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FEBRUARY 15, 2013

The Newtown Bee - February 15, 2013

2 - Brides 2013

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Connecticut Home To Nation’s Longest Married Couple FAIRFIELD — John and Ann Betar of Connecticut have been married so long they are getting national recognition. The Fairfield spouses, who tied the knot more than 80 years ago, have been named the 2013 Longest Married Couple in the United States by Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a group in San Bernardino, Calif., dedicated to improving Christian marriages. WME organizes a search each year to promote the virtues of lasting marriages and inspire young couples. “What an inspiration Mr and Mrs Betar are to all of us. They made a commitment to each other 80-plus years ago and they have kept that commitment over these many years. They truly are a sign of hope to us all,” Worldwide Marriage Encounter’s Ron and Judy Pekny said in a statement. The Betars were chosen out of hundreds of couples nominated during the project’s submission period, which ran from October 2011 to January 2012. There may be other couples who have been married longer in the US, but none was formally nominated, according to WME. The Betars were presented with a plaque from Worldwide Marriage Encounter and other gifts during a celebration on Saturday, February 9, at the Fairfield home of one of their granddaughters. John is 101 years old and Ann is 97. The two grew up as neighbors in one of Bridgeport’s Syrian communities. They were got married on November 25, 1932, and continue to live in their home along the Fairfield shore. They had five children, 14 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Two of their children died in their 60s.

John and Ann grew up across the street from each other in Bridgeport. He used to drive her to high school in his Ford Roadster. They fell in love. When her father arranged for her to marry someone else, they eloped in Harrison, N.Y., about 25 miles north of New York City. “Some people said it would never last. We showed them,” said Mr Betar. He went on to open a grocery store in Bridgeport. The couple has said that there are no secrets to a long marriage, only a few simple rules. “We just live with contentment and we don’t live beyond our means,” Mr Betar said. “Just go with the flow.” They also encourage other couples to compromise, and don’t hold a grudge. “We are very fortunate. It can be repeated and repeated,” said Mrs Betar. “It is unconditional love and understanding. We have had that. We consider it a blessing.” The Betars had an 80th anniversary celebration in November 2012, at St Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church in Bridgeport. They were surrounded by family and friends for the event. Ann Betar says family has been a key to their longevity. “That’s what makes life what it is,” she said. “We were fortunate enough to live long enough to see this ... and it’s really one of the most gratifying things in the world to see your great-grandchildren, to see your grandchildren become adults.” “That’s what keeps us alive,” her husband added. “We live for them.” (AP and UPI reports were used for this story.)

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The Newtown Bee - February 15, 2013

Brides 2013 - 3

Planning A Great Hair Day BY ELIZA HALLABECK While some 2013 hairstyle trends have been noted by local hairstylists, classic looks are still in vogue for local brides. At Salon Michele on Queen Street, Kerry McKenna said she has seen a lot of brides choose traditional hair styles, such as a bun. For a wedding party of 17, which visited Salon Michele over the weekend of February 2–3, Ms McKenna said a

An up-do created by Sandy Hook Hair Co. for an upcoming wedding. Salon owner Bonnie Fredericks advises women planning a wedding to start thinking about what hairstyle they would like six months before the big day.

loose low bun was a favorite. For younger girls, like junior bridesmaids, Ms McKenna said side braids are popular this year. Another hit this year has been a hair coloring technique called ombre, which can be noted by a gradual shading change from the crown to the longest lengths of the hair. While ombre hair coloring has the hair color lighten toward the ends, Ms McKenna predicts a reverse ombre look, with the hair shaded darker near the bottom, will become popular in the future. For events like parties, Ms McKenna said women mostly choose to have their hair styled with curls or blown out by the professionals, but for weddings brides have been choosing to have their hair either fully up or half-up. Many brides plan their hairstyles in advance by looking in bridal magazines and by having hairstyling pre-trials, getting their hair and makeup done in advance to know what it will look like when the big day comes. Ms McKenna said women who plan on having their hair colored before their wedding day normally have that completed three weeks before the date if they do not normally have their hair colored. For women who normally color their hair, Ms McKenna said having it done one week for the set date is fine. At Sandy Hook Hair Co. on Church Hill Road, owner Bonnie Fredericks advised women planning a wedding to start thinking about what hairstyle they would like six months before the wedding. “Consider your hairpiece when looking at a hairstyle, because it is the complete look,” she said. Ms Fredericks said side pony tails, classic buns and classic twists are popular hair choices for brides. For long hair, Ms Fredericks said the hair is often swept to one side, maybe with a flower tucked in. The hairstyle a bride chooses depends on the type of dress she chooses, Ms Fredericks said. If a bride picks a more classic fitting wedding dress, she is more likely to also pick a classic hairstyle to match. Sandy Hook Hair Co. starts working with brides, sometimes up to a year in advance, to start planning how the

An up-do created for an upcoming wedding at Salon Michele, where salon owner Kerry McKenna sees a lot of brides and their wedding parties choosing traditional styles.

hair will look on the big day. One bridal party last year, Ms Fredericks said, turned a prestyling day into a party, with quite a few styles and makeup artists in attendance. Ms Fredericks said brides and bridal party members should feel comfortable coming up with ideas for their hairstyles, and the stylists will create something beautiful from those ideas. “Come in and enjoy it,” said Ms Fredericks. “It is our job to make sure it goes perfectly smooth.”

The Newtown Bee - February 15, 2013

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Luxury Services—

Skin Care/Facials And Massages: Gift Options BY ANDREW GOROSKO Members of wedding parties, including bridesmaids and groomsmen, often receive gifts before the nuptials from the bride and groom as tokens of appreciation for their participation in the event. The bridesmaids may receive pieces of jewelry such as necklaces, earrings or bracelets, and the groomsmen may get articles such as cufflinks, tie tacks or lapel pins. Another gift option for couples to consider is providing luxury services, such as facials, for both the bridesmaids and the groomsmen. Facials are skin treatments designed to enhance the appearance of one’s face, either female or male. There are many types of facials. They may involve massage, or the application of crèmes, lotions or astringents. Several spas in Newtown provide facial care for both women and men. While most people who receive facials are women, they also are suitable for men, according to the spas. Avance Esthetiques, a spa within Sand Hill Plaza at 228 South Main Street, offers a wide range of facial treatments. Those services include an exfoliating facial, express facial, European facial, ayurvedic rejuvenating facial, microdermabrasion, collagen facial, firming facial, glycolic facial, seaweed facial, and antiaging facial. Also available are an eye contour mask, aromatherapy, eye treatment, enzyme peel, paraffin mask, anti-acne mask, collagen mask, vitamin C antiaging mask, seaweed mask, and a glycolic acid peel.

One option for the women and men in bridal parties is the gift of a luxury service, such as a massage. Local spas offer a number of options for brides, grooms, bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Melanie Allen, the proprietor of Avance Esthétiques, explains that bridal parties enjoy visiting her spa for luxury services before the wedding. Popular with brides and the bridesmaids are facials and nail treatments. Cosmetics services are also popular.

The men in wedding parties more typically get massages. Among the facial treatments, the European facial is probably the most popular service, she said. It involves a thorough deep-pore cleaning that is followed by a skin analysis, the exfoliation of dry surface skin,

and extractions of any pores that need cleansing. Also, a deep massage is performed amid soothing vapors. A custom facial mask is applied, among other features. Besides the face, massages may include the neck, upper back, arms, and hands. The purpose of a facial is to rejuvenate the skin, to clear the pores, and to reduce damage caused by the sun, Ms Allen said. “It’s all about anti-aging,” she said. Avance Esthetiques recommends that its clients receive facials periodically, preferably every four to eight weeks. The work done there is cosmetic/therapeutic, not surgical, Ms Allen said. Often when wedding parties receive facials, they do so a day before or a week before the wedding, she said. Typically, those in wedding parties receive “classic” types of facials, she added. Those receiving the treatments often include the bride, the mother of the bride, the bridesmaids, the mother-in-law, and the bride’s sister(s). Avance Esthetiques provides group discounts for members of wedding parties receiving luxury services, Ms Allen said. Often, wedding party members go to the spa as a group and bring refreshments to consume during their several-hour stay at Avance Esthetiques, she said. Ms Allen urged that wedding parties who plan to come to the spa as a group for luxury services contact the spa at least two months in advance to set up a group appointment. Avancé Esthétiques can be reached at 203270-8911. Additional information is also online at www.AvanceEsthetiques.com.

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The Newtown Bee - February 15, 2013

Brides 2013 - 5

For Wedding Parties

When booking a facial, always ask how long it will take. Facials can range from 30 minutes to three hours. It is always a better experience to know what to expect, whether booking for women or men.

Skin Care At Spa Naturelle Adriana Johnson is the proprietor at Spa Naturelle, at 43 South Main Street, which focuses on skin care. Among the skincare services offered at the spa are organic hydradermabrasion, natural peels, the European facial, anti-aging facials, the four-layer collagen elastin facial, the royal caviar facial, and acne-healing facials. Seasonal facials include a watermelon refreshing facial in the summer, a pumpkin rejuvenating facial in the fall, and a cranberry hydrating facial in the winter. The spa also offers skin waxing and various types of massage, including a full-body massage. Ms Johnson said the spa is a small facility which offers its clients personalized services. Spa Naturelle offers discounts to members of a wedding party who visit the spa to receive luxury services, she said. Typically, those wedding party members would go to the spa individually. The spa provides its clients with a free consultation and analysis to determine which particular services a person needs, Ms Johnson said. Ms Johnson recommends that people receiving facials do so periodically, preferably every four to five weeks. “It improves the skin,” she noted. Ms Johnson especially recommends the benefits of organic hydradermabrasion, a skin treatment designed to achieve younger looking skin. “We are a small operation and I want to keep it that way,” she stressed. Ms Johnson recommends that wedding parties seeking luxury services provide Spa Naturelle with two months’ notice in setting up individual appointments. Call 203-426-7005 or visit www.NaturelleSkin.com for additional information. Ricci’s Salon & Spa Ricci’s Salon & Spa, at 99 South Main Street, offers wide range of spa services. Among those services are a five-dimen-

sional radiance facial, a three -layer collagen facial, a vitamin C antioxidant facial, microdermabrasion treatments, a threelayer facial with microdrermabrasion, a skin treatment for the back, body silk, a green tea aloe masque, and a teen facial. Also, relaxation packages are offered involving combinations of treatments, which include facials, massages, manicures, and pedicures. Services offered involve various forms of massage including a therapeutic Swedish massage, foot and leg reflexology, aromatherapy massage, prenatal massage, intensive therapeutic massage, and a pressure-point chair massage. The spa also provides treatments for the hands and feet, as well as makeup services. Missy Cullen is the lead aesthetician at the spa. She suggests that the bride and groom visit the spa six months before their wedding and then once monthly until the nuptials for skin care treatment. The processes used at the spa are designed to improve skin quality, to help reduce wrinkling, and to reduce brown spots, she said. The goal is to rejuvenate the skin and make the skin look younger, Ms Cullen said. She urged that people interested in improving their skin to visit the spa for a consultation on what skin treatments would suit them best. It takes about 75 minutes to have a facial, Ms Cullen said. A variety of products are available for skin treatments. A person’s skin characteristics determine what type of facial they need to improve their complexion, she said. Ms Cullen recommended that wedding parties contact the spa about a month before the wedding to set up individual appointments for services. Ms Cullen said that the spa’s rates for its various services would be negotiable when wedding parties are receiving services. Call 203-426-1611 or visit www.riccissalon.com for additional information.

The Newtown Bee - February 15, 2013

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Thoughtful Words For A Thoughtful Toast BY NANCY K. CREVIER “Brevity is the soul of wit.” —William Shakespeare If you have been to a wedding reception, you have heard them all: the good toasts, the bad toasts, the crying toasts, and the drunken toasts. Some resonate for the very awfulness of the wording or sentiments expressed, others for the eloquence with which they convey the love and joy of the speaker. What all toasts have in common, though, is that they all begin with some contemplation when duty calls. The most pressure for a heartfelt, memorable toast falls on the shoulders of the father of the bride. The best man and maid of honor will also find themselves in the spotlight at the wedding reception, and occasionally another family member or guest may have the honor of offering a toast, as well. Ideally, no speaker wants to be the one that is remembered for a rambling soliloquy. Tips abound on how to write and deliver a toast that will leave the toaster glowing with pride, and avoid a blushing bride. Dave Wheeler, Toastmasters District 53 Governor 2010-11 and active member of the speaking group, offered advice that complements much found online. “From the audience’s perspective, the speech can be a completely natural expression of ideas and feelings, or it can be painfully awkward to watch as the speaker stumbles over his/her words or searches endlessly for words that never come,” said Mr Wheeler. The good news, he said, is that with a few basic skills and by following some basic steps, prespeech dread can morph into excitement for the honor. “My first suggestion is to keep it simple,” he said. Then, use structure to develop the speech, such as an opening, followed by three points or ideas, and a conclusion. A chronological story also works. These steps make it easier for the speaker to remember the speech, Mr Wheeler said. “The clearer the organization is in your mind, the more likely it is that you will be able to deliver a great speech

Garry Ober, father of the bride, offers words of advice and love to guests at the wedding of Claire Ober and Ben McCormick this past July. A successful toast, whether from the father of the bride, a groomsman, or the maid of honor, should be a celebration of the couple, say experts.

without relying on your notes,” he added. By focusing on one main theme for the audience to understand, the speech will have more impact than if there are several unconnected points and the speaker “ends up not driving any of them home,” Mr Wheeler said. Most of all, “Practice, practice, practice,” he emphasized, including giving the speech in front of a live audience if possible.

Tales From The Storm: A Very White Wedding

PORTLAND, MAINE (AP) — From New Jersey to Maine, millions of people, many with Superstorm Sandy still fresh in their minds, dug out from underneath mounds of snow Saturday, February 9. Many were left with serious consequences. Hundreds of thousands lost power, and on Long Island, abandoned cars littered the roadways, left by people who could not make it home Friday night as the storm intensified. Others simply had a few inches to clear from their cars and sidewalks. But mostly, people soldiered on, planning cocktail hours after clearing waist-high snow, cross-country skiing down narrow streets, and even braving 4-inch stiletto heels to stay chic during New York Fashion Week. Karen Willis Beal got her dream wedding Saturday — complete with a snowstorm just like the one that hit before her parents married in December 1970. “This is what I’ve wished for all my life,” Mrs Beal said afterward. The storm kept some guests from making it to the church-turned-restaurant in Portland, where the ceremony was performed. But she was still happy she got her storm. “Weather be damned, it’s been a great day,”’ said her husband, Greg Beal, of Manchester, N.H. The happy couple even took some outdoor photos, including one at a lighthouse where they used a sled as a prop. “The gusts were enough to knock you off balance,” Greg Beal said.

“Their reactions and feedback will help you trim the parts that don’t work, while keeping the best parts,” he said. Online sources stress that it is important to take the task of offering a toast seriously. That does not mean that appropriate humor cannot be injected into the speech, but rather that some forethought should be given to what will be said. Writing a rough draft two or three weeks in advance of the wedding gives the speaker time to reflect on his or her words, edit, and most importantly, time to practice the toast — out loud. Familiarity with the toast will ease some of those “performance” nerves, while winging it or scribbling a couple of notes on the palm of the hand moments before speaking guarantees a less than memorable outcome. The basic outline for a good toast includes thanking the bride and groom for the honor of offering the toast and for being a part of the special day. The parents of the bride and of the groom should be thanked, as well. Remember that the reason a toast is offered is to honor the bride and groom. Keep the focus on them. Keep in mind, as well, the guests. If it is a roomful of relatives, the tone of the toast may be quite different than if it is mainly other friends being addressed. If a funny — but not risqué — story relates to the meeting of the couple, that would be appropriate to include in the toast. How the speaker has come to know the couple is also meaningful. Include a special memory of the bride or groom that will be personal, but also make sense to all those present. Some advice for the future is fine, and this may be the time to insert a favorite quote, if that suits the speaker’s style. It is important to be yourself when offering the toast. If big words are your way, feel free to insert them into the speech. But if listeners would be surprised to hear words of four or five syllables roll (or not) off your tongue, the wedding toast may not be the place to experiment with them. Using notes is quite acceptable. Unless a person regularly speaks before a crowd, even a sea of familiar faces can be unnerving. Speak slowly. The words are to be savored. A toast that is simple and heartfelt is best. Speak from “your one and only” heart, Mr Wheeler urged, and added, “This is especially important in a relatively short speech such as a wedding toast.” Brevity is key for the inexperienced speaker, especially, he said. “The longer you go, the more chance there is of diluting the message,” he noted. Remember that this is a moment of celebration. A practiced toast will be offered with a smile, and leave a smile on the faces of those who hear it.

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The Newtown Bee - February 15, 2013

Brides 2013 - 7

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The Newtown Bee - February 15, 2013

8 - Brides 2013

Washington Bookworms In Love Celebrate With A Library Wedding BY JULIE MUHLSTEIN THE HERALD EVERETT, WASH. (AP) — They love books and libraries. Her favorite authors are Jane Austen, David James Duncan and Robertson Davies. He likes Raymond Chandler, Rudyard Kipling and Bill Bryson. They also love each other. On Friday, February 1, in a place that is sacred to them, Barbara Morrow and David Kurland exchanged wedding vows. Librarian Theresa Gemmer officiated at their wedding in Everett Public Library’s Northwest History Room. Ms Gemmer, ordained by the Universal Life Church Monastery, said she has performed about 20 weddings. In one sweet moment, Morrow started to cry while reciting words they had written together. As she promised to “love you today, tomorrow and forever” and to “always be open, honest and faithful to you,” she paused a moment, then said,

“We wrote too much stuff.” “That was one of the loveliest ceremonies I’ve ever seen,” said Christine Hansen, the couple’s friend and an official witness along with Gary Evans. The brief ceremony happened an hour before the library opened at 10 am. After the wedding, library staff

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enjoyed several kinds of cake. The couple did not have far to go to get to the wedding on time. Home is a fourth floor apartment at Library Place, a downtown apartment complex next to the Everett library. A week ago, over coffee at their apartment, they told their grown-up love story. It’s one of hope, faith in new beginnings, and a belief that love is worth the trouble it takes to find it. “I had been a single woman for a long time,” Morrow, 66, said last week. A psychiatric nurse, she was divorced years ago and has a grown daughter. Kurland, 64, was living in Bellingham when he and Morrow met about two years ago through the dating website Match.com. “We both spent a lot of time looking for each other. We wanted the possibility of happiness,” said Kurland, who relocated after doing computer graphics for an architectural business in New Mexico. He has also worked as a pastry chef and repaired violins. When layoffs came in the architectural firm, Kurland followed a longtime dream of moving to the Northwest. He doesn’t like the sun. Morrow moved to Everett about 20 years ago to escape Wisconsin’s extreme weather. Kurland, who was also married before, has two sons. One works in Europe, the other is a doctor in New Mexico. Morrow’s daughter Rachel and son-in-law John Steendahl live in Seattle.

It was the written word that first attracted Kurland to Morrow’s profile on the dating site. “I just wanted to have lunch with the woman who could write like that,” he said. They exchanged emails before agreeing to meet in a public place. It didn’t take long to see how their lives fit together. As a boy, Kurland spent time with relatives in Scotland, and in his twenties he took a freighter to Yugoslavia. He also taught English in Morocco. Morrow worked on a kibbutz in Israel as a young woman. “It was fascinating to see how other people lived,” she said. There were barriers to their relationship. Morrow had two cats, and Kurland is allergic to cats. He lived in Bellingham, and for a time Morrow spent weekends there. Her elderly cats died. And with Morrow’s job at GroupHealth in Everett, the move to Library Place made sense. Wherever they go, they visit libraries. “Libraries are full of ideas. A person needs lots of ideas. And we both love words,”’ Kurland said. “We are the ultimate nerds.” The couple, who were registered as domestic partners with the state, began thinking of marriage because of Social Security benefits. They considered a courthouse wedding, but decided to ask about a library ceremony. Joan Blacker, the librarian they first approached with the idea, joked February 1 that she became “their wedding planner.” Everett Public Library Director Eileen Simmons said their wedding was not a first. A couple was married last year on the library’s outside balcony. No wedding fees were charged, Simmons said. The newlyweds will wait until spring for a honeymoon, perhaps to Victoria, British Columbia. At home, they make books romantic. “We like reading out loud to each other,” Morrow said. After cutting the cake, it occurred to the bride that she could take care of a small detail. “I have to renew my library card,”’ she said. “I got an email about that, but I was waiting for my name change.”

The Newtown Bee - February 15, 2013

Brides 2013 - 9

Finding Spiritual Harmony Is Important For Engaged Couples BY ELIZA HALLABECK Rabbi Shaul Praver of Congregation Adath Israel said couples looking forward toward marriage tend to start attending couples counseling about six months before their wedding date. Since he started counseling couples in 1989, when he became a rabbi, Rabbi Praver said mostly his advice has been constant. “Consider each other very well. That’s probably the most important part,” said Rabbi Praver. One change since 1989, he said, is the number of interfaith couples for which he has been asked to perform marriage ceremonies. Rabbi Praver said he had never been asked to perform an interfaith marriage until recently. For each couple that seeks out his guidance, Rabbi Praver said he assesses the situation on an individual basis. He listens and notices which member in the couple talks more, takes charge, and may be overpowers the other. One of his top pieces of advice for couples on the verge of marriage, he said, is to listen to each other and not just think about the self. He advises couples and talks with them about their plans to raise children, which he said can fend off a major problem down the road, if the couple does not have that discussion early on, especially with interfaith marriages. Sometimes, as the wedding approaches, Rabbi Praver said, couples can feel pressure from parents on both sides. He said he tries to empower couples to by reminding them that it is their wedding, but

Rabbi Shaul Praver of Congregation Adath Israel has offered couples counseling for nearly 25 years, and continues to focus on a few strong points. His leading piece of advice: consider each other very well. —Bee file photo

that, at times, it is best to know when to pick your battles. Rabbi Praver said couples should listen to

both the young and old, from both sides of the soon-to-be-joined families. He also teachers couples how to tell when something is negotiable and when to stand up for something that is important to them. When counseling couples, Rabbi Praver said that while a lot of the conversation revolves around the wedding, the most important part is the upcoming marriage. Issues that might affect the marriage start to come up when the wedding is discussed, he said. From children to sexuality, Rabbi Praver said he helps couples to reach an understanding. Another important topic, he said, is finances. Jealousy, too, he said is something to discuss. Rabbi Praver said he makes sure a couple is geared up to be happy and well adjusted. He talks with couples about infidelity and destructiveness in relationships, and why these things occur. In American society, he said, there in an emphasis on working too much, and that requires a lot of time away from family life. Working too much is also a drain on sexuality, which can affect couples. Rabbi Praver said the real problem behind this is society’s focus on overworking. Spirituality, Rabbi Praver said, is a great teaching tool when the spirit of God dwells in the individuals, and he helps to advance that spirituality and faith in Judaism. There is a powerful force, Rabbi Praver said, when couples dwell in spiritual harmony. “Every home is the building block, the foundation of every civilization,” said Rabbi Praver.

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The Newtown Bee - February 15, 2013

10 - Brides 2013

Following Deployment Delay, Army Officers Marry At SC Plantation CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Two Army officers whose wedding plans were delayed when they were deployed to Afghanistan finally tied the knot at a historic South Carolina plantation. Katie Durham, 25, a military intelligence officer from Miramar, Fla., and Bobby Hill, 28, an infantry officer from Boaz, Ala., said their vows on Saturday, February 9, at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens outside of Charleston. The two won the $50,000 wedding from the plantation and local wedding vendors after entering a contest sharing the story of how they met and why they wanted a Magnolia wedding and Charleston honeymoon. They submitted a video along with dozens of other couples. Last June, seven judges selected four semifinalists from the videos submitted. The four videos were then posted on Magnolia’s website and people around the country selected the winners. Wedding planner Cindy Zingarella of Engaging Events helped the couple with their planning, which was done while they were deployed. The grand prize the couple won included a limo and tuxedo for the groom; the bride’s dress, a sixpack of FitPrime Workout DVDs, a lunch tote and a copy of the award-winning film Dear Charleston, all provided by a local fitness center; tent rental, two nights stay at Charleston Place Hotel, ceremony music, DJ and videography services, the wedding cake, bar services, lawn spray, catering, photography, invitations, and floral services.

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CALL FOR A PRIVATE CONSULTATION.

“Take inventory” and “ask for advice” are two good suggestions for engaged couples when they begin considering what to register for. This is a chance to get everything you want and need for your new life.

Top Tips For Creating Your Wedding Registry (StatePoint) — Just engaged? Before those wedding bells ring, you’re going to do lots of planning in the months ahead. While most of your preparations will only matter on the first day of your marriage, your wedding registry will impact your happily ever after. Wedding experts say to ensure domestic bliss, make the most of your registry with proper planning, research and free resources. “Determining what you want and need for your future should be an exciting process,” says Audrey Stavish, a wedding and gift registry expert at Bed Bath & Beyond. “An expert consultant can help demystify product details and ensure you don’t miss any categories.” As you think about registering, Ms Stavish offers some tips on creating the perfect registry: *Don’t delay. You’ll likely have multiple occasions that requires gift-giving on the part of friends and family. From the engagement party to the shower to the main event, guests will want giving guidance. So register early. Opt for a registry that offers convenience and good customer service. A store with locations nationwide and an online ordering system will make it easy for you and your guests. *Take inventory. Assess what you already have, what you don’t have and what needs replacing. A walk through your home using a registry checklist can help you build a list. Talk to your fiancée and work together. Also, think about what you need now and in the future. You might be dining for two,

but soon you could be hosting a dinner party for 12 and will want dinnerware worthy of the occasion. *Ask for help. Don’t be shy about seeking advice. Visit a store and talk with an expert consultant who can help with gift selections and offer tips on what you will need to enjoy your home. Be sure to research the items that go on your registry. Touch the towels, hold the flatware. You may need to visit the store multiple times to get it right. If you change your mind, remember it’s always possible to update your registry online at any time. *Dream big and small. Not all guests will be working with the same budget, so include a range of items at various price points. Guests will appreciate the variety for individual and group gifts. Dream big and include a few big ticket items and gifts that last a lifetime. *Keep in touch. From save-the-date notifications, personalized announcement cards and registry details, keep in touch with your guests stylishly with a complete, customized wedding stationery ensemble. *Know return policies. Did you get duplicate gifts or gifts in the wrong color or size? Or maybe you just changed your mind.Check a store’s return policy before registering so you can return or exchange any gift on your list and live hassle-free ever after. This is your chance to get everything you ever wanted. By using the help of experts and free resources, you can build the perfect registry.

THE NEWTOWN MEETING HOUSE At the Flagpole — Newtown, Connecticut Civil and Religious Ceremonies Non-denominational and Inter-faith weddings

Seats up to 200 guests

203-270-8293 Now Completely Air Conditioned and Handicap Accessible

203-739-0696

Built in 1792, listed on the National Register of Historic Places

49 Stony Hill Road, Bethel

email: nmh1792@hotmail.com

www.newtownmeetinghouse.com

The Newtown Bee - February 15, 2013

Brides 2013 - 11

The Perfect Proposal (BPT) — You’ve picked the perfect ring. You’ve practiced the words you’ll use when you propose. But you know she would be livid if you asked her on the big screen at a sporting event. Making an engagement truly memorable will win you points for a lifetime each time she retells your engagement story. These tips will help your engagement stick out. Here are some great ways to make your engagement be one of a kind. Take It Personally You are proposing to the woman or man of your dreams. The one person you’ve chosen to spend the rest of your life with. The person who is the perfectly unique match to yourself. So, make the proposal just as personalized and special as that person. Yes, you may have chosen the perfect ring, but presentation is equally important. Choose something that will not only stun your betrothed, but also be something he or she can keep for years. Ditch the typical velvet box and go for a personalized, engraved keepsake box. With dozens of box options, you can perfectly match the style of your new fiancé, from classic and elegant to contemporary chic. Then, take it one step further and engrave something meaningful to commemorate this day. Your names, the date you were engaged or a personal love saying (that maybe only the two of you understand) are ideal inscriptions. Make It A Party Yes, the holiday season is filled with parties, but a personal engagement party is something that you and your families will remember forever. Whether you choose a private, intimate locale to pop the question

or a bustling public setting, convene family and friends during or afterward to celebrate together. Plan a special party to commemorate this momentous, life-changing occasion. Remember too, a great party doesn’t necessarily mean great expense. Gathering at home with champagne, maybe a cheese plate and a homemade music playlist can make for one of the most memorable occasions of your life. Just be sure your future spouse is the center of attention, and you’ll be set to make the event unforgettable. Capture The Moment Nearly all couples choose to hire photographers and videographers to capture the memories of their wedding day. But isn’t the engagement just as momentous? As your heart begins to race when your knee bends toward the ground, the last thing on your mind will be your camera. But being able to actually look back at this moment will be something you’ll treasure for years to come. If you plan on hiring a professional photographer, make sure to call at least a few weeks in advance. Luckily, unlike your wedding day, you’ll probably only need the photographer for an hour or so. If you’re already on a shoestring budget, see if a photography enthusiast friend will take photos for you. They may not end up in The Louvre, but with a decent camera, you’ll be sure to have some great snapshots of the big moment. When it’s all said and done, you and your new fiancé may not remember every tiny detail. But using these simple tips will ensure your engagement day is a truly unique, memorable experience for you both.

THE BOARD ROOM The Private Point for Your Successful Event

A Perfect Location for A Special Occasion Rehearsal Dinners Showers Weddings We welcome your private parties for all occasions Up to 150 people can be accommodated.

Call Karen Barbarie to Customize your Event

203.826.7406

karbar@barbariesblackangusgrill.com

5 Eagle Road, Danbury, CT 06810 www.barbariesblackangusgrill.com

The Newtown Bee - February 15, 2013

12 - Brides 2013

DIRECTORY OF

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43 South Main Street Newtown, CT www.naturelleskin.com