Brides 2015

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2015

brides A SUPPLEMENT TO THE NEWTOWN BEE • 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown, Connecticut, 06470 (203)426-3141 • JANUARY 30, 2015

2 - Brides 2015

The Newtown Bee - January 30, 2015

Ten Questions To Ask Before Hiring Your Wedding Photographer

BY SHANNON HICKS 6. Does the photographer have backup Some moments are simply too important equipment? to trust to a camera phone.

You have prepared contingency plans for Your wedding will be one of the most every other aspect of your wedding; your memorable times of your life and no one photographer should as well. A true profescan capture it better than a professional sional photographer won’t miss your perfect photographer. shot because of a technology issue. He or she When Newtown residents Melissa Beard will always bring one or two backup cameras, and Matthew Mihalcik were married in lenses, flashes, additional lighting equipOctober 2013, finding the right photograment, extra memory cards, and batteries. pher was extremely important.

7. Does the photographer have liability “I told them that photos were important insurance? to us and we wanted a lot of them,” said Accidents happen at weddings and if one Melissa. “They spent a good amount of of your guests trips over your photographtime taking photos of just me and my huser’s light stand, it’s good to know you both band as well as with our wedding party. are protected. Your reception venue may Our main photographer had an amazing even ask the photographer to submit a cereye and picked beautiful places in which to tificate of liability ahead of time. take our couples pictures.”

8. Will there be one photographer or two?

Jennifer Nolte of Seymour, who is A second photographer increases the probengaged to marry John Siwicki in Novemability that no shot will be missed, especialber, agreed that finding the right photograly if you are having a large wedding. pher for their big day is “extremely imporIf there will be two photographers, ask to tant.” Katharine DeZerga, who was meet them both to get a feel for their permarried in September 2014, also said it was sonalities and how well they might blend in “very” important to find a suitable shutteron your big day.

Your wedding will be one of the most memorable times of your life and no one 9. What will happen to the images after bug.

—BPT photo your wedding?

So how do you find the right one? As you can capture it better than a professional photographer. begin the interview process, here are ten Will your images be backed up to a hard things to help you determine if you’ve This list will ensure no important photo is missed drive or the cloud once processed? How long will your found the best photographer for your wedding: during the commotion and excitement of the big day. photographer keep the images afterward? Will they be 1. Does the photographer have a gallery of wedding You should be able to create that list together, add to kept for a couple of years or dumped immediately? images you can review? the list leading up to the big day, and have a copy of If you have any concerns about losing your photos, Reviewing sample work allows you to see the photog- that list the day of your wedding and reception. knowing what the photographer plans to do with your rapher’s strengths and weaknesses — and don’t fool “We’re planning on some posed shots, but our pho- images after your wedding is important. yourself; every photographer has them. tographer’s style is photojournalistic and that’s what we 10. When will you get your photos?

You will also be able to get an idea of their style. Are wanted as well,” said Jennifer Siwicki.

No, you won’t get your pictures the day after; no phothey formal with an eye for the perfect picture or do Take an honest look at what images really matter and tographer can deliver that quickly. It’s a good idea, they love to capture the hidden moments when no one fill your photographer in on situations he or she might though, to get a general idea of the timeline ahead of is looking? Look for images that you can see yourself in. need to be aware of in order to prevent awkward time.

While Katharine was not concerned with a particular moments, as well as to ensure that he or she can get the You might even be able to agree on getting a couple of look for her wedding photos, Melissa said she and her shots that matter most. images ready for social media use very quickly. husband went for a mix of shots.

Melissa Mihalcik knows the importance of a photogObtaining your photos will likely take several weeks.

“We wanted to have some variety,” she said. rapher who can be ready at a moment’s notice. She and To help with the wait, some photographers will send Think of three words that describe you and share her husband had arranged to have a two photographers you a sneak peak with a few images. those with your photographer. Every photographer has on hand for their day.

The Mihalciks were able to start viewing theirs within a style and reviewing their gallery can help you deter“One of our favorites was actually a surprise” photo, a few weeks because they worked with a photographer mine if theirs is right for you. she said. “They took a great shot of when we were who created an online album for them.

2. What is the photographer’s working style? standing out, waiting to be announced. We were so “They gave us a timeframe so we knew what to Some photographers are orderly and operate like wed- genuinely happy and excited, it was nice to have it cap- expect,” said Melissa. ding planners. Others prefer to sit back and let the tured in such a candid and private moment between You will not be able to see everything that happens events of the wedding unfold. just us. during your wedding day. Katherine DeZerga was It’s important that you find someone who can under“Plus you can see that my husband is playing with his pleasantly surprised, she said, to find that her photogstand and meet your expectations. Discuss this ahead of ring on his hand because he had never worn a ring rapher had thought to take pictures of the reception time and ask away, so that you understand how well the before,” she added. “It was very different for him to centerpieces and room decorations when she started photographer’s working style matches your own. have it on. It is very cute.” looking through her photos.

3. Is the photographer available for an engagement When Katherine and Mike DeZerga were married in The right photographer will capture moments you session?

September 2014, they were pleased, said Katherine, never knew existed.

An engagement session does more than provide you that their photographer spent time with them before “This is one part of the wedding that you have forevwith priceless images together before you get married. their big day. er, to help you remember everything,” said Melissa.

It is also your first opportunity to work with your phoTheir photographer “spent time with us to get an idea “Plus they oftentimes catch things that you don’t even tographer and develop a relationship that will allow you of what we wanted,” she said. It was “very” important, know or realize is happening.” to be completely at ease on your big day. she said, to find a good photographer for their wedThe most important thing is to find someone who Use this session to confirm if the photographer is ding. The DeZergas were able to find someone who was will stay on top of everything taking place on your big indeed the right person to capture your wedding. “very personable and down to earth,” she said. day, and whose work will keep you happy for years.

The Mihalciks took the time to interview a number of 5. What kind of lighting will be used?

Melissa Mihalcik said the best thing about her lead photographers before their wedding day.

Whether you have an indoor or outdoor wedding, you photographer, who would definitely be recommended “We talked to several and actually had a last-minute will want to make sure your photographer has profes- to others, was that she used “her professional and crechange on our second photographer,” said Melissa. sional-grade lighting equipment to deliver the images ative eye to take some breathtaking shots.”

4. Will the photographer create a detailed shot list? your wedding deserves.

BPT content was used in the preparation of this story.

The Newtown Bee - January 30, 2015

Brides 2015 - 3

The Newtown Bee - January 30, 2015

4 - Brides 2015

Expert Advice On Choosing A Wedding Dress

BY ELIZA HALLABECK Julie Allen Bridals, which has been family-owned and operated in Newtown since 1970, has many local brides-to-be visit throughout the year.

Owner Melanie Mattegat, Co-Manager and Marketing Director Lauren Morehouse, and a few of the boutique’s consultants recently offered advice for women about to begin the search for their wedding dress.

Mrs Morehouse said the best time to begin shopping for a wedding dress is once a date and a venue are set for the wedding.

“That way you can make sure the style of the dress you are getting matches the type of wedding you are having,” said Mrs Morehouse.

Once a bride-to-be has a venue and date, Mrs Morehouse suggests making an appointment to try on dresses, to make sure a personal bridal assistant is available to help the bride-to-be.

As Mrs Morehouse offered this advice, a number of brides-to-be were being fitted or trying on dresses of their own. Friends, sisters, and mothers surrounded them, displaying Mrs Morehouse’s next bit of advice: selecting the important people who should be shopping with a bride is important. She suggested bringing along the bride’s mother, maid-of-honor, and sisters.

Bringing too many people, said Mrs Morehouse, can lead to feeling overwhelmed.

Mrs Mattegat shared similar advice, saying future brides should bring “likeminded” people along who have similar taste with the bride.

Julie Allen Bridals consultant Stacey Maddox, left, helped bride-to-be Meghan Fox of Milford try on a wedding dress recently.

—Bee Photo, Hallabeck Choosing a dress, Mrs Mattegat said, can be an emotional decision.

“Listen to your inner voice,” she encouraged.

When the time comes to try on dresses, Mrs Mattegat also advised against taking photos, as they can be misleading and distract from the emotions of the moment.

When brides-to-be take photos of themselves trying on dresses, Mrs Mattegat said they do not show the whole picture, as the woman is not typically wearing the make-up or jewelry she will have on for

the wedding.

Before a bride begins trying on dresses, Mrs Morehouse said they should “know [their] budget.”

“We can work with all budgets,” said Mrs Morehouse.

Knowing the maximum amount a bride is willing, or able, to spend on a dress allows a consultant to offer the best suggestions.

Mrs Morehouse said bridal consultants should know their inventory “very well.”

Knowing the budget and what type of

dress the bride is looking for can help narrow down the options to present the bride with the best dress for them.

“Have a general idea of what you’re looking for,” said Mrs Morehouse, “but have an open mind to what your consultant suggests.”

Bridal consultants, Mrs Morehouse said, will take the type of venue and time of the year the wedding is being held into account when selecting dresses to present to a bride-to-be.

For a summer beach wedding, Mrs Morehouse said she would be likely to recommend a chiffon or light lace dress.

Heavy satin fabric, she said, would be more suitable for a winter wedding.

Other advice offered by the Julie Allen Bridals consultants included brides wearing underwear they are comfortable having their consultants see when trying on dresses, and being open to color — not just white — for their gowns.

Mrs Morehouse said gold champagne dresses and blush pink are big hits with brides right now.

Jessica Durno, who has been a consultant at Julie Allen Bridals for 12 years, said brides should “go with your heart.” Brides should choose a dress, she said, that makes them feel beautiful and one that they can picture themselves wearing on the day of their wedding. She also advised trusting the consultant, because they know the best styles to flatter each bride.

Mrs Morehouse, above all, advised brides to “Have fun!”

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you get to plan the perfect day with the one you love,” she said. “You want to have fun while doing it.”

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The Newtown Bee - January 30, 2015

Brides 2015 - 5

The Newtown Bee - January 30, 2015

6 - Brides 2015

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The Newtown Bee - January 30, 2015

Brides 2015 - 7

The Newtown Bee - January 30, 2015

8 - Brides 2015

Wedding Smarts: Before The ‘I Do’s’ Remember These Important Insurance To Do’s (BPT) — Once the excitement of sharing the news of your engagement with your loved ones and Facebook friends dies down, there are several important issues to consider. This includes building your guest list, setting a budget, picking a venue, DJ versus band, and other things to do. However, there are also some vital details pertaining to insurance that many prospective newlyweds overlook. True, it’s not the most exciting topic, but it is, nonetheless, something that should be considered before marriage.

Before you tie the knot, make sure you consider these options: *Get your engagement ring appraised and insured.

Whether you are traditionalists who believe an engagement ring should cost three months of the future husband’s salary or you are a modern couple who opted to go Dutch and split the cost, an engagement ring is no small investment. Even if the ring is a family heirloom that didn’t cost anything, it’s a good idea to be protected against the unthinkable circumstance of losing your ring.

“Most renters or homeowners insurance policies offer riders for special or expensive items like engagement rings, costing on average $1 to $2 for every $100 to replace the ring,” says Doug Menges, chief claims officer for Mercury Insurance Group. “Show your insurance agent a receipt for the ring, as well as an appraisal, to assure you get sufficient coverage.” *Compare your existing auto insurance providers.

Many couples do not have the same carrier for auto insurance when they join together in holy matrimony, but keep in mind marriage can impact how much you pay for your premium.

“This is especially timely for me, because my daughter is getting married this summer,” says Mr Menges. “I know that married couples tend to pay lower auto insurance premiums because, statistically, they’re safer drivers than single men and women. So, you can be sure I’ve already told her and my future son-in-law they should talk to their insurance agent, because they will most

There are some vital details pertaining to insurance that many prospective newlyweds overlook. One of the first things that should be done is an appraisal of the engagement ring, which should then be insured.

—Brandpoint photo

Don’t get lost in the planning process because the most important detail is the person who will be standing next to you.

likely qualify for additional discounts that may lower their premium.”

Be sure to talk about accidents, outstanding tickets, coverage lapses, and similar issues while you are deciding if a joint policy is right for you. And don’t be afraid to reach out to a local insurance agent for advice on how to best proceed.

For those who opt to combine policies, consider what is most important when choosing a provider. Is it the cost of the policy or having a local agent with whom to build a relationship? What about insurance bundling (auto and homeowners or renters) options and the discount types offered?

When you agree upon what you’re both seeking, you can choose to stay with one of your current providers or find a new company. Regardless of what you decide, however, it’s a good idea to shop around to see if you are getting the most for your money. *Create and merge itemized household inventories.

Whether you cohabitate with your beloved before or after taking the marriage plunge, an important insurance lesson is to keep a detailed record of everything you own. Mashable lists several apps that will assist with the inventory process. This inventory keeps track of the belongings you have accumulated over the years and helps your homeowners or renters insurance provider determine the proper amount of coverage you’ll need if you fall victim to a burglary, fire, natural disaster, or other loss requiring a claim to be filed.

When you move in together, be sure to combine your respective inventories into one master list, and remember to add all of the gifts you receive at your engagement party, bridal shower, and the wedding. *Relax.

Your wedding day is hopefully one of the best days of your life. Don’t get lost in the planning process because the most important detail is the person who will be standing next to you. Take a deep breath, relax, and remember to enjoy every second on your journey to a shared future.

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• Award-winning cuisine of Executive Chef Chris Hatzis.

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Brides 2015 - 9

The Newtown Bee - January 30, 2015

BBB: There Are Financial Issues To Work Out Before Tying The Knot WALLINGFORD — Connecticut Better Business Bureau says discussing financial plans is an essential task for couples, long before they walk down the aisle.

While talking about finances is not romantic, it can help prepare to buy a home, raise a family, and be ready for emergencies and retirement. The best time to start the discussion is as soon as a couple is serious about spending the rest of their lives together.

Individual debt, foreseeable expenses, and day-to-day money management can have a positive or negative impact on whether a couple can obtain credit, how much credit, and associated interest rates.

Money management preferences vary widely, starting with whether couples prefer to pool all of their income or have a joint bank account for bill paying and separate accounts for personal expenses.

The bottom line is that couples must get their financial house in order before tying the knot.

Better Business Bureau recommends couples follow a checklist for discussion: *Calculate existing debts.

Before moving forward, couples need to add up the debt they bring into the relationship, ranging from student loans to car payments and credit card debt. *Check your credit reports.

Visit the government-sanctioned site AnnualCreditReport.com to receive your credit reports for free, with no strings attached. Look for anything that may lower your credit scores, such as too many open lines of credit or inaccurate information.

If you find any errors, move quickly to correct them with the credit reporting companies Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.

*Discuss your goals.

Although plans change over the years, discuss major expenses, from the cost of a home to raising a family. Ask yourselves where you would like to be financially five, ten, and 15 years down the road.

It is best to reexamine these goals periodically to take into account financial situations as they changes. Don’t forget to include big-ticket items such as cars, home furnishing, and emergencies. These can help you calculate how much disposable income will be available for savings, college tuition, and monthly bills. *Plan for emergencies.

Experts typically recommend that every couple put aside at least six months of net salary from the household’s highest wage earner in an emergency savings account.

This can help in case of job loss, health problems, disability, and unexpected car and home repairs. *Life insurance.

In the event of the loss of a spouse, a life insurance policy can help pay off a mortgage and other debts such as raising children and putting them through college.

The younger a person is when they purchase a policy, the less expensive the premiums. *Plan now for retirement.

Take advantage of both of retirement plans from both employers, even if just small contributions are possible. Consider arranging automatic transfers from a checking account to a savings account on a regular basis.

All of these preparations can help couples avoid many common financial stresses, offer a clearer picture of the future, and provide essential information if a couple decides to consult a financial planner.

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The Inn at Newtown is the Perfect Location for Your Special Day!

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he Inn is the perfect place to celebrate your special occasion or hold an important meeting or conference. The setting is serene, lovely, and uniquely suited to exceed your expectations and provide memories for your guests. Our team will guide you through all aspects of your event, from menu planning to ensure that all aspects of your event are expertly managed. We can accommodate up to 100 guests between two beautiful and accessible venues.

Our Fairchild Room expands out onto our lovely outdoor patio.

Boasting a beautiful fireplace, this is one of our most popular options. Proud Mary’s, the Inn’s cozy and well appointed lounge offers another option for hosting your event. Spacious, warm and inviting, Proud Mary’s also has a large fireplace and beautifully crafted bar.

In addition to hosting events in our venues, we are happy to come to you. We offer a full off site catering menu, and can help you plan the perfect gathering.

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The Inn at Newtown was originally built as the home of Cyrenius H. Booth, a leading physician in Newtown.

After his death in 1871, his daughter Sarah Booth Hawley and her husband, Marcus, renovated the home.

In 1872, the couple, along with their daughter, Mary Hawley, Newtown’s famous patron, occupied the home. Ultimately, Mary lived in the home until her death in 1930. Newtown would become the benefactor of much of the Hawley’s wealth through Mary’s generous endowments.

19 Main St., Newtown, CT • 203-270-1876 • www.theinnatnewtown.com

The Newtown Bee - January 30, 2015

10 - Brides 2015

The Knot Unveils The Top Ten Trends In Weddings For 2015 NEW YORK — The Knot, the online wedding resource and mobile app, has released its annual Wedding Trends Report, including the top ten trends it expects to see in weddings for this year. From Coachellaesque festival-inspired weddings with macramé ceremony backdrops and bohemian influences to luxurious, white tie elements, the trends for 2015 weddings are clever, personalized twists on traditions.

“Couples are finding wedding inspiration literally everywhere — celebrity weddings, music festivals, and fashion runway shows, and they’re infusing their personalities into all aspects of the wedding,” says Rebecca Dolgin, editor-in-chief, The Knot. “This year, it will include fashion-forward jumpsuits instead of traditional wedding dresses, unique wedding venues or a return to formality with opulent, dramatic details. Couples are embracing technology, using drones for aerial photos, GoPro cameras, and selfie sticks, as well as to mobile apps like The Knot Wedding Planner App, TaskRabbit, registry managers, and honeymoon itineraries.”

Drone Wedding Photos, GoPro Videos If you want a view of your wedding from every angle imaginable then try this trend.

Some photographers are getting in on the action by using drones to capture aerial shots, like a view of the ceremony from overhead and the amazing scenery.

Videographers are doing it, too, by bringing GoPro cameras to the wedding in addition to their video cameras. The cool part about these is that they can be attached to a selfie stick to get ultra-creative shots of you and your guests on the dance floor and record your guests’ candid reactions as they enter the reception.

An Expanding Selection Of Apps You don’t need to get all of your brides-

maids together to tie bows on wedding favors anymore. Instead, lots of couples are enlisting wedding planning help through apps like TaskRabbit to take on any small todos, TouristEye to help plan the honeymoon itinerary, and The Knot Wedding Planner app to find and get in touch with all of the right wedding professionals.

Being a wedding guest is easier this year, too. All of the major registries make it easy to buy gifts straight from your smartphone, and car service apps like Uber and Lyft ensure guests can find a safe ride home at the end of the reception.

Wild West Weddings The big theme of the year is inspired by ranches and lots of leather accents. The details are personal and elevated, but the party has a fun, relaxed vibe.

A rustic ranch sets the scene for details like antler motifs, distressed lounges with cowhide rugs, and wildflower bouquets. Mix in leather elements to contrast the soft and romantic wedding details in accents like the napkin belly band.

Guests can sip on specialty craft beers or mix their own heirloom bourbon cocktails in a copper mug.

Attire can echo the Wild West look in a long-sleeve dress with subtle lace embellishments and an ethereal illusion neckline.

Foodie Installations Food and drink are taking center stage at weddings this year in an outrageous way.

Think hanging salad stations, doughnut dessert walls that double as escort cards, and beer garden-inspired stations, complete with beer steins made of ice.

Ask your caterer to help you come up with creative ideas or hire a food stylist to dream up something over the top.

Wedding Jumpsuits & Beyond

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Wedding dress designers like Houghton, Delphine Manivet, and Theia are giving the traditional dress a new edge that is celebrity inspired. Remember Olivia Palermo’s chic shorts with a tulle overlay and Solange Knowles’ jumpsuits? If that’s too much of a departure from tradition, brides can look to the latest accessory trends, which involve bold add-ons such as top hats, ear cuffs, and lace gloves.

Unexpected Venues More couples in 2015 will look to unexpected locations for their wedding venue, like castles, private estates, museums, and even caves.

The best part about a unique venue choice is you don’t have to go overboard on all the décor — you can let the space speak for itself.

Keep in mind that if you go this way, the logistics may be trickier than in a traditional wedding venue.

Royal Color Palettes Marsala, Pantone’s Color of the Year, set the tone for 2015’s wedding hues. It’s a rich wine-inspired red that is sophisticated, stylish, and versatile.

Pair marsala with dusty blue for a pretty, romantic feel (imagine marsala centerpieces paired with blue velvet linens), while a rose gold and marsala palette is rich and glamorous (think: rose gold foil font on a marsala card stock).

Bonus: Flowers like dahlias and peonies grow naturally in this hot hue. It’s also a flattering color for bridesmaids to wear when brides want to make a statement.

The Third Dress Why have one dress when you can have three?

Many brides change their dress for the reception or late night for the after party.

Now, fashion-forward brides are choosing

A White Glove Comeback Casual weddings have reigned for more than five years. However, this changes in 2015 as couples are take their wedding style in the very opposite direction with opulent details, like a champagne tower, multitier cake and a dramatic entrance.

For those who really want to go over the top, take a page from the new Cinderella movie and actually have it in a castle.

Even if your wedding won’t be in a castle, you could still add formality to it with touches like hand-delivered invitations and valets to escort guests to their seats at the reception. This is your chance to go all out and wear a big, white ball gown and even a crown.

Guys can get fancy too in three-piece suits.

Peace, Love & Macramé Blame all the fashion coverage at Coachella for the excitement here. For a bride whose style is totally laid-back and casual, bohochic music festivals can inspire an entire wedding.

Think a backyard or open-field setting, complete with kitschy details like striped tepees, cocktail hour lounges and picnic-style dining. Keep the colors bright and festive, yet earthy (try sunny yellow and teal paired with terra cotta).

Must-have elements include hand-drawn maps with the invitations and fun, not fussy, wording on invites (instead of “accept” write “you in?”) to really drive home this theme.

For the fashion, a gauzy and modern take on the bell-sleeve wedding dress evokes a 1970s, Woodstock vibe. Intentionally mismatched bridesmaid dresses will keep the look effortless and easy.

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Brides 2015 - 11

The Newtown Bee - January 30, 2015

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The Newtown Bee - January 30, 2015

12 - Brides 2015

Children At The Wedding: It Is All

BY NANCY K. CREVIER It goes without saying that the wedding day should be all about the bride and groom. Yet it must be said: if children are guests, even the most well behaved can be scene-stealers. How does a happy couple keep the focus on themselves and the celebration they have spent months planning when children are involved?

If children are invited, it can be assumed that both bride and groom are excited to have the younger set at the ceremony and at the

reception, and want the day to be as pleasant a memory for their little guests as it will be for them.

A little planning to accommodate the restless nature of young children and alleviate boredom for some of the older ones can go a long way. Classic etiquette advisor Emily Post lists suggestions on her website (emilypost.com), including a piñata filled with inexpensive toys, or a setting a children’s table at the reception with favors suitable to the age group. For children who sit with the

parents at the reception, a coloring book and crayons can be a good distraction.

Child-friendly foods are a must when entertaining children at a wedding reception. Ask the caterer to prepare simple foods like miniraviolis or pizzas, macaroni and cheese, or chicken fingers.

Hire one or two babysitters to care for little ones in a nearby room or area set off from the rest of the reception. Older children might appreciate a room set up with videos or board games, or a craft activity, all under the supervision of hired help.

These are suggestions often followed by area wedding coordinators, as couples plan events at their facilities.

Joanna Sherriff, the general manager at Waterview in Monroe, said that it has become fairly common to have children attend weddings there.

“We see more and more couples getting

youngsters seem to enjoy dressing up.

“I think, for the most part, parents are sensitive to the celebration,” she said.

A table can be set aside in the reception area for young guests, with games, coloring books, and various activities. Older children might want to bring an iPad, and the Waterview has worked with wedding parties to set up a space for kids to watch movies, said Ms Sherriff, in one of the adjacent bridal suites. Supervision is important for preteens and younger, she emphasized.

Many couples provide a babysitter with whom they are familiar. Others seek suggestions, and for those couples booking hotel blocks for out of town guests, Ms Sherriff said, some hotels will help find a local sitter or allow the sitter to stay in the room with the younger children.

Guests with very young infants or children not yet in the toddler stage can find attending

A brief lesson in wedding etiquette before the big day might be in order. When children understand what is going to happen, when to be still, and when to erupt in celebration, everyone is happier. married after they have children, or they have good friends with children. I’ve seen some wonderful moments, with couples incorporating their own children into the event,” Ms Sherriff said. In particular, little children being pulled in a wagon by the older children in the family was memorable. “It really brings a tear to the eye,” she said.

Attending a wedding can be a great learning experience for children, said Ms Sherriff.

Good manners can be practiced, and the

a wedding with children in tow to be quite stressful, Ms Sherriff has observed.

“It’s stressful for the adult guests, and for young children. They are out of their environment,” she said. It is difficult, in those instances, for parents to enjoy an evening out.

The Waterview is happy to assist couples in planning food for the younger guests. Children ages 5 and under eat free, children ages 6 to 14 can choose from the menu for half price, or a kids’ option of macaroni and

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Brides 2015 - 13

The Newtown Bee - January 30, 2015

About Planning cheese, burger, or chicken fingers can be arranged.

“We want everyone to enjoy the event to the fullest,” and that is definitely something that can happen, with some forethought to young guests’ needs, said Ms Sherriff.

At Heritage Hotel, Terry Pfeifer, manager of marketing, and Jennifer Giuliano, director of catering, estimate that about 40 percent of the wedding parties that take place at the Southbury facility include children.

“It depends on where the wedding is from,” Ms Giuliano said. “When guests are from away, they are more apt to have their children with them,” she said.

“Some couples want a big family-type affair.

Others, an adults-only affair. It’s up to parents of a child who is invited to decide how much of the event is appropriate,” she said.

Should a situation arise when uninvited children appear at the event, Heritage Hotel personnel are happy to handle it in a manner that is not awkward for the bride and groom, and accommodating to the parents who have brought the children.

Couples tend to do one of two things to accommodate young guests at the Heritage Hotel.

“Some have the children come to the ceremony and cocktail hour, then send them off to the parents’ rooms with supervision. They can access the pool, arcade, and the teen room,” said Ms Giuliano, who has a list of certified childcare providers for guests seeking a babysitter during the event. Families may bring a familiar sitter with them as well, she said.

The other option, and one that is popular, is to set up an activity table tucked away in the corner of the reception room. That area might include a DVD player, coloring books, or a simple craft project. Special favor bags filled with goodies geared to children can be a hit, Ms Sherriff said.

“One bride even did a milk and cookies

setup for the kids during the champagne toasts,” Ms Pfeifer said.

Supervision is essential, Ms Giuliano and Ms Pfeifer said, in order for everyone to have a pleasant experience.

Guests with babies are more of a challenge.

“Honestly,” Ms Giuliano said, “people who bring babies tend to leave early. Wedding receptions can be noisy. It’s stressful for the parents. Now they’re not celebrating and enjoying the wedding. They’re caring for an upset infant.”

Children who participate in the wedding ceremony must be handled differently than adult participants, she said. “If a child is shy, don’t be surprised if a child doesn’t want to go [in to the ceremony] when he or she sees 150 people looking at him or her. Have a backup plan,” she urged. A wedding is fun and exciting for young children, but also exhausting.

Late afternoon and evening weddings, especially, are hard on young guests.

On the other hand, one of the most adorable moments at a Heritage Hotel wedding involved a 4-year-old flower girl. “She was tossing the petals on the walkway as she came down, and then stopped. ‘Uh-oh. No more flowers.’ So she went back and started picking up the petals she had tossed, so she would have more to throw,” Ms Giuliano recalled.

Guests must take responsibility for the behavior of their own children at the ceremony and the reception, of course. Crying babies and restless toddlers should be taken out of either setting before causing a disturbance to other guests or wedding party members. A brief lesson in wedding etiquette before the big day might be in order. When children understand what is going to happen, when to be still, and when to erupt in celebration, everyone is happier.

Overall, said Ms Giuliano, everyone will have a great time, as long as children are reminded that this is “not your day.”

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The Newtown Bee - January 30, 2015

14 - Brides 2015

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Brides 2015 - 15

The Newtown Bee - January 30, 2015

Winte r Wed ding Mar

tini

ride shing B The Blu

A Drink For That Special Occasion

BY ELIZA HALLABECK

Wedding websites like The Knot, a wedding planning site, offer a range of ideas for brides looking for signature drinks to serve at their wedding.

Recent area weddings have served up some different offerings. A champagne and apple-cider drink, rimmed with sugar and cinnamon, was served at a recent fall wedding, and another couple married in the fall offered beer brewed by friends.

But signature drinks can be all types of beverages, from cocktails to frozen concoctions. The Knot’s suggestions range from cocktails to match the wedding’s theme colors to those that match the season in which the wedding is being held.

Local area establishments also offered their own suggestions recently. Cover Two Sports Café in Sandy Hook offered up The Blushing Bride recipe, and Foundry Kitchen & Tavern, also in Sandy Hook, shared its recipe for what it calls Pisco Punch; The Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury, which can host weddings and receptions, offered its recipe for a Winter Wedding Martini.

The three drinks could certainly be a highlight at any wedding, or could spice things up if served during a pre-wedding festivity, like a bridal shower or bachelorette party, or at a reception.

The Blushing Bride

By Cover Two Owner Ryan Ahearn Mix White Chocolate Godiva Liquor with Malibu rum and whipped cream vodka.

Top with a sugared rim, and sugar-covered cherries.

Pisco Punch

By Foundry Kitchen & Tavern’s Ralph Alterisio Mix 2 ounces of Barsol Quebranta Pisco with 1 ounce triple sec, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, half an ounce of grenadine, a dash of bitters.

Garnish with a lime wheel.

Winter Wedding Martini

By The Amber Room Colonnade’s Alisha Turchick Mix together equal parts of White Chocolate Godiva Liquor with Pearl Wedding Cake Vodka. Shake with ice in a cocktail shaker.

Strain into a martini glass rimmed with white hot chocolate powder.

Pisco Punch

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The Newtown Bee - January 30, 2015

16 - Brides 2015

A Tradition of Excellent Taste & Outstanding Service - Celebrating Our 45th Year

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