Bridal Edition 2019

Bridal Edition 2019

A READERSHIP SERVICE OF

2 • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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Engagement Announcement Return the information on this form and a color photo of the couple to 121 W. Summer St., Greeneville, or email to lifestyles@greenevillesun.com to have a free engagement announcement published. Deadline is 2 weeks prior to ceremony. For more information call 359-3156.

Bride-Elect’s Full Name, City/State__________________________________________________________________ Groom-Elect’s Full Name, City/State_________________________________________________________________ Ceremony Date___________________________________Time____________________Place__________________ Bride-Elect’s Parents, City/State_____________________________________________________________________ Bride-Elect’s Grandparents, City/State________________________________________________________________

Groom-Elect’s Parents, City/State____________________________________________________________________ Groom-Elect’s Grandparents, City/State_______________________________________________________________

Bride-Elect’s Education/Occupation/Clubs_____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Groom-Elect’s Education/Occupation/Clubs___________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature____________________________________________Phone Number______________________________

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • 3

WELCOME T

TO THE GREENEVILLE SUN’S 2019 BRIDAL EDITION

his guide contains useful information about local vendors, wedding trends and more for prospective wedding parties.

As you browse, you’ll find tips from vendors and experts about how to make your special day the perfect, stress-free wedding you’ve been dreaming about.

Sprinkled throughout these pages, you’ll find inspiring photos of local couples married in 2018.

We’re thankful that they answered our request to share their favorite wedding photographs with our readers throughout the community and on GreenevilleSun.com.

There’s also information about working with The Greeneville Sun to announce your engage-

Bridal Edition 2019

A READERSHIP SERVICE OF

SARAH R. GREGORY

ment and wedding. These announcements are a free service we are happy to provide to make it easier on you to share your special news with your family, friends and neighbors.

On page 2, you will find a copy of our Engagement Announcement form to get you started. Additional copies are available at our

offices, at 121 W. Summer St., along with copies of the Wedding Announcement form for after the big day. You can also pick up extra copies of this helpful guide if you need them or know someone who does.

Engagement and wedding announcements can also be submitted by visiting the “Lifestyles” section of GreenevilleSun.com.

It has been a treat working with the happy couples who grace the pages of this very special annual edition.

I look forward to working with you to share your exciting news, too! Feel free to call or write to me at any time with any questions you may have.

All the best, Sarah R. Gregory Lifestyles Editor 359-3156

About The 2019 Bridal Edition Cover James Matthew Johnson and Leah Grace Thwing, of Greeneville, were married April 21, 2018, at Still Hollow Century Farm in Greene County. Photo Special to The Greeneville Sun.

How To Submit Engagement, Wedding Announcements All engagement and wedding announcements in the Lifestyles section of The Greeneville Sun are published free of charge.

Paper copies of fill-in-the-blank forms are available for both types of announcements at the Sun’s offices, 121 W. Summer St. in downtown Greeneville.

Engagement and wedding announcement forms are also available on GreenevilleSun.com, under the “Lifestyles” menu heading.

To ensure that a photo will appear with an engagement announcement, it is requested that all necessary information be submitted two weeks prior to the wedding. Abbreviated announcements will be published for engagements with weddings occurring in less than one week.

Photographs must be of the couple only.

To ensure that a photo will appear with a wedding announcement, all necessary information must be submitted within one month following the legal wedding date. This deadline is strictly enforced.

However, alternate arrangements due to delays in professional photo availability can be made by contacting Lifestyles Editor Sarah R. Gregory at 359-3156 or lifestyles@greenevillesun.com prior to the one-month deadline.

Every effort to ensure accuracy will be made, but the Sun is not responsible for errors made due to illegible handwriting.

For more information, call 359-3156 during office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, email lifestyles@greenevillesun.com or write to Lifestyles, The Greeneville Sun, 121 W. Summer St., Greeneville, TN 37743.

Advertising Index Always the Bridesmaids Artistic Printers Eastman Credit Union Hite Construction Hix BBQ and Catering Homeplace at Johnston Farms Legacy Fine Jewelers Link Hills Country Club Roberts Furniture • Bedding • Gifts State Farm/Lisa Crum, Agent Towne Square Package Store Well Stocked Bar

20 14 7 18 18 5 13 17 24 8 19 6

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4 • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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2018 Brides and Grooms

PHOTO BY WILHOIT PHOTOGRAPHY

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Chelsea Lawless and Cody Dylan Greene were married in a 5:30 p.m. ceremony June 23, 2018, at Still Hollow Century Farm. They were photographed after the ceremony at the Chapel By The Creek in the meadow at Still Hollow Farm.

Ashley Brooke Waddle and Jordan Alexander Tipton, of Nashville, were married June 2, 2018, at Asbury United Methodist Church in Greeneville. Their reception was held on the golf course at Link Hills Country Club.

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

The April 21, 2018, wedding ceremony for Hannah Marie Solomon and Michael Lee Reed took place at Myers Farm in Bulls Gap. The couple selected the farm, owned by Vera Ann and Eldon Myers, to be a scenic setting for their outdoor ceremony.

Amanda Diane Hurley and Bronson Kurt Buech were married in a 5 p.m. ceremony Nov. 3, 2018, at The Homeplace at Johnston Farm. For the outdoor ceremony, a wooden arch was draped with sheer fabric and adorned with fall flowers, and mountain vistas provided a scenic backdrop.

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • 5

Event Venue • Wedding Destination

When your heart finds its home, come celebrate with all your family and friends at ours.

The key to your forever awaits.

260 Joe Johnston Lane(4 miles from Co-Op on the Newport Hwy.)

423-823-0414

www.johnstonhomeplace.com

6 • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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PHOTO BY KATRINA SERENE

A mountain vista serves as the backdrop for Matthew Aaron Collins and Kaitlin Brooke Brown’s wedding at The Homeplace at Johnston Farms. The Greeneville couple’s wedding ceremony was Sept. 15, 2018.

Mr. and Mrs. Hayden Johnston share a smile while dancing during their wedding reception as proud parents Mr. and Mrs. Brad Johnston look on in the background. Brittani Renner and Hayden Johnston, of Greeneville, were married June 15, 2018, at The Homeplace at Johnston Farm.

Weddings • Private Parties • Events Birthdays • Anniversaries SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Shelby Bullitt and David Lewis, of Gulfport, Florida, were married Dec. 8, 2018, at The Homeplace at Johnston Farm.

After the ceremony in Greene County, the couple planned a honeymoon at Walt Disney World.

THE WELL STOCKED BAR

Professional Bartending Service 423.552.3745 Fully Insured

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • 7

8 • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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Hite Has The Experience To Guide Newlywed Homebuilders

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ouples planning not only to wed but to embark on building a new home soon afterward need to make certain preparations and evaluations early on, authorities on marriage advise.

As many long-time couples can attest, undergoing the renovation of all or part of an existing home, or even upgrading a simple bathroom or kitchen, can be a source of great domestic stress and disagreement.

How much greater, then, is the potential for conflict over so major a project as building a new home?

New couples so fortunately situated as to easily handle the financial aspects of

Y

homebuilding may yet find themselves struggling with other aspects of the process.

Think of all the looming decisions: Big house? Little house? Something in the middle?

And what do “big” and “little” even mean translated into real-life, individualized terms? A wife who was raised in a cramped two-bedroom apartment might see a standard three-bedroom home as spacious and large, especially as a starter home.

Her husband, on the other hand, might have spent his childhood in a sprawling country farmhouse with a full basement and huge attic, standing on large acreage,

and thus have an entirely different vision of what is a big and what is a little home.

Likewise, couples must make a seemingly endless string of other unavoidable decisions. Do they want a small-town setting, a country location, a suburban home, or something much more busy and urban?

What about home style? Bungalow?

Ranch? Executive? Modernistic? Retro?

Brick? Wood siding?

Every decision counts (and shifts costs up or down), and for those who are going from individual decision-making to making choices together, things can get tricky fast.

That’s why it is best, experts advise, to

involve input from a third party in your home-building decisions. That third party: an experienced builder who can foresee consequences young starter couples are not yet equipped to know.

In Greeneville, the experienced personnel of Hite Construction Company are excellent advisors with years of background and easy accessibility to any Greene County resident. Further, the Hite name has earned an honored place in the construction world of Northeast Tennessee.

If it involves building a home, Hite has the knowledge and background to help guide you to the answers that will work for you and your spouse.

Greeneville’s Hix BBQ Can Do It All And Do It Well

our wedding day is YOUR day … a time for you and the love of your life to enjoy the spotlight.

But your wedding guests will remember aspects of your special day of celebration beyond the beauty of your ceremony, the colors of the bridesmaid dresses and flowers and the quality of the music.

They’re also going to remember the reception and, particularly, the food that goes with it … especially if your wedding follows the trend of receptions being full-out wedding feasts.

If you think about it, the reception is your way of celebrating the people who have come out to celebrate you. So you want to treat them right and feed them right.

Choosing the right

caterer for your rehearsal dinner and reception matters. And most fundamentally, a good caterer must have proven culinary skill, the ability to serve up food that pleases and satisfies in taste and presentation.

Brian and Angela Hixon of Hix BBQ Country Cooking & Catering know how to create and present good food. They prove it daily, with popular breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings at their restaurant at 1245 E Andrew Johnson Hwy. in Greeneville. New diners are discovering Hix all the time, and quickly joining the ranks of the return customers who form the core of their business. A drive past the restaurant almost any day of the week shows you a parking lot full of cars.

There are people in Greeneville and Greene

County whose day is not complete without a stop at Hix. The same food service skills that bring customers back to Hix BBQ day after day can also make your wedding reception or dinner everything you want it to be. Likewise for that pre-wedding rehearsal dinner.

Brian and Angela can serve up delicious fare of many types, presented beautifully and priced for your budget.

Hix food is classic Northeast Tennessee fare, the kind that satisfies and pleases visually, aromatically, and most of all, in taste. And the Hixons are versatile and will work with you to make sure your wedding day menu is just what you want it to be.

Give Brian or Angela a

call at 525-5332, or just

drop by the restaurant to

get the process started.

IIIdo. do.

I do. do. do.

II do.

Lisa Crum, Agent Lisa Crum, Agent 2195 E AndrewJohnson Johnson Highway 2195 E Andrew Highway Greeneville, TN 37745 Greeneville, TN 37745 Bus: 423-639-5150

www.lisacrumagency.com 423-639-5150

lisacrumagency.com

Your new life together starts now.

Protect each other from this day forward. Get the life insurance that’s right for you.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • 9

More Weddings In 2018

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Amy Suzanne Wagner and Ray William Gardner, of Newnan, Georgia, were all smiles as guests showered them with flower petals while exiting their Sept. 22, 2018, wedding ceremony at Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Greeneville.

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Tiffany Dawn Crum and John Philip Gary Pierce, of Greeneville, share a moment in front of Towering Oaks Baptist Church after their Dec. 14, 2018, wedding ceremony. The couple planned a honeymoon in Alaska.

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Chloe Ford and Mitchell Powers, of Greeneville, were married Sept. 22, 2018, in an outdoor ceremony at Still Hollow Farm. To celebrate, they honeymooned with a cruise to the Western Caribbean.

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Kayla Deneé Holm and John Stephen Powers III, of Knoxville, share a quiet moment together in front of the arbor at Still Hollow Century Farm. Their wedding ceremony was June 30, 2018.

10 • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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Don’t Let Weather Defeat Your Summer Wedding

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ou’re planning a summer wedding, and you’re worried. Despite the old saw about rain on your wedding day being good luck, you’d rather have a clear day and just take your chances.

Weather can be fickle, though, so couples who build contingency plans into their wedding festivities are much more likely to overcome inclement weather

than couples without such plans.

Have solutions for sun and heat. Couples don’t want their wedding guests or bridal party members passing out due to heat exhaustion. Make sure to offer shade if the ceremony or reception is outside. Stock the area with cold bottles of water or a chilled lemonade stand. Have fans and umbrellas available just in case guests need a way to pro-

tect themselves from the sun.

Accommodate for sudden downpours by hosting early luncheon receptions or ensure there is a plan B that includes a covered area. Couples can stash spare shoes or even rain slickers in a car to keep their wedding attire protected against rain as they dash between venues or take photos.

Keep a generator on standby.

Storms may knock out power.

Some reception halls or banquet facilities may have their own backup power, but be sure to address how power outages are handled. If need be, bring in a portable generator to keep the reception room cooled by fans.

Plan for wind. Tie down tents and use weights to keep wedding programs or other papers from catching a current.

The bride and her wedding party should opt for free-flowing tresses so they needn’t worry about intricate updos coming undone.

Maintain a sense of humor. It’s impossible to predict wedding day weather, but staying calm, going with the flow and laughing at things they can’t control can help couples make memories that last a lifetime.

Do You Speak Wedding?

Check Your Nuptial Fluency

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ouples about to embark on their wedding journeys will likely learn a thing or two about party planning once their engagements are over and they are newly married. Wedding planning can seem overwhelming and a tad confusing at times, but a crash course in wedding terminology can help couples make more informed choices along the way. · Blusher: A short, single-layer veil that covers the bride’s face before the ceremony. · Boutonnière: A single flower bud worn by the men in the bridal party. · Canapés: Bite-sized appetizers served during the cocktail hour of a reception. · Civil ceremony: A marriage ceremony conducted by a council official or justice of the peace at a municipal location rather than in a house of worship. · Cocktail hour: Typically an hour-long interlude between the

wedding ceremony and the main dinner of the reception. Guests have time to arrive and mingle before being seated.

• Corkage fee: A fee some establishments charge to allow guests to bring their own wine.

• Dais: A podium or platform raised from the floor where the bride and groom are seated.

• Deposit: A percentage of the total cost of service given to a vendor to secure a date for their services.

• Dragées: Round, small edible balls of sugar that appear on wedding cakes. · Escort (seating) cards: Printed cards that direct reception guests to their seats.

• Fondant: A sweet, plyable product used to decoratively cover layered cakes. It can be used in lieu of straight buttercream.

• Handle wrap: Ribbon or fabric that wraps around the stems of a bouquet the bride and wedding party carries.

• Maid/matron of honor: The title given to the woman who assists the bride and stands closest to her at the altar. “Maids” are those who are unmarried, while “matrons” are women who are.

• Master of ceremonies: An individual who will work with the DJ or band to announce the various components of the wedding reception.

• Nosegay: A small bouquet or flower arrangement typically given to the mothers of the bride and groom before the ceremony.

• Processional/Recessional: Musical pieces that mark the entrance and exit from the wedding ceremony.

• Receiving line: A line of the key people in the wedding who welcome and greet guests.

• Stationery: All of the paper products used at the wedding, including invitations, programs and enclosures.

• Tablescape: A word that describes the multiple components of centerpiece designs.

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Madison Shipley and Justin Powers, of Johnson City, enjoy a special moment together after their Dec. 15, 2018, wedding ceremony. They were married at First Baptist Church on North Main Street in Greeneville.

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • 11

PHOTO VIA AP BY THE JACKSONVILLE DAILY NEWS

Brad Padgett, owner of Bradley’s Jewelers, shows off one of his favorite engagement rings in Jacksonville, North Carolina. It’s not exactly romantic, but engagement ring insurance is a relatively inexpensive way to make sure you can repair or replace your ring in case of theft, damage or mysterious disappearance.

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Getting Engaged?

Tell An Insurance Agent About The Ring

BY BETH BUCZYNSKI NERDWALLET

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f you recently got engaged, the first person you might want to tell about your beautiful ring is an insurance agent.

Engagement ring insurance isn’t exactly romantic, but it’s a relatively inexpensive way to make sure you can repair or replace your ring if something happens to it.

TWO WAYS TO INSURE YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING Buy extra “scheduled” coverage — often called a rider, floater or endorsement — through your homeowners or renters insurance company. Standard homeowners insurance and renters insurance includes some coverage for jewelry, but theft coverage is often limited to $1,500.

Buy a stand-alone policy from a company that specializes in jewelry insurance. You’ll generally get reimbursed for the full value if your ring is stolen, lost or damaged.

Your insurer might require an appraisal to finalize your policy. The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers website has a list of appraisers in each state.

Don’t assume a jewelry warranty will cover you. Those apply only to defects.

COST OF A JEWELRY RIDER The cost of a jewelry rider depends on

how much coverage you need. A standalone engagement ring insurance policy typically costs $1 or $2 for every $100 in value. A study by The Knot, a wedding planning website, found the average cost of an engagement ring in 2016 was $6,163.

That puts the annual premium for insurance at around $60 to $120.

You could earn a discount on your policy by: • Having a monitored home-security system.

• Storing your ring in a safe at home or in a bank.

• Using a gem identification registry such as Gemprint.

Amy Suzanne Wagner and Ray William Gardner celebrate in front of the Capitol Theatre marquee after their Sept. 22, 2018, wedding ceremony at Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Greeneville.

WHAT THE POLICY SHOULD COVER Make sure your policy covers the following common ring claims: • Theft. This would pay out if your ring were stolen — during a home burglary, for example.

• Mysterious disappearance. This would pay out if you lost the ring.

• Damage. This would pay out if your ring were damaged or destroyed, for example in a house fire.

If you buy engagement ring insurance before you pop the question, your soonto-be fiancee must be named and covered by the policy, especially if you don’t already live together. Otherwise the policy could be voided as soon as you give the ring away.

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Leah Grace Thwing and James Matthew Johnson are surrounded by their wedding party at their April 21, 2018, ceremony at Still Hollow Century Farm. From left are Hannah Dyer, Alex Carver, Maid of Honor Gabrielle Billiot, groom Matt Johnson, bride Leah Thwing, Best Man Jason Sparks, Madison O’Neal, Jake Thwing, Leigh Ann Blalock and Katie Ann Moon.

12 • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

More Weddings In 2018

www.greenevillesun.com

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Allison Nicole GeFellers and Dustin Lee Cobble, of Johnson City, were married July 7, 2018, at Hidden Meadows in Afton. Colorful wildflowers helped accent the summer wedding’s scene.

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Mallory Estep and Daniel Chang, of Kingsport, were married Sept. 29, 2018, at The Homeplace at Johnston Farm. They spent their honeymoon on a cruise to St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, Amber Cove and Grand Turks.

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Dana Marie Collins and Benjamin Ray Seaton were married Oct. 20, 2018, at Seaton Farm.

The wedding was a potluck, barn-style event with a bluegrass band. He is a local dairy farmer, and she is a mail carrier. The couple enjoyed a honeymoon in the Smoky Mountains.

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Emily Renae Couch and Christopher David GeFellers, of Limestone, were married June 9, 2018, at Hidden Meadows in Afton. A wooden swing amid lush greenery provided a picturesque spot for the newlyweds to be photographed.

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • 13

Legacy Fine Jewelers Can Maintain Your Bridal Jewelry

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fter the Big Day is past and life starts to settle down, many times the new, sparkling engagement ring and wedding band become neglected. When that happens, gold or platinum becomes dull, gemstones become dirty and lose their sparkle, and prongs can become worn to the point where diamonds become loose or lost completely. Regular checkup and maintenance can correct or prevent a host of potential problems and keep your beautiful rings looking like new.

Rick Barnes, co-owner with his wife, Faye, of Legacy Fine Jewelers in Greeneville, says that the team at Legacy will inspect your rings and clean them for free.

“We inspect the prongs and gemstones to make sure that they are all secure, and many times we can polish and clean your rings while you wait,” he says. If any work needs to be done, they can advise the customer on the extent of repairs needed and the price. “Since all work is done in-store, we can service most items quickly at a reasonable price,” Barnes adds.

Barnes says that common repairs include stone tightening and prong retipping. “It’s always better and cheaper to catch a loose diamond and fix the problem before it is lost.

This is especially important with the styles today that use numerous tiny diamonds. With so many diamonds in a ring, it is rare when we DON’T find loose or missing diamonds.”

White gold rings may also need to be refinished with a process known as “rhodium plating.” Since pure gold is yellow, the gold is mixed with other elements to change the characteristics of the gold.

These other elements, known as alloys, make the soft gold more durable for daily wear, and can change the color.

When nickel is added to gold, it gives the gold a white appearance. However, the gold usually will retain a yellowish tint, so rhodium, a pure white metal from the platinum family, is used to plate over the gold mounting, giving the ring a pure white look. Unfortunately, being a plating, the rhodium will wear off over time, and must be replaced to restore the pure white look of the jewelry. Rhodium plating can last a few months to a few years, depending on the wear of the jewelry or its exposure to chemicals like makeup or medications.

Many times jewelry will need to be serviced for reasons other than repair, says Barnes. “I usually suggest soldering the engagement ring and wedding band together,” he says. “That way, the rings always stay aligned, and won’t wear against each other.” After a few years, rings may also need to be re-sized, which Legacy is also able to do, as long as the rings are gold or platinum.

With regular inspection and professional maintenance, your beautiful new rings can look as fresh and new as the day you said, “I Do.”

Fairgrounds Plaza (Next to Publix) 2315 East Andrew Johnson Hwy. Greeneville, Tennessee 37745 423-638-8157 legacyÀnejewelers.com

14 • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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Artistic Printers:

Quality Invitations From Your Hometown Source

BY LISA WEBB ARTISTIC PRINTERS

T

he formal request for people to attend your wedding is the wedding invitation. In today’s world, there is an infinite selection of wedding invitations available, as well as wedding programs, napkins, party favors, stationery and other paper products.

Many brides struggle with creating the perfect theme for their weddings. In my experience, brides begin with a theme in mind, but sometimes that changes once they come in and actually see samples they love.

My advice is to keep an open mind about invitations, especially if you do not have a theme or color scheme in mind. If you do have something in mind, stick with the color or design scheme, and that will help eliminate choices before you even consider them.

will perfectly set the stage for an elaborate wedding — we’ve got it.

On the other hand, traditional brides may love classic invitations, featuring a white or ivory cardstock and matching envelope with black, brown or what-ever-color-fits-your-scheme lettering that appears simple and elegant. We’ve got that too.

where you can take your time and look through our Carlson Craft books as well as all of our in-house designs.

Our goal is to provide you with your customized wedding printing packages in the most cost-effective way. We will be here for you every step of the way to your special day.

COST EFFECTIVE

OTHER SERVICES WE PROVIDE

Invitations can get pricey. It’s also difficult to weigh a fair price against the level of quality and detail required.

I recommend that brides come into our shop at Artistic Printers, and compare our prices and quality to those of other vendors online, as well as local wedding marketplaces to ensure they’re receiving the best deals.

We also provide a free sample of our in-house products before you make your purchase. This allows brides to physically see the quality of the invitation before placing a large order. Remember that actually viewing a product can make all the FREEDOM OF CREATIVITY difference.

This is where Artistic Printers comes in.

Ease your invitation stress by performing We are your one-stop shop for your weda little research before contacting vendors. ding printing needs.

Have definite dates, times and locations.

We can help you from the beginning Know roughly what you want, but keep (save-the-date cards) to the end (thank-you an open mind in order to get the best cards) and everything else in between. results.

From trendy to traditional, we can cusHave fun with the process, and you’ll be tomize your wedding invitations to meet able to create something that you’ll want in your needs. Each wedding package can be your scrapbook. modified to meet your requirements. Perhaps you need an odd quantity. We can do that as well. Artistic Printers is a Carlson CUSTOMER SERVICE Craft distributor.

Our service here at Artistic Printers sets So, if you are looking for a metallic pock- us apart from the others. We have flexible et fold with a satin ribbon and rhinestone hours and will be available for you at your buckle and a satin-lined envelope that convenience. We have a comfortable lobby

Subscribe Today! 423-359-3185 The Greenevil e Sun

Many brides like to have the personal touch of hand-addressing envelopes. If you would like for us to address them for you, we do provide an addressing service and can match the fonts to your invitations. We can also do indoor and outdoor banners, large prints of engagement or wedding

photographs to display at your reception and customized wedding-party favors.

WEDDING INVITATION ETIQUETTE The rule of thumb is to mail out your invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding.

Make your RSVP date two to three weeks before your wedding date. This will allow enough time for you to get a final head count to the caterer.

Thank-you notes should be treated with a sense of urgency. Send them within two weeks of receiving the gift to express your true appreciation.

For questions, visit us at 2475 Snapps Ferry Road or call 639-4316.

Engaging Invitations Set the tone for your wedding with designer announcements and invitations. Choose from hundreds of beautiful designs in every imaginable style!

“WE DO” Custom Favors plus place cards, programs, menus, magnets and more for your wedding.

2475 Snapps Ferry Road Greeneville, TN 37745 www.artisticprinters.net

423-639-4316

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • 15

Brides Finding Non-Traditional Ways To Celebrate Grandparents

BY LISA A. FLAM ASSOCIATED PRESS

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ancy Rutchik and Flossie Pack are flower girls extraordinaire.

Not only did the outgoing and energetic 80-somethings draw cheers as the surprise flower girls at their granddaughter Lucy Schanzer’s wedding, but they reprised the role to further acclaim at the wedding of Schanzer’s younger sister the following year.

Being close with her grandmothers, Schanzer, 31, wanted to involve them in her wedding ceremony in a way that was prominent and unique. “Grongong” Nancy and Grammy Flossie embraced their chance to be flower girls, which was kept secret until the two, wearing pearls and big smiles, began scattering petals from antique silver baskets to the “I Love Lucy” theme song. They walked down the aisle before an adoring crowd just before Schanzer married Kyle Schanzer in a redwood forest in Carmel, California.

“When they saw us, they started laughing,” said Rutchik, 87, of Dallas. “Then they had whistle calls and they called our names and ‘Go girl!’ We broke up the wedding. It was really a fun thing.”

Many modern couples are tinkering with tradition as they personalize their weddings, and that includes placing grandparents in more visible positions like

PHOTO VIA AP BY TOM O’NEAL

Flossie “Grammy” Pack, left center, and Nancy “Grongong” Rutchik, right center, walk down the aisle as flower girls for the wedding of their granddaughter, Lucy Schanzer in Carmel, California.

flower girl or ring bearer, best man or bridesmaid. It’s a loving way to celebrate grandparents who were involved and influential in their upbringing.

“It honors the legacy of a family and the extension of a family and how the family is growing, because that’s fundamentally what marriage is about,” said San Francisco wedding and event planner Alicia Falango, who estimates that about 30 percent of her couples include grandparents in a unique way. “It’s

not the norm per se, but it’s gaining popularity,” she added.

These unexpected, high-profile roles are a departure from what many brides and grooms have done for years: quietly recognizing grandparents with a corsage or boutonniere, and having them walk down the aisle ahead of the bridal party to take frontrow seats.

Recent wedding seasons have seen an Indiana groom who tapped his 90-year-old grandfather as best man, a

Minnesota bride who chose her 92-year-old grandmother as her flower girl, and a Pennsylvania wedding featuring two grandmothers in matching gowns as flower girls.

“It resonates with a lot of people,” Falango said.

“When you are an adult, it’s a blessing to have a living grandparent. It’s so emotional for people. They go inward and say, ‘Wow, I wish my grandma or grandpa were still here.’”

Beyond including a grandparent in the bridal

party, couples can ask one to officiate, like Nadine Gorand did with her grandfather Raymond Oddi.

Gorand and her fiance, Pat, wanted an officiant they loved and respected for their Sept. 16 wedding at the Art Institute of Chicago.

They immediately thought of Oddi, then 89.

“His work ethic and his family values are definitely things we both look up to and admire,” said Gorand, 28. She added that her Gramps made the ceremony feel “really intimate

and personal and just very loving and genuine.”

At the reception, couples can also mention their parents’ parents in speeches, display their old wedding photos or honor them on the dance floor.

At the wedding of Ashley and Matthew Beine in West Bend, Wisconsin, the couple’s seven grandparents proudly walked down the aisle before the wedding party, and later, the DJ played a snippet of a slow song from decades ago to honor their weddings.

“We know how rare it is to have that many grandparents alive for a big life event like this,” said the bride, 23.

“They have set a really great example for my husband and me on life after 40 years of marriage. They’re all very honest about the fact that there are some days you want to kill each other and other days you love each other and it’s just worth it.”

Schanzer’s grandmother Grongong Rutchik allows that grandparents are sometimes overlooked at weddings, and having such a special place in her granddaughters’ celebrations made her feel loved.

“It made me feel awful special, and I loved being part of such a happy occasion,” she said.

Schanzer loved it too.

“I feel like it made the ceremony,” she said. “Even though I didn’t see it, I feel like that’s the wedding detail that I remember the most.”

16 • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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New Yet Classic, Nearby But Private …

The Homeplace At Johnston Farm

t’s a stunning wedding venue that is classic and modern all at the same time. It’s rustic and offers a breathtaking mountain view, yet is only minutes away from the heart of Greeneville. It is silent but for the breeze sweeping over the landscape.

It’s a wow-inspiring place, built on love of family, place, heritage and faith. Hand-written scripture verses are within the very structure of the building, and a cross emblem is a part of the floor near one doorway.

Drive onto the peaceful site on Joe Johnston Lane and it feels like you’ve returned to your homeplace.

And that’s just what the family who established it calls it: The Homeplace at Johnston Farm.

The theme of family dominates everywhere at the Homeplace, and it has been that way from the start.

The Homeplace website explains: “The history of our family farm goes back well over 100 years. 100-plus years of making memories, making families, and making a lifetime in these mountains we call home.

“Maggie Ozelle Guinn Johnston grew up on this beautiful farm, and knew that one day she would meet and marry a man to enjoy it with her.

Joe Johnston later came into the picture, and the rest is a glorious history we built our family and farm on.

132 rolling acres of farmland, then and now, tended and loved, cared for by generations of Johnstons and extended family. Brad and Ginia met and married in 1989, (and) moved into the original farmhouse ... ” The couple called that original

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Outdoor weddings at the Homeplace are staged in an area with a beautiful scenic view ... a “church without walls,” in Homeplace terminology.

farmhouse “the homeplace,” and it was that name that was formalized and broadened into The Homeplace at Johnston Farm to take in not just the original home but also the stunning wedding and event venue building, the Barn, at the pinnacle of it all.

That the building is called the Barn should not generate expectations of cattle stalls and feed bins. The Barn is a beautiful, weather-tight, comfortable-as-home venue, climate controlled in every room, still new and perfect for special events of all sorts, most of all for weddings, indoors or out.

Every feature has thought behind it. Inside the climate-controlled Barn is a corner area furnished with a rug, comfortable, homestyle seating, and decoration one might find in a well-furnished home parlor. This “living room” is there for a specific

reason, Ginia says, explaining: “If weddings were just about the bride and groom, they’d elope. But they’re not just about the bride and groom … they’re about grandmas and grandpas and aunts and uncles and family.”

A window looks out from the living room to the nearby area where outdoor weddings are staged, and beyond that, across a panorama of one of the best of Greene County’s vistas.

That allows guests not comfortably served by outdoor seating to still get to fully take in the ceremonies in indoor comfort.

“Think of it this way: this living room is here for grandmother,” Ginia says.

In cases of inclement weather (though in all the weddings the venue has hosted over roughly the past year, not one has been rained out) outdoor weddings can quickly be

moved indoors, keeping everyone dry and comfortable. Or if the weather is cooperative, couples who want to be married in a “church without walls” can make use of the two church pews on hand at the Homeplace, and set up outside, with padded chairs for the rest of the guests.

Indoors, Chiavari chairs, known as wedding chairs, are provided for an elegant reception, paired with dining and serving tables for all tastes.

The Barn was designed by the Johnston family on sheets of notebook paper, then translated into reality by Greeneville’s own Idell Construction in just 81 days, just in time to host The Homeplace’s first wedding April 28, 2018.

It is a busy venue, already booked for 37 weddings this year and six next year. It also hosts corporate events, birthday gatherings, reunions, and other special happenings. Weddings and receptions, though, are the heartbeat of the Homeplace.

The Barn’s interior walls feature crafted pine panel boards laid horizontally, shiplap-style. The massive overhead beams and railings, like the building’s exterior, are made from Oregon red cedar shipped in from its state of origin.

Custom-designing the Barn allowed the Johnstons to ensure every desired feature was in place, and they based their choices on what they wanted for their own children’s weddings. “If I’ll do it for my family, I’ll do it for yours,” Ginia says.

The results impress. The suite for the bride and bridesmaids is big, open, broadly mirrored and features

a private restroom. Across a hallway, there’s a room for the groom and groomsmen, too, outfitted with tabletop soccer, a card gaming table, comfortable seating, and a flatscreen television allowing access to several sports channels. A “man cave,” Ginia calls it.

“We noticed that a lot of times the guys were overlooked,” Ginia says.

“We wanted to make sure they had a good suite of their own, like the ladies, where they could relax and have something to do.”

The 8,575-square foot Barn, with a gleaming finished-concrete floor, also offers a prep kitchen and public restrooms, and includes a railed balcony overlooking the main floor below.

Handicap accessibility is prioritized, with designated parking and sidewalks designed to accommodate all with dignity.

Tables and chairs are provided with ivory cloths and chair covers.

“Our decorations inventory is immense, our dedicated on-site room is loaded to the rafters with props, jars, easels, signs, doors to walk through, and much, much, more!” the Homeplace website says. “With your rental of our venue, you have access to all of this, ensuring a seamless and relaxed preparation for your big event.

To learn more about the Homeplace at Johnston Farm, visit the website www.johnstonhomeplace. com, or call 823-0414.

Here’s Ginia’s invitation: “We’ve had over 100 years of making our family’s memories. Start making yours here too.”

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • 17

Link Hills: Your Link To A Perfect Wedding Day

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ant your upcoming wedding to happen in a venue that combines classic features with modern amenities in a comfortable setting, provides a splendid mountain view, quality home-style dining, and the convenience of having the ceremony and reception in the same location (goodbye, extra travel time!)?

And how about if that same venue offered your wedding photographer and videographer the chance to get creative and clever … think of images of the bride chasing the groom across a golf course in a golf cart, or the couple on a swimming pool

diving board, symbolizing the “big plunge” they’re taking together!

And what if this venue was located within easy driving distance of any part of Greene County, not to mention being just a short hop over the mountain from western North Carolina?

Meet Link Hills Country Club, a full-service country club that has been serving Greene County and the surrounding region for decades (since 1954, actually). Though the club itself has been around a good while, it has kept up with the times and SEE LINK HILLS ON PAGE 18

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Link Hills Country Club has both indoor and outdoor options for weddings, receptions and other special events.

Let our experienced staff help you create the wedding of your dreams! dreams!

Link Hills Country Club

1325 East Allens Bridge Road, Greeneville, Tennessee (423) 638-3114 • www.linkhills.com

18 • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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PHOTO BY STUDIO H PHOTOGRAPHY

Ellen Marie Shuck and Alex Christopher Lipe, of Greeneville, were married July 28, 2018, at Rogersville First United Methodist Church. Their reception followed at The Stinnett Farm in Rogersville, and featured services from a variety of vendors and small businesses in Greene County, from wedding cakes to music, food, flowers and photography.

LINK HILLS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

the clubhouse, with its beautiful ballroom and gathering locations, underwent recent renovation.

Leslie Davis, food and beverage director at Link Hills, has a ready answer when asked to make the case for Link Hills as a wedding and reception location.

She says, “At Link Hills, we can offer experiences that range from an intimate, quiet evening or an outdoor ceremony with gorgeous mountain views to a full size ballroom full of your closest family and friends to help you dine and celebrate the night away. We

are versatile and strive to offer each person a unique day that they will remember and their guests will remember.”

Expanding upon those thoughts, she says further: “We have a beautiful building with plenty of space that offers delicious, home-made dining and amazing views of the mountains.”

And if your wedding is coming up this summer, take note of what Leslie says here: “I am currently working on summer wedding packages that would include a day of golf for the guys (or ladies if they want) and a day at the pool with drinks for the ladies.”

Too expensive, right? After all, this is a country club …

Think again, Leslie says. “Pricing is

CATERING FOR EVERY OCCASION! No Event Too Big or Too Small Hix BBQ takes care of it ALL. Call to book your upcoming event.

2019

1245 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy., Greeneville, TN

(423) 525-5332

PHOTO BY TWO CHICKS SHOOT

Bridget Patterson and Marty Shelton, of Greene County, were married Oct. 6, 2018, at Tusculum Volunteer Fire Department, where he is fire chief. A fire truck served as the backdrop, and fireworks and sparklers were used to send the couple off as they exited the ceremony.

definitely more affordable than people think. The idea of a country club seems to scare people and their wallets ... I can work with almost any budget if given the chance.

People would be surprised what they can get here.”

And it isn’t essential to be a Link Hills member to utilize the facilities there.

Says Leslie: “Non-members are always welcome to have events at Link Hills. We might have member only events but our event spaces are open to the public.”

As for the wedding photos, there are plenty of beautiful backdrops, interior and exterior, against which to preserve your images of the day. If husband and/or wife loves golf, the beautiful course at Link Hills can provide

WE CAN DESIGN & BUILD: •• Family Family Rooms Rooms •• Bedrooms Bedrooms •• Kitchens Kitchens •• Baths Baths •• Decks Decks •• Garages Garages •• and and more! more!

2019

a relevant theme a clever photographer can utilize, limited only by cleverness.

Leslie has an idea about that, too: “I think the best would be having our resident cat, Links, photobomb your picture. He is sneaky fellow and finds his way into the ballroom to help celebrate sometimes.”

To arrange a first-hand look at Link Hills, just drop by the club at 1325 E Allens Bridge Road, or call 423-638-3114.

You can also visit online at www.linkhills. com, or on the Link Hills Facebook page.

If it has been a few years since you’ve seen Link Hills, a visit is especially worth the while in that the recent upgrades there have turned it into a bright and beautiful venue indeed.

SSpecializing in custom remodeling ffor o nearly every area of your home.

Commercial & Residential General Contractor C Licensed & Insured • FREE ESTIMATES! 210 Park Street, Greeneville, TN JAMEY JA HITE jameyhite@yahoo.com Office: O (423) 639-1075 Cell: (423) 525-7465

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • 19

Towne Square Is Your Celebration Planning Resource

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here are some things one should not launch into without proper guidance.

In the world of wedding celebrations, one such thing is stocking a bar for the post-wedding festivities. Stock your bar wisely and it all can go great. Do a poor job of it and it can lead to frustration and disappointment for wedding guests and embarrassment for hosts.

There are some rulesof-thumb for stocking a bar. The popular on-line wedding resource, TheKnot.com, has this to say for those planning a reception with 100 guests, lasting about four hours. “Estimate that the crowd will consume one drink per person per hour, or about five drinks over the course of the evening. Some will drink less, obviously—but some may drink more.”

To help you prepare for your event, a fantastic resource in Greeneville is Towne Square Package Store, 200 W. Summer St., where Josh Hadjopoulos and Towne Square’s friendly staff can guide you in making the right decisions for wines and liquors at your celebration, helping you find just the right offerings for the venue, event time, and crowd type.

For Josh, knowledgeable

customer service in liquors and wines is a family tradition, and that cumulative experience can help make your wedding and its related celebratory events come off flawlessly.

Give Towne Square a call at 639-6521, or email tnwineseller@hotmail.com to find the help you need.

To get you started in stocking your bar for that 100-guest gathering, here’s the theknot.com’s recommended shopping list:

Alcohol/Beer/Wine • Beer: 5 to 6 cases • Whiskey: 1 liter • Bourbon: 1 liter • Gin: 2 to 3 liters • Scotch: 2 liters • Rum: 2 liters • Vodka: 6 liters • Tequila: 1 liter • Champagne: 1 to 1 1/2 cases (include an additional 18 bottles for a champagne toast) • Red wine: 2 cases • White wine: 3 1/2 cases • Dry vermouth: 1 liter • Sweet vermouth: 1 liter

Mixers • Tonic: 1 case • Club soda: 1 case • Cranberry juice: 2 gallons • Orange juice: 1 gallon • Grapefruit juice: 1 gallon • Ginger ale: 1 case • Triple sec: 1 liter • Lime juice: 1 gallon • Sparkling water: 2 cases • Bottled water: 3 cases • Diet coke: 2 cases

Subscribe Today!

423-359-3185

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Towne Square can meet all your wine/liquor needs.

• Coke: 2 cases How many drinks in a bottle?

A bottle of champagne fills six to eight glasses.

A bottle of wine fills five glasses.

A liter bottle of liquor makes about 18 drinks.

How many bottles in a case?

A case of wine contains 12 bottles.

A case of beer contains 24 bottles or cans.

The specifics of your event, naturally, might lead to adjustment of the above list. That’s where Towne Square can step in to help you finalize your choices and plans.

The Greeneville Sun

Come Let Us Help You Select the Perfect Beverages For Your Wedding Reception!

TOWNE SQUARE PACKAGE STORE 200 W. Summer St. Downtown Greeneville

423-639-6521

20 • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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Tips For Hiring Reception Bands

S

ome couples may find the prospect of booking live entertainment a bit challenging, especially if they’ve never hired musicians for an event before. Here are some tips to make the process go smoothly.

• Get recommendations. Just like you might before booking other vendors, seek advice from friends or family members who have recently gotten hitched or had live performers at their events. They may have wonderful things to say about particular bands or performers. Individuals also can consider a resource such as HireLiveMusicians.com, a global musician database that can help couples narrow down their options.

• Decide on when the musicians play. Live musicians can entertain guests throughout the ceremony and reception, but the longer musicians play, the more they’re likely to

cost. Work with musicians to develop a schedule that suits your budget.

• Discuss the theme. Make sure musicians understand the type of atmosphere you’re hoping to create. A band that customarily plays swing or big-band era songs may not fit in at weddings with more modern themes.

• Understand the fees. Musicians may have fees related to their agents, cartage (extra given to musicians who carry large equipment), mileage costs, travel time, lighting, and other factors that affect the overall price. Discuss these fees before signing any agreements.

• Be sure the venue fits. Live musicians are great but not if the space is too small.

Otherwise, the music can be too loud and overpowering, or the band will not have adequate space to set up. Consider these factors before making any decisions.

A Gallery Exclusively For Bridesmaids Make choosing your bridesmaids dresses as special as choosing your wedding gown.

Always The Bridesmaids caters to one bridal party at a time and offers the largest selection of bridesmaid dresses in East Tennessee.

Know the fit and quality of the dress before you order!

PHOTO BY WILHOIT PHOTOGRAPHY

Mr. and Mrs. Jordan and Ashley Tipton, of Nashville, smile for a photograph outside the General Morgan Inn after their June 2, 2018, wedding at Asbury United Methodist Church in downtown Greeneville.

636 Shelby Street, Suite 105, Bristol, TN 37620

By Appointment • 423.573.2402

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • 21

Beyond The Cake:

Wedding Desserts Trend Toward Fun, Variety

BY KIM COOK ASSOCIATED PRESS

W

hile the big, traditional wedding cake shows no signs of going away, many couples are also including an array of sweet little bites at their receptions.

It’s an opportunity for newlyweds to show who they are, says Jennifer Cress, digital director at Martha Stewart Weddings.

“We’re seeing many couples include sweets that say something about their relationship, like a family cookie recipe, or their go-to ice cream flavor,” she says.

“Every couple wants to personalize their wedding day as much as possible, and dessert is an easy way to do that.”

Los Angeles couple Lauren Aust and Sonny Yuen did just that for their Kansas City, Missouri, wedding last summer.

“We used food as a vehicle to help tell our story,” Aust says. “Dinner stations were themed after some of our favorite New York food adventures.

“I saw the same opportunity with dessert. When our caterer mentioned they used doughnut holes from Lamar’s (a Kansas City shop) to do a flambee

station, if seemed a nice way to give guests a taste of my hometown and create a moment that was experiential.”

Desserts allow for culinary creativity — things like cake lollies, mini milkshakes, churros and alcoholic ice pops. And they give guests the chance to sample quick treats before getting back to the center of the party.

Meghan Leese, who plans and runs weddings in Chicago and New Jersey, says, “The cake is only important for about half of the weddings we do. It’s more about the dessert bar, with the cake as one of the options.”

WeddingWire’s creative director Jeffra Trumpower agrees. “Couples want to make things less pretentious and more fun,” she says.

Among her favorite trends for the wedding sweet table is one she calls “breakfast for dessert” — mini waffles, pancakes or crepe stacks decked out with fresh fruit, whipped cream and other accompaniments.

“It’s the perfect ‘wake-up call’ for a surge of energy,” she says. “You can easily pop these treats in your mouth and head back to the dance floor.”

Trumpower says comfort

AP PHOTO BY SARA REED STUDIOS

Desserts on display at Lauren Aust and Sonny Yuen’s wedding in Kansas City, Mo., included donut holes from famed Kansas City donut shop Lamar’s and an array of other sweet bites.

and nostalgia are in. There are make-your-own s’mores stations, self-serve hot chocolate, and top-yourown mini pies with seasonal fruits.

New Yorker Amanda Scott went to a wedding on Long Island recently where nobody wanted to sit and eat. “Servers came around the dance floor with apple pie shooters and little macaroons. People loved it!”

Margaret Foster of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, attended a September wedding in which the couple did without the cake entirely, to save money, concentrating their budget on venue, photographer and DJ. “There was a table with plates of mini desserts like cannolis, doughnuts, cheesecake and brownie bites. I loved how unique and intimate it all was — more about

the bride, groom and their loved ones than wedding traditions,” she says. “They also provided little pastry bags for guests to take desserts home.”

Cress says the dessert-as-wedding-favor is another trend.

As are food stations.

“They’re entertaining, and make the day feel a little more bespoke,” Cress says.

“Other than make-your-

own options, one-bite desserts seem to be growing in popularity. I think with couples offering so many different food choices, guests want to be able to sample it all.”

And don’t overlook the social-media value of a decked-out dessert table: “Desserts tend to be one of the most Instagrammable moments of the night,” says Cress.

22 • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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Royal Brides’ Personalized Wedding Touches Strike A Chord

BY LISA A. FLAM ASSOCIATED PRESS

W

ith two blockbuster British royal weddings in 2018 and an enduring fascination with the Brits, American brides craving a regal look with personal twists can find plenty of inspiration.

While royal wedding fashion will have an influence on bridal trends in the United States, American brides are continually looking for ways to personalize their wedding to reflect their own style. The royal brides, the former Meghan Markle and Princess Eugenie, did just that.

“Today’s bride really wants to make her wedding her own,” said Lisa Gooder, executive director of Brides. “She doesn’t want something that she’s seen other people do. She wants something that can feel personal to her.”

“The royal weddings gave women examples of how to do that, and also perhaps some of the confidence to go and make this decision,” she said. “These royal trends that we saw from the weddings will be repeated, but today’s bride really wants to look unique and like herself, and the personalization elements are the takeaways she can bring to her own wedding.”

Shelley Brown, fashion and beauty editor at The Knot, also noted the personal touches these royal brides incorporated into their day — their second gowns

AP FILE PHOTO BY JANE BARLOW

Meghan Markle and Britain’s Prince Harry walk down the steps of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, following their wedding. With two blockbuster British royal weddings this year and an enduring fascination with the Brits, American brides craving a regal look with personal twists can find plenty of inspiration.

for evening that hit a fashion high note, and beauty and accessories choices that spoke to a bride looking like herself.

“Both of these brides infused their classic looks with their own

personality, and I think that’s a trend that will be influential,” Brown said, adding that their example shows “you can personalize even a classic wedding-day look.”

Here’s a closer look at their

fashion and beauty choices that might prove influential: Even before nearly 30 million people in the United States tuned in to watch Meghan marry Prince Harry in St. George’s Chapel on the grounds of Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018, she was a fashion force, driving sales and sellouts.

Since the former “Suits” actress became the Duchess of Sussex, bridal gowns inspired by her wedding dresses — the Givenchy ceremony gown with three-quarter-length sleeves and bateau neckline, and the custom, highneck Stella McCartney number she donned for her evening reception — have turned up on the bridal runways in New York.

“There were a few dresses inspired by the Givenchy dress, but the Stella McCartney dress seemed to resonate with bridal designers,” Brown said, adding that its mock turtleneck is a more unique silhouette in bridalwear.

“That was a style we saw a version of in pretty much every collection.”

The evening gown is a wearable look, Gooder said, which may appeal to brides jetting off to a destination wedding. “The halter neckline makes it a little bit sexy but still covered up, and that kind of chiffon fabric is always flattering and pretty,” she said.

Both brides wore a second gown on their wedding day. (Eugenie wore a blush Zac Posen dress for evening.)

Gooder said that’s a trend, noting that the former Kate Middle-

ton, now Duchess of Cambridge, changed for her evening reception in 2011. “I think that Meghan putting that out there in such a public way really made it something that every bride wants to do,” Gooder said.

For her ceremony on Oct. 12, 2018, also at St. George’s, Eugenie wore a long-sleeve Peter Pilotto gown with a deep V neckline in the back, a design feature she requested to reveal her scar from childhood scoliosis surgery.

“Eugenie felt her scar was an important part of her story,” Brown said. “That probably does speak to a lot of brides who don’t want to fit into a certain mold and don’t feel like they have to.”

It’s the idea of being true to yourself, a theme also expressed through accessories. The duchess’ veil had hand-embroidered flowers from the Commonwealth countries, along with the California poppy to represent her home state.

Eugenie made the choice to forgo a veil, possibly to showcase the back of her dress, and wore a diamond-and-emerald tiara, which stood out for the unexpected choice of the brilliant green gems, Brown said.

The duchess wore minimal, natural makeup and unfussy hair on her wedding day.

Said Brown, “That fact that you could see her freckles, her hair wasn’t in a perfect updo — is reflective of trends we’ve seen in bridal beauty and what we’ll see going forward.”

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • 23

From Furnishing Through Accents, Roberts Furniture Can Fulfill Your Needs

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ne domestic need that faces all newlyweds and continues through all their years is the need to have a place to live, and to furnish that place.

Furniture, decorations, accents ... all these things are the building blocks of family memories. Everyone treasures having that old table from Grandmother’s house, that chair that was Dad’s most cherish possession and place of relaxation, that delightful old headboard that has passed down through the family for more decades than anyone can remember.

If the furniture that surrounds us is to become a lasting part of our home and family culture, it’s important that it be of lasting quality.

That’s where Roberts Furniture gives a true advantage to local folks who are walking the aisle and “setting up housekeeping” to lay a foundation for their own family traditions and treasures.

Roberts is proud to have served Greene County for over 40 years.

Speaking of treasures, even little things – that picture that will hang on your wall for all your life, that accent piece that holds that beloved old lamp – those can become treasured family heirlooms passed on through generations.

Roberts Furniture has you covered on all counts: Roberts stocks a complete line of home furnishings, from major furniture items right down through knick knacks.

As newlyweds, you’re writing your own family story. The Roberts Furniture story is a family story too.

C. Edward Roberts and Johnnie Roberts opened Roberts Furniture store in 1978. The business continues to be family-operated today by the Roberts’ daughter, Betty Bird, and granddaughter Pam Johnson.

Roberts’ 50,000-plus-square-foot store is located in Towne Square Shopping Center on Summer Street.

PHOTO COURTESY ROBERTS FURNITURE

Quality bedroom furnishings are an important part of Roberts Furniture’s offerings.

The store offers a wide array of furniture for the entire home, home accents, bedding, candles and more.

Roberts Carries brand names such as LaZBoy, Catnapper, Mayo, Lane, Ashley, Liberty, Pulaski, and more.

Selections in bedding by Tempur-Pedic, Stearns & Foster, and Restonic, made right here in East Tennessee, range in size from

twin to king sizes and are available in many levels of firmness.

The store offers home-decorating accents, candles and more to dress your home.

All the furniture and accessories in the store are hand-selected to give customers the best look for the best price.

Roberts is proud to have served Greene County for more than 40 years, assisting cus-

tomers in transforming houses into homes.

Visit this, one of Greeneville’s best-known businesses, online at http://robertsfurnitureonline.com. Or just stop in and take a look at what we’ve got to offer you.

Roberts wants to become part of your own family story and home. Come visit our family business and see what we can do to brighten your homeplace.

24 • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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