NNY Living Weddings Winter-Spring 2018

NNY L I v Ing

Weddings

Winter 2018 Vol. 4 No. 3

nnyliving.com

COVER STORY

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PLANNING

Hands-on approach to invitations

ADVICE

Expert advice for the perfect celebration

ESSENTIALS TRADITION Give your bridal party the perfect gift

New traditions to fit the couple’s love

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INSIDE Winter 2018 20

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18 DEPARTMENTS | 6 CONTRIBUTORS |

8 EDITOR’S NOTE

FEATURES | 10 HANDS-ON INVITATIONS |

12 A WEDDING IN REDWOOD DEFIES TRADITION 18 GIFTS FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY 29 OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW 26 STAY ON SCHEDULE ABOUT THE COVER | PHOTOGRAPHY: Jamie West-McGiver and Ryan with DueWest Photography HAIR AND MAKE-UP: River Day Spa and Salon LOCATION: Homestead Fields, LaFargeville |

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COVER STORY | 12 AN ORGANICALLY GROWN LOVE STORY For Monica and Jason Schnauber there was no question in their hearts that they would share the special day with guests at the family farm where they fell in love with a high-end celebration that could only have happened with the deep roots that surround them. |

PHOTOGRAPHY | 31 2017 FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHY Two north country wedding photographers shared some of their best shots from ’17. |

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CONTRIBUTORS Sarah Compo is the owner of Soiree NNY and works for the New York State Senate. To contact Ms. Compo for event services or additional information email info@soireenny.com.

Nicole Caldwell is a writer and editor based out of Redwood, NY. Her work has appeared in Mother Earth News, Martha Stewart Living, Thrillist, Playgirl and many other publications. Reach her at nicole. caldwell@betterfarm.org.

John B. Johnson Jr.

Publishers

John B. Johnson Harold B. Johnson II

Katie Machia is a Watertown native and sophomore at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She writes about everything from the outdoors to fashion.

Reach her at katherine_machia@fitnyc.edu.

Holly Boname is a 1000 Islands native and associate editor for NNY Magazines.

Her work appears in NNY Magazines, where she writes about lifestyle, business, the outdoors and more.

She also produces the design and layout for the magazines.

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NNY Living Weddings is published twice a year by Northern New York Newspaper Corp., 260 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601, a Johnson Newspaper Corp. company. © 2014-2017. All material submitted to NNY Living Weddings becomes property of Northern New York Newspaper Corp., publishers of the Watertown Daily Times, and will not be returned.

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Submissions Send all editorial correspondence to bkelly@wdt.net Advertising For advertising rates and information in Jefferson and Lewis counties, email mbowers@wdt.net, or call 661-2456. In St. Lawrence County, e-mail gvalik@wdt.net, or call 661-2358.

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ED I T OR S NOTE

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I

8

f you’re planning a wedding this

for that, but what time do I really need

Schnau-

summer, you only need to know one

to be there?” It can mean the difference

ber took the

thing at this point in the year: You’re

between a quick nine-hole round or a

federally

behind schedule.

full eighteen holes.

mandated full

It doesn’t matter that you just got

But maybe I’m short-changing my fel-

year of plan-

engaged at Christmas; if you haven’t

low fellows. In this issue, you can read

ning to pull

already started planning, all the best

about a soon-to-be groom and a recently

off, accord-

venues, caterers and bands are already

wed young man who both appear to

ing to a story

booked. You may even have to find a

have gone above and beyond in helping

by associate

substitute bride or groom.

to prepare a special day.

magazine

At least that’s my takeaway twice a

Freelance writer Nicole Caldwell tells

editor Holly

year as I compile NNY Weddings, which

us about the active involvement her

Boname. In addition to helping with the

offers a snapshot into the many things

fiancé, David, has had in planning of

planning, Jason scores points for making

you need to know to ensure a success-

the couple’s upcoming nontraditional

his proposal while sitting atop a bale of

ful wedding ceremony. And when I say

wedding. David has already one-upped

hay at Monica’s family’s farm, where

you, I’m mostly speaking to the bride,

many of us by making his marriage

the reception would later be held.

her family and friends.

proposal at the edge of the Grand Can-

I noted with interest that Monica

For a lot of guys, the extent of their

yon at sunrise, but then raises the bar

and Jason exchanged their vows in

nuptial planning is arranging tee times

higher by helping to make home-made

the Grotto of Lourdes at St. John the

for golfing buddies who are coming

save-the-date postcards and planning an

Evangelist Church in LaFargeville, as

from out of town. Most grooms I know

overnight excursion to Singer Castle for

I also was married at St. John’s (back

think, “I know the wedding’s at one

the entire wedding party.

when the historic church was practi-

o’clock, and I know I need to be there

The wedding of Monica and Jason

cally new.) Whereas Monica and Jason

Brian Kelly

E D I T ORS NOTE left the church in an Amish buggy, I left the church in my best man’s Oldsmobile Achieva. It’s kind of ironic that the Amish buggy has outlasted the Oldsmo-

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FEATURE

I

nvitations are a key component of wedding planning.

Not only can invitations set the tone for a wedding - giving guests an idea of whether it is formal or casual while offering clues to the theme - but also they are essential for conveying important information about the festivities.

While it was once common to work with a specialized printing and engraving company when ordering wedding invitations, couples tying the knot now have more options. Due in large part to computer and internet access, and myriad user-friendly design applications, it's easier than ever to design high-quality wedding invitations.

According to the wedding industry survey site TheWeddingReport.com, the average price for 150 invitations and response cards is $245. To maximize efficiency and come away with wedding stationery they will love, couples can employ the following tips and techniques.

Taking a Hands-on Invitation Approach

invitation, they'll need to use a professional printing service. Thermography is an alternative that can deliver raised print using heat and special inks.

Printing Companies

Options abound in regard to in-store and online printing companies. Many companies offer self-service design templates that enable customers to tweak text and placement of some graphic elements and then have the invitations printed and shipped to their homes.

Companies may provide stock samples and examples of lettering so that couples can touch and see the invitations prior to placing an order.

At-home Printing

One of the more accessible invitation production methods is at-home printing. However, there are some limitations when printing at home. For example, couples who do not have a high-end printer may find that the text on their

invitations is not as crisp and the ink may smudge. Also, paper options may be limited to what the tray feeder can accommodate. Stock that is 80 pounds or 12-point stock is preferable, but anything more may jam around the print head. It may take some trial and error (and wasted paper) to perfect alignment and achieve the desired look.

DIYers also need to know about "bleed" designs. According to the advice site A Practical Wedding, bleed is a printing term for design elements or images extending beyond the trim edge so that unwanted white space is eliminated. Again, it may take some practice to get the desired look.

Couples have many different options when designing their wedding invitations, and some may even be able to design and produce their own. ~M.S.

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Start With The Paper

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The heavier the stock, the more luxurious the invitations will feel. Quality stock also costs more. Wedding invitations should be printed on substantial stock so they don't bend or feel flimsy.

Industry experts say that 100 percent cotton paper is the most costly paper.

Couples can choose from linen stock and textured surfaces as well. Expect to pay more for natural or handmade papers. Those concerned about price can choose the highest-quality stock within budget and then play with other invitation elements to conserve funds.

Engraving and Letterpress

Engraving and letterpress techniques are an art form and create unique wedding invitations. Engraving creates raised lettering while letterpress presses the lettering into the paper.

Many people do not have the equipment necessary to produce these designs at home, and if they want a truly high-end

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St Elmo Island

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A Wedding

In Redwood

To DefyTradition...

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BY NICOLE CALDWELL | NNY LIVING WEDDINGS

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F E AT UR E

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There was never any doubt that my wedding would be a touch out of the box.

A woman who scoffs at diamonds, prefers Carhartts to pantyhose, opts for fun over frills, has snubbed tradition at every turn, and didn’t meet the man of her dreams until she was 34…

Yeah, that girl? She doesn’t really do in-thebox.

Naturally, the man who would marry me would be a mold-breaker of his own.

And in this case, the proof is in the planning.

David and I have been in lock-step throughout the whole process, from homemade save-the-dates to a music-laden after-party.

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F E AT UR E WEDDINGS ARE LESSONS IN COMPROMISE. Some of the restraint David and I demonstrate around planning our wedding comes from the budget (weddings are always more expensive than you think). We are also working closely with my significantly more conservative-if-open-minded mother, who is endlessly supportive but also has her own ideas about what weddings must offer by way of amenities for guests.

She’s already driven up here once from Jersey to inspect area hotels for all the out-of-towners; and asked at least a dozen times (and counting) if we’re “sure” we want to have this wedding at our farm in Redwood.

After all, there are a number of hotels, resorts and other wedding-friendly venues in the area with river views, commercial kitchens, and catering staffs that would spare us the hassle of sourcing everything ourselves.

The tension of combining a rustic, eclectic wedding on our farm with an affair rife with luxurious details, five-star meals, and the approval of my extended Italian family (and extended guest lists overseen by said family) is palpable. But the truth is, finding intersections where the event can be a stunning affair that isn’t stuffy and highlights the distinct personalities of the bride-and-groom-to-be has already proven rewarding in its own right.

As things are shaping up, our wedding next September will be more interesting, fun, and full of surprises than David or I could have ever imagined.

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DIAMONDS AREN’T EVERY GIRL’S BEST FRIEND—AND RING-SHOPPING CAN BE A TWO-PERSON JOB.

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When David proposed in October, we were on the edge of the Grand Canyon watching the sunrise. The engagement was insanely romantic, and came without two textbook traditions: taking a knee (remember, we were sitting on the edge of a cliff!) and a ring.

David knows I’m not into diamonds, and he wanted the engagement ring to be a joint effort—symbolic of an equal partnership. So somewhere between Grand Canyon and Arches national parks, we found a Navajo outpost in the desert and picked up a gorgeous silver ring with

F E AT UR E turquoise stone to use as a placeholder.

After returning to the North Country a week later, we set about working with our friends at Treasure Island in Alexandria Bay to design wedding bands and a sapphire engagement ring that are distinctly us. That symbolism goes much deeper for David and me than what we’ve come to accept as standard engagement protocol—even if it feels a little unfamiliar to everyone declaring “Let’s see the ring!” upon hearing of our engagement.

WE ARE MAINTAINING OUR ORIGINALITY WHILE MAKING NODS TO WHAT’S TIMELESS.

WEDDINGS ARE MADE MEMORABLE

BY THE PERSONAL TOUCHES. David and I deeply believe this—so every element of our wedding weekend feels totally custom. We spent an evening at home making our own save-the-dates out of vintage postcards and custom stamps. The invites themselves are of the pop-up variety, and we got more than

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While certain elements of our wedding are classic—there will be a white dress, a ceremony, speeches and a first dance, the day will be absent a church, assigned seats, or bouquet toss.

I don’t know what masochist decided a bride ought to walk down the aisle in a pair of high heels and restrictive, uncomfortable dress. I for one am going with white-fringe cowgirl boots, won in an eBay auction for $26, and a dress I can move in (sorry, no spoilers!). It’s important to never concede on things that matter to you—and that starts with the physical comfort of the bride on her own wedding day.

These days, every wedding seems to have a photo booth. But the company we’ve hired, Snapshots, is doing one better—our booth is in the back of a VW bus.

Pretty fitting for a wedding at Better Farm, which the locals still call “The Old Hippie Farm.”

The wedding party is entirely co-ed, takes no sides, and will be dancing up the aisle. With instruments. While singing. And speaking of co-ed bridesmaids and groomsmen, there is no bachelor or bachelorette party. Instead, David and I planned an excursion for the whole group: We’ve rented Singer Castle for the night.

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one design since we couldn’t choose our favorite.

Our Redwood farm where the ceremony and reception will take place has

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been in my family since 1970. Jury is still out on whether to include the rescued horses, alpacas, pigs and chickens in the festivities. Our officiant is one of my best friends from college who is writing the ceremony proceedings based on a series of interviews with David and me.

My mom got over the venue choice when we agreed to bring in real bathrooms—complete with running water, lights and mirrors—by trailer (compromise is king). We also found common ground by pairing mismatched chairs, table settings and mason jars (our idea) with luxury linens, chandeliers and sophisticated centerpieces (her idea).

Instead of a sit-down dinner or buffet, we’re having food stations set up throughout two barns and a shared, outdoor patio. Our goal is to make it feel more like an insanely lavish cocktail party (complete with dancing) than a stuffy sit-down dinner. Setting things up this way saves us a bundle on sit-down dinner costs, allowing us instead to splurge on top-of-the-line cooking and farm-to-table ingredients. Plus, everyone can eat their favorite things instead of getting stuck with a meal they might not love.

It also allows us to go heavy on plantbased options (vegan bride meets mostly vegan groom) in a creative way without (excuse the pun) forcing it down people’s

FEATURE throats.

David and I have a ton of musical friends, but decided to hire an outside band for the reception so our guests can feel like guests. Still, there will be instruments set up at the after-party so anyone who wants to play, can.

All of these details, along with a few surprises I’m not at liberty to disclose, will make every moment of the wedding completely ours.

THERE’S NO ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL WEDDING—ESPECIALLY IN THE NORTH COUNTRY.

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With the groom’s roots in Indiana (and, more recently, Pennsylvania) and my own in New Jersey and New York City, our wedding affords us the opportunity to share with our friends and family a region of the world we’ve grown to love and consider home—a space many of them will be seeing for the first time.

Bouquets will be assembled from wildflowers my friends pick on the farm: red sumac, purple loosestrife, mullein, tiger lilies, and a variety of vines. The band during the ceremony is a dream team (still being assembled) of area musicians. The food stations will highlight local farms, including food we grow right here at home.

We’ve already found our bartenders: friends from favorite local establishments.

David’s designing a couple custom drinks for the event, as well.

The weekend’s activities—from Uncle Sam boat rides and an evening at Singer Castle to a rehearsal dinner at our island cottage on Butterfield Lake and wedding at our farm—aren’t events happening in spite of the backdrop. The North Country is its own integral element to our wedding: Everything is being planned around this very specific, special location with an eye toward showing everyone why we love it here so much.

And with a landscape of animal paddocks, forests, rolling hills and that wild Northern New York sky, décor can be at a minimum. Plus, guests can enjoy a wedding where they’re encouraged to let their hair down with “farmhouse formal” attire and a down-home feel that spares no embellishment. We’ll just add a note on our wedding site: “Don’t forget the bug spray.” It will be perfect.

A Day to Remember Always....

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Top Gifts to Give Your Bridal Party

By KATIE MACHIA

T

here are common traditions that an engaged couple usually follow when preparing for their big day. One of the most important things to consider is assembling the bridal party. The bridal party, which can also be referred to as the wedding party, took its name from the traditional title for the man, “bridegroom.” Therefore, the bridal party is made up of friends and family from both the bride’s and the groom’s sides.

These friends and family members play key roles in ensuring everything leading up to the big day goes as planned. For example, the maid of honor usually helps find the perfect dress and plans a memorable bachelorette party. The best man throws

for ms e t I 5 honor f o Maids & esmaids d i r B

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FOX.COM SHOPBOX t box stomized gif Create a cu x with Box Fo

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an unforgettable bachelor party and invites all the groom’s closest friends and family. Bridesmaids and groomsmen stand and support the couple during the ceremony. Parents or other loved ones help with any details and escort respective partners down the aisle.

While these are only a few of the many responsibilities for the bridal party, the most important role they play is being there on one of the biggest days of the couple’s lives. Members of the bridal party put their time, money, and other resources into helping the whole extravaganza come together. For such special people, they deserve to be thanked with a special gift. See our picks for the most unique and thoughtful gifts to give each member of the bridal party below.

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SHOP.NORDSTROM.COM Putting the finishing touches on their look

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Homestead Wed in a field of Family An organically grown love story STORY BY HOLLY BONAME | NNY LIVING WEDDINGS PHOTOS BY DUE WEST PHOTOGRAPHY

“The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.”

–Masanobu Fukuoka.

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For young couple Monica and Jason Schnauber, agriculture has played a part in their deeply rooted connection since they first met one another in 2009. Monica’s father owns and operates certified organic dairy farm Homestead Fields in LaFargeville, and Jason, the farm’s now co-owner, has farming roots in his family’s history as well. It is these connections to the earththe cultivation and understanding of how to nurture nature and the relationship it has with human life- which inspired and connected the couple to embark on a journey together, leading to an engagement and wedding that embraced a homesteading theme that wowed family and friends in a day that all will remember.

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The Love Story

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The love story of Monica and Jason is similar to what many north country residents experience. They met through mutual friends that had been in the same social circles for years, but when their connection was made it became anything but ordinary.

“Jason and I have known each other since high school. Going through old photos with our recent move, it's so shocking to see evidence of him in the background at a house party or sitting next to me playing cards. I have to think, if the kids in those photos were told they would be getting married someday - what would their reactions be like?” said Monica.

She was attending university at Queens College in Kingston, Ontario, when they met. She later learned that when the two officially were introduced to one another Jason had told a friend, “She’s my future wife,” and over buying her a simple beer the story began to unfold.

A year later, Jason began working for Monica’s father at Homestead Fields and over the course of next four years with adventures to Buffalo Bills games, summers spent at Potters Beach on the St. Lawrence River, snowmobiling trips in Lewis County, and country music concerts scattered throughout, their love blossomed and Jason knew the time was right.

“My mother has given me a ring; it was her mother’s that had been custom made in Sugarland, Texas,” said Jason.

He sent the ring away and had it cleaned and when it returned both Monica and Jason said, “it was perfect.” With some alterations to the ring Jason knew it was time to pop the question. On Christmas morning, while out doing chores in the barn, Monica and Jason were sitting upon a PHOTO BY: Jussara Potter bale of hay and he pulled out the ring and asked Monica to marry him.

C O V E R S T O RY Planning and Preparation

For the couple, between Monica finishing nursing school and Jason working on the family farm while building their home next to Monica’s parents’ house, planning of the wedding was slow to begin. But once the pair set their mind to it they knew it would be something special, celebrating not only their love but the family heritage of sustainability and homesteading.

“It took about a year of planning,” said Monica. “The wedding theme, if you will, was keeping it organic, local and green. Literally, sage green was our wedding color. We tried to substitute and provide food that was homegrown or produced here where we could.”

They knew they wanted to have the wedding at the Walldroff family farm. With beautiful open fields, plenty of room to host the guest list of 325 to 350, and surrounding family and friends who could assist with the preparations; it was no question in their minds.

“It meant everything to have the wedding at home. The venue in my opinion was supposed to reflect who we are, and this is where it all started,” said Monica. “We wanted it to be us, we wanted it to be home, we wanted it to be here and we wanted it to be the best of days ever. We wanted it to be what home was to us.”

She continued that the couple had endured many years of long distance while she was completing school and Jason was working on the family farm, and in her heart it was the connection to her home that brought the two closest to family and friends.

“We couldn’t really picture having it anywhere else,” said Jason. “The farm is home to us now.”

As lives are busy, it was many helping hands and Pinterest that the couple attributes to the day’s success. Monica, the youngest of three, was the last in the family to get married and her mother worked tirelessly to ensure that the day be nothing but grand.

“She put in everything,” said Monica, “she took the reins and we couldn’t have done it without her and my father. And it wasn’t just them, my aunts and their husbands pitched in, it was truly a DIY wedding.”

She continued that it was a challenge that required little sleep and lots of ambition and admitting that she, with her busy nursing schedule and Jason’s hours on the farm early and late into the day, needed to delegate tasks and ask for help.

“We couldn’t have done it without our mothers, my sister, our cousins, the caterers, our wedding planner AmberLee Clement, and our wedding parties,” said Monica. “They all provided a significant amount of manual labor, tactical support and headache relief.”

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C O V E R S T O RY The Big DayThe Homestead Wedding

As the day finally arrived, family and friends were still hustling and bustling to get all the details in place. With nearly 350 guests on the way everything had to be timed perfectly and executed with precision.

“Picture the 20-plus family members and friends scurrying around trying to accomplish last-minute tasks, Jason and his party members undertaking small construction projects, the photographers trying to capture us not looking frantic, the girls from River Day Spa on-site working miracles - even braiding horse hair, my dad trying to hold it together with an enduring smile,” recalled Monica.

The wedding ceremony would take place at the Grotto of Lourdes, St. John the Evangelist Church in LaFargeville, but that would not be where the couple would see each other for the first time.

“We did our first sighting at the farm prior to the wedding. We did it in the horse paddock behind the house,” said Monica. “We were kind of surprised because our horses, which are not very

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C O V E R ST O RY obedient in the summer, were attentive to everything. They followed me right out to the pasture and escorted me right to Jason. He turned around and saw me and our breath was taken away.”

At the church, arches adorned with flowers showed the walkway leading through beautiful white sculptures of angels and leading to an outdoor ceremony that took the breath away from guests, the stage couldn’t have been more perfectly set. Guests arrived to music by the Trillium Trio and soon Monica and Jason found themselves surrounded by their loved ones, taking the vows that would guide them through the rest of their journey.

It was time for the party. Guests made their way to Eiss Road, where the reception was ready to welcome guests with locally sourced foods, paths cut through the woods with lanterns to light the way, music, memories of the couple were placed with precision throughout the decorated tent and grounds, and with amenities that you would find at a high-end catered indoor wedding.

But the couple had one surprise that the father of the bride had up his sleeve.

“There was an Amish buggy parked in front of the church,” said Monica. “Everyone kept joking that that was my ride WEDDING PLANNER: AmberLee Clement with CateredNNY CATERING: Ashley Crofoot and Scotty with Scotty’s House of BBQ PHOTOGRAPHY: Jamie West-McGiver and Ryan with DueWest Photography

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MUSIC: Esteem Entertainment, Jake’s Rockin’ Country Band, Travis Rocco, and the Trillium Trio

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VIDEOGRAPHY: Ryan Proven and Devon Gillan HAIR AND MAKE-UP: River Day Spa and Salon TENT AND DECOR RENTALS: Party Rentals MASON JAR CAKES: Milena Podhrazsky and family MARRIAGE CEREMONIALS: Father Don Robinson at St. John’s the Evangelist Church Shrine of Lourdes TRANSPORTATION: Clarence Henry Coach and Eli Hostettler :) REHEARSAL DINNER: Clayton Boat Tours with catering by The Gal’s Place

C OVER S TORY back to the farm… and it was!”

Moinca’s father had been working with Eli Hostettler throughout the summer completing house additions, barn additions and other project. He even had sold Jason his first horse.

“Unknown to us, my father had asked Eli if he would buggy us from the ceremony back to the farm,” said Monica.

Jason recalled, “He was in his best dress, with his best buggy, with the best horse he had. It was amazing.”

The couple arrived at the reception in nothing but true homestead style.

“There are beautiful flashbacks I have of everyone seated in grotto behind the church, of getting off a limo bus and into an Amish buggy, of the wood trails by the tent lit with paper lanterns, of our mother/ son and father/daughter dances... For that one day flying by so fast, I feel like there are a lifetime of small details that made the day special to us,” said Monica.

The reception went late into the evening with dancing to a DJ and a live band into the late night. The couple hand-in-hand, and heart-to-heart, with each other and their beloved family and friends and the farm that brought them all together says that there is nothing they would have changed- They will forever remain homestead wed.

Let Monarch Photography Capture Your Special Day With Memories That Will Last A Lifetime!

Tana Taylor 315-629-0908 Evans Mills

Visit us at www.m-portraits.com

Offering affordable, dependable and professional service to the tri-county area.

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ITALIAN-AMERICAN CIVIC ASSOCIATION 192 Bellew Avenue • Watertown • 315-782-1080

SCHEDULE YOUR SPECIAL EVENT AT OUR FACILITY u WE CAN ACCOMMODATE UP TO 150 PEOPLE u ELEGANT ATMOSPHERE We cater “sweet 16” parties, anniversaries, weddings, rehearsal dinners, stag parties, bridal showers, baby showers, retirement celebrations and more...

Elegant atmosphere, casual dinning & great food.

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Serving the community since 1939

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u

www.iacawatertown.com

Watertown Elks lodge #496 728 Bradley Street Watertown, NY 13601

~ Our Dining Room Will Accommodate 225 People ~ Our Game Room & Lodge Room Hold 100 Each

Contact Our Event Coordinator at 315-788-1270 for more information. * You must be an Elk Member or sponsored by an Elk Member in order to use our facility “Mention this ad and receive $100 OFF the total bill of your wedding!”

F E AT UR E

Out with the Old, In with The New: Embracing alternative traditions By: Sarah Compo

F

or many, a new year means “out with the old and in with the new.” The same goes for elements of a wedding ceremony or reception. While there are certain trends that will never go away, 2018 brings with it a host of fresh ideas for couples looking to put a new twist on old traditions. Here is a look at some of the most popular wedding trends for 2018:

A new focus on the after party:

For most couples, the bulk of wedding planning has traditionally focused on the reception. However, more and more people are investing time—and money—into the “after party.” The after party can be as simple as telling guests to meet at a nearby watering hole—with or without the open tab—or as elaborate as reserving a space at a conveniently located bar or restaurant, with décor, snacks, etc.

is finding loved ones who can take care of the little details and help their day run smoothly.

Today, more couples are choosing to hire a “day-of-coordinator” who can help them on the day of with everything from setting up their reception space and running last minute errands to paying vendors and helping clean up.

Picture this-alternatives to the traditional photo booth: From unique backdrops to vintage camera

booths, there are new and exciting options for those who are looking for something other than the classic wedding photo booth. Look no further than Pinterest for ideas on how you can make your own, or locate a professional who can provide services for you.

SARAH COMPO is the owner of Soiree NNY. To contact Ms. Compo for event services or additional information email info@soireenny.com.

Marble and copper-the new “it” décor combo:

In recent years, sparkles and rose gold have dominated wedding décor. This year, many couples are taking cues from one of the most popular pairings for the home—marble and copper.

Ditching cake for donuts:

Adding color with candles: In recent years, more and more couples

have moved away from the traditional white or ivory candles and are opting for colored candles to add a splash of color. Colored candles—think pinks, blues or purples—are an easy, unexpected way to jazz up your décor without breaking the bank.

Doing away with doing it all yourself:

For couples, one of the biggest stressors

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Couples aren’t quite ready to fully do away with the traditional wedding cake, but many are choosing to have a smaller cake—for picture and cutting purposes—and then serving more unique desserts, like donuts, to guests.

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6912 Bardo Road, Lowville, NY 13367 • (315) 377-4057 • www.theridgeviewinn.com

Welcoming Wedding Receptions up to 240 Guests!

Enjoy our Adirondack-style atmosphere while being captivated by our world-class food!

Don’t forget about us when kicking off that special day. Always welcoming Bridal Showers & Rehearsal Dinners.

Full Bar & Lounge - Buffet Meals. Please call one of our representatives for more information.

Our Flowers Speak For Themselves!

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Shop Online at www.asherwoodflorist.com

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Call Pam for more information or to make an appointment to come see us.

6615 Buneo Road Port Leyden, NY 13433

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Featured Wedding Photography 2017

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20 1 7 F E ATURED PHOTOS

‘First Dance Dip’ LOCATION: Rochester, NY

‘Celtic Rings’ LOCATION: Rochester, NY

The groom dips his bride at the conclusion of their first dance.

The couple had a Celticthemed wedding based on the heritage of the bride.

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A. Morrison Pj www.amorrisonpj.weebly.com

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‘Love and scenery’ LOCATION: Rochester, NY

by Vinnie

The couple shares their first dance in front of family and friends while being reflected from above in the venue’s mirrored ceiling.

2 0 1 7 PHOTOS

ST !

WE L IN OWN E N OTE ERT H AT

W

250 Commerce Park Drive ~ Watertown ~ NY ~ 13601

(315) 788-2800 www.fairfieldinn.com/artfi

ON

THE

RIVER

Est. 1945

Enjoy the magic of the River: -14 acre riverside venue -Ballroom or Riverside options -Beautiful guest rooms

Visit our website or call: www.granviewogdensburg.com • 315-393-4550

rvice

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We Rent Everything You Need For Any Event!

31 Years

Tents, Dance Floors, Tables, Chairs, Linens, & Place Settings.

Also Wedding Invitations.

780 W.Main Watertown, NY • (315)788-5097 www.partyrentalsplus.com

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nal And Of Professio

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20 1 7 F E ATURED PHOTOS

‘Picture Perfect’ LOCATION: Syracuse, NY

‘Beauty and the Bridesmaids’

Nicole Flewelling and her bridesmaids pose for a photo in gorgeous Marriott Syracuse Downtown.

LOCATION: Syracuse, NY

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Kimberly Schuldt Photography www.kimberlyschuldt.com

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David and Nicole Flewelling were picture perfect on their wedding day.

2 0 1 7 FE AT U RE D P H O T O S

‘Together In Harmony’ LOCATION: Rochester, NY

‘A Shared Moment’ LOCATION: Watertown, NY

Karl and Mike Lindemuth walk through the beautiful Elwanger Estate where they exchanged their vows during an intimate ceremony in front of close friends and family.

Zach and Johnna Zimmerman picked the perfect day to wed on the property of the groom’s grandparents.

LOCATION: Watertown, NY This gorgeous bride, Johnna Zimmerman, shows off her stunning bouquet.

ESTABLISHED 2014

Weddings & Events Share your special day at the Eis House where we offer exceptional service, delicious food and a cozy atmosphere.

144 Academy Street, Mexico, NY 13114 (315) 963-3830 www.theEisHouse.com

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‘Bouquet Beauty’

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Ceremony, DJ, Buffet, Bar Package and More...

(For 50 Guests - $38 Per Additional Guest)

Restaurants & Banquet Facilities

The Perfect Package Keepsafe Wedding Gown Box

• Viewing window - Look at your gown without disturbing the package.

• Sturdy Double-reinforced Construction prevents damage and crushing your gown

A Lifetime of Memories

Reserve your gown as soon as possible to preserve.

POTSDAM LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANERS

7 Beal St., Potsdam, NY Tel. (515) 265-3760 • Fax (315) 265-3801

Wines & Liquors small bottles available on a huge variety of wines

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Wine & Champagne by the Case

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Potsdam’s Largest Selection of Wines & Champagne

Gladly Accomodating Your Special Order for Your Special Day! M-Th 10am-9pm Fri & Sat. 10am-10pm Sun. Noon-5pm

315-268-1302 145 Market St. • Potsdam SeaComm Plaza

CATERING • BARTENDING High Quality & Consistency “Bring the Clipper Inn To Your Next Wedding”

126 State St., Clayton, NY • 686-3842 www.clipperinn.com

Michael

(315) 777-7575

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