Fall 08

TM

Magazine

Fall 2008

Do-it-yourself Creative invitations

Party On

Planning a memorable rehearsal dinner

Happy holidays!

Tis the season for wedding-day inspiration

The Most Trusted Expo in New England

Ecofriendly transportation options

iit’s t ’s a all l i n tth h e d e t a iils l s .... ..

re h e a r s a l d i n n e r s bridal showers w e d d i n g s c e re m o n i e s re c e p t i o n s • Vi c t o r i a n We d d i n g C h a p e l • M a g n i fi c e n t G ra n d B a l l ro o m • Award-Winning Cuisine • Luxurious Rooms • Intimate Private Function Rooms • We d d i n g C o n s u l t a n t s • N u m e ro u s G u e s t A m e n i t i e s

8 0 0 - 3 4 4 - 2 5 8 9 • 3 6 3 P l a n t a t i o n S t rre e e t • Wo W o rrc c e s t e r, r, M A • b e e c h w o o d h o t e l . c o m

180 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA (508) 792-2300 • sachsjewelers.com

Katherine Jane Photography

New England’s Largest Selection of In-Stock Bridal and Dyeable Shoes

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Dyeables • Nina • Pink Benjamin Adams • Salon Coloriffics • Touch Ups Colorful Creations Grace • Liz René Couture

Offering a large array of custom veils, tiaras, jewelry, evening bags, and more!

One Stop Shopping for all your Bridal Accessories 888.393.2253 • Rte 9 (east), Natick, MA shoestodyefor.com • dyeableshoestore.com

MECHANICS HALL Unforgettable.

321 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608 Tel: 508-752-5608 Fax: 508-754-8442 info @ mechanicshall.org www.mechanicshall.org ■

■

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BUILT IN 1857 ~ NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

Where Memories Begin Experience the charm and elegance of a traditional New England Inn. Exchange vows in our romantic garden and then celebrate in our new Laurelwood Ballroom or on our canopied deck. Best of all, when the day draws to a close our luxurious bridal suite and 26 suites await you and your guests.

26 Guest Suites and the Bistro Restaurant

Canopied deck accommodates up to 125 guests

59 Laurelwood Road, Sterling, Massachusetts

Romantic Garden & Gazebo for Ceremonies and Photographs

Laurelwood Ballroom accommodates up to 275 guests

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BRIDE&GROOM

TM

Fall 2008

Contents Features 55 The most wonderful time of the year Your holiday-inspired wedding

61

88 Tux talk Getting the right fit 90 License to wed Getting your MA marriage license

61 The Maine event Ogunquit weddings

92 News you can use Local wedding info

Articles Departments

24 Treading lightly Eco-friendly transportation options

10 Letter from the editor

28 Creative invitations Do-it-yourself options on a budget

66 Fashions Something hue

34 Perfecting the poof Petticoats explained

68 Health & fitness 50 tips for brides

40 Party on Planning a rehearsal dinner

Near-by Nuptials

46 Wine-themed weddings Wine is right for a winning reception 98

Directories

14 Monique Atallah and David Oles

103 Function facilities 50 Central MA sites listed

18 Michaela Ursua and Scott Paquin

108 Wedding resources Everything from bagpipers to wedding planners

Planning 101 75 Wedding timetable What to do and when

66

77 Preparing to plan Tips for getting started 78 Videography 80 Changing your name?

How to do it 82 Flower power Finding the right florist

Honeymoons 94 Romantic MontrĂŠal 98 Historic destinations

84 Spreading the news Guide to local engagement and wedding announcements 86 Photography 101 Some questions to pose

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BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2008

5

bridal

•

maids

•

mothers

t uesday & friday 10 - 5 wed nesday & thursday 10 - 8 saturday 10 - 4 appointments suggested

(508) 347-5222 sturbridge, massachusetts

ukas

Hilltop Barn Country Elegance Inside and Out

Dias Photography

Spencer, MA

508-885-5320

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TM

A few fun and easy lessons and Arthur Murray will have you moving together from your first dance to the hottest swing and salsa moves.

Group and private lessons available for you and your wedding party.

Call now and start on the right foot.

Magazine

Publishers Richard E. Chevalier Germaine A. Chevalier

BRIDE & GROOM SPECIAL

germaine@chevalierassociates.com

President Robert R. Chevalier

2 Lessons for $25

robert@chevalierassociates.com

Best results if taken 6 months prior to wedding

508-798-0392 70 James Street, Worcester www.dancetonight.com

Editor Lisa Dayne lisa@chevalierassociates.com

Director of Sales Allen Lederman

Monday – Friday • 1 pm – 10 pm.

Saturday by appointment

allen@chevalierassociates.com

Admistrative Coordinator Jaclyn Witkowski

emories

ade…

One Dance at a Time!

HJM Photography.com

jaci@chevalierassociates.com

Marketing Manager K.C. O’Brien kc@chevalierassociates.com

Design Nancy Davis ShopTalk Marketing Communications Charlton, MA Contributing Writers Cynthia Allegrezza • Katharine Dyson Kelly James-Enger • Andrea E. McHugh Taryn Plumb BRIDE &GROOMTM Magazine is published in January, May and September and is a trademark of and published by:

334 Boston Turnpike Shrewsbury, MA 01545 Phone: (508) 770-0092 (888) 774-3976 Fax: (508) 770-0065 www.bridegroommag.com All content ©2008, CHEVALIER ASSOCIATES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PRINTED IN USA BRIDE&GROOMTM assumes no financial responsibility for errors in advertisements. No portion of BRIDE&GROOMTM, advertising

508-842-8992 - Shrewsbury, MA www.danielsonflowers.com 8 Fall 2008 BRIDE&GROOM

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or editorial, may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher.

The information contained in this publication is believed to be accurate, however the publisher does not guarantee its accuracy.

The opinions expressed by others within this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or its employees.

By accepting advertising neither BRIDE&GROOMTM Magazine nor Chevalier Associates, Inc. is endorsing or guaranteeing the quality of service or products within those advertisements. Every effort is made to ensure that the advertisements come from reputable companies, however we cannot take responsibility for how an advertiser deals with the public.

Colonial Elegance W 625 Betty Spring Road Gardner, MA 01440 978-630-2500 Reservations 888-214-4991 Fax 978-632-0913 www.colonial-hotel.com weddingsales@colonial-hotel.com

hile classic elegance, attentive service, and wonderful food surround the guests, the bride is able to relax knowing that the hotel’s professional wedding consultant is available to assist in the arrangement and coordination of all the fine points of the wedding reception.

Grand Ballroom Accommodates 50 to 400 Outside Courtyard Tent accommodates up to 300 Magnificent Staircase for Pictures 112 Tastefully Decorated Guestrooms Brand New Bridal Suites Indoor & Outdoor ceremonies on-site

Bridal Suites Lemay Photography

LETT E R from

No doubt about it, the state of economy this year has affected how people regard and plan weddings. Not surprisingly, many couples are looking closer to home for the locations of their nuptials and honeymoons, as well as for ways to keep various wedding items within a particular budget—but without sacrificing style and impact.

As you plan your celebration and subsequent newlywed getaway, BRIDE&GROOM™ has plenty of ideas and resources to help you plan a memorable event. For example, we’ve got a terrific article outlining ideas for unique, stylish and memorable invitations that you can make yourself. Creative Invitations, on page 28, details how local couples put their artistic abilities to the test and provides a list of area resources for paper and printing options.

If cutting back on gasoline is high on your list of priorities, we’ve got some ecofriendly transportation options featured in Treading lightly on page 24. If a destination, beach-side wedding is your ultimate plan, but something a bit closer to home would be preferable, look no further than our neighbor to the northeast… The Maine event on page 61 highlights some terrific reception options in Ogunquit.

Dying to have a European honeymoon but are dreading the increased fares and travel expenses? Look just a bit further north to Romantic Montréal, the Paris of North America, for a luxurious honeymoon (see page 94). In addition, we also have great articles on how to plan a memorable rehearsal dinner (page 40) as well as how to use the holidays as inspiration for your wedding (page 55).

As always we hope this and every issue of BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine is an informative and helpful guide as you plan the wedding of your dreams.

Congratulations and best wishes!

Lisa Dayne Editor

On the cover: Alfred Angelo gown worn by model Priscila Favaro of Next Management, LLC. Photographer: www.epsteinartny.com

10 Fall 2008 BRIDE&GROOM

www.bridegroommag.com

Patrick McNamara Photography/www.mcnamaraphoto.com

the EDITOR

HJM Wedding Photography Specializing in wedding photography and personal attention for over 25 years 107 Elmwood Street Auburn, MA www.hjmphotography.com Prime dates for 2008 available Call today for an appointment

508-753-2230

Your Party Rental Solution in New England

A Perfect Setting provides the quality wedding and party rentals that let you produce memorable events, styled with your personal taste.

We offer delivery and pick-up to your event up to 300 miles.

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Nearby Nuptials

Monique Atallah and David Oles Worcester, Massachusetts October 2007

W HILE

STROLLING ON THE

C LIFF WALK

at The Breakers Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, in the fall of 2006, David and Monique stopped at a large oak tree to watch a wedding taking place on the mansion’s patio. At that spot, at that moment, was where he proposed.

Around this time, the couple also had seized an opportunity to buy the land on which they would build their house. Needless to say, wedding planning took a back seat to house design, as that quickly became the immediate priority.

Knowing they wanted a small and simple event that was budget friendly and focused on their love of travel, art and food, Monique and David began to plan in earnest five months before their fall wedding.They selected Union Station as the location for their ceremony and cocktail reception. This Worcester landmark would also serve as the inspiration for their 1920s train station theme. Invitations were

14 Fall

2008

created to resemble a boarding pass, complete with guest addresses handwritten on luggage tags; to respond, guests were asked to return a post card with a sepia print of Union Station.

Having a clear vision of their wedding day helped preparations go smoothly… at least at the start.“The planning process was a cinch, other than a few bumps in the road,” says Monique. Those “bumps” would prove to be challenging. “The Restaurant at Union Station closed two weeks before I mailed out the invitations,” she recalls. “I ended up having to fabricate a classy looking ‘post-it’ note notifying the guests of the change.”

Fortunately, the change was only to the reception location; the ceremony was able to take place where it was originally intended.

“Union Station went above and beyond to make sure we could still have our ceremony in the Great Hall,” says Monique. “They even provided security to redirect train passengers

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as I was walking down the aisle.”As for where to reroute their guests for the reception, the couple didn’t have to look further than their favorite restaurant, the Bocado Tapas Wine Bar, which offered the intimate atmosphere and the variety of food they desired.

Staying true to their independent spirits Monique and David crafted their own unique reception on their terms, foregoing the traditional wedding party, bouquet toss and first dance for a food- and family/friend-centric event. Jazz and Big Band tunes entertained the couple’s 75 guests as they sipped warmed spiced cider and sangria while dining on mini duck wontons, scallops with bacon, hummus and lobster curry dips with pita bread. The buffet of butternut squash pasta, build your own mini burgers and grape leaves was topped off with a dessert of churros with chocolate sauce, truffles and a single layer wedding cake.

In the end, guests commented on how much they enjoyed this “unconventional” event.

Monique and David wouldn’t have had it any other way, and advise other couples to do the same. “Do it your way and on your budget,” advises Monique. “Incorporate the traditions that mean the most to you… it just makes those moments have that much more impact.

I couldn’t have asked for a better wedding.”

B&G

The particulars Ceremony: Union Station, Worcester Reception: Bocado Tapas Wine Bar, Worcester Photographer: Brett Alison Photography, Beverly Cake: On the Rise Baking, Worcester Florist: Perro’s Flowers, Worcester Music: The Marty Gilman Band, Auburn Transportation: Pegasus Limousine Service, Inc., Worcester Bridal gown: Oleg Cassini from David’s Bridal, Natick Invitation supplies: C.C. Lowell, Worcester Rentals: Toomey’s Rent-All Center, Worcester

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BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2008

15

Create your own

Historical Romance

Our custom designed packages are filled with thoughtful details to make your day extra special.

Call our wedding coordinators or visit our website for complete package details.

The Publick House has been creating picturesque New England weddings for over 235 years. Our magnificent cathedral ceilings and antique colonial chandeliers are just the beginning of a perfectly romantic reception. To find out more about our exquisite receptions, showers and rehearsal dinners, call our wedding coordinators.

You’ll be on your way to creating your own historical romance.

On the Common Route 131 P.O. Box 187 Sturbridge, MA 01566

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Phone 1-800-PUBLICK

16 Fall

2008

www.publickhouse.com

BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com

sales@publickhouse.com

making your wedding the wedding of the year! exclusiveCHEFS offers the finest in custom catering for your special wedding day.

By working with each bride and groom from planning to implementation, we are dedicated to making your event exclusively yours!

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exclusiveCHE S schedule a personal consultation today

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Executive Chef / Owner

Marco Sa lerno

marco@ ex clu siv echef s.com

Nearby Nuptials Michaela Ursua and Scott Paquin Spencer, Massachusetts October 2007

How they got engaged In Hawaii to attend a show she had designed for her job as a graphic designer, Michaela had Scott join her for the vacation portion of her trip. Deciding to propose during this decadent getaway, Scott selected a spot on Waikiki Beach near their hotel where he would ask Michaela to be his wife.

Yet when it came time to pop the question, Scott instead found a man asleep in the sand at that very location. Undeterred, he guided Michaela to another area and proposed on bended knee. To celebrate her enthusiastic acceptance, they danced on the beach.

As a graphic designer, Michaela wanted to create as many elements herself as she could.

“Doing as much as we could ourselves helped with costs and made our wedding very personal.”

In lieu of favors, the couple made a donation to a charity for cancer research. “Both of our families have lost loved ones to cancer, so we thought it was a good way to give a gift that had meaning and sentiment,” recalls Michaela. True to her creative nature, she made small signs on card stock informing their guests of this charitable gift. Wine corks were cut to hold the cards, of which five were placed on each table.

Planning the wedding

Favorite part of the day

Michaela, who handled most of the preparations, found the process a bit overwhelming at the beginning. “Lists are a key component!” she advises.Things became more enjoyable as the plans began to solidify. “Planning had its ups and downs, but for the most part it was fun seeing it all come together. Organization was key.”

“I enjoyed so many different aspects, it’s hard to say,” says Michaela. “I loved seeing Scott at the end of the aisle; it really felt like we were the only two people there, which helped me to relax.” With a vision of a formal, yet fun wedding at the outset, both Scott and Michaela “had a blast” at their reception.

“Everything moved along so smoothly.”

Details

What guests commented on the most

Because Scott and Michaela had met at the beginning of their freshman year of college, they felt it was more than appropriate to wed in the fall. “Nothing beats New England that time of year,” says Michaela. In keeping with the season and the country setting their reception location provided, they selected a color scheme of chocolate brown with mango accents. Each table featured a tall cylinder glass vase filled with curling willow and six long stem mango tulips.

18 Spring/Summer

2008

BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com

Aside from the food and the location, the couple’s vows were decidedly the biggest hit among the guests. “We didn’t want a boring, stuffy ceremony, so we jazzed it up with vows that were nothing short of genuine and full of humor,” says Michaela. Even their reading was lighthearted, with inspiration taken from The 1950 Good Housewife Guide from Reader’s Digest (which is recommended by the bride B&G for good for a laugh).

The particulars Ceremony and reception: Zukas Hilltop Barn, Spencer Photographer: Dias Photography Florist: KaBloom, Shrewsbury Music: Champagne Toast, North Oxford Bridal gown and bridesmaids’ dresses: David’s Bridal Groom and groomsmen attire: Mr. Tux (now MW Tux)

www.bridegroommag.com

BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2008

19

The he Harding Harding rding ding ing ngg Allen llen len enn Estate state tate atete A magnificent mansion, nestled in the Currier & Ives setting of central Massachusetts.

Come Come ffeel fe eel the the th rromance. ro omance..

Visit V Vi iisit sit o our ur web w eeb b ssite ittee orr ccall o all for for fo a to ttour. our. r.

photo by Steve Ericson

Architecture with A r c h i t e c t u r e eentwines n tw i n e s w i t h rromantic omantic our heirloom pergola. eenchantment nchantment aatt o ur h eirloom p ergola. garden Nestled in the Estate’s garde en lawns, the pergola is the perfect place to say “I do.”

Rt. 122 off f Beautiful Barre Common Comm mon Phone: Pho one: (978) 355-4920

WEBSITE: WW WWW.HARDING-ALLEN.COM WW.HARDING-ALLEN N.COM

20 Fall

2008

BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com

photo by Susan Mason

In our Old Wo World orld gardens and our vintage lily pond, p your guests bask ccan an b ask iin n the the gardens’ gardens’ warm warm orr rrelax ssunshine unshine o elax in in the the shade shade umbrella under our umbr rella tables.

photo by Susan Mason

Our rich & elegant four-season Fountain View Ballroom off a ccombines ombines tthe he ttraditional raditional ffeel eel o dining d ining & d dancing ancing b ballroom allroom w with ith tthe he open-air feel of a garden pavilion.

tes CJ Ya

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Look no further than The Original Wedding Expo™™, the area’s Look no further than The Original Wedding Expo , the area’s longest running and most respected bridal show. longest running and most bridalyou’re Expo. bound to fill any Offering six shows in fiverespected key locations, Offering six Expos in five key locations, you’re bound fill any and all wedding-planning needs. So if you need to bookto a reception facility, find a photographer, get aSo hair or select a cake, The and all wedding-planning needs. if stylist you need to book a reception Originalfind Wedding Expo™ is where Here’s why… facility, a photographer, get a you hair need stylisttoorbe. select a cake, The ™ Original Wedding Expo is where you™ need be. other Here’sshows why… don’t What The Original Wedding Expo offerstothat Quality. enter Quality. From From the moment you enter The Original Original Wedding WeddingExpo Expo™™, ,you youknow know you’re for aWide treat.aisles Widemake aislesit you’re in for aintreat. make easy to navigate among easy toit navigate among the area’sthe area’s wedding The premierpremier wedding vendors.vendors.

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22 Fall 2008 BRIDE&GROOM

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fashion shows. shows.The The Fabulous fashion hottest gown, gown, tuxedo tuxedoand andfloral floraldesigns hottest designs in areinpresented in classic are presented classic runway style at runway style atExpo. eachFashions Weddingare Expo. each Wedding Fashionsinto are themed groupedsets intotothemed grouped inspire sets to inspire your own wedding-day your own wedding-day look.

The latest look. The latest trends for moms and trends for moms and the bridal party the bridal party (including ring bear(including ring bearers and flower girls) ers and flower girls) are also showare also showcased in these elegant cased in these elegant presentations presentations where every seat has a where every seat has a great view. great view.

Interactive displays. Want to try displays.

Want theInteractive latest up ’do?

Check out to thetry the latest up ’do?

Check out the salon salon booths for a complimentary booths for a complimentary style trial. style trial.

Interested in a make-up Interested in a Have make-up consultation? consultation? a seat and check Have a seat and check outproducts. the latest out the latest colors and Hop onand board to get Hop a first-hand colors products. on boardlook to at aastretch Escalade Hummer. Be get first-hand look ator a stretch sure to visit the reception facilities, Escalade or Hummer.

Be sure to visit caterers and bakers attendance, the reception facilities,incaterers and for theyinwill have samplings bakers attendance, as they of willculihave nary delights for you delights to taste.for you samplings of culinary

to Live taste.music. What would a wedding be without music? The Original Live music. What would a wedding Wedding Expo ™ understands this and be without music? The Original Wedding puts on demonstrations from the best Expo™ understands this and puts on bands and DJs around. You may even demonstrations fromsounds the best and hear the romantic ofbands a string DJs around.

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Sheraton Braintree Hotel NEW EXPO!

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Twin River

NEW Lincoln, RI EXPO! October 18-19, 2008 Saturday 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

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More information and a 2-for-1 Pass can be found online at www.originalweddingexpo.com. www.bridegroommag.com

BRIDE&GROOM

Fall 2008

23

Treading

lightly In these environmentally-

Eco-friendly transportation options b y Ta r y n P l u m b

24 Fall

2008

conscious times, some soon-to-be-weds are undoubtedly cringing at the thought of their wedding party loading into stretch limos or whirring along in a train of cars.

But for you future brides and grooms with concerns about carbon footprints, your nuptials’ entrance and exit can retain its extravagance and charm—all while having a minimized impact on the environment.

Of course, the simplest way to lighten the effects of transportation on your wedding day is to stay local and keep your guest numbers at a minimum. But since that automatically rules out most couples—who doesn’t want as many people as possible to celebrate in their big day and in an exotic location, to boot?—there are other options.

First, in defense of limos: Local operators say they can be eco-friendly. With a capacity of up to 24 people in some cases, it can be much more viable than a bevy of cars rumbling to the venue or reception hall. Also, a Prius limo has emerged that

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gets 50 MPG. If you still aren’t convinced, though, you might choose to have your party pull up to the church in electric hybrids or vans that run on soy Biofuel.

Green Shuttle of Cape Cod, which generally serves Cape Cod and the South Shore but also stretches as far as Boston, offers wedding day transportation in six hybrid cars that get between 30 and 50 MPG. For larger crowds, it also makes use of an 11-passenger van that runs on a soybased biodiesel fuel cultivated in Iowa. “It’s so cool knowing that the vehicle is being powered by a product that was grown in this country and is providing work for those farmers,” says Dean Athanas, owner of Green Shuttle.

The latter also provides fodder for some eco-themed bride-and-groom photos. The back door of the van, emblazoned with a globe and the slogan It’s easy going green, provides a unique backdrop. “It’s a nice way to put something green into the photo album for future generations,” he says.

What’s more, benefits are also evident

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in the cost: according toAthanas, green transportation is traditionally five to 10 percent less expensive than regular modes. Overall, this notion can help ease people into ecoconscious thinking, he noted. “There should be no sacrifice in doing green things,” he says.

Meanwhile, other brides and grooms who want to further cut costs and stay earthfriendly might consider using buses or subways and asking their guests to do the same.

As everyone will be in their best bib and

tucker, imagine the photo opportunities!

If you want to completely depart from mechanized transportation, however, you might consider two other options: a horsedrawn carriage or hamstring power. The latter is what is known as a pedicab. Essentially a bike-drawn taxi, it is a truly clean way to ride. “More importantly, it’s fun,” asserts Ben Morris, owner of Boston Pedicab, based in Boston.

And in a wedding setting, they’re quite

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26 Fall

2008

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unique. “It’s a way to captivate guests,” he noted.“Everyone drives off in a limo, but how many people go off in a pedicab trailed with cans and a Just Married sign?”

Horse-drawn coaches, meanwhile, have their own charms. “It makes people feel elegant,” said Craig McCoskery, owner of Millbury-based Coachman’s Legacy. In Coachman’s case, Dakota, a black Percheron, pulls couples along in a white 1800’s-style carriage (in wintery conditions, he tugs a sleigh). Driver McCoskery, depending on the couples’ choice, can wear anything from business casual to period formal with a top hat and tails.

All told, the stunning black horse “runs on grain and water,” asserts McCoskery. “A lot of times, vehicles will idle through the entire ceremony. A horse standing there doesn’t use up any fuel.”

Most couples choose a carriage ride for the “grand entrance” rather than the green aspect, McCoskery acknowledged. However, more customers have recently expressed a satisfaction in this eco-friendly form of transport. Morris of Boston Pedicab said he’s also seen a growth in wedding hauls; many of his clients have been bicyclists seeking to incorporate their passion into their nuptials.

But others are just looking for something different. In some cases, Morris has driven pedicabs right onto dance floors at the reception where the bride and groom immediately disembarked and began their first dance. For a traditional touch, meanwhile, streamers and tailored signs can be affixed to the back of the small carts, and pedalers can be suitably spruced up in tuxedo shirts and black shorts.

“They add a nice flair to the whole experience,” says Morris.

Brides shouldn’t fret; gowns won’t get soiled. To keep conditions clean, drivers put down plastic or blankets. McCoskery gives similar care in his carriage; a discreet diaper on Dakota captures all the manure, so it doesn’t inadvertently end up on dresses or shoes or appear in wedding pictures.

With both forms of transport, the sloweddown pace gives couples the chance to enjoy the fresh air and return the waves of onlookers. “If you’re in a limo, you can’t really pay attention to your surroundings,” says McCoskery.

Similarly, the time allows newly-weds to

enjoy each other’s company and wind down, if only for a few moments, amid the bustle of the day. “There are so many things going on at a wedding that a bride and groom don’t have that much time to take it all in and spend it together,” McCoskery says. “It’s a good break.”

Whatever your choice, it is clear that the role of transportation in weddings is evolving. In addition to having less of an impact on the environment, a unique mode of transport can add a special touch to your ceremony that makes your day all the more memorable.

The Most Beautiful Brides Come From…

B&G Taryn Plumb is a freelance writer based inWorcester, Massachusetts.

Boston Pedicab (617) 266-2005 www.bostonpedicab.com P.O. Box 180361, Boston, MA Owners are willing to travel throughout New England. General cost is $75 per hour with a twohour minimum. However, estimates are done on a wedding-by-wedding basis, based largely on the distance and terrain of the intended route.

The pedicabs seat two to three.

Piccadilly Plaza 490 Shrewsbury Street Worcester 508-753-4426 Hours: M, Tue, F 10-6 W, Th 12-8 Sat. 10-5 Appointments suggested

Coachman’s Legacy (508) 768-5775 www.coachmanslegacy.com 3 Wheelock Ave, Millbury, MA www.pronuptiabridals.com

Cost is $450 to $900 depending on location. The carriage seats four to five.

Green Shuttle of Cape Cod (508) 360-3163 www.gogreenshuttle.com P.O. Box 461, Monument Beach, MA Generally covers Cape Cod and the South Shore, but stretches as far as Boston. Cost for green cars is $45 per hour with a three-hour minimum; capacity is three to four people. Cost for the bio-diesel van is $75 per hour with a three-hour minimum; capacity is 11 riders.

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Creative INVITATIONS

“Originally I thought it would be too much work,”

says newlywed Abby Howell Miller about the prospect of making her own wedding invitations. “But I was shocked to see that the (printed) invitations we liked cost as much as $14 each!”

That sent this Sudbury, Massachusetts, teacher to search some wedding blogs and chat rooms to see what other couples on a budget do. Miller says she learned she could save a lot of money by going to Staples.

Staples? Like the office supply place?

Just a few years ago, only a diehard penny-pincher would buy print-yourown wedding invitations off the shelf from the same place you stock up on sticky notes, correctional fluid and paper clips. And only a confident artist or talented graphic designer would endeavor to create a classy wedding invitation from scratch.

But today, engaged couples can choose distinctive, appealing wedding invitations from national chains such as Staples and OfficeMax, Target and the Hallmark store, as well as arts and crafts superstores like A.C. Moore and Michaels. Or they can load up on colorful card stock, ribbons, stickers, rubber

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DIY, budgetfriendly options

Invitation designed and made by local bride Michaela Ursua, featured on page 18.

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Enter a bygone era of

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stamps and embossers at stores like Paper Source in Boston, Cambridge or Wellesley; C.C. Lowell in Worcester; or Quill & Press in Acton.

If anything, your biggest problem could be making a decision once you see how many enticing, low-priced options are out there.

In fact, you can browse and shop among a plethora of Web sites without ever leaving home.

Abby and her husband Adam Miller,

ranger/director of the Nobscot Boy Scout Reservation, lowered their invitation cost down to 70 cents per set for the invitations, envelopes and response cards that brought rave reviews from their 150 guests. Bypassing the lovely invitation kits which now fill numerous store shelves, they chose card stock and envelopes in cream and green along with a rubber stamp of birds in flight. With their chosen wedding logo, they created save-thedate cards, invitations and thank-you notes.

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The only other supplies needed were a paper cutter, laser printer and a new ink cartridge.

Without any prior experience, the couple took one day to make save-the-date announcements and, with that under their belts, another day for all the invitations and thankyou cards.

“It was easy!” recalledAbby, who recounted the enjoyment of creating this project together with her now-husband. She admits that the rubber stamping took a bit of practice, but overall, the couple was thrilled with the handmade look of their invitations. “It gave a sense of the wedding to come,” said Abby, who described their event at Beth El synagogue in Sudbury as “casual, as far as weddings go.”

Wedding planner Becky Pellegrino of Providence, Rhode Island—a big fan of doit-yourself (DIY) invitations—agrees with Abby’s sentiments. “An invitation lets guests know the theme and tone of a wedding. Will it be a formal affair or a garden wedding?Will it be simple or elaborate?” Adds Pellegrino of Aisle Coordinate wedding planning: “A do-it-yourself invitation gives you all the control to convey to your guests the message you want them to get about what’s to come.”

Now married five years, Pellegrino made her own invitations with cost savings as the initial motivator. “What I wanted was beyond expensive,” she says of the invitations used by a celebrity couple, which Pellegrino fell in love with. Instead, she hired an artist to paint a simple rose, similar to the one she’d seen on her dream invitations, and used this as the motif on all her wedding stationery.

She bought beautiful paper at Quill and Press and, working with a good quality printer, made 100 save-the-dates, invitations and thank-you cards for $200, which included the $100 she paid the artist for the original watercolor and permission to copy it.

Pellegrino, who works with engaged couples throughout southern New England, raves about the DIY invitation options available both off the shelf and those created from stationery and craft supplies.

Popular (and stunning) invitation kits are offered by Martha Stewart, Gartner Studios and others in more styles than you can imagine: invitations with sleeves and sashes, ribbons and charms, gatefold and pocket styles.

Go for the traditional silver deckle edge, the

For more information contact the Overlook Social and Corporate Sales Office at 508-434-2281 or visit us on the web at www.overlookcatering.org

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BRIDE&GROOM

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natural handmade paper with embedded dried flowers, or the modern look of a popup paper water lily. Most options come with return cards and envelopes in addition to the invitation, at prices ranging from $30-40 for 50 complete sets. Look for coordinated kits for place cards, programs and even favor boxes for purchase as well.

In the simplest boxed kits all you have to do is follow the directions to print the invitation message on your chosen stationery

blanks.Want to get a little fancier? Pellegrino recommends downloading free, unusual fonts from dafont.com. You can also add a small clipart illustration to an otherwise simple invitation (they’re free through Microsoft, she reminds).

Some kits will include a ribbon or a hanging charm; for others, these can be purchased separately and added to customize your look.

Just remember that with these choices, the assembly is all yours—tying little bows or

threading little chains.

Not the artistic type? Don’t give up on the money-saving DIY approach. Think about those among your friends and families who might be eager to do more or have a talent to share. Is there a bridesmaid who’s feeling left out or a sister who wants a bigger role?

Asking someone in your circle to design or assemble the invitations is a wonderful way to help others feel more included.

“Get inspired!” encourages Pellegrino. Look through some magazines, browse those expensive catalogs you’ve been avoiding, surf through bridal chat rooms online. Then take your favorite ideas and make them your own, by hiring an artist to implement your vision, playing with PhotoShop (try their on-line tutorials) or engaging your own artistic side.You’re on your way to a keepsake invitation that will uniquely represent the two of you.

B&G

Janet Strassman Perlmutter is a frequent contributor to BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine.

Where to find them Aisle Coordinate Wedding planning & coordination www.aislecoordinate.com 401-465-8756 C.C. Lowell 258 Park Ave, Worcester www.cclowell.com 508-757-7713 Gartner Studios www.gartnerstudios.com

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Perfecting the

poof

Petticoats explained

by Andrea E. McHugh

While many wedding-day elements, rites and rituals stem from age-old traditions, few remain as unchanged as the bride’s petticoat. Dating back to the 16th century, the petticoat’s purpose has always been frivolous; strictly for fashion’s sake, it serves simply to puff up or add volume to the skirt of a gown (although, it was said to offer added warmth during the cooler seasons). During the 19th century, depending on a family’s wealth and social standing, it was not uncommon for well-dressed women and brides to wear multiple petticoats for optimal fullness. The desired silhouette, of course, was an ample bosom paired with a full skirt to accentuate a delicate, feminine waistline.

Today, petticoats are just as important to most brides’ complete wedding day ensemble.

From modest A-lines to full ballgowns, petticoats provide an extra bit of glamour, shape and style to almost any wedding gown (sheaths excluded, naturally). Plus, it might be the only time 34 Fall

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in a woman’s life she actually has the opportunity to wear a traditional petticoat. Here are some guidelines on finding the perfect petticoat for you.

Style When a young Jacqueline Bouvier walked down the aisle of St. Mary’s Church in Newport, Rhode Island, clad in 50 yards of ivory silk taffeta to wed then junior Senator John F. Kennedy, you can bet there was a

properly fitted petticoat under her iconic pinwheel-ornamented ballgown.

Fortunately, petticoats come in all different sizes and shapes so that you can attain the exact silhouette you have always envisioned.

Ballgowns, however, traditionally offer the most dramatic profiles and can require special attention to lend lift and fullness to heavy silk satin, layers of charmeuse or other customary wedding gown fabrics.

One option for ballgowns is the hoop skirt

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or hoop slip.That’s right: southern belle style à la Scarlet O’Hara. A single hooped skirt is a type of petticoat where an actual hoop is sewn into the slip a few inches above the hem, adding to the circumference and overall width of the dress. Multiple hoops, called bones, generally range from two-bone to six-bone and are usually removable, allowing a bride to adjust the fullness per her taste.

Multi-layer petticoats also offer maximum fullness. Lois Dunlop, owner of Loren’s Bridal in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, stocks petticoats with up to three ruffles. “Wherever [brides] are shopping for their gown, they should buy the petticoat,” says Dunlop. The experienced shop owner explains that trying a gown on with a complementary petticoat will give the full impression of the dress and, in many cases, can set the desired fullness factor. “A-line gowns can have a single ruffle or a double ruffle,” she says, while sheaths require none, and mermaid or trumpet style gowns often have the petticoat built in (though petticoats specifically made for this style are available for added poof). Ruffles, sometimes fashioned from gathered tulle, also maintain the fullness as well as support the gown.

One common misconception about petticoats is that they are hot and uncomfortable.

However, Sue Krasinskas, owner of Pronuptia Bridals in Worcester, says most are made of relatively lightweight material, including nylon taffeta and cotton blend fabrics. She stresses the importance of having the petticoat when the wedding gown decision is made. Slipping it on underneath the dress at that time will show just how much fullness is added to the skirt, which might lift the hemline and indicate that additional length may be required when ordering the gown.

Petticoats are often in stock at bridal shops and do not have to be ordered in advance.

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Many petticoats have drawstring waists, falling under a “one size fits most” tag, though others are sized small, medium or large.

Drawstring waists can be adjusted easily for comfort and an underskirt is often sewn inside the innermost layer so that the petticoat’s sometimes-itchy tulle doesn’t rub against the skin. Brides looking for a little added support on the big day should look to a high-waisted petticoat, which slims the

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midsection with a Lycra® spandex waist that fits up to the bra line.

When it’s time for alterations, it is just as important to bring the petticoat as it is to bring the wedding-day shoes to each and every meeting with the seamstress; this will ensure the hem reaches the proper length. Multilayer petticoats should be fluffed for optimal fullness as long-term storage can cause them to compress.

Fun and flair Today’s brides-to-be constantly seek ways to jazz up old traditions and add their own personal creativity into their bridal style. Many look to add a splash of color to their mostly white wear by dyeing their petticoats bright, exciting colors, either to coordinate with the chosen hues for the wedding or just to bring in a splash of a favorite color.

A fun do-it-yourself project, simple instructions can be found on the bottle or package of most dye kits found at supermarkets or craft stores (be sure to read the instructions carefully and/or do a practice run to ensure color fastness). Usually without sentimental value like a personal keepsake, petticoats can serve as something old, something new, something B&G borrowed and, now, something blue!

Freelance writer Andrea E. McHugh, who is based in Newport, RI, is a frequent contributor to BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine.

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Fall 2008

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Party

On

Planning a memorable rehearsal dinner

by Cynthia Allegrezza

The decisions are all made and your loved ones are arriving in town. It’s the eve of your wedding and finally time to relax before the excitement of the big day. The rehearsal dinner is a perfect opportunity to savor this special moment with good friends and family in an intimate setting. Depending on the guest list and budget, and the wishes of the hosts, this event can be anything from an ultra-formal banquet to a casual outdoor picnic.

Think of it as a cast party after the final dress rehearsal—a time to unwind and enjoy other’s company after all the hard work that went into the production. It is also an ideal opportunity to

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Stow Acres Country Club

make introductions, providing a convivial occasion for extended families to meet and get to know each other prior to the wedding.

Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is held the night before the wedding, directly after the ceremony run-through. However, despite its name it can be a lunch or even a brunch, and its pace is often informal and leisurely.

Here are a few tips to help you with the planning.

Who hosts?

Traditionally, the groom’s parents host the rehearsal dinner, since the bride’s family customarily pays for the wedding. Although given the more relaxed standards of modern times, other relatives, close friends or even the couple themselves can plan and pay for the event.

Whoever throws the party should definitely confer with the bride and groom to

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avoid any conflict with the theme, menu or decorations of the wedding and plan to pay for all the food and drink. “It is in poor taste to host a rehearsal dinner that is far more elegant and formal than the reception meal,” says Diane Warner, author of Contemporary Guide toWedding Etiquette (©2004, New Page Books). “It is also considered poor etiquette to expect the guests to purchase their own drinks at a cash bar,” Warner emphasizes.

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Determining the guest list

weddings. They will guide you through the planning process and help make sure

Only those who will actually take part in the rehearsal—the couple, their parents, the officiant, the entire wedding party including children, readers and all spouses or dates— need to be invited to the rehearsal itself and the festivities that follow. However, you may want to include other family members (such as grandparents) and close friends just for the dinner. Many couples also invite their out-oftown guests, as a gesture of welcome.

Written invitations are not required, but it is a nice idea to send them if more than just family will be attending. They should be mailed right after the wedding invitations go out and should not be as formal.

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The style or theme of the rehearsal dinner can complement the wedding, but it should not copy or overshadow it. Some couples opt for a complete contrast. For example, Christine and Bobby McDonald, who were married recently in Stamford, Connecticut, had a casual, buffet-style dinner in their home, even though their wedding itself was quite formal. “Bobby and I thought it would be more fun and relaxing to hold the rehearsal dinner at our home,” says Christine. “It made for a more casual and intimate evening for our guests and families.”

Toasts, thanks and tributes Toasts are often a big part of the evening and, unlike those at the wedding reception where the order may be well planned, they tend to

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Many rehearsal dinners are held at restaurants—perhaps a favorite date spot or someplace with a style of cuisine that has special meaning to the bride and groom. If Italy is the honeymoon destination, for instance, an Italian restaurant would be fitting. If this is your venue of choice, be sure that the size of the function room fits the needs of your party.

“Walk through the setting with the manager or banquet coordinator, visualize the event and then decide if it is an environment where your guests can move around easily and ultimately enjoy themselves,” suggests Gary Hagenbuch of Auburn, Massachusetts, who recently hosted a rehearsal dinner for his son and daughter-in-law.

Whatever venue you choose, comfort is key. “It should be in a comfortable setting where guests can relax, get to know each other and enjoy each other’s company before the big day,” says Hagenbuch. “A wedding is a major emotional event and you want everyone involved to feel good about being part of the festivities.”

Almost everyone attending a rehearsal dinner has been under some kind of strain as they prepared for the wedding, so it is a nice touch to follow the event with something fun to loosen things up. “Depending on the dinner’s formality and venue, you might plan a game of volleyball, karaoke or any other kind of mixer activity,”Warner says.

Since it’s typically the first time the bride and groom see most of their close friends and family together, the rehearsal dinner can feel more like a reunion. For a more formal dinner, or one with a larger guest list, it helps to have a seating chart so people aren’t at a loss about where to go when it’s time for the meal to be served. Furthermore, some members of the two families may be meeting for the first time, and relatives may not be acquainted with everyone in the wedding party. Encourage conversation by seating these people together (if you’re sure they’ll be comfortable), or simply make a point of introducing them personally sometime during the evening.

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be spontaneous. In this intimate and casual setting, guests will often feel comfortable sharing their memories of the couple and wishing them well. If the groom’s parents are hosting, his father might begin by welcoming all the guests and offering a toast to the couple. Another parent can stand next, followed by the attendants and any other guests who want to speak.

This is a great opportunity for the couple to say a few words of thanks to everyone participating in the wedding. It is also the traditional time for them to present gifts to the members of the wedding party (and perhaps the parents) as thanks for their support.

This gathering is also a fitting occasion to remember the past as you look to the future.

Displaying photo albums or framed pictures of the bride and groom is a charming way to do this. For newlyweds Caroline and Justin Hagenbuch of Holden, Massachusetts, whose June 2008 rehearsal dinner was held at Dino’s Ristorante in Worcester, their guests were able to view silver-framed snapshots of the couple from their four-year courtship, as well as several endearing photos from their childhoods.

If you want floral arrangements for the tables, Hagenbuch suggests conferring with the florist providing the wedding flowers.

“Flowers do add to the beauty of the rehearsal dinner, but you also need to consider what flowers will be used for the wedding,” he explains. With the help from the florist, flowers can be selected in a color scheme that complements the wedding bouquets and arrangements, instead of competes with them.

As much fun as this party can be, it should end somewhat early.That way everyone—especially the bride and groom—has a chance to get B&G plenty of rest before the wedding day.

Cynthia Allegrezza, a regular contributor to BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine, is aWorcester-based freelance writer and editor. She recently had the pleasure of co-hosting a memorable rehearsal dinner for two special newlyweds.

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Looking for a venue to host your rehearsal dinner?

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Wine-themed weddings

The message in the bottle says wine is right for a winning reception

by Lisa Kobs

46 Fall

2008

No beverage says romance quite like wine. As a powerful love potion it has captured hearts for centuries, conjuring dreamy images of candlelit dinners, gazing eyes and gently touching fingertips. Odds are that wine played a role in your courtship, so on the day that celebrates your love story, why not raise a glass and share the joy?

A growing number of couples are planning their special event around wine, and with good reason: A wine-focused reception is fun and exciting. The long-stemmed glasses set an expectation for something a little more elegant and, like you and your betrothed, food and wine make a beautiful couple.

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Even non-wine drinkers can get into the spirit. Most people like trying new things, so those who generally don’t drink wine may drink it at a wedding. Either way, having some well chosen vintages will give those people a unique experience to take away with them.

Grape decisions If the wine you’ll be serving is important to you, be involved in its selection. Don’t automatically go with the house wine or let your caterer pick what you’ll sip.You wouldn’t let someone else choose your dress, right? Wine preferences are very individual and there can be a considerable difference within a single

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grape variety. You might enjoy Chardonnay, but do you prefer it light and fruity or more rich and heavy with oak? Remember: a perfectly paired wine isn’t so perfect if you don’t enjoy it.

together. However, it’s important to note that while wine enhances food, food can change the perception of wine. Each heightens the pleasure of the other, so the goal is to design wine and food combinations that will bring out the best in each other.

Culinary love connection For a truly great meal, what you drink is just as important as what you eat. Fortunately, food and wine cozy up and make magic

Perfect pairing The principles of wine pairing are subjects worthy of entire volumes, and the old stand-

by, “white with fish, red with meat,” doesn’t begin to cover it. Wine professionals use guidelines, rather than rules, to influence their selections.

One approach is to complement the wine, like chicken in garlic cream sauce with a heavy, buttery Chardonnay.Another is to look for compatible contrasts and let opposites attract—and some combinations might surprise you. For instance, a slightly sweet German wine might be the ideal accompaniment to spicy Thai food.

The weight and balance of both the food and wine are also considered. Lighter wines are paired with delicate dishes, while heavy bodied wines with deep flavors are better suited to rich and hearty foods. Rest assured that working with an experienced caterer or sommelier (a wine steward) will make the task much easier than it sounds.

Most couples plan their menu first and wine second. But if there are a few wines you’ve absolutely fallen in love with, you might actually prefer to work in reverse and design the meal around them. Keep in mind that much of wine pairing is guesswork. It’s hard to know what’s a good match, or a better match, without trying it. If possible, sample the food and wine together at your tasting.

Wine-focused fun A wine greeting will help set the tone of your event. Design a signature wine-based cocktail or offer a sip that’s a little extra special. If you hand your guests an intriguing boutique wine, they’re going to think, “Oh, this is going to be interesting.” Carry the theme over to a wine bar in lieu of the traditional full bar. Stock it with a creative selection and staff it with knowledgeable servers.

Wining and dining The multi-course tasting menu is a reception favorite. Ranging from four to seven courses, each dish is presented with a different wine.

Typically the meal begins with lighter wines and progresses to bigger, more robust flavors. You might even choose to serve champagne at each course. This infamous sparkler is extremely food-friendly and is sure to make the night shine.

Even a single-paired course can make for a very special wine experience. For exam48 Fall

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Leicester Country Club Where lifelong vows are taken and elegant weddings are given.

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ple, offer a cheese course where three cheeses are matched to a trio of wines.

Serving a split entrĂŠe with two proteins and corresponding vintages is another option.

Is a cocktail reception more your style?

Wine is welcome there, too. Offer up grape varieties that work with just about every cuisine, such as Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc; no matter what’s being nibbled and sipped together, the results will all be tasty. For something a little more casual, serve a wine bever-

age like Sangria, or have a traditional red along with more novel flavors like white peach or melon. End the night on a sweet note with small cordial glasses of dessert wines or fizzy floats of sparkling wine and vanilla ice cream.

Station stops Tasting stations are another wine-friendly wedding trend. Guests have a few bites of food and a bit of wine, and then move to the next location. Stations work well during the

cocktail hour or as a main course. Don’t forget about dessert. Serving Banyuls, a fortified dessert wine with cherry and berry flavors, along with chocolate pastries and bittersweet truffles is a culinary match made in heaven.

You might even give each station a theme.

Preview your Italian honeymoon with wine visits to Piedmont, Veneto, Tuscany and Umbria. Or show your state pride by serving regional cuisine paired with vintages from local wineries.

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As entertainment, consider hiring a local wine expert for a hosted wine table. Guests can socialize together as they share their love of the vine. Look for a host that can teach and entertain. The best host will expose your guests to wine in a way that makes it fun.

Tasting tables are also a great opportunity to bring your individual style into the event.

Try featuring those little known grapes you love; offering organic and earth-friendly brands; sharing the vintages of your ethnic heritage; or pouring wines you’ve discovered on your travels together.

Vino adventure

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Most wine drinkers tend to fall back on their old favorites, so including a few unfamiliar bottles is sure to intrigue. Introduce those “nothing-but-Chardonnayâ€? types to the fruit and spice of Viognier. Ask Merlot drinkers to sip outside their comfort zone with Malbec or Carmenere. Let everyone rediscover RosĂŠ, with blushing beauties that are crisp, dry and complex, and one of the hottest wine trends around. Who knows, someone might just find a new favorite.

Controlling costs Couples on a budget can sip with style, too.

Good wine is surprisingly affordable if you know where to look. Lesser known varieties may not be as hip, but their price tag is highly palatable. And wines from less prestigious regions offer great value, like a Cabernet from Chile rather than Napa Valley.

Another cost-control tip: no bottles on the table.They look lovely but can be very wasteful. By night’s end you might have two to three cases of partially drunk wine left over.

Let circulating servers do the pouring instead.

From the Engagement Ring to the Wedding Ring -

Your Celebration, Our Venue.

THE TWIN RIVER BALLROOM IS: Gorgeous – Brand New! Convenient – Free valet parking.

Flexible – Comfortable for an intimate group of 50 or a crowd of 2,000.

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FRED & STEVE’S STEAKHOUSE OFFERS: The Wine Room – For intimate gatherings of up to 20 people.

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Variety – Choose the lounge for appetizers or rent the whole restaurant for gatherings of up to 200.

Lunch Selections – Sophisticated elegance through our catering team.

Exceptional Dining – The full Fred & Steve’s menu for your special event.

CARMINE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT: YOU’LL DISCOVER A MODERN TWIST WITH: Private Dining – Available for parties up to 50.

Inviting – Capacity for up to 600 people.

FADÓ IRISH PUB: INFUSE YOUR EVENT WITH IRISH CHARM: Authentic – The best Irish fare this side of the Atlantic.

Relaxed – Casual setting perfect for unwinding with friends at a bachelor or engagement party.

Ideal – Can accommodate intimate groups of 15 to 30 or expansive entertainment space for groups up to 200.

Exciting – Watch the greyhounds race from our vast windows overlooking the track.

Dynamic – Multi-tiered seating.

GET INTO THE ACTION AT TWIN RIVER: Bachelor Party – •Drinks and Cigars at Blackstone’s Cigar and Martini Bar •Prime steaks at Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse •A Pint at Fadó Irish Pub Bachelorette Party – •Drinks and dancing at the Lighthouse Bar •See a show at Catch A Rising Star Comedy Club Engagement Parties, Rehearsal Dinners, and Weddings – •Family style dinners at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant •Elegant Affairs at the Twin River Ballroom

Selection – Three distinctive floors of event space, with seven great areas to choose from.

Options – A convenient banquet menu or our full restaurant menu.

Big Portions – A family style Italian feast.

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For the champagne toast, domestic sparklers from California and Washington, or those from Australia and Argentina shine as brightly as those bubblies with a pricy French pedigree. There’s also Italian Prosecco or Spanish Cava for a more affordable fizz.

Drinks for everyone Non-drinkers can easily feel left out of a wine-focused event, so be sure to include a selection of alcohol-free beverages. For

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The hidden jewel of Central Massachusetts

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instance, you might pour Chateau de Fleur Champagnette at the toast.This effervescent, alcohol-removed champagne from H&W Vineyards in California captures all the joy of its more spirited cousin.

Serve inspired pairings at the meal, too, such as alcohol-removed wines from Ariel or Inglenook vineyards. Or offer fruit spritzers that mirror the wines you’re serving. Capture the apple, pineapple and pear notes of the white wine, or the plum and

berry notes of the red. Round out a multicourse tasting menu with well-matched virgin drinks like Key West limeade or chilled ginger green tea. B&G Lisa Kobs is a freelance writer based in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Savvy Wine Wisdom Knowledge and a little practice will help raise your vino confidence. Start sampling more wines at home and in restaurants.

Throw wine tasting parties or attend wine events.

Your tastes overrule the rules.

If you’re serving fish but don’t like white wine, don’t drink it.

Look outside the familiar.

Sometimes a more daring pairing will be a better food match.

Don’t pick wine by price.

Expensive wine isn’t necessarily better. Let your palate make the final decision.

Pronunciation guides—Dolcetto [dohl-CHEHT-oh]—will prevent embarrassment and promote conversation.

Include a description of each wine on your menu card. If there’s room you can even explain why it was selected.

If your venue does not offer the wines you are interested in, ask if they’ll order them or if you can purchase them yourself. Note that wine you bring in may incur a perbottle corkage fee.

Some of your guests may be more than Budweiser than Bordeaux, so make beer and soda available.

–LK

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THE MOST WONDERFUL

TIME OF THEYEAR

Mollie Filmore Photography/www.molliefilmorephotography.com

YOUR WEDDING

by Andrea E. McHugh

Not long after Amy Guilmette accepted Steve Bean’s marriage proposal on the sunny sands of Aruba, the couple concocted an out-of-the-ordinary plan for the big day: a NewYear’s Eve wedding. “Everyone was really surprised, like,‘Really? NewYear’s Eve?’” says Amy. “And then people turned to my [now] husband and said, ‘Well, you’re never going to forget your anniversary!’”

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Mollie Filmore Photography/www.molliefilmorephotography.com

Though friends and family might have been slow to embrace the idea of the New Year’s nuptials, the couple never wavered on what they knew promised to be an unforgettable evening. Amy confesses to having always dreamed of a winter wedding. “I find the winter romantic, so we just came up with the idea of New Year’s Eve… though Steve still says it was his idea!”

It isn’t any wonder the groom wants to take the credit: When guests entered the brand new Laurelwood Room in the country setting of Sterling’s Chocksett Inn, lanternlit centerpieces festooned with evergreens Mollie Filmore Photography/www.molliefilmorephotography.com

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and snowflakes illuminated the wintry scene.

Though the couple was already ecstatic over their “I dos” and their wish come true—a freshly fallen snow blanketing the inn’s grounds—both Amy and Steve admit the celebratory holiday lent an added electricity in the air. “I mean, who doesn’t want to get all dressed up and have a great time?” Amy asks rhetorically.

Around 11:30 p.m., the bride and groom passed out hats and noisemakers to everyone, including those on the jam packed dance floor, in anticipation of the night’s secret surprise.

Ten to 15 minutes before midnight, a projection screen was unveiled so guests could watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve while dancing along to the DJ’s tunes.Watching the ball drop in Times Square, the new Mr. and Mrs. Bean, surrounded by well traveled friends and family, counted down the seconds to the New Year. “We say we started the year off with a bang!” laughs Amy, who danced until 1 a.m. with her new husband.

For Amy and Steve, more than two years of planning permitted adequate time to

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With its stunning views and elegant décor,Amanda Harrison and Aaron Cowher selected the State Room in Boston as the site for their winter wonderland event. Guests were offered mulled or apple cider upon their arrival to warm up from the cold.The onsite team of experts helped this couple realize every aspect of their vision.“I had so many ideas and, it turned out, I could have them all in one reception,” recalls Amanda.

secure the couple’s first-choice vendors, but not all brides and grooms are as lucky. Event and banquet managers at area venues say select holidays are highly coveted for couples looking to tie the knot, most especially if the holiday falls on a Friday or Saturday evening.

One even said they have had calls inquiring about availability for NewYear’s Eve 2011, a Saturday.

While booking the venue might be the first thing you will want to scratch off your ever expanding to-do list, be prepared to make some compromises other brides and grooms may not have to consider. First, if you have always dreamed of marrying in a church or house of worship, a secular (and in some cases, religious) holiday may result in a modified service schedule—one that may not accommodate an additional event, including a wedding. Start by making some calls and inquiring about your desired date. If your preferred wedding date is off the table, ask if there is another church or nearby parish they may recommend. Be prepared to be flexible, and remember you may need to make sacrifices if simply no other date will do.

Depending on the nature of the holiday, other vendors might also be previously committed, booked or simply refuse to work that specific date. Though Christmas Eve might sound like a magical day to wed and start

Dave and Ruth Arroyo celebrate their nuptials with a Christmas/winter theme.

your new family, chances are many vendors also look to spend that day with their families. Live bands and DJs, for example, are often contractually committed to perform on popular holidays including NewYear’s Eve (and others may be waiting for that lucrative nightclub booking to come in). Therefore, rates might be higher than their standard wedding booking.

“It’s a once-a-year night and everyone I know puts a premium on that,” says Marty Gilman of The Marty Gilman Band,who has played many New Year’s Eve weddings throughout Massachusetts and beyond for more than 25 years. “It’s a supply and demand thing,” he explains, not to mention the later start time, and after breaking down and packing the equipment, getting in sometimes as late (or as early as) 3 a.m.Though his schedule books well in advance, Gilman says he gets more calls about

Steve and Amy Bean ring in the NewYear at their reception.

NewYear’s Eve than any other holiday.

It is important to note, however, that policies vary by vendor. The Beans, for example, say they paid a bit more to book the reception venue on New Year’s Eve, while other vendors simply charged for an extra hour (as the wedding started a little later than usual to continue past midnight until 1 a.m.).

Brian Fligg, owner of Sonic DJ Disc Jockey Entertainment, suggests brides- and grooms-to-be contact vendors, especially entertainment professionals, sooner rather than later if a holiday wedding is in your sights.

Though Memorial Day and Labor Day weddings are very popular and are almost always book solid (without any additional cost), Fligg says he knows some DJs who won’t work New Year’s Eve at all.

Newlywed Ruth Arroyo and her husband David first opted for a summertime wedding celebration that would mark their eighth an-

niversary together—until a visit to a wintertime wedding expo left them with second thoughts.The two were drawn to the charming detail of traditional holiday décor: crystals, evergreens and swaths of winter white.

From there, the couple scrapped their original idea (even thought the date was “set”) and hatched a plan inspired by their favorite holiday, Christmas.

In their optimistic bliss, the couple called

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Faith Dugan Photography/www.duganphotography.com

Though the word “holidays” might seem synonymous with Christmas trees and cracking fireplaces, many crafty couples take advantage of the spoils of city- and state-recognized festivities as inspiration for their weddings. For example, this past July 4th, a Friday, brides and grooms throughout New England celebrated in the shadow of jaw-dropping firework extravaganzas. Ashley and Pat Lawton embraced their July 4th theme at the Providence Biltmore in Providence, Rhode Island, by employing Paul Revere and other Revolutionary War heroes to mingle at cocktail hour.

Bridesmaids were simultaneously elegant and patriotic, clad in navy blue strapless tops paired with flowing red skirts and carrying red, white and blue bouquets.After slicing into their star-spangled cake, the couple experienced fireworks of a different sort—on the dance floor where, surrounded by family and friends, they boogied into the night.

As sales manager at Newport, Rhode Island’s Belle Mer, a luxury waterfront reception venue, Nichole Pamula is always thinking

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about weddings. But ever since Kyle Wardle asked her to be his wife, Nichole has had weddings on the brain 24/7. Soon after accepting his proposal, they started mulling over the idea of an offseason wedding, zeroing in on a date they least expected: the Friday before St. Patrick’s Day in 2009.

“The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is our favorite day in Newport,” says Nichole excitedly. So the night before, the couple will exchange vows followed by an elegant reception with subtle traces of the pending holiday, including pink Vineyard Vines ties with a leprechaun pattern and by serving Irish Coffee during dessert. But the bride is looking to really let down her hair the next morning at a pre-parade brunch. “We’ll be stocked with green wigs, green glasses and Kyle’s on the search for a green velour jumpsuit,” she giggles. More than anything, the couple is looking forward to making an entire wedding weekend out of the celebration.

Before falling in love with a holiday wedding date, talk to some vendors for feedback and to scope out availability. Judy Danielson of Danielson Flowers in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, has worked many holiday weddings, but says some can be extra challenging as a result. “Honestly, Mother’s Day is a tough weekend,” says Danielson. Despite the early spring, borderline off-season date, there are other conditions to consider. “We tend to have proms every year on top of [Mother’s Day] and so it makes it extremely difficult to do a wedding,” says Danielson. “It’s definitely a date to be weary of.” But the creative opportunities a holiday wedding presents, says Danielson, like using evergreens, wintergreen and tones of burgundy red and winter white during Christmastime and NewYear’s Eve, allow florists to get artistically inspired.

When it comes to holidays weddings, think outside the box.

Sentimental, religious, patriotic or just plain exciting, holiday weddings are something to celebrate.

–AEM

the holidays-inspired wedding idea “perfect.” Others didn’t see the perfection quite so clearly.

“Everyone asked, ‘Why would you get married in the winter?’, and,‘What if there is a blizzard?’

Some people asked ‘Do you really want to have it right around Christmas? Won’t money be tight?’” Undeterred, the couple forged on with the cozy-holidayfireplace-type-of-setting plan.

Remembering a visit to Tower Hill Botanical Garden in Boylston, they eagerly inquired about availability.

Taking into consideration the diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds of friends and family,the couple“wanted everyone to feel comfortable, so we wanted to choose a neutral day during the season. We also felt that closer to NewYear’s would be fitting as this would be a new start for us as a married couple,” explains Ruth. “We decided on December 30th, exactly three months after our eight-year anniversary, and the day before NewYear’s Eve.” Much to their surprise (and to the delight of their budget), Ruth and David found that many vendors were less expensive and more flexible with their winter wedding than they anticipated. “We had the experience of trying to plan a wedding during peak wedding season and also planning in the winter around the holidays,” says Ruth, who admits it was difficult to find a venue on their original summer wedding date even more than a year and a half in advance, especially on Saturdays. “Also photographers, cake designers, bakeries, dress boutiques/stores, florists and officiants were, for the most part, booked solid.”

Specified time windows and structured vendor packages also left Ruth and David feeling their original summer event was less individual and more cookie-cutter. With much less demand in winter, vendors were willing to work with the couple to create a ceremony, cake, song list and setting that reflected and celebrated their union—many at a lower cost.

“For example, the ceremony site and hotel

Holiday Wedding Halloween For Erin Murphy and Andrew Lobas, autumn was an ideal time of year to wed. “The foliage is at its peak, temperatures drop and it all ends with Halloween,” says Erin. “Awesome!”

Awesome, indeed. When planning their October 2007 wedding at Zukas Hilltop Barn in Spencer, Massachusetts, this creative couple decided to have a little fun with ghosts and goblins: Jack-o-lanterns graced the venue in place of more traditional floral arrangements and the couple’s toasting glasses resembled skeletons. In keeping with the season, flowers were done in reds and oranges, and red and green apples served as place cards for tables, such as The Great Pumpkin Massacre and the Table of Doom.

Dias Photography / www.diasphoto.com

were significantly less expensive, but other things like the dress, the wedding cake and photographer were the same,” reveals Ruth. “Yet other things, such as transportation and a DJ were more expensive.”Through the changed dates, juggling vendors, doubting kin and an almost three-year engagement, the couple unequivocally recommend a holiday-time wedding. “That time of year just exudes a natural feeling of joy in most people,” theorizes Ruth.

“What could be better than incorporating it into a very joyous occasion?”

Andrea E. McHugh, a freelance writer based in Newport, Rhode Island, is a frequent contributor to BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine.

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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) 303-1782 Fax (508) 480-9343 msmith@rplazahotels.com www.rplazahotels.com

Aerial view of the Beachmere Inn

Destination weddings in

Ogunquit

by Cynthia Allegrezza

Maine event

Intrepid Aerial Photography and Video/www.intrepidphotography.com

e

Known as the “beautiful place by the sea,” Ogunquit, Maine, with its picturesque, rocky

Atlantic coast, is a picture-perfect setting for a

destination wedding. Artists discovered the Ogunquit area more than a century ago and helped to transform it into what it is today: a town

that offers everything from shoreline relaxation to intimate museums, art galleries, and walks along the scenic Marginal Way.

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David Murray Weddings/www.davidmurrayweddings.com

Arrows Restaurant

A destination wedding centered in Ogunquit—about a two-hour ride from the Worcester area—can offer your family and friends a myriad of activities and accommodations, especially from spring through fall. Guests can walk along the aforementioned Marginal Way, a mile-long winding footpath bordering the town’s rugged Atlantic coastline; visit the sweet, charming village of Ogunquit; or stroll to Perkins Cove, a quaint seaside stop for antiquing, whale watching, boating, fishing, shopping at the legendary array of boutiques and waterfront lobster dining.

Of course, the premier attraction is your wedding, and there are a variety of ceremony and reception options available. Here are a few notable sites to consider.

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Arrows Restaurant When the magazine Bon Appétit touts an establishment such as the Arrows Restaurant as “one of the country’s ten most romantic restaurants,” you know it has to be a contender to host your wedding reception. And it surely is.

Simply stated, the Arrows Restaurant offers fine dining in a restored 18th century colonial farmhouse nestled in the Maine woods of Ogunquit. The elegant main dining room, with its post-and-beam construction and expansive glass, overlooks a panorama of manicured lawns, flower gardens and the Arrows’ own apple orchards.

To this one-of-a-kind setting, Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier (the chef/owner duo) provide dramatic cuisine (touted as “new American”), floor-to-ceiling flower displays and an award-winning wine list, making this a truly unique reception location.

From spring through fall, the Arrows’ gardens and orchards are available for outside receptions, which can accommodate 50 to 250 guests.The indoor dining rooms comfortably seat 110 guests.

The Arrows offer an impressive range of dining options from two-course wedding menus to six-course offerings. For instance, a six-course menu can include Arrows’ house-cured prosciutto with mint, raspberry puree and Black Mission figs; garden arugula with spicy glazed pecans and a Danish blue-cheese fondant; and sautéed jumbo sea scallops with heirloom tomatoes, basil and extra virgin olive oil.

Whether you opt for a sit-down luncheon or a multi-course gala evening event, Arrows prides itself on creating a unique and memorable dining experience.All breads, pastries and ice creams are created here; curing and smoking of meats are done in house as well. The restaurant’s staff can handle other aspects of your event as well from creating bridal bouquets to making the wedding cake. A pastry chef, sommelier and florist are available to take care of the many details your reception might require.

Whichever season you choose, the Arrows Restaurant will not disappoint when it comes to the artful cuisine, superb service and stunning flora and fauna surroundings in the Ogunquit woods.

Julia Russell Photography/www.juliarussell.com

Julia Russell Photography/www.juliarussell.com

Arrows Restaurant

David Murray Weddings/www.davidmurrayweddings.com

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The

Beachmere Inn, Jonathan’s Restaurant and the Meadowmere Resort

Patrick McNamara Photography/www.mcnamaraphoto.com

The Ogunquit Ocean Mere wedding package provides a unique way to say “I do” with this winning trio of ceremony, reception and slumbering locales. Combining a stunning coastline setting at the stately Beachmere Inn, the renowned cuisine and cheerful ambiance of nearby Jonathan’s Restaurant for your reception, and the comfortable accommodations and amenities of the justdown-the-road Meadowmere Resort, this

arrangement allows you and your guests to experience some of the finer seaside features unique to Ogunquit.

Set against the backdrop of the famed Marginal Way’s dramatic cliffs overlooking the ocean, ceremonies at the grand Victorian-era Beachmere Inn range from elegant daytime occasions to spectacular dusk celebrations.

Afterward, you and your guests are taken for a short scenic ride aboard an old-fashioned trolley car to Jonathan’s Restaurant, which features a collection of fine paintings, an impressive 600-gallon fish tank and a property boasting several bloom-laden gardens.

There are numerous meal options to choose from including a Maine lobster bake, which features everything from steamers to Maine taters.The minimum number of guests is 80; the maximum is 150.

When the reception revelry ends, guests are returned via trolley car to the nearby Meadowmere Resort for well-earned rest and relaxation.This stylish resort combines a cozy inn with the much-needed comforts an indoor heated pool, outdoor hot tub and spa can provide.The bride and groom can opt to

stay in a lovely honeymoon suite, which boasts a fireplace, private two-person Jacuzzi and a king-sized bed.

The Ocean Mere wedding package contains a few stipulations.The trolley, which departs on your wedding day from the Meadowmere Resort, must be used for transportation to and from the wedding sites as parking is not provided. Room blocks (a 30room minimum and two-night stay) at the resort are available year round and the price for accommodations does vary according to your ceremony’s time and season.

Due to the popularity of the Beachmere Inn in the summer, weddings are scheduled up to 18 months in advance for July and August; dusk/evening ceremonies are at 6 p.m. from Friday through Sunday, and daytime ceremonies on weekends are at 11 a.m.

A ceremony site fee applies and varies for each weekend day.

Ogunquit Beach and Perkins Cove are both within walking distance of the Meadowmere, making it convenient for enjoyable seaside exploration for your family and friends before and after your wedding celebration.

Fishing boats in Perkins Cove The Beachmere Inn

Patrick McNamara Photography/www.mcnamaraphoto.com

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Julia Russell Photography/www.juliarussell.com

Cliff House Resort & Spa

The

The Cliff House Resort & Spa

High atop Bald Head Cliff and surrounded by the natural beauty of Ogunquit’s rugged coastline sits the well-appointed Cliff House Resort & Spa, which deftly combines dazzling natural beauty and cozy luxury. This scenic family-owned, 70-acre coastal resort has played host to countless receptions since opening in 1872. Wedding events range from an elegant daytime affair in the tastefully appointed main dining room, to a spectacular evening soirée in the coastal ballroom.

Its impressive location along the Atlantic Ocean—complete with an energizing breeze that sweeps up from the surf below and an abundance of wild rose bushes—provides a dramatic backdrop for once-in-a-lifetime wedding photographs. In fact, it is not uncommon for brides to don their sneakers to trudge down to various venues on the jagged coast just for this purpose.

Due to the popularity of this oceanfront venue, wedding events here are scheduled up to a year in advance.

Required are a non-refundable deposit Where to at the time of booking and a minimum Julia Russell Photography/www.juliarussell.com food and beverage purchase for a fiveArrows Restaurant hour reception.There is also a room rental fee; the minimum Berwick Road number of guests is 100 and the maximum is 225. Menu opCape Neddick, ME tions are extensive here, including entrées ranging from a (207) 361-1100 roasted vegetable strudel to a blueberry-glazed, free-range www.arrowsrestaurant.com chicken to a bronzed fillet of salmonWellington. On-site ceremonies can be arranged for a set-up fee.

The Beachmere Inn Keep in mind that room availability (and, of course, price) 62 Beachmere Place for this destination wedding site is dependent upon your reOgunquit, ME ception date, time and estimated number of guests. There is (207) 646-2021 either a two- or three-night minimum stay at the resort www.beachmereinn.com depending upon the time of year.

For you and your guests, the oceanfront spa and fitness center The Cliff House Resort & Spa are not to be missed. Available are a 75-foot indoor lap pool, an Shore Road outdoor pool with a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean and Between York and Ogunquit, ME a variety of spa packages. In fact, if you opt to stay in the spa (207) 361-1000 building, you can schedule an in-room couple’s massage. B&G www.cliffhousemaine.com Cynthia Allegrezza is a regular contributor to BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine and a devotee of the southern Maine coast. www.bridegroommag.com

find them Jonathan’s Restaurant 92 Bourne Lane Ogunquit, ME (207) 646-4777 www.jonathansrestaurant.com The Meadowmere Resort 74 Main Street Ogunquit, ME (207) 646-9661 www.meadowmere.com For detailed information on Ogunquit accommodations, restaurants, shopping, art galleries, museums and entertainment options: www.ogunquit.org

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something

hue‌

Alvina Valenta This silk taffeta ball gown features a ruched bodice and sweetheart neckline; full gathered skirt has an asymmetrical cascade and dropped waist accented with crystal brooch. Shown in bluette; also available in white, eggshell, oyster and vanilla. www.alvinavalenta.com

Today’s hot trend in wedding gowns is all about color. No longer relegated to a simple sash or embroidered detail, these styles show that your something new can be something blue‌ or perhaps green?

Sophia Tolli The Carolina is a satin and organza, strapless A-line gown.

The bodice features soft cross over draping embellished with hand-beaded embroidered crystal motifs; its color is mirrored on the pleated organza skirt with delicate hand-beaded embroidery.

Corset back and chapel length train. Removable straps included. Shown in ivory/sage (silk satin only); also available in ivory/gold, ivory and white (in satin). www.sophiatolli.com

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Maggie Sottero The Estella is a strapless luminescent satin gown featuring a scoop neckline, asymmetrically ruched bodice and full gathered skirt with corset closure and highlighted with sparkling lace motifs. This style is available with a strapless necklilne or matching lace cap sleeves. Shown in blue mist with a diamond white accent; also available in all white, all ivory, light gold with diamond white accent and lavender mist with ivory accent. www.maggiesottero.com

Allie Renee by Mon Cheri Bridals Strapless taffeta A-line gown features ruching at the waist and delicate embroidery detailing on the bodice, as well as a chapel length train. Matching shawl, detachable halter and detachable spaghetti straps included. Shown in patina; also available in white and ivory.

Sizes 2 - 20, 16W - 28W. www.moncheribridals.com

Mon Cheri Bridals The Lauren is an iridescent taffeta gown featuring a tiered bodice and skirt embellished with white lace detail on the sides of the couture bodice and along the chapel length train. Detachable halter and spaghetti straps are included. Shown in sage; also available in white and ivory. www.moncheribridals.com

Maggie Sottero The Tenille is a strapless, A-line gown with corset closure featuring a captivating beaded bodice. The chardon metallic taffeta skirt is ornamented with beaded embellishments caught up at the side seams at various heights. The dramatic back pleats create a luxurious train accented with the same stunning beaded embellishments. Shown in oceana; also available in diamond white, gold and dusty pink. www.maggiesottero.com

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50 tips for brides

Health fitness

by Kelly James-Enger

and

When you’re planning a wedding time may be in short supply, but staying fit and healthy will help you feel better and look gorgeous on the big day. That doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your life—it just means implementing some small, simple changes to improve the way you feel. Give our 50 proven, practical tips a try to help you drop weight, have more energy, lead a healthier lifestyle, tone up and be happier.

Goal: Weight loss Take the stairs. Every little bit adds up.

Avoid the elevator whenever possible and opt for the stairs instead. If you work on the 30th floor, get off on the 25th floor and walk the rest of the way.

Get enough sleep. Sufficient rest may make it easier to shed pounds. Researchers theorize that shorting yourself on sleep may make you hungrier and cause hormone alterations that affect your metabolism, which could make you more likely to gain weight.

Don’t buy it! Out of sight means out of mind.When you shop, stay away from emptycalorie foods, says registered dietitian Jackie Berning, assistant professor of nutrition at the University of Colorado at Colorado

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Springs. “Instead of buying chips, buy pretzels. Instead of candy, buy seasonal fruit.

Stock your house with better food choices.”

Write it down. Write down everything you eat—it will make you more aware of what you’re consuming, and less likely to eat mindlessly.

Create new habits. Do you walk in the door at night and head straight for the refrigerator? Instead, drink a big glass of water and take a shower—anything to create a new,

healthier habit.

Check your appetite. Are you truly hungry or are you depressed, anxious or tired instead? Make sure you’re experiencing physical hunger before you eat.

Skip the sports drinks. Unless you’re an elite athlete, you don’t need sports drinks during and after exercise. Plain water is fine.

Don’t drink like a fish. Alcohol calories add up quickly.There are about 150 calories in 6 oz. of wine, 12 oz. of beer or one

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shot of alcohol.

Watch your coffee intake. Lattes, mochas and iced coffee beverages can pack 400 or 500 calories into one cup.

Make it a cold one. Consuming ice-cold water before a meal suppresses your appetite.

It also raises your metabolic rate because your body must warm it after you drink it.

Goal: Get fitter Know yourself.Want to stick to your exercise program? Choose a schedule that works for you. “If you’re a morning person, head for the gym; all your good intentions could be gone after work. If you don’t come alive until the sun sets, don’t force yourself to the track at dawn,” says Victoria Moran, author of Fit from Within: 101 Simple Secrets to Change your Body and Your Life (©2003, McGrawHill/Contemporary).

Have a ball. Exercise balls are one of the hottest fitness trends for a good reason. “While you’re catching up on the evening news, you can be doing your workout,” says nutritionist Liz Applegate, author of Bounce your Body Beautiful:SixWeeks to a Firmer,Sexier Body (©2003, Prima). “It’s fun, it’s accessible, it’s not threatening and it’s relaxing in a lot of ways.”

Hit the weights. There’s no substitute for strength training to improve your body’s ability and appearance.You may not see the scale move right away, but as you gain muscle mass and lose fat, you’ll notice that you look slimmer and leaner.

Cut yourself some slack. “If you get discouraged about your [fitness] progress, think back to your first week of getting active,” Applegate advises. “You likely felt weak and clumsy. Give yourself credit for what you’ve accomplished already and for overcoming the biggest obstacle: getting started.”

Beat the six-month barrier. “Half of all people who join an exercise program drop out in the first six months—and half of those drop out before the first session,” says fitness motivator Joan Price, author of The Anytime, Anywhere Exercise Book (©2003, Adams Media).

“If you break the six-month barrier, you’re likely to make exercise a lifetime habit.”

Get it on tape. Can’t make it to the gym?

Have a stash of work-out videos at home.You can work out at any hour you choose, in any weather and in private, according to Price.

Do something different. “Try an exer-

cise activity that is very different from what you do at work,” advises Price. “For example, if your job is demanding and time-pressured, get outside and hike in the woods. If your job is task-oriented and full of details, you might like a cardio machine, which allows you to zone out and not concentrate on anything.”

Split it up. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise a day, and break it up into 10-minute chunks to make it more doable.

Engage your brain. “Lots of women give up exercise because it involves the body and leaves out the mind,” says Moran. “Look for ways to get fit that also ask you to learn something—belly dance, ballet, Brazilian groove—or that engage your spiritual as well as your physical self, like hatha yoga or Tai Chi.” Believe in yourself. Numerous studies show that exercisers who believe in their abilities perform at higher levels and are more likely to stick with a regular routine.

Goal: Get healthier Go for the best. There’s lots of food out there: make the commitment to always choose the best from what’s available. Look for the freshest, least-processed and healthiest options.

Up your vitamin quotient. Eat at least one great big salad every day, recommends Applegate. (Great big means it takes the whole bowl to toss.) Use vitamin-packed greens like romaine and arugula, plus tomatoes and carrots.

Focus on fruit. Grab different colored fruits and keep them out so you’re more likely to eat them. Or try dried fruit like apples, peaches, pears, bananas or raisins; chop them up, throw in some soy nuts and you’ve got a great trail mix.

Oxygenate yourself. Chronic stress is depleting—when you’re under pressure, you tend to take short, shallow breaths which deprive your body of the oxygen you need. “Sit still and take 10 deep, slow breaths,” says Price. “Mentally, you’ll feel calmer.

Physiologically, you’ll bring down both your heart rate and your blood pressure.”

Exercise regularly. Regular exercise reduces your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and some types of cancer.

Check in with your body. Avoid muscle strains by using this body scanning move

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from Price: When you feel tense, close your eyes and do a mental scan of your body to find the areas where your body is reacting to stress. Move that area to increase blood flow.

Take it up a notch. A study published in Circulation last year found that men who exercised the most intensely had the lowest risk of coronary heart disease.

Don’t smoke. Come on, you knew this one already. If you do, pick a date to quit—

you’ll improve your life expectancy and your breath, too.

Take it easy. If you tend to be stressed out much of the time, incorporate relaxation into your day. Even five-minute breathing breaks can help you control stress.

Get regular checkups. Preventive care will help you stay healthy over the long haul.

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Goal: More energy Drink up. Feeling tired? You may be dehydrated—one of the first signs is fatigue. Drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water and other fluids every day; if you exercise vigorously, you need more, says Applegate.

Get enough protein. Many women eat less meat, but don’t replace it with other protein sources. “I see a lot of women sort of ‘carbohydrating’ their way through lunch, they’ll grab a bagel or juice drink and they think that’s fine,” says Applegate. Not so—you should consume some protein at every meal to help keep your energy levels high.

Space out your meals. A mid-afternoon slump may be the result of not eating enough earlier in the day. Spread your calories out throughout the day and you’ll feel better.

Hit the mattress. According to a recent survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, more than half of Americans (63%) don’t get the recommended eight hours of sleep. Sure, some people thrive on five or six hours, but others feel better with eight or even nine hours of sleep.

Set a schedule. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time each day.This will help set your “body clock” and help you sleep better.

Exercise early. Don’t work out too close to bedtime—it may affect your sleep quality because your metabolism is still running high.

Some light stretching or yoga poses are fine before bed, but perform your higher-intensity workouts earlier in the day.

Take a siesta. A short nap mid-afternoon can refresh and energize you for the rest of the day. Fifteen to twenty minutes appears to be optimal.

Go easy on the alcohol. It tends to interfere with sleep and a hangover will affect your energy levels and your mood the next day.

Take your training down a notch.

Persistent fatigue can be a sign of over-training. Take a few days off to let your body recuperate.

See your doctor. Fatigue can also be the result of anemia, a thyroid problem or other medical causes. Schedule a checkup to rule that out.

Goal: Get happier Challenge yourself. Whether your dream is to write a novel or climb a mountain, set

goals for yourself that are specific, realistic and attainable, says Price. Break your big goals into smaller, manageable action steps— small steps lead to lasting changes and happiness.

Make friends. According to research published in Psychological Science last year, the happiest people are the ones who have good social relationships.

Take a mental vacation. Feeling stressed? Close your eyes and mentally place yourself in an environment that gives you peace and pleasure.Visualize your fantasy place and what you would do there.

Say no! That’s the magic word that can change your life, give you back your time and help you lead a happier life. Protect your free time so you’ll have a chance to do what you really want to do.

Treat yourself. As our lives get more stressful, taking time to relax and slow down becomes more important. Treating yourself to a massage, facial, haircut, manicure or pedicure is a wonderful way to take some time to yourself—and improve your physical appearance and your mental outlook at the same time.

Cut back on TV. The average person watches more than three hours of TV every day. Limit yourself to favorite programs and look for other ways to spend your time.

Count your blessings. Instead of focusing on what you want and don’t have, keep a gratitude journal where you record things that you’re thankful for—your health, your friends, your family or the sun on your face in the morning.

Pump up the volume. When you’re down in the dumps, put on your favorite tunes, crank the volume and dance—you can’t not feel better.

Set your sights. Recent research found that setting goals that matter to you personally, and striving to achieve them, affects your level of happiness and self satisfaction.

Work out. Research shows exercise boosts mood, alleviates depression and helps you deal with wedding-planning anxiety—while getting you in beautiful bridal shape! B&G Kelly James-Enger is the co-author of Small Changes, Big Results: A 12-Week Action Plan to a Better Life (Š2005,Three Rivers Press).

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B&G Planning 101

Wedding timetable B&G’s guide for what to do and when This guide was set using a timeframe of 12 – 18 months prior to the wedding date. Your event may be in less (or more) time; use this as a handy checklist for what to do first (and second, and third…)

At engagement • Discuss what size/type of wedding you want keeping style (formal or casual) and number of potential guests in mind.

• Determine the budget, and who will be paying for what.

• Book your reception location, making sure it coordinates with your ceremony (if it is being held elsewhere).

• Attend a wedding Expo.

Once the date is set 9 – 12 months • Research and interview potential vendors, such as photographers, bands/DJs, caterers (if necessary), bakeries, florists, videographers, transportation etc. Many book events a year or more in advance, so start this process quickly.

• Decide on any theme/decorative elements for your reception.

• Begin shopping for wedding dress and accessories (veil, headpiece, shoes, jewelry, undergarments, etc.).

• Renew your passports (if necessary) if your honeymoon trip will be outside of the U.S. • Select wedding party.

6 – 9 months • Go over ceremony details/ideas with officiant.

• Order wedding dress and schedule fitting/ delivery dates.

• Select and order bridesmaids’, mothers’ and flower girl dresses.

• Have all of your major vendors (see #1 above) reserved.

• Block off hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.

• Decide on any extras for ceremony and reception (i.e. programs, favors, menus, etc.).

• Finalize guest list and obtain updated addresses.

• Send save-the-date cards.

• Post wedding details on your wedding Web site.

4 – 6 months • Select and order groom and ushers’ attire.

• Select and order invitations.

• Hire calligrapher or schedule a printer to address invitations.

• Plan honeymoon.

• Experiment with hair and makeup styles.

• Consider extras: teeth cleanings/ bleaching, regular facials, etc.

• Shop for and order wedding rings.

Have them engraved.

2 – 4 months • Order and/or begin to make favors and other wedding-day extras.

• Check marriage license requirements (see page 90).

• Plan activities for out-of-town guests.

• Purchase gifts for attendants.

• Coordinate ceremony and reception music with entertainment specialists.

• Finalize guest list.

• Shop for lingerie and honeymoon clothes.

• Arrange for rehearsal dinner.

6 – 8 weeks • Address and mail invitations.

• Start/maintain records of RSVPs and gifts received.

• Write and send thank-you notes for gifts received before the wedding.

• Schedule final dress fittings and pick-up times.

• Get marriage license.

• Finalize details of rehearsal dinner.

• Purchase all bridal accessories.

Break in shoes.

2 – 6 weeks • Confirm ceremony details with officiant.

• Discuss and confirm special requests with photographer.

• Confirm final arrangements with florist, bakery, limo service, etc.

• Give wedding-day itinerary to the wedding party and to any necessary vendors.

• Start the seating chart.

• Confirm honeymoon arrangements.

• Arrange for a hold on your mail (while you’re away).

One week • Pick up wedding attire. Last check for fit.

• Do a final guest count and submit to reception facility/caterer.

• Pick up tickets for honeymoon.

• Confirm final details with vendors, such as time and place of delivery/arrival.

• Check weather report.

Wedding day Have fun! B&G

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Preparing to plan

The best way to keep things running smoothly and stress levels manageable is to have some type of organizational system to sort out your planning information.Whether you use dedicated file folders, a binder or even just a single box, make this the place to keep all wedding-related data. But remember, this will only work if you are committed to it.

(Having a timetable may also help. We’ve provided one for you on p. 75.)

Begin with a budget How much money is available to spend? Who pays for what? Who makes the major spending decisions?

When assessing these issues, make sure everyone involved is as clear, open, honest and—most importantly—as realistic as possible. The more that’s established and made clear now will make for easier planning and decision making later on.

Size things up The number of expected guests and the desired type of reception will set the tone for all other planning decisions, so it’s important to get a handle on this early.The preliminary guest list should consist of the bride’s family and parents’ friends; the groom’s family and parents’ friends; and the couple’s friends.

Since many locations may have requirements for the minimum and/or maximum number of guests, this information is invaluable when conducting your site search.

Determine the specifications that will set the style of your party. Large or small? Formal or informal? Evening or daytime? Outside or inside? Winter, spring, summer or fall? Again, this information is a must-have for finding the ideal location (at the ideal time and price).

Help Yes, it is your wedding but that doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. Family members and close friends will most likely volunteer their services for any weddingplanning task.As a savvy project manager you will, of course, take them up on it.You may even ask them before they ask you! Keep in mind that delegating doesn’t mean compromising your vision; it means achieving it with less stress.

The deciding factor So what really determines the size and scope of your wedding? For some, cash is king when it comes to deciding on the size and location.

For others, a particular artistic or thematic vision may determine the place and cost.

Whatever the driving force, you might find that you’re addressing the first three tasks listed here simultaneously. Don’t panic: There’s no specific method for making these decisions.

Your best bet is to keep a list of what’s most/least important to you. By prioritizing (and, in some cases, re-prioritizing) your wants and needs, you’ll be more equipped to make the “tough” choices. B&G

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This mantra is as meaningful for weddings as it is for real estate.Whether your site is a fabulous hall or hotel, a beautiful park or your own backyard, options abound. It all depends upon the size of your reception and budget.

Use these sources to find your ideal site: local bridal magazines (like B&G), the phone book, the Internet and references from family/ friends.

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B&G Planning 101

Videography W HEN

SEEKING OUT A VIDEOGRAPHER ,

you’ll be looking for many of the same qualities and elements that you would in a photographer: style, quality of work, quality of equipment, etc. To help you in your search for the “right” videographer, here is a list of 25+ questions you should ask.

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1. How long have you been documenting weddings?

2. Is this your full-time job?

3. How many weddings do you document in a year?

4. What is your style? Cinematic?

Documentary?

5. Do you have references? (Quality, reputable experience is key.)

6. Do you belong to any professional organizations? If so, which ones and what are the criteria to be a member?

7. What size events have you recorded?

(This will help determine if they have the equipment/staff needed to cover your day.)

8. Will you coordinate with my photographer? Have you worked with him/her before?

9. Do you have sample products I can view?

If so, may I see raw footage of an event as well as its final cut? (Look to see if the

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camera work is steady, clear and well lit and if the editing is smooth and seamless.)

How many cameras will cover the event?

How many people?

Will you have backup equipment available on that day?

How much time will you need to set up your equipment?

What is your procedure for recording the ceremony?Are wireless microphones available? Do you use lighting (and if so, how bright is it)?

Do you charge by the hour or by a flat rate?

Do you offer package plans? Do you have a payment schedule?

Are the costs of any assistants included in the price?

Is there an additional charge for overtime?

What type of camera and editing/ sound/lighting equipment do you use (digital or analog)? Is it commercial grade (high quality)?

If the equipment is analog, will I be receiving the final product on a VHS tape? If so, is a DVD version available?

Do you do the editing, or do you have a staff that does it? (Are you part of the process?)

Are special effects used in the final product? If so, how many? And may I opt to have those effects left out?

If background music is used in the final product, who selects it?

If providing a DVD, will the final product be sectioned into chapters for easier navigation? If not, is this an option I can request/purchase?

Is there an additional charge for extra copies?

Who keeps the original footage?

Can I buy the original unedited (raw) footage?

What are your criteria for selecting which “occurrences” to record?

Do you plan to interview guests during the reception? (If this is something you don’t want, let them know.) B&G

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Engaged Encounter Marriage Preparation Weekend Future dates available Call Marcia & Chet DILeo

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B&G Planning 101

Changing your name?

TO

MAKE OFFICIAL, LEGAL CHANGES

to your name after marriage you’ll need a certified copy of your marriage license. To obtain one or more, contact the clerk’s office where the license was filed for the required procedures. (You’ll either have to make the request in person or submit a written request. A processing fee generally applies.)

The following are the likely places you’ll want/need to make your name change, and instructions on what you’ll need to do.

Social Security Number To obtain a new card with your new name, you must complete and submit form SS-5, which can be found online (www.ssa.gov) or at your local Social Security Office. Call (800) 772-1213 for more information or to locate an office near you. There is no fee for this service.You will also need to show proof of your U.S. citizenship or immigration status and your identity.

Driver’s License Take your new social security card to a full service RMV branch office along with a completed License and ID Update Form (found online at www.mass.gov/rmv/forms) and $20.00.

Passport Traveling with your passport on your honeymoon? If so, the name on your tickets must match the one on your passport. Since you most likely bought the tickets before your wedding, it’s best to wait until after your return to make the change on your passport.

To make the name change, you must complete the proper amendment form and submit it, along with a certified copy of your marriage license, your previous passport and two photos, to the National Passport Processing, P.O. Box 13290, Philadelphia, PA 19101-3290. Forms are available online

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(www.travel.state.gov) or by calling the public passport agency near you (generally either a post office or courthouse). There is no fee for this service unless you need expedited service ($60.00 per application, plus delivery costs).

Don’t forget these • Employer (for payroll purposes) • Post office • Credit card companies or any other bills • Voter registration • Any legal documents like mortgages, leases, insurance policies, etc.

where art celebrates you showers | rehearsal dinners | ceremonies | receptions

Same-sex marriages and name changes A party in a same-sex marriage in Massachusetts can legally change his/her surname with the Social Security Administration and on his/her driver’s license. However, according to the Web site for GLAD, the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders organization (www.glad.org), “the Passport Agency, citing the federal 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, is refusing to honor the name change on the marriage license and is requiring couples to go through Probate Court to have their names changed.” Information on how to petition for a name change can be found at: www.lawlib.state.ma.us/name.html. B&G

WORCESTER ART MUSEUM | 55 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA www.worcesterart.org | specialevents@worcesterart.org | 508.799.4406 x3077 www.bridegroommag.com

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“We love what we do and you will too.”

Media Photo Affordable Wedding Packages 63 Auburn St., Auburn, MA 01501 508-832-4716 Mediafoto@aol.com

B&G Planning 101

Flower Power FLOWERS CAN BE A SIGNIFICANT DECORATIVE element for your wedding day, depending on how elaborate you want it to be.To help you find that fabulous florist, here are a few tips: 1. Know your own style. Sure, you like flowers… but how do you like them arranged? Are there any particular blooms that strike your fancy? Check out bridal magazines, friends wedding photos and the Internet to find the styles you like most and least.

Specializing in ethnic events Custom creative menu of your choice A romantically designed Grand Ballroom Garden gazebo for your cocktail reception and pictures Can accommodate up to 500 guests

10 Lincoln Square Worcester, MA 01608 Tel: 508-791-1600 Fax: 508-791-1796 1-800-628-4240 email: smwor@lodgian.com

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2. Now that you know your style preferences, what about that of a potential florist?

Does it mirror or complement yours? If she favors modern and cutting edge designs while you prefer more Victorian and traditional styles, it might not be a good match. Here are some ways to find out if you’ll see eye to eye: Ask about her artistic philosophies/ preferences. What designs does she like to create and why?

Ask to see photos of recent wedding work.

Ask to see any bouquets/arrangements in progress when you’re at the shop. There’s nothing like checking out the real thing.

Look around the shop; how it’s decorated and arranged will give you a good sense of her overall style.

Show the photos you’ve collected of what you like. What’s the reaction? If she’s not as excited by the designs as you are, move on to the next designer.

3. Know your budget and be up front about it with your florist; it’s as important as your artistic vision.The cost of your floral decorations can range from moderate to exorbitant, depending on everything from the amount of flowers used, to the types (orchids will be infinitely more costly than carnations), to the size of the bouquets and centerpieces, etc.

Knowing your budget will give the florist the

parameters within which she has to work, which will help her to give suggestions on how to achieve your aesthetic vision reasonably.

- Personal Coordinator - Gazebo Ceremony Area - Picturesque Gardens - Antique Cars & Buggy - Seating up to 180 - Handicap Accessible - Centrally located 20 miles from Providence & Worcester

Relax and enjoy your wedding day in our historic clubhouse overlooking the beautiful grounds that surround you.

Your personal Wedding Coordinator will take care of all the details while you create memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime‌

801 Chockalog Road, Uxbridge, MA (508) 278-6110 www.blissfulmeadows.com 4.You should also find out how the florist and her shop handles weddings. Here are some key questions to ask: How many weddings do you do each week?

How many will be done the weekend of my wedding?

Have you done any weddings at my ceremony and/or reception site? If so, do you have any suggestions for the types/colors/ sizes of arrangements that might work well for my wedding?

I have a small budget, yet I would like to have as much color as possible.What suggestions do you have for maximizing my options?

Does your price include set-up of the centerpieces (and other arrangements) at the reception site? Does it include decoration of my cake? Also, does it include any transportation of ceremony flowers to reception site? If not, what are the extra charges for these details?

Do you provide vases, arches, candelabras, etc. or do I need to provide them? If you do not and I am required to rent them, can you suggest a rental company?

May I provide my own vases, arches, candelabras, etc? If so, how will that affect the price? B&G

The

DRESS www.bridegroommag.com

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B&G Planning 101

A Special Setting for Your Special Event

Spreading the news

The historic Asa Waters Mansion offers an elegant style and relaxed atmosphere in a stately house where guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor functions.

Available for wedding ceremonies and receptions, bridal showers, and rehearsal dinners

Asa Waters Mansion 123 Elm Street, Millbury, MA 01527 (508) 865-0855 www.asawaters.org

P L AC I N G

A N E N G AG E M E N T A N D / O R

wedding announcement in your local newspaper has been a longstanding tradition for many soon-to-be and newly-weds. Now that most newspapers are also online, those announcements have also made their way onto the Internet.

Many of the area’s major newspapers have new policies regarding the publication of celebratory/life event notices and now charge a fee to run them.Various options are available for small or large announcements, with or without photos. Some include online postings with the print, and those may include things like photo galleries, links to gift registries, etc.

For the major papers in and around our area, we’ve collected the basic information (such as range of fees) and have provided key Website addresses that have more detailed and up-to-date information. Be sure to check with the specific newspaper directly for its most current policies and procedures.

Worcester Telegram & Gazette Announcements for engagements and weddings are available for purchase for both print (T&G) and online (Telegram.com) publication. Packages for both range from $40– $250.All options include a printed announcement in one Sunday edition and an online notice for that same week. For detailed information, go to www.telegram.com/ celebrations or call (508) 793-9226.

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The Boston Globe Announcements for engagements, weddings and other celebratory events are available for purchase for print (The Boston Globe) and online (Boston.com) publication. Packages for engagement and wedding announcements range from $149 – $249.All options include a printed announcement in one Sunday edition and inclusion on Boston.com’s Celebrations for one year. For detailed information, go to www.bostonglobe.com/advertiser/mediakit /celebrations.aspx.

Lowell Sun Engagement and wedding notices are run.

Text-only announcements cost $31, $46 with photo. Original black and white photos are preferred for publication or a clear, high contrast, color close-up. If you would like the photo returned, write your name and address on back of photo and include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Forms can be found online at: www.lowellsun.com/ forms.

MetroWest Daily News Engagement and wedding announcements are run in the print publication free of charge and in color. Some notices may be published online at www.metrowestdailynews.com/ celebrations. Request the appropriate forms by e-mailing lnoble@cnc.com.

The Providence Journal The Sunday Journal publishes free wedding announcements every week involving present or former residents of its circulation area.

They also publish announcements of public commitment ceremonies that involve people with substantial local ties. Forms are available online at: www.projo.com/ weddings. They must be printed and mailed to: Features Department, The Providence Journal, 75 Fountain St., Providence, RI 02902. Digital photos may be submitted for publication (see back of form for details).

Engagement announcements are also run, but for a fee of $3.68/line (minimum of eight lines). A B&W photo can be included for an additional fee of $74.54. Announcement can be posted online for an additional $21.20.

See engagement form for details, available at: B&G www.projo.com/celebrations.

The

FLOWERS www.bridegroommag.com

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B&G Planning 101

t

Finding your photographer

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THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER TO

document your day will require a fair amount of research. To help you get started, here’s a list of 20 basic questions you should ask prospective professionals. (If you have any special needs or requests, be sure to mention them during your interviews.)

1. What is the photographer’s style (i.e., traditional, photojournalistic, artistic or a mixture)? Knowing what you prefer ahead of time will help narrow down the field.

2. How many weddings does the photographer/studio shoot in a year?

3. If the studio has multiple photographers, which one will shoot my wedding? (Be sure you see samples of everyone’s work and that you’re comfortable with the style of the photographer you’re contracting.)

4. What type of cameras are used: digital or film? If digital, how new/updated is the equipment? If film, is it 35mm or medium format? (Medium format is a larger negative that can make large prints sharp and clear.)

5. What type of proofs will I receive: prints or electronic files?

6. If print proofs are made from film, will those images also be put into an electronic format? (Some photographers will have their negatives scanned for printing and archival purposes.)

7. If electronic proofs are provided (either from scans or original digital files), will they be posted online or sent to me on a disc?

8. If proofs are made available online, can I share them with family and friends? Will they be able to order prints from that site?

9. What is included in the packages offered?

(This can mean the number of proofs, number of final album pages, style of album, number of photos displayed in the album, sizes of photos displayed in the album, parents’ albums, engagement portrait, etc.)

10. How many hours will the photographer shoot my event?

11. What is the payment schedule?

12. What charges, if any, are there for overtime?

13. Are there any charges (such as travel time, site visits, etc.) that are not included in the package price?

14. How many shots will be taken at my wedding?

15. Will an assistant be used? If so, is there an extra charge?

16. What back-up plans are in place if the contracted photographer becomes ill?

17. Will back-up equipment be available on the wedding day?

18. Will the photographer be dressed in appropriate attire (i.e. tuxedo or suit)?

19. Will the photographer (and any assistants) require meals?

20. How long after the wedding will I receive proofs?

21. How long after I make my selections for the album(s) will it (they) be ready?

22. What are charges for proof and/or reprints?

23. Is there any discount for ordering multiple prints?

Extra tips Check out their work. Most photographers will have portfolios ready for you to browse through. Also ask to see all the proofs from a recent wedding as well as current albums they’ve just completed.What feelings do you get from these pictures? If they’ve captured a fun, romantic and/or loving element, you’ll know it.

Get some good vibes. Do you feel comfortable with this person? You’ll be interacting with this person for a significant portion of your wedding day, so getting along will go a long way. Also, do you get a sense that they enjoy what they do? Do you get a feeling of confidence from them?

Make sure you get all your requirements in writing. That’s everything from how many shots will be taken that day to any special effect shots they may take. Lastly, be sure to provide a list of must-have shots well in advance of your wedding day. B&G

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Sound ’O the Pipes • George Kinney (978) 386-7797 www.soundothepipes.com

The

CAKE www.bridegroommag.com

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B&G Planning 101

Tux talk Finding the right fit H AV E N ’ T

TRIED ON A TUX SINCE

your prom? Don’t worry… the basic styles probably haven’t changed much, but your body’s shape may have. Here is a list of terms and tips to help you find the right style.

How do I love thee?

Oh, around

ten thousand different ways.

Mix & Match Colors, Shapes and Sizes. An endless collection of papers, pockets, cards and envelopes.

Fall in love with the possibilities www.cclowellinvite.com

Custom-designed invitations to fit YOUR style!

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Body basics Tall and thin.Your even proportions make just about any style jacket, single or double breasted, right for you. Double-breasted styles will make you appear bulkier up top, so if you’re leaning toward the thin side, keep that in mind.

Tall and husky/ broad. Your substantial upper body will be best suited with a trim, neat look.Try a jacket with a shawl collar, as it gives a clean line. Wearing a full vest might also help in that regard.Avoid cutaway jackets, as they’re too short in the front, and any shirts with too much detail (i.e. pleats).

Short and husky/broad. As with your taller counterparts, stick with a simple, clean style such as the thin line of a shawl collar, especially on a single-breasted jacket. Opt for natural instead of padded shoulders to downplay excessive broadness.

Short and thin. Single-breasted coats with two or three buttons will add length to your torso, while notched lapels will add the illusion of width at the upper chest.You might do well with a double-breasted jacket, although it could end up looking too big for your frame.

Tuxedo terminology Cutaway Jacket (a.k.a. Morning Coat). Short in the front and tapers into a long, wide “tail” in back. Colors are either gray or black. Worn with matching striped trousers for formal daytime weddings.

Dinner Jacket. A white or ivory jacket cut like a tuxedo jacket and worn with black, satin-striped trousers.

Full Dress Tailcoat. Usually for formal evening weddings, this is a full dress coat with two long skirts or “tails” that taper in the back.

Stroller (a.k.a.Walking Coat). This semi-formal jacket is traditionally worn by groomsmen for daytime weddings. Cut slightly longer than a traditional jacket, in gray or black this jacket is usually worn with matching striped trousers.

Tuxedo Jacket. Can be either single- or double-breasted with a variety of button options (one to four+ for the single, two to six+ for the double). Can be worn at formal or semiformal events. Each style can have any type of lapel and is worn with black, satin-striped trousers.

Lapels Notch. A triangular indentation that is cut where the lapel meets the collar.

Peak. A broad, two-piece lapel that is V-shaped and points up and out (toward the shoulders) just below the collar line.

Shawl. A smooth lapel without a notch that forms a continuous line from the neck down the front of the jacket. Usually made of a contrasting material such as satin.

Helpful hints Timing. Unlike a bride, you won’t need months to seek out and find the perfect tuxedo. Just make sure your selections are ordered at least three months or more before, and that you and your wedding party are scheduled for fittings five to seven weeks before.

Be comfortable. This is a suit you’ll be wearing for at least eight hours, so make sure you like wearing it. Is it roomy enough? Does it move well? Is the fabric too light or too heavy for the season in which you’ll be marrying?

Check, check and triple check. When you and your guys pick up the tuxedos, check the labels to ensure you’ve got the right size.

Better yet, try the stuff on. Also look at the buttons, hooks, clasps and whatnot to make sure they’re sewn on tightly.

The

TUX

B&G

www.bridegroommag.com

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HIGGINS ARMOR RY Y MUSEUM

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B&G Planning 101

License to wed SURE

YOU N E E D A H A L L , A P H OTO G -

rapher and some fancy duds… but don’t forget the most important must-have item for your wedding—your marriage license!

Here’s what you need to know to get the legalities in order for your big day.

If you’re getting married in Massachusetts, both parties must apply for the license together and in person—whether or not you are a resident.

Applications are made by both parties (in person) in any city or town in Massachusetts.

Where you apply is where the marriage certificate will be filed.

There is a waiting period of three days.This includes Sundays and holidays, but not the day upon which the application is submitted.

The license is valid for 60 days from the date you file and can be used in any city or town in Massachusetts.

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 can choose our beautiful Grand Ballroom with the adjacent Terrace Bar. Specializing in custom menus and flexible wedding packages, the newly renovated Holiday Inn Boxborough will meet your every need.

Contact our Wedding Specialist, Stephen Guay 978-889-1715 | sguay@hiboxborough.com www.boxboroughweddings.com

242 Adams Place Boxborough, MA 01719 978-263-8701

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There is a state fee of $4.00 for the license, but each town is allowed to set their own fee in addition to that. Check with your town clerk’s office for cost information.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

Some towns may require proof, such as a birth certificate.

Please note:The requirements and information listed here are subject to change and may differ for same-sex couples. For the most upto-date information, contact your clerk’s office directly. Information specific to same-sex weddings in Massachusetts can be found at: www.glad.org/marriage/howtogetmarried.html www.lawlib.state.ma.us/gaymarriage.html If you’re marrying out of state (or having a destination wedding), be sure to check out the requirements for that area. Because those requirements will differ per location, it’s best to take care of this early in your planning. B&G

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B&G Planning 101

News you can use The Original Wedding Expo™ in two new locations Chevalier Associates, Inc., producers of The OriginalWedding Expo™, announces the addition of two new Expo dates and locations: the Sheraton Hotel in Braintree, MA, on September 28, 2008, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, RI, on October 18 and 19, 2008. For more information, log on to www.originalweddingexpo.com.

Feast for guests of The Original Wedding Expo™ at Twin River Experience some of the finest dining in New England at the all new Twin River Event Center during The OriginalWedding Expo™ on Saturday, October 18, 2008. This “Wedding Expo Special” is available to all attendees for $20.00 per person (not including tax or gratuity). Reservations are required; call Alaina Bart at 401-475-8497 or Brittany Orr at 401-475-8505.

Area reception facility opens new ballroom New for 2009… The Cathedral Room at Wachusett Village Inn in Westminster, MA, holds up to 240 people and features beautifully exposed post and beam construction, hardwood floors and one glass wall with sliding doors that open onto a gorgeous patio deck. Great for ceremonies or cocktail hours. More information is available at: www.wachusettvillageinn.com.

See your name in print Author Thomas E. O’Brien wants you for his next novel! He will be signing copies of his mystery novels at The OriginalWedding Expo™ at the Twin River Events Center October 18 and 19.Visit his booth to talk about the “character” you would like to be. Summon that alter ego that has been trapped within; change your

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lifestyle, your appearance and even your name; create a special talent or trait; reveal a hidden past or secret. His novels are available online at www. thomaseobrien.com.

More room for dining at local restaurant Romaine’sWood Grill and Bar in Northborough has a newly renovated, private dining area that seats up to 52 guests—perfect for an afternoon bridal shower or an evening rehearsal dinner. For more information go to www.romainesrestaurant.com, or call 508393-8889.

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For more information, e-mail rentals@higgins.org, or call 508-8536015, ext. 26.

V

Steve Erikson

A NOVEL

&

PerfectWeddingPhoto.com

DIGGER’S PLACE

LOOK

Two private ballrooms accommodating 30 to 380 guests

95 Armsby Road Sutton, MA (508) 865-4441 www.pleasantvalleycc.com

Exquisitely manicured gardens with arbor for ceremony and photos Custom designed menus and wedding packages, some including a round of golf Winter wedding package specials All rooms with windows overlooking pristine golf course and gardens

Reach your full potential Dr. Erika Duffy is a two time best selling co-author, with Deepak Chopra and Dr. Wayne Dyer; motivational speaker; success coach; certified hypnotherapist; Reiki teacher; and holistic counselor. She has been teaching people for 20 years how to re-program negative patterns using tools and techniques that focus on how to reach their full potential. Develop the best relationships now and forever; for the life you desire is waiting for you. For more information, go online to www.erikaduffy.com, or call 603-497-4693. B&G www.bridegroommag.com

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Hotel Le Saint James

Sights to see

Ooh La La! Romantic Montréal

by Janet Strassman Perlmutter IT’S

N OT J U S T T H E L I LT O F A

FRENCH

AC C E N T O R E V E N T H E I N TOX I C AT I N G

aromas of French cuisine that make Montréal the Paris of North America. It’s the joie de vivre (love of life) that the city celebrates, with its parks and festivals, museums and concerts, clubs and galleries. It’s the sizzle of lovers embracing on street corners, the clippity-clop of horses and carriages traveling over cobblestoned streets, and the explosion of colors bursting forth from even the tiniest of gardens.

Just 50 miles over the Canadian border, an easy half-day’s drive from any part of New England, Montréal brings a European honeymoon practically to your doorstep. No jet lag, no long flights…

Montréal’s got Paris beat on ease of travel from the U.S. and on value for your dollar.

So close and yet so far... Enter this, the hippest city in Québec province, and you are unquestionably in a foreign country. Montréalers are a mix of French-speakers and English-speakers, providing the romance of the former with the convenience (for New Englanders) of being easily understood.

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Honeymooners are quickly transported to the French colony of yesteryear when encountering the once-walled city of Old Montréal, then known as the village of VilleMarie. Here, overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, buildings dating back to the 17th century retain their age-old functions, such as the soaring Notre Dame Basilica and the Bonsecours Market. Still others preserve stately, historic exteriors while introducing modern décor and conveniences inside.

Marble-fronted bank buildings in the centuries-old quarter now sport luxurious hotels and cutting edge restaurants, while the formerly commerce-busy port hosts recreational boats, dinner cruises and, on shore, a mix of seasonal and permanent exhibits of art, nature and celebration.

Romance fills the entire city, old and new, whether your style is the gay-friendly inns and retro cafés and shops of The Village along Amherst Street, or the see-and-be-seen clubs and gourmet restaurants of Rue St Laurent.

Mont Royal, accessible by car or bike, subway or bus, grants the widest view of the city.

While you’re up there, visit Beaver Lake for paddleboating or swimming in summer, sledding or ice skating in winter, or docent-led walks any time of year. If the outdoors figure strongly in your sense of romance, you can bike or roller skate extensive trails along the river and its locks, or among the city’s neighborhoods. Go rafting on the Lachine Canal or stop and smell the roses at Montréal’s Botanical Garden. A multi-ethnic city, the gardens represent the structures and scenery of Japan, China and Canada’s First People, the Aboriginal tribes, in detailed and fascinating landscapes.

There’s outdoor theater at La Fontaine Park each summer and picnicking at Ile St Helene, the island site of the 1967 Worlds Fair. Or head out of town in any direction and you’ll quickly find yourself in the countryside.Visit

the strawberry fields, maple farms or cheese makers you’ll find there and your grocery store fare will never quite taste the same.

Winter brings its own pleasures, including the High Lights Festival each February and March that celebrates gastronomy, music and other forms of culture. Montréalers don’t hibernate in winter, they celebrate:What city but Montréal would host an all-night midwinter party, the pièce de résistance of the High Lights Festival. Free arts performances run straight through the night, capped off with a breakfast celebration for those revelers still awake at sunrise.

Montréal provides for indoor types, too.

Summer or winter, the Underground City is hopping with an extensive network of theaters, restaurants and shops linked by mileslong corridors and connected to the city’s Metro subway system. From many hotels you can access the Underground City without ever having to brave the outdoors, and spend days on end enjoying concerts at Place des Arts, browsing boutiques, and dining at delightful cafés and bistros.

Indoors and out, Montréal is a city that venerates the European tradition of festivals, celebrating fireworks and foreign films, beer and bicycles, comedy and cars.These festivals, lasting days or even weeks, spill out into the streets that often close to accommodate the revelry.

If Montréal is known by one festival in particular, it is the International Jazz Festival, gearing up for its 30th year next June and July.Musiclovers could easily build a honeymoon around this event,spanning almost two weeks and overtaking nearly 10 square blocks of the city center. In recent years the Jazz Festival has show-

Hotel Le Saint James

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Opus

cased the romantic vocalizations of Dianne Reeves, pop favorite James Taylor, folkies Leonard Cohen and Buffy Saint Marie, and the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin.

Musically wide-ranging, the festival highlights jazz while still providing for the tastes of those who are more inspired by hip hop,world music, reggae, rock or blues. Jazz fans are treated to icons like Dave Brubeck and Chick Corea as well as emerging jazz greats, including bassist Christian McBride and pianist Brad Mehldau.

Where to stay Most honeymooners seek a memorable hotel and Montréal boasts an ever-growing selec-

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2008

tion of unique options.At the high end, you’ll find the sophisticated and sensuous Hotel Le Saint James at the western end of the old city. Opened in 2004, it quickly became the hotel of choice for the Rolling Stones, Madonna and other popular music icons. Its 60 rooms filled with Asian art, silk drapes and other finery collected from around the world begin at $400 a night. The penthouse suite, recently renting at $5000 a night, includes a wraparound terrace and enough space to hold a small wedding as well as a lavish honeymoon.

Even if you were looking for something simpler in accommodations, you can enjoy

BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com

this romantic urban escape over lunch or dinner in a secluded alcove of XO, their premium restaurant. Love is certainly in the air on Sundays when a harpist joins the daily afternoon tea at XO, which is open to the public as well as hotel guests.

Nearly across from the Notre Dame Basilica you’ll find another alluring gem, the Place d’Armes Hôtel and Suites. One of three sister properties in Old Montréal, Place d’Armes Hôtel presents a classic façade from the 1800s with elegant modern decor outfitting its guest rooms and restaurants.

Accommodations are nicely spread among three attached buildings allowing a feeling of privacy even when the hotel is filled to capacity. A favorite spot is the hotel’s rooftop terrace bar with glittering city views.

Pampering amenities here include continental breakfast in the first floor lounge and a complimentary wine and cheese reception each evening.

Rooms are comfortable and spacious with opulent bathrooms, many sporting deep Jacuzzi-style tubs. Still, don’t miss the spa; hotel guests are welcome to use the hammam, a Middle Eastern-style steam room, or indulge with a couples massage, a salt glow body rub or the Bora Bora, a tropical combination of relaxing treatments.

Among the hottest properties downtown is Opus, at the foot of St. Laurent’s trendy restaurant row, just a block or so from Place des Arts performing arts complex. Rooms and suites, chock full of the latest technological amenities, are painted in four different color-themed motifs, including sunny tangerine, sultry scarlet and soothing sky blue.

May ’08 saw the much-awaited opening of Koko, Opus Hotel’s Pan-Asian restaurant and lounge. The bar, dining area and tented outdoor patio are all outfitted with cushions and couches for a particularly comfy meal or

nightcap. Dinners are memorable for both flavor and presentation, including recent dishes of miso cod, intensely fresh tuna sashimi with umeboshi plum sauce, lemongrass chicken and lamb chops with Indian spices. Cocktails are as dazzling as the food, one featuring allspice berries, fresh mango juice, ginger beer and rum, or the gin-infused Mojo with fresh mint, green tea and lime.

Couples seeking particularly intimate lodgings might opt for one of the city’s many neighborhood bed & breakfasts or a charming auberge (inn) such as the Bonsecour, hidden in a back courtyard of Old Montréal, or the Calvert down the street, an ornate

historic home adjacent to the restaurant and gardens of Les Filles du Roy.

Dining Dining opportunities abound, from the tiny ethnic eateries of Saint Denis Street and the Plateau neighborhood offering cuisine from tapas to Turkish, as well as delicacies from Québec and France. Recent additions in Old Montréal include Aix at Place d’Armes Hotel and Suites, honored for its décor and RA-141 4.75x7.5.qxd

11/5/06

acclaimed for regional dining; the Hunting and Fishing Club, recognized for modern presentations of seafood and meat; and Lorangery, a classy French bistro filled with natural light and trimmed with faux fur.

So say “oui!” (yes!) to a Montréal honeymoon and you, too, will feel the romance of this nearby European city. B&G Janet Strassman Perlmutter is a freelance writer with a love of travel based inWorcester, MA. 3:55 PM

Page 1

If you go…

Tourism Montréal Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino

Information on accommodations, restaurants, attractions and events. www.tourisme-montreal.org 877-BONJOUR

Romance has a home in the Caribbean: the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino.

Here, couples are whisked away

Hotel Le Saint James

to Renaissance Island, with the only

355 St. Jacques Street, Montréal www.hotellestjames.com 514- 841 3111

private beaches on Aruba. Nature’s beauty swims with style and attitude, creating the perfect atmosphere for any exchange of vows. Gourmet

Opus Hotel

dining, indulgences at the spa, and

10 Sherbrooke West, Montréal www.opushotel.com 514-843-6000

cocktails by the water are just a few of the touches that make memories that last a lifetime. Discover for yourself an experience that is Uniquely Renaissance.SM

Place d’Armes Hôtel and Suites 55 St. Jacques Street West, Old Montréal www.hotelplacedarmes.com 888-450-1887

Montréal High Lights Festival February 19 to March 1, 2009 www.montrealenlumiere.com 888-477-9955

Montréal International Jazz Festival July 1-12, 2009 Schedules, tickets, updates, vacation packages. www.montrealjazzfest.com 888-515-0515

To plan your wedding, call 011-297-583-6000 ext. 6406 or email weddings@arubarenaissance.com

www.bridegroommag.com

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Fireside lobby at The Hotel Hershey

Making history Honeymoon destinations with a past

by Katharine Dyson

Sure, you and your new spouse may have traveled before the big day, but your honeymoon will certainly make history as your first trip as newlyweds. If you have a thirst for the past and love of discovery, here are some places you can book for your honeymoon.

The Hotel Hershey at twilight

Hershey, Pennsylvania Ah, the magic of chocolate. In Hershey, it’s in the air, and the spas (yes, you can indulge in a chocolate fondue wrap) and the lodging (at The Hotel Hershey, you’ll receive a candy bar when you check in). Don’t forget the Chocolate Factory, the Hershey Theatre and Chocolate Avenue; this is indeed the sweetest place on earth.

The legacy of Milton Hershey, who perfected a recipe for milk chocolate and founded the Hershey Chocolate Company, Hershey has become a popular tourism destination. People come for thrills on scary roller coaster rides, golf, swimming and stays in the Hotel Hershey, where rooms are traditionally furnished with lovely silk drapes and damask spreads and pillows.

The Hershey Lodge—about a five minute drive through town—is more like ski lodge-marriesconvention hotel. Its main lobby centers around a huge stone fireplace, and the space is lofty, large and comfortable. Rooms here are not as lavishly furnished as those in the Hotel, but they are comfortable and in some cases larger, giving you a lot of bang for your buck. Sweet. www.hersheypa.com 98 Fall

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Colonial Williamsburg In spring of 1776 impassioned citizens of Williamsburg declared the colony independent and approved a declaration of rights and a state constitution. To celebrate, cannons were discharged, parades marched down Duke of Gloucester Street and people cheered as the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed.

Today, history lives on in the recreation of what life was like in Colonial TheWilliamsburg Inn Williamsburg more than 200 years ago.

Here you can reconnect with America’s past as you make your own history and lifelong memories.

There are many things to do and see—everything from getting a couples massage at The Spa to championship-caliber golf on two acclaimed courses to art museums.You can even interact with GeorgeWashington and Thomas Jefferson or witness daily demonstrations of what life was like back then.

Colonial Williamsburg has variety of places to stay, from 28 historic houses to the Regency-style Williamsburg Inn and the Williamsburg Lodge. There are also diverse restaurants including the Tavern, where you dine by candlelight and order dishes created from 18th century-inspired recipes while costumed balladeers entertain throughout the evening, and the elegant Regency Room in the Williamsburg Inn; if you stay at the latter, be sure to order pecan pancakes and Virginia ham for a leisurely breakfast in bed. www.colonialwilliamsburg.com

The Spa reflecting pool at ColonialWilliamsburg Treatment room at The Spa

Hacienda san Angel Puerto Vallarta, Mexico When filming the Night of the Iguana, Richard Burton said he loved the view of the sea from the hillside overlooking Puerto Vallarta’s Banderas Bay so much, he purchased Villa Bursus as a Valentine’s Day gift for his wife, Susan.The romance lives on in the villa, now a boutique hotel with 14 unique rooms.

Called Hacienda san Angel, it has been lovingly restored and integrated with four adjacent Mexican villas.

This enchanting enclave of rooms and suites, courtyards, gardens, fountains, pools, beautiful tile, arches and an eclectic collection of antiques and art work, wood sculptures and glasswork, create an oasis of beauty. Just outside the large wooden entrance door, you can walk to the water and/or the center of town filled with interesting shops and cafés.

There are three small, but beautiful pools as well as a rooftop tiled Jacuzzi with stunning views of the water. Some rooms have outdoor tiled patios, one with a fountain and bar; some overlook the flowered courtyards.

Rates include a super breakfast of fresh fruits, pastries and Mexican (or American) egg dishes accompanied by a variety of meats and vegetables.This is a place where you can sit high above everything, soak up the views and totally unwind. www.haciendasanangel.com

Hacienda san Angel

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History at home: Massachusetts In Stockbridge, Massachusetts, the sign hanging in front of the Red Lion Inn reads “1773,” recalling the time when the inn had but eight sleeping rooms, the tavern was held up by huge beams, the air was thick with smoke from corn cob pipes and eight coaches per day galloped into town traveling between Boston and Albany. In actual fact, the 108room inn was built in 1897 following a disas-

C O M E

T O

trous fire and resembles the original building: four stories with a long veranda across the front lined by wicker rocking chairs.

Evoking the late 1800s, the Red Lion’s Widow Bingham’s Tavern features wide floor boards, low ceilings, large mugs of Guinness and out-of-this-world prime rib served by candle light. The Lion’s Den Pub, downstairs, serves up great drinks and live entertainment.

Y O U R

S E N S E S. . .

Ever changing shades of blue offered by a perfect sky and an endless sea of pure inspiration.

Bucuti Beach Resort featuring the Tara Beach Suites & Spa Eagle Beach, Aruba • Dutch Caribbean • Telephone 297.583.1100 • www.bucuti.com

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Rockers at Porches

Your room may have a four-poster bed, a giant claw-foot tub or glass shower big enough for your wedding party. For the ultimate in privacy book the Firehouse; it is literally an old fire station where, on the second floor, you’ll find an enormous bedroom with a kingsize bed, vintage wicker chairs and sofa and a bathroom with a double whirlpool bath and walk-in shower. Downstairs is a rather funky kitchen, dining table and sitting area. www.redlioninn.com Over in North Adams is the Porches and a great trip back to a time when people wore poodle skirts and circle pins, cool dudes carried their cigarettes rolled up in their tee shirts and Elvis was grinding out Blue Suede Shoes.Very retro.

Porches’ 50 rooms and suites are located in six former 19th century, two-story row houses that have been extensively rebuilt from the inside out; they are connected with a long porch lined with rocking chairs and enclosed sun-lit arcades between buildings. Victorian facades and much of the original details remain, but the décor of the ’40s and ’50s represents a fresh upbeat mood.

Here retro has been married with contemporary flair creating a hip and trendy little gem seemingly in the middle of nowhere yet close to antique shops, MASS MoCA (the largest contemporary art museum in the country) and Tanglewood. Beds are wonderfully comfortable and covered with high quality Italian-made sheets, down comforters and white-on-white patchwork spreads.There are also Jacuzzi tubs and large glass showers with huge rain-style shower heads.Turn up the romance by booking one of the rooms with a balcony or wood-burning fireplace. www.porches.com At the opposite side of the state in Brewster on Cape Cod awaits the Ocean Edge Resort

and Club. From the time you turn into the driveway and park under the porte-cochere of imposing brick, you know someone important had to have lived here at some time.

In truth, this 1912 Victorian-style mansion, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was originally built in 1890 by the influential Nickerson family, and then rebuilt in 1912 after a fire.

Today it’s your playground with a choice of so many things to do—play golf on the newlyrenovated Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, swim in the pools, get a spa treatment, challenge your new mate to a love match on the tennis courts and explore Cape Cod’s wonderful seashores and lighthouses.You can even snuggle up in the car while watching a movie at theWellfleet Drive-in, where there are double features on Friday and Saturday.

Red Lion Inn

Stay in one of the Resort’s Bay Pines Villas on Cape Cod Bay or check into a nicely appointed room or suite in the mansion or in one of the wings where rooms are quite large and come with balconies. Other villas are located along the golf course.

Bayzo’s, an English-style pub with billiards is a great place to settle in for light fare and drinks. There is also the Ocean Grille, Linx Tavern and Reef Café where you can eat inside or out.The 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail winds through Ocean Edge, with bike trails leading to the Cape Cod National Seashore and Provincetown. www.oceanedge.com B&G Katharine Dyson is a frequent contributor to BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine.

Ocean Edge Resort and Club

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The ultimate beach, breezy, sunny days. Your Divi Aruba All Inclusive honeymoon getaway lets you choose from 10 dining options, 7 bars, snorkeling, biking, non-motorized watersports, live entertainment nightly and more. Plus, all guest rooms are just steps from the sand and pools.

• Guaranteed Oceanview or Beachside accommodation with patio or balcony and king-size or queen-size bed

• Candlelight dinner at the Sunset Beach Bistro, including transfers

• Use of the facilities and features of the adjacent Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive

• Remembrance gift

• Bottle of champagne

• Free night first anniversary certificate

• Wedding packages available

Contact your travel professional or 1-800-554-2008 www.diviaruba.com

207-594-7888

info@diviaruba.com

Restrictions apply. Facilities and features are subject to change without notice.

Additional charges apply for wedding packages, Windows on Aruba and spa treatments.

Function Facility P L A N N I N G

G U I D E

Grouped alphabetically by region: Worcester, West of Worcester, East of Worcester, South of Worcester and North of Worcester

Types of Functions Offered:

Reception Facility

E - Engagement Parties

Contact Person

Types of Functions

B - Bridal Showers

D - Rehearsal Dinners

Price Range

On-Site Catering

Package Plan Available

Min/Max Room Capacity

$63 – 90

Yes

Yes

50/250

W - Wedding Receptions

Number Overnight Ceremony of Events AccommoSite (Held at one time) dations

Worcester Beechwood Hotel (Inside Front Cover)

Emily Aghababain E, B, D, W

363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA Ph: (508) 754-5789 • Fx: (508) 754-0731 sales@beechwoodhotel.com www.beechwoodhotel.com

The perfect marriage of elegance and simplicity. Magnificent Grand Ballroom, suited for small and large affairs.

Luxurious overnight accommodations, plus unrivaled personal service.

Brew City Grill & Brew House (76)

Michelle Frieswick

104 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA Ph: (508) 752-3862 • Fx: (508) 890-5094 www.Brew-City.com

Let Brew City Grill & Brew House plan that special event for you and your guests. Call for specialty catering menus.

Crowne Plaza - Worcester (82)

Joanne Duganiero E, B, D, W

10 Lincoln Square, Worcester, MA 01608 Ph: (508) 751-6515 • Fx: (508) 791-1796 csmwor@lodgian.com • www.cpworcester.com

Custom, creative menu of your choice, romantically designed grand ballroom garden gazebo for your cocktail reception and pictures. Discounted overnight rooms for your guests.

Higgins Armory Museum (90)

Rentals Office

100 Barber Ave., Worcester, MA 01606 Ph: (508) 853-6015 x 26 • Fx: (508) 852-7697 rentals@higgins.org • www.higgins.org

Soaring ceilings, stained glass and tapestries, castle-like ambiance. Rent one of Worcester’s most unique venues for your special occasion.

Mechanics Hall (3)

Kathleen Gagne

321 Main Street, 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.

Tribeca (31)

Steven Greene

92 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA 01604 Ph: (508) 754-7600 • Fx: (508) 754-7601 tribeca4@verizon.net • www.tribeca92.com

Tribeca is one of the newest upscale restaurants providing excellent food and a beautiful, elegant setting for your bridal shower, rehearsal dinner or wedding reception.

Tuckerman Hall (32)

Paul Levenson

10 Tuckerman St., P.O. Box 20070 West Side Station, Worcester, MA 01602-0070 Ph: (508) 754-1234 • Fx: (508) 754-5329 www.tuckermanhall.org

Tuckerman Hall’s dazzling Gilded Age elegance makes it one of the finest facilities in America for weddings and other social occasions.

Worcester Art Museum (81)

Special Events

B, D

E, B, D, W

E, B, D, W

E, B, D, W

E, B, D, W

E, B, D, W

Varies

$30 – 75

Varies

Varies

$30 – 50

Varies

Under $30

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

1/35

Yes

1–2

Yes

1–2

No

Yes

1

Yes

Yes

1

No

No

1/400

1/250

150/425

Yes

1

No

15/120

No

1

No

Max 250

Yes

1

No

25/120

Yes

1

No

55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA Rent exquisite spaces for your next important social occasion, and allow the special Ph: (508) 799-4406 x3077 • Fx: (508) 799-4767 specialevents@worcesterart.org • www.worcesterart.org events staff to help you create the event of your dreams.

Be sure to tell these advertisers you saw their ad in BRIDE&GROOM! Publisher and function facilities assume no responsibility for typographical errors. Prices are subject to change.

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Reception Facility

Contact Person

Types of Functions

Price Range

On-Site Catering

Package Plan Available

Min/Max Room Capacity

Sales

E, B, D, W

$29 – 65

Yes

Yes

50/600

Number Overnight Ceremony of Events AccommoSite (Held at one time) dations

East of Worcester Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel (60) 181 Boston Post Rd., West, Marlboro, MA 01752 Ph: (508) 303-1782 Fx: (508) 480-9343 msmith@rplazahotels.com • www.rplazahotels.com

Yes

2

Yes

Yes

1

Yes

Yes

1

No

1 or 2

Yes

2

Yes

Yes

1 or 2

No

Yes

2

Yes

30/600

Yes

3

No

10/350

Yes

1

Yes

1

No

-

No

Make all your wedding dreams come true! Our attentive and professional wedding consultants are inviting you to experience uncompromised service in our enchanting ballroom.

Boston College - The Connors Family Retreat & Conference Center (79)

Susan Burton

20 Glen St., Dover, MA 02030 Ph: (617) 552-9210 (ext. 613) meet@bc.edu • www.bc.edu/retreat

Situated on 80 acres, this 55,000 square foot mansion offers the perfect setting for weddings.

Accommodating 120 guests indoors and up to 500 outdoors.

Charter Oak Country Club (44)

Christine Mazri

Chestnut St., Hudson, MA 01749 Ph: (978) 562-0800 cmazri@charteroakcc.com • www.charteroakcc.com

Experience a wedding of extraordinary elegance when you select Charter Oak Country Club.

Our Georgian-style private club setting offers an unparalleled level of service and culinary excellence.

Doubletree Hotel (37)

Linde Schwartz

5400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581 Ph: (508) 616-7436 • Fx: (508) 366-3950 linde.schwartz@hilton.com www.bostonwestborough.doubletree.com

Welcoming all couples to experience the Doubletree personalized wedding experience. Customized packages available including complimentary menu tasting, candle centerpieces, white glove service and much more.

Holiday Inn Boxborough (90)

Stephen Guay

242 Adams Place, Boxborough, MA 01719 Ph: (978) 889-1715 • Fx: (978) 266-9429 sguay@hiboxborough.com www.boxboroughweddings.com

Newly renovated facility with lush greenery courtyard and gazebo or elegant Grand Ballroom with Terrace Bar. Convenient location that offers flexible wedding packages and menus.

Marlborough Country Club (92)

Ann-Marie Busby

200 Concord Rd., Marlborough, MA 01752 Ph: (508) 485-1660 ext.14 • Fx: (508) 460-8932 marlborocc@aol.com • www.marlboroughcountryclub.com

We offer three rooms of various sizes with sophisticated ambience and professional decor.

Daytime and evening functions decorated as informally or as elegantly as you choose.

Radisson Hotel & Suites (72)

June Wellington

10 Independence Dr., Chelmsford, MA 01824 Ph: (978) 367-3158 • Fx: (978) 250-5887 jwellington@radisson-chelmsford.com www.radisson.com/chelmsford

With a variety of wedding packages we feature a blend of elegance and impeccable service.

The Double Grand Staircases invite breathtaking photo opportunities.

Riverview (70)

Angela Weagle

13 Port Street, Hudson, MA 01749 Ph: (978) 568-1541 • info@riverviewhpc.com www.riverviewhpc.com

A newly built, Mediterranean style function hall with its elegantly classic design provides a perfect ambience for any special occasion.

Sheraton Braintree Hotel (74)

Amy Kern

37 Forbes Road, Braintree, MA 02184 Ph: (781) 794-6255 amy.kern@sheraton.com www.sheraton.com/braintreeweddings

The Sheraton Braintree Hotel boasts the benefits of Boston at a suburban address, offering 374 spacious guestrooms and 20,000 feet of versatile function space.

Stow Acres Country Club (42)

Karen Giles

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.

White Cliffs Function Facility (29)

Phyllis Joseph

E, B, D, W

$30-75

E, B, D, W

$75+

E, B, D, W

$30 – 70

E, B, D, W

E, B, D, W

$30 – 50

Under $30

E, B, D, W

Varies

E, B, D, W

Varies

E, B, D, W

E, B, D, W

E, B, D, W

Varies

$30 – 65

$30 – 50

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

15/500

130/275

50/550

2/400

Max 180

25/250

50/250

100/350

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

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.

Types of Functions Offered: E - Engagement Parties B - Bridal Showers D - Rehearsal Dinners W - Wedding Receptions Be sure to tell these advertisers you saw their ad in BRIDE&GROOM! Publisher and function facilities assume no responsibility for typographical errors. Prices are subject to change.

104 Fall

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Package Plan Available

Min/Max Room Capacity

Number Overnight Ceremony of Events AccommoSite (Held at one time) dations

Contact Person

Types of Functions

Price Range

On-Site Catering

Leicester Country Club (49)

Judy Hastings

E, B, D, W

$30 – 70

Yes

1430 Main St., Leicester, MA 01524 Ph: (508) 281-4493 • Fx: (508) 892-1331 jhastingslcc@charterinternet.com • www.leicestercc.com

Spectacular views, affordable prices, ample parking and seating for 20-300 guests.

Ask about our Winter and Summer Romance Wedding Packages. Friday and Sunday discounts available.

Old Sturbridge Village (37)

Craig Arnold

1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge, MA 01566 Ph: (508) 347-0398 • Fx: (508) 347-0375 carnold@osv.org • www.osv.org

Start your future in our past at Old Sturbridge Village where our historic backdrop creates a unique and timeless atmosphere for your wedding.

Overlook Catering & Reception Room (31)

Sales Office

88 Masonic Home Road, Charlton, MA 01507 Ph: (508) 434-2281 • Fx: (508) 434-2500 info@overlookcatering.org • www.overlookcatering.org

The perfect setting for wedding, showers, rehearsal dinners and other events.

The Overlook Reception Room is located in Charlton, just minutes from Sturbridge and Worcester.

Periwinkles Garden Court (69)

Arnold Villatico, Jr.

892 Southbridge St., Rt. 20, Auburn/Oxford Line, MA Ph: (508) 832-9705 • Fx: (508) 832-7978 www.periwinkles-giorgios.com

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.

Publick House (16)

Cathy O’Brien

On the Common, P.O. Box 187, Sturbridge, MA 01566 Ph: (800) PUBLICK, (508) 347-3313 x286 Fx: (508) 347-5073 sales@publickhouse.com • www.publickhouse.com

Rehearsal dinners to showers to overnight guest rooms, the Publick House makes every event special with a unique mix of location, charm and warm hospitality.

Salem Cross Inn (53)

Donna Bennett

260 W. Main St. (Rte. 9) W. 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.

Sturbridge Host Hotel (107)

Lise Soper

366 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA • Ph: (508) 347-7393 Fx: (508) 347-3824 •lsoper@sturbridgehosthotel.com www.sturbridgehosthotel.com

Sturbridge Host Hotel features beautiful lakeside offerings, indoor garden terrace and elegant ballroom.

Personal attention and delectable cuisine will dazzle you.

Reception Facility

West of Worcester

The Harding Allen Estate (20) Rte. 122 off Barre Common, Barre, MA 01005 (978) 355-4920 • www.harding-allen.com

Grace Gugliotti or Gloria Barry

E, B, D, W

E, B, D ,W

E, B, D ,W

E, B, D, W

E, B, D, W

E, B, D, W

E, B, D, W

$50 – 85

Yes

Varies

Yes

Under $30

Yes

$35 and up

Yes

$30 – 50

Yes

$79 – 129

Yes

$30 – 50

Yes

Yes

20/300

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

1

No

15/200

Yes

1

No

Yes

1

No

Yes

Varies

Yes

Max 240

Yes

2

20/290

90/250

Yes

Yes

6/225

Yes

Max 350

Yes

Max 300

No

2

Yes

Yes

1

Yes

Yes

1

Yes

Yes

1

No

Yes

1

No

Yes

1

No

Yes

1

No

Massachusetts’ premier wedding and banquet historic mansion — for when it has to be special.

Zukas Hilltop Barn (7)

Lynn Zukas

89 Smithville Rd., Spencer, MA 01562 Ph: (508) 885-5320 • Fx: (508) 885-5546 zukasfarm@aol.com • www.zukas.com

E, B, D, W

The perfect setting for a country wedding. Hilltop views, private location with personal attention to every detail.

Newly built function room seating up to 130 guests.

South of Worcester E, B, W

$30 – 60

Yes

Under $30 to 50

50/250

Arrowhead Acres (53)

David Morin

92 Aldrich St. (Rte. 98), Uxbridge, MA 01569 Ph: (508) 278-5017 • Fx: (508) 278-3841 info@arrowheadacres.com • www.arrowheadacres.com

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.

E, B, D, W

Catherine Elliott

150 w/tent A beautifully restored, historical mansion with a charm and elegance rarely found today. Estate grounds feature a 19th century style bandstand for ceremonies and photographs.

Blissful Meadows Golf Club (83)

Melissa Laskowski

801 Chockalog Rd., Uxbridge, MA 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.

Indian Ranch (89)

Anne Beck

Under $30

Yes

$20-$40

Yes

No

50/500

P.O. Box 421, 123 Elm St., Millbury, MA Ph: (508) 865-0855 • www.asawaters.org

E, B, D, W

No

Yes

Asa Waters Mansion (84)

E, B, D, W

Varies

Yes

Yes

Max 85 (inside)

No

No

50/175

75/400

200 Gore Rd., Webster, MA 01507 Picturesque setting overlooking scenic Webster Lake. Outdoor gazebo, large indoor banquet hall with full bar, in house catering, and two outdoor Ph: (508) 943-3871 banquets@indianranch.com • www.indianranch.com covered pavilions. Central location off Route 146, 1 mile off route 935.

Pleasant Valley Country Club (93) 95 Armsby Rd., Sutton, MA Ph: (508) 865-4441 • Fx: (508) 865-2276 sales@pleasantvalleycc.com www.pleasantvalleycc.com

Michelle Violette or Kerry Bardon

E, B, D, W

Under $30 to $50

Yes

Yes

20/400

Yes

1 in each building

No

50/1200

No

1

Yes

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.

Twin River (51)

Donna Wing

100 Twin River Rd., Lincoln, RI 02865 Ph: (401) 475-8438 • Fx: (401) 305-5188 dwing@twinriver.com • www.twinriver.com

E, B, D, W

$30 to 75+

Yes

No

Twin River promises to create the wedding of a lifetime. Distinctively unique. Custom designed wedding packages and menus.

Attention to detail. Ideal location.

www.bridegroommag.com

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105

Contact Person

Types of Functions

Price Range

On-Site Catering

Package Plan Available

Chocksett Inn (4)

Paula Kwiatkowski

E, B, D, W

$50 – 75

Yes

Yes

59 Laurelwood Rd., Sterling, MA 01564 Ph: (978) 422-3355 • Fx: (978) 422-3187 info@chocksettinn.com • www.chocksettinn.com

Country romance – featuring a stunning garden, canopied deck, elegant reception rooms, luxurious overnight accommodations, warm hospitality and fabulous food.

Colonial Hotel (9)

Mary Whitman

Reception Facility

Min/Max Room Ceremony Capacity Site

Number of Events

Overnight Accommo(Held at one time) dations

North of Worcester

625 Betty Spring Rd., Gardner, MA Ph: (978) 630-2500 • Fx: (978) 632-0913 weddingsales@colonial-hotel.com www.colonial-hotel.com

E, B, D, W

$30 – 60

Yes

25/250

Yes

25/425

Yes

1–2

Yes

Yes

1–3

Yes

1–2

Yes

1

Yes

Yes

3

No

No

1

No

Yes

1

Nearby

Classic elegance, attentive service and wonderful food. Elegant grand ballroom accommodating 25 - 425 guests.

Spacious courtyard tent allows for picturesque ceremonies.

Four Points by Sheraton, Leominster (38)

Jennifer Berube

99 Erdman Way, Jct. Rtes. 2 & 12 , Leominster, MA Ph: (978) 534-9000 • Fx: (978) 466-3400 jberube@fourpointsleom.com www.fourpoints.com/leominster

Make all your wedding dreams come true! Outstanding facilities, custom menus, special attention to every detail.

Call for more information regarding facilities and service.

Harrington Farm (41)

Irena Clark

178 Westminster Rd., Princeton, MA (978) 464-5600 x11 • sales@harringtonfarm.com www.harringtonfarm.com

We offer an elegant country ambiance with spectacular food and service while Mother Nature provides the panoramic views and scenic backdrops for your special day.

Hidden Hills - Four Star Catering (88)

Mark Hagemeyer

202 Rindge Rd., Rindge, NH 03461 Ph: (603) 899-5001, (800) 698-5002 • Fx: (603) 899-2037

fourstarcatering@prodigy.net

E, B, D, W

E, B, D, W

E, B, D, W

$25 – 60

$50 – 75

$30 – 50

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

25/600

Available

50/225

Yes

50/600

Yes

Yes

Beautifully decorated indoor and outdoor facility serving up to 600 guests.

Customized menus and services based on your complete satisfaction. All we need is you!

www.fourstarcatering.com

Mount Pleasant Country Club (52)

Mitch Marron

E, B, D, W

Under $30

Yes

No

30/250

369 Cross Street, Boylston, MA 01505 Ph: (508) 869-2326 • Fx: (508) 869-3197 mmarron@mountpleasantcc.org www.mountpleasantcc.org

Mount Pleasant is situated on 200 pristine acres in Central Massachusetts.

The Clubhouse ballroom is the perfect venue for showers, rehearsal dinners and receptions.

Shattuck Golf Club (76)

Kathie Saari

53 Dublin Road, Jaffrey, NH 03452 Ph: (603) 878-2000 Kathie@shattuckweddings.com www.shattuckweddings.com

Breathtaking scenic vistas overlook the Mountain View Grille for bridal showers/rehearsal dinners, the Stone Terrace for ceremonies/photos and the Shattuck’s Cathedral Ballroom for idyllic receptions.

Sterling National Country Club (73)

Lana Visbeck

33 Albright Road, Sterling, MA 01564 Ph: (978) 422-0275 • Fx: (978) 422-8055 www.sterlingcc.com

Private club setting with panoramic views of championship golf course provides you with 200+ seating, an oversized dance floor, bridal room and award winning chefs.

E, B, D, W

E, B, D, W

$30 – 50

$30 – 85

Yes

Yes

Yes

25/250

Yes

15/230

Yes

1

Nearby

25/375

Yes

2

No

300 Max

Yes

1

No

2

Yes

The Manor Restaurant and Function Facilities (71)

Janet Fotiadis

42 West Boylston St., West Boylston, MA Ph: (508) 835-5880 • Fx: (508) 835-3893 janetf@ourmanor.com • www.ourmanor.com

Come and enjoy our beautiful facility, elegant ballrooms, private hospitality rooms, undivided attention and accommodating service. Prime dates for 2008/2009.

Wachusett Mountain (47)

Melissa Banks

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 attentitive staff is dedicated to serving you. Off-weekend discounts available.

Wachusett Village Inn (33)

Michelle Kupfer

9 Village Inn Rd., Westminster, MA Ph: (978) 571-2524 • Fx: (978) 874-1753 michelle@wachusettvillageinn.com www.wachusettvillageinn.com

E, B, D, W

E, B, D, W

E, B, D, W

$20 – 60

$30 – 50

$42 – 52

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

10/400

Yes

Design your destination wedding weekend! Full service facility with salon and spa services.

Exclusive to our package is a horse drawn carriage and chocolate fountain.

Types of Functions Offered: E - Engagement Parties B - Bridal Showers D - Rehearsal Dinners W - Wedding Receptions Be sure to tell these advertisers you saw their ad in BRIDE&GROOM! Publisher and function facilities assume no responsibility for typographical errors. Prices are subject to change.

106 Fall

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Experience a New England Tradition The Sturbridge Host Hotel on Cedar Lake offers exemplary service in the New England tradition. Choose from one of our all-inclusive Wedding Packages or customize a package to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re in our lakeside tent, outdoor gazebo, indoor garden terrace or Grand Ballroom, warm and personal attention awaits you and your guests. Also available for Showers and

www.lesgardner-photography.com

Rehearsal Dinners.

On the Shores of Cedar Lake Ask about our special overnight group rates for out of town guests.

(508) 347-7393 366 Main Street • Sturbridge, MA • 01566 Email: info@sturbridgehosthotel.com Visit our web site for all of your wedding needs. www.sturbridgehosthotel.com

W

edding

Bagpiper

108

Books

108

Bouquet Preservation

108

Bridal Registry

108

R

esources

BAGPIPER Sound O’ the Pipes (87) 101 Turnpike Rd., Ashby, MA 01431 (978) 386-7797 www.soundothepipes.com Celebrate your special occasion with expert bagpiping. Over 30 years of experience, demo CD, four wedding packages, Scottish and Irish music.

Bridal Shops

108-109

Bridal Shows

109

Cakes

109

Catering

109

Dance Instruction

109

Destination Weddings

109

Donation Services

109

Entertainment

109

Favors

110

Florists

110

BRIDAL REGISTRY

Hair & Makeup

110

Kohl’s Bridal Aisle® Gift Registry (35)

Honeymoon Spots

110

Invitations

110

For the Kohl’s store nearest you, call (800) 837-1500 www.kohls.com Kohl’s Bridal Aisle® Gift Registry. Visit our gift registry in store or online at Kohls.com today!

Jewelry

110

Macy’s (Back Cover)

Limousines

110

Photography

110-111

BOOKS Thomas O’Brien (76) www.thomaseobrien.com A Master Storyteller. Author of crime and mystery novels gripping enough to keep you wanting to know more. Promised to be a book club favorite.

BOUQUET PRESERVATION Holmes-Shusas Florists, Inc. (45) One Ararat Street, Worcester, MA 01606 (508) 853-2550 • (800) 638-1418 www.Holmes-Shusas.com Specializing in freeze dried wedding bouquets since 1989. All preservations done on site. Four styles to choose from. We can include your invitation! Visit us online.

(800) 568-8865 www.macysweddingchannel.com Macy’s Wedding & Gift Registry provides couples and guests with the ultimate registry experience with over 400 stores nationwide, a toll-free number and 24-hour online services.

Pre-wedding Services

111

Reception Facilities

103

Rentals

111

Shoes

111

Tuxedos

111

BRIDAL SHOPS

Videography

111

32A South Main St., Uxbridge, MA 01569 (508) 278-9166 info@bridalsbyrochelle.com www.bridalsbyrochelle.com Featuring the latest styles of wedding gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, special occasion dresses and bridal accessories. See the difference personal service will make for you.

Wedding Internet Services 111

108 Fall 2008 BRIDE&GROOM

Royal Prestige Products (50) (508) 285-5044 www.rpbridalconcepts.com Royal Prestige specializes in West Bend healthy cooking products, fine china, crystal, quality tableware, cutlery, water and air purification. Fifty-year warranties.

Bridals by Rochelle

www.bridegroommag.com

Confetti & Lace Bridal & Formalwear (36) 435 King St., Littleton, MA 01460 (978) 486-9293 • www.confettiandlacebridals.com Elegant attire for your entire wedding party. Bridal gowns, bridesmaids, mothers and flowergirls. Full line of veils and accessories. Tuxedo rentals. Friendly personal attention.

Appointments appreciated.

Elegance by Carbonneau (54) 292 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA (508) 595-0400 • www.mydress4less.com Everything Bridal! Offering a large selection of bridal gowns, shoes, tiaras, veils, accessories and much more!

Loren’s Bridal (6) 454 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01566 (508) 347-5222 When choosing your wedding gown, discover Loren’s where we’ll treat your wedding like it was our own. Appointments suggested.

Pronuptia Bridals (27) Picadilly Plaza, 490 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA (508) 753-4426 www.pronuptiabridals.com Pronuptia Bridals is the leading full-service bridal salon in Worcester County, offering the best selection of bridal, bridesmaids, mothers, flowergirls and prom gowns.

QLook Bridal (73) 1200 Main St., Worcester, MA 01603 (508) 459-9291 www.qlookbridal.net Everything you need for a perfect wedding. From wedding gowns, to bridesmaids and mothers dresses, accessories and event tux rentals. We offer makeup, hair styles and wedding photographers.

The Special Event Bridal Shoppe (39)

CATERING

114 Broad St., Marlboro, MA 01752 (508) 624-9392 • www.specialeventbridalshop.com Specializing in wedding gowns and party dresses for special occasions. Call for an appointment at your convenience.

Buggy Whip Catering

BRIDAL SHOWS The Original Wedding Expo™ (22, 23) 334 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (888) 774-3976 • Fax: 508-770-0065 info@originalweddingexpo.com www.originalweddingexpo.com Since 1978, The Original Wedding Expo™ has been the area’s longest running and most respected bridal show. Featuring six expos in September, October and January.

343 Providence Road, South Grafton, MA 01560 (508) 839-3458 www.buggywhipcatering.com The Buggy Whip Catering Service has been serving traditional American fare to brides and grooms in Worcester and surrounding counties since 1953.

Creedon and Co., Inc. (80) 39 Jolma Rd., Worcester, MA 01604 (508) 792-3100 jules@creedonandco.com • www.creedonandco.com Creedon and Co. provides personalized catering, tent and equipment rentals. Our motto, “Your Style Is Our Style,” reflects our commitment to making every event memorable!

Rachel’s Table (111) 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.

CAKES

Exclusive Chefs (17)

Bean Counter Cake & Pastry Shop (43) 288 Boston Turnpike Rd., Shrewsbury, MA (508) 754-0505 Allow Bean Counter Bakery to work with you in creating your dream wedding cake. We offer elegant designs and exquisite flavors.

P.O. Box 2522, Worcester, MA 01613 (508) 459-2888 exclusivechefs@yahoo.com • www.exclusivechefs.com We are a company that prides itself on its relentless search for visual perfection without sacrificing our quality or service.

“The Catering Company for New England.”

Crown Bakery

Pepper’s Fine Foods Catering (48)

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.

43 Hudson St., Northboro, MA 01532 (508) 393-6844 • www.pepperscatering.com Your dreams and our experience... the taste and imagination of great catering. Over 16 years of experience with innovative cuisine and custom event design.

Culpepper’s Bakery

Struck Catering (26)

500 Cambridge St., Worcester, MA 01610 (508) 755-8393 A quality cake you will be proud to serve. Full line of cookie and pastry trays also available.

130 Hamilton St., Worcester, MA 01604 (508) 755-5953 info@struckcatering.com • www.struckcatering.com Elegant, Whimsical... Simply Delicious! Let Struck Catering bring your ideas to the table. Please call for our full wedding package.

Cambridge, MA 02139 (508) 414-1113 ari@BeatTrainProductions.com www.BeatTrainProductions.com Beat Train Productions is a reliable, professional, experienced, knowledgeable, eclectic, and versatile mobile disc jockey service. No gimmicks.

DANCE INSTRUCTION

Festive Events (11)

Arthur Murray Dance Studios (8)

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.

Custom Wedding Cakes

by Penny Eagleton Auburn, MA 01501 (508) 832-3814 www.customweddingcakesbypenny.com Beautiful cakes! Gourmet flavors including the original awardwinning “Kahlúa Cookie Cake.” For personalized service and free delivery in Worcester area, call Penny.

Dianne Rockwell – The Cake Lady 239 Sterling Rd., Lancaster, MA 01523 (978) 365-5092 cakelady@wwwisp.com • wwwisp.com/cakelady Custom designed wedding cakes, exquisitely decorated & available in dozens of delicious flavor combinations. Free local delivery. Consultations by appointment.

1152 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA 01602 (508) 757-7734 • info@WhyMe.org • www.whyme.org Why Me & Sherry’s House provide 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 Beat Train Productions (38)

70 James St., Worcester, MA (508) 798-0392 • www.dancetonight.com Bride and groom special: two lessons for $25.00. Best results if taken six months prior to wedding.

DESTINATION WEDDINGS Young’s/American Express Travel (96)

The Marty Gilman Band

31A Auburn St., Auburn, MA 01501 • (508) 721-2601 aanderson@youngstravel.com • www.youngstravel.com Exclusive desitination weddings and honeymoon programs.

TOP 20 worldwide romance destinations. FREE personalized Web site. WORRY-FREE planning with our “certified specialists.” Voted Best of Worcester.

(508) 752-4027 • mgband@charter.net www.martygilmanband.com Over 2000 great weddings! From 3–7 musicians, featuring male/female vocalists and horns. Swing, classic hits, Top 40.

This band gets everyone up dancing!

DONATION SERVICES I Do Foundation (93) 1202 Delafield Place NW, Washington, DC 20011 (202) 841-1563 info@idofoundation.org • www.idofoundation.org From charitable favors to registries that give back, we give couples an opportunity to raise donations for charity(s) of their choice in a variety of ways.

Joslin Diabetes Center 1 Joslin Place, Development Office Boston, MA 02215 (617) 732-2412 catherine.marinello@joslin.harvard.edu • www.joslin.org Consider making a charitable donation to Joslin Diabetes Center in lieu of party favors and receive cards personalized by you for your guests!

New England Conservatory Music Referral Service (27) 290 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115 (617) 585-1170 MRS@newenglandconservatory.edu www.newenglandconservatory.edu/MRS Bring the joy of music to any special event! NEC’s Music Referral Service provides artistic excellence and exceptional value. Perfect for any distinguished occasion.

Sonic DJ (85) Fitchburg, MA (978) 345-1354 brian@sonicdj.com • www.OurWeddingDJ.com Discover four things you absolutely must know before you book a DJ for your wedding, plus secrets to a stress-free reception at our Web site.

www.bridegroommag.com

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109

HAIR & MAKEUP D’Iorio’s Salon (86) 335A Plantation St., Worcester, MA (508) 756-7791 For the ultimate in chic weddings, let our salon staff coordinate your entire bridal party’s hairstyles and makeup. Even color coordinate your hair color, too.

Image Hair Salon (79) 533 Park Ave., Worcester, MA (508) 754-5588 Specializing in Wedding Day Image, hair styling, creative nails, foil highlighting, permanent waving & make-up. Human hair extensions. Featuring Motives customized makeup.

FAVORS Sturbridge Candle Company (71)

HONEYMOON SPOTS

381 Sturbridge Rd., Brimfield, MA 01010 (800) 772-4240 joycestocks@gmail.com • www.sturbridgecandle.com 100% soy candles. No carcinogens or soot! Over 300 fragrances. Custom designed favors, centerpieces and personalized labels.

Eagle Beach, Aruba (297) 583-1100 • www.bucuti.com Featuring the luxurious Tara Beach Suites & Spa, considered the most romantic resort in Aruba. On-site ceremonies and multiple honeymoon packages available.

FLORISTS

MEGA Divi & Tamarijn (102) All-Inclusives (98)

Danielson Flowers (8) 660 Main St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 842-8992 www.danielsonflowers.com Let our experienced staff make your day beautiful. View our Web site for photos of our bouquets and information. See our private wedding area for ideas.

The Print Shop 94 Fitzpatrick Rd., Grafton, MA 01519 (508) 839-6401 theprtshop@aol.com • www.formalaffair.com/printshop 25% - 50% off all invitations and accessories, including premier lines such as William Arthur and Encore, or FREE calligraphy. Over 25 years experience assisting bridal clients.

JEWELRY Sachs Jewelers (1) 180 Route 9 East, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 792-2300 www.sachsjewelers.com Specializing in diamond engagement rings and wedding bands. Our showroom boasts Worcester County’s largest selection of diamonds and the latest styles, brands, and custom-designed bridal jewelry.

Bucuti Beach Resort (100)

Oranjestad, Aruba (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.

Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino (97)

LIMOUSINES A.A. Transportation Co., Inc. (77) 605 Hartford Tpke. (Rte. 20), Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 791-9100 www.aatransportation.com A full-service transportation company. From exotic 20-passenger Super Stretch SUVs to eight-passenger Lincolns. We have the limo to fit your needs.

Able Limousine, Inc. (49) (508) 435-3903, (800) 499-3903 www.ablelimousineinc.com

Gray’s Limousine (21, 29)

Oranjestad, Aruba (800) 421-8188 www.renaissancearuba.com Poised at the edge of paradise, but still in the heart of the action, rests an extraordinary retreat where relaxation is transcendent and pleasure is infinite.

P.O. Box 760, Boylston, MA 01505 (508) 756-7477, (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.

Floral Elegance (53)

INVITATIONS

Professional Limousine Service (43)

204 Worcester St, North Grafton, MA 01536 (508) 839-9811 floralelegance@charter.net • www.graftonflowers.com The flowers spoke of romance and joy. Everyone could feel it.

Your dreams, our designs. Beverly McClure AIFD, accredited

by American Institute of Floral Designers.

C.C. Lowell (88)

31 River St., Millbury MA 01527 (508) 581-8800 www.professional-limousine.com Our wedding service is for four hours. We also offer free honeymoon transportation. Call for details. Serving Worcester County since 1947.

Flor-Al’s 372 Chandler St., Worcester, MA 01602 (508) 753-7005 aldeluca@flor-als.com • www.flor-als.com A creative and distinctive floral designer for classically elegant weddings and special occasions. Albert A. DeLuca AIFD, AAF.

Herbert E. Berg Florist (30) 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 70th anniversary specials!

Holmes-Shusas Florists, Inc. (45) One Ararat St., Worcester, MA 01606 (508) 853-2550, (800) 638-1418 hshusas@aol.com • www.holmes-shusas.com The Bride’s Choice for 30 years. Wedding packages and freeze dried floral preservation. Call for a free color brochure. Visit us online.

KaBloom - Shrewsbury (92)

258 Park Ave., Worcester, MA 01609 (508) 757-7713 www.cclowellinvite.com Custom-designed, unique invitations to reflect YOUR style.

Hundreds of decorative papers and stationery; fun, knowledgeable, creative staff! Visit our store or Web site for ideas.

Celebrations! Invitations (39) 12 Stonybrook Lane, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 845-3676 celebrations@townisp.com www.celebrations-invitations.com Choose from our extensive line of engagement and wedding announcements, invitations and favors. Mention this ad and receive a 20% discount.

Doros Photography (38)

The Paper Store (81)

HJM Photography (12)

20 Main St., Acton, MA 01720 adv@thepaperstore.com • www.thepaperstore.com It is your day! The perfect Announcements, Save-the-Dates, Invitations, Gifts and Stationery await you at The Paper Store, with 21 locations in New England.

107 Elmwood St., Auburn, MA 01501 (508) 753-2230 www.hjmphotography.com The ultimate in professional photography. We offer a full service studio and in-house photography lab for customizing your wedding photos. Call for an appointment.

50 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 799-0900 KaBloom.shrewsbury@gmail.com www.KaBloom.com/weddings Innovative and traditional floral designs. Offering complete wedding and event coordination.

The Green Thumb Florist (71) 381 Sturbridge Rd., Brimfield, MA 01010 (413) 245-6565 joycestocks@gmail.com • www.greenthumb-florist.com Unique and innovative wedding flower packages. Personalized service since 1988.

110 Fall 2008 BRIDE&GROOM

PHOTOGRAPHY

www.bridegroommag.com

315 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 755-9213 bill@dorosphotography.com • www.dorosphotography.com Exceptional husband and wife team with 17 years of experience specializing in portrait and photojournalist style weddings.

Packages range from $1,299. to $6,000.

Media Photo (82) 63 Auburn St., Auburn, MA 01501 (508) 832-4716 mediafoto@aol.com Save your money for the honeymoon! Affordable wedding packages. Studio located in Auburn, MA. We love what we do and so do our clients.

SHOES Elegance by Carbonneau (54)

RussRo Photography & Portrait Studio (25)

292 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA (508) 595-0400 • www.mydress4less.com Largest selection of shoes & tiaras/veils. Unbeatable prices on: jewelry, engraveable gifts, headpieces, veils, invitations, and toasting glasses. M 11-5; Tues & Thur 11-7; Wed & Fri 10-6; Sat 10-5; Sun 12-4

Russ Rheault 365 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540 (508) 987-5249, (800) 287-5249 www.russro.com • russro@aol.com Award-winning photographer with 30 years experience, specializing in personal service. Creative albums designed with you. Free travel throughout New England. All couples welcome.

1 Apple Hill, Suite #5, 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.

The Imagery Studio

TUXEDOS

172 Shrewsbury St., 3rd Floor, Worcester, MA 01604 (508) 579-8080 info@theimagerystudio.com www.theimagerystudio.com The most beautiful photos of your life on the day it matters the most. Let us tell your story in an artistic and elegant way.

Bonardi’s Formalwear (16)

The Wedding Photographers (44) 50 Elm St., Suite 7B, Worcester, MA 180 Boulder Dr., Suite 114, Fitchburg, MA (508) 757-4850 theweddingphotographerscm@yahoo.com www.weddingphotographersNE.com If you’re looking for creative photojournalistic and classic wedding photography, see The Wedding Photographers - now at two locations in Worcester and Fitchburg.

Twin Photo (78) 9 Hamilton St., Clinton, MA 01510 (800) 956-3306 joe@twinphoto.net • www.twinphoto.net Twin Photo has an all inclusive sale package for $1175. It includes everything you need for your special day! Call now to reserve your date.

PRE-WEDDING SERVICES Engaged Encounter (80) (508) 852-3048 It is a weekend designed to give couples planning marriage an opportunity for an intensive and honest look at their commitment to one another.

RECEPTION FACILITIES (see page 103)

RENTALS

Shoes to Dye For (2)

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 special occasions since 1923. Sizes infant to 71 in stock! We take the worry out of looking your best on your wedding day.

Men’s Wearhouse (78) 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.

VIDEOGRAPHY Davagian Video Productions 612 Beacon Park Rd., Webster, MA 01570 (508) 865-4145 davagianvideo@yahoo.com • www.davagianvideo.com Utilizing high definition cameras and a fine eye for detail, we preserve the emotions of your wedding day in a memorable DVD keepsake. Demo available.

Majestic Video Productions P.O. Box 148, Winchendon, MA (978) 297-2150 info@majesticvideoproductions.com www.majesticvideoproductions.com You want your wedding day to last forever. We will lay out every detail. Capturing your moments will be intimate but unobtrusive. Call for an appointment.

A Perfect Setting (13)

McDonald Productions

(888) 830-7887 info@aperfectsetting.com • www.aperfectsetting.com A Perfect Setting provides the quality wedding and party rentals that let you produce memorable events, styled with your personal taste.

Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 845-9101 john@mcdonaldvideography.com www.mcdonaldvideography.com A professional videographer with over 20 years experience using the latest digital technology to capture the magic of your wedding. HIGH DEFINITION (HDTV) now available.

Elegant Linens Ltd. 296 Providence Rd., S. Grafton, MA (508) 839-9332 www.elegantlinensltd.com 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.

United Site Services (20) P.O. Box 9131, Foxboro, MA 02035 (800) 442-1286 carolh@unitedsiteservices.com www.unitedsiteservices.com For over 33 years, United Site Services has been providing premier restroom facilities. From Presidential trailers to deluxe restrooms, we have facilities for every event and budget.

For a complete list of Expo show dates and locations, turn to page 23.

Brides

Donate your excess food from your banquet to families at a local homeless Shelter!

Call in advance at

508-799-7699

WEDDING INTERNET SERVICES BrideGroomMag.com (69) BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine’s official Web site! Log on for sneak peeks at upcoming issues and to find out where to get your free copy.

OriginalWeddingExpo.com (91) Your connection to finding the best Wedding Expos. 2-for-1 passes available for download. Comprehensive Planning Guide features everything from bridal shops to videographers.

www.bridegroommag.com

Rachel’s Table will deliver for you!

BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2008

111

PARTING SHOT

At last… the honeymoon!

112 Fall 2008 BRIDE&GROOM

www.bridegroommag.com

Premiering at

Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Premiering at

Braintree, MA September 28, 2008 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

www.gabymccarthy.com

Presenting the area’s finest Bands Beauty Consultants Bridal Accessories Bridal Registries Cakes Caterers

Disc Jockeys Favors Flowers Formalwear Gowns Invitations

Jewelry Limousines On-line Wedding Sites Photographers Reception Sites and more!

Exhibiting opportunities available. Call Allen Lederman 888-774-3976 www.originalweddingexpo.com

ever after WEDDING & GIFT REGISTRY

Shouldn’t your true love be rewarded?

Join Macy's Wedding & Gift Registry Star Rewards Program today!

Discover the first registry with this unique rewards program. At Macy’s Wedding & Gift Registry, you earn 10% Rewards on eligible Macy’s Star Rewards Card† purchases throughout the store and 5% Rewards on eligible gift purchases your guests make from your registry. Plus, Macy’s Completion Program will save you 10% on your remaining registry items. It's easy to enroll and start earning rewards. Macy’s Wedding & Gift Registry is a coast-to-coast love affair! We provide couples and their guests with the ultimate registry experience with over 800 stores nationwide, a toll-free number, 1-800-568-8865, and 24-hour online services!

†Subject to credit approval. See a Bridal Consultant or Sales Associate for details and restrictions.