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Newlyweds: Rolando Dario Ruelo & Christopher John Gesselle Photography: Carlos Marquez, Soreal Photography
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Wedding Experts
advice for planning the big day “The most important advice I can give to anyone planning their wedding is to HAVE FUN! Being engaged and wedding planning should be a joyous time. If it starts to be too stressful, take a step back. It will ALL work out, and in the end, all that matters is that you and your partner make that commitment, so don’t sweat the small stuff in the process. Surround yourself with vendors that you trust and LIKE. This makes the planning part more enjoyable, and on the day of the wedding, you can breathe easy and focus on LOVE!” Ingrid Bonne Photography Photo of Reggie & Brad “Make sure that you have good chemistry with your suppliers. The wedding planning process can be stressful and you need to know that you can not only trust but be able to lean on your supplier for honest advice. As with any relationship it takes time to develop trust but sometimes your first impression is spot on!” Wendy Dall - Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialist - That Travel Lady “Enjoy the moment and be true to yourselves. Surround yourselves with only the best vendors who listen to your needs and allow you to customize a wedding celebration that truly reflects the two of you. Whether it’s incorporating your four legged children into the ceremony or highlighting a partners ethnic cuisine or love of wine as part of the menu, discuss these points with your venue so that they may customize their packages to align with your vision and deliver a fabulous celebration for you and your closest friends and family.” Chris Schmidt, Director of Catering, InterContinental Hotel “If you’re having a serious wedding as opposed to a “glorified elopement,” plan well in advance, at least a year, if possible. The good officiants, venues, and other wedding vendors book up early. Pick an officiant whose heart is into it, preferably a hopeless romantic. Don’t accept any old ceremony. Tailor it to your own tastes.” Hon. James A. Shapiro (ret.)
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“Find a venue that offers exceptional customer service from the start because when the Big Day arrives so do many last minute surprises, tweaks, exasperations and unexpected-s, despite the most carefully laid plans. A venue that is flexible and accommodating and does it with a smile can almost always save the day!” Jody Devins, Client Services and Marketing Director, Catalyst Ranch "When considering an outdoor venue for your special day, first you must be flexible and have an alternate plan in place. You have control over planning but not the weather. You don’t want to make any last minute decisions on the day of your wedding. It will be stressful already. All the time and effort put into the planning of this special day should be able to move to an alternate with ease. Your B plan will be ready if Mother Nature decides that this is his is the plan to be used. Your venue should be able to offer a backup. This should be planned after you have your First plan in place. This extra planning is well worth the time and effort. Keep control of your special day no matter what Mother Nature throws at you. A experience wedding coordinator can be very helpful especially one that’s work with Outdoor weddings." Scott Zizic Owner, Bennett-Curtis House “So you decided to show your love and commitment for each other in front of your friends & family by getting married & now you have to be lovey-dovey all day on your big day! FALSE! Everyone doesn’t expect you to be comfortable with (PDA) over night. Plan ahead and share this with your photographer (and DJ), look for a small area of seclusion (ideally a garden) and this can be a very special private moment in the middle of the crazy busy day and save all the romantic shots for here. Otherwise, it’s ok to touch noses, kiss on the forehead, stare into each others eyes & smile, these all translate as uber romantic, so relax and enjoy your day, in your own special way.” Carlos Marquez, Soreal Photo “The most authentic, heartfelt weddings tell the story of who you are as a couple… So chat often about the details that each of you wishes to include in your celebration, and stay true to your vision! There are so many creative ways to ensure that your ceremony and reception are exactly
what you’ve been dreaming of! 1. Make use of online resources for creative ideas, trends and DIY tips. 2. Consider a Sunday wedding, or an evening celebration on a weeknight, these are helpful for maximizing your budget. 3. Network with your wedding vendors: many will work with a group of colleagues to create customized packages. For more articles, ideas and resources, check out Your Trusted LGBT Wedding Resource at www.RainbowWeddingNetwork.com” Marianne Puechl, co-founder, RainbowWeddingNetwork.com “When searching for a venue or vendors, from that very first conversation be upfront and let them know you are a same sex couple. Do a little research into ones that will be supportive of LGBT couples or have been popular among the community. Whether you are looking for a traditional day or something totally out of the box, planning is a task in itself, so make sure your wedding day team is a dream team!” Lindsay Mackey, Events & Program Manager , Chicago Flower & Garden “Stick to your gut, and do what makes you happy, once you start listening to everyone else, your vision can get lost, and the process stops being fun. Your wedding should be a reflection of you… What we are really trying to say is don’t get white cake with vanilla butter cream because grandma says it’s traditional, if you love chocolate cake, get chocolate cake!” Bogna Solak , Owner, Oak Mill Bakery “These are perilous times. I have eight same sex weddings booked in 2017, and have made this offer to all. If you want to get the legalities done before your actual date, I will gladly marry you right now, free of charge. Then we do your formal wedding whenever you like. This was a request from one of my couples, worried about what might happen later this year, and I’m delighted to assist them. Truly, I would prefer to write something lovely and lyrical about your upcoming wedding, but this is what this moment demands. Blessings to you!” Rev. Marian Hale All Ceremonies Beautifully Done “Book your Wedding on a Friday! Most venues offer awesome discounts so you can have your dream wedding without having to break the bank. You can save money to spend on your future vacations or a new home. At Arrowhead, we offer $15 off per person for Friday dates!” Brittiny Gibson & Alexis Wiley, Wedding Specialists, Arrowhead Golf Club
Photo by: Rick Aguilar
“When you look back on your amazing day, your wedding photos will remind you of your most cherished moments. So choosing your photographer is very important. You’ll want to choose someone that you are comfortable with, someone you can trust to capture your day perfectly. Your photographer should be someone who has experience shooting gay weddings, and should be someone who is as excited as you are on your wedding day. It is essential that you choose a photographer who can encourage you to share your love in front of the camera, whether your loving interactions are affectionate and subdued, or lively and fun.” Rick Aguilar, President, Rick Aguilar Studios “I would say enjoy the journey. Have fun, but remember that you should keep in mind quality and not just price point. Discounted flowers will wilt faster than you can sneeze. Alternative metal rings are street fair rings, and not wedding rings. A wedding ring should be of silver, gold or platinum. This is a ring you are going to be wearing a long time! Avoid the internet, listen to friends who have gone through their own fun filled wedding.” Donald R. Strzepek Tucker Company-President “All that matters is your love for each other! Don’t get caught up in the details.” Sophie Evanoff, President, Vanille Patisserie
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Invited to a Same Sex Wedding? DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK!
While a wedding is just a wedding, same-sex weddings are relativity something new. You might wonder if there’s a specific etiquette and set of rules to follow. Here's a little help. In an opposite-sex proposal, generally, the man proposes to the woman with an engagement ring. How does it work in samesex relationships? What tends to happen is that they will go to a jewelry store together, and they will pick out either matching rings or complementary rings. Does it make sense to still host separate bachelor/bachelorette parties? It’s more that there are post-wedding parties, brunch or afterparty type of thing, because there’s not really a necessity to escape to Vegas. As a couple, are you obligated to invite family members who have spoken out against gay marriage in the past? The inclination to avoid drama and hurt feelings is a normal reaction. It’s suggested that you be the bigger person on this special occasion and invite them. Family should trump politics and religion. Parents should open their hearts and say, “No matter what, this is our son or daughter and we want to see them happy.” Family first. That’s often how political beliefs change, by knowing LGBT people who get married and seeing these type of ceremonies and understanding they are about love. If I attend a same-sex wedding, what are some new traditions I should be aware of? It’s less common that parents will be escorting either of their children down the aisle. The ritual of being given away by a parent doesn’t quite make sense there. However, it does happen from time to time, and it’s still a lovely gesture, nonetheless. You may have also seen in some of the weddings you’ve been to that the bride’s family sits on one side and the groom’s on the other side. Again, because so many of the friends have been intermingled for a long time, there’s mixing from the very start in terms of where people sit. If there’s any one moment that seems the most different, it’s in the pronouncement when you hear them pronounced as “husband and husband,” or "wife and wife." This is marriage. The words are a little tweaked, but it’s the same thing. It may take some people a little getting used to.
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What is the general makeup of the wedding party if there aren’t separate maids of honor and groomsmen? There’s a lot of role-bending and gender-bending around these positions. Modern couples of all sorts are choosing people whom they’re closest to to fill these roles, so that’s a slight difference. What are common faux pas that you’ve seen guests commit at same-sex weddings? Some people don’t understand that weddings start right on time. That’s probably the most important thing that you should know. When we look at more specific things, it’s how each member of the couple refers to each other. The default is “husbands” and “wives.” But it’s taking a while for straight friends to get habituated to that. It’s kind of gone from “lovers” in the early ‘90s to “partners,” and partners was so confusing because are they business partners or are they lover partners? Now it’s husbands or wives. Be sure to listen to how two men or two women are referring to each other, and follow suit. How much of a kiss will that kiss really be? For many straight guests this is the moment of truth, seeing two men or two women lock lips. This may be the first time a lot of straight guests will see that in the flesh. It’s different than cheering for equal rights. It’s more visceral, it can make some people feel uncomfortable. That first kiss seals the deal on the new marriage, so concentrate on the love and the commitment it represents, nothing else, and you’ll be fine. It's suggested that all couples use a little discretion, this is not the best time for any couple to have a make out session. Grandma might have a heart attack! Will there be a drag show? Probably not, but now more gay weddings are starting to include elements such as “drag, burlesque and go-go boys for entertainment. Which partner is the husband, which is the wife?
This frequent, yet personal question is likely a standin for all the ways same-sex nuptials can wreak havoc with tradition. Guests look for clues about gender roles in the couple’s attire, in who dances with whom, but might be surprised to find out that there is no "man and woman" role. If you are that curious, ask one of them at the right moment.
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in the know Spring Fashion Party @ Cram Fashion & Andrew Christian’ book signing, Thursday, March 16 Join Cram Fashion for their Spring Fashion Party starting at 8pm with complimentary cocktails, a Live DJ, models, and meet Andrew Christian who will be signing his newly released book! Cram will be donating 10% of the evening’s sales to TPAN and every purchase enters you in the raffle to win prizes. http://www.cramchicago.com/ for more info. Chicago Tattoo Convention @ Donald Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, March 17-19 Villain Arts is back for the 8th Annual Chicago Tattoo Arts Convention at 9291 Bryn Mawr Ave. in Rosemont! Get tattooed on site by 700 of the world’s BEST tattoo artists. Show off your tattoos or plan out a few new ones. The three day convention is a paradise for hundreds of ink-stained artists from across the nation, who come to town to show off their skills. See some unique burlesque acts, sideshow and plenty of vendors. Meet TV celebrities from Best Ink, Tattoo Nightmares, and Ink Master, and VH1’s Black Ink. http://www.villainarts.com/ Chicago Flower Show @ Navy Pier, March 18-26 One of the most cherished annual events at Navy Pier, the Chicago Flower & Garden Show draws upwards of 40,000 garden enthusiasts and newbies each year from across the Midwest. With all this Chicago spirit and love, you have to be asking, “What does this have to do with the show?” Well, in honor of this city in a garden, the 2017 show theme will be applauding all that is wonderful about Chicago’s neighborhoods, cultural institutions and the green scene. BTW: Don’t miss HGTV and DIY Network host, landscaper and green expert Ahmed Hassan as he makes for a lively discussion on the Gardening Live Stage Friday March 24th, 2pm and 4pm, and Saturday March 25th, 12pm and 2pm! http://chicagoflower.com/ for more info. The Rainbow Wedding Expo @ Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro, Sunday, March 19 Returning to Chicago is the 9th Annual ‘Same Love, Same Rights’® LGBT Wedding Expo! This year’s event will be held at a brand new location off West Madison St. at the Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro, 733 West Madison Street in Chicago from 12:30pm-3:30pm.
On The Go . . .! “We’ve seen a spike in RSVP’s for our upcoming 2017 events ever since November 9th,” Puechl continues. “Couples aren’t frantic, but they’re wanting to take real action. Moving ahead with their plans to marry is one way they can empower themselves.” Food & Cake Samples, Trendy LGBT Planning Ideas & Raffle Giveaways are also highlights of every ‘Same Love, Same Rights’® event. The Expos are free for couples to attend, and all budgets are welcome. Friends, family, heteroallies & other advocates of equal rights are welcome to join in the excitement. http://www.rainbowweddingnetwork.com/ Shamrock Shuffle Run/Race @ Grant Park Downtown, Chicago Sunday, April 2 Long recognized as an annual rite of spring, a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and the kickoff to the outdoor running season in Chicago, the 38th annual Shamrock Shuffle 8K takes runners on a scenic tour of downtown Chicago, starting and finishing in Grant Park. The race will begin at 8:30am. on Sunday, April 2, and will conclude with live music at the traditional Post-Race Party in Grant Park. In advance of the event, the two-day Shamrock Shuffle 8K Health & Fitness Expo will take place at McCormick Place on Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, featuring more than 80 industry-related exhibitors. The Health & Fitness Expo is free and open to the public. For more information about the event and how to get involved, go to www.shamrockshuffle.com. Walkers will be treated to a scenic 2 mile course along Chicago’s lakefront, starting and finishing in the same location as the 8K run. The walk is a perfect introduction to the Shamrock Shuffle and is ideal for aspiring runners or those looking to take part in the celebration without tackling an 8K (4.97 miles). Art AIDS America concludes on April 2 The national tour is at the new Alphawood Gallery, and was established just for this presentation by the Alphawood Foundation, at 2401 North Halsted Street (at Fullerton Avenue). The exhibition opened on World AIDS Day, Thursday, December 1, and continues through Sunday, April 2, 2017. Admission is free. Info. at: http://www.artaidsamericachicago.org/
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Healthy Life+Style
ways to reduce Belly Bulging in time for summer Artificial sweeteners are frequently found in many reduced-calorie foods, processed products, and diet or decaffeinated drinks. They contain chemical compounds called sucralose, aspartame, and cyclamate that the digestive tract cannot break down easily. Sweeteners, which can be up to 300 times sweeter than natural sugar, are known to increase appetite and result in overeating. Be on the lookout for artificial sweeteners, and when possible, steer clear of them. Carbonated drinks, like soda, cause air bubbles to form and expand in your abdomen. When they burst, carbon dioxide particles are dispersed in the stomach. They fill up your belly and cause bloating. There’s plenty you can do to prevent bloating, but sometimes it is unavoidable. For those times, there are simple cures you can recourse to alleviate bloating and aid digestion. These effective solutions will remedy a bloated belly and cleanse the body. When your stomach feels like it’s about to pop, downing water may be the best quick fix. Good old H2O restores the sodium balance in the body and normalizes your digestive tract. Be sure to keep hydrated. Drink the daily recommendation of eight 8-oz glasses of water to rid the body of harmful toxins. Dandelion tea is a mild diuretic that will also help get rid of the water your body is holding onto. It stimulates bile to help break down fatty meals that also make you bloated. Try drinking one cup per day.
Feasting on fiber-rich foods can push stomach clogging materials out of the body. Fiber moves food through the gastrointestinal tract quickly for better digestion. About 25-30 grams of fiber is recommended per day, but most people usually get only 10-12 grams. Incorporate fiber into your diet by including foods like oatmeal, bran flakes, raspberries, lentils, and artichokes into your meals. You can also try fiber supplements that contain psyllium, a soluble fiber that can help regulate digestion and prevent constipation. White bean hummus is a great fiber-rich food that can actually soak up water in the intestines. It helps to move the bloating, causing foods to push through your body faster. Probiotics are made up of “good” living bacteria similar to those that naturally exist in the body and aid with digestive health. Probiotics regulate the amount of healthy bacteria in your system and normalize bowel movements. Through nutritional supplements or probiotic-enriched food sources like yogurt, miso, soy drinks, and juices, probiotics can be integrated into your diet. Look for “live and active cultures” listed on their packaging labels. Massage is sometimes a helpful way to keep the bulge at bay. Massaging the abdominal area helps relax the muscles that support the bladder and intestine. Press your fingers near your right hip. Start massaging in small circles. Move hands from right to left making an arc under your breastbone. Massaging stimulates bowel activity to help push out excess stool and reduce bloating.
Try taking 200 milligrams of magnesium daily to fight fluid retention and to expel gas. This crucial mineral eases constipation by relaxing the muscles in the intestinal walls. You can also find magnesium in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, legumes (beans and peas), nuts and seeds, whole grains and fish (such as halibut).
See your doctor if you find that bloating is interfering with your daily activities. It could be attributed to many “silent” disorders such as endometriosis, peptic ulcer, liver, kidney, gallbladder, celiac, thyroid, and pelvic inflammatory diseases as well as cancers such as stomach, colon, and ovarian. It’s also frequently linked to irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory Potassium ensures that all cells, tissues and bowel disease, and other gastrointestinal organs are operating properly. It can provide conditions. If you notice that your abdomen relief from bloating by balancing and circulating is looking persistently and unusually inflated body fluids. Try eating potassium-rich foods and/or you’re experiencing intense pain, be sure such as bananas, kiwis, and strawberries. to schedule an appointment. Disclaimer: Matters regarding health require supervision by a licensed professional. boiMAG shall not be be liable or responsible for any loss or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestions in this publication.
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