Inside Pennsylvania Weddings 2023

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Clever takes on the old tradition | insidepaweddings.com Love Stronger Than a Storm Wedding Timeline Guide Keep It Cheesy Merging Finances After the Wedding The Rise of Gourme t Food Trucks Throwing Traditions to the Wayside Choosing a DJ inside PA
inside pa magazine staff Lori Seebold Advertising Director Amber Hawke Layout/Design Bruce Burkhart Digital Content Coordinator Cindy O. Herman Writer/Contributor inside pa: Office (570) 988-5364 Advertising Sales (570) 286-3952 Subscriptions: (570) 988-5464 Fred Scheller Publisher Weddings Inside PA is published yearly at 200 Market St., Sunbury, PA 17801. Weddings Inside PA and Inside PA Magazine (ISSN 19354738, publishes 6 issues, yearly) are not responsible for unsolicited submissions. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner, without permission, is prohibited. Copyright 2009 by Community News Group LLC. All rights reserved. Single issue: $5.00. Subscription: $23.70 annually (U.S. only). POSTMASTER: Send address change to Inside PA magazine, 200 Market St., Sunbury, PA 17801. Advertising rates and specifications available online at InsidePaMagazine.com. Inside PA was founded March 2007. A publication of The Daily Item, a member of Community News Group LLC. 03 Wedding Timeline Guide 04 Our Cover Contest Winners: Love Stronger Than a Storm 06 Merging Finances After The Wedding 08 Thank You Card Etiquette 10 Keep It Cheesy 12 The Rise of Gourmet Food Trucks 13 Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations & Tips 14 Throwing Traditions To The Wayside 16 Honorable Mention Cover Contest Photos Contents 19 Choosing a DJ

A WeddingTimeline Guide

Wedding planning involves many moveable pieces that ultimately need to come together on the big day. Planning is typically a monthslong process, and adhering to certain monthly benchmarks can help couples stay the course. Here is a 12-month timeline for couples getting ready to say "I do."

12 Months Out

- establish your budget

- hire a wedding planner (optional)

- choose the wedding party

- pick a date

- start to assemble a guest list

- begin touring venues to get a feel for potential ceremony and reception locales

- hire a DJ/band

11 Months Out

- start picking wedding colors and overall design

- interview and hire photographers & videographers

10 Months Out

- start shopping for your wedding gown

- start shopping for wedding party attire

- book the wedding venue

8 Months Out

- set your menu (will you host a seated dinner, a buffet or something else?)

- finalize the guest list

- send save-the-date cards out

6 Months Out

- meet with potential florists, transportation companies, and hotels to secure arrangements

- if religious, check with your place of worship to see if they require certain classes or preparatory meetings

- if not religious, hire an officiant, see what they require

- meet with makeup and hair stylist and book a trial

- choose attire for groomsmen and give them a deadline for fittings and orders

4 Months Out

- get any honeymoon travel plans in order (especially if you need to get passports)

- book cake tastings and order the cake (if not part of your venue package)

- order wedding invitations

2 Months Out

- secure your wedding license

- buy wedding party gifts

- address and mail the wedding invitations

- have a 2nd gown fitting and schedule a final fitting date just before the wedding

- finalize any song selections with the DJ/band

In the Last Weeks Before the Wedding

- buy all the small accessories and items

- undergo final fittings

- check in with all vendors for final payments and to ensure they are on schedule

- notify the reception hall of final guest count

Once the wedding day arrives, couples who have done their best to stay on schedule can relax and have a great time with family and friends. Cheers!

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Love Stronger Than a Storm

Morgan and Wyatt Knepp’s October wedding could have been defined by the cold, pounding rain of Hurricane Ian. Fortunately, the couple’s love and the love of their families proved strong enough to reduce the storm’s effects to a simple inconvenience.

Morgan, a physician assistant for Beacon Light Behavioral Health System, in McClure, and Wyatt, a biologist for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, had known each other for years but started dating after meeting more officially through mutual friends one night at the Country Tavern, in Middleburg.

They became engaged while visiting Morgan’s brother and sister-in-law in Myrtle Beach, where a small crowd gathered and cheered them on. About six months later, they were ready for their wedding at the home of Morgan’s mother and step-father, Annette and Lynn Kuhns, in McClure.

“We had to last-minute change a lot of things because we were blessed with Hurricane Ian that day, and we were planning on everything being outside in front of the pond,” Morgan said. “So we had pouring-down rain and 55-degree weather.”

“It was a hundred percent chance of rain all day, and we knew it was going to be cold,” Wyatt said. “We got stand-up heaters for the tent. It worked out.”

Morgan’s mother attached sides to the tent, which became the site of the wedding ceremony, performed by Wyatt’s uncle, Kraig Kahley. Noting that tradition declares

rain on a wedding day lucky, Morgan quipped, “A hurricane must be the best of luck.”

The worst problem Hurricane Ian caused was that Morgan’s aunt and Nana were stranded in Florida.

“We took a picture with the two of us and we had them on FaceTime, so we could get a photo,” Morgan said. “Other than that, I think it went pretty well.”

The couple had written their own vows, and during a break in the rain right before the ceremony, they sat in front of a wildflower patch Morgan’s mother had planted and pledged their love privately.

“I loved that,” Morgan said. “Nobody else got to hear them. And it was funny because a lot of the things we wrote were very similar. I thought that was neat. And honestly, looking back, I’m glad we did that because it took away a lot of nerves. I felt much more relaxed then going into the ceremony.”

It also secluded them during the most intimate part of the ceremony.

“I was a little emotional,” Morgan said. “I don’t know that I would have been able to read them in front of everybody.”

“I was fine when I read mine,” Wyatt said. “When she read hers, then I cried.”

Right as the vows ended, it started to rain again.

Wyatt entered the ceremony proudly accompanied by his Labradoodle, Hutson.

“He walked with me down the aisle then he sat there for the ceremony,” Wyatt said, adding that one of the

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OUR COVER CONTEST WINNERS:
Morgan and Wyatt Knepp’s plans to be married in front of a pond were dashed by Hurricane Ian last year, but the couple still had a beautiful, memorable day.

groomsmen kept some dog treats handy.

The eight bridesmaids wore dresses in shades of mauve, tan, burgundy and rust, from Birdy Grey, and the eight groomsmen wore dark khakis, white shirts, suspenders and ties color-matched to their partner’s bridesmaid gown. Wyatt wore a blue jacket and burgundy tie.

Morgan’s wedding gown was actually a jumpsuit –she loves them – which she bought at David’s Bridal, in Harrisburg. She had a detachable skirt designed by Lyuda Vulfert Fashion Design Studio, of Bloomsburg.

“So it looked like I was wearing a dress,” she said, “but then after the ceremony I unhooked that and had the pantsuit on.”

The reception started with Morgan and Wyatt’s first dance, “Another,” by Adam Doleac. That was followed by dances with parents, photos, speeches, food and lots of dancing to the music of local rock band Route 15.

“They’re incredible. They were awesome,” Morgan said.

“Wyatt’s one request was all live music.”

“And everyone loved it,” Wyatt said. “Everyone was out and dancing and had a ball.”

In fact, the couple agreed the only change they wish they could have made was the weather – it would have been nice to have the ceremony outside in front of that pond.

“You can’t control the weather, but other than that I don’t think I’d really change anything,” Morgan said. “I’d do it a million times over.”

“We had to last-minute change a lot of things because we were blessed with Hurricane Ian that day, and we were planning on everything being outside in front of the pond,” Morgan said. “So we had pouring-down rain and 55-degree weather.”

Fast Facts on the Knepp Wedding

- Married on October 1, 2022

- Both graduated from Midd-West Area High School, Wyatt in 2006 and Morgan in 2014

- Morgan’s mother and stepfather: Annette and Lynn Kuhns. Her father: Russell Goodling

- Wyatt’s parents: Steve and Krystal Knepp

- Wedding Photos: Jamie Lee Photography (Mifflintown)

- Caterer: Airy Dale Market (Beaver Springs)

- Soloist: Samantha Stancavage (Shamokin)

“She actually just graduated high school,” Morgan said. “She’s incredible.”

- Music: Route 15 band

- Flowers: Hilly Springs Flower Farm (Beaver Springs)

“She did an incredible job,” Morgan said. “I showed her a Pinterest picture of a bouquet, and I know a lot of times you don’t get exactly that. My bouquet looked so much better than the Pinterest one. She did an amazing job.”

- Cake: Shine Coffee Company (Liverpool)

Morgan and Wyatt actually had a layered, chocolate chip cookie cake “because I am not a huge cake person to begin with,” Morgan said with a laugh, “but I can eat cookies whenever.”

- Honeymoon: Jamaica (a few months after the wedding)

Wedding Advice from The Knepps

“Hire a planner,” Morgan said. “It would have been nice at least the day of, having someone just to make sure everything was running smoothly.”

And they always recommend a live band.

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Morgan and Wyatt Knepp on their wedding day with their Labradoodle, Hutson.

Finances Merging After the Wedding

Start the Conversation Early

Couples can spend months or even years planning their wedding. While planning a wedding requires lots of hard work, couples may also want to give some thought to life beyond their wedding day.

One of the more important matters couples must consider is how to manage their finances once they tie the knot. Discussing money can be a tricky issue, particularly when couples have long been accustomed to handling their own accounts and being responsible for their own income and expenditures. Bringing another party into the equation can complicate matters, particularly when one spouse may not have the full picture of the other's spending and saving habits. In fact, the financial resource Bankrate.com says some of the most common financial problems newly married couples encounter include overspending and managing debt.

When deciding how to merge their finances, couples can experiment to see what works best for them. It may take some trial and error before couples find a solution that works for them, but it's important that couples keep the lines of communication open and express a willingness to compromise with regard to managing money. The following are some additional tips for couples who want to make the transition to sharing finances go as smoothly as possible.

According to a recent poll by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, more than two-thirds of engaged couples had negative attitudes about discussing money with their soon-to-be spouses, with 5 percent saying even having the conversation would cause them to call off the wedding. If money is causing this type of issue before the wedding, delaying the conversation until after tying the knot can be a big mistake. It's better for couples to begin financial discussions and start brainstorming long-term goals and plans as soon as they get engaged. Don't hide negative financial information from a prospective spouse. Being open and honest - even though it can be challenging - is the best way to proceed.

Deal with Debt

Hiding debt is a big mistake. Discuss debt early on and come up with a way to pay it off together. The experts say, like it or not, once you're married, your spouse's debts become your problem. His or her credit score can impact your ability to get credit as a couple. It's best to handle debt efficiently regardless of who is responsible for the debt.

Decide Who the Money Manager Will Be

One person may be better or more organized when it comes to paying bills. Whether you keep separate accounts or combine them, it is easier for one person to take the lead and manage the finances from month to

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month. Money can funnel into a joint account specifically established to pay bills. Decide who will be the point person. This can always be changed later.

Develop a Joint Budget

Not only do finances need to be merged, but so, too, do lifestyles. Couples must be on the same page regarding their spending habits and keep luxury or personal expenditures in check. Work out a budget and savings plan together. Managing finances is a conversation that newlyweds need to have as soon as possible.

"More than two-thirds of engaged couples had negative attitudes about discussing money with their soon-to-be spouses, with 5% saying even having the conversation would cause them to call off the wedding."

There's an App for That!

If you need some help balancing your checkbook on your newly merged accounts or are looking to create an investment strategy for the future, as with most everything else, there's an app for that!

In fact, there are so many smartphone applications designed to help you track finances and your portfolio that it can become overwhelming. Here's a look at some of the most popular apps.

Mint

Designed by the creators of TurboTax and Quicken, Mint creates a personal budget based on your data. Sync your financial accounts, and Mint will offer customized tips to reduce spending. Easy-to-read graphs and charts help you track everything. Mint automatically sets up categories, but there are unlimited choices to personalize any budget. The downside: Like others including Goodbudget, Mint might not be ideal for someone looking to track more handson, since it tracks your spending after the fact rather than helping you plan ahead.

Acorns

Think of this app as the modern-day version of that jar of loose change everyone used to have. Acorns allows its users to round up on any purchase to the next highest dollar amount, then invest this additional money in a customized portfolio. Many investors are pleasantly surprised at how quickly these pennies turn into a real investment. You can also earn cash-back benefits at select retailers - a smart way to save. The downside: Acorns charges small fees and that can erase any returns if your balance is low enough.

YNAB

Those looking for a more hands-on budgeting experience might consider YNAB, which is designed to help you

plan rather than track past financial decisions. YNAB is an acronym for You Need a Budget, which is fitting. You'll follow a zero-based plan where every dollar is accounted for, based on information you provide about expenses, savings and goals. The downside: By design, YNAB requires a commitment to personal financial planning, but the idea of becoming more intentional with spending can help solve some users' cash woes.

Personal Capital

This wealth and spending tracker is primarily for investments, but the app also includes budgeting features to help control spending. Personal Capital connects to savings, checking and credit cards, along with all relevant accounts like 401(k), IRAs, loans and mortgages, then provides a helpful all-encompassing breakdown of your portfolio. You'll also get a snapshot of your monthly spending by category. The downside: With its focus on investments, Personal Capital might have features that would go unused by those simply focused on budgeting.

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Thank You Card Etiquette

Receiving wedding gifts is an added joy of getting married. Writing thank-you notes for each of these gifts, however, can be a challenge. This is especially true if you receive a large number of gifts. Not to worry, with this simple guide, your thank yous will be thoughtfully written and in the mail in no time. These traditions can add some creative flair and personality.

Who to Thank

Everyone who has given you a gift should receive your thanks. Be sure to add anyone who helped in planning, organizing and decorating or ran errands on your behalf. Your wedding would not have been what it was without help. Start by making a list. This will ensure you don't forget anyone and makes it easy to cross off each name as cards are written.

When to Send

For every gift you receive before your big day, you have a couple of weeks to post a thank you note. For every gift received at or after your wedding, you generally have a few months. This is not to say you should wait until the end of the etiquette deadline. Try to send your thank-you notes out as quickly as possible - ideally within the first few weeks after you return from your honeymoon.

What to Say

As a culture, we have always struggled with the best way to say, "thank you." The best way to pen a mass quantity of thank-you notes is to stick with a simple formula, with a touch of personalization.

Start with a simple greeting: "Dear __________________,"

Then express your gratitude: "Thank you so much for the ________________________,"

Next, mention the gift by name and add a personal detail. This could be how you plan on using or displaying the gift. If the person has given money, describe how you plan to spend it. Follow up this sentence by stating when you hope to see the person again, what the person means to you, or just that you're thinking of them. Finally, end with your regards.

Make it Fun

Make it an "event." Put on some fun music, pour your favorite drink, pick up your favorite pen and get your thanks on!

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Keep it and your reception will be as GOUDA as it gets!

Cheese is definitely having a moment. Put this trend front and center at your reception with these ideas.

Grilled Cheese Bar

Talk to your caterers about a custom grilled cheese bar with different flavors of breads, spreads and cheeses. Choose melty cheeses like nutty Gruyere, sharp cheddar and gooey fontina. Next, consider the bread. Think sourdough, rye and other easily sliceable breads. You can also add a variety of fruits - apple is a great choice - herbs, aromatics - like sprigs of rosemary, bunches of fresh velvety sage or thyme, scattered peppercorns, etc. - veggies and more.

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Macaroni & Cheese Bar

Similarly to the grilled cheese bar, this station combines different cheese sauces with your guests' choices of pasta and toppings. Pasta shapes to look at include macaroni, cavatappi, rotini or penne. Sauces can include a creamy alfredo, classic cheddar, Swiss and Gruyere, or blue cheese. For toppings, think about crispy bacon or pancetta, French fried onions, cool diced tomatoes - or adversely - stewed tomatoes, steamed broccoli, spicy jalapenos, various hot sauces, and chopped herbs.

A Literal Cheese Cake

Instead of a multi-tiered confectionary glory of a wedding cake, consider stacking up wheels and servings of cheese for an eye-catching and delicious wedding cake alternative. Garnish with fresh fruits and flowers. This is a great idea if either the bride or groom is glutenfree or low carb. Note: Make sure you precut your cake; those wheels can be really tough to cut.

Charcuterie Boards

Serve charcuterie boards or spreads at each table or at a giant table so guests can help themselves. Charcuterie is a French word that refers to a type of food preparation that focuses on prepared meats like bacon, ham, sausages, confit and more. These meats are often paired with complimentary cheeses, fruits, jams and more, on gorgeous boards for guests to enjoy.

Wine & Cheese

If your event space allows, consider hiring a sommelier for the evening to pair wines and cheeses for your guests to sample and enjoy.

Fondue

Although there are several variations, the word fondue primarily refers to a dish consisting of melted cheeses combined with wine, cognac or brandy. It's served communally, from a ceramic pot containing the cheese warmed from below to keep it melted, and enjoyed by dipping chunks of bread at the ends of long forks into the cheese and then eating them. Can you really go wrong dipping anything in cheese? From pretzels to tortillas to crackers to fruit and veggies and beyond, it really is "all good."

Favors

Pack up tiny bottles of your favorite vintages and mini wheels of cheese or little bags of cheese curds for your guests to take home. Or, if you prefer, pair up cheese and pretzels with different kinds of beer.

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The Rise of Gourmet Food Trucks

Gourmet food trucks are popping up at weddings at an incredible pace. Baked chicken and roasts are being shoved to the side in favor of barbecue, zesty tacos and sushi. Food trucks not only add diversity to your rehearsal dinner, reception or afterparty, they provide a certain novelty and flair that will leave your guests talking about your wedding for years to come.

Think About the Logistics

First things first, can your food truck actually access your wedding? This might sound like a no-brainer but with all the excitement of your wedding planning, it’s the technical bits that get lost in all the noise. Most of the time, it won't be an issue, but make sure to check with your venue to see whether they have height restrictions, adequate space and even the correct power points so your supplier can get things cooking.

Guest-Centered Menus

One of the biggest benefits to having a food truck cater your wedding is menu diversity. Your guests can simply walk up to the truck and place a custom order. This turns the traditional one-size-fits-all wedding model on its head. Let your guests know prior to the party which company you plan on using. Doing so will allow them time to plan their order ahead of time, making for shorter lines and greater anticipation for your big day.

Spring & Fall are Best

Depending on the size of your guest list, your friends and family members will probably be standing in line for a while waiting to place their orders. That's why a seasonal spring or fall day may be the best option for hiring a food truck. Summer heat or icy winter air can take away from the enjoyment - no matter how great the food is. If your party is dampened by an uncharacteristically hot or cold day, be sure to have ice cream cones or hot chocolate available for your guests.

More Than One Truck?

The last thing you want is to see your guests waiting in line for hours. Food trucks can generally feed hundreds of people, just not in a short amount of time. If you have hundreds of guests coming to your reception or party, you may consider hiring two or even three trucks to keep up with demand. You could even bring in two different companies to give your guests even more options and convenience.

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Honeymoon Top Ten Honeymoon Destinations & Tips

CCouples have different ideas regarding what makes a great honeymoon destination. Some couples may want to spend their trips with toes in the sand as they relax on a secluded beach, while others might want to traverse rapids in a tandem kayak. There's simply no rules when it comes to choosing a honeymoon destination other than picking a place each person will enjoy. With that in mind, couples looking for inspiration can consider the 10 most popular honeymoon locales as determined by a recent survey from Expedia.com:

1. United Kingdom

Pick a passport-friendly destination. According to the U.S. State Department, many countries require that travelers have six months of validity remaining on their passports before they will issue a visa permitting them to enter. So couples should look at their passports to determine how long it is until the document expires. If the document expires within six months of their passport expiring, couples may not be able to enter the country they hope to visit. In such instances, couples should ensure they leave enough time to renew and receive their passports.

Utilize a travel agent. Couples tasked with planning a wedding already have a lot on their plate, so letting a travel agency take care of the honeymoon planning can ensure a memorable trip without requiring couples to do any legwork.

Purchase travel insurance. The need for travel insurance has never been more apparent than in the last few years. Since the pandemic began, air travel has been a somewhat risky proposition. According to Flightaware, the first six months of 2022 featured more domestic flight cancellations in the United States than the entire 2021 calendar year combined. International travel could prove an even riskier proposition. Though the potential for cancellation should not deter couples from traveling by air for their honeymoons, the sheer volume of cancellations underscores the importance of purchasing travel insurance. Before purchasing a travel insurance policy, couples are urged to read it in its entirety to ensure it provides the protection they're seeking.

7.

6.

5.

4. Florida

8.

10.

9. Iceland

Plan early. With so much other work to do involving a wedding, couples can be excused for putting a honeymoon on the back-burner. But planning early can make the trip much more enjoyable. The benefits to planning early include more flights to choose from, a wider selection of rooms/lodging options at your destination, and more time to budget for the trip.

Honeymoon planning can be made simpler with a few simple strategies that can also ensure couples enjoy the trip of their dreams.

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A multi-city train trip through various parts of England and Scotland was the most popular honeymoon trip in 2022. 2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates 3. Paris, France Los Angeles Madrid to Seville, Spain Rome, Naples / Amalfi Coast, Italy St. Lucia The Maldives

Throwing Old Traditions to the Wayside

- Birdseed

Tossing rice or other grains at the newlyweds is a tradition as old as the hills. Rice symbolizes fertility and prosperity. Tossing rice means you're blessing the couple with wishes of fruitfulness and wealth.

Through the Years

The ancient Celts threw rice, millet and other grains to appease their gods and ask for blessings on the newlyweds. Ancient Romans tossed wheat. In Morocco, they toss dried dates or figs. In India, it's a rain of flower petals. In more recent years, tossing rice has met with objections that the leftover grains can harm wildlife. The state of Connecticut even introduced a bill in 1985 to ban throwing rice to save birds. However, Audubon officials in the state never heard of rice killing birds and subsequent testing has shown it to be safe. Rice can be a slip hazard for your guests. So be sure someone is tasked with cleaning up after the rice is thrown in order to keep things picked up and safe.

Alternatives

There are several reasons why you want to skip the rice toss. It's just not done much anymore. Maybe you and your partner aren't planning to have children. Perhaps you'd like to avoid the safety hazards with rice or just want more options in general. Here are some alternatives to consider:

- Dried Flowers

- Herbs

- Flower Petals

Other Creative Options

You can also pass out small bells to have your guests ring or ribbons to wave. Another popular choice is to hand out small containers of bubble solution with wands and have your guest blow bubbles. Couples having evening ceremonies can find extra-long sparklers for their wedding party to hold while they walk through. Just be safe, if you choose this option.

Releasing Butterfl ies

Often thought of in terms of beauty and change, butterflies have always been a symbol of good luck. They also represent the metamorphosis involved in joining the lives of two people into one new life.

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What is Involved?

Fortunately, you don't have to catch your own butterflies. There are actually butterfly farmers who raise healthy butterflies specifically for releasing at weddings and other occasions. Generally, butterflies can be ordered online and are delivered in coolers to your door at a specified date. Despite their delicate appearance, butterflies require minimal care. They are cold-blooded creatures, so they go into a dormant state while being transported in the coolers. They will become activated again and ready to fly as they warm up. Complete care instructions will accompany your butterflies. Remember that butterflies must be released during daylight hours and in temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

How Many?

Many people are under the impression that more butterflies are better, but a mass of butterflies can actually be distracting and overwhelming. Another thing to consider is that butterflies don't necessarily just fly away. They tend to flit around the area and they will even land on guests. Typically, just a few will be enough to make a memorable statement at your wedding.

More Traditions To Choose From

A White Wedding Dress: Queen Victoria of England was the first royal influencer to wear a white wedding dress. Until that time, most royals wore heavy brocades. Queen Victoria who married her true love, Prince Albert in 1840, shocked English society by wearing a white lace gown. A white wedding dress is still the tradition in most American weddings, but wedding attire does vary among cultures. In Asian cultures, white is a color of mourning and red is considered lucky. This is the color of the Chinese Qipao, the traditional costume worn by Chinese brides. Red packets or envelopes of money are also the customary gift at an Asian wedding.

The Threshold Carry: Medieval Europe is the origin of this tradition. They said the bride loved her parents so much she did not want to leave them after the wedding ended.

The groom carrying her across the threshold was to get his bride home. The threshold carry today is more done for fun.

The Groom Not Seeing the Bride Before the Ceremony: This practice emerges from pre-18th century time, when pre-arranged marriages were commonplace. It was deemed "unlucky" for a bride and groom to see one another before the wedding. This was an attempt to keep the groom from backing out of the wedding upon seeing his unidentified bride-to-be prior to the ceremony.

Which Traditions Are Right For You?

I was shocked, during my own wedding, at how many people asked us if we were following this tradition, or that one. We opted not to save two pieces of wedding cake for a year, much to the horror of my new mother-inlaw, but we did opt to do the "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue" tradition. Maybe you're not a champagne person and opt for something different, or non-alcoholic, for the toast. All of this is just fine. Honestly, the best advice out there, is to have the kind of wedding you want. Don't let tradition rule, and go with your hearts. It's your big day. There are lots of options that can match your wedding theme, venue and personality. Get creative, and if you're throwing anything, make sure you're throwing a safe celebration that will be remembered forever.

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Choosing a DJ

From Adora Ackerman With An Elegant Production

Do they provide a written contract?

It is extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing. Ask for a written agreement, especially if you are paying an initial retainer or deposit. Ask if that deposit will be put toward your balance or not.

Do they have proof of liability insurance?

Responsible business owners carry liability insurance to protect their businesses and the consumer. Ask for proof of liability insurance. If they are a reputable DJ company they will have a Certificate of Liability.

Will they go over details and music ahead of time?

A versatile DJ is not only willing to listen to your suggestions, but be willing to assist you with the planning, coordinating, emceeing and playing your choice of music. A professional DJ will also understand that you may not want certain songs played. Communicate your musical preferences and entertainment needs clearly. They should be very willing to take the time and be available to fulfill your vision.

Do they use professional equipment?

Ask your prospective DJ for their equipment list and if unsure, check with a local music dealer to verify they are using professional-grade sound gear. Ask for pictures of what their setup looks like or ask to see it ahead of time. A picture of people having a good time is not good enough. Remember that professional equipment does not guarantee an entertainer's talent or service level, but is simply a tool for building an exceptional event & it should look good.

Do they provide backup equipment at my event?

It is also important to know if your DJ has a back-up plan

in case of illness or accident - who will be doing your event?

How much time do they allow for set-up?

Punctuality is a necessity! Your DJ should know exactly how long they will need to set up and travel so they are ready to start on time. Your entertainer should ideally be set up and in-place before your first guest walks through the door.

Will they be suitably dressed for our occasion?

Specify the type of apparel that your DJ is expected to wear. If you are having a themed event, make sure your entertainer is informed and willing to go along.

What is the best price?

The best price is not always the best deal, especially when planning a wedding or an event. DJ industry rates vary greatly for a typical 4-hour booking. Rates can be determined by the time of the year, day of the week, and location. Rates are based on talent, experience, service, coordination, equipment needs, business expenses, musical knowledge, and personality. A professional fullservice DJ company normally invests 20 to 30 hours on your special event. Consultations, music purchasing and editing, preparation, set-up and teardown, education and other business-related endeavors all add up to the overall success of your special occasion.

When should you book?

Depending on the time of year and how popular the date of your event is, you should book no later than one year in advance. Locking your date in can also save you money, because pricing always increases, so you can get this year’s pricing for your date two years down the road. The earlier you book, the better!

Inside PA | June 2023 www.insidepaweddings.com 18
Advice from AN EXPERT
June 2023 | Inside PA 19 www. E legant .com Planning,DJ,Lighting,Photo/ VideoBooth www.facebook.com/AnElegantProduction/ 610.554.4958 g, , g g, Curtis &Adora “Adora, Thankyousomuchforthe wonderful jobyou didatour wedding! The music, lights, it wasall perfect.I’msoglad youwereinchargeofour timeline andwhen thingsneeded to bedone.Itdefinitelyallowed us to relaxand just enjoyour reception, andfor that Iamtruly thankful. Thanksagain formakingour specialday so funand memorable.” –M &S Adora
Inside PA | June 2023 www.insidepaweddings.com 20 Withbreathtakingviews andanopportunity fora curated weddingjust for you. Our teamisdedicated to making yourspecial daymemorableand firstclass. TheSusquehanna ValleyC.C.offersindoor andoutdoor weddings, ballroomand cocktail hourloungeareas. Ample opportunities foranall inclusive rehearsaldinner, weddinganddayaf ter par ty brunch. Contactus at: events@golfsvcc.com. Susquehanna ValleyCountryClub OneCountryClubDrive Hummels Wharf,PA17831 570.743.1714•GolfSVCC.com SusquehannaValleyCC Nowofferingspecialty rentals fromGHR Rental Boutique. Checkoutourinventory at www.ghrrentalboutique.com

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