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4500 Eastland Drive Columbus, Ohio 43232 Our Facility is Columbus’ Ideal Venue for: • Weddings and Fabulous Galas • Corporate, Association & Group Meetings and Conferences • Awards, Recognition & Appreciation Banquets • Holiday Parties & Special Birthdays • Graduations, Anniversaries & Proms • Concerts & Live Performances • Bah-Bar Mitzvahs • Trade Shows
Columbus’ most unique event venue: Just minutes from downtown Columbus and Port Columbus International Airport. You will find the perfect blend of ‘Old World’ charm and modern elegance.
www.columbusclocktower.com
You don’t want to miss it! Now is the time to start marking your calendar for the annual Columbus Living Holiday Expo. This year the expo will be held Saturday, October 4, 2008 from 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday, October 5, 2008 from noon to 8 pm. Our specially marked aisles this year include Wedding Planning, Home and Garden, Holiday Flair, Mature Living, and Health, Beauty, & Fitness. You will be able to meet the experts in person for all areas of your life to satisfy your needs! This will be an extraordinary event with many fun activities, samplings, and shopping!
A Special Note from the Editor
Be sure to visit our web site where you will be updated on the expo, sign up for your free monthly issue of Columbus Living Magazine, view and add events to the Calendar of Events, and view special offers to our readers from our advertisers.
Congratulations on your engagement! We hope that you enjoy this special edition of Columbus Living Magazine to assist you in planning your dream wedding. Columbus Living Magazine will feature help for your Big Day twice a year in April and September to assist you with all your wedding planning needs. Our advertisers are experts in their field to make your Big Day truly a “Dream Wedding.” We have also added a special aisle just for you called “wedding planning” at our Columbus Living Holiday Expo so that you can personally meet the vendors dedicated to making all your wishes come true for your Dream Wedding right here in Columbus! Be sure to go online to register as a bride or groom for a chance to win a 4 day/3 night stay at the fabulous Rye Creek Lodge in Montana. Registering for a chance to win allows us to forward your information to our select advertisers in the wedding industry to assist you in your planning.
Columbus Living Magazine is available free of charge delivered directly to the address of anyone who requests a copy. It is also available in an electronic version delivered directly into the inbox of anyone who requests a copy. Columbus Living Magazine is published eleven times a year, monthly February thru December, with the December issue being a bonus double issue. Columbus Living Magazine is also available free of charge at more than 300 locations in Central Ohio including grocery stores, supercenters, and hotels. All requests for magazines can either be mailed to Columbus Living Magazine or thru our web site www.columbuslivingmag.com. The opinions and views expressed by the contributors, advertisers, and listed on the calendar of events are not necessarily that of the publisher. Columbus Living Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts, press releases, etc. Columbus Living Magazine is a subsidiary of Columbus Living Magazine, LLC which is registered with the state of Ohio. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content is prohibited.
Next month, we will honor Mothers for Mothers Day and celebrate with the Class of 2008! We will also assist parents in planning your summer activities for the young ones. Are you ready for golf? We’ve got you covered in our great golf experience section, expanding next month! Now is the time to fix up your home and garden to enjoy the beauty of the season in the style that you want! In May, we will have an extensive Home and Garden section just for you. ColumbusLivingMag.com
All real estate advertising herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familiar status or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis. Columbus Living Magazine 1601 W 5th Avenue #102A Columbus, OH 43212 Phone 614.750.1880 Fax: 614.750.1880 editor@columbuslivingmag.com www.columbuslivingmag.com
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Table of Contents
Vol. 2 Issue 2 - April 2008
www.ColumbusLivingMag.com
Cover PhotoCourtesy of Andris Kovás
Dream Weddings
4
Fine Dining
45
Arts & Entertainment
52
Business to Business
58
Health, Beauty & Fitness
59
Travel & Leisure
61
Tee Off Time
64
Smart Money
67
Mature Living
70
Home & Garden
72
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Dream Weddings
12
The Dress of Your Dreams
52
Terelle Pryor: We Got Him!
59
Top 10 Ways of Dealing With Stress
67
Life’s Milestones & Your Life Insurance
The day has finally come. Find out how you can have the wedding of your dreams.
On your very special day, it is essential to have all the right stuff!
Find out that there is more than to this all-star athelete than football.
10 easy things to do when the weight of the world is on your shoulders.
Being prepared is the best way to handle lifes changes – are you?
Advertisement Index Worthington Jewelers Inside Front Cover • The Clock Tower 1 • Elegant Bride 7 • Designs By Doe 9 • Flower’s On High 11 • The Suisse Shop 15 Ruthies Cakes & Desserts 16 • Our Cupcakery 17 • Master Mix DJ 18 • Makoy Center 19 • Kelton House 20 • Oakhurst Country Club 22 • Bridgewater 23 • Boardwalk Catering 25 • Panerello 29 • Christopher Denk Photography 30 • Prodigy Video 33 • Get Active! 35 • Legacy Images 36 • Elegant Ice Creations 39 • Lynn’s Limo 38 • Mark Matthews & Associates 40 • Balloon Wrap Creations 42 • J.Bently Spa 43 • Cookie Bouquets 44 • The Melting Pot 45 • Kobé Japaneese Steakhouse 47 • Beulah Park 55 • Party Boutique 56 • Crowne Plaza 35 • Wright Graphic Design 58 • Red Bank Barber & Bow Wow Boutique 60 • Crowne Plaza 63 • Perfect Drive Golf Villas 65 • Seven Springs 66 • Met Life 68 • Cole-Hann 70 • Kensington Place 71 • Budget Carpet & Flooring 72 • CQ Painting 73 • C+C Marble & Granite 75 • Azia Oriental Rugs 76 • Glass Block Warehouse 77 • GBWAmesbury Loca 78 Rye Creek Lodge Inside Back Cover • Oakhurst Country Club Back Cover
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COLUMBUS Living Magazine
Dream Weddings
The tradition of placing a wedding ring on the left hand originated in ancient Egypt, where it was believed that the vein in the left finger ran directly to the heart. Have you won the heart of your special somebody? Now is the time to shop for the perfect ring! The most important piece of advice to remember, when shopping for that symbol of endless love, is to avoid buying on impulse. Get to know your options, in a low-pressure and helpful environment. What type of metal are you leaning toward? Would you like your rings engraved? Set with a precious stone? Next, what type of gem cut do you want? Finally, make sure you are being serviced by knowledgeable and friendly people who are there to help, not to push. Some metals to consider include gold, platinum, palladium, titanium and tungsten. Round, or brilliant, is the most popular shape for a diamond, because it generally holds the most sparkle, but other cut options are princess, heart, pear, and marquise, to name a few. It is common to choose matching metals for wedding and engagement rings, but if you prefer one type of metal, and your special someone prefers another type, you can both choose a similar style in a different metal. ColumbusLivingMag.com
If you are looking at diamonds, become familiar with the importance of color, cut, clarity and carat. Generally, the more colorless a diamond appears the more valuable it is. Cut, referring to the way in which the diamond is faceted, is important for sparkle-value. As for clarity, the less inclusions, air bubbles or scratches, the more valuable the diamond is. Finally, carat refers to the size of the stone, and when it comes to individual tastes, bigger is not always better. Some wearers prefer more conservative jewelry, so always remember to account for taste when choosing size! Worthington Jewelers, at 692 High Street in Worthington, can offer that special combination of low pressure, great quality and selection, and expert advice. Customers testify to the great selection and considerate customer service they have experienced. Columbus residents Amy Robinson and Don Eikenberry felt that the treatment they received from Worthington Jewelers was first-class. On the subject of purchasing a ring, Don admitted, “I have absolutely no idea what to do when it comes to that type of thing.” Worthington Jewelers, however, not only knew what to do, but they knew how to help Don feel comfortable and leave happy! In the course of several visits, Don said, “A lot of people spent a lot of time with me.” 4
leave happy! In the course of several visits, Don said, “A lot of people spent a lot of time with me.” The selection, according to Don, was unbeatable, from rings to stones, and the atmosphere was comfortable, in sharp contrast, he observed, to some of the stores in malls. “I’ve been back a few times, now,” Don said, “for Christmas and Valentine’s.” He added that he plans to return when the need arises! Brad Deyahes of Columbus noted the exceptional quality of his experience with Worthington Jewelers. “Our positive experiences with Worthington Jewelers began with the hands-on design consultation. We always rely on the excellent design advice given by consultants at Worthington Jewelers. They not only assisted in creating the amazing designs of our custom rings, but they brought our vision to reality. Their service is excellent, and they go the extra mile to make sure that the product is always special.” Whether you have your ring custom made, or find the ideal look right off the shelf, remember to follow your instincts and stay true to yourself and your tastes as you shop, because you want to purchase something you will love wearing for the rest of your life!
Dream Weddings Worthington Jewelers Oneof-a-Kind Jewelry Designs Searching for the perfect engagement ring or wedding band? What could be better than a one-of-a-kind design created especially for you by Worthington Jewelers? Since 2000, the store at 692 High Street, Worthington, has offered exclusive jewelry creations to celebrate once-in-a-lifetime events. Co-owners Joe Davis and Bob Capace created Worthington Jewelers after years of industry experience and extensive market research. “We found that customers were looking for more personal customer service combined with exceptional quality and value,” Capace said. “The industry had become so impersonal, selling poorlymade jewelry created by kids working in sweat shops overseas. For about the same cost, our customers receive heirloom-quality pieces that are uniquely their own and that they can hand down to their families.” Today, the store features several lines of designer jewelry for men, women, and children, as well as the capability to create rings, bracelets, earrings, pins, necklaces and other jewelry in an unlimited variety of styles and components. Remounts of bridal and heirloom jewelry are another specialty. More than 80 percent of the shop’s engagement rings are handcrafted on site. “Because every customer is unique, our process starts with talking to customers and understanding what they want,” says Davis, a GIA graduate gemologist and the store’s master designer. “We ask lots of questions to draw out their dreams and ideas.”
Davis notes that many women have definite ideas, often coming to the consultation armed with pictures, and that most gentleman selecting a surprise engagement ring, “really do understand her look, even though they can’t define it.” During the initial consultation, Davis creates a series of sketches, refining details until a final design fulfills the customer’s vision. In some cases, the design can be achieved by setting the customer’s choice of gemstones in a manufactured setting. In others, Worthington Jewelers hand-carves a wax model of the ring. The customer approves this three-dimensional model of the ring before the ring is handcrafted. Prior to becoming a trained goldsmith and GIA certified gemologist, Davis studied architecture. He began making jewelry while still in school and noticed many design parallels between jewelry and architecture. After discovering that advancing his architectural career would require moving away from designing directly for clients, which he loved, he made the transition to a career as a jeweler.
Worthington Jewelers offers a relaxed environment, where Davis seldom wears a tie and as often as not will greet you with polish on his fingers from a piece of jewelry he has in the works. The store offers free jewelry cleaning and inspection, regardless of where you purchased your jewelry, as well as comprehensive repair and appraisal services. Stop by and they will “roll out the red carpet.” Mention you saw Worthington Jewelers in Columbus Living magazine, and receive a free jar of jewelry polish or polishing cloth on your first visit. Worthington Jewelers 692 High Street Worthington, Ohio 43085 614-430-8800 admin@worthingtonjewelers.com www.worthingtonjewelers.com
Davis hand-selects all of the diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, Tanzanite and other gemstones at Worthington Jewelers. “Because of our exclusive sources, we’re able to guarantee the lowest prices in central Ohio on certified and ideal-cut loose diamonds,” he says. “We also carry rare and exotic gemstones like Paraiba tourmaline and Spessartite garnet that many other jewelers haven’t even heard of.” Sidebar
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COLUMBUS Living Magazine
Dream Weddings Overseas Wedding Want to sip wine in Tuscany, enjoy the coast of Monaco, enjoy a Thailand retreat – or any other exotic locale, the best bet is to do some research and check with the US Embassy and the Embassy the destination before purchasing airline tickets. Overseas destination Dream Weddings are doable and as with anything overseas it is wise to employ a buyer beware state of mind and a good bit of careful research must be done, but with time invested careful research, your overseas Dream Wedding will only be limited by your imagination and local laws and custom.
Trying to plan a dream wedding? Has a vision been building up over the years – one born of girlish daydreams and dramatic play in grade school? Do you have visions of having an exotic and romantic wedding, something just a little bit off the beaten path? Creating a dream wedding for the BIG DAY may require more effort that any fairy Godmother would be willing to admit, but the preparation and planning will pay off on when the Big Day rolls along smoothly, creating memories to last a life time. While dreams weddings will vary based on the dreamer, this list is a good way to get the creative juices flowing and may help to guide or form some of the vague ideas, which refuse to take solid form. Princess for a day (or more) Disney has just the prescription. They have onsite wedding coordinators to help every princess achieve her special wedding, ranging from the very elegant Cinderella style ball to a more fun filled and lighthearted event. The events can range from very large to very small and intimate. They can include a cast of characters or truly be the elegant affair, dinner in the magical castle or dancing in the grand ballroom. Any budget, any dream, and any Princess can achieve her Dream Wedding – no magic wands required. A Grand Tour – in one city If you have dreams of seeing the world or at the very least Breakfast ColumbusLivingMag.com
at Tiffany’s, wedding in Paris and dessert in Venice sound like the perfect wedding day. Then leave the Leer at home and head to Vegas baby. With the right assistance all of this is possible and more. Working with a wedding coordinator or a very gifted hotel concierge is a must and while it is not same as the real grand tour, it certainly can make for some wonderful photographs and will not break the budget.
Quiet & Peaceful
Sail the Seven Seas – as Mates
No matter what your dream, with the right amount of planning and creativity, the day can be the stuff that dreams are made of and more! We at Columbus Living Magazine will feature help for your Big Day twice a year in April and September to assist you with all your planning needs. We have also added a special aisle just for wedding planning at our Columbus Living Holiday Expo so that you can personally meet the vendors dedicated to making all your wishes come true for your Dream Wedding right here in Columbus!
Whether it is a pirate fantasy or just a love of the sea, it is possible to plan a wedding at sea. While it may seem a bit more bureaucratic than romantic – the dream aboard ship wedding is possible. Before sending out the invitations, it is important to check with the cruise line of choice and make the arrangements prior to saying Bon Voyage. An impromptu at sea wedding is an event for the movies only; a well-planned and researched wedding on the High Seas can totally be a dream come true. 6
Want a day to focus solely on your sweetheart. No distractions and no hoopla. Consider then eloping in your hometown. A trip to the courthouse, dinner at a great restaurant and a night in the Honeymoon suite at a five star hotel, just the ticket for having your big Day all to yourself and all about the two of you!
Dream Weddings Upon entering Elegant Bride, every bride will feel like she has stepped into the role of a princess in a bridal fairy tale. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with soft music and plush carpet. The salon is brimming with elegant, glamorous and designer gowns; at Elegant Bride there truly is a dress to suit every bride and magically transform her into a princess. Bridal consultants and the owners of Elegant Bride, Deema and Wafa, emphasize the importance of getting to know each and every bride. Deema says their philosophy is “truly from the heart. Every Bride is beautiful.” They employ a consultive process of gown selection. This process is based on the principal of getting to know the bride’s silhouette, which includes her figure, the style of wedding she is planning, the location and time of the wedding and understanding her dreams, once they have that understanding, the process is all about selecting the perfect gown, the gown that “makes her even more beautiful.” It is about finding the perfect fit. Elegant Bride offers a wide variety of gowns, including couture, unique designs, gowns from the runways, and gowns normally only found in large fashion forward cities. Many of their gowns are by European design houses. Deema and Wafa employ a personal shopper approach to selecting the gowns they offer and regularly attend events and shows in an effort to stay ahead of the current trends and to keep their selection consistently updated and fresh. ColumbusLivingMag.com
At Elegant Bride, brides are treated to personal service, with all fittings and consultations being held by appointment. When a bride is working with her consultant all the attention is focus on her and finding the best gown for her. Once the perfect dress is selected, the search beings for the perfect veil and shoes to compliment the gown.
is to continue to provide Columbus with the very best in couture and designer wedding gowns and make every bride feel like a very special lady on her wedding day.
Elegant Bride has been providing the very best in wedding gowns since 2004. Their sincere hope for 2008
info@theelegantbride.com http://theelegantbride.com
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Elegant Bride 313 W. Bridge Street, Dublin, Ohio, 43017 614-766-0600
Dream Weddings Designs by Doe Designs by Doe is truly a family owned flower design studio. Designs by Doe offers high- style, innovative design, attention to detail, and superior customer satisfaction by treating the customer as family and treating every job as if it were being done for a member of their own family. Designs by Doe is “not just flowers, it is design.” Donna “Doe” Dodson and her son, Randy Dodson have been living these principles for over 12 years.
approach to room design by offering advice on paint, fabric, and material choices. She works with a network of trusted business partners to see that rooms take shape, and then she helps add polish with live, silk, and dried floral arrangements, or with the addition of candle arrangements and interesting vases or focal pieces. This is an area of her business, which she hopes to double in the coming year.
Designs by Doe is dedicated to design, customer satisfaction, and innovation – they truly are doing it all and exceeding their customers’ expectations time after time. Designs by Doe Floral Studio 1110 Michigan Ave Columbus, Oh 43201
(614) 299-2858
When asked about her approach to floral design, Doe said it is all about “stepping outside the box. If you have an idea, I run with your idea –if you don’t have an idea – I will give you an idea.” The floral design studio is open during normal business hours – with many orders able to be completed in 15 to 20 minutes. Doe tells many male clients who visit her studio, it is all about “flowers today, fireworks tonight.”
1110 Michigan Ave. Columbus, OH 43201
Call (614) 299-2858 Designs by Doe also offers unique gift baskets and other gifts for a variety of occasions. She uses Roots candles in baskets and arrangements. In addition to her in-studio floral design, she offers home interior consulting. She will work with clients to make a room “come alive.” She applies a total
www.designsbydoe.com
It’s Not Just Flowers, It’s a Design by Doe!
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COLUMBUS Living Magazine
Dream Weddings Flowers on High Jill Stember has been around flowers and a florist shop her entire life. She is a third generation florist in Columbus. Her grandmother worked in and owned a shop until she was 93 years old. Jill spent weekends and summers watching and learning from both her grandmother and father. This early exposure to the inner workings of a full service florist has made her a wonderful judge of flowers; if she is not happy with a shipment, she returns them. She is “very particular” about every flower, every arrangement and every detail.
“Flowers are like bananas, you get them green,” and on Wednesdays when a shipment arrives, Stember and her staff process the flowers, allowing the flowers to sit overnight and open up. When working with brides, Stember makes sure she understands their vision, as everyone is different and each and every arrangement is unique. On the day before the Wedding she requests that the bride stop by her shop to review the completed arrangements. This last minute review gives Stember time to adjust the design and make sure the flowers are absolutely perfect and exactly what the bride had in mind for her big day. Where weddings are concerned, Stember can work within any budget, and provide the best arrangements possible. Her lifetime of experience makes her a creative force where flowers are concerned, “big or small, we can do them all.” While the market place has changed drastically since her grandmother opened the door to her shop, there is still no substitute for experience, skill and creativity when it really counts. Stember tells clients, “If you can dream it up, we can make it out of flowers!” While Stember has been teaching classes in the Columbus area for many years, something new she is offering in 2008 are Posy Parties. A Posy Party is a party hosted in a private home, where guests come and for a set price per guest Stember will come to the party, with all the materials needed and the guests will create and leave with a lovely arrangement of flowers. Possible projects include holiday Contiuned on Page 11
ColumbusLivingMag.com
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Dream Weddings arrangements and centerpieces, basic vase arrangements, and much more. She offers projects at a variety of price points and says it is a great way to spend time with friends and learn something new in a relaxed setting. Flowers on High 656 High St Columbus, OH 43004 (614) 781-0483 www.flowersonhigh.com
Jill Stember’s
on High Flowers on High is a Third Generation full service florist specializing in Floral Arrangements for Special Events, Weddings, as well as flowers for all Holidays and Special Occasions. If you can dream it up, we can make it out of flowers!
656 High Street • Worthington, Ohio 43085 (614)781-0483 • www.flowersonhigh.com 11
Special Events Highlight Jewelry Options
Bridal Jewelry Showcase April 18 – 20 Rare & Exotic Gem Showcase May 2 - 10
April 18 through 20, Worthington Jewelers showcases more than 7,000 engagement and wedding rings in a bridal jewelry trunk show featuring designs from Gabriel & Co., ArtCarved, Dora, Camelot and other designers, as well as the store’s one-of-akind designs. “This is a great opportunity for anyone who is considering engagement or planning a wedding to see the huge variety of styles, metals and gemstones available today,” says co-owner Bob Capace. “ The first two weekends in May, the store showcases exotic gemstones from around the world and features ‘The Star of Worthington,’ the store’s red-carpet-worthy signature pendant featuring a 44-carat natural star sapphire. “We’re bringing in thousands of gems directly from mines or gem merchants and allowing customers to buy at our cost,” says Capace. “This is a great time to find a unique center gemstone for an engagement ring or a birthstone for a Mother’s Day gift.” COLUMBUS Living Magazine
Dream Weddings The Dress of Your Dreams You’ve been imagining this day since you were a small child, playing dressup in your mother’s gauzy white nightgown. Now the time to seek that perfect dress has finally arrived, but before you make the big decision, a little homework is necessary! Attend bridal shows, look through bridal magazines, and check online to familiarize yourself with the types of dresses designers are currently offering. Don’t forget to keep pictures of the dresses you like! Start a serious search early, because it can take 9-10 months for an ordered dress to come in. However, if you don’t have 9-10 months, you can often find a great dress that can be purchased off the floor. It is best to choose the wedding dress before the bridesmaid dress, as you want to be sure the two styles compliment each other. Make sure that the dress makes you feel beautiful and comfortable, since you’ll be posing, dancing, and hopefully having all sorts of fun on the big day!
trying on dresses, as well as pushy salespeople, as a few reasons that chain bridal stores created a lessthan-ideal experience. At Dublin’s Elegant Bride, Amy was able to try on as many dresses as she wanted, and the owner was knowledgeable and caring. “They gave great advice,” she enthused. Amy said that, in the end, it came down to two dresses. She decided on the dress at Elegant Bridal in Dublin because of the fantastic customer service. The dress of your dreams should make you feel like a princess, somake sure that you receive the royal treatment during the purchasing process, and let your dress reflect who you are, and the magic of the day!
Everyone’s body type is different. Think about styles of clothing that make you feel attractive, and seek a wedding dress with a similar cut. Amy, a Columbus bride-to-be, felt that her experience with Elegant Bride in Dublin met the criteria for an incredible dress-shopping experience. “I’m not a fan of chains,” she explained. “I often feel like I’m being sold.” She cited time limits for ColumbusLivingMag.com
Photo courtesy of Flowers on High
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Dream Weddings Your Special Day Should be a Piece of Cake! The quest for the perfect wedding cake is far from simple. Before you dig into the task (and into those great samples), there are a number of things to keep in mind in order experience the sweetness of the perfect end result, which is a beautiful cake that not only accentuates the theme of your wedding, but is delicious, affordable and delivered on time.
their cakes and what types of ingredients are they using. Questions like how do they manage their time and business volume, are all very important. “We never ever freeze our cakes,” Ruthie stated emphatically, “to ensure you will always get the best tasting cake in Ohio.” What design style would you like? A wedding cake design is limited only by your imagination and the skill of the designer. When choosing a cake designer, make sure to view photographs of previous work, so you can get a feel for the designer’s artistic skills. Ask for references.
First of all, start looking early! Ordering your cake six months in advance is not too soon. View pictures of cakes (save the ones you like), and decide what you are willing to pay. Now for the fun part!
Ideally, your wedding cake should be linked to your wedding theme, and should taste at least as good as it looks. Check into cake trends, such as cupcake towers. Linda Kick, of Our CupCakery, on High Street in Dublin, says she has been a closet baker ever since she got her first easy bake oven at the age of eight. While the bakery does provide full sized custom wedding cakes, their Cupcake Tiers, Linda says, are increasingly popular. “A cupcake tier,” she explains, “is a very elegant display, especially our glass tier arrangement with lit glass blocks. A wedding cupcake tier still provides the couple with an anniversary cake, a chance to cut that special first piece of cake, and then offers the guests the chance to serve themselves a cupcake, which in many cases helps avoid the mess of cutting an entire cake, or eliminates the cake-cutting fee.”
As you make appointments with bakeries, inquire as to the time of their next scheduled tasting. A tasting is the perfect time not only to sample the merchandise, but to ask questions and look at portfolios. Don’t forget the practical matters, such as delivery fees. It is important to feel comfortable with the person baking, decorating and delivering your cake. Ruthie with Ruthie’s Cakes and Desserts, says, “We will never try to convince a customer to get something they may not want just so we can do a fancy dessert.” Customer focus and listening are key details when choosing someone to make your cake. It is also important to ask about their baking practices and philosophy. How do they prepare
Icing runs the gamut from butter cream and French vanilla to cream cheese, amaretto and Belgium chocolate fudge, just to name a few.
How many tiers? The tier element will be directly related to the size of your wedding. Three tiers will generally serve 50 to 100 guests, and thus for a larger wedding, you may opt for five tiers. What type of cake do you prefer? The most common cake flavors are white, chocolate, carrot, rum, and lemon. To add a touch of gourmet, you can choose to add a filling, such as custard or chocolate. Ask to see accent and cake-topper options.
Linda points out another very popular reception option: the cupcake bar, which, she says, “is a great and fun way to serve cake at a wedding reception. It allows the guests the opportunity to customize their own cupcake; like a sundae bar, but cake, instead.” If you share a special interest with your sweetheart, this could be used as a theme for your cake. Don’t forget about the toasting glass (used for the bride and groom’s post cakecutting toast) and the cake knife, both Contiuned on Page 14
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COLUMBUS Living Magazine
Dream Weddings
of which should compliment your cake. At The Suisse Shop, a distinctive European bakery on Polaris Parkway, owner Darlene Jones understands the importance of the perfect wedding cake. “We are a safe choice,” she assures, “based on our experience and track record of success. We are a very confident that your experience with us will be exemplary.” The Suisse Shop is a European bakery, meaning that it creates many European recipes from “scratch” and with imported chocolates and marmalades. Their recipes are authentic, and have been produced and perfected in their bakery for 25 years, since their founding in 1983. Darlene offered some expert advice, born of years of experience, for brides and grooms-to-be. Be sure, she said, to examine how the bakery controls the production and design processes of the wedding cake in the bakeries you interview. She recommended tasting the ColumbusLivingMag.com
components of the wedding cake independently: cake, fillings and frostings and to determine whether the cakes are made from scratch or prepared from a box mix. Only using this approach, she said, can you get a real feel for the quality of the product and expect that your gift to your guests will be enjoyed and eaten versus left on the table and wasted. Next, find out how the cake is to be delivered, by whom, and in what type of vehicle to ensure a safe and clean experience. Finally, Darlene reminded, determine the portion size and the amount of cake to be baked so there is enough cake for all of your guests to enjoy. Whether three tiers or five, White Chocolate Truffle or French butter cream, let your cake be a mouthwatering reflection of your special day, and when it comes to a beautiful, delicious and timely product, having completed your cake-seeking homework ensures that your confectionary experience will be sweet!
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Dream Weddings
The Suisse Shop European Bakery The Suisse Shop European bakery, located at 2119 Polaris Parkway, has served over 1400 brides throughout its history, and was chosen as the Best Cake Bakery in Columbus, based on the response of satisfied brides who were surveyed by The Knot. Owner Darlene Jones relayed, “Our recipes are authentic, and have been produced and perfected in our bakery for 25 years, since our founding in 1983. My wedding cakes, as with all my products, are made from scratch, with imported chocolates, marmalades and the best ingredients available.” At The Suisse Shop, they understand the requirements and responsibility of accepting a wedding cake order. Darlene explained that at The Suisse Shop, “The staff strives to make each wedding cake a beautiful centerpiece of your reception, designed to reflect
your style and personality, which tastes even better than it looks. You can rely,” she assured, “on our experience and perfectionism to always delight our very important customer: our brides.” She added, “My wedding cakes are not frozen, but made fresh, and decorated, if not the day of the wedding, then the day before. Our frostings do not include shortening, and are amazingly light and fluffy. We make them so smooth that they appear to be fondant, but without the unnecessary sugar and cost. At The Suisse Shop, they bake four different shapes of cakes, and often alternate the shapes in one cake. Base price is $4 per slice, and this includes many extras, such as an unlimited variation of flavors in the cake, all fillings (with the exception of fresh fruit), and almost any frosting you choose.
Delivery convenience and cleanliness are important to The Suisse Shop. Darlene explained, “Our deliveries and cake setup are made by my husband and me. Our new delivery van is only used for the transport of cakes and pastries. I have a large number of silver and brass plateaus (stands) and other cake stands, available for a minimal rental fee, and some that are available at no charge.” At The Suisse Shop, they stand ready to answer all of your questions, and look forward to providing you with a beautiful cake experience. But schedule dates for tastings book fast, Darlene warned, and she recommends you call early to schedule, as she is already booking for 2009. “If you have not tasted our product,” she enthuses, “I suggest you do—you’ll be glad you did.”
“The Knot 2007 Best of Wedding Pick” Best Cake Bakery in Columbus
European Bakery Best tasting cake scratch baked since 1983 new designs
baking sweet dreams come true 2119 Polaris Parkway 614.846.5102 www.thesuisseshop.com
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Dream Weddings Ruthie’s Cakes & Desserts Ahh, the sweetness of a succulent and eye-catching wedding cake! A wedding cake is no small detail when it comes to reception décor and fun, and Ruthie’s Cakes and Desserts offer great quality and competitive pricing. Ruthie White is the owner, baker and decorator of Ruthie’s Cakes and Desserts. Her husband Phares is the webmaster, and aids in marketing and deliveries. At Ruthie’s, they believe that cakes & desserts should look great and taste even better, and since a wedding cake should not break the budget, Ruthie’s offers very competitive prices. While fillings, flowers and rolled fondant icing are extra, the
cakes themselves are extremely reasonable.
types of desserts, including desserts for diabetics.
All of Ruthie’s cakes, except Diabetic Cakes, are made with Ruthie’s own butter cream icing. Most importantly, their cakes taste great because they make them fresh every time.
To Ruthie, the customer is paramount, and thus service is lowkey and non-aggressive.
“We never ever freeze our cakes,” Ruthie stated emphatically, “to ensure you will always get the best tasting cake in Ohio.” Ruthie recommends always tasting any cake before you buy, as she reminds people that the last thing you want is to have a poor quality cake on one of the most important days of your life. Ruthie has been baking for most of her life, and professionally for almost 9 years. Her bakery produces all
“We will never try to convince a customer to get something they may not want just so we can do a fancy dessert.” “We believe,” explained Ruthie, “that even the smallest occasion is just as important as a wedding for 2000 people. We understand that whether it is a birthday or a wedding day, it is a day that is very important to you. We promise to give the same attention to detail on a dozen cookies or an anniversary wedding top as we do to that very special wedding cake.”
Wedding Cakes, Specialty Cakes, Cheesecakes, Pies & Cookies 3160 Parklane Avenue • Columbus, Ohio 43231 Free Wedding Cake Delivery in Franklin County! Delicious Low Sugar Desserts! Baking Delicious Desserts Since 1999
(614) 475-4032
www.ruthiescakes.net
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Dream Weddings Our Cupcakery Linda Kick has been a closet baker since the age of eight when she was given her first easy bake oven as a Christmas present. After 25 years of teaching and management career and surveying a bought with breast cancer, she decided to blend her skills and passion for baking to open Cottage Bakeware & Cakes, LLC in 2004 to rename the business Our CupCakery in 2007. She has been baking cakes, cookies, cupcakes and teaching classes in her current location in Historic Dublin now for 3 years. However on July 4, 2007 she expanded the custom only cake and party business and opened a storefront service, which features a one of a kind Cupcake Bar. No alcohol at this bar though, just a place where every customer can customize just the perfect cupcake to suit his or her mood. “Think of it as a salad bar but replace the lettuce with cupcakes, dressings with icings, and tomatoes with coke gummies or shamrock confetti” says Kick. Our CupCakery still specializes in custom creations of all types, traditional wedding cakes, dinner or party cakes, the no-cut cupcake cake, logo cookies and naturally cupcakes. While they provide a full line of full sized custom wedding cakes, their cupcake trees are increasingly popular. A cupcake tree is a very elegant display, especially with glass tiers arranged between lit glass blocks. A wedding cupcake tree can provide the couple with an anniversary cake, a second cake to cut that special first piece, and then offers guests the chance to serve themselves a cupcake of their choice. This unique option to a traditional wedding cake helps avoid the mess of cutting an entire cake and eliminates the not so well know cake-cutting fee. Other very popular options are our signature no-cut cupcake cakes and of course, the cupcake bar. What a great fun way to serve cake at a wedding reception. The bar allows guests the opportunity to customize their own cupcake, like
an ice cream sundae bar but cake
instead. The cupcake bar is suited for any number of special events and occasions. Cupcake arrangements also make wonderful centerpieces and are a two in one proposition with the centerpiece turning into dessert at the end of the meal. It is a great way to stretch the event or wedding budget. Our CupCakery also offers onsite classes, parties and summer camps for kids, allowing the little bakers to be a pastry chef for a while. Over 700 Girl Scouts have indulged in one or more of our 4 badge and fun patch classes over the past 3 years. The classes are a great way to inspire them while teaching fun and valuable life skills. Birthday parties are hands on affairs, offering everyone a chance to customize and then enjoy just the perfect cupcake, cake, truffle or chocolate strawberries at our tea party. “This year makes our 4th Future Pastry Chef Summer Camp where kids get to bake, mess up,
and clean up our kitchen rather than theirs at home.” “We base our business philosophy on putting smiles on people’s faces. Customers tell us what they need and we create it for their event.” Kick said. She has grown her business, step by step, in “response to her customers needs.” The addition of the cupcake bar expands on our core business principle by adding the customers’ creativity in the final product. “It’s your decorating on my cupcake which becomes Our CupCakery. Yes, at Our CupCakery, it is all about having YOUR cake and eating it too. Our CupCakery 119 S. High St. Dublin, OH 43017 (614) 659-1555 or (877) 659-1555 info@OurCupCakery.com www.OurCupCakery.com
614-579-1267 | info@ourcupcakery.com 119 S. High Street Dublin, OH 43017
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Dream Weddings Master Mix DJ Master Mix DJ is a locally owned and operated, professional disk jockey service. We have been providing Central Ohio with outstanding service for over 26 years, and have helped thousands of people make their event something to remember. From planning to execution, we will help you take care of every last detail.
“The Ultimate DJ Experience”
Before your event, we will get together and determine the sequence of events. This way, we are prepared to help everything run smoothly so all you have to worry about is enjoying the festivities. We believe every event is special, and should be treated as such.
We offer at No Extra Cost:
We are more than just another disk jockey service. We offer many other complimentary services, and we will cater to your every need. A major concern is how much time you should book, with us you don’t have to worry because we give you unlimited time! What do we mean by “Unlimited time?” We provide our services to you with no time limit, all for one affordable price. Your event is going to last four hours? It won’t cost extra. You need the music to last into the next morning? It’s included! We have no “additional hour” charges, no setup or tear-down, no hidden fees. Just one low rate for your event! All this makes us....
Ohio’s Premium DJ for Over 25 Years! Superb Sound Quality with over 20,000 songs from the 1920’s to Today.
• Unlimited Hours • Professional Lighting • Coordination & Annoucement of Events
(614) 537-2762
www.mastermixdj.net
“The ULTIMATE DJ Experience”
“What a remarkable job you did by providing such thoughtful help and care along out planning process. You are a joy to work with. Our wedding reception went by so smoothly and gracefully. Your professionalism and kindness that day is much appreciated. Our guests loved the facility, as we did of course, and had a fantastic time. By the way…. great food!” Love, Chris & Lisa
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Dream Weddings
Makoy Center There isn’t much hesitation by President George Yoakam when I ask him what sets The Makoy Center apart from other wedding and banquet facilities. “It’s the ambiance,” Yoakam says of the 30,000 square foot facility in Hilliard. “We have an art décor theme and 3 unique levels of ambiance from very formal to contemporary. So the bride can find something to fit her desires.” However, from the way Yoakam describes operations, it’s clear that The Makoy Center offers much more than just ambiance.
The facility includes The Mezzanine, The Burgundy Room, and Emerald Room, the largest. George says he likes to welcome interested couples to a tour of the rooms which contain large, central dance floors- a feature he describes as a rarity. “It means that there’s not a bad seat in the house, and the focal point is on the bride and groom.”
George explains that the event hosting process begins with an attendance estimation- although size is never a problem for the Makoy Center. “Most weddings tend to be around the 150 guest category,” Yoakam says. “Once you get above that, there’s only about 3 or 4 places in town that are big enough.” One of which is the extensive Makoy Center.
George purchased the former skating rink in 1985. From there, the building went from a computer wholesale business to a banquet facility which slowly grew until Yoakam added 20,000 square feet 6 years ago. “As a result, we’re now the largest private facility in Franklin County,” he says before describing the city of Hilliard’s $3.5 million renovation of the area
surrounding Makoy’s entrance. In addition to the building itself, the center also provides free parking, excellent food, and reasonable prices. Knowing that weddings can be expensive, Yoakam emphasizes ways to cut costs without sacrificing the quality of services. “We’ve been in business here for 23 years and no one has greater customer satisfaction. Most of our events come from references,” he says. “They’re very happy customers. The Makoy Center 5462 Center Street Hilliard, OH 43026 (614) 777-1211 www.Makoy.com
5462 Center Street • Hilliard, OH 43026 Ph. 614.777.1211 Fx. 614.777.1952
Info@Makoy.Com www.makoy.com
Weddings • Parties • Corporate Events
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Dream Weddings Linda Swingle
In 1864, Sophia Stone Kelton looked out her front parlor window, and discovered two fugitive slaves, sisters Martha and Pearl Hartway, ages 10 and 12, hiding in the bushes. Sophia welcomed them into her home. Pearl, the eldest, traveled on to Canada and freedom, but Martha was too ill, and would not have survived the trip. The Keltons nursed Martha back to health, educated her, and she became one of the family. In 1874, Martha married Thomas Lawrence, the Kelton’s free, black carpenter in the front parlor. Since opening as the Kelton House Museum & Garden in 1978, countless couples have exchanged their wedding vows in the restored Victorian garden, and charming Carriage House,
The Kelton House, 586 East Town Street, was built in 1852 by Fernando and Sophia Stone Kelton, and was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Three generations of Keltons lived in the house, and nearly all of the furnishings are original. The Junior League of Columbus raised over $1 million to restore the house to its original Victorian grandeur, and now runs it as a museum, honoring the wishes of the Kelton family. The Museum’s mission is to tell the stories of the Kelton family, and the Underground Railroad, and to showcase the decorative arts of the 19th century. Tucked behind the Kelton House is a storybook setting for a wedding: an elegant Victorian garden that honors both the Victorian influences characteristic to the period, and the artistic touch of Grace Kelton, a prominent interior Contiuned on Page 21
Imagine your storybook garden wedding…in an elegant Victorian setting. 586 E. Town Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 ColumbusLivingMag.com
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614.464.2022
keltonhouse@cs.com www.keltonhouse.com
Dream Weddings
designer and artist, and Sophia Stone Kelton’s granddaughter. The centerpiece of the garden is its dramatic Pergola, an arbor with columns supporting a trellis entwined with Silver Lace Vine, under which many couples have exchanged vows over the last three decades. The garden promenade lined by Van Esseltine crabapple trees and under planted with daylilies, hostas, Resurrection lilies, and impatience, creates a natural isle, a poetic setting for couples tying the knot. The garden provides an ever-changing background of blooming perennials and annuals from spring through autumn and is illuminated by six gas lanterns for evening weddings. The historic Carriage House’s adjacent Terrace provides outdoor seating for up to 90 guests. During warm weather months, the Kelton House accommodates up to 130 guests for a full-seating dinner. Indoors, the Kelton House capacity is
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100 guests for a full-seating dinner, or 150 guests for a cocktail reception. The Kelton House offers stunning photo opportunities for the bride and groom both inside the museum rooms and outside in the award-winning Victorian garden. Tours of the museum are available for the guests. Create your own dream-come-true, and make the historic Kelton House Museum and Garden part of your history together. For a personal tour of the Museum’s rental areas, call Linda Swingle, Event Coordinator, at (614) 464-2022. You may also tour the rental areas during a Kelton House Sunday Open House, Sundays from 1 pm - 4 pm. Kelton House 586 E.Town Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 www.keltonhouse.com COLUMBUS Living Magazine
Dream Weddings Oakhurst Country Club Oakhurst Country Club is one of the premier private clubs in the Columbus area. Our newly remodeled Ballroom can accommodate up to 275 people. This large, versatile room features cathedral ceilings, a built-in 24’ x 32’ parquet dance floor, a full service bar, and floor to ceiling windows. This room is also connected to our covered veranda providing a spectacular year-round view of our golf course. Oakhurst’s White Oak Room also features floor to ceiling windows and seats up to 50 people.
Express Your Love in Luxury
Give us a call today or go online to www.oakhurstgc.com for more information. We are ready to make your special day a memorable one.
Oakhurst Country Club, one of the premier private clubs in Columbus, is an ideal setting for an intimate wedding ceremony and reception. With year round breathtaking views of the golf course from the ballroom and connecting covered veranda, the newly remodeled ballroom features floor to ceiling windows, cathedral ceilings, a built-in 24’by 32’ parquet dance floor and a full service bar. This versatile ballroom seats up to 275 people while the White Oak Room seats up to 50 people and also features floor to ceiling windows while offering a more intimate setting. ColumbusLivingMag.com
614.878.6443 khowes@eaglegolf.com Since opening in 1959 Oakhurst Country Club has been the site of many wedding ceremonies and receptions. The experienced team offers a creative menu with a variety of packages featuring per person food and beverage pricing. Oakhurst�s inclusive room rental fee provides chair coverings and décor for each reception. The club does work closely with preferred vendors who are committed to making every event a memorable one. The picturesque grounds feature a beautifully manicured golf course, a romantic weeping willow tree, fountains and gardens all providing many wonderful photo opportunities. The veranda is not only a great vantage point for viewing the grounds 22
but also a “wonderful location for a wedding ceremony, cocktails, and photographs”, said Katherine Howes, Director of Catering. Their website offers stunning photographs – which highlight Oakhurst Country Club’s dedication to creative and artful presentation. At Oakhurst Country Club every view, those inside and those outside, is breathtaking. Oakhurst Country Club 3223 Norton Road Grove City, Ohio 43123 Office: (614)-878-6443 Fax: (614)-878-0560 Email: khowes@eaglegolf.com Website: www.oakhurstgc.com
Dream Weddings Bridgewater comfortably seats groups up to 400 in its main ballroom. The beautiful marble-tiled foyer wraps around the ballroom and offers cozy areas for where guests can enjoy refreshments and mingle prior to the festivities. A second upper-level ballroom offers space for smaller receptions and rehearsal dinners. This space also features a beautiful veranda that can be used for outdoor ceremonies or to serve cocktails and appetizers before or during the reception. Another wonderful touch and favorite among grooms is the vintage cars available for rent. Bridgewater owns a Lincoln Town car limousine and vintage Jaguar and Bentley sedans. Both offer brides and grooms memorable ways to travel between the church and the reception hall. The cars are available to rent to anyone; special rates are offered to couples using the Bridgewater facility. To create a memorable day for themselves and their guests, brides and grooms depend on the professional Event Consultants and Executive Chef at Bridgewater Banquet and Conference Center to assist with planning their wedding day. Private consultations, personal tours and tastings can all be arranged at your convenience. Call Bridgewater to arrange for your consultation. Bridgewater Banquet & Conference Center 10561 Sawmill Parkway Powell, Ohio 43065 (614) 734-9800 www.bridgewaterbanquetcenter.com ColumbusLivingMag.com
presentation does not mean a better quality meal – the food is the highlight – it should look and taste good.” She generally sees clients wanting a buffet setting, primarily for its simplicity and ease of service.
Boardwalk Catering Laura Ball, the owner of Boardwalk Catering has the depth of experience to make any event a smashing success. In her early twenties she opened her first restaurant. She enjoys cooking and dinner is her specialty. Since 1996 she has been catering in the Columbus Metro area and prior to that she ran a local country club. Many people in town remember her from her days as Affordable Catering by Laura. She primarily caters wedding receptions and corporate events – she also does sit down dinners. While buffets are increasingly popular – she and her staff can also handle plated meals for a more formal touch. Clients who choose to work with Boardwalk Catering will not only be treated to an affordable and tasty meal but Laura Ball’s years of experience will give them an added edge – her advice can help them achieve the type of event they really want, while still coming in on budget. “A more elaborate 24
Not only will Boardwalk Catering provide the cuisine, they can provide beverage service, station set up and a bartender for the event. The client needs to only make arrangements for the alcoholic beverages. Boardwalk Catering also provides linens and china in a bundle, which means one service charge verses a per person additional fee. In 2008, she also plans to offer a chair cover service – since this decorative feature “makes for a great presentation” and can be costly to purchase for a single event – she will be able to provide elegant rental chair covers. For potential clients, Laura offers tastings and does not limit the number of guests the client can invite – featuring entrees and accompaniments from her menu, including her most popular entrees Prime Rib and Apricot Teriyaki Chicken. Boardwalk Catering is committed to making every corporate event and wedding day memorable, providing superior customer service, and wonderful meals at a great price all while exceeding the client’s expectations – every time Boardwalk Catering 614.305.3539 icaterforyou@yahoo.com www.boardwalkreception.com
Boardwalk Catering
Perhaps a catered reception is more affordable than you may think!
No Extra Charge • China • Flatware • Water Stems • Colored Linens • Table Skirting • Service Personnel
Gratuities Optional!
This room set up including a two entree dinner buffet is under $25 per person!
* CASUAL TO ELEGANT * MENUS TO FIT YOUR BUDGET * TASTINGS BY APPOINTMENT Boardwalk Catering is committed to making your wedding day memorable… providing quality service, wonderful food and great prices! I promise to exceed your expectations!
Laura Ball
614.305.3539 icaterforyou@yahoo.com www.boardwalkreceptions.com
Dream Weddings Planning the Perfect Wedding Reception Wedding Days are a big day for everyone involved. In many cases, they are the culmination of months if not a year’s worth of consideration and preparation. For many months it is an issue of non-stop decisionmaking. Selecting the location of the reception is typically one of the first big decisions a bride and groom will need to make and for many couples it is the most daunting task. There are so many wonderful options to choose from ranging from museums, historic building, country clubs, and banquets halls to very posh hotel ballrooms. Every venue will have something to offer and at the end of the day the perfect venue will speak to the couple. Art lovers may jump at the chance to host their reception at the museum, even given that it may limit the number of guests they can invite. While other couples are looking for the perfect spot, where they can have photos taken, which will incorporate the grand vistas and views from the country club’s impressive veranda. It truly is a matter of personal taste and vision.
Photo courtesy of Joe Shlabotnik
into a challenge of finding a venue with the amount of space needed to accommodate the groom’s large family and the couple’s considerable number of friends.
Many reception sites offer all inclusive pricing for packages, which can streamline the process and for some couples will be exactly what they need, other couples, may value “out of the box” thinking and planning as sited by Carrie Rose, with the Crowne Plaza Dublin.
“A wedding is a wedding, it is a big day, “Reynolds said, “for the bride and groom and their families. You just want the day to be comfortable, from start to finish.” She feels it is important to ensure that the reception location’s event manager is committed to the comfort of the guests and has a similar vision as the bride and groom. She recommends making sure; the bride and groom feel they can work with the event manager. There should be a certain synergy from the very beginning.
Sometimes the number of guests is truly the deciding factor. After planning two weddings in the
The little extra amities can make for a more enjoyable event also. Packages, which include cake cutting and chair
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covers as part of the pricing can help stretch a budget and make for a smoother and more beautiful event. A banquet hall with a bridal and grooms suite, especially for an onsite ceremony and reception makes a big difference. “Brides and Grooms appreciate the private parlors, where they can go and freshen up in between the ceremony and the reception,” said Thad Welch with Bridgewater Banquet and Conference Center. Reynolds summed up what she has learned after putting together three weddings, “I think you put your money into the food and the comfort of your guests, not the flowers and favors. You need to have enough space for your guests to feel comfortable.”
Dream Weddings At the Clock Tower, weddings and receptions are designed to be elegant and convenient. While their reception packages include most everything a bride could hope for, with on site floral design, a wonderful in house chef, who enjoys offering free tastings, and an elaborate light and sound system to make the music a highlight of any event. With a background in banquet management Kathleen, has the experience required to assist couples in planning and executing a wonderful reception.
The Clock Tower
Offering old world charm and modern elegance the Clock Tower is a wonderful place to host a wedding reception. Located very close to the airport and minutes from downtown, it is a welcome gem on the Eastside to host an event and stay close to home for many Columbus residents. Many Columbus natives will recognize the outer shell of the building as an icon of yesterday. Rahmen and Kathleen purchased the building from its longtime owner, who had left it vacant for a few years and began the year long and nearly million dollar restoration process. The outside of the building was left intact, the familiar French Chateau, and the interior reworked to become total elegance with Mediterranean influences, highlights include rich granite and tile work, breath taking chandeliers, vaulted ceilings and tall columns. There is space to accommodate 150 to 500 guests and more than enough room to have a ceremony and the reception.
At the Clock Tower, weddings and receptions are designed to be elegant and convenient. While their reception packages include most everything a bride could hope for, with on site floral design, a wonderful in house chef, who enjoys offering free tastings, and an elaborate light and sound system to make the music a highlight of any event. With a background in banquet management Kathleen, has the experience required to assist couples in planning and executing a wonderful reception.
Rahmen and Kathleen have also developed a network of other partners to help make the day just perfect. They work with a local hotel to provide discounted over night accommodations and the chef is happy to prepare just the perfect rehearsal dinner. Elegance and ease are truly the goal of every event at the Clock Tower. In addition to weddings and receptions, the Clock Tower hosts anniversary parties, bar and bat mitzvahs and corporate events. 4500 Eastland Drive Columbus, Ohio 43232 614.759.9371 www.columbusclocktower.com
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Dream Weddings of photograph packages does the photographer offer and will the packages work within the budget? What is the reorder timeframe, incase relatives upon seeing the gorgeous album just have to order a photo or two.
Photographs: Wedding Memories to Last a Lifetime
Chances are if the photographer or studio is not willing to spend some time getting to know the bride and groom’s vision or personality before the wedding, the best bet is to seek out someone that will. Photographs are intensely personal and understanding the subject’s motivations prior to the first click of the shutter is so important.
For many couples, the pictures of the wedding will help preserve the images, events and emotions of their big day. Once the flowers have faded, the cake has been eaten, and the dress is stowed away, they will always have their wedding album to remind them of the joy, tears, and sweet emotion of the day. Finding a photographer to capture all of those precious moments is a very important part of the wedding planning process. It is important to make certain that the photographer’s artic style and skill level match with the bride and grooms vision of their day. Wedding photography is part art and part craft. Striking the correct balance is very important. As with any art form, personal preference is paramount. While viewing a perspective photographer’s work, remember that some people really enjoy not only traditional portraits while others would prefer more ColumbusLivingMag.com
photojournalistic elements and more artistic shots. In addition to decisions of style, it is important to feel comfortable with the photographer’s personality and work style. Are they more structured to their approach or more laid back? Does the photographer prefer to do set portraits or are they willing to think outside the box and be open to some candid reception shots.
Photographs are the one part of wedding planning that will last long after the lat song is played, the cake is eaten and honeymoon is over. Finding the perfect person to record those important memories is worth the extra effort and time.
If the wedding party is large, will the photographer have an assistant or second photographer to help capture all the moment and make certain the portraits run smoothly? Nothing is worse than being late to the receptions because the pictures have run over. The finished product and presentation is also another important consideration. What type of processing will the photographer employ? Does this process include retouching? What types of 28
Photo courtesy of Christopher Denk Photography
Dream Weddings Panerello Consulting If the hundreds of minute decisions to be made during the organization of a wedding are beginning to weigh heavily upon your stress level, Jo Panarello of Panarello Consulting may be just the woman you need to talk to. Founded in
1991, Jo’s creative event managing service focuses on easing the
pressure of event planning while also adhering to your distinct taste in the details for everything from weddings to garden parties, golf outings, charity fundraisers and many more. Ms. Panarello dedicates herself to saving you time and money by using her event planning experience to facilitate the process. “Most of them
are busy people who are well into their careers,” Jo says of her clientele. “Maybe they don’t know who’s the best photographer or who’s the best florist. So instead of interviewing many people, they tell me their likes and dislikes, and I show them tons of pictures and get a feel for their direction.” After analyzing all the fine points of the upcoming event, from size and scale to budget and style, Jo recommends a package that works most efficiently for the event you have in mind, ridding you of the stress of juggling the numerous details yourself. “Say rather than interviewing dozens of photographers, I can already have it narrowed down to 2 or 3. That alone is what a lot of my clients love,” says Jo. In the midst of a busy wedding season, Ms. Panarello prioritizes quality over quantity by ensuring that she’s not overwhelmed with events. “I tend to be a very hands on planner,” she says. “If you hire me, you get me. I’m careful not to plan more than I could handle.” Maintaining an emphasis on professionalism and etiquette, Jo feels that being on the side of helping someone plan the perfect wedding is a rewarding part of her work at Panarello Consulting. “At the end of a wedding day, to hear someone say ‘This was better than I could’ve imagined,’ and to be that closely involved in such a special time in someone’s life is something I don’t take lightly at all.” 5741 Alfie Place Columbus, OH 43213 (614) 868-0000 614 751-0919 fax jo@panarelloconsuliting.com
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Dream Weddings Christopher Denk Photography
when we reviewed the images, I have such wonderful images from the reception. His approach is kind, professional.” Her impression is that Christopher manages to capture the mood and tone of the day perfectly, even in those photographs, which are traditional and posed.
At Christopher Denk Photography, wedding photography is so much more that just taking formal portraits. It is about documenting every magical, romantic, and emotional moment for the couples to treasure from that day forward. Christopher Denk employs a photojournalist approach to capturing images from the wedding and the reception in addition to taking the traditional photographs of the wedding party and family members. Whether working with engaged couples or other portrait clients, Christopher emphasizes the need to spend some time with his clients prior to taking the actual photographs. He strives to understand them and understand their desires and motives for the photographs. This consultative process allows him to get to know his clients and allows him to capture the very best images once he is behind the camera. Christopher Denk’s wedding packages are designed to include all members of the wedding party and family members. While the day centers around the bride and groom, many people are going to be deeply touched by the day. Christopher offers many photographic mementos, some of which can be available the day of the wedding as gifts to the parents’ of the bride and groom. An example is the “From Her Heart” photo folio, which a bride may give to her father after he walks her down the isle; the folio contains a very special photo of the bride and a personal hand written note. It is a touching gift she can give her
Anyone can take photographs; Christopher Denk is more concerned with capturing images of a richly emotional and truly magical day. “Weddings,” says Denk, “A Wedding Is About Romance and Family.”
parents, further including them in the emotional moments of the day. Many of Christopher Denk’s former clients site his attention to detail, his professionalism and his great eye. For all wedding day events he brings a second photographer to capture additional images and for some of the larger events you will find his creative director and photo coordinator Audrey Denk, his wife. She serves as his second set of eyes, monitoring every detail and paying especially close attention to the bride, so that every detail will be just perfect.
Christopher Denk Photography 3478 Brockton Court Powell, Ohio 43065 614.718.9727 Chris@ChrisopherDenk.com www.ChristopherDenk.com
Christopher Denk’s former clients consistently praise him for his professionalism and his photojournalistic images. Melissa Eckenrode explained that she and her husband did not know Christopher Denk prior to engaging his services as a wedding photographer and now they consider he and Audrey to be “very good friends. I knew I liked his work and I would recommend him to anybody. For the reception, I hardly knew he was there but 31
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Dream Weddings Videography:
•
Stay Aware & Moving - Your job is keep up on all of the action- especially the moments that the bride and groom will be too preoccupied to notice. Be prepared to document the random, unexpected occurrences that will make this wedding unique. Stay ready for close-ups on the important moments (but try to avoid the extra-fast Kung-fu movie-style zoom-ins).
•
When In Doubt, Shoot - Try to capture as many moments as possible. Even if they don’t seem too significant to you, they may mean everything to the bride and/or groom. And even if you are not the only videographer present, shoot as if you were. Inconsequential footage can always be cut in the editing process.
Your Life’s Movies Besides first-hand memories and photographs, a wedding video can be the best way to capture and relive that special day- which follows months of planning but often goes by too quickly for a newlywed couple to remember. Wedding videography is also the perfect way to catch the moments that you yourself, as a bride or groom, are very likely to overlook- like nervous pre-ceremony preparations or the expressions of family members and friends as you take your vows. Today, technology even allows for your ceremony to be broadcast live over the internet in streaming video for friends who are not able to attend. But with such an important and expensive event and only one shot to get it right, how does one go about finding wedding videography for a reasonable price without ending up with a shaky, low quality recording that resembles an America’s Funniest Home Videos clip? Hiring a private wedding videography service remains the most efficient option- especially if you or family members don’t have professional recording experience. However, while searching for your ideal videographer, beware of prices that seem too good to be true. More often than not these are cameramen who only film weddings in their spare time which can result in mediocre photography. Request to see samples of the videographer’s work beforehand and be sure to agree on a set style of documenting the event long before the big day is near. ColumbusLivingMag.com
But, hiring a videographer isn’t an absolute necessity. If you or someone you know should choose to record a wedding ceremony, here are a few tips to follow to make your camerawork a little more professional: •
Prepare - Be sure that you communicate with the bride and groom in advance and agree on a style of shooting. Having a “must shoot” list of all the big, traditional moments (the cutting of the cake, the first dance, etc) that need to be captured helps. Pay close attention at the rehearsal and decide on where to be and when to be there in order to get the highest quality shots. Lastly, be sure to arrive with ample time to set-up.
•
Secure Equipment - It’s unwise to use a new or unfamiliar camcorder on the day the ceremony. Back-up batteries and tapes are a must. No one’ll want a wedding video that cuts off at “I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs.--” 32
Photos courtesy of Prodigy Video
Dream Weddings Prodigy Video If you’re a busy bride or groom in preparation for your big day, Nathan Nazeck, owner of Prodigy Video Wedding Videography, is on your side. “The day goes by so fast,” he says. “So our video is going to capture some candid things that you won’t be able to see.” For the past 6 years, Prodigy Video has provided the central Ohio area with quality videography service that, while focusing primarily on weddings, also offers coverage on concerts, plays, dance recitals and others.
Prodigy offers some of the most thorough wedding recording in the Columbus area while also remaining on the cutting edge of technology. “We recently upgraded to HiDefinition equipment,” Nazeck says. “We also offer 8 DVD copies with each package which are specially designed for the newer wide-screen TV playback,” Nathan says before adding with a little laughter that this feature prevents a couple from looking stretched out on a wide screen television. While highly knowledgeable in the technological aspects of videography, Nathan also concentrates on Contiuned on Page 34
Central Ohio’s Premier High-Definition Wedding Videographer
(614) 206-5732 www.prodigyvideo.com prodigyvideo@yahoo.com
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Dream Weddings analyzing the personal desires of every couple during the consultation that each receives. “You tell us what you‘re looking for and we can adjust to it,” he says. “Our packages are fully customizable.” After the big day has past, the editors at Prodigy Video welcome a couple to watch an early cut of their wedding video, make suggestions, and receive another version more attune to their tastes. Nazeck stresses that a decision on wedding videography is something every couple should take seriously, and with Prodigy Video, he says, your entire day will be documented carefully. With Prodigy’s multiple cameraman packages (which allow for several angles) make for a unique viewing experience. “For example, during the vows and the ring exchange, we’re able to see both the bride and groom’s face,” Nazeck explains. “It’s more like watching a movie instead of a home video.” For a comprehensive documenting of your wedding day that will last for years to come, check out Prodigy Video Wedding Videography.
Prodigy Video HD 614.206.573 www.prodigyvideo.com prodigyvideo@yahoo.com
Blue Skies Wedding Productions From hearing the passion and clarity with which Julie Hedricks speaks about Blues Skies Wedding Productions, I reach two conclusion immediately: 1) she thoroughly enjoys her line of work and 2) she has gained an extensive knowledge of wedding videography in the process. Julie and her husband Chris Hedricks, a former news videographer with an impressive array of Emmy nominations, are the owners and founders of Blue Skies which was voted “Best of Wedding Videography” by The Knot. Blue Skies offers top-quality videography for your wedding day in digital, HD, and even old-fashioned 8mm film formats while also bringing an unmatched 19+ years of experience to your service. It’s evident from Julie’s explanations that years of experience have allotted her great insight into the importance of excellence videography. This, she explains, is why Blue Skies dedicates itself to finding out what is uniquely significant to every couple in order to create a personalized recording. “The cake’s going to get eaten, the food’s gone, the dress is put away,” she begins. “And still pictures only capture the moment whereas video captures the entire day with every little sound. It’s not just your standard wedding video. It truly is a mini-movie. It’s going to become a true family heirloom.” After encountering too many frustrations in attempting to find first-rate videography for their own wedding, Chris and Julie Hedricks created Blue Skies about 7 years ago. Since then, the service has grown into one of the most talented videography services in the region. When asked about Blue Skies’ shooting
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ceremonies are booked 18-24 months in advance, your tastes and desires are analyzed, and prospective couples receive a crash course in the video recording. “Our goal is to make them feel comfortable about videography,” she says. “By the time the editing comes around, we already know what they want instead of trying to fix it in the process.” Julie also describes Blue Skies’ 8mm film option (a film stock Kodak no longer produces) as a particularly stylish choice of videography wherein footage of your own wedding can be spliced with footage of the ceremonies of family members from as far back as the 1950’s. “It’s a hot celebrity trend,” she adds. For a top-notch documenting of your wedding day that will last for generations to come, contact Blue Skies Wedding Productions. “Its not about pressing record and calling it a day. Its about capturing the couples story and customizing for their specific wedding day.” 2 South State Street Westerville, OH 43081 (614)-890-4045 www.BlueSkiesWeddingProductions.com Info@BlueSkiesWeddingProductions.com
Dream Weddings Get Active! Jean Gualteri opened Active Travel in 1989. She knows travel and has been making the dreams of brides and grooms come true ever since. Her agency specializes in honeymoon arrangements and destination weddings. Gualteri is committed to thinking outside the box
where honeymoons are concerned
and working within the budget to achieve the best results. Gualteri says that thinking outside the box also means taking the budget into account. Some destinations are not achievable on the couples given budget, but she says there are many ways to achieve the spirit of a given destination, while going somewhere that does fit the budget. “Perfect honeymoons don’t just happen, they are planned,” is the advice she gives
Active Travel
5064 Cemetery Road Hilliard, OH 43026
(614)-771-6200
As the world’s only Ultra All-Inclusive Resorts for couples, Sandals thoughtfully includes every conceivable luxury and adventure. So you can turn your thoughts to each other, and what to discover next. Sun kissed beaches and every imaginable sport, from scuba to golf. True gourmet dining and the Caribbean’s most sumptuous suites, some even with butler service. It’s all included, along with the option of Red Lane® Spas, only at the resorts made for love…Sandals, voted World’s Best.
R E S O RT S Ask about our Free Wedding w & Free WATERFORD ww offers when booking.
all couples starting to plan a honeymoon. Many couples pick a wedding date and begin to plan the wedding, leaving the honeymoon to the last minute. Gualteri suggests that couples begin to plan the honeymoon right after they select the wedding date. “It is best to begin planning the honeymoon 15 months out,” she suggests, “the selection of rooms available is better, the prices are better and while you cannot book airfare until 10 months out, the earlier the better.” Active Travel also specializes in planning destination weddings. As with her clients planning honeymoons, she meets with the couple and interviews them as the first step in the planning process. As she gets to know the couple and their Contiuned on Page 36
The Caribbean’s Only Ultra All-Inclucsive Resorts For Couples Only
Attend our next Sandals Night for exclusive savings & discounts. Ask for details. www.honeymoonbeaches.com
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Dream Weddings all couples starting to plan a honeymoon. Many couples pick a wedding date and begin to plan the wedding, leaving the honeymoon to the last minute. Gualteri suggests that couples begin to plan the honeymoon right after they select the wedding date. “It is best to begin planning the honeymoon 15 months out,” she suggests, “the selection of rooms available is better, the prices are better and while you cannot book airfare until 10 months out, the earlier the better.” Active Travel also specializes in planning destination weddings. As with her clients planning honeymoons, she meets with the couple and interviews them as the first step in the planning process. As she gets to know the couple and their
groom can begin the honeymoon right after they say “I do!”
vision, she can begin to suggest locations for their wedding. In many cases, she points outs, destination weddings can save the couple “thousands of dollars” and “reduce stress.” Many locations and resorts, offer packages which include the wedding ceremony and reception and since it all included in the package, the details are handled. The wedding guests will enjoy the vacation and the bride and
Legacy Images Legacy Images is located in Westfield, IN. The mission at Legacy Images is to help you preserve memories that will become heirlooms for future generations and, with your input,to create unique, personalized items using laser engraving and sublimation (heat transfer). These items make great heirlooms, awards, gifts, memorabilia, and promotional items. Legacy Images Offers: •
Legacy Frames: wooden theme and name frame inserts
• Custom
laser engraving: we take your picture and/or wording and put it onto tiles, wood, glass, marble, etc.
ColumbusLivingMag.com
www.legacyimages-pc.com (317) 440-3010 10% off - Call to let us know you saw us in the Columbus Living Magazine
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Active Travel is one of the only travel agencies in the area with extended hours on Monday and Tuesday evenings and Saturday morning hours. They also offer through out the year information nights, with information on various destinations by region and travel packages. With the experience, know how, creativity and passion for travel it is clear why Active Travel is the preferred travel agent for Columbus Bride Magazine and The Perfect Wedding Guide. Active Travel 5064 Cemetery Road Hilliard, OH 43026 1 800-886-6201
Dream Weddings
Elegant Ice Creations When one thinks of the term “elegance,” chainsaws, sanders and chisels are probably not the first images to come to mind. But at Elegant Ice Creations, these are just a few of the tools used by owner and sculptor Greg Butauski to form beauty out of blocks of ice. Butauski, 1 of only 3 Certified Master Carvers in the United States, serves the Columbus area by providing a variety of ice sculptures ranging from ice luges and ice bars (an entire drinking bar made of ice) to table centerpieces and custom designs- which include more than 50 aquatic designs and over 75 bird and animal designs.
number one medium,” says Butauski, whose services also provide wood and sand sculptures. “About 70% of the business is ice sculptures,” Greg says. “ And of the ice sculptures, about 40% is for weddings, country clubs, hotels, and winter festivals.” Having been an enthusiast since first using a chainsaw in college, Greg says that the entire sculpting process is something he continues to enjoy more and more. “I love the fact that once you’ve purchased one sculpture, then
you’ve got to get another one,” says Butauski. “It’s a repeat business.”
713 Harmon Plaza Columbus OH, 43223 614.449.8770 614.449.1599 www.rockonice.com www.eleganticecreations.com
One glance at the galleries of Butauski’s many works, and it is immediately evident that Greg is a major talent in the world in ice sculpting. Butauski started Elegant Ice Creations right out of college, and, after moving to Columbus and partnering with production manager Trey Justice, Greg attended the 2002 Winter Olympics at Salt Lake City as captain of Team USA and won the World Ice Art Championships in 2005 as a member of Team Ohio. “It’s a lifelong passion. It’s always been my 37
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Dream Weddings
Lynn’s Limousine Within just a few moments of speaking with Roger Lynn, President of Lynn’s Limousine Service, it’s clear that he considers his ground transportation a cut above the rest. “We have chauffeurs, not drivers,” he laughs. “Drivers deliver pizzas.” Since November of 2000, Lynn’s Limousine has been providing quality ground transportation service (for all occasions) to central Ohio. In 1999, Roger, who is also the President of the construction company Lynn’s General Services, noticed that the Columbus area was lacking in professionally dressed, refined transportation services. So he branched out from the construction field and now runs the first-class chauffeur service supported by 5 vehicles. Even though Lynn’s Limousine caters to all events, from the simple night-out to birthday parties and ballgames, the services specializes in weddings- from which about %70 of its business comes. In 2007, Mr. Lynn received a pleasant surprise when Lynn’s Limo received the Best Ground Transportation Service award from the wedding magazine The Knot. “That was something we can be very proud of. We’ve never even advertised with The Knot,” ColumbusLivingMag.com
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Roger says. But after collecting postceremony reactions from couples in the area, the magazine receive the highest praise for Lynn’s Limousine Service. “That tells us we must be doing something right,” Lynn says with a little laughter. Roger, who ensures that feedback cards are sent out after each night of service, explains that the responses he receives from former clients is always an enjoyable part of the ground transportation business. “We’re very serious about that,“ he says. “If we need to make some corrections or adjustments somewhere we’ll do that. Everyone should get the same level of service. It’s important to me that we have satisfied clients out there.” On a more serious note, Roger feels that, besides providing a first-rate chauffeur service, Lynn’s Limousine is also an efficient and fun way of ensuring your safety on a night out. “It’s a shame how many people get DUI’s every year,” he notes. “We’re here to try to keep people safe. I’d rather see people use us than end up in jail. Plus you save yourself the embarrassment of having your name in the paper.” 740.763.4211 866.763.4211 www.lynnslimo.com
Lynn’s Limousine Service
FOR RESERVATIONS CALL
Helping To Make Your Wedding Dreams Come True! The “Preferred” Limousine Service in Central Ohio
We are available for all Occasions • Airport Services
• Sporting Events
• Anniversaries
• Corporate Events
• Birthdays
• Prom/Homecomings
• Concerts
• Weddings
Phone: 740.763.4211 Toll Free: 866.763.4211
www.lynnslimo.com
Dream Weddings Mark Matthews Associates Alice Kramer, an agent with Mark Matthews and Associates, an independent insurance agency, wants every bride, groom and father of the bride to take a breather from the intense wedding preparations and consider Wedding Insurance. For many couples, their wedding will end up costing tens of thousands of dollars. By the time the caterer, florists, photograph, reception hall, limousines are booked and tuxes are rented and dresses are bought the cost of the event adds up to one big price tag. Wedding Insurance is the safety net, should something go wrong. If the caterer files for bankruptcy, the insurance will cover the lost deposit
and any surcharges charged by the last minute caterer. Same for the florist, the photographer, if they close up shop and do not refund the deposit, the insurance will cover that lose. If the best man loses the wedding bands, you’re covered.
“an investment in peace of mind, you are relying on professions to do their jobs, but accidents and unforeseen things can happen everyday, even with committed professionals, Wedding Insurance buys you some peace of mind.”
This insurance also provides liability for the reception, property damage and can be written to include liquor liability as well. Some reception halls and sites are beginning to require couples to provide their own liability insurance.
While the coverage is very comprehensive, covering most everything that could go wrong, Kramer cautions, the one thing the policy does not insure against is cold feet.
The no deductible policy covers up to a two year time period prior to the wedding and coverage terminates on the Wedding Date. Kramer tells couples that Wedding Insurance is
107 W. Columbus St. Pickerington, Ohio 43147 614-833-3222 alicek@markmatthewsagency.com www.markmatthewsagency.com
Keep Your Wedding Day Special… 107 West Columbus Street Pickerington, Ohio 43147
Alice Kramer Ph. 614-833-3222 alicek@mma4.net
…With Peace of Mind ColumbusLivingMag.com
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Call Alice For Your Wedding Protector Insurance
Dream Weddings Balloon Wrap Creations Balloons for a wedding? Leslie, owner of Balloon Wrap Creations, responds with an enthusiastic yes! “Many times,” she relayed, “people are surprised when they think of balloons for a wedding! They tend to think of a balloon on a string, balloons on the ceiling, and such. But what we have to offer is truly unique! If you look at our signature dance floor (the four princess columns with the large sculpted heart in the center), it really has the ‘wow effect.’ I love to hear people say they ‘had no idea what you can do with balloons!’” Balloon Wrap Creations has been in business for 15 years, and is located in Powell. The main focus of their business is wedding décor, which they pride themselves on making creative yet affordable. In addition to balloon décor, they offer rental items, such as glass hurricane centerpieces, silk arrangements, and fabrics. Wedding décor is their niche, however, and they consider themselves very unique in this field.
Leslie explained that many reception halls have extremely tall ceilings, and are often not “cozy looking.” “But our dance floor, for example, really decorates the whole room and brings it all together.” This is accomplished by the décor’s ability to minimize extremely high ceilings. It can create a fun space for guests, welcoming them into the special space.
“One of my favorite memories,” Leslie said, “is when a bride came to us in tears. Her father wanted her to have her reception at a VFW hall because it was extremely affordable for him. What he failed to notice was that there was an 8-foot lighted Bingo sign over the head table! Yikes! We felt so badly for her, and wanted her to have the elegant, romantic reception that she deserved. So we designed our now very popular Shimmer Curtain. Our Shimmer Curtain not only “camouflaged” the Bingo sign so you could not see any part of it, it also created a beautiful ‘clean’ backdrop suitable for lovely photos of the happy couple!” Balloon Creations offers a free onsite consultation for brides. During this consultation, the reception room is analyzed, and suggestions are made. Next, the bride has the chance to view an extensive photo portfolio. Contiuned on Page 42
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Dream Weddings Balloon Creations prides itself on attentiveness to the bride’s needs. “We are not happy,” Leslie said, “until the bride’s expectations have been exceeded!”
Balloon Creations belongs to local professional groups such as NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) and Ohio Balloon Network.
Balloon Creations not only creates balloon décor for weddings, it also offers décor for birthday parties, Bar and Bat mitzvahs, holiday parties, graduation parties, and corporate events, to name a few!
If you want to create fun and elegance, call Balloon Wrap Creations and ask for Leslie!
They keep their design ideas fresh by attending seminars and conferences, and they also attend annual international educational events, meeting with other decorators from all over the world who want to share their ideas.
614-885-9727
Balloon Wrap Creations, Powell
mailbwc@gmail.com. www.BalloonWrapCreations
Balloon Wrap Creations
Your Wedding Day is one of the most important days in your life! Let us make it simply spectacular! Our balloon décor is elegant, affordable, and customized to your needs.
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(614) 885-9727 www.BalloonWrapCreations.com
mailbwc@gmail.com
• Dance Floor • Arches • Table Centerpieces • Head Table and Cake Table Décor • Exquisite Entryway Décor • Custom Pew Bows
Dream Weddings J. Bentley Studio & Spa At J. Bentley Studio & Spa their motto is Leave the Ordinary – Discover Yourself. Nothing could be truer, especially on a bride’s very special day. J. Bentley Studio & Spa offers wedding day packages for the Bride, Groom and Wedding Party. The packages include a variety of services, a gift bag for the bride and a complimentary DVD, as a keepsake. Included in each Bridal package is a trial run for both make up and up do. The unique and inspired interior of J Bentley Studio and Spa makes for the perfect location to start the wedding day off right. With a full menu of professional salon and spa services there
is something to make everyone feel relaxed and pampered. With a warm and artistic interior, J Bentley Studio and Spa is the embodiment of true elegance. With each bridal package, J. Bentley Studio and Spa includes complimentary refreshments for the bridal party. Each special touch is aimed at making the beginning of the day special and peaceful. With a full menu of salon and spa services, J. Bentley Studio and Spa is also the perfect place to take regular time outs from the sometimes stressful wedding planning and preparations. The Spa is focused on relaxation and pampering. It is a total body approach and the Spa offers a number of services unique to Central Ohio.
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Whether preparing for the Big day or just looking to take a few hours out of any day to relax, J. Bentley Studio & Spa offers you divine for your time. J. Bentley Studio and Spa 8882 Moreland Street Powell, OH 43065 614-790-8828 www.jbentley.com
COLUMBUS Living Magazine
Dream Weddings
“We like to think of ourselves as the edible alternative to flowers,” a very accommodating and spirited Dinene Clarke says of Cookie Bouquets. Dinene founded the business after receiving a cookie on a stick as a gift from a friend. Twenty four years later, the creative gift idea remains the original basis for an equally creative business. Cookie Bouquets serves Columbus very similarly to a florist, offering specialized assortments for holidays and various special occasions- from “new baby” congratulations to Ohio State football support- all in cookies, of course. After starting the business in her home in 1983, Dinene
advanced from her sole original product, a cookie on a stick known as the “Luscious Longstem,” to the opening of Cookie Bouquets’ first fully-equipped store at the Worthington Mall in 1984. Dinene confesses that, though the entire month of December reigns as the busiest time of year, Valentine’s Day runs a close second as it brings a peak in commerce, providing for a very intense week. But this does not deter her from thoroughly enjoying her work. “The most fun for me is actually creating the new products for special occasions,” Clark says during an interview. “I run [new ideas] past everyone, and everyone gets input. We all work as a team,” she says of her co-workers, 80% of whom have been with Cookie Bouquets for 10 years or more.
To check out Cookie Bouquets’ floral-esque assortments of edible treats for all holidays and occasions, or to schedule deliveries, visit: www.cookiebouquets.com Cookie Bouquets 6665-h Huntley Road Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 888-2171 M-F 9am-5pm
“the edible alternative” Cookie & Candy Gifts
“Tastier Than Flowers” Hundreds of products online for any and every occasion. Delivered locally and shipped nationwide. Receive 20% Off with this ad code: CL20 6665-h Huntley Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43229 Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (614) 888-2171
www.cookiebouquets.com
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Fine Dining The Melting Pot Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience and for more than three decades, The Melting Pot has defined the niche across the American dining scene. At The Melting Pot, fondue truly becomes a memorable four-course dining experience where patrons can dip into something different and discover all of the ingredients for a unique dining experience, including a relaxed atmosphere, private tables, attentive service, fine wines, and signature fondue dinners. Whether you are looking for a romantic evening for two or a memorable night out for your group, The Melting Pot
offers something for everyone. Come, enjoy, and dip into something different! Easton The Melting Pot of Columbus Open Everyday at Noon. Valet Parking Available at Easton Station (Near Bar Louie) for $5 starting at 11 am. (Not in front of the restaurant) Parking is also available in the Barnes and Noble lot, adjacent to the restaurant. Seating: The Melting Pot at Easton seats only complete parties. Incomplete parties are welcome to join us at the bar for drinks until the full party has arrived.
Bar seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations are recommended for most days. Reservations will be honored before any other tables are seated. Reservations: The Melting Pot always recommends reservations. During the week you can call the restaurant the day of and make your reservations...although if you are feeling a bit spontaneous, you can always just stop by. FridaysSundays are always busy dining days in Columbus. We recommend calling in advance for these days. We typically have earlier and later seating times available. This assures that your table will be available Contiuned on Page 50
The Melting Pot 4014 Townsfair Way (614) 476-5500 www.meltingpot.com
Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience. For more than three decades, The Melting Pot has defined the niche across the American dining scene. The Melting Pot offers fantastic fondue features, including wine tastings, food samplings.
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Fine Dining when you arrive for your scheduled reservation time. We call all large party reservations to confirm the status of the party on most days, and we are appreciative of your courtesy in calling the restaurant if your plans or party size change. We hold all reservations for up to 5 minutes after the scheduled reservation time, and we seat the table when the entire party has arrived. To assist us in better serving our guest...we may request credit cards to secure reservations for parties of 5 or more people, special holiday celebrations, and popular evenings throughout the year.
4014 Townsfair Way Located In Easton Town Center Columbus, OH 43219
Ph (614) 476-5500 Fx (614) 476-5511
Kobé Japanese Steakhouse Columbus’ Most Exciting Dining Experience! Kobé Japanese Steakhouse serves authentic Japanese cuisine in a great environment. They serve a wide variety of Japanese dishes, from steak to chicken, seafood and sushi. Kobé offers dine-in, in a traditional dinner setting along with a bar and cocktail lounge and a sushi bar. Catering and carryout are only available from the sushi bar. Both reservations and walk-ins are accepted, though reservations are highly recommended. Gift cards are also available, so treat your friends and family! Stop by today for a delicious Japanese meal, and don’t forget to try some sushi! 3884 Morse Road Columbus, OH 43219 (614)428-8880
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Japanese Steakhouse
3884 Morse Road, Columbus, OH 43219 (614) 428-8880 www.kobeohio.com
KobĂŠ Japanese Steakhouse serves authentic Japanese cuisine in a great environment. We serve a wide variety of Japanese dishes, from steak to chicken, seafood and sushi. We offer dine-in in a traditional dinner setting as well as a bar and cocktail lounge, and sushi bar. Catering and carry-out are available from the Sushi Bar only.
Lunch Monday through Friday: 11:30am - 2:00pm
Dinner Monday through Thursday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Friday and Saturday: 4:30pm - 10:30pm Sunday: 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Fine Dining where it becomes tough. Repeat with the remaining spears. Discard the tough ends and cut the tender part into 1/3-inch lengths. Blanch asparagus and peas together in the boiling water for 1 minute and 30 seconds, then lift out with a strainer and transfer to a paper towel lined baking sheet to cool.
Canola oil 1/4-cup cake flour 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder 3 eggs, at room temperature 5 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons melted butter 1/2-teaspoon vanilla extract For the pears:
Photo courtesy of The Clock Tower
Spring Vegetable Rice Salad (Insalata di Riso) 1 cup Arborio rice 1/2-pound medium asparagus 1 cup shelled English peas, from about 1 pound fresh peas 2 pounds fresh fava beans 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons lemon juice Sea salt, preferably grays salt, and freshly ground black pepper 1/2-cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 cup thinly sliced basil leaves 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest 1/2 cup small diced boiled ham 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rice, stir, and adjust heat to maintain a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent any grains from sticking to the pot, until the rice is just barely done, about 15 minutes. It will continue to cook as it cools. Drain the rice well and spread it out on a tray to cool quickly. Bring another large pot of salted water to a boil. Holding an asparagus spear in both hands, bend the spear until it breaks naturally at the point
Shell the fava beans, and then blanch the unpeeled beans in the same boiling water for about 3 minutes. Drain, transfer them to a paper towel lined baking sheet to cool. Peel the fava beans by pinching open the loose skin; the peeled bean should slip out easily. Put the lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil. In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice, asparagus, peas, fava beans, basil, parsley, lemon zest, ham and cheese. Toss with your hands to blend. Pour the dressing over the salad (you may not need it all) and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning. Note: You can blanch everything ahead, but don’t dress until just before serving. Recipe courtesy Michael Chiarello, 2007
Pear Chocolate Upside-Down Cake Pears: 1-cup water 1/2-cup brandy 2 to 3 fresh pears, ripe but still firm Chocolate cake batter:
In a skillet, bring 1 cup of water and the brandy to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Peel the pears with a vegetable peeler, cut in half lengthwise and remove the core, the stem and the fibers that run down the center. Slice lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices and add to the simmering brandy mixture. (Add enough hot water to cover the pears, if necessary.) Poach for about 10 minutes, remove from heat and let cool to room temperature while you are preparing the batter. For the cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Oil the bottom of a 9 by 2-inch deep round pan and lay parchment paper over the bottom. Then brush a thin layer of canola oil on top of the parchment paper. Sift cake flour and cocoa powder together several times to aerate. In a separate heatproof bowl combine the eggs and sugar. Nest the bowl with the sugar and eggs in another larger bowl filled with about 2-inches hot water. Whisk together the eggs and sugar, being very careful not to splash any water into it. The idea here is to raise the temperature of the egg and sugar mixture to between 100 and 120 degrees F. Use a candy thermometer to test the temperature. Once the mixture is warmed, remove the bowl from the water bowl and use Contiuned on Page 49
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Fine Dining an electric beater to beat it until it is about triple in volume and is the consistency of soft whipped cream. Sift the 1/3 of the flour and cocoa powder into the bowl of beaten eggs and sugar, and fold together. Repeat for each remaining 1/3 of the flour mixture, folding together after each addition. Then, gently fold in the melted butter and vanilla. Drain the pear slices and arrange them in the bottom of the cake pan. Overlap them in a pattern of concentric circles. Pour batter over layer of pears, spreading evenly, but don’t fill pan any more than within 1/2-inch of the top edge of the pan. Bang pan on countertop - 1 or 2 times only - to make sure the batter sinks down between the pears, but don’t overdo it or you will undo all your hard work in aerating the batter! Bake in oven until the surface springs back when touched and a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean, about 20 to 25 minutes. Let cake cool in pan 10 minute to allow set up, then using oven mitts, press a serving plate firmly on the top edges of the pan, and invert the cake onto the plate. Replace any pear slices that become dislodged. This cake can be served warm or at room temperature.
1 box (10 ounces) frozen peas, thawed 1 cup half-and-half 18 ounces fresh angel-hair pasta Directions 1. Set a large pot of salted water to boil. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain (leave fat in skillet). 2. Add shallots to skillet; season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Add peas and half-and-half; season with salt and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. 3. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain pasta, and return to pot. Pour sauce over pasta; toss to combine, adding some reserved pasta water a little at a time to coat. Sprinkle with bacon, and serve immediately. Courtesy of Every Day Foods
Kiwi-Berry Pavlova Ingredients 1-cup sugar 1-tablespoon cornstarch 4 large egg whites, room temperature 1-teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1/4-teaspoon salt 1-cup heavy cream 1/2-teaspoon pure vanilla extract 3 kiwis, peeled, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced crosswise 2 cups fresh raspberries Directions 1. Preheat oven to 200, with rack in center. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a small bowl, whisk sugar and cornstarch until combined. 2. Make meringue: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat egg whites, lemon juice, and salt until very frothy. Add 1 tablespoon sugar mixture every 30 seconds, until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 8 minutes total, scraping down sides of bowl halfway through. 3. Mound meringue onto prepared baking sheet; gently spread to a 9inch circle, with a well in the center
Courtesy of Robert Irvine
Fresh Angel-Hair Pasta with Bacon & Peas Serves 4 to 6 Coarse salt and ground pepper 4 slices bacon, sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces 2 shallots, halved and thinly sliced
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Fine Dining and a 1-inch raised border around the edge. 4. Bake until shell is crisp on the outside and marshmallowy on the inside, about 2 1/2 hours (reduce oven temperature to 175 if it starts to brown). Turn oven off; let meringue dry out in closed oven for another 2 1/2 hours, or up to overnight. (Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days.) 5. Just before serving, using an electric mixer, beat cream and vanilla in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Fill shell with whipped cream, and top with fruit. To serve, use a serrated knife to cut into wedges. Courtesy of EverydayFoods.com
Chicken & Leeks with Creme Fraiche Ingredients Serves 4 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces (each breast half cut in half crosswise), rinsed well and patted dry Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 teaspoons olive oil 4 small leeks (about 1 pound), white and pale-green parts only, cut crosswise into 3-inch pieces, rinsed well 1 cup good-quality hard apple cider 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh thyme leaves 1/2 cup Creme Fraiche 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
platter. Remove leeks from pot, and arrange the leeks around chicken. Cover with foil, and set aside. Return pot to medium heat. Cook, uncovered, until liquid has reduced by about half (to a scant 2/3 cup), 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Whisk in the creme fraiche and parsley. Ladle pan sauce over chicken and leeks. Serve immediately. Courtesy of Martha Stewart
Directions 1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Melt butter with the oil in a large enameled cast-iron Dutch oven over medium-high heat until just bubbling. Add half the chicken pieces, skin sides down; cook, turning once, until golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer chicken pieces to a plate; set aside. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces; add to plate. Remove pot from heat; let cool slightly. 2. Return pot to medium-low heat, and add leeks. Cook, stirring frequently, until leeks begin to soften and are pale golden, about 3 minutes. Add hard cider and thyme. Move leeks to edges of pot, and add all the chicken pieces to pot, skin sides down. Arrange leeks over chicken. Cover, and cook 15 minutes (if liquid is bubbling rapidly, reduce heat to low). Turn chicken pieces, and cook until breasts are cooked through, about 5 minutes more. Transfer chicken breasts to a plate, and cover to keep warm. Adjust leeks so they are submerged in liquid. Cook, uncovered, until the remaining chicken pieces are tender and cooked through, about 10 minutes. 3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer all of the chicken to a warm serving
Strawberries with Sweet Ricotta & Lemon Shortbread EIGHT SERVINGS Prep Time: 20 min Cook Time: 20 min Ingredients 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced (about 3 cups) 1/2 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar 3 cups ricotta cheese 1 stick unsalted butter, softened Zest of 1 lemon Salt 1 cup all-purpose flour Coarse sugar, such as Sugar in the Raw Contiuned on Page 51
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Fine Dining 1. Preheat the oven to 375°. In a medium bowl, toss the strawberries with 1/4 cup of the sugar. In another bowl, mix the ricotta with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the sugar. 2. In a mixer with a paddle attachment, combine the butter, the remaining 1/4 cup of the sugar, the lemon zest and a pinch of salt. Add the flour, about 1/4 cup at a time, mixing as you go, until a dough forms. (It will be crumbly but should stick together.) 3. Transfer the dough to an ungreased 9-inch square baking pan and press it into an even layer. Sprinkle with coarse sugar and prick all over with a fork, making sure to poke all the way through. With the handle of the fork, score the dough into 8 equal rectangles. 4. Bake the shortbread until the edges are browned and the middle is golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Let the shortbread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes (it will darken slightly), then cut along the scored lines while the shortbread is still warm. Transfer the pieces to a cooling rack and let cool completely. 5. Divide the ricotta equally among 8 shallow bowls, then top with the strawberries and their juices and a piece of shortbread. Courtesy of David Tamarkin From Every Day with Rachael Ray April-May 2006
English Raspberry Trifle Ingredients: Serves: 12-15
Sponge Cake: 4 large eggs (separated) 1-1/2 cups sugar
2 Tbsp cold water 1 tsp vanilla 1-2/3 cups sifted cake flour 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp baking powder 1/2 cup hot water
heat, stir in vanilla. Cool, stirring occasionally.
Custard Filling: 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 tsp salt 9 tbsp flour 1-1/2 cups milk 1-1/2 cups light cream 6 large egg yolks 3 tsp vanilla
ASSEMBLY: Spread layer of cake with raspberry preserves. Put into bottom of a Trifle Bowl (or tall clear glass bowl about 8” in diam). Pour over 1/3 of the juice mixture. Spread on 1/4 of the custard filling and layer on 1/3 of the berries.
Fruit ingredients: 4 10oz pkg frozen raspberries (juice reserved) 1 12oz jar raspberry preserves (seedless) 2 large bananas 3/4 cup cream sherry 3/4 cup reserved juice Heavy Cream and Fresh Raspberries
PREPARE FRUIT: drain berries... reserving juice. Mix 3/4 cup of juice and Sherry. Slice bananas.
Next layer: Another layer of cake spread with jam. Pour over 1/3 of the juice. Spread on 1/4 of custard filling. Thinly sliced Bananas and 1/3 of the berries. Third layer: Add another layer of cake spread with jam... pour over remaining juice. Spread on 1/4 of the custard and layer on the last of the berries.
Directions: CAKE: Beat egg whites, set aside. Beat yolks until light; gradually beat in sugar at high speed. Beat in cold water, hot water and vanilla. Sift together dry ingredients. Fold into yolk mixture. Fold in beaten whites. Bake in 2 parchment lined 8” layers filled 3/4 full. Cook for 25-30 minutes at 325 degrees. Cool and split into one-inch layers. (There will be some left over).
Finishing touches: Spread on remaining custard. Spread with whipped cream. Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves.
FILLING: In saucepan, combine sugar, salt and flour. Gradually stir in milk and cream. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened and smooth. In small bowl...beat yolks. Stir in a little hot milk mixture. Return to saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from
Courtesy of Epucurian.com
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NOTE: A star fruit sliced and positioned around the sides of the middle of the bowl is an attractive touch. This seems like a lot of work...and it is! But, worth every mouthful!!
COLUMBUS Living Magazine
Arts & Entertainment In addition to all of his sports accomplishments, Pryor is also an honor student.
Terrelle Pryor:
Pryor had been the stand out, with the 20th spot being held open until he had made his decision.
On Wednesday, March 19, 2008 he made it official, Terrelle Pryor finally announced that he would play college football at The Ohio State University. While he had been considering Michigan, Penn State and Oregon, many in the Buckeye State were holding their breath that the famed Jeannette High School football and Basketball star would be coming due west to make OSU his home.
championships. He was a 2000point scorer in basketball and helped lead the Jayhawks to WPIAL and PIAA titles, a first for any team from western Pennsylvania. Pryor totaled 4,238 career-rushing yards and 4,340 career-passing yards, a first in the state of Pennsylvania. As a senior, he gained 1,899 rushing and 1,889 passing yards, accounting for 58 touchdowns.
Pryor, a 6 foot 6 quarterback, has said that he does not plan to play basketball at Ohio State. He did however receive a warm welcome and encouraging cheer from fans while visiting OSU in January and taking in a basketball game with other recruits. Pryor had one of the best ever high school athletic careers in Pennsylvania. While playing for the Jayhawks he led the football team to PIAA and WPIAL football ColumbusLivingMag.com
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After weighing the choices, Pryor went with Ohio State. While he liked Michigan and Coach Rich Rodriguez, he felt he had a better chance at getting to the NFL, if he played college football at Ohio State. “This is an exciting day for the Buckeyes with Terrelle choosing Ohio State to be his football family,” Jim Tressel, Ohio State head coach, said. “We’re so proud of him, with his football and basketball success, and we think he’s handled it tremendously well. Terrelle has a passion to be a great quarterback in every aspect. We think his future is tremendous. We couldn’t be happier.”
Arts & Entertainment Fitness & Family Fun Capital City Half Marathon April 12, 2008 Race through downtown Columbus and the OSU Campus Race Office: 1 877-474-0499 www.columbusdistanceclassic.com MS Walk April 12, 2008 Location: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell Price: free zoo admission for walkers This is a fundraising walk supporting Multiple Sclerosis research. Join a team, create a team, or sponsor a walker. “4th Annual “Here’s Looking at You, Kid” 5K Run/Walk and Family Fun Day Date: April 20, 2008 @ 11:30 AM Location: Dublin Coffman High School Ready…set…mark your calendars for the 4th annual “here’s looking at you, kid” 5k run and family fun day on sunday, april 20! Located at dublin coffman high school the event features a family expo, kid’s run, and super games! Proceeds from the event go to help children’s glaucoma research! “March of Dimes Walk America” Sunday April 27, 2008 Registration begins at 9 a.m. Walk begins at 10 a.m. Parking lot at Sports Barn (3599 Chiller Lane)
Support the March of Dimes fight against prematurity, and take steps to save these tiny babies. WalkAmerica is a five-mile route that passes through Easton Town Center. The Buggy Brigade is a one-mile fun walk for kids. Contact Todd Hutchins, Central Ohio Division March of Dimes, for more information at 614.231.7935. Arts & Culture Short North Gallery Hop Date: April 5, 2008 Location: along N. High St. South of Fifth Ave. Price: free Edgar Meyer April 4, 8pm, Southern Theatre (21 E. Main St.) Both a stellar solo artist and innovative composer, double bassist Edgar Meyer began playing bass when he was five years old. After studying under Stuart Sankey, Meyer burst onto the classical music scene in the early 1990s and has been delighting audiences and critics ever since. He is the only bassist to win the Avery Fisher Prize (2000), and he was honored with the MacArthur Genius Award in 2002, among his many other accolades. Known for his genre-crossing collaborations, his latest CD and tour is a departure, showcasing Meyer on multiple instruments, layering tracks of piano, banjo, mandolin, dobro, and guitar with his masterful double bass in works of his own creation. www.ticketmaster.com
TS Monk and Rachael Price April 10, 8pm, Southern Theatre (21 E. Main St.) A jazz legend and a legend in the making join forces for an unforgettable night of music! TS Monk, son of Thelonious Monk, has carried on his musical heritage, starting with his first drum set when he was still a kid. After playing with his father until his retirement, Monk struck out on his own, eventually gathering a jazz sextet and honing his own driving style of music. He also founded the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz in honor of his father. Perhaps that is when his path first crossed that of up and coming vocalist Rachael Price – she was the youngest competitor in the 2004 Institute competition, an event that previously brought Jane Monheit and Joshua Redman into the spotlight. Price opened for Redman at Yale’s Jazz on the Green that same year, and hasn’t stopped bewitching audiences since. With a brand new record contract, it won’t be long before Price tops the charts. Don’t miss your chance to see this rising star in the intimate Southern Theatre! www.ticketmaster.com Riverdance Farewell Engagement! April 15-20, Tuesday-Friday 8pm, Saturday 2pm & 8pm, Sunday 1pm & 6:30pm, Palace Theatre (34 W. Broad St.) Riverdance, the thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions Contiuned on Page 54
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Arts & Entertainment around the globe; will play eight Farewell Performances in Columbus. Discover why nothing in the world compares to The Original International Phenomenon! Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, you won’t want to miss these farewell performances! www.ticketmaster.com
to help sick injured and orphaned wild animals as well as educate the community about wildlife conservation Easton’s “Going, Going Green!”
Value City Arena Schottenstein Center April Concerts:
Saturday, April 19, 2008 TIME: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. LOCATION: Town Square
The Grandview Art Hop The Art Hop takes place the last Saturday of every month from 4-9 pm. Each month, the art hop is given a unique theme. There will be new bands playing and new artists displaying work. This is where you can get all of the details on up-coming and past events.
Join Easton Town Center and local organizations for this environmental awareness event and learn how to “think globally” and “act locally.” A stage on the Square will host a variety of musical performances throughout the day. Bring the kids for interactive activities! Sports
Outdoor Fun 15th Annual Equine Affaire April 10-13, 2008 Location: Ohio Expo Center, Columbus Price: various admission tickets The nation’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering will feature four days of educational clinics, seminars, and demonstrations by top professionals in the horse industry, as well as an extensive trade show, breed pavilion, evening entertainment and more.
Opening Night with the Columbus Clippers Thursday, April 3 @ 7:05 PM vs. Charlotte Knights Victory Bell Giveaway to the first 2,000 fans Columbus Clippers 1155 W. Mound St. Columbus, OH 43223 Phone: (614) 462-5250 Fax: (614) 462-3271 info@clippersbaseball.com Columbus Crew
WildNite for Wildlife
Saturday, April 12 Saturday April 26 Dynamo
April 5, 2008 Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Powell $100 non-members, $80 current 2008 OWC members, corporate tables/sponsorships available Annual event to celebrate Ohio’s native wildlife and to raise money
Columbus Crew Stadium One Black & Gold Blvd. Columbus,OH 43211 Phone: (614) 447-CREW (2739) Fax: (614) 447-4109
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Carrie Underwood April 4
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Chivas USA Houston
Alicia Keys April 28
Arts & Entertainment Beulah Park Beulah Park, founded in 1929, is a racetrack, which is still going strong today. The historic Grove City racetrack has undergone a redevelopment and restoration over the last 20 years and many improvements have been made to the grandstand, clubhouse and barns. Even with the restoration and improvements, general admission remains an amazingly affordable $2. Beulah Park has live racing October thru May. Currently, they are gearing up for the Kentucky Derby, which is May 3, 2008. This year they are going to have a huge Derby event, which traditionally draws a large crowd. Tables, which seat 8, at the bash can
be had for just over $300 which includes admission to the race track, breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, private television, private tellers and private bar and a commemorative Derby glass. Every year a highlight of the Kentucky Derby Bash is the ladies in their fancy hats. While this is a dress to impress event, the ladies’ hat contest is always a site to see. This summer Beulah Park has a number of other exciting events slated. On June 14th, the park will host the Rosati Windows Corn Hole Tournament, which is going to be the world largest. On July 12th, Beulah Park will be hosting the GMC Twins Beulah Park Mile motorcycle race. This event has
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a purse of $50,000 and is exciting as Beulah Park is one of the few 1-mile tracks around. Time trials will be held on July 11, 2008. For more information or to make reservation for the Kentucky Derby Event on May 3, contact Jessica Hamlin. There is truly something for everyone happening at this historic and newly renovated and restored racetrack. Beulah Park 3811 Southwest Blvd Grove City, Ohio 43123 (614) 871-9600 www.beulahpark.com
COLUMBUS Living Magazine
Arts & Entertainment Party Boutique Busy parents searching for a solution to the must have birthday party or parents who just need some help organizing the perfect party need not look any further than Party Boutique, Inc. and Tara Becker. Party Boutique, Inc. is a full service all-inclusive party planning service. “We do it all, handle the invitations, receive the RSVPs, all parties include a cake or cupcakes, and can be hosted in the guest of honor’s home or at Party Boutiques, Inc. location,” explained Tara Becker. With over twelve years party-planning experience Tara Becker knows the ins and outs of making any party a
is a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Party Pixies, and My Party Planners.
Boutique, Inc. offers Manners Lessons for children of all ages, Glamour Girl parties and a Wedding Nanny service.
Party Boutique, Inc. has a party for everyone, little girls, little boys, co-ed parties, and starting in 2008 Party Boutique, Inc. is offering baby showers, bridal showers and adult tea parties. “We do so much. We are a place of fun filled activities and magical imagination,” Tara said. The enthusiasm she has for parties shone through in her description of the parties they offer.
Party Boutique, Inc. is the one stop shop for party ideas and with years of experience every party will be magical.
Party Boutique, Inc. offers a number of themed parties with popular characters and Spa and Diva packages for older girls. In addition, Party
Party Boutique, Inc. 3869 Broadway Grove City Ohio 43123 Phone: 614-539-4577 Phone: 866-519-2484 Fax: 614-539-4578 E-mail: info@partyboutique.com
A Place Full of Magical Imaginations & Fun Filled Activities!
3869 Broadway • Grove City Ohio 43123 Ph: (614) 539-4577 Ph: (866) 519-2484 Fx: (614) 539-4578 info@partyboutique.com www.partyboutique.com Specializing in theme parties for children.
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Crowne Plaza Hotel Family New Year’s Celebration In addition to wedding receptions and corporate events, the Crowne Plaza Dublin is excited to announce family packages for New Year’s Eve, the new Zoombezi Bay and Zoo, weekend escape and holiday specials. The Crowne Plaza Dublin has planned a family friendly event for New Year’s Eve, which includes; dinner for the family, drink tickets for the adults, New Year’s accessories, live music, games, overnight accommodations and breakfast on New Years Day with a late checkout. Reserve your New Year’s package online today, www.crowneplaza.com/dublinoh .
Arts & Entertainment Whether planning an intimate wedding reception, a corporate event or looking to ring in the New Year with your family and friends, the Crowne Plaza Dublin is ”the place to meet!” Crowne Plaza Hotel Columbus- Dublin Ohio 600 Metro Place North Dublin, Ohio 43017 614-764-2200 www.crowneplaza.com/dublinoh
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COLUMBUS Living Magazine
Business to Business 5 Tips for Developing Policies for Your Business 1. Think ahead. Establish policies before you need them. Doing so helps avert crises and awkward situations, and helps solve problems before they arise. 2. Determine what policies you need. Some you’ll want early in your business include a mission statement, as well as compensation, performance evaluation and employee policies. 3. Get input from key employees, as well as from members of your advisory board, your board of
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directors, and/or your professional advisors and consultants. 4. Communicate policies to everyone in your business. 5. Review policies on a regular basis—once a year, for example — and revise them as necessary. Brought to your by SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business.”
Health, Beauty & Fitness Top 10 Ways of Dealing with Stress
anxiety within 12 weeks. Performing some stretching exercises or regular exercise pattern can help you combat stress. Check out stretching exercises at WF Flexibility exercises for reliving stress.
5. Say No: 1. Talk About It: Where you feel you can, discuss your problems with your partner or close friend in order to see the situation more objectively.
Make space for yourself and get some respect. State your options clearly and calmly. Don’t wait to be asked, then feel angry and overlooked if you’re not.
6. Be Creative: 2. Please Yourself: Make sure you do something you really enjoy at least once a day
3. Laugh It Off: Laughter is a fabulous healer and encourages social bonding. The act of laughing also increases the oxygen supply to the lungs, stimulates the production of endorphins and can produce a feeling of euphoria. Occasionally it may also open the gates to tears-another positive release.
Women often feel stressed, frustrated and depressed when family or business management pushes creativity out of the picture. Taking up a stimulating new interest helps you to keep an open and progressive mind.
7. Get Real: Accept your personality, don’t try to alter it. Instead, learn to manage your strengths and weaknesses. Likewise, stop chastising yourself for past mistakes. Learn from them - then let them go.
9. Think Positive: Approval-seeking and self-doubt both erode self-esteem. Tell yourself you can do things not merely to stay popular but because you genuinely enjoy them.
10. Be Kind To Yourself: When you’re stressed, give yourself physical and emotional support. Treat yourself to your favorite foods. Pamper yourself in an aromatherapy bath or book in for a relaxing massage. Make sure that you regularly do things just for fun. It might be as simple as taking a walk in a park, going to movies, or even doing something you would normally Consider as childish, such as jumping into a pile of fallen leaves or splashing in puddles. If you regard happiness as coming from outside, you will waste a lot of time chasing it, because all the evidence suggest that happiness comes from within yourself. The same lies true with all other aspects of your life physical, mental, social and emotional life.
4. Exercise: Burn off the energy that stress generates before it burns you up. A study at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, shows that 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise that raises your heart rate to about 120 beats per minute at least three times a week can lower depression and
8. Plan & Prioritize: Organize your life better by tackling important issues early to get them off your mind, and don’t take on too much.
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Health, Beauty & Fitness Red Bank Barber Shop When it comes to friendliness, cleanliness, convenience, and a great-quality haircut, a customer is likely to find that Westerville’s Red Bank Barber Shop tips the scales. To owner Dave Sroufe, a great barbershop experience is about an excellent cut and an inviting atmosphere. Dave brings 28 years of experience to the business, and customer service and convenience are very important to him. “I feel that we treat every customer like we want to be treated ourselves,” he said. The shop provides an upbeat, friendly atmosphere, where jokes and conversation are the regular fare. On the shop’s three televisions can
be seen anything from cartoons for the kids to “SportsCenter” or the news. The family atmosphere is important to Dave, who relays that his youngest customer thus far was 3 months old, and his oldest, years ago (a veteran of the Spanish-American War), was 102 years old! There are no appointments at Red Bank — they operate on a first-come, first served basis, and their hours are especially designed to accommodate people going to or coming home from work. They open at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, and at 7 a.m. on Saturdays. On Monday through Thursday they are open until 6:30 p.m. Red Bank accepts all credit cards as well as personal checks. Dave points out that Red Bank’s parking
facilities can’t be beat. There are more than 50 places to park, and the shop is completely wheelchair-accessible — no transition from the asphalt to the sidewalk to the door. Another feature of Red Bank Barber Shop that may stand out is its cleanliness. “I guarantee,” Dave states decisively, “that we are one of the cleanest barber shops you’ve ever been to in your life.” Come for a great cut, and come again for the friendly and accommodating atmosphere. Red Bank seems to have it all! Red Bank Barber Shop 7001 Sunbury Road Westerville, OH 43082
(614) 794 9741
7001 Sunbury Rd. Westerville, Ohio 43082 (614) 794-9741 Mon - Thur 7:30 am - 6:30 pm Fri 7:30 am - 5 pm Sat 7 am - 3 pm Sun Closed
Red Bank Barber Shop is your neighborhood barber shop. We are committed to the Westerville area and have strong ties to the community. We provide fast and friendly service. We never require an appointment. We cut hair from your very first haircut to the time you are a senior citizen. We specialize in all types of hair as well as all hair styles.
7354 E. Main Street • Reynoldsburg, OH
Services: • • • • • •
Regular Haircuts Beard Trims Goatees Hairstyling Shampoos Shaves
Tuesday - Thursday:
By Appointment Only
Sunday - Monday: Closed
Stop in and see Us. You’ll be Glad You Did!
“When Your Pooche Needs Some Pampering!”
www.redbankbarber.com
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We Do Kitties Too!
Travel & Lesiure
Spring Break for many of us is just around the corner. The traditional Spring break vacation is normally the beach, along the coast of Florida or for many people, somewhere in the Caribbean or Belize, the new vacation hot spots. While the idea of escaping to somewhere fun in the sun has a powerful allure, especially while Central Ohio continues to deal with record amounts of snow, there are many other choices for your family this spring break, which are fun, fascinating and affordable.
After finding and researching the planned destination, swing over to MapQuest (www.mapquest.com) or Google Maps (www.googlemaps. com) to map out the drive. This is a very valuable geography lesson for kids of all ages. This exercise will help the kids learn about the practical uses of maps, estimating distance and will help them realize why five minutes out of the driveway is not the time to ask, “Are we there yet?� If staying on budget is an issue, try and create a Rachel Ray style adventure and budget $40 a day for meals, with careful planning, it is still possible to indulge in the best cuisine in town and stay on budget.
Consider planning a long weekend or taking a road trip for a few days. Living in Columbus, means some very interesting destinations are only a few hundred miles away, many of which are historical, educational, fun and enjoyable. Worried about being stuck with all the planning, take a page from Rachel Ray and get the kids involved. Most kids are now learning how to use computers in preschool, sit down as a family and let them help make the travel decisions. The following cities are within an easy days drive from Columbus: Lexington, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Dayton, Indianapolis, Detroit, and Windsor, CA. A good starting place is to consider the preferences of each child and adult in the family and then begin to research and plan. Most cities in the area have very robust web pages, which feature detailed information about what to do, where to go and even links to where to stay.
The same applies to booking a hotel. Careful research and exploiting the many resources available on the Internet can land the family in the lap of luxury for peanuts. Budget some money for a few tanks of gas and use public transit or plan to walk while in the chosen city and staying on budget should be a snap. After selecting the destination and planning the itinerary, have the kids help pick restaurants. The Internet makes it easy to pick and choose the restaurants ahead of time. Typically 61
restaurants will make their menus available their websites, which is particularly helpful for picky eaters or those with food allergies Destination Suggestions Most large cities and smaller ones also, have very robust visitor sites, offering information on current events, points of interest, places to stay, maps, planning guides and links to other important information. Got a baseball nut in the family, consider a trip to the Louisville Slugger Museum in Louisville, KY. (http:// www.sluggermuseum.org/) After taking in the baseball museum, there are many other areas of interest to see in this very cultural and historic city. (http://www.gotolouisville.com) Does the family share a good bit of musical passion, consider a trip to the Rock N Roll Hall of fame in Cleveland, Ohio. (http://www.rockhall. com/) After indulging in guitar heroes and lengthy rock ballads, there is so much more in Cleveland to keep the entire family busy. Visit the City of Cleveland website to see all that there is to experience in the greater Cleveland area. (http://www.city.cleveland. oh.us/around_town/index.asp) Does the family share a passion for visual art then consider Pittsburgh? A center of wealth and industry for many years, Pittsburgh now has a considerable presence in the art world, with many fine museums and galleries. (http://www.visitpittsburgh. com/) The motor city has been the seat of motorcar production and Motown music. Detroit offers a rich variety of Contiuned on Page 62
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Travel & Lesiure art, culture and popular culture. http://www.visitdetroit.com/)
Rye Creek
If the family is into speed, consider a trip to Indianapolis to the Motor speedway. During spring there are grounds tours and other special events. After the green flag comes down, no need to pack up and go home, there are a number of other fun activities in Indianapolis for the entire family. (http://www.indy.org)
If you’re looking for a relaxing break from the stresses of city life, Rye Creek Lodge in Darby, Montana may be your ideal getaway. Located in Bitterroot Valley (also known as “high country” Montana), this quiet vacation spot provides 120 acres of isolated wilderness. Spread amongst the landscape are luxury log cabins (spaced at least 100 yards apart) and several rivers and lakes.
Planning for a smooth trip
Founded in 1994, Rye Creek Lodge, a prime habitat for elk and deer, was originally an idyllic retreat for sportsmen. Today, Rye Creek remains a great destination for fly fishing, white-water rafting, off-road vehicle riding, hiking and trail riding. The luxury cabins, which each include private a hot tub, a modern kitchen, laundry services and fireplaces, are available in various styles like Granite, Sapphire, and Ponderosa.
Careful planning is the key for any trip. Some Internet research and family discuss should make the itinerary and address the “what to do?” question before the car leaves the driveway. A trip to the local library or bookstore for some travel reading or activities books should make the drive time fly by. Got an on board DVD player, consider renting some movies about the chosen destination for an added touch.
But even with all these alluring features, Owner and President Mike Nelson considers something else Rye Creek Lodge‘s appeal. “Privacy is one of our main attractions,” he says. “That and fly fishing. Of all our guests, 50% are fly fishers.”
Spring break need not be about sun and sand to be fun, it can be close to home as long as it’s something for all to enjoy together!
To browse cabin availabilities, check rates, and views photos of Rye Creek Lodge’s elegant surrounds visit: Rye Creek Enterprises, Inc. P.O. Box 877 Darby, MI 59829 (888) 821-3366 (406) 821-336 www.ryecreeklodge.com
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Travel & Lesiure Crowne Plaza Hotel Dublin At the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dublin, it is about thinking “outside the box.” Their newly remodeled property and ballroom makes it possible to really, “create their dream wedding,” said Carrie Rose, the Sales & Marketing Manager at the Crowne Plaza Dublin. They offer a variety of all-inclusive packages and are happy to customize to meet the needs of every client. They have an on-site wedding coordinator to help guide each couple through the design and decision making process for their special day.
The property has a number of wonderful views and offers the possibility for great outdoor photography. With 800 parking places, there is ample space for parking and outdoor-tented events. They have a bridal suite and frequently the couple chooses to hold the rehearsal dinner the night before with them as well. Rose said that their process is based on the principle that “there are no limits. Our approach is flexible and we do think outside the box.”
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COLUMBUS Living Magazine
Tee Off Time
Oakhurst Country Club
Oakhurst Country Club is the perfect place to relax and play a round or entertain business associates. The course is well designed with beautifully cared for surroundings and all the amenities a golfer could hope to find. For more information contact Justyn Friedrich, Membership Director at 614-878-6443.
With 6700 yards of beautiful trees, bent grass tees, greens and fairways it is little wonder that Oakhurst Country Club’s golf course has an active membership, with a full schedule of golf and social events. The 18 hole, Jack Kidwell designed course works with the areas natural terrain, has a 71.2 course rating, a slope of 127, and features abundant water hazards and narrow fairways. While considered one of the more challenging courses in Central Ohio, the course can be played in less than 4 hours.
Oakhurst Country Club 3223 Norton Road Grove City, OH 43123 614.878.6443 www.oakhurstgc.com
In 2008 the course has added new carts. The course is open year round, weather permitting. Memberships are available for as low as $174 month and for a limited time only, initiation fees are waived. Members receive special pro-shop pricing, exclusive access to Columbus Metro Fitness Centers, and access to the Members’ bar and grill. Oakhurst Country Club also has onsite golf lessons available to introduce new players to the joys of golf or to help the seasoned golfer take his or her game to the next level.
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Enjoy “Home Away from Home” accommodations in Port. St. Lucie, FL with great PGA Golf in your backyard, literally! The Perfect Drive Golf Villas are located within PGA Village, about a “Drive and a 9 iron” from the PGA Golf Club, PGA Historical Museum and the 35-acre PGA Learning Center featuring: PGA of America Golf Schools. For the convenience of our guests, we also feature a complimentary 6-hole short course for you to enjoy when you’re not playing on one of the PGA golf courses.
(888) 612-7991 golfperfectdrive.com 525 NW Lake Whitney Place, Suite 101 Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Your Vacation Close to Home! Come Up For Air! Whether the snow is blanketing the ground, the leaves are transforming into rich autumn hues, or the sun is gleaming on the vibrant green grass, Seven Springs Mountain Resort is your escape destination. Tee off with our 18-hole mountaintop golf course, cruise down the snow covered slopes on skis or enjoy a family outing at one of our many yearly festivals. Call today to find out more about our four seasons of fun.
800•452•2223
www.7springs.com
Smart Money
Life’s Milestones & Your Life Insurance Maintaining a life insurance policy that meets your coverage goals is a lifelong process. You may need to give your policy extra consideration in the event of any of the following: If you get married, you may want to update your beneficiary list to include your new spouse, as well as correct your policy to reflect a name change, if applicable. As your family grows, be sure to update your beneficiary list. Owning your own home is an unbeatable feeling, but extra coverage may be necessary to help ensure mortgage requirements continue to be met. If you leave your old job to start your own business, make sure that you do not sustain a significant loss in coverage when you leave your employer’s benefit plan. If you change jobs, pay attention to the benefits offered by your new employer. Coverage amounts will often vary greatly from employer to
employer, and this must be factored into your personal policy. Perhaps one of the most secure feelings in life is knowing you have covered your bases and are prepared for whatever may happen. Through annual reviews, you can plan for coverage that will provide for your loved ones and help ensure financial goals and obligations will be met. As you approach each one of life’s many milestones, you will find additional consideration and planning are well worth the effort.
the individual insurance and financial services needs of readers of Columbus Living Magazine in the Columbus area. You can reach Megan at the office at 545 Metro Place South, Suite 175; Dublin, OH, 43017; 614.726.3763.
Copyright © 2008 Liberty Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This article appears courtesy of Megan Morrice. Megan is a Registered Representative offering securities through MetLife Securities, Inc.(MSI) (member FINRA/SIPC), New York, NY 10166. Insurance and annuities offered through Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MLIC), New York, NY 10166. MSI and MLIC are MetLife companies. She focuses on meeting 67
COLUMBUS Living Magazine
Smart Money Planning Retirement: Making the Numbers Add Up We are living longer, healthier lives. As a result, for many, retirement may last longer than expected. So, if “time is money,� how many years do you have in the bank? Because inflation will most likely decrease the purchasing power of your money, your dollars may buy less during your retirement than they do today. For example, at 3.5% inflation, $100 today would be worth only $42.31 in 25 years and $30.00 in 35 years. The sooner you start building your nest egg, the longer it has to grow. Consider the following examples that assume no taxes or inflation. Suppose, at age 25, you save $100 per month for 20 years and earn 6% interest. If you make no additional contributions after the age of 45 and your savings continue to earn 6% interest, at age 65 your savings will be worth $148,182. However, if you begin at age 45, save $100 per month for 20 years and earn 6% Contiuned on Page 69
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Smart Money interest, at age 65 your savings will be worth only $46,204. In order to achieve savings of $148,182 over 20 years, you would need to earn interest at a rate of approximately 15% per year—or save significantly more money per month! While both scenarios illustrate the same amount of money being saved, the additional 20 years and compound interest make all the difference in the world. If you are in your prime earning years and start setting money aside now, you have a better opportunity to save for the retirement you desire.
may decrease. For example, retirees tend to spend less on mortgages and education. Know Your Resources The second step in planning is to determine from where you will attain your retirement money. Most people draw on three main sources of income during retirement—Social Security, employer-sponsored plans, and personal retirement savings. Each offers important resources that will add to your overall retirement plan. The choices you make today will invariably influence your financial security in your later years.
Identify Your Goals The first step in developing a savings strategy that best meets your retirement needs is determining your objectives. How do you envision your “golden years”? Spend some time thinking about what is really important to you. Allow yourself to dream about what you want your future to look like. Thinking about it early puts time on your side. At what age do you want to retire? Where do you see yourself living? Do you enjoy travel? Would you like to continue to work at least part-time? Are you imagining yourself playing golf every day? These questions and others will help you shape a vision for your retirement. Once you have a sense of your objectives, it’s time to estimate your financial needs. A good, general rule of thumb is that a person’s living expenses in retirement will be roughly 30% less than his or her current expenses. While some costs may increase, such as health care and leisure activities, others most likely
With Social Security, the benefits received are based on the income you have earned over the course of your life, subject to a maximum amount. It offers, for most, only a base level of income, which many retirees supplement with savings from employer-sponsored plans, such as pension plans, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, Simplified Employee Pensions (SEPs), and Savings Incentive Match Plans for Employees (SIMPLEs). The tax advantages and, in many instances, matching contributions from employers make these savings vehicles a popular complement to personal retirement savings, which often include traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Roth IRAs. Make a Plan Now that you’ve thought about your retirement objectives and your potential sources of income, the last step is developing a plan that works for you. Analyze your present spending habits to find out where
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your money is actually going and how much you have available to put aside for retirement savings. If you’re like most people, you probably could save more money. It may be worthwhile to investigate ways in which you can adjust your lifestyle to decrease spending, thus increasing the amount available for savings. Can you “nip and tuck” without detracting from your quality of life? Are there short-term sacrifices you are willing to make for long-term gain? When it comes to saving, stick to your plan, but monitor it regularly. Make sure your disciplined approach to saving continues to meet your current needs and your future retirement goals. It’s never too late to start saving, and the sooner you begin, the better. Put yourself in a position of working toward your retirement goals as soon as you can.
Copyright © 2008 Liberty Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This article appears courtesy of Megan Morrice. Megan is a Registered Representative offering securities through MetLife Securities, Inc.(MSI) (member FINRA/SIPC), New York, NY 10166. Insurance and annuities offered through Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MLIC), New York, NY 10166. MSI and MLIC are MetLife companies. She focuses on meeting the individual insurance and financial services needs of readers of Columbus Living Magazine in the Columbus area. You can reach Megan at the office at 545 Metro Place South, Suite 175; Dublin, OH, 43017; 614.726.3763.
COLUMBUS Living Magazine
Mature Living Kensington Place at Lutheran Village of Columbus is a retirement community, which gives the people of the community the time and the freedom to enjoy themselves. It is designed to give active and involved seniors comfort, independence, and the convenience of having everything they need in one place.
big-screen TV. Residents also have a billiards room to shoot a game of pool and a 40-acre campus in which they can take their pets on a walk.
Kensington Place
Kensington offers many leisure activities, gourmet meals, enjoying one’s favorite hobbies, and fitness programs to choose from as well.
Kensington Place 1001 Parkview Blvd Columbus, OH 43219
“Kensington Place is more than just a place to live. It’s the place to love.”
There are 126 apartments with eight floor plans to choose from. Families can visit in the great room, and friends can stop by to catch a movie on the
Stop by or visit their website at www.kensingtoncolumbus.com to learn more about Kensington’s services and amenities!
(614) 252-5276
w w w. c o l e h a a n . c o m
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Exclusive Address for an All-Inclusive Retirement You’ve earned it. It’s time to find the place to enjoy living and stop worrying. Let us take care of the details while you go out and join in the fun, build lasting friendships, savor delicious, healthy meals, or attain physical, personal, and spiritual goals.
Kensington Place 1001 Parkview BLvd Columbus Oh, 43219 (614) 252-5276 www.kensingtoncolumbus
“It’s a place where people who join our retirement community have the time and freedom to make the most of carefree senior living. Kensington Places’ services and amenities are designed for independence, comfort, and convenience.”
Kensington Place
Home & Garden CQ House Painting The business’ name lies to you. But in a good way. Upon speaking with Thomas Huston, Jr., owner and founder of CQ Painting, the first thing that surprises me is how much more than interior and exterior painting CQ offers. “We do any kind of drywall, carpentry and wood repair, power-washing, new floor and deck staining,” Huston rattles off. And the list doesn’t stop there. CQ Painting, operating out of Columbus for the past 6 years, also specializes in carpentry and wood repair, cedar house, stucco, aluminum siding, and deck painting. Yet even with all the available services, Thomas remains focused on effective and professional customer service. “We’re a very hands on company,” says Huston, who has 15 years of painting experience under his belt. Besides making his presence a priority on every painting
job, Thomas also emphasizes the fact that CQ Painting, unlike many others, does not sub out any other their assignments. “It’s good to have the owner always on the job. [Customers] won’t see me once,” he says. “They’ll see me 4 or 5 times.” As a testament to CQ’s dedication to customer satisfaction, Huston adds that CQ, which covers residential and commercial work, never asks for money down on a painting job. “We guarantee our work. We get paid when the job is finished,” says Huston. Upon the completion of every painting job, Thomas and his staff consider it zero trouble to do a final walk-thru all portions of the paint job with you, ensuring your approval before anything is declared complete. Huston and his CQ staff, which he takes pride in describing as “good, clean-cut professionals,” also devote themselves to meeting your desires long before any paint is applied. “We have free color-
consulting: me and my fiancé. It’s awesome. We’ll come to your house and help you pick colors,“ Thomas adds. “They like what we do, and we want customers to be happy with their choices.” For all your painting needs and great customer service, don’t hesitate to contact CQ Painting. “I like seeing something bad turn out great after we work on it. I like to make the world a little brighter.” -Thomas Huston, Jr., owner of CQ Painting (614) 801-9590 1-866-909-0850 thuston_cqpainting@yahoo.com
Budget Carpet & Flooring “The Friendly Flooring Store with Something for EVERY Budget”.
25th Anniversary!
Ph. (614) 262-2774
Carpet • Pad • Vinyl
3430 Indianola Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43214
Ceramic • Laminate • Hardwood
•
•
budgetcarpet1@hotmail.com
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Family Owned
Dave, Debbie & Garth Beers
Bonded & Insured References Upon Request
Exterior
Contact: Thomas
Cell (614)-419-2289 Toll Free (866)-909-0850 Phone/Fax (614)-801-9590
Commercial
thuston_cqpainting@yahoo.com
• • • • • • • • •
Carpentry Drywall/Finish Stucco Fences Decks Textured Ceilings Power Wash Interior Painting Exterior Painting
We Guarantee Our Work!
We also Offer In House Payment Plans with No Money Down!
Residential
Mention that you saw this ad in Columbus Living Magazine & Receive a…
Interior Rooms
Home & Garden Buckeye House Painting In 1999, armed with a small business loan and the summers free during his college years, Dan McClurg founded Buckeye House Painting, which he ran from his apartment. After completing college with a degree in business management, he was able to focus his energies solely on building his business and its solid reputation. In 2007, that small business hit the million dollars in sales mark, which is even more impressive, “when you consider no one over 30 works here,” McClurg was quick to point out. At age 28, Dan McClurg is one of the oldest within the operation. Buckeye House Painting’s youthful spirit, energy, and dedication has been a winning combination thus far.
workmanship and commitment to quality by participating in area home shows. While growing and expanding the business is naturally a focus, McClurg emphasized, “We don’t care about being the biggest, we would rather be the size we are now
Buckeye House Painting has earned the Angie’s List Super Service Award five years in a row and has a BBB perfect record since becoming a member of that organization. McClurg attributes this to his company’s “attention to detail” and “overall quality of their work.” They focus their efforts on interior and exterior painting, utilizing the best paints to meet their client’s needs. For interior painting, they strive to provide their clients with a superior finish and offer a color matching service; the only interior service they do not offer is decorative or faux finishes. In 2008, they plan to focus their efforts on expanding their use of environmentally friendly, or “green” paints, and to highlight their ColumbusLivingMag.com
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and have the BEST reputation.” Buckeye House Painting 198 Oak Street Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 370-5234 info@buckeyehousepainting.com
Home & Garden
C&C Marble and Granite In 2002, Yong Woo Chang and his associates set out to supply Central Ohio with a business, using the raw power of teamwork. Chang and his three working partners make up the original founding four of C&C Granite and Marble, which offers a mixture of services including the sales and distribution of granite and marble, stone fabrication (cutting and measuring), and the installation of countertops, sinks, fireplaces, shower surrounds, and more. C&C began as a business venture for Yong Woo Chan, who recruited his brother-in-law John Jin as well as Joo Wan Kim and John Valera to assist with the challenge of beginning a marble and granite manufacturing service for private consumers and commercial businesses.
or contractor,” says Mike, who lends a helping hand in guiding customers through the processes of choosing stones, edges, designs, and colors. After this, the skilled experts at C&C take over, completing the installation and final seal, though Shields remarks that she personally takes pleasure in the customer interaction phase of the process where she receives varying ideas and opinions.
The quality of C&C’s work is evident in their online gallery of elegant finished kitchens. To explore the services and options provided by C&C Marble and Granite visit www.ccgranite.com C&C Marble and Granite 7500 Industrial Parkway Plain City , OH 43064
(614) 873-1919
7500 Industrial, Pkwy • Plain City, OH 43064 Yong Woo Chang, Owner
Now, under the ownership of Jung W. Chang, C&C boasts a variety of quality services, all available at economical prices. “A lot of people come in saying they’ve heard that we have the most reasonably priced services in town,” says Office Manager, Mike Shields. As for the manufacturing process, Shields says that not all customers contact C&C knowing exactly what they want. “The majority of people hear about us through their builder
office (614) 873-1919 fax (614) 873-9797 cell (614) 206-4941 cccountertops@yahoo.com • Kitchen Coungertops • Bathroom Vanities • Bathtub Surrounds • Fireplace Surrounds • Bar & Table Tops • Engineered Stone
Professional Custom Stone Fabrication 75
www.ccgranite.com COLUMBUS Living Magazine
Azia offers exceptional quality for the lowest price guaranteed. Compare Price & Quality before you buy.
Our in-house designers will help you: * Determine rug sizes and colors you will need in each room depending on your style of funiture and arrangement.
Now offering free classes on “Understanding Oriental Rugs,” call for details!
Cleaning • Repair • Appraisals
* Coordinate rugs if working with an open floor plan * Work with your budget to maximize your value
Call us to set up an appointment with any of our In-House Designers Today! We make house calls!
(614) 847-9300 921 Polaris Pkwy • Columbus, OH 43240
www.aziarugs.com
Visit us for the largest selection of rugs from India, China,Pakistan & New & Unique Antique Persian.
Home & Garden Azia Oriental Rugs
investment will appreciate Azia’s classic collection.
working with their professional In-House Designers.
Azia Oriental Rugs is Ohio’s #1 premier source for fine quality, handmade rugs. With over 40 years experience, Azia has served customers in Europe and the United States by providing distinctive homes with new and antique oriental rugs.
Azia Oriental Rugs specializes in rugs made in Persia, India, China, Pakistan, Turkey, Nepal, and more. Azia is the only FULL SERVICE rug store in Columbus offering: cleaning, repair, and appraisals. From traditional to contemporary, Azia has the right rug for any room in your home.
Azia is now offering a class on Understanding Oriental Rugs. For more information, Rugs please call (614) 847-9300. www.aziarugs.com
The owner, Behrooz Saberi, travels overseas to hand-select only the finest quality handmade rugs available. Buying direct from the source means a better price without sacrificing quality. Those who
Azia’s educated staff will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Choose your rugs with confidence by taking advantage of Azia’s Free In-Home Trials and by
Spring “Special”
Glass Block Basement Windows Buy 4 any size at regular price
Get 1
same size or smaller
Free!
*Additional windows, vents, dryer vents, egress windows, sills - available as desired
The Glass Block Warehouse Licensed • Bonded • Insured • Worker’s Compensation
750 Kaderly Dr. Columbus, OH 43228
Call Now! (614)274-0700 Ask about our Super-Strengh Strongest Glass Block window in the market. Ask our representative for our technical data sheet. *Offer expires 4-30-08 and may not be used in combination with any other “specials.”
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COLUMBUS Living Magazine
Home & Garden Glass Block Warehouse: Amesbury Locca Amesbury Locca names Dynamic Energy Solutions, Inc. as their distributor in Ohio for their New Home Automation product line. Included in the new product line is the remote control entry door unlocking device called “Access”. “Now you can unlock your home’s door with the push of a button” says John Heisler, President of Dynamic Energy Solutions, Inc., the new distributor for the State of Ohio. “It works just like a car remote,” adds Heisler, “and I’ve never spoken to anyone who has one for his or her car, who wants to give it up. It’s a real convenience.” For security, the “Access” has a rolling code technology which changes the code after every use. There are over four billion (with a “B”) codes, so that there is virtually no chance of duplication. These products have been used in Europe for some years, but were introduced in the U.S. at the 2008 Home Builders’ Show in Florida in early February. The beauty of the “Access” is its ease of installation, and it is very affordable. There is a similar product available for larger installations, called “MULTI”, which can accommodate up to 999 locks, compared to the “Access”, which will handle up to 19. The “MULTI” is ideal for multifamily housing, office buildings, and even commercial buildings.
ColumbusLivingMag.com
These products work with most existing locks, so there is no need to buy new locksets, etc. An intercom system is also available, either as an independent unit, or as part of the keyless entry products. When used together, you can not only answer your door from any part of your home, patio, or yard (within 200 yards), but you can unlock your door for your visitor from wherever you are. The convenience of coming home with arms full of groceries, and not having to find your key, then put it in the lock (especially if it is dark) is great for everyone. It is even more helpful for people with handicaps, like diabetes, arthritis, or those with wheelchairs, etc. The products are A.D.A. compliant. When asked why she chose Dynamic Energy Solutions to be the distributor in Ohio, Amber Grayson, Senior Marketing Manager of Amesbury Locca said that, “The people at Dynamic Energy Solutions have been pioneering in alternative energy and energy efficiency products for several years. We are please that they feel that our products are “cutting edge”, and compatible with their other products.” Also, she stated “It’s also beneficial that they have a 78
related company, The Glass Block Warehouse, which is a licensed home improvement contractor, capable of installing our products, if needed.” For more information, and to order any of these products, contact John Heisler, II at The Glass Block Warehouse at 614-274-0700. Contractors, door installers, apartment owners may also contact John Heisler, Sr. at Dynamic Energy Solutions, Inc. at 614-276-1245. Both companies are located at: 750 Kaderly Dr., on the Westside of Columbus, Ohio 43228.
Remote Door Key For Your Home!
(Just like your Car) Do you like the convenience of your car’s remote? Have you ever asked when you’d be able to open your home the same way? Amesbury Locca distributed by Dynamic Energy Solutions.
Ask About Our 2 Discounts:
Introductory Offer & Senior/Handicap
Affordable & Easy to Install
The Ideal Gift for Someone with Arthritis or Diabetes! Installation available by:
The Glass Block Warehouse
(614)274-0700
750 Kaderly Dr. Columbus, OH 43228
20% off code: CL20 198 Oak Street Columbus, Ohio 43235
“the edible alternative”
(614) 370-5234
Gifts for Any & Every Occasion
www.buckeyehousepainting.com
6665-h Huntley Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 888-2171 www.cookiebouquets.com
Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Expires, June 1, 2008
with this gift card
Expires, June 1, 2008
Spring “Special”
Glass Block
Buy 4
any size at regular price
Get 1
same size or smaller
Basement Windows
Free!
We also Offer In House Payment Plans with No Money Down!
The Glass Block Warehouse 750 Kaderly Dr. Columbus, OH 43228
Contact: Thomas (866)-909-0850 (614)-419-2289 (614)-801-9590
Expires June 1, 2008
*Offer expires 6-1-08 and may not be used in combination with any other “specials.”
$2.00 Off Any Haircut 921 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240 www.aziarugs.com
10% discount off your entire purchase
(614) 847-9300 Card Expires June 1, 2008
Mon - Thur 7:30 am - 6:30 pm Fri 7:30 am - 5 pm Sat 7 am - 3 pm Sun Closed
7001 Sunbury Rd. Westerville, Ohio 43082 (614) 794-9741
This gift card may not be used with any other discounts or offers
www.redbankbarber.com Only one card per family. No other discounts allowed.Offer ends Feb 29th.
Expires, June 1, 2008
Ph: (614) 539-4577 Ph: (866) 519-2484 www.partyboutique.com
$25 Gift Card for use towards future purchases when you book an all inclusive party package!
Expires June 1, 2008
3869 Broadway Grove City Ohio 43123
M a g a z i n e
Be sure to mention that you saw these gift cards in Columbus Living Magazine to receive your special offer.
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Columbus Living Magazine ColumbusLivingMag.com
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Rye Creek Lodge Activities: Fly-Fishing • White Water Rafting • Hiking • Horseback Riding • ATV Rides • Mountain Biking • Golf • Wildlife - Winter Activities: Alpine & X-Country Skiing • Snowmobile Tours or Rentals
Escape the City for a While! Call Today!
Ph: (888) 821-3366 (406) 821-3366 Fx: (406) 821-3366
Rye Creek Enterprises, Inc. P. O. Box 877 Darby, MT 59829 www.ryecreeklodge.com info@ryecreeklodge.com
Golf
Network
Socialize
Oakhurst Country Club Our mature Jack Kidwell course was carefully constructed to co-exist with the area’s natural terrain. The narrow fairways, abundant water hazards and small-sloped greens make the course one of the most challenging in central Ohio. When not on the course hone your skills at our practice facility or relax with friends in the members’ bar and grill.
Experience the finest GolF
614.878.6443
Give us a call today or go online to www.oakhurstgc.com for more information.