Weddings

Weddings Weddings SPRING 2021

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On the cover: The LaDuke Wedding Photo by Karen Geaghan Photography

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Spring 2021

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Stamped with Love

Handmade personalized stamps for all occasions.

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Fort Photo Booth

Traveling customized photo booth for your special day.

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Going to the Chapel Dress Shop

Designer gowns and accessories without the high-end price tag.

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Local Couples. Real Weddings.

Local Couples featuring all the details of their special day.

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Wedding Day Checklist

Helping you count down the to-do items before your big day.

By Vicki Mitchell

SPECIAL TO WEDDINGS

Stamped Weddings are about love, and the with Love imprint you will make on each other’s hearts and lives. Imprint, inscribe, engrave, etch… all are synonymous with “stamp.” Stamped with Love XOXO is a new, local business that would love to help you make an impression with your wedding plans and beyond. It is a company founded by high school sweethearts, now husband and wife, Ben and Theresa Camerota, who are committed to making all of their customers feel special and loved. They hand make personalized rubber stamps for all occasions out of their shop in Somers, Connecticut. Perhaps you could use a personalized stamp for your shower or wedding invitations, your bachelor and bachelorette parties, thank-you cards, or as gifts for your bridal party, with each recipient’s home address on their stamp. Will you need to notify people about a new home address after the wedding? Why not order a stamp to do it in a fun way, and have it to use for all your mailing needs in the future? Stamped with Love is a business born of necessity, due to COVID. As Ben Camerota explained, “When COVID hit in the spring of last year, both of our careers went downhill pretty fast. We both require live events to be successful… I run an event signage company (MVP Visuals) and my wife is a singer/ songwriter. Over the course of the year, I spent a lot of time thinking about how we could pivot to something that would help us both in the short-term and into the future. That led us to using a loan to purchase a small company that operated a laser engraver. In December, my wife and I drove 20 hours in a U-Haul from Atlanta, Georgia back to Somers, Connecticut with all the tools and material. From there, we decided to open an Etsy shop and focus on custom rubber stamps for homes, weddings and businesses.” Ben and Theresa are assisted in their shop by Danielle Fournier and Eileen Shaw, who worked for MVP Visuals for several years. As that business slowed down due to COVID, “it was a natural fit for them to assist with the new brand,” said Ben, “and we couldn’t have launched this without

them. Danielle typically handles customer service, quoting and designing work for our clients. Eileen works in marketing and design. Both of their skill sets fit in great with our new brand.”

The new company provides stamps for, in addition to wedding related needs, business logos, return addresses, teacher needs, library and book needs, and other creative uses. The Camerotas explain, “When an order is placed in our shop, we’ll send over a digital art proof within 24 hours to make certain everything is perfect. Once you’ve approved your proof we’ll make and ship your item in one business day, and shipping is free.” All of their stamps come with a lifetime warranty.

When asked what their favorite part of their new venture is, Theresa said, “I love interacting with so many small businesses. I didn’t realize how many people are creative, and the love they are trying to spread through their creations. It’s inspiring.” Ben added, “It’s great to feel excited about something new again. Creating a brand from scratch with the team and all the things that go along with it (branding, production, marketing,) has been the biggest thrill.”

Orders may be placed on http://www.etsy.com/shop/ StampedwithLoveXOXO

photos submitted

Fort

By Vicki Mitchell

SPECIAL TO WEDDINGS

PHOTO BOOTH

Weddings are always happy affairs, and these days, many couples are looking for ways to personalize their special day by adding something extra to make it even more memorable. Enter the adorable mobile photo booth known as Fort Photo Booth (named after Fort Wilderness in Disney Resorts, the family’s favorite camping spot.) This high tech booth is actually a 1964 vintage Serro Scotty camper, lovingly renovated by Nick and Jackie Krasinski. The photo booth travels to events throughout Massachusetts and greater New England. Travel within 20 miles of Sturbridge is free, while venues outside of that radius are assessed a travel fee.

How exactly does this adventure unroll? Clients talk to Jackie about the theme or style of their event, and book the booth for a certain amount of time, ranging from 3 to 5 hours. The photo booth uses a standard background of a sparkly silver fabric, and comes with a variety of fun props such as hats, sunglasses, and other silly items that guests can get creative with. The handheld signs provided are high-end, and may have to do with pop culture or current market trends. If a couple prefers a different background than the silver, one may be provided for an additional cost. Guests are also welcome to supply their own themed props or decorations for the booth. The Krasinskis also provide a pavilion in case of rain, so no one has to get wet waiting for their turn in the booth.

Once guests enter the booth, they can choose if they would prefer to have a 2” by 6” or 4” by 6” photo strip, or a Polaroid style square photo. Guests can email the photos to themselves, so they get a digital copy as well as a print. They also have the opportunity to make “Gifs” or “boomerangs,” which are short video clips. Jackie works with the

client to learn what the style or theme of the event is, and she can then design the photo strip to reflect that. For example, she had a bride who was “very into horses and country music,” so Jackie designed her photo strip to incorporate cowgirl boots and florals. The photos can also be customized with the clients’ names and the date of the event. The clients receive a digital file of all the photos taken in the booth, and a carved, personalized album. Guests are encouraged to sign the album, add comments, and their photos from the booth, if they choose to.

The Krasinskis built the booth with the idea of doing about five weddings a year, and ended up doing 26 events their first year! 2020 “was chaotic,” of course, due to numerous cancellations as a result of COVID-19, Jackie said. Looking forward, they plan to follow guidelines set by the Baker Administration, since the business is based in Massachusetts. Jackie added, “while treading new waters during 2020, we provided sanitizing measures for all guests. We wanted everyone to be and feel safe.”

According to Jackie, “I started the vintage camper photo booth to offer a creative way to have fun! It’s custom, and unique. Guests are always intrigued, and find it hysterical. A lot of our mature guests at weddings reminisce over the ‘good old days’ as the camper is from 1964. A lot of people have fond memories of those times. It’s a step back in time, yet a step into the future. “It makes me happy to hear everyone laughing inside and having a good time. I look forward to 2021, and meeting every single couple that had to reschedule their wedding. We’ve formed a bond over this…we’ll get through this together.”

Find more information at www.fortphotobooth.com or email jackie@fortphotobooth.com

Let us Sweeten Your Day even more with our delicious Wedding Favors your guests will LOVE!

maureenssweetshoppe.com 413-222-2642 6 Center Square • East Longmeadow, MA

All the supplies needed to make a treasured quilt to commemorate your special day!

Gift Certificates Available!

56 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA 413-525-4789 www.quiltsandtreasuresinc.com

Roger Trombly, CBR

Realtor®, Licensed in MA & CT 413-221-4600 Cell

Roger.Trombly@NEMoves.com

136 Dwight Road Longmeadow, MA 01106 Still here working for you for over 37 years! Do’s and don’ts of caring for wedding and engagement rings

Jewelry is a key component of weddings. The financial resource CreditDonkey notes that, in the United States, the average amount spent on an engagement ring alone is $5,500. The cost of jewelry only underscores the importance of learning how to care for it and preserve its value.

The best way to maintain jewelry depends on the makeup of the rings. The online jewelry guide Jewelry Notes says gold rings without gemstones can be cleaned effectively with only soap and water. Simply prepare a solution of lukewarm water and mild dish soap in a small bowl. Soak the rings for 20 to 30 minutes. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the jewelry of dirt. Rinse the residue under clean water.

Rings with diamonds can be treated similarly with a mild soap-and-water solution. The Diamond Information Center also says to soak the diamond ring in equal parts cold water and ammonia for half an hour and let it air dry. Brand name jewelry cleaner also is another good option. This method only should be used with diamonds; ammonia can't be used with other gemstones.

Maintaining jewelry also should include twice yearly visits to a jeweler who can check the prongs and make sure the setting is not loose; otherwise, the diamond can become dislodged, according to Martha Stewart Weddings.

Avoid touching diamonds and other gemstones as much as possible when putting rings on and taking them off. Precious stones often are magnets for dust, dirt and body oil, according to Taylor Lanore, diamond consultant and engagement ring designer for Lauren B. Fine Jewelry and Diamonds. Grab the ring by the band.

Use discretion when wearing rings while engaging in hands-on activities. Activities like cleaning dishes, moving furniture, gardening, or diving through waves at the beach warrant caution; otherwise, you risk damaging or making jewelry unnecessarily dirty. Store the ring in a safe location until you can safely wear it again.

One of the most important steps to safeguard wedding and engagement rings is to insure the jewelry. Take a closeup photo of the jewelry as well. Consumers also can add a jewelry rider to a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.

These are some ways to care for wedding jewelry. Always consult with a jeweler before attempting to clean items made of various materials.

Going to the Chapel

By Vicki Mitchell

DRESS SHOP

SPECIAL TO WEDDINGS Designer wedding gowns, veils, shoes, jewelry, and handbags…all are available at discount prices at Going to the Chapel Dress Shop in Enfield, Connecticut. Here, you will have a “high end experience without the high end price,” promises owner Ellen Humphreys. If you have a wedding, prom, or any occasion in your future that calls for a special dress, you owe it to yourself to visit this unique and charming shop. Motorists driving by the small storefront are often tempted to pull over just to admire the beautiful window displays. from other stores is that all of the dresses, while new and never worn, are either floor samples, overstocks, or close-outs, resulting in substantial savings to the customers. “Your dream dress is well within reach at Going to the Chapel Dress Shop,” says Humphreys. In explaining the store’s success, Humphreys and husband, John Robinson, realized that they were “filling a niche that truly needed to be filled. Many bridal stores are closing as it is difficult and costly to carry designers. Many brides copy tag information and try to find the same dress for less money elsewhere. Here at Going to the Chapel Dress Shop we carry hundreds of new designer dresses in one location at 50% off retail. Every bride wants a beautiful dress, but not every bride is able or willing to spend lavishly on that dress. We strongly believe our success is a result of the experience every customer has when they come to Going to the Chapel. We treat everyone as special, regardless of what they come into the shop for. It is a no pressure, comfortable atmosphere.”

You will be able to choose from over 4,000 dresses in stock, of which more than 900 are bridal gowns from designers such as Paloma,

Casablanca, Maggie Sottero, and Sassi Holford…designer to the royals. “Our new designers are Christina Wu and Venus. Our most recent purchase was the inventory from a wonderful store in Pittsburgh, the oldest bridal store in the country. They closed their doors after 133 years. Jan Winner, the owner, spent some time researching our store as well as having many conversations with John and me. It was hard for her to part with the gowns, and she wanted them to go to a good place. We received approximately 125 bridal gowns and 200 additional prom dresses from her. The bridal gowns are wonderful, especially for the budget conscious bride, as our prices are between $600 and $750.”

Also available are mother-of-thebride/groom gowns, prom dresses, and bridesmaids and flower girl dresses, offered in sizes from 0 to 28. Customers should note that nothing in the store can be ordered…everything available is in stock. However, new inventory, in addition to the 4,000 gowns already in stock, is purchased regularly from suppliers, which can occur at auctions or from store closures, as you have learned. Alterations are not done on-site, but the store can refer customers to local seamstresses, if needed. You can walk out of the store with your dress the same day you shop, with no worries about incorrect or late orders! All sales are final, however, with no refunds or returns. After a less than pleasant experience shopping for a gown for her 2016 marriage, Humphreys was determined to find and offer a better way for women to find their own gowns.

“Either brides pay a high price for a high-end experience or they pay a low price for a low-end experience. We wanted to deliver a high-end experience to every bride regardless of the price of their dress,” she says. She continues, “Tossing ideas around, John said it would be fun to buy an old church and call it “Going to the Chapel”. In November, 2016, we were heading out to get lunch in Springfield and decided to stop at Eco Building Bargains to see their latest arrivals. On the way, the dress shop idea came up and we realized that the building does not have to be a church, but could be modified to look like one. Upon entering Eco Building we saw two large church entry doors. We talked with the staff and they found 5-6 other pieces from the same church, which was First Church in Amherst, built by Emily Dickinson’s brother. I told John we can’t buy all this since we do not even have a building to put them in. Within minutes of leaving we received a call that someone else was interested in purchasing the church items, so John gave him our credit card number over the phone. We were suddenly the proud owners of lots of church architectural materials. That same day, as we were driving through a snow storm along Enfield Street, we saw a “For Sale” sign on the Moore Rug Company building, and made an offer, which was accepted. On the upside, it was spacious, bright, had showcase windows and lots of storage, but on the downside, it was extremely outdated and needed a complete overhaul to transform it into a dress shop. Within that same 24 hour period I went online and found a bridal store in Rhode Island, which was closing after 58 years. I called them and they were interested in selling us their entire store’s contents. Thus was the beginning of a real ‘rags to riches’ story.”

Currently, the store is open Wednesday through Saturday. Bridal shopping is by appointment only, with bookings available Monday through Saturday. All COVID health protocols are being followed.

Going to the Chapel Dress Shop is located at 555 Enfield Street in Enfield, Connecticut Phone: 860-265-2011 www.chapeldresses.com Email ellen@chapeldresses.com

KATIE & VINCENT LaDuke

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

ALL PHOTOS FEATURED FROM THE LADUKE WEDDING BY KAREN GEAGHAN PHOTOGRAPHY

NAMES:

Katie (Kalinko) LaDuke and Vincent LaDuke AGES: 31 and 29 OCCUPATIONS: Social Worker and Utility Construction Worker CEREMONY/RECEPTION/CATERER: Zukas Hilltop Barn, Spencer, MA INVITATIONS: Roberts & Ludlow Printing, Springfield, MA FLOWERS: Durocher Florist, West Springfield, MA BRIDE’S DRESS: Casablanca BRIDE’S SHOES: Blue by Betsy Johnson DJ: MKM Productions, Monson, MA GROOM’S SUIT: Calvin Klein CAKE: Pete’s Sweets, East Longmeadow, MA BRIDESMAID DRESSES: David’s Bridal RINGS: Verragio (bride) and Tacori (groom) HAIR: Kristen Hickman from Zukas Spa MAKEUP: Zukas Spa FIRST DANCE SONG: “Love Someone” by Lukas Graham MEMORABLE MOMENT: “As I approached Vincent during our first look, he turned around and was holding a miniature dachshund puppy. Becket joined the family on our wedding day!”

THEME: Rustic Romantic BEST WEDDING ADVICE: GO WITH THE FLOW! We learned that nothing will go perfectly as planned. If you can, have your support network assist with wedding planning. If someone offers to help, let them help! It helps take off the stress and pressure and they are happy to be included. HONEYMOON: Now this is a funny story. The bride’s family takes an annual trip to Lake Champlain in Vermont every September. Coincidentally with rescheduling the wedding, our family vacation was to start the day after the wedding. So, our “honeymoon” was spent with the bride’s parents and some family friends in St. Albans, Vermont.

ALLISON & NICHOLAS Billeter

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS OCTOBER 30, 2020

ALL PHOTOS FEATURED FROM THE BILLETER WEDDING BY ALEKSANDR VERBETSKY PHOTOGRAPHY

NAMES: Allison & Nicholas Billeter AGES: 31, 32 OCCUPATIONS: Digital Content Analyst (Allison) and Staff Accountant (Nicholas) WEDDING DATE: October 30, 2020 CEREMONY: Hazardville United Methodist Church, Enfield, CT

RECEPTION: Upper Vista at The Log Cabin, Holyoke, MA SAVE THE DATES: YoursTruly by Shutterfly INVITATIONS: Shutterfly (“Celestial Union” suite) PROGRAMS: Designed by the bride, printed by Roberts & Ludlow Printing, Springfield, MA FLOWERS: McClelland’s Florist, Chicopee, MA BRIDE’S DRESS/VEIL: Amare Couture Bridal by Casablanca Bridal, Style C137 (Gemma), purchased at Mariella Creations, Rocky Hill, CT BRIDE’S SHOES: Blue by Betsey Johnson (ceremony shoes), iridescent sequined platform Converse (reception sneakers) DJ/UPLIGHTING: Gary S. Jones Entertainment, Agawam, MA VIDEOGRAPHER: Matt Derderian of Derderian Film Productions, Springfield, MA + Anthony Caddigan of Caddigan Films WEDDING PLANNER: Amanda Long of The Log Cabin/Delaney House GROOM’S SUIT: Formal Affair Tuxedos & Tailor Shop, West Springfield, MA FOOD/CAKE: The Log Cabin TOWN CAR TRANSPORTATION: Paul Lemieux of Casual Elegance, Wilbraham, MA BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Azazie.com (Serena gown in Dark Navy) PAPER MOON CUTOUT: Roy Currie of Wonderful Life Backdrops (wonderfullifebackdrops@gmail.com, 413-687-5234)

TAROT CARD READER: Yaniz Luna of The Beauty Studio, Ludlow, MA RINGS: Hannoush Jewelers, Enfield, CT

HAIR: Shelley McCloskey (bride’s cousin) of Ciao Bella, East Longmeadow, MA and Marsia Nogueira of The Beauty Studio, Ludlow, MA MAKEUP: Alyssa Amato of Carve Beauty Bar, Holyoke, MA + Zeliahna Pica FAVORS: Custom pint glasses from The Knot Shop and fortune teller fish from Amazon.com FIRST DANCE SONG: “How Long Will I Love You” by Kristina Train

MEMORABLE MOMENTS:

It was snowing during our first look! It was a winter wonderland driving to our ceremony! Everything was coated in a fresh blanket of snow. It felt like Christmas morning. The way Nick looked into my eyes during our vows is something I will never forget. He was so sincere and loving; I wish I could’ve stayed in that moment forever. When we went outside of the church for photos after the ceremony, random cars were honking at us and people were yelling “Congratulations!” Popping champagne in the car after our ceremony for “our first toast as Mr. and Mrs.” It was fun to have some time alone and take in the feeling of being newly married! THEME: Navy blue and metallics/magic in the moonlight/celestial

BEST ADVICE:

Don’t get caught up in overthinking decisions. Just stick to your gut and go with it. Don’t have high expectations, just keep optimistic so you don’t think “shoulda, coulda, woulda” later on. And remember that it all comes down to your marriage -- the rest is just bells and whistles! We highly recommend a first look! We saved so much time taking photos with our wedding party and parents before the ceremony/reception. Experiencing “post wedding grief” is a thing and completely normal! Sometimes I would find myself wishing that everything had lasted longer and I could’ve taken in all the details that I worked so hard on. But I got to marry the love of my life and that was the greatest takeaway and what it’s all about in the first place. HONEYMOON: We took a mini-moon and stayed at an AirBnB in Cape Cod in early November 2020. We hope to eventually travel to Disney World and Turks and Caicos.

Boyle ASHLEE & BETHANY

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS MAY 3, 2020

ALL PHOTOS FEATURED FROM THE BOYLE WEDDING BY LINDSEY TOPHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

NAMES: Ashlee & Bethany Boyle AGES: Ashlee 34, Bethany 30 OCCUPATIONS: Ashlee is the Nurse Educator for Mercy Medical Center’s Emergency Department, and Bethany is a Customer Success Manager for a marketing tech company. CEREMONY/RECEPTION: Ashlee’s parents’ backyard in East Longmeadow, MA

FLOWERS:

McClelland’s Florist, Chicopee, MA ASHLEE’S DRESS: Lastrina Girls Bridal Salon, Middletown, CT BETHANY’S DRESS: Pearl Bridal Boutique, Holyoke, MA BRIDES’ SHOES: Amazon (when you get married with 6 days to prep, during a pandemic, Amazon Prime comes in clutch!) CATERER: Sandy Rivest Catering MUSIC: Spotify playlist! VIDEOGRAPHER: Chris Thibault WEDDING PLANNER: de Villier Designs by Emma de Villier CAKE: La Fiorentina, East Longmeadow, MA

RINGS:

Silverscape Designs Northampton, MA HAIR/MAKEUP: Both Brides’ sisters

FIRST DANCE SONG:

“I Get to Love You” by Ruelle THEME: Intimate Backyard Wedding with Immediate Family HONEYMOON: Our home! Talk about making lemonade out of lemons! We got married on a Sunday, and the following week we “went” to 6 different destinations – Mexico, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Hawaii and Jamaica. We decorated our house to feel like we were there, ordered authentic meals to tie into the location and supported local in doing so, and danced the nights away in our kitchen. It. Was. EVERYTHING.

OTHER/NOTES: We originally set a date of October 10, 2020 to get married at the Springfield Country Club in West Springfield, MA. Little did we know, the universe had other plans for us. Ashlee’s dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2016, and in the recent months leading up to our (unplanned) wedding day, his strength had been quickly declining. Her dream of having her father walk her down the aisle and dance with her on her wedding day needed to become a reality. Fast. We had a socially distant visit with Ashlee’s mother on a Sunday afternoon, indicating that time was of the essence. We decided to plan our wedding for the following weekend, in just 6 days. The amount of love and support we received to make our day possible was absolutely incredible. People offered help in any way they could; from building a dance floor and an arbor, organizing a car “parade,” our jeweler allowing us to borrow wedding bands, Ashlee’s bridal boutique letting her borrow her dress, flowers done in 48 hours, our gym coach became our officiant for the day, wedding decorations donated, meals prepared, a wedding planner who wore several hats throughout the day (DJ, decorator, bouquet holder, dress adjuster, waitress…to name a few), and a kick-ass photographer and videographer to capture it all. With our families by our side, and our friends honking and waving, we could not have asked for a better way to start our lives together.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: Hands down, Ashlee’s dad walking her down the aisle.

BEST WEDDING ADVICE: Enjoy every moment – take time just the two of you to sneak away. Take it all in. Go slow and treasure the whole day and all of the love around you. Plan and execute your wedding for yourself and your partner: you only get this day once. It doesn’t matter where, when, the weather – when you finally get the opportunity to marry the person that was put on this planet to love you, nothing else matters. Just you, them, and the rest of your lives ahead of you.

12+ MONTHS

WDiscuss finances with everyone contributing to the event and set a budget. edding to- do Set the date and ceremony/reception locations. This is your first big decision (trust us, EVERYONE will be asking this the moment after you get engaged!).

Establish a guest list.

Book your photographer, florist, musicians/ DJ, cake baker, and other vendors.

Start thinking about the style and theme of your wedding.

Reserve hotel room blocks if needed.

Decide who will officiate the ceremony and book him/her.

Start shopping for gown/tux styles.

Take engagement photos to use on your wedding website, save the dates, and to get to know your photographer.

Propose to your bridesmaids and groomsmen to see if they’d like to be in your wedding party. Order your invitations and thank-you notes.

Book your honeymoon!!!

Schedule beauty trials and book hairstylists and makeup artists.

4-5 MONTHS BEFORE

Finalize your plans with your florist.

Plan the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Address invitations.

Arrange day-of transportation for yourself and the bridal party.

Shop for and purchase wedding bands.

2-3 MONTHS BEFORE

Buy attendants gifts, including those for your parents and new in-laws. Confirm details, deliveries, and final payment amounts with your vendors.

Get your final dress fitting!

Write your vows/toasts.

Check off your “something old, new, borrowed and blue.”

Send out invites for rehearsal and dinner.

Put together a day-of emergency kit. Start packing for the honeymoon.

1-2 WEEKS BEFORE

If you’re missing any RSVPs, follow up now.

Give your caterer, reception site and cake baker the final head count/ seating chart.

9 – 11 MONTHS BEFORE

Go to your first dress fitting! Remember to bring your shoes and appropriate undergarments.

Get the men’s fashions in order. Pick up your dress; break in your shoes.

Organize your payments and decide who will distribute them.

Order save-the-dates.

Choose items for your wedding gift registry.

Choose bridesmaid dresses and have your bridesmaids order them.

Order your gown and veil and schedule fittings: one for six weeks before the wedding, and one for one to two weeks before the wedding to ensure a perfect fit.

So you think you can’t dance? Consider taking lessons! Now is the time to book them!

Start looking into honeymoon destinations and dates. Check marriage license requirements.

Meet with your caterer to discuss menu and drinks. Don’t forget the cake!

Pick out and purchase favors.

Book your wedding-night room and confirm hotel room blocks for guests.

Mail out your invitations at the 6 – 8 week mark. RSVPs should be due one month before the wedding.

Do a hair/makeup trial with your makeup artist/hair stylist.

1 MONTH BEFORE

Pick up your marriage license! Get a final hair trim and touch up any color.

Pack overnight necessities for after the wedding.

Give your day-of schedule to your day-of coordinator or one of your attendants.

1 DAY BEFORE

Get a mani and pedi.

Bring all ceremony accessories, like items for a unity service, to the site.

Give the marriage license to your officiant (do not forget!).

6-8 MONTHS BEFORE

Mail out save-the-dates.

Interview and book your vendors; don’t forget to get a signed contract. Submit a photo list to your photographer of shots that you really want.

Send a list of music choices to your DJ. Include a “must play” or “don’t play” list. Include your first dance, father-daughter, and mother-son dance songs. Also include any music you may want to use for entrances into the reception. Finalize the seating chart and prepare escort/place cards.

DAY OF

Eat a good breakfast. You may forget to eat, even if you always do!

Give gifts to your parents and each other. Hand off the wedding rings to the best man.