Weddings 2023

WayneSevin’sbeena

of thepeaceforsevenyears.Page4. Photo courtesy of Wayne Sevin

Officiants get the knot tied

Monitor staff

Thereisonethingallweddingsneed,whether you’replanninganintimateelopementora grandsoiree:anofficiant. InNewHampshire,thatgenerally meansareligiousleaderorajustice ofthepeace.Wereachedoutto WayneSevin,oneoftheboard membersoftheNewHampshire JusticeofthePeaceAssociationto findoutwhatgoesintothejoband whatcouplesshouldconsiderwhen planningtheirwedding.

Tellusalittleaboutyourself.

IwasborninNewOrleansand amanativeofRaceland,Louisiana: aCajunbyheart.IresideinPittsfieldwithmylovelywifeof47 years.DebbieandImetinHonolulu,Hawaii,in1975whileIwas servingintheUnitedStatesArmy. Wearetheparentsofthreesons andthegrandparentsofeightbeau-

tifulgrandchildrenbetweenthe agesof11and18.

InAprilof2022,Iretiredasthe RecreationDirectoratGranite LedgesofConcord,aSeniorLiving CommunityaffiliatedwithCapital RegionHealthCareandGenesis

HealthCare.Ilovetosing,soinmy sparetime,Ienjoyparticipatingin NewHampshireCommunityTheatre,preferablymusicals.Ithoroughlyenjoyhavingfun,laughing, andsmilingalot.

Forthepastsevenyears,Ihave beenacommissionedNewHampshireJusticeofthePeace(JP)and NotaryPublic.Iamamember/officeroftheNewHampshireJustice ofthePeaceAssociation,andIalso serveasaUniversalLifeMinister.

BecomingaJPwaseasyformeas Ilovemeetingnewpeopleand planningevents.ItwassomethingI shouldhavepursuedyearsago.I genuinelylovewhatIdo!Asthey say,thereisalwaysatimeanda placeforeverything,sohereIam.

HowdoesonebecomeaJustice ofthePeace?

TobecomeaJPinNewHampshire,youmustbearesidentof NewHampshireandaregistered voterinthestateforatleastthree yearsimmediatelybeforethedate ofyourapplication.

AfterbecomingaJP,IhighlyrecommendjoiningtheNewHamp-

shireJusticeofthePeaceAssociation(nhjpa.org).Throughthisorganization,youcanlearnmore aboutbeingaJusticeofthePeace, andyouwillhavetheopportunity tomeetotherJPsfromourstate whilelearningvaluableskills.

WhatdoesaJPdo?Whatdoesa typical‘workday’looklikefor you?

AsaJPinthegreatstateofNew Hampshire,youcanworkaround yourlifeschedule.Yourdutiescan includeperformingafewofficial actswithinthestate,suchas:Administeroathsandaffirmations; takeverificationsuponoathoraffirmation;acknowledgeinstruments;witnessorattestasignature; certifyorattestacopy;notea protestofanegotiableinstrument; takedepositions;issuewarrants andofcourse,performingmarriage ceremonies.

What’syourfavoritething aboutbeingaJP?

Hearingthejoyandexcitement inthevoicesofmycouplesabout theirweddingceremonyhastobe myfavoritepartaboutbeinganof-

Concord

Wayne Sevin became a justice of the peace seven years ago and wishes he did it sooner

Courtesy of Wayne Sevin WayneA.Sevin hasbeenofficiated marriages inNew Hampshirefor seven years.

ficiant.Nomattermycouples’ages, theexperienceofplanningtheir ceremonywiththemleavesmy heartfull.Afterbeingmarriedfor 47yearstomywife,ifaskedmy opinion,Ialwaystellmycouples thatmarriageisajobthatyouboth mustworkat.Throughallyour yearstogether,alwaysremember whatbroughtyoutoyourwedding day.LOVE!Alwayskeepitstrong andhealthy.

Whenplanningtheirceremony, whatshouldacouplekeepin mind?Aretheredifferent‘features’toconsider?

Overthedecades,somuchhas changedwhenplanningawedding ceremony.Therearesomanyaspectsofplanningaweddingceremonythatallcouplesneedtowork togetheron.Whethersettingthat particulardateorworkingonyour budget,themostimportantthingto doistoputtogetheracomprehensivelistofallyourplansandstick toit.

Fromonecoupletothenext, weddingceremonyfeaturesdiffer. Eventhoughyoumayincludespecialfeaturesinyourceremonyto pleaseothers,rememberthatitis mostimportanttopleaseyour wishesforyourspecialday.So,“Do

A Historic Venue To Create Memories

Courtesy of Wayne Sevin

Wayne A. Sevin, right, watches as the newlywed couple celebrates their first kiss.

you,”andthiswillmakeyourceremonyextraspecial.

InyourtimeasaJP,whatare somenotablechangesyou’vewitnessedintheweddingindustry?

EventhoughCOVIDisstillwith us,butbeingviewedinour rearviewmirror,ithasbeensonice tohavesomenormalcywhen workingwithmycouples.Forthe lastfewyears,ithasbeenatrying timeformakingweddingplansand worryingaboutkeepingeveryone safe.Theweddingindustry,especiallythevenues,hasbeenwonderfulwithcomplyingwithallthe rulesandregulations.

What’sthemostcommonthing peopleforgetordon’tknow(but shouldknow)whenitcomesto gettingamarriagelicense?

Couplesshouldalwaysmakesure togetthemarriagelicenseassoon astheycanbeforetheirspecialday. InNewHampshire,youcandothis 90daysbeforetheceremonydate. Ohyes,Iknowtherearemanyvendorstobookbeforeaceremony.I wanttostresstothoseengagedor makingplanstobookanofficiant beforethelastfewmonthsoftheir bigday.Yourofficiantisessential whenyouthinkofit.Doitnow!

“Let’sGetStarted!”

Canyoushareyourfavoriteor mostmemorableweddingmoment(s)fromyourtimeasaJP?

Themostmemorablepartofa weddingceremonyformeiswhen mycouplesexchangetheirvows. Whetherwritingtheirvowsor

choosingto“repeatafterme,”there isnocomparisontotheloveand feelingstheyshareatthatmoment. Iamsoluckytoseethisfirsthand inanyceremonyIperform. Nothingcanbeatthememoriesof thismomentinaweddingceremony.

Howaboutanyweddingcatastrophesyou’vewitnessed?(And maybehowcouplesplanningtheir weddingnowmayavoidasimilar situation?)

Itmaybestrange,butIhaveno horrorstoriesorweddingcatastrophestoshare.Idoalwaysmake suretolearnallIcanaboutmycouplesbeforetheirceremonies.Doing thishasalwaysmadeiteasyforme tonavigatethroughthehappiness oftheirspecialday.

Anythingelseyou’dliketo share?

“IDo”lovewhatIdo!Inmyjob asaJusticeofthePeace/Officiant,I lovethatitisalwaysexciting.Itinvolvesinteractingandcommunicatingwithtwoexceptionalpeople ononeofthehappiestdaysoftheir lives.Youcanbeatthat!

(WayneSevincanbereachedat nhjpwayneasevin.com,603-7386055ornhjp@metrocast.net.)

Courtesy of Wayne Sevin Wayne A. Sevin says nothing can beat the memories of the vows in a wedding ceremony.

By: Madeline Arpin

Bringing outdoors into your wedding

From garden party to mountain adventure, outdoor elements can help bring your unique personalities to your wedding

By SHERRI COLLIS Creations by Collis

Yourweddingdayistheperfecttimeto expressyourinnernatureandindulgein yourpersonaltaste.Manypeopleareinspiredbytheoutdoors–awildburstof vibrantflowers,acanopyoflushgreenfoliage.

Ifthisisyou,therearesomanycreativeways tobringtheoutdoorsintoyourreceptionroom andweaveanaturalthemeintothedecor.Aside benefitofaccentingyourvenuewithagardenlikeorwoodsyfeelingisthatitdoesn’thaveto becostly.

Inspiredbytherecentroyalwedding,treesare atrendingaccentchoice.Don’tbeafraidtouse tonsofgreeninyourdecor.Gorgeousgreenery andfloralarchesenhancetheromanticfeelof theweddingvenue.

Whetheryouwanttobringtheforestfeeling indoors,orwanttohaveafamily-stylebanquet underthetrees,thewoodsytrendcanbeembracedbyindoorandoutdoorfavoringbrides alike.

Eco-awarebridesmayoptforfloralarrangementsthatcanevenbereplantedbythecouple andotherguestsasalivingmemoryofthebeautifulday.

Pottedfruittrees,likelemontrees,arenot onlygorgeoustolookat,butalsosmellheavenly andareeasilytransported.Chooseonethat’s specialtoyouandyourspousetoplantathome forawonderfulreminderofyourweddingday.

Tall,majestic,pottedtreesalsomaketheperfectbarriersorcoversforunsightlyspaces.They canbreakupemptyspacesandmakeastatement.Treestumpsmakegreatcandleholders, sidetables,cakestands,andifslicedthinner,a lovelytray.

Bringingtheoutdoorsincanalsobeaccomplishedbyaccentsandlightingthatcompliment thenaturalplantbeauty.Fairylightshanging fromtheceilingaddabitofsparkleandduskto enhancethegreenandwhiteoftheleavesand petals.LEDlightscanalsoprovidethattwinkly eveningvibe.

Beautifullanternsareanotheroptionfor lightingthataddtotheatmosphereofanindoor/outdoorwonderland.

Anotherwaytoaddabitofnaturalflairisto drapewildgrassesalongtheceremonysiteand dancefloorandplacemirrorsunderthecenterpiecestomakethemappearmorelush.

Thinkabouttheseasonandhowyoucanincorporatenaturalseasonalelements(wildflowersforspring,forexample)intoyourdecor. Placeflowersinvasesandfruitinbaskets.Considerusinglocalitems,likeshellsifyouliveby theseaandlocalflora.

Hangatrellisofbloomsaboveareception dancefloortoenvelopyourguestsinaflowery

embrace. Thisoverheadinstallationaddsfresh accentsthatprovideagarden-likeescapefeeling. Vibrantwreathscanalsobehungoverhead waftingaheadyfloralscentthroughoutthe room.

Centerpiecesprovideanotheropportunityfor incorporatingtheoutdoorsintoyourwedding. Youcanuseglassbowlswithfloatingflower petals.Mossybarkwooddisplaysofferacreative waytoaddtextureandoutdoorsyfeelingtoyour placecardtables.Multicolorscatteredfall pumpkincenterpiecesaddatastefulnaturalele-

pixabay.com

ment.Floralcenterpiecescanbemonochromatic orseasonallycoloreddependingonyouroverarchingtheme.

Considerusingmasonjars,milkglassvases andotherrecycledglassbottlesandjarsaswonderfulcandleholdersthatcanbepaintedinpastelstomatchyourthemedcolorscheme.Tallelegantbottlesaccentuatelongstemmedrosesand widerbowlsshowcasecustombouquetstoyour uniquetaste.

Herearesomespecificideasforseasonal flowersyoucanuseforbouquets,centerpieces

Beautiful lanterns are an option to add the atmosphere of an outdoor wonderland. Bark wood disks can be used to add texture and height to centerpiece displays.

andoverheaddecoration:

Winter

Showcasesomeamarylliswhich makeastrikingtablecentrepiece andhollywhichcanbeincorporatedintoaChristmaswedding flowerdecoration.Althoughcymbidiumorchidsareavailableyear round,thebestselectionandprices aretobehadinthewinterseason. Pussywillowstemsandvibrantred dogwoodstemsmakeaspectacular backgroundforyourflowers.

Spring

Springisthetimewhennature burstsintolife,andtreatsustoa spectaculararrayofcolors.Floweringbulbscomeintoseasonnow suchastulipsandthewonderfully fragranthyacinths.Peoniesarea popularchoiceforspringbridal bouquetsandforsythiabearsits yellowflowersinspringforatouch ofbrightness.

Summer

Summeroffersyouawidevariety offlowerchoices.Theseinclude beautifulbluedelphiniums,gladioli, andcolumbine(aquilegia).Irises havetheirseasonfromlatespring throughtosummer.Mixedbouquetsofroseswithatouchofgreen

chrysanthemumsareabeautiful choiceforasummerwedding. Snapdragons(Antirrhinums)arrive insummerandhearkenbackto sunnychildhooddaysaswell.

Fall

Moreimportantthanthespecies, inautumnthevibrantseasonal colorsmaketheirsignatureappearance.Richreds,fieryorangesand beautifulyellowsaretheorderof theday.Crabapples,pumpkinsand otherautumnfruitsspiceupthe crisp,freshfeel.

Evenweddingdressescantieinto afloralthemeusingfloralbodices andfloralinspiredtulletrains,if youwanttotakeitalltheway.And weddingcakescanbedecorated withleavesorflowers.

Thereareendlessideasfor bringingtheoutdoorsintoyour weddingwithoutbreakingthebank. Whateveryourparticulartasteand budget,ourteamcanhelpyou createabreathtakingfeelingof beinginnatureinanyvenueyou choose.

SherriCollisisthefounderofCreationsByCollis,aneventplanning companybasedoutoftheLakesRegion.Learnmoreatcreationsbycollis.biz.

Rustic Mountain Venue

Meet with vendors in person

Whilethere’splentyofweddingplanningyoucando fromthecomfortofyour couch,sometimesyoujustcan’t beatbeingabletomeetvendors face-to-faceandexperiencetheir productsinperson.

TheBarnatBullMeadow,oneof Concord’snewesteventspaces,is holdingaweddingexpoonFeb.26 tohelpyoudojustthat.

Theexpowillofferanopportunitytomeetweddingvendorsfrom thegreaterConcordareaincluding CateringbyDesign,CityMoose Catering,ArtisanChefCateringand Alan’sofBoscawen,PineStateBeverages,GetDownTonightEntertainment,MainEventEntertainment,SweetenedMemoriesBakery, JacquesPastries,NHDoughnut Company;SweetLavenderFloral Design,PJ’sFlowers&Wedding, LoonWeddings,NHImages,Alison ClarkePhotography,Blackwater Events,ChristaMcLeanEvents, TaylorRentalConcord,Designsby Anna,HolidayInnConcord,The HotelConcord,DupreyHotels,StudentTransportationofAmerica,of-

ficiantsDanGriffithsandShelly Mead,ModernBride&FormalShop andIsn’tSheLovelyHairandMakeup.

Theexpoisopentothepublic,but ticketsneedtobepurchasedinadvancefor$10at bullmeadow.com/winter2023expo.

Theticketsadmitagroupofupto sixfora75-minuteexposessionand includea$10barvoucher.The ticketscanbepurchasedforsessionsat10a.m.,11:30a.m.or1p.m.

Here’salookasomeoftheother upcomingweddingexpos:

Keene Wedding Show

Spendtheafternoontalkingwith photographers,DJs,florists,and otherweddingprofessionalsfrom yourarea.Enjoycateredappetizers andacashbar,whilecatchingupon thelatesttrendsandadvice throughouttheday.NewEngland PremierEventsloveshelpingcouplesfindtheperfectvendorsfor theirweddingday.Thisshowwillbe heldMarch5fromnoonto3p.m.at theBestWesternPlusinKeene.For ticketsandinformation,visit

eventbrite.com/e/keene-weddingshow-tickets-318459660417.

N.H. Wedding Magazine

CometourthestunningManchesterCountryClub,allwhileeating appetizersandsippingoncocktails. Therewillbeweddingvendorsfrom allcategoriestoassistinyourweddingplanning.Bringyourbridal party,orjustyourfiance,andplanto getlotsofgreatinfoinperson,and thechancetowingreatprizesall night.TheeventwillbeheldMarch 23from6to8p.m.atManchester CountryClubinBedford.Tickets andmoreinformationat eventbrite.com/e/nh-weddingmagazine-bridal-show-tickets500998850047.

Bridal Bargain Day

OnMarch26from11a.m.to3 p.m.,headtotheDouglassEverett ArenainConcordtogetyourweddingneedsmetatadiscount.Great deals,greatideas,andbestofall greatfun!Therewillalsobea chancetowinthousandsofdollars inprizes,rafflesandgiveawaysfrom

yourlocalweddingvendors.For moreinformationortickets,visit eventbrite.com/e/bridal-bargainday-tickets-318472548967.

White Mountains

NewEnglandPremierEventswill holdanewshowattheGrand MountainResortatAttitashon April2fromnoonto3p.m.Attendeesenjoycateredappetizerswhile catchinguponthelatesttrendsand gettingadvicethroughouttheday. Localweddingvendors–fromphotographersandbakeriestowedding decorandattire–willbereadyto answeryourquestionsandbook yourdates.Moreinformationand ticketsateventbrite.com/e/whitemountains-wedding-show-tickets318479068467.

Manchester Show

Thisweddingshowwillbeheld Nov.5fromnoonto3p.m.atthe DoubleTreebyHiltoninManchester.Ticketsandinformationat eventbrite.com/e/manchester-nhwedding-show-tickets499719343007.

Legion has new look as event space

Contoocook hall is now availible for the public to rent

Locatedinthesmall,quaint villageofContoocook,in Hopkinton,theERMontgomeryEventCenterwas builtin1978asanadditiontothe AmericanLegionPost81.Theprimarypurposeofthe“hall”wasto provideavenueforLegionmemberstohostsocialgatherings.

In2019,thefacilitybeganrenovationstoenableLegionmembers tooffertheeventcentertotheentirecommunitytoprovideasafe, modern,beautifulgatheringspace. Today,anyonemayrenttheevent centerforweddings,familygatherings,schoolevents,community fundraisersorotherevents.

Tolearnmore,youcancontact theE.RMontgomeryEventCenter, at169BoundTreeRd.,Contoocook,oronlineatERMEventCenter.com.TheeventcentermanagerisDonnaWarnerwhocanbe reachedat(801)215-9256orinfo@ ermeventcenter.com.

HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT HERE

For more information, please contact Kyle Rao, Director of Catering, Conferences and Events, at (603) 899-4195 or conferenceservices@franklinpierce.edu.

GEOFF FORESTER/ Monitor staff

Manager Donna Warner of the E.R Montgomery Event Center in Contoocook works on the bride and groom table in the event area of the American Legion Post 81.

Franklin Pierce University Conference Services provides

excellent conference, meeting site, and recreational experiences.

The Rindge Campus

offers unique meeting spaces, outstanding athletic facilities, an excellent food and beverage team, and a dedicated staff to offer your group personal care.

Nestled on 1,200 acres next to Pearly Pond with beautiful views of Mount Monadnock, Franklin Pierce University provides an

excellent

setting

for your

business conference, sports camp, group event, wedding, or other special event.

One venue with multiple options

With 26 original buildings at the historic Canterbury Shaker Village, there’s something for all

Featuring26restoredoriginal Shakerbuildings,CanterburyShakerVillagehasquietlybecomeaweddingdestinationinrecentyears.

“WhatmakestheVillageso uniqueforweddingsisthevariety ofvenueswefeatureontheproperty,”saidLeslieNolan,executive director.

Thesevenuesrangefromauthentic,rusticbuildingsandbarns tomoremoderngatheringspaces. TheVillagealsofeaturesalarge grassylawnthatoverlooksgardens tothewest,TurningMillpondto theeast,androllingmountainsto thesouth.

ForCaseyBukowski,whowas marriedtherein2022,theVillage wasparticularlyuniquebecauseit enabledhertopersonalizeherexperience.“Iwantedtotakealotof theplanningonmyselfasawayto savemoney,soIwasveryserious

abouttheworkIwasdoingtoplan it,”shesaid.

Regardingwhatinitiallyattracted

hertotheVillageforherwedding, Bukowskiciteditsarchitecture,historicalsignificance,and“beautiful

naturalsetting.”“It’sasmallcommunitywithinasmallcommunity, soit’sveryintimate,”shesaid.

“Impressed”byherpersonalexperience,sheisnowcoordinating weddingsfortheVillagebeginning in2023.Referringtothecostas “reasonable,”Bukowskisaidshe “wantsothercouplestohaveaccess tothisacclaimedspace.”“Iwantto providethemwithsupportalong thewaytomakeituniquelytheir own,”shesaid.

Nolanagreedandadded,“Ifyou arelookingfortheclassic, quintessentialweddingexperience, youwillfinditatCanterbury ShakerVillage.”

Tolearnmoreaboutweddings, emailweddings@shakers.org.

Establishedin1792,Canterbury ShakerVillagerepresentsoneofthe oldest,mosttypicalandcompletely preservedoftheShakerVillages. TheVillageisamemberoftheNH HeritageMuseumTrail,whichconnectsthepublicwithculturallyrich heritageinstitutionsinNewHampshire.TolearnmoreabouttheVillage,visitshakers.org.

Natalia Price Photography Casey and Paul Bukowski were married at the Canterbury Shaker Village. Casey is now the wedding coordinator for the facility.

Capturing the memories

By ASHLEY SAARI Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

Whenitcomestorememberingtheir bigday,anincreasingnumberof couplesareinvestingnotonlyinaphotographer, butavideographertocapturethe keymomentsoftheirweddingboth attheceremonyandbeyond.

In2022,theremoreweddingsin theUnitedStatessince1984,and withhigherbudgets.Partofthat wasattributedtothelingeringeffectsofCOVID-19,andwedding delaysandbacklogfrom2020and 2021.

EmmaMuhonenofNewIpswich, ownerandvideographerforPioneerFilms,officiallylaunchedher businessinMarchof2021,andsaid evenasanunknowncominginto thefield,shewasimmediatelycompilingafullschedule.

“ItwasalotmorethanIwasexpecting,”Muhonensaid.

CeliaO’BrienofNewIpswich, ownerandvideographerforGet LostWeddingFilms,whohasbeen doingweddingvideographysince 2018butonlyseriouslybeganto dedicateherselftothebusinessin 2021,saidthatthiscomingyearappearstohavecomedownfromthe boom.

Muhonensaidmodernwedding videosareawaytorelivethedayin awayevenphotosmaynotcapture.

“Itdoes,inadifferentway,more justiceinbeingabletowatchyou daythatyou’veworkedsohardfor,” Muhonensaid.“Ithinkit’salways worthit.You’respendingsomuch money;youwanttospendthe moneyonsomethingthatwillallow youtorelivethatwholeday,again andagain.Aphotocansparka memory,butavideo,youcanreplay,andhearyourvowsandthe speechesalloveragain.”

O’Brienagreed,sayingwedding videoscanbecomeafamilytreasure.

PHOTO BY HANNAH BROOKE PHOTOGRAPHY

Celia O’Brien ofNewIpswichcaptures detailsofawedding ceremonyatThe Nines Hotel in Portland, Ore.

Videographers are becoming more popular to record the special

day

you build a new community with your partner, our newsletters can help you stay informed on the community around you.

“WhatIdon’tthinkpeoplealwaysrealizeitthatit’llbeanheirloomforyearstocome,”O’Brien said.

Andbecauseit’ssuchanimportantmemoryoftheday,it’simportanttomakesurethatwhen choosingavideographer,their portfolioisn’ttheonlypointofconsideration.

“Yourphotographerandvideographer,they’regoingtobespending asignificantamountofthedaywith you,”O’Briensaid.“Payingattentiontopersonalityandfinding someonethatclicksiskey.”

Somevideographerswilleven spendtimewithcouplesoutsideof theweddingdayforothersignificantmoments.Muhonensaidshe oftenmeetswithcouplesatleast onceortwicepriortothewedding, togetasenseoftheirstoryandhow she’llapproachtellingit.

"Itrytogetmoreknowledgeon whotheare,howtheymet,what theirstyleis,”Muhonensaid. “That’swheregettingtoknowthem inthebookingprocessissoimportant.”

Dependinguponthevideographer,theweddingvideocanincludemomentssuchaswedding preparation,firstlooksbetweenthe brideandgroom,theceremonyitself,thereceptionand speechesandafter-party.

O’Briensaidit’snotunusualfor hertospendeighthourson-site duringaweddingforavideothat maybepareddownto10minutes. Shesaidsomeofherfavoritemomentstocapturearethosebetween

thebrideandgroom,eitherbefore theceremonyforafirstlook,orimmediatelyafter,whentheyspend theirfirsthoursashusbandand wife.

“It’snoteasy,butit’sfun,andinspiring,”O’Briensaid.“Youwantto beabletogetasenseoftheday, scenesthatrepresentwhat’sgoing onoutsideandinside,andthe peoplethatarewithyou.It’sabout noticingthefeelandcapturingthe emotionsoftheday.”

VideographerslikeO’Brienand Muhonenareessentiallyonepersonoperations,andO’Briensaid theeditingprocesstakesbetween 40and50hours,meaningcustomersshouldexpectseveralweeks ofturnaroundtimebeforereceiving theirfinalvideo.

Muhonenadvisedcouplesshould reviewapotentialvideographer’s portfolio,andchoseonewhose stylematcheswhattheywanttosee intheirweddingvideo.While videographerscanadapttosome extent,often,whatpeopleseein thatexploratoryphasewillbewhat theyget.

Couplesshouldexpecttopay pricescomparabletoweddingphotography,withlowcostsforsimple packagesstartingaround $1,000andrangingupwardsof $6,000.O’Brien’sratesrangefrom about$1,865to$2,600and Muhonen’sfrom$1,700to$2,200, dependinguponoptionschosen.

AshleySaaricanbereachedat (603)924-7172,Ext.244,or asaari@ledgertranscript.com.She’s onTwitter@AshleySaariMLT.

PHOTO BY EMMA MUHONEN Emma Muhonen of Pioneer Films shot the wedding video for Dakota and Chloe Lampinen in 2020, her first job as a wedding videographer.

Worth the wait

Gary and Yudelka Laviolette find wedded bliss after delays

By BILL FONDA Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

TwodateswasallittookforGary LavioletteofJaffrey.

“Bymyseconddate,IknewIwas meanttobemarriedtoher,”Gary said,referringtohiswifeYudelka.

Bothhadbeenmarriedoncebefore,andaftertheyfirstconnected throughcatholicmatch.com,a datingsiteforCatholics,inearly 2021,theynavigatedalong-distancerelationshipwhileshelived onLongIslandandtwodelaysto theirnuptialsbeforetheyweremarriedApril23,2022.

PriortotheirfirstdateonMarch 20,2021,atamallinConnecticut, theyweretalkingtwotofourhours onthephoneeveryday,evenwhen Yudelka’sworkasanursingassistantmadeitdifficult.

“Wealwaysfoundthetime,”she said.“Sometimes,I’dhaveabreakat 2a.m.,soI’dcallat2o’clockinthe morning.”

Whenitwastimeforthedate,

Yudelka,49,wasaccompaniedby herfriendandhersontothemall, justtobesafe.Theyhaddinnerat TheCheesecakeFactory,and Yudelka’ssonwalkedbywithout Garyrealizingit.

Gary,54,saidthemallwasagood placetohaveafirstdate,because theycouldgettoknoweachother astheywalkedaroundanditwasa public,safespace.

Oncetheystarteddatinginperson,GarysaidYudelkawould cometoJaffreyorhewouldgoto LongIslandeveryotherweekend. AroundthetimeofGary’sbirthday onJune3,Yudelkamethisfamily afterdriving7½hoursfromLong Island.

“Thewholefamilywashere waitingforme,”shesaid.

“Theywereallwelcoming,”Gary said.“Ihadalreadytoldthemall abouther.”

Yudelka’sfamilyisfromtheDominicanRepublic,anditwasa dreamofhermother’stogotoNiagaraFalls.Garyrealizedthatthe weekendtheyweregoingtogo,July 24,2021,wasthesameashispar-

PHOTO COURTESY GARY LAVIOLETTE

Garyand YudelkaLaviolette ontheir weddingday at SaintPatrick Churchin Jaffrey.

ents’weddinganniversary,sohe wentwiththemwithaplantopropose.

“Ithought,‘Howcoolwoulditbe togetengagedthesameweekendas myparents’weddinganniversary?’” hesaid.

ThetripwasGary’schanceto meetYudelka’sfamily,andwhenhe proposedonabridgeatNiagara Falls,theonlookersincludednot onlyherfamily,butotherpeople nearby.

“Everybodyonthedrawbridge circledaround,chantedandwas partofthebackdrop,”hesaid.“I couldn’thaveplanneditany better.”

Thenextobstaclewassettinga weddingdate.Theyfirstplannedto getmarriedNov.21,2021,butthey wantedtobemarriedinthe CatholicChurch,andGaryhadn’t beenconfirmed.HetriedDivine MercyChurchinPeterborough andSainteMarieRomanCatholic ChurchinManchester,buttheir confirmationclasseswouldnotend untilafterEaster.

SaintPatrickChurchJaffreyhada classthatwouldallowhimtobe confirmedbyNov.17,2022butit wassoclose,theycouldn’tgeta guaranteeddateforthewedding,so theydecidedtopostponetheceremonyuntilFeb.12.

However,atthebeginningofDecember,aftervisitingGary’ssister LisaandherhusbandFrankLabadini,Gary,YudelkaandFrankall contractedCOVID.Garyand Yudelkahadminimalsymptoms, butFrankdiedduetocomplications fromthevirusinJanuary2022, leadingtoanotherpostponementto allowthefamilytomourn.

Finallythedaycame,atSt. Patrick’s,afterabitofafrenzyat Gary’shousebecauseofworkbeing donethere.Yudelka’sfamilydidall theflowers,whichtheyboughtat MarketBasket,thenightbeforethe

wedding.

“Atthelastminute,wepulledit alltogether,”Garysaid.

Yudelkasaidshehadprayedthat shewouldn’thavetospendaloton adress,andfoundaplaceinNashua thatsellspre-ownedwedding dresses,includingtheoneshe boughtfor$100.

“Ifoundabeautifuldressforalmostnothing,”shesaid.“Whenthe Lordworksinyourlife,it’slikemiracleshappen.”

Onthemorningofthewedding, GarysaidYudelkawasinsistent thathenotbelatebecausehe’salways20minuteslate.Gary’sson andbestmanRyan,whowasinthe AirForceforsixyears,wasputin chargeofgettingthereontime,and hewas.Instead,itwasYudelkawho was45minuteslate.

Atthechurch,theprogramwasin EnglishononesideandSpanishon

theother,soeveryonecouldfollow along,andtheceremonywentoff withoutahitch.

“Everythingwasperfect,”Gary said.“Wewereveryblessedtobe marriedonthatday.”

“Itwasbeautiful,”Yudelkasaid.

“ItwasablessingfromtheLord.”

Nearlyayearlater,Yudelkasaid it’sstillablessing.

“He’sagreatfather,”shesaid. “He’sagreathusband.”

Forhispart,Garysaid,“I’mthe luckiestmanontheplanet.”

PHOTO COURTESY GARY LAVIOLETTE

Gary and Yudelka Laviolette after getting engaged at Niagara Falls.

Readers share faves

Eachyear,theMonitorasksits readerstonamethebest-of-thebestinthegreaterConcordarea. Herearethe2022winnersinthe Weddingcategory.

Bridal&FormalWear

Winner:ADaytoRemember

SecondPlace:BettyDeeFashions andModernBride&FormalShop

RunnersUp:ArmardoJosephand CountryBridalsandFormalWear

Caterer

Winner:WashingtonStreetCafé &Catering

SecondPlace:SmokeshowBarbeque

RunnersUp:DeeLuxeBartending andEventStaffing,RedBlazer, Alan’sofBoscawenRestaurant

Florist

Winner:Cobblestone

SecondPlace:Nicole’sGreenhouse&Florist

RunnersUp:McLeod’s,Marshall’s Florist&Gifts,Prescott’sFlorist

Jeweler

Winner:Romance

SecondPlace:NHLeagueof Craftsmen

RunnersUp:TatesGallery,GoldsmithsGalleryLLC,Jeweler’s Workshop

REACH - GROW YOUR SALES - GROW

Limousine

Winner:GraceLimousine

SecondPlace:Lake’sRegionLimo &TaxiService,LLC

RunnersUp:ASLLimousine, PrimoLimo,ConcordCab

Photographer

Winner:AmieElizabethPhotography

SecondPlace:SydneyKerbyson

Photography

RunnersUp:AnneSkidmorePhotography,MaundyMitchell,Sanya RyanPhotography,YeatonPhotography

WeddingCake

Winner:Jacques

SecondPlace:RedBlazerRestaurant&Bakery

RunnersUp:LaconiaVillage Bakery,Frederick’sPastries,Crust andCrumb

WeddingVenue

Winner:BarnatBullMeadow

SecondPlace:Castleinthe Clouds

RunnersUp:Dell-LeaWeddings &Events,TheCommonManInn, Spa&Lodge,Wentworthbythe Sea

Don’tforgettovoteinthe2023 Cappieslaterthissummer.

Have the wedding you want for less

By SARA RATHNER NerdWallet

Thisonegoesouttoallyoulovebirdswhogotengagedovertheholidaysandarenowleftplanninga weddingwithzeroevent-planning experience.

Somehowyou’reexpectedtocraft adaythat’straditional,yetmodern. Well-attended,yetintimate.It’s aboutyouasacouple,butalso shouldn’tbeoffensivetoanyof yourguests.Andmostcrucially, don’toverspend,butmakesureit looksexpensive.

Ifyoufocusyourspendingon whatyouandyourguestswillactuallynotice.

Establish your budget

Beforeyouplananything,seta budgetbasedonwhatyou(and yourfamilies,ifthey’recontributing)canafford.Makeevery decisionwiththatnumberinmind, whetherit’s$250,$5,000or $50,000.

Atitscore,aweddingissimply“a celebrationoflove,”saysJenGlantz, founderofthecompanyBridesmaid forHire.“Inthatcelebration,there

arenorules.…Lookatyourweddingasablankslate,anempty room.Whatdoyouwanttofillit with?Whatcanyouaffordtofillit with?”

Reevaluate ‘must-haves’

“ThisisthebiggestthingIhaveto telleverybodywhentheyplana wedding:Youdon’tneedanything atyourweddingtogetmarried,” Glantzsays.“Ifyoudon’twanta cake,don’thaveacake.Ifyoudon’t wanttowearadressoratuxedo, don’t.”

Decor:Guestsrememberthe overallvibe,notthetinydetails. “Peopleatweddingsarebusy,” Glantzsays.“Andwhenyou’re busy,youdon’tseethings.”Saveon decorbyrentingitorscouringBuy Nothinggroupsonsocialmedia.Already-marriedfriendsmayhave leftoveritemsthey’dbehappyto lendorpassalong.

Transportation:“We’relocked intothisideathatthebigstretch limowillgetyoutothechurchor getyoutothevenue,”saysSheavonneHarris,ownerandleadcoordinatoratEventsbySheavonnein

NewYorkCity.Butyourguestswill beseatedinsidewhenyouarrive,so thatcarwon’tbeapartofyour grandentrance.Sherecommends bookingaride-hailingservice yes,justlikewhenyouneedaride totheairport.

Invitations,programsand menus:Allthosepaperitemsyou painstakinglyselectaregoingtogo inthetrash.Programsgetlefton chairsaftertheceremony,and menusgettuckedunderplatesafter aquickscan.Evenyourinvitations willgetonlyafewmonthson guests’refrigeratorsbeforethey headtothelandfill.“Theyjust tosseda$10billintothegarbage,” Harrissays.Ifyouwantthetraditionofpaperforalowercost,skip themenusandprograms.

Partyfavors:Guestsleavethem behind,andyou’llbestuckwith75 personalizedbeerkooziesforthe restofyourlife.

Spend on the noticable

Photography:Longafteryour wedding,theonlythingsyou’llbe leftwitharememoriesandpictures. Thisisnotthetasktoassigntothat

cousinwhotookafewphotography classesincollege.“Ifyouwantto putmoneyintosomething,putit intophotography,”Harrissays. “Withphotography,youdefinitely getwhatyoupayfor.”

Theguestexperience:Both GlantzandHarrisrecommend payingattentiontoweddingsyou attendasaguestbeforeyourown bigday.Whatmadeyoufeelwelcome?Guestswon’trememberthat yougotmarriedinapicturesque historicmansion,buttheywillrememberifthatmansionhadonly onebathroomwitha20-minuteline touseit.Cutexpenseselsewhereto focusonfood,drink,entertainment andguestcomfort.

Professionalvendors:Hiringa friendordoingataskyourself mightfeellikeamoney-saving move.Harriscautionsthatunlikea professionalvendor,yourfriend likelywon’thaveabackupplanfor whentheflowerorderislateorthe soundequipmentisonthefritz. Andbookingaproatthelast minutebecausethatfriendbacks outwillendupcostingyoueven more.

WhoLovesaNUNCommonWedding?IDo!

HostedatOurUniqueVenuesAcrossNHorCateredatYourSpecialPlace

TheCommonManFamilyoffersavarietyofvenuestoperfectlysuityourweddingcelebration...acozyNestatCommonManAshland, renovatedBirchandFoster’shallsatourInninPlymouth,eventspacesatCommonManWindhamandCommonManConcord, ariver-sideballroomatourInninClaremont,andTheBarnonthePemi,ourrestored1860seventbarnandceremonygreenhouseinPlymouth. Planningaweddingatyourplace,inameadow,atthelake?Ourplannersandchefsarehappytocreateamenuthat bestsuitsyourneedsandwhims.Ourprofessionaleventstaffandchefsseamlesslytransport,prepare,serveandtidyup.

Ashland —TheNestatTheCommonManRestaurant

Claremont —TheCommonManInn&Restaurant

Concord —TheCommonManRestaurant

LakesRegion —LakehouseBoutiqueCatering

Plymouth —TheBarnonthePemi&TinyCabins TheCommonManInn&Spa/TheLodge

Windham —TheCommonManRestaurant

Photocredits:CassieSteele,BelovedPhotography;MichaelCirelliPhotography;Will&DPhotography;APhotographicMemory; EndsoftheEarthInnovations;MobileVideo&Photography;MosaicPhotography.