Fall 2018 Dream Weddings Magazine by Dream Weddings

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D REA M WE D D I N G S

be inspired be inspired dreamweddings Dream Weddings Magazine All the latest wedding styles and trends TV Show Blog Vendor guide Linktr.ee/dreamweddings

Visit DreamWeddings.co to view past issues, view past episodes of Dream Weddings TV shows, and to learn about the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bridal professionals who can make your wedding dreams come true!

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dream weddings | fall 2018

7 MARTINE’S MUSINGS Letter from the Editor 10 WEDDING DRESS STYLES A guide by Tiffany’s Bridal Boutique 11 SAYING YES TO YOUR DRESS STYLE! Helpful hints for purchasing your gown 16 STYLED INSPIRATION Classic Romantic, Urban Contemporary & Organic Ethereal Styles 24 MARTINE'S TIPS Choosing your planner & mastering your budget

Joe Kelly Photo

Katy Trefry Photography

26 REAL WEDDINGS Allow Real Weddings to Inspire Your Dreams! 34 BRINGING YOUR VISION TO LIFE Dream Weddings Feature 52 TIPS FROM THE PROS Ideas from real wedding vendors 56 “SOMETHING BLUE” Five ideas for your “something blue” 64 MAKE IT OFFICIAL Places to file for your marriage license

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AWA

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Katy Trefry Photography

Central Pennsylvania’s first and only Wedding Reality Television Show! Emmy nominated Dream Weddings follows real couples through their planning process until their big day unfolds right before your eyes. What began as a dream over 7 years ago for host Martine Cajas, has turned into a source of inspiration for couples everywhere. Viewers enjoy some truly unique elements of the show: behind-the-scenes production meetings, wedding design upgrades and of course - bloopers! Martine has gotten so comfortable on camera that the production team feels he will become a one-take wonder...then his Spanglish takes over and he has everyone cracking

up in no time. Dream Weddings continues to evolve from season to season. Check out the Dream Weddings YouTube channel to watch any episode, on demand. Or visit www.DreamWeddings.co/episodes and

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watch all of the past shows online anytime as well! The Dream Weddings TV show is made possible by the creativity of the local professionals who make our couples’ dreams come true. Visit us at www.DreamWeddings.co to search through your area’s top vendors, view past issues of the magazine and to learn how your wedding could possibly be featured on a future episode of the show. Also, don’t forget to check us out on social media for tips, vendor information and inspiration throughout your entire planning process.

Join host, Martine Cajas, to be inspired by real couples who have used their own local professionals to make their wedding dreams come true!

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MU SI N GS

Welcome to the Fall 2018 issue of Dream Weddings. My predication is that you got engaged during the spring or summer while on a special vacation. Congratulations! Or maybe you’re expecting to get engaged during the upcoming holiday season. You’re most likely in the midst of prep for the upcoming season, so happy holidays to you! Have your pumpkin spice latte ready because it’s time for us to begin preparations and planning for your Dream Wedding. Ready, set, go! In this particular issue, you are going to discover several articles, which will assist you with answers to your many questions, pronto. Whether your wedding is a few months, or even a few years from now, I know this issue is going to be extremely accommodating—especially when you view the average cost of a wedding on pages 56 and 57. Remember to be realistic about your budget before deciding on a venue. If you’re careful about your budget, everything else will be a piece of cake! (No pun intended.) We were so excited to re-visit our friend Joe from Joe Kelly Photo for this feature, and we’re reminiscent of the Summer 2014 issue. We collaborated with Megan from Megan Hamilton Weddings as well. She is a talented, fashion-savvy illustrator.

When you view the sketches she’s created, try not to take them too literally. The idea behind these sketches is to showcase part of the creative process of bringing similar styled gowns to life. The gown you’re planning on purchasing, or may have already bought, began with an image on paper—a sketch. Sketches can also help you envision your dream dress prior to purchasing it, and allow for a custom gown to be built. Additionally, we partnered with Blush Bridal for some of their gorgeous gowns, as well as a local custom designer, Irina from Irina’s Tailor Shop located in York, PA. Two of Irina’s custom gowns are featured within the issue; one is a very regal, opulent look and the other is a little more fun and edgy. Your options for the edgier style include wearing this gown for a non-traditional wedding, or as a second dress… maybe you can even have your bridesmaids wear it! The possibilities are endlessly creative! This year was all about Women Empowerment. So many courageous ladies came forward to discuss real issues that women face every day. Our focal point was to bring out the independent and strong women. We featured a bride alone as a powerful statement. Obviously, your significant other is imperative for your wedding; you cannot get married without them! But why not have a few solo shots taken to embrace yourself and all of your amazing attributes? Make sure to review some helpful tips from real wedding professionals on page 5. Also, check out the outdoor tablescapes we’ve formulated for you as a vision; Organic Ethereal, Urban Contemporary, and Classic Romantic. Real Wedding Inspiration is also available for esthetic appeal.

Always remember to be inspired, and be creative. Stay true to you! Visit dreamweddings.co and our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages. Happy Planning, Dreamers!

owner & editor-in-chief MARTINE CAJAS director of business development EMILY GLADDEN digital marketing specialist and writer MADI DODGE creative director KERRY ANDERSON cinematographer MARK YANG feature photographer JOE KELLY PHOTO

dream weddings | fall 2018

WEDDING DRESS STYLES

Your wedding gown is the most memorable fashion statement you will ever make! We want to help you consider which silhouettes and necklines will best convey your style and flatter your figure. So, we talked with Tiffany from Tiffany’s Bridal Boutique in Stevens, PA to bring you tips on choosing the best dress style for you!

The gown follows the torso and then gracefully angles out at the waist. While this shape can complement any figure, it’s especially good for petite (the unbroken lines can make you appear taller) and full- figured (hips become less noticeable) brides.

A marriage (no pun intended!) of Mermaid & A-Line, it hugs the torso and flows outward at mid-thigh (making it less restrictive than the Mermaid). It’s a fantastic style for those with hourglass figures.

If you have an hourglass figure, this is the style that will accent your features the most! The fit hugs the body from the chest to the knee and then dramatically flares out. The only drawback is that this style can be a bit restrictive while dancing.

The clean lines of this classic shape lend themselves to weddings of every style. It’s the finishing touches (lace, bling, ruching, etc.) that make it traditional, formal, retro or modern. It’s a good choice for tall, slender or petite brides.

Cinderella defines this fairy-tale look that begins with a fitted bodice/waistline and ends with a full skirt. The style complements nearly every shape; the only exception is the petite bride, whose stature may be overwhelmed by the full skirt.

The updated version of empire styling is perfect for more casual affairs (a beach wedding, perhaps). The preferred fabric, chiffon, flows from under the bustline to provide an ethereal look. This style is a good choice for tall, slender or petite brides.

NECKLINES

In addition to the style of dress you choose, the proper neckline can accent your best features and help you feel secure in your gown. Use our guide so you know what necklines to try and how to ask for them at the bridal salon.

The Sweetheart dips in the middle, creating a heart-shaped design that’s especially complementary to brides with fuller busts.

dream weddings | fall 2018

Simple and clean, this neckline is commonly seen on strapless gowns and complements brides with small chests & shoulders.

It covers the shoulders but takes a Sweetheart shape over the bust. A good choice for brides with fuller chests.

This flattering neckline (good for B or C cups) can be as demure or daring as you’d like! It’s also a style that lends itself to sleeves.

This classic, U-shaped neckline flatters brides with all types of figures and bust sizes. It also pairs well with a variety of necklaces.

say yes!

Chances are, you’ve tried on gowns before. But shopping for your bridal gown is a unique experience, and it deserves to be treated as such! You’d be surprised to know how many mistakes brides make when going to their dress fittings. Avoid frustration and find your perfect dress with expert advice from Martine! Treat it like your wedding day

“You should feel like it’s your wedding day.” This may feel like a cheeky comment, but it’s true! Many brides show up at the boutique simply not looking or feeling their best. Keep in mind that you’re choosing the gown you’ll wear on your wedding day, so consider doing your hair up in a similar way to how you’ll wear it on the big day. Shower right before your fitting so that you’re feeling as fresh and clean as possible! Not only is this the courteous thing to do, but also it’s amazing how much better you’ll feel in the gowns if you’re refreshed and clean. Obviously you don’t want to wear too much makeup, so as to avoid leaving any on the beautiful white gowns you’re trying on. But a little bit will ensure that you feel beautiful in the gowns that you try on.

Bring the right things - and people - with you

One of the biggest issues that bridal boutiques see is when brides bring too many people! You may want to let all of your bridesmaids weigh in, and that’s completely up to you. But you’ll likely find it easier and more re-

laxing if you keep the tag-alongs to a minimum. For many brides, they find that their mother and maid of honor are ideal. In addition to your trusted team, you’ll also want to bring shoes and undergarments that are similar to the ones you intend to wear on the day of the wedding. You may find that you would benefit from getting measured by a professional to ensure that you’re wearing the proper bra or body shaper underneath your wedding gown.

Use the service... and keep an open mind!

They’re there to serve you—that’s why you scheduled an appointment. Most bridal boutiques don’t allow walkins because they want to offer you the service of helping and suggesting gowns. You’ll likely try on between five and eight gowns during your visit, so be prepared! Of course, you should have some idea of what type of gown you’d like. But unless you’ve done your research and know they have the exact dress in stock, they won’t have the dress you’re imagining in your head. So definitely keep an open mind about the dresses that you try on.

Don’t let your excitement get the best of you!

Believe it or not, you can get TOO much of an early start on your dress shopping. You’ll probably start looking through magazines and Pinterest for dress ideas immediately, but you should wait to start scheduling appointments at boutiques. We suggest purchasing your gown eight months to a year prior to your wedding date, so that’s a good time to schedule your appointments. When you go to your appointments, try to limit yourself to ten gowns. We understand that you’d love to try on the whole store in order to find the perfect gown, but this can cause unnecessary confusion. To avoid this, try on the suggested 5-8 gowns per visit.

Make sure your gown fits!

Since your wedding gown needs to fit your body perfectly, you’ll come back to the boutique for several fittings prior to your wedding. The gown will likely arrive at the boutique

four to six months after you purchase it, so your first fitting will fall about three months prior to the wedding. The second and final fitting should be about two or three weeks prior to the wedding, to ensure that everything fits perfectly. Many brides lose weight during the year leading up to their wedding. If you intend to lose weight during this time, let your seamstress know! They are used to this, and can make the necessary adjustments as long as you stick to your plan. But often, brides lose too much weight and then their dress doesn’t fit! If you’ve ever seen a bride have to hike up their strapless gown every five minutes, it isn’t the prettiest sight. To avoid this, keep your seamstress informed about any weight loss plans you have, and stick to the fitting schedule that you make. After you’ve figured out all of the nitty gritty details of your dress shopping plan, have fun! You’ve likely been dreaming of wearing your wedding gown since you were a little girl, and you deserve to find a gown that feels perfect for you. Good luck, and happy shopping!

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Also keep in mind that dresses look very different when they go from the hanger to an actual body.

dream weddings | fall 2018

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cinematic videography to capture the most important moments of your life

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TABLE TOP INSPIRATION

No matter what your personal style is, take inspiration from the gorgeous table top designs on the following pages to create an atmosphere that is uniquely you.

d r e a m w e d d i n g s | f a l l / w i n t e r 2 0 1 8 -1 9

styled INSPIRATION

ORGANIC ETHEREAL

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for something more low key, consider a flowing, cascading linen adorned with greenery. Accent your wooden tables with metallic chargers, and consider benches for a more rustic flow. photographer Katy Trefry Photography | design & styling Martine Cajas | benches & table Barnes Handcrafted Tables | linens Special Occasions & Queen Street Linens | cake Custom Cakes by Jen | floral design Tulips & Twine chalkboard sign Eddie Belleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Studio

real wedding styled INSPIRATION

URBAN CONTEMPORARY

This urban contemporary set-up is effortless elegance. The round tables with the elongated tables set the mood for your guests. The variety of soft colored floral arrangements pops perfectly. The sweetheart table provides an intimate feel for the couple. photographer Katy Trefry Photography venue Excelsior | wedding planner Your Sweetest Day Events | floral design Sandra Porterfield Floral Design | caterer Jimmy Duffy chalkboard sign Eddie Belleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Studio

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styled INSPIRATION

CLASSIC ROMANTIC

If you’re into glam and bling, this round table offers the perfect look. Pair it with a stunning centerpiece, and you’ve created a sophisticated ensemble for either inside or outside. photographer Katy Trefry Photography | design & stylist Martine Cajas | table & chairs Barnes Handcrafted Tables | linens Special Occasions & Queen Street Linens | floral design Tulips & Twine | chalkboard sign Eddie Belle’s Studio

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URBAN CONTEMPORARY

If you are a non-traditionalist this look is perfection. Floral prints are all over the runway right now. Use larger centerpieces, and geometric shapes with a square table. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to add some flair and excitement. photographer Katy Trefry Photography | design & stylist Martine Cajas | table & chairs Barnes Handcrafted Tables | linens Special Occasions & Queen Street Linens | floral design Tulips & Twine | centerpiece frame Chip | chalkboard sign Eddie Belleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Studio

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styled INSPIRATION

Martine's

TIPS

Choosing Your Planner

ith a ton of options available and a lot of decisions to make, you want to be sure you’re not setting yourself up for regrets when it comes to your wedding. Going into the process with a clear expectation of what you want is the best way to get it.

First Things First

It is important to realize the roles that everyone will play in your wedding. Your wedding party, mother, and even your venue coordinator are NOT the same thing as your wedding coordinator. A venue coordinator will not have the same responsibilities as a wedding planner, and you realistically shouldn’t expect your parent or wedding party member to assume that responsibility. The average wedding costs around $30,000, so it’s fair to say that 10% of that budget should go towards a great wedding coordinator. They are an invaluable resource for ensuring that your Dream Wedding goes as you wish. Because of this, your wedding coordinator should be the very first vendor that you hire. The moment you get engaged to your fiancé, you should also get “engaged” to your wedding planner! They will be so helpful to you throughout the entire wedding planning process, and will help you to find vendors that will make your Dream Wedding vision a reality.

Before the Meeting

The process of finding a wedding planner begins with a little

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bit of homework. Make a list of what you and your fiancé realistically want done by your planner. There are essentially two types of wedding planners; dayof coordinators, and the coordinators that will work with you from start to finish. Day-of coordinators will, unsurprisingly, work with you on your wedding day to ensure that all of your vendors are on the same page. It costs more to hire a coordinator to go through the entire process with you, but they will handle the moving parts and eliminate a lot of the stress along the way. You should also have a clear vision of how you want your wedding to look. Try to think about all of the design choices that are important to include in your décor. Do you want the room to be filled with flowers from floor to ceiling? You should probably mention this in the initial consultation with your potential planner. There is a difference between a wedding planner and a designer. So, you’ll need to do your research in order to know if you need to hire a designer in addition to your coordinator. When you meet with your coordinator, you’ll need to have a good idea of what your budget will be. This will help them lead you to the right vendors that will work best for you. We know this can be difficult, but make sure that your expectations match your budget. Your coordinator will work with your budget, but just be sure to keep that budget

in mind so that you don’t expect your $20,000 wedding to look like $100,000.

During the Meeting

If there are certain things you need to know about your planner, make a list of those questions and be sure to ask them. Your wedding planner should be excited to answer your questions and sell himself or herself as the right candidate to make your wedding come to life. Just like you want to get to know your planner, they will also want to get to know you and your fiancé. Specifically, they’ll want to know your expectations and hopes for the wedding. Be honest about what you want because this will help them know whether or not they feel confident that they can make your dream wedding happen.

There are so many details to be decided for the reception alone from tables, chairs to dishes, flatware, linens, and decór.

After the Meeting

When it comes to hiring a wedding planner, personality really does matter. If you don’t feel that your personality matches well with your planner, they probably aren’t the right one for you. Do you feel like your planner listened to your vision and did

they feel that it was possible? Did they seem to understand the direction that you are taking in your wedding design? Did they seem excited to work with you? These are all imperative qualities that should help you know when you’ve found the right planner. You’ve done all of your research and you think that you have everything together. But you know you’ve found a good wedding planner when they come up with the things that never even crossed your mind. The fact that your wedding planner is thinking of things that you haven’t is a good sign that they’re on the ball and will allow you to enjoy your wedding day without the stress of managing all of the moving parts.

Once You’ve Chosen

Great! You’ve found the perfect person to plan your wedding! They’re going to help you a lot throughout the exciting process leading up to your big day. Now it’s important to maintain a good level of contact with your planner. Try not to inundate them with calls and messages, but also be sure to keep them in the loop. If you think of something that your wedding just wouldn’t be complete without, be sure to give your wedding planner ample time to make the necessary calls. Be explicit about what you want, and give your planner every opportunity to make it happen. You feel confident with your choice of a wedding planner, so allow him or her to handle the job you’ve given them. Let yourself enjoy the perks of having someone else do the work. You’ve been equipped with everything necessary to make this professional relationship a success, so take a deep breath, relax and watch as your Dream Wedding unfolds. Happy planning!

People view budgets in one of two ways. They either think they’re extremely restrictive or extremely freeing. I personally love budgets because they allow me to relax, knowing what funds I have to work with for whatever I’m budgeting. In this edition of Tips, I’m going to dissect some common wedding budget issues and tell you how to avoid budget blunders! The average cost of a wedding in the United States in 2017 was $35k - Philadelphia ($56k) Delaware ($45k) and New York City ($88k). Regardless of the amount, there is a proper way to approach how you use your wedding funds. Too often, I talk with couples who forget to consider the big picture before making one or more of their

wedding purchases. By the time they figure out that they’ve used too much in one area to have enough for everything, it's too late and they aren’t left with the ability to really style their celebration and make it a unique affair.

Expect to pay between $4k and $9.5k for all your flowers.

Bring It Together In summary, follow these four simple steps before you use any part of your wedding budget:

Nothing makes me more sad than when a couple tells me that they used half of their budget to book their venue and that particular one is basically 4 walls…no food, beverage, linens, lighting, flowers or anything! This is totally fine if you are still left with ENOUGH funds to book the average 15 remaining vendors for your Dream Wedding. I can’t tell you what your budget should be or what percentage of your overall funds you should allocate for each category. What I can do is educate you about the average cost of essential wedding vendors so that you’re not surprised when you begin reaching out for pricing and YOU are empowered to effectively manage your wedding budget.

1 2

Get an idea of your total guest count.

Decide on your total budget amount, based on the number of people you'll have attending and what type of venues accommodate parties your size. Also, consider that you may have funds coming from different sources: yourselves, parents, grandparents, etc.

3 Decide which vendors you need to have for your Dream Wedding and prioritize by importance from your own perspective.

Based on your guest count, allocate funds to each vendor or category you need to book. Use the list of average prices per vendor to get a feel for what you can afford. Also remember, the more elaborate your theme, the more expensive it will be to style it! Be realistic and don't forget...you get what you pay for!

Wedding Vendor Average Costs There are ranges for everything. It's just like buying a car: The better the quality and more accessories, the more the car will cost. CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE (Not including catering/beverage) $3,000 - $11,000 CATERING & BEVERAGE $40 - $300 per person PLANNER / DESIGNER $1,500 - $5,000 PHOTOGRAPHER $4,500 - $9,000 VIDEOGRAPHER $3,000 - $7,500 DRESS & ACCESSORIES $1,500 - $5,200 GROOM'S ATTIRE & ACCESSORIES $350 (Rental) $1,200 (Custom) WEDDING RINGS $400 - $2,500 (bands only) FLOWERS $4,000 - $9,500 DESIGN ELEMENTS & RENTALS $3,000 - $9,000 MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT $1,750 - $3,500 CAKES & DESSERTS $7 - $17 per person PAPER SUITE (Invitations, etc.) $400 - $900 HAIR & MAKEUP $400 - $700 TRANSPORTATION $250 - $800 OFFICIANT $250.00 - $500 FAVORS & GIFTS $400 - $850 Again, all of these are averages. There will be vendors in each category that fall outside of these ranges, either way.

Careful budgeting will bring your vision to life.

dream weddings | fall 2018

Katy Trefry Photography

Your Wedding Budget, mastered!

real WEDDING

photographer Leslie Gilbert Photography | venue Linwood Estate gown Amsale, New York | hair & makeup The Bonafide Ginger | bridesmaidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;gowns Jenny Yoo | jeweler Dominion Jewelers | caterer & floral design Weddings by JDK | cake Kyrstenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sweet Designs | paper suite Minted Weddings | music Cherrywood Ensembles and Good Foot Dance Band | videographer Mwendo Wedding Films For more inspiration like this, visit us at www.DreamWeddings.co/blogs

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photographer Ashley Gerrity Photography | venue Private Home gown BHLDN | wedding planner Events by Brittney Marie lighting design & rentals Tents for Rent | jeweler Jen Green and EEDesigns | floral design Wegmans | caterer Carlinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market cake Vegan Treats | paper suite Etsy | band Ryan Tennis and the Club House Band | transportation Metz Transportation For more inspiration like this, visit us at www.DreamWeddings.co/blogs

dream weddings | fall 2018

real WEDDING

photographer Katy Trefry Photography | venue Lauxmont Farms gown Stella York | alterations A-Plus Clothing Alterations bride’s shoes Betsy Johnson | bridesmaids’ dresses Adrianna Papell | hair & makeup Josephine Love | groom’s suit Kenneth Cole | jeweler Victorious | day of coordinator Chamaine Carlo caterer Scarlet Runner | cake Destiny Dawn’s Desserts | linens Express Laundry and Linens | band Steller Mojo For more inspiration like this, visit us at www.DreamWeddings.co/blogs

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BRINGING YOUR

TO LIFE Photographed by Joe Kelly Photo Illustrations by Megan Hamilton Weddings Gowns Blush Bridal and Irinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tailor Shop Hair & Makeup MKUP The Beauty Studio Model McKenzie Henry

vision

dream weddings | fall 2018

Gown & Veil by Irinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tailor Shop

Gown from Blush Bridal

Dress by Irinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tailor Shop

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Harrisburg | (717) 545-4354 Pottsville | (570) 628-4000

Walk-ins or Appointments www.CentralPaTuxedo.com Lancaster: 2981 Hempland Road Lebanon: 718 Poplar Street

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READING SANTANDER ARENA

Treat yourself to a wedding themed cocktail. Take “Ring Selfies” in front of a variety of backgrounds. Relax for a moment and find your dream dress as you enjoy the fashion show.

C h e c k o u r w e b s i t e a n d f a c e b o o k p a g e f o r c u r r e n t b r i d a l s h o w s c h e d u l e a n d co n t e s t s . 717-733 - LOV E · i n f o @ b e s t w e d d i n g s h o w ca s e .co m

tographer, remember that it’s YOUR video, not theirs. Make sure they understand your goals and vision for the video. Mark Yang Bamboo Shoots

Your bartender can customize everything, from what they’re wearing, to the signature drinks they serve at your wedding. Just be specific about what you want, and open to their professional suggestions!

When you work with a makeup artist, schedule a trial run so that you can really nail your picture-perfect wedding day look.

“

When working with a cinema-

“

Maggie King MKUP the Beauty Studio

Dave Murray Good Spirits Lancaster

Renting linens is a great way to

dress up your reception to match your individual style—whatever it may be. Adding style to your reception space will elevate the guest experience! Claudia Himes Special Occasions and Queen Street Linens

Tips from real wedding professionals F

or formal indoor weddings, consider renting a tuxedo. If your wedding is outdoors or a little bit more informal, you may want to buy a suit. That way, you can bring the suit out for future events! Douglas Stadel, Central PA Tuxedo

Many flowers are available practically year-round nowadays, so meet with your florist about telling your story through a wide variety of floral arrangements. Just be prepared to spend a little extra on flow. - Vince Butera, Butera the Florist

dream weddings | fall 2018

You can customize your rings with unique shapes, non-traditional center stones, or even design the entire ring with a jewelry expert. Get creative! Julie Gantz, Warren Jewelers

petalswithstyle.com

717.392.4000

ELOPEMENTS | INTIMATE WEDDINGS | COUPLES christinajulia.com

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L A N C AS TE R W E D D INGS

tips & Trends 2.

WEDDINGS

1. Rustic Chic

Contemporary barn weddings are all the rage right now, and what better place to find the perfect, affordable venue than the scenic farmland of Lancaster County? At a fraction of the big city costs, and with a variety of options for you to choose from you have nothing to lose.

2. Something Old. . .

Lancaster is know for antiquing. Take some time and explore the county for a one-of-a-kind piece of jewlery to wear with your dress. Or find unqiue items to create centerpieces or decorations to customize your venue.

3. All In The family

Family style meals are very popular in Pennsylvania Dutch culture. Tie this tradition into your special day... because after all you’re all family now!

Image Courtesy Teal Photography

Image Courtesy Jenny Foster

Image Courtesy Studio 841

Courtesy Melissa Engle

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4. farm Fresh

Some caterers in the area will work with local farmers or co-ops for ingredients, making each dish as authentic as possible. This allows your out-of-town guests to try the real tastes of Lancaster. You can serve traditional PA Dutch dishes or use local ingredients to make creative culinary masterpieces.

5. What a View. . .

Lancaster County is full of lush farmland, rolling hills, and countless vistas to give your day the perfect backdrop reguardless of the time of year. Each season has its own special qualities and charms.

6. Kick up your heels

The music scene in Lancaster is great! With such a variety of local bands and musicians you are sure to find someone to get your guests up and groovin’.

DISCOVERLANCASTERWEDD INGS.COM

10.

7 . Three Cheers

With a brewing history that earned Lancaster the nickname of “Little Munich of America,” why not serve your guests local libations? We have a variety of local breweries, wineries, and distilleries for you to choose from!

8 . Wild at hearT

Using seasonal blooms can save you quite a bit. Check what grows locally before setting your heart on having peonies in October.

9 . Pucker up

Covered bridges, also know as kissing bridges create a classic Lancaster County photo location.

1 0 . whoopie!

Whoopie pies make a great favor. They are an authentic Lancaster treat that will leave your guest whooping for joy!

“Somethings Blue” You’ve heard the cute wedding day rhyme “something old, something new…” but perhaps you don’t know what to use as your “something blue!” So we’ve put together a few of our favorite items for this wedding day tradition.

1. Shoes.Wearing shoes as your “something

blue” is a discreet way to honor this tradition! You can choose a blue shoe, or even a different color shoe with blue embellishments. It’s up to you!

2. A clutch. You’re going to need a place to put

your personal belongings during the day, so why not make it blue?

3. Jewelry. Depending on the gown you choose to wear, you may want to accessorize with blue jewelry! Not only are jewels a great “something blue,” but they can also perfectly accompany your wedding day look.

Paper suite. You might not have considered this, but why can’t your invitations and menus be your “something blue?”

5. Flowers. Including pops of blue flowers in

Katy Trefry Photography

your bouquet and floral arrangements are a charming way to add some color and meaning to your wedding day décor!

dream weddings | fall 2018

couple’s planning guide

A wedding can be the most exciting time in a couple’s relationship but it can also become overwhelming rather quickly! With so much to accomplish before your dream day, it’s easy to panic over everything on your to-do list. Whether you’re planning your wedding in one month or over two years, let us help take the stress out of the planning process. Follow this step-by-step guide and you’ll easily be able to enjoy your Dream Wedding! Now take a deep breath and let your anxiety melt away.

STEP ONE _ Determine your budget _ Choose more than one possible wedding date _ Based on your budget, determine your guest count _ Pick and view several ceremony and reception venues that align with your theme (keep your guest count in mind and make sure the venues can accommodate) _ Set your wedding date STEP TWO _ Select the members of your bridal party _ Choose a bridal gown to go with your theme and season _ Begin conceptualizing groom and wedding party attire _ Establish a wedding registry _ Send out save-the-dates

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STEP THREE _ Hire your Dream Team (see next page) _ Arrange consultations with your Dream Teamers _ Schedule food and cake tastings _ Reserve a block of rooms at a local hotel for your out-of-town guests _ Send out invitations _ Book rehearsal dinner venue STEP FOUR _ Obtain a marriage license (Important!) _ Complete reception seating chart _ Schedule a final fitting for your Dream gown _ Finalize preparations for the rehearsal dinner _ Pack for your honeymoon (Don’t forget a passport if you’re traveling internationally!)

wedding checklist

Venue? √ Gown? √ Panic? √ There are so many little details that go into planning a Dream Wedding and it can become overwhelming rather quickly. This checklist will ensure your Dream Team is complete. They can worry about all the pesky little details so you can simply enjoy your special day. Worry free wedding? √

DREAM TEAM _ Beauty Treatments _ Bridal Gown & Accessories _ Groom’s Attire & Accessories _ Alterations & Design _ Cakery _ Caterer (including rehearsal dinner, cocktail hour & reception) _ Cosmetic Dentistry _ Dance Lessons (for the first dance!) _ Décor, Linens & Lighting _ Favors & Attendant Gifts _ Fitness & Weight Loss _ Florist (ceremony & reception) _ Hair & Makeup (for you & your bridal party) _ Hotel Accommodations _ Jeweler (bride, bridesmaids, wedding bands, groom, groomsmen, parents, etc.) _ Music (ceremony & reception) _ Officiant _ Paper (invitations, save-the-date cards, programs, menus, seating cards, thank you notes, etc.)

_ Photo Booth _ Photographer _ Rental Accessories _ Transportation (to & from reception for you and your guests) _ Venue (ceremony & reception) _ Videographer _ Wedding Stylist & Planner (A must!) FOR THE BRIDE _ Gown _ Reception Gown (if applicable) _ Veil or Headpiece _ Shoes (think comfort for the reception) _ Handbag _ Jewelry _ Makeup _ Bouquet _ Something Old, New, Borrowed & Blue _ Garter (2) _ Lingerie _ Bridal Emergency Kit

FOR THE GROOM _ Attire _ Shoes & Socks _ Accessories (watch, cuff links, etc.) _ Boutonniere WEDDING PARTY _ Bridesmaid Dresses, Accessories & Shoes (think comfort for the reception!) _ Hair & Makeup _ Bouquets _ Groomsmen Attire, Accessories & Shoes _ Boutonniere _ Flower Girl / Ring Bearer Attire, Accessories & Shoes _ Wedding Party Gifts

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