Veil & Vow 2019 by New England Newspapers, Inc.

Breathtaking beauty. Creative cuisine. Make your wedding a masterpiece! The Clark Art Institute and Constellation Culinary Group are now accepting reservations for private and corporate events. Contact Kelly Turner at 413 458 0403 to plan your special occasion. 225 South Street Williamstown, Massachusetts 01267 clarkart.edu/occasions

Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle • 3

Thursday, January 10, 2019

4 Seasons Wedding Exposition at the Berkshire Plaza Hotel (formerly the Crowne Plaza)

Saturday, January 12, 2019 • 10a-2p 1 West St, Pittsfield, MA • Free to attend • Bridal Show by Deirdre’s Special Day To Register: Call 413-553-2180 or visit www.BerkshirePlaza.com

Reserve your wedding at the Berkshire Plaza Hotel • • • • • • • • •

Newly renovated banquet rooms Personal Wedding Coordinator Customized Wedding Packages On Site Ceremony Options The largest Ballroom in the Berkshires that can accommodate both your Cocktail Hour and Reception The Top of the Plaza features floor to ceiling windows with panoramic views of the beautiful Berkshire Mountains Complimentary Bridal Suite for the night of your wedding Rehearsal Dinners and Post Wedding Brunch Packages Discounted rates on groups of ten rooms or more

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4 • Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle

Thursday, January 10, 2019

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Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle • 5

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Table of Contents A new persepective ... on venues

6 8

... on ﬁnances

... on registries

... on food

... on diamonds

... on color

Cover photo by Benjamin Robyn Jespersen/UnSplash

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6 • Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Pexels

New beginnings Young couples haven’t given up on weddings — they’re just rewriting the rules By Kimberly Kirchner A great many pearls have been clutched over the state of the American wedding in the last few decades. Have vow exchanges fallen out of fashion? Are bouquet tosses a thing of the past? Have we danced our last “Electric Slide”? The short answer: weddings are doing just fine. In fact, the CDC reports marriage rates have actually risen slightly over the past five years, from 6.8 marriages per 1,000 adults in 2012 to 6.9 in 2017, the last year for which data

is available. While there’s no easy way to track how many of those marriages were celebrated with a wedding, we can see what those weddings cost. A recent report by IBISWorld found weddings generated $72 billion in revenue in 2016. But if it seems like you’re getting less wedding invitations in the mail, there’s a reason. Contrary to popular belief, younger Americans aren’t forgoing marriage altogether — they’re just doing it later in life. In 1968, the average age at first marriage in the U.S. was 23.1 years for men and 20.8

for women. Fifty years later, those numbers have risen to 29.8 and 27.8, respectively. This is ultimately a good thing for the wedding industry. Older couples are generally more financially stable and able to spend more on their Big Day, a fact illustrated by data from The Knot’s annual Real Weddings Survey. Perguest spending has risen dramatically in past years, from $194 each in 2009 to $268 in 2017. Couples are no longer approaching weddings as bythe-numbers formalities, but as true celebrations designed

to showcase their personalities in the most entertaining way possible. A mere 16% of weddings in 2017 fell into the “formal” category, according to The Knot. Instead, couples are focusing their efforts — and spending — on lively entertainment, from photo booths and sparklers to games, bonfires and make-your-own dessert bars. The dress code has loosened up, too. Wedding planning site WeddingWire found 20% of brides chose a dress in a color other than white, according to their 2017 Newlywed Report,

Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle â&#x20AC;˘ 7

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Pexels

and 63% of grooms said â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;tâ&#x20AC;? to the tuxedo. In what will surely be a relief to future bridesmaids everywhere, only 41% of brides asked their party to wear identical dresses. 40% of wedding parties included bridesmen and/or groomsmen, and 61% walked down the aisle to non-classical music. All in all, the definition of â&#x20AC;&#x153;wedding-appropriateâ&#x20AC;? has gotten a whole lot wider in the past decade, and businesses around the county are stepping up to provide for a new generation of newlyweds. From museums and theaters transform-

ing themselves into reception venues, to local farms feeding a hunger for farm-to-table catering, the Berkshires continue to stand as one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier wedding destinations, even in the face of rapidly changing trends. Well, there is one tiny bit of bad news: for those wondering, "Electric Boogie (Electric Slide)" now sits at number six on FiveThirtyEight.comâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list of songs couples ban from their wedding receptions. Sorry, line-dancing dads â&#x20AC;&#x201D; time to brush up on your â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cha Cha Slide.â&#x20AC;?

!! " # $ % &' ( " ) * % + ,-++.- & ,

8 • Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Taking the stage As wedding venue trends shift towards the unconventional, Berkshire cultural institutions reap the beneﬁts.

Tables await wedding guests on stage at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsﬁeld. Photo courtesy of Berkshire Theatre Group.

Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle • 9

Thursday, January 10, 2019 By Kimberly Kirchner In 2017, couples funnelled an average of 55% of their total wedding spending into securing a venue, according to The Knot’s annual Real Weddings Survey. With the average American ceremony and reception ringing up at over $27,000, venue rentals are a serious business. And now, thanks to the explosive popularity of “statement” venues, cultural institutions across the county have a chance to earn their own slice of the wedding industry cake. For decades, traditional event spaces have hosted the majority of wedding receptions in the U.S., but like many things in the wedding industry, those numbers are changing. In 2009, per The Knot, banquet halls, hotels, resorts and country clubs claimed 58% of all receptions; by 2017, that number had dropped to 39%. Why the change? “Couples want their weddings to feel as singular as possible,” said Jodi Joseph, Director of Communications at MASS MoCA in North Adams. The Knot reports 64% of couples surveyed listed “personalization” as a major concern in their wedding plans. Non-traditional venues, with their unique histories and distinct character, offer couples another opportunity to reflect their own interests, stories and personalities. “People are drawn to the raw, industrial spaces, with the scars of manufacturing, the patinaed window sills with dramatic lighting,” Joseph explained. “It’s an art-drenched, light-filled space.” “Each wedding has a specialness about it,” said Vicki Saltzman, Director of Communications for the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown. “It’s fun to see their personalities blend with the personality of the building.” Some couples choose the Clark because of a personal affiliation with the

“Each wedding has a specialness about it. It’s fun to see their personalities blend with the personality of the building.” -Vicki Saltzman, Director of Communications, the Clark Art Institute museum or its artwork, she said, while others are architecture buffs or nature lovers attracted to the museum’s striking campus. “I truly do believe the site here and the setting offer a real sense of escape. The peace and beauty of our campus transcends everything.” Tor Krautter, Programmer and Rentals Manager for Berkshire Theatre Group, noted a similar trend in couples marrying in the historic Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. Couples are drawn to the space by an interest in theater, a history with the organization or an appreciation for turn-of-thecentury architecture. On-stage weddings are his personal favorite: “The guests are awe-inspired, seeing their friends up there on the stage.”

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Coming back for more While weddings provide an additional (and welcome) source of revenue, the benefits extend beyond the financial. “Interestingly enough, we find that many of the people drawn to Jacob's Pillow as a wedding venue have never been here before,” said Production and Rentals Manager Sarah Diller Escobedo of Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, via email. “It's exciting for us to welcome back our wedding clients as patrons.” At the Clark, return trips are common. “Many, many guests have come back the day after,” Saltzman said. “Weddings are a great way for us to meet new people,”

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10 • Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle

The wedding party on stage at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsﬁeld. Photo by JacPfef Photography, courtesy of Berkshire Theatre Group.

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Thursday, January 10, 2019 said Joseph, adding that many guests at MASS MoCA weddings are so struck by the atmosphere, they’re inspired to become museum supporters. “Any time we’re bringing people into the building it’s a good thing,” Krautter said of Colonial Theatre events. “I love seeing folks fall in love with the place.” The rapid growth of wedding-related social media is also beneficial for venues. All those Instagram hashtags, Facebook albums and custom Snapchat filters act as free exposure, raising awareness and reaching an audience that may not normally show an interest in art, or theater, or dance. Weddings also act as a form of community outreach, bringing in both local professionals and members of the public. Serving as a wedding venue “has strengthened our ties with local vendors and businesses and opened up the possibility for

new partnerships, from decor to tent rentals, lighting, wedding coordinators, and so on,” Escobedo said.

Keeping the balance The amenities at non-traditional venues vary as widely as their primary functions. Berkshire Theatre Group is a full-service venue, taking advantage of its existing theater staff to handle everything from light and sound to catering and bartending. Jacob’s Pillow offers on-site housing in the same cabins used for its dance residency program. The Clark boasts specially-designed event spaces, and MASS MoCA allows couples to marry in the galleries, surrounded by art. In all cases, however, the institution’s mission comes first. “The collection and the activities of the Clark are by far the most important thing we do here,” Saltzman said, stressing that the wedding business

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Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle • 11

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Learn more Berkshire Theatre Group (Colonial Theatre) 11 South St., Pittsﬁeld berkshiretheatregroup. org/theatre-rental 413-448-8084 ext. 24

Jacob’s Pillow 358 George Carter Road, Becket jacobspillow.org/ weddings-special-events rentals@jacobspillow.org

The Clark Art Institute 225 South St., Williamstown clarkart.edu/About/ Special-Occasions 413-458-0403

MASS MoCA 1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams massmoca.org/about/ special-events 413-664-4481 ext. 8157

LEFT: An aerial view of the reﬂecting pools at the Clark Art Museum in Williamstown. Photo by Ben Garver.

is always treated as in support of, rather in competition with, the museum’s main mission. Weddings aren’t allowed within the Clark’s galleries themselves, for the safety of the art. While MASS MoCA does allow festivities alongside the artwork, they have a firm

“don’t touch” policy. Performance venues like Jacob’s Pillow are careful to keep weddings from dominating the schedule. “Jacob's Pillow is a year-round arts organization and our efforts will always be mission-driven,” Escobedo said. “Most of the major pre-

senting of dance that Jacob's Pillow does takes place during its summer festival (May-September) so we don't allow for any weddings during this time, even though there is a demand.” When all is said and done, the wedding venue is just the

setting; love is the star of the show. “There comes a moment,” Saltzman said, “just before the ceremony starts, when everyone’s in their place and there’s a chance to just breathe, to take it all in. That’s what it’s all about.”

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12 • Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Allen Harris of Berkshire Money Management on why it pays to be honest about your ﬁnances

Do you?

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money because they hadn’t communicated about it. It’s not a couples thing, it’s a human thing. When was the last time your parents sat you down to discuss your inevitable inheritance and introduce you to their most trusted financial advisors? I’m guessing never. You need to break that cycle and learn to communicate about. Not talk about it once and check it off the list – communicate about it. Not because it’s meant to be some sort of reveal that will make you change your mind about the wedding, rather because communicating about it will help keep you out of divorce court.

By Allen Harris

Show it all

Money is the number one cause of stress in relationships. Having financial arguments is the top predictor of divorce, but the good news is that couples who trust each other in regards to finance feel more secure, argue less, and even have better sex lives. So it’s important to get it right from the beginning. Couples can be open and intimate with one another yet never broach the subject about income, savings, debt, credit, etc. And it’s not surprising – you get it from your parents. Your parents fought about

Surveys cite that 38% of couples are not aware of their partners’ debts and 43% don’t know how much their partners make. Yet 72% of couples say they communicate exceptionally well or very well about financial matters. Oh, really? Couples who communicate about finances have better sex, so let’s talk about having fun in the sheets. Balance sheets, that is. Rare is the new couple who talk about assets and debt, or even how much they make. Maybe he has this great little condo in the city, but is he under-

Get on the same page Not all money fights are about getting into financial trouble. Successful relationships occur when people grow together. A wedge in that growth can happen when they have different goals: where to live, how many kids to have, career aspirations, vacation plans, etc. You should know from the beginning how you’ll approach purchases, paying down existing debt, what new debt you’ll accept (a new house or new convertible), when to start saving and how much. One can argue what may be the best way and amount to spend and save, but it’s just as important that you do so in a way that each of you can agree to, and that you agree you can revisit later. Your plan doesn’t need to be etched in stone; it just needs to be communicated.

Allen Harris is CEO and Chief Investment Officer, Berkshire Money Management, Inc.

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water on the loan and having trouble servicing the debt load? Maybe she’s the ultimate fashionista and you adore that about her, but is AmEx sending her Christmas cards for all those Louboutin purchases? Both genders can be guilty of poor spending habits as well as feeling embarrassment in revealing them. But this is your life partner, so allow yourself to feel vulnerable and share.

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Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle • 13

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Registries give back Traditionally, wedding registries were a way for young couples, just striking out on their own, to outfit their first home. However, today’s engaged couples tend to be older, more financially stable and more likely to have lived together than in previous generations, and therefore less likely to need registry staples like serving platters and hand towels. 88% of couples established a wedding registry in 2017, according to The Knot’s most recent Wedding Registry Study, but the contents of their wishlists have changed dramatically over the past few years. Cash registries, once frowned upon, are now popular, up 50% in popularity in a single year. Couples ask guests to donate toward a large financial

goal, like buying a house or furthering education, or towards honeymoons and other experiences. Established couples are also using the registry tradition as a way to fund charitable causes. In just one year, the number of couples asking for charitable donations on their registry rose 233% according to The Knot, with a full 10% of couples offering guests at least one option to give. Multiple services have popped up to streamline the donation process, many providing wedding-specific designs to make the process as smooth and elegant as possible. Couples should be careful to read the fine print before signing up, however, as most services subtract a small percentage to cover credit card fees and other administrative costs. The amount of money that is actually passed on to the charity varies, so a little research is in order to find the best option. Many charities already have the infrastructure in place to

receive online donations, so couples should also reach out to see if donations can be made directly to the organization.

Services to check out: thegoodbeginning.com- Custom registries designed just for weddings. 89% of donations go to charity. crowdrise.com- Fees vary by donation amount, but donors have the option to cover the small administrative fee so 100% of their actual donation goes to the charity. heartful.ly- Offers a curated list of charitable causes. Donors can choose pre-selected gifts from each cause’s wishlist, like books, building materials and school tuition. facebook.com/fundraisers- Donations to non-proﬁts based in the U.S. and some European countries are fee-free.

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14 • Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Celebrating 16 Years!

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle • 15

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14 • Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Celebrating 16 Years!

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle • 15

Ask us about our day of wedding coordination services!

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Thursday, January 10, 2019

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Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle • 17

Green is the new black (tie)

Today’s wedding menus are low-key and low-impact. By Kimberly Kirchner Modern weddings have a reputation for excess, from big rings and big dresses to big parties with even bigger price tags. With issues like climate change and waste reduction looming large in the public consciousness, however, couples are increasingly planning weddings with an eye on ethical consumption. Current catering trends reflect the desire for a greener reception, with a focus on sourcing food locally and cutting down waste.

Chewing the scenery

Nirzar Pangarkar/UnSplash

Weddings are an ideal target for the farm-to-table movement, which advocates for purchasing food directly from local producers. Th e benefits are numerous: shorter delivery distances cut down on fuel consumption and provide fresher product; profit is funnelled directly back into the community rather than being spread out over a long chain of suppliers; and smaller, organic farms offer higher quality produce and more humane treatment for livestock than their factory-scale counterparts. The Berkshires are a particularly strong option for a farm-to-table wedding. “You can eat the landscape here,” said Brian Alberg, Vice President of Culinary Development for Main Street Hospitality Group and Executive Chef at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. Thanks to the region’s lively agricultural scene, fresh, locally-sourced ingredients are readily available. Alberg’s catering menus also take advantage of the region’s artisan economy, drawing on Berkshire-made offerings from cheese to baked goods. Main Street’s Director of

18 • Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle

Thursday, January 10, 2019

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Catering and Events, Denise Albert, pointed out that the wealth of craft breweries and distilleries in the area give plenty of options for a thoughtfully-stocked bar. What goes into the meal is important, but so is what comes out of it. “People care about sustainability from a waste standpoint,” Alberg said. Couples looking to cut down on waste from their event have a variety of tactics to choose from. Alberg noted that couples were opting for plated meals rather than a buffet, to limit uneaten food. Recyclable plates and utensils are also a popular option.

Fun-dining While couples may be getting serious about the environment, they’re taking the fun and informal approach on just about everything else. For instance, idea-gathering social media platform Pinterest reported a 120% jump in posts about wedding pizzas in 2018, and a 343% increase for pretzel bars. Alberg said the trend towards casual is showing up even in more traditional menu options. “Even if it’s precious food, it’s not presented in a precious way,” he said, adding that the focus is on “good, simple presentation.” He noted a

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Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle • 19

Thursday, January 10, 2019

More tasty trends Breakfast for dinner: Offer guests a choice of wafﬂes or pancakes with eggs, bacon and sausage on the side. Fresh, local fruit toppings keep it classy, and don’t forget the Berkshire-made maple syrup! Gourmet taco bar: Let guests assemble their own tortilla-based masterpiece with a range of meats, in-season vegetables, cheese and sauces. Ice cream sandwich station: Cool down a hot party with custom ice cream sandwiches, featuring mixand-match options of ice cream and fresh-baked cookies. Carnival food cart: Popcorn, candied apples, fried dough and corn dogs are ﬁnger-friendly treats with a hint of nostalgia. For a personalized twist, try cotton candy in your wedding colors.

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Portable cafe: Provide guests with a tasty refueling station in the form of a barista bar, serving up fancy espresso beverages and gourmet teas. Photo: Herson Rodriguez/UnSplash

rising interest in family-style dining, as well as more rustic touches like open-fire food prep and outdoor receptions. 72% of couples believe it’s very important that guests are entertained by the wedding festivities, according to The Knot Real Weddings Study, and many have opted to keep

guests engaged with interactive food and drink stations. From create-your-own-cocktail tables to dessert bars, doughnut walls and late-night snack trays, couples are breaking food traditions to get guests up out of their seats and keep the party going all night long.

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20 • Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle

Thursday, January 10, 2019

The right ring By Kimberly Kirchner Late one night in 1947, copywriter Frances Gerety jotted down four words that would redefine the modern wedding proposal for decades to come: “A Diamond is Forever.” The slogan, created for diamond-mining behemoth De Beers, reinvented the entire tradition of proposing to revolve around one tiny stone. While the first recorded use of a diamond engagement ring dates back to 15th-century Europe, the concept didn’t begin to catch on until the Victorian era, when newly-discovered diamond mines in Africa made the stones cheaper and more accessible. Even then, diamond engagement rings were regarded as an aristocratic luxury. The financial hardships of World War I severely diminished demand; the American Great Depression did even more damage. By 1940, only 10% of firsttime brides in the U.S. wore a diamond wedding band, according to De Beers’ own research. Half a century later, thanks to one of the most suc-

cessful marketing campaigns in American history, that number was 90%. Diamonds are still the engagement ring stone of choice for the majority of American couples. The Knot’s 2017 Jewelry and Engagement Study found 89% of brides said “yes” to a diamond ring, but the percentage opting for alternative stones seems to be growing. Online fine jewelry retailer Brilliant Earth reported that only 66% of those surveyed preferred a diamond as the center stone on their engagement ring. Couples are turning to non-diamond engagement stones for a number of reasons. Gemstones are generally cheaper than diamonds, which appeals to young couples with limited disposable income. Others are wary of the diamond industry’s violent history, while still others are simply looking for a ring that better expresses their own personality. Whatever the reason, gemstone options are more plentiful than ever. Not all gems are created equal, however, and couples

Looking to ditch the diamond? Here’s what you need to know about gemstone alternatives.

should carefully consider their lifestyle and willingness to keep up with regular maintenance before choosing a stone. Diamond is the hardest naturally-occurring substance known to man, capable of withstanding the bumps and scrapes of everyday life without any visible damage. Other gems vary widely in strength, and many are prone to scratches and other wear if not carefully handled. Checking the gem’s strength on the Mohs hardness scale gives a good sense of durability. Most jewelers recommend a hardness of at least seven on the Mohs scale if the ring is going to be worn daily. It’s also important to know if the gem has been treated in any way to enhance color, as some treatments can cause fading under extreme heat or sun exposure. An experience jeweler will be able to help you choose the right

stone for your needs. Buyers should also avoid ruling out diamonds altogether. Companies have begun using blockchain technology (the same system that powers Bitcoin and other virtual currencies) to track a diamond’s conflict-free status from mine to jewelry counter, providing an extra level of assurance that the stone was ethically sourced. Lab-grown diamonds are another option for sociallyor budget-minded shoppers, as are imperfect “salt and pepper” diamonds, which are both inexpensive and unique. On the next page, check out ten alternative gem options worth visiting your local jeweler to meet in person.

DUFOUR TOURS We offer the best in transportation for all of your wedding needs. Check our website for the virtual tour of our 32 passenger Limo Coach--The Dufour Limo Coach offers passengers spacious fun and comfort. Its interior features all-leather, limo-style seating for up to 32 passengers, with plush sofas, reclining chairs, modern climate control, tinted windows and hardwood flooring. You’ll travel in safety and luxury.

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Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle • 21

Thursday, January 10, 2019 containing emerald and aquamarine) named after noted gem aficionado J.P. Morgan. The peachy tone is unique but subtle, and looks especially good in a rose gold setting. At a 7.5 on the Mohs scale, it is significantly softer than a diamond, but a bezel setting or diamond halo can help protect the edges from chipping. The stone is also prone to clouding, which can be kept at bay with regular cleaning.

Moissanite

Sapphire S

Mohs scale hardness: 9.5 Color: Colorless (lab-created colored versions are available)

M Mohs scale hardness: 9 h Color: Deep blue C iis typical, but a v variety of other c colors are available

First discovered in a meteorite in Arizona by Henri Moissan, moissanites are made up of silicon carbide grains most often originating from asymptotic giant branch stars — in other words, they are literally made of stardust. Naturally-occurring moissanite is incredibly rare, so most stones on the market are lab-made, but the stellar origin story is worth retelling. Moissanite is most often sold as a direct diamond substitute; it is just half a point down from diamond on the Mohs scale, and actually outperforms diamond in some visual tests.

Morganite e Mohs scale hardness: 7.5 Color: Pale peach to bright purplish pink Morganite is a member of the beryl family (alsoo

Sapphires are tthe most common n non-diamond eengagement stone, aand for good reason. They are nearly as hard as diamonds, and come in a wide range of colors beyond the typical blue, including a particularly striking and sought-after pink-orange tone known as padparadscha. The sapphire engagement ring saw a spike in popularity in 1981, when Prince Charles proposed to then-Lady Diana Spencer with a 12-carat sapphire ring, and again in 2010, when Diana’s son, Prince William, offered the ring in his proposal to Kate Middleton.

Emerald Mohs scale hardness: 7.5-8 Color: Pale to deep green

The most well-known of the beryl varieties, ss duraemerald is less phires ble than sapphires and rubies but ut can still make ke a striking engagement stone with the right setting and care. Emeralds were considered symbols of love and fertility by many cultures throughout history, including the ancient Eqyptians and Romans. In more recent history, then-Senator John F. Kennedy and fiance Jacqueline Bouvier chose an emerald and diamond Art-Deco design for what would become one of the century’s most iconic engagement rings. g

Ruby b Mohs scale hardness: 9 Color: Red Ruby, like sapphire, is a variety corundum distinguished by its red color. Tones can range from light pink to dark crimson, though in the U.S. any gem under a certain saturation level is considered a pink sapphire. Rubies share sapphire’s

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22 • Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle durability, and the red color is popular for its traditional association with love and passion.

Citrine Citrin Mohs scale hardness: 7 hard Color: Light Co yellow to amber ye A striking but inexpensive b vvariety of quartz, llemon-toned citrine is a popular tr alternative to much alte pricier yellow diamonds. The vibrant golden color, traditionally associated with wealth and good fortune, is perfect for the fashion-forward bride looking to make a statement.

Tourmaline Mohs scale hardness: 7 Color: Varied Tourmaline is steadily increasing in

Thursday, January 10, 2019 popularity, due in large part to its spectacular color range. While black and brown stones are most commonly found in nature, the gem is also available in shades from pale pink to bright yellow and dark green. Two-toned varieties are also popular, particularly the “watermelon” type: a stone with distinct bands of hot pink and green. Tourmalines are fairly soft, so are best suited for occasional or gentle wear.

that pairs well with rich gold settings and geometric designs. At a 6.5-7 on the Mohs hardness scale, however, peridot is more delicate than some gems, and is best suited for brides looking to sport their engagement ring for special occasions only.

Peridot

Garnet’s deep red hue makes it a darker, moodier alternative to rubies. While the stone is less durable than rubies and sapphires, it is also significantly cheaper, making it easier to replace should it be damaged. Garnet was particularly popular in Victorian times, and makes a sophisticated, timeless match for antique gold settings.

Mohs scale hardness: 6.5-7 Color: Olive green Olive-tone peridot has a retro charm

Garnet Mohs scale hardness: 6.5-7.5 Color: Most often dark red, but other colors do exist

711 Tyler St., Pittsfield, MA • 413.499.7111

Glasses for Every Occasion Gifts for your Wedding Party

Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle • 23

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Alexandrite A Mohs scale hardness: 8.5 h Color: Dark green C or reddish-puple, o depending on d llight S Sometimes referred tto as “emerald by day day, ruby by night night,”” ale alexandrite is the grown-up version of a dollar-store mood ring. Thanks to a unique crystal structure and a quirk of human vision, the gem appears deep blue-green in daylight but purplish-red under an incandescent bulb. That novelty does come with a price, however. Alexandrite is incrediblyy rare,, with most cut gems weighing in at less than one carat. Currently, alexandrite is comparable to diamond in cost-per-carat, with price expected to rise as new stones become even harderr to find.

A quick guide to birthstones Looking for inspiration? Many couples opt for birthstones as their center gem or as accent stones. Keep in mind that not all gems are well-suited to the daily wear and tear of life as an engagement ring, so be sure to consult a jeweler before making your decision. The list below contains traditional birthstones as defined by the Gemological Institute of America.

November- Citrine (Yellow) and Topaz (Yellow-orange) December- Turquoise (Blue-green), Blue Zicon (Light blue) and Tanzanite (Dark blue)

And for the astrologically-minded, here are the traditional gems for each of the 12 zodiac signs: Aquarius, Jan. 21 – Feb. 18- Garnet Pisces, Feb. 19 – Mar. 20- Amethyst

January- Garnet (Dark red)

Aries, Mar. 21 – Apr. 20- Bloodstone

February- Amethyst (Purple)

Taurus, Apr. 21 – May 21- Sapphire

March- Aquamarine (Blue-green) and Bloodstone (Dark green and red)

Gemini, May 22 – Jun. 21- Agate (Brown)

April- Diamond (Colorless)

Leo, Jul. 23 – Aug. 22- Onyx (Various)

May- Emerald (Green)

Virgo, Aug. 23 – Sept. 22Carnelian (Brown-red)

June- Alexandrite (Green/red) and Pearl (White) July- Ruby (Red) August- Peridot (Lime green) September- Sapphire (Blue) October- Opal (Multi-color) and Tourmaline (Pink)

Cancer, Jun. 21 – Jul. 22- Emerald

Libra, Sept. 23 – Oct. 23- Peridot Scorpio, Oct. 24 – Nov. 21Beryl (Various) Sagittarius, Nov. 22 – Dec. 21Topaz (Various) Capricorn, Dec. 22 – Jan. 21- Ruby

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24 â&#x20AC;˘ Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Photo by Stephanie Zollshan

Color by the Berkshires Five wedding color schemes inspired by some of our favorite Berkshire locales

1. Rustic cheer

Inspired by Hancock Shaker Village, PittsďŹ eld, Mass.

Sky blue + butter yellow + red + light gray

2. Neons and nuetrals Inspired by MASS MoCA, North Adams, Mass.

Light wood + cement gray + bright green

Photo by Gillian Jones

Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle • 25

Thursday, January 10, 2019

3. Vivid ﬂorals Inspired by Berkshire Botanical Garden, Stockbridge, Mass.

Golden yellow + burgundy + orange

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Photo by Ben Garver

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4. Simply symphonic Inspired by Tanglewood, Lenox, Mass.

Black + white + mahogany + brass

Photo by Stephanie Zollshan

16 ASHLAND STREET, NORTH ADAMS, MA 413.663.8140 LAYAWAYS ACCEPTED

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26 • Veil & Vow | The Berkshire Eagle

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Advertiser Index 4 Seasons Wedding Exposition

BerkshireBride.com

Berkshire Botanical Garden

Lotus Salon & Spa

Lucky Nails & Spa

Berkshire Eagle

Mahaiwe Tent

Berkshire Fitness & Wellness

MusiChris D.J. & Lighting Services 19

Berkshire Wedding Expo 15

Nelson’s Jewelry & Gifts 18

Berkshire Wine & Liquor 22 Carr Rental

Clark Art Institute Inside front cover Cranwell

Crown Jewelers

Deidre’s

Photo by Stephanie Zollshan

5. Gilded romance

DiLego Fine Jewelry

Drs. McCarthy & Schiff, Dentists 5, 18 Dufor Tours

Hotel on North Back cover K Shot Photography

Only in my Dreams Events Inside back cover Porches Inn

Back cover

Pilates Fit

Red Lion Inn

Salon Lennox

Squaw Peak Travel Tux Express

Gateways Inn

Olive green + dusty rose + antique gold

Holiday Brook Farm

9 14

Ventfort Hall

Yankee Restrooms

Inspired by Ventfort Hall, Lenox, Mass.

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Photographer: Mikhail Glabets

231 River St. North Adams, MA 01247 Porches.com

a hip, downtown boutique hotel brimming with character weddings rehearsal dinner and elopements elegant intimate setting recognized by ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST as one of the top 10 new hotels in America

297 north street, pittsfield, ma info@hotelonnorth.com 413.358.4741