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Bridal Memories 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Bridal Memories 2011
The Best Friend Brides ALISSA CANNON www.tangilena.com
Nearly a quarter of a century ago, three beautiful little girls were born to three good friends within almost one year of each other. As time passed, these three little girls spent countless hours together, playing barbie dolls and dress up, climbing trees and riding bikes, and doing all the other things that little girls do. They went from sharing baby beds in the church nursery to sharing pallets on the oor during their pre-teen sleep overs. Once they hit their teenage years, Robin Brooke Fitz, Cheri Spring, and Whitney Cannon began looking into their futures and mapping out their plans. They drew wedding dresses, chose coordinating colors and created lavish ceremonies, dreaming of the days that they would become brides.
High school came and, just like most girls, they started their years of dating. There were a few boys who caught their eyes, but none who really stood out from the rest. As the girls sat together for their usual “catching up ” meal at a local restaurant, they shared new, real stories about making wedding plans, choosing colors, and the most stressful parts of planning a wedding. Each woman took a minute just to share how they “knew ” that their husband and soon-to-be husbands were “the one ” and talk about the entire process of planning weddings as best friends.
Robin ’s story
“How did I know he was mine? ” Robin Brooke Fitz asked with a smile in response to the usual “how did you know ” question. See, FRIENDS, Pg. 4
Whitney Cannon, Cheri Spring and Robin Brooke Fitz
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Bridal Memories 2011
FRIENDS Cont. from Pg. 3
“I prayed that God would send me someone, and Chay just showed up at my door! ” she said. Turns out, that is exactly what happened. Robin and Chay Fitz lived just a few houses down from one another on the same street for nearly ten years but had never actually met. Chay had seen her around a few times, and Robin had seen him, but neither introduced themselves. After talking about Robin to a co-worker, Chay realized that this co-worker, Jeff Gilliland, knew Robin personally. Soon after, Jeff enlisted the matchmaking help of Whitney Cannon. Within a few weeks, Chay had arrived at Robin ’s door to take her out on their rst date. After that, “the rest is history ” as they say. The more time went by, the more the two fell in love with each other. About two years later, Robin ’s dad, Robert Brooke, said that Chay sat in the living room with him for more than two hours, working up the nerve to ask for Robin ’s hand in marriage. Neither Robert nor Carol Brooke had any objections to their daughter marrying Chay. They had found in him the wonderful man that Robin had fallen in love with. A little more than one month after her 24th
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 birthday, the two became one in a beautiful doublering ceremony. Celebrating with Robin on her wedding day were the two girls who had been with her her whole life - Whitney stood as her Maid of Honor, while Cheri stood proudly as her bridesmaid. Soon, Robin will be
able to return the favor for both of her best friends.
Cheri ’s story
“Road kill brought us together! ” Cheri Spring said in a laugh as she explained how she met her soonto-be husband, Darrell Stevens, Jr. Both Cheri and Darrell happened to be guests of a mutual friend at a hog roast in Montpelier when they met.
Cheri recalls that night, nearly two years ago, when she saw two beautiful little girls who were running around and playing. One of those little girls came to Cheri, sat in her lap, and started talking to her. “I had no idea who this little girl was, and she just came and sat in my lap like she knew me! ” Cheri explained. Little did she know, she was holding one of the two little girls to whom she would later become a mom. “My daddy thinks you ’re pretty, ” Haley Stevens told Cheri while perched in her lap. “Well, who is your dad? ” Cheri just had to ask. (Whitney laughed as she remembered that Cheri had been sending text messages to her while the little girl was sitting in her lap.) Darrell made it a point to get Cheri ’s phone number before she left for the night, and they have been together ever since. As she recalled that moment she met Darrell ’s two daughters Haley and Ramona, tears came to Cheri ’s eyes. She explained to Whitney and Robin at the restaurant that those little girls had become her life. “I never thought I would be a mom before I got married, but I wouldn ’t have it any other way, ” Cheri said through tears. “It ’s been hard sometimes to adjust. But, those are my little girls. ” To tie in more of the way fate has worked
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011 between the three best friends, Darrell walked into Cheri ’s workplace on the day of Robin ’s bachelorette party to visit her. “I was gonna bring you a snowball, but I decided not to. And then I was going to bring you a Sonic coke, but I decided not to. So, I ’m just going to give you this and ask you to marry me, ” Darrell Stevens said as kneeled and he handed Cheri her grandmother ’s wedding ring he had ‘secretly ’ etly ’ y acquired from her family. She, of course, said “Yes! ” ! ” and could not wait to tell Robin and Whitney! Just as she and Whitney stood by Robin ’s side,, Robin and Whitney will stand by hers. Robin willl be Cheri ’s Matron of Honor, and Whitney willlll be her Maid of Honor when Cheri and Darrell get ett married in April.
Bridal Memories 2011 having dinner and talking with Whitney through a few mutual friends, Jay nally worked up the nerve to ask this beautiful girl on an ofcial date. Their life together began togethe herr b be g n that April ga when their
Whitney ’s story
“Y ’all really wanna hear all that mushy-gushy ushy stuff? ” Whitney asked as Robin and Cheri waited d for her to tell the story of how she came to be engaged. d The answer was a resounding “Yes! ” from the two girls, excited to hear about how Jay Coxen asked to marry their best friend. Whitney began their story at the 2010 Amite Oyster Festival. Jay had been on the Oyster Board that year and happened to see Whitney around the Amite Tangi Digest where she had been working. After
first date blew away allll off Whitney ’ bl Whi ’s previous notions about relationships. “I guess it was history after that! ” she said. With Whitney ’s family wondering when Jay was going to “pop the question, ” Jay wanted to make sure the event was as special and as much of a surprise as possible. Her family thought for sure he was going to propose over the Christmas holidays, but Jay had
something more spectacular in mind. “I was the only one in the house who didn ’t know! ” Whitney recalls of the New Year ’s Eve celebration. Surrounded by their families and friends, right at Surro midnight, reworks were set off and Jay got down midn on one o knee in front of Whitney. She laughed as she s e tthought about her reaction to the whole scene. sh “Jay, “JJay what are you doing? ” she asked him as he was down on his knee. After he told her how much he d do loved her and how much he wanted her to be his l lo wife, w Whitney told Jay yes. “It ’s just that feeling you get . . . ” Whitney started. “When you know he ’s yours, and you s want w to spend . . . “ Robin continued her thought. “The “ “Th rest of your life together, ” Cheri nished the sentence. With three girls as best friends their entire sente lives, they all know what it feels like to be completely loved by one man. And they can all relate enough to nish i h each other sentences! Whitney and Jay will become husband and wife in mid-June, completing their wedding triangle. Both Robin and Cheri will be serving as her Matrons of Honor, right beside her. In February of 2010, Whitney was featured in the Bridal Special Edition as “Always a Bridesmaid. ” This year, however, she is “Finally a Bride! ”
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Bridal Memories 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Photos of the best friend brides were submitted
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Bridal Memories 2011
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Finding second chances in love and marriage CHRIS HYDE www.tangilena.com
Rickey Lapine and Cecile Ketchum Lapine met for the rst time at the Central Progressive Bank drive-through window where she has been employed for the last eight and half years. Rickey has worked for the town for the last 18 years. He is currently the town ’s water and sewer foremen. The couple shares a love for old cars, each other, and God. They have both lost a spouse but have found each other after loss and, in doing so, found a second chance at love. They were introduced through Cecile ’s sister Rita who owns Sullivan ’s DriveIn and played matchmaker by sending Rickey to the bank to get change, when really, that was just an excuse to check out Rita ’s sister. Cecile knew Rickey was coming by to check her out, but she had already seen him through the window as he was at O ’Reilly ’s for
a Golden Oldies car shown which was visible from the drive-through window a couple months prior to their rst meeting. The couple celebrated their union on June 26, 2010 at the property of Calvin and Joyce Populus. The wedding ceremony was performed by Chris Hoyt, Youth Pastor at Mount Calvary Baptist. It was Chris Hoyt ’s rst wedding ceremony. The wedding theme was set in the 50 ’s era. The event included a eld of classic cars from the Golden Oldies Car Club, forming the aisle which the bride was driven through and dropped off. Cecile wore a poodle skirt dress made of bridal satin material with a pearl dog leash. Rickey wore blue jeans with rolled cuffs, a white tee with a pack of cigarets rolled up in his sleeve, and even a fake tattoo. The owers were black and white with ribbons of music
notes wrapped around them. The maid of honor was Cecile ’s sister Rita. The best man was Brian Oubre, who is also Rickey ’s godson. Both the wedding cake and the groom ’s cake were made and donated by Joann Carter. The wedding cake was a three tiered black, white and red design with poodles and music notes, all topped with a three heart cake topper, wrapped in owers, hearts, and ribbons. The groom ’s cake was a picture cake with a photo of Rickey ’s car, a purple and white ‘39 Ford Deluxe. Cecile was given away by her two sons Jim and Jerry Ketchum. The wedding favors were sentimental, inspirational, and devotional, including three silver kisses and one gold dollar, wrapped in tulle along with cookie fortune paper which stated Proverbs 22:1 (KJV) “A See, SECOND CHANCE, Pg. 9
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Bridal Memories 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
George & Millie Hyde celebrate 65th wedding anniversary
PHOTO SUBMITTED/TANGI DIGEST
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George and Millie Hyde of Amite celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on November 21, 2010. They were married in Amite in 1945. They have two children, Gerald Hyde of Kentwood and Beth Robinson of Baton Rouge, as well as two granddaughters and a grandson-in-law, Katee Robinson and Amy and Brian Rivet, also of Baton Rouge. The Hydes were honored by family and friends at a surprise celebration, hosted by Amy and Brian Rivet at their home on November 25. Joining the family in the celebration were special guests Judy Raborn of Kentwood, Tillie Lopinto of Independence, Eric Rivet of New Orleans, Katie Kuhl of Albany, New
York, and Marilyn and Jerome Rivet of Baton Rouge. George and Millie attended school together from rst grade until their graduation from Chesbrough High School in 1944. Shortly after, he and his bride were married in 1945, as George served in the U.S. Army. He was a life-long dairy farmer in the Chesbrough community until his retirement from the dairy industry in 2006. He continues to raise beef cattle on the family farm. Millie retired from the Tangipahoa/St. Helena Soil and Water Conservation District in 2004, following 35 years of service. The Hydes are active members of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church.
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011
SECOND CHANCE Cont. from Pg. 7
good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving favor rather than silver or gold. ” The papers also contained the quote, “It Takes Three, A husband, wife, and Christ centered in the marriage. ” Cecile explained that she believes
Bridal Memories 2011 that their relationship was inspired by God. She put it in God ’s hands and found Rickey. They are part of the Golden Oldies Motor Club and spend time together working on old cars. They are currently working on a ‘64 Mustang for his son. They are satised with each other and their marriage, which is centered in Christ.
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Fun and fabulous wedding cake alternatives MARGARET ANDREWS
margaret.andrews@tangilena.com
Weddings are steeped in tradition. Among the most sacred of these traditions is the wedding cake. But what are the rules of tradition if not for breaking. There are a plethora of fun and exciting alternatives to wedding cakes. In the 21st century there are many people breaking traditions; let ’s explore some of the ways in which they are doing so. Come along on a journey where tradition is thrown out the window, and the unlikely is embraced. Wedding cake is traditional, but isn ’t absolute. Lots of couples are now choosing delectable dessert sensations for their wedding day celebration. When it ’s time for the cutting of the wedding cake, all the bride and groom really need is something to enjoy. There can still be a reception ceremony
that involves “cutting, ” “scooping ” or just “biting into, ” regardless of the type of confection. Brides and grooms have been sharing breads, cakes, and other sweet morsels with their guests since the dawn of marriage. But in days gone by, cakes were simple concoctions. Not so today. Modern wedding cakes can be huge in scope and style and have a price tag to match. The average cost of a modern threetiered-wedding cake is over $500, and that cost can climb signicantly if the wedding couple desires unique customization. But the cost can be whittled and the fun factor enhanced when a wedding cake alternative is selected. Wedding cake alternatives: • Wedding Cupcakes - For those enamored of cake, cupcakes can lower the cost and still bring that traditional
Interesting facts about marriage proposals When asked if there was anything they would have changed about one of the most romantic moments of their lives, several women said a ‘bigger diamond! ’ 54% of men still get down on one knee. 44% of men ask their partner ’s father for permission to marry.
57% of men cry when she said yes. 65% of women say he could have put more effort and preparation into the proposal. 25% of couples wait longer than ve years before taking their relationship that step further. 23% of women have been proposed to more than once.
“cake ” feel. Beautiful cupcakes can be simple or extravagant design, and they can be displayed on the cake table in a number of pleasing ways. • Wedding Cookies - A wedding cookie table can be a delight. Whatever a wedding couple can imagine can be translated to a cookie, and personalization is easy. Everyone loves cookies, and offering a variety of avors, colors and textures is easy. • Wedding Donuts - For some, the pleasure of sinking their teeth into a donut far outweighs the enjoyment found in cake. Donuts are convenient and tasty and can be artistically nished with powdered sugar designs or other icing artwork. • Wedding Pie - Pies are growing in favor for wedding receptions. Pies decorate well. From those with simple crusts to those graced with intricate art, pies bring a new world of possibilities
to the wedding experience. • Wedding Ice Cream - In yesteryear, ice cream socials were the place to socialize. Wedding reception ice cream stations recreate that joyful connection. Ice cream can be elegantly styled into individual ice cream cakes or served as scoops or sundaes by designed servers. • Wedding Fudge - Many people close their eyes in ecstasy when a piece of deep, dark fudge passes their lips. Fudge is delicious and easy to mold into virtually any wedding-inspired shape. It can be formed into a large design for cutting, or modeled into individual creations. • Wedding Cheesecake - For those who long for rich taste via smaller portions, cheesecake is a great option. Cheesecakes lend themselves to beautiful toppings and decorations and come in a large variety of avors. They
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011 stack and tier beautifully for display, and the cutting of the cake is the same as if it were ordinary cake. • Fondue - Imagine the scene of overowing chocolate from a vetiered fountain and an array of different breads, pastries and treats all for the dipping. Fondue set-ups do make for an amazing presentation amongst all cake alternatives. It also allows for the guests to mingle and interact while waiting their turn for the chocolate bath. Regardless of the alternative choice, the wedding couple can still “cut the cake ” if they so choose. A small decorated cake can be created for the bride and groom to cut before desserts are shared with guests. These small cakes can still be nished with a cake topper and top virtually any display of desserts. After the cake is cut and tasted, the wedding couple can then sample the alternative dessert that will be offered so that all guests will be sharing in the “cake ” tradition.
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Bridal Memories 2011 Pies, cookies, and ice cream all top cakes as favorite desserts, yet cake is served simply because it ’s been done that way for years. It doesn ’t have to be so. The modern bride and groom have many exceptional choices, and deciding which one to choose involves ranking the following attributes in order of importance. • Taste • Convenience • Fun • Tradition • Cost The wedding cake experience should be decided by what will make the reception unique to the bride and groom ’s personality, style and sense of adventure. • If cost is the top priority, donuts or cupcakes reign supreme. • If convenience is the goal, cookies answer the call. • If it ’s tradition that matters, the beautifully tiered, elegantly-decorated wedding cake is the obvious choice. • If taste tops the desired list, pie,
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cheesecake, or fudge will be winners. • And if fun is paramount in the hear of the bride and groom, nothing beats America ’s number one dessert ice cream. Although wedding cakes have been the preferred dessert at weddings for years, that doesn ’t mean they are your only option. Offering an alternative dessert is a fun way to express yourself and to make your wedding day even
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more special than it already is. Sharing your favorite dessert or treat with your guests will make the occasion thoroughly unique. No matter which cake alternative you choose, choosing one or more wedding cake alternative(s) can transform any wedding reception into something a little extra magical and memorable.
Photos taken from online sources
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12 Bridal Memories 2011 Wednesday, February 23, 2011
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