The Wedding Planner 2014

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The

Wedding P lanner 2014

Including

Vintage Style in Your Wedding

“REEL” Romantic Destinations

10 Honeymoon Trips Inspired by Movies The First

Season of Marriage theweddingplanneronline.com

Say “CHEESE“

Ensure Your Wedding Photos Will Make You Smile The “To Do“ Before the “I Do“

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BANQUETS & CONFERENCE CENTER

Let Us Cater A Perfect Event! The Shady Maple Catering division was started to bring the quality taste and great service of Shady Maple to your offsite event. Shady Maple Catering offers a wide selection of food items great for every occasion including soups & salads, sandwiches, entrees, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Shady Maple Catering specializes in bringing the great tastes of Lancaster County right to your special event! We offer a number of full service packages that will surely fit your events needs.

CALL 717-351-5820 to schedule a consultation. 129 TODDY DRIVE • EAST EARL, PA 17519 • www.shady-maple.com • banquet@shady-maple.com S814707

A Unique Location for Your

Special Day

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• The Country Barn offers two beautifully restored historic barns with 3 venues for up to 400 guests • Custom catering packages with natural meats and fresh produce raised on our farm • Indoor and outdoor ceremony & reception packages available

211 S. Donerville Road Lancaster, PA 17603

717-872-1554

EVENTS ON THE FARM

S820829

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Step back in time and Embrace the beauty of a place where magic abounds. Create unforgettable memories while you Dine and Dance the night away under thousands of tiny white lights in our Yellow Barn. Enjoy a Gorgeous Outdoor Ceremony among acres of trees, gardens and historic buildings. Ceremonies • Receptions • Rehearsal Dinners – All in one beautiful setting –

2451 Kissel Hill Road Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601 717.581.0431 1.866.371.2342 c-jperkins@pa.gov 717.569.0401 (Visitor Center) www.landisvalleymuseum.org

S810681

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Landis Valley is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission with the active support of the Landis Valley Associates

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In This Issue

Planning Tools: 68

A Timeline To Keep You On Track

74

Upcoming Bridal Shows

10

Obtaining A Marriage License In PA

84

Tips From The Pros

The Essentials: 58

Say "Cheese" How To Ensure Your Wedding Photos Will Make You Smile

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66

70

The First "Season" Of Marriage

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By Bruce McCracken, House on the Rock Family Ministries

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Location, Location, Location!

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Treat Your Guests To Flavorful Favors

Here Comes The... Pet? Including Your Favorite Animals In Your Big Day

Wedding Dress Silhouettes To Flatter Every Figure

Exploring Reception Venues For Every Style And Budget

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Hey, Mister DJ! Auditioning Wedding Music Vendors

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Features:

Local Couples:

Chelsea and Grant

Charlotte and Josh "Buck"

Natalie and Ryan

Shanan and Jason

Brenda and David

"Reel" Romantic Destinations 10 Honeymoon Trips Inspired By Movies

Something Old Including Vintage Style In Your Wedding

80

Special Ways To Honor A Deceased Parent

54

Fun Ideas For Pre-Wedding Celebrations

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5 West Main Street, Ephrata • 717-733-8800

S820807

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1475 Lancaster Road (Rt.72) ** 717-665-5440 or 877-720-1202 Manheim, PA 17545 ** www.lancasterinnandsuites.com

At Kreider Farms, next to Enck’s Banquet & Catering S820890

Contact: Lydia Dolly*ldolly@horstrealty.com

For All Your… www.enckscatering.com 717-569-7000 • Weddings • Corporate Events • Reunions • Anniversaries • Sport Banquets • Birthday Parties

• Pig & Ox Roasts • Clam Bakes • Chicken BBQs • Theme Events • Formal Affairs

Ban

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ter

Catering Needs

244 GRANITE RUN DRIVE • LANCASTER 17601 • 717-569-7000 ENCK’S CATERING, BANQUET & CONFERENCE CENTER At Kreider Farms 1461 Lancaster Road, Manheim, PA

S818968

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Marriage License Pennsylvania

Obtaining a

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The Clerk of Orphans' Court and/or the Register of Wills within each individual county in Pennsylvania handles information, forms, and the actual registering of marriage license applications. Both individuals must appear in person together to complete (and file) the application for marriage. A Social Security number and a government-issued photo ID are required for both parties. The medical examination and blood test are no longer required. In Pennsylvania, if either party is under 18, the consent of a parent or legal guardian is needed. Applicants who have been previously married must provide the following information concerning the dissolution of the most recent marriage: divorces - must present a certified copy of the decree (if maiden name has been resumed, must present that document); annulments - the same information as is required for divorces; and widowed - the date of death of the deceased spouse is needed. Blood relatives down to and including first

cousins may not marry under Pennsylvania law.

A marriage license becomes valid on the third day following application or the next business day if the third day falls on a weekend or holiday. The license is valid for 60 days from the third day following the date of application. The wedding ceremony need not be performed in the county in which the license was issued. However, an out-ofstate marriage license cannot be used in Pennsylvania, nor can a Pennsylvania marriage license be used in another state. Details, courthouse locations, and other information for separate counties in the area are listed below. All courthouse office hours listed are Monday through Friday.

Details are available on each county’s government website; by calling the phone number for the Register of Wills/Clerk of Orphans’ Court Office; or in person Monday through Friday during regular business hours, at least one-half hour before closing time.

Adams County Clerk of Courts & Orphans' Court 117 Baltimore St., Room 103 Gettysburg 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 717-337-9806 www.adamscounty.us

Cumberland County Register of Wills 1 Courthouse Square, Room 102 Carlisle 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 717-240-6345 www.ccpa.net

Lebanon County Register of Wills 400 S. Eighth St., Room 105 Lebanon 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 717-228-4415 www.lebcounty.org

Berks County Register of Wills 633 Court St., 2nd Floor Reading 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 610-478-6600 www.co.berks.pa.us

Dauphin County Register of Wills 101 Market St., Room 103 Harrisburg 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 717-780-6506 www.dauphincounty.org

Montgomery County Register of Wills 1 Montgomery Plaza, 4th Floor Norristown 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. 610-278-3414 www.montcopa.org

Chester County Register of Wills 201 W. Market St., Suite 2200 West Chester 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. 610-344-6335 www.chesco.org

Lancaster County Register of Wills 50 N. Duke St., 2nd Floor Lancaster 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 717-295-3522 www.co.lancaster.pa.us

York County Clerk of Orphans’ Court 45 N. George St., 2nd Floor York 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 717-771-9288 www.yorkcountypa.gov

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DoubleTree by Hilton Lancaster 2400 Willow Street Pike Lancaster, PA 17602 Photo by JeffBenzon.com

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The phenomenon of incorporating four-legged attendants into the bridal party is becoming more and more common, which probably comes as no surprise to animal lovers. For some couples, pets are such a fundamental part of their lives that it would be unfathomable to not have them share in the big day. Animal participants in weddings aren’t limited to dogs and cats. It’s important to think of the specific needs of each animal, however, and take all necessary steps to ensure the animal’s comfort and safety. Careful planning is necessary to ensure that Fluffy and/or Fido’s involvement is a welcome addition to the festivities. First of all, it’s important to carefully consider whether including your pet in the wedding is actually a viable option. There are several factors to take into account: 1. The personality of the pet(s): Weddings can be overwhelming – for both people and their animal friends. A pet attending or participating in a wedding may encounter large crowds, loud music and noises, unfamiliar people and places, and lots of distractions. Animals that do not have a good track record of dealing with these challenges may not be up for participating in the festivities. 2. The personality of the humans: Lovable as they are, pets can be attentionstealing, messy, and loud – and not all brides and grooms care to deal with these traits during their wedding. Micromanagers, beware: even well-trained pets add an element of spontaneity to a wedding, and couples unwilling to accept that fact are better off leaving Bruiser at home. Animalloving couples with a flexible and relaxed attitude, however, may find that a furry pal’s shenanigans just make the occasion more memorable. 3. The venue and its location: Even the most well-behaved pet may not be welcome in all venues, so a bride and groom with their hearts set on including Spot should make sure prospective venues are pet-friendly. Many houses of worship, historical venues, and fancy hotels, for instance, may not be. Outdoor weddings are ideal for incorporating pets, especially ceremonies planned in an animal-friendly venue, such as a farm, the yard of a private residence, a park, or a dog beach. Also consider the distance your pets will have to travel to reach the venue. Including a pet in a location wedding that takes place far from home may be impractical, unless the pet is a seasoned traveler. If after thoughtful consideration you do decide to include your pet in your big day, there are a number of steps to take beforehand.

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Here Comes the …

Pet

Including Your Favorite Animals in Your Big Day

By Ann K. Charles

Practice, Practice, Practice: Bringing your pets to visit the ceremony and reception venues in advance will help to increase their comfort level on the day of the wedding. If the pet will be playing a role in the ceremony, practice the task with him in the weeks leading up to the wedding. Giving the pet the opportunity to practice at the actual location of the wedding will be especially beneficial. Remember to bring Bucky to the wedding rehearsal, so

- Include images of you and your pets in a display of photographs that wedding guests can view during the reception. - Bring your pet with you on your honeymoon, if you’re heading to a pet-friendly location. - Include your pet in your engagement photos as a way to capitalize on a cute photo op in a less-stressful environment. An engagement shoot will involve fewer people and can be held in a less fancy environment, and you will be less concerned about keeping your attire pristine. - Give out pet-friendly wedding favors. If many of the wedding guests are animal-lovers like you, they may enjoy receiving pet toys or treats as wedding favors so they can share the joy of your wedding with the special animals in their own lives. - If you have a soft spot in your heart for all animals – not just your own pets – consider making a donation to an animal rescue organization in lieu of providing favors. You can also request that guests donate to the organization instead of purchasing wedding or bridal shower gifts. Information on making donations can be provided to guests instead of registry information.

that he can practice his part along with the other members of the wedding party. If each successful practice run is rewarded with a treat, he will have plenty of incentive to do his best on the big day. Plan for Purr-fect Pictures: Talk to your photographer first to make sure that he or she is comfortable with including animals in your photo shoot. If including Snowy in your photos is a top priority, you may want to inquire about previous experience in animal photography when you’re researching potential photographers. Make sure the person in charge of watching your pet during the ceremony will be able to watch it during the picture taking process as well, or secure another helper.

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Determine the Pet’s Role in the Wedding: Animals may take part in a wedding in a variety of ways, with different types of pets lending themselves to different roles. A well-trained dog, for instance, can flourish in the role of the ring bearer. To help him deliver the rings down the aisle, the canine ring bearer can be outfitted with a special harness that holds a pillow with the rings on his back. Or Buster can carry the rings down the aisle in a satchel or basket held in his mouth. Similarly, a dog or other large animal (pony, sheep, etc.) can serve as the flower girl, either by toting a basket of flowers down the aisle or by simply wearing a floral adornment. A smaller animal, such as a cat, bunny, or lizard, can ride down the aisle in a basket carried by a (human) flower girl or bridesmaid. Some brides may even opt to forego a bouquet themselves and instead carry a beloved pet down the aisle. If you do decide to go this route, remember that you also will have to dispense with some post-ceremony bouquet traditions. Your single friends do not want to compete to see who can catch your cat, bunny, or (worst of all) snake. Some pets may be better suited just to be wedding guests, sitting with family members and friends in the audience. Select the Wardrobe: It’s customary for members of the bridal party to get decked out in wedding-day finery, and there’s no reason four-legged attendants can’t join in the fun. Wedding attire options for pets abound, including fancy or bejeweled collars and leashes, floral adornments, and bows and bow ties. Why not obtain a bow tie for your pooch

Pets that would be uncomfortable participating in the wedding needn’t be forgotten. Here are some other ways to incorporate your love of your pets into your wedding festivities:

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The bride looked resplendent in a gown of ivory satin and lace, and the groom was dashing in his fitted suit. Meanwhile, the maid of honor was adorned in a sparkly rhinestone collar that brought out her puppy dog eyes, while the best man’s yellow bow tie stood out against his sleek dark fur coat.

that matches those worn by the human groomsmen? Particularly accommodating pooches and felines may even agree to wear a specially sized pet tuxedo or dress, which are available for purchase at many pet stores and through online retailers. Handmade formal pet attire and accessories are available through Etsy.com. Make sure that your pets are comfortable. Outfits or accessories should fit properly, include only materials that are safe for your pet, and not hinder breathing or movement. And unless Ashes absolutely loves her wedding attire, remove the adornments as soon as the ceremony is over. Unlike some of the other members of the bridal party, pets will not require hours of hair and makeup prep on the day of the wedding. It is a good idea, however, to take animals to the groomer in preparation for the big day. Bathing dogs will help to limit shedding. Decide Who Will Watch the Pet at All Times: The happy couple should appoint someone to watch over the pet at all times, as the bride and groom will be likely to too busy exchanging vows to attend to every need of their pets. The official pet watcher can be a member of the bridal party or another animal-loving guest, or the couple can hire a professional pet sitter for the occasion. The couple should also decide on exactly which parts of the day’s festivities the pets will attend and make sure that the designated handler knows the pets’ schedule for the day. Create a Supply Kit: Pack a wedding day kit of supplies for your pet and give it to the person in charge of the animal. Include toys and comfort items that can help keep Buddy occupied during any downtime, as well as lots of treats, which can be used to reward good behavior during the ceremony, photography sessions, and reception. It is also a good idea to pack a lint brush to help with the quick removal of any pet hair that ends up on the fancy wedding attire of the bridal party or guests. The supply kit should also include food and water for the pet (and bowls or dishes to serve them in), if the furry friend plans to stay for the reception.

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Since members of the wedding party will be busy posing for photos themselves, it may be helpful to enlist a third-party assistant to mind the pet during this time. Use toys from the pet’s wedding day supply kit to help capture the animal’s attention to achieve picture-perfect shots. Identify and Avoid Potential Hazards, Accidents, and Challenges: Try to identify potential threats to the safety of your pet and take steps to mitigate them in advance, if possible. A pet may encounter a number of hazards in the wedding day environment. Make sure any venues your pet will visit do not use pesticides or have toxic plants or other materials on site. Any floral arrangements used should be composed of nontoxic, pet-friendly plants. Consider the weather forecast and make sure any weather-specific items the animals will need are packed in their wedding day supply kit. Also keep your animal attendees in mind when selecting wedding decorations, as balloons can alarm animals if they burst and small decorative items can be choking hazards or cause health problems if swallowed. Loud noises stemming from music or fireworks may frighten the animals and should be avoided. The main hazard that animals that attend the wedding reception will likely encounter

is the prevalence of “people food,� some of which can be harmful or even deadly to pets. The person in charge of watching the dog should be vigilant that the pet does not consume chocolate, cake or other sweets, alcohol, meat with bones, raisins, grapes, garlic, and onions. Well-meaning guests should be reminded not to feed the animals. The pet’s handler should also monitor the pet’s interactions with other guests, making sure that the furry friend is not in danger of being accidentally trampled and that it is being properly handled. Children who wish to play with the pet may not realize if they are being too rough. In the days leading up to the wedding, it can be a good idea to take Rascal to a doggie day care facility or day camp where he can play and burn off extra energy. Taking dogs for a long walk or a trip to the dog park may also help ensure that they are mellow and relaxed on the wedding day. Immediately before the ceremony, have someone walk the dogs or take them outside, so hopefully they will not need to “do their business� during the ceremony. Consider Your Other (Human) Guests: Remember: it’s a wedding, not a petting zoo. Not every wedding guest may find your pet as adorable as you do. Your Great

Dane/bullmastiff mix might be the sweetest pup in the world, but some people – especially small children – may still be afraid of it. Additionally, some guests may be allergic to animals, and close proximity may cause discomfort. Remind Sassy’s watcher to keep the animal away from guests who are not interested in spending quality time with her. Informing your attendants, officiant, and guests in advance that your pet will take part in the wedding festivities is also a good idea. Make sure your officiant is on board with including pets in the ceremony. If after honest reflection, however, you conclude that your pet will not thrive in the high-stress environment of the wedding, remember that you can still share your special day with your pet, albeit in a more intimate manner. Set aside some time in your wedding day schedule to hang out with your furry best friend – either before the event, between the wedding and the reception, or after the festivities have wrapped up. A pet that may be overwhelmed by walking down the aisle in front of 300 people may love keeping the bridal party company as they get ready for the ceremony, for instance.

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Something

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VINTAGE STYLE in Your

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Emily Grace Photography 120 Heisey Ave., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 717-940-8431 www.emilygracephoto.com

Birdcage veils for everyone! Four of the brides we featured this year opted for this vintage trend.

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The Iris Club 323 N. Duke St., Lancaster PA 17602 717-394-7811, iris_club@yahoo.com http://irisclublancasterpa.com

event to have a vintage vibe, starting with a venue that has inherent vintage charm will reduce the amount of effort you have to put into dressing it up. “Historic settings are a logical choice for vintage weddings, since their unique surroundings provide ample photographic opportunities that just can't be replicated in most other venues,” explains Arlene Stewart, chairman of marketing and advertising for The Iris Club, Lancaster. But no matter what venue you choose, it can be decked out to fit with your vintage theme through some creativity. Visit vintage and antique stores, as well as thrift shops, to see what catches your eye, whether it’s an antique handkerchief, mismatched china teacups, old books, or pieces from retro board games. Chances are you’ll be able to incorporate whatever vintage items you love into the wedding décor. “Be cautious!” Drouillard advises. “Just because it says ‘vintage,’ that doesn’t mean that it is!” If you desire bonafide vintage items, research the authenticity of the antiques before you make your purchases. “Old glassware, such as mason jars and wine bottles, are a really popular (way to incorporate vintage style),” comments Emily Wilcox of Emily Grace Photography, Elizabethtown. McClain adds, “Couples (are) incorporating lace and burlap elements, Scrabble letters, and subtle yet delicate flower arrangements.” McClain recommends, “If going vintage, consider shying away from common DIY projects featured on inspirational sites and customize your décor items for a more personal touch.” Think outside the box: everything from antique keys to vintage bicycles to old suitcases and furniture can be used as decorations. What is even better is when the wedding décor incorporates vintage items that hold special significance to the couple – such as a grandmother’s china, a grandfather’s military trunk, antique clocks passed through the generations, or old family photos of the couple’s ancestors. “For couples on a budget, consider renting key décor pieces from vintage rental stores near you,” suggests McClain. “If you have a little wiggle room in your budget, rent a few larger pieces of vintage furniture for a great post-dinner lounge area for guests to relax and mingle. (You can also) change out standard seating and tables for handcrafted items and think about (offering) oldschool lawn games for guests to play during cocktail hour,” she recommends. And don’t forget about the music. A band playing Dixieland hits and jazz standards will give the whole party a vintage vibe in a fun and memorable way. (If you can’t find a band in your local area or price range, you can achieve a similar effect by having your disc jockey spin vintage tunes.) Another way retro elements can be incorporated into the reception is by serving food and beverages with a vintage influence. Also, you can add to the theme through transportation choices such as horse-drawn carriages or classic cars. “Be sure to carry your vintage theme throughout – from the design of your bouquet, to the style of your gown, to your place cards and invitations – for a fully developed theme. All in all, make it your own!” McClain encourages. Brides and grooms who are interested in the vintage trend have many options – whether they want the vintage theme to infiltrate every element of their big day or just want to include a few subtle touches. “What makes the vintage trend so great is that it can be as subtle as wearing your grandmother’s wedding ring on your big day (or as flashy as using) an eye-catching classic car as the bride and groom’s gateway vehicle,” explains Wilcox. Couples looking to go vintage on their big day have many options to help them achieve the classic, glamorous style they desire.

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veryone knows the recommendation that a bride should have “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue” as she heads down the aisle, but, lately, many brides are lingering over the “something old” part. Vintage style has made a major comeback recently, due in part to a number of popular historically set movies and television shows. As “Downton Abbey,” Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby,” “Grace of Monaco,” “Broadwalk Empire,” and other period pieces have conquered pop culture, the vintage trend has exploded in the wedding industry, with couples pulling inspiration from the beautiful style elements showcased in these hit television and film projects. “The vintage trend is HOT right now for the 2014 wedding season,” exclaims Melissa McClain of Melissa McClain Photography, Harrisburg. Sabrina J. Drouillard, IEWP, owner/coordinator of Decora Wedding and Event Planning, Mountville, agrees, explaining, “From the invites to the dress and décor, brides are loving this trend! If you are incorporating this into your wedding, you will have so many options.” Couples looking to include vintage elements in their wedding attire and décor must first decide what “vintage” means to them. Wedding elements can invoke a specific time period (for example, the Roaring ’20s) or leave a more general old-timey or classic impression. “There are many views on what ‘vintage’ looks like these days, but I always think of lace, subtle colors, old books, and dainty flowers,” suggests Nicola Herring, owner of Nicola Herring Photography, Lancaster. “There are many ways to incorporate these things, even in a do-it-yourself wedding.” In addition to drawing inspiration from the vintage-inspired costumes and set design of movies and television shows set in decades past, brides and grooms can go online for ideas. “Pinterest is a great brainstorming tool for ideas, so pin everything that appeals to you, and your ideas will come together,” recommends Herring. A major way the vintage trend is being incorporated into wedding style is through the attire of the bridal party, especially the bride. Whether she is wearing a dress that has been passed down in her family, attire purchased from a vintage store, or a new dress that has a vintage look, the bride can channel classic style with her gown. Popular vintage twists for bridal gowns include lace, beading, crystals, off-white or ivory hues, and other romantic elements. When it comes to jewelry, brides are favoring art deco, estate-inspired silhouettes and often choosing one or two standout accessories for a more minimalistic and classical look. Simple, elegant pieces are distinctive without being overwhelming and can be worn alone or layered. Wearing heirloom jewelry is a great way for brides to go vintage and honor members of their family at the same time. For her other accessories, a bride can turn to retro-style pumps, a tiara, or a birdcage veil to continue the vintage theme. The bride is not the only one who can have fun with incorporating vintage elements into her attire, however. “The Great Gatsy,” “Downton Abbey,” and other film and television period pieces supply plenty of inspiration for the groom’s attire, as well as that of the bridesmaids and groomsmen. The bride and her bridesmaids can also incorporate the vintage trend via their hair and makeup choices (finger wave hairdos, red lips, subtle cat eye eyeliner, etc.). But remember to be careful that you don’t take the vintage elements too far; you want the bridal party to look classic, not costumey. Another key way that couples can incorporate vintage style into their wedding day celebrations is through their choice of ceremony and reception venues. If you want your

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Chelsea & Grant Houston, TX

Bride’s Hometown: Mechanicsburg, PA Groom’s Hometown: Mechanicsburg, PA Wedding Date: March 30, 2013 Wedding & Reception Location: The Cork Factory Hotel, Lancaster, PA Photographer: Nicola Herring Photography, Lancaster, PA

An upcoming Alaskan cruise

Our

cover

bride,

formerly

from

central

Pennsylvania, planned a chic, vintage-inspired wedding all the way from Texas! After dating her high school sweetheart for nine years, she almost didn’t believe Grant when he proposed on a hike of

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Honeymoon:

Mount Bonnell in Austin, but exactly one year after their engagement, Chelsea and Grant walked down

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the aisle at the Cork Factory Hotel in Lancaster. mother and friends (Chelsea’s mother and a friend created the reception flower arrangements, bouquets, and boutonnieres, and another family friend did Chelsea’s makeup), the couple arranged a fun, romantic day from across the country.

Vendors Used Ceremony Flowers: Flowers by Paulette, Lancaster, PA Canopy: Studio Jenz, Lancaster, PA Cake, Seating, Table Settings: The Cork Factory Hotel, Lancaster, PA Music: Hanover String Quartet, Hanover, PA, and DJ Freez, Lancaster, PA

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Utilizing PA vendors and a talented and supportive

What was the first thing you did when you began to plan your wedding? What inspired you to start there? I began thinking about flower arrangements. I was inspired by mercury glass. I love how mercury glass has a glamorous aged look and wanted to incorporate that into the wedding. I also knew I didn’t want one huge arrangement for the centerpieces. So, my mother and I went hunting for different-sized mercury jars (which were impossible to find when we started this whole process, and now they’re everywhere!) and thought up different ways to arrange them. We then headed out to the local grocery store, picked up different flowers and began arranging them in the jars. They just happened to have these beautiful baby hydrangeas, and the hydrangeas became the main element in the wedding flowers.

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Out of the many skilled photographers in the area, how did you choose one?

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The Cork Factory Hotel provided us with a list of businesses and photographers that have visited the venue before, so I started there. I wanted someone that was familiar with the venue so they knew where to take great shots. Nicola’s pictures stood out because they looked real, if you understand what I mean. She knew how to use natural light, and I loved all of her outdoor shots. She did a fantastic job, and the pictures are absolutely beautiful!

How did you choose a style for your wedding? Did you find a dress to match the style, or did you plan the style around your dress? What unique touches did you add to your wedding? How did the vintage trend influence your style, if at all? I knew I wanted a place where guests could stay overnight and didn’t have to drive here or there for the ceremony and reception. The Cork Factory Hotel had all of it, so the venue sort of set the whole style for the wedding. The Cork Factory Hotel has a rustic/vintage feel. When I was looking for my dress I wanted something different, a little more traditional, and a birdcage (veil). I think the birdcage (veil) and the lace overlay on my dress and the bridesmaids’ dresses amped up the vintage feel of the wedding. The canopy during the ceremony was a unique touch. I liked how it created a focal point in the ballroom. We also had a popcorn bar during the reception so our guests could have some late-night munchies. It was done using apple baskets, burlap, and tin bucket favors for the goodies, which had a rustic/ vintage charm.

How did you incorporate your groom’s tastes and personality into the wedding?

Well, he likes the color blue, so I made sure blue was incorporated in the flowers, invitations, and place cards. I also made sure to show him all the ideas and get his OK before anything was final. I did give him full control over the music, and he did an awesome job of finding us our DJ and the string quartet for the ceremony. And he picked out the tuxes.

If there was one thing you could do differently, what would it be?

During the vows, we had a unity ceremony using sand. I came across a picture online of a couple using paint and a canvas! Way cooler than sand, and you can hang it in your house. I wish I would have seen that sooner.

Any tips for other brides- and grooms-to-be?

My mother and sisters were a tremendous help. My husband and I are in Texas, so it was a lot of phone calls back and forth. If someone is willing to take some of the stress off of you, let them. Also, have fun. It’s supposed to be fun.

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Lititz, PA

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Photos Courtesy of CHAR Photography

Bride’s Hometown: Mercersburg, PA Groom’s Hometown: Lititz, PA Wedding Date: Dec. 28, 2012 Wedding & Reception Location: Manheim Brethren in Christ Church, Manheim, PA Photographer: CHAR Photography, Myerstown, PA Honeymoon:

A self-described “reluctant wedding planner,” Charlotte pulled off planning a beautiful, laidback wedding in just three months, juggling lastminute wedding details with holiday celebrations. From the time they met in a young adult group at church, to their engagement at Middle Creek Wildlife Area, to their December 2012 wedding, Charlotte and Josh kept a focus on family and each other, making the planning process “so tastes and incorporated quite a few of Charlotte’s thoughtful DIY details to create the perfect cozy atmosphere to celebrate on a winter’s day.

Vendors Used Videography: Kent Mast Photo and Video, Lancaster, PA Flowers: Petals with Style, Lancaster, PA Caterer: Country Home Catering, Lititz, PA Groom’s Cake: Bakery at the Cupboard, Lititz, PA Dress: Alfred Angelo, Lancaster, PA Alterations: Country Threads Bridal by Gail, Manheim, PA

29 theweddingplanneronline.com

worth it.” Their wedding matched their styles and

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Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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What was the first thing you did when you began to plan your wedding? What inspired you to start there? We had three short months to plan our wedding, so the first thing we did was decide on our location and vendors as quickly as we could. I think we had all of our vendors booked within two weeks, and I was working on printing invitations and collecting addresses soon after.

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How did you choose a style for your wedding? Did you find a dress to match the style, or did you plan the style around your dress? What unique touches did you add to your wedding? How did the vintage trend influence your style, if at all? We planned a winter wedding, and my dream was to incorporate a touch of vintage while capturing the warm and magical atmosphere of the holiday season. When I found my dress, I adored the crumb catcher neckline and the delicate ivory lace. The only problem was a layer of tulle that covered the entire lace gown. Fortunately it was an easy fix for my seamstress, who transformed my dress into the vintage style I was looking for. The wedding party wore shades of ivory and brown with purple and green accents. The bridesmaids chose dresses with a vintage flare, which complemented the groomsmen’s suspenders. Josh matched his groomsmen but wore different suspenders to distinguish him as the groom. I love DIY projects, and we had a set budget, so I arranged many of the little details that made the day special. Our ceremony and reception rooms were decorated from floor to ceiling with mini white string lights and curly willow branches, as well as a hot chocolate bar, which helped set the tone for our cozy day. I made place card holders from pinecones, gold-glittered centerpieces from glass Coke bottles, and hand-stamped hot chocolate favors. The ring bearers’ bow ties, flower girls’ tutus, and my blusher veil were all handmade, and I even embroidered our wedding date and initials on my wedding-day tights. Instead of hiring a DJ, I signed up for a free trial of Spotify and used it to create our reception and dance playlists, and it worked out perfectly. For dessert, my mother-in-law made an assortment of pies, and my cousins made delicious cupcakes. Out of the many skilled photographers in the area, how did you choose one? I have admired Char’s beautiful work since she photographed the wedding of one of my bridesmaids a few years ago. I fell in love with her use of natural light to capture the emotion and beauty of her subjects. I knew that she was the perfect photographer for us when she expressed her desire to build a relationship with her clients to be able to truly “capture our love story.” Char was well-organized and worked with me to decide what images were important to me. Through that, she created a timeline for our wedding day so everyone knew when and where they needed to be for pictures. How did you incorporate your groom’s tastes and personality into the wedding? Our wedding day was laid-back, which is very much Josh’s style. While he wasn’t too involved in the planning, I wanted to make sure that I incorporated some things that matched his personality. Josh is a country boy at heart, and he owns a lawn care business, so he wore his cowboy boots during the ceremony and reception, and I surprised him with a groom’s cake featuring a mower and his business’ logo. If there was one thing you could do differently, what would it be? Dance to “Good Vibrations” by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. Kidding. If anything, it would have been nice to have more time to get ready the morning of the wedding. I felt a little rushed, and then everything went so fast, but from what I’ve heard that’s fairly normal. Otherwise I think our wedding day was perfect, and I loved every moment. Any tips for other brides- and grooms-to-be? Wedding planning can be stressful whether you have three or 23 months to plan. There were times that I got really overwhelmed with all of the preparation, but what helped me get through it was the support of my friends and family, and, of course, my fiancé. I tried to enjoy each moment during the engagement and planning process while enjoying life and making memories with the people I love, because when all of the planning is finished and the wedding is over, it’s the people in your life who matter the most.

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Photos Courtesy of Michael Wolfe/Wolfe Images

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Natalie & Ryan Williamsburg, VA

Bride’s Hometown: Maytown, PA Groom’s Hometown: Montrose, PA Wedding Date: May 4, 2013 Wedding Location: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Maytown, PA Reception Location: Enck’s Banquet Hall & Catering, Manheim, PA Photographer: Honeymoon: Grand Bahama Island

Vendors Used: Flowers: Royer’s Flowers, Columbia, PA Accommodations: Lancaster Inn & Suites, Manheim, PA Cake: Colebrook Bakery, Lancaster, PA Transportation: Expressions Limousine of Lancaster, Ephrata, PA Rehearsal Dinner: John Wright Restaurant, Wrightsville, PA Dress: David’s Bridal, York, PA

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Natalie and Ryan are a match made in Happy Valley. They met at Penn State when they were students and carried their love for their alma mater through to their big day, even having the Nittany Lion attend their cocktail hour! The couple chose to have a classic black-and-white wedding inspired by Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” while at the same time incorporating their fun-loving, silly side in some of the details of the wedding, like their custommade cake topper and nods to Penn State. Natalie and Ryan dated for five and a half years, but in just under a year they planned a celebration chock full of personal touches that reflected their interests and personalities.

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What was the first thing you did when you began to plan your wedding? What inspired you to start there? First, we worked on a date with the church. We knew the season and month we wanted to be married, so we worked with the church to finalize a date. Once we had that, we immediately went to look at reception venues. Having the date helped us eliminate some venues and had us look at some we normally may not have checked out. We also wanted to have three of the biggest tasks completed (date, church, and reception facility) well before we started planning our decorations and atmosphere.

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How did you choose a style for your wedding? Did the bride find a dress to match the style, or did she plan the style around her dress? What unique touches did you add to your wedding? How did the vintage trend influence your style, if at all? Natalie knew her style long before we even got engaged, so that helped. She was able to find a dress to match it, which turned out to be quite simple. We had a fun, custom-made cake topper that incorporated both of our personalities, as well as our wedding day attire. It has also become a decoration in our house because of its versatility. We tried to incorporate little pieces of ourselves within the day. I (the groom) enjoy a good cigar every now and then, so we had cigars and custom matchbooks for anyone who wanted them during the reception. We made sure to include our favorite wine and beer as choices for our guests. We also had a lighted Eiffel Tower in the reception hall because Natalie loves Paris. Natalie also loves handbags, so instead of her bridesmaids carrying bouquets, they carried clutch purses. However, the biggest personal and unique touch we added was incorporating where we met -- Penn State. We had the photographer take pictures following the rehearsal with the entire wedding party wearing Penn State football jerseys. While our colors were black and white, with a touch of pink, guests were given blue and white pom-poms to wave as we entered the reception, and we walked out to the Penn State fight song. We also had our table numbers correspond with the numbers of famous Penn State football players (rather than an ordinary 1-20). We also had the Nittany Lion at our cocktail hour. The lion greeted guests as they arrived and took pictures with our guests. It made for a fun atmosphere, and we figured it wasn’t something people saw every day. Out of the many skilled photographers in the area, how did you choose one? It helps when one of the skilled photographers just so happens to belong to the same church as the bride. It was really a no-brainer, as we tried to make the atmosphere as comfortable as possible. That meant having people we knew as part of our wedding, so when we approached Mike Wolfe (of Wolfe Images), we didn’t even consider anyone else. That doesn’t mean everyone should do it that way, but we felt more comfortable knowing exactly what we were getting, especially when it came to personality. As the groom, how were your tastes and personality incorporated into the wedding? I tried to stay in the background for a lot of things. After helping choose the venue, I let the bride and her mom choose the decorations and other little things. Once it came to choosing a tux and groomsmen’s outfits, it became more about my preference and style. A lot of the Penn State-themed things were my ideas, and I did most of the selections for the cigar bar and the drink bar. I also led the way for photos on the day of the wedding, planning out a lot of the shots prior to the wedding and then working with the photographer the day of to capture other shots. If there was one thing you could do differently, what would it be? We chose to do as many photos as possible before the wedding in order to shorten the time needed for photos between the ceremony and the reception. It called for us to be ready a little sooner than we normally would have been, but that part was okay with us. The plan worked out very well, but we didn’t give ourselves enough time before the wedding to get everything done. We would recommend getting as many pictures as possible done before the wedding, but we would have given ourselves more time. Any tips for other brides- and grooms-to-be? Have as much fun as you can on the day of your wedding. It goes so quickly, so make sure to take a moment away from everyone and recognize all the people who are there to support you that day. Also, with help from family and friends, it does not have to be an extremely stressful experience. If and when people want to help, let them. Not everything has to be absolutely perfect, nor will it be. The things that went right with the wedding are soon forgotten, but we’ll always be able to laugh at the silly moments that happened throughout the day.

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Photos Courtesy of Slices of Life Photography LLC

Bride’s Hometown: Manheim, PA Groom’s Hometown: Marietta, PA Wedding Date: April 20, 2013 Wedding Location: Mountville Mennonite Church, Mountville, PA Reception Location: The Keefer Barn, Marietta, PA Photographer: Slices of Life Photography LLC, Millersville, PA

Vendors Used: Catering: Big John's Nolt Catering, Stevens, PA Photography Location: Donegal Mills Plantation, Mount Joy, PA Reception Venue: The Keefer Barn, Marietta, PA Cake: Judycakes

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A romantic surprise proposal was the first step on the journey to marriage for Shanan and Jason. Shanan thought she would see it coming, but she was completely caught off guard when Jason picked her up from work in December 2012 and said they needed to pick up a friend near Chickies Rock before heading to church. As they headed up the path in the dark to the old brick furnace, Shanan was surprised to find that a big fire lit up the furnace. She turned around to see Jason on his knee and “Will you marry me?” written on a wall. With the help of a close friend, Jason set up the magical moment and set a table for a candlelit sushi dinner. After dating for four and a half years, Shanan and Jason knew they didn’t want a long engagement, so they planned their big day in just four months. Utilizing Pinterest, her own craftiness, and help from family and friends, Shanan created a country chic wedding with a little fun photography thrown in to capture the bride and groom’s mutual passion for cars.

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Honeymoon: Jamaica

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What was the first thing you did when you began to plan your wedding? What inspired you to start there? The first thing was trying to set a date. This was probably the hardest part of the whole process. We knew we didn't want a long engagement. We picked a date, and then the next step was making sure that date worked for our pastors and that the church was available. With those lined up, we asked our bridal party. That's when it started to become a problem. At our age, so many couples are getting married. We ended up changing the date twice around other weddings. It ended up being a little earlier than planned, but it all worked out in the end.

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How did you choose a style for your wedding? Did you find a dress to match the style, or did you plan the style around your dress? What unique touches did you add to your wedding? How did the vintage trend influence your style, if at all? I knew I wanted a vintage, country chic theme. I also knew I wanted a pretty simple DIY wedding. Finding a nice, simple dress was not easy. I had a style of dress in mind but ended up getting a completely different style. Dress shopping was not my favorite; I found it to be very overwhelming. I used Pinterest to come up with a lot of my theme and DIY ideas. I arranged all the flowers and decorations myself, with the help of family and friends. I used a lot of lace and burlap in the wedding, which seemed to be very popular this year. Out of the many skilled photographers in the area, how did you choose one? We looked into many photographers before we picked ours. We knew we wanted to be picky when it came to our photographer, since you will always have your pictures as wonderful memories. A friend recommended Slices of Life Photography LLC. I had a wonderful experience with Tiffany. She did such wonderful work, and we would highly recommend her. How did you incorporate your groom’s tastes and personality into the wedding? Jason wasn't picky when it came to the details of planning the wedding. We are both into cars, so we wanted to incorporate that somehow. Our photographer was thrilled when we told her our ideas with the burnout pictures and lying on the burnout marks. If there was one thing you could do differently, what would it be? Honestly, the only thing I can think of is to allot more time for the photographer. We got most of our pictures done before the wedding. We allotted two hours for pictures, and I think it felt rushed. We should have just taken more pictures after the wedding, but we hated to make our guests wait longer since we took family pictures at the reception location. Any tips for other brides- and grooms-to-be? Try not to stress out about the little details; everything will work out in the end. Try and stay positive and openminded the day of the wedding. Not everything will go exactly how you want it to no matter how much you worry about it.

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Photos Courtesy of Miville Photography

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Brenda & David Mount Joy, PA

Vendors Used: Cake: The Flour Child, Columbia, PA Flowers: Cassie Griffith, Conestoga, PA Flower Girl Dress: Chirp and Lullaby, Mechanicsburg, PA (etsy.com/shop/chirpandlullaby) Headpiece/Veil: Darling by Heather Stief, Mount Joy, PA (etsy.com/shop/darlingstudio) Wedding Dress: Bev’s Bridal, Quarryville, PA Bride’s Earrings: Silver Moon, Lancaster, PA Bride’s Engagement & Wedding Rings: Classic Estate Jewelry, Lancaster, PA

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“Just because you can do it doesn’t mean you should,” is Brenda’s advice for other brides planning a wedding. The down-to-earth bride planned a quaint, intimate wedding in about four months, and for her, it was all about keeping it natural, comfortable, and local! After losing her first husband to a rare form of cancer just over one year into their marriage, Brenda found love again with David, when they met volunteering for a benefit event and bonded over their shared love of music. Having been through planning a wedding before, Brenda wanted to be sure her second wedding was about celebrating a special day with the people close to her and her husband-to-be. They enjoyed a breezy, romantic ceremony outdoors and then welcomed their 15 guests to join them for a prix fixe meal of gourmet comfort food at a U-shaped table, keeping their big day a free-flowing, relaxed affair to remember.

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Bride’s Hometown: Conestoga, PA Groom’s Hometown: Landisville, PA Wedding Date: April 5, 2013 Wedding Location: Highpoint Scenic Vista, Wrightsville, PA Reception Location: Bully’s Restaurant, Columbia, PA Photographer: Miville Photography, Lancaster, PA Honeymoon: Antigua

What was the first thing you did when you began to plan your wedding? What inspired you to start there? Location – We knew we wanted somewhere for a small outdoor wedding that we would cherish. We immediately thought about a trail we had walked several years earlier while on a date and knew it could be a perfect location for a wedding. We chose Highpoint Scenic Vista in Wrightsville, which overlooks the Susquehanna River. It has inlaid stone and rock benches at the top, a winding trail to the top, and an amazing view of the area. While we weren’t allowed to reserve the area, the county allowed us to use the facility for our ceremony.

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How did you choose a style for your wedding? We wanted something romantic, simple, natural, and using as many local vendors and products as we could.

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Did you find a dress to match the style, or did you plan the style around your dress? I had intended to purchase a dress I found on Etsy, but my sister and sister-in-law convinced me that I needed to go dress shopping. I agreed, as for my first wedding I had bought my dress on my own while living in Montana. I had missed that special experience of the “oohs” and “ahhs” from my family. We went to Bev’s Bridal in Quarryville, and I only tried on bridesmaid dresses due to price, style, and the timeline (less than five months until the wedding). The dress was meant to match the style of the wedding -- casual, romantic, simple. What unique touches did you add to your wedding? Once we settled on the color, yellow, it made it really fun to incorporate it into pieces throughout our wedding. Keeping with the natural theme, I was excited to put together satiny yellow with brown burlap to give a rustic, natural feel throughout, while still being romantic. The color also was incorporated in my outfit and my husband’s suit -- subtle touches throughout. I relied on friends and local vendors that we loved for services, so that we knew they would create things that were fitting to our style as a couple. How did the vintage trend influence your style, if at all? Dave and I both appreciate classic things, and because of that, we individually ended up picking out headpieces that were both classic and vintage in nature without knowing that the other had done so. I had my neighbor, Heather Stief, custom create a headpiece to pull my hair back to the one side and to clip into a birdcage-style veil. Together, we picked out some unique feathers and a vintage brooch for her to create the headpiece. She stitched it together with vintage ribbon and even sewed our names and the date of the wedding into the back of the piece as a special surprise. I think I stared at the headpiece every day as it lay in my bedside table waiting to be worn. It was probably the most cherished part of my outfit. A few nights before the wedding, Dave had come home with new shoes…and a hat! He had picked out a classic Stetson fedora to go with his new grey suit, and it looked stunning. I knew we would look so sharp! Out of the many skilled photographers in the area, how did you choose one? I had met Michael Miville at a Twitter networking breakfast group several years earlier when I was living on my own in Lancaster city and building my freelance writing career. Michael is a very nice guy, and he has a great eye for capturing spectacular moments without a forced or posed look. Our wedding was small, and we were planning a short ceremony, so we knew we needed a smaller custom package instead of a traditional wedding photography package. Dave and I met with him at his downtown office to go over what we had in mind, and he agreed to work with us on a custom package. How did you incorporate your groom’s tastes and personality into the wedding? Dave and I consulted on every detail. We have similar tastes, but some things we differ on greatly. Dave was in charge of music; we both have a love for music, but Dave writes his own songs and plays guitar amazingly well. He began working on a song to play and sing as I came down the aisle, or up the trail in our case, and it exceptionally captured the moment and our life together. Dave was also instrumental in the cake picking process. We have a favorite baker in Columbia -- Alixe at the Flour Child -- and we set up a taste session with her. We ended up picking two cakes that were very unique -- pumpkin cake with chocolate mousse and maple buttercream and vanilla cake with strawberry filling and maple buttercream. This was probably the most signature part of our wedding and style. As we told our family of the cake options, a few of them looked concerned, but after the first bite, they were sold, and the pumpkin cake was gone in minutes. If there was one thing you could do differently, what would it be? I would have booked the wedding a couple of weeks later to get more chill out of the air. It’s several degrees cooler, and many knots windier, on top of Highpoint Scenic Vista. Any tips for other brides- and grooms-to-be? Stick to your style as a couple. It’s easy to be influenced by others’ style, taste, and budget, but ultimately your wedding should be the essence of who you are as a couple and how you want to celebrate your life together. That celebration can be as simple as standing in front of a Justice of the Peace or (as elaborate as) an extravagant wedding at a luxury resort. It should be what speaks to you as a couple.

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10 Honeymoon Trips Inspired by Movies

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“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” New York City “The City That Never Sleeps” lives up to its name in this iconic film, which showcases New York City as a stylish and romantic destination. - Follow Holly’s lead and grab pastries and some coffee and enjoy breakfast while gazing in the windows at Tiffany & Co. at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street. (Bonus points if you show up at dawn in formalwear and big sunglasses leftover from a night on the town.) - Visit Holly and Paul’s apartment building in the Upper East Side on East 71st Street (the street number shown in the film is 167, but the building is actually at 169) and stroll through nearby Central Park. In the film, Paul pauses at Conservancy Water to watch the model sailboats. - Literally featuring something for everyone, “The Big Apple” is a hub of world-class offerings in art, music, theater, comedy, nightlife, shopping, fashion, cuisine, history, outdoor recreation, and more. - Other sites to check out: Window shop (or actually shop) on Fifth Avenue and stop by the New York Public Library (between 40th and 42nd street on Fifth Avenue) to appreciate the building’s impressive architecture.

Get a start on your happily ever after by taking cues from 10 romantic movies that explore the dynamics of love in beautiful, honeymoonworthy locales.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

South Carolina

“How Stella Got Her Groove Back” Montego Bay, Jamaica

- The movie was filmed at Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Montego Bay, which offers water sports opportunities, tennis, golf nearby, spa services, and more. Those looking to relax can lounge on the beach or by the pool and enjoy entertainment. - Jamaica boasts a bevy of resorts that offer all-inclusive packages, covering meals, drinks, snacks, and some entertainment and recreation offerings. Other lodging – from smaller hotels to rentable villas – is also available. - Soak up the culture and cuisine of the island, famous for its reggae music, Jamaican jerk spice, and Blue Mountain coffee. - Companies offer tours to various Jamaican attractions, including waterfalls and plantations, and opportunities to enjoy swimming with dolphins, river tubing, riding a zip line, and more. - Other sites to check out: Stella visited the Montego Bay area, but visitors can find their groove elsewhere in Jamaica as well, with Ocho Rios, Negril, and other spots also making popular honeymoon destinations.

“The Notebook”

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Pacific Northwest

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The Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty and quaint towns serve as a dark, moody, and romantic backdrop for the film’s story of forbidden love.

Vienna is the stage for this love story in which two strangers meet on a train and explore the ancient city together.

The South Carolina setting adds Southern charm to the film’s romance, which spans decades. - Scenes in the fictional town of Seabrook were filmed in the Old Village Historic District of Mount Pleasant, which is noted for its architecture and history. - Playing the role of the Hamiltons’ summer home was Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens in Mount Pleasant, which is one of America’s oldest working, living plantations and has been growing and producing crops for more than 300 years. The plantation now offers a variety of tours and history presentations. Interior shots of the summer home, meanwhile, were filmed at the Calhoun Mansion, the largest residence in Charleston. The Italianate-style house is a private home, but tours are offered. - Other sites to check out in Charleston: The Battery, a landmark defensive seawall and promenade famous for its antebellum homes, and King Street, which offers many unique shops. - The famous boat scene was filmed at Cypress Gardens, about 25 miles north of Charleston. Re-create the scene by renting a swamp boat and paddling among the cypress trees and lily pads while looking for turtles, birds, and alligators.

- While most of the story is set in the real town of Forks, Wash., Vernonia, Ore., located northwest of Portland, often stood in for Forks in the the first movie in The Twilight Saga. - Some of the movie’s breathtaking outdoor shots were filmed in Silver Falls State Park, Ore., which features beautiful forests and waterfalls. - Standing in for La Push (a real place in Washington) in “Twilight” was Indian Beach in Ecola State Park, Ore., which offers opportunities for hiking, tidepooling, and – as fans of the movie know – surfing and whale watching. - Other sites to check out: The View Point Inn near Portland (the prom scenes); Carver Café in Damascus, Ore. (a restaurant scene); Kalama High School, Kalama, Wash. (exterior shots of the high school); and Olde Town District in St. Helens, Ore. (doubled as Port Angeles). - The other movies in The Twilight Saga were filmed largely in the Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, area if you want to expand your trip. Don’t forget your passport!

“Before Sunrise”

- Jesse and Celine share their first kiss while riding the iconic Riesenrad, a giant Ferris wheel in Vienna’s Prater amusement park. The old-fashioned Ferris wheel offers great views of the city. - During the couple’s tour of Vienna, they stroll through Maria-TheresienPlatz between two museums – one devoted to natural history and the other to fine arts. Formal gardens between the two museums feature fountains and statues. - Jesse and Celine find another romantic spot for a stroll in Mölker Bastei, a remnant of Vienna’s Renaissance city walks that features historic architecture and cobblestone streets. - Also romantic is Franziskanerplatz, a lovely city square that offers dining and shopping opportunities (Jesse and Celine visit the Kleines Café). - The couple enjoys time on the terrace of the Albertina, a museum located near the opulent Vienna State Opera. - Other sites to check out: Jesse and Celine cover a lot of ground in their brief tour of Vienna. Some other spots they visit include Teuchtler Schallplattenhandlung, a record store; Friedhof der Namenlosen (the Cemetery of the Nameless); the old Gothic church of Maria am Gestade; Arena, an alternative arts complex; and Café Sperl, one of the city’s most famous coffeehouses.

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Jamaica’s pretty beaches, warm weather, lush land, and vibrant culture make it a destination where visitors can slow down and relax…or join in the party.

Vienna, Austria

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Pacific Northwest

Tuscany, Italy

Greek Isles

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Oahu, Hawaii

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“Mamma Mia!” Greek Isles The brilliant blue water, lush foliage, breathtaking cliffs, and charming buildings of the Greek Isles provide a backdrop for the singing and dancing in this joyful movie musical. - While the film’s setting of the Greek island of Kalokairi is fictional, much of the film’s action was filmed on Skopelos, one of the Sporades islands in the Aegean Sea. Skopelos town features white houses with red tile roofs. Amongst the town’s narrow alleys, visitors can find spots to enjoy Greek cuisine and – tapping into the spirit of “Mamma Mia!” – live music and dancing. - Sites on the island of Skopelos featured in the movie include Kastani Bay and Beach, which features clear blue water, sunbeds, a bar area, and more, and the beach and cliffs above Glisteri. Glisteri Beach is the site of the archway used in the film as the entrance to “Villa Donna.” - The exterior shots of the wedding feature the chapel of Agios Ioannis sto Kastri, which is a small chapel perched on a rock formation that juts out into the sea near the town of Glossa. Those who climb the steep steps up to the chapel are rewarded with a stunning view. - Old Port on the island of Skiathos, another of the Sporades islands, also makes an appearance, as do some of that island’s beaches. - Other sites to check out: Visitors will be enchanted by the historic towns, beautiful churches, picturesque beaches, and olive groves of the islands.

Tokyo, Japan

“Under the Tuscan Sun”

“Forgetting Sarah Marshall”

Tuscany, Italy

Oahu, Hawaii

Tokyo, Japan

Hawaii’s natural beauty, famous beaches, and variety of activities and offerings make it a truly unforgettable honeymoon destination.

In this film, two lonely strangers bond while exploring Tokyo and its vibrant culture.

It’s easy to understand why the film’s protagonist becomes so enchanted by the beauty of Tuscany that she abandons her tour group and decides to make Italy her new home. - Bramasole, the Tuscan villa Frances impulsively buys and then restores in the film, can be rented. The villa has been extensively renovated since it appeared in the movie. Along with the breathtaking views you remember from the film, the property now features 10 bedrooms, 10.5 bathrooms, a pool, a Jacuzzi, and places to play bocce, table tennis, and pool. If Bramasole is out of your price range, don’t worry; there are plenty of other hotels and rental villas nearby. - The small and charming town of Cortona is a three-minute drive or 15-minute walk from Bramasole. Like Frances, visitors can explore the picturesque town on foot and stop by the street market. There are also many other quaint towns and villages in the area. - Couples can take a cue from Frances and soak up the area’s culture and customs, enjoying the local cuisine and wine (wine tasting is offered at nearby vineyards) and taking in local fairs and festivals. - Other sites to check out: Those looking to explore more of Italy can take side trips to sightsee in the historic cities of Rome and Florence. In the film, Frances spends time in the gorgeous village of Positano on the Amalfi Coast.

- The movie was filmed at Turtle Bay Resort, Kahuku, which is on the North Shore of Oahu. Its appealing accommodations include guest rooms, suites, beach cottages, and villas. - Whether you’re staying at Turtle Bay Resort or another of Hawaii’s many fabulous resorts, activities abound. Like main character Peter, you can take surfing lessons, participate in yoga or other fitness classes, enjoy tropical food and beverages, and attend a luau. Other Hawaiian pursuits can include water sports, biking, horseback riding, hiking, wildlife observation, and even lessons in dancing the hula, making leis, or playing the ukulele. - The Hawaiian islands offer something for everyone – extreme sports and outdoor recreation, arts and entertainment, historical sites and museums, shopping and restaurants, luxurious spa services, and plenty of natural beauty. - Other sites to check out: Scenes from the movie were also filmed at Oahu’s La’ie Point, which offers scenic views of the coast and several small islands; Mokuleia Beach; and Keawaula Beach. Surfing action was filmed on the shores of Haleiwa, a historic surf town on the North Shore that boasts shops, restaurants, and plenty of island history.

“Lost in Translation”

- Bob and Charlotte meet at the Park Hyatt Hotel. Thanks to its location in a 52-story skyscraper, the hotel’s rooms offer stunning views of the city, as does Bob’s hangout, the New York Bar and Grill on the hotel’s top floor. - Most of the film’s scenes were shot in two vibrant districts in Toyko: Shinjuku, a large business and entertainment district, and Shibuya, a youthful entertainment district. Both areas feature lots of dining, nightlife, and shopping offerings. Featured in the film are the neon lights of Shinjuku, as well as the busy intersection in front of the Hachiko Exit at Shibuya Station. - Bob and Charlotte eat sushi at Ichikan, a restaurant in Shibuya, and visitors have many delicious sushi restaurants to choose from. The duo also visits Shabu Zen, a restaurant located in the basement of the Creston Hotel. - Cut loose by taking part in the popular pastime of karaoke. Bob and Charlotte flex their vocal chords at Karaoke-Kan, a karaoke bar in Shibuya, and Tokyo boasts many other karaoke options as well. - Other sites to check out: For aweinspiring views, head to Tokyo Tower, a telecommunications hub and tourist attraction with two observation decks, or take a cue from Charlotte and make a side trip, riding the bullet train past Mount Fuji to Kyoto and visiting Heian Shrine and Nanzenji Temple.

English Countryside

One of the stars in the 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel is the English countryside, complete with its historic buildings and lush landscapes. - Though Mr. Darcy’s first marriage proposal to Elizabeth is unsuccessful, the setting for it, the Temple of Apollo in the gardens at Stourhead, is fantastic. Visitors to Stourhead, a Palladian mansion near Mere in Wiltshire, can explore its farmland, woodland, and historical sites and tour its famous gardens, which are full of romantic spots. - Visitors can also visit Burghley House, the immense Tudor mansion that served as the home of Lady Catherine de Bourgh in the movie. Guests may tour the opulent mansion, which is located near Stamford, Lincolnshire, as well as its deer park and its gardens, which include modern sculptures.

- Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, plays the role of Mr. Darcy’s Pemberley in the film, while in real life it is the estate of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Scenes from the movie were filmed both inside and outside, and, like Elizabeth, modern-day visitors will be amazed by the grand staircase and ceiling of the Painted Hall, the Sculpture Gallery, and the grounds. - In a breathtaking shot from the movie, Elizabeth is shown at Stanage Edge, a gritstone edge north of Hathersage, which offers stunning views to walkers and rock climbers. - Other sites to check out: Groombridge Place near Tunbridge Wells in Kent, which portrays the Bennet family home, and Basildon Park near Reading in Berkshire, which posed as Netherfield Park, where the Bingleys and Mr. Darcy stay.

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Whether you’re taking a road trip to a nearby location or jet-setting to an overseas destination, creating a list of the items you need to bring will make packing easier. Some items to remember: * Money: You will need some cash even if you're visiting an all-inclusive resort. In addition, take one or two major credit cards. (Only bringing what you need will limit the number of cards you will have to cancel or replace if your wallet goes missing.) * Clothing: Pack clothing that can be mixed and matched for a number of different looks, as well as at least one dressier option, at least two swimsuits (so you can wear one while the other is drying), and workout clothing and athletic shoes if you plan to visit the resort’s fitness center or go for a hike. * Camera and accessories, including a charger, extra batteries, an extra memory card, etc. * Cell phone: Check with your mobile carrier to find out if you will incur extra fees when making calls or accessing data at your destination. If so, you may be able to purchase prepaid phone cards or negotiate a temporary international rate. * An electrical converter to plug in any electronics (if traveling internationally). * Toiletries and comfort products, such as razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, shaving cream, insect repellent, sunburn soothing cream, aspirin, motion sickness medication, feminine hygiene products, sunscreen, and hair products. These items may be much more expensive to purchase at your destination (or your favorite brands might not be available at all). While the hotel may provide certain toiletries, bringing along travel-sized products will ensure you have everything you need. * Eyeglasses/contacts: Bring a spare in case your primary pair is lost or damaged. And don’t forget sunglasses! * Zipper-top bags: Various sizes of storage bags can be used to store wet swimsuits or for protecting and sorting different items. * Fold-up travel bag: Use it to tote items to and from the beach or while sightseeing and also to carry home souvenirs that take up too much space in your luggage. Other things to consider before your trip: If you will need to bring along any medications, allow yourself ample time to visit the doctor and ask for a prescription renewal so you won't run out while away. Store medications in their original packaging so that items checked by customs or airline personnel can be easily identified. If you are traveling by air, familiarize yourself with the rules of the airline well in advance. Contact customer service or visit the airline's website for information on baggage weight limits and restrictions regarding carry-on items. A new bride planning to take her husband's last name may want to wait until after returning from the honeymoon to officially change her name to avoid any hassle or hold-ups when checking in at the airport or traveling internationally with a married name that does not match the name on her passport.

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Fun Ideas

Celebrations for

Need ideas for pre-wedding parties, such as bridal showers and bachelor and bachelorette parties? Here are some fun options for themes that will put a unique twist on your celebrations. Pick a theme and incorporate it into the event’s décor, food and beverages, and activities.

-High Tea – Serve a variety of fancy teas, as well as petite pastries and finger sandwiches.

-Wild West – Have guests don cowboy

boots and hats and enjoy line dancing and barbecue.

-Foreign Influences (London Calling,

Love in Paris, Oktoberfest, etc.) – Draw inspiration for party décor and food from the couple’s favorite cities.

-Mardi Gras – Decorate with beads and masks and serve up a spicy Cajun menu.

-The Great Outdoors – Use natu-

ral decorations and outdoor sports equipment to celebrate an outdoorsy couple.

-Carnival – Offer versions of classic carnival games for guests to play while they nosh on cotton candy, popcorn, corndogs, snow cones, and other fair food favorites.

Pre-Wedding

-Holidays – Celebrate the bride- or

groom-to-be’s favorite holiday… no matter what time of the year it is. (Thanksgiving in July, Christmas in May, Halloween in March, etc.)

-Favorite Books, Movies and TV Shows – Send attendees into a reallife version of the guest of honor’s favorite book, movie, or show.

-Luau – Everyone loves an opportunity to pretend they’re in Hawaii by sipping tropical beverages and enjoying island foods.

-Decadent Desserts – Skip the main course and set up a buffet that features desserts only.

-Brunch – Serve up pancakes, quiche, French toast, bacon, and other breakfast favorites.

-Step Back Into Time – Look to a distinctive decade or time period for party ideas, and encourage guests to dress accordingly (flappers for the 1920s, flower children for the 1960s, military uniforms for a 1940s-themed USO dance, etc.).

Bridal Shower and Bachelor/ Bachelorette Party Alternatives:

If a bridal shower or bachelor/bachelorette party just isn’t your style, no matter what the theme, go for an untraditional option instead. Wedding party members and close friends and family members can celebrate with the happy couple in a variety of different ways. - Go to a sporting event, concert, or theatrical production. - Take a road trip to explore a nearby town or attraction. - Visit a spa. - Go for a hike or bike ride, try kayaking, or check out a zip line course. - Have a crafting afternoon, with attendees helping to create decorations, centerpieces, bouquets, etc., for the wedding. - Enjoy some wine tasting at a local winery. - Visit a zoo, museum, or amusement park. - Take a cooking class or attend an art workshop.

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How to Ensure

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Say “Cheese”

Limousines, gowns, and flowers are important components of a couple's wedding day, but few aspects of a wedding are as important as wedding photography. Your photographs will help you relive the memories of your big day for a lifetime and will be fun to share with children, grandchildren, friends, and family. Finding a photographer can be quite overwhelming. Like many wedding-related fields, there are a myriad of choices and many factors to consider. Some local professional photographers have offered their tips and recommendations to help take some of the stress out of at least one of the important decisions you have to make in the months ahead.

WHO do you choose? Make a list of photographers whose style you like. Nicola Herring, of Nicola Herring Photography, Lancaster, recommends that when looking for a certain style of photography, “Look for consistency. If you find they have a number of different ‘looks’ (i.e. bright and playful, vintage, old looking), then that photographer may not have a specific look. You want to work with someone who is consistent so you can know that your images will have the style you are going for.” “Take a look around their website,” advises Emily Wilcox, of Emily Grace Photography, Elizabethtown. “Does the work catch your eye? Read (the photographer’s) bio. Do they sound

Your Wedding Photos Will Make You Smile like someone you’d be friends with? Your photographer should want to not only capture beautiful photos of you physically, but also (capture) your personality!” Get the whole picture. “I recommend requesting to see an album or an entire collection from a wedding or two,” stated Cindy Frey, of Cindy Frey Photography, Lancaster. “Most photographers can choose a few great images to post online, but I believe it’s important to see how the photog will capture the entire day.” Verify they’re the “real thing.” “Make sure the photographer took all the photos you see,” recommends Ole Hongvanthong, of PhotOle Photography, Lancaster. “View a minimum of three full weddings for consistency.” Make a connection. Melissa McClain, of Melissa McClain Photography, Harrisburg, says, “Be sure to interview your potential photographer in person for personality matches and ask questions that are important to you. Your photographer should be passionate about the questions you have and how they create your images.”

WHAT should you know about pricing? Photography is often the second most expensive item in your wedding budget, after the reception. Couples can expect to pay 10 to 15 percent of their total wedding budget on

photography, an investment that many couples say is well worth the expense. Expect to pay more for additional accessories (albums, photo booths, etc.) or if you have a particular highend photographer in mind. Price alone should not dictate which photographer to hire, as going with someone with bargain-basement prices may result in a subpar product. That doesn't mean you need to hire the most expensive photographer, but couples should realize the value of experience and professional equipment, both of which tend to come at a premium price. If you are looking for a bargain, “shop around,” recommends Frey. But be careful; “Price does not always reflect quality,” she adds. “Don’t hire your photographer from Craigslist,” says McClain. “Staying within a budget is a challenge; however, prioritizing your wedding needs is crucial. Seek out photographers who may offer non-standard packages and offer a per-hour rate. In most cases, you can obtain exactly what you need without breaking the bank.” “Keep in mind that with cheaper/budgetfriendly services, you might get great looking images, but how will the photographer deliver when it comes to products offered, in the event of an emergency, image back-up, liability, etc.,” advises Herring. “Those things should be considered, as well.”

WHEN should you book your photographer?

WHY choose a professional?

WHICH things to prepare together

Once you have found your photographer, there will be a number of things to go over with him or her to make sure your photography goes as smoothly as you’d like it to on your wedding day. Provide your photographer with a schedule. “You definitely want your photographer to be a step ahead of everything. Don’t make them guess when you’re going to do things,”

WHERE to have fun with your planning

There is a lot to be said for making sure that you have formal shots with the bridal party and family members on your wedding day, but there is also wiggle room for fun. Discuss some of the options with your photographer, as chances are they have experience with several different ideas you may not have thought of. “We offer photo booths with some of our packages,” notes Wilcox. “I love photo booths at weddings because it’s a great way to say thanks to your guests. It allows them to get involved and have some fun!” PhotoOle Photography offers Instagram printing on-site. “Another up and coming trend is the slow motion photo booth, where a can of silly string can create some intense photo moments!” McClain suggests. “Some of the hottest trends in wedding photography right now are capturing highly vibrant portraiture with bold, beautiful skies or architecture, sparkler exits or painting with light as the ceremony winds down, sneaking out after dinner for a dreamy sunset

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Some couples think that the fact that most wedding guests have camera phones means they don’t need to hire a professional photographer, but no amount of amateur candids can make up for the expertise, vision, experience, and equipment that a professional brings to your event. From composition and posing to lighting and editing, a professional photographer will work hard behind the scenes throughout the day to create gorgeous images that will portray the various aspects of your wedding for years to come! “Being able to provide affordable photography without compromising quality is very important to me. It breaks my heart when I see people paying thousands of dollars for blurry photos or, worse, not even hiring a photographer because they think they can’t afford it,” Wilcox says. “I enjoy the energy of the day—from the anticipation, the first time seeing each other, the joyful giving away of the bride, the intimate, romantic couple shots, fun times with the bridal party, and a celebration at the end! A wedding encompasses so many emotions, and I love capturing all of those things in one day,” Herring said.

to your ceremony for ample time of getting ready images, bridal/groom portraits, and your couple portraits, as well as family posed images,” McClain notes.

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Your options will most likely be different if you are planning a wedding in three months as opposed to three years, so if you are working on a shorter time frame, be aware that your first-choice photographer may already be booked. To avoid this problem, Hongvanthong says, “As soon as you get engaged, you should lock down your photographer.” “Most couples choose to book their photographer within 12 to 18 months prior to their wedding date,” says McClain. “Popular dates book fast, especially during the months of May, June, and October in the Central PA area, so don’t wait too long.” If you are working on a short time frame, remember, it never hurts to ask. Wilcox says that although she starts booking weddings a year in advance, “there’s always a few last-minute brides every summer.” So, there’s hope! In addition to the scheduling aspect, the earlier you book your photographer, the longer you will have to get to know him or her. “It’s about creating that bond before your wedding day. The more face time you have with your photographer, the better your session will be,” says Hongvanthong.

Wilcox notes. “Photographers typically have a set of detailoriented questions, ranging from start and end times to both the ceremony and reception to additional details of colors and theme, number of attendants, special guests, traditions, and guest count. Expect most photographers to ask these questions both at the first consultation and at a final detail meeting a few weeks prior to your wedding day,” McClain says. Hongvanthong advises couples to provide the getting-ready locations for the bride and groom, ceremony and reception times and addresses, and your must-have shot list, as most of the other details fall into place. “If you hire a good photographer, you’ll automatically get the great standard shots,” Hongvanthong says. Be sure to note any “special events or details that might not be typical, such as a surprise song, unique unity ceremony, etc.,” Herring recommends. Another important planning detail is allotting the proper time for photos. The amount of time needed could be affected by traveling to different venues, the number of attendants, the size of your family, your “must-have” shots, and whether or not you and your significant other are doing a “first look” prior to the wedding. Many couples are opting for a first look, which allows them to take care of the photography earlier in the day in order to celebrate after the wedding with their family and friends. It also allows them to conduct some of the most emotional parts of the wedding in a more private moment. Because of the variables involved, work with your photographer to find out their recommendations, as photographers also have different preferences when it comes to timing. “If couples do not do a first look, they should allow two and a half to three hours between the wedding and reception,” Frey advises. “If couples choose to do a first look, three hours should be allotted before the ceremony.” “Always give yourself one hour after your ceremony for portraits if you want good photos. If you don’t use the time, you’ll be early. For the first look, give yourself one and a half hours—you don’t want to be late to your own wedding,” says Hongvanthong. “If doing a first look, aim for your photographer to start about three hours prior

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Advantages to a wedding video A professionally produced wedding video is not the same as Uncle Fred carrying around his archaic camcorder and catching a few embarrassing dance moves during the reception. A professional video will showcase all moments of the wedding from perspectives not easily captured by photography. In addition to showcasing the images of the wedding, the video will also share the sounds and emotions of the day. Here are some things to think about: * Choose a videographer who will work in conjunction with the wedding mood and parameters. You probably don't want a videographer who uses bright lights that can be distracting, nor do you want a videographer who pushes the camera in guests' faces for a less-than-candid interview. Today's professionals are inconspicuous and simply record the events as they unfold. * The videographer often works in tandem with the photographer. Some photographers have a videographer on staff. * A videographer will capture the things you may have missed during the busy day. He or she can serve as the eyes and ears for the things you're not seeing and hearing. There are many things that you will not see at the wedding but may have liked to, such as the first gasps of wonder from guests walking into the reception room, or the tears on the face of an aunt who was sitting too far back in the church pews. This is where a wedding video can prove invaluable. * A wedding video can serve as a family memento. What other time, apart from the holidays, do you have all of your friends and loved ones together in one place? * Talk about your preferences and even fears about being filmed (some people just don't like watching themselves on TV), and the videographer can no doubt find solutions that will accommodate your needs. * Videographers offer high-resolution, edited movies. These can be delivered via Blu-ray DVD and ensure the best quality.

Special Thanks To: Cindy Frey Photography Lancaster, PA 717-808-1091, cindy@cindyfreyphotography.com www.cindyfreyphotography.com Emily Grace Photography 120 Heisey Ave., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 717-940-8431 www.emilygracephoto.com Melissa McClain Photography 119 Aster Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112 717-309-2440 www.melissamcclainphotography.com Nicola Herring Photography 519 E. King St., Lancaster, PA 17602 (mailing address only) 717-413-0937 www.nicolaherring.com PhotOle Photography 532 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603 717-333-0618, Ole@PhotOle.com www.PhotOle.com

image, and dramatic dance floor images.” Some of the fun photo elements can also be incorporated into the décor or other wedding elements. “Many of my clients create a photo guest book using images from their engagement session,” Frey notes. “Another great ‘guestbook’ option would be to have someone take a Polaroid image of each couple/guest and have them sign their name at the bottom of the picture. Then the couple can put the images in a little scrapbook and have a visual picture of each person who was at their wedding too!” says Herring. “One of our favorites is seeing couples use engagement images for place cards, table numbers, or guest favors,” suggests McClain.

HOW Long? Once your big day is over, you are probably anxious to see your images. Some photographers will give you a sneak peek right away, and some will have some online images for you to peruse in a week or two. However, many photographers require from one month up to six months, depending on the time of year and how busy their schedule is, to complete your final images. Manage your expectations by asking this question up front. If it does take a while though, it is because the photographer puts a lot of work into editing your images to make them the best they can be.

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Introducing

Wedding Dress

Silhouettes theweddingplanneronline.com

to Flatter

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64

Every Figure

Few wardrobe decisions are scrutinized as much as a bride-to-be's choice of wedding gown. Knowing this, brides often spend months, if not years, shopping for the right gown. After all, a bride wants to look like the best version of herself on the big day. Finding the perfect gown that flatters the future bride's figure while stunning her guests and soon-to-be husband can be a challenge, but understanding what gown silhouettes are available and which ones flatter certain body types will help the process. Here is a look of some of the common types of gown silhouettes and which body types they suit best:

BALL GOWN A ball gown dress is truly a classic style, evoking images of fairy tale princesses. With a fitted bodice and full skirt that flairs at the waist, this silhouette usually works for all body types. Women with a pear shape might especially gravitate toward this style, because the full skirt, typically poofed-up by crinoline, hides the hips and thighs. The ball gown style may not be ideal for petite women, as the full skirt may overwhelm their figures.

A-LINE Another silhouette that is considered appropriate for many body types is the A-line gown. A-line cut dresses should be the go-to style for anyone who does not wish to wear a gown that is form-fitting at the hips. The cut of the dress will fit to the waist and gradually fan out from the hips to form the outline of an uppercase “A.” When in doubt, A-line gowns are classic and sensible and a favorite among brides.

TRUMPET Women who prefer something a little more form-fitting may select a trumpet silhouette. This style of dress is fitted through the body and flares out at mid-thigh level. Women with taut stomachs and hourglass figures can benefit from this style of gown, but those who do not want a gown with a tight fit at the hips and thighs will want to select something else.

MERMAID A bit more fitted than the trumpet, this silhouette stays close to the body from the chest down to the knee. The skirt then flares out slightly at the knee. Tall, thin women generally look best in this type of gown.

MODIFIED A-LINE A balance between a traditional A-line and a more fitted gown, the modified A-line does not flare out as much as traditional A-line styles. But it does flare out enough from the waist to hide areas around the hips and thighs. This silhouette is another good choice for women with a range of figures.

TEA LENGTH Brides who do not want a gown that reaches the floor can opt for a tea-length dress, on which the skirt generally falls between the knee and the ankle.

SHEATH Lean brides who want simplicity in their gowns can opt for a sheath silhouette. The narrow shape of the gown from the neckline to the hem will definitely accentuate the body shape. Therefore, women who are shy may want to select a different option. Petite women who may be overwhelmed by more fabric can usually wear a sheath gown with success. Although a bride may have a certain wedding gown style in mind, it is always a good idea for her to try on a number of different silhouettes to find the one that is most flattering, especially because many gowns do have “hanger appeal.” Bridal salon employees are usually well-versed in finding flattering gowns for different body types and can prove invaluable during the dress selection process.

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“Season Season”of the

First

Marriage

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By Bruce R. McCracken, Ph.D., president of House on the Rock Family Ministries

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66

Someone once said that “Love is blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener.” How true! Too often couples spend hundreds of hours thinking about their wedding ceremony – the dress, the church, the reception, the photographer, the honeymoon – and not enough time thinking about all of the changes that are going to occur once they say “I do”! Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that there is a “time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” (NIV). At House on the Rock Family Ministries, we help couples understand the “seasons” their marriages will go through. Each season has its own set of “tasks” that couples need to grow through in order for their relationships to mature. When these tasks aren’t accomplished, couples get “stuck,” and growth is thwarted. The first season of marriage has six significant tasks, or challenges, that couples must tackle to establish a strong foundation: Leaving and Cleaving – Marriage counselors suggest that too many couples have not been successful in leaving their fathers and mothers to cleave to their new spouse. Moving out of the house is easy, but leaving the influences of one’s upbringing is a different story! It is important for each partner to be ready to break the old habits and patterns of their single days. Decisions about whose family traditions will be carried into the future, who will manage the finances, and what roles each partner will play in the marriage need to be clarified. Leaving and cleaving also means saying “move over” to parents in order to create a new number-one priority – your spouse. Balancing of Power – Even when two people are “in love,” conflict is inevitable. Each partner has to overcome their desire to be the one in control. Couples need to understand that conflict isn’t always bad! Learning how to resolve conflicts and fight fairly is a vital skill in marriage. When couples resolve conflicts, they reveal their true selves and allow each other to talk though issues and feelings, which will deepen intimacy. It is only when couples avoid conflict that they run the risk of losing the feelings of intimacy. Building a “More Perfect” Union – We don’t think that newlyweds will have trouble

in the area of physical intimacy, but this new dimension of life brings a number of challenges and expectations. Partners bring preconceived attitudes from their childhood, adolescence, or other past experiences into their marriages. Many of these can be harmful if they are not openly discussed and resolved. While these conversations may be a little awkward, they are critical if couples are going to experience the true joys of their sexual union. Making Good Choices – There are thousands of decisions that couples need to make in the first year of marriage. Often these decisions will mean that one or both partners have to adjust, change, or compromise. They must choose to be open and honest with each other and fix what isn’t working. Ignoring or denying the problems and unresolved issues will lead to frustration and emotional explosions. Partners will sometimes need to choose to be the one who makes the first step toward change. But the most important decision couples need to make is to stay t o g e t h e r. Couples should never threaten each other with divorce. Successful m a r r i a g e s are built on unbreakable

commitment. By doing this, they also commit to growing together in unity and purpose as individuals and as a couple. This early pledge will reap great rewards, in that the greatest gift parents can give their children is the promise to stay together. Empty Parental Baggage – Everybody brings “baggage” into their marriages. Partners may have experience with divorce, abandonment, or abuse (physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional), either firsthand or through their parents’ relationships. This baggage can cause deep wounds and fears about relationships and marriage. It can cause partners to stereotype each gender and plant unresolved feelings about the opposite sex. Couples need to talk through this baggage and make sure that whatever failures occurred in their parents’ marriages aren’t repeated in their marriage. Building a Spiritual Union – Building a spiritual union together as husband and wife must be a priority. This is often the most difficult form of intimacy for a couple to attain. Couples need to develop a workable plan that will include setting aside time for devotions and prayer together. Couples will find encouragement and support when they find a church where they can fellowship and worship together with other believers. No marriage can be all that it can be if a couple’s relationship with God is out of sync. As couples work through these tasks of the first season of marriage, they need to do a great deal of communicating! While the first year can be tough, it can also be tremendously rewarding, as couples grow closer than they ever imagined. That’s the great thing about marriage … it gets better with age! House on the Rock Family Ministries is committed to enriching marriages through Fan the Flame Date Nites, weekend retreats, and other workshops. Visit www.hotrfm.org or call 717-299-8969 to learn more about HOTRFM's vision for helping men, marriages, families, and churches. As seen in Weddings Year Round Bridal Magazine, www.weddingsyearround.com

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Wedding Photography

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“To-Do” “I Do”

the

before the

A Wedding Planning Timeline

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There are so many things to think about when planning a wedding. We have provided this handy checklist so you can stay on top of your to-do list and have your planning go as smoothly as possible. Everyone has a different vision, so this is just a starting point. Amp up or scale back as you see fit!

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68

9-12 Months Before

6-9 Months Before

4-5 Months Before

q Announce your engagement to your

q Purchase a wedding dress. q Shop for and order bridesmaids’

q Choose and purchase wedding

family and friends.

q Determine the approximate size,

style, and formality of your event.

q Work out a budget. Decide who is paying for what.

q Start the guest list to know an ap-

proximate count for booking venues.

q Decide on an approximate date for the wedding.

q Choose the members of your wedding party.

q Hire a wedding planner, if you wish. q Research and visit ceremony and

reception venues. Note: If you are hoping to book a popular venue, especially if you are set on a particular date, this step should be completed earlier.

q Book your ceremony and reception sites. q Create a wedding website, if you wish. q Begin looking at wedding gowns. q Start thinking about where you would like to take your honeymoon.

dresses.

q Send out save-the-date cards. q Book a photographer and/or videog-

rapher. Note: If you are getting married during the peak wedding season, you probably want to complete this step sooner, especially if you have a particular photographer in mind.

q Get engagement photos taken and submit your announcement to your local newspapers.

q Start finalizing the guest list and collecting addresses.

q Book a caterer, set up a tasting, and begin choosing your menu.

q Choose a honeymoon destination and update your passports if necessary.

q Book a wedding officiant. q Choose musicians for your ceremony and book reception entertainment.

q Meet with a florist and start choosing flowers.

q Research florists, bands/DJs, and photographers and begin getting quotes.

q Create a wedding registry at several

q Research caterers (if separate from the reception venue) and bakeries for your cake.

q Block off rooms at a nearby hotel for

q _________________________________ q _________________________________ q _________________________________

q _________________________________ q _________________________________ q _________________________________

different stores/websites. out-of-town guests.

q Begin premarital counseling, if you wish.

invitations. Book your honeymoon accommodaq tions and buy plane tickets. q Reserve a site for the rehearsal dinner. q Buy wedding shoes and try on veils and other accessories with your gown. Book a hair and makeup appointment q at your salon. q Book limos, carriages, a trolley, town cars, or other modes of transportation for your wedding and reception, if needed. Meet with bakers, have a cake tasting, q and decide on your wedding cake design. Meet with the officiant and begin q discussing ceremony details. q Give your wedding guest list to the host of your bridal shower. _________________________________ q q _________________________________

q _________________________________

3 Months Before

q Finalize your menu options. q Send out wedding invitations. q Choose ceremony music. q Finalize flowers. q Arrange for rental items for your

reception, if necessary. Start looking for wedding favors. q Purchase undergarments and other q accessories, as well as bridesmaids’ accessories. Purchase wedding rings and send q them to be engraved, if you wish. q Make an appointment for a dress fitting for alterations. _________________________________ q q _________________________________

q _________________________________

2 Months Before

Week of the Wedding

Day of the Wedding

q Practice walking in your wedding

q Pack for your honeymoon. q Enjoy a bachelor/bachelorette party. q Pick up your dress. q Pick up tuxes/suits. q Gather any items that need to be

q Be sure to eat and drink plenty of

shoes if you purchased high heels.

q Finalize ceremony music and readings.

q Go for dress fittings. q Enjoy your bridal shower. q Determine a day-of schedule and send it out to your vendors.

transported to your venues (guestbook, photos, favors, etc.).

q Have the rehearsal and rehearsal

fluids.

q Get your hair and makeup done. q Enjoy your day! q _________________________________ q _________________________________ q _________________________________

dinner.

q Review your reception playlist with your band/DJ.

q Make any additional payments that

After the Wedding

q Mail rehearsal dinner invitations. q Finalize honeymoon details/itinerary. q Choose the groom’s and grooms-

q Confirm, confirm, confirm. q Prepare envelopes with tips for

q Complete paperwork for changing

q Pack your emergency wedding day

q Begin a beauty regimen (teeth whit-

q Try to get some sleep. q _________________________________ q _________________________________

q Send out thank-you notes. q Get your wedding dress cleaned and

men’s attire.

ening, pedicures, etc.).

q _________________________________ q _________________________________

haven’t been paid.

vendors. kit.

q _________________________________

your last name, changing insurance, etc.

preserved.

q _________________________________ q _________________________________ q _________________________________

q _________________________________

1 Month Before q Get your marriage license. q Purchase gifts for the wedding party and your parents.

q Have a trial run with your hairdresser for your hair and makeup.

q Send out final payments to vendors. q Call any guests who haven’t RSVP’ed. q Give final counts to caterers/venues. q Determine a seating chart. q Get menu cards/programs printed, if you wish.

q Get place cards/escort cards printed. q Look into the business of changing

your last name (if you are planning to), as well as some of the other details of your status change.

q Write vows, if you are going that route.

q Have a final dress fitting. q Prepare a shot list for your photographer.

q _________________________________ q _________________________________ q _________________________________

Here Comes the

(Organized, Unstressed, Totally Together) Staying organized when planning a wedding is no small task, as the planning can be spread out over several months or even more than a year. Here are some suggestions to help you stay on track: • Write things down. Write down important phone numbers, vendor information, and all the other details you'll want instant access to. Take these notes in something portable – whether it’s an old-fashioned notebook or an electronic device – so you can jot down notes immediately instead of having to remember things until you arrive home. • Create a to-do list. As you make certain decisions, strike those tasks from the list, so you’ll always know which tasks you've finished and which still need to be done. • Create a wedding calendar. Keep a calendar devoted specifically to the wedding. Include appointments with vendors and information regarding payment schedules and other deadlines. Jot down any deadlines you’ve set for yourself as well.

Bride!

• Take a digital camera along when shopping for your wedding. Many couples want to explore their options before making decisions with regard to attire, floral bouquets, and other aspects of the wedding, but it can be difficult to remember all of the things you have seen throughout the process. Use a digital camera to take pictures as you’re shopping so you won't have to rely strictly on memory when making your final decisions. Upload the pictures to your computer when you get home and label them with the name of the store so they are easily accessible when the time comes to make a decision. • Delegate certain tasks. Sharing some of the work can save you time and make it easier to keep track of everything. Ask friends or family to handle tasks that don't require a personal touch (arranging guest transportation to and from the airport, for example). This way, the busy couple has one less thing to do and the helper doesn’t have to take on too much responsibility.

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70

Location,

Location!

Location,

Exploring Reception Venues Planning a wedding is no small feat, as couples are faced with many decisions seemingly from the moment they get engaged right up until they walk down the aisle as husband and wife. One of the biggest decisions a couple will make is where to host the wedding reception. Couples must consider a variety of factors when looking for the right venue to host their reception. The wedding is a celebration, and the banquet hall or other venue is where the couple and their guests will let their hair down and hopefully enjoy a festive and memorable

for Every Style

night. Because the reception is typically the lengthiest portion of a couple's wedding day festivities, it's important to find a place where everyone can be comfortable and enjoy themselves. Receptions are traditionally held in a banquet hall, but couples also may choose to hold receptions in other alternative sites. If you decide to go with a traditional banquet hall, here are some tips on finding the ideal facility for your reception: * Ask around. Word-of-mouth is a great way

& Budget

to find the right banquet hall. Ask friends or family members who got hitched in the same town where your ceremony will be if they can recommend a reception site. These friends or family members can provide a behindthe-scenes look at a reception hall, from how accommodating the staff was to how flexible the banquet hall was with regard to pricing. Wedding planning isn't easy, so if friends, family members, or co-workers can recommend a hassle-free banquet hall, that recommendation can remove a lot of the stress from

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* Consider the size of the facility.

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Through careful research into wedding reception venues, couples can find the ideal spot for their party, whether it is a banquet hall or a less traditional site.

their particular tastes. Reception venues may charge less than $100 to several hundred dollars per guest. Couples who opt to do some of the work themselves by renting a space and bringing in their own food or using a private caterer may save a substantial amount of money. Couples who don't mind forgoing a more traditional setting can consider unique reception locations:

The Wedding Planner

Some couples prefer an intimate affair with relatively few guests, while others desire a large wedding party with lots of guests. Look for a banquet hall that fits your party specifically. If your wedding party is small, avoid a larger facility that will appear empty. If the party is large, make sure there's adequate room so guests won't feel like they're sitting on top of one another during dinner and dessert. * Don't downplay decor. A banquet hall with attractive decor is not only aesthetically appealing but can also appeal to a couple's finances as well. Such a hall likely won't need any additional decorations, while a banquet hall that's unadorned and lacks embellishments will, and those decorations can dip into a couple's overall wedding budget. Compare the costs of the more decorated banquet hall with the one that's more plain in appearance, factoring in the cost to decorate the latter, and you might find that the one with more aesthetic appeal is more affordable in the long run. * Prioritize privacy. Few couples are open to strangers having easy access to their wedding reception. When shopping for a banquet hall, look for one that will give you and your guests all the privacy you need. Many couples have taken to hosting the entire ceremony at a hotel, which may handle the bulk of the planning and remove the hassle of transportation for out-of-town guests. However, couples considering a hotel should look for one that can promise privacy from other guests at the hotel who aren't there for the wedding.

As the reception facility is one of the main factors that determines the overall cost of a wedding, couples looking to conserve some cash might consider forgoing a traditional banquet hall and holding their reception in an alternative location. Holding the event in a nontraditional location is also a great way to set your wedding apart. Instead of booking with the first catering hall they find, couples should comparison shop to find a venue they find affordable and unique to

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planning a wedding.

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72

estate can be the ideal place to hold a casual wedding reception. Farms are typically located on a large piece of land that can easily accommodate a number of guests. * Botanical gardens: Enjoy the peak foliage of whatever season it is at the area botanical gardens. Many gardens offer some sort of wedding package and may contract with an outside caterer to provide everything from sit-down meals to passed appetizers. Couples looking for one-stop-shopping can also combine the ceremony and reception at the gardens for a magical experience amid flowers, trees, and more. * Sports arena: Sports fans may dream of having their wedding on the field of their favorite professional team. Individuals can contact the stadium to find out if it holds any private parties. If not or if renting out the stadium of your favorite professional team exceeds your budget constraints, consider a stadium on a more local level, such as a college or high school field. The ambience will be the same, but the more local or smaller venue may be more affordable. * Oceanside: Where there is a beach, there is the opportunity to have a wedding at the seashore. Beach weddings are usually casual affairs, and couples could have more leeway with regard to food and drinks. Be sure to check on the rules and regulations of the beach you’re interested in. * Clubhouse: For those who live in a condominium or a community managed by a homeowner association, there may be a clubhouse on the premises. Very often these clubhouses can be rented out for parties. Couples interested in an intimate atmosphere can bring in their own food and have a low-cost reception close to home. * Castle, museum or estate: Dreaming of a fairy tale wedding? A historical building may make for the perfect backdrop. Certain historical societies may rent out estates and other buildings for weddings. At the very least, couples may be able to have their wedding on the grounds with the impressive home in the background. * Boat: Dinner cruises frequently depart during peak sightseeing seasons from various locations. Couples may opt to have their reception aboard a paddle boat or larger cruise liner, and the cost may be on par with a stationary reception venue. * Amusement park: If you want to get hitched at a favorite amusement park, speak with guest services to determine if the park has any accommodations for weddings. Thrillseekers may want to tie the knot and then take a ride on a hair-raising roller coaster. Guests can dine on traditional foods and a mix of carnival treats. * At home: Couples who really want to save money can opt to get married right at home. Potluck food and donations of other treats from family members can keep costs down without compromising on the fun factor.

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Bridal Shows

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JANUARY 3-4, 2014

Maryland Wedding Expo at Timonium 2014 Timonium Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD www.marylandwpa.com 410-638-9417, info@marylandwpa.com

JANUARY 4-5, 2014

Lehigh Valley Bridal Extravaganza Sands Event Center 77 Sands Blvd., Bethlehem, PA http://lvbridalexpo.com/

JANUARY 4-5, 2014

12th Annual Eastern PA Bridal Show Expo Lehigh University Rauch Fieldhouse 123 Goodman Drive, Bethlehem, PA www.jenksproductions.com/pabridal.html

JANUARY 5, 2014

8th Annual Wilmington Bridal Event DoubleTree Hotel, Downtown Wilmington 700 N. King St., Wilmington, DE http://bridalevent.com/show.html?show.id=3354 610-917-9300

JANUARY 11, 2014

Bridal Expo Schuylkill Mall 830 Schuylkill Mall, Frackville, PA Dana Baker at 570-874-3660, ext. 6

JANUARY 12, 2014

Wedding Wonderland Memorial Hall, York Expo Center 334 Carlisle Ave., York, PA www.warm1033.com/page.php?page_id=251

JANUARY 12, 2014

Berks Bridal Expo Reading Country Club 5311 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, PA www.berkscountyweddings.com Dave Kennedy at 610-451-1476 or dkennedy@berkscountyweddings.com

JANUARY 12, 2014

The 2014 King of Prussia Bridal Showcase The New Sheraton Valley Forge 480 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA www.bridalevent.com 610-917-9300

JANUARY 19, 2014

JANUARY 26, 2014

JANUARY 19, 2014

FEBRUARY 1 AND 2, 2014

Weddings Year Round Premier Bridal Event Eden Resort 222 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA www.weddingsyearround.com info@weddingsyearround.com

Spring Bridal Extravaganza Marjeane Caterers Wedding & Banquet Center 320 S. Broad St., Lansdale, PA www.marjeane.com Brian Lutz at marjeane@comcast.net

JANUARY 19, 2014

Unveiled The Clarion Hotel and Conference Center Harrisburg 148 Sheraton Drive, New Cumberland, PA http://harrisburgweddingshow.com Deb Catalano at dcatalano@metalaye.com or 717-774-2724

JANUARY 19, 2014

Memories for a Lifetime Holiday Inn Harrisburg-Hershey 604 Station Road, Grantville, PA www.stayholiday.com

JANUARY 26, 2014

Best Wedding Showcase Bridal Show Lancaster Marriott 25 S. Queen St., Lancaster, PA www.bestweddingshowcase.com/ bridalshowlancaster012713.aspx Renee Kopp at 717-733-5683 or renee@bestweddingshowcase.com

JANUARY 26, 2014

The Perfect Wedding Zembo Shrine Center 2801 N. Third St., Harrisburg, PA

JANUARY 26, 2014

The Signature Wedding Showcase The Desmond Hotel 1 Liberty Drive, Malvern, PA www.bridalevent.com Carol Bouche at 610-917-9300 or rsvp@bridalevent.com

Celebrations Unlimited Wedding Expo Celebrations Unlimited Building 27994 Great Cove Road, Fort Littleton, PA www.celebratewithease.com Barb Truax at 717-987-3453 or celebrations_unlimited@yahoo.com

Baltimore Wedding Experience Baltimore Convention Center 1 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD www.weddingexperience.com 301-933-3464, info@weddingexperience.com

FEBRUARY 9, 2014

The Delaware County Bridal Event Concordville Inn 780 W. Baltimore Pike, Concordville, PA http://bridalevent.com/show.html?show.id=3364 610-917-9300

FEBRUARY 23, 2014

The Original Center City Philly Bridal Showcase Racquet Club of Philadelphia 215 S. 16th St., Philadelphia, PA http://bridalevent.com/show.html?show.id=3368 610-917-9300

FEBRUARY 23, 2014

The Elegance Behind the Bride: The 2014 Wedding Show at the AACA Museum Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Museum 161 Museum Drive, Hershey, PA www.aacamuseum.org/weddingshow/ Nuria Guarneschelli at 717-566-7100, ext. 113, or WeddingShow@AACAMuseum.org

FEBRUARY 23, 2014

Bridal Fair & Event Extravaganza Allentown Brew Works 812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown, PA www.thebrewworks.com/events/bridal-fair/ 610-433-7777

MARCH 2, 2014

Best Wedding Showcase Holiday Inn, York 2000 Loucks Road, York, PA www.bestweddingshowcase.com/bridalshow york030313.aspx Renee Kopp at 717-733-5683 or renee@bestweddingshowcase.com

Weaver Banquet Facility

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The Lehigh Valley Bridal Show Lehigh University Rauch Fieldhouse 123 Goodman Drive, Bethlehem, PA www.lvbridalshow.com

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Best Wedding Showcase Lancaster Marriott & Convention Center 25 S. Queen St., Lancaster, PA www.bestweddingshowcase.com Renee Kopp at 717-733-5683 or renee@bestweddingshowcase.com

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Best Wedding Showcase Radisson Hotel Harrisburg (Camp Hill) 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, PA www.bestweddingshowcase.com Renee Kopp at 717-733-5683 or renee@bestweddingshowcase.com

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The Wedding Planner

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FlavorfulFavors Treat Your Guests

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Do you have a shelf or cabinet that's filled to the brim with wedding favors such as engraved ice cream scoopers, cake servers, cheese spreaders, or tea light candle holders? If you do, you're not alone. As couples pore over guest favor options, many select trinkets or knickknacks that, while thoughtful, end up collecting dust in someone's home. Meanwhile, edible gifts also can be thoughtful -- and flavorful! Guests may look forward to an edible favor because it's a memento of the special occasion, and it won't become a permanent fixture in their homes. Edible favors are also often economical, and there are many edible favors from which to choose. They can also be customized according to the theme of the wedding. For couples seeking unique edible

Seasonal Treats If a wedding coincides with a particular season or holiday, favors can be coordinated as well. Think caramelcovered apples for fall parties, chocolate bunnies for spring events, spice cake bars for the winter holidays, or lemon tarts for summer weddings.

wedding favors, here are some suggestions:

Chocolate

It's difficult to find an edible favor more universally beloved than chocolate. Rich and inviting, chocolate has long been given as a symbol of love and devotion. Chocolate candies and baked goods can work well for wedding favors, provided the favors are refrigerated to avoid melting. Ideas for chocolate favors include individually packaged truffles, gourmet brownie bites, candy-covered chocolates with an inscription, chocolate-covered apples, chocolate coins, chocolate-covered caramels, chocolate-covered pretzels, and other similar creations. Chocolate molded designs (much like those chocolate Easter bunnies) are another idea. Depending on the chocolatier, favors may come pre-boxed and wrapped.

Cookies

Sweet cookies also make good favors. Butter cookies are a favorite because they are sturdy enough to cut into different shapes. Professionally iced, these cookies can be an edible masterpiece. Many bakeries offer intricately designed and decorated cookies that can pertain to any theme. Some couples opt for customized fortune cookies that express personalized sentiments to guests. Most cookies last two to three weeks, so they can be purchased in advance.

Cake or Brownie Pops

Food on a stick has long been a favorite of many, but the concept has been taken to new heights with the creation of cake pops. These small balls of cake or brownie are made from cake crumbs and frosting. The balls are covered in candy melts or chocolate and served on a stick. Chocolate artists can transform ordinary cake pops into works of art with intricate piping designs on the hard outer shell. Clear cello bags and decorative ribbon may be all that's necessary for a classic wrapping.

Petit Fours

These bite-size pastries lend themselves well to wedding favors. They can easily be

paired and put in small boxes as take-home treats. Some bakeries create petit fours on demand. If not, petit fours can be purchased through online vendors.

Candies

It has become popular to have a self-serve candy bar at weddings. Guests are invited to step up to the display and serve themselves from a series of different confections. These assortments are easily customized. Autumn weddings could have Halloween-inspired candies or those in fall hues. It's easy to follow a color theme when you have a bevy of different candies at your disposal. Many discount stores sell inexpensive jars and candy dishes. Designer Chinese takeout-type containers are available from craft stores and can be the perfect way for guests to make that candy portable.

Make-Your-Own

Sometimes it's less expensive to give guests kits that they can take home to create

their own edible treasures.Options abound and can include everything from personalized packets of hot chocolate to tea bags. Other couples choose mixes for making cookies or cakes.

Other Edibles

From cupcakes to maple syrup to personalized bottles of barbecue sauce, couples have so many options for edible favors at their disposal.

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If a wedding coincides with a particular season or holiday, favors can be coordinated as well. Think caramel-covered apples for fall parties, chocolate bunnies for spring events, spice cake bars for the winter holidays, or lemon tarts for summer weddings.

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The Wedding Planner

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Music is an integral element of many of life's special events. Like a well-written score can carry a film or a tender song can bring tears to a person's eyes during a stage production, the music at a wedding can help to make the event all the more special and memorable. Many couples spend lots of time choosing a song for their first dance at their wedding. While that song is significant, couples should also put a lot of thought into choosing a band or disc jockey for the reception. This is especially the case if dancing will be the primary activity at the reception. As veteran party hosts know, who you hire to keep the music flowing and the guests dancing can make or break a party. Statistics compiled from a variety of sources, including USA Today, TheKnot. com, and Brides magazine, point out that roughly 80 percent of guests say the thing they remember most about a wedding is the entertainment. When asked, many couples admit they wish they spent more time choosing their wedding entertainment and more money on the entertainment. When the party is over, guests want to remember dancing to their favorite songs and how the music complemented the event. The music, whether supplied by a professional DJ or by a live band, can be instrumental in setting the mood of a party and helping to create a

!

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Wedding Music Vendors

festive atmosphere. The first step in selecting the musical entertainment for your reception is deciding whether you want to hire a DJ or a live band. Some hosts prefer a DJ because they enjoy hearing the “real thing� instead of a band covering a favorite artist. Whereas a band will play its own rendition of songs, a DJ will spin the original recordings or particular dance mixes that are familiar to guests. A DJ may also be more versatile, as he or she will have access to a selection of music that spans various generations and genres. Additionally, while the music is playing, a DJ may offer additional entertainment, for example, by leading guests in guided dances. Some DJs also work in conjunction with a master of ceremonies or other party professionals who mingle with the crowd, dance along, and help make sure everyone is enjoying the party. Another benefit of hiring a DJ is that they are traditionally less expensive than bands. On the other hand, some couples believe that having a live band adds a certain level of excitement that a DJ may not be able to provide. The live performance will add spontaneity and freshness to the event, and guests may enjoy hearing new and different takes on favorite love songs and party tunes. The band may tailor its set list to the preferences of the couple or to fit the theme of the

wedding. A band may even be able to customize favorite songs, tailoring them to include the names of the bride and groom or to reflect the specific wedding in some way. Additionally, like a good DJ, a good band leader will encourage guests to hit the dance floor and make sure everyone stays energized. Those who are adding a cultural or ethnic component to their wedding may want to hire a dance troupe or another type of performer, like a bagpiper, as an added measure of entertainment for guests. Whether you opt for a DJ or live musicians, it is crucial to the selection process to see entertainment providers in action so you can judge their talents for yourself. One of the best ways to witness a DJ or band in action is to attend another wedding they are working. Find out if you can spend a little while peeking into the wedding so

The music, whether supplied by a professional disc jockey or by a live band, can be instrumental in setting the mood of a party and helping to create a festive atmosphere.

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you can gauge guests' responses to the music and find out how the entertainment engages the crowd. The entertainer may be able to arrange this with a couple from an upcoming wedding so that you don't have to crash the wedding. If a musical entertainment company is wary of letting you see the performers in action, it may be an indication to look elsewhere. If you’re interested in hiring a band, consult the public performing schedules of your options and go check them out. While the bands’ repertoire during performances at clubs, restaurants, fundraisers, or other public concerts may differ from their wedding offerings, you’ll be able to get a good general idea of what they sound like and how they work a crowd. Another good way to vet entertainers is to pay attention to the bands and disc jockeys used at weddings and other parties you attend. If you are planning nuptials in the months to come, take the cards or information of the entertainers you come across at weddings and other special event parties. If you see someone who is doing an impeccable job at another event, you can feel confident in hiring them for your own wedding. Don't be embarrassed to ask friends or family members for the name and number of the DJ or band who performed at a party they hosted. If you have specific music requirements, such as cultural music or certain versions of songs you prefer to be played, it is important to discuss these needs with the disc jockey or band ahead of time and confirm that they can meet your needs. Ask the disc jockey for a playlist to see his or her selections for the wedding. Find out if the band has a compilation they can send to you so you can see how they sound performing some of the more popular songs typically played at wedding receptions. If you like a particular band or DJ you see at another wedding or during a trial performance, double check that the people you see playing are actually the ones who will be performing at your wedding as well. Often, performers are part of larger companies that have many people working under one name. If you're not careful, you may not get the same performer you had hoped for. You should request specific individuals by name in writing if you want to guarantee that the music at your wedding will be provided by the same people you heard at a previous wedding or during a trial performance. Music can make or break a wedding reception. Investing ample time into selecting and trying out vendors will help to ensure that fun is had by all.

Special Ways to

Honor

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“A great way to include a deceased loved one in your wedding ceremony is with a memorial candle ceremony. A personalized memorial candle can be a touching yet simple way to have that person represented in your ceremony. Place it next to your unity candle at the ceremony or have it at the entrance of the church.” - Kristen Cowles, manager, and Cathy Brown, owner of Keystone Candle, Harrisburg, http://keystonecandle.com

Parent

Weddings are supposed to be joyous events, which can make it difficult to honor a deceased parent. Doing so in a way that does not compromise the upbeat mood of the event can prove quite a challenge to prospective brides and grooms, but there are many ways couples can honor a deceased parent at their ceremony. • Display pictures of the deceased with the wedding couple so that the memory of these people can be part of the festivities. • Set up a table with a special floral arrangement and photo with a placard that states, "In memory of ...." • Wear a piece of clothing or jewelry that belonged to the deceased (cufflinks from a father or a veil or necklace from a mother). • Ask the pastor or officiant to specifically mention the deceased in the wedding ceremony and offer a special prayer in that person's name. • Add an in memoriam line to the end of the wedding program. "Today we honor Mary Smith, mother of the bride, who could not be with us today." • Dedicate a special song during the reception in the person's name. • A bride who will not be able to walk down the aisle with her father can choose to do so with her mother or another relative and carry something that belonged to her father. • Set up a photo slide show that includes photos of the deceased. Choose poignant but upbeat music so that the moment is not overly somber. • Light a candle at the ceremony for the deceased relative. • Leave an empty chair and place setting at the reception for the person who could not be there. • Display something that symbolizes the person at the wedding, such as a flag for a deceased veteran or an item that represents the person's favorite hobby. There are many ways to remember a special loved one at a wedding without bringing down the mood of the event.

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204 Saint Charles Way • York, PA 17402 • (717) 741-1159 41-1159

Tips Pros

“When hiring a photographer, make sure you can connect, relate to, and even have fun with them! This will make the day of your wedding much more fun and relaxed. There is nothing like working with someone you can’t connect with – and it could end up being awkward.”

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“Review details carefully to avoid the surprise of hidden costs; for example, confirm that both room setup and teardown are included in your package and ask if additional charges are incurred to install or remove a dance floor. Extra manpower can mean extra charges.”

the

“One of the most important things to keep in mind when planning a wedding is to take active measures to stay stress free and enjoy the time you have to plan the wedding of your dreams. Get a couple massages, take a couple yoga classes and enjoy time with friends. Don't wait until right before the wedding, do some preventative maintenance and plan relaxing days along the way.”

Carissa Ressler,

LMT, ABMP Member, Kairos Massage Therapy, Elizabethtown, http://kairosmassagetherapy.org

“They do say that what you pay for is what you get, and it certainly is becoming that way in the photography industry. Stick with your budget, though; you will find someone that will be a fit, but you might just have to dig a little deeper on the search engines!”

Nicola Herring,

owner of Nicola Herring Photography, Lancaster, www.nicolaherring.com

“Start selling, donating, and tossing duplicate items now so when you move in together, your new life won't be overtaken by the clutter monster.”

Beth Fowler,

Accredited Staging Professional, www.bethhomestaging.com

“(Before your wedding) store your candles in their boxes and keep them away from direct sunlight so the color won’t fade. Store them at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze them; this will cause the wax to crack.” Kristen Cowles, manager, and Cathy Brown, owner of Keystone Candle, Harrisburg, http://keystonecandle.com

Nicola Herring, owner of Nicola Herring Photography, Lancaster, www. nicolaherring.com

Arlene Stewart,

“Hire photographers that match your quality standard, not just price.”

Ole Hongvanthong,

owner of PhotOle Photography, Lancaster, www.PhotOle.com “Don’t get caught up in the details of the day - enjoy the emotions of the day! Put someone in charge who is there to answer questions and take care of details for you.”

Bonnie Eshelman,

Realtor, RE/MAX of Reading, Wyomissing, www.BonnieSellsBerks.com

“Make sure your photographer will be bringing backup equipment.”

Cindy Frey,

owner of Cindy Frey Photography, Lancaster, http://cindyfreyphotography.com

chairman, marketing and advertising, The Iris Club, Lancaster, http://irisclublancasterpa.com “When planning your wedding, have fun with it! Planning a wedding can be stressful at times, but the more fun you can have with it, the more you will enjoy the actual day! Your hard work will pay off in the end.”

Nicola Herring,

owner of Nicola Herring Photography, Lancaster, www.nicolaherring.com

“Don’t rule out scent at your wedding reception. Choose candles that have a fruit- or food-related fragrance, such as vanilla, chocolate, apples, or berries. If you still think scent is not right for your wedding, use unscented candles.”

Kristen Cowles, manager, and Cathy Brown, owner of Keystone Candle,

Harrisburg, http://keystonecandle.com “Don't wait ’til the last minute. Do what you can early. Allow for snafus.”

Pat Elicker,

owner of Leon Ness Jewelry Barn, York, www.leonnessjewelrybarn.com

“Photographers are starting to step away from poses that look ‘posed.’ They’re moving more towards letting things happen naturally or at least look more natural.”

Emily Wilcox

“Hire a wedding planner! I don’t say this because I am one, but because it makes the process of putting a wedding together much simpler. It will save time and money and relieve stress from the bride. In the end, this will enable to bride to enjoy this special time in her life without worrying if she forgot something.” Sabrina J. Drouillard, IEWP, owner/coordinator of Decora Wedding and Event Planning, Mountville, www.eventsbydecora.com

of Emily Grace Photography, Elizabethtown, www.emilygracephoto.com

“Create candle designs that are truly your own and save cash at the same time! Craft stores carry pearl pins that you can pin to your wedding candles, and (you can) attach a ribbon in your wedding colors.”

Kristen Cowles, manager, and Cathy Brown, owner of Keystone Candle, Harrisburg, http://keystonecandle.com

Joyce Perkinson,

director of sales at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, Lancaster, www.landisvalleymuseum.org

Melissa McClain

of Melissa McClain Photography, Harrisburg, www.melissamcclainphotography.com

Amy Herwig, proprietress of Party Belles, York, www.partybelles.com

Emily Wilcox

of Emily Grace Photography, Elizabethtown, www.emilygracephoto.com

“Find a photographer that matches your style. (You can) do this by searching online and asking trusted friends. Also, do not solely base your decision on price. In this industry, price does not always reflect quality.”

“Booking any vendor can be a challenge when planning your event. The number one recommendation we offer is to consider your vendors like employees. Wanting to make sure you have the best ‘employees’ for your day, be sure to interview multiple vendors in the same category. In terms of photographers, when looking at a potential photographer's website, do the images speak to the style of storytelling in which you want to remember your day by? Also, remember your photographer will be spending the most time with you on your wedding day, so be sure they match your personality style. Lastly, when finding a vendor you trust, ask for recommendations on additional wedding professionals you may be on the hunt for.”

Cindy Frey, owner of Cindy Frey Photography, Lancaster, http://cindyfreyphotography.com

of Melissa McClain Photography, Harrisburg, www.melissamcclainphotography.com

“(Some trends in wedding photography include) black-and-white photography coming back and couples wanting printed products again. Make sure your photographer of choice can deal with all lighting locations if you want quality prints.”

Ole Hongvanthong,

owner of PhotOle Photography, Lancaster, www.PhotOle.com

Balsamic Vinegars Olive Oils • Salts Peppercorns Seasonings and More

Kristen Cowles, manager, and Cathy Brown, owner of Keystone Candle,

Harrisburg, http://keystonecandle.com

41 South Broad Street

“To cut costs, you can use paper tablecloths that look like linen and plastic ware that looks like china.”

Joyce Perkinson, director of sales at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, Lancaster, www.landisvalleymuseum.org “Even if you don't think you can afford or need one, talk to wedding planners; most have free consultations and are really friendly! Also understand that a professional planner is not someone who takes over your wedding. We are the one vendor that has YOU as our only priority! Because we “get married” every weekend, we know weddings inside and out and can take away the stress of the unknown, allowing you to enjoy your day.”

Amy Herwig,

proprietress of Party Belles, York, www.partybelles.com

Melissa McClain

Bridal Party & Wedding Gift Sets

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“Create your own table decorations for a one-of-a-kind wedding! Not all of the table centerpieces need to be exactly alike. You can decorate with a set of three pillars on one table and on the next table have a bowl with flowing candles. Use stones, beaded garland, or dried flowers as a finishing touch to your centerpiece.”

“Being consistent throughout your venue with décor makes the whole space more inviting for guests. If you only decorate one area, people will only congregate there, even if it means they are crowded!”

The Wedding Planner

“Before shopping photographers, couples may want to take a look at the art already hanging in their home or the style of images in personal albums. Candid or photojournalistic styles are a great choice for those looking for non-posed, nontraditional imagery. Traditional or posed styles are very classic, similar to images shown in your parents’ wedding album. For a combination of both styles, aim for a portrait journalism photographer. When viewing potential photographer sites, be sure to thoroughly navigate through available wedding gallery samples, read bios, and check out photographer reviews on sites such as The Knot or Wedding Wire for previous client interactions.”

“Providing a list of the groups of people you would like photos with will make your formals go much smoother. When your photographer can quickly run down a list versus fighting things out the day of, you’ll get to your reception and guests much quicker! And who doesn’t want to get to the celebration faster?!”

Lititz 717-627-0088 www.oliooliveoil.com

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“When pricing out catering, be sure to make equal comparisons that include servers and labor, taxes and gratuities, and any extras, so you get a true comparison.”

The following businesses contributed editorial content:

theweddingplanneronline.com

Bonnie Eshelman, Realtor, RE/MAX of Reading 1290 Broadcasting Road, Wyomissing, PA 19610 610-670-2770 BEshelman@GoBerksCounty.com www.BonnieSellsBerks.com

The Iris Club 323 N. Duke St., Lancaster, PA 17602 717-394-7811, iris_club@yahoo.com http://irisclublancasterpa.com

Miville Photography 228 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17602 717-475-0144, mivillephoto@yahoo.com http://mivillephoto.com

CHAR Photography 113 E. Main Ave., Myerstown, PA 17067 717-679-0096, char@charphotography.com www.charphotography.com

Kairos Massage Therapy 8 E. High St., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 717-617-7779 kairosmtherapy@yahoo.com http://kairosmassagetherapy.org

Nicola Herring Photography 519 E. King St., Lancaster, PA 17602 (mailing address only) 717-413-0937 www.nicolaherring.com

Cindy Frey Photography Lancaster, PA 717-808-1091, cindy@cindyfreyphotography.com www.cindyfreyphotography.com

Keystone Candle 7241 Paxton St., Harrisburg, PA 17111 717-564-2220 http://keystonecandle.com, http://uscandleco.com

Party Belles 525 Hillcrest Road, York, PA 17403 717-870-5906, hostess@partybelles.com www.partybelles.com

Decora Wedding and Event Planning 416 Huntington Drive, Mountville, PA 17554 717-368-3512, contactdecora@gmail.com www.eventsbydecora.com

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum 2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 717-581-0431 www.landisvalleymuseum.org

PhotOle Photography 532 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603 717-333-0618, Ole@PhotOle.com www.PhotOle.com

Emily Grace Photography 120 Heisey Ave., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 717-940-8431, info@emilygracephoto.com www.emilygracephoto.com

Leon Ness Jewelry Barn 2695 S. George St., York, PA, 17403 717-741-1113 www.leonnessjewelrybarn.com

Slices Of Life Photography LLC Millersville, PA www.slicesoflifephotographyllc.com, www.facebook.com/SlicesofLifePhotographyLlc

Home Staging by Beth Fowler 717-968-1938 homestaging@bethfowler.com www.bethhomestaging.com

Melissa McClain Photography 119 Aster Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112 717-309-2440 www.melissamcclainphotography.com

Wolfe Images Marietta, PA 17547 717-426-1954, wolfimages@yahoo.com http://wolfeimages.com

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• January 26, 2014 - Lancaster Marriott & Convention Center

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• March 2, 2014 - York Holiday Inn • June 22, 2014 - Holiday Inn, Harrisburg - Hershey • August 10, 2014 - Lancaster Marriott & Convention Center • September 28, 2014 - Radisson Hotel, Harrisburg, Camp Hill • January 18, 2015 - The Central Hotel, Harrisburg

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