex appeal.

Strapless wedding dresses “are the majority of what’s out there. They

Feel The

NEW

dominate in the stores and on every bridal magazine’s editorial pages.

They are the easiest to try on and fit,” says designer Romona Keveza.

Brides’ Minor says that women of many sizes and shapes, including full-figured ones, can benefit from the illusion of a longer, leaner arm created by the uncovered shoulder.

And, Keveza adds, strapless gowns have come a long way and are now comfortable, sturdy and stable.

Still, she thinks there’s room for a few more sleeved and off-the-shoulder numbers.

“Brides have come to believe a strapless gown is ‘the uniform’ even if it’s not what she wants,” she says.

Tutera says brides should consider the season, location and overall vibe of the wedding before heading straight to strapless. It’s ideal for a beach wedding, but at a ski resort?

Not so much, he says.

A compromise could be the strapless dress topped with a mohair-lined silk shawl or a dramatic cape, suggests designer Anne Bowen.

Whether a bride chooses to be sleeved or not, she needs to find balance in her gown, adds Bowen. If it’s a “big ball of tulle ballgown,” then the open neckline and bare arms might be the way to go, she says, but for a slim column gown, sleeves that go past the wrist can be delicate and feminine. (She’d stick with a light fabric, such as lace or sheer silk.)

Tutera also likes those airy, light illusion sleeves — although he’d cut them at a shorter bracelet length — or a short cap sleeve; poufy satin ones “will bulk up the bride,” he says.

His solution is the detachable-sleeve gown he introduced into his collection. “You take them off after the ceremony. You can feel comfortable and confident when all eyes are on you, but you don’t have to have sleeves for the pictures.”

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Weddings | 2013 | Special supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer

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Weddings | 2013 | Special supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer

Page 20

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*Some restrictions may apply. Must be present to win.

Vendors to meet all your needs!

2 Sisters Bakery Anderson Formalwear Angel Hair - Lori Messner Anythings Possible Catering BE NEW Metabolism Boosting Fat Burning Program Black Hills Casual Weddings Bloomers Flowers and Gifts Black Hills Receptions and Rentals Black Hills Video Blackwell Budget Bridal Boulder Canyon Limo Bridal Boutique Cheyenne Crossing Catering Colt 45 Entertainment Comfort Suites Hotel and Convention Center, Rapid City Complete, formerly Complete Music Creative by Me - Custom Paper Products Dakota Love Photography Days Inn Lead Deadwood Comfort Inn at Gulches of Fun

Deborah Kates Fine Photography Edible Memories Henry Roy Photography Hickok’s Hotel and Gaming Holiday Inn Express and Convention Center - Sturgis Iron Horse Inn in Deadwood Jim’s Formalwear Ken Petersen - Milestones Entertainment Legacy Photo and Design Lishas Lovely Lockets Mary Kay - Robin Arsaga Mountain Shadows Photography Mr. Penguin Formalwear Pampered Chef - Lindsey Duprel Powerhouse DJ Rent-a-Chef Catering Romas Ristorante Ryan Becker Photography Stress Relief Massage Table 4 Décor Tender Moments Photography The Historic Bullock Hotel Watson Photograpy and more!

For additional information or questions on showtimes, call 605-722-5100 and like us on Facebook at Black Hills Bridal Fair.

Bridal Boutique

644 Main, Spearfish, SD bridalboutiqueandbling.com