Weddings North Magazine Fall 2011

Brainerd Lakes Area Bridal Publication

www.upnorthweddings.com

Fall 2011

Weddings North

CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE 4 AN EASY BREEZY WEDDING FEATURED VENUE: BREEZY POINT RESORT

By Sheila Helmberger

6 A GOWN FOR EVERY BODY

By Sheri Davich

10 TUXEDOES

By Danae Blanck Anderson

12 SEASONAL SELECTIONS MENU OPTIONS FOR EVERY SEASON

By Meredith Holt

14 A HOMETOWN DESTINATION WEDDING

By Louise Hunt

18 VEILS THE FINAL WEDDING ACCESSORY

By Danae Blanck Anderson

22 REAL COUPLES: NICK & LISA MILLER

26 WEDDING BLING THE HISTORY AND TRENDS

By Rachel Reabe Nystrom

28 KIDS IN THE WEDDING PARTY TIPS EVERY BRIDE SHOULD KNOW

By Carolyn Corbett

30 BUDGET IDEAS A FABULOUS WEDDING WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

By Joan Hasskamp

STAFF: Publisher........................................... Tim Bogenschutz VP of Revenue Development ......... Sam Swanson Marketing Coordinator .............................. Nikki Lyter Layout & Design ..........................................Lisa Henry Advertising Design........Jeff Dummer, Andy Goble, Jennifer Fuchs, Lisa Henry, Angie Hoefs, Cindy Spilman and Sue Stark Advertising Sales.....Linda Hurst, Kristine Roberts, Carla Staffon, Jill Wasson, Dave Wentzel and Ashly Wiersgalla

506 JAMES STREET, P.O. BOX 974 BRAINERD, MN 56401 (218) 829-4705 • www.brainerddispatch.com ccover co over ve er photo phot ph hot oto to p pr provided rov ovid ided id ded ed b byy Ch C Christina hri rist rist stitin ina Jo ina JJohnson ohn hnso hnso son Ph son P Photography hot otog ogrra aph phy contents photo provided by Tim Larson Photography Weddings Wed W Weddin We edd e diin ings gs No N Nor North ortth or h•S Spring prriing pring pr pri ng 201 2 20 2010 01 0 10

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Featured Venue

Photos Provided by Sheila Helmberger

An Easy Breezy Wedding

By Sheila Helmberger

O

f all the decisions you’ll make for your wedding day, choosing a location to hold the ceremony will be one of the most important.

Breezy Point Resort has been hosting weddings for couples for more than 80 years. Bonnie Tweed, director of marketing and group services, has helped brides coordinate their dream weddings at the resort for 28 of those.

“I’ve worked with every color combination,” she says.

Breezy Point hosts over 60 weddings a year and with all that experience Tweed said they are able to help arrange almost anything.

Breezy Point Resort offers multiple locations to choose from, meaning it can accommodate even the smallest to the largest of guest lists and every style of ceremony. Choose from a breathtaking view on the lawn next to Pelican Lake, an outdoor ceremony at Antler’s Pavilion surrounded by the most breathtaking of views or exchange your vows on the Breezy Belle, a festive paddle boat, with a wedding ceremony right on the lake. A paddle boat wedding is a unique experience, said Tweed. “It’s very quiet and soothing,” she said.“It’s very peaceful out there.” The Breezy Belle holds about 100 guests and offers a buffetstyle meal with a variety of choices to enjoy on the water following the ceremony.

Menu options for receptions at the other resort locations include everything from roast turkey with all the fixings and chicken breast with cream sauce to prime 4

Weddin Wed Weddings dings din gs No North Nor th • Fall Fall 20 201 11

rib or walleye. Create a package that includes side dishes and beverage arrangements that suit the tone of your day.

Seating and serving can be done formally or a more relaxed buffet style depending on the location and size of the guest list. Make a night of it and offer a late-night snack of sandwiches or pizza for wedding guests that will end the evening in style.

Once you arrive at the resort before the ceremony neither you nor your guess will have to leave until they’re ready to go home. Breezy Point Resort offers accommodations for the before ceremony groom’s or rehearsal dinner, the reception and even the honeymoon.

For the guests at a resort wedding it can mean a minivacation for them as well. This can include scheduling an afternoon round of golf, a leisurely boat ride or fishing outing and a chance to gather informally with other acquaintances on a lakeside deck.

There are numerous recreational options for children as well and winter weddings The Breezy Bell meaning an A Breezy Point Resort wedding can be opportunity am mini min inii vacation vaca acati tion on for for your yo ourr guests. gues ests ts.

to do some snow tubing, snowmobiling, bili bi ling li ng, sk skii skiing, kii iing ng, ice ice skating and ice fishing. nter weddings,”” “We’d love to have more winter n Tweed says, noting that there is a price savings in off-season ceremonies and that the area is beautifull all year around. d On Jan. 28 the resort will host its third fers brides one-annual wedding fair. The fair offers our the resort’ss stop-shopping with a chance to tour gs from the menu u ballrooms, taste some of the offerings corators, florists, and talk to vendors such as cake decorators, tatives that mayy photographers and other representatives des and groomss become a part of the wedding. Brides are admitted to the wedding fair freee of charge. g With everything the resort has to offer its wedding couples and their guest the resortt is becoming a popular destination wedding site. Tweed said thee emonies for nextt resort has already booked a few ceremonies year and has a couple of weddings on the calendarr for 2013.

To register for the upcoming wedding fair and for more information on a wedding ceremony at Breezy Point Resort log on to www.breezypointresort.com.

The site includes everything from menus and prices to special packages and a collection of photographs of past weddings held at the resort. ■

Breezy Point Resort Pavilion ion n One of the many ceremony options ons s Sheila Helmberger has a journalism degree. She iiss a mother of three, and contributes regularly to various ouss local publications.

Weddings North • Spring 2011

A Gown For

Every Body

By Sheri Davich

S

he is photographed like a target of paparazzi. She is the focus as she walks down the aisle, the toast of the party, the most popular dance partner at the reception.

Before during and after the “I Do’s”, the center of attention, a bride should feel her most attractive and confident on her wedding day.

Brides come in differing shapes and sizes — voluptuous, athletic, statuesque, diminutive. What brides share is sensitivity about body image. It’s part and parcel of being female. And on this day, when she is the star, a bride wants to feel comfortable in her own skin. The dress is the key. Every woman is beautiful in the right wedding gown.

Nancy Gates of Arlene’s Bridal and Tuxedo Shop says that ultimately the right dress is the one that puts a smile on the bride’s face, “No matter the style, if the bride is comfortable she will carry herself proudly and wear it well.” Gates will give advice when asked, and offers some helpful suggestions here.

The dress is the key.

Every woman is beautiful in the right wedding gown.

Photo Provided by LAURA RADNEICKI Photo Provided by KRISTI PATNODE

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Weddings North • Fall 2011

Photo Provided by KRISTI PATNODE

It’s all in the illusion A Thick Waist You’re not the classic hourglass? An Empire waist deemphasizes the waist and lends a long, lean look. Another possibility for you is a dress that cinches in at the smallest point on the waistline, flaring out into a gradual “A” shape.

Opt for a bodice with a lot of texture to it like lace detailing, for example. Something that will camouflage and fit snugly, creating a corset-like effect. The most slenderizing neckline for you is one with a deep V, which will draw eyes toward the vertical, not the horizontal.

A Pear Shape With a larger bottom than top, a good choice for you is a skirt that gradually flares out in an “A” formation from the natural waist to the floor, high-lighting the narrowness of your midsection and floating away from hips and thighs.

A fuller skirt will camouflage a larger-than-you-would like derriere.

A spaghetti-strap bodice or a V neckline will also showcase a more slender upper body. A sheath would be a dress to avoid for you. Continued on next page...

Weddings North • Fall 2011

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An Athletic Build

Thin or Petite

The goal is to create curves where there are none. A ball gown that cinches in at your natural waist and descends into a full, flowing floor-length skirt can do that. It will capitalize on your slenderness and camouflage a lack of hips. Show off those arms!

Gates says the trend right now is rouging, a dress featuring asymmetrical lines. This look can simulate curves and is also particularly forgiving to other issues, including the aforementioned thicker waists and larger bottoms.

Find a style with a waistline above your natural waist, to make the lower half of the dress (and therefore h d l h ld b ll (no h you) appear longer. The detailing should be small huge bows) and limited to the bodice, to draw the eye upward.

Gates cautions that a big, elaborate, overly ornate gown can overwhelm a petite girl. “You want to wear the dress. The dress should not be wearing you!” she said with a laugh.

“And be wary of dresses with a dropped waist, which will make your legs seem shorter.” Calf-length gowns make your legs appear shorter as well. Shoulder or halter styles are a nono if your slenderness verges on a bonier appearance.

Full-Figured An Empire-style dress with a skirt that begins just under the bust and flows into a gradual floor-length A-line looks great on a plus-size lady. The Empire seam should begin under the chest and not on the chest. The dress should play up your shape; if it’s too loose, it will add pounds. If you love the romantic look of airier fabrics, choose a gown with a stiffer fabric, then add an lighter overlay. A sheath will make you appear heavier, and avoid spaghetti straps.

Mermaid A fit and flare trumpet skirt, gradually flares from mid thigh. Example of rouging.

Asymetrical lines de-emphasize waist and hips.

A-Line Close at the hip with slight flare at the hem, thus an “A” shape. (This is a universal style, flattering to just about every woman).

Ball gown a fitted waistline with full skirt.

Sheath Closely follows the line of the body. (not shown)

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Weddings North • Fall 2011

Empire Hallmark is a high gh waistline, justt under the bust, t, falling to the floor in a slim but not ot fitted skirt.

A smaller bust Consider a gathered bodice. Extra fabric up top will help fill out your upper body and create the illusion of curves.

Lightly padded halter styles will also do the trick. The right bra can provide a boost, but as many wedding dresses are strapless or backless your undergarment options may be limited. You can try self-adhesive silicone bra cups.

And, of course, because we’re never satisfied with what we have….

A larger bust A dress with a scooped neckline will open up your face and display your décolletage without showing too much cleavage. If you love the look of strapless gowns, choose one that has a slight dip along the neckline (a sweetheart neckline) rather than a style that goes straight across, which will make your bust appear even larger and more shelf-like.

Tall Look for a simple silhouette. The strategy is to emphasize your natural shape, so every aspect of the dress should reflect your longer proportions For example a lower waistline or a floor-sweeping hem.

Because you are statuesque, you’ll want to err on the side of simplicity when it comes to embellishments.

The bridesmaids Just as with brides, bridesmaids come in all shapes and sizes, with the added dilemma that they are all in the same wedding party. One dress and style will not suit all. So what to do? Gates suggests finding the most flattering choice for the bigger girls and those with average profiles will generally be pleased, too. The principle being that the average girl looks good in just about anything.

A more stylish alternative is to focus in a common color palette and let the ladies pick and choose styles that will flatter individually. Inevitably if women wear the same outfit there will be comparisons. Just as in those magazine features, “who wore it best” creates winners and losers.

“It’s all in the smile. If it’s the right dress, the bride’s face lights up.” Gates concluded.

Simply confident smiles — beautiful! ■

S Sheri Davich is a free-lance writer living in Pequot Lakes. Her work has appeared in local, regional, L aand national publications including Guideposts and Marathon and Beyond.

M

Weddings North • Fall 2011

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For the Men

Tuxedos No longer your standard tails

By Danae Blanck Anderson, ASID, CID

T

Photo Provided by

LAURA RADNEICKI

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Weddings North • Fall 2011

he tuxedo, the tux, the penguin suit.

Some men say they loathe this but we women know that with the right tux it can literally transform any man to outrageously handsome or, dare I say, hotstatus.

So, guys, the perfect tux is very important on your big day! Yes, it might seem like just a suit but it’s really not. It is tailored and more stylized with satin or grosgrain on the lapels and buttons of the jacket and a matching stripe of fabric located on the outseam of the trousers. The tux especially lends itself to be worn for an ultra special event, like a wedding.

I wondered how the tux got its name so thank goodness for Wikipedia .The tuxedo originally came about in the 1860s when a tailor (Henry Poole & Co. now Savile Row) for the then-Prince of Wales transformed a short smoking jacket into a sharp looking suit to be worn for less formal( for the prince) occasions. Later in 1886 the prince invited a New York millionaire and his actress wife (James and Cora Potter) to his hunting estate. Potter asked for a dinner dress recommendation and the prince sent him to his London tailor where of course he received the new style jacket. After arriving back to the states, Potter wore the jacket to his New York country club, Tuxedo Park Club, where it then became popular and many men copied the style, hence the name tuxedo.

The original tuxedo jacket had a shawl collar like a standard smoking jacket did but soon the peaked lapel became popular. Both are still available and used today.

I stopped into V.I.P. Weddings, “Your One Stop Wedding Shop” which does everything from flowers to officiating ceremonies to ask the owner, Nila Patrick, for her thoughts on the latest tuxedo trends for this area.

Patrick mentioned how there are a lot of hunters in our neck of the woods so a rustic northwoods wedding is often the theme. Therefore, she does offer camouflage (yes, camouflage) vests, ties and cummerbunds (even sashes for the girls) to blend right into that theme.

From mossy oak to classic camo the choice is yours.

However, to ensure the groom is not completely concealed, the camouflage vests are reversible so you can choose another color like a nice chocolate brown, black or moss green to coordinate with the camo. Think about going more formal for the wedding ceremony and cutting loose for the reception just by flipping your vest!

Patrick recommended the groom’s tux should compleiment the bridal gown so often times she helps select the tuxedo. Most of the time, it is a classic black tux with a white shirt and colored vest and tie. The groomsmen typically match the bridesmaid dresses and the groom either does the same or stands apart with a black or white vest and tie.

Notable colors include bronze, chocolate, eggplant and mocha in the fall. Reds and deep pinks in the winter (especially around Valentine’s), blue tones are used a lot in January and then lavenders and greens are picked up again in the spring.

The most noteworthy concept Patrick mentioned was to be sure to get measured correctly. The proper measurement ensures the proper fit. Don’t just grab a metal tape measure and call it good! V.I.P. offers professional measures for free if the tux is rented from them or for just five bucks if the wedding is in another city. This is well worth the peace of mind to know that you will feel comfortable in your tux. In addition, if the tux is rented there they help put everything together, adjust the sides of the pants, fix the sleeves, you name it, V.I.P. can do it. Even hemming can be done on site if need be.

Or you can check out another site for tuxedo rental just a few blocks down Laurel street on the north side at Arlene’s Bridal. Slip off your shoes, get comfortable and engage your eyes on the variety of choices Nancy Gates, proprietor, has to offer. Arlene’s has been a family business for 25-plus years which Nancy took over for her mom and she prides herself in friendly service.

As far as tux trends go, Gates stated she is seeing the groom take a more active role in the selection process, which she likes. The tuxedo is typically chosen based upon what coordinates with the wedding gown and what color choices are available to match the bridesmaid dresses.

Color options for the tuxes are available if the groom or bride decides they’d like something other than black.

Charcoal gray has been a favorite, along with brown and beige tones.

To create a more casual look some guys are even opting for no jacket. But when a jacket is selected a lay down or shawl collar has been more popular than a wing or peaked one.

Another noteworthy trend is losing the tails. Most of the tuxes rented these days do not include tails. Although there are a few grooms that still want that traditional look, but the majority rented are tailless. Longer ties are selected over bow ties in our area, Gates said. However, the latest from Esquire reveals that the bow tie is making a strong comeback. In fact,

the tie-yourself style seems to be preferred, it’s OK to have it not be perfect because that means you actually did tie it yourself!

Another key accessory that gets overlooked are the cuff links and stud sets. You could personalize your ensemble with a creative cuff link or stud set that sparks your personality.

Arlene’s had some fun compass cuff links that are not only stylish but even functional.

Don’t forget to complete your attire, making a statement with a button down shirt. A variety of shirt options are available from pleated fronts to curved collars and hidden buttons.

Finally…shoes. A black patent leather shoe is the traditional route. Lace ups have become the norm but feel free to walk your own way. The best trend today is there is no absolute rule!

Remember, guys, it’s your wedding, too. Select a tux that fits your style, be empowered by looking great and enjoy being prince for the day! ■ Danae Blanck Anderson is a certified interior D designer(CID), d a professional member of the American Society S of Interior Designers(ASID) and owns I.D. Your World, W a residential and commercial interior design consulting c firm. Anderson has practiced design for 14 years.

She S has a bachelor’s degree in both interior design and mass communications/public c relations from Minnesota State University, U Mankato and enjoys writing freelance articles about a various topics. She lives in Brainerd with her husband Jarrett, son Jace and yellow lab Maxine.

Weddings North • Fall 2011

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Seasonal Selections Story & Photos provided by

Merideth Holt

W

e tend to associate certain foods with each season. When we think of fall, we might think of cranberry sauce or pumpkin pie.

Winter brings to mind beef stew or hot cocoa. Spring inspires fresh salads or citrus-spiked seafood. Come summertime, our thoughts turn to brats on the grill or buttery corn on the cob.

The seasons can also play a role in planning a menu for a wedding. Michele McFeters, group sales manager at Breezy Point Resort t, says it’s something couples take into consideration. rage Carrie Hofmann, food and beverage manager and wedding and eventt coordinator at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake, agrees. “Many couples will plan from the salad to dessert different options based on the season,” she says.

Here are some menu suggestionss in keeping with the season.

Fall ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ For a traditional fall meal, Breezy Point offers a roast turkey dinner with whipped potatoes, home-style gravy and herb stuffing. A roast turkey dinner is included in the resort’s What Minnesotans Like special buffet, along with a salad bar, fresh fruit platter, pasta salad, wild rice salad, broiled walleye pike over sautéed wild rice, prime rib, corn on the cob, rolls and butter and cranberry sauce.

“An entrée of roasted pork loin and sautéed apple slices with a side of roasted carrots, raisins and beans practically screams ‘fall wedding,’ ” Hofmann says, adding she also has requests for lobster bisque and pasta fagioli for fall and winter.

McFeters suggests including acorn squash for fall. “It’s not something that you see a lot,” she says.

Winter ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ “Hearty meals are our recommendations for winter,” Hofmann says. She suggests smoked salmon with sautéed potatoes and stir-fried vegetables or medallions of tenderloin served with roasted potatoes and honey-glazed carrots.

Breezy Point’s grilled chicken breast and broiled Atlantic

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Weddings North • Fall 2011

salmon duo served on a bed of wild rice would also work well on a winter wedding menu.

Hofmann says Cragun’s has had a lot of requests for familystyle service featuring more comfort foods, and we tend to crave comfort foods in wintertime.

Spring ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ “You want something fresh and new” for spring and summer, McFeters says. She suggests starting with a spinach salad.

Hof Hofmann says spring “is a great time of yea year to do something fun and bold,” or tto “make a statement with your food.”

She suggests Thai curry chicken with jasmine rice or pork medallions with sautéed apples and an applesauce glaze.

Chicken is a safe option year-round, and Breezy Point serves two chicken dinners that do well in spring, McFeters says.

Chicken Breast Duxelle - “beef Wellington only with chicken” - is chicken stuffed with mushrooms and shallots in a rich, creamy sauce and wrapped in puff pastry.

“It’s wonderful,” she says.

Roast chicken breast with mornay sauce is another popular choice. “It’s a very light sauce, not heavy, and it has a little bit of Parmesan cheese flavor to it,” McFeters says. The dish is also available with a basil pesto cream sauce, sun-dried tomato sauce or champagne cream sauce.

Summer ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ “One of the more popular salads we are seeing this summer is mixed greens with apples, walnuts and strawberry garnish served with our homemade raspberry vinaigrette, which is great for summer,” Hofmann says. Breezy Point offers a similar salad of spinach with mandarin oranges, sliced strawberries, green onions and candied almonds with raspberry vinaigrette.

Other salad ideas for summer include potato or mozzarella salad. Breezy Point’s potato salad features Minnesota-grown baby reds, celery, onions and hard-boiled eggs with tangy Dijon dressing, and the resort’s mozzarella and grape tomato

salad features ciligiene mozzarella, whole grape tomatoes and fresh basil with balsamic vinaigrette.

For the main course, “beef kabobs are a great summer item,” Hofmann says. They can be paired with vegetable kabobs with peppers and onions or fruit kabobs with pineapple and apples.

“Another classic is our fresh Minnesota walleye served with a lime-zest tartar,” she says. Or “try it with a twist and make it walleye au gratin (topped with a mixture of Parmesan, capers and mayo).”

For a summer theme wedding, Breezy Point offers a luauthemed menu or a clam bake-themed menu. The luau includes slow-roasted, chef-carved whole pig and island jerk chicken, and the clam bake features clam chowder, a seafood bucket, lobster and shrimp.

Popular sides for summer include asparagus spears and corn on the cob.

Desserts and extras ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ No matter the season, McFeters says a lot of couples are opting for cupcakes or even brownies instead of traditional wedding cakes. “Cupcakes are huge,” she says.

Caramel apples make a fun fall dessert. “White-chocolatedipped caramel apples are a favorite, or host a build-your-own caramel apple bar,” Hofmann says.

“We are seeing many themed items for events,” she says, such as s’mores bars and hot cocoa varieties. Hot cocoa would be a warm welcome for guests at a winter wedding.

Frozen desserts, like Cold Stone Creamery ice cream cakes and ice cream cupcakes, are popular for summer. “A lot of people use Cold Stone,” McFeters says.

The signature drink trend has really taken off. “My personal favorite is when the couple host four drinks from the bar with the themes something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue,” Hofmann says. “You can even do a great non-alcoholic spritzer or pomegranate sherbet slushy,” which would be a refreshing addition to a summer wedding.

If you’re worried your guests haven’t had enough to eat, or if they’ve worked up an appetite throughout the evening drinking and dancing, offer them a late-night snack! “Ninety percent of our weddings are now doing that,” McFeters says.

She says pizza is an inexpensive way to top off the evening.

Breezy Point offers specialty pizzas such as the “Elvis,” with pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives, onions and extra cheese, or chicken Alfredo. “It’s a lot of fun,” she says.

Remember: “No matter the season, there is no right or wrong,” Hofmann says. “I suggest you choose something you love and enjoy your special day!” ■ Meredith Holt is a full-time copy editor and ffreelance writer. She has a mass communications, pprint journalism degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She lives in Fargo.

Weddings North • Fall 2011

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Photos by Woody’s Photography

A Hometown “Destination” Wedding

By Louise Hunt

I

t was official! The call came one February night that our daughter, Heather, and her boyfriend, John, were engaged. We had seen it coming, and were joyful about the relationship that they had developed and how happy they made each other. We liked John from the start. He had met with my husband, Jim, to ask for Heather’s hand. And though John and Heather had been talking marriage for a while, he managed to surprise her in a big way with a very romantic proposal.

Thus began the planning for a wedding. Jim and I were very hopeful that the wedding might be in the Brainerd lakes area, but knew there was a good chance that Heather and John might prefer to have it in the Twin Cities area where both of them lived and worked. (Heather is a school psychologist in the Centennial School District and John is a mortgage 14

Weddings North • Fall 2011

specialist for Home Services Lending in Minneapolis.) Both the bride and groom were 34, and Heather had been away from home since her St. Olaf College days.

Jim and I grew up in southern Minnesota small towns and we moved to Brainerd in summer of 1972, myself a recent bride, so that Jim could start a new job as assistant principal at Brainerd High School. Almost 40 years later, the Brainerd lakes area feels like it is truly home to us. Our three children have grown up and moved out of the area, two to St. Paul and one to Boston. With most of our relatives in the Twin Cities area or farther south, we have spent much time on the road and have even had many of our own celebrations (graduation parties, anniversary parties, and retirement parties) in southern Minnesota. This made it feel even more important to us that the wedding of our only daughter be here.

Fortunately, Heather and John also liked the idea of a wedding in the Brainerd area. They knew that many guests would come from a great distance, with much of John’s family from the St. Louis area, friends from several different states, and many friends from the Twin Cities area and southern Minnesota. They liked the idea of a wedding facility where guests could stay right there, and where the beauty of the lakes and woods would be a major part of the atmosphere. So we began planning a “destination wedding” of sorts, within our area.

As our planning progressed, we were assisted by the many wedding vendors in the area. What impressed us was how helpful everyone was, with vendors that we didn’t choose, or who were unavailable for our date, willingly giving us tips or advice on how to make the event extra-special.

We planned the wedding in less than 6 months, a timeline that most wedding planners would not advise, but by being organized and flexible, and with good communication between Heather and myself, we were able to make that timeline work. It also helped that I was only working part-time, and had time to devote during the day for making calls and contacts.

Of course, our first task was finding a place for the wedding and reception. Many churches and venues are booked up to a year to a year and a half in advance, but nonetheless, we were able to set up appointments with most of the major resorts and hotels in the area which had appropriate facilities for a large group to stay in a beautiful setting, and large enough reception rooms to accommodate the crowd we anticipated.

Our choice for the reception was Cragun’s main lodge,

chosen mainly because of the close proximity of beautiful Gull Lake to the dining room and deck, and the wide availability

The beauty of the Brainerd lakes area shone clearly... of rooms on the date we had chosen. (Our wedding guests booked 60 rooms on the night of the wedding, and about 40 on the Friday before, with some guests choosing to stay a few days longer.)

When we discovered that the date of our choice was not available within our own church parish, we were able to arrange for the wedding to take place at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Nisswa.

Heather and John, along with John’s parents, Ed and Jane, from Woodbury, came up for a weekend of meetings with vendors, and a tasting session at Cragun’s. Diane Heinlen, the wedding planner at Cragun’s, was very helpful on many of the finer details. Heather and I kept in close touch through e-mail, and everything progressed nicely.

Was our wedding successful? By every criteria, it was!

Heather and John glowed the whole weekend!

Continued on next page...

Weddings North • Fall 2011

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The beauty of the Brainerd lakes area shone clearly, and the weather even cooperated, with sunshine and highs in the low 80s, and just one brief shower. Father George Zeck presided over a touching spiritual ceremony, with melodic music from the musicians of St. Christopher and Heather’s friend, Alecia.

Large numbers of guests danced joyfully from start to finish of the wedding dance. Cragun’s provided delicious food, a grand atmosphere, and comfortable accommodations; and all of the vendors in turn did their part to make it a very special day!

But the best gauge was the delighted responses of guests who sang high praise for the Brainerd lakes area and frequently expressed a desire to come back to vacation here in the future.

A New York cousin of John’s pronounced it the best wedding she had ever attended, and e-mails and Facebook postings were equally flattering.

Heather and John are happily settled into their new home in the Como Park area of St. Paul, but will reflect often on their happy memories of their Brainerd Lakes area wedding.

Thanks from our family and from John’s family to all who made it possible! We hope that others can be blessed with a similar experience! ■

Vendors we used: Cragun’s Resort- Accommodations and Reception218- 825-2700 Woody’s Photography- Photographs- 219-825-8894 Terri’s Floral Treasures- Flowers- 218-330-6496 Absolute Elegance- Ceiling Decorations- 218-575-2944 Social Butterfly- Decorations- 218-454-0717 Chrisa’s Confections- Wedding Cake- 218-963-7704 Bistro Favors- Wedding favors- 612-386-3111 Steve Walczak DJ Productions- DJ- 218-831-4084 Madden’s East Golf Course- Friday Golf Outing- 829-2811 Cut Above- Hairstyles- 829-1234 Panache- Spa Services- 218-855-1327 City Looks- Manicures- 218-829-4775 Iven’s on the Bay- Rehearsal Dinner- 218-829-9872 Prairie Bay- Bridesmaid’s Luncheon- 218-824-6444 A more complete list of wedding vendors in the area can be obtained from the Brainerd Wedding Association at www.brainerdweddingassociation.com.

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Weddings North • Fall 2011

Louise Hunt retired from teaching in the Brainerd School District in 2010, after a 30-year plus career as a teacher of primary literacy (mostly reading) and special education. This is her first published article, but she has always perceived herself as a writer, and hopes to do more free-lance writing in the future.

Wedding Budget Worksheet ESTIMATE

DESCRIPTION RECEPTION

COST

ACTUAL

DESCRIPTION STATIONERY

Facility

Announcements

Food

Wedding Invitations

Beverages

Programs

Cake

Thank You’s

Entertainment

Stamps

PHOTOGRAPHER

Decorations

RINGS

COST

COST

Bridal Dress

COST

Gifts for Each Other

Alterations

COST

Ceremony/Reception

TRANSPORTATION

COST

To Ceremony To Reception

Bouquets

Guest Transportation

Boutonnieres

COST

Church/Location

MISC.

COST

Marriage License Taxes

Clergy/Judge

Tips

Musicians

HONEYMOON

Decorations/Rentals

Other

GIFTS

Gifts for Parents

Accessories

Location

COST

Other

Wedding Favors

Headpiece/Veil

REHEARSAL DINNER

COST

Gifts for Attendants

Tuxedos

CEREMONY

COST

Albums

VIDEOGRAPHER

Groom’s Wedding Ring

FLOWERS

ACTUAL

Other

Bride’s Wedding Ring

WEDDING ATTIRE

ESTIMATE

COST

Honeymoon Trip

COST

Wedding Night Accomodations Splurge Money

Weddings North • Fall 2011

17

The final wedding accessory

Veils

By: Danae Blanck Anderson, ASID, CID

T

he veil has symbolized many ideas over the ages. Elite Persian women in the 13th century wore veils to show their nobility. During Roman times the veil was thought to ward off evil spirits from taking possession of the bride. The veil can be traced back to the Crusades where women were veiled at weddings to hide themselves from their potential husband due to fear of the groom backing out of an arranged marriage. The Victorian era made it a status symbol of the well off to protect a fair maidens complexion from the sun so as to not look like a “rosy cheeked” commoner.

Tim Larson Photography

Tim Larson Photography

In addition, the veil has symbolized virtue or purity, along with the groom “taking possession” of the bride once the veil is removed. And let’s not forget how a veil makes it a little more tantalizing for the groom since he can’t wait to see his beloved be unveiled.

Another theory of the veil is to show respect. One removes their protective attire, be it a coat, veil or hat when reaching home or a safe environment. This shows respect to the hosts that their house is better than the elements outside and within a church or mosque; it shows respect to God’s house. Similarly, the bride wears a veil and lifts it when seeing her groom to show respect to him and the new home they will create together.

Today brides are expressing themselves by creating their own look and selecting a veil as a final accessory to decorate their ensemble, making their wedding day more special and memorable. Once the dress has been chosen, then a veil style is selected that complements the wedding gown.

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Weddings North • Fall 2011

Tim Larson Photography

In fact, Nancy Gates, owner of Arlene’s Bridal in downtown Brainerd, said, “The veil needs to complement the dress and not take away from it.” Gates explained that single-layer veils are what have been selling in her shop, if at all. Some brides are actually opting out of the veil concept all together while others are choosing a tiara either with or without a veil.

“Destination weddings seem to be the theme of the year,” said Gates, and in that case there is usually no veil or something extremely simple.

Laura Radneicki Photography

Laura Radneicki Photography

Currently, one of the simple veil styles Gates has seen used the most in our area is an accent trim on the veil with a color to match the bridesmaid dresses. The wedding gown may also have a sash or splash of color that ties in with the trim on the veil.

With so many styles, lengths and embellishments available for a veil, V.I.P. Weddings, also located in downtown Brainerd, ownerNila Patrick said the height of the bride should be taken into consideration to help the veil look proportional to the dress and the bride’s figure.

The common veil lengths are called elbow, fingertip, ballerina-to the ankles, chapel-reaches the floor and cathedralextends to a graceful train. The longer veils creating a traditional silhouette and adding a bit of formality seem to be trendier right now after Kate and William’s Royal wedding.

Patrick said that in the lakes area she is selling veils with simplistic beaded, silver or crystal edges and definitely not a lot of lace. Brides seem to be using the veil during the

ceremony and removing it for the reception.

Also for the reception, some choose to keep a head piece in as decoration while others do not.

One fun style that is slowly making a comeback from the roaring 20’s is the bird cage veil (both Gates and Patrick confirmed this). Fashion runways are showing a lot of this and it’s starting to be more of a hot commodity here. This vintage look consists of heavy (usually Russian or French) netting that covers the face approximately 9 to 12 inches and is attached to a hat, commonly known as the visor veil.

The hat can be low profile or glammed up with feathers, jewels or whatever else goes with your wedding theme.

“Do a simpler dress and add a birdcage veil,” said Patrick. The vintage birdcage veil works perfectly to add a new touch of understated or overstated (bride’s choice) elegance.

Other vintage veil styles to choose from include the 1920’s lace cloche (bell shaped hat) with flowers, the 30’s loose hung veil (like the mantilla veil), the crown or tiara with rhinestones from the 40’s, the velvet and satin skull cap of the 1950’s or last but not least the flower child inspired natural look of flowers braided in the hair or encircled on the head. Why not try one of these vintage looks to go with a retro wedding? Continued on next page...

Bird cage veil

George Hausler

Photography

Weddings North • Fall 2011

19

If you’re not doing a retro wedding, The Knot states four trends from the past few years in wedding veils are as follows: ■ Veiled Hats look great with a classic bun or low profile ponytail, can be dressed up or down.

■ Crystal Studded Headbands are perfect for ultra simplistic dresses, draws the eye up, great for up or down do’s, adds bling.

■ Enamel Plated Flowers are an intricate comb with a floral pattern which can be easily popped in for long or short hair, the comb itself can be used as a keepsake later and attached to a veil for the ceremony then detached later for the reception.

■ Feathers. Anything with feathers added to it seems to be all the rage, go over the top with a huge plume or add a few feathers next to your bun.

Whatever style veil you choose… retro, vintage, classic, custom D.I.Y., or none at all ... be sure to love the way you look and feel. Feeling you look great on your wedding day means you can fully enjoy yourself, your guests and most of all… your new husband! ■ Danae Blanck Anderson is a certified interior D designer(CID), d a professional member of the American Society S of Interior Designers(ASID) and owns I.D. Your World, W a residential and commercial interior design consulting c firm. Anderson has practiced design for 14 years. y She has a bachelor’s degree in both interior design and a mass communications/public relations from Minnesota M State University, Mankato and enjoys writing freelance articles about various topics. She lives in Brainerd with her husband Jarrett, son Jace and yellow lab Maxine.

Window Light: Bride & Groom close up Bride & Groom with rings Bride alone Groom alone Close up of rings w/Áowers and/or license

Formals: F ormals: Bride & Groom full length Bride alone full length Bride & Groom close up

Wedding Party: Bride & Groom w/ring bearer & Áower girl Bride w/Áower girl Groom w/ring bearer Bride & Groom w/maid of honor and best man Bride with maid of honor Groom with best man Bride & Groom w/wedding party Bride & Groom, wedding party and ushers Bride with bridesmaids Groom w/groomsmen and ushers Bride w/groomsmen Groom with bridesmaids

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Weddings North • Fall 2011

Bride’s Family: Bride & Groom with Bride’s parents Bride with immediate family Bride & Groom with extended family Bride with brothers and sisters Bride’s parents

Groom’s Family: Bride & Groom with Groom’s parents Groom with immediate family Bride & Groom with extended family Groom with brothers and sisters Groom’s parents

Additional: Bride & Groom with both sets of parents

Bride & Groom with Grandparents Bride & Groom with Godparents Bride & Groom with musicians Bride with personal attendant(s) Bride & Groom with minister(s)

Ceremony: Groom ushering in parents Bride going up aisle with parent(s) Assorted ceremony Exchanging of rings Lighting of unity candle Bride & Groom coming back down aisle Bride & Groom kissing at back of church Assorted receiving line Exterior of Church Bride & Groom leaving church in bridal vehicle

Outdoors: Brine & groom full length Bride & Groom close up Bride alone Groom alone Wedding party

Reception: Bride & Groom with cake Bride & Groom feeding each other cake Close-up of cake Toasting Head table Dance

Wedding Calendar Checklist Upon Engagement Choose wedding style Dates for wedding and reception set Expense sharing Guest list and number of guests 6-12 Months Book florist, photographer, videographer, reception entertain ment, ceremony musicians Gown and accessories Bridesmaid dresses and accessories Honeymoon plans 4-6 Months Order invitations and supplies Guest list completed Marriage license and blood test requirements Select caterers, bakers, etc.

Order wedding cake(s) Register at Bridal Registry 2-3 Months Men’s formal wear chosen Wedding transportation for you and guests

Address invitations Mothers’ dresses Confirm services Confirm ceremony detail with clergy/judge Plan rehearsals Accommodiations for out-of-town attendants and guests Reserve rental equipment Finalize honeymoon plans Arrange for decorations Mail invitations 4-6 weeks before wedding Make an appointment with your skin care and make-up consultant 1 Month before Final gown fitting Final attendant fittings Marriage license and blood tests Gifts for attendants Accessories ready? Ring, candles, etc.

Record of gifts received and mail thank you notes immediately Confirm pre-nuptial dinner arrangements

2 Weeks Before Confirm rehearsal time and date with all wedding party members Name and address change on bank accounts, credit cards, drivers license Contact guests who have not yet RSVP’d Keep up with thank you notes 1 Week Before Final guest count to caterer Seating arrangements Confirm honeymoon reservations, pick up tickets, etc.

Pick up wedding attire and check fit Wedding Day Rings and marriage license Emergency kit, sewing needs, safety pins, etc.

Give officiant’s fee to best man for presentation after the ceremony If pictures are being taken before the ceremony, the entire wedding party should be ready two hours before.

Weddings North • Fall 2011

21

Real Couples

By Sarah Bach-Bergs

Ages: Lisa 29, Nick 31 Together: 2 1/2 years.

Married: Since June 11,

2011

Nick & Lisa M

iller

It’s that time again to feature a real couple right here in the Brainerd Lakes area. Find out how local couples met, proposed and how they planned their wedding. They’ll share their real worries as a couple, wedding day surprises, future plans and much more! Meet Nick and Lisa Miller...

Occupations: Lisa is a first-grade teacher at Pioneer Elementary in Pierz as well as a waitress at Prairie Bay in the summers. (Nick’s mom was the one who hired her.) Nick is the general manager at Prairie Bay.

Hobbies: Lisa enjoys sports: volleyball, softball, in-line skating, cooking, gardening, crafting and reading. Nick enjoys reading, biking, collections, painting and cooking. Together ,they enjoy gardening, cooking, playing games, puzzles, biking, racquetball, hanging out with our friends and family.

Guilty pleasures: Lisa loves her cheese; and Nick his candy. Together they love to get out and enjoy as many great restaurants as we can when they get out of town.

Pets: No pets as of yet, although at some point they would like to get a dog.

The proposal: Nick and Lisa were on their way to Chicago for a quick weekend vacation. Nick picked Lisa up from school a little early. As they were leaving school Nick said he wanted to go to the Pierz Golf Course and check on prices, 22

Weddings North • Fall 2011

Lisa thought this was a little weird because Nick didn’t even golf much. At this time they had plenty of time to get to the cities to catch our flight and she didn’t want to argue after being at work all day.

So, they got down to the Pierz park and Nick pulls off to the side by the pond. Lisa asked why he was parking over there and not by the clubhouse. He said he wanted to park in the shade, so she just went with it. Nick started to get out and he told Lisa to come with. And she started to refuse, but then realized what was going on and she told herself to not be difficult and get out of the car.

He took her over by a stump near the pond and wrapped his arms around her and started to tell Lisa how much he loved her and so on. Nick was so nervous. He then got down on one knee and pulled the box out of his pocket. He started to talk about the rest of their lives, but to be honest neither one of them remember what he said.

Then, he said, “Lisa, will you marry me?”

All she could say was, “mmhhm!”

He then asked if that was yes and she replied with the same response. It takes a lot to take the words away from Lisa and he did. Nick then proceeded to try to put the ring on the wrong hand, which has become their little joke.

They then went to show Lisa’s mom and were on the phone the whole way to the cities and almost missed their flight to Chicago because they got so caught up in time.

Continued on next page 24...

Weddings North • Fall 2011

23

Details of the big day: Nick and Lisa were married June 11, 2011, at the church that Lisa grew up in, in Flensburg followed by an outside reception at The Farm on St. Mathias.

Most memorable moments: The couple agrees that seeing each other for the first time that day and having all of our friends and family there to celebrate with them. They also had an exciting wedding game of kickball.

The most fun of planning their wedding: Creating a day together that their family and friends would enjoy. Of course the first thing they talked about was the menu. They decided to have a country and city wedding together. Coming from different backgrounds, Lisa being a country girl and Nick growing up in the city, they wanted to create a wedding, which would be welcoming for both of our families. The wedding was at “ The Farm on St. Mathias, but with white linens and lots of lights. The couple also had a choice of country style food or food for the advanced palette.

Everyone seemed to feel very welcomed.

Most difficult thing about planning their wedding day: Being in agreement about everything for the day, since they both had certain things in which they valued more.

Wedding advice: Compromise! Pick a few things that mean a lot to you and stick to them, but be willing to compromise on the other things. Have a plan and try to get as much done early on, so when it gets closer you won’t have as much to stress out about and remember everything will work out.

Honeymoon: Nick and Lisa went to Washington, D.C., for a short trip in June right after the wedding. Then, in October they are going to Maui, to celebrate their honeymoon and a friends wedding.

It all started like this: Nick and Lisa met for a drink at Black Bear to talk about work for the upcoming summer. They started hanging out and found that they valued many of the histor same things in life and thee rest is history.

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W Weddings ddi N North h•F Fallll 2011

Biggest worry as a couple:

Decorating style:

Being able to juggle the demands of life like their jobs, kids, day to day routines and still being able to find quality time for each other.

Cozy and traditional. A place where the couple loves to spend time together, or a place for entertaining their friends and family.

Baby clock:

Arguments/disagreements:

Nick and Lisa plan to start trying to have children within the next year.

Nick and Lisa say that not having enough time to spend together can lead to some arguments, and have a minor disagreement about closing the cupboard doors.

Biggest future splurge: Their trip to Hawaii and remodeling the house/yard.

In the future:

Best thing about being married:

The newlyweds hope to have a happy, healthy family, be successful in their careers and continue to grow in their love for each other for years to come. ■

No more planning! Actually being able to just be themselves and enjoy their time together without having a task to complete. Knowing that at the end of the day they can come home to each other and vent or snuggle up and end our day with the person who means the world to us.

Biggest challenge about being married: Just like everything in life there are challenges in marriage, too. It is very difficult for Nick and Lisa to always agree, they are both stubborn and with age, they have both created their own way of doing things. The couple is learning to compromise and trying to handle life situations as an “us” instead of just “me”.

Want to be featu red in Wedding North for our Real Cou ples section?

Contact Nikki Ly ter, 218-855-5845 nikki.lyter@brain erddispatch.com

Weddings North • Fall 2011

25

Wedding Bling

By Rachel Reabe Nystrom

T

he Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented prongs will keep jewelers busy for the next 20 years fixing a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy when he them. “All the magazines are showing that style so stores asked to marry her in 1477. Centuries later, want to push it,” he said. “But to keep the cost of the ring men around the world continue the tradition by popping the down, they sacrifice the workmanship.” question and presenting the ring.

Princess diamonds, square-cut, remain a popular trend for If only it was that easy. today’s brides, usually set on a white-gold band. “In the 90’s, Selecting “The Ring” is monumental because it is the hot style was the marquise or canoe-shaped diamond and expected to go the distance and only to death do us part. before that it was the emerald-cut was popular in the 50’s,” Figuring out which ring at what price is perhaps the opening said Menk. “The round diamond is always a steady favorite challenge of married life. and remains very popular.”

Earlier this year when Prince William of England presented The finalists on the latest season of the “Bachelorette” his fiancé with his late mother’s had it easy. J.P. Rosenbaum “The round diamond is always a steady and Ben Flajnik had just six favorite and remains very popular.” ~ Ed Menk stunning sapphire engagement ring, colored stones took a jump rings to pick from. Each made their selection and confident of Ashley’s love, they pocketed forward. When Jennifer Lopez flashed a six-carat pink diamond ring from fiancé Ben Affleck years ago, colored diamonds the rings in preparation for the proposal.

First of all, they didn’t have to pay for the ring, so there became hot. Other ring trends include twisted bands, vintage was no budget to consult. Secondly, they knew whichever glamour with old European style and eco-friendly, ring they picked, it would be a winner. Bachelorette Ashley conflict-free diamonds.

In the last 20 years, white gold is the Hebert picked out her favorite rings long before she met any of the bachelors. She presented celebrity jeweler Neil undisputed metal of choice for brides, Lane with a wish list and they collaborated on six hand- according to Menk. Platinum made stunners. Lane reported that Hebert wanted a “fantasy enjoyed a surge of popularity but is more expensive and princess ring that was delicate but had a presence.”

Translation: a huge central diamond set on a diamond- not as sturdy as white ~ Michael Brown gold. Yellow gold covered band.

Months and buckets of tears later, Lane flew halfway was the original metal across the world with the finished products so J.P. and Ben jewelry could “pick the perfect ring” for Ashley. She actually got to but dwindled see both rings since she allowed Ben to propose and flash the in popularity the bling before she dispatched him to the friend zone. Ashley in knew another gorgeous ring was coming along with J. P.’s 1990s. declaration of love. He dropped to his knee and snapped open the velvet box revealing the 3.5-carat, central cushioncut sparkler accented with 162 small, hand-set diamonds around a platinum band. “It has a vintage, 19th-century romantic feel, with soft edges, but with a contemporary look,” Lane says of the ring, valued at $60,000. “Whichever way Ashley moves her finger, she sees sparkles.”

Celebrity rings produce a tidal wave of trends. Ed Menk, owner of E.L. Menk Jeweler in downtown Brainerd, said Lane’s studio was swamped with copy-cat orders immediately after the “Bachelorette” episode aired. “People want to emulate popular, successful people.”

Unfortunately, this particular diamond-loaded bling can be a maintenance nightmare. Menk says all those tiny diamonds with equally tiny

“We are in the love business.”

26

Weddings North • Fall 2011

With so many choices, Michael Brown, manager of Riddell’s Jewelry in Baxter, says usually couples come in together to look at rings. “Sometimes they bring along friends or family members,” he said. “It’s a big decision. An average engagement ring and wedding band might cost $2,500. We show them different styles.”

Ed Menk says when a guy wants to pick out a ring to surprise his beloved, Menk offers to sell him a diamond and a basic setting that can later be swapped for another style.

Surprisingly, he says only about 10 percent return to look for a different style. “Most gals are so appreciative of their boyfriend picking out something for them that they are just thrilled. Other brides want to be involved in the process. It depends on the personality of the two people.”

Other couples opt for a new setting for a heirloom stone, one that has passed down in the family. Menk says they all have a story. When he got engaged 42 years ago, his bride’s aunt donated the diamond from her wedding ring. “Her late husband was a barber and we wondered how many haircuts it took to buy that ring,” Menk laughed. “Sue still wears that ring. It has a lot of sentimental value.”

Other brides trade up their original rings as the decades go by. “Maybe when they married, they couldn’t afford much and started out with a small diamond,” Menk explained. “There is always an option to trade in for a larger stone down the road.”

He remembers one couple coming in with a ring sporting a

tiny diamond you could hardly see. “They traded to a larger version and have continued to come back. Ever so often, the guy come sin and says it’s time. Pick out another stone,” Menk said. He says the original diamond chip has grown into a robust 2-carat plus stunner. “Women are very sentimental about their diamonds. They might want a bigger stone but usually want to keep their original and make into a pendant or another jewelry piece. Diamonds are a commodity but they also are history and sentiment and providence.”

With all the fuss over the bride’s engagement ring and wedding band, the groom’s much more limited choices for a wedding band come as a relief. Most couples don’t match the groom’s band to the bride’s ring. Choices for men’s wedding bands have expanded to include tungsten carbide and titanium. Brown says they even offer a camoflauge-etched ring for avid hunters. “These rings are durable, scratchresistant and less expensive.”

Brown says jewelers have the best jobs in the world.

“You are dealing with people who are in love,” he said.

“We are not in the diamond business.

We are in the love business.” ■

A journalist, Rachel Reabe Nystrom worked as a rreporter and talk show host on Minnesota Public Radio for almost 20 years. She currently serves on the R Crow Wing County Board as a commissioner.

C

Weddings North • Fall 2011

27

Ki d s In the wedding party

By Carolyn Corbett Photo Provided by Kristi Patnode

H

Any bloopers

ave you heard the one about the on the part of little wedding where the little boy carrying the rings up the aisle people will likely stopped every few feet to growl and make fierce be considered faces? He was the ringbearer.

Why include children in a wedding ceremony? For adorable. just that reason. They are cute. They add charm and Read all about it spontaneity. They are full of surprises. If those two “s” Start talking to the flower girl words – spontaneity and surprises – make a couple nervous, and ringbearer about what the whole though, including youngsters in the wedding might not be a wedding day will be like well before the great idea. There’s no predicting what young children might event. Tell them what they will wear and what they will do. do so, like all other wedding-related decisions, this is an A wonderful way to get the kids ready for the big day is to important one. buy them a special book that tells all about weddings and Consider that the child is being asked to besurrounded by explains their “job”. Some good titles include: strangers, rehearse new behaviors, wear unusual clothes, ■ “The Little Flower Girl” - Linda Trace Brandon pose for endless pictures, hold a basket of flowers or pillow ■ “One Little Flower Girl” - Jennifer Dussling ■ “When I Was a Flower Girl” - Antonia Swinson with rings and not lose them, walk slow without talking, and ■ “The Most Special Flower Gir”l - Linda Griffith – hours later – still be clean, good-natured and well-behaved! ■ “10 Cool Things about Being a Ring Bearer” - Penelope C. Paine ■ “When I Was a Ring Bearer” - Leigh Crandall Yet many brides and grooms know their wedding wouldn’t ■ “The Best Ever Ring Bearer: All the Best Things About Being in a Wedding” - Linda Griffith be complete without their favorite children sharing the day.

Here are some tips to help ensure a joyful day for little folks Comfy clothes = happy kids and adults alike!

Choose comfortable clothing – nothing scratchy or pinching. Children who are old enough can participate in Whom to pick The younger the child, the more one has to be prepared choosing their own outfits. Stores that rent tuxedos should to be OK with whatever happens. That said, a child’s have children’s sizes available for the ring bearer. Fabrics demeanor and overall behavior are prime considerations. Shy should be soft and silky for the little flower girl who wants or outgoing? Sweet or tantrum-throwing? No one is better to be just like the bride. Young girls may trip over a long able to predict children’s behavior than the parents. If they dress, so the hem should be at least two to three inches off are doubtful, think of another child to fill the role. Also, if a the floor. Shoes should be well worn in. A quick fitting of the suit or dress followed by a pizza or ice cream treat will be child is reluctant to participate, honor that and move on.

Kids are unpredictable. All the practice and preparation appreciated by kids. in the world doesn’t mean they will perform perfectly, Buddy up but any bloopers on the part of little people will likely be There is safety in numbers for little people, so consider considered adorable. The wedding might not be flawless, but letting the flower girl(s) and ring bearer(s) go down the aisle it will probably be cute and entertaining. together. They will be adorable and they won’t be quite so A perfect wedding job for an outgoing child is to walk focused on all those eyes staring at them. They can walk down the aisle just before the bride appears, ringing a bell down in a group or holding hands, and may well encourage and proclaiming, “The bride is coming! The bride is coming!” each other along their way. Also consider assigning a “Big 28

Weddings North • Fall 2011

Buddy” too — one bridesmaid or groomsman to each child in the wedding party. This gives the young people a go-to person who will watch out for them throughout the rehearsal and ceremony when mom and dad aren’t around.

Rehearse the rehearsal Rehearsals should be frequent and repetitive. Like anything else, the children will need more practice than the adults. Let the children practice walking down the aisle several times before the “real” rehearsal starts. Family members and the rest of the wedding party can act as “guests” to simulate the reality of walking down an aisle of people on both sides watching them. Some families have had impromptu rehearsals in their backyards with neighbors as guests, music playing and fake flower petals. Explain to little folks exactly what they should and shouldn’t do. If the child is supposed to stand at a certain spot during the wedding, mark that spot with a masking tape X or the child’s initials. If they are old enough, explain the traditions involved and the roles of the others in the ceremony.

Where’s my mom?

Show children exactly where their parents will be seated and have the parents sit in that spot during the rehearsal(s).

The ideal spot is on the aisle, near the front, where the children will see them as they walk down the aisle. There is comfort in seeing those beloved faces waiting at the end of that long walk. It may be better in some cases to have the children sit with their parents during the actual ceremony itself, then return to walk out with the rest of the bridal party.

Picture perfect Try to have the pictures with children taken as early in the process as possible, preferably before the ceremony.

Have the parents bring their clothes to the photo shoot to avoid dirty, torn or wrinkled outfits. Have some safety pins or a sewing kit just in case.

And finally, plan for…

1. a good night’s sleep or nap before the wedding 2. NO sugar 3. a potty break immediately before the ceremony begins! ■ Carolyn Corbett Before playing with words for a living, Carolyn Corbett taught elementary school for 14 years. At 35, she resigned and sailed off into the sunset.

Literally. Today, as a free-lance writer/editor, she has been published in cruising, parenting and general interest magazines. Her website is at www.carolyncorbett.com

Weddings North • Fall 2011

29

Budget Ideas

By Joan Hasskamp

I

s it possible to have a beautiful wedding and not bust the bank? Yes! With careful planning and preparation, weddings can be done on a limited budget. Most wedding planners suggest you start saving money out of your monthly income the minute you’re engaged. By putting away 10-20 percent of your income, you will have a decent nest egg to work with as the special day approaches.

Once you’ve determined the amount you can spend, the first step is to create a budget with set dollar limits for each part of the wedding (reception, attire, photography etc.)

According to know.com, it’s easy to become caught up in the excitement and stray from your set plan. Be honest about what you can afford. While it might be thrilling to have 300 people celebrate your big day with you, a shortened invitation list of 150 will probably suffice to cover all your close family and friends.

Kathie Malloy of Brainerd found several ways to live within her wedding budget.

30

Weddings North • Fall 2011

She discovered that most churches charge around $200-$300 so it was more cost effective to hold an outdoor wedding. She booked the Gull Lake Recreation Pavilion for $40. The cost included the use of the building. She rented chairs from Party World and during the ceremony she played recorded music on a boom box. “It was a beautiful setting and done for a very reasonable cost,” she explained.

In addition, she asked a friend to officiate. “That saved us money, plus it was more personal,” she said.

While Kathie held her wedding on a Saturday, the trend is to utilize other days of the week for wedding ceremonies.

Fridays and Sundays are less expensive while weekdays are even cheaper. That’s because many facilities charge far less during off peak times. Another consideration should be given to the time of year. Summer is the busiest time and therefore, the most expensive. By picking a date during the fall or winter, it may be possible to save sizable amounts of cash.

While Kathie went the conventional route and purchased her gown at a bridal shop, Teresa Wooden of Brainerd found her dress in the employee want ads at work. For a mere $35 she picked up a gently used dress. It pays to look around.

Another option when dress hunting is to check out area thrift stores and consignment shops. Goodwill, Salvation Army and Common Goods occasionally have bridal gowns coming in their doors. Or, look in the regular dress section at local retailers.

They may carry white dresses that can serve as wedding attire.

With the addition of a sash or a few minor alterations, they are a low cost alternative.

Kathie rented the tuxedos for her wedding party from the Social Butterfly in Baxter. She compared their prices to stores in and out of the area and found their prices to be extremely reasonable.

The more tasks you’re willing to do yourself, the greater the savings. For example, when it came to decorating, Kathie used white Christmas lights that she borrowed from a friend. She purchased miscellaneous decorations from stores around the area and constructed her own centerpieces. Also, she bought flowers in bulk and designed her own arrangements.

Kathie held her reception at the Brainerd American Legion. She was very pleased with their service and said her guests raved about the food.

She chose the buffet option which she felt was very reasonable. When looking at catering choices, she also considered Kentucky Fried Chicken and Famous Dave’s. “People may not realize these restaurants cater but they are very good options for those looking for lower cost catering,” she said.

A date during the fall or winter may save sizable amounts of cash.

Continued on next page 34...

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WEDDINGS NORTH FALL 2011

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www.soundsdj.com 218-828-2920 toll free 800-977-4248

Shwiky Meats

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320-630-1361 www.christinajohnson photography.com

VIP FLORAL & GIFT 710 Laurel Street Brainerd (218)829-1771

INSURANCE a classical trio

422 Laurel St, Brainerd 218-316-7188 www.laportraitstudio.com

LAURA RADNICKI IMAGES 218-851-4854 lauraradnickiimages.com

218.825.9263 weddings • receptions dinners • parties

ENTERTAINMENT

EXPOS

JEWELRY

Complete Music

BRAINERD WEDDING ASSOCIATION

E.L. MENK JEWELERY

Weddings North • Fall 2011

L.A. PORTRAIT STUDIO

Trillium Strings

804 Mill Avenue Brainerd 218-828-0770 www.shwikymeats.com

4963 Cedar Scenic Rd Baxter 218-825-7244 www.brainerdlakesdj.com

AmericInn is a great place for your wedding guests to stay!

• Free Breakfast Buffet • Whirlpool Theme Suites • Indoor Pool • Hot Tub • Sauna • Wireless Internet 2 Miles N of Pequot Lakes on Hwy 371 www.upnorthlodge.com

Grizzly Center, Baxter 218-824-0016

Hwy 371 N, Brainerd (218) 828-4487

Honeymoon Suites Available

218-568-8400 • 888-568-8400

COLDSTONE CREAMERY

BRAINERD LAKELAND CATERING

LODGING/HOTEL

www.brainerdwedding association.com

TIM LARSEN PHOTOGRAPHY 218-820-2660 www.tim-larsen.com

Corner of 7th & Laurel Downtown Brainerd

218-829-7266

Get Business Directed Your Way!

WEDDINGS NORTH FALL 2011

Advertisers highlighted in Yellow are Major Sponsors of Weddings North. See advertisements inside this issue.

DIRECTORIES

To advertise in this publication call Kristine Roberts • 855-5829

RECEPTIONS/ BANQUETS/ REHEARSALS

RECEPTIONS/ BANQUETS/ REHEARSALS

RENTAL/SUPPLIES

SALON/SPA/ COSMETIC

AMERICAN LEGION Nisswa, MN 218-963-9946 Hall Rental: Ext. 1 Catering & Event Planning: Ext. 4

PRAIRIE BAY Baxter (218) 824-6444

SALON COUTURE Reserve you personal details early!

218-828-2127

www.PartyWorldBrainerd.com Located 2 mi. N of Hwy 210 & 371 jct. on Edgewood Drive, Baxter ON BEAUTIFUL GULL LAKE

1-800-432-3777 218-562-7141 www.breezypointresort.com

Seating up to 150 Rehearsal Dinners Receptions • Ceremonies Wedding Party, Family & Guest Lodging Romantic Honeymoon Villas

ROHLFING, INC. 923 Wright Street Brainerd (218) 829-0303

11000 Cragun’s Drive Brainerd (800) CRAGUNS www.craguns.com

FALLS BALLROOM 15879 Hwy 27 Little Falls 320-632-9992 www.fallsballroom.com

218-963-2482 • 800-950-5596 www.quarterdeckresort.com

THE LODGE AT BRAINERD LAKES 6967 Lake Forest Road Baxter (218) 822-5634

TIMBERMIST

NORTHLAND ARBORETUM 218-829-8770 northlandarb.com

PINE PEAKS LODGE 39957 Swanburg Rd. Crosslake 1-888-526-3612 pinepeakscrosslake.com

Get Business Directed Your Way!

Northland Center Nisswa, MN

O’DESIGN Pequot Lakes 218-340-6172 pjo920@tds.net

PARTYTIME RENTAL Krista Johnson-Langehaug 4750 White Gables Road Brainerd (218) 829-6300 www.brainerdparty.com

St. Cloud 320-251-1101 www.pearl-limo.com

TUXEDOS

SALON/SPA/ COSMETIC

19164 CR 3 Brainerd 218-829-7507 www.timbermistmn.com

RENTAL/SUPPLIES

TRANSPORTATION PEARL LIMOUSINE

Call Lee or Jane for a Complimentary Tour and Quote

CRAGUN’S RESORT

www.saloncouturemn.com Reserve now! 2011 wedding dates are Þlling fast!

RESORT & BOATHOUSE EATERY

BREEZY POINT RESORT

Cindy Couture 7 Professionals to Serve you!

Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 phone: (218) 568-8771

www.bellecheveuxnisswa.com PHONE:

(218) 961-0095

MIDSOTA PLASTIC SURGEONS 218.824.6031 1.888.MIDSOTA www.midsota.com

Westgate Mall 218-829-3874 TUXEDO RENTALS www.brekkens.com WEDDING PLANNING PARTY CENTRAL MINNESOTA WEDDING PROFESSIONALS www.perfectmnwedding.com Weddings North • Fall 2011

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More ways to save...

Play music from an iPod, computer or disc player.

You can save by doing your own hair and makeup.

Cupcakes are a cheaper alternative to a wedding cake.

Photo Provided by Laura Radneicki

Because receptions B i are one of the mo m most ost stt costly parts of a wedding, there are other alternatives. For an afternoon ceremony a dessert buffet is a possibility.

Offerings can include cupcakes, bars and cookies.

To add a touch of elegance, champagne and fruit juices can be served. Or, an appetizer buffet is also a popular option.

Both are economical, yet classy and crowd pleasing. There is no requirement that a full meal needs to be served. Creative food ideas are a great way to trim costs.

While multi tier wedding cakes look fantastic, they are also expensive. As a cheaper alternative, Kathie chose to serve cupcakes at her reception. She ordered them from Schaefer’s Foods in Nisswa. Store personnel delivered them and provided setup. Kathie said the guests loved the cupcakes and no one missed the cake.

Kathie chose to have her hair done at Trendsetters in Baxter. She said they specialize in up-do hairstyles.

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Weddings North • Fall 2011

“ d fantastic and I only paid around $30.”

“My hair looked Brides looking to scrimp even further could opt to do their own hair and makeup.

Other ways to save money could be to ask a trusted friend take photos and shoot video. Also, instead of hiring a band or disc jockey, music could be recorded on a computer or iPod and hooked up to a sound system.

Weddings should be beautiful and special. With proper planning they can be economical as well! ■

Joan Hasskamp has a degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota. She lives in Crosby and is a financial assistance supervisor in the Income Maintenance Division of Crow Wing County Community Services.

Weddings North • Fall 2011

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