Taylor Rental
has (just about) everything for Your Special Day... Except the Guests
Newfoundphotography.com
Tents Wedding Arches Place Settings Linens Glasses & Stemware Tables & Chairs China & Silver Coffeemakers Candelabras Champagne Fountains Everything for your wedding reception ... For Rent! 603-224-1931 231 South Main St. Concord, NH www.taylorental.com
Don’t buy it, rent it.
Planning Weddings For Over 35 Years
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Everything your heart desires in one very special location. Centrally located in Campton, NH Only one mile off I-93 Exit 28
603-726-3076 x213 1-888-OWL-NEST For sample menus and to request further information visit www.owlsnestgolf.com/lrb09 2
A Warm Welcome ... to Capitol Bride Magazine
Uptown urban weddings...a country first-dance in a field on the farm... green and serene nuptuals... brides have it all when choosing a perfect spot for Capitol-area weddings. In this issue, we take you for a spin around town with gowns to match a Concord classic car cruise night to sumptuous table settings on a farm to the elegance and sophistication of a museum wedding. Join us as we explore weddings ~ Capitol Bride style!
Philbrick Photography
Imagine your wedding in a place so beautiful and serene that the Shakers called it the “Chosen Vale.”
Nestled in a valley between Mt. Assurance and Mascoma Lake in Enfield, NH, the Enfield Shaker site has been cherished for over 200 years.
Hold your wedding on the grounds of beautiful Enfield Shaker Museum. Carefully tended flower gardens and gorgeous buildings will set the scene for your special day. Tented weddings ~ Intimate receptions in the Great Stone Dwelling House. Overnight accommodations available. Wedding photo opportunities abound on the acres of property.
Call to discuss your wedding plans Open Year-Round ~ 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH 03748 ~ (603) 632-4346
www.shakermuseum.org
Romance Lives at Dimond Hill Farm
Create your perfect wedding amidst the green pastures, blooming flowers, and stunning views of this premier New England farm. Casual to elegant, it’s all possible at Dimond Hill Farm, the perfect choice for those wishing to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Choose from a variety of settings at the farm including the colorful flower garden and the grassy hilltop with its panoramic view of the valley. Consider the Victorian farmhouse as the perfect venue for your rehearsal dinner.
Contact Pam, our Event Coordinator (603-223-2012) today to discuss your wedding plans.
314 Hopkinton Rd., Concord, NH ~ www.dimondhillfarm.com ~ 603-223-2012 or 603-224-0602 4
Far left & far right photos Kendal J. Bush Photography
CONTENTS From the Editor...................................... 6 Bride’s Calendar.................................... 7 Cool Brides and Hot Cars...................... 8 Tent Tips...............................................11 Bridal Stuff We Like............................. 12 Down on the Farm............................... 14 A College Romance............................. 16 Artful Wedding..................................... 18 Reception Tips..................................... 22 Wedding Catering Tips........................ 25 Creative Cakes.................................... 26 Flower Favorites.................................. 28 Flower Tips.......................................... 29 Wedding Flower Facts......................... 30 You’re Engaged................................... 32 Photographer’s Favorites.................... 33 Limo Info.............................................. 36 Choosing Wedding Music.................... 38 Advertiser Index.................................. 40
Stephanie Wales Photography
Pg. 8
Pg. 32 Philbrick Photography
Pg. 16
Ben Martin Photography
Contact us at www.capitolbridemagazine.com so we can view your wedding photos. We may feature your wedding in next year’s issue of Capitol Bride. Thomas Michael Photography
Pg. 14 Kendal J. Bush Photography
ABOUT THE COVER...Just married on a summer’s day, this couple’s country wedding was captured by Hinkley Photography. Editor / Publisher.............................. Kathi Caldwell Hopper Marketing Consultant...................................... Sarah March Website Design.............................. Mountain Brook Design Capitol BrideTM is a trademark of Kathleen Hopper, copyright 2010/2011 by Capitol Bride, PO Box 7364, Gilford, NH 03247, (603) 293-2327. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements. We reserve the right to reject and/or edit all communications submitted for publication.
Pg. 33
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From the Editor You’ve gotta love a newly engaged woman... She’s excited, full of anticipation and ready to plan her upcoming wedding. We don’t want that excitement to fade as the weeks roll by. It’s a special time, but it can be confusing and overwhelming. Some brides-to-be throw up their hands in frustration when they begin to see how much planning it takes to make their wedding the one they’ve long dreamed of. That’s where Capitol Bride comes in. We offer you tips and advice, but most importantly, we feature within these pages trusted wedding vendors who offer their expertise in the planning process; this will turn all that frustration into tasks you can handle. Let your interests and tastes define your wedding and allow it to be the foundation of your big day. We show you three very different ideas for weddings and attire in this issue: a retro, 1950s fun and stylish wedding photo shoot captured during a cruise night at Arnies Place in Concord; beautiful table linens at Dimond Hill Farm in Concord and a stylish and elegant day at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester. We just love the excitement of a newly-engaged woman and we wish every bride-to-be all our best. Please use Capitol Bride as a planning tool and call on our advertisers. Together, we can turn your dreams into a wonderful wedding. Best wishes! Kathi Caldwell-Hopper Publisher Photos this page top: Stephanie Wales Photography; middle: Kendal J. Bush Photography; bottom: Philbrick Photography 6
Bride’s
Planning Calendar
TWELVE – EIGHTEEN MONTHS BEFORE: • Buy a wedding planning notebook or organizer and slip Capitol Bride into the pages for easy reference. • Decide on formality of your wedding. Plan the overall style of the wedding. Include your parents and future in-law in your plans. • Retaining a wedding-planning professional? Interview planners and make your final choice. • Choose wedding date and make appointment with clergy who you wish to perform the ceremony. Email save-the-date cards. This allows key guests plenty of notice to make travel plans. • If you have friends, co-workers or relatives who were recently married, talk with them for tips and advice. • Book a reception facility as soon as possible; popular summer/autumn dates get booked early. (On a tight budget? Consider off-season dates for possible discounts.) • Discuss how much to spend on your wedding. Budgeting is very important! • Shop for your wedding rings. • Make a wedding guest list after consulting with your family and the groom’s family. EIGHT – TWELVE MONTHS BEFORE: • Plan the color scheme for your wedding. • Shop for and order your wedding gown and veil. If you are wearing an heirloom gown, have it cleaned and altered. You will want your dress at least a month ahead. • Choose wedding attendants, shop with them for dresses, get measurements from attendants living far away. • Add cell phone numbers/email addresses of all wedding party members to your address/phone book. • Register for china, silver, etc. • Set up appointments to meet with caterers, photographers, cake bakers, florists, musicians/DJs, videographers. EIGHT MONTHS BEFORE: • Finalize guest list. • Order invitations, announcements and thank-you notes. Ask that envelopes be delivered right away so you can begin addressing them. Invitations should be mailed about four weeks before the wedding. • Decide on and sign contracts with photographer, band or DJ, limo service, reception facility, caterer, cake baker. • Decide on wedding color scheme, discuss with your mother and groom’s mother, so they can shop for their dresses. • Choose florist. Discuss color scheme with florist so flowers can be ordered to match. • Groom and ushers should shop for tuxedos. • Discuss ceremony music. • Reserve any needed rental supplies for the ceremony and/or reception. • With fiance, choose honeymoon location and check for passports and any necessary innoculations. SIX MONTHS BEFORE: • Reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. • Decide where all wedding attendants will be staying. If it is to be at a hotel, make reservations. THREE MONTHS BEFORE: • Begin shopping for any necessary honeymoon clothing. • Confirm delivery and alteration dates with bridal shop for your dress and attendants’ dresses. Choose accessories. • Discuss with clergy any rules/restrictions for your ceremony. Write personalized wedding vows and choose readings. • Schedule the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. TWO MONTHS BEFORE: • Visit with your officiant to go over your vows and music. • Make appointment with hair stylist/manicurist for two weeks before wedding. Schedule hair appointment for wedding day, if desired. Check with bridesmaids and schedule hair appointments for those who wish it for the day of the wedding. • Choose gifts for attendants and for groom. • Keep up with writing thank-you notes for gifts received. • Attend wedding-related parties. • Schedule all details with caterer and reception facility. • Choose a friend to watch over gifts, someone to handle guest book at reception. • Write church program and take to printer. • Address and mail wedding invitations. ONE MONTH BEFORE: • Final fitting of wedding dress and headpiece. Remember to bring all accessories: shoes, stockings, etc. to fitting. • Meet with florist, discuss all wedding flowers and when florist can bring flowers to the church and/or reception site. TWO WEEKS BEFORE:
continued on pg. 13 7
Cool Brides and
HOT CARS All photos this page and opposite page by Stephanie Wales Photography
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If you’re the informal type, you can play by your own rules when it comes to your wedding style. On a warm June night, we invaded Cruise Night at Arnies Place in Concord to show you how fun informal style can be. The hot classic and antique cars made a bright backdrop for our brides. The girls are wearing tea-length dresses from Stephanie James Couture (www. stephaniejamescouture.com), carrying perky little purses (courtesy Becky Oh!) and bright flowers from Simple Bouquets. Gloves and that big green flower pinned at the model’s waist are by Lady of the Lake. Makeup/hairstyles by Custom For You; styling by Kim Keyes.
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Tent Tips
Many couples find an outdoor tented reception very appealing. It’s a trend that seems to be gaining in popularity; there are, however, things you must be aware of before and during the tent rental process. The following handy facts will help as you shop for the perfect tent for your event. 1. According to Will Locke of Taylor Rental Center in Concord, have an expert come to the site where the tent will be put up to evaluate the grounds. This is very important; the average person has no idea of the ins and outs of choosing the correct site. If you have received an estimate prior to a site visit, expect the price to change after the visit, depending on the condition of the site. 2. You will likely be asked to pay a deposit upon signing a contract for the tent rental. 3. Find out the schedule for the site survey. 4. There are many tent styles - marquee, pole, century, saddle span, Top Tent, etc. A good rental company can guide you to the correct tent for your particular site. (Pole tents need extra room for roping and staking.) 5. With the tent rental company, locate and mark all possible underground utilities such as electric, water, sprinkler, telephone, communication, cable, sewage, septic, etc. If you are renting a location, include the event manager in this process. 6. Think about possible overhead obstructions such as trees, power lines, etc. in the area where you want the tent. 7. When you meet with the rental company, tell them the type of surface the tent will be installed upon, such as grass, cement, asphalt, concrete, clay, stone, etc. Not all tents are staked into the ground. In the case of some hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete, and if staking is expected, be aware that you must have someone fill in the holes after the tent is removed. 8. Once the installation is in progress, it will cost extra to move the tent (in most cases it will have to be taken down and then re-installed). Be sure you know ahead of time exactly where the tent is to go. 9. A rule of thumb, according to Will Locke, is that you should allow 10 sq. ft. per guest in a tent. Locke relays that you must also factor in space for a head table, bar, dance floor, etc. Don’t go solely by the number of guests - include the extra items such as head table in your final decision on a tent size for your event. 10. Finally, always go with an experienced company and check references.
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Bridal Stuff We Like
Every year we come across wonderful bridal “stuff”, such as floral arrangements, accessories and other things that make a wedding so special. Here are a few of our favorite finds...
Philbrick Photo
Oh that Becky Oh! Becky’s handmade purses are just the thing for your bridesmaids. Becky can coordinate the style and colors to match your wedding.
Kendal J. Bush Photography
Philbrick Photo
Philbrick Photo
Little things make a wedding stylish and memorable. Signature Events (wedding and event planning) designed a sweetheart table using items from some creative vendors for an elegant table setting. Everything fit seamlessly, from the gold-rimmed dinner plate to the gold trimmed napkin and table card by Impress Me Designs. The “icing on the cake” is the bit of greenery from Lotus Floral. Plates, cutlery, glasses and linens courtesy Be Our Guest.
Not every bride wants a long, flowing veil. If you want a sleek, classic headpiece, Lady of the Lake offers this silky little number adorned with a bit of sparkle.
divine inspirations! envisioned beautiful linens for an outdoor wedding at Dimond Hill Farm. divine’s gauzy plaid material meets the punchy mango of the sashes and the bright blue of the alternate highboy; the plaid flows in the breeze when used as feather flag material. Flowers from D. McLeod Florist in Concord pick up the bright colors of the linens, as does the fruit by Edible Arrangements of Concord.
Stephanie Wales Photography
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Bling for the bridal bouquet. Simple Bouquets crafts some beautiful, fragrant wedding bouquets and they never forget the small details. This stunning pin attached to the bouquet’s ribbon ties it all together...bling and beauty!
Bride’s Calendar continued from pg. 7 • Final check of guest list. Call guests that have not RSVP’d. • Work on seating plan after final guest count. • Final check with wedding attendants: Do they have their headpieces, shoes and other accessories? Do their gowns fit properly? (This is a good time to remind attendants about rehearsal dinner or other parties.) • Gather last-minute accessories such as wedding guest book, cake knife, rice bags, toasting glasses, napkins, etc. • Go with fiance to fill out marriage license information. ONE WEEK BEFORE: • Try on your wedding dress and accessories. Practice with hairstyle and makeup. Break in your wedding shoes. • Ask friends and relatives to help with last-minute duties. Someone could be responsible for bringing an emergency kit to wedding (safety pins, extra stockings, comb, tissue, etc.); someone responsible for mailing wedding announcements after you leave for your honeymoon. • Make sure family and wedding party know sequence of events, transportation, etc. for wedding day. • Check with musician to ensure music will start 1/2 hour before ceremony begins. THE DAY OF THE WEDDING: • Go to hair stylist appointment, if you’ve scheduled one. • Fix hair, nails and makeup before photographer arrives. • Dress a few hours before the ceremony. • Have accessories together: rings, any last-minute gifts, emergency kit of makeup, tissues, comb, etc.
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Down on the Farm Dimond Hill Farm Wedding
Outdoor weddings and receptions are very popular. At Dimond Hill Farm on Hopkinton Road in Concord, tented weddings are the norm. The sweeping field where tented receptions are held offers incredible views of nearby mountains and the butter yellow barn and farm buildings. If you are planning an outdoor wedding, you will need to work closely with the wedding planner or vendor where your affair is being held to ensure you respect the property and pay close attention to all the details that go into making an outdoor wedding a great day. Summery colors of mango, blue and orange meet the bright yellow of the Dimond Hill Farm buildings. The plaid gauzy material of the highboy and table covering is repeated in the billowy feather flags that make a bold yet delicate statement in any outdoor setting. Linens/table design: divine inspirations!; table, chairs, dinnerware and cutlery courtesy Exeter Events & Tents/Exeter Rent-All; flowers from D. McLeod Florist, fruit by Edible Arrangements.
All images this page and opposite page by Kendal J. Bush Photography Linens/Feather Flags/Table Design by divine inspirations!
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Wondering why the chairs/sashes at this table don’t match? We alternated chair styles and sashes to show you different designs...you choose your favorite. 7
A College Romance Kate Rocheford and Matt Ferguson
All photos this page and opposite page by Ben Martin Photography (www. benmartinphotography.com) Many people make lifelong friends in college, and some meet their future husband or wife there. That is exactly what happened to Kate Rocheford when she attended ColbySawyer College in New London. Originally from Massachusetts, Kate attended the college and graduated in 2004. “I met my future husband, Matt Ferguson at Colby-Sawyer and it’s where we started dating,” Kate remembers. (Matt graduated from the college in 2003.) “We dated a long time,” she laughs with the emphasis on the words long time. She admits now that she was “hoping” Matt would pop the question after all the years they had been together. “On Memorial Day weekend in 2008 we took a trip back to New London (the couple live in Massachusetts). The town is our favorite place in the world, because it’s so beautiful and because our college is there,” she continues. The couple spent the day golfing and relaxing and ended up at a little ice cream shop in New London’s downtown area. “We took our ice cream to the nearby town common to sit and relax,” she says, “and then Matt proposed!” To say Kate was surprised would be to put it mildly; she had been hoping he would ask for her hand in marriage sometime soon, but she wasn’t expecting it at that particular moment. After telling friends and family about the engagement, the couple began to plan their perfect wedding and reception. “We had just over a year to plan the wedding,” Kate says. “The wedding date was June 20, 2009.” Kate had some general ideas of what she liked and wanted for the wedding. Like many savvy brides, she decided to build the wedding around her favorite color; blue played heavily into the scheme of the wedding. “I love blue and my favorite flower is a blue hydrangea. With those two things in mind, we began to build the wedding.” The couple knew they wanted to get married in their favorite area, the Lake Sunapee region. It is full of cherished memories of their college days and they still have many friends there. Thus, the hunt began for a reception site that would serve as an intimate, fun country wedding location. “We knew we had to ask for help in the form of a wedding planner. We chose Amy Piper of Signature Events because we had seen her work and were impressed. She was the wedding planner for two different couples we are friends with and we love her style,” Kate goes on to say. “I was still finishing graduate school (Kate is a dietetic intern at Massachusetts General Hospital and Matt works in the transportation industry doing logistics for a world-wide company) and I knew planning a wedding would be a huge task. Amy did a great job. She was organized and had some great contacts with wedding vendors.” The couple settled on the First Baptist Church in New London for the ceremony, because it is situated near Colby-Sawyer College and also due to its beautiful country church appeal. “It is a quintessential white country church, which is exactly what we envisioned for our ceremony. My uncle, a Lutheran pastor, performed the ceremony,” she explains. The reception took place at the Inn at Pleasant Lake in New London. Kate and Matt had dined at the inn and loved the food prepared by the resident chef. Because stellar, great tasting food for the reception was very important, they chose this particular venue. “We wanted to keep everything simple, and that’s what we got. The linens were on the blue theme and the reception was tented. The lake provided a great backdrop for photos,” Kate recalls. Anyone who lived in NH in the summer of 2009 recalls it rained much of the time. The couple says they were very lucky to have overcast, but non-rainy weather for their big day. continued on pg. 20
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The couple settled on the First Baptist Church in New London, because it is near Colby-Sawyer College and also due to its beautiful country church appeal.
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Artful
If the elegance of an art gallery is your idea of a perfect ceremony or reception site, go for it! The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester hosted this photo shoot for Capitol Bride to show you just how upscale a gallery wedding can be. Andrea's Bridal Boutique of Rochester, NH brought some of their most elegant gowns and Signature Events designed a sweetheart table. Linens/chair covers/flatware courtesy Be Our Guest; flowers by Lotus Floral Designs; table cards by Impress Me Designs. All images this page and opposite page courtesy Philbrick Photography 18
Wedding
Capitol Bride 19
Hey Brides...It’s Time to
Design and create your Wedding jewelry on site! Gorgeous freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, sterling silver and Gold-filled beads… for starters.
We’ll help you every step of the way. No studio fee. Come check us out! 146 North Main St., Concord, NH 603- 223-0146 www.beadit.biz
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College Romance continued from pg. 16 “All the bridal party, as well as our family, stayed at the inn. Everyone arrived on Friday and on Saturday the guys played golf and the girls made jewelry and went out for lunch,” Kate says, adding that the rehearsal dinner followed later that day at the inn. “Amy did a great job working with the colors and the idea of a simple, country inn wedding,” Kate comments. “The colors worked perfectly, from the flowers to the bridal party attire. It was exactly as I pictured it should be.” Kate had three bridesmaids and a maid-of-honor; the maids’ dresses were navy blue with a light sky blue accent and the maid-of-honor was dressed in light blue with navy accents. Groomsmen totaled four and were dressed in tan suits with blue paisley ties. Kate’s gown, a Paloma Blanca design, was off-white, strapless and simple, accented with a silk tan sash at the waist that echoed the groomsmens' suit color. Kate and Matt got exactly the meal they wanted to share with guests at their tented reception. “It was a five-course meal, starting with lobster bisque, followed by a salad, an Entremezzo sorbet, then a main course of salmon or filet mignon. Dessert was individual cheesecakes. We had about 100 guests.” After the wonderful wedding weekend, the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson honeymooned for a week at a Sandals Resort in Saint Lucia, which Kate says was “wonderful!” Special touches that stand out in Kate’s mind a year later were the way the color blue played into the wedding and made it personal; she also recalls the clever use of table names instead of numbers on the round reception tables. The tables each had a small sign with the name of a favorite location around New
London that the couple had visited. During the reception, The Nines, a band from Keene, NH, played a variety of music. “I wanted a band that was willing to travel to New London, and that played the kind of music we love. The Nines, a 10-piece band, fit the bill. They played light jazz music during dinner and then all kinds of music later for dancing,” Kate says. Photography was handled by a close friend, Ben Martin of Ben Martin Photography. He caught the special moments of the day in a journalistic style that played on the country setting. For those planning a wedding, Kate has some advice. “Stay organized and keep in mind what your goal is and how you ultimately want the wedding to look. Plan ahead for bumps in the road and ask for help from everybody. The more help you can get, the better. Don’t try to do it all alone. “The challenge for us was finding the right location, but once we found it, family and friends were happy to step up and help. I really found the process pretty smooth, with everyone’s help.”
A Lady
doesn't have to be a Southern Belle... to be a Northern Star!
Romantically informal bridalwear
Informal Bridalwear
Mother of the Bride or Groom Ensembles Gowns & Party Dresses
JAY PHILBRICK PHOTOGRAPHY
Exquisite Accessories from Head to Toe!
Located at the Chase House Inn Across from the Town Docks
Meredith, NH (603) 279-9967
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Reception Tips... by Lori Rowell
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When you plan your wedding reception, you’re coordinating the most memorable party of your life. It’s important that you and your guests have a wonderful time and the day is the fairy tale you always dreamed it to be. First, set a date or at least the time of year that you’d like to have your wedding. Then you can start looking for the best wedding venue to create the backdrop for your unforgettable wedding reception. Some guests will remember the flowers, some will remember the music, still others the cuisine, but when it’s all said and done, everyone will remember the setting. One of the most important criteria in finding the perfect wedding venue is to ensure that your reception room will appropriately house the number of guests you expect, while providing the ambiance that you most desire. If you’re unsure of exactly how many guests will be coming as of that early date, it’s best to give a figure that may be a little higher than no figure at all. Start by making a short list of reception locations from various sources such as online resources, recommendations from family and friends and local bridal guides. Then contact each venue to make an appointment to meet with a representative to view the location. Make sure you take a thorough tour of the reception facilities. Once you find the perfect location for your reception, you’ll be requested to give them a deposit to secure your wedding date. Another important consideration when choosing a wedding reception venue is to decide if you’d like your ceremony at the same place as your reception or at another location. If you choose another location, be sure to coordinate the ceremony time with the reception times available. When choosing your menu selection, you’ll need to decide on a plated dinner or buffet dinner. Be sure to discuss various menus and choose a menu that you feel your guests will enjoy. Preceding dinner there is usually a cocktail hour with beverages and hors d’oeuvres for your guests while you take photos. An important aspect of the planning is to determine your seating arrangement at your wedding reception. The head table generally includes the bride’s and groom’s attendants. Bridesmaids and ushers may be seated at specially designated tables other than the head table, if you choose. It’s best to plan to have assigned seating arrangements; use a reception seating chart to help you plan. If you don’t create a specific seating chart, assign guests to tables. This makes it easier for all your guests to find a seat and for you not to have empty tables. You will also want to determine who will be the spokesperson for your bridal party’s arrival at the wedding reception, such as the emcee, DJ, or bandleader. Provide this person with a list of names of those to be introduced. The list should be in order of their appearance. Include the phonetic pronunciation of each person's name as well as his or her relationship to you or the groom. For the day of the wedding, it is a great idea to appoint someone reliable to oversee the reception, coordinate
last-minute details and direct cleanup. To help with these responsibilities, a reception organizer, reception seating chart, reception room diagrams, and worksheet for the table layout may be given to the reception coordinator. The reception coordinator can recommend other services you will need for your reception including a justice of the peace/officiant, musicians/disc jockeys, florists, photographers, wedding favors, and a wedding cake. It’s important to meet with all wedding professionals beforehand to make sure they can proivde what you are looking for. Never settle on a professional you don’t trust, even if they cost less money. Remember, a good photographer makes a five-hour event last forever. From the moment that guests file into the ceremony to the final foottapping moments of your reception, your wedding music keeps the party going. (Lori Rowell is Director of Marketing & Sales at Pats Peak Banquet Center, Henniker, NH, 1-888-PATS PEAK, www. patspeak.com)
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Presenting Bridal Events
by Capitol Bride & Lakes Region Bride Join us for the Annual
Castle Wedding Affair
Sunday, October 24, 2010 at historic Castle in the Clouds Moultonboro, NH Bridal brunch on the patio, table setting ideas, door prizes, hair & makeup pampering & more Other upcoming shows in Concord, NH the Margate Resort, Laconia and the Common Man Inn, Plymouth, NH check us out at www.lakesregionbride.com or Capitol Bride on Facebook
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Wedding Catering Tips From an elegant sit-down dinner with an experienced wait staff to a relaxed buffet of hot and cold foods, there are plenty of options and experts to help you get the food just right for your reception. The caterers in the central NH area are experts at dishing up everything from comfort foods to gourmet treats. The food at your reception should reflect your personal style and preferences. If you are a laid-back outdoorsy couple who just love to barbecue, here’s your chance to bring that lifestyle into your catered reception. If you love a certain type of food and want to share that with others, talk to the caterer. Give the caterer the recipe and see what they come up with. Your menu for the reception is limited only by your imagination. Trends in today’s catering are many; here are a few ideas: You can use the time of year you are getting married to provide a food theme for your reception. A fall wedding, for example, could feature a reception menu of pumpkin soup, apple-glazed chicken; a summer menu might take advantage of garden vegetables or barbecue foods. Winter weddings could feature heartier fare to ward off the chill of a snowy reception. Add hot drinks and your guests will be in heaven! Maybe you have traveled to another country and have a favorite dish from that land. Include those foods in your reception menu. Or maybe your ethnic heritage is important to you. This is a chance to let your heritage shine in the reception menu. (Maybe your grandmother, mother or other relative has some ethnic dishes you have always loved. Ask them to give the recipe to the caterer so the dish can be made for your reception.) Another idea is an upscale version of comfort food. Does your husband-to-be love macaroni and cheese? Style experts like Martha Stewart have offered some great recipes for an upscale version of mac and cheese, concocted with gourmet cheeses. Ask your caterer to use his/her imagination and pull out all the stops to make comfort foods with a gourmet touch. Also popular are food stations where guests can choose their own sauces, veggies, cheeses, etc. Think about where your reception/ceremony will be and let that reflect your menu. One couple we know let the site for their reception influence a portion of their menu. The couple was married and had their reception at the family’s lakeside home. The reception was a tented affair, and at midnight the caterer brought out that campfire-lakeside-camping-out treat we all love: s’mores. Anyone who is planning a wedding has seen the trend for chocolate fountains. These add a lot of fun to receptions when a variety of fruit is offered to be dipped in the chocolate. Ask your caterer for other options as well, such as a cheese fondue at the cocktail hour.
Wedding Cake ... Wow!
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Creative Cakes
Your wedding cake should fit the size and theme of your wedding. Wedding cake designer Paul Brown of Madeleine's Elegance Defined in downtown Concord hosts wedding cake tasting events on a regular basis. These intimate gatherings allow engaged couples the luxury of tasting a variety of cakes when the shop is closed to the public. It's also a chance to ask questions before choosing that special wedding cake. Paul Brown says that brides are ordering cakes with simple, clean lines and lots of fresh flowers. "Our brides don't want clutter on their cakes; our biggest selling wedding cake flavor continues to be an almond cake with raspberry filling. Most wedding cakes we are doing are for 70-150 guests. We are delivering all over the state and beyond - from Pittsburg, NH to Woburn, Massachusetts." At Lori's Cakery, brides are bringing all sorts of requests to the shop. Lori says, "Round still seems to be the choice shape. Tall and elegant seems to be the upcoming trend (4-5 tiers). Bold color schemes to enhance the color and theme of the wedding are popular. Specifically, bold black accents enhance any color; it is a beautiful complement to white. "As far as decor, scroll-work tends to take the popular vote in that area. Coordinating ribbon and bows with rhinestone brooches that add a little sparkle is also quite popular this season. "The style often complements the theme of the wedding. The location, theme and season often have an impact on the design," Lori concludes. The following tips will help as you shop for your perfect wedding cake: • Shop for a baker well in advance of the wedding. • When you have a total count of guests attending the wedding, give this information to the baker. He/ she needs to know the number to determine the size of the cake. Traditionally, every pound of cake provides five portions. • Traditional cake flavors are white or yellow with white frosting. However, you may choose whatever flavor you like. (Some popular alternatives are carrot, chocolate, lemon or spice.)
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• Consider cheesecake if you want something different - it comes in many flavors. • Discuss the shape of your cake with the baker. The cake can be round, square, or you may choose a shape that reflects your special day: double wedding rings, a Bible, etc. • The cake top can be bride and groom figurines, keepsake porcelain statues, fresh or silk flowers, birds, cherubs, wedding bells or something personalized such as fondant figures of you and the groom, etc. • Discuss with your baker the time the cake will be delivered to the reception site. • If your cake has a fountain or special lighting, let the reception hall personnel know ahead of time so that the cake table can be close to an electrical outlet. • Assign someone to bring the cake knife, cut the cake and remove the cake top for you. • Be prepared to sign a contract and make a deposit with the baker. Tips for cutting the cake: • Make sure the person in charge of cake cutting is familiar with your directions and wishes. Traditionally the bride and groom cut the first few slices of cake and then hand over the rest of the task to the caterer or person designated ahead of time. • Use a sharp, thin knife. Make sure to wipe the knife clean between slices. • The top cake layer is usually saved for your first anniversary. It is recommended the saved cake first be covered and frozen overnight, then sealed in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container, and finally placed in a freezer for the best results. • A popular trend is for the bride to present a groom’s cake to her husband at the reception. The cake is for fun and should reflect an interest, hobby or special memory of the husband.
Delicious, Elegant, Authentic...
124 N. Main St., Concord, NH ~ 224-5353 For our latest cake tasting schedule, visit www.madeleinesed. 27
Flower FAVORITES
A look at some of our trusted wedding florists latest and greatest styles.
Kendal J. Bush Photography
A mixture of colors make this arrangement from D. McLeod Florist just right for reception tables.
Stephanie Wales Photography
A beautiful bouquet in deep pink from Simple Bouquets.
Ruby red, white and green arrangement by Ladd Hill Gardens. 28
Capitol Bride
Flower Tips
Whatever type of wedding flowers you dream of, you will need to consider many things when choosing the blooms that will adorn your bouquet, the maids' bouquets, the reception centerpieces and the flowers for the groomsmen. Here's a few helpful tips when shopping for flowers...
~ Every bride should bring something personal to her wedding. Bouquets can be simply stunning if you add an embellishment such as your mother's or grandmother's brooch or even Retro clip-on earrings. ~ If you love accessories such as lace, feathers, natural items such as sea shells or beads, ask your florist if they can incorporate them into your centerpieces. It's sure your guests will remember these personal touches! ~ Have you always dreamed of a bridal bouquet all in one color, using one favorite bloom, or one shape? Go for it! You can cut back in other ways if you are on a strict budget, but this is YOUR bridal bouquet and you want to remember this moment. It is also your big photo op and a beautiful bouquet will add the finishing touch.
~ Do you like unusual things such as antiques? Share your likes and dislikes with your florist. You can use heirloom pitchers or vases from a collection (or borrow Mom's or Grandma's antique items) for unusual vases for your table centerpieces. ~ Play off the season when choosing your wedding flowers. Planning a winter wedding? How about all white, huge blooms with ruby red accents? For example, ask your florist to get creative and somehow incorporate white fur into your bouquet or centerpieces! ~ Think ribbons - all sorts of ribbons - when planning your bouquets! If your flowers will be simple, let the multitude of colorful ribbons available embellish your flowers.
Wedding Cake ... Wow!
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Serving the Capital Area for 3 Generations
Event Florist "When theOridinary Ordinary Isn’t Isn't Suitable" “When the Suitable!” Rehearsal Dinners Weddings Anniversaries
Special Occasions Functions Floral Fundraisers
F R Ey-BEouquet wa
Throw-A Wedding with any e! Packag
Call for an Appointment 603-796-2272 151 King Street • Boscawen, NH 03303 (across from Dunkin Donuts)
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Wedding Flower Facts Flowers define a wedding; whether you choose a lush, large bouquet or a simple arrangement, flowers are as much a part of a bride’s attire as her gown and shoes. Early planning is helpful and will ensure the flowers of your dreams. THE BRIDE’S BOUQUET It is especially important to consider your size and height when choosing a bouquet; a very large and heavy bouquet may overpower you. A petite bride, or a bride wearing a very ornate gown will want a simpler bouquet to match her size and style. When carrying your bouquet, remember that the top of your hips should support your lower arms. Do you want to preserve your wedding bouquet? If so, speak with your florist about this. Traditionally, the bride throws her bouquet to a group of unmarried women. Order a “throwing bouquet” for this, so you may preserve your original bouquet. BRIDESMAIDS’ AND MAID OF HONOR BOUQUETS The bridesmaid’s bouquets should be coordinated with the bride’s flowers (in style and color scheme). The maid of honor’s bouquet can be a bit larger and different in colors from the maids’ bouquets, as long as it does not overpower the bride’s
flowers. FLOWER GIRL If you are including a flower girl in your wedding party, keep her flowers modest. She can carry a small wreath or a demure nosegay. Many flower girls carry a small basket bedecked with pretty ribbons. In the basket are rose petals the child will carefully scatter in the aisle where the bride will be walking. (Check with your ceremony site ahead of time to make sure this is allowed.)
D. McLeod Florist knows how to fill a vase or a bride's hands with lush flowers!
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You’re
Engaged!
By Stephanie Wales
~
www.stephaniewalesphotography.com
Over the last three years, I’ve noticed a lot of couples skipping the Engagement shoot. Most would assume it is because of the economy, but I actually think that it is just more of a shift in the way couples view this shoot. Traditionally, the engagement shoot was the first thing a couple did after getting engaged. The parents would usually suggest the idea so they could proudly show off to all of their friends (this happened to me!). The shoot would be in a portrait studio or in portrait style, meaning the couple would pose, smile, and look happy-because they were. But today’s nodern and chic couples want so much more from this type of shoot. Stephanie Wales Photo Couples want their engagement photos to show off more of their personalities, in locations that are important to them. When I have clients that are considering an engagement shoot, I collaborate with them to develop a theme. This is the basis of our communication so I know exactly what they are looking for from the shoot. Admittedly, some couples have no idea. Unique That’s when I brainstorm to come up with a creative idea for them. shot by PhilOnce the location and theme of the shoot has been established, at the beginning of the brick shoot I explain to the couple how I work. I instruct them to show off as much PDA as they are comfortable with, because if they don’t unabashedly show off their love for one another, it won’t shine through in the photos. I encourage them to talk and move freely throughout the shoot, because the less direction I have to give, the better the end result will be. This makes my clients look natural and comfortable in the photographs. I like to incorporate a lot of locations into my images, because the location always sets the tone and mood for the couple. Once we start shooting, I encourage my clients to tell me if they have any ideas. A lot of my ideas are spontaneous, so this eases any hesitation to try new things we may have never thought of or considered doing. The process is collaborative, creative and spontaneous. This is how I am able to create artistic imagery rather than just plain ol’ “engagement photos.” I would suggest booking an engagement session to any couple that places high value on their wedding photography. If this is one of the most important aspects of your wedding to YOU, then do it. It not only gives you a chance to “test-drive” a photographer, but you also get to experience how they work, to see if they meet your expectations, and to get a glimpse into how it will be to have your picture taken all day on the big day. I highly suggest booking just an engagement session to determine if the photographer you love is right for you.
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photographers FAVORITES Our professional photographers capture many images during wedding season; from winter to summertime ceremonies and celebrations, they have favorite images from each wedding. Here are a few of our photographer’s favorites.
Stephanie Wales Photography
Philbrick Photography
Thomas Michael Photography
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more
(Above) A just-married couple captured by Stephanie Wales Photography
Photography by Kimberly 603.539.4982
www.photographybykimberly.net
(Above) amazing cliff photo by Philbrick Photography
(Above) Happy bridal party by Philip Gaige Photography 34
FAVORITES
(Above) Sharing a laugh captured by Philip Gaige Photography
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DISTINCTIVE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES “Serving the Capital region since 2005”
Wedding Party Transportation is our specialty. Offering 2 different Vintage Trolleys uniquely appointed for Weddings. Contract and Charter services for bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners or shuttles. Plus of course, our specialty, Weddings! Our trolleys are as Distinctive as your wedding. 1-877-627-7522 74 Suncook Valley Rd. in Chichester, NH ride-dts@distinctivetransportationservices.com www.distinctivetransportationservices.com
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Limousine A-B-C, 1-2-3 Tips
1. Pricing in the wedding industry usually goes up every year. If you put a limousine deposit down for a wedding that is a year or more off, companies like Grace Limousine will lock you into the current year’s rate. 2. Quality limo companies offer discounts when your wedding is booked at a wedding show or if you book more than three wedding day vehicles. Top questions to ask every limousine company: How old are your limousines? Some prices may be a lot lower than others, but remember you get what you pay for. For example, Grace Limousine’s oldest limousine is one year old; the newest are one month old. Do you sub out your weddings? Some companies will give you a low rate, but will pass your wedding on to another company without letting you know (they may not admit this). According to Anise at Grace Limousine, “If we do not have the availability on your wedding date, we work
with some of our affiliates to help find you what you are looking for, and will pass the information on to you.� What kind of insurance coverage do you have? In case something ever happened, you want to make sure you will be taken care of. What is the legal limit of passengers allowed in each vehicle? Some companies will illegally put 10 passengers in the back of a stretch limousine. Not only is overcrowding a limousine extremely uncomfortable, but if this vehicle was to be pulled over for any reason it would be impounded and your event would be ruined. Good NH companies such as Grace Limousine follows all DOT and insurance regulations. When will your package time start? Some will give you a low price, but your time will start when they leave their office location and end when they get back, costing you more in the long run. What happens if your vehicle breaks down? Smaller companies are not able to fix this problem. Make sure the limo company has ample back-up vehicles; Grace Limousine, for example, has over 35 vehicles, so they always have a back up. What is your chauffeur’s uniform? At some companies, a suit is standard and they may provide a tuxedo upon request. Will I be guaranteed that the vehicle I choose will be the one to show up? Some companies will bait and switch your vehicle choice. (Information for this article was provided by Grace Limousine)
grace limo
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Choosing Wedding Music
Special music for a special day
By Reed Desrocher of Aprylle & Reed Flute & Guitar
Aprylle and Reed’s experience, musical skills and extensive repertoire allow them to craft the perfect musical presence for your special occasion. To learn more about Aprylle and Reed’s services, go to www.aprylleandreed.com email reedd@worldpath.net 39
Specializing in Wedding Receptions
The road most traveled for all types of
Roger Main (603) 286-3102 www.nhmusicroad.com email: mains@metrocast.net
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Music for the ceremony is often one of the last considerations in planning a wedding. While most brides know exactly what they want for music during their ceremony, few consider the musical selections for the premusic (prelude), yet it is one of the most important parts of a successful wedding day. Why is this? As your guests gather for the ceremony, the ceremony pre-music will be their first introduction to the day’s proceedings, setting the mood/tone/atmosphere for the entire day. There are many aspects to consider when choosing the pre-music – should it be classical or popular, traditional or non-traditional, reflective of the couples’ tastes in music or left to that of the performers? Should it be influenced by nationality or heritage, or perhaps a mixture of all mentioned? A seasoned, professional musician will be able to guide you through all of these considerations and guarantee that the atmosphere you imagine for your ceremony will indeed be the reality of the day. For smaller weddings, the intimacy and selection of music for the day’s various events becomes even more important. The musical considerations for the ceremony, the cocktail hour and dinner hour, and the party afterwards are quite different from each other. Yet, at least for the first three segments, there is a common thread or two. The music should make your guests feel welcome, create a high quality, elegant and peaceful presence to whatever is happening, have a little bit of everything for the variety of musical tastes present, and above all else — and this can’t be stressed enough — not be intrusive! Certainly loud enough to be heard when guests want to listen, but soft enough for them to be able to converse without shouting. (Don’t forget that many of your guests will have come from distances and there will be relatives and friends that won’t have seen one another for lengthy times.Ease of communication will be most important to them.) While the basic music structure of ceremonies remains pretty much the same as it has been for many years, changes are emerging. The most striking is the more extensive use of a meditation/reflection/remembrance period with an appropriate musical selection. Akin to the Communion period in a Mass (with the accompanying ‘Ave Maria’), this period is being placed directly after the opening greeting as opposed to further along in the ceremony as in the past. Also, there is no ‘standard’ musical piece, so the selection of the music is very personal - perhaps even more so than that of the bride’s processional.
There are a few other trends as well. The traditional selections for processionals definitely remain the most requested, but more non-traditional choices are being made. Even more pronounced in this regard are recessional requests. It seems like a whole new generation discovered the Beatles in the summer of 2009 with recessional requests of Blackbird, In My Life, All You Need Is Love, Here Comes The Sun (processional as well), and I Will, to mention but a few. The choices weren’t relegated to just the Beatles, either, with lots of really creative choices. Just another way the couple can put their ‘stamp’ on the ceremony.
Popular First Dance Songs * Unforgettable (Nat King Cole) * Can’t Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley) * Can I Have This Dance? (Ann Murray) * The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra) * It Had To Be You (Harry Connick, Jr.) * What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) * Endless Love (Diana Ross and Lionel Richie) * I Cross My Heart (George Strait) * I Swear (John M. Montgomery or All 4 One) * A Whole New World (Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle) * As Time Goes By (A Kiss Is Just A Kiss) (Michael Feinstein) * When You Say Nothing At All (Allison Krauss) * Faithfully (Journey) * No Ordinary Love (Sade) * Here And Now (Luther Vandross) * I Can Love you Like That (John M. Montgomery) * Power Of Love (Celine Dion) * Tonight I Celebrate My Love (Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson) * Everything I Do {I Do For You} (Bryan Adams) * When A Man Loves A Woman (Percy Sledge or Michael Bolton) * All My Life (Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville) * I’ll Be There (Mariah Carey) * On Bended Knee (Boyz II Men) * At Last (Etta James) * Don’t Know Much (Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville) * From This Moment On (Shania Twain) * Our Love Is Here To Stay (Harry Connick, Jr.) * Unchained Melody (The Righteous Brothers) * Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler) * I Got You Babe (Sunny & Cher) * Love & Marriage (Frank Sinatra) courtesy www.discjockeys.com 39
Capitol Bride Magazine Advertiser Index Aprylle & Reed Flute & Guitar, pg. 38, 783-8901, www.aprylleandreed.com Bead It!, pg. 20, 223-0146, www.beadit.biz Becky Oh!, pg. 13, 624-9707, www.beckyoh.com Capitol Center for the Arts, pg. 10, www.ccanh.com Capitol Craftsman/Romance Jewelers, Back Cover, 224-6166, www.capitolcraftsman.com Currier Museum of Art, pg. 24, 669-6144, ext. 110, www.currier.org D. McLeod Florist, pg. 29, 1-800-225-7711, www.dmflowers.com Davina Dawn Sewing Speciaties, pg. 31, 753-9267, www.davinadawnsewing.com Dimond Hill Farm, pg. 4, 223-2012, www.dimondhillfarm.com Distinctive Transportation Services, pg. 36, 1-877-627-7522, www.distinctivetransportationservices.com divine inspirations!, pg. 13, 744-2557, www.mydivineinspirations.com Enfield Shaker Museum, pg. 4, 632-4346, www.shakermuseum.org GeorgeonGuitar.com, pg. 39, 883-3769, www.GeorgeOnGuitar.com Grace Limousine, pg. 37, 1-800-328-4544, www.GraceLimo.com Gunstock, pg. 24, 293-4341, ext. 111, www.gunstock.com Harte Rentals, pg. 25, 986-5525, www.HarteRentals.com Hinkley Photo, pg. 35, 738-4613, www.hinkleyphoto.com Impress Me Designs, pg. 25, 490-6148, www.ImpressMeDesigns.com Indian Head Resort, pg. 22, 1-888-343-8000, www.indianheadresort.com Kokopelli, pg. 1, 539-4700, www.kokopellinh.com Ladd Hill Gardens, pg. 30, 524-8267, www.laddhillgardens.com Lady of the Lake, pg. 21, 279-9967 Lori’s Cakery, pg. 26, 315-7332, www.loriscakery.com Luna Eclipse DJ Services, pg. 39, 524-7370, www.lunaeclipsedjservices.com Madeleines Elegance Defined, pg. 27, 224-5353, www.madeleinesed.com Marshall’s Event Florist, pg. 30, 796-2272 Music Road Mobile Disc Jockey Service, pg. 38, 286-3102, www.nhmusicroad.com M/S Mount Washington, pg. 10, 366-5531, 1-888-THE MOUNT, www.cruiseNH.com NH Audubon Centers, pg. 23, 224-9909 ext. 333, www.nhaudubon.com Owl’s Nest Resort & Golf Club, pg. 2, 1-888-OWL-NEST, www.owlsnestgolf.com Pats Peak, pg. 23, 1-888-PATS PEAK, www.patspeak.com Philbrick Photography, pg. 32, 356-9822, www.philbrickphoto.com Philip Gaige Photography, pg. 35, 225-1192, www.gaigephoto.com Photography by Kimberly, pg. 34, 539-4982, www.photographybykimberly.net Prestige Limousines, Inside Back Cover, 1-877-781-LIMO, www.prestigelimousines.net Signature Events, pg. 20, 569-4786, www.signatureeventsnh.com Simple Bouquets, pg. 31, 998-8442, www.simplebouquets.com Special Events of New England, pg. 11, 624-8389, www.SpecialEventsofNE.com Stephanie Wales Photography, pg. 33, 387-5633, www.StephanieWalesPhotography.com Taylor Rental, Inside Front Cover, 224-1931, www.taylorental.com Thomas Michael Photography, pg. 34, 275-4772, www.thomasmichaelphotography.com WZID Wedding Expo, pg. 36, www.WZID.com Zoe & Co., pg. 21, 224-2727, www.zoeandcompany.com 40
16 & 18 N. Main St., Downtown Concord, NH (603) 224-6166 • www.capitolcraftsman.com