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infinitieplus June 2022

VOL. 12 NO. 6 LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE

DEAN WASKOWIAK Changing of the guards

LRMC TRUMPETS EMERGENCY SERVICES Avoiding Biz Scams Young Professionals host May Mixer

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

Community Health

Education Editor's Note

CEO Steve Gordon, Emergency Service Director Nikke Knapp; Michelle Wiley, RN; and COO Travis Sisson

Contd. on Page 12

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Longview Museum of Fine Arts Sherry Giryotas Exhibit

Does your business plan include a trusted advisor? We think it should. Call on our team of banking advisors who make it their business to understand yours. DEPOSIT SERVICES

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For For For more more more information information information about about about our our our labor labor labor and and and delivery delivery delivery services, services, services, visit visit visit LongviewRegional.com/baby. LongviewRegional.com/baby. LongviewRegional.com/baby. Downtown | Pine Tree | North Longview www.texasbankandtrust.com

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s t n e t n o C

Education Editor's Note Hello Everyone, Welcome to the month of June. Congratulations to all graduates. We hope that you and your loved ones are faring well and getting ready for Summer. It is hard to believe that it is already June. By the time we know it, it will be Christmas and 2023 will be upon us. In this June edition, you will read about Dean Waskowiak. Israelite King Solomon wrote under the pen name "Preacher" when he authored the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. Part of it reads, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." The time came for Dean Waskowiak to make his bittersweet farewell to the company he founded. The retirement reception was packed with people. The event was joyful, teary, giving all glory to the Lord Almighty and closed with a prayer. It is important to note, Dean is not riding off into sunset. He will be busy serving the Lord in all the ways he can. In addition, he will be assisting his daughter, Grayce with her dog rescue organization and son Jeff with his business. The story headline, Changing of the guards is from page 8. Longview Regional Medical Center (LRMC) recently recognized and celebrated National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Appreciation Week. The hospital joined in the nationwide expression of gratitude to those committed to performing vital and life-saving services and subsequent, compassionate care to patients in our community. Hence, LRMC hosted its annual Taco Truck Appreciation Lunch in a three-day observance dedicated to appreciating EMS personnel who provide the hard work, devotion, and commitment that Longview and its environs enjoy. The Longview Fire Department, CHRISTUS, UT-Health, Camp County, and volunteer departments were among the care providers LRMC invited to the annual celebrations. Mi Casita food truck served tacos from its food truck. The story is from page 12. Other stories include Young professionals of Longview hosting their May Mixer and how to avoid business scams. Thanks for reading and we hope to serve you again in July by God’s grace.

Joycelyne Fadojutimi, Publisher

Proud member of:

The Magazine for Living Life Beyond, Plus One… Publisher / Editor Joycelyne Fadojutimi, PhD Photography Keisha Standley Joycelyne Fadojutimi Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs Contributing Writers Dr. Michael Guido Sydney McBride Mechele Agbayani Mills Glenn Miller

Kaliegh Payne, Melanie Northcutt and Brittany Cleveland

OUR MISSION

In Every Issue

To enrich the local-global community with the “just in time knowledge,” to assure future successes

OUR VISION

To become an information oracle of functional and constructive reports that serves the needs of businesses and communities. Submission Deadline: The first of every month prior to month of issue. infinitieplus magazine is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes since the publishing of this issue. At the time of publication, to the best of our knowledge, all information was accurate though not guaranteed. The entire contents of infinitieplus magazine is copyrighted 2022. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. infinitieplus magazine reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of infinitieplus magazine or its advertisers.

Community Health

Inspiration

Cover Story

16 Business & Finance 23 Puzzle

P. O. Box 12473 Longview, Texas 75602-2473 https://twitter.com/infinitieplus Phone: 903.918.7706

Dean Waskowiak www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine | https://twitter.com/infinitieplus | infinitieplus | June 2022

Colton Herndon, John Crumpton and Cody Knight

Spotlight Texas Bank & Trust: ◇ Lori Osborne ◇ Karen Partee ◇ Caryn Pepper ◇ Breneda Mathis attend Dean Waskowiak’s retirement reception

About the Cover

VOLUME 12 | ISSUE 6

David Harris and Michelle Wiley

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." The time came for Dean Waskowiak to make his bittersweet farewell to the company he founded. There was a crowd of grateful and loving family, friends, and sundry well-wishers when Waskowiak, founder, and

president of Encore Multimedia and EdSuite, made his exit with a reception. Among the notables at the savory fares-equipped party was retired LeTourneau University President Dr. Bud Austin. Dean received diverse gifts from clientsand a proclamation from Mayor Andy Mack.

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Inspiration

YOUR FLOORING, LIGHTING, APPLIANCE AND MORE STORE

www.stone-works.net (903) 663-3344 SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS

SPIRITUAL

OBESITY By GLENN MILLER

OD’S WORD: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” – 1 Peter 4:10 The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease estimate that one in every three adults in the United States are classified as obese. Factors contributing to this rise are multiple; a push-button or mouseclick world that fosters inactivity, drive-thru food chains making unhealthy eating choices easy and, more than anything else, the lack of daily exercise. Our stagnant, inactive health styles are putting the pounds on as Americans are now considered an obese society by

the rest of the world. But I’ve made the same observation about the Church. The seats are full of people who are considered quite active in the life of the church; they attend worship services regularly, they’re involved in Bible studies, they go to several seminars and retreats for healing, growth, insight and knowledge. They even give and tithe their resources. But if that’s all they’re doing and not taking any steps to go out and feed others by serving them, they are missing the mark of a disciple. In short, they’re getting spiritually obese. The Church, through the work of the Holy Spirit, is designed and commissioned to equip the saints for ministry and the proclamation of the Gospel. We must take all

that we’ve been fed in Church and use it for the glory of God by serving others. Jesus, in the “Great Commission” in Matthew 28 didn’t just say to “go to church and be fed with all the goodness and favor I have for you, but “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” As Charles Spurgeon said, "Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter." Reproduction permitted for non-commercial use only. Copyright 2022 by Glenn W. Miller

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Cover Story

Changing of the guards By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI/IP MAGAZINE

sraelite King Solomon wrote under the pen name "Preacher" when he authored the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. Part of it reads, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." The time came for Dean Waskowiak to make his bittersweet farewell to the company he founded. There was a crowd of grateful and loving family, friends, and sundry well-wishers when Waskowiak, founder, and president of Encore Multimedia and EdSuite, made his exit with a reception. Among the notables at the savory fares-equipped party was retired LeTourneau University President Dr. Bud Austin. Encore Multimedia is a fullservice, integrated marketing and PR firm while EDSuite is a marketing company catering to economic development. They recently announced the ownership change. CEO Erik Halvorson acquired both firms. "Encore and EDSuite will continue to emphasize client

service, quality workmanship and successful outcomes," said Halvorson. "At the same time, we will pursue new capabilities, specialty expertise and new solutions to meet the changing needs of our current and future clients." He went yet further in his enthusiastic proclamation of the takeover's significance. "It's an incredible honor to carry on the legacy and reputation of Encore Multimedia and EDSuite," he said. "Dean Waskowiak has built up two respected companies based on his faith, values and award-winning work, and moving ahead, my plans are to build on that foundation." Waskowiak is moving into the new role of president emeritus. He and wife Brenda co-founded Encore Multimedia back in 1994. In 2017, they purchased EDSuite. They have built both companies into thriving firms serving customers nationwide. Both will continue operations under their present names. "I know that Erik Halvorson will do an excellent job of

leading both businesses, and that our clients will continue to experience Customer Focused-Results Driven marketing from the leading marketing firm in the region," said Waskowiak. "Owning your own business is so extremely rewarding. Selling something you've put twentyeight years of your life into is not as easy. I thank God, my family, friends, team members (past and present,) vendors and our valued clients. They all helped us succeed in so many ways." New CEO Halvorson learned the business by working as communications director for Hostess Brands in Irving, communication consulting practice leader for Lockton Dunning Benefits in Dallas, and as a communications director for the U.S. Coast Guard. He pulled down an M.A. in communications from the University of Maryland, and then served nine years as an active duty commissioned officer with the Coast Guard. He currently resides in Grapevine with wife Susan and their three children. Ronnie and Grayce Weaver; Dean and Brenda with their son, Jeff Waskowiak

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Cover Story

Jennifer Jester

Cover Story

Sue Stanton and Donna Lukens Sharp

Linda Whitehead, Mark Morris and Barbara Biggs

Dean Waskowiak gives his farewell speech

Mr. and Mrs. King

Delectable at Dean’s reception

Jenn Ware

Jennifer Jester delivers a gift from a client to Dean Waskowiak

Dean gives wife, Brenda, a bouquet of flowers

Dean and wife, about to lock in a kiss

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All heads bow in prayer

It is important to note, Waskowiak is not retiring. He will be moving on to assist daughter Grayce Weaver and son Eric in their respective businesses. He will also return to school to study systematic theology. After his long service in the Armed Forces, he relocated to Longview, attended LeTourneau University, and earned a degree in history. He and Brenda, his bride have been happily married for forty-three years. He sees his wife for what she is--an incredibly caring person who never stops helping others. In his farewell speech, Waskowiak chronicled how

his working life started with delivering newspapers at age twelve, after absorbing his father's powerful work ethic. The influence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ cannot be missed. Waskowiak strives to live out his Christian convictions. One of his favorite bible verses is 6:8: "He has shown you O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8. This new direction in his career will also give Waskowiak more time to ride his dirt bike.

All heads bow in prayer

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Education Health Community

Community Health

LRMC trumpets emergency services By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI/IP MAGAZINE

ongview Regional Medical Center (LRMC) recently recognized and celebrated National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Appreciation Week. The hospital joined in the nationwide expression of gratitude to those committed to performing vital and life-saving services and subsequent, compassionate care to patients in our community.

Hence, LRMC hosted its annual Taco Truck Appreciation Lunch in a three-day observance dedicated to appreciating EMS personnel who provide the hard work, devotion, and commitment that Longview and its environs enjoy. The Longview Fire Department, CHRISTUS, UTHealth, Camp County, and volunteer departments were among the care providers LRMC invited to the annual celebrations. Mi Casita food truck served tacos from its food truck. LRMC COO Travis Sisson in white shirt welcomes EMS personnel

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Education Health Community "EMS professionals play a vital role in the healthcare for our East Texas community. They serve countless, tireless hours to help our citizens get the care they need. Longview Regional is proud to take this opportunity to show them how much we appreciate their dedication." - LRMC Chief Executive

Community Health

David Harris celebrates EMS week at LRMC

Jessica Lightle, Tony Torres and Nikke Knapp.

G. Handlin

“We appreciate Longview Regional Medical Center for recognizing the work EMS does. We both work as team to take care of our community we serve.”

CEO Gordon with EMS personnel

Officer Steve Gordon.

- Battalion Chief Josh Tanner.

Karla Raines and Brenda Parker at LRMC EMS celebration

Adam Deary celebrate EMS week at LRMC

W. Teague

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W. Teague

"EMS professionals play a vital role in the healthcare for our East Texas community," said LRMC Chief Executive Officer Steve Gordon. "They serve countless, tireless hours to help our citizens get the care they need. Longview Regional is proud to take this opportunity to show them how much we appreciate their dedication." Hospitals nationwide have

been celebrating National Emergency Medical Services Week since 1974 while encouraging their specific communities to recognize the first responders who provide quality healthcare yearround. "They put in long hours and often sleepless nights taking care of the needs of the people in our community," said LRMC Trauma Coordinator Michelle Wylie.

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Business and Finance

Young Professionals host May Mixer

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI/IP MAGAZINE

ugar Magnolia Properties, a boutique real estate agency dedicated to providing unrivaled service and southern hospitality with a contemporary edge lived up to its core values when it hosted the recent Young Professional of Longview May Mixer. Sugar Magnolia Properties contributed significantly including the Mimosas and

other items for the mixer. It was quite a hit to say the least. Hors d’oeuvres, Mimosas, beer, water, and numerous delectable kept attendees busy as they networked, made new friends, and visited with old ones. Melanie Northcutt, broker, and owner of Sugar Magnolia Properties founded Young Professionals of Longview (YPL) in 2013. “I started the organization with the hopes that it will become the hub for young professionals moving to, or returning to,

Tasha Craig and Amanda Briley

Chelsea Case, Kaliegh Payne and Brittany Cleveland

Longview to find their tribe.” Northcutt said. “With the help of some of my best friends who became my Board of Directors, it took off and became more than I believe any of us ever thought it would be.” Obviously, YPL is waxing strong given the number of young professionals who attended May mixer. According to Northcutt, her founding board laid a strong foundation for

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Kaliegh Payne, Maxi Peyton, Melanie Northcutt, Chelsea Case, Sophie Sators, and Brittany Cleveland

something great. She said, “I have always believed that people join YPL, for networking; some to find ways to give back to the community, some tor personal development; and others to find lifelong friends.” In fact, YPL continues to grow and supports members in various beneficial ways. Its 200 plus membership have donated countless hours through service projects.

903.291.0020 1408 Lago Trail Longview heartis.com

Assisted Living and Memory Care Community

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Business and Finance

Colton Herndon, John Crumpton, and Cody Knight

Business and Finance

Kalliegh Payne, Hailey Moslyn, Farrah Henson, and Kellie Jones

Corey Brown, Don Mitchell and Jimmy Su

Tasha Craig and Amanda Briley

More importantly, some young professionals have become remarkably successful and prosperous. “We are proud for it to continue its legacy for a whole new wave of young professionals,” Founder Melanie Northcutt said. It was quite a hit to say the least. Hors d’oeuvres, Mimosa, beer, water, and more kept attendees busy as they networked, made new friends, and visited with old ones. Sugar Magnolia Properties is a boutique real

Rachael Harrington and Bethany Noland

Maxi and Peyton Johnson

Kaleigh Payne and Heather Newland

estate agency dedicated to providing unrivaled service and southern hospitality with a contemporary edge. Brittany Cleveland and Kaleigh Payne are YPL’s co-chairs. They are also real estate brokers at Sugar Magnolia hence they were busy welcoming attendees and making them comfortable in their beautiful downtown office located at 210 Fredonia Street overlooking beautiful scenery. The mixer had a large crowd of young professionals enjoying

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Laura Payne and Brittany Cleveland

an unparalleled ambience. “What brought out the members to the mixer was the environment that Young Professional of Longview offers. And a chance to network as well as getting to know some rally great people,’ said Cleveland. “Our may Mixer at Sugar magnolia Properties was great! We wanted to use this time to treat

Kaleigh Payne, Melanie Northcutt and Brittany Cleveland

those who have been coming to our mixers, and any new people who might be interested in becoming a member.” There is more. YPL has big plans for the future. Besides monthly mixers, YPL has started a book club in May. According to Cleveland, YPL

plans to do more including giving back to the City of Longview and engaging in various community service projects. Thinking of joining YPL to network, make new friends and read more? All one has to do is attend the mixer, check in using the QR code they provide, and they will take it from there.

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Business and Finance

Avoiding Common Business Scams which typically targets those who pay the bills for a business or organization. It has resulted in more losses than any other type of fraud in the U.S., according to the Federal Bureau of Investigations. In BEC fraud, the scammer poses as a vendor or other trusted source who sends an email to an accountant or chief financial officer. The email asks them to wire money, buy gift cards or send personal information, often for a plausible reason. If money is sent, it goes into an account controlled by the con artist.

Phony invoices

By MECHELE AGBAYANI MILLS

hile we often think that consumers are the only targets of scam artists. Businesses are prime targets of scammers, as they often have easy access to funds and scam artists may use the different levels of communication within a business to

cause confusion. Running a successful business is tough enough without throwing fraud into the mix. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), U.S. businesses will lose an average of five percent of their gross revenues to fraud. And while fraud is a problem for all businesses, small businesses are

the most susceptible. Statisics show that small businesses lack the proper tools or training to prevent fraud from occurring in their businesses. BBB provides the following overview of common scams which target small businesses: Business Email Compromise (BEC). Business email compromise fraud is an email phishing scam

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Businesses receive fake invoices for products or services never ordered or received. The most common scams involve office supplies, website or domain hosting services, and directory listings. Generally, the amount is small enough to not initially raise a red flag.

Phishing scams.

Phishing scams attempt to steal sensitive information about your business. Often appearing to be legitimate emails or text messages, clicking on the link downloads a virus which captures personal

information or account or credit card details. Be leery of unsolicited messages and don’t click on links. Instead, hover over the link with your cursor to see the real address. Also, be sure your computer has the proper firewall and computer protection software.

instructs you to send the balance back to them, you are likely the victim of an overpayment scam. Unfortunately, the check eventually bounces, and you could be responsible for the full amount, including what you wired to the scammer.

Coupon books and sports team sponsorships.

BBB offers these tips to help small businesses protect themselves: Be careful what information you share. Do not give out information about your business unless you know what the information will be used for. Never provide personal information or financial details to anyone you don’t know. Protect your devices. Make sure you have proper computer protection software and a firewall. Don’t click on links inside unsolicited e-mails. Consider adding a cyber insurance policy to your portfolio. Educate your employees. Make sure your team is educated on protocols connected to billing, collections, and personnel information. Also make sure they can recognize various business scams as well as signs of internal fraud.

Small business operators are often approached to participate in coupon book or sports team sponsorship promotions which are never produced. Make sure the sponsorship is being promoted by an organization you know and trust and that the terms and conditions are clearly spelled out.

Vanity award scams.

A vanity award scheme capitalizes on a company's excitement for an award which essentially holds no value. The scammer congratulates the owner on their selection for the award and invites them to pay fees in order to be listed or receive a copy of their award which in actuality gives them little or no additional credibility or exposure but may cost them hundreds of dollars.

Overpayment scams.

If a “customer” sends a check for more than the amount they owe you, then

Mechele Agbayani Mills is President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas.

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Puzzle

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I Do

Get schooled on

wedding terminology

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.

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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.

Blusher: A short, single-layer veil that covers the bride’s face before the ceremony.

Drages: Round, small edible balls of sugar that appear on wedding cakes.

Boutonniere: A single flower bud worn by the men in the bridal party.

Escort (seating) cards: Printed cards that direct reception guests to their seats.

Canaps: Bite-sized appetizers served during the cocktail hour of a reception.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Corkage fee: A fee some establishments charge to allow

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. Learning some basic wedding terminology can simplify wedding planning.

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Second Chance

Make A

ouples planning to get married do so with the intention of spending the rest of their lives together. Few couples exchange rings thinking divorce or the loss of a spouse is in their future, but some marriages do end. Happily, that reality does not prevent many people from seeking happily ever after once again. A recent study from the Pew Research Center found that many people who were married before are deciding to take the plunge a second time. Four in 10 new marriages in the United States now include one partner who was married before. Roughly 42 million American adults have gotten married a second time Ñ up from 22 million in 1980. The Pew study also discovered that more men than women are likely to get remarried. Around 65 percent of previously married men have a desire to remarry, compared to 43 percent of previously

Second Wedding Stand Out

married women. Men and women about to get married for a second time can consider the following tips to help make the day one to remember forever.

Rules have relaxed with regard to weddings. Many couples put their personal imprints on their weddings and do not feel the need to conform to outdated expectations. You don’t have to skip all of the frills of a first wedding the second time around or head to the local courthouse and pass on another big wedding. Do what feels comfortable to you, whether that means throwing a big party or hosting a smaller affair.

Recognize that a second wedding is in no way less important than the first. Couples should remember that this is still the first wedding for the two of them as a couple and it should be seen as just as special as any other wedding celebration. It’s easy for men and women marrying for a second time to be hard on themselves, especially when thinking ahead to the gifts that were given and the money spent by guests for their first marriage. But a new relationship and love is worthy of a good party. Friends and family who are supportive of you shouldn’t have reservations about helping you celebrate. Don’t feel boxed in by old-school etiquette.

www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding

Weddings can be even more special the second time around.

June 2022

Let past experience serve as your guide. You’ve been married before and can use that to your advantage. It’s likely you know what worked for the wedding the first time around and which things you probably could have changed or done without. Maybe you were stressed about having everything go perfectly or feeling like you had to put on a show for guests.

As a more mature person this time around, you no doubt realize that sharing this special time with the ones you love is the most important wedding component of all.

Be open-minded with your wardrobe. Let the formality of the event and the time of day when you’re getting married influence what you will be wearing instead of perceived etiquette or family notions. It’s acceptable to wear white again if you so desire. Plus, more mature couples have a sense of what makes them look good, rather than opting for trendy outfits. Above all, have fun. Couples know what to expect the second time around, so stress usually doesn’t stem from the unknown. You may feel more relaxed at a second wedding, so let that ensure you have a great night.

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9 7

Wedding insurance can ease nerves C ouples spend thousands of dollars on their wedding ceremony and celebrations. The cost of a wedding varies depending on geographic location, but according to the business and financial resource Business Insider and The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, the average wedding in the United States costs $31,391. Insurance policies can help couples protect their wedding investment. Special event insurance provides coverage for various scenarios, including extreme weather, damaged gifts, lost jewelry, vendor cancellations or no-shows, venues closing before the wedding, and canceled weddings, according to Travelers Insurance. Insurance also may cover other unforeseen scenarios, such as unexpected expenses from injuries during the wedding or spoiled food. Policies will pay directly for any damage or injuries that occur or reimburse the couple if the

wedding is postponed or canceled. If weddings occur at home, some people’s home insurance or umbrella policies may cover certain wedding liabilities. Most wedding venues carry their own liability insurance, so couples may not have to overlap there. However, for those who desire extra protection for vendor mishaps, it is wise to speak with an insurance professional about special wedding coverage. Prices for wedding insurance policies can start at around $100 to $200 for minimum coverage and reach $1,000 for more expensive ceremonies, according to the financial advisement website NerdWallet. Speak with an insurance agent and read policies carefully before purchasing one. Non-covered issues typically include theft or loss of an engagement ring; rainy days that do not classify as extreme weather; switching vendors after a deposit is made; and risky entertainment, such as fireworks or live animals.

www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding

Protecting wedding expenditures with insurance policies can provide couples with added peace of mind on their big days.

June 2022

www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding June 2022

Engagement ring buyer’s guide

Know all the specs. Buying an engagement ring means being armed with a lot of knowledge. In addition to shape, there are the four Cs to consider. Take time to learn about each of the four Cs so you can make an informed decision.

rides and grooms may pour over every detail of their weddings, but few components of the festivities may be as fun, especially for foodies, as deciding what the wedding cake will look like.

edding planning often begins moments after couples get engaged. Shopping for an engagement ring can be both nerve-wracking and exciting. But there are ways to make the process go as smoothly as possible. ¥ Listen carefully anytime jewelry is discussed. It is also perfectly fine to ask for your future spouse’s input, particularly if you’ve already spoken about marriage. Have a good idea on the shape of the stone. All gemstones need to be cut in particular ways so that they reflect light and sparkle. Stones are also cut in specific shapes that provide the overall form of the stone. These include round, princess, emerald, oval, marquise, and pear, among others.

Wedding cake: Make your statement

A rising trend in cakes is to cover a white or naked cake with translucent glaze tinted in the couple’s wedding colors. Statement tiers also are popular. Couples set the cake apart with elaborate designs

Find a jeweler with whom you feel comfortable and believe you will get the best value for your money. Jewelers often do whatever is necessary to make their customers happy, so don’t be afraid to ask for customization. Engagement ring buyers may also want to consider gemstones other than diamonds. When shoppers are prepared, the engagement ring-buying process much easier.

Hand-painted tiles on a cake are another way to add panache. Sometimes a statement comes by way of texture. An allwhite cake can be dressed up with ruffles, lace, embossing, and 3-D rosettes cake designs. ¥ Couples may opt for darker hues on their cakes and even a black tier. Statement cakes can really say something about the couple getting married.

From precious stones to brilliant new creations, our exquisite jewelry collections are truly stunning. JEWELRY

BartlettFineJewelry.com The Village Shopping Center 2002 Judson Road, Suite 101 Longview, Texas 75605 (903) 758 . 4367

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