SUMMER FALL 2010
HE HAS YOUR ATTENTION.
YOU HAVE OURS.
PUBL ISH ED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291
BUSIN ESS MANA GEMENT Malkasian Accountancy LLP Gary Malkasian CPA JEFFREY Malkasian EA Bookkeeper Marilyn Harris Office Administrator Maria Gaston
EDITO RIAL Executive Editor Karen Tellalian Wedding Style Editor TAYLOR VAUGHN Copy Editor dARA FISK-ekanger
ART & PRO DUC TI ON Creative Director David Jones
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ADVERTISIN G SA LES DARLENE MAYFIELD 559.738.0907
SUMMER FALL 2010 We Love Etsy... 6 Expert Voice: Choosing a Venue... 8 2010 Dress Guide... 10-13 Digital Bride... 14 Real Wedding: Chang... 16-17 Eco-friendly Bride... 18 Real Wedding: Lions... 20-21
Inside Every Issue Budgeting Bride... 22 Fair Prepared... 24 Wedding Timeline... 26 Save Big... 28 Venue Listing... 30
\ cover photo by studio 317
Wedding Style Magazine is published twice a year and is distributed at four Bridal Shows as well as Bridal Businesses and high-traffic locations in the South Valley area. For a list of locations, call the DMI Agency office. Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of DMI Agency or its advertisers.
Š 2010 DMI Agency.
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Etsy We Love
If you're not
familiar with Etsy.com,
then allow us to introduce you.
Etsy.com is a global community
and marketplace for all things
vintage and handmade – and it's fabulous!
m
en t
St
ud
io s
8
This artsy site unites hundreds of thousands of sellers
Pho
from all over the world that offer the rest of us unique
treasures to fulfill our need for something different. One
y sb to
d ir Th
El
e
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GARTER by Sugar Plum Garters - SugarPlumGarters.etsy.com Garter with Swarovski crystals and Marabou feathers, $19.49.
jewelry, dishes, furniture, to just about anything.
2
BIRDCAGE VEIL by He Knows My Name - HeKnowsMyName.etsy.com Veil/headpiece with silk flower and Swarovski crystals, $69.
More specifically, Etsy has an entire section dedicated to
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GROOM’S GIFT by Signature T Shirts - SignatureTShirts.etsy.com “Trophy Husband” Tee, $14.95
4
FEATHERED SASH by Icing101 - Icing101.etsy.com Silky flower with feathers and vintage rhinestones, $49.
5
BRIDESMAID GIFT by Make Pie Not War - MakePieNotWar.etsy.com “I am thankful for you” hand-stamped medallion and charm necklace, $47.
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BRIDAL JEWELRY by BGBJewelry - BGBJewelry.etsy.com Necklace, $38; Bracelet, $26; Earrings, $19.
7
LUGGAGE TAGS by Cest Superbe - CestSuperbe.etsy.com Personalized luggage tags, $25-$32.
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WINE GLASS & TUMBLER by Fizzy Artist - FizzyArtist.etsy.com Two-piece, personalized, hand-painted set, $60.
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CLUTCH by Fallen Sparrow - FallenSparrow.etsy.com Victorian silk clutch with feathers, $45.
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GROOMSMEN GIFT by Stellar Custom Images - StellarCustomImages.etsy.com “Bacon is a Vegetable” Flask, $32
can find anything from clothing to art, edibles, lamps,
weddings. Veils, cake toppers, bouquets, favors, jewelry, bridesmaids’ gifts, gifts for guys, and so much more can be discovered here.
Lucky for you, the staff at Wedding Style Magazine has perused the site and found a handful of favorites we just couldn't keep to ourselves. The best part? They could be yours.
For a chance to win all these great Etsy finds, be sure to stop by our booth at A Bridal Odyssey bridal show on July 11, 2010, and at the Wedding Style Bridal Show on September 10, 2010 – both at the Visalia Convention Center. 6 WEDDINGSTYLE |
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Many of these Etsy items can be customized and/or personalized. To view all of the items available by these sellers or to personalize an order, visit their online store at Etsy.com.
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EXPERT VOICE BY MYRNA OKEN, WEDDING AND EVENTS COORDINATOR OF WONDER VALLEY RANCH RESORT
Choosing a venue
Tips for Planning:
Trend Watch:
Let your choice of wedding site and reception reflect the personality of you and your fiancé.
The predominant color this year is purple. Specialty foods have trends. Past trends have included chocolate fountains and cupcake pyramids. This year features a candy favor bar table.
It’s your wedding. Don’t worry about what guests might think if you want to do something a little different; especially with an outdoor environment. Planning a wedding is very time consuming, ask friends for help or simplify your event. Don’t be afraid to delegate! Some wedding sites, including Wonder Valley, offer all of the amenities and coordinates them for you, helping everyone involved in your planning to stay calm. Plan for photos after the ceremony. For fun, lighthearted photos, consider having a second shoot after the meal when you are relaxed. When you visit the site before the wedding, try to decide on some locations for your photos instead of waiting to do so on the day of your wedding. At the reception, have the goofy group dances. It gets everyone going for a party! The physical comfort of your guests is vital to having a good party. Make sure your facility has air conditioning or heat, depending on which season you choose for your ceremony. If you are planning an outdoor wedding be sure to ask about the rain plan!
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Many guests are enjoying being able to stay overnight on the same property where the wedding takes place. It allows for a place to dress before the wedding and there is no need to assign a designated driver for after the festivities. Couples are arranging for brunch or barbecue on the day following the wedding to mingle with guests in a more relaxed atmosphere.
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Amy Kuschel Anne Barge
Dress Guide Atelier 10 WEDDINGSTYLE |
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Chia Lieu Douglas Hannant Elizabeth Fillmore WEDDINGSTYLE | SUMME R / FA L L 2 0 1 0 11
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Eugenia Couture
Gail Garrison
J Crew
Dress Guide
Junko Yoshioka Mia Solano Saison Blanche WEDDINGSTYLE | SUMME R / FA L L 2 0 1 0 13
DIGITAL BRIDE
Your wedding website
Photos by Studio 317
I
f there was ever an easy way to keep your loved
Your friends and family will love to browse through
ones updated on your wedding planning, we’ve
your planning ideas and decisions; you can even
found it.
introduce your wedding party and show the date(s) of your bridal shower and other parties. There is also
SharedWeddings.com is a free social networking site,
an area to post photos and details from your big day,
much like Facebook, that is specifically formatted for
as well as your honeymoon (well, not all the details!).
couples getting married. The best part: It only takes an email address to sign up and it’s super easy to
SharedWeddings.com is only one of a handful
figure out.
of personal wedding sites available, but after discovering how easy it was to navigate, we highly
Once you’ve signed up, sharing it with your loved ones is as easy as sending the link via email, posting the link on your Facebook page, or tweeting the link to your followers on Twitter. You can update virtually everyone you know in just a few clicks. This website is very organized and is broken up into categories such as, info about the couple, how they met, their first date, the proposal - and all the really great stuff the people outside a close group of friends probably wouldn’t get to hear.
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recommend it!
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CHANG Losa & Jason 10.15.09 P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y S t u d i o 317
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ECO-FRIENDLY BRIDE
Be kind to the planet
J
ust because you and your partner are committed to saving the planet doesn’t mean you can’t have a fabulous wedding. You just need to think a little more creatively.
Here is your eco-friendly to-do list:
• S tart by limiting the excesses of the entire event. Keep your guest list to a minimum. This will eliminate some of the waste often associated with large crowds and cut down on other costs associated with invitations, catering, etc.
• Send out your wedding invitations on recycled paper or via e-mail.
• Consider limiting your gift registry. If you don’t need china and glassware, you might want to suggest that guests make donations to your favorite charity.
• The attire is usually a major expense for any wedding, but even if you’re going “green,” you still want to look fabulous on the big day. There are lots of eco-friendly alternatives available today, whether it’s wearing your mom’s gown, going to a consignment shop or having a vintage gown remodeled. And there are plenty of ecoconscious fashion designers now who use ecofriendly fabrics.
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• Let’s face it; most wedding gowns are worn only once, so there are plenty of ways to think “recycling” on this expense. Ditto for the groom and the wedding party. You can go to www.GlassSlipperProject.org, where bridesmaids’ dresses are recycled for girls who can’t afford prom dresses, and www. BridesAgainstBreastCancer.org, where you can donate your gowns for a great cause. To make donations to your central valley area, check out www.EnchantedEveningDress.com. • Catering is also a way you can definitely go green on your wedding day. Choose a caterer or chef who specializes in using local and seasonal organic foods, and then work closely with him in selecting a menu with food that will appeal to a variety of your guests.
• Flowers are always “greener” when chosen from a local farmers market or flower farm instead of flown in from around the world. Cut back on the huge centerpieces, and use smaller, more natural bouquets or other “organic” materials, such as seashells, tree branches, sand, etc.
• Favors for your guests may be as simple as a gift of plantable flower bulbs or a tree seedling (check out the Arbor Day Foundation) or even wildflower seeds. Chocolate from organic fair trade cocoa beans is another delicious possibility.
Rustic Romance ..
Weddings ~ Showers Rehearsal Dinners
20898 Hwy 198 Exeter, CA (559) 592-6726 www.orangeblossomjunction.com
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LIONS Shelly & Clay 03.27.10 PH OTOG R A PH Y BY Elly J o
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Budgeting Bride
Simple steps to
Sketching out your wedding budget U
nless money is falling from the sky right into your pocket book, do not use your wedding as an excuse to accumulate a mountain of debt that could tragically help end the reason you are spending it in the first
place – to be married to the one you love. In the world of weddings, your budget is your most critical tool. It is your wedding blueprint and will determine the rest of your planning. Sit down with your fiancé and establish a realistic budget. Be sensible about what you actually need versus what you want. Whether you have $5,000 or $50,000 to spend, below are suggested percentages for allocating your budget to cover all costs of your wedding. Of course, the percentages can be changed to fit what’s important to you, as long as they all add up to 100%.
Reception (48%) Food Location fee Attire (10%) Gown & Tux Flowers and Decor (9%) Ceremony flowers Lighting Photography (8%) Photography Videography Entertainment (7%) DJ Dance floor rental Miscellaneous (7%) Marriage license Officiant fee Rings (5%) Bride & Grooms ring Gifts (2%) Favors Bridal party gifts Stationary (2%) Invitation package Postage Transportation (2%) Limo or Rental car
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Fair Prepared BY CHANDRA ORR
Do
Your homework, then enjoy the show. W
ith so many vendors to visit and tons of new ideas, bridal shows offer one-stop shopping for all your wedding-planning needs, but they can also be a little overwhelming. Know your budget. Brides who have a clear vision of their wedding design and a firm grasp on their finances are less likely to enter “wedding overwhelm,” according to Judy Allen, author of “Plan a Wedding in Three Months or Less”. “It’s easy to go into a wedding-planning daze,” she said. “It’s important that brides spend the majority of their time meeting with wedding suppliers that fit their personal wedding vision, as opposed to being pulled in all directions. And taking the time to work out their wedding budget in advance will help brides know what is and is not financially feasible.” “Bridal shows are full of new ideas, but it is important not to get too distracted,” said Patricia Westbrook, co-owner of Bridal Bazaar, which produces four bridal shows a year in San Diego. “Having a list can help brides navigate a large show and use their time wisely. It’s a but like going to the grocery store.” Before you go, check the event Website. Most show organizers will provide a preview of vendors and a blueprint of the exhibits. Make a list of must-see suppliers, map your route before you arrive, have a list of questions for each vendor, and be prepared to take notes. 24 WEDDINGSTYLE |
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To make the day even more productive, consider the following:
Bring a set of sticky labels. Include your name, wedding date, wedding location and contact information written on them, which will make it easy to leave your information with vendors.
Collect business cards. Be sure to get the names of sales associates, e-mail addresses and Website information from each company, which will save time when you’re ready to book vendors.
Make time for the fashion show. You’ll get a sneak peak of the latest styles and get a realistic idea of what you might look like walking down the aisle. The show provides an opportunity to see the flat, stylized magazine photographs in motion.
Sample the goods. Taste-test the cakes, sample the food from caterers and pick up freebies as you see them, but don’t lose track of your purpose.
Don’t expect to see it all. If you get tired, feel flustered or hit information overload, it’s OK to call it a day. You don’t want to make any major decisions when you’re exhausted.
Above all else, have fun. Bridal shows can be as entertaining as they are productive.
“...Perfect...Beautiful! ” “
I had the perfect guy, I had my perfect dress, I wanted the perfect place. We chose Wonder Valley Ranch Resort.” – Stacie and Michael
photo by Patty Anaya
“
Our beautiful romance needed a beautiful winter location. That’s why we chose Wonder Valley Ranch Resort.” – Barbara and Wyatt photo by Maciel’s
Our clients say it best! Choose Wonder Valley Ranch Resort for your dream wedding location. Garden Weddings • Winter Fireplace Weddings Legacy Banquet Hall • Rehearsal Dinners Overnight Lodging • Additional Services Available
559.787.2551 • 800.821.2801 www.wondervalleyweddings.com
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Wedding Timeline 12 months before or ASAP Announce engagement Buy a 3-ring binder for organizing Determine budgetary guidelines Determine style of wedding Select wedding date Reserve reception location Meet with officiant Visit caterers/cake decorators Visit video/photographers Visit florists Begin search for The Dress Apply for passports if traveling abroad
9-12 months before Begin pre-marriage counseling Choose a wedding planner Select wedding attendants Reserve caterer/cake decorator Reserve video/photographer Reserve florist
6-9 months before
6-8 weeks before
1-2 weeks before
Select/order bridal gown & accessories
Reserve mens’ attire
Begin packing for honeymoon
Schedule dress fitting
Reserve block of hotel rooms for guests
Mail announcements
Order bridesmaids’ attire
Mail invitations
Begin looking for rings
Purchase gifts for attendants
Reserve DJ or musicians
Decide reception seating arrangements
Begin planning honeymoon
Prepare for legal/financial changes
Continue writing/cutting guest list
Order/purchase wedding favors
4-6 months before Purchase wedding rings
4-6 weeks before
Have rings sized or engraved
Attend bridal showers/bachelor parties
Plan rehearsal dinner
Consult newspapers for wedding announcement guidelines
Order invitations/thank yous/napkins Attend dress fitting appointment Reserve hair stylist/make-up artist Schedule transportation (to/from) Choose ceremony music Order the wedding cake
3-4 months before Finalize guest list
Begin writing guest list Have engagement photo taken Check announcement with newspaper If you haven’t applied for passports, do it now!
Decide on any additional decorations
Arrange for men to be measured Arrange fittings for all attendants Begin addressing invitations Register for gifts Help mothers choose their dresses
Begin writing thank you notes for gifts Final dress fitting Confirm all reservations Design wedding program Determine what documents are needed for marriage license
2-4 weeks before Get marriage license
Confirm all reservations (again) Arrange care of your pets Put a hold on your mail Remind everyone of duties
2-3 days before Arrange for mens’ attire to be tried on Arrange return of all rented attire Arrange for food to be sent to your dressing room
1 day before Attend rehearsal Enjoy your rehearsal dinner Give gifts to attendants
Wedding Day Eat a healthy breakfast or lunch with good protein Drink plenty of water
Address announcements
Get hair/make-up done 3 hours before ceremony
Keep writing thank you notes
Get photographs taken
Have practice run with hair/make-up Arrange for back-ups in case of illness Notes to go with wedding party gifts
Enjoy your wedding! 26 WEDDINGSTYLE |
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July 11, 2010
Visalia Convention Center 11AM - 4PM
September 20, 2010 Tachi Hotel and Casino
Next ‘A Bridal Odyssey’ Show is at the Visalia Convention Center July 11, 2010 11:00 am to 4:00 PM Fashion show at 2:30 PM. $10 at the door or pre-register on line and save $2 www.abridalodyssey.com New show Sept 12, 2010 ‘A Wedding Odyssey’ at the Tachi Hotel and Casino
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Save Big
Cut down on
wedding costs. Rings
Bridal party
Cake
Photography
Invitations
Reception
Ceremony
Dinner
Dress
Honeymoon
Instead of platinum, use a white gold or silver metal. Plain and simple is always cheaper. Have a small, fancy, decorated cake on display and sheet cakes waiting in the back to serve your guests. Buy your invitations, reply cards, and thank-you notes at the same time. Get married in the off-season (November through April). Save up to 80% by shopping the sale rack. Also ask to see discontinued styles or sample gowns. Keep it simple – extra fabric and embellishments can add hundreds to your price tag.
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Cut down on the wedding party. Have two bridesmaids instead of five. Your friends will understand. Check with the photographer about smaller packages that might not be listed on their website. Cut your guest list. Who will you actually miss if they aren’t there? Go buffet instead of filet. Take a weekend honeymoon right after the wedding, then book a longer honeymoon when prices are cheapest.
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Venue Listings Venue
Avg. Price Dinner (per person)
Banquet Rooms
50 - 500
$$
3
Y
Y
0 - 500
N/A
0
Y
Contact Capacity
Outdoor Indoor Outdoor Reception Ceremonies Ceremonies
Off-site Caterers
Custom Menus
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
N
Heritage Complex 4500 S. Laspina, Tulare
Kate Stover 688-1030
Historic Seven Sycamores Ranch 32985 Road 164, Ivanhoe
Kelly Maxwell
Holiday Inn 9000 W. Airport Drive, Visalia
Erin Yarborough 651-5000
75 - 650
$$
14
N
Y
N
N
Y
Koetsier Ranch 8230 Ave. 272, Visalia
Brenda 688-3404
200 - 550
$$$
N/A
Y
N
Y
N
Y
Marriott Visalia 300 S. Court St., Visalia
Christina Flanery 559-622-2004
10 - 300
$
2
N
Y
N
N
Y
Orange Blossom Junction 20898 Highway 198, Exeter
George Quilty 592-6726
25 - 250
$$$
2
N
Y
N
N
Y
Visalia Convention Center 303 E. Main St., Visalia
Kathy Fraga 713-4000
50 - 1500
$$$
5
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Wonder Valley Ranch Resort Foothills above Sanger
Vonda Hutchinson 800-821-2801
0 - 397
$$$$
5
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
798-0557 Ext. 104
Pricing key
[$] Under $20
[$$] $20-$25
[$$$] $26-$35
[$$$$] $36-$45
Heritage Complex
Orange Blossom Junction
The perfect choice for your next special event. Located right off Highway 99, with ample parking. Event hosts will ensure no detail is overlooked. Amenities to accommodate all of your needs, including: room rentals, tables and chairs, A/V equipment, meals, linen, and china.
A re-creation of the historic Merryman Railroad Station and nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Orange Blossom Junction combines rustic romance with fine dining. Enjoy outstanding cuisine that will create the perfect reception, rehearsal dinner or bridal shower. Full-service bar available.
Historic Seven Sycamores Ranch
Visalia Convention Center
Elegant country weddings nestled among the orange groves. Personalized service, attention to detail; your day, your way!
The professional staff at the Visalia Convention Center will help you plan (and enjoy) a worry-free wedding reception or banquet. Choose one of our affordable packages or select your own caterer from a list of certified caterers. The Visalia Convention Center is conveniently located in downtown Visalia with plenty of free parking. We pay attention to the smallest detail so you can be the center of attention.
Holiday Inn Beautiful ballrooms, dance floors, state-of-the-art sound systems, complimentary suite for the bride and groom, on-property wedding consultant, outstanding food and service. Entrees such as prime rib, salmon, and chicken featured in three-course meals. Wedding packages available. Plenty of free parking.
Koetsier Ranch Beautiful garden setting, perfect for weddings and receptions. Includes bridal-ready room, dance floors, tables, chairs, linens, and china – everything for your special day. Plus a friendly and professional service staff.
Marriott Visalia Our on-site Certified Wedding Planners can help you determine an overall vision for your wedding and help execute each detail. That includes setting an event budget, deciding on a menu, and a tasting with our Chef (with whom you will experience superior catering capabilities to enhance your special day).
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Wonder Valley Ranch Resort A shady and serene 75-acre property in the scenic Sierra foothills. Exceptional among wedding locations, offering brides and grooms a venue for their wedding that includes onsite overnight accommodations, many recreational activites, and flexible indoor and outdoor reception facilities.
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