Bridal Guide 2015 by Bradford Publishing

January 2015

Bridal Guide

10 The four c’s of diamonds ��5 There is no one flower more trendy than another type �� 10 Choosing your reception venue �� 17-18 Coverage and features to consider when choosing life insurance ��22 Bridal parties wearing a variety of styles this year �� 34

Casual, slim-fit suits finding their way in weddings ��40

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide

The four c’s of diamonds By Bill Hart

depth, table size, crown height and angle, girdle thickness and more. Our diamond professionals will be Carat Weight happy to assist you in selecting the The word “carat” derives from best diamond cut. the word Carat Weight carob, a Color Mediterranean seed, which has Diamonds range from colorless an extremely consistent weight for to yellow or light Color brown, and measuring. The greater the carat are sometimes found in a spectrum weight, the rarer, and more valuable of fancy colors, including yellow, the diamond becomes. Five metric blue, and even red diamonds. The carats weighs exactly 1 gram. less color, the rarer the diamond. Some people want the largest D Colorless diamond possible. If size is a priority, E-F - Colorless we at Hart’s Jewelry can help you G-J - Near Colorless classify the proper cut, color and K-M - Faint Yellow clarity to fit your budget economiN-R - Very Light Yellow cally, and fit your jewelry beautifully. S-Z - Light Yellow Many of our engagement rings can After “Z” on the color scale, diafit diamonds up to 5.00 carats, monds become fancy yellow, which but each ring has different size cost more because of their rarity. constraints based on its size and Clarity the type of setting. Prong settings Diamonds are composed of can be manipulated to fit virtually mostly carbon. During Clarity the any size diamond, but tension-set heating process, other elements diamonds and bezel set diamonds become trapped inside, giving each have more limitations on size. diamond its own unique fingerprint. Cut These inclusions help identify the After a rough diamond is mined, clarity of your diamond. it is evaluated to Cut determine F - No inclusions or blemishes its best possible cut, in order to are visible to a skilled grader. maintain the maximum clarity, color, IF No inclusions and only and carat weight. The term “cut” blemishes are visible to a skilled is often confused with diamond grader. “shape”, such as round brilliant or VVS1-VVS2 - Inclusions are princess cut. difficult for a skilled grader to see. The true definition of cut is VS1-VS2 - Inclusions are the quality of the proportions and clearly visible but can be charactersymmetry of the diamond. Your ized as minor. diamond’s proportions make a SI1-SI2 - Inclusions are vast difference on how brightly noticeable to a skilled grader. your diamond shines. An “ideal I1-I3 - Inclusions are obvious cut” diamond is one that allows the and may affect transparency and maximum amount of light to return brilliance. through the top of the diamond, *All diamonds are viewed through a 10x which takes into consideration the magnification lens by diamond graders. Owner, Hart’s Jewelry

January 2015

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide

There is no one flower more trendy than another type By Diana McElfresh

weddings is sometimes viewed as stressful, “It can be a great experiFlowers are among the most ence for everybody. Our goal is to important aspects of any couple’s make your day go perfect.” wedding day. They are used as Both Suiter and Ordiway note bouquets, as accents, as centerthat in recent years, more often than pieces and decoration. They top the not, couples will come in with their cake, are matched with ties, and are own ideas for flowers. tossed to bridesmaids. Ordiway said, “Before they With all that in mind, it can be would come in and you would give difficult for a couple to manage the them ideas. Now, couples bring in floral details of their wedding without their own ideas.” the guiding hand of a professional Ordiway and Suiter agree the florist. Internet has helped customers to Karen Ordiway of Proper’s get their own sense of what type Florist and Greenhouse in Bradford, of floral designs they want at their Pa., suggests couples reserve their weddings. date up to a year in advance to Suiter encourages clients to ensure they get both the flowers work with their professional florists and the florist they want. after finding inspiration online According to Ordiway, florists because “florists can help save you typically are only willing to take on money.” one or two weddings in a single day. Peggy Shoup of Mandy’s FlowRoy Suiter of Uptown Florist ers in Olean, N.Y., suggests couples in Olean, N.S., says that while try and stick with seasonal flowers preparing floral arrangements for in their bouquets and centerpieces,

She says, “If you get something out of season, it could be more expensive.” Shoup notes that in the past several years one of the biggest changes she has noticed in wedding flower arrangements is the size of the bouquet. “Ten years ago, everybody wanted large bouquets. Now, much smaller bouquets are more popular.” She also notes that in the past few years outdoor weddings have become increasingly popular, with more and more couples hosting their weddings in their backyards or in barns. Suiter and Shoup agree that

there is no one flower that is more trendy than another type. The flowers a couple chooses to use at their wedding depends greatly on the couple in question, though Suiter and Shoup say the most popular flowers for wedding arrangements include roses, hydrangeas, Calla lilies, and Gerber daisies. It is important for couples to be clear about their budgets with their florist, as florists can help manage budgets and keep costs as low as possible. While planning floral arrangements can be stressful, professional florists are always available to help keep the stress as low as possible.

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide

Are you looking for a great â&#x20AC;&#x153;starter homeâ&#x20AC;? or a new home to start expanding or combining families? These featured realtors have hand-picked some wonderful options for you to consider!

Bridal Guide

January 2015

New homebuyers checklist to ID costly repairs (BPT) - When you’re about to buy a house, it’s easy to get excited about its great location, spacious floor plan or beautifully decorated interior. Yet the old saying, “beauty’s only skin deep” can apply to any home, especially if you’re considering an older, previously owned property. Before signing on the dotted line, use this checklist to help avoid some potentially costly surprises and anticipate repairs or upgrades that may be needed. Start at the top: the roof Ask when the current roof was installed. Is it the original roof, or has it been replaced, repaired, or covered over with new shingles in certain spots? Are there known leaks, and if so, where are they? Have any of the leaks caused damage to the attic or interior? Also look at the chimney to see

if it’s properly sealed around the edges and whether the gutters need repair. Windows and doors Next, take a look at the windows to see if there is any condensation between the glass panes. If so, it could mean window replacements are in order. Once you get inside the house and close the front door, see if any light is coming through between the edge of the door opening and the wall. This gap is an indicator that the door may need to be replaced since air can escape through it and cause higher energy bills. Lighting and electrical Throughout the interior rooms, many homes are “staged” to appeal to buyers with attractive lighting that shows off the space to its best advan-

tage. You may love the way the lamps look in the bedroom, office or kitchen, but more importantly, check out how many electrical outlets there are and whether they are in convenient locations. Also, make sure you check to see if the lamps are masking the fact that there are no ceiling fixtures in each room. Will you need to rig up extension cords or invest in electrical work in order to support all the lamps, ceiling fixtures, appliances and electronics you wish to use? Get to the bottom of furnace efficiency At the basement level, be sure to check out the heating system. If the current furnace is more than 10 years old, it may be operating at a much lower level of efficiency than the latest manufacturing standards require, resulting in higher energy costs. Newer models, such as Trane’s XC95m gas

furnace, for example, can operate at nearly 20 percent higher efficiency than the government minimum standard, for the ultimate in energy efficiency. A qualified Trane dealer can advise you on the best solution for any home. Know what you can’t see: indoor air quality One thing you can’t see is the quality of the home’s indoor air. Nearly 72 trillion particles enter a home every day, making the air inside up to five times more polluted than the air outside. Adding a Trane CleanEffects Air Cleaner to the heating and cooling system can remove 99.98 percent of airborne particles including dust, pollen, pet hair and dander, dust mites, mildew, lint, fungus, most tobacco smoke, cooking grease, and even bacteria from the filtered air - so everyone in your new home can breathe easier.

January 2015

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January 2015

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Choosing your reception venue By Sandy Rhodes

details. Dan Carter Auction and Events You’ve picked your soon-to-be Center in Allegany, N.Y., (716-372spouse, the dress, the flowers and 8481) is a relatively new venue for where you will exchange your vows. receptions in the Twin Tiers. But where do you go for your It boasts 10,000 square feet reception? Well, there are many op- and ample room for 860 people. It tions in the local area from high-end is the second-largest facility in the dining to casual outdoor settings. area to hold receptions. The Bartlett Country Club in The building located just off the Olean, N.Y., (716-372-5175) can Allegany exit 24 off of Interstate 86. accommodate 250 people in its There is a moveable stage and dining room with a variety of choices state-of-the-art sound system, 100 for the perfect reception. tables and 300 chairs and soffit “It depends upon what they lighting. want,” said Kevin O’Bara, a contact There is ample parking and the person at the club along with Nancy building is handicap-accessible. Forness or chef Tim Brushingham. Call and ask for Dan Carter for To give an idea, however, O’Bara more information. said an average reception can run The Ellicottville Brewery in Elliabout $25 per guest. cottville, N.Y., (716-699-2537) just The club offers a buffet or sitstarted to do wedding receptions down dinner. A tent is also available last year and is already booking into if the couple wants cocktails served 2016. It can accommodate between on the patio. The tent can be used 150-200 guests. for smaller receptions as it sits 100 Different food packages are ofpeople. fered to suit the needs of the couple. There are still some spots “We have done a lot of big available for 2015, but people are parties and it went very well,” said encouraged to act quickly. restaurant manager Mike Rogers. “We have a nice, scenic locaThey are now able to offer tion,” O’Bara said. “The view from receptions when they expanded the up here on the hill ... It is a beautiful building to include reception space setting for a wedding reception.” upstairs. The Bradford (Pa.) Club (814“It is just pretty unique with the 368-3613) can handle up to 175 brewery. The upstairs overlooks the people in the three rooms available (beer) tanks.” for receptions, according to manager The Hotel Crittenden (814-274Dan Reiley. 8320), is located in Coudersport, The club, which is a private Pa. club, is available for receptions if the The Hadfields purchased the groom or bride is either a member business nine months ago and have or they are sponsored by a member. been renovating it to its past charm. “We do a couple a year,” Reiley “We can do up to 100,” Chansaid. “It is intimate with very good dra Hadfield said, adding there are food and very good service. It is a two areas and parties can be used unique setting with a lot of history.” in both dining areas with the bar in The Bradford Club offers buffets between. The center dining room or sit-down dinners or heavy apholds about 75; the other room can petizers. take 30-35. Call and ask for Reiley for more “We have the historic charm of

a 140-year-old building,” she said, adding Eliot Ness stayed there at one time. They also serve local craft beers

The Hotel Crittenden as well as local food products such as cheese. All of the food is prepared on-site and all of the desserts are homemade. Ms. Hadfield is part owner along with Richard Hadfield and Hans Nielsen. Moonwinks Restaurant in Cuba, N.Y., (585-968-1232) has been the site of countless events, including wedding receptions. Touting itself as the “prime venue for all occasions, Moonwinks has a remodeled banquet facility that accommodate between 10 and 150 people. Full-service menus include sitdown or buffet options along with a complete hors d’oeuvre menu. Those interested are encouraged to meet with the sales manager to customize a menu for the special event. Elegant dining is par for the course at The Pennhills Club in Bradford, Pa., (814-368-6159, ext. 7. Four rooms are available that can accommodate intimate receptions individually or for a larger group. “Few other locations in the area offer the romantic setting that the Pennhills Club offers for weddings and receptions,” General Manager Kevin Mosher said. “With several

dining rooms ranging in size, The Pennhills Club is the perfect place for a wedding of any size.” The Pennhills Club offers a wide range of amenities to choose from when planning your special day. Do not hesitate to ask for something special. This ranges from hot and cold hors d’ hoeuvres and an impressive selection for the main entrée. Duet entrees are also available and are created by the club’s chef. And not to be overlooked is the building itself, with a magical “castlelike” feel that will make any bride feel like a queen on her special day. And the club is not new to the reception/wedding business. “Our club has been creating unique and memorable wedding experiences since 1937,” Mosher said. “Our staff is here to help with all of the planning and details to ensure your special day is memorable. We will work with you every step of the way in creating your dream wedding.” To request more wedding information, e-mail Mosher at krmosher@pennhillsclub.com or call (814) 368-6159, ext. 7. Old Library Events in Olean, (716-372-2226) has entered a new chapter in its business and the fruits of their labor are passed down to its guests. What was once a restaurant in Olean, Old Library Events is strictly an events center. The venue can accommodate 250 guests and offers indoor or outdoor settings. It’s booking quickly so if you want to enter your new chapter in wedded bliss, call as soon as you can. “The nice thing is (we) are doing a lot of ceremonies on the first floor since we are not open to the public,” said Joe Marra, who owns the center along with wife, Susan. The continued on page 18

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continued from page 17 bride can come in the front door or down the staircase, he said, adding the area is set up chapel-style. They can then proceed upstairs for the reception. Marra said many options are available to “suit the taste” of the couple.

The old library One sweet addition is a s’mores station where guests can feast on the graham cracker, marshmallow and chocolate dessert. The station is complete with a fire for melting the marshmallows. “That is always a big hit,” Marra

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said. The center also has the bedand-breakfast inn that can be used by either the guests or the wedding party with its nine bedrooms. “People can spend the entire weekend here,” Marra said. “They can make it their home base. It is always a home run when you book the Event Center and Bed and Breakfast.” The Premier Banquet Center in Olean (716-372-2070) lives up to its name, according to owners Paul and Lisa Marra. This venue can accommodate whatever the couple needs — and they offer free consultations to ensure that. “Give us a call or email and we will get the ball rolling,” Lisa Marra said. “We can do a wedding reception as small as 50 or as many as 800,” Paul Marra said. “We are a one-stop shop and can do it all right here,” Lisa Marra

said. And that includes customizing a menu. One of the newer facilities in the area, the banquet center has the amenities to meet most requests. They also book quickly so the sooner a couple acts, the better. “We are also user-friendly. There are no stairs and are handicappedaccessible,” Lisa Marra said. “And plenty of free parking.” They strive to make the experience as easy as possible. This includes offering buffet or sit-down dinner options. The Veterans Memorial Home in Port Allegany, Pa., (814-642-2547) is perfect for those who want a casual atmosphere. After overcoming a fire that destroyed the original building, the Memorial Home is able to accommodate 200 people comfortably. “We made our banquet hall bigger,” said bar manager Melissa Smoker. The business offers an ala

carte-type service — you can get it your way. The event can be catered or you can bring in your own food. “It depends upon what you are comfortable with,” she said. They still have dates available for this year so people are encouraged to call soon. There is also space outdoors with a fire pit. Smoker mentioned they have a liquor license so people can take their beverages outside and play horseshoes or cornhole. “We have excellent parking and are off the beaten path,” Smoker said. “There is no one around us. It’s a beautiful outdoor setting.” Three other reception venues to consider include: Pine Acres Country Club in Marshburg, Pa., (814) 362-2005; Rock City Park in Allegany; (716) 372-7790; Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca, N.Y, (716) 945-9300; and Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville, (716) 699-2345.

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide

Coverage and features to consider when choosing life insurance “The concept of life insurance is actually pretty simple: Pay today to protect your loved ones when you’re gone tomorrow.”

Basic protection − Do you need life insurance just to provide financial support to your survivors if you die unexpectedly? Term insurance generally provides coverage at a lower cost than other types of insurance and can cover a specific length of time. Market participation and cash value − If you need insurance protection for the long term, want the potential to build cash value (money from which you can borrow, even during your lifetime) and have a little more money to spend, consider permanent life insurance. There are three types of permanent insurance: Whole life insurance builds value based upon a set schedule. You’ll know the exact cash value of your policy on each policy anniversary. (If you take a loan or withdrawal from your policy, of course, the cash value and death benefit will decrease.)

Universal life insurance earns a fixed interest rate on the cash value in the policy. While the interest rate may change over time, it will never dip below a guaranteed minimum rate.

Variable universal life insurance lets you invest your cash value in the stock market, so your policy value goes up or down based on the performance of your investment choices. The investment subaccount options in VUL policies are not offered for sale to the general public. How long should your coverage last? Do you need life insurance coverage just for a specific timeframe – like while you’re paying off your mortgage? Term life insurance offers protection for a set period. All other types of insurance cover you for life, as long as the necessary premiums are paid. Fees and charges − Before you buy, ask about the fees and charges associated with a life insurance policy, how they’re calculated and what they’re for. Access to your money − Will you need to take money out of your policy in the future, for instance, to pay college tuition or to take retirement income? Most whole, universal and variable universal products let you withdraw money from your policy or take loans.1 Some, however, restrict when you can take money, how much you can take and, in the case of loans, the interest rate. Flexible payments − Some universal and variable universal life products let you make flexible payments once you’ve paid enough to cover your policy charges. It’s not really about how much life insurance you need. It’s how much money your family will need after you’re gone. Choose the right level of coverage When you’re buying a life insurance policy, it’s important to choose the right amount of coverage. You don’t want to have too much − and pay for protection you don’t need. Neither do you want to have too little − and leave your loved ones under protected. Determine your life insurance needs There are two commonly accepted methods for calculating the amount of life insurance coverage you should carry: The lump sum need method calculates the amount needed to pay outstanding debts, funeral expenses, taxes, household expenses, emergency needs, educational costs, etc. The income replacement method calculates the amount needed to replace a percentage of your income for a specific number of years, usually until your youngest child is out of college or until your mortgage is paid off. In addition to these two methods, you may also want to consider other needs. For example, would you want to provide the financial means so your spouse wouldn’t have to work for the first year after your death? Calculate future spending When you’re determining your family’s future financial needs, remember that you don’t have to provide 100% of the income that will be needed. For instance, if you’re planning to provide $100,000 for your child’s college tuition in 15 years, you don’t need $100,000 now – you need an amount that will potentially grow to $100,000 by the time college starts. The potential to have your policy’s cash value grow over the years to cover future expenses is one of the advantages of permanent life insurance. 1Assumes contract qualifies as life insurance under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 7702. Most distributions are taxed on a first-in/first-out basis as long as the contract remains in force and meets the non-MEC (Modified Endowment Contract) definitions of IRC Section 7702A. Loans and partial surrenders from a MEC will generally be taxable, and if taken prior to age 59 ½, may be subject to a 10% tax penalty.

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide

Bridal parties wearing a variety of styles this year By Kate Day Sager

bridal parties. “The dresses tie in with the type Everything from cowboy boots of reception they have,” Allegretto worn by bridesmaids to groomsexplained. “They may have a church men ditching tux coats for a more wedding, but will have an outside comfortable, informal look are the reception.” trends found with local bridal parties Consequently, many brides and in 2015. bridesmaids are opting for a simpler, That’s the word from Susie softer look as opposed to the Austin, owner of the BelleRuche ballgown style. Bridal Boutique, 119 N.Union St., “There is still a lot of sparkle on Olean, N.Y., who said bridal parties the dresses with beautiful beading will be wearing a variety of styles in and embellishments,” she added. the upcoming seasons. “There are also a lot of styles, from “Straps and sleeves are the full skirt to the mermaid type becoming more popular as far as skirt … depending on the girl.” the brides go,” Austin said. “Intricate She said most brides still want a backs with beaded sheer lace beautiful gown, but something that (on bridal gowns) are also really is manageable outside. popular.” Current colors selected by She said dress styles that bridemaids include burgundy, navy, include the mermaid design are wine and black -- which is popular still quite popular, as well as the again this year. ball gown look which is making a “They even have some dresses comeback. Champagne and goldwith camouflage fabric,” she said. Photo by Kate Day Sager color bridal gowns are also the trend “Whether it is satin or chiffon, it has Susie Austin (right), owner of BelleRuche Bridal Boutique in Olean, adjusts a veil for the year. a camouflage pattern it in.” for a Morilee light-gold, beaded bridal dress modeled by Miranda Schuman. Austin said dresses for She said the casual approach bridesmaids are popular in the long bridesmaids, and the locations for goes hand-in-hand with table setShe said the brides should be and short styles, depending on the the weddings and the receptions. the first ones to order their dresses, tings at the reception which may season. “Cowboy boots are actually followed by bridesmaids and moth- have mason jars for glassware or As for the men in the ensemble, really popular for the bridesmaids favors. ers of the bride. many are opting to wear just their Allegretto said groomsmen -- and brides for that matter,” Austin “Moms are always last-minute,” tux pants and vests -- and leaving also are shying away from wearing continued. “There are also a lot of she said, noting a mother’s gown out the jackets. outdoor settings” for weddings. can take four months to receive and tuxedos, instead favoring suits. “Rather than doing the full tux, She claims this trend will make it On another note, Austin said therefore should be selected early. the guys are just wearing the tux the bridal parties should shop early “As a mom, you think of yourself difficult to distinguish the groom and pants and matching vest with a shirt for gowns to allow enough time for last, so moms should come in the groomsmen from the rest of the and tie, which is really popular right shipments of dresses and alterawedding guests. same time as the girls, or earlier,” now,” Austin said. “Most of the time tions. Appointments also ensure that she advised. “They won’t stand out. When the guys take their coats off anyway the bridal party will have the store’s they’re lined up you won’t know THE CASUAL trend is also when they get to the reception, so who’s in the wedding,” Allegretto undivided attention while selecting prevalent at Bauer’s Brides and really the only difference is with your their gowns. said in offering reasons to keep the Belles on 3786 Wilcox Road in pictures.” tradition. Seamstress Patti Sawyer also Wilcox, Pa., said shop owners. She said the more casual “If you’re in a wedding you want advised that the mother of the bride JoAnne Allegretto, shop coapproach has transcended to the should shop early so she’ll look her owner, said the vintage and country to be dressed for a wedding,” she footwear worn by the bride and concluded. best on her daughter’s big day. look are big this year with many

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide

Casual, slim-fit suits finding their way in weddings By Diana McElfresh

away from the traditional, so they go for a more casual look.” While wedding guests typically Though tuxedos are not as popfocus their attention on the bride’s ular as they once were, many men apparel, the groom’s suit is also still do opt to wear the traditional considered important to the overall tuxedo on their wedding day. Actheme of the wedding. cording to Armstrong, the notched While a tuxedo indicates a more lapel jacket is the most popular type formal wedding, a simple suit is a of tuxedo jacket, though peaked clear indication of a more laid-back lapels are also in popular demand. affair. Gerald Butler of Man’s World in Lisa Armstrong, of Mandy’s Bradford, Pa., agreed, saying that Flowers and Tuxedo Junction in Oleboth notched and regular lapels are an, N.Y., said that in her experience used with some frequency. many men are ditching the more Notched lapels are defined by formal tuxedo for a simpler, slimmer a triangular cutout between the botsuit. According to Armstrong, light gray suits are particularly popular in tom of the collar and the top of the recent years. “Men are trying to get lapel of the jacket. Notched lapels

are famous as the jacket of choice for James Bond. On the other hand, peaked lapels have, as the name suggests, small points at the top of the lapel that point toward the shoulders. As with the somewhat less formal suit, Armstrong said light grays are also very popular in tuxedo styles. The type of tuxedo or suit a groom chooses to wear depends a lot on personality and on the type of wedding, be it casual, formal, in daytime, or at night. With the help of professionals, grooms can make their wedding day suits go off without a hitch.

The slim-fit, notched tuxedo in light gray signals an affair bordering on casual.

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January 2015

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide

January 2015

Bridal Guide