Fall 2019 Dream Weddings Magazine

Cindy Frey Photography

DREAM WEDDINGS

be inspired

FALL 2019

FALL 2019

717.290.7800

be inspired

Visit DreamWeddings.co to view past magazine issues and episodes of the Dream Weddings TV show, read wedding planning advice, get inspired, and learn about the region’s bridal professionals who can make your wedding dreams come true!

Display until Jan 2020

houseofclarendon.com

Online

717-871-1806 Juliana Tomlinson Photography

themillatmanorfalls.com

Let ’s Get Social! dreamweddings dream weddings dreamweddingspa

Karlo Gesner Photography

melhornmanor.com (717) 373-1613

Bridal Suite

Man Cave

Tabacco Barn

Courtyard

Stables

angiesvarietyshop.com

717-295-4830

Specializing in sizes 16-34

bridesoftoday.com

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(717) 786-0190

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THE NEXT GENERATION IS HERE

RENT OR BUY NOW OFFERING MENSWEAR

Appointments Preferred 3

One North Broad Street is a historic city wedding venue located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is based inside the Masonic Temple, offering breathtaking ancient architecture adorned with details of yesteryear.

Between the majestic grand staircases, opulent marble and brilliant stained glass windows, this classic wedding venue is ideal for luxurious celebrations with vintage flair and unparalleled elegance.

215-988-1936 onenorthbroad.com 4

tiffanysbridalboutique.com 717-419-2119

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lindseymareephotography.com lindseymareephoto@gmail.com 570-495-3610

Wedding, elopement, and engagement photography for adventurous + laid-back souls.

Authentic. Creative. Invested.

Lindsey + Jason,

Husband + Wife Team.

S

ETchair .com

Luxury Chair Cover Rentals (717) 808-9245 info@etchairs.com

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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-bystep 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

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

& Blue _ Garter (2) _ Lingerie _ Bridal Emergency Kit

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Illiustrations by Megan Hamilton

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.

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.

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.

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make it official!

When you go to file for your marriage license, be sure you have all of the facts!

• Different counties have different requirements, so check online to see what they need from you.

• Most counties charge around $60 for a marriage license, and require that it be paid for with cash.

• Marriage licenses are only valid for 60 days, so plan to file for yours within this window of time.

• While some counties allow you to apply for a license online, you will both still have to appear at the courthouse or office.

•

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Baltimore County (MD) 401 Bosley Avenue, Towson, Maryland 21204 (410) 887-2614 baltimorecountymd.gov

Lancaster County 50 N. Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 299-8000 co.lancaster.pa.us

Bucks County 55 East Court Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 (215) 348-6265 buckscounty.org

Lebanon County 400 South 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042 (717) 228-4415 lebcounty.org

Cumberland County 1 Courthouse Square, Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 240-6100 ccpa.net

Lehigh County 455 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101 (610) 782-3173 lccpa.org

Dauphin County 101 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 780-6506 dauphincounty.org Delaware County 201 W. Front St, Media, PA 19063 (610) 891-4403 co.delaware.pa.us Franklin County 157 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 261-3805 franklincounty.org

Montgomery County 425 Swede Street, Norristown, PA 19401 (610) 278-3400 montcopa.org New Castle County (DE) 800 N. French St, Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 395-7780 nccde.org Northampton County 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042 (610) 829-6489 northamptoncounty.org

Frederick County (MD) 100 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701 (301) 600-1976 courts.state.md.us

Philadelphia Room 415 City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-2233 phila.gov

Harford County (MD) 7 West Courtland Street, Bel Air, MD 21014 (410) 838-4952 mdcourts.gov

Washington County (MD) 24 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740 (301) 733-8660 courts.state.md.us

Howard County (MD) 9250 Bendix Road, Columbia, Maryland 21045 (410) 313-5850 courts.state.md.us

York County 45 North George Street, York, PA 17401 (717) 771-9615 yorkcountypa.gov

Your Wedding Budget, mastered! 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.

Nothing makes me more

Katy Trefry Photography

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 2018 was $35k Philadelphia ($56k) Maryland ($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

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

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.

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Bring It Together

Get an idea of your total guest count.

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

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.

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

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Katy Trefry Photography

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.

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DIRECTORY

BARTENDERS Good Spirits Lancaster (717) 371-4849 goodspiritslancaster.com Lancaster

BRIDAL SHOWS Best Wedding Showcase (717) 733-5683 bestweddingshowcase.com Ephrata BEAUTY & SKINCARE Vicky Papageorgiou Skincare & Lashes (717) 487-6402 York CAKES Colebrook Bakery (717) 664-0108 cwbakery.com Manheim Custom Cakes by Jen (717) 792-3182 customcakesbyjen.net York House of Clarendon (717) 290-7800 houseofclarendon.com Lancaster Providence Divine Cakes (717) 741-0120 providencedivinecakes andpastries.com York CATERERS Festive Board (717) 854-2420 festive-board.com York

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COSMETIC TREATMENTS Center for Cosmetic Dermatology (717) 741-5512 centerforcosmeticdermatology.com York Dentistry for Life (717) 569-3911 dentistryforlife.com Lancaster CUSTOM WEDDING ILLUSTRATIONS Megan Hamilton Weddings (516) 993-6734 meganhamiltonweddings.com Yardley

Barnes Handcrafted Farmhouse Tables (717) 586-3170 barnesfarmtables.com Seven Valleys E.T. Chairs (717) 808-9245 etchairs.com Marietta Rental World (717) 397-3663 rentalworldpa.com Lancaster Special Occasions & Queen Street Linens (717) 299-4642 specialo.com Lancaster

DANCE LESSONS Ballroom on the Square (717) 799-9416 ballroomonthesquare.com Lancaster

Weir Event Rentals & Sales (717) 975-7089 weireventrentals.com Hershey

DJS HD Entertainment (717) 850-0460 hdentertainmentdj.com East Berlin

FAVORS & GIFTS Brown’s Orchards & Farm Market (717) 428-2036 brownsorchards.com Loganville

EVENT DESIGN Angie’s Variety Shop (717) 295-4830 angiesvarietyshop.com Lancaster

Megan Hamilton Weddings (516) 993-6734 etsy.com/shop/MeganHamilton Yardley

MX2 Event Design (717) 254-5100 mx2eventdesign.com Harrisburg

FLORIST Bixler Blooms (717) 572-3763 bixlerblooms.com Marietta

EVENT RENTALS Ace the Party Place (717) 393-1707 acethepartyplace.com Lancaster

Butera the Florist (717) 846-4283 buteratheflorist.com York

Florals of Mount Joy (717) 653-1950 floraldesignsofmountjoy.com Mount Joy Petals With Style (717) 392-4000 petalswithstyle.com Lancaster Rosemary & Rust (717) 942-2429 rosemaryandrust.com Shrewsbury Tulips & Twine (717) 278-5186 tulipsandtwine.com Lancaster HAIR & MAKE-UP Anna Cecchi Smith (717) 826-0354 annacecchismith.com Lancaster Blink Beauty Lash Lounge (717) 824-4325 blinkbeautylashlounge.com Lancaster Collado Cosmetic Lab Colladocosmeticlab.org Hanover HONEYMOON Making Magical Vacations Travel makingmagicalvacationstravel .vpweb.com (717) 847-7654 Lancaster INVITATIONS Carpenter Invitations & Design (717) 842-0231 carpenterinvitationsanddesign. com Wrightsville

ASHLEY GERRITY PHOTOGRAPHY

Vendor

We present you with the Dream Weddings Vendor Directory, an amazing resource filled with highly talented professionals that will make your wedding day dreams a reality. Use our directory as a checklist to search through and select your Dream Team. Also, don’t forget to visit our online Vendor Guide at www.DreamWeddings.co/vendors. Happy Planning!

Don’t delay! Remember to book all of your vendors six months to one year ahead of time.

Persnickety Invitation Studio (717) 741-2324 persnicketyinc.com York JEWELERS Finch Jewelers (717) 293-3333 finchjewelers.com Lancaster Koser Jewelers (717) 653-4941 koserjewelers.com Mt. Joy Warren Jewellers (717) 299-3088 warrenjewellers.com Lancaster

PHOTOGRAPHY April & Bryan Photography (717) 925-0525 aprilandbryan.com Lancaster Ashley Gerrity Photography (717) 496-7043 ashleygerrityphotography.com Philadelphia Garnet Dahlia (717) 383-2420 garnetdahlia.com Lebanon Katy Trefry Photography (717) 487-6182 katytrefryphotography.com Wrightsville Lovefusion Photography (717) 779-6935 lovefusionphoto.com

MEN’S WEAR Central PA Tuxedo (717) 295-2550 centralpatuxedo.com Lancaster

Lindsey Maree Photography (570) 495-3610 Lindseymareephotography. com Liverpool

Cocoa Couture (717) 533-3323 cocoacoutureonline.com Hershey

REHEARSAL DINNERS, BRIDAL SHOWERS & PARTIES

OFFICIANT Rev. Kelly Jo Singleton (717) 471-3599 revkellyjosingleton.com Lancaster PHOTO BOOTH Katy Trefry Photography (717) 487-6182 katytrefryphotography.com Wrightsville Shining Star (717) 472-1897 shiningstarphotobooth.com Dover

Heritage Hills Resort (717) 755-0123 heritagehillsresort.com York Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square (717) 239-1600 marriott.com/hotels/travel/ lnsmc-lancaster-marriott-atpenn-square/ Lancaster Melhorn Manor (717) 373-1613 melhornmanor.com Mount Joy The Mill at Manor Falls (717) 871-1806 themillatmanorfalls.com Millersville White Chimneys (717) 442-1037 whitechimneys.com Gap VIDEOGRAPHY Bamboo Shoots (717) 715-5054 www.bambooshoots.net Lancaster

Amorette (717) 947-7710 amorette.com Lancaster

Cinematic Love Stories (717) 619-9877 www.cinematiclovestories.com Lancaster

SIGNS Eddie Belle’s Studio (410) 570-6789 eddiebellesstudio.wordpress. com York

Kevin Rist Productions (240) 529-2514 kevinristproductions.com Chambersburg

VENUES Chestnut Hill Villa (717) 898-2926 chestnuthillvilla.com Lancaster

WEDDING DRESSES Blush Bridal (717) 367-4446 blushbridalpa.com Lancaster Brides of Today (717) 786-0190 bridesoftoday.com Quarryville Cocoa Couture (717) 533-3323 cocoacoutureonline.com Hershey Irina’s Tailor Shop (717) 683-7246 irinatailoryork.com York Tiffany’s Bridal Boutique (717) 419-2119 tiffanysbridalboutique.com Stevens WEDDING PLANNERS MX2 Event Design (717) 254-5100 mx2eventdesign.com Harrisburg Taryn Blake Events tarynblakeevents.com York

Lavon Films (717) 393-4256 lavonfilmsweddings.com Lancaster

JOE KELLY PHOTO

The Paper Lab thepaperlab.co Lancaster

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B E A U T Y LASH LOUNGE MAKEUP

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LASHES

BLINKBEAUTYLASHLOUNGE.COM 717-824-4325

Lovefusion Photograph

Lovefusion Photograph

Contents

14 VENDOR DIRECTORY Use our directory to select your dream team 18 MARTINE’s MUSINGS Letter from the Editor 19 ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS WITH FURRY FRIENDS Tips for photoshoots with pets 20 DESIGN INSPIRATION Organic Ethereal Inspiration 24 HAVE FUN WITH YOUR WEDDING MENU Helpful advice for unique food options

8 PLANNING GUIDE & CHECKLIST Letter from the Editor

25 MARTINE’S TIPS Tips for planning your honeymoon

11 WEDDING DRESS STYLES Helpful hints for creating your bridal ensemble

26 REAL WEDDINGS Allow real weddings to inspire your dreams

12 MAKE IT OFFICIAL Places to file for your marriage license

32 TOP TIPS FROM WEDDINGS PLANNERS Your top questions answered by professionals

13 YOUR WEDDING BUDGET MASTERED Mastering your budget

34 MELHORN MANOR Dream Weddings’ Feature

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Mar ine's M US I N GS

Ashley Gerrity Photography

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.)

Welcome to the Fall 2019 issue of Dream Weddings. My prediction 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 page 13. Remember to be realistic about

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I’m so excited to feature our friend, Kelsey, from Lovefusion Photography for this feature at the beautiful, rustic Melhorn Manor.

This historic property is one of the largest barns in Lancaster County.

Always remember to be inspired, and be creative. Stay true to you!

Visit dreamweddings.co and our Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for inspiration and ideas.

Happy Planning, Dreamers!

Trending Tip: Put an illustration of your venue inside your invitation envelopes. On page 23, you’ll see this trend done by the talented EddieBelle’s Studio and Carpenter Invitations & Design.

Just wait until you see the feature and how Floral Designs of Mount Joy, Special Occasions & Queen Street Linens, Weir Party Rentals and Party Rentals Ltd. took this beautiful venue to the next level. You’ll be able to find inspiration whether your wedding is held indoors or outdoors.

Additionally, we partnered with Tiffany’s Bridal for some of their gorgeous gowns, as well as Central PA Tuxedo for their tuxedos and suits. For a girl’s best friend, the stunning jewelry was provided by Koser Jewelers.

Make sure to review some helpful planning tips from real wedding planners on page 32.

owner and editor-in-chief MARTINE CAJAS marketing & creative director TAYLOR ZOOK writer REBECCA BEDENBAUGH feature photographer LOVEFUSION PHOTOGRAPHY

Create meaningful engagement photos with FurryFamily members

T

here is no magical formula for authentic and meaningful engagement photos with your fur babies. Yet there are several aspects to consider when creating a relaxed photoshoot that delivers beautiful memories for years to come.

First, make sure you choose a photographer with experience photographing animals.

Dogs can do great in outdoor engagement photography, but other pets like cats typically do better in indoor photoshoots. For outdoor photoshoots, make sure the location allows dogs, keep the session short and if the weather is warm, try to stay in the shade with water on hand.

Have Fun with It! Ask the photographer to get action shots of your dog jumping for treats, doing their favorite activity or capture candid moments of your family frolicking together.

Are you a fashion forward family?

Consider incorporating small details such as bowties, signs, or pick out a cute outfit for your pooch! Does your dog have a gorgeous coloring? Let them go au naturale! Be creative and coordinate your outfit colors with their coat coloring for a unique twist.

For the best experience including fur babies, remember to bring their favorite treats, bring a friend along to help out and dress for your setting and activity!

Choose a Meaningful Location Much of what makes a great photograph is the backdrop. When considering locations, think of locales that have a history in your relationship. Perhaps your favorite coffee shop, park, or even the town where you had your first trip together.

Many unique photoshoots take place at locations that relate to a shared hobby or interest, such a breweries, museums, hiking trails or sport

stadiums. Get creative!

You may choose to have a photographer there for the actual engagement.

We always recommend to have a photographer there to capture the raw feelings and expressions of the moment. These emotions can be difficult to replicate, so consider budgeting for a photographer AND an engagement ring.

However, this may not be what you want, choosing instead to have a private moment. Remember, you can commemorate that private moment by having the photoshoot in the same location!

Don’t be afraid to have the photoshoot at your home. This can lead to very heartfelt photos that are truly meaningful. Plus it’s good motivation to clean!

If this appeals to you but you would like more variety, take advantage of shooting in multiple locations.

Multiple Locations If you like the idea of variety to highlight a few locations that are special to you both as a couple, you can choose to make a day of it, traveling from one locale to the next.

You may want to have your furry family at one location, and then drop them off at home to simplify your day.

You can also ask the photographer the cost, and if they are able to spread the photoshoot over 2 days. Many couples find by the second day they are more comfortable in front of the lens and get a beautiful array of authentic photographs with this method. This also allows you to be flexible in case the weather does not cooperate on one of your scheduled days.

Weather Be prepared for weather changes, and don’t let it discourage you from

having a great photoshoot. Have fun with props such as umbrellas, boots, or hats for you or your furry family member!

As I learned during an unexpected sprinkle at my engagement photoshoot, water droplets with light reflected on them can be a unique detail giving your photographs an artistic edge.

Use overhangs on buildings or blankets to cuddle up for a few intimate shots of you and your partner sheltering from the storm together. If you really want particular weather, plan a backup date with your photographer, and embrace flexibility in plans.

Remember, This is All About YOU as a Couple.

It can be hard to relax and be your natural selves as a couple when you know a photographer is capturing every moment. Try and forget the photographer is there, let the expert work around you as you two explore your surroundings, and enjoy each other.

It may sound silly, but consider practicing a few poses together before the photoshoot so that you are already comfortable recreating these poses together. Animals do best when they know what to expect so a practice run will help them behave on the day of the photoshoot as well!

Browse our Pinterest (Dream Weddings) photography board for ideas!

What is most important for your engagement shoot is that you enjoy the experience. As a couple, you are going to look back at these photos in adoration for years to come, so give yourself a break and drop your nervousness at the door and have as much fun with it as you can!

Image by Garnet Dahlia Photography

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styled INSPIRATION

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photographer Lovefusion Photography venue Melhorn Manor florals Floral Designs of Mount Joy

ceremony design

styled INSPIRATION

styled INSPIRATION

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photographer Lovefusion Photography venue Melhorn Manor florals Floral Design of Mount Joy linen & napkins Special Occasions & Queen Street Linens chairs & tables Weir Event Rentals tableware Rental Party Ltd. invitations Carpenter Invitations illustration EddieBelle’s Studio cake House of Clarendon designed by Martine Cajas

reception design

Have Fun With Your Wedding Menu A

re you and your future spouse foodies? Perhaps you are combining two or more cultures with your marriage?

Love trying and sharing new and different foods? Incorporate your interest into your wedding menu! Celebrate with the great connecter: food!

You are in luck! Central PA is known for it’s rich food scene, created by tons of restaurateurs offering delicious food from their cultures. Why serve bacon wrapped scallops like everyone else when you can offer Greek kabobs, Vietnamese egg rolls or Indian samosas as cocktail hour hors d’oeuvres?

Our Dutch friend married a chef who came from 2 backgrounds, Southern U.S and Romanian. As you can imagine, it was very important that these cultures were represented through food at the wedding. From fried chicken, to kroketten (Dutch croquettes), to ciorba de perișoare (Romanian meatball soup), the guests never wanted for any combination of flavor or texture. To this day, the guests still rave about the experience of sharing these dishes together.

Invigorate your wedding menu by offering unique dishes that will have your guests talking for years to come!

Here are our favorite dishes and finger foods you can serve to delight your guest’s taste buds! Let these suggestions get your foodie thoughts flowing, and inspire you to reach out to local restaurants or caterers that offer unique dishes!

Looking for a Unique Appetizer?

Spanish Tapas such as chorizo and cheese stuffed mussels can be great for a crowd that loves a little bit of spice, and are a unique step away from bacon wrapped scallops (not that those aren’t delicious).

Consider Indonesian Chicken Satay which is skewered grilled chicken typically seasoned with curry powder, turmeric, garlic, ginger, brown sugar and fish sauce to create a mouthwatering treat that is served with peanut sauce. Served on a skewer, these are the perfect finger food for guests to hold and enjoy a cocktail!

For a lighter option; fresh Vietnamese spring rolls are filled with thai basil, cilantro and mint leaves, with your selection of shrimp, meat or tofu to create a refreshing finger food for summer that can be dipped 24

in peanut or fish sauce, or simply eaten alone! These are great for a guest list that need vegan or gluten free options!

Skip the Spring Mix and Substitute Flavor!

Leave the lettuce for the rabbits and enjoy these hearty salads!

Introducing the Israeli salad. This is a healthy salad made of finely diced tomato, green onions, cucumber, bell or chili peppers, and seasoned with parsley, olive oil, mint, and lemon juice. It has been described as the “most well-known national dish of Israel” and is sure to please your guests with its beautiful colors and satisfying crunch!

The pastel shades of a shaved apple and radish salad start the meal with a beautiful pop of color, as well as a unique yet delicate take on the typical salad. This salad is based on Gala apples and two types of radishes, along with fresh mint, toasted hazelnuts, and is topped with a shaved aged cheese. To boost this salad with even more flavor and color, you can add shaved carrots, fennel, pear, kohlrabi or baby turnips.

A Fresh Twist on Tired Dinner Traditions

Instead of the same old Fish, Chicken or Steak options at your wedding, why not knock these traditional offerings up a notch?

Offering Peruvian Fish Ceviche is an ingenious way to offer a fish option without worrying the fish will be cold by the time it reaches your guests table. This dish integrates a sweeter white fish such as halibut, hamachi or mahi-mahi with the bright flavors of the leche de tigre sauce.

This sauce consists of lime, cilantro, garlic, habanero, and clam juice (ingredients vary).

This is then mixed with corn, sweet potato and red onion. Talk about a flavor explosion!

We guarantee guests will be snapping pictures of this show stopper and asking for the recipe!

To kick up the typical red meat offering, simply provide a Chimichurri sauce or Epoisses Sauce for the steak! Chimichurri is an Argentinian green sauce made from parsley, red wine vinegar, garlic and oregano.

Epoisses sauce is a French sauce made from a cow’s milk soft rind cheese, bouillon and heavy cream. This cheese based sauce is a safe option for guests that prefer a mild

entree.

To offer something a bit more flavorful than the typical chicken breast, we suggest serving Indian butter chicken. Originally from Dehli, this dish is full of aromatic chicken in an incredible creamy tomato and curry sauce that is not spicy, but rather a savory sweet mix that even timid eaters will love!

Got the Munchies?

When your guests are getting hungry from a night of dancing and need a few carbs to soak up the signature wedding cocktail, we suggest these snacks!

Oliebollen, area Dutch dessert, much like a mini donut covered in powdered sugar except these surprise you with bits of raisins, apples or other fruits tucked inside!

Lamingtons are Australian dessert squares that consist of yellow sponge cake coated in chocolate and then topped with coconut flakes.

Bichak are traditional triangle-shaped stuffed pastries that come in sweet and savoury varieties, ranging from spiced meat to cheese to more unusual fillings like pumpkin.

Bao buns are great for a small but hearty snack. If you’ve ever enjoyed dim sum, you’ve likely tasted bao, which is more commonly known in North America as steamed pork bun. A classic finger food that’s as iconic as it is delicious, with soft, dense dough enveloping chunks of pork in a sweet-andsavoury sauce.

In addition to these culinary inspirations above; talk with the experts in you area! Try out local restaurants and caterers that boast flavors you love, and have a conversation with them about what is possible!

Accommodating vegan, gluten free, and many other dietary needs is possible for most caterers so don’t be afraid to ask! Keep in mind you can offer a range of dishes from bold to mild to satisfy a variety of palettes!

Whether you are entwining several cultures through your marriage, or simply love trying new foods, use these ideas to add more flavor to your festivities!

Mar ine's TIPS

resulting in post-wedding sickness. You may need more R&R than you expected after such a tumultuous day! Don’t force yourself and your spouse to go through the hassle of traveling while dealing with an adrenaline crash or a hangover! The last thing you want is to be sick on what is supposed to be a romantic honeymoon. Save the “in sickness and in health” vows for later in the marriage.

Let’s be honest, you paid quite a bit for this honeymoon, so don’t sleep it away!

Eliminate Stress, Embrace Organization

Taking a few days in between saying “I Do” and saying “Bon Voyage” allows you time and space to breath. A honeymoon is like going on a more complicated, emotionally charged vacation. Set yourselves up for success by taking this time to open gifts, remember items you need to pack and enjoy uninterrupted sleep.

Have a leisurely brunch with friends and family that are still in town, and enjoy their wedding stories.

Besides taking time to rest, confirm travel plans and pack your bags with a refreshed mind. Take these extra days to open your cards, record gift givers, and if you have time, write thank you notes while the wedding day is still fresh in your mind.

This time also allows you to confirm plans with housesitters, pet sitters and any transportation needs you have.

Homecoming

Planning your Honeymoon After the whirlwind of your wedding day, many couples choose to jet off to their honeymoon directly after the reception, or the next day.

We would like to propose that couples would fully enjoy their honeymoon by scheduling the honeymoon up to a week after the big day!

Why is this? We’ve got 3 reasons why you should consider giving yourself some breathing room in between these romantic sprints..

Adrenaline Crash

Take it from the hundreds of couples we speak to every year, your wedding day, and the days leading up to it, are a whirlwind!

With so many people to talk to, posing for photos, and jumping from getting ready to ceremony to reception, you are exerting a lot of energy! Your nervousness, happiness, and excitement all collide while your body keeps you going with the help of adrenaline.

After the dancing is over, the guests have said their goodbyes, and you make your way to bed, the adrenaline crash begins.

Recovery can take up to 2 days, with many hours of sleep needed. Many people find their immune systems take a beating,

Returning home to a clean, organized home is the best, especially for a new marriage! Taking a few days between your wedding and travel will afford you the time to make this a reality.

This may not sound very fun but we suggest cleaning the house for your return home. Doing a load of laundry, cleaning out the fridge and washing the dishes will ensure a happy return.

If you took the time to organize your wedding items before your trip, you can simply pick up where you left off. This may include returning items you borrowed or rented for the wedding, writing thank you notes or simply finding a place for the new mixer you got!

Unpacking from your honeymoon may not be as bittersweet if you don’t have to deal with piles of dirty laundry.

This way you have the energy to think about your upcoming week, and transition into your new groove as a married couple!

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photographer April and Bryan Photography | venue Historic Round Barn and Farm Market | gown Lilla’s Bridal | floral design Divine Florals | catering & cake Biggerstaff For more inspiration like this, visit us at www.DreamWeddings.co/blogs

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photographer Garnet Dahlia Photography | floral design Lancaster Flower Co. | rentals On a Lark Rentals | invitations Zazzle | suit Central Pa Tux | makeup MakeupbyRainn | hair Split Ends Salon | nails The Nail Ave by Aisha | cake The Flour Child For more inspiration like this, visit us at www.DreamWeddings.co/blogs

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photographer Lindsey Maree Photography | venue The Star Barn | gown Kleinfeld Bridal | floral design Divine Florals | cake House of Clarendon | hair INU Salon and Spa | planner Simply Events Inc. | hand lettering Letters by Lew For more inspiration like this, visit us at www.DreamWeddings.co/blogs

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Top Tips from Weddings Planners We spoke with a few of our wedding planner pals, and these were the top tips that they had to offer from their years of experience creating perfect weddings.

Planning a wedding can be a big undertaking, and some couples reel at all the detailed work that needs to be done.

Some couples love the planning process but need a little guidance.

If you fall into either of these categories - consider speaking with local wedding planner about how they can help.

Keep in mind the coordinator at your venue is hired by the venue, and thus only handle in-venue logistics. For example, they won’t call your florist for details, or arrange to have your dress delivered to the venue like an independent planner will. Planners typically offer tiered packages.

These packages range from helping plan and organize every aspect, to simply helping you get on track with your planning.

In the meantime, these tips should give you a great start to tackle all your wedding tasks!

What Comes First?

Many couples don’t know where to begin their planning process. Do we pick a venue first? Do we choose our wedding party members first? What about all our vendors, AND how early should we book our caterer?

Wedding planners suggest that you and your partner take the time to really nail down your guest list and settle on a number of guests. The number of guests dictates your budget, the venues that can accommodate your guest number and every detail for your big day. Book vendors out as early as possible to lock in that year’s rates before they are raised, or before a vendor is booked by another couple.

Guest List Strategy There is a plethora of advice out there about how to choose the guests on your list, and how to whittle it down. We are here to empower you with a modern twist on the typical old fashioned advice 32

on wedding guests.

Not everyone has a close family or large group of friends, and that is okay.

Invite the people you want to surround and celebrate with you on your wedding day. The rule to only invite people who you have spoken to in 3 months doesn’t apply to everyone. I have seen a wedding invitation from the

groom to his father be an olive branch and new beginning to their relationship.

Some friendships span decades, and pick back up right where you left them, even if you haven’t spoken in 3 months.

So here is our advice on organizing and choosing the guest list. Take it with a grain of salt. Simply break your list up into 3 lists, A, B and C. It’s easiest to put down your closest family and friends, and the members of your wedding party such as maid or man of honor in to the A list. Next add aunts, uncles, cousins and friends into the B list.

Co workers, parent’s friends, and friends that aren’t as close can be placed into the C list. If you need to make cuts to your list, start in the C list and move up until you reach your goal number of guests.

Then as you mail out invitations, send

them to your list A first, and wait until you see if anyone RSVPS no. That way you know you can add back on a few people onto your guest list from list C. Repeat this process with list B as well.

Lastly, you may also want to consider family that has to travel farther, or that is ill and may not be able to make the trip.

While they may not be able to physically attend, consider having someone stream the ceremony so they can still be involved.

Get Advice from the Experts.

This may mean hiring a planner to make suggestions and help you find your vendors. Or you may be tackling this task on your own. No problem!

Ask advice from the experts that live and breath weddings! Let’s say you found a florist you absolutely love...but you still need a photographer, caterer and a DJ! Ask the florist for their recommendations on other vendors. They will absolutely know which vendors are best specifically for you. This is not only because they know the details of your wedding, such as number of guests, style, and budget, but they also have behind the scenes knowledge about wedding vendors in the area. They know which ones provide excellent and professional service.

Confirm details, get it in writing and keep a paper trail.

Conversations with vendors on the phone are great for quick responses, but not the best when something goes sideways and you need to confirm details that were approved verbally.

Because you may be communicating with vendors years in advance of your wedding, the person you spoke with may no longer work there, or may not remember a small detail or change in your contract.

Make sure you use emails, or some form of written communication to confirm all quoted prices, changes to contracts, or any special exceptions that were made for your wedding. It’s best to print these out as well so you have a physical copy in case you don’t have access to email at your wedding location.

A week before your wedding take the time to email each vendor to confirm the details of your arrangements in case last-minute changes need to be made. It’s better to know a week before the wedding than on the day of.

Illustration by Megan Hamilton Weddings

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photographer Lovefusion Photography | venue Melhorn Manor florals Floral Design of Mount Joy | dress Tiffany’s Bridal | tux Central PA Tuxedo hair Anna Cecchi Smith | make up Collado Cosmetic Lab | jewelry Koser Jewelers models Barbizon Harrisburg | designed by Martine Cajas 34

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