GO LOCAL OCTOBER 2023

STAFFORD CIDERY

Jodi Harmon and Dan Tomlin began making their own hard ciders over 10 years ago when the husband-andwife owners of Stafford Cidery found themselves looking for a new career adventure.

“ We started making cider around 2010 or so,” said Harmon. “I was laid off from my job and then within a year my husband was laid off from his job."

I feel I am uniquely qualified to write about weddings. You see, at the time of writing this column, I have attended five weddings so far this year, with two more to go. And if I tried to total up how many weddings I’ve gone to so far in my lifetime…gosh, it has to be at least 25 to 30.

With each beautiful event, I have taken notes. Not literally – I’m not standing at the bar with a notepad resting on it, pen in hand – but while enjoying my glass of champagne and toasting the couple, I always pick up on a few must-do’s for the future.

Given this is our October weddings edition, I thought I would break out my notes and share what I have learned.

TIPS:

Offer passed drinks to guests circulating cocktail hour

There’s nothing worse than the mad rush to the bar, where guests subsequently stand in line for 15 to 20 minutes waiting for a drink. By offering passed drinks on trays (think champagne, or your signature drink) it will keep guests happy and ease up the pressure on bartenders. A wedding I recently attended in Newport started with passed champagne, and then switched to offering champagne, white wine and red wine. It was a nice touch, and I loved not having to wait in line at the bar. Don’t give guests the opportunity to be hungry!

I have left many weddings dreaming of McDonald’s on the drive home due to small portions at dinner, or few appetizers at cocktail hour. While food might not be the most important thing, to guests – it’s everything. Late-night menus are a huge perk for guests who choose to close the dance floor down. On Pinterest a few weeks ago, I saw personal size pizzas passed to guests as they left a wedding, perfectly packaged in small pizza boxes. Perhaps forego offering a favor at each seat for treats at the end of your wedding? Activities can keep the party going

Sure – weddings have the standard activities: ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, dancing. But what if you don’t like to dance? Many weddings offer photo booths. One of my best friends who got married in April had an interactive photo booth that not only took photos, but also made boomerangs and short videos, and then text them to any phone number you input to the device. This was a hit! (Hint: her weddings photos are featured in this month’s magazine – congratulations Elina and Cris!) Other fun activities from weddings I attended this year include custom cornhole boards with the couples initials and a cigar bar.

Coffee available all wedding long

Though this does not need to be in the form of a designated coffee bar, having coffee available to guests all wedding long is a must. For instance, I attended a wedding over the summer where at dinner, my boyfriend asked one of the servers if it would be possible to get a cup of coffee. They said not yet, he would have to wait to the after-dinner coffee bar. While absolutely lovely – and I do plan to have a coffee bar at my own future wedding (I come from a family of coffee drinkers) – I do think guests should be able to get coffee all night long, not just when the coffee cart wheels out.

Heartfelt touches show guests you care

I attended a wedding in Vermont last year for a couple I had not yet met. They were friends of my boyfriends, and they were very kind to invite me to their weekend-long affair. Typical to most weddings, each seat at dinner had a place card with guests names on them. Not typical to most weddings, though, was each place card had a heartfelt note from the couple, individual to every single person in attendance. I could not believe it. Even I had a note! It was such a sincere touch, and guests could not stop talking about it. It might seem like a small detail – and to the couple, it was A LOT of work – but it truly made me feel welcome.

Take them or leave them – these are just a few tips gathered from a seasoned wedding attendee!

As always, thanks for reading.

Payton North, Executive Editor

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Payton North

CREATIVE

Beth Thurber, Manager

Susan Bartlett . Sophia Kelleher . Leigh Catchepaugh

Lorie Perry . Molly Arnio

CONTENT

Lauren LeBel

ADVERTISING

Scott Greene, Manager

Jeanette Lee . Lisa Nolan . Roxanne Longtin Miller

Matt Mahaney . Paula Dimauro . Terry O’ Donnell

Evan Marcyoniak . Andy Shaw . Hannah Bigos

Carly Goodrich . Robert Scott

Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant

Curtis Panlilio, Operations Director

Fran Smith, General Manager

Crazy Cock CIDER

Jodi Harmon and Dan Tomlin began making their own hard ciders over 10 years ago when the husband-and-wife owners of Stafford Cidery found themselves looking for a new career adventure.

“ We started making cider around 2010 or so,” said Harmon. “I was laid off from my job and then within a year my husband was laid off from his job. We both liked to drink but were trying to find ways to save money.”

Harmon said she and Tomlin “were never really beer people” and making beer involved expensive equipment. Harmon liked cider so Tomlin tried making it.

Harmon said the process was a little easier than beer.

“Put apple juice in a big glass carboy and let it ferment,” she said. “The first few batches weren’t great, but we learned from mistakes. And then even when Dan made a good batch, we weren’t good at note taking so we didn’t know how to make it again.”

They then began taking notes and recording their process.

“ We had the first batch that was good – and that we could recreate. That was our Sweet Vanilla cider,” recalled Harmon. “The batch process takes at least four weeks for a cider base and could take up to three months to finish depending on what’s going into it. A more basic cider we

can manufacture more quickly than some of the others with flavors.”

That first successful batch is now the Cidery’s most popular flavor.

The couple made their cider at home for a few years, bringing it to home brewer festivals. Harmon said they received feedback and got flavor ideas and took the business to the next level a few years later.

“ We rented our current taproom and manufacturing space in 2016. After a year of renovations and permitting, we opened in April of 2017,” said Harmon. “We both felt strongly that we wanted to work for ourselves and not make money for other people. We spend a lot of time together working at the Cidery but that’s how we like it!”

The taproom is the Stafford Cidery, but their ciders are created under the name Crazy Cock Cider, named after the couple’s friendly rooster, Sgt Pepper.

“He was a small breed rooster with feathered legs, so he looked like he was wearing pants. He was very sweet and would perch on your shoulder,” Harmon said.

Crazy Cock Ciders are sold at the Cidery as well as at Broadbrook Brewery in Suffield and Urban Lodge Brewery in Manchester. Beers from those breweries can also be found at Stafford Cidery.

“ We have four draft lines that rotate local Connecticut beer,” said Harmon. “We only have beers on tap from

places that serve our cider in their taprooms. It’s a good way for us to feel like we are helping those that help us. And we love those connections.”

Crazy Cock Ciders are made from local ingredients when feasible. Harmon said they have made a watermelon cider using fresh watermelons from Horse Listeners Orchard in Ashford. They use ingredients that are in-season.

“ We do a lot of seasonal ciders but our most popular one that we do every year is Pie,” Harmon said. “It’s a cinnamon and vanilla, apple pie cider flavor and it’s very popular. We release it the night before Thanksgiving, so folks get to put it on the Thanksgiving Day table and share with family and friends.”

In addition to the Sweet Vanilla, the Sanity — a semisweet apple cider, not as sweet as vanilla but not dry either — is very popular. Chocoholic cider and Hot Cock, which is a cayenne pepper cider, are also popular.

The Cidery offers small snacks, including Vermont cheese, crackers, chips, hummus and local jerky.

“ We also encourage people to bring food in or order from our local nearby restaurants,” Harmon said. “Some folks come in with picnic baskets of food from home. It’s a great way to save some money and still feel like you are getting that night out on the town!”

The couple also own the small shop next door, Local Vibe, selling locally made goods. Before they began their cider business, Harmon worked in animal shelters and Tomlin is an Air Force veteran and spent his career doing security installation for ADT Security.

W hile Harmon still helps at area animal shelters, she loves owning her own business.

“It is a pretty amazing feeling to make a product and watch people enjoy it,” she said. “What makes me the happiest is creating a space where people feel comfortable and make friends. I’m proud when people tell me they feel like the Cidery is home for them. I want to be that place where a new person to town comes to make friends, or a person who is a little down can come to not be alone, a place to meet on a first date or 100th date and just be comfortable in the space.”

Harmon and Tomlin are doing well but said the brewery/cidery business has never recovered since COVID-19.

“ We are not alone in seeing a decline in business. If folks want their locally owned small businesses to stick around, they have to find a way to support them,” Harmon said.

THE STAFFORD CIDERY, 68 MAIN ST. IN STAFFORD SPRINGS, CONNECTICUT, IS OPEN THURSDAY FROM 5-9 P.M., FRIDAY FROM 4-9 P.M., SATURDAY FROM 1-9 P.M. AND SUNDAY FROM 1-6 P.M.

MATT'S

SPORTScards and Comics

As a youngster growing up in the 1960s, you could hop on your shiny red Schwinn bicycle and pedal on down to your corner store to purchase your favorite new comic book, whether “Archie,” “Batman,” “Little Lulu” or a host of others for just 12 cents.

Or, if you were a fan of The Beatles, beginning in 1964 you could purchase a pack of black and white cards — later series were in color — with a stick of gum from Topps for five cents, the same for Topps baseball cards.

“I was 7 and finally old enough to go to the local store myself with my allowance. I grew up in Flushing, Queens, and the local convenience shop was only a block away. My older brother collected cards and in 1976 you got a stick of gum with the pack, so it seemed like a great deal to someone my age,” said Matt DeRoma, owner of Matt’s Sportscards & Comics in Enfield, Connecticut.

For the budding collector, at the time it was all about his favorite sports team.

“My Mets might have been awful that year, but getting a card from my team was still an incredible experience. A card had all the stats, past teams and a little trivia as well. It was like a mini encyclopedia for sports. My older brother taught me how to flip and scale cards and I would try my best to win as many Mets cards as I could,” he said.

Next came his fascination with comic books.

“Comics came a week later after my first trip alone

! KEITH O'CONNOR NATE BLAIS

to the store with ‘Amazing Spider-Man #158,’ my first comic, but my brother paid for it. It was all about SpiderMan fighting Doc Ock with the ghost of Hammerhead on the cover, what’s not to love? The first book I paid for myself was ‘Amazing Spider-Man #165,’ a neat dinosaur cover that any kid would love, after that I was hooked,” DeRoma said.

Forget the 12 cents. Most comics today cost $3.99, which has increased at a higher rate of inflation since 1976, but books have also improved dramatically. From better paper to better colors, the comics today are vastly superior in their physical quality, noted the store owner.

“I will admit to missing the newsprint paper and dot matrix of the older books and the new books weigh 2-3 times more, which makes moving the boxes more difficult. But I can’t argue the fact that the books today look a lot sharper,” DeRoma said.

W hen he was five years old, his father, Matthew, opened a small shop in 1974 in Hempstead, New York, called Paramount Stamp and Coin. Little did he realize that he would soon follow in his father’s footsteps.

The family later moved to Connecticut and in 1987 DeRoma’s father opened a new store in Enfield called Matt’s Sportscards & Comics. Around the same time, he set his son up at conventions to sell comics and cards. Then, the tables turned. DeRoma returned to the area in 1995 and assumed ownership of the shop when his father stepped down. Instead, the elder DeRoma would now turn his attention to selling at conventions until passing away in 2018.

Today, visitors to the store will find every comic, new and used, and card collectibles to their heart’s desire, as well as Funko pop culture collectibles, toys, action figures, statues, Japanese comics and candies, cardboard stand-ups and more.

“I don’t sell what I don’t collect. You’ve got to like it if you are looking at it all day,” DeRoma said.

So, what’s hot and what’s not today?

“The simple answer is whatever is in the news is hot. Kraven, a classic Spider-Man villain, is getting his own movie and the first trailer for it just dropped. So, he’s hot and people come in asking what we have for him. Everyone wants the first comic appearance of the next movie icon. The more complex answer is characters that always resonate with people will be hot. Spider-Man is always popular because of who he is as Peter Parker. Superman is popular because of Clark Kent. Those are the people we relate to — the heroic identity is fantasy. Fantasy doesn’t work if it’s not grounded with a relatable character,” DeRoma said.

Superheroes reign at comic bookstores today.

“Superhero movies and television shows have definitely increased awareness of the four-color fun that

can be found in comics and have introduced the world to some exciting characters both new and old. Has it increased readership? That’s debatable. Print runs of comics are only a fraction of what they were in their Golden Age and even a fraction of what they were only 20-30 years ago. They have grown in merchandizing, and you can walk into pretty much any chain store and find a superhero section, from books to toys to clothing, you can find an item with your favorite character,” DeRoma said.

Marvel and DC Comics remain the big two publishers of comics, just as in the 1960s.

“There are others of course, Image, Dark Horse, IDW, Dynamite, Boom and more. I think for the foreseeable future Marvel and DC will always be the big two. We have a bunch of small independent publishers as well as the larger ones. We carry about 500 unique titles of comics books each month and about 200 unique titles of manga each and every month,” DeRoma said.

For novices, manga is a type of comic book or graphic novel developed in Japan that conform to a specific style.

“Manga is unique in that any genre you can think of has a manga. American comics were once like that but veered away to focus on specific things such as superheroes. If you like baseball, there’s a manga for that. What about sci-fi, we’ve got that covered. Romance, horror, drama, comedy, even fencing. Check, check, check, check and check. You can try to compare American to Japanese writing and art styles that are different, but the core is still the same. Write stories that people care about and people will read them,” DeRoma said.

The store owner and collector noted collecting is all about “having fun” and not worrying about what you can sell a card, comic or other collectible for in the future.

“There are tons of stuff out there to have fun with and enjoy. Collectors come in all shapes and forms. Some collect for themselves, some collect with a family member, to connect to the past or with something or someone they love. Your collection can be just three items or 300. It’s totally up to you,” he said.

“Collect what you love, don’t worry about any future value. If it goes up in price that’s a bonus, but if you collect what you love you’ll never be disappointed. Unless, of course, you’re a Mets fan,” DeRoma added.

MATT’S SPORTSCARDS & COMICS IS LOCATED ON 348 HAZARD AVE., IN ENFIELD. HOURS ARE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 7:45 P.M., SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. AND SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE OR CALL AT 860-741-2522.

Fried Pickles

Half of an English cucumber

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup white vinegar

1/2 Tbsp sugar

1/2 Tbsp salt

1 Tsp brown mustard seeds

1 Tsp fresh chopped dill

4 peppercorns

For the dredge:

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

2/3 cups flour

1/3 cup cornstarch

1 1/2 cups peanut oil, for frying

Dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder

Miss the Big E? This is the perfect recipe for you then! Using a vegetable peeler, make long strips of cucumber and place into a jar. Stir together you water, vinegar, salt and sugar until everything is dissolved. Bring to a slight boil and add mustard seeds, dill and peppercorns. Let simmer a four a couple of minutes and pour over your cucumbers. Let cool and sit in the fridge for at least a couple of hours.

Mix together your eggs and milk in a bowl, in another bowl add your flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. Put the pickles in the dry dredge, then the wet, then back into the dry. Fry in peanut oil at about 350F for 2-3 minutes and top with salt as soon as they get out of the oil. Serve hot with ranch mixed with fresh dill. Enjoy!

NATHAN BLAIS I’m a photographer from Springfield. I combined my love for cooking and photography and turned it into a career. Check out my instagram @nateblais!

“Owner is a Licensed Real Estate agent with

Realty”

GO LOCAL PICKS

Westfield on Weekend presents Pumpkin Fest at Amelia Park. There will be tons of fun activities including Pumpkin Carving, face painting, and Trunk or Treating. Enjoy local food trucks, crafters, vendors, and local performers. This is a free event open to the public.

For more information visit: westfieldonweekends.com

The Granville Harvest Fair is a three-day event filled with vendors, artisans, food, and fun for all ages. It is located on the Granville town green and runs through the church and town library. There will be tons of unique, handmade goods to shop for and even glass-blowing demonstrations to watch!

For more information and events visit: townofgranville.net

This spooktacular Halloween celebration is perfect for family and friends of all ages. There will be pumpkin carving, live entertainment, and delicious treats. Don’t forget to dress up in your most creative costume!

For more information visit: sonnysplace.com

COMFORT BAGEL

West Springfield resident Janet Blake has always been drawn to creative work. She was a professional cellist for 14 years, a graphic designer, and prior to COVID, owned her own handcrafted jewelry business. Once COVID came, that business was hit hard. As a result, Blake started looking for new business ideas and a way to connect with her community. She had entertained thoughts of opening a bagel shop in West Springfield in the past, as she felt there were not any options close by.

“ While we were all stuck in our homes, I started experimenting with sourdough and bagel recipes. My goal was to open a residential cottage bakery that offered weekly bagel deliveries,” Blake said.

Once she got close to a recipe she thought was pretty good, Blake put a post on the West Springfield Community Forum asking if anyone was interested in having bagels delivered to their homes. The response was tremendous, and from there she pursued the proper licenses and permits. In September 2020, and with a lot of help from her family, Comfort Bagel began offering contact-free delivery of freshly-baked bagels, four days a week.

“I didn’t look into food service,” Blake replied. “It wasn’t something that I thought I’d ever do. I just love the idea of crafting something by hand that can be enjoyed by all. And of course, I love bagels!”

Soon word spread quickly and in July 2021, Comfort Bagel expanded and opened its doors at 1 Open Square Way in Holyoke in Mill #1, adjacent to Lyman Street, offering in-store dining, takeout and pre-order bagels and spreads for pickup. Their most popular bagels are Asiago, everything and salted rosemary which Blake said was an idea floated to them by a customer on Facebook. Blake’s favorite bagel experiment is the Rhubarb bagel, but a sesame bagel with plain cream cheese is her bagel go-to.

In 2022, Comfort Bagel won the Daily Hampshire Gazette Reader’s Choice and was a finalist for the 2023 Advocate Best of the Valley Reader’s Poll. Holyoke resident Anne Thalheimer said, “They do innovative and interesting flavors both with bagels and cream cheese. While I think all their bagels are tasty, my favorite is far and away the jalapeño cheddar.”

K eri Bergeron from South Hadley is a frequent flyer at Comfort Bagel, and said the staff knows her by name. Bergeron even jokes that she is Comfort Bagel’s

spokesperson because she will talk about them to anyone who will listen. Her go-to bagel sandwich is a BLT on Asiago Parmesan, but she’ll always choose for it to-go on an onion and cheddar bagel when it’s one of their specials.

Blake wants people to feel that not only are they having a good bagel, but they can feel good about supporting a small local business.

Bergeron stated, “Comfort Bagel, a family owned business, is one that I enjoy supporting week after week because I know I’m supporting a dream and the local economy.” She continued, “It’s an asset to Holyoke and I believe that they will do great things. Not a week goes by where I don’t see an old friend at Comfort or make a new one. Their great service and sparkling personalities make you feel like you’re part of the fam.”

Thalheimer added, “Comfort Bagel not only adds to the community as yet another awesome place to eat in Holyoke, but also that they’re such visible community partners. They have been sponsors and supporters of Holyoke Pride for the past two years, donate gift cards to local fundraising efforts, and make sure bagels don’t go to waste.”

O pen Square has approached Comfort Bagel about building a custom space going from 1,800 square feet with a shared kitchen, to 2,800 square feet just down the hall with a dedicated kitchen. They’re currently in negotiation with them and will potentially be signing a 10-year lease. With this move, they will need to purchase a walkin refrigerator. Comfort Bagel was recently awarded a matching crowd-funding grant and are looking to raise $10,000 from their community. If they raise the $10,000, the Biz-M-Power Grant Program will double that which will allow them to buy a very large walk-in refrigerator so they can make many more bagels and be open more days and hours.

For the last two years, Comfort Bagel has been open Thursday through Sunday. Starting Sept. 5, they’re

going to a six day schedule from 7:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays, and Saturdays & Sundays from 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. They will also expand their lunch menu adding more signature sandwich items and will continue to partner with Monsoon Roastery in Springfield who custom-roast the beans they use for their cold brew and their proprietary Comfort Bagel Blend hot drip coffee. When they open their new space, Comfort Bagel hopes to purchase an espresso maker to expand their coffee menu to include specialty beverages.

“ We’ve had wonderful people to mentor us and wonderful customers to support us,” Blake shared. “They give us a lot of feedback on social media. I feel like it’s a community and that really makes me happy about what we’ve accomplished and where we’re going.”

S he went on to say, “Seeing the response from the small community that we started with and how they continue to support us. That’s why I get up at four in the morning to bake bagels or make dough because I feel like there’s an expectation and I want to make our customers happy.”

To learn more about Comfort Bagel, visit their website at comfortbagel.com. They post their bagel menu beginning of every week on Facebook/Instagram and via their email list. When they are posted, Comfort Bagel opens online ordering for bulk bagels and cream cheese. When customers order online, they are guaranteed to get the flavors they ordered. Comfort Bagel does not at present offer sandwiches or coffee for online ordering, but that may change in the future. For questions, call 413-726-1386.

COMFORT BAGEL IS LOCATED AT 1 OPEN SQUARE WAY, HOLYOKE MA (MILL #1 ADJACENT TO LYMAN ST). OPEN TUESDAY - FRIDAY, FROM 7:30 A.M. TO 1:30 P.M. SATURDAY & SUNDAY, FROM 7:30 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M.

sunflower Smoothie Café is much more than a smoothie shop.

When Meg and Tyler Funk — partners in business and life — opened the Southwick shop in 2021, the vision was a space that was relaxing, light and airy that offered healthy smoothies and bowls.

They accomplished that immediately and began expanding their offerings quickly.

“ When we first opened, we mostly offered smoothies, acai and smoothie bowls, coffee and some grab and go snacks and beverages. We have expanded quite a bit since then,” said Meg Funk. “We now offer even more smoothies and bowls. Our most popular are still ‘The Nutmeg,’ a peanut butter banana smoothie, and ‘The Strawberrylicious,’ a blend of strawberry, banana, local honey, and milk.”

Sunflower Smoothie Café has a variety of toasts on

freshly baked Hartford Baking Co. sourdough, seven grain or brioche bread, with gluten free and keto bread options, too.

“Our ‘Cado Toast is super popular, as well as the Bee’s Knees’ which is fresh ricotta, blueberries, honey and a sprinkle of bee pollen, and ‘The Goat,’ which is smashed avocado, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, a sprinkle of micro greens, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze,” said Funk.

Daily soups, coffees and lattes, hot oatmeal bowls, yogurt parfaits, homemade bliss balls, and more round out the menu.

“Our coffee comes from Barrington Roasters out of Lee, and it is phenomenal,” she said. “We offer organic flavor syrups for our coffees from Holy Kakow and they are amazing. We also offer monk fruit, for anyone who is being cautious about sugar intake, and prefers a natural, zero calorie, sweetener. And if you have a furry friend you

love, you’ve got to grab our doggy bowl — Scout’s Special — named for our sweet golden retriever.”

Funk said every Friday they feature baked goods from a local bakery, The Wicked Whisk, including donuts, pastry tarts, and more. They are all plant-based, and most often gluten free, “and they are incredibly popular and wickedly delicious! We usually sell out in a few hours!”

The Funks are both creative and artistic. Tyler went to school for film and is currently a painter. Meg is a dancer and yoga instructor, from Granby, Connecticut. After studying dance in New York City, she moved home and opened Nutmeg’s Dance & Theatre Co. 21 years ago. The couple also owns Sunflower Yoga, which is right next to Nutmeg’s and the cafe.

“ We both always wished for more nourishing and

healthful, but still yummy, food options near our studio,” said Funk. “We have both loved smoothies and smoothie bowls for a long time, and once we had children, we found them to be an awesome tool for sneaking veggies, protein and other superfoods into a tasty smoothie the kids loved. When the space next to our studio became available, we decided to go for it.”

It was definitely a risk, despite owning two successful business in the same plaza.

“ We opened in September of 2021,” Funk said. “It was a tough time to open, due to the pandemic, but the community was so supportive, and it was absolutely worth it.

“Our hope was to create a cozy, light, and airy space, where everyone feels welcomed. Sort of like a family

friendly ‘Cheers!’ We like to play good music, we have a special kids table for our tiny friends, as well as toys and books. We also welcome people to come and hang and study or do work. We have free wifi, plenty of outlets for charging computers and phones, and different seating options at the counter, or our cozy chairs and a comfy couch. We also offer bistro seating and Adirondack chairs outside. We are so lucky to have an incredible staff on board. They are friendly and helpful, they love what they are making, and they truly care about our customers. They are what really makes our cafe such a wonderful place to be.”

W hile the atmosphere the Funks have created is a draw, the menu items are what keep customers coming back.

“One of the best things about smoothies and smoothie

bowls, is that they taste amazing, but, they are packed with healthy ingredients,” Funk said. “Ours are all fruit, and we offer plant-based milks like oat, almond, and coconut, in addition to whole milk. You can add just about anything you need — we offer hemp and sacha inchi protein, collagen, flax and chia, wheat and barley grass, camu camu, maca root, real cacao, MCT oil, bee pollen, and so much more. You can also keep it simple and just add a little ice cream from the Gran-Val scoop.”

SUNFLOWER SMOOTHIE CAFE, 208 COLLEGE HWY. IN SOUTHWICK, IS OPEN 9 A.M. – 4 P.M. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, AND 9 A.M. – 2 P.M. ON SATURDAYS.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

LOCAL EINSTEIN

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

WHAT IS A BABY BAT CALLED?

[A] Pup

[B] Cup

[C] Whelp

[D] Kit

WHO WROTE “THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW”

[A] Nathaniel Hawthorne

[B] Washington Irving

[C] Edgar Allen Poe

[D] H.P. Lovecraft

WHAT IS THE FICTIONAL DR. FRANKENSTEIN’S FIRST NAME?

[A] Rudolph

[B] Igor

[C] Victor

[D] Abraham

WHAT BREED OF CAT IS COMPLETELY BLACK - FUR, FOOT PADS AND WHISKERS?

[A] Bombay

[B] Korat

[C] Lykoi

[D] Chausie

WHO ARE THE 3 WITCHES IN “HOCUS POCUS?”

[A] Winifred, Sarah and Mary

[B] Louisa, Beth and Hannah

[C] Thora, Omri and Vanessa

[D] Mildred, Jessica and Laura

Somers Scarecrow Festival; 7.625 in; 2.25 in; 00066380

WHAT KIND OF CANDY WANTS YOU TO “TASTE THE RAINBOW?”

[A] Starburst

[B] M&Ms

[C] Skittles

[D] Life Savers

TRANSYLVANIA IS A REGION IN WHAT COUNTRY?

[A] Romania

[B] Hungary

[C] Bulgaria

[D] Slovakia

WHICH MAJOR HARRY POTTER CHARACTER IS A WEREWOLF?

[A] Albus Dumbledore

[B] Horace Slughorn

[C] Severus Snape

[D] Remus Lupin

WHAT WAS STEPHEN KING’S FIRST NOVEL?

[A] Carrie

[B] Cujo

[C] Salem’s Lot

[D] The Shining

The Final Countdown

7 local breweries to visit this fall!

IRON DUKE BREWING

100 STATE ST, BUILDING 122 LUDLOW, MA FACEBOOK.COM/IRONDUKEBEER/ (413) 624-6258

Iron Duke Brewing is a small vintage brewhouse and restaurant in the Old Ludlow Mills. Enjoy great beer, food, live music, and food trucks.

WHITE LION BREWING COMPANY

1500 MAIN ST, SPRINGFIELD, MA WHITELIONBREWING.COM

(413) 455-0820

White Lion Brewing has live music, food, outdoor games, and a great selection of drinks. Visit their website for a full beer, lunch, and dinner menu.

GREAT AWAKENING BREWING CO.

77 MILL ST, SUITE 150, WESTFIELD, MA GREATAWAKENINGBREWING.COM

(413) 875-7868

Great Awakening has a spacious taproom and brewery inside Westfield’s historic Mill at Crane Pond. Enjoy craft beer, food, and live music. Visit their website for more information on trivia, bingo, music, and paint workshop events.

WESTFIELD RIVER BREWING COMPANY

707 COLLEGE HWY, SOUTHWICK, MA WESTFIELDRIVERBERWING.COM

(413) 579-8362

Visit Westfield River Brewing this fall for a great time. Enjoy outdoor concerts on the farm with drinks and food trucks. Check out their website for more information on concerts and events.

DRUNKEN RABBIT BREWING

749A NEW LUDLOW RD, SOUTH HADLEY, MA RABBIT.BEER

(413) 728-2739

Drunken Rabbit Brewing has tons of events to attend this fall, and a great selection of food and drinks. Check out their website for more information on karaoke, open mike night, bingo, trivia, and other events.

SKYLINE BEER COMPANY

98 SOUTHWICK RD, WESTFIELD, MA SKYLINEBEERCO.COM

(413) 378-3333

Skyline Beer Company is the perfect place to visit this fall. Enjoy a beer or cider on the patio along with a variety of food items. Visit their website for food and drink menus.

BROAD BROOK BREWING COMPANY

915 SOUTH ST, SUFFIELD, CT

BROADBROOKBREWING.COM

(860) 623-1000

Broad Brook Brewery is a great place for local craft beer, malt beverages, and brick oven pizza. Enjoy the warm, relaxed atmosphere with friends and family. Check out their website for a full listing of cider, wine, and beers.

Weddings

FALL & WINTER 2023

PHOTO BY SIMONE PLUS PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY GREG MOSS

PHOTO JAIMIE MACARI PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOS

8 UNIQUE WEDDING FEATURES TO WOW GUESTS

By Payton North special to weddings

1. RECORDINGS TO LAST A LIFETIME

While traditional guest books are still popular, couples are looking to spice up how guests make their mark on the big day. Instead of handwritten missives, rent an audio guest book in the form of a vintage telephone that records messages from guests. After the wedding, the company converts all messages into a digital download – or better yet, some companies offer the unique option of a vinyl record that holds the special sentiments. A few companies to check out: After the Tone, At the Beep, FeteFone.

2. NOT YOUR AVERAGE SEATING CHART

We have all seen the mirror or acrylic seating charts that feature beautifully handwritten names and corresponding table numbers. Some couples, however, are opting to include their favorite drinks or hobbies into their seating charts. Couples have offered champagne walls with names and table numbers attached – or perhaps even better – tequila shot walls. Not into drinks? Avid readers might enjoy a wall that features book shelfs, with each book having the name of the guest and their table number on the binding.

3. FAVORS…FOR (OR FROM) YOUR FURRY FRIENDS

For the couple who loves their furry friend but may not have been able to include them in their special day, opt for a favor for the dogs at home. Gourmet treats in little doggy bags for guests to take home to their own pup, along with a note “written by” the couple’s dog itself, will give guests a laugh, and their dogs will appreciate it too. If a favor is not your style – some couples opt for plastic clear cups or cocktail napkins with a drawing of their pet on them.

4. LIVING ART

Perhaps a pricier option but one that would blow guests away – hiring a live artist to paint a scene on your wedding day. Many couples choose to have the artist set up at their ceremony location, doing a live painting of the pair at the altar. Others enjoy a painting of the venue, or of guests on the dance floor.

5. JUMP AROUND!

Having a more laid-back affair, or a wedding with many children invited? Chic white bounce houses are in – and some couples are adorning them with florals, giving children and adults alike the opportunity to blow off some steam – or perhaps jitters – after the couple says, “I do.”

6. GET GUESTS LAUGHING WITH GAMES

For those who are having a daytime wedding that might not have too much action on the dance floor, offering games is a fun way to keep your guests engaged and celebrating. Board games and yard games, group games involving the couple – anything that will get people up off their feet or rolling dice will be a hit.

7. KITSCHY CARICATURES

Have a group of guests who love a good joke? Instead of simple place cards at guests seats, how about a custom caricature of each guest? While it requires advance planning, some couples are opting for the unique option of finding an artist who will draw a caricature of guests, and subsequently frame it and place it at each table setting.

8. SIGNATURE DESSERTS

Not a drinker, or not into specialty cocktails? Forego the signature drinks for something even sweeter: signature desserts. The couple’s two favorite ice cream flavors? Don’t mind if we do.

Salem Cross Inn

By Keith O’Connor special to weddings

Not all barns are created equal.

Especially the warm and cozy historic barn at Salem Cross Inn Restaurant and Tavern in West Brookfield, which has served as the site for hundreds of memorable weddings over the years.

“This isn’t your ordinary, everyday barn, where couples looking for a rustic wedding sometimes have to rent tables and chairs, bring in port-o-potties, suffer the extremes of no air conditioning or heat, and even decorate the space on their own, all in the name of ambiance,” said Martha Salem, whose family has owned and operated the Salem Cross Inn since 1961.

“We provide all the ambiance and people remember a wedding here. Our wedding coordinators guide couples through their planning process. All they have to worry about is obtaining a DJ, florist and photographer, but we have a list of trusted and quality vendors for them should they need help choosing someone,” she added.

The authentically-restored barn and loft, dating back to the early 1700s, can best be described as “upscale rustic elegance” with its antique post and beams, original wide pine flooring, soft lighting, and the twinkling of a museum quality, antique chandelier in the center of the room. The masterpiece of construction, outfitted with all-wooden tables and chairs and antiques from the lost towns of the Quabbin Reservoir, is attached to a colonial home also built in the 1700s complete with wide pine floor boards and two fireplaces. The historic bright yellow farmhouse also serves as home to their awardwinning restaurant with its seasonal menus and traditional American fare, as well as Hexmark Tavern. Both farmhouse and barn overlook

600 acres of land with rolling hills and woodlands dotted with grazing cattle.

But it’s not just about the historic barn exuding with charm or the picturesque New England setting the Salem Cross Inn has to offer, it’s also about the food. And the word is “excellent” from the bride and groom down to their guests.

“One of the first things I ask couples when helping them plan their wedding is, ‘What is the first thing people ask you when they hear you just attended a wedding? They want to know how was the food,’” wedding coordinator Donna Bennett said.

“We have people on social media still raving about the food from a wedding 10 years ago,” Salem added.

For a better tasting and healthier meal, Salem Cross Inn embraces the concept of farm-to-table for freshness as well as a way to support local farmers.

“We have our own gardens where we grow vegetables and herbs, and we try to incorporate as much local produce as possible into our menus. We make sure we are serving up quality all the time. All of our food is made right in our own kitchen, we don’t purchase and serve prepared foods,” Salem said.

It is impossible to list everything from their inspired wedding menu, but a short taste of what they have to offer at Salem Cross Inn includes hors d’oeuvres such as lobster pillows, lollipop lamb chops, stuffed mushroom caps, deviled eggs, scallops wrapped in bacon, warm beef tenderloin bites, mini crab cakes, and “oh so traditional” but yummy pigs in a blanket. And that’s just the half of it. Entrees include fresh roasted native turkey, classic Yankee pot roast, surf and turf, fire-

PHOTO BY GREG MOSS

grilled filet mignon, baked haddock, four different types of chicken, and other tasty choices. But the piece de resistance is their fireplace roasted prime rib of beef.

“At Salem Cross we are known for our prime rib which is roasted in a huge walk-in fieldstone fireplace located in the Chestnut Room of the main house. The prime rib of beef slowly turns over a crackling fire of fruit woods and hardwoods on the only known 1700’s-era authentic roasting jack still in operation today,” Salem said, noting their second fireplace is used for smaller weddings.

The flavor of the beef once cooked is “to die for,” Salem noted. And, something almost unheard of except at buffet weddings, she said diners with hearty appetites can have “seconds” as servers walk through the room with a platter filled with additional slices of prime rib.

Weddings don’t have to start with the reception at Salem Cross Inn, they can begin with the wedding ceremony held right on their picturesque grounds.

“ We have a beautiful gazebo where the couple can get married outdoors with our rolling fields and pasture in the background. It’s also the perfect spot for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before heading indoors for dinner,” Salem said.

If it rains, they also have you covered.

“On a day when the weather is iffy or just turns too cool to be outdoors, we have the option to move the ceremony inside, so there is no need to worry. We always have a back-up plan, Salem said.

To accommodate the bride and bridesmaids, there is a special room on the house’s second floor, where they can gather to get dressed and have their hair and makeup done.

“We can even serve a luncheon and mimosas for them. It’s a really nice way to get ready for the big day and relax before the wedding in an area with as much charm and character as the rest of our property,” Salem said.

“When it comes time for the ceremony to begin, the bride leaves the second floor by coming down a beautiful antique stairway, yet another site among the ample areas for picture taking on the grounds. They then exit through the front doors of the house and walk down a natural aisle to the gazebo where seated guests await the arrival of the star of the day,” she added.

After the ceremony, the couple has the option to take a horse-drawn carriage ride for some alone time before greeting all of their guests, who later could have the option for enjoying their own horse-drawn wagon ride before the day ends.

Working with couples to help make their special day one to remember isn’t “just a job” for Salem and Bennett.

“It’s a pleasure for us. We love to see happy people and it’s a joy to work with them. We foster relationships with our couples who are beginning their lifetime together. We look forward to them returning to celebrate their anniversary, and when we see them the next time a baby may be on the way, who much later may celebrate a special

PHOTO BY GREG MOSS

PHOTO BY GREG MOSS

PHOTO BY JOE DOLAN

birthday or graduation with us. You become a part of their memories and family history. To me that is so rewarding,” Salem said.

“I’ve had couples who actually look for me when they come back to celebrate a special occasion or who are just coming in for an enjoyable dinner. And that’s a nice feeling,” Bennett added.

For many weddding couples today it is all about personalizing their weddings, Salem noted.

“We can accommodate and customize what the wedding couple is looking for ... nothing is cookie cutter about us ... and we don’t offer wedding packages because we want our couples to create the package that they want,” she said.

Numerous awards for their wedding venue — including Best of Weddings Hall of Fame from theknot.com and several Couples’ Choice Awards from weddingwire.com, as well as customer reviews — speak volumes for the Salem Cross Inn’s reputation as a New England favorite for brides and grooms.

Read for yourself some of the reviews posted recently on weddingwire. com:

“We could not have asked for a more perfect wedding at Salem Cross Inn. From the moment we stepped onto the venue, we knew that this is where we were going to get married.”

“If you are looking for a venue that leaves your guests in awe over the historic magical romance this place provides, then the Salem Cross Inn is the venue for you.”

“If you’re looking for a barn style wedding that’s more upscale, this is the place. The space itself is perfect if you love an old school, classic New England look. The outdoor space has an amazing backdrop of pastures for great photos with the wedding party. The food was very good as it always is here.”

“Nancy and Donna were amazing, they guided us from the very beginning until the very end with every detail, it didn’t matter that is was a small wedding. I appreciate everything they did for us. Our guests are still raving about the food and venue.”

Beyond weddings, Salem Cross Inn can also host bridal showers or rehearsal dinners, as well as numerous events from business meetings to all types of celebrations including anniversary, birthday and retirement parties, even a prom. The barn can accommodate about 175 guests, while other rooms in the house are available for smaller gatherings.

Of course, you don’t need a special event to stop by the Salem Cross Inn. Their equally cozy, award-winning restaurant in the main house varies in hours depending on the time of year, but is now open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4-8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

SALEM CROSS INN IS LOCATED ON 260 WEST MAIN ST. (ROUTE 9) IN WEST BROOKFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT SALEMCROSSINN.COM, EMAIL DONNA@SALEMCROSSINN. COM OR NANCY@SALEMCROSSINN.COM, OR CALL 508-867-2345.

PHOTO BY GREG MOSS

PHOTO BY GREG MOSS

PHOTO BY GREG MOSS

PHOTO BY SCOTT ERB GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM

Smith & Son Jewelers

By Keith O’Connor special to weddings

The tradition of getting down on one knee while holding an engagement ring and asking a loved one “Will you marry me?” is not a modern-day phenomenon.

Ancient Egyptian scrolls dating as far back as 3,000 years ago depict a man giving a wedding ring to his wife. The earliest symbols of undying love were made of twigs, hemp or plant stems.

Flash forward to 1477, when it was Archduke Maximillian of Austria who commissioned the first “diamond” engagement ring on record for his betrothed, according to the American Gem Society’s “History of the Diamond as an Engagement Ring.”

Jump even further ahead some 500 years to modern times when in 1947 DeBeers effectively pushed aside the sapphire, the popular

wedding gemstone at the time, in favor of the diamond with the launching of its now classic slogan, “A diamond is forever.”

Brides.com lists the Top 5 engagement ring trends in 2023 as Modern Art-Deco design, colored stones, lab-grown diamonds, East-West settings and multiple large stones. But Tom Cardano at Smith & Son Jewelers in Springfield and Connecticut said choosing an engagement ring shouldn’t be about following trends.

“ We don’t focus on the trends. It’s really about what the customer wants, trendy or not, and that’s what we focus on and help our customers with. The round diamond has always been standard, but there are other shapes to consider such as pear, oval, cushion which is a square diamond with rounded edges and princess which is a true square,” Cardano said.

One tradition that still holds true when buying a diamond is that it is still the “guys

coming in alone trying to make it a surprise for their future bride,” Cardano noted. And oftentimes they need help, that’s why the store’s slogan is “We don’t sell diamonds, we help you buy them.”

The diamond experts at Smith & Son Jewelers will sit down with you and discuss your different options whether a diamond or other gem, and the per fect engagement ring setting from platinum to yellow gold and from white gold to rose gold.

“Many people are looking for white gold, although yellow gold is beginning to make a comeback with the younger generation. Many people feel as though white gold looks like silver, and they want to make the distinction between it being gold or silver, so yellow gold is increasingly becoming more popular,” Cardano said.

They will also help you to understand the 4Cs of diamonds — cut, color, clarity and carat — which have a lot to do with cost when selecting your diamond.

“As far as the 4Cs, there is no C that you typically want to pay less attention to for engagement diamonds. We tend to show the designation SI2 and above for diamond clarity, and a good place to consider for color is in the colorless or near colorless spectrum,” Cardano said.

If you don’t see something in their vast collection of popular designs in the many showcases at Smith & Son Jewelers, Cardano noted they work with customers to create something truly unique to their liking.

“It’s nice to add your own special touch in creating an engagement ring that is truly personal. Nobody wants to sit down in a restaurant and see someone at the next table with a ring similar to theirs,” Cardano said.

He noted one increasing trend at the moment is toward selecting a halo setting.

“A halo ring consists of a center diamond encircled by a halo of smaller diamonds which enhances the ring’s brilliance and makes it look bigger than it actually is. The halo setting is in contrast to the traditional solitaire engagement ring consisting of a single-center diamond with a simple setting,” Cardano said.

Cardano said they can work within anyone’s

budget and have sold diamond rings from an affordable $650 for some customers to $40,000 to those with a nearly unlimited budget.

Yet another trend in the engagement ring market, one that is also a cost saver, is opting for lab-grown, also referred to as manmade diamonds, which cost significantly less, anywhere from 30% to 70%, said the jeweler.

“Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. Both share the same chemical properties and the only difference is one comes from the earth and the other is manmade. They tend to have better color and clarity than a real diamonds due to being produced in a controlled setting. You literally cannot tell the difference between the two without special testing. And because no mining of the environment is required, lab grown diamonds can be a more environmentally-friendly choice,” Cardano said.

“They are a great option for younger people just starting out and are becoming quite popular,” he added.

But diamonds are not every “girl’s best friend” as Marilyn Monroe sang in the 1953 film “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”

“We do see a preference from a small number of customers who choose a colored gemstone instead of a diamond for an engagement ring,” Cardano said, explaining a colored gemstone can save you money.

Popular colored gemstones include blue sapphires (although they come in other colors), second in popularity to a diamond, as well as green emeralds (fourth in popularity after a diamond, sapphire or ruby, but among the poorest in durability), amethysts, tourmalines, garnets, aquamarines, opals, synthetic moissanite, and others that come in all colors and many different hues based on the qualities of the gem.

However, the popular phrase “A diamond is forever” rings true when you consider the durability of a colored gemstone, which is one of the cons when selecting it for an engagement ring or otherwise.

“Diamonds are the hardest gemstones and do not scratch, while other gemstones are softer and do not have the wear and tear a diamond engagement ring undergoes daily, and they are prone to scratching or chipping,”

Cardano said.

“However, those who choose colored gems for their engagement ring can really customize their ring and make it exceptionally special on a personal level. And, having a unique style or personalized gem will help your engagement ring to stand out in a crowd,” the jeweler added.

But diamonds also come in colors.

“They come in all colors — black, champagne, yellow, pink and green to name just a few. They offer the ability to be especially unique and still have the strength to be passed on through generations,” Cardano said.

But it isn’t only about “finding the engagement ring of your dreams” at Smith & Son Jewelers who also sell wedding bands for the bride and goom. They also sell an extensive collection of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more, including a curated selection of luxury watches from a myriad of renowned brands. Their services include jewelry repair, watch repair, engraving, restringing and appraisals for insurance purposes.

For customers who need a little more time to pay, Smith & Son Jewelers also offers a no-interest layaway option for three to six months.

The history of Smith & Son Jewelers dates back to current owner Fred Smith’s maternal grandfather who arrived in the United States from Latvia in the early 1900s and opened a store on Main Street in Springfield. Four generations of Smiths and their wives have since operated the store, now located at the X in Springfield. Cardano began working at the Springfield store in 2009 and apprenticed under Andrew Smith, Fred’s son, who went to Boston for professional training as a jeweler. He began working in the Connecticut store when it opened in 2020.

SMITH & SON JEWELERS IS LOCATED ON 735 SUMNER AVE. IN SPRINGFIELD AND IN ENFIELD ON 284 N. MAPLE ST., #11. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FOR HOURS OF OPERATION, VISIT SMITHANDSONJEWELERS.COM OR CALL 413-736-3262 TO REACH THE SPRINGFIELD STORE OR FOR ENFIELD CALL 860-763-4653.

& DRINK PAIRINGS Specialty Cocktails

By Hope E. Tremblay

special to weddings

Whether you’re having an I Do Barbeque, an elegant Gatsby affair or something in between, having a signature cocktail – or mocktail – at your wedding can make it an event to remember.

Wedding Planner Tanya Costigan said adding a special drink to your wedding can continue a theme, add some personal flair, and make it memorable.

“Signature drinks are a great way to incorporate your wedding colors even further,” she said. “Lots of couples choose unique names for their drinks that add fun and personality. I have even seen couples do a third signature drink named for their pet.”

Costigan added that the drinks don’t need to include alcohol.

“Don’t drink alcohol? Jazz up your mocktails in the same way you would a regular cocktail,” said Costigan. “Add fun garnishes, col-

ors, and names to your mocktails. Cheers!”

Alastair Cowieson, beverage manager for The Federal, Vinted and Posto restaurants, said he agrees that having a signature drink can make a wedding more special and is usually personal to the couple.

“ We see a lot of people who want a signature drink that reminds them of a special time, like a first date or when they got engaged,” Cowieson said. “Sometimes a drink is a family tradition.”

“His and hers” drinks have become popular, said Cowieson, and drinks to match the theme are trending.

“This summer was all about lemons,” Cowieson said. “Couple used lemons for decorations and food, and it was easy to have a specialty cocktail since there are many great lemon drinks.”

While wine at the dinner table is still a staple, Cowieson, who has been in the business for

two decades, said he has seen a shift the past five years from wine to cocktails.

“Weddings are more cocktail-centric, especially among people in their 20s and 30s,” he said. “This generation leans toward cocktails.”

The quality of drinks is also important to this generation.

“Consumers are more aware of a bad product than ever before,” Cowieson said. “This was the same trend with food 20 years ago. People are more educated and are asking for specific, high-quality brands.”

Cowieson said when he started working in the beverage business, flavored vodkas were all the rage. Not so today, he said. Now, using natural ingredients to flavor cocktails is favored, especially in New England where there are fresh ingredients easily found at farms in the region.

“We have our own herb and vegetable gardens here at The Federal that we can use for cocktails,” Cowieson said, adding that he frequents area Asian markets for fresh and unusual ingredients.

Fresh mint and rosemary often find their way into cocktails, as do ginger, fresh acids and more. Cowieson said the region is “a little behind” big city food and drink trends, but it’s catching up.

Cowieson said his wedding drink recommendations include starting with a light, fruity and seasonal specialty cocktail, followed by wine at the table, and finishing with a classic espresso martini.

Cowieson agreed with Costigan that having specialty mocktails make a wedding just as memorable as a cocktails and guests who do not drink alcohol appreciate the consideration.

“Mocktails are a must-have now,” he said. “Here we often start with a homemade simple syrup, such as our strawberry syrup and create a spritz. Posto has a whole menu of mocktails. It’s not just Shirley Temples anymore.”

Whatever your wedding atmosphere, having signature drink options are sure to make it an occasion you and your guests will remember.

Say “I Do” by The Lake

FOOD TRUCKS, BEVERAGE WAGONS AND DESSERTS GALORE - OH MY!

Hope E. Tremblay

special to weddings

While many couples opt for a traditional wedding — complete with a sit-down dinner, band and champagne toast — more and more couples are making their weddings a unique, personal experience.

From backyards to barns, museums and libraries, couples are using non-traditional venues and want the food to accompany the atmosphere.

For these couples, food trucks, beer wagons and s’mores pits may be on the menu. Below is a listing of options for those who want to add something a little different to their special day.

MASSACHUSETTS FOOD

BISTRO BUS

Tacos, barbecue, charcuterie and more Northampton, MA

Bistrobus413.com

413-374-4090

CHICKEN MAN’S CHICKEN SHACK

Chicken and more chicken! Springfield, MA 413-292-1795

CRAVE

Spanish food with a twist 285 High St., Holyoke MA 413-504-9204

FELIX’S BAKED POTATOES

Baked potatoes piled with toppings St. George Road, Springfield, MA 413-657-1048

LA TAQUERIA DEL PUEBLO

Mexican specialties

77 Boylston St., Springfield, MA Moralesmorales23338@icloud.com

LITTLE TRUC

Southeast Asian cuisine made in small batches with fresh ingredients Easthampton, MA • Littletruc.com

MOHAWK SCHAWARMA GRILL

Mediterranean favorites Greenfield, MA 413-834-3594

MURPHY’S MOBILE

Bringing the Irish pub food experience to you 664 Suffield St., Agawam, MA 413-301-7074

NORTH ELM BUTCHER BLOCK

American favorites and unique combinations 37 North Elm St., Westfield, MA 413-562-6759

SMOKIN CABOOSE

Barbecue and more served in hearty portions 1049 North St., Holyoke, MA (413) 207-5364

SUN KIM BOP

Seoul Street Food 413-259-4161

SunKimBop@gmail.com

THAI CHILI FOOD TRUCK

Thai favorites including noodles & rice bowls 65 Maple St, Agawam, MA 413-239-5192

VLAD’S FIRED PIZZA

Wood fired pizza made to order Westfield, MA 413-313-9176

WICKEDLY WILD WAFFLES

Sweet & Savory waffles and acai bowls

Westfield, MA

Wickedlywildwaffles.com

CONNECTICUT FOOD

CHRISTIE CATERS FARM TO TRUCK

Offering nourishing and delicious food

Hartford, CT

203-570-6781 • Christiecaters.com

FIREHOUSE GRILL

Not your average food truck offering overstuffed grinders and specialties Hartford, CT Fdchefs.com

203-321-5052

MARDI PARTI

Bringing favorite southern Cajun cuisine to the north 330 Poquonock Ave., Windsor, CT Mardiparti.com

MEATBALL BOMBS

Specializing in deep fried, stuffed meatballs

Hartford, CT

860-797-4221

PIZZA LUCA

Wood fired pizza with authentic Italian ingredients info@pizzaluca.com

888-282-2206

SMETANA

Responsibly sourced Eastern European fare Hartford, CT

860-416-4515

SPOT ON TACOS

Fresh Mexican cuisine and signature handmade shells Hartford, CT Spotontacos.com

860-209-5225

TAYLOR SPRING FARM

Burgers & Beer featuring their own pastured beef, pork and poultry

558 Buckley Hwy, Union, CT 860-949-2575

MASSACHUSETTS DESSERT

HOT OVEN COOKIES

Fresh, hot and delicious!

Springfield & Westfield, MA 413-889-4099

MOOLICIOUS FARMS SCOOP TRUCK

Bringing homemade ice cream to your event 258 Feeding Hills Road, Southwick, MA Mooliciousfarms.com

SWEETERA & CO

Unique milkshakes, bubble waffles and smoothies

Sweetera413@gmail.com 413-233-8460

CONNECTICUT DESSERT

GRASSROOTS ICE CREAM

Gourmet ice cream made fresh 4 Park Pl, Granby, CT 860-653-6303

INDULGE

Baked mini donuts & iced coffee

Hartford, CT

Indulgebypalazzo.com

860-500-7886

MOON ROCKS GOURMET COOKIES

Award winning cookies, cupcakes and filled brownies

2518 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT Moonrocksgourmetcookies.com

203-404-4964

MOORIAH’S

Ice cream sandwiches are the specialty Across Connecticut

Mooriahssales@gmail.com

NORA CUPCAKE CO.

Specializing in cupcakes and other desserts

700 Main St., Middletown, CT 860-788-3150

MASSACHUSETTS & CONNECTICUT BAR SERVICE

BUMSKI’S BEER & WINE BAR

Mobile beer and wine bar

Hartford, CT www.bumskis.com

COCKTAILS & THE CARRIAGE

Mobile cocktail bar offering beer, wine and cocktails

Hartford, CT

Cocktailsandthecarriage.com

860-550-3429

DECANTED WINE TRUCK

Vintage mobile wine bar that also offers handcrafted cocktails, cheese and charcuterie across Massachusetts & Connecticut

decantedwinetruck.com

978-310-1868

THE MOBILE PUB

Full bar served in a vintage caravan

Hartford, CT

Themobilepub.com

866-552-4669

Katie &Jonah

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS NOVEMBER 11, 2022

Names: Katie Vincelette and Jonah Martins

Ages: 32 and 33

Occupations: Grant manager and pharmacist

Ceremony: Providence Public Library

Reception: Providence Public Library

Theme: Library/literary

Bride’s Dress: Justin Alexander

Bride’s Shoes: Emmy London

Bridesmaid Dresses: Fame and Partners

Groom’s Suit: Men’s Wearhouse

Groom’s Shoes: Men’s Wearhouse

Rings: M.R.T. Jewelers

Flowers: Santilli’s

Cake: Russell Morin

Caterer: Russell Morin

Invitations: Minted

Hair: Sarah Depault Beauty

Makeup: Sarah Depault Beauty

Photographer: Simone Plus Photography

Music: CE Productions

Memorable Moment: “Too many to count,but we loved taking a moment to look out at the dance floor to see all our friends and family having so much fun.”

Best wedding advice: “Don’t sweat the small things — no one will remember the details but they’ll remember what a great time they had celebrating with friends and family.”

Honeymoon: Hawaii

ALL PHOTOS FEATURED FROM THE KATIE & JONAH WEDDING BY SIMONE PLUS PHOTOGRAPHY

Montana & Tyler

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

OCTOBER 1, 2022

ALL PHOTOS FEATURED FROM THE MONTANA & TYLER WEDDING

BY SIMONE PLUS PHOTOGRAPHY

Names: Montana Robitaille & Tyler Hill

Ages: 28 & 30

Occupations: Compensation Analyst & Electrician

Ceremony: Private Family Estate in Kingston, MA

Reception: Private Family Estate in Kingston, MA

Theme: Rustic Elegance

Bride’s Dress: Justin Alexander

Bride’s Shoes: Sam Edelman

Engagement Ring: Jarred’s

Wedding Bands: Long’s & Manly Bands

Flowers: Steven’s The Florist

Caterer: Juliana’s Catering

Invitations: Zazzle

Hair: Bella Rose Beauty

Makeup: Bella Rose Beauty

Photographer: Simone Plus Photography

Music: DJ Sean Carney

First Dance Song: Prayed for You by Matt Stell

Montana’s Memorable Moment: Being upstairs in the house getting hair and makeup done with the girls, while all the guys were downstairs eating breakfast. I could hear Ty’s laugh coming from downstairs and I was immediately flooded with butterflies and excitement to see him.

Ty’s Memorable Moment: When we said our “I Do’s” and Montana said “I do.. I sure do!” The look on her face when she said it made me happier than ever. It was the cutest thing she’s ever done.

Best wedding advice: “a wet knot is a tight knot” advice we received due to the rain.

Honeymoon: Hilton Head Island, SC

AshleyMatthew &

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

SEPTEMBER 10, 2022

Names: Ashley & Matthew Baselice

Ages: 29

Occupations: Ashley: Membership

Representative at Anthem BCBS, Matthew: Mail Handler at USPS

Ceremony: The Woodwinds

Reception: The Woodwinds

Bride’s Dress: The Wedding Embassy

Bride’s Shoes: Nine West

Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie

Engagement Ring: Ring Concierge

Wedding Bands: Michael Jewelers

Flowers: The Green Petal

Cake: JCakes

Caterer: The Woodwinds

Invitations: Truly Engaging by MagnetStreet

Hair: Sanj.Studio (Sandra)

Makeup: BeautyMarked Studio (Angelina)

Photographer: Simone Plus Photography

Music: Local Motion Entertainment (Kevin Marshall)

First Dance Song: Good As You by Kane Brown

Memorable Moment: Our first look

Best wedding advice: Take a few minutes during the reception to just look around and take it all in. The day truly flies by.

Honeymoon: Cliff House Maine

ALL PHOTOS FEATURED FROM THE ASHLEY & MATTHEW WEDDING BY SIMONE PLUS PHOTOGRAPHY

Elina & Cris

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

APRIL 29, 2023

BY JAIMIE MACARI PHOTOGRAPHY

Names: Elina and Cristopher Robles-Gil

Ages: 28 and 30

Occupations: Associate Director, Analyst and Systems Engineer

Ceremony: OLP Chapel at Aldrich Mansion

Reception: Aldrich Mansion in Warwick, RI

Theme: Light, bright, airy with soft pinks

Bride’s Dress: Luv Bridal

Bride’s Shoes: Boutique

Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie

Groom’s Suit: Boutique

Rings: Blue Diamond Jeweler

Flowers: Floral Illusion

Cake: Aldrich Mansion

Caterer: Aldrich Mansion

Invitations: Zola

Hair: Lockstar Beauty – Cassie Costa

Makeup: Cree Victoria Krohelski

Photographer: Jaimie Macari Photography

Music: Unique Sounds

Wedding Planner: Day of coordinator

Ashley Lynn

First Dance Song: So This is Love by Ilene

Woods & Mike Douglas

Memorable Moment: The last song on the dance floor where everyone circled around us and we just danced/sang our hearts out. You could feel the love and support from everyone as we wrapped up the night.

Best wedding advice: Spend 10 minutes alone with your partner after the ceremony. It’s very easy to get swept away with all the guests so it allows you and your partner quality time before going into reception

Honeymoon: Hilton Head, South Carolina

ALL PHOTOS FEATURED FROM THE ELINA AND CRISTOPHER WEDDING

Alexis & Chris

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

OCTOBER 2, 2021

Names: Alexis and Chris Manuel

Ages: 26 and 25

Occupations: Nanny and Accountant

Ceremony: Linden Place Mansion

Reception: Linden Place Mansion

Theme: Warm tone fall

Bride’s Dress: Alexandra’s Bridal Boutique

Bride’s Shoes: Badgley mischka

Bridesmaid Dresses: Alexandra’s Bridal

Boutique

Groom’s Suit/Shoes: Men’s Warehouse

Rings: Harts Jeweler’s Weymouth

Flowers: Sweet Talk Floral

Cake: Scrumptions

Caterer: Elmemery

Hair: Hair by Jessica Mckenna

Makeup: Makeup by Nikki Roth

Photographer: Simone Plus Photography

Music: DJ Lus

First Dance Song: Perfect by Ed Sheeran

Memorable Moment: The most memorable moment for us on our wedding day was seeing our two families come together and dance the night away on the dance floor. Alexis comes from a Spanish background, so it was beautiful to see our two families dancing to all the different Spanish and English music we played on our wedding day. It was truly a magical day.

Best wedding advice: Make sure to take a moment during your wedding day to take it all in with your significant other. Look around, take in the moment, and appreciate all the work and love you put into your special day. The day goes by fast so cherish every second.

Honeymoon: Aruba

ALL PHOTOS FEATURED FROM THE ALEXIS AND CHRIS WEDDING BY SIMONE PLUS PHOTOGRAPHY