EA Bride Summer 2015

Dare to be Dapper» Dress your groom as unique as his personality

Kansas City Summer 2015

DIY:

Wedding Wands for Your Send-off

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Money Matters

to Discuss Before “I Do”

EA Bride Summer 2015 $4.80 Shelve until 7/31/15

Transform Your Event Space» from Bland to Breathtaking

Throw

the Best Bachelor/ Bachelorette

Party

EVER

Thoughtful Gifts for Your Bridal Party

( you wish you were getting for yourself )

Contents »

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18 20 22

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SHE SAID "YES" THEY SAID "I DO" REAL LIFE INSIGHTS CALENDAR DRESSING:

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

ASK THE EXPERT DIY: WEDDING WANDS BEAUTY & THE BLOOMS

30 32 34

37 44 46 50

ALL LIT UP 20 MONEY MATTERS FAVORITE FINDS:

BRIDAL PARTY GIFTS

DARE TO BE DAPPER GETTING YOUR GROOM

INVOLVED

WORDS OF THE WEDDING WISE FOOD REVIEW: '37 STEAK

55 60

AMERICAN ALLURE TIPS TO THROWING THE

BEST BACHELOR/ETTE PARTY

62 WEDDING BLOOPERS 64 REGISTRY: BED & BATH 66 ADVICE FROM THE AISLE 70 SEXY SHOULDERS & ARMS 72 SOCIETY PAGES EABride.com

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Meet the Staff Âť Follow eabride.com to

STAY INSPIRED between issues!

CREATE YOUR PROFILE

Visit eabride.com to set up your very own wedding profile. Keep track of your guest list, to-dos, upload photos, and write your love story to share with guests.

GET IN EA BRIDE

Submit an engagement photo or wedding photo to britney@eabride.com. Then stay tuned for the next issue to find you and your hubby in our pages.

SUBSCRIBE

to our newsletter for the latest trends and special offers!

eabride.com/subscribe 4

Cover Shot Âť

Christie Scott Publisher christie@eabride.com

Britney Beach-Jones Editor-in-Chief & Layout Designer britney@eabride.com

Treasa Hershberger Vice President of Sales treasa@eabride.com

Robin Lewis Director of Operations robin@eabride.com

Location: Dark Horse Distillery Photographer: Marissa Cribbs Photography Wedding Coordination & Design: Events by Nellie Gown: Emily Hart Bridal Makeup & Hair: Melissa Blayton Pro Artistry Team Flowers: Good Earth Floral Design Studio Model: Megan Owara

EA Bride info@eabride.com www.eabride.com Ph. 816.272.5143 Published in February, May, August, & November.

Advertising Inquiries: Email: info@eabride.com

Jana Marie Art Director jana@eabride.com

Copyright 2015 for EA Bride. All rights reserved.

The views expressed in this magazine and through the advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of EA Bride Magazine. No responsibility is assumed for unsolicited materials.

EA Bride is not responsible for the return of any materials or artwork submitted. EA Bride shall have no liability for errors, omissions, or inadequacies in the information herein or the interpretations thereof. We have no liability for the infringement of copyright, and reserve the right to edit any and all submissions before publication. Any reproduction of any form without written consent is strictly prohibited. All requests can be sent to info@eabride.com.

A Note from the Publisher » At EA Bride, so often, most of our focus is aimed at the beautiful bride-to-be. I mean, if you want to get technical about it, the word “Bride” is even a permanent part of our business name. Yet, weddings are about celebrating the entire couple. It’s not just “her” day, it’s “their” day.

Perhaps the tradition of solely celebrating the bride stems from a time long ago when grooms often threw their hands up and let his soon-to-wed wife deal with all the details.

All he needed to know was what to wear and when to show up. Fortunately, today we have many more men participating in the planning process. From styling the look of the wedding party, to hashing out honeymoon details and everything in between, we’re pleased to see grooms who want a say in their big day!

Photo by Photos Edge

Christie Scott Publisher

So, in this issue, we have a little something for him too!

Check out our stylish men’s shoot detailing the varied options for what a groom and his fellows could wear for their own walk down the aisle. After all, all eyes will be on him as well, so make sure the style of his look fits him just as well as your gown fits you! Most men often wonder what part to play in the wedding planning process without stepping on their betrothed’s toes. We’ve taken a look at your to-do list and have pulled out a few items that you can add to a checklist for HIM! Now, all you have to do is tear out the page, and leave it somewhere for him to stumble across. Or, feel free to add your own notes at the end, and tack it to his mirror!

Of course, the rest of the issue is packed with so much goodness you won’t want to miss out on. From real life engagements to the real stories of couples who have just tied the knot, this issue will surely leave you feeling all the summer love! Happy reading!

Christie Scott

EABride.com

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She said: Yes Ryan & Elisabet

Zach & Tina

October 24, 2015

Photo by: Amy Marcus Photography

Matthew & Angie December 31, 2015

May 24, 2015

Photo by: Claire Ryser Visionaire Studios

Photo by: Tim Fleenor Photography

Remington & Lisa September 5, 2015

Photo by: Husband & Wife Photography

Luke & Megan Colten & Jamie

September 12, 2015

May 30, 2015

Photo by: Karriston Photography

Photo by: Aundrea Shafer

Congratulations

to Kansas City's newly engaged couples!

Brandon & Bailey September 2015

Photo by: Melissa & Beth Photography

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To announce your engagement in our pages, visit our website at: eabride.com/submitmywedding

Zack & Megan

September 26, 2015 Photo by: Husband & Wife Photography

They said: I Do Kaleb & Caitlin August 30, 2014

Photo by: Sami Dowd Photography

Phil & Paige

Jordan & Molly March 14, 2015

December 13, 2014

Photo by: Melissa & Beth Photography

Photo by: B Sharp Photography

Tim & Lauren

Christopher & Kimberly March, 21 2015

Photo by: Freeland Photography

Chris & Kristen February 28, 2015

September 20, 2014 Photo by: Andrea Nigh Photography

Photo by: Jana Marie Photography

Congratulations to Kansas City's glowing newlyweds!

Connor & Megan September 20, 2014 Photo by: JSi Photography

To announce your wedding in our pages, visit our website at: eabride.com/submitmywedding

Stephen & Lisa March 12, 2011

Photo by: Photos by Phoebe

EABride.com

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Real Life INSIGHTS

Trend Alert:

Backless Gowns For the bride and bridesmaid alike, open back gowns are being seen at every fashion show from New York to Paris. Best complimented with a conservative front, the back of the gown is commonly adorned with embroideries and appliques. Determine how daring you will be in a backless gown by trying on different styles in a store. These styles can be found at Something White Bridal Boutique.

Marissa Cribbs Photography

For the bold bride: make a statement with a low open back dress like the one on the left designed by Robert Bullock Bride.

For the modest bride: keep it classy, yet still sexy in a partial backless gown like the one on the right designed by Lis Simon.

Budget Buster:

A Local's Lodging Organizing a honeymoon while planning a wedding can feel like double duty, both on your time and your wallet. While five-star resorts are easy on the eyes, they can also cost a pretty penny. Before reserving your hotel room, research some vacation rentals provided by local homeowners on www.vrbo.com.

You can view photos of rental properties, check available dates, and contact the owners directly.

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Going Green:

The Paperless Post We all know that foregoing printing your wedding invitations is the most practical and environmentally friendly approach to saving trees. So let's move past that conversation and on to a solution: Paperless Post. This online company provides the best of both worlds; they have hundreds of designs that you can customize and deliver in both a digital or printed version.

Here is how it works: you customize a single invitation design and then send it digitally to the majority of your guests. You then have the option to print the same invitation to snail-mail to the electronically challenged guests. Why not save your time, money and the environment when it is made this easy.

EVENTS

The Kansas City Chiefs Event Team is dedicated to making your event a success. You will work with a professional staff that will coordinate all the details for your event, from building custom menus to event execution.

View our event spaces and contact our Event Team today to request a proposal!

Location

Located at Truman Sports Complex, off of Interstate 70 and Interstate 435. Only minutes away from luxury, full-service and limited-service hotels for overnight accommodations.

70

435

Facilities / Services » Over 20 great spaces — more than

» In-room state-of-the-art audio

» 360–degree views of the playing field

» New contemporary decor » Full-service catering through

72,000 square feet of flexible event and meeting space for up to 1,000 guests and skyline

» Fireside lounge seating » Custom bars » Unique themed rooms Special Event Reservations Tel: 816-920-4992 www.goarrowhead.com events@goarrowhead.com

Arrowhead Stadium One Arrowhead Drive Kansas City, Missouri 64129

and visual systems

Levy Restaurants

» Convenient escalator, elevator and street access to space

» Free parking

memorable and simply unique!

Schedule your tour today. We would love to Bubble meet you!

First Dance 13500 Nall Avenue Overland Park, KS 913-681-2165 Northbrook, IL

South Barrington, IL

Oak Brook, IL

Edina, MN

PINSTRIPES.COM

Georgetown, D.C.

Chicago, IL

MARK

June 8, 2015

YOUR

5:30-7:30pm

Wedding Fair You’re invited to the complimentary Wedding Fair at Californos, featuring Kansas City’s premiere group of wedding professionals! We invite you to attend one of our couples’ receptions in honor of your engagement where you’ll enjoy door prizes, appetizers & personal attention in a fun environment.

Californos 4124 Pennsylvania Kansas City, MO 64111 www.californos.com Free Admission

August 6, 2015

5:00-8:00pm

Berg Event Space Summer Open House We are hosting our summer open house with food, drinks, music and some of our favorite wedding professionals! It's a great time to see the venue set up for an event. Friends and families welcome! Come see if Berg Event Space is the right venue for your next event.

We host weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners and more.

Where Brides in the know, Go.

1525 Grand Blvd Kansas City, MO 64108 Entrance in back info@bergeventspace.com 816.842.4488 Free Admission EABride.com

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Dressing: It’s All in the Details

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Photographer: JSi Photography Stylist: Amani Skalacki Art Director:Jana Marie Article: Brittany Scott Gowns: Something White Bridal Boutique Hair & Makeup: Traci Morby Styling Model: Leslie Pyle

9-12 Months Prior to the Wedding:

Begin Your Wedding Dress Search Start your wedding dress search by browsing through magazines and websites to get an idea of what styles you like. Be sure to research which style and shape works best with your body style. Once you have a vision in mind, schedule appointments at bridal boutiques that match your budget and begin trying on dresses.

6-9 Months Prior to the Wedding:

Say Yes to the Dress

Start shopping. Remember to keep an open mind and try on gowns in different shapes to see what looks best on your body style. On average, bridal gowns take 12 weeks to arrive after ordering, so try to make your purchase no closer than six months to the wedding date. This will allow for ample time for fittings and completing your bridal look.

3-6 Months Prior to the Wedding:

Complete Your Bridal Party Look This is the time to order dresses for your bridal party, including your bridesmaids and flower girls. Don’t forget to continue completing your wedding day look by ordering accessories for you and your girls. View a complete list of bridal look accessories on the following page.

6-8 Weeks Prior to the Wedding:

Perfect Your Bridal Look

Your dress has arrived! Now it is time for that first fitting to determine if alterations are needed. Make sure to bring your wedding shoes with you to the fitting.

4-6 Weeks Prior to the Wedding:

Alterations

If your wedding gown requires multiple fittings (it’s normal to have one to three fittings), they should occur during this time, along with the bridesmaid dresses. For your second fitting, it is a good idea to bring your accessories so you can see your look together and decide if it’s perfection.

EABride.com

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Make sure you have everything on the list to complete your bridal look: Wedding gown Veil or hair piece Belt or sash Shoes Necklace Earrings Bracelet Right hand ring Garter Undergarments 16

By: Robert Riesmeyer

Q: What are the main advantages of using an Agent?

A: There are several ways in which hiring a professional can be benefical: 1. Most of the time, an agent has already traveled to your designation, so you will have the expertise on your side and won't be going in blind. They will tell you what to expect at your desitination so you can minimize the unexpected surprises.

2. When using an agent, you have the ability to make payments towards your trip instead of having to cough up everything all at once.

3. An agent is the advocate in your corner if anything goes wrong. This is especially important when traveling abroad.

It’s nice to know you can get ahold of someone if you are ever in need of help.

4. You’re paying for knowledge. Just like you wouldn’t tackle the stock market without the help of a financial advisor, why would you not want an expert by your side when it comes to one of the biggest trips of your life.

5. Agents often know local customs, contacts, and events you wouldn’t otherwise know about. They can set up and pre-pay for some of these excursions on your behalf.

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nerst one Morg an M iller, C or

the expert

Photo by:

Ask

Travel Benefits by Design 816-595-6000 travelbenefitsbydesign.com robert@travelbenefitsbydesign.com

Q: Why should I spend money on a travel agent when I can find great deals on online travel sites?

A: People always assume it will cost more money to use an expert, when in fact it often saves you money or at the very least gives you more travel bang for your buck. Professionals bring added value in the way of extra amenities, better travel times, and experiences you may not see online. Advisors spend years cultivating relations with their suppliers, and act as that needed liaison if something should go awry. In fact, even airlines treat you differently when you book online instead of through an agent.

Q: My fiancé and I can’t agree on a destination. How long do we have to make a final decision so we can still get something booked?

A: This is a great question and it all depends on where you’re looking to go, what season you’re traveling in, and how specific you want to get with amenities.

While you should start looking about twelve months in advance, you can sometimes get by with booking two months out. Make sure to budget more time if you’re set on a certain room type, or you’re traveling during a high season, when other travelers are likely to be booking far in advance.

Q: Are all travel agents created equal? How do I know if they are reputable?

A: Ask questions, then ask more questions. Kick the tires a bit.

Just as you wouldn’t marry a guy you didn’t know, get to know your advisor. Find out where they have traveled and how often they set sail. How long have they been in business? Once you find someone you like, trust them to advise your honeymoon. All you should have to worry about is the wedding, and then enjoy the amazingness your agent created for you afterwards!

Robert Reismeyer is the owner of Travel Benefits by Design.

With more than 30 years of extensive travel experience under his belt, he’s been there, and seen that. After a fortuitous career in Insurance, he took all of his knowledge of the world of trip-taking to ensure you have a trip wilder than your imagination.

Diy: Wedding Wands

You just said your I Do's and now you are ready to exit the church with the excitement of the guests on either side of you as you make your way to the get-away car. But wait, the church has restrictions on real flower petals, rice, bird seed, and sparklersnow what is there to do? Wedding wands are the answer. Not only are they simple to make, but they also are fun for guests to twirl around and make the rejoicing sound of bells ringing as you walk through them. With just four easy steps, you can make your own wedding wands, fully customized with your wedding colors.

Materials you will need:

Steps in making wedding wands:

1 Ribbon’s of your choice

2 Begin with cutting 2-3 ribbons approximately 10 inches long.

Bamboo Dowel Rods

Use the hot glue gun to glue all of the ribbons together at the end.

Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks 9mm Jingle Bells (optional) Scissors

3

4 Once ribbons have dried, use the glue gun to apply glue near the top of the bamboo stick and place the ribbons on there.

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Place a small amount of glue to the very top of the bamboo stick and place your jingle bell at the top. (Or tie the bell to the loose end of the ribbon so it dangles, this creates more noise).

weddings From traditionally elegant to simply modern our Hy-Vee wedding experts will help you every step of the way.

Fresh flowers, luscious cake and delicious food create an ambiance that invites friends and family to enjoy your special day.

To get started, call the catering coordinator for an appointment. We cannot wait to help make your day magical.

Blue Springs

Independence

Independence

Lee’s Summit

Lee’s Summit

Raytown

625 W. 40 Hwy 816-224-4288 Catering: Wanda Brizendine

1525 E. 23rd St. 816-836-1177 Catering: Victoria Forbes

4545 S. Noland Rd. 816-478-6557 Catering: Brad Cottington

301 NE Rice Rd. 816-524-5760 Catering: Ryan Bryant

310 SW Ward Rd. 816-554-2200 Catering: Mike Moore

9400 E. 350 Hwy 816-358-9940 Catering: Sam Horkman

Beauty AND THE

BLOOMS

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Venue: Dark Horse Distillery Photographer: Marissa Cribbs Photography Floral Design: Good Earth Floral Design Studio Coordination, Design, & Stationary: Events by Nellie Gown: Emily Hart Bridal Groom's Suit: Tommy Hilfiger Suiting Bridesmaid Dress: Monique Lhuillier Groomsmen Attire: Penguin from Halls Rings & Jewelry: Stella and Dot, Kristen Fine Plates: The Vintage Plate Hair & Makeup: Melissa Blayton Pro Artistry Team Cake: Adorn Cakes Marquee Letters: UltraPom Cake Topper & Calligraphy: Lauren Heim Weddings + Events Model, bride: Megan Owara Model, groom: Daniel Ritz Model, groomsmen: J. Gallagher IV Model, bridesmaid: Liz Hansen 22

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Handmade

Wedding Invitations a n d E v e n t S tat i on e r y

Contact us today for a free consultation!

w w w. y e l l o w b r i c k g r a p h i c s . c o m yellowbrick.graphic@gmail.com P: 913.400.3439 C: 405.227.6443

All lit up:

TRANSFORMING YOUR SPACE FROM BLAND TO BREATHTAKING AFTER

Wow guests the minute they arrive at your wedding.

Accenting the outside of a venue or uplighting trees are great options for outdoor lighting.

BEFORE

CEREMONY All eyes are on you at the ceremony so utilizing lighting to create a focal point is essential. Harsh house lighting can take away from the beauty of your intimate nuptials.

AFTER

BEFORE AFTER

BEFORE 30

OU T D OORS

RECEPT ION Your guests will spend the majority of the evening at the reception, so it is important to create a dim-lit atmosphere where everyone can enjoy dinner and dancing.

What to know about lighting:

Eliminate House Lighting Uplighting allows you to dim, or even turn off, the house lighting. Not only does this emphasize your wedding colors, but it also creates a warmer atmosphere for dancing - no one likes dancing with the house lights on!

Make an Inexpensive Impact Uplighting is single-handedly the most cost efficient way to improve the ambiance in your space. Uplighting a large room correctly only costs $500-800 and really gives your guests the impression that they’re at a polished, high-end event.

The Venue at Willow C reek

Not All Lights Are Created Equal It’s easy to think that all companies that offer uplighting are the same, but not all uplights are created equal! Brightness, color mixing, beam width, quality of the optics, and build quality can all have a large impact on how uplighting looks at your event.

Endless Placement Options The latest trend in lighting is battery-powered uplighting.

Although the lights are more expensive to purchase, the cost to you is generally the same as a wired fixture. The benefit of battery powered uplighting is you have endless placement options. There is no power draw from your venue (very helpful in historical locations), and of course, no unsightly wires running to power outlets.

Continue on to read more about lighting for your wedding at www.platinumkc.com/ea-bride-uplighting

WC The perfect spot for . . .

Ceremonies Wedding Receptions Rehearsal Dinners

Special Events/Parties Corporate Functions/ Meetings

Our beautiful site includes . . .

10 Secluded Acres Landscaped Grounds

We offer . . .

On-Site Coordinator On-Site Ceremony Bridal Dressing Room Full Service Bar Large Paved Parking Lot

Rock Rimmed Creek Lighted Tree Lined Hillside

Chiavari Chairs & Tables 5 Wood & Metal Farm Tables Private Event Design & Layout

3150 N. 91st St. • Kansas City, KS 66109 Give Us A Ring: 913.568.9535

willowcreekkc.com

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MONEY MATTERS TO DISCUSS BEFORE “I DO” By: Rachel Adams of Harrison Capital Management

Your new life together means not only the union of two households, but also the merger of two financial portfolios. Maybe you’ve already lived together and shared expenses, but perhaps you haven’t considered that now you’re also tied together legally. Hopefully you agree on major money matters, but it is inevitable that you’ll have disagreements. Getting your marriage and your finances off on the right foot will help prevent trouble later. Here are some questions to help get you started.

1. Do you think joint or separate checking accounts are appropriate?

2. What lessons did you learn from your mom and dad on spending money?

3. What lessons did you learn from your mom and dad saving money?

4. Will you be a dual income family, or will one person stay home with children?

5. Do you think paying the bills should be done separately or together?

6. Do you consider yourself a saver or spender?

7. Do you work from a budget now?

8. Are you aggressive or conservative in your investing?

9. What are your income goals?

10. Do you feel you should enter into a prenuptial agreement?

11. Have you ever lost a large amount of money in investments?

12. Do you want to rent or own your home?

13. What mistakes have you made with money?

14. What is the most expensive item you have ever purchased?

15. What stresses you when it comes to money?

16. Did your parents ever talk about money?

17. Do you track your savings and spending?

18. Do you utilize an employer retirement plan?

19. How important it is to you to plan for retirement?

20. Do you give to charitable organizations?

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Our Favorite

Thoughtful Gifts Favors: for the Bridal Party

BRID E S M A I D S Personalized Infinity Necklace with Colored Glass Pendant

Customized Whiskey Bottle Label

Monogrammed Wine Totes

Remington 20 Gauge Shotgun Shell Cuff Links

Available in gold and silver with 25 color options. www.earringsnation.com $26.80

Various colors/patterns available.

Carries a single bottle of wine. www.haymarketdesings.com $28.00

Customized Dress Ring Dish

3.5� round ceramic under-glazed clay bowl with name. etsy.com/shop/sayyourpiece $12.00

Designed for three different bottle sizes. Includes 6 labels. etsy.com/shop/StudioBLabels $30.00

Arrive gift wrapped etsy.com/shop/thekeyofa $34.00

Personalized Decanter & Whiskey Rocks Glasses Includes bamboo tray. etsy.com/shop/tealsprairie $69.00

Mini Clutches

Grill Master Man Stash Set

Rose Gold Bracelet & Necklace Set

Personalized Glass Cigar Holder

Set includes four clutches.

Various colors/patterns available. etsy.com/shop/frankielloyd $92.00

Available in rose gold, gold, and silver. Set is optional. etsy.com/shop/thefabbridal3 $49.99 34

G R O O MSME N

Filled with all the grilling essentials a man could want. www.gifts.com $137.00

Reusable. Name is personalized onto the outside of the glass. www.groomsmengiftstand.com $17.50

F LOW E R G I R L

R I NG B E AR E R

Customized Teddy Bear

Ring Bearer Cape

Swarovski Necklace & Bracelet

Engraved Mini Baseball Bat

Bow and tulle skirt colors can be customized. etsy.com/shop/lilblackdogcrafts $36.00

Ivory or white pearls available. Necklace is adjustable. etsy.com/shop/xxyz $28.00

Two-sided & made out of satin.

Colors can be customized. etsy.com/shop/pipandbean $33.50

18� solid wood bat laser engraved. Font options. etsy.com/shop/mypersonalmemories $15.99

Dapper

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Venue: The Gallery Event Space Art Director & Photography: Jana Marie Floral Design: Korner Shoppe Creative Director & Wardrobe Stylist: Amani Skalacki Menswear: Tip Top Tux Hair & Makeup: The Wax Pot Models: Jimmy Rea, Ryan, and Glynne EABride.com

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S T A Y I N G

Get a solid fit on the jacket so as not to look sloppy

T R U E

T O

T R A D I T I O N A L

A bowtie brings a fun & formal flair

Clean black lines lengthen and narrow for a longer, slimmer look

Suspenders give you a formal, yet comfortable feel even when the jack is off.

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For a bit more dimension, swap the bow for a trad striped tie with a pop of color.

Ensure a good fit around the waist.

Charcoal creates a softer look, and is great for an afternoon affair.

EABride.com

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D O W N T O W N

D E B O N A I R

Each item can be mixed and matched to wear again... and again.

Pair the jacket with a dark wash denim for casual sophistication

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Mix it up with a bold or patterned tie to match his personality

Corduroy is making a comeback for Fall and Winter weddings.

EABride.com

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A L L

H A I L

T H E

H I P S T E R S

A dark vest with light pants makes this a threeseason look.

Add a fedora, scarf, or watch to reflect his personal style.

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With light grays, think flowers that are warm and bright to pop.

Dare to mix up patterns to create a look as unique as he is.

EABride.com

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r u o Y g n D tti E m e V o G L o gr I N V O

Every once in a while, through the planning process,you may suddenly find yourself running ragged at 97 miles per hour while your soon-to-be-betrothed sits on the couch like a bump on a log, remote in hand, just waiting for you to tell him when and where to show up! If you’ve been lucky enough to snag a more “hands-on” sweet pea, then you’ll love our list of practical ways to get him involved without having to micro-manage OR worry about throwing off the flow:

The Guest List

Rehearsal Dinner

Music/Entertainment

Honeymoon

Both of you will have an idea of who you want to attend.

Send him off to create his list, you create yours, and then discuss together. Just make sure you set limits from the get-go so you’re not weeding out his junior high gym coach when you had in mind an intimate affair of 80. Check out eabride.com for a seamless way to create and store your guest list for when you need it.

This is something most men take pretty seriously. It’s like his chance to play producer and book his own show for the day.

And since a good DJ or band can make or break a reception, it’s something we often recommend splurging on if you find a good one. And your groom will find it entertaining and maybe even fun, trying to find the perfect sound that reflects the both of you. Choices like Platinum Productions can create lighting to seamlessly work with the music and set the entire tone for your reception. Or if you have a lot of out-of-town guests that won’t be able to make the trek, Remix DJ’s is a company that offers web-streaming during your reception so they’ll feel as though they were there.

Menu

What groom would turn down a food tasting? Hopefully you’ll get to tag along as this is best done in pairs! And just don’t forget to tell him if there are any specific dietary restrictions he needs to alert the caterer about.

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Traditionally, the groom’s family pays for this anyway, so it actually makes sense for him to spearhead the rehearsal dinner. The groom may better understand his own family’s financial constraints or have unique ideas of how to celebrate that reflects him more, since the wedding more often reflects the bride.

If you leave the bride to plan the honeymoon, it is often left as the last thing with little money to spend. Give your groom a budget from the get-go and let him plan the details. By the end of your big day, you’ll be ready to get away and happy not to plan another thing! Just pair him up with an expert who can assess the ideal destination for you and create a custom honeymoon you won’t forget. A couple of our favorites are Travel Benefits by Design and Island Dreams Travel.

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W O R D S

O F

T H E

Wedding Wise

Don’t forget to wear your wedding rings! While pre-ceremony photos are convenient, you don’t want it to look incomplete. Even if you see each other and do your bridal portraits before the wedding, make sure you wear your wedding rings at that time. When you go to buy that beautiful big canvas of you two on your wedding day or even in your wedding album, it will look so strange to see you in a gown without any rings on.

- Jana Marie, Jana Marie Photography

Your coat sleeves should be slightly shorter than your shirt sleeves to allow for a touch of shirt cuff to be exposed as your hands are by your side. Never judge your sleeve length by raising your arms in front of you (unless, of course, you’re planning on walking around like that).

– Tip Top Tux

The guest reception tables should continue to tell the unique story of your special day. Create centerpieces with flowers, objects, keepsakes, candles, organic materials….no two tables have to be alike. Some can have tall pieces incorporating your chosen flowers and colors, while others have a collection of smaller items, clustered around candles and smaller vases of single stems. Be creative.

– Ruth Finet, The Korner Shoppe 46

Look for a bartending service that strives to fit your individual needs – one that will not only customize a liquor package, but also pay attention to the smallest details, such as the coloring of your signature cocktail or the font style of your cocktail menu.

– Mary Rodiguez,

Diamond Girls Bartending

Summer is upon us and so is the heat and humidity. The excitement of the day can take over quickly, and it is very easy to get dehyrated when you are getting photos taken, visiting with family and friends, and oh yeah, getting married. Make a point to have water with you every part of the day: while getting ready, before the ceremony, on the trolley while taking photos, and during the reception. No one wants to be famished or possibly pass out on their wedding day.

– Britney Jones, Plush Productions

Let your wedding professionals take care of all the work & worry for you when your big day finally gets here!

Your only job on your wedding day is to smile & be happy!

– Bailey, Berry Acres

Venue chairs either DEMAND to be covered or REQUEST to be accessorized.

Either way, chair covers and/or sashes elevate your room decor. What are your chairs asking of you?

– Lisa Prophete, Be Seated

It is imperative to have honest discussions about how much “financial togetherness” each person desires. Will you share responsibility for expenses, or divvy them up? Set aside time, and develop a routine to discuss money issues.

This will help minimize the emotional impact of being caught unprepared to discuss money.

– Rachel Adams, Harrison Capital Managment

Never think that it is too early to find your gown. The average time you should be ordering your dress is 7 months before your big day. Late shoppers won’t always have every style available to them to get on rush delivery. Don’t add stress to your big day by waiting till the last minute!

- Rachel Simmons, Ivory & Lace Bridal Boutique

If the ATM card from your home bank isn’t connected to the worldwide Cirrus or PLUS networks, you may want to look into getting a MasterCard or Visa debit card. With ATM’s available in major cities and airports all over the world, this is generally the cheapest and most convenient way to get cash in the local currency. Don’t get too much local currency, though, as you will not be able to convert it back to dollars.

If you are renting a car, you should be aware that while you can use a debit card to pay for the rental charges, you might not be able to reserve the car with this type of card. Be sure to call your bank and make them aware of your travel plans, as with credit cards, sudden international activity could cause your account to be frozen.

- Robert Riesmeyer, Travel Benefits by Design

Know that you have worked very hard to plan the perfect day for you and your man. Your reception is your first official dinner party, so take time to enjoy the experience.

Sometimes things take an unexpected turn. Calmly re-adjust and keep going, as it is still is going to be one of the happiest days of your life. Cherish it always.

- Wanda Brizendine, Hy-Vee Catering

Don’t overlook the importance of personalizing your event space. The right combination of music, lighting and decor will help make the big day uniquely yours!

- Kris Nardini, Platinum Productions

Select your photographer and all your vendors based off more than price and body of work. Make sure your personalities click and that you will enjoy working together. Your wedding is about celebrating your relationship and the love you share. Your vendors should reflect that and be excited to work with you and care about you and your wedding. When choosing professionals that you like and trust, not only will your day run smoothly but you’ll be able to enjoy the moment and focus on what really matters.

- Andrea Musfeldt, Andrea Nigh Photography

Your wedding day should be full of joy and love, but unfortunately sometimes family drama can get in the way of that.

One way to help cut down on that drama is to work closely with your photographer on creating a detailed list of family photos.

Give your photographer a list of the names of everyone who will be included in family photos, talk about any strained relationships that the photographer should be aware of, and list out each family shot so that the photographer knows exactly who goes with who for each and every photo. This should ease your stress about the family photos, and any hard feelings that family members may have can fall back on the photographer instead of coming back to you!

- Beth Hodge, Melissa & Beth

We all know the summer sun can be hard on our skin. Most people don’t realize our hair also needs protected. Look to purchase hair products that protect against UVA and UVB rays. The sun’s rays can cause your hair color to fade faster and steal moisture from your hair.

- Traci Morby, Traci Morby Styling

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Quality Delivered

It is our goal to provide affordable, high quality food and service to make your event memorable.

From buffet service to plated dinners, we are able to create any menu to suit your taste.

913-383-8800 • PlazaCatering.com Info@PlazaCatering.com 7201 W. 91st St. Overland Park 66212

In d u lg e a ll o f your senses a t There are two different types of restaurants. The first type is the one that you dine at for a quick meal, and usually for a quick buck. While your growling stomach finds its relief, ultimately your taste buds aren’t all that impressed. You recognize this place as the one you always know what you are going to order and to what quality of food you will receive. You don’t even need to look at the menu.

The second type of restaurant is one of fine dining. While often construed as the pricey alternative for a date night, it often serves more than delectable food. Servers are equipped with excellent knowledge, both of the contents of the meal and of the best beverage pairings. And as the patron, you find yourself exploring new flavors, taking extra time to select from the menu, and enjoying yourself and your company while partaking in a dining experience.

STEAK Even still, I remained captivated as the meal that I had sampled on a prior occasion, the Grilled Chilean Sea Bass was prepared to perfection and the table side service was pleasing. It is only through experiencing ’37 Steak on three separate occasions, in three entirely different circumstances, that I can whole-heartedly recommend that you can entrust them with a part of your wedding. Whether it is your rehearsal dinner, pre-bachelor/ette party get-together, or the grand reception itself, they will engage your senses with a style and eloquence that elevates your dining experience into a new league of its own.

Now let it be known that the newest restaurant in Kansas City to provide you with the impeccable service you deserve with a price that all can afford is the classy ’37 Steak.

I don’t make it a habit to recommend just any restaurant, so I made sure to do my due diligence. I first visited ‘37 Steak to sample numerous selections from their menu and found each item from the Spicy Candied Bacon to the Triple Chocolate Ganache Cake to be exquisitely delightful. The second time I returned was with 50 of my closest family and friends to secretly view the abilities of the kitchen and staff to serve a large group (comparable to your rehearsal dinner or wedding reception).

Within the large private dining room, each person was able to order off a selected menu and enjoyed the exclusive attention of the finest craft bartender in the city. I further noticed that the servers treated each attendee with the same attentive nature and attention to detail that I had received previously while dining privately. The last time I visited was on a night believed to be one of the busiest they would see all winter, Valentine’s Day. I wanted to see to what quality the kitchen could maintain the food on such a hectic evening.

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Above: Triple Chocolate Ganache Cake Top Right: Chilean Sea Bass Bottom Right: Lobster Tail

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The Atmosphere

As soon as you walk in the front entrance of ’37 Steak you are greeted by an edgy yet sleek three-sided bar. Ideal for cocktails or late-night appetizers, the relaxed atmosphere is welcoming to any on-looker. While being escorted to the main dining room, you will pass a glass-enclosed floor to ceiling wine cellar complete with the finest wines to be paired with dinner. The main dining area is split in half by an artistic metal light feature to create a more intimate environment for all.

Throughout the restaurant you will find sleek modern light fixtures and the tabletop adorned with the perfect candlelight for a steak dinner.

The Food Executive Chef Nick Estell has instilled the perfect balance of flavor and presentation into each selection on the menu. It is clear to see that he values the freshness of seafood and the delicacy of a finely cut steak. Each entrée is impeccably assembled with layering flavors for you to experience and enjoy. I, myself, have tried fifteen different selections from the ’37 Steak menu (not all in one sitting). From Lobster Bisque, to a Bone-in Rib Eye, and an 18 ounce Lobster Tail, I found myself to be appreciative to tantalizing flavors I had never experienced before ’37 Steak. Acclaim has been earned and credit is due to the man behind it all in the white chef’s coat, Nick Estell.

Chef Nick Es tell has been na med “The Ste ak Chef of KC”

The Private Rooms

There are three private dining areas within ’37 Steak, and all are named after a true Kansas City attraction. The largest of the rooms, called “Plaza”, is perfect for rehearsal dinners and can accommodate up to 45 guests. Two large TV’s are available to show a slideshow of photos and a microphone is readily available for speeches. The highlight feature of this room is the perfectly designed private bar. Fully built for the pleasure of serving guests, a bartender is provided to serve to your guests exclusively.

The next smallest room, “Crown Center” is ideal for small rehearsal dinners or pre-wedding celebrations, such as a bridal shower or bachelor/ette party. This room holds up to 16 guests and features a long family-style table. Four TV’s are mounted to show off the perfect reel of photos or to plug into the exciting game.

The smallest room available is for you and a select few. Seating up to 6 guests, the “Power & Light” room is as intimate as you can get.

You have a designated server to take care of the meal and beverage selections for you while you enjoy a conversationalist’s dinner.

The ever-accommodating general manager of ’37 Steak, Irakli Jorjadze (also known as “BB”) is the point of contact to begin your dining experience. He will ensure that you and your guests’ experience will be one to remember.

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CRAFDTING

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You haven’t tried a handcrafted drink until you have tasted one of ’37 Steak’s craft bartender, Michael Strohm’s drinks. To say I was unaware of the modern sophistication of craft bartending is an understatement. I have seen the movie “Cocktail”; I know bartenders can get fancy. But this level of entertainment and education has me in awe of what I have been missing out on all this time.

Not only does Michael prepare seasonal drinks to accompany the kitchen’s specialties, he also takes the time to grow the herbs, shrubs and bitters that make up portions of his recipes. It is his personal selection of the juices, sugars, and fruits that cultivate the flavorsome beverage that finds its way to your hand.

I decided to try anything that he would make, at least once, and to skip over being cautious of the ingredients. I tested the Smoking Spice Margarita (not being a person that is overly excited about margarita’s) and found that the tequila wasn’t overpowering and the flavor was ideally balanced. This is a margarita that I could enjoy laying on a beach somewhere, not the tangy mass produced version. I continued tasting and as I tried drinks that I knew and those that I didn’t, I seemed to find an underlying conclusion- due to Michael’s unique passion, skill, and knowledge about the ingredients he is using, his drinks are dangerously delicious.

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Above left: Three crafted beverages including “Smoking Spice” Above right: Michael torching apple wood to create smoke in a glass for the infamous whiskey based drink “Falling Leaves”

It’s for Show & Tell One of the best parts of Michael’s talents (other than the taste) is that he is excited to share his knowledge with others. He is commonly table side illustrating to guests how he makes the drinks and explaining all that is on the creative ingredients list. Step by step he makes the drink right at your table and then hands it off to you to enjoy.

When hosting a private event, it is highly recommended to inquire to have Michael present at your event. The short demonstration does not take the attention away from the meaning of the party, but further enhances the dining experience for your guests. It is truly a remarkable art form that is unique enough that many people have not seen such beverage artistry first hand.

a Call for : ation Reserv

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WEDDING TO REMEMBER

If you’re lucky in love, come to Harrah’s North Kansas City where we specialize in fun, excitement and elegance all wrapped up into one. Our wedding services professionals will tailor your nuptials to you, making this the wedding of your dreams.

Contact us at 816-472-7777 or MEET@caesars.com to start planning your romantic walk down the aisle.

American Allure

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Venue: The National Golf Club of Kansas City Styling and Coordination: Madi Sanders Photographer: Cassandra Castaneda Floral Design & Hair Accessories: emmy-ray design studio Gown: Altar Bridal Hair & Makeup: Mikayla Crane, BeChic Bride Rentals: UltraPom Event Rental Invitations: Little Yellow Leaf Model, bride: Emily Kennedy Model, groom: Jordan Brewer

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To Do

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Not To Do

6 Tips to Throwing the Best Bachelorette / Bachelor Party Ever

By: Jon Bartlett

After 16 years of DJ’ing in the private and public market, I have witnessed my fair share of parties. In that time I have seen a common denominator for some of the most Epic Successes and Failures when it comes to Pre-Wedding Parties. Here is a quick glimpse of some of the most important elements that I have experienced hosting and witnessing these events.

To Do Appoint a Party Master There are a lot of things that go into throwing a successful party. Make sure to appoint a responsible and vocal person (most likely your maid of honor or best man) who can manage the party, oversee the safety of the group and enforce the overall budget. This is your party so you want to make sure you leave all of the important details on someone else’s shoulders.

Reserve a Booth or Private Space Choose a club or venue where your party can reserve an area for the whole night. The last thing you want is for everyone to have to constantly watch over or move their personal belongings all through out the night. This will optimize your time and give your guests the ability to cut loose and really celebrate your upcoming wedding to the fullest. It will also give you a reserved space to avoid any unwanted guests of the opposite sex that are not responding to the hints that your group is sending about their annoying presence.

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Find out who will be Your DJ It is always a good thing to do a little homework and find out who is the DJ for the evening at your chosen club/venue. Most DJ’s in the club scene are open format, but not all of them.

As an established DJ in the private and public scene in Kansas City, I can tell you this; we get format do’s and dont’s from most venues. Each venue has a different focus and cliental and as a DJ its our job to fit their requested mood and genre layout. With this being said, you definitely want to make sure that the venue you choose is using somewhere will accommodate your preferred musical style. The last thing you want is to spend a lot of money and not enjoy the atmosphere created by the music being provided.

Not To Do Don’t Drink and Drive Always make sure to appoint or hire a designated driver. You never want to be figuring out who is driving at the end of the night. It can make for an unsafe and uncomfortable situation. Also to avoid any after party danger, ask your paid or designated driver to pick your group up at the entrance of the venue.

Don’t Expect Everyone to Pay A tab can be a blessing and a curse. Make sure your party master has everyone contribute to your group budget or have everyone establish their own tabs at the beginning of the night. You don’t want your party master stuck with a large unpaid bill. It is common for people to leave before the end of your party and if you do not plan, it can set your party up for a sour ending.

Don’t Overlook Your Safety It’s always good to avoid all problems at every cost. One of the most important ways to do this is to choose a venue that has a very strong and fluent security staff. When inquiring about this, have your planners attend the club beforehand and see how they operate during the prime partying hours. If there happens to be any public drama that occurs at the club/venue during your party, you want to make sure that your security staff can take care of it quickly and efficiently.

Top 3 Approved Club/Venues in KC

1. Hotel Nightclub (Power + Light District) 2. The Foundry (Westport) 3. Tengo Sed Cantina (Power + Light District) To view these venue’s party packages or get connected with some of our VIP Discounts, go to remixnightlife.com or remixdjs.com.

WEDDING BLOOPERS

“ D i d t h a t re a l l y j u s t h a p p e n ? ”

Ring Bearers and Elevators Don’t Mix

My four year old nephew who was our ring bearer fell getting out of the elevator at the hotel on Friday night. He had quite the puffy, swollen lip and after it happened he came up to me still teary eyed and said to me, “Aunt Val, can I still be in the wedding tomorrow even though my lip looks funny?” It was the cutest thing that at the time and brought me to tears. -Jim & Valerie

Set in Stone

Of course, even though our day was just about perfect, we did have some “oops!” moments. Friday morning when we arrived to the church to decorate we realized that the church had scheduled to re-do the cement in the front entrance to the church the same weekend as our wedding. The entrance we planned on using was all torn up and there was a mess with construction tape, bobcats, and piles of ripped up cement everywhere! It was chaos. Of course the church said it was a mistake and they didn’t mean for it to happen on the same weekend as our wedding. I can honestly say I did go a tad bridezilla Friday morning when I saw that! Luckily, they apologized and did the best they could to clean up the excess mess. Honestly on our wedding day, I didn’t even notice!

-Michaela & Scott

Baby Wipe Out

The most notable blooper to guests was when our little man (our fifteen-month old son) who was to walk down the aisle as a ring bearer with his older cousin, fell right on his face. He was not happy and grandpa had to rush over and grab him to cheer him up while his cousin finished the walk solo. Many people commented about the look on my face when it happened as I wanted so badly to run over and scoop him up right then and there! -Amber & Peter

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The Revolving Dress

Of course we had a few mishaps occur throughout our night. The most memorable of all happened while we were trying to get the perfect sparkler picture in front of the hotel. It was absolutely freezing in Kansas City on New Years Eve, and our entire bridal party was baring it all to help us get our desired shot. They were lighting their sparklers and waiting outside for us to join them. As we headed outside, we took the big roundabout door in front of the hotel.

My dress was quite large, and we wound up getting trapped in the middle as my dress got caught under the door! With the help of some wedding guests that were watching, we finally made it outside in time to snap a few pictures, just before the bridal party’s sparklers ran out. We were laughing the entire time and thankful no real damage was done. Lucky for us the photographers were in place and shared a few shots of all of this happening with us.

-Gavin & Emmy

Registry Checklist: for the Bedroom

Bed & Bath for the Bathroom

Wooden hangers

Bath towels (4-6)

Pillows (set of 2)

Hand towels (set of 4)

Pillowcases (2 sets)

Washcloths (set of 4)

Pillow shams (1 set)

Bath mats

Fitted sheets (2 sets)

Shower curtain & liner

Flat Sheets (2 sets)

Set of curtain rings

Mattress pad

Towel drying rack

Comforter/duvet

Clothes hamper

Accent pillows

Full length mirror

Bedside lamps

Small wastebasket

Cotton blanket

Tissue box

Bed skirt

Toothbrush holder

Alarm clock

Scale

TIP: tear this page out and take it with you while completing your registry so you don’t forget any items.

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Advice from the Aisle

We d d i n g W i s d o m f ro m N e w l y w e d s

From the Bride: My advice to other newlyweds would be decide on the top five things you just have to have at your wedding. Is it a designer gown? Is it your dream venue? Is it top-notch food (my personal pick)? That really helps you narrow down where you will spurge and where you will DIY or cut corners!

-Michaela My advice would be to start early! There were two things I had higher standards for 1. Venue 2. Photography. We booked our venue a year in advance (another couple came in literally the next day to book our date) and our photographers only a few months after that. If there are things that you know are going to make or break your day, get those things out of the way before it’s too late, it’s all about priorities. also, there are many little details that go into the day that you don’t think about. If I had a planner he/she would have obviously helped with those, but since I did not I was scrambling to tie up loose ends in the months leading up to the big day. Definitely don’t put the little things off. Lastly, I feel like we spent a lot of our time worrying about everyone else and making them happy and it really put a damper on our happiness at times. Looking back we both agreed that we would have just done what made us happy from the get go and not let the opinions of others weigh us down. -Amber Brock

From the Groom: Always budget more than you expect to spend. Allow for more time than you need when planning the actual wedding day timeline. The most important thing of all; when it comes to wedding planning, just say “yes dear.” -Scott

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From the Couple: We would say that planning a wedding is hard and takes a lot of work. I think I underestimated the number of e-mails and phone calls that took place between myself and all of the vendors over the course of our engagement. Google Drive is a beautiful thing when you are at work and need to do some mulitasking. I also think that as a couple, both of you need to determine what aspects of the day are most important to you and don’t lose focus of those things. With all of the planning, it is easy to start to think that everything is the most important, but when you have to work within a budget, the truth is that certain things have to give. Plus, no one except you will know exactly how you envisioned your day so if you happen to run out of time (or money) for a few of the details of the day, no one will ever know! -Jim & Valerie As newlyweds I would tell those who are planning a wedding to enjoy the process.

Don’t get overwhelmed and caught up in the whirlwind of the stress and pressure of the wedding planning. Try to take it one step at a time and get a wedding planner. You will not regret it!-James & Sami Plan the day for you, and not for anyone else.

Make sure that you are focusing on your special day and moments throughout, and the people you want to share them with. The day will go by so fast, do your best to not rush through the motions just in order to stick to a schedule.

It’s the little moments that you didn’t plan for that you truly will never forget. This is the most important day of your life, so enjoy it together.

-Gavin & Emmy

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Sexy SHOULDERS & SVELTE Arms Planning for your wedding is such an exciting time! It’s a once in a lifetime chance to walk down the aisle looking your absolute best. So once you have decided on the perfect dress the next step is a game plan for looking amazing in it! As a trainer the number one body part my bridal clients want to shape and tone is their shoulders.

Add in some arm exercises and it’s a win-win to looking beautiful and shapely in your gown.

Here are a few exercises that are proven to shape and tone your upper body in just a few weeks! The first three target your shoulders, the last two hit the bicep and tricep muscles in your arms: Side lateral raises Bicep Curls Overhead Presses Tricep extensions Upright Rows Putting these into a circuit rotation and doing this workout 2-3 times a week for 6-8 weeks will change the shape of any brides upper body!

Choose a weight you can do for 12-15 reps without having to stop, but is heavy enough to push you through the last few reps. Dumbbells work great for this kind of workout. If you are exercising at home and don’t have access to dumbbells a resistance band is an inexpensive alternative and can achieve the same results. Stores like Target, Walmart, and Dick’s Sporting Goods all carry bands.

Liz Kampschroeder is an ACE certified personal trainer in the Kansas City area. She has trained many brides for their big day, as well as when those brides become moms with pregnancy and post partum training programs. A recurring guest on the Fox4KC morning show with fitness and nutrition segments she can be reached at daisy1chick@gmail.com

Do a five-minute warm up with lighter weights than you will use during the workout to get your muscles ready to work. Go through each exercise for 10-15 reps then pick up your working weight and get started! Perform the exercise in the above order doing 12-15 reps, resting 15 seconds between each set. Perform 3-4 sets of all the exercises.

It’s important to use good form so your muscles and not your joints do the work. Refer to the pictures to see how to perform them, or if you are at a gym ask a qualified trainer for pointers if you are unsure how to do each one. On the days you are not doing this upper body workout doing some kind of cardio is a great way to burn additional calories and help get you to your goals faster. Walking, elliptical or the spin bikes are all great ways to get in extra exercise.

Perfect your workout by viewing video tutorials on each exercise at eabride.com.

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A Healthy Alternative:

Avocado Brownies

INGREDIENTS:

1 Medium avocado 3 medium eggs 1 cup whole wheat flour (I used almond meal flour) 1/2c. unsweetened cocoa powder 1/3c hot water 1 Tbsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract 6oz vanilla yogurt (I used 2% plain greek yogurt) 5 packets stevia 3Tbsp dark chocolate chips 3Tb honey or agave Makes 16 brownies 106 cal, 16g carbs, 5g fat, 4g protein, 4g fiber

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350.

Add the egg, avocado, and yogurt to a mixing bowl and mix on high until combined.

Mix in the vanilla and stevia Add the water to the cocoa powder and mix. The consistency should be like icing. If its too thick add water by the Tbsp.

Mix the chocolate into the yogurt, eggs and avocado Mix it all well. If you don’t have an electric mixer you can use a food processor or a blender.

Add the flour to the mixing bowl.

Combine all together.

Adding the agave is optional. You could also use honey.

Grease an 8 x 8 baking dish and add batter to it. Spread evenly. Scatter with dark chocolate chips.

Bake 20-25 minutes then check with a toothpick for doneness. Let cool before cutting.

Keep in the fridge which brings out the chocolate flavor.

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Society Pages

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Peter & Amber

Brock

September 13, 2014

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Photographer: JSi Photography Ceremony & Reception Venue: Belvoir Winery Officiant: Pastor Bill Virgin Gown: Casablanca Menswear: Mens Wearhouse Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal Invitations: Minted Hair: Lyndsey Duncan Makeup: Faces Makeup Artistry Florist: Costco Caterer: Jazzy B's DJ: Joe Maurer Dessert Bar: HyVee EABride.com

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Peter and I grew up in the same town just south of Kansas City.

However, we didn’t come to know each other personally until high school. The dynamic changed between us the summer after Peter graduated and was headed off to MU. The fact that we would not be able to see each other whenever we wanted made us both sad; therefore sparking the idea that maybe there was something more than friendship. College and distance between us created a roller coaster for our relationship, but I truly believe those ups and downs are responsible for our happily ever after.

Peter had planned the proposal to be on the day that we had considered our dating “anniversary”, which was the 4th of July.

We were currently living in Illinois and had made plans to drive down to St. Louis to spend the holiday with friends. After dinner and drinks all of us headed down to the arch to see the annual fireworks display. We were all sitting on the hill watching the fireworks go off when Peter asked me if I was having a good anniversary. After I replied yes, he turned to me and said I have a feeling it’s going to get even better. Then he pulled out the ring box and asked me to marry him.

All of my friends describe me as having a somewhat eclectic and whimsical style. How I decorate, how I dress, hobbies etc. so there was not much of a surprise when I had decided to go with a more relaxed vintage setting for our wedding. I was inspired by old photographs and loved looking at pictures of old wedding dresses, like my grandmother’s.

When I look back on our wedding day, all I can do is smile.

Through the pictures I can see every little detail and it all has our names written all over it, nobody else made this vision for me, and even though it might have been easier to hire a planner I was so glad I could experience every part of the process that was put in to making our day beautiful.

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His favorite part of the day:

Her favorite part of the day:

My favorite part of the wedding day would have to be the first time I was able to see Amber in her dress. Because we did our pictures before the ceremony a “first look� was arranged where I would be able to see her for the first time.

She looked so beautiful I was left practically speechless and all at once I was reminded again just how lucky I was to be marrying her.

My favorite moment from the whole day is the ceremony. It was just at the perfect time of day and God blessed us with the best weather. I was so happy to be in the presence of our closest friends and family. It could not have been a more beautiful scene.

Scott & Michaela Leimkuehler

August 23, 2014

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Photographer: Andrea Nigh Photography Ceremony Venue: St. Anthony's Catholic Church Reception Venue: Weathered Wisdom Barn Gown: Maggie Sottero Menswear: Jerry's Menswear Hair: Salon 152-Emily Wells Cake: Courtney McClannahan Invitations: SM Design Caterer: Jackson's BBQ Florist: Memory Lane Floral & Events DJ: Campbell DJ Services Videography: Otto Gaiser 80

August 23rd, 2014 was the hottest day of the year. My day started off with my maid of honor and a cup of coffee. Before I knew it, we were off to the church to get our hair and makeup done. Somewhere between the leisurely morning and into the early afternoon time sped up. I was helped into my wedding dress at the church and as I looked at myself in the mirror, the nerves set in.

Guests had all been seated, the bridal party had proceeded into the church and it was time for my dad to walk me down the aisle. I was so nervous I thought I was going to faint. During the ceremony, I noticed that the skylight in the church had a beam of sunshine coming through it and was directly on our chairs. As I was sitting there, the warm sun shining onto us like a little spotlight, I prayed God would ease my nervousness and breathing. At that moment Scott whispered to me, “I always feel less nervous when I’m with you babe.” Holding Scott’s hand, I began to feel calm and at peace again. After the last blessing during the ceremony, Father Dan announced, “I am pleased to introduce to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Leimkuehler.” As we exited the church to cheers and applause from everyone we loved, I felt relieved that the stressful part was over, and that I was now officially Mrs. Scott Leimkuehler!

Scott and I rode together for the 30 minute drive from Camdenton to Preston. The entire ride was spent in awe of what just happened. Again, it was about a million degrees that day so my dress was held up over the AC vents blowing cool air up my dress.

That felt awesome. There’s nothing worse than a sweaty bride!

We did the traditional dinner and speeches to start off the evening.

I was a bit non-traditional when it came to the order of the first dances. I wanted to dance with my dad first. The significance of dancing with our parents first and then dancing with each other was to show how we were leaving what great examples of marriage both of our parents showed us, to continuing the love and trust in our new marriage. After our first dance, our good friend Merritt Whitley, wrote and performed an original song for us. Our bridal party joined us on the dance floor and the party started. There is no better feeling that being surrounded by all the people you love and care about, and that’s why August 23rd, 2014 the hottest day of the year was by far, my most favorite day.

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Special touches:

What made our wedding so special and unique was that our friend’s talents were highlighted in all aspects of the wedding. Our florist, DJ, caterer, cake, photographer, singer, save-the-dates,invitations, and favors were all done by our friends. Every single detail or decision that was made for our special day was chosen on purpose to make it entirely unique to Scott and I.

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His favorite part of the day:

My favorite part of the wedding was having all of our close friends and family surrounding us as I married my best friend.

Her favorite part of the day:

My favorite part of the wedding was the brief moment after Scott and I walked out of the church for the first time as Mr. & Mrs. We were alone for just a millisecond, but the feeling of relief that the hard part was over, the party was about to start, and that we were finally married was amazing!

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JIM VALERIE

SCHUESSLER JUNE 21, 2014

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Photographer: Kdog Photographers Ceremony: Calvary Lutheran Church Reception Venue: Berg Event Space Wedding Planner: Plush Productions Gown: Gown Gallery Menswear: Gown Gallery Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew Hair: Penny Tuckel & Emily Wright Makeup: Terri Good Videography: A to Z Videography Caterer: Jack Stack BBQ Cake: Dolce Bakery Flowers: Stems Flower Market DJ: Jeff Holmes EABride.com 85

Her Favorite Part of the Day:

As cliche as it might sound, my favorite part of our wedding day was seeing the look on Jim’s face when he turned around and saw me in my wedding dress for the first time. I had thought about what his face would look like and what he might say, but it was amazing to actually experience it in real life. We were both so anxious and nervous that after we had our first look, we both relaxed a ton and could really concentrate on enjoying our wedding day.

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Jim and I met at an apartment complex pool just off the plaza in the summer of 2009. We both had friends that lived there at the time and just so happened to be at the pool on the same day. Needless to say, the pool became a hot hang out spot for the two of us and our friends the rest of the summer. We dated for four years before Jim popped the question!

I woke up early on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend in 2013, excited to spend the day with family on the lake. First thing in the morning, Jim gets a call from my Dad that he needs us to come pick him up at another dock on the lake. Jim and I get to the boat and start heading to get my Dad when Jim slows down the boat and tells me he thinks the boat is ticking and acting funny. He then asks me if I will get him a beer out of the front cooler of the boat (it is maybe 9:00 a.m. at this point). I question his early request, then say something about how there probably isn’t any beer on the boat yet this early in the morning. I open the cooler and there is no beer, but there is a little box. I turn around and say, “What is this?” He says, “Well I got you a little present, I hope you like them.” I bend down, pick it up and start to open the box. He then walks over to me, takes the box and says, “Actually this is a present I should open for you...”

He gets down on one knee, tells me a bunch of things that I really don’t remember and then asks me to marry him. I say yes and we immediately hear cheering from the shore. I realize that he stopped the boat in that particular spot so some of our family could see the proposal. The rest of the weekend was spent celebrating our engagement and talking about all things wedding.

We did a lot of the wedding planning together. It was important for us to make it special to us as a couple and that everyone who attended could tell that this was our style shining throughout the entire day.

I feel like I have a very classic, timeless personal style and I tried to keep that in mind when choosing every detail of the wedding day from bridesmaid dresses to flowers to the decor.

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Special touches:

Jim and I visited the Shatto Milk farm a couple of years ago together. After that day, I was determined to have little pints of milk for guests to have with their dessert.

His favorite part of the day:

My favorite part of our wedding day was standing at the altar, overlooking so many of our friends and family sitting in the pews, then watching our closest friends and family walk down the aisle which ended with my beautiful bride walk down the aisle with her dad to join me. There will always be a time to celebrate a good party or in this case, our wedding reception; however, the feeling I had standing at the front of the church on our wedding day is something I won’t be able to duplicate.

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James

& Sami

Morrison

May 31, 2014

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Photographer: Jana Marie Photography Venue: Private Residence Planner: You're Invited Gown: Bridal Extraordinaire Bridesmaid Dresses: Natalie M Invitations: Elli Hair & Makeup: Blush Caterer: Jackstack Barbecue Florist: Botanica DJ: Dj's for Hire Cake: Cami Cakes Rentals: All Seasons Bar Service: Brown Bag Liquor Photo Booth: Banana Who Booth Travel Agent: Christy Biggs

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My dad enjoys auctioneering in his spare time and had told us that he was going to take a new course in Colorado in the fall. Later he told us that in order to get into the school he has to do a “fake” auction to show the school his ability and experience. He said he would need an audience for it to look completely real. I suggested to invite as many family members and close friends, as I knew they would be the only ones that would show up to a “fake” auction.

We invited fifty of our closest friends and family. James had class that entire day and texted me 20 minutes before the auction that he would be late, if he even made it at all. The auction started and my dad chose who bid each time to keep it from being chaos. The first item was auctioned off. Then on the second item, my dad chose me along with a few others to bid. I ended up winning the bid and he told me to come on the stage. I thought this was strange but I went ahead and made my way. As I was facing the audience, James came from behind the stage curtains and got down on one knee. I turned around to see him and was in disbelief! It felt like an out-of-body experience. Turned out, there was no need for a “fake” auction but it was the perfect reason to have all of our closest friends and family there to witness the proposal!

After getting engaged, we immediately hired our family-friend, Kim Ho from You’re Invited. She took our vision and made it reality.

I will never forget when I walked into the tent just hours before the wedding. It took my breath away! We both wanted a country/ vintage feel for the wedding but I wanted a little bling too. It turned out to be better than we could have imagined. Having it at my parents’ house allowed for the perfect setting. I got ready in my parents’ bedroom while looking out the bay windows to see everything coming together in the backyard. I loved looking out watching guests start to arrive.

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Special touches:

The wedding program was my favorite special piece. A family friend of mine has done “stick figure� sketches for family reunions, school events, and many other fun projects. We asked her to sketch out our parents, flower girl, ring bearer, bridesmaids, and groomsmen for the program. We picked a unique part about each person that stood out to us, or that showed how we were connected. I had a few friends that I had met through cheerleading and so she sketched them in our college uniform. It was fun to see the uniqueness of the group of family and friends that we have to support our married adventure!

Another unique touch is the maid of honor speech my sister performed. My sisters and I always loved making up dances when we were younger and performing them for friends. A few years earlier, when my older sister got married, we did a remake of three great songs and put together a dance. My sisters did the same thing for my wedding. Their lyrics perfectly described our relationship- so funny!

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Registry available.

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Tabletop and Decor

Registry available.

2601 Madison Avenue, Kansas City, MO Call for hours or to make appointment 816-866-6344 www.MyModigliani.com ww

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GAVIN EMMY STARK

December, 31, 2014

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Photographer: Freeland Photography Venue: Hilton President Hotel Gown: Nolte's Bridal Officiant: Travis Bourbon Menswear: Men's Wearhouse Bridesmaid Dresses: Katie Lee Hair: Sei Bella Salon Makeup: Selena Marischler Florist: Licata's Flowers Cake: Raspberry Rose Band: Lenny Klinger's Galazy Band Invitations: Statements Videography: Jonathan Curp & Logan Burditt Uplighting: Remix DJ's Rentals: All Seasons Event Rental Travel Agent: Ambassador Travel EABride.com

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Gavin and I met in the 7th grade. We shared mutual friends and spent a lot of time together throughout middle school. In November of our Freshmen year he worked up the courage to ask me out. Gavin and I were at a gathering with friends and were walking around outside together and found ourselves sitting on a large rock at one of the intersections within the neighborhood. It was there that he asked me to be his girlfriend, and we shared our first kiss. We were inseparable throughout the next four years. We dated for 9 years before getting engaged, we were best friends growing up together and enjoying every moment of it.

Gavin proposed to me on my 23rd birthday. I did have an idea he was going to, as he requested to “plan” my birthday that year, and never had that happened in 9 years of dating.

Nevertheless, I was anxious and excited for the evening to begin.

He took me out to my favorite sushi restaurant for dinner and drinks. As we were driving back to Lee’s Summit, Gavin started to take a weird exit and suggested we drive by the spot where he asked me to be his girlfriend. As we approached the intersection in the neighborhood, my eyes began to tear up as I caught a glimpse of red roses on the rock where Gavin had kissed me for the first time. Gavin stopped the car and asked me to get out and walk over with him. He took my hand and sat me down on the rock. The rest is a blur that was filled with lots of tears, Gavin down on one knee, one important question, and one very excited answer. I remember being overjoyed and answering “OF COURSE!” and then being wrapped up in Gavin’s arms. We shared a wonderful moment and began to hear screams of, “Congratulations!” from behind us. As we turned around, we noticed that there were about 5 young girls watching from their front bedroom window. Later I found out that Gavin had called the homeowners and asked permission to propose on their property, which was interesting because 9 years ago there was not a house built there yet. The girls were waiting for us and were eager to come running out of the house and take the first pictures of us as an engaged couple.

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Planning for the wedding began immediately. My mom and I went wedding dress shopping the weekend after we got engaged, and I ended up purchasing the first dress I tried on! The dress was perfect for a winter wedding, and December 31st became the perfect date. After we decided the wedding would be on New Years Eve, everything else began to fall into place. My mom and I planned the entire day with the help of our wedding coordinator at the hotel, and Gavin of course. I loved the idea of a timeless, gold wedding that had fun and flare as midnight approached. Our wedding was the perfect combination of class and party and we enjoyed dancing the night away.

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His favorite part of the day:

My favorite part of the wedding day was the first time I saw Emmy. We did not see or talk to each other on the phone the entire day. It made the moment when I saw her walk down the aisle even more special. She looked so beautiful; it was a feeling that I will never forget.

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Her favorite part of the day:

My absolute favorite moment was Gavin and I’s first dance.

The moment was romantic and exciting, we were living in the moment and dancing like no one was watching to our favorite song. If felt like we were the only two people in the room. Neither one of us could stop smiling.

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