Bride & Groom Spring 2014

Dallas/Fort Worth Bride & Groom Spring 2014 Wedding Planner Volume XXIV, Number 2 WWW.BRIDEANDGROOM.COM

Zelda gown David Tutera for Mon Cheri

Spring 2014 $4.25

Display Until June Visit us online at www.brideandgroom.com

Chic Jewelry, Limo Guide, Expert Advice

Top Local Wedding & Reception Venues

Real Weddings

Gorgeous New Gowns

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cover Photo by Lydia Royce Photography www.lydiaroyce.com

Directory of Wedding Professionals ur

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Tell all your wedding specialists you saw them here in Bride & Groom Magazine!

Beauty/Spa/fi ness Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa 972.386.0306, 1.800.444.5187; Dallas

new home/go met cooking Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano

Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano

Party Rentals Taylor’s Rentals 817.332.5258; Fort Worth

Bridal registry

Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano Bridal Salons

Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano Bridal Showers & Bridal Luncheons Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian

Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie

Fleur de Lis Bridal Show 817.232.3444; DFW Great Bridal Expo 800.422.3976; DFW

Soiree Boutique Bridal Shows 866.242.8078; DFW catering

Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano Entertainment Stradivarius String Quartet 972.949.4111; DFW financial services

Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano florists

Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano gift registries

Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano Guest Accommodations Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa 972.386.0306, 1.800.444.5187; Dallas Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Richardson 972.792.9393; Richardson

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Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland

Della gown David Tutera for Mon Cheri

The Springs Events, Hidden Springs 940.435.4034; Aubrey, TX

Quinceañeras, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs Champion Limo 844.GO.CHAMP; DFW

The Springs Events, Poetry Springs 972.210.9250; Poetry, TX

Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne

Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville

WildHorse Grill at Robson Ranch 940.246.1080; Denton

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Richardson 972.792.9393; Richardson

Transportation Champion Limo 844.GO.CHAMP; DFW

Irving Convention Center 972.252.7476; Irving

Wedding & Event planners En Pointe Weddings & Events 817.909.2036; DFW

Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian

Salli G Wedding & Special Event Consultant 972.233.0976.; DFW

Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano

Wrapped Around You Wedding & Event Planners 214.543.6739; DFW

Taylor’s Rentals 817.332.5258; Fort Worth

Wedding Venues Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne

The Springs Events, Heritage Springs 469.400.8960; Anna, TX

Posh Bridal Shows 469.554.8803; DFW

Maple Manor Hotel 214.871.0032; Dallas

The Springs Events, Heritage Springs 469.400.8960; Anna, TX

Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland

Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano

Bridal Shows Bridal Shows, Inc. 972.713.9920; DFW

Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano

invitations/pape goods Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano

jewelers Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano

Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa 972.386.0306, 1.800.444.5187; Dallas

The Springs Events, Hidden Springs 940.435.4034; Aubrey, TX

Farmers Branch Historical Park 972.406.0184; Farmers Branch

The Springs Events, Poetry Springs 972.210.9250; Poetry, TX

Green Oaks Wedding Chapel metro 817.572.4300; Arlington

Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville

WildHorse Grill at Robson Ranch 940.246.1080; Denton Reception & Rehearsal Dinner Sites Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa 972.386.0306, 1.800.444.5187; Dallas Farmers Branch Historical Park 972.406.0184; Farmers Branch Green Oaks Wedding Chapel metro 817.572.4300; Arlington Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Richardson 972.792.9393; Richardson Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland Irving Convention Center 972.252.7476; Irving Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano Maple Manor Hotel 214.871.0032; Dallas Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian Old Warsaw Restaurant 214.528.0032; Uptown Dallas

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Richardson 972.792.9393; Richardson Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland Irving Convention Center 972.252.7476; Irving Maple Manor Hotel 214.871.0032; Dallas Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano The Springs Events, Heritage Springs 469.400.8960; Anna, TX The Springs Events, Hidden Springs 940.435.4034; Aubrey, TX The Springs Events, Poetry Springs 972.210.9250; Poetry, TX Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie WildHorse Grill at Robson Ranch 940.246.1080; Denton

Begin your Happily Ever After at The Maple Manor Hotel

Photo by Tracy Autem

CEREMONIES | RECEPTIONS | REHEARSAL DINNERS | UP to 200 GUESTS

THEMAPLEMANORHOTEL.COM Inside our doorway awaits a romantic journey back to the elegant Victorian style of 1898 …outside our doorway is the vibrant Dallas Arts District, offering you the best of both worlds and the opportunity to treasure the most exclusive day of your life.

214-871-0032 | 2616 MAPLE AVENUE, UPTOWN DALLAS | MAPLEMANORHOTEL@YAHOO.COM

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Taylor’s Rentals Taylor's Rentals Fort Worth, 817.332.5258 Fort Worth, 817.332.5258

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Sophia Tolli wedding clutch handbags, with petal-like accents, in ivory and blue

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Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry, available at Bachendorf’s www.brideandgroom.com

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Judy Sindecuse Hayden

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J. A. Cox Gloria Gilpin Arline Hayden Debbie Hovis Saundra Lohr James Mach Naomi Mastrogiovanni Lucinda Rogers Dolores Sindecuse

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Mary Beth Fitzgerald 972.418.9570 (Direct) marybeth@brideandgroom.com

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Bride & Groom Magazine, Inc., P. O. Box 110918, Carrollton, Texas 75011 972.416.2090 or 1.800.723.8166. www.brideandgroom.com To order subscriptions or back issues, please mail a request stating which issue(s) you’d like, the address where the magazines are to be sent, and a check or money order for $6.50 per issue to cover the cost of the magazines, postage and handling.

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Copyright © 2014, Bride & Groom Magazine, Inc. Bride & Groom is a registered trademark of Bride & Groom Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts or art.

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Margie gown 4 www.brideandgroom.com David Tutera for Mon Cheri

The perfect place for your wedding wows.

(972) 252 7476 | irvingconventioncenter.com Adding a modern twist to a timeless tradition. Delight your guests from the moment they arrive.

An exceptionally well-appointed ballroom, outdoor terraces, conversational seating areas and the most refined finishes of any facility of its kind combine to make the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas one of the most visually stunning venues available. Whether it is a ceremony for 1,200 or an intimate rehearsal dinner for 50, our award-winning team of event professionals are eager to assure every detail of your special day unfolds perfectly.

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Spring 2014 March • April • May Scan this tag with your smart phone’s free Microsoft Tag app to go straight to Bride & Groom’s website!

8 with this ring 10 insider’s guide to choosing a limo 12 ask the experts 14 real weddings: nila & William 16 picture perfect 17 GETAWAY GIVEAWAY 18 real weddings: kasey & joey 21 CALENDAR OF Events

Cover Bride and groom: Natalie King and Creighton Buie Photo by: Lydia Royce Photography www.lydiaroyce.com

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22 real weddings: nima & koushal 24 How to Create Your Ideal Wedding Look 26 Things to do 28 members of the wedding 30 wedding wear 32 BEAUTIFUL BRIDES 33 Pampering PAckages 34 financial matters 36 Wedding Gown shopping 101 38 wedding Venues 46 show your healthy glow in your wedding photos 49 reception & REHEARSAL DINNER SITES 56 wedding EMERGENCY KIT 58 Guest Accommodations 60 flower power 62 wedding papers 63 Party Time 64 musical notes 66 INTRIGUING INVITATIONs 69 The Wedding Shop: A comprehensive guide to local wedding

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merchants, featuring detailed descriptions of what they can do for you.

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Directory of online advertisers Directory of wedding professionals

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With This Ring A wedding ring is an endless circle that traditionally represents the love that you, the bride and groom, have for each other. It is wise to make a careful selection of these immortal tokens of love.

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ince you are unique, your wedding rings should portray your uniqueness.

Choosing or designing your rings can be one of the most pleasurable experiences of your engagement. The variety of styles is endless. Many couples prefer to visit the jeweler together to learn about each others’ style preferences. Your jeweler can advise you on the style and design most becoming to your lifestyle and tastes.

Decide if you prefer a single wedding band, a wedding ring with a matching engagement ring, or an engagement ring with guard rings. Other decisions that will need to be made are what type, size and shape of gem you prefer; whether or not you would like smaller diamonds on your band to accentuate your main stone; and if you would like your fiancé’s ring to match.

After you have searched for the ultimate rings and have found them, congratulations! If you cannot find the perfect rings for you, then commission your jeweler to custom-design and create an original set of wedding rings for you. A custom jeweler can create magic by simply learning your preferences and designing your rings according to your liking. The jeweler will then hand-carve and create your perfect rings.

Diamonds are an important part of engagement and wedding rings. You need to know a few basic facts and standards for diamonds. The most widely accepted diamond-grading standards were established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and the basic concepts can be mastered by you with the help of your jeweler.

Diamond grading is divided into the Four C’s: Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color.

Carat refers to the weight of a diamond.

One carat weight is divided into 100 points

Ring by Whitney Stern Jewelry www.whitneystern.com

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of weight. A 25-point diamond can be referred to as a stone that weighs 0.25 carats.

Size is determined by the weight and is also a factor in the price of a diamond because the larger the diamond, and the heavier it is, the more rare the stone, and the more valuable it becomes.

Cut refers to the make and shape of your diamond. The make is the faceting or cutting of the diamond surface. Most round diamonds have 58 facets. A good cut, or make, allows for the maximum light reflection throughout the diamond. Some diamonds are cut shallow, some deep, while the superbly cut diamond achieves the most brilliance.

The shape of the diamond is also a part of the cut. The most common shapes include the round brilliant, marquis, pear, oval, heart, emerald, and baguette. Diamond shapes are not limited to these. Diamonds have been cut in the design of stars, flowers, trees, and even the state of Texas.

poor cut. The more informed you are about diamond basics, the better you can intelligently choose your diamond.

ALTERNATIVES TO THE DIAMOND Another idea to consider when discussing your rings is the use of alternative stones instead of a diamond. The main reason that diamonds are the choice of most couples can be attributed to the fact that diamonds are the hardest stone known to man, thus they are better able to withstand the stress of daily wear. A myth exists about diamonds that they cannot be chipped nor can they break. But beware ... it is a myth. A diamond, like all gemstones, must be properly cared for by you.

On a regular basis, preferably at least once every six months, ask your jeweler to clean and inspect your rings and stones so that you can maintain their glowing beauty. In between your visits to your jeweler, it does help to clean your wedding rings as often as you wish. Your jeweler can advise you as to the best way to clean your rings at home. The cleaner your rings are, the more they sparkle.

Colored gemstones, such as ruby and sapphire, have also been used throughout history as a wedding ring center stone or as an enhancement to the center diamond. For example, you may choose an intense blue sapphire as your center stone and encircle it with smaller diamonds.

After you receive your rings from your jeweler, you should check with your insurance agent as to how to insure your rings on your insurance policy. Inquire about an all-risk policy to fully insure your rings. Your insurance agent can give explanations and sug

A good cut allows for the maximum light reflection throughout the diamond. Some diamonds are cut shallow, some deep, while the superbly cut diamond achieves the most brilliance.

Clarity refers to the ability to see through a diamond, which is affected by internal identifying characteristics of flaws formed in nature in the diamond. The fewer and less visible the flaws, known as inclusions, the better and more valuable the diamond becomes. Diamonds are graded on 10X magnification under a microscope or jeweler’s loupe, with good lighting. It is important to examine your major diamond purchase under a microscope so that you can see the flaws, their sizes, and locations. Overall, the fewer the inclusions, the more brilliant and valuable the diamond.

Color as a grading defines diamond color very critically. The closer a diamond appears to colorless, the better the color grade. Color grading is done by comparing the diamond to a color test kit with stones graded by GIA. The lights used in this process are highly specialized.

All of the Four C’s affect the price of a diamond. For example, a diamond that weighs 1 carat, is VS1 clarity, G color and good cut will cost more than a diamond that weighs 1 carat, is SI1 clarity, K color and

gestions as to the best protection for you.

OTHER WEDDING JEWELRY Your jeweler can assist you with other wedding jewelry, such as cultured pearls.

This is a traditional wedding gift given by the groom to the bride to wear with her wedding gown. Pearls are an elegant jewelry gift and may be enjoyed for many occasions.

The bride may appropriately choose a set of cufflinks or button covers as her gift to her groom to wear with his formal attire at the wedding and for future occasions.

Your jeweler can guide you in making your choices.

Check with your jeweler for bridesmaids’ and groomsmen’s gift ideas and give a gift that will remind them of the special day they will share with you.

Choosing your wedding and engagement rings can be fun and exciting! With the professional guidance of your jeweler, your wedding rings will become cherished reminders of the love you share. •

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Insider’s Guide to Choosing a Limo Written by: First Class Limousine Service LLC www.limo1stclassnj.com

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magine on your special day, the limo is running about an hour late. Yikes!

And when it finally shows, you wish you could poke your head in the ground like an ostrich amidst your guests, hoping they don’t notice the baseball-sized dent on the left side and the multiple key scratches all along the other side of the old 1996 limo.

Finding the right limo company sure can be daunting. Do a simple Google search or flip through the good oldfashioned yellow pages, and you will be swimming in an ocean of limo companies. Fair warning: Not all are created equal! As an insider in the limo business for six years, we have composed this guide to walk you step by step through the process, to ensure a worry-free experience.

1. Go local. Like fruits and vegetables, go local. The more local the company, the better their rates will probably be. Look for a real physical address. Be aware that some limo companies try to post multiple listings in various cities to promote their listing.

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2. Raves and reviews. Life is not long enough to learn only from your mistakes, so learn from others. Turn to social media. Look for their Facebook page or their blog to size up their authenticity and popularity. The bigger their fan base, the more legit the company probably is. Be sure to skim over their general reviews and star ratings, which you can find on Yahoo Local.

3. A picture is worth a thousand words. Look for authentic photos. If you browse long enough, you will start seeing the exact same photo of an immaculate stretch Hummer on multiple limo websites. Some companies post photos of their customers on their Facebook page with the limo as the backdrop. A natural photo is much more representative of the limo that will be arriving, not the stock photos that are merely copied and pasted onto a site.

4. Southern hospitality. Call up a few companies and see who has the time and courtesy to answer your questions and walk you through the process. In addition, you need a reliable company

that always answers the phone, not one that goes to a personal mailbox.

5. Over-rated. When comparing rates, compare final totals. Some limo companies quote only base rates and tack on charges and hidden fees like no tomorrow after you reserve. Gratuity, STC surcharge, fuel charge, credit card processing fee, travel time or garage to garage are a few add-ons that can easily double the original figure.

6. Tricky terms. Make sure you read their Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policy carefully before signing anything. Most importantly, you want to make sure you have time to cancel, if needed, without losing a deposit.

7. Get it in writing. Most limo companies have caught up with technology and can e-mail you a confirmation where important trip and payment information are clearly communicated.

Double-check the dates, times, and addresses carefully to ensure your event goes as smoothly as planned. •

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Ask the Experts Got a question? Hear what the experts have to say!

How can I be sure there will be smooth transitions between music selections during the formal seatings at my wedding?

The most important thing is to make sure that the wedding coordinator communicates with the string quartet. If the coordinator gives a clear cue to the musicians when it is time to start the seatings, then sends each group down the aisle to the correct music selection, the quartet can easily time selections to end after the last person in each group has been seated.

Savannah Reppart Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa 972.386.0306 www.cooperhoteldallas.com

Could you describe your vision of a brunch wedding?

As more and more brides are straying away from traditional wedding trends to express themselves with a more creative wedding day, brunch weddings are becoming increasingly popular. Typically a Saturday or Sunday morning event that wraps up by the late afternoon, brunch weddings offer brides a more affordable, unique, and playful event. Brunch weddings also give the bride more options for dates and venues to choose from, compared to evenings, which tend to book up faster. Brunches also offer some amazing menu ideas, like including a gourmet coffee bar, an omelet station, a waffle bar, a variety of pastries, pancakes on a stick, or fruit kabobs, just to name a few!

Couples will also have a more flexible timeline since you are not losing daylight and you have the whole day ahead of you to mingle with guests, take photos, and of course dance the day away. This would be a more appealing idea for the brides who aren’t thrilled to be speeding the agenda up to finish at midnight. Please note, a brunch wedding may not be for every bride, but what we have learned is that it isn’t only for a laid-back bride, and just like any other wedding, you can have the event be as formal and as festive as you like.

Help! My fiancé was super excited about getting married when he proposed, but now he seems more interested in playing video games than helping me plan our big day. How can I get him more involved in the planning process?

I am going to answer this as clearly as possible. In most cases, the groom is not going to be as interested in the frilly details as the bride is. This is completely normal! If you were a guy, what would be fun about planning a wedding? Going to a cake tasting? Probably. Checking out the wedding band at a free VIP party? Sure. Talking to a linen specialist about eggplant crushed organza table overlays? That would be a big, fat NO. Involve the groom in the things that are important to him. If there are things that need to be taken care of that neither you nor he cares about, hire a planner to handle them. Don’t try to force him to be involved if he doesn’t want to—it will only cause friction.

photo by Absolute Photography

Photo by Jim Rode Photographer

Stradivarius String Quartet 972.949.4111 www.stradivariusmusic.com

Bethany Thomas, CWP En Pointe Weddings www.enpointeweddings.com

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I gave my caterer a headcount of 90 guests for my recent wedding reception. A week later, I received a bill from the caterer for an additional $500. We know we went over our count by 20 guests. Why would they serve more guests than I turned in my RSVP for, and am I obligated to pay the outstanding balance?

To answer your first question: the reason the caterer served all of your guests, even though your count was only for 90 people, was because they did not want to burden or embarrass you or the groom by stopping the serving line and requesting more money.

To answer your second question, yes, the caterer took care of your guests without hesitation, so they are owed the outstanding balance. Most caterers give a courtesy of 10%, which in your case, was meals for an extra nine guests, but that would have only brought your headcount to 99, still leaving 11 meals not paid for. Call your caterer to discuss a solution you can both agree on.

Photo by Legacy Images

Photo by Allen Fagen

How do we find a venue for our reception?

Before you find a reception venue, there are a few things to consider.

The first consideration is the location of your ceremony. Can you have the ceremony and reception at the same place? If not, what is the farthest distance that you would consider traveling between your ceremony location and a reception venue? Decide if you want a hotel, church, country club, or other wedding venue. Unique venues like a ranch, boat, or outdoors are also options to consider. Space is important, depending on the number of people you expect at the reception. Some venues already have a stage and dance floor. Others will require renting a stage, dance floor, and a lot more. Hotels may seem more expensive at first, but they can be cheaper in the long run.

Most hotels provide all you will need, including sleeping rooms for your guests. Some venues let you bring in your own food and beverage. If a venue has a bar license, they will charge you a corkage fee. The Salli G least expensive way for you to go is a church reception where you Wedding & Special Event Consultant 972.233.0976, www.salligevents.com bring your own food and beverage. Before making a decision, check all of the rules, including gratuity charges. Enjoy your day…and do not go into debt for your wedding.

Rochel Washington, CWC, and Denice Halstied Wrapped Around You Wedding & Event Planners 214.546.3345; www.wayevents.com

What are the advantages of hosting an event at a full-service catering venue?

A full-service catering venue allows the couple to have their cuisine, beverage, décor, and wait staff all in one place. Setup, linen, tables and chairs are all provided free of charge. A full-service venue has professionally trained staff that can assist with major and minor details, and everything is customized to reflect the couple’s vision. There is an assigned person to assist with all details, food and beverage, setup and breakdown. This allows the couple the opportunity to trust that all details will be handled, and their event will be simple and worry-free.

Raven Williams Catering Sales Manager Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville 972.283.9777 www.dallasduncanville.hgi.com

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Real Weddings:

Nila & William THE DATE: October 19, 2013 THE LOCATION: Ceremony at All Saints Catholic Church in Dallas, reception at the Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas

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THEIR STORY: Nila Neik and William Torres’ love story began in 2008 when they met dancing in a salsa group. Over the years, their friendship blossomed, and eventually transformed into true love for one another.

The proposal was as beautiful as one can imagine.

One day when Nila entered the house, the fragrance of many bouquets of roses was filling the room, along with a special surprise! William’s newly adopted kittens went running to Nila to show off their brand new heartshaped charms that said “Will you make me the happiest man in the world?” and “Will you marry me?” Of course she said “Yes!” All photos by Leslie Spurlock Photography

Living a very busy life, starting a new business, and pursuing their higher education, the couple also started planning their wedding. Save-the-date cards were sent out to family and friends as far as Europe and South America to announce their special day, and so the preparations began.

Five years after their first salsa dance, the crowning moment arrived on October 19, 2013, uniting Nila and William in holy matrimony at All Saints Catholic Church in Dallas. All those near and dear to their hearts attended the beautiful ceremony. A reception at the Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas followed that evening and there was no end to the merriment, good wishes, and blessings for the new Mr. and Mrs. Torres. And what was their first dance? Well, salsa of course!

The groom’s cake said it best. William is an avid tennis player, so the cake was in the shape of a tennis court, with a tennis racquet and ball. It said: “Nila and Will: The perfect match.” Exactly...and the best is yet to come! • All photos by Leslie Spurlock Photography

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Picture Perfect A tender moment, captured in a silver frame on an office desk.

A special home movie to pop in the DVD player on a snuggly winter night. Wedding images keep the memories alive.

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idly improving the image detail and color.

There are other benefits to digital versus film cameras. Not only can a photographer see immediately what the image will look like, he or she can correct the shot on-site as opposed to during the film-developing process. Brides will appreciate the speed and efficiency of digital cameras since they’ll be able to see their wedding proofs quicker. This digital process can give you an idea of what your wedding album will look like when complete.

Choose a photographer with whom you are compatible and who puts you at ease. If there is a personality conflict between you and the photographer, you may end up with photos of your best sneer instead of your best smile!

ong after the wedding dress is packed away, the caterer is on to the next wedding, and the thank-you notes are mailed — the photographs and DVDs remain. The documentation of the beginning of your new family will be cherished for future generations.

PHOTOGRAPHY Book your photographer at least six months in advance to ensure availability for your wedding date. When choosing a photographer, there are several important things to remember.

Select a photographer who works for a living, not as a part-time or weekend job. Do not entrust this blessed event to an amateur or friend. You don’t want to risk losing the recording of this once-in-alifetime occasion.

Protect your wedding memories by using a professional. And make sure your photographer has extra cameras, lenses and lighting equipment on hand as backups in case of emergency.

Most photographers now prefer to use digital cameras for wedding photography. Of course, no matter what style camera is used, make sure your photographer will also have an appropriate backup strategy to preserve the images from your precious day.

Advances in digital cameras are rap-

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VIDEOGRAPHY Once a mere stepchild of photography, videography has quickly become an exciting, essential part of the wedding celebration.

The guidelines for selecting a videographer parallel those for choosing a photographer. The number one rule — use a professional! Don’t be tempted to take advantage of your Uncle Joe’s camcorder.

There are no “second takes.’’ Hire a professional with professional equipment, so your memories are safe.

Make sure your videographer has top-notch audio-visual cameras and editing equipment. Your videographer must be experienced and well trained on the equipment.

Different audio techniques include the use of wireless remote microphones, a feed from the church’s sound system, a shotgun microphone and ambient sound, and a separate recording dubbed in dur-

Select a photographer who works for a living, not as a part-time or weekend job. Do not entrust this blessed event to an amateur or friend.

Photo by roe & white

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come prepared with pertinent information regarding your wedding. It’s also helpful if the photographer knows the style, color and setting of the wedding so that the mood and the moment can be captured.

Let your photographer know the size of your wedding party and with whom you would like to be photographed. It’s helpful to designate a friend or relative to point out those special friends and relatives you want photographed during the reception.

Look for a photographer whose judgment and opinions you trust. Remember, you’ll be spending a lot of time with the “camera person” on your wedding day, relying on that person to capture those special moments.

When you meet with a photographer, view sample wedding albums to obtain a clear impression of the overall style in which the photographer covers a wedding. Look for color, sharpness and detail of the photographs.

Determine the type of photographs you prefer — a formal posed look, candids, or a combination of both formats.

Communicate clearly with your photographer to ensure the best results. Make sure your photographer knows exactly what you want — you only get one chance to make things right.

Obtain information on package sizes and prices, deposits, retouching charges, travel expenses and any other costs. Wedding packages can range from several hundred dollars to well into the thousands.

Make sure everything you need is included in your package — formal portrait, black-and-white print for the newspaper, wedding album, and anything else you are looking for. Find out the cost of additional prints and “mini-albums” for parents and close friends.

Finally, be sure everything you’ve agreed to is written in a contract. Other details that should be in writing include: when the photographer will arrive at the wedding and leave the reception, how the photographer will be dressed, and the number of images that will be provided.

When you meet with your photographer,

ing editing. Determine with your videographer the technique best suited to your wedding location.

Ask to view DVDs of actual weddings that were shot and produced within the past year. By watching these samples, you’ll see first-hand the videographer’s level of talent and professionalism.

Look for sharp images, adequate lighting and clear sound. The video should flow smoothly from scene to scene, with highlights fully covered to tell the whole wedding story. Look for special effects, such as fades, wipes, dissolves, multiple images, freeze-frames and background music.

The videographer should dress appropriately, and be able to comfortably mingle with your guests. Wedding videography prices range from several hundred dollars to the thousands. Find out what’s included in the package deals, and if items such as duplicate DVDs, adding music and titles, special effects, overtime and second cameras are additional. Obtain a contract including date, time, location, cost, equipment used, editing time, deposits and delivery date.

It’s so important to choose professionals to record your wedding celebration.

The expense is well worth the future returns.

Preserving the memories of your nuptials is too important to leave to chance. Take care to ensure that your photographs and DVDs are of the quality you’ll be proud to share with your family and friends. You’ll enjoy your memories for many years to come.•

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Real Weddings:

Kasey & Joey

All photos by Amanda McCollum of Lightly Photography

The Date: October 4, 2013 The Location: Heritage Springs in Anna, Texas Their Story: Meeting her future husband was the last thing on Kasey Rollins’ mind when she went to the Old West Café in Denton, TX, one afternoon in January, 2013, to visit her roommate who was working there. As fate would have it, Joey Tully was there, also working that day, and spotted his future bride across the room. After walking by her table several times, he gave his number to Kasey’s roommate and said he hoped Kasey would call him, because he thought she was just beautiful. She ended up texting him, playfully saying “it’s your lucky day!” Their first date followed the next day, and just a few months later, he proposed to her at the Old West Café where they first met.

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Joey is into hunting, and Kasey is a girly girl, so they decided on a Country Chic theme for their big day. They picked out jeans and vests for the groomsmen, and Kasey chose feminine, flowing green gowns for her bridesmaids.

Since Kasey’s father had passed away three years prior, she had a charm with his photo added to her bouquet, so he could be with her in spirit as she walked down the aisle. Joey’s father, a pastor, officiated the ceremony, which was so special to both Joey and Kasey.

Once the couple tied the knot, Joey surprised the bride with a big dip as he kissed her! At the reception, the newlyweds danced their first dance to Tim McGraw’s “My Best Friend,” and their guests dined on fajitas, the couple’s favorite meal. For the bride’s cake, Kasey chose a four-tiered cake with cascading roses, and for the groom’s cake, Joey chose a replica of a duck in a pond, with “The Hunt is Over” on the front.

Joey had “it’s your lucky day” engraved on Kasey’s wedding band, as a homage to the first text she ever sent him. They are looking forward to celebrating their honeymoon sometime in the next six months—perhaps on an Alaskan cruise! •

All Flowers by Out of the Garden

All photos by Amanda McCollum of Lightly Photography

Cake by Lakeview Bakery

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WEDDING

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FOR UPCOMING DATES , MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHOW OR EXHIBITORS, AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE GO TO

W W W. B R I D A L S H O W S I N C . C O M 20

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Calendar of Events Fleur De Lis

www.FDLBridal.com Westin DFW Airport March 23, 2014 Noon – 4:00 p.m.

Great Bridal Expo

www.GreatBridalExpo.com Hyatt Regency Dallas, Dallas, TX October 12, 2014 Starts at Noon Get two free tickets when you enter coupon code DBNGP at checkout on www.GreatBridalExpo.com!

Bridal Shows, Inc.

www.BridalShowsInc.com 972.713.9920 Plano Centre, Plano, TX March 9, 2014 Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Irving Convention Center, Las Colinas, TX July 13, 2014 Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Dallas Market Hall, Dallas, TX July 26-27, 2014 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

www.midlothiancenter.com

Plano Centre, Plano, TX September 7, 2014 Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Bridal and Special Event Show Midlothian Conference Center, Midlothian, TX March 2, 2014 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Allen Event Center, Allen, TX September 28, 2014 Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Midlothian Conference Center

Posh Bridal Show www.PoshShows.com

Posh Venue Crawl March 9, 2014 Online Crawl Special! $25 package, promo code BGCRAWL Posh Bridal Show Noah’s Center, Las Colinas, TX March 30, 2014 Online Ticket Special! $5 show tickets, promo code BGBRIDE

Soiree Boutique Bridal Show www.SoireeBoutiqueBridalShows.com Rangers Ballpark in Arlington Hall of Fame Event Space Arlington, TX March 9, 2014

Times and dates are subject to change or cancellation. We recommend you check with the host of each event to confirm.

Bride & Groom is not responsible for inaccuracies.

Use offer code B&GMAG for any Bridal Shows, Inc. show and receive $1 OFF ADMISSION, for all adult tickets, courtesy of Bride & Groom Magazine.

Tickets must be bought online: www.bridalshowsinc.com www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw

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Real Weddings:

Nima & Koushal All photos by Lomesh Patel Photography

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THE DATE: July 27, 2013 THE LOCATION: Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas THEIR STORY: Everything, as they say, happens for a reason. Nima didn’t know she was about to go on a blind date – with fate – when she walked into her cousin’s engagement party four years ago. Into that same party walked Koushal, there to celebrate with his brother, the soon-to-be groom. And little did he know, with his own future bride, too.

Nima had lived in Irving since she was two, and grew up watching the Dallas Cowboys, while Koushal is a die-hard Giants fan, born and raised in Queens, New York. But just a year and a half after meeting, Koushal moved from New York to Dallas, to be closer to his future wife.

Meanwhile, Nima had been doing some thinking. Before she even knew who her groom would be, she had heard about Irving’s new convention center being built, and knew that’s where she wanted her wedding to be. “The location was perfect. It was close to both the airport and my parents’ house. I heard that the ballroom could house a wedding with 500 guests,” she said. “After touring the building, I was sold. The pre-function area was beautiful, and perfect for a cocktail hour.”

And of course, Koushal did propose – just two months after moving to Texas – and the planning officially began.

“Our experience was greater than we could have ever imagined. The staff surpassed any expectation we had,” the couple said.

“My every request was met,” adds the bride. Nima needed a wider aisle, to accommodate the seven people walking her down the aisle – request fulfilled. The Friday night event was going to run fairly late and the Saturday morning wedding was going to start fairly early, so vendors needed to work overnight – request fulfilled. Everything went without a hitch!

Nima and Koushal held three of their

All photos by Lomesh Patel Photography

five wedding events at the Irving Convention Center: the garba (traditional folklore dancing), their traditional Hindu wedding ceremony, and the large reception.

A faux cake, made by Frosted Art Bakery for stage display, had a design that matched Nima’s attire and incorporated all six of her colors.

Back in the kitchen were six different flavors of sheet cakes that were actually served to their guests.

Lomesh Patel Photography took photos of Koushal and Nima before each event, and even pulled a 12-hour shift on their big day. “They made taking pictures a blast,” says Nima.

The couple’s favorite memory from their big day was the result of family participation from relatives in London, New York, Connecticut, Switzerland, North Carolina, Chicago, Boston, and Texas. Family on the father of the bride’s side planned a surprise show for Koushal’s entire family, Nima’s mother and her side of the family, and all their friends attending the reception. They even managed to keep it a secret until the day of the wedding. It started with a flash mob live performance, immediately followed by pre-recorded interviews from couples in the family, and ended with an interview with the newlyweds themselves, Koushal and Nima. • Cake by frosted art bakery

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How to Create

Your Ideal

Wedding Look Every girl imagines being the beautiful bride that everyone “oohs” and “ahhs” over on her wedding day. So as you start your journey toward the big day and prepare to walk down the aisle, you will likely be browsing popular wedding websites and bridal magazine aisles in search of the perfect look, which includes hair, makeup, jewelry, and more.

Search no further! Here is the perfect place to start: The Dress Each new season, thousands gather from around the world and set their attention on the events held in the fashion capitals of the world—London, New York, Milan, and Paris—in search of the up-and-coming fashion trends.

This year, designers Valentino, Carolina Herrera, and Rivini debuted couture wedding dress designs that showcased elegance, glamour, and sophistication. High feminine necklines, embroidery, and intricate lace details were all featured. In the September issues of high-fashion magazines, the designers also showed clean lines and a bias towards a classic look.

This means you’re in luck! While many brides seek to follow trends on their wedding day, others wish to maintain a timeless look that won’t appear dated in their wedding album. No matter which kind

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of bride you are, staying “classic” with your wedding dress will keep you on trend this year and keep your wedding photos from going out of style!

The Whole Package Although the dress is crucial to your ideal wedding look, the perfect hairstyle and complementary makeup are essential to completing it.

You may have chosen a classic dress, but don’t feel pressured to play it safe everywhere else! With an understated dress, you can dazzle the groom and guests alike with striking hair and makeup.

Some women shy away from stepping out of their comfort zone for fear of getting a look wrong or not successfully “pulling it off.”

Plan to quell that fear by having a dry run (or two) of your hair and makeup long before your wedding date. Ask your stylist to help you personalize a new trend that complements your features while letting your natural beauty shine through. A seasoned professional will be able to mold your ideas into a look that will put your mind at ease.

Not sure what to tell your stylist? Or even where to start? No problem! We have some great proposals (pun intended) that will help get your creativity flowing.

The Look Book First, to get wedding-day ready, start prepping your skin and hair to be in the best condition possible. Every bride wants to have radiant skin and shiny hair on her wedding day! Six months before your wedding date, start booking monthly facials and keratin deepconditioning treatments to nourish, revitalize, and strengthen your hair and skin. Don’t forget about the groom! He will need to start his facials, too.

Now that you’re on the path to perfect skin, let’s talk makeup.

Your wedding makeup is essential and instrumental in creating your signature wedding look. Have fun, and try something new! The most standout makeup trend sported by this year’s fall fashion models in New York was a minimalist, “no-makeup” look with soft, feminine eyes, a light cat-eye, and a deep-pigmented lip color. “It’s all about making a powerful statement with minimalism,” says stylist and designer Rachael Zoe. Fashion magazines also show that it’s all about deep-pigmented lips this fall. Don’t worry about darker lip shades being too overthe-top. When paired with an overall minimalist theme, it works.

Try a deep bordeaux or berry lipstick, which are popular colors for this season.

The perfect eye palette to go

Photo by Beaux Arts Photography

along with a bordeaux shade is a taupe shadow on the lids with a medium-brown eye shadow blended into the crease for a soft, contoured look. Less eye makeup looks best, while wearing a deeppigmented shade on your lips.

Next, consider the hair color that best suits you and your overall look. If you lust after Hollywood hair trends, try Balayage.

Stars like Gisele Bündchen and Eva Longoria adore this freehand sweeping technique that creates natural-looking highlights with an ammonia-free lightener.

Balayage adds depth and brings back life to a blasé brunette or a boring blonde—without a dramatic overhaul. If you are color shy or highlighting for the first time, you can achieve gorgeous “sunkissed” highlights with this popular option.

Now that your skin is glowing and your hair is shining, your next step is to plan a distinctive hairstyle. Many of today’s celebrity stylists are tapping into trends that are “old Hollywood” glamour. The classic finger wave, combined with a dramatic side part and voluminous curls, is a very prominent look on both the runway and the red carpet. Jessica Chastain and Reese Witherspoon were both spotted with this hairstyle at the Oscars last year. Pair this look with a bold wedding hat, fascinator headband, or a daring hair accessory, and you will be a bride to remember! If these options are too far out of your comfort zone, then try adding a statement braid. This is an easy way to add a distinctive accent to your look.

Either a halo braid or a strategically placed five-strand braid are both lovely additions to an updo for the modern, yet classic, bride.

Finally, to complete your look, don’t forget about your eye-

brows! Full, defined brows are making a big comeback this season. They truly frame and define your face while completing your whole look.

The Big Day Armed with a plan for your dress, hair, and makeup, your walk down the aisle is sure to be a confident one. As your guests and groom look on with admiration, you will be able to breathe easy,

knowing you are both classically beautiful and on trend with the wedding look you’ve achieved!

All hair, makeup, and accessory trends included in this article are available at Luxe Salon and Design. Located in West Plano, Luxe Salon & Design offers hair and makeup consultations and services for brides like you! To make an appointment, please call 972.781.1720. •

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Things To Do

Use this handy checklist as a general information and scheduling guide, and tailor it to fit the specific needs of your own wedding.

The Bride 6 Months Or Longer

• Prepare a budget for the wedding and reception.

• Schedule consultation for selecting the color and style of wedding gown and attendants’ attire for a picture-perfect wedding.

• Begin your guest list.

• Select the time and place for the wedding and reception.

• Ask your attendants to be in your wedding.

• Order your wedding gown and bridal accessories.

• Interview florists, caterers, photographers, videographers, bakers and reception entertainers.

3 To 6 Months Before

• Register for your china, crystal and other items.

• Order bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories.

• Order invitations and other stationery, including informals and map cards.

• Meet with your clergyman and obtain a copy of the church’s wedding policies, if you plan to have your ceremony in a church.

• Purchase the groom’s wedding ring.

• Make your final decisions on your florist, caterer, photographer, videographer, bakery and entertainment.

• Make arrangements for accommodations for your out-of-town guests.

10 To 12 Weeks Before

The Groom 6 Months Or Longer

• Prepare a budget for your share of the wedding and honeymoon expenses.

• Purchase the bride’s wedding ring.

• Begin interviewing travel agents to arrange your honeymoon.

• Begin your guest list—ask the bride’s family the number of guests you can invite.

• Ask your attendants to be in the wedding.

3 To 6 Months Before

• Arrange lodging for attendants and close family members coming from out of town.

• Ask the bride’s family to determine your share of the florist bill.

• Reserve the restaurant or other facility for the rehearsal dinner; consider a limousine service for transportation.

• You may want to go with your bride to register for china, crystal, and other items.

• Make an appointment for you and your bride to visit your clergyman.

10 To 12 Weeks Before

• You and your attendants must be measured for the tuxedos.

• Inform the wedding party where and when the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner will take place.

• Arrange transportation to the wedding and reception for your attendants and out-of-town guests.

• Choose your house party, such as friends and family to hand out programs, attend the guest book, and greet guests.

• Meet with your music director.

• Finalize the reception menu.

• Begin fittings for your gown and the bridesmaids’ dresses.

• Coordinate showers with gift-registry sources.

• Have your bridal portrait taken.

• Address invitations and announcements.

• Arrange a time and place for your bridesmaids’ luncheon.

• Select gifts for your attendants.

• Double-check arrangements with your florist, caterer, photographer, videographer, bakery and entertainment.

• Schedule appointment with professionals for makeup and hair styling.

4 To 10 Weeks Before

4 To 10 Weeks Before

Day Of The Wedding

• Mail invitations, weighing them for proper postage.

• Send your wedding picture and announcement to the newspaper.

• Finalize your fittings.

• Select gifts for your attendants.

• Reconfirm honeymoon plans.

• Book limousine service.

2 To 4 Weeks Before

• Apply for your marriage license with your bride.

• Ask your best man to prepare a toast to give you and your bride at the reception.

Week Of The Wedding

• Give the final guest count to the caterer for the rehearsal dinner; confirm bridal party transportation.

• Take your marriage license to the rehearsal.

• Reconfirm honeymoon plans.

• Give the clergyman’s check to the best man to handle.

• Arrive at the wedding site, along with your attendants, 1.5 hours before the ceremony. •

• Finalize arrangements with your clergyman and music director.

• Inform the wedding party and close family members of the time and place of the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

• Apply for your marriage license with your groom.

• Change your name on your social security card, driver’s license, credit cards and bank accounts, and file change-of-address cards with post office and correspondents.

• Go over special seating arrangements for the wedding.

• Finalize arrangements with the florist, caterer, photographer, videographer, bakery, entertainers and gift registries.

• Arrange for the pressing of your wedding gown and bridesmaids’ dresses.

• Arrange for someone to take your dress to be heirloomed or preserved after the wedding.

• Arrange for someone to take your bouquet to be preserved or dried after the wedding, if you choose to do so.

Week Of The Wedding

• Give the final guest count to your caterer 72 hours before the reception.

• Finalize direction of the rehearsal and wedding with your wedding consultant.

Day Of The Wedding

• Mail wedding announcements (if you are planning to).

• Arrive at the wedding site two hours before the ceremony.

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flowers by cindy davis design group

2 To 4 Weeks Before

Gretna gown www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw 27 David Tutera for Mon Cheri, Spring 2014 collection

Members of the Wedding Each member of the wedding party plays a part in the success of your event. Read on to find out the responsibilities of everyone involved!

BRIDE AND GROOM

• Decide wedding plans and budget with parents if they are footing the bill.

• Choose wedding party attendants. The bride helps her attendants in dress selection and the groom discusses appropriate attire with his groomsmen.

• Purchase small gifts for their attendants.

• Acknowledge receipt of wedding gifts with a personal note of appreciation.

BRIDE

• Discusses budget with fiancé and parents.

• Sets date, time and place of wedding and reception.

• Selects wedding dress and accessories, allowing at least three months for delivery.

• Books caterer, wedding and reception entertainment, florist, photographers, videographer, and bakery.

• Helps compile the guest list; chooses her attendants.

• Orders invitations, thank-you notes and personal stationery.

• Shops for trousseau.

• Buys groom’s wedding band and arranges for engraving if desired.

GROOM

• Discusses budget with fiancée and parents.

• Buys bride’s wedding band and arranges for engraving if desired.

• Gets the marriage license (with the bride) and obtains any other necessary legal documents.

• Arranges and pays for honeymoon. Checks on available hotels for out-of-town guests.

• Pays for bride’s bouquet and flowers or corsages for both mothers and close female relatives on both sides.

• Supplies boutonnieres for himself and male attendants.

MAID/MATRON OF HONOR

Usually someone very close to the bride, such as her sister or a dear friend or relative.

• Assists the bride in any way she can: helping plan the wedding, shopping, addressing invitations, taking charge of recording and displaying wedding gifts.

• Lends the bride moral support.

• Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

• Pays for her own gown and accessories (not including flowers).

• Helps bridesmaids prepare for their wedding-day duties and organizes their fittings if necessary. Makes sure they arrive at the ceremony on time; confirms transportation arrangements.

• Helps bride get ready before the ceremony and before departure from the reception.

• Holds the groom’s ring during the ceremony until time to pass it to the bride.

• Holds bride’s bouquet and arranges bridal veil and dress during the ceremony.

• Is usually one of the two witnesses signing the marriage certificate.

• Stands to the left of the groom in the receiving line; sits to the left of the groom at the honor table, if there is one.

BEST MAN

Usually the groom’s best friend, brother, father or other close relative.

• Assists the groom in any way he can.

• Pays for his own wedding attire.

• Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

• Holds bride’s wedding ring, producing it at the proper time in the ceremony.

• Makes sure ceremony officiant is paid.

• Sits to the right of the bride at the honor table; offers the first toast to the newlyweds.

• Helps newlyweds prepare for the honeymoon departure. Takes care of luggage, makes sure car is ready to go — hands over keys to groom or makes sure limousine is ready and sees that the groom has travel documents in order.

• Makes sure that all men’s rental clothes are returned the first business day after the wedding.

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BRIDESMAID

• A bridesmaid has no particular pre-wedding responsibilities, but might offer to help the bride in any way she can, such as throwing her an engagement party or bridal shower, or helping stuff invitations.

• Pays for and assembles her wedding outfit.

• Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Walks in the processional and recessional.

• May stand in the receiving line.

JUNIOR BRIDESMAID

• Wears a dress similar to that of a bridesmaid, but in an age-appropriate style.

• Participates in the processional (recessional participation is optional).

USHER/GROOMSMAN

• Pays for his own wedding attire (boutonnieres provided by the groom).

• Seats guests at the church as they arrive — offers his right arm to each woman. Asks if they are friends of the bride or groom and seats them accordingly. Bride’s guests are seated to the left, the groom’s to the right; order is reversed in Jewish services. When one side has more guests than the other, the usher may begin seating guests on the side with fewer people.

• Decorates the couple’s going-away car.

FLOWER GIRL

Usually a young girl between 3 and 10 years old.

• Carries a basket of flowers, tiny nosegay or a basket of loose rose petals to strew in the bride’s path, if the ceremony venue allows.

RING BEARER

Usually a young boy between 3 and 10 years old.

• During the ceremony, carries a white satin pillow with two fake rings tied or sewn on. After the ceremony, the pillow is turned upside down so the dummy ring won’t show. The real rings can also be used if he is old enough.

CANDLELIGHTER

Young boys or girls, usually between 9 and 14 years old.

• Light the candles at the altar just before the bride’s mother is seated.

Children should attend rehearsal to practice their parts, although it is optional for them to attend pre-wedding parties. After walking down the aisle, they might quietly slip into their parents’ pew to avoid disrupting the ceremony with fidgeting. They need not participate in the recessional.

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

• Usually acts as hostess of the reception.

• Helps the bride compile the guest list, arrange details of the ceremony and reception, and may help her select her wedding gown.

• Is accorded special honor at the wedding service and is seated last, just a few minutes before the wedding begins.

• Greets guests at the head of the reception line. Sits in place of honor at parents’ table.

• Makes sure guests are having a good time and is on hand to bid them goodbye.

FATHER OF THE BRIDE

• Rides to the ceremony with the bride; chauffeured transportation suggested.

• Escorts the bride down the aisle, then joins his wife on the front row.

• Acts as official host of the reception.

• Keeps an eye on the bar and champagne supply.

• Makes a short toast at the reception.

• Is the last person to leave the reception; says goodbye to the guests.

• Traditionally pays for the majority of the wedding. It is now appropriate for other financial arrangements to be made. •

Maysilee gown 29 Tolli

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by Sophia

Wedding Wear

You’ve dreamt of how you would look and now it’s time to make the dream come true. Let your wedding dress and your bridal party’s attire make a statement of your personality and dreams.

Y

ou may already have a mental picture of the look you want on your wedding day. It’s your job to choose the gown that makes fantasy a reality. But with all the styles, colors and fabrics around, finding the perfect dress may seem like “mission impossible!” Don’t despair. By following a few basic guidelines, you’ll find the look that suits your unique style.

You’ll need to order your gown and veil six to nine months before the wedding. Make an appointment with a reputable bridal salon, and let the consultant know what type of wedding you’re planning before you arrive. Take along a friend or relative whose honesty and good taste you can count on — you’ll need an objective opinion. Bring your checkbook

— a 50% deposit is customary when placing an order.

Choose a gown that makes the most of your figure. Princess or A-line styles are slimming and create the illusion of height. A full skirt hides heavy legs and hips. Dropped waist styles flatter most figure types. A decorative bodice highlights the upper body, while a simpler style minimizes a heavy bust. There are many fabrics and shades to choose from — find the textures and hues that flatter your complexion.

Choose a veil that’s appropriate to the style of your wedding. And remember, your back gets lots of attention during the ceremony — your dress, veil and train should look elegant from that angle.

Bling Ring heel from the CHROMATICgallerie collection www.chromaticgallerie.com

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Check out store policy on alterations, and make sure there’s a good seamstress on hand.

Examine the workmanship on the dress itself — all buttons and trim should be hand sewn, not glued.

At dress fittings, wear the same heel height and type of undergarments you’ll wear on your wedding day. When shopping for veils and headpieces, style your hair as you’ll wear it at the ceremony. Every detail is important to the creation of a stunning package!

ATTENDANTS’ ATTIRE Now that you’re taken care of, it’s time to dress the rest of your bridal party.

• Ask for help. Enlist the aid of your maid of honor or another friend, and choose styles and colors that flatter the face and figure of each attendant. As bridesmaids usually pay for their own dresses, shop conservatively. Carefully coordinate shoes and accessories to achieve a balanced look.

• Be selective. Be just as careful in selecting attire for the groom and his attendants. Men’s wedding clothing is usually rented — place your order six to eight weeks before the wedding.

• Tux tips. The groom may dress differently from his attendants, or wear the same tux as the other men.

He might consider wearing a bow tie and cummerbund in a contrasting color or pattern from the others. The men’s attire should complement the bridal gown. Choose tuxedos appropriate to the style of your wedding.

• Proper fit. Men have different builds, so shop accordingly. Your formal wear professional can offer great advice on which styles are appropriate, and properly fit the tuxedo you choose.

Attention to detail is a must if you want a perfect wedding. Look around a lot, get some expert advice, and enjoy this shopping adventure. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience! •

Osha gown

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www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw Sophia Tolli, Spring 2014 collection

Beautiful Brides

Look your best! Feel your best! It’s the most important day for your looks. Learn how to “wow” not only your groom, but all of your guests on the happiest day of your life! come away with having to resort to pencil lines.

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Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa, Dallas 972.386.0306

n the morning of the day of your wedding, you’ll wake up knowing that the cake will be delivered on time, that the reception venue will be completely decorated and waiting for your arrival, and that your dress will fit you perfectly. And you’ll be confident that you’ll look radiant and feel wonderful because professional makeup and hair artists will spend the time to soothe your nerves by accentuating all of your best features.

Several types of makeup artists and hair stylists are out there, and to be sure you choose the right types for you, you’ll need to know a bit about them first.

Makeup Artistry Professional makeup artists have experience with all skin types and colorings, face shapes, and hair shapes. A licensed esthetician is one who has studied skin and skin care, has hours of training, is skilled in the sterilization process (to eliminate cross-contamination from tools), and has much practice and work experience with actual people. These exceptional artists have the talent and training to camouflage any scars or blemishes and to bring out your best facial features.

You may wonder why you need

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a professional to do something for you that you do for yourself almost every day. After all, you can do your makeup just fine for everyday wear, and sometimes even for special occasions. But consider this: what will you remember the most — how you know you looked on your wedding day, or how you looked in your photographs from

Trained makeup artists know how to make you look good, not only in person, but for photographs as well. your wedding day? Trained makeup artists know how to make you look good, not only in person, but for photographs as well. Makeup for photography is a learned skill and one most women don’t have.

In planning what you want to look like, don’t forget your eyebrows! They can make all the difference in a polished look. If your brows look good and are shaped to complement your eyes, your whole face will look more finished. Have a professional do this, as often women tweeze too many hairs out of their brows and

Hair Artistry Many, many things can go wrong when people try to not only style their own hair, but also use harsh chemicals at home. A trained colorist has the chemistry knowledge to change the color of your hair slightly or altogether differently, while still making it look natural. Some eager people even try perming or straightening their own hair at home, and some of these people have horror stories to tell. Rather than becoming a casualty, hire a professional to design the look that’s right for you and your hair.

If you’re one of the lucky women who has long, healthy hair, there are countless ways your hair can be styled. Be sure the hair artist in which you are interested has experience with long hair, whether you just want it styled or want a chemical process.

It behaves nothing like short hair, and if you mess it up at home, it just takes that much longer to grow it back out to the same length again.

Scheduling About six months before your wedding you’ll want to start a skincare program designed especially for you — and stick with it! During stressful times your skin can do all sorts of panicking on its own, so if you start being good to it you shouldn’t have as many problems when that special day arrives. Licensed estheticians can help devise such a regimen with you and can lead the way to healthy skin.

If you are considering changing the look of your hair, whether it be the cut, style, color or texture, now is the time to book those appointments, too, so the person working on your hair can have the time to perfect your new look before the last minute.

It is wise to choose your hair and makeup artists early so that you’ll be working with the same people throughout the whole process; not only because they will become familiar with your skin and hair, but be-

Pampering Packages cause when you look back at the photographs, you will be looking at your wedding as an event, rather than something occurring over a few months, and you’ll want to have the same look in all of them. Be sure to make all the necessary appointments to lead up to your wedding day. And don’t forget to include the appointments for that day, too!

Some artists work only in their own studios; others will go on-location and meet you where you need to be. Make sure you confirm all of your plans with everyone involved.

Once it gets closer to your wedding date, about three to four months prior to your wedding or when your tailored gown arrives, you’ll be having your bridal portrait taken. Make sure you confirm how long it will take for hair and makeup so you won’t be rushed trying to make the photographer’s appointment. Another good tip is to book a “trial run” appointment with both the makeup and hair people before your portrait day so they can decide how to make you look your best without your trying to race out the door. Be sure to bring your veil, tiara, or other accessories to all appointments so they can work around each one.

About a month before the big day is the time to have any processes done to your hair that you are needing. You may think that this is too early, but in actuality, it is the prime time to have these processes done, so your hair will have a chance to get reconditioned and healthier afterward. Have all of your hair touch-ups done about a week before the wedding.

When that day finally arrives and you wake up in the morning, you can be assured that absolutely everything has been taken care of for you, and there isn’t anything for you to worry about. Your skin and hair will be planned for, just as you planned everything else. Good skin care, makeup applied by a professional, and hair styled to perfection will not only help you look your very best, but will help ease that last-minute stress.

After all, a relaxed bride is a beautiful bride. So enjoy a nice breakfast and get ready for the time of your life! •

Now that you have planned your hair and makeup for your big day, you need to turn your attention inside. All the stress of planning your wedding can leave you feeling depleted. A day of spa pampering is the antidote to stress and will leave you feeling like the most beautiful woman in the world.

The number of men and women indulging in the spa experience is growing. From the day spas to destination spas to resort spas, those on the cutting edge are having to specialize in services to attract loyal clients. That means you will have no trouble finding a spa to meet your needs.

Many spas offer “packages.”

These are groups of treatments and pampering techniques. They include full-body massages, sugar scrubs, facials, waxing and body peels, to name a few. Prices can range from less than a hundred dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on the package. A day at the spa makes a great wedding gift for your bridal party — including the men!

The treatments are designed to soothe you and help you escape the chaos of wedding planning. So take a deep, relaxing breath and enjoy! Arrive at your appointment 10 – 15 minutes ahead of time. Firsttimers will be asked to fill out minor but important health questions to determine the best treatments. Not all treatments are appropriate for heart patients, diabetics or people with other health considerations. This information also gives your therapist an idea of what your needs are.

Some spas include warm, soothing showers after which you will be provided with a robe and slippers and escorted into a private room for your treatment.

Massage There are several styles of massage with varying intensity, so try a variety to learn how your body reacts to each. A massage helps loosen sore muscles and soft tissue. It can be targeted to certain body parts or lavished over the entire body. Aromatherapy by use of essential oils enhances the massage and deepens the sense of relaxation. Expect soothing, soft music to provide a nice backdrop to your experience.

Skin Care Facials can treat a myriad of imperfections, including acne, rosacea and dry skin. It is usually one hour, and includes cleansing, sloughing and moisturizing that you won’t soon forget. Creams, masks, peels and lotions are gently applied and massaged over the entire face and neck to maximize rejuvenation and relaxation.

Essential oils, exfoliating cleansers, and TLC are combined in body peels and wraps to treat the rest of your body. This gentle pampering stimulates blood circulation, leaving behind a glowing you! Some salons also offer body waxing and permanent makeup.

Schedule It is recommended you start your facials at least two months prior to your wedding day. Hydrating body wraps should be started six months prior to your wedding. Massages should be started one month out.

Make sure you schedule a massage for yourself one week before and then the day before your big day.

Most importantly, drink plenty of water the entire time you are receiving treatments. Water helps get rid of toxins released during treatments and it also helps improve your mood.

Before You Go Many spas will offer special rates for bridal parties. Compare them, noting what spa services are included and what scheduling is necessary.

Ask if gratuities are included in that price. Some packages include a gratuity. If not, use your discretion.

Check to see if there is a cancellation or change policy. Some spas will charge up to 100% of the scheduled services if you miss your appointment.

Certain spas offer lunch with gourmet dining. Find out what’s on the menu to make sure everyone in your party can enjoy a fun bite to eat while sharing their spa experience.

Don’t forget — it’s all about you.

The more you take care of yourself before your wedding, the better you will look and feel on the most important day of your life. •

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Financial Matters Dreaming about the perfect wedding is one thing—actually paying for it is another. Establish a realistic budget up front, and you’ll be able to create an affordable fantasy.

Y

ou are in love—it’s the real thing.

Now that you’ve found your partner in life, you want to share your happiness with everyone. You want your wedding celebration to be the talk of the town—the biggest and best ever. Before your fantasies get ahead of your checkbook, ask yourself: who’s paying for this wedding, and how much can you afford to spend?

Traditionally, the bride’s parents paid the majority of the wedding costs. Back in the old days, the groom assumed full financial responsibility for his bride after they rode off into the sunset. He didn’t have to chip in much for the wedding—he paid his share later.

It’s a different story now. Both partners in a modern marriage tend to go back to work after the honeymoon, and these newlyweds have a bit more financial independence. It seems only natural for both families to contribute to the wedding celebration.

Decide the kind of wedding you’d like. Discuss your plans with those contributing to the cost, and determine a budget. Make everyone’s financial limitations clear at this point—it will prevent hard feelings later.

Nowadays, the average wedding costs around $27,000. Remember, there are always places you can cut costs to save money if you are wanting to spend less. As a rule, the more guests you invite and the more expensive the venues you choose, the more your costs will increase. Most brides also find that their costs go over their actual budget, so try to plan accordingly.

The largest single expense you’re faced with is the reception. Festivities at private clubs and four-star restaurants are pricier than those held in the church fellowship hall. Check rates at several types of reception sites so that you can find one within your budget.

Many facilities offer excellent package deals. You’ll find everything completely organized, from tea and

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sandwiches at the church to a formal sit-down dinner complete with orchestra. Purchasing services separately is a lot of work! Many couples opt for at least a partial package—it saves time and energy.

Costs for the reception room itself vary. Prices range from free to several hundred dollars per hour. Professional planners suggest the reception last from three to four-and-a-half hours.

Any shorter, and people who have traveled from afar may feel cheated.

Any longer, and guests tend to start leaving before it is over.

Deciding whether or not to serve a meal depends on your finances and what is expected in your community.

Many ethnic and religious cultures traditionally celebrate with a hearty meal. If many of your guests have traveled a long distance, it’s hospitable to feed them.

If you plan your wedding during mealtimes, you are expected to provide sustenance. If this creates a fiscal panic, change your reception style, or invite fewer guests. One workable option—plan a large reception with light refreshments, then ask close family, friends and out-of-town guests to your parents’ house for a buffet dinner.

Food and beverage costs vary greatly. Depending on whether you serve a buffet of hot appetizers, a complete buffet differ, or a multi-course seated dinner, prices can range from $10 to more than $100 per person. Caterers’ estimates usually include the cost of beverages, but do make sure.

Some caterers include champagne, beer and wine, but charge extra for mixed drinks at an open bar. You may pay for drinks individually, or include the libations in the caterer’s package.

Most professionals offer reasonable prices—they get it wholesale.

With careful planning and a lot of investigating, you and your family can host the wedding you’ve always wanted—without ruining your budget. And you can go on dreaming about how special your wedding day will be. •

Tipping Tips • Caterer, hotel or club banquet manager, bridal consultant. 15 – 20% if not covered in fee. Reception hosts pay bill on receipt. Add any special tip to payment after reception.

• Waiters, waitresses, bartenders, table servers. 15 – 20% of bill — given to the captain or maitre d’ of hotel to distribute to rest of staff. If included, reception hosts pay tips with bill. If not, right after the reception.

• Powder room, coat room attendants in hotels or clubs. 50¢ – $1 per guest, or arrange a flat fee with hotel or club management. If a flat fee, reception hosts pay tips with bill. If not, right after the reception.

• Florist, photographer, baker, musicians you hire, limousine driver. 15% for driver, others tipped only for extra special service, up to 15%. Ceremony hosts tip driver at reception site. Add other tips to bill payments.

• Civil ceremony officials. Usually a flat fee. (Some judges cannot accept money; ask when you apply.) Groom gives fee to best man, who pays the official after ceremony.

• Clergy members who perform the ceremony. Groom gives donation to best man who pays after ceremony.

• Ceremony assistants. Sometimes covered by church fee—ask clergy member what’s customary. Ceremony hosts pay church fee when billed; separate fees and tips after service.

• Custodians or kitchen help if reception is in church. Ask church secretary. Ceremony hosts pay when billed or after service.

The Wedding Budget Item Clothing Bride’s Attire Groom’s Attire Ceremony Clergy Fees Church Rental Reception Caterer/Food Wedding Cake Bar/Liquor Site Rental Waiters’ Tips Decorations, Centerpieces, Napkins, etc.

Stationery Invitations Announcements Thank-You Notes Flowers Ceremony Bride’s Bouquet Bridesmaids’ Bouquets Groom’s Boutonniere Groomsmen’s Boutonnieres Mothers’ Corsages Reception Arrangements Music Wedding Reception Instrument Rentals Other Photography Formal Portraits Candids Videographer Extra Prints Other Transportation Limousines Travel For Out-Of-Town Guests Other Gifts Wedding Rings Bride’s Gift Groom’s Gift Bridal Attendants’ Gifts Groomsmen’s Gifts Other Rehearsal Dinner Flowers Attire Food Liquor Music Other Honeymoon Travel Accommodations Wardrobe Other Miscellaneous Marriage License Bridal Consultant Hotel Accommodations For Out-Of-Town Guests TOTAL

Budgeted Cost

Actual Cost

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Wedding Gown Shopping 101 Wedding Venues

Photo by Michelle Standerfer Photography

By Lynette Coughlin Owner, Providence Place Bridal Rockwall, Texas

Many brides enter bridal salons not knowing the process of wedding gown shopping, let alone the logistics behind the gorgeous gown you wear down the aisle.

The salon’s job is to not only assist brides in finding their dream dress, but also to educate them on the entire bridal shopping process.

A good rule of thumb is to say “venue first” and “dress second.”

This is because many venues book up to a year out! On average, dresses take up to six months for delivery, not including final alterations. Time can also add up if the bride plans on taking bridal portraits. Make sure to talk to your photographer and set a date so that you can ensure your dress arrives and alterations are complete prior to your portraits.

The reason gowns take six months to create is because designers hold production outside of the United States. Some designers even do custom cuts and lengths on dresses, adding even more time to delivery. Don’t panic if you are getting married in less than six months! Many designers have “priority gowns,” which

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means they have various sizes already in stock and can get them to you based on the designer’s ship time. There are also salons who sell sample dresses off the rack!

Before you walk into a bridal salon, make sure to make an appointment. This allows you to have one-on-one time with a sales representative, and allows your party to feel welcomed rather than rushed. Many salons do not allow walk-ins, so don’t take it offensively! Appointments generally last an hour and a half. Make sure to wear something comfortable and easily removable. Also, a warning to all modest ladies out there: a sales representative will have to step into the dressing room to help you get into the wedding gowns, just as your maid-of-honor (or someone from your bridal party) will help you on your wedding day!

When it comes to your “entourage,” try to limit it to three to five people. Too many opinions can be overwhelming, emotionally and physically! Some salons are small and can’t accommodate more than that, per bride. Consider coming in alone on the first visit. Select a few favorites, then come back with others to make the final decision.

When you first meet with a sales representative, she will ask you questions pertaining to your wedding. Don’t worry, they won’t crash it! They just want to get the general picture of the event. If she is a good representative, she will ask you for your date, colors, location, and of course your vision for the appearance of the gown.

For the first shopping day, it’s a good idea to try a variety of styles. Many brides will bring photos of dresses they like—but fair warning—many dresses you find online may be discontinued or out of your price range.

When brides narrow down the dress choices, many of them want to take pictures. Even though cell phones have great cameras these days, they are not anything close to the magic of professional cameras. Most salons don’t allow photos.

Once you have found the dress that is “the One,” the salon will measure you, since all designers’ sizes are different. Color can also vary: white and ivory can be quite different, so make sure the representative shows you each color. Don’t worry about “the traditional white dress” because bright white is no longer the most common color for wedding gowns. Most ivory shades are so light you wouldn’t notice they were not white.

Most salons ask you to put down 50 to 75 percent as a deposit, as well as sign a contract that specifies the exact gown you are ordering. Make sure you get a copy of the contract along with your receipt. The store will order your dress, then contact you regarding the date of delivery. A good salon will periodically check in with the designers to ensure the dresses will be arriving on time, then contact the brides to update them on any changes.

Purchasing your dream bridal gown should be an enjoyable and relaxing experience! Hopefully you’ve found these tips helpful for finding the dress of your dreams.

Photo by Shawna Hinkel, Shawna Hinkel Photography

Wedding Venues

Maggie Sottero gown. Available at Providence Place Bridal at The Harbor, Rockwall, Texas

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Wedding Venues

Find the perfect ceremony site!

Wedding

Venues

Will it be a religious or civil ceremony?

Whatever your wish, the Dallas/Fort Worth area offers a splendid selection from over-thetop lavish to simple sophistication.

CLEBURNE CONFERENCE CENTER

Cleburne Conference Center, Cleburne

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Recently opened, the new Cleburne Conference Center is an ideal location to help make those precious memories of your wedding and/or reception even more special.

Only 40 minutes south of downtown Fort Worth and one hour from Dallas, this beautiful facility is very conveniently located. With its 45,000 square feet of flexible event space, the conference center can handle anything from a small intimate party of 20 to a gala reception for 600. A few of the many features at the center include three catering kitchens, a multitiered 2,000-square-foot lobby area perfect for wedding party photos and receptions, as well as a 297-seat state-of-the-art performing arts center and free parking for more than 500 vehicles. The Cleburne Conference Center is ready to assist you with all your wedding needs, so please contact us at 817.556.8860 or visit www.cleburneconference.com for more information.

Wedding Venues Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa

Photo by F8 Studio

Your special day deserves a special place. At Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa, their lush 30-acre grounds provide a beautiful setting for your wedding or reception. Their experienced wedding coordinator will provide the personal touches and detailed service to make your day what it should be...perfect.

They offer affordable wedding and reception packages, including beautiful outdoor sites by ponds and fountains, indoor facilities that hold up to 200, rehearsal dinners and bridal luncheons, complimentary bridal suites, spacious accommodations with preferred rates for guests, full-service catering, a full-service day spa, complimentary parking and Wi-Fi, a complimentary three-month membership to Cooper Fitness Center for the bride and groom, and the option to provide your own bar.

Take a tour of Cooper Hotel, located at the world-famous Cooper Aerobics Center, and imagine the happiest day of your life. Call 972.386.0308 for availability and pricing or visit www.cooperhoteldallas.com.

Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa, Dallas

Farmers Branch Historical Park Sip, See & Socialize! Join us for a Rose Garden Reveal Party at the beautiful Farmers Branch Rose Gardens on March 29, 2014. Enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres as you visit with wedding professionals from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The first 200 attendees will receive a specialty wine glass and will be entered to win the Sip, See & Socialize Grand Prize! Don’t miss out on this FREE event, visit www. weddinginthebranch.com for more information!

If you are looking for a quaint venue, the 27acre Farmers Branch Historical Park has a variety of structures perfect for your wedding and reception. Whether you are looking for a traditional 1890s church, complete with a center aisle that will accommodate up to 100; or a picturesque 1930s home on manicured grounds with an antique rose garden and gazebo, the Farmers Branch Historical Park has what you need! Structure tours are available, by appointment, Monday – Friday. For more information, visit www.farmersbranch.info or call 972.406.0184.

Farmers Branch Historical Park, Farmers Branch

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Wedding Venues Green Oaks Wedding Chapel

Green Oaks Wedding Chapel, Arlington

Green Oaks Wedding Chapel, with its white stone exterior, offers you an elegant and romantic setting for the most memorable day of your life. Inside the professionally decorated chapel, which seats up to 200 guests, you will find white pews adorned with greenery, flowers and bows. Italian glass chandeliers add elegance and complement the altar which is beautifully lit by dozens of candles. A magnificent antique grand piano and state-of-the-art sound system convey just the right mood for your special day. Their exquisite Reception Room sets a lovely scene to greet and thank your guests for making your day such a grand occasion. Lighted trees, greenery, candles and round, skirted tables and chairs add warmth and elegance. Wedding and reception include a wedding coordinator, bride and groom dressing rooms, floral arrangements, wedding music, minister, punch, coffee, dance floor and setup and cleanup services. Green Oaks Wedding Chapel is located at 4115 S. W. Green Oaks Boulevard in Arlington. For more information, please call metro 817.572.4300 or visit www.greenoaksweddings.com.

HILTON GARDEN INN DALLAS/DUNCANVILLE Whether planning rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and receptions, or even honeymoon stays, in-the-know brides have learned that at Hilton Garden Inn, they can have the same on-site banquet halls, delicious food, and attentive service for a greater value. You can count on them to make your event a success.

Their in-house catering offers menu options designed to help you create a delicious and memorable event in your personal style. And the meal is just one of the many ways they’re committed to make your event just right.

Take advantage of their online planning tips and tools to create a personalized web page for your event, get great rates on rooms with group discounts and more. For more information, visit www.dallasduncanville.hgi.com or call 972.283.9777.

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville, Duncanville

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Wedding Venues HILTON GARDEN INN DALLAS/RICHARDSON The Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Richardson is a full-service experience in a boutique setting. This award-winning hotel is a premiere north Dallas destination for all your wedding needs, including venue, caterer, and luxury guest accommodations.

Experience the wedding of your dreams in more than 3,000 square feet of flexible banquet space. Our Prairie Creek Ballroom accommodates up to 200 guests, and features a variety of event set-ups, which includes lighting, a dance floor, and A/V capabilities. A spacious, private pre-function area is perfect for buffet set-up and additional event seating. The hotel’s restaurant, bar, lounge, and outdoor terrace are ideal for intimate events and cocktail receptions. Additionally, the hotel’s extensive, on-site art collection is displayed prominently throughout the hotel, including in the pre-function area and outdoor sculpture garden.

Our chef and culinary team have created a variety of delectable menus and wedding packages, and are on hand to customize details for the perfect plate. From receptions to buffets to formal seated dinners, we offer delicious catering options to suit any palate.

Guests can relax in comfort in our 125 elegant guest rooms, and our complimentary guest shuttle serves destinations within a five-mile radius of the hotel. To learn more and begin planning your event, call 972.792.9393, or visit www.dallasrichardson.hgi.com.

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Richardson, Richardson

The Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/RICHARDSON and Firewheel Conference Center

Photo by Static Sixx Photography

The Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson and the Firewheel Conference Center is conveniently located in the Dallas northeast suburb of Garland on the President George Bush Highway, easily accessible from both DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport. They are located in the prestigious Firewheel area, and the hotel is minutes from the world-class shopping, golf, and family fun of Firewheel Town Center Mall, the 63-hole Firewheel Golf Club, and the Hawaiian Falls Water Park.

Your wedding guests will enjoy 42” flat-panel HDTV, the Hyatt Grand Bed™, complimentary WiFi, and continental breakfast. They offer more than 15,000 square feet of flexible event space, including a 7,632-square-foot ballroom. Their staff is always available to ensure everything goes exactly the way you want. Because when it does, great happens. The Hyatt Place is located at 5101 North President George Bush Highway, Garland, TX 75040.

Call 972.414.3500 to book your event, or visit www.

HyattPlaceDallasGarland.com.

The Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland, Garland

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Wedding Venues IRVING CONVENTION CENTER at Las Colinas The stunningly modern architecture of the Irving Convention Center will fascinate every guest and enhance your grand entrance on the big day. They can host your wedding and reception, and are happy to assist you with hotel selection and transportation needs. They even have Enterprise onsite to rent and return cars for your guests!

The Irving Convention Center delivers on elegance and superior service. Irving primarily serves weekday corporate business, which offers flexible weekend availability for you to select your special date. Heard of Jerry Jones? His head executive chef has taken over their kitchen, so prepare to pamper your taste buds! To view more information and photos, visit www.irvingconventioncenter.com.

Irving Convention Center, Irving

Maple Manor Hotel

photo by www.CoburnPhotography.com

Maple Manor Hotel, Dallas

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Built in 1898, this turn-of-the-century Victorian hotel is located in the vibrant Dallas Arts District. Maple Manor is the most desirable setting for your rehearsal dinner or your wedding ceremony and reception.

Available to you is a full-scale formal dining room with wood-coffered ceilings, hardwood floors, and a baby grand piano. A stone-walled garden boasts three waterfalls, two streams, flowers and fountains, and landscape lighting. Adjacent to the garden is a climate-controlled atrium complete with dramatic architectural lighting, arched ceilings, a full service bar and a large dance floor. All catering is provided

by The Old Warsaw, so you can rest easy knowing that your guests will enjoy cuisine prepared by the most established restaurant in Dallas.

The Maple Manor Hotel is located at 2616 Maple Avenue in Uptown Dallas between McKinney Avenue and Cedar Springs Road. To schedule your site visit, please contact our event’s coordinator at 214.871.0032. For more information visit www.TheMapleManorHotel.com or e-mail maplemanorhotel@yahoo.com.

Wedding Venues Midlothian Conference Center The Midlothian Conference Center offers small-town hospitality in a spacious, state-of-the-art facility designed just for your event. Within the 39,000-square-foot facility, they combine the best of technology with outstanding personal service by their experienced staff. The meeting spaces can accommodate groups from as small as a handful, to more than 1,000. Weddings are a dream come true in Midlothian. Along with providing beautiful spaces, the Midlothian Conference Center offers a wide variety of decorations, dance floors, table linens, locations for photographs, and more. They partner with the best in the area for all of your heart’s desires. Whether it is a wedding planner, florist, caterer, DJ, band, photographer, or baker, the center has several preferred partners that are ready to assist in assuring your wedding is a complete success.

For more information, call 972.723.7919 or visit www. midlothiancenter.com.

Midlothian Conference Center, Midlothian

Plano Centre With 122,500 square feet of event space, Plano Centre offers a flexible layout for your dream wedding. From the bridal shower to the reception, Plano Centre can host it all!

The beautifully landscaped courtyard is a magnificent setting for your wedding ceremony, and 17 additional rooms can be configured to meet any size or style.

For large receptions, Collinwood Hall can provide seating for up to 1,400 guests. More intimate receptions can take place in the Windhaven Ballroom, for 200 guests, which has a view out into the gorgeous courtyard. Their professional event coordinators can assist you in all of your planning needs, from room set-up to catering and beverage services.

Located at 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano Centre is just two blocks east of highway 75 and is close to a variety of Plano hotels. You can find a sense of ease when planning your wedding and reception at Plano Centre, as they have packages to fit every bride’s budget. Call 972.941.5840 and let them be at your service.

For more information, visit www.planocentre.com.

Plano Centre, Plano

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Wedding Venues Waxahachie Civic Center

Waxahachie Civic Center, Waxahachie

Make your wedding day memorable at the Waxahachie Civic Center. Conveniently located at the intersection of I-35E and Highway 287, the center is within 25 minutes of the DFW Metroplex. The Waxahachie Civic Center has a 20,000square-foot sub-dividing ballroom that seats up to 1,000 guests. The Crape Myrtle Room, showcased by elegant floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the room will be the highlight of your event. This opportune location makes the Waxahachie Civic Center the picture-perfect place for your event. From the wedding to the reception, our staff will work closely with each client to create a custom-tailored event that will exceed your expectations and leave you looking forward to planning your next event with us. Whether a small private wedding or a large reception, the Waxahachie Civic Center truly makes every event a special event.

The Waxahachie Civic Center is located at 2000 Civic Center Lane in Waxahachie, Texas. For more information call 469.309.4040 or visit www.waxahachieciviccenter.org.

WildHorse Grill AT Robson Ranch

WildHorse Grill at Robson Ranch, Denton

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Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding!

With this grand occasion comes the grand responsibility of seeking out a location, food, and beverage for your ceremony/reception.

Robson Ranch would be delighted to be the host of this chapter in your life’s most monumental occasions. The facilities at Robson Ranch have the capability of fitting your group with rooms comfortable for 30 to 300 people. For a more intimate group, the classically ambient restaurant may be the right fit, with a fireplace in every room and windows for walls.

For the “more the merrier” personalities, the magnificent clubhouse is settled at the highest point in Denton, allowing the most beautiful panoramic views and breathtaking sunsets.

Just inside is a long, wrap-around foyer, perfect for the prereception hors d’oeuvres and mingling. Once inside the 6,200square-foot ballroom, you will be overcome by the expansive wooden dance floor and stage area, as well as the warmth of the room despite its size.

The professional, uniformed service staff will assist you with any needs you may have. They provide and set up all the essentials, such as banquet-style round tables and chairs, elegant bone china, glasses, tableware, linens, and napkins. The highly skilled chef employs a truly gifted culinary team. They will work with you to customize the perfect menu, all within your budget. Contact Rhett Hubbard to schedule a time to meet and tour the grounds, and to have your questions answered. For more information, contact WildHorse Grill at Robson Ranch at 940.246.1080, e-mail rhett.hubbard@robson.com, or visit www.wildhorsegrill.net.

Wedding Venues

Theda gown 45 Cheri

www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw David Tutera for Mon

Show Your

Healthy Glow in Your Wedding Photos

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By Christina Kauffman, Owner and Founder of www.BlushTan.com

hether your wedding will be a grand, lavish event or a more intimate affair, one thing is certain—weddings are all about the details, and couples want every last element to be picture-perfect. Every bride deserves to look fabulous on her wedding day, and every bride deserves the special memories that come with truly stunning photos of one of the most extraordinary moments of her life.

Couples spend a lot of time, effort, and planning on their appearance before the first shutter clicks. From flawless skin, to immaculately styled hair and makeup, to the perfect wedding attire, you want yourself and your wedding party to look your best.

What if you could have the gorgeous, glowing skin that

comes from tanning without any of the unhealthy side effects? The good news is that now you can. With a custom sunless tan, you can show off a healthy glow in your pre-wedding and wedding photos that will be immortalized forever.

What Makes Sunless Tanning Special?

With awareness about the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) exposure on the rise, the sunless experience is an innovative, guilt-free solution to conventional tanning methods. By using a sunless tanning system, professional tanning experts can give a bride-tobe the illusion of a natural tan without any of the damaging effects associated with sunbathing or traditional tanning beds. Better yet, applications

are available for all types of skin.

Approved by dermatologists and skincare specialists, sunless tanning is a naturallooking solution to achieving a healthy glow. With the availability of sunless tanning on the rise, you are sure to find the look you desire without causing harm to your skin.

The Photogenic Results You’ll find that a sunless tan will even skin tone, giving you the appearance of a slimmer figure and enhanced muscle definition. Your teeth will look whiter and manicures and pedicures will stand out against that healthy-looking skin. Even your hair color will enjoy a boost. Opting for a full-body tan can eliminate unsightly lines that could clash

with the cut of your dress. With the popularity of sleeveless and strapless wedding dresses, this could be a great solution for you.

Special Considerations In order to achieve the natural and conservative glow that is ideal for brides, a color consultation with a licensed sunless tan provider is a good start. Rather than trying the sunless tanning experience without knowing how it will look in the day or two leading up to an engagement photo shoot or wedding photos, it is a good idea to plan ahead and make sure that you’re happy with the results. While full-body sunless tans are available, you might want to start with a par-

tial-body trial to make sure that you are happy with the results.

As with any wedding preparations, look for discount bridal packages. Check out results with a trial appointment. Consider bringing along the groom, or even your entire wedding party. You can even make an event of it by bringing in your bridesmaids to get ready with the girls before the big day.

With your maid-of-honor, best man, and other attendants looking their best, you’ll ensure that your wedding photos truly dazzle—with everyone looking their healthy best, your photos are sure to pop.

What to Look For When selecting a tanning service, you’ll want to look for

an experienced, professional staff that provides services in a private setting. Ask about their palette—a more extensive selection means a better chance that you’ll find the natural tone that yields your healthy glow.

Ask for testimonials or references from satisfied clients, and better yet, see if there is a photographic portfolio of the results—how better to envision the photos you’ll be able to capture at your wedding?

Whether you want your skin to be radiant for the big day or you want to look your best for your engagement photo shoot, a sunless tanning service will provide you with a unique tanning experience that will ensure your photos will shine with your special glow. •

Maggie Sottero gown. Available at Providence Place Bridal at The Harbor, Rockwall, Texas

Inside our doorway awaits a romantic journey back to the elegant Victorian style of 1898…outside our doorway is the vibrant Dallas Arts District, offering you the best of both worlds and the opportunity to treasure the most exclusive day of your life. Maple Manor is the most desirable setting for your wedding ceremony and reception or your rehearsal dinner. Available to you is a full-scale formal dining room with wood coffered ceilings, hardwood floors, and a Baby Grand piano. A stone-walled garden boasts three waterfalls, two streams, and fountains, with landscape lighting.

Adjacent to the garden is a climatecontrolled atrium complete with dramatic architectural lighting and arched ceilings with a oversized dance floor. All catering is provided by The Old Warsaw, so you can rest easy knowing that your guests will enjoy cuisine prepared by the most established restaurant in Dallas.

The staff at Maple Manor is ready to host your event from beginning to end and ensure that it will be a day to treasure for eternity. Come enjoy the Maple Manor Hotel.

Above Photos by Helmut Walker Photography

MAPLE MANOR HOTEL 2616 Maple Avenue Dallas, Texas 75201 214.871.0032 www.themaplemanorhotel.com

Photo by Helmut Walker Photography

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Photo by Tracy Autem Photography

Find the perfect place to celebrate!

Reception & Rehearsal Dinner Sites No matter how informal the party, there’s more to planning your reception and rehearsal dinner than just the menu. Plan an event they won’t soon forget. As you flip through these pages, you will be inspired by the many venues the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex has to offer to complement your special day!

Photo by Shari Hunt Photography

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our wedding reception can seem overwhelming, but never fear. Start with the basic guidelines, and let your creative juices flow.

Your reception could include a formal sit-down dinner or an authentic Texas bar-be-que.

Have the party at a first-class hotel, or take your guests on a riverboat cruise. Hire a disc jockey or a 30-piece orchestra for your dancing pleasure. The choices are unlimited — you can fashion the festivities to fit your personal-

Maple Manor, Dallas 2616 Maple Avenue 214.871.0032

ity and your budget.

Popular locations for receptions include hotels, restaurants, and private clubs. These party places can often provide the complete facilities and food services you require. Other options to consider: private homes, church halls, fraternal organizations, park pavilions, and art galleries. If your reception site doesn’t offer all the services you need, find a competent wedding consultant, caterer or party rental store that can provide food, equipment,

and staffing.

It’s important to be well-informed when you plan your reception. In order to negotiate with caterers, hoteliers, entertainers, and the like, you’ll need to provide them with some basic information. Essential data includes the date of the event, how many guests you expect, your budget range, and the reception style you’re planning. After you’ve told your story, find out what you need to know.

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What You Need to Know:

Irving Convention Center, Irving 500 West Las Colinas Blvd.

972.252.7476

www.brideandgroom.com

Photo by cindy davis design group

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• What is the facility rental fee?

• What is included in the cost?

• How many guests can the space accommodate (including table and chair availability)?

• How long does the fee reserve the space for and what are the overtime charges?

• What time can setup begin?

• What time must the space be vacated?

• Who’s responsible for cleanup?

• How far in advance must reservations be made?

• Are parking, rest room and changing room facilities adequate?

• Are air, heating and electrical (outlets) systems adequate?

• Is the dance floor adequate?

• Can you review staging, lighting, audio and video needs?

• Is there a public address system or microphone available?

• Is it necessary to use in-house catering: if so, will beverages and hors d’oeuvres be served before dinner?

• Are security guards, coat check, parking attendants, bartenders and similar services provided?

• How much is the deposit; when is it due; and when is the remainder due?

• What is the cancellation policy and is their liability insurance adequate?

• Is there a security deposit; if so when will it be refunded?

• Are there special rules and regulations that may affect the party?

RECEPTION STYLES The time and formality of your wedding determines what kind of reception will follow.

Photo by F8 Studio

It’s important to plan at least nine months in advance. Book your reception site as soon as you set the big date. If your location is in demand, you may have to set the wedding date around its availability.

If an outdoor wedding and reception is on your agenda, consider the possibility of inclement weather. Rent a tent or arrange for a back-up inside site — you don’t want your party called off because of rain!

Now that you know how to book your reception, you may have questions about what goes on at this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Read on for details about the order of activities at the reception, and other guidelines to follow when planning your festivities.

Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa, Dallas 12230 Preston Road 972.386.0306

Early Morning: Breakfast gathering at local restaurant. It’s unnecessary to serve alcoholic beverages at this early hour.

Afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.): Afternoon tea; serve coffee, tea or punch with light hors d’oeuvres.

Photo by Lydia Royce Photography, On location at Heritage Springs

Late Afternoon (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.): Cocktail party; feature 11 to 12 varieties of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres. Alcoholic beverages are served — an open bar is usually provided.

Evening: Serve a full meal; a cocktail hour often precedes dinner. Anything from a buffet to a sit-down meal is appropriate.

RECEPTION TIMETABLE Here is a basic guide to the timeframe of a typical wedding reception.

Upon Arrival At Reception Site Bridal party forms the receiving line, if you choose to have one. Guests pass through into the reception area where drinks and hors d’oeuvres are waiting. www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw

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After One Hour Buffet or dinner is served; the best man starts the toasting by offering the first good wishes to the bride and groom.

After One-and-a-Half Hours The first course is cleared from the head table; the first dance begins. Guests then join in the dancing.

After Two Hours Tables are cleared of food; it’s time to cut the cake!

The Last Half Hour The bouquet and garter are thrown; the grand march (optional) takes place. The bride and groom bid farewell to their guests.

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville, Duncanville 800 N. Main Street 972.283.9777

Photo by cindy davis design group

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RECEIVING LINE The receiving line allows parents and principals to greet guests and receive their good wishes.

The line usually begins just inside the reception site; it may also be held at the church immediately following the wedding ceremony, if you choose.

A church reception line is appropriate when not all guests are invited to the reception.

An alternative way to greet guests at the church: the bride and groom re-enter after the recessional, greeting guests as they file out. This method is appropriate if the gathering is not too large, and eliminates awkwardness if parents are divorced or don’t wish to participate in a formal receiving line.

In a traditional receiving line, the mother of the bride, as hostess, is first to greet guests. Following her are the groom’s mother, the bride, the groom, and maid of honor. Fathers of the bride and groom, the best man, bridesmaids and groomsmen may also be included. Children in the wedding party do not stand in the receiving line.

Make sure guests sign your guest book before they enter the receiving line. Place an attendant near the book to remind them to sign. Guests should move quickly down the line, saving conversation for later at the reception.

SEATING ARRANGEMENTS Place cards should be set by the caterer at the head table and honor tables to avoid confusion and embarrassment. At the rest of the tables, feel free to allow guests to choose their own seats.

The head table showcases the bride and groom, who sit in full view, facing the guests. The best man flanks the bride, while the maid of honor is seated next to the groom. Bridesmaids and groomsmen are seated, alternating males and females.

At a small wedding, the parents of the bride and groom may sit at the head table, as well as the officiating clergy and spouses of married attendants. Otherwise, there is a separate honors table, with the bride’s parents at opposite ends. The groom’s father sits to the right of the bride’s mother; the wedding officiant to her left. The groom’s mother sits to the right of the bride’s father, the wedding officiant’s spouse to his left.

You may also arrange two parents’ tables, with the bride’s parents at one, while the groom’s mother and father head the other.

In this arrangement, more friends and relatives may be given a seat of honor at these tables.

Divorced parents should be seated at separate tables, among their own friends and family. The bride and groom should divide their time between their families.

CUTTING THE CAKE The cutting of the wedding cake is a charming ritual, and the highlight of the reception. Guests are signaled by the best man tapping his glass, or by an announcement from the band. Using a special knife, the bride and groom cut the first slice. He offers her a bite, and she presents a piece for him to sample, symbolizing their willingness to share their lives. The rest of the cake is sliced by an at-

tendant and served as dessert.

It’s an extra treat to have a groom’s cake — usually a chocolate cake — contrasting with the bride’s cake, which is usually white, although it comes in all colors and flavors nowadays. The groom’s cake may also be served for dessert, or packed in small boxes for guests to take home as a memento.

WEDDING CAKES: A SLICE OF LIFE The wedding cake has long served as a symbol of fertility and good luck. The first piece is shared by the bride and groom as they cut the cake. Guests then partake of this tasty good luck charm, joining in the couple’s happiness.

Start shopping for your cake about four months before the wedding if you can. Look at pictures or models of cakes, and compare quality and workmanship. Many bakers allow potential customers to sample cakes before ordering. What a delicious way to shop!

Wedding cakes are traditionally composed of white or yellow layers, filled with custard or jam, then frosted in white. Current fashion allows for more unusual flavors, even a different flavor in every tier. Chocolate, banana, cherry, even carrot cake, are popular options. Liqueur-laced fillings add extra zip.

A multi-colored cake is an elegant favorite — some cakes are even four, five, or more tiers! A modern wedding is not molded by tradition — flowers, ribbons, seashells and other imaginative shapes are often seen at receptions. Traditional cake-toppers include a bride and groom, but today’s toppers may include fresh flowers or the couple’s monogram.

In addition to the wedding cake, you can have a groom’s cake. This cake sits on a separate table, and can be chocolate or the groom’s favorite flavor. The theme may depict his favorite hobby. Wedding folklore holds that an unmarried person who sleeps with a sliver of the groom’s cake under their pillow will dream of his or her future mate.

Give your cake a place in the

spotlight, on its own table — perhaps in the center of the dance floor during the cutting ceremony.

Guests love to watch the newlyweds cut it and take the first bite.

It’s long been customary to freeze the top layer of the cake for your first wedding anniversary. Your bakery can give you tips on how to best wrap it for keeping. Or, many bakeries now offer to recreate a miniature version of the original cake for your oneyear celebration.

cake by cake designery, Photo by Brent Hughes Photography

After all guests have arrived, the line disperses. The bridal couple takes their place at the head table, if they have chosen to have one.

Some couples elect to eliminate the receiving line, circulating with their guests throughout the reception instead.

DANCING If a reception features a buffet, the bride and groom may dance their first dance as soon as they’ve recovered from the rigors of the receiving line, or, if they are not having a receiving line, when they first enter. When a full meal is served, dancing usually begins after the last course is cleared.

After the newlyweds begin the first dance, others may join in as follows: Second Couple The bride’s father cuts in and dances with his daughter.

Third Couple The groom asks the mother of the bride to dance.

Fourth Couple The groom’s father dances with the bride.

Fifth Couple The father of the bride cuts in on the groom and dances with the bride’s mother.

Sixth Couple The groom dances with his mother.

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Photo by Kyle Coburn Photography

None of the first couples must dance a full dance. After a few minutes, other guests are invited to join in the dancing. Ethnic dancing may be featured, or a grand march may also be formed well into the reception.

As the activities end, a second receiving line is sometimes formed beside a small table filled with cake boxes, favors, or a last drink for the guests as they depart. This gives guests a chance to say goodbye to the newlyweds, who then have a last dance and prepare to depart the reception.

Photo by cindy davis design group

The Old Warsaw Restaurant, Dallas 2610 Maple Avenue 214.528.0032

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TOSSING THE BOUQUET AND GARTER The bouquet and garter are usually tossed just before the end of the reception.

All of the single men and women gather in a semi-circle. The bride tosses the bouquet over her shoulder — the lucky girl who catches it is supposedly the next to be married. The groom tosses the bride’s garter into the crowd of bachelors; the recipient, according to the myth, will become the next groom.

LEAVING THE RECEPTION After the bouquet and garter ceremony, the bride and groom can opt to change clothes, or remain in their wedding attire.

In a shower of rose petals, birdseed, sparklers, or anything else you can imagine, the happy couple heads for their car or limo, which has often been decorated by the groomsmen and ushers. The newlyweds leave the reception for a local hotel, or for their honeymoon, ready to start their new life together.

CATERING CONNECTION: FOOD FOR THOUGHT Wining and dining your wedding guests takes the largest bite out of your wedding budget. A well-planned reception is crucial to the success of your marriage celebration. Choose your caterer with care — a talented, well-organized culinary artist can create a fabulous feast you’ll never forget.

If you’ve chosen a hotel or restaurant for your reception site, they’ll probably provide their own food and beverage services. If you’ve chosen a different type of facility — such as a church hall or park pavilion — you’ll need to arrange for catering.

Book catering services well in advance; six to nine months before the wedding is ide-

I’LL DRINK TO THAT: THE TRADITION OF TOASTS No matter how informal the party may be — it’s traditional to toast the bride and groom at their wedding reception. The festive air that toasting lends to pre- or postwedding celebrations creates a feeling of shared good will for everyone present. Toasts are a tribute to the bridal couple and the wedding party.

Champagne is usually used for toasting — the bubbly brew is synonymous with romance and gaiety. If alcohol is not a part of this party, well-wishers can toast with sparkling cider or ginger ale.

Toasting can begin after the receiving line breaks up, and can be made all throughout the reception. At a less formal function,

Photo courtesy of Margaret Atkinson, www.4HarpMusic.com

al. Give your caterer the pertinent data — date, time, place, reception style, budget, and the number of guests attending. For food service, most caterers charge a flat fee per person; liquor costs are usually by the bottle or per drink.

Waiters may be paid by the hour or be included in the package.

Your caterer can help you determine the kind of food to serve, and provide china, glasses, and everything else you need. He or she can usually arrange for servers, bartenders and valet parking services as well. Be sure charges for these services are included in your cost estimate. Check to see if gratuities are automatically added to the final bill.

Your contract should specify the food and beverages to be served and the guest count.

Look into postponement and cancellation policies before you sign. A deposit is usually required when you sign the contract.

By all means, comparison shop — it’s important to get the most for your money. Just make sure the caterer you choose has a reputation for quality and service — the success of your reception depends on it!

toasts are presented just before the cutting of the cake.

The best man acts as master of ceremonies, offering the first toast. This toast may be just for the bride, or aimed at both newlyweds. The best man gets everyone’s attention by clinking on his glass. He may introduce himself and others in the wedding party, and explain his relationship to the newlyweds. At this time he may tell an amusing anecdote about the bridal couple, making a wish for their future happiness.

The toast may be in the form of a poem, quotation or the like — it should be brief and sincere. Those offering toasts should plan what they wish to say ahead of time.

It’s important to speak loudly and clearly when making the toast — everyone wants to hear this!

After the best man’s tribute, the groom usually responds with toasts honoring his wife, parents and new in-laws. The bride may then rise to offer toasts to her husband, the couple’s families, attendants and guests. (A special thank-you is expressed particularly well in the form of a toast.) The fathers of the bride and groom may propose toasts to their new

son and daughter, and other members of the wedding party may then offer their own toasts.

When you’re the object of a toast, remain seated, and don’t sip from your glass — you’re allowed to imbibe between toasts.

Smile and nod at who¬ever is offering the toast.

The tradition of toasting is one to treasure — long after your wedding day, you’ll look back and smile when you think of those ¬special words: the funny stories the best man told about you; the love your parents expressed as they welcomed your spouse into the family.

Above all, remember the tide of good wishes from all those present as they raised their glasses and drank to your happiness ¬during every toast that was made.

TOASTS WITH THE MOST Best Man To Couple “And now, ladies and gentlemen, I shall ask you to rise.”

Give guests adequate time to respond. If they are already standing, say: “I now ask you to raise your glasses.” Turning to the couple, say: “May your

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wedding day be the threshold of a wonderful future of sharing as you walk together through life, hand in hand. To Jane and John.”

Groom To Bride “Here’s to the prettiest, here’s to the wittiest, here’s to the truest one of all who are true, here’s to the neatest one, here’s to the sweetest one, here’s to them all in one — here’s to you.”

Bride To Groom “I wonder if you realize how much you mean to me, how wonderful you’ve been, how dear you’ll always be. You’ve brought such love and happiness into my life. No wonder I’m so thankful and so proud to be your wife. To John!”

Bride’s Father To Couple “To Jane and John. May your lives be full of the kind of happiness we are enjoying here today.”

Bride To Parents “To my new family, with thanks for raising such a loving and supportive person, and to my parents, for all the love and strength they’ve given me. May we all have many more memorable days together.”

THE REHEARSAL DINNER:

A TIME TO RELAX WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

The groom’s family or a close relative or friend usually hosts the rehearsal dinner. The dinner is usually given after the wedding rehearsal, an evening or two before the actual ceremony.

Rehearsal dinners are sometimes two-part affairs. A cocktail party may be held before the rehearsal and dinner. This is especially helpful in introducing the two families, who may not live in the same town. The cocktail party acts as an icebreaker for all members of the wedding — it can help

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the rehearsal proceed smoothly.

Invitations to the traditional dinner should be sent about two weeks in advance. The guest list includes all members of the wedding party, both sets of parents and immediate family, and officiating church members. Spouses and dates of these guests should also be invited. Another thoughtful gesture — invite those guests who have traveled from out-oftown.

Since the rehearsal dinner is not ruled by convention, it can be very casual or ultra-formal.

You can plan a picnic, buffet, or a sit-down dinner. If the occasion warrants, consider putting place cards at each seat. The bridal couple usually sits together at the head table, with hosts of the opposite sex seated at either side.

Parents and grandparents of the bride and groom complete the table.

The host, or the best man, offers the first toast to the bridal couple.

Other guests may then follow with their own toasts.

To achieve the best results, prepare toasts before dinner. Add a special touch to the festivities — have guests bring pictures of the bridal couple when they were younger, and make a collage for the newlyweds. Or have the rehearsal dinner videotaped.

To make the occasion especially memorable, hand out notecards on which guests may write good wishes directed to the bride and groom. Each note should be sealed by the author, and kept safe by the hostess for presentation to the bridal couple on their first anniversary.

The rehearsal dinner also presents an opportunity for the bride and groom to give presents to their attendants, and thank everyone for their participation in the wedding ceremony. •

Wedding Emergency Kit • Non-allergenic makeup remover • Makeup/eye shadow/mascara • Hair products: gel, hair spray, combs, pins • Tampons/pads/painkillers • Facial tissue/bandaids • Cold/allergy tablets • Travel-size sewing kit (including an assortment of safety pins) • Nail glue/polish/remover/file • Earring backs • Toothpaste/mouthwash/breath mints • Cotton balls/swabs • Antacid tablets • Deodorant/body powder • Cologne/after-shave/body lotion • Extra car keys!

Minimergency Kits for Brides, from Pinch Provisions www.pinchprovisions.com

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Guest

Accommodations Keeping your guests comfortable makes that special weekend extra pleasant for everyone involved. Show your hospitality by making guest room arrangements for them.

You’ve got it all under control, right? Your invitations have

been ordered and you were thoughtful enough to include maps to your ceremony and reception sites to avoid confusion and lost friends and relatives. Think you’ve got your bases covered? Where are your out-of-town guests going to stay? Streets that may look familiar to those friends and relatives who live nearby may look confusing, and even imposing, to those unfamiliar with the area.

Having all of your guests stay at one appointed hotel can help calm the nerves of those people so close to you who live so far away. Fortunately, there are several different types of hotels from which to choose.

Because all hotels offer different amenities, consider those things you think your guests may find important. The last thing by which you’d want your guests to remember your wedding would be that they had an unpleasant stay in an unfamiliar town.

Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa Dallas, 972.386.0306

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Booking Guest Rooms •

Ask the hotel if they provide invitation inserts with hotel name and phone numbers for your “out-of-town” guest list only. Or make them yourself!

•

Try to minimize the number of hotels that you select for your guests. You usually get the best rates if you have more rooms blocked off.

•

Decide whether you are looking for a full-service hotel or a limited-service hotel for your guests. Do you need a hotel with a restaurant, bar, or banquet facilities? Are you looking for upscale, economy, or mid-level hotels?

•

Encourage your guests to book at the hotel of your choice and to book EARLY. It is easier to cancel a reservation at the last minute than to try to get a room at the last minute.

•

Hotels will have “cut-off dates.” This is the last date that special rates and availability are guaranteed for your event.

•

If you want to ensure your guests’ requests for specific room types (king/double/non-smoking or rooms all on the same floor, etc.), make the reservations at one time.

Have each person’s special request listed and the credit card information for payment of room all at the time of making the reservation.

•

Remember that hotels are NOT in the transportation business. If you want to ensure that your guests arrive to and leave from your ceremony/reception at a designated time, hire a professional transportation company.

•

Ask the hotel to keep you informed as to how many guest rooms are reserved in your block.

They can run a report.

•

Encourage your family and friends to ONLY book under your block of rooms to get the negotiated rate.

•

Ask the hotel if it provides a special reservation code that you can give the guests to put into their reservations if they want to book through the hotel’s direct web site. This code ensures they get the negotiated rate and they are assigned to your block of rooms.

•

Ask the hotel if it offers the negotiated rate if someone needs to check in one or two days prior to the original block or if they want to stay a day or two later. Rates can vary greatly if this is not discussed at the time of the booking.

•

Ask what you have are not penalty? •

happens if all the rooms asked the hotel to block reserved.

What is the

Some things to consider when making arrangements for your guests: • How convenient is the location to your ceremony and reception sites?

• Does your wedding date coincide with any conventions that may be booking all of the choice rooms?

• Is there a shuttle to and from the airport and/or around town?

• Does the location offer rooms and/or suites?

• How much are the rooms? They may offer a group rate, depending on how many rooms you need.

• If you need just a few rooms, do they have special weekend rates?

• Can you reserve a wedding block of Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights?

• Do they offer a hospitality room where all of your guests can meet to pick up anything left specifically for them, or for just spending time together?

• Do they have smoking and non-smoking rooms?

• Do they provide irons/hair dryers/an in-room safe?

• Is there cable TV with movie channels?

• Is there a coffee bar/small refrigerator/ freezer/microwave in the rooms?

• Do they have free local calls/internet access/voice mail?

• Is a complimentary continental or buffet breakfast offered? Happy hour?

• Do they have an on-site swimming pool/hot tub/exercise facilities?

• Do they have a guest laundry or valet service?

• Is there a charge for additional services, such as for delivering gift baskets?

Estimate how many rooms you may need and remember to reserve a block of rooms three to six months prior to your wedding date to avoid any confusion. Forward the room information to your out-of-town guests as soon as possible so that they may confirm the room at least two weeks prior to the wedding. Your guests will truly appreciate knowing in advance that you have taken their stay into consideration.

Adding guest accommodations to your list of things to do is small in comparison to making your guests feel as important as you know they are! •

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville Duncanville, 972.283.9777

How to Distribute Itineraries for Weekend Wedding Events The most common distribution method of printed itinerary sheets is placing them in the welcome gift bags or baskets that each of the out-of-town guests receives when checking into their hotel rooms. The itinerary serves as a pretty and fun addition to a well-packed welcome basket, and guests have on hand an easy reference to the events and locations taking place throughout the weekend.

You can also hand out these cards at a guest welcome cocktail party, or arrange them on a side table for guests to take on their own.

Guests who are not staying at the hotel may receive these via regular mail, or you can send the pdf file to them via e-mail. Don’t forget to present these itinerary cards to the bride and groom as well as to their family members so that they may use them and keep them as wonderful keepsakes!

Courtesy of Sharon Naylor’s The Smart Guide to Wedding Weekend Events

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Flower Power

A bountiful array of beautiful blossoms creates an atmosphere of romance! On your wonderful wedding day, pretty posies tell the world how you feel about each other! deepest feelings through the language of flowers.

flowers by cindy davis design group

BRIDE’S FLOWERS: BRIDAL BOUQUET You’ll want to carry a bouquet that complements your wedding gown and is scaled to your proportions. Traditional bouquets are composed of all white and ivory blooms — roses, orchids, stephanotis, lilies of the valley and gardenias are commonly used. Today, brides often carry bouquets in colors taken from their wedding palette.

One currently popular style is the natural-look bouquet — an airy arrangement which may include wildflowers with stems showing. This type of bouquet can be held in front or draped over the bride’s arm. Other favorite arrangements include a round or crescent-shaped bouquet, a nosegay, a single flower or a flower-covered prayer book.

F

lowers speak a language all their own — we use them to say so many things: “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” or “Get better soon.” Every flower holds meaning all its own — take the time to choose the kinds and colors that express your personal sentiments.

Flowers play a major role at your wedding; arrangements may be as simple or elaborate as you desire. A professional florist’s advice is invaluable — working together, you can achieve the perfect ambiance for your wedding.

Choose your florist three to six months before the big day if possible. He or she may wish to visit the wedding and reception sites to view the layout. Provide photos and fabric swatches if possible from your wedding gown and attendants’ dresses if you can. Details on the groom’s and mothers’ attire are helpful in planning your wedding decorations.

Decide if you wish to use fresh or silk flowers. Fresh flowers add fragrance and a more natural look to the ceremony, while silk flowers hold up better in hot weather and are available in any color.

Descriptions of floral arrangements should be written into your contract.

Total cost should also be included — make sure the document is complete before you sign. Take care to choose a reputable, talented florist — one who can express your

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BRIDE’S THROWAWAY BOUQUET Although some brides may toss their actual bridal bouquet, most prefer to keep that arrangement. At the bouquettossing ceremony, a detachable section or another small bouquet may be thrown.

BRIDAL ATTENDANTS Bridesmaids and maid of honor usually carry similar arrangements; the maid of honor’s may be more elaborate. Attendants may carry traditional bouquets, or alternative arrangements: baskets of blooms, long-stemmed flowers over one arm, or a single, perfect rose.

If the bride wears a floral headpiece, attendants may wear a single bloom, spray or wreath of the same blossoms.

GROOM AND MALE ATTENDANTS The groom and each male member of the wedding party, including fathers, customarily wear a boutonniere in the left lapel. Traditionally, the bloom was a white rose or carnation, but as bridal bouquets have become more colorful, so have boutonnieres. The groom’s boutonniere should differ from the others — he might consider wearing a flower from the bride’s bouquet.

YOUNG ATTENDANTS Flower girls traditionally carry baskets of loose petals to be strewn in the bride’s path, but may also carry a miniature bouquet in a basket or a small nosegay.

They also might wear a single flower, or a

wreath of flowers, in their hair.

The ringbearer should wear a boutonniere just like the groom. You may wish to decorate the ringbearer’s cushion with a sprig of flowers.

MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS & OTHER VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE It is customary to present the mothers and grandmothers of the bridal couple with flowers to wear at the wedding.

These arrangements may be made up of flowers that coordinate with their dresses; personal preferences should also be considered. If grandfathers are present, they, too, would receive boutonnieres.

A corsage or boutonniere is a perfect way to honor others who contribute to your wedding. The guest book and gift table attendants are examples of special helpers to thank.

CEREMONY SITE Flowers at the ceremony vary considerably depending on location and style of the wedding. If the marriage takes place in a church, at least one arrangement should decorate each side of the altar.

Adorn the ends of pews with flowers and ribbons if you choose.

If your ceremony is held at a private home, club, hotel or other secular location, flowers and greenery are especially important. The arrangements serve as a romantic backdrop, taking the place of the church altar, and can be used to mark aisles.

RECEPTION SITES Some brides may wish to use the altar arrangements from the wedding to decorate the reception area; this is perfectly acceptable. Others feel ceremony and reception flowers should be considered separately. Remember you may want to keep your ceremony flowers in place for photos with your wedding party, while guests go on to the reception, which would mean you would need separate arrangements.

Church flowers should relate to the ceremony, arranged in a more serene, subtle fashion, while reception flowers would promote an unrestrained air of celebration. This is strictly a matter of personal preference.

As more time is spent at the reception than at the ceremony itself, many brides elect to concentrate the majority of their decorating efforts on the party facility.•

The Language of Flowers Through the ages, flowers have become symbolic of the qualities we value in ourselves and others.

Flowers at your wedding symbolize the beauty of the ceremony and a union growing in love and devotion. their meanings expresses the unique feelings of the bridal couple, sending a message of special significance to everyone present at the wedding.

flowers by cindy davis design group

Combining different blooms and

Apple Blossom Good Fortune

Holly

Domestic happiness

Orange Blossom Fertility, Happiness

Bluebell Constancy

Honeysuckle Faithful affection

Orchid Beauty

Buttercup Riches

Ivy

Fidelity

Red Rose I love you

Camellia Gratitude

Jasmine Grace, elegance

White Rose You are heavenly

Carnation Pure, deep love

Jonquil

Red & White Roses Together Unity

Affection returned

Daisy

Share your feelings

Purple Lilac First love

Forget-me-not True love

Lily Purity

Gardenia Joy

Lily of the Valley Happiness

Violet

Faithfulness Water Lily A pure heart

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County Clerks’ Offices Collin County

McKinney Collin County Courthouse 200 South McDonald Street, #120 972.424.1460 x 4185

Wedding Papers The big announcement! Here’s how to get your big news in the papers and get that all-important document — your marriage license!

Plano Collin County Government Center 900 East Park, Suite 140 Plano, Texas 75074 972.424.1460 x 3025

Dallas County

Downtown Dallas Records Building 509 Main Street, Suite 120 214.653.7559 East Dallas East Dallas Government Center 3443 St. Francis Avenue 214.321.3182 North Dallas County Government Center 10056 Marsh Lane, Suite 137 214.904.3032

Denton County

1029 W. Rosemeade Pkwy.

Carrollton, TX 75007-6251 972.434.7170 1400 FM 424 Cross Roads, TX 76227-7284 940.349.4400

Parker County

1112 Santa Fe Drive Weatherford, TX 76086 817.594.7461

Rockwall County

1101 Ridge Road Rockwall, TX 75087 972.722.1855

Tarrant County Arlington 724 East Border 817.548.3928

Downtown Fort Worth 100 West Weatherford, Room 180 817.884.1195 Hurst 645 Grapevine Highway 817.581.3625

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P

lacing wedding and engagement announcements is a piece of cake. Simply contact the paper(s) of your choice and request an announcement form, e-mail them, fill it out online, or stop by in person. Complete the form and return it with a photograph (some papers print the bride’s picture only). Most newspapers prefer black-and-white glossies or high-resolution photos e-mailed to them.

Engagement announcements are usually short, listing only the names of the prospective bride and groom, their parents’ names and the wedding date. Pictures are sometimes published with engagement announcements.

Wedding announcements go into more detail, featuring the couple’s names, parents’ names and their city and state if they’re from out of town.

Also listed are the church, wedding date and members of the wedding party. A photograph may be included at this time.

Information deadlines vary by publication. Engagement information may be required up to seven weeks in advance, while wedding announcements might be accepted up to a month or two after the celebration. The dailies have more rigid deadlines. Contact each newspaper for specific deadlines.

THE MARRIAGE LICENSE: YOU CAN’T BE WED WITHOUT IT! The hard part is almost over — the

bridal gown has been bought, the invitations are in the mail, and the caterer is cooking. Getting your marriage license is one of the last tasks before you can say, “I do.”

The procedure for obtaining your license is basically the same all over Texas. Together, the prospective bride and groom must visit the office of the county clerk.

Bring a valid form of identification — a driver’s license, certified copy of your original birth certificate, U.S. passport, or military ID. Also be sure to bring your Social Security Card. Cost for the license — $71, cash. They don’t take checks. However, there is a new premarital education program sponsored by the state of Texas called “Twogether in Texas” that is only $50. Take the class, and receive a $60 discount on your marriage license. Visit www.BeTheChampion.org, call 214.426.0900, or e-mail parer@anthemstrongfamilies.com for more information.

There’s one important detail you must not forget: a 72-hour waiting period is required after the license is issued.

Your license is good 30 days from that date. Good news — blood tests are not required in the tri-county area.

Most county clerks’ offices are open Monday through Friday. In downtown Dallas, hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The other Dallas, Collin and Tarrant County offices are open longer, until 4:30 p.m. Some sub-courts in Tarrant County may close for lunch. Call ahead to make sure they’re open before you make the trip. •

Party Time!

Finally! The details have all been taken care of. Now, it's time to relax and have some fun. Bachelor and bachelorette parties are designed to send off the bride and groom into their new lives with one last outing.

Get your wedding party to plan the time of your life with creative outings and entertainment.

E

If the bachelor party takes place the day before the wedding, it might start with a trip to the tuxedo shop where any last-minute alterations could be made while there’s still time before the big day. After ensuring their fit, the men are off to the golf course while the store manager arranges for the tuxedos to be delivered directly to the hotel or the groom’s home.

Your bridesmaids will enjoy a day at the spa for some long-overdue pampering. Cap it off with a light lunch or early dinner at your favorite food spot.

For the more active ladies, plan a golf outing, a day of shopping at an outlet mall, or tickets to a live theatre show or comedy club. Make it extra special by hiring a limousine to deliver your party in a safe manner.

The worst time for a bachelor or bachelorette party is the night before the wedding. Everyone needs to be at their best for the big day, without worrying about headaches, lack of sleep or a queasy stomach. Plan the parties several days or weeks ahead.

If all the participants live in the same city, the weekend before is a perfect time. If travel plans preclude “getting that old gang together” until the day before, all the more reason for an afternoon outing that leaves everyone ready for the rehearsal and dinner to follow.

The bachelor/bachelorette party has long been regarded as the last great fling before the fun is over forever. Today’s couples don’t regard marriage and family as the end of freedom, but the beginning of a relationship that is its own fulfillment. Relationships of commitment change one’s perspective on many facets of life. A bachelor or bachelorette party that everyone feels comfortable discussing and participating in, is a part of that commitment.

Throughout marriage there will be many times that couples see things differently—even vehemently differently. Use this as an opportunity to find a compromise that is mutually acceptable and that sets a pattern for discussion instead of arguing.•

Photo by crystal williamson

vent planners and wedding coordinators will be a big help in generating ideas, making contacts and setting up reservations for those trendy dinner and entertainment spots for the bachelor and bachelorette parties. Ask them to contact your maid of honor and best man to coordinate your parties. Then sit back and be surprised.

A day at the races or attending a professional football, basketball or baseball game is a natural for a men’s outing. If the man in your life is more of a doer than a watcher, a day at the golf course might be in order. Friends might meet for breakfast, head for the golf course, and enjoy lunch and a party at the “19th” hole.

They might arrange for the golf pro to play with them, helping everyone with their game. This could tie in with the ladies spending an afternoon of pampering at a sauna or salon following their own golf game, or on the tennis court.

A more mature groom might enjoy a gentlemen’s night at a wonderful restaurant. A “tasting” of scotch, wines, or cordials might be arranged with the maitre d’. Some restaurants have a private room, allowing for cigars, preselected by the groom for each of his guests. Perhaps friends and other members of the wedding party might meet to finish the evening with dancing and a nightcap.

For the ultimate “bachelor” gettogether, a weekend spent at a cabin for fishing, card playing, and reminiscing about the “good ol’ college days” is hard to beat. The boys might have so much fun that it could become the traditional party each year, even after everyone is married!

An outing (prearranged with instruction) at a skeet range provides an opportunity for camaraderie and, later, greatly exaggerated stories of shooting prowess, even if no one has ever shot before.

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Musical Notes Set your wedding-day memories with your wedding music and relive those special moments every time you hear “your song.”

At

Photo by Crystal Williamson

countless wedding ceremonies, Clarke’s “Prince of Denmark’s March” or Wagner’s “The Bridal Chorus’’ (“Here Comes The Bride’’) is the processional song of choice. Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream or Handel’s “Hornpipe in D” from Water Music Suite is often played during the recessional. It’s tradition, right?

Not always. The type of music played at your wedding is a matter of personal choice. While there may be some restrictions due to religious considerations, there is an abundance of music appropriate to any style of ceremony.

Enlist the aid of your church or-

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ganist, clergy, choir director or bridal coordinator in making musical decisions.

Your ceremony might feature an organist, pianist, harpist, string or woodwind quartet, or vocal performers. The musical program should begin 15 to 30 minutes before the ceremony, as guests arrive.

At the rehearsal, you may want to spend a little time practicing walking to the music you have chosen. Wedding music is highly emotional, and many brides have cried their way to the altar because of the sudden effect the music has had on them. It might also be a good idea to tell your

father you need practice walking on his arm to the music, giving him a chance to get used to it, too. Elaborate wedding walks are unpopular today, but a lovely bride will want to have an aura of confidence about her ability to float down the aisle to the music she has chosen.

Select a processional march that’s joyous, yet dignified. Your recessional music should be livelier in tempo — after all, you’ve just been married!

RECEPTION CONSIDERATIONS Music sets the mood for your reception—consider your selections carefully. You might have

Photo by Robin Sherman

Stradivarius String Quartet 972.949.4111 www.stradivariusmusic.com

Comprised of full-time professional musicians from the area’s major symphony orchestras, Stradivarius String Quartet offers artistry and commitment to quality, as well as a well-rounded repertoire from Bach to blues. The timbre of this string quartet will add a classic elegance to your special day. a DJ spinning discs, or a jazz musician tickling the ivories. A 30piece orchestra or a rowdy rock band might play “your song.”

Just remember to feature a variety of music—slow romantic numbers as well as rousing dance tunes.

Music should entertain both younger and older guests. Plan some selections for dancing, others just for listening. The band shouldn’t be so loud as to hinder conversation.

At a small wedding, a pianist or jazz trio is a good choice. A “wedding band” is a popular choice— they’re trained to play to all different age groups.

When interviewing musicians, find out the size of the group, instruments played, and whether or not they feature vocalists. Ask to see a current song list. You’ll want to have a large variety of music to choose from, including selections from the following categories: Top 40, showtunes, ballads, rock & roll, and country. If possible, catch the band in a live situation for a sneak preview of their performance style.

Make sure the group can acmood of your party. commodate your personal prefInform the band manager erences. Indicate songs you’d whom to contact at the receplike played during special motion site so they can check out ments. You might request one of the facilities ahead of time for the groom’s favorite tunes as the acoustics, lighting arrangements, wedding party sits down to dinetc. If you’re planning an outdoor ner. Music is also played during reception, decide where the parthe cake cutting, when the bride’s ty will move in case of rain. bouquet and garter are tossed, Don’t leave any of the details and to signal that it’s time for the to chance or memory—write bride and groom to leave. them down in a contract. Your You should expect a profescontract with the band should sional attitude and appearance include the date, time, location, in the musicians you hire. Ask if set-up time, number and length one of the band members can of sets, payment, overtime fees, act as master of ceremonies, if cancellation and postponement you need one. Determine how policies, musicians’ attire, and long the band plays and learn any special considerations. how many breaks they will take.

If live entertainment doesn’t Make sure they can provide refit into your reception plans, concorded music during breaks. sider hiring a professional disc From setting up the musical jockey. These entertainers can equipment to tearing it back provide a great variety of music, down, the band will spend four from rock & roll to waltzes, usually to six hours at your reception, and at a lower cost than a live band. they will get hungry. It’s customMany disc jockeys can also proary to provide them with refreshvide lighting effects and act as a ments—sandwiches and nonmaster of ceremonies.• alcoholic beverages, or a plate from the buffet. A happy band contributes greatly to the festivewww.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw 65

Intriguing Invitations A wedding invitation peeking out of the mailbox is always a pleasant sight. Make sure your message expresses the warmth and happiness you wish to share with your guests.

A

s with every aspect of planning a wedding, traditional guidelines exist for wording, paper and engraving of wedding invitations and announcements. Many couples, however, come up with informal and creative variations.

A very formal wedding still commands the use of very proper wording engraved on thick, creamy paper. A less formal celebration might call for pastel ink on parchment.

THE GUEST LIST After you’ve decided on a budget and the number of guests to invite, ask your fiancé and his family to make up their list. Let them know how many you hope they’ll invite. Normally, each family invites half the guests.

Another option: divide the guest list into three sections. The groom’s family, the bride’s family and the bridal couple each invite a third. As a rule of thumb, expect about three-fourths of those invited to attend.

Invitations should be sent to your wedding officiant and spouse, your fiancé’s immediate family, and members of your wedding party and their parents. You are not obligated to invite companions for single friends on your list.

If you do wish to invite the friend or fiancé of a single guest, ask for that person’s name and address and send a separate invitation. If the couple lives together, mail a joint invitation, as you would for a married couple.

While drawing up your invitation

Invitation by Carlson Craft

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list, put together your announcement list, if you are planning to send announcements. This list should include acquaintances not invited to the wedding with whom you wish to share the good news. Neither an invitation nor announcement requires a gift — feel free to send them to everyone. Order about 50 extra envelopes to allow for addressing mistakes.

PAPER AND PRINTING While handwritten invitations are appropriate for a small ceremony — 50 guests or less — for a larger wedding, you’ll want printed invitations.

A classic formal invitation is printed or engraved on the top page of a folded sheet of white or off-white paper.

A small inner envelope, ungummed and unsealed, encloses the invitation or announcement. This is placed inside a larger envelope which is addressed and stamped.

Add a personal touch to your invitations using translucent or shiny paper, colored ink or a special border. If you select colored ink, use the same shade to address the envelopes. Select someone with beautiful handwriting, perhaps a professional calligrapher, to address envelopes or write invitations.

Order invitations and announcements at least three months before the wedding to allow time for printing, addressing and mailing. Engraving may take longer. Have the envelopes delivered early for addressing ahead of time.

ADDRESSING Compose a master list on index cards; make sure all names and titles are spelled correctly. Address all invitations by hand, in blue or black ink; never use a computer.

The only abbreviations used are Mr., Mrs., Ms. and Jr. Most elected officials are addressed as The Honorable; the clergy as The Reverend Father, Pastor or Rabbi; and highranking military personnel as Commander, Colonel, etc. A single woman, even a child, is addressed as Miss

or Ms. Young boys are addressed as Master. Try to avoid nicknames or initials. Spell out streets, cities and states in full, and don’t forget zip codes.

If several members of a family are invited, avoid using the phrase “and family.” You want each person to feel the invitation is meant especially for them. On the inner envelope, include the name of each child invited:

Thank-You Notes

Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Ella, William, and Jonathan Adult members of a family should receive separate invitations, whether or not they live with their parents.

Send one joint invitation to two brothers or two sisters living at the same address.

Invitations should be mailed four to six weeks before the ceremony.

Two months is courteous if you plan to marry during the holidays.

Allow people time to consider your invitation and word their replies.

Depending upon the formality of your invitation, they’ll respond with formal written acceptances or regrets, informal notes, phone calls or response cards.

If you haven’t had a response from a guest two weeks before the wedding, call and check. When each invitation is accounted for, tell your caterer how many guests to expect.

Formal announcements, created in the style of your invitation, should be mailed the day of the wedding or immediately afterward if you plan to send them. Ask a bridesmaid or family member to do this if you don’t have time.

KEEPING TRACK As soon as your invitations are sent, you’ll begin receiving calls and notes from guests, saying they can hardly wait. Promptly record who’s coming, and who won’t be able to attend. Allow space in your filing system to describe gifts received, and make a notation when a thank-you note is sent.

SPECIAL ENCLOSURES Enclosures are printed in the same style as the invitation itself. At-home cards may be enclosed with formal invitations, but are usually sent with announcements. These are small cards informing everyone of your new address and the date you’ll be ready to receive mail and visitors there.

Ceremony cards are sent if there’s a chance that uninvited persons may try to attend, or if the wedding is held

So many people will make your wedding-day dreams come true: your family, friends, co-workers and wedding professionals. What better way to single them out for their hard work than to send a heart-felt “thank you.”

Invitation

by Carlson Craft in a public or historic place. Engraved cards may be enclosed with the invitations, to be presented at the door for admittance. For other types of enclosures you may wish to ask your printer, stationer or wedding consultant.

WEDDING PROGRAMS A program is extremely helpful in guiding your guests through the ceremony and is a wonderful memento of your wedding. It provides vital information and might be an elaborate booklet, a calligraphy-inscribed scroll, or a preprinted wedding bulletin with your wedding service photocopied inside.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Normally, announcements are not mailed to anyone who has been invited to the wedding. But they may go out after an intimate ceremony for family only, after an elopement, or a wedding so far away that many people could not attend. Business associates with whom the couple work day-to-day might also receive announcements. (Remember, no one receiving an announcement need feel obligated to send a gift.)

Printing and paper for the announcements are the same as for invitations. Announcements should be addressed like invitations and, whenever possible, mailed out immediately after the ceremony.•

Choose formal thank-you notes for both of you, since your groom will be writing thank-you cards as well. Your note paper may be engraved with your new address, in which case you could use it after the wedding. City and state names are printed out in full with no abbreviation. A street number may be spelled out or shown in numerals.

Stationery

imprinted

with your married name or initials is never used until after the wedding.

One final, important reminder to help your wedding run smoothly: make sure each piece mailed has sufficient postage. It would be terribly embarrassing if your invitations and thank-you notes were returned by the post office! •

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Wedding Shop

Panem gown by Sophia Tolli 68 www.brideandgroom.com

The Wedding Shop

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ing needs of wedding event

Bach to blues. The timbre of

es, linens, candelabras, and

planners. The facility includes

the string quartet, considered

even cribs for your out-of-town

a 4,344-square-foot exhibit hall

by renowned composers to be

guests.

that divides into two rooms of

Stradivarius

fountains,

Cleburne

the highest form of musical ex-

Planning a wedding has

1,275 square feet and 3,069

pression, will add a classic el-

never been so easy. Taylor’s

square feet, a 10,302-square-

egance to your special day.

has everything you need to

foot exhibit hall, 297-seat state-

put

complete

of-the-art theater, two smaller

have Stradivarius String Quar-

wedding and reception with-

meeting rooms as well as two

tet play everything, or if you

out the hassle of store-to-store

large prep kitchens and one

would like to complement the

shopping. The dedicated and

small prep kitchen, giving the

group with other instruments or

friendly staff will assist you with

ability to hold three separate

singers, allow them to assist you

all your rental needs. Taylor’s

food functions at the same

in selecting the perfect mu-

offers pickup and delivery of

time, and a 2,000-square-foot

sic and the perfect musicians

equipment to your location.

multi-tiered lobby area ideal

for your ceremony or recep-

Whether your function is in-

for wedding photo shots and

tion. For more information on

doors or outdoors, they have

receptions. The facility has wi-

the group as well as a quote

the items you’re looking for at

fi throughout the building and

of

a price you can afford.

cable will soon be available in

Whether you choose to

their

competitive

rates,

See editorial on pages 12 and 65.

70

www.brideandgroom.com

a

near

the exhibit hall and two larger

the Arts District of Fort Worth

meeting rooms. If additional

at

space is needed there is also

please call 972.949.4111 or visit www.stradivariusmusic.com.

together

Taylor’s 220

is

located

University

Drive.

Wedding Shop

si

ck

heal

th, for richer

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or

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to have

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• Full-service day spa

t h e e

e

• Luxurious guestrooms

o

i

t

• Rehearsal dinners & bridal luncheons

,

g r i n

i s t h

h i t

t

• Outdoor & indoor facilities

w

d

n

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n d i

e

w

,

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Our beautiful grounds are the perfect setting for your wedding or reception.

o

r

s ne

b

f

AT CO O P E R H OT E L LO C AT E D AT CO O P E R A E R O B I C S C E N T E R

• Full-service catering with the option to provide your own bar • Complimentary bridal suite • Experienced wedding coordinator

C A L L T O S C H E D U L E A T O U R T O D AY !

12230 PRESTON ROAD | DALLAS, TX 75230 972.386.0306 | COOPERHOTELDALLAS.COM

a

5,250-square-foot

senior

center adjacent to the facil-

sites by ponds and fountains,

more information.

indoor facilities that hold up

See editorial on page 38.

to 200, rehearsal dinners and

ity, bringing the total meeting space available to more than

Cooper Hotel,

bridal luncheons, complimen-

26,000 square feet. The new

Conference Center & Spa

tary bridal suites, spacious ac-

center also provides more

Your special day deserves

commodations with preferred

than 500 free parking spaces,

a special place. At Cooper

rates for guests, full-service ca-

making parking for wedding

Hotel, Conference Center &

tering, a full-service day spa,

attendees easy and economi-

Spa, their lush 30-acre grounds

complimentary parking and

cal. Combine all the above

provide a beautiful setting for

Wi-Fi, a complimentary three-

advantages with a variety of

your wedding or reception.

month membership to Coo-

inviting new hotels represent-

Their

wedding

per Fitness Center for the bride

ing most of the major chains as

coordinator will provide the

and groom, and the option to

well as several B&Bs, and you

personal touches and detailed

provide your own bar.

have a facility that is ready to

service to make your day what

assist you with all your wedding

it should be...perfect.

experienced

Take a tour of Cooper Hotel, located at the world-famous

needs. Please contact them

They offer affordable wed-

Cooper Aerobics Center, and

at 817.556.8860 or visit www.

ding and reception packag-

imagine the happiest day of

cleburneconference.com for

es, including beautiful outdoor

your life. Call 972.386.0306 for

www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw

71

Wedding Shop availability and pricing or visit

HILTON GARDEN INN

ceptions to buffets to formal

www.cooperhoteldallas.com.

DALLAS/Richardson

seated dinners, we offer deli-

See ad on page 71 and

The Hilton Garden Inn Dal-

editorial on pages 12, 32, 39, 51,

las/Richardson is a full-service

and 58.

experience in a boutique set-

Guests can relax in com-

ting. This award-winning ho-

fort in our 125 elegant guest

HILTON GARDEN INN

tel is a premiere north Dallas

rooms, and our complimen-

DALLAS/DUNCANVILLE

destination for all your wed-

tary guest shuttle serves des-

Whether planning rehearsal

ding needs, including venue,

tinations within a five-mile ra-

dinners, weddings ceremonies

caterer, and luxury guest ac-

dius of the hotel.

and receptions or even hon-

commodations.

eymoon

stays,

cious catering options to suit any palate.

To learn more and be-

in-the-know

Experience the wedding

gin planning your event, call

brides have learned that at

of your dreams in more than

972.792.9393, or visit www.

Hilton Garden Inn, they can

3,000 square feet of flexible

dallasrichardson.hgi.com.

have the same on-site ban-

banquet space. Our Prairie

quet halls, delicious food, and

Creek Ballroom accommo-

attentive service for a great-

dates up to 200 guests, and

The Hyatt Place

er value. You can count on

features a variety of event set-

Dallas/Garland/richardson

them to make your event a

ups, which includes lighting,

The Hyatt Place Dallas/

success.

a dance floor, and A/V ca-

Garland/Richardson and the

Their in-house catering of-

pabilities. A spacious, private

Firewheel Conference Cen-

fers menu options designed

pre-function area is perfect

ter are conveniently located

to help you create a delicious

for buffet set-up and addition-

in the Dallas northeast suburb

and memorable event in your

al event seating. The hotel’s

of Garland on the President

personal style. And the meal

restaurant, bar, lounge, and

George Bush Highway, eas-

is just one of the many ways

outdoor terrace are ideal for

ily accessible from both DFW

they’re committed to make

intimate events and cocktail

International Airport and Dal-

your event just right.

receptions. Additionally, the

las Love Field Airport. They are

Take advantage of their

hotel’s extensive, on-site art

located in the prestigious Fire-

online planning tips and tools

collection is displayed promi-

wheel area, and the hotel is

to create a personalized web

nently throughout the hotel,

minutes from the world-class

page for your event, get great

including in the pre-function

shopping, golf, and family

rates on rooms with group dis-

area and outdoor sculpture

fun of Firewheel Town Center

counts, and more. For more

garden.

Mall, the 63-hole Firewheel

information, visit www.dallas-

Our

chef

and

culinary

See editorial on page 41.

Golf Club, and the Hawaiian

duncanville.hgi.com or call

team have created a vari-

972.283.9777.

ety of delectable menus and

Your wedding guests will

See ad on page 77 and

wedding packages, and are

enjoy 42” flat-panel HDTV, the

editorial on pages 13, 40, 52,

on hand to customize details

Hyatt Grand Bed™, compli-

and 59.

for the perfect plate. From re-

mentary Wi-Fi, and continen-

72

www.brideandgroom.com

Falls Water Park.

Wedding Shop

tal breakfast. They offer more

the innovative future of meet-

to intimately seat less than 200,

than 15,000 square feet of flex-

ings and events. With almost

the Irving Convention Cen-

ible event space, including a

100,000 square feet of meet-

ter can easily accommodate

7,632-square-foot

ballroom.

ing and event space, the

weddings of all sizes.

Their staff is always available

building’s unique architecture,

to ensure everything goes ex-

vertical design, and interior

acres in the heart of Irving’s

actly the way you want. Be-

finishes create a new niche

Las Colinas Urban Center and

cause when it does, great

in the marketplace. You’ll dis-

in the center of Dallas/Fort

things

Hyatt

cover outdoor terraces, con-

Worth, the convention cen-

Place is located at 5101 North

versational seating areas and

ter’s location offers prime ac-

President George Bush High-

the most refined finishes of any

cess to everything there is to

way, Garland, TX 75040. Call

facility of its kind.

see and do in North Texas. Ir-

happen.

972.414.3500

to

The

book

Perfectly

situated

on

40

your

Their exceptionally well-ap-

ving boasts more than 75 ho-

event, or visit HyattPlaceDal-

pointed grand ballroom is lo-

tels, ranging from budget to

lasGarland.com.

cated on the top level of the

full-service, along with a grand

convention center and pro-

selection of dining options, all

vides a wealth of pre-function

within mere minutes of Dallas/

IRVING CONVENTION CENTER

space, with south and east vis-

Fort Worth International Air-

at Las Colinas

tas to the Dallas skyline. With

port. To view more information

The Irving Convention Cen-

a capacity of over 1,200 for a

and photos, visit www.irving-

ter at Las Colinas represents

plated dinner and the flexibility

conventioncenter.com.

See editorial on page 41.

www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw

73

Wedding Shop See ad on page 5 and edi-

The Maple Manor Hotel as-

bridal shower to the reception,

torial on pages 20–23, 42 and

sures

50.

and is wheelchair-accessible.

The beautifully landscaped

It is located at 2616 Maple

courtyard is a magnificent set-

Avenue in Dallas. Please call

ting for your wedding ceremo-

Built in 1898, this turn-of-

214.871.0032. Visit them at www.

ny, and 17 additional rooms

the-century Victorian hotel is

themaplemanorhotel.com or

can be configured to meet

located in the heart of down-

e-mail

at

any size or style. For large re-

town Dallas. The recently add-

maplemanorhotel@yahoo.

ceptions, Collinwood Hall can

ed climate-controlled pavilion

com.

provide seating for up to 1,400

MAPLE MANOR HOTEL

with

dramatic

personalized

them

service

Plano Centre can host it all!

architectural

See ad on page 1 and edi-

guests. More intimate recep-

lighting and arched ceilings

torial on pages 42, 48, and 49.

tions can take place in the

makes a wonderful spot for

Windhaven Ballroom, for 200

your wedding ceremony and

THE OLD WARSAW

guests, which has a view out

reception. This area will ac-

RESTAURANT

into the gorgeous courtyard.

commodate up to 150 guests

Since 1948, its rich, old-world

Their professional event coor-

for a seated dinner. The pavil-

atmosphere has made it a fa-

dinators can assist you in all

ion is furnished with audio and

vorite for wedding celebra-

of your planning needs, from

video equipment.

tions. With five private areas,

room set-up to catering and

A private, stone-walled gar-

the entire facility seats approx-

beverage services.

den boasts three waterfalls,

imately 300 people. The near-

Located at 2000 E. Spring

two streams, flowers and foun-

by garden is also available for

Creek Parkway, Plano Centre

tains. It creates an elegant site

outside wedding ceremonies.

is just two blocks east of high-

for photographs and your inti-

Complimentary

transporta-

way 75 and is close to a variety

mate ceremony or smaller re-

tion is available for your guests

of Plano hotels. You can find a

ception.

staying in area hotels. For

sense of ease when planning

In the original dining room

more information, please call

your wedding and reception

area of the hotel, you may uti-

214.528.0032 or visit www.the-

at Plano Centre, as they have

lize the winding staircase for

oldwarsaw.com.

packages to fit every bride’s

your grand entrance. This area

The Old Warsaw Restaurant

budget. Call 972.941.5840 and

seats 120 of your guests. French

is located at 2610 Maple Av-

let them be at your service. For

doors lead to a glassed-in con-

enue, next to Maple Manor

more information, visit www.

servatory. Catering is provided

Hotel in the heart of Uptown

planocentre.com.

by The Old Warsaw.

Dallas.

The Maple Manor Hotel has six suites that are decorated in

See editorial on pages 48

21, and 43.

and 54.

The Springs Events

the late 1800’s motif, reflecting French, American and Italian

See editorial on page 20,

PLANO CENTRE

Rustic Elegant Event Venues

themes. Their wedding pack-

With 122,500 square feet of

On your wedding day, imag-

ages include one complimen-

event space, Plano Centre of-

ine coming through beautifully

tary night in a bridal suite.

fers a flexible layout for your

engineered iron-cast arched

74

dream wedding. From the

doors onto a white stone patio

www.brideandgroom.com

Wedding Shop

FDL Bridal201 Show 4 Show

{

}

Our energetic show will feature live entertainment, delicious food, beautiful gowns, fun photo booths and more! We're also giving away thousands in door prizes, along with dance lessons and games to entertain every bride and her guests.

porch covered by a beautiful

for the first time in your lives.

a Springs Events’ venue. For

gable. From the porch, you

Upon coming down the stair-

more information, please visit

will see and hear the beauty

case, you will be welcomed

www.thespringsevents.com.

that is created by The Springs

by all your guests into the rustic

Events’ signature water fea-

and elegant open backdrop

ture. You will walk onto a

created by hardwood floors,

bridge, over a running stream

open-beam trusses and white

of water, and on towards the

stone walls.

See ad on page 11.

Waxahachie Civic Center Make your wedding day memorable

at

the

Waxa-

covered pavilion that sets the

In addition to the beauti-

hachie Civic Center. Conve-

backdrop of one of the most

ful scenery that is created for

niently located at the inter-

important events of your life.

you on your special day, The

section of I-35E and Highway

After being sealed together

Springs Events wants to make

287, the center is within 25

in holy matrimony, you will

your day as easy as possible.

minutes of the DFW Metroplex.

make your way into the rus-

To achieve this, The Springs

The Waxahachie Civic Center

tic and elegant 9,000-square-

Events provides personal pay-

has a 20,000-square-foot sub-

foot reception hall through the

ment plans, allows you to

dividing ballroom that seats

back stairs, unseen by all your

choose your own vendors, al-

up to 1,000 guests. The Crape

guests, and then down the

lows you a full 16-hour rental

Myrtle Room, showcased by

wood-crafted staircase as you

timeframe, and provides many

elegant

are introduced as Mr. and Mrs.

other amenities in the price of

dows throughout the room will

floor-to-ceiling

win-

www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw

75

Wedding Shop event.

The Waxahachie Civic Center is located at 2000 Civic Center Lane in Waxahachie, Texas. For more information call 469.309.4040 or visit www. waxahachieciviccenter.org.

See editorial on page 44.

WILDHORSE GRILL AT ROBSON RANCH Congratulations engagement

on

and

your

upcom-

ing wedding! With this grand occasion comes the grand responsibility of seeking out a location, food, and beverage for your ceremony/reception.

Robson Ranch would be delighted to be the host of this chapter in your life’s most monumental occasions. The facilities

at

Robson

Ranch

have the capability of fitting your group with rooms comfortable for 30 to 300 people.

For a more intimate group, the classically ambient restaurant may be the right fit, with a fireplace in every room and windows for walls. For the “more the the be the highlight of your event.

lored event that will exceed

This opportune location makes

your expectations and leave

the Waxahachie Civic Cen-

you looking forward to plan-

ter the picture-perfect place

ning your next event with us.

for your event. From the wed-

Whether a small private wed-

ding to the reception, our staff

ding or a large reception, the

will work closely with each cli-

Waxahachie Civic Center truly

ent to create a custom-tai-

makes every event a special

76

www.brideandgroom.com

merrier”

personalities,

magnificent

clubhouse

is settled at the highest point in Denton, allowing the most beautiful

panoramic

views

and breathtaking sunsets. Just inside is a long, wrap-around foyer, perfect for the prereception hors d’oeuvres and mingling.

Once

inside

the

Wedding Shop 6,200-square-foot

ballroom,

you will be overcome by the expansive

wooden

dance

floor and stage area, as well as the warmth of the room despite its size.

The professional, uniformed service staff will assist you with any needs you may have.

They provide and set up all the essentials, such as banquetstyle round tables and chairs, elegant bone china, glasses, tableware, linens, and napkins. The highly skilled chef employs a truly gifted culinary team. They will work with you to customize the perfect menu, all within your budget. Contact Rhett Hubbard to schedule a time to meet and tour the grounds, and to have your questions answered. For more information,

contact

Wild-

Horse Grill at Robson Ranch at 940.246.1080, e-mail rhett. hubbard@robson.com, or visit www.wildhorsegrill.net.

See editorial on page 44.

Transportation Champion limo Since Group,

1995,

Champion

Champion

Limo,

Champion Party Buses, and Champion

Transportation

have provided chauffeured transportation services both locally and nationwide. Family owned, they have been in the transportation business for more than 18 years.

Champion Limo has your

us for a Rose Garden Reveal

transportation needs covered.

Party at the beautiful Farm-

Their first-class fleet includes

ers Branch Rose Gardens on

Mercedes, Bentley, Rolls Royce,

March 29, 2014. Enjoy wine and

Cadillac, Hummers, standard

hors d’oeuvres as you visit with

6-to-10 passenger limousines,

wedding

15-to-18 passenger SUV lim-

the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The

ousines, passenger vans, mini-

first 200 attendees will receive

buses, limousine buses, and

a specialty wine glass and will

coach buses.

be entered to win the Sip, See

professionals

from

For more information, call

& Socialize Grand Prize! Don’t

972.492.LIMO, visit www.cham-

miss out on this FREE event, visit

pionlimosvc.com,

www.weddinginthebranch.

or

e-mail

sales@championlimosvc.com.

com for more information!

See ad on page 3.

If you are looking for a quaint venue, the 27-acre Farmers

Wedding Venues

Branch Historical Park has a

FARMERS BRANCH

variety of structures perfect for

HISTORICAL PARK

your wedding and reception.

Sip, See & Socialize! Join

Whether you are looking for a

www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw

77

Wedding Shop traditional 1890s church, com-

setting for the most memora-

cent antique grand piano and

plete with a center aisle that

ble day of your life.

state-of-the-art sound system

will accommodate up to 100;

As you enter, you and your

add the finishing touches for

or a picturesque 1930s home

guests will be greeted with a

your wedding. A large private

on manicured grounds with

beautifully decorated entry

dressing room with makeup

an antique rose garden and

hall with a stunning staircase

table and full-length mirrors

gazebo, the Farmers Branch

leading to a balcony in the

is provided for the bride and

Historical Park has what you

chapel. Once inside the pro-

bridesmaids. A separate dress-

need! Structure tours are avail-

fessionally decorated chapel,

ing area for the groom and

able, by appointment, Mon-

which seats up to 200 guests,

groomsmen is also provided.

day – Friday. For more informa-

you will find white church pews

Your reception in the exqui-

tion, visit www.farmersbranch.

adorned with greenery, flow-

site Reception Room is a lovely

info or call 972.406.0184.

ers and bows. White Italian-

way to greet and thank your

glass chandeliers add beauti-

guests for making your wed-

ful elegance to your wedding.

ding day a special occasion.

GREEN OAKS

The altar area, breathtakingly

Lighted trees, greenery, deco-

WEDDING CHAPEL

lit by dozens of candles and

rated candles and round, skirt-

professionally

flo-

ed tables with chairs provide an

ding Chapel, with its white

ral arrangements, offers you

elegant atmosphere. The lights

stone

you

a picturesque setting for this

are on dimmers, allowing you

romantic

special moment. A magnifi-

to control the perfect setting

See editorial on page 39.

Green

an

78

Oaks

exterior,

elegant

Wed-

offers

and

www.brideandgroom.com

designed

Wedding Shop for your reception. The skirted serving tables are beautifully decorated with flowers, greenery and candles, and set with silver serving platters, chaffing dishes, silver punch bowl and other lovely appointments. A state-of-the-art sound system surrounds you and your guests with beautiful music for listening or dancing. Green Oaks Wedding

Chapel

is

locat-

ed at 4115 SW Green Oaks Boulevard in Arlington. Please call metro 817.572.4300 for more information or visit www. greenoaksweddings.com.

See editorial on page 40.

MIDLOTHIAN CONFERENCE CENTER The Midlothian Conference Center offers small-town hospitality in a spacious, state-ofthe-art facility designed just for your event. Within the 39,000square-foot facility, they combine the best of technology with outstanding personal service

by

staff.

The

their

experienced

meeting

spaces

can accommodate groups from as small as a handful, to more than 1,000. Weddings are a dream come true in Mid-

more. They partner with the

are ready to assist in assuring

lothian. Along with providing

best in the area for all of your

your wedding is a complete

beautiful spaces, the Midloth-

heart’s desires. Whether it is a

success. For more information,

ian Conference Center offers

wedding planner, florist, ca-

call 972.723.7919 or visit www.

a wide variety of decorations,

terer, DJ, band, photogra-

midlothiancenter.com.

dance floors, table linens, lo-

pher, or baker, the center has

cations for photographs, and

several preferred partners that

See editorial on page 43.

www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw

79

Wedding Shop

Scan this tag with your smart phone’s free Microsoft Tag app to go straight to Bride & Groom’s website!

Directory of Online Advertisers

For more information on these wedding professionals, visit www.brideandgroom.com!

ALL-INCLUSIVE WEDDINGS

The Red Experience, Custom Invitations and Event Design

MK Travel, Inc. OFFICIANTS & PREMARITAL COUNSELING

You Deserve It! Vacations

4Romantic Weddings.com BABYSITTING

PHOTOGRAPHY & GREEN SCREEN PHOTOS

Black-Tie Babysitting

Triana Studios BEAUTY/SPA

Carol Short, Independent Mary Kay Sales Director

QUINCEAÑERAS, BAR & BAT MITZVAHS

BRIDAL SALONS & TUXEDOS, BRIDAL ALTERATIONS

The Grand Hall at North Richland Hills Centre

Distinct Elegance Bridal Boutique

Poetry Place

Margo Bridal Alterations

Nuvo Room

Providence Place Bridal Boutique at The Harbor

Salli G Wedding & Special Event Consultant

The Dress List.com

Storybook Ranch

En Pointe Weddings & Events

Walters Wedding Estates BRIDAL SHOWERS & LUNCHEONS RECEPTION & REHEARSAL DINNER SITES

City Cafe Nuvo Room

City Cafe

Poetry Place

Nuvo Room

Storybook Ranch

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The Grand Hall at North Richland Hills Centre

Poetry Place

Walters Wedding Estates

Special Moments Chapel Storybook Ranch

BRIDAL SHOWS

The Grand Hall at North Richland Hills Centre Walters Wedding Estates

Fleur de Lis Bridal Productions Posh Bridal Shows

WEDDING & EVENT PLANNING

Soiree Bridal Shows

Chassler Dionne Wedding & Event Planning ENTERTAINMENT

4HarpMusic.com

Day of Divas En Pointe Weddings & Events

Carol Marks Music Entertainment Agency

Salli G Wedding & Event Coordinator Special Moments Wedding & Event Planning

GUEST LODGING

The Red Experience Event Design

Hampton Inn Dallas/Las Colinas

Wrapped Around You Wedding & Event Planners

Walters Wedding Estates WEDDING VENUES & OUTDOOR WEDDINGS HONEYMOONS & DESTINATION WEDDINGS

City Cafe

MK Travel, Inc.

John Knox Presbyterian Church

You Deserve It! Vacations

Poetry Place MK Travel, Inc.

INVITATION SERVICES & CALLIGRAPHY

Calligraphy by Angela

Nuvo Room Occasions at Stone River Special Moments Chapel

INVITATIONS En Pointe Weddings & Events

80

Storybook Ranch The Grand Hall at North Richland Hills Centre You Deserve It! Vacations

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Walters Wedding Estates

Directory of Wedding Professionals ur

t

Tell all your wedding specialists you saw them here in Bride & Groom Magazine!

Beauty/Spa/fi ness Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa 972.386.0306, 1.800.444.5187; Dallas

new home/go met cooking Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano

Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano

Party Rentals Taylor’s Rentals 817.332.5258; Fort Worth

Bridal registry

Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano Bridal Salons

Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano Bridal Showers & Bridal Luncheons Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian

Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie

Fleur de Lis Bridal Show 817.232.3444; DFW Great Bridal Expo 800.422.3976; DFW

Soiree Boutique Bridal Shows 866.242.8078; DFW catering

Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano Entertainment Stradivarius String Quartet 972.949.4111; DFW financial services

Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano florists

Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano gift registries

Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano Guest Accommodations Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa 972.386.0306, 1.800.444.5187; Dallas Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Richardson 972.792.9393; Richardson

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Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland

Della gown David Tutera for Mon Cheri

The Springs Events, Hidden Springs 940.435.4034; Aubrey, TX

Quinceañeras, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs Champion Limo 844.GO.CHAMP; DFW

The Springs Events, Poetry Springs 972.210.9250; Poetry, TX

Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne

Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville

WildHorse Grill at Robson Ranch 940.246.1080; Denton

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Richardson 972.792.9393; Richardson

Transportation Champion Limo 844.GO.CHAMP; DFW

Irving Convention Center 972.252.7476; Irving

Wedding & Event planners En Pointe Weddings & Events 817.909.2036; DFW

Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian

Salli G Wedding & Special Event Consultant 972.233.0976.; DFW

Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano

Wrapped Around You Wedding & Event Planners 214.543.6739; DFW

Taylor’s Rentals 817.332.5258; Fort Worth

Wedding Venues Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne

The Springs Events, Heritage Springs 469.400.8960; Anna, TX

Posh Bridal Shows 469.554.8803; DFW

Maple Manor Hotel 214.871.0032; Dallas

The Springs Events, Heritage Springs 469.400.8960; Anna, TX

Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland

Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano

Bridal Shows Bridal Shows, Inc. 972.713.9920; DFW

Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano

invitations/pape goods Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano

jewelers Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano

Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa 972.386.0306, 1.800.444.5187; Dallas

The Springs Events, Hidden Springs 940.435.4034; Aubrey, TX

Farmers Branch Historical Park 972.406.0184; Farmers Branch

The Springs Events, Poetry Springs 972.210.9250; Poetry, TX

Green Oaks Wedding Chapel metro 817.572.4300; Arlington

Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville

WildHorse Grill at Robson Ranch 940.246.1080; Denton Reception & Rehearsal Dinner Sites Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa 972.386.0306, 1.800.444.5187; Dallas Farmers Branch Historical Park 972.406.0184; Farmers Branch Green Oaks Wedding Chapel metro 817.572.4300; Arlington Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Richardson 972.792.9393; Richardson Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland Irving Convention Center 972.252.7476; Irving Lakeside Market www.lakesidemarketplano.com; Plano Maple Manor Hotel 214.871.0032; Dallas Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian Old Warsaw Restaurant 214.528.0032; Uptown Dallas

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Richardson 972.792.9393; Richardson Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland Irving Convention Center 972.252.7476; Irving Maple Manor Hotel 214.871.0032; Dallas Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano The Springs Events, Heritage Springs 469.400.8960; Anna, TX The Springs Events, Hidden Springs 940.435.4034; Aubrey, TX The Springs Events, Poetry Springs 972.210.9250; Poetry, TX Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie WildHorse Grill at Robson Ranch 940.246.1080; Denton

Dallas/Fort Worth Bride & Groom Spring 2014 Wedding Planner Volume XXIV, Number 2 WWW.BRIDEANDGROOM.COM

Zelda gown David Tutera for Mon Cheri

Spring 2014 $4.25

Display Until June Visit us online at www.brideandgroom.com

Chic Jewelry, Limo Guide, Expert Advice

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Real Weddings

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cover Photo by Lydia Royce Photography www.lydiaroyce.com