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Living life beyond plus one

infinitieplus March 2020

The Johnsons Wade and Delcine of

Johnson & Pace Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet Bourbon And Bowties Go Red for Women Rick and Gayle Poland

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

VOL. 10 NO.3 Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Table of Contents

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Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Cover Story

COVER STORY

When it comes to serving their community, the Johnsons go far beyond merely running their firm. Wade served with the local chamber of commerce, and Delcine has spearheaded the annual American Heart Association event for the last two years. For both of them, making Longview a better place to live, work and worship is vitally important. Delcine continuously bases her decision to support a civic role on whether it will positively impact the community and its children. Her devotion to such unselfish compassion has spread to her employees. The Johnsons view their success as something not only for which to be extremely grateful, but as a touch to be shared with the community that has made it possible. Giving back to Longview is part of their version of a properly run corporate culture. The local United Way recently named Johnson and Pace one of the top 25 most generous workplaces in Longview

Travis and Donna Sisson

Matthew and Tracy Bryan

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Wade & Delcine Johnson

Diana Velazquez and Jose Sanchez

Mitzi Thompson and Gina Grantham

Lynn and Shawn Hall

Dorothy Khoury

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Editor's note Publisher / Editor

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Photography

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs

Contributing Writers Kimberly Fish Zig Ziglar Shea Vogel

Submission Deadline

Jessica Lightle and Christina Cavazos

Christy Stone and Meredith Roel

appy Sesquicentennial Longview! I hope most of us are having a fabulous time celebrating this one life- time event, Longview 150. In this edition, we brought you an insight into Johnson and Pace company. Checkout the story from page 6. Then, there is the story of the Longview award winning Chamber of Commerce annual banquet plus Bourbon and Bowties. There is more. Flip the magazine and congratulate our brides and their families who recently embarked on the journey of love. Photos are by Callie Photography. We look forward to bringing you the one and only Junior League Sesquicentennial Ball in April. It is safe to say, with all the tuxedos, gowns and sparkling shoes, it was an event like other-not to mention the gracious presence of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Indescribable is the word.

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.

VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 3

Bundles Bundles Bundlesof of ofjoy. joy. joy. It’s It’s It’swhat what whatwe we wedeliver. deliver. deliver. From From From the the the day day day you you you find find find out out out totothe tothe the day day day you you you deliver, deliver, deliver, there’s there’s there’s nothing nothing nothing more more more important important important totoLongview toLongview Longview Regional Regional Regional Medical Medical Medical Center Center Center than than than your your your and and and your your your baby’s baby’s baby’s health health health and and and well-being. well-being. well-being. This This This isiswhy iswhy why we we we provide provide provide extra extra extra amenities amenities amenities such such such asasprivate asprivate private rooms, rooms, rooms, spacious spacious spacious birthing birthing birthing suites, suites, suites, childbirth childbirth childbirth classes classes classes and and and breastfeeding breastfeeding breastfeeding support. support. support. And And And if ifyou ifyou you and and and your your your newest newest newest addition addition addition need need need a alittle little a little extra extra extra help, help, help, we we we offer offer offer perinatal perinatal perinatal services services services that that that include include include maternal-fetal maternal-fetal maternal-fetal medicine medicine medicine specialists specialists specialists and and and a aLevel aLevel Level IIIIIINICU. IIINICU. NICU. 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.

Donnis Todd of Garrison Brothers

Anne and Jim Hugman with Kendall Tomberlain

2901 2901 2901 N.N.Fourth N. Fourth Fourth Street Street Street • •Longview, Longview, • Longview, TXTX75605 TX 75605 75605 • •903-242-3490 903-242-3490 • 903-242-3490 • •LongviewRegional.com LongviewRegional.com • LongviewRegional.com www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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Cover Story

Johnson and Pace

We are surrounded by a wonderful group of people in our firm. They have helped us get to this point. Believe me, I don't take anything for granted, either."

corporate culture paves way to success and philanthropy B y J o y cel y ne F adojutimi

ohnson & Pace, Inc. launched their business in January 1995. Its original foundation was at the time in two separate business entities--DBA Johnson & Pace Engineering & Surveying Consultants. The two entities were Wade Johnson Engineering & Lonnie Pace Surveying. Johnson and Pace is now a quarter century old and humming with successful activity, and President Delcine Johnson knows exactly whom to thank. "We are surrounded by a wonderful group of people in our firm," she says. "They have helped us get to this point. Believe me, I don't take anything for granted, either."

- Delcine Johnson, President, Johnson & Pace: Engineering, Architecture, Surveying.

Chris Tucker, Owner/President of TRANSET CO attend Johnson and Pace 25 years Vendor Appreciation Luncheon

Introducing a new way to save!

PAY IT FORWARD

Small change making a big difference Wade and Delcine Johnson

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Kyle Smith

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Carmen Vogel

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Walt and Tina Johnson

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Cover Story

Cover Story for and those who work for them. Johnson and Pace recently held a 25 years celebratory luncheon to convey their appreciation. "Our vendors are a part of who we are," she says. "Many have worked with us for years and are trusted friends. They are as much of our team as are our employees. We cannot do our jobs without them."

She and husband Wade run their company flawlessly, but unlike most husband-wife operations she holds the top position. After starting out with him as president, and her as vice-president they both realized reversing their roles would be a profitable move. "The change occurred as a result of Wade doing what he does best, which is engineering, and the company having grown to the point where the daily needs were increasing and becoming more timeconsuming," she says. That's when we decided it was more advantageous for the titles to switch." Nowadays, Delcine occupies her time with daily managerial and financial matters. This arrangement also helps Johnson and Pace to diversify as a Woman Owned Business. They still carefully discuss and consult with each other on company-based decisions and are very compatible and competent business partners. Delcine and Wade are careful to express their appreciation to their vendors. They have no doubts about the soaring value of both those they work

The secret of their success includes: • Diversity • Persistence • Awareness of changing technological times including social media • Updated employee development When it comes to serving their community, the Johnsons go far beyond merely running their firm. Wade served with the local chamber of commerce, and Delcine has spearheaded the annual American Heart Association event for the last two years. For both of them, making Longview a better place to live, work and worship is vitally important. Delcine continuously bases her decision to support a civic role on whether it will positively impact the community and its children. Her devotion to such unselfish compassion has spread to her employees. "I have seen many of our employees take on volunteer roles on their own in areas that touch their hearts," she says. "These include Relay for Life,

Legacy Closet, United Way, Boys and Girls Club, Longview Highway 80 Mission, Junior Achievement, Keep Longview Beautiful/Adopt a Park; Buckner, Beds of Hope, and these are just a few." Delcine and Wade feel great pride and sense of accomplishment over their employees' dedication to helping others. But that is not all. Sometimes, when Delcine receives a call from somebody or some organization seeking public service funds, she will say "yes" to the request before even hearing it because she can foresee positive end results. She appreciates and honors those who make such phone calls, knowing most of them are volunteers who are working unselfishly for the well-being of those around them. Her passion for sharing the fruits of her labors is a boon to Longview and its people. "We have been blessed so immensely to grow Johnson and Pace over the years, and we feel we will continue to give back to our community as long as we are here," she says. "Wade and I both like to look at the big picture." The Johnsons view their success as something not only for which to be extremely grateful, but as a touch to be shared with the community that has made it possible. Giving back to Longview is part of their version of a properly run corporate culture. The local United Way recently named Johnson and Pace one of the top 25 most generous workplaces in Longview.

We have been blessed so immensely to grow Johnson and Pace over the years, and we feel we will continue to give back to our community as long as we are here. Wade and I both like to look at the big picture.” - Delcine Johnson, President, Johnson & Pace: Engineering, Architecture, Surveying.

Wade and Delcine Johnson celebrate 25 years of success with their Vendors Laney Newman at Johnson & Pace 25 Years Appreciation Luncheon

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Laura Rectenwald and Walt Johnson in buffet line

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Ken Rust, Kellie Ronan and Patsy Barrett check out desserts

Ashly and Keith Llyod

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Business and Finance

Chamber of Commerce touts success B y J o y cel y ne F adojutimi

ongview, Texas Chamber of Commerce (COC) members were in high spirits as they trooped into Maude Cobb Convention Center for the 2020 annual awards banquet. This year they have much to celebrate. Apart from Longview as a city celebrating its 150th anniversary, the COC led its community through a year of great success that points toward a golden future. Dr. Albert Reyes, Ph.D., CEO of Buckner International keynoted the evening, expertly narrating Longview's results from a recent environmental scan. His words were a testament on how a combination of awareness and action on the part of the public will establish a culture of health and wealth. He has served on the Board of the Christian Alliance for Orphans. He also holds Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, along with a Doctor of Philosophy degree. Reyes did not limit his oration to secular revelations. Reyes is former president of San Antonio's Baptist University of the Americas and has pastored three churches. He combined both business and sacred acumen in his keynote address. He spoke about “loving one another,” and disruption in tandem. His emphasis on disruption of less-than-divinely-inspired

2019 Chairman Chuck King hands over gavle to 2020 Chairwoman Donna Parr

CEO Ron Hutchinson and COC President Kelly Hall

Alexus Simon, Chas Dickson and Miranda Malmay

Chairman Chuck King presents Brittany Cook Team Member of the year award, Donna Parr looks on.

Ashly and Keith Lloyd; Laney Newman and Kelly Overby

procedures and programs was crucial and clear. "Disruption is good," he said. "Something does not have to be perfect to be good." He encouraged his listeners to habitually ask the questions, "Why not?" and "What if?" along the lines of Buckner International. He was also clear on the city's most urgent needs. He pointed toward drugs and alcohol as the paramount problems, with mental health in a close second. He sees the building of strong, reverent families as crucial in solving such problems while also admitting there are a lot of good things about Longview. "Bring the Kingdom of God near to those who need it," he said. "Could it be better? It is your call." Longview's HighRidge Church Pastor Tim Ingram is passionate about people and concurs

Recipe for making 2020 a grander year, COC President Kelly Hall says: “I believe our communities yearlong celebration of being 150 years old will elevate much of the work by many organizations. There is a willingness to join together so we can work through the opportunities the await our community. It is crucial that we build on each other’s strengths, align as much as possible, and keep our vision in front of us. The city’s comprehensive plan is our connector. Each organization, business and citizen have a responsibility to unite and come together to lift our community up.”

Bob Metzler and Casey Beddingfield

903.291.0020 1408 Lago Trail Longview heartis.com

Assisted Living and Memory Care Community

Pastors Marty Strait, Stephen Warnock, Tim Ingram, Doug Case, Eric Love and Chuch Warnock

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Business and Finance

Business and Finance with Reyes' remarks. Hence, he plans to approach Longview Chamber of Commerce about establishing round table discussions between faith and business communities in order to "bring the Kingdom of God to those who need it." Ingram sees such inclusion of the faith component in decisions on community matters as a step forward in solving civic problems. By exploiting Christian resources and ideas, he believes much more could be accomplished on behalf of Longview and its people. He cited the example of how monetary assistance from four churches wiped out $1.5 million in medical debt for local citizens. His own HighRidge congregation participated in this program along with Pathway Church, New Covenant Church plus Church on Purpose. "It is easy to see that our city is hurting, our city is separated," he said. "There are people who are willing and more educated and have better ideas than mine, but I cannot sleep at night knowing there is injustice." His compassion for those in need is unmistakable and touching. He also knows where to find needed resources. "I may swing and miss, but I'll never go down without a fight," he says. "Businesses have the best leaders. We need their help." It is important to note, Ingram is a staunch supporter of John Maxwell's Unite Leadership program that came to LeTourneau University Belcher Center in 2019. A flyer for the event described its objectives:

Dr. Albert Reyes and Mayor Andy Mack

Delcine and Wade Johnson

COC President Kelly Hall talks imperatives: “Being recognized as Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives is an honor. The Chamber and the Chamber Foundation will continue to build on the successes that are in place. The boards and the staff will continue to evaluate and assess best practices internally as we prepare for re-accreditation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2021. Our external lens will remain keenly focused on leading people … leading prosperity. This means we must ensure we build a community that allows future generations to live their dreams. Protecting the free enterprise is key for these dreams to come to fruition. “

Chuck King with Dana Parr awards Inman White, executive director of Community Healthcore. Large Business of the Year, his board looks on.

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Judge Bill Stoudt

"Unite Leadership Conference is a world-class training event for church, business and community leaders. The conference is developing and equipping leaders by providing the best speakers and leadership experts in the world in Longview, Texas." Ingram reports Maxwell donated $80,000 to $100,000 to fund in-depth research on identifying prosperity missing links in Longview. Maxwell has received mixed reviews from local residents. Some support his efforts while others do not, but Ingram emphasizes that the matter at hand is not how to address problems but enabling businesses to select which problems they want to address after the public is made aware of the research-found missing links. Ingram sees the local business community leaders as an excellent, competent resource to be used to ease the plight of indigent population.

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A number of local businesses attended this COC-sponsored event in celebration of community, business and award winners. There were three categories of distinguished awards: • Eastman Chemical Corporation received the Industry of the Year award. It has served Longview for 70 years and been an American corporation for 100 years. • Community Healthcore won the Large Business of the Year award. • COC Chair and Chick Fil-A owner Chuck King tapped Bob Metzler for the coveted Chairman's Award. This is the highest honor an individual can receive from the Chamber. It recognizes its winner as someone who has gone to great lengths to better the Longview business community. Metzler worked tirelessly for the Longview Arboretum, and is founder and former owner of RLM General Contractors. In addition, he is past chair of the Longview Economic Development Corporation. He has in many other ways been involved in the Chamber's work and in helping the Longview community. • Last but not the least, Brittany Cook was honored as Reach Team member of the year. King stepped down as Chamber Chair, passing the gavel to Dana Parr of Advanta Insurance Partners, who will serve as the COC's 2020 chair.

Chuck King with Dana Parr awards Mike Bogle, VP and GM of Eastman Texas Operation, Industry of the Year while his employees look on.

L-r: Mandi Andrews, Johanna Hodges, Terri Lynn Hodge and Tiea Cowley

Steve Pirtle and Angie Shepard

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Community Connections

The Signature Kiss from Rhonda To Rod Bullard

Laura Wink and Rachael Schultz

Steven and Katheryn Courville

The After Kiss Joy Rod and Rhonda Bullar

BOURBON AND BOWTIES 2020 was a hit. Maude Cobb Convention Center was packed with people supporting the event. The Bourbon River flowed effortlessly with many tastings. The organizers were very happy with the turnout. In addition, they appreciate all their donors. Thanks, Longview for supporting this event. Happy Sesquicentennial!

Scott and Allyson Ward Bailey

Rocky Pleimann

Dr. Spencer Mack and husband Dr. Andrew Hansen

GRAPHIC STANDARDS Introduction This Graphic Standards section of these Operating Rules has been developed to facilitate the use of the Allpoint® Brand Mark on all System Cards, System Terminals, signs, marketing materials and other communications. ATM National, LLC. must approve in writing any deviation from these standards.

Go. See. Do. Rights and Requirements

ATM National, LLC. is the sole owner of the Allpoint® Brand Mark and all trade uses, designations or registrations owned or hereafter incorporated in the Allpoint® Brand Mark. ATM National, LLC. shall retain all ownership rights to the Allpoint® Brand Mark and shall have all authority to require proper usage and maintenance on all signage applications at the Participant’s expense.

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...and take us with you! Standards and General Guidelines

The Allpoint® Brand Mark consists of the Allpoint® logotype and design in a rectangle box. None of these elements may appear separately or be altered in any way.

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Approved Color Versions of the Allpoint® Brand Mark

The Allpoint® Brand Mark may appear in any of the following approved versions: Color Version A Green (Pantone® 355 C) and Yellow (Pantone® Yellow 012 C)

surcharge-Free ATMS Worldwide! GRAPHIC STANDARDS Introduction

This Graphic Standards section of these Operating Rules h facilitate the use of the Allpoint® Brand Mark on all S Terminals, signs, marketing materials and other communic LLC. must approve in writing any deviation from these stan Rights and Requirements

ATM National, LLC. is the sole owner of the Allpoint® Bra uses, designations or registrations owned or hereafte Allpoint® Brand Mark. ATM National, LLC. shall retain all Allpoint® Brand Mark and shall have all authority to requ maintenance on all signage applications at the Participant’s

Standards and General Guidelines

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The Allpoint® Brand Mark consists of the Allpoint® logo rectangle box. None of these elements may appear sepa any way.

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Dr. Andy and Kelly Mack

Approved Color Versions of the Allpoint® B

The Allpoint® Brand Mark may appear in any of the followin

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TBT IPM GoSeeDo fam bikes 2020.indd 1

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Community Connections

Chelsea Cace, Dionne Lott, Melanie Northcutt Crocker and Kelly Kinsey Overby

Vikki and Earl Griffin

Body Soul and Spirit

Jeremy and Nikki Davis

John and Cheryl Jaskiewicv

The 2020 American Heart Association Go Red for Women in Longview was a real hit. The panel consisted of: Regional Clinics Cardiologists, Dr. Samir Germanwala and Dr. Jorge Massare with Moderator Dr. Melissa Sutton; Chris Hill, A Longview Personal Trainer and Dr. Shafik Hanna- Moussa of Christus Trinity Clinic Cardiology. The Longview Firefighters were the biggest hit. Women took photos with them as they distributed roses to donors at the event.

Jessica Lightle and Christina Cavazos

AHA Go-Red Ladies: Belinda Bennett, Paula Loden and Roxanne Browning

Delcine Johnson, 2020 AHA Chair Longview Go Red for Women

Jeremiah Weekly tasting Kierpersol's Fine Whisky Genie and Jim Bartlett

Chris Vivion

Daniel and Marque Ross

Dr. Quentin and Julie Woods

Amy and Ryan Boward Dr. Mellissa Sutton, Christina Cavazos, Jessica Lightle and Libby Bryson with Captain Brian Vickery, Assistant Fire Chief Steven Green, Driver Engineer Tim Clanton

Chris and Lauren Bresch

Ty and Carrie Gibson with Libby and brent Bryson and Jessica with Austin Lightle

Cross section of AHA Longview Go Red for Women Luncheon.

Matthew and Leeah Joseph Firefighter Tim Clanton delivers a Rose to donor Dr. Valerie Baxter

Panelists: Chris Hill, Dr. Samir Germanwala, Dr. Melissa Sutton,Dr.Jorge Massare and Dr. Shafik Hanna-Moussa

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L-r: Captain Brian Vickery, Assistant Fire Chief Steven Green, Driver Engineer Tim Clanton and Firefighter Brian Woodrum

Fire Fighters Captain Brian Vickery, Assistant Fire Chief Steven Green, Driver Engineer Tim Clanton and Firefighter Brian Woodrum ready to deliver Roses to donors at the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Luncheon

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Love. Marriage. Family

Brain Teasers

Gayle and Rick Poland

Blowing the Candle

Lighting the Cake

Rick and Gayle Poland have good friends who love them. Hence, when Rick and Gayle who have been married for 35 years both recently turned 70 years old, their friends as you can see held a party for them. Happy Birthday to Rick and Gayle from infinitieplus, Longviewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business magazine.

Gayle Poland and Patricia Newman

David and Karen Wright

Family and friends Wish Rick and Galye Polan Happy Birthday

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Laney and Patricia Newman

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Wedding Business

Tips on Saying Yes to Reputable Wedding Vendors

B y M echele A gba y ani M ills

or some, Valentine’s Day is more than flowers and chocolate. For approximately 10 million people it means a ring and a life changing question. Wedding season is right around the corner and in 2019, more than 150,000 couples turned to Better Business Bureau for inquiries regarding their wedding day. Better Business Bureau serving Central East Texas (BBB) reminds consumers that doing thorough research before choosing a wedding vendor can save stress, worry, and money. Last year,1,173 consumers filed complaints with BBB regarding wedding vendors. Complainants tell BBB they ordered products like wedding dresses and wedding favors with the expectation that the products would arrive in time for the wedding, but found there were delays in delivery, without an acceptable refund or other recourse. Choosing the right wedding vendors can play a pivotal role in the success of your big day. Likewise, choosing a poorly run or dishonest business can ruin your big day. BBB proposes that newlyweds consider the following when planning for their special day: • WEDDING SERVICES: Research the vendors. Before you fall in love with any vendor, check its availability for your wedding date. Go to bbb.org to read verified Customer Reviews and complaint history. Ask the business ahead of time what their plan is for delivering their product on time and get three bids before saying “yes.” Double check prices and unexpected fees.

• CATERING: Some caterers, hotels or reception venues charge extra for “plate splitting,” “cake-cutting” or “corkage” fees, especially if you bring in a cake or alcohol purchased from another source. Ask if any fees apply beyond the cost per person, gratuities or room rental, if applicable.

• WEDDING DRESS Dresses that don’t measure up. Brides have complained to BBB about bridal shops ordering the wrong sizes and colors of gowns as well as dresses that arrive too late for timely alterations. Make sure your order specifies new merchandise, sized to fit you and your bridesmaids. Call the shop to remind the staff of your schedule if you don’t hear by the promised time. • WEDDING TRANSPORTATION Wedding transportation problems. Common complaints about limousine service include poor customer service and rigid cancellation policies. Get everything in writing and never pay the entire amount in advance. • MUSICIAN Musician switch. Never rely solely on a website, demo tape or phone conversation when hiring a band or other music service. Find out where you can hear the musicians play before you hire them. Ask who will actually perform at the reception and get a written commitment from the band or musician, including the amount of time they will play and costs for additional time.

march 2020 12 www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding

• PHOTOGRAPPHER Photographer issues. Common complaints about the photographer include not showing up for the wedding and failing to deliver pictures until months after the wedding. Find out when and how pictures will be delivered, if there’s an option to receive images on a flash drive, length of time available to choose the desired photos and who will own the rights to share, distribute and print the images. • FLORAL CHANGES Floral changes. Fresh flowers are a perishable commodity and the final bouquet or arrangements may need to change depending on what’s available on the wedding day. Make sure you spell out a minimum size or number of stems in each bouquet. Ask how the florist will handle any last-minute substitutions and charges especially if the value of the flowers actually used is different from the agreed-upon amount.

• WEDDING INSURANCE Consider purchasing wedding insurance. Wedding insurance can cover a range of prospective problems including vendor no-shows, cancellations, inclement weather, military deployment, medical emergencies, travel delays and more. Many policies start at $200 and can potentially save you thousands of dollars.

• BRIDAL GOWN PRESERVATION Bridal gown preservation. Some bridal shops and other businesses sell bridal gown preservation packages including cleaning and a storage box. Many of these packages are no more than regular dry-cleaning and a cardboard box that may not be acid-free.

For more tips on how to be a savvy consumer, go to bbb.org. To report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, call BBB at 903-581-5704 or report it via BBB Scam Tracker. Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB serving Central East Texas

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Beautiful Brides

Inspirational

Bianca LeFleur

YOUR FLOORING, LIGHTING, APPLIANCE AND MORE STORE

Callie Dawn Photography

www.stone-works.net TJ LeFleur

(903) 663-3344 SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS

Bianca LeFleur

Bianca And TJ LeFleur

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Beautiful Brides

Congratulations to all the brides and their families. May your travels be joyful on the journey of love, marriage and family. Photos by Callie Dawn Photography. Callie can be reached at 903.387.2919 Phillip DeBauche

Megan DeBauche

Callie Dawn Photography

Taylor and Jessica Kistner

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Jessica and Taylor Kistner www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding march 2020

Beautiful Brides

Blaine & Sydney DeLeone Wedding

Blaine DeLeone

DeLeone Wedding

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DeLeone Wedding www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding march 2020

Beautiful Brides

Addie and Jacob Deaguero

Addie Deaguero

Jacob Deaguero

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Deaguero Wedding

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What to consider when shopping for rings

ngagements precede wedding dresses, flower arrangements, limousines, and even a coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding vows. And no proposal is complete without a ring. Knowledge of rings and stones is essential for those who plan to propose in the near future. A recent survey from the wedding resource The Knot in which 12,000 brides and 1,200 grooms in the United States were asked about their rings, found that people spend an average, of $5,978 on engagement rings. Recognizing the potential cost of engagement rings can help ring shoppers prepare for their purchases. In addition to considering costs, couples can employ the following tips to shop with confidence. Know your settings. How the diamond is framed can affect how big it looks and even how much it sparkles. Get the desired cut. A skilled jeweler knows how to properly cut a stone to bring out its best radiance. From round to princess to emerald to mar-

quise cut, cut styles can affect how the stone looks as well as the price. Know ring metals. Platinum and gold are some of the most popular ring setting metals. Platinum costs considerably more than gold or silver but is long-lasting. Investigate personal style. Men should pay attention to the jewelry their girlfriends wear so the engagement rings complement their style. Some women love modern jewelry, while others gravitate toward vintage pieces. Jewelry stores are in the business of developing relationships with their customers. When purchasing engagement rings, couples can discuss their desires in regard to a ring, as well as their budgets.

Taking a hands-on invitation approach

nvitations are a key component of wedding planning. It sets the tone for a wedding, gives guests an idea of whether it is formal or casual, offers clues to the theme and conveys important information about the festivities. While it was once common to work with a specialized printing couples tying the knot now have more options. Due to computer and internet access, and user-friendly design applications, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier than ever to design high-quality wedding invitations. According to the wedding industry survey site TheWeddingReport.com, the average price for 150 invitations and response cards is $245. To maximize efficiency and come away with wedding stationery they will love, couples can employ the following tips and techniques. Start with the paper The heavier the stock, the more luxurious the invitations will feel. Quality stock also costs more. Engraving and letter-

Couples have many options to design and produce their wedding invites. press Engraving and letterpress techniques are an art form and create unique wedding invitations. Printing companies Options abound in regard to in-store and online printing companies. At-home printing One of the more accessible invitation production methods is at-home printing. Couples have many different options when designing their wedding invitations, and some may even be able to design and produce their own.

JEWELRY

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

2019

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The journey of love marriage family March 2020

INSIDE: WEDDINGS

Addie and Jacob Deaguero Sydney and Blaine DeLeone Taylor and Jessica Kistner Megan and Phillip DeBauche Bianca and TJ LeFleur FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

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