Bridal Guide 2013

2013

Bridal Planner

ake Buffets

If The Shoe Fits Top Wedding Bar List

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Monday, January 21, 2013

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WEDDING GOWN TRENDS Top spring 2013 wedding gown trends

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uring Bridal Fashion Week in New York City, a number of the top bridal gown designers, including Monique L’Huillier, Anne Barge, Ramona Keveza and many other revered trendsetters created runway displays of their top wedding gown looks for spring 2013, and the overarching trend is soft, romantic and more demure than sexy. To help you find your dream dress, here are the top five trends for spring wedding gowns: Lace Duchess Kate is still the reigning influence on wedding gowns, with her iconic lace wedding dress ushering in a variety of lace uses. Kate opted to cover her arms and shoulders with lace, and the look continues with a variety of lace styles used for sleeves, for the entire length of the skirt, and for coverage of the chest and shoulders alone in sleeveless dress styles.

Bridal gown designers have innovated a look called “nouveau lace,” in which the art is in the patterns of lace, from delicate, small lace patterning to larger, more graphic florals made of lace that may cover the bride’s shoulder blades in the back, or festoon the dress itself. Conservative brides who wish to cover up, or whose houses of worship do not allow bare arms and shoulders, adore the lace-covering look, which ties into the spring 2013 trend of romantic, feminine, with an Old World feel.

Color Color on the bridal gown runways is bold and chic, with the Vera Wang red wedding dresses that received so much attention during fall’s runway shows still a top trend with brides. Blue is the vibrant color of choice this spring, in a range of hues from sapphire to Caribbean blue, and blush-colored pinks and greens are also top choices.

“Trends” Continued on Page 5

Capital Newspapers “Trends” Continued from Page 4

Maggie Sottero is one designer showing an eye-catching blush pink dress made even more special with a rhinestone belt for sparkle and a pink ruffled mermaid skirt. Gowns in color are more popular now, since many brides find that their skin tone works better in colored dresses than in white, which can wash out paler brides.

Portrait Backs The bride is seen from all angles during her wedding day, especially during the ceremony when she’s walking down the aisle and during her first dance, so the design of the dress’s back has become just as important as the front.

Top styles in designer dresses include backs entirely covered in lace, as a more subtle and

Monday, January 21, 2013 romantic look than the sexier all bare backs of last season’s dresses. To add just a flash of skin, the lace back may incorporate a “keyhole” effect exposing just a small section of the bride’s back, and the cut of the dress back may create a lace frame effect.

Peplums If you’re not familiar with this term, a peplum is a skirt effect beginning at the waist and extended out over the hips, defining the waist and creating a couture, sculptured effect. The peplum may extend down for a draped effect, and may be a softer fall or a more structured, stand-up effect.

2-in-1 With celebrity brides wearing one dazzling designer dress

for their ceremonies and another (or two or three) for their receptions, brides have become interested in having a “second look” for their own receptions. This trend has given rise to a new world of dress designs with removable elements, such as a lace jacket that can be “peeled off” to create a second, sophisticated look for the celebration.

Designers have turned their dresses into Transformer-like creations, with long skirts that can be unfastened at the waist and removed to reveal a chic shorter skirt underneath that allows for more comfortable movement and dancing, yet still in high-fashion style.

Also in the second look category is the addition of a sparkly, rhinestone belt, as Duchess Kate wore for her

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post-ceremony celebration. The bride simply affixes it for an easy and inexpensive second look and is in top trend with her new, sparkly accessory.

Or the bride can put on a cashmere jacket coordinating with her dress for a comfortable wear at an outdoor wedding in the cooler evening hours.

And brides also slip into more colorful, sparkling shoes to add a dash of color to even the most traditional, white wedding dress.

For more information on spring 2013 bridal gown trends, visit the top bridal magazine websites to view their image galleries from the October Bridal Fashion Week runway shows.

- Sharon Naylor Creators.com

Tradition behind tossing rice Once a couple has been married, tradition states that they be covered with tossed rice upon exiting the ceremony. The idea of throwing rice began during the Middle Ages, when rice symbolized fertility. Rice was tossed at the married couple in the hopes they would have many children and be blessed with prosperity as a family. A false rumor spread that rice was harmful to birds who would eat the discarded rice and explode, so many people now use birdseed or rose petals as alternatives. However, rest assured that the rice myth has been debunked by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

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Capital Newspapers

Monday, January 21, 2013

Make guests feel special These extra touches will do the trick

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edding receptions run the gamut from small, intimate gatherings in a restaurant to large spectacles featuring hundreds of guests inside a banquet hall. At the heart of any wedding reception is the desire to present a memorable party for all in attendance.

That being said, there are some steps couples can take to add extra indulgence to wedding receptions and really set them apart from the mundane.

With the average cost of weddings now teetering around $28,000, couples certainly are pulling out expensive stops to treat guests to a good party. Although some may argue that spending tens of thousands of dollars on a one-time event is preposterous, there are scores of couples who want to splurge on an event that (hopefully) will be a oncein-a-lifetime occurrence. With this in mind, many want to add special touches to the wedding that will show guests how much they are appreciated and to make their celebration different from previous weddings. Here are some ways to do just that.

• Butler-passed hors d’oeuvres: During the cocktail hour guests are mingling and taking advantage of the opportunity to engage in conversation. This may be the last real opportunity to chat amongst one another before the volume of the band or deejay drowns out discussions. Rather than disrupt the flow of conversation to make a trip to the food stations, choose butler-passed hors d’oeuvres to bring food right to the guests.

It lends a feeling of indulgence and is also a convenient way to keep guests satiated.

• Valet parking: Most wedding venues provide on-site valet parking. However, if you’re using a restaurant or banquet hall that does not provide this service, you can hire a valet company to do the parking for guests. While you will be whisked to and fro in the back of a limousine, guests will have to do their own driving.

Being able to exit the car right in front of the venue and not worry about finding a parking space will be convenient for guests.

• Emergency toiletries baskets: Rather than spending money on an extra floral arrangement for the men’s and women’s restrooms, purchase items that can be grouped into a handy basket.

For women, include items such as extra pairs of stockings, spray deodorant, sanitary items, and sewing kits. For men, mints or mouthwash, dental floss, cologne, and stain removal pens may come in handy. In the event that a minor mishap occurs during the

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• Specialty courses: In addition to the cocktail hour and the main meal, you may be able to arrange specialty stations for guests with particular palates or interests. Some couples like to have a cigar smoking area or you can offer specialty cocktails.

When ethnic customs are included in a wedding, menu items can be geared around native dishes.

Candy and dessert bars are also popular to have at weddings, particularly if children are invited.

A flambe dessert presentation is both a spectacle and a treat.

• Overnight accommodations: For the wedding that will run into the wee hours of the morning, offer guests a place to stay nearby to remove the hassle of driving home at a late hour. Some reception halls have arrangements with nearby hotels. For those that don’t, negotiate a discounted rate for wedding guests. Many do and will set aside a block of rooms for your event with a discount code. You may want

to treat guests who choose to stay over to a complementary breakfast the next day as one final show of appreciation.

• Special seating: Guests who may have mobility issues or difficulty hearing may appreciate being seated in certain spots for convenience. Seat the elderly or handicapped close to the exits and the restrooms if possible. When choosing a reception room, confirm the distance to the restrooms to make it convenient for those who may not be able to walk far.

Those who may be sensitive to the music can be seated away from the speakers. And of course, every attempt should be made to seat individuals who may have conflicts with others away from one another.

• Birthday and anniversary mentions: You can notify the band or deejay of any guests in attendance who may be celebrating their own special events on your wedding day or in close proximity.

There are many extra touches you can take as a couple to make guests feel welcomed and important at your wedding.

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Capital Newspapers

IF THE SHOE FITS

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Monday, January 21, 2013

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Buying shoes first, dress second

rides love their shoes. So much so that many of them are shopping for their wedding day shoes first and then using their chosen shoe style to help determine which wedding dress is The One. When Megan Stec got engaged, it was her shoes she focused on first. Specifically, she was looking for a pair of Christian Louboutin ruby red shoes that she had seen months prior and that fit her love of “The Wizard of Oz.” She spent two months looking for the pair, even searching internationally.

During her search, she found and fell in love with a different pair of Louboutins. “It was like the ‘Horse of a Different Color,’” says Stec, referring to the differently hued sparkly shoes. “Buying my shoes was just as special as buying my wedding dress. When I tried them on, I knew they were The One.” Fashion merchandising expert Stec spent just one month, half the time of her shoe search, looking for and choosing her wedding dress.

The trend is picking up, with more brides dreaming about their wedding shoes, in addition to their wedding dresses. They’re creating Pinterest boards devoted to their shoe inspirations, and they’re talking with their engaged friends about shoes as well as dresses, cakes and other wedding topics. Years ago, bridal shoes were commonly plain and white. Now, they’re sparkly, brightly colored, designer named and fabulous.

According to The Wedding Report, the top trends in brides’ shoes are colors (especially green and blue), lace, and rhinestones. In addition to the designer high heels worn during

the ceremony, brides are also opting to slip into comfortable, stylish flats for the reception hours. It is, however, the ornate ceremony shoe that brides appear to be fantasizing about for their wedding days.

Here are reasons more brides are shopping for shoes first and dresses second: • Gorgeous images, on Pinterest and in bridal blogs, of brides and bridesmaids wearing amazing, colorful or glittery shoes resonate with them. It’s the look they want for their big day. When buying a gown first, the style and length of dress might limit the subsequent shoe selection.

• Some brides are willing to devote a larger amount of money to their shoes, to enjoy that celebrity feeling of wearing something designer. If they can’t afford a designer dress in the thousands of dollars-range, then designer shoes for a few hundred dollars are readily available. Before other wedding plans and purchases chip away at their available funds, they can devote some time and money to their high-priority footwear. Then, they may be

very happy wearing a dress in a more moderate price range.

The bride gets a better look at the whole picture.

• Unlike their once-in-alifetime gowns, brides can plan to wear their wedding shoes in the future, dazzling with the designer style.

• Trying on shoes is often a purely enjoyable task. Shoe size is nowhere near as much of an emotionally loaded, self-esteem challenging issue, as trying on wedding gowns. Some brides with concerns about body size or self-esteem would rather begin this magical process with a relaxing shopping trip. This eliminates some discomfort they may have with trying on dresses, releasing them from discouragement over how a dress makes them look.

• If a bride wants to show off her shoes on the wedding day, trendy knee-length dresses and ‘high-low’ dresses, with the front hem reaching knee length, then extending down like a curtain on each side to a longer length in the back, afford her the opportunity. The result is a “frame” of her legs and shoes.

• Wearing wedding shoes has long been a tenet of gown shopping, specifically for alterations. Instead of wearing different shoes during alterations, hoping for the perfect height, having the chosen pair handy takes the guesswork out of the equation.

Of course, the reasons vary with each bride, but the fact remains: Going shoe shopping is fun, and this may be the bride’s one time to truly splurge on a dream designer style.

- Sharon Naylor Creators.com

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Capital Newspapers

Monday, January 21, 2013

CAKE BUFFETS

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Making your wedding dessert hour a big hit

rides and grooms want their guests to enjoy the dessert hour, as well as the wedding itself, and they know that guests look forward to the delicious dessert and pastry options that close out the celebration. Providing multiple types and flavors of cakes allows guests to relish a flavor or flavors of their choice.

“We’re definitely seeing a growing trend this year for wedding dessert buffets featuring a collection of different cakes,” says Anne Heap, owner of Pink Cake Box. “The buffet might include several different flavors of small cakes, and it might also include in addition to these cakes a variety of mini cupcakes, cake pops, macaroons and other desserts.”

The cake buffet is an evolution of the traditional Viennese dessert table, a long buffet offering many different types of desserts, from mousses to tarts to petits fours and other items. Now, the trend

includes multiple cakes that may be offered in addition to the grand wedding cake.

Selecting Your Cakes Heap says that while each cake itself has a different flavor and filling combination, all of the cakes are iced and designed in a coordinating color palette. “If the couple choose an ivory, blush pink and gold color combination, we create all of the cakes in those hues,” just iced and decorated a bit differently.

The cakes all coordinate and create a cohesive effect, whether it’s all-white cakes or a combination of pastels,

brights or even dramatic black-and-white cakes to go with a black-and-white wedding theme. (Of course, the color mix could be red and white or yellow and green -- whatever shades you desire.)

As for flavors, Heap says that red velvet is still extremely popular for these cake buffet choices, and “we’re also doing a lot of classics like vanilla and chocolate, and other flavors, such as peanut butter and Oreo cakes.”

Other flavors to consider for cakes are lemon, berry, rum cake, coconut, caramel and passionfruit -- all top trends in wedding cake flavors.

Jodi Rhoden, owner of Short Street Cakes and author of “Cake Ladies,” says that cakes are being chosen for their regional specialties, like her company’s traditional Southern salted caramel cake, paired with a triple chocolate ganache cake.

Another big trend is to include a flourless cake for your gluten-free guests, and some couples are including gluten-free cupcakes, as well.

Guests are tremendously grateful at the bride and groom’s thoughtfulness, so that they can partake in the dessert hour fully.

“Cake” Continued on Page 9

Capital Newspapers “Cake” Continued from Page 8

While vibrant cakes are a trend, Heap says that she’s getting many requests for cake buffet selections that fit in with the currently hot wedding themes of “bohemian, romantic, vintage and Victorian,” which entail softer blush colors such as pinks and light greens, with decorative icing to suit those particular soft and feminine themes.

Cake buffets are also a trend at bridal showers, which is where the larger move is to vibrantly colored cakes, cupcakes and desserts, such as hot pinks and bright oranges, sunny yellows, and even zebra stripes and polka dots. Whimsical designs such as cakes with slanted layers, creating a topsy-turvy effect, are also popular for bridal showers.

For weddings themselves,

Monday, January 21, 2013 cakes tend to be more classic and in keeping with the style of the wedding cake itself.

Cake Buffet Display Trends The display of your cakes will impress your guests simply by the appeal of the cakes themselves -- but the way you arrange the cakes on the table adds even more panache.

Begin with a high-quality linen tablecloth in a color that coordinates with your chosen cake collection color scheme.

For that ivory, blush pink and gold cake variety, the tablecloth may be in any of those colors. Solid colors are best, without stripes or patterns, so that the cakes stand out.

Your cakes may be arranged on uniform-height pedestals or on pedestals of alternating heights (always with a sturdy base for cutting slices without

the pedestal falling over).

Beneath and around the cakes, your platters of cupcakes, macaroons or cake pops create a sumptuous display.

A must is to pair each cake, as well as other desserts, with attractively designed, color-coordinated, printed labels identifying the flavors and fillings of each. And it has become more popular to alert guests to the presence of any nuts or nut butters in the cake, filling or frosting.

A simple, small mention of, “This cake contains nuts and nut products,” on the cakeidentification card is a smart and safe service to guests.

The same indication may be made for gluten-free cakes.

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are not advisable, since guests will be reaching across the table to help themselves to the cake slices and other desserts.

So create that glow with LED cubes (which don’t conduct heat, preventing cakes and desserts from softening) set on the table itself or in vases.

There’s no need to decorate this table with flowers, which is a budget-saver and prevents any petals, leaves or especially berries from falling onto or around your desserts.

As a final note, you might choose to have your reception site provide a cake buffet table attendant or two, who can cut cake slices for your guests and keep dessert platters attractive and stocked.

The final touch for the cake buffet table is often a lighting effect. Open-flame candles

- Sharon Naylor Creators.com

First dance song ideas If Michael Buble or Nat King Cole aren’t on your playlists, chances are you may be looking for a first-dance song that’s a little less traditional for your wedding reception.

Couples considering a song that’s a little different and speaks to them but won’t necessarily offend the wedding purists in attendance, might want to consider the following tunes:

“All I Want is You” (U2)

“For You I Will” (Monica)

“No One” (Alicia Keys)

“Amazing” (Aerosmith)

“Here Without You” (3 Doors Down)

“Nothing Compares to You” (Sinead O’Connor)

“Crash” (Dave Matthews Band)

“Kiss Me” (Sixpence None the Richer)

“Suga Suga” (Baby Bash)

“Crazy for You” (Adele)

“I’ll Stand by You” (The Pretenders)

“Without You” (Rent Soundtrack)

“Faster” (Matt Nathanson)

“Love Song” (The Cure)

“You Want to Make a Memory” (Bon Jovi)

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Capital Newspapers

Monday, January 21, 2013

MARRYING HISTORY AND CEREMONY Considering historic sites for your wedding day

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rides and grooms who wish to hold their wedding in a nontraditional venue -- a top trend right now -- are looking at historic locations to add an extra dash of marvel to their big day.

Historic sites offer stunning scenery, ornate buildings, gorgeous gardens and grounds, and of course the artifacts and rich history that afford an environment of fascination for wedding guests. Many historic buildings and landmark homes are exquisitely decorated and house priceless artwork, allowing guests to peruse interesting items during the cocktail hour or simply enjoy being transported back in time through the location’s sense and style.

When held in a historic spot, the wedding becomes extra-special, and wedding photographs and video forever capture the ceremony and its marvelous setting.

The landmark itself may be iconic, such as Ellis Island, where upscale, luxury weddings are held. Or it might be a

historic home on the national register of landmarks or a historic building that is often used for weddings. Their grandiosity will vary, as will the atmosphere created by their design and decor.

What they all have in common is that you’ll need to ask some very specific questions of the site’s event managers.

Historic homes have rules and restrictions you’ll need to honor, and you also want to make sure the site you choose has everything you need.

Be Sure To Ask About...

• Hours when the site would be available to you. Patti Golden, sales manager for Ellis Island Events, says, “Ask about the hours of operation, since the site may be available to you after its operating hours.”

Any historic site open for tourism may shut down at a

certain time to visitors, and then your event staff would need a few hours to set up in preparation for your wedding.

So you may find that only a nighttime event is open to you.

• Air conditioning and heating. Many historic properties are old and may not have built-in temperature control, which could require you to rent portable heaters and air conditioners.

• Enough electrical outlets.

David Lombardi, special events manager for Westin Governor Morris, which holds wedding events at a next-door historic home and gardens, says, “You need to be sure there are enough electrical outlets in enough places so that your caterers can use them.” Include in that power plug-ins for your entertainers and other wedding vendors. An older building may have older electrical systems with limited power, so you might need to bring in a portable generator to help light and operate your wedding.

• The site’s restrictions. They may not allow visitors in certain areas, and they may not allow beverages in areas where they have priceless antiques such as couches and artwork.

• Permits. Some historic sites, in order to maintain their operations, require permits for the use of their property, and some sites may charge hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars just for the use of the site.

• Seasonal hours. Golden suggests asking about the

different hours during summer months, when the site may stay open to tourists later, which could affect your event’s timing and outdoor lighting for photographs.

• Alcohol and food permits.

Lombardi says that some historic sites may require special licenses for alcohol service and food handling, which is a vital detail to learn ahead of time.

If it seems like there are too many restrictions, bear in mind that wedding coordinators are very experienced with historic wedding settings and may have a streamlined process for acquiring all the permits needed. They also know how to walk through the site as you’re considering it and check for those electrical outlets, any stairs that are not up to safety codes, working fireplaces, kitchen size and capacity, insurance and inspection certificate checks and all other important details. Leaving the site assessment to a professional may be a wise decision because he or she knows exactly what to look for to protect you and your wedding.

You may find a historic site located next to a hotel with a partnership to conduct events there, which would make catering and other services far easier to arrange.

When all the criteria are met, it’s time for the enjoyable process of envisioning where and how you’ll arrange your cocktail party, your reception, your decor and all of the delightful aspects of styling your day in the enchanting historic site that will turn your wedding into one to remember.

- Sharon Naylor Creators.com

Capital Newspapers

Monday, January 21, 2013

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Vintage Is Trend In Bridal Jewelry “Vintage remains a strong trend in bridal jewelry,” according to Jill Maier, VP of design at CAROLEE. Harking back to the adage that “everything old is new again,” brides are favoring art deco, estateinspired silhouettes when it comes to jewels. The mix of crystal and pearl is a signature look of CAROLEE. It’s a timeless combination fused

into an array of bridal designs: florette bracelets, delicate drop earrings, vintage-inspired necklaces. Here, the bride can rest easy knowing she won’t have to sacrifice for style: the majority of the collection comes in under $100. These pretty pieces are perfect for the blushing bride and their versatility makes them ideal for the bridal party as well.

The desire to look fabulous without spending a fortune has never been quite so high.

Many brides are choosing just one or two standout accessories, balancing a modern detail-oriented ceremony and reception with their minimalistic, classic ensemble.

Maier also notes, “The beauty of this jewelry is that

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it’s distinctive without being overwhelming. It can be worn alone and looks great layered.” Jewelry experts at the CAROLEE counter in major department stores are always a great resource for jewelry bridal tips, or click on “BRIDAL” at http://www. carolee.com for a wealth of ideas for brides and every member of the bridal party

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Capital Newspapers

Monday, January 21, 2013

TOP WEDDING COLORS The top wedding colors for spring 2013

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he new wedding color palette has been announced in the Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2013, a comprehensive overview of fashion designers’ use of color in their upcoming collections. The palette’s mix of vibrant brights and soothing neutrals work together to create what the company calls “a harmonious balance.” vibrant shade than last spring’s Pantone calls this shade an such as ties or even trendy Among the brights are “exotic statement color.” pinstripes in a navy suit. softer buttercup yellows. the following colors: • Poppy red. A deeper, richer red brings a radiant bold burst of color to wedding style, whether for fashion or decor color palettes, and lets the bride make a statement in spring. Pantone calls this shade seductive, sensual and celebratory.”

• Emerald. Green is a hot color for spring, in this jewel-toned shade that has taken over for past seasons’ preferences for soft, pale sage greens.

Deeper greens provide a vivid backdrop to other bridal colors, and evokes a sense of spring -- yet in an eye-catching way. Color expert Leatrice Eiseman, spokeswoman for Pantone, says, “The big look for spring weddings will be in the interesting pastels, like the lightly minted greens.”

Greens are especially popular, says Eiseman, “Because, just as in nature, green goes with everything!” Wedding bloggers and journalists are raving about mint shades on the bridal fashion runways, giving you a slightly different shade of blue-green to consider.

• Lemon zest. Yellow is one of the leading colors this season, with a stronger, more

• Monaco blue. More of a sapphire blue in a deep shade, blue is being shown on the fashion runways as the new black.

• Grayed jade. A subtle green with gray undertones, this shade plays a part in green’s position as a top color for spring weddings.

• Nectarine. Oranges remain hot this spring, with last season’s “in” color, tangerine tango, softening a bit for a bright orange with more coral undertones.

• Linen. A light and lovely neutral, linen will play a part in wedding palettes as the shade that allows other shades to pop or blend together more beautifully.

Pantone calls this color “airy” and offers a pairing of this shade with grayed jade or dusk blue as a possibility for a softer color blend.

Among the pastels are the following colors: • Dusk blue. A softer shade of blue that some designers refer to as “beach glass,” this soft shade paired with Monaco blue and lighter neutrals, such as ivory or linen shades, creates one of the most popular palettes today. It’s a deeper blush blue, departing from sunnier Caribbean blues, for more romantic appeal.

• Tender shoots. This yellowgreen shade coordinates with emerald and again pairs with other hot spring colors in a more traditional spring-like shade.

• African violet. A softer purple, this shade is either mixed with soft neutrals or boldly paired with a bright.

How the Top Spring Colors Are Being Used These colors are not just being utilized in florals and decor.

More brides are looking at them for their wedding dress shades, with the nontraditional trends in wedding leading brides to wear, say, a dress in tender shoots as a romantic, feminine alternative to traditional bridal white.

These colors also factor heavily into shades worn by bridesmaids, mothers and flower girls, and colors like Monaco blue and dusk blue factor into the groom’s choice of wardrobe and accessories,

These colors may enter into a bride’s planning for her flowers, with her dress being colored, linen-shaded or white, with the pop of poppy red, nectarine, lemon zest and other shades in her bouquet creating a stunning and on-trend look. Even the bride’s jewelry may bring the top Pantone shades into play, whether vividly or in pastel form.

Invitations certainly will bring in the top shades of the season, in sensational shades of brights or mixes of the top pastels and neutrals, although invitation designers say vivid is the current top trend in invitations and print items.

There’s not a place in weddings where color isn’t a factor, even if it is that skin tone of linen.

The bride is the artist of her day, using color to “paint” her personalized vision in so many aspects of her wedding day details, as well as her dream wedding gown.

To view and find out more details on the Pantone shades, visit http://www.pantone.com.

- Sharon Naylor Creators.com

Capital Newspapers

Monday, January 21, 2013

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Lemon Zest

Dusk Blue

PANTONE 16–412O

Tender Shoots

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Monday, January 21, 2013

TOP WEDDING BAR LIST It’s all about signature drinks

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he drinks served at weddings have come a long way since the days of beer, wine and classic mixed drinks. Now the trend is for signature cocktails to wow guests with their creative blends of flavors and their vivid colors.

Contonna Peterson, COO of Bartending Unlimited, says: “Right now, the big trend is for signature fruity drinks.

We’re combining flavors such as a peach nectar and cranberry Bellini, as just one example of the blends of flavors for trendy new drinks.”

Another example of Peterson’s creations is fresh kiwi juice, Sprite and a hint of apple Pucker with a star-shaped kiwi perched on the edge of the glass. Peterson says that she’s using fresh fruits and fresh fruit nectars for the best taste.

Mixologists are creating delectable blends of fruity flavors, which guests love because they are taste combinations they don’t experience at other events or make for themselves. Drink creation is a new artistry, and Peterson says the show of bartenders mixing and shaking these drinks, pouring them out with a flourish, makes the drink experience even more spectacular.

“Brides and grooms who don’t want to do a full bar are choosing to serve a selection of signature drinks,” Peterson says, a fact that ties into today’s budget concerns for brides and grooms. A full open bar with unlimited top-shelf liquors can be very expensive.

When you design a collection of fruity, bright signature drinks in addition to classic beer and wine, it can look as

if you’ve spent a lot but, in reality, may have saved money.

These trendy cocktails are most prevalent in bright colors, though paler drinks also may be on the menu.

Peterson says many wedding couples are choosing vibrantly colored cocktails to match or coordinate with the color scheme of their wedding, for special effect that energizes the event’s palette when those drinks are served at the bar and carried around by guests. The bride and groom also could have photos taken of themselves holding these signature cocktails, creating a colorcoordinated photo tying into their day’s overarching colors.

Peterson advises having drinks made to order. Here’s why: • Part of the excitement for guests is seeing the bartenders do the preparing in exciting steps, such as muddling and shaking, and guests see the lovely swirl of colors in their glasses as the drink is created.

• Guests prefer a fresh drink made just for them. It’s the realm of a dive bar to have cocktails premade in a big jug and poured out into a glass. That’s not good enough for your wedding and could turn guests off.

• Made-to-order drinks simply taste best, because premade drinks become diluted.

So even though you might think having premixed drinks on display -- such as on the bar or at a drink station -- would be a great visual effect, as you may have seen on Pinterest, madeto-order is always the best plan.

Let guests know what they have to look forward to, with a printed list of your signature cocktail flavors on display at the bar. It’s a big trend for brides and grooms to give their signature drinks a personalized name, such as Phoebe’s peach and cranberry Bellini, but you can simply list the drinks by their ingredients. Couples enjoy the fun of giving their drinks names personalized to their love story or favorite things, such as a cocktail named after their alma mater -- for example, a blue cocktail named for the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Additional drinks that are popular at weddings are cultural drinks, such as sake or grappa, and even without a cultural connection, sangria is a very popular bar list choice for its colorful and fruity taste.

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And of course, classic cocktails, such as the Tom Collins and the sidecar, are still popular so that the traditional guests who love those particular drinks may enjoy what they’re used to.

Beers and flavorful microbrewed beers -- especially microbrews tailored to the season of the wedding, such as a pumpkin beer -- are also top trends in wedding drink lists.

Champagne may be offered for the entirety of the event, if that suits your budget, or you might choose to follow the popular budget strategy of just offering a fine Champagne to guests upon their arrival or for the toast during the reception. Prosecco and Spanish cava are also budgetfriendly bubbly options.

No matter the drink type, additional garnishes, such as raspberries popped into the glass or fruits set on the edge of the glass or even spears of olives, add that perfect finishing touch.

- Sharon Naylor Creators.com

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Monday, January 21, 2013

19

Wedding themes can add up to extra fun Every couple wants their wedding to be memorable.

T

he goal of planning a wedding is to create an experience that everyone will remember for years to come. For some couples, a theme wedding is the best way to accomplish just that.

When it comes time to select a theme, the day the wedding takes place may dictate the theme. For example, if the wedding takes place on Halloween, the ideas for the theme are easy. Many other couples choose a theme that highlights a specific interest or hobby or something that is dear to them. Here are some popular wedding themes.

• Holiday: The Christmas season lends itself well to wedding planning. The colors (red, green, gold) are already established, and most churches and buildings are already decked out in holiday finery, cutting down on the amount of flowers and embellishments couples

need. Because the holiday season is so busy and a popular time for socializing, couples who want to tie the knot during this time of year should send savethe-date cards well in advance.

Another option is to have a “Christmas in July” wedding, featuring the same holiday themes but without the hectic nature of the holiday season.

• Vegas: Couples who want to tie the knot in Las Vegas but want to ensure all their loved ones can attend can recreate the magic of Vegas wherever they may be. Casino-inspired games and big buffet meals can make guests feel like they have stepped into a casino on the famed Vegas strip. In

addition, an Elvis impersonator is essential to a Vegas wedding.

the various castles around the world popular backdrops for wedding events. Those planning a fairytale wedding need only look to favorite stories or movies for their inspiration.

• Interest or passion: Love to • TV show: Some couples elevate climb mountains? Avid about scuba diving? Couples who certain television shows to cult status. Whether it’s “Friends” or share a particular interest can include elements of this sport “Star Trek,” popular television shows have been transformed or hobby into their wedding. into festive wedding themes.

Invitations and decor can hint Whether the idea is to go at the theme, and then special daring and exchange vows activities can further enhance in costume or simply name it. Fish bowls as centerpieces reception tables according to may call to mind underwater characters or show locations, adventures, while surfboardcouples can include a little shaped invites may set the television fun into the event. scene for a beachside party.

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Capital Newspapers

Monday, January 21, 2013

WEDDING REGISTRIES From essentials to extras, what’s on your list?

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gourmet cooking set? Check. A new digital camera? Check. Hiking gear?

Check.

Modern wedding registries have a mix of the traditional and the not-so-traditional.

It’s not like it was when your parents got married and they received a toaster, a slow cooker or a blanket. These days, couples want their wedding registries to reflect their wants and their needs.

register for wedding and shower gifts, with 82 percent registering with in-store and online retailers.

“People want to get you things you want to use,” says Nancy Lee of MyRegistry.com, a universal wedding registry, who finds couples registering for gifts such as hiking boots, his-and-her mountain bikes, sleeping bags, dishes, lawn mowers and his-and-her iPads.

“Registering far enough in advance allows family and friends to consult your registry for other milestones in the months leading up to your wedding, including wedding showers, birthdays and holidays,” says Vicki Shamion of Kohl’s, which offers a “Wedding Wishes” gift registry.

“People are going to buy you a gift,” says Lee. “You may as well make sure they buy you something you need.”

Making a List According to a 2011 Brides magazine American Wedding Survey, 93 percent of couples

The same study found the average couple joins about two registries and start registering about seven months before the wedding.

Be sure to register for a variety of gifts, available in a range of price points.

“Give people a lot of choices,” says Lee. “Have things in every price. Make it something guests are comfortable giving you.”

Shamion agrees, saying, “It is important to give guests options on a registry to allow them the opportunity to pick out something special regardless of their budget.”

Where Are You Registered?

It’s a popular question every bride and groom is asked: Where are you registered?

Family and friends want to get you a gift to celebrate your wedding, but what about etiquette? While you don’t want to look like you’re begging for gifts, fielding this question is pretty common.

Simply have your bridesmaids or family members spread the word about your registry.

For a bolder approach, some couples even post their registry information on their wedding website or on their social media pages, like Facebook and Twitter.

Amazon.com offers couples registry announcement cards to share the information, as well as the “Thank You List” feature, which allows you to match gifts you receive to their gift giver.

Cash, Please!

Many couples want money so they can save for bigticket items like a house or car, and others want to pay off loans and other debts.

Still, asking for cash can be a tough request. Sites such as MyRegistry.com help soften the request, however, by letting you to set up a “Cash Gift Service,” allowing you to label the fund to tell guests how the money will be used, such as “Honeymoon to Paris” or “First Home Fund.”

Registry Incentives Many retailers offer brides and grooms discounts and other special offers for choosing their registry.

For example, with a Kohl’s registry, “from the day couples register until the day of their wedding, 10 percent rewards are earned on eligible gifts purchased from their registry,” says Shamion.

“If guests purchase $2,000 in gifts off a registry, the couple automatically receives a certificate for $200 -- and as always, it’s good toward anything in the store.”

Couples also receive a 15 percent discount (for up to three months after the wedding) on items remaining on their Kohl’s registry.

Returns MyRegistry.com’s Lee says most registry return rates are low -- about 1 percent.

That’s likely because the bride and groom have preselected the items they want to receive.

“Couples who return items purchased off of their Kohl’s wedding registry will benefit from our hassle-free return policy and can exchange anything they don’t want, anytime, no questions asked,” says Shamion.

Returns through Amazon.com are easy, too. A spokesman says, “Couples are sent an Amazon.com gift card for the value of the product to be used on anything they’d like, and the gift giver won’t be notified that his gift was returned.”

Whether you register for kitchen towels, a new TV or camping gear, don’t forget to send a handwritten thankyou note to all your guests showing your gratitude for their wedding gift.

- Kristen Castillo Creators.com

Capital Newspapers

Monday, January 21, 2013

slim down before your wedding

21

Try these safe and smart methods

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any brides-to-be, and even some grooms-to-be, express concern about their weight in the weeks and months leading up to their wedding. Losing weight is a goal for many engaged couples, but it’s important that couples who want to shed a few extra pounds don’t sacrifice safety for the sake of slimming down.

According to a Cornell University study of 273 women with a wedding day approaching, 70 percent wanted to lose more than 20 pounds before their weddings.

However, reality indicates that a weight loss of 5 to 10 pounds is more attainable -- more so if the weight loss regimen is spread out over several weeks.

The term “brideorexia” has entered the vernacular, and it is associated with brides who are taking extreme measures to lose weight. Taking laxatives, engaging in fluid-only diets and even using tobacco or drugs to serve as appetite suppressants are just some of the measures some brides have taken to shed weight before their wedding days.

into “survival mode,” which means conserving fat reserves.

Researchers at Penn State University found that fasting signals to your body that it is being starved, triggering a lower metabolic rate. Bridesto-be should never cut out food entirely. Eating anything less than 1,200 calories a day will encourage the body to try to conserve energy by lowering its metabolism. Severe calorie restriction is not an effective way to lose weight.

• Step up your exercise regimen. Reducing food intake alone will not help you lose weight quickly. The goal is to burn more calories than you consume. Therefore, adding more cardiovascular activity to your routine can help burn There is no magic formula to calories more efficiently. shed pounds, but there are According to a clinical study certain ways to jump-start from researchers at Italy’s and maintain the process University of Padua published of healthy weight loss so in the 2011 International brides can look slimmer and Journal of Sports Nutrition and healthy for their big day.

Exercise Metabolism, eating a light meal before exercising • Eat. Although initial calorie helps you burn more fat and curbing can help shed weight, eventually your body may adapt keeps your body burning fat to your new eating habits or go even 24 hours after the exercise.

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• Reduce sodium intake.

Sodium doesn’t necessarily lead to weight gain, but it can make it appear so. Sodium contributes to water retention in the body, which may make you appear heavier or bloated. Cut back on foods that are high in sodium, especially as the wedding draws close, to reduce water retention.

• Identify sources of empty calories. Fruit juices, soda and other beverages are often the culprits with regards to unnecessary calorie consumption. Therefore, choose your beverages wisely and limit them to water, teas and unsweetened drinks. If you want to drink fruit juice, consider diluting it. In addition, most alcoholic beverages have 100 calories or more. While it may be tempting to celebrate with wine, champagne and mixed drinks during your engagement period, your waistline may ultimately pay the price for such indulgences.

• Hire a good photographer.

A camera allegedly adds 10 pounds, a reason many couples panic about their wedding day.

A photo is a 2D image of a 3D

object. Therefore, the photo reduces depth perception and flattens an image, which may make some items look like they have more bulk. A professional photographer will know how to manipulate lighting and angles of the camera to ensure a more flattering shot.

• Eat smaller portions.

Oftentimes, its not a matter of what you are eating but how much. Most portion sizes served in restaurants or even at home are double or triple the amount that you should be eating. When in doubt, cut everything in half.

• Fill up on fiber or protein.

Instead of resorting to pills to suppress an appetite, simply eat foods that will fill you up naturally. High-fiber foods will bulk up in the stomach and keep you feeling satiated longer. The same can be said for lean proteins, which take longer to digest, thus fending off hunger pangs.

While losing weight for a wedding is many couples’ ultimate goal, the best way to tackle this task is in a healthy, responsible manner.

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Capital Newspapers

Monday, January 21, 2013

HIM + HER = OURS? How to transition from singlehood to couplehood

B

efore you got married, you probably pictured spending every day and night side by side with your spouse. But that idea changes fast. You may want a night out with your friends, while your spouse wants happy hour with co-workers.

“In most cases, it doesn’t hurt and author of “The Self-Aware “Talk about what you Talk It Out

How can you go from “me” to “we” and still keep your sense of individuality?

“Talking is the glue that holds relationships together,” says Dr. Fran Walfish, psychotherapist

Parent.” “People need to learn how to talk and listen to each other and tolerate differences.”

envision,” she says. “Realize it’s going to be very personal for you.”

Life coach and blogger Maggie Reyes encourages couples to define what success looks like for their relationship.

It takes time to get to know your spouse.

Know Your Partner

to live together,” says Walfish, who believes living together helps couples get to know each other. “It’s better to know them before you say ‘I do.’”

“Ours” Continued on Page 23

Capital Newspapers

Monday, January 21, 2013

“Ours” Continued from Page 22

Be patient and give yourselves a chance to figure out each other’s preferences. Does one of you like cooking? Can you handle the grocery shopping, or would you prefer your better half do the job?

Split chores evenly and based on what you can both tolerate.

Reyes advises couples to aim for win-win situations, not compromises, which often involve one person’s making sacrifices.

Alone Time vs. Couple Time “It’s a myth that you have to do everything together,” Reyes says.

Instead, look for ways to balance your personal time with your couple time.

“Everything is doable if you have two willing partners,” Walfish says.

One of her clients wanted poker night three times a week, which frustrated his wife.

Walfish confronted the husband and urged him to make a change. The solution?

“We cut down his poker nights one at a time,” she says.

Some behavior modifications have to be made, suggests Walfish. “Demonstrate you’re willing to have give-and-take,” she says.

Handling Money You need to talk about how you’ll handle money in the relationship. Do you want separate bank accounts? A joint account? Is there some wiggle room for splurges?

“Every couple will have a different priority,” says Reyes, noting that some couples want to reduce debt. Others want to save for a home, and some want to save up for vacations.

Family Expectations You also want to figure out family obligations. Will you be expected to attend a family dinner every Sunday? How will you celebrate holidays?

“Talk about the little things so they don’t become big things,” says Reyes, who suggests couples discuss how they spent their childhoods, how they relate to their families and what they expect from each other when it comes to family commitments.

Decorating One of the hallmarks of couplehood is having a place to call home. Whether it be a condo, an apartment or a house, decorating that space can be very complicated.

“When you’re making a home, your home is a sanctuary for the both of you,” Reyes says.

No matter what you decide about “The house is a reflection of saving or spending your money, you as a team.” plan to reassess your financial She recommends asking your priorities from time to time. spouse how involved he or she wants to be in the decorating.

Some spouses care a lot; others don’t care at all. The middle ground? You choose a few ideas

23

and run them by your partner.

For example, preselect three paint colors, and then ask him or her to help you make the final color decision.

Respect Each Other Even when it’s stressful figuring out how to be yourself and be part of a couple, remember to respect your spouse.

“We’re still two people, and we love each other,” Reyes says.

“We want to bring our best self to each other.”

That means you each can pursue your individual passions -- such as photography, cooking or biking -- while also spending quality time as a couple, for example, listening to music, going on hikes together and enjoying date nights whenever possible.

“Check in with each other, and make plans and decisions based on that,” Reyes says.

Enjoy each other’s company, and trust that you always are working on ways to improve your communication and your relationship.

- Kristen Castillo Creators.com

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Capital Newspapers

Monday, January 21, 2013

SIMPLE SAVINGS

Easy ways to save -- and make -- extra money for the big day

A

ccording to Brides magazine, the average American wedding costs close to $27,000. That’s a hefty price tag when you’re just starting out as a couple. You’ll likely spend less on the down payment for your first home. some extra cash. Do you really your points for gift cards that

Even a small, simple ceremony can cost a few thousand dollars when you add up the dress, the reception hall and the food. Going into debt for a wedding just doesn’t make sense, so unless you’re getting loads of help from Mom and Dad, it’s time to start saving.

“After the wedding many life changes are right around the corner -- a new house, a mortgage, home improvements, moving, travel and often a new baby. Couples do not want to be saddled with debt for an event that is in the past,” says wedding consultant Emee Pumarega, an event planner and owner of EJP Events.

“The first year of marriage can be an adjustment all by itself, so the last thing you need is to stir in financial problems,” says Betsy Pruitt, a social and corporate events planner who opted for a cash-only wedding.

“My husband and I planned our wedding for $8,000, which is well under half the national average. We cashflowed the entire wedding by doing consulting work on the side and saving our tax returns that year. If we couldn’t pay for something in cash, it didn’t make it into the wedding ceremony,” Pruitt says.

Luckily, budget-minded brides and grooms can find plenty of small ways to save -- and make -- extra money in the months leading up to the nuptials, and all those small savings can really add up in just a few months.

1) Entertain at home. Instead of expensive restaurants, new releases at the theater and drinks at the club, opt to stay in for game nights with friends, BYOB wine tastings and Netflix movie marathons. Then shift those savings into the wedding fund.

2) Sell your stuff. From clothing and home goods to furniture and sports equipment, the resale market is booming, and couples combining households are in the perfect position to make

need two toasters, two couches and two copies of your favorite movies? Host a yard sale, post to Craigslist, auction it off on eBay or drop it off at your local consignment shop.

3) Make a donation. If tax time is near, consider donating duplicate household items to charity instead. There’s a good chance that the tax write-off for your charitable donations will put more money in your pocket than parting with your items at a yard sale.

4) If you receive an extra-large tax return this year, review the W-4 on file with your employer and adjust your withholding to put more cash in your paycheck -- just be sure you have enough taken from your check to cover the balance due next year.

5) Redeem rewards points.

From banks and credit cards to supermarkets, gas stations and utility companies, loyalty rewards programs are everywhere you look. If haven’t signed up at the places you frequent most, now is the time - and if you have signed up, now is the time to cash in. Redeem

you can use to help pay for the wedding or cash them in for savings on the items you buy most like gas and groceries.

6) Cash in on unused gift cards. Whether you spend them on items for the wedding or trade them for cash on sites like PlasticJungle. com, those unused gift cards are money in the bank.

7) Collect your change. A big coin jar on the counter can be a surprisingly simple and effective way to save for the big day.

Leave the debit card at home and spend cash instead, but only bills. After each purchase, stash the change. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it adds up. When it’s time to cash in, take it to the bank to avoid the fees at self-service kiosks.

8) Stretch it out. When all else fails, extend the engagement.

The longer the engagement the longer you have to save -- and the longer you have to find some great deals to make your savings go further.

- Chandra Orr Creators.com

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Capital Newspapers

Monday, January 21, 2013

PINTEREST + WEDDINGS What’s a girl to do with all of those photos?

I

t should be known upfront that though I do have a boyfriend, I am nowhere near getting a ring, buying a dress and planning what decades of advertising have told me will be the biggest day of my life. Don’t get me wrong; I have every good intention of doing all of those things and honestly, the sooner the better (hint, hint to a certain someone). While I draw the line at no dress shopping until I have a sparkle on my finger, the lack of bling doesn’t stop me from looking and pinning. Pinning on Pinterest, that is.

And I’m not alone.

For anyone who has ever been on the image-sharing site, Pinterest seems like it was made for women planning weddings, whether they are getting married or not.

According to Modea, a digital ad agency, 68 percent of Pinterest’s users are female, and of those women, about 28 percent are in the age bracket of 25-34 years old (see: me).

What all of these numbers translate to are a lot of women who are in the “marrying” age with millions upon millions of photos of DIY centerpieces, perfect proposals and stunning dresses literally a click away.

How many women, exactly?

According to a Pinterest spokesperson, “We don’t have an official count for weddingrelated boards, but it’s safely in the order of tens of thousands, if not more.” The company doesn’t share data related to pins, boards or categories.

Instead, I turned to a company who interacts with Pinterest on a daily basis. Paper Moon Weddings is an online wedding magazine, one I’m guilty of following on Pinterest because their pins are prolific and suit my taste for a subdued and natural-feeling celebration.

Rebecca J. Hodges, the creative director, told me that Pinterest has changed their world because their ideas and photos can go viral in minutes at the sound of a pin. “Because of

the creative generation coming behind us with technology at their fingertips, more and more crafters are sharing their ideas,” she says.

What I was most interested in, though, was what type of weddings might be crafted out of Pinterest boards. If one was to look at the 100 pins on my “Wedding Partay” board, you would think I loved typography (which I do), want a wedding cake that is made to look like a tree (preferably an aspen) and am undecided on what my color scheme is going to be (too many choices). But through my pinning, I kept coming across some of the same bridesmaid dresses or mis-matching wedding bands -- everyone and their mom (who probably also has a wedding board) were pinning these photos. Does this lead to the creation of more “cookie cutter” weddings because a lot of today’s brides, and future brides, are using Pinterest as their inspiration?

Hodges set my mind at ease: “It’s hard to say ‘cookie cutter’ when brides are using circuses to inspire their day or if the ‘Great Gatsby’ is their greatest wedding dream.”

Hodges stressed that while Pinterest may make you feel like you have to make all of your guest favors and place settings, or make sure that you don’t copy the next bride, its main purpose is what it started out as: a visual representation of what we all like. “While many

brides want their wedding to look personal and DIY, they don’t necessarily want to ‘do-it-themselves.’ More than anything we are seeing more specialized vendors that make these unique projects for them,” Hodges says. “Pinterest feeds from these creative places.

If anything I would say that Pinterest is keeping up with the growing creative and visual needs of the wedding industry.”

In my experience of looking through wedding pins on Pinterest -- which, if anyone asks, I only do once a week -- I’ve learned that there are too many ideas out there to count.

And while I don’t need to copy the photos exactly, they at least get my mind thinking about

ways to incorporate Mason jars into my future wedding.

Hodges agrees with me, saying that Pinterest helps brides to organize their ideas in order to show their vendors what exactly they’re looking for. “Verbally communicating creative ideas can be tricky if you have never done it before,” she says. That’s where Pinterest comes in handy.

So, girls, don’t be ashamed if you have a wedding board and no ring. Don’t even be ashamed if you have a wedding board and no man. I’m almost positive that you will thank yourself later for having pinned that photo of the perfect centerpiece.

- Anica Wong Creators.com

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28

Capital Newspapers

Monday, January 21, 2013

SMILE TIME

The importance of shooting engagement photos

M

ost couples hire a wedding photographer to shoot their wedding, but not every couple hires a professional photographer to shoot engagement photos. If that’s you, you might want to reconsider your decision.

“For couples who care about photography and want to look natural on their wedding day, the engagement session is the best way to get eased into being photographed and to establish a connection with the photographer,” says photographer Mike Peyzner of Choco Studio. “It’s a chance for us to get to know the couple and the dynamics between them and capture their special bond and unique characters with more ease.”

Photographer Ben Evans of Photo Images by Ben agrees, saying, “When I photograph a wedding, I tell a complete story, and without engagement photos, a chapter in their story is missing.”

Shooting engagement photos is also an opportunity for you to get to know how your photographer works.

“Getting to work with them before the big day builds confidence and releases a lot of pressure,” says Sofia Negron of Sofia Negron Photography, who finds that couples wonder

how they’ll look in photos.

“This way, all those anxieties are swept away, because if your engagement photos look good, then your wedding photos will. It also allows everyone else to relax.”

Getting Comfortable Did you ever pose for a photo and feel stiff?

That’s because you’re not comfortable in the moment.

“Portraits look much better when we feel at ease,” says Peyzner. “The engagement session helps change the relationship between the engaged couple and the photographer from that of strangers and turn it into a friendly rapport where everyone feels more comfortable to express themselves.”

The e-session, as it’s known in the wedding world, can also be an advantage for the photographer.

“The engagement session is also a way for the photographer to know what to expect,” explains Negron, noting the

photographer can figure out the couple’s best angles, photo preferences and personalities during the engagement shoot.

It’s important to be happy at the end of the e-session. “If you feel like you have just spent the whole day with your BFF, then the wedding day will be perfect,” says Negron.

Ideal Locations You probably know where you want to shoot your wedding photos, but what about your engagement photos?

Evans prefers outdoor settings with natural lighting. “Great locations for these types of photos are a local park, near a lake, tree, water fountain, monument, historic house or one’s very own backyard,” he says. “The possibilities are endless, and if the couple own a pet, include it in some of the photos with you.”

While nature settings are popular, so are urban shoots, like those in the middle of the city.

“Urban settings can be really fun to work with because the shoots tend to be more spontaneous and offer more diversity in terms of settings, but the photography will be less emotional and more editorial,” says Peyzner.

You can also shoot your e-session images at various locations.

“The engagement session is also a great way to capture things that are special to you as a couple but that you may not

have time for on the wedding day,” says Negron, who often has shoots at two or three locations that are meaningful to the bride and groom.

One thing to avoid? Shooting engagement photos in front of a landmark, such as the Golden Gate Bridge. “The point is to capture the connection you have with each other,” says Peyzner.

When To Shoot Engagement Photos If you decide to shoot engagement photos, don’t wait too long.

“Typically, most couples I have photographed schedule their engagement photo session six months before their wedding day, and consideration should always be given to the weather,” says Evans, who explains it’s not a good idea to shoot photos in extreme heat or cold because you won’t be comfortable.

When you shoot engagement images early, rather than late, you can use the photos for wedding-related items like save-the-dates, your wedding website and engagement notices in your local newspaper.

You can dress and look any way you want for your engagement photos. Some couples like dressing up, while others keep things casual. You can even get professional hairstyling and makeup. Whatever you choose, just be comfortable in front of the camera and have fun!

- Kristen Castillo Creators.com

Capital Newspapers

Monday, January 21, 2013

29

“Portraits look much better when we feel at ease,”

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Capital Newspapers

Monday, January 21, 2013

CELLPHONE CAMERA WEDDING PHOTOS Yea or nay?

W

hen Margaret Miller’s son, Evan, married his bride, Noelle, many guests were snapping photos on cellphones.

At first, the mother of the groom wasn’t sure what to think. “I had mixed feelings about people holding up their cellphones as the bride came down the stairs with her father,” she says.

However, she soon realized “the paid photographer can’t be everywhere at all times,” so it made sense for wedding guests to capture wedding day images from a variety of angles and locations.

While the couple hired professional photographers to cover the ceremony and reception, the groom, who is also a professional photographer, approves of the cellphone camera wedding photos.

“They loved the cellphone photos and both the mother of the bride and I included many of them in our albums,” says Margaret Miller, who notes wedding guests also posted the

photos to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Pros and Cons “I love cellphone photos when they don’t interfere with the hired photographer and when they’re not the only source of images you have for your big day,” says Rebekah Carey McNall, a wedding designer/stylist and owner of A & B Creative.

One bonus for the bride and groom? “Couples love to see photos from their wedding and while professional photographers need time to edit their photos, you can get instant gratification from cellphone photos,” says McNall.

Professional wedding photographer Ashley Jones of Shutter Sweet Photography thinks a few photos taken with a cellphone are fine but that it’s not great for capturing the whole wedding.

Jones says cellphone cameras are “easy, silent, quick to post online and extremely portable,” but she also mentions they “can’t compare to top of the line DSLR’s as far as quality is concerned,” and they don’t offer much control over settings like shutter speed or focusing.

According to Jones, there are some benefits to the photos from cellphones: “I took a photo of a bride walking down the aisle with her dad and posted it to Facebook so her friends who couldn’t attend the wedding could see it immediately,” she says.

“There were tons of congrats messages and ‘likes’ right away.

“However, the photos I took with my 5D MKIII are much better quality, have better lighting due to the flash sync with speedlights and will look much better blown up for prints, canvases or even large albums.”

Hiring a Professional Photographer Experts agree couples shouldn’t rely on cellphone photos to capture the whole wedding.

“Any time you can afford to hire a professional for any aspect of your wedding, you should,” says McNall.

Jones agrees, explaining “most photographers are trained to handle various lighting scenarios, posing techniques to best flatter your figure, composition and other elements of a photograph besides the actual quality of the image itself.”

Social Sharing Guests, and often the bride and groom, love posting cellphone camera photos on social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Flickr and other blogs.

“Sharing of photos has always happened, but now with social media, it’s just more immediate,” explains event planner Maxine Andrew of Instead of You! Jones says many of her photography clients “share” photos online, such as the Instagram photos and sneakpeak images she shoots.

Still, not all couples want guests using cellphones to shoot and share wedding photos.

“Weddings, especially the ceremony, are an incredibly intimate time and not every couple wants one of their most intimate moments shared with people they don’t know online,” says McNall.

“One way to avoid this is to put a special note into the program asking guests not to use their cellphones during the ceremony but to feel free to during the reception.”

Trendy or Timeless?

So, are cellphone photos a trend or the real deal?

“Camera phones are here to stay,” says Miller. “The quality is so good and they are so small and portable that it doesn’t make sense for people not to use them.”

Still, many professional photographers, including Jones, think cellphone cameras are for shooting everyday images, not weddings.

“Weddings are too special to risk not getting great images for most brides. And even though the iPhone 5 has made some great improvements with low-light scenarios and quality of images for a phone, it still can’t come close to the pro-level DSLRs right now,” she explains.

- Kristen Castillo Creators.com

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