Fall 2013
Magazine
Falling For It Sophisticated Autumn DĂŠcor Ideas page 32
Tying the Knot & Nearby Nuptials New England couples featured inside
Featured Facilities Crystal Lake Golf Club, page 60 Publick House, page 66 Val’s Restaurant, page 70
Beautiful enough to make her say...
I DO!
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™
Fall 2013
Contents Features 32 Falling For It
44 The Maine Attraction
Wedding venues in Maine
52 Fall Fantasies
Gorgeous autumn weddings
Featured Venues 60 Crystal Lake Golf Club 66 Publick House 70 Val’s Restaurant
Articles 36 Wedding Planning 2.0
Using social media to plan your wedding
40 Wedding Contracts
Reading the fine print
48 Go Local, Go Fair
Going beyond “green”
56 Bryan’s Bliss
Interview with celebrity wedding planner Bryan Rafanelli
74 Family Feuds
52
Sophisticated autumn décor ideas
Planning Guide 76 Handle the Stress with Finesse
9 ways to stay calm during the wedding planning process
80 Editor’s Picks
Product reviews
82 Inspiration Round-Up
In every issue
60
10 Letter from the Editor 12 Tying the Knot
Recently engaged local couples
18 B&G Q&A Ladybug Florists
Nearby Nuptials 20 Jenifer & Manny
48
24 Joanna & Mentar 28 Tessa & Justin
Directories 92 Function Facility Guide 96 Wedding Resources Guide
How to minimize conflict during wedding planning
Honeymoons 84 Waikiki and Beyond
A honeymoon in Oahu
84
88 Love and Luxury in Cancún
A first-class honeymoon in Mexico www.bridegroommag.com
BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 7
Your Journey, Your Dream,
Your Dress
Magazine Publishers Richard E. Chevalier Germaine A. Chevalier President Robert R. Chevalier robert@chevalierassociates.com
Editor Hana Lasell hana@chevalierassociates.com
Account Executive Chrissy Carelli
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Account Executive Claire Huber
claire@chevalierassociates.com
Senior Technical Services Developer Lyndsay Hommé lyndsay@chevalierassociates.com
Business Manager K.C. O’Brien
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Bridal ❦ Mother of Bride ❦ First Communion ❦ Prom
Art Director Rick Bridges Richard Bridges Design richardbridgesdesign.com
Contributing Writers Geri Bain Cindy Papish Gerber Stacey Marcus Andrea E. McHugh Taryn Plumb Marcelia Muehlke Kate Tribbett BRIDE & GROOM™ Magazine is published in January, May and September and is a trademark of and published by:
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Letter from the Editor
Happy fall! I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new Editor of Bride & Groom™. I’m looking forward to helping you achieve your perfect wedding goals by providing you
with loads of useful planning ideas, inspiration, and advice in every issue. While planning my wedding last year, I often found myself stopping and thinking, “Why am I even doing this?” I was constantly stressed, the bills kept creeping up, and at night my mind raced with all kinds of doubts: “What if no one shows up?” “What if it rains?” “What if someone hits a moose on their way home from the reception?” (You read that right—I actually freaked out about moose. It was a rural Maine wedding, alright?). Every bride experiences some variation of these same doubts in the months, weeks, days, and even hours leading up to her wedding. However, one thing rises above these fears—real and ridiculous—to lift us up and remember why we put ourselves through all of this: Love! Love for our fiancés, love for our families, and love for our dreams. What better way to express your huge, enormous, words-aren’t-enough feelings for your one
and only than through a meaningful ceremony and a big party? What better way to show your parents how much they mean to you than by letting them be part of one of the most important moments of your life? What better way to fulfill your childhood fantasies than by stepping out in an ensemble that makes you feel amazing? In this issue we’ll help you discover ways to fulfill all of your dreams while also helping you head off some of the stresses that come with planning the biggest party of your life. On page 32 you’ll find ideas for decorating the oh-so-beautiful New England fall wedding, as well as a pictorial on page 52 featuring scenes from actual fall weddings shot by some of the best photographers in the biz. And make sure you check out Nearby Nuptials on pages 20, 24 and 28 for advice and inspiration from real New England weddings. Before I go, I’d like to say how excited I am to be a part of the Bride & Groom™ community. Be sure to e-mail me at hana@chevalierassociates.com with questions, ideas, or just to say, “hello!”
Timeless photography to fit you perfectly.
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10 Fall 2013
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Lunenburg, MA
Our cover features Shawn Eaton and Samantha Tremblay of Marlborough, MA. Shawn and Samantha were married on August 10, 2013 at George Hill Orchards in Lancaster, MA. Photo courtesy of leslieboudreau.com
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Tying the Knot
Ashley Moyer and Chris LaRochelle Jr. New Bedford, MA Wedding date: June 8, 2014
Hollyann Cartier and Christopher Cavaliere Southbridge, MA Wedding date: June 28, 2014
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Gina DiLiddo and Daniel Sawicki Worcester, MA Wedding date: November 1, 2013
Annette Dudek and Jerry Mercado Worcester, MA Wedding date: October, 2013
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Jessica Silva and Troy Alves Warwick, RI Wedding date: August 16, 2014
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Tying the Knot
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Mellisa Watts and Matthew Groves Plymouth, MA Wedding date: May 31, 2014
Lauren Pozzi and Chris Dauphinais Woonsocket, RI Wedding date: September 14, 2014
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Tracy Clark and Justin Eisnor Worcester, MA Wedding date: October 12, 2013
Kerry Marshall and Thomas Dwyer Worcester, MA Wedding date: September 14, 2013
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Leigh Ann Attoun and Michael N. Fernandes West Warwick, RI Wedding date: October 4, 2014
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Tying the Knot
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Joanne Cobuzzi and Sean Rochette Blackstone, MA Wedding date: September 20, 2014
Jenie Cardoso and Matthew Shunney Pawtucket, RI Wedding date: June, 2014
Alicia Taylor and Eliseo Ramos Taunton, MA Wedding date: December 16, 2016
Announce your engagement in the Winter 2014 issue of
BRIDE&GROOM™
wakeenphotography.com
Submit your engagement photograph for potential publication via email to: info@BrideGroomMag.com. Your Pictur e Here! Photo dimensions should be at least 2” wide with a resolution of 300 ppi (pixels per inch). Acceptable formats are: pdf, jpg or tiff. Submission deadline: November 15, 2013. Publication date: January 1, 2014. Michele Leary and Brandon Jones Worcester, MA Wedding date: September 21, 2013
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B&G
q&a
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The Flowers
Handcrafting an Elegant Impression by Taryn Plumb
F
lowers: They’re more than just an accessory—they serve as an accent; a highlight; a colorful flourish to your wedding. When you walk down the aisle, your guests— apart from “ooh”ing and “aah”ing at the sight of you—take note of your elegant bouquet; as they take their seats at the reception, they marvel at the colorful centerpieces. So when it comes to blossoms and blooms, there’s no doubt that you want to make an impression. Ladybug Florist in Oxford, Massachusetts can help you do just that: Since June 2005, under the tutelage of owner Mary Tolic and with the designs of Heather Sheehan and Stacey Towle, the shop has crafted hundreds of beautiful arrangements for weddings large and small. From simple bouquets to elaborate centerpieces, Ladybug’s talented designers can bring practically any vision to life. We talked with manager Heather Sheehan to get the inside scoop on Ladybug Florist, as well as some great tips for your big day.
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Mary Tolic, Owner; Laura Tolic, Customer Service; Heather Sheehan, Shop Manager & Lead Designer. Not pictured: Stacey Towle, Designer.
q: How
did you get into the flower
business?
a:
I grew up in it. My grandfather owned greenhouses, and then my mom had a flower shop. I’ve been in it for more than twenty years. What’s kept me in it is my love of flowers, the gratification. I love what I do.
q: How do you work with couples to create their perfect arrangements?
a:
During the initial consultation with our bride, the main goal is to pinpoint the vision she has. Every bride is as unique as the end product of our floral designs. After learning exactly what the colors of the wedding parties attire is, we offer our bride a color pallet to work with. We educate our bride of all the varieties of flowers available, glassware, and added accessories desired while keeping in mind her budget. It is most important that our bride gain a true understanding for the color scheme, variety of flower, and style of arrangements available to her, among other things. We want her to be well aware of current trends so she can be confident when her final decisions are made. From the bridal party, centerpieces, and cake decorations, we lay out all the possible options. After our initial meeting, the Ladybug staff and our bride have a sound foundation for a working plan to bring together all she dreamed of for her “Big Day.”
q: What
are some current trends in wedding flowers?
a:
We are noticing that brides are willing to experiment with different textures and
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materials. We are seeing more and more natural organic hand-tied designs. The brides are gathering ideas from social media sites such as Pinterest. Pinterest allows them to explore the most updated flower trends that the traditional wedding books don’t offer.
q: How
far in advance should couples order their flowers?
a:
We suggest six to twelve months, just to get the process going. Then we finalize things about eight weeks before the wedding . . . Sometimes, by then, couples have completely changed their minds about what they want.
q: What sets Ladybug Florist apart from other florists?
paulbobkowski.com
a:
We pride ourselves on friendly, personalized service. Our confidence lies in the many years of experience in the floral industry. Our attention to detail is second to none. From hand-picking our flowers from our trusted suppliers to ensure only the finest and freshest stock are utilized in our designs, to pinning the boutonnieres on the wedding party, we are there from start to finish.
Our goal is to exceed the expectations of our valuable clientele. We understand that flowers are but one important element among many on the “Big Day.” We want our brides to be confident that they can concentrate on having the time of their life on this most memorable day and that everything is perfect. We are also proud recipients of 2012 “People’s Choice Award” and the 2013 “One Enchanted Evening - Dream Wedding Award.”
q: What’s your advice for couples on their big day?
a:
It’s one of the single-most defining days of your marriage. You want it to be memorable. You just want to relax and enjoy the day. Let everybody else take care of the details.
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Ladybug Florist
340 Main Street, Oxford, MA 01540 (508) 987-2550 ladybug-florist.com
BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 19
Nuptials
nearby
Jeni and Manny
June 15, 2012 – Easton, MA
Their story Jenifer Teran and Emmanuel Olivier met under what some might consider slightly unusual circumstances. Many couples speak dreamily of their first date as a carefully planned event preceded by hours of meticulous preparation. Not so with Jeni and Manny. After a sleepless night on April 1, 2009, Jeni answered the door for the cable installer, whom she had been expecting. “I didn’t care if I was just rolling out of bed when someone came to install my cable,” says Jeni. “I rolled out of bed, no makeup, sweatpants, messy hair with a baseball cap thrown on. When I opened the door, it definitely wasn’t the fat old man I had planned on. It was a guy my age, and good looking, too! I was caught off guard for sure!” Manny was also caught off guard. “It was April Fool’s Day and my co-worker asked me to take his job because he was running behind,” says Manny. “When I got there, I saw this beautiful young lady looking like she just got out of bed. So I proceeded to do the job and I told her I would give her a call to make sure that she was all set and we’ve never stopped talking.”
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“What was most important to me was that I ended up married to the man I love.” Jeni and Manny’s engagement was as understated as their first meeting, but definitely not lacking in romance. “One night while preparing to watch a movie, Manny asked me to go into the kitchen to get him some iced tea,” says Jeni. “When I came back into the living room Manny was on his knees in front of the couch. I didn’t think much of it, because, being a cable guy, he was always crawling around messing with wiring or something else. When I sat back on the couch and looked up at him, he was there with my dream ring, asking me to spend the rest of my life with him.” “After four years, being with Manny still gives me butterflies,” says Jeni. “I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else. I finally found my man.” Says Manny of his fairytale relationship with Jeni: “I guess you never see it coming but I’m glad it did come my way. I’m talking about love. What a wonderful feeling! I’m so happy to have someone special who I love more than words can say.”
Planning Jeni and Manny spent just three months planning their wedding. “Yup, I’m crazy and work best under major pressure,” says Jeni. “We were paying for everything ourselves and on a tight budget, which would have disappeared on bills and life had we taken too long to put everything together.” Jeni did the majority of the planning herself, but relied on her mother for support throughout the process. “She was a major support and help through everything. Manny didn’t play much of a role. Not because he wouldn’t, but because once I have a vision I run with it, and he was more than happy to let me do that.” Many brides would admittedly crash while flying solo through a whirlwind engagement, and while stress did peek its head out from time to time, Jeni has no regrets concerning her decisions. “It was a busy three months, but it worked out great for us. After going through that madness and knowing what I know now, if given the choice to go back and re-do it, I wouldn’t change a thing!” continued on page 22 www.bridegroommag.com
BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 21
Details Jeni and Manny knew that their wedding would be anything but typical. “I knew I wouldn’t be having a ‘traditional’ day or wearing a white dress,” says Jeni, “so the search was on for a wedding-worthy purple one.” When she couldn’t find a dress that fit within her budget, Jeni took matters into her own hands—literally. “My family thought I’d gone off the deep end considering I’ve never sewn in my life. My inspiration gown had material that flowed like feathers, so I thought, why not make my gown with actual feathers? I started with a very simple and plain purple dress that I purchased online, and turned it into my dream dress.” Jeni was so inspired by the results of her handiwork that she let her unique vision flow into the design of the overall décor as well. “The feathers on my gown sparked inspiration for a lot of the other décor. It was fun
and creative and replaced any flowers that you would typically see for things like bouquets and centerpieces…I wanted my wedding to be different, but class and elegance were still very important to me. I think my vision was accomplished nicely.”
Advice “Take time away from everyone, just the two of you, even if it’s only five minutes away to reflect on the day,” says Jeni. “I’d also like to add that couples on a very tight budget can have a beautiful wedding if they are willing to be open minded…Even though we didn’t have some costly extras or the fanciest reception site, it was ‘us’ and it was perfect. It really is only a few hours and most of it is hard to remember. What was most important to me was that I ended up married to the man I love.”
The Particulars Ceremony: Ames Mansion at Borderland State Park, Easton, MA. friendsofborderland.org Reception: Knights of Columbus, Easton, MA. eastonkofc.org/rentals Catering: Mr. Joseph’s Catering, South Attleboro, MA Photographer: Shannon Grant Photography. ShannonGrantPhotography.com Bridal Gown: Handcrafted by bride Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Isabella’s Bridal, Taunton, MA. isabellasbridals.com Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Girls Dress Line. girlsdressline.com Cake: Amanda Emerson Hair & Makeup: Tia Dodd and Christy Lavallee. BridalArtists.com, makeup-artistry.biz Music: Mitch Laguerre. DJFinalTouch.com
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Nuptials
nearby
Joanna and Mentar October 20, 2012 Cambridge, MA Their story Joanna Trainor and Mentar Duka’s story began at a Boston Bruins game in 2010, where they met through Joanna’s friend, Gledi, who is also Mentar’s cousin. The two met again a few weeks later at Gledi’s birthday party. Joanna was dazzled by Mentar’s outfit (a three-piece suit with a hot pink tie) and the two chatted and flirted over Jack and Diets. The rest was history. Two years later, Mentar surprised Joanna with an after-work dinner in Boston. Joanna was admittedly confused when they arrived at Top of the Hub, a place the couple normally only frequented on special occasions. “I didn’t have a clue what was happening,” says Joanna. At the table, Mentar asked to speak to the Sommelier. After a long conversation, they settled on a French red wine that the Sommelier said had “changed his life.” Mentar replied, “Who knows, man? Maybe my life will change, too.” “I thought it was odd, but then the food arrived so I forgot about it,” says Joanna.
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Between courses, Mentar reached into his pocket, pulled out a box, and asked Joanna to be his wife. Her answer: “Seriously?”
Planning “We started planning the wedding the day after we got engaged, so it took about ten months to pull all the details together,” says Joanna. Both Joanna and Mentar took an equal part in planning. “Splitting up tasks and making decisions together made the day that much more special to both of us.” Of course, the couple experienced the requisite wedding-planning stress, but their “eyes on the prize” attitude kept them positive throughout the entire process. “Sometimes you get stressed out, but it is such a good feeling because it’s something I used to dream all my life to get married to the woman I love,” says Mentar. Says Joanna of the stress: “As much as it was stressful, everything truly fell into place for us. We had a vision and kept going back to it. We tried to make the ten months of planning into a long celebration rather than let the stress get to us.”
Details With Joanna’s Scandinavian roots and Mentar’s Albanian heritage, their wedding was truly a blending of cultures. “We have been to Albanian/American weddings in the past that were very segregated, and that was the number-one thing we did not want,” says Joanna. “We wanted as many people as possible at our wedding as a way to thank them for being an integral part of creating who we are as adults,” she adds. The couple kicked off their reception with a slideshow showing hundreds of photos from their childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. “It was a total hit, and hilarious!” says Joanna. In order to include their friends and relatives who couldn’t attend their wedding in person, Joanna and Mentar streamed their wedding live online. “At first, live streaming seemed a bit over the top, but when we realized how many friends and relatives all over the world would not be able to travel to Boston, we felt it was really important for them to witness our vows. We heard from relatives on both sides of the family who enjoyed ‘being there’ virtually!”
Johanna and Mentar’s united celebration wouldn’t be complete without some traditional Albanian dancing, so they helped their guests perform the “Valle,” a dance that requires all the wedding guests to go around in circles using a few steps. “To be sure that all our American guests felt welcome, we called up some Albanian friends to help teach everyone the steps.” The highlight of the reception was a tribute to Joanna’s father, Jerry, who passed away eighteen years earlier. Jerry was the
“We tried to make the ten months of planning into a long celebration rather than let the stress get to us.” manager of a softball team, so Joanna couldn’t think of a better way to honor her father than to have the his team members be a part of her father-daughter dance. Joanna danced with five of her “softball dads” to the continued on page 26
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BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 25
The Particulars Ceremony: Faith Lutheran Church, Cambridge, MA. faithcambridge.org Reception and Catering: Boston Cambridge Marriott, Cambridge, MA. marriott.com/ hotels/travel/boscb-boston-marriottcambridge Photographer: Kristin Griffin Photography, Halifax, MA. kristingriffinphotography.com song, “Roots before Branches.” In addition to the dance, Joanna and Mentar honored Jerry with a tribute video put together by Jerry’s lifelong friend, Jack.
Guest comments “I’m sure all couples say this, but everyone we run into since the wedding says it was the most fun they’ve had at a wedding ever. The second compliment is for the media and pictures we included—the video about my father and the slideshow of everyone growing up were really moving tributes to our families.”
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Advice “Do as much as you can early on,” says Joanna. “There’s no need to wait on some things…Also, pay your bills early. It’s so much harder to enjoy that last month as you are shelling out cash left and right.” The couple’s last piece of advice: “Write thank-you cards as you receive your gifts. We were diligent in writing down each gift we got, but why didn’t we write the thankyou cards as we opened the presents? Leave a pile of thank-you cards wherever you are opening your gifts.”
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Cake: Montilio’s, Braintree, MA. montilios.com Flowers: Stems, Winchester, MA. stemswinchester.com Videographer: Ware River Studios, Rutland, MA. wareriver.com Music: DJ Jani. janizguro@gmail.com Transportation: Black Tie Limo, and Grace Limo. blacktielimo.com, gracelimo.com Bridal gown: Gianna Bridal, Stoneham, MA. giannabridal.com Bridesmaids’ dresses: Dessy. dessy.com Groom and Groomsmen attire: Men’s Wearhouse. menswearhouse.com Invitations: Goosefish Press, Boston, MA. goosefishpress.com
Nuptials
nearby
Tessa and Justin
October 7, 2012 – Fall River, MA Their story Like so many modern couples, Tessa Landry and Justin Marcoux initially connected online. After a virtual “wink” and an e-mail, the couple met up for their first date at Applebee’s during the summer of 2010. Tessa braved the blind date alone, but Justin brought his best friend. “My first impression of Justin was that he was very handsome and funny,” Tessa says. “He was down to earth, smart, and I loved how our conversations were never boring. I think he was more nervous at that first meeting than I was.” Justin and Tessa got engaged on a warm summer night about a year after their first date. After hitting a bucket of golf balls at a local driving range, Justin spontaneously suggested the two take a drive. “I found this strange because Justin never likes to aimlessly drive around,” Tessa says. “We ended up at Common Fence Point in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.” Tessa fondly recalls the magic of that evening: “The Mount Hope
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“Everyone will have advice for you, but it’s your day, so do what makes you happy.” we did a candy buffet, which was a huge hit with our guests and featured some of our favorite sweets.”
Details
bridge was shining in the background and the weather was clear and warm. Justin got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him.” At first, an incredulous Tessa thought Justin was joking, but she soon realized that this was no joke. “He got up, we kissed, and fireworks went off by the bridge! It was so incredible, since he hadn’t planned for the fireworks at all.” Afterwards, the couple went to Justin’s family home to share the good news. “It turned out that spot runs in the family—his parents got engaged there many years before!”
Planning “We booked our venue exactly one year to the date before our wedding, and we had been making plans for about two months before we settled on the location. Planning for over a year really helped us make calm
and considered choices, and we didn’t have to feel rushed.” Teamwork played a big role in the planning of Tessa and Justin’s fall affair. “We planned the wedding together,” says Tessa. “I handled all the aesthetic details and decorating, color choices and flowers, while Justin kept track of the finances. I was fortunate enough to have a wedding planner in the family, so I went to her for advice.” Says Justin of their team approach: “It helped to break down the tasks between us and focus on our strengths.” To keep costs down, the couple went the way of the DIY movement, taking the making of some of their wedding elements into their own hands. “I took small gourds and attached round tags to them to display the table numbers, then included maple leaves we made with a paper punch. For our favors,
Tessa and Justin had no doubts about what kind of ceremony they wanted. “Justin and I wanted a traditional Catholic Church wedding,” Tessa says. “It was very important to Justin to be married at St. Anne’s in Fall River. Both of us went to Catholic school and we wanted to receive our sacrament of marriage in the church.” Tessa expressed her closeness to her family throughout many facets of the ceremony and reception. “Unfortunately, my father passed away in 2006, so my brother, Jason, walked me down the aisle,” says Tessa. “I shared my father-daughter dance song with my other brother, Matthew. The DJ displayed a slideshow of photographs of the three of us growing up during the dance, which was a surprise to my brothers, and everyone enjoyed it. My bouquet was also very special to me, since we attached my grandmother’s handkerchief that she carried to my aunt’s wedding. Since my grandmother couldn’t be with us on wedding day, it was a great reminder of her.” When choosing a song for their first dance, Tessa and Justin harkened back to their early days as a couple. “When Justin and I first continued on page 30
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started dating, we made each other mix CDs with our favorite songs that reminded us of each other. The CD I made for Justin was filled with sappy love songs, while his had more classic rock. One of the songs on his CD was ‘Tangled up in You’ by Aaron Lewis. When it came time to choose our first dance song, we immediately went back to Lewis’s song. It was simple and fit us well.”
Favorite part of the day “I’ll never forget the ‘first-look’ moments we did with my brothers,” says Tessa. “It was so
special for me to see their reactions to their little sister all dressed up for her wedding. I’ll also never forget the first words Justin said to me as I met him at the altar. He said that I looked beautiful, and at that moment all my anxiety just disappeared. During the reception, Justin and I got some time to ourselves on the deck of the country club. It had been raining all day, but the weather let up, so we went out for a quiet moment and a few photographs together. It was great to have some time to reflect and be together in the middle of the day.”
Guest comments “I think the most talked about detail of our wedding was my blue heels,” Tessa says. I wanted to wear ‘something blue,’ and on the morning of the wedding, my bridesmaids put rhinestones on the bottom of the heels that said ‘I Do.’ It was very cute.”
Advice “If I could give any advice to engaged couples, it would be to tell them to stop and take a moment during the wedding day to relax and take it all in,” says Tessa. “Everyone will have advice for you, but it’s your day, so do what makes you happy. It might seem silly to others, but if something makes your day more meaningful, then go for it. Invite those that mean the most to you and just have a great time.”
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The Particulars Ceremony: St. Anne’s Church, Fall River, MA. stanneshrine.com Reception & Catering: Crestwood Country Club, Rehoboth, MA. crestwoodcc.com Photographer: Kristin Griffin Photography, Halifax, MA. kristingriffinphotography.com Cake: Gail’s Goodies and More Bakery, Mattapoisett, MA. gailsgoodiesandmore.com Flowers: The Amber Rose Floral and Gifts, Inc., Westport, MA. theamberrose.net
Worcester * Milford * Framingham Auburn * Sturbridge 800.752.4036 www.bonardis.com 30 Fall 2013
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Music: AA Music Connection, New Bedford, MA. facebook.com/amusicconnection Bridal gown & Bridesmaids’ dresses: David’s Bridal. davidsbridal.com Groom and Groomsmen attire: Men’s Wearhouse. menswearhouse.com
Falling For It
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Sophisticated Autumn Décor Ideas by Taryn Plumb
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all is quintessential New England. The blaze of colors, the apple-
picking, pumpkin carving, the crisp air . . . all are reasons thousands of visitors are drawn to the region during the few fleeting weeks of autumn each year. And if you choose to wed during New England’s most cherished season, there are many subtle and sophisticated ways you can work its splendors into the ambiance of your celebration. “It’s a fabulous time to visit the area,” says Paula Marrero of Marrero Events, based in Boston and Danvers. “It’s just a great time of year, and couples love to share that with their guests.” personkillan.com
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Start with Invites Infuse fall into your festivities from the getgo with your save-the-date announcements and invitations, which set the tone for your wedding. There are numerous fall-oriented options available through stationers such as Wedding Paper Divas and Invitations by Dawn, which offer dozens of choices that feature backgrounds of mums or fall leaves and trees, all set to hues of brown, orange, muted yellows, and greens. You might also consider working in small fall elements, such as an abstract leaf-like liner to the inner envelope, suggests master bridal Ccnsultant Alexis Eliopoulos O’Mara, of the Bostonbased Unique Weddings by Alexis.
Pick a Rich Color Scheme Next—and crucially—comes the color theme, which ultimately sets the tone of your event. Eliopoulos O’Mara suggests deep oranges, eggplant, and bordeaux, or jewel tones such as emerald, amethyst, or garnet. Of the jewel tones, she notes, “the colors are bolder and richer, and not as deep and dark as traditional autumn tones.” Meanwhile, darker linens can give a room a “rich” appearance, she says. Marrero agrees on the use of deeper colors, and cautions about orange, which can become “too literal” (that is, carvedpumpkin orange, or Halloween-y— unless, of course, that’s what you’re going for). Instead, she says, think along the lines of burnt orange, spice, cinnamon, paprika, and terra cotta, which can then be mixed with bolder colors like gold and burgundy.
Go Bold with Flowers “Why did you choose the fall? Chances are because you love the vibrant colors outside,” says Marrero, who urges brides to “go beautiful and bold” in their bouquets, and add elements such as dusty miller to create more texture. As for centerpieces, don’t be afraid to stray away from the traditional bouquet-attable-center, and don’t hesitate to mix things up. Marrero notes that it’s much more appealing to have a well-designed “tablescape,” as opposed to offering up the same centerpiece plopped in the middle of every table. She suggests filling glass vessels with green moss, orange flowers, single orchids, or hydrangeas. With an orchid, for example, submerge one in water along with a floating candle; it’s elegant, yet simple and inexpensive. If flowers are subtle and spread around the room, they can create a “real pop in unusual places,” she says. Eliopoulos O’Mara points out the subdued appeal of calla lilies, spider mums, and dahlias for fall weddings, as well as various in-season berries, and even fiddleheads. Manzanita branches can also be a beautiful, versatile accessory—set them as centerpieces at the place card table, or use them to hang escort cards, candles, or flowers. Beyond that, some couples are drawn to driftwood and birch, which can be interspersed with flowers on tables, or cut to fit candles and various blooms. “Rustic is very prevalent,” says Marrero.
Create a Warm Environment Throughout your décor, be liberal in the use of candles and bottles, says Marrero. To fit with the season, fill jars with lentils or candy, or sprinkle orange pumpkin candy between place cards to create “just a little tease.” Scented candles can create even more ambiance, Eliopoulos O’Mara notes. Consider “yummy” smells such as apple pie, spiced pumpkin, and hot chocolate, which “all remind guests of the fall.” continued on page 34
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“It’s just a great time of year, and couples love to share that with their guests.” Other flairs could include wreaths made of leaves, poured-wax votives, and goldpainted pumpkins, she says. As for lighting, keep it soft: amber hues can be warm and inviting (which is the essence of fall, after all). And stay with the theme in your favors— consider edibles like honey, maple sugar candies, cider donuts, or caramel apples—as well as your food offerings. Your guests will love the “graceful” addition of butternut squash soup served in baby pumpkins, local cider, or apple pie or pumpkin tartlets, says Eliopoulos O’Mara. No matter the season, though, you should keep several things in mind to make your wedding the best day possible. Beyond hiring a planner or wedding-day coordinator, Eliopoulos O’Mara advises that couples keep up with plans, and make lists well in advance. Also, don’t leave things to the last minute, as “this will only cause you stress.” In choosing your wedding party, she adds, don’t do so out of obligation; opt for friends and family who will truly help and will keep you (relatively) stress-free. “Have a plan, have a timeline, and realize the wedding starts the day your first guest comes to town,” Marrero says. But the ultimate key: relax. If you’re not at ease by the start of the rehearsal dinner, you’re wasting your time, she says. “You have to be able to let go.” Taryn Plumb is a regular contributor to BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine. She writes from Worcester, MA.
Sources Marrero Events Marreroevents.com Unique Weddings by Alexis Weddingsbyalexis.com personkillan.com
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Wedding Planning 2.0 Staying organized with Social Media by Andrea E. McHugh
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h, the wedding binder. It’s a rite of passage for many brides, preciously housing the ripped-out magazine pages full of inspiration, wedding-day timelines, checklists, fabric swatches, vendor contracts, and so much more. Some brides invest in the illustrious Martha Stewart pre-organized wedding binder, while others customize theirs with finds from the craft store or simply use a three-ring version from the local office supply store. But one trend remains universal when it comes to today’s wedding binder: It’s shrinking. Since the introduction of sharing sites like Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and a virtually endless selection of wedding-related smartphone apps, today’s bride is heading toward an increasingly paperless place. With just the touch of her finger, she can show the florist, stationer, wedding planner, or cake designer specifically what kind of aesthetic she’s looking to create on her special day. “The Pinterest app on my iPad helps to keep me very organized,” says Boston-based blogger and bride-to-be Angel Babbitt. “Although I still have a three-ring binder—it’s a small, half-inch binder just used to keep track of receipts—I rely on my Pinterest app to show friends, family, and vendors the vision of our wedding day when I’m on the go.” Angel, who is best known as the mind behind the popular wedding-planning blog, The Bridal BFF (thebridalbff.com), embraced wedding-based social media long before becoming engaged. “I started The Bridal BFF in 2009 as a budding entrepreneur starting my own wedding-planning business,” she says. “After a few years of
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wedding planning, I got engaged in May 2012 and will be getting married in October of this year. I love writing, so that is a reward in itself, and sharing my love for weddings, especially now as a future bride, helps me connect and relate to brides everywhere.” Angel uses social media platforms like Twitter—where she has close to 2,000 followers— to share blog posts featuring topics ranging from her newest bridal makeup finds to her favorite wedding dresses. She also turns to Twitter to engage in conversations with other brides, asking them questions and sharing wedding-related joys, gripes and industry trends. Newlywed Erin Wilson says Pinterest played a pivotal role in her wedding planning. “I started a Pinterest board almost immediately after I got engaged,” she says. She credits the
“With just the touch of her finger, a bride can show her vendors specifically what kind of aesthetic she’s looking to create on her special day.” popular sharing and organizing site with connecting her with vendors and helping her find useful planning blogs. “I even had a conversation with my mother during the whole planning process about how people found ideas and vendors before the Internet. Her response was, ‘Weddings didn’t look like this when I got married.’ It’s so true, though; I would look up the burlap and lace theme that I wanted to go with on Pinterest and there was an assortment of different ideas from centerpieces, to bouquets, guest books, and shower favors. I was in wedding heaven!” It was on Pinterest that Erin discovered a free app called “Wedding Party” (weddingpartyapp.com), which collects photos from your guests and puts them in one place for everyone to view. While it is by no means a replacement for a professional photographer, the app allows brides and grooms to see their wedding through the eyes of their guests. “I immediately knew this was something I wanted to have because our wedding was a weekend affair with a majority of our guests coming from out of town,” says Erin. “We had events continued on page 38 www.bridegroommag.com
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beginning on Thursday, and I wanted a way to capture all of the moments that the photographer wouldn’t be around for.” Once Erin downloaded the app and created a “wedding name,” she shared the access info with her guests online through social media, as well as on the wedding programs. “People loved it! We had so many guests posting pictures that the photographer didn’t capture
and different quotes throughout the night that myself or [my husband] Tim weren’t around to hear. It was awesome!” One of Erin’s favorite benefits was being able to see guests excitedly getting ready for the big day. “I loved that part. It was amazing to be waiting at the airport before leaving for our honeymoon and seeing that everyone had such an amazing time.”
The popularity of sharing sites has vastly changed the typical wedding vendor’s business model as well. Binita Patel, owner of Binita Patel Photography and Cinematography in Boston (binitapatelphotography. com) says that establishing a personal connection with her clients is crucial. Learning more about brides and grooms—their individual styles, tastes, and passions—plays an important role and yields extraordinary results. “Beyond my photography work, I love that Pinterest gives people another way to see how I visually connect to the world,” says Binita. She uses social media to promote her work and build her brand by sharing and connecting online. “Facebook in particular has played a vital role in how our photos, videos, and slideshows reach a massive audience. For example, when we release a real wedding on our own blog, we’ll be sure to share it consistently via Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, etc. Social media platforms have allowed us to take the sharing of images to a whole new level.” Event planner Stephanie Frazier Grimm, owner of the Newport, Rhode Island-based Couture Parties (coutureparties.com), says that Pinterest is an effective tool for clients who want to organize all of their ideas in one place. She started using the site two years ago and immediately found it exponentially easier to exchange ideas with couples than in the past when they would have to send images back and forth via e-mail, which would sometimes be too large to deliver or would crash the computer. Today, a single link to a bride’s Pinterest board gives Stephanie an instant, intimate view of her client’s wedding aesthetic. “My couples still want their wedding designs to be a surprise to their guests, so we create secret boards, create ‘fake’ accounts, and I still do it the old-fashioned way with design boards,” she explains. But Stephanie says that brides and grooms should also approach Pinterest with a degree of caution. “[It’s] great, but you have to be careful of all the ideas out there; it can start to become overwhelming, and we have to streamline. Besides, who wants to copy someone else’s exact wedding? Make it your own!” Andrea McHugh, a regular contributor to BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine, writes from Newport, RI.
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Wedding Contracts: Reading the Fine Print How to Stay Ahead of the Game When Booking Vendors for Your Big Day by Cindy Papish Gerber
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ongratulations! If you’re reading this, you’re probably already in the throes of planning your dream wedding. You’ve set the date and are in the first stages of interviewing vendors. But before you make deposits and sign on the dotted line, it’s important to learn what your contractual responsibilities really are.
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Pay Attention to Details “Particular attention should be paid to your cancellation rights; how long beforehand you can cancel without consequence, and your damage exposure if you cancel prior to the big day,” says Alan G. Schwartz, a partner in Wiggin and Dana Law firm in New Haven, Connecticut. “Make sure everything is precisely defined,” Schwartz stresses. While obtaining legal help to peruse most wedding contracts isn’t necessary, you should always make sure you understand what you are paying for, when it’s appropriate to negotiate, and why your deposit is probably nonrefundable. According to the online planning resource, Massachusetts Wedding Guide, “If the person/ persons you’ve chosen do not have a contract, consider finding another wedding professional. Not only will these contracts protect you and the vendor from any miscommunications and re- Attorney Alan Schwartz of Wiggin and Dana LLP sponsibilities, they should also list all the details that you’ve discussed.” Such details include contact information, dates and times, location, itemized and backup services, hourly rates, dress code (if applicable), specifications regarding goods (including size, quantity, amount, and color), delivery info, payment/deposit/refund amounts, and cancellation deadlines. When making payments, be sure to use a credit card in place of cash or checks. If a vendor doesn’t honor his or her contract obligations, “you will have your credit card company to turn to for help. If you pay in cash or check, the vendor has your money and you will have to file a claim against them.”
Don’t Be Shy Being prepared is your best defense. Take notes, ask lots of questions, and listen carefully. “Good communication is key. Do your homework and meet with several vendors in each service category,” advises Christopher Wakeen of Wakeen Photography in Grafton, Massachusetts. “Be sure you actually like the people you’ll be spending the day with. If we’re not getting a ‘good vibe’ from the prospective client, then we probably shouldn’t work together.” Wakeen, who has never encountered “a single issue with a wedding contract,” has heard tales of vendors who double-book jobs, are tardy, don’t return phone calls, or fail to complete orders on target. “Experienced professionals,” he maintains, “know how to walk the couple through every stage of their planning and keep them updated as the date draws near.” Steven Gray of Gray’s Limousine in Boylston, MA, insists on meeting prospective clients in person. “Don’t go by ads, use the telephone, or websites for transactions,” he cautions. “Whether at the bridal expo, or at our office, we invite couples to talk to us, see our cars, and go home and think about it.” According to Gray, this approach avoids “a bait and switch.”
Prepare for the Worst Lost or damaged goods, equipment failures, illness, and weather emergencies can unexpectedly derail your wedding plans, so staying informed of your vendors’ cancellation and refund policies can Chris Wakeen and Victoria Harding-Wakeen of Wakeen Photography
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keep you from losing money in a crisis situation. Similarly, vendors rely upon contracts to protect their bottom line. “We have to run a business,” offers Yvonne Caole, Sales and Marketing Manager at The Beechwood Hotel in Worcester, Massachusetts. “Couples should know that since we are reserving a date for them, we are withholding from booking additional events. We have a threemonth, two-month, and a single-month ‘before cancellation’ policy, outlining when all percentages are due. Anything before three months gives us time to rebook.”
“It isn’t uncommon,” shares Caole, “to work with couples who’ve had to deal with unforeseen situations, or have something pending.” In those instances, she recommends adding a clause to the contract. “Clauses can identify any number of issues, from military deployment, illness, or common things, like negotiating food and beverage minimums. But couples have to understand they cannot delay contract signings simply because their various wedding components haven’t been finalized.” When parents foot the wedding bills, they
Mauryn Kkira of Creative Wedding Solutions
“Experienced professionals know how to walk the couple through every stage of their planning and keep them updated as the date draws near.”
anzafotofilm.com
must be included in every step of the contract process. “Everything in our contract was clear, and we worked with a wonderful person who we had a great relationship with,” recalls Jodi Pollack, a Connecticut– based mother of the groom who worked hand-in-hand with her future in-laws to plan (what they hoped) would be a dream reception at a reputable venue adjacent to New York Harbor. “Months before the wedding,” she shares, “we informed the venue that we needed to cancel—due to the fact that the bride’s father was terminally ill.” Despite the sad turn of events, the managerial team was inflexible. More trouble ensued when Hurricane Sandy caused structural damage to (and temporarily closed) the facility. “They cut off all ties with those who had deposits on events,” says Pollack. Her advice to those considering indoor/ outdoor wedding venues is, “to look into what their coverage is, in case they have to cancel your event!”
Worcester, MA • 508-755-7744 perrosflowers.com ericaewingphotography.com
Like us on ericaewingphotography.com
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Get Help Striking a balance between planning your wedding and managing your life can be a difficult feat for any couple, so sometimes hiring a professional wedding planner is your best bet when trying to ensure that no detail is overlooked. An experienced wedding planner “will work as a mediator between you and your vendors, which helps immensely,” says Mauryn Kkira, Creative Director of Boston-based wedding planners, Creative Wedding Solutions. Planners know the inner workings of the wedding business, “speak the same language” as the vendors, and have a clear understanding of business contracts. “We help you navigate all the things you don’t know to look, expect, or plan for,” she counsels, “to uncover tiny details buried within the fine print.”
kristingriffinphotography.com
Sources Creative Wedding Solutions creativeweddingsolutions.com Gray’s Limousine grayslimo.com Massachusetts Wedding Guide MAWeddingGuide.com Wakeen Photography wakeenphotography.com
Cindy Papish Gerber is a regular contributor to BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine. She writes from Connecticut.
The Beechwood Hotel beechwoodhotel.com Wiggin and Dana LLP wiggin.com kristingriffinphotography.com
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The Maine Attraction Mother Nature Rolls Out the Green Carpet Under a Canopy of Blue Skies by Stacey Marcus
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Photo courtesy of Inn by the Sea
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aine: It’s about much more than just blueberries, log cabins, and moose tracks. We scoured the state and dis- covered five sparkling gems offering couples enchanting options to tie the knot in a state fragrant with fresh air and brimming with romantic spots to wed. Whether you want to get hitched in a timber-frame barn, exchange vows in a lovely garden, or trade hearts inside a gracious inn, you’ll discover a myriad of unique wedding venues in Maine.
Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield Creative couples, especially songbirds, will adore the Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield. When recording artist Carol Noonan got tired of being on the road eight years ago, she transformed an old barn into a performing arts center that offers many options for couples looking for a secluded and unique wedding venue. “There are no cookie-cutter weddings at Stone Mountain Arts Center,” says Hannah Babineau, Stone Mountain Arts Center’s Wedding Coordinator. “With two beautiful timber-frame barns, we have something for every couple.” That is, if you’re a couple that likes beautiful barns, the Maine countryside, and being surrounded by the echo of legendary musicians from every genre. Primarily a performing arts venue, Stone Mountain Arts Center hosts weddings year-round and strives to make the planning process as easy as possible with Photo courtesy Stone Mountain Arts Center affordable packages ranging from the DIY to the all-inclusive. An in-house wedding coordinator helps make the process all the more pleasant. “At the end of the day all we want to hear is, ‘I can’t believe how great that was’ and know that we helped to make that happen,” says Babineau. A unique feature of the venue is the green room, where brides and grooms can get ready for their big day like rock stars.
Photo courtesy White Barn Inn
Whether you want to get hitched in a timber-frame barn, exchange vows in a lovely garden, or trade hearts inside a gracious inn, you’ll discover a myriad of unique wedding venues in Maine. Black Point Inn, Prouts Neck Many people associate Prouts Neck with the great American painter, Winslow Homer, whose love of the sea was integral to his craft. Lucky couples who select Black Point Inn can celebrate the same Atlantic Ocean and their nuptials in a gorgeous and gracious inn. “Couples are attracted to the Black Point Inn because of the classic, old world feel of the property. They want their guests to experience the Maine coast the way it has been experienced for generations in a serene and stunning location,” says Landace Porta, Black Point Inn’s Sales and Events Manager. “The perfect complement to the location is the intimacy created for a wedding when they have taken over the whole property. Guests can enjoy the private beaches, bicycles, tennis, golf, cliff walk, dining in our restaurant, and simply being together. Hopefully what they remember when they leave is the way they felt while visiting us—relaxed and exceptionally cared for.” continued on page 46
The White Barn Inn, Kennebunkport The White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport is an ideal destination for couples who want an intimate and custom experience. Luxurious and charming, this Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond ranked inn is a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux. Renown for its personalized services and award-winning cuisine, The White Barn Inn has several stunning spots to say “I do,” and the intimate setting combined with cuisine by Chef Jonathan Cartwright make for an unforgettable wedding. “The garden, infinity pool, and rustic barn are all options for a beautiful backdrop on the couple’s big day,” says Inn Keeper Corinne Finn-Heyl. The inn’s Tuscan wine cellar is a great spot for pre- or post-reception celebrating.
emilydelamaterphotography.com
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The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Lincolnville The Inn at Ocean’s Edge and its breathtaking grounds are the perfect place to host a tranquil and private affair. Couples who get married at this lovely inn can have exclusive use of the property and all thirty-two rooms. Imagine the joy of having all of your guests under the roof of one exquisite inn, enjoying a bountiful breakfast and savoring all the wedding bliss. Oceanfront lawns are available for seaside ceremonies and tented receptions. “Your exclusive weekend wedding destination at The Inn at Ocean’s Edge offers a culminating experience in a tranquil atmosphere with breathtaking views,” says Heidi Burden, Event Coordinator.
emilieinc.com
Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth is a stylish and secluded slice of paradise where couples can unite. Whether you choose a space indoors overlooking the ocean, the outdoor terrace, or the lawn, you will launch your life in style and serenity at Inn by the Sea. “Getting married at the Inn by the Sea offers the bride and groom great ocean views, a sandy, unspoiled beach to relax on or to use for gorgeous photo ops, and the couples room at the SPA is a wonderful place to rejuvenate after the celebrations are over,” says Rauni Kew, P.R. and Green Programs Director at Inn by the Sea. “The new beach suites have indoor-outdoor fireplaces, furnished ocean view decks, and full kitchens…the perfect gathering place for the bridal party.” This petfriendly inn is a great place for couples who want to canoodle with their canines.
feliceboucher.com
feliceboucher.com
Stacey Marcus is a freelance writer based in Marblehead.
Let’s Go! Stone Mountain Arts Center stonemountainartscenter.com The White Barn Inn whitebarninn.com Black Point Inn blackpointinn.com Inn by the Sea innbythesea.com Inn at Ocean’s Edge innatoceansedge.com
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E
nvironmentally-conscious weddings have exploded over the last several years, and today almost half of couples use at least one “green” product or service at their wedding. What’s next? A broader definition of sustainability that considers the planet and people: The ethical wedding. Ethical weddings come in all shapes and sizes and add to the meaning and joy of your big day—for you and everyone involved. Curious about how to plan an ethical wedding? Think local and fair trade. If you aren’t totally sure what fair trade is (but know it means excellent coffee or chocolate) you’re not alone. Fair trade uses the power of commerce—your ability to vote with your dollars—to ensure safe, fair, and empowering work conditions and trade relationships for groups in developing countries. Fair trade strengthens social justice, economic development, and environmental protection. Here are plenty of tips on how to find great nearby and ethical vendors in the Northeast, as well as wherever “local” is for you.
MEphotostudio.com
michellegirard.com
Go Local, Go Fair
The Newest Trend in Weddings Goes Beyond “Green” by Marcelia Muehlke
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Dresses When I got engaged and called my mother, the first words out of her mouth were, “CongratulationsMarcieWhenIsTheDate?!” While my mother was focused on logistics, all I wanted to do was look at wedding dresses! So let’s start there. Most dresses are made from polluting petroleum-based polyester and are sewn overseas under questionable circumstances, but I’m happy to report that there are many beautiful, eco-friendly, and ethical options in your area, and even as close as your mobile device. Local: Look for a dress that was made in the United States at your local bridal shop. Some great American-made brands include Aria, Lela Rose, Vera Wang, Jim Hjelm, Alvina Valenta, Judd Waddell, Amsale, Kenneth Pool, Christos, chattmanphotography.com Tara Keely, Lazaro, Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, and Carolina Herrera. Want to stay even closer to home? Some bridal shops make custom dresses, or you can even ask around for a trusted seamstress in your area. You might be surprised by what you find with a simple Google maps search for “seamstress.” Want made in the USA and green? All Janay A Handmade wedding dresses are made by hand, to order, by the designer herself and her team their Kansas City studio. All of Janay’s gowns are made from certified organic fabrics and silk/hemp blends. Fair: As far as I can tell, the only company selling fair trade wedding dresses in the United States is Celia Grace. I started Celia Grace after my own experience as a bride. I wanted a more meaningful, handmade wedding dress than what was available, and I wanted to feel a connection with the women who made it. Each Celia Grace dress has a story behind it that is as beautiful as the dress itself, starting with exclusive, hand woven, heirloom eco-silk. Each dress is sewn by a women’s sewing group where seamstresses are paid living wages, receive benefits, and work in safe and healthy conditions.
Flowers Is there anything dreamier than flowers? Flowers on tables, flowers in your bouquet, flowers in your hair, or even on your cake. But wait! Flowers are often sprayed with toxic pesticides, grown under unsafe and unfair conditions, and then shipped halfway around the world. Fortunately, there are many great eco-friendly and ethical alternatives available. Local: Visit your local farmers market and work directly with a grower, or ask local florists if they can use local flowers for your wedding. Using local, in-season flowers is not only eco-friendly and ethical, it will also save you money. The Painted Tulip, a floral and event design business located in Waterbury, Vermont is a great option for the local and eco-minded bride. Fair: If you have your heart set on those exotic flowers (in addition to your betrothed, of course) or are having a winter wedding, consider using a company like One World Flowers, which offers environmentally sustainable flowers that are grown in a way that promotes social justice around the world. continued on page 50
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Food Ethical food is a real treat. Be it local or fair, ethical food is usually excellent because you’ll get the best and freshest ingredients cultivated by people who really love food. Why think about all those pesticides and unhappy farm workers (not to mention the carbon footprint those January strawberries leave behind) when there are so many enticing alternatives out there? Local: Visit your local farmer’s market, search for nearby restaurants that use local ingredients, or ask your caterer to use local, organic, or in-season produce for your reception. Getting married in the Boston area? Chive Sustainable Event Design & Catering offers personalized menus based on what is in season at local organic farms. They also offer flowers, rentals (very eco!), bar options, design, and much more.
Fair: Unless you live in Hawaii, there is no way to get locallygrown coffee in the United States, so why not serve delicious, feelgood coffee like Dean’s Beans Organic and Fair Trade Coffee at your reception? Organic means it is healthy for you and the families who grew it, and fair trade means the farmers were paid a fair wage. To top it all off, Dean’s Beans coffee is roasted in Massachusetts. You can also ask your local coffee roaster what fair trade coffees they offer and ask your caterer to use fair trade coffee and tea for your event.
At the Bar
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Local: Using a local brewery or winery for your wedding reception isn’t just smart; it’s fun, too! A local beer or wine adds local “flavor” to your event and will be bright, fresh, and organic. What is my favorite beer here in western New England, you ask? People’s Pint! Take a drive out to their Greenfield, Massachusetts restaurant to sample their delicious brews. Better yet, ride your bike and get a discount! Fair: Want to offer a truly unique cocktail? Try an ethical elixir made with Fair Spirits’ awardwinning quinoa-based vodka. You can also find several fair trade wine options at your local Whole Foods Market, or ask your venue if they can source a fair trade or organic option. Even if they can’t, you’ll get them thinking about it for the next couple that asks, so kudos to you!
Jewelry Local & Fair: As far as I know, “local gold” doesn’t really exist, and mining this precious metal is extremely polluting. It is best to stick with recycled gold or choose something else whenever possible. The United States is full of amazing local jewelry makers, so look and ask around to find out if they will repurpose your old family jewelry or use recycled metals and stones. There are also some great options for companies that specialize in recycled gold jewelry made in the USA, like Green Karat Jewelers, Barbara Michelle Jacobs, and Sulusso.
“Ethical weddings come in all shapes and sizes but add to the meaning and joy of your big day.”
Gifts & Decorations Local: There are tons of wonderful eco-friendly decoration and gift options that support your community and local artisans. Westborough Wicks offers beautiful, 100% handmade soy candles that come in a myriad of scents and colors. Each candle is hand-poured right in their Westborough, Massachusetts shop. Green America’s National Green Pages and Etsy Local are also great resources, as is your local Chamber of Commerce or a craft fair. Look for recycled, local, or organic content. Fair: Fair trade chocolate is a delicious way to end your big day. “Minis” from Equal Exchange and Divine Chocolate are delicious and budgetfriendly options. For gifts, visit Ten Thousand Villages, SERRV, and the Fair Trade Federation. My favorite option is the perfect combination of local, eco, and fair: Prosperity Candle chooses fair trade candle vessels, helps the local Massachusetts refugee population, and uses wax and wick options that are good for you and the planet.
Want to learn more? Visit In Tandem Fair Trade at intandemfairtrade.com, or The Green Bride Guide at greenbrideguide.com. Marcie Muehlke is the owner of Celia Grace eco and fair wedding dresses and accessories, and is an ethical, eco, local, fair trade, and wedding enthusiast.
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leslieboudreau.com
Fall Fantasies
Autumn in New England is a truly unique
experience, and those of us lucky enough to live here know that it’s probably the busiest, most beautiful, and most fun time of year there is! It’s no wonder, then, that September and October rank high on the list of most popular months in which to get married. Between the warm breezes, breathtaking foliage, and golden sunsets, there’s nothing quite as festive—or romantic—as a fall wedding.
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Bryan’s
“Most weddings don’t have the high levels of security, privacy, and sought-after press as celebrity weddings do. But all weddings have thoughtful planning, important guests, and two “stars.”
Bliss
Celebrity Planner Bryan Rafanelli Shares His Secrets for How to Wed in Style
I
Bryan Rafanelli
by Stacey Marcus
mattteuten.com
s it your secret wish to have a dream wedding like one of the A-Listers you see splashed on national magazine covers? If the answer is “yes,” then keep reading! We asked Bryan Rafanelli, president and CEO of Rafanelli Events, to share some inside trends and tips with Bride & Groom™ readers. Rafanelli works handin-hand with his clients to transform their visions into unforgettable experiences. Known best for his customized approach to every project, Rafanelli marries a unique and exquisite sense of style with careful attention to detail to ensure each event is truly exceptional. With more than twenty years of experience, Rafanelli’s name has become synonymous with perfection, making him the go-to event planner for many of the nation’s most exclusive and high-profile events. Notably, Rafanelli and his team lead the concept, design, and strategic planning for the “wedding of the decade,” as former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton wed Marc Mezvinsky in 2010. Rafanelli’s expertise also includes private events, corporate functions, and nonprofit fundraisers for high-profile clients such as President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Arianna Huffington, the Boston Red Sox, Louis Vuitton, Dana-Farber, and Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, to name a few. Here is his exclusive interview with Bride & Groom™:
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B&G: Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and how you got into the eventsplanning business?
Bryan Rafanelli: I grew up in a large Italian family, and my mother was always finding reasons to throw parties for the people she loved. Somehow the sense of community and of bringing people together to have “a good time just for good time’s sake” has always been inside of me. I launched Rafanelli Events in 1996 as a three-person operation executing a half-dozen events per year. Over the past seventeen years, we’ve evolved into a full-service event design, strategy, planning, and production company. Rafanelli Events now orchestrates more than 100 events annually in venues around the world and has offices in Boston, New York City, Washington, DC, and Palm Beach.
B&G: Where do you find inspiration for weddings?
BR: Weddings are very personal and romantic; a real reflection of two people and their style as a couple. Our very first inspiration comes from listening to, respecting, understanding, and complementing the couple’s unique ideas, personality, and tastes. We present ideas to the family that reflect who they are. We often state that there are no real rules in the ceremony anymore, unless you are strictly observing your religion. Spoken word, pop music, and brass bands are all unique and unconventional ways of telling the story of your union. For example, telling the story of your love or your parents’ or grandparents’ union at your ceremony gives the guests a sense of history and commitment.
We also are seeing many ceremonies where friends or relatives officiate. It’s another way couples are making their wedding more personal.
B&G: What are some of your fa-
B&G: What are some current trends in
vorite timeless trends?
weddings?
BR: The most timeless is when the
BR: Privacy is the order of the day. None
bride walks down the aisle and reveals herself to the congregation for the first time. It never gets old. We also love old classics made in a new way—classic cars, classic drinks like Tom Collins or Manhattans, geometric containers for floral, the use of surprising materials in the design. These all give a timeless feel that reflects the couple’s personal style.
of our clients—whether they are perceived as celebrities or not—proclaim every detail of their wedding to the world before the big day. We all deserve to surprise and delight our guests whenever we choose to reveal those surprises. Non-floral elements for décor are coming out in a big way. Something I like are paper heart boutonnieres for the men as well as other non-floral flowers—ceramic, paper, wood, and leather.
B&G: How can our readers emulate the feel of a celebrity wedding?
BR: Customization. Create anything custom, from a logo to table linens. It makes for a one-of-a-kind wedding. Most weddings don’t have the high levels of security, privacy, and sought-after press as celebrity weddings do. But all weddings have thoughtful planning, important guests, and two “stars.”
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Bryan’s Tips for Planning an Urban Wedding 1. Connect guests to the city and to your event by having personalized maps distributed upon hotel check-in. 2. Use technology; from an e-blast save-the-date revealing the city skyline, to custom animation on the marquee at the wedding venue, to celebratory messages on the ticker at the ballpark, where guests are treated to a game. 3. A strong transportation plan is essential to move your guests from place to place!
4. Incorporate an urban tone into the reception design through stationery, lighting, floral, and/or other specialty décor.
5. Enlist a trusted local to recommend special treats to include in the welcome bags, such as the most flavorful macaroons in town or the most decadent truffles from the best chocolatier. 6. For those traveling from out of town, include a range of lodging options organized by price as well as by proximity to the train station and airport.
7. Take advantage of local entertainment. Whether that means researching a local finalist from “The Voice” to perform at the reception, or a touring cover band to play at the after party!
8. Build in downtime for the wedding couple and their guests. Don’t let the often hectic urban pace drag you along with it (unless you want it to!). 9. Kick off the wedding weekend by taking your out-of-town guests to a sports game, food festival, or museum tour to get a feel for the city’s culture. 10. Let your guests and wedding party express themselves in their “city best.” Don’t confine them to a specific color scheme or formal “attire.” To find out more about Bryan Rafanelli and Rafanelli Events, visit rafanellievents.com. Stacey Marcus is a freelance writer based in Marblehead.
“Come see what’s new at The Manor”
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Award winning photographer with more than 14 years of experience. Specializing in both traditional and photojournalistic styles, capturing stunning, one-of-a-kind moments.
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Crystal Lake Golf Club by Taryn Plumb
I
magine a grand entrance before your assembled guests in a whitewall-tired car, horse-drawn carriage, or even a pontoon boat; then a ceremony against the stunningly blue backdrop of a sparkling lake. This is the charm of Crystal Lake Golf Club, a full-service wedding venue in Burriville, Rhode Island. “It’s a country setting with very scenic views of the lake,” says wedding coordinator Tracy Hill. “It’s a beautiful place to get married.” 60 Fall 2013
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The 23,000-square-foot facility, which opened in May 2004, can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers several graceful settings for your ceremony, reception, and other pre- and post-wedding festivities. Ceremonies are typically held beneath a gazebo surrounded by wooden benches and overlooking the 70-acre Crystal Lake. The patio of the Waterfront Room—with its sweeping views of the lake below—is another popular spot to say, “I do.” Guests begin their post-ceremony celebrations in a newly constructed cocktail room with a bar, vaulted ceilings, wood-paneled walls, and high-top tables, followed by dinner and dancing in the Waterfront Room. A handcrafted bar, detailed woodworking, cathedral ceilings, and a central dance floor make guests feel warm and welcomed. “You almost feel like you’re inside somebody’s house,” says Hill. Naturally, the lakefront setting of the Crystal Lake Golf Club provides numerous backdrops for great photos. Photographers can capture your wedded bliss in waterside nooks, out on the dock or the patio, in front of or inside the antique cars or pontoon boat, and out on the pristine green. In certain cases, Hill says, couples can have limited use of a golf cart to go out on the course and “get that special picture.” Crystal Lake offers an assortment of mouth-watering hot and cold hors d’oeuvres for cocktail hour, including gourmet cheese or fresh fruit presentations, scallops wrapped in bacon, and baked goat cheese and raspberry tarts. These delicious morsels range in price from $1.50 to $3 per person. For the reception, couples can choose between a three-course banquet menu and a buffet menu. At $30.95 per person, the buffet includes numerous salads, vegetable, potato, and starch sides, and entrée choices such as roast sliced turkey and grilled Atlantic salmon with citrus salsa. The banquet offerings range from $26.95 to $36.95 per person and include delectable plates like surf and turf and chicken Florentine with a mushroom cream sauce. The club is best known for its prime rib, which Hill says is “quite popular” with weddings, while the baked stuffed haddock is “simply delicious.”
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Ceremony fees are $450, with antique car and pontoon rentals available for an additional $200, and reception blocks range from $500 to $950. Use of the cocktail room can be purchased at a rate of $200 per hour. All fees include an on-site coordinator; hors d’oeuvres for the bridal party during photos; use of a private bridal suite; table linens and choice of colored napkins; use of china, stemware, and silverware; a greeter; cake cutting and serving; a champagne toast for the head table; and a round of golf for the couple. In addition to their sixty-five weddings per year, Crystal Lake also welcomes bridal showers, baby showers, and rehearsal dinners. “It’s never to early to call and book that special event,” says Hill. Overall, couples, their families, and guests who experience a wedding at Crystal Lake “love the customer service,” says Hill. “My staff is awesome—they are accommodating and go above and beyond to make things comfortable and be accommodating.” Because she spends so much time with brides—from the very first tasting to the last moments of the reception—Hill happily admits “a lot of them become my friends.” And along with the gorgeous setting and upstanding service, Crystal Lake is an affordable choice. “We’re priced very reasonably for what you get; what you get is great service and it’s not going to break the bank.” Taryn Plumb is a regular contributor to BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine. She writes from Worcester, MA.
For more information Crystal Lake Golf Club 100 Broncos Highway Burriville, RI (401) 567-4500 ext. 14 crystallakegolfclub.com
Photography: Crystal Lake Golf Club
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Publick House Historic Inn by Taryn Plumb
S
tep back to the eighteenth century, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by Yankee hospitality, the aroma of freshly baked bread, charming post-andbeam ceilings, old-fashioned fireplaces, and good times with friends and family. That’s where you’ll find the Publick House Historic Inn, tucked in a quiet corner of Sturbridge, Massachusetts. “It has a true New England feel,” says Catherine O’Brien, director of catering. 66 Fall 2013
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From a picturesque meadow to a historic barn (complete with stables), the Publick House offers a variety of settings where brides- and grooms-to-be can say, “I do.” The Garden and Hillside Gazebos—surrounded by hanging pots and whiskey barrels bubbling over with fragrant flowers and greens—lend themselves beautifully to traditional garden-style ceremonies. Or, couples can exchange vows beneath a picturesque oak tree that presides over the Meadow. Couples seeking an indoor ceremony have a number of private rooms to choose from, including Paige Hall and the Historic Barn. The Publick House offers two historic settings in which couples can celebrate their nuptials. Set with wrought-iron café tables and surrounded by lush bushes and colorful gardens, the Little Red Barn and brick patio offer an intimate outdoor location for cocktails. From there, guests are invited to dine and dance under the magnificent Garden Tent—the quintessential site for a true garden wedding. “Accessories can be added to upgrade and enhance the neutral backdrop of the Garden Tent to create the wedding of your dreams,” O’Brien notes. Couples who opt for an indoor celebration can do so in the Historic Barn, where an enticing display of hors d’oeuvres are set out on an antique wagon cart. Cocktail hour is followed by dinner and dancing in the adjoining Paige Hall where guests are welcomed by abundant antiques, and post-and-beam ceilings. Couples have several wedding packages to choose from at the Publick House, which range from $35 to $68 per person and are eligible for a variety of upgrade options. The new Wonderful Winter Wedding package allows couples to book their wedding at a rate of $28 per person in January, February, and March. Even better, winter weddings booked by January 31, 2014 will be placed in a lottery drawing to win their package for free. Menus include such entrées as baked-stuffed chicken breast with spinach, goat cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes; roasted pork loin with pan gravy and spiced apples; and pan-seared salmon with citrus thyme beurre blanc. The tried-andtrue favorites, O’Brien notes, are the prime rib and the Thanksgiving-style roasted turkey accompanied by cornbread, sausage stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. No meal is complete without the Publick House’s famed pecan sweet rolls, which diners travel far and wide to savor. continued on page 68
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Ultimately, the Publick House makes the perfect weekend retreat for a destination wedding. A one-stop venue, this historic inn includes seventeen rooms, ninety-two in its country lodge, and six suites at its Chamberlain House. While the inn exudes Revolutionary-era charm, each room is modernized with twenty-first-century conveniences, including private baths, air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, and free wireless Internet. Guests will also enjoy two charming restaurants: the Tap Room, with its original wide plank floors and open-hearth stone
fireplace; and Ebenezer’s Tavern, with its oversized wingback chairs and vintage brass beer taps. The Bake Shoppe will entice your guests with its irresistible home-baked pies. And, as O’Brien notes, because it’s just off Route 84 and the Massachusetts Turnpike, the Publick House is merely minutes—not to mention centuries—from points north, east, south, and west. All told, it’s “very warm, welcoming, professional, and the food is always great,” says O’Brien. “From your very first wedding inquiry to last call at your private wedding bar,
the Publick House Historic Inn will provide outstanding professional service to guide you through every detail of wedding planning . . . We all just love what we do and truly care about each and every couple who shares their special day with us!” Taryn Plumb is a regular contributor to BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine. She writes from Worcester, MA.
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For more information The Publick House Historic Inn 277 Main St. (Route 131) Sturbridge, MA (508) 347-7323 ext. 286 sales@publickhouse.com publickhouse.com
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featured facility
Val’s Restaurant & Events Venue
Photography courtesy of leslieboudreau.com
V
al’s Restaurant and Lounge has been a landmark on the Central Massachusetts dining scene for more than 23 years, but its recently built function area has transformed it from local eatery to wedding hot spot.
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Val’s can now host your affair from start to finish; from the engagement party to bridal shower, to the rehearsal dinner and wedding, to the next-day brunch, Val’s is there every step of the way. Namesake and owner, Valerie “Val” James is well known in Holden for her bubbly personality and hard work ethic, so it’s no surprise that she decided to expand her already booming business. “I listen to what my customers want and I knew there was such high demand for a larger space to host their special events,” says Val. “I knew I had to expand and offer something unlike what’s around.” On May 1, 2013, Val unveiled a total overhaul of the previous function room, resulting in a space more than three times the size of the original, which includes a grand function room, a stunning lounge with cathedral ceilings and a stone wall water feature, and a Victorian-themed bridal suite. Val’s daughter, Joanna James Moschos helped with the design and says that it was inspired by venues in New York City, where Joanna resides. “Although we wanted to stay true to the beautiful New England setting, we wanted to create an authentic experience that made you feel you were somewhere beyond a small town,” Joanna explains. It became clear that they had achieved their goal when visitors
to the new space asked, “Are we still in Holden?” Ceremonies at Val’s can be held before a fourteen-foot stone fireplace, or in the lounge near a water feature adorned with glowing candles. With an emphasis on natural textures—dark wood floors and chandeliers, leather sofas, and decorative stone fixtures—the lounge exudes warmth and comfort. Once moving into the main room for the reception, guests will immediately notice the high, large windows flanked by birch and oak trees outside. Val spared no expense in creating an elegant ambience in this room, as evidenced by its high ceilings, mahogany crown molding, custom drapery, and French chandeliers. Using her experience in catering, and as an off-site wedding planner, Val considers every detail when working with engaged couples, making sure that each wedding— whether an intimate affair for thirty, or a large event for 200—is a magical experience. “We customize wedding packages and menus based on budgets, needs, and wants,” says Val. “We offer economical packages to something more complete, from A to Z.” In keeping with the family business, Val’s son, Christos James is the Chef de continued on page 72
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“When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.” -William Shakespeare
Cuisine at Val’s. Utilizing his work experience from high-end restaurants in Nantucket and Boston, and training from the Culinary Institute of America, Christos creates an array of delectable dishes, including such favorites as surf and turf with filet mignon and jumbo baked stuff shrimp, and a baked seafood platter of stuffed sole and succulent scallops with a lemon beurre blanc sauce. Couples can choose from butler-passed hors d’oeuvres or carving stations, and either paulbobkowski.com
plated or buffet meals. Val emphasizes that regardless of the size
Beautiful floral designs
or occasion, “We really make sure that every event receives personal attention to detail; delicious, creative cuisine; and exceptional service, ensuring you have the most memorable experience.”
For more information Val’s Restaurant
340 Main Street, Oxford, MA 01540 508-987-2550 Better Business Bureau
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75 Reservoir Street Holden, MA (508) 829-0900 (main dining room) (508) 733-2850 (functions) valsrestaurant.com
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Family Feuds How to Minimize Conflict During Wedding Planning by Jamie Santa Cruz
I
n theory, a wedding is a happy event for families. But in practice, if family desires for your wedding don’t mesh with your own vision, it’s a recipe for strife. Fortunately, if you’re aware of tension triggers and make use of smart conflict management strategies, you can pull off the wedding of your dreams—and keep everyone happy in the process.
Conflict Triggers So what are the common points of tension? The guest list is a biggie, says Alexis Eliopoulos O’Mara, a Boston-based wedding planner and owner of Unique Weddings by Alexis. What often happens is that one set of parents wants to invite a disproportionate number of guests. “It can be excessive on one side or the other,” says O’Mara. Balancing the guest list is a trick even if you’re paying for your wedding yourself, but it can be particularly sticky if parents are chipping in, warns Jody Eyre, a Rhode Island licensed marriage and family therapist. Parents may “feel like they get the right to fill up all the tables with their friends,” says Eyre. “Sometimes that’s at the expense of the bride and groom and their people.” Often, couples actually want to include their parents in the plans, but they can wind up feeling unexpected pressure when they try to do so. Many of the brides O’Mara works with invite their moms
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along to help them choose bridesmaids’ dresses, wedding colors, table décor, lighting, the reception menu, and the like. “Sometimes it’s fantastic,” says O’Mara, “but a lot of times mom is pushing her preferences and style.” If the bride has a strong opinion and her mom really wants something different, “then they’re butting heads about it.” With all the potential for conflict, it might seem impossible to get everyone happily on the same page, but with a little diplomacy, it’s actually achievable. Here are three expert tips on how to pull it off:
1. Discuss Expectations Up Front In many cases, says O’Mara, conflicts arise not so much because there is a real disagreement or because parents are unwilling to work with the couples’ wishes, but rather because of lack of communication. The solution? Get talking. O’Mara recommends that couples first decide between themselves what roles they envision for their families, then communicate their wishes to their parents. “Give them guidelines,” she says. If parents are contributing financially to the wedding, clarifying expectations is all the more important. Before couples accept financial gifts from parents, Eyre suggests that they host some conversations about what the gift means. Will the bride and groom be free
to plan the wedding as they wish, or does the money come with expectations attached? As you discuss expectations, remember: tone matters. “In a lot of family relationships, the success of it is in the presentation,” says Eyre. “There’s a nice way to say things, and then there’s a way that’s really off-putting.” So measure your tone, and fine-tune your wording to increase your chances of smooth communication.
2. Incorporate Parents into the Planning Process
3. Call on a Mediator If you’re not able to manage conflicts alone, you can always bring in a third party. O’Mara says that many brides come to her because they’re seeking a referee, and O’Mara is able to help them orchestrate compromises with their families. If you’re working with a wedding planner, go ahead and ask for help.
Images courtesy of Leslie Boudreau Photography - www.leslieboudreau.com
One strategy O’Mara recommends is to bring parents into the planning process in ways that you feel comfortable. That could mean inviting the moms to go dress shopping, or simply presenting two florist options and then asking for parents’ input on the decision. If you don’t feel comfortable involving parents in the planning, you can at least let them know what’s going on by having a family dinner once a month or by sending regular e-mail updates. “If you let them know what’s in progress and what’s already happened,” explains O’Mara, “they’re sort of in the loop.”
The best time to head off problems, though, is before they ever come up, and for that reason, Eyre recommends seeking out premarital counseling before you even start planning the wedding. A good counselor can help couples identify problems in advance and offer solutions. “Forewarned is forearmed,” says Eyre. “What you don’t want to do is wait until it happens and tensions are high and then try to problem-solve.” Of course, planning for happy relationships requires some legwork, but the payoff—being free to enjoy the festivities in harmony with both families—makes it worth the effort. Jamie Santa Cruz is a freelance writer based in New York City.
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Handle the Stress with Finesse 9 Ways to Stay Calm During the Wedding Planning Process
L
by Kate Tribbett
et’s face it, planning a wedding can be really stressful. The pressure that comes with orchestrating one of the biggest events of your life is enough to rattle even the steeliest nerves. Here are a few tips to help you face it all:
1. Celebrate stress. Buy yourself a special treat—a funky piece of jewelry, some indulgent chocolate, or a great bottle of champagne. Wrap it up beautifully, give it to your fiancé, and tell him to hold onto it until the first time planning your wedding makes you cry. It will happen. Maybe it will be a mistake in the invitation, or a vendor who throws a wrench in your plans, or your crazy aunt who calls to tell you that you’re ruining her life. At least while you’re getting mad, you’ll know that a present is waiting for you after you hang up the phone. Celebrate the crying! It shows that your wedding is important to you.
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2.
Quiz show. Play wedding-etiquette quiz show with your fiancé. There are a million “rules” about weddings, and no matter what you do, someone will tell you that you’re doing it wrong. So Google “wedding etiquette” and see which one of you can come up with the most ridiculous rule. Play for drinks, candy, or kisses. And then forget all the “rules” and plan the wedding you want.
Holiday Inn Boxborough
3.
Ugh it up. Try on a hideous dress—for you, for your bridesmaids, for your mom—and take a picture. Then when one of them objects to your choice of gown you can show her that it could be worse. Way worse.
4.
Stick it. Despite all the pomp and circumstance, your wedding is about more than just cake. (Although, who needs more than cake?) You are in love and you found “the one.” Sit down with your fiancé and write out little love notes. Stick them on the wedding planning magazines, on the piles of paperwork, or inside the fridge. Just a few loving or funny words can help lift spirits and put even the worst day in perspective.
5.
Click it. Take a picture of all the things that go wrong. It may not seem funny now, but believe it or not, one day you’ll look back at those pictures and realize that you forgot all about the “problems” and only remember the best parts.
In Boxborough lies a unique location for your extraordinary Wedding. You will be captivated by lush greenery and cascading waterfalls in our Atrium Courtyard, or you could choose our beautiful Grand Ballroom with adjacent Terrace Bar. Specializing in custom menus and flexible wedding packages, the Holiday Inn Boxborough will meet your every need!
continued on page 78
(978) 889-1715 www.boxboroughweddings.com 242 Adams Place, Boxborough, MA
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6.
Talk it out. If you were about to drive from Maine to Alaska, you would take your car in for a tune-up before you hit the road, right? Now is the time to take a look under the “hood” of your relationship. Sit down together (include a therapist or clergy member if that will help) and talk about how you want to work, love, and fight together, not just during the wedding planning, but for the rest of your lives.
7.
Walk it off. When you feel the tension building, remember the healing power of exercise. Don’t worry if you’re not in marathon training mode, just go for a walk, play some mini golf, or catch a game of kickball. Just take some time to move around and have fun.
8.
Stop. Sometimes you hit the point where you just can’t take it anymore. Develop a “safe word” (“pineapple,” “flugelhorn,” anything) and tell your mom, best friend, and fiancé. When you hit the point where you can no longer remain calm, just say that safe word to signal that you are done talking about wedding plans for the day. Once you have time to relax, you can revisit the topic of favors, or the playlist, or whether or not to invite Great Aunt Lulu.
9.
Sleep tight. Don’t talk about the wedding plans before falling asleep—it’s just a recipe for insomnia. Instead, discuss what you’ll do when you win the lottery, or which one of you is more likely to work for the CIA, or how you would survive a zombie apocalypse. Fall asleep laughing. When you wake up, you’ll be ready to take on the world together. Kate Tribbett is a freelance writer based in Denver, Colorado.
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Bridal Merchants
Lodge
Restaurant & Pub
Advertise in
BRIDE&GROOM™
Newly renovated Sky room featuring beautiful views overlooking Webster Lake. Prime 2013 & 14 dates available. Call today to schedule a private tour.
148 Gore Road (Route 16) • Webster, MA 01570 • 508-949-0000 • Restaurantlodge.com
Winter 2014 Street date: January 1, 2014 Advertising deadline: November 1, 2013 bridegroommag.com
508-770-0092 www.bridegroommag.com
BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 79
Editor’s Picks FALL 2013
1. 2.
1. BHLDN Golden Delicious Clutch
3.
You’ll want to take a bite out of this adorable (and classy!) satin-wrapped clutch. The perfect accessory for a fall-themed wedding, this handmade cutie is embellished with Swarovski crystals and is the perfect size for all your wedding-day essentials. $220. bhldn.com.
2. Miracle Skin Transformer Tinted Sculpting Balm This makeup stick may look ordinary, but it’s definitely not. Perfect for lips, cheeks and eyes, this little powerhouse is velvety-smooth and glides on to help re-shape, plump, and sooth skin on your big day. Available in fresh rose and coral bronze. $26. miracleskintransformer.com.
3. Lisa Leonard “Hitched” Cake Topper You just got hitched and you want to let everyone know! Why not spell it out on your dessert? These fun and unique letters are hand-molded and cast in fine pewter. Display them on cake, pie, cupcakes, or even doughnuts! Each letter measures approximately 3/4” in diameter and 4” in height. $49. lisaleonardonline.com.
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4. Lavish by Tricia Milanese Statement Bridal Necklaces It’s your wedding—make a statement! The new Lavish collection of necklaces by Tricia Milanese are the perfect way to take any bride or bridesmaid’s look to the next level. From bold and colorful to ornate and elegant, you’ll find just the right style to bring out your natural beauty. $348. lavishjewelry.us.
5. bareMinerals Faux Tan Body Look like you’ve spent a day at the beach without exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. bareMinerals Faux Tan Body instantly delivers an all-over bronze glow that develops into a golden, natural-looking tan. Formulated without parabens and artificial oils, the aloe vera and vegetable-derived emollients in this sunless tanner provide hydration so skin feels soft and smooth. $26. bareescentuals.com.
4.
5.
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Inspiration Round - Up Planning ideas and advice from this issue.
“Non-floral elements for décor are coming out in a big way. Something I like are paper heart boutonnieres for the men as well as other non-floral flowers—ceramic, paper, wood, and leather.” Celebrity wedding planner Bryan Rafanelli, pg. 56 genevievedemanio.com
“Keep lighting soft: amber hues can be warm and inviting (which is the essence of fall, after all).” Pg. 32
maweddingphotographers.com
personkillan.com
Feeling inspired? Write down your ideas here!
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“Take time away from everyone, just the two of you, even if it’s only five minutes away to reflect on the day.” Pg. 20
shannongrantphotography.com
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BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 83
Oahu: Waikiki
and Beyond
M
Peace, Luxury, and Adventure on Hawaii’s Most Popular Island
JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa
by Geri Bain
ost people are familiar with Waikiki’s lovely, two-mile swath of broad beach, glamorous hotels, beach bars, and exotic shopping and dining district. But Waikiki is just one of the many reasons to come to Hawaii’s diverse island of Oahu. A short drive from the heart of the action will bring you to places where you can kayak through crystal clear waters, come face-to-face with sea turtles, and explore trails that wind through breathtaking and idyllic rain forest.
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Here’s a look at some of the most romantic activities and hotels Oahu has to offer.
In the Heart of the Action It’s easy to surf, swim and stroll the legendary powder-soft sands of Waikiki Beach by day, then dine on celebrity-chef cuisine and catch a live show in the evening. Want to try stand-up paddling? You’ll quickly find your balance in the calm lagoon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Just offshore, uncrowded, reef-protected waters make this a great spot to learn to surf. Windsurfers are attracted to the area by Fort DeRussy Beach Park, and a freshwater-fed channel in front of the Halekulani Hotel draws in visitors with its fabled healing powers. For a romantic evening excursion, paddle out on an outrigger canoe to watch the sunset, or join the sunset party on the catamaran Na Hoku II, which moors in front of the Moana Surfrider resort and spa. If you don’t get too distracted by the dancing, you may spot turtles, dolphins, and, in season, humpback whales.
Chic Kahala The tranquil palm-tree lined beach of the Kahala area is just minutes from Waikiki but a world apart. The place to stay here is the sumptuous Kahala Hotel & Resort. Its reef-sheltered shore is a great place for swimming, stand-up paddling, and kayaking, and the property’s manmade lagoons are home to playful resident dolphins. The hotel’s beachside restaurant offers scrumptious casual dining, and the decadent Sunday brunch at Hoku’s is a favorite spot for locals and guests alike. Continuing north and east is a wild section of coast where wavelashed cliffs form dramatic coves. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, a volcanic crater filled with colorful coral, is a must for snorkelers. Beyond here, lush mountains back the stunning white sand beaches of the Windward Coast. Golfers looking for a challenge rave about the Ko`olau Golf Club, where the course cuts through the rain-forested slopes of towering mountains dripping with waterfalls and other tropical flowers.
continued on page 86
Staying in Style Most honeymooners stay at one of Waikiki’s luxurious hotels, where balconied rooms look out on the storied beach, spas offer pampering couples massages, and world-class chefs serve farm-to-table cuisine in sumptuous seaside settings. Great choices include the posh Halekulani Hotel—its name is Hawaiian for “house befitting heaven.” Here, sundown is celebrated with lovely hula dancing in its iconic gathering spot, House Without a Key. Other romantic choices include the grand Moana Surfrider, with its breezy rocking-chair lined verandah, delightful Banyan Court dining and rich art collection; and The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, nicknamed the “Pink Palace” for its pastel-washed Moorish exterior. For couples who want to experience the beauty of Oahu for a smaller price tag, options include Outrigger Reef on the Beach in the heart of Waikiki, and Aqua Lotus Honolulu, a short walk from the beach and across from Kapiolani Park. Rooms here come with free bike rentals and an evening wine mixer.
Kahala Hotel & Resort
JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa
Turtle Bay Resort
Turtle Bay Resort
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The Pristine North Shore You may feel like you’ve flown to another island when you reach the North Shore. The only major hotel in the area, the Turtle Bay Resort, boasts twelve miles of untrammeled wooded and beachside trails that follow the coast, begging to be explored. Hike or bike on your own, or join a guided horseback or Segway tour. You’ll see miles of untouched beaches, as well as a World War II airfield, and an awe-inspiring banyan tree that you may recognize from scenes in Pirates of the Caribbean and Lost. Golfers have two championship courses to choose from: the challenging links-style Palmer Course or the less-demanding Fazio Course. Spa-goers can be pampered at the new Nalu Kinetic Spa, where options include a wave-therapy massage on a gently rocking table.
Friendly Sea Creatures & Great Golf Separated from Waikiki by the Waianae Mountain Range, the semiarid leeward side of Oahu offers some unusual experiences. For starters, while dining on seafood at the Naupaka Terrace at the coolly elegant JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina Resort & Spa, you might see hammerhead sharks in the lagoon below doing the same. And after an eagle ray
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eats from your hand and rubs against your leg at the hotel’s Reef and Ray Experience, you’ll see why ray trainer, Jessica calls them “puppies without fur.” Disney fans will love Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, right next door. Here, Disney imagineers worked with cultural experts to weave local lore and artifacts into an authentic Hawaiian experience. The two resorts, along with villas and condos, are part of the Ko Olina Resort, and are across the street from the acclaimed Ko Olina Golf Club.
Adventures Abound Oahu is filled with opportunities for adventure, both peaceful and extreme. Lovely and unusual hikes range from a fifteen-minute walk to panoramic views on the Kaiwa Ridge Trail to spectacular rain-forest climbs like the Manoa Valley trail. Guided tours offered by Hiking Hawaii provide the opportunity to learn about the island’s unique flora and fauna. The Go Oahu Card offers great value to sightseeing couples. It includes tickets for the Waikiki Trolley, with several hop-on, hop-off guided routes, plus admission to many museums, attractions, and activities. It’s also fun to rent a car and beach-hop around the island, but take your cue from locals and be wary of jumping in unless there’s a lifeguard and a green flag on
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site. For the ultimate thrill, consider a glider plane ride with Original Glider Rides at Dillingham Airfield. Some couples combine a few days in Waikiki with some time in a quieter section of the island, but you don’t have to change hotels to experience it all—no part of the island is more than a few hours from Waikiki. No matter where you go, you’ll enjoy the spirit of Aloha; an authentic warmth that you’ll sense throughout the island. For more information, go to visit-oahu.com. Geri Bain is a freelance writer based in New Jersey.
Turtle Bay Resort
Kahala Hotel & Resort
Love and Luxury in Cancún imagemakersphotoart.com
A First-Class Honeymoon in One of Mexico’s Most Popular Destinations
W
by Cindy Papish Gerber
ith miles of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, exclusive resorts, world-class dining, exciting nightlife, beautiful natural wonders, and intriguing archaeological sites, Cancún is the ideal location for couples looking for a dreamy honeymoon. “Cancún is the perfect honeymoon destination,” says Stephen Tiger, co-founder and Editor of WedAlert.com, a weddingplanning website that offers free advice and resources to engaged couples.
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“This remarkable barrier island offers numerous options for scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, Jet Skiing, fishing, waterskiing and, wakeboarding.” Better yet, says Tiger, “many of these activities are available through luxury beachfront resorts.”
Lap of Luxury There are more than 26,000 hotel rooms within Cancún’s seventeenmile stretch of beach, known as the “hotel zone.” An experienced travel agent can steer you towards finding the perfect accommodations. “Cancún is so easy to get around; a safe, easy destination,” says Tammy Cullen of Foxy Travel, Inc. in Linwood, Massachusetts. For the most hassle-free honeymoon possible, Cullen recommends staying at an adults-only, all-inclusive resort. That way, Cullen says, “couples don’t have to worry about where to go, what to eat, and what to do.” One of her top picks is Secrets The Vine; a brand-new, contemporary wine-inspired resort. Entering the open lobby, with its roaring fireplace, impressive wine wall, and welcoming seating areas, “guests are immediately immersed in our Unlimited-Luxury® experience,” says Secrets The Vine Sales Manager, Ana Rueda. “We are committed to exceeding expectations and include every possible amenity.” Perks include complimentary wireless internet, a stunning 12,580 square-foot spa and fitness center, gourmet dining at seven restaurants, day and night activities, and, “of course, twice daily wine tastings,” Rueda adds. The rooms, which blend sleek finishes with Mayan design influences, have balconies with views of both the Caribbean Ocean and Laguna Nichupté. Couples who purchase a Preferred Club wedding/honeymoon package enjoy enhanced upgrades to a junior suite, butler services, private club pool, a lounge, a couple’s massage, and more.
“I have stayed at two other Secrets resorts and they continue not to disappoint,” says Nicole Sundquist Stephens. “This was my favorite yet.” Nicole and her husband Spencer had their destination wedding/honeymoon at Secrets The Vine in March 2013. “It was beautiful,” she raves. ‘“The photos on the website don’t do it justice.” The Stephens’ upgraded master suite, turndown service, and food were equally impressive. “I especially loved how the chefs would come down every day with plates to serve everyone at the pool or on the beach.” Spencer wholeheartedly agrees. “The service and attention to detail at the hotel was top shelf,” he recalls. “The amenities and staff really made our experience fun and memorable.”
continued on page 90
secretsresorts.com
realresorts.com
realresorts.com
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BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 89
realresorts.com
At Your Service Sara D’Alessandro, Team Leader at Liberty Travel in Natick, Massachusetts highly recommends THE Royal Cancún, also located in Cancún’s famed hotel zone. “The food is great, the service is great, and we offer ‘My Time,’ which gives Liberty Travel guests some extra services and amenities to make their stay extra special.” Liberty also offers complimentary advance check-in forty-eight hours prior to arrival, allowing lucky honeymooners to request the swankiest rooms available. “Our staff of 500 is dedicated to romance,” maintains THE Royal Cancún Operations Manager, Alan Del Blanco. Romance concierges take care of your every need (and whim), and beach butlers supply chilled towels, sunscreen, ice water, newspapers, and magazines. “Quality is a huge thing for us,” says Del Blanco. This luxurious, allsuite, all-inclusive resort boasts nine restaurants and bars, a twentyfour-hour V.I.P. lounge, an ocean-view spa and Olympic-sized infinity pool, as well as land and water sports, nightly entertainment, and unobstructed ocean-view accommodations equipped with discreet “Magic Box” room service. A select number of beachfront swim-up master suites come replete with water chaises and semi-private pools. Melissa and Mike Oliveira of Fall River, Massachusetts, experienced “two amazingly perfect weeks,” at THE Royal Cancún. “We can’t describe how happy we were,” says Melissa about their wedding and honeymoon. The Oliveiras felt completely pampered by the exclusive facilities and staff. “They spoiled us!,“ admits Melissa. Honeymoon highlights included a romantic dinner on the beach, a couple’s massage, and dancing in the rain at the resort’s beach party. Two other splurge-worthy Cancún getaways are Le Blanc Spa Resort, a breathtaking and intimate all-inclusive, currently ranked number one on TripAdvisor.com; and the serene, stylish Live Aqua Cancún, which earned the distinction of winning a Travel & Leisure’s 2012 World’s Best Award.
realresorts.com
realresorts.com
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Adventures in Romance If venturing off-property to sample the region’s diverse culinary scene sounds tempting, then consider a hotel with flexible European dining plan (EP), like The Westin Resort & Spa Cancún. This resort “is Cancún’s only luxury resort with two beaches and an impeccable location,” explains Laura Argüelles, the resort’s Director of Sales. “Situated between the Caribbean and Laguna Nichupté, it’s just a few minutes away from Cancún International Airport, as well as popular restaurants, marinas, shopping malls, and entertainment venues. The upscale JW Marriott—one of the highestranking spas in Mexico—and the Ritz-Carlton Cancún—winner of the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award—also receive high marks from couples seeking off-property experiences. “We offer an idyllic hideaway for a sumptuous Caribbean vacation,” says Yadira Barojas, Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator at the Ritz-Carlton Cancún. “Cancún’s white sand beaches, charismatic Mexican hospitality, and exquisite restaurants,” Barojas says, “combine to create a luxurious escape.”
imagemakersphotoart.com
Let’s Go! The Cancún Convention & Visitors Bureau cancun.travel Le Blanc Spa Resort leblancsparesort.com Live Aqua Cancún liveaqua.com Secrets The Vine Cancún secretsresorts.com/vine-cancun THE Royal Cancún www.realresorts.com/The-Royal-Cancun Ritz-Carlton Cancún ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Cancun Westin Resort and Spa Cancún starwoodhotels.com/westin/ property/overview WedAlert wedalerthoneymoons.com Sara D’Allesandro, Liberty Travel Natick, MA Libertytravel.com Tammy Cullen, Foxy Travel, Inc. foxytravel.com
Cindy Papish Gerber is a regular contributor to BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine. She writes from Connecticut. www.bridegroommag.com
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FUNCTION FACILITY P L A N N I N G
G U I D E
Grouped alphabetically by region: Worcester, East of Worcester, South of Worcester, West of Worcester and North of Worcester
Reception Facility
Types of Functions
Price Range
On-Site Catering
Package Plan Available
Min/Max Room Capacity
Ceremony Site
(Held at one time)
Overnight Accommodations
E, B, D, W
Varies
Yes
Yes
250 Max
Yes
1
Yes
Number of Events
Worcester Beechwood Hotel (Back Cover) 363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA Ph: (508) 453-1112 • Fx: (508) 754-0731 sales@beechwoodhotel.com www.beechwoodhotel.com
Exchange vows in the authentic Victorian chapel, entertain guests on the terrace and dance the night away in the magnificent grand ballroom. Contact: Yvonne Caole.
Mechanics Hall (31)
E, B, D, W
Varies
Yes
Yes
150/425
Yes
1
No
321 Main St., Worcester, MA Ph: (508) 752-5608 • Fx: (508) 754-8442 info@mechanicshall.org www.mechanicshall.org
Celebrate your wedding surrounded by historic Victorian elegance. Our spacious facilities accommodate intimate gatherings or grand celebrations. Contact: Sharon Onorato.
Worcester Art Museum (51)
E, B, D, W
55 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA Ph: (508) 793-4327 • Fx: (508) 798-5646 www.worcesterart.org
Varies
Yes
No
25/250
Yes
1
No
Magnificent architectural spaces abound in the expansive Renaissance Court for your historic event. Ceremonies are romantic in the Chapter House, Garden Courtyard or on the Grand Staircase. Contact: Janice Potter.
East of Worcester Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel (95)
E, B, D, W
$30 - $50
Yes
Yes
25/750
Yes
2
181 Boston Post Rd. West, Marlboro, MA 01752 Ph: (508) 303-1788 • Fx: (508) 480-9343 ckelly@rplazahotels.com www.rplazahotels.com
Make all your wedding dreams come true! Our attentive and professional wedding consultants invite you to experience uncompromised service in our enchanting ballroom. Contact: Christine Kelly.
Charter Oak Country Club
E, B, D, W
(Inside Front Cover) 394 Chestnut St., Hudson, MA 01749 Ph: (978) 562-0800 • Fx: (978) 562-0198 sales@charteroakcc.com www.charteroakcc.com
Doubletree Hotel (34)
$35 - $115
Yes
Yes
30/300
Yes
1
E, B, D, W
$30 - $50
Yes
Yes
30/500
Yes
2
Experince the Doubletree difference where the little things mean everything. Schedule a private tour of our contemporary ballroom, outdoor patio and bridal rooms. Contact: Shauna Drake.
Holiday Inn Boxborough (77)
E, B, D, W
Stow Acres Country Club (49)
No
Experience a wedding of extraordinary elegance when you select Charter Oak Country Club. Our grand ballroom offers unsurpassed service and culinary excellence. Contact: Weddings at ext. 610.
5400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581 Ph: (508) 616-7470 • Fx: (508) 366-3950 Shauna.drake@hilton.com www.bostonwestborough.doubletree.com
242 Adams Place, Boxborough, MA 01719 Ph: (978) 889-1712 • Fx: (978) 266-9429 www.boxboroughweddings.com
Yes
$36 - $70
Yes
Yes
2/400
Yes
2
Yes
No
In Boxborough lies a unique location for your extraordinary wedding. A convenient location that offers flexible wedding packages. Contact: Sales Office. E, B, D, W
$30 - $65
Yes
Yes
50/250
Yes
1
No
58 Randall Rd., Stow, MA 01775 Ph: (978) 568-1100 x107 • Fx: (978) 562-4573 kgiles@stowacres.com www.stowacres.com
Our recently restored Victorian clubhouse features fireplaces, a large oak dance floor, and many windows. Enjoy cocktails on our wrap-around porch and brick patio. Contact: Karen Giles.
White Cliffs (91)
E, B, D, W
167 Main St., P.O. Box 510, Northboro, MA 01532 Ph: (508) 393-3695 • Fx: (508) 393-0271 sales@whitecliffs.com www.whitecliffs.com
1886 Victorian mansion specializing in elegant wedding receptions, Bar Mitzvahs and prestigious corporate functions. Two beautiful ballrooms available. Ceremony space and flexible hours considered. Contact: Sales Office.
South of Worcester Arrowhead Acres (8) 92 Aldrich St. (Rte. 98), Uxbridge, MA 01569 Ph: (508) 278-5017 • Fx: (508) 278-3841 info@arrowheadacres.com www.arrowheadacres.com
E, B, W
$30 - $50
Under $30 - $50
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
30/350
50/500
Yes
Yes
BRIDE&GROOM
1
An elegant Country Club style facility complete with “Chapel in the Pines,” decorative bridge, country stone wall locations and a beautiful fireplace for group photographs. Contact: David Morin.
Types of Functions Offered: E - Engagement Parties B - Bridal Showers D - Rehearsal Dinners W - Wedding Receptions
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No
No
Reception Facility
Types of Functions
Price Range
On-Site Catering
Package Plan Available
Min/Max Room Capacity
Ceremony Site
Number of Events (Held at one time)
Overnight Accommodations
E, B, D, W
Under $30
Yes
No
50/175
Yes
1
No
South of Worcester cont. Blissful Meadows Golf Club (38) 801 Chockalog Rd., Uxbridge, MA 01569 Ph: (508) 278-6110 • Fx: (508) 278-7223 info@blissfulmeadows.com www.blissfulmeadows.com
Country setting in converted historic barn. Outdoor gazebo for ceremonies and picture taking. Oversized deck for cocktail hours. Easy access to Worcester and Providence via 146. Contact: Melissa Laskowski.
Crystal Lake Golf Club (65)
E, B, D, W
Under $30
Yes
No
50/200
1
Yes
100 Broncos Highway, Burrillville, RI 02839 Ph: (401) 567-4500 x14 • Fx: (401) 567-5238 tracy@crystallakegolfclub.com www.crystallakegolfclub.com
Multiple wedding ceremony locations including lake-front pavilion and gazebo. Observation deck for cocktail reception available. Contact: Tracy Hill.
Highfields Golf & Country Club (23)
E, B, D, W
$35 - 50
Yes
No
Max 220
Yes
No
1
No
42 Magill Drive, Grafton, MA 01519 Ph: (508) 839-1945 x.222 • Fx (508) 839-1940 josie@highfiledsgolfcc.com www.highfieldsgolfcc.com
Make an impression without saying a word. The Country Club provides a beautiful backdrop for a wedding ceremony and reception or any other special occasion. Contact: Josie Billiel.
Lodge Restaurant (79)
E, B, D, W
Under $30
Yes
No
50/130
Yes
Varies
No
146 Gore Rd., Webster, MA 01570 Ph: (508) 949-0000 info@restaurantlodge.com www.restaurantlodge.com
We accommodate weddings, dinner rehearsals, showers and other special occasions! Newly updated banquet facility for 2013 in our skyroom. Contact: Banquet Sales.
Pleasant Valley Country Club (23)
E, B, D, W
95 Armsby Rd., Sutton, MA Ph: (508) 865-4441 • Fx: (508) 865-2276 sales@pleasantvalleycc.com www.pleasantvalleycc.com
Southwick’s Zoo Function Facility (41)
$30 - $50
Yes
Yes
20/400
Yes
1 in each bldg.
No
Our magnificent views, elegant dining and attention to every detail will make your special occasion a day to remember. Accommodating events from 20 - 400 guests. Contact: Michelle Violette. E, B, W
$50 - $70
Yes
No
50/1000
Yes
1
No
2 Southwick St., Mendon, MA 01756 Ph: (508) 883-9182 • Fx: (508) 883-0242 cindy@southwickszoo.com www.southwickszoo.com
Southwick’s Zoo is the perfect venue for a unique and special celebration. Gaze at Zebra, Water Buffalo and Giraffe while enjoying the company of your friends and family. Let us take care of everything! Contact: Cindy Lavoie.
Twin River
E, B, D, W
100 Twin River Rd., Lincoln, RI 02865 Ph: (401) 475-8438 • Fx: (401) 305-5188 dwing@twinriver.com www.twinriver.com
$30 - $75 +
Yes
No
50/1200
1
No
Yes
Twin River promises to create the wedding of a lifetime. Distinctively unique. Custom designed wedding packages and menus. Attention to detail. Ideal location. Contact: Donna Wing.
West of Worcester J. Anthony’s Italian Grill Function Facility (50) 206 Southbridge Rd, N. Oxford, MA Ph: (508) 832-9705 • Fx: (508) 832-7978 www.janthonysgrill.com
Leicester Country Club (83)
E, B, D, W
Under $30
Yes
Yes
75/260
1
Yes
No
For 90+ people (in Café Room), included in the per-person price are: liner, cake cutting, setup/breakdown charges and the cost of serving two different meals. Contact: Arnold or Jason Villatico. E, B, D, W
$30 - $70
Yes
Yes
20/300
Yes
2
No
2
No
1430 Main St., P.O. Box 138, Leicester, MA 01524 Ph: (508) 892-1390 • Fx: (508) 892-1331 sales@leicestercc.com www.worcester-wedding.com
Two beautifully appointed function rooms lined with windows and outside decks that overlook a garden gazebo and picturesque New England covered bridge. Contact: Sales Office.
Old Sturbridge Village (39)
E, B, D, W
1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge, MA 01566 Ph: (800) SEE-1830 osvsales@osv.org www.osv.org
We started planning your wedding 175 years ago! Step back in time for a wedding that will be truely timeless, unforgettable, historic - and all yours! Contact: Event Sales Dept.
Publick House (37)
E, B, D, W
On the Common, P.O. Box 187, Sturbridge, MA 01566 Ph: (800) PUBLICK • Fx: (508) 347-3313 x286 sales@publickhouse.com www.publickhouse.com
Built in 1771, the Publick House Historic Inn maintains its 18th-century ambiance and warm hospitality. Outdoor tent and gazebo, old fashioned bake shoppe and beautiful grounds for picture taking. Contact: Catherine O’Brien.
Salem Cross Inn (78)
E, B, D, W
260 W. Main St. (Rte. 9), West Brookfield, MA Ph: (508) 867-8337 • Fx: (508) 867-0351 info@salemcrossinn.com www.salemcrossinn.com
Authentic 1705 farmhouse, spectacular scenery, complimentary wedding planning, established reputation as one of the finest restaurants in New England. Contact: Donna Bennett.
$50 - $75 +
$35 - $68
$30 - $50
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
0/250
Max 250
6/225
Yes
Yes
Yes
Varies
Yes
1
Be sure to tell these advertisers you saw their ad in BRIDE&GROOM!
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No
West of Worcester, cont. Reception Facility Sturbridge Host Hotel (27) 366 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01566 Ph: (508) 347-7393 • Fx: (508) 347-3824 info@sturbridgehosthotel.com www.sturbridgehosthotel.com
The Harding Allen Estate (43) Rte. 122 off Barre Common, Barre, MA 01005 Ph: (978) 355-4920 www.harding-allen.com
Types of Functions
Price Range
On-Site Catering
Package Plan Available
Min/Max Room Capacity
Ceremony Site
(Held at one time)
Overnight Accommodations
E, B, D, W
$57 - $102
Yes
Yes
Max 350
Yes
2
Yes
Number of Events
Sturbridge Host Hotel features beautiful lakeside offerings, indoor garden terrace and elegant ballroom. Personal attention and delectable cuisine will dazzle you. Contact: Catering Sales office. E, B, D, W
$73 - $94
Yes
Yes
275
Yes
1
Yes
Massachusetts’ premier wedding and banquet historic mansion - for when it has to be special. Contact: Grace Gugliotti.
North of Worcester Chocksett Inn (6)
E, B, D, W
$50 - $75+
Yes
Yes
50/300
Yes
1
59 Laurelwood Rd., Sterling, MA 01564 Ph: (978) 422-3355 • Fx: (978) 422-3187 info@chocksettinn.com www.chocksettinn.com
The Chocksett Inn offers on-site private gardens, Laurelwood Ballroom, canopied deck and 25 guest suites. Experience the charm, elegance and hospitality for an unforgettable wedding. Contact: Julie Schroeder.
Colonial Hotel (9)
E, B, D, W
$30 - $50
Yes
Yes
25/500
Yes
1-3
Yes
Yes
625 Betty Spring Rd., Gardner, MA 01440 Ph: (978) 630-2500 • Fx: (978) 632-0913 weddingsales@colonial-hotel.com www.colonial-hotel.com
Known to be the premier wedding facility in Central Massachusetts. All-inclusive packages make planning easy in our grand ballroom or courtyard tent. Contact: Mary Whitman.
Doubletree by Hilton Leominster (46)
E, B, D, W
$30 - $50
Yes
Yes
1/500
Yes
2
99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA 01453 Ph: (978) 534-9000 • Fx: (978) 466-3400 mandy.puim@hilton.com www.leominsterdoubletree.com
Experience the most magical time of your life in our exquisite Grand Ballroom or beautiful garden pavillion. Call today to schedule a tour. Contact: Mandy Puim.
The Manor Restaurant Pub Banquet (58)
E, B, D, W
$35 - $100
Yes
Yes
10/400
Yes
1-3
42 West Boylston St., West Boylston, MA 01538 Ph: (508) 835-4722 • Fx: (508) 835-3893 info@ourmanor.com www.ourmanor.com
Whether you’re planning a lavish or an intimate wedding reception, The Manor can tailor the perfect wedding package for you. Contact: Andrea Rotolo.
The 1761 Old Mill Restaurant (81)
E, B, D, W
Under $30
Yes
Yes
10/150
Yes
2
Yes
No
No
69 State Rd East Route 2A., Westminster, MA 01473 Ph: (978) 874-5941 • Fx: (978) 874-0914 1761oldmill@aol.com www.1761oldmill.com
The 1761 Old Mill offers the best of New England hospitality and charm. Our picturesque setting is the perfect location for your wedding, rehearsal dinner or shower. Contact: Jay Foster.
Shaker Hills Country Club (13)
E, B, D, W
146 Shaker Rd., Harvard, MA 01451 Ph: (978)772-3330 ext. 307 joann@shakerhills.com www.shakerhills.com
Spring Hill Suites & Devens Common Center (75)
Varies
Yes
No
50/350
Yes
1
Yes
A blend of beautiful indoor and outdoor space. Ballroom and cocktail lounge with center fireplace. Stunning top decks overlook the velvet green golf course and 200 acres of natural setting. Contact: JoAnn Upham. E, B, D, W
$30 - $50
Yes
Yes
5/500
Yes
1
Yes
31 Andrews Parkway, Devens, MA 01434 Ph: (978) 757-3003 • Fx: (978) 772-4903 socialsalesdevens@truenorthhotels.com www.devenscommoncenter.com
Discover your dreams in Devens. Marriott Wedding Planner, accommodating menus and outstanding service at a NEW stylish venue and hotel. Call for package details. Contact: Sales Office.
Val’s Restaurant & Lounge (11)
E, B, D, W
75 Reservoir St., Holden, MA 01520 Ph: (508)733-2850 • Fx: (508)829-8862 valsrestaurant@hotmail.com www.valsrestaurant.com
Stunning new function room and lounge. For large weddings or intimate affairs, Val’s delivers elegance, exceptional service and delicious cuisine. Stone waterfall, fireplace and cathedral ceilings. Contact: Val James.
Wachusett Mountain (5)
E, B, D, W
$30 - $50
$30- $50
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
25/200
300 Max
Yes
Yes
Varies
1
499 Mountain Rd., Princeton, MA 01541 Ph: (978) 464-3175 • Fx: (978) 464-3185 missy@wachusett.com www.wachusett.com
Surrounded by magical and breathtaking vistas, the ideal wedding location. From ceremonies to receptions, our attentive staff is dedicated to serving you. Off-weekend discounts available. Contact: Melissa Banks.
Wachusett Village Inn (47)
E, B, D, W
9 Village Inn Rd., Westminster, MA Ph: (978) 571-2502 • Fx: (978) 422-3187 tianna@wachusettvillageinn.com www.wachusettvillageinn.com
$42 - $60
Yes
Yes
10/400
Yes
BRIDE&GROOM
No
Yes
Design your destination wedding weekend! Full service with salon and spa services. Contact: Tianna Dionne.
Types of Functions Offered: E - Engagement Parties B - Bridal Showers D - Rehearsal Dinners W - Wedding Receptions
94 Fall 2013
2
No
www.bridegroommag.com
Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel - Marlborough
Timeless, unforgettable, unique. So it’s finally your day … make it one you will cherish forever. From an elegant gala to a quaint ceremony, we can accommodate you with a celebration unlike any other. Get whisked away in our beautiful atrium courtyard, or embrace your love for one another in our vibrant and spacious ballroom. The choice is yours. Make the first day of the rest of your lives simply … perfect.
Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel 181 Boston Post Road West Marlborough, MA 01752 Phone (508) 303-1788 Fax (508) 480-9343 ckelly@rplazahotels.com www.rplazahotels.com
Wedding lindsaymorganphoto.com
resources
BRIDAL SHOPS
CAKES
Elizabeth Ann’s Bridal Boutique (8)
Aunty Ellen’s Creative Confections (83)
1148 Main St., Holden, MA 01520 (508) 829-8188 info@ElizabethAnnsbridal.com www.elizabethannsbridal.com
16 Central St., Leominster, MA 01453 (978) 537-5675 emf0605@verizon.net www.AuntyEllensCakes.com
A full-service bridal salon. Gowns for brides, bridesmaid, flower girl and mothers of the bride/groom. Cocktail dresses, prom, pageant and Quinceanera gowns. Alterations and accessories.
From elegant wedding cakes to whimsical birthday, anniversary, bridal and baby shower cakes. We also have cookie and pastry platters, and decadent desserts for any occasion.
Loren’s Bridal (35)
Crown Bakery (39) Gold Star Blvd., Worcester, MA 01604 (508) 852-0746 www.thecrownbakery.com Let Crown Bakery create the wedding of your dreams with your own distinctive wedding cake. Specializing in party pastries, cookie trays and cake ornaments.
Bridal Shops
96
Bridal Shows
96
454 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01566 (508) 347-5222 www.lorensbridal.com
Cakes
96
When choosing your wedding gown, discover Loren’s where we’ll treat your wedding like it was our own. Appointments suggested.
Catering
96
Donation Services
96
Entertainment
97
Florists
97
Hair & Makeup
97
Honeymoon Spots
97
Jewelry
97
Limousines
98
Photo Booths
98
Photography
98
Reception Facilities
92
Rentals
98
Shoes
98
Specialty Lighting
98
From charitable favors to registries that give back, we give couples the opportunity to celebrate generously by supporting the charity of their choice on their wedding day.
Tuxedos
98
Joslin Diabetes Center
Pronuptia Bridals (73) Picadilly Plaza, 490 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA (508) 753-4426 www.pronuptiabridals.com
Culpepper’s Bakery
Pronuptia Bridals is the leading full-service bridal salon in Worcester County, offering the best selection of bridal, bridesmaids, mothers, flowergirls and prom gowns.
A quality cake you will be proud to serve. Full line of cookie and pastry trays also available.
BRIDAL SHOWS
Auburn, MA (508) 832-3814 www.customweddingcakesbypenny.com
The Original Wedding Expo™ (64, 65)
Beautiful cakes! Gourmet flavors including the original awardwinning “Kahlua Cookie Cake.” For personalized service and free delivery in Worcester area, call Penny.
Since 1978, The Original Wedding Expo™ has been the area’s longest running and most respected bridal show.
CATERING Buggy Whip Catering 343 Providence Road, South Grafton, MA 01560 (508) 839-3458 www.buggywhipcatering.com The Buggy Whip Catering Service has been serving traditional American fair to brides and grooms in Worcester and surrounding counties since 1953.
DONATION SERVICES I Do Foundation (51) 1133 19th St. NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20036 info@idofoundation.org www.idofoundation.org
1 Joslin Place, Development Office Boston, MA 02215 (617) 732-2412 catherine.marinello@joslin.harvard.edu www.joslin.org
kristingriffinphotography.com
BRIDE&GROOM
Custom Wedding Cakes by Penny Eagleton
334 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 770-0092 info@originalweddingexpo.com www.originalweddingexpo.com
Wedding Internet Services 98
96 Fall 2013
500 Cambridge St., Worcester, MA 01610 (508) 755-8393
www.bridegroommag.com
Consider making a charitable donation to Joslin Diabetes Center in lieu of party favors and receive cards personalized by you for your guests!
The Jimmy Fund
Mugford’s Flowers Shoppe
10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA 02445 (617) 632-6099 jffavors@dfci.harvard.edu www.jimmyfund.org/cards
8 Warburton Lane Rte. 30, Westboro, MA 01581 (508) 836-5554 Mugfordsflowers@gmail.com www.mugfordsflowers.com www.mugfords.com
Ranked #1 in New England for breakthrough cancer research/ treatment and provides hope for thousands diagnosed with cancer each year.
Rachel’s Table 633 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609 (508) 799-7699 Brides, donate your excess food from your banquet to families at a local homeless shelter. Rachel’s Table will deliver for you.
Why Me, Inc. (79) 1152 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA 01602 (508) 757-7734 www.whyme.org Why Me & Sherry’s House provides Central New England families with emotional and financial assistance, helping to alleviate the pain and isolation of childhood cancer.
Worcester County Food Bank 474 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 842-FOOD (3663) The Worcester County Food Bank distributes almost 4 million pounds of food to nearly 300 local shelters, food pantries, soup kitchens, etc. in 60+ communities.
ENTERTAINMENT Festive Events (15)
Simple, elegant, extraordinary. From your engagement party to your wedding day; from your first anniversary to your 50th we make your floral dreams come true.
Perro’s Flowers (42) 284 Grafton St., Worcester, MA 01604 (508) 755-7744, (800) 832-7744 weddings@perrosflowers.com www.perrosflowers.com
(800) 554-2008 www.diviaruba.com MEGA means more all-inclusive choices! With the Divi Aruba or the Tamarijn Aruba’s Deluxe ocean-front MEGA category, you’ll have full use of both resorts.
JEWELRY Goldstein, Swank & Gordon (17) Auburn Mall, Auburn, MA (508) 832-9994 Make your wedding even more “charming” with gorgeous, customized PANDORA™ jewelry in 14K gold and sterling silver. Each piece is unique, like your special day!
By combining simply elegant floral designs and the experience of our staff, Perro’s provides flowers for events that showcase the bride’s individuality.
Hannoush Jewelers (17) Solomon Pond Mall, Marlborough, MA (508) 303-6595 www.hannoush.com Celebrate every special moment with the help of one of America’s premier family-owned jewelers. From your engagement diamond to wedding bands and PANDORA™ bridal gifts - trust Hannoush.
HAIR AND MAKEUP Beauty in Motion (508) 450-8707 brittanymcglone@yahoo.com www.abbeautyinmotion.com
Maria’s Fine Jewelry (3)
We are a team of licensed hair and makeup artists who bring the salon to you! Specializing in up-do’s, airbrush makeup, eyelashes, extensions and more!
269 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01604 (508) 795-0201 maria@mariasfinejewelry.com www.mariasfinejewelry.com
HONEYMOON SPOTS
We are a 26-year-old family owned business serving Worcester county with expert jewelry design and quality craftsmanship.
MEGA Divi & Tamarijn (87) Oranjestad, Aruba
260 Long Pond Rd., Plymouth, MA 02360 (800) 370-8863 davelong@festiveevents.com www.festiveevents.com Festive Events believes that every wedding is special and unique. Our approach is designed to assist you in planning your perfect wedding.
Wedding DJ Specialist Brian Fligg (68) Fitchburg, MA (978) 345-1354 brian@sonicdj.com www.brianfligg.com Fun, modern wedding entertainment featuring photo booths, architectural lighting, custom music edits, your name in spotlight, instant photo slideshows, live video and everything needed to make your friends jealous.
FLORISTS Danielson Flowers 660 Main St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 842-8992 www.danielsonflowers.com Let our experienced staff make your day beautiful. View our website for photos of our bouquets and information. See our private wedding area for ideas.
Herbert E. Berg Florist 19 Blackstone River Rd., Worcester, MA 01607 (508) 755-5888, (800) 383-2374 www.bergflorist.com Herbert E. Berg offers personalized floral designs and superior service. Come in and take advantage of our 75th anniversary specials!
Ladybug Florist (72) 340 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540 (508) 987-2550 info@ladybug-florist.com www.ladybug-florist.com Details, even the smallest are important. That is what it is all about. Our customer service is what sets us apart from the rest.
abbeautyinmotion.com
www.bridegroommag.com
BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 97
LIMOUSINES Gray’s Limousine (69) P.O. Box 760, Boylston, MA 01505 (508) 869-3111, (508) 869-6365 www.grayslimo.com Specializing in weddings, bachelor and bachelorette parties and airport transportation. Featuring Rolls Royces and other passenger limousines with uniformed chauffeurs. Visit our showroom.
Dreamlove Photography (46)
Elegant Linens Ltd.
62 S. South St., Concord, NH 03301 (573) 356-6721 info@dreamlovephotography.com www.dreamlovephotography
296 Providence Rd., S. Grafton, MA (508) 839-9332 www.elegantlinensltd.com
We specialize in rustic and vintage wedding photography in New England. We focus on documentary moments that tell the true story of your wedding day.
Paul S. Robinson Photography (59) 1033 Providence Road, Whitinsville, MA 01588 (508) 278-5530 psrstudio@verizon.net www.robinsonweddingphotography.com
PHOTO BOOTHS MA Photo Booths (68) Fitchburg, MA (978) 345-1354 brian@maphotobooths.com www.maphotobooths.com
Since 1996, Paul offers you both traditional and photojournalistic styles capturing stunning, one-of-a-kind moments with award winning experience and attention to detail.
Fun, unique, and productive! Photo booths produce creative guest sign-in books and instant party favors. Packages include everything you’d want at an affordable price.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Wakeen Photography (75) (774) 262-5332 chris@wakeenphotography.com www.wakeenphotography.com “Chris is more than a ‘photographer.’ His artful, creative images captured the joy and beauty of our wedding day.” –Mr. & Mrs. JN, Worcester, MA.
Leslie Boudreau Photography (10) Lunenburg, MA 01462 (987) 400-6598 Leslie@leslieboudreau.com www.leslieboudreau.com
RECEPTION FACILITIES
Relive the moments of your once-in-a-lifetime day for years to come with Leslie Boudreau Photography. Timeless and simple. Yours.
Creative Eye Productions (73)
(see page 92)
RENTALS Central Mass Party Rentals 124 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA 01606 (508) 853-5383 www.centralmasspartyrentals.com
Westminster, MA 01473 (987) 249-9967 creativeeyeprod@hotmail.com www.maphotovideo.com Creative Eye Productions specializes in photography & video productions on a BUDGET! Design a package that fits your needs. The Essential Photo Base Package starts at $799.00!
Central Mass Party Rentals can provide professional planning, support and some of the finest special event equipment available. “We’ve got you covered.”
B&G Welcomes Our New Advertisers Creative Eye Productions
If you’re planning a wedding, call Elegant Linens today for an appointment. See the difference our special touch can make for your special day.
SHOES Shoes to Dye For (63) 1400 Worcester Street (Route 9, Eastbound side) Natick, MA 01760 (508) 653-6063 dyeable@aol.com www.shoestodyefor.com Over 180 styles in stock of bridal dyeable and evening shoes. Custom dyeing on premises. Designers: Kenneth Cole, Nina, Dyeables, Coloriffics, Touch-Ups, Colorful Creations and Grace.
SPECIALTY LIGHTING Festive Events (15) 260 Long Pond Rd., Plymouth, MA 02360 (800) 370-8863 davelong@festiveevents.com www.festiveevents.com Festive Events believes that every wedding is special and unique. Our approach is designed to assist you in planning your perfect wedding.
Wedding DJ Specialist Brian Fligg (68) Fitchburg, MA (978) 345-1354 brian@sonicdj.com www.brianfligg.com Fun, modern wedding entertainment featuring photo booths, architectural lighting, custom music edits, your name in spotlight, instant photo slideshows, live video and everything needed to make your friends jealous.
TUXEDOS Bonardi’s Formalwear (30) WEDDING SPECIALISTS Worcester: 179 Highland St., (508) 754-4036 Auburn: 482 Southbridge St., (508) 832-7579 Sturbridge: Rte. 20 West, (508) 347-3461 Milford: 156 Main St., (508) 478-0466 Framingham: 1261 Worcester Rd., (508) 875-6159 Nationwide Service call (800) 752-4036 www.bonardis.com Dressing men for social occasions since 1923. Sizes infant to 71 in stock! We take the worry out of looking your best on your wedding day.
Old Mill Restaurant
Men’s Wearhouse (Inside Back Cover) www.mwtux.com With over 1,000 locations nationwide, including all Men’s Wearhouse stores, ordering, picking up and returning a tuxedo has never been easier.
WEDDING INTERNET SERVICES BrideGroomMag.com
BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine’s official website! Log on for sneak peeks at upcoming issues and to find out where to get your free copy.
OriginalWeddingExpo.com
dreamlove
Your connection to finding the best Wedding Expos. Buy discounted tickets online. Comprehensive Planning Guide features everything from bridal shops to videographers.
Dreamlovephotography.com
wedding photography
WedAlert.com
Thank you for your business! 98 Fall 2013
BRIDE&GROOM
www.bridegroommag.com
WedAlert.com’s mission is to match the local Bride & Groom with wedding professionals in their area, saving the couple valuable time and money with their wedding plans.
Gown by David’s Bridal 121346MWT_V1
modern casual romantic classic unique timeless stYlisH eleGant We’ll help make your wedding
Find your style in-store or at menswearhouse.com
Say ‘I do’ to the Beechwood Hotel A historic Victorian chapel, luxurious amenities, and superb American dining make the Beechwood Hotel the premier wedding destination in Central Massachusetts. Host your wedding with us and let our professional planners arrange every detail to ensure your wedding day is truly unforgettable. Celebrate into the night, rest and then reminisce with your family and friends over a hot breakfast, all under one roof.
© theimagerystudio.com
363 Plantation Street • Worcester, MA • 800.344.2589 • beechwoodhotel.com